An Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Saaka Salia seeking an interlocutory injunction to stop the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). According to the applicant, Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) lacked the capacity to act as adviser in the concession arrangement for ECG since its conduct breached Ghanas laws after it authored and circulated a draft tariff methodology. But, the court presided over by Lady Justice Mrs. Afua Norvisi Aryene in her ruling last Tuesday rejected the application saying the applicant had no locus to initiate such an action. According to her, the applicant had no direct interest in the matter as an ordinary citizen of the country and that what he was likely to suffer was the same as any other citizen will suffer should the MiDA process be carried out. The court said that the applicant lacked capacity to place injunction on the privatisation of ECG as he appears to be a busybody who was in court just to abuse the court process. A cost of GH 5,000.00 was awarded against him. According to the lawyer of MiDA, Jerry Dei, the entire suit against his client had been struck out because the plaintiff has been identified by the court as a busy body who was just using the court process to stall the work of government, the Energy Commission and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) to better the energy situation in the country. Joined to the suit were the PURC, the Attorney Generals office, and the Energy Commission. Reliefs The plaintiff, through his lawyer, Mrs Anyenini, was asking for a number of reliefs all aimed at halting moves to get a private company to partner the ECG to distribute power in Ghana. The plaintiff was further asking for a declaration that the complained conduct of the MiDA and its said advisor or consultant in authoring or circulating draft tariff methodology was improper and offends Act 538, particularly sections 3 and 16. Section 3 of Act 538 states that, the PURC shall provide guidelines on rates chargeable for the provision of utility services, examine and approve rates, monitor standards of performance for provision of services, among many other functions, while Section 16 provides the guidelines for fixing rates. Statement of claim A statement of claim accompanying the writ of summons noted that the government, through the Ministries of Power and Finance, had, in collaboration with MiDA, advertised, received bids and shortlisted six companies in an ongoing Private Sector Participation (PSP) in ECG processes in proposed concession for the management, operation of and investment in the electricity distribution business of the ECG. Plaintiff says critical mandatory requirements in the said PSP in ECG processes or transactions are a tariff methodology and electricity distribution and sale licence, for which the PURC and the Energy Commission are the two statutory bodies with exclusive mandate to provide and grant, it noted. Source: Daily Heritage 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 may all have our popular food joints, where we usually take in our lunch but the question is, do we really know what we eat? This is a the story of a lady named Akosua, who found a penis-like meat in her Tuo Zaafi bought from a food joint at Pokuase in Accra. According to Akosua, she set out to buy food after midday and settled for Tuo Zaafi at a chop bar in Pokuase and was almost 70% through when she found a human like male genital in her food. Speaking exclusively to 3news.com, Akosua said she was not sure of herself when she saw the supposed meat in her food, describing it immediately as a penis. I had gone to get some food from the food joint because I was hungry and my preferred choice was Tuo zaafi which I bought and took home to eat, she said. I had eaten all the other meat in the soup and was about finishing off with the biggest piece when I noticed the funny looking meat which looked like a male genital organ. She said she alerted her family about it and they all joked about feeding it to the dogs before her brother insisted they should investigate to find out exactly what meat it actually was, either by reporting it to the police or the laboratory. My sister opted to show it to a lab technician friend later, who said because the meat was cooked, an ordinary lab test wouldnt be able to prove it to be animal or human. He advised a forensic test be done on it but considering the bureaucratic processes these things go through, we gave up and the meat lies in our fridge. Source: 3news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Mile 7 District Police Command has apprehended a 61-year-old woman, who has allegedly been using fake cheques to defraud traders. Gladys Mawuko Zee often orders for food items and detergents in large quantities from the traders to be supplied to her shop and issues postdated fake SG-SSB cheques to the suppliers to withdraw the money at a later date, according to police reports. Mawuko Zee used this modus operandi to defraud two victims to the tune of GH25,256 and bolted but she was later arrested by the police upon tip-off. Confirming the story to DAILY GUIDE, Superintendent Ussif Tanko, the Mile 7 District Police Commander, said Madam Gladys was apprehended on Saturday, November 12, 2016 upon a tip-off by the police. The complainant reported to the police on Friday, November 11 that Madam Gladys had visited his shop at Adabraka and purchased 100 cartons of bulldog energy drink valued at GH7,500. She issued two SG-SSB cheques with face value of GH3,000 and GH4,500 to the complainant and asked him to withdraw the money on Monday, November 14, and 15 2016 respectively. The complainant said he immediately took the cheques to the bank to verify if they were genuine but he was told they were not. The suspect immediately reported the matter to the police which led to her arrest. Preliminary investigations revealed that Gladys used the same modus operandi to defraud one Antwi Boasiako, who sells detergents, to the tune of GH17,756. The Police uncovered that Gladys was part of a syndicate that has been using that to defraud unsuspecting victims. What they do is to hire a store for a week or two and then order for the items from the victims and issue the fake cheques. By the time, the victim will detect that the cheque issued is fake, the suspect would have relocated the items to another location and bolted, the police stated. The suspect is in police custody assisting in investigations. He called on traders to be wary of the new schemes of the fraudsters. 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 The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock, Dr Hannah Louisa Bisiw, has asked dealers in livestock to obtain movement permit from the Veterinary Services Directorate of the ministry before transporting livestock to the market centres. She said the move was to ensure that birds that were brought to the markets met safety standards, especially as Christmas drew closer. "I will entreat all dealers in livestock to ensure that proper hygiene is put in place at where the birds are slaughtered and dressed for consumers because we cannot gamble with the lives of the public", she stated. This was contained in a speech read on behalf of Dr Bisiw at the national launch of the United Live Birds Sellers Association (ULBSA) in Accra last Sunday. The event, which brought together livestock dealers across the country, was also used to introduce a nine-member executive board for the association. Safety measures Dr Bisiw further urged them to adhere to safety standards by putting mechanisms in place to ensure the thorough cleaning and disinfection of cages and points of slaughter . In that regard, she called for effective collaboration between dealers in live stock and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure best practices in the sector. Dr Bisiw said that officers from the Veterinary Department of MoFA would begin routine monitoring and supervision of operations by stakeholders in the livestock value chain system. Sanctions For his part, the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services at MOFA, Dr Anthony Akunzule, said dealers who failed to comply with the directive to get movement permit would be sanctioned. He urged the new board of the ULBSA to educate its members to adhere to measures put up to ensure that the sector thrived. Appeal The Chairman of the board, Mr Daniel Apana, said one key challenge the association faced was the influx of imported chicken onto the local market, adding that "many people think it is less costly, but the fact is that the live birds we have locally are of superior value". He called on the MoFA and the government to support the dealers with modern machines and facilities for dressing of birds in order to facilitate their trade. 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 A former Attorney General, Martin Amidu has lashed out at the Minister of Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah for accusing him of peddling falsehood in court in the case where he is seeking for leave to examine on oath Mr. Woyome as to his means and property to satisfy the GHC51.2million judgment debt. According to Mr Amidu, Edward Omane Boamah made the allegations in ignorance, without referring to the appropriate legal documents. He said, Dr Boamah in a recent interview said Mr. Amidu lied when he claimed that the Attorney Generals firm was on the side of Mr. Woyome when in fact the firm was rather against Woyome. Martin Amidu in a statement copied to citfmonline.com challenged Dr Omane Boamahs allegation saying his he relied on the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court dated 29th July 2014 making two declarations against Woyome and Austro-Invest, the client of Lithur-Brew and Co in my arguments to the Court on 10th November 2016 and nobody should jump the gun by calling me a big damn liar and perjurer while the case is pending. He said the Ministers utterances and conduct confirms the Governments impunity and abuse of power in acting unconstitutionally to control the content of even private media houses such as Multi TV/Joy FM where the minister made the allegations against him. The drunken tantrums cowardly thrown by Omane Boamah shows the shallowness of his education, understanding, and lack of diligence and industry in researching matters he is to defend the Government on in public. Simple common sense would have informed the almighty Minister of Communications who sought to take over Multi TV/Joy FM to insult me that in arguing my case before the Supreme Court on 10th November 2016 I referred the Court to its own unanimous decision given in my favour on 29th July 2014, he stated. The anti-corruption campaigner recently filed an application at the Supreme Court, praying it to allow him to examine businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, in the controversial GHC51 million judgment debt paid to him. Mr. Amidus action came after the Attorney General announced that it will no longer orally examine Mr. Woyome, despite serving an earlier notice it would do otherwise. Read full article below OMANE BOAMAH! THE SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY DECLARED LITHURBREWS AUSTRO-INVEST LIMITED AS JOINT LOOTERS WITH WOYOME NOT AMIDU: BY MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU I have never been a damn big liar in the action I commenced in the Supreme Court on 22nd June 2012 in the case of Martin Alamisi Amidu v (1) Attorney General (2) Waterville Holding Company Limited (BVI) (3) Austro-Invest Management Services Limited, and (4) Alfred Agbesi Woyome or in any application I have made to the Court in connection with that case as Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister of Communications, is reported by 3 news.com on Ghana Web to have charged me with on Multi TV/Joy FMs news analysis programme, newsfile on Saturday 12th November 2016. The substantive case concluded on 29th July 2014 and all I have sought to do is to ensure that the orders of the Court to Woyome to refund the whopping GHC51.2million is obeyed timeously as mandated by Article 2 of the 1992 Constitution. It does no credit to the Government which created, looted and shared the unconstitutional payment with Woyome to send its Minister of Communications and other junior Ministers to attack my character and person. My application dated 4th November 2016 for leave to examine on oath Mr. Woyome as to his means and property to satisfy the judgment debt was heard on 10th November 2016. The case was adjourned for ruling to 15th November 2016 with an admonishing to the parties not to comment further on the case. The Government does not demonstrate any respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, particularly of the Supreme Court, when the Government unleashes its Communications Minister to charge me with being a damned big liar and demand that I purge myself of my lies on a live TV/ radio show, as reported. Edward Omane Boamahs major charge against me is that I told the courts that the current Attorney General Mrs. Marietta Brew Appiah-Opongs firm, Lithur-Brew and Co represented Austro-Invest, a company he claimed benefitted from the GHC51.2million wrongly paid to Woyome. The cabinet Minister is reported to have insisted that: Mr. Amidu lied when he claimed that the Attorney Generals firm was on the side of Mr. Woyome when in fact the firm was rather against Woyome. The riotous Minister is said to have demanded, pestering the host of the show to Get Martin Amidu to speak to his lies, -insisting that the truth is being sacrificedwith the hosts show of disinterest in allowing the Communications Minister to direct how the show should be run. The conduct of the Governments Communications Minister confirms the Governments impunity and abuse of power in acting unconstitutionally to control the content of even private media houses such as Multi TV/Joy FM. The drunken tantrums cowardly thrown by Omane Boamah shows the shallowness of his education, understanding, and lack of diligence and industry in researching matters he is to defend the Government on in public. Simple common sense would have informed the almighty Minister of Communications who sought to take over Multi TV/Joy FM to insult me that in arguing my case before the Supreme Court on 10th November 2016 I referred the Court to its own unanimous decision given in my favour on 29th July 2014. The Supreme Court made three declarations and one order in my favour. The first is: 1. A declaration that the Honourable Attorney General, the 1st Defendant Respondent, in this case in paying or ordering the payment by the Republic of Ghana of claims by the 3rd Defendant and Austro-Invest, is inconsistent with and in contravention of Article 181(5) of the 1992 Constitutionand are according declared null, void and without effect whatsoever. The third declaration is: 3. A declaration that the conduct of the 3rd Respondent, therein Plaintiff, jointly with Austro-Invest management limited in making claims upon and including the issuance of a writ of summons with the support of 2nd defendant therein and receiving payment premised upon the breachesis in consistent with and in contravention of Article 181 (5) of the Constitution. I am attaching herewith a PDF of a certified true copy of the entire decision of the Court dated 29th July 2014 for ease of reference by doubting Thomases like the Governments lazy or unread Communications Minister. Truth can never be silenced! The Austro-Invest referred to in declarations 1 and 3 as acting jointly with Woyome, and the Attorney General to have created, looted and shared the GHC51.2million from the public purse is the very Austro-Invest which Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, the current Attorney-General (appointed in early 2013) admits her firm of Lithur-Brew and Co acted for against Woyome after the loot was paid to Austro-Invest and Woyome. The declarations of the Supreme Court are clear that the loot was procured jointly by Woyome and Austro-Invest Management Services Limited whom the Communication Minister admits was Lithur-Brew and Co.s client. The GHC51.2million loot ordered by the Court to be refunded was money, which according to declaration 3 was paid to Woyome and Austro-Invest jointly, and which the Government and the current Attorney General from Lithur-Brew and Co have refused or failed to retrieve for the public purse for such a long time. This is why it is not fair to call me a bad name and hang me without referring to the declaration granted by the Court and the situation in which the Government and the current Attorney General from Lithur-Brew and Co now find themselves. The indefensible aspect of the AustroInvest case is that at the time Lithur-Brew and Co went to the High Court after the payment of the loot jointly to Woyome and Austro-Invest to ask for a share of the loot from Woyome, they were purporting to act for a company which had ceased to exist to their knowledge, unless they were grossly negligent as lawyers. It is of no moment to me whether they acted directly for Woyome or indirectly or for Austro-Invests share of the joint loot from Woyome. This matter was exhaustively dealt with last year on my website, martinamidu.com, and in the media with the supporting evidence of the pleadings filed on Austro-Invests behalf by Lithur-Brew and Co. I relied on the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court dated 29th July 2014 making two declarations against Woyome and Austro-Invest, the client of Lithur-Brew and Co in my arguments to the Court on 10th November 2016 and nobody should jump the gun by calling me a big damn liar and perjurer while the case is pending. I am constrained from making any further comment on the case apart from calling the publics attention to the final decision of the Supreme Court, a public record, in respect of Austro-Invest Management Services Limited which is admitted to have been the client of Lithur-Brew and Co, the firm of the current Attorney General. No lies! Martin A. B. K. Amidu 13th November 2016 Source: Citifmonline 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 opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is reportedly plotting to cause mayhem in the Volta region during the December elections. This is according to a deputy General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who says his party has intercepted a document from the NPP that outlines the plan. He said the planned activity was part of the partys grand plan to reduce the voting numbers of the NDC in the region. Speaking at a press conference in Ho on Tuesday, Mr Anyidoho said, the leaked document confirms the NPP is aware it has no chance of winning votes in the region. This document exposes the NPPs passive admission that it has no chance of getting significant votes in the Volta Region, yet, their plan is to create confusion to reduce the votes of the NDC in the region, he said. He further accused the flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo of destroying his party with his division tactics. He told the press that, there is no pain in saying the fact, that Nana Akufo-Addo has seriously destroyed the NPP that President Kufuor bequeathed to him. Anyidohos claims are false Meanwhile, a Volta Regional Minister under the erstwhile Kufuor administration, Kofi Dzamesi debunked the allegations by Mr. Anyidoho describing it as a big lie. He said the NPP was determined to reduce the votes of the NDC in the region but not by foul means. Mr Kofi Dzamesi in an interview on the Citi Prime News cautioned the NDC to desist from creating problems. He said the NDC has consistently spread false rumours aimed at causing disaffection towards the NPP. Anytime it is due for election, they [NDC] try to create a problem in the Volta Region as if there is going to be some war or a big problem if the NDC does not win. But this time, I want to assure everybody in this country that the people in the Volta Region know of all the tricks and bad things the NDC has been doing to them. He further said he was confident the people in the Volta Region would reject the NDC this year and vote for the NPP to guarantee their acquisition of job under Nana Akufo-Addos 1-district, 1-factory policy. Volta Region votes massively for NDC The Volta Region has in all of Ghanas democratic elections voted massively for the NDC, earning it the NDC world bank label by some social commentators but the NPP has said it will break the record this year with an operation to win at least 3 parliamentary seats in the area and at least 30 percent of the presidential votes there. Source: citifmonline.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 Some members of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday clashed with demonstrators in Odumase Krobo who are demanding an apology from Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea for saying that a university meant for the Eastern Region should have been located at Akyem rather than the Krobo area. The clashes were sparked when supporters of the NPP prevented the demonstrators from entering the palace of the Paramount Chief of Manya Krobo, Nene Sackitey, with whom they were meeting over a planned courtesy call by the flag bearer of their party, Nana Akufo-Addo The demonstrators had also gone to the palace to present a petition to the chief over their grievances. The police had to intervene to forestall mayhem. The petition of the demonstrators co-signed by Evans Srenyame Tetteh and Ebenezer Kwasi Kpabitey, convener and organiser, respectively read: "Your Highness, you will recall that somewhere in February 2016 this year, the Parliament of Ghana passed the Eastern region University bill into Law. The said bill sited the main campus of the proposed university at Somanya with satellite campuses in other parts of the country. Atta Akyea (MP, Abuakwa South) launched a scathing attack on this noble idea. He went further to state that: Krobos do not deserve a university. "This did not go down well with us as a group and to all Krobos in general. We have since called on him and the leadership of NPP to apologise to us but to no avail. As Nana Addo visits Krobo land today, we appeal to your Royal Highness to seek this apology on behalf of Krobo land. "We want to use the medium to remind Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP that Krobos are not aliens in Eastern region and will thus not tolerate such irresponsible statements in the future. We are today marching peacefully in protest to Nana and his NPP's irresponsibility but we may react differently if they fail to apologise to all Krobos in general." Source: classfmonline.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 Supreme Court (SC) of Ghana has granted a request by former Attorney General, Martin Amidu to allow him cross examine businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome. This was after the embattled businessman, was ordered by the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Anin Yeboah, to appear before it on Thursday 24th November, 2016, for an oral examination by Martin Amidu on his assets with regards to the payment of the Ghc51.2million judgement debt to him. The Citizen Vigilante, had earlier told the court that an opportunity to question the businessman will unravel how Mr Woyome spent the about GHc 52m paid to him, adding that this was crucial in ensuring a speedy retrieval of the money. The court in its ruling said the amount in contention was colossal and no serious effort had been made to retrieve the money since the Judgement was delivered two years ago. The plaintiff, the court added, was not retrieving the money for himself but for the state. Martin Amidus application, praying the court to allow him to cross examine Woyome over the Ghc 51 Million judgment debt paid him, follows a move by the Attorney Generals (AG) office, led by the Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, to discontinue an oral examination of Mr. Woyome, despite serving an earlier notice. The notice of discontinuance stated 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 (Woyome) with liberty to reapply. Mr. Woyome recently refunded GH4 million to state coffers, representing part payment of the GH51.2 million he owes the state. He has, through his lawyers, promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly installments of GH5 million, commencing April 1, 2017. Giving reasons why her outfit had filed an application at the Supreme Court to discontinue the request for oral examination of Woyome, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, said her outfit had so far issued a receipt for the GH4 million. The court however struck out the "scandalous dispositions" made against the President by Mr Amidu as prayed by the AG. Mr. Amidu in his application to the Supreme Court alleged among other things that the Attorney-General withdrew her application to examine Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome because President Mahama personally gave an order. The A-G had argued in court earlier that Mr Amidus application was unconstitutionalas it was only the AGs office that was mandated by law to do so . Citing copiously from the constitution, the A-G pointed out the power to pursue any civil matter on behalf of the State is vested solely in the Attorney General, hence Mr Amidu can only exercise that power if a statute grants that power to the Attorney General to delegate that power as in the case of public prosecutors under the Criminal Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The AG also prayed the court to expunge certain parts of Mr Amidus affidavit alleging that President John Mahama ordered her outfit to discontinue the suit, arguing that the allusions in paragraphs 9 to 21 of Mr Amidus affidavit were scandalous statements made against the Attorney General. That the Plaintiff/Applicant ought to know that any deliberate deception of this Honourable Court on the part of a lawyer is professional misconduct by the rules of the Legal Profession. Furthermore, the Plaintiff/Applicant contrary to the Rules of Court deposes to the scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood without providing the sources of his information or belief. At the hearing of the Plaintiff/Applicants application I shall apply to the court to have these offending matters struck out of the Plaintiff/Applicants affidavit, and that he should be ordered to apologize for making these false allegations. Mr. Amidus suit covered the Attorney-General, Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome, and Waterville Holdings (BVI) Ltd. More soon... 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 Parliamentary Candidate for the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) at the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) constituency in the Central region, John Sterlin, on Sunday, November 13, 2016, brought the entire Komenda township to a halt as all activities in the fishing town stopped for a mammoth rally he held at the towns lorry station. The rally was attended by about five thousand people included the PPPs presidential candidate, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, National Chairman Nii Allotey Brew-Hammond, Central Region Chairman Sefa Andrews, and the Atwima Kwawonma constituency parliamentary candidate and Kumawood star, Abraham Kofi Davis AKA Salinko. Addressing the people, Mr. Sterlin, pleaded with them to vote massively for Dr. Nduom and he so they can partner the people to eliminate the diseases affecting them. He added that when elected he will ensure that solutions are found to make the Komenda Sugar Factory work for employment opportunities for the youth as well as economic development for the farmers. He disclosed to the people that a hospital will be sited soon near the Nduom University to attend to their health needs. Vote for me to go to parliament and advocate for you. It has been two years since KEEA became a municipality yet we cannot boast of a hospital let alone a polyclinic. I will ensure all the four major towns get at least a polyclinic, he said. For his part, Dr. Nduom expressed his gratitude to the people for their support and prayers during the legal battle with the Electoral Commission (EC) and urged them to vote for jobs and for themselves in the upcoming December polls by voting for the PPP. He added that the Central region is very poor now - number four in Ghana but sometime ago the region used to lead in everything. Dr. Nduom promised to restore the regions dignity when elected president. There is new hope for farmers and fishermen. What happened in America, not expected by many, is a sign of my victory right here in Ghana. I have sent jobs to every district in Ghana but Nana Addo and Mahama have nothing to show for in those areas. This makes me a doer unlike they who are promisers! I can turn Ghana around in just four years. The business mogul told the crowd that the party is national in character and violence-free. He urged the supporters to continue to campaign peacefully so Ghanaians see the difference between the PPP and the other political parties. Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ 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 Mr Adams Fushieni, the Africa Parliamentary Capacity Development Officer of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), a non-governmental organisation, has advised the electorate to vote on merit in the December 7 polls to facilitate national development. He said partisan politics remained the bane of national development and until the electorate changed their mindset and voted on merit the country would not experience any meaningful development. Mr Fushieni gave the advice when he spoke at the opening session of a national training course on oil, gas and mining for selected journalists in Accra. The 14-day course core (B) is a follow-up to the regional training course core A which was held in Tanzania for 24 African journalists selected from Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda from October 16-29, this year. Being organised by the NRGI, in collaboration with Penplusbytes, the International Institute of ICT Journalism, the training programmes are aimed at empowering participants to tell the true story in the extractive sector. Mr Fushieni expressed discomfort that the two major political parties - the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) had no concrete policy direction to facilitate accelerated national development. This is because they know that the electorates would definitely vote on political party lines, he said, and called for a long term development plan that would provide a pathway to sustainable development. Mr Kwami Ahiabenu II, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, said strong comparative analysis between Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania in the extractive industry would help the countries to shape their fiscal regimes, regulations, policy guidelines and local content provisions especially in the oil and gas sector. Source: GNA 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 PEDESTRIAN.TV has partnered with the Australian Governments jobactive website to make sure their ace job search site is on yo radar. Theres over 100,000 positions listed on the site many of em entry level, casual and part time roles that can help you get your foot in the door. Every careers gotta start somewhere, so get yours going by heading HERE. Fret not, jobless human of the internet, cos were going to help you get your foot in the door. To do this, we chatted to the team behind the jobactive website (obvious authorities on all thangs employment) for their thoughts on what you can do to secure your first gig. EXPECT TO LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS Dont set out trying to achieve perfection first up, says the jobactive websites team. Wed like to echo this sentiment with a big ol AMEN. Everyone has to start somewhere. Except for a lucky few, your first job and sometimes second and third jobs arent going to be amazing, high paying and in exact alignment with your goals and aspirations. However, all jobs build your overall skill set and employability and will help you get to where you want to be in the long run. FOR EXAMPLE: Obamas first gig was in an ice cream shop. It aint exactly a space that youd think fosters presidential potential, right?! Just cos youre stacking shelves at Woolies or flipping burgers at Maccas doesnt mean you dont have, what were sure will be, a booming career ahead of you. Another thing yall need to be realistic about is assessing your suitability for a role. If a job specifically asks for something like a forklift licence and you dont have one, it wont matter how good your resume is you are not going to get the job. You might have a good case for applying for jobs slightly outside of your skill set or experience level if you can demonstrate strengths in other areas. But, if you are just starting out its not likely you will be considered for a managerial role. GET OUT THERE & DO SOME STUFF Were sure you wouldve heard this one before, but its worth reiterating the value of participating in literally anything that reflects your competency for a role. Doing things like volunteering, joining clubs and participating in community activities can really help your resume stand out. Volunteering nowadays doesnt just mean standing around with a bucket collecting money, theres heaps more opportunities than that. Just do a google search for volunteering and your area and youll find lots to choose from. When actually applying for jobs, youre going to have to put in the hard slog too. Sometimes you just have to pound the pavement. Walk around your local shopping centre and hand out your resume. Identify a company you want to work for and send them your resume and/or portfolio whatever you think provides the most compelling evidence that their company needs you. GET CONNECTED WITH SOME CONNECTIONS Heres a lil slice of info youll probably find interesting: Research from the Department of Employment revealed about 1/3 of low-skill and entry level jobs are never even advertised. Increasing your social networks (online and in person) can help you tap into these opportunities. Yes, believe it or not but were strongly encouraging you to get all over your social channels like a rash (not that you arent already). KNOW WHAT MAKES YOU EMPLOYABLE + WHOS HIRING Youd be surprised by whats viewed as favourable qualities by employers, especially when theyre chasing folk entering the workforce. Employers generally care more about soft skills than technical skills when recruiting for entry level jobs. They want to know you have people skills, can communicate politely and effectively and that you are reliable. They want your personal grooming to be on point. Its often said technical skills are easy to teach, but soft skills are not. Also, if youre a clever cookie and are thinking about your long-term employability (you go, Glen Coco), then suss out the Department of Employments Labour Market Information Portal (HERE). It gives a whole heap of breakdowns on what industrys gonna be popping off / on the decline in the future. The jobactive crew gave us the TL;DR version for those of yall who dont love themselves some data analysis: The Health Care and Social Assistance industry has the biggest projected growth to 2020. The Mining industry has the biggest decline projected to 2020. From a skills perspective, education is increasingly important. People with a Bachelor Degree or higher are, and will continue to be, highest in demand. If uni isnt your thing, employers want to see you with a Certificate III at a minimum. GET CLUED-IN BEFORE APPLYING Wanna know a solid way to get your foot in the door? Ask someones who already has, yall. If you know someone who already works in a similar job have a chat to them about expectations. For example, if youre going for a job at a cafe, dont drop your resume off at peak lunchtime period when the employer doesnt have time to meet you properly. Pick a time when they will be quiet and have time to chat (and remember how good your communication skills were). TO APPLY, OR NOT TO APPLY, THAT IS THE QUESTION As we mentioned before, one of the biggest barriers to landing any given gig is the, X number of years of experience required, stipulation laid out in a jobs description. In these instances, is it worth applying? This is a pickle. Very common feedback we get through jobactive from employers is how frustrating it is to wade through heaps of applications from people who arent qualified or dont fit the selection criteria as outlined in a job advertisement. At the same time, when you are out of work you are told to go for every opportunity to try and get a job. If you dont have a years worth of experience, it could still be worthwhile to apply if you think you fit all or most of the other criteria attached to the job. This is where the strength of your application will serve you. Weve gotta agree with the jobactive crew. Theres been plenty of hires made here at P.TV, for instance, of peeps who dont (at face value, at least) meet experience requirements. REVAMP YA RESUME Now that youre across what you can use to beef up your resume, how to tackle distributing and what industries you should be targeting it at, lets chat about what should actually be in it. It is helpful to think of your resume as your sales pitch. You have about seven seconds to grab the interest of your potential employer. It is not enough to just list your skills an employer wants to know what you can do with those skills. Remember to ALWAYS tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for. Its also helpful to consider what NOT to include. Some immediate turnoffs to employers are: Spelling errors Poor grammar and punctuation Unprofessional email addresses (hotlegs88@gmail.com doesnt cut it) Photos Bad formatting Resumes longer than two pages (this doesnt mean changing your font to size 6 to fit more on the page) Non-standard fonts (Brush Script might be nice for your party invitations, but not suitable for your resume) use Times New Roman or Arial to be safe and use an appropriate font size (normally size 12) There you have it, folks. With a bit of hard work, your journey to securing fruitful (initial) employment might be a lil bit easier. In terms of next steps, we reckon you should head over to the jobactive website HERE. It draws job ads from job sites including CareerOne and Adzuna (which is around 100,000 posts n counting), saving ya the hassle of jumping from site to site. Additionally, jobactives the home of Harvest Trail a harvest job hunting tool that hosts positions year round across Australia. Heck, you can even plan a working vay-cay across the country using the tool. GOOD LUCK, FAM. Photo: The Hills. Dating app overlords, Tinder, have just rolled out a new feature in their app that allows users to identify as a gender that goes beyond the meat & two veg of male and female. Tinder teamed up with GLAAD to create the inclusive update and, paired with #AllTypesAllSwipes, the app is leading by example for others to follow. This update reflects a growing awareness that trans people are part of the fabric of everyday life, which in turn, accelerates acceptance for transgender and gender non-conforming people. GLAADs Nick Adams said in the groups media release about the update. The app will provide a huge 35+ gender options, which means no more umbrella other option for transgender, genderfluid, and non-binary folk. Instead, theres a more option, which is also helping to erase the really shit concept of othering minorities. None of that here, please. (Photo: Tinder.) The dropdown includes identifiers like transgender, transexual, non-binary, two-spirit, gender questioning, androgynous, agender, transfemme, and transmasculine. (If youre not 100% sure what these terms mean, Human Rights Campaign have a handy little guide for you to get educated.) Gender options in pretty much every form, signup, and survey have been a hot topic this year as the flaming pile of hot, wet trash known as the Australian Census kinda tried to do gender diversity this year (but only if you kicked up a bit of a stink). Seriously, literally every website that requests gender ever, its a couple of extra lines of code and the world is a little bit closer to gender equality. Just fkn do it. Source: GLAAD. Photo: Ru Pauls Drag Race/Logo TV. Roqayah Chamseddine is a Lebanese-American writer based in Sydney. She writes the Sharp Edges column at Shadowproof and politics at Paste Magazine. She tweets at @roqchams. The shock of Donald Trumps electoral college landslide has brought pollsters and pundits to their knees, and yet despite this, Hillary Clintons devastating loss has produced little, if any, internalisation on the part of the Democratic Party and Clinton campaign surrogates. As Americans continue to process the very unsettling reality that Donald Trump is now president-elect, right wing ideologues, energised by his achievement, are feeling emboldened enough to unleash all-out hell upon minority groups. The Southern Poverty Law Centre has already amassed over 200 reports of discriminatory violence ranging from anti-Black, to anti-Muslim, to anti-woman, to anti-LGBT incidents, all in the few days since the election. In the case of anti-Muslim violence, there have been reports of Muslim women being physically assaulted, intimidated, and discriminated against. 19-year-old Fariha Nizam, a student at Hunter College in New York, was harassed by a couple who asked her to take off her headscarf during a bus ride in Queens. [They were] yelling at me and telling me to take off the disgusting piece of cloth on my head, saying that it wasnt allowed anymore, Nizam reported. According to University of Michigan police, a Muslim woman was threatened by a man who said he would set her in fire if she did not remove her hijab. These incidents are harrowing, but they are not new to the Muslim-American community. The global war on terror, ushered in by the Bush administration and expanded to new heights by the Obama administration, was one of the main points of unification in the American political arena after 9/11. Even the most progressive lawmakers would go on to support deeply invasive and violent provisions, including the notoriously dystopian Patriot Act, and the flawed terror watchlist, which has little oversight, and whose victims are outright denied due process, and thereby left without any legal recourse to have their names removed. The deportation of Muslim-Americans isnt a fantastical threat spun by Donald Trump and his most ardent supporters, but an existing reality. According to Worlds Apart: How Deporting Immigrants After September 11 Tore Families Apart and Shattered Communities, a report by the American Civil Liberties Union, the government deported thousands of immigrants because they were from Muslim countries and in the wrong place at the wrong time. While internment and deportation jokes are now part and parcel of anti-Trump criticism, the truth of the matter is that Muslims have been forced to cope with this material reality for many years. The security state has been closing in around Muslims long before Trump announced his candidacy, and long before Barack Obama raised his hand before the nation and pledged to serve the United Statesdiscriminatory policies became a way of life for many Muslim-Americans after 9/11. A covert war was waged on their houses of worship, they were isolated by their communities, and, in what many called a fit of hysteria, at least 762 Muslims were detained in solitary confinement 23 hours a day with regular strip searches and made to wear hand and leg shackles for months at a time, entirely due to their religion and race. After a lawsuit was filed on behalf of these detainees the second US district court of appeals found, in a 2-1 ruling, that their constitutional rights were violated. The majority wrote that the suffering endured by those who were imprisoned merely because they were caught up in the hysteria of the days immediately following 9/11 is not without a remedy. The NYPDs Intelligence Division started a suspicionless spying program in 2002 that swept throughout New York City, as well as every mosque within 100 miles of New York, and extended to Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and more. In 2014 the program allegedly endeda NYPD official later admitted, under oath, that their covert surveillance operation had not led to a single terrorism investigation. If were to even begin to challenge Donald Trumps administration and his supporters then it is imperative that we come to terms not only with the world as it has existed, but the impact of policies employed by previous administrations against those already exiled to the edges of society. We are not just fighting Donald Trump and those enamoured by his bigotry, but the very idea that things are fine, that the state of things should return to the way they were before November 8, that America is already great. Photo: Getty Images. The 2016 United States election was, above all else, an unbelievable failure in punditry and journalism thanks to an overreliance on polls and conventional wisdom, few in the media called a Trump victory. I include myself in this! But Im just some dickhead in Australia punching out the yarns, not a Washington DC Very Serious Person on six figures guiding the national narrative. One bloke who did call it was American University professor Allan Lichtman, who has successfully called every election since 1984 making him, as the New York Times put it, the only major political historian to predict a Trump victory. Hes been milking that for the media, and now hes out slinging his other prediction: Trump will cop an impeachment within a year. To his credit, this isnt something he just dreamed up now that hes been all over everyones TV he was saying it before the election too. He popped up on CNN to litigate that point again: The professor who predicted Donald Trumps win in the 2016 presidential race says he will be impeached https://t.co/Syf69X6Yhz pic.twitter.com/OJrIuW4YJ8 CNN (@CNN) November 16, 2016 His argument is twofold: firstly, Trump has played fast and loose with the law for some time, giving possible grounds for impeachment; secondly, the Republicans in Congress think hes a loose cannon and would way prefer a solid conservative like Mike Pence in the drivers seat. Both points are undoubtedly true, but I doubt thatd happen. Trump ran and won on a strong anti-establishment platform, and youd be throwing the baby out with the bathwater if establishment Republicans went ahead and booted him within a year. Given that Trumps potential cabinet is looking like it could pick up a fair few establishment hires John Bolton for possible Secretary of State, really? then they may not really have any impetus to boot him at all. But notch this one up as a prediction from a bloke who has done pretty well with predictions nonetheless. Source: CNN. Photo: Getty Images. Ever wanted to go on a date with all of the Bachelorette boys at once? Of course you have, you tart (Im sorry, I didnt mean that, I was talking to myself). If, like me, you reckon that would be a treat and a fuckin half rejoice! You absolutely can, and its for goddamn charity no less. In light of Georgia Loves mum Belinda tragically passing away from pancreatic cancer, Georgia and her boy / this seasons winner, Lee Elliott, are working to raise money for Pancare, an Australian organisation that funds research into pancreatic cancer and aims to support those suffering from it and their families. You can check out Lee and Georgia discussing it on The Project from the 4:43 mark: As they discuss on the show, pancreatic cancer is absolutely brutal, with a 7% survival rate over 5 years as compared to 85% with breast cancer, and its not very widely talked about. You can do your part, however, by bidding on one of twelve seats at a dinner date with, again, every single Bachelorette boy from this season yes, even including the bad ones who were kicked out immediately. The twelve highest bidders in the auction will share two hours at Morris Jones Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in sunny Melbourne (lol) with the lads and, I mean, possibly even longer if the date goes particularly well. All you have to do is place your bid right here, good luck. Source and photo: Pancare. Continuing this theme of bleak news this week is apparently keen on running, one of the stars of the hugely popular and frankly bloody enthralling Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch is fighting for his life after being viciously bashed and left for dead in the US state of Washington. Jake Harris was rushed to hospital and placed into the ICU following the incident which occurred on Saturday night US time. Police report that Harris is believed to have gotten into a car with at least 2, possibly 3, unknown people. An altercation broke out and Harris was subsequently robbed, bashed, and tossed from the car onto the side of a freeway. A trailing car stopped to render assistance and called emergency authorities. Harris reportedly declined to be taken to hospital at the time, and was transported home by a police officer. However upon arriving home, his housemates recognised he was in urgent need of medical attention, and rushed him to hospital where he was immediately placed into the ICU with head injuries. Harris brother and fellow Deadliest Catch-castmate Josh confirmed the assault in a Facebook Live video, where he also showed photos of people he believed to be responsible for the attack. My brother was jumped last night and some individuals decided to beat him pretty good, which is a terrible, terrible thing. I have located these people and talked with him hes in ICU right now. Some individuals beat him to the point where it cracked his skull from his forehead all the way back to where you would be balding as an individual. My brother is bleeding out of his brain currently. They literally beat my brother, left him for dead, threw him out of a moving vehicle onto the side of the freeway. Luckily the people that were behind the vehicle that he got thrown out of ended up seeing my brother and called 911. Both Jake and Josh are the sons of Deadliest Catch cornerstone, the late Phil Harris, who passed away in 2010. Jake has not appeared on the series since 2013. Police in Washington are working with the Harris family as the investigation into the assault continues. Source: People. Photo: Mark Sullivan/Getty. Yesterday, you might have lost the contents of your stomach when we reported on a woman who found an actual dead rodent sewn into her Zara dress. Cailey Fiesel, a 24-year-old NYC resident, had bought the $53 (US $40) dress from a store in Connecticut in July. When she wore it to work a few weeks later, she began to notice a disturbingly pungent odor, and later, what felt like a loose string from her dress rubbing against her leg. It wasnt. It was a dead fucking mouse. She is obviously now suing the retail giant for unspecified damages, saying Zara owed her a duty of care to sell her dresses w/o dead rodents sewn into them. Zara, now in critical damage control, have responded to the lawsuit Zara USA is aware of the allegation and we are investigating the matter further, a spokesperson for Zara USA told PEDESTRIAN.TV. The brand has stringent quality controls and health and safety standards worldwide that are followed and met in manufacturing, including stitching and pressing. We are committed to ensuring that all of our products meet these rigorous requirements. On the flip-side, Fiesel has spoken to the NY Post about her nightmare experience about a Zara product that didnt meet these quality controls. I saw the little leg that was coming out of the seam that I had touched, which was really horrifying, she said. I froze I was paralysed with fear. I was in complete shock. My eyes saw that it was a mouse but my brain told myself it cant be. Absolutely none of this is okay. RIP your appetite, for both new clothes and the thought of ever eating again. Photo: Facebook; NY Post. Hey there! Do you have a vagina and a cervix? In that case, youve probably been told time and bloody time again that you MUST have a pap smear every 2 years. Anyone whos managed to keep track and get their pap test biennially deserves a hug and a goddamn medal its so ridiculously easy to lose track of time. Plus, lets not lie to ourselves, shall we? Theres plenty of us that avoid it completely, because it can be pretty dang uncomfortable. (But dont pls your health and happiness is worth much more than a minute of being uncomfortable, promise.) Anyway, it turns out that everything is changing. All those years your mum spent telling you MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR PAP SMEAR, IM NOT GOING TO REMIND YOU AGAIN, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE AN ADULT all for nothing, apparently. The Aussie government is completely overhauling the system, and so technically, after May next year, we will never have a pap smear again. Dont throw a party just yet, though. Instead of pap smears, yall will be getting something called the Cervical Screening Test. You probably have a lot of questions. We did too. Lets dive in! First and foremost, WHY is this changing? New evidence and information has shown that the Cervical Screening Test is way more beneficial than pap smears. Its all about detecting signs of cervical cancer before it even gets anywhere that stage, so its gonna save even more lives. HOW is it different? Well, technically, its a pretty similar vibe to the pap smear. Its done the same way; its the testing thats different. It tests for HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which is a virus that is so common that most sexually active men and women eventually have it, and most dont even realise. A healthcare professional will still take a teensy amount of cells from ya cervix, then your gorgeous lil sample will be sent to a pathology laboratory to be tested. So wait, what does HPV have to do with cervical cancer? Well, theres a hundred different types of the Human Papillomavirus, but types 16 and 18 are closely related to cervical cancer. It can cause abnormalities in the cervix, which over a long period, can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves without causing any problems, but persistent infection over many (over 10) years with cancer-causing types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. In fact, 99.7% of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Wtf Ive had the HPV vaccine though? You forward-thinking lil bugger nice one! Unfortunately, the vaccine doesnt protect against *ALL* types of HPV infection that are known to cause cervical cancer. Better safe than sorry. What age do I start getting this fandangled new Cervical Screening Test? Well, it used to be that you had to start at age 18, or when you became sexually active (whichever came first). But with the new CST, you dont have to begin having them until you are 25. This is purely because theyve been screening people under 25 for over 20 years, and stats of cervical cancer have never changed. Its pretty damn rare under the age of 25, apparently. That being said though, if youre having any weird symptoms unusual bleeding, discharge or pain then head to your GP, because its a good idea to get yoself checked, just for peace of mind. Do I still have to go and get it done every two years? Nope. So with the new Cervical Screening Test, you have to go and get it done every 5 years. How do I get it done, do I just go to my doctor still? Well look, if youre having any weird symptoms, then yeah head straight to your doctor. Otherwise, youll get automatic reminders. If youve already had a pap smear in the past, then youll get an invitation to screen within three months of the date you wouldve been due for your regular pap test, and itll also remind you if youre overdue to have it (which is pretty bloody handy). If youve never had a pap smear before, the National Cervical Screening Register will send you an invitation to have your first cervical screening test when you reach the appropriate age. Finally, WHEN will everything change? The Cervical Screening Test will be available and covered under Medicare from May 1st, 2017. You can do it, fam. Look after your cervix, your vagina, and everything in that region. God knows it looks after you. (Heres a Rupaul gif to say well done for getting to the end of a boring article about your health. IM SO PROUD OF YOU.) Source: Dept of Health. Photo: Jane The Virgin. A week on from Donald Trumps shock US election win and we, like many others, are just fricken sick of seeing his stupid orange face everywhere we look. How does one overcome such a depressing image? For Aussie burger lords, Mr Burger, the answer was easy just cover it pictures of delicious burgers. The Make Trump Burger Again Chrome extension will do just that. Say goodbye to Donalds creepy and exceptionally punchable face and hello to a mouthwatering burger. Yes please. Amazed and somewhat baffled at the news of an Australian burger chain creating such a beautiful piece of code, we spoke to their founder, Daragh Kan, to get the red hot scoop. He says the inspiration came from the same disgust that most of us have been feeling recently. We were getting sick of seeing Trumps face around. We thought our friends might feel the same way, Kan told PEDESTRIAN.TV. Damn right, pal. Working with their mates at Advanced Quantum Solutions to craft this wonderful plugin, he said it all started out as some jovial fun, but has managed to garner plenty of attention for the humble burgersmiths. For us, it was just a bit of a joke that we thought might make a few of our fans laugh, but weve had people from all over Australia and even Europe and the US covering it. If it means more people know about our burgers, then bonus! Now for the questions youve all been waiting for if Trump was actually a burger, what would he be? Probably full of baloney, said Kan. And what about everyones favourite racist red head, Pauline Hanson. What food would she be? Cold fish and chips. A long and forceful slow-clap can still be heard ringing out from the PEDESTRIAN.TV office. Photo: Google. Heres something you never would have seen on someones CV five years ago: full-time sailing vlogger. Thats how 20-something Aussie YouTubers Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu who have built a social media empire on documenting their travels-by-boat around the world describe themselves. The couples channel Sailing La Vagabonde has racked up a following of more than 366,000 people in just two years (thats across YouTube, Facebook and Insta) with weekly videos of the couple fishing, diving, exploring tropical islands and sharing honest reflections about life on the open seas. Riley and Elaynas popularity like other social media influencers has helped them build quite the nest egg via Patreon, a crowdfunding site heaps of vloggers use to pledge cash donation-per-video from their fans; with 1,083 patons at the time of writing, theyre bagging a v. sweet $7,521 per-creation. With your support, we can buy new filming equipment (which the salt air seems to like destroying/eroding at a fast rate), make repairs to our boat and feed ourselves when we cant snag a fish!, says the couple on their page. But what fames also got them is a brand new million-dollar luxury catamaran at a discounted rate, offered up by a French boat building company who saw it a worthy investment to have its branding at the centre of videos watched by three million people every month. Were the number one sailing channel at the moment on YouTube, so I guess thats what they saw when we emailed them saying, Hey, we love your boat, Elayna told ABC. Their new 45ft Outremer catamaran is currently being build over in the Land of Frogs, and will be ready to set sail from February 2017 for them to burn around the world at lightning speed. Shes a beauty: Riley says they dont have to do anything other than sailing around in the boat, which we were going to do anyway, so its a pretty sweet deal. Before your eyeballs turn green, though, its not all smooth sailing towards sponsorships and endorsements; the couple works hard. Between running the boat, keeping the boat afloat, checking the weather, and keeping up with maintenance, thats a big enough job as far as Im concerned, says Riley. And then all this YouTube stuff; weve never worked so hard in our lives. Find consolation in them dollars, guys. Source: ABC. Photo: Instagram / @sailinglavagabonde. Albright College has sanctioned two students accused of creating and sharing a racially offensive video on social media in September. And Tulsa Community College in Oklahoma has sanctioned a second student regarding racist messages sent to black students at University of Pennsylvania, Billy Penn reports. The Reading Eagle reports Albright College did not say what the sanctions included, but that the matter is considered resolved. The students were suspended after the video was posted, and the incident went through the college's disciplinary process, in which students had the opportunity to respond, said the report. No race-related incidents were reported on campus after the election, Thomas Durso, Albright spokesman, told the Reading Eagle. A Shippensburg University student who posted a racist comment on Facebook Sept. 27, and is no longer a student at the college. Incidents on other campuses included racist messages sent to black freshman at the University of Pennsylvania after the election by someone in Oklahoma. Other racist texts were also reported last week. And at Villanova University, police are investigating reports that a black female Villanova student was assaulted by white males yelling "Trump" on campus Nov. 10, NBC 10 in Philadelphia reports. High schools have also experienced racist incidents in the wake of the election, including shouts of "white power" at York tech. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form An Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), supporter holds a placard outside the high court in Middelburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Two white South Africans accused of forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire appeared before a judge on Wednesday as demonstrators protested against racism outside the courthouse. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Yang Xiuzhu is escorted down a plane upon arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. The former vice mayor and China's most-wanted fugitive accused of corruption was arrested after returning from the U.S. on Wednesday in the latest success for President Xi Jinping's battle against graft. Yang arrived in Beijing after spending 13 years on the run in countries across Asia, Europe and North America. (Yin Gang/Xinhua via AP) Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use. This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it. Letters to the Editor: How could anyone vote for Prop 3? 6 mln barrels of African crudes bound to Argentina to covert deficit of light oil Argentina on track to import crude oil, same as 2015 HOUSTON/BUENOS AIRES Petroleumworld.com 11 16 2016 Two tankers carrying 3 million barrels of Nigerian and Angolan crudes set sail this month to Argentina to feed its domestic refining network, pushing the country's imports close to 2015 level, according to sources and Thomson Reuters data. Argentina last year received some 6 million barrels of imported crude, mostly African medium and light grades bought by independent refiners on the open market. Including the latest tankers, this year's haul is about 5.8 million barrels. The country's energy minister, Juan Jose Aranguren, in May encouraged refiners to replace imports with domestic crude as part of a plan to move toward energy self-sufficiency and avoid another year of record purchases, particularly of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gasoil. But that request has so far been difficult to meet. Argentina mostly produces heavy crude that several of its refineries cannot process, and needs lighter oil to convert into gasoline and diesel. The country's crude output remained stagnant last year at around 530,000 barrels per day, according to government data. The very large crude carrier (VLCC) New Vanguard chartered by Royal Dutch Shell and loaded with 2 million barrels of Angola's Nemba crude and Nigeria's Bonny Light crude is expected to arrive in Argentina this month, according to Thomson Reuters vessel tracking data. Shell's unit in Argentina, Axion Energy and Pampa Energia will share the crude to be processed at their refineries, according to a source from one of the companies receiving the oil. A smaller cargo carrying 1 million barrels of Nigerian crude is also expected this month, a government source said, without adding details on sellers, buyers or specific grade. Refining firms working in the South American country first imported U.S. oil in late September, the government source added. The Panamax tanker Mare Atlantic delivered a total of 650,000 barrels of U.S. crudes in two parcels, including some 300,000 barrels of Louisiana Light Sweet, according to Reuters data. Argentina is the latest Latin American country entering the list of U.S. crude importers after an exports ban was lifted at the end of 2015, following Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Dominican Republic. Venezuela's PDVSA has also become a prominent importer of U.S. oil through a terminal in Curacao. Argentina, which has been running an energy deficit since 2011, has imported at least 35 cargoes of gasoil and a record 90 cargoes of LNG to satisfy its domestic demand this year. OPEC, Russia making final play to prop up oil price OPEC's top official heads to Iran, Venezuela and Ecuador. Russia, Saudi Arabia to attend informal consultations in Doha LONDON Petroleumworld.com 11 16 2016 OPEC embarked on a final diplomatic effort to secure an oil-cuts deal, with its top official heading on a tour of member states as Russia scheduled informal talks in Doha this week with nations including Saudi Arabia. The behind-the-scenes diplomacy follows an unannounced meeting in London between OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo and Saudi Minister of Energy and Industry Khalid Al-Falih, said one OPEC delegate. Just two weeks before the group's Nov. 30 ministerial meeting in Vienna, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran are still at odds over how to share output cuts, said another delegate. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has yet to find a path to finalize the preliminary cuts deal reached in Algiers on Sept. 28, which ended a two-year policy of pumping without limits. Oil prices rallied to nearly $54 a barrel in October after the outline of the deal was announced, but as of last week had lost all their gains as doubts over the deal grew again. Prices recovered more than 5 percent Tuesday to near $47 after Bloomberg reported the renewed diplomatic push. Brent futures traded at $47.12 at 1:21 p.m. Singapore time. OPEC countries are all hands on deck to meet this target date of Nov. 30th and to implement in full the agreement, Barkindo said Tuesday in an interview at a climate conference in Morocco. Barkindo will travel to Caracas, Quito and Tehran for talks in the coming days, said two people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the information isn't public. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he will meet with Barkindo in Caracas on Wednesday. Russia will hold informal consultations with representatives of some OPEC countries at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Doha on Nov. 17-18, the Energy Ministry in Moscow said in a statement Tuesday. The energy minister of Saudi Arabia, which is not a member of the group, will join the talks, said an OPEC delegate. Four Pillars Saudi Arabia, the group's de-facto leader, is ready to cut production, but only if the effort is built around four pillars, said the delegate. All members must agree to collective action, pledge to share the burden of cuts equitably, and do so in a way that is transparent and has credibility with the market. The latter can be achieved by using OPEC estimates of how much each member pumps, rather than relying on the countries' own estimates, the delegate said. In practice, that means Saudi Arabia still thinks Iraq needs to cut output and Iran has to freeze production around current levels, the person said. Neither country has so far agreed to do that. As initially outlined in Algiers, Libya and Nigeria would be exempt from supply curbs. Barkindo reiterated that there are three countries -- Libya, Nigeria and Iran -- that have been granted special considerations to implement the accord. Iraq isn't one of them, he said. Secondary sources are the basis for the Algiers deal, he said. Iran is considering a proposal to freeze its oil production near the level the country says it pumps -- nearly 4 million barrels a day -- rather than OPEC's estimate of about 3.7 million, the delegate said. Iraq is mulling a cut, but only from the Oil Ministry's own level of about 4.8 million barrels a day, not the 4.6 million barrels a day OPEC says it pumps, the person said. Pessimistic Market Iraq has sought an exemption from joining any production cuts, arguing that its fight against Islamic State justifies special treatment. Iran has insisted it won't accept any limits on its production until it has returned to the pre-sanctions level of about 4 million barrels a day. People are pretty pessimistic right now about a potential agreement, BP Plc Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley said in a Bloomberg Television interview from Riyadh. You see that in the price, he said. If the talks fail, prices will stay around the level we're at. As OPEC nations worked to secure a deal, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal led a delegation which includes the Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia starting Monday, state-run Algerian Press Service reported. Boutarfa plans to travel from there to Doha. Qatar and Algeria were the architects of previous attempts this year to reach an OPEC deal to limit supply, while Venezuela's energy minister played go-between for Iran and other members of the group. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran are the largest producers within OPEC, accounting for about 55 percent of the group's output, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. OPEC pledged in Algiers to bring its production down to a range of 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day, which compares with output of 33.6 million last month. The group is also seeking cooperation from Russia and other producers outside the group, although so far none have committed to curbing output. Without a deal, the International Energy Agency predicted that 2017 will be the fourth consecutive year in which supply runs ahead of demand. "If the supply surplus persists in 2017 there must be some risk of prices falling back," the IEA said in its closely watched monthly report Nov. 10. This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years. The University of Pennsylvania Health System is preparing to begin work on its New Patient Pavilion, an oblong structure of glass and tan aluminum that will occupy the former site of the university's Penn Tower building. The 15-story, 1.25 million-square-foot New Patient Pavilion at South 33rd Street and Convention Avenue will include 500 inpatient rooms, 47 operating rooms, and an emergency section, as well as a 665-space underground parking garage, according to the description. Also planned are elevated walkways to link the new building with the nearby Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Minister of Industry and Trade first to be questioned by NA Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh was the first Cabinet member to go before the National Assembly on November 15 to answer questions about issues under his charge. Discharging water from hydropower plant reservoirs Fielding the first question about loss-making projects using State capital and managed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the minister cited as example five prolonged projects which are the Thai Nguyen iron and steel plant, the Phuong Nam paper pulp mill, the Ninh Binh fertilizer factory, the bio-fuel plant at Dung Quat and the Dinh Vu fiber mill. He pointed out that those five projects all suffered from fluctuations in the world market, particularly the sharp drop in oil and crude oil prices from 100-147 USD to 40 USD per barrel. Other reasons behind the inefficient operation of those projects are the limited capacity of investors, project management boards, negotiation teams and contractors. He emphasized the goal of retaining State capital, asset and interests when dealing with those projects, adding that all solutions should be in accordance with market principles and international commitments. We can consider selling those projects and even declare bankruptcy if necessary, the minister said, noting that his ministry has submitted to the Government recommended solutions and the Government will meet after the NA session to decide on specific measures. *Overlapping State management of fertilizer market The issue of fake, poor-quality fertilizer was raised by many deputies during the hearing. Minister Tran Tuan Anh said overlapping State management of the fertiliser market has hindered efforts to restore order. At present, the Ministry of Trade and Industry control the production and trade of inorganic fertilizers, while organic fertilizers are under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Another problem is the permission of too many types of fertilizer on the market, with more than 5,000 kinds of organic and 5,700 kinds of inorganic fertilizers. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development have held many working sessions to address those problems. Most recently, the two ministries have proposed that the Government assign one ministry to manage fertilizer products and market, and relevant ministries and agencies coordinate to reduce the number of types of fertilizers allowed in the market, Minister Tran Tuan Anh said, citing the example of Thailand which allows the production and sale of just more than 100 types of fertilizers. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is working on a set of 16 standards for fertilizer, which may be transferred to the Ministry of Science and Technology for approval early next year, according to the minister. Explaining the issue further, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong pointed to two other major problems, one of which is the orientation in the use of fertilizer. Vietnam consumes 10-11 million tonnes of fertilizer each year, but up to 90 percent of which are chemical fertilizers. The minister said this is a major factor affecting the quality of farm produce while causing pollution and soil degradation. It is the responsibility of the agricultural sector to promote the use of organic fertilizer, thus gradually shifting to clean agricultural production, which is in line with the Party and States policy on restructuring agriculture, he said. * Ensuring safety when discharging water from hydropower plant reservoirs Many deputies requested that the Minister of Industry and Trade report on the handling of violations of rules in water discharge at hydropower plant reservoirs. Minister Tran Tuan Anh said his ministry has compiled a 20-page report on the planning of hydropower plants and reviewing their licensing and operation. We do not develop hydropower at any cost, and this is the guiding viewpoint of the Party, State and Government, he said, affirming that the ministry has reviewed and considered the elimination of projects that can affect the environment and local peoples life. The minister said there are 336 hydropower projects, with the Ministry of Industry and Trade being the main State management agency of them, while the Ministries of Construction, Natural Resources and Environment, and Agriculture and Rural Development also exercise management of those projects in several aspects. In the time ahead, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will assess water discharge procedures at hydropower plants and review flood and storm response work in localities where there are such plants. The ministry will assign clear responsibilities of all concerned parties, such as local authorities, dam owners, plant investors in the water discharge process, along with sanctions for any violations. Mixed views on industry ministers answers to questions at NA session Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh fields questions on November 15 morning Voters nationwide have had mixed opinions on Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anhs answers to questions about pressing issues under his remit that were raised by National Assembly (NA) deputies on November 15. Anh was the first Cabinet member to directly answer NA deputies questions, which was part of the 14 th parliaments ongoing second session in Hanoi. Dinh Kim Thai, a resident in Tan Ha ward of northern Tuyen Quang city, said while deputies focused their questions on pressing matters, the minister answered in a succinct, sufficient and straightforward manner. He also clarified the responsibility of relevant parties as well as orientations for settling those matters in the time ahead. Do Viet Duc, a voter in Tan Quang ward of Tuyen Quang city, also recognised the minister straightforwardly tackled questions on how to deal with five big loss-making projects, namely the Thai Nguyen iron and steel plant, the Phuong Nam paper pulp mill, the Ninh Binh fertilizer factory, the bio-fuel plant at Dung Quat and the Dinh Vu fiber mill . Duc asked the industry ministry and the Government to have better measures for State budget management so that such projects wont recur. The official also admitted shortcomings in the management and operation of many hydropower reservoirs whose water release affected downstream residents recently, said Nguyen Van Anh from Cong Da commune of Tuyen Quang provinces Yen Son district. However, he did not make clear whom to blame on for those flaws, the voter noted, adding that Minister Anh pointed out local authorities mismanagement of fertilizer along with the overlapping management between his ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Huynh Thu Ha, a senior citizen in Ward 9 of Ca Mau city in Ca Mau province, perceived that although Anh just took office earlier this year, he already had a thorough grasp of issues within his remit and answered questions coherently and fluently. But he should include solutions and concrete roadmaps to handle the concerned problems in his answers. Nguyen Van Thuoc from the Ca Mau Union of Science and Technology Associations applauded the minister for not shifting the responsibility for existing shortcomings onto other people though he is a new minister. Meanwhile, Dr Nguyen Van Cuong at the Ministry of Science and Technology said he is not satisfied with the ministers answer about the handling of the five big loss-making projects when Anh said the State wont continue pouring money into those projects but sell away or bankrupt them. Cuong said there havent been any analyses detailed enough to determine the root causes behind losses found at these projects. He asked the industry ministry to clarify the reasons and State-owned enterprises responsibility. Sharing the same view, Nguyen Van Cuong, an economic law expert, said Anhs answers remain vague, and they tend to give explanation instead of solutions. Le Kim Lien, a voter in Thanh Nhan ward of Hai Ba Trung district in Hanoi, said although the minister spoke fluently, he seemed to ward off his responsibility while fielding the questions about fertilizer management. She suggested the industry ministry take charge of licensing fertilizer production, and the agriculture ministry cover the fertilizer management. VNA The LAPD usually receives a few hundred complaints of biased policing each year, largely from African Americans. None have been upheld, a number that has become more glaring in recent years as residents and police commissioners continue to voice their concerns. On Tuesday, the citys civilian police commission took the unorthodox step of devoting its entire weekly meeting to the topic of biased policing, as department brass spoke to commissioners and a packed crowd of residents inside City Hall about a 143-page report, which looks at how the LAPD and other agencies investigate allegations of biased policing. The meeting, held at City Hall instead of the LAPDs downtown headquarters in order to accommodate a larger audience, included presentations from community groups and remarks from the public. By 9 a.m., the meeting was standing-room-only, as activists and community organizers filled the wooden rows inside the City Hall chamber, the Los Angeles Times reports. Its unusual for the civilian Police Commission to focus on a single issue during one of its weekly meetings. One of the boards newest commissioners, Cynthia McClain-Hill, called for the meeting earlier this fall to take a deeper look at how the LAPD investigates allegations of biased policing, what incoming officers learn about bias during their time in the academy and how supervisors are trained to guard against it. McClain-Hill, whose directive was unanimously backed by the rest of the commission, stressed that she did not believe most LAPD officers were inherently biased. The goal, she said, was to have a robust discussion on the topic. At Tuesdays meeting, department officials detailed both the steps the LAPD has taken to screen for bias when recruiting potential officers and the training they offer new recruits to try and prevent biased actions once they are allowed out in the field. The LAPD compared its data with that of 10 other police department across the United States, noting that other agencies were more restrictive in the allegations of biased policing they accepted and investigated. Unlike some of the agencies, the report said, the LAPD reviews accusations made anonymously or by someone who wasn't the subject of the perceived profiling. Cmdr. Stuart Maislin, who heads the LAPDs Internal Affairs section, said investigations of bias complaints can be complicated because investigators need to prove what motivated a police officers actions. Still, he said, the department has upheld other allegations that officers made ethnically disparaging remarks, were discourteous or showed "unbecoming conduct" that may reflect a larger concern. The department report prepared for the meeting included the results of a 2,000-person survey conducted earlier this year to gauge public attitudes about crime, safety and policing in Los Angeles. The report acknowledged a disparity of perceptions among residents that was highlighted by the survey. Less than half of the African Americans surveyed said they considered police honest and trustworthy, compared with roughly 74% of white residents, almost 71% of Latinos and about 67% of Asians. Less than a third of African Americans agreed that LAPD officers used force only when absolutely necessary, according to the survey. Just over half of the total residents surveyed agreed. Less than half of all residents 49.7% agreed that LAPD officers treated people of all races and ethnicities fairly. More than a third disagreed. James Dale Ritchie (Photo: Anchorage PD) The handgun used to wound an Anchorage police officer last weekend has been linked to five previously unsolved homicides this year in Alaska's largest city, police said Tuesday. Lt. John McKinnon, head of the city police's homicide division, said the Colt Python .357 revolver was linked through ballistics to two double homicides and one other killing, reports the Associated Press. "It is just heartbreaking," Anchorage Police Chief Chris Tolley told reporters. The gun was used by James Dale Ritchie, 40, early Saturday morning to ambush police Officer Arn Salao, who was responding to a report that a man hadn't paid a cab fare. Even after he was shot repeatedly, Salao returned fire as he jumped out of his police cruiser. Sgt. Marc Patzke arrived at the same time and also shot at the suspect, Tolley said. Ritchie was killed in the exchange. McKinnon said the guns had been used in the July 3 shootings deaths of Jason Netter and Brianna Foisy, whose bodies were found on a trail near downtown Anchorage; in the July 29 death of Treyveonkindell Thompson, who was found on an isolated street, and the Aug. 28 deaths of Bryant De Husson and Kevin Turner, who were both shot in the Valley of the Moon Park near downtown Anchorage. Photo: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office A sheriff's deputy was shot in the leg and a man was injured after a shooting Tuesday morning in Happy Valley, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said. The deputy responded after Steven W. Wilson, a pedestrian, was struck by a vehicle at Southeast Sunnyside Road and 139th Avenue, said sheriff's office spokesman Sgt. Brian Jensen. The deputy and Wilson then got into an altercation, Jensen said. Shots were fired, striking the deputy in the leg, Jensen said. The sheriff's office does not know who fired the shots or how many were fired, Jensen said. Wilson, a 40-year-old from Portland, was also injured, though it is unclear how. His condition is unknown. He is currently being treated at OHSU, Jenson said. A civilian was on a ride-along with the deputy and came to his aid, Jensen said. Another person passing by also stopped to help, he said. The deputy, who patrols Happy Valley under a sheriff's office contract with the city, was taken to a local hospital, Jensen said. The deputy's injuries are not life-threatening and he is in stable condition, reports the Oregonian. Photo: Facebook A veteran Texas law enforcement officer was killed Wednesday morning when the vehicle he was driving was struck by a train south of Kingsville, reports the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Officer Ken Starrs, the assistant commander of the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Taskforce, was driving to his office on County Road 2140 beyond the railroad tracks on Highway 77 when the train struck the pickup he was driving. Starrs was 65. He was crossing a set of railroad tracks that run parallel to the highway and was struck by a Union Pacific train, said Sgt. Nathan Brandley with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The intersection does not have railroad crossing arms. The train had a crew of two people a conductor and an engineer. It stretched 5,700-feet and was comprised of 53 cars, said Jeff DeGraff, director of corporate relations and media with Union Pacific. He said the train was mainly empty with only five cars containing cargo. The incident will be investigated by DPS, Brandley said. Union Pacific is conducting its own investigation. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) are warning that the Koch brothers have already infiltrated Donald Trumps administration. In a conference call with reporters, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said that it was disconcerting to see such an array of lobbyists and special interests in the transition, and accused Trump of pouring the swamp into the transition and the Oval Office. Whitehouse said that the leaders in Trumps transition in the energy and environment areas are connected to the Koch brothers. Whitehouse pointed out there is a heavy Koch influence on the Trump transition. Whitehouse said, It looks a little bit like if Donald Trump doesnt watch his back, it looks like the Koch brothers will be running his administration for him. Certainly to have the biggest polluters in the country and the biggest special interests in Washington have this kind of dominance is a rotten signal. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) pointed to Trump using the chief economist a Bear Stearns for his transition, and that he is considering someone from Goldman Sachs to head up the Treasury Department. Sanders said, Bottom line here is Mr. Trump said a whole lot during the campaign. He talked about being a populist. He talked about taking on special interests. He talked about fighting against lobbyists. Yet, the initial indications we are seeing is that not much of what he talked about during the campaign has much to do with where he is today. Later in the call, Whitehouse added, Its dismaying that his very opening act as president-elect before he is sworn into office is to violate the basic principles and the basic statements of his own campaign, and if hes will to that at this juncture, then it would appear to me that he would be willing to violate all of the others as well. In which case, were basically back to a Koch brothers infiltration of a Trump presidency, and theyll basically be calling all the shots. In other words, everything that Donald Trump said during the campaign was a lie. Trump is set to be the Koch brothers puppet at home, and Putins puppet abroad. The Republicans who voted for Trump thought that they were electing a strong minded person, but what they are going to get is a weak frontman for the same failed ideology that nearly destroyed the global economy less than a decade ago. The Democratic caucus Senators are warning that America is about to experience its first Koch presidency. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Once again, Donald Trump showed his disdain for the media on Tuesday when he abandoned his press pool to escape to the 21 Club, a famous steakhouse in New York City. The Trump team had originally alerted the press that there would be no more activity by the president-elect for the remainder of the night then Trump quietly left his penthouse to get himself a steak dinner, likely cooked well-done. Tweet: President Elect Donald Trump has ditched the press pool and is at a Steakhouse in New York pic.twitter.com/p8ozQHNy2h News This Second (@NewsThisSecond) November 16, 2016 The protective press pool that Trump ditched is meant to ensure that the American people know exactly what their president or president-elect is doing as the leader of the free world. After all, citizens deserve to know where their president is, regardless of whether or not he likes it, and its a norm that has been upheld for decades. If Trumps abandonment of this tradition continues into his presidency, then he may end up being one of the least accessible commanders-in-chief in modern history. That doesnt bode well given the fact that a free press is more vital under a Trump administration than it ever will be. According to the Daily Mail, the president-elects spokesperson, Hope Hicks, told reporters that this was not how things would be handled after Trump is sworn in she promises. Hopefully, the media will hold her and her boss accountable, if the incoming administration even allows them to do their job. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print According to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, Hillary Clintons popular vote total now stands at 61,964,263 compared to 60,961,967 for Donald Trump, pushing the former Secretary of States raw vote lead past the 1 million mark. Trump, clearly not happy about the reality that most Americans by quite a substantial margin cast their ballot for his opponent, took to Twitter (of course) on Tuesday to vent his frustration. Tweets: If the election were based on total popular vote I would have campaigned in N.Y. Florida and California and won even bigger and more easily Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 Its obvious that Trump isnt happy that people keep talking about his popular vote loss. He initially managed to stay quiet on the subject, but as Clintons lead continues to grow, he just couldnt help himself. Whats especially rich about his comments about the electoral college is that he held a much different opinion on the matter just four years ago, when Barack Obama won both the popular vote and electoral college. Tweet from 2012: The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012 Like everything else, Trump likes something only if its favorable to him. This is something weve seen with people, like Vladimir Putin, who Trump has admiration for solely based on the fact that the Russian president complimented him. Now, its the electoral college, which is suddenly genius to the president-elect because it helped him win the presidency. But there is one nagging fact that seems to be increasingly getting under Donald Trumps thin skin: More Americans voted for Hillary Clinton by a pretty substantial margin. Unlike his opinion on the electoral college, thats something that will never change. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trumps transition team continued its descent into chaos on Tuesday after behind-the-scenes drama and a recent staff shakeup has reportedly stalled the entire process. According to a report by The Huffington Post, Republicans and Democrats in Washington are now worried that the incoming administration will be woefully ill-prepared once Trump takes office in January. These concerns are bolstered by the fact that Trump transition officials were missing in action from a series of important meetings this week. The report: The disarray has left agencies virtually frozen, unable to communicate with the people tasked with replacing them and their staff. Trump transition team officials were a no-show at the Pentagon, the Washington Examiner reported. Same goes for the Department of Energy, responsible for keeping the nations nuclear weapons safe, where officials had expected members of the Trump transition team on Monday. Ditto for the Department of Transportation. Over at the Justice Department, officials also are still waiting to hear from the Trump team. The transition turmoil comes after unpopular New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was demoted from his role leading the process and replaced by Vice President-Elect Mike Pence. As of late afternoon on Tuesday, the transition remained on hold because Pence still hadnt signed off on a memorandum that would allow Trumps team to communicate with the Obama administration on how to hand over key functions of the government. According to HuffPo, though, it goes well beyond the failure to sign a piece of paper. It also doesnt help that many Republicans arent willing to assume critical roles on Trumps team. More from the report: The transition dysfunction extends beyond failure to promptly execute a memorandum of understanding. According to several sources close to the Trump transition team and inside the Obama administration, the president elect and his staff have had difficulty finding able-minded Republicans willing to take on critical posts. One Democratic source, who like others would only discuss sensitive talks on condition of anonymity, said transition officials had been informally asking Obama political appointees to recommend Republicans to take over their jobs. Thats right Trump is so desperate to have people join his team that hes seeking the Obama administrations help in filling roles. While its true that presidential transitions arent always flawlessly managed, Trump seems to be bungling his in a way that may be unprecedented. Those who voted for Trump last week may have wanted to shake things up in Washington, but its likely this wasnt what they had in mind. If the new president-elect cant competently run a transition team and staff his government, why should any of us believe hell be able to lead the free world? Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print A truly humiliating moment for America came when the Chinese government informed US President-elect Donald Trump that they did not invent climate change as a hoax. Bloomberg reported that Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told reporters during a briefing, If you look at the history of climate change negotiations, actually it was initiated by the IPCC with the support of the Republicans during the Reagan and senior Bush administration during the late 1980s. The Chinese government felt compelled to clarify that climate change is not a conspiracy that they created, because that man who is the president-elect tweeted: The Chinese are now debunking Trump conspiracies. The man has not even taken the oath of office, and he is already humiliating the United States of America around the world. It is more likely that Trump turns America into a laughing stock before he ever adds to the nations greatness. Other Republicans deny the existence of climate change, but that is only shameful because their denial is based on service in the name of the fossil fuel industries. The fact that governments around the world feel the need to debunk Trump conspiracy theories is humiliating. America is a great nation that can overcome anything. One suspects that the Trump administration may go down in history as being one of the most immense tests of all time of our system of government and resiliency as a people. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump took the opportunity, in what is becoming an all-too-familiar site for our president-elect, to attack The New York Times this morning in a tweet: The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The Times had reported Tuesday that Trumps transition team is in total disarray. One result of this, according to the Times, is that Prominent American allies were in the meantime scrambling to figure out how and when to contact Mr. Trump. Trump then went on a twitter rampage bragging about all the phone calls hes taken from foreign leaders: I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The Times, not feeling like fools at all, but standing by their story, has now responded NYT just issued this statement in response to Trump's anti-NYT tweetstorm (https://t.co/Zda4D7RCwz) pic.twitter.com/JS7fOyoPZT Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 16, 2016 This is our president-elect, having already threatened to sue the Times and still obsessed with what the media is saying about him. Do you remember how outraged the right-wing media was when President Obama addressed Fox News false reporting directly? They were outraged. Yet here is Trump not only mentioning the Times but obsessively attacking it on twitter on an almost daily basis. This is a foretaste of what we can expect over the next year, a president outraged over every slight, real or imagined. One wonders how he will find the time to govern between unhinged tweetstorms and three days a week spent at Trump Tower. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Partly cloudy. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. All of us have local and national issues that we worry about: gender-related and race-related issues, education and social welfare issues, pump prices and what to do about Confederate monuments. Thats usually how we vote whats worrying us at the moment. But older adults, of all people, may be capable of standing back from whats in our face to take a longer perspective on politics. Read moreAging for Amateurs: Elections make us get clear on priorities The SC capital city may fine anyone setting off pyrotechnics after 11 p.m., except for New Year's Eve and Fourth of July celebrations and approved events such as Fireflies baseball games. Read moreShooting off late-night fireworks banned in Columbia Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors. Sports Reporter Derrek Asberry is sports reporter with the Post and Courier. He joined the newsroom in March 2016, after three years at the Aiken Standard where he covered the Savannah River Site. He enjoys New York Yankee baseball and poker. Deanna Pan is an enterprise reporter for The Post and Courier, where she writes about education and other issues. She grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati and graduated with a degree in English from Ohio State University in 2012. In this Nov. 21, 2013, file photo reviewed by the U.S. military, dawn arrives at the now closed Camp X-Ray, which was used as the first detention facility for al-Qaida and Taliban militants who were captured after the Sept. 11 attacks at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) Gavin Jackson covers the Statehouse from Columbia for The Post and Courier. He previously covered local government for the Morning News in Florence and interned at newspapers in Baton Rouge and Columbus. He is a 2008 Kent State University graduate. 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 The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication. The year is coming to an end rapidly and it is time for small business CEOs to start reflecting on this year's business experience and begin looking toward how they want to grow their business. That was a common topic for a recent small-business CEO discussion group. In fact, the leading question at this session was, "What's the number one challenge facing your business?" I was curious because this was one of the items included in The National Small Business Association's 2016 Mid-Year Economic Report. That report found "economic uncertainty" was the big concern. Forty-nine percent of the respondents, most of them owners of companies with five or fewer employees, say economic uncertainty is the biggest problem they face. Nor are they expecting relief anytime soon; 54 percent believe the economy will remain flat in the coming 12 months. But I point out that small-business owners aren't as pessimistic about their own futures as they are about the national outlook. Some 72 percent are confident about their businesses' futures, and 57 percent expect their sales to increase in the next 12 months. One-third of small-business owners surveyed also plan to hire employees in the coming 12 months. Twelve percent plan to increase their workforce by more than 10 percent, the highest this indicator has been since the NSBA started asking the question. At the same time, the number of small-business owners who plan to decrease their workforce is the lowest it's been in more than eight years. ADVERTISEMENT Existing employees as well as new hires are benefiting from small-business owners' confidence. More than four in 10 small-business owners (44 percent) say they increased employee compensation during the last 12 months, while 51 percent say they plan to do so in the next 12 months. So, I asked one of my favorite small-business experts, "How are small-business owners powering this growth?" Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company specializing in covering small businesses and entrepreneurship, always has well-researched advice. Lesonsky gave some good answers. Here's what they plan to do in the next 12 months and what I feel are items small-business CEOs can learn from it. 1. Forty-five percent say they plan to implement new advertising and marketing strategies.Review your existing marketing plan and the results of each marketing method. Are there areas you need to cut back on or improve? Can you put more money into the most effective methods? Do you need to get out of your comfort zone into digital advertising, social media advertising, content marketing or mobile marketing? New marketing methods and channels are popping up just about every day, so if you're resting on your laurels, you could get left behind. 2. Thirty percent plan to use strategic alliances.Forming a relationship with another business, big or small, can benefit your business in so many ways. You can launch a new product or service, or expand into a new geographic or demographic market by benefiting from your alliance partner's connections, sales channels and brand. You can share the work involved, bringing new ideas to market faster than you could on your own. You also can lessen the investment required to achieve your goals as well as decrease the risk if an idea doesn't pan out. 3. Twenty-eight percent plan to expand e-commerce.If you're not already involved in e-commerce, now is a good time to reconsider. E-commerce isn't just for retailers, either. A restaurant can sell a proprietary salad dressing online; a personal trainer can sell subscriptions to fitness videos; a bar can sell branded T-shirts. Think about what you could sell and how adding an e-commerce presence could benefit your business. 4. Twenty-five percent plan to launch a new product line. Do your homework before investing in a new product or service launch. Just as you would with a brand-new business, conduct market research to understand your competition and your target market. Survey existing customers and prospective customers about your idea, either online, in person or with a focus group. Assess the resources you'll need in terms of time, employee hours and financing to pull it off. Your SCORE mentor can help with all the above growth strategies. Contact your local SCORE Chapter or visit www.score.org to get matched with a mentor who can offer advice and guidance. These volunteers do this at no charge. Josh Winkler, an artist and Minnesota State University, Mankato art professor, will host a public reception to highlight his new sculptural public art promoting awareness of the emerald ash borer problem. The reception will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Soldiers Field Memorial Park, east of the running track. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Winkler's goal is to use visual public art to bring awareness to the infestation of emerald ash borer by supplementing the work that the DNR and Rochester Parks and Recreation are doing. A similar project of his was done in Mankato. An ash log was used to create a reusable mold and cast in an area affected by the emerald ash borer. The sculpture stands 20 inches wide and 5 feet tall. The furrowed bark characteristic of the ash tree is captured in the dense industrial material of poured concrete. To complete the structure, Winkler drilled into the concrete to implant small bronze cast beetles. Emerald ash borer are native to Asia and were first found near Detroit in 2002. It has since killed hundreds of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest and East. In 2008, it arrived in Minnesota, which has some 900 million ash trees, more than any other state. I don't know if many of you saw the movie "Snowden." I did not and really don't plan to. I get a little tired of the popular "all government is corrupt" story line. Snowden revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) maintained surveillance programs over citizens. A description of the movie states that this program included accessing information stored by some of America's biggest technology companies, often without individual warrants. Data was intercepted from global networks to build information on millions of U.S. citizens, regardless of whether they are "persons of interest" to the agency. It seems many of us boomers are "persons of interest." People out there know that we are senior citizens. NSA must still be observing us and comprehending a great deal about us. The other day out of the clear blue sky I received a mid-sized package in the mail. It was from HDIS in Missouri. Who is that? What the heck is this bundle? I wasn't sure if I should call the authorities. It had a UPS tracking number, and I decided to unseal it, but took it out to my safe house (that is, the storage shed behind the garage). I told my wife what I was about to do and informed her if something should happen, that I loved her. ADVERTISEMENT Once in the safe house, I examined the package for wires and looked for any powder that could be leaking out. None. I used my pocketknife and slowly slit the top of the package open. Leaking material With my special bright security flashlight, I peered inside. It was a jumble of items. With tactical gloves on, I pulled out the first item. I examined it. It was two pair of adult underwear samples, and each pair looked very similar to Pampers or Huggies. One pair for a man, one for a woman. Apparently, these were five times drier than other leading brands. It stated right on the package that it allows you to worry less and do more. I could get $10 off if I ordered a case of the Reassure maximum underthings. In fact, it looked like it would be shipped in an unmarked box, so your mail person or the neighbors would be none the wiser. How did they know that there might be issues? Had they overheard a private conversation between my wife and me? Hmm, is someone spying on us? 'Crem' of the crop The day after I received that package, I took delivery of a letter from the National Cremation Society. It was addressed personally to me. If I returned a card, I could be entered in a monthly drawing to win a free cremation plan. ADVERTISEMENT Why would I receive this information? Am I being targeted by the Russians? Is there a contract out on me? Wait does "Soylent Green" ring a bell? Most boomers will recall the 1973 sci-fi futuristic movie about the food ration called Soylent Green that is well SPOILER ALERT partially made from people! I need to pay attention if I'm being followed to Hy-Vee. A few days later, an off-white envelope arrived from Neptune Society. The personalized letter said "Cremation just makes sense." No return Following that, my wife received an envelope with no return address. The correspondence said she qualified for the Funeral Advantage Program. All she had to do was return a postage-paid card. If someone is monitoring my phone calls, they would gather critical information like my mom and me talking about the weather. I spend a lot of time on my computer. I should probably inform my "boomer council of advisors" that I am being observed, as they could be pulled into the web of surveillance. I regularly visit controversial Internet sites, such as Social Security, Wells Fargo, Fidelity, Post Bulletin and Mike Zimmer's Minnesota Viking press conferences. It seems as we age we become a "person of interest" in a gloomy way. ADVERTISEMENT And so, to wrap up At this point in our life we have to chuckle about all this stuff we receive in the mail and the strange phone calls we might get. I recently read a quote by the French author Jules Renard, who said, "It's not how old you are, its how you are old." There are going to be a lot of baby boomers around for years to come. I think companies should be sending us more than free diapers. They need to pay serious attention to us. How about hiring older Americans who need work, or keeping those who have worked long and hard on the payroll? We will continue to be an influence in America, a positive force. We have seen a lot in our lives and history has been our teacher. At times, our society and our leaders have not learned much from past mistakes. I guess shortly after I came into this world I had a diaper on. However, I'm pretty sure I don't want to leave my earthly home with one on. Grandkid Quote of the Week As I drove my 10-year-old granddaughter home from school on Nov. 8, she said, "You know, Grandpa, in the election after the next election I will be able to vote. Did you bring a snack?" As I realized what she said, I could only say, "Yes, you will, sweetheart, and yes, I did." "Here comes Santa Claus," downtown Rochester's annual holiday tradition, returns Nov. 25 for the 42nd consecutive year. It kicks off at 6 p.m. when Santa is rescued by the Rochester Fire Department from atop Old City Hall. Santa will then lead the parade of onlooking two the Peace Plaza where carolers from Skyvault Theatre Company will perform before the holiday tree-lighting ceremony featuring Rochester Mayo Ardell Brede. After the lighting ceremony, Santa will hold meet-and-greet and complimentary cookies will be available. Before Santa's rescue, cookies and cocoa will be available at Cambria Gallery, 400 S Broadway, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Space is limited. RSVP by Nov. 23 to JessicaMarkley@cambriaUSA.com. For more information, visit the website at www.downtownrochesterm.com. Two men accused of being involved in a drive-by shooting last year in northwest Rochester one of whom was eventually sentenced to six years in prison for the crime have now been charged with racketeering , drug sales and tax fraud. Joshua Tucker Cunningham, 40, now incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater, faces two counts of racketeering and four counts of fourth-degree controlled substance sales, all felonies. Sean Michael Biren, 38, of 2987 Rosemary Lane NE in Rochester, has been charged with two counts of racketeering, one count of aiding an offender, one count of fourth-degree controlled substance sales, three counts of conspiracy to commit fourth-degree controlled substance sales, one count of willful attempt to evade or defeat a tax law, and one count of knowingly filing a false or fraudulent tax return. All are felonies. Drive-by shooting Cunningham was sentenced in February to concurrent prison terms of 78 and 60 months after pleading guilty to drive-by shooting and possession of a firearm after conviction for a crime of violence. ADVERTISEMENT The charges stemmed from an incident Oct. 20, 2015, when law enforcement received several 911 calls reporting multiple gunshots fired in the area of 43rd Street and 18th Avenue Northwest. Responding officers found three boys, ages 15, 13 and 8, standing outside 1800 43rd St. The boys told police they had been home alone when they heard the gunfire "and bullets started coming through the walls," Rochester Police Capt. John Sherwin said the next day. Officers discovered three rounds had entered the home, 11 or 12 had hit a vehicle in the driveway and one was found in the garage. Bullet holes were found in two bedrooms and a bathroom, the report says. Moments after police arrived, the boys' 35-year-old father came home and immediately reported he thought Cunningham had done the shooting. The man told officers he and Cunningham had been in a dispute about money stemming from a stereo purchase. Earlier that day, Cunningham had confronted the man in a parking lot, allegedly pointing a gun at him and demanding the debt be paid. After Cunningham was found and arrested, he called a man later identified as Biren from the Adult Detention Center. Cunningham had given Biren an AK-47 shortly after the shooting; Biren moved it to the trunk of his car, where police found it. Charges against Biren in that case were later dropped. Follow the money ADVERTISEMENT Information uncovered during a search of Cunningham's home and vehicles after the shooting led law enforcement to a storage unit south of Northgate Shopping Center , the report says. There, officers found at least 30 pounds of synthetic marijuana, which they believed Cunningham was manufacturing inside the unit. That investigation "revealed the extent of the underlying criminal enterprise," the latest criminal complaint says. Proceeds from the sale of the synthetic drug were reinvested into the criminal organization or converted into precious metals and Bitcoins an electronic payment system independent of any bank or other institution, transferable electronically, more or less instantly, with very low transaction fees. Perhaps most importantly, the system is anonymous, lending to its use in illegal activities. Though three safes were found inside the storage unit, no large amounts of currency were found, leading officers to believe the men were storing proceeds from drug trafficking in Biren's bank account and safe deposit box. A search of the safe deposit box allegedly turned up about $10,000 in gold and silver coins/ bullion , as well as paperwork in Biren's name. His bank account records indicated he'd deposited at least $91,742 in cash during 2014 and 2015, court documents say. Bank transactions included payments of more than $32,000 to someone named "Pan Guan Tian," and to vendors of bulk herbs and spices, and at least $23,000 to various online bullion retailers, the reports say. The conversations ADVERTISEMENT Investigators knew synthetic marijuana is manufactured by applying a chemical compound to a plant base of common herbs, then smoked the same way as natural marijuana. The chemical compounds used are often purchased from sources in Asia. A search of Facebook conversations between Cunningham and Biren indicated the two had "thinly-veiled discussions" about the manufacture of controlled substances, the complaint says, apparently calling the storage unit "the bakery" and referring to the herbs and chemicals as "flour" and "sugar." Cunningham's Facebook account contained several photos of gold and silver coins and bars. During a conversation with Biren at his home a few days after the shooting, Biren allegedly told detectives he made about $1,800 per month, with assets of a 401k account and a car. His only income was from his job at IBM, Biren said; he reported taxable income of about $17,500 on tax returns for 2013 and 2014. No tax returns were found for Cunningham from 2013, 2014 or 2015. A review of Biren's gmail account revealed a 2013 conversation he had about "a new business venture that is not legal," court documents show. Biren goes on to explain that he works with someone in China who creates a synthetic cannabis chemical and ships it to him. He reportedly said he processes it into a solvent and applies it to herbs. In a 2014 conversation, Biren referred to "Josh" as his business partner and discussed costs and profits associated with the operation, allegedly referring to the profits as "illegitimate money." Biren's emails include receipts for payments to Pan Guan Tian from October 2013 through October 2015; a web page and email for that name indicated he sells "AM1220," a controlled substance. Receipts for payments to an herb vendor reveal Biren bought at least 400 pounds of product from February 2015 through October 2015. Little progress has been made on a Rochester Public Schools plan to make students college and career ready by graduation. The district met one of five goals set last year, according to the World's Best Work Force plan update provided during Tuesday's board meeting. The plan, mandated by the Legislature, requires school districts to annually assess progress on five metrics: kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, closing the achievement gap, graduation rates and ensuring students are "college and career ready," as measured by the ACT. The district didn't show much progress on its goals to close achievement gaps between white and minority students, graduation rates remain about 80 percent and fewer third-graders were proficient readers than the district had hoped would be. "It's an opportunity to take a look at all the things we are doing and try to wrap it up and consolidate it into one report," Gibson said. "It is essential that we are doing well to educate all students if we are to continue having a robust workforce." ADVERTISEMENT The focus on the workforce is a state push. The state's population is aging, and lawmakers know the types of jobs that will be needed in the future require more than just a high school diploma. There aren't enough candidates now to fill the good-paying jobs available, Gibson said. The district is working to create strategies to address its five issues, but Gibson said focusing on five things can be a lot for a district. "So what we really try to do is narrow it down and focus on what is it that we can do well," she said. The five goals are adapted to local standards to help ensure by the time students graduate they're ready to join the workforce or head to college. RPS must submit the plan to the Minnesota Department of Education by Dec. 15. The district is required to report updates annually to the school board. It will be reviewed regularly by the community curriculum and advisory committee and annually by the school board. GOAL (MET): All students ready for kindergarten RESULTS:31 percent of students show that they are kindergarten ready in all of the eight categories established by the district. REACTION/EXPLANATION:The locally produced assessment given each fall to kindergarten students collects readiness information in eight areas. The biggest area of struggle: letter sounds. Others on the list include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, colors, shapes, number recognition, rote counts and one-to-one correspondence. This year's goal to have 30 percent of students demonstrate readiness in all categories was set based on the previous year's results. ADVERTISEMENT WHAT'S NEXT:District leaders say new developments, such as the opening of the district's newest pre-kindergarten site, Mighty Oaks Early Learning School ; educating and mentoring students earlier; and having them work with community partners can help get students ready for kindergarten. Gibson also noted many think social skills should be taught at the pre-K level. She added the district is talking about addressing any experiences of trauma, or other early childhood experiences that might impact learning later, earlier so the district can better support those students throughout their education. GOAL (NOT MET): Third-grade literacy RESULTS:About 61 percent of third-grade students are proficient in reading. REACTION/EXPLANATION:The goal was to have 61.2 percent at or above grade level literacy, so the district fell just short of meeting the goal. WHAT'S NEXT:RPS said there will be more outreach to students who need help reading and a greater use of volunteers to support reading practice. Gibson said the district hopes to use data, such as the MCA and NWEA assessments, throughout the school year so progress is tracked and results don't come as a surprise in the spring. The goal for next year is to have 63 percent at, or above, grade-level literacy. GOAL (NOT MET): Close all academic achievement gaps RESULTS:All student groups, except for Asian students, remain at an "intervene" level, which means there is more than a 25 percent gap between scores for white students and students in each subcategory. This is the case for reading and math. REACTION/EXPLANATION:The goal is to have less than a 10 percent difference in achievement for all of the groups. The district is looking at reading and math scores when talking about the achievement gap for this measure. Subcategories of students include Asian, Black, Hispanic, English language learner and low-income. The district said scores for English learners were concerning because the gap continues to grow. Though, they added, sometimes ELL students score lower, not because they don't know the material, but because there is a language barrier. ADVERTISEMENT WHAT'S NEXT:The district plans to get parents more involved, have students work with mentors and create more opportunities for students to identify with coursework they're doing. GOAL (NOT MET): Graduate all students from HS RESULTS:In 2015, 81.7 percent of students graduated from RPS. REACTION/EXPLANATION:Although the graduation rate was at 81.7 percent, the district said, that increases to 86.3 when you include students that continued on and graduated in five years. At the end of the 2015-16 school year, about 88 percent of students in grades 9-12 were on track to graduate in four years. WHAT'S NEXT:Gibson said the district wants to act early and begin conversations about graduation in eighth grade or early. She added she hopes to increase mentoring for students and ensure they're connected to at least one person in each school. GOAL (NOT MET): Have all high school graduates career and college ready RESULTS:According to ACT 22, the WHAT, 54.3 percent of students are college-ready in math, and 56.5 percent are college-ready in reading. REACTION/EXPLANATION:The goal was greater than 60 percent of students be on the pathway to an ACT score of 22 or higher. College and career readiness is measured by ACT scores, and a score of 22 or higher is generally considered "college and career ready." WHAT'S NEXT:Gibson said it's important families know their children have options beyond college. The district will continue to work with local business to identify skills needed in the workforce. The way Jill Fasbender sees it, there are no good options when it comes to picking health insurance for her family. She has watched as premium's in the state's individual health insurance market have soared beyond what her family can afford. Three years ago, her husband left his job at Mayo Clinic to join her in running their Farmers Insurance business. Back then, their monthly premium was $450 per month. Now the Rochester couple is faced with paying $1,900 per month to cover them and their young daughter. Factor in deductibles and the family would need to pay $36,000 before their health insurance would kick in. "We're people out here trying to make a living, trying to do the right thing, and we're suffering for it and we need relief," Fasbender said. While Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders agree there is an urgent need to address the rising premium costs for MNsure, they haven't been able to reach a deal on a special legislative session. Dayton has proposed using $313 million of the state's budget surplus to provide a rebate to consumers buying insurance in the individual market who do not qualify for federal tax subsidies. Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt is exploring other options, including asking Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken to support converting unused federal tax credits to block grants to help with premium relief. Approximately 5 percent of Minnesotans purchase health insurance through the individual market. Roughly half of those consumers are eligible for tax subsidies to lower the costs. That leaves an estimated 123,000 Minnesotans including the Fasbenders who are faced with health-care premiums that are set to rise between 50 percent to 67 percent next year. ADVERTISEMENT Rep. Duane Quam is among those who wants to see a special session right away. The Byron Republican said it is critical lawmakers pass a short-term fix for consumers in 2017 and then focus on long-term improvements in next year's legislative session. "We've got to do something that will help (consumers) this next calendar year," Quam said. One idea he would like to see considered is allowing consumers who do not qualify for tax credits to be able to buy health insurance via state employee plans. His proposal would require individuals to pay the full premium cost. That would give consumers access to more plans with lower rates. Rep. Tina Liebling also wants to see a special session. She back's the governor's rebate proposal as a short-term fix to provide needed relief. Prior to the election, she met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss the idea and most were on board. But since the election, she said House Republicans have shown little interest in having a special session. "I frankly think the governor should just call a special session and just do it because every day that goes by creates more of a problem," Liebling said. But the recent election results have led one area Democrat to conclude a special session is unlikely. Winona DFL Rep. Gene Pelowski said he doubts a deal on a special session can be reached given the new political landscape. Republican Donald Trump won the presidency and has vowed to make dramatic changes to the Affordable Care Act. Trump will be working with a Republican-controlled House and Senate. In Minnesota, Republicans won control of the Senate and increased their majority in the House. "The election has sort of put a whole new spin on whether or not there will be a special session," Pelowski said. "Starting in January, (Republicans) are in control. Why would you do a special session now when you would be in full control starting in January?" Sen. Carla Nelson agrees that a special session appears unlikely, even though she would like to see action taken right away to help people struggling with rising health-care premiums. She said she is disappointed legislative leaders did not begin working earlier to get a plan in place. At this point, she said the most realistic option is probably for the Republican-controlled Legislature to take immediate action in January when they return to St. Paul. ADVERTISEMENT She added, "While a special session looks unlikely, I'm hopeful for a fast-acting session." On Monday Keith Ellison met with the billionaire Marxists of the Soros-founded Democracy Alliance at its 2016 investment conference. Ellison was to update donors on the working class vote. Ellison presumably advised the assembled billionaires that, despite control of the media and culture by their allies on the left, false consciousness among the working class remains a challenge to the ultimate victory of the causes they hold dear. Politicos Ken Vogel reports on the conference here. Vogel obtained a copy of the conference agenda that Politico has posted here. Vogel reports that if the agenda is any indication, liberals plan full-on trench warfare against Trump from Day One. I think the agenda is a reliable if not a leading indicator. Vogel adds: Some sessions deal with gearing up for 2017 and 2018 elections, while others focus on thwarting President-elect Trumps 100-day plan, which the agenda calls a terrifying assault on President Obamas achievements and our progressive vision for an equitable and just nation.' The conference held no sessions on President Obamas terrifying achievements. We can only pray that the terrifying assault on them is equal to the challenge. Vogel homes in on Ellison: Democrats need to invest more in training officials and developing policies in the states, argued Rep. Ellison (D-Minn.) on a Friday afternoon donor conference call, according to someone on the call. The call was organized by a DA-endorsed group called the State Innovation Exchange (or SiX), which Ellison urged the donors to support. Ellison, who [was] scheduled to speak on a Monday afternoon panel at the DA meeting on the challenge Democrats face in winning working-class votes, has been a leading liberal voice for a form of economic populism that Trump at times channeled more than Clinton. As liberals look to rebuild the post-Clinton Democratic Party on a more aggressively liberal bearing, Ellison has emerged as a top candidate to take over the Democratic National Committee, and he figures to be in high demand at the DA meeting. An Ellison spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday evening. Nor did a Trump spokesman. Ken, Im available for comment. I urge readers to review the agenda. It is a highly useful document if you seek to understand the forces arrayed against us. The Democrats big money support causes and organizations in many guises all of which are intended to undermine our freedoms. When this particular revolutions comes, you better be a billionaire or you are screwed, and Brother Keith f/k/a Keith Hakim, Keith X Ellison and Keith Ellison-Muhammad is just the man to lead it. The reaction of colleges and universities to Trumps election reveal them to be fundamentally unserious. You want to see how serious scholars behave under actual adversity? Power Line friend Herbert Meyer directs our attention to this passage from from Harrison Salisburys book 900 Days about the siege of Leningrad in World War II: By the end of spring [1942] he [A. A. Ukhtomsky, a 66-year old distinguished physiologist] was still alive and on June 27, despite his gangrene, his cancer, his emphysema and his hypertension, made his way on foot from his flat on the 16th Line of Vasilevsky Island to the Zoological Institute, where with half a dozen other academic colleagues he discussed the candidate dissertations of V.V. Kuznetsov and L.K. Mischchenko and acted as the official opponent of N.N. Malyshev, who was defending a doctoral thesis on the subject, Materials on the Physics of Electrons. The presentation and defense of doctoral dissertations had gone on without pause in Leningrad, all through the terrible winter, in air-raid shelters, in cellars. There had been 847 defenses of dissertations in the first months of the war. In December the Leningrad Party Committee warned the academic community not to permit any liberalization in evaluating the work of students just because of the war and its hardships. Just another reason Putin laughs at us. Post-election, the newspapers and talking heads have picked up right where they left off last Tuesday. They are in full anti-Trump mode. They try to convince us that a handful of alleged incidents of Muslim girls having their hijabs torn off constitutes a wave of terror that Trump is obliged to denounce. Never mind that some of those incidents, at least, are hoaxes. My guess is that most of them are. On the other hand, reporters dont demand of Democrats that they denounce the rampaging mobs of crackpot leftists who have set multiple cities on fire, attacked police officers and beaten several Trump supporters senseless. On the contrary, for the most part the press takes a boys will be boys attitude toward these far more serious transgressions. They try to turn Steve Bannon into a Trump administration liability by portraying him as an ogre with smears that generally have zero basis. Meanwhile, they completely ignore the unsavory history of the soon-to-be-chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Keith Ellison. Ellison, unlike Bannon, has actually been a prominent member of a racial hate group. But that is OK with the liberal media. As Paul noted earlier, the post-election craziness got a little more sinister with the Lefts effort to brand voting for Donald Trump as a hate crime. That absurdity isnt too far afield from the manner in which supposedly more responsible observers are talking about the election. What I dont understand is, what is the point? The liberal press has smeared and hounded Donald Trump this way from the beginning of the general election campaign. It didnt work. Trump won. Do liberal reporters really think that voters who couldnt be swayed by months of anti-Trump propaganda will now turn against him, after he was won the presidency? One wouldnt think so. Maybe there is some deeper, more subtle strategy at work. Or maybe the reporters and pundits are like a dead frog whose legs are still kicking. Smearing Trump and the GOP is what they do. How can they stop? What would be left for them? So the dogs are barking (or, in many cases, whining). As the Arab proverb has it, the dogs bark but the caravan passes by. That is what Trump and his staff should do: ignore the woofing dogs and move forward with the job of assembling an administration. Much as it might like to, the press cant stop them. Good point, total sales is perhaps not the best measure as each generation of airframe introduces new technology and basic fixes, as lessons are learned in the field. Having said that the Cobra has not seen the widespread adoption, compared to other aircraft types, the totals sales for the AH 64 are in excess of 2000 airframes with 16 airforces deploying them and the AH1 Cobra has knocked up 1200 sales with 10 airforces. That is not to say it is not a good aircraft, the latest verisons of both aircraft are the bees knees and the plus point for the Cobra is that it is less than half price but not half as capable.... one could argue the Cabral is just a capable if not more so. It's the usual issue of comparing Apples with Apples. The House of Representatives on Wednesday commenced investigation into an alleged breach of appropriation laws by the Director-General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze. The lawmakers accused Mr. Akabueze of issuing a directive to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to return N8 billion to the federal treasury. The allegation was brought to the attention of the House by Agbedi Frederick, a PDP member from Bayelsa State, under matters of urgent national concern. Mr. Frederick said he observed that Mr. Akabueze, in blatant violation of budget provisions, had ordered FERMA to return N8 billion out of the N10 billion so far released to the agency for road maintenance this year. The lawmaker said the parliament approved N21.8 billion for FERMA to carry out maintenance of dilapidated roads across the country as a matter of urgency. But through the directive, Mr. Akabueze had effectively hindered the agency from carrying out its duties as required across the country, the lawmaker said The directive from the Director-General cannot be said to be virement as virement can only be appropriately approved by the National Assembly, which has not done so in this case, Mr. Frederick said. Consequently, the House raised an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter and revert within a week. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Wednesday urged the Nigerian government to consult widely over the proposal to convert the Joint Venture Contracts (JVC) in the oil and gas industry to Incorporated Joint Ventures Company (IJVC). Highlighting the merits and demerits of the two options, the Commission said it was necessary to ensure that the various interests in the industry were protected and accommodated under any new arrangement. Following recent calls for the sale of some national asset to raise funding towards the countrys economic recovery, the Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Atedo Peterside, made a case for government to sell down its stake in the oil JVs from 55-60 per centto no more than 40 per cent each. https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif At the moment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) controls a minimum of 60 per cent stake on behalf of the federal government in five of the six joint venture operations with various multi-national oil and gas companies in the country. These include those by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited and Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited. The only JV the country holds 55 per cent stake is with the Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited. But, Mr. Peterside, who is also the former Chairman of the Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), said sale of government stake in all the oil and gas JVs was one of the ways to avert economic meltdown. Anyone in his right mind will gladly pay a premium to attain 51 per cent (stake in the JVs) and move away from the clumsy and unwieldy structure where they are junior partners in a joint venture with a historically meddlesome and value-destructive Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he said. In a recent newspaper publication titled Letter to my Countrymen Mr. Peterside restated his position, by advocating the replication of the successful Nigeria LNG model in the divestment of asset in the JVs. The JVs should be converted to Incorporated Joint Ventures (IJVs) where the Federation stake is capped at below 50 per cent across all the oil producing JVs, he said. However, the RMAFC, through its spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that there were inherent merits and demerits in the two models being proposed. The Commission argued that revenue inflow into the Federation Account and its timing could change significantly if and when government decided to transit from the JVC to IJVC, noting that the JVs were currently being managed professionally and profitably. Under the JVC arrangement, the Federation receives its share of equity crude, representing 100 per cent revenue, and pays JV cash calls, representing the cost of production. Equity crude received, less JV cash call, is gross profit, which is 100 per cent profit. Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), presently at 85 per cent, will still be paid from the 45 or 40 per cent shares owned by the international oil companies (IOCs), while payment of royalties, as required by law, is common in both models, the Commission said. In the case of IJVs, the Commission explained that equity crude would no longer be received. Equity crude, which is 100 per cent profit, will be lost, as the IJVs will only pay taxes at 65 per cent of operating profit, since the IJV will be registered in Nigeria. The Federation will only receive dividends at the end of the financial year of the IJV companies, commensurate with Federation holding, which will be less than 50 per cent. Interim dividends may or may not be paid during the financial year, it noted. Besides, it pointed out that there was no guarantee the Federation would be receiving dividends regularly as in the JVC, which comes monthly. In the case of IJVs, the Commission said the Federation would no longer make cash call payments, which has always been a burden on the annual Federal budget, as the IJV companies would source for funds to finance their programmes. In view of the advantages and disadvantages highlighted above, and given the sensitive nature of the issue at stake, especially its implications on the nations political economy, the Commission strongly advised that before a final decision is taken on the matter, wider consultations with critical stakeholders should be made to carefully examine the two options before transiting from the JVC to IJV, it advised. South Africas opposition political party, Democratic Alliance (DA), said it would continue to challenge the countrys withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, ICC, in the countrys High Court not minding the dismissal in the Constitutional Court. Mmusi Maimane, the leader of the DA said on Wednesday in Johannesburg that earlier this week, the countrys Constitutional Court dismissed the application by the opposition to have direct access to challenge the countrys withdrawal from ICC. He said the Democratic Alliance had opposed the governments intention to pull out of the ICC and for this reason the party lodged its application with both Constitutional Court and the High Court last month. Mr. Maimane claimed it is unconstitutional for the country to withdraw from the ICC without the parliament debating the matter. The withdrawal would become effective after one year. Many African countries have criticised the ICC for being biased towards Africa. (Xinhua/NAN) Kenya has extended the deadline for the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp, which houses more than 260,000 Somalis, by six months. Joseph Nkaissery, Interior Minister, said on Wednesday in Nairobi that the volatile security situation in Somalia had made it difficult for Kenya to meet the earlier deadline of November. He said in addition to it, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) chief, Filippo Grandi, had also requested Kenya to give more time for the repatriation of the Somali refugees in Dadaab, citing a delicate situation in Somalia and other factors. Kenya is committed to upholding international law in the repatriation process. $10 million will be used in the repatriation, he said. Mr. Nkaissery, however, said the ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted. Dadaab, the worlds largest refugee camp, was set up over 20 years ago to house Somalis fleeing civil conflict. Kenya announced in May that it would close Dadaab and repatriate all the Somalis living in it by November this year, citing security concerns. Repatriation has since been accelerated. Mr. Nkaissery said the government was working together with the UNHCR and the Somali government to conduct a programme to help facilitate smooth repatriation during the extended period. The minister said official data indicated that 262,000 Somali refugees remain in the camp while 16,000 have been repatriated in the last six months. Mr. Nkaissery said all the Somali refugees in Dadaab would be moved out in a humane manner. He denied reports by some human rights groups and aid agencies that refugees were being forced back to Somalia. He explained that some Somali refugees in Dadaab would be moved to third countries, while all non-Somali refugees would be relocated to other UNHCR camps. An environmental rehabilitation programme will be carried out in Dadaab after the camp is closed next year. An estimated 1.1 million people are internally displaced in Somalia due to some two decades of civil conflict, he said. The Kenyan government claims members of Somalia-based Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab hide in Dadaab. Al-Shabaab has carried out a series of bloody attacks in Kenya in the past few years. (Xinhua/NAN) President Tayyip Erdogan could govern Turkey until 2029 with expanded executive powers if proposals by ruling AK Party is approved. Some officials who have seen the latest draft of the proposal said in Ankara on Wednesday that the ruling party planned to take the proposed constitutional change to a referendum next spring. Mr. Erdogan and his supporters had argued that Turkey needed a strong executive presidency, akin to the system in the U.S. or France, to avoid the fragile coalition governments that hampered its development in the past. However, opponents observed the proposed change as a vehicle for Mr. Erdogans ambition. They feared that it would bring increasing authoritarianism to a country already under fire from Western allies over its deteriorating record on rights and freedom. They referred to the widespread purges in the wake of a failed military coup in July. The AKP is aiming to hold a referendum on the issue next spring and is seeking support from the nationalist MHP opposition to win parliamentary approval for such a vote. Under the latest draft presented to the MHP on Tuesday, Mr. Erdogan could assume the position of acting executive president immediately after the referendum, if the changes are approved. A presidential election would then be held, as scheduled, when his term expires in 2019. Under the Constitutions current two-term limit and provided he wins the 2019 election, Mr. Erdogan would be able to rule until 2024 only. But under the proposed executive presidency, the clock would be reset, allowing him another two terms. We have come to a conclusion in our work on constitutional changes and will bring it to the parliament in the coming days. We will continue to seek a base for consensus with the other parties. After that, the decision lies with the people, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told a conference of AKP without giving details. According to two senior officials who have seen the draft, the president would be eligible to serve a maximum of two five-year terms. They said that he would also be able to issue presidential decrees on most executive matters without the need to consult parliament. The officials added that the president would have up to two deputies and would directly appoint the heads of the military and intelligence agencies. They said that he would also be able to appoint university rectors, senior bureaucrats and some top judicial bodies, expanding the powers of the role. (Reuters/NAN) The Ekiti State Government has rebuffed the plan by the Senate to investigate utilisation of bailout funds granted the state to settle salary arrears by the Federal Government. Generally, the Ayo Fayose-governed Ekiti said, Nigerias federal system does not give the Senate the constitutional power to exercise oversight over finances of the states. PREMIUM TIMES understands the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Administration led by Gumel Abubakar (APC-Jigawa), had written some states, including Ekiti, since November 3, telling them its intention to probe how the funds were disbursed. In his letter, Mr. Abubakar told the governors that President Muhammadu Buhari had expressed his worry to the National Assembly on the application of bailouts granted to some states; and consequently, Senate President Bukola Saraki directed his committee to conduct oversight on the disbursement of salary bailouts. Your Excellency, it is based on this directive that the Committee will undertake a tour of all states that have benefited from bailout with the view to oversight records of transactions for the salary bailout grant, the Senate wrote. But Ekiti State, in a November 11 letter received on November 14, faulted the plan by the Senate. The letter was signed by the States Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi. Mr. Ajayi said although Ekiti appreciated the intentions of the federal lawmakers, the government would not open its books to the Senate due to constitutional impediments. The letter read in part: It is incontrovertible that the duty of oversight of governments financial activities by the legislative arm in Nigeria is a constitutional matter and the diligent performance of this duty in a time like this, when our nation is in economic recession, cannot be overemphasised. We therefore appreciate the intentions and aspirations of the National Assembly in the above regard, which, we have no doubt, are aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, financial integrity, accountability and probity of government and its relevant agencies at all levels. However, we respectfully wish to observe that we are constrained, as a state government bound by the principles of federalism and the rule of law, to accede to your proposal to exercise oversight powers over the disbursement of the bailout granted to Ekiti State by the Federal Government because it is legally and constitutionally outside the powers of the Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this regard, we wish to draw your attention to the clear provisions of Sections 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 and 125 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which vests the powers of oversight functions in respect of states finances exclusively in the respective state Houses of Assembly. On April 22, anti-graft agency, ICPC, released a report, detailing how the states diverted the bailout funds. Pressed to comment by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Abubakar, the Senate committee chairman, sent a text, saying he was not in Nigeria and would comment on his return later this week. The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday said that judging by the current activities of the Boko Haram terrorists, 60 per cent of them are not Nigerians. Mr. Buratai, a lieutenant general, said this in Maiduguri when he received the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, at the headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maimalari Cantonment. Your Excellency, I want to bring to your attention that while the Boko Haram (insurgency) can be said to have started in Nigeria, by and large as at today, I can say that almost 60 per cent of the insurgents are from our neighbouring countries. You can see that almost all of the recently surrendered insurgents are not Nigerians. This is a challenge that impacts more on the Nigerian side than the other countries. But by and large, our military is up to the task and we will continue to do our best to ensure that our country is secured, Buratai said. He said that there was no doubt that the terrorists had been defeated but added that troops would continue with their operations until the insurgents finally surrender. The army chief thanked the UN for identifying with Nigeria in its efforts to rout-out the terrorists and solicited additional support from the world body. Speaking earlier, Mr. Chambas said that his visit was an expression of the UNs identification with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and efforts to restore peace to the North-East region. He restated the UNs condemnation of the terrorists group, adding we are behind the Federal Government in its efforts to defeat the terrorists. Mr. Chambas noted that the immediate consequence of the insurgency was the huge humanitarian crisis in the North-East and assured him that the UN had stepped up efforts to address it. He called on the international community and donor agencies to come to the aid of Nigeria in addressing the crisis. He said that Nigeria had always been involved in the UN peacekeeping missions across the world. The UN representative used the occasion to commiserate with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army and families of late Muhammad Abu-Ali, who along with six other soldiers was killed by the insurgents on November 4. He said that their sacrifices and those of others who had died in the course of the war would not be in vain as Nigeria would be supported to win the war. (NAN) Nigeria is still ranked third among the countries in the world that have been worst hit by terror attacks, according to the 2016 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report. The GTI monitored and measured the impacts of terrorism in 163 countries, covering 99.7 per cent of the worlds population. Nigeria had occupied the same position in last years ranking, and was ranked fourth in 2014. For 2016, Nigeria ranked behind Iraq and Afghanistan. Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and India are ranked fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, while Egypt and Libya are in the ninth and 10th position, in the latest ranking. The report, released on Wednesday by the Institute for Economics and Peace, however indicates a 34 per cent decline in the number of people killed by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, in 2015 in Nigeria. The total number of people killed by Boko Haram in 2015 was 4,095, down from the 6,136 in 2014, said the report which attributed the decline to the operation of the Nigerian military and the Joint Task Force in the north-east of the country. According to the report, Nigeria also had a reduction in the number of people killed by Fulani militants (herdsmen). There were 630 fewer deaths by these militias in 2015, a decrease of 50 per cent, the report said. This, according to the report, contributed to the overall 10 per cent drop in the number of deaths caused by terrorism globally. In fact, the report says Iraq and Nigeria had the largest reduction on deaths from terrorism from 2014 to 2015. The gains made against Boko Haram by the Nigerian military, however became the pains of the countrys neighbours Niger and Cameroon as the terrorist group spilled over and created more deaths in the two countries than previously recorded. Niger recorded a devastating year with 11 terrorism deaths in 2014 rising to 649 in 2015. This is the largest proportional increase of any country and is due to the expansion of Boko Haram, the report said. Niger is now 16th in the latest ranking, compared to the 51st position it occupied in last year. The deteriorating terrorism attacks in Cameroon also moved it from 20th position it was in 2015 to 14th in 2016. ISIL, the Islamic militant group in Iraq, has now overtaken Boko Haram as the deadliest terrorist group in 2015, the report said. The report said, Despite the decrease in deaths from terrorism, Nigeria still experienced a high rate of violent deaths. In addition to terrorism victims, there were at least 4,422 battle-related deaths from the conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian Government in 2015, down from 8,233 in 2014. The report said on the average, Boko Haram killed 11 people per attack in Nigeria, and that the attacks were mainly targeted at civilians. Four out of five deaths from terrorism in Nigeria are civilians, it said. This is one of the highest targeting of civilians anywhere in the world. Whilst the majority of fatalities were caused by armed assaults with firearms and knives, there has been an increase in the use of bombings and explosions, a tactic Boko Haram has been increasingly using after receiving explosives training from al-Shabaab. In 2013, Boko Haram conducted 35 bombings which killed 107 people. In 2015 there were 156 bombings that killed 1,638. Nearly two thirds of the bombings in 2015 were suicide bombings, which on average killed ten people per attack, the report said. Out of 20 most fatal terrorist attacks in the world in 2015, according to the report, four occurred on the Nigerian soil, with Boko Haram being responsible for three. Fulani militants were responsible for one where 95 people were killed in a single attack on March 15, 2015. According to the report, the worst terrorist attack in Nigeria occurred on September 13, 2015 when Boko Haram killed 160 villagers in Kukuwa-Gari village by gunfire or drowning. A total of 174 people were killed in the attack, the report said. The report put the global economic impact of terrorism at US$89.6 billion in 2015. Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to developing economies such as Nigeria is directly affected by terrorist attacks, it said. Unlike ISIL, Boko Haram does not have a sophisticated financing structure, says the report. The primary revenue source for Boko Haram is kidnapping, ransom and extortion. The group is also said to rely on bank robberies, illegal mining, external donations, and drugs for its income which is said to be up to $25 million, annually. The report put the total number of people killed in Nigeria by Boko Haram at 17,097 since 2000. The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has obviously achieved some successes in its war against terrorism, but the Boko Haram sect hasnt been defeated yet, as repeatedly claimed by the Nigerian authorities. The report explains the methodology used in developing the terrorism index. The GTI ranks 163 countries based on four indicators weighted over five years. The GTI score for a country in a given year is a based on a unique scoring system to account for the relative impact of incidents in the year. The four factors counted in each countrys yearly score, are: Total number of terrorist incidents in a given year Total number of fatalities caused by terrorists in a given year Total number of injuries caused by terrorists in a given year A measure of the total property damage from terrorist incidents in a given year. A former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, who has for 9 years been involved in intense legal battle to avoid conviction for charges of corruption, formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress on Wednesday. Mr. Kalu was received by the partys National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, in the presence of other members of the National Working Committee at its Wuse 2, Abuja headquarters. The politician cum businessman said he buckled under pressure from his associates to join APC and help build the party in Nigeria, and in the South East. Mr. Kalu left the Progressives Peoples Alliance for the APC. He had quietly exited the Peoples Democratic Party in the build up to the 2015 general elections to vie for a Senate seat on the platform of the PPA, which he founded in 2006. Earlier, Mr. Kalu dumped PPA for PDP in a bid to contest the Abia North Senatorial seat, which he lost in 2011. Mr. Kalu first left the PDP to found PPA in 2006, using the platform to contest the 2007 presidential election, and helped Theodore Orji and Ikedi Ohakim to be governors of Abia and Imo states respectively. With his latest defection, this time to the ruling APC, Mr. Kalu has joined the list of politicians standing trial for corruption, who have joined the ruling party after it gained federal power last year. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission re-arraigned the former Abia State Governor, Mr. Kalu, before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on 34 counts of money laundering to the tune of N3.2 billion on October 31. Mr. Kalu, who served as governor between 1999 and 2007, was first arraigned in 2007 on a 96-count charge of money laundering. After a lengthy legal battle, the Supreme Court, in 2016, ordered him to stand trial. In the amended charge, the EFCC alleged that Mr. Kalu and other accused persons had, between August 7, 2001, and December 2005, (while Mr. Kalu was the governor of Abia State), used the said money to procure Slok Nigeria Limited, a company EFCC said solely belongs to Mr. Kalu and his family. Mr. Kalus category of defectors to the APC includes Joshua Dariye, fugitive Senator and former Governor of Plateau State, who fled the United Kingdom in 2004 after he was arrested for money laundering. Mr. Dariye is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, having been accused of siphoning the states ecological fund to the tune of N1.16 billion. Like Mr. Kalu, for 9 years, Mr. Dariyes was delayed until February 2015 when the Supreme Court affirmed the competence of an Abuja high court to try him. Others in the category are a former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, being tried by the EFCC over allegations of fraud; and former Governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, who benefitted from illicit cash flow, having admitted to receiving N100 million from the detained former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. The two persons Messrs. Orji and Ohakim that Mr. Kalu supported to become governors later dumped PPA for PDP. The Abia State University, while Mr. Orji was the visitor to the school in 2013, withdrew Mr. Kalus certificate saying he breached the schools regulations. In the papers he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest the 2015 senatorial election, he used his WASSCE certificate, PREMIUM TIMES can report. Six persons were killed in an attack by suspected cattle rustlers in Kukoki community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The councils chairman, Mark Jagaba, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Minna that the attack lasted for about four hours. He said that four Fulanis and two Gbagyis were killed while several women and children were injured. He said that members of the community reported that the suspects, numbering about 50 and armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the community at about 7.00 a.m. shooting sporadically. Mr. Jagaba said the cattle rustlers stole over 700 cattle and undisclosed number of goats and sheep before fleeing the community. He said the attack came barely three weeks after nine people were killed in a similar incident in Kurebe and Kwaki Chukuba wards of Shiroro Local Government Area. He said that normalcy had since returned to the area. The chairman appealed to security agencies in the state to assist a vigilante group in the area to curtail cattle rustlers and indiscriminate killings of innocent lives. Confirming the attack, Bala Elkana, the Police Public Relations Officer, said that two suspects had been arrested while efforts were on to apprehend the others. He said the command was yet to ascertain the actual number of cattle rustled by the attackers. He said that the police had beefed up security within the community and its environs. He said the police anti-cattle rustling team is searching the forest through which the invaders escaped. (NAN) The House of Representatives on Tuesday began adding amendments to the National Television Authority Act, 1977, that will help make the state-run broadcaster 21st-century compliant. The bill for the amendment of the NTA Act was read for the first time at the plenary on Tuesday afternoon. Its sponsor, Victor Kolade (APC-Lagos), said his amendment will make it possible for NTA to integrate digital broadcasting. Mr. Victor also said the bill will aid NTA in its revenue generating capacity. NTA will be able to generate good revenues through granting concessions, licenses, adverts, privileges and other rights, Mr. Kolade said. The bill was unanimously supported by lawmakers who allowed it to proceed to second reading. Tributes have continued to pour in for the late former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki. Mr. Dasuki died Monday night at a private hospital in Abuja, after a protracted illness. Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State in a condolence messaged described the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto as a pioneer reformist who deployed his wide knowledge of Islam and vast experience as a technocrat to make profound impact on his family, community and the nation at large. In a message of condolence issued Tuesday in Sokoto by his spokesperson Imam Imam, Mr. Tambuwal said at every stage of his life, Mr. Dasuki gave his all to ensure communal harmony and educational development of the citizenry. The history of local government reform in Nigeria will not be complete without the mention of the important role Sultan Dasuki and his colleagues played in giving the country the present structure we are enjoying at the third tier of government. For the eight years Dasuki spent on the throne as Sultan of Sokoto, he gave priority attention to the educational development of our people by promoting adult and women literacy in all parts of Sokoto. He equally paid attention to the revitalization of religious education especially among Imams of various mosques in the Caliphate, he said. On his part, a renowned Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, described late Mr. Dasuki as a reformist, progressive and goodhearted person. Mr. Gumi spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Kaduna shortly after the death of the late Sultan. We have lost a father. The nation has lost a father figure and one of the last few standing pillars of an ending era. His concerns were genuine; his advice were candid and true; humble in triumph and magnanimous in trials. The first Sultan without concubines and who shakes the hands of his subjects and abhor to be bowed unto, Mr. Gumi said. Also, the Gwandu Emirate Council in Kebbi described the late Mr. Dasuki as a great Nigerian who worked for the unity of the country. The Waziri of Gwandu, Abdullahi Umar, said in an interview with NAN on Tuesday said the deceased had also worked tirelessly to unite the northern traditional institutions. He said Mr, Dasuki had offered selfless service to Nigeria and worked for peaceful coexistence across the country, even after he was deposed as the Sultan in 1996. The Wazirin Gwandu said Mr. Dasuki played enviable role in the emergence of modern local government administration, establishment of commercial banks among others. The former Sultan was a bridge builder who strived hard to unite the traditional institutions as well as ensure peaceful coexistence. He never relented in giving advice and support to leaders on the unity of the country even after he was removed as the Sultan in 1996, he said. Also on Tuesday, a senior counsellor in the Sultanate Council of Sokoto, Hassan Danbaba, described the late 18th Sultan of Sokoto as a pious and committed leader. Mr. Danbaba, who is also the Magajin Garin Sokoto, said the late Dasuki was a peace lover and a peace maker in Nigeria and beyond. He had worked meritoriously to ensure national development and cohesion. His death is a great loss not only to his family, Sokoto State, but Nigeria as a whole. In his reaction, the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wamakko, currently a senator, described Mr. Dasuki as a gentleman who lived a life of total service to humanity. He was a man of God and a man of peace, Mr. Wamakko, who represents Sokoto Central Senatorial District, said. Another senior counsellor in the Sultanate and Galadiman Gari, Aliyu Attahiru, said the death of Mr. Dasuki was a great loss to his family, the Muslim Ummah and the entire nation. Mr. Dasuki was buried on Tuesday. He was deposed as Sultan in 1996 during the military regime of late Sani Abacha. Prior to becoming Sultan, he held the traditional title of Baraden Sokoto and was the first Sultan from the Buhari lineage of the descendants of Uthman Dan Fodio. He was born on December 31, 1923 and was a close associate of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, and a friend of the late Islamic scholar, Abubakar Gumi. The late Sultan was influential in the founding of Jamaatul Nasril Islam. A 24-year-old unemployed man, Blessing Agboola, was on Wednesday remanded in Kirikiri Prisons by an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court, for allegedly raping a 3-year-old girl. The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, remanded Mr. Agboola in prison after he pleaded guilty for raping the minor. Mr. Elias adjourned the case to December 5 for sentencing. The accused, who resides at Odutola St., Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos, was charged for defilement. The Prosecutor, Rafael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on October 28 at the accused residence. Mr. Donny, a police sergeant, said that the accused raped a 3-year-old daughter of his neighbour in his room. It was the cry of the baby that alerted her mother and caught the accused in the act, he said. He said that the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN) Denmarks Minister Counsellor in Nigeria, Jacob Erikstrup, on Wednesday said his government and some Danish companies planned to support Nigeria in boosting her local milk production. He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that in spite of the large importation of milk produce from Demark to Nigeria, local production of milk needed to be increased in Nigeria. Mr. Erikstrup said that Danish Company, Arla Foods, had, therefore, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture to increase local milk production in the country. As a way of encouraging local milk production in Nigeria and other West African countries, a Danish Company Arla Foods has introduced `The Milking Way to Development to Nigerias Ministry of Agriculture. The Milking Way to Development is a programme aimed at making Nigerian local farmers become better milk producers for local consumption and even for export. We are actually looking at the possibility of seeing more Nigerians produce more themselves even if there will still be importation from Denmark, NAN quotes him as saying. The Minister Counsellor said that it was imperative for Nigerian local milk producing farmers to produce more milk for the increasing Nigerian population and market. He said that with the increasing Nigerias population, more local production of milk was needed to be able to satisfy the peoples high demand for milk. Erikstrup said that while Nigeria was currently importing thousands and thousands of milk produce from Denmark, Nigerian local farmers were still producing less milk for local consumption. Nigeria currently imports thousands and thousands of tonnes of dairy products from Denmark, while less tonnes of milk are being produced in Nigeria. We need to know that Nigeria has an increasing population that would also continue to lead to a high demand for milk. Nigeria still needs to import milk produce for quite some years ahead but, it all depends on how quick she can make the transformation of her agriculture sector a reality, he said. (NAN) The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, is working to set up a website to handle complaints from its students, staff and clients, the institutions Vice-Chancellor, Abdalla Adamu, has said. Mr. Adamu made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the institutions Service Chapter and Complaints Policy. The Service Charter was produced by SERVICOM Unit, Office of the Vice-Chancellor. SERVICOM is a Service Compact Agreement between the Federal Government including all its organs and the Nigerian people. According to Mr. Adamu, the website, NOUNsupport.com will take complaints meant for the vice-chancellor. On the left side of the website will be-talk to my vice-chancellor-for my complaints. On the other side will be-rate my centrefor issues concerning our study centres. We have to strengthen our SERVICOM interface with our students; we will include a SERVICOM link in the website where the unit can receive complaints, he said. The VC said that NOUN would create a module where non-teaching staff would be evaluated to avoid friction between them and teaching staff. He urged participants at the 4th Quarter 2016 NUC Parastatal Servicom Committee meeting being hosted by NOUN to work out modalities on how to carry academic staff on board. Mr. Adamu stressed the need to incorporate more professors into SERVICOM so that there would be fewer issues between the service provider and the service receiver. It is an ethical principal to report to work at a particular time but an academic has a laptop which is his office. How do we solve this problem? All these are issues the meeting should discuss, he said. In her remark, Nnenna Akajemeli, Acting Coordinator, SERVICOM Office, Presidency, said that NOUNs Service Charter was a document that would serve as a guide to all customers. She said the document has the two sides of SERVICOMservice provider and service taker. Ms. Akajemeli said that it was the duty of the service provider to ensure that citizens get excellent service. The coordinator said that NOUNs SERVICE Charter contained implementable standards. (NAN) The Benin Division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment the duo of Aigbe Joseph (alias Anthony Styler Malan) and Igbinosa Osazee (alias Albert Lim). The duo were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate charges of possession of fraudulent document containing false claims. Upon their arraignment, the convicts pleaded not guilty to the charge, but later changed their plea to guilty, a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said. Justice O. O. Tokodo consequently convicted and sentenced them to two years imprisonment each without an option of fine effective from the day of their arrest. The judge also ordered that the two laptop computers used in committing the crime be forfeited to the Federal Government and that after serving their sentences, the convicts should write an undertaking at the EFCC South- South zonal office, Port Harcourt, to be of good behaviour. Messrs. Joseph and Osazee were arrested in Benin City, Edo State on August 27, 2015 following intelligence report of their involvement in internet scams. Laptop computers and phones were recovered from their homes during a search by EFCC operatives. The charge against Osazee reads, Igbinosa Osazee alias Albert Lim on or about the 27th of August 2015 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court had in your possession documents containing a false pretence and representation to wit: fraudulent mails found in your laptop, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act. The charge against Joseph reads, that you Aigbe A. Joseph, sometime in 2015 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did with intent to defraud attempt to obtain the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars from Savita Shamsunder as Anthony Styler Malan, that the money is for your tax clearance for a construction job in France, facts which you knew or ought to know are false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) and read together with Section 9 (2) both of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday amended its 27-count charge against lawyer Rickey Tarfa before Justice A. A. Akintoye of an Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos. The anti-graft agency re-arraigned Mr. Tarfa on a reduced 26 counts charge bordering on the same offences it preferred against him on March 10. Before his plea was taken, Mr. Tarfas lawyer, Abiodun Owonikoko, objected to the reading of the amended charge on the ground that it will overreach the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos. Mr. Owonikoko argued that the Court of Appeal will on January 19 hear the appeal filed against the ruling of the high court. He submitted that the amended charge raised constitutional issues that an accused person should not be charged twice for the same offence. Mr. Owonikoko, a senior advocate of Nigeria, argued that the amended charge is a violation of Section 39(9) of the Constitution which prohibits a prosecutor from arraigning a defendant twice for the same offence. But, in his response, EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo argued that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) allows the prosecution to amend a charge at any time before judgment is given. He urged the court not to allow the defence delay the trial. In a bench ruling, Justice Akintoye dismissed Mr. Tarfas objection adding that there was nothing wrong with the amended charge. She ordered the registrar to read the amended charge to the defendant. Mr. Tarfa, a senior advocate of Nigeria, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Subsequently, the court adjourned the case till November 28 for continuation of trial. In March, the anti-graft agency accused Mr. Tarfa of wilful obstruction of its authorised officers, refusal to declare asset, making false information and offering gratification to a public official. It alleged, among others, that the lawyer offered N5.3 million gratification to Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, in order to compromise the judge. The commission said that Mr. Tarfa transferred the money in several tranches to Justice Nganjiwa between June 27, 2012 and December 23, 2014. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today secured the conviction of two former First Bank staff, Mukhtar Tofa and Yusuf Tafida, before Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court Kano on one count charge of financial malpractice. The convicts were arraigned by the EFCC on February 7, 2014 alongside one Ibrahim Nagero who upon arraignment pleaded guilty and was immediately convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment. The convicts alongside one Aminu Magashi who was discharged and acquitted on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the one count charge preferred against them. The convicts ordeal started when their employer wrote a petition to EFCC that the first defendant, Nagero, obtained a loan facility in the sum of N36 million by forging the signature of his father and three of their staff, Mukhtar Ali Tofa, Yusuf Tafida and Aminu A. Magashi. Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the three first bank staff processed the loan without due diligence which is an offence contrary to section to section 15(2)(a) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act Cap F2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 16(1)(a) of the same Act. In Wednesdays judgment, Justice Riman found the evidence of the prosecution witnesses credible and held that the prosecution had proved the ingredients of the charge against the third and fourth defendants, Messrs. Tofa and Tafida beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted them. The fifth defendant, Magashi was discharged and acquitted because, according to Riman, the prosecution failed to prove the case against him. The two convicts were sentenced to one year imprisonment with option of N200,000 fine. No fewer than 600 residents of Otodo Gbame, a predominantly Egun waterfront community in Lekki, on Tuesday protested the destruction of their homes by hoodlums, and policemen, alleged to be working with the state government. The protesters, who marched from the Toll Gate area of Ketu to the Lagos State governors office in Alausa, were asking Akinwunmi Ambode, the state governor, to stop the relentless intimidation by the police and hoodlums they said were hired by Elegushi family, a Yoruba Chieftaincy family. The residents, who claimed to have lost all their possessions, said they want justice for their destroyed home. They also demand that they be allowed back to homes, which they have since been evicted from, to commence the rebuilding of their lives. In the wee hours of November 9, gang of boys linked to the Elegushi family, attacked residents of Otodo Gbame, a small fishing settlement of mainly bamboo and houses on stilt along the Lagos lagoon, just outside highbrow Lekki Phase 1. Residents said they invited policemen from nearby Ilasan police station to intervene in the fracas but they were shocked that when the policem arrived they soon joined the hoodlums and started pulling down and setting fire to their homes. Interestingly, the incident occurred a day after the ruling of a Lagos State High Court stopping Mr Ambode, who had vowed to demolish all waterfront communities in the state, from going ahead with his threat. The protesters, including the physical challenged and children, said they wanted Mr Ambode to intervene, stop the alleged unrelenting police intimidation, and return them to their charred home, which have been razed to the ground. Protesters started arriving Toll Gate about a few minutes to 9 a.m. The first group to arrive were a delegation from the waterfront communities in Port Harcourt, River State. They said they had travelled all night to join the protest in solidarity with the residents of Otodo Gbame. The reason we feel it is important for us to join this Lagos slum-dwellers in this peaceful protest today is because on July 19, we had the same eviction threat where the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, posed a threat of demolishing our homes, it was a very big challenge to us at the time, Lagos people came to Port Harcourt and joined us in the peaceful demonstration and by the special grace of God we were listened to and our homes still remain till now and we think it is very important for us to join them to show solidarity, said Barika Nwideezua, one of the 14-person delegation from Port Harcourt. Another group of protesters from Oke Iranla, an Egun waterfront community in Ajah, arrived in three 22-setter commercial buses, popularly called Faka. The group comprising mostly women and their children, wore crowns made with grasses and painted their faces in traditional dye and charcoal. Armed with sticks, old rubber kegs and aluminium trays, they immediately broke into protest songs and chants. After about 30 minutes of dancing and at the Toll Gate bus stop, they were joined by resident of Otodo Gbame, who arrived late. They claimed as they were about leaving for the protest, police officers arrived, chasing and harassing people who had nowhere to go and were still staying back among the ash and charred corrugated iron sheet that used to be their homes. Whistles blaring, protest songs on their lips, the protesters trooped along the Mobolaji Johnson Avenue towards Alausa, causing serious traffic gridlock along the road. They gathered outside the governors office, singing and chanting and asking the governor to save their families, businesses and homes. Police officers stationed at the governors office stopped them from entering the premises but did not interrupt the protesters. Tales of woes A middle-aged woman who gave her name simply as Talabi, with the three figurines held around her waist by a lappa, said she lost her property in the morning of November 9 as police and hoodlums attacked the community. The cloth I have on is now my only possession, she said. The governor should look upon us with pity. Our lives have been shattered, she cried. The resident said they had never seen where the police behaved so irresponsibly. They said the police did not only take sides, but were setting fire to their houses under the supervision of the state commissioner of police, Fatai Owoseni. The police were the ones burning the houses. If you want to settle dispute between two people you shouldnt add more to the problem. The policemen are from the state government. Fatai Owoseni, the commissioner of police was on ground, said Areomi Oladipupo. We had normal disagreement in the society, The Elegushi boys and the Egun boys were fighting. Anybody can fight anytime. But the police should settle the dispute not to burn the houses themselves. We have evidence. The police commissioner was on ground when his boys, the policemen, were burning the houses. Is that the way to settle dispute? Is that the way to solve our problems? After burning our houses, where were we suppose to stay with our kids and wives? he asked. The schools, the churches and mosques have been burned down. People are dying. Is demolition the solution? What we want is for government to sit down with us and upgrade our slums. They know how to come to the slum to get votes. We also pay land use charges to the government, he added. Abdulraman Sani, another resident, said he lost everything he owned in the incident. He said several children drowned in the confusion that occurred on the night of the demolition The police gave them (hoodlums) torchlight, they broke into our homes and stole all our possessions. We lost laptops, flat screen televisions, money, and foodstuff. Our children were terrified. About ten of them drowned in the water that night. Many of them are still missing. Christianah Sotun, a fishmonger, similarly said she and many residents having nowhere to go now sleep in their fishing canoes in open water. They came to demolish our homes. People died, including children and women. I lost my house, all my cloths and everything I own. We have nowhere to sleep. At night, we sleep in our canoes floating in the Lagoon, she said. Joseph Donald, 22, a third-generation resident of the community, said the Elegushi family cannot claim ownership of the land where Otodo Gbame was located. We have been staying the community for over 70 years. I was born in the community. My father told me he was also born in the community. We have a right to the land because we have stayed there for more than 20 years. In fact, even the Oba Elegushi is not the owner of the land., he said. The Federal Government has described the proposed strike by university lecturers, ASUU, as unconstitutional. The governments stance was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. The government, however, also appealed to ASUU to rescind its decision to embark on the one week warning strike from November 16. Mr. Ngige urged ASUU to shelve the strike to make room to address contending issues. Mr. Ngige, via a statement issued by Samuel Olowokere, Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry, said shelving the strike would ensure wider consultation. The claims of nationwide consultations by ASUU cannot be true as the Ministry of Labour and Employment which is the chief conciliator of industrial relations disputes is yet to receive a direct petition from ASUU. This is against the Federal Government who is the jurisdictional employer, he said. He emphasised the need for a proper re-negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement which ASUU reached with the previous administration through a clear channel of social dialogue. He said channel of dialogue would consist of the immediate employer, the Ministry of Education, and the Labour Ministry. Mr. Ngige explained that in view of the prevailing circumstances, the issuance of warning strike by union was unconstitutional. The body is yet to exhaust the conflict resolution mechanisms clearly mapped out in the labour laws, he added. (NAN) The Nigerian police said they have foiled a plan by some suspected kidnappers to abduct a popular businessman, Femi Otedola. The police in a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesman, Don Awunah, said they arrested three members of a notorious gang which had planned to abduct Mr. Otedola, and demand N1 billion to release him. The police said the suspects were arrested on June 23 through coordinated intelligence gathering and deployment of technical investigative tools that spanned several weeks. The police gave the name of the principal suspect as Ikechukwu Daniel, a 28 years old indigene of Imo State said to have been rusticated from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 2010 because of cult related activities. Mr. Daniel, said to have mastery of computer applications, confessed to his past criminal exploits in the south west of the country, the police said. The police also mentioned a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Adeyemi Kayode, as being among the arrested suspects. Mr. Kayode, 29, until his arrest, was serving as a Personal Assistant to the Commandant, NSCDC in the Oyo State Command, the police said. The suspect (Mr. Kayode) took undue advantage of his office to obtain the GSM number and location of their would-be victim. He hatched the plan on how to kidnap the business magnate to make a demand of one billion naira ransom. The police said the third suspect, Ayodele Temitayo, from Ibadan, Oyo State, who is the marksman and armourer of the gang, claimed to have been dismissed in 2015 from 213 Battalion Maiduguri of Nigeria Army as a Private. All the suspects made confessional statements revealing that they had successfully carried out several high profile kidnappings and two AK47 rifles loaded with live ammunition were recovered from them, the statement said. While efforts are currently being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and extend investigation to their other criminal enterprise, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris wishes to restate the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to clamp down on all criminal activities across the country and reassures law abiding citizens that criminal elements would be eventually apprehended and charged to court. The IGP urges Nigerians to avail the Police with relevant information that will help in the crusade against crime, as such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality, the police said. The trial of Sambo Dasuki and others was adjourned till December 7 for further hearing following a concession agreed upon by all the counsel concerned. The trial which came up at an FCT High Court, Maitama, before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf could not go on. However, all counsel had a chambers meeting with the judge and agreed on the date. All the defendants were in court except Mr. Dasuki. Mr. Dasukis father, the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, died on Monday and was buried on Tuesday. The younger Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned before Justice Baba-Yusuf by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 19-count charge bordering on diversion of about N13.6 billion. He is being tried alongside Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC Executive Director. Also being tried were two firms, Acacia Holding Ltd. and Reliance Referral Hospital Ltd. In a second case, Bashir Yuguda is the first defendant while Mr. Dasuki is the second. Others are Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, Dalhatu Investment Ltd., Sagir Attahiru and Attahiru Bafaarawa, former governor of Sokoto State. They were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, and abuse of office and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N28.315 million. At the last sitting, the trial was streamlined by the court following the movement of the two case files to one. The two cases were pending before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, and Justice Peter Affen. At the previous sitting, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Mr. Dasuki, had prayed the court to consolidate the two cases against his client. Mr. Daudu sought for an order directing the prosecution to amend charge No. FCT/HC/CR/43/ 2015 pending before Mr. Baba-Yusuf, to include the counts in suit No. FCT/HC/CR/43/2015, before Mr. Affen. He said that his prayer was pursuant to sections 6(6)(a), 35(5) and (9) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and sections 1(1); 208; 396(3); 401and 492(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC, also said that the movement was to facilitate the quick trial of the case if the files could be in one court. At the last sitting, the two cases were brought to Mr. Baba-Yusufs court. Absence at burial Speaking to reporters at the end of the court session, Ahmed Raji, another counsel to Mr. Dasuki, said the federal governments claim that it offered the former NSA an opportunity to attend his fathers burial was improper. PREMIUM TIMES had reported the governments offer and Mr. Dasukis refusal. Mr. Raji said the purported offer was doubtful because none of his clients lawyers was contacted on the issue. As his counsel, we are not aware of that offer. Our client has not told us anything of that nature. We would have expected that if such a gesture was going to be made to him we as his counsel should have been involved so that we can advise him properly. As I am speaking to you, I am hearing of this for the first time. Mr. Raji said there was no basis for the continued detention of Dasuki by government having been granted bail by three different high courts in Abuja in the charges against him as well as the order of the ECOWAS court for his unconditional release in the case for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to freedom of liberty. He said Dasuki has been granted three bails and one outright judgement for his release by the ECOWAS court which is binding in honour of Nigeria. A former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, on Wednesday said he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress to help diffuse tensions that the party is an ethnic or religious contraption. Mr. Kalu sent ripples through the countrys political atmosphere when he disclosed Wednesday afternoon that hed cross-carpeted to the APC since Sunday. He announced his move to the APC hours after resigning from the Progressive Peoples Alliance, a party he established in 2006 and had funded since then. If they see us in this place, they will know that that APC is not an ethnic or religious party, Mr. Kalu said in a press briefing to announce the move. The former governor admitted that the APC will be a tough sell in the South East, but expressed optimism that it will eventually be accepted after intense lobbying of those that matter in the region. It is something that we need to be explaining to the Catholic bishops, Anglican bishops, the Pentecostal churches and the rest of them, Mr. Kalu said. Mr. Kalu said he represented an asset to the APC because his move to the party had seen no fewer than 4,000 residents of Abia State join it within the last few days, a crowd he said included two serving federal lawmakers. Between Sunday when I registered at Igbere and now, there are 4,000 new members already registered with the APC in Abia without making it open, Mr. Kalu said. there are two members of the House of Representatives who are there right now that are joining the APC. Mr. Kalu stated that he deliberately delayed his move to the APC in order to deprive his political detractors of any ground to launch attacks against him. If I had joined at the early times when they were forming the government, it would have appeared as if I want to be part of that process, Mr. Kalu said. This is the right time to join. Mr. Kalu said his move to the APC was the result of several months of negotiation with the partys executives, a discussion he said was going on at the same time as when the PDP national leaders were lobbying him. The politician said he had no intention of running for office but only to serve as a loyal and unifying figure within the APC. I am not going to run for any office for now. I am going to be a very good party man, Mr. Kalu said. But if the party find me worthy to do anything, I will do it. Mr. Kalus move to the APC came two weeks after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission re-arraigned him for corruption he allegedly perpetrated while he was governor of Abia between 1999-2003. But the former governor appeared to pre-empt speculation that may arise from his decision to join the APC. I am sure that you know that nobody can pocket me in Nigeria or make me say what I dont want to say or do what I dont want to do, he said. The Federal Government has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) bordering on mutual assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced persons and an extradition treaty with the Government of the Republic of Italy. Salihu Isah, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, revealed this in a press statement issued Wednesday in Abuja. Mr. Isah disclosed in the release that the minister signed the pact in Rome, the Italian capital on behalf of the Federal Government while the Italian Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, signed on behalf of his home country. He explained that the signing of the agreement was part of the outcome of the AGFs official visit to Italy last week, going by the treaty document. According to Mr. Malamis spokesman, the pact was a demonstration of the determination to improve the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, including crimes related to terrorism and tracing. He stressed that other areas include restraint, forfeiture or confiscation of assets for financing of terrorism and also the proceeds and instruments of crime, through cooperation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. On the Extradition Treaty, each of the participating nations, upon a request is expected to extradite to the other, any person who is in his territory and is wanted by the Requesting State for the purpose of carrying out criminal proceedings or executing a final custodial sentence or any other measure restrictive of personal liberty issued against such person It added that, the two countries also reached another agreement to promote effective cooperation on the transfer of sentenced persons for the purpose of facilitating their rehabilitation and social reintegration. To recall, the AGF had on August 4th, 2016 hosted a meeting of an Italian delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Paolo Gentlioni Silveri, in Abuja as part of preparatory steps towards enhancing cooperation on justice reforms between the two nations. Mr. Malami, who is also the President of the 4th Assembly of State Parties of the International Anticorruption Academy, IACA, presided over the Assembly of State Parties, AoP, at the Vienna International Conference Centre, Vienna, Austria between November 10 and 11, 2016. The AGFs media aide concluded that while declaring the 5th Assembly of State Parties opened, the minister reiterated the determination of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buharis administration to fight corruption in all its ramifications. He also pleaded for more support of all member states in coming out with creative and workable ideas in that direction. A former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Wednesday shared his experiences while in detention after he was arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud. Mr. Fani-Kayode was released from detention in Kuje Prisons last Monday, after he was granted bail by a high court. The former minister is facing multiple charges of money laundering in federal courts in Abuja and Lagos. He says the allegations are spurious and politically-motivated. I am innocent of all the charges and allegations and as I have said elsewhere the whole thing is an attempt by the Federal Government and an increasingly desperate EFCC that is obsessed with my name and putting me away to discredit, break and silence me, Mr. Fani-Kayode said. Mr. Fani-Kayode was first arrested by the EFCC in May and detained till July before he was arraigned before a federal judge in Lagos and then granted bail. On October 21, he was re-arrested after a court appearance in Lagos. Throughout the time of the second detention I was kept in a dingy underground cell at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja where I met a number of other high profile opposition figures like Senator Bala Mohammed, the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the former Minister of State for Defence and Mr. Reuben Abati, the former spokesman to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Fani-Kayode said. During the course of my 21 day incarceration my abductors did not ask me any questions or say one word to me other than to formally serve me with a new set of fresh criminal charges the morning after I got there which I simply signed for. After that I heard nothing from them and I was told nothing though I had daily visits to the medical clinic at the EFCC due to my deteriorating health. On November 10, Mr. Fani-Kayode was, again, arraigned before a federal judge in Abuja on fresh charges of allegedly receiving N26 million from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. Thankfully I was granted bail by the court and I was detained at Kuje prison for a further 4 days whilst I attempted to perfect my bail, Mr. Fani-Kayode said. At Kuje I was kept in the terrorist wing of the prison which was built by the British government specifically for Boko Haram convicts and suspects. There were 47 of them in the facility and I was with them throughout. These were tough, disciplined, hardened, surprisingly well-educated and intimidating men. The single cells and the entire terrorist section of the prison was pervaded by an eerie silence throughout the night and low tone whispers throughout the day. The only thing that broke the monotony of silence was the regular and constant call to Muslim prayers and the loud and regular cries of Allahu Akbar. This was a frightful place and those that were locked up there were very dangerous and frightful people yet thankfully the Lord went ahead of me. The single cells, though small, were clean, self-contained, well-ventilated, dry and very neat. The inmates were surprisingly very kind and friendly towards me and turned out to be my best friends and bodyguards whenever I toured the other parts of the prison. I was very impressed with them and when I heard their stories and what some of them had been subjected to by the security forces and the state tears came to my eyes. Most of those men were not Boko Haram killers but had been falsely accused, tortured and just dumped into prison and I felt nothing but pain and sorrow when I heard their stories. Mr. Fani-Kayode also said he paid a visit, during his time in prison, to co-detainee and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The former minister described Mr. Kanu as a great and brilliant freedom fighter. I had never met Nnamdi before and I was amazed at his depth of knowledge, his immense courage and his deep convictions, Mr. Fani-Kayode said. There is no doubt in my mind that that man is going places and in him the Igbo have an Ojukwu and a Nnamdi Azikiwe all rolled into one. He is destined for greatness. My Boko Haram friends accompanied me to that meeting, drew a ten man security cordon around me when we entered the general population of the prison and waited outside as Nnamdi and I spoke for almost three hours. They even accompanied me to Church on Sunday and waited outside until we finished. Given what I have written about Boko Haram in the past and given my total aversion to any form of violence, terrorism and radical Islam, this was a classic case of God granting me favour before my enemies. Everyone dreaded them in that prison but I am proud to say that they were my friends and I will never forget their courage, kindness and fellowship for the rest of my life. The Federal High Court Kano presided over by Justice Fatu Riman has convicted and sentenced one Yakubu Na-Allah, a senior lawyer to four years imprisonment without option of fine for offences of money laundering to the tune of N50 million. The convict was arraigned by the EFCC on 14 January, 2013 on a two-count charge of money laundering. Upon arraignment, Mr. Na-Allah pleaded not guilty and subsequently trial commenced on June 26, 2013 in which the prosecution called seven witnesses and tendered fifteen exhibits. On February 1, 2013 the properties of the convict were attached by the EFCC following an interim forfeiture order issued by the same court. Mr. Na-Allahs journey to prison started when the commission received a petition that the 68-year-old Kano Lawyer, allegedly duped two of his clients to the tune of N50 million part of the money recovered for his client in a case they filed against Ministry of Solid Minerals where the convict represented them. The petition alleged that the convict after winning the case and the sum of N90 million recovered, gave his client only N30 million and converted the rest of the money to his personal use. However, investigation by the EFCC revealed that the convict used part of the proceeds to acquire a palatial mansion in Sharada area of Kano. In his judgment, Justice Riman ruled that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted Mr. Na-Allah. The prosecution counsel, M.S Abubakar urged the court to consider the forfeiture of properties acquired by the convict with the proceed of his crime. Justice Riman sentenced the convict to serve two years imprisonment on each of the two count charge and also ordered that the attached property of the convict worth N50 million at the time it was purchased be forfeited to the Federal Government. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he convict will only spend a maximum two years in jail. Cholera outbreak seems imminent in Owerri, following the channeling of the sewage pipe containing faeces and urine from the Nigerian Prison into the public drainage system. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the smell from the sewage produces very offensive odour around Okigwe Road/Wethderal Roundabout, Owerri axis, where traders sell fruits, bread, foods, and other consumables. Investigation conducted revealed that the ugly occurrence had lasted for more than eight months but its impact was being felt now with the dry season. The Nigerian Prisons Service is close to the Government House, St. Lazarus Catholic Church and a four-star hotel at the heart of Owerri. In his reaction, James Madugba, the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Prisons Service, Owerri command, said that it channelled the mess into the public drainage due to the collapse of its existing facility. The NPS, Imo State command is aware of the problem. We channelled the sewage pipe into the drainage because our facility collapsed and we do not have any other option. We have this issue of overstretching of our facilities by the inmates population (which) resulted in the breakdown of the available facilities, he said. Mr. Madugba disclosed that the prison, which was constructed in 1904 with 500 inmate capacity, now accommodates more than 2,300 inmates. He said following the pressure, the facilities could no longer serve the inmates, adding that the truck which the command used in evacuating the faeces had also broken down. Mr. Madugba said that already the management had awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the soak away pits serving the inmates and the NPS command. He assured that in a matter of weeks, the project would be completed and the problem would be a thing of the past. When contacted, the Imo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Udo Agoha, denied any knowledge of the problem. Mr. Agoha, however, assured that a team would be sent to the place to investigate the report. Two petty traders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they perceived the offensive odour from the sewage daily. They said that they had to operate around the roundabout because they lacked the funds to rent and relocate to another place for business. (NAN) The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday disclosed that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was worried about the defection of some of its members ahead of the November 26 governorship election. He also assured that President Muhammadu Buhari will attend the grand finale of the partys campaign on Saturday. Mr. Okorocha, Chairman of the APC Governors Forum, told journalists in Akure that the disagreements within the party would not affect the support for its candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu. In a vague reference to the defection of Olusola Oke to Alliance for Democracy, AD, as well as other aggrieved members within the party, Mr. Okorocha said the party was not jittery in the face of the weaknesses. Mr. Oke left the APC for AD after he contested the results of the September 3 governorship primary without success. With the PDP bugged down by a lingering legal battle for its governorship ticket, Mr. Okes AD stands as the major challenger of the towering APCs popularity. His campaign flag off on Monday in Akure witnessed the biggest crowd so far in the series of rallies held by the parties, but the APC accused him of going to rent a crowd to fill the campaign ground. Some members of the APC also defected to the Social Democratic Party last week to join forces with Olu Agunloye who is now positioned as a fourth force in the contest for the Alagbaka seat. We are not jittery, but we are concerned, Mr. Okorocha said. We are not happy that we are losing some of our illustrious sons of APC but I will call on them to please make haste and come back. He noted that the grievances were caused by poor communication, stating that with the right communication in place, matters would be resolved amicably. According to him, all the APC governors were united in support of Mr. Akeredolus candidature, and there was no crack in their ranks. Everybody is still with him; Bola Tinubu is still with him, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Oyo governors are with him, he said. The problem is that like in all families, we have communication gap. We are all together and by the grace of God, Ondo State will be APC compliant. He also said he was in Ondo State to ensure that the APC candidate received all the votes from the Igbo community. Igbos will support him (Akeredolu) not because he is our in-law, but because he is a good man, Mr. Okorocha said. The PDP and AD candidates are strong but I know we will win. The Imo State governor said the emergence of Mr. Akeredolu as the flagbearer of the party was based on the trust reposed in him by the people of the state. We are just here to support our incoming colleague , let me correct one impression, all APC governors met and have resolved to support our candidate , there is no division in our family, and APC is still one, he said. That is why the father of APC, President Muhammadu Buhari will be coming on Saturday, and will address the people of the state to clear air on those who doubt the unity of our party. We are united. What brought us together is not interest to acquire power, it is the interest to bring the necessary change for economy emancipation of our great nation. So, I am here to inform you that I came and Aketi has been chosen by all of us and we are solidly behind him, we are unshakably behind him. We looked carefully and we did not force anyone to give us a candidate, we want the people to choose who they want and Akeredolu is as a result of that exercise. Akeredolu was never imposed by anybody, no party leader gave him any money, no party leader gave him anything , we allowed Akeredolu to come here and test his popularity but the people have spoken and since the people have spoken and given him to us, it is now our responsibility to support him and give him success. The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday witnessed a short drama as a war of words ensued between the panel of three judges, led by Ibrahim Salauwa, and Beluolisah Nwofor, counsel to Biyi Poroye, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State. The court was hearing a suit in the intra-party fight for the governorship ticket of the PDP in the state. The drama started when Mr. Nwofor asked the court to stay proceedings, in view of information that the Supreme Court had assumed jurisdiction over all appeals in respect of the November 26 election. The Supreme Court, in a letter dated November 14 and signed by the Head/Receiving Unit, Mohammad Ndayako, confirmed that all appeals in respect of the Ondo State PDP matters were before it. The judges were however irked by the tone of Mr. Nwofor in making his submissions, prompting the leader of the panel to shout on him to sit down. Respect is mutual, I was given two minutes and it has not expired so I cant sit down an infuriated Mr. Nwofor responded. Does the bench have the right to shout at the bar? A short rowdy session ensued, until the judges called a short break. When the proceedings resumed, the court struck out an application by Jimoh Ibrahim, the flag bearer of the PDP under the Ali Modu Sheriff faction, who had asked to be joined in an appeal filed by his rival to the PDP ticket, Eyitayo Jegede of the Ahmed Markarfi faction. The court at the last sitting had also thrown out an application by Mr. Ibrahim. The latest application was thrown out, however, when his counsel, Jadegoke Badejo, told the court he had decided to withdraw from the matter, which he lamented had turned rowdy. Mr. Badejo asked for an adjournment to enable him return the case file to his client in view of his withdrawal. Counsel to Mr. Jegede, Wole Olanipekun, objected to Mr. Badejos application for adjournment, saying Mr. Badejos withdrawal needed not force an adjournment. The Senior counsel withdrew for a party on record and not party seeking to be joined. A party who is not on record cannot hold the court to ransom on an application, Mr. Olanipekun submitted. However, Mr. Nwofor, counsel to Mr. Poroye argued that it was not Mr. Badejo who had brought the application, but Mr. Ibrahim. He said Mr. Ibrahim should therefore be allowed to brief another counsel. The court panel subsequently struck out Mr. Badejos application for adjournment. Then Mr. Nwofor moved his application again urging the court to hands off the matters, since the motion to stay proceedings had been filed before the Supreme Court. He said the Court of Appeal was bound by judicial precedents to allow the apex court hear the matter. But Mr. Olanipekun objected to the application. He said that it was lacking in merit. We are opposing the application because it falls flat on its own without an affidavit, he said. Does the Court of Appeal have the power to remove an appeal from the cause list and should the court now hands off it? Mr. Nwofor responded that the court could not entertain the matter until the motion was taken by the Supreme Court. Justice Saulawa adjourned ruling on Mr. Nwofors application to a date to be communicated to the parties. Mr. Ibrahim is a respondent in various applications brought before the Appeal Court by Mr. Jegede. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which originally listed Mr. Jegede as the PDP candidate, had replaced him with Mr. Ibrahim based on an October 14 judgement delivered by Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court. Following his substitution, Mr. Jegede approached the appeal court seeking to upturn the ruling of the Federal High Court and to force INEC to restore him as the PDP candidate. The Osun State House of Assembly has resolved to press the federal government to revive projects worth over N20.318 billion abandoned in the state. At its plenary on Tuesday presided over by the deputy Speaker, Akintunde Adegboye, the House agreed to write Governor Rauf Aregbesola to speak with the presidency over the projects. On its part, the House agreed to make representation to the National Assembly. The decision of the House followed an alarm by Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the member representing Obokun Constituency, over the deplorable state of federal roads, water schemes and housing projects in the state. Following the alarm, the House invited officials of the relevant federal agencies in the state and state government ministries who disclosed the costs of the affected projects as N16.519 billion for roads, N2.955 billion for housing and N844.342 million for water schemes. The abandoned projects include the dualisation of Mayfair Junction-Lagere-Iremo-Enuwa-Ilesha bye pass road in Ile-Ife (22km), Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo S/B Road (46km), rehabilitation of Oshogbo-Ilesha road (27km), rehabilitation of Oyan Township pipeline and Iwo Township Water Supply Scheme. Mr. Oyintiloye noted that Osun was among states that had the fewest federal projects, and that even the few had been abandoned. He said the projects should be revived to compliment the efforts of the state government for job creation, good road network, clean water and improved revenue. Contributing to the deliberation, Kamardeen Akanbi, member representing Ede North constituency, said the Akoda-Ede-Airport-Osogbo road was also in a deplorable condition. In his response to issues raised by the members, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Wasiu Atitebi said contractors handling some of the federal road projects abandoned the sites because they were being owed. He however noted that the federal government recently remobilised some of the contractors and that efforts were being made to ensure that work resumed on the rest. Mr. Atitebi named the Gbongan-Iwo road, Ogbomosho/Oko/Ilobu/Ifon/Osogbo road and Osogbo-Ilesa road as some of the projects on which works have resumed. He added that the contractor handling the construction of bridge over River Erinle in Ilie had also been remobilised but had not returned to site because he applied for augmentation and was waiting for approval. Also responding, the representative of Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Isaac Ayodele, said the agency submitted an estimate of N6 billion for the maintenance of about 20 roads in the state, but that only two of these roads were eventually captured in the 2016 budget. He said the agency was however making efforts to ensure that the roads not captured in the budget as capital projects were attended to by direct labour. The representative of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), Adekunle Ogunnubi, said a majority of the water projects under the purview of the authority were constituency projects facilitated by federal lawmakers. He said lack of capacity to continue with some of the water projects propelled the authority to transfer them to the state government. The representative of Osun Water Corporation, Odejide Asafa, confirmed that OORBDA had abandoned some of the water projects to the state government. Mr. Asafa said that state officials and OORBDA often disagreed on the level of work on some of the water projects, lamenting that some of the projects had not served the purpose of giving people clean water. "Democratically chosen authorities should be respected because their source lies in the will of the citizens", President Andrzej Duda said in Strasbourg on Wednesday, addressing the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers' Deputies. The Polish president was at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg in connection with the 25th anniversary of Poland's membership in the organisation. "What conclusively opened the way to Poland's membership were truly free parliamentary elections in October 1991. Setting such a condition, the Council of Europe rightly confirmed that the foundation and strength of democracy lies in giving society the possibility of expressing its will in an unrestricted act of election", President Duda said. He underlined that the power of the act of election lay in the fact that society could change who was in power. "That is why such democratically chosen authorities should be respected. Their source lies in the will of the citizens, the sole sovereign in a democratic system", he said. Speaking about the greatest threats to the contemporary world, President Andrzej Duda mentioned terrorism, imperialism, exploitation and nihilism. He pointed out that today's world was also struggling with a new form of conflict whose source lay in international terrorism. "It is characterised by an asymmetry of means - the enemy pursues political goals mainly by killing or terrorising innocent people", he said. The world is also struggling with exploitation, which is assuming new forms, undermining an elementary sense of justice and destroying human dignity, often consolidating poverty and suffering in the process, according to the Polish president. "Worse still, today's societies are feeling the effects of an axiological crisis more and more acutely - the erosion of norms and values on which social relations were founded until now", Andrzej Duda continued, adding that he thought the crisis of nihilism applied especially to Europe. The fundamental condition of peace is "the absolute primacy of international law in relations between countries", the president also remarked, adding that all countries had to be obligated to equally comply with international law. "In particular, this applies to the principle of political sovereignty and territorial integrity. We cannot allow the victory of those who use politics of force and aggression to try to return to a system based on spheres of influence", Andrzej Duda underlined. Peace based on international law and civil liberties has to include respect as a universal pillar of all relations among people, solidarity being a special expression of such respect, according to the Polish president, who added that the principle of solidarity was especially dear to Poles. Andrzej Duda also underlined the need to rebuild communities, especially "the European community which today struggles with a growing threat of divisions". "My country has been and will continue to be an active advocate of European unity. The times when Europe was plunged in internal rivalry never did us any good. We are a beneficiary of European unity, which is why we cannot imagine Europe without Poland or Poland without Europe", the president said. Before meeting with the Committee of Ministers' Deputies, President Duda spoke with Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjoern Jagland. In Strasbourg the Polish president also donated a copy of Polish workers' 21 demands from August 1980, when the Solidarity trade union was emerging, for the permanent exhibition at the Council of Europe headquarters. The demands are a symbol "of Poland's return to Europe through Solidarity - a great idea that I would like to see inspiring not only us but also the whole European community", Andrzej Duda said. The Solidarity trade union was one of the elements in Poland's transformation into a prosperous, fully sovereign, free and independent country, the president continued, adding that "in a sense, we are still effecting those changes". Joining the Council of Europe was a sign of freedom, of Poland's return to European culture, to Western countries, but above all to democratic, free countries, according to Andrzej Duda. "After 1989 freedom returned to Poland. The Council of Europe de facto recognised Poland as a free and democratic country once truly general, free and equal, and thus democratic elections to the Polish parliament were held", the president also said. The Solidarity trade union and its aspirations to freedom and democracy had a strong impact on the historic process of building a united Europe, Jagland said after his meeting with Andrzej Duda, adding that today Poland was an active and respected member of the Council of Europe. President Duda's visit to Strasbourg concluded with a meeting with President of the European Court of Human Rights Guido Raimondi. (PAP) Longport got Sustainable Jerseys 2016 Creativity and Innovation Award Tuesday for enacting the states first single-use bag-fee ordinance. The borough requires stores to charge a 10-cent per single-use bag fee for plastic or paper bags. The stores keep the funds, so it is not a tax, said Longport Mayor Nick M. Russo. Longport was the only southeastern New Jersey community honored Tues-day with a municipal award at the groups annual luncheon during the N.J. State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. The additional fees true purpose is to raise awareness and encourage the public to bring a reusable bag, Russo said. He said Longport finds plastic bags washing up on its beaches, jamming its beach rakes and clogging its storm drains. We know that they can have a devastating impact on marine wildlife, he said. Russo said he hopes all 565 New Jersey municipalities will enact something similar. Other towns winning awards were Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County; Ewing Township, Mercer County; Bordentown City, Burlington County; Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County; Monroe Township, Gloucester County; and Maplewood Township, Millburn Township and South Orange Village in Essex County. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP More than 1,000 South Jersey families can thank ShopRite and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey Southern Branch for their access to fresh milk this Thanksgiving. For the first time, ShopRite and the Community FoodBank participated in Feeding Americas The Great American Milk Drive initiative. A delivery of 1,200 gallons of milk, which was the first installment of a total of 6,300 gallons, was made by ShopRite Tuesday to the Community FoodBank here. We are able to do 1,200 gallons for the first installment to get the Community FoodBank through Thanksgiving, and the rest of the installments will come through the next few months, said Amanda Fischer, director of business relations, Village Super Market Inc., one of ShopRites owners. There will be another milk donation from ShopRite to the Community FoodBank sometime before Christmas, said Colette Walsh Kraus, food sourcing coordinator, Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Throughout last month, customers at ShopRite stores in Absecon, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton, Marmora, Rio Grande, Somers Point and Vineland made a donation at checkout so the supermarket could afford to donate the milk to the Community FoodBank. Milk is one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks, meaning children in need often miss out on the essential nutrients that milk supplies. We have the highest child-poverty rate in the state. Cape May County is at 23 percent. Atlantic County is at 21 percent. Cumberland is at 21 percent, said Kraus, adding the Community FoodBank serves all three counties. People are generous with canned and dry goods, but milk is harder to donate because it is perishable. Its been a challenge for Feeding America to meet the demand for milk due to the lack of donations. The milk will begin to be dispersed Wednesday to the more than 300 partner charities the Community FoodBank serves. The milk has a sell-by date of Nov. 29. A free housing-resource fair will be held Friday in Cape May Court House for county residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey will host the fair, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Atlantic Cape Community Colleges Cape May County Campus, 341 Court House-South Dennis Road. Housing counseling agencies, charities, developers, nonprofit organizations and representatives from state and local government agencies will be on hand to answer questions from residents still feeling the impact of the 2012 storm. Theres still people out there who need help, said Nina Arce, the networks communications coordinator. Theres people who arent home yet. The network is a statewide association of more than 250 nonprofit organizations that supports creating affordable housing and revitalizing distressed neighborhoods, according to its website. Arce said the organization has been hosting resource fairs in all the coastal counties affected by Sandy. Residents will be able to meet one-on-one with representatives from the organizations at the fair. Theres a lot of resources out there, she said. Some people are just so overwhelmed they dont know where to go first. Residents with questions about the fair can call 609-393-3752 or email info@hcdnnj.org. ATLANTIC CITY Buses, tractors, ambulances and solar-powered streetlights lined the aisles of the Atlantic City Convention Center for the 101st New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference on Tuesday. The goal of the conference is to help municipal officials from across the state address their problems back home. Over the next few days, at various seminars and lunches with other officials, theyll talk about issues such as paving, budgeting, cutting utility costs and keeping local businesses from leaving. The conference, which continues through Thursday, features mayors and other leaders from all over New Jersey, as well as vendors with potential solutions to their woes. We have a couple different problems at home, said Matt DiLauri, the first-term mayor of Boonton Township, Morris County. This is a great opportunity to talk to vendors and learn new things. DiLauri said a sidewalk project in his town has been stalled. He was at the conference Tuesday talking to an engineering vendor about a possible solution. State takeover designee Chiesa meets Atlantic City officials ATLANTIC CITY A glimpse of the citys future was visible for 70 seconds Tuesday before dis Greg Basile, the public works manager in West Cape May, said he came to the conference to look at equipment such as solar-powered parking lot lights, but everyone who is there is there for one thing. Its all about the education, he said. Also at the conference Tuesday was state Local Government Services Director Tim Cunningham, who was given governing powers over Atlantic City after the Department of Community Affairs rejected the citys recovery plan earlier this month. Speaking to a full conference room, Cunningham described the problems the city faces and said the takeover proves New Jersey stands by its municipalities. A loud, collective gasp came from the room when Cunningham told the crowd that Atlantic Citys ratable base has dropped nearly $14 billion since 2011. What happened in Atlantic City can happen anywhere, he said. Former state Attorney General and U.S. Sen. Jeffrey Chiesa will lead the states efforts to reshape the citys financial picture. The beleaguered state of the city did not seem to deter people from coming to the conference. Thousands roamed the floor of the convention center Tuesday afternoon talking to vendors. Reid Goldstein, selling a Crystal Wave atmospheric water generator, gave presentations to several mayors, explaining how his device takes the humidity out of the air and purifies the water. The generator can help areas struggling with lead or other contaminants in drinking water, Goldstein said. Dilauri, standing near the engineering vendor, said he was glad to see so many other officials at the conference looking to improve their hometowns. It takes people who are willing to work hard, he said. Trump Taj Mahal closing drives gaming revenue down ATLANTIC CITY Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resorts Oct. 10 closing drove down monthly revenues ATLANTIC CITY With the 2016 presidential election in the rearview mirror, New Jerseys mayors have turned their focus to the 2017 gubernatorial election, when voters will choose Gov. Chris Christies successor. Six mayors representing urban areas gathered at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference on Wednesday to discuss what they would like to see in a new governor and how he or she can help people who are living and struggling in cities across the state. The elephant in the room, and throughout the entire conference, has been the states decision to take over Atlantic Citys government. Mayor Don Guardian addressed that and other issues during a speech at The Governors Race and the Urban Agenda seminar. Former governor says Atlantic City takeover 40 years overdue ATLANTIC CITY Increased state oversight of Atlantic City is something that should have hap We need a governor that wont take over Atlantic City, but rather one that will lend us a helping hand, Guardian said during his speech. I talk to 10 business leaders and developers every single week, and all they tell me is they cant afford to do business in New Jersey. Another local mayor, Albert Kelly, of Bridgeton, said hes frustrated because he feels towns like his get forgotten with the current administration. He said Bridgeton has lost state funding for various programs. Because were a smaller town in New Jersey, we often get overlooked, he said. Kelly said he has been in contact with three food companies recently to try and get them to relocate and bring jobs to the town. A major issue that kept coming up during the presentation was education. Several of the mayors, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, argued that the funding for public schools and after school programs is insufficient. We have a school to prison pipeline instead of a school to career pipeline, he said of some urban schools. The mayors also agreed that the prime recruiting time for gangs is during after-school hours when kids dont have programs to take advantage of to further their educations. We spend $50 billion a year on the war on drugs, Paterson Mayor Jose Torres said. We cannot arrest our way out of this problem. UPDATE: Kaitlyn George was found safe as of Wednesday morning, university police said. Shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday, university police got confirmation that the Houston Police Department located George, alone and OK, at a fast food restaurant in Houston. On Nov. 11, George was seen on security video entering a Greyhound bus station in Baltimore, and got on a bus that was headed toward Norfolk, Virginia. Originally posted Nov. 14: Police are still searching for a 21-year-old student from southern Ocean County who went missing from the University of Maryland Thursday, university police said Sunday night. Kaitlyn George, who is from Toms River, was reported missing to the University of Maryland Police Department around 6:36 p.m. Thursday, according to a statement from police. University police said in the statement that George was supposed to meet a friend at Eppley Recreation Center, the gymnasium on the campus, around 5 p.m. to go hiking. When George didn't show up, the friend went to the police station to report her missing, police said. George was last seen by her roommates leaving her dorm building, Allegany Hall, after 4 p.m. with a black and white camping backpack and pink canvas bag. University of Maryland police released a timeline of what the investigation has revealed so far. Security video footage shows George leaving Allegany Hall around 4:42 p.m. Thursday. Around 4:34 p.m., a white taxi cab was seen entering the campus via the South Gate. Police believe George entered a white taxi cab at 4:44 p.m. in front of another dorm building, Annapolis Hall, by herself and on her own accord, the statement from police said. Police said after investigators interviewed the taxi driver, they believe George was dropped off in front of a marina in the Federal Hill section of Baltimore, about 30 miles from the College Park campus. UMPD met with Baltimore City Police Department and reviewed security footage of the marina area, which showed George getting into an SUV, on her own accord and by herself, the statement said. Police said a witness confirmed seeing George Friday morning around 8:40 a.m. on a Charm City Circulator bus. UPDATE: Photo of missing UMD student, Kaitlyn George leaving Allegany Hall on 11/10/16, at approx. 4:42 p.m. https://t.co/xTDlVYlRMf pic.twitter.com/Pmc6cMX011 UMD Police Dept. (@UMPD) November 11, 2016 George is described as 5-foot-3-inches, about 121 pounds, with hazel eyes and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing black leggings, a green, long sleeved jacket, and bright colored mid-calf socks. We have no reason to suspect foul play in this case, University of Maryland Police said in a statement. Our team of investigators will continue to work on this case until we have located Kaitlyn and have verified that she is okay. Anyone who has information about Georges whereabouts should call the University of Maryland Police Department at 301-405-3555. New Jersey and the nation have made great strides toward public acceptance of breastfeeding as the evidence for its benefits has mounted. Theres still a little further to go, and a proposal in the state Legislature would help. Sponsored by Assembly members Bob Andrzejczak, D-Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, the bill would extend civil-rights protections to nursing mothers. Frankly, some of those protections probably arent needed, such as from discrimination in housing or borrowing. But the broad approach wouldnt hurt and would provide needed support for women nursing toddlers and those nursing or pumping milk at small businesses. Federal data shows nursing infants need less sick care, fewer prescriptions and less time in the hospital. Breastfeeding strengthens a babys immunity, lessens the chance of future obesity and supports development. No wonder New Jersey has seen a jump in mothers who have breastfed at some point, from 72 percent in 2010 to 82 percent this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But heres the less encouraging number: Fewer than 53 percent sustained breastfeeding through the first six months. Thats an important benchmark, since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a babys life. Since the benefits of breastfeeding keep accumulating for years longer, the academy urges mothers to continue through the first year and beyond. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years and older. Current state and federal protections, although strong, dont extend to nursing babies beyond 12 months. And while they provide workplace protections, these dont apply to businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Thats a lot of businesses. The Assembly bill, which cleared its Labor Committee last month, and an identical Senate bill would cover those gaps in existing law. It would also require employers to give nursing mothers time and a private place (and not just a stall in a bathroom) to feed babies or pump milk. It would not expressly permit women to bring children to work to be breastfed. These extensions of protections seem reasonable in light of the benefits of extended nursing. The Legislature should pass the bills and the governor should sign them soon to bring these benefits to more children. 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. LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowered latencies bring greater speed advantage to traders in the location BSO, the global Ethernet network, cloud and hosting provider, has significantly lowered network latencies in / out of Dubai. At the time of writing, BSO's network offers the lowest latencies on the market. London <> Dubai - 93ms RTD <> - RTD Frankfurt <> Dubai - 92ms RTD <> - RTD Mumbai <> Dubai - 27ms RTD <> - RTD Singapore <> Dubai - 74ms RTD <> - RTD Chicago <> Dubai - 164ms RTD This advancement is the latest in a series of network optimisations strengthening BSO's position as the network provider of choice for organisations connecting into the Middle East and Asia. This development also reinforces BSO's partnership with DGCX - Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange. DGCX continues to grow as a globally strategic trading location, with the exchange reporting growth of 43% during its most recent company statement. Many of DGCX's products are in high demand due to volatility in global markets and a resurgence of gold as an investment safe haven. DGCX today accounts for 36% of the global exchange traded market share in the Indian rupee. The exchange recently entered into an agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to list Shanghai Gold Futures on its exchange. It will be the first yuan-denominated gold future product to be offered outside of China and it will use the Shanghai Gold Benchmark Price as its pricing mechanism. "High Frequency Traders and algorithmic traders will benefit immensely from our new latencies," says Michael Ourabah, CEO at BSO. "Dubai and DGCX are extremely popular marketplaces for the international financial community and we are constantly refining our network to ensure our customers are always one step ahead of competitors." This news coincides with BSO's sponsorship and attendance at FOW Trading GCC where the team are available to discuss this announcement. Please email hello@bsonetwork.com to arrange a meeting at the event. About BSO BSO is the Ethernet network, cloud and hosting provider of choice for global businesses wanting superior technology infrastructure and connectivity to the world's most dynamic marketplaces. The company pioneers technology across emerging and established markets, designing solutions that offer the highest availability and lowest latency in the industry. Headquartered in London, BSO's global network reaches every continent and spans 20 countries with 91 data centre locations. BSO is redefining connectivity through best-in-class services, global knowledge base and a unique approach to the customer experience. The company continually strives to innovate and invest in its own services to ensure its solutions evolve in parallel with the finance community. For more information, please visit http://www.bsonetwork.com. Follow BSO on Twitter and LinkedIn. SOURCE BSO Partnership enhances mobile banking security through VeridiumID and its biometric 4 Fingers TouchlessID BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The innovative Dutch mobile-only bank bunq and leader in biometrics-based authentication solutions Veridium announce their partnership to provide customers with the most secure mobile banking experience. bunq's banking app will now use VeridiumID and its groundbreaking hand recognition software, 4 Fingers TouchlessID (4 Fingers). With their collaboration, Veridium and bunq present a world first in the financial sector to address consumers' need for fast, easy-to-use and safe mobile banking. By capturing all four fingerprints at once, 4 Fingers has a higher level of precision and reliability for authentication than other biometrics such as face, voice or a single fingerprint. Ali Niknam, CEO and Founder of bunq: "Our commitment to giving people control over their money again requires the latest technology and biometric authentication solutions. With 4 Fingers we guarantee an easy-to-use and safe banking experience in which users have access to real-time data." "I believe bunq's banking platform is a market disruptor and we are delighted that bunq selected our biometric authentication solution to play such a critical function," says Todd Shollenbarger, COO of Veridium. "VeridiumID is flexible, secure and extendable, allowing bunq to scale to millions of users across Europe as it continues to expand its country coverage." About Veridium Veridium is a leading provider of end-to-end biometric authentication designed to safeguard enterprises' most critical assets. Powered by an unmatched legacy of biometrics R&D, Veridium solutions help organizations to increase security, reduce fraud, and cut the costs associated with passwords and traditional multi-factor authentication solutions. Veridium has offices in Boston and New York, U.S.; Oxford and London, U.K.; Houten, Netherlands; and Bucharest and Timisoara, Romania. For additional information, please visit www.veridiumID.com. About bunq Bunq is thought leader in developing new ways of banking. Opening an account is free for individuals. Business customers only pay per use. Bunq is the first greenfield bank in over 35 years and commits itself to giving people control over their money again. For more information, please visit www.bunq.com. SOURCE Veridium PEORIA, Illinois, November 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT/Euronext: CATR) informs its stockholders that today, in accordance with Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 1 Form 4 (the report on Form 4 being a statement of beneficial ownership of its officers, directors and 10% owners) was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In addition, on November 14, 2016, 3 Forms 4 were filed with the SEC. Caterpillar files electronically with the SEC required reports on Form 8-K, Form 10-Q, Form 10-K and Form 11-K; proxy materials; ownership reports for insiders as required by Section 16(a) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and registration statements on Forms S-3 and S-8, as necessary; and other forms or reports, as required. All of the forms and reports filed electronically with the SEC are available on the SEC Internet site (www.sec.gov ). Caterpillar also maintains an Internet site (www.Caterpillar.com) and copies of its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished with the SEC are available free of charge through Caterpillar's Internet site (www.Caterpillar.com/secfilings ) as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant document has been filed with the SEC. CONTACT: Rachel Potts, Corporate Public Affairs, +1-309-675-6892 This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire. SOURCE Caterpillar Inc. DUBLIN, Nov 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "The Future of Europe Gasoline Supply and Demand, 2005-2025: Trends, Drivers, Challenges and Forecasts of Gasoline Production and Consumption under Current Market Dynamics" report to their offering. Europe Gasoline Outlook report provides detailed analysis and forecast of Gasoline consumption patterns and supply scenario in all key Gasoline markets in Europe. Forecasts of production and demand of each of the Gasoline markets in Europe are provided annually from 2005 to 2025. Drivers and challenges of industry growth in each of the Europe countries are analyzed. Further, information on current refining capacity, refining complexity along with planned refining infrastructure details are also provided in the Europe Gasoline outlook report. Historic data is taken largely from government ministries and companies involved, ensuring highest accuracy of the data. Further, forecasts are made through our sophisticated methodology considering current market conditions and future prospects. Gasoline Forecasts for each market are evaluated by in-house experts and also validated by industry professionals to ensure utmost accuracy and certainty. The research work also provides information on leading refining companies in each country along with business profiles of three leading Gasoline suppliers in the region. All latest industry developments in Europe Gasoline are also provided in the report. Key Topics Covered: 1. Tables & Figures 2 Executive Summary 3 Albania LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 4 Austria LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 5 Azerbaijan LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 6 Belarus LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 7 Belgium LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 7 Belgium LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 8 Croatia LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 9 Czech Republic LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 10 Denmark LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 11 France LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 12 Germany LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 13 Greece LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 14 Hungary LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 15 Italy LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 16 Netherlands LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 17 Norway LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 18 Poland LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 19 Portugal LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 20 Romania LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 21 Russia LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 22 Spain LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 23 Sweden LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 24 Switzerland LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 25 Turkey LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 26 Ukraine LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2026 27 United Kingdom LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 28 Uzbekistan LPG Production and Consumption Outlook to 2025 29 Business Profiles of Leading Refiners 30 Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/s86m3x/the_future_of 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 SANTA CLARA, California, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Finesse Solutions, Inc., a manufacturer of measurement and control solutions for life sciences process applications, is pleased to announce the dates and topics for CellWorld 2017, a Finesse-sponsored event designed for innovators, visionaries and senior executives in bioprocessing. This invitation-only conference will be held April 25-26, 2017 at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. It will be a forum for life sciences leaders to discuss the future of biosimilar manufacturing and learn about both disruptive technologies and best practices for continuous processing and personalized medicine. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161028/433995LOGO "We are very excited to host our second international forum in Silicon Valley and discuss the challenges and advances in areas such as CAR-T, applications of CRISPR/CAS9 and gene editing to personalized medicine, continuous processing, and mass production of biosimilars in BRIC countries," said Dr. Barbara Paldus, CEO of Finesse Solutions. "Our goal is to provide a unique venue for senior leadership in our industry to explore innovation and technology in cutting edge bioprocessing applications." Invited speakers will cover advances in both upstream and downstream single-use bioprocessing with a focus on modular automation and data harmonization and analytics as well as small-volume bioproduction for immunotherapy. CellWorld sessions will include the introduction of new tools for end-to-end continuous processing from labscale through manufacturing, including the Finesse G4 automation platform, and the SmartFactory that minimizes the required size of new manufacturing plants while efficiently using available capacity. "To quote the iconic Steve Jobs: 'The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.'" said Dr. Paldus. "It is our hope with CellWorld to bring the community together and foster discussions that will not only accelerate change but introduce new concepts to our industry." About Finesse Solutions, Inc. California-based Finesse Solutions, Inc. has a proven record in providing turnkey, scalable solutions for single-use upstream bioprocessing. The Finesse product platform includes novel disposable sensors, modular automation hardware, and intelligent software that can harmonize data and technology transfer globally. Finesse also offers a complete set of services, including commissioning and validation, for the rapid and reliable deployment of single-use equipment. For more information, visit www.finesse.com. Related Links http://www.finesse.com SOURCE Finesse Solutions, Inc. DRESDEN, Germany, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Germany, S.E. Kyung Soo Lee, and the Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Stanislaw Tillich, are opening the 8th German-Korean ADeKo Conference in Dresden with a festive reception. From November 16-to-18, top researchers, industry, and political representatives will meet at the International Congress Center Dresden's "Engineering for our Future" to strengthen collaboration in economy and science. South Korean and German research and industry representatives have also announced the signing of a cooperation agreement. This bi-national summit of the Alumni Network Germany-Korea (ADeKo) ranks among the most significant events to bolster collaboration between South Korea and Germany. Up until now, the summit was held in Seoul, the Capital of South Korea, and this year, the State Capital Dresden will be the first German city to host this high-caliber event. Organizers expect more than 300 guests from both countries to attend. "Germany is one of South Korea's most important trade and economic partners in Europe", the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Korea, Kyung Soo Lee, says. "Between 1962 and 2015, Germany's investments in South Korea totaled $12 billion (USD), which makes the Federal Republic of Germany the 3rd largest investor in South Korea. I am delighted that entrepreneurs and scientists of South Korea and Dresden are taking up this tradition and expanding their collaboration, at the renowned ADeKo-Conference," the ambassador Kyung Soo Lee says. Read full press release: http://datas.weichertmehner.com/adeko.pdf Contact: State Capital Dresden, Kai Schulz, spokesman, +49(0)351-4882390, presse@dresden.de WeichertMehner (Agency), Mathias Rentsch, +49(0)351-50140200, dmg@weichertmehner.com . SOURCE State Capital Dresden ALBANY, New York, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Market Research has released a new market report titled "Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Market by Application (Solvent, Rubber Processing Chemicals, Surfactants, Insecticides, and Others) for Marine, Building & Construction, Automotive, Crop Protection, and Other End Users - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016-2024." According to the report, the global methyl isobutyl ketone market was valued at US$ 827.4 Mn in 2015 and is estimated to reach US$ 1,572.3 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2016 and 2024. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) is one of the excellent solvent. It is a solvent used for many synthetic resins including vinyl copolymers, cellulosics, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies and alkyds. It is widely used in solids surface coatings, as it is a mixture of high solvent activity. MIBK is used as a solvent for coatings, adhesives, and inks. It is also used in the manufacture of fungicides, pharmaceuticals, germicides, and electroplating solutions. Growth in the automotive industry at the global level has led to increase in the consumption of solvents for surface coatings and rubber processing chemicals. Increasing demand for MIBK in the automotive industry worldwide is expected to fuel the MIBK market during the forecast period. Environmental and health hazards are inhibiting the growth of the market for MIBK. As MIBK can form explosive peroxides upon exposure to air, while spilling during transport and storage. This can cause environment related issues. Browse Latest Research Report with ToC: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/methyl-isobutyl-ketone.html Currently, Asia Pacific leads the global MIBK market. It is followed by North America and Europe. Increasing consumption of MIBK in automotive and crop-protection industries in China, India, and ASEAN is expected to drive the demand for MIBK-based applications in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. China is the leading consumer of MIBK in Asia Pacific, especially in the antiozonants application. MIBK production and demand would continue to increase in Asia Pacific region during forecast period In terms of volume, Asia Pacific was the dominant region in the Methyl Isobutyl Ketone market; it accounted for more than 27% share in 2015. North America consists of developed countries and mature markets. Therefore, the MIBK market in the region is expected to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period. Middle East & Africa is estimated to provide lucrative opportunities for the MIBK market owing to the rise in commercial infrastructure development activities. Key players operating in the methyl isobutyl ketone market include The Dow Chemical Company, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Kumho P&B, Lee Chang Yung Chemical, Celanese Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and Others. Get Industry Research Report Sample for more Professional and Technical Industry Insights: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1310 The report segments the global Methyl Isobutyl Ketone market as follows: Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Market: Application Analysis Solvent Automotive & Marine Coatings Construction Coatings Wood Coatings Rubber Chemicals Surfactants Insecticides Others Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Market: End-User Analysis Marine Building & Construction Automotive Crop Protection Others Methyl Isobutyl Ketone Market: Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe France U.K. Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCC Egypt South Africa Rest of MEA & (MEA) Browse Research PR: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/methyl-isobutyl-ketone.htm Browse Other Research Reports: Methyl Ethyl Ketone Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/methyl-ethyl-ketone.html Global Solvents Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/solvents-market.html About TMR Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's 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 Transparency Market Research State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/ SOURCE Transparency Market Research Known for her ageless beauty and commanding presence, the Chinese actress dazzles at 61. Liu will join forces with Game of Thrones executive producer Christopher Newman; Starlight Media; and Kia Jam, CEO of K.Jam Media on the new American TV series Empress airing in late 2018. Speaking of the new Empress series, actress and co-producer Liu explains, "The Empress went through a lot of men, but she was loyal only to one, her husband. There are two elements we didn't show in the Chinese versions; her desire for killing and for sex. She killed all her ministers who didn't agree with her." Then she adds philosophically, "Being a human being is difficult, being a woman is more difficult. However the most difficult thing is being a famous woman." Adored in China, she has won many of China's highest acting honors including four Hundred Flowers awards and a Golden Rooster. It was during the worldwide tour of her play about Wu Zetian that Peter Luo of Starlight Media approached Liu about developing the Empress saga for American TV. With Empress, Liu wants to bring women's rights to the forefront by embodying a character who bravely demanded those rights before such rights existed. "... there is a huge wave of feminism that flows in this country, so the show could have a meaningful impact. Throughout the Empress' story, I hope that audiences can realize that history and feminism can neither be ignored nor separated. It existed before and it will happen again." PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/The Empress Returns(ID-9145a0f1edee).pdf SOURCE K.Jam Media TEL AVIV, Israel, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Insert Brings the Power of Real-time Personalization into Live Mobile Apps in Minutes Without Coding Insert, the automated in-app marketing platform, which officially launched in February at Mobile World Congress, announced today its official launch in India at the Gartner Symposium in Goa. Insert's technology allows marketing professionals and app owners to rapidly deploy in-app campaigns, with no coding required. The Insert platform enables them to add dozens of customizable features to their existing live apps, including upsell notifications, in-app offers, videos, surveys, and tool tips. These can be made available on end-users' devices within minutes, without writing a single line of code or waiting for app store approval. App owners use Insert to onboard new users, retarget abandoned transactions, drive higher registration, and increase conversions. They can do this using personalized messaging, relating to the user's past and real-time interactions in the app and triggered at the ideal moment. Insert was established last year and has since raised $15 million dollars. It is currently being used by some of the top worldwide retailers and financial institutions, such as Barclays and India's Federal Bank. Sunny K P, Additional General Manager and Head of Digital Banking of Federal Bank, says, "The mobile channel is crucial for our business success and therefore innovating in customer experience is one of our top priorities. Insert allows us to create various campaigns inside our existing apps and serve them to our clients in a personalized contextual manner. Most recently, Insert was able to deliver us instant value in the form of 21% conversion in promoting our new payment service during the holiday season and with driving users to upgrade to a new app version. Insert is helping us maintain our digital leadership." Federal Bank has over 200,000 installs for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) app, and is one of the leaders in digital financial innovation. India has the second largest smartphone market in the world, with over 60% of all online purchases taking place on a mobile device. "The Indian market continues to be an early adopter of advanced mobile technologies," said Insert CEO, Shahar Kaminitz. "This market is ripe for innovation in the in-app marketing field, and we expect that Insert's solution can help marketing and product teams create more personalized experiences for their users, which will ultimately translate to greater customer lifetime-value." About Insert Insert is the first automated in-app marketing platform. It offers a broad set of customizable features - "inserts" - which can be launched into any live app in minutes, with no coding. These pre-built features include videos, banners, messages, surveys and more - allowing app marketers to better engage, convert and retain their customers. Insert was created to enable mobile marketers and product managers to drive user loyalty and conversion, without writing a single line of code. Insert was founded by the people behind Worklight: the world's leading mobile application platform (now IBM MobileFirst). More information: http://www.insert.io Media Contact: Lazer Cohen lazer@westraycommunications.com +1-347-753-8256 SOURCE Insert ABU DHABI, UAE, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention - United Arab Emirates, The Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society (EGHS) has joint forces for the first time in the history of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), to jointly co-organise "Gastro 2016." (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440101 ) 1,500 delegates from 80 countries will convene in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for 3 days from 17th to 19th November 2016 at the largest International Conference on Gastroenterology and Hepatology to ever take place in the region. Commenting on Gastro 2016, Dr. Yousif Al Serkal - Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals Sector, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention said: "I would like to use the opportunity of such eminent gathering of luminary experts and world leading minds in the fields of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, to re-emphasis the importance of combined efforts; by health authorities, organizations, research and education institutes; on an international scale, to combat the ever growing healthcare challenges facing our world today." Dr. Maryam Al Khatry - President of EGHS said: "I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to HE Abdel Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention for his continued support and to thank our WGO / EGHS colleagues and strategic partners for their efforts and support in bringing timely scientific knowledge and medical education to the region." "Gastro 2016 includes an outstanding lineup of key note lectures by 53 imminent world experts from 20 countries and a rich educational program with 327 oral and poster presentations showcasing research findings from 60 countries. We are also organizing live transmission sessions of endoscopy cases from Rashid Hospital, as well as the highly in demand "Hands-on Training" program with the capacity to cater for training over 600 physicians throughout the three days," she added. Prof. David Bjorkman's - WGO President said, "Gastro 2016 is already a remarkable success. We are keenly aware of the time and effort that has gone into this ambitious endeavor. The Scientific Program is superb offering content that addresses regional health issues as well as providing insights from a global perspective, all delivered by a world class faculty with representatives from the Middle East and around the world." "Following the international conference here in Abu Dhabi, the EGHS and WGO will also jointly convene a "Train the Trainers" workshop in Ras Al-Khaimah, bringing together educators from around the world, all with a desire to enhance their teaching skills and network with one another," he added. Gastro 2016 is supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention as well as all the leading health care entities in the UAE. About EGHS The Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society (EGHS) envisions itself as an organization of Gastroenterologists imbued with a high level of ethical values and committed to the beneficial exchange of knowledge among the fraternity of gastrointestinal practitioners. It also aims to dedicate itself to the development of systems by means of which research into understanding, prevention and cure of digestive diseases may be facilitated. About WGO The World Gastroenterology Organization is a global organization committed to bringing education, training and advocacy to low resource and underserved regions of the world. WGO is able to achieve its mission and objectives through close partnership with and through the commitment and efforts of its 111 member societies worldwide and 4 regional affiliate associations in Africa-Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe, who overall represent more than 50,000 gastroenterologists and other healthcare providers in related fields. For further information, please contact: Ms. Lina Alaa El Din Conference Secretariat c/o Meeting Minds Experts Tel: +9714-4270492 Email: lina@meetingmindsdubai.com Or visit http://www.gastro2016.com SOURCE The Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society (EGHS) PRAGUE, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Even though there are a great number of online dictionaries available, they are not the same quality. Lingea s.r.o., a well-established publishing house, released own multi-lingual dictionary website http://www.dict.com which is a great source of information for language students. In order to show that this portal can offer much more it has been recently redesigned and got supplemented with complete morphology tables for 6 languages. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/339680LOGO ) The website was designed to help people to find the best and correct translations or forms of the word using the latest technology and features starting with morphological and full text search. Apart from offering contextual usage, phrases, grammar overviews or pronunciation transcription it also contains complete morphology tables for every word in 6 languages, meaning verbs conjugation and nouns and adjectives declension. For non-Latin alphabet languages, a virtual keyboard for special characters can be used. The website currently offers 30 world languages including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Scandinavian or Baltic languages. If they came out printed they would have taken up to thousand pages. What all these mean for everyday users? Words can be typed in any form, without diacritics or even mistyped. Additional information as derived words, related words, compounds, etc. that come with every entry can help you understand and learn the language much better. Using the arrows, you can leaf through the dictionary in alphabetical order, search for words of similar origin or specify the context. In a similar way you can browse the history of searched words. The combination of high quality content and user-friendly design and features makes it the perfect source of language information. Lingea s.r.o. introduced dict.com dictionary portal in 2013 as one of the products in its line of online applications and dictionaries. The portal is under constant updating and expanded with new words and languages. The dictionaries are free to use on http://www.dict.com. Media contact person: Kvetoslava Kovarikova Marketing Manager Lingea s.r.o. kveta@lingea.com http://www.lingea.com SOURCE Lingea s.r.o. LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuous Authentication Capability Protects Online and Mobile Banking Customers While Maintaining a Seamless and Frictionless User Experience BioCatch, the global leader in behavioural biometrics announced today the successful trial of its technology at NatWest. NatWest is one of the largest banks in the UK and serves over 14 million customers. The BioCatch technology has been deployed at the Bank since the start of 2016 within Coutts and with some business customers and continues to successfully prevent online fraud attempts, helping to protect customers. The next step of the plan is to pilot the technology with NatWest personal banking customers later in 2017. BioCatch's system captures more than 500 points of behaviour such as hand-eye coordination, pressure, hand tremors, navigation, scrolling and other finger movements amongst other things to create a unique user profile. Via continuous authentication, it is also able to recognise anomalies in behaviours from the point of login and throughout the entire session. This allows BioCatch to distinguish the normal human behaviour of an authorised user from that of an unauthorised user, as well as to recognise automated BOTs, RATS, malware and other malicious account takeover attacks, where the victim is typically unaware that their banking session has been hacked. Simon McNamara, Chief Administrative Officer of NatWest said, "The technology that we've been able to deploy with the help of BioCatch has played a crucial role in strengthening our security systems. The breadth of behavioural biometrics that BioCatch technology can monitor is really impressive and we've already seen many examples of it alerting us to suspicious activity and protecting our customers from fraud." Saving the bank material losses in the last few months alone, the system was able to: Stop fraudulent attempts to transfer funds Identify remote access Trojans during an online session Identify fraud attempts occurring across multiple channels (i.e online and mobile) Eyal Goldwerger, BioCatch CEO said, "With 48 percent of data security breaches across the financial services industry involving compromised web applications, the importance of validating a user not only at login but throughout a session as a way to prevent fraud, has taken on increasing urgency. At the same time, today's leading banks, such as NatWest, are also extremely mindful that injecting additional security measures must be balanced with maintaining a seamless customer experience, whether online or mobile." About BioCatch BioCatch is a cybersecurity company that delivers behavioral biometric solutions, analyzing human-device interactions to protect users and data. Banks and other enterprises use BioCatch to significantly reduce online fraud and protect against a variety of cyber threats, without compromising the user experience. With an unparalleled patent portfolio and deployments at major banks around the world that cover tens of millions of users to date, BioCatch has established itself as the industry leader. For more information, please visit http://www.biocatch.com. About NatWest Natwest is part of RBS, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland, Coutts, Ulster Bank, Adam & Company, Drummonds, Isle of Man Bank, Lombard, Child & Company, and Holt Military Banking. Natwest serves customers in England and Wales, supporting them with their personal, private, business banking needs. NatWest helps customers at all stages in their lives, from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement. Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support. NatWest has been running MoneySense, an impartial financial education programme for 5-18 year-olds, for more than 21 years. By the end of 2018, NatWest will help another 1 million young people to understand and take control of their finances. Media Contacts: Rachel Glaser GK PR for BioCatch rachel@gkpr.com +972-54-250-9439 Frances Zelazny Vice President of Marketing, BioCatch frances.zelazny@biocatch.com +1-917-862-1373 Andrew Horne Media Relations Manager andrew.horne@rbs.co.uk +44-207-672-1981 / +44-7833-401417 SOURCE BioCatch and NatWest TEL AVIV, Israel, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurim Pharmaceuticals ("Neurim") and Aspen Pharmacare Australia ("Aspen") announced today a license agreement in which Aspen will obtain exclusive marketing rights for Neurim's new Rx PedPRM. Neurim's age-appropriate drug is targeted to treat sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and neurogenetic diseases. While most of these children suffer severely from sleep problems, there is currently no approved drug for sleep disorders in the paediatric population. This agreement constitutes further collaboration between the companies, following a 2009 agreement to market Circadin, indicated to treat the elderly for insomnia. "Aspen has proven to be a valuable partner. Neurim is confident in Aspen's ability to bring this treatment to children." said Mr. Sharon Elkobi, VP Business Development of Neurim Pharmaceuticals, "We are working diligently to make our product available in additional markets". "Aspen is pleased to continue this partnership and bring PedPRM to the market to address the unmet needs of this patient population." said Mr. Trevor Ziman, Chief Executive of Aspen Asia Pacific. About PedPRM PedPRM is a response to the unmet clinical need in the field of paediatric insomnia, specifically developed to address main concerns in children with ASD and neurogenetic diseases. PedPRM is an age-appropriate formulation designed for populations with swallowing difficulties. PedPRM completed a Phase III study, under EU-PIP and US-FDA IND, showing positive top-line results. PedPRM met the primary efficacy endpoint demonstrating statistically significant improvement in total sleep time (TST) compared to placebo. Secondary efficacy endpoints demonstrating improvements in sleep initiation and maintenance were met as well. About Neurim Pharmaceuticals Neurim Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (http://www.neurim.com ) is a neuroscience drug discovery and development company. Its first approved drug Circadin is commercially available in more than 45 countries around the world. Neurim has a strong and innovative product pipeline, intended for insomnia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, glaucoma and pain. About Aspen Australia Aspen Australia, part of the Aspen Group, is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Australia with a comprehensive portfolio of medicines, covering most disease states. It is also responsible for a growing business in a dozen countries in Asia. Aspen Group is a leading global player in specialty and generic pharmaceuticals with an extensive basket of products that provide treatment for a broad spectrum of acute and chronic conditions experienced through all stages of life. Contact Sharon Elkobi VP Business Development sharone@neurim.com SOURCE Neurim Pharmaceuticals LTD DUBLIN, Nov 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Digital Forensics Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2013 To 2023" report to their offering. Digital forensics is a branch of legal science enveloping the recuperation and examination of material found in digital gadgets, regularly in connection to PC wrongdoing. Digital forensics examinations have an assortment of utilizations. The world is presently completely subject to digital gadgets and this space is constantly developing. For over 10 years, PCs are being outperformed by cell phones. Besides, advances, for example, cloud and web of things are profoundly entering the IT space characterizing the fate of the digital world, making digital data more circulated than any time in recent memory. The worldwide digital forensics market is spoken to by key sorts in particular, PC forensics, arrange forensics, cloud forensics, cell phone forensics, database forensics and others, with PC forensics holding the biggest share. PC forensics was seen to be the biggest fragment and is expected to keep up its lead amid the estimate time of 2016 - 2023. The key elements helping the development of PC forensics incorporate expanded hierarchical spending in their data innovation spending plans for PC and system security. In wording administration sort, the worldwide digital scientific market is sectioned into digital examination and counseling, framework joining, episode reaction, preparing and instruction, and support and upkeep. In 2015, digital examination and counseling administration was seen as the biggest portion in worldwide digital forensics market since examination of underlying driver in each digital assault alongside full degree of the rupture and dissecting profundity of penetration in the framework is vital and digital examination and counseling assume essential part in this procedure. The land division of worldwide digital forensics market involves North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa advance sectioned into key nations with most noteworthy potential in digital forensics market. Expanding interest for forensics in North America is principally displayed from the protection parts, significant IT organizations, managing an account segments, and law authorization. Companies Mentioned: Accessdata Group Llc. Cellebrite Mobile Synchronization Ltd. Digital Detective Group Fireeye Inc. Guidance Software Inc Logrhythm, Inc Msab Nuix Pty. Ltd Oxygen Forensic Paraben Corporation Report Structure: Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Global Digital Forensics Market Overview Chapter 4 Global Digital Forensics Market, By Type Of Digital Forensics Chapter 5 Global Digital Forensics Market, By Service Chapter 6 Global Digital Forensics Market, By Geography Chapter 7 Company Profiles For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t4wp8g/global_digital 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 The new facility is strategically located in Abu Dhabi, to provide centralized access for the entire Middle East. Sundyne will serve customers located in Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thousands of Sundyne API 610 and API 685 pumps as well as API 617 compressors are currently operational in these countries, serving a broad range of demanding applications. The new venture will deliver high level service to Sundyne customers, resulting in increased pump and compressor reliability in Middle East based refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants. "The expanded Sundyne service presence is critical for our Middle Eastern customers," said Arnaud Tardieu, Sundyne After Sales Service Manager. "We are providing our customers enhanced access to Sundyne genuine parts and spares, as well as official local service for maintenance, repairs, upgrades, conversions and gearbox exchanges." The Middle East Sundyne service team consists of field service engineers, and sales and service managers. Their office collaborates with Sundyne channel partners throughout the region to deliver a full complement of Genuine Sundyne Parts and service at the customer site, and through the Sundyne factories in Europe. To learn more about Genuine Sundyne Parts and service programs, please visit www.sundyne.com. About Sundyne: Headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, USA, Sundyne is a leading manufacturer of highly reliable and efficient centrifugal pumps and compressors for use in oil and gas production, refining, petrochemical, chemical, power generation and water processing industries. Sundyne is the world leader in delivering low-flow high-head integrally geared centrifugal pumps and compressors; as well as safe and efficient sealless magnetic drive pumps. Sundyne pumps and compressors meet stringent API and ISO standards. Sundyne is owned and operated by Accudyne Industries. About Accudyne Industries: Accudyne Industries is the parent company of Sundyne, and a global provider of precision-engineered, process-critical and technologically advanced flow control systems and industrial compressors that deliver consistently high performance and give confidence to the mission of its customers in the most important industries and harshest environments around the world. Today, Accudyne is powered by more than 2,800 employees at 13 manufacturing facilities, supporting a broad range of industries in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.accudyneindustries.com. Related Links http://www.sundyne.com SOURCE Sundyne #Saudi Arabia Saudi crown prince could visit S. Korea this month Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could visit South Korea this month after initially shelving the plan, officials said Wednesday. The visit is being arranged for a... #(G)I-dle (G)I-dle debuts on Billboard 200 at No. 71 Girl group (G)I-dle has entered the Billboard 200 main albums chart for the first time with its mini album "I Love." The K-pop group's fifth EP, "I Love," released last month, ... OCEAN VIEW, Delaware, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. industrial Boiler Market size is expected to exceed USD 600 million by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160418/799556-a ) Positive indicators towards food processing industries coupled with increasing demand for specialty chemicals will drive the U.S. industrial boiler market size. Increasing demand for refined petroleum products including vehicle fuel, lubricants and feedstock for chemical industries will further compliment the growth. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/832 Growing demand of paper from labelling and packaging industries coupled with expansion of existing plants will drive the U.S. industrial boiler market share. Government initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emission will boost the demand for energy efficient industrial boilers in the near term. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced various norms such as national emission standard for air pollutants released during the furnace operation. National Emission Standard (NESHAP), has been designed by federal EPA under clean air act for large furnace to protect environment from adverse effect of air pollutant. Shift from fossil fuel to natural gas will urge the demand for replacement of installed boilers. Abundant supply, low cost and low rate of toxic emission are some of the benefits of from natural gas over conventional fuel. U.S. Industrial boiler market share from 10-50 MMBtu/hr capacity was over 28% of the total revenue for 2015. Increasing demand from primary metal and chemical sector may propel the industry growth in near future. The average capacity size for food processing plants in the region is 20 MMBtu/hr. High initial investment and operational cost may hamper the growth during forecast period. Browse key industry insights spread across 202 pages with 374 market data tables & 10 figures& charts from the report, "U.S. Industrial Boiler Market Size By capacity (< 10 MMBtu/hr, 10-50 MMBtu/hr, 50-100 MMBtu/hr, 100-250 MMBtu/hr, >250 MMBtu/hr), By Application (Food, Paper, Chemicals, Refining, Metals), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024" in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/US-industrial-boiler-market Key insights from the report include: Positive indicators towards paper industry in Alabama may favor the regional growth in future. Indiana industrial boiler market, was USD 8.91 million in 2015, growing industrialization in the region may compliment the business growth. Mississippi 10-50 MMBtu/hr capacity is forecast to reach over USD 2 million by 2024. Increasing demand for petroleum products will drive industry growth. Refining applications is projected to reach over USD 90 million by 2024. Increasing demand for lubricants, petrol, diesel, LNG and other petroleum products will drive the U.S. industrial boiler market. Capacity of < 10 MMBtu/hr was USD 3.05 million in 2015. Expansion of chemical and food industries to meet the increasing demand will positively drive the industry growth. Pennsylvania paper industry application was USD 0.92 million in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 3.48% from 2016 to 2024. paper industry application was in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 3.48% from 2016 to 2024. Texas is set to observe over 3% growth, rising penetration of refineries and chemical industries will drive the industrial boiler market. is set to observe over 3% growth, rising penetration of refineries and chemical industries will drive the industrial boiler market. Major participants share is highly fragmented and competitive. Major companies include Fulton Inc., Columbia Inc., Unilux LLC., York-Shipley, Vapor Power LLC., Bryan LLC., Superior Inc., Cleaver-Brooks Inc. Acme Engineering., Sioux Corporation, Parker, Williams & Davis Inc., Le Groupe Inc., M. Lattner, Hurst Inc., and Clayton Industries, Inc. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/832 U.S. Industrial Boiler market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD million and capacity in MMBtu/hr from 2013 to 2024, for the following segments : U.S. Industrial Boiler Market by Capacity < 10 MMBtu/hr 10-50 MMBtu/hr 50-100 MMBtu/hr 100-250 MMBtu/hr >250 MMBtu/hr U.S. Industrial Boiler Market by Application Food Paper Chemical Refining Metals The above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following : East North Central Illinois Indiana Michigan Ohio Wisconsin East South Central Alabama Kentucky Mississippi Tennessee West South Central Arkansas Louisiana Oklahoma Texas South Atlantic Delaware Florida Maryland North Carolina South Carolina Virginia West Virginia North East Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island Vermont New Jersey New York Pennsylvania West North Central Iowa Kansas Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Dakota South Dakota Pacific States Alaska California Hawaii Oregon Washington Mountain States Arizona Colorado Utah Nevada New Mexico Idaho Montana Wyoming Browse Related Reports: Industrial Boilers Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany , UK, Italy , Russia , China , India , Japan , South Korea , Brazil , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , UAE, South Africa ), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/industrial-boilers-market U.S. Solar Panel Market Size, Industry Outlook Report, Regional Analysis (U.S., Germany , UK, Italy , Russia , China , India , Japan , South Korea , Brazil , Mexico , Saudi Arabia , UAE, South Africa ), Application Development, Price Trend, Competitive Landscape & Forecast, 2016 - 2023 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/u-s-solar-panel-market 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. Contact Us: Jack Davis Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1 888-689-0688 Email: sales@gminsights.com Web: https://www.gminsights.com SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc. BAAR, Switzerland, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Weatherford International plc (NYSE: WFT), in recognition and appreciation of outstanding vision and years of service, has named Dr. Bernard J. Duroc-Danner as Chairman Emeritus. In this honorary and advisory role to the Board of Directors, Dr. Duroc-Danner will not receive any remuneration for his role and will remain an external advisor. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/19990308/WEATHERFORDLOGO After founding the Company almost 30 years ago and growing Weatherford into one of the leading oilfield service providers today, the Board owes much gratitude to Bernard for his vision and leadership. Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Robert Rayne, Chairman of the Board, said "Given Bernard's deep and unique knowledge of Weatherford, his established and long-term customer relationships as well as his vast industry and business experience, his new role will help provide continuity and facilitate a smooth leadership transition. We believe this designation is beneficial to Weatherford as we collectively move forward. On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors, we would like to personally thank Bernard for his continued support and commitment." About Weatherford Weatherford is one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies providing innovative solutions, technology and services to the oil and gas industry. The Company operates in over 100 countries and has a network of approximately 1,000 locations, including manufacturing, service, research and development, and training facilities and employs approximately 31,000 people. For more information, visit www.weatherford.com and connect with Weatherford on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Contacts: Krishna Shivram +1.713.836.4610 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Karen David-Green +1.713.836.7430 Vice President Investor Relations, Corporate Marketing and Communications Related Links http://www.weatherford.com SOURCE Weatherford International plc The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that seeks to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Carrying the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal with the little green frog means 7-Eleven stores' new coffee is sourced from coffee growers whose farms are required to meet strict standards designed to protect the environment, conserve wildlife and promote the well-being of local communities. This single-origin coffee, made exclusively from 100 percent Arabica beans harvested from Nicaragua's famed Matagalpa region, is a full-bodied, medium-dark roast with a delicious dark chocolate aroma and rich, sweet notes of cocoa. "Our Matagalpa Nicaraguan coffee delivers a smooth, rich and robust flavor it's a great tasting, premium cup of coffee without the premium price," said Nancy Smith, 7-Eleven senior vice president of fresh food and proprietary beverage merchandising. "And it does so with minimal impact on the environment. Nearly every major coffee-producing region of the world is under stress as changing weather patterns affect coffee production. By working with the Rainforest Alliance, we can help foster sustainable farming practices that protect natural resources." "Our goal was to source a coffee that could carry the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal and provide a great-tasting addition to our selection of fresh-brewed coffees," Smith said. "The Rainforest Alliance got its start in Central America, which also happens to be where some of the world's best coffee beans are grown. The Matagalpa Nicaragua coffee got rave reviews in taste tests." All 7-Eleven coffee varieties, flavors and blends are exclusive, with roasting levels and specifications developed exclusively for the retailer. One of its customers' favorites is from another tropical Latin American country. The retailer's 100 percent Colombian coffee has had the fastest-growing sales this year. The global convenience store chain is the fourth largest coffee retailer in the U.S. 7-Eleven announced in July that it was working with Conservation International (CI) to set measurable corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals to reduce its environmental footprint. 7-Eleven's CSR mission has three focus areas planet, products and people. The retailer also joined CI's Business and Sustainability Council, a forum for corporate leaders taking positive environmental actions in their businesses, to explore mutually beneficial ways to further reduce its environmental impact. "The Rainforest Alliance is proud to be working with 7-Eleven, a company that understands the value of sustainably sourced coffee and shares our belief that everyday actions add up to meaningful impact," said Alex Morgan, Rainforest Alliance director of Markets Transformation. As part of its CSR objectives, 7-Eleven will continue to seek out responsibly sourced coffees and other products and packaging with less environmental impact. Like all its proprietary beverages sold in a cup, the new single-origin coffee qualifies for 7Rewards, 7-Eleven's customer loyalty program. Through its mobile app, 7Rewards customers earn a free any-size drink after the purchase of six drink purchases. The 7-Eleven app is available for download in Google Play and the App store. Nicaragua single-origin coffee from Matagalpa is available at participating 7-Eleven stores. About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 60,000 stores in 17 countries, including 10,700 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About the Rainforest Alliance The Rainforest Alliance is an international nonprofit organization that has worked for nearly 30 years around the world to conserve forests and natural resources while advancing sustainable livelihoods. The Rainforest Alliance collaborates with foresters, farmers, businesses and workers to build healthy communities, protect habitat and biodiversity, and rebalance the Earth, working towards the vision of a world where planet and people prosper together. To learn more, visit http://www.rainforest-alliance.org. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438757 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101208/DA14293LOGO SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc. Related Links http://www.7-eleven.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many patients don't realize how little coverage they have until they need medical care and then are shocked at how little their insurance pays, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), taking issue with a paper published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study uses claims data from a large insurance company, which are not identified and not available for examination, showing the lack of transparency by the health insurance industry. "The data do not make sense, and in some cases, border on preposterous," said Dr. Rebecca Parker, president of ACEP. "For example, the article refers to a $19,000 charge, which is likely a facility charge or some other specialist charge. It also mentions an 'average' physician charge of 798 percent of Medicare rates, which is absurd, in part because physician charges are consistently the smallest part of emergency care bills. The study does not discuss that insurance companies are misleading patients by selling so-called "affordable" policies that cover very little until large deductibles are met then blaming physicians for charges." Dr. Parker said ACEP has reviewed large numbers of insurance company "Explanation of Benefits" data for meetings with the federal government and found that insurance companies have significantly reduced payments for emergency care. She also said a report from Florida found the average emergency physician bill to be $679. In addition, it found that balance billing results when insurers refuse to contract for adequate payment for emergency physician providers, which occurred for only about 12 percent of insured Floridians. "Most emergency physicians prefer to be 'in-network,' as long as insurance companies pay fairly," said Dr. Parker. "ACEP is calling on the insurance industry to be transparent and to use an independent database, such as Fair Health [FairHealth.org], to calculate payments. State and federal policymakers need to ensure that health insurance plans provide fair payment for emergency services and provide adequate rosters of physicians." The Fair Health claims database was developed after United Healthcare was successfully sued by the State of New York for fraudulently calculating and significantly underpaying doctors for out-of-network medical services, using the Ingenix database. "The formula that Ingenix used forced patients to overpay up to 30 percent for out-of-network doctors," said Dr. Parker. "The insurance company paid the largest settlement to the state of New York and the American Medical Association. Part of that settlement created the Fair Health database, which is an independent, unbiased source of health care cost information." Dr. Parker said she was surprised this study was accepted by the journal, given the lack of transparency in insurance company data. "Insurance company data are often found to be inaccurate, including charges that are mis-classified, when held up to close scrutiny," said Dr. Parker. Dr. Tim Seay, chairman of the Board of the Emergency Department Practice Management Association, one of the largest professional physician trade associations, said "Emergency medicine is the safety net for health care in the United States. The New England Journal opinion piece is not only based on a data set that is severely skewed by one high bill, it ignores the fact that emergency physicians provide care without regard to the ability to pay. The problem is inadequate insurance coverage and high deductibles." ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100616/DC22034LOGO-d SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Related Links http://www.acep.org For the Third Consecutive Year, AcuityAds is Recognized as a Growth Leader Amongst North American Technology Companies TORONTO and NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - AcuityAds Holdings Inc. (TSXV:AT) ("AcuityAds"), a technology leader that provides targeted digital media solutions enabling advertisers to connect intelligently with audiences across video, mobile, social and online display campaigns, today announced that it has been named in Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 in North America, and Deloitte's Fast 50 in Canada, as one of the fastest growing technology companies for the third year in a row. The list highlights Acuity's position as a boundary-pushing leader in the North American technology scene in another year of significant growth and milestone achievements for the Company. The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Fast 50 rankings follow the Company's strong Q3 2016 financial results, which were released on November 8, 2016 reporting $8.87 million in quarterly revenue, a 62% year over year increase. "We're extremely proud to be recognized again as one of the fastest growing technology companies in North America," stated Tal Hayek, founder and CEO, AcuityAds. "This has been another year of significant growth for our company. I would like to personally thank both our world-class team of professionals and our valued customers and partners that helped us realize this significant achievement for the third year in a row. With the continued support of our customers and partners from around the globe, we look forward to continuing this momentum into 2017 and beyond." This announcement follows Acuity's recent ranking in another Canadian technology shortlist, The Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX). CIX, a program designed to showcase Canada's hottest and most innovative public technologies, ranked AcuityAds in the top 20 public Canadian technology companies just last week. The Technology Fast 500 and Fast 50 programs celebrate technological innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and rapid growth. For 18 years, the program has recognized private and public Canadian companies that represent a variety of industry sub-sectors from hardware to digital media. Technology Fast 500 and Fast 50 companies are on the cutting edge of innovation, transforming business and pushing the world forward. More information on the 2016 Deloitte Fast 500 list here: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/us-tmt-2016-fast-500-winners-by-rank.pdf. More information on the 2016 Deloitte Fast 50 list here: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/ca-en-fast-50-winners-2016.pdf The Company also announced that it granted an aggregate amount of 50,000 stock options on November 8, 2016 to a consultant of the Company that is providing Investor Relations services in accordance of the provisions of the Company's Stock Option Plan, subject to approval of the TSXV. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $1.94 for a period of five years. The options granted will vest in four equal instalments over the next 12 months. About AcuityAds AcuityAds is a technology company that enables marketers to connect intelligently with their most meaningful audiences through digital media. A Self-Serve programmatic marketing platform, powered by proprietary machine learning technology, is at the core of its business, accompanied by a patented solution for mobile targeting that leverages social data. AcuityAds empowers marketers by offering transparency on costs and brand safety, and real-time reporting and analytics, bringing accountability to programmatic advertising to deliver business results. AcuityAds is headquartered in Toronto, Canada with sales offices in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. For more information, visit AcuityAds.com. Disclaimer in regards to Forward-looking Statements Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, AcuityAds does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect, in particular, new information or future events. 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. SOURCE AcuityAds Inc. Related Links www.acuityads.com MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Ghislain Houle, executive vice-president and chief financial officer of CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI), will address the 4th Annual Credit Suisse Industrials Conference in Palm Beach, Fl. on Nov. 30, 2016, starting at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. CN will provide a live audio webcast of Houle's remarks via the Investors' section of the Company's website, www.cn.ca/en/investors. CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network of approximately 20,000 route-miles spanning Canada and mid-America. CN Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information about CN, visit the Company's website at www.cn.ca. SOURCE CN Related Links http://www.cn.ca NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. (NYSE: ANW) ("Aegean" or the "Company") today announced financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016. Third Quarter Financial Highlights Compared to prior year period: Increased sales volumes to 4,258,954 metric tons. Reported gross profit of $88.4 million . . Reported operating income of $22.5 million . Increased operating income adjusted for a loss on sale of non-core vessels and the accelerated vesting of the shares of Aegean's founder ("Accelerated Shares") was $29.6 million . . Recorded GAAP net income attributable to Aegean shareholders of $10.6 million or $0.22 basic and diluted earnings per share. Net income adjusted for a loss on sale of non-core vessels and the Accelerated Shares was $17.7 million or $0.36 basic and diluted earnings per share. Pro-forma adjusted EPS, assuming the repurchase of shares occurred at the beginning of period, was $0.45 . or basic and diluted earnings per share. Generated adjusted EBITDA of $37.7 million . . Sold two non-core vessels, which is expected to result in operating cost reductions of more than $3.0 million on an annual basis. Third Quarter Operational Highlights Further optimized operations through the sale of two non-core vessels. Strategically relocated certain vessels from lower-activity markets to higher-growth regions. E. Nikolas Tavlarios, Aegean's President, commented, "We delivered another quarter of solid results against a backdrop of slowness in the container segment and volatile commodity markets. Despite these headwinds, we continue to achieve profitability and strong volumes with our fourth consecutive quarter of selling more than 4 million metric tons of bunker fuel. Our diversified platform, recent expansion in new attractive markets and our back-to-back trading businesses contributed to our growth during the quarter." Mr. Tavlarios concluded, "Aegean has transformed into a diversified business with operations around the world and we look forward to additional opportunities ahead. We are proud of what we have created and our ability to serve more customers across our global footprint as a leader in the physical supply and marketing of marine fuel. We remain committed to executing our strategic initiatives and leveraging our scale to drive growth and shareholder value." Generating Solid Financial Results Revenue The Company reported total revenue of $1.1 billion for the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 5.4% compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to the moderate increase in oil prices. Voyage and other revenues were, $21.2 million , consistent with the same period in 2015. for the third quarter of 2016, an increase of 5.4% compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to the moderate increase in oil prices. Voyage and other revenues were, , consistent with the same period in 2015. Gross Profit Gross Profit, which equals total revenue less directly attributable cost of revenue increased by 4.7% to $88.4 million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $84.4 million in the same period in 2015. in the third quarter of 2016 compared to in the same period in 2015. Operating Expense The Company reported operating expense of $65.9 million for the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of $0.8 million or 1.2% compared to the same period in prior year. Adjusting for the sale of non-core assets and the Accelerated Shares, operating expense was $58.8 million , a decrease of 2.6% compared to the same period in the prior year. for the third quarter of 2016, a decrease of or 1.2% compared to the same period in prior year. Adjusting for the sale of non-core assets and the Accelerated Shares, operating expense was , a decrease of 2.6% compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating Income Operating income for the third quarter of 2016 adjusted for the sale of non-core assets and the Accelerated Shares was $29.6 million , an increase of 28.7% compared to the same period in the prior year. , an increase of 28.7% compared to the same period in the prior year. Net Income Net income attributable to Aegean shareholders adjusted for the sale of non-core vessels and the Accelerated Shares was $17.7 million , or $0.36 per basic and diluted share, an increase of $5.6 million or 46.3% compared to the same period in 2015. Adjusted pro-forma EPS using the reduced quarter end share count as opposed to a weighted average, was $0.45 . Operational Metrics Sales Volume For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reported marine fuel sales volumes of 4,258,954 metric tons, an increase of 25.8% compared to the same period in 2015. , the Company reported marine fuel sales volumes of 4,258,954 metric tons, an increase of 25.8% compared to the same period in 2015. Adjusted EBITDA Per Metric Ton of Marine Fuel Sold For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reported adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold of $8.84 . Adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold in the prior year period was $9.29 per metric ton. , the Company reported adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold of . Adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold in the prior year period was per metric ton. Gross Spread Per Metric Ton of Marine Fuel Sold For the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company reported gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold on an aggregate basis of $18.6 . Gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold in the prior year period was $21.6 . Liquidity and Capital Resources Net cash provided by operating activities was $34.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 . Net income as adjusted for non-cash items (as defined in Note 9 below) was $31.2 million for the same period. for the three months ended . Net income as adjusted for non-cash items (as defined in Note 9 below) was for the same period. Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily due to the sale of two non-core vessels. for the three months ended , primarily due to the sale of two non-core vessels. Net cash used in financing activities was $105.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , primarily due to the repurchase of our common stock. for the three months ended , primarily due to the repurchase of our common stock. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , was 46,464,248. The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was 47,434,953. Spyros Gianniotis, Aegean's Chief Financial Officer, stated, "In addition to our strong operational performance, we are taking action to enhance efficiency through the sale of 5 non-core vessels year to date, including two in the third quarter, which will reduce operating costs by $9.5 million annually. We will continue to evaluate our markets and redeploy capital to opportunities we believe will generate the best return. During the quarter we strengthened our financial flexibility with the renewal of our $1 billion credit facility on improved terms." Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) Income Statement Data: Revenues - third parties $ 1,075,076 $ 1,133,312 $ 3,289,132 $ 2,864,165 Revenues - related companies 6,432 6,244 15,186 15,879 Total revenues 1,081,508 1,139,556 3,304,318 2,880,044 Cost of revenues - third parties 971,698 1,029,942 2,942,082 2,568,063 Cost of revenues related companies 25,401 21,174 118,724 49,294 Total cost of revenues 997,099 1,051,116 3,060,806 2,617,357 Gross profit 84,409 88,440 243,512 262,687 Operating expenses: Selling and distribution 50,484 48,206 153,045 148,921 General and administrative 10,551 13,531 31,459 36,850 Amortization of intangible assets 374 303 1,123 900 Loss on sale of vessels - 3,875 130 6,312 Impairment Charge 5,308 - 5,308 - Operating income 17.692 22,525 52,447 69,704 Net financing cost (9,468) (8,319) (27,607) (30,157) Foreign exchange (losses) / gains, net (93) (121) 599 (1,804) Income tax (expense) / benefit (1,334) (3,456) 730 (1,811) Net income 6,797 10,629 26,169 35,932 Less income attributable to non-controlling interest - 78 - 86 Net income attributable to AMPNI shareholders $ 6,797 $ 10,551 $ 26,169 $ 35,846 Basic earnings per share (U.S. dollars) $ 0.14 $ 0.22 $ 0.53 $ 0.73 Diluted earnings per share (U.S. dollars) $ 0.14 $ 0.22 $ 0.53 $ 0.73 EBITDA(1) $ 26,150 $ 30,546 $ 78,009 $ 93,152 Other Financial Data: Gross spread on marine petroleum products(2) $ 74,426 $ 80,460 $ 217,809 $ 242,032 Gross spread on lubricants(2) 1,246 1,114 3,434 2,879 Gross spread on marine fuel(2) 73,180 79,346 214,375 239,153 Gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold (U.S. dollars) (2) 21.6 18.6 22.7 19.0 Net cash provided by/(used) in operating activities $ 127,506 $ 34,699 $ 44,454 $ (14,798) Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities (544) 1,076 (8,172) 199 Net cash used in financing activities (54,168) (105,819) (47,497) (67,328) Sales Volume Data (Metric Tons): (3) Total sales volumes 3,386,511 4,258,954 9,452,911 12,564,379 Other Operating Data: Number of owned bunkering tankers, end of period(4) 49.0 45.0 49.0 45.0 Average number of owned bunkering tankers(4)(5) 49.0 46.0 48.7 47.8 Special Purpose Vessels, end of period(6) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Number of operating storage facilities, end of period(7) 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data (Unaudited) As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) Balance Sheet Data: Cash and cash equivalents 139,314 57,973 Gross trade receivables 317,152 429,661 Allowance for doubtful accounts (7,278) 7,911 Inventories 114,531 180,716 Current assets 730,950 781,410 Total assets 1,450,011 1,472,552 Trade payables 72,417 99,512 Current liabilities (including current portion of long-term debt) 389,109 473,093 Total debt 710,015 755,957 Total liabilities 828,485 907,451 Total stockholder's equity 621,526 565,101 Working Capital Data: Working capital(8) 341,841 308,317 Working capital excluding cash and debt(8) 477,594 576,516 Notes: 1. EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that recorded by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, vessel and investment impairments, gains/losses on vessel disposals and other non-recurring exceptional items. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are included herein because they are a basis upon which the Company assesses its operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold represents the net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, vessel and investment impairments, gains/losses on vessel disposals and other non-recurring exceptional items the Company generates per metric ton of marine fuel sold. The Company calculates adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold by dividing the EBITDA by the sales volume of marine fuel. Marine fuel sales do not include sales of lubricants. The following table reconciles net income attributable to AMPNI to EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold for the periods presented: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) Net income to AMPNI shareholders 6,797 10,551 26,169 35,846 Add: Net financing cost including amortization of financing costs 9,468 8,319 27,607 30,157 Add: Income tax (benefit) / expense 1,334 3,456 (730) 1,811 Add: Depreciation and amortization excluding amortization of financing costs 8,551 8,220 24,963 25,338 EBITDA 26,150 30,546 78,009 93,152 Add: Loss on sale of vessels 3,875 130 6,312 Add: Impairment charge 5,308 - 5,308 - Add: Accelerated vesting of Dimitris Melissanidis' shares - 3,230 - 3,230 Adjusted EBITDA 31,458 37,651 83,447 102,694 Sales volume of marine fuel (metric tons) 3,386,511 4,258,954 9,452,911 12,564,379 Adjusted EBITDA per metric ton of marine fuel sold (U.S. dollars) 9.29 8.84 8.83 8.17 2. Gross spread on marine petroleum products represents the margin the Company generates on sales of marine fuel and lubricants. Gross spread on marine fuel represents the margin that the Company generates on sales of various classifications of marine fuel oil ("MFO") or marine gas oil ("MGO"). Gross spread on lubricants represents the margin that the Company generates on sales of lubricants. Gross spread on marine petroleum products, gross spread of MFO and gross spread on lubricants are not items recognized by U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to gross profit or any other indicator of a Company's operating performance required by U.S. GAAP. The Company's definition of gross spread may not be the same as that used by other companies in the same or other industries. The Company calculates the above-mentioned gross spreads by subtracting from the sales of the respective marine petroleum product the cost of the respective marine petroleum product sold and cargo transportation costs. For arrangements in which the Company physically supplies the respective marine petroleum product using its bunkering tankers, costs of the respective marine petroleum products sold represents amounts paid by the Company for the respective marine petroleum product sold in the relevant reporting period. For arrangements in which the respective marine petroleum product is purchased from the Company's related company, Aegean Oil S.A., or Aegean Oil, cost of the respective marine petroleum products sold represents the total amount paid by the Company to the physical supplier for the respective marine petroleum product and its delivery to the custom arrangements, in which the Company purchases cargos of marine fuel for its floating storage facilities. Transportation costs may be included in the purchase price of marine fuels from the supplier or may be incurred separately from a transportation provider. Gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold represents the margin the Company generates per metric ton of marine fuel sold. The Company calculates gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold by dividing the gross spread on marine fuel by the sales volume of marine fuel. Marine fuel sales do not include sales of lubricants. The following table reflects the calculation of gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold for the periods presented: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) Sales of marine petroleum products 1,060,342 1,118,441 3,244,375 2,821,064 Less: Cost of marine petroleum products sold (985,916) (1,037,981) (3,026,566) (2,579,032) Gross spread on marine petroleum products 74,426 80,460 217,809 242,032 Less: Gross spread on lubricants (1,246) (1,114) (3,434) (2,879) Gross spread on marine fuel 73,180 79,346 214,375 239,153 Sales volume of marine fuel (metric tons) 3,386,511 4,258,954 9,452,911 12,564,379 Gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold (U.S. dollars) 21.6 18.6 22.7 19.0 3. Sales volume of marine fuel is the volume of sales of various classifications of MFO and MGO for the relevant period and is denominated in metric tons. The Company does not include the sales volume of lubricants in the calculation of gross spread per metric ton of marine fuel sold. 4. Bunkering fleet comprises both bunkering vessels and barges. 5. Figure represents average bunkering fleet number for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each bunkering tanker or barge was used as part of the fleet during the period divided by the cumulative number of calendar days in the period multiplied by the number of bunkering tankers at the end of the period. This figure does not take into account non-operating days due to either scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. 6. Special Purpose Vessels consists of the Orion, a 550 dwt tanker which is based in our Greek market. 7. The Company owns two barges, the Mediterranean and Umnenga, as floating storage facilities in Greece and South Africa. The Company also operates on-land storage facilities in Las Palmas, Fujairah, Tangiers, Panama, the U.S.A., Hamburg and Barcelona. The ownership of storage facilities allows the Company to mitigate its risk of supply shortages. Generally, storage costs are included in the price of refined marine fuel quoted by local suppliers. The Company expects that the ownership of storage facilities will allow it to convert the variable costs of this storage fee mark-up per metric ton quoted by suppliers into fixed costs of operating its owned storage facilities, thus enabling the Company to spread larger sales volumes over a fixed cost base and to decrease its refined fuel costs. 8. Working capital is defined as current assets minus current liabilities. Working capital excluding cash and debt is defined as current assets minus cash and cash equivalents minus restricted cash minus current liabilities plus short-term borrowings plus current portion of long-term debt. 9. Net income as adjusted for non-cash items, such as depreciation, provision for doubtful accounts, restricted stock, amortization, deferred income taxes, gain/loss on sale of vessels, impairment losses, unrealized loss/(gain) on derivatives and unrealized foreign exchange loss/(gain), net, is used to assist in evaluating our ability to make quarterly cash distributions. Net income as adjusted for non-cash items is not recognized by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other indicator of the Company's performance required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The following table reflects the calculation of net income as adjusted for non-cash items for the periods presented: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated) Net income 6,797 10,629 26,169 35,932 Add: Depreciation 6,464 6,152 19,100 18,944 Add: (Release of)/Provision for doubtful accounts (248) (230) 1,161 1,191 Add: Share based compensation 2,477 5,651 7,442 10,239 Add: Amortization 4,772 4,535 13,786 13,686 Add: Net deferred tax expense / (benefit) 886 1,288 (1,662) (671) Add: Unrealized (gain) / loss on derivatives (6,728) (742) 10,511 33,452 Add: Loss on sale of vessels - 3,875 130 6,312 Add: Impairment charge 5,308 - 5,308 - Add: Unrealized foreign exchange loss / (gain) 89 42 (450) 131 Net income as adjusted for non-cash items 19,817 31,200 81,495 119,216 Third Quarter 2016 Dividend Announcement On November 16, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors declared a third quarter 2016 dividend of $0.02 per share payable on or about December 14, 2016 to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2016. The dividend amount was determined in accordance with the Company's dividend policy of paying cash dividends on a quarterly basis subject to factors including the requirements of Marshall Islands law, future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects and such other factors as are determined by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company anticipates retaining most of its future earnings, if any, for use in operations and business expansion. Conference Call and Webcast Information Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. will conduct a conference call and simultaneous Internet webcast on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time, to discuss its third quarter results. Investors may access the webcast and related slide presentation, by visiting the Company's website at www.ampni.com, and clicking on the webcast link. The conference call also may be accessed via telephone by dialing (888) 455-2260 (for U.S.-based callers) or 719-325-2144 (for international callers) and enter the passcode: 1842325. If you are unable to participate at this time, a replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 888-203-1112 or 719-457-0820. Enter the code 1842325 to access the audio replay. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website: http://www.ampni.com. About Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. is an international marine fuel logistics company that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The Company procures product from various sources (such as refineries, oil producers, and traders) and resells it to a diverse group of customers across all major commercial shipping sectors and leading cruise lines. Currently, Aegean has a global presence in over 30 markets and a team of professionals ready to serve our customers wherever they are around the globe. For additional information please visit: www.ampni.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include our ability to manage growth, our ability to maintain our business in light of our proposed business and location expansion, our ability to obtain double hull secondhand bunkering tankers, the outcome of legal, tax or regulatory proceedings to which we may become a party, adverse conditions in the shipping or the marine fuel supply industries, our ability to retain our key suppliers and key customers, material disruptions in the availability or supply of crude oil or refined petroleum products, changes in the market price of petroleum, including the volatility of spot pricing, increased levels of competition, compliance or lack of compliance with various environmental and other applicable laws and regulations, our ability to collect accounts receivable, changes in the political, economic or regulatory conditions in the markets in which we operate, and the world in general, our failure to hedge certain financial risks associated with our business, our ability to maintain our current tax treatments and our failure to comply with restrictions in our credit agreements and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. SOURCE Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Related Links http://www.ampni.com As the biggest and most adventurous MINI ever, the Countryman incorporates BMW Group engine technology and vehicle architecture. The ALL4 offers an all-turbocharged engine lineup with outstanding acceleration and the go-kart driving dynamics that MINI owners have come to know and love. At the same time, this new architecture delivers excellent ride quality and enables the most spacious MINI interior ever. For the first time ever, the MINI product line includes a model powered by both a three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology gasoline engine and an electric hybrid synchronous motor. With an option to plug in, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 has a 3-cylinder gasoline engine that works in tandem with a powerful electric motor to produce a combined peak output of 221 hp, with the e-rear axle enabling all-season ALL4 traction. "The Los Angeles Auto Show is the perfect place for the new MINI Countryman's World Premiere because the exhibition highlights all of the technological progress the auto indusry has made in the last year," said Thomas Felbemair, Vice President MINI of the Americas. "With the addition of the plug-in hybrid option MINI has achieved its largest, most versatile and technologically advanced product yet." #FromWhereIMINI MINI fans and adventurers have followed the new MINI Countryman on its journey to the World Premiere in Los Angeles by following @MINIUSA on Instragram. The journey was captured by adventure drone photographer Dirk Dallas (@dirka). Check it out for yourself by using #FromWhereIMINI hashtag. Click here for a full product press release and high resolution images of the new MINI Countryman. The new MINI Countryman will go on sale in March 2017 at MINI dealers across the U.S. with the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid following in June 2017. Pricing for the U.S. market will be announced at a later date. Also on display at the Los Angeles International Auto Show will be the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman that made its World Premiere at the Paris Motor Show and the MINI Seven Special Edition. About MINI in the US MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 126 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of four unique vehicles. Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.miniusanews.com. SOURCE MINI USA SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair's market-leading high-performance computing (HPC) workload manager, PBS Professional (PBS Pro) is being included in Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Core HPC Software Stack and in the HPE High Performance Computing Software Stack. The Core HPC Software Stack is available now via download. The HPE High Performance Computing Software Stack is available now as part of customer beta testing and will be released in the first quarter of 2017. The HPE High Performance Computing Software Stack provides the commercially licensed version of PBS Pro. Users of this stack will benefit from advanced testing and integration and receive HPE technical support along with Altair's global support for PBS Professional. The Core HPC Software Stack includes the open source licensed version of PBS Professional. It is available with registration at no charge for standalone clusters of up to 32 nodes, with a 120-day trial license available for larger clusters. "Together, Altair and HPE have been delivering innovative solutions that push the boundaries and capabilities of HPC," said Piush Patel, Vice President, Corporate Development for HPC at Altair. "The offering of PBS Professional as a choice in HPC software stacks from HPE further enhances the customer experience in using and managing HPC systems. The solution provides seamless deployment and advanced functionality so that organizations can benefit from efficient management and maximum system utilization." Both software stacks are complete HPC software solutions that allow HPC system administrators and managers to easily setup, configure, optimize and manage compute systems to run HPC applications. Each stack is a fully integrated and validated solution. "HPE welcomes PBS Professional as a choice workload manager for both HPC software stacks," said Scott Misage, Vice President, HPC Solutions and Apollo Pursuits, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. "We always provide our customers with the flexibility to choose the solutions that best fits the requirements of their environment, and HPE can fully meet these needs with PBS Pro." Altair and HPE have collaborated and served the HPC industry for many years delivering innovative, industry standard solutions that are optimized for scalability and performance to reduce organizations' capital and operating expenses. HPE Insight Cluster Management Utility (CMU) and PBS Professional have been integrated to provide easier cluster deployment and management for users, and a CMU PBS Professional Connector is available to download for free on the PBS Works website. HPE offers the broadest spectrum of high-performance computing solutions, from workgroup and departmental servers to systems designed for the engineering enterprise and supercomputing centers. Altair has served the HPC market for decades with its award winning workload management suite, used by thousands of organizations worldwide, to simplify administration and use of HPC clusters, clouds and supercomputing environments. Visit the Altair booth #1811 at Supercomputing 2016 to learn more. About ALTAIR Founded in 1985, Altair is focused on the development and application of simulation technology to synthesize and optimize designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance. Privately held with more than 2,600 employees, Altair is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA with more than 45 offices throughout 20 countries, and serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com. Media Contacts Altair: Corporate / Americas Biba A. Bedi +1.757.224.0548 x 406 [email protected] Altair Europe, the Middle East and Africa Evelyn Gebhardt +49 6421 9684351 [email protected] SOURCE Altair Related Links http://www.altair.com "We're proud to partner with Rolling Harvest Food Rescue on their quest to reimagine the food pantry- one filled with fresh and quality foods," said Gina Asoudegan, Applegate Senior Director of Mission. "Thanks to their efforts and relationships with local farmers, food pantries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are filled with fresh, healthy, local produce from more than 35 participating farms." Rolling Harvest Food Rescue's main goal is to increase access to fresh produce and other healthy foods to area hunger-relief sites that serve the at-risk, food-insecure population by providing local farmers and food producers with free, effective delivery and distribution. As a result, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue is connecting local farmer with neighbors in need. "In addition to Applegate's monetary donation, we are on target to receive nearly 200,000 pounds of perfectly safe and delicious Applegate products to share with our neighbors in need this year," said Cathy Snyder, Rolling Harvest Food Rescue Founder and Executive Director. "Applegate has shown such commitment and dedication in rescuing quality protein for donation and we hope other food producers will follow their lead in safely and effectively turning wasted food into real tangible hunger relief!" About Applegate For nearly 30 years, Applegate has been producing high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Natural can mean many things, but when Applegate says their products are natural, consumers are guaranteed that they are made without GMO ingredients and the meat inside is: From animals raised humanely without antibiotics, hormones or growth promotants From animals fed a vegetarian or 100% grass diet Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015. For more information about our products, visit http://www.applegate.com or talk with us on https://www.facebook.com/applegate or https://twitter.com/Applegate. About Hormel Foods Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. Hormel Foods, which leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2016. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, and was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the eighth year in a row. Hormel Foods also received a perfect score on the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, was recognized on the 2016 Best for Vets Employers List by Military Times, and was named one of the 2016 Best Companies for Leaders by Chief Executive magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value. For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com and http://2015csr.hormelfoods.com/. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438913 SOURCE Applegate Related Links http://www.applegate.com TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Argus Cyber Security, the world's largest independent automotive cyber security company, today announced further expansion of its In-Vehicle Network Protection suite with its new groundbreaking ECU Fingerprinting technology. This technology makes it much harder for hackers to perform successful cyber-attacks on vehicles. For the first time, it is now possible to identify and trace to their source messages that were maliciously initiated by an unauthorized or wrong electronic control unit (ECU). Tests have shown this technology to be highly accurate at identifying malicious messages with zero false positives. This exceptional ability, which examines the physical attributes of an ECU is currently unparalleled in the automotive industry and is further testament to how Argus, through its award-winning cyber research team, is enabling secure connectivity in automobiles. ECU Fingerprinting pinpoints a malicious message and the ECU that triggered it. This vital information was to date unattainable due to the nature of the communication protocol in the in-vehicle network. "We are very excited about collaborating with our OEM and Tier 1 customers as well as with our partners to bring this revolutionary technology to market," explained Yaron Galula, Co-Founder and CTO of Argus. "Combined with our existing solutions, this latest technology will further improve detection accuracy, radically reduce false positive rates, and shorten the time and effort during deployment. Its implementation will substantially increase the difficulty for hackers to wage a successful cyber-attack. All of these benefits make it cost-effective when compared with other tools that protect against messages coming from an unauthorized ECU such as secure on-board communications, which is based on message authentication. This all adds up to incredible gains for our customers and motorists alike." Moving forward, this technology will form an integral component of Argus' In-Vehicle Network Protection suite, adding a unique and complementary detection method to our proven technologies. With this latest addition to Argus' multi-layered solution portfolio, Argus customers will benefit from the highest possible level of automotive cyber security. "I am thrilled that Argus has once again proven its leadership in automotive cyber security," said Ofer Ben-Noon, Co-Founder and CEO of Argus. "We are committed to further investing in research to provide the industry with ever increasing levels of security. At Argus, we are constantly pushing the boundaries to provide cutting-edge solutions that stay ahead of the dynamic threat landscape. When it comes to something as vital as cyber security, there is no other way." About Argus: Argus is the world's largest, independent automotive cyber security company. Argus' comprehensive and proven solution suites protect connected cars and commercial vehicles against cyber-attacks. With decades of experience in both cyber security and the automotive industry, Argus offers innovative security methods and proven computer networking know-how with a deep understanding of automotive best practices. Customers include car manufacturers, their Tier 1 suppliers, and aftermarket connectivity providers. Founded in 2013, Argus is headquartered in Tel-Aviv, Israel, with offices in Michigan, Silicon Valley, Stuttgart and Tokyo. Visit argus-sec.com to learn more. @ArgusSec | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/5200367?trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2CclickedEntityId%3A5200367%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1438761362494%2Ctas%3Aargus%20cyb Contact: Aaron Kliner [email protected] +1-516-595-1843 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160721/391784LOGO SOURCE Argus Cyber Security Ltd. NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Infrastructure has a central role in the development of an emerging economy or sustenance of a mature economy. Australia's robust economy, growing trade and changing demographics are some of the factors driving demand for better and modern infrastructure. There is a persistent need in the country to invest in new infrastructure as well on maintenance and improvement of existing stock. Under the Australia Government's Economic Action Strategy that plans to boost the country's economic stance, Australia is likely to generate bigger opportunities in the infrastructure industry. Recently, the country has set out USD 43.9 billion for Greenfield and Brownfield Infrastructure Programmes, including Roads to Recovery Programme, Bridges Renewal Programme and many more. Also, Australia's infrastructure industry is undergoing many changes. Country has majority of infrastructure asset backed by the Government until recently when privatization happens to be the next plan of action. While the economy is showing prospective signs, there are consequent risks and challenges that needs to be closely monitored. Mining which is the primary industry of the country, is witnessing slowdown in enticing investors due to growing land, environmental or political disputes, consequently resulting in cost and time overruns. Most of the speculators are turning spectators, waiting for the sector recovery. In a paradox of growing opportunities with undefined risks, it has become important to have access to an accurate and comprehensive market data that helps in strategic business decisions. The market assessment report from BrikStats Infrastructure Report Centre, "Australia 2016 Construction Outlook: Infrastructure Megaprojects Opportunities and Challenges" provides a detailed lens on the infrastructure and construction industry with a thorough sub-sector level assessment. It includes market sizing of upcoming project pipeline at a more granular level and provides forward-looking analysis on top clients, contractors, consultants/ PMcs, other civil contractors / suppliers with their respective working or partnership model. Furthermore, it shows the new and recent trends in the industry and how it may impact the business decisions of the involved companies. Under the special feature, report additionally provides detailed coverage on rarely reported data - 'Project Financing' and 'Project Risks and Returns'. Under the heading, it covers Debt/ Equity values with DE ratios and financier details by sub- sector; Cost and Time overrun with underlying driving factors (sector level); and Returns as targeted Internal Rate of Return (IRR) along with other socio-economic impacts created by individual project. How BrikStats Report Helps? - Formulating internalization or expansion strategies i.e. companies entering or plans to enter the Australia Infrastructure market - Enable existing companies to increase their market share or enter new sub-sectors - Find business leads and plan business development goals through in-depth industry analysis along with 2-5 year forecast - Mitigate risk and exposure by understanding the project related challenges and other policies and government behavior - Understand current competitors or new entrants and their strategies Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03895335-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 LONDON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Report Details The latest report from business intelligence provider visiongain offers comprehensive insight into the global commercial vehicle telematics market. Visiongain assesses that this market will generate revenues of more than $13bn in 2016. The commercial vehicle telematics industry is undeniably one of the fastest growing sectors in the commercial vehicles sector. Now: TomTom Telematics will be highlighting the latest developments in connected fleet management systems at this month's CV Show. This is an example of the business critical headline that you need to know about - and more importantly, you need to read visiongain's objective analysis of how this will impact your company and the industry more broadly. How are you and your company reacting to this news? Are you sufficiently informed? Questions answered by this report - How is the commercial vehicle telematics market evolving and what is driving and restraining the market dynamics? - How will each one of the commercial vehicle telematics submarket segments grow and which technologies will prevail? - How will the national commercial vehicle telematics markets change by 2026 and which geographical region will lead the CVT market? - Who are the leading commercial vehicle telematics players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? - And what are the trends in the commercial vehicle telematics market? We break down the most important subsegments within the commercial vehicle telematics market but also the key connectivity type's, service providers', countries' and player's competitive positioning and characteristics that will make them lead this specific market. How this report will benefit you Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector. Visiongain's new study tells you and tells you NOW. In this brand new report you find 201 in-depth tables, charts and graphs, and trends all unavailable elsewhere. The 174 page report provides clear detailed insight into the global commercial vehicle telematics market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market. By ordering and reading our brand new report today you stay better informed and ready to act. Report Scope - 201 tables, charts and graphs analysing the CVT market - Overview of the commercial vehicle telematics market by connectivity and service provider type - Global commercial vehicle telematics market forecast 2016 - 2026 and analysis of drivers and restraints - Global forecasts of 7 individual commercial vehicle telematics submarkets by connectivity and service provider type covering the period 2016 2026 - Global forecast of commercial vehicle sales and major trends for the period 2016 2026 - Global commercial vehicle shipments with telematics forecast and analysis for the 2016 2026 - Forecast of the global penetration of commercial vehicle telematics systems for the 2016 2026 - Analysis of the commercial vehicle telematics technologies which are expected to become mandatory in major regions - Commercial vehicle telematics forecasts and analysis of the 12 leading national markets for the period 2016-2026. - In greater detail, we provide: - The Status of the commercial vehicle telematics market in 2014-2015 including: - The most notable developments in telematics for commercial vehicles - Overview of the M&A within the commercial vehicle telematics market - Examination of the commercial vehicles market during 2005-2015 - Segmentation of the commercial vehicle telematics market into 2 types submarkets: - By type of connectivity into embedded, integrated and tethered solutions - By service provider into OEM hardware, aftermarket hardware, telematics services, and connectivity services submarkets - Market value forecast of the global commercial vehicle telematics market (revenues $bn) throughout 2016 to 2026 coupled with: - Analysis of the micro, macro and regulatory drivers of growth in the market - Identification of the restraints & the challenges that the market faces until 2026 - Market Value ($bn) Forecast 2016-2026 of the two submarkets along with: - Individual examination of drivers and restraints of each secondary submarkets - Allocation of submarket shares in the global commercial vehicle telematics market for 2016, 2021, and 2026 respectively - Market value forecast ($bn) of the commercial vehicle telematics market in the 12 leading national markets: United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, South Korea and Russia - Forecast for sales of commercial vehicles during 2016 to 2026 allocation of regional market shares in sales of CV for 2016, 2021, and 2026 - Forecast of smartphone and tablet shipments 2016-2026 to support the growth of telematics in commercial vehicles - SWOT analysis of each one of the individual commercial vehicle telematics submarkets - Profiles of the leading companies within the commercial vehicle telematics market comprising 12 leading aftermarket telematics providers & and 4 leading OEM telematics providers for commercial fleets: - Analysis of their role in the CVT market and overview of their portfolio (up-to-date) with regards to telematics hardware - Company financials (Group Revenues, Profits) - Assessment of their subscription revenue and number of telematics subscribers (where available) - Conclusions How will you benefit from this report? - Keep your knowledge base up to speed. Don't get left behind - Reinforce your strategic decision-making with definitive and reliable market data - Learn how to exploit new technological trends - Realise your company's full potential within the market - Understand the competitive landscape and identify potential new business opportunities & partnerships Who should read this report? - Anyone within the commercial vehicle logistics and fleet management industry - Aftermarket Companies for Connected Vehicles - Automotive Safety Systems Companies - Connectivity Solution Companies, - Collision Avoidance Systems Companies - Telematics Solution Companies - Diagnostics Companies - V2X Safety and Security Companies - Road Safety Authorities - Telecommunication Companies - Business intelligence analyst - Competitive intelligence analyst - Business operations manager - Product development manager - Business development managers - Marketing managers - Technologists - Suppliers - Investors - Banks - Government agencies - Contractors Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring commercial analyses for the commercial vehicle telematics value chain and leading companies. You find data, trends and predictions. Buy our report today Commercial Vehicle Telematics Market 2016-2026: Top Companies & Connectivity Solutions For Fleet Management, Logistics, Tracking, Routing & Navigation For Fuel Efficiency, Driver Monitoring, Safety, Diagnostics & Predictive Analytics. Avoid missing out by staying informed get our report now. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3837894/ 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 BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, has offered a preview of its latest lounge which will open at Beijing Capital International Airport in the coming weeks. As the second SkyTeam-branded lounge in the Greater China region and the sixth worldwide, it will offer a luxurious pre-flight experience complemented by high-end amenities for First and Business Class passengers and Elite Plus members flying on any of the 12 SkyTeam airlines serving the airport. Behind-the-scenes at SkyTeam's New Beijing Lounge Behind-the-scenes at SkyTeam's New Beijing Lounge The spacious 800-square meter facility has seating for 160 guests and, in keeping with SkyTeam's lounge theme, features SkyTeam's signature sleek, modern curves and natural accents of wood. The lounge was constructed in collaboration with SkyTeam by members China Eastern and China Southern. Beijing Aviation Ground Services will manage and operate the facility on behalf of the alliance. The exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the new lounge was hosted by SkyTeam CEO and Managing Director, Perry Cantarutti, and SkyTeam Chairman, Michael Wisbrun, and attended by media, CEOs and executive leaders of member airlines, who were in Beijing for a SkyTeam Governing Board meeting this week. "More than 14 million SkyTeam passengers fly through Beijing each year and, as the largest alliance in Greater China, opening our second lounge underscores our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for our top customers in the region," Cantarutti said. "With the new lounge, SkyTeam will offer more branded lounges across its global network than any other airline alliance. Because these lounges are popular with our customers and add value for our members, we are developing plans to expand our global lounge portfolio even further." Highlights of the Beijing lounge include: Buffet with hot and cold Chinese and international food offered throughout the day. Customers can help themselves to hot drinks, water and soft drinks, plus premium-label beers and spirits or enjoy a social drink at the wine bar. Large, curved windows bring an abundance of natural light and airport views, while SkyTeam's iconic 'living wall' a botanical feature in every lounge adds a welcoming natural touch Complimentary Wi-Fi, business area with computers and numerous power outlets throughout the lounge Showers, with towels and toiletries for a pre-flight freshen up A tranquil retreat with a separate TV room, relaxation area and a VIP room for added privacy SkyTeam customers benefit from more than 630 airport lounges throughout its worldwide network. In addition to the new Beijing lounge, these include other SkyTeam-branded facilities in Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London Heathrow and Sydney. The alliance offers more than 3,700 weekly frequencies to and from Beijing Capital International Airport, operated by 12 member airlines: Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, KLM, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. About SkyTeam: SkyTeam is the global airline alliance with 20 member airlines working together to offer seamless travel on an extensive global network. From top hubs around the world, SkyTeam members provide reliable and comfortable journeys to over 1,050 destinations. SkyTeam customers can unwind in 636 lounges as they travel, earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles. SkyTeam Elite Plus customers are eligible for SkyPriority services. The 20 members are: Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. SkyTeam welcomes 612 million customers each year on more than 17,340 daily flights to 1,057 destinations in 177 countries. www.skyteam.com / www.facebook.com/skyteam / www.youtube.com/user/skyteam About Delta: Delta Air Lines serves nearly 180 million customers each year. In 2016, Delta was named to Fortune's top 50 Most Admired Companies in addition to being named the most admired airline for the fifth time in six years. Additionally, Delta has ranked No.1 in the Business Travel News Annual Airline survey for an unprecedented five consecutive years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 319 destinations in 57 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry's leading transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products and services, and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on the Delta News Hub, as well as delta.com, Twitter @DeltaNewsHub, Google.com/+Delta, and Facebook.com/delta. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440164 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440165 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090202/DELTALOGO SOURCE Delta Air Lines Related Links http://www.delta.com (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151123/290068LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440065 ) The meeting - chaired by H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Secretary General of the Award - was attended by Members of the Board, Nick Rawlins, Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Oxford; David Bennett, Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships at National Geographic; Dr. Ali Ahmed Al Ghafli, Vice Dean for Social Sciences at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UAE University; Alexander J.B. Zehnder, Visiting Professor and Member of the Board of Trustees of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. The Award's main objective is to galvanise the shift towards a knowledge economy in the UAE, the region, and the world, as well as to establish a culture built on exchanging knowledge and honouring intellectual and creative achievements that serve to produce and disseminate knowledge. H.E. bin Huwaireb said: "The Knowledge Award seeks to raise awareness about the importance of spreading knowledge as a means to achieve sustainable development by honouring the pioneers working to revolutionise the knowledge industry." The Board of Trustees will hold a series of executive meetings to determine application requirements and selection criteria for the winners, H.E. bin Huwaireb revealed, as well as to prepare for the Award ceremony, part of the Knowledge Summit 2016 (December 5-7). Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ghafli said that the Arab World played a pivotal role in spreading knowledge in past centuries; the Award places Arabs back on the right track to reclaim that commendable history. Professor Zehnder lauded the Award, noting that it would benefit all of mankind, underlining the role that knowledge plays in their lives and, consequently, motivating them to participate in the creation and dissemination of knowledge. David Bennett said that the award is an important initiative honouring those who make knowledge available to people everywhere. Professor Rawlins, meanwhile, pointed out that the University of Oxford has extensive experience in evaluating contributions to the field of knowledge and will, therefore, play an active role within the Board of Trustees. The Award seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of the UAE and the world. The monetary value of the award is a generous $1 million. In late 2015, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decree No. 36 of 2015, establishing the Knowledge Award. H.H. also issued Decree No. 17 of 2016, establishing the Board of Trustees and appointing its members for three renewable years. The Board is headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Chairman, with H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb as Vice Chairman. Members include representatives from the United Arab Emirates University; the University of Cairo; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; the University of Oxford; and National Geographic. SOURCE Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Wright, former Vice Chairman of General Electric, Chairman of NBC Universal, and co-founder of Autism Speaks with his wife Suzanne, is now taking action in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Today, Wright announced the launch of The Suzanne Wright Foundation and its CodePurple campaign -- an initiative dedicated to increasing and accelerating pancreatic cancer research through awareness. Suzanne was diagnosed with the disease October 2015 and passed away nine months later. "When Suzanne was diagnosed, we were shocked," said Bob Wright. "There are no screening tests for pancreatic cancer, so the disease went undetected until it metastasized. In the nine months that followed, we were stunned by the limited effective treatment options and very few clinical trials available to Suzanne and the thousands of other patients diagnosed every year. Pancreatic cancer is the only cancer that has not improved its survival rate since the United States declared "The War on Cancer" forty years ago. Ninety two percent of pancreatic patients die, and seventy one percent of patients die within the first year of diagnosis. We will leverage every resource in the cancer community so future patients won't be up against the same odds Suzanne faced." In 2015, more than 53,000 people were diagnosed with the disease and over 42,000 people have died already. Despite having the highest mortality rate of all major cancers, pancreatic cancer receives only 2% of federal cancer research funding. Through increased awareness, The Suzanne Wright Foundation aims to grow the influence, resources, and public support for the broader pancreatic cancer community. The foundation will work with advocates and other organizations focused on pancreatic cancer, to bring the level of urgency and resources required to meet the devastating impact of this disease. "The improvement in survival rates for breast, colon, prostate, and other cancers demonstrates how the power of awareness and focused funding can drive research and save lives," said Liz Feld, President of The Suzanne Wright Foundation. "CodePurple will give voice to the over one million families who have lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer in the last twenty years." Bob Wright brings over 40 years of executive and philanthropic leadership to the fight against pancreatic cancer. During his tenure at NBC, Wright revolutionized network television, launching CNBC and MSNBC, and transforming the network into a media giant. Autism Speaks raised nearly $600 million under his leadership, and launched MSSNG, a historic genome project with google that created the world's largest open-source DNA database. Liz Feld served as the President of Autism Speaks from 2012-2016. She was the Mayor of the Village of Larchmont, NY and has worked in public policy, politics and communications. They are working with BBDO New York to create a pro-bono integrated campaign for CodePurple, inspired by the story of Suzanne and the stories of survivors and families affected by pancreatic cancer. To learn more about The Suzanne Wright Foundation and CodePurple, please visit: www.CodePurpleNow.org. From: The Suzanne Wright Foundation Jackie Kepping Orsher 347.684.1835 [email protected]suzannewrightfoundation.org Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/440001LOGO SOURCE The Suzanne Wright Foundation Related Links https://www.codepurplenow.org NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Captain D's, the leading fast casual seafood restaurant, announced today the opening of its newest franchised restaurant in Lovejoy, Georgia. Located at 11465 Tara Boulevard, this new location marks the brand's 98th in the state and emphasizes Captain D's accelerated franchise development in Georgia. Captain D's The restaurant in Lovejoy is owned and operated by new franchisees Ali Momin, Abrar Momin and Micky Patel. With a combined 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, this will be the group's first Captain D's location, with future plans to develop additional restaurants in the Greater Atlanta area. "Captain D's is committed to providing only the best in products and service and as restaurant industry veterans, we understand how much that resonates with consumers," said Ali Momin, Captain D's franchisee. "The company has grown tremendously over the past several years, and has really become a standout in the fast casual segment. We're thrilled to officially open our first Captain D's restaurant and look forward to introducing the Lovejoy community to a brand we truly believe in." The company's growth in Georgia has contributed to the outstanding success Captain D's has experienced in 2016, closing out the third quarter of the year with its 20th consecutive quarter of positive growth, generating a 2.8 percent system-wide same store sales increase. Additionally, Captain D's is on track for its fourth successive year of achieving record high system-wide AUV and its sixth consecutive year of same store sales increases. Coupled with its ongoing menu innovation, Captain D's credits its new restaurant beach design with contributing to the brand's compounding success. To date, 50 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brand's new vibrant, coastal design, with another 50 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year. With these efforts, Captain D's has remained true to what it does best serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price in a welcoming atmosphere. With 516 restaurants in 21 states, Captain D's is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brand's rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit http://www.captaindsfranchising.com or call 800-550-4877. ABOUT CAPTAIN D'S Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Captain D's has 516 restaurants in 21 states, plus military bases around the world. Captain D's is the nation's leading fast casual seafood restaurant and was named the #1 seafood chain in the QSR 50, ranked by AUV. Founded in 1969, Captain D's has been offering its customers high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere for more than 46 years. Captain D's serves a wide variety of seafood that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company's signature hand-battered fish, which is cooked to order. The restaurants also offer premium-quality, grilled items such as shrimp, and surf and turf, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D's favorite. For more information, please visit www.captainds.com. Contact: Caitlin Willard Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440113 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328742LOGO SOURCE Captain D's Related Links http://www.captainds.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect, the world's largest privately held provider of language and technology solutions for global business, today announced the launch of six new language sites for fashion label Carolina Herrera's website, www.carolinaherrera.com. The addition of Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Japanese, and Portuguese brings the total number of supported languages to sevenwith Russian set to be added soon. Founded by American fashion designer Carolina Herrera, the international fashion house is recognized for her timeless designs. To configure, deploy, and test its multilingual sites, Carolina Herrera's marketing team selected TransPerfect's GlobalLink OneLink proxy-based website localization technology. OneLink is an award-winning solution that virtually eliminates manual project management and IT requirements associated with multilingual web content management. It monitors content on the source language site and identifies new and changed language for translation and release. "Carolina Herrera is a world-renowned and forward-thinking international brand known for its elegant designs and award-winning collections," commented Liz Elting, Co-CEO at TransPerfect. "We're extremely proud to play an active role in their international strategy as they continue to grow their global customer base." Phil Shawe, Co-CEO at TransPerfect added, "For an organization like Carolina Herrera, their brand is their single most valuable asset. Helping them to extend their reach and their brand globally is a huge responsibility that we take very seriously, and one that we're grateful to have been entrusted with." About Carolina Herrera Carolina Herrera is an international fashion house recognized for timeless elegance and refinement. Founded in 1981 by Carolina Herrera, the eponymous label produces numerous collections consisting of ready-to-wear and accessories for women, men and children, as well as bridal and fragrances available in 105 countries at 15,000 points of distribution, including over 125 CH Carolina Herrera and three Carolina Herrera New York retail locations. The collections reflect an effortless sophistication inherent in the iconic style of founder Carolina Herrera. Visit carolinaherrera.com, facebook.com/carolinaherrerany and follow @houseofherrera on Instagram for the latest news from inside the house. About TransPerfect With annual revenues of more than $500 million, TransPerfect is the world's largest privately held provider of language services and technology solutions. From offices in 90 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 170+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 3,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink Product Suite to simplify management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and EN 15038 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150420/199715LOGO SOURCE TransPerfect Related Links http://www.transperfect.com DOVER, N.J., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc., a leading innovator in the world of electronic musical instrument technology, announced today that its GP-400 CELVIANO Grand Hybrid piano has been nominated for the prestigious NAMM TEC Award in the Musical Instrument Hardware category. Presented annually by the NAMM Foundation at The NAMM Show, the NAMM TEC Awards recognize the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and other media. Voting is open to pro audio and music industry professionals now through December 31, 2016. "We are so honored that the GP-400 has been nominated in the category of outstanding technical achievement for this year's TEC Awards," said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio's Electronic Musical Instrument Division. "At Casio, we consistently and carefully develop products that provide musicians with the most innovative instruments and the recognition we received in this highly-competitive category is very rewarding." From the pool of product and project submissions in each category through a "Call for Entries," nominees and winners of the TEC Awards are determined by a nominating panel comprised of professionals and thought leaders from all areas of the audio and sound production industry. Eligible nominees are those projects or products that, in the opinion of the nominating panel, represent superior accomplishment in their respective fields. Casio's GP-400 piano combines the advantages of digital and acoustic pianos, while delivering the highly authentic touch and tone of a grand piano. It was developed in collaboration with famed German piano manufacturer C. Bechstein, and comes equipped with its Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard technology. This one-of-a-kind mechanism includes full-length wooden concert grand piano keys, using materials and methods as found in C. Bechstein grand pianos. A keypress sends a hammer along the same exact vertical path as a grand piano, with accurate pivot points and scaled weighting, resulting in a true piano touch that allows the musician to play in a completely natural manner. The GP-400 also features Casio's AiR Grand Sound Source, which recreates the sonic and physical characteristics of three legendary grand pianos, dubbed Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna. All models within Casio's Grand Hybrid portfolio also include the Grand Acoustic System that recreates the three-dimensional sound field of an acoustic grand, using six speakers to reproduce sounds emanating from above and below the soundboard. This simulation allows for both rich and complex sound that not only fills a room but also resonates with both the musician and the audience. The GP-400BK is available now at select music dealers nationwide for an MSRP of $4,999. To learn more about Casio's full portfolio of electronic musical instruments including the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid line of digital pianos, please visit www.CasioMusicGear.com. About Casio America, Inc. Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. About the TEC Awards Presented annually by The NAMM Foundation during The NAMM Show, The NAMM TEC Awards recognizes the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and other media in 23 Technical and 8 Creative Achievement Categories. The Les Paul Award is given at the event in tribute to musical artists and others whose work has exemplified the creative application of audio technology. Through its Hall of Fame, The TEC Awards also honors the pioneers of audio technology and the music industry's most accomplished producers and audio technicians. The NAMM Foundation's TECnology Hall of Fame celebrates innovations and ground breaking technical achievements of the past. For more information, visit www.tecawards.org MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY CONTACT Christine Azzolino/Jennifer Samuels Coyne Agency (973) 588-2000 [email protected] [email protected] S. Vander Schans/A. Colasacco-Sharpe CASIO AMERICA, INC. (973) 361-5400 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Casio, Inc. Related Links http://www.casio.com PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedexis , a leader in internet performance monitoring and optimization, today announced it ranked No. 247 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Cedexis grew 294 percent during this period. Cedexis's chief executive officer, Scott Grout, credits steady customer acquisition and retention as well as the significant benefits of its technology for the company's impressive revenue growth. He said, "In the past year, Cedexis has created endless opportunities for growth within our company, from cultivating relationships with customers to developing unique products and solutions to distinguish ourselves from our competitors. We are very pleased as a company to have increased our revenue by 295 percent and to have earned a spot on Deliotte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 list." "Today, when every organization can be a tech company, the most effective businesses not only foster the courage to explore change, but also encourage creativity in using and applying existing assets in new ways, as resourcefully as possible," said Sandra Shirai, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications industry leader. "This ingenious approach to innovation calls for the encouragement of curiosity and collaboration both within and outside the office walls." "This year's Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead," added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors." Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent. About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. About Cedexis Cedexis provides web-scale, end-user-experience monitoring and real-time traffic routing across multiple clouds and networks. Cedexis Radar crowd sources billions of real user measurements (RUM) a day from a community of 1,000s of popular websites and mobile apps, with traffic routing services based on the insights this data provides, for the best performance, availability, or cost. Trusted by over 1,000 global brands including Accor Hotels, Airbus, Cartier, Comcast, LinkedIn, Mozilla, Nissan and Shutterstock. Cedexis is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with offices in Paris, France, San Francisco, CA, Brooklyn, NY and London. SOURCE Cedexis Related Links http://www.cedexis.com CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CH2M was awarded the first phase of the Leadership in Asset Management Program (LAMP), selected by the joint group of 12 municipalities and part-funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The collaborative program brings together twelve leading municipalities from across Canada to develop key asset management building blocks that will better connect sustainability considerations with their infrastructure planning and decision making processes. LAMP is an innovative peer-learning program designed to enable participating municipalities of all sizes, regions and levels of experience to work together to develop or refresh their asset management strategies and policies while ensuring that their environmental, social and economic sustainability objectives are well integrated with their communities strategic goals. "This partnership further cements CH2M's position as a leading consultant in the Canadian municipal asset management market. We look forward to leaving our mark within the industry and in assisting our new clients," said Gareth Lifton, CH2M global practice lead for asset management and LAMP program manager. Asset Management is a way of doing business that enables infrastructure organizations to invest their resources more wisely by continually balancing performance, risk and expenditures in order to meet customer service levels and effectively and efficiently achieve their strategic goals. As part of Phase 1 of the program, CH2M's consulting team will work with the LAMP municipalities to develop and implement asset management approaches in each of the organizations. This will help strengthen their approach to managing infrastructure, which provides community services such as transportation, drinking water and sanitation, and to better integrate their environmental, social and sustainability goals. The output from the high profile initiative will benefit participating LAMP municipalities and many other cities across Canada, as the FCM looks to share the intelligence and success of the program with other communities. The 12 municipalities that will be leading the way are: City of Edmonton, AB; City of Ottawa; ON; City of Vancouver, BC; City of Windsor, ON; City of Melville, SK; City of Fredericton, NB; City of Airdrie, AB; City of Kings, NS; City of Nanaimo, BC; Municipality of North Grenville, ON; City of Revelstoke, BC; Township of Langley, BC. About CH2M CH2M leads the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefiting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry. In this way, CH2Mers make a positive difference providing consulting, design, engineering and management services for clients in water; environment and nuclear; transportation; energy and industrial markets, from iconic infrastructure to global programs like the Olympic Games. Ranked among the World's Most Ethical Companies and top firms in environmental consulting and program management, CH2M in 2016 became the first professional services firm honored with the World Environment Center Gold Medal Award for efforts advancing sustainable development. Connect with CH2M at www.ch2m.com; LinkedIn; Twitter; and Facebook. Contact: Brent Temmer CH2M, Marketing & Communications 720-286-4276 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160315/344421LOGO SOURCE CH2M Related Links http://www.ch2m.com BETHEL, Conn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NEHDS Logistics (http://www.nehds.com) announced today that Charles Johnson has joined the company to oversee daily operations and further develop the growing portfolio of regional and national accounts. Charles comes to NEHDS with a wealth of industry experience, having spent the previous 13 years with Diakon Logistics where he oversaw all aspects of day-to-day operations. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439742 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439741LOGO Charles joins NEHDS as President/COO to help lead the company's continued success providing first-class services in final-mile delivery and warehousing to some of the world's most recognizable retailers. Charles comments, "I am both proud and honored to be joining NEHDS as its President/COO. Gerry and his team have built an amazing logistics company in a very short time and now dominate the Northeast region of the country. I look forward to working with Gerry and the other senior management members to continue the growth and success of NEHDS nationwide. My wife and I are excited about relocating to the beautiful state of Connecticut and our family becoming part of the NEHDS family." Gerry Burdo, CEO of NEHDS Logistics, said, "We are delighted that Charles is joining us to oversee our operations; his vast industry knowledge will be instrumental in providing exceptional service to existing clients and positioning NEHDS to expand its reach." Charles' background includes more than 31 years of diverse business experience in the areas of operations, finance, accounting and administration. Prior to joining Diakon Logistics, Charles spent more than eight years in investment banking advising companies on mergers, acquisitions and capital sourcing. Previous to his career in investment banking, Charles served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of a telecommunications company and national food service distributor. He started his career with the Assurance Practice of Coopers & Lybrand. In addition to his professional achievements, Charles currently serves on the Board of Directors of Becky's Fund, an organization dedicated to eliminating domestic violence. Charles received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Business Administration from Drexel University. About NEHDS Logistics NEHDS is a full service logistics company (http://www.nehds.com), providing final-mile delivery, and warehousing and inventory management services, offering unparalleled industry experience. Please visit our website or call for more information on the company's notable achievements, services provided and key leadership. Contact: Peter Katz CMO, NEHDS Logistics 203-730-9300 [email protected] SOURCE NEHDS Logistics Brockett most recently held the position of Executive Vice President, Director of Operations at EagleBank. Mr. Brockett held this position beginning in November 2014 (following Eagle Bancorp's completion of its acquisition of Virginia Heritage Bank) until May of 2016. In this role, Mr. Brockett had direct oversight responsibility for all of the retail banking operations, deposit and loan operations, information technology, residential lending operations, marketing, and facilities. His tenure at Virginia Heritage Bank began in 2004 where he was one of the founding seed investors and worked throughout the initial capital raise, regulatory application, and ultimate opening in November of 2005. He served on the Board of Directors throughout the Bank's existence as well as Chief Financial Officer and in 2010 assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. A summary of primary duties included oversight of residential lending, credit management, participation on the Officer and Executive Loan Committees, Chair of ALCO, enterprise risk management, compliance, accounting & reporting, budgeting & strategic planning, capital planning, and investment portfolio management, all operation functions, human resources, and facilities. At the time of its acquisition by Eagle Bancorp, Virginia Heritage Bank had grown to approximately $950 million in assets with five branches. Mr. Brockett spent the majority of his career in banking, having started his banking career in 1980 with First Commercial Bank in Arlington, Virginia. During his nearly 16 years with First Commercial Bank until its sale to United Bankshares in 1995, he held positions of increasing managerial responsibility at the retail level, loan accounting and servicing, operations, consumer lending, commercial lending and Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure at First Commercial, Mr. Brockett also served as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Brockett is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia. QUOTES: "We are thrilled that Chris is joining MainStreet in such an important leadership capacity," said Chairman & CEO Jeff W. Dick. "Chris is an absolute commodity in Northern Virginia, with a very loyal following. I am certain that with the addition of his leadership, we will continue our trend of aggressive growth and revenue diversification." Brockett adds, "I love community banks and what they stand for. I am a second generation community banker and this business is certainly in my DNA. MainStreet is great fit for my style, and I look forward to being a part of this very successful team. I am very excited about the opportunity and eager to assist in achieving MainStreet's strategic objectives." ABOUT MAINSTREET BANK: MainStreet operates five branches in Herndon, Fairfax, Fairfax City, McLean and Clarendon. In addition, MainStreet has 55,000 free ATMs and a fully integrated online banking solution. The Bank is not restricted by a conventional branching system, as it can offer business customers the ability to Put Our Bank in Your Office. With robust and easy-to-use online business banking technology, MainStreet has literally "put our bank" in well over 750 businesses in the Metropolitan area. MainStreet offers a full complement of business and professional lending products, including government contracting lines of credit, commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction and commercial real estate. MainStreet also works with the SBA to offer 7A and 504 lending solutions. MainStreet recently added a Payments expert and now offers comprehensive third party payment solutions. From mobile banking and Apple Pay to instant-issue Debit Cards, MainStreet Bank is always looking for ways to improve its customer experience. Additionally, MainStreet released Aircharity in 2012. Aircharity is a unique solution that empowers people and organizations to raise money via email, websites and social media. The product allows a customer to open an account and accept donations from debit cards, credit cards and electronic checks. MainStreet Bank was the first community bank in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area to offer a full online business banking solution. MainStreet Bank was also the first bank headquartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia to offer CDARS a solution that provides multi-million-dollar FDIC insurance. Further information on the Bank can be obtained by visiting its website at mstreetbank.com. This release contains forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to future events that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations include: fluctuation in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, adverse changes in the overall national economy as well as adverse economic conditions in our specific market areas, maintenance and development of well-established and valued client relationships and referral source relationships, and acquisition or loss of key production personnel. Other risks that can affect the Bank are detailed from time to time in our annual reports. We caution readers that the list of factors above is not exclusive. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and we may not undertake steps to update the forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of any circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements are made. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Contact: Jeff W. Dick (703) 481-4567 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440211 SOURCE MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. Related Links https://mstreetbank.com ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Christ For All Nations (CfaN) hosted a historic live worship experience led by Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, the President of CfaN, with guests Roy Fields, Hope Darst, and others. The event took place in Ghana earlier this year and resulted in an amazing worship experience. It is now available on DVD and CD. Holy Ground comes from the epicenter of one of the greatest moves of God in history where over 75 million people registered decisions for Christ. Contemporary musical arrangements and beautiful choral harmonies bring to life classic hymns as well as modern and original songs and medleys. The only site large enough to accommodate the massive crowds that attended this historic event was the city dump. The surrounding neighborhood was infamous for its high levels of crime, poverty and hardship. The CfaN team moved in, cleared the land and constructed the massive stage complete with state of the art sound and lighting just in time for the hundreds of thousands of people that flooded the grounds. Beautiful sounds of worship filled the night air during the week long Crusade. The Gospel was preached with power, and by the end, 381,680 individuals had registered decisions for Christ. The whole event was captured in this historic worship album appropriately titled, Holy Ground. Daniel Kolenda stated, "This was the most personally impacting project I've ever been a part of. What happened in Ghana is actually a picture of redemption itself. Jesus loves to enter our mess and bring a miracle, exchanging beauty for ashes and making everything new. It's more than an album, it's an experience." Holy Ground was co-produced by Latin Grammy winner and 6-time nominee Carlson Barros. Holy Ground contains a DVD and CD combo pack with a full-color panoramic poster and details about the incredible change that took place during a one-week campaign in Africa with over 700,000 people. http://HolyGroundCfaN.com About Christ For All Nations (CfaN): (cfan.org) CfaN is a non-denominational missions organization, aimed at taking the Gospel message to the world. Christ For All Nations is primarily known for its historic crusades in Africa and recently surpassed a historic milestone of 75 million documented decisions for Jesus Christ at major events in Africa and other parts of the world. Diane Morrow [email protected] 800.927.1517 SOURCE Christ For All Nations Related Links http://www.cfan.org BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 1.1 million of the ballots cast in Oregon were successfully tallied using Clear Ballot's ClearVote voting system during the Presidential General Election, improving the efficiency and transparency in their election processes. This accounts for 57% of the entire state's electorate. The State of Oregon certified the ClearVote system in May 2015. Clear Ballot immediately began working with Oregon Counties to determine the best solutions for updating their voting technology. Clear Ballot utilizes optical scanning with cutting-edge technology like ClearVote's unique digital inventory of the election that minimizes ballot handling, reducing potential errors and increasing efficiency. ClearVote increases transparency by offering a complete digital database of election results that includes visual verification of every single vote. "Clear Ballot has enabled us to make a lot of changes to our ballot handling which has allowed us to become a lot more efficient in our processes," said Multnomah County Election Director Tim Scott, who has been using the ClearVote voting system since 2015. "I'm much more confident in the outcome of the election, I no longer have to trust a black box system, I can now see that the results are accurate." Clear Ballot is pleased to see the success of election officials throughout the country, who used its technology during last week's general election. "We're thrilled that all nine counties reported smooth elections with significant improvements in speed and overall efficiencies in ballot handling processes," said Larry Moore, CEO of Clear Ballot. "It is rewarding to know that with our system election officials were able to finish their work in a General Election much faster than they have in the past with other systems. We look forward to many more election jurisdictions finding success with voting solutions from Clear Ballot." About Clear Ballot: Boston-based Clear Ballot was founded in 2009 and is an emerging leader in election technology innovation. ClearVote, the scalable Clear Ballot solution suite, harnesses modern software tools and advanced hardware to create a comprehensive voting system designed to bring greater speed, accuracy, and transparency to elections. ClearVote is easy to use and cost-effective, responding directly to the budgetary realities of America's counties and municipalities. For more information about Clear Ballot and its Clear Vote election technology solutions, please visit: www.clearballot.com . Contact: Hillary Lincoln [email protected] 617-842-5127 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216827LOGO SOURCE Clear Ballot Related Links http://www.clearballot.com ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Colorado Motor Carriers Association and American Trucking Associations proudly celebrate the arrival of the Capitol Christmas Tree to the state of Colorado. American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight.Trucking Moves America Forward. "Colorado has a strong history of transporting holiday goods, including Christmas trees, to places across North America and CMCA members are overjoyed that our industry is being recognized as a major component of the holiday season," said Colorado Motor Carriers President Greg Fulton. "Although this tree originated in Idaho and will find a home in Washington, D.C., we are fully supportive of its mission to bring joy and unity to Coloradoans who encounter it this week." The Capitol Christmas Tree tradition started in 1964 when the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John W. McCormack, set up a live Christmas tree on the Capitol Lawn. Since then, the tree has become a must-see wintertime destination for Washingtonians and visitors to the nation's capital. In 1990, Colorado provided the tree for the first time, delivering an Engelmann spruce from Routt National Forest to the Capitol Lawn. "Our industry's more than 3.5 million truck drivers play a vital role in safely delivering holiday joy to America's homes," said ATA COO and Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs Elisabeth Barna. "Trucks deliver our favorite holiday meals, lights that adorn our homes and gifts that show our friends and family members how much we appreciate them." With stops planned in Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs and Denver this week, thousands of Colorado residents, young and old, will have a chance to view this year's 80-foot Engelmann spruce headed towards the Capitol's West Lawn. The events, scheduled for Nov. 16, 17, and 18 in the aforementioned cities, will give attendees an opportunity to hear more about outdoor recreation from Choose Outdoors. Visitors will also have a chance to sign the side of the specially designed trailer and learn about the essential role of trucking in the national economy. The Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive at Joint Base Andrews, just outside Washington, D.C., on November 27. In early December, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan will officially light the tree and invite a contest-winning Idaho student to read his or her poem about the tree. American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140523/90962 SOURCE American Trucking Associations Related Links http://www.trucking.org WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, will have the opportunity to speak with a NASA astronaut currently living and working aboard the International Space Station at 12:40 p.m. EST Friday, Nov. 18. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado will open the downlink, hosted by Wheat Ridge High School, with a voice check call to the station. Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough, who launched to the station Oct. 19, will answer questions from the students. Media interested in covering the event should contact Ashley Verville at [email protected]. Wheat Ridge High School is located at 9505 West 32nd Ave. Teachers have been preparing the ninth through 12th grade students for this call by incorporating space into lessons in each of their core classes science, math, history, and English. This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of the NASA Office of Education's efforts to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning in the United States. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station through this STEM on Station activity provides authentic, live experiences in space exploration, space study and the scientific components of space travel, while introducing the possibilities of life in space. For NASA TV streaming video, schedule and downlink information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv For more information, videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov HOT SPRINGS, Ark. and PETERBOROUGH, N.H., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent revision of math standards and the increasing need for developmentally appropriate strategies, Arkansas teachers are seeking fresh strategies to invigorate their instruction. The 2016 Conference for Arkansas Kindergarten Teachers, hosted by Staff Development for Educators (SDE) and coming December 89 to Hot Springs, AR, will address this need with innovative and practical ideas to energize the kindergarten classroom and maximize student learning. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439696LOGO Through 32 sessions, new and veteran kindergarten teachers will gain solutions and support for the most challenging parts of their jobs. They'll learn the best methods for time and class management, grouping students for differentiation, addressing the writing standards, and developing number sense and laying the foundation for addition and subtraction. "Kindergarten teachers have a tough job. And, while their experience and education go a long way, they must constantly seek out fresh ideas. That's why this conference is so important. Teachers are encouraged to listen carefully to sessions that will reveal technique after practical technique for sharpening their performance," SDE program developer Kymra Kurinskas says. The event brings together under one roof a team of distinguished kindergarten experts. "The speakers are the best period. They're professionals who have a proven track record in the kindergarten classroom. What's more, they are exciting communicators who'll provide teachers with two of the most interesting days they've ever spent," Kurinaskas says. The dynamic Dan St. Romain will kick off the conference with a new keynote that highlights what children of all ages need to succeed in both school and life. On the second day, exciting classroom innovator Pat Pavelka will present a humorous keynote that reminds teachers of the wonderful ways children make the smile and laugh. Other kindergarten experts to speak at the 2016 Conference for Arkansas Kindergarten Teachers include popular bloggers Palma Lindsay, Greg Smedley-Warren, and Julie Lee, and author Crystal Radke. "If you're a kindergarten teacher who'd like practical and innovative ways to fit it all in, address the newly revised math standards, create independent writers, and more, then attending this exciting conference is a must," Kurinskas states. "We've packed a lot of information in two fast-paced days and we believe teachers will love every minute of it." To register for this conference or learn about SDE's national conferences, upcoming PD events, or other professional development opportunities, visit www.SDE.com, call 1-800-462-1478, or email [email protected]. About SDE SDE is one of America's leading providers of professional development for PreK through Grade 12 educators. Through Onsite PD, PD Events, Web-Based PD, and PD Resources, the company empowers teachers and administrators across the country with ongoing professional development that is not only research-based, innovative, and rigorous, but also practical, motivating, and fun. All SDE training is presented by the nation's top authors and educational experts, with the goal of creating extraordinary classrooms that prepare students for the evolving demands of the 21st century. For more information about SDE, educators are encouraged to visit www.sde.com, or to call 1-800-462-1478. SOURCE Staff Development for Educators Related Links http://www.sde.com CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ContextMedia, the leading healthcare decision platform, announced today that it will acquire AccentHealth, which provides best-in-class patient education at the point of care, in an all-cash purchase. Through this acquisition, ContextMedia becomes the largest healthcare decision platform at the point of care in the United States, with a rapidly growing reach across clinics, hospitals and health systems. In 2016, ContextMedia has been adding nearly one percent of all practices in the country each month and continues to grow rapidly in pursuit of ubiquitous presence of its healthcare technologies into every consultation room in the world. The company believes it will have a presence in seventy percent of all practices in the U.S. by 2020. "ContextMedia has a vision to embed actionable information and intelligence into every critical healthcare decision," said Rishi Shah, ContextMedia Chief Executive Officer and Founder. "Our healthcare decision technologies drive better health outcomes by empowering collaboration between consumers and their healthcare providers, transforming the communication of treatments and conditions, offering assessment technology for early detection and simplifying complex health information." 17.5 percent of the United States GDP is currently spent on healthcare, and eighty percent of these costs are attributable to chronic condition treatments according to the CDC. With the measurable impact of ContextMedia's technology in improving comprehension, conversion and compliance of chronic disease treatments and lifestyle choices, the company has the opportunity to create unprecedented positive economic and social outcomes. In one recent study conducted by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, a medical group utilizing the ContextMedia decision platform saw up to 10 percent incremental cost savings per Medicare patient after incorporating ContextMedia's technologies. With a portfolio of interactive technologies developed by ContextMedia such as large format tablets that offer physicians 3D anatomical and condition models as well as video-based patient engagement and assessment tools, the company continues to innovate and expand its portfolio. ContextMedia will invest in bringing its technologies into AccentHealth's network of practices to continue transforming the way healthcare providers and patients make healthcare decisions together. With the acquisition of AccentHealth, ContextMedia will reach 55,000 healthcare locations, a scale that is unmatched in the industry. "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with ContextMedia," commented Dan Stone, CEO of AccentHealth. "This deal will accelerate growth and innovation at the point of care to benefit the patients we serve. ContextMedia is respected in the industry for technology innovation at scale and we are deeply aligned on the mission to educate and empower people to live healthier lives." "This acquisition brings us closer to our vision of achieving ubiquity," said Shah. "The expanded presence of our platform will accelerate our ability to drive positive health outcomes at scale." The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year subject to customary closing conditions. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to ContextMedia. JPMorgan Chase Bank, Goldman Sachs and Citizens Bank will provide financing. Moelis & Company acted as exclusive financial advisor and Alston & Bird LLP acted as legal advisor to AccentHealth. About ContextMedia ContextMedia develops healthcare technologies to deliver better health outcomes and impact the human condition positively. Founded in 2006 by Rishi Shah and Shradha Agarwal, the company has doubled each year in its scale of technology implementation at outpatient health care facilities, business partnerships with global life sciences and medical device companies, product innovation and team growth. Decision platforms such as digital anatomy boards, interactive educational tablets and mobile connectivity in consultation rooms deliver measurable patient outcomes through actionable intelligence on conditions, treatments and lifestyle changes to improve the quality of life. To find out more about ContextMedia, visit www.contextmediainc.com. About AccentHealth, LLC AccentHealth is a leading patient-education media company at the point of care, with a mission to inspire patients to live healthier lives. AccentHealth's Patient Engagement Platform combines innovative, award-winning digital products including the waiting room television network, interactive tablets for the exam room and mobile touchpoints. AccentHealth's world class content is produced by CNN's Medical Unit, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and by Harvard Medical School. Founded in 1995, AccentHealth is based in New York City and Tampa, FL and is owned by M/C Partners, Ridgemont Equity Partners and senior management. AccentHealth is a founding member of the Point-of-Care Communication Council (PoC3). For more information, visit www.accenthealth.com. Media Contacts: Philip de Guzman Communications Lead ContextMedia (312) 636-7320 [email protected] Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160713/389076LOGO SOURCE ContextMedia:Health Related Links http://www.contextmediainc.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergex, an agency-focused global brokerage and trading related services provider, is pleased to announce that Kelli Annequin, Convergex Chief Marketing Officer, won the Markets Media 2016 Markets Choice Awards: Women in Finance for 'Excellence in Marketing.' Shari Grant, Convergex Senior Vice President of Global Clearing and Prime Services, and Ann Neidenbach, Convergex Chief Information Officer, also received nominations in the trading and technology categories. The Markets Choice Awards recognize some of the most talented and accomplished women in multiple categories across exchanges, sell-side trading desks, institutional investors, hedge funds, exchanges and technology providers. "On behalf of Convergex, I would like to congratulate Kelli for winning Markets Media 'Excellence in Marketing' award as she consistently provides us with global marketing expertise with the goal of promoting Convergex's products and services through innovative marketing and communication initiatives," said Eric W. Noll, Convergex President and CEO. "I would also like to recognize Shari and Ann for their nominations and I am especially proud that Convergex has three such experienced and accomplished women as part of our senior leadership team," said Noll. Kelli Annequin is currently Convergex's Chief Marketing Officer and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee. With over 20 years of marketing experience in the global financial services industry, Ms. Annequin is responsible for all global marketing and communications initiatives across all Convergex's businesses in the U.S. and Europe and is also the founder of Convergex's Women's Network LINK. Shari Grant is currently Senior Vice President of Convergex's Global Clearing and Prime Services team. Ms. Grant joined Convergex in 2005 and was a member of Convergex's Sales Trading desk for over 8 years prior to transitioning to the Prime Brokerage team in 2013. With almost 25 years of sales experience, Ms. Grant heads the Northeast Region for Convergex Prime Services where she is responsible for Sales and Business Development of Convergex's Prime Brokerage and Clearing Services. Ann Neidenbach is a well-respected technology expert with more than 25 years of experience in the global financial services industry. As Convergex's Chief Information Officer and a member of the firm's Executive Committee, Ms. Neidenbach is responsible for leading all of Convergex's software development, information services, business processes and technical infrastructure. She is a member of the CTA/UTP SIP Advisory Committee and also serves on the Paxos BankChain Steering Committee. About Convergex Convergex is an agency-focused global brokerage and trading related services provider that takes on the industry's toughest challenges, from complicated trades to complex businesses. With clients' interests as the top priority, Convergex delivers comprehensive solutions that span global high-touch and electronic trading, options technologies, prime brokerage, clearing, commission management and beyond. Headquartered in New York with a presence in several other locations including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco and London, the company serves nearly 3,000 clients accessing over 100 global market centers. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Convergex is an agency-focused global brokerage and trading related services provider. In the U.S., Convergex offers products and services through Convergex Execution Solutions LLC (member NYSE/FINRA/NFA/SIPC), of which Convergex Prime Services is a division; Westminster Research Associates LLC (member FINRA/SIPC); and Convergex Solutions LLC, of which Jaywalk and LDB are divisions. In London, Convergex operates through Convergex Limited, which is incorporated in England and Wales (registered with company number 06262150). Convergex Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom. Convergex provides brokerage services primarily on an agency basis, but may operate in a riskless principal and/or net trading capacity, and in connection with certain ETF or ADR transactions, may act as principal or engage in hedging strategies. Convergex does not engage in market making or investment banking activities, other than as a selling group member. The material, data and information (collectively "Convergex Information") that is available from Convergex is intended for institutional investor use only; is for informational purposes only; is subject to change at any time; is not intended to provide tax, legal or investment advice; and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to purchase or sell securities. Convergex Information is believed to be reliable, but Convergex does not warrant its completeness or accuracy and Convergex assumes no duty to update such information. Clients should read their account agreement(s) and documentation with Convergex carefully as those documents contain important information and disclosures about the products or services covered thereby. Convergex is not responsible for third-party information or services, including market data from the exchanges. (Rev. 4/1/15) SOURCE Convergex Related Links http://www.bnyconvergex.com "The significant growth we're experiencing at Credit One Bank requires a new facility to meet the needs of our employees and our card members," said John Coombe, senior vice president of communications, Credit One Bank. "Las Vegas is our home, and we believe the city's commitment to businesses and growth aligns well with our overall strategy and vision. We are proud to continue to invest in the Las Vegas community and expand our business here." Credit One Bank employs over 500 people in its current location. The new campus will provide additional capacity for technical, analytical and marketing positions to support Credit One Bank's growing credit card business. Credit One Bank offers a range of full spectrum credit card products, and is among the top 10 largest Visa credit card issuers in the United States. Credit One Bank also entered into a multi-year partnership with NASCAR earlier this year, designating it as the "Official Credit Card of NASCAR." Construction of the new Credit One Bank headquarters is being managed by Grand Canyon Development Partners, with Gensler serving as the architect and Burke Construction Group, Inc. as the general contractor. The development will embody the latest architectural advancements and will be the first true four-story concrete tilt up office building in Southern Nevada. A supporter of the Las Vegas community for nearly 20 years, Credit One Bank's history of giving back extends through significant grants and employee service hours. Credit One Bank has committed more than $3 million to support the affordable housing needs of Clark County's low to moderate income residents. In 2015, Credit One Bank donated $840,000 to more than 20 community partners including Las Vegas Rescue Mission, The Shade Tree, and HomeAid Southern Nevada, and is on pace to exceed those contributions in 2016. The new headquarters will create opportunities for Credit One Bank to further increase its community commitment. Credit One Bank will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters in early December. Special guests from Clark County and the City of Las Vegas, as well as representatives from Credit One Bank's community partners, are scheduled to attend. About Credit One Bank Credit One Bank, N.A. is a U.S. based national bank that specializes in credit cards. Established more than 30 years ago, Credit One Bank is one of the largest and fastest growing issuers of credit cards in the industry and provides a broad spectrum of credit card products. Credit One Bank offers millions of card members cash back rewards, credit education tools, and free online access to their credit score each month. For more information, please visit www.CreditOneBank.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439873 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160212/332735LOGO SOURCE Credit One Bank Related Links https://www.creditonebank.com MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - The CSL Group is pleased to announce that CSL President and CEO, Rod Jones was selected as co-Personality of the Year by the Women's International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) during the organization's annual conference last week. "Rod Jones is a role model for everyone working in our industry," said Karin Orsel, President of WISTA International. "He has led CSL with success over the past nine years and has been a great mentor for both men and women. He has also paved the way for equal opportunity in shipping beginning with CSL, which employs a growing number of female directors, managers and seafarers. This is highly exceptional in the shipping world and we can only hope many other maritime companies will follow his lead." Born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in the Bahamas, Rod Jones has devoted his 40-year professional career to the shipping industry. He joined Canada Steamship Lines in 1985 and became President and CEO of The CSL Group in 2008. Since 2014, he has also served as Chair of the Standard Club. He is a respected figure in the global shipping world, and well-known for his solid ethics and values around diversity, safety and the environment. "Rod stands out as an inclusive and approachable leader," said Andrea Sterling, President of WISTA Canada. "The Canadian chapter of WISTA is very proud to have put forward his name as our very first nomination and we are delighted that women throughout the shipping world have recognized his important contribution to bringing about meaningful change in our industry." Every year, the WISTA Personality of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the shipping industry, who embrace and champion diversity, inclusivity and equity, and whose passion and commitment for the industry and its people are sources of inspiration. "I am truly honoured to receive this award and to share it with Captain Analia Soledad Viggiano of Argentina," said Rod Jones. "Organizations like WISTA play an important role in changing the makeup and mindset of what has historically been a male dominated industry. I strongly believe that embracing diversity in all its forms is not is not only the right thing to do, it's good for business." The Rod Jones WISTA nomination video can be viewed on the CSL website at https://www.cslships.com/en/media-center/news-events/csl-president-and-ceo-rod-jones-named-wista-personality-year Created in 1974, WISTA is a worldwide networking organization for women in the maritime industry counting almost 3,000 members from 40 countries. It works to promote and facilitate education and exchange opportunities among its membership and liaise with related organizations worldwide. The CSL Group is the largest owner and operator of self-unloading ships in the world. Headquartered in Montreal with divisions operating throughout the Americas, Australia, Europe and Asia, CSL delivers more than 78 million tonnes of cargo annually for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors. SOURCE The CSL Group Inc. Related Links http://www.cslships.com/en BALTIMORE, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Maryland's Curio Wellness today announces an exclusive long-term partnership with Colorado's Dixie Brands, Inc., owners of Dixie Elixirs and Edibles (Dixie), the leading U.S. Brand in cannabis-infused consumable and topical products. In August 2016, Curio Wellness was awarded stage one license pre-approval for growing and processing medical cannabis in the state of Maryland. This new partnership will introduce the country's top cannabis brand to the East Coast. Over the past six years, Dixie has become the most distinguished and respected cannabis brand nationwide. Curio Wellness will exclusively manufacture and distribute Dixie products to dispensaries across the state of Maryland. Curio Wellness' exclusive partnership with Dixie Brands, Inc. signifies the organization's dedication to bringing the highest quality medical products to the state of Maryland in terms of predictability, reliability and safety. "Curio Wellness is focused on assuring that Maryland's medical cannabis patients have a high quality, diverse line of products that will meet all of their healthcare needs," said Michael Bronfein, CEO of Curio Wellness. "Our exclusive partnership with the number one cannabis brand in the country, Dixie Elixirs & Edibles, ensures that Maryland patients have access to a breadth of products in various types of administration and consumption forms. We are proud to bring this trusted brand to Maryland." Curio Wellness will manufacture the Dixie line of products in its new, state-of-the-art facility in Timonium, MD. This facility, designed and built using both Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, includes 45,000 square feet of hygienic cultivation and 10,000 square feet of processing and manufacturing space, and contains a full clean room and analytical laboratory. Dixie Brand, Inc. CEO, Tripp Keber, is confident that Curio Wellness is the best partner to introduce their products to the East Coast. "We wanted to position our East Coast entrance with a company who shared our commitment to research, education, compliance and innovation in the medical cannabis industry. Curio Wellness has demonstrated this commitment, and we fully support their vision for providing superior patient care rooted in science. We are proud to partner with them exclusively in Maryland," said Keber. Bronfein and team see this partnership as another step toward increasing the accessibility of medical cannabis to those seeking a solution to their health complications. Curio Wellness expects to begin manufacturing and distributing Dixie products in 2017. For additional information and company inquiries, please visit http://curiowellness.com/. About Curio Wellness Curio Wellness is an emerging medical cannabis brand and trusted healthcare partner. We are a bold new voice in the quest for wellness - providing a growing patient population with a much-needed natural treatment for a vast number of disease states. Led by a proven & experienced executive team, our approach is rooted in science, complemented by strategic partnerships and centered on superior patient care. About Dixie Brands, Inc. Located in Denver, Colorado, Dixie Brands, Inc., (Dixie) through its affiliates across the country, has been formulating and producing award-winning THC and CBD-infused products since 2009. What began as a single flagship product, the Dixie Elixir (a THC-infused soda), has now expanded to over 30 different products across over 100 SKUs, representing the industry's finest edibles, tinctures, topicals and connoisseur grade extractions. In addition, Dixie Brands has launched two new cannabinoid product lines: Aceso, is a suite of "hemp 2.0" products designed to provide general wellness and relief from minor aches and pains as well as mild-anxiety. Therabis is a pet supplement formulated by an experienced veterinarian and designed to provide pets, and their owners, with relief from itching and mild-anxiety as well as providing greater joint mobility. To find out more about Dixie's innovative products, or about how Dixie is building the future of cannabis, please visit us at http://www.dixiebrands.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439825LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439823LOGO SOURCE Curio Wellness Related Links http://curiowellness.com BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Through its cooperation with IFWater, DHgate.com has developed a liquid-cooled LED light bulb. This is the first time a bulb of this nature, has been released. DHgate.com possesses exclusive patent distribution rights for this product. The advantages of having a water-filled bulb include: (1) eye-protection, (2) bulb longevity, (3) explosion proof, and (4) wide range of applications. Check out the lightbulbs HERE (http://www.dhgate.com/activities/promotion/liquid-cooled-blub.html#dcp_--) Liquid-cooled LED light bulbs can last for up to 13.5 years, three years of which are guaranteed, more than twice the life span of average LED bulbs. Liquid-cooled LEDs are also more energy efficient. On average, they use thirty percent less electricity than the average LED bulb; to be specific, liquid-cooled LEDs luminous efficacy is 90 lumens/watt, whereas the average LED's is only 60 lumens/watt. In addition, this bulb is compliant with both CE and RoHS' stringent health, safety, and environmental standards. These LEDs contain zero mercury, and they were created with recyclable materials. This light bulb thus appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers. But all consumers can benefit from using these bulbs. For example, liquid-cooled LED bulb users are less likely to experience visual fatigue, because there is neither stroboflash nor glare. This is confirmed by their IEC-EN62471 eye-safe certification. The bulbs are also suitable for outdoor use. Built from durable polycarbonate, the bulbs are waterproof, and they can withstand a 26-foot drop. Furthermore, they can endure extreme temperatures, ranging from -58 to 122. Finally, these innovative LEDs accurately render color. The benefits of purchasing these bulbs from DHgate.com are three-fold. First, businesses that opt to buy in bulk will achieve higher profits. Second, DHgate.com's quality control and after-sales assistance ensures a positive customer experience. Third, as a new product with little competition, it should be relatively easy to distribute. According to DHgate.com's big data analysis, these bulbs are worth the investment; sellers' data indicates that the demand for these bulbs has the potential to reach 60 times its existing sales volume. To purchase IFWater's liquid-cooled LED bulbs, head to http://www.dhgate.com/activities/promotion/liquid-cooled-blub.html#dcp_-- DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest transactional cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace in China, aiming to provide global buyers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products. DHgate.com's business enables buyers to directly access global manufacturers of the world's top brands with rich product selections. DHgate.com is an all-in-one platform with integrated services for international logistics, cross-border payments, internet financing, etc. DHgate.com's US, UK, Spain, and UAE product distribution warehouses allow for 24 hour delivery and convenient product returns & refunds, bringing great convenience to buyers at http://www.dhgate.com. SOURCE DHgate.com Related Links http://www.dhgate.com KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FlockU announced today that veteran consumer-marketing executive Umang Shah has joined the team as Chief Marketing Officer. Shah will play an active role in advancing FlockU's vision to be the premier destination for marketers targeting the college demographic. "In less than a year, the FlockU community has exploded in size, now reaching students on more than 1,100 college campuses," said FlockU CEO Josh Verne. "Umang is a veteran creative force in the digital marketing space. When it comes to helping businesses activate the massive opportunity that FlockU represents to their brands, he is the perfect addition to our team." Immediately prior to joining FlockU, Shah was Director of Digital Marketing & Marketing Innovation for Campbell Soup Company. He led Campbell's digital marketing strategy, overseeing digital and social media activities and policies, as well as mobile, web, CRM and emerging media activation among paid, owned, and earned media channels. Previously, he was Director of Social Media Strategy for Walmart, using social media platforms to protect, manage, and improve the company's reputation. He was named to "The Adweek 50" in 2015, as well as MediaPost's "2015 Online All Stars." He also won the Brand Innovators "40 Under 40" award. FlockU offers two distinct value propositions to marketers: 1) as an active student community online and on campuses nationwide that provides a direct channel to reach the college demographic and 2) as a provider of market research and actionable data about the behaviors and attitudes of students belonging to that community. Not only will Shah manage outreach to brands, he will be heavily involved in setting the editorial shape and direction of the site, which has quickly become one of the most authentic content sites for college students. "FlockU's model is driven by student-created content that is fresh, smart and provocativelike the students on today's college campuses," said Shah. "I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity to help brands understand and capitalize on the extraordinary momentum and energy of the FlockU community through digital and social media initiatives, live events, compelling content and other innovative brand activations." About FlockU FlockU is a marketing lab and platform built to reach college students. One part agency and one part publisher, FlockU delivers the best of both worlds to brands by empowering students themselves to create brand-oriented contentincluding articles, videos, photos and multimedia--that is current, relevant and creates a powerful connection to its audience. For more information, visit www.FlockU.com. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact: Amy Smith JConnelly 646-922-7768 [email protected] SOURCE FlockU Related Links http://www.flocku.com ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning on November 28, 2016 , corporate entertainer, speaker, and frequent traveler Michael Spremulli is doing the insane. He will embark on a voyage around the country without a specific destination in mind. Spremulli is making an end of year mileage run for the sole purpose of acquiring enough miles to earn Delta Airlines elite status for 2017. While he has completed mileage runs in the past, this year is different. Spremulli is turning this epic journey into a contest. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439543 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439544 "Let's have some fun! The person with the closest guess of total miles flown during this year's run will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Ties will end in a random drawing," said Spremulli. "I'll be posting photos, videos, and even the occasional update from 30,000 feet at www.facebook.com/michaelsmind." Some Delta Airlines elite status perks include complimentary first-class upgrades, bonus miles, free checked bags, and priority boarding. "Anyone who regularly flies for business will tell you that even the smallest amenity will make your travel life easier. Knowing that I won't have to fight for overhead space is a big relief," said Spremulli. A frequent flier, Spremulli offers these mileage run tips: Check your math. Be 100% certain that you know exactly how many miles you need to accrue and that your route will cover this amount. This usually involves a phone call to the airlines. Research your route options thoroughly. Run multiple comparisons of destinations and dates. Sometimes just flip-flopping the order of destinations can have a dramatic impact on the ticket price. Make it fun! Since you are flying anyway, you may as well take the opportunity to check out an interesting restaurant, museum, or donut shop you've always wanted to experience. Previous mileage runs have taken Spremulli to Anchorage, Alaska, Dallas, Texas, and Yakima, Washington. When asked about this year's route, tight-lipped Spremulli let this slip, "While the sky's the limit, I'm keeping this run within the contiguous 48 states. That is the only hint you'll get out of me!" Visit www.facebook.com/michaelsmind to follow Spremulli's travels and enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card. The route and duration of the contest is top secret. Early entries are encouraged as the contest can (and will) end without notice. About Michael: Michael Spremulli (www.spremulli.com) is a corporate entertainer, speaker, personality profiler, and donut aficionado. He's in the business of predicting human behavior. Many have said that he knows people better than they know themselves. Michael is available for immediate interview in-person, by phone, or Skype. Contact:Michael Spremulli Office: 229-257-0665 x 107 Mobile: 828-782-3188 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.spremulli.com SOURCE Michael Spremulli Related Links http://www.spremulli.com SAO PAULO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer announced today that it has signed a firm sale for 24 E175 jets with United Airlines. This order represents a transfer of 24 E175 jets previously placed with Republic Airways Holdings (Republic), currently in Embraer's backlog, which will be cancelled. The 24 aircraft ordered by United Airlines are scheduled for delivery in 2017. The contract has a total value of USD 1.08 billion, at list price. This backlog movement will be reflected on Embraer's 2016 fourth-quarter results and does not have an incremental impact on the company's current backlog. Embraer is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 130+ seats. The Company has over 100 customers all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,700 orders and over 1,200 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications. Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer About Embraer Embraer is a global company headquartered in Brazil with businesses in commercial and executive aviation, defense & security. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing customer support and services. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. About every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Contacts: Headquarters (Brazil) Saulo Passos [email protected] Cell: +55 11 94254 4017 Tel.: +55 11 3040 1799 North America Alyssa Ten Eyck [email protected] Cell: +1 954 383 0460 Tel.: +1 954 359 3847 Europe, Middle East and Africa [email protected] Cell: +55 11 94254 4017 Tel.: +55 11 3040 1799 China Mirage Zhong [email protected] Cell: +86 185 1378 5180 Tel.: +86 10 6598 9988 Asia Pacific Nilma Missir-Boissac [email protected] Cell: +65 9012 8428 Tel.: +65 6305 9955 SOURCE Embraer WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ExaGrid, a leading provider of disk-based backup storage with data deduplication, today announced a collaboration with Pure Storage, the market's leading independent solid-state array vendor, to deliver end-to-end data storage solutions. Due to high demand from customers and partners, Pure and ExaGrid in collaboration with Veeam have released a Reference Architecture entitled, "Advanced Pure Storage FlashData Protection Using Veeam Backup & Replication and ExaGrid Backup Storage," available here. This collaboration provides data storage solutions that comprehensively address an organization's data storage needs. While Pure Storage provides all-flash primary storage, ExaGrid's target-side backup storage appliances are best suited for organizations with longer-term backup retention needs, typically four weeks or more. Organizations that work with both ExaGrid and Pure Storage benefit from the price/performance of these next-generation products over the established brand solutions that offer earlier generations of data storage products. "ExaGrid is receiving requests in record numbers from resellers who are seeing increasing demand for the next generation of best-of-breed storage solutions," said Bill Andrews, CEO of ExaGrid. "This includes the combination of Pure Storage for primary storage and ExaGrid for backup storage, particularly in combination with Veeam for virtualized backup. In response, we are conducting an unprecedented number of end-user events that includes these next-generation storage companies." "Successful partnerships are those that blend the strengths of complementary products to deliver value beyond cost and speed," said Andy Vandeveld, Vice President of Global Strategic Alliances at Veeam. "High-caliber products such as Pure Storage and ExaGrid further strengthen the performance that Veeam provides to its 'Always-On' customers. Today's IT teams continue to be understaffed and have tight budgets, so introducing an end-to-end solution that puts an end to the traditional problems inherent to storage and backup brings immeasurable value. Our customers are the guardians of the data, and it's expected to be there not sometimes, not some of it, not two days from now; but 24.7.365. Only best of breed can deliver that availability with excellence consistently and reliably. That's the drumbeat that IT is expected to march to, and that's what this partnership uniquely delivers." Customer validation has come from many segments, including the healthcare industry. Tennessee-based Williamson Medical Center has been using the three products together, and Sam Marsh, Engineering Team Lead, reports reliance on the integrated solution to work flawlessly. "In our virtualized environment, storing, backing up, and restoring data easily and efficiently is really important. The combination of Pure Storage All Flash, Veeam Backup & Replication, and ExaGrid disk-based backup with deduplication have provided us with superior end-to-end performance. Mission-critical applications require highly optimized storage, and I get incredible speed and performance with Pure Storage. ExaGrid provides not just the shortest backup window, but the fastest and most reliable data restores. Both Pure and ExaGrid have a scale-out architecture, so I can expand without taking the entire system down. Veeam connects the two and is highly integrated with ExaGrid to maximize backup speed and data deduplication. The three products couldn't be easier to install and manage, and the capability and user experience are amazing." "We have seen tremendous demand from our enterprise customers to support the combination of Veeam and ExaGrid for protection of their business critical workloads running on all-flash storage. In particular, the solution is well-suited to customers in heavily-regulated industries, where long-term retention is required," said Matt Kixmoeller, VP Products at Pure Storage. "Pure Storage has committed resources across engineering, marketing, sales, and support to bring this solution to market, and we look forward to working with Veeam and ExaGrid to deliver a world-class experience to customers in this important market segment." Supporting this best-of-breed solution are a number of industry awards and recognition. Gartner positioned ExaGrid as the sole "Visionary" in its most recent "Magic Quadrant for Deduplication Backup Target Appliances"1 while also naming Veeam a Leader in its 2016 "Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software"2 and Pure Storage a leader in its "Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays" for the last three years3. ExaGrid was also named "Most Valuable Product" by Computer Technology Review and received Network Computing's "Return on Investment" award. ExaGrid and Veeam were recently honored by Storage magazine/Searchstorage.com as "Products of the Year" in Backup Hardware and Backup & DR Software and Services, respectively. Veeam has received over 100 industry awards and was most recently recognized by Ovum as "The Leader" in its 2016 ODM report. ExaGrid provides second-generation backup storage with adaptive data deduplication, a unique landing zone, and differentiated scale-out storage architecture. In contrast, first-generation appliances perform deduplication inline and have a scale-up architecture that does efficiently store deduplicated data but also slows down backups, restores, and VM boots. ExaGrid's approach provides faster backups by performing deduplication after landing backups to disk. ExaGrid maintains the most recent non-deduplicated backups in a landing zone for fast restores and VM boots, and stores longer-term deduplicated retention data in its repository storage. Due to ExaGrid's scale-out architecture, which adds compute with capacity, the backup window stays fixed in length even as data grows. Additional materials on this solution: About ExaGrid Organizations come to us because we are the only company that implemented deduplication in a way that fixed all the challenges of backup storage. ExaGrid's unique landing zone and scale-out architecture provides the fastest backup resulting in the shortest fixed backup window, the fastest local restores, fastest offsite tape copies and instant VM recoveries while permanently fixing the backup window length, all with reduced cost up front and over time. Learn how to take the stress out of backup at www.exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Read how ExaGrid customers fixed their backup forever. Disclaimer: 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. 1 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Deduplication Backup Target Appliances" by Pushan Rinnen, Dave Russell and Robert Rhame, September 25, 2015. 2 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software" by Dave Russell, Pushan Rinnen and Robert Rhame, June 8, 2016. 3 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays" by Valdis Filks, Joseph Unsworth, Arun Chandrasekaran, August 22, 2016. ID: G00281142. The Gartner document is available upon request from Pure Storage. ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Media Contact: Christine Murphy ExaGrid [email protected] 508-898-2872 x248 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151117/288171LOGO SOURCE ExaGrid Related Links http://www.exagrid.com "It is unfortunately not uncommon to see a previously active person experience a rapid decline in overall health due to complications from a fall," said Susan Wile Schwarz, director of communications, The Global Coalition on Aging. According to The Global Coalition on Aging, simple home alterations such as increasing the brightness of lighting, fitting your shower with grab bars or installing a stair lift, can help decrease your chance of falling. For example, these modifications can help an individual with an altered sense of perception due to dementia reduce the risk of falls and remain in their home longer. There are also some lesser known ways to lower fall risk. Many elderly people and their caregivers may not be aware of the connection between their overall health and proper skin care and nourishment. "Poor skin health can cause a decrease in sensory perception," added Schwarz. "With less sensation in our feet and legs, we are a greater risk of falling and injuring ourselves." According to Schwarz, this risk is particularly pronounced in those with diabetes and other conditions that negatively impact these nerves. While home modifications and caring for your body can reduce your risk of falling, both The Global Coalition on Aging and Stannah Stairlifts emphasize that it is equally important to maintain a healthy mind. Staying both physically and mentally active will ultimately serve a critical role in preventing injuries while simultaneously cultivating a positive approach towards aging. "A stair lift can provide independence to the elderly," said Martin Stevenson, North American business development manager, Stannah Stairlifts. "In addition to offering protection against falls, stair lifts also provide a positive mindset for these individuals and allow them to remain active and productive members of society as they age." Schwarz added that caring for an elderly person is a team effort and the ability to provide high-quality care is critical to maintaining an older person's health, well-being and dignity. "Analyzing how we can prevent falls and provide better care for our injured loved ones highlights several important opportunities to change how society approaches aging," said Schwarz. An increasing number of companies are beginning to see the value of applying an aging perspective to how they conduct business. With help from initiatives such as the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Ageing's: Age-Friendly Business Principles, businesses are discovering the importance of adapting proactive policies that acknowledge the increasing number of employees caring for an elderly loved one. By providing services such as flexible hours, setting different schedules, or allotting more telecommuting capabilities, these companies are finding that supporting their employees' ability to fulfill their responsibilities at home also benefits their bottom line as fewer employees are leaving full-time work or coming to work distracted. "We need a care eco-system that ensures the later years of life are as rewarding as possible," said Schwarz. "It is important that we are able to remain active and independent as we age because, contrary to popular belief, these years can be some of the most dynamic and rewarding of our lives." Stannah echoes this sentiment as it also serves as the company's core value. Stair lifts are a convenient way to re-establish independence and ensure your loved ones are navigating their homes safely and independently. The customer stories section on Stannah's website is evidence that a proactive and positive approach helps elderly individuals spend more time doing the things they love. "We've found that a person will be much happier aging at home instead of an assisted living facility," added Stevenson. "Stair lifts help keep people in the homes they love and avoid accidents that could disrupt their lives." To learn more about the mission of The Global Coalition on Aging please visit www.globalcoalitiononaging.com. Additionally, discover how Stannah can help you or your elderly loved one by visiting http://www.stannah-stairlifts.com. About Stannah Stairlifts: Stannah is recognized around the world as the company that brings freedom, independence and a strong sense of safety back to anyone who has difficulty overcoming the challenges posed by the stairs in their home. Indoors and outdoors, around the world there are more Stannah stairlifts in place than any other brand. Ever since Stannah was established as a family-owned company almost 150 years ago, we have been committed to quality craftsmanship. Safety, reliability, and value are the tools of our trade, while you, our customer, are our primary focus. We want you to understand and enjoy freedom, independence and the inescapable feeling of pride that comes from being the master of your home. About The Global Coalition on Aging: The Global Coalition on Aging aims to reshape how global leaders approach and prepare for the 21st century's profound shift in population aging. The Coalition uniquely brings together leading global corporations across industry sectors with common strategic interests in aging populations, a comprehensive and systemic understanding of aging, and an optimistic view of its impact. Through research, public policy analysis, advocacy and communication, the Coalition advances innovative solutions and works to ensure global aging is a path for fiscally sustainable economic growth, social value creation and wealth enhancement. The Coalition operates along four pillars of health and wellness, education and work, financial security, and technology and innovation to promote basic reforms to address the 21st century's age-driven demographic realities. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438898 SOURCE Stannah Stairlifts FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 16, 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, named David Matteucci to the position of Division Vice President of Corporate Quality and Reliability. Mr. Matteucci will be central to managing Exar's Quality and Reliability function as well as supporting tier 1 engagements. Mr. Matteucci has over 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, having held executive positions at Power Integrations, Nano Nexus Inc., Zoran Corporation, Galileo Technology, National Semiconductor, as well as previously at Exar Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Operations Engineering and Quality and Reliability. "We are pleased to welcome Dave back to Exar to lead our corporate Quality and Reliability Group as we ramp and support tier 1 engagements. Dave's broad background within the industry makes him uniquely qualified to facilitate our growth strategies," said Dan Wark, Vice President of Worldwide Operations. 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 www.exar.com. Exar, XR, the Exar logo are registered trademarks and PowerArchitect is a trademark of Exar Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Press Contacts: Debbie Brandenburg Senior Manager, Marketing Communications 510-668-7481 [email protected] Oliver Wittig Mengele PMC GmbH Europe: +49-89-589 27 48-0 x13 [email protected] SOURCE Exar Corporation Related Links http://www.exar.com (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 ) Summary of the fiber laser market report can be accessed on the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/fiber-laser-market High beam quality, lower cost of ownership, and eco-friendly technology majorly drive the fiber laser market. The growth in trend of green manufacturing and increase in concern of material manufacturers regarding the impact of their product on environment across various industrial sectors has made fiber lasers an attractive choice for cutting and marking applications. Easily automated and energy efficient fiber laser solutions are increasingly replacing the traditional methods employed for machine marking, such as chemical etching and ink based printing. According to Eswara Prasad, Team Lead, Chemicals & Materials at Allied Market Research, "QCW fiber lasers have shown tremendous growth in last three years substituting traditional YAG lasers which were large, un-reliable, and inefficient, owing to its unique technology and high peak power." Fiber lasers offer excellent beam quality and does not require any complicated optics for beam delivery. They don't contain mirrors or moving parts within the light generating source and offer high wall plug efficiency and ultra-compact footprint, which results in low operating costs and minimal maintenance requirements. Higher speeds and high electrical efficiency at relatively lower running costs boost the demand for fiber lasers across various industrial sectors. Though reduced processing speed while cutting thicker materials and undesired pulse pedestals & nonlinear optical effects restrain the market growth, increase in automobile and mobile electronics applications offer a great potential for the growth of fiber laser market globally. Ultrafast fiber laser segment accounted for more than three-fifths share of the global fiber laser market in 2015. This was attributed to its properties such as compact size, high beam quality, wall plug efficiency, and reliability. In addition, ultrafast lasers are manufactured using the technique of chirped pulse application, which suppresses the undesired pulse pedestals and nonlinear optical effects. Ultrafast laser segment is sub segmented into picosecond fiber laser and femtosecond fiber laser. Femtosecond fiber laser accounted for around three-fourths share of the world ultrafast fiber laser market revenue in 2015. High power application is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% in terms of revenue owing to employment of fiber lasers in cost effective cutting and welding applications. Marking accounts for the second largest share in terms of revenue, attributing to FDA requirement for marking unique identification number on all medical, dental, and surgical devices for patient's safety and trade way marking policy. According to Eswara Prasad, Team Lead, Chemicals & Materials at Allied Market Research, "key players R&D investments with regards to use of fiber lasers as a milling tool in aerospace industry to expand the potential for fiber lasers market." Key findings of the Fiber Laser Market study: Asia-Pacific is expected to continue to lead the market throughout 2016 to 2022 in terms of revenue, followed by North America . is expected to continue to lead the market throughout 2016 to 2022 in terms of revenue, followed by . Picosecond fiber laser market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% during 2016 to 2022. Quasi-CW green fiber laser is the fastest growing type in terms of revenue in world visible fiber laser market, with a CAGR of 74.9%. Mexico is the fastest growing region in North America fiber laser market, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2016 to 2022. is the fastest growing region in fiber laser market, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2016 to 2022. Brazil accounted for 69% share in LAMEA fiber laser market in 2015. accounted for 69% share in LAMEA fiber laser market in 2015. Tube cutting is the fastest growing application in world fiber laser market in high power cutting application, growing at a CAGR of 16.7% from 2016 to 2022. Asia-Pacific and North America collectively contributed more than two-thirds of the market revenue in 2015. In the same year, Asia-Pacific dominated the market, in terms of revenue, owing to increased demand of fiber lasers in electronics and automotive industry. The prominent players profiled in this report include Amonics Ltd. (China), Apollo Instruments Inc. (U.S.), Coherent Inc. (U.S.), IPG Photonics Corporation (U.S.), Jenoptik Laser GmbH (Germany), Keopsys Group (France), NKT Photonics A/S (Denmark), Quantel Group (France), ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. (U.S.), and Toptica Photonics AG (Germany). Summary of Similar Reports can be viewed at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals-market-report About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: Rahul Thakur 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States Direct: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada) Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Allied Market Research ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, announced today Emily Harrington has signed franchise agreements to expand the brand's presence in Tampa, Florida. A trailblazer in the franchising and foodservice industries, Harrington has immense experience as a multi-unit operator of successful franchises, having previously owned 42 Hardee's restaurants prior to joining Tropical Smoothie Cafe. As part of her franchise agreement with the brand, Harrington purchased two existing cafes in Tampa and will be opening an additional four new locations throughout the area over the next several years, with an ultimate goal to own at least 50 Tropical Smoothie Cafe restaurants. Prior to making her mark in franchising, Harrington served in the U.S. Army for five years as a Signal Corps officer. She holds a bachelor's degree in engineering management from the United States Military Academy and an MBA from Cameron University, which she earned while stationed in Germany during her active duty. "As a single mother and business owner, I know all too well how difficult it can be to eat healthy while on the go, and after my time with Hardee's, I was determined to join a foodservice brand that focuses on making nutritious and delicious food convenient for today's modern consumer. As a brand that is committed to doing just that and is consistently named as one of the top franchise opportunities for veterans, Tropical Smoothie Cafe was the obvious choice for me," said Harrington. "From its unique, better-for-you products to its exceptional business model with a proven track record of success, this brand is a standout in the foodservice industry and offers immense potential for franchisees. I'm thrilled to be a part of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe family and to be coming onboard at a time where the company is positioned for immense growth." This new agreement and Florida expansion is fueled by Tropical Smoothie Cafe's accelerated franchise development plans. On the heels of one of the strongest years in the company's 19-year history, the award-winning brand successfully propelled its expansion throughout 2016 and grew its presence in key markets nationwide, including Charleston, South Carolina; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Dallas, Texas; and Southern California. "Over the past several years, we've built a strong brand that's grabbing the attention of multi-unit operators that are adapting their restaurant portfolio to better meet the preferences of consumers today and leaving fast food concepts in search of an opportunity that offers healthier options," said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "Having such an experienced and knowledgeable industry veteran join our franchise network is truly a testament to the fact that Tropical Smoothie Cafe is one of the most attractive investment opportunities in the industry. As we head toward the end of 2016, we look forward to closing the year out on a high note and positioning our brand for success in 2017 and beyond." This year, the food and smoothie franchise plans to exceed 550 restaurants nationwide. The brand currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta and Columbus, among others. By 2018, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 800 units open across the U.S. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is looking to add qualified franchisees to its growing brand. Candidates should have business experience; $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $350,000; and an initial investment of between $198,050 and $478,550. The healthier fast food franchise currently boasts an average unit volume (AUV) of more than $634,000 the highest in the company's 19-year history with the top 50 percent reporting an AUV of more than $806,000. Tropical Smoothie Cafe's aggressive franchise growth is backed by the entrepreneurs at the BIP Franchise Accelerator, a division of venture capital firm BIP Capital, which invested in the brand in 2010. BIP Capital has invested more than $250 million in emerging, high-growth brands across the franchising, software, and technology and consumer products industries. BIP Capital created the BIP Franchise Accelerator to leverage its leadership team's deep franchise experience to help emerging brands accelerate their growth. In addition to Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the BIP Franchise Accelerator's portfolio includes Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, which has grown to 11 locations in Georgia. "When we invested in Tropical Smoothie Cafe four years ago, the company had 200 franchised locations and was growing at a slow pace of only 20 per year," said Tom Wells, vice president of BIP Franchise Accelerator. "Today, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is opening an average of one cafe a week and last year signed nearly 200 franchise agreements. Our partnership has brought not only the needed capital to grow the brand, but also the proven strategies for accelerating a franchise system's growth." For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com. About Tropical Smoothie Cafe Founded in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant concept inspiring healthy lifestyles across the country, with over 525 locations nationwide. With snack and meal options for any time of day, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves smoothies, salads, tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades including being ranked on Entrepreneur's 2016 Franchise 500, 2016 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, Franchise Times' Top 200+ and Nation's Restaurant News' 2016 Top 200. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is seeking qualified franchisees to expand throughout the United States in markets such as Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Columbus and Charlotte, among others. About the BIP Franchise Accelerator The BIP Franchise Accelerator is a division of BIP Capital, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm with over $250 million invested in over 26 companies in emerging, high-growth brands across the franchising, software, technology and consumer products industries. BIP Capital created the BIP Franchise Accelerator to leverage its leadership team's deep franchise experience to help emerging brands accelerate their growth. The BIP Franchise Accelerator not only provides investment capital, but also uses proven strategies to help companies evolve into mature, thriving brands. From fast casual and QSR concepts to service brands and healthcare and education concepts, the BIP Franchise Accelerator has invested in emerging brands driven by people with an entrepreneurial spirit that have a great growth potential. Its current portfolio includes Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Tin Drum Asian Kitchen and BIP Franchise Finance. For more information on BIP Franchise Accelerator, visit www.bipfranchiseaccelerator.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Fish Consulting Samantha Russo [email protected] 954-893-9150 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150212/175278LOGO SOURCE Tropical Smoothie Cafe Related Links http://www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com DENVER, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1928, George K. Baum & Company ("GKB") has established a legacy of new product development to help provide the best funding and service possible. GKB's Specialty Financial Products Desk has more than 65 years of municipal industry experience with the expertise, program longevity and contingency planning necessary to gain traction in the TOB Trust Administration business. Ed Stasen, TOB veteran and head of GKB's TOB Trust Administration business, joined the group as a Senior Vice President in November of 2015. Mr. Stasen has applied his vast expertise and skill-set to the growth of GKB's newest business venture. "As a veteran in the TOB space, I look forward to utilizing my extensive experience in product innovation, structuring, executing and managing of trusts," said Senior Vice President, Ed Stasen. George K. Baum & Company has coordinated the closing and administration of conversions for Volcker Rule compliance, new trusts and bond-adds to existing trusts. GKB has converted both tax-exempt and taxable trust structures, and uses an in-house proprietary database to serve all of our clients' needs. "We are excited to provide first-class service to this segment of the market, particularly to residual holders," said Liz Barber, Executive Vice President and Manager of GKB's Specialty Financial Products Desk. Founded in 1928, George K. Baum & Company (www.gkbaum.com) is one of the nation's most accomplished privately held investment banking firms and has been at the pinnacle of financing the nation's infrastructure for more than eight decades. GKB is recognized as an industry leader in the structuring, underwriting and marketing of taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160630/385285LOGO SOURCE George K. Baum & Company Related Links http://www.gkbaum.com One lucky winner will receive 500,000 points, enough to enjoy more than 555 award rental days at any participating location globally. Additional prizes include 5,000 points for five winners, each enough for more than one reward rental week; five upgrades to Five Star and five to President Circle; and five vehicle upgrades for members to use on their next rental. Qualifying rentals must be booked between November 16 th and December 15 th 2016 and completed by December 15 th 2016 with a minimum rental car hire period of two days and maximum hire for 28 days. Specific terms and conditions apply.* During the last five years, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members residing Europe earned approximately 1,500,000,000 Gold Plus Rewards points - equivalent to 22,000,000 rewards rental days - for use in participating countries. Earned points can be used towards rental days and other optional services. Points do not expire as long as the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member has either earned or redeemed points through rental activity in the prior 24 months. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and available to sign up in more than 70 countries around the world. This year, the program's points rewards scheme has been opened to Gold Plus Rewards members residing in China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, and Sweden. All countries where points can be now redeemed include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and participating U.S. Territories. Customers can enroll into the free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program via the Hertz website , at the rental counter or on the phone. Members can skip the counter at 50 airport locations around the world and, at more than 4,000 locations worldwide, they can simply show their driver's license and pick up their keys. Further information can be found on the Hertz website here . This year Hertz Gold Plus Rewards received top honors at the FlyerTalk Awards for the fifth consecutive year. The program was named the Best Rewards Program of the Drive category across the Americas, Europe/Africa and Middle East/Asia/Oceania and received the Outstanding Benefits recognition globally. * Terms and Conditions of the Gold Plus Rewards 5th Anniversary Prize Draw Competition Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions is a condition of entry. By entering this competition you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. 'The Promoter' of this Gold Plus Rewards 5th Anniversary Prize Draw Competition ('The Competition') is Hertz Europe Limited of Hertz House, 11 Vine Street Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1QE, UK). These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. THE ENTRY The prize draw is available to Gold Plus Rewards members who reside in the following countries and regions: Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Republic of Ireland , Italy , Luxembourg , the Netherlands , Norway , Spain , Sweden and the United Kingdom , , , , , , , , , , , and the Platinum tier members and former No 1 Club members are not eligible for entry into this prize draw. Member must select to receive Gold Plus Rewards points on their member profile prior to booking. Entry to the prize draw will be for bookings from 16th November 2016 to 15th December 2016 ('The Prize draw Period'). The closing time is 23:59 GMT on 15th December 2016 . to ('The Prize draw Period'). The closing time is on . To be eligible for the competition, Gold Plus Rewards members must complete a 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' and need to contain the following elements: The promotional coupon (PC) code 203266 is required at the time of reservation. The entry is valid on paid rentals picked up to 15th December 2016 at Hertz locations. Minimum rental car hire period is two (2) days and maximum rental car hire is twenty eight (28) days. Hertz standard rental Terms and Conditions apply to all rentals, including minimum age restrictions. All valid Qualifying Car Rental Transactions will be automatically entered into the competition and will equate to one entry into the competition draw. Members may enter more than once providing they make a 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' within the entry dates. Each 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' during the promotional period. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for late, incomplete, incorrectly submitted, corrupted or misdirected reservations which may be eligible for competition entry. THE COMPETITION The prize draws will be completed on, or before, end of the day GMT on Tuesday 20 th December 2016 . . The winners of the completion will be randomly selected from all valid entries either (i) using a computer process or (ii) by an independent person or under the supervision of an independent person depending upon the nature of the prize. If for any reason any aspect of this competition is not capable of running as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, network failure, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this promotion, the Promoter may in its sole discretion cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion, or invalidate any affected entries. THE PRIZES There are 5 (five) prizes available to win which will be distributed as follows: 1 winner of 500,000 Gold Plus Rewards points 5 winners of 5,000 Gold Plus Rewards points 5 winners of a President's Circle Tier upgrade for one year 5 winners of a Five Star Tier upgrade for one year 5 winners of a double-car-class upgrade Gold Plus Rewards points will be deposited in the Hertz website profile of the winners within 28 days of the winners being notified of their prize. Gold Plus Rewards tier upgrades will be actioned within 28 days of the winners being notified of their prize. The prizes are as stated and cannot be sold or exchanged for cash, goods or services. The prize is non-transferable and must be taken by the relevant winner. In the event of unforeseen circumstances the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Prize for an alternative of equal or greater value. NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION OF WINNERS The winners will be contacted by the Promoter on or before 6 th January 2017 in writing using the contact details provided by the member in their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards profile. in writing using the contact details provided by the member in their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards profile. If a winner cannot be contacted within this period, the Promoter reserves the right to select another winner from the prize draw. The name (initial and surname) and region of the winner will be available on request by enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope within 6 weeks of the notification date to: Gold Plus Rewards Team EMEA, Hertz House, 11 Vine Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex , UB8 1QE. USE OF ENTRIES By entering the competition, the member agrees that in the case of winning a prize, the winners may be required to participate in publicity related to the competition for advertising, marketing, and promotional purposes and other communications in any reasonable means and media. GENERAL All Hertz Gold Plus Rewards rules apply. Go to hertz.com for Gold Plus Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. About Hertz Global Hertz Global operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands, through its operating company The Hertz Corporation, in approximately 10,000 corporate and franchisee locations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Hertz Global is one of the largest worldwide airport general use vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized in the world. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz Global apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz Global owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly vehicle rental business in international markets and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. For more information about Hertz Global, visit: www.hertz.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/20161116/440077 SOURCE Hertz Global Holdings Related Links http://www.hertz.com HVRSD, one of New Jersey's high-performing K-12 districts, needed a technology partner that could support its progressive, student-centered initiatives. New one-to-one and blended learning initiatives showed initial success; however, one glaring issue remained. Teachers and students were not having the type of seamless experience that the district hoped for. There were too many different software products in place. "It was getting challenging," said Director of Human Resources/Special Projects Tony Suozzo. "Teachers were getting confused, asking 'where do I go for this or that,' or 'how do I find out that information,' or 'it would be great if I could find out this information all in one place.'" District administrators acknowledged that better integration was the key to making digital student-centered learning a reality for every classroom, and they found their solution in a familiar place. OnCourse Systems for Education, their provider for online lesson planning, offered a Student Information System that included a fully-integrated Learning Management System and staff evaluation capabilities. "We chose OnCourse because, number one, their program and product met all of our needs. Number two, and this was a big one, was their customer service." said Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith, "Our interaction with the staff there has been phenomenal." Watch the video interview with Hopewell Valley Regional School District administration. Over an 18-month period, the district transitioned 400 staff members onto the new, all-encompassing platform with the aid of OnCourse Project Management and Support. After implementation, educators, administrators, and students reported numerous improvements to their daily experience. "Having everything in one place with OnCourse has been amazing. All of the information is linked together in some way," said Hopewell Valley Central High School Vice Principal Tricia Pinelli, "from Evaluate where we are looking at our observations and then storing student information with our SGOs, that then ties into the Gradebook and Student Information System." The OnCourse school management platform successfully improved collaboration and reporting for administrators, but also dramatically reduced redundant data entry for teachers. "The LMS interacts fully with the Student Information System," said Superintendent Dr. Smith, "The classroomsand information about the students are pre-populated within the LMS. For a teacher to push outand retrieve the information seamlessly makes the one-to-one project that much more palatable to our staff and our students." "I think other districts should strive towards an all-in-one platform like we have because of the ease of use, and the ease for staff members." About Hopewell Valley Regional School District The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is a comprehensive regional public school district serving students in preschool through twelfth grade in Mercer County, New Jersey. In 2016, Hopewell Valley Central High School was ranked among the nation's top 5% of high schools by US News. About OnCourse Systems for Education Since 2002, OnCourse Systems for Education has been dedicated to bringing technology and people together to make extraordinary education possible. OnCourse's intuitive K-12 platform provides its educational partners with industry-leading technology they crave and support they need. www.oncoursesystems.com For media inquiries, contact: Tre Gonzalez (856) 217-5255 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439931 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160426/360183LOGO SOURCE OnCourse Systems for Education Related Links http://www.oncoursesystems.com CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HRC) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a fiscal year 2017 first quarter cash dividend of $0.17 per share. The dividend is payable on December 30, 2016, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 16, 2016. The indicated annual dividend rate is $0.68 per share. About Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. Hill-Rom is a leading global medical technology company with 10,000 employees worldwide. We partner with health care providers in more than 100 countries by focusing on patient care solutions that improve clinical and economic outcomes in five core areas: Advancing Mobility, Wound Care and Prevention, Clinical Workflow, Surgical Safety and Efficiency, and Respiratory Health. Around the world, Hill-Rom's people, products, and programs work towards one mission: Enhancing outcomes for patients and their caregivers. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130123/DE47178LOGO SOURCE Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Save the date: HubSpot's growing! We're pleased to announce that we'll be expanding our European footprint by opening an office in Berlin, Germany during the second half of 2017. The German office will support HubSpot's growth across Europe and increase its ability to help businesses in the region transform the way they attract, engage, and delight customers. HubSpot, a leading marketing and sales software company, made its first foray into Germany with the launch of the HubSpot German blog in 2013. While the blog and other efforts have been managed out of the company's EMEA headquarters in Dublin, HubSpot's presence and footprint across the region has grown considerably over the past three years. HubSpot's growth stack software, spanning marketing, sales, and CRM and the inbound methodology (think content marketing meets marketing automation) that it's built upon, have all been very well received -- driving demand for a dedicated office in-country. "Germany and the entire DACH region are important parts of the world for HubSpot and we're excited to strengthen our commitment there and across Europe with an office in Berlin," said Christian Kinnear, Managing Director, HubSpot EMEA. "Germany is full of mid-market businesses that appreciate the data-driven, personalized approach that HubSpot can provide their marketing and sales teams. With an office on the ground, we're looking forward to being able to work closely with our customers and agency partners there to service their individual needs and grow together." The office in Berlin will join HubSpot's EMEA headquarters in Dublin as the second office in the region and seventh office globally. HubSpot's global headquarters is located in Cambridge, MA with its APAC headquarters in Singapore. Additional offices include Sydney, Australia, Tokyo, Japan and Portsmouth, NH. HubSpot's Berlin office will launch as a sales office with a regional office lead and we expect it will grow to incorporate additional business functions over time. Together with the Dublin office, the team there will be focused on growing relationships with customers and agency partners across Europe. Want to join the team in Berlin or know someone that would be a perfect fit? Keep an eye out here for more information: http://www.hubspot.com/jobs Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110817/NE53515LOGO SOURCE HubSpot Related Links http://hubspot.com "We're excited to offer Ioniq Unlimited as an innovative, worry-free means of clean, zero-emission vehicle ownership along with our new Ioniq Electric vehicle," said Dean Evans, vice president of marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "This new ownership experience adds to the satisfaction of driving a no-compromise, clean vehicle with unlimited mileage and zero hidden costs. It was time to make clean vehicle ownership easy for everyone." Ioniq Unlimited, besides offering a negotiation-free single-payment method, offers an entirely new concept in vehicle ownership that eco-focused owners will appreciate. It includes a unique online buying experience, where customers can select their exact vehicle from their preferred dealer's inventory, choose a 24- or 36-month term, and preview their all-inclusive monthly payment online. Once they complete a credit application and are approved, they go directly to the dealership to complete the purchase. Once at the dealer, there's no haggling; just sign a few forms and drive away in an advanced emissions-free electric vehicle. Hyundai carefully designed the entire process to be the most transparent, stress-free and enjoyable ownership experience on the market today. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com and our blog at www.hyundailikesunday.com Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161111/438473 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131002/LA90771LOGO-b SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Related Links http://www.hyundainews.com CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM Security (NYSE: IBM) today announced a major expansion of its incident response capabilities, including new facilities, services and software as part of a $200 million investment made this year. These investments include a new global security headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. which features the industry's first physical Cyber Range for the commercial sector, where participants experience preparing for and responding to cyber attacks using live malware and real-world scenarios. IBM also expanded capabilities and capacity for its global network of IBM X-Force Command Centers which now handle over 1 trillion security events per month. These security operations centers are staffed by 1,400 security professionals who will use cognitive technologies like Watson for client services, including chat sessions and data delivery, as well as Watson for Cybersecurity to quickly address cyber security events. As part of today's announcement, IBM launched a new elite incident response and intelligence consulting team called IBM X-Force Incident Response and Intelligence Services (IRIS). IBM's investments also includes its acquisition of Resilient Systems earlier this year, a pioneer in the incident response market. A new Ponemon Institute study on Cyber Resilience, sponsored by IBM and also announced today, found 75 percent of IT and security professionals surveyed say their organization does not have a modern incident response plan applied across the entire enterprise. This lack of planning and coordination can make it difficult to respond quickly and contain the costs of an incident. For example, in 2018, companies in the UK must report data breaches to regulators within 72 hours or face fines up to 4 percent of their global annual turnover. "Being prepared to respond is the first line of defense in making sure a cyber security incident doesn't become a crisis," said Marc van Zadelhoff, General Manager, IBM Security. "To adequately prepare for and respond to cyber attacks, companies need to assemble cross-functional teams that bring a strategic mix of security intelligence, technical skill, legal precision and regulatory understanding combined with a comprehensive plan of action. With our investments, we've moved IBM into a unique position in the industry with a comprehensive cybersecurity immune system for customers to build world-class capabilities for thwarting cybercrime." IBM X-Force Command Centers and New Cyber Range IBM Security's new headquarters in Cambridge, located at 75 Binney Street, includes a fully operational "Cyber Range," bringing together capabilities and experiences previously only available in the public sector. IBM's new X-Force Command Cambridge Cyber Range immerses people in simulated cyber attacks to train them on how properly prepare for, respond to, and manage a broad variety of threats. This experience can be leveraged by Chief Information Security Officers and their security teams, as well as those without security expertise, such as other members of the C-Suite/lines of business, board members, students and others. IBM's Cyber Range uses live malware, ransomware and other real-world hacker tools culled from the dark web to deliver realistic cyber attack experiences. The facility features an air-gapped network of a fictitious corporation, used for simulated attacks, consisting of one petabyte of information, more than 3,000 users and a simulated version of the internet. As part of the Cyber Range experience, IBM has designed real-world scenarios to help clients experience, defend against and shut down cyber attacks. The scenarios will also help train organizations with the necessary steps required to respond quickly in the wake of an incident, from addressing regulatory requirements that vary from country to country and state to state, to client, business partner, media and supply chain notifications and management. As part of today's announcement, IBM also launched IBM X-Force Command Center Atlanta, a fully upgraded security operations center which IBM has operated for 15 years. The facility now handles over 35 billion security events per day a 75 percent increase in capacity. IBM X-Force Command Center Atlanta is a hub for the company's network of SOCs, which help protect 4,500 clients across 133 countries. Using IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence, the security operation centers bring in 200,000 new pieces of threat intelligence daily, by leveraging insights from analysis on over 100 million web pages and images, and collecting data from monitoring 270 million endpoints. IBM also has expanded its capacity to handle security events and intelligence for IBM X-Force Command Centers in Bangalore and Poland, complemented by previously modernized IBM centers in Costa Rica and Tokyo, creating a scalable global network of defense for clients. New IBM X-Force IRIS Team of Elite Security Consultants IBM also launched a new incident response and intelligence consulting team called IBM X-Force IRIS. Led by Wendi Whitmore, Global Lead, IBM X-Force IRIS the team includes over 100 elite cybersecurity consultants positioned throughout the globe, with deep expertise in incident response and threat intelligence. Whitmore has built the IBM X-Force IRIS team by bringing together security consultants with a broad spectrum of experience, including those who have led responses to many of the largest cyber security breaches in the past decade. Their response experience has spanned retail, political and international banking networks. Many members of the new team are former security experts at federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies where they built intelligence collection and analysis capabilities which are still in use today. The IBM X-Force IRIS team further expands IBM's incident response capabilities, building on the services announced in February. The new consulting capabilities, with the incorporation of IBM X-Force intelligence services, will help clients understand where and how cyber attacks are being launched to defend against and remediate them with greater speed and precision. With a focus on preparedness and planning, the IBM X-Force IRIS practice helps clients test their environment, run attack scenarios, and identify key business systems and processes needing stronger security and critical to maintaining resiliency. Through an emphasis on proactive planning, IBM X-Force IRIS can help clients reduce the costs and complications of response, which can help lead to quicker containment of an incident. The IBM X-Force IRIS's capabilities include: Proactive incident response planning and preparedness training Incident simulation and tabletop exercises, including Red Teaming / Blue Teaming A concurrent approach to containment, remediation and threat intelligence Forensic analysis Threat Intelligence analysis Builds on Resilient Systems' Pioneering Incident Response Technology Resilient, an IBM Company, provides a software platform for comprehensive incident response management and orchestration designed to help security professionals manage and respond to incidents faster and more intelligently. The platform has agile playbooks based on National Institute of Standards and Technology and SANS Institute standards that cover potential threats from a lost laptop to malware attacks. It also has the one of the largest privacy databases with global breach notifications to help clients maintain compliance. This enables clients to mitigate cyber incidents more quickly while helping minimize their exposure. Resilient Systems' award-winning platform is a foundational component of IBM's incident response technologies, along with IBM's QRadar Security Intelligence. For more information on or to arrange a visit to the IBM X-Force Command Center Cyber visit: http://www.ibm.com/security/xforcecommand Journalists and bloggers can download b-roll and video about IBM Security X-Force Command Centers at: http://ibm.newsmarket.com/Global/Latest-News/new-ibm-security-headquarters-in-cambridge-ma-with-industry-s-first-commercial-cyber-range/s/2f75af45-2dde-4777-872a-0b6197407a84 About IBM Security IBM Security offers one of the most advanced and integrated portfolios of enterprise security products and services. The portfolio, supported by world-renowned IBM X-Force research, enables organizations to effectively manage risk and defend against emerging threats. IBM operates one of the world's broadest security research, development and delivery organizations, monitors 35 billion security events per day in more than 130 countries, and holds more than 3,000 security patents. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog. Media Contact: Kelly Kane, IBM Security 413-297-2668 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO SOURCE IBM Corporation Related Links http://www.ibm.com ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Nathan Deal and The Weather Company, an IBM (NYSE: IBM) Business, today announced the company, which delivers up to to 40 billion forecasts daily, will relocate its headquarters within Atlanta and is hiring an additional 400 people as it prepares to grow its services that already provide accurate, personalized and actionable weather data and insights to millions of consumers and thousands of businesses around the world. Atlanta headquarters of The Weather Company, an IBM Business, will move to Perimeter Summit and add 400 jobs. "The Weather Company has made significant contributions in Georgia for more than three decades," Governor Deal said. "The company's decision to expand its workforce in the metro Atlanta area is a reflection of our state's ability to retain dynamic companies with our business-friendly environment and highly skilled workforce. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with The Weather Company and its continued success in Georgia." The Weather Company, which was acquired by IBM in January, helps some of the world's biggest brands in aviation, energy, insurance and media as well as government anticipate and respond to weather's impact on their operations. It connects newscasters, airline pilots, energy traders, insurance executives, state agency employees, retail management and more to the weather intel they need. "The combination of technology and expertise from The Weather Company and IBM is progressing well as we create additional value for the clients of both companies," said Cameron Clayton, CEO and General Manager, The Weather Company. "The additional hiring and the move to a new headquarters are indicative of the support and investment that IBM is providing to attract and retain the best and brightest as we build this amazing business." Relocation of The Weather Company's headquarters to Perimeter Summit at 1001 Perimeter Summit Boulevard is expected to begin in late spring of next year. Jobs being added include positions in software and product development, engineering, technology and marketing, among others. The Weather Company provides weather data and insights via Weather's API, its business solutions division, and its own digital products from The Weather Channel (weather.com) and Weather Underground (wunderground.com). Earlier this year, The Weather Company announced plans to advance the precision and accuracy of weather forecasting by combining hyper-local, short-term custom forecasts developed by IBM Research with The Weather Company's global forecast model. The powerful combination of the two models is called Deep Thunder, which also uses historical weather data to train machine learning models to help businesses predict the actual impact of weather. Every day, The Weather Company's sophisticated models analyze data for worldwide locations using more than 100 terabytes of third-party data daily and Weather Underground's network of more than 200,000 personal weather stations. Combining that enormous volume and variety of data with advances in atmospheric and computational sciences enables The Weather Company to produce one of the most reliable global forecasts available today. As it announced the acquisition of The Weather Company in January, IBM said it will use The Weather Company's technology and expertise to serve as the foundation for the Watson Internet of Things Cloud platform, building on a $3 billion commitment IBM made in 2015 to invest in the Internet of Things. The acquisition extended the scale and capability of IBM's cloud data services platform and expanded The Weather Company's enterprise services capabilities and consumer reach to a global scale, including plans to bring weather.com to new major markets such as China and India. The Weather Company worked closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDECD), the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Power in the selection of its new headquarters location. "We are excited that The Weather Company, a leader in the technology industry, is expanding their operations here," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. "We thank The Weather Company for their growth and confidence in the Atlanta area, and look forward to supporting them as they continue to provide weather data to millions of consumers and thousands of businesses around the world." The Weather Company, an IBM Business The Weather Company, an IBM Business, is the world's largest private weather enterprise, helping people make informed decisions -- and take action -- in the face of weather. The company offers the most accurate, personalized and actionable weather data and insight to millions of consumers, as well as thousands of marketers and businesses via Weather's API, its business solutions division, and its own digital products from The Weather Channel (weather.com) and Weather Underground (wunderground.com). For more, visit the weathercompany.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440242 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150331/195533LOGO SOURCE The Weather Company Related Links http://www.theweathercompany.com Known for her ageless beauty and commanding presence, the Chinese actress dazzles at 61. Liu will join forces with Game of Thrones executive producer Christopher Newman; Starlight Media; and Kia Jam, CEO of K.Jam Media on the new American TV series Empress airing in late 2018. Speaking of the new Empress series, actress and co-producer Liu explains, "The Empress went through a lot of men, but she was loyal only to one, her husband. There are two elements we didn't show in the Chinese versions; her desire for killing and for sex. She killed all her ministers who didn't agree with her." Then she adds philosophically, "Being a human being is difficult, being a woman is more difficult. However the most difficult thing is being a famous woman." Adored in China, she has won many of China's highest acting honors including four Hundred Flowers awards and a Golden Rooster. It was during the worldwide tour of her play about Wu Zetian that Peter Luo of Starlight Media approached Liu about developing the Empress saga for American TV. With Empress, Liu wants to bring women's rights to the forefront by embodying a character who bravely demanded those rights before such rights existed. "... there is a huge wave of feminism that flows in this country, so the show could have a meaningful impact. Throughout the Empress' story, I hope that audiences can realize that history and feminism can neither be ignored nor separated. It existed before and it will happen again." Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161111/438501 PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/The Empress Returns(ID-9145a0f1edee).pdf SOURCE K.Jam Media The ACS is working with health providers as well as World Cancer Organizations in India to develop educational materials focused on breast cancer and cervical cancer. The All of Me campaign materials will give girls and women in Delhi and Tamil Nadu the knowledge to stay healthy with a focus on early detection of cervical and breast cancers. Each year cervical and breast cancer claim more than 138,000 women's lives in India. India has one-quarter of the world's cervical cancer deaths. "We as executives have a responsibility to effect positive change in our companies and communities to live healthier lives. But I believe that is not enough. The world is now flat and it is our extended responsibility to leverage our knowledge and expertise to assist others around the world to save lives, and therefore we are embarking upon this collaboration with the American Cancer Society to provide education and pave the way for earlier detection by mandating screening amongst the women of India," said Jeffrey Goffman, Chairman of the CEOs Against Cancer California Chapter. "I encourage my fellow CEOs to join us in the All of Me Campaign. We can make a difference with education, screening and HPV vaccine." The CEOs Against Cancer meetings were held recently in Newport Beach and San Francisco. The American Cancer Society California Division's past chair of the Board, Ujwala Rajgopal, MD, FACS, expressed gratitude for the progress being made in cancer because of corporate support. "Thanks to the leadership of Jeff Goffman, the CEOs Against Cancer meetings in Northern and Southern California brought together a dynamic group of leaders who are committed to cancer prevention, treatment and control. Each of these trailblazers is working closely with their employees to find meaningful ways to support the groundbreaking work of the American Cancer Society. The CEOs know that individuals at their companies have been touched by cancer, and their commitment to the American Cancer Society will have positive impact in the near future and for generations to come." For more information on the "All of Me" campaign, and how you can contribute to saving lives please contact Jane Barnes via email at [email protected]. CEOs Against Cancer CEOs Against Cancer is a powerful group of executives committed to saving lives and improving their company's bottom line. CEOs from the world's top companies are uniting to change the course of cancer to leverage the collective knowledge, power and resources of the American Cancer Society. There are more than 500 members of the American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer program who represent a powerful network that includes the most prominent names in business today and represent more than 6.5 million workers across the U.S. About ION Integrated Oncology Network Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries ("ION" or the "Company") is a radiation oncology management and cancer center development company that partners with hospitals and physicians that seek strategic, financial and management expertise. ION provides strategic solutions, development for cancer centers, financing and management services with expertise in radiation oncology operations including accounting compliance, IT, M&A, physics and dosimetry, and billing & collection. ION's senior management team has over 150 years of combined health care expertise, including working as a trusted resource with several of the most prestigious oncology groups and hospital systems in the country. ION is a partner in 21 radiation cancer centers across the United States. For more information on ION, please visit our web site at www.ion-llc.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161110/438142 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161110/438143 SOURCE Integrated Oncology Network Holdings, LLC Related Links http://www.ion-llc.com BARCELONA, Spain, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Use of Natural Gas a Vital Part in Transition to Low Carbon Economy - Improving Air Quality and Enabling Renewables The International Gas Union (IGU) welcomes the positive outlook for the gas sector oulined in the 2016 World Energy Outlook (WEO - 2016) published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151202/292697LOGO ) The IGU urges policymakers to set clear strategies and policies that support the expanced role of natural gas in the energy mix as they look to achieve a sustainable energy future. David Carroll, President of the IGU commented: "The latest WEO 2016 clearly outlines the strong case for natural gas. Any sustainable and affordable energy mix that addresses the continued growth in global energy needs and efforts to mitigate climate change has to include natural gas. Natural gas can improve air quality in our cities, enable renewable energies and a smooth transition to a lower carbon economy." In the IEA's New Policies scenario - which takes into account the effects of all existing climate policies and declared policy intentions, including the likely results of the climate pledges made in the COP21 Paris Agreements - global natural gas demand grows by nearly half over the Outlook period. While an anticipated growth rate of 1.5% is lower than observed over the past 25 years (2.5%), natural gas continues to be seen as the fastest growing among fossil fuels and is expected to increase its share in global primary energy demand from 21% today to 24% in 2040. What is more, also in the IEA's 450 Scenario, which is even more aspiring in terms of climate change policies (assuming "a set of policies that is consistent with a 50% chance of limiting global warming to 2 degrees"), natural gas is acknowledged as a relatively clean and flexible fuel that is expected to further increase its share in the global energy mix. The IGU is fully supportive of a transition to a lower carbon economy consistent with the outcome of COP 21, and recognizes the large part that renewable energy will play in that transition. The IGU welcomes the IEA's view that natural gas is "especially advantageous to the transition if it can help smooth the integration of renewables into power systems along the way." Natural gas is highly complementary to renewable energy and its versatility, price, and performance characteristics make it the best fuel to partner with renewable energy sources in multiple ways: Natural gas can help address the challenge of seasonal and daily output variability of wind and solar energy. Distributed natural gas-based energy systems can be integrated with renewable thermal and electric generating systems to offer another type of hybrid system. Natural gas infrastructure enables the broader use of biogas. Natural gas infrastructure can also enable the use of renewably generated hydrogen or synthetic natural gas as a storage medium for renewable energy or an alternative method of using renewable electricity. Natural gas systems provide the backbone for delivering clean and reliable energy to homes, as an energy and feedstock fuel for businesses and industry, and as an alternative fuel for land and marine transportation. The natural gas infrastructure brings renewable gas directly in the existing heating market. For case studies that demonstrate the role that natural gas can play in each of these applications, please visit http://www.igu.org/news/case-studies-enabling-clean-energies. The IGU recommends policy makers and governments that decisions on the generating mix should be based on the full underlying cost of power supply alternatives, including all cost elements related to output variability. Pricing mechanisms and Emissions Performance Standards need to account for the cost of externalities such as health care costs related to dirty and polluted air and emissions related to CO2. Policies should reward the flexibility provided by gas, which is currently not reflected in the Levelised Cost of Electricity metrics used by policy makers in their fuel choices. Well-designed capacity remuneration mechanisms (CRM's), based on a market approach, can be a useful tool to recognize the correct market value of secure, flexible, and environmentally sustainable gas-fired power generation capacity that in turn supports and allows the greater deployment of renewable energies. The IGU also recommends that greater emphasis and financial support should be placed on innovation and new technologies that focus on the complementary nature of natural gas and renewable energies. In view of the complementary relationship between natural gas and renewable energies, the IGU calls on policy makers and goverments that the natural gas industry and renewable energy sector be strongly encouraged to continue to build on their collaboration and work to maximize the value of this partnership. -Ends- 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 International Gas Union (IGU) MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) is fighting hunger by partnering with Mid-South Food Bank to address the many hunger needs in the greater Memphis area. Chairman and CEO Mark Sutton, will present a $1.25 million dollar check to Mid-South Food Bank Wednesday, November 16, 2016 as part of the company's philanthropy strategy. The spouses of International Paper employees will also present a check for $82,000 that will be used to provide 250,000 meals for families in need. "International Paper has the products, the resources and the desire to assist us and we cannot thank them enough," said Estella Mayhue-Greer, President/CEO, Mid-South Food Bank. Fighting hunger is a signature cause for the Memphis-based company and this gift will allow Mid-South Food Bank to consolidate three separate warehouses into one, creating efficiencies and significant cost savings. Along with the $1.25 million dollars, the company will also donate 250,000 custom corrugated boxes, each capable of carrying 32 pounds of food, or 27 meals. These boxes will assist the Food Bank in delivering 15 million pounds of food annually across 31 counties in the Mid-South. On top of the financial and product donations, the company will also provide safety and equipment experts on-site. These operations experts will help drive greater warehouse efficiencies and ultimately lead to feeding more local citizens in need. "We have selected fighting hunger as one of our signature charitable causes and our work with Mid-South Food Bank will have a profound impact in the greater Memphis area," said Mark Sutton, International Paper Chairman and CEO. "We are also announcing an emerging partnership with Feeding America. This tremendous organization partners with 200 food banks (like the MSFB) and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the country providing families and individuals with nutritious food, hope and dignity. About International Paper International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, Asia and Russia. We produce packaging products that enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products; papers that drive communication; paper bags that carry groceries; and paper cups and food containers. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., and employ 53,000 colleagues located in more than 24 countries. Net sales for 2015 were $22 billion. For more information about International Paper, our products and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020701/IPLOGO SOURCE International Paper Related Links http://www.internationalpaper.com SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Interop ITX, the next generation of the Interop brand, today announces its first-ever independent Review Board, comprised of more than 30 of the brightest minds in the industry. The new Review Board will review all speaker submissions and construct a robust conference program for Interop ITX making sure it is more relevant and timely than ever. With a mixture of hands-on, panel and lecture sessions, attendees will experience a variety of high-quality presentations centered around the event's core themes: Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, Data & Analytics, DevOps, and Leadership & Professional Development. Interop ITX will take place May 15-19, 2017 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, please visit: interopitx.com The Interop ITX Review Board is a true reflection of the IT community comprised of seasoned speakers, attendees, and independent industry experts. The Review Board will work in tandem with the InformationWeek editorial team to build a valuable conference program more empirically selected than ever before. Interop ITX Review Board Members: Jamie Atchison - Director of Application Development, Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health - Director of Application Development, Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health Ethan Banks - Cofounder, Packet Pushers - Cofounder, Packet Pushers Helen Beal - DevOpsologist, Ranger4 Limited - DevOpsologist, Ranger4 Limited James Bowling - Practice Lead, Data Center Transformation, Sigma Solutuons - Practice Lead, Data Center Transformation, Sigma Solutuons Eric Bruno - Writer, Software Developer & Architect - Writer, Software Developer & Architect Mike Clauss - IT Director, LMG - IT Director, LMG Dan Conde - Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group - Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group Sonia Cuff - Owner, Computer Troubleshooters Aspley - Owner, Computer Troubleshooters Aspley James Davies - Director of IT, Ongweoweh Corp - Director of IT, Ongweoweh Corp Paul Dillmuth - IT Manager, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office - IT Manager, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Patricia Dugan - Community Manager, Walmart Labs - Community Manager, Walmart Labs Joe Emison - Founder & Chief Technology Officer, BuildFax - Founder & Chief Technology Officer, BuildFax Greg Ferro - Cofounder, Packet Pushers - Cofounder, Packet Pushers Andrew Froehlich - President and Lead Network Engineer, West Gate Networks - President and Lead Network Engineer, West Gate Networks Ken Griffin - Dir. IT Operations and Services, Harvard Business Publishing - Dir. IT Operations and Services, Harvard Business Publishing Walter Haim - Sr. Director of IT Services, Strive Logistics, LLC - Sr. Director of IT Services, Strive Logistics, LLC Eric Hanselman - Chief Analyst, 451 Research - Chief Analyst, 451 Research Tom Hollingsworth - Cofounder, Tech Field Day, The Networking Nerd - Cofounder, Tech Field Day, The Networking Nerd Edward Horley - Vice President of Engineering, Groupware Technology - Vice President of Engineering, Groupware Technology Drew Lentz - Solutions Architect, Frontera Consulting LLC - Solutions Architect, Frontera Consulting LLC Karen Lopez - Senior Project Manager and Architect, InfoAdvisors - Senior Project Manager and Architect, InfoAdvisors JP Morgenthal - Global Solutions Executive & Distinguished Engineer, CSC Michael "Zolo" Palazzolo - Director of Information Technology, Town of Jackson, Wyoming Mike Pennacchi - Owner, Network Protocol Specialists - Owner, Network Protocol Specialists Sean Roberts - Director Technical Program Management, Walmart Labs - Director Technical Program Management, Walmart Labs Ed Ruiz - Senior Director of Information Technology, Association of Schools & Programs Public Health - Senior Director of Information Technology, Association of Schools & Programs Public Health Carl Shimbo - Manager, Healthcare Technology Consulting, PwC - Manager, Healthcare Technology Consulting, PwC George Stefanick - Wireless Network Architect, Houston Methodist Hospital - Wireless Network Architect, Houston Methodist Hospital Dan Tesch - Director, IT at Leapfrog Online - Director, IT at Leapfrog Online Keith Townsend - SAP Infrastructure Architect, AbbVie, The CTOAdvisor - SAP Infrastructure Architect, AbbVie, The CTOAdvisor Katy Tynan - Managing Director, CoreAxis Consulting - Managing Director, CoreAxis Consulting Eric Wright - Principal Solutions Engineer & Technology Evangelist, Turbonomic; DiscoPosse.com - Principal Solutions Engineer & Technology Evangelist, Turbonomic; DiscoPosse.com Kong Yang - Cloud & Virtualization Practice Leader, SolarWinds "As the Interop brand makes its transition to better serve its audience, we felt it was only fitting we let those within the industry develop a Conference they, themselves, would want to be involved in," said Meghan Reilly, Interop ITX General Manager. "We're proud to welcome this robust list of professionals as members of our first-ever Review Board, and very much looking forward to their insight and guidance in making the event better than ever." Register for Interop ITX here: interopitx.com Apply for a Interop ITX Media Pass here: interop.com/media-registration Follow Interop ITX Twitter: @interop Facebook: facebook.com/InteropITX/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/53959/profile About Interop ITX Interop ITX is the industry's most trusted independent Conference focused on Full Stack IT education for technology leaders. The event continues the 30 years Interop has dedicated to providing IT decision makers with a trusted environment to learn, collaborate and uncover new strategies and solutions they need to lead their teams and their businesses through constant change and disruption. Employed by a Conference-first model, Interop ITX offers both breadth and depth of content to a broad IT audience across core areas: Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, Data & Analytics, DevOps, and Leadership & Professional Development. For more information, visit interopitx.com. Interop ITX is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc (UBM.L), an Events First marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit ubmamericas.com. UBM Americas UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, delivers events and marketing services in the fashion, technology, licensing, advanced manufacturing, automotive and powersports, healthcare, veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. The division also includes UBM Brazil's market leading events in construction, cargo transportation, logistics & international trade, and agricultural production; and UBM Mexico's construction, advanced manufacturing and hospitality services shows. For more information, visit: www.ubmamericas.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439943LOGO SOURCE UBM Americas Related Links http://www.interopitx.com CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Barchart, a leading provider of financial market data and technology, has officially announced the release of the next generation of Barchart.com (www.barchart.com). Barchart.com, which debuted in 1995, is one of the largest financial market data, charting, news and analysis websites, covering stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, indices, futures, options and currencies. With the release of the new Barchart.com, traders, investors and other market participants have access to a modern and responsive website with extensive sets of market data and tools to enhance their trading and investing decisions. The new website also showcases some of the latest advancements in web-based technology as Barchart.com features HTML5 and JavaScript, streaming market data inside a browser and the speed, scalability and reliability provided by cloud computing through Amazon Web Service's (AWS). "Barchart.com is the cornerstone of our business as that is where we started and have grown to nearly 1 million visitors per month," said Andrew Lowdon, Founder and COO of Barchart.com. "The website attracts users from all around the world, following both US and International markets, with a wide variety of user profiles, but with a common interest in monitoring and analyzing the markets. For years we have given these users free access to valuable market data and tools, and we have no intention of slowing down. While Barchart.com is part of our media business, it is also a showcase for our business-to-business solutions, as the new site is powered by the same core market data feeds, APIs and infrastructure that our institutional clients rely on," added Lowdon. "The project itself has taken two years to complete and the underlying framework of the site will allow us to continue to add additional data and tools with ease," said Mark Haraburda, CEO of Barchart. "We are also very pleased with being able to build the new site to be responsive across all device types--it's impressive that we have been able to fit the entire Barchart.com into a website that completely functions on your phone, all without having to download an app," added Haraburda. Highlights include: International market expansion Powerful interactive charting with full screen capability Comprehensive overview pages for all financial instruments, across all markets Expanded data views allowing users to drill deeper without leaving a page Complete market sector performance and analysis tools In-depth and customizable stock comparison tool Detailed macro economic section Futures and forex market maps, plus global futures coverage Stock option tools, analysis and spreads Text and email alerts on any symbol across hundreds of fields Track stocks, futures, options and forex positions within a single portfolio Powerful screeners that instantly filter through thousands of symbols and fields, including technicals and fundamentals Visit the new www.barchart.com to see these features and more. About Barchart Barchart is a leading provider of market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries. Our diversified client base trusts Barchart's innovative Solutions across data, software, and technology to power their operations from front to back office, while our Media brands enable financial and commodity professionals to make decisions through web content, news, and publications. For more information, please visit www.barchartmarketdata.com and www.barchart.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100824/CG54024LOGO SOURCE Barchart Related Links https://www.barchart.com VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- iPostal1, the leading provider of virtual mailbox services in the U.S., is pleased to announce it is now an approved national vendor for the PostNet franchise system. "Our unmatched Digital Mailbox technology and the excellent service provided by PostNet centers is a winning combination," said Jeff Milgram, CEO of iPostal1. "Millions of consumers and businesses will be managing their postal mail this way, and we are very glad that the PostNet national franchise system has joined the iPostal1 network of digital mail providers." Through this partnership, PostNet customers can view and manage their mail and packages with a free app or online, 24/7, from anywhere. Customers receive a notification when their mail arrives, along with an image of the envelope or package to the customer's secure Digital Mailbox. With a simple click, customers can choose to forward mail and packages when, where, and how they want, scan and store documents in the cloud, shred or recycle their mail all from their mobile device or computer. "For nearly 25 years, PostNet has continuously evolved as new technology emerged so we could better serve our customers," said Brian Spindel, President and Co-Founder of PostNet. "We're excited to partner with iPostal1 to be the first national franchise system to provide virtual mailbox solutions to business and consumers." About iPostal1 iPostal1 is the leader in Digital Mailbox software as a service, with the largest Digital Mailbox provider network in the U.S., consisting of over 250 shipping stores. iPostal1 offers proven, proprietary technology that enables any mail center to offer a mailbox address and mail services to customers who live anywhere. iPostal1 marketing programs attract customers who sign up online with the store address of their choice, then manage their postal mail and packages with our smartphone app or via any tablet or computer. USZoom, LLC, the parent company to iPostal1, has been developing Digital Mailbox software since 2007, and has home offices in Valley Cottage, NY. USZoom also provides Digital Mailbox technology to business centers, colleges, and corporations. To learn more about iPostal1 services, visit www.ipostal1.com. To learn more about USZoom, visit www.uszoom.com. About PostNet Founded in 1992, PostNet is the leading business-to-business franchise known for providing personalized, business-enhancing print, marketing and shipping solutions. Locally owned and operated PostNet franchises offer full-service printing and finishing services, including digital printing, color and black-and-white copies, as well as binding, collating and laminating; direct mail services; graphic design services; and ancillary business services, like private mailbox rental and more. They also offer professional packaging services and shipping with UPS, FedEx, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service. PostNet has nearly 700 franchise locations across 10 countries. PostNet has been recognized with several awards this year including: 2016 Entrepreneur Franchise 500; 2016 Franchise Gator Top 100; and 2016 Franchise Direct Top 100. For more information about PostNet services, go to www.postnet.com; for information about owning a PostNet franchise, visit www.postnetfranchise.com. Media Contact: Barry Gesserman (845) 579-5762 [email protected] SOURCE USZoom, LLC Related Links http://www.uszoom.com WESTWOOD, Mass., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Island Hospital located in Anacortes, Wash., recently signed to upgrade to MEDITECH's Web Electronic Health Record (EHR). A MEDITECH customer since 1992, the hospital was at a crossroads when faced with the decision to move forward with MEDITECH's contemporary Web EHR or sign with another EHR vendor. After initiating a thorough evaluation of EHR solutions, the 43-bed hospital with seven family care and six specialty clinics, chose to continue its partnership with MEDITECH. "There were many factors at play that led to our decision to continue our partnership with MEDITECH, specifically the Web EHR's integration and interoperability capabilities, ability to monitor our patient populations, care coordination, and usability," John Mathis, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer at Island Hospital said. "Our care providers also responded very well to MEDITECH's built-in status boards and protocols that help prevent hospital-acquired infections (HACs) and monitor various clinical quality measures." Nestled in the northwest territory of Washington, Island Hospital serves many surrounding communities, including Fidalgo, Cypress, and the Guemes and Sinclair islands. The smallest hospital in Washington providing Level III trauma care, Island has achieved many national and regional accolades for its quality of care, including ranking fifth in Washington for quality care from Medicare patients. In addition, Island is one of only 10 Washington hospitals ranked a 4-Star Hospital by Medicare, based on patients' survey responses. "Island Hospital is unique as we serve patients across a wide radius, and many of our patients reside on islands off the mainland," Dr. Mathis said. "With MEDITECH's one patient, one record approach, we have a comprehensive profile of the patient as they transition across care settingsensuring our care providers have the information to make the most informed decisions during the care process." Island Hospital will be utilizing MEDITECH's READY implementation model for small community healthcare organizations to implement MEDITECH's Web Acute, Web Emergency Department, Web Ambulatory, and Business and Clinical Analytics solutions in 2017. "MEDITECH is proud to continue our partnership with Island Hospital," Helen Waters, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at MEDITECH said. "They have an impressive commitment to quality and patient care, and MEDITECH is honored that Island Hospital will be moving forward with the Web EHR to meet their care coordination, patient safety, and population health goals." See MEDITECH's innovative Web EHR in action and sign up for the next Webinar on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, 11:00 AM EST hosted by Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, from Greenbrier Valley Medical Center. About MEDITECH Today, more than 2,400 institutions worldwide use MEDITECH's clinically-integrated and interoperable EHR to provide healthcare to the communities they serve. Their robust, patient-centered technology spans the healthcare continuum, including unique functional capacity for ambulatory care, acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation services, behavioral health, and home care. Contact Paul Berthiaume Senior Manager, Marketing Communications MEDITECH 781-774-5742 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160822/400164LOGO SOURCE MEDITECH Related Links http://www.meditech.com BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global brand experience agency Jack Morton Worldwide continues to strengthen its US team at the senior level with three new hires in New York and Detroit. These hires follow six others in offices across the US, which were announced earlier this year. "Our continued growth at Jack Morton means we need to expand our talent," said Josh McCall, Chairman and CEO, Jack Morton Worldwide. "As an ideas-led agency, we are looking forward to further developing our creative and client service teams in order to better meet the needs of our clients and create the extraordinary experiences that they count on us for." New hires include the following: Cara O'Neill, Executive Vice President Group Account Director, Chevrolet Account, Detroit Cara has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having worked with leading brands including Jeep, Chrysler and Lincoln. Previously, Cara held the position of SVP, group account director at GTB (formerly Team Detroit) where she led integrated and experiential marketing initiatives for the Ford brand. Russell J. Rinke, Creative Director, Detroit Russell joins Jack Morton from GTB (formerly Team Detroit) where he served as VP, associate creative director for eleven and a half years working on the Ford and Lincoln/Mercury accounts. Russell recently celebrated 20 years in advertising. Hugo Burton, Associate Creative Director, NYC Hugo joins Jack Morton from Traffik, Sydney, where he was a copywriter and worked with clients that include Samsung, Visa, Dyson, Airbnb and Captain Morgan. Previously, he was an industrial designer specializing in interactive exhibitions at the Powerhouse Museum working on projects such as The Wiggles, the Engineering Excellence Awards and Harry Potter. These appointments are effective immediately. All new hires are available for interview upon request. To see Jack Morton job openings please visit: https://ipg.taleo.net/careersection/jm_ext_cs/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en About Jack Morton Worldwide Jack Morton Worldwide is an award-winning global brand experience agency. We believe brands need extraordinary ideas that create emotional connections, fuel conversations and deliver business results. For more than 75 years, we have brought brands to life through event marketing, promotional marketing, sponsorship marketing, content marketing, digital, social and mobile, and employee engagement. Jack Morton is part of the Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. More information is available at www.jackmorton.com or @jackmorton. SOURCE Jack Morton Worldwide Related Links http://www.jackmorton.com ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackson Healthcare, a national provider of staffing, search and technology services, announced Preston Smith as the new president of Tyler & Company. Tyler is an executive search firm with a 38-year history serving health systems, hospitals and academic institutions across the U.S. Smith comes to Jackson from ApolloMD, an Atlanta-based enterprise that serves 3.9 million patients through hospitals and physicians across the U.S. He served as chief revenue officer and chief compliance officer and also oversaw the company's professional liability insurance program. From 2008 to 2015 at Apollo, he served as president of anesthesia services. From 2003 to 2011, Smith served as a state senator in the Georgia General Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and served as a member of Appropriations, Health & Human Services and other committees. Prior to public service, Smith's legal practice included healthcare and hospital law, medical malpractice defense, litigation and physician practice contracts. "I am excited by the vision, energy and values Preston brings to Tyler & Company," said R. Shane Jackson, president of Jackson Healthcare. "He understands healthcare and I am confident that under his leadership Tyler & Company will continue to provide the amazing quality of service to executives and medical facilities for which it is known." Smith said, "In the complex environment of our modern patient care delivery system, leaders in the healthcare industry have the greatest opportunity to positively impact the success of their own organizations, the medical providers they train and, ultimately, the patients they serve. I am thrilled to join an outstanding team of dedicated colleagues at Tyler & Company who serve as trusted advisors to our client partners in healthcare, academia and life sciences in the search for the next generation of transformational leaders." Board certified in healthcare management as a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Smith holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of Georgia School of Law. About Jackson Healthcare Jackson Healthcare is built on a simple idea that talented professionals with a shared purpose can improve the lives of patients, families and communities. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has risen to a place of prominence among the largest healthcare staffing, search and technology companies in the U.S. It currently serves more than seven million patients in over 1,300 healthcare facilities. In addition to serving health systems and providers, Jackson champions local, national and international charitable work. It founded and sponsors the Hospital Charitable Service Awards, which honors programs that set new standards for health and wellness in their communities through education, access and delivery. Atlanta Business Chronicle named Jackson Healthcare the city's "Best Place to Work" in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Visit JacksonHealthcare.com to learn more. SOURCE Jackson Healthcare Related Links http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com Jointly developed by J.D. Power and Associates (J.D. Power) and the Technology Services Industry Association (TSIA), this program evaluates overall customer and partner satisfaction and helps technology support organizations increase their efficiency and effectiveness in assisted support. The certification also helps business buyers and resellers identify those companies that have demonstrated support excellence before selecting which technology products to purchase. "This rigorous certification process inspects the capabilities of an organizations 'Assisted Technical Support' on behalf of their customers, ensuring that Intermedia is delivering an outstanding 'Assisted' customer support experience," said Tom Pridham, senior vice president and general manager, Major Accounts Program for TSIA. "By achieving this certification, Intermedia has proven their dedication to excellence in 'Assisted' customer and partner technical support and we're proud to honor them for this outstanding achievement." "Congratulations to Intermedia on meeting the high standards of our Certified Assisted Technical Support Program and demonstrating their commitment to delivering an outstanding customer and partner support experience," said Mark Miller, contact center practice leader at J.D. Power. "Intermedia has been able to translate a desire to provide an outstanding customer support experience, into actions that will serve them well in this highly competitive environment." Intermedia is currently the only cloud industry leader to receive this prestigious certification. To achieve this accomplishment, an organization must attain customer and partner satisfaction scores among the top 20 percent of companies that offer technology support, based on J.D. Power's extensive technology industry benchmark for customer and partner satisfaction research. The organization must also pass a detailed audit of its support policies and procedures. Companies that pass the rigorous standards of the J.D. Power Certified Assisted Technical Support Program certification process demonstrate a highly customer-focused culture that is committed to delivering high quality of service and support to its customers. "As an organization, Intermedia takes great pride in our personalized approach to the cloud. We go far beyond offering 24/7 support," said Michael Gold, CEO of Intermedia. "We bring a human element to assisted support, including our Cloud Concierge free migration and onboarding assistance, dedicated account representatives, and typical hold times of less than 60 seconds. Our 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement equates to less than 26 seconds of unplanned monthly downtime, one hundred times greater than other leading providers. Having a highly respected and trusted authority such as J.D. Power recognize Intermedia's customer and partner satisfaction and exceptional support only further validates everything that we do." J.D. Power evaluated Intermedia on its assisted support (including phone, email, chat and online). For the certification, J.D. Power conducted a survey of Intermedia's global customer and partner base to establish an overall satisfaction index score and also conducted on-site audits at Intermedia's facilities. For additional J.D. Power ratings data, please visit www.jdpower.com/ratings. About Intermedia's Worry-Free Experience Businesses and MSPs come to Intermedia because of the importance they place around reliability, compliance and support. By getting their essential cloud business applications all from one provider, customers and partners benefit from having one control panel and a single source of support. Office in the Cloud business applications come backed by Intermedia's Worry-Free Experience, which includes enterprise-grade security in a SOC 2-audited cloud, a highly reliable 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement and award-winning 24/7 support. Management for all Intermedia users, devices and services is integrated into its HostPilot control panel, which creates significant efficiencies and economies of scale for customers and partners. To learn more about why over one million users and 6,000 active partners rely on Intermedia's support, click here. About Intermedia Intermedia is a one-stop shop for cloud business applications. Its Office in the Cloud suite integrates the essential IT applications that companies need, including email, voice, file backup and sharing, conferencing, instant messaging, identity and access management, mobility, security and archiving all delivered by a single provider and integrated into one control panel. All Intermedia services offer enterprise-grade security, a 99.999 percent uptime service level agreement and award-winning 24/7 support, as certified by TSIA and J.D. Power. Intermedia's over 700 employees serve over 1,000,000 users across more than 75,000 businesses and 6,000 active partners, including VARs, MSPs, key distributors and telecoms. Its award-winning Partner Program lets partners sell under their own brand with control over billing, pricing and other elements of their customer relationships. Intermedia is the world's largest independent provider of Exchange email in the cloud and one of the leading cloud voice providers. For more information, visit Intermedia.net. Cloud Concierge, HostPilot, Office in the Cloud, SecuriSync, and Worry-Free Experience are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Intermedia.net, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. J.D. Power 2016 Certified Assisted Technical Program, developed in conjunction with TSIA. Based on successful completion of an audit and exceeding a customer satisfaction benchmark for assisted support operations. For more information, visit www.jdpower.com or www.tsia.com, Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439945 SOURCE Intermedia Related Links http://www.intermedia.net HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Komax Systems Offers Equipment to Help Desalination Plants Get Off The Ground. Komax Systems has long offered their Triple Action Static Mixer to a number of different industries, and with good reason. It's as versatile as it is powerful. With the constant calls for new desalination plants all over the world, Komax is showing its potential in this key area of water treatment. Komax Triple Action Static Mixer Answer to Desalination Problems Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439870 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439869LOGO Is Desalination the Answer? From the California drought to dry water scarce regions of Africa and, Saudi Arabia etc., desalination technology is getting a long, hard look these days. It seems the need for water throughout the world is becoming more serious on a daily basis, and many believe desalination is the only viable answer. The UN has been predicting that there will be an intense water scarcity over the next several decades. "While we understand the difficulties behind the idea of desalination, what we do know is this - our Triple Action Static Mixer is one of the single best additions a new desalination plant can make," said Sameer Kshirsagar/Sr. Applications Specialist. How Does It Work? In the case of desalination, the Triple Action Static Mixer is specifically designed to give plants the needed equipment to help with the chemical addition phase of the process. Custom configurations are available, and they can come with many different options to meet the needs of any plant. Downstream centrifugal effects aren't a problem with this mixer thanks to the flow straightener that's built right in, which means you can place sensing probes directly downstream. "The Triple Action Static Mixer technology means a fast, energy-efficient process, whether you're talking about desalination or another water treatment process. The mixing process includes two by two division, cross current mixing, and back-mixing for the maximum possible mixing energy in one package," said Nolan Smith/Sr. Applications Specialist. Whether desalination is the answer to the world's water issues is hard to say at this point. What isn't difficult to say, though, is that Komax is ready to help start-up desal plants with the technology they need to create success. MEDIA CONTACT: Robert S. Smith, President, [email protected] Komax 15301 Graham Street Huntington Beach, CA 92649 1-800-826-0760 SOURCE Komax Systems, Inc. Related Links http://www.komax.com Over the past year, KSFY and Gray Television have been building a state-of-the-art facility on two floors of the building. The first floor includes the television studio, media control center and newsroom. The second floor is home to the sales department. "We are excited about this new era for KSFY Television," KSFY President and General Manager Jim Berman said. "For months, our viewers have been waiting to see what we've been working on. Today they get to see what we've been up to, building one of the finest state-of-the-art facilities in the region. We believe this new station will enhance our ability to serve our viewers and advertisers at the highest level." Courthouse Square is one of the newest buildings in downtown Sioux Falls. It is a LEED Gold certified office building. Construction of the second floor facilities was completed this summer. News and operations moved into their facilities this week. A majority of the construction was completed by local contractors. About Gray Television: Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN and GTN.A) is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and operates television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States. We currently own and/or operate television stations across 51 television markets that collectively broadcast over 190 program streams including 36 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, 27 channels affiliated with the NBC Network, 19 channels affiliated with the ABC Network and 14 channels affiliated with the FOX Network. We own and/or operate the number-one or number-two ranked television station operations in essentially all of our markets, which collectively cover approximately 9.5 percent of total United States television households. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440280 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160210/331974LOGO SOURCE Gray Television, Inc. Related Links http://www.gray.tv "It is an incredible honor for me to lead and serve this impressive and dynamic organization," said Ramanujam. "I am grateful for the opportunity to continually develop and enhance USGBC's capabilities and performance to ensure we deliver the future that our founders envisioned transforming the way our buildings and communities are designed, built and operated so they enable a healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life for people everywhere." "We look forward to Mahesh's leadership of USGBC and GBCI," said Fiona Cousins, USGBC Board Chair. "Mahesh has already contributed a great deal to the organization and brings a strong mixture of vision and pragmatism to the organization, which will be crucial as the organization, and the world, continues to change." Mahesh brings a strong focus on serving the underserved and a drive to broaden and deepen USGBC's market transformation efforts. "Mahesh is a remarkable leader," said Fedrizzi, who is now chairman and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute. "His strong business background, his demonstrated track record and his amazing gift for inspiring the best in those around him make him the perfect CEO for USGBC at this time in its history. His global vision and his strategic approach give all of us great confidence that he will guide the organization to much success in the coming years." Ramanujam joined USGBC in 2009 as senior vice president of Technology, and he was named COO in September 2011. In December 2012, he was also named president of GBCI. In 2015, when Fedrizzi announced his plans to leave USGBC toward the end of 2016, the USGBC Board of Directors named Ramanujam as incoming CEO. "Since joining the USGBC team more than seven years ago, I have felt enormously appreciative to be in a position that allows me to give back and serve the critical mission of our organization," added Ramanujam. "Our work has had a tremendous impact on millions of people as we strive to improve and enhance our world. USGBC is not just about buildings. It is about bold leadership to create business and community transformation while driving sustainability for all." Prior to joining USGBC, Ramanujam was COO for Emergys, a business transformation consulting firm in North Carolina. Prior to that position, he was a consultant to IBM, serving as part of the team that led various business transformation initiatives, including the sale of IBM PC systems to Lenovo and its printer divisions to Ricoh. Ramanujam is a native of Chennai, India, and holds a bachelor's of engineering in computer sciences from Annamalai University, where he began his career in software and systems analysis and product development. About the U.S. Green Building Council The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, its Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. MEDIA CONTACT: Marisa Long [email protected] 202-552-1500 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/440060 SOURCE U.S. Green Building Council Related Links http://www.usgbc.org KELOWNA, British Columbia, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Marapharm Ventures Inc. (OTCQB: MRPHF) (CSE: MDM.CN) (FSE: 2M0) ("Marapharm") announces that it has entered into an agreement to purchase an industrial facility in southern California and three (3) medical marijuana licenses for manufacturing, cultivation, and retail uses. The land size is 40,510 square feet and the existing building size is 6,875 square feet, with a 19-foot-ceiling clearance, for a purchase price of $3.2 million USD, based on $450 USD per square foot for the building and $65 USD per square foot for the land. The yard area is paved and suitable for greenhouse growing. The purchase is subject to, and contingent upon, completion of satisfactory due diligence, including background checks, and closing documentation for the issuances of the three (3) licenses to Marapharm within 120 days, with the closing to take place 120 days from the removal of contingencies. "We are really excited to have such a prize property as well as three licenses, and to be in the California market. The 'Yes' vote in California is significant for a number of reasons: (i)California, if it were a stand-alone state, would be the 6th largest economy in the world, with a population of 40 million people, and (ii) this decision means the entire West Coast of the United States has legalized recreational marijuana. Once Canada is legal, the West Coast all the way from Mexico to Alaska will be legal, so the opportunity is huge," says Linda Sampson, Marapharm CEO. ABOUT MARAPHARM VENTURES INC. http://www.marapharm.com Marapharm has 300,000 square feet of medical marijuana licenses, land, and facilities in WA and NV and, about two and a half years ago, Marapharm applied in Canada to Health Canada for a MMPR (Production and Sales) license, having since passed the necessary security clearances. The application is currently in the in-depth screening process. In September 2016, Health Canada contacted Marapharm with a provision to amend its application to allow for the new regulations, known as ACMPR. Additional information on the operations or financial results of Marapharm are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the CSE website ( http://www.thecse.com), the OTC website (http://www.otcmarkets.com) and Sedar website (http://www.sedar.com) under the profile for Marapharm Ventures Inc. STOCK EXCHANGES: Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.marapharm.com or Linda Sampson, CEO, +1-778-583-4476 [email protected] SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc. PITTSBURGH, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, has expanded its cutting-edge inspection services with the purchase of a Topcon Falcon 8 unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The new Falcon 8 joins the company's growing UAS fleet, and offers a new perspective for Michael Baker pilots to achieve highly precise aerial imagery and mapping during the inspection of infrastructure elements for customers. Combined with Michael Baker's mobile and static Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems for data collection, the integration of this new UAS creates a safer, more intricate solution for inspection and mapping. By utilizing the system's flight stability and high-resolution 32-megapixel digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, Michael Baker pilots can capture more precise imaging and video in tight spaces, challenging environments and windy situations. The rotary-wing UAS features eight rotors, three individual inertial measurement units (IMU) to calculate and fix the device's position, fully automated flight routes in both two- and three-dimensions, precise structure analysis and damage detection, and maximum safety with triple redundancy. Operating as a two-person team, Michael Baker inspectorsone piloting the flight and the other using 3D goggles for a First Person View (FPV)can establish unprecedented viewpoints for data capturing imagery. Additionally, the Falcon 8's integrated thermal camera creates new service offerings for Michael Baker's clients as the company can monitor for heat loss and thermal leakage in concrete and pipeline inspections, and conduct heat surveys of buildings looking to achieve LEED certification. "Michael Baker has an extensive history of performing inspections, having literally written the book on bridge inspection training for the Federal Highway Administration. As new technologies have emerged, including UAS, the company has been at the forefront of adopting and incorporating those practices into our existing capabilities to enhance our full continuum of innovative solutions," said Robert Hanson, senior vice president and market leader for Michael Baker's Geospatial Practice. "With the purchase of the Falcon 8 UAS, Michael Baker is now one of seven firms in North America to use this system, which allows us to offer an advanced, highly-engineered inspection solution for engineering projects." Michael Baker is deploying the new UAS as part of two new contract wins: a statewide contract from the Nevada Department of Transportation for digital aerial imagery and video, and/or other remotely sensed data; and a task order with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for determining the feasibility for use of UAS in bridge inspections and bridge inspection procedures. Additionally, the company will use the system across multiple markets for a host of structural inspection projects, including bridges, buildings, towers, water control systems and retaining walls, among others. Michael Baker has a prestigious 76-year history of conducting bridge and infrastructure inspections, including more than 25 years of inspection training for the Federal Highway Administration. The company is also one of the first in the engineering industry to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate several types of fixed-wing and vertical take-off and landing UAS. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com. Contact: Justin Falce [email protected] (866) 293-4609 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161004/415107LOGO SOURCE Michael Baker International Related Links http://www.mbakerintl.com AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Voters in hundreds of cities and counties across 17 states cast their ballots in the 2016 General Election using voting systems from Hart InterCivic. "In an election year with unprecedented voter interest, election officials and their staffs across the nation have worked tirelessly for many months to ensure that the systems, materials, trained poll workers and all else needed are in place so that voters experience a successful General Election. Hart is proud to provide reliable technology and services that facilitate the election process and protect the sanctity of the vote," said Hart InterCivic President and CEO Phillip Braithwaite. A pioneer in innovative election technology, Hart first introduced the legacy Hart Voting System in 2000. Hart's newer Verity Voting system was first introduced to the market in 2015. Verity builds on the earlier system's ground-breaking digital technology and incorporates the latest security protocols, robust user interfaces and numerous other updates in a freshly conceived, integrated system that meets modern federal and state certification demands. "For more than 100 years," Braithwaite added, "Hart has provided solutions that make election administration more efficient and effective. Our culture is centered on an absolute commitment to customer service. On an Election Night such as this historic one, our commitment pays off as we see customers posting accurate, auditable results." The November 2016 election was Verity's first Presidential Election. Used in jurisdictions across five states, the system passed the test with flying colors, as evidenced by comments from Hart customers. "We always have a successful election with Hart equipment; we've never had a hiccup with a machine. I've been happy with Hart from Day One. I think it's beneficial to have a concentration of counties with the same vendor, so I supported my neighboring counties in choosing Hart and Verity by providing positive recommendations of both. For this General Election, three counties pooled resources for on-site Election Day support, which worked very well. We used a DRE voting system in the past, and our voters were excited to receive paper ballots for this election. They liked how quickly the scanner takes the ballot, reads both sides at once and displays the waving flag once they cast their vote. Our election officers are really happy with the machines, too. Once they set the unit up, they just press one button to turn it on." Kelly LaFollette, General Registrar, Essex County, Virginia "In Ada County, our focus is to provide all voters the opportunity to vote with confidence and ease, knowing their choices are recorded accurately. Voters liked the new system, and the equipment functioned properly throughout the election. With more than 200,000 voters participating, the system's ability to handle a large volume of ballots efficiently allowed us to provide final results as quickly as possible." Phil McGrane, Chief Deputy, Clerk's Office, Ada County, Idaho With the 2016 Presidential Election behind them, many Hart customers are eager to make the shift to Verity, as the following quote describes. "We've been with Hart since 2005, and we trust our voting system completely. This election couldn't have gone any smoother; we didn't have a lot of questions about the equipment or long lines. We were home before 10 on Election Night! We plan on moving to Hart's Verity system because it's time for a newer system. We're excited about Verity's touch screens; first-time voters are more familiar with touch screens. Also, the lighter-weight equipment will be easier for our election judges to manage. We're ready to move forward." Laurie Mangum, Joint Elections Administrator, Eastland County, Texas Braithwaite concluded, "We are geared up to meet the demand for Verity and to assist jurisdictions across the country in modernizing their voting technology." About Hart InterCivic, Inc. Austin-based Hart InterCivic is a full service election solutions innovator, partnering with state and local governments to deliver secure, accurate and reliable elections. Working side-by-side with election professionals for more than 100 years, Hart is committed to helping advance democracy one election at a time. The Hart mission fuels passionate customer focus and a continuous drive for technological innovation. The company's new Verity Voting system makes voting more straightforward, more equitable and more accessibleand makes managing elections more transparent, more efficient and easier. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231005LOGO SOURCE Hart InterCivic, Inc. Related Links http://www.hartintercivic.com DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National American University announced Tuesday that it has entered into a license agreement with RefactorU to utilize RefactorU's curriculum in an NAU intensive 10-week coding bootcamp to be offered at NAU's Lewisville campus located near Dallas, Texas. NAU plans to begin offering the program in January 2017. Since 1941, when it first opened its doors in Rapid City, South Dakota, National American University has been committed to offering its students training programs that fill needs in the community. The University, then known as National School of Business, initially offered business training programs that helped veterans refocus the skills they learned in the military to management and operations. Since then, NAU has continually expanded its courses to adapt to the changing needs of its students and the economy at-large, moving into fields like healthcare and information technology, and increasing the number of its campuses. This coding bootcamp, utilizing RefactorU's curriculum, is one of many degree and training opportunities afforded by the University to its students. More information about NAU's coding bootcamp may be attained by visiting bootcamp.national.edu. "Our success and our commitment to students are rooted in the belief that quality educational opportunities should exist for every person who desires them," says Dr. Ronald Shape, President and CEO of National American University. "National American University is thrilled to offer a program with RefactorU's highly respected curriculum." "RefactorU is delighted to work with National American University on this effort," said Sean Daken, Founder & CEO of RefactorU. "National American University's 75-year history of providing top-notch career education to thousands of students is laudable. RefactorU is honored to help National American University accelerate the learning and development of its current and future creatives, makers, and technologists." NAU offers certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, healthcare, and legal studies. During the past 75 years, NAU has grown to serve students at more than 30 locations offering courses in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, providing students increased flexibility to take classes at times and places convenient to their busy lifestyles. National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440 | hlcommission.org). For more information about degree programs, admissions, and financial aid opportunities, please visit www.national.edu. For More Information Gregg Peterson, Director of Marketing 605-394-4960 | [email protected] SOURCE National American University Foundation Related Links http://www.national.edu The new user attribution feature gives users an additional dimension of visibility into their ESP risk alerts by correlating to AWS CloudTrail data and letting individuals immediately see who, how, and where an alert was generated. Risk User Attribution ESP is the only platform that can provide a single-pane-of-glass view across all AWS accounts, services, and regions, and also provide risk user attribution, allowing security teams to respond more quickly and focus on higher value issues. With easy access to user attribution data, SecOps teams can now build scorecards to determine people within the organization who may need better training on security best practices. Organizations can use this data to identify bad actors who may have breached the infrastructure or insider threats, and rapidly quarantine those threats. When user attribution is immediately known, the cloud environment is vulnerable for less time, and SecOps has a Single Source of Truth about who's creating cloud infrastructure security risks. "Until now, user attribution has been extremely difficult to determine and required users to scrub through logs and make difficult correlations to uncover when and how a risk was introduced into the cloud environment. When an organization's infrastructure sees hundreds or even thousands of changes taking place in the cloud on a daily basis, identifying user attribution can be nearly impossible," said Evident.io CEO and Co-founder, Tim Prendergast. "Now, with user attribution, you can improve security skills across your team so every resource can now operate as well as your most skilled security resources." The Evident.io compliance reporting feature provides organizations with complete security and continuous compliance monitoring for their entire AWS environment all services, all regions, and all accounts -- and delivers a real-time compliance assessment with simple, one-button compliance reports. By using ESP for both security and compliance, organizations can benefit from economic efficiencies and timeliness, allowing individuals to focus on creating value rather than fixing a year's worth of compliance debt. Continuous Compliance Reporting With this announcement, the Evident.io Compliance View for the CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark will be available for free to all ESP users. Evident.io team members worked alongside representatives from Amazon Web Services, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and others organizations to develop the first CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark , which was released earlier this year. , which was released earlier this year. The benchmark was designed to provide organizations easy to follow implementation and assessment procedures for security best practices for AWS. By providing free access to the Compliance View, organizations around the world can achieve measurable security results. Evident.io Compliance Views for NIST 800-53, PCI-DSS 3.2, SOC-2 and HIPAA will be released by year-end. "Regulations around encryption, data residency, access controls and other requirements remain as organizations move to the cloud," said Adrian Sanabria, Senior Security Analyst with 451 Research. "While cloud service providers do their part to protect customers and comply with regulations, organizations often miss two very important things. First, organizations must understand where service provider responsibilities end and customer responsibilities begin. Second, in many cases the majority of compliance and regulatory maintenance, audit and reporting work can be completely automated sadly, an opportunity most organizations overlook." The company also announced a new private SaaS offering that enables regulated government entities and organizations concerned with data sovereignty to run ESP within their secure AWS environments. Private SaaS Offering ESP will provide a unified view of infrastructure security and compliance that is imperative to government entities who are moving to the cloud but need to meet FISMA requirements. This offering enables regulated government entities and other organizations to run ESP within their own environments. It will be available on both the AWS Marketplace and the AWS Marketplace for the U.S. Intelligence Community. "The tools available to organizations for cloud compliance assessment are inefficient or rely on manual processes," said Justin Lundy, CTO and co-founder of Evident.io. "Using the continuous security monitoring data collected in the Evident Security Platform, our new Compliance Views eliminate the manual drudgery of compliance assessment. By clicking one button, organizations have a continual view of the state of compliance across their cloud infrastructure." About Evident.io Evident.io is the pioneer and leader in security and compliance automation for public cloud. The Evident Security Platform (ESP) enables organizations of all sizes to proactively manage cloud security risk minimizing attack surface and improving overall security posture, all from a single dashboard. ESP continuously monitors an organization's entire AWS footprint, identifying and assessing security risks, providing security staff with expert remediation guidance, and enabling painless security auditing and compliance reporting. Built on Amazon Web Services APIs, ESP is agent-less and can be deployed to even the most complex environments in minutes. Evident.io is a privately held company based in Dublin, CA and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, True Ventures and Venrock. For more information please visit: www.evident.io. Evident.io is an AWS Advanced Technology Partner, has achieved AWS Security Competency, is a corporate member of the Cloud Security Alliance, and a participating organization of the PCI Security Services Council (SSC). Evident.io and the Evident.io logos are trademarks of Evident.io, Inc. in the United States. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439764-INFO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439810LOGO SOURCE Evident.io Related Links http://www.evident.io LONDON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Report Details The latest report from business intelligence provider visiongain assesses that the global Next Generation Cyber Security market will generate revenues of $35.7 billion in 2016. See comprehensive analysis of the lucrative business prospects within this flourishing new sector. Now: Cyber security has become one of the most important segments of homeland security in recent years, in lieu of the proliferation of advanced attack software, and the way in which more and more essential systems are coming to rely upon digitalisation. This is especially true in the critical infrastructure sector, where modern industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA systems have proven particularly vulnerable. This is an example of the business critical news that you need to know about - and more importantly, you need to read visiongain's objective analysis of how this will impact your company and the industry more broadly. How are you and your company reacting to this news? Are you sufficiently informed? How this report will benefit you Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector. Visiongain's new study tells you and tells you NOW. In this brand new report you will receive 121 in-depth tables, charts and graphs PLUS 6 EXCLUSIVE expert interviews all unavailable elsewhere. The 209 page report provides clear detailed insight into the global Next Generation Cyber Security market. It reveals the key drivers and challenges affecting the market. By ordering and reading our brand new report today you will be better informed and ready to act. Report Scope - Global Next Generation Cyber Security market forecasts from 2016-2021 - Regional Next Generation Cyber Security market forecasts from 2016-2021 covering Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and North America; - Leading national Next Generation Cyber Security forecasts from 2016-2021 covering China, the USA, Japan, France, the UK, Germany, India, Russia, Italy, Brazil and RoW - Next Generation Cyber Security submarket forecasts from 2016-2021 covering Application Security, Cloud Security, Content Security, Endpoint Security, and Network Security - Analysis of the key factors driving growth in the global and regional/country level Next Generation Cyber Security markets from 2016-2021 - Who are the leading players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? - BAE Systems - Barracuda Networks - Bay Dynamics - Cisco Systems - Check Point - FireEye - Fortinet - Herjavec Group - Hewlett Packard - Intel Corporation - Juniper Networks - Norse - Palo Alto Networks - Splunk - Watch Guard - Analysis of game changing technological trends being employed by the leading players and how these will shape the cyber security industry. - SWOT analysis of the major strengths and weaknesses of the market, together with the opportunities available and the key threats faced. - Market conclusions & recommendations. - 6 Full transcripts of exclusive Visiongain interviews with key opinion-leaders in the market, from the following companies: - Delve Labs - Digital Guardian - LogRhythm - Nymi - Sandstorm.io - Spikes Security How will you benefit from this report? - This report will keep your knowledge base up to speed. Don't get left behind - This report will reinforce strategic decision decision-making based upon definitive and reliable market data - You will learn how to exploit new technological trends - You will be able to realise your company's full potential within the market - You will better understand the competitive landscape and identify potential new business opportunities & partnerships Who should read this report? - Anyone within the cyber security value chain. - Cyber security companies - Cyber security risk insurance companies - IT Companies - Internet of Things (IoT) companies - Software developers - Infrastructure security companies - Chief information officers (CIO) - Chief executive officers (CEO) - Chief operating officers (COO - Commercial directors - Business development managers - Marketing managers - Technologists - Suppliers - Investors - Banks - Government agencies - Contractors Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring commercial analyses for the top companies in the cyber security market. You will find data, trends and predictions. Buy our report today Next Generation Cyber Security Market Forecast Report 2016-2021: Companies Advancing Beyond Traditional Firewalls Towards Cloud Based & Big Data Solutions For The Internet of Things (IoT). Avoid missing out by staying informed order our report now. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3812476/ 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 SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In an exclusive announcement from the North Pole, Kris Kringle announced that, with the help of parents, he will write personalized notes and send Christmas packages from the North Pole to all well-behaved children in the United States. Santa's personalized packages this year will incorporate special gifts including a map from the North Pole to each child's house, a copy of the Nice List with the child's name on it, a personalized Nice List certificate, a pinch of reindeer food and a personalized letter from Santa. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439660 "This year, there were an outstanding number of little girls and boys who made the nice list, and Mrs. Claus and I thought it would be just wonderful to do something extra for these children," said Santa. "Christmas Eve is of course my favorite day of the year, and I love visiting the children's homes, but this opportunity to write to them before the big night has me jumping for joy." Mrs. Claus explained that her husband has been working diligently to gather all the names of good boys and girls from his website and scribbling away to make sure his elves can send out the letters to all the Nice List children before Christmastime. Kris Kringle and his team of elves are collecting information from family members, including each child's name, the name of one of the child's friends and the child's mailing address. This information will be used to send an exclusive package from his home at the North Pole. To share this information with Santa before his December 12 deadline, parents can visit MagicalXmasLetters.com. About Santa Claus Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas and a variety of other names, has been a central figure during the holiday season for centuries. He spends his days working with his elves to make toys for children on the Nice List, tending to his reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, and spending time with wife, Mrs. Claus. Lately, he spends much of his time before Christmas writing personalized letters to children on his Nice List. He is most well-known for his annual flights around the world each Christmas Eve, during which the reindeer guide his sleigh to the houses of good boys and girls, where he delivers Christmas gifts. For more information, contact Chief Elf Officer Bill Mistletoe. Media Contact Bill Mistletoe Chief Elf Officer (888) 676-4879 [email protected] Related Images image1.jpg image2.jpg This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com. SOURCE Holiday Printables, Inc. OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PageCloud, developer of the world's most innovative website creation platform, closed its Series A financing round, bringing total funds raised to $11.5 million CAD (~$8.6M USD). Key investors include early-stage venture capital firm Accomplice and trade-finance agency Export Development Canada, as well as notable angel investors from SalesForce.com, LinkedIn, and Shopify. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440136 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440134 "This funding lets us scale our team and continue to democratize the Web for everyone," said Craig Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO, PageCloud. "We're shattering the technical barriers to creating content on the world's greatest medium: the Internet. For the last 20 years, the Web has been dominated by rigid cookie-cutter templates and labor-intensive manual coding. We're making it as easy as using a pencil and paper, for everyone with an Internet connection. This new financing is a great vote of confidence from investors who share our vision." PageCloud's website creation technology, which debuted in the fall of 2015, marks a major change in the way content is created online. It puts control in the user's hands with a powerful website creation and editing solution that enables anyone to create rich, unique user experiences without requiring any coding knowledge. PageCloud greatly simplifies the process of creating and editing websites, including the complex process of making web content mobile, with intuitive drag and drop functionality. The $20.1 billion US website creation market hasn't changed much in the past 15 years, with tools still too technical for most people to use: 70% of website budget and effort still goes into manual coding, but only 1% of the population knows how to code 45% of businesses in developed countries still don't have websites yet, and of the planet still isn't online 785 million websites exist today, with 16 million new ones created monthly (or 6 new sites per second) Since releasing its website creation platform to the public one year ago, PageCloud has acquired more than 15,000 customers in over 130 countries worldwide. This Series A funding will help the company continue to develop the platform and add more groundbreaking functionality, helping anyone create their dream website. "We love the PageCloud team's product-first mentality and that we could find early-adopter users who validated the promise of the tech and approach. It's a big market that hasn't changed a lot since the advent of the Web, and it's time for a new, more agile option," said Jeff Fagnan, founder and general partner, Accomplice. "PageCloud frees people from the shackles of what website creation used to be. It gives non-technical people the ability to build beautiful websites." PageCloud is available now for $24/month, which includes hosting, after a 14-day free trial at www.pagecloud.com. About PageCloud PageCloud is a browser-based website creation platform with a simple goal: to democratize the Web, giving the whole world the ability to create and share online. This innovative, professional-grade website creator lets users build and edit websites with a powerful editing experience not seen on the Web before. Many world-firsts, like the ability to import layers directly from Photoshop, make PageCloud the world's most innovative website creator. No need to code or learn complicated back-end user interfaces, and no rigid templates. Thanks to PageCloud, anyone with a browser and an Internet connection now has the ability to create websites that are truly their own. To learn more, visit pagecloud.com. See the press kit at pagecloud.com/press-kit. PageCloud and the PageCloud logo are registered trademarks belonging to PageCloud Inc. Any other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. Media contact: Lauren Olson 613.282.6405 [email protected] SOURCE PageCloud Related Links http://www.pagecloud.com DENVER, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pawngo, the first online pawn shop in the U.S., is celebrating its seventh anniversary. Established in 2009, Denver-based Pawngo provides quick borrowing via pawn, or collateral loans to individuals, families and small businesses without worrying about credit disclosures or excessive monthly payments. Since the company's start, Pawngo has reinvented how to get cash quickly and safely through its exclusive online loan services while helping people from around the country with their financial needs, said Jim McHose, Pawngo's Founder and CEO. "We're pleased to mark this milestone of our seventh anniversary and we believe that Pawngo and online pawn loans offer a better alternative for many people," said McHose. "Pawngo is fast, trustworthy and secure. You can now get a Pawngo loan from the comfort and privacy of your home. We take pride in getting to know our customers and providing them with great service. We look forward to a continued and promising future at Pawngo." Getting a collateral loan via Pawngo is simple and easy. Customers fill out an online pawn application and an evaluation form to find out the estimated loan value of their assets. Customers review all offers before they are accepted. Pawngo provides customers with prepaid FedEx shipping labels for items accepted for collateral loans. Pawngo can also make funding available within 24 hours after an offer has been accepted. In addition, Pawngo offers its customers automated electronic loan payment, which can eliminate the worry of missing payments. All the costs of the loan are built in and there are no hidden costs or fees. Pawngo has competitive rates, typically significantly less than the traditional brick and mortar pawnbroker. Pawngo is venture-backed by Daylight Partners, Access Venture Partners and Lightbank, the $100 million fund started by the founders of Groupon. Pawngo can offer collateral loans from $500 up to $1 million. Assets accepted by Pawngo include jewelry, loose diamonds, luxury watches, precious metals, cameras and equipment, Apple computers, musical instruments, and designer handbags. To get started with a quote or learn more about Pawngo, visit https://pawngo.com/ or call 1-866-499-2363. About Pawngo Pawngo, based in Denver, Colorado, is a full-service online pawn shop that's been in business for seven years and provides a short-term answer to immediate financial need via collateralized loans of up to $100,000. Pawngo's secure, discreet online process allows customers to conduct the entire loan transaction from the comfort and privacy of home. Pawngo's mission is to help individuals, families and small business owners get the cash they need quickly, without any risk to their credit, and so far customers across 48 states are inclined to agree that Pawngo's mission has been a success. For more information about Pawngo, visit https://pawngo.com/ or call 1-866-499-2363. SOURCE Pawngo Related Links https://www.pawngo.com HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy is reminding residents in the Chambersburg/Shippensburg area that the department is providing free tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, or Tdap, today from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Chambersburg Area Senior High School, 511 S. 6th St., Chambersburg, because of a localized outbreak of pertussis. "Getting a Tdap vaccine is the most effective and easiest way to prevent pertussis, or whooping cough," said Secretary Murphy. "More importantly, it also protects infants who are too young to receive the vaccine from this extremely contagious disease. The best way to keep your loved ones healthy this holiday season is to get vaccinated." To date, 49 cases of pertussis have been confirmed in the Chambersburg/Shippensburg areas of Cumberland and Franklin counties. Nearly 600 people have been vaccinated in two clinics held there in the past week. Tdap vaccines are also available from health care providers and are often covered by insurance. The pertussis vaccine is recommended for children to enter school. Because immunity from the vaccine fades over time, most adolescents and adults are susceptible to the disease. In addition to the typical childhood series of pertussis immunizations at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and a booster at 4-6 years, the department recommends the adolescent-adult pertussis vaccine, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, or Tdap, booster for: Individuals 10-64 years of age who are not fully immunized; Pregnant women during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks gestation. Women who have never received Tdap and who do not receive it during pregnancy should receive it immediately postpartum; People who have contact with pregnant women or infants too young to have received a full series of vaccinations; and All family members and caregivers of infants who are not old enough to get vaccinated against pertussis. Pertussis is an infection of the respiratory system and is characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in. The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold including runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever. After about one to two weeks, the dry, irritating cough evolves into coughing spells that can last for more than one minute and can lead to vomiting. Click here for video with Dr. Loren Robinson, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, discussing the outbreak and prevention efforts. For more information, visit www.vaccinesforlife.com or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783 SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health Related Links http://www.state.pa.us (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150203/727958-b ) "With Yondelis on the market in the US and our key pipeline program PM1183 in several pivotal Phase 3 studies, now is the ideal time to welcome Pascal to our team as we further expand our presence in the U.S.," said Jose Maria Fernandez Sousa-Faro, Ph.D., President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of PharmaMar. "As a global, revenue-generating oncology company, we look forward to leveraging Pascal's expertise in the biotechnology sector and U.S. capital markets as we continue to expand our efforts in the US." "I have been impressed with PharmaMar's progress to date, and I am honored to join the team at this exciting time as it seeks to build out its U.S. infrastructure and continues to execute against its business objectives and clinical development timelines," said Mr. Besman. "PharmaMar has a proven disruptive approach to help cancer patients and I look forward to contributing to the Company's future success as we seek to continue building shareholder value." In addition to Maxim Group, Mr. Besman served as a healthcare specialist and institutional equity salesperson at several investment banks, including JMP Securities, UBS, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch. He authored a widely-read weekly biotech overview newsletter for C-suite executives entitled The Buzz. Mr. Besman holds a B.Sc. from the London School of Economics. Paula Fernandez, Media Relations Manager, +34-638-79-62-15 Investor Relations, +34-914444500 SOURCE PharmaMar PLAYA VISTA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phyn, the intelligent water solution from Belkin International and Uponor (HEL: UNR1V), today announced an expansion of its pilot program to the Houston metro area. Phyn's patented water-sensing technology aims to help people protect their homes from leaks, conserve water and save money. Phyn is looking for homeowners in the Houston area to install Phyn's intelligent water monitor and play a critical role in the refinement and validation of its advanced leak detection system. Eligible participants will receive a free Phyn system and professional installation from a specially trained, hand-selected local plumber. Once installed, Phyn pilot households will be able to keep tabs on their water usage, including the ability to detect leaks or other issues, and shut off their water remotely from the Phyn app on their smart device. Phyn combines the latest advancements in sensor technology with advanced machine learning algorithms to provide a simple, safe and reliable leak detection solution that helps eliminate water waste, save money and protect against water damage. Non-invasive and easy-to-use, Phyn consists of a single device installed at a single point on a home's main water line to provide information on every water event in the home from the kitchen sink to the powder room toilet and all the pipes behind the walls. From that single point, Phyn can detect changes in the household's normal water usage, alerting homeowners via the Phyn app immediately if there is an issue like a running toilet, a slow-leaking pipe, or a burst anywhere on the plumbing line. "Our beta program to date has been very successful in validating the high accuracy of our algorithms, but we now want to include a more diverse set of weather patterns, geography, home styles and plumbing environments in order to really put our technology through its paces," said Ryan Kim, CEO of Phyn. "We're counting on feedback from these local pilots to help shape our final product and user experience, so Houston-area participants are pivotal to our success." Phyn's pilot program is expected to last about a year and is only open to a limited number of participants in eight local markets throughout the country. To ensure the success of the pilot program, Phyn has hand selected and certified only a few installation professionals in each local area market. In Houston, that includes: Ted Meilke , Tradition Plumbing , Tradition Plumbing Randy Dawson , Dawson Plumbing For more information or to sign up for the Phyn pilot program please visit www.phyn.com. Phyn Testimonials "What if you could see your water system and be sure that it wasn't leaking? Since you can't see through walls or under floors, Phyn technology is the best option to deliver peace of mind and protect your home and family from the damage a leak can cause. As a recognized industry leader in Southern California, we encourage all homeowners to add this smart home technology to their homes," John Raya, certified Phyn installer, Infinity Plumbing. "I like to consider myself an early adopter to new technology and I'm excited to see what kind of savings Phyn can offer in both leak detection and usage," Ellen Sweeney, Phyn Pilot Homeowner. About Phyn A joint venture between Belkin International and Uponor, Phyn aims to revolutionize the way consumers interact with water and help solve major challenges facing the global water supply. Built upon years of research and patented technological advancement, Phyn is focused on bringing an intelligent water solution to market that helps people protect their homes and businesses, conserve water and save money. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Phyn can be found online at www.Phyn.com and www.Twitter.com/Phyn. SOURCE Phyn Related Links http://www.Phyn.com PLAYA VISTA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phyn, the intelligent water solution from Belkin International and Uponor (HEL: UNR1V), today announced an expansion of its pilot program to the Orlando metro area. Phyn's patented water-sensing technology aims to help people protect their homes from leaks, conserve water and save money. Phyn is looking for homeowners in the Orlando area to install Phyn's intelligent water monitor and play a critical role in the refinement and validation of its advanced leak detection system. Eligible participants will receive a free Phyn system and professional installation from a specially trained, hand-selected local plumber. Once installed, Phyn pilot households will be able to keep tabs on their water usage, including the ability to detect leaks or other issues, and shut off their water remotely from the Phyn app on their smart device. Phyn combines the latest advancements in sensor technology with advanced machine learning algorithms to provide a simple, safe and reliable leak detection solution that helps eliminate water waste, save money and protect against water damage. Non-invasive and easy-to-use, Phyn consists of a single device installed at a single point on a home's main water line to provide information on every water event in the home from the kitchen sink to the powder room toilet and all the pipes behind the walls. From that single point, Phyn can detect changes in the household's normal water usage, alerting homeowners via the Phyn app immediately if there is an issue like a running toilet, a slow-leaking pipe, or a burst anywhere on the plumbing line. "Our beta program to date has been very successful in validating the high accuracy of our algorithms, but we now want to include a more diverse set of weather patterns, geography, home styles and plumbing environments in order to really put our technology through its paces," said Ryan Kim, CEO of Phyn. "We're counting on feedback from these local pilots to help shape our final product and user experience, so Orlando-area participants are pivotal to our success." Phyn's pilot program is expected to last about a year and is only open to a limited number of participants in eight local markets throughout the country. To ensure the success of the pilot program, Phyn has hand selected and certified only a few installation professionals in each local area market. In Orlando, that includes: Chris Finn , Bordeau Plumbing , Bordeau Plumbing Stephen Germany , First Quality Plumbing , First Quality Plumbing Gregory Testa , Shaw's Central Florida Service For more information or to sign up for the Phyn pilot program please visit www.phyn.com. Phyn Testimonials "What if you could see your water system and be sure that it wasn't leaking? Since you can't see through walls or under floors, Phyn technology is the best option to deliver peace of mind and protect your home and family from the damage a leak can cause. As a recognized industry leader in Southern California, we encourage all homeowners to add this smart home technology to their homes," John Raya, certified Phyn installer, Infinity Plumbing. "I like to consider myself an early adopter to new technology and I'm excited to see what kind of savings Phyn can offer in both leak detection and usage," Ellen Sweeney, Phyn Pilot Homeowner Phyn can be found online at www.Phyn.com and www.Twitter.com/Phyn. SOURCE Phyn Related Links http://www.Phyn.com PLAYA VISTA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phyn, the intelligent water start-up from Belkin International and Uponor (HEL: UNR1V), today announced an expansion of its pilot program to the Salt Lake City metro area. Phyn's patented water-sensing technology aims to help people protect their homes from leaks, conserve water and save money. Phyn is looking for homeowners in the Salt Lake City area to install Phyn's intelligent water monitor and play a critical role in the refinement and validation of its advanced leak detection system. Eligible participants will receive a free Phyn system and professional installation from a specially trained, hand-selected local plumber. Once installed, Phyn pilot households will be able to keep tabs on their water usage, including the ability to detect leaks or other issues, and shut off their water remotely from the Phyn app on their smart device. Phyn combines the latest advancements in sensor technology with advanced machine learning algorithms to provide a simple, safe and reliable leak detection solution that helps eliminate water waste, save money and protect against water damage. Non-invasive and easy-to-use, Phyn consists of a single device installed at a single point on a home's main water line to provide information on every water event in the home from the kitchen sink to the powder room toilet and all the pipes behind the walls. From that single point, Phyn can detect changes in the household's normal water usage, alerting homeowners via the Phyn app immediately if there is an issue like a running toilet, a slow-leaking pipe, or a burst anywhere on the plumbing line. "Our beta program to date has been very successful in validating the high accuracy of our algorithms, but we now want to include a more diverse set of weather patterns, geography, home styles and plumbing environments in order to really put our technology through its paces," said Ryan Kim, CEO of Phyn. "We're counting on feedback from these local pilots to help shape our final product and user experience, so Salt Lake City-area participants are pivotal to our success." Phyn's pilot program is expected to last about a year and is only open to a limited number of participants in eight local markets throughout the country. To ensure the success of the pilot program, Phyn has hand selected and certified only a few installation professionals in each local area market. In Salt Lake City, that includes: Jeromy Nielson , Nielson Plumbing and Mechanical , Nielson Plumbing and Mechanical Aron Frailey , Thermal Engineering , Thermal Engineering Jeremy Doyle , Doyle Plumbing For more information or to sign up for the Phyn pilot program please visit www.phyn.com. Phyn Testimonials "What if you could see your water system and be sure that it wasn't leaking? Since you can't see through walls or under floors, Phyn technology is the best option to deliver peace of mind and protect your home and family from the damage a leak can cause. As a recognized industry leader in Southern California, we encourage all homeowners to add this smart home technology to their homes," John Raya, certified Phyn installer, Infinity Plumbing. "I like to consider myself an early adopter to new technology and I'm excited to see what kind of savings Phyn can offer in both leak detection and usage," Ellen Sweeney, Phyn Pilot Homeowner. About Phyn A joint venture between Belkin International and Uponor, Phyn aims to revolutionize the way consumers interact with water and help solve major challenges facing the global water supply. Built upon years of research and patented technological advancement, Phyn is focused on bringing an intelligent water solution to market that helps people protect their homes and businesses, conserve water and save money. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Phyn can be found online at www.Phyn.com and www.Twitter.com/Phyn. SOURCE Phyn Related Links http://www.phyn.com Lack of proper sanitation can result in long-lasting health, environmental and economic consequences. However, $1 spent on water and sanitation generates a $4.3 return in the form of reduced health care costs. Clean and safe toilets help prevent child deaths from diarrheal disease, and keep more girls in school by increasing attendance rates. That is why Poo~Pourri chose to benefit the World Toilet Organization's Rainbow School Toilet Programme, which helps build toilets for rural school children in countries such as China. "Our business is to make the bathroom experience better for everyone. And what an amazing opportunity to do that by giving schoolchildren in rural areas access to a safe, sanitary bathroom," said Suzy Batiz, CEO of Poo~Pourri. "Today and every day, we want to challenge the taboo around toilets and this silent sanitation crisis." The Rainbow School Toilet Programme benefits schools that have old, unhygienic dry system toilets where the excreta disposal site is uncovered and exposed to the environment, right behind the toilet building. Poo~Pourri's donation will also provide hygienic products for students such as soap bars and toilet education materials. "World Toilet Organization has absolute gratitude and feels honored to have Poo~Pourri by their side," said Nasha Pestonji, Fundraising Manager at WTO. "Through the support of Poo~Pourri, we are now able to provide a happy place for students, teachers and parents through access to a clean toilet with doors, taps with running water and soap for hand-washing, toilet paper and disabled toilet access. We look forward to building a long-term relation with Poo~Pourri to continue providing dignity and well-being to children." Sales from all products on Poo~Pourri's website, from the original before-you-go toilet spray to t-shirts and tote bags, will be donated to World Toilet Organization's Rainbow School Toilet Programme. In an additional effort to raise awareness for World Toilet Day, Poo~Pourri is also releasing a YouTube video on Thursday, Nov. 17, with facts about World Toilet Day that can be easily shared online. It was written and produced by Poo~Pourri's new in-house production company, Number 2 productions. ABOUT POO POURRI Since 2007, Poo~Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray has been stopping bathroom odor before it begins so you can leave the bathroom smelling better than you found it. With over 200 million combined YouTube views and over 20 million bottles sold, Poo~Pourri has become a pop culture sensation and start-up success. Poo~Pourri is sold in over 9,000 independent retailers and nationwide retailers including CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, QVC and Amazon.com. Poo~Pourri earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval in 2013 and an Edison award in 2014. The company was also ranked on Inc.'s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. To learn more, visit www.poopourri.com. ABOUT WORLD TOILET ORGANIZATION World Toilet Organization (WTO) is a global non-profit working towards a world with a clean, safe toilet and sanitation for everyone, everywhere, at all times. Our mission is to continue to build the global sanitation movement through collaborative action that inspires and drives demand for sanitation, and provides innovative solutions to achieve sustainable sanitation for all. WTO has commemorated its founding day, 19 November, as World Toilet Day since 2001. In 2013 the UN adopted 19 November as UN World Toilet Day. WTO achieved special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2013. www.worldtoilet.org Contact: Will Clarke | 972.818.8200 Rebekah Riley| 972.818.8200 Madi Roddy| 972.818.8200 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161004/415022LOGO Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440187LOGO SOURCE Poo~Pourri Related Links http://www.poopourri.com PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Raza Properties is in the planning stages of affordable, luxury living space in the Sharswood area, which is in close proximity to Temple University, Girard Ave, Brewerytown and the Center City business district. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439835 Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, CEO Rahil Raza grew up with a passion for real estate development and creating opportunities for hardworking Philadelphians. In the next two years he estimates that Raza Properties will deliver $25 million in high-quality, affordable, multi-family and mixed-use properties. His mission is to meet the needs of Philadelphia's growing middle class, who are being priced out by extravagantly high rent in Center City. "Our tenants are a very diverse, intelligent, driven clientele that want to enjoy all the city has to offer. They feel the rent in Center City is unreasonable and I tend to agree with them." Recently, word of proposed zoning changes in the area requiring low density suburban features in the fifth most populous city threaten to hinder the efforts of Raza Properties and other developers. Furthermore, the proposed down-zoning would be detrimental to the Ridge Avenue commercial corridor in Francisville and Sharswood. Rahil Raza explains, "Commercial corridors are filled with small, local businesses that do not have the marketing resources of large retailers. To be successful, the immediate area must be densely populated. With the growing need for middle-income housing, down-zoning would make it nearly impossible for developers such as Raza Properties to accommodate the needs of young professionals and families and support local businesses. The work of Raza Properties is not just about real estate development-- it is a company "committed to creating jobs for local workers, bringing industry back to diminished areas with great potential, and allowing hardworking, middle income people opportunities to breath in the life of the city." To oppose this change in zoning or to learn more about the proposed restrictions contact your district councilperson, reach out to Council President Darell Clarke's office, or attend the Brewerytown-Sharswood Communiy Civic Association meetings at the Camelot Academy Auditorium on the third Thursday of the month. About Raza Properties Raza Properties and subsidiary companies were formed to enhance the Philadelphia rental market through the development of affordable luxury apartments in appreciating areas. Striving to be not only the largest developer of multi-family and mixed use properties in the Philadelphia area by 2030, Raza Properties stands proud as a significant contributor to the growth and well-being of local communities and the residents who reside there. To find out more email [email protected] or visit www.razaproperties.net. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Raza Properties NEWBURY, England, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A critical part of a commercial real estate agent's job involves planning and conducting viewings of properties. With the latest 3.4 release of Surga Central Adept Business Systems' leading proptech software for commercial real estate the process or arranging viewings has become automated and far easier. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439788LOGO Traditionally, the process of arranging a viewing tour is time-intensive as it involves contacting stakeholders such as tenants, owners and external agents to ensure that the proposed times are acceptable. In addition, securing access may involve checking alarm codes or the whereabouts of keys. The agent may also have to notify stakeholders to remind them about an upcoming tour. The enquirer may also be unfamiliar with the location of the properties or where the tour will start. With Surga Central 3.4, a commercial agent can streamline the process of planning a tour, distributing information to an enquirer and notifying stakeholders whose properties are including in the viewing tour. Armed with the all the relevant information in one place, Surga Central's Tour Report feature aims to reduce the time involved to minutes as well as offering enquirers a detailed itinerary branded with the agency's logo and colours. "Property viewings are perhaps the most important part of a commercial agent's job," said Gary Clark, UK Director of Adept Business Systems. "The new Tour feature has been designed to allow agents to create the best possible impression and also improve productivity by using technology to reduce the time it takes to plan and organise a tour." As well as the new Tour feature, Surga Central 3.4 enables agents to promote listings and results on leading social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Simultaneously released in the UK and Australia, Surga Central is used by leading agencies to market commercial real estate. In the UK, customers include Vokins, Houston Lawrence, London Office Search, Ayers & Cruiks and Goodsir Commercial. Customers in Australia include Facey Industrial, Gross Waddell, CI Australia and Blue Commercial. Further Information: Gary Clark +44 1635 760720 [email protected] Related Links Surga Central Website (UK) This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Adept Business Systems UK Ltd Related Links http://www.surgacentral.co.uk/ NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yeshiva University Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman as the fifth president of Yeshiva University. He will officially begin his tenure in July 2017. "Rabbi Berman is a dynamic and inspirational leader, scholar and educator," said YU Chairman Moshael J. Straus, who led the Presidential Selection Committee. "He possesses a deep, life-long commitment to our mission and is a superb choice to lead Yeshiva University forward with excellence." Rabbi Berman is the current head of Hechal Shlomo Jewish Heritage Center in Jerusalem, where he is leading a transformation of the historic organization into an international modern Orthodox center for Jewish life, learning and leadership. He also serves as a lecturer of rabbinic literature in Herzog College's Department of Jewish Studies and was selected to sit on its Executive Leadership Council, the governing body that establishes policies and sets direction for all major issues regarding the operation of the college. Prior to moving to Israel, Rabbi Berman served as rabbi of The Jewish Center in New York City and led the prominent institution through a period of growth in which it experienced a significant rise in congregational satisfaction, membership, programming, services, outreach, public activities and financial strength. Simultaneous with his pulpit at the Jewish Center, Rabbi Berman served as an instructor of Talmud in the Irving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program at Yeshiva College. He is married to Anita Berman and they have five children. "Yeshiva University, with its distinct mission and singular ability to teach how to integrate the world around us within our Torah lives, is uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of students and enable them to capitalize on the blessings of this era," said Rabbi Berman. "I am deeply humbled to follow in the path of the illustrious Jewish leaders who preceded me and am excited to work with each member of the YU family to build on our past, envision new directions for our future and maximize the enormous potential of our beloved institution." Rabbi Berman graduated from four YU schools with distinction, earning honors for his academic work in both secular and Jewish studies. He was recognized by the YU-affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) for his written scholarship and was chosen to speak on behalf of the graduating student body at his Chag HaSemikhah [rabbinic ordination ceremony]. He was also selected as a Fellow in the Kollel Elyon, the three-year post-ordination study program for RIETS' most promising students and future rabbinic leaders. He graduated from Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys, received a bachelor's degree from Yeshiva College, and earned a master's degree in medieval Jewish philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. While in Israel, he earned a doctorate in Jewish thought at Hebrew University. Rabbi Berman will succeed President Richard M. Joel, who became president in 2003. Over the course of his tenure, President Joel was instrumental in moving YU beyond the walls of the Universityfrom expanding professional and rabbinic programs and service learning missions worldwide to establishing new student life programs and The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies. "Rabbi Berman lives the values of Yeshiva University," said President Joel. "His optimism, scholarship and abilities as a speaker and writer will serve YU well as it rises to its next level." Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 6,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, The Mordecai D. and Monique C. Katz School of Graduate and Professional Studies, and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic research institutions. Visit the YU Web site at www.yu.edu. SOURCE Yeshiva University Related Links http://www.yu.edu RICHWOOD, Ky. and WALTON, Ky. and HEBRON, Ky. and SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. and LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the growth of Radial's retail clients and their online businesses, Radial is bringing on more seasonal workers in Kentucky than it did in 2015. For anyone who wants to earn extra cash this holiday, Radial is looking for 5,000 seasonal workers throughout the state to help retailers rise to the challenge of the holiday shopping rush. Radial helps retailers and brands meet their customers' needs while delivering a seamless shopping experience. Radial was recently listed by Money Magazine as one of nine companies bringing on thousands of workers across the country this holiday. In Kentucky, Radial operates fulfillment centers in Richwood, Walton and Hebron, located in Boone County, as well as in Louisville and Shepherdsville. "We are looking to bring on more than 6,600 seasonal workers this year than last due to our expected growth strategy," said Robyn Jordan, Senior Director, North American Operations, at Radial. "And, as is typical within retail, forecasts continue to change due to consumer expectations, needs and confidence, so Radial's staffing needs are growing based on the continued growth and forecasts of our clients." To learn more about job openings in Kentucky, visit www.radial.com/jobs. In addition, Radial is hosting numerous job fairs throughout the state, where many seasonal workers will be hired on the spot. Events in the area can be found here: https://www.radial.com/jobfairs. Company-wide, Radial plans to bring on 20,000 seasonal workers across the country at its fulfillment and customer care centers to enable retailers to scale their operations and capitalize on the most critical time of year. Radial operates 26 distribution centers and six call centers in the United States, Canada and Europe, and employs more than 7,000 people globally. About Radial Radial is the leader in omnichannel commerce technology and operations, enabling brands and retailers to profitably exceed retail customer expectations. Radial's technical, powerful omnichannel solutions connect supply and demand through efficient fulfillment and transportation options, intelligent fraud, payments, and tax systems and personalized customer care services. Hundreds of retailers and brands confidently partner with Radial to simplify their post-click commerce and improve their customer experiences. Radial brings flexibility and scalability to their supply chains and optimizes how, when and where orders go from desire to delivery. Learn how we work with you at www.radial.com. Media Contact Ned Tadic Finn Partners for Radial 312-329-3979 / [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160711/388554LOGO SOURCE Radial Related Links http://www.radial.com MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the growth of Radial's retail clients and their online businesses, Radial is bringing on more seasonal workers in Tennessee than it did in 2015. For anyone who wants to earn extra cash this holiday, Radial is looking for 1,355 seasonal workers throughout the state to help retailers rise to the challenge of the holiday shopping rush. Radial helps retailers and brands meet their customers' needs while delivering a seamless shopping experience. Radial was recently listed by Money Magazine as one of nine companies bringing on thousands of workers across the country this holiday. In Tennessee, Radial operates a fulfillment center in Memphis. "We are looking to bring on more than 6,600 seasonal workers this year than last due to our expected growth strategy," said Robyn Jordan, Senior Director, North American Operations, at Radial. "And, as is typical within retail, forecasts continue to change due to consumer expectations, needs and confidence, so Radial's staffing needs are growing based on the continued growth and forecasts of our clients." To learn more about job openings in Tennessee, visit www.radial.com/jobs. Company-wide, Radial plans to bring on 20,000 seasonal workers across the country at its fulfillment and customer care centers to enable retailers to scale their operations and capitalize on the most critical time of year. Radial operates 26 distribution centers and six call centers in the United States, Canada and Europe, and employs more than 7,000 people globally. About Radial Radial is the leader in omnichannel commerce technology and operations, enabling brands and retailers to profitably exceed retail customer expectations. Radial's technical, powerful omnichannel solutions connect supply and demand through efficient fulfillment and transportation options, intelligent fraud, payments, and tax systems and personalized customer care services. Hundreds of retailers and brands confidently partner with Radial to simplify their post-click commerce and improve their customer experiences. Radial brings flexibility and scalability to their supply chains and optimizes how, when and where orders go from desire to delivery. Learn how we work with you at www.radial.com. Media Contact Ned Tadic Finn Partners for Radial 312-329-3979 / [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160711/388554LOGO SOURCE Radial Related Links http://www.radial.com MARTINSVILLE, Va., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the growth of Radial's retail clients and their online businesses, Radial is bringing on more seasonal workers in Virginia than it did in 2015. For anyone who wants to earn extra cash this holiday, Radial is looking for 1,050 seasonal workers throughout the state to help retailers rise to the challenge of the holiday shopping rush. Radial helps retailers and brands meet their customers' needs while delivering a seamless shopping experience. Radial was recently listed by Money Magazine as one of nine companies bringing on thousands of workers across the country this holiday. In Virginia, Radial operates a fulfillment center in Martinsville. "We are looking to bring on more than 6,600 seasonal workers this year than last due to our expected growth strategy," said Robyn Jordan, Senior Director, North American Operations, at Radial. "And, as is typical within retail, forecasts continue to change due to consumer expectations, needs and confidence, so Radial's staffing needs are growing based on the continued growth and forecasts of our clients." To learn more about job openings in Virginia, visit www.radial.com/jobs. Company-wide, Radial plans to bring on 20,000 seasonal workers across the country at its fulfillment and customer care centers to enable retailers to scale their operations and capitalize on the most critical time of year. Radial operates 26 distribution centers and six call centers in the United States, Canada and Europe, and employs more than 7,000 people globally. About Radial Radial is the leader in omnichannel commerce technology and operations, enabling brands and retailers to profitably exceed retail customer expectations. Radial's technical, powerful omnichannel solutions connect supply and demand through efficient fulfillment and transportation options, intelligent fraud, payments, and tax systems and personalized customer care services. Hundreds of retailers and brands confidently partner with Radial to simplify their post-click commerce and improve their customer experiences. Radial brings flexibility and scalability to their supply chains and optimizes how, when and where orders go from desire to delivery. Learn how we work with you at www.radial.com. Media Contact Ned Tadic Finn Partners for Radial 312-329-3979 / [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160711/388554LOGO SOURCE Radial Related Links http://www.radial.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a national leader in in providing compassionate care to patients and caregivers, has named Randi Kaplan, LMSW, director of the Arthur D. Emil Caregiver Support Center at Montefiore, the National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year (NCCY). The prestigious award goes to people who display compassion, and establish mutual trust and respect with families involved in healthcare decision-making. The award was presented yesterday at the 21st Annual Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Healthcare Dinner, where Randi was honored amongst 2,000 healthcare leaders, clinicians, patients and family members. Randi Kaplan is the co-founder of the Arthur D. Emil Caregiver Support Center at Montefiore, the first and only center of its kind in New York City that provides a quiet, private place for people to relax during a loved one's hospitalization. The Center delivers emotional support and practical assistance to every person who walks through its doors, successfully connecting them to the breadth of resources within Montefiore and the community. "What I hear most about Randi from caregivers, patients and staff is that she is their angel," said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president & CEO, Montefiore Medicine. "Not a week goes by where I don't receive an email or handwritten letter from a patient, family member or even colleague, about how Randi is their strength and partner in care. She leads with her heart, and when she says being at work is the best part of her day, she means it. Randi embodies what makes Montefiore special: she puts people first every day." The Caregiver Support Center at Montefiore opened its doors in April 2016. Since that time, it has become one of the most sought after destinations in the hospital. More than 30 volunteers, many of whom are former Montefiore patients or who had family members cared for at Montefiore, are invaluable resources for patients, caregivers and providers. The Center has been recognized nationally by the Caregiver Action Network, the nation's leading family caregiver organization, as one of the "25 Best Practices in Patient and Family Engagement." Volunteers have also been honored by the United Hospital Fund. "It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the 2016 National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year." said Randi Kaplan. "Being a caregiver is not a job to me, it is my calling, and I feel fortunate enough to fulfill my purpose to give care." The NCCY Award is made possible through the generous support of Optum and Modern Healthcare. About Montefiore Health System Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and close to 200 outpatient care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its' medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its' preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube. About the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare Established in 1995, the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a leader in the movement to make compassion a vital element in every patient-caregiver interaction, was founded on the belief that greater compassion and more meaningful collaboration are fundamental to the kind of care clinicians want to deliver and patients want to receive. The Schwartz Center is an independent, non-profit organization, with more than 425 healthcare members in the U.S. and Canada, supporting 200,000 healthcare professionals each year. In partnership with the Point of Care Foundation, more than 150 hospitals, hospices and other healthcare organizations conduct the innovative Schwartz RoundsTM program in the U.K., which unites caregivers from a range of disciplines to share experiences, learn from each other and focus on the human dimension of medicine. Schwartz Center members rely on programs, education and resources to support clinician well-being, enhance the quality of care, enable better outcomes and create a more positive and rewarding experience for all members of the care team, patients and their families. The Center's inaugural Annual Compassion in Action Healthcare Conference (compassioninactionconference.org) will bring together clinicians, patients and families, health system leadership and others to advance a common goal of delivering more compassionate, collaborative care. Registration for the conference is now open. To help patients and family members acknowledge caregivers who epitomize the qualities of compassionate care the Schwartz Center established the Honor Your Caregiver program. Through its National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award, the Center celebrates healthcare professionals who display extraordinary devotion and compassion in caring for patients and families. Visit us at theschwartzcenter.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. SOURCE Montefiore Medical Center CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Redwood Logistics was recently recognized as one of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America" by Entrepreneur magazine's Entrepreneur 360 List, the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study forged by Entrepreneur, Redwood Logistics is recognized as a well-rounded company that has mastered a balance of impact, innovation, growth and leadership. "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America" honorees were identified based on the results of a comprehensive study of independently owned companies, which used a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure four metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurshipinnovation, growth, leadership and impact. "Our annual evaluation offers a 360-degree analysis of the current private-business landscape," said Lisa Murray, chief insights officer of Entrepreneur Media Inc. "Top performers are determined by how well-rounded they are in these four key operative areas. Entrepreneurship is a complex endeavorthis listing recognizes those who have mastered the challenge and are thriving this year." Consistently recognized as a top workplace by several trusted organizations, Redwood Logistics boasts a wide range of services and a flexible, strategically integrated operating model that has positioned the company as a leader among mid-sized, third-party logistics providers. Today, Redwood moves and manages more than $600 million in transportation spend annually and employs 364 people in 13 cities, with an additional 233 owner/operator drivers in its truckload services subsidiary. "Redwood was built entirely on the values and ambitions of the entrepreneurial spirit, which continues to define every aspect of the company today," said Todd Berger, president and CEO of Redwood Logistics. "We are unbelievably honored to be among the best in the nation in this category and look forward to what the Redwood family accomplishes in the months and years to come." For additional details on the Entrepreneur 360 List and the companies recognized, visit: http://features.entrepreneur.com/entrepreneur-360/. ABOUT REDWOOD LOGISTICS Chicago-based Redwood Logistics is a next-generation, strategically integrated logistics provider that believes every company's needs are unique. For more than 15 years, the company has been providing solutions for moving and managing freight and sharing its knowledge across North America. Redwood Logistics is focused on making its customers more successful in their end markets by applying talented and motivated people, proven processes and cutting-edge technologies to optimize their supply chain management efforts. To learn more about Redwood Logistics, visit www.redwoodlogistics.com. ABOUT ENTREPRENEUR MEDIA INC. For nearly 40 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been serving the entrepreneurial community by providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur.com and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. To learn more, visit www.entrepreneur.com . Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160817/398896LOGO SOURCE Redwood Logistics Related Links http://www.redwoodlogistics.com DUBLIN, Nov 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market 2016-2020" report to their offering. The global advanced combat helmet market to grow at a CAGR of 3.92% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global advanced combat helmet market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the provides a comprehensive overview of the market, market shares, and growth opportunities by end-user and growth prospects by region. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. One of latest trends in the market is toward lightweight raw material. There is an increased demand and need for improved and lightweight PPE for soldiers, homeland security personnel, and security guards. However, the weight of helmets used by this personnel persistently affects their efficiency and stamina. The leading military nations endeavor to decrease troop numbers owing to various reasons (such as defense budget cuts and development of more unmanned systems). These efforts necessitate enhanced protection for existing battalion, which has propelled procurement programs for ballistic protection equipment (including ACHs). According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is mounting security threats. Internal and external security threats affect a country's growth and development as well as its international image. The homeland security or the law enforcement agencies of a country safeguards the internal and external security from internal or domestic terrorism and also prevent terrorist attacks and organized crimes. They also face life-threatening situations when unexpected terrorist attacks and riots occur. It has been noted that almost 95% of injuries are the result of falling or flying glass, mortar shrapnel, and explosive fragments. Therefore, ACH plays a vital role in protecting armed personnel against such attacks and injuries. Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is heavyweight protection equipment. The global warfare scenario is constantly changing with increasing violence and terrorist attacks, thereby raising the demand for ballistic protection for soldiers, homeland security personnel, and law enforcement personnel. However, when ballistic protection systems are modified, the weight increases, and this limits the bearer's flexibility and mobility. Key vendors ArmorSource BAE Gentex Honeywell Other prominent vendors ArmorWorks Enterprises Ceradyne Eagle Industries Morgan Advanced Materials Point Blank Enterprises Survitec Group Key Topics Covered: Part 01: Executive summary Part 02: Scope of the report Part 03: Market research methodology Part 04: Introduction Part 05: Market landscape Part 06: Market segmentation by end-use Part 07: Geographical segmentation 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: Vendor landscape Part 14: Key vendor analysis Part 15: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gldcj8/global_advanced Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com "As one of the world's great cities, with iconic character and landscape, Hong Kong is a superlative location to open a Rosewood hotel and exquisitely express the brand's A Sense of Place philosophy," says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. "We aim for this hotel to capture Hong Kong's grace and dynamism, culture and modernity, while debuting Rosewood's engaging, intuitive and refined service here in our home city." The design of Rosewood Hong Kong is the story of the gracious lifestyle within an elegant estate, and this impression will be cast immediately upon arrival and extend throughout the open public spaces, private guestrooms and event venues. Mr. Tony Chi and his New York-based studio, tonychi, will not merely focus on aesthetics but upon every fine detail to create memorable experiences for guests and visitors. Mr. Chi's approach to expressing the Rosewood brand's A Sense of Place concept was lauded at Rosewood London when it opened in 2013. Acclaimed New York-based Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates will blend classic design elements with references to the vibrantly contemporary surroundings in the architecture of the 398-room hotel. Rosewood Hong Kong will offer eight dining options; recreational facilities will include a fitness center, swimming pool and Rosewood's holistic wellness concept; and the Manor Club executive lounge will provide an array of exclusive privileges for its guests. The Pavilion will introduce to Hong Kong Rosewood's signature, high-end residential-style meeting and event spaces. Rosewood Residences -- 199 luxury accommodations for longer stays located on the top 19 floors of the tower, some with outdoor terraces and all with bird's eye views -- will offer a dedicated lounge, indoor swimming pool and fitness center along with special services and amenities for residents. Rosewood Hong Kong will join a regional network of distinctive Rosewood properties in Asia, including Rosewood Beijing, and upcoming in Phnom Penh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Luang Prabang, Sanya, Bali, Jakarta, Hainan, Bangkok and Siem Reap. About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages 18 one-of-a-kind luxury properties in 11 countries, with 17 new hotels under development. Each Rosewood hotel embraces the brand's A Sense of Place philosophy to reflect the individual location's history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world's most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hotel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Beijing. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts targets to double its number of hotels in operation by 2020. For more information: rosewoodhotels.com Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram @rosewoodhotels About New World Development Company Limited Founded in 1970, New World Development Company Limited ("The Group", Hong Kong stock code: 00017) was publicly listed in Hong Kong in 1972 and is a constituent stock of the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index. A premium brand infused with a unique personality defined by The Artisanal Movement, New World Group's core business areas include property development, infrastructure and services, department stores and hotels. As at 30 June 2016, the total asset value of the Group amounted to HK$392.1 billion. The Group has an effective interest of approximately 61% in NWS Holdings Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 00659), approximately 72% in New World Department Store China Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 00825.) New World China Land Limited is wholly owned by the Group. Media Contacts: Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161109/437374 SOURCE Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Related Links http://rosewoodhotels.com SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sugon a Chinese high-performance computing brand, jointly announced with Arctur, the ICT Company in Slovenia, the official completion of a data center in Slovenia built by both parties. The data center will be Sugon's first data center in continental Europe, representing a major breakthrough for Sugon in the traditionally advantageous high-performance computing market, and also a significant milestone for Sugon's implementation of its globalization strategy. The Arctur-2 Hyper-Converged System (the "Arctur-2 System") deployed in data centers is designed and developed by Arctur. The high-performance infrastructure of Arctur-2 System is entirely provided by Sugon. With the completion of the data center, Sugon's high-performance computing equipment officially enters continental Europe and Slovenia will become Sugon's bridgehead for exploring future business in Europe. Complementary Advantages Arctur is committed to applying HPC services to SMEs and the media industry, and it is a market leader in this particular field. The unique product attributes provide the data center with superior product advantages. Arctur-2 System, the system tailored for the European market, has both superior computing capacity and a wide range of applications. Arctur-2 System is a type of high-performance computing and cloud computing infrastructure based on hyper-converged architecture, and its design can be applied to a variety of scenarios, including but not limited to universal cloud computing, high-performance computing and small-scale big data analysis. Arctur-2 System will provide high-quality services for Arctur's clients in Europe and around the world. Innovative Ideas, Entering Western Markets Sugon and Arctur also launched the "HPCaaS" business model (High-Performance Computing as a Service). Under the HPCaaS Model, users can obtain the professional technical and service support from Sugon and Arctur while using high-performance computing equipment, processing of solution developments, visualization of results and other links. Moreover, users can also participate in product development and R&D of applicable equipment through cooperation. Global Blueprints, Steady Expansion Sugon has made progress in different regional markets worldwide since Sugon grandly launched its globalization blueprint. Completion of the data center in Europe is a significant breakthrough, while Sugon is rewriting the market pattern and moving forward. In addition to this important breakthrough in the European market, Sugon has also achieved business progress in several markets in recent years: Sugon has directly presented products to local users through local channels in the Southeast Asian market and Russia. In the North American market with most developed ICT industry, Sugon has paid more attention to "strategic alliance" and "technology integration" and actively transformed from provider of servers and storage solutions to full-service provider in the meantime of seeking the win-win partnership development by virtue of technological advantages of hardware equipment as well as deep understanding and practical experience in high-performance industrial applications. For more information related to Sugon, search WeChat Official Account "sugoncn" to follow Sugon's official WeChat. SOURCE Sugon GREENWICH, Conn. and LONDON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates ("SVPGlobal"), a leading global investment firm focused on distressed and deep value opportunities, today announced the appointment of Goran Puljic, formerly a Partner at Oak Hill Advisors, and David Weaver, formerly Chairman of the Board and CEO of Jefferies International ("Jefferies"), to its Advisory Council. Mr. Puljic joins SVPGlobal with 30 years of experience in financial services, primarily in CLOs and structured products. He is a retired Partner of Oak Hill Advisors, where, from 2008 to 2016, he was a Portfolio Manager and Co-head of the Corporate Structured Products Group focusing on investments in CLOs. In these capacities, he managed over $2 billion of CLO investments and was in charge of raising, structuring and placing over a dozen CLOs in both the US and Europe since 2011. From 2002 to 2008, Mr. Puljic was a Managing Director at Lehman Brothers Private Equity Group where he founded and ran the Structured Products Investment Group. Prior to this, Mr. Puljic was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs for 9 years, where he held various roles in derivatives and structured products and also worked as Head of Fixed Income for Goldman Sachs Germany. He began his career at Morgan Stanley, Westpac and Lehman Brothers. Mr. Weaver brings nearly 35 years of financial services experience to SVPGlobal, most recently as Chairman and CEO of Jefferies in London, where he led the firm's European expansion over a nine year period. In this role he more than tripled the size of the firm's European business, focusing on areas of governance, risk management, internal management structure and regulatory affairs. Prior to Jefferies, Mr. Weaver was a senior banker at Deutsche Bank, serving as Global Head of Technology Investment Banking, Head of European Client Coverage and Head of European Equity Capital Markets. He began his career at Irving Trust Company and then founded and led a public-sector finance group at Sumitomo Bank in New York. Mr. Puljic and Mr. Weaver will advise SVPGlobal's team of over 35 investment professionals globally. They join SVPGlobal's six other Advisory Council members, four of whom are in Europe, one in the US and one in Japan: Sir David Cooksey, former Chairman of UK Financial Institutions Ltd. (UKFI); Professor Dr. Bernd Fahrholz, former CEO of Dresdner Bank; Jose Barreiro, former Global Head of Investment Banking at BBVA; Ian Guthrie, former executive at Lloyds and Halifax Bank of Scotland; Flip Huffard, former Senior Managing Director of the Blackstone Group; and Hideto Ozaki, former CEO and Chairman of Toyota Financial Services Corporation. Victor Khosla, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of SVPGlobal, commented: "We are delighted that Goran and David will advise us, joining an already strong Advisory Council. Their experience and relationships across the European and U.S. financial industries will be of great value to us, in terms of both the origination and execution of investments." "It is with great pleasure that I am joining the SVPGlobal Advisory Council," said Mr. Puljic. "I hope to be able to use my 30 years of experience in financial services to help continue the firm's strong momentum and growth." "I am excited to be joining SVPGlobal," said Mr. Weaver. "The firm is one of the leading distressed debt investors in the world, and a group I have known and worked with on transactions over several years. I look forward to working with Victor and his team." About SVPGlobal SVPGlobal was founded in 2001 by Victor Khosla. With $4.9 billion in assets under management, SVPGlobal is a leading global investment firm with primary offices in Greenwich (CT), London, Frankfurt and Tokyo, focused on distressed and deep value investments. SVPGlobal seeks to create value in its investments through its substantial industry, restructuring and operating experience. For further information, please contact: Todd Fogarty, Kekst and Company, +1 212 521 4854 Matthieu Roussellier / Carl Leijonhufvud, Greenbrook Communications, +44 207 952 2000 SOURCE SVPGlobal LEXINGTON, Mass., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Galatea Surgical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tepha, Inc. focused on the Plastic and Aesthetic surgery market, announced today that clinical data supporting the use of its GalaFLEX Surgical Scaffold for mastopexy (i.e. breast lift) was presented at the London Breast Meeting by William P. Adams, MD of Dallas Texas. Galatea also announced that the first surgical procedure utilizing GalaFLEX for an aesthetic breast surgical procedure outside the United States was performed by Patrick Mallucci, MD, FRCS, a leading London-based Plastic Surgeon. The GalaFLEX Surgical Scaffold is made from a resorbable polymer called P4HB, developed by Galatea's parent company, Tepha, Inc. Dr. Adams commented, "Mastopexy, or breast lift, is a good choice for the many women seeking a rejuvenated, perkier appearance, but without a breast implant; however, maintaining the surgical correction of ptosis (drooping) is often a challenge due to the weakened condition of the underlying breast tissue. Our preliminary one year experience with GalaFLEX utilized to support the weakened tissue suggests that it can help to sustain our surgical correction with minimal risk to the patient." Mr. Mallucci added, "I am very excited about the opportunity to utilize the GalaFLEX Surgical Scaffold in a variety of my aesthetic breast procedures. My first case went very smoothly and I was impressed with the ease of use and handling properties of the GalaFLEX mesh." The GalaFLEX Surgical Scaffold is based on Tepha's P4HB, resorbable polymer technology. P4HB (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) is a proprietary polymer with a unique biomechanical and biocompatibility profile that is ideal for soft tissue repair and support procedures. GalaFLEX Surgical Scaffold has a CE Mark (for European marketing) and is intended for use in breast surgery procedures for which soft tissue support may be needed to obtain the desired surgical result. About Tepha: Tepha Inc, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Lexington, MA, is a supplier of medical devices focused on the BioMaterials market. Tepha's products are designed and developed to elevate, support and reinforce areas of soft tissue weakness as well as to promote improved healing responses. To date Tepha and its partners have received 23 510(k) clearances for devices marketed in the US as well as five CE Marks for products sold in Europe. Commercial products based on Tepha's resorbable P4HB polymer technology include: high tensile strength sutures for orthopedic soft tissue repair; mesh constructs for ventral and inguinal hernia repair; monofilament sutures for abdominal wall closure and plastic surgery; patches for tendon and ligament repairs; and mesh constructs for face and breast lifts. To date, products made from P4HB have been successfully used in more than 1,000,000 surgical procedures worldwide, and have been the subject of over 30 published clinical and scientific papers. More information about the Company and its products can be found at its website www.Tepha.com and www.Galateasurgical.com. Contact: Lois Lombardi Andy Joiner Vice President, Galatea President and CEO, Tepha Inc. 781-357-1752 781-357-1770 SOURCE Tepha Inc. Related Links http://www.Tepha.com ORADELL, N.J., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The new location of the center at 680 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell holds over 9,000 square feet of clinical space that offers patients a comfortable and private setting for cutting-edge fertility treatments and services, supported by a close-knit team of 20 professionals. The center also boasts an impressive surgical suite, large recovery area, comfortable patient examination rooms, full in-house laboratory services, including advanced IVF, andrology and endocrinology laboratories, and a spacious waiting room. Medical Directors Dr. Inna Berin and Dr. Zalman Levine, who both trained at Harvard University, underscored the importance of their new facility at its recent grand opening reception, when they told guests that it embodies their group's philosophy providing the most advanced fertility treatments, at affordable prices, in a comfortable and welcoming environment. "Dr. Berin and I partnered together at the Fertility Institute to realize our dream of offering the most sophisticated techniques of advanced reproductive medicine in an elegant, professional setting that projects confidence and warmth," Dr. Levine explained, "and we built a dedicated team of clinical, laboratory and administrative experts to support our patients through their journey to parenthood." The expertise of Laboratory Director Heather Hur, PhD, HCLD, contributes to the Institute's impressive success rates, which rival the nation's largest fertility centers. Dr. Hur is a leading expert in embryology, an area of biology relating to embryos and their development, as well as andrology, a branch of laboratory science concerned with male reproductive function. The Fertility Institute is fully accredited by The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF) which is regarded in the industry as the "Gold Standard in Accreditation" for health care in outpatient surgical facilities. Obtaining accreditation through AAAASF means, among other criteria, that the surgeons are board-certified and highly qualified, and that the facility demonstrates an advanced surgical environment that meets stringent standards. The Institute was previously located in Westwood, prior to moving to its new custom-designed center on Kinderkamack Road in Oradell. About The Fertility Institute of New Jersey & New York The Fertility Institute was founded in 1995 and is dedicated to "Turning big dreams into little realities." Operated under Medical Directors Inna Berin, MD, and Zalman Levine, MD, both of whom joined the Institute from the Harvard Medical School, the Fertility Institute offers the latest and most-advanced fertility treatments including: Ovulation Induction, Intrauterine Insemination, In Vitro Fertilization, Preimplantation Genetic Screening, Frozen Embryo Transfer, Egg Freezing and a comprehensive in-house egg donation program. The Oradell facility serves individuals and families primarily from New Jersey and New York. For more information, please visit: https://fertilitynjny.com or call 201.666.4200. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Fertility Institute of New Jersey & New York Related Links http://www.fertilitynjny.com NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Author/Adventurer, Robert Stupack of Novato, announced today that the artifact known as the Great Poste of Sir Francis Drake has been recovered in Greenbrae, California. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439601 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439602 "The World Encompassed," a diary of Drake's 1577-1581 circumnavigation, states that in 1579, Drake landed along today's San Quentin Peninsula, claimed the territory for Queen Elizabeth I of England and named the land, Nova Albion. The diary also states that before his departure, Drake left a small plaque known as the Plate of Brass "nailed upon a fair great poste" to commemorate his visit. The Great Poste bears hand-carved Roman numerals with the same date, June 17, 1579 as the Plate of Brass. More importantly, it has hand-carved Alchemy symbols that provide the details of the processes Drake used to make the Plate of Brass and to smelt huge quantities of gold and silver he took from South America. Mr. Stupack found the Great Poste less than one hundred feet away from where the Plate of Brass was discovered by Beryl Shinn in 1936. In the same vicinity, Mr. Stupack also recovered a small smelter and the set of "missing tools" used to form the inscription on the Plate. After its discovery in 1936, Beryl Shinn turned the Plate of Brass over to Dr. Herbert Bolton of UC Berkeley who had it examined by the leading scientists of the day. In 1938 those scientists declared it to be "the true artifact" left behind by Drake. For forty years the Plate of Brass was proudly displayed as one of the greatest artifacts ever discovered in North America. Then, in the 1970's, for no apparent reason, the Drake Navigators Guild began to raise questions about the Plate's authenticity. The ensuing controversy was fueled by public remarks by officials of the Bancroft Library of UC Berkeley. Their statements left the public with the mis-impression that the Plate of Brass was nothing more than a "worthless fake" that was part of a hoax perpetrated against Dr. Bolton by a group of pranksters known as E Clampus Vitas. There has never been any corroboration of such a hoax!. These discoveries prove that the Plate of Brass discovered by Beryl Shinn in 1936 was a true artifact and not part of any hoax. Furthermore, they raise seIious questions about the motivation behind the misleading statements made during the 1970s by the Drake Navigators Guild and officials of UC Berkeley's, Bancroft Library.. Mr. Stupack's book "Drake's Treasure" details his seven year investigation into Drake's visit to Nova Albion. The book is available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon. Contact: Robert Stupack Tel. 415-244-7118 Email: [email protected] Website: www.drakestreasure.com SOURCE Robert Stupack NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GMR Data's new Pharmaceutical report 'The India Medical Devices Market to 2026', released today, discusses the India Medical Device Market in detail across the next decade. The report covers who the main customers are, which companies will cater to that need and how the companies will go about it. The report describes the current medical devices scene, one of the most populated nations globally. Key questions such as how will new governmental rules effect the market, how easy is it for foreign companies to enter the market are discussed with support from charts, graphs and tables and by exclusive expert opinion. India constitutes 17% of the global population and 20% of the global disease burden, but spends only 1.3% of GDP on healthcare; far below other emerging markets. Given the rising proportion of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), that are typically treated or ameliorated with medical devices, the India medical devices segment reflects a high-growth market when compared to other healthcare markets globally. The India medical device market is constrained by a number of barriers, notably, challenging regulations, unfavourable policies and industry anomalies. Learn, by reading this report, how foreign companies have gained a foothold in this key emerging market; what actions have produced positive results; who has made the break through and why. India constitutes 17% of the global population and 20% of the global disease burden, but spends only 1.3% of her GDP on healthcare; far below other emerging markets. Dependent on political will to spend there is clearly a huge potential for the India healthcare market. Given the rising proportion of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), that are typically treated or ameliorated with medical devices, the 'India medical devices' segment reflects a high-growth market when compared to the healthcare markets globally. Although the macro-drivers and potential for the Indian medical devices market appears huge, the market players/stakeholders have not been able to release the full potential of the market. This is due to varied - some unique (to Indian market) systemic and structural anomalies that have marred the potential; for instance only in India medical devices are classified as "drugs". The tax and duty structures are 'inverted' that increase the cost of inputs/raw materials that render 'making of products i.e. medical devices in India' un-economic. Additional regulatory restraint includes multiple authorising bodies i.e. no single-window clearance that dis-incentivises many companies to manufacture medical devices in India. India also does not support/follow any 'Domestic Preferential Public Procurement Policy' wherein countries such as China and the U.S. give 15% to 20% price preference to domestically manufactured medical devices in public procurement. Therefore, many medical devices companies simply prefer importing medical devices ~80% of highend medical devices (constituting ~70% of India's medical device market) are imported to India. Quite unlike the healthcare systems across the world, the Indian healthcare system i.e. the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, classifies medical devices as 'drugs'. Hence medical devices in India fall under the purview of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Although classified as drug, medical devices produced/marketed in Indian healthcare market have a well-structured definition: Chapter 2 - Introduction to the India Medical Devices Market2.1 Definition of Medical Devices in India 'Medical devices' include any instrument, apparatus, appliance, implant, material or other article, whether used alone or in combination, including the software, intended by its manufacturer to be used specially for human beings or animals for one or more of the specific purposes of: - diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of any disease or disorder - diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation or assistance for, any injury or disability - investigation, replacement or modification or support of the anatomy or of a physiological process - supporting or sustaining life - disinfection of medical devices - control of conception 'Medical devices' are such products that do not achieve primary intended action in or on the human body or animals by any pharmacological or immunological or metabolic means, but which may be assisted in its intended function by such means: - an accessory to such an instrument, apparatus, appliance, material or other article - in vitro diagnostic medical device including a reagent, reagent product, calibrator, control material, kit, instrument, apparatus, equipment or system, whether used alone or in combination 4.1 Diagnostic Medical Devices Market, 20162026 Private hospitals typically purchase high-end medical devices such as diagnostic medical devices; for instance, Radio Imaging equipment. The share (in terms of number) of private hospitals is low in India but is high ~40% in terms of number of beds (capacity). Along with hard-infrastructure (high-end diagnostic medical devices), private hospitals are more likely to embrace / enable soft-infrastructure - training by external technical professionals. By 2026 the India Diagnostic Medical Devices sector will reach $XXbn occupying XX% of the India Medical Devices Market. This growth will be driven by factors such as; increased levels of screening for NCD's, which are expected to increase significantly in India, alongside the key factors that have driven the sector in the preceding decade, increased health education / access to health professionals / health services. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04336529-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 WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Lumineers, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood have been added to the lineup for the 94th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. They will join James Taylor, Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, and Yolanda Adams in performing a collection of holiday favorites. Taking place on Thursday, December 1, on the Ellipse at President's Park (White House), the special event wraps the National Park Service Centennial year and celebrates the launch of a second century of discovery and stewardship. Through a partnership with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, the National Christmas Tree Lighting will be televised exclusively on Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 5. Dates to note: December 1 : National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Ellipse in President's Park National Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Ellipse in President's Park December 5 at 7 p.m. ET /PT: National Christmas Tree Lighting telecast exclusively on Hallmark Channel An American holiday tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923, the National Christmas Tree Lighting is a great example of the countless ways there are to #FindYourPark. Launched in March 2015, Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque is a public awareness and education movement to inspire people to connect with, celebrate, and support America's national parks and community-based programs. Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and setting the stage for the Service's next 100 years, Find Your Park invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nation's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Keep up with the National Christmas Tree on Twitter at @TheNationalTree, follow #NCTL2016 on social media, and visit www.thenationaltree.org for more information about the event and its history. EDITORS NOTE: Credentials are REQUIRED to cover this event. To request credentials (for personnel or parking for transmission trucks), please complete and submit the media credential application using the hyperlinked form by 4 p.m. ET, Thursday, November 17, 2016. Submitting a credential application does not guarantee that you will receive credentials to cover the event. You will be notified of the status of your request by November 24, and credentialed media will receive further information by email at that time. Additional information, more talent announcements, and coverage logistics for news media will be released at a later date. *Please note that a previous release said it would be televised on Hallmark Channel on Friday, December 2. The new date it will be televised on the network is Monday, December 5. ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. The National Park Service has cared for the White House and its grounds since 1933. President's Park, which includes the Ellipse and Lafayette Park, was officially included in the national park system in 1961. ABOUT CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS Crown Media Family Networks is the umbrella unit subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc., housing cable's leading family friendly networks, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, as well as their corresponding digital extensions HallmarkChannel.com and HallmarkMoviesandMysteries.com. The company operates and distributes both channels in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) with Hallmark Channel available to 90 million subscribers and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in 67 million homes in the United States. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original content, including movies; scripted series, such as "When Calls the Heart," and "Good Witch" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Hero Dog Awards" and "Kitten Bowl"; world premieres of Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations, and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Hallmark Channel is also home to the popular annual holiday franchise "Countdown to Christmas," featuring a lineup of 24/7 holiday programming. Rounding out the network's lineup are television's most beloved comedy and drama series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Frasier," "Last Man Standing" and "Home Improvement." Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is a separate 24-hour, digital cable network featuring a unique mix of new, original movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres. The network also features its own annual holiday programming franchise, "Most Wonderful Movies of Christmas," as well as presentations from the multi-award-winning Hallmark Hall of Fame library. ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service's 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America's National Parks, a $350 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. MEDIA CONTACTS: National Park Service Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles 202-619-7177 [email protected] National Park Foundation Alanna Sobel 202-796-2538 [email protected] Hallmark Channel Pam Slay 818-755-2480 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140324/DC89075LOGO SOURCE National Park Foundation CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Peace Corps and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), one of the leading nonprofit universities devoted to psychology, and related behavioral health sciences, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to launch a new Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program with The Chicago School's Online M.A. in International Psychology Program, effective January 2017. "We are delighted to partner with TCSPP to support our returned Volunteers as they pursue higher education and continue their commitment to service," said Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet. "Communities are moved forward by the selflessness of Volunteers, and returned Peace Corps Volunteers have unique skills and experiences to offer their local communities." The Coverdell Fellows Program provides opportunities for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) for graduate school. All students in the program will complete internships in underserved communities in the U.S. while earning their degree, enabling them to expand upon the skills they've developed as volunteers in the Peace Corps. RPCVs who have completed their Peace Corps training and service oversees satisfactorily, and who meet The Chicago School's admission requirements are eligible to enroll in the Online M.A. International Psychology Program and will receive a 10% reduction in tuition. "We're proud to partner with the Peace Corps to benefit both students and underserved communities, and believe that the Coverdell Fellows Program at The Chicago School will be a great asset for students who want successful careers in international psychology," said Breeda McGrath, Ph.D., dean of Academic Affairs, Online Campus and department chair, International Psychology. "Like the Peace Corps, our goal is to prepare students to excel as leaders who are sensitive to cultural differences and are prepared to promote social justice in an increasingly globalized world where many are forgotten and disenfranchised." In addition to the internships completed through The Chicago School's applied professional practice program, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the International Psychology Program's unique International Field Experience programs to help expand their cultural competency. "There is no question that the Coverdell Fellows Program is a perfect match for The Chicago School. This opportunity dovetails wonderfully with our goal that students be engaged and active participants in the communities in which the University resides, as achieved through our Engaged Professional Model of education," explained Viviane de Castro Pecanha, Ph.D., program lead, M.A. in International Psychology Program. About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a nonprofit, private university devoted exclusively to psychology, and related behavioral and health sciences. The Chicago School is an affiliate of TCS Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. The university serves nearly 4,300 students across campuses in Chicago; Southern California (Los Angeles and Irvine); and Washington, D.C., as well as through online programs. Our San Diego Campus will open in fall 2017. The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, (WSCUC), and its Clinical Psychology Doctoral programs in Chicago and Washington, D.C. are accredited by the American Psychological Association. With more than 20 graduate degree programs, thousands of hours of real-world training, and a wealth of international opportunities, TCSPP is the leader in professional psychology education. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Riley (312) 410.8963 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150707/233084LOGO SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Related Links http://www.thechicagoschool.edu BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a national leader in the movement to make compassion a vital element in every patient-caregiver interaction, has named Randi Kaplan, LMSW, the National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year (NCCY) Award recipient. The prestigious NCCY Award was presented at the 21st Annual Kenneth B. Schwartz Compassionate Healthcare Dinner on Nov. 15, where Randi was honored in front of 2,000 healthcare leaders, clinicians, patients and family members. Randi Kaplan is the co-founder and director of the Arthur D. Emil Caregiver Support Center at Montefiore Health System in Bronx, N.Y., an oasis where family caregivers can find a safe refuge in the hospital, and the comfort and support they need for their personal caregiving challenges. The first and only center of its kind in metropolitan New York City, the Caregiver Support Center provides a place where caregivers can find a quiet place to rest, sip a hot drink or engage in meaningful conversation with Randi, her program assistant and highly trained volunteers. It is also a place where challenging discussions about illness can be held in private and quiet surroundings, and where hospital professionals from all disciplines surgeons, audiologists, ICU nurses can come for the empathy and warm reassurance they may need. These kinds of services are becoming increasingly important amidst a rise in burnout rates among the healthcare workforce, now at historically high levels. "Randi's devotion to the Caregiver Support Center is really a commitment to each individual broken heart that walks through those doors," said Laura Tocci, a family caregiver who has benefited from the services provided at Montefiore's Caregiver Support Center. "She looks with her strength into each person's pain, and gives them the courage they need to do whatever is necessary for their loved one. She honors the caregiver's relationship with their loved one and family. This enables us to travel this sometimes terrifying journey together as a family." The NCCY Award is a national recognition program that celebrates excellence in compassionate healthcare. Through this program, the Schwartz Center honors caregivers like Randi Kaplan who embody the characteristics of compassion, which include effective communication, emotional support, mutual trust and respect, the involvement of families in healthcare decisions and treating patients as people, not just illnesses. During her remarks at the dinner, Randi Kaplan shared the way she and her staff work with caregivers at their center to ensure they are not only supported but also given the strength to carry on. "We offer compassion that validates the pain, but also provide the comfort to ease it," said Randi Kaplan. "We absorb just enough of the pain to break the fall, but then we stabilize the person enough so that they can keep on going." Randi also went on to express what she feels is the most important part of her job working with caregivers. "Listening is the most powerful tool," she said. "Sometimes I just listen to the tears, because there are no words." "The Schwartz Center is pleased to recognize Randi and our National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award finalists for their remarkable dedication to patients and caregivers," said Julie Rosen, executive director of the Schwartz Center. "It is truly a privilege to witness and celebrate the positive impact of compassionate care, on both the person providing and the person receiving that care. The individuals and team we acknowledged for this year's NCCY Award will continue to inspire all of us as we strive to make compassion a vital element throughout the entire healthcare system." The five 2016 NCCY Award finalists are: Shieva Khayam-Bashi , MD, of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in San Francisco, Calif. , doctor and medical director of the hospital's long-term care facility and preceptor of the Foundations of Patient Care course. in , doctor and medical director of the hospital's long-term care facility and preceptor of the Foundations of Patient Care course. David Pascoe, MA, BCC, of Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah , an interfaith chaplain with specialty training in pediatrics and palliative care/hospice. , an interfaith chaplain with specialty training in pediatrics and palliative care/hospice. Allissa Randazzo , BSN, RN , of Aspen House Memory Care Assisted Living in Loveland, Colo. , a nurse who cares for residents with severe cognitive impairment at an assisted living home. , of Aspen House Memory Care Assisted Living in , a nurse who cares for residents with severe cognitive impairment at an assisted living home. Vincent Waite , MD, MPH, of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in Lawrence, Mass. , a doctor and mentor recognized for his decades-long commitment to the poor, homeless and medically underserved in both Lawrence and Ghana , where he has taught medical students and physician residents. , a doctor and mentor recognized for his decades-long commitment to the poor, homeless and medically underserved in both and , where he has taught medical students and physician residents. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCCJames) Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in Columbus, Ohio , a dedicated team of individuals caring for cancer patients and their families. The award recipient receives a $5,000 monetary prize, and the five finalists receive $1,000 each. The NCCY Award is made possible through the generous support of Optum and Modern Healthcare, sponsors of the award. About the NCCY Award The Schwartz Center's National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year (NCCY) Award is a national recognition program that elevates excellence in compassionate healthcare. Since 1999, the Schwartz Center has honored caregivers who embody the characteristics of compassionate care, which include effective communication, emotional support, mutual trust and respect, the involvement of families in healthcare decisions, and treating patients as people, not just illnesses. Award finalists are chosen by a national review committee, which includes past award recipients, in collaboration with representatives from the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Visit theschwartzcenter.org/award for award details. About the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare Established in 1995, the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, a leader in the movement to make compassion a vital element in every patient-caregiver interaction, was founded on the belief that greater compassion and more meaningful collaboration are fundamental to the kind of care clinicians want to deliver and patients want to receive. The Schwartz Center is an independent, non-profit organization, with more than 425 healthcare members in the U.S. and Canada, supporting 200,000 healthcare professionals each year. In partnership with the Point of Care Foundation, more than 150 hospitals, hospices and other healthcare organizations conduct the innovative Schwartz RoundsTM program in the U.K., which unites caregivers from a range of disciplines to share experiences, learn from each other and focus on the human dimension of medicine. Schwartz Center members rely on programs, education and resources to support clinician well-being, enhance the quality of care, enable better outcomes and create a more positive and rewarding experience for all members of the care team, patients and their families. The Center's inaugural Annual Compassion in Action Healthcare Conference (compassioninactionconference.org) will bring together clinicians, patients and families, health system leadership and others to advance a common goal of delivering more compassionate, collaborative care. Registration for the conference is now open. To help patients and family members acknowledge caregivers who epitomize the qualities of compassionate care the Schwartz Center established the Honor Your Caregiver program. Through its National Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award, the Center celebrates healthcare professionals who display extraordinary devotion and compassion in caring for patients and families. Visit us at theschwartzcenter.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183484LOGO SOURCE The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare Related Links http://www.theschwartzcenter.org The portfolio includes a 12 Year-Old (SRP $34.99/750ml), 15 Year-Old (SRP $49.99) and 18 Year-Old (SRP $79.99) expression boasting a range of perfectly balanced single malt whiskies. Aged primarily in Bourbon casks offering a rich, smooth character, these whiskies are crafted using and pure water drawn from the high, wooded hills above the distillery in located in the Speyside region of Scotland. Each of The Singleton of Glendullan whiskies embrace the history and heritage of traditional Single Malt Scotch Whisky production with roots dating back 120 years. "We're excited to introduce The Singleton to further round out our Single Malts portfolio as this provides an excellent whisky at an attainable price range. The Singleton is smooth, approachable and a fantastic Scotch whisky that will appeal to a wide range of people - from those just entering the category to those that are more familiar with whisky and know the acclaim of The Singleton name," said Brian Cox, Director of Scotch Whisky, Diageo North America. The liquid is immediately enjoyable offering a unique flavor profile with an unparalleled, award-winning quality. The Singleton is ranked the #5 whisky brand in the world and one of the fastest growing brands globally. The Singleton of Glendullan is an exceptional base spirit for use in craft cocktails and is an excellent option to pair with an array of culinary dishes and cuisines the 12 Year-Old right through to the 18 Year-Old is an immediate way to enhance take out from a local restaurant or pair with a home cooked meal from your favorite food-subscription service. The bottles are packaged in a very sleek, modern canister inspired by 19th century hip flasks and display the traditional iconography highlighting The Singleton brand's heritage and acclaim. The entire portfolio makes for an ideal gift for any occasion as it represents the pinnacle of Single Malt Scotch Whisky but at a very friendly price point. Available in select markets (CA, FL, NY, CO, TX, PA, WA, NJ) where fine spirits are sold. No matter what the occasion, The Singleton of Glendullan encourages you to enjoy responsibly. About The Singleton The Singleton whiskies are crafted in three of Scotland's traditional highland distilleries that were all built in the 19th century, long before Speyside was even recognized as a region. The Singleton's as we know them today have been quietly making whisky in the Scottish Highlands for nearly 200 years. The Singleton Family is built on the foundation of traditional distilling and heritage but at the same time, is also vibrant and contemporary. The whiskies produced at The Singleton distillery are lighter and more delicate with sufficient complexity to bring wonderful layers of flavor. The Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are easily enjoyable from the first sip and offer an abundance of the best, most appealing flavors. For more information, visit www.malts.com. RECENT AWARDS: 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition: Silver 2015 International Spirits Challenge: Bronze About Diageo Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439936LOGO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/440130 SOURCE The Singleton Related Links http://www.diageo.com LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Baby Box Co., the company behind the global integrated program Baby Box University to improve maternal and infant healthcare outcomes, today announced that approximately one million Baby Boxes are in circulation globally through 2016 community programs to reduce infant mortality and increase maternal and child health. The Baby Box movement continues to accelerate this November with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota, Berkshire County in Massachusetts, and San Antonio, Texas all adopting the Baby Box University program to help an additional 30,000+ moms and babies nationwide. The Twin Cities, Massachusetts' Berkshire County, and San Antonio Adopt Baby Box University to Reduce Infant Mortality & Aid Maternal Health (PRNewsFoto/The Baby Box Co.) The Twin Cities, Massachusetts' Berkshire County, and San Antonio Adopt Baby Box University to Reduce Infant Mortality & Aid Maternal Health (PRNewsFoto/The Baby Box Co.) Baby Box University Logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Baby Box Co.) The Baby Boxes, which are made from a durable cardboard, can be used as a baby's bed for up to the first eight months of life. Replacing the need for the traditional Moses basket or cot, it is thought the small size of the Baby Box prevents babies from rolling onto their stomachs, which experts believe contributes to SIDS. According to a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which draws on current research and serves as the first update to the Academy policy since 2011, approximately 3,500 infants die annually in the United States from sleep-related deaths, including sudden unexpected infant death (SUID); ill-defined deaths; and accidental suffocation and strangulation. The number of infant deaths initially decreased in the 1990s after a national safe sleep campaign, but has plateaued in recent years. The use of Baby Boxes has been credited with helping Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. The initiative, which enables every expecting woman in the country to claim a free Baby Box once she receives prenatal care and parenting information from a healthcare professional, is credited with helping to decrease Finland's infant mortality rate from 65 deaths for each 1,000 children born in 1938 to 3 deaths per 1,000 births in 2013. The success of the Finnish Baby Box intervention inspired the founders of The Baby Box Co. to adapt this tradition with enhanced multi-media parenting curricula through Baby Box University to the benefit of nonprofits, hospitals, government institutions and individual families worldwide. The Baby Box University program's exponential growth has solidified the model as the most impactful safe sleep and parenting education intervention for millennials. "I'm so proud to empower new parents with the physical and educational resources they need to feel confident," said Jennifer Clary, the CEO of The Baby Box Co., which is supplying these communities with the Baby Boxes and Baby Box University memberships. "Every parent has a right to the necessary tools to care for their infant and every child deserves a safe and supported start in life." The brands included in the Baby Boxes are also committed to the program's education mission, with every product featuring a scientifically proven baby brain-boosting activity parents can do while using the item. "Pampers is proud to be part of the Baby Box programs," said E. Yuri Hermida, vice president, North America Baby Care, P&G. "As a brand dedicated to the happy, healthy development of babies for more than 50 years, we share Baby Box Co.'s important mission to support expecting parents with health education, and support new babies with a safe sleep environment." Snapshot of Baby Box Launches Across the Nation This Month On November 16th, international nonprofit Babies Need Boxes is holding a community baby shower to kick off the Twin Cities' new Baby Box program, which will be available to every family in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, estimated to be 17,000 babies. "We believe it takes an entire community to help families be successful and safe. One of the most inspiring aspects of Babies Need Boxes is the outpouring of support that our program has inspired in mothers and public health professionals," said Danielle Selassie, Executive Director of Babies Need Boxes. "The Twin Cities' universal Baby Box program is the first step in a larger goal of building a strong global community of Baby Box supporters who can come together and help all families, regardless of socio-economic status, achieve their full potential." On November 17th, nonprofit Berkshire Baby Box is hosting a "Baby Box Shower" in Berkshire County, Massachusetts with new parents, expectant moms and special guests to launch the universal countywide program. Senator-Elect Adam Hinds and Massachusetts State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier will be speaking at the Berkshire all-county launch. "Receiving Baby Boxes for safe sleep is the most obvious 'takeaway' from our events, but for pregnant women these gatherings provide education and support by linking new mothers to each other, and to the network of services available in the wider Berkshire community," said Hinda Bodinger, Founder of Berkshire Baby Boxes. University Health System in Texas has a similar goal for San Antonio families. Their staff is launching a San Antonio Baby Box University syllabus, which will shortly thereafter be added to and introduced citywide thanks to B.E.S.T., a groundbreaking safe sleep coalition formed by all the hospital systems in San Antonio working together. "Our pilot program, which distributed Baby Boxes to new parents in need, was an incredible success generating a lot of interest and excitement and providing each of those babies a safe place to sleep," said George B. Hernandez Jr., president and CEO of University Health System. "Our region has seen a tragic increase in Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, due largely to unsafe sleep practices, and our hope is the expansion of the Baby Box program will start to reverse that trend." Families living in the communities launching Baby Box University programs will be eligible to receive a Baby Box which includes newborn essentials such as Pampers Swaddlers diapers, Pampers baby wipes, Vroom activity cards from the Bezos Family Foundation, Lansinoh breast pads, onesies, and much more. While parents appreciate the Baby Boxes and quality products, it is the educational component and closer communication with local healthcare providers that is at the center of the Baby Box University distribution model. Families will be required to view their community's online curriculum related to prenatal care, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices and newborn care before receiving a free Baby Box. In this way, the Baby Box University program model pays its ultimate homage to the Finnish tradition, which is committed not just to universal product distribution, but to supporting its families with access to healthcare and education. About The Baby Box Co. Entrepreneurs Michelle Vick and Jennifer Clary founded The Baby Box Co. to offer a safe sleep environment to babies everywhere. The Baby Box Co. is an innovative, integrated program to support parents and improve maternal and infant healthcare outcomes globally. The Baby Box Co. partners with hospitals, government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide Baby Boxes, quality products, resources and ongoing education to families on a large scale. Baby Boxes are also available direct to consumer either as a standalone item or filled with new baby essentials. Serving families in 52 countries, The Baby Box Co. has offices in UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. For more information or to purchase a Baby Box, please visit www.babyboxco.com and www.babyboxuniversity.com About Babies Need Boxes Babies Need Boxes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides the life-saving Finnish Baby Box tradition to families in the United States and abroad. Our mission is to equip families with safe sleep education, a safe sleep environment for their baby, newborn care essentials to promote self-sufficiency and interactive items to foster positive parent/child interactions. For more information please visit. http://www.babiesneedboxes.org. About Berkshire Baby Box Berkshire Baby Box is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides the Finnish style "Baby Shower in a Box" to expectant mothers in The Berkshires, Massachusetts. About University Health System University Health System is a nationally recognized teaching hospital and network of outpatient healthcare centers, ranked Best Hospital in the San Antonio area by U.S. News & World Report. We provide exceptional care for high-risk mothers-to-be in a 21-county region of South Texas, and offer the highest level of care for newborns with a comprehensive team of neonatal specialists and a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. University Hospital is the premier Level I trauma center and only Level I pediatric trauma center and burn program in South Texas. Learn more at UniversityHealthSystem.com. Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439979 Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439980 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160509/365428LOGO Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439981LOGO SOURCE The Baby Box Co. Related Links http://www.babyboxco.com SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Togo's Eateries, LLC, a "West Coast Original" known for its big, fresh and meaty sandwiches, today unveiled the Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork & Cheddar Sandwich. A sweet and spicy upgrade to an old favorite, the Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork & Cheddar is now available at all 250 Togo's locations. "Bourbon BBQ sauces are really trending in food service right now," said Leslie Lopez, Sr. Brand Marketing Manager at Togo's. "Our new Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork & Cheddar is for spice-loving guests who appreciate complex flavors and the generous portions Togo's is known for. Our Fans have a big appetite for BBQ, and we're doing it the Togo's way." The Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork & Cheddar features Togo's all-natural, hand-pulled pork slathered in Sweet Baby Ray's Bourbon BBQ Sauce. The sandwich is topped with all-natural Cheddar Cheese and toasted to perfection. The classic version includes lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and pepperoncinis, but guests can customize it with Togo's one-on-one deli-style service. And some more good news for bourbon fans: Togo's BBQ Chipotle Mayo will also be made with Sweet Baby Ray's Bourbon BBQ Sauce. Guests can enjoy it on any of their favorite sandwiches. To find a location or to order online, visit www.togos.com. About Togo's Eateries, LLC Togo's was founded in 1971 by a young college student with a large appetite and little money looking to make sandwiches the way he liked them big, fresh and meaty. Keeping in the spirit of the original, Togo's products are still made with only the highest quality ingredients; including fresh-baked Artisan breads, hand sliced premium pastrami, turkey and roast beef, as well as Hass avocados and cheeses. Togo's proprietary brand of old-fashioned Pastrami, 98 percent fat-free slow-roasted turkey, and Togo's all natural chicken set the brand apart from other sandwich shops. With more than 250 locations open and under development throughout the West, Togo's is a franchise-based business that offers online ordering and catering services. For more information, call 877.718.6467 or visit www.togosfranchise.com. For general information on Togo's Eateries, LLC, please visit www.togos.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161102/435881LOGO SOURCE Togo's Eateries, LLC Related Links http://www.togos.com "We love the idea of incorporating giving into a product you use on a daily basis." Mycoskie said, "With our new TOMS for Apple Watch band, we will not only help provide light, but we will be positively impacting education, economic opportunity, health and safety for so many people who desperately need it." TOMS for Apple Watch bands are available in two different styles and several color ways. Pricing for bands range from $49 to $75 and are available at www.TOMS.com and TOMS retail stores across the U.S. The Utility Collection , a classic look designed for travel and adventure, features premium, durable grosgrain fabric strap and genuine leather detailing. Available in five colors. , a classic look designed for travel and adventure, features premium, durable grosgrain fabric strap and genuine leather detailing. Available in five colors. The Artisan Collection, inspired by TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie's collection of friendship bracelets from around the world, features woven fabric and genuine leather backing. Available in three colors. All TOMS for Apple Watch bands feature a "GIVE TIME" etching and a gold "TOMS" emboss, as well as genuine leather and stainless steel details for a timeless finish. MAKING AN IMPACT ON LIGHT POVERTY WITH SOLAR LIGHT Solar light has an impact much further than just keeping the lights on longer. Solar light positively impacts: Education: Solar light allows for additional studying time after the sun goes down. Economic Opportunity: Families can save an average of 10% of their household income by using solar lights rather than paying for alternative light sources. Health: Solar light improves respiratory health by eliminating the need to burn kerosene or paraffin within the home. Safety: Solar light decreases the risk of fire and provides light for travel and necessary tasks. The Environment: Solar light reduces emissions of C02 gas. TOMS has partnered with two Giving Partners, Solar Sister and Solar Aid, organizations that have a mission to provide solar powered light to those who need it most. These partnerships are formed to ensure that individuals have access to safe, reliable light sources so that one more child will have the time to study into the night, one more person will have the time to work after dark and earn extra income, and one more family will stay healthy and safe. About TOMS: In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. To date, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children through giving partners around the world. About Solar Sister: Solar Sister eradicates energy poverty by empowering women with economic opportunity. Solar Sister is creating a deliberately woman-centered direct sales network to bring the breakthrough potential of clean energy technology to even the most remote communities in rural Africa. About Solar Aid: SolarAid is an international charity that combats poverty and climate change. SolarAid is providing access to solar lights in some of the most remote regions of the world and building a movement to eradicate the kerosene lamp. SolarAid created the social enterprise, SunnyMoney, which sells solar powered lights via schools and social enterprises. Through establishing this market, SunnyMoney not only provides safe light sources, but creates a job market for these communities. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439098 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439099 SOURCE TOMS Related Links http://www.TOMS.com LONDON, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "The transformer monitoring system market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.77% from 2016 to 2021" The transformer monitoring system market is projected to reach USD 2.68 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of 12.77% from 2016 to 2021. The usage of transformer monitoring systems is based on different working conditions, such as power ratings, loading conditions, and areas of applications. Digitalization of utilities, renewable investments, and smart grid initiatives are expected to drive the transformer monitoring system market. Cost barriers is a restraint for established transformer monitoring system manufacturers. "The power transformer segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2016 to 2021" Power transformer is the largest segment, based on application, of the transformer monitoring system market. This share is attributed to government regulations targeting the monitoring and control of transmission networks. Remote monitoring is also a key focus area in most countries, which is driving the market. "Asia-Pacific: The largest market for transformer monitoring system" In this report, the transformer monitoring system market has been analyzed with respect to six regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market for transformer monitoring solutions; the region has the most number of developing economies with high capacity addition planned during the forecast period. Utilities are expected to adopt monitoring solutions as a part of their plans for installing new transformers. Moreover, countries such as India and China have invested highly in smart grids, in turn boosting the demand for transformer monitoring solutions. Breakdown of Primaries: In-depth interviews have been conducted with various key industry participants, subject matter experts, C-level executives of key market players, and industry consultants, among other experts, to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information as well as to assess future market prospects. The distribution of primary interviews is as follows: By Company Type: Tier 1- 35%, Tier 2- 45%, Tier 3- 20% By Designation: C-Level- 35%, D-Level- 25%, Others- 40% By Region: North America- 30%, Europe- 10%, Asia-Pacific- 20%, Middle East- 35%, Rest of the World- 5% Note: The tier of the companies has been defined on the basis of their total revenue, as of 2015: Tier 1 = >USD 20 billion, Tier 2 = From USD 10 billion to USD 20 billion, and Tier 3 = The leading players in the transformer monitoring system market include ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland), General Electric (U.S.), Schneider Electric (France), and Siemens AG (Germany). Research Coverage: The report provides a picture on transformer monitoring system across different industry verticals and regions. It aims at estimating the market size and future growth potential of this market across different segments such as type, application, service, and region. Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market along with their company profiles, SWOT analysis, recent developments, and key market strategies. Why buy this report? 1. The report identifies and addresses key markets for transformer monitoring system market, which is useful for suppliers to review the growth in demand for the product. 2. The report helps solution providers to understand the pulse of the market and provides insights on drivers, restraints, and challenges. 3. The report will help key players to better understand the competition's strategies and will help in making strategic decisions. Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4331017/ 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 CHANGZHOU, China, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire -- Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) modules, solutions and services, today announced that it will release its third quarter 2016 results before the market opens on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. In light of the pending privatization, the Company will not host an earnings conference call. The earnings press release can be accessed from the Company's IR website at http://ir.trinasolar.com. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Investor Relations team at [email protected]. About Trina Solar Limited Trina Solar Limited (NYSE: TSL) is a global leader in photovoltaic modules, solutions and services. Founded in 1997 as a PV system integrator, Trina Solar today drives smart energy together with installers, distributors, utilities and developers worldwide. The company's industry-leading position is based on innovation excellence, superior product quality, vertically integrated capabilities and environmental stewardship. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to raise additional capital to finance its activities; the effectiveness, profitability and marketability of its products; the future trading of the securities of the Company; the Company's ability to operate as a public company; the period of time for which the Company's current liquidity will enable the Company to fund its operations; general economic and business conditions; demand in various markets for solar products; the volatility of the Company's operating results and financial condition; the Company's ability to attract or retain qualified senior management personnel and research and development staff; and other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which the Company operates. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Trina Solar Limited Merry Xu Interim CFO Email: [email protected] Christensen IR Linda Bergkamp Phone: +1 480 614 3014 (US) Email: [email protected] Yvonne Young Investor Relations Director Email: [email protected] SOURCE Trina Solar Limited Related Links http://www.trinasolar.com Constructed from a navy durable, water-repellent coated canvas, and trimmed with leatherthe smart, utilitarian, and intuitively-designed Otis Backpack was made for the hyper-travelers that inspired it. A minimalist exterior complements the comprehensive interior for daily commutes and far-flung journeys alike. The zipper entry into the main compartment is inverted for protection against outdoor elements and is finished with sleek leather pulls. The top front-zippered pocket features TUMI ID Lock , an exclusive and patented technology that shields personal information from identity theft. Additional features include a dedicated laptop compartment as well as a multitude of exterior pockets that provide quick-access to small necessities. Large side pockets unzip to reveal a pleated gusset which increases the volume inside. Inside, there are precisely designed compartments for your tablet, accessories and other daily essentials. A subtle and exclusive TUMI x Cool Hunting co-branded logo is stamped on the luggage tag and an interior leather story patch completes this design-driven backpack. Designed in tandem by the TUMI Design team and Cool Hunting co-founders Josh Rubin and Evan Orensten, the TUMI x Cool Hunting partnership continues to illustrate a collective passion and steadfast commitment to superior functionality, mobility and meticulous craftsmanship. "Our latest collaboration with TUMI maintains a focus on utility, but adds a more luxurious feel than our previous bags. Plus it has even more pockets!" says Josh Rubin. "Working with the creative team at TUMI is always a fun and educational process. We love the hands-on design iteration." "We're constantly seeing and reviewing great products, but our needs sometimes can't be met unless we create what we dream of," says Evan Orensten. "TUMI has been a great collaborator. We've been testing and evolving the Otis Backpack since January, and are thrilled with the result." The Limited Edition Otis Backpack will retail for $495 USD at select New York and Japan TUMI retail locations, and on TUMI.com and TUMI.co.jp beginning November 2016. Taking inspiration from the Otis Backpack, Cool Hunting will launch an equally stylish exclusive counterpart. The TUMI x Cool Hunting Limited Edition Otis Backpack will feature the same characteristics married with an exclusive lining crafted from Japanese Katazome fabric. Each piece of fabric lining was hand-cut and is unique in pattern. This special backpack will only be available as part of the Cool Hunting holiday Omakase gifting program, a selection of limited edition gifts hand-selected and curated by Rubin and Orensten themselves. About TUMI Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business and travel essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate, and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we're committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. Designed in America, for Global Citizens everywhere. The brand is sold in over 350 stores from New York to Paris to London and Tokyo, as well as the world's top department and specialty stores and travel retail in more than 75 countries. For more about TUMI, visit www.TUMI.com, www.facebook.com/TUMItravel, www.twitter.com/TUMItravel. About Cool Hunting Cool Hunting is synonymous with seeking inspirationour stories and videos highlight creativity and innovation in design, technology, style, culture, food and travel. With a global team of editors and contributors we create our award-winning publication, consisting of daily updates and weekly mini-documentaries. Founded in February 2003 as a designer's personal reference, we now have an international audience of like-minded creative people, who find our content on coolhunting.com and on our iPad app, follow us on sites like Vimeo, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and subscribe to our RSS feed and daily email. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439851 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150506/214382LOGO SOURCE Tumi, Inc. Related Links http://www.tumi.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Broadcasting Board of Governors today released its annual impact numbers which show the agency had its largest ever increase in its weekly worldwide audience to 278 million people, up from 226 million in 2015. These increases occurred across all platforms with digital platforms seeing the largest percentage growth, followed by radio and television. Alhurra reporter along the Jordanian border, covering the Syrian refugee crisis "The unprecedented growth we've seen this year further illustrates the need for U.S. international media particularly in parts of the world where access to balanced, impartial news is severely limited or non-existent," said BBG CEO and Director John Lansing. "In media markets increasingly dominated by disinformation and propaganda, more and more people are turning to BBG networks for fair, accurate, fact-based reporting." The increases include gains in highly competitive media markets that are of strategic importance to the United States. Digital audiences increased from 32 million to 45 million while those for radio rose by 27% to 130 million. Television audience also grew, increasing 23% to 174 million. In addition to weekly audience size, the BBG measures its impact using quantitative, qualitative, digital and anecdotal data on a wide range of factors including program quality and credibility, engagement with the news process, and audience understanding of current events. Key accomplishments include: MBN's Raise Your Voice-Iraq developed new television programs encouraging Iraqis to share their thoughts and opinions on extremism and the underlying causes of terrorism. This programming provides firsthand accounts of the realities of life under ISIL, including the pain and suffering of families and communities. RFE/RL and VOA actively engaged online in providing alternatives to Russian disinformation. In FY 2016, RFE/RL's DIGIM, the social media arm of Current Time, received 120,000 average weekly engagement actions on Facebook and VOA Russian averaged 45,000 per week. VOA and RFA increased their social media outreach in Southeast Asia with huge gains in video viewing and engagement on Facebook and YouTube. VOA Vietnamese averaged 2.7 million video views weekly on YouTube, and RFA averaged over 600,000. with huge gains in video viewing and engagement on Facebook and YouTube. VOA Vietnamese averaged 2.7 million video views weekly on YouTube, and RFA averaged over 600,000. OCB hosted a two-day conference on internet freedom in Cuba . The event convened a broad spectrum of digital innovators and independent journalists from Cuba and elsewhere to exchange ideas and provide important information about the state of the internet in Cuba . To learn more about the BBG's performance measures, the 2016 Performance and Accountability Report is available here. Contact: Nasserie Carew [email protected] 202-203-4400 The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is the independent federal agency that oversees all government-supported U.S. civilian international media. The mission of the BBG is to inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. Networks within the BBG include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti). BBG programming reaches an audience of 278 million in more than 100 countries and in 61 languages. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439890 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276780LOGO SOURCE Broadcasting Board of Governors Related Links http://bbg.gov WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mr. Sisira Mendis, Director of Sri Lanka's Centre for National Intelligence in the Ministry of Defense, is currently in Geneva as part of a delegation purporting to defend the government of Sri Lanka's record of adherence to the Convention Against Torture before the UN Committee Against Torture. According to the report of the UN's OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka, Mr. Mendis had command responsibility over police units known to routinely practice torture during the final period of the Sri Lankan civil war. "While USTPAC and BTF are encouraged by the government of Sri Lanka's decision to engage the UN Committee Against Torture, we are dismayed that the government has nominated Mr. Mendis to represent it before the very UN Committee charged with ensuring governments prevent and punish torture," Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, President of US Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC), said. "His attendance in Geneva deeply disrespects Sri Lanka's torture victims and mocks the esteemed work of the Committee Against Torture and the human rights machinery of the UN." Mr. Mendis served as Deputy Inspector General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and was also responsible for the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) from March 2008 to June 2009. Both organizations are known for their routine use of torture. "On the basis of universal jurisdiction," Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham added, "we call on the Swiss authorities to immediately detain and prevent Mr. Mendis from leaving Switzerland until there is a thorough investigation into the serious and substantiated charges against him." "The government's brazen decision to send a known torturer to Geneva is a particularly egregious example of the culture of impunity that stubbornly persists in Sri Lanka. We strongly endorse the High Commissioner for Human Rights' recommendation in September 2015 to establish a hybrid court for Sri Lanka with international judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators," said Ravi Kumar, General Secretary of the British Tamils Forum (BTF). Mr. Mendis' participation in Sri Lanka's torture review, and indeed the fact that he is now Director for National Intelligence, demonstrate that an internationalized court is needed now more than ever. About USTPAC USTPAC is a US-based Tamil advocacy group advocating for a cessation of ongoing human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, accountability from all sides for crimes committed during and after the civil war, and a political settlement to address the root causes of the conflict. It has worked for these goals at the UNHRC since 2012. See USTPAC submission to UNCAT here. About BTF The British Tamils Forum, also widely known as 'BTF' is an organization which represents and gives voice to a large Tamil community in the United Kingdom in political and socio-economic spheres. 'Working for peace with justice and dignity.' Contact: Dr. Karunyan Arulanantham, President of USTPAC Website: www.ustpac.org Email: [email protected] Twitter: @UstpacAdvocacy Phone: +1 517-317-0998 V Ravi Kumar, General Secretary of BTF Website: www.britishtamilsforum.org Email: [email protected] Twitter: @tamilsforum Phone: 00442088070465 SOURCE USTPAC Related Links http://www.ustpac.org Conceived by artist Tom Holdman and UVU President Matthew Holland, Roots of Knowledge combines the work and guidance of 40+ professional artists, 26 UVU scholars and 350+ UVU students. Each window depicts humanity's quest for knowledge since the dawn of time and illustrates major world events and inventions from the Mayan Calendar to the Japanese Noh play to the American Civil Rights Movement. "Roots of Knowledge has been a university-wide project that hundreds of staff and students have contributed to with great enthusiasm and anticipation," said President Holland. "It is not just a beautiful work of art, but also the result of a truly collaborative effort that exemplifies our engaged learning philosophy and that we hope will inspire generations of students to come. We believe the exploration of the evolution of knowledge through this historic medium will provide rich and boundless educational opportunities for students and our entire community for the foreseeable future and well beyond the next 75 years." As one of the four core themes of UVU, engaged learning immerses students in real-world contexts within the curriculum and activities outside the classroom to increase professional competence and confidence. Using this philosophy, students and faculty members representing a variety of fields of study have participated in Roots of Knowledge in various forms over the course of the project. In addition to several UVU student artists contributing directly to the windows, other participation has ranged from creating historical and cultural content to curriculum development that will enable Roots of Knowledge visitors to experience and more fully understand every visual element of the wall. Through a partnership with the Utah Education Network, UVU will also help to develop curriculum for Utah's K-12 students about the Roots of Knowledge project. "Roots of Knowledge has been a labor of love for me and my team, but we could not have completed it without the support of UVU, President Holland and the many students and faculty who took part in its creation," said Tom Holdman. "It is a chance of a lifetime to see Roots of Knowledge at its permanent home on the UVU campus, and I hope it inspires everyone who comes to view it to strive to reach their best potential." The Roots of Knowledge windows will be unveiled Friday, Nov. 18 during a private ceremony at 1:30 p.m. and will be on display to the public and broader community for the first time later that evening during a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the UVU Library. The Roots of Knowledge project was made possible through a public-private collaboration led by UVU and Holdman Studios, one of the country's top stained glass art studios based in Lehi, Utah, with funding from a generous donor community. UVU recently announced that the gallery that houses the windows is being named the Marc and Deborah Bingham Gallery after the Utah philanthropists who donated $1.5 million to the project in August. Roots of Knowledge Fast Facts: 80 panes 60,000 pieces of individual glass Combines the work and knowledge of more than 40 professional artists and 26 UVU scholars More than 350 UVU students participated in the project as painters, project managers, programmers, designers and artists Additional Resources: Roots of Knowledge: http://www.uvu.edu/rootsofknowledge/ UVU Twitter: https://twitter.com/UVU UVU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UVUwolverines/ About Utah Valley University Utah Valley University is home to more than 35,000 students. UVU began as a vocational school during World War II, and in the seven decades since has evolved into a technical school, community college, state college, and, finally, a comprehensive regional teaching university. UVU is one of Utah's largest institutions of higher learning and offers programs ranging from career training to high-demand master's degrees. About Holdman Studios Based in Lehi, Utah, Holdman Studios has been designing glass art since 1988. It has been commissioned worldwide to design and create various projects in glass, each unique in its own style and design. Many projects have been completed for commercial buildings, private residences, religious institutions and public art projects. Under the leadership of Tom Holdman, the Holdman Studios' team of artists designs every stained glass window from scratch. The studio's work is on display in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439996 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/428225LOGO SOURCE Utah Valley University Related Links http://www.uvu.edu/rootsofknowledge MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Verato, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based patient matching solutions, today announced that Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), a not-for-profit regional health information exchange (HIE) serving Maryland and the District of Columbia, will use the Verato platform to automatically process the most difficult patient matching situations. The ability to match and link patient identities across its participating organizations is fundamental to CRISP's core services including its Clinical Query Portal and its Encounter Notification Service. Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP), a not-for-profit regional health information exchange (HIE) serving Maryland and the District of Columbia HIEs face the toughest challenges in matching and linking patient identities because of the diversity and independence of the institutions they serve. Even with large investments in state-of-the-art Master Data Management (MDM) or Master Patient Index (MPI) technologies, HIEs must invest even more in teams of data stewards to manually review the difficult and ambiguous matches that the MDM or MPI tools cannot match automatically. CRISP will leverage Verato to automatically match many of these difficult and ambiguous matches in real time, saving CRISP the time and effort of manual review, and thus helping its participants provide better care for their patients. "Our mission is to enable our healthcare community to share data in order to provide better care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes," said David Horrocks, President of CRISP. "But this ability to share data relies on our ability to identify the same patient across every provider where they have received care. For an HIE like CRISP, this patient matching exercise is especially challenging. During our proof of concept with Verato, their platform was able to match many of our most complex and difficult match decisions, even when faced with missing birthdates and phone numbers. And they can match in real time, so we can inject their answers immediately into our existing workflows." CRISP joins San Diego Health Connect (SDHC) and Healthix as the third major HIE using Verato to improve its core patient matching capabilities. Using its next-generation approach to identity matching, Verato is quickly becoming the de facto standard among HIEs to quickly boost their patient matching performance without disrupting ongoing operations. With the addition of CRISP, the Verato platform is now being used to help match patient identities for nearly 10% of the US population. "HIEs have the hardest possible identity matching problem," said Mark LaRow, CEO of Verato. "They have to match patient identities across enterprise boundaries where it is impractical to impose strict governance rules, standardized data formats, and uniform procedures. Yet our HIE customers are matching patients with the precision usually only possible within a highly governed and controlled enterprise. Health systems, health plans, and HIEs all have difficult patient matching challenges and most have found the limits of existing MPI technologies. Verato breaks through those limits with a new Referential Matching technology, which has the added advantage of being much faster to implement because it is cloud-based and because it doesn't require the endless tuning of other technologies." About CRISP Founded in 2008, CRISP is a nonprofit organization charged with the mission to advance the health and wellness of patients across Maryland and the District of Columbia by deploying health information technology solutions adopted through cooperation and collaboration. CRISP offers tools to clinicians, care managers, and other providers of care in real-time so they can have the most accurate view of a patient's medical history in front them during a treatment encounter. About Verato Verato offers a cloud-based patient matching platform that links and matches patient identities across disparate databases or organizations with the highest accuracy rates in the industry. Verato leverages an extensive self-learning database of US identities as a universal "answer key" for identity data. Using this database as a reference, Verato links patient information 15 times better than existing technologies. And because it is cloud-based, the Verato platform is less expensive, faster to implement, and more scalable than traditional data quality, data integration, and Master Patient Index (MPI) solutions. The Verato platform can act as a standalone MPI, or can be used to quickly and easily boost the matching performance of large MPI implementations. Verato is based in McLean, VA. For more information, visit www.verato.com. Contact: Dan Dyer FOR Verato 513-478-7818 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439059 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/439060LOGO SOURCE Verato, Inc. Related Links http://www.verato.com DETROIT, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- VisionIT announced today that it is now offering customers SAP's next-generation ERP suite, SAP S/4HANA Cloud. VisionIT is now able to deliver a wide range of SAP product options to clients, including a complete ERP cloud offering that covers finance with SAP S/4HANA Cloud and HR with SAP SuccessFactors solutions. SAP S/4HANA is designed for in-memory computing, allowing companies to "Run Live" by gaining instant access to detailed, real-time information. SAP S/4HANA Cloud delivers the power of a digital core with the key benefits expected from a cloud solution, including the scalability, ease of management and security businesses need to excel in today's fast-paced digital economy. VisionIT helps clients transform their business to be more efficient and profitable with on-premise, public cloud and hybrid cloud options. VisionIT aims to assist customers in balancing product flexibility with the benefits of rapid deployment, faster functional upgrades and a reduction in the total cost of ownership. "VisionIT has a long 20-year history of delivery and reliability in the IT industry, with a focus on customers during and after the implementation process. We consider SAP S/4HANA Cloud the leading ERP system in the new age of cloud software," said David Segura, CEO of VisionIT. "VisionIT couples sound delivery practices with our ability to innovate for our customer's unique business needs, all while leveraging the best technologies from industry leaders like SAP." "This aligns to our strategic plan of raising our visibility and impact in the SAP ecosystem," stated Paul Toenjes, SVP of VisionIT. "We aim to become one of the leading implementation partners for SAP S/4HANA Cloud in North America and Latin America, especially in industries where we have deep expertise like automotive." Ross Wainwright, global head of SAP S/4HANA Cloud at SAP, said: "VisionIT helps drive differentiation for clients through a focus in automotive, healthcare and IoT. VisionIT has been a partner of SAP for nearly 10 years, and we are glad to see the company bringing SAP S/4HANA Cloud to a rapidly growing market." For more on the partnership, see this video release at https://youtu.be/URhJ9zBjNQE. Midsize and large organizations are eager to accelerate their digital and cloud transformation efforts, according to Segura. "Moving ERP platforms to the cloud is essential to creating a competitive advantage," he commented. "VisionIT has helped countless clients align their business processes, implement best practices, and integrate with proprietary systems. Customers are able to take advantage of our ability to implement, innovate, train and support them now, as well as the future." In addition, VisionIT has: Implemented SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP SuccessFactors solutions to run its own business Invested in all practice consultants to be trained directly by SAP experts in Germany Partnered directly with SAP leadership for SAP S/4HANA About VisionIT VisionIT is where integration and innovation intersect. We are a global software development company and a preferred systems integrator, operating throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Our 20 years of experience supporting Fortune 500 companies has earned us the trust of CIOs and C-level executives because we have a track record of providing business value. In our Detroit-based Innovation Studio, we showcase the latest technologies being developed by VisionIT and our partners across ERP, cloud, IoT, mobile, infotainment systems, virtual/augmented reality and analytics. Learn more about our company by visiting www.visionit.com. SAP, SAP S/4HANA, SuccessFactors and SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. SAP Forward-looking Statement Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Media Contact: Phone: 877.768.7222 Email: [email protected] Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URhJ9zBjNQE This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE VisionIT MORGAN HILL, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Volanti Displays today announced the integration of BrightSign's new Series 3 XT model media players with its large 4K touchscreen monitors. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439941 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439942LOGO Volanti Integrates BrightSign Media Player Volanti's 4K Ultra-HD touchscreen monitors are available in 55", 65", 84" and 98" sizes designed for corporate and digital signage applications. The BrightSign XT media players support very complex HTML5 based interactive digital signage applications with up to 4K 60Hz HDR video and the option of incorporating a live video or live TV feed. The automatic player setup and deployment cloud networking feature make for an extremely easy to deploy solution. Another way in which the Volanti touchscreen display and BrightSign media player work well together is touch response speed - the 100Hz touch sensor, the 60Hz video display refresh rate, and the fast solid state media player combine to provide a near instant response. "It is exciting to see a dedicated media player running 4K content and able to provide fast multi-touch support with enterprise-level robustness and reliability," said James Henry, Volanti CEO. About Volanti Displays Founded in 2014, Volanti builds on over 25 years of its founders' display industry expertise and focuses on large display systems for niche commercial markets (such as corporate, digital signage, and way-finding.) In addition to standard models, Volanti Displays produces LCD video displays with options to suit specific market and application requirements - in sizes from small to very large (98",) including touch and non-touchscreen models. Offering innovative display products with cutting-edge technology, Volanti designs and conducts final assembly in the USA. www.volantidisplays.com http://volantidisplays.com/landing/touch-screen-tables.html Contact: Karen Bolt Volanti Displays [email protected] 408.590.1953 SOURCE Volanti Displays BALTIMORE, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the United States, today welcomes community, civic, and business leaders to its Annual Community Gathering.This program celebrates the Weinberg Foundation's mission, partnerships, and accomplishments of the past year: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. ( 4:30 p.m. reception begins, 5:00 p.m. program begins, 6:00 p.m. program concludes) ( reception begins, program begins, program concludes) Beth El Congregation 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville, MD 21208 Spencer Kympton, President of The Mission Continues, will be this year's featured speaker. The Mission Continues reintegrates veterans who are adjusting to life outside the military by engaging them in the work of strengthening communities from within. Kympton's remarks will highlight the Foundation's newest area of givingsupporting military members and their families. Grants made within this portfolio emphasize programs focused on workforce development, physical and mental health, and the elimination of barriers, including free legal services to veterans for discharge status updates. "The Weinberg Foundation will award up to $2 million per year in grants for veterans," said Donn Weinberg, Weinberg Foundation Trustee and Executive Vice President. "This was the next logical step for the Foundation, which has long supported nonprofits that assist those who have served our nation with honor. For us, this is also personal. A picture in our board room of my father Nathan, a former Weinberg trustee, includes one of his dog tags. He specifically requested that be done. It is both a special remembrance of Nathan and a tribute to all who served." Every year, the Foundation distributes approximately $100 million in grants to nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable individuals and families. As much as 30 percent of all Weinberg Foundation funding remains within Maryland benefitting, in particular, the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. "The Annual Community Gathering not only celebrates the Weinberg Foundation's mission and work but also the work of its many wonderful partners and grantees," said Rachel Garbow Monroe, Weinberg Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. "This event expresses the Foundation's gratitude for their important contributions that help make our communities stronger each year, and as always honors the legacy of caring established by Harry and Jeanette Weinberg." Since 1980, the Foundation has distributed grants totaling approximately $2 billion. Foundation grants are allocated through seven program areas, including older adults, workforce development, education, general community support, disabilities, basic human needs & health, and veterans. The Foundation's grantmaking emphasizes nonprofits that serve older adults and the Jewish community. About The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, provides approximately $100 million in annual grants to nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income and vulnerable individuals and families, primarily in the US and Israel. Grants are focused on meeting basic needs and enhancing an individual's ability to meet those needs with emphasis on older adults, the Jewish community, and our priority communities of Maryland, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Hawaii. The trustees, some of whom also serve as executive officers of the Foundation, are Alvin Awaya, Donn Weinberg, Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Fay Hartog-Levin, and Chair Barry I. Schloss. Rachel Garbow Monroe serves as the Weinberg Foundation's President and Chief Executive Officer. For more information please visit www.hjweinbergfoundation.org. Media Contact: Craig Demchak, 443-738-1159 [email protected] SOURCE Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Related Links http://www.hjweinbergfoundation.org DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Viverae, a leader in workplace wellness technology, is proud to announce it was named winner of seven 2016 MarCom Awards. The marketing team took home three Platinum awards, four Gold awards, and also received three Honorable Mentions. The winning categories include print media, direct marketing, strategic communications, and digital media. The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding marketing and communication achievement and is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious creative competitions in the world. MarCom is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), a 22-year-old international organization consisting of several thousand creative professionals. In 2016, the awards received more than 6,500 international entries from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies, and freelancers. Viverae received awards in the following categories: Platinum Viverae Sales Presentation Deck self-promotion Viverae Website web content Viverae Blog blog writing Gold Viverae Company Messaging branding Viverae Blog blog Viverae Blog blog overall ASHHRA Conference Poster poster Honorable Mentions Viverae Culture 1K Fun Run Video corporate image Viverae Culture Bad Tennis Video corporate image Viverae President's Club Brochure special events "Effective communications is at the core of how we strategically help clients engage employees in their wellness programs," said Mike Lamb, president and chief executive officer at Viverae. "We are honored to be recognized for our creative, impactful marketing effortsit validates our goal of providing an engaging experience and helping employers create healthy cultures." Viverae is best known for its expertise in workplace wellness with over 350 clients and nearly 1 million members in a variety of industries across the country. Its wellness programs are designed to help create cultures of health and well-being within employee populations. About Viverae Viverae is a workplace wellness technology company based in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in care and focused on reducing health risks, our engagement-driven mobile-first technology empowers employers to create cultures of health and well-being. We bring clarity. We inspire. We support. Learn more: www.viverae.com. Viverae's workplace wellness programs are compliant with Affordable Care Act requirements and applicable law, and National Committee for Quality Assurance and national health advocacy group standards. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150901/262843LOGO SOURCE Viverae Related Links http://www.viverae.com KENT, Wash., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, WGU Washington's current, annual enrollment has topped 10,000 students. The online, competency-based university graduates and adds new students every month, year round and the addition of this month's new starts pushed enrollment to 10,076 the highest figure since the university launched in 2011. The person recognized as the 10,000th student is Elizabeth Shin of Seattle. Shin started work on her master's degree in Integrated Healthcare Management this month. She works as an imaging technologist in Seattle and enrolled in WGU Washington through the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training and Education Fund one of the university's strategic partners. "I chose WGU Washington for my master's because it's online and I can study when it's convenient for me," said Shin. "I'm passionate about using new technologies to raise the potential and quality of healthcare. What I'll learn in my degree program will help me make a greater impact in that area." To celebrate, the university is offering its largest scholarship opportunity ever: the WGU Washington 10,000 Students Scholarship. Three scholarships are available, each worth up to $10,000 ($2,500 per term up to four terms). The awards can be used for any of WGU Washington's more than 60 degree programs. In addition to over 10,000 currently enrolled students, WGU Washington has granted bachelor's and master's degrees in business, IT, teacher education, and health professions to well over 7,000 graduates. The university's students and alumni live in all 39 counties in this state and work in nearly 4,000 businesses. "Since our state's Legislature helped create WGU Washington in 2011, the university has become an important solution to several, significant issues facing our state including a widening skills-gap in the workforce and skyrocketing tuition costs in higher education," said Jean Floten, chancellor of WGU Washington. "Additionally, our university is allowing Washingtonians to gain new knowledge and skills and, in turn, create better lifestyles for themselves and their families." About WGU Washington WGU Washington was established by the State Legislature in 2011 in partnership with nationally recognized and accredited Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents. The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 60 bachelor's and master's degree programs in Business, Information Technology, Teacher Education and Health Professions, including Nursing. WGU Washington's competency-based learning model is designed to meet the needs of working adults by providing an affordable, flexible option for earning an accredited, respected college degree. It's non-profit and receives no money from the state. Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*). The university has earned the support of more than 20 leading corporations and foundations. They include institutions such as AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education and Zions Bank. * One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791 Contact for media inquiries: Contact for enrollment information: Jake Riddell Public Relations Manager 877.214.7004 (206) 512-0025 washington.wgu.edu [email protected] Follow WGU: https://www.facebook.com/WGUWashington http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university https://twitter.com/wguwashington https://www.youtube.com/user/WGUWashington Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440338LOGO SOURCE WGU Washington Related Links http://washington.wgu.edu LIMA, Peru, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wednesday, November 16 at the APEC Women's Luncheon at APEC Lima, DHgate.com founder and CEO Diane Wang launched the APEC WeConnect women's leadership project alongside Peruvian Vice President Mercedez Araoz. This project aims to help young women to leverage the digital economy to elevate their careers and learn entrepreneurial skills through learning, sharing and incentivizing. The platform will have an information center which will feature case studies of successful female entrepreneurs. The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) will also work with local partners based in different economies to offer opportunities for young women to have face to face encounters with female role models (http://www.dhgate.com). According to a study conducted by McKinsey and Lean-In, (https://womenintheworkplace.com) for every 100 women promoted past entry level positions, 130 men are promoted. Women remain underrepresented in the corporate pipeline. At every step, the representation of women declines, and this does not appear to be the result of company-level attrition. Digitalization provides females with more career opportunities. It enables women in many industries to work remotely, lower the barriers to starting their own businesses, and allow them to easily connect with the world. As one of the most strategic partners of ABAC, DHgate.com will fully support and play a very important role in the facilitation of the APEC WeConnect project, and will share experiences and solutions from China to build and formulate the standards to empower more female entrepreneurs to enter the global value chain. "In the past few years, the APEC Women's Leadership forum developed from a small group of only five members to 250 female members, including many business leaders, young entrepreneurs, and even leaders of nations. Digitalization provides women with many advantageous conditions; we can assist clients from our home, we no longer need to travel thousands of miles to make a business deal, and digital platforms offer entrepreneurs endless opportunities. The APEC WeConnect project provides young women with access to resources, and exposure to the benefits of digitalization. We hope that young women can surpass limitations, break rules, learn skills, connect with the world, and realize their own dreams. DHgate.com has high expectations for the APEC WeConnect project as DHgate.com offers many opportunities for females, almost 50% of sellers on DHgate.com are women. In the future we will align with new partners worldwide to benefit females and empower them to succeed in this new era." Diane Wang, DHgate.com Founder and CEO and Chair of the APEC Women's Leadership Forum ABOUT DHgate.com DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest transactional cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace in China, aiming to provide global buyers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products. DHgate.com's business enables buyers to directly access global manufacturers of the world's top brands with rich product selections. DHgate.com is an all-in-one platform with integrated services for international logistics, cross-border payments, internet financing, etc. DHgate.com's US, UK, Spain, and UAE product distribution warehouses allow for 24 hour delivery and convenient product returns & refunds, bringing great convenience to buyers at http://www.dhgate.com. SOURCE DHgate.com Related Links http://www.dhgate.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- XL Catlin continues to build out its Political Risk & Trade Credit insurance capabilities, now with the appointment of Barry G. Huber as its Global Practice Leader for Political Risk & Trade Credit (PRTC) Claims. Mr. Huber is based in New York, reports to Martin Turner, Global Practice Leader for Specialty Claims, in London, and supports the Global PTRC business headed by Dan Riordan, Global President of PRTC, in Washington D.C. Commenting on Mr. Huber's appointment, Mr. Turner said: "XL Catlin's claims team is committed to delivering excellence in claims service. Having someone with Barry's 25 years of political risk experience and technical claims management expertise join our global claims team further enriches that commitment. As a Global Practice Leader, Barry will provide oversight and direction to achieve sensible claims resolution for our Political Risk & Trade Credit clients, helping us ensure we deliver the globally consistent and flexible service that we promise to deliver with every insurance policy." "We are delighted to have Barry join us," said Mr. Riordan. "With his strong claims background, global perspective and excellent reputation in the market, I am confident that he will be an invaluable asset to our business. Our global Credit and Political Risk team has been making great strides, and Barry's appointment marks an excellent addition as we concentrate on delivering outstanding service and innovation to our customers and brokers." Mr. Huber joins XL Catlin from Zurich Insurance Group where he served as Global Claims Manager for Zurich Credit and Political Risk. Prior to his most recent position, he served as assistant vice president of specialty claims, political risk and complex surety for Chubb. Mr. Huber currently serves on the Claim & Recovery Committee for the Berne Union. He is a graduate of Rutgers University. XL Catlin's Political Risk & Trade Credit (PRTC) business offers customers a full range of Political Risk and Trade Credit insurance products, such as Confiscation, War/ Political Violence, Currency Inconvertibility, Contract Frustration, Non Payment and Unfair Calling. From underwriting operations in New York, London and Singapore, the global team services a wide variety of businesses including financial institutions, commodity traders, exporters and manufacturers involved in cross-border sales, lending, trading, and projects mainly in emerging markets, and spanning across a diverse range of industries. About XL Catlin Insurance Operations XL Catlin insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL Catlin as their partner. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com. About XL Catlin XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd.'s (NYSE:XL) insurance and reinsurance companies which provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. Clients look to XL Catlin for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com . SOURCE XL Catlin Related Links http://xlcatlin.com/ NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yieldbot, a digital media technology and marketplace that connects brands with active consumer intent announced it placed second on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Yieldbot, which delivers measured engagement and sales lift for brands across their Search, Display, Shopper, Mobile and Social advertising grew 39,783 percent over a four-year period. IntentRank, Yieldbot's machine learning system on consumer intent and IntentGraph its intelligent real-time decision technology, measure the active motivations of consumers and responds with relevant messages to produce industry-leading results across all channels, devices and tactics. "Our tremendous growth has been driven by the impactful results our data and technology deliver for brands and publishers, especially in mobile," said Jonathan Mendez, CEO, Yieldbot. "We are honored by this recognition. It emphasizes and validates our belief that understanding and activating the immediate needs of consumers is the best way to deliver relevance," said Mr. Mendez. "Today, when every organization can be a tech company, the most effective businesses not only foster the courage to explore change, but also encourage creativity in using and applying existing assets in new ways, as resourcefully as possible," said Sandra Shirai, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications industry leader. "This ingenious approach to innovation calls for the encouragement of curiosity and collaboration both within and outside the office walls." "This year's Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead," added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors." Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent. About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. About Yieldbot Yieldbot is the only data set and technology-fueled marketplace that activates real-time consumer intent across any device. The company's proprietary real-time data and industry leading header-bidding solution connect brands to the active intent of consumers on over 1,000 websites. Yieldbot's consumer privacy-centric technology does not use cookies for targeting and uses first-party data. Over half of the Top 100 US advertisers are Yieldbot customers. Yieldbot is headquartered in New York City with offices in Bentonville, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Portland. For more information, please visit: http://www.yieldbot.com. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Yieldbot Related Links http://www.yieldbot.com NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Z Capital Group, L.L.C. ("Z Capital"), a leading alternative asset management firm with $2.2 billion in regulatory assets under management across complementary private equity and credit businesses, today announced it has made several team additions to expand its operating, private equity and credit teams. "We are pleased to announce the joining of these talented professionals with operational and analytical expertise to our existing substantial team," said James Zenni, President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital. "We look forward to leveraging their collective experience across Z Capital's broad portfolio as we continue to grow each business." The appointments include: Operating Partners Sean Maddock joined Z Capital as a Managing Director and Operating Partner. He assists in the management and oversight of portfolio company initiatives, including international luxury hotel and destination resort management. Mr. Maddock has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and luxury travel industries. His past experience includes senior positions at Evolution Hospitality, KSL Resorts, The Homestead (VA), Arizona Biltmore, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Click Here for Full Bio Ashwini Sawhney joined Z Capital as a Managing Director and Operating Partner. She assists in the management and oversight of portfolio company initiatives, including operations, cost controls, process improvement, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Ms. Sawhney previously worked as a Director overseeing business transformation within the automotive group at Illinois Tool Works as well as at The Timken Company and Allstate Investments. Click Here for Full Bio Michael Stanczak joined Z Capital as a Director and Operating Partner. He assists in the strategy and oversight of portfolio company technology initiatives and brings more than 25 years of technology consulting experience. Mr. Stanczak previously served as a Director within the Business Technology Integration group at Zurich North America. Click Here for Full Bio Tyler Hendry joined Z Capital as an Operating Associate. He analyzes financial reports and develops and monitors key performance indicators for operating companies, as well as performs financial and operational analyses of growth initiatives. Mr. Hendry previously worked as a Valuation & Business Modeling Analyst in the Transaction Advisory Services practice at Ernst & Young. Click Here for Full Bio Corporate Development David DeMilt joined Z Capital as a Managing Director responsible for corporate development for the firm's private equity and credit funds. Mr. DeMilt has more than 20 years of experience in fixed-income markets. His past experience includes senior positions at Oaktree Capital Management in the Marketing and Client Relations group, Goldman Sachs and Fitch Investors Service. Click Here for Full Bio Private Equity Team Ian Delehanty joined Z Capital as an Associate. He provides research and analysis of existing and prospective portfolio company investments. Prior to joining Z Capital, he served as an Associate in BlackRock's Private Equity group. Click Here for Full Bio Credit Team Olivia Guo joined Z Capital as an Associate. Ms. Guo provides research and analysis of existing and prospective portfolio leveraged finance investments. She previously worked as an Analyst in the Financial Restructuring group at Houlihan Lokey. Click Here for Full Bio About Z Capital Group Z Capital Group, L.L.C is a leading alternative asset management firm with $2.2 billion in regulatory assets under management across complementary private equity and credit businesses. Z Capital manages both opportunistic, value-oriented private equity and credit funds with offices in New York, NY; Lake Forest, IL; and Zurich, Switzerland. Its investors include prominent global sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, and other institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.zcapgroup.net. Contact Jonathan Keehner / Julie Oakes / Tim Ragones Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 SOURCE Z Capital Group, L.L.C. Related Links http://www.zcapgroup.net COLUMBIA, S.C., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ZVerse was awarded the 2016 Technology Development Award at the InnoVision Awards dinner held at Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC. ZVerse earned this award for the development of the LAYR platform which automates the production of 3D printable content. LAYR provides the fastest path from an idea to a 3D printed object for both businesses and individuals. The patent pending technology is used by customers in healthcare, manufacturing, architecture, education and commercial printing industries. The software also makes it possible for anyone to offer 3D printing as a service. Since 1999, the InnoVision Awards have recognized businesses in South Carolina for "outstanding leadership, innovation, and technological excellence." The Technology Development Award is awarded to the developer of an original or improved technology, whether for internal use or sale. Other finalists this year included Milliken & Company for a fire resistant polyester and Clemson University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering for a self healing polymer. "Our team was proud just to be recognized as a finalist along with Milliken and Clemson University for the Technology Development Award. We are honored to have won against such incredible competition," said John Carrington, CEO at ZVerse. About ZVerse: ZVerse makes 3D printing simple and affordable for businesses with our turnkey 3D printing platform, LAYR. Our technology is the perfect solution for institutions looking to expand into 3D printing. Features include industry-specific modules for 3D content automation, an improved user interface, access to ZVerse customer acquisition tools, 2D-to-3D automation, and workflow management. The suite of 3D print solutions is supported by expert consultation and a full-scale 3D print service bureau for those who do not have 3D printers on site. Learn more at www.zverse.com. CONTACT: Blake Rice, 803-764-0353, [email protected] SOURCE ZVerse, Inc. Related Links http://www.zverse.com 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 Beijing, Nov 11 : China and Taiwan should make joint efforts to fight separatists and safeguard unity of the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday. "Any attempt to split the country will be resolutely opposed by all Chinese people," Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying, who added that "we'll never allow anyone, any organisation or political party to rip out any part of our territory at any time or in any form". The President's remarks were made to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, who led a revolution in 1911 to end the imperialism rule of the Qing Dynasty and founded China. To achieve the complete reunification of the motherland is in the fundamental interest of the Chinese nation and it is common aspiration as well as sacred duty of all Chinese, Xi said. It is the shared conviction of Chinese that China is a unified country, and it is this belief that ensures the continuation of the nation as a whole, Xi said, quoting Sun. Sun is also the founder of Kuomintang (KMT), which governed Taiwan for decades from 1940s to 1990s and from 2008 to 2015. Mentioning that Sun is a national hero and compatriot, Xi said that the late revolutionary leader is a firm supporter of national unity. For all Taiwan political parties, organisations and personals, as long as they acknowledge that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, the mainland side would like to communicate with them, Xi said. Xi called on compatriots from both sides across the Taiwan Strait and Chinese all across the globe to unite and oppose "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces, saying the future of compatriots of both the mainland and Taiwan is closely intertwined with the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. New Delhi, Nov 12 : Delhi Police has transferred the case of the missing Jawaharlal Nehru University student Najeeb Ahmed to its Crime Branch, an official said on Saturday. "We have transferred the Najeeb Ahmed case to the Crime Branch on Friday evening for further investigation," Joint Commissioner of Police (Southeastern Range) R.P. Upadhyay told IANS. Ahmed, 27, a first year M.Sc. student, went missing from the JNU hostel on October 15, allegedly after an altercation with the members of RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. Patna, Nov 13 : A group of angry people on Sunday broke locked gate of a bank and forcibly entered the premises in Bihar's Gopalganj district after they were told that there was no cash, the state police said. People, angry at having to go without small denomination currency notes after demonetisation, protested and tried to ransack banks at several places across the state as they failed to get cash despite standing for hours in long queues since morning. "People forcibly entered a Punjab National Bank's branch in Mirganj after they broke the locked gate and staged protest against failure of banks in providing cash," a district police official said. The police have resorted to lathicharge to disperse angry crowds. Two groups clashed at a bank in Narkatiaganj area of Champaran district after some people who were standing in long queues, fell into a drain. Protests by people angry over cash crunch in banks were reported in Aurangabad, Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts. The fight for cash is likely to continue for a few more days as nearly five per cent ATMs in the state are not operational, officials said. New Delhi, Nov 13 : India made no additional commitments in the civil nuclear agreement signed with Japan during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo for the annual bilateral summit on Friday, it is reliably learnt. Sources here said on Sunday the template followed in signing the agreement was the same that was done with other countries. Besides Japan, other countries with which India now has civil nuclear agreements include the US, Russia, Australia, Canada, France, Britain, South Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Namibia and Argentina. After six years of negotiations, India closed the civil nuclear deal with Japan, the only country in the world to have suffered a nuclear attack -- during the Second World War. Sources here said the agreement with Japan followed "the same template but compresses the developments which have taken place since 2007". The agreement reflected the commitments which were made at the time of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver in 2008, many of which were unilateral in nature. The NSG, in an extraordinary plenary meeting in September 2008, noted the energy needs of India, but at the plenary in Seoul in June this year, however, China blocked India's membership on the ground that for a country to be a member of the 48-nation bloc, it has to be a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). With Japan signing the civil nuclear deal, the path to India's membership in the NSG has become much easier. Japan is a leading player in the nuclear energy market. It will help US companies like Westinghouse and GE Energy, that have significant Japanese investments, set up nuclear power plants in India. The sources here said that the agreement with Japan has in place a termination clause as in the case with other countries, but clarified that "the circumstances triggering a possible termination are never sharply defined". "Consideration also has to be given to mitigating factors," a source said. "Given Japan's special sensitivities as the only nation to have suffered a nuclear attack, it was felt that their views should be recorded in a separate note," the source said. "The note is a record by the negotiators of respective views on certain issues. It states, on the one hand, what could be Japan's views in advance on what is a hypothetical situation; that is their national prerogative." According to the sources, the note also recorded India's position on the same issue, which was a reiteration of the September 2008 commitments. No change was envisaged from those commitments, it is learnt. Seoul, Nov 14 : Two former aides to South Korean President Park Geun-hye were summoned by prosecutors on Monday for alleged involvement in a scandal surrounding Choi Soon-sil, Park's longtime confidante suspected of intervening in state affairs. Lee Jae-man and Ahn Bong-geun, former presidential secretaries who had assisted Park for about two decades, appeared in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office for questioning, Xinhua news agency reported. The former aides are called as "three knobs of a door" that leads directly into the president, along with Jeong Ho-seong, former presidential advisor who has been arrested for alleged involvement in the leakage of confidential presidential documents to Choi. Choi has reportedly been engaged in government affairs though the 60-year-old private citizen has no public position and security clearance. Allegations range from selecting wardrobe of Park to intervention in the appointment of senior government officials, to the editing of presidential speeches and recommendations on government policies. Jeong is suspected of bringing secret presidential documents to Choi on a daily basis, while Lee in charge of presidential documents may have connived in the leakage. Ahn is alleged to have granted Choi a free pass at the checkpoint of the presidential office. Prosecutors requested a direct investigation into the embattled President on Tuesday or Wednesday as Park said she would accept the probe if necessary. Public anger was not appeased despite Park's public apologies twice as over a million South Koreans took to the streets over the weekend to demand the President's resignation. New Delhi, Nov 14 : The CPI on Monday demanded an immediate review of the demonetisation of high denomination currency and instead sought action against hoarders of black money. "If the government is really sincere in curbing a parallel economy based on black money, it should take people into confidence about the WikiLeaks list of Indians holding accounts in foreign banks, the list of those with investment in foreign countries leaked in the Panama leak papers," said a statement by the Communist Party of India. "The government should take urgent action against such holders of black money," it said. The party said the new Rs 2,000 notes were causing more difficulty to the people due to shortage of notes of lesser value. The CPI demanded banks to act against corporate defaulters and publicise the names of those who had made "huge deposits" prior to the announcement of the November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. "There are reports that a large number of people, including leaders of political parties, have deposited crores and crores of rupees in banks in the last month as they were aware (beforehand) of the demonetisation move. Banks should release the list of such depositors at all levels." Seoul, Nov 15 : South Korean President Park Geun-hye will be questioned by prosecutors over a corruption and influence peddling case that has sparked a huge controversy and has brought tens of thousands of people on the streets demanding her resignation. On Tuesday, Park named attorney Yoo Yeong-ha, a former member of the standing committee of the National Human Rights Commission, as her legal representative at the interrogation by the prosecutors that will take place this week, a spokesperson of the presidential Blue House in Seoul told Efe news. The President's lawyer will coordinate with the prosecutors to fix a day and time for the questioning, the spokesperson said, although according to unconfirmed media reports the prosecution is likely to question the head of state on Wednesday. If Park does appear before prosecutors, it will be the first time in the country's history that a President has been questioned by prosecutors. In the past few weeks, South Korean prosecutors have already questioned several former officials, heads of large South Korean companies and the 60-year-old Choi Soon-sil, who, along with the president, is at the heart of the scandal. Choi, who has never held public office, has been detained for using her influence over Park to gain access to confidential documents and secretly intervening in State affairs, in addition to appropriating funds extorted from companies in the form of donations for personal use. The so-called "Choi Soon-sil Gate" has sparked the worst political crisis in the country since Park took office in 2013 and caused her popularity ratings to plummet to a record low of 5 per cent. On Saturday, around 220,000 people gathered in central Seoul according to the police to demand Park's resignation. Islamabad, Nov 15 : India should not misunderstand Pakistan's patience and it is capable of defending itself against "any belligerence", Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday. While chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's House, Sharif said Pakistan was exercising "maximum restraint" in the face of "Indian violence", and it should not be "misunderstood as our weakness", a statement said. "Pakistan cannot be bullied by such tactics as we are fully capable of defending our soil against any belligerence", the Prime Minister underlined, a day after Pakistan said that seven of its soldiers had been killed by Indian forces on the LoC. Sharif was briefed by his Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz on the "increased frequency of indiscriminate firing and shelling" from the Indian side targeting civilian populated areas. The Prime Minister said that "deliberate escalation of tension at LoC by the Indian Forces is a threat to regional peace and security". He also termed it a "futile attempt" by India to "divert" attention from the "worst kind of atrocities" being allegedly committed in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharif urged the UN to take notice of the ceasefire violations on LoC and the "unwarranted escalation of tension" between the two countries. "Our Armed Forces do not initiate fire but will always respond in a befitting manner to any aggression," said Sharif. Chennai, Nov 15 : A major bank employees union said it will have to "review" cooperation extended to the demonetisation efforts of the central government if the employees' burden is increased further. "I may have to review the cooperation extended to the demonetisation efforts if the employees are put to undue stress and difficulty. There is a limit to elasticity," C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary, All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) told IANS on Tuesday. "Further there will be a circus within the bank branches if the government implements the idea of indelible ink on people exchanging the invalid 500 and 1,000 rupee notes," he added. "The government can also have a ballot box inside the bank branches," another banker quipped. According to Venkatachalam, there should be a software/technological solution rather than the indelible ink. "The technological solution should be such that once the data is fed into a bank branch system it should get reflected in the systems of all other bank branch computer terminals," he said. According to him, the central government has asked Indian Banks' Association (IBA) to instruct member banks to deploy staff on shift basis if banks have to function longer hours. The government has also asked IBA to install additional terminals, and hire retired bankers to ease the situation. Venkatachalam said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central government should ensure sufficient supply of currency notes so that people can exchange their old notes. Officials of public sector banks also wondered how private sector banks are able to get currency supplies whereas they are not able to get needed cash. Los Angeles, Nov 16 : Actress Marion Cotillard says shooting an intimate scene with actor Brad Pitt in "Allied" was awkward. The 41-year-old says that one particularly steamy scene, in which their characters get up, close and personal in the back of a car during a sandstorm, left the pair in fits of laughter because it was "so weird" to have every step planned out for them, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "We rehearse and had a very determined choreography, and then it allows you freedom," Cotillard said here. "When you know exactly what your body will do, then you can act and you can be free to give the emotions and give the feelings because you won't think, 'What am I going to do next? Am I going to go on top of him?' It's an awkward situation. "We laughed because you need to get it out because this is so weird. And so you get this time of looking at each other and saying, 'Okay, this is so weird.' And then we go into this and then I'm going on top of you and then we are going to kiss," she added. The actress even had to teach Pitt how to speak French for the role, as "Allied" is the story of a Canadian intelligence officer (Pitt) meeting a French Resistance fighter (Cotillard) during World War II. "He had this commitment to learn French the best he could, which was really, really impressive, so I helped him by being very tough. "I was very honest with him. But at the same time, I really wanted to support him in this process that I went through, and I know how hard it is," said Cotillard, who was rumoured to be the reason for split between Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Mosul, Nov 16 : More than 56,000 people have fled Mosul and surrounding areas, where military operations began to retake the embattled Iraqi city from the Islamic State (IS) militants began a month ago, a monitoring organisation said. The exodus from Mosul has doubled over the past two weeks from 22,224 on 4 November, to 56,412 on Monday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday. IOM is readying for much larger numbers of displaced people as Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces battle their way into Mosul and aim to recapture the strategic town of Tel Afar, cutting IS's supply lines from Syria. East of Mosul, IOM is building an emergency site at Qayara Airstrip and where it has erected a camp with 3,000 tents and is building a camp with a further 1,000 tents in nearby Haj Ali which was recently retaken from IS. IOM said it is working with the Iraq government's ministry of migration and displacement to identify further locations for refugee camps, to develop these sites, also to provide refugees with longer-term help. "Through IOM's emergency response, as well as assistance for those displaced longer term, we aim to provide support to improve conditions for those who have suffered so greatly," said IOM Iraq's chief Thomas Weiss. Besides shelter, IOM is providing winter non- food relief kits including blankets, heaters and carpets to refugee families in Haj Ali, many of whom had to leave everything behind when they fled from battle zones. Health and psychosocial assistance is also being offered to refugees, IOM said. Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme has said it is "very concerned" about the food security of people trapped inside Mosul, especially children. WFP has distributed food aid to some 100,000 people who fled the fighting between IS and Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and around in the city. Thousands of families remain in need of urgent care and food assistance, according to WFP. WFP has enough rations in the Mosul area to provide food for 2.1 million people for three days, and half a million family rations, which could feed 2.5 million people for one month, the UN said on Monday. Lucknow, Nov 16 : No respite seemed to be in sight for thousands of people queuing outside banks and ATMs in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, the seventh consecutive day after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 notes, as cash arrival was not "up to the optimum", officials said. The crisis in some parts of the state, including the state capital Lucknow, deepened on Wednesday with bank officials telling the account holders that it might "be a little more time that expected" before the ATMs are adequately recalibrate with the new currency notes and start dispensing cash. The new rule of marking indelible ink on fingers to deter people from returning for cash exchange has also led to crisis as confusion over the issue prevailed. While some are angry that they are being "treated as thieves for their own money", some said this would lead to further inconvenience. "The government is pushing us from one crisis to another," said Kavita Gupta, a housewife, who has to send money to her ailing mother in a village. "Our hard earned money has just gone beyond our reach," she rued while slamming the manner in which demonetisation was rolled out on November 8 night. Abhilasha, another housewife in Gokhale Marg area of Lucknow, said her "household budget has gone for a six" since last Tuesday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of old currency notes of 500 and 1000. "No body, right from the vegetable vendor to the gas walla and even the grocery stores are taking old notes and we don't have smaller denomination notes," she cribbed. Vikram Ahuja, an aged retired state government officer, however, seemed okay with the change and said small sacrifices were to be made for the goodness of people. "There is problem but we should bear it in the larger interest of our economy," the septuagenarian told his group in a chat following his daily morning walk at the Lohia park in posh Gomtinagar. Bank officials are equally strained due to the daunting task ahead of themselves. Kavya, a banker with the HDFC bank, told IANS that they were neither averse to the decision of demonetisation, nor to working overtime, but the cash crunch was a big worry. "An ATM can only hold up to Rs 2.5 lakh in 100 rupee denomination and with these machines not recalibrated to dispense the new Rs 2000 notes, the queues outside the ATMs are getting longer," she said. The money at the ATMs is also dwindling fast as most of the people are taking out Rs 2,500 -- the limit fixed per transaction -- leaving many high and dry owing to shortage of currency notes. Abhishek Singh, who said he was okay with the demonetisation move, however, said that with large crowds thronging banks, routine banking was suffering. "I went twice to my bank in the last two days for routine deposits from my business but long queues and over busy bankers forced me to beat a hasty retreat," he said. A bank official at an Axis Bank branch at Munshi Puliya admitted of "big time problems" but said that like others, they too hoped that things will improve soon. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move, which he termed a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Congress leader Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "There should have been an ordinance for demonetization. But no ordinance was brought. This is a Nadirshahi farman (autocratic order)," Sharma said. "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a select few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," he said, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." He also sought to know from the government which law gave it the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples' own accounts. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. He sought to know from Prime Minister Modi as to from where the "15 thousand crore rupees spent on your mega election campaign come from". "Did you pay for your recent Ghazipur rally through credit card," Sharma said mocking the government for asking people to use plastic money for day to day expenses. Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss banks. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. He said the government should disclose how much money left India between March and September this year and how many people invested in bullion, bought gold or forex during this period. Sharma also said if the government-run State Bank of India (SBI) knew about the demonetisation move in March, why did it not make preparations like recalibrating ATMs and arranging sufficient cash in smaller denominations. He took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetization and the unplanned consequences of the move, saying, "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)." Thane (Maharashtra), Nov 16 : Training his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded action against his friends and those who are hoarding black money. Addressing a large group of Congress activists in Bhiwandi, he alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a handful of 15 industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. "Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens' pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends no action has been taken against them we demand action against Modi's friends and those who have hoarded black money," Gandhi said. He predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, would go back to the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others "within one year". He asked the large gathering of Congress activists from Mumbai and Thane - "Did you get your Rs 4000? Have you got the indelible ink mark?" to which they disapprovingly roared "NO". Gandhi pointed out how each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation and have been put to immense hardships. "But Modi is laughing and crying laughing and crying," although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes," he said. A magistrate's court in Bhiwandi granted bail to Gandhi who was accused in a defamation case, filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist, Rajesh Kunte. The next for hearing in the matter has been fixed for January 28, 2017. Later, he addressed a huge crowd of Congress activists in this Muslim-dominated powerloom town, Gandhi, saying he had come "to fight" the ideological war against the RSS. "On one hand it's a fight for independence versus slaverya They want everybody to bend before them as they want to rulea But they cannot enslave this country as the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are enshrined in our hearts," Gandhi said. En route to Mumbai after the court hearing, Gandhi stopped at a bank near a toll tax point on the outskirts of Bhiwandi, interacted with people and shared their grievances. New Delhi : Two significant developments have taken place over the last week in the nuclear domain that will have a long-term bearing on India's overall nuclear profile over the next decade. It will be instructive to see how these issues will be mediated in the current Indian political cauldron. The developments relate to Japan and China - but differently. The major punctuation relates to Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluding a long-awaited civil nuclear agreement with Japan (November 11) , though there are some tangled areas of interpretation on certain key clauses. The second pertains to India's bid to become a member of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) and China's steadfast opposition to this aspiration. Beijing reiterated that, as regards the NSG meeting held in Vienna (when Modi was in Tokyo), being an NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) signatory is essential before considering membership. This, in reality is a veto - since India cannot sign the NPT as a nuclear-weapon state - and renouncing nuclear weapon capability like many such states (including Japan) is not an option. The conclusion of the NCA (Nuclear Cooperation Agreement) in Tokyo by Modi with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe is particularly significant - both for its symbolism and its substantive implications. Japan has a very deep sensitivity as regards the nuclear issue and was firmly opposed to India's nuclear tests of May 1998. However, the rapprochement between India and the USA in 2008, epitomised by the conclusion of the civilian nuclear agreement with Washington, and the exceptional status accorded to India by the NSG in September 2008 encouraged Tokyo to review its opposition to India's nuclear aspirations. This progressive shift was enabled by the personal determination of Abe - and in many ways his resolve could be analogous to that of President George Bush who invested his personal political capital in squaring the nuclear nettle with India in the tumultuous 2005-08 period. When India was negotiating with the US in that tense phase - one central determinant was India's 'right' to conduct another nuclear test - should its supreme national interest warrant such a step. It was evident to domain experts that there was no way that even a determined Bush could have pushed through any template that did not satisfy his critics - in the US Congress and among nuclear 'ayatollahs' (opposed to any modus vivendi with India). Domestic political compulsions pushed the deal with the USA to the VERY brink and finally some deft legislation (the Hyde Act in the US Congress) and adroit drafting consensus by the two principal negotiators allowed the civil nuclear agreement to be realized - but it literally came down to the wire. At the very last stage, more assurances were sought from India that it would continue its 'restraint' and then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee made a formal statement to this effect on September 5, 2008. Two days later, on September 7, India received the NSG waiver it had sought and a long period of nuclear isolation and intimidation ended. Venal political opposition to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh within his own party - and to the UPA initiative by the BJP and the Left parties - almost torpedoed what can be described as the MOST significant national interest enabler in the nuclear domain. It ended India's ostracism. The Bush-Singh resolve ensured the according of exceptional status to India by the NSG despite the fact that India was and is a non-signatory to the NPT, and that it had acquired nuclear weapons. At the time, many experts applauded India for its tenacity and negotiating acumen and an Israeli interlocutor was puzzled. I recall the phrase : "Israel would give its right arm for such a deal and yet your opposition parties are opposing this. Why ?" Regrettably, a zero-sum template has permeated Indian political conduct even on matters pertaining to national security and this is most evident in the nuclear domain. The Congress could not accept that a BJP-led government with Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the helm had taken the decision to cross the nuclear rubicon. Acquiring nuclear weapons was castigated by the Congress - when in the opposition - despite the fact that Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao had in 1995 considered carrying out a nuclear test. The tables were turned when the Congress formed the UPA government in 2004 and the BJP-led opposition keel-hauled Manmohan Singh for entering into a civilian nuclear agreement with the USA in July 2005. Any number of hurdles - imagined and exaggerated - were introduced into the domestic political cauldron and the negotiators and their political principals on both sides must be commended for staying the course til late 2008. But the deeper political understanding was that India would remain committed to its self-imposed moratorium as regards nuclear testing - first outlined by Vajpayee in 1998. This unwavering fidelity to nuclear restraint accorded India an intangible virtue index and this came to the fore in the Kargil war of 1999 with Pakistan. India was acknowledged as a responsible and virtuous nuclear power. Today, the agreement with Japan is caught in an opaque zone of interpretative nuance - about nuclear testing. Stock phrases like sovereign right being trampled are being heard - and suggestions made that India is conceding more to Japan in 2016 than it had to the USA in 2008. This kind of sophistry is undesirable and imprudent. India's exceptional status in the nuclear domain is predicated on its restraint and adherence to the self-imposed moratorium that goes back to 1998. Yes, India can claim the 'right' to test - should an exigency of grave import necessitate such a step. But this step will automatically impose certain costs on India - and objective cost-benefit analysis will be called for. In the interim, the political discourse in India should not distort the orientation adopted by previous governments and seek any kind of Faustian bargain for short-term political dividends. India should not renege on solemn commitments made by clever sleight of word to assuage domestic sentiment. The agreement with Japan should be upheld and interpreted in a manner that will burnish India's virtue cum rectitude index. (C Uday Bhaskar is Director, Society of Policy Studies, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal. The article is in special arrangement with South Asia Monitor/www.southasiamonitor.org) --IANS cub/vm Agartala/Silchar, Nov 16 : A rail blockade called by tribal students hit railway services in parts of northeast India for the second day on Wednesday, snapping the crucial rail link of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam with the rest of the country. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) cancelled several important trains passing through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section due to the indefinite rail blockade agitation by the North Cachar Hill Indigenous Students Forum (NCHISF). Hundreds of NCHISF members have blockaded rail tracks since Tuesday morning at Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district, formerly known as North Cachar Hills District. The NCHISF has been demanding compensation to the affected families, whose land and homes were taken away by the NFR during conversion of metre-gauge railway line to broad gauge in 2014 and 2015. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Dima Hasao district Sonaram Khanikar held an inconclusive meeting on Tuesday with the agitating students body and the railway officials at the district headquarters at Haflong, 279 km from Guwahati. "The NFR official failed to give a written promise to release compensation within 15 days as demanded by the Forum. The railway authorities sought four months' time to sort out the matter," Khanikar told reporters. NCHISF President David Kevom said a total 300 hectares of land belonging to 500 families was affected by the construction of the broad-gauge railway line in the hill district. "The NFR authorities had promised compensation to the affected families, but nothing has been done yet," Kevom told reporters. NFR officials, however, said that the railway authorities had given compensation of around Rs 55 crore to the affected families, but they are demanding Rs 3-5 crore more. The NCHISF President said that unless senior and responsible officials of the railways come to the spot, they would not withdraw the indefinite rail blockade agitation. A railway official, on condition of anonymity, said Divisional Railway Manager A.K. Jain is expected to visit Halflong. In a statement, NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma said four trains -- Guwahati-Silchar, Silchar-Guwahati train services, Sealdah-Silchar Kanchenjunga Express and Agartala-Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express -- have been either cancelled or short-terminated. Around 1,200 passengers were stranded at Haflong station due to the rail blockade. Some passengers were, however, trying to reach their destinations using other modes of transport. The railway line from Guwahati passes through Lumding (in Nagaon district of central Assam) and Halflong, connecting Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram, besides southern Assam, with the rest of India. The Guwahati-Silchar railway route is the lifeline for southern Assam, comprising Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Dima Hasao districts, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. The region is dependent on this railway route for supply of food grain, fertiliser, petroleum products, construction materials and other consumer goods. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said there was no need for an ordinance on demonetisation, and added that the Prime Minister is fully authorised to take such steps. Participating in a debate on the demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy said: "Prime Minister has complete authority to take such step. There is no need for ordinance." The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) runs the monetary policy of the nation and this decision was taken by the RBI board, Goyal underlined. Explaining the rationale behind the demonetisation move, he said that "86 per cent of the total currency is in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The RBI found out that 50 per cent of the currency has not come back in the currency chest for years and is not being used in the economy. So, huge amount of money is hidden somewhere." Goyal was responding to a statement of Congress leader Anand Sharma. "This is a stern warning to the corrupt that the government is keeping an eye on your money," he added. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will address a public meeting in Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi on Thursday against the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will also address the meeting. "I will hold a public meeting at Azadpur Mandi at 11 a.m. Mamata Banerjee will also address the gathering," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said in a tweet. Kejriwal on Wednesday skipped the Trinamool Congress march to Rashtrapati Bhavan here to protest against the Centre's November 8 demonetisation move. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had 'cheated' the country. "This demonetisation move is the biggest scam of independent India. (Modi) Compelled the starving public to stand in queues after taking money from the rich. Modi ji cheated the country," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Kejriwal on Tuesday accused Modi of receiving bribes as Gujarat Chief Minister and sought a judicial probe. The Delhi assembly also sought a reversal of the demonetisation move. Athens, Nov 16 : President Barack Obama has issued a warning against "crude nationalism" in the wake of Donald Trump's victory, saying the New York billionaire had tapped into a "troubling" strain of rhetoric playing on Americans' fears of globalisation to win the presidency. Speaking in Athens, Obama on Tuesday said he recognised an "anger and fear in the American population" over threats of mechanisation and globalisation, but that Republican officials did not use facts when making their case about the US economy, CNN reported. "You've seen some of the rhetoric among Republican elected officials and activists. Some of it is pretty troubling and not necessarily connected to facts, but being used effectively to mobilise people," Obama said at a news conference alongside Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "And obviously, Trump tapped into that particular strain within the Republican Party and then was able to broaden that enough and get enough votes to win the election." Obama said countries across Europe, as well as the US, were confronting populist movements based on a fear of intruding global forces, arguing people "are less certain of their national identities or their place in the world". He said leaders should heed lessons from results in the US and in Britain, which in June voted to exit the European Union. "It starts looking different and disorienting. And there is no doubt that has produced populist movements, both from the left and the right," Obama said. "That sometimes gets wrapped up in issues of ethnic identity or religious identity or cultural identity. And that can be a volatile mix." The outgoing President said Americans must guard against those trends during Trump's presidency, and insisted he, too, would speak out against divisive language even after he leaves office. Obama is on a week-long, three-stop foreign swing that has taken new urgency following Trump's election. Obama is the first US president to visit Greece in 17 years, and he focused intently on the debt situation and the influx of refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. Toronto, Nov 16 : Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick the habit and may also help people suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety, says a study. "Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce the use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication," said the study's lead investigator Zach Walsh, Associate Professor at University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus in Canada. The study published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review is based on a systematic review of research on the medical cannabis use and mental health as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis. "In reviewing the limited evidence on medical cannabis, it appears that patients and others who have advocated for cannabis as a tool for harm reduction and mental health have some valid points," Walsh said. It is important to identify ways to help mental health professional move beyond stigma to better understand the risk and benefits of cannabis, Walsh added. "There is not currently a lot of clear guidance on how mental health professionals can best work with people who are using cannabis for medical purposes," Walsh said. New Delhi, Nov 16 : India's DRDO on Wednesday successfully carried out the maiden flight of indigenous unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) Rustom-II, an official statement said. Also called Tapas 201, the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV took flight from Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), Chitradurga, 250 km from Bengaluru which is a newly developed flight test range for the testing of UAVs and manned aircraft. The drone has been developed on the lines of American Predator drones. "The flight accomplished the main objectives of proving the flying platform, such as take-off, bank, level flight and landing etc," the statement said. Rustom-II has been designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the Bengaluru-based premier lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd as the production partners. The UAV weighing two tonnes was put into air, and was piloted by armed forces personnel. It is also the firs prototype UAV which has undergone certification and qualification for the first flight from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA). A multi-mission UAV, with an endurance of 24 hours, is being developed to carry out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance roles for the three forces. "It is capable to carry different combinations of payloads like Medium Range Electro Optic (MREO), Long Range Electro Optic (LREO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Situational Awareness Payloads (SAP) to perform missions during day and night," the statement said. Rustom- II will undergo further trials for validating the design parameters, before going for user validation trials. Imphal, Nov 16 : Bringing some relief to the people, over 100 fuel tankers and trucks carrying consumer items arrived here on Wednesday -- the first supply since the November 1 imposition of a United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored indefinite economic blockade to protest against the Manipur government's move to create a new district. India Reserve Battalion personnel and Manipur Police commandos escorted 299 trucks and oil tankers on Monday to deliver fuel and consumer items along the 222-km NH 37. Over 1,500 trucks and oil tankers stranded in Assam, Nagaland and border areas of Manipur had converged at Jiribam town in Imphal East district, near the border with Assam. Manipur's Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K. Biren and high ranking officials rushed to Assam to hold talks with the drivers and transport agents. Initially, the drivers were reluctant to ply as they were apprehensive of their security, but were finally convinced. "Arrangements were made to provide escort so that trucks and oil tankers could ply," said Biren. Government sources, however, said they cannot be sure of the frequency of the trips. In the past, the supplies came once a week. Since the blockade, most of the consumer items are not available. On Wednesday, some students seized a hoarded stock of potatoes kept for sale at extortionate prices and sold them to passers-by at Rs 20 a kg. The students said that the drive will continue. Meanwhile, petrol pumps remained shut and petrol was being sold in black at Rs 300 a litre. On measures to end the blockade, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said: "On Tuesday, talks to end the blockade were held in Delhi between the central government and the UNC. Since no written invitation was extended to us, we could not attend the meeting. The talks failed to yield any result." The UNC had never responded in the past to the government proposals for talks, he added. The UNC has been demanding an alternative arrangement for the Nagas, saying that they no longer want to stay under Ibobi's administration. More and more persons are resorting to counter-blockade to prevent consumer items being transported to Naga villages. One activist said: "The campaign is not against any tribe. We simply want all sections to feel the pangs of shortage of commodities as a result of the blockade." Panaji, Nov 16 : The Congress in Goa on Wednesday demanded an apology from Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for what the party spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu said was "spineless prostration" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Parsekar should immediately apologise to the people of Goa. It was so humiliating that the Chief Minister went down to the level exhibited in the video clip, even pushing a glass of water to the Prime Minister when he demanded," Deshprabhu told the media here. The 42-second clip that went viral on social media shows Parsekar with folded hands sitting besides Modi during his visit to Goa on November 13. "Throughout the recording, Parsekar is seen smiling and with folded hands while Modi appears to ignore him. This is just spineless prostration. If this is the honour meted out to the people of Goa, what would be the hurt?" Deshprabhu said sarcastically. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, however, defended Parsekar's action. "Modi ji is not just the Prime Minister of India, but also one of our tallest leaders. Showing our leaders respect is a culture within the BJP. Perhaps that is not the case with the Congress, which is why they make such hollow observations," a Goa BJP spokesperson said. Shillong, Nov 16 : Indian Army Chief, Gen. Dalbir Singh on Wednesday presented the President's Colours to four newly-raised infantry battalions -- 16 and 17 Assam Regiment and 1 and 2 Arunachal Scouts -- at a Colour Presentation Parade held at the Assam Regimental Centre here. Deputy Chief of the Army staff Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts, as well as Eastern Command chief Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi, Central Command chief, Lt. Gen. B.S. Negi and other serving and veteran Rhinos witnessed the parade. It was also a rare occasion that a Brigadier commanded a parade but Brig. Sudhir Kumar Jha, who is also the Commandant of the Assam Regimental Centre, did it with aplomb at the Parson parade ground here. In his address after reviewing the parade, the army chief said the Assam Regiment has crossed yet another milestone. "Assam Regiment is one of the oldest and finest regiment of the Indian Army. I am honoured and immensely proud to address the 'line of fraternity', as this oldest regiment has constantly been able to march ahead with valour to glory. The regiment's history is filled with inspiring stories of sacrifices and victories," he said. As part of the regiment's platinum jubilee celebrations, the army chief also dedicated the regiment's expanded and renovated War Memorial, which was originally inaugurated on November 24, 1953 by the then undivided Assam's Chief Minister, Bishnuram Medhi. Etched on its walls are the names of 376 martyrs. The Assam Regiment was raised here on June 15, 1941 in Shillong by Lt Col Ross Howman at the Governor's House of the undivided Assam - now the present day Raj Bhavan here. Governor V. Shanmuganathan also unveiled a plaque of the Assam Regiment at the lawns of Raj Bhavan in presence of Lt. Gen. Saha to mark the platinum jubilee celebrations. "The regiment was raised to meet demands from the undivided State of Assam and to counter the threat of Japanese invasion. It was baptism by fire for the regiment. The Assam Regiment fought a battle at Jessami and participated in the epic defence of Kohima and capture of Aradura (Nagaland)," defence spokesman Amit Mahajan told IANS. The Assam Regiment has the unique distinction of winning six battle honours and theatre honour of Myanmar during the Second World War and also had the distinction of winning battle honour of Chhamb and theatre honour of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48 and again in 1971, he said. After Independence, the Assam Regiment has participated in all the wars India has fought. Its men were also inducted in the Indian Peace-Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka and UN Peace Keeping Force in Cambodia. The regiment has now raised 15 regular units, three Rashtriya Rifles units, three infantry battalions and two ecological battalions of the Territorial Army, and two battalion of Arunachal Scouts. Three battalions of the regiment also acquitted themselves admirably at Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield of the world. This year, the Assam regiment was adjudged the best marching contingent in the services category both in Republic Day and Army Day. Kolkata, Nov 16 : The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Wednesday demanded that the central government immediately install Point of Sale (POS) machines at monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India for the convenience of foreign tourists. Demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination are being accepted at ASI monuments till November 24 following an appeal by the apex body of tour operators. "On our request, payment at ASI monuments through cash with old bank notes of Rs 500 and 1000 is being accepted till November 24. But we do not know what will happen after that as supply of new currency at present is not sufficient to run our business," IATO executive director Gour Kanjilal said in a statement. "We request that credit/debit swipe machines should be installed immediately at all ASI-protected monuments. Till the time they are installed, old currency should be accepted at the ASI monuments until sufficient supply of new currency is available," the statement said. The body also urged the central government to allow international tourists to convert spiked Indian currency back into their own country's legal tender. "Foreign tourists want to convert it (Indian currency) back into their own currency but this limit is Rs 5,000 only. They should be allowed to convert whatever old Indian currency is left with them into their own currency. This should be allowed through any banks, including banks at the airport, by producing valid exchange documents. Foreign tourists should not suffer due to the new policy and should not feel cheated," said the statement. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Nearly 40 deaths -- including suicides, cardiac arrests in long queues, hospital casualties and a murder in a fit of rage -- in the past few days have been attributed to demonetisation. The move has caused a huge cash crunch in the country and turned life upside down for the lower middle class and poor families in India. Eleven people have died in Uttar Pradesh, most due to cardiac attacks since Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 night announced the recall of 500- and 1,000-rupee notes, rendering them illegal. Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat reported three deaths each while two persons each have died in Telangana, Bihar, Mumbai, Kerala and Karantaka. Seven persons have died in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and West Bengal, put together. In Odisha, a two-year-old, suffering from high fever, died after an auto-rickshaw driver refused the family a ride because it didn't have lower denomination notes to pay for fare. The deaths in Uttar Pradesh include seven due to cardiac arrests and two suicides in the past one week. A farmer in Bulandshahr allegedly hanged himself in his hosue on Sunday after he failed to exchange his old currency notes. The police said he was to marry off his daughter on December 4 and had visited a bank to exchange his old notes but could not do so because of the surging crowds. Two minors were also reported to have died in the state after their parents failed to arrange lower denomination notes for their treatments in hospitals. The hospitals denied the charges. The consequences of demonetisation have also claimed three lives in Jharkhand. Police sources said two died on Wednesday and one on Tuesday. Ramchandra Paswan died afer standing in a crushing queue for more than four hours at a State Bank of India branch in Mohammadganj. In another incident, 70-year-old Lakshmi died of shock over the death of his 20-year-old grandson Lavkush in Bokaro district. Lavkush died on Tuesday night as the economic condition of the family had worsened. His father, a daily wage worker, was unable to get work in the past few days. In Mumbai, an ill infant was allegedly denied admission to a private hospital in Govandi area for the same reason. He died the next day. Apart from these two fatal incidents, many private hospitals have refused to accept the now spiked currency notes in violation of government orders, posing huge problems for people during medical emergencies. A 73-year-old man died due to heart failure after waiting for long in a queue outside a public sector bank in Mulund, Mumbai. In Assam, Dinabandhu Das, 52, had taken out a huge sum of money from the bank for the marriage of his daughter slated for next month. He died of a shock after Modi announced the decision, rendering the currency notes useless. "He felt uneasy after hearing that the central government banned the currency notes. All the amount was in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. We took him to the Marowari Maternity Hospital immediately but the doctors declared him brought dead," a relative said. Another trader lost his life in Assam's Jorhat town with one of his sons saying the death was due to depression he suffered after the demonetisation decision was announced. Jitu Rahman, in Sivsagar district of Assam, went to the ATM around 11 p.m. on November 8 to deposit at an ATM some 1,000- and 500-rupee notes. He waited before the machine became non-functional. He was found dead in the bed next morning. Gopala Shetty, 93, died on Saturday at Ajekar village in Udupi district of southern Karnataka after he collapsed in a long queue to exchange the demonetised currency notes at the state-run Corporation Bank. "The victim stood in the queue even before the bank opened for business on a hot day. As he could not bear the heat, his blood pressure rose and he collapsed at the spot with the old notes in his hands," Karkala Circle Inspector Joy Anthony told IANS. In West Bengal's Howrah, a man was alleged to have thrown his wife to death from the 10th floor of their apartment building as she returned home empty handed hours after standing in a queue outside an ATM. A family member said the accused was tense over the government's move. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, a suspected senior operative of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), was forced to leave his job as a driver at a Dubai company due to his "radical mentality", according to the NIA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a supplementary chargesheet, along with the statement of Mohammad Ubaid Kola, the owner of Kola Enterprises -- a toy company in Dubai that had hired Siddibapa, and other employees of the company. Kola, whose business is to import toys from China and India and distribute in the local market at Oman, Dubai and other places, in his statement said his father in 2009 offered Siddibapa a job as driver with a salary of 2,500 Dirham. "During my conversation with Siddibapa, it appeared to me that he was a radicalised person, as he used to quote certain verses of the holy Quran, which were related to the Jihad in Islam," Kola said in his statement. "He used to keep certain persons like Anwar Hussain alias Noor, who was associated with the IM organisation, and ... he used to quote me certain occurrences like Babri Masjid demolition incident, Gujrat riots, etc., and would instigate me that being a Muslim, I should do something to avenge the atrocities which were committed on the Muslim community in India," he stated. Kola said he had tried to persuade Siddibapa to not adopt such mentality or thinking. Kola also took the initiative of keeping him in the company of Islamic scholars, but all in vain, as Siddibapa did not change his attitude. Since despite "my repeated instructions to change his (Siddibapa) attitude, he did not oblige me, so I sacked him from the job of driver around 2010", the statement said. The Kola Enterprises owner also told NIA that Noor used to visit him frequently and used to address Siddibapa as 'Khan'. Noor, a wanted accused, is on the run. Similar accounts were also given by other employees of the company. They also said that in 2013, they came to know through open sources that Siddibapa was an IM cadre. The NIA has chargesheeted Siddibapa for various offences under sections 121A (waging war against the Government of India) and 123 (concealing facts with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The fresh supplementary chargesheet was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit, who on Wednesday took cognizance of the chargesheet and posted the matter for December 6 for further hearing. The NIA chargesheet says that Siddibapa conspired to stage terror attacks at various places in India, recruited Indian youth for the IM and funded their activities. Described as the financial brain of the terror outfit, Siddibapa lived in Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He was arrested here in May following his deportation from Dubai. The NIA alleged that Siddibapa had been in touch with other IM operatives through electronic communication. A Red Corner notice was issued against him in December 2013. Siddibapa was also wanted for his alleged involvement in the July 2006 Mumbai serial blasts, 2008 Delhi blasts and the 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bengaluru. He allegedly routed the money using both banking channels and Western Union Money Transfer. He left for Dubai much before the crackdown on the IM started in 2008. He was detained in the United Arab Emirates and arrested in January 2014. (Amiya Kumar Kushwaha can be contacted at amiya.k@ians.in) New Delhi, Nov 16 : Indian Mujahideen's (IM) alleged key operative Abdul Wahid Siddibapa channelised funds from Pakistan to India via Dubai for conducting terror activities in the country, the National Investigation Agency said in its chargesheet. "The role and involvement of the accused, Abdul Wahi Siddibapa alias Khan alias Hafeez, has been established during the investigation as a channeliser of the funds received from IM operatives in Pakistan via Dubai for use by IM operatives based in India for conducting terrorist activities," the chargesheet said. The NIA on Tuesday filed before Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit the third supplementary chargesheet against Siddibapa. The court on Wednesday took cognizance of the fresh chargesheet and posted the matter for hearing on December 6. The 32-year-old Siddibapa, a resident of Bhatkal in Karnataka and a relative of Indian Mujahideen founders Yasin Bhatkal and Riyaz Bhatkal, was arrested here in May on the charge of conspiring to carry out terror attacks in India, after he was deported from Dubai. The NIA in its chargesheet said that Siddibapa in 2009-10 attended an IM meeting at a flat in Sharjah in which other accused in the case Iqbal Bhatkal, Afeef alias Mota Bhai, Salim Ishaqi, Sultan Armar, Mohd Hussain Farhan, Shafi Armar and one Pakistani doctor were also present. "The aim of meeting was to assign specific task to the IM operative for smooth functioning of the IM organisation," the chargesheet said. The NIA has chargesheeted Siddibapa under various offences dealing with sections 121A (waging war against the Government of India) and Section 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of Indian Penal Code and under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Siddibapa was also wanted for his alleged involvement in the July 2006 Mumbai serial blasts, the 2008 Delhi blasts and the 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bengaluru. A Red Corner notice was issued against him in December 2013. He left for Dubai much before the crackdown on the Indian Mujahideen started in 2008. He was detained in the United Arab Emirates and arrested in January 2014. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The government on Wednesday said that the merger of rail and general budgets will facilitate multi-modal transport planning between highways, railways and inland waterways. "Merger of rail budget with Union budget would facilitate multi-modal transport planning between highways, railways and inland waterways," Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The minister said that the presentation of a unified budget will help present a holistic picture of the financial position of the government. "It will allow Ministry of Finance greater elbow room at the time of mid-year review for better allocation of resources," Gohain poited out. On September 21, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to end the 92-year-old tradition of presenting a separate budget for the Railways. The merger of rail and general budgets was based on the recommendations of a committee headed by Bibek Debroy, NITI Aayog member, and a separate paper on 'Dispensing with the Railway Budget' by Bibek Debroy along with Kishore Desai. Highlighting the salient features of the budget merger, the minister said: "Ministry of Railways will continue to function as a departmentally run commercial undertaking. And a separate statement of budget estimates and demand for grant will be created for Railways." He elaborated that the Railways will get exemption from payment of dividend to general revenues and its capital-at-charge would stand wiped off. "Ministry of Finance will provide gross budgetary support to Ministry of Railways towards meeting part of its capital expenditure," Gohain added. Beijing, Nov 16 : China urged the United States and South Korea on Wednesday to stop deployment of an advanced US missile defence system. The South Korea Ministry of National Defense concluded a deal on Wednesday to acquire the site for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from the Lotte Group, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry has agreed to take over the Lotte Skyhill Country Club in Seongju from the country's fifth-largest conglomerate. "China has repeatedly firmly opposed the THAAD deployment," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing. Geng said the deployment of the system gravely undermined the regional strategic balance, as well as the security interests of countries in the region, including China. "We again urge all sides to face up to China's reasonable concerns and stop the deployment process," he said, adding that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its security interests. Planning and construction work will begin in early 2017 with a THAAD battery to be installed before the end of the year. New Delhi, Nov 16 : The Indian automobile sector aims to contribute over 12 per cent to the gross domestic product of the country, and create nearly 6.5 crore additional jobs by 2026 over the next decade, said Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maruti Suzuki India, on Wednesday. "Our vision is that over the next decade, the Indian Automobile sector must contribute in excess of 12 per cent of the country's GDP. We want to create nearly 65 million additional jobs by 2026," Ayukawa said. According to Ayukawa, at present the automobile industry contributes around 7.1 per cent to the GDP of India and employees nearly 32 million people directly or indirectly. In the last ten years, the automobile industry has invested around $35 billion. "Our responsibility towards the communities where we are operating also increases. It's our duty to develop a sustainable, mutually beneficial and inclusive socio-economic ecosystem," he said at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer's (SIAM) first ever CSR (corporate social responsibility) conclave. "Over the past 10 years, the Indian automobile industry has made significant contribution to the socio-economic development of village communities. Fortunately, our efforts are well aligned with the Government's flagship missions of Clean India and Skill India." Ayukawa said by 2026, the automobile industry not only seeks to increase mobility, but will also focus on promoting safe, comfortable and environment friendly mobility. "Our responsibility also entails minimising the negative impacts of use automobiles. We have to address issues like congestion, air pollution, global warming and road accidents," said Ayukawa. "Our aim is to be among the top three global automobile markets. This will only happen if we create safe, efficient and environment friendly vehicles." Patna, Nov 16 : Unlike other top non-BJP leaders, JD-U President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar once again on Wednesday supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to fight the black money menace in the country. Nitish Kumar also demanded action against people having 'benami' ( by proxy) properties. "I support the Union government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and after fight against black money, I demand action against benami properties," Nitish Kumar said during his ongoing Nischay Yatra in Madhubani district. Nitish Kumar said the decision will force black money out. He is probably the only top leader in the opposition camp who has openly backed Modi. Last week, Nitish Kumar supported Modi's decision, a first by a senior leader of the opposition. But Nitish Kumar said the government should take all possible measures immediately to avoid inconvenience to people. "Common people should not suffer," he said. Contrary to Nitish Kumar, his alliance partner in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad continued to attack Modi for his decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Patna, Nov 16 : A Patna resident on Wednesday claimed that his unborn child died because a clinic refused to conduct an ultrasound on his wife in exchange of demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Rajeev Ranjan Singh, a resident of Ramlakhan Path in Kankarbagh colony here, said that he rushed to a physician his pregnant wife after she complained of stomach pain. The physician recommended an ultrasound diagnostic test. But the clinic refused to accept old notes of Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 denomination. "Despite my repeated requests, the clinic refused to conduct an ultrasound in exchange of old notes and due to delay in treatment my wife had a miscarriage. We have lost our child," he said. Adding insult to the injury, several chemists also refused to sell medicines and injections required to stop bleeding after the miscarriage as he only had old currency notes. "I was forced to stand in a long queue for three and a half hours -- leaving my ailing wife at God's mercy -- to withdraw some amount to purchase essential medicines for her," Singh said. Local Hindi dailies reported that a 65-year-old retired armyman, Surender Kumar Sharma, died outside a State Bank of India branch in Daudnagar in Aurangabad district after standing for hours in a long queue to withdraw money on Tuesday. A 50-year-old woman, Lalmani Devi, also died inside Punjab National Bank branch at Khijarsarai in Gaya district on Tuesday due to suffocation. Vidisha, Nov 16 : A curfew imposed in this Madhya Pradesh city after increasing incidences of violence and arson in the wake of a Bajrang Dal leader's murder, was relaxed on Wednesday between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday afternoon, Bajrang Dal leader Deepak Khushwaha was allegedly stabbed to death in Baksaria by a group of men. Violence erupted in the form of arson and stone pelting and authorities imposed curfew in the Kotwali police station area. Additional Police Superintendent Sanjeev Singh told IANS, "Besides the 10 and a half hours' relaxation in curfew, a peace march was also conducted, in which people participated in large numbers. The situation is slowly becoming normal here." On Tuesday, the authorities relaxed the curfew for a total of five hours during the day but clamped it back again at night. Security forces are still posted and are monitoring the situation. Hyderabad, Nov 16 : The Telangana government of Telangana on Wednesday signed an MOU with Microsoft to explore cloud, machine learning and mobile-based solutions to improve citizen services, education, healthcare and agriculture in the state. State IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt Ltd Managing Director Anil Bhansali signed the MoU here. Microsoft India will work with the state government to support the development of cloud and mobile-based solutions and support the use of machine learning and advanced visualization to help solve challenges in the fields of education, agriculture and healthcare. "Through this partnership, we are confident about bringing in advanced solutions pertaining to our initiatives under Digital Telangana program," said Ranjan. "Over the past year we have experimented with cloud, mobile and machine learning based solutions for better citizen connect as well as to help students, farmers and patients in India. We are delighted to bring many of those learnings to Telangana and explore new use for these world-class technologies. We believe technology should empower every Indian, and today's MOU will take us further in that journey," said Bhansali. New Delhi, Nov 16 : Well-meaning gestures sometimes come to haunt politicians, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia learnt it the hard way. On a visit to his parliamentary constituency Darjeeling to launch 'Ujjawala' free LPG gas connection scheme recently, he gave out his mobile phone number and said anyone facing problem could directly register complaints with him. His gesture turned a nightmare after a regional newspaper of north Bengal published his number. Ahluwalia was inundated with several phone calls from public that sought redressal of their complaints related to availability of gas cylinders. A wisened Ahluwalia finally diverted the phone calls to his office landline number to ensure his peace of mind. **Marshals called to control crowd at ATM in Parliament House Since the November 8 demonetisation, people are standing in long queues at banks, ATMs and post offices across India. And Parliament is no exception. Long queues were seen at both ATMs and a single post office in Parliament House on the very first day of winter session on November 16. From officials to staffs of Parliament, journalists and security officials, everybody was in a hurry to withdraw cash. On Tuesday, when few marshals of Parliament tried to withdraw cash afer breaking queue, others waiting raised objections. Following this, marshals from the Central Hall were summoned to control the crowd. ** Journalists defy guidelines On the first day of winter session of Parliament on Wednesday, journalists didn't bother to follow guidelines issued for the media by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached Parliament House for her march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against demonetisation , the media chased her to get a sound byte or record her activities. The situation turned for worse when former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and others reached there. Meanwhile, a senior journalist reminded Mamata of the guidelines that asked media persons not to interact or interview or photograph "anyone else other than ministers or MPs" without prior permission. Pat came the reply that apart from being a Chief Minister she is a former MP and Union minister too. For good measure, she said India is a democracy and not dictatorship. The directive also talked of "no interviews or enlisting of responses would be allowed" in some designated locations inside Parliament House. But journalist didn't seem to care and interviewed politicians as per their convenience. Despite warnings from security officials, many journalists flouted the guidelines and followed Mamata all the way to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Lucknow, Nov 16 : The BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit President Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday lashed out at the state's Samajwadi Party government in the state, and asserted that lawlessness in the state would come to an end if his party was voted to power. "When BJP government comes to power in UP after the 2017 state assembly elections, the goons will either be in prison or hounded out of the state," he told a gathering in Bijnore during the Parivartan Yatra. "The ruling SP is a party of one family which cannot think beyond its own welfare and prosperity," he said. Defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, he said that the scheme had considerably brought down the graft in the country, while hurting Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati the most. "The BSP's elephant (party symbol) had become very fat eating public money and now time has come when they will have to pay for their sins," he added. He also slammed Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's "drama" of standing in queue at a bank to get currency exchanged. Softex Inc, an established market leader in Enterprise Single Sign-On, Identity and Access Management and Data Protection Solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Synaptics to enable biometric fingerprint Single Sign-On (SSO) to TTeSPORTS latest gaming mouse, the Black FP. The Black FP gaming mouse leverages a FIDO UAF certified Synaptics fingerprint sensor that provides strong, safe and secure password protection for todays PC user. Integrating Synaptics Iron Veil technology along with state-of-the-art National Security Agency (NSA) approved 256-bit advanced data encryption standard, the Black FP provides users with a fast and secure password-less experience by enabling users to sign-in to their PCs and favorite websites with a simple touch of a finger. Through the partnership, Softex has integrated Synaptics Fingerprint Management Application (FMA) into its OmniPass Password Manager and Single Sign-on solution resulting in a custom fingerprint application for the TTeSPORTS Black FP mouse. Black FP users can not only securely and easily sign-in to Windows and websites, but can also lock and unlock important files and folders with the touch of the fingerprint scanner located directly on their mouse. We are very excited to partner with Synaptics to enable secure and simple sign-on through a unique product such as the Black FP mouse from TTeSPORTS, said Apurva Bhansali, CEO of Softex. Fingerprint sign-in to Windows and websites has become mainstream thanks to the promotional efforts of those like Microsoft and the FIDO Alliance. Having the convenience of a fingerprint scanner located on the mouse, where your hand rests naturally, allows the utmost convenience to securely sign-in to websites or unlock protected documents. The TTeSPORTS Black FP mouse is available from the TTeSPORTS website at http://www.ttesports.com. For more information on Softex OmniPass Enterprise Single Sign-on products visit http://www.softexinc.com. About Softex Founded in 1992, Softex, http://www.softexinc.com, is a market leader and provider of security-focused software solutions including Enterprise Single Sign-On (ESSO), Identity and Access Management (IAM), and Data Protection of Self-Encrypting Drives. Softex offers both on-premise and cloud-based security solutions to HealthCare, Financial, Corporate, Government and OEM markets with a focus on strong user authentication and helping its customers meet industry compliance. With over 75M licenses shipped, Softex serves many of the top tier companies, such as Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu, Samsung, and Accenture. About TTeSPORTS A division of Thermaltake Gaming, TTeSPORTS, http://www.ttesports.com is committed to bringing the most personalized and the highest quality gear for the most competitive cyber battles, and advances the idea of products designed by gamers for gamers. TTeSPORTS has continually been a major driving force in inspiring, challenging, and taking to new heights eSports in the professional gaming industry; and currently sponsors a multitude of gaming teams and streamers from around the world by equipping them with the necessary gaming gears to compete and succeed at the highest level at major eSport events. TTeSPORTS continually strives to promote eSports as a global phenomenon and to put it on the world stage. 14K Gold Russian Order of The White Eagle Medal The Kaminski Auction Two Day Annual Thanksgiving auction Saturday and Sunday, November 26th and 27th features the partial contents of the legendary Belvedere Guest House, Fire Island, New York. Antique furniture, objets dart and paintings from this elegant neoclassical villa will be featured in the auction. Designed in the style of a Venetian villa, The Belvedere was resplendent with artwork and antiques gracing every nook, alcove and room. A selection from this fantastical palace includes a 19th century classical marble bust of Robert Burns, a pair of 19th century French marble urns converted into table lamps with ormolu mounts and swag decoration and several important paintings by Robert Bliss (American, 1925-1981), including three oil on masonite works titled "Resting", "Boy at the Beach" and "Resting Boy on Wall." Important Continental decorative arts in the sale include a spectacular 18th century French Louis XV Basin decorated with carved putti and figureheads. It includes a copper liner with embossed center. Originally purchased at Park Bennett in New York City in the 1940s -1950s, it measures 39 inches high by 58 inches and is estimated at $20,000-$40,000. There is also a 19th century 24 carat gold-plated bronze French figural centerpiece bowl valued at $10,000-$15,000. An early 20th century hand painted Neoclassical-style low table with hand-painted Sevres-type plaques, constructed in maple with mahogany veneer and other woods is signed "Wischindler" and dated "1909." The maker mark on reverse reads "Vienna Austria." The center medallion depicts Napoleon I and is surrounded by fourteen smaller hand-painted plaques of important women in Napoleon's life each plaque is titled and artist signed "Resch." It is conservatively estimated at $3,000-$5,000. Militaria collectors will take note of a 14 carat gold Russian Order of the White Eagle medal previously owned by Dr. Conrad Knopp of Nuremburg, Germany. The medal has enamel decoration and is hallmarked "56" for 14K gold, Moscow It has approximately 87 grams troy weight of gold and is valued at $20,00-$40,000. There is also a Civil War Confederate sword from a Massachusetts collector,. It is a short sword signed "Cook & Brother, New Orleans". A circa 1760 American Fowler musket with tiger maple stock features at $4,000-$6,000. From a New Hampshire estate comes an 1808 English naval cutlass with an ancient granny note, indicating was it taken by Capt. Hall (Hull), off the HMS Guerriere when the ship was surrendered to the USS Constitution on August 19, 1812 off Nova Scotia. Fine art in the auction includes a collection of Richard F. Outcault (American 1863-1928), original artwork from a descendant of the artist. They include three original Buster Brown comic strip series dated from 1916-1917 they are not laid down and include the original newspaper sheet from the Philadelphia Record. They are estimated in the $5,000-$7,000 range. There is also an Enrico Serra (Spanish, 1859-1918) Orientalist style portrait, a Michel Jouenne (b1933-), French landscape and a painting by W. Hoff titled "The Story Teller" signed lower right and in an ornate period frame. Other collecting categories include a diverse selection of items including a collection of four Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Vice Consul appointment documents from a Florida estate. Two very special lamps featured in the sale include a signed "Tiffany Studios Turtleback table lamp with bronze base and leaded stained glass shade estimated at $10,000-$15,000 and a La Verre Francais cameo glass table lamp, with shade. Jewelry highlights include a ladies' Jewelry highlights include a ladies' Cartier diamond , platinum and sapphire clip circa 1920, a ladies' platinum engagement ring with a 3.53 carat center stone, a ladies diamond and platinum bracelet with approximately 12 carats of diamonds and an18 carat gold Etruscan-style bracelet with diamonds and jade, signed "EECE" and valued at $6,000-$9,000. Day one of the auction will feature Asian art and antiques from the estate of former United States Ambassador Edmund Asbury Gullion of Winchester, Massachusetts. They include porcelain, Peking glass, and jade items. From another Massachusetts collection comes a large rare needlework on wool hanging tapestry, from the early to middle of the19th century decorated with painted faces on silk of immortal figures and a boy delivering a proposed toast to Lu Star implying good wishes. It measures 111inches high by 53 inches wide and is estimated at $4,000-$6,000. A pair of 19th century Chinese Imperial Peking Palace rosewood torchieres decorated with carved dragon and bat design converted into lamps and measuring 62 inches in height are from the John Wharton collection and are estimated to bring $8,000-$12,000. Preview for this important auction will take place at the Kaminski Auctions gallery at 117 Elliott Street (Rt.62) Beverly, Massachusetts, TuesdayWednesday, November 22-23rd and Friday, November 25th starting at 10:00am. Preview is also ongoing during live auction. For more information and to sign up to bid with Kaminski LIVE go to http://www.kaminskiauctions.com. Patriot Software, LLC provides online accounting and payroll software for small businesses in the USA. Small businesses are the meat and potatoes of our economy, says Mike Kappel, CEO. We encourage everyone to help out their local small businesses and shop small this November 26th. Patriot Software, LLC, a provider of online accounting and payroll software, will again be participating as a corporate supporter of Small Business Saturday. This year, Small Business Saturday will take place on November 26. The day is designed to promote the importance of shopping at small businesses, also known as the Shop Small Movement. Created in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for small businesses to advertise, offer incentives to customers, and join together with local communities. Small Business Saturday has become a national movement, with 95 million consumers shopping at small businesses on the day in 2015 alone. National corporations have Black Friday and online stores have Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday falls smack dab in between the two. Coincidence? Small businesses are the meat and potatoes of our economy, says Mike Kappel, CEO. We encourage everyone to help out their local small businesses and shop small this November 26th. Free marketing materials are available to small businesses at ShopSmall.com. To support Small Business Saturday, Patriots 7 Days of Small Business contest on Instagram will feature seven of Patriots small business customers. Consumers can tag their favorite small business in the comments of each Instagram post to be entered for an American Express gift card. Patriot Software encourages small business owners to take advantage of Small Business Saturday 2016 and promote the Shop Small Movement year round. Small business owners can involve their employees, consumers, and communities by participating in Small Business Saturday 2016. Patriot Software, LLC, located in Canton, Ohio, provides easy-to-use online accounting and payroll software for small businesses in the USA. For information on all of Patriots products servicing the United States, contact Patriot Software, LLC at 877-968-7147, or visit http://www.patriotsoftware.com. Track owner Randy Smith said, "Its great not just for Midvale but RacingJunk also; it will help both in the long run. RacingJunk will be helping us promote events throughout the winter and into spring. Midvale Speedway is pleased to announce that RacingJunk.com, the leader in automotive motorsports and performance related classifieds, will become its Official Classifieds. The co-marketing partnership between the two organizations will support greater awareness and attendance of Midvale Speedway events, while broadening the RacingJunk.com reach to a community of competitors and fans that can benefit from its free services. RacingJunk.com is a subsidiary of MotorHeadMedia.com. With over 850,000 registered members, the website connects to more than 2 million buyers and sellers every month, generating 30 million+ page views. RacingJunk.com also has dedicated a section for asphalt oval racing that includes race vehicles, engines, parts and accessories. Located in Midvale, Ohio, Midvale Speedway is an asphalt oval track 3/10 of a mile in length. Races are run there every Saturday night. Jim Sweener, Director of Sales for RacingJunk, said, "Partnering with a facility like Midvale Speedway offers incredible opportunity for not only us and the speedway, but also for the fans and competitors. We are looking forward to having Midvale Speedway as a member of the RacingJunk family." Track owner Randy Smith said, "Its great not just for Midvale but RacingJunk also; it will help both in the long run. RacingJunk will be helping us promote events throughout the winter and into spring. The team at Midvale Speedway wants to thank RacingJunk.com for the opportunity to make this amazing deal. Having RacingJunk.com as the Official Classifieds of Midvale helps the speedways drivers post their cars for sale, buy new ones, and hopefully get new faces into the sport we all love. The Midvale and RacingJunk teams are both excited for this partnership and the chance to grow it into a beneficial relationship in the future. For more information on Midvale Speedway, visit their website at http://midvalespeedway.com/. For more information on RacingJunk.com, go to http://www.racingjunk.com. Alfred the Monarch Butterfly: an engaging and heartwarming tale of a Monarch butterfly who finds love despite differences in heritage and language. Alfred the Monarch Butterfly is the creation of published author, Jerlene Crawford Hales, retired educator and dedicated author. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Jerlene Crawford Haless new book is a story about the experiences of families from different cultures and languages, as told through the adventures of the southern monarch butterflies as they migrate to northern Mexico. The story is embedded with family, love, friendship, death, and diversity. As the butterflies interact, they discover that there is more sameness than differences in their experiences. View a synopsis of Alfred the Monarch Butterfly on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Alfred the Monarch Butterfly at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, Kobo or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Alfred the Monarch Butterfly, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. "With in-state colleges costing upwards of $23,500 a year and private colleges averaging well over $46,000 a year, parents and students can benefit from the knowledge of a college expert." Charlotte Klaar, PhD, a Certified Educational Planner with more than 20 years of experience, recently moved her business, Klaar College Consulting, to the greater Ft. Mill, SC and Charlotte/ Ballantyne, NC area. With in-state colleges costing upwards of $23,500 a year and private colleges averaging well over $46,000 a year, plus more than 3,500 colleges nationwide, parents and students can benefit from the knowledge of a college expert, said Dr. Klaar. Competition is fierce, so understanding how colleges view your students grades and accomplishments is also important, said Dr. Klaar. Parents have legitimate concerns when heading into the college process: Will my student pick a major that will lead to a solid career? Will my daughter find a job in her field after graduation? Will my student incur so much debt that shell end up living at home again? Insider Tips Can Save Thousands Certified Educational Planners spend hours every week keeping up on trends in financial aid, student loans, testing, and the myriad application and scholarship deadlines. They can provide valuable insights, such as the fact that most colleges dont charge the full sticker price, or that a private college may be less expensive than a state school. If they really want your student, private colleges may be willing to provide more financial aid, explained Dr. Klaar. High school counselors may be responsible for more than 400 students, which means they cant give them the individual attention they need. For example, as part of the college admissions process, its important to know a familys financial situation and understand what a student is passionate about, she added. Dr. Klaar was awarded the Steven R. Antonoff Award for Professional Achievement at the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Conference in Boston, MA this past spring. The award was created to recognize an IECA professional who has distinguished him or herself by their outstanding contributions to the profession of independent college consulting. Dr. Klaar has been a professional member of IECA since 1998, and served on the Summer Training Institute faculty for many years, served on the IECA Board of Directors for three years, was chair of the Board Development Committee, served on the Education and Training Committee, was chair of the Mentoring Sub-Committee, served on the Ad Hoc Masters Degree Committee, and was chair of the Ad Hoc Strategic Planning Committee. Additionally, she has taught in the College Counseling Certificate program at UCLA Extension and the Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting program at UC Irvine Extension and at Assumption College in its Masters in School Counseling Program. For more information visit http://www.cklaar.com, charlotte@cklaar.com, 301-834-6888. For a free report on how you can contribute to your students success in college and their career, visit https://www.cklaar.com/about-klaar and click on the link on the right-hand side of the page. About Klaar College Consulting Dr. Klaar is a Certified Educational Planner with more than 20 years of experience in her field. She earned her PhD in general psychology from Capella University, an MS in Interdisciplinary Science Studies from Johns Hopkins University, a BA in liberal studies from the University of the State of New York, and a teaching certificate from William Paterson University. Dr. Klaar also provides consulting services to other educational consultants, in particular, those who are new to the field and career counseling across the lifespan. Koniag Services Inc. (KSI) of Chantilly, VA will provide Contingency Planning Support, Business Impact Analysis and Contingency Plan Development, Configuration Management Support, and Risk Management Support from strategy development through testing of all related plans. The project supports the activities required by the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) that defines the framework to protect government information, operations and assets against natural or man-made threats. The mission of CPSC provides services authorized by Congress which are supported by the information and systems it owns without disruption, alteration or unauthorized disclosure. Gene Zapfel, President of KSI said This project is a critical requirement for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to understand, plan and provide continuous monitoring of the ever-increasing Cyber risks facing Government agencies today. KSI is proud to be leading a team of Cyber Security professionals dedicated to ensure that the CPSC is ready to meet todays and tomorrows challenges. About Koniag Services, Inc. Koniag Services, Inc. (KSI) is an Alaskan Native-owned, small disadvantaged business supporting Federal, State and Local governments since 1994. KSI is part of the Koniag Government Services sector and provides Application Development, Maintenance, and Enhancements, Enterprise IT Infrastructure Solutions, Cyber Security, and Integrated Program Management services across 50 states and 4 Territories. KSI provides support across multiple business functions including: Finance, Health, Defense, Social Services, Consumer Protection and Insurance. KSI is a CMMI 3 assessed organization and holds an ISO 9001 Quality Management certification. For more information, please visit http://www.ksikoniag.com. Kindly Care is announcing today the launch of Care Exchange, enabling home care agencies to collaborate with each other when recruiting, vetting, and training caregivers. Historically, home care agencies competed with each other for their caregivers, but the ever increasing shortage in caregivers is necessitating a more collaborative approach. With Care Exchange, agencies are able to refer caregivers into a shared pool database for all participants to recruit. For every qualified caregiver that gets accepted into the Care Exchange, the referring agency can recruit another caregiver for free. Over the last couple of years, there have been increasing signs of a caregiver shortage. According to AARP, there are currently seven people aged 45-64 to care for each person who is 80 or older; by 2030 there will be only four and by 2050 there will be fewer than three. The current nature of employment in home care causes a fluctuation in work hours from week to week, with many caregivers working for more than one agency at any given time. This means that the process of recruiting, vetting, and training caregivers is repeated for the same candidates, which inflates the recruiting cost and lengthens the amount of time it takes to onboard a new employee. Care Exchange addresses this caregiver shortage by streamlining the process of identifying potential candidates and reducing the cost of onboarding them. Since all referred caregivers are current or former employees of agencies, they already meet the licensing requirements that exist in certain states. Further, agencies are recruiting from a very distilled pool of qualified caregivers, so all candidates are reliable and experienced home care professionals. Kindly Cares business is very symbiotic with agencies. Our self-serve clients often need additional help that is outside of our scope of services, and weve made many referrals to agencies we know and respect. Over time, it became obvious that referring caregivers to each other is the next logical step, said CEO and co-founder of Kindly Care, Igor Lebovic. Care Exchange is currently available in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the coverage will soon expand to all cities where Kindly Care operates. About Kindly Care Kindly Care was created to make it incredibly simple to privately hire caregivers without having to worry about sourcing, safety or compliance. Families get access to many of the tools and services used by agencies, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of working with an agency without having to pay nearly as much. Kindly Cares network of caregivers includes thousands of strictly vetted home care professionals with detailed public profiles and introductory videos, which allows families to review the candidates before meeting them in person. To make the ongoing management of caregivers as seamless as possible, Kindly Care offers free iOS and Android apps that handle the scheduling, task lists, time sheets, daily reports, and messaging between clients and caregivers. The majority of Kindly Care services are free; clients only pay for payroll services and sourcing of caregivers. https://www.kindlycare.com/ Leon and Toby Cooperman This transformative gift to our community will provide significant income to meet vital Jewish needs locally, in Israel and overseas, through our Federations Annual Campaigns. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County President and CEO, Matthew C. Levin, has announced a magnanimous endowment gift of $10 million from Boca Raton residents and philanthropists Toby and Leon Cooperman. Mr. Cooperman is a Forbes 400 Member, Founder and Chairman of Omega Advisors, Inc. and Former Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs Asset Management. He and Mrs. Cooperman are prominent benefactors to an array of Jewish causes, as well as to human and health care services, education and health research. They have maintained their residence in St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton for nearly 20 years, and became full-time Florida residents in 2011. Toby and Leons vision and generosity have raised the bar with their shining example of extraordinary compassion and commitment to our Jewish community and our people, said Anne Jacobson, Federation Board Chair. We are grateful for their confidence in our Federations 37-year record of galvanizing this community to provide resources for vital programs and services when and where they are most needed. The Cooperman endowment through our Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation will have tremendous impact today, and be part of their legacy for generations to come. We are honored that they have chosen our community as their home. This transformative gift to our community will provide significant income to meet vital Jewish needs locally, in Israel and overseas, through our Federations Annual Campaigns, said Matthew C. Levin, Federation President and CEO. We are proud to be among the distinguished institutions through which Toby and Leon, renowned longtime leaders in Jewish philanthropy, have invested in the Jewish people. They have taken their place as the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach Countys single largest Annual Campaign donor, and as members of our prestigious Ketubah Society for cumulative giving. Revenue generated by the Cooperman gift will also provide considerable ongoing support to PJ Library of South Palm Beach County. Among the Coopermans many contributions to ensure future Jewish generations, they have been instrumental in bringing this renowned Jewish family outreach and engagement program to the local community. In honor of the couples generosity and commitment to South Palm Beach County, the new 650,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art luxury Continuing Care Retirement Community, for 450 seniors on 23.5 acres of the 100-acre Federation campus, has been named the Toby and Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences of Boca Raton. Sinai Residences offers its fortunate residents the most enriching senior lifestyle in the most beautiful setting, and we are proud to give our names to such a wonderful asset for our community, said Leon. Of course, we are delighted that our gift will help our Federation provide assistance to those in need now and in the future. As a planned Life Care community, Sinai Residences guarantees access to a seamless, top-quality continuum of care, with 234 independent living apartment homes, 48 assisted living apartments, 60 skilled nursing suites and 24 memory support studio suites. Seniors enjoy a blend of luxurious amenities and services amid independence and privacy, including hospitality, recreational, religious and social services, cultural and academic pursuits, fitness programs, and gourmet dining - amid all the Federations multigenerational campus has to offer. We are delighted to name Sinai Residences for such beloved neighbors and foremost philanthropists, said Wes Finch, Chair of the Board of Managers that governs Sinai Residences. Just as Sinai Residences is committed to caring for people as needed today and into their futures, the Cooperman gift will help our Federation sustain our community now and in the future. The names of Leon and Toby Cooperman are well-known by many Jewish, education, human services and medical nonprofits throughout the country. Proud of their heritage, they often cite their Jewish upbringing as the basis of their philanthropy by quoting the Talmud, "A mans net worth is measured not by what he earns, but rather what he gives away." The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County joins an array of major Cooperman beneficiaries including, in New Jersey, the Cooperman College Scholars Program, Cooperman Family Fund for a Jewish Future and St. Barnabas Hospital. They are also prominent supporters of their alma maters in New York City: Hunter College, where they met, and Columbia University, where Leon earned his MBA. Leon and Toby are signers of the Giving Pledge, initiated by Warren Buffett in an effort to help address societys most pressing problems by inviting the worlds wealthiest individuals and families to commit to giving more than half of their wealth to philanthropy. And last year, Leon was inducted into the Horatio Alger Society for having overcome his humble beginnings to achieve success on Wall Street and for his commitment to philanthropy and higher education. The fact that Toby and I are even candidates to make the Giving Pledge is a testimony to the American Dream, and we have a moral imperative to give others the opportunity to pursue the American Dream by sharing our financial success, said Leon, whose parents emigrated from Poland and raised him in a small apartment in the Bronx where he attended public schools. My father was a plumber who worked six days a week. His example shaped my work ethic and he showed me how to treat people. While I worked hard, I must say I had more than my share of good luck, said Leon. He joined Goldman Sachs the day after receiving his Columbia MBA, with a National Defense Education Act Student Loan to repay, no money in the bank and a six month old child to support. After 25 years of service, Leon Cooperman retired in 1991 from his positions as general partner of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs Asset Management in order to organize Omega. After raising their two sons, Toby worked for 35 years as a learning specialist, consultant and school administrator on behalf of neurologically impaired children. Learn more about the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation at http://www.jewishboca.org. For more information about living opportunities at the Toby and Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences of Boca Raton, visit http://www.sinairesidences.com. Vertical Solutions, an R.L. Nelson Company announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named to its 2016 Next-Gen 250 list. The annual list recognizes standout IT solution providers who have successfully transformed their businesses to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, unified communications, virtualization, mobility, business analytics and business intelligence. These solution providers, all in business for fewer than 20 years, have adapted to an evolving marketplace with a notable penchant for bringing key technologies to their clients before they become mainstream. Vertical Solutions provides in-depth expertise and delivers real business value. Private Cloud solutions from Vertical Solutions deliver IT as a service helping customers change the way organizations use technology to operate efficiently and securely. Being named to CRNs 2016 Next-Gen 250 list is especially rewarding because it recognizes our mission to constantly update our services so we can deliver tomorrows services. The solution providers on our Next-Gen 250 list are ahead of the curve when it comes to working with emerging technologies and building successful practice areas around them, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. These remarkably agile companies, both established enterprises and new ones, were among the first to architect innovative solutions to meet a brand new set of customer needs. We congratulate the honorees named to this exclusive list and look forward to seeing what other innovations they have in store. About Vertical Solutions Vertical Solutions is the partner organizations count on to stay up to date. By providing business management software integrated with the correct technology, deployed on premise or in the cloud our customers focus on their business, not their systems. Focused on Healthcare and Human Services, Vertical Solutions has over 30 years experience working with clients, not just for them. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and operates other offices in Philadelphia and Virginia. More information about Vertical Solutions can be found at http://www.verticalsol.com. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com Jon Henschen Looking at it from a public legal perspective, J-walking or speeding in your car would now be a felony. Jon Henschens most recent article featured November 11, 2016 on ThinkAdvisor, The Chilling Effect of an Over-Zealous FINRAs Gibbeting, discusses the trend hes witnessed over the last few years, where issues previously either not on FINRAs radar or considered minor issues are now not only a big deal but potentially a career ender for financial advisors. Henschen opens his discussion by comparing the medieval practice of gibbeting -- displaying the bodies of executed criminals in public to deter anyone from considering committing similar crimes to FINRAs metaphorical gibbeting through FINRA BrokerCheck and the media. Issues previously either not on FINRAs radar or considered minor, are now potential career enders. While pointing out that his intent is not to diminish the severity of legitimate wrongdoing such as embezzlement, forgery, churning or selling away, Henschen offers up a number of scenarios where FINRAs stepped up policing trickles down to the advisor. He notes, Looking at it from a public legal perspective, J-walking or speeding in your car would now be a felony. Henschen takes aim at Sen. Elizabeth Warrens statement in which she cited a February report by the National Bureau of Economic Research which, using BrokerCheck data, found that 12% of advisors have been accused of bad behavior and 7.7% have settled a claim or have been fined between 2005 and 2015. However, Henschens regular analysis of advisor compliance records to discern what is or is not problematic tells a different story. A sampling of compliance situations that, by recent FINRA standards, would likely qualify as bad behavior includes cases such as a broker-dealer paying off a smaller claim (which may be frivolous or motivated by an attempt to recoup market loss). A financial advisor who runs into credit issues that may arise from life events such as divorce, heath issues or adverse economic markets can result in a mark. Other issues resulting in a bad mark include termination from a broker-dealer, customer complaints that are dismissed, and single events resulting in multiple compliance marks. Henschen touches on each of these issues and provides examples based on his compliance records review. Henschen also discusses the DOLs impact on seasoned advisors as he observes that the additional paperwork and increasing numbers of rules and company policies imposed on advisors is leading many of them to seek an early retirement. A growing trend with our aging advisor force is that many advisors around the age of 60 who were once considering working until 65 or beyond are deciding to call it quits now. To illustrate the point, the article offers up An Advisor Job Description in Todays Heavy-handed FINRA Environment, which outlines a brutally honest picture of what life will be like for those new recruits thinking of entering the business. The Help Wanted Ad concludes with, This position will give you an outstanding opportunity to feel you are making positive changes for clients as you help them to buy their first home, finance their childrens education and save toward a comfortable retirement. However, that will be overshadowed by regulators and the media, who will make you out to be an opportunistic crook, scalping your clients with high fees or even worse, commission products. In concluding, Henschen notes that many in broker-dealer management miss the days of old when FINRA (back then, the NASD) was about working with the broker-dealer, consulting with them on how to comply and run their supervision efficiently to stay out of trouble. Now its all about how to find infractions and impose fines on broker-dealers and advisors. Read the full article at: http://henschenassoc.com/the-chilling-effect-of-an-over-zealous-finras-gibbeting/ Jon Henschen is President of Henschen & Associates, an independent broker-dealer recruiting firm located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Jon is a staunch advocate for independent financial advisors, and is widely sought after by both reps and broker dealers for his expertise and advice on independent broker dealer topics. He is frequently published and quoted in a variety of industry publications, including ThinkAdvisor, Investment Advisor Magazine, Wealth Management Magazine, Financial Advisor IQ, Financial Advisor Magazine, Investment News and others. Meekcoms has acted as an advisor in RV resorts and mobile home parks containing over 11,500 lots in Florida. Lee Meekcoms, managing partner of Clearwater, Florida-based Parkbridge Capital Group, a real estate investment advisor, assisted a California-based company in its first Florida acquisition. The 464-lot Whisper Creek RV Resort in LaBelle, Florida was purchased for $11,750,000. The buyer, Granite Whisper Creek, LLC, followed Meekcoms direction into this popular sector of the real estate investment market. The Seller was Whisper Creek, Inc., a private owner with the property as its sole asset. This investment for the Whisper Creek property was a significant opportunity, says Meekcoms. The resort is a high quality, desirable property, inland from Ft. Myers, in an area that is poised for substantial growth. The investors plan for the property is to maximize its cash flow while enhancing value by adding popular park-model homes (resort cottages) in the park. Meekcoms has acted as an advisor in RV resorts and mobile home parks containing over 11,500 lots in Florida. Whisper Creek is one of many that have sold this year. Carefree Communities 35 property Florida portfolio of RV resorts and mobile home parks sold to Sun Communities earlier this year, for $1.68 billion. Meekcoms states that these properties provide an affordable living environment to the tenants, while providing strong cash flows and growth of capital to the investor. The demand for these types of properties in the Sunshine State is nearly endless, states Meekcoms. He cites, as an example, a group of four parks that may find their way into the portfolio in the next several months. Significant investor interest in mobile home parks and RV parks continues to thrive into the foreseeable future. About Parkbridge Capital Group, LLC: Parkbridge Capital Group has secured quality real estate investments for its partners, affiliates and clients for over 25 years. Managing Partner, Lee Meekcoms has orchestrated more than 100 transactions involving mobile home parks, manufactured home communities and RV resorts, throughout the country, with a value of more than $1 billion. Meekcoms also serves as a managing partner in Parklane Real Estate Services, LLC, a property management firm located in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit http://www.parkbridgecapital.com and http://www.parklaneres.com. Inquiries: Investor Relations Parkbridge Capital Group 813-408-8008 info(at)parkbridgecapital(dot)com Tracking Marijuana Licenses The full Marijuana Licensing Reference Guide: 2017 Edition includes 143 pages, 40 tables and charts, 27 state snapshot reports, and a deep analysis of 10 areas where rules and regulations most significantly affect marijuana licenses and business growth Cannabiz Media with BVR (Business Valuation Resources) has released the Marijuana Licensing Reference Guide: 2017 Edition, which is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source for state-by-state marijuana licensing, covering the in-depth details of 27 states medical and recreational marijuana licensing programs. The information in this reference guide is based on data from the Cannabiz Media Database and primary sources including state laws, regulations, and administrative codes. The guide closely examines the factors that should be considered when owners and operators, investors, business professionals, financial experts, regulators, lobbyists, government officials, and others evaluate marijuana licenses in order to understand the opportunities and risks of the growing cannabis industry. The Cannabiz Media team researched reams of regulations and public documents to create this guide, and in some instances, we had to navigate through conflicting and erroneous information, explains Cannabiz Media Co-founder and Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Keating. What makes this reference guide unique is our teams intense focus on the nuances and details, so the individuals who need reliable information to make critical decisions can confidently assess the climate and business opportunities across jurisdictions. At the same time, the state-by-state profiles included in the guide provide a concise snapshot of each state. The full Marijuana Licensing Reference Guide: 2017 Edition includes 143 pages, 40 tables and charts, 27 state snapshot reports, and a deep analysis of 10 areas where rules and regulations most significantly affect marijuana licenses and business growth: Mandated operating license and financial structures Taxes and licensing fees Covered (and uncovered) conditions Caregiver and patient cultivation Access to minors Reciprocity among states Marketing regulations Product regulations Possession limits Local rules Based on these 10 areas, the Cannabiz Media team synthesized the diverse industry rules and regulations across the country into five key industry-wide factors that affect marijuana growth differently in each state where medical and/or recreational marijuana is available, says Keating. Those five factors are volatility, the trickle-down effect, innovation and growth, competition, and accessibility. We made an analysis of these five factors along with some of the data from the full reference guide available in a free overview report that anyone can download from the Cannabiz Media website. The 27 states marijuana programs that are analyzed in this reference guide are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington State. The Marijuana Licensing Reference Guide: 2017 Edition is available now in hard copy or digital format for $395 from http://www.cannabiz.media/guide. The free overview report can be downloaded at http://www.cannabiz.media/guide/overview. The Marijuana Licensing Reference Guide: 2017 Edition will officially launch at MBJIZCON in Las Vegas from November 15-18, 2016. Visit Cannabiz Media during the conference at Booth 2511 in the Seed Lab. Use the hashtag #MJBIZCON. About Cannabiz Media LLC Cannabiz Media is the most comprehensive source for U.S. marijuana licensing information acquiring and maintaining up-to-date data on over 10,000 marijuana licenses in the Cannabiz Media Database and the Cannabiz Media Directory. Led by a team of content and data experts with domain expertise in regulatory and corporate information, Cannabiz Media helps journalists, regulators, researchers, business people, and investors understand and confidently operate in the evolving U.S. marijuana marketplace. Marijuana industry stakeholders use the Cannabiz Media Database and Cannabiz Media Directory to easily access and make sense of the industry so they can make informed business, regulatory, and reporting decisions. For more information, visit http://www.cannabiz.media. About BVR Top business valuation firms depend on BVR for authoritative market data, continuing professional education, and expert opinion. Our customers include business appraisers, certified public accountants, M&A professionals, business brokers, lawyers and judges, private equity funds and venture capitalists, owners, and CFOs, among others. For more information, please visit http://www.bvresources.com. These are strategic hires for CloudMargin as we expand our North American operation and signal the next phase in our evolution as a global business. CloudMargin, an award-winning financial technology firm providing a cloud-based collateral management workflow tool, today announced it is continuing its rapid expansion into North America with the appointment of two more senior hires. Industry expert Kari Litzmann has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer whilst Martin Anderson, who will also be based in New York, has been appointed Senior Sales Executive. Kari Litzmann joins CloudMargin with more than 12 years of experience leading branding, marketing and design projects as a consultant, entrepreneur and marketing strategist. Many of her clients have been in the financial services industry, including J.P. Morgan and Nomura. In her most recent role as Marketing Strategy Lead at a large alternative investment firm, she led the go-to-market strategy for a first-of-its-kind SaaS-based technology for financial advisors. Miss Litzmann said of her appointment: From day one, I was drawn to the big vision, drive and energy of the CloudMargin team and I am extremely excited to help the CloudMargin community increase efficiencies and navigate regulatory uncertainty with our solution and content. Martin Anderson, who will be leading CloudMargins growth overseas, also commented: I am extremely excited about my new role at CloudMargin and I am thankful for the opportunity to join the team at a time when the market is demanding more intelligent solutions. CloudMargin is a game changing technology solution for collateral management and I look forward to growing our North American CloudMargin community; The larger the community, the greater benefit to all! Mr. Anderson joins CloudMargin with over 20 years of investment technology and sales experience, including eight years at a leading Trade Order Management and Compliance Software vendor. Prior to CloudMargin, Martin held senior positions at Thomson Financial, now Thomson Reuters, EMC2 and The LongView Group, now Linedata Services. Steve Husk, CEO of CloudMargin, stated: It is a great pleasure to see Kari and Martin join the CloudMargin team. These are strategic hires for CloudMargin as we expand our North American operation and signal the next phase in our evolution as a global business. Their combined knowledge and expertise in their respective fields will undoubtedly add to CloudMargins success in 2017 and beyond. About CloudMargin The new regulatory landscape is significantly impacting all users of collateral. CloudMargin has responded to these new industry trends by becoming the first cloud-based collateral management workflow tool aimed specifically at the buyside. This evolution in approach allows the buyside to meet their new, post-crisis objectives whilst bypassing many of the shortfalls of legacy, on-premise software and outsourced alternatives. There is no other solution available today that addresses the current and future challenges of collateral management like CloudMargin - for more information, please see http://www.cloudmargin.com MONKEY is the best catering software out there and will be extremely helpful with moving b.good forward. MonkeyMedia Software has signed an agreement with Boston-based b.good to implement MONKEY, the No. 1 cloud platform for takeout, delivery and catering. MONKEY is the leading technology tool that will be used to support b.good's strategic catering efforts moving forward. The software will launch throughout the 40+ unit chain comprised of mostly franchised units in United States and Canada. "MONKEY is the best catering software out there and will be extremely helpful with moving b.good forward," said Erin Childs, vice president of catering, b.good. "The software is exciting and is energizing to our whole catering department. And, implementation was seamless." The rollout of MONKEY across each b.good location is actively underway and is a big part of their growth strategy moving forward. With its innovative menu offerings of bowls, burgers, salads and smoothies, b.good is a leader in the fast casual space and will continue to expand over the coming years. "We are excited to grow the b.good catering platform as they expand into new markets," said Erle Dardick, founder, MonkeyMedia Software, The Catering Institute and Catering Insights. "As operators continue to fight for in-store restaurant sales, catering is one way they can add incremental and instrumental profits to their bottom line." The MONKEY platform is a comprehensive web-based solution for takeout, delivery and catering channels and includes: Online / Mobile-web/Phone-in Ordering for Catering, Delivery and Takeout Customer facing experience for online and mobile-web to match your online presence Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Enterprise Order Management Load balancing of orders Integrated Accounting - House Accounts, Manage A/R, Deposits, Credits, etc. Customer Case Management Catering Orders Production Management Catering Sales Team and Lead Management Tools Delivery Management Tools Advanced Delivery Management via Bringg Credit Card Gateway Interface to Credit Card Processor of choice POS Integration Enterprise and Local Restaurant Reporting Enterprise data warehouse Analytics dashboard Loyalty Partner interface Licensing support for United States Patent Nos. 6,384,850; 6,871,325, 6,982,733 and 8,146,077 About MonkeyMedia Software MonkeyMedia Software helps restaurant operators grow sales and increase profits by educating them to become experts at feeding their customers where they live, work and play. Using the turnkey Get Catering and Grow Sales! System, a toolkit for catering strategy, education and software, they work closely with each brands executive team to drive strategic alignment, provide education for team members, and deploy the #1 cloud-based software platform to support the takeout, delivery and catering channels. Learn more: http://www.monkeymediasoftware.com About b.good Based on the premise of real.food.fast, b.good serves a fresh and diverse menu that features bowls, salads, sandwiches, sides, smoothies and shakes. As a fast casual industry innovator, the company also runs the three-acre Hannah Farm on Boston's Long Island. Of the food grown at Hannah Farm, 75% goes to low-income families living in the area, with the other 25% going to local b.good restaurants. The company has nearly 40 locations in the U.S. and franchised locations in Canada and Switzerland. The Think Global Forum and Vistatec are delighted to announce the latest Technology Forum as part of the developing Think Global Forum community. Vistatec, Senior Vice President, New Business, Worldwide, Michele Smith and NetApp, Senior Director, Globalization Programs Strategy Office and Information Engineering, and Women in Localization Co-Founder, Anna N Schlegel will be launching the Technology Forum on Dec 7, 2016 at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel, San Francisco, California. The forum is part of the expanding Think Global Forum initiative, where leading experts within industry verticals (Technology, Travel, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Retail) come together to develop global thought leadership initiatives and outputs for specific sectors around the world. Michele Smith will chair the inaugural Technology Forum and will be joined by Anna N Schlegel who will be a forum executive along with other leaders from within the technology sector. Anna N Schlegel is the author of the recently published book Truly Global and a well respected senior industry leader who brings a wealth of experience in the globalization industry. Anna will be a keynote speaker at the launch event in addition to her role as a forum executive. Michele Smith commented on the launch of the Technology Forum We are really looking forward to launching the Think Global Forum for Technology in California in December. Palo Alto is known as a hub of tech giants and it was our number one choice when the Think Global Forum team were considering places to launch this exciting technology event. Other Forums launched by this initiative include, Think Global Forum Travel and Think Global Forum Manufacturing. This new Think Global Forum Technology event marks the third in the series of dedicated forums so far this year. The Think Global Forums for Life Sciences and Retail are to be launched in 2017. Each Forum has a dedicated group of industry leaders all of whom are senior executives in their respective companies. The Think Global Forum has some of the worlds leading companies, brands and people who are all part of this growing global community. When businesses around the world are considering going global, they need to have different cultures in mind and consider things from anothers perspective. The Think Global Forum for Technology is a super initiative as it brings people together from different areas of the same industry to discuss various aspects of technology, localization and globalization which is increasingly important across the world for all companies. Added Anna N Schlegel. To learn more about Think Global Forum - Technology visit http://www.thinkglobalforum.org About Michele Smith Michele, a leading localization executive, is Senior Vice President of New Business Development Worldwide at Vistatec. Her focus is on growth and innovation to help Vistatec further develop global clients. With over 15 years travel and hospitality industry experience, Michele has held a number of senior positions with companies such as United Airlines, Royal Caribbean International and Expedia. You can follow Michele @chelelife on twitter. About Anna N Schlegel Anna N Schlegel is a native of Catalunya, and the co-founder of Kenyas Imagine Educating Everyone and Women in Localization which was started in California. She has worked in globalization teams for over twenty years with firms including Cisco, VMware, Xerox, and NetApp and for two localization vendors as the CEO and general manager. Her work has been published on Forbes.com, Gala.com, Multilingual.com, and other research industry forums. Anna is a respected leader in the globalization community. She frequently delivers lectures, webinars, keynotes and round tables at universities, corporations, and other international organizations. She lives with her family in Santa Clara, California. You can follow Anna @annapapallona on twitter. About Think Global Forum The Think Global Forum is a body of industry professionals designed to provide insights and thought leadership in the context of the globalization of products and services around the world. With a strong interest in all things localization the forum is made up of industry thought leaders who can offer keen insights into the here and now and importantly the future. About Vistatec Vistatec has been supporting some of the worlds most iconic brands to optimize their global commercial potential since 1997. Vistatec is one of the worlds leading localization solutions providers headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with offices in Mountain View, California, USA. Media Contact Simon Hodgkins, Chief Marketing Officer, Vistatec events(at)vistatec(dot)com Representatives of six major US and international health professional associations released an International Policy Statement for Universal Use of Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm and Low Birthweight Infants (http://www.healthynewbornnetwork.org/resource/kmcjointstatement) at a press event held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, November 15. The event, timed to coincide with World Prematurity Day, aimed to call attention to the effectiveness of kangaroo mother care, or KMC, in improving health outcomes for premature and low birthweight babies. KMC refers to the practice of the mother (or other caretaker) carrying the newborn in early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact, and exclusive breastfeeding or feeding with breastmilk. According to UNICEF, complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death for children under age 5, killing more than 1 million each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued recommendations for the care of preterm infants in November 2015, providing guidance to countries seeking to reduce deaths and illness due to prematurity. Among the recommendations is use of KMC for infants weighing less than 2 kg. According to WHO, The benefits of KMC go beyond just mortality and morbidity and include improved breastfeeding practices and bonding between mother and baby. These are desired values with known health and social benefits for families, communities as a whole, health-service providers, and policymakers. Dr Bina Valsangkar, a pediatrician and newborn health advisor at Save the Children, said Research has shown that KMC can be beneficial to premature babies in all settings rich and poor. But uptake of the practice has been slow due to multiple barriers, including misperceptions among health professional communities that KMC is a lower quality option than incubator care. Guidance and endorsement from WHO, and a mounting body of evidence for the benefits of KMC are helpful starts in changing professional norms, but changing the perceptions and practices of highly trained health care providers has proved more challenging. Dr Sara Berkelhamer, speaking on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), said that health professional associations have an important role to play in ensuring the evidence for KMC is accurately interpreted and applied appropriately. Berkelhamer added that While the evidence alone may not always be enough for a health professional, endorsement from ones professional association can reassure them that the recommendation has been thoroughly vetted by their peers. The joint statement on KMC sets forth three basic principles. First, KMC offers benefits to premature newborns in all settings and income levels. Second, the decision to invest in KMC should be guided by the evidence of the benefit KMC may offer in a given setting. And finally, KMC is an effective and efficient complementary aspect of investing in and developing more advanced neonatal care which also includes attention to human resource needs and improved management of neonatal illnesses. KMC has an important role to play in all countries. It can be life-saving in low-resource settings and increase exclusive breastfeeding in high-income settings, said Dr C.N. Purandare, president of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), said in a statement. Dr Natalia Isaza, a neonatologist at Childrens National Health System in Washington, DC, leads a KMC program in the main hospitals Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We are finding reductions in parental anxiety, increased breastfeeding, greater parental engagement, and bonding not only for premature infants, but also for full term babies who need NICU care, she said. We are certainly seeing the benefits of KMC in our hospital and applaud AAP and other professional associations for this important endorsement, she added. We see our endorsement of this joint statement as an important first step, said Dr Carole Kenner, president and CEO of the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN). But we plan to do much more. We will share the statement with our membership, advocate for inclusion of KMC in national health policies, and support its inclusion in professional training programs. Kate McHugh, senior technical adviser in the Department of Global Outreach at the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), said, Advocating for KMC brings a dual benefit. For preterm and small babies, it enhances the chance of survival. For mothers and other family members, it increases their attachment to the new baby, leading to better care and family support post-hospitalization. Midwives, nurses, and other maternal-newborn care providers need education about KMC in order to become strong advocates for this form of care. To date the joint statement has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Other professional associations are expected to endorse the joint statement in the coming weeks. St. Johns Pleasant Valley Hospital and The Camarillo Chamber of Commerce announce the second annual Startup Weekend Ventura County (SWVC) April 21-23, 2017 at Rancho Campana High School in Camarillo. This years event will focus on big-data solutions for Healthcare and Agriculture. The inaugural Startup Weekend Ventura County in March 2016 focused on Internet of Things Innovations in healthcare and agriculture. More than 70 entrepreneurs generated 34 ideas that were presented to the distinguished panel of business leaders at the weekend event. RepWatch was selected the winner in the healthcare category and received a $10,000 award for use as seed money. One thing we learned from our first event is that subject matter expertise is crucial to the success of solution development, said Darren Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Dignity Health St. Johns Hospitals in Oxnard and Camarillo. This year we will connect entrepreneurs with intrapreneurs from healthcare and agriculture to provide context, identify needs, and create solutions, said Mr. Lee. The intrapreneurs will bring innovative ideas from their companies to SWVC and will team up with entrepreneurial engineers and business professionals. Collectively, they will work to create solutions and compete with other teams. Dignity Health St. Johns Hospitals and Ventura County Medical Center will participate as healthcare end-user sponsors and Limoneira and Bonipak will participate as agriculture end-user sponsors. We believe this level of cooperation between intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs in tackling problems and inefficiencies is unprecedented. We expect to see game-changing business and product ideas from SWVC 2017, added Martin Shum, an organizer of SWVC. The County of Ventura, City of Camarillo, and a host of other public sector agencies are contributing their expertise to this event. Eleven CEOs from companies in Ventura County will provide financial support and serve as mentors and judges. The School of Engineering from California State University Northridge (CSUN), California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo will be represented at Startup Weekend Ventura County as well as the Business Schools from California Lutheran University (CLU) and CSUCI. The successful collaboration between all the key stakeholders at last years SWVC sets the standard for another valuable outcome this year, said Gary Cushing, Chief Executive Officer of Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact: Dignity Health St. Johns Hospitals Rita OConnor rita.oconnor(at)DignityHealth.org Camarillo Chamber of Commerce Gary Cushing CEO(at)CamarilloChamber.org ### About Dignity Health St. Johns Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. Johns Regional Medical Center ------------------------------------ St. Johns Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. Johns Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/pleasantvalley and dignityhealth.org/stjohnsregional. Camarillo Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses, education and government with over 500 members that employ about 20,000 people in the Camarillo area. Startup Weekend is a 54-hour weekend event, during which entrepreneurs pitch ideas for new startup companies, form teams around those ideas, and work to develop a working prototype, demo, or presentation by Sunday evening. Startup Weekend has grown into an organization with a global presence. As of October 2016, Startup Weekend has reached 150 countries with over 2,900 events and 23,000 teams formed. Startup Weekend is run by Techstars, a mentorship-driven startup accelerator based in Boulder, CO. Jeanine Jones 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Welcomes Jeanine Jones to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10 HBW), the nation's leading insurance-backed structural warranty provider for new construction homes is proud to announce the relocation of Jeanine Jones to Dallas/Fort Worth. Jeanine Jones is the Regional Vice President for the Central Region for the New Home Division. Her move to Texas aligns with the companys focus on this high growth market; and provides additional support to builders and the existing and tenured Texas team of Builder Solution Specialists. In addition to her responsibility for Texas, she manages the Central Region which includes Colorado, the companys headquarters, Nebraska, Oklahoma and an additional 11 states. Jeanine joined 2-10 HBW to continue execution of the companys commitment to protecting home builders and their homeowners in Texas, stated Scott Cromie, CEO of 2-10 HBW. Her move to Texas gave her and us a great opportunity for our current builders and future customers to have strong, local leadership as the company has operated in Texas since 1983. 2-10 HBW offers a number of warranty products in Texas to builders, real estate professionals, and homeowners. The insurance-backed structural warranty offered by the company follows the Texas Association of Home Builders standards, and provides 10 years of coverage, including soil movement starting the day the home closes. Additional warranty offerings include a Home Warranty Service Agreement that protects the homes systems and appliances that occur from breakdowns due to normal wear and tear. Jones joined 2-10 HBW in March of 2016 and was initially located in Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the company, Jeanine spent 13 years in the title insurance industry, most recently with First American Title, holding various leadership positions including: VP Market Intelligence, VP Sales Operations, and National Account Manager, National Commercial Services, and Home Builder Division Sales. She attended the University of Idaho where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Finance, and later earned her MBA from the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine. Jeanine, her husband, their children, and two goldendoodles are getting settled in the city of Colleyville. About 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty For more than 36 years, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty has offered the most comprehensive warranty programs and products available. One out of every 7 new construction homes built in the United States includes a 2-10 HBW insurance-backed structural warranty. To protect the homes systems and appliances, a Home Warranty Service Agreement may assist homeowners with eligible repairs, even replacements, when a breakdown occurs. The insurance-backed warranty is only available to home builders, and the Home Warranty Service Agreement is available to builders, real estate professionals and homeowners. For more information about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, visit 2-10.com or call 877.777.1344. I am a physician, but I am not running for president to put a band-aid on our problems; I am running to solve them. Anoki Communications announces that Dr. Kesler Dalmacy, a Physician and Surgeon who has practiced medicine for decades in the State of New York, will re-enter the race for president of Haiti during the election of November 20, 2016. According to Lelio Francillon, a former classmate of the candidate, "Dr. Dalmacy re-entered the presidential race to implement new policies to reconstruct Haiti. Policies to make Haiti safer, to build Haitis infrastructures, to reduce the literacy gap among the citizens, policies to create jobs, improve health care, public health, and rebuild Haitis economy." In a Telephone interview conducted recently at his Kenscoff residence in Haiti, Dr. Dalmacy reflected on the on-going crisis of insecurity, insalubrities on the streets of the capital city, declining economy, lack of health care access and the anemic rate of job creation that have plagued the nation since its independence from France in 1804. When asked if he had any words of wisdom for the Haitian people before the election, this is what Dr. Dalmacy had to say: "People of Haiti, as we all know, Haiti is at a stand-still. We are a nation at war with ourselves, with nature, and with our future in a very demanding world. We have an endemic faltering economy, and over 10 million citizens living in despair and in poverty. After more than two centuries, and an election that was rigged a year ago, we have another opportunity for a new beginning on November 20, 2016." "Today, you can take the first step. After all the debates, and the rallies, and after all the controversies and events attributed to this campaign season are over, it comes down to this reality: Who is ready to be the president of Haiti, and who is ready to take the big challenges we now face?" "The good news is: We can solve those challenges. We can change the era of uncertainties, of insecurities, of insalubrity, and of unemployment. We can offer universal schooling to our sons and daughters. We can make a new beginning for our economy; we can change the era of ineffective and corrupt government. We can make a new beginning for health care." "I am a physician, but I am not running for president to put a band-aid on our problems; I am running to solve them, to change the outlook and future of every Haitian and of Haiti." "You have welcomed me in your villages and in your homes, and I thank you. The stories you shared with me will always stay with me: Parents joggling jobs to pay their rent, to send their children to school and to stay alive. Haitians who depend on the Diaspora to survive and make ends meet, always worrying that your loved one in the Diaspora might withdraw their assistance some day." "You, who cant find a job to support your family; Women and Young girls raped or assaulted by individuals from their own close circle; Men and women across Haiti who have whispered or discussed their problems with me, i.e. bills they cant pay, education they cant afford, parents they can no longer afford to care for, intruders occupying their properties, insecurities they have no control on, I am there for you all." "I know you have been waiting for a long time for a president who can hear you and see you, and I would like to be that president. So, I ask you to vote for me on Election Day. If you are in Haiti, get dress, go out and vote the # 71, which symbolizes a New Beginning for Haiti; if you are in Diaspora, call up a friend or family member and ask them to vote for me. Wherever you are, you can help change Haiti." "If you secure that vote for me and stand with me on Election Day, I will stand up for you every day as your president. I will work myself out with all that I am, and all that I have, with a team of capable and like minded individuals to bring the Haiti we all so love and cherish the new beginning it needs." "Thank you for your vote of confidence." "Together we can, and we will. "May God bless you all, and may God bless Haiti." The Haitian Presidential election of 2016 will be held in Haiti on 20 November 2016 for the first round. If elected, Dr. Dalmacy will be the second physician to preside over Haiti. The first physician president was Francois Duvalier, alias Papa Doc, who was elected to office in 1957. As a local homebuilder in the Fresno/Madera region, McCaffrey Homes has a legacy of giving back and is happy to be able to donate the furnishings before the holiday season to help Catholic Charities and support the good work they do within our community. McCaffrey Homes, a leading, third-generation family homebuilder based in Fresno, California, has donated two truckloads of beautiful model home furnishings to Catholic Charities of Fresno. This leading non-profit organization supports many important programs and services throughout the greater Fresno area. All of the donated items including furniture, pictures, accessories and decorative items were previously on display in McCaffrey Homes model homes in the Liberty Square neighborhood in northwest Fresno. Although that community is now sold out, the communitys model homes are for sale and McCaffrey Homes continues to build new homes in other desirable locations throughout the area. A vast array of exquisite furnishings will be available for sale including sofas, coffee tables, bedroom furniture, dining room tables and chairs, occasional chairs, lamps, bedding, accessories, artwork and more. New owners will enjoy them for years to come and the proceeds from the sale will support important programs and services that Catholic Charities delivers in the Fresno area. On behalf of everyone at Catholic Charities and the local families and people in need that we assist, I cant thank McCaffrey Homes enough for their continued support, said Kelly Lilles, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno. When I saw all of the amazing furniture that McCaffrey Homes donated to our Thrift Store, I couldnt believe my eyes added Lilles. This is a huge blessing for us and the people who come to us for services. All of us thank the McCaffrey family and their wonderful team at McCaffrey Homes for being one of our very valued partners in this amazing community. Each element of these model homes was chosen with great care and attention to detail by our award-winning model home design team, said Brent McCaffrey, president of McCaffrey Homes. As a local homebuilder in the Fresno/Madera region, McCaffrey Homes has a legacy of giving back and is happy to be able to donate the furnishings before the holiday season to help Catholic Charities and support the good work they do within our community, McCaffrey added. McCaffrey Homes previously donated model home furniture from its Heights at Loma Vista neighborhood in Clovis to Catholic Charities. The builder is also a sponsor of Catholic Charities 2016 Annual Turkey Drive, which will provide turkeys and meal boxes for Thanksgiving to more than 1,000 local families in need. For more information on Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno, please visit: http://www.ccdof.org/fresno-county/ McCaffrey Homes, a local family homebuilder, is dedicated to building homes that last a lifetime while meeting the needs of homebuyers at every stage of life. With three generations of experience, McCaffrey Homes has built more than 9,000 homes and has been honored nationally for the quality of its construction and service. In 2014, Robert and Karen McCaffrey were inducted into the Hall of Fame by the California Homebuilding Foundation recognizing their contribution to the homebuilding industry through their commitment to innovation, public service and philanthropy. McCaffrey Homes is building in The Gallery in Clovis, model homes are for sale at Liberty Square in Fresno and pre-sales have begun for Santerra at Riverstone, a new master-planned community in Madera. McCaffrey is also projected to break ground in 2017 on Tesoro Viejo, their own 1,600-acre master-planned community in Madera, which won the 2016 Outstanding Planning Award in Innovation in Green Community Planning. For more information, visit http://www.mccaffreyhomes.com/. TL Corporate According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of employer firms in the United States.* While these businesses frequently have travel needs, they typically do not maintain large travel budgets for fully-managed travel programs. To address this need, Travel Leaders Corporate a leader in business travel consulting, analytics and travel fulfillment today is formally announcing a new program designed especially for small businesses as part of its award-winning Travel Leaders CONNECT, which will provide a flexible and economical option that can quickly be implemented and remove the hassle of booking travel for this corporate segment. We know that small businesses have unique needs. They may not require the entire suite of services that large Travel Management Companies (TMCs) like Travel Leaders Corporate offer, but they do need an option for business travel that is cost-effective, service-oriented and easy, said Gabe Rizzi, Chief Sales Officer and President of Travel Leaders Corporate. With Travel Leaders CONNECT, they will have access to travel fulfillment services from any mobile device, with flexible and affordable pricing designed specifically for small businesses. Its like having a travel agent in your pocket at a fraction of the cost. As the latest iteration of what was formerly known as Travel Leaders Wire, Travel Leaders CONNECT is an award-winning communications platform that works across a variety of operating systems via SMS and is completely mobile-compatible. Small business customers will have a dedicated consultant to fully assist in the implementation. With a very short fulfilment window, Travel Leaders CONNECT can be fully implemented at a client level, and corporate travelers will be able to quickly and easily work with their corporate travel agent experts via text or chat to handle all their business travel needs. The added benefits include access to a level of Duty of Care that small businesses are not usually accustomed to, by having Travel Leaders Corporate providing real-time frequently critical travel updates, re-routing and rebooking when necessary, all through a direct mobile connection with each individual traveler. Using Travel Leaders CONNECT is as easy as sending a text; its not an app. Travel Leaders CONNECT is not only meeting a long-expressed need by small businesses, its also a service that takes care of each individual traveler from the initial stages of booking travel until they arrive home safely, Rizzi added. Were eager to serve the numerous small businesses across the United States with this intuitive offering. Through Travel Leaders CONNECT, they will enjoy the benefits of a fully-managed travel program while sticking within their budgets, using only the services they need, but more importantly it will make business travel easier. It will be incredibly valuable for small businesses by providing real time travel expense reporting and tracking for registered users. Many small businesses have highly variable business cycles and require flexible travel programs. Travel Leaders Corporate will offer these companies a scalable solution with a contract-free, monthly fee, so small businesses spend only what they need. By taking advantage of Travel Leaders Corporates award-winning Travel Leaders CONNECT, clients will have access to: Rapid Implementation Experienced implementation managers work with clients to enable full access to the program in five business days. Profile Portal This allows business travelers to store contact information, travel preferences, and loyalty numbers. Corporate Travel Agents Instantly have access to corporate travel agent experts via text or chat to make travel arrangements or changes. End-to-End Mobile Travel Management Real-time alerts such as disruption notifications for cancelled flights and itinerary changes, along with re-accommodation when necessary, is provided with no waiting online or on hold. Scalable Pricing Cost is based on a flat fee, not the volume of transactions, and is contract-free. Increased Data Visibility By utilizing Travel Leaders CONNECT, Travel Leaders Corporate can assist clients in tracking travel expenditures, targeting savings and delivering real ROI on their travel spend. For more information on Travel Leaders Corporates award-winning Travel Leaders CONNECT or to take advantage of its personalized service and cutting-edge corporate business travel solutions that provide a complete travel enrichment experience, email partnerships(at)tlcorporate.com or call 877-404-4173. ### Travel Leaders Corporate is part of Travel Leaders Group, which is the highest ranking American travel management company in Business Travel News Business Travel Survey 2016, and has annual sales of $21 billion. Travel Leaders Corporates three service offerings Travel Fulfillment, Travel Consulting and Meetings Management which can be used independently or combined for maximum results. At Travel Leaders Corporate, each client is served by a dedicated team of U.S.-based agents assigned to each account. With a reputation built on reliability and a commitment to excellence, Travel Leaders Corporate offers its clients industry-leading products and services, and continuously seeks higher levels of performance. Headquartered in Miami, FL, and with employees in more than 120 cities across the United States, Travel Leaders Corporate is a forward-thinking, innovative company with a focus on continually improving the customer experience. http://www.tlcorporate.com November 17, 2016 is Prematurity Awareness Day We wanted to help a special family create a beautiful nursery for their newborn daughter. Kolcraft Enterprises, a third-generation family-owned baby product manufacturer based in Chicago, has made supporting families the cornerstone of its business model since its founding in 1946. In that spirit, Kolcraft has proudly partnered with the March of Dimes Illinois in their efforts to support families affected by pre-term birth. As the company marked its 70th anniversary this year, Kolcraft partnered with a local hospital to gift a deserving family impacted by the March of Dimes mission with a special nursery, launching the For the Love of Family Nursery Project. 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year in the United States. On April 26, 2016 Stephanie Mendez was born nearly 3 months before her due date weighing just 1 lb. 7 oz. Between hospital visits and juggling new responsibilities, her parents Denise and Luis did not have time to put a nursery together before Stephanie came home from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Kolcraft connected with the Mendez family through Advocate Health Care and surprised the family with a fully furnished nursery for baby Stephanie to call her own. Advocate Childrens Hospital and the March of Dimes have a shared vision for caring for premature babies and their families, Mike Farrell, President, Advocate Childrens Hospital, says. So often families who are suddenly faced with an unexpectedly premature birth have little time to prepare their homes for their babies. We could not be more pleased for the Mendez family. Kolcrafts Facebook fans were able to share in the design by voting for nursery essentials and Kolcrafts nursery team worked closely with the Mendez family to create a theme that reflected the familys taste and vision. The Mendez familys touching story and the nursery build was captured on a heartwarming video. As a company dedicated to families for 70 years with a strong partnership with March of Dimes, we really wanted to reach out to a family, share their story, and fulfill a dream to bring their baby home to a safe and beautiful nursery says Tom Koltun, President of Kolcraft. We are thrilled to have been connected to the Mendez familywho has shown so much bravery and resiliencein order to create a special place for their new arrival. U.S. Military on the Move Dennis Realty & Investment Corp. has expanded its service offerings to military personnel through its participation in Leading Real Estate Companies of the Worlds U.S. Military on the Move program.The program was created to provide active duty, retired, and wounded warriors with special benefits on real estate services, including a real estate credit at closing in states where allowed by law. Many of our member real estate firms are based in areas that have a high concentration of active duty or retired military personnel, notes Pam OConnor, LeadingRE president/CEO. We created U.S. Military on the Move to make it easy for those who serve our country to connect with these market-leading real estate professionals committed to delivering premier service to military personnel, while also allowing these service men and women to benefit financially from special rebates and pricing on other value-added services. Dennis Realty & Investment Corp. is the local representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the largest network of 500+ premier locally-branded firms producing $235 billion in annual home sales in the U.S. Dennis Realty was selected for membership in LeadingRE, which recruits only the best among locally- and regionally-branded firms. As a member of this global network, Dennis Realty can assist home buyers and sellers worldwide and can access LeadingREs full range of brokerage services, including lead generation, branding support, luxury marketing, web exposure, technology systems, and state of the art learning and credentialing. For more information on U.S. Military on the Move, visit http://www.USMilitaryOnTheMove.com or Email MilitaryOnTheMove(at)DennisRealty(dot)com. About Dennis Realty & Investment Corp. Dennis Realty and Investment Corporations Main office is located at 1022 Land O Lakes Blvd., Lutz, Florida 33549 and our Hernando County office is located at 3263 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, Florida 34607. Dennis Realty has been in business since 1973. Dennis Realty specializes in residential real estate brokerage as well as residential property management with Dennis Property Management http://www.DennisRealtyRentals.com. As the most prominent office in their local markets their agents and staff are also actively involved in several local charities via http://www.DennisRealtyCares.com. Dennis Realty also has agents who specialize in Commercial Real Estate, Business Brokerage and Commercial Property Management. For more information regarding our listings, agents and services offered go to http://www.DennisRealty.com. About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (http://www.LeadingRE.com) is the largest network of top independent local and regional brand-name brokerage firms in the residential sector of real estate. The 500+ firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World are represented by 4,600 offices and 140,000 associates in more than 30 countries worldwide. The organization's leadership is demonstrated by the fact that its affiliates comprise 13 of the top 25 real estate companies in the country. Collectively, LeadingRE affiliates produced over 900,000 home sales valued at $235 billion in the U.S. in 2011. In addition, LeadingRE locally-branded affiliates hold the Number One position in sales in 40 of the top markets in the U.S., more than any national franchise organization. For complete information on LeadingRE statistics, visit https://www.leadingre.com/aboutus/. On November 18, 2016, the Dreamland Ballroom will host its 7th Annual Dancing into Dreamland dance competition and fundraiser. The annual fundraiser is to generate funds for improvements and renovations to the historic 100-year-old building located at 800 West Ninth Street. The current fundraising campaign is to make Taborian Hall accessible to all by installing an elevator which would be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The non-profit group, The Friends of Dreamland needs more than $700,000 to achieve their goal to have an addition and elevator added to the century old historic site. This years fundraiser will begin at 7 pm and last until 10 pm. Celebrity judges will choose the overall winner of the dance competition while patrons will vote for their favorite dancers to receive the Peoples Choice Award by text vote. A silent auction will have unique items up for grabs during the event. Guests will enjoy hors doeuvres along with drinks and an hour long free dance will be open for any and all guests to cut a rug. This years special appearance is by Amy Garland. The Dreamland Ballroom is housed on the third floor of Taborian Hall built in 1916. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and hosted such musical legends as Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong. Louis Jordan, Redd Foxx and a host of other legendary artists throughout the years. In the 1970s through the 1980s the building fell into disrepair and was rescued in 1991 by Arkansas FlagandBanner.coms owner Kerry McCoy. The Friends of Dreamland non-profit was formed in 2009 and has been working to save and restore this piece of Little Rocks cultural history ever since. A feature documentary is set for tentative release in 2017. The film was directed by Gabe Mayhan and produced by Tanisha Jo Smith with funding from the Public Broadcasting Corporation and the Arkansas Educational Television Networks. The Friends of Dreamland invite the public to attend; general admission tickets are available for $69 or entire tables beside the dance floor are available. Patrons can order tickets online at http://www.dreamlandballroom.com/did2016.html. Dress in party attire the night of the event. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 18 at 800 West 9th Street, Little Rock, Ark. Entrance is on the State Street side of the building. The Friends of Dreamland is a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit [http://www.dreamlandballroom.org or call 501.255.5700 for details. Oyster Harbors Marine Wins Regulator Marines Dealership of the Year Award "They've [Oyster Harbors Marine] won this award seven times now as they continue to spread the love of Regulator in the Northeast." -Regulator President and Co-founder Joan Maxwell. Regulator Marine, manufacturers of the finest in offshore sportfishing boats, hosted its annual "Regulator Marine University" (RMU) event in Edenton, during which it named Oyster Harbors Marine the 2016 Dealership of the Year for its winning sales record. Regulator dealers from around the world attended the three-day event created to equip Regulator's domestic and international sales teams with valuable tools and product knowledge, as well as salute the achievements of their dealers. Oyster Harbors Marine was one of our first dealers, joining the Regulator team in 1995 and helping to build our reputation among a dedicated fan base, said Regulator President and Co-founder Joan Maxwell. "Theyve won this award seven times now as they continue to spread the love of Regulator in the Northeast. We are just thrilled to honor them again for the 2016 model year! Regulator is a company that has maintained its integrity since day one and truly listens to its dealers, said Oyster Harbors Marine Principal Peter Maryott. To this day, we are treated like we were when there were only two or three dealerships in the country a true testament to the way Regulator operates. We are proud to be Dealership of the Year, but we can only do that because of the product, which boasts pristine quality and is a perfect fit for our New England clientele. Oyster Harbors Marine is continuing its exemplary results into Regulators 2017 model year with strong sales of the all-new Regulator 31, which has proven to be an immediate success since its launch this summer. For more information on Regulator Marine, visit http://www.regulatormarine.com or join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information about Oyster Harbors Marine, visit http://www.oysterharborsmarine.com. ### About Regulator Marine: Born and built to last in Edenton, North Carolina, Regulator boats are tested against the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks, and delivered to locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. As manufacturers of premiere fishing boats ranging from the Regulator 23 to the Regulator 41, as well as custom patrol boats and stand outs like the Indestructible Queen Bee a 26-foot boat that survived a 3-year, 3,500-mile unmanned trans-Atlantic journey Regulator delivers American-made craftsmanship like no other. Regulators are designed and engineered for the most discriminating anglers in the world with a no-compromise philosophy for a Legendary Ride. http://www.regulatormarine.com Media Contacts: Carrie Waible/CW&Co. at carrie(at)cwandco(dot)com or 646.532.6730 Aurelie Krakowsky/CW&Co. at aurelie(at)cwandco(dot)com or 646.532.6728 We are very excited to partner with Paul Rodriguez and his team at NSC. The folks at NSC have built a fantastic platform and we are looking forward to working with them to achieve industry-leading growth." White Wolf Capital LLC (White Wolf) is pleased to announce a recapitalization of NSC Technologies (NSC) establishing a partnership between NSCs management team and White Wolf. Boxwood Partners LLC (Boxwood) served as the exclusive financial advisor to NSC. Details of the transaction were not disclosed. Elie Azar, Managing Director of White Wolf, noted, We are very excited to partner with Paul Rodriguez and his team at NSC. The folks at NSC have built a fantastic platform and we are looking forward to working with them to achieve industry-leading growth. In addition to focusing on organic growth opportunities, this partnership will provide NSC with access to additional capital and resources to accelerate M&A initiatives. Paul Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of NSC, commented, Over the 16 years since I founded NSC we became a trusted supplier of staffing solutions for the global marine, energy, commercial, and industrial sectors. For several years I have been looking for the right partner to help us become the undisputed industry leader in innovation, customer service, scope, flexibility, and value creation for our customers. I have found that partner in White Wolf. The White Wolf team brings the breadth and depth of strategic, operational, business development, and financial know-how needed to achieve exponential growth with uncompromising customer service. The NSC team could not be more excited about this new partnership. About NSC NSC specializes in staffing and workforce management solutions for a wide range of industries including: defense, marine, energy and industrial markets. NSCs staffing experts identify top technical professionals and craftsman who are reliable, verifiably skilled and safety-minded to support customers as direct hire or contingent employees. For further information, please visit: http://www.nsc-tech.com. About Boxwood Boxwood is a leading middle market investment banking firm that is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Boxwood provides strategic sell-side, buy-side, and capital raising services to both public and private (owner-operator and closely-held) businesses throughout the middle market. In addition, the firm also provides corporate finance and pre-sale consulting services. Boxwood combines a unique blend of senior-level transaction advisory and proven process execution skills to give its clients a distinct advantage in the market. Moreover, Boxwoods team has extensive operating experience which makes the firm uniquely qualified to assist its clients navigate the challenges and opportunities of todays global business environment. The firm's extensive relationships within the global finance communities (including U.S. and international private equity groups, corporations, hedge funds, and lenders) and other important transaction-related service providers such as consultants, attorneys, and accountants ensure that the firm's clients receive the attention, service, and results they deserve. For further information, please visit: http://www.boxwoodpartnersllc.com. About White Wolf White Wolf is a private investment firm that began operations in late 2011 and is focused on management buyouts, recapitalizations and investments in leading middle market companies. In general, White Wolf seeks both mezzanine and private equity investment opportunities in companies that are headquartered in North America with $10 million to $100 million in revenues and up to $10 million in EBITDA. Preferred industries include: manufacturing, business services, information technology, security, aerospace and defense. For further information, please visit: http://www.whitewolfcapital.com. InforcePRO CEO Paul Winandy Were very pleased to have a leader of Pauls experience and caliber join the InforcePRO team as we continue to grow the InforcePRO footprint across the Life Insurance industry. InforcePRO, a leading provider of online policy management software for life insurance, today announced Paul Winandy as its new CEO. The Austin-based start-up pioneered the use of cloud technology and data analytics in the life insurance industry, and its web-based solution is now used by insurance professionals across the US and Canada. InforcePRO enables agents and brokers to actively manage all their in-force policies with ease, resulting in the trifecta of improved client satisfaction, increased team productivity and the ability to uncover new resell revenue opportunities. On the heels of its recent launch of InforcePRO for Universal Life and the continued development of its ground-breaking solution, Winandy joins the team to lead the company into its next stage of growth. In his most recent role as CEO of WebPT, Winandy guided the company over a six year period from infancy to its current position as the leading electronic medical record solution for physical therapists, serving over 9000 therapy clinics. Winandy now brings his 30 years of experience in leading early stage technology companies to InforcePRO. InforcePRO is at an exciting point in its history, said Paul Winandy, CEO of InforcePRO. Having proven the value of its solution to insurance professionals, the company is now poised to move into the mainstream and Im delighted to join the team for this part of the journey. Were very pleased to have a leader of Pauls experience and caliber join the InforcePRO team as we continue to grow the InforcePRO footprint across the Life Insurance industry. said Venu Shamapant, board member of InforcePRO and general partner at LiveOak Venture Partners. Winandy replaces co-founder Cameron Jacox who launched InforcePRO in 2010 and served as CEO from 2015 to 2016. Over the course of his 30-year career, Winandy has been an executive leader, business advisor and investor. With a diverse combination of skills across sales, marketing, software development, financial management and operations, he has built award-winning, cross-functional teams and led five start-ups through extended periods of hyper-growth. Four of those companies (WebPT, SkillSurvey, Khimetrics, and Solutions Consulting) have appeared on the prestigious Inc. 500/5000 list of the nations fastest-growing companies. About InforcePRO InforcePRO is a breakthrough cloud-based life insurance policy management solution that has been developed by insurance and technology experts who are passionate about how technology and data analytics can dramatically raise the bar for the life insurance industry for policyholders, agents, brokers and carriers. The Austin-based, venture backed start-up is the only post-issue life insurance software company in the market that manages millions of policies for hundreds of distributors, financial institutions, and carriers. By putting policyholders first, InforcePRO is leading the industry to foster more robust and profitable policyholder relationships, while driving game-changing, technology-led efficiencies. http://www.inforcepro.com Media Contact: Rick Stevens Rick(at)inforcepro(dot)com 888-433-2254 This new partnership enables Linux Academy to extend its vast library of training content and subject expertise to Visual Studio program members. Linux Academy, the foremost online Linux and cloud training platform and community, today announced a partnership with Microsofts Visual Studio Dev Essentials program to offer developers free tools and training. Through this partnership, the first 25,000 Visual Studio Dev Essentials members to activate will each receive Azure training as part of a three-month, all-access membership from Linux Academy. Linux Academy will award the next 25,000 program members two-month, all access memberships. Linux Academy is dedicated to providing high-quality, certification-based training to help people find or progress within careers in high demand segments of the technology industry, including Azure, cloud, and big data, said Anthony James, CEO, Linux Academy. This new partnership enables Linux Academy to extend its vast library of training content and subject expertise to Visual Studio program members. Linux Academy redefines continuing education for todays IT business professional. Through self-paced courses, hands-on server labs, personal access to expert instructors and an ever-growing learning library, Linux Academy caters to beginners and experts alike. With more than 2,500 videos, Linux Academy offers hundreds of hours of expert-curated video course material. Courses are engineered to go beyond simply preparing students for certifications, theyre designed to truly prepare students to advance in Linux and cloud careers. Course instructors and content curators are constantly creating lessons based on industry trends, new releases and the demand of the community. Coupled with the subscription model, users are granted unlimited access to all current and future courses, as well as Linux Academy labs and hands-on learning tools. More than 82,000 aspiring and expert engineers have developed new skills with Linux Academy training courses. Linux Academy is excited for members of the Visual Studio Dev Essentials program to join companies such as Rackspace, the Associated Press, MailChimp, Asurion, Media Temple and many others who are already active in the Linux Academy Community. To learn more about Microsofts Visual Studio Dev Essentials program visit http://www.visualstudio.com/dev-essentials. About Linux Academy Linux Academy redefines continuing education for todays IT business professional. Through self-paced courses, hands-on server labs, personal access to expert instructors and an ever-growing learning library, Linux Academy caters to beginners and experts alike. Courses are geared toward certifications in Linux, AWS, OpenStack, DevOps, Azure and Big Data, offering content that digs deeper to answer nuanced challenges of the latest emerging technologies. Linux Academy provides more value per dollar than any other IT training program. To enroll or to explore enterprise tools and group rates, visit: https://linuxacademy.com/ Left to right: Nadia Sharma, Rhodora De Leon, Lavinia Awosanya, Food Bank of South Jersey, Director of Strategic Partnerships, and Tanya Evans. Andrews Federal recently donated $2,500 to purchase meals for Viva South Jersey, the Food Bank of South Jerseys annual fundraising gala. The event goes a long way in generating funds to serve nearly 200,000 food-insecure South Jersey families from Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties. The Credit Unions donation helped purchase 12,500 meals for food-insecure children. Additionally, staff from the New Jersey region volunteered their time to pack and distribute the food. We are always excited to give back to the communities we serve, said Christina Nixon, Burlington Branch Manager. This time of year is tough on so many families. It feels good to be able to help out as much as possible. About Food Bank of South Jersey The Food Bank of South Jersey exists to provide an immediate solution to the urgent problem of hunger by providing food to needy people, teaching them to eat nutritiously, and helping them to find sustainable ways to improve their lives. About Andrews Federal Credit Union Andrews Federal Credit Union was founded in 1948 to serve the needs of military and civilian personnel by providing a vast array of financial products and services. With over $1 billion in assets, Andrews Federal has grown to serve more than 117,000 members in the District of Columbia, Joint Base Andrews (MD), Springfield, Virginia (VA), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (NJ), and military installations in central Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition, the Credit Union serves as a financial partner with many select employee groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. To learn more about Andrews Federal Credit Union and its community involvement, or to become a member, call 800.487.5500 or visit http://www.andrewsfcu.org. The annual stamp show CHICAGOPEX takes place Nov. 18-20, 2016, at the Westin Chicago Northwest, 400 Park Blvd., Itasca, Ill. In addition to hobby-related attractions, attendees enjoy free admission, free parking and complimentary stamps for kids. 2016 marks the 130th year of the Chicago Philatelic Society (CPS), whose show committee has organized the event. CPS began in 1886, the same year as the national organization, the American Philatelic Society (APS), which is sending several staff members to serve as representatives at the show. CPS holds the distinction of being chapter no. 1 of APS, which today has hundreds of chapters and affiliates nationwide. CPS will hold its monthly meeting at the show on 1 p.m. Saturday. The meeting is open to the public. Chicagopex 2016 features numerous society meetings and a book signing among its special events. Husband-and-wife team of authors Jack and Carol Yao will appear Saturday afternoon to sign copies of their book: Yaos Catalogue of Worldwide Reply Coupons. They will also have copies for sale. The 130th Annual Philatelic Exhibition features the following meetings (all at no cost and open to the public): Scandinavian Collectors Club 10 a.m. Saturday Military Postal History Society 11 a.m. Saturday American Air Mail Society 11 a.m. Saturday Germany Philatelic Society Chapter #5 2 p.m. Saturday USPCS Banknote Study Group 2 p.m. Saturday Illinois Postal History Society 11 a.m. Sunday Many of these groups feature expert, guest speakers giving talks open to the public. The full schedule will appear in the show program, which will be available at the hospitality desk in the hotels atrium. This years show theme is Celebrating 60 Years of Europa Stamps. Special souvenir show cachets and cancellation will be available for all three days of the show. Two societies are holding conventions at CHICAGOPEX 2016: Scandinavian Collectors Club and the American Air Mail Society. There will be 290 frames of philatelic material on display with something of interest for all attendees. 2016 also marks the 50th anniversary of the philatelic literature competition with the books and other materials on display. CHICAGOPEX is also serving as a test site for electronic literature such as websites, blogs and online articles. The show bourse will feature 75 dealers from the United States and Europe. They will offer a vast array of material to interest everyone: from the beginning collector to the advanced collector and exhibitor. The U.S. Postal Service and the U.N. Postal Administration will also attend. The show includes a Regency-Superior auction and a youth booth with complimentary stamps. CPS member Andrew Oleksiuk will be operating the booth, which may include videos and other interactive elements from Stamps for Kids. Attendees are asked to contact the hotel to make reservations and to mention CHICAGOPEX for the special room rate. Show hours are: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ### About Chicago Philatelic Society (CPS): Organized Oct. 8, 1886, continuing the Chicago Stamp Collectors Union, which was organized in Dec. 1884. CPS is chapter no.1 of the American Philatelic Society and one of two organizations with the longest uninterrupted service to philately in the United States. Each month, CPS holds meetings on the third Thursday in downtown Chicago at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State St.) in meeting room 3N-6. Meetings run 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and usually include a philatelic presentation and society business. All are welcome. Many speakers are advanced collectors who share insights on exciting stamp and postal history subjects. Members also attend a Dutch-treat dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Berghoff (17 W. Adams St.). Follow CPS on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicagopex Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chicagopex Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/b/103847335491898782053/ Datamark LOGO We are excited to establish a presence in Mumbai, a thriving city considering the financial and commercial capital of India. DATAMARK, Inc., a provider of outsourced business services, including contact center services, is proud to announce the opening of a new facility in Mumbai, India. With the opening of the Mumbai site, DATAMARK now has two business process outsourcing (BPO) locations in India. The company has provided BPO services at its facility in Chennai since 2005, operating as a DATAMARK majority-owned joint venture. The new facility in Mumbai will be the first India site 100 percent owned and operated by DATAMARK. We are excited to establish a presence in Mumbai, a thriving city considering the financial and commercial capital of India, said Raul Avila, DATAMARKs Director of Farshore Operations. The new site will benefit our worldwide clients with around-the-clock service. Additionally, it is an excellent location for delivering contact center supportthis economic hub is perfect for recruiting and retaining highly educated and experienced customer service agents. The Mumbai site will provide backup and redundancy for DATAMARKs worldwide operations, and offers sufficient facility space to accommodate DATAMARKs future growth. The Mumbai location currently employs150 data entry staff. DATAMARK expects to increase staffing levels to 700 over the next three years as its outsourced contact center operations expand. About DATAMARK DATAMARK, Inc. is a leading business process outsourcing company specializing in high-volume digital mailroom management, document processing/document management, contact center services, and process improvement consulting for Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises. Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, DATAMARK employs nearly 2,000 people in its U.S., Mexico and India facilities. For more information, visit http://www.datamark.net or contact Marketing Manager Martin Rocha at info(at)datamark(dot)net. Brian Feucht Brian Feucht is an innovator, a leader, and a proven revenue generator. We at ConnectAndSell look forward to adding the powerful benefit of Brians input, expertise, and guidance to our enterprise. Chris Beall, CEO of ConnectAndSell, Inc., announced today that Brian Feucht, Chief Revenue Officer of Predicta, Inc., will join ConnectAndSells board of directors. Beall said, Ive known Brian professionally for almost 20 years and am looking forward to having him bring his keen business sense and problem-solving skills to ConnectAndSell in order to pursue this huge market opportunity. Feucht joined San Franciscobased Predicta in July 2016. An Alaskan resident, Feucht previously performed a tour of duty as a Marine, was a former CIO and CEO of Hire Quality, and played several critical roles for a number of high-tech companies, including Alaska-based national market companies Recreational Data Services, Unique-Wire, and more. Shawn McLaren, ConnectAndSells Founder and Executive Chairman, welcomes Feucht enthusiastically to the team. Brian Feicht is an innovator, a leader, and a proven revenue generator. I feel fortunate to have him join our board, bringing his many connections to technology, manufacturing, and private equity. We at ConnectAndSell look forward to adding the powerful benefit of Brians input, expertise, and guidance to our enterprise. # # # ABOUT ConnectAndSell ConnectAndSell, Inc., a Silicon Valleybased corporation established in 2007, has developed the worlds only patented sales-acceleration technology. They have been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the 10 Innovative Companies to Watch in 2016 and by Inc. Magazines online publication in its list of 18 Tech Companies to Get Excited About (March 31, 2016). ConnectAndSell has made more than 70 million dials and delivered over three million conversations to more than 1,000 B2B customers, ranging from aggressive startups to the most established enterprises. For more information about ConnectAndSell, call 888-240-7737 or visit connectandsell.com. It is very important for us to add the right people to our growing teams, and the process is highly selective. We have added outstanding talent in every seat at the company," Tracey Halvorsen, chief visionary officer at Fastspot. Senior talent in user experience and marketing have joined the agency to deepen Fastspots product offering and elevate its brand. A director of design has been named from an internal candidate, and an additional developer, user experience designer and project manager have been added. Anne Petersen, Fastspots new director of user experience, brings over 12 years of creating holistic strategies centered on the experiences of users who need technology to work for their benefit. Her work spans user research, roadmaps, content strategy and collaborative workshops with clients. Petersen graduated from Beloit College and holds an MFA from Penn State University. Julie Higgins, in the newly created role of director of marketing and communications, brings communications and marketing expertise to Fastspot from a variety of industries, including tech. A veteran of the communications and marketing divisions of Blackboard, Levi Strauss & Co., Gymboree and Fleishman-Hillard, Higgins is focused on extending Fastspots brand reach into new markets and offering communications services to clients. Higgins earned a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Yianni Mathioudakis has been promoted to director of design at Fastspot after ten years at the agency. Mathioudakis specializes in concept development, usability, interface design, and content visualization and has made beautiful work for George Washingtons Mount Vernon and the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Mathioudakis earned a BFA in graphic design from Maryland Institute College of Art. Mathioudakis will continue to report to Curt Kotula, Fastspots creative director. Lucas Roe, Fastspots new user experience designer, joined Fastspot from Columbia-based ACGI Software, where he was the lead user experience (UX) designer. Prior to that, Roe worked for No.inc and R2I in Baltimore as a UX designer. Roe graduated from Towson University with a BS in graphic design. He is heavily involved in local UX meet-ups in Baltimore. Bryan Stoner, Fastspots new developer, comes to Fastspot from Idfive, where he was a front-end web developer. Prior to that, Stoner was at Finalsite as a front-end developer until they merged with Silverpoint, where Stoner met Fastspot's Nick Hall and Scott Opirhory. Stoner came to web development via the University of Maryland Baltimore County college career fair, where he obtained a BS in Information Systems. Abigail Pendergrass, Fastspots new project manager, brings account management experience to Fastspot from her days at Waybetter Marketing, the Baltimore Museum of Industry and management consulting firm Ciotek. Pendergrass graduated from University of Maryland Baltimore City and completed her MBA while studying abroad in the UK. Organizations partner with Fastspot for the powerful blend of great design and user-focused interactive strategy, along with our highly collaborative approach to digital communications, said Tracey Halvorsen, chief visionary officer and co-founder at Fastspot. It is very important for us to add the right people to our growing teams, and the process is highly selective. We value the trust our clients put in us to deliver amazing results, and we need outstanding talent in every seat at the company." Fastspot specializes in large-scale web-based strategy, design and development for higher education, cultural organizations, health care and financial services organizations. For more information about Fastspot, please visit Fastspot or follow us on Twitter at Fastspot, and on Facebook. Interactive digital agency Fastspot was founded in 2001. The company has helped build numerous brands, including the Walters Art Museum, Bucknell University, George Washingtons Mount Vernon, Kenyon College and the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Fastspots work is consistently present in prestigious award programs, such as the Webbys, the CASE Awards and the W3 Awards. Fastspot combines a high level of creativity with an unparalleled level of user experience focus, and a skill set within interactive technologies which delivers work that delights, nails business objectives and is sustainable. ReloQuest Founder, Darin Karp Karp Stated, Because the EMMAs are independently judged by a panel of global mobility professionals, it's especially rewarding to win the Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility, confirming we have made a difference. The ReloQuest universal platform wins Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility at The FEM Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) held in London. The Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM), is one of the most respected organizations for global mobility professionals. Over 530 industry leaders attended the black-tie ceremony to celebrate colleagues success in the mobility industry. The ReloQuest team, led by Founder Darin Karp, is honored to receive this distinction among the most successful of its peers. Darin Karp stated, We are thrilled to receive this award from FEM, just to be in the running with 11 other highly esteemed colleagues for the Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility is an honor. To win the award amongst such highly regarded competition is an amazing validation. ReloQuest disruptive technology has much to celebrate, along with the validating win at FEM, clients are reporting up to 25% savings for temporary housing costs, and up to a substantial 75% increase in administrative efficiency. In addition to winning this prestigious award, ReloQuest also received the Best Use of Technology Award at the Serviced Apartment Awards in March of 2016. Launched August 2015 in the United States, ReloQuests global expansion began shortly after in December 2015. As the first unbiased sourcing platform for Temporary Accommodations, ReloQuest has initiated an open marketplace. The software use has grown exponentially. The only independent technology of its kind brings a streamlined process to both clients and suppliers. ReloQuest is a universal platform and was designed to support ease of integration with other systems. Today, ReloQuest empowers mobility professionals with metrics that provide the valuable strategic direction required to manage a supply chain. Real-time reporting enables the validation of price points. ReloQuest delivers more options at better prices, presented in an easy to view, consistent format. Reloquest has transformed the temporary housing industry bringing it into the cloud. The aggregator technology simplifies the process of sourcing accommodations while supplying: ease of use, transparency, real-time data, cost reduction, direct communications and global supplier representation. This incredibly intuitive software makes training easy. The list of perks includes valuable qualitative and quantitative data, which empowers mobility managers with metrics so they can make informed decisions. The ReloQuest platform creates an instant resource guide for clients and suppliers to connect with each other directly. Both sides love this feature, as it dispenses with middleman delays. This benefit, combined with the softwares transparency, significantly reduces costs. These are just a few of the reasons why clients and suppliers are referring to ReloQuest as a game changer in the Mobility Industry. The software integrates SMART Logic-Win/Loss Logic that provides insightful feedback to suppliers so they can understand why an option was not selected. This feature educates suppliers, creating a competitive environment where they learn what adjustments are needed to win more business. Darin Karp, ReloQuests Founder, stated, Because the EMMAs are independently judged by a panel of global mobility professionals, it's especially rewarding to win the Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility, as it confirms we have made a difference in the lives of assignees and corporations, by delivering more housing options, increasing efficiency and cost containment. About ReloQuest: ReloQuest is a cloud based seamless platform integrating clients, suppliers and guests throughout the process of their accommodation. ReloQuest has a strong presence in over 70 Countries, and trains clients from the US to Ireland, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and numerous other worldwide locations. Based in Fort Lauderdale, ReloQuest is online at http://www.ReloQuest.com. To request a demo call: 855-ReloQst (735-6778). Code Dx With Code Dx now available in the Azure Government Cloud Marketplace, public entities are able to easily launch their broad application security capabilities directly from the Azure Government Cloud Marketplace. Code Dx, Inc., a provider of an award-winning suite of fast and affordable tools that help software developers, testers and security analysts find, prioritize and manage software vulnerabilities, today announced that it has been selected by Bitnami as one of the first applications to be included in Microsofts Azure Government Cloud Marketplace. Government organizations are able to easily launch the Code Dx Application Vulnerability Correlation and Management Solution from an environment that adheres to the strict government procurement regulations for cloud technologies. Government organizations are looking for applications that are accessible in the cloud environment but also meet strict government procurement requirements, said Anita DAmico, Ph.D., CEO for Code Dx. With Code Dx now available in the Azure Government Cloud Marketplace, public entities are able to easily launch their broad application security capabilities directly from the Azure Government Cloud Marketplace. This will be particularly valuable to government agencies and contractors who must demonstrate that the software they are developing or running has been tested for security, and complies with the DISA STIG (Defense Information Systems Agency Security Technical Implementation Guides). The Microsoft Azure Government Cloud Marketplace is a cloud platform built upon the foundational principles of security, privacy and control, compliance, and transparency. Government organizations (federal, state, local, tribal, and educational) receive a physically-isolated instance of Microsoft Azure offering high-level security and compliance services that are essential to the U.S. government for all systems and applications built on its architecture. Code Dx is listed under the Bring Your Own License category enabling users to run the current free trial version of Code Dx and/or contact Code Dx to purchase a license. Through Bitnami, Code Dx can be easily deployed for both quick evaluations and production installations, and the process for future upgrades is simplified. After one quick installation, users are able to automatically configure and run Code Dx to consolidate and normalize software vulnerabilities detected by multiple code analysis tools. The Azure Government Cloud Marketplace is an invaluable resource for government entities in search of trusted cloud computing solutions, said Kevin Franklin, Director of Business Development at Bitnami. We selected the Code Dx solution as one of the first Bitnami applications to be included in this online marketplace, because it is perfectly aligned with the requirements of most government organizations looking for a reliable solution to help secure their software applications. A joint webinar with Code Dx and Bitnami will be held on December 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. PST. This webinar will focus on what government organizations need to know about application security, why it is so important, an overview of the key features and functionality of Code Dx, as well as a demo of the application vulnerability correlation and management system. To register, visit https://bitnami.com/webinar/codedx. About Bitnami Bitnami is a library of popular server applications and development environments that can be installed in a click, either on your laptop, in a virtual machine, hosted in the cloud, or in a container. With over a million deployments each month, Bitnami.com has become the world's most popular destination for many of today's most popular applications. Bitnami-packaged apps provide a consistent, secure and up-to-date optimized end-user experience on any platform. We take care of compiling and configuring the application and all of its dependencies (third-party libraries, language runtimes, databases) so it works out-of-the-box. The company is also the largest source of applications for the leading cloud marketplaces. Bitnami is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and has a major development center in Seville, Spain. For more information, visit https://www.bitnami.com, or follow us on Twitter (@Bitnami) and Facebook. About Code Dx Code Dx, Inc. is a leading provider of easy and affordable application vulnerability correlation and management systems that enable software developers, testers and security analysts to find and manage vulnerabilities in software. The award-winning Code Dx solution integrates the results of multiple static and dynamic Application Security Testing (AST) tools and manual reviews into a consolidated set of results for quick and easy triage, prioritization and remediation. The core technology was partially funded by Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology (DHS S&T) to help secure the nations software supply chain. For more information, please visit http://www.codedx.com or contact Code Dx at (631) 759-3993 or via email at Info(at)CodeDx(dot)com. Keywords: application security testing, application security, application vulnerability correlation, Azure, Code Dx, cyber security, cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Assurance Program, DAST, DHS, dynamic analysis, dynamic application security testing, open source static analysis tools, risk management, SAST, Secure Decisions, software assurance, software component vulnerabilities, software security, software vulnerability correlation, software vulnerability management, static analysis, static source code analysis, visual analytics, visualization software library, vulnerability assessment tools, vulnerabilities. All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective parties. Sierra Vista High School seniors Favian Esparza (left) and Laura Lopez (right) learn about budgeting and personal finance at the Center for Financial Empowerment's "Mad City Money" event. My partner and I had to exchange our big house for a smaller house because we ran out of money for things like food and transportation, said Sierra Vista senior Laura Lopez. I thought we were going to be able to manage our money fine. More than 140 high school seniors at Sierra Vista High School put their personal finance skills to the test during the Center for Financial Empowerments Mad City Money event a financial reality simulation event for teenagers. During Mad City Money, students are assigned a life scenario, complete with career, debt and insurance payments even a spouse and children. They also received unexpected windfalls and had to visit stations to pay for housing costs, just as in real life. My partner and I had to exchange our big house for a smaller house because we ran out of money for things like food and transportation, said Sierra Vista senior Laura Lopez. I thought we were going to be able to manage our money fine. Other stations were set up to simulate additional expenses, including food, cars, electronics, clothes and childcare costs. A credit union station was there to help teens make better financial decisions and show them the importance of budgeting effectively. I learned that money is spent faster than earning it, especially for basic needs, said Lopez. Ill be sure to be smarter about what I spend and will make sure I buy what I need before something I want. Fate Cards with different monetary expenses were distributed at random to teach students to prepare for what they dont see coming. You cant teach kids that these unknown expenses are going to happen, but this is a good way to teach them how to handle it when it does, said Sierra Vista economics teacher Jeff Hehir. Additionally, students were taught to be on the lookout for fraud by making sure they keep track of their simulated belongings. Players who dropped items, like their debit cards, fell victim to fraud and were penalized. I didnt expect to have my debit card taken away. I learned to be careful with my card, said Sierra Vista senior Crystal Auduong. Studies have shown that students whove taken economics and personal finance courses are more likely to save money and pay off credit card bills in full each month. These teenagers are less likely to be compulsive buyers, max out credit cards and make late payments. Financial education courses are not currently a prerequisite for high school graduation in California. We recognize the importance of educating students about personal finance as much as possible before they enter the workforce or go off to college, said Abby Ulm, manager of the Center for Financial Empowerment. Interactive courses like Mad City Money teach them financial literacy and prepare them for the real world. Sierra Vista senior Favian Esparza added, I believe Mad City Money gave me a better idea of what college will be like in the future. It was a reality check. About The Center for Financial Empowerment (http://www.centerforfinancialempowerment.org) The Center for Financial Empowerment is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable agency whose mission is to create more stable communities through financial empowerment for youth. The Center partners with schools and community organizations in Southern California and Southern Nevada to offer financial education, assistance, and improvement programs, giving people the power to make better financial choices and achieve an improved quality of life. SCE Federal Credit Union is the primary supporter of the Center for Financial Empowerment. About SCE Federal Credit Union (http://www.scefcu.org) SCE Federal Credit Union was founded in 1952 and currently has approximately 50,000 members, $600 million in assets, several Southern California and Southern Nevada branch locations, thousands of shared branch locations across the United States, and nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs available to members. SCE FCU serves the Greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas, with membership open to individuals and businesses, and is a not-for-profit entity committed to improving the financial well-being of the communities it serves, especially people underserved by mainstream financial institutions. With a strong commitment to volunteerism, employees donate hundreds of hours to local community causes each year. Additionally, the creation of the Center for Financial Empowerment provides much-needed financial education to the underserved and high schools in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Duarte, Baldwin Park, Boyle Heights, Ontario and Lynwood, Calif. Clearview Resolution Services is showing its employees just how much they care by sending them on a retreat for some rest and relaxation this month. From Nov. 26 to Nov. 29, Clearview employees will head to Springwater Center for a weekend getaway. Located just south of Rochester, N.Y. on 220 beautiful and tranquil acres of land, Springwater Center contains plenty of streams, meadows, forests, and nature trails to help Clearview employees relax after their hard work all year. The staff members of Clearview Resolution Services are strongly revered for the superior client and support service they provide. Clearview officials are hoping that they will lead by example with this retreat, eventually encouraging other businesses to do the same. The stellar professionalism and positivity of Clearviews staff, they say, is what allows them to take the time and effort with each client they serve in order to best help them. Clearview Resolution Services strongly believes in creating change, making a difference in peoples lives, and leading by example. To show employees just how thankful they are for all they do, Clearview is providing them with some time to unwind. About the Company: Clearview Resolution Services is a privately-owned collection agency working to provide clients with financial services to manage debt and recover funds. The company strives to create a better model for debt collection that works with clients and the debtor to achieve repayment and fully settle debts. Clearview Resolution Services is comprised of a dedicated team with years of experience in debt management and recovery for many clients in the Western New York area. The team is available to help locate and investigate bad debtors in order to resolve financial or legal evasion of debt. They work with corporations, offices and companies to develop a tailored plan of action for debt resolution. For more information, visit their website at http://www.clearviewresolutionservices.com/. mHUB physical product development and manufacturing hub mHUB is a key part of Chicagos mission to stay on the leading edge of innovation and manufacturing in the global economy, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. mHUB was recently awarded a $500,000 i6 Challenge Grant from the United States Economic Development Administrations (EDA) Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program. This grant is bestowed on organizations that are focused on fostering innovation and helping entrepreneurs build businesses and create new jobs. The grants were announced by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. The i6 Challenge Grant will aid in building out the mHUB facility, supporting vital education programs and assist in securing advanced prototyping equipment necessary for driving innovation in the Chicagoland area. mHUB was chosen from a pool of more than 215 applicants, and this is the first time an Illinois innovation center has been awarded an i6 Challenge Grant after six years of applying. mHUB, which was announced in August, is on track to officially launch in early 2017. mHUB is a key part of Chicagos mission to stay on the leading edge of innovation and manufacturing in the global economy, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. This i6 Challenge Grant will strengthen our efforts to support Chicagos next generation of entrepreneurs and build on our legacy as a city that embraces the future. Under the leadership of a diverse board and an extensive partnership network, this grant will also help mHUB accelerate the development and commercialization of new products, connect the physical product ecosystem, and provide an entry point for entrepreneurs to learn about, access, and test new technologies. These activities are vital to the long-term sustainability of the Chicago economy as it evolves towards the new advanced manufacturing realities. Were pleased that the U.S. Economic Development Administration believes in mHUBs mission and recognizes our communitys ability to make a positive impact on the economy, said Haven Allen, co-founder and executive director. mHUB recently announced that it has received more than $6.3M in industry support from leaders like Marmon, GE Ventures, JPMorgan Chase, Autodesk, and more. mHUBs i6 Challenge Grant application process was supported by The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) and the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), as well as thirty-three letters of support from community associations, businesses and city, state, and county government offices. MHUB is a transformative effort that is cultivating new innovations in physical product development and driving entrepreneurship within the region's manufacturing community. This support from the EDA Regional Innovation Strategies Program i6 Challenge will help to accelerate the development of the MHUB facility and its vital programs to spur economic growth and competitiveness in the years to come," said Mark Harris, president & CEO of the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC). Located at 965 W Chicago Avenue in River West, mHUB is a 63,000 square foot facility of which roughly 12,000 square feet will be devoted to fabrication labs including electronics, rapid prototyping, testing, and a microfactory. In addition to physical resources, mHUB will also offer manufacturing mentors, educational programming for the community, and industry events, as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) programs for youth. mHUB has been operating in beta mode since the beginning of September with early members from mHUB founding partner, Catalyze. It is scheduled to officially launch in early 2017 and is accepting membership applications at http://www.mhubchicago.com/getinvolved/. About mHUB mHUB is Chicagos first innovation center for physical product development and manufacturing. mHUB is a co-working community of product designers and developers, entrepreneurs, engineers and manufacturers, a network of manufacturing mentors, industry experts and investors, and a source of intellectual and economic capital. mHUB is home to ten shops and labs, including electronics, plastic fabrication, metals and rapid prototyping as well as a microfactory for small production runs. For more information, visit http://www.mHUBchicago.com and follow @mHUBChicago on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Sign up for mHUBs newsletter here. StartUp Health Colorado: Children's Hospital Colorado, CU Anschutz & UCHealth StartUp Health, which is organizing and supporting a global army of Health Transformers, announced today the inaugural Call for Innovations for StartUp Health Colorado. This Call for Innovations is a part of the unique collaboration between StartUp Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Childrens Hospital Colorado and UCHealth, to discover and support entrepreneurs and innovators seeking to transform health. This initial Call for Innovation seeks to find the most innovative entrepreneurs and innovators addressing the Childrens Health Moonshots and Access to Care Moonshots, two of StartUp Healths 10 Health Moonshots that will impact the health of everyone in the world. Entrepreneurs building companies addressing the following themes within these two Moonshots should apply: Improving Outcomes & Performance: achieving best clinical outcomes by identifying and focusing on specific patient populations, increasing patient satisfaction via personalized evidence-based care, artificial intelligence and machine learning, medication adherence and compliance, follow-ups, and monitoring Creating a Seamless Patient Experience: best in class solutions that are connecting and providing a patient experience from beginning to end, filled with compassion for patients, families and care teams Improving Communication & Accessibility: rethinking traditional care delivery and transitioning to virtual and telehealth solutions, easy and rapid communications for patients, families, coordinators, and care teams Entrepreneurs selected for StartUp Health Colorado will receive co-development, clinical validation and pilot opportunities for their companies with Childrens Hospital Colorado and/or UCHealth, both nationally-recognized, top-ranked hospital systems. Entrepreneurs will have direct access to the researchers, faculty, clinicians, and leadership from these world-class institutions as they implement their solutions at the point of care. In addition to clinical validation and pilot opportunities, entrepreneurs accepted into StartUp Health Colorado companies will become a part of StartUp Healths global Health Transformer community, receive lifetime access to the StartUp Health Academy to help grow their business and receive access to StartUp Healths global network of over 30,000 industry leaders, investors, customers and world-class partners like AARP, GE, Janssen Research & Development, and others. Our vision at Childrens Colorado is to reimagine the way we can improve child health in our region and beyond, said Gil Peri, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Childrens Hospital Colorado. Innovators from around the world are working on solutions to transform the way we interact with children and familiesfrom prevention and early detection, to the experience they have at the hospital and long after they are recovering at home. By providing an opportunity to help develop and clinically validate impactful technologies designed to solve the toughest problems in health care today, we can revolutionize the way care is delivered to our patients, said Dr. Richard Zane, UCHealth Chief Innovation Officer and Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine at the CU School of Medicine. Constantly improving outcomes and care delivery while driving virtual and telehealth solutions are keys to transforming the future of medicine. StartUp Health Colorado is giving entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to commercialize alongside these world class institutions and improve the quality of their solutions and products. said Kim Muller, Director of CU Innovations, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Were looking forward to supporting entrepreneurs from the Rocky Mountain region and around the world and inviting them to be part of our global army of Health Transformers said Polina Hanin, Director of StartUp Health Academy. StartUp Healths unique long-term platform for supporting entrepreneurs building digital health companies has resulted in the worlds largest digital health portfolio (more than 175 companies spanning 5 continents, 16 countries and 60+ cities), 10 acquisitions by companies including Intel, WebMD, Under Armour and Zimmer Biomet and its companies have raised over $620M of funding since 2012. StartUp Healths diverse portfolio is currently comprised of 40% doctorpreneurs, 30% female founders and almost one-third serial entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can apply online for this inaugural Call for Innovation until December 9, 2016 at StartUpHealth.com/Colorado. Entrepreneurs currently in StartUp Health Academy, or that have previously applied to StartUp Health, will also be considered if they submit an application by the deadline. Entrepreneurs selected for this program will be announced in spring 2017. About StartUp Health In 2011, StartUp Health introduced a new model for transforming health by organizing and supporting a global army of entrepreneurs called Health Transformers. StartUp Health is investing in 10 Health Moonshots with the long-term goal of improving the health and wellbeing of everyone in the world. With the worlds largest digital health portfolio (more than 175 companies spanning 5 continents, 16 countries and 60+ cities), StartUp Healths long-term platform for entrepreneurs includes the StartUp Health Academy, StartUp Health Network, StartUp Health Media and StartUp Health Ventures. StartUp Health was founded by Steven Krein and Unity Stoakes and is chaired by former Time Warner CEO, Jerry Levin. StartUp Healths notable strategic partners and investors include AARP, Aurora Health Care, California Health Care Foundation, Childrens Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, UCHealth, Steve Case, Mark Cuban, Esther Dyson, Brad Feld, Genentech, GE Ventures, Janssen Research & Development, LLC., Kaiser Permanente Ventures, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and SeventySix Capital. Learn more at http://www.startuphealth.com. About Children's Hospital Colorado Childrens Hospital Colorado (Childrens Colorado) has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than 100 years. Founded in 1908, Childrens Colorado is a leading pediatric network entirely devoted to the health and well-being of children. Continually acknowledged as one of the nations outstanding pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and ranked on its Best Childrens Hospitals 2016-17 Honor Roll, Childrens Colorado is known for both its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research, education and advocacy programs, as well as comprehensive everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. Childrens Colorado is the winner of the 2015 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize, and is a 2013-2016 Most Wired hospital according to Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. Childrens Colorado also is recognized for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Centers and has been designated a Magnet hospital since 2005. The hospitals family-centered, collaborative approach combines the nations top pediatric doctors, nurses and researchers to pioneer new approaches to pediatric medicine. With urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Metro Denver and Southern Colorado, including its campus on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Childrens Colorado provides a full spectrum of pediatric specialties. For more information, visit http://www.childrenscolorado.org and connect with Childrens Colorado on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Childrens Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCION: si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-720-777-9800. CHU Y: Neu ban noi Tieng Viet, co cac dich vu ho tro ngon ngu mien phi danh cho ban. Goi so 1-720-777-9800 http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557 About University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) is the largest academic health center in the Rocky Mountain region. The campus combines interdisciplinary teaching, research and clinical facilities to prepare the regions future health care professionals, provide the best available health care at two nationally recognized hospitals and be a national leader in life sciences research. Annually, CU Anschutz medical professionals educate 4,000 degree-seeking future health professionals, provide 1.5 million patient visits, and are awarded approximately $400 million in research grants. For more information about CU Anschutz, and to access campus resources, go to http://www.ucdenver.edu/anschutz. About UCHealth UCHealth is a Front Range health system that delivers the highest quality patient care with the highest quality patient experience. UCHealth combines Memorial Hospital, Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, Colorado Health Medical Group, and University of Colorado Hospital into an organization dedicated to health and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Separately, these institutions can continue providing superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation. The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) today launches a comprehensive, seven-part animated series and corresponding lesson plans designed to teach kids about the negative effects of alcohol on the developing brain. The completely free and first-of-its-kind alcohol education tool is being released through Responsibility.orgs proven alcohol education program, Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Dont Mix. From 2003 to 2015, underage drinking declined 51 percent (Monitoring the Future report 2015)while conversations about underage drinking between parents and their kids increased 69 percent (Responsibility.org, August 2016). Although underage drinking is at record lows, it is still a problem that needs to be addressed. Ask, Listen, Learns new science-based content aligns with National Health Education Standards, Common Core State Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring the tools connect with curriculum teachers are already using. This alignment also ensures the resources can be used in multiple classroom settings, such as science and health classes. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reviewed the program content and found it to be consistent with currently available science. The more engaged kids are, the more likely they are to bring the conversation about the negative consequences of underage drinking home to their parents, who are the leading influence in their decisions to drink or not to drink alcohol said Ralph Blackman, president and CEO of Responsibility.org. In addition to the animated videos and lesson plans, the new content includes interactive classroom activities, vocabulary exercises, comprehension questions, a facilitators guide and a sample letter to parents. All materials are free and ready to download through AskListenLearn.orgcreating a one-stop-shop for all resources. Additionally, these tools support school counselors and school nurses efforts to help students make healthy decisions. The resources have been reviewed in partnership with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and tested by focus groups comprised of middle school teachers and middle school-aged youth. School counselors are not only focused on the academic success of their students, but also on their social and emotional well-being and character growth, said Jill Cook, Assistant Director of ASCA. Ask, Listen, Learn equips educators and school counselors with all the tools they need to talk with students about underage drinking. The positive message focusing on prevention and living a healthy lifestyle is key, and I am excited for school counselors to utilize this material. As a member of Responsibility.orgs National Advisory Board and former Administrator of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), I believe these materials will be a tremendous support to parents and teachers, said Charles Curie. They will help them have hard conversations with middle school youth at their level of understanding and with materials they find most engaging. Since its inception more than a decade ago, the Ask, Listen, Learn program has reached 22 million parents, kids, and teachers. To learn more about Ask, Listen, Learn and these new resources, visit http://asklistenlearn.org/. ### About Ask, Listen, Learn Developed in 2003 by a team of educators and prevention experts specializing in middle school-aged students, Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program for middle school kids, teachers and parents. Visiting Asklistenlearn.org, kids can play games, read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site for tips on how to initiate conversations with kids about underage drinking. Ask, Listen, Learn is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Follow our social media accounts here. About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Recognizing 25 years of impact, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility and offering proven strategies to stop impaired driving. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.responsibility.org. Paramount Disaster Recovery - Sponsor of the 2nd Annual A Walk In Their Shoes Event Paramount Disaster Recovery supports our troops and veterans. It is the least we can do to help support the men and women that sacrifice so much for our country, says Bill Chancellor, director of sales at Paramount Disaster Recovery. Paramount Disaster Recovery (PDR) sponsored the 2nd annual A Walk In Their Shoes event hosted by Courage on All Fronts. The event was held on November 12th at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park. A Walk In Their Shoes includes a 5K walk/run with a pack of items to donate to the troops. Care packages will be sent to troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan in time for the holidays. The event included fun activities for kids and adults including local vendors, live music, food trucks, mascots, and more. We are extremely grateful to have the support of local businesses like Paramount Disaster Recovery help spread cheer to our troops overseas. Knowing that we care boosts morale, says Alicia Cheplick, president of Courage on All Fronts. Paramount Disaster Recovery provides comprehensive restoration services to homeowners and businesses throughout Florida and nationwide, including restoration, remodeling, business contingency planning, storm damage repairs including fire, water, flood, and storm damage repairs. Paramount Disaster Recovery supports our troops and veterans. It is the least we can do to help support the men and women that sacrifice so much for our country, says Bill Chancellor, director of sales at Paramount Disaster Recovery. Courage on All Fronts mission is to improve the lives of our veterans, service members, and their families. Courage On All Fronts provides fun experiences for combat veterans such as chartered fishing trips, PTSD service dogs, equine therapy, and care packages for troops overseas. About Paramount Disaster Recovery, LLC As a national leader in restoration, storm damage repairs, environmental remediation, and 24/7 emergency services, the Paramount Disaster Recovery Rapid Response team is prepared to help in the event of hurricane, hail, earthquake, floods and other major catastrophic events. With offices in 10 states including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Paramount Disaster Recovery assists homeowners and commercial property owners following the countrys most devastating natural and man-made disasters. Since 1989, our expert teams specialize in emergency clean up, restoration and reconstruction from major storm events and the September 11 terrorist attack. An esteemed member of the National Insurance Restoration Council (NIRC), Paramount Disaster Recovery delivers excellent customer service, quality craftsmanship and dependability to help homeowners and commercial property owners return to their normal lives after the devastation of experiencing major catastrophic events. To learn more, please visit http://www.PDRHelps.com or call 1-800-379-0122. About Courage On All Fronts Courage On All Fronts is a 501c3 dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, service members, and their families. Courage On All Fronts provides service dogs for combat veterans, equine therapy, outdoor adventures, and care packages for the troops. Courage On All Fronts is dedicated to all veterans of all wars. Courage On All Fronts wants every veteran to know that they are appreciated and valued for their sacrifices. For more information, visit http://www.CourageOnAllFronts.org. Media Inquiries: Angela Delmedico Elev8 Consulting Group Ph: 386.243.5388 Web: http://www.elev8cg.com ### Sun Health at Home employees (L-R) Nicole Holtsclaw, Jennifer Keiser, Joshua Freegard and Jennifer Drago accepting the 2016 Excellence in Innovation Award presented by WESTMARC. Many studies show that the majority of adults, 55 and older, want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and this program is helping them fulfill that desire. The Sun Health at Home (SHAH) program won a coveted Excellence in Innovation Award at the annual WESTMARC Best of the West Awards Dinner, Nov. 10, held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. "We are thrilled to be recognized for launching this program," said Jennifer Drago, Sun Health executive vice president of Community Programs, which includes the SHAH program. "Many studies show that the majority of adults, 55 and older, want to remain in their homes as long as possible, and this program is helping them fulfill that desire." The SHAH program, launched in January 2016, is the first continuing care at home (CCaH) program in the southwestern United States. The SHAH program has grown to 19 members, with several more applicants going through the qualifying process. In exchange for an entrance fee and monthly fee, members are comprehensively covered for health and non-health needs if and when they need them. SHAH is regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance. According to Ziegler, a senior-living finance company, there are currently 29 active CCaH programs in the U.S., with a number of programs under development. All CCaH programs are sponsored by not-for-profit organizations, with the majority associated with a Life Plan or Life Care community. Sun Health owns three Life Care communities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. More than 400 business and community leaders and elected officials attended this year's Best of the West awards dinner. In addition to the innovation prize, awards were presented for excellence in economic development, quality of life, regional advancement and inspiration in leadership. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was presented with the inspiration in leadership award. Sun Health at Home Sun Health at Home is a nonprofit continuing care at home program offering highly personalized support and coordinated services designed to allow seniors to remain in their homes, safely and confidently, as they age. It combines the assurance of needed support, personalized coordination of services and a cost-effective alternative or complement to long-term care insurance, all designed to help people live independently as long as possible. Sun Health at Home is part of Sun Health, a nonprofit that has served the health care needs of West Valley residents for more than 50 years, first as a hospital-based system and now as a provider of senior living and health and wellness services, as well as a philanthropic supporter of local health care programs and services. WESTMARC WESTMARCthe Western Maricopa Coalitionis a public-private partnership of the 15 communities, the business community and the educational sector in the West Valley. The WESTMARC annual Best of the West awards competition began in 1993 as a way to recognize outstanding contributions to the image, lifestyle, and economic development of the West Valley the portion of Maricopa County west of Interstate 17. ....discover more information about how certain procedures are performed and make an informed decision about which surgical option is the best choice for their medical needs. - Senior Editor of Cosmetic Town Cosmetic Town, an online plastic surgery news and information community, announces the relaunch of its website. The new design features an updated list of trending plastic surgery topics, an easier to navigate search engine and a redesigned procedure section spotlighting subcategories of each specific procedure. According to the senior editor of Cosmetic Town, We're really happy with the newly designed procedure section on the website. Each main procedure is broken down into subcategories to make it easier for our readers to dig deeper into each surgical option. They can discover more information about how certain procedures are performed and make an informed decision about which surgical option is the best choice for their medical needs. When asked what inspired the redesign of the website, the senior editor said they have been working for the last few months on updating our database of medical articles. We wanted to make sure and include the latest information about the procedures as well as the different techniques available for each surgery. The best patient is a patient who has the necessary information to make an educated decision about having plastic surgery. The website redesign also includes a list of trending plastic surgery topics focusing on popular procedures and a new search engine designed to make it easier for patients to discover more information about the trending topics. The senior editor stated that Cosmetic Town is committed to staying on top of plastic surgery trends that are important to our readers. Between the feedback we get from our readers and the types of doctors most searched for on our website, we are able to provide information desired by our readers. In turn, they are able to connect with board-certified doctors featured on our website that specialize in those procedures. The new website will make life easier for patients interested in having plastic surgery. About Cosmetic Town Cosmetic Town is an online cosmetic medicine publication that also features doctors who were endorsed and highly recommended by their peers. This reliable and streamlined database allows users to easily navigate the website and access the information they need with just a click of a button. Users can also stay informed and get the latest news on plastic surgery by reading the regularly updated news section. Visiting the forum page is also another way for users to stay engaged and keep each other up to date. Greenberg Traurigs Angel Taveras, Former Providence Mayor, to Speak about the Politics of Public Sector Pensions Angel Taveras, a shareholder in Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Boston office and former Providence, Rhode Island mayor, will speak at the National League of Cities City Summit, Nov. 16 19, 2016, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On Nov. 18th, from 3:30 5:00 p.m., Taveras will serve as a panelist on Politics of Public Sector Pensions, which will update elected officials on pension plans, retiree healthcare options (OPEB) and the potential for savings and reform. Specifically, Taveras will discuss pension reform in Providence, Rhode Island during his term as mayor. Taveras served as the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island from 2011-2015, and is credited with rescuing the city from the brink of bankruptcy and confronting a $110 million structural deficit. He spearheaded the completion of a historic municipal pension agreement with Providence's police, firefighters, other city workers and retirees, which saved Providence $18.5 million a year and reduced the city's unfunded pension liability by about $170 million. Under Taveras leadership, Providence received the All-America City Award from the National Civic League for its plan to boost third-grade reading proficiency, and was the recipient of a $3 million award from Carnegie Foundation to create innovative high schools. In 2013, Taveras won Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge $5 million grand prize for his innovative proposal to improve the vocabularies of pre-school age children. Taveras serves on the Board of the Alliance for Early Success, a nonprofit organization that works to advance state policies for young children. Most recently, he was elected to the national board of LatinoJustice PRLDEF, one of the foremost Latino civil rights organizations in the country, serving a pan-Latino constituency. At Greenberg Traurig, Taveras focuses his practice on municipal restructuring, public finance, commercial litigation, pension litigation, and public infrastructure. He has over 14 years of experience in litigation and has dealt with complex commercial matters, bankruptcy litigation, zoning and land use, shareholder disputes, and election recounts and challenges. About Greenberg Traurigs Boston Office Established in 1999, Greenberg Traurigs Boston office is home to more than 65 attorneys practicing in the areas of corporate, emerging technology, energy, governmental affairs, healthcare, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance, real estate, and securities. An important contributor to the firm's international platform, the Boston office includes a team of nationally recognized attorneys with both public and private sector experience. The team offers clients the value of decades of legal experience and hands-on knowledge of the local business community, supported by the firm's vast network of global resources About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2,000 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, second largest in the U.S. on the 2016 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2016 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com. Softdocs offers a collaborative, high-energy work environment with a team of technology professionals who are the best and brightest in the industry in a state-of-the-art headquarters. It's an exciting time as we look to grow our team - CEO Mike Murphy To help the company meet its expanding growth goals and education-focused market demands, Softdocs, an enterprise content management, e-forms and process automation provider, today announced it is seeking talented candidates to fill 15 open positions by early 2017. With positions spanning development, technology, marketing and sales, Softdocs is growing its team quickly, as it currently has more than 600 customers in the United States and Canada. Softdocs offers a collaborative, high-energy work environment with a team of technology professionals who are the best and brightest in the industry, said Mike Murphy, Founder and CEO, Softdocs. With a brand new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Columbia, SC, its an exciting time for our company as we look to grow our team. Softdocs has created a work environment that is laid-back, collaborative and encouraging of new ideas and innovation. Celebrating this innovation, the Softdocs marketing department was recently honored for its communications programs during the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC-South Carolina) 2016 Palmetto Awards. The Palmetto Awards celebration was held on November 3, 2016 in Columbia S.C. Softdocs honors included an Award of Excellence win in the Marketing Communications category. The company received Awards of Merit across three categories: Marketing Communications, Audiovisual and Communications Management. For more information about careers at Softdocs, please visit: http://www.softdocs.com/company/careers About Softdocs: Softdocs develops enterprise content management, e-forms and process automation solutions exclusively for the higher education and K-12 markets. The companys Etrieve platform redefines business processes, reducing the need for paper and improving student service and employee productivity by providing educational institutions complete control over how content is captured, processed and distributed. A privately held company founded in 1998, Softdocs is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.softdocs.com. # # # Underground Expands Office Space Underground Elephant has moved its headquarters to the 22,021 square foot ground floor space to accommodate for its rapid growth over the past eight years. Underground Elephant, a 100-person digital marketing company, has expanded to its new headquarters in the redesigned Wellman-Peck warehouse in East Village, San Diego. The company has moved its headquarters to the 22,021 square foot ground floor space to accommodate for its rapid growth over the past eight years. CEO Jason Kulpa and BASILE Studio worked over the course of three years to transform the warehouse at 808 J Street from an empty brick warehouse to a cutting edge office that juxtaposes the history of the building with the future of innovation. "Underground Elephants design presented a unique opportunity to reimagine one of East Villages remaining historical warehouses into a modern, innovative, and collaborative space that speaks to the core of San Diegos community and cultural identity, says Paul Basile, Principal and Lead Designer of BASILE Studio. The dynamic space, which recently won a San Diego Architectural Association Orchid Interior Design Award, was designed with details in mind to reflect the transparent and collaborative culture of the company. Every aspect of the space was thoughtfully crafted to inspire creativity, leadership, and innovation. After winning San Diego Business Journals real estate Deal of the Year in East Village, Kulpa worked with BASILE Studio to bring the innovative design project to life. Finding a ground floor space was important, as I want our employees to feel like they are a part of the community says Kulpa. The building also allows for an open layout, which mirrors our companys transparent culture. Every detail in the offices design was hand selected to create an entirely unique environment. One of the main components in the design was the desire to bring the outdoors in, which was accomplished by creating a park in the middle of the office. The open space is complete with five century-old olive trees, park benches, picnic tables, and Golden Gate Bridge-style street lamps. From there, a paved walking path leads directly to the centerpiece of the office: a prairie-style schoolhouse, constructed with wood reclaimed from a Sierra Nevada forest fire. This multi-purpose space is used both both internal company meetings as well as conferences and community events. Other collaborative spaces throughout the space include two glass walled conference rooms, a sunken living room, an underground speakeasy-style bunker, and a lofted game room. A self-service coffee and espresso bar with locally brewed beans offers employees a caffeinated start to their day, while the Ballast Point hosted bar provides an area for afternoon socialization and ideation. One of the spaces most quirky features, recently highlighted on Inc., is a transparent bathroom that faces the street, reminding both employees and the community not to take themselves too seriously. The office was also featured by San Diego Magazine for its participation in Park(ing) Day, where employees transformed the space in front of the office into a campsite to spread awareness about urban public space. Underground Elephants headquarters has already garnered attention for both its unique design and ideal location. In both The New York Times and Union Tribune, UE was highlighted as one of the San Diego companies helping to establish East Village as a competitive technology hub through its new headquarters. The company was also featured as one of San Diegos Coolest Companies as well as one of the citys most creative office spaces. The offices innovative design even attracted technology company Hewlett-Packard to film their latest product release video in the space. About the Building The Wellman-Peck Building, commonly known as the T.R. Produce Warehouse, was built in 1933 and designed by Julius Kraft and Sons. The one and a half story industrial building has an exposed brick exterior that expresses the structural bays and its interior functions. The building was in a study and identified as one of 38 structures to be evaluated by the Historical Resources Board (HRB) as part of the implementation of the Ballpark and Ancillary Development projects. It was designated by the HRB in May 1999 as Historical Landmark #382. The construction of the office layout within the historic building was captured on a time-lapse video. About East Village Encompassing 130 blocks of downtown San Diego, East Village brings together history and innovation in the citys largest and fastest growing neighborhood. Historic warehouses, sparkling high rises, and a state-of-the-art ballpark give East Village its structure, while its eateries, bars and nightlife make it one of the hippest parts of the city. The area is home to over 700 business, many of which are tech startups. About Underground Elephant Headquartered in Downtown San Diego, Underground Elephant is an award-winning marketing technology company that develops programmatic advertising platforms in order to bring transparency and efficiency to the buying and selling of structured lead generation media. The company's robust portfolio of enterprise-grade tech solutions enhances the connection between enterprises and their prospective clients by delivering highly efficient pathways to organic sales conversations. Learn more at http://undergroundelephant.com/ Ethiopian Kossa Kebena coffee from Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea has been named a finalist in the 2017 Good Food Awards competition. The only Ohio entry among 25 finalists in the coffee category, Crimson Cup is the first Ohio coffee finalist in the award's history. Crimson Cup is excited to be recognized once again among the countrys top coffee roasters in a competition that recognizes both excellence and sustainable sourcing, said Founder and President Greg Ubert. The Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster was named Roast Magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. The Good Food Awards celebrate tasty, authentic and responsible foods. Now in its seventh year, the competition includes entries in 14 categories: beer, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, cider, coffee, confections, fish, honey, oils, pantry, pickles, preserves and spirits. Award winners will be announced January 20, 2017 at the Good Food Awards ceremony held at the historic Herbst Theater in the San Francisco War Memorial. The 2017 finalists rose to the top in a blind tasting of the 2,059 entries from nearly every state and passed a rigorous vetting to confirm they met specific Good Food Awards standards around environmentally sound agriculture practices, good animal husbandry, sourcing transparency and responsible relationships throughout the supply chain. Organic Ethiopian Kossa Kebena is part of Crimson Cups Friend2Farmer line of direct-trade coffees. It is produced by a farm in Western Ethiopias Limmu Kossa District. A member of the Kossa Geshe co-op, the farm occupies part of the dense Kebena Forest. Heirloom varietals grown at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,100 meters are naturally processed on raised beds to produce this outstanding coffee, said Brandon Bir, coffee sourcing and education manager for Crimson Cup. He visited the farm earlier this year. Crimson Cup developed its Friend2Farmer direct trade program to ensure that farmers receive a fair share of proceeds from coffee sales. The company pays a premium to farmers, who can then invest in agricultural and community improvements. Crimson Cup coffee experts also collaborate with farmers on ways to improve the quality of the coffee and quality of life for farmers, workers and their communities. Ethiopian Kossa Kebena is available for a limited time at Crimson Cup Coffee Houses in Clintonville and Upper Arlington. Bags of fresh-roasted coffee can be purchased from the Crimson Cup website at a cost of $16.50 for 12 ounces. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced specialty and craft coffee in small batches. The company also teaches entrepreneurs to run successful coffee houses through its coffee franchise alternative program, which includes a coffee shop business plan. Crimson Cup coffee is available through a community of more than 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 29 states, Guam and Bangladesh, as well as the companys own Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com. iSign International iSign International Inc. is Proud to announce that Dr. Gail-Joon Ahn has accepted to join its Advisory Board. Dr. Ahn is Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). He is Director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensic and Director of the Laboratory of Security Engineering for Future Computing (SEFCOM) at ASU. His principal research and teaching interests are in information and systems security. His research foci include security analytics and big data driven security intelligence, vulnerability and risk management, access control and security intelligence, identity and privacy management, access control and security architecture for distributed systems, identity and privacy management, cybercrime analysis, security enhanced computing platforms, and formal models for computer security. His research has been supported by National Science Foundation (NSF), National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Defense (DoD), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), Department of Justice (DoJ), Department of Energy (DoE), Bank of America, Cisco, GoDaddy, Hewlett Packard, Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold, Google, Microsoft and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He has received seven US patents. He is a recipient of Department of Energy CAREER Award and the Educator of the Year Award from the Federal Information Systems Security Educators Association (FISSEA). Prior to ASU, he was an Associate Professor of College of Computing and Informatics and Founding Director of Center for Digital Identity and Cyber Defense Research (DiCyDER) at UNC , Charlotte. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Commenting on the news, Gerard Munera, the Chairman of iSign International Inc. said: We are thrilled that Dr. Ahn is going to contribute to our company his exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of Cyber Security, where he is recognized worldwide as a leading expert. Thien Pham, iSign Chief Technology Officer added: We are certain that this collaboration will result in an accelerated development and acceptance of iSign innovative biometric cyber security systems. About iSign International, Inc. iSign International Inc. is a private Texas corporation which has developed an original cyber security technology combining biometric signature recognition and projection, innovative devices pairing, PKI encryption, GPS localization and univocal computer generated transactional password. iSign believes that its technology, which is covered by several patent pending claims, constitutes a game changing approach as it renders hacking practically impossible. REACH and RoHS Compliance: Gain a Deeper Understanding 2-Day In-Person Seminar on REACH and RoHS Compliance: Gain a Deeper Understanding After a sold-out event in Boston this October, ComplianceOnline, the leading governance, risk and compliance advisory network with over 500 experts in various regulatory subjects, today announced that it will be conducting its popular seminar on REACH and RoHS Compliance: Gain a Deeper Understanding in San Francisco, CA, on February 2 and 3, 2017. The two day seminar will provide better understanding of organizations liability under RoHS and REACH. It will discuss in detail the various RoHS and REACH guidelines, REACH registration of substances, Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC), supply chain communication and responsibility of RoHS. The seminar will also address the International requirements of RoHS including three of the most important materials regulations, the processes, and the programs needed to ensure compliance. Speaker Kelly Eisenhardt has over 20 years experience in IT and Compliance Software Development. Ms. Eisenhardt is Co-Founder and Managing Director at BlueCircle Advisors LLC, a consulting firm that provides strategy and programming to address product compliance risks, sales and revenue protection, and compliance and sustainability practices throughout the supply chain. She is a journalist for industry trade publications such as 3BL, JustMeans, Social Earth, CSRwire, Ethical Performance, and CSR@Risk with a focus on trends in product compliance, supply chain transparency, and corporate social responsibility. For more information or to register for the seminar, please click here. Dates: Thursday, February 2, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.30 PM) and Friday, February 3, 2017 (8.30 AM- 4.00 PM) Location: San Francisco, CA Registration Cost: $1,499.00 per registration Early bird discounts: For discounts on early registrations, please click here. Register by phone: Please call our customer service specialists at +1-888-717-2436 or email to customercare@complianceonline.com For more information on ComplianceOnline or to browse through our trainings, please visit our website. About ComplianceOnline ComplianceOnline is a leading provider of regulatory compliance trainings for companies and professionals in regulated industries. ComplianceOnline has successfully trained over 35,000 professionals from 9,000 companies to comply with the requirements of regulatory agencies. ComplianceOnline is headquartered in Palo Alto, California and can be reached at http://www.complianceonline.com. ComplianceOnline is a MetricStream portal. MetricStream (http://www.metricstream.com) is a market leader in Enterprise-wide Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC) and Quality Management Solutions for global corporations. For more information please contact: A Reuben Bernard Associate Director - ComplianceOnline 2600 E Bayshore Rd Palo Alto CA USA 94303 Phone - +1-650-238-9656 | +1-888-717-2436 Fax - 650-963-2556 Mail: reuben(at)complianceonline(dot)com Website: http://www.complianceonline.com Aimclear names Manny Rivas as Chief Marketing Officer Manny intuitively understands our clients needs and crafts truly innovative marketing programs, in classic Aimclear style, that help drive tangible business results" - Marty Weintraub, Aimclear founder Following an eight-year run at Duluth-based Aimclear, Manny Rivas today became the companys chief marketing officer. Aimclear announced Rivas promotion today, moving him from his most recent role as VP of client services to a C-level role on the companys leadership team. Rivas, a UMD grad, joined the company right out of college as an associate search account manager and has held numerous roles during his time with the company. As one of our longest serving team members, Manny has shown great aptitude for leadership since the day he joined Aimclear, said Marty Weintraub, Aimclear founder. Manny intuitively understands our clients needs and crafts truly innovative marketing programs, in classic Aimclear style, that help drive tangible business results. He is a respected leader in our organization and it is an organic, natural move to entrust him with greater responsibility and flexibility to blaze new trails in marketing for Aimclear and our clients. In reality, this move codifies what has already taken place at Aimclear, a natural evolution of next generation leadership. As CMO, Rivas will take an even more active role in three key areas of the business: Working with client teams to help ensure Aimclear brings the most effective, cutting edge marketing services to the table to help clients grow and succeed. Establishing a stronger marketing program to further elevate Aimclears position as a dominant player in marketing, search, social, digital and PR. Taking on more responsibility for new business development to attract new clients and build deeper relationships with existing ones. Manny has helped steer the companys direction over the last several years and has been a trusted leader at Aimclear, said Laura Weintraub, Aimclear CEO. As a team, we have achieved significant growth during that timeframe, which has garnered national acclaim. Manny has been an important element of our success and we are excited about what his leadership means to the companys outlook. In August, Aimclear made Inc. Magazines ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America, marking the fifth consecutive year Aimclear ranked as an Inc. 500/5000 company. The company also capped off 2016 with key honors during the recent US Search Awards, including awards for Best Large Integrated Agency, Best Use of PR in a Search Campaign and Young Search Professional of the Year awarded to Aimclears Mitch Larson. About Aimclear Aimclear is a Minnesota-based digital marketing agency widely regarded for data-driven tactics, integrated search, social, public relations, design and development services. Since 2007, the agency has pioneered cutting-edge creative strategies and psychographic audience targeting. Fixtures on the international conference circuit, team members have appeared in front of hundreds of international search & social marketing conference audiences, from Jerusalem to Sydney. Aimclear has offices in Duluth and St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit Aimclear.com or Twitter @Aimclear. The CLMS program is the only leave designation that opens the door to professional opportunities created by the new emphasis on mandated employee leave. The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) today announced the release of its new Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) program, the only professional designation of its kind that provides interactive, hands-on training to enable leave managers to implement programs that comply with the growing number and complexity of laws and regulations. Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is now a central part of the American workplace. Developing and implementing leave programs that effectively comply with the FMLA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related laws and regulations is now an essential part of the leave management profession. While the risks of non-compliance have increased, the opportunities available to leave professionals who can help employers ensure compliance have grown even faster, said Terri L. Rhodes, CEO, DMEC. The CLMS program is the only leave designation that opens the door to professional opportunities created by the new emphasis on mandated employee leave. The CLMS designation is obtained through completion of an online course consisting of five modules plus a final exam. Participants will spend approximately 20 hours learning from real-life scenarios involving FMLA, ADA, and more. Downloadable toolkits, sample policies, up-to-date guidance, resources, and forms are also provided. CLMS designees will be equipped to more quickly develop and implement compliant leave programs. In addition to learning specific leave-related information, they will gain the knowledge they need to effectively interact with and even lead other stakeholders, including legal, compliance, and risk management professionals. Leave law compliance is an important and growing piece of integrated absence management, said Rhodes. We are excited at the prospect of having Certified Lave Management Specialists with the expertise to make mandated leaves work for employees and organizations alike. Those individuals who help to reduce risk and costs and increase performance are the kind of professionals every employer values. More information about the new CLMS program is available at http://www.dmec.org/clms. About DMEC The Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) is the only association dedicated to providing focused education, knowledge, and networking for absence and disability professionals. Through its national education programs and network of local chapters, DMEC delivers trusted strategies, tools, and resources to minimize lost work time, improve workforce productivity, and maintain legally compliant absence and disability programs. Visit http://www.dmec.org for more information. What a fun evening, what great companies! I consider it an honor to present the grand prize winner at this years Demo Day - Guy Kawasaki AngelHack secures over $100,000 in investment and interviews for HACKcelerator companies from all over the world including cities such as Jaipur, Cincinnati, Sydney, Sri Lanka, and Los Angeles at sold-out Global Demo Day (GDD). Bringing the top 1% of developers, designers and entrepreneurs together with over 300 investors, tech influencers, and top-tier companies in the San Francisco and Bay Area. What a fun evening, what great companies! I consider it an honor to present the grand prize winner at this years Demo Day, Guy Kawasaki said as he announced Automatter.io as the grand prize winner. A web platform for companies to automate business functions for customer support who walked away with $25,000 in investment, an interview with 500 Startups, and a meeting with the Brandery. A total of $75,000 was awarded by Right Side Capital Management (RSCM) to startups Automatter.io from Austin, Elev8 from Cincinnati, and AngelHacks first-ever Sri Lanka participating team, HypeHash. HPE granted TxtMD from Toronto $30,000 in development credits; and, Bypass from Los Angeles received office hours with Tim Draper, Founder of Draper University. And, over half of the startups secured interviews and meetings with companies such as 500 Startups, Y-Combinator, Techstars, and the Brandery immediately following the event. I knew the quality and potential for these startups would stretch beyond the cities they originated from, said Sabeen Ali, Founder and CEO of AngelHack, I am overwhelmed by the amount of support our friends from Draper, RSCM, HPE, and others here in Silicon Valley have shown them. Tonight we saw a really high caliber group of global startups, said Laura Kennedy, VP of Corporate Development at Techstars and GDD judge. You should be very proud of what you accomplished, this was amazing, thank you, AngelHack, another judge, Thomas Korte, Founder of AngelPad added. Companies from previous AngelHacks GDD events have added $42 MM to the HACKcelerator portfolio evaluation, undergone major expansions and have been acquired by tech giants including Box and Google within months of the event. For more information about AngelHacks 5th Global Demo Day, or the emerging startups from AngelHacks HACKcelerator program, please contact Kelsey Ruiz at (415) 754-0261, or email her at: kelsey(at)angelhack(dot)com. About AngelHack: AngelHack, a female-owned, female-majority company is the worlds largest developer ecosystem; helping to drive open innovation of tech products, platforms and brands with extraordinary smarts, scale and speed. Founded in 2011, and known as pioneers of global hackathons, AngelHacks more than 100,000 developers, designers, and entrepreneurs in 72 cities around the globe compete to build, test and launch new solutions over the course of a weekend. AngelHacks HACKcelerator program and other education initiatives connect ambitious developers with thought leaders and experienced entrepreneurs to help them become more versatile, entrepreneurial and successful as change-makers. PF Logo.jpg "UAS technologies provide law enforcement agencies with unique capabilities for rapid, safe, economical and effective responses to a wide variety of public safety tactical challenges," said Jim Bueermann, President of the Police Foundation. The Police Foundation has released new recommendations for local law enforcement agencies considering the use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for public safety purposes. Community Policing & Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Guidelines to Enhance Community Trust provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of UAS use in public safety, including operational, training, and legal and regulatory compliance considerations. Importantly, it also provides comprehensive guidance for law enforcement on navigating community concerns related to privacy and civil rights. Although by 2014 only a handful of law enforcement agencies had received the necessary FAA authorization to fly a sUAS, in August 2016, the FAA established new regulations to allow the use of sUAS in the national airspace. With this regulatory framework in place, the use of sUAS will undoubtedly grow at a much greater pace. While this type of technology has significant potential to improve operational efficiency as well as officer and community safety, there are understandable and legitimate concerns about privacy risks. To address these concerns and to improve UAS programs, law enforcement agencies considering adopting sUAS technology are encouraged to engage their communities in the decision to implement a program. UAS technologies provide law enforcement agencies with unique capabilities for rapid, safe, economical and effective responses to a wide variety of public safety tactical challenges. Harnessing these capabilities requires not only the skills to operate the technology, but the input and understanding of the community and a pledge to operate the technology in a transparent manner. This is what community policing is all about, said Jim Bueermann, President of the Police Foundation and former Chief of Police in Redlands, California. Reflecting the input of both law enforcement and community members, and the expertise and insights of a diverse advisory board, the guidebook includes numerous resources for agencies to consult in the development of sUAS policies and procedures. To view and download the guidebook, please click here. The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice, supported the development of this guidebook. About Police Foundation The Police Foundation is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing policing through innovation and science. Established in 1970, the Foundation has conducted seminal research in police behavior, policy, and procedure, and works to transfer to local agencies the best new information about practices for dealing effectively with a range of important police operational and administrative concerns. For more information on the Police Foundation, please visit http://www.policefoundation.org. The Quote Management module has a number of features that enhance the B2B experience and give the opportunity to benefit from the trends we see in the sector. Broadleaf Commerce, the leading software provider for custom commerce solutions, is proud to announce a live web event revealing the new Quote Management B2B feature. During the event, Broadleaf engineers Cade Rea and Elbert Bautista will review the features key to supporting heightened B2B commerce capabilities. The live web event will also explore the utilization of Quote Management and the concepts this feature is built on. The Quote Management module has a number of features that enhance the B2B experience and give the opportunity to benefit from the trends we see in the sector, stated Cade Rea, Software Engineer at Broadleaf Commerce. The feature provides a record of communications and negotiation in the same place that the purchase takes place, instead of being lost to a cluttered inbox or remembered from a phone call. Expanding on the platforms robust B2B features, Quote Management gives customers the ability to start the conversation at their convenience. The new capability enables businesses and customers to add custom line items to quotes that can be priced and sold like standard catalog items. Quote Management features covered in the event will include quote negotiation, status, and record of changes within the Broadleaf administrative interface, as well as quote messaging between customers and the back-office sales team. Those interested in attending the live web event, or other future Broadleaf Commerce web events, may register at http://www.broadleafcommerce.com/webinars. Quote Management with Broadleaf Commerce will be recorded and available on the Broadleaf Commerce website following the live event. For questions regarding Broadleaf Commerce and the services offered by the eCommerce platform provider, please visit http://www.broadleafcommerce.com. About Broadleaf Commerce, LLC Broadleaf Commerce provides B2B and B2C eCommerce platform solutions to simplify the complexities of multi-channel commerce and digital experience management. As the market-leading choice for enterprise organizations requiring tailored, highly scalable commerce systems, Broadleaf is fully customizable and extensible. Trusted by Fortune 500 corporations, yet priced for the mid-market, Broadleaf provides the framework for leading brands, including Google, The Container Store, and OReilly Auto Parts. For more information, visit: http://www.broadleafcommerce.com. Digital signage leader Flyte Systems announced its enhancement guidelines for hotel operators. Changes in signage positioning, location and content strengthen impact and value for hotel guests. Hotel guests are familiar with digital signage. It can be found nearly everywhere. Digital signage is a good way to provide property and regional information to guests; it can even be a profit center. But, operators wonder if it is doing its job. Here are three tips on how to improve hotel digital signage and add value to a propertys guest experience. 1. Placement is important do guests see the message? For digital signage to be effective, whether it provides property information and promotions, regional events and maps, or wayfinding, put it in a high traffic area. Placing it near the front desk where guests will see it when they check-in is ideal. Likewise, near elevators where there is a captive audience or near a concierge station or information desk. Take a day to watch the lobby guest traffic flow. This will reveal the best place to display content. 2. Invite interaction that engages guests with the message Guests want to customize their world. That means creating signage information so they can do their own wayfinding and discover adventures specifically for their taste. Touchscreens are perfect for this. They draw guests in and let them interact with the display to obtain only the information that is important to them. A well-designed display is easy to understand so guests can quickly find what they need. The displays format and colors should complement the propertys interior design and conform to brand standards to create a harmonious experience. 3. Display information content that adds value to a guests stay Relevant, updated signage content drives guest engagement. Taking time to develop interesting, timely information that is relevant to a guests activities will enrich their experience and add value to their stay. Plus, when guests are fully engaged they are open to more information including property promotions and local advertising. Optimized digital signage is a win-win for guests and the property Guests engage with digital signage content that speaks to their interests and anticipates their desire for information on local attractions, wayfinding, travel options, and property promotions. An engaged guest who gets value from the propertys display often acts on their sense of wellbeing and gratitude by acting on property outlet marketing and promotions. This creates a win-win where guests and the hotel each benefit. Flyte Systems digital signage provides cost-effective property promotions, local events and flight information Flyte Systems suite of products that serve the traveling public includes: InfoBoard is an interactive touch screen that saves labor, provides greater guest service, and generates revenue with flight information and much more. EventDisplay professionally formats your meeting & events schedule on custom branded digital displays. Flight information and wayfinding can also be included for the convenience of your traveling guests. AmenityBoard lets hotels boost revenue by displaying and promoting onsite amenities anywhere. FlyteBoard displays live flight information for one or more airports. It can be customized with Doppler radar, local traffic, and guest messaging to create an all-in-one travel dashboard. Flyte Board can be wall, floor, or ceiling-mounted and is ideally suited for passenger terminals, lobbies, restaurants, airport parking, convention centers and other off airport venues. FlytePass combines real-time flights with free, secure boarding pass printing. It is available for both iMac & Windows computers and can be neatly packaged within a kiosk with options to match your decor. FlyteChannel lets guests view live airport flight information comfortably from their in-room television. EventChannel shows property events and specials on the guests TV. FlytePad is a mobile-ready service that delivers real-time airline information via the iPad. Many hotels and resorts also use Flyte Systems applications to increase revenue with innovative marketing approaches for distressed travelers. For tips on how to generate revenue by providing guests with Flyte Systems airline information, please log on to the Flyte Systems website at http://www.flytesystems.com. About Flyte Systems Flyte Systems is a division of Industrial Television Services (ITS), based in Chicago. ITS is a leading digital signage solutions company with 55+ years experience specializing in real-time information delivery. ITS formed Flyte Systems in 2007 to offer real-time, web-based travel technology solutions. Flyte Systems provides subscription-based, environmentally responsible airport flight information and digital signage displays for the hospitality, convention center, digital signage industries, and related businesses. The companys solutions deliver accurate, instant, airport-centric updates of flight information not just FAA-provided departure times that may be inaccurate when there is a ground delay. Flyte Systems solutions enable properties to differentiate themselves and boost repeat business with 'glance-and-go' content and property promotions. Its products use Energy Star-compliant digital displays to help significantly reduce energy consumption and eliminate unnecessary trips to the airport. Clients include Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Starwood, Westin, IHG, Days Inn, Hotel Sofitel, independent properties, convention centers, and transportation centers. "What makes our business unique is that all of our fuel sales and payments are done online. We remove much of the overhead of a traditional home heating oil business and pass savings on to the consumer." Bottom Line Oil, an online home heating oil delivery company, marked its third year of service in Oct. to customers in the Hampden, Hampshire, and Berkshire, MA counties. In recognition, the company is offering a five-cent per gallon discount on all home heating oil purchased between Nov. 14 and Dec. 14, 2016. The business is unusual in that it has no conventional office staff that answers phones, writes orders or relays deliveries to fuel truck drivers. All heating oil transactions are submitted and purchased online. An associated toll-free number provides automated assistance with any questions. "What makes our business unique is that all of our fuel sales and payments are done online," said Mark Sobon, owner. "We remove much of the overhead of a traditional home heating oil business and pass savings on to the consumer." Mark adds that along with highly competitive pricing against other heating oil companies, the biggest advantage is being able to order heating oil anytime online. Customers can visit the firm's website, check the current oil price for their area, specify the amount they want to be delivered and view delivery times in their town. Payment is collected online at the time of order. Most major credit cards are accepted. The entire process could be completed in minutes. A new live chat feature lets customers communicate with staff to get immediate assistance. The company has held an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau of Central and Western Mass. for almost three years now. Bottom Line Oil's address is 25 Texas Rd., Ste. A, Northampton, Mass., 01060. Its local telephone number is 413-585-5716. Full information and the home heating oil order form is at http://www.bottomlineoil.com/. Bottom Line Oil's primary mission is to sell the least expensive and most readily available home heating oil in Springfield, Hampden County, Berkshire County and surrounding Western Mass. Its business model is based on internet ordering, pricing and payment that reduces overhead costs found with more traditional heating oil services. In three years, it has become one of the largest home fuel oil dealers in the region. J. Elmer Tesch releases the first part of a planned trilogy as his debut publication. Johuocin (published by Archway Publishing) is a story that takes place in a mythical world of medieval times, where the characters have and show many of the same problems and emotions of modern day society. Prejudice, love, confusion, selfishness and much more, are revealed in what would be the key to an exciting three-part series. Under the old king, the kingdom of Eldwain prides itself on having a diverse and welcoming society. But the new king, Eldwa the Centurion, is far less tolerant, inflicting heavy taxes and executing those who cannot pay. In this fantasy novel, a young man makes a deal with a wizard in an attempt to avenge the death of his father and sets out on a journey of discovery. A study of human conditions and attitude shines through the quest of a young man determined to extract vengeance; a sojourn that teaches him more about himself than about exacting punishment. It is about passion and compassion, understanding and confusion, empathy and judgment. It is about seeing the world and appreciating the differences about it and humanity. If you can see these things in the book and enjoy the story, that is the goal, Tesch on what he wants readers to take away from his writing. An excerpt from the book: he realized that the cold that he had resented for so long seemed reassuring to him in some ways. He knew that he was selfish in many ways, yet there were lines that he would not cross, things he would not do, to feel warmth. He was sure it was because he did not like the feeling of guilt it gave him. It seemed to him that he enjoyed his selfishness as it was. Johuocin By J. Elmer Tesch Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 362 pages | ISBN 9781480832053 Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 362 pages | ISBN 9781480832046 E-Book | 362 pages | ISBN 9781480832060 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author J. Elmer Tesch is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Before Joining the Army his parents moved from one place to another 28 times, always looking for a new way to survive and to feed their eight children. Growing up was often a challenge and a blessing, but it would teach him many lessons that others would not share. Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the leading self-publishing company worldwide, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 888-242-5904. We have a number of families in our community who greatly benefit from the efforts of the Cardinale Center, and our mission is to ensure this program is able to continue serving them in the future Noto Insurance Advisors, a family managed firm offering insurance services to communities throughout the Trenton, New Jersey region, is continuing a charity effort begun earlier this year to support the Linda E. Cardinale MS Center. To date, the Noto Insurance team has raised more than $580 in donations for the Cardinale Center, and plans to continue the charity event until reaching the $1,500 mark. Support has also been provided by a number of business owners in New Jersey, including First Rate General Construction, LLC, Cooper Creative Group, Carmelo Balliro, CPA, LLC, and J Craig's Flooring, Jason DeMarco of Insurance Solutions Inc., Curtin & Heefner LLP, Aaron Rovner of ServiceWhale and more. We have a number of families in our community who greatly benefit from the efforts of the Cardinale Center, and our mission is to ensure this program is able to continue serving them in the future, says John Noto, acting director and founder of Noto Insurance Advisors. Noto and his professional team have already started building an online social media nexus to find assistance from across the state, and an email bulletin system is providing up to date information on the charity event to all supporters. Further publicity efforts will include a follow up article on the charity event scheduled for publication in Our Hometown, a community interest webzine hosted by Noto Insurance Advisors: http://www.notoinsuranceadvisors.com/Our-Hometown-Magazine_39. A significant number of noteworthy charitable causes operating in and around Mercer County, New Jersey have enjoyed direct support from the Noto Insurance team over recent months. As a member of the national Agents of Change charity support initiative, Noto Insurance Advisors plans to continue their policy of assisting regional charities on a bimonthly basis. All readers who wish to join the Noto Insurance team during the charity initiative to fund the Linda E. Cardinale MS Center 12 week wellness program is urged to follow this link and make an effort to support the event: http://www.notoinsuranceadvisors.com/12-Week-Treatment-Scholarships-For-Those-Battling-MS_26_community_cause. Details regarding past charitable programs undertaken by the Noto Insurance Advisors team can be found on the agencys Community Causes listing: http://www.notoinsuranceadvisors.com/community-cause?page=1. About Noto Insurance The team at Noto Insurance Advisors is committed to offering the best insurance services in the industry. In addition to providing clients with top-notch protection, coverage, and advice, Noto Insurance Advisors actively assists the local community by investing time and resources into charity campaigns directed at improving the quality of life of residents throughout New Jersey. A helpful Noto Insurance Advisors representative can be reached at (609) 895-8450. The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) presented Recorded Books, Inc., HighBridge Audio and christianaudio with six awards at the 2016 Voice Arts Awards Gala held November 13 at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. Recorded Books, Inc., HighBridge Audio, and christianaudio won the following awards: Audiobook NarrationBiography, Best Narrator Paul McCartney: The Life by Philip Norman (Recorded Books) Narrator: Jonathan Keeble Audiobook NarrationScience Fiction, Best Narrator Children of Earth and Sky by Guy Gavriel Kay (Recorded Books) Narrator: Simon Vance Audiobook NarrationMystery, Best Voiceover Hour of the Wolf by Hakan Nesser (HighBridge Audio) Narrator: Simon Vance Audiobook NarrationAuthor Performance, Best Narrator Unashamed by Lecrae (christianaudio) Narrator: Lecrae Audiobook NarrationInspirational/Faith-Based Fiction, Best Narrator Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon (Recorded Books) Narrator: Therese Plummer Audiobook NarrationNon-Fiction, Best Narrator The Song Machine by John Seabrook (HighBridge Audio) Narrator: Dion Graham Being nominated for a Voice Arts Award was cool enough. When I heard them announce my name as the winner I was jerked out of my daydream for a cheesesteak and heard my voice over the sound system with [Recorded Books director of marketing] Patrick Deering telling me, You won! Go up and get your award! said Therese Plummer, winner and narrator of Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon. All I thought at that moment was how lucky I am to tell stories for a living. Thank you, Recorded Books, and thank you, Irene Hannon, for asking me to tell your story. Created by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences as part of the Thats Voiceover! Conference, the Voice Arts Awards is an international competition showcasing the best work in professional voiceover acting, creative direction and communications for advertising, audiobook narration, movie trailers, video gaming, animation, television, radio and casting realms. Recorded Books won an award in six out of the 10 categories for which we received nominations. To be honored in this way is a true testament to the talent of our narrators and the diversity our family of companies brings to the audiobook industry, said Troy Juliar, Recorded Books chief content officer. Congratulations to all the 2016 Voice Arts Awards winners and nominees. Recorded Books, Inc., Tantor Media, HighBridge Audio, and christianaudio received a total of 26 nominations for the 2016 Voice Arts Awards. Recorded Books, founded in 1979, acquired both Tantor Media and HighBridge Audio in 2014 and christianaudio in 2016. ### For more information or to purchase any of these Voice Arts Awards winners or nominees, visit the Recorded Books blog. About Recorded Books, Inc. Recorded Books is a leading publisher of spoken-word content. It is the largest independent publisher of audiobooks and provider of digital media to consumer, retail, professional, school, library and infotainment markets. The company owns an exclusive catalog of more than 27,000 audiobook titles narrated by professional, award-winning actors. Recorded Books also provides digital audiobooks and eBooks, as well as other compelling third-party content, including digital magazines and films. The company operates in the United Kingdom through its W. F. Howes subsidiary and in Australia through its Wavesound subsidiary. Recorded Books was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Prince Frederick, MD. For more information, visit recordedbooks.com. A native New Yorker, Grace has been living in Turks and Caicos for over 15 years and has an extensive professional background in luxury real estate and project management. RE/MAX Real Estate Group Turks & Caicos Islands has added a new agent, Grace Lappin, to its team of real estate professionals. Grace is a true professional with a genuine desire to help clients with their real estate needs, says Blair MacPherson, co-owner of RE/MAX Real Estate Group Turks & Caicos Islands. A native New Yorker, Grace has been living in Turks and Caicos for over 15 years and has an extensive professional background in luxury real estate and project management. Grace possesses invaluable expertise between North America and the Caribbean, including St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Belize, as well as Turks and Caicos." While Providenciales has become home for Lappin, she maintains a lucrative partnership in Avalon Partners, a Manhattan-based real estate firm which she established. Prior to that position, Lappin served as an associate broker with The Trump Corporation; Caribbean specialist with Halstead Property, LLC; and director of International Properties with ATCO Residential. Her educational background includes a doctorate degree from Columbia University and certifications in Construction Project Management, Green Build, and Commercial Real Estate. Lappins professional credentials also include membership in the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA). "I am really excited to be a part of RE/MAX Real Estate Group Turks & Caicos Islands and look forward to helping people invest in their dream home in Turks and Caicos," says Lappin. To learn more or contact Lappin, she can be reached by telephone at 1-649-432-4158, or by email at grace(at)tcirealestategroup(dot)com. About RE/MAX Real Estate Group Turks & Caicos Islands: The RE/MAX Real Estate Group Turks & Caicos offers unique, luxury real estate opportunities on the islands that are home to Grace Bay Beach, which has been named one of the world's best beaches numerous times. With breathtaking views, world-class spas and resorts, fine dining, local culture, and the awe-inspiring coral reefs, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer unique investment opportunities in that they are located in a tax-free jurisdiction. For more information, please visit http://www.remax-realestategroup-tci.com. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Wednesday morning to start his Latin America trip, which is expected to bring fruitful results in areas such as trade, investment and infrastructure. According to the Foreign Ministry, Xi will visit Ecuador, Peru and Chile, and attend the APEC leaders meetings at the weekend. During the visits, China will sign multiple agreements with the Latin American countries to enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, finance and nuclear power. While in Ecuador, Xi will talk to President Rafael Correa, meet reporters, attend launch ceremonies for Chinese-assisted projects and witness the signing of agreements, Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Chao said. It will be the first visit by a Chinese president to Ecuador since diplomatic ties were established 36 years ago. In Peru, Xi will meet with the country's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski following the last bilateral meeting that took place two months ago in Beijing. It will the first time the presidents of China and Peru have visited each other's countries within such a short period, showing the close relationship between the two, according to the foreign ministry. China will also begin negotiations with Chile over expanding the free trade agreement that was signed 11 years ago. Since becoming president in March 2013, Xi has visited Latin America twice, travelling to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico in 2013 and Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba in 2014. China is Peru and Chile's largest trade partner and Ecuador's third-largest. It is also the main investment source for the three countries. Last year, China's direct investment in Latin America reached $126.3 billion. An iconic New York City store gets a new lease on bookselling and a closing store will return; a Pennsylvania bookstore gets geeky; and more. NYCs Three Lives to Stay: The long-time Greenwich Village bookstore, which had been on a month-to-month lease while its building was up for sale, has reached an agreement with the new owner. In a letter to customers, bookstore owner Toby Cox wrote: We are delighted with the cooperation we have had with the new owners, grateful for the opportunity to work out a new lease to remain in our home of 33 years, and we thank them for their commitment to keep Three Lives & Company in the West Village. B&N to Return to the Bronx in 24 to 36 Months: Although the Bronx will have to say good-bye to the 25,000 sq. ft. Barnes & Noble in the Bay Plaza Shopping Center soon, the countrys largest bookstore chain has made a commitment to return. A spokesperson for the retailer told the Bronx Times that the chain will make the Bronx one of the destinations for the five new Barnes & Noble stores to open around the country. Of Dice and Den Opens Today at Aarons Books; The Lititz, Pa., bookstore is adding a store within a store that focuses on pop-culture and games. It will feature tabletop games, role-playing games, graphic novels, single-issue comics, anime, fantasy, and sci-fi. Co-owner Sam-Droke Dickinson will manage the new store, with a little help from son, Aaron, for whom the bookstore is named. Tipp City Bookstore Returns: Five months after a fire ripped through the Ohio bookstore, owner Bill Jones said that the rebuilding process is moving forward, albeit slowly. The store wont be ready to reopen in time for the holidays, but should be up and running early next year. Blue Crab Books in Yorktown, Va., Looks to Add More Crabbies: After buying the bookstore next door, Jacqui McNeil, who combined it with her handmade glass goods business, Pinot Anriki Glass Design, has been struggling to bring more customers, or crabbies, back into the store. Many thought the bookstore had closed last November, when Blue Crabs previous owner, Anne Buse, announced that she was retiring. Nearby construction has also taken a toll. I have sunk quite a bit of money into this thing, said McNeil, and I want to see it stay open so I can see a return. Maines Front Porch Books to Close: Victoria Erker wants to retire and is closing the used bookstore that has been in her Orono home for the past 12 years. The stores last day will be November 19. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. A Purdue alumnus has given the university's School of Chemical Engineering a $20 million gift, and the school will now be named in his honor. Purdue President Mitch Daniels on Friday (Nov. 11) announced the naming along with the gift from Charles D. Davidson and his wife, Nancy. Charles "Chuck" Davidson received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Purdue in 1972 and forged a career as an oil and gas industry executive. "What more can be said about the loyalty of our alumni and their generosity?" said Daniels, who announced the gift during the President's Council Annual Dinner. "They are a great part of the reason that Purdue enjoys renowned status on the world stage of universities and what keeps students coming from across the globe. We can't say thank you enough to Chuck and Nancy Davidson." The Davidsons' gift marks another step in the Ever True: The Campaign for Purdue University fundraising effort. The campaign's public phase was launched in October 2015, with the goal of raising $2.019 billion by 2019, the 150th anniversary year of Purdue's founding and the 50th anniversary year of alumnus Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon. The Wall Street Journal and Times of Higher Education recently placed Purdue in a tie for fourth among U.S. public institutions and a tie for 37th among U.S. universities, respectively. The Davidsons' gift will be through multiple endowments that will be allocated to specific purposes: recruiting, retaining and advancing top-tier faculty; initiating new teaching and research programs; supporting graduate students; and maintaining and updating research instrumentation. A strategic initiative fund will provide financial support, where the newly christened Charles D. Davidson School of Chemical Engineering needs it most, as determined by the school's head. As part of their commitment to faculty, the Davidsons have established two named professorships, one of which will bear their names. The other is named for Arvind Varma, the Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering until July 31, 2016. "My chemical engineering education at Purdue helped me to become successful in the technically complex world of oil and gas exploration and development," Charles Davidson said. "Nancy and I also know that alumni support of higher education is critically important to enhance program quality and facilities. We want students to get the best possible education in facilities that are of the highest quality and in classes taught by outstanding faculty. "Arvind's retiring as head was a driver for us to make this gift now so that the school will immediately begin seeing the benefits. Our funds will support the needs he identified as most important - things that will make a difference for a long period of time." Sangtae Kim, the current Jay and Cynthia Ihlenfeld Head of Chemical Engineering, said the Davidsons' generosity will be transformative for the School of Chemical Engineering. "Our students and faculty have extraordinary ideas that will change the world for the better. This gift will be the catalyst to support their research ideas and allow it to flower," he said. "It's also important to note the role of my predecessor, Dr. Arvind Varma, in bringing this opportunity to the attention of Chuck and Nancy." Davidson's mother, Hazel Marguerite Terrell, attended Purdue, graduating in 1925. Chuck went on to earn his master's degree in management from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1980 and has spent more than 30 years in the oil and gas business. Currently a partner for a Houston-based private equity firm, he served as president, CEO and chairman of Noble Energy Inc. in Houston. He also worked in several top executive positions with Atlantic Richfield Co. At Atlantic Richfield, he helped form Vastar Resources Inc., which became one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration companies in the lower 48 states. Davidson also serves numerous industry, academic and service organizations. His civic involvements in Houston have included the Boy Scouts of America, Society for the Performing Arts and Spindletop International, an oil industry youth charity. Purdue College of Engineering Dean Leah Jamieson said Davidson is a shining example of a Boilermaker. "He is a quiet leader who has achieved great things in his career, making a difference in his local community and on a global scale," she said. "The College of Engineering is proud to call him an alumnus, and we're very grateful that Chuck and Nancy's generosity will allow others to chart their own paths to life success." The Davidsons met when Chuck was a student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she also was a student. They said their gift was driven by their knowledge that education has played such an important role in their lives. "I am honored that Purdue would associate my name with the School of Chemical Engineering," he said. "People down the road will have no idea who we were, but they will know that someone cared enough to make an investment in their future." Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu Sources: President Mitch Daniels, president@purdue.edu Sangtae Kim, 765-494-5692, kim55@purdue.edu Leah Jamieson, 765-494-5346, lhj@purdue.edu Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A chauffeur leans against his car, Hong Kong, China, 1985. [Photo provided to China Daily Asia/Courtesy of Steve McCurry] Famed American photographer Steve McCurry discusses his first impressions of Asia, shooting images on his phone and his travel wish list. Some of his most celebrated images from the region are on display in the Picturing Asia: Double Take exhibition at the Asia Society in Hong Kong until January 7, 2017. You initially studied filmmaking in university, but ultimately became a photographer. Did anyone nurture or shape your photographic talent at the start of your career? I think my professors were influential in my career. They sort of set me on the course. Where did you get your first camera? What did you shoot? It was a birthday gift a Kodak Brownie. I was shooting stuff like my travels, friends and family. You quit your job at the age of 27 and became a freelance photographer. What was it like to be a photographer in the 1970s? It was great. I was striking out on my own, doing my own thing and not having to do assignments I was just free. But it was very competitive. You created many celebrated works and had a lot of inspiration in Asia. When you first came to this part of the world, what do you recall about your first impressions? It was in India I remember there were a lot of people on the street, and there was kind of pungent odour of curry or something. It was very crowded and a bit of shock. It was a new experience, a new world and a new adventure. CEOs of major companies are taking stands about the results of the election a departure from the traditional model of not mixing politics with business that major brands have long espoused. Some are using it as an opportunity to bring their employees together following a divisive election campaign. Others are using it as an opportunity to stress their companies' values and mission, or an opportunity to make nice with Trump, who many CEOs were publicly against during the campaign. The men and women who head the nation's biggest companies know that having a hostile relationship with the Trump administration could make doing business difficult. They also know that they operate in liberal bastions like New York and San Francisco just as much as in Trump-leaning places like Fort Wayne, Indiana, or Charleston, West Virginia. "Neutral is the best policy," says John Challenger, CEO of workplace consultant Challenger, Gray & Christmas. T-Mobile's Legere, who long was vocally opposed to Trump, congratulated the president-elect on Twitter for his victory last week, while holding off on judging the president-elect's policies. Meanwhile another telecommunications executive, Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure, himself an immigrant and personally opposed to Trump, sent an email to employees saying that "it's our obligation to accept the will of our fellow Americans and respect the new leader." It's possible that Legere and Claure made nice because the president appoints the chairman and commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, an agency that holds enormous influence over the telecommunications industry. All five FCC commissioners will see their terms expire during Trump's first term. CEOs of automakers, including Ford's Mark Fields, have also struck a conciliatory tone, partly because Trump has called for the repeal or renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has allowed the automakers to set up shop in Mexico tariff-free. Many CEOs publicly expressed hope that the tensions dividing the country will diminish, and that American consumers will set aside their fears and get back to what they do best: shop. "We are hoping that in the postelection we are just going to see people ready to spend," said Marvin Ellison, CEO of JCPenney. CEOs and companies that try to bring people together are "going to be the winners," says Dr. Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace University's Lubin School of Business. "That always works better from a brand perspective," he says. Wall Street, which donated heavily to Hillary Clinton, also now faces an administration that could provide both profit and peril. Trump has said he wants to roll back some of the regulations in the Dodd-Frank law that was passed after the financial crisis, a move that would benefit big Wall Street banks. But the Republican Party's platform also contains a provision calling for the return of the Glass-Steagall Act, a Great Depression-era law that broke up big banks. There's talk of a massive, $1 trillion infrastructure program that could rely on tax credits to private funding sources. Many of those programs will require Wall Street's army of investment bankers and lawyers to help underwrite and finance. "The president-elect's commitment to infrastructure spending, government reform and tax reform among other things will be good for growth and, therefore, will be good for our clients and for our firm," said Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, according to a transcript of a voicemail he sent companywide. In an email to his employees, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the election of Trump shows "the frustration that so many people have with the lack of economic opportunity and the challenges they face." Trump's victory drew a range of responses from CEOs in Silicon Valley, where popular sentiment had tilted strongly against Trump because of his statements on immigrants, women, overseas manufacturing and the use of encryption in consumer products like Apple's iPhones. In a postelection email to employees, Apple CEO Cook didn't mention Trump by name but acknowledged that many people had strong feelings about the outcome of the vote. Cook had let it be known during the campaign that he didn't support Trump, although he generally avoided taking a public stance on the candidates. In his email, Cook said Apple would continue to support diversity. Cook didn't mention encryption, which he has previously argued is essential to protect consumers' privacy. But he added, "While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apple's North Star hasn't changed." Microsoft's chief executive was more conciliatory. In a post on LinkedIn, the social networking site that Microsoft is buying, Satya Nadella wrote: "We congratulate the president-elect, and look forward to working with all those elected yesterday." But Nadella added that Microsoft is committed to "fostering a diverse and inclusive culture." Facebook's Zuckerberg, who had previously criticized Trump's call for building a wall on the Mexican border, sounded subdued in a post on his own social network. "I thought about all the work ahead of us to create the world we want for our children," he wrote. "This work is bigger than any presidency and progress does not move in a straight line." The most combative response came from the CEO at Grubhub, an online food delivery service based in Chicago. Matt Maloney said in an email to employees that he rejects Trump's "nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics," adding that anyone who disagrees should immediately resign "because you have no place here." Maloney later backtracked in a tweet that said "Grubhub does not tolerate hate and we are proud of all our employees even those who voted for Trump." Other companies have taken the election and its aftermath as a marketing opportunity, most notably airlines. British Airways ran ads on Facebook urging people to visit London, using the tag line "had enough of this house?" under a photo of the White House. Air New Zealand ran ads on Instagram and elsewhere highlighting the results of the election and inviting people to visit New Zealand. Spirit Airlines promoted a 75 percent off sale for flights to Canada. Ive been thinking about my grandparents lately. My grandpa on my dads side, born in 1899, started with nothing. He dropped out of school after sixth grade and went to work. In 1920, he traveled to Chicago and learned to fly from Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I ace. He was a mail pilot. He started an airplane factory and owned an airport. The Great Depression wiped him out. After he went broke, my grandfather got a job shoveling grain in an elevator. Backbreaking work. Once a week, hed go to the market, buy a bunch of vegetables -- as in, vegetables sold in a large bunch -- and make a batch of soup to get through the week. He lived on vegetable soup. Eventually, he got back on his feet, bought some land and built a subdivision after Wolrd War II. He bought a farm, had some rental properties, at the end of his life making a deal to lease a cornfield he owned on the edge of town to Kmart. My grandmother was a school teacher in Oakville, then a secretary at the Hotel Burlington. She was the first woman west of the Mississippi to have a pilots license. My grandparents had grit. If theres one thing were lacking these days, its grit. Im thinking about the pictures and videos of people weeping and in hysterics over the election. People rioting in the streets because their candidate didnt win. People who think Oregon and California should secede from the United States because they dont like the incoming president. Im sure you recognize the picture above as Amelia Earhart. She was of my grandparents generation. Can you imagine Ameila too distraught to go to work or school because something didnt go her way? Me neither. Unhappy? Get in touch with your inner grit. Bear down, work hard, plow through. Youll survive. As the days become cooler and shorter, you want food and drinks that warm you up _ soup and red wine among them. But this butternut squash soup has some surprise pairings: a zippy, high-acid sauvignon blanc and a ripe arneis, a white wine from Italy. "Pairing a fresh, bright wine with rich fall flavors helps keep the meal from becoming too heavy," says sommelier Nate Redner. If you can't break out of red mode, he has one pinot noir that will fit the bill too. Make this Squash soup with sausage Cook 1/2 cup orzo pasta in a large saucepan of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven; add 1 small onion, chopped, and 2 links precooked chicken sausage, sliced. Cook until onion has softened and sausage has lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon chopped thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Pour in 1 carton (32 ounces) butternut squash soup; cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally, 7-10 minutes. Drain pasta; add to soup. Makes: 4 servings Recipe by Renee Enna Drink this Pairings by sommelier Nate Redner, of Oyster Bah, as told to Michael Austin: 2014 Alice et Olivier De Moor Saint-Bris, Burgundy, France: Sauvignon blanc from just outside of Chablis seems like a misnomer, but it's true. This wine is grassy and herbaceous with notes of tarragon, bright lemon zest and a slight smoky character, plus taut and zippy acidity to cut through the richness of the dish. 2015 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis, Piedmont, Italy: Arneis is weighty and unctuous by nature, showing notes of ripe apple, pear, savory herbs and sweet white flowers -- a nice partner for the autumn flavors of this dish. Many aromas in this wine mimic those in the dish itself, including sage, thyme and cooked apple. Arneis grown in Roero tends to be ripe and full while still maintaining freshness and lift, and this wine fits that description perfectly. 2013 Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon: Deep ruby color and flavor to match. Ripe red fruits are evident right upfront, leading to the more compelling spice characteristics that make this wine a great match for this soup. The wine's star anise, clove and black pepper will complement the squash, while its dark fruit core will tackle the pairing challenge that balsamic vinegar presents. Both the wine and the soup are velvety, smooth and comforting. ROCK ISLAND -- Four people were displaced by a house fire Tuesday afternoon. The Rock Island Fire Department received a call at 1:46 p.m. reporting a house fire at 1317 102nd Ave. W. Firefighters were able to contain the flames in about 20 minutes, according to Capt. Chuck Hobert. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Mr. Hobert said the fire most likely originated inside of the house. Two dogs perished in the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents who were displaced. Sheriff Tom Dart's statement Tuesday comes days before the County Board has scheduled a hearing to overhaul how the county sets bonds. Under current state law, cash bail is to ensure defendants show up for court and don't pose a danger to the community. Generally 10 percent of bail is paid by a defendant to obtain a bond to get out of jail before trial. Judges can allow for a "recognizance bond," in which no payment is required. Dart's policy director, Cara Smith, said the sheriff's office is drafting legislation that would allow judges to assess whether a defendant should be in custody or released under conditions including electronic monitoring. She said Illinois would need to invest in more court services to help judges make decisions and improve monitoring of those freed pending trial. No-cash bail would require legislative action to put emphasis on keeping defendants locked up, said Chief Judge Timothy Evans. "I know many people are jumping on this bandwagon now, but if I had it my way, we wouldn't be relying on any money bails at all," Evans said to County Board commissioners last month. The Cook County Board hearing is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday to discuss the issue pf monetary bonds. "We're confident the County Board hearing will begin to provide the roadmap for overhauling the system," Smith said. Lake County Judge James Booras on Tuesday pushed back Melodie Gliniewicz's trial to Feb. 6. The delay is needed because defense attorneys and prosecutors are arguing about whether charges should be dropped. Gliniewicz was indicted after her husband, Fox Lake Police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, committed suicide last year. She has pleaded not guilty to charges she siphoned money from the village's youth policing program. Authorities say Charles Gliniewicz staged his suicide because he feared discovery of his embezzlement from the youth program. Investigators say he spent the money on mortgage payments, travel expenses and gym memberships. After more than a year in the making, a state bill that could keep Exelon's Quad-Cities Generating Station near Cordova in business has made it to the floor of the General Assembly. What is now called the Future Energy Jobs Bill was introduced to the floor on Tuesday, the first day of the legislature's fall veto session. The bill did not come to a vote on Tuesday, but State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island, said Monday he hoped that vote comes this week. The impact of losing the Exelon plant would be enormous, he said. In June, Exelon announced plans to close the Quad-Cities Generating Station in 2018 -- as well as another facility near Clinton, Ill., next year -- unless the state implements subsidies for nuclear power. Although a measure doing so could not get traction in the General Assembly earlier this year, work on similar legislation continued. "I'm hopeful," Sen. Anderson said. "It's going to be a tough bill. But the impact of this plant and the Clinton plant have not only on our region but the state of Illinois is astronomical. This has to get done." Negotiations have involved not only Exelon, but other utilities -- such as ComEd and Ameren -- and environmental groups to come up with a package of rate changes, a push for renewable energy and subsidies for nuclear and coal plants. Sen. Anderson said the bill has gone through a lot of changes in more than a year of negotiations. "We've taken the time to make sure every interested party has had their say in this and we've done the best we can," he said. In a news release Tuesday, Exelon officials lauded the "future momentum" of the bill that is needed to strengthen the economy and save jobs. "As with any piece of major legislation, it will continue to evolve as stakeholders weigh in," the release stated. "But at its core, we know the bill will bring significant benefits to consumers and the environment in Illinois by nearly doubling energy efficiency programs to achieve more than $4 billion in savings, preserving the nuclear units that produce well over 90 percent of Illinois zero-emission electricity, accelerating the growth of wind and solar energy, and providing $1 billion in funding for low-income programs, among other benefits." Company officials plan to discuss details of the bill with the media this week. The Quad-Cities plant employs about 900 people, and Clinton, 700, according to Exelon. Between them, the plants annually create about $1.2 billion in economic activity and pay $21 million in local property tax. Exelon said the two facilities have lost a combined $800 million in the past seven years, despite being two of Exelons best-performing plants. The Quad Cities Chamber on Tuesday afternoon sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner backing Exelon's proposed legislation. "Despite producing over 90 percent of Illinois clean energy and half of all energy, nuclear is the only clean energy which doesnt receive any production incentive," the chamber release states. "While the proposed increase is far less than other incentives, it will be enough to ensure our plants dont have to operate at a loss. "Though this legislation passes on a small-but-controlled rate increase, it is undoubtedly preferable to the large, uncontrolled increase which will occur if both plants shut down, eliminating 13 percent of the states energy production," the release states. "If this occurs, Illinois will become an importer of energy and rates are estimated to as much as double." KEWANEE -- Former Kewanee police officer Jon Jagers wants to be both a Kewanee School Board member and Kewanee Township supervisor. Mr. Jagers accepted the township job in March, taking over from Steve Martin. His school board term, which he started 11 years ago, isn't up until April 2017. The Kewanee School Board is seeking a judges ruling on whether Mr. Jagers can remain as a school board member. On Oct. 20, the Henry County State's Attorney's office sent Mr. Jagers a letter advising him that, by accepting the township supervisor position, he had resigned his school board position. The letter said the State Board of Education has determined the positions are incompatible. According to the letter, township funds not earmarked for a specific purpose have -- as an allowed distribution" -- the possibility of going to a school district. It may be in the school district's best interest to have those funds distributed to them, but it may not be in the township's best interest to distribute them, the letter read. Mr. Jagers was asked to contact the regional superintendent of schools office so the Kewanee school board could appoint his replacement. However, via email, Kewanee superintendent Chris Sullens said Mr. Martin told the school board on Nov. 9 that the township attorney from Springfield had advised him there is no conflict of interest. Mr. Jagers was unavailable for comment Tuesday. Mr. Sullens said that, as of Tuesday, no court date has been set on the conflict of interest question. MOLINE -- The aldermen Tuesday night approved a light-replacement project expected to save the city $50,000 in 2017. The unanimous vote at Tuesday's city council meeting approved a $312,950 LED light purchase from Republic Electric Co so the city can replace less efficient conventional lights to reduce utility costs. The contract will include disposal of the old lights and installation of LED lights in the parking garages. City officials anticipate MidAmerican Energy Co. rebates will reduce the cost of the purchase to about $140,000. The council also unanimously approved these measures: A $60,000 purchase of updated Microsoft Office packages for the city. An intergovernmental agreement acknowledging to the Illinois Department of Transportation that is has the $185,710 in motor fuel tax funds to provide the required city match for a $742,830 grant that will fund improvements to sidewalks and lighting from 34th to 41st streets on Avenue of the Cities. A resolution that will allow the motor fuel tax money to be used for the match. Both of these measures were initially presented at committee of the whole earlier in the meeting, but were fast-tracked to council for final action so they could be sent to IDOT. -- A measure approving Ray Forsythe, Moline's city planning and development director, or Kathy Carr, the city finance director, to sign documents instead of former city administrator Lew Steinbrecher, who retired last week. They will act in consultation with Ald. Mike Waldron, 7th Ward. This vote happened after a 45-minute closed session. Moline's tentative tax levy for the coming year was presented for first reading on Tuesday night's agenda, which will pave the way for final action at an upcoming council meeting. The city intends to request a $15,289,920 tax levy, higher than last year's, but is not anticipating any increase to the city's portion of the tax bill because of an increase to property value. The Moline portion will be about $2.07 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, which will translate into a $692.73 bill for a $100,000 home. The committee of the whole also unanimously approved a new "gas use tax" to charge local taxes to natural gas customers who use a supply from out of state. Before, they only paid state taxes. The new tax is expected to generate about $50,000 for the city. In most circumstances, approval at committee of the whole is tentative, with final action required at a city council meeting. Also during committee of the whole, Paul Tucker became the city's newest firefighter/paramedic when he took the oath of office. Update on the employee misconduct investigation The independent attorney hired to assist the city in an investigation into employee misconduct is reviewing the merit of the allegations before Moline's aldermen take further steps. The city council announced in September that it had been notified of accusations of employee misconduct, which it described as allegations of theft and whistle-blower violations. An attorney from Lane & Waterman LLP is still conducting interviews on one aspect of the allegations, Ald. John Zelnio, 4th Ward, said Tuesday night after Moline's city council and committee of the whole meetings. She is about 80 percent done with that part, but still has another portion to review. Once this work is completed, the council will decide whether a forensic auditor is needed, Ald. Zelnio said. SILVIS -- Council members, meeting as a committee-of-the-whole, discussed Tuesday joining a Moline, East Moline, Milan, emergency services telecommunications consortium. It will take a final vote on the issue at its 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, council meeting at city hall, 121 11th St., Silvis. Reconfiguring dispatch centers into "Public Safety Answering Points" was mandated by a law signed by Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on June 29, 2015, to require consolidating the number of centers by June 30, 2017. Agencies needed to submit consolidation plans by the end of June and were given to June 30 to finish developing specific operational guidelines. Rock Island County was tasked with cutting its centers to three. Emergency telephone system board members decided to keep Rock Island and Rock Island County's centers open, but close a Centre Station center handing Moline and East Moline calls, as well as Milan and Silvis. Moline, East Moline and Milan decided to create a new dispatch center to be housed in Milan. Silvis now is leaning to join the consortium. Silvis leaders had expressed earlier concerns about the related costs and possible fate of their dispatchers. Costs of renovating the Milan Village Hall's third floor to accommodate the new center or other related costs are still unknown, according to board materials. In other action, Silvis Mayor Tom Conrad proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 19, as Lyle Lohse day in the city to honor his service as a former alderman, mayor and activist. A worker pours fuel on a pile of illegal firearms before it was set alight at a field in Ngong, in the outskirts of the capital Nairobi, Kenya, November 15, 2016. 5,250 illegal firearms were set alight by government in an effort to stem the flow of illicit firearms in the country. Deputy President William Ruto urged civilians in possession of unlicensed guns to surrender them. [Photo/IC] Christopher Arthur Durham, 46, was found guilty Monday of making obscene, threatening or harassing statements by electronic communication, a misdemeanor, following a jury trial, according to Oklahoma County court records. Durham does not face jail time. The jury fixed his punishment at a fine of $500. His sentencing is scheduled for Friday. Durham could not be reached for comment Tuesday. He has said that the allegations against him are false. Durham has been on paid administrative leave from Grand Prairie Independent School District since early October, after a student at Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute looked him up online and found out about his arrest. The verdict does not change his employment status. He has been removed from the classroom and will not be coming back, said Sam Buchmeyer, spokesman for Grand Prairie ISD. Durhams employment is pending administrative proceedings, Buchmeyer said. His one-year probationary contract expires at the end of this school year. Durham was accused of making threats against a judge and two attorneys. His own attorney, Chris Reser, turned him in. Durham told Reser during a phone call that the judge and his wifes attorneys didnt realize he was capable of doing things along the line of what just happened in Newtown, Connecticut, according to an affidavit. Buchmeyer said the school conducted background checks and nothing came up. Durham has worked for Grand Prairie ISD since August. Durham previously taught in Fort Worth ISD, until school officials there learned about his history. He was later allowed to resign. District officials said they werent required to notify parents at Polytechnic High or report what they had learned about Durham to the state. A year later, he moved on to Grand Prairie. A Texas Education Agency investigation of Durham is pending. WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump isn't going to rip up the Iran nuclear deal on day one as president, but his vows to renegotiate the terms and increase enforcement could imperil an agreement that has put off the threat of Tehran developing atomic weapons. Emboldened Republican lawmakers are already considering ways to test Iran's resolve to live up to the deal. As a candidate, Trump issued a variety of statements about last year's pact. He called it "stupid," a "lopsided disgrace" and the "worst deal ever negotiated," railing against its time-limited restrictions on Iran's enrichment of uranium and other nuclear activity, and exaggerating the scale of U.S. concessions. Trump said that he doesn't want to simply tear up the agreement. Instead, he spoke of reopening the diplomacy and declared that unlike President Barack Obama's diplomats, he would have been prepared to walk away from talks. Trump's exact plans are vague, however, and a renegotiation would be difficult. Iran has little incentive to open talks over a deal it is satisfied with. And none of the other countries in the seven-nation accord has expressed interest in picking apart an understanding that took more than a decade of stop-and-go diplomacy and almost two full years of negotiation to complete. As Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said: If the U.S. tears up the agreement, "we will light it on fire." President Hassan Rouhani said this week no country could simply change what was agreed, pointing to a U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed the package. The deal, which went into effect in January, forced Iran to pull back from the brink of nuclear weapons capacity in exchange for an end to many of the U.S. and European sanctions that devastated Iran's economy. It has been largely respected despite undiminished U.S.-Iranian tensions throughout the Middle East, including their support for rival sides in Syria and Yemen's civil wars. Each side has leverage: Iran doesn't want a new onslaught of U.S.-led economic pressure and America would be alarmed by any Iranian escalation of its nuclear program. But the accord rests on fragile ground, with powerful constituencies in Washington and Tehran vehemently opposed and looking for any excuse to break it apart. In such a climate, it's unclear what Trump's demands for a renegotiation might mean. "The agreement is valid only as long as all parties uphold it," State Department spokesman Mark Toner acknowledged Wednesday in the agency's first briefing since Trump's stunning election victory over Hillary Clinton to become the 45th president. Last summer, Walid Phares, a Trump adviser on the Middle East, said Trump wouldn't pull out of an agreement with America's "institutional signature," but rather revise elements through one-on-one negotiations with Iran or with a larger grouping of allies. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the pro-deal Arms Control Association, said that re-litigating the deal would unsettle American allies, with no clear picture of what Trump would be trying to accomplish. Trump could also send the deal to Congress, whose Republican majority has opposed it. GOP lawmakers are examining a slew of possible actions. Among the likeliest pieces of legislation is one targeting sectors of Iran's economy supporting ballistic missile work, including those specifically exempted from sanctions under the nuclear deal. Another goes after Iran's Revolutionary Guard for its military activity in Syria and support of terrorism. Iran could use either as an excuse to push past the limits of the nuclear deal, which may partly explain Republican motivations. Trump has largely avoided talk of killing the agreement, but has said he would police the deal "so tough they don't have a chance." The U.N. nuclear agency has confirmed minor Iranian violations, specifically on its stockpiling of heavy water that can be used in plutonium production. It has faced no punishment. Iran also has repeatedly breached a ballistic missile ban that was extended for eight years under the nuclear deal, prompting some limited sanctions from Washington. The Obama administration has been hamstrung. Determined to protect the president's foreign policy legacy, it has gone above and beyond the agreement's stipulation that no new nuclear-related sanctions be introduced. When Yemen's Iran-backed Shiite rebels fired missiles at U.S. Navy vessels, the retaliatory action didn't extend to Tehran. Nor has Iran faced repercussions for joining Syria and Russia's offensive in Aleppo, which has drawn U.S. charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. And whenever top Iranian officials have complained about the speed and scope of their post-deal economic recovery, top Obama officials like Secretary of State John Kerry have served as pitchmen to international banks and companies hesitant about investing in Iran. "It is a whole new reality," said Mark Dubowitz, an Iran sanctions proponent at the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies. What does he expect from Trump? "No more free lunches for the Iranians, no more unilateral concessions, no more excuses." ATHENS, Greece (AP) Drawing a broad lesson from the election of Donald Trump, President Barack Obama said Tuesday that world leaders need to pay attention to people's very real fears of economic dislocation and inequality in the midst of globalization. "The more aggressively and effectively we deal with those issues, the less those fears may channel themselves into counterproductive approaches that can pit people against each other," Obama said as he opened the last foreign tour of his presidency. Obama, in a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, said that both Trump's election and the British vote to leave the European Union reflected the need to deal with "people's fears that their children won't do as well as they have." "Sometimes people just feel as if we want to try something and see if we can shake things up," Obama said. The president seemed skeptical that "the new prescriptions being offered" would satisfy the frustrations and anger evident in election. And he played a bit of defense, saying that his agenda over past eight years had dealt with economic issues head on and "the country's indisputably better off." Obama added pointedly that some of the rhetoric seen in the elections was "pretty troubling and not necessarily connected to the facts." Tsipras, for his part, said he had refrained from rushing to criticizing Trump as some other European leaders had done, saying that the Republican's "aggressive manner" as a candidate might be different as president. He predicted that "in the near future not much is going to change in the relations between the EU, Greece and the United States of America." Tsipras added that it was one thing to criticize Trump during the campaign and another thing now Trump will be a "major player" in the world. Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos played host at an official dinner for Obama at the presidential mansion in the evening. Obama's visit sparked minor clashes in Athens as left-wing demonstrators tried to break a police cordon and were repelled with tear gas. No injuries or arrests were reported. About 3,000 anarchists, left-wing group supporters and students marched through the city center in a demonstration originally planned to reach the U.S. Embassy in another part of town. All demonstrations have been banned in a large swath of central Athens during Obama's two-day visit. Riot police blocked the marchers from the part of the city where Obama will be, parking buses across roads and manning cordons. More than 5,000 police were deployed in the capital's streets. The last sitting president to visit Greece was Bill Clinton in 1999. His visit, during the height of U.S. intervention in the wars ensuing from the breakup of Yugoslavia, was marked with extensive violent demonstrations. The president earlier offered the Greeks reassuring words about the U.S. commitment to NATO, saying Democratic and Republican administrations alike recognize the importance of the alliance to the trans-Atlantic relationship. Obama told Pavlopoulos that a strong NATO is of "utmost importance" and would provide "significant continuity even as we see a transition in government in the United States." Pavlopoulos, for his part, thanked Obama for U.S. support of the Greek people in a time of social and economic crisis, and said he was confident that Trump "will continue on the same path." Trump's election has generated significant unease in Europe because of his tough talk during the campaign suggesting the U.S. might pull out of the NATO alliance if other countries don't pay more. Obama's reassurances reflect an attempt to ease the deep concerns about Trump and the future of America's treaty alliances. Yet they may be greeted with skepticism: For months throughout the campaign, Obama repeatedly assured world leaders in public and private that Trump would not be elected, only to see him emerge victorious from last week's election. In his meeting with Tsipras, Obama offered a welcome message of support for the Greeks as they struggle with both economic woes and a huge influx of refugees. Obama pledged to keep pressing his view that "austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity and that it is going to be important both with respect to debt relief and other accommodative strategies to help the Greek people in this period of adjustment." On Wednesday, he is scheduled to tour the Acropolis and give a major speech about democracy and globalization before flying on to Berlin. From Germany, Obama will travel to Peru for an Asian economic summit before returning to Washington on Saturday. Obama said he was looking forward to visiting the Acropolis because "if you come to Greece you've got to do a little bit of sightseeing." Hundreds of tourists and residents remained stranded in the town of Kaikoura and faced a third disrupted night after a powerful quake early Monday cut off train and vehicle access. New Zealand military officials said they were on target to evacuate about 200 people by helicopter on Tuesday as a major rescue operation unfolded. New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee said that the USS Sampson was heading south to Kaikoura and would be able to deploy two helicopters to help in the evacuation. The destroyer had been due to sail into Auckland on Wednesday as part of 75th anniversary celebrations for the New Zealand navy. The visit by the U.S. ship is significant because it ends a 30-year-old military stalemate between the countries that was triggered when New Zealand banned nuclear warships. Brownlee said Australia was also diverting the HMAS Darwin to Kaikoura. "Despite the changes to the planned celebrations, it's poignant to see the anniversary marked with such cooperation and camaraderie," Brownlee said in a statement. The operation comes as several buildings in Wellington, New Zealand's capital, were evacuated and streets cordoned off Tuesday after engineers determined that a nine-story office building was in danger of collapsing. The magnitude-7.8 quake that struck New Zealand's South Island left two people dead and triggered a small tsunami. It also brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways and cracked apart roads. The defense force said it had started ferrying people out by military helicopter and that a navy ship from Auckland was due to arrive in the area Wednesday morning. Home to about 2,000 residents, Kaikoura is a popular destination for travelers taking part in whale-watching expeditions or wanting a stopover with mountain views. But the quake knocked out water supplies and sewer systems and left people with no easy way out. "From all directions, Kaikoura has essentially been isolated," Air Commodore Darryn Webb, acting commander of New Zealand's Joint Forces, told The Associated Press. "There's a real imperative to support the town because it can't support itself." Webb said the military was using four NH90 helicopters that could each transport about 18 people at a time out of the town. He said the navy ship could pick up hundreds of people if weather conditions allowed. "We're going to get as many people and belongings out as quickly as we can," Webb said. He said the operation could take several days. Air Force Wing Commander Scott McKenzie said in a statement that military personnel were delivering food, water, diesel fuel and other basic necessities by helicopter. Authorities have prepared about 5 metric tons (5.5 tons) of supplies in the city of Christchurch. Sarah Stuart-Black, director of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, said the priority was transporting out those people with health issues or bookings on international flights. She said the community was rallying to help the tourists. "It's fantastic that some of the locals in Kaikoura have taken in tourists into their own homes," she said. In Wellington, Brendan Nally, the regional commander for the New Zealand Fire Service, said engineers were completing an inspection of the nine-story downtown office building on Tuesday when they found that a major vertical beam had failed above the fifth floor. "It looks somewhat like a broken bone in the leg. It's fractured through," Nally said. "So the building is at significant risk of collapse." Nally said the building was being renovated and was empty when the quake struck. He said the buildings evacuated included the national headquarters for the Red Cross, the Thai Embassy, the headquarters for New Zealand Rugby and an Anglican cathedral. Elsewhere in the capital, many people returned to work after the quake shut down much of the city's center on Monday. But some buildings remained closed, and heavy rain and flooding compounded the difficulties. Strong aftershocks continued to shake New Zealand, rattling the nerves of exhausted residents. Police said one person died from the quake in Kaikoura and another in Mt. Lyford, a nearby ski resort. Several other people suffered minor injuries in Kaikoura. Prime Minister John Key flew over Kaikoura by helicopter Monday as aftershocks kicked up dust from the landslides below. Cars could be seen lying on their sides and parts of the road were clearly impassable. "It's just utter devastation," Key said. Three cows whose predicament captured the interest of people around the world after they became stranded on a small island of grass in an area ripped apart by the quake were rescued. The Newshub news service reported that a farmer and some helpers dug a track to them and brought them out. New Zealand, a country of 4.7 million, sits on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes are common. An earthquake in Christchurch five years ago killed 185 people and destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings. She's keenly aware of the stakes. Mounib, a 56-year-old endocrinology professor, is Morocco's most high-profile female politician, and this election marks her debut on the national stage as a party leader. After two weeks of campaigning across the country in a cramped mini-bus, she will find out the next day if she has succeeded in getting her party into parliament and winning a seat herself. It's a moment she's worked for all her adult life, while raising three children. Even now, in the anxiety-tinged bustle, she's caught in the push-pull of a working mother. She excuses herself to rush home and help her 16-year-old son Haroune with his science homework. ______ EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is part of a series of profiles of Arab women fighting for change in different countries and areas of life. ______ Mounib is still a rarity in the Arab world a female politician in a leadership position. When it comes to the gender gap in politics, Morocco ranks 97th out of 145 countries, according to the World Economic Forum. Many Arab countries score even lower. Despite her relatively privileged upbringing as the daughter of a diplomat, Mounib says she learned early on that women have to outperform men to prove their worth. She is guarded about her personal life, but speaks passionately about the role of women. "Women have to struggle extra hard in every aspect of what they do," she says. "The main reason I decided to pursue politics was to reach these heights, to reach these ceilings, and to shatter them for other women...I want to create an example, a historic example, a successful example." _____ ON THE TRAIL Despite the hopes raised by the Arab Spring five years ago, women in the region still hold only 17.6 percent of seats in parliament. That's the second lowest regional score in the world, although still not far from the global average of 22.8 percent, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. In Morocco, it's 20.5 percent, mainly because of a women's quota. In this election, Mounib's Unified Socialist Party is allied with two others to form the Federation of the Democratic Left. The alliance is a first for a notoriously fractured progressive movement that presents itself as an alternative to pro-monarchy and Islamist parties. The campaign kicks off in Marrakesh, the country's fourth largest city. Mounib is accompanied by four young volunteers, including her 25-year-old daughter Dounia. The white bus is covered with large posters of Mounib smiling confidently. Her work ethic shows, with meetings often running late into the night because she won't turn away supporters. During long rides, she conducts phone interviews with Moroccan and French media outlets. The mood is casual. Mounib insists that the driver eat with the team. He is almost instantly transformed from a random stranger into an ardent supporter, sitting in the front row when she delivers her daily stump speech. During stops, a smiling Mounib often dressed casually in jeans, a white campaign T-shirt and orange sneakers steps off the bus for photos. The crowd, almost all men, respectfully call her "ustada," or professor. She calls women to the front. Her calm only rarely gives way to flashes of irritation, such as a raised voice, mostly over planning mishaps. Mounib routinely runs late to meetings or rallies because of bad roads and unforeseen stops. "Honestly, I do feel this pressure," she later says about leading a national campaign. Success is far from a shoo-in. The Federation has struggled to extend its appeal beyond urban, educated Moroccans. It can't rely on the patronage networks of the pro-monarchy parties and lacks the Islamists' deep roots in poorer urban areas. Mounib tries to reach rural audiences with demands for social justice --narrow the wealth gap, fight nepotism, improve education. In Guelmim, a town of more than 100,000 people near the Western Sahara, the crowd of about 200 mostly men listens without heckling or interruptions, a display of politeness fairly typical at such rallies in Morocco. The audience bursts into applause when she alludes to sex scandals involving senior members of another party. The husky-voiced Mounib is lively and confident, gesturing as she delivers her speeches in earthy Darija, Morocco's colloquial language. In years of public speaking, she's learned to slip in a joke or jab at an opponent to reel back a drifting audience. She took up karate when she was younger a sport she says helped with concentration and public speaking. "Our society teaches us to be shy and keep to ourselves," she says of women in Morocco. "I've always been outspoken." ___ IN THE FAMILY Mounib grew up in Casablanca as the seventh of nine children. When she was 14, her father was assigned to a diplomatic posting in neighboring Algeria. There, she studied civics in school for the first time, a subject then not taught in Morocco. The six oldest siblings remained in Morocco to continue their studies. In Algeria, Mounib was now the oldest. It was a turning point. Her father encouraged her interest in politics, answering questions and giving her books. He also invited her to his office, where he received dignitaries. In a patriarchy, a supportive father is the key to a girl's confidence, she says. Her world view began to take shape. Mounib embraced socialism as a vehicle for change. After high school, she studied geology and biology in Morocco, and earned a doctorate in endocrinology at Montpellier University in France. After her return to Casablanca in the 1980s, she became a university lecturer, eventually rising to the leadership of the regional chapter of the professors' union. She also became active in leftist politics, joining precursors of what eventually became the PSU and the Federation. Daughter Dounia says there was no need to preach gender equality in her home because her parents lived it. Her father, 58-year-old Youssef Hajji, who works in insurance, often fixed meals as her mother dashed off to meetings. Some of her girlfriends, even in their upscale Anfa district, would often be asked to serve their brothers, Dounia says. Her older sister Imane, 30, also works in insurance, but Dounia caught the political bug. She ran in local elections last year and lost. Now the lanky, confident young woman in aviator glasses is in graduate school, studying political communication. Her mother is a role model, even if there's some friction. At one point on the trail, Mounib snaps at Dounia when she criticizes a decision on a social media post. The tension quickly dissipates. "Just the fact that you see this woman being in charge of something this big makes you believe in anything," says Dounia. "You see yourself in her." ___ A JOLT OF HOPE It's eight days until the election, and Mounib is campaigning in Outat Elhaj, a town of 20,000. Morocco does not allow polling during campaigns, so she has no idea how she is doing. In rural communities like this, where men control the public space, Mounib's presence gives a jolt of hope to women. She steps onto a stage overlooking a market street lined by male-only coffee shops. Chenna Hadhoum, a 38-year-old municipal clerk, watches from the sidelines. Many women in this community still have to ask their husbands for permission to leave the house, she says. She can come and go freely since her husband is educated and a PSU supporter, but she keeps her head down in public to avoid gossip, taking detours to stay clear of the coffee shops. Mounib "gives strength to women because she is capable and equal to a man," Hadhoum says. After the rally, Hadhoum wrestles with her shyness, and then walks up to Mounib and asks for a photo. Later, she waits near the campaign bus to catch another glimpse of Mounib. She says it's been a day she will remember for a long time. Mounib says she has encountered sexism even in a progressive movement like her own, with a relatively high number of female activists. "Just because we were in the party as women, it does not mean they laid down the red carpet for us," she says. In her first year as party leader, she faced repeated challenges, mostly from male colleagues, and at times considered resigning. At one point, they tried to override her decision to consult the rank and file on a key issue, but she stood firm. At another time, they suggested she let one of the ostensibly more experienced men handle media interviews. Her standing improved after her first appearance on national media, which gave her higher visibility. She says she is no longer challenged, but the possibility of failure is clearly on her mind. She resolves not to seek re-election as party leader if the Federation does poorly. "If we fail, I'm going to go back and put on my sneakers, and get back to the grassroots," she says. She believes it's rare to see men willing to step aside voluntarily. "Men have made so many mistakes, and they have made disastrous decisions, and you still find them in the same positions," she says. Female lawmakers in the ruling Islamist party argue that it's been a more effective champion for women's advancement than secular groups, including by getting more women into parliament. Emna Ma Al Ainaine, an Islamist candidate and former high school philosophy teacher, dismisses the Federation as marginal and claims Mounib comes off as elitist. "We had debates," she says. "Me, I am open, I am ready to listen to everyone .... But with Nabila, she believes she has the truth, just her, in Morocco." Dounia says her mother has been skewered on Facebook for owning a pair of expensive sunglasses. And a French publication noted in a recent profile that Mounib drove to the interview in a Volvo. Campaign manager Nada Harif says such criticism reflects widespread misogyny. "She will be attacked because she has sunglasses and a good car, to avoid talking about the real subjects," Harif says. She adds that Mounib takes the sunglasses off when talking in poorer communities. ___ A REBIRTH? It's early on Oct. 8th, and the election results are starting to come in. At first, euphoria erupts at campaign headquarters, because the federation has secured two of 305 seats in district races. An additional 90 seats for women and candidates under 40 are chosen in a national vote, and those results won't be known for a few more hours. Mounib stands beside Mustapha Chennaoui, the winner in a Casablanca district, who has tears of joy in his eyes. She joins him in a victory chant: "I'm neither sold nor bought. I'm a leftist and proud!" But the two seats fall far short of the 10 to 12 Mounib had hoped for. And a few hours later, she hears on television that the federation did not cross the 3 percent threshold for the national vote. This means she won't get into parliament. The Islamists are once again the largest party in parliament, followed by a pro-monarchy faction. Mounib takes a few days to deal with the disappointment. She suspects widespread election fraud but cannot prove it. A week after the election, she's back at party headquarters. She won't resign from the party, but also as promised won't seek re-election as its leader. She hopes Morocco will one day be a parliamentary democracy that celebrates diversity. "I want a Morocco where equality between a man and a woman means that a woman can walk outside in a hijab or in shorts," she says, "and be happy about being a woman." AP is interested in hearing about challenges faced by other Arab women. Share yours with us by sending an email to ArabWomen@ap.org CALDCs Halloween Celebration A Real Treat! The Central Astoria LDCs 7th annual Batty Over Halloween Celebration held on Sunday, October 23rd was a real treat for everyone who came out. Despite... Meng Brings NASA Astronaut To Queens On October 17, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought NASA astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim to Queens where he met and spoke with students at Francis... Celebrating Columbus The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens (FIAO) held their annual Columbus Day parade in Astoria, on Saturday, October 8, during Italian Heritage Month. The... Railroad industry journalist, analyst, author and long-time Railway Age Contributing Editor Lawrence H Kaufman, 80, died on Nov. 8 in Golden, Colo., after a long illness. In a career that spanned more than a half-century, Larry Kaufman plied his trade at the Journal of Commerce, Business Week, the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and several Class I railroads. At the DOT during the early 1970s, he served in the Nixon Administration as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Policy and International affairs. In addition to his work as a Railway Age contributor, he was a columnist for Argus Rail Business and Trains Magazine. A 1958 Cornell University graduate, Kaufman started his career at the Cleveland Press, then joined Business Week in 1959 as a transportation correspondent. He spent 13 years with Business Week, the last two as Transportation Editor. He is credited with breaking the news of Penn Central Transportation Companys looming bankruptcy in 1970. Kaufman joined the DOT in 1971. Two years later, he joined the AARs public affairs office, where in 1979 he led a campaign supporting passage of the 1980 Staggers Act, which partially deregulated the industry. In 1981, he joined Burlington Northern as Vice President for Public Affairs. He returned to journalism in 1986 as Intermodal Editor at the Journal of Commerce, where he spent the next nine years. In 1995, he returned to railroad public affairs as Managing Director for Corporate Communications at Southern Pacific. He stayed with SP until its merger with Union Pacific, and then returned to the JOC as a columnist until 2000. He is credited with breaking the news of the proposed merger of CN with BNSF, a combination that ultimately did not occur. Kaufman was also a consultant to Class I railroads, advising Norfolk Southern on its shared acquisition of Conrail with CSX, and CN during its acquisition of Illinois Central. Kaufman drew upon his experiences during turbulent times in the industry for a book commissioned by BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose: Leaders Count: The History of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway, published in 2005. In the final years of his distinguished career, Kaufman was a columnist for Argus Rail Business, as well as a guest lecturer at the Transportation Institute at the University of Denver and the Northwestern University Transportation Center. For four decades, Railway Age contributing editor Frank N. Wilner interacted in a variety of capacities with Larry Kaufman. They often critiqued each others drafts for factual accuracy. Wilner recalls some of his long-time associate and friends best qualities: At his core, Larry was a newspapermanpossessing, nurturing and exercising a healthy cynicism of self-serving press releases peddled shamelessly by expensively dressed PR and lobbying types deep in expense account cash yet shallow in knowledge beyond well rehearsed speaking points. He saved his greatest skepticism for the hired front groups masquerading as independent think tanks. While much of Larrys exemplary career was devoted to honest journalism including the now-defunct Cleveland Press, Business Week, the Journal of Commerce when it was a well-respected daily, and Railway Age as a contributing editorLarry also served railroads. Here, he differentiated himself by studying and mastering issues, anticipating difficult questions, and going off the record adeptly to explain what really lurked beneath the onion layers. His depth perception on complex issues was extraordinary. The result most often served his masters significantly better than the fact-hollow glib ooze too often discharged by PR and lobbying shops. As sunlight is the best disinfectant, Larry was among the best at opening the blinds. Highly respected and well-liked among his peers, Kaufman is fondly remembered: Larry was first and foremost an excellent reporter and journalist. He followed the story wherever the facts led him. He was a gifted writer and those of us who knew him are richer for the experience. He will be missed. Ed Hamberger, AAR President and CEO In my opinion, Larry was the most knowledgeable and honorable journalist covering the rail industry. He understood how policy was put together and how things worked. He was a newsmans newsman. Stanford Erickson, former Editor, Journal of Commerce Larry knew more stories than Aesop and more people than a talk show host, and he was unfailingly engaging and upbeat. Frank S. Brown, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications, Norfolk Southern No one had better rail sources or deeper historical perspective about the industry. Those of us who had the privilege of working with Larry knew him as a kind and thoughtful friend and colleague who was unfailingly supportive to younger reporters. Joseph Bonney, Senior Editor, Journal of Commerce Larry taught me how to be a reporter. I wrote news briefs. Some days we wouldnt have much, so I got on the phone and started calling people, asking them what was going on. Larry sat there marveling. How do you do it? he said. I said, Because you taught me how to ask questions. Greg Johnson, who worked with Kaufman on the Journal of Commerce transportation desk Lawrence H Kaufmannote, his middle name was simply H, no periodis survived by his wife, Donna, two children and a grandson. CN announced on Nov. 16 a $150,000 sponsorship of Level's Indigenous youth outreach program, "Dare to Dream." CNs support, made possible through a joint initiative of the CN Stronger Communities Fund and the CN Employees and Pensioners Community Fund, aims to enable Level to further develop and expand the program to communities with high populations of Indigenous youth throughout Canada, CN says The funding will also support the organizations efforts to promote inclusion and respect for diversity by improving the sensitivity of volunteers and the community at large to Indigenous culture. Dare to Dream explains that its justice education workshops aim at making the justice system more accessible, while at the same time instilling confidence and cultural pride in the First Nations, Metis and Inuit youth participants. The program also works to enhance the cultural competency of justice and business sector volunteers. We are truly thrilled to welcome CN as a title, national sponsor of Levels Dare to Dream program, said Brittany Twiss, Executive Director at Level. Access to justice for Indigenous peoples, and education and empowerment programs for Indigenous youth specifically, are critical to reconciliation and to breaking the cycle of poverty, racism and inequality that persists in Canada. With CNs generous contribution, Dare to Dream will reach the next level in terms of impact and reach across the country. I have presided over the Toronto students Dare to Dream mock trial since 2012, and each year it is a highlight, added the Honourable Justice Harry LaForme of the Ontario Court of Appeal and member of the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nation. The focus on mentorship creates a unique learning environment that builds confidence and enables the youth and volunteers to tackle important and at times difficult justice issues. The students make me so proud and give me hope for the future. We are inspired by Levels passion for creating programs that support equal access to justice, said Olivier Chouc, CN vice president of corporate services and chair of CNs Employees and Pensioners Community Fund. We are devoted to supporting the success of Indigenous youth and their communities, and look forward to working with Level for years to come. The danger of blundering into a nuclear war through miscalculation or human errora threat the U.S. faced during the Cold Warhas returned, former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry said Saturday at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica. Expounding on the theme of his 2015 book, My Journey at the Nuclear Brink, Perry said no leader in the United States, Russia, or China is seeking nuclear war, but pointed out that there are new dangers that didn't exist during the Cold War that could lead to nuclear war. They include a potential for nuclear terrorism and regional nuclear warfare. We're in the early stages of the second nuclear arms race in my lifetime, Perry said during Politics Aside, a post-election event that brings together policymakers, philanthropists, and RAND experts for a nonpartisan examination of pressing policy challenges. He spoke with Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, about the modern nuclear era and the need to educate the public about its dangers. When the Cold War ended, the United States had a unique opportunity to build relations with Russia and other Eastern European countries, Perry said, but instead the United States and Russia went down a slippery path and must share the blame for doing so. He gave four reasons for the deteriorating relationship and said two were caused by U.S. actionsthe decision at the end of President Clinton's first term to expand NATO into Eastern Europe and a more recent decision to deploy an anti-ballistic missile system in Eastern Europe. Russia made matters worse through its aggression in Georgia and again in the Ukraine, he said. Regarding last year's nuclear deal with Iran, Perry said that it was probably the best deal we could have gotten. Sanctions from almost every country in the world brought Iran to the negotiating table, he said, and it's a fantasy to think that the United States has any prospect of being able to renegotiate the deal. It's a deal worth having when you consider the alternatives, Perry said. Sara Rouche State broadcast signal distributor Sentech has contracted African Union Communications (AUCom) to supply a Newtec Dialog multiservice platform for its 800 sites across South Africa. The Newtec Dialog multiservice platform will provide Sentech with capabilities for digital terrestrial television ( DTT ) signal monitoring, IP multicasting, radio backhaul, point of sale (PoS) support and Government disaster recovery connectivity.The migration from the current platform to Newtec Dialog will begin in November and will use standard Ku-band satellite capacity.As the broadcast industry evolves, it is important for us to be able to meet not only our present needs, but our future ones as well. One of the main factors was Newtec Dialogs capacity for scalable growth, allowing us to target an increasing number of services within the same platform as our future requirements change and grow, said Dumisa Ngwenya, CTO, Sentech.Newtec Dialog enables tailored services and, according to the company, the infrastructure guarantees optimal modulation, bandwidth allocation, service availability, reliable automation of link set-ups and flexible workflow support for broadcast, consumer broadband, cellular backhaul or mobility services.Together with our partner AUCom, we have been able to provide Sentech with a solution that matches its needs both now and in the future. Sentech has been a Newtec customer for many years now and we are delighted that our strong track record of reliability, customer support and cost-effectiveness has enabled us to extend this relationship further, said Pieter-Paul Mooijman, regional sales director Africa, Newtec. Content company Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has acquired Television Federal SA, one of the main free-to-air channels in Argentina, for $345 million. Telefe reaches 95% of all households in Argentina, a country of 43 million, and has attracted approximately 33% share of viewership year-to-date in 2016. The network produces more than 3,000 hours of Spanish-language video content each year, including seven of the top ten programmes airing locally, and has a library of 33,000 hours of local content. By combining Telefe with Viacoms popular pay-TV networks, which include MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Paramount Channel, this deal further strengthens VIMNs position in Argentina and Latin America, the company said.With this transaction, rumoured since last week , Telefonica will divest all of Telefes assets.Telefe is an outstanding broadcast and production business, and this acquisition will accelerate our growth strategy in Argentina, one of the most advanced and valuable media markets in Latin America, said Bob Bakish, acting president and CEO of Viacom . Viacom has an unrivalled track record of combining free and pay-TV networks to deliver strong growth in high-value or high-growth markets, including in the UK and India. Working together with Telefes highly successful team, we can strengthen Telefes market-leading status in Argentina and expand its presence around the world using Viacoms extensive global network, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of Spanish speakers across Latin and North America, as well as in other markets.Under the terms of the agreement, Viacom will acquire all of Telefes brands and assets, including: Telefe in Buenos Aires Capital and Gran Buenos Aires, one of the countrys leading free-to-air networks, initially launched as Tele Once in 1961; eight wholly-owned channels in the interior of the country, including Canal Cinco in Rosario, Canal Siete in Neuquen, Teleocho in Cordoba, Canal Ocho in Mar del Plata, Canal Ocho in Tucuman, Canal Nueve in Bahia Blanca, Canal Once in Salta and Canal Trece in Santa Fe; Telefe Internacional, a pay-TV channel seen throughout the Americas and distributed globally to ten million subscribers across 17 countries; a multiplatform presence through applications such as Mi Telefe (My Telefe) and Telefe Noticias (Telefe News), a multi-channel network called UPlay founded by Telefe and an e-commerce partnership with Mercado Libre; 12 production studios which have a combined total of 12,000 m2 of production space; and a library of 33,000 hours of content currently distributed in more than 100 countries in 35 languages. New suspects may appear in case of Russian ex-Economy Minister MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) Several other officials may be implicated a bribery case brought against former Russian Economy Minister Alexey Ulyukayev, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday, citing an undisclosed source. Such criminal schemes are not done by one man, RIA Novosti quoted its source as having said. According to acting spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko, the minister was arrested overnight into Tuesday when receiving a bribe. He allegedly demanded Russian state-controlled oil giant Rosnefts representative to pay him $2 million for lawfully providing a positive review and evaluation of a deal that allowed Rosneft to acquire governments share in mid-sized producer Bashneft. She added that Ulyukayev threatened to create obtrusions for Rosneft with use of his position. Ulyukayev was officially charged with extorting an especially large amount bribe. On Tuesday, Moscow's Basmanny District Court placed him under house arrest until January 15. Later in the evening, President Vladimir Putin relieved Ulyukayev of his post because of loss of trust. Ulyukayev pleads not guilty. Bashneft was controlled by the government of Russias Bashkortostan region until 2003, when a major stake was sold to companies affiliated with Ural Rakhimov, son of the former head of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov. The company was privatized in 2009 when Russian oil-to-telecoms conglomerate AFK Sistema gained control of it. Investigators opened a criminal case in April linked to deals with Bashneft shares in 2002 to 2009. Rakhimov and billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov were implicated in the sale of Bashneft stock in 2009. Rakhimov was charged in absentia with embezzlement and money laundering, put on the international wanted list. The Moscow Commercial Court granted in October 2014 a claim which had been filed by the Investigative Committee and ordered AFK Sistema, its subsidiary Sistema-Invest to forfeit Bashneft stock. 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. Bryansk plant files for bankruptcy of battle-tank maker Uralvagonzavod MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) Bryansk plant for absorbing apparats has filed a bankruptcy claim with a commercial court in Sverdlovsk Region against battle-tank maker Uralvagonzavod, according to court records. Date of hearings has not been set yet. In November, the court stopped proceedings in Alfa-Banks bankruptcy petition against Uralvagonzavod after sides reached agreement in October. Debts of the corporation and its subsidiaries are to be paid through the use of credit funds provided by Gazprombank, one of the key partners of Uralvagonzavod. In September, the Central Boiler and Turbine Institution (CKTI) also filed a bankruptcy petition against Uralvagonzavod. In June, the court also registered a bankruptcy petition against the corporation lodged by the Barnaul Forge and Press Plant. On May 20, Alfa Bank announced that Uralvagonzavods debt before the bank reaches 10.5 billion rubles ($161 million) and additional $72.2 million. The total amount of arrears is estimated at $52.3 million. Alfa Bank filed a similar petition against the Ural Plant of Transport Engineering, the corporations subsidiary. Uralvagonzavod is heading the integrated structure that unites around 40 industrial enterprises, research centers and construction bureaus in Russia and Europe. It is among TOP-100 largest military-industrial corporations of the world. Appeal against Sheremetyevo Airport Trade Union executives sentence set for Dec.1 MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) The Moscow City Court will consider on December 1 an appeal against the prison sentence handed down to two executives and a member of the Sheremetyevo Trade Union of Flight Personnel for attempting to defraud state-controlled airline Aeroflot out of 100 million rubles ($1.5 million), the courts press service told RAPSI on Wednesday. Alexei Shlyapnikov, executive director of the trade union, received 78 months in prison. Valery Pimoshenko, vice-president of the trade union, got 72 months, and Sergei Knyshov, member of the trade union, was sentenced to 66 months in prison. The defendants were released because they had served these terms in detention during investigation and trial. According to prosecution, that Shlyapnikov and Pimoshenko demanded payment from Aeroflots flight director for helping the airline end a strike of pilots who requested higher wages, and threatened to send compromising information about Aeroflot to the media if he refused to pay. As the Interior Ministry reported earlier, the two trade union leaders were arrested when receiving 10 million rubles ($152,500). Later, the third suspect, Knyshov was arrested on suspicion of implication in the crime. All defendants pleaded not guilty. Their defense lawyers insisted that the men had been prosecuted unlawfully and charges against them had been brought following their long-standing conflict with Aeroflot. MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov) Russia's Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned sentences against opposition politician Alexey Navalny, his accomplice Pyotr Ofitserov in Kirovles embezzlement case and sent it for retrial, RAPSI reported from the courtroom. Russia's Supreme Court delivered the ruling taking into consideration the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Nevertheless, the ruling of the Supreme Court didn't meet expectations of both prosecutors and defense lawyers. Prosecutors claimed that the sentences against Navalny and Ofitserov should be upheld. Defense lawyers in their turn requested that Navalny and Ofitserov should be acquitted. Navalny himself expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling of the Supreme Court. The ECHR ruled in February that Russia violated Navalny's and and Ofitserovs right to a fair trial. In particular, according to ECHR, sentences against them were issued with numerous violations because of a lot of references being made regarding another defendant Vyacheslav Opalyov. Proceedings against Opalyov were treated as a separated criminal case after he admitted his guilt. Additionally, ECHR noted that Russian courts failed to review claims by defense that Kirovles case may have a political motive behind it and did not provide adequate evaluations of such claims. ECHR itself did not find a political motive in the case. The court ruled to compensate Navalny with 48,000 euro of legal costs and Ofitserov with 22,000 euro. Additionally Russia is to pay 8,000 euro each in damages. Russias Justice Ministry filed a request seeking referral of the case to the Grand Chamber of the ECHR, but the request was dismissed. Navalny was given a five-year suspended sentence for embezzlement at the Kirovles timber company in July 2013. In May, Moscow's Lyublinsky District Court increased a probation period for him to 5.5 years. Ofitserov received a four-year suspended sentence. According to investigators, while serving on a voluntary basis as an adviser to the Kirov Region governor Navalny organized the theft of over 10,000 cubic meters of timber from Kirovles company between May and September 2009. Investigators claimed that Pyotr Ofitserov who was then Director of Vyatka Timber Company and Kirovles CEO Vyacheslav Opalyov were involved in the scheme. State Duma committee approves banning undesirable foreign NGOs from creating companies MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) The State Duma Committee for non-governmental and religious organizations has recommended that the lower house of parliament adopt a bill prohibiting undesirable foreign NGOs from creating Russian legal entities, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday. In May 2015, the procedure and consequences of declaring foreign and international NGOs undesirable in Russia including ban on establishment of business unit by such organizations were prescribed in 2015, an explanatory note to the bill says. In the meantime, the legislation does not prohibit creation of Russian legal entities by such NGOs, according to the government members who drafted the bill. The law under which foreign NGOs can be put on "undesirable organizations" list if they are believed to be a threat to the constitution, defense or security came into effect on June 3, 2015. These organizations will be prohibited from working and from circulating information materials in Russia, and their offices and branches will be closed. A decision to declare a foreign or international NGO an undesirable organization can be made or reversed by the Prosecutor General or his deputies, based on consultations with the Foreign Ministry. The Justice Ministry will compile and publish a list of non grata organizations. Among the NGOs on the blacklist are the Open Society Foundation (Soros Foundation), the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the MacArthur Foundation, Freedom House and others. Police raid Moscow office of Rusnano corporation MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) - Police searched the Moscow office of state-owned technology company Rusnano, the company announced on Wednesday. Rusnano Communications Managing Director Alexey Firsov said that the searches are not linked to a bribery case against former Economy Minister Alexey Ulyukayev. According to the companys statement, investigation into one of the Rusnano managers may be connected with the hold-up in the construction of NTpharma pharmaceutical complex in Pereslavl'-Zalessky, 150 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of Moscow. The project aiming at production of new generation vaccines (nanovaccines and biological products) is expected to be opened in 2017. The corporation began to invest in the complex construction in 2009 along with a pool with private co-owners. Rusnano owns 49 per cent of the project shares, the company said. Throughout this project the companys partners ran into difficulties related to payment schedule and following that Rusnano suspended its investment. However, a new private investor took up 35.5 per cent of shares last year and Rusnano restored funding for the project, according to the statement. The corporation stated that all Rusnano actions underwent legal review and were checked by security service; strategic decisions were affirmed by the Board of Directors. By now, the construction is completed but behind predicated schedule. Rusnano provides all necessary information to investigators and is interested in constructive cooperation, the statement reads. This article first appeared in TomDispatch. So is he going to win? The question washed over me as I slumped in my hard plastic chair. I had passed the day walking through a town where most homes lay in ruins and human remains were strewn across a field, a day spent looking over my shoulder for soldiers and melting in the 110-degree heat. My mind was as spent as my body. Under an inky sky ablaze with stars, the type of night you see only in the rural world, I looked toward the man who asked the question and half-shrugged. Everyone including me, I said, thought Donald Trump was going to flame out long ago. And he hadnt. So what did I know? At that point, I couldnt bear to talk about it anymore, so the two of us sat speechless for a time. Finally, my companion looked back at me and broke his silence. It cant happen, can it? he asked. I had no answer then -- March of this year -- sitting in that ruined town in South Sudan. I do now. I thought about that March night as the election results rolled in, as the New York Times forecast showed Hillary Clintons chances of winning the presidency plummet from about 80% to less than 5%, while Trumps fortunes skyrocketed by the minute. As Clintons future in the Oval Office evaporated, leaving only a whiff of her stale dreams, I saw all the foreign-policy certainties, all the hawkish policies and military interventions, all the would-be bin Laden raids and drone strikes shed preside over as commander-in-chief similarly vanish into the ether. With her failed candidacy went the no-fly escalation in Syria that she was sure to pursue as president with the vigor she had applied to the disastrous Libyan intervention of 2011 while secretary of state. So, too, went her continued pursuit of the now-nameless war on terror, the attendant gray-zone conflicts -- marked by small contingents of U.S. troops, drone strikes, and bombing campaigns -- and all those munitions she would ship to Saudi Arabia for its war in Yemen. As the life drained from Clintons candidacy, I saw her rabid pursuit of a new Cold War start to wither and Russo-phobic comparisons of Putins rickety Russian petro-state to Stalins Soviet Union begin to die. I saw the end, too, of her Iron Curtain-clouded vision of NATO, of her blind faith in an alliance more in line with 1957 than 2017. As Clintons political fortunes collapsed, so did her Israel-Palestine policy -- rooted in the fiction that American and Israeli security interests overlap -- and her commitment to what was clearly an unworkable peace process. Just as, for domestic considerations, she would blindly support that Middle Eastern nuclear power, so was she likely to follow President Obamas trillion-dollarpath to modernizing Americas nuclear arsenal. All that, along with her sure-to-be-gargantuan military budget requests, were scattered to the winds by her ringing defeat. The Dismal Tide As I watched CNN, Twitter, and the Times website, what came to mind was that March night in South Sudan, after that exchange about Donald Trump, when the camp went quiet and I dragged my reeking body from my tent to the shower -- water in a plastic bucket that I had earlier pumped from a borehole. I picked my way across the camp with a flashlight so tiny it barely illuminated one step at a time. It was like driving at night without headlights, a sojourn into the unknown, a journey into an airless, enveloping darkness. All that seemed certain suddenly wasnt. What would come next was a mystery. That March night, I was trying to avoid falling into an open pit that was to serve as a shelter if shooting started near the camp. As election night proceeded, a potentially more dangerous abyss seemed to be opening in the darkness before me. Clintons foreign policy future had been a certainty. Trumps was another story entirely. He had, for instance, called for a raft of military spending: growing the Army and Marines to a ridiculous size, building a Navy to reach a seemingly arbitrary and budget-busting number of ships, creating a mammoth air armada of fighter jets, pouring money into a missile defense boondoggle, and recruiting a legion of (presumably overweight) hackers to wage cyber war. All of it to be paid for by cutting unnamed waste, ending unspecified federal programs, or somehow conjuring up dollars from hither and yon. But was any of it serious? Was any of it true? Would President Trump actually make good on the promises of candidate Trump? Or would he simply bark Wrong! when somebody accused him of pledging to field an army of 540,000 active duty soldiers or build a Navy of 350 ships. Would Trump actually attempt to implement his plan to defeat ISIS -- that is, bomb the shit out of them and then take the oil of Iraq? Or was that just the bellicose bluster of the campaign trail? Would he be the reckless hawk Clinton promised to be, waging wars like the Libyan intervention? Or would he follow the dictum of candidate Trump who said, The current strategy of toppling regimes, with no plan for what to do the day after, only produces power vacuums that are filled by terrorists. Outgoing representative Randy Forbes of Virginia, a contender to be secretary of the Navy in the new administration, recently said that the president elect would employ an international defense strategy that is driven by the Pentagon and not by the political National Security Council... Because if you look around the globe, over the last eight years, the National Security Council has been writing that. And find one country anywhere that we are better off than we were eight years [ago], you cannot find it. Such a plan might actually blunt armed adventurism, since it was war-weary military officials who reportedly pushed back against President Obamas plans to escalate Iraq War 3.0. According to some Pentagon-watchers, a potentially hostile bureaucracy might also put the brakes on even fielding a national security team in a timely fashion. While Wall Street investors seemed convinced that the president elect would be good for defense industry giants like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, whose stocks surged in the wake of Trumps win, its unclear whether that indicates a belief in more armed conflicts or simply more bloated military spending. Under President Obama, the U.S. has waged war in or carried out attacks on at least eight nations -- Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and Syria. A Clinton presidency promised more, perhaps markedly more, of the same -- an attitude summed up in her infamous comment about the late Libyan autocrat Muammar Gaddafi: We came, we saw, he died. Trump advisor Senator Jeff Sessions said, Trump does not believe in war. He sees war as bad, destructive, death and a wealth destruction. Of course, Trump himself said he favors committing war crimes like torture and murder. Hes also suggested that he would risk war over the sort of naval provocations -- like Iranian ships sailing close to U.S. vessels -- that are currently met with nothing graver than warning shots. So theres good reason to assume Trump will be a Clintonesque hawk or even worse, but some reason to believe -- due to his propensity for lies, bluster, and backing down -- that he could also turn out to be less bellicose. Given his penchant for running businesses into the ground and for economic proposals expected to rack up trillions of dollars in debt, its possible that, in the end, Trump will inadvertently cripple the U.S. military. And given that the government is, in many ways, a national security state bonded with a mass of money and orbited by satellite departments and agencies of far lesser import, Trump could even kneecap the entire government. If so, what could be catastrophic for Americans -- a battered, bankrupt United States -- might, ironically, bode well for the wider world. In his victory speech, Trump struck a conciliatory note. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, he intoned. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. This stood at odds with a year and a half of rancid rhetoric that was denounced far and wide as racist, sexist and xenophobic. That said, racism, sexism and xenophobia have long been embraced by American presidents -- anti-immigrant presidents, presidents who oppressed, forcibly displaced, imprisoned, or killed their fellow men on the basis of race or ethnicity, presidents who were dismissive when it came to a womans right to vote, or even owned women outright. Such behavior is wired into the DNA of the United States. Indeed, these traits form the bedrock of a land born of the twin evils of settler colonialism and slavery. Progress since -- rights movements, strides toward equal protections under the law, even the notion of the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice -- may not ultimately be linear or even lasting. The high-water mark of the American experiment may well have already been reached. Looking out from this city on a hill, it may soon be possible to glimpse the spot where the wave crested, before it ebbed and headed back out to sea. So much that was fought for with such bravery may be swept away in the dismal tide and drowned in the depths. Or perhaps not. What was dragged under may struggle to the surface. Castaways clinging to a lifeboat in the tempest may, one day, find themselves aboard a sea-splitting ship -- its sails full, its many-hued flags flying, its decks teeming; its crew poised to thunder ashore, securing a new American beachhead. We simply cannot know. It Can Happen Here That dark, sultry night in South Sudan, I thought a great deal about rights and oppression, about what happens when the worst impulses of men are stoked and sharpened, about what it means when a government turns on its own people. There, in that ruined town, young girls and women had been kidnapped and gang-raped with regularity; men and boys had been locked in a shipping container to wither and die; homes had been razed; corpses abandoned to snarling, scavenging hyenas; and skeletal remains left unburied. It was a horrorscape, a place of suffering almost beyond imagining, one that puts the problems of Americas forgotten men and women and their economic disenfranchisement, as well as the rage many white working-class people feel into perspective. At the time, I told my questioner just what I thought a Hillary Clinton presidency might mean for America and the world: more saber-rattling, more drone strikes, more military interventions, among other things. Our just-ended election aborted those would-be wars, though Clintons legacy can still be seen, among other places, in the rubble of Iraq, the battered remains of Libya, and the faces of South Sudans child soldiers. Donald Trump has the opportunity to forge a new path, one that could be marked by bombast instead of bombs. If ever there was a politician with the ability to simply declare victory and go home -- regardless of the facts on the ground -- its him. Why go to war when you can simply say that you did, big league, and you won? The odds, of course, are against this. The United States has been embroiled in foreign military actions, almost continuously, since its birth and in 64 conflicts, large and small, according to the military, in the last century alone. Its a country that, since 9/11, has been remarkably content to wage winless, endless wars with little debate or popular outcry. Its a country in which Barack Obama won election, in large measure, due to dissatisfaction with the prior commander-in-chiefs signature war and then, after winning a Nobel Peace Prize and overseeing the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, reengaged in an updated version of that very same war -- bequeathing it now to Donald J. Trump. This Trump. Hes a crazy man! the African aid worker insisted to me that March night. He says some things and you wonder: Are you going to be president? Really? It turns out the answer is yes. It cant happen, can it? That question still echoes in my mind. I know all the things that now cant happen, Clintons wars among them. The Trump era looms ahead like a dark mystery, cold and hard. We may well be witnessing the rebirth of a bitter nation, the fruit of a land poisoned at its root by evils too fundamental to overcome; a country exceptional for its squandered gifts and forsaken providence, its shattered promises and moral squalor. It cant happen, can it? Indeed, my friend, it just did. We hear all the time about how the world "should" work. Self-proclaimed liberals and conservatives, Keynesians and Reaganites, humanists and hawks, globalists and nationalists have crammed the airwaves and filled our Twitter feeds with policy prescriptions, promoting their worldview while scorning others'. But after the emotionally charged year this has been, I suspect many people are growing weary of big theories and cursory character assassinations. Instead, it may be time to replace the pedantry with something more fundamental and less divisive in which to ground our thoughts and make sense of the world. Rather than focusing on what should happen, perhaps we would do better to turn our attention to what will happen. And in this, geopolitics can come in handy. It is a deceptively simple tool, one that won't bury you in academic pretension or require a fancy algorithm to model. But its simplicity doesn't make it any less powerful. When you boil down the frothy mixture of ideas, personalities and emotions that have bubbled up over the past year, what is left are some fairly obvious answers on how we got to this point and, more important, where we are heading. Geography Doesn't Argue It all starts with the map. And not just any map, but one that emphasizes topography over political borders. The beauty of such a map is that it doesn't leave much room for polemical debate. As the Dutch-American geopolitical thinker Nicholas Spykman once put it, "Geography does not argue. It simply is." The map can tell us the basic facts about a particular nation or region. Is it massive or tiny, mountainous or flat? Is it a land power or an island? Is it stuck between bigger powers or does it loom over smaller neighbors? Is it enclosed by geographic barriers or split from within? Do its river systems run in a direction that unites or divides? The map will show whether a place has navigable waterways and coastal depth, where its biggest population centers are, how much rain its lands get and how many resources those lands contain, whether it rests in a temperate zone or an inhospitable wasteland, what infrastructure links it with others or isolates it, and so on. Then, we layer on history. How has the map shaped a nation's behavior over the centuries? Regardless of the prevailing personality or ideology of the time, what were the constraints that limited that nation's options, or the compulsions that pulled it in a particular direction? What internal and external conditions existed when the nation was most celebrated in its history? When it entered its darkest days? Do the circumstances emerging today resemble a cycle of the past? Time is important. Geopolitics is the study of the human condition, and human history is told through the passing of generations. On average, a new generational cycle is completed every 20 years or so. This means that the world we knew two decades ago and the world we will see two decades from now should look very different from the one we're experiencing today. If you're skeptical, consider 2016. Now subtract 20-25 years and see what picture you end up with. In the late 1990s, the United States was in the midst of an economic boom, and political theorists in a postwar euphoria boldly claimed that we had reached the "end of history" and that liberal, capitalistic democracy had triumphed over dangerous ideological thinking. Russia was still in shambles, and the European Union was convinced that closer integration would invite economic prosperity, positioning the Continent to better compete with America. Meanwhile, Japan was starting to feel the pain of its first Lost Decade, and China had begun its rapid ascent as the world's economic "miracle." Now consider the cycle we are in today, one that began with a crisis that shattered the world. The 2008 collapse of the global financial system stripped away the prosperity that bound the European Union together, short-circuited China's low-end manufacturing boom and triggered a prolonged slump. Jobs were lost and disillusionment with the political establishments spread. At the same time, discontent began to boil over in the Islamic world as populations rose up against their ruling strongmen, all while the United States drowned in its Middle Eastern wars. Russia used these regional fires to blow smoke into Washington's eyes, distracting it while Moscow rebuilt its influence in the Russian borderlands. From this position of relative strength, the Russians squeezed Ukraine's energy supplies and warred with Georgia to remind its neighbors of Moscow's military might and of the weakness of U.S. security guarantees. Once we find our place in the generational cycle, we can look to the future and weigh the bigger structural forces at play. How will aging demographics, energy availability, climate change, migrant flows, expanding power vacuums, technological advances and China's economic evolution work together to compound global stressors, create opportunities and revive historical compulsions? This is where the "-isms" will rear their heads: Nativism, protectionism, populism and nationalism will flow easily from these broader forces as the world tries to steady itself from the hyperglobalization of the previous generation. Only at this point do we add in the individual. If you skip ahead, as many intuitively do, and try to glean answers from what figures such as Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen or Rodrigo Duterte say, you risk falling into the deep chasm between intention and reality. But when you organize the world into generational cycles and base your understanding on a firm geopolitical foundation, individuals form but a thin film on what is already a thick body of analysis. The leaders in question are then revealed as products of their time, not aberrations in need of constant psychoanalysis. And the structural forces that brought them to power will be the ones to constrain, shape and bend their actions once in office, limiting the possibilities as to what may actually transpire. Imperatives Laid Bare We find ourselves today at a particularly compelling phase of this generational cycle. The election of straight-talking populists amid a stressful global environment has laid bare the basic imperatives of the nation-state. Whereas idealism in better, more prosperous times does a good job of cloaking unpleasant truths, hard survival instincts will drive behavior under more trying circumstances. And this is where geopolitics matters most. Russia's sprawling landmass and lack of natural defenses compel it to reach beyond its borders and build buffers against the West. As tension inside Russia increases, solidifying those buffers while Russia is still strong enough to do so will become a matter of urgency. Regardless of who sits in the White House, Moscow has no choice but to assume that the West will take advantage of Russia's inherent vulnerabilities to keep the Eurasian power in check. Should the Kremlin perceive the next U.S. president to be a more pliable negotiator, its biggest imperative will be to try to reach an understanding that rolls back NATO's encroachment in the former Soviet Union. But this also means Russia cannot be expected to make any concessions that fundamentally weaken its grip on the critical buffer territory it has seized in eastern Ukraine. This is where it will become important to focus on the smaller powers squeezed between the bigger ones. These countries tend to have the most acute sense of their environment, and they often adapt to the shifting tides of geopolitics before anyone else sees them coming. The rim of states in Central and Eastern Europe will have to soberly calculate the course of negotiations between Russia and the United States at a time when core Continental powers such as Germany are trying to manage the fallout from the European Union's disintegration. For nations sitting on Russia's front lines, such as Poland, now is the time to band together and bolster their defenses. But for those such as Hungary that rest easier behind the shield of the Carpathian Mountains, now is the time to stay close to Moscow and keep their options open. Russia will surely run into roadblocks as it barters with the Americans, but it can use the perception of a budding bargain with Washington to intimidate its neighbors while taking advantage of the geopolitical forces pulling Europe apart to weaken the West's resolve. As an island nation, the United Kingdom's instinct will be to distance itself from the Continent and balance off of the United States across the Atlantic as other European powers revive their age-old feuds. France, rooted in the southern Mediterranean, will become increasingly polarized from Germany and its allies in Northern Europe as nationalist forces chip away at their troubled union. Questions over the United States' security commitments in the Far East have presented an opportunity for China as well. The nations stretching from the Indochina mainland to the island chains of Southeast Asia are caught between China's overbearing reach and Japan's reawakening. Even before the U.S. election, these countries were trying to chart a course forward without the firm assurances of their longtime U.S. protector. Seeking strength in numbers, these small, exposed nations will try to coordinate with one another, acting under the larger umbrella of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the hope that their collective voice will grant them some level of parity with their bigger and more powerful neighbors. But in the face of economic stress, political tumult, North Korea's nuclearization and uncertainty over Washington's role in the region, they will eventually break with one another to tend to their own needs. And when they do they will become more vulnerable, giving China ample space to assert its military dominance and extend economic concessions in an attempt to reshape the regional status quo in its favor. The Middle East will be no less immune to this geopolitical test. Turkey is determined to reclaim its sphere of influence in the former Ottoman belt reaching from Aleppo through Mosul to Kirkuk. At the same time, Iran is trying to preserve its influence in the arc between the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. As the two countries collide amid the region's broader ethno-sectarian struggle, the volatile Middle East will continue to draw in the United States, as well as Russia, which will use these conflicts as bargaining chips in its negotiation with Washington. Strategically speaking, neither the United States nor Iran is in a position to renew tension in the Persian Gulf by throwing out their nuclear deal. But domestic politics could put that theory to the test. Meanwhile, Israel will wait and react to the larger rivalries unfolding around it. Though the United States will maintain its relationship with Israel, it is unlikely to go out of its way to support Israel in ways that could alienate the region's key Muslim powers. Regardless of the next administration's personal preferences for allies, they will not outweigh Washington's strategic interest in maintaining working relationships with the countries taking the lead in reshaping the region. The fate of North America likewise hangs in the geopolitical balance. The United States rests at the heart of a continent endowed with many resources, navigable waterways, deep coastal ports and massive oceans that protect it from and link it to the rest of the world. The robust trade, infrastructure and cultural ties the United States shares with Mexico and Canada cannot be abruptly severed without creating significant turmoil at home. To be sure, the elemental forces currently fueling nativism, protectionism and anti-establishment sentiment in the United States will force Washington to recalibrate its policies somewhat. But the unique advantages that destined the United States to become a global empire will reduce the chances of a dramatic retrenchment in its foreign policy. The United States will still be driven to capitalize on revolutionary changes in technology to stay competitive and to build a North American economic powerhouse. And when it looks overseas, the United States will still be compelled to prevent larger powers such as China and Russia from dominating their neighborhoods and will have little choice but to rely on regional partners with often-colliding interests to manage developing crises. Still, the nuances of the United States' policy adjustments and the time it takes to shape them will spread uncertainty in many parts of the world and drive nations to prepare for their worst-case scenarios. So now is the time to put our ears to the ground and feel the earth tremble. We then need to raise ourselves up, dust ourselves off and watch the map come alive. 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 Fort Smith, AR based Walther Arms, Inc. recently introduced a new pistol. While we await word they've begun manufacturing the PPK and PPK/S domestically, we'll share what they told us about the CREED. It's a 9mm polymer frame semi-auto with an ambi mag release and 3-dot sites. Note: this is the Walther Creed. This is Apollo Creed. It's important to know the difference, especially if you carry AIWB. According to Walther, the Creed is larger than the CCP (which utilizes SoftCoil technology), with a 4 in. barrel and a different trigger. The Creed uses a 16 round magazine, and if you check hashtag #WaltherCreed on social media you'll find there are already a number of holster manufacturers building carry gear for it. If you're interested, Talon Grips (@talongrips) are available in Rubberized or Granulate texture. Heres what they told us about it. Introducing the Walther Arms Creed Walther Arms, Inc. is proud to announce the new Creed pistol. A Creed is a set of fundamental beliefs. For Walther, those beliefs are superior ergonomics, excellence in trigger design, and unparalleled accuracy, quality, and reliability. The new Walther Creed makes a statement in modern polymer-frame handguns that all of these features can be achieved with an economic price-tag. The Creed offers a reinforced polymer frame with signature ergonomics that shooters have come to expect from Walther. The non-slip grip texturing, standard on most Walther pistols, ensures the gun remains firmly in the shooter's hand during use. The Creed features a pre-cocked double-action trigger system and a bobbed hammer that ensure a no-snag draw from a concealment. This system provides the shooter with a light and smooth trigger pull, consistent from the first shot to the last. All metal components are treated with a corrosion and abrasion resistant TENIFER coating, providing a matte black hardened surface. With an ambidextrous magazine release, low profile steel 3-dot sights, and front and rear cocking serrations on the slide, Walther refused to compromise on the quality or features of the Creed. Offered in 9mm with a 4-inch barrel and 1/10 twist. The Creed comes with two sixteen round 9mm magazines. The overall length is 7.3 inches and an empty magazine weight of 26.6 ounces. The MSRP is $399. About Walther in their own words. For almost 130 years, Walther has been a name immediately recognized by firearm enthusiasts worldwide. Walther continues to be the leading innovator in manufacturing quality handguns and tactical rimfire replicas. This innovation stems from our tradition and emphasis on unmatched quality from renowned German engineering. It is the core of a progressive company that continues to write firearm history. You can find the Creed online here. For more information about Walther Arms, click right here. For almost two hours, a little over 200 people walked on Saturday morning in the AIDS Athens annual walk to support those with AIDS in the community as well as reduce the stigma that exists when it comes to this disease. For Transgender Awareness Week, the LGBT Resource Center held a training session in Tate Student Center Monday evening for students to discuss various topics concerning gender and how it relates in their lives. Ashley Block could run circles around anyone before most even got their day started, friends and family said. She was a warm and selfless go-getter who left her classmates and friends wondering how she had the time in a day to do it all. Voter guide: Race previews, what to know before you vote news More than 150 University of Illinois at Chicago students walked out of classes on Nov. 15, 2016, to protest the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Students troubled and angered by Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election gathered Tuesday on the campus quad at the University of Illinois at Chicago to denounce the businessman. At the lunchtime rally, several hundred students listened and chanted as a series of speakers lambasted Trump as racist, misogynist, divisive and dangerous for the United States. Advertisement "It is easy to say 'Not my president,' but in reality the damage has been done," student organizer Joe Padilla told the diverse crowd of backpack-wearing students via megaphone. "So what we are to do now is not to reject all those who voted for Donald Trump but three things: educate, agitate and organize!" Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 A group of University of Chicago students hold a walkout protest against president-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 15, 2016. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune) Padilla, 21, a junior from Downers Grove who is studying history and teaching, urged students to sign a petition to make UIC a sanctuary campus for students in the U.S. without legal permission. He also expressed alarm at what he called an increase in hate crimes nationwide in the days since Trump was elected. Advertisement "Now more than ever we need to reject hate, intolerance, discrimination and intimidation," Padilla said. The demonstration was nestled in a UIC quad near one of the student centers and a classroom building, so it did not affect city streets, unlike the protests last week near Trump Tower, in the Loop and on Lake Shore Drive. A few UIC campus and Chicago police officers looked on from afar. Student Robin Penn heard about the rally by word of mouth and decided to take a few minutes to attend. Penn, a 21-year-old education major from Logan Square, said the policies of the Green Party and Jill Stein were more closely aligned with her views, but she ended up voting for Hillary Clinton. Trump, she said, represents the opposite of what the country should stand for and "is for everything I'm completely against." "It's important so the world knows we're not OK with this," Penn said. Later Tuesday afternoon at the University of Chicago, a similar sized group of students held a rally on the main quadrangle. Students demonstrated against Trump's statements and positions, especially his comments about women, minorities and climate change. "We reject the president-elect!" the demonstrators chanted. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > One young women held a sign that read "Can't Comb Over Misogyny." Another: "T: Toxic. R: Racist. U: Unacceptable. M: Meritless. P: Pig." Advertisement Speakers urged students to contact Illinois legislators and the governor about making colleges throughout the state sanctuaries for foreign students. Another student clutched a handmade cardboard sign etched with black marker with the message "Stay Outraged." As the demonstrators marched calmly and then gathered for the speeches, other U. of C. students worked on laptops at picnic tables or scurried past on the quad, either ignoring the rally or curiously glancing in its direction, going about their day. The demonstrations were part of an organized #StopTrump student action effort nationwide. Rallies were planned for several downstate campuses for later in the day. poconnell@chicagotribune.com Twitter @pmocwriter Chicago could see its first trace of snow this weekend, while states in the Upper and Central Plains are expected to get hit with their first major winter storm that could create blizzard conditions. A cold front will drop temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees in the Chicago area from Friday morning to Saturday morning, when the forecast calls for rain and snow showers, according to the National Weather Service. The snow, if it falls, is expected to be light and not likely to accumulate, the weather service said. Watch the latest 7-day forecast for the Chicago area. Nov. 15, 2016. (CBS Chicago) To qualify as measurable snow in the record books, at least 0.1 of an inch has to fall. The earliest that has happened in the Chicago area is Oct. 12, 2006, when 0.3 of an inch was recorded at O'Hare International Airport. Anything less than 0.1 qualifies as a trace. The earliest trace of snow here is Sept. 25 in 1928 and 1942. The weekend is expected to be more bracing to the west and north. Heavy snow is expected to accumulate across the Dakotas, Nebraska and Minnesota. Advertisement The heaviest band of snow is expected to stretch from central South Dakota to northern Minnesota and toward Thunder Bay, Ontario. Snow there could reach a foot. While some criticise the government, others, despite the inconvenience, hail demonetisation as revolutionary. Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore reports. IMAGE: A queue up outside an ATM. Photograph: Pawan Kumar/Reuters They don't know each other, have nothing in common but Prime Minister Modi has brought strangers together. Standing in queues, waiting to enter banks, one gets an idea about how the nation is taking to Modi's Plan Demonetisation. While some support demonetisation, believing it will eradicate black money and cut off terrorist funding, others believe the move with its "pathetic implementation" has brought nothing but pain to Indians. Vasant Kumar, who sells mobile phones, is waiting outside the HDFC Bank in Malad, northwest Mumbai. "Just imagine the man hours lost and its impact on the economy because of the pathetic implementation of this policy," Kumar, who has been standing in the queue for an hour, says. Demonetisation, Kumar left, feels will neither stem the creation of black money nor will it affect the counterfeit currency racket in any way. "While cutting off the funding of terrorists is important," Kumar says, "these anti-nationals will soon come out with counterfeit notes to bankroll their operations. Demonetisation cannot be a deterrent to the creation of black money and terrorist operations." "Don't be surprised if these terrorists counterfeit the new currency notes," he adds. "How can Modi conduct this surgical strike against 125 crore people, bar those who generate black money?" he asks. "If this is a surgical strike, then why has the government attacked black money with just guns in hand (demonetisation)? Where are the howitzers and bombs?" "Every single day you come up with a new solution for a new problem that you face? Why didn't you think of these issues before announcing the ban?" he asks when Rediff.com informs him about the use of indelible ink to prevent one person from exchanging money any number of times in a day. "Do you think those who indulge in black money will not find ways to get around this?" he asks. "The big fish are already out of this country. And they are out because they are 10 times smarter than any government." Namitabh Kothari, left, waiting outside the ICICI Bank in the same area presents another view. Eighth in queue, he is glad he will soon exchange Rs 4,500 in now forbidden Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. This is Kothari's second time at the bank to exchange cash. "Just wait and watch," he says. "This government has many measures coming up to tackle black money. I congratulate and support Modi for taking such a bold measure." "Only those with black money should be worried," quips Nandini Joshi, a homemaker, equally happy with the prime minister's surgical strike. "In one swoop, he has rendered the cash with Pakistan-funded Kashmiri separatists and Naxals for whom such high-denomination currency was fodder to harm India's interests useless," she adds. "Have you heard any reports of stone pelting in Kashmir since the announcement was made?" Joshi asks. "Why are there no long queues outside any Kashmiri banks?" she demands. "Because most of the money with those who are funding separatism in Kashmir is black money and they are scared they will get arrested if they come out with heaps of this money to deposit in the banks." Sharim Shaikh left, beams as he steps out of a bank in suburban Mumbai. After standing in queue for about 90 minutes he could exchange Rs 4,500 that he can now give his parents. The arts student at the Rizvi College, Bandra, northwest Mumbai has complete faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to fight corruption. "Insha Allah aagey bhi desh ke liye achcha hi karega (By God's grace, he will do good things for the country in coming days)," Sharmin says. "If he is doing good for India," says the young man, "then Insha Allah, Indians should give him the 50 days he has asked for." The minute Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes, people across the country throng banks and ATMs to deposit/exchange and withdraw money. And why all have read about the plight of the common man waiting for hours, what about those who work at the banks? A post in Humans of Bombays Facebook page from a manager of a bank will give you an insight of what the bankers are going through and will urge you to cooperate with them. Were receiving black money that had been stashed away for years possibly and all this cash smells like rotten leather to the point where every one of our branches has ordered masks for the cashiers thats how unbearable the stench became! reads the post. She also shared the fact that she has been at the receiving end of some unpleasantness from people who have been forced to declare their black money. Threats have also come. We get calls from people who are politically endowed and threaten to send media to expose us or to create a scene if we don't move money. See the full post BELOW Delhi Police on Wednesday claimed to have traced the auto driver who ferried Najeeb Ahmed from Jawaharlal Nehru University the day he went missing, even as it raised the reward from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing information that could help locate the missing student. The Delhi Polices Crime Branch team investigating the case said that the auto driver told them he had dropped Najeeb to Jamia Millia Islamia. We have been able to trace the movement of Najeeb on October 15, the day he went missing. He took an auto from JNU and reached Jamia Millia Islamia campus. He had taken the auto himself and wasnt accompanied by anyone, said a senior police officer. The police is now trying to find out whether Najeeb had any friend in Jamia whom he had gone to meet, sources said. The Crime Branch also spoke with Najeebs family today and apprised them of the status of investigation. Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma approved the increase in the reward amount from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Initially, the reward amount was Rs 50,000 but later on, it was increased to Rs 1 lakh and subsequently to Rs 2 lakh last month. Verma today raised the amount to Rs 5 lakh, said a senior police officer. The team, which is investigating the matter, has started from scratch and is re-looking at all the clues and evidence, the officer said. Najeeb has gone missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members the night before. The SIT, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police II (South) Manishi Chandra, could not to gain any actionable clue in the matter. The SIT was focusing on psychiatric angle in the probe after it was learnt that Najeeb was suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with depression. The team was also mulling to seek help of psychiatrists from AIIMS or RML to chalk out a plan for investigation. However, the Crime Branch is now investigating all probable angles rather than focusing on any one perspective, sources said. While the case was being investigated by the SIT, teams were sent to Darbhanga in Bihar and Nepal after they got leads hinting that Najeeb might be there, but they could not find him. Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged that selective leak of information on demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes to 'friends of BJP' and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs 1 crore since April. Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the November 8 decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Anand Sharma (Congress) used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man. He asked the prime minister to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, "your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the November 8 decision)." As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Supporting her, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said since Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day, Modi should hear out at least the major parties. Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India -- the country's largest lender -- knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of move to withdraw 500 and 1000 rupee notes. He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... you never kept secrecy (about the decision)," Sharma said. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move had unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight blackmoney created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs 2000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "sheds colour" was brought. "Your government is insensitive," he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding blackmoney. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in queue for his Rs 4000-4,500, blackmoney holders and scamster," he said. Referring to Modi's statement in Goa last week that certain forces were out to eliminate him, the Congress leader asked him to name the conspirators wanting to eliminate Prime Minister of India. Congress will not tolerate anyone planning to harm the Prime Minister of the country, he said. Taking a dig at the Modi, he said someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become Prime Minister and travels around the globe was "calling himself a sanyasi and tapasvi". Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about demonetisation was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86 per cent of the currency in circulation blackmoney and "everyone a criminal," he said, adding that when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes. So banks and ATMs were shut on November 9 but the expectation of normalcy from next day were dashed with queues only getting longer by the day. The government policy was to "benefit those who are your friends and hurt those who question you," he said adding an atmosphere has been created in the country where questions cannot be asked and those doing so branded anti-nationals. "The magnanimous Prime Minister allowed Rs 4000 of old currency to be changed... what right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of ones hard-earned money," he asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He said former RBI Governor IG Patel had written about the government's decision to demonetise currency in 1978 and it would be absurd to think that all ill-gotten money is kept in cash and not invested in real estate, billion, equities or foreign exchange. Modi, Sharma said, had reasoned that withdrawal of the higher denomination currency to fight against blackmoney, terrorist funding and counterfeit currency. Congress is unequivocally opposed to blackmoney and opposes any force that print counterfeit currency. Sharma said the government in one stroke took away 86.4 per cent of the over Rs 16 lakh crore currency in circulation. "Did the government think that 86 per cent of the currency in circulation was counterfeit or blackmoney," he asked. Stating that cash to GDP ratio of Indian economy was 12-14 per cent, he said farmers, daily wagers and workers do not carry credit cards, cheque books or card swipe machines in their "dhotis or tahmeds". Moving towards cashless economy was fine but even the most developed economies of US or Europe have not achieved that objective yet. If they had, the US central bank would have stopped printing dollars, European central bank won't be printing Euros and UK central banks would have stopped printing pound sterling, he said. Stating that the government had in one stroke declared everyone a criminal, he said the government and finance minister have stated that terrorists would have benefited if advance information on the decision was given. "Which terrorist goes to RBI with sack full of counterfeit currency to change." After withdrawing 500 and 1000 rupee notes, restrictions were placed even on foreign tourists who could not get their currency changed. The Congress leader said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had informed Parliament in August that fake currency was 0.02 per cent of the total currency in circulation. "If 0.02 per cent by government admission is counterfeit currency, how can that be made the base to remove 86 per cent of currency in circulation," he said. An undeclared emergency has put common people in grave inconvenience, he said while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is blackmoney, Prime Minister should answer if he considered money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees was also blackmoney. "This question arises because a message has gone that Indian economy was run on blackmoney... you decide but don't brand the whole country," he said, adding whether the cash the farmers gets for his crop or the one he uses to buy seeds or fertilizer was blackmoney. He said the move had rendered millions of agriculture workers and labourers unemployed. Across the country, ATM machines are not working even after more than a week of the demonetisation decision and queues at banks are only increasing, Sharma said, adding the BJP government has not lived up to its poll promise of creating 5 crore jobs as employment is on the rise. BSP leader Mayawati said the House should request the Prime Minister to be present and answer the members' concerns. It is "a very serious issue", she said, adding she has been observing Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, appears "sad". Her demand was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the PM must be present in the House to hear out the concerns of various parties. Earlier, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he had received as many as 13 notices under rule 267 for suspension of business to take up discussion on inconvience and hardships caused by demonetisation of currency. He said there was a general consensus for discussion and the government too was agreeable, so the list of business as notified stands completely suspended. Azad demanded that the PM should at least "hear out the feelings of six-seven main parties, otherwise there is a mismatch. The feelings of opposition members should be heard by PM. I demand that at least he hears them out and sit in the House at least today. We can wait for him to come." This was objected to by D P Tripathi (NCP), who said that as Leader of the Opposition he should not distinguish between the big and small parties. Ram Gopal Yadav (who was expelled from SP) joined Anand Sharma to allege that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam while demanding a thorough probe into it. "A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on November 5 about the new Rs 2000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said, alleging further that 10 per cent of the people have 90 per cent of wealth of the country and the remaining 90 per cent do not have anything. The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, he said, adding that majority of women who saved money through household savings were upset with the move. "Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said. Demonetisation of high denomination currency has created big problems to common people and and law and order situation is being created with police being deployed outside banks to control the queue. "Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. Yadav said the entire House was against the corrupt and drug money, but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous. Yadav also sought a probe into the suspicion of leak of the demonetisation decision and said a Joint Parliamentary Committee can be constituted. He said the move by the government has led to lot of hardships in the villages and the villagers have stopped buying normal things like toothpaste and hair oil. If this continues, no one would buy Baba Ramdev products also and his factories will shut down, he said, suggesting that the government should restart the scheme for people to declare their black money. He said that the government has fixed the Basic Selling Price was Rs 1500 per quintal but because of the demonetisation, the price has come down to just Rs 1,000 and demanded that farmers should be allowed to use the old notes to buy seeds and fertilisers. Taking note of prime ministers remarks that he might be killed because of his move, Yadav said there should be probe to find out who these people are and precaution should be taken. He said it should also be probed if the statement was made only for political motive. He also mentioned that off late, many messages are being spread on social media targeting the PM in filthiest of words and the cyber cell should find out where it is originating from. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Navneet Krishna said the Reserve Bank of India and the government have failed the rural people with this move which has threatened the saving habit of people. Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav, who also sought a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said the sudden move was akin to throwing people out of a moving train. He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written-off on Wednesday by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said the prime minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues. Yadav also took a dig at Jaitley saying he was sure that the Union finance minister was not part of the decision making on demonetisation, because had he been, Jaitley would have tipped him off. This remark left most members including Jaitley laughing. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said that of the 130 crore population in the country, only 2.6 crore have credit cards. He took a dig at Modi and narrated the infamous quote of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French revolution who had said that people can eat cakes when they dont have bread. We have Modi Antoinette who says If you dont have paper, use plastic. Launching a frontal attack on the Prime Minister, Yechury compared him with a Roman ruler. He said a Senator had remarked about this ruler that: I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and theyll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still theyll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the senate, its the sand of the Coliseum. Hell bring them death - and they will love him for it. Alleging that a BJP unit in Kolkata deposited Rs one crore in Indians Bank Account on November 8, he said prove me if I am wrong. He added that the prime minister was advertising for Paytm while talking about cashless economy. It is no longer Jai Hind. PM is appearing for advertisements Jio Hind. He questioned how the cashless transactions could take place when 86 per cent of the transactions in the country took place via cash. The Communist Party of India-Marxist leader said 1/5th of the economy is black economy and people who kept black money invested it in real estate, gold etc. That is why the imports surged and stated that it was this PM only who had stated that 95 per cent of the black money is stashed offshore and is in safe havens. PM is cleaning a pond to kill crocodiles but big crocodiles have survived and only small fishes are dying. He alleged that SBI has waived off Rs 7,000 crore of NPAs, to which Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said that written off does not means loan waiver. Yechury while mentioning Vijay Mallya said in effect the money given to the defaulter was not going to be realised. Yechury said by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the problem of black money was not going to be solved and this way the government was killing the poor. He also demanded that corporate funding of all political parties should stop and there should be a system of state funding for elections to which Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said why dont you move a private members bill in this regard. On his charge that the government had brought in FCRA for foreign funding, Jaitley said there is only a small amendment to benefit Indian companies giving funds in Indian accounts. Yechury also questioned how cooperative banks were not entrusted with powers to change currency notes whereas bulks of the Indians were dealing with rural cooperative banks. Terming the demonetisation move as Tuglakshahi, he said the length of queues before banks and ATMs was ever increasing and asked why the government was agonising the people. He sought an investigation into the move, saying let there be a joint parliamentary committee for a proper probe. We need to know the motive behind the move as before every parliamentary session there is some gimmick which diverts attention from other major issues. Launching a scathing attack on the government, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati compared demonetisation with an economic emergency thrust on the nation. The move, she said, would rebound against BJP in the 2019 general elections and the party would face defeat in the assembly elections in five states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Assam. Masses are in pain. The prime minister must be sleeping after taking pills. The move is without preparedness and people will punish BJP in 2019 during general elections. People of five states going for elections including Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will punish BJP, she said, adding that the poor and the middle classes were the worst sufferers. It is an immature decision taken in haste and the whole country feels that is an economic emergency, she said adding that it was like a Bharatbandi situation. Many died not from shock but from problems. We are not opposed to flushing out black money from the system but the decision to ban notes has been taken in haste without proper preparation, she said, adding that private hospitals were closing their doors to patients while the farmers have no money to buy seeds. She said ATMs did not function during the initial two days when the prime minister made big claims in Japan and alleged that the BJP had resorted to corruption and people were brought to Modis recent rally in Ghazipur by paying money. Ten months time for preparing the move was devoted to settling notes with some BJP leaders and industrialists, the BSP chief said and sought to know why the PM has sought 50 days time when he took 10 months for his secret preparations for the move. At the same time, she said if the PM really wanted to curb black money, he should take action against his party leader from Karnataka who was also a mining mafia. She also questioned the timing of the move saying all of a sudden why this move was implemented when elections were due in five states. Photographs: PTI Photo Security forces say Naxals have amassed nearly Rs 1,500 crore through extortion, kidnapping, looting and the narcotics trade. In a bid to evade scrutiny, Naxals in Jharkhand are forcing elderly people to exchange their unaccounted money after demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. According to the police and central security officials, Naxals have amassed nearly Rs 1,500 crore through extortion, kidnapping, looting and the narcotics trade. Residents and cops in Latehar district, one of the most Naxal-affected areas in the state, say the left-wing extremists are now preying on the elderly to deposit the cash into their accounts, using the cap of Rs 2.5 lakh deposit in one go. A villager tells PTI that a few days ago, an elderly woman, "who was unable to even recognise notes correctly," had gone to a state-run bank to deposit lakhs in her Jan Dhan account. "She, however, went back without depositing the money, saying she was asked to show PAN card, which she did not have," he says on condition of anonymity. Another villager, also on condition of anonymity, notes that while many elderly people are being forced to comply with the Naxals' instructions, in some cases Naxal sympathisers are depositing the money willingly after deducting their "share," which ranges from 10 per cent to 30 per cent. "Naxals are frustrated with the government's move demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. They are threatening locals to deposit their money into banks so that the cash does not become defunct," the villager says. "It is correct," confirms Latehar Superintendent of Police Anoop Birtharay. "We have received information that Naxals are using villagers to deposit their extortion money into bank accounts so that it can be converted into legal currency." "Not only elderly people, but young people could also be involved in the practice. We suspect that some locals, who could be Naxal sympathisers providing logistical support to Naxals, are behind it," he adds. Birtharay says the police are keeping a close vigil -- checking vehicles checking and conducting raids upon receiving tip-offs. "We got information that some Naxals from Bihar were scheduled to hold a meeting with their Jharkhand counterparts here but panicked upon learning that police have been conducting raids to nab them," he says. Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (Jharkhand) Sanjay A Lathkar says they too have received similar information, and like the state police they too are "keeping a close watch on Naxals' movement in the state." The CRPF recently recovered Rs 25 lakh from two suspects of People's Liberation Front of India, a breakaway faction of CPI-Maoist and one of Jharkhand's several dominant extremist outfits. The two arrested suspects are said to have links to PLFI supremo Dinesh, a CRPF official says. Security agencies suspect that the seized cash could be part of funds used for Naxalite activities. Image: A woman waiting to enter a bank to exchange her old high denomination bank notes. Image used for representational purposes only/Adnan Abidi/Reuters Pakistan is conducting a military exercise in a strategically located area bordering India, with Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and the army chief reviewing the readiness of the army and the air force to deal with any situation amid growing tension with India. The manoeuvres are taking place near border close to Bahawalpur town in Punjab province. Officials said that Prime Minister Sharif is the chief guest at the exercise. Army chief General Raheel Sharif will also witness the exercise. Helicopter gunships and ground troops will take part in the exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the Line of Control. The exercise shows the state of readiness of Pakistani military to deal with any situation arising out of recent tension with India, according to security officials. Prime Minister Sharif had on Tuesday said that Pakistan cannot be bullied by Indian "tactics" and its restraint should not be "misunderstood" as weakness, warning that his country was fully capable of defending against "any belligerence". Expressing grief over the death of the seven soldiers, Sharif had said deliberate escalation of tension along LoC by Indian forces is a threat to regional peace and security. "It is also a futile attempt of the Indian authorities to divert the world's attention from the worst kind of atrocities they are committing" in Kashmir, he had said. Representative Image: Courtesy Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan/Twitter Indian Army on Thursday rejected the claims made by Pakistan's Army chief that his men killed 11 Indian soldiers in cross border firing along the Line of Control. No fatal casualties due to Pakistan firing on 14, 15 or 16 November. Pakistan Army Chief's claim of killing Indian soldiers on 14 November is false, a senior Army officer of the Northern Command said on Thursday. The same was later posted on the Twitter handle of the Northern Command. On Wednesday, Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif had claimed that his troops killed at least 11 Indian jawans on the same day when seven Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory firing by Indian troops across the LoC. General Sharif said this in an informal chat with journalists in the President House where a banquet was organised by the President in honour of visiting Turkish President. The day seven of our soldiers were martyred on the border, we killed at least 11 Indian soldiers, he claimed. He claimed that Pakistan has killed 40-44 Indian troops in the current clashes but the Indian army was refusing to accept and own its casualties. General Sharif said India should show courage and own the deaths of its security personnel. The Indian army should man up and accept their losses, he said. He said Pakistan army was professional force and was accepting its casualties while giving befitting response to unprovoked firing. The army chief, who is set to retire later this month, said a message has been conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his aggressive actions will not bear any results. Pakistan had claimed that seven of its soldiers were killed at the LoC in an alleged ceasefire violation by Indian troops on November 13. It was a rare direct media talk by the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff who normally avoids media and lets the media wing of army to interact with journalists. While people queue up in lines waiting for their chance to withdraw money after Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, there is one family that seems to remain unaffected by it all. In fact, hes ensuring that nothing is too little for his daughters wedding. The mining baron and former Karnataka minister, Gali Janardhana Reddy, has spared no expense or effort to make sure that his daughter Brahminis wedding is the biggest, fattest wedding that Bengaluru has ever witnessed. In fact, remember he's the one who made one of the fanciest and most expensive cards -- all suited out with an LCD screening. Check out some of the images here. Brahmani Reddy will wed Rajeev Reddy on Tuesday in what is being billed as one of the most expensive weddings in India. For the wedding, Reddy has hired Bollywood set designers to come up with one of its kind mandaps and settings. The setting includes building King Krishnadevarayas palace, Lotus Mahal, Mahanavami Dibba, Vijaya Vittala Temple. The Bangalore Palace grounds, where the wedding is being held, has been transformed into a mini-town of Bellary with the focus on landmarks such as the Cowl Bazaar, Dhanappa Beedi street, the village in Bellary, and the school which Reddy studied in has also been recreated. Horses, elephants, camels and chariots will lend even more pomp to the ceremony. Reddys childhood home Hale Mane has also been recreated for the wedding. The wedding will see around 50,000 people including VIPs. Around 3,000 bouncers and 300 policemen have been deployed along with sniffer dogs and bomb squads for the wedding security. And if all that wasn't enough to blow your minds, reports state that Brahmini's wedding trousseau will comprise a Rs 17 crore saree, which she will wear on her wedding day. Accessorising it will be jewellery worth Rs 90 crore. All photographs courtesy: Janardhan Reddy family. The Delhi Police has raised the reward from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing information that could help locate Jawaharlal Nehru University student Najeed Ahmed, who has been missing from the university for over a month now. The force had initially announced that it will give Rs 50,000 to anyone providing information about Najeeb and had later increased the amount to Rs 1 lakh and then to Rs 2 lakh. A senior police officer said the amount has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. The case was last week transferred from South District to the Crime Branch to have a fresh look into it. The team probing it has started from scratch and is re-looking at all clues and evidence. Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of the Aakhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad the night before. Last month, a Special Investigation Team was formed to trace the missing student following an instruction from the Union home minister to the Delhi Police chief. The SIT, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-II (South) Manishi Chandra, however, failed to gain any actionable clues in the matter. The SIT was focusing on psychiatric angle in the probe after it was learnt that Najeeb was suffering from OCD with depression. The team was also mulling seeking help from psychiatrists from AIIMS or RML to chalk out a plan for probe in the case. The Crime Branch is probing all angles, sources said. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was on Wednesday granted bail by a court in Bhiwandi near Thane in a defamation case over his alleged comment against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Mahatma Gandhis assassination. Rahul, who reached the Bhiwandi magistrate court in neighbouring Thane district around 10.30 am amid tight security along with his supporters, appeared before Judge Tushar Waze, who adjourned the case till January 30, 2017. Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for the Congress leader. The case against Rahul was filed by a local RSS functionary Rajesh Kunte over the formers speech in Bhiwandi on March 6, 2014 in the run up to Lok Sabha polls. During the rally, Rahul had allegedly claimed that the RSS people had killed Gandhi. The complainants counsel Nandu Phadke told the court that if Rahul was ready to accept his mistake then he was willing to withdraw the case against him as the complainant (Kunte) believed in forgive and forget. Also, Rahul should give an undertaking that he will not repeat it in the future, Phadke demanded. When Rahuls lawyer Ashok Mundargi requested for a date and sought the court to exempt him from personal appearance, owing to his political commitments, the complainants lawyer said Rahul may be treated as an ordinary citizen. On September 1, Rahul had preferred to face the trial as an accused in the defamation case, submitting before the Supreme Court that he stood by every word of his statement. The Congress vice president had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the apex court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. He then withdrew the appeal filed by him against the Bombay high court judgment refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahuls plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had taken cognisance of the complaint of an RSS functionary by summoning him as an accused in the case. Last evening, Rahul reached Mumbai to a rousing welcome by party workers and state leaders. Several party workers carried placards which read: Bapu ke samman mein, Rahul Gandhi maidan mein (For Mahatma Gandhis honour, Rahul Gandhi joins fight); Gandhiji ke hatyaro se sangharsh rahega jari (fight against Gandhis killers will continue) and Rahul Gandhi sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai (Rahul Gandhi carry on the fight, we are with you). IMAGE: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addresses a press conference at MCA Club BKC Bandra in Mumbai on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to kidney failure and underwent tests for a transplant, but the doctors said the procedure may take some time as a donor was yet to be found. Swaraj took to twitter to inform about her health condition. Friends: This is to update you on my health. I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless, she tweeted on Wednesday morning. Doctors at the hospital said since a suitable donor was yet to be found, the transplant would not be conducted immediately. Since a donor from her immediate family is not available right now, the kidney transplant might take some more time. The search for a suitable donor is on. Meanwhile, she is on maintenance dialysis (as and when required), said sources. Swaraj has been allowed to go home on Wednesday but she will be back at AIIMS on Thursday, the sources said. 64-year-old Swaraj, who has been in and out of the hospital for last few months, was admitted to AIIMS on November 7. A team of doctors comprising Dr Sandip Mahajan, professor (Nephrology), Nikhil Tandon, HOD (Endocrinology), Dr Randeep Guleria, HOD (Pulmonary Medicine) and Balram Airan, Chief of the Cardio Thoracic Centre are treating her. After Swaraj tweeted about her health, there was a flood of get well soon wishes from politicians as also people from a cross section of society. Some even offered to donate a kidney to her. Respected @SushmaSwaraj maam. My blood group is B Positive. I will be happy to donate my kidney to you, if needed. God bless, tweeted Rahul Verma. Many saw her announcement as setting new standards of transparency as politicians usually are not forthcoming about divulging details of their health condition. @SushmaSwaraj sets yet another benchmark. In terms of being honest about health issues. This is truly a new India as it should be, tweeted marketing expert Suhel Seth. Politicians cutting across party lines including Congress leader Ambika Soni, National Conferences Omar Abdullah, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Jayant Sinha and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje wished Swaraj speedy recovery. Very sorry to hear about your health problems @SushmaSwaraj ji. My father went through the same so I know how you & the family must feel, Abdullah tweeted. Earlier, she was admitted to AIIMS in April for treatment of pneumonia and other health issues. Wish Sushma a quick recovery. Click on the button below to send a 'Get Well Soon' message. You can also send a personalised message on Rediff.com's social networking platform, Zarabol, below. Signalling major trouble for former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi, the designated court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act on Wednesday accepted the Enforcement Directorates application requesting United Kingdom authorities for assistance in his extradition. The case pertains to a criminal complaint filed by BCCI which has accused the former IPL commissioner of misappropriating funds during his tenure. The ED is the sole investigative agency under the ministry of finance, department of revenue, government of India, for conducting investigations under the provisions of PMLA against money laundering offences. This application is filed with a prayer for issuance of a letter of request to the competent authority in the government of United Kingdom for mutual legal assistance for the execution of the open ended non-bailable warrant dated August 6, 2015, issued by the PMLA court against Lalit Modi, which is judicial document and for the transfer of the suspected accused person to India, the ED application said. India asked Britain to extradite nearly 60 people wanted by it for bringing them back to face justice in India, including flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya who is facing money laundering charges. Expressing deep concern over sudden spurt in hate crimes against ethnic and religious minorities, several top lawmakers have asked President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his recent appointment of Stephen K Bannon as his chief strategist. Citing the example of racial slur of his Pakistani American doctor, top Democratic Senator Harry Reid in his remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday called on Trump to rescind his appointment of Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counsellor and work to heal the wounds caused by the 70-year-old billionaire tycoon's hateful rhetoric. "I have been in politics for five decades, and I have not seen anything like what we are seeing today in America. The man who lost the popular vote by two million votes is now the president-elect. Let me repeat that: the man who lost the popular vote by two million votes or more is now the president-elect," he said. Trump's election victory has sparked a wave of hate crimes across the nation, Reid said, adding that this is a simple statement of fact. "My and my wife's Nevada physician is a Pakistani-American of Muslim faith. We think so much of him. We've known each other for 35 years. The day after the election, my friend was at a restaurant in Las Vegas having dinner when a Trump supporter approached his table in a threatening manner and asked where he was from," Reid said. "My friend answered, 'Where are you from?' The man said, 'I'm local. My doctor friend said, 'So am I'. That same night, another friend of mine, also a Pakistani-American doctor was having dinner. A man walked up to him in the same manner and asked 'Where are you from?' My friend said he was from Pakistan. The other man said, 'Why don't you go back," he said. Reid said by placing a champion of white supremacists a step away from the Oval Office, what message does Trump send to the young girl who woke up Wednesday afraid to be a woman of colour in America? "It is not a message of healing. If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon. Rescind it. Don't do it. Think about this. Don't do it. As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it will be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously," he said. Reid has been joined by several other Democratic lawmaker. Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation, said Congressman Mike Doyle in a letter to Trump. "Mr Bannon's appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration. Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns," he said. "In this decision, President-elect Trump has failed in one of his most important tasks since winning the election: appointing a competent White House staff," said Congressman Frank Pallone. "Bannon's appointment sends a dangerous message to Americans who hope the President-elect will turn away from the dangerous and hate-filled rhetoric that fueled his campaign," he said. Senator Sherrod Brown called on Trump to immediately remove Bannon. "We cannot bring the country together by inviting into the White House the same bigotry and hate speech that divided us on the campaign trail," he said. "This is not about a difference in policy or politics -- Bannon has promoted anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic and dangerous views that have emboldened white nationalist forces and caused some Americans to question whether they can still feel safe in the country we all love," he stressed. Senator Dianne Feinstein from California said virtually everyone who had contacted her office had expressed shock that Bannon, so closely linked to anti-Semitic and misogynistic opinions, will have the ear of the president. "Diverse communities must be brought together by leaders, whether it's a city or a nation. I'm hopeful that Trump will hear the millions of outraged voices and decide to surround himself with advisors who respect all Americans. Someone known for belittling minorities, immigrants and women has no place advising the president," she said. Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey said that in the 24 hours since it was announced that Trump has appointed Bannon to serve as his chief advisor, his office had received thousands of calls from New Jerseyans who are rightly upset and frightened that someone who has promoted hateful, bigoted rhetoric and radical ideas through his website has been elevated to such a powerful role inside the White House. "As far as I'm concerned, appointing as chief strategist and adviser a man who has dedicated the last several years to running a far-right website that demonises women and spreads hate-filled lies about Muslims, Latinos, African Americans, Jews and others shows Donald Trump has already forgotten his pledge for unity," said Senator Tom Udall. "Across this country, people are voicing fear and anger about what this means for the direction of Mr Trump's presidency. This is a frightening sign of where his administration may be headed; it's not a wise choice, and Mr Trump would be better off without him," he said. Trump made the first top appointments of his new administration on Monday by naming Reince Priebus his White House chief and Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counsellor. Image: Stephen K Bannon. Photograph: Getty Images United States President-elect Donald Trumps newly named chief strategist Steve Bannon once described Prime Minister Narendra Modis victory in the 2014 elections as part of a global revolt against the prevailing system. I think youre going to see it in Latin America, I think youre going to see it in Asia, I think youve already seen it in India, Bannon told a small Vatican audience via skype in the summer of 2014. Modis great victory was very much based on these Reaganesque principles, so I think this is a global revolt, and we are very fortunate and proud to be the news site that is reporting that throughout the world, he said, according to the transcripts of his Skype address released by Buzzfeed. Bannon said there is global reaction to centralised government. Whether that government is in Beijing or that government is in Washington or that government is in Brussels. So we are the platform for the voice of that, he said. Im not justifying Vladimir Putin and the kleptocracy that he represents, because he eventually is the state capitalist of kleptocracy. However, we the Judeo-Christian West really have to look at what hes talking about as far as traditionalism goes -- particularly the sense of where it supports the underpinnings of nationalism -- and I happen to think that the individual sovereignty of a country is a good thing and a strong thing, he had said. I think strong countries and strong nationalist movements in countries make strong neighbours, and that is really the building blocks that built Western Europe and the US, and I think its what can see us forward, he added. He had described Putin as an interesting character. Hes also very, very, very intelligent. I can see this in the US where hes playing very strongly to social conservatives about his message about more traditional values, so I think its something that we have to be very much on guard of, he said. Responding to a question, he had advocated a very aggressive stance against radical Islam. I realise there are other aspects that are not as militant and not as aggressive and thats fine, he had said. Image: Donald Trump's new strategist Steve Bannon pictured backstage during a campaign event in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, US. Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters 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. UN relief agencies deploy emergency humanitarian aid and resources to conflict-torn Mosul Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN relief agencies deploy emergency humanitarian aid and resources to conflict-torn Mosul, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c267b335.html [accessed 2 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. 15 November 2016 - A UNICEF-led multi-agency humanitarian convoy with emergency supplies for 15,000 children was the first to enter the Iraqi city of Mosul, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues tracking displaced population movement and constructing emergency sites. "UNICEF has entered Mosul city for the first time in over two years," stated UNICEF Iraq Deputy Representative Hamida Ramadhani, adding that the teams, which entered the city this past Sunday, are moving quickly to provide immediate support to communities affected by the fighting. According to UNICEF, 14 vehicles filled with enough emergency supplies to last 15,000 children and families - a total of 30,000 people - for a month, arrived to the Gogachly neighbourhood in eastern Mosul. Supplies included 5,000 kits of water purification tablets, high energy biscuits, jerry cans, buckets, soap, toothpaste and baby supplies. Despite a hostile and dangerous environment, the distribution of supplies was completed in six hours. At least 56,000 people have been displaced from in and around Mosul, including 27,000 children and families, and up to 1.5 million remain trapped inside the city, 6000,000 of the children. UNICEF has assisted over 30,000 children in re-taken communities since 17 October. Other UN agencies, such as IOM are also carrying out relief operations in Mosul, targeting newly displaced people who have fled to more stable areas. "We were caught in the crossfire - we fled our village on foot. We had to leave everything behind - including our livestock and cars," said one man from a village west of Mosul, who fled with his 14-member family. "Once we arrived in safe areas we were transported by truck to Haj Ali. The school where we are sheltering does not have enough space for all the families. The local community has provided some support, but we still urgently need more help." IOM Iraq's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), used by the Government and humanitarian agencies to guide the humanitarian response, currently indicates that close to 98 per cent of all those leaving Mosul are displaced within Ninewa governorate in northern Iraq, where IOM continues to add capacity in shelter and other inputs in anticipation of growing numbers of displaced families. IOM works closely with the Government of Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) to identify locations and develop emergency sites for the displaced population. IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Thomas Lothar Weiss said: "With the support of the MOMD, preparations at IOM's emergency sites are well underway. Through IOM's emergency response, as well as assistance for those displaced longer term, we aim to provide support to improve conditions for those who have suffered so greatly." Ban welcomes resolution of border dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban welcomes resolution of border dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c26b240d.html [accessed 2 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. 15 November 2016 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hosted today a signing ceremony on the margins of the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (popularly known as COP-22) in Morocco's capital Marrakech. "I commend President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo [of Equatorial Guinea] and President Bongo Ondimba [of the Gabonese Republic] for demonstrating true political leadership, courage and wisdom in reaching this mutually acceptable agreement, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the United Nations Charter," Mr. Ban said in his opening remarks at the signing ceremony. "Today's event is a testimony to the determination of your countries to move with a common vision to strengthen and respect the international rule of law, and contribute to lasting peace and good neighbourly relations," he added. The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the UN mediation, which started in 2008, and was aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution of the border dispute between the two countries for submission to the International Court of Justice. Mr. Ban also thanked the leaders for coming to a mutually acceptable solution as well as for trust in the UN. Recalling the tireless efforts of the two countries, Secretary-General Ban expressed hope that the peaceful resolution of the dispute will be a source of inspiration for countries around the world facing similar challenges. "The UN and the international community stand proud of your accomplishment," he said. The agreement resolves a longstanding dispute between the two countries regarding the Mbanie, Cocotiers and Congas islands, and common boundaries and which dated back to the early 1970's. Afghanistan: UN launches nine-month operation to assist returnees with emergency food and cash Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Afghanistan: UN launches nine-month operation to assist returnees with emergency food and cash, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c26e440d.html [accessed 2 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. 15 November 2016 - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a nine-month operation to assist Afghanistan in dealing with the growing numbers of returnees from Pakistan, as well as and internally displaced people, by providing emergency food and funds. Thousands of refugees are now crossing the border every day at the main entry point of Torkham, in eastern Afghanistan, some with identity papers and some without. According to WFP, more than one million people are expected to be on the mover across the country by the end of the year. In cooperation with Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, WFP intends to set up a digital registration platform at the border to capture the returnees' biometric data using SCOPE, the agency's beneficiary management application. In addition, WFP is monitoring the situation using mVAM tool, a vulnerability assessment mapping, to allow the community leaders to report any shifts in the emergency situation over their mobile phones, and to ensure that no one is left behind. But a successful response depends on adequate financing. "We need sufficient and timely funds in the coming weeks and months to ensure that we can help returnees as rapidly and efficiently as possible," stated Mick Lorentzen, WFP's Country Director in Afghanistan, ensuring that a quick and focused response to the crisis will prevent more people from falling into chronic food insecurity. WFP and other United Nations agencies are working closely with the Afghan government to increase the capacity of humanitarian response and meet immediate shelter, sanitation and food needs, which also required an urgent appeal for $152 million. The agency is providing food and cash assistance for 163,000 undocumented returnees, 200,000 documented returnees, 150,000 internally displaced people, and 35,000 refugees in Khost and Paktika. WFP has also increased its assistance in eastern Afghanistan, and is now providing support to prevent malnutrition to more than 23,000 toddlers from returnee families. The goal is to support 550,000 people through emergency operation. WFP has received very generous and timely contributions from Australia, Belgium, Italy and Norway. Operational costs are estimated to be $66.8 million, only 12 per cent of which has thus far been met. For the latest situation report on the emergency, visit ReliefWeb Central African Republic: Nearly one in five children is a refugee or internally displaced, warns UNICEF Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic: Nearly one in five children is a refugee or internally displaced, warns UNICEF, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c27e8412.html [accessed 2 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. 15 November 2016 - As aid officials prepare to meet in Brussels on Thursday to seek funding to continue their programmes in Central African Republic (CAR), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported today that more than 850,000 people there - half of them children - are still on the move, either internally displaced or refugees in neighbouring countries. "When children return to their communities as security improves, they will need to have schools and clinics to come to," Christine Muhigana, UNICEF's Deputy Director for West and Central Africa, said in a news release. "Access to quality health and education is the cornerstone of any recovery, and the foundation for a peaceful future," she added. Due to clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, the country plunged into a civil conflict in 2012, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. But it is now seen emerging from the conflict. "The country is in a better place now," said Ms. Muhigana. "But this is still one of the world's most dangerous countries for children, and renewed violence threatens to undermine signs of progress." According to UNICEF, at the meeting in Belgium's capital, leaders from the CAR will make the case for a $3 billion aid package to global donors, including the UN, the European Union and the World Bank. Most recently, repeated flare ups of violence have forced several non-governmental organizations to significantly scale down their interventions in parts of the country, slowing the progress of the national recovery plan. An attack on the Kaga Bandoro camp for internally displaced people last month left 37 civilians dead, including educators participating in a UNICEF-supported programme. Working with the Government and partners, UNICEF is strengthening the education system by training more than 1,300 teachers and building or repairing 172 schools in 2016 with funding from the European Union and the Global Partnership for Education. Existing projects are set to expand in order to bolster primary health care, improve access to clean water and offer psychosocial support for children who've experienced violence. Buddhist aid workers face backlash for helping Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims Publisher IRIN Author Joe Freeman Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as IRIN, Buddhist aid workers face backlash for helping Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c28b14.html [accessed 2 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. Soe Aung works for an international aid agency in his hometown of Sittwe, the capital of Myanmar's Rakhine State. It's a good job, but he isn't eager to discuss it in a public setting or outside his close circle of friends and family. That's because his agency helps Rohingya Muslims. "I stay low-profile here," said Soe Aung*. "In conversations, in the tea shop, I don't talk about it and I don't argue with local people." Like most people in the area, he is Rakhine, one of Myanmar's officially recognised ethnic groups who are Buddhist, which is the majority religion nationwide. Muslims in the state make up the second-largest religious group there and mostly identify as Rohingya. The Rohingya are not officially recognized as one of Myanmar's 135 "national races", they are subject to apartheid-like restrictions, and most are denied citizenship. Tensions between the two communities erupted violently in 2012 when hundreds were killed, mostly Rohingya. About 140,000 people were driven from their communities and close to 120,000 people remain in camps around Sittwe today, almost all of them Rohingya. After the violence in 2012 came an influx of international aid agencies to deal with the humanitarian crisis, and there was a high demand for local staff. Attracted by bigger salaries and the opportunity to do interesting, challenging work, many Rakhine Buddhists applied and were hired. But their new jobs opened them up to criticism from members of their local communities, who increasingly came to resent the presence of international organisations due to the perception that they were on the "side" of the Rohingya. That tension between international NGOs (INGOs) and some in the Rakhine community has ebbed and flowed over the years, often stoked by Buddhist nationalist monks. In 2014, Rakhine Buddhists rioted in Sittwe, damaging the offices of a German medical charity, Malteser International, as well as some UN agencies. The situation has heated up once again over the past few weeks, as the military carries out operations in Maungdaw, a township on the frontier with Bangladesh. The government says members of the Rohingya community carried out deadly attacks on border police posts, and that the army is now hunting down a shadowy militant group. The military refuses to allow aid groups or journalists access to Maungdaw, so it has been impossible to verify reports by human rights organisations of abuses against civilians. Human Rights Watch has released satellite photos of entire Rohingya villages burned to the ground, and the UN has called for an investigation. For its part, the government has denied that soldiers committed any atrocities and has blamed mysterious "attackers" for setting the fires. Over the weekend, the government said its soldiers killed 25 militants, but some accounts strain credulity. For example, it said soldiers shot and killed six people who "ran towards the troops in order to attack" even though they were armed only with machetes. Insecure The vacuum of verifiable information from Maungdaw drives rumour and fear, both in the Rohingya community and among Rakhines, some of whom fled the Muslim-majority township and took shelter in Sittwe. As a result, the Rakhine aid workers find themselves with an increasingly difficult decision. Salaries can be double what they might earn working for local groups or the government, but they risk being seen as traitors or treated as pariahs at home. "In my community, I don't say openly that I'm working for an INGO," said Myo Min, who works for a well-known aid agency in Sittwe, which he did not want to identify. "That is totally taboo, that name," said Myo Min. As tensions rise, some Rakhine aid workers say they fear for their security when they work in Muslim-majority townships like Maungdaw. "In the Muslim areas, when we go to those areas, sometimes, we are afraid. They could attack us, maybe like that," said Zaw Zaw, a Rakhine aid worker who has worked in the state for years. "Now, it's more and more like that. It's not only me." Zaw Zaw said he has never faced any serious repercussions from his own community, but it is a source of friction. "They don't attack and they don't make me suffer, but they talk about it," he said, adding that he understands their position. Conflicted Indeed, some local aid workers even share these feelings of resentment towards international NGOs, which they see as allies of the Rohingya, Zaw Zaw said. He alluded to the widespread belief that international media fall for exaggerated stories of suffering told by the Rohingya. "We know they are pretending," he said. There is a popular perception that the situation for the Rohingya is not as bad as many foreigners think. This is partly because Rohingya communities receive more aid than Rakhine communities, but that's because almost all people in displacement camps are Rohingya. And even Rohingya in their home villages are subject to movement restrictions - which makes it hard for many to find work - as well as a lack of access to healthcare and education. The Rakhines themselves have been marginalised by Myanmar's ethnic Bamar majority, and the state remains the second poorest in Myanmar - factors that only worsen the distrust. The resentment makes Sittwe a challenging posting for foreigners too, many of whom sympathise with the difficult situation their local counterparts face. Gabrielle Aron, director of programs for CDA Collaborative Learning Projects, is the author of a recent report on conflict sensitivity in Rakhine that touches on the relationship between local aid workers and their communities. She found that Rakhine NGO staff came under pressure. "Given the perception among much of the ethnic Rakhine community that most international agencies primarily support the Muslim population, working for these agencies as an ethnic Rakhine person can be seen as a betrayal, given the intercommunal tensions," said Aron. "They are in a tough position. Many staff of international agencies are genuinely dedicated to the work that they do, but they have a difficult line to walk." *The names of Rakhine aid workers have been changed for their protection. Who can stop the threat of genocide in South Sudan? Publisher IRIN Author Samuel Okiror Publication Date 14 November 2016 Cite as IRIN, Who can stop the threat of genocide in South Sudan?, 14 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c297f4.html [accessed 2 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. The alarm has been raised over the threat of genocide in South Sudan, with civilians increasingly targeted and persecuted in a scorched earth counter-insurgency campaign waged by government forces and their allies in the southern region of Equatoria. After a visit to the southwestern town of Yei, Adama Dieng, the UN secretary-general's special adviser on preventing genocide, warned on Friday that in the prevailing climate of violence and intolerance, there was "the potential for genocide". "Even on the day I visited," he told a media briefing, "I saw families packing up the few belongings they have left and waiting on the side of the road for transport either to Juba [the capital] or to neighbouring Uganda for refuge." Dieng said the gravity of the situation "merits immediate intervention a full-scale fact-finding investigation and enhanced humanitarian support". Frontline Equatoria Since former vice president Riek Machar fled Juba in July, the conflict in South Sudan has shifted from Greater Upper Nile to Equatoria, where the bulk of his SPLA-IO forces are sheltering. Discontent has long simmered over the southern region's perceived political marginalisation. Some groups have stuck with the government, but many others have teamed up with Machar's SPLA-IO, resisting both the government's undisciplined troops and their allies: armed Dinka cattle herders tribesmen of President Salva Kiir who are encroaching on their land. The government response to dissent has historically been brutal. It is now fuelling not only an outpouring of refugees from the region, but also increasing local hostility towards the government and the Dinka the largest ethnic group in the country who Kiir's forces are seen as representing. "The government appears to be conducting a brutal counter-insurgency campaign in greater Equatoria, including reports of the systematic targeting of civilians, gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and widespread sexual violence," said Kate Almquist Knopf, director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, at the National Defense University, Washington. "In response, Equatorian self-defense forces and armed groups have retaliated by attacking vehicles and targeting Dinka civilians, particularly in central Equatoria," she told IRIN. Tit-for-tat In the most notorious case to date, gunmen ambushed a convoy of vehicles on the Yei-Juba road in October, separated the Dinka and executed them. Some youth groups have vowed revenge, prompting an exodus of Equatorians from the Dinka heartland of Bahr el Ghazal. "Following the retreat of Machar and his opposition forces from Juba in July, we have witnessed a spike in the number of armed clashes and abuses against civilians in the Equatoria region," noted Jonathan Pedneault, Human Rights Watch researcher for South Sudan. Responding to the guerrilla tactics ,"the government has prosecuted very abusive counter-insurgency tactics in those areas," Pedneault added. "Government forces have arbitrarily arrested, detained and beaten or tortured civilians for prolonged periods of time, often along ethnic lines and upon suspicions that they participate in the rebellion." There are many, overlapping conflicts in the greater Equatoria region. There is longstanding distrust between some Equatorians and the government, grievances that are separate from the national political dispute playing out between Kiir and Machar. My enemy's enemy Some Equatorians feel sandwiched by the ethno-politicised conflict represented by Kiir and Machar, who draws much of his support from the Nuer, the country's second largest ethnic group. They do not feel that a diverse Equatoria gets a fair shake from either side as both men battle for control of Juba, despite the fact the city falls within their territory. But Machar's rebel SPLA-IO remains a distinct presence, with its aligned Equatorian militias. Backing Machar in the short-term against perceived "Dinka domination" may seem a pragmatic strategy for a region that has historically been militarily weak. There is also local politics at play. Land grabbing, the appointment of an unpopular governor in Yei River State, and the depredations of a pro-government militia, the Mathiang Anyoor, have also helped accelerate the souring of relations. As a consequence, greater Equatoria risks fracturing further. At the end of October, a new group calling itself the South Sudan Democratic Front announced a new rebellion against the Kiir government. "We should expect more Equatorians to join the armed opposition groups that exist, and perhaps even additional ones to be declared," Knopf said. "The attacks and counter-attacks in greater Equatoria have sparked ethnic incitement from members of the Equatorian and Dinka communities, especially amongst the youth," she added. "Nearly every indicator of risk of genocide is now evident in South Sudan." Humanitarian toll The UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, has warned that the conflict has spawned one of the world's biggest humanitarian crises. Since the fighting in Juba in July between Kiir's and Machar's forces, some 320,000 refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. It noted that in October an average of 3,500 people crossed into Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Sudan each day. "Genocide is a process. It does not happen overnight" Refugees from Equatoria are increasingly using informal border crossing points, reportedly due to the presence of armed groups along main roads. Many refugees report having had to walk through the bush for days, often without food or water. "The refugees are fleeing due to armed groups harassing civilians, killings and torture of people suspected of supporting opposing factions, burning of villages, sexual assaults of women and girls and forced recruitment of young men and boys from the Equatoria region," said Richard Ruati, a spokesman with UNHCR in South Sudan. Rachel Jacob at Max Security Solutions, a geopolitical risk consulting firm, told IRIN that civilians had borne the brunt of the violence, "either directly by fighting, or in reprisals by government forces seeking to root out the opposition and collectively punish locals to discourage any support for rebels. "For those remaining, the situation is exacerbated by deliberate obstruction of UN and aid agencies by armed actors, as well as the prevailing insecurity along major roads in Equatoria, which have escalated violence and restricted humanitarian access to civilians." Equatoria is the country's traditional food basket, responsible for more than half of net cereal production. A fall in output as a result of the violence is affecting an already precarious nationwide food security situation in which 31 percent of South Sudanese, approximately 3.7 million people, are facing severe food shortages. According to Dieng, "genocide is a process. It does not happen overnight. And because it is a process and one that takes time to prepare, it can be prevented." How that is to be achieved right now, is not clear. For many in Equatoria, the alternative is simply to flee their country. Cameroon: Confronting Boko Haram Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Publication Date 16 November 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Report N214 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Cameroon: Confronting Boko Haram, 16 November 2016, Report N214, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c5afb4.html [accessed 2 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. Executive Summary For the last two-and-a-half years, Cameroon has confronted the insurgents of the Nigeria-born group Boko Haram. The conflict has already caused 1,500 deaths, and led to 155,000 displaced persons and 73,000 refugees. Although the first attacks occurred in March 2014, the jihadist group's presence in Cameroon's Far North region dates back to at least 2011. It has benefited from a network of local collaborators and has exploited vulnerabilities that the region shares with north-eastern Nigeria. While the first eighteen months of conflict were characterised by conventional warfare, the group has now switched to an asymmetric mode of attack. The Cameroonian government's focus on a military response has been partly successful, but the structural problems that allowed this threat to arise have not been addressed. The fight against Boko Haram requires adapting and improving security structures, and long-term crisis resolution policies that will prevent a revival of this threat in a different form, and stop insecurity in the region reigniting. The Far North is the poorest of Cameroon's regions and has the lowest school enrolment rate. A combination of weak national integration and historic neglect by the state have for many years contributed to violence and the presence of smugglers in the region, with a proliferation of highway robbers, traffickers and petty criminals. It was vulnerable to this jihadist insurrection due to geographical and cultural overlap with north-eastern Nigeria, the presence of an intolerant version of Islam and the repercussions of the Chadian civil wars. Boko Haram has exploited these vulnerabilities to make the Far North a logistics base, a safe haven and a source of recruitment. The group has particularly gathered support among disaffected youth in districts adjacent to Nigeria through the use of ideological indoctrination, socio-economic incentives and coercion. Cameroonian security forces, starting in 2013, dismantled hidden weapon stockpiles and arrested Boko Haram leaders, pushing the group to threaten and eventually attack Cameroon directly. In the last two-and-a-half years, the Far North region has experienced at least 460 attacks and about 50 suicide bombings. Cameroon's government was slow to react against the Boko Haram menace, due to historic tensions with Nigeria, an aversion to intervening in what it perceived as its neighbour's internal problem, and a fear of becoming a target. Despite these early lapses, the government was later able to put in place an effective military response. This response disrupted the group and guided the reaction of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the sub-regional task force with which Cameroon was reluctant to associate at first. Nonetheless, the weak point of the Cameroonian response remains the lack of commitment to development initiatives and the absence of counter-radicalisation and de-radicalisation programs. Indeed, some measures adopted after the Maroua attacks in July 2015, such as the ban on full-face veils, the closing of the border, restrictions on motorcycle-taxis, and abuses by the military could radicalise a portion of the population, including women, and have already accentuated socio-economic vulnerabilities for many young people, leading some to join Boko Haram. Despite the geographical distance, the war against Boko Haram has not only impacted the Far North. The conflict has reinforced President Paul Biya's leadership and boosted the legitimacy of the nation's defence forces with parts of the population. The war has nonetheless had a negative effect on the country's economy and has created ethnic and social cleavages, as seen in the stigmatisation of the Kanuri people in the Far North, often indiscriminately associated with the jihadist group. More generally, the conflict highlights a deficit of representation; the gerontocratic political elite is increasingly challenged by a very young population, although without fundamentally threatening the legitimacy of the state. The fight against Boko Haram is a test for security cooperation and sub-regional solidarity. The intervention by Chadian armed forces both in Cameroon, and, alongside forces from Niger, in Nigeria has reduced the group's conventional military capacities. Despite some mistrust, the countries in the region have been able to establish the MNJTF and Nigeria finally accepted that Cameroon may intervene on its territory. This new multilateral force has slowed down the frequency of suicide attacks in Cameroon and is currently engaged against a dissident faction of the group in the Lake Chad Basin. However, the MNJTF lacks funding and logistical resources. In order to consolidate military gains against Boko Haram and bring back lasting peace in the Far North, Cameroon's government must shift from a security-based approach to focus on socio-economic development and countering religious radicalism. Due to heavy losses during confrontations with the Cameroonian army, Boko Haram has concentrated most of its efforts for the last three months in the Cameroonian areas of the Lake Chad Basin (Darak and Hile Alifa), where it controls part of the fishing economy and illicit trafficking and continues to stage suicide attacks. This shift in Boko Haram's centre of gravity calls for a reinforcement of the security package around Lake Chad, as well as measures to counter the group's financing in that area. A long-term solution should see the return of the state, which would build on the role of civil society and the youth, as well as local elites and external partners to rebuild public services in a long-neglected region. Recommendations To encourage development in the Far North, combat religious radicalism and reinforce state presence and public services To the government of Cameroon: Elaborate a development and economic relaunch program in the Far North by, as a priority: Improving assistance to internally displaced persons and victims of Boko Haram, as well as education opportunities and health infrastructure; Reopening the Cameroon-Nigeria border for heavy goods vehicles and traders, with security provided by military escorts, restoring and developing the road network and launching high labour-intensity construction projects; and Ensuring transparency and good governance of projects initiated in the Far North, in partnership with local populations, including youth and representatives of different ethnic communities. To finance this program, allocate to the region a share of the budget of the triennial emergency plan and of the public investment budget proportionate to its demographic weight (one sixth of the national population), and coordinate with countries of the Lake Chad Basin to ask for support from donors. Create a program of awareness raising against religious radicalism, and a program of de-radicalisation in prisons. Encourage the security services and judiciary to distinguish among members of Boko Haram taking account of the seriousness of their crimes and their level of involvement in Boko Haram, understanding that categories can overlap; ensure that suspects and detainees are treated fairly and in accordance with international law; and support the creation of a "restorative justice" program, including a social reintegration component, for forced recruits, and informants and low-level logisticians, not suspected of serious human rights abuses. Arrange an official visit of the president, leaders of the opposition and civil society, to the departments of the Far North targeted by Boko Haram, and organise the next 20 May national parade in Maroua. This visit will be an opportunity to launch a social cohesion and intercommunal reinforcement program to counter the stigmatisation of communities perceived as being Boko Haram sympathisers. To civil society, elected and traditional chiefs of the Far North: Adopt a collective and inclusive approach to raising awareness on religious radicalism, including by taking into account cultural, gender and social particularities, and emphasising the need for dialogue tolerance and openness within families and communities and in public spaces such as quranic schools, mosques, markets and prisons. To countries of the sub-region: Elaborate a medium-term development strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, coordinated with the Cameroonian development plan for the Far North and ask for support from donors for financing such plans. To Cameroon's donors: Encourage the government's development projects in the Far North and coordinated initiatives in the sub-region for the development of the Lake Chad Basin by guaranteeing 50 per cent financing, assuming suitable guarantees of the proper use of funds. To improve the security response to the Boko Haram threat To the government of Cameroon: Cut off Boko Haram funding sources while closely monitoring the livestock market in the Far North and economic activity in the Lake Chad region. Block Boko Haram recruitment: By improving cooperation between the Cameroonian armed forces and the local population. This can be achieved through civil-military operations and eradicating human rights violations perpetrated by security forces, notably by consistently sanctioning wrongdoers; By lifting, on a case by case basis, restrictions which currently affect economic activity such as that on motorcycles; and By putting in place a more efficient communication strategy through drawing on and supporting community-based radio stations, through the creation of awareness-raising shows on national channels, aired in local languages in the Far North, and through countering the promotion of violent radicalism on social networks. Adapt security structures to respond to recent changes within Boko Haram, and improve the strategy against suicide attacks, via collaboration with local population and reinforced forward-looking intelligence. Ensure better coordination between the three military operations in the Far North, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force, and reinforce cooperation with Nigeria and the other countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Limit the usage of vigilante groups, and progressively demobilise them if Boko Haram continues to weaken. Plan for the progressive return of better-equipped police and gendarmerie units along Cameroonian borders if Boko Haram continues to weaken. To Cameroon's donors: Co-finance the preparing of the Multinational Joint Task Force for operations, adding an important component of training about human rights in wartime, while possibly making funding conditional on respect for human rights by armies of the region. Nairobi/Brussels, 16 November 2016 Search Refworld and / or country All countries Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (Special Administrative Region of China) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkiye Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Territory Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe RSF urges UN committee to question Sri Lanka's intelligence chief Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF urges UN committee to question Sri Lanka's intelligence chief, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c61904.html [accessed 2 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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) are dismayed to learn that Sri Lanka's national intelligence chief, Sisira Mendis, who is accused of serious crimes against journalists during the final stages of its civil war, is on the Sri Lankan delegation that is meeting with the United Nations Committee against Torture (UNCAT) in Geneva today and tomorrow. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) are dismayed to learn that Sri Lanka's national intelligence chief, Sisira Mendis, who is accused of serious crimes against journalists during the final stages of its civil war, is on the Sri Lankan delegation that is meeting with the United Nations Committee against Torture (UNCAT) in Geneva today and tomorrow. Then Deputy Inspector General Mendis oversaw two police units, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), during the final phase of the Sri Lankan civil war from March 2008 until June 2009. A UN investigation accused both units of torture and sexual violence during the period that Mendis was in charge. Under Mendis, the CID and TID abducted, arrested, detained and tortured many journalists along with hundreds of other civilians. After release, many of these journalists fled the country fearing reprisals. The well-known journalist J. S. Tissainayagam, the writer and publisher V. Jasikaran and his wife V. Valarmathy, and the journalist K. Wijesinghe are among the prominent media figures who experienced cruel treatment at the hands of the TID. Dr. Thurairajah Varatharajah, who was detained by the CID in 2009 along with four other Tamil doctors, was subjected to inhuman treatment for being the main source of information from the war zone for international media outlets during the final stages of Sri Lanka's bloody war, when no independent journalists were allowed to cover the fighting. "RSF and JDS ask UNCAT to question National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis on the conduct of these police units under his command and to determine who was responsible for the crimes against journalists and violations of press freedom," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "Mendis cannot deny being aware of what happened to these journalists and their sources while they were held on his watch. We have credible evidence that they were subjected to inhuman treatment while in detention and were intimidated following their release." The highly questionable conduct of the CID and the TID under the leadership of Mendis was detailed in a lengthy submission to UNCAT by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), a Sri Lankan initiative that combats impunity for crimes against civilians and is funded by the Johannesburg-based Human Rights Foundation. Sri Lanka is one of the 159 states that are party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. As such, it is required to undergo regular review by the UN on how it is implementing the Convention and previous UNCAT recommendations. Thai public broadcaster and staff face criminal defamation proceedings Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Thai public broadcaster and staff face criminal defamation proceedings, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c62884.html [accessed 2 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. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) asks a Bangkok Criminal Court to reject a complaint by the mining company Tungkum Ltd against Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and four of its current and former employees over a TV report broadcast in September 2015 about alleged environmental pollution. RSF also calls for the repeal of Thailand's criminal defamation law and the Computer Crime Act. The court is due to deliver a preliminary decision tomorrow on the merits of the Tungkum's criminal defamation suit and the allegation of a Computer Crime Act violation by Thai PBS. If the court gives the go-ahead, the four journalists will face the possibility of up to five years in prison or a fine of 200,000 baht (5,200 euros) or both. The four journalists who could stand trial are Thai PBS reporter Wirada Saelim, director of information Korkhet Chantalertluk, department of television and radio director Yothin Sitthibodeekul and former director general Somchai Suwanbun. Tungkum, which has been mining gold in the northeastern province of Loei since 2006, filed its suit in November 2015. Claiming that the Thai PBS report - in which a 15-year- old schoolgirl discussed the impact of the open-pit gold mine on six villages in the region - had damaged its reputation, the company is seeking 50 million baht (1.3 million euros) in damages and withdrawal Thai PBS's license for five years. "We ask the Bangkok Criminal Court to dismiss both the defamation action and the accusation of an infringement of the Computer Crime Act (as amended), which is yet again being used to the detriment of freedom of the media and information," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "The justice system should not let itself be used by a private company whose sole aim is to embroil its critics in long and costly legal proceedings." If the court decides to hear the case then, under Thai law, the trial on the charge of infringing the Computer Crime Act could continue even if Tungkum withdrew its defamation action, and the four journalists could continue to face the possibility of long jail terms. Ismail added: "Tungkum's lawsuit is nothing more than a desperate attempt to intimidate all those who might try to draw attention to the environmental impact of its mining activities in the region. If its directors truly care about its image, they should examine the allegations by the citizens of Loei province, withdraw their suit and consider more appropriate alternatives such as the right of reply or mediation." Tungkum has also filed six criminal defamation actions against members of the Khon Rak Ban Kerd Group (KRBKG), a community group that is trying to protect and rehabilitate the local environment and is campaigning for the closure of the Tungkum mine in Loei province. Local residents staging a protest outside the mine were physically attacked by thugs in May 2014, while the police failed to intervene despite urgent appeals by the protesters. The mining company was alleged to have been behind the violent reprisals. Thailand is ranks 136th out of 180 countries in RSF's World Press Freedom Index. Halt imminent execution of Nigerian national Chijioke Obioha Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Halt imminent execution of Nigerian national Chijioke Obioha, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c63034.html [accessed 2 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. Singaporean President Tony Tan must grant clemency to Nigerian national Chijioke Obioha, FIDH said today. Chijioke Obioha is scheduled to be executed by hanging on 18 November 2016. On 30 December 2008, Singapore's High Court imposed a mandatory death sentence on Chijioke Obioha for possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, after he was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of cannabis on 9 April 2007. In August 2010, the court rejected Mr. Obioha's appeal against his conviction and sentence. Chijioke Obioha has spent more than nine years in prison, including seven years awaiting execution. International law reserves the death penalty solely for the "most serious crimes," a threshold that international jurisprudence has repeatedly stated drug-related offenses do not meet. As of May 2016, the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign (SADPC) estimated there were at least 25 inmates on death row - 23 of whom had been convicted of drug-related offenses. From 2007 to 2015, government figures show that Singapore executed 24 inmates, 14 of whom had been convicted of drug-related offenses. While the government publishes annual statistics on the total number of executions, it consistently fails to make public announcements concerning upcoming hangings and to reveal the number of prisoners on death row. FIDH, a member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WCADP), reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty for all crimes and in all circumstances. FIDH calls on the Singaporean government to reinstate the moratorium on executions that was lifted in July 2014, and to make progress towards the abolition of capital punishment for all crimes. FIDH also urges Singapore to vote in favor of the upcoming UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution - due to be voted on in December 2016 - that calls for a moratorium on executions. Press freedom advocates call on Thailand to protect Thai PBS and journalists from unwarranted prosecution Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 15 November 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Press freedom advocates call on Thailand to protect Thai PBS and journalists from unwarranted prosecution, 15 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c63524.html [accessed 2 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. We, the undersigned organizations, urge the Thai government to protect press freedom, decriminalize defamation, and bring the 2007 Computer-related Crime Act into line with international law and standards, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression. We call on the mining company Tungkum Limited to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all criminal proceedings against Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and four media professionals currently or formerly employed by Thai PBS. In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Tungkum Ltd. should respect human rights and remedy any adverse impacts that may be related to its operations. Tungkum Ltd., a Thai-registered gold-mining company, is claiming that Thai PBS damaged the reputation of Tungkum Ltd. when it reported on allegations of adverse environmental impacts connected to the company's open-pit gold mine in Loei Province in northeastern Thailand. Thai PBS and its journalists are facing potential charges of criminal defamation under the Thai Criminal Code and the Computer-related Crime Act as well as other charges. The company is seeking 50 million Thai Baht (US$1.4 million) in compensation as well as the revocation of Thai PBS's operating license for five years. The Bangkok Criminal Court in Bangkok will issue a preliminary decision on the putative merits of the company's complaints at a hearing scheduled for November 16, 2016. If the court accepts the case, it will proceed to trial. On September 1, 2015, Thai PBS aired a citizen-journalist news clip about a youth camp that was raising awareness of environmental issues in Wang Sa Pung District, Loei Province. A 15-year-old schoolgirl who attended the youth camp narrated the Thai PBS news clip, in which she alleged six villages in the gold mining area had been "environmentally affected by the gold mining industry." On November 12, 2015, Tungkum Ltd. filed complaints against journalist Ms. Wirada Saelim; then-Director General of Thai PBS Mr. Somchai Suwanbun; Mr. Korkhet Chantalertluk, Director of the News Department at Thai PBS; Mr. Yothin Sitthibodeekul, Director of the Television and Radio Department at Thai PBS; and Thai PBS itself. The complaint alleges that content of the citizen-journalist news clip damaged the reputation of the company. Tungkum Ltd. has brought six similar criminal defamation complaints against members of Khon Rak Ban Kerd Group (KRBKG), a community-based group advocating for environmental protection, rehabilitation of the local environment, and closure of the company's gold mine in Wang Sa Pung District, Loei Province. We remain concerned about the use of criminal defamation laws and the Computer-related Crime Act to restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Thailand as well as to intimidate human rights defenders and journalists. The right to freedom of expression is protected under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party. Under international law, restrictions on freedom of expression are permissible only when provided by law, proportional, and necessary to accomplish a legitimate aim. The complaints and charges against Thai PBS, journalists, and members of the KRBKG represent an overly broad application of criminal law which violates the right to freedom of expression. Criminalizing free expression creates a chilling effect on the media and human rights defenders whose reporting, not least of environmental and human rights issues, essentially serves the public interest. If convicted of criminal defamation under Section 328 of the Thai Criminal Code and Section 14 of the 2007 Computer-related Crime Act, Thai PBS journalists would face up to five years' imprisonment, 200,000 Thai Baht (US$5,600) in fines, or both. Imprisonment for defamation is a disproportionate restriction on the right to freedom of expression and never an appropriate form of punishment for defamation, according to the UN Human Rights Committee, the expert body charged with overseeing the implementation of the ICCPR. Thailand should immediately decriminalize defamation and reject proposed amendments of the 2007 Computer-related Crime Act which have raised human rights concerns as set out in a joint statement by five international organizations on October 25, 2016. The statement called on Thailand to uphold its international obligations to protect the rights to privacy and freedom of opinion and expression. The right to freedom of opinion and expression is foundational for any society. These freedoms promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of other human rights. Thailand will only benefit when human rights defenders, journalists, and the media are allowed to practice their professions peacefully and carry out activities without fear of intimidation or judicial harassment. Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and others must resist China's Orwellian vision of the internet Publisher Amnesty International Author Roseann Rife Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and others must resist China's Orwellian vision of the internet, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c63f64.html [accessed 2 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. Facebook, Microsoft, and LinkedIn are among the tech firms expected to be on a charm offensive with Chinese officials at the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, which starts today. China has made clear to Western companies what tune they must dance to if they want to gain or keep access to the riches of the Chinese market, currently dominated by national players like Tencent and Sina. A new Cyber Security Law passed in China last week goes further than ever before in tightening the government's already repressive grip on the internet, embodied by its "Great Firewall". It is a vast human and technological system of Internet censorship without parallel in the world. The new law codifies existing abusive practices and seeks to turn tech companies operating in China into de-facto state surveillance agents. The new law forces companies to pass on vast amounts of data, including personal information and to censor users' posts with insufficient safeguards to protect freedom of expression and the right to privacy. Companies would be liable for substantial penalties if they fail to do so and there is no transparency about how the data will be used by the authorities. Censorship President Xi Jinping has insisted that "no cyber security means no national security", but companies do not have to look far to see the chilling reality of what "national security" can mean under China's broad and vague legal provisions.Over the years the government has detained hundreds, if not thousands, of people on national security charges, often solely for expressing views online critical of the government. In a case that demonstrates the government's renewed intransigence, bloggers Lu Yuyu and Li Tingyu were criminally detained this year on the implausible charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" for compiling and posting publicly available data on social protests in China. For the Tibetan blogger Drulko, a simple internet posting commenting on a picture showing a heavy presence of armed soldiers at an important Tibetan Buddhist site triggered his arrest. For this and reposting a news report about talks between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment under the pretext of having "incited separatism". The new law substantially expands the state's internet policing power. Information internet companies are required to remove and report to authorities would include items such as the data about protests in the blogs of Lu Yuyu and Li Tingyu, and Druklo's messages about religious freedom, together with personal information, even before the police request it. This practice is not limited to people like Lu Yuyu, Li Tingyu and Druklo, who were on the government's radar but also includes those whose activities have not yet attracted the authorities' attention. It is an Orwellian vision of the internet, a dragnet to trap those the government views as troublemakers, where the right to freedom of expression exists only at the discretion of the censors. Given the current political hardening under President Xi Jinping and the absence of an independent judiciary, there is no saying where the government will draw the line tomorrow. Tech companies should use the opportunity of the gathering in Wuzhen to seriously question whether they are willing to do business on these terms. Are they prepared to be complicit in the abuse of individuals' rights to freedom of expression and privacy online? To avoid fines, suspension or termination of business or the shutting down of websites, the law will require internet companies to self-censor, or censor their own users, to an extent not previously seen, even in China. If internet companies follow the letter of the new law, users who refuse to sign up to real name registration will have no access to phone networks, the internet, social media or instant messaging services. Censorship will not stop at social media posts but includes private messages as well. "Internet sovereignty" The Chinese government has justified these draconian regulations by invoking the need to protect the country's "internet sovereignty" and manage "threats from outside". While governments must protect people from genuine security threats, "internet sovereignty" goes much further and threatens the very principles of a global and open internet. Technology companies have a responsibility to respect the right to privacy and freedom of expression. They should challenge the new law and make known to the government the company's principled opposition to implementing any requests or directives which violate fundamental human rights. It is not easy for companies to navigate the often fraught and complex negotiations with the Chinese government, and many have been burnt before. But the message they must deliver to Chinese officials this week is that principles and people come first and the terms laid out in the Cyber Security Law are not ones they are prepared to sign up to. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Singapore: Halt execution now Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Singapore: Halt execution now, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c64434.html [accessed 2 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. Singapore must immediately halt the execution of Chijioke Stephen Obioha, a Nigerian national on death row for possession of drugs, Amnesty International said today. On Wednesday, Chijioke Stephen Obioha's family was informed that his appeal for clemency has been rejected. He is set to be executed on Friday 18 November 2016. "The Singapore government still has time to halt the execution of Chijioke Stephen Obioha. We are dismayed that clemency has not been granted in his case but remain hopeful that they won't carry out this cruel and irreversible punishment against a person sentenced to the mandatory death penalty for a crime that should not even be punished by death," said Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International's Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. "The death penalty is never the solution. It will not rid Singapore of drugs. By executing people for drug-related offences, which do not meet the threshold of most serious crimes, Singapore is violating international law. Most of the world has turned its back on this ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It is about time that Singapore does the same, starting by restoring a moratorium on all executions as a first step towards abolition of this punishment." Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, regardless of the method of execution or the crime for which it is imposed, and believes that there is no credible evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect. Background Chijioke Stephen Obioha was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of cannabis in April 2007, surpassing the amount of 500 grams that triggers the automatic presumption of trafficking under Singapore law. Under Singaporean law, when there is a presumption of drug possession and trafficking, the burden of proof shifts from the prosecutor to the defendant. This violates the right to a fair trial by turning the presumption of innocence on its head. Drug-related offences do not meet the threshold of the "most serious crimes" to which the use of the death penalty must be restricted under international law. International law also prohibits the imposition of the death penalty as a mandatory punishment. Amnesty International opposes the use of the death penalty outright, regardless of the crime. As of today 103 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and 141 are abolitionist in law or practice. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Bahrain: Human Rights Defender Ghada Jamsheer remains in jail despite poor health Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Bahrain: Human Rights Defender Ghada Jamsheer remains in jail despite poor health, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c65744.html [accessed 2 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. Women's rights defender, writer and blogger Ghada Jamsheer remains in jail in Bahrain serving a combined ten-month sentence for exercising her right to free expression on Twitter. On 7 November 2016, Jamsheer appeared before Judge Mohamed Al-Khalifa of the High Criminal Court of Appeal to request that she be freed to serve out the remainder of her sentences outside of jail due to health concerns, however the judge has not yet informed her of his decision. The undersigned more than 20 rights groups from around the world call for the sentence to be overturned, as it violates her right to free expression, and for Jamsheer to be freed immediately so she can receive proper treatment for her debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. Jamsheer, President of the Women's Petition Committee (WPC), is being held in connection with multiple sentences imposed relating to her tweets exposing corruption within the management of King Hamad Hospital, which is run by members of the ruling family. Jamsheer was detained on 15 August 2016 upon arrival from London where she was receiving medical treatment for her arthritis. She reports that she needs medication to ease the pain but fears that she will risk her health if she takes the medication in jail, because it compromises her immunity. Jamsheer showed the Judge her medical reports, which have been translated to Arabic. Following the hearing on 7 November, she was returned to Isa Town women's prison, where conditions are cold and unsanitary. She was told she would receive a decision within a week. The hearing was well-attended by lawyers and other observers, including a representative of the United States Embassy. On 22 June 2016, Jamsheer was sentenced on appeal to prison by the Second High Criminal Court for four cases of defamation related to her tweets. She was originally misinformed that she was facing one year, but was told after her arrest in August that she is serving a ten-month term. She has now spent three months in prison this year, in addition to three months served when she was first arrested under the same charges on 15 September 2014. Jamsheer has 12 charges against her related to this case. She was fined 10,000 dinars (approx. USD$26,500) for defamation of the management of the hospital. In addition, she was also sentenced to one year in prison (suspended) on trumped up charges of allegedly 'assaulting a police officer' while in custody. Jamsheer was featured in the #SheDefends campaign on 28 October, organised by the Women Human Rights Defenders Middle East and North Africa (WHRD MENA) Coalition. Over 250 people have called for her freedom by signing a petition in support of Jamsheer and women human rights defenders in Bahrain. Supporters are still signing the petition at https://action.manifesta.net/petitions/ask-the-king-of-bahrain-to-stop-persecuting-women-human-rights-defenders We, the undersigned organisations, call on the government of Bahrain to: Immediately and unconditionally free Ghada Jamsheer; Overturn the sentence against Ghada Jamsheer, which violates her right to free expression; Immediately and unconditionally free all detained human rights defenders in Bahrain; At the very minimum, ensure all prisoners, including Ghada Jamsheer and other human rights defenders, have access to proper medical treatment and ensure conditions in prison necessary to maintain health; and End all forms of reprisals against human rights defenders and other activists, including travel bans, in violation of their rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. Signed: Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) ARTICLE 19 Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) Bahraini Organisation for human rights (EBOHR) CIVICUS Front Line Defenders Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) FIDH, within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Brian Dooley, Human Rights First Index on Censorship International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) Lawyer's Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) Nazra for Feminist Studies No Peace Without Justice Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD IC) Women Human Rights Defenders Coalition in the Middle East and North Africa (WHRD MENA) Coalition World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Myanmar: Media survey shows demand for continued reform Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 14 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Myanmar: Media survey shows demand for continued reform, 14 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c666d4.html [accessed 2 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. A new survey of Myanmar journalists, carried out by ARTICLE 19 and the Myanmar Working Group for Freedom of Expression, shows growing demand from the media for the newly governing National League for Democracy to enact legal reform on free expression. "The annual survey of Myanmar journalists' opinions reveals that they think freedom of expression has actually decreased since last year," said Oliver Spencer, Head of Asia at ARTICLE 19. "Perhaps as Myanmar transitions to democracy, journalists are becoming more aware of their rights. Their expectations may also have increased, given that Myanmar now has a democratically-elected government. However, the survey shows a clear and growing desire for reform of the country's legal framework to guarantee free expression," he added. Journalists put Constitutional provisions on freedom of expression, freedom of information, and media freedom at the top of their reform priorities. The News Media Law and the Broadcasting Law were the next highest priorities, a concern which has not changed since last year's survey. A new priority raised this year was the Telecommunications Law, which for the past nine months has been used regularly to prosecute and imprison journalists and human rights defenders, under Article 66(d), for criminal defamation online. Participants also demanded reform of Myanmar's Penal Code, which has been largely untouched since being enacted under the British Imperial Government in 1861. Journalists' key priority for reform of the Penal Code was criminal defamation, which has increased in priority since last year. This was followed by insulting religion and prohibitions on insult. Sedition, which was the highest demand for reform in 2015, is now less of a priority, followed by promoting enmity, and lastly, obscenity. Journalists were also asked to rate the Myanmar Press Council for its work to defend freedom of expression. Approximately half of participants thought the Council had been successful, while half did not. In the 2015 survey, the majority of participants thought that the Council needed to work harder to be independent, however, after elections to some of the seats on the Council, participants were more interested in the Council leading the amendment of media laws. Participants were again asked what they thought should happen to the state-controlled newspapers and broadcasters, as no changes have been made by the new government. Most journalists wanted both newspapers and broadcasters to be turned into public service media. Finally, as the new government continues its Panglong peace process, aimed at ending more than 60 years of conflict in the country, journalists were asked how free they were to report on conflicts. The overwhelming majority stated that they were not. ARTICLE 19 and the Myanmar Working Group for Freedom of Expression conducted the second annual survey at the Conference on Media Development in Myanmar, 7-8 November 2016. The survey asked a number of questions to understand the experiences, expectations and demands of the national media community. The results were compared to the previous year and the survey was presented during the conference's concluding session. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Russia: Landmark ruling against LinkedIn a threat to social media Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 11 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Russia: Landmark ruling against LinkedIn a threat to social media, 11 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c66d84.html [accessed 2 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. Access to LinkedIn, the world's largest online professional network, will be blocked in Russia, following a decision of the Moscow City Court on 11 November 2016. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Russian authorities to reverse this decision and to bring the relevant Russian legislation into full compliance with international human rights standards. LinkedIn stands accused of failing to comply with the 2014 amendments to the Law #152-FZ "On Personal Data," requiring internet companies to store Russian citizens' personal information on servers located on the territory of the Russian Federation. Although some online companies have agreed to comply with the new requirement to localise data in Russia, many analysts believe this to be an unreasonable demand due to the prohibitive costs and technical difficulties involved. There is also a growing number of unjustified prosecutions against people posting on social media. Based on this law, Roskomnadzor (a federal agency responsible for overseeing the media, including the electronic media, and mass communications, information technology and telecommunications) included LinkedIn on the list of the sites that does not comply with the legislation and decided to block it. This decision was subsequently confirmed on appeal by the Moscow City Court. LinkedIn users build and maintain professional networks with whom they are able to freely communicate, share articles and professional resumes as well as join groups and discussions. Although less popular than other social networks, such as Facebook or V Kontakte, it constitutes a community of over 5 million registered users in Russia. LinkedIn is the first online company to be targeted for blocking by the Roskomnadzor, purportedly because of problems with its security. ARTICLE 19 rejects the use of blocking as a matter of principle. Nonetheless, we also argue that blocking can only ever be compatible with international standards on freedom of expression where, inter alia, court orders of blocking are limited in scope and strictly proportionate to the legitimate aim pursued. Lawful content should never be blocked and the courts must always consider whether the blocking order is the least restrictive means available to deal with the alleged unlawful activity, including an assessment of any adverse impact on the right to freedom of expression and information. ARTICLE 19 is concerned that these conditions were not met in the present case. The blocking of an entire social media platform for an unlimited period of time inevitably limits legitimate expression and is therefore unlikely to ever be justified. We call on the Roskomnadzor to immediately reverse its decision. We also urge the Russian Government to review its Internet legislation and bring it into full compliance with international freedom of expression standards. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Myanmar: UN decides imprisonment of Saffron Revolution leader Gambira contravenes UDHR Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 4 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Myanmar: UN decides imprisonment of Saffron Revolution leader Gambira contravenes UDHR, 4 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c67674.html [accessed 2 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. On 3 November 2016, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention published its long-awaited decision that the Myanmar governments repeated detention of Saffron Revolution protest leader, and former monk, Gambira, was arbitrary and in contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Gambira paid many sacrifices for his criticism of the previous Myanmar governments he was detained, charged, sentenced to 68 years imprisonment, tortured, de-frocked, harassed, detained again, and made stateless, said Oliver Spencer, Head of Asia at ARTICLE 19. The new Myanmar government should demonstrate its goodwill towards former political prisoners by implementing the UN Working Groups recommendations namely to investigate his case, identify and change the relevant laws, and provide Gambira and other former political prisoners with adequate compensation, he added. The UN Working Group which reviewed Gambiras case in session in September 2016, announced on 3 November that the detention was indeed arbitrary and in contravention with Articles 10 and 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The decision stated that the Myanmar governments response to the case, asserting that Gambira was prosecuted according to Myanmar law, was not a legitimate excuse. The UN Working Group argued that the mere conformity with domestic law in itself cannot be used to justify a detention of an individual. The Myanmar government - as a UN Member State - has a responsibility under the UDHR to abide by international human rights norms. Gambira, also known as Nyi Nyi Lwin, was one of the monks that as a leader of the All-Burma Monks' Alliance, took a central place in the 2007 protests in Myanmar against the then military government, known worldwide as the Saffron Revolution because of the number of monks that took part dressed in their traditional saffron-coloured robes. He was sentenced in 2008 to 68 years in prison, including 12 years hard labour, for a range of charges brought by the government in retaliation for his leadership of the protests. Gambira was released in 2012 and fled to Thailand, but earlier this year returned to Myanmar and was arrested without warrant. It was later announced that the arrest was on the basis that he entered the country illegally, having been stripped of his citizenship. He was sentenced in April under the Immigration Act to a further six months imprisonment with hard labour, and was released in July 2016. Gambira and his family members have allegedly also faced harassment in the form of surveillance by state officials. The UN Working Group requested in its decision that the Myanmar government take the necessary steps to remedy the situation of Mr. Gambira and bring it into conformity with the standards and principles set forth in the UDHR and in particular the adequate remedy would be to accord him an enforceable right to compensation. ARTICLE 19 urges the new Myanmar government to commit to implementing the UN Working Groups recommendations, and to demonstrate a reformed relationship with the UNs human rights mechanisms by responding to the UN within the UNs six month deadline. ARTICLE 19 also calls on the government to sign and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Gambia: referral to AU Executive Council a step in the right direction Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 4 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Gambia: referral to AU Executive Council a step in the right direction, 4 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c67cd4.html [accessed 2 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. In a landmark resolution adopted today, the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) referred the Gambia to the African Union Executive Council for "consistent failure" to comply with the Commission's previous recommendations on addressing human rights violations. The resolution, adopted at the ACHPR's 59th session, condemned the Gambia for continued violations of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and freedom from torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. "This resolution and referral is a testimony of the seriousness of the situation in the Gambia, where continued violations have been met with impunity over the past two decades," said Fatou Jagne Senghor, Regional Direction of ARTICLE 19 West Africa. At a panel held during the session, Gambian human rights activists had appealed to the Commission for help in their fight against ongoing repression and impunity. The Gambia has been known for the brutal repression of journalists, human rights defenders and dissidents, despite being host of the African Union human rights body. In advance of Gambia's 1st December presidential election, security forces have arrested more than 90 opposition activists for participating in peaceful protests. The resolution called for the release of thirty opposition members who have been sentenced to three-year prison terms, and highlighted the deaths in custody of two opposition members. They included UDP National Organizing Secretary Solo Sandeng, who was beaten to death at Gambia's National Intelligence Agency in April. The resolution also called for an independent investigation into excessive force used against protestors, and violations against female protestors. "We welcome such a timely resolution as a step in the right direction, and call on the African Union to take urgent action to address the issues raised in the resolution and the dire situation that continues in the Gambia," Fatou said. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 International Day to End Impunity: Russia must adhere to its commitments Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 2 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, International Day to End Impunity: Russia must adhere to its commitments, 2 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c682c4.html [accessed 2 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. On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, ARTICLE 19 remembers Akhmednabi Akhmednabiyev, Timur Kuashev and Nikolai Potapov, just three of at least 31 journalists[1] murdered in Russia with impunity since 1992. We call on the Russian Federation to uphold the commitments it made at the UN Human Rights Council in September this year: to bring to justice perpetrators of violence against journalists and actively work to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Katie Morris, Head of the Europe & Central Asia Programme at ARTICLE 19 said: In the increasingly repressive environment for freedom of expression in Russia, journalists are finding it ever harder to do their jobs. Draconian laws targeting civil society and internet users, harassment of independent journalists and media outlets and the dominance of state controlled media all contribute to worsening conditions for free speech and freedom of the media. Courageous independent journalists are needed more than ever in Russia but they know they risk being attacked for their work and that perpetrators rarely face justice. Impunity for attacks on journalists, including harassment, threats, office break-ins and arbitrary arrests and in the worst cases murder, results in self-censorship, stopping journalists criticising governments, or investigating issues such as corruption and human rights violations. We are highlighting three recent cases where attacks on journalists have been left without justice, all from the North Caucasus region, where attacks on journalists have been particularly widespread. Akhmednabi Akhmednabiyev was a reporter for Caucasian Knot, and deputy editor of independent newspaper Novoye Delo, when he was shot and killed as he left for work in Makhachkala, Dagestan, in July 2013. Known for his coverage of human rights violations, corruption and persecution of religious minorities, Akhmednabiyev had received many other threats and had narrowly escaped a murder attempt just six months earlier[2]. Dagestani police wrongly logged the assassination attempt as property damage, and only reclassified it after the journalists death, demonstrating a shameful failure to investigate the motive behind the attack and prevent further attacks, despite a request from Akhmednabiyev for protection. The investigation into Ahkmednabiyev's murder was then closed within a year, without any arrests. It was only as a result of international pressure that the decision to close the investigation was rescinded on 16 September 2014, after which President Putin personally committed to draw the attention of Russias investigating bodies to the many cases of journalists killed in Dagestan without impunity[3]. Nonetheless the case was closed again in 2015 on the basis that no perpetrator could be identified and the decision upheld in 2016, again demonstrating the lack of any serious intent to bring the perpetrators to justice. Timur Kuashev, a correspondent for Dosh, a magazine covering the North Caucasus went missing from his home on 31 July 2014 and his body was discovered the following day in a suburb far from his home in Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria. Kuashev was known for his investigations into abuses by the security forces in the course of anti-terror operations. He had received threats for years and written about them in an open letter he published in April 2013, just months before he was killed, saying he was concerned for his life. Despite this, the authorities again failed to provide adequate protection. His body was found 20 km from his home and official forensic experts found evidence of an injection. The reason for the injection is unexplained and his family suspect poisoning. Even so, after a year and a half, the investigators said that Kuashev, who had no reported serious medical problems, had died of heart failure. The case was closed in June 2016 for lack of evidence of any crime. Authorities failed to take the physical evidence properly into account and totally neglected to investigate the motive behind the attack. Nikolai Potapov, a 66-year environmental activist and editor of Selsovet (Village Council) newspaper, was known in the Stavropol region for exposing alleged corruption by local authorities, especially for land deals involving the transfer of state property to criminal gangs. He was shot and killed outside his home in May 2013. Three men were charged and sentenced to 15 - 18 years for the killing. But the men did not know Potapov beforehand, had no personal motive and suggested he had upset someone in the local administration. After they were sentenced the case was closed and whoever had ordered the killing was not found. While the killers were punished, investigators demonstrated intentional negligence in finding the person who had paid for the killing and so leaving them free to do so again. Russias obligations On 29 September the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution with Russia as a co-sponsor on the Safety of Journalists (A/HRC/33/L.6). The resolution: Strongly condemns the prevailing impunity for attacks and violence against journalists, and expresses grave concern that the vast majority of these crimes go unpunished, which in turn contributes to the recurrence of these crimes; and Urges States to do their utmost to prevent violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability through the conduct of impartial, prompt, thorough, independent and effective investigations into all alleged violence, threats and attacks against journalists and media workers falling within their jurisdiction, to bring perpetrators, including those who command, conspire to commit, aid and abet or cover up such crimes to justice, and to ensure that victims and their families have access to appropriate remedies. The gap between Russias rhetoric on impunity at the UN and the domestic reality is quite staggering, said Katie Morris. Over the past ten years, there have been nine unsolved murders of journalists in Russia, patently contradicting its international commitment to addressing impunity, she added. The Russian Federations expressed interest in fighting impunity in international fora must be implemented at home and all responsible authorities must do their utmost to bring perpetrators to justice, including those who order killings. Investigations into the deaths of Akhmednabiyev, Kuashev, Potapov and others should be reopened and resources made available to ensure people are held accountable and so help prevent similar incidents in the future. As laid out in the resolution, Russia should also develop a strategy for combating impunity for attacks and violence against journalists and work to build a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference. [1] https://cpj.org/europe/russia/ [2] https://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/38050/en/russia:-investigation-into-akhmednabiyev%E2%80%99s-murder-must-be-raised-to-federal-level [3] http://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/250820/ Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Russia: ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with Amnesty International in Moscow Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 2 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Russia: ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with Amnesty International in Moscow, 2 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c68f3f8.html [accessed 2 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. In response to the sealing off without any prior warning of the Amnesty International Moscow Office on 2 November ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with Amnesty International and its staff in Russia. In the early hours of 2 November the Moscow office of Amnesty International was sealed and locks changed by municipal authorities. Members of staff who were taken by surprise and had no reason to suspect this might happen, have been left without their equipment, files and working space. The office has been rented from the city of Moscow for the past 20 years and contrary to claims by a spokesman for the city, rent has always been paid up to date (and last paid in October) and no notices or complaints in any form were received from the City. The Amnesty International Moscow Office has long played an important role in raising awareness and campaigning for the end to human rights violations in Russia as well as worldwide. In the past month it's highlighted the torture of political prisoner Ildar Dadin, blocking of a popular LGBT website and censorship of theatre productions. While it is still early to reach conclusions there seems to be no legitimate basis for the actions of the authorities in sealing the office. It is hard not to see this incident in the context of the government crackdown on civil society that has seen continuing harassment of non-governmental organisations across Russia. Almost 150 NGOs have been designated as "foreign agents" for receiving funding from abroad, among them environmental groups, human rights defenders and history-cultural organisations. Seven international organisations who previously supported civil society have been labelled "undesirable" and their presence banned. Meanwhile government controlled media continually vilifies any critics or those with an alternate view. ARTICLE 19 will be monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with Amnesty International and its staff in Russia. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Tunisia: Military Justice Threatens Freedom of Expression Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 1 November 2016 Cite as Article 19, Tunisia: Military Justice Threatens Freedom of Expression, 1 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c69437.html [accessed 2 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. ARTICLE 19 is concerned that the Tunisian military courts handle cases involving civilians, including journalists and bloggers. Such practices are contrary to international standards regarding the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. The Tunisian Military Justice Code protects symbols such as the national flag or the dignity of the army, which is also incompatible with international law. There is an urgent need to review the legal framework, deleting provisions of the Military Justice Code that leads to intimidation and deters the freedom of public debate. ARTICLE 19 notes the persistence of practices involving military courts judging cases involving civilians. In November 2014, the blogger Yassine Ayari was convicted by a military court and sentenced to one year in prison for defamation and undermining the morale of the national army. In April 2015, the Tunis Court of Appeal ordered his release on parole after he had completed half of his sentence. In 2013 Hakim Ghanmi, another Tunisian blogger, was arrested and accused, on the basis of Article 91 of the Tunisian Military Justice Code, of violating the dignity of the army. He eventually received a dismissal before a military tribunal. Jamel Arfaoui, journalist and editor of the "Tunisia Telegraph" site, appeared before a judge at the military court to answer a charge of insulting the army, as per articles 91 of the Tunisian Military Justice Code and 128 of the Tunisian Criminal Code. However, he was allowed to remain free pending the result of the investigation. Mohamed Haj Mansour, director of online newspaper "Al-Thawra News", was subject to a warrant for arrest on 3 October 2016 by the presiding judge at the Military Court following publication of an article in his journal. Legal framework Article 31 of the new Tunisian constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression. With regard to restrictions on human rights, Article 49 of the Constitution stipulates that these restrictions should not "undermine their essence." These means of control "are set up as the need demands in a civil democratic state and to protect the rights of third parties or for public safety, national defence, public health or public morality, and with the respect of proportionality " as to the objective. The 1967 Military Justice Code, as amended by two decrees, the-law adopted on 29 July 2011 assigned to the military courts a jurisdiction that goes beyond that required by the Constitution (in Article 110). The amendment made by Decree-Law No. 2011-69 of 29 July 2011 has not removed the jurisdiction of the military courts over civilians and non-military crimes committed by members of the army. Moreover, the common crimes committed by civilians can be brought before military courts when the victim belongs to the army. Military courts also have jurisdiction for offences committed to the detriment of the army. Moreover Article 91 of the Military Justice Code provides for a penalty of up to 3 years in prison against anyone "who is guilty [] of insulting the flag or the army, attacking the dignity, reputation, morale of the army, or acts liable to undermine military discipline, obedience and respect due to superiors, or criticism on the action of the military hierarchy or officers the army, thereby undermining their dignity. " Violation of the right to a fair trial ARTICLE 19 notes that military courts in Tunisia do not meet the independence requirements set out by Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 14.1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.[1] As per the United Nations Human Rights Committee, "the requirement of competence, independence and impartiality of a tribunal in the sense of article 14, paragraph 1, is an absolute right that is not subject to any exception." (General Comment n. 32, 19). The guarantees of independence relate, specifically, to the conditions for appointment and promotion of judges. But in Tunisia, the Minister of Justice chairs the board of the military judiciary and proposes the appointment and promotion of military judges. Following his visit to Tunisia in 2012, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition had also expressed concern over the lack of independence of military judges.[2] ARTICLE 19 further notes that international law precludes that civilians are tried by military courts. According to the UN Human Rights Committee, it is only in exceptional cases, especially when civilian courts are not able to play their part, that the trial of civilians by military courts can be compatible with the International Covenant on civil and political rights (General Comment n. 32, 22). United Nations Principles for the Protection of Human Rights in the fight against impunity provide clearly that "the jurisdiction of military tribunals must be restricted solely to specifically military offences committed by military personnel" (Principle 29).[3] ARTICLE 19 notes that the fact of being tried by a military court is likely to intimidate journalists and bloggers, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression. ARTICLE 19 reiterates that media freedom is essential to the operation and development of a democratic society. ARTICLE 19 recommends that the Tunisian Military Justice Code is promptly reviewed to ensure compliance with the right to a fair trial. Pending legislative change, ARTICLE 19 recommends that all justice sector actors interpret the legal provisions relating to the jurisdiction of the courts in a manner that ensures civilians are no longer tried by a military tribunal. Violation of international standards on freedom of expression ARTICLE 19 is also extremely concerned about the use of Article 91 of the Military Justice Code against journalists and bloggers in Tunisia. Indeed, this provision is compatible neither with Articles 31 and 49 of the Constitution of Tunisia nor with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Under international law, any restriction of freedom of expression must be based on a sufficiently clear and foreseeable legal basis, pursue one of the legitimate aims listed in Article 19.3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and respect the principle of proportionality. ARTICLE 19 notes that Article 91 of the Military Justice Code resorts to vague terms, such as the dignity or reputation of the army or such acts likely to undermine discipline or morale, which lend themselves to either a subjective or purely arbitrary interpretation. Article 91 is not sufficiently precise and predictable to meet the requirements of international law. We also note that Article 91 protects the dignity of a symbolic object such as the national flag. An object is not in itself likely to possess dignity or reputation: Article 91 therefore does not pursue a legitimate aim. ARTICLE 19 is also concerned that article 91 prohibits any criticism of the actions of the military hierarchy. This provision is likely to prevent any public debate, and especially so as it provides for a severe prison sentence. But in a democratic society, the conduct of the armed forces is a matter of legitimate public concern about which the media and anyone who contributes to public debate must be free to seek and disseminate information, including a critical perspective on the decisions and actions of public and military authorities. In addition to the right of the press to seek and disseminate information, there is also the public's' right to receive said information. Therefore, article 91 is a manifestly disproportionate restriction upon freedom of expression. The use of such a provision by military courts against journalists and bloggers is likely to engender serious intimidation and thus have a detrimental effect on the public debate. ARTICLE 19 recommends the immediate repeal of Article 91 of the Tunisian Military Justice Code. As a temporary measure, pending the legislative amendment, we recommend that this provision is no longer enforced by any court. [1] See also the basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary adopted by the Seventh United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, held in Milan from 26 August to 6 September 1985 and confirmed by General Assembly in resolutions 40/32 of 29 November 1985 and 40/146 of 13 December 1985. [2] Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition, Pablo de Greiff, Mission Tunisia 11-16 November 2012), the Council of Human Rights, 24th Session 30 July 2013, A / HRC / 24/42 / Add.1, para.48 [3] Updated Set of principles for a protection and promotion of human rights in the fight against impunity, Commission on Human Rights, 61st session, UN Doc E / CN.4 / 2005/102 / Add. 1, 8 February 2005, Principle 29. See also Article 19, the Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, 1 October 1995, Principle 22.b. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Turkey: persecution of independent media under state of emergency continues Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 31 October 2016 Cite as Article 19, Turkey: persecution of independent media under state of emergency continues, 31 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c69d24.html [accessed 2 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. On 29 October, Turkey issued decree no. 676 ordering the closure of 15 Kurdish media outlets. Two days later 13 media workers from Cumhuriyet, Turkey's largest secular, left-leaning paper, were detained bringing the total number of media outlets shut down under the state of emergency to 168; and the number of media workers and writers arrested to 109. ARTICLE 19 condemns this latest attack on diversity and dissent within the media in Turkey. The Government of Turkey must cease its harassment of independent and critical media, and ensure that the state of emergency and other anti-terror legislation are not abused to silence dissent. We call upon Turkey to reverse the closures and immediately and unconditionally release all journalists, writers and other media workers imprisoned on politically-motivated charges. Furthermore, we urge the international community, in particular the European Union, the United States and relevant international human rights bodies, to publicly and unequivocally condemn the closures and arrests. MEDIA OUTLETS CLOSED The newspapers shut down under decree no 676 are: Ozgur Gundem, Azadiya Welat, Batman Cagdas, Cizre Postas, Guney Express, Idil Haber, Kzltepe'nin Sesi, Prestij Haber, Urfanatik and Yuksekova Haber. The news agencies closed are: Dicle News Agency (DIHA) and Jin News Agency. The three magazines shut down were Tiroji, Ozgurluk Dunyas and arts and culture magazine Evrensel Kultur. The majority of these outlets are pro-Kurdish, and operate from Turkey's predominantly Kurdish provinces in the southeast. Their closure is part of an ongoing campaign of harassment against Kurdish media, which pre-dates the coup attempt. CUMHURIYET JOURNALISTS DETAINED During early morning police raids on 31 October, the following people were taken into custody: Murat Sabuncu (Cumhuriyet's Editor-in-Chief); Kadri Gursel (columnist and head of the International Press Institute's Turkey office); Guray Oz (Cumhuriyet board executive and columnist); Aydn Engin (former Cumhuriyet Editor-in-Chief); Hikmet Cetinkaya (columnist); Eser Sevinc, Hakan Kara, Musa Kart, Bulent Utku, Mustafa Kemal Gungor and Onder Celik (all board members of the Cumhuriyet Foundation); Turhan Gunay (Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper's book supplement); and Bulent Yener (accountant). An arrest warrant was also issued for Can Dundar, the former Editor-in-Chief who is currently living in exile, and facing espionage charges regarding a story the newspaper published alleging that the Turkish government sent weapons to jihadist groups in Syria. According to media reports, prosecutors also issued detention warrants for two other executives of the newspaper, who are both also currently abroad. Cumhuriyet is the oldest newspaper in Turkey and one of the few publications that continues to criticise the government. The detained journalists are accused of committing crimes on behalf of two terrorist organisations: the Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) and the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which the government accuses of being behind the failed coup attempt. STATE OF EMERGENCY Turkey introduced a state of emergency in response to the failed coup of 15 July 2016, during which over 200 people were killed. We recognise Turkey's right and responsibility to respond to the coup attempt and hold those responsible for the deaths accountable, however the government must stop abusing state of emergency provisions to violate the right to freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial. ARTICLE 19 documented and analysed Turkey's abuse of state of emergency decrees to suppress criticism in a recent report. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 The Gambia: the African Commission must put a stop to the crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Assembly ahead of Presidential Elections Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 28 October 2016 Cite as Article 19, The Gambia: the African Commission must put a stop to the crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Assembly ahead of Presidential Elections, 28 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c6a304.html [accessed 2 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. "Why was I not allowed to take medicine to and see my ailing mother who has been detained for a long period?" asked Mariamma Saine, a young Gambian speaking to a hushed audience amidst sobs and tears rolling down her cheeks. Like Mariamma, Saikou Jammeh, the Secretary of Gambia Press Union, and many other speakers made an impassioned appeal for assistance to ensure the situation in Gambia does not deteriorate into hopelessness. These appeals were made during the Gambian-focused panel organized by ARTICLE 19 at the 59th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. The panel was attended by among others the Chairperson, Ms Pansy Tlakula and three other commissioners and was the first ever open discussion on the situation of human rights organized in the country for many years. Mariamma's family has been a victim of state surveillance since her mother was arrested but she is not alone. There are dozens of families that are in similar situation. Some have been undergoing this for years, but the situation took a turn for the worse in April and May this year. Security officers violently disrupted a peaceful protest by members and supporters of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and arrested 90 of them as they agitated for electoral reforms before the Presidential elections scheduled for 1st December 2016. Thirty of the arrested opposition activists including Ousainou Darbo, the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), were prosecuted without being due process and sentenced to three years in prison. Women protesters were sexually assaulted. The affected women, like other sick prisoners, have not been accorded basic rights like being allowed to see doctors and receive essential medicines. Many families do not know if their relatives will be sentenced or released: arrests, prosecution and even application for bail did not follow due process as prescribed in international human rights law and national laws. Some applications for bail have continued to be frustrated nearly seven months after their arrest. Others like the family of the then opposition activist, Solo Sandeng, are suffering the information blackout, losing their family member to torture at the hands of officials from the National Intelligence Agency. Mariamma's testimony revealed the agony, trauma and destitution that families and relatives of arrested opposition leaders, journalists and human rights defenders have to endure. Because basic rights to fair and due process, and access to justice for their detained relatives are routinely violated inside a country that actually hosts the Africa Commission: the body within the African Union charged with promotion and protection of human rights across the continent. Speaking at the event on the Gambia, the chair of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, Ms Pansy Tlakula, leading three other commissioners strongly condemned the continued violations of human rights especially during elections in most Africa countries. "Women are tired. We continue to bear the brunt of election and politically instigated violence. We cannot sit by and watch. We must all say "not any more in our name." Women have had enough of the violations and disruptions especially when men fight for political power in total disregard of other people's rights-especially women and children," she said. ARTICLE 19 representatives and other panelists echoed that sentiment and urged the ACHPR to pay special attention to women political prisoners who are suffer physical violations, including abuse and rape in an attempt to silence them. The government of Gambia has not responded to the African Commission's appeal to be permitted to conduct a fact-finding mission, including visit to political prisoners at the Mile 2 Prison. "There is dire need for the government to release all political prisoners and initiate a credible, independent inquiry into the continued allegations of torture by security agencies and the deaths that occurred in custody. We cannot look aside when such grave and credible allegations including deaths of citizens," said Ms Jamesina King, the commissioner responsible for the Gambia. On December 1, 2016 Gambians will go to the polls to vote for President for the fifth time since current ruler, Yahya Jammeh, come to power through a Coup d'Etat some 22 years ago. The run-up period is distinctly a testing time for human rights and governance: previous experiences have shown that opposition members, journalists, human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and voters face a significant risk of serious human rights violations if they attempt to express dissenting options. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Pakistan: Placing journalist Cyril Almeida on Exit Control List is an attack on freedom of expression Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 21 October 2016 Cite as Article 19, Pakistan: Placing journalist Cyril Almeida on Exit Control List is an attack on freedom of expression, 21 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c6a5e4.html [accessed 2 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. ARTICLE 19 and Media Matters for Democracy are concerned about a government decision to place a Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida on the Exit Control List (ECL), effectively barring him from leaving the country. The journalist, associated with Dawn newspaper, was informed of the decision following the publication of an article highlighting a shift in the civil-military relationship in Pakistan. The exclusive story, published on 7 October 2016, contained details of an on-camera meeting between civilian and military leadership regarding Pakistan's increasing international isolation. The Prime Minister's office has denied the story. However, Dawn's editor Zafar Abbas stood by the article stating that the facts were confirmed by multiple, reliable sources. Abbas has stated "The elected government and state institutions should refrain from targeting the messenger, and scapegoating the country's most respected newspaper in a malicious campaign." "It is highly unlikely that a credible publication like Dawn would publish an exclusive of such a sensitive nature without being very sure of its facts. Even if the story was completely incorrect, there are other laws in place to deal with irresponsible journalism and placing the reporter on the ECL is not the proper course of action," said Asad Baig, Executive Director, Media Matters for Democracy. Various journalists, human rights activists and political leaders have come forward in support of Almeida, denouncing the government, as well as the act itself as a direct attack on media freedom. In a democracy, journalists and journalism play a crucial function in ensuring transparency about the state's activities and functions. The decision to place Almeida on ECL exposes the government's undemocratic attitude and its reluctance to be transparent about key decisions. We remain extremely concerned about the continuing attempts to silence the press in Pakistan, and strongly condemn the decision to place Almeida on the ECL. We ask the government to review its decision and follow democratic norms in future dealings with the press. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Turkey: State of emergency provisions violate human rights and should be revoked Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 19 October 2016 Cite as Article 19, Turkey: State of emergency provisions violate human rights and should be revoked, 19 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c6c824.html [accessed 2 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. We, the undersigned organisations, recognise that the Turkish government has the right and responsibility to investigate the violent events of the July 2016 coup attempt and to bring all those responsible to justice. We also recognise that the immediate aftermath of the attempted coup is the type of exceptional circumstance in which a government could legitimately invoke a state of emergency but still has to comply with their human rights obligations. We are however increasingly concerned that the far-reaching, almost unlimited discretionary powers exercised by the Turkish authorities during the first three months of the state of emergency - now extended for a further three months - endanger the general principles of rule of law and human rights safeguards. We call on the Government of Turkey to revoke the measures under the state of emergency, the application of which, in practice is incompatible with Turkey's human rights obligations. During the first three months of the state of emergency, the Turkish authorities have abused emergency provisions to stifle dissent, through the detention of large numbers of individuals, including both real and perceived critics of the government and others. The removal of fair trial protections and crucial safeguards against torture and other ill treatment exceed permissible, justified derogations and risk violating the absolute prohibition in international law against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In practice, the application of the provisions enable sweeping arrests, where those detained are not presented with credible evidence, preventing them from challenging or seeking redress for human rights violations. In light of this, the extension of the state of emergency and its associated provisions for a further 90 days, starting from 19 October, is extremely worrying. At the very least, we urge the Government of Turkey to narrow the scope of the emergency measures by revoking provisions that enable human rights violations and are not consistent with Turkey's obligations under international law. We also urge Turkey's international partners, in particular the European Union, the United States and relevant international human rights bodies, to publicly and unequivocally condemn the human rights violations occurring in Turkey in the context of the state of emergency. They should also call on the Turkish government to revoke all emergency provisions that enable human rights violations, and rescind the state of emergency, unless the government is able to demonstrate that the domestic situation continues to threaten the life of the nation. Removal of safeguards against torture and other ill-treatment Since the failed coup attempt, the Turkish authorities have remanded into pre-trial detention 34,000 soldiers, officers, policemen, judges, prosecutors, journalists, teachers and others. 70,000 people are under criminal investigation. Numerous provisions in Turkey's emergency decrees have suspended key safeguards that protect detainees from torture and other ill-treatment in ways that violate Turkey's international obligations and place detainees at risk. They include: Prolonged police detention for terrorism-related offences and organised crime without legal review - extended from four days to 30 days; Denial of a detainee's right to see a lawyer for up to five days and severe restrictions on the right to choose lawyer during police detention; Interference with confidential access to a counsel, including monitoring and recording of communications at the request of a prosecutor. In practice law enforcement officials and agents have undermined those safeguards to an extent exceeding even the permissive leeway granted them under the emergency decrees. A number of non-governmental organisations, including Amnesty International, have reported that they have gathered credible evidence that detainees in Turkey were subjected to beatings and torture, including rape. Abuse of emergency provisions to silence criticism Provisions of the emergency decrees affect the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and have been used to facilitate the arrest and harassment of journalists, writers and media workers, including: Empowering higher levels of administration to shut down any media organization; Enabling the government to impose curfews, ban public meetings, gatherings and rallies, and restrict access to private and public spaces; Enabling the authorities to cancel or confiscate passports of anyone under investigation. On 1 September, an amendment to the decree extended this power, enabling the authorities to cancel or confiscate the passports of spouses and partners of those under investigation. Restrictions imposed under the state of emergency go beyond those permissible under international human rights law, including unjustifiable limitations on media freedom and the right to freedom of expression. During the first two and a half months of the state of emergency, pursuant to the decrees outlined above, authorities closed around 150 media outlets and publishing companies, leaving over 2,300 journalists and media workers without jobs. At least 99 journalists and writers have been arrested, bringing the total number of media workers detained on charges believed to be related to their exercise of the right to freedom of expression to at least 130, as of 19 October 2016. These numbers exclude other journalists who are currently in detention in police holding cells, or have been detained and released without charge during the state of emergency. Emergency provisions have also been used to harass family members of journalists who have fled abroad or gone into hiding, including by cancelling their passports or detaining them in the stead of those accused. Such measures against journalists and media workers obstruct the right of people in Turkey to receive information about current events and to hold the government to account. The Government of Turkey should ensure that the state of emergency and the related emergency decrees are not tools to facilitate serious human rights violations and to silence dissent. Meanwhile, Turkey's international partners should not ignore the serious violations committed in the context of the state of emergency and should urgently call upon Turkey to rescind or amend the emergency provisions that are not consistent with the country's international human rights obligations. Signatories: ARTICLE 19 Amnesty International Human Rights Watch PEN International Association of European Journalists Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Committee to Protect Journalists Danish PEN English PEN Ethical Journalism Network European Centre for Press and Media Freedom European Federation of Journalists Fair Trials German PEN Global Editors Network Index on Censorship International Media Support International Press Institute IREX Europe My Media Norwegian PEN Norwegian Press Association PEN America Reporters Without Borders Swedish PEN Wales PEN Cymru Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Malaysia: Travel ban for Zunar and other HRDs a violation of right to freedom of expression Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 18 October 2016 Cite as Article 19, Malaysia: Travel ban for Zunar and other HRDs a violation of right to freedom of expression, 18 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c6cbe4.html [accessed 2 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. ARTICLE 19 urges the Malaysia government to lift the travel ban imposed on famous Malaysian cartoonist Zunar, as discovered by the cartoonist when trying to leave Malaysia on 17 October 2016. "The Sedition Act under which Zunar is facing multiple charges for simply criticising the independence of the judiciary is itself a clear violation of international human rights law relating to the right to freedom of expression," said Oliver Spencer, Head of Asia. "The imposition of a travel ban just increases the violation - the United Nations Human Rights Committee has explicitly and clearly stated that it is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression 'to restrict the freedom of journalists and others who seek to exercise their freedom of expression (such as persons who wish to travel to human rights-related meetings) to travel outside the State party,' " he added. "The UN Special Rapporteurs have also as recently as August condemned the use of travel restrictions by governments as a repressive measure used to increase the chilling effect on journalists and human rights defenders." According to Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque, known as Zunar, the order to ban him from traveling was directed from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Khalid Abu Bakar, on 24 June 2016, but Zunar only found out when he tried to leave the country to attend an event, and was stopped in the airport by immigration authorities. Until now Zunar has not been provided with any valid reason for his travel ban. There are no general powers under the Immigration Act for the Director General of Immigration nor the IGP to ban anyone from leaving the country, except on bankruptcy and tax evasion allegations. The travel ban that has been issued against Zunar is only the latest in the long, arbitrary and systematic travel restrictions against prominent human rights defenders and activists who have been critical of the government. Zunar's travel ban is the latest attack on human rights and civil liberties in the countdown to the upcoming national protest, known as "BERSIH 5" which is set to see thousands take to the streets to protest against government corruption. In April 2015, Zunar was charged under nine counts of the Sedition Act (1948), and if convicted he faces 43 years in prison. Zunar has been a fierce critic of the government and used his cartoons as a medium of expression. He has faced continuous harassment from the government including the banning of many of his books, threats to revoke the license of his printers and intimidation against his booksellers. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Malaysian government to lift the ban on Zunar and other HRDs with immediate effect, and provide the Malaysian public with an explanation as to why Zunar was banned, and publish the list of those persons banned from leaving the country. ARTICLE 19 reminds the government that the right to freedom of expression applies regardless of frontiers. The ban on Zunar appears to be demonstration of the authorities' arbitrary use of power to stifle freedom of expression. The de facto purpose of this ban appears to be illegitimately used to restrict Zunar from continuing with his public criticism of the government, including at the UN. ARTICLE 19 also finds the travel ban to be a disproportionate and unnecessary reaction aiming to prevent him from carrying out his human rights defence. Zunar has repeatedly travelled in and out of the country, attending court appearances in between. Zunar has stated that he will never abscond because he intends for the government to embarrass themselves internationally for harassing and imprisoning a cartoonist for a tweet. Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19 Title ARTICLE 19, International Media Support, and Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety Concerns and Recommendations on Azerbaijan Response to List of Issues Submitted to the UN Human Rights Committee prior to its fourth periodic review of Azerbaijan Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 18 October 2016 Country Azerbaijan Cite as Article 19, ARTICLE 19, International Media Support, and Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety Concerns and Recommendations on Azerbaijan Response to List of Issues Submitted to the UN Human Rights Committee prior to its fourth periodic review of Azerbaijan, 18 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c6d5d9.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Families fleeing Mosul assault find safety in Iraq, Syria Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Catherine Robinson Publication Date 25 October 2016 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Families fleeing Mosul assault find safety in Iraq, Syria, 25 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c790a4.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Iraqi grandfather Majid* says he and his family "lived for two years in hell" after their village in the north of the country fell under the control of extremist groups. But on a day he never thought would come, Majid and 20 members of his extended family were finally freed, when Kurdish Peshmerga fighters liberated their village and escorted them to the newly built Zelikan camp, north of Mosul, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Majid is among Iraqis displaced by an ongoing government offensive in Iraq's second largest city, now in its second week. So far 248 residents from villages near Mosul have reached Zelikan camp, built and run by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. "The situation was really bad and we didn't think we would survive," Majid, 69, said. "There is no better moment than this to be safe in this tent, surrounded by my wife and children." Across the region, UNHCR is stepping up its preparations to receive those displaced by the fighting to retake Mosul, a once-thriving city that had a population of around 2.5 million before it was captured in June 2014. In Iraq, 11 facilities are being prepared in anticipation of large-scale displacement from Mosul, which the UN has estimated could reach one million people. The camps will have a total capacity of up to 120,000 people by year's end, and UNHCR is also securing a total of 30,000 additional tents and 50,000 emergency shelter kits to house families on the move. "We are stepping up our preparations, in close co-operation with the government and our partners, as the assault on Mosul closes in and civilians may be preparing to flee," said Djamal Zamoum, UNHCR Senior Emergency Field Co-ordinator in Iraq. In neighbouring Syria, meanwhile, Al Hol camp in Al Hassakeh Governorate on the country's eastern border with Iraq is now ready to receive up to 15,000 people - with work well-underway to accommodate a further 15,000. Eventually, up to 50,000 people will be able to be housed here. Since the Mosul offensive began, 939 Iraqis have arrived at the camp with another 200 people reportedly at the border. New arrivals described the long and difficult journey to reach Syria through uncharted desert roads, with some having to walk for more than 15 days to reach safety. Many new arrivals have endured brutal conditions under extremist rule, often without access to even the most basic medical care. Most school-aged children arriving at the camp have been out of education for the past two years, while some came unaccompanied and unsure of their parents' fate. UNHCR and its partners are providing services including counselling, education and medical care. UNHCR Representative for Syria Sajjad Malik visited the camp on Sunday and Monday to speak to some of the hundreds of people who have sought shelter there and to get a first-hand look at preparations to shelter more people as the offensive closes in on Mosul. "Food stocks, relief items and other supplies are on site, enough for 50,000 people," Malik said. "Syria has once again shown an open door policy, even when they have a difficult situation themselves." At the Zelikan camp, which can currently house more than 6,000 people, new arrivals told UNHCR they were simply relieved to have found safety. "Just before we left our village hails of bullets were flying around, we are very happy to be in the camp now," said 60-year old Zahra,* who recently fled her home a few kilometres from Mosul with five of her family members. "This is the first time we have had a peaceful sleep in two years," she added. With full funding and readiness, the UN Refugee Agency will be able to provide a range of shelter options inside and outside camps for up to 600,000 people. However, UNHCR has only received 48 per cent - US$95 million - of funds required for its Mosul emergency work, costed at US$196.2million, and is calling on donors for additional help. Firas Al-Khateeb contributed to reporting from Syria. *Names have been changed for protection reasons. Kenya's stateless Makonde people finally obtain papers Publisher UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Author Wanja Lisa Munaita Publication Date 27 October 2016 Cite as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Kenya's stateless Makonde people finally obtain papers, 27 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c79714.html [accessed 2 November 2022] Amina Kassim would like to register to vote in the next elections in Kenya, where she was born and has lived all her life, but is unable to do so. Descended from an ethnic group from southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique who had come to work as field labourers in the 1930s, she has no nationality. That means she has no Kenyan Identity Card to make her eligible for many things, including voting. "When I get an ID card, I would like to vote like any other Kenyan, that is my joy," says Amina. She is among some 6,000 Makonde people whose parents and grandparents arrived in Kenya as early as 1936 to work as labourers in the sisal and sugarcane farms on the East African coast. Most never returned home. While they settled and formed families, their descendants have long been ineligible for citizenship, denying them access to a full range of vital services that most Kenyans take for granted, including even basic healthcare, higher education. Without ID papers registering for financial services, obtaining loans, and even getting a mobile phone card can be problematical. In Kenya, the Makonde and their descendants cannot legally marry, or even acquire registration documents including birth certificates. Those who applied for naturalization found they are unable to obtain the documents needed to support their applications. "It is very difficult to get an ID because when you go for vetting, they say 'you are not from Kenya' and yet I was born here, grew up here, I went to school here, everything I did in this country," says Costa, a young Makonde who spent almost six years trying unsuccessfully to obtain a birth certificate. Worldwide there are at least 10 million people in Amina and Costa's situation. UNHCR is working to help them obtain citizenship. The UN Refugee Agency works with governments around the world to identify, prevent, and resolve stateless situations. To advance this goal, UNHCR launched a global push two years ago to end statelessness in ten years. The #IBelong Campaign is commemorated yearly and through the Campaign countries working on statelessness can track their achievements. Marking its second anniversary, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi renewed a call for a concerted international push to end the phenomenon. Being without a nationality is frequently compared to being "invisible," a situation that is particularly tough for children, Grandi said. "For stateless children and youth, being 'invisible' can mean missing out on educational opportunities, being marginalized in the playground, being ignored by healthcare providers, being overlooked when it comes to employment opportunities, and being silenced if they question the status quo," Grandi said, stressing that: "All children should have a nationality. All children should belong." Fortunately, for the Makonde a resolution to their decades-long plight is finally on the way. Through the Kwale County Legal and Justice Assembly Committee, they successfully petitioned Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta last year to review their case. In response, he called for the formation of a taskforce to look into statelessness in the country. The multi-agency taskforce, which includes the Directorate of Immigration and Registration of Persons, the National Registration Bureau, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the Department of Refugee Affairs and the National Intelligence Services, began gathering case data and information about the Makonde and other stateless groups in Kenya. A report with recommendations was completed last November. The recommendations formed the basis for a drive to register and naturalize the Makonde, as well as members of the Pemba and Rundi communities - the descendants of migrant farm labourers from Rwanda - many of whom are also stateless. Frustrated by delays, Makonde activists sought backing this year from the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and finally resolved to set out on a four-day walk from Kwale County to the Statehouse in Nairobi to meet with President Kenyatta. At a meeting with the President, the group's chairman Thomas Nguli expressed their feelings. "We have come here because we seek ID cards, without IDs we cannot do anything in this country," he said. Determined to resolve their case, Kenyatta then issued a directive for their naturalization and registration as citizens of Kenya by December 2016. "I apologize that it took too long to give you justice as fellow Kenyans," Kenyatta told them, adding: "Today is the last day you will be called visitors." For Lucas, a Makonde who has no paid work but farms to feed his family, it is very welcome news: "When the government gives us ID cards, we will be happy because we have children, and we will get an opportunity to be able to fend for them." Death of human rights activist who led efforts to uncover fate of Lebanon's disappeared Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Death of human rights activist who led efforts to uncover fate of Lebanon's disappeared, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c7a5c0.html [accessed 2 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. In response to the death of Ghazi Aad, founder of Support of Lebanese in Detention and Exile (SOLIDE), a human rights organization that has been working for almost three decades to reveal the fates and whereabouts of thousands of people who went missing in Lebanon during and after its war, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Research at the Beirut Regional office, Lynn Maalouf, said: "For three decades Ghazi Aad dedicated his life to campaigning tirelessly to seek truth, justice and reparation on behalf of victims of abductions and enforced disappearance and their families. His death is a tragic loss. He was at the forefront of a long struggle for national recognition of the right of families of those who were forcibly disappeared or otherwise went missing to know the fate of their loved ones and he played an instrumental role in pushing for progress on this issue. "In the face of the government's consistent failure to recognize the existence of the disappeared, Ghazi Aad persisted in demanding the authorities assume their responsibility to investigate and reveal the truth about the fate of those missing. It is a stain on the conscience of the Lebanese authorities that more than 25 years since the end of the war, thousands of families still don't know what happened to their loved ones." Thousands of people disappeared during the Lebanese conflict between 1975 and 1990. SOLIDE, set up in 1989, was among the first to highlight the alarming trend of abductions of Lebanese and Palestinian people who were then transferred to Syria, where they were held in prolonged and often secret detention without charge or trial. In 2008, following intense pressure and lobbying by a number of local NGOS, led by SOLIDE and the Committee of the Families of the Kidnapped and Missing in Lebanon, President Michel Sleiman made a pledge in his inauguration oath to "work hard to release the prisoners and detainees and reveal the fate of missing persons". In a high profile decision in 2014, the State Shura Council, Lebanon's highest administrative judicial authority, recognized family members' "right to know" what happened to their loved ones. However, draft legislation mandating the creation of an independent national commission to investigate disappearances has yet to be passed into law. "The failure of the Lebanese authorities to take all feasible measures to account for people who went missing because of the armed conflict and to provide their families with any information they have on their fate is a violation of international humanitarian law. Denying family members such information also amounts to cruel and inhuman treatment," said Lynn Maalouf. "Today with Ghazi Aad's sad passing, Amnesty International is reiterating its calls on the Lebanese authorities to put an end to the suffering of families who for years have been left in limbo. They must urgently establish a commission with the mandate, powers and legitimacy to bring national recognition to the plight of thousands of families in Lebanon." Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Gambia: Three Journalists Arrested as Campaign Begins Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 November 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Gambia: Three Journalists Arrested as Campaign Begins, 16 November 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/582c85684.html [accessed 2 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. Gambian authorities arbitrarily detained three journalists just days before the November 16 start of the two-week presidential election campaign, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should appropriately charge or release the journalists and ensure that Gambian and international media can operate without fear of harassment or arbitrary arrest. On November 8, officials from Gambia's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested the director-general of Gambia's state television and radio broadcaster, Momodou Sabally, along with his colleague Bakary Fatty. NIA officers arrested Alhagie Manka, an independent photojournalist, on November 10. All three have yet to appear in court, in violation of Gambian law. "The Gambian government's arrest of three journalists before the start of the presidential election campaign could have a chilling effect on the media's ability to fairly cover the election," said Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. "Intimidation and threats against the media need to stop for voters to be able to make informed decisions." The December 1 presidential election will mark the fifth time that incumbent President Yayha Jammeh has sought a new five-year term since coming to power in a 1994 coup. Human Rights Watch raised concerns about the fairness of the election in a November 2 report. Local activists told Human Rights Watch that Gambia Radio and Television Services employees believe that Sabally was arrested because the station broadcast video footage of an opposition candidate's nomination at the time when the station was scheduled to cover an agricultural initiative led by the first lady, Zineb Jammeh. Fatty, a reporter at the station, was arrested at the station's headquarters on the same day as Sabally. Gambian journalists reported that NIA officers arrested Manka on November 10, in a suburb of Banjul, the capital. None of the three detained journalists have appeared before a judge, despite a provision in the Gambian constitution requiring that anyone arrested or detained be brought to court within 72 hours. During the two-week election campaign, Gambia's Independent Election Commission grants all parties the right to equal airtime on state television and radio. Several Gambian journalists told Human Rights Watch that they were concerned that the arrests would discourage the state broadcaster from ensuring fair and impartial coverage of opposition parties during the election campaign. Gambia's election campaign began with 30 opposition supporters, including the leader of the United Democratic Party, the largest opposition party, serving three-year prison terms for their role in peaceful protests in April. Another 14 opposition activists are on trial in relation to a May 9 protest. Omar Malleh Jabang, a businessman and opposition supporter, was arrested and detained on November 10, and has since been held incommunicado without charge. An opposition leader told Human Rights Watch that Jabang had been providing financial and material support to opposition parties. "Fair elections are only possible if all candidates and parties can freely campaign and journalists can report freely," Olugboji said. "The Gambian government and security forces need to allow everyone to make their voices heard during the election campaign." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch 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... Cambodias legal war against members of the political opposition is violating the rights of opposition lawmakers, according to a resolution recently adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Swiss-based organization that aims to promote the rights of parliamentarians to carry out their work without fear of persecution found that Cambodian opposition politicians face serious violations of their fundamental rights. Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) have been engaged in legal attacks on more than a dozen opposition lawmakers in an attempt to neutralize their effectiveness before local commune elections in 2017 and national elections scheduled for 2018, the organization said. A total of 15 opposition parliamentarians, including the leaders of the main opposition party, continue to face serious violations of their fundamental rights and are therefore being prevented from effectively playing their role as parliamentarians and members of the opposition freely without fear of persecution, particularly given the fast-approaching local and national elections, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) wrote in a decision released this week that was approved on Oct. 27. The IPU singled out a series of legal cases brought against Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) lawmakers that have resulted in jail time and fines. Included in those cases are legal attacks against CNRP leader Sam Rainsy. The ruling party is attempting to weaken and silence the opposition Those cases demonstrate that the ruling party is attempting to weaken and silence the opposition in order to derail the upcoming 2017 and 2018 local and national elections, the IPU wrote in its report. While the IPU criticized the ruling CPP, it urged the two sides to resume talks to resolve the political stalemate, a notion rejected by senior CPP lawmaker Chheang Vun. The parliament has been created and so has the government, and the roles and responsibilities of lawmakers have already been assigned, he told RFAs Khmer Service. If every lawmaker complied with the parliament's internal regulations, constitution and the laws of Cambodia, everything would be all set, he added. Its impossible for the CPP to resume talks about the convictions or personal scandals of public figures. The IPU sees the current cases as politically motivated Sam Rainsy supported the IPU decision, telling RFA that the political crisis should to be resolved through political dialogue not through courts. The IPU sees the current cases as politically motivated, he said. It urges the political parties to solve them through political dialogue. Those who turn their blind eye to such appeal are unwilling to see the current political tension resolved. Sam Rainsy is one of the lawmakers targeted by Hun Sen and the CPP-dominated government, with the IPU saying the CNRP leader has been targeted by an ever-increasing number of court cases initiated against him. The opposition leader has been in exile abroad for a year to avoid a two-year prison sentence handed down in a defamation case. It is not the only conviction handed down by the courts. In the latest case, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court found the opposition leader guilty of defamation on Nov. 8 for claiming that Prime Minister Hun Sens social medial team bought likes on Facebook from click farms abroad to increase his support. At the time of his latest conviction, the opposition leader said he could never win in the Cambodian courts because they are puppets of the government. The court cases brought against me by Hun Sens government are an attempt to refrain me from competing in the next elections, he said. Reported by Sarada Taing and Nareth Muong for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. A documentary on the 2014 pro-democracy Occupy Central movement in Hong Kong will be shown to a limited audience after a public screening was canceled by the Asia Society. "Raise the Umbrellas," by independent filmmaker, writer, and critic Evans Chan, was to have been shown at the Hong Kong branch of the Asia Society on Tuesday, but was canceled. A spokesperson for the Asia Society in Hong Kong told RFA on Wednesday that the event had been canceled because the subsequent symposium had only invited pro-democracy speakers. However, the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) of Hong Kong will screen the film on Nov. 28 for its members and their guests. The cancellation comes as journalists, lawyers, and diplomats say that the city's traditional freedoms of speech and publication are being eroded fast, in spite of promises of a "high degree of autonomy" under the terms of its 1997 handover from Britain to China. The film chronicles the 79-day "Umbrella movement" through the eyes of veteran democrat Martin Lee, Occupy Central organizer Benny Tai, and teenage student protest leader Joshua Wong. It delves deeper into the movement, which saw older people camping out on the tarmac of Hong Kong's main roads alongside students, pro-democracy politicians, celebrities, actors, and pop stars in protest at Beijing's plans for the city's political future. The movement dismissed as "fake universal suffrage" a ruling by China's rubber-stamp parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), that election candidates must be vetted by a committee hand-picked by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. However, the film also includes a number of anti-Occupy voices, who argued that the protests ran a greater political risk, according to a posting on the FCC website. An employee who answered the phone at the FCC said journalists would be allowed to attend the screening alongside club members and their guests. Asked if the film had been hastily moved to the FCC in the wake of the cancellation of its planned Asia Society screening, the employee said: "That I don't know." Confusing response Bruce Lui, senior journalism lecturer at Hong Kong's Baptist University, said the Asia Society's response was confusing. "Was it a documentary screening, or was it a discussion?" Lui said. "There are all kinds of reasons to cancel an event, and wishing to preserve balance is a good one." "But why not just present it purely as a screening [without the debate] in that case?" He said behind-the-scenes political influence on the society couldn't be ruled out. "A lot of groups, whether local or overseas, have to maintain a certain level of relationship with mainland China," Lui said. "That means that if they can stay away from certain sensitive topics, they will--sometimes for strategic reasons--so as not to rock the boat [with China]." And Chan Tze-woon, the director of another documentary about the Umbrella movement, told the Hong Kong Free Press newswire that the cancellation was in line with his experience. "Chan said that it has been challenging to get his film 'Yellowing' into the mainstream venues like commercial cinemas in Hong Kong, although it has been broadcast on Taiwanese public TV and screened at festivals in Vancouver and Taiwan," the news service reported. The New York-based Asia Society is an educational nonprofit organization whose Hong Kong center was established without local funding, according to its official website. It receives its funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals who wish to "build bridges of understanding between Americans and Asians," it said. Reported by Lee Lai for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. UPDATED at 4:45 P.M. EST on 2016-11-16 The Myanmar government on Wednesday formed a special information committee to release real-time news about the volatile situation in the countrys westernmost Rakhine state where the death toll from recent violence is believed to have reached 130, in an apparent move to counter damning reports by outside groups. The seven-member committee includes officials from the ministries of defense, foreign affairs, border affairs, home affairs, and Presidents Office, said government spokesman Zaw Htay at a news conference in the capital Naypyidaw. Khin Maung Tin, deputy minister of the State Counselors Office, has been appointed chairman of the committee, and General Soe Naing Oo from the military commander-in-chiefs office has been named vice chairman, he said. During the conference, Zaw Htay refuted a report issued by New York-based Human Rights Watch that said 430 buildings in three Rohingya Muslim villages in northern Maungdaw township had been burned during recent violence, the online news journal The Irrawaddy reported. The actual number of burned buildings was 155, he said, blaming the arson on militants, the report said. The Myanmar army on Wednesday, however, said nearly 230 houses and other structures had been burned since deadly attacks on three border guard stations on Oct. 9 and subsequent clashes between security forces and local armed groups. The army also confirmed that roughly 130 people have been killed during the past five weeks of violence in Rakhine, Reuters reported. It quoted state media as saying 102 suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers and 32 security forces had been killed since Oct. 9. On Tuesday, an army report said security forces had killed nearly 70 insurgents and detained more than 230 others. Local residents and rights activists have accused security forces of setting homes ablaze, killing civilians, and raping women in Maungdaw, where the majority of residents are Rohingya. Some of the hundreds of Rohingya who fled the violence and tried to cross the Naaf River that separates Myanmar from Bangladesh have been shot dead, Reuters reported on Wednesday, but did not clarify whether Myanmar or Bangladeshi border guards fired the shots. The guards also blocked dozens of others who arrived by boat and may now be stranded at sea, the report said, citing local residents. 'Immediately sent back' Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Bangladeshi coast guard are on alert in the border area which consists of a 209-kilometer (130-mile) land boundary and a 63-kilometer (39-mile) river boundary with Myanmar. A total of 86 Rohingya have been pushed back. BGB members did not mistreat them, but gave humanitarian assistance, BGB commander Lt. Col. Abu Zar Al Zahid told RFAs sister news organization BenarNews. They were victims of recent violence in Rakhine. They crossed the Naaf River in boats and were immediately sent back by the BGB, he said. The BGB did not fire on the Rohingya, he said. More than 200 Rohingya Muslims are waiting near the Bangladesh border, an unnamed BGB source said. Most of them are women and children. Because they could attempt to enter at any time, the BGB and coast guard are on alert. If they had an opportunity to enter Coxs Bazar, it would be a tough place to live, Mozammel Haq, president of the Rohingya defense committee, a local group in Teknaf, told BenarNews. The refugee camps are already occupied, and there is no space, Mozamel said. The Rohingya have been settling in different areas and destroying forests. They are also involved in criminal activities. About 300,000 to 500,000 Rohingya are thought to live in Bangladesh. U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel (R) is interviewed by journalists upon his arrival in Sittwe, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Nov. 3, 2016. Credit: AFP Stop the violence The creation of the new information committee came a day after the United States asked the Myanmar government to stop the violence in Rakhine state, where security forces have prohibited independent journalists and rights groups from accessing Maungdaw to assess the situation. So far, only a delegation of United Nations and foreign ambassadors to Myanmar, including U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel, have been permitted to visit the area. We note the recent visit to Rakhine state by Ambassador Marciel and other representatives was a positive step in improving international access, but its important for the government to do more to stem the violence and provide assistance to those in these affected areas, U.S. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said at a press briefing on Tuesday in Washington. Were concerned by reports of a spike in violence in Burmas Rakhine state, she said. Were following the situation closely and attempting to get reliable information about developments there. That same day, Marciel and a delegation of officials from the U.S. State Department and other federal agencies held a previously scheduled bilateral dialogue with Myanmar officials in Naypyidaw, she said. The U.S. delegation stressed the need for the government of Burma to facilitate a credible and independent investigation of these allegations to improve transparency and information sharing, and to provide access for both media as well as humanitarian aid, Trudeau said. The delegation included deputy assistant secretaries from the departments East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau, as well as the Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Bureau, she said. It also met separately with representatives from local NGOs and officials from Rakhine state. Patrick Murphy, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Southeast Asia who is in Myanmar, said the delegation discussed developing the relationship between Myanmar and the U.S., human rights, the rule of law, and business and trade during the meeting. Murphy also said he urged Myanmar officials to stem the violence in Rakhine state by forming an independent investigation group and to allow the international community access to the area to deliver aid to those who have been displaced by the violence. Deep concern about Rakhine Likewise, former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, who is leading a commission created by the Myanmar government to provide recommendations to resolve the issues dividing the impoverished state and impeding its economic development, expressed deep concern over the recent violence. As chair of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, I wish to express my deep concern over the recent violence in northern Rakhine state, which is plunging the state into renewed instability and creating new displacement, Annan said in a statement on Wednesday. All communities must renounce violence and I urge the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law. Recent events have reinforced the urgency of tackling [Rakhines] challenges in order to find viable solutions in the interest of all the people of the state, he said. On Wednesday, the commission members, except for Annan, met with officials from the Rakhine government and leaders from ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya Muslim communities. They also visited local Muslim villages near the state capital Sittwe. Some Muslim leaders told the commission members about the discrimination they face when it comes to being denied certain rights that Myanmar citizens have, including the right to vote. We have voted in many elections, including the 2008 [constitutional] referendum, Muslim community leader Kyaw Hla said. We hold identification cards, and yet we cant vote. Is this fair to us? When speaking with the Muslim community, the commission members urged Muslims to submit to the citizenship verification process according to the countrys 1982 Citizenship Law to resolve the problem. But rights groups charge that the law discriminates on the grounds of race because access to citizenship is primarily based on race and excludes certain ethnic groups such as the stateless Rohingya. The policy also denies them basic rights, freedom of movement, and access to social services and education. The commission members planned to visit villages in Maungdaw township for a field assessment on Thursday, but cancelled the trip on account of the security situation. This was the committees second visit to Rakhine state. Reported by Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service and by BenarNews. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Uyghur workers are depicted clearing a ditch on the cover of a report on forced labor by the Uyghur World Congress, Nov. 2016. In an effort to exert more control in Chinas troubled Xinjiang region, Beijing is forcing the Uyghur people to work for free on various public works projects, according to a World Uyghur Congress (WUC) report issued this month. Called the hashar by the Uyghurs, the WUC contends that the Chinese government is using the system of forced labor as another way to repress the local people in the region. Chinas ruling Communist Party formally banned hashar in Xinjiang decades ago, but according to the WUC and sources in Xinjiang who spoke to RFAs Uyghur Service, it continues. In East Turkestan the hashar was suspended for a while, but recently, it has been reactivated in order to monitor Uyghurs daily activities collectively and to control their movements, WUC Secretary General Dolkun Isa told RFA. To some extent it is comparable to the organized labor in Chinas labor camps, he added. East Turkestan is the name some Uyghurs use for China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where they would like to re-establish the independent state that briefly existed before the founding of Communist China in 1949. Uyghurs living in the southern prefectures of East Turkestan, including Aksu, (in Chinese, Akesu); Bayingolin, Hotan (Hetian) and Kashgar (Kashi) have been forced into unpaid labour for the ostensible purpose of stability maintenance, the WUC wrote in its Forced Labour in East Turkestan: State-Sanctioned Hashar System report. The report was produced with material compiled through investigations conducted by RFAs Uyghur Service. RFA is often the sole news organization that covers activities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where China tightly controls the press and travel. Nobody will go to do the collective labor on their own will According to the report, subjects of the hashar work from four to 11 hours a day on a variety of public works projects that include sand encroachment control, waterway maintenance and road improvement projects. In addition to the unpaid work, Uyghurs are required to pay for their own meals, transportation and medical costs. If they are sick or injured they are responsible for sending a family member to cover their missed hours, the report finds. Penalties for missing work are typically 100 Yuan (U.S. $15) per day, and those who fail to show up to work have been subject to police investigations and detentions that have lasted up to 30 days. We do collective labor, one farmer from southern Uyghur region told RFA. For example, we fix roads and such. Now we are plastering and fixing the homes along the edges of the roads. The farmer, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation by authorities, told RFA that he and others had recently been pressed into the hashar. Nobody will go to do the collective labor on their own will, the farmer explained. At least one person from each household has to go do the work. A female farmer in Aksu told RFA that the hashar comes in the spring and fall, typically when there is a lot of down time on the farms. During one year we did the hashar for at least 15 to 20 days, or maybe more, she said. If anybody does not do their share of the work, the ones who cannot, pay a fee to the ones who can do the work. Most of the time everyone goes. Political indoctrination While much of the hashar involves difficult manual labor, sometimes the hashar consists of indoctrination sessions that often take up three days a week, an 80-year-old Uyghur farmer told RFA. I do not go to hashar, and I do not go the studies either, he said. But my son and his wife do go to hashar. In the hashar we do a lot of things like digging irrigation channels, basically the ones in our village, but most of the time we go to political meetings. Dolkun Isa says that the hashar violates several of the international treaties signed by the Chinese. China signed the UNs labor law related convention in 1999, but they are enforcing some items, while ignoring some such as the prohibition on forced labor, he said. We prepared this report in an attempt to shed a light on the ongoing human rights violations in the region, and to let the world know about Chinas violation of the international conventions it has agreed to, he added The mostly Muslim Uyghurs have complained about pervasive ethnic discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression by Beijing under its series of strike hard campaigns in Xinjiang in the name of fighting separatism, religious extremism and terrorism. But experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from Uyghur "separatists" and that draconian domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence that has left hundreds dead since 2012. Reported for RFA's Uyghur Service by Irade and Jilil Kashgary. Translated by Mamatjan Juma. Written in English by Brooks Boliek. BRUSSELS -- The European Commission on November 16 will propose pre-screening for everyone who enters the EU's Schengen zone from a third country, even if that country's citizens normally enjoy visa-free travel. The pre-screening plan, unveiled on November 16, is similar to a system used in the United States, which requires that people pay a fee and fill out a form providing details about themselves before being granted entry. The fee will be 5 euros and people's profiles will remain in the system as long as their passports are valid. The commission expects 97 percent of those pre-screened to be allowed to enter without problems, with the response to the screening coming the same day as the request. Citizens of all countries granted visa-free status will have to apply when they travel to the EU. This includes most countries in the Western Balkans and Moldova, and eventually Ukraine and Georgia, which currently are in the process of getting visa-free status. EU counties outside the Schengen zone such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom are exempt from the new system. EU member states and the European Parliament are expected to approve the proposal and have it up and running by 2020. Reporting by RFE/RL's Richard Jozwiak in Brussels Ever since Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party secured a constitutional majority in electoral runoffs late last month, its most prominent opposition rival, the United National Movement, has been riven by disagreements over both short-term tactics and longer-term strategy. Those disagreements focus on the past and future role of the United National Movement's founder, former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who last week resigned as governor of Ukraine's Odesa region. The crucial question is: Should the party elect a new leadership and set about rebranding itself over the next four years with an eye to the next parliamentary ballot in 2020? Or is Saakashvili, who is still technically the party's chairman despite having acquired Ukrainian citizenship and been stripped of Georgian citizenship, an asset that the party's leaders would be foolish and short-sighted to ditch? Immediately after the voting on October 8, the United National Movement appeared to be on the verge of splitting into a radical faction headed by Saakashvili, who advocated a boycott of both the runoffs and the new parliament, and the moderate pragmatists, who argued that the party owed it to its electorate to take up its parliament mandates. At a meeting on October 12, the partys most senior members voted 33-9, with seven abstentions, for the latter course of action. Georgian Dream went on to defeat United National Movement challengers in 48 of the 50 second-round runoffs, giving it a total of 115 seats in the new legislature, compared with 27 for the United National Movement. Senior members, including Davit Bakradze, who topped the United National Movement's list of candidates, again argued that since the party will be the only real pro-Western opposition force in the new legislature, its members' obligation vis-a-vis the electorate "has increased tenfold." The United National Movement has since embarked upon an intensive evaluation of the factors that contributed to its defeat, a process that individual members say is "perfectly normal" and presages neither a split in the party's ranks nor its disintegration. The two putative factions nonetheless differ over the reasons for the party's defeat, for which each implicitly blames the other, and the need for leadership change. While virtually all senior United National Movement representatives, including Saakashvili, continue to highlight what former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava termed the recourse by Georgian Dream to "every known falsification and some new ones," they differ over their extent and impact. Ugulava, for example, expresses doubt, as does another senior party member, Sergi Kapanadze, that falsification was the only or even the primary cause of the party's defeat. That perception of a blatantly rigged election is not shared, either, by domestic or international election monitors, although they did note individual procedural violations. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) described the vote as "competitive" and "well-administered" and said that "fundamental freedoms were generally respected, while the U.S. State Department said the elections cemented Georgia's position as "the leader of democratic reforms in the region." At the same time, both Saakashvili and the moderate faction admit to tactical errors. In an address to party members and supporters on November 3, Ugulava, who is currently serving a 4 1/2-year jail term for misspending millions of laris of public funds in the run-up to the 2012 parliamentary ballot, argued that the United National Movement made a serious mistake in not saying clearly prior to the election who its candidate for prime minister would be if it won: Saakashvili or Bakradze. In that context, Ugulava seemed to imply that the prospect of Saakashvili occupying that post may have deterred voters. He also recalled that immediately after the October 8 vote, some party members suggested that Saakashvili's declaration that he would return to Georgia in the event of election victory may have had a similar effect. Ugulava went on to call for electing an entire new party leadership and said he personally would step down as head of the United National Movement's Tbilisi branch. The following day, November 4, the United National Movement's political council issued a statement saying it had decided to set up a special group to identify what mistakes were made during the election campaign and to outline its strategy. Its conclusions would then be submitted to a party congress next month. The statement further denied accusations that the moderates had cut a deal with Georgian Dream's founder, wealthy businessman and philanthropist Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to influence, if not dictate, government policy. Saakashvili, for his part, responded with a statement saying that individual United National Movement leaders "should learn from their mistakes and assume their share of responsibility" for the party's defeat, rather than laying the blame on others. He rejected as tantamount to "the usurpation of the party by one faction in its own interests" the idea of the partys political council (Bakradzes brainchild) making key decisions during "meetings held behind closed doors." He proposed instead convening a congress of several thousand delegates to elect a new chairman and leadership body "who bear no responsibility for the mistakes made during the election campaign and who can rise to the challenges the party currently faces." Saakashvili also sought to give the impression that the call for electing a new leadership was the initiative of "one or two whimsical people" within the party's upper echelons who "made numerous mistakes," including ignoring the advice of grassroots activists. (Commentators identified those "whimsical people" as Ugulava and former National Security Council head Giga Bokeria.) But some analysts say that, on the contrary, the "Saakashvili wing" within the United National Movement is very small. Certainly the vote on whether or not the party's elected deputies should take up their mandates or boycott the new legislature suggests that the moderates predominate within the political council, which would explain Saakashvili's demand that it should not play the key role in determining the new leadership. As yet, it is unclear who might aspire to the role of party chairman. Technically, Saakashvili has never been formally removed from that post, although Georgian law bars non-Georgian citizens from heading political parties. On the other hand, as Washington-based analyst Michael Cecire pointed out to Eurasianet, Saakashvili still enjoys support among the party's grass roots, and in recent years it has become increasingly dependent on him for funding. Of the other potential candidates, Ugulava remains in jail, while a second leading figure, Bokeria, lacks charisma and is reportedly extremely unpopular. (A year ago, a Russian-hosted website named Ukrainian WikiLeaks posted what was billed as a transcript of a conversation at Istanbul airport between Saakashvili and Bokeria about the possibility of provoking mass antigovernment protests in Tbilisi. Bokeria was summoned for questioning about that audio file, which was never authenticated.) In the long term, however, merely selecting a new chairman may not be the most important issue for the United National Movement. Independent analyst Zaal Anjaparidze argues that unless the party breaks definitively with the past and publicly apologizes for the serious crimes committed by some of its leaders during its nine years in office, the majority of voters will continue to reject it. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL The head of Germany's domestic BfV intelligence agency has expressed concern that Russia may try to interfere in the country's general elections next year. In an interview with the Reuters news agency late on November 15, Hans-Georg Maassen cited the case last year of a Russian woman from Berlin who Russian media said was kidnapped and raped by migrants -- a claim later rejected by the German government. "This could happen again next year and we are alarmed," Maassen said. "We have the impression that this is part of a hybrid threat that seeks to influence public opinion and decision-making processes," he added. Chancellor Angela Merkel said last week that there were signs of Internet attacks and misinformation campaigns from Russia. U.S. intelligence officials warned in the run-up to the country's presidential election this month of a campaign to undermine the credibility of the vote that they believed was backed by Moscow. Russian officials denied any such effort. Based on reporting by Reuters Alexawynter.tv is celebrating the launch of its new online artists' book that explores universal human experiences through the intersections of fashion and culture. The new photobook will first explore the "celebrity gaze" in the post-internet age with "Celebutante". Further information is available at alexawynter.tv BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2016 / In a contemporary and timely change of pace, "alexawynter.tv" will be celebrating the launch of its new online artists book that explores universal human experiences through the intersections of fashion and culture. The launch instalment will explore the "celebrity gaze" in the post-internet age with "Celebutante" the photobook's first entry. "Celebutante" marks the first of four instalments within the websites introductory theme of "Exile". Like subsequent instalments, the launch exploration will consist of five photographs, each representing a common aspect of urban culture and each reporting a personal experience in the world of fashion and culture. The photobook launch will take place on December 1, 2016. In a space where most competitors simply create self-indulgent photobooks which lack a truly immersive reader experience and fail to cause much of a stir, alexawynter.tv has opted to be simultaneously more commercial, more contemporary and more unique with the inception of its new online artists' book that explores universal human experiences at the nexus of fashion and culture. Alexa Wynter, freelance creative director, marketing consultant and photographer at alexawynter.tv, says: "It was essential to be contemporary and novel with this new online artists' book. It explores deep into universal human experiences through multiple intersections of fashion and culture. Every instalment offers a performative, philosophical point of view on fashion and culture in real time." Wynter added, "It should be really engaging for those working throughout the fashion and creative sectors. The first theme, "Exile" is truly dynamic with its four diversely creative instalments. The hope is that it will introduce a new way to explore and see today's world of fashion and contemporary culture. It should go great unless the entire internet crashes down on launch day!" Story continues With 4 new instalments promised every month, alexawynter.tv will cover multiple aspects of the industry in just a few short months. Future updates will use interviews, essays and features to cover topics impacting fashion and culture from advanced technology and democratized art, to more taboo subjects including post-election news and the future of the economy. alexawynter.tv will thrive on the idea of standing out and making the online photobook service less self-indulgent and more useful for readers and customers. Wynter explains that getting that right in this fast growing sector is all part of the fun. She believes her new service will help her readers and customers in discovering their own personal ethos and spirit by engaging them with photographer's ideologies, experiences and dogmas. That, she says, "is better than businesses that choose to do things the regular way." The online launch on December 1 is just one of the many ways alexawynter.tv will achieve that goal. When asked why this online artists' book would be a success, creative director and photographer Wynter said: "It's going to be a real hit because it's simultaneously visually captivating and mentally stretching. Our readers will find far more than stunning fashion photography. It's an open invitation to look deeper into fashion and our every day culture." According to Futuresource Consulting, a specialist research and knowledge-based consulting company, photobooks are one of the more "robust segments" in the photo imaging market, with a combined retail value of $1.4 billion in 2013, up over $120 million in the previous year. Data from the research and consulting firm show that photobooks will continue to gain traction. The report indicates the value of the photobook market will exceed $1.6 billion by the end of 2016. These findings were calculated based upon the worth of the United States ($979 million), Western Europe ($625 million) and Eastern Europe ($37 million) regions, particularly in Czech, Hungary, Poland, and Russia in 2016. Founder, Alexa Wynter is a freelance creative director, marketing consultant, and photographer, specializing in social media content creation and connecting consumers with fashion companies. Previously, she worked for photographer and director Bon Duke at Art+Commerce, where she helped produced content for publications including Paper and W. Most recently, Wynter has worked for TANK magazine's creative agency Tankform, where she produced content for brands, including Hugo Boss and Lane Crawford. The burgeoning creative director has a strong commitment to bringing a progressive sensibility to the luxury retail experience. In 2009, Ms. Wynter started her career in fashion, at the tender age of 14. To date, her credentials includes working for international brands, including Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Peter Som, Yigal Azrouel, Rick Owens, Saks Fifth Avenue, Black Frame, Barney's New York, and LANVIN. Her professional memberships include the International Center of Photography and Aperture. In 2013, Ms. Wynter graduated from The High School of Fashion Industries, where she studied to receive her certificate in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. She currently attends the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she is studying to receive her bachelor's degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. alexawynter.tv is an online artists' book that explores universal human experiences through the intersections of fashion and culture. It is set to 'go live' December 1, 2016. To find out more about the photobook service and alexawynter.tv itself, visit alexawynter.tv For more information, please visit http://www.alexawynter.tv Contact Info: Name: Alexa Wynter Email: connect@alexawynter.tv Organization: alexawynter.tv Address: 257 Grand Street #501 Phone: (929) 266-5981 SOURCE: alexawynter.tv Iraqi Shi'ite militia fighters say they have driven Islamic State extremists from an air base to the west of Mosul, threatening the supply route from Syria for extremist militants in the northern Iraqi city. Yusif al-Kallabi, a spokesman for a coalition of mostly Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias called the Popular Mobilization Units, told Iraqi state TV on November 16 that the air base at the town of Tal Afar had been "liberated." If confirmed, the capture of the base would be a significant development in the campaign to recapture Mosul, the last major stronghold for IS militants in Iraq. Tal Afar is about 60 kilometers west of Mosul on the main highway to Syria. Iraqi government forces, police, and allied Sunni tribesman have advanced to the southern and northern outskirts of Mosul itself, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters to the north and northeast. Meanwhile, Iraqi special forces are engaged in urban combat within the city's easternmost district. But IS militants have still had a logistical supply line to the west of Mosul stretching into Syria. Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization, the largest force in the Popular Mobilization militia coalition, said on November 16 that the capture of Tal Afar will be "the starting block for the liberation of all the area to the Syrian border and beyond" into Syria. Turkey has expressed concerns that Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia fighters may carry out rights abuses against civilians in Tal Afar from Iraq's Sunni Muslim Turkoman minority. Turkey has armored columns poised on its border with northern Iraq within the Turkish district of Silopi. In between Silopi and Tal Afar is territory still controlled by IS fighters that includes a section of a major oil pipeline that links the Taq Taq oil field in Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region to an eastern Mediterranean port near the Turkish city of Ceyhan. Although Iraq's Kurdistan region had been exporting oil to Turkey through that pipeline for years, it has been inoperable since February 2016, when IS militants cut it off by capturing territory near Iraq's borders with Syria and Turkey across from the Turkish town of Silopi. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP At least four people were killed when a suicide bomber struck near the Defense Ministry in the Afghan capital, Kabul. An Interior Ministry spokeman said at least 11 more people were also wounded in the attack on November 16. (RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan) A Russian hacker who was convicted for his leading role in one of the largest data thefts in U.S. history has been released from prison after serving most of his 12-year sentence. Vladimir Drinkman was released from a Pennsylvania jail on October 28, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons told RFE/RL. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to an RFE/RL request for comment on whether Drinkman had been turned over for deportation, a process that can take up to several months. Drinkman's lawyer, Igor Litvak, declined to comment. RFE/RL could not immediately reach Drinkman. Drinkman was a key member of a criminal hacking group that penetrated major U.S. corporations, including Heartland Payment Systems, which at the time it was breached in 2008 was one of the biggest U.S. payment-processing firms. The Heartland attack -- the largest breach in history at the time -- cost the payment company more than $200 million in losses. Varonis, a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, ranks the attack on Heartland among the 10 largest data breaches of all time. Chuck Brooks, a cybersecurity expert and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, said the Heartland hack was a "wake-up call" for the payments and financial industries to enhance their cyberdefenses. He said the breach led to stronger security policies, including a better understanding by CEOs and CFOs of the threats to business sustainability and reputation. "After the breach, many companies added more stringent data and security policies, including encryption, multifactor authentication, and monitoring of systems and networks," Brooks told RFE/RL. Heartland also later established the Payments Processing Information Sharing Council (PPISC), which serves as a forum for banks and payment processors to share information about breaches and compliance issues, he noted. In addition to breaking into Heartland, the hacking gang also breached Nasdaq OMX Group, 7-Eleven, JC Penney, JetBlue Airways, and others, according to prosecutors. In total, they stole the data of more than 160 million credit cards, leading to more than $300 million in damages. Greg Hunter, a Virginia-based lawyer who has represented cybercriminals from the former Soviet Union, said the Heartland case demonstrated the sophisticated evolution of Russian-speaking hackers. "This was the beginning of specialization," Hunter told RFE/RL. "Rather than an individual hacker spending a lot of time stealing credit card data and then trying to monetize it, you had guys specializing in breaching the security apparatus of a site, others selling the data." The appearance of hacker forums was critical to the phenomenon of a division of labor, he said. Hacker sites "allowed these guys to find each other and work together. A guy who breaches banks could just focus on that, knowing he could find others to either help him know what to get and how to use it, or just buy his services outright," Hunter said. Several of the most commonly used forums where hackers bought and sold stolen credit card data and traded tips included Cardplanet and Direct Connection. A Russian man, Aleksei Burkov, was extradited from Israel to the United States and later pleaded guilty in 2020 to U.S. charges related to his oversight of those forums. He was deported to Russia last year. According to U.S. court filings, Drinkman and another co-conspirator, Alexandr Kalinin, specialized in penetrating network security and gaining access to the corporate data systems. Drinkman along with a third man, Roman Kotov, also focused on mining the networks to steal valuable data. Another Russian man, Dmitry Smilyanets, then sold the stolen credit card information on forums for $10 to $50 each and distributed the proceeds of the scheme to the others, according to prosecutors. Kalinin and Kotov, both of whom are Russian citizens, are believed to still be in Russia. Drinkman was arrested in the Netherlands in June 2012 at the request of the United States, along with Smilyanets. While Smilyanets cooperated with U.S. authorities and arrived in the United States a few months after his arrest, Drinkman fought his extradition for more than a year. Ultimately, Drinkman pleaded guilty in 2015 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, including time served since his arrest. It is one of the harshest sentences given to a Russian hacker. Drinkman served a total of 10 years and four months, or 86 percent of his sentence. U.S. federal prisoners earn credit each year for good behavior and typically serve 85 percent of their sentence. Smilyanets was sentenced to just time served, or less than six years, and currently resides in the United States, where he works as a cyberthreat intelligence analyst. He declined to comment when contacted by RFE/RL. Pakistan has ordered the deportation of 130 Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based cleric Ankara blames for orchestrating a failed coup in July. Teachers at the private PakTurk International Schools and Colleges and their families -- around 450 people, in all -- were ordered by the Interior Ministry to leave Pakistan by November 20 because their requests for visa extensions were not approved. The crackdown on PakTurk is a big blow to the more than 10,000 students enrolled at its 28 campuses in Pakistan, where a staggering 24 million children remain out of school. The move came as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Islamabad on November 16. During his two-day visit, Erdogan is scheduled to meet top Pakistani officials and address a joint session of parliament. Ankara has asked Islamabad to close down any groups in the country that have links to Gulen, whose religious and social movement operates around 2,000 educational institutions in about 160 countries. Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported that the Islamabad High Court has set a hearing for November 17 on a petition by PakTurk challenging the decision. "PakTurk International Schools and Colleges are deeply concerned over the abrupt decision of the government requiring the Turkish teachers, management, and their family members...to leave the country within three days," PakTurk said in a statement posted on its website on November 16. It added that the staff members were asked to leave because of "nonapproval of their requests for extension of visa." "We want to ensure the students and their parents that educational activities at all branches of PakTurk educational institutions across Pakistan are continuously operational," the statement said. PakTurk denied that it had any affiliation with Gulen or his movement. It said its schools would continue operating across Pakistan. Pak-Turk schools and colleges were launched in 1995 under an international nongovernmental organization registered with the Turkish government. In August, Pakistan promised to investigate PakTurk after a visit to Islamabad by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who said, "it is no secret that Gulen's organizations has institutions" in the South Asian country. Before his departure from Ankara, Erdogan praised Pakistan's actions against what his government calls the Gulenist "terrorist" organization, saying he was "very pleased." "Just like Turkey, Pakistan is carrying out a relentless fight against terror," he said. "Turkey supports Pakistan's battle until the end." Turkey and Pakistan, both Sunni Muslim countries, have traditionally had close relations. Ties have only deepened under the leadership of Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Turkey has pressured dozens of countries to clamp down on schools linked with Gulen. Gulen, who is living in self-imposed exile in the United States, is accused by Ankara of ordering a July 15 attempted coup against Erdogan by a group of Gulen's followers within Turkey's military. Gulen has repeatedly denied the accusation, and U.S. officials have responded to complaints from Turkish officials by saying Ankara must present compelling evidence implicating Gulen in order to consider extradition. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and Dawn The arrest of Russia's economic development minister is an "extraordinary event for the government and authorities in general," Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said. Aleksei Ulyukayev was sacked on November 15 after he was charged with extorting a $2 million bribe from Russia's state-owned oil giant, Rosneft. A court ordered that Ulyukayev, who denies the charges, remain under house arrest until mid-January. Speaking at a government meeting on November 16, Medvedev called for a thorough investigation into the case, which he said highlights that "absolutely all citizens" are equal before the law. "The court should close the chapter on the whole process," he said. Ulyukayev, who had served as economic development minister since 2013, is the highest-ranking Russian official held since the 1991. Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax Russia says it is formally withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, a day after the Hague-based court's prosecutor said Russian forces were in fact fighting in eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin ordered the Foreign Ministry to take the move in In a decree signed on November 16. The Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, described the work of the court as "one-sided and inefficient," saying it "did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent." Russia signed the treaty to join the court, known as the Rome Statute, but the Russian parliament never ratified the treaty. The order comes after the court's lead prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said for the first time on November 14 that the simmering conflict in Ukraine should be considered as an international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Bensouda also called Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula an "occupation." Amnesty International said Putin's order appeared to be directly linked to the ICC prosecutor's statement. "It is hard not to see this as an attempt by Russia to undermine the progress towards international justice," said Sergei Nikitin, director of Amnesty International Russia. "This announcement appears as nothing but contempt for the aims of the ICC -- putting an end to impunity for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity -- and is an affront to all victims of these appalling crimes," he said. Amnesty International also noted that it had documented possible war crimes committed by Russian forces during the ongoing conflict in Syria. "As Russia had not ratified the Rome Statute, little will change in practice; however, the decision is an alarming indication of Russia's unwillingness to cooperate with international justice systems," Nikitin said. The United Nations says at least 9,600 people have been killed in fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014. With reporting by dpa, Reuters, TASS, and AFP Afghan officials say a suicide bomber has blown up a vehicle carrying members of the security forces in the capital, Kabul, killing 6 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group. The November 16 attack in the Pul-e Mahmood Khan area near the Defense Ministry compound also wounded at least 10 people. Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqi said the dead and wounded included both civilians and members of security forces. Sediqi also said that the bomber carried out the attack on foot. The IS affiliate in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack in a post on the Internet, saying the bomber targeted intelligence service employees. Officials said the white van targeted belonged to the country's National Directorate of Security, the Afghan spy agency. No group has claimed responsibility for the assault, but Taliban insurgents have recently increased their attacks against Afghan security forces across the country. President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack, saying "terrorists cannot achieve their masters' goals by spreading fear." Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa ON MY MIND The bribery case against Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev is bizarre on many levels. The very notion that Ulyukayev could threaten and demand a bribe from the state-controlled oil giant Rosneft -- a company run by Igor Sechin, one of Russia's most powerful figures, who has close ties to Vladimir Putin -- is patently absurd. As some commentators have pointed out, anybody who threatens Sechin shouldn't be arrested -- they should be committed. Moreover, the case is tied to the so-called privatization of the Bashneft oil company -- a strange kind of "privatization" in which a state-controlled company, Rosneft, is buying a state-owned company, Bashneft. The final call on that deal belonged to Putin himself. So it is unclear what kind of influence Ulyukayev was selling here. On top of it all, the size of the alleged bribe, a paltry $2 million, is pocket change for a Russian minister. This case defies normal logic. Except in Russian politics, normal logic does not apply. As opposition leader Aleksei Navalny notes in a video featured below, as a result of Ulyukayev's arrest -- the first sitting minister arrested in decades -- the Russian elite, particularly the liberal and technocratic wings of the elite, is now gripped by fear. And that is likely the point. And oh, by the way, as I write this, Russian law enforcement is carrying out a search of the offices of the state corporation Rosnano, which is run by Anatoly Chubais. IN THE NEWS Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev, whose arrest on charges of large-scale bribe taking has jolted Russia's ruling elite. Russian media is reporting that as many as seven more people could be implicated in the Ulyukayev bribery case. Russian law enforcement conducted a search of the offices of the state corporation Rosnano. A United Nations panel has condemned human rights abuses in Crimea and pressed Russia to allow UN monitors to visit the Ukrainian territory it annexed in 2014. The lead prosecutor for the International Criminal Court has for the first time said the simmering conflict in Ukraine should be considered an international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has issued a decree withdrawing Russia from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for Washingtons "resolute support...in countering Russian aggression," as he and President-elect Donald Trump spoke by telephone for the first time since the U.S. election. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Service Committee, has warned President-elect Donald Trump against softening U.S. policy toward Russia, saying any "reset" of relations would be a dangerous move. Senator Lindsay Graham, meanwhile, says he wants Senate hearings to investigate whether Russian President Vladimir Putin interfered in the U.S. election. NATO wants dialogue with Russia, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said ahead of talks with EU defense ministers in Brussels. Japan and Russia say they will speed up their efforts to enhance economic cooperation ahead of a visit to Tokyo by Russian President Vladimir Putin -- despite the sacking of Russia's economic development minister. Russia's security service says it has detained five suspects with ties to Islamic State who were plotting to carry out attacks in the country. Russia says jets from its aircraft carrier have launched their first strikes on Syria. Ukrainian authorities locked down central Kyiv on November 15 as hundreds of demonstrators protested outside government buildings over poor economic conditions and rising prices for vital necessities such as natural gas and bread. WHAT I'M READING The Ulyukayev Case Meduza tells us five things we need to know about the arrest of Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev. Meduza also has a profile of the FSB general who led the investigation in the case. Moscow Times columnist Boris Grozovsky weighs in, calling Ulyukayev's arrest a "tectonic convulsion for the Russian government." In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky notes that Ulyukayev's arrest doesn't fit the pattern of recent corruption cases. Writing in Politico, Anna Nemtsova writes that the arrest could indicate an escalated clan war in the Kremlin. In a piece for the Moscow Carnegie Center's website, political analyst Konstantin Gaaze looks at how the case illustrates the power of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. And finally, opposition leader and anticorruption crusader Aleksei Navalny weighs in on the case in an entertaining video. The Hacking Must Go On Josh Meyer has a piece for NBC News looking at Russia's hacking attack against the United States on November 9 that targeted "people who are or will be associated with the incoming U.S. administration." Ukrainian Jitters In his column for Bloomberg, Marc Champion takes a granular look at Ukraine's prospects with Trump in the White House. Classifying Crimea Halya Coynash of the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group looks at the recent report by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which classified the situation in Crimea as an armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin's Trojan Horses The Atlantic Council will release its new report, The Kremlin's Trojan Horses, in Washington at 09:00 EST today. The report examines Russian influence operations in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. For those not in Washington, you can watch the webcast here. NOTE TO READERS: The Morning Vertical and other Power Vertical products will not appear on November 17 due to a Czech public holiday. All Power Vertical products will return on November 18. A United Nations panel has condemned human rights abuses in Crimea and pressed Russia to allow UN monitors to visit the Ukrainian territory it annexed in 2014. The UN General Assembly's human rights committee, in its first action on Crimea, adopted a resolution drafted by Ukraine and backed by the United States, France, and Britain by a vote of 73 to 23 on November 15, with 76 abstentions. The resolution next month goes for a vote before the full assembly, which is expected to approve it. Russia lobbied hard against the resolution, dismissing it as "politically-motivated" and "one-sided." The people of Crimea "chose to vote in a historic referendum to reunite with Russia," said Russian Foreign Ministry official Anatoly Viktorov. "It completely ignores the negative impact that the actions of Ukrainian authorities have had on the residents of Crimea," who have the same rights and privileges as other Russian citizens, he said. Among the countries that backed Russia in opposing the resolution were China, Iran, India, Syria, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and North Korea. Many Latin American and African countries abstained from the vote. The resolution condemned abuses and discrimination in Crimea, which Russia seized in February 2014. Moscow's annexation was not recognized by the UN, and the resolution calls it a "temporary occupation." Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsya said the human rights situation has worsened in Crimea with "extrajudicial killings, intimidation, arbitrary detentions, torture" and repression of free speech. Rights groups have raised alarm over the plight of Crimea's Muslim Tatars, who have been repressed for their opposition to Russian rule of the territory. The resolution urges Russia to reverse its decision to shut down the Crimean Tatars' governing body, the Mejlis, and to allow cultural and religious institutions to reopen. It calls on Russia to "take all necessary measures to bring an immediate end to all abuses against residents of Crimea" and to cooperate with UN rights staff seeking to monitor the situation on the Black Sea peninsula. A UN monitoring mission on human rights set up in Ukraine in 2014 has not been allowed into Crimea. "Russia wants to make sure only one voice is heard in Crimea -- Russia's," said U.S. deputy UN ambassador Sarah Mendelson. "States should not have to fear that a neighbor, however powerful, will seize their territory." With reporting by AP and AFP 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. Keith Van Allen buried his 101-year-old mother on Saturday. Despite his grief, the South Richmond resident got in his car on Tuesday and drove to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Chesterfield County to serve what he considered a venerable purpose. He was one of more than 100 people who held homemade signs and chanted Water is life, protect the sacred outside those offices for about an hour. Similar protests spread across the nation Tuesday in front of Army Corps of Engineers offices, banks and energy companies. The protests were called to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and to push for the rejection of the 1,172-mile Dakota Access Pipeline. A host of energy companies want to build the $3.7 billion project that would carry 470,000 barrels of oil a day from the oilfields of western North Dakota to Illinois. Its about a change of consciousness, Van Allen said. Tribal members worry that the pipeline near their reservation would pollute nearby waters and harm historic tribal sites and burial grounds. The companies say the pipeline, much of which is already built, creates a more efficient and safer way to transport oil from the Bakken shale of North Dakota to the Midwest and on to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Adding to the tension and the protesters ire is what they considered to be harsh treatment by law enforcement. More than 400 people have been arrested. Shannah Bupp, 30, told Chesterfield protesters on Tuesday that they must hold law enforcement accountable. The Middlesex County goat cheese farmer said she has been charged with two misdemeanors, criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot, while she walked over a bulldozed Indian burial ground in North Dakota in order to form a prayer circle. There are pipelines being built all over affecting your water. How can we grow healthy organic food if we are using polluted water? Bupp said. We as non-indigenous people, we are standing as their allies as we should. The protest comes a day after demonstrators received what some considered a small victory. The Army Corps of Engineers delayed approval of an easement, which would allow the companies to tunnel under Lake Oahe, saying that it wanted additional input from the Sioux tribe. The Army Corps of Engineers office in Chesterfield declined to comment Tuesday. Even with the Army Corps of Engineers decision, some of the Chesterfield protesters cautioned against dialing down the opposition. This is often said to appease. Its something that we need to be watchful of, Bupp said. The Obama administration needs to step up and stop the pipeline. Energy Transfer Partners, the main company behind the pipeline, and its subsidiary, Sunoco Logistics Partners, filed court papers on Monday seeking relief from what they called the administrations interference in the review process. The recent election of Donald Trump as president also has added urgency to the protesters mission to get the pipeline denied before Trump assumes office. Our message is the same to Obama and the incoming Trump administration and that is to respect indigenous peoples rights, our environmental laws and Mother Earth, said Glen Besa, a volunteer with the Virginia chapter of the Sierra Club who helped organize the protest in Chesterfield. Value investor Bill Miller told CNBC on Tuesday that embattled drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals (Toronto Stock Exchange: VRX-CA) will clean up its act and its stock could double in the next two to three years. Miller said on " Squawk Box " the Canadian company is a slow-growth specialty pharmaceutical company that for the next few years won't be doing any acquisitions. "They'll be doing disposals," Miller said. "But they'll be cleaning up the business. They'll be putting money in [research and development]. You know, products will get approved. I think it's going to be a completely different business model from what it had before." The drugmaker, which has been accused of fraud and price gouging , posted poor earnings and slashed its profit forecast last week. The company has suffered along with the entire industry as pressure from regulators about drug prices intensifies. The added heat has upended business models dependent on raising prices, although the environment could change under a Trump administration. More from Investor Toolkit: Miller: Bond fall to benefit stocks Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary: Going outside of your investment comfort zone can pay off Op-Ed: She bought just 3 shares and became a multimillionaire The company has recently been trying to sell off its noncore assets to reduce its acquired mass amounts of debt. Miller said the heavily indebted pharma company could easily double, even triple its current price. The investor suggested that the company focus on what most drugmakers don't free cash flow. "The free cash flow there is running close to $2 billion and that coupled asset sales will enable them to delever fairly quickly over the next few years," he said. "We'd expect something in the order of $5 [billion] to $10 billion of disposals in the next 12 months and then another couple of billion in free cash flow." Miller is founder, chairman and CIO of Baltimore-based LMM, a partially owned subsidiary of Legg Mason with $2 billion in assets under management. A Prince George man was the victim of a deadly shooting early Tuesday in Petersburg, police said Wednesday. Darian A. Glover, 22, of Prince George County, was found shot to death about 1 a.m. in the 600 block of Morton Ave., police said. Shortly after the discovery of Glover's body, a man suffering a gunshot wound walked into Southside Regional Medical Center, police said. The man, who is in stable condition, has confirmed to police that his injury is related to shooting on Morton Avenue. A Richmond sheriffs deputy has apologized to a transgender Virginia Commonwealth University student for sending an unsolicited message over social media after last weeks protests of the election of Donald Trump as president. Deputy Michael Whitt said he regrets what he called an offensive message to Bailey Biggs, a junior at VCU, after Biggs was quoted in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article about the protests. In a video taken at the protest, Biggs identifies as transgender. Get the fu#$ over yourself!!! Whitt wrote to Biggs. Life goes on and it is what it is!!! Get a life!!! I laughed, Biggs said initially after receiving the message Thursday night. Ive dealt with internet trolls all my life. But then Biggs sent the message to friends who were more alarmed by the message. Their reactions made him rethink the situation. Biggs called it stalker-y and creepy that a man who he had never met read his name in the paper, remembered it and sought him out on social media. To top it all off, Whitt is a law enforcement officer sworn to protect rights like free speech and freedom of expression. Thats when things got more serious for me, Biggs said. Thats when I stopped laughing. Biggs did not respond to Whitts message. But a friend of Biggs shared Whitts message on Twitter, and it began to spread. Whitt, who has since deleted both his Facebook and Twitter accounts, reached out to Biggs and apologized. He denied knowing that Biggs identified himself as transgender in the video, saying he did not listen to the audio and only watched the video. I know nothing about anyone being transgender and I shouldnt have even sent the message about the protest, Whitt wrote on Twitter. My comment was about the election only and I apologize for that. Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. criticized Whitts actions and said that he would undergo sensitivity training. He issued the following statement: This election cycle has been extremely anxious and contentious for many, with members of the public holding passionate positions on what they believe to be right and wrong. No matter their opinions on any issue, they are entitled to those positions and we must have mutual respect for each other. Deputy Michael Whitt sent an unsolicited message which he now regrets, as his action flies in the face of respecting an individuals position on a subject. Mr. Whitt has learned a tremendous lesson regarding todays social media world that no matter what you send in a message, or who you send that message to, it may become public and sometimes, rightfully so. In addition, he has learned the need to be respectful of others opinions, especially in light of the profession he represents. Woodys statement continued, I certainly respect my employees right to speech and to have their own individual positions on a wide array of topics. However, Mr. Whitt has also learned that as an employee in a law enforcement agency, his personal comments and actions may be attributed to his agency, his employer, and his colleagues as a whole. In our current environment, I expect the highest standards from my employees regardless of what rank they may hold. Mr. Whitt did not meet those expectations and has since apologized for making such a statement. We will address this matter via re-training through our Human Resources Division to ensure Mr. Whitt understands that while entitled to his own opinion, he cannot make others feel less entitled to theirs. Whitt made the following statement: I made a mistake this past weekend and sent an offensive message, in my personal capacity, to an individual with whom I share no friendship. I regret having made such a comment in a manner and fashion which offended the recipient. I understand that individuals should be entitled to their positions and feelings without other members of the public making crass comments accordingly. Biggs said he appreciates that Whitt, Woody and social media users took the matter so seriously. A Bumpass man has been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries in western Hanover County, the sheriff's office said Wednesday. Matthew Ryan Atkinson, 30, is accused of breaking into homes in the 20000 block of Woodland Fox Lane and the 13100 block of Lea Anna Lane on Monday. Atkinson is charged with two counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, grand larceny and larceny with intent to sell. A Stafford woman has been charged with murder for her alleged role in a heroin overdose in the county nearly a year ago. Erika Elizabeth Salyers, 32, was indicted by a grand jury this month on charges of second-degree murder, felony murder, involuntary manslaughter and distributing illegal drugs, court records show. She had not been arrested on the new charges as of Tuesday. The charges involve the Nov. 5, 2015, death of 36-year-old Allen Myers, who was found dead in his home on Clark Lane as the result of a heroin overdose. According to an affidavit for a search warrant filed in Stafford Circuit Court, Myers was found unresponsive by his mother and was pronounced dead by responding rescue workers. Three hypodermic needles were found nearby, along with a small aluminum foil wrapper and a charred soda can containing white residue. Detective J.S. Massine wrote that the scene was consistent with the use of heroin or other opiates. Massine examined Myers cellphone and viewed a text conversation between Myers and Erika. On the evening of Nov. 4, 2015, Massine wrote, Erika asked Myers How much do you want? Myers replied, point, which Massine said is common drug vernacular for a tenth of a gram of heroin. Myers was told the drug would cost him $25. The affidavit states that Massine linked the phone number to Salyers, who was charged with an unrelated possession of heroin with the intent to distribute charge in August 2015 for which she later received a year in prison. Massine wrote that another man had overdosed on heroin at Salyers home on Midway Road on Nov. 4, 2015, the same night of the text conversation with Myers. Salyers called 911 for that man, who survived. The search warrant allowed police to test Salyers DNA against DNA recovered from the aluminum foil found in Myers room. It is not known if a match was made. Prosecutors Ed Lustig and Lori DiGiosia are handling the case against Salyers. They said they could not discuss the case prior to trial. (Adds details, CEO comments, stock price movement) SANTIAGO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Chilean industrial conglomerate Empresas Copec has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil to produce and distribute lubricants and fuels in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, Copec said on Wednesday. The deal includes the transfer of ExxonMobil's fuel business in Colombia and Ecuador to Copec, which would include plants and industrial installations, and could imply an investment by Copec of up to $747 million, the Chilean company said. Under the deal, Copec will take control of ExxonMobil Andean Holding LLC and its subsidiaries, as well as ExxonMobil Ecuador. Copec said it would resell the fuel business it acquires from Exxon in Colombia as soon as possible. In addition to broad participation in the fuels and lubricants business in the Andean region in general, the deal specifically includes the provision of fuel to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, and the participation of ExxonMobil in auctions run by Copec for the supply of fuel to Chile. The Pacific coast of South America is "a zone of enormous opportunities, where there are no structural limitations to achieving leadership in each of its countries," Copec CEO Lorenzo Gazmuri said in a statement. The transfer of control is set to take place in the second half of 2017, Copec said. Copec, a diversified industrial holding company, is engaged through subsidiaries in fuels, forestry, fishing and other industries. Its shares were up 3.25 percent at 2:02 p.m. (1702 GMT). (Reporting by Gram Slattery; Editing by James Dalgleish) In the wake of the fallout from a strongly worded, widely read Facebook rebuke of the presidential election of Donald Trump, Lynchburg City School Board member Jenny Poore resigned Sunday. Despite the attention her Facebook comments have received, Poore told The News & Advance on Tuesday the social media blowback was not the sole reason she chose to step down from the school board. This fall Poore twice sat out the Pledge of Allegiance at Lynchburg City School Board meetings to protest the deaths of Terence Crutcher and Keith Scott black men killed by the police. Now she said her decision to sit along with fellow school board member Derek Polley prompted public scrutiny. When her outspoken election comments garnered attention, Poore said she decided to step down. My number one responsibility as a School Board member is the work of the board and the schools, Poore wrote to The News & Advance via social media. I could not do that work and respect the work of my colleagues if I were a lightning rod for outside distractions. To preserve the integrity of the board and our school system, I needed to step away. She stated she was not asked or pressured to step down, and the decision was her own. I was very vocal after the election. However, I have always been very vocal. It seemed like after this election there was new scrutiny on people voicing dissent. I didnt want that to blow back on the board and our schools. That blowback needed to be for me alone, Poore wrote. When asked, in hindsight, if she should have handled the situation differently, Poore replied: Ive thought about that a lot. I am who I am. I have never been any different. Those who know me know this is pretty much what you get, an outspoken and sometimes loud liberal who advocates, for better or worse, for those who for whatever reason cant. She added she would have considered her language more carefully had she known the post would go public but said her conscience compelled her to act. In her Facebook post reaction to Trumps election, which contains about a dozen profanities, Poore was sharply critical of voters who chose him, particularly straight white males, a demographic that heavily favored Trump at the polls. We are a nation of selfish fearful morons who thinks we can still be friends with people and like pictures of their dogs and kids on facebook even though we just voted to gut every last protection they had as human beings." She also expressed concern about what Trump meant for those outside of that demographic. The country I thought was mine was a mirage. The collective promise of decency and hope is not for me, its not for women, or people of color, or LGBTQ people, or the mentally ill, or the disabled, or the people on the edge, Poore posted at 4:29 a.m. Wednesday following the election outcome. Poore also accused Trump of having an obvious and clear amphetamine addiction, criticized his refusal to release his tax returns and called him a sexual assaulter for his treatment of women. In her post, Poore went on to say f--- you and your s----- straight white man version of America. She added Trumps opposition would multiply and push back against what he represents. We will weather this storm because thats what we do, thats what we have always done, this is your last hurrah, boys. Tomorrow there will be more of use, Poore concluded at the end of her post. In the wake of the controversy, several of her colleagues shared their admiration for Poore at Tuesdays Lynchburg City School Board meeting, where they addressed the matter individually. Board Chairman Michael Nilles was not at Tuesdays meeting, but Vice Chair Regina Dolan-Sewell read a prepared statement on his behalf, in which Nilles wrote Poore was a sincere and committed advocate for LCS, and he appreciate[d] her desire to do what is best for the division. Others members who spoke in support of Poore were Sharon Carter, Polley, James Coleman, Katie Snyder and Dolan-Sewell. She really was a champion for different students of all backgrounds, Carter said. Polley said he appreciated her mentorship on the board and for making him feel welcome. Coleman described Poore as one of the most intelligent individuals I've ever met in my life and praised Poore for her incisive mind and ability to communicate and simplify complicated matters. She was a spokesperson for the causes of those who could not speak for themselves, Coleman added. Poore told The News & Advance equity in the division had been a primary concern for her during her time as a school board member. Making sure that every kid in every classroom has the same opportunity for success and happiness regardless of the seat and the school they are in has always been my motivation. Making sure we are in a position to educate the whole child with regard to their physical and mental health, and being as knowledgeable as possible about their strengths and challenges in a way that allows us to help them grow up to be strong adults who contribute to society, that is it for me. Thats the power of strong public education, she wrote to The News & Advance. With her time on the school board behind her, Poore said she plans to take a break from board service but would love to devote myself to the issue of poverty in our city because I think there are a lot of untold stories there that directly impact the school systems ability to educate our children. I want to help my community in whatever way I can. In spite of the controversy sparked by her statements, Poore said a number of people have reached out to her to thank her for speaking out. School Board social media policy for members, adopted in August, does not prohibit political statements. Restrictions are limited to creating or altering content regarding the division or speaking on behalf of the board. In Lynchburg, school board members are appointed by City Council rather than elected. Lynchburg Mayor Joan Foster previously told The News & Advance the process to find a replacement for Poore will begin by advertising the position, reviewing applications and conducting interviews before a new member is appointed. Foster did not have specifics on the timeline but expected the position to be filled by January. Evangelical Christians came out to support Donald Trump last week and, as the president-elect begins to assemble a team to help him run the country for the next four years, one prominent evangelical Virginian could play a role Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. Falwell, an early and engaged supporter of the billionaire businessman, knows him personally and was in New York for his election last Tuesday. Since then, Falwell has spoken with the next president and with Vice President-elect Mike Pence about his interest in serving the new administration. I let them know one of my passions is reforming higher education and education in general, Falwell said in an interview Tuesday. I told them Id be willing I have a lot of responsibilities here but Id be willing to serve in some capacity that sort of brings education back to some form of sanity. Liberty, in Lynchburg, is the largest Christian school in the country. It has spent $900 million on capital improvements over the past 10 years. Falwell said higher education has to get back to the basics of teaching and eschew the ivory tower mentality that has led to salaries that are out of this world. In public K-12 education, Falwell said, school vouchers could transform the country and the inner cities by giving parents an educational choice that provides a whole generation of young people a new lease on life. Falwell described the discussions as very informal conversations but said his offer was well-received. They were very surprised because they know how busy I am ... but very glad to hear his offer to help. Evangelicals have a lot of expectations of the incoming president they helped elect a week ago. Falwell said he expects Trump will keep his promises on selecting Supreme Court nominees who share evangelical positions on such issues as abortion. Falwell said he also favors a repeal of the so-called Johnson Amendment, a portion of the federal tax code, named for then-U.S. Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas, that prohibits tax-exempt institutions like schools and religious organizations from directly endorsing political causes. Falwell had harsh words for how he believes liberal colleges reacted to Trumps election, having these little cry sessions and canceling classes and basically saying the wrong guy won. Those are nonprofit schools. They are subject to the Johnson Amendment ... and theyre saying, Well help you mourn since the wrong guy won, Falwell continued. If Liberty had done that after Obama had won, we would have been called on the carpet on the Johnson Amendment and our tax exemption would have been at stake. Falwell said he was drawn to support Trump from his own perspective as a former businessman and lawyer who was involved in commercial real estate development. But he said the key to the broad base of evangelical support the candidate received probably had a more general foundation. The vast majority voted for Trump because they wanted change, Falwell said. Theyve been betrayed by career politicians, by establishment Republicans so many times they just dont trust them anymore and they just wanted something different and didnt want to go with Clinton. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., will serve as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee in a restructuring of Senate Democratic leadership following last weeks election. Warner said in a statement that he looks forward to fulfilling the committees primary responsibility to provide vigorous and bipartisan oversight. He added: One of the things I value most about my service on the Intelligence Committee is the tradition of members leaving partisanship at the door when we enter the committee room. Warner, Virginias governor from 2002 to 2006, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2009. Warner succeeds Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who becomes ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. In that post, Feinstein will play a key role in vetting President-Elect Donald Trumps nominee to succeed the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Also Wednesday, Warner urged Trump to keep President Barack Obamas secretary of defense at the outset of his administration. I wish he would maybe keep Ash Carter as secretary, at least for a year, at DOD for continuity, Warner said in an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Warner also raised concerns about what he termed the implications of the president-elects plans to cut taxes. Warner said he hopes conservatives in the Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives will stick to their concerns about debt and the deficit. A quick sugar high with a tax cut thats unpaid for when weve already got $19 trillion in debt is really unsustainable, Warner said. Right now if interest rates go up 1 percentage point that adds $140 billion a year of additional spending right off the top just for debt service. The president-elect and Republicans in the House of Representatives want to lower taxes for individuals and businesses and collapse the current seven brackets into three. Under Trumps plan, for married joint filers who make less than $75,000 the tax rate would be 12 percent. For married joint filers who make more than $75,000 but less than $225,000 the rate would be 25 percent. For married joint filers who earn more than $225,000 the rate would be 33 percent. Warner said Trumps election was a broad rejection of the establishment. This was a rejection not just of the Democrats. It was a rejection of establishment Republicans. It was a rejection of the media. It was a rejection of corporate America, he said. Weve all got to listen and understand that our current economic system is not working for enough people, he said, noting that his father, Robert, worked for the same insurance company for 45 years. People no longer work for the same company for such a span, he said. Something has fundamentally got to be rearranged, he said. My hope is there will be a group of us in both parties that will set out to see if we can get capitalism working for more people. Warner declined to weigh in on Ohio Rep. Tim Ryans thoughts of taking on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. But Warner said the 21st century has left a lot of rural communities behind and the Democratic Party cant just be a party of metropolitan areas and the East Coast and the West Coast. Weve got to do a better job for those communities which have lost a factory to trade or globalization. Donald Trumps victory has so delighted the U.Va. community that several hundred of its members have already begun working to get him re-elected. The other day 469 faculty members and students sent a letter to university president Teresa Sullivan rebuking her for quoting Thomas Jefferson, the universitys founder. This paroxysm of political correctness was described by the psychology professor who drafted the letter as an attempt to start a conversation with our administration regarding ways to be more inclusive. In the modern university, being inclusive generally means silencing any voice that does not swallow the canon of liberal identity politics whole. Trumps election was in no small part a reaction against such nonsense. Anyone even casually familiar with Thomas Jefferson knows well the contradictions he lived and the numerous ways he fell short not only of 21st-century ideals but of his own just like every other human being who has ever lived. Jefferson was a slaveholder and a bigot and a genius and one of the greatest figures in American history. In response to the letter, Sullivan sensibly explained that quoting Jefferson does not imply an endorsement of all the social structures and beliefs of his time, such as slavery and the exclusion of women and people of color from the university. The point is blindingly obvious, and the necessity of its repetition does not speak well of the capacity for nuance of the letters signatories some of whom, we suspect, at some point have approvingly cited other historical figures who also have feet of clay. Indeed, the notions of tolerance and diversity are steeped in a Western intellectual tradition that was built by deeply flawed individuals from ancient Greece to 19th-century Britain. To insist on tolerance and diversity is, in fact, to rely on the intellectual framework built by those such as Jefferson, who said of U.Va. that here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it. In that regard even repudiating Jefferson is an homage to him. Even if things at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership are only half as bad as a legislative oversight agencys report indicates, they are still quite bad indeed. Lawmakers who sat through a 90-minute presentation of the findings on Monday had to pick their jaws up off the floor after hearing about VEDPs lack of oversight, accountability, strategy, and leadership. House Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones said the presentation made me sick to my stomach. Lawmakers seem likely to withhold funds from the quasi-independent agency until it can get its house in order or at least make a start on doing so. Thats probably wise. But the states political leaders will fail in their responsibility if they do not look deeper than that. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commissions report found that scarcely more than half the projects to have received incentives through the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund formerly the Governors Opportunity Fund met state benchmarks for job creation. Governors of both parties have long issued gushing press releases announcing new projects. They are conspicuously silent about what happens after that. Good management can correct such deficiencies to an extent. But there is only so much to be said for the right execution of the wrong strategy. Policy leaders need to step back and ask whether the state should even have what amounts to a slush fund that politicians can use to give special advantages to certain economic actors. While many Richmonders remain glad for the arrival of Stone Brewing, for instance, its proper to ask how existing craft brewers in the Richmond region feel about their tax money being used to help prop up the competition. Just as important: Policymakers should avoid trying to turn the VEDPs shortcomings into a partisan issue. This is one case in which equivalency is not false, and both sides deserve blame. The VEDP was created under Republican Gov. George Allen. Another Republican governor, Bob McDonnell, appointed the executive director under whom the VEDP awarded a $1.4 million grant to a fake Chinese company. Gov. Terry McAuliffe has lately been overly free with Opportunity Fund grants, but Republican legislators control his purse strings. In the wake of the fallout from a strongly worded, widely read Facebook rebuke of the presidential election of Donald Trump, Lynchburg City School Board member Jenny Poore resigned Sunday. Despite the attention her Facebook comments have received, Poore told The News & Advance on Tuesday the social media blowback was not the sole reason she chose to step down from the school board. This fall Poore twice sat out the Pledge of Allegiance at Lynchburg City School Board meetings to protest the deaths of Terence Crutcher and Keith Scott black men killed by the police. Now she said her decision to sit along with fellow school board member Derek Polley prompted public scrutiny. When her outspoken election comments garnered attention, Poore said she decided to step down. My number one responsibility as a School Board member is the work of the board and the schools, Poore wrote to The News & Advance via social media. I could not do that work and respect the work of my colleagues if I were a lightning rod for outside distractions. To preserve the integrity of the board and our school system, I needed to step away. She stated she was not asked or pressured to step down, and the decision was her own. I was very vocal after the election. However, I have always been very vocal. It seemed like after this election there was new scrutiny on people voicing dissent. I didnt want that to blow back on the board and our schools. That blowback needed to be for me alone, Poore wrote. When asked, in hindsight, if she should have handled the situation differently, Poore replied: Ive thought about that a lot. I am who I am. I have never been any different. Those who know me know this is pretty much what you get, an outspoken and sometimes loud liberal who advocates, for better or worse, for those who for whatever reason cant. She added she would have considered her language more carefully had she known the post would go public but said her conscience compelled her to act. In her Facebook post reaction to Trumps election, which contains about a dozen profanities, Poore was sharply critical of voters who chose him, particularly straight white males, a demographic that heavily favored Trump at the polls. We are a nation of selfish fearful morons who thinks we can still be friends with people and like pictures of their dogs and kids on facebook even though we just voted to gut every last protection they had as human beings." She also expressed concern about what Trump meant for those outside of that demographic. The country I thought was mine was a mirage. The collective promise of decency and hope is not for me, its not for women, or people of color, or LGBTQ people, or the mentally ill, or the disabled, or the people on the edge, Poore posted at 4:29 a.m. Wednesday following the election outcome. Poore also accused Trump of having an obvious and clear amphetamine addiction, criticized his refusal to release his tax returns and called him a sexual assaulter for his treatment of women. In her post, Poore went on to say f--- you and your s----- straight white man version of America. She added Trumps opposition would multiply and push back against what he represents. We will weather this storm because thats what we do, thats what we have always done, this is your last hurrah, boys. Tomorrow there will be more of use, Poore concluded at the end of her post. In the wake of the controversy, several of her colleagues shared their admiration for Poore at Tuesdays Lynchburg City School Board meeting, where they addressed the matter individually. Board Chairman Michael Nilles was not at Tuesdays meeting, but Vice Chair Regina Dolan-Sewell read a prepared statement on his behalf, in which Nilles wrote Poore was a sincere and committed advocate for LCS, and he appreciate[d] her desire to do what is best for the division. Others members who spoke in support of Poore were Sharon Carter, Polley, James Coleman, Katie Snyder and Dolan-Sewell. She really was a champion for different students of all backgrounds, Carter said. Polley said he appreciated her mentorship on the board and for making him feel welcome. Coleman described Poore as one of the most intelligent individuals I've ever met in my life and praised Poore for her incisive mind and ability to communicate and simplify complicated matters. She was a spokesperson for the causes of those who could not speak for themselves, Coleman added. Poore told The News & Advance equity in the division had been a primary concern for her during her time as a school board member. Making sure that every kid in every classroom has the same opportunity for success and happiness regardless of the seat and the school they are in has always been my motivation. Making sure we are in a position to educate the whole child with regard to their physical and mental health, and being as knowledgeable as possible about their strengths and challenges in a way that allows us to help them grow up to be strong adults who contribute to society, that is it for me. Thats the power of strong public education, she wrote to The News & Advance. With her time on the school board behind her, Poore said she plans to take a break from board service but would love to devote myself to the issue of poverty in our city because I think there are a lot of untold stories there that directly impact the school systems ability to educate our children. I want to help my community in whatever way I can. In spite of the controversy sparked by her statements, Poore said a number of people have reached out to her to thank her for speaking out. School Board social media policy for members, adopted in August, does not prohibit political statements. Restrictions are limited to creating or altering content regarding the division or speaking on behalf of the board. In Lynchburg, school board members are appointed by City Council rather than elected. Lynchburg Mayor Joan Foster previously told The News & Advance the process to find a replacement for Poore will begin by advertising the position, reviewing applications and conducting interviews before a new member is appointed. Foster did not have specifics on the timeline but expected the position to be filled by January. School board members serve three-year terms and can re-apply for those terms twice, serving a maximum of nine years. Poores second term was scheduled to end in late June. GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS--(Marketwired - Nov 15, 2016) - Tethys Petroleum Limited (TPL.L)(TPL.L) ("Tethys" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the previously announced claims against employees of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary Tethys Aral Gas LLP ("TAG") in Kazakhstan have been dismissed. Tethys wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Office of the Almaty City Prosecutor in quickly reviewing the claims and dismissing the case. Computers and documents taken during the investigation have been returned to the Company. The Company continues to work to have the Court imposed freezing order over TAG's bank accounts lifted and restore normal business operations as soon as possible. About Tethys Tethys is focused on oil and gas exploration and production activities in Central Asia and the Caspian Region. This highly prolific oil and gas area is rapidly developing and Tethys believes that significant potential exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits. Disclaimer Some of the statements in this document are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the potential that exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits in Central Asia and the Caspian Region. When used in this document, the words "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "may," "will," "should" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises or guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those suggested by any such statements including risks and uncertainties with respect to the potential that exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits in Central Asia. No part of this announcement constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in the Company or any other entity, and shareholders of the Company are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Save as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, the Company does not undertake to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement. Hillary Clinton 's campaign made a mistake by not courting the white working class vote, Democratic former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told CNBC on Tuesday. He said he was among those who warned that voting population should not be overlooked, yet those warnings went unheeded. "Of course hindsight is 20/20. But if I was in charge of campaign, I would have sent Hillary into those white working class areas in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania," said Rendell, who is also the former chair of the Democratic National Committee. Clinton made those efforts during the primary, when she spoke with coal miners in West Virginia. While she didn't change every mind and lost the primary in that state, she did manage to change some minds, he told " Power Lunch ." "You've got to relate to people, you've got to ask people for their votes. We didn't ask that group for their votes. We just assumed they wouldn't vote or they were going to vote for Trump. Ask people for their votes. Give them a reason to think that you care about them," Rendell said. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump was able to tap into the working class' frustration and anger about the economy , he said. "They needed simple answers, someone to blame. And Donald Trump conveniently said trade was to blame," he said. "They were a convenient group for a good, simple message delivered directly and Trump did a great job delivering that message." Joan Williams, director of the Center for WorkLife Law at the University of California Hastings College of Law, believes there is an important culture gap between the white working class and many in the Democratic Party who see themselves as progressive. For example, Democrats try to connect with the working class by talking about things like paid leave and minimum wage. However, the white working class doesn't want to be earning a higher hourly wage working at McDonald's, she said. Story continues "They want a solid job that delivers a solid middle class living, in a context where that's becoming more and difficult but not impossible," Williams noted. "But they don't want to go to college and become anthropologists. And I think sometimes the progressive Democrats forget that." She also believes many in the white working class resent professionals because they feel professionals look down on them. However, they admire the rich because that's what they would like to be, she said. "They just want to be exactly the way they are with more money and that's, I think, part of the attraction to Trump," Williams explained. More From CNBC THE number of people out of work in the Rotherham district has fallen again, according to the latest government figures but the number of jobless 18 to 24 year olds has risen slightly. The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit in Rotherham which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough fell to 4,300 for October, a drop of 20 or 0.4 per cent on the year before. But for people aged 18 to 24 there were 1,085 people on Jobseekers Allowance and Universal Credit, a slight rise of 10 or 0.9 per cent from last year. Nationally, the unemployment rate fell to 4.8 per cent for the July to September period, with unemployment 1.6 million people unemployed across the country. Across the country, employment growth slowed in the three months up to September and the number of people claiming unemployment benefits last month rose by 9,800. But, across the country, unemployment fell by 37,000 between July and September. Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus in Rotherham, said fluctuations in unemployment numbers were expected month to month but overall the trend is down both locally and nationally. Mr Coleman said: There is so much out there but its knowing where to look. Nationally we are probably looking at almost full employment, the best we have ever been. We should see this for a few months. Mr Coleman said that the recent LEAF (Local Employment and Advisory Forum) job fair at Magna attracted 1,429 visitors, including 670 students from local schools finding out about work and 761 jobseekers. This was 400 more attendees than last years event. Vacancies in the region include 50 roles at Monks Bridge Farm pub in Dinnington which would be of interest to people searching for hospitality roles and PMP Recruitment, which finds workers for KP, has positions up for grabs. ASOS has hundreds of vacancies and can offer a bus service facility if enough budding staff members want it, said Mr Coleman, who added that roles can be found via the Transline recruitment agency or Jobcentre. Ikea vacancies for the Sheffield outlet can be found on the companys website and vary regularly so new positions are always being presented. Warehousing jobs are available in the Doncaster and Barnsley areas. In relation to figures for Yorkshire and The Humber, employment minister Damian Hinds said: Yet again we have a strong set of figures, with employment continuing to run at a record high and unemployment falling to an 11 year low. Growth is being fuelled by full-time professional jobs while wages are continuing to perform strongly, which underlines the resilience of the UK labour market. There is good news in Yorkshire and The Humber, where there is a record of over 2.5 million people in work with a record number of 1.21 million women in work as well. The measures we have taken have put our economy in a position of strength, and we will work to ensure more people can benefit from these opportunities as we build a country that works for everyone. DiamondCorp has requested a suspension of its shares from trading on both the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Alternative Exchange of the JSE pending clarification of its financial position following a flooding incident at Lace mine in South Africa. The company said two extreme thunderstorms passed over the Lace mine last Friday, dropping almost 90mm of rain in just over an hour. This, it said, overwhelmed the mine's pumping systems and flooded the 310m production level to the hanging wall. In total, more than 10,000 cubic meters of water is estimated to have entered the mine through the open pit and access ramps, said DiamondCorp. ...to pump the production level dry will take at least a week assuming no further material rainfall. However, once the level is dry no production will be possible in the short-term as the longhole drill rig which was operating at the time of the flood will need to be recovered and the electrics rebuilt. This could take up to 12 weeks from the time of recovery. The company said it was investigating all options as a consequence of the flooding and its impact on the group's financial position. DiamondCorp had been experiencing a lot of challenges, which included suspension of operations at Lace by the South African government. It also had liquidity challenges, which saw it at some point contemplating selling the mine. However, it recently called off plans for the sale of Lace saying that the approaches it had received from third parties were opportunistic in nature and significantly undervalued the company. It also concluded a financing facility with Rasmala for 700,000 to satisfy its immediate funding requirements. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished His Excellency Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade & Industry, UAE Ministry of Economy, and the UAE Kimberley Process Chair (KP Chair) Ahmed Bin Sulayem, welcomed over 300 delegates to the Kimberley Process Plenary Meetings, and delivered keynote addresses. In his welcome address, H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh said: During our tenure as Chair of the Kimberley Process we have been focusing our efforts on creating a fairer distribution of wealth for rough diamond producing nations; encouraging a more open and transparent method of valuation; and visiting and establishing dialogue with countries who are looking to either enter or re-enter the Kimberley Process. To that point the KP Chair has visited 14 African countries so far, meeting not just with leaders across the continent, but also with farmers, labourers and miners whose voices in many cases were being heard for the first time. During his opening remarks, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, KP Chair, said: We have three major initiatives to discuss this week including the steady march towards a common approach to valuation; the move to establishing an efficient Permanent Secretariat, commensurate with the extraordinary tasks and responsibilities that the Kimberley Process family takes upon itself; and the independent funding of Civil Society. Following this the World Diamond Council President, Andrey Polyakov addressed the Meeting. However, Representatives from the Civil Society Coalition did not attend the meeting despite the invitation by Bin Sulayem. A key topic throughout the meetings was the subject of rough diamond valuation, an issue deemed complex, but crucial, for the diamond industry as a whole. Bin Sulayem concluded, It has been a great honour to have served my country in the capacity of KP Chair. Moving forward, we will continue to work with the KP community and extend our knowledge and resources to strengthen the mandate, as well as promote best practices in the diamond industry." Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished Andrey Zharkov, President of ALROSA, the world's largest diamond producer, is taking part in the Forum of the Moscow Exchange in New York. The event is attended by about 400 representatives of global institutional investors and banks, heads of departments engaged in trading operations in the financial markets, experts in risk management, and portfolio managers.On the first day of the Forum, the president of ALROSA spoke at the plenary session attended by the management of the Moscow Exchange, representatives of the Russian Ministry of Finance, international funds and the largest Russian companies who discussed the present-day trends in the development of the Russian economy and financial market.The forum participants discussed trade and investment opportunities in various asset classes and innovations in the infrastructure and legislation at the session devoted to the attractiveness of trading on the Russian exchange.Today, the president of ALROSA will hold working meetings with investors.In order to promote the Russian stock market and increase its attractiveness for international investors the Moscow Exchange holds annual conferences in major financial centers (Moscow, New York, London and Shanghai) under the common name of Exchange Forum. Viacom Inc. (VIAB,VIA) and Telefonica S.A. announced the acquisition of Television Federal S.A. or Telefe, one of the main free-to-air channels in Argentina, by Viacom International Media Networks or VIMN. The transaction has been concluded for a total amount of US$345 million dollars in cash. Telefe will fall under the direction of Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of VIMN Americas. The acquisition builds on Viacom's long and successful track record of investment in Argentina, beginning with the launch of MTV in 1993. Under the terms of the agreement, Viacom will acquire all of Telefe's brands and assets, including: Telefe in Buenos Aires Capital and Gran Buenos Aires; Eight wholly-owned channels in the interior of the country, including Canal Cinco in Rosario, Canal Siete in Neuquen, Teleocho in Cordoba, Canal Ocho in Mar del Plata; Telefe Internacional;Twelve production studios; A library of over 33,000 hours of content currently distributed in more than 100 countries in 35 languages. The acquisition was financed from Viacom's existing cash balances. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Viacom's fiscal year 2017 earnings. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Canadian dollar continued to be strong against other major currencies in the Asian session on Wednesday, as crude oil prices surged after a report showed that the U.S. crude inventories rose more than expected. Data from the American Petroleum Institute's weekly supply report showed that the U.S. crude oil inventories rose 3.65 million barrels last week, building on an increase of 4.4 million barrels the previous week and rose more than expected. Traders await official data from the Energy Information Administration due to be released later in the day. Optimism that the members of OPEC will finalize an agreement on cutting production later this month, also supported the oil's demand. Warnings from the IEA about the worsening global supply glut may compel Iran and others to go along will some output quotas. Iran has balked at joining major producers Saudi Arabia and Russia in making meaningful cuts, but analysts expect some kind of deal to be hammered out soon. Meanwhile, the Asian stock rose due to the rebound in crude oil prices. Tuesday, the Canadian dollar rose 0.76 percent against the U.S. dollar, 1.49 percent against the yen, 0.91 percent against the euro, and 0.67 percent against the Australian dollar. In the Asian trading, the Canadian dollar rose to 6-day high of 1.3428 against the U.S. dollar and nearly a 3-week high of 1.0136 against the Australian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.3448 and 1.0164, respectively. If the loonie extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.30 against the greenback and 1.00 against the aussie. Against the euro and the yen, the loonie advanced to nearly a 4-week high of 1.4413 and nearly a 4-month high of 81.28 from early lows of 1.4439 and 80.97, respectively. The loonie may test resistance around 1.42 against the euro and 82.00 against the yen. Meanwhile, the safe haven yen fell against its major rivals amid rising risk appetite due to surge in oil prices. The yen fell to nearly a 4-month low of 117.41 against the euro, nearly a 5-month low of 109.26 against the Swiss franc, and nearly a 7-month low of 82.61 against the Australian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 117.04, 108.97 and 82.52, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 119.00 against the euro, 111.00 against the franc, and 83.00 against the aussie. Against the U.S. dollar, the yen dropped to 109.19 from an early high of 108.79. The yen is likely to find support around the 110.00 region. The yen slipped to 136.20 against the pound from yesterday's closing value of 135.97. On the upside, 104.00 is seen as the next support level for the yen. Against the NZ dollar, the yen dropped to a 1-week low of 77.58 from an early high of 77.16. The yen may test support near the 79.00 region. Looking ahead, U.K. jobless data for September and Swiss ZEW economic expectations index for November are due to be released later in the day. At 3:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard will participate in a panel discussion titled "Monetary Policy after Quantitative Easing: Helicopter Money or Bank to Raising Rates?" at the Union Bank of Switzerland's European Conference, in London. In the New York session, U.S. PPI for October, U.S. NAHB housing market index for November, industrial production for October, U.S. crude oil inventories data, and Canada manufacturing sales data for September are set to be published. At 9:00 am ET, Bank of England Deputy Governor Jon Cunliffe is expected to speak about economics, , and politics at the Manchester University. At 12:05 pm ET, Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Timothy Lane is expected to speak about globalization at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, in Ontario. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Slovakia's harmonized consumer prices continued to decline in October, the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic showed Wednesday. Harmonized consumer prices dropped 0.3 percent, following a 0.5 percent decrease in September. Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages and housing decreased 3.2 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. On a monthly basis, the harmonized index of consumer prices gained 0.3 percent after staying flat in September. This was the first increase in four months. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. The European Commission recommended a fiscal expansion of up to 0.5 percent of GDP next year for the euro area that is expected to contribute to a balanced policy mix, to support reforms and to strengthen the recovery. The recommendation also highlights the need to pursue structural reforms and improve the quality of public finances, the executive arm of the European Union said Wednesday. The Eurozone current account surplus, the largest in the world, is expected to rise again this year, the commission said. The surplus is "symptomatic of weak domestic demand dynamics in the past few years and of debt reduction efforts across sectors and Member States", it added. Based on a review of the Draft Budgetary Plans of Eurozone member countries, the European Commission said six countries - Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Slovenia, Finland - "pose a risk of non-compliance with the requirements for 2017" under the Stability and Growth Pact. "The DBPs of these Member States might result in a significant deviation from the [fiscal] adjustment paths towards the respective medium-term objective," the report said. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. My dear Donald... er, Ronald. Before the UK voted for Brexit, US president Barack Obama warned that doing so would put the country in the back of the queue for trade talks with the US. Britons ignored him and voted to leave the European Union anyway. Britain had hoped to fare better with Donald Trump, who declared himself Mr. Brexit and promised to prioritize Britain in trade talks if he won the election. But Britain was nowhere near the front of the queue when president-elect Trump started making his first calls to foreign his leaders. British prime minister Theresa May was ninth on his list, behind the leaders of such countries as Egypt and Australia. When they did speak, Mays spokesperson described their first conversation as very warm, in which Trump said that he looked forward to enjoying the same close relationship that [Ronald] Reagan and [Margaret] Thatcher had. But will Trump be May s transatlantic political soulmate as Reagan was to Thatcher? Thatcher was the guest of honor at both the first and the last of Reagans state dinners as president. And althoughor perhaps becausetheir relationship was based on mutual trust and respect, neither had a problem castigating the other. This was best illustrated in a phone conversation during the Falklands War, where Thatcher was furious with the USs appearance of neutrality: I wonder if anyone over there realizes, Id like to ask them. Just supposing Alaska was invaded asked Thatcher. Now youve put all your people up there to retake it and someone suggested that a contact could come in you wouldnt do it. No, no, although, Margaret, I have to say I dont quite think Alaska is a similar situation said Reagan. More or less so, snapped Thatcher. For his part, Reagan loyally defended Thatcher despite their sometimes frosty conversations. When Charles Price, the US ambassador to London, warned of Thatchers tendency to ride roughshod over dissenters, Reagan dismissed the warning and went on to praise Margarets perseverance and persuasiveness, which he described as one her greatest strengths. Story continues Could May and Trump really have a similar relationship? May has been called on to moderate Trump (paywall) in a similar fashion; his protectionist policies spell trouble for Britain as it prepares to negotiate new trade terms with the US and the rest of the world. But shes in stiff competition with Nigel Farage, ex leader of the nationalist UKIP party and Trump fanboy, who is positioning himself as the UKs strongest link to the president-elect and has already met him in New York. In response, May is planning on launching a charm offensive to freeze out Farage and get her reins on Mr. Brexit. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: ATLANTIC SKIES: Stellar asterisms eye-catching pretenders to the constellation throne and just part of the bigger picture Most everyone, or at least most amateur astronomers, are familiar with the constellations in the night sky to some degree. Many, however, may not be familiar with the numerous asterisms in the night sky. What is the difference between a constellation ... By SA Commercial Prop News It's not free of risk and is far more management-intensive than conventional multifamily properties. But student housing has a long history of growth and stability. The rapid growth of university enrollments in the United States has been bolstered by highly favorable demographics, particularly the echo boomer age cohort (those born between 1982 and 1995), and an increasing number of international students. With heightened economic demand for advanced skills and knowledge, more high school graduates are attending full-time colleges. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 68.1 percent of high school graduates went on to attend college as of 2010. MEET THE ECHO BOOMERS The echo boomer generation, whose oldest members became college-aged in 2000-2001, boasts a cohort of 77 million strong. College student populations are expected to continue to grow over the next decade (by an average of 1 percent annually through 2020). According to the National Center for Education Statistics, between 2011 and 2020, U.S. college enrollment is projected to increase by about 2.3 million students. Additionally, colleges have been experiencing a steady increase in international student attendance. The United States has one of the best higher education systems in the world, which draws students worldwide. STATE UNIVERSITY BUDGET CUTS MEAN OPPORTUNITY The majority of housing on public campuses is funded by state budgets, which have been constrained due to budget deficits. A significant number of states are experiencing severe budget deficits due to loss of state tax revenues and no quick turnaround is expected. Decreased state appropriations force universities to prioritize their capital spending, which may lead to limited ability to upgrade aging on-campus housing. Tight public university budgets and substantial investment losses during the market downturn of endowment funds of private colleges have prompted increasing public and private partnership opportunities. School-owned housing facilities can accommodate approximately 30 percent of todays total enrolled student population. Thus, most students not commuting from their parents homes must rely on private apartments or houses as living quarters. A significant amount of on-campus student housing is outdated or inconsistent with current student living standards, boosting demand for new student housing with modern amenities. Because of growing enrollment numbers, on-campus housing capacity as a percentage of undergraduate enrolment actually decreased in relative terms over the past several years. As such, it is likely that university-owned housing has failed to keep pace with the demand growth. Both cap rates and asset pricing have seen strong improvement in the last two years. Furthermore, financing for student housing remains attractive, especially from the government-sponsored lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Yields are generally 75 basis points to 100 basis points higher than those of comparable conventional apartments and student housing investment can provide for unlevered core return opportunities in the 7 percent to 9 percent range. Opportunities exist for all investment strategies: core, value-add and development. STUDENT HOUSING OFFERS UNIQUE RISKS AND CHALLENGES Student housing is not without its unique set of risks and operating challenges. These include a concentrated and cyclical leasing period (generally from October to the following May in a given year), higher maintenance than that of conventional apartments, and significant annual turnover. Therefore, partnering with experienced operators that thoroughly understand the asset class and the local market is critical. Other challenges include: Shorter Leasing Cycle: Most student housing is leased during a narrow window of time from Fall to Spring, which puts pressure on early marketing and leasing efforts to ensure a fully rented building when classes commence in the fall term. Higher Turnover Rate: Unit turnover is low during the academic year, but less than half of the students typically renew, creating high annual turnover that occurs in a concentrated period of time. Development/Redevelopment: Development or redevelopment projects have a very narrow delivery window (the fall semester). If a project misses the beginning of the new school year, it could potentially experience high vacancy until the next school year. Management Intensive: Compared to conventional apartments, student housing presents significant operational challenges, including high turnover, risk management issues and intense marketing, which require a highly experienced operator. Often students are hired as on-site assistants to facilitate property management. Maintenance costs are normally greater for student housing. This real estate niche can provide opportunities for attractive returns and improved portfolio diversification for those investors willing to accept the distinct risks, operating challenges and idiosyncrasies of student housing. Student housing also offers investors some degree of insulation from economic fluctuations. With limited supply of high quality on- and off-campus housing and favorable demand factors, including the increasing need for a university-level education in todays competitive job market, the future seems bright for student housing investment. By Nedbank Mowbray student housing development in Rosebank, Cape Town - External Views Nedbank Corporate Property Finance provided R25 million finance for an upmarket student housing development in Rosebank, Cape Town that was completed last month. Although predominantly aimed at students at the University of Cape Town (UCT), the development is also ideally placed for students attending Varsity College, AFDA, CPUT and Damelin. The development is conveniently located on Durban Road, which borders Mowbray and Rosebank between Liesbeek Parkway and Main Road. The four storey building comprises 55 two-bedroom apartments, each measuring between 34 and 36 m in size. Bedrooms are fully furnished to a high standard of specification, and all kitchens are equipped with stoves, fridges and convection/microwave ovens. Wifi access is available to all tenants. The building has a laundry room, while the first floor courtyard serves as an attractive open-air communal space. Two lounges, each equipped with TV's, are located on the top floor. The development also provides state-of-the-art security, including a 24-hour concierge service, biometric access control systems and CCTV camera monitoring. Since acquiring the erven in 2007 and 2008, the developers Jeremy Chaitman and Shamus Fitzhenry engaged UCT in negotiations to provide a solution to the dire need for more student residences. The developers have let the units privately and at the time of publication the occupation level of the building is over 80%. The skills and experience of our professional property consultants ensure that Nedbank Corporate Property Finance can structure tailor-made financial solutions for financing commercial, industrial, retail and residential developments across a range of property markets. In this particular instance, our finance team worked closely with the developers to structure a financial solution that would allow the opportunities presented by the demand for student accommodation in the area, coupled with the severely restricted supply, to be harnessed to the benefit of all the stakeholders involved, comments Richard Thomas, regional executive Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, Cape. Potential tenants can contact Marion on 074 330 4222. By SA Commercial Prop News John Chapman (left) and Colin Green of Rabie Property Group with Roger Harries and Owen Futeran of the Harries Consortium on the site of the planned additions to the Oasis Luxury Retirement Resort at Century City. Rabie Property Group has acquired from ArrowCreek a 50% stake in the Oasis Joint Venture which is developing the award-winning Oasis Luxury Retirement Resort at Century City. Rabie, together with its Joint Venture partner, the Harries Consortium, are to continue with the development of the resort to realise its full potential. The initial Joint Venture Company acquired land and the rights in 2005 to develop 450 retirement residential opportunities, a Club House and a Care Centre. To date the Club House, the Care Centre and a total of 174 apartments in two apartment blocks have been built and handed over. Apartments range from one bedroom units through to three bedroom apartments and penthouses with only two of the existing apartments remaining to be sold. The total value of sales to date is just over R330 million. Roger Harries said they had a long waiting list of people wishing to buy into the next phase and the planning for additional residential apartments was well advanced. Rabie coming on board will give us a new impetus to realise these plans, he said. Harries said the Oasis Care Centre offers hotel-style assisted living apartments and frail care. It also includes a Sub-Acute Care and Post-Operative facility as well as a specialist Alzheimer's and Dementia wing which are both licenced by the Department of Health and subject to stringent and regular inspection procedures In addition the Sub-acute section has been issued a Practice Number by the Board of Health Funders of SA (BHFSA) which allows Medical Aid patients to be admitted. Harries said the Oasis Club is a luxurious and well-equipped indoor and outdoor centre offering an array of facilities including a 25m indoor heated pool, massage room, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym, a library, lounge areas, a restaurant, bar and billiard room. Our future planning also includes an extension to these communal leisure facilities, he said. Colin Green of Rabie Property Group said the Oasis Luxury Retirement Resort, which has won both national and international awards, was truly in a class of its own and was an important element of the Century City offering. We are delighted to have the opportunity to get involved and add value. For us it is a natural progression of things allowing us to cover the full spectrum of residential development at Century City from starter homes through to retirement. According to recent reports, ExxonMobil Corporation XOM is in talks with the Chadian government regarding a record fine of $74 billion that the oil major was asked to pay last month by a court in the country owing to dispute over royalties. The fine was imposed by a court in the central African nation after the Finance Ministry said that a consortium led by ExxonMobil had not met tax obligations. Alongside, the court also ordered the company to pay overdue royalties of $819 million. Per the sources, ExxonMobil has appealed against the Oct 5 ruling by the High Court. Reportedly, the appeals court hearing has been deferred because of negotiations between the company and the Chadian government. The penalty exceeds the $61.6 billion financial blow BP plc BP incurred after the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010. Notably, the accident had killed 11 rig workers and contaminated the Gulf of Mexico with crude for months. The aforesaid fine is also 70 times larger than the $977.5 million ExxonMobil was ordered to pay fishermen and other victims of the 1989 Valdez oil spill in Alaska. According to the governments general director of legal affairs, the penalty is in sync with the customs code of a regional organization the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States of which Chad is a member. Interestingly, the charge is almost six times Chads gross domestic product. EXXON MOBIL CRP Price EXXON MOBIL CRP Price | EXXON MOBIL CRP Quote The code specifies that, in the event of fraudulent behavior, as is the case, the fine should amount to double the value of the object of the fraud. According to the central African nation, the consortium should pay 2% in royalties on crude exports even if ExxonMobil argues that it inked an agreement with the government in 2009 that set the royalties at 0.2%. Further, the governments general director of legal affairs pointed out that the previous convention wasnt ratified by parliament and never signed by the head of state. Earlier in the year, the government announced a series of strict measures to deal with the steep decline in oil income its main source of foreign revenues. For about two weeks judicial workers, including judges, have been on strike alongside medical staff and teachers. ExxonMobil started exploring Chad for crude in 2001 and has been procuring oil from the region since 2003. The company also operates a pipeline that transfers Chadian oil to a marine terminal in Cameroon for export. The two other companies named in the case are Chevron Corp. CVX and Malaysias state-owned Petroliam Nasional Bhd. Chevron divested its stake in Chad in 2014. None of the partners of the consortium disclosed any details regarding the progress. ExxonMobil currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Another better-ranked player from the same sector is SunCoke Energy Inc. SXC, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. SunCoke Energy posted a positive earnings surprise of 177.78% in the preceding quarter. It reported a positive earnings surprise in three of the four preceding quarters. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these 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 BP PLC (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report SUNCOKE ENERGY (SXC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Several local companies successful in Best of the Best awards They say the first step towards solving a problem is recognising there is one. Unlike many families in Samoa, Kolopa Fili, from the village of Saleimoa is not afraid to admit her family is struggling. With her husband earning the family $80 tala a week, Kolopa says its just not enough. They even had their water cut-off three years ago because they couldnt afford to pay for it. I admit, we dont have any water source now, she told the Village Voice. We had water before but we couldnt afford it so we got cut off. Its been about three years and the bill is so much now. We cant afford it. We went to the Samoa Water Authority and request if they can help us out a little but they said we need to clear our bill first. Its too much for us so we simply cant get water. They manage to get some help with their water problem from nearby families but its just not enough. The family living back there is where we get our water from, Kolopa said. When we need water for cooking, showering or laundry then we ask them if we can use their water. One of my concerns is my Children who are schooling, they need water. We just cant afford it. Asked for their plans to solve the water problem, Kolopa says they are looking into trying to get a water tank. The one thing we are looking to now is a water tank, she said. To be able to store water from rain inside a water tank will be great for my family. We cant get water any other way so we are trying to get that tank. When we use our neighbours water then we always help with their bill. Another issue Kolopa and her family faces is not having enough money. Although her husband works very hard, minimum wage always has the last say. The man of the house works very hard, she said. But its not like those jobs which pay a lot. The job is also all the way in town so sometimes he would have to sleep at his siblings house over there. He has no other choice because sometimes we cant afford transportation. All of the money goes to taking care of the family and we only have something nice to eat like chicken on Sundays. I try and manage the money wisely so we can take care of as many things as possible. Kolopa says that the weekly $80 earned by her husband can barely keep the family afloat. My husband comes home at the end of the week with his $80 pay, she said. By the time we get to Monday, there is nothing left because there are too many things that need money. The money is just not enough. We have to buy things for food, bus fares, and other small things and $80 cant cover everything but we still try and manage. Asked if there is poverty in Samoa, Kolopa says that those who deny it are scared to admit it. People know there is poverty in Samoa, she said. Not having enough money and with the very high cost of living, thats what I believe poverty is and many families fall under that category. People are just scared to admit it. NEW YORK (AP) Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. And an apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump team's ability to coordinate with President Barack Obama's White House. With Trump out of sight for several days, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nation's top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trump's transition team was reviewing Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the country's nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters as he walked through the lobby of Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch has slowed Trump's ability to coordinate with the White House. Pence has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pence's promotion makes it invalid. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centers in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them "equal partners." Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. "That organization right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trump's team on Twitter, calling them "angry, arrogant." Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trump's team, he had "changed my recommendation." With Trump's team divided, emboldened Republicans on Capitol Hill moved forward with a united front. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter during the campaign, unanimously won his GOP colleagues' votes for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had Trump's support, and heralded "the dawn of a new, unified Republican government." Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. "If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. "As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously." Trump's team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trump's selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take U.S. foreign policy. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, a loyal Trump ally and immigration hard-liner, is said to be a contender for defense secretary. Trump also is considering Richard Grenell as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, which would bring some experience and diversity to his nascent administration. Grenell, who served as U.S. spokesman at the U.N. under President George W. Bush, would be the first openly gay person to fill a Cabinet-level foreign policy post. BEIRUT (AP) Russian missiles pounded opposition targets in Syria on Tuesday, the start of a much-anticipated offensive, while activists reported the resumption of bombing in rebel-held neighborhoods of Aleppo for the first time in nearly a month, apparently by Syrian government warplanes. The Russian blitz began hours after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria in a phone call and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy "international terrorism and extremism." Russia said its offensive, using long-range missiles and its carrier-borne jets in combat for the first time on opposition areas in Syria, focused on rebel-held northern Idlib province and parts of the central province of Homs. It didn't mention the besieged eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo. The new offensive was a sharp snub to the Obama administration and its policy toward Syria, and augurs a major escalation in the coming days that would put tens of thousands of civilians in serious danger. Months of negotiations between Moscow and the Obama administration have failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between President Bashar Assad and rebels fighting to topple him, some of whom receive U.S. aid. Al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo. In announcing the start of what he called "a major operation," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would target positions of the Islamic State group and al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate in Idlib and Homs provinces. Appearing alongside Putin, Shoigu said Su-33 jets from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov were involved in the operation, marking the carrier's combat debut in Syria. A Russian navy frigate was also launching long-range Kalibr cruise missiles at militant targets, he said. The Russian strikes were aimed at ammunition depots, training camps and armaments factories, Shoigu said, adding that before launching the attacks, military intelligence had thoroughly identified and selected targets, including factories producing toxic chemical agents. "It's a well-developed, industrial-scale production," he said, adding that the strikes will continue. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau criticized Russia for launching the strikes and failing to facilitate aid deliveries to opposition-held areas of Aleppo. "We strongly condemn the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," she told reporters in Washington. "We've consistently pushed for the provision of humanitarian aid to these civilians suffering under siege. Instead of joining us constructively to reach that goal, Russia again has backed the Assad regime in their ruthless war against the Syrian people." Trudeau also condemned reports of attacks on hospitals and a mobile clinic in Syria, saying Washington believes they are a violation of international law. Hours before the start of the Russian offensive on Tuesday, opposition groups said at least three hospitals in rural parts of Aleppo province controlled by the rebels were knocked out of service following direct airstrikes. Russian Defense Ministry Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov denied any airstrikes on hospitals or any other target in Aleppo, calling the allegations and the "public rhetoric by the State Department ... blatant lies." "The Russian and Syrian air forces haven't conducted any strikes on Aleppo for 28 days," Konashenkov said. Opposition activists said strikes Tuesday on opposition-held areas of Aleppo included helicopter-borne barrel bombs like the ones used by the Syrian government in the past, and targeted multiple neighborhoods throughout the day. "People are scared. The bombardment is intense," activist Baraa al-Halaby, who is based in eastern Aleppo, said via text message. By late afternoon, Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Syrian Civil Defense in Aleppo city, said his group had counted 72 air raids in nine neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo. Initial reports said at least seven people were killed and 32 were wounded in attacks that mostly hit residential areas in the besieged city, he said. Sounds of warplanes flying at low altitude could be heard over the phone as he spoke. A resident of rebel-held eastern Aleppo reported more Syrian ground troops were being deployed on the city's edge, saying he feared a major ground operation was looming. Some 275,000 residents are estimated to be trapped in that part of Aleppo. "There is real preparation (for an offensive) now," Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher, said by telephone. Meanwhile, a reporter for Syrian state TV, speaking from government-held western Aleppo, said Syrian troops were preparing to attack eastern parts of the city from nine directions. Four weeks ago, Russia said it would halt weeks of deadly airstrikes to allow rebels and supporters to leave eastern Aleppo. The rebels refused to take up the offer and the United Nations failed to negotiate the delivery of aid into the besieged area. No aid has entered the area since July, and the U.N. and aid groups have warned of depleting supplies. Besides the reported strikes on hospitals in Aleppo province on Tuesday, the U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights said another hospital east of the city of Idlib was hit by an airstrike on Sunday. Since Syria's conflict started in 2011, the group said it has recorded 382 attacks on medical facilities and hospitals throughout Syria. Of those, 293 were carried out by government forces and 16 were by Russian warplanes, it said. "Over and over again, hospitals and emergency rooms are placed in the crosshairs of a conflict that seems endless and unyielding in its cruelty," said Elise Baker, research coordinator for the rights group. "As long as Syria and Russia continue their scorched earth strategy across the country, there are no safe havens." Dear Editor, I would like to ask the Assistant Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Legal Division in the Police Department some questions: 1) Did you provide written or verbal advice to the Commissioner of Police (P.C.) on all matters that are raised in the ghost letter which was sent to the Prime Minister? 2) If you have in your possession written advice on the matters raised in the ghost letter, why did you not quote them? 3) Do you agree that the P.C. should exercise his discretionary powers to do what he deems fit to protect the Police Officers under his watch when it comes to raids on drug pushers and situations that could present danger? Even in public places, people carry guns and knives - do you and your gang know those facts? Or are you living in La La land? 4) Were there Police officers killed in drug raids in villages? (My answer is a big Yes.) Do you disagree with Acting P.C. Samoa Mulinuu Samoa when he said Police Officers need not carry firearms in villages and public places? If you agree with him, do you have the facts to support Police Officer Samoa? Or is it a wild theory? 5) Have you not sworn or lusted in uniform? God is your witness? 6) Concerning the raid in the market; did you and other A.C.E.O.s vet the intel from the officers who gathered the info? Did you as the lawyer, legal front man in the management raise questions on the market raid and is there evidence to support you? Did you advise the P.C. not to go ahead with the raid? Why blame the P.C. for poor intel? Isnt market raid a judgemental call rather than a straight jack- sit- behind the desk study of facts after all that is the nature of the beast? It is an operation? Or was it an orchestrated move to derail his position? 7) Did you support the P.C. or did you actively undermine him by not working with him on these matters? 8) What are you? Do you disagree with the views of the majority of the Samoan people that you and your gang are lotoleaga under-achievers+ eg because you did not get the P.C. job? 9) Finally, dont you realise the ghost letter contains evidence that P.C. Fuiavailili could use for civil suits against you and your rot? Now, the implication of this development for public interest. The ghost letter is public evidence that these police officers are not suitable to be in the Police Department. Are these management officers including the junior officers in the Police the breeding ground for a COUP in the government? My question to you, Acting Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu and the legal frontman in the Police - in the recent gangland like lockdown on P.C. Fuiavailii after he was cleared by the Court- what did you two advise the Minister of Police Sala Fata Pinati? In our view, the 10 charges against P.C. Fuiavailili are frivolous ones and are self inflicting and attract the charges of a- mole -in- some- under cover operation undermining the police work in the department. This is criminal behaviour in an institution like the Police Department where we the citizens of Samoa for instance expect upright characters in uniform. Your move is ground for civil suits by P.C. Fuiavailili against your group and Minister Sala Pinati? As you all agreed in your ghost letter, only the P.C. under the Police Act makes the decisions on these matters. Well the P.C. has made his decisions on these matters, so you all should have gotten your ass into gear, support and do your work. If you failed to advise him in accordance with your job description, blame yourselves. Dont blame the P.C. You suffer from some Freudian problems of the mind? In that connection, we remind you that P.C. Fuiavailili is not a foreigner. Your group twisted his work at L.A.P.D. in America as a punching bag like he knows only policing in America and not qualified to policing work in Samoa. P.C. Fuiavailili is an old boy of Avele College. He is a proud Samoan from the district of Palauli. He is a competent, experienced, morally-right, street-smart, God-fearing cop who is just doing his job. His family like many families have helped build this country. As for the Minister of Police, he should resign from his position as protocol and acceptable norm of ministerial behaviour in a civilised democratic society would dictate. If not he should be sacked. His decision which the mutineers in the Police Department cited as authority in the lockdown on P.C. Fuiavailili makes it abundantly clear that he publicly challenged and humiliated Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi who rightly reinstated after the Court hearing cleared P.C. Fuiavailili of any wrong doing to full duty. And the P.M. is absolutely right. He has the authority under law to do so and Cabinet has a F.K. on P.C. Fuiavaililis appointment in the first instance as Commissioner of Police of the Independent State of Samoa. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele has the authority and good judgment to reinstate P.C. Fuiavailili after the Court cleared his name under the West Minister Cabinet system of government. That is proper and good governance. The dots and the commas dont matter anymore. Lefeaufa In support of P.C. Fuiavailili E. Keil District of Palauli, Savaii With help from Republican lawmakers, Donald Trump as president will follow through on his campaign promise to get rid of Obamacare , Sen. John Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon for 24 years, told CNBC on Tuesday. Barrasso, the fourth-ranking member in the Senate GOP leadership, promised a "smooth transition" for the millions of Americans who receive health insurance through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. They won't be left out in the cold, without coverage, he added. Trump suggested on CBS's "60 Minutes" on Sunday he might keep two pillars of President Barack Obama 's signature health-care law the prohibition on denials for pre-existing condition and the inclusion of coverage for children in their mid-20s under their parents' insurance. "Don't get fixated on some of this phraseology. Obamacare is over. We promised to repeal and replace it. And that's what we're going to do," the Wyoming senator said in a "Squawk Box" interview. Trump has said that even the "good ideas" in Obamacare need to weighed against their costs, added Barrasso, chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, which works to advance conservative ideas. But until the "sledgehammer" of change happens on this "costly, complicated, and collapsing" law, Barrasso said, there are a number of measures Trump can take on Day 1 of his presidency "with the pen and the phone," including relief for Americans and businesses experiencing tough times because of the mandates. Open enrollment for Obamacare coverage next year, which began on Nov. 1, ends on Jan. 31 11 days after Trump is set to be inaugurated as the nation's 45th president. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told "Fox News Sunday" the president-elect was considering convening a special session of Congress on the day he's sworn in to repeal Obamacare. Everyone has their own struggles to deal with. For Faitasiga Oli, from the village of Nuu, she is no exception. But she works hard hoping her children will have a better future than she can provide. Aged 41, Faitasiga runs a small roadside stall to help her hard working husband out with earning money. She admits that they dont make enough but their one and only priority is her childrens future. Money management can only stretch the money they have so far but Faitasiga still does her best. My husband is currently working and my children are currently in school, she told the Village Voice. One of the hardest things is getting my husbands pay and knowing its not enough to cover all of our needs. I admit, we are struggling with life. We try our best to manage our money the best we can but its just not enough. Thats why when my husband goes to work, I make my way to the plantation and grab some things to sell. I try and do my part with earning money in the family because the pay people in Samoa get isnt much. Through their struggle, an important lesson Faitasiga has learnt is that working together as a family will help you overcome many obstacles. It is very important to work together as a family, she said. My husband works hard to put food on the table so it makes me happy to make some money too from our plantation. There are many fathers who dont try and help out their family but there are also those who do their best. My husbands hard work is what motivates me to help out as much as possible. Another motivation is how expensive things are getting nowadays. The bills are increasing and things are becoming more and more unaffordable. With all her children currently in college and with the increasing cost of living, Faitasiga expects things to only get worse for her family. I have three children and they are our number one priority, she said. All of my children are in college now and its not easy to provide all their needs. Not only that; but the cost of living is also getting ridiculously high. When I hold $100 then it feels like $10, thats how much prices have gone up. We are struggling and thats why I want my children to do their best in school. Asked for her dream, Faitasiga says all she wants is for her children to do well in life for their sake. My dream is for my children to have a good life, she said. I always tell my children to pay attention to the struggles we are currently facing and to understand how hard life can get. I tell them not to follow in their parents footsteps and to do well in school. I want their future to be a good one and not one of struggle. Samoan buses are one of the countrys most unique features. They impress with their special appearance, colorful decoration and happy music. It is more of party than a bus trip. The music and colorful decor are so far from any bus I have experienced in New Zealand, but that is what makes it fun, Sinead Mahood gushes when asked about the buses by the Samoa Observer. Danish Jeanette Svendsen also enjoys their great vibes. They are an important part of making Apia a charming town to stroll around. Lena Guenther-Seggl finds that it is a must-do to get on a bus. The Austrian often just hops on the bus which has her favorite colors or music, as they all return to the station in Apia at one point. Especially the music on the bus really lifts up your mood, even though I expected less European and American music says Pauline Moehle from Germany. Ted Chen from Taiwan on the other hand feels like the music reflects the Samoan lifestyle and beliefs in a good way as it sounds relaxed and free, but also focuses on God and religion. Tourists are especially fond of the prices and the people. It is cheap and easy and you are always bound to meet someone friendly to chat to on the way Sinead reports. You have just got to be weary of the cheeky boys in the back. If you are lucky enough you will get off the bus 2$ lighter but also with a Samoan boyfriend tagging along. Ted Chen will remember the buses as a very interesting aspect about Samoa. My most memorable experience is the lap ride. People sit on each other as a way of helping each other and shortening the personal bubble. But is there only a negative side about the bus transport? Lena Guenther-Seggl criticizes their lack of safety. The buses are crowded most of the time, there is nothing to hold on to and the safety is highly controversial. But that is just Samoa. Ted Chen agrees and adds that the system could be improved. There are no tickets, money boxes or bus plans, which of course speaks for trusting people, but also makes buses a more unreliable form of transportation. Sinead thinks that this definitely affects foreigners and gets them thinking about which form of transport to choose. I think palagis tend to go for other options, but once you embrace the noise and the three children sitting on your lap you will realize it is a pretty cool experience which you do not get back home. Despite having no formal design training, his entrepreneurial savvy has made him a household name and an inspiration in the local and international fashion designing circles. His appreciation for the female form inspired him to turn his love of dressmaking into a calling. Before graduating from Samoa College, he was already involved in the designing business. He is among the remaining pioneers who organised the first Miss South Pacific Pageant in 1987 still on active duty. His decades of experience have earned him the right to he hailed as one of Samoas highly acclaimed award-winning fashion designers. It has taken him years of hard work, multiple trips to fashion shows overseas and countless headaches to be where he is today. But underneath all that glamour, he remains humble, self-effacing and calls himself as a low profile kinda of person. Let us introduce you toRupi Taituuga, fashion designer extraordinaire and master of bright colors, bold prints, and embellished designs. His resume is impeccable packed by winning trophies from numerous Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific Pageants littering his sewing shop and office near the New Zealand Airs Office in downtown Apia. Rupi is also the mastermind of the first 2005 Fashion Show Awards in Samoa sponsored by the Samoa Broadcasting Corporation or TV 1. The following year, Rupi claimed the Mens Wear in the 2006 SamoaTel Fashion Awards. And his reign was eminent as the overall winner of the Best Designer awards of the Samoa Tourism Authority-hosted 2012 Miss Teuila Pageant. Rupi took out all three special awards as designer for the Best Traditionally Inspired Attire, Best Sarong wear and Best Puletasi. Its been quite an experience to be here this long but at the end of the day its all about enjoying what I love the most, said Rupi. I dont see myself as a designer extraordinaire but more of a meticulous seamstress with tonnes of thought provoking ideas. And in a few weeks, Rupi creativity will surface again in the Miss Pacific Island Pageant in Apia. The pageant represents a gateway for Samoa designers to step up and take the limelight to showcase their ingenuity and talents, he says. And it is great to see that the new and imminent designers are part of the Miss Pacific Pageant. This is their time, their moment to shine and the opportunity to stand up for the region and the world to take notice. So what advice would Rupi give to aspiring designers? Hang in there. Stick with it. Learn from people who have tried and failed and tried and succeeded. Don't take 'no' for an answer. Take risks. Don't take things personally. Have a clear focus and message, and always keep that in mind as you develop your designs. You can never please everyone but putting your own stamp on everything is what makes the product unique. What advice would Rupi give to Rupi? Stop freaking out when there are problems. Fix it if you can. If you can't, go to sleep and try again tomorrow! And take a break once in a while. Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, has declined to comment on a call for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate internal issues at the Ministry of Police. He told the Samoa Observer the in fighting at the Ministry of Police is an issue for the government. The Ombudsman was asked for a comment in response to a call by Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, urging the Ombudsman to clean up the Police system. But Maiava was reluctant to talk about the current situation at Police. For him (Olo) there is a big problem somewhere, said Maiava. (It) should be examined fully I guess. What Im trying to say, its an issue for government and its not for me to comment on. But as an ordinary citizen, any problem is worth of examination and understanding. Asked about the number of ghost letters penned by police officers alleging internal problems between Police officers and the management of the Ministry, the Ombudsman said he was unaware of them. I dont read a lot of that stuff, he said. Last week, an overseas-based prosecutor, Paul Dacre QC, withdrew charges against the Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili, in the Supreme Court. After reviewing the case, Mr. Dacre said, I am of the clear view that the evidence is no longer sufficient to show a reasonable prospect of conviction. The charges against Fuiava initially arose from actions by the National Prosecution Office relying on findings in a comprehensive report by Ombudsman Maiava into a police raid for member of the public, Suitupe Misa. In that report published in April 2016, Maiava described the incident at Fugalei market on 18th August 2015 as a watershed moment in the history of Samoa where police used firearms in a public place to carry out a pre-planned arrest of an individual. Mr. Misa was arrested at gunpoint by a contingent of armed plain clothed officers in front of a shocked and distressed Fugalei marketplace. It transpired that Mr. Misa had "committed no crime" and the arrest was "carried out based on insubstantial and second-hand evidence." The Commissioner of Police failed to meet basic investigation principles and placed undue consideration on second hand evidence, leading directly to the wrongful and unlawful arrest of Suitupe, the reports findings read. The Commissioners decision to arm and allow the use of firearms by his officers contravened the Use of Force policy, was irresponsible, and could negatively impact the overall safety and security within Samoa. The Commissioner failed to take appropriate steps to identify the actions of his officers as being part of a police operation, leading to widespread distress and in one case serious health issues. Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff, is standing by Cabinets decision to suspend the Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, for the second time. In response to an email from the Samoa Observer, Lemalu pointed out that the law makes it clear the Police Commissioner should be suspended pending Court proceedings. The Attorney Generals Office position is the law, says Lemalu. The law says that when the Police Commissioner is charged with an offence, he or she is to be suspended awaiting the outcome of the charges in Court. Cabinet has confirmed that position which has led to Mr. Keil being suspended that being, awaiting the outcome of the new charge(s). Lemalu, who has also taken over the National Prosecution Office following the suspension of the Director, Mauaga Precious Chang and Acting Director, Muriel Lui, said N.P.O. would handle the charges. The prosecution of these new charges will be placed with the Assistant Director of N.P.O., Ms Leone Sua. She will review and assist police directly with this matter. According to the Attorney General his office was informed by the Police that Fuiavailiili was in custody for charges which includes amongst others one charge of incite to murder. A charge our Office later received a copy of when it was filed in court by the Police, Lemalu says. Furthermore, he confirmed that the petition of no confidence to remove Fuiavailiili was not the reason why he was arrested on Monday. Earlier this week, Cabinet confirmed the suspension of the Police Commissioner pending investigation and a Court decision on charges against him. A statement from the Press Secretariat stated that Fuiavailiili had resumed his duties on Monday having being reinstated by Cabinet last week after charges on a separate matter had been withdrawn against him by an independent prosecutor. On Monday when Fuiava was suspended, the then Acting Commissioner, Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu said the Commission was facing more than 10 firearms related charges. Another charge is incite and procure to murder pursuant to section 105 of the Crimes Act 2013. Samoa said the charges stemmed from an alleged incident during one of the Police drug raids in 2015. One firearm-related charge is in connection to an AK47 the Commissioner authorized to be used by the Tactical Operation Unit (T.O.S) The Australian Federal Police (A.F.P) remains committed to help Samoa despite the latest developments within the Ministry of Police. Yesterday, A.F.P representative, Peter Timson, declined to comment on reports they had threatened to pull out over an incident at the station when the Police Commissioner, Fuiavaiiliili Egon Keil, was arrested and charged. The Samoa Observer was told by a reliable source that A.F.P officials had tried to intervene to speak to Fuiava but they were threatened. Asked for a comment yesterday, Mr. Timson said: We are still in Samoa and we are not leaving. There are a lot of people that you can talk to about what happened. But I cannot comment at this stage. Mr. Timson was also asked if the assistance for the Samoan police will be affected due to the current situation at the Ministry of Police. Not at this stage, he said. Questions were also sent to the Australian High Commission for a comment from High Commissioner, Sue Langford. In response via email, a statement from the High Commissioner said: The Australian Federal Police continues to provide capacity building development assistance to the Samoa Police Service. A.F.P. began its partnership with the Samoan police in 2009 and operates within the framework of the Samoa Australia Partnership for Development. The relationship with the Samoa Police service and A.F.P. is within the broader context of external support to Samoas law and justice sector. In January this year, the Police Commissioner accepted a donation worth $41,500 tala of equipment from the A.F.P. for Samoan Police. The donation includes six police detailed bikes, 12 video cameras, police caps and spare parts. In April 2013, Australia also donated six new police vehicles under the Samoa Australia Police Partnership to the then Samoa Police and Prison Service. California remains a national force in life sciences California, the nations birthplace of biotechnology, continues to add jobs in that sector and the life sciences in general, a trade association reported Wednesday. While growth is slow, the life sciences remain a potent economic force, especially in San Diego County and the San Francisco Bay area. There are also signs of expansion in Los Angeles County, which has long been overshadowed by its neighbors to the north and south. Life sciences staffing grew by 2 percent from 2014 through last year to reach direct employment of 287,200 people and indirect employment of 597,000 workers for a total of 884,200 individuals, according to an analysis by the California Life Sciences Association. Frankly, there simply is no state that compares to California, said Sara Radcliffe, the associations president and CEO. The numbers speak for themselves. Life sciences encompass areas mainly concerned with health care, such as biotechnology and medical devices. Besides its economic importance, the industry provides badly needed new therapies such as drugs and equipment for everything from diabetes management to monitoring of a hospital patients vitals. The Golden State added 192 life science companies in 2015 compared with the previous year, for a total of 3,040, the report said. In all, these businesses generated $147.7 billion in revenue. Life science companies in California received 264 government approvals for medical devices last year, the report stated. Moreover, 1,269 experimental medications were progressing through clinical trials as of Sept. 7 this year, led by those aimed at combating cancer, infections diseases and nervous system disorders. California stands out as a major force in these fields, said George Goodno, a spokesman for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, commonly called BIO, which represents the life science industry nationwide. California has the nations largest bioscience employment base, with a high level of specialization across the spectrum of industry sub-sectors, Goodno said. The California bioscience industry also enjoys an annual wage that significantly exceeds the average for bioscience workers across the country. He added: The size and strength of Californias bioscience workforce played an important role in BIOs decision to return the BIO International Convention to California for the second year in a row, this (coming) June 19-22 in San Diego. We expect to draw over 15,000 attendees from more than 65 countries this summer. Regional clusters San Diego County, with nearly 9 percent of the states population, employs 13 percent of its life science workforce. The figure for the seven-county San Francisco Bay area, with 21 percent of Californias population, is 24 percent. And the jobs pay well: San Diego Countys life science employees earned an average wage of $138,951 in 2015, the association said in its new report. That number was exceeded only by the Bay areas $162,226 and Ventura and Santa Barbara counties $200,018. Los Angeles County, which accounts for 20 percent of all life science staffing in California, saw a comparatively low average wage of $73,368 in the same year. But Radcliffe said there are also early signs that the county, regarded as less entrepreneurial in life sciences than the states traditional biomedical hubs, is becoming more active. Los Angeles County has long had stellar academic institutions, some really terrific companies, but we are really seeing growth at this point, she said. Biocom, the San Diego-based life sciences trade association, recently opened an office in downtown Los Angeles. The group aims to combine the Los Angeles regions strengths in infrastructure, global trade and research with San Diegos talent for both performing research and commercializing it. The California Life Sciences Association followed suit in September, establishing its own Los Angeles office. It has partnered with LA BioMed, a nonprofit research institute in Torrance, and the biotech incubator Lab Launch in Monrovia. Were where San Francisco and San Diego were 20 years ago, Dr. Shlomo Melmed, dean of the medical faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said in the report. That hospital, along with UC Los Angeles, the University of Southern California and CalTech , has attracted nearly $693 million from the National Institutes of Health this year. National stature Two of the biggest biotech companies in the world make their headquarters in California: Amgen in Thousand Oaks, worth $109 billion, and Gilead Sciences in Foster City, worth $101 billion. But in the larger pharmaceutical industry, they are eclipsed by companies such as Merck, worth $175 billion, and Johnson & Johnson, worth $316 billion. Both are based in New Jersey. Meanwhile, California remains a life science leader in getting research dollars. Its the top state for funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $3.47 billion last year, according to the new report. Massachusetts, the runner-up, received $2.52 billion. The statistics align with those from another group, a research advocacy organization called United for Medical Research. However, the California Life Sciences Association said various comparisons between California and other states are difficult because the states often differ in how they classify sectors within the industry. For example, the new reports list of top biopharmaceutical and medical device employers by state ranked Massachusetts in seventh place, with 33,414 workers. But MassBio, that states life science trade group, gave the total in those two fields as more than 78,000 employees. Another challenge in drawing such comparisons is that the distribution of life science clusters can vary between states. The greater Boston area came in first among life science clusters in a 2015 survey by the commercial real estate company JLL. The Raleigh-Durham region ranked second, the San Francisco Bay area third and San Diego fourth. However, Californias life science industry is spread between multiple regions, while the great majority of Massachusetts activities are concentrated in the Boston area. bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1020 As the Stater Bros. supermarket chain began to grow rapidly under Jack H. Browns guidance, the chief executive resisted overtures to move the company out of his home county of San Bernardino. He said no to Los Angeles and Riverside and then to Nevada and Arizona, choosing instead to plant the company flag firmly in his hometown, a city that others had fled. Then he invested in the town, its charities and its children. He did not forget his roots, said Pat Morris, a longtime friend and a former San Bernardino mayor. Thats the kind of guy he is. He just doesnt stop giving back. Advertisement Brown, the former chief executive and longtime leader of Stater Bros. Markets, died Sunday at 78. The company did not give a cause of death. Grief is not a strong enough word to describe what the Stater Bros. Family feels, Stater Bros. Chief Executive Pete Van Helden said in the statement. Jack touched every one of us in a very personal way, and it is that legacy that we must carry forward. Stater Bros. Executive Chairman Jack H. Brown in the produce department of a Stater Bros. supermarket in Chino Hills. (Robert Lachman/Los Angeles Times ) Brown, a San Bernardino native, was first immersed in the grocery store business at age 13 when he got a job as a box boy at Berks Market Spot in his hometown. He joined Stater Bros. in 1981 as the companys president and served as chief executive and president for more than 35 years, according to Stater Bros. He stepped down from those positions earlier this year, assuming the role of executive chairman. Under Browns watch, the Stater Bros. chain grew. In 1980, there were about 90 stores, according to the International Directory of Company Histories. As of October, the grocery chain had 169 locations. The companys expansion was aided in 1999 when Stater Bros. acquired 43 Albertsons and Lucky supermarket stores, a divestment required by federal regulators to approve a $11.7-billion merger between Albertsons Inc. and American Stores Co., Luckys parent firm. The privately held Stater Bros. has stayed independent for most of its history, turning down offers to merge or be acquired by other chains, according to Supermarket News. In a 2011 interview with the trade publication, Brown, then Stater Bros. chief executive, said he never found a company or investment group where he felt comfortable putting the future of the Stater Bros. family in their hands. I care a lot about these people, he said. They know it, I know it and even the customers know it, and thats why we call ourselves the Stater Bros. family. Throughout his career, Brown remained devoted to his hometown. In 2008, he moved its headquarters from Colton back to San Bernardino, spurning offers from Los Angeles and Riverside Counties. other cities and states. In an interview with the Times in 2004, Brown said that being able to keep the Stater Bros. family at home was something that was on our minds, although we had to make the best business decision for the company. His dedication to San Bernardino also showed in the philanthropic causes he supported. Brown created the nonprofit Stater Bros. Charities in 2008, and also was a founder of the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino, according to Stater Bros. Brown was the founding chairman of Childrens Fund of San Bernardino, a charity that helps at-risk youth. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the 1.4 million children we have been able to serve since he created us, said Stacy Iverson, president and CEO of Childrens Fund. Brown also donated $10 million to California State University San Bernardino, which named its business and public administration school after him. A Navy veteran, Brown also received awards recognizing his support of volunteer services for veterans and their families. Jack was probably the last of the great local charitable heroes that could always be called on, Morris said. It comes back down to this love of community, love of place. Morris first met Brown when the two were young men in their early 20s, working on the railroad to make money for college. Brown first studied business administration at San Bernardino Valley College in the late 1950s before attending San Jose State University and UCLA. Brown is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters J. Kathleen Smith, Cara Hoffman and Melissa Koss; and seven grandchildren. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com For more business news, follow me @smasunaga UPDATES: 3:20 p.m.: This article was updated to include more details about Browns philanthropic efforts and his impact at Stater Bros. This article was originally published at 11:40 a.m. A lawsuit filed by a group that wants to see the 3.6 million pounds of nuclear waste at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) transferred some place else perhaps Arizona will proceed, a superior court judge in San Diego has ruled. The advocacy group, Citizens Oversight, in its suit claims the California Coastal Commission was wrong in October 2015 when it approved a permit to store the spent nuclear waste in dry casks at the SONGS site within sight of the Pacific Ocean. Attorneys for the Coastal Commission and Southern California Edison (SCE) wanted the suit thrown out, saying Citizens Oversight attorney Michael Aguirre had missed a 90-day filing deadline earlier this year. SCE operates SONGS, which is in the process of being decommissioned. Advertisement In a tentative ruling in August, Superior Court Judge Judith Hayes appeared to agree with the Coastal Commission and SCE attorneys but the judge changed course and denied the motion to dismiss the case in papers filed last week. Noting that the waste is located within 50 miles of 8.4 million residents, Hayes ruled the questions surrounding the filing were not as important as hearing the challenge to the Coastal Commissions permit because the stakes for the environment are so high. As a result, the lawsuit will proceed. It is scheduled to begin March 30, with Hayes presiding. We are really, really thankful to have the chance to make the argument on the merits of the case, Aguirre told the Union-Tribune Wednesday. Edison should be responsible for finding another location (to put the waste) and thats really what were striving for. A spokeswoman for the Coastal Commission declined comment while Maureen Brown, spokeswoman for SCE, said the decision involved a procedural issue and was not a judgment on the merits of the case. Once the hearing starts in March, Citizens Oversight will argue that SCE should consider moving the SONGS waste to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located about 50 miles west of Phoenix. SCE owns a 15.8 percent stake in the Arizona plant. It may be the best spent-fuel installation site in the country, Aguirre said. But SCE officials have long maintained that moving the waste to Arizona is impractical and raises a host of problems, including issues with the federal governments Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We dont view that as a feasible option because Palo Verdes NRC license only permits Palo Verde to store its own fuel there, not fuel from other reactors, Brown said. Whats more, according to the NRC, Palo Verde uses a different storage design than SONGS. Before receiving any fuel, Palo Verde would need to do an evaluation to determine whether the system used at SONGS could be used at Palo Verde, Maureen Conley, public affairs officer at the NRC, said in an email to the Union-Tribune in August. There are also questions about how the waste would be moved whether by rail or by truck, for instance and the coordination such a project would require among agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy. In addition, the prospect of transporting the waste to Arizona would doubtless generate protests from the Grand Canyon State. Aguirre said the Arizona site is just one of a number of options and the Coastal Commissions decision is putting all the burden on the San Diego area. Theres no reason the permit cannot be amended, Aguirre said. rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski The head of a San Diego cybersecurity start-up has resigned from his job and apologized for his alcohol-fueled, election-night rant on social media about assassinating President-Elect Donald Trump. PacketSleds Matt Harrigan said in an interview with the Union-Tribune on Tuesday that his Facebook comments about shooting Trump were meant as a joke. The thing I want to get across most is I want to apologize, said Harrigan, his voice cracking. What I said was incredibly dumb, perhaps the dumbest thing I have ever said. I really only have myself to blame for this. Advertisement Harrigan, 42, resigned Tuesday as CEO of PacketSled, a 25-employee start-up that he founded in 2013. He called the resignation a joint decision by the companys board and himself. That is the price I pay for the comments that I made, he said. Since his posts went viral, Harrigan has received death threats. He has turned off his mobile phone and email. Some on social media have revealed the address of his home and posted pictures. He and his family, including two young children, have been staying elsewhere. As election night unfolded last week, Harrigan posted on Facebook that he was going to kill Trump. When a friend responded You just need to get high, Harrigan wrote Nope, getting a sniper rifle and perching myself where it counts. Find a bedroom in the White House that suits you, (expletive.) Ill find you. When warned by a Facebook friend that he might get a visit from federal authorities, Harrigan replied Bring it Secret Service. Harrigan told the U-T that he was intoxicated when he posted the comments. He believed they were so uncharacteristic of him that his Facebook friends would recognize them as humor. I took a stab at what I thought was something that my friends would know was totally over the top up to the level of absurdity, he said. It unfortunately made it outside that circle of people. Harrigan believed his Facebook page could only be viewed by friends that he had approved for access. He declined to speculate on how his posts ended up on other social media websites that can be viewed by anyone. There were a few people who liked the post and did the smiley face thing and made commentary to that effect, he said. So it didnt occur to me that it would go anywhere other than that. It was never intended to be serious. Harrigan discovered on Sunday that the posts had shown up on Twitter, when he received thousands of messages. Later his comments were posted on Reddit, another social media website. He thinks there was an orchestrated effort to spread his posts to a wide audience. It made its way to Twitter with just some screen shots of the really bad parts, he said. And the forces that be decided to make it viral. Harrigan is well known in the cybersecurity community. He is credited with inventing the practice of network penetration testing in Kevin Poulsens New York Times best selling book Kingpin. He founded PacketSled to provide root-cause cybersecurity software that detects where a cyberattack is coming from, what files are being targeted and which devices are being impacted. Harrigan, who had a lawyer present during the interview with the U-T, said he invited the U.S. Secret Service to meet at his home on Monday. He offered a list of references and filled out a lengthy questionnaire, among other things. He is fully cooperating with authorities. I invited them to look around my home and know that I am a perfectly normal person and don t have any crazy tendencies or anything like that. He continued, That is the thing I feel terrible about that anybody who doesnt know me would see that and think I was serious. A special agent for the Secret Service in San Diego said on Monday that the agency was aware of Harrigans social media posts but declined further comment. Threatening a presidential candidate can lead to prosecution. In 2009, Walter Bagdasarian of La Mesa was convicted of threatening then candidate Barack Obama in an online message board. The conviction was later overturned by a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though he didnt vote for Trump, Harrigan said he hopes Trump is a successful president. He has my full support as an American citizen, said Harrigan. Where I am at right now is that I want to make sure everybody understands that I am deeply sorry that this has happened. It doesnt reflect my view of the world or Donald Trump or anybody. Asked about his plans for the future, Harrigan said he isnt sure what he will do. I am going to take some time to reflect and try to do things that are more healing in nature rather than divisive, he said. mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 Three years ago, Kevin Brizuela and three fellow gang members ambushed and shot four teens in an Oceanside park, mistaking them for gang rivals. Two of their targets died, including a 13-year-old girl. On Tuesday, Brizuela learned his own fate: 100 years to life in prison. Earlier this year, a jury convicted him of first-degree murder and other charges for the deadly shooting. I think that 100 years to life is an accurate reflection of the facts of this case, combined with Mr. Brizuelas youthfulness at the time of the offense, Superior Court Judge Richard Monroy said as he handed down the sentence. He noted that attack left two dead children. Advertisement Because Brizuela was a minor at the time of the crime, hell be eligible for parole after serving 25 years. Brizuela, now 21, was expecting the lengthy punishment, his attorney Richard Layon said. He said his client is remorseful, and also disappointed that the judge had previously rejected his bid for a new trial following allegations that one of the jurors had researched the case online. Authorities said Brizuela and three other Vista gang members went out hunting for random gang rivals at Libby Lake Park just before 9 p.m. on March 13, 2013. Three of the men were armed. They found their four victims including best friends Melanie Virgen, 13, and Edgar Sanchez, 15 sitting on a couch in front of a makeshift memorial for victims of a similar attack in the same spot in 2011. Edgar and Melanie were fatally shot and two males, one 17 and the other 18, were wounded. None of them had gang ties. The passage of time hasnt dulled the searing pain of loss for the grieving families. A month before he was shot to death, Edgar had convinced his mom to buy two dozen roses. The next day, he handed them to girls at school who did not have a Valentine. When he ran out, he vowed to bring more the next year. He had a heart of gold, sister Nataly Sanchez wrote in a statement read in court by Deputy District Attorney Christine Bannon. He never hurt anyone. His teary-eyed mother declined to speak. Edgar was the baby of the family. Melanies cousin Roselie Mendina said after the hearing that Melanie was never involved in gangs. She was just a happy soul. Shortly before she was killed, Melanies grandfather had adopted her. The girls father had died two years earlier. Two years before that, her older sister succumbed to leukemia. Her mother was in Mexico. The 17-year-old victim, David Garcia, was shot in the head and spent four weeks in the hospital. It took months for him to regain the use of the right side of his body. The once aimless teen has since become a mentor for neighborhood kids, and has enrolled in college. Prosecutor Bannon called Davids progress about as life-affirming as it gets. Everything else about this case is a tragedy. Only three of the four men Brizuela , Michael Zurita, Martin Melendrez and Santa Diaz were armed on the night of the shooting, and it remains unclear which of the four fired shots. Each of the men pointed the finger at his three co-defendants, but state law allows them to all be held equally liable. The fact is these killings happened because they were all there, Bannon said during Brizuelas sentencing hearing. She characterized Brizuela as a deeply entrenched gang member since he was 12. In March, Zurita was sentenced to 25 years after he pleaded guilty to four counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm. Melendrez was sentenced in May to 40 years to life after he pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. At that same hearing, Diaz received 39 years after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semi-automatic firearm. He took a deal after a jury acquitted him of first-degree murder but deadlocked on other counts. Brizuela was the only one not to receive a plea deal. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT ALSO: Slain Oceanside teens called kindred spirits SommCon, San Diegos nascent wine convention, kicks off today with an impressive line-up that builds on last years gangbusters inaugural event. Hundreds of wine professionals (sommeliers, distributors, wine store owners, etc.) and serious enthusiasts from San Diego and beyond will convene in downtown San Diego for four days of tastings and seminars on everything from comparing pinot noirs from around the world to spotting a counterfeit bottle. Among the libation luminaries will be Randall Grahm, the iconoclastic founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz. Its his second year attending. I was really impressed with the level of sophistication and how far people are coming in from to attend, he said in a recent interview. Advertisement Grahm will lead a discussion of the effect of different cellaring treatments on new world Rhone blends, that is, wine made in the U.S., Australia, etc., from Rhone Valley varietals (such as grenache, syrah and mourvedre for reds and marsanne, roussanne and viognier for whites). As he described it, his session will be geek central, but as one of Californias original Rhone Rangers, its a topic he knows profoundly. Grahm is messianic about the importance of growing the right grapes in the right regions not just what sells so that wines are truly expressive of a place. I know, Im the boy who cried terroir, he said. Rhone varietals do well in California and Grahms wines are recognized as a gold standard for new world Rhones. Bonny Doons Le Cigare Volant The Flying Cigar, or more colloquially in French, The Flying Saucer is the winerys signature red and Le Cigare Blanc, its white blend. With Thanksgiving just a week away, I suggest breaking out of the chardonnay/riesling rut and opting for the rich, yet vibrant, California white like Le Cigare Blanc ($28). A precise, balanced blend, its made primarily from roussanne, which lends it a spirited minerality and stone fruit and white flower aromas. Marsanne adds big-bodied richness, while a smaller amount of picpoul blanc imparts citric freshness. With so many varying foods at your holiday tables from light to loaded down, fruity to savory, this might be the multi-course equalizer for people who dont want to switch from sparkling to white to red. Unfortunately, its not ubiquitous right now, I only found it on the shelves at Holiday Wine Cellar, in Escondido. Prior vintages have been, or are, at The Third Corner, Whole Foods Encinitas, Crest Liquor, KNB Wine Cellars, Meritage Wine Market, The WineSellar & Brasserie and San Diego Wine Co. Any of these fine retailers can suggest another California white Rhone. SD Wine Co. is currently featuring the excellent Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc for $18.99. Want to check out SommCon? Though many of the sessions are for members of the wine trade only, and several are sold out, there are sessions open to the general public like Thursdays Tour of Sicily and Fridays Sta Rita Hill panel and blind tasting. Find details at sommconusa.com. Food & Wine Videos Twitter: @sdeditgirl michele.parente@sduniontribune.com As an alternative to Black Friday shopping, the Village Church is setting up its Alternative Christmas Market Nov. 20 in the churchs fellowship hall in Rancho Santa Fe. The market doesnt sell the usual wish list items, but rather features things such as nails and roofing material to build houses in Tijuana or baby supplies for a struggling local military family. More than two dozen nonprofits will have booths describing their work and ways folks can contribute; ranging from Hope Unlimited helping at-risk children in Brazil and the San Diego Rescue Mission to Glad Tidings India that assists poor families. Advertisement Gifts range from $25 to help educate a student in Kenya or provide medicine for orphans in Mexico and $50 to support refugees from South Sudan or buy groceries for a Syrian family to $10 for devotional materials for deployed chaplains. Shoppers can make a donation to a local or global charity in honor of a loved one as a Christmas gift and then receive a Christmas card describing each gift, which can later be presented to friends and family showing items purchased on their behalf. Last year participants in the market raised $80,000 for 26 local and global charities that partner with the church. The market is 9 a.m. to noon at 6225 Paseo Delicias. Visit https://villagechurch.org Sarah Gubbins is an L.A. transplant whose heart still beats Chicago blue, and the playwright says with a laugh that being on the West Coast when the Cubs won the World Series earlier this month was probably the most excruciating experience ever. But maybe worth the pain: Gubbins has built a flourishing career in television and film over the past few years (which explains why shes based in Los Angeles) She continues to nurture a passion for the stage, though, and this week Moxie Theatre rolls out the San Diego premiere of her play The Kid Thing, whose story centers on two lesbian couples grappling with the prospect of becoming parents. Advertisement LGBT identity and a focus on issues are common threads in Gubbins theater work, including Fair Use, a piece that toyed with ideas about intellectual property and riffed on the Cyrano de Bergerac story. (That play had its West Coast premiere at Diversionary Theatre in 2011.) For me, politics is always personal, says Gubbins. As a queer woman, thats my lived experience that I write from. I dont write removed from that I dont know why I would. In that regard, theres always an issue (in the plays), because my personal experience in this world is a political experience. The Kid Thing When: In previews. Opens Saturday. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 11. Where: Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd Suite, Rolando District Tickets: $20-$30 (discounts available); opening night $40 Phone: (858) 598-7620 Online: moxietheatre.com Given all that, it might not be a surprise to learn that the recent election likewise ranks pretty high for Gubbins on the excruciation scale. To have a vice president-elect who believes in gay conversion therapy in 2016 makes me, as a gay woman, just . (She trails off for a moment to find the right words.) That is such a monumental misunderstanding of who I am, and what decades of gay-rights activists have been trying to combat. (The idea) that we would not want to be gay? To me its like saying You can choose to lower your IQ points! Or, You can choose to have your blood cleaned of white platelets! I mean, it doesnt make sense. This is my experience of the world, and it is a glorious one. Still, a sense of the toll it can take to live in a not always enlightened society was also on Gubbins mind when she wrote The Kid Thing back in 2011. One of the main characters does harbor a fear about bringing a child into a very homophobic world, she says. And I think that is a fear and a sadness that is present today. The play, which was developed at Chicagos renowned Steppenwolf Theatre and earned an Edgerton Foundation New American Play Prize (among other honors), also looks at the ways in which the experience of bringing up children is both universal and, for LGBT parents, sometimes very different. (For one thing, no gay couple wakes up accidentally pregnant, Gubbins says of the contrast in planning to be parents.) The piece (which Kym Pappas is directing for the women-centered Moxie) also touches on class issues on the idea of who can afford to arrange for just the right time to have kids, and get all the needed support systems in place. Gubbins doesnt have children of her own, but her life is filled with creative offspring. Most prominently right now, those include I Love Dick, an Amazon TV series based on the novel by Chris Kraus (and yes, the title does refer to a character named Dick). Shes one of six writers on the series, and notes that writing for a television show is much more of a novelistic approach to character development and character arc. Playwriting, by contrast, is a deeply personal endeavor, and offers one thing TV cannot: Its about writing to an immediate audience that is sharing a moment in time together. Twitter: @jimhebert jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com The shoot-from-the-hip style that helped Donald Trump win the presidency is now playing out in his transition to governing. An insular group of loyalists and family members are at the helm, giving the public little information. A top establishment figure abruptly departed the transition team. And officials from across the federal government say they have heard nothing from the people who are supposed to take their place two months from now. For the record: An earlier version of this post misidentified former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, who has left the Trump transition team, as Rep. Mike D. Rogers of Alabama. By Tuesday, a week after his election, Trumps team had yet to discuss even basic elements of the government handoff with key players at the Pentagon, the State Department and other vital agencies, in large part because of a delay in signing the paperwork dictating the nuts and bolts of the process. Advertisement We are standing by ready to assist, said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. We stand ready, said State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau. The president-elect addressed the transition in a Twitter message Tuesday evening. Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions, he wrote. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The Trump campaign had kept mum throughout the day as confidants and family members streamed in and out of Trump Tower in New York, occasionally stopping to speak with reporters cordoned behind a red velvet rope in the lobby, but giving up little before riding the elevator to Trumps office. Leaks about internal squabbles and personnel moves, many involving close campaign allies competing for top posts, were left to fill the information void. No. No, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, a Trump advisor, said when asked about rumors of infighting on the Trump team. Its all been good. But one of Trumps most respected links to the Republican foreign policy community, former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, abruptly announced he was leaving the transition team. Rogers, a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, had been an important bridge between Trump and skeptics in his party. Rogers had been a holdover from the transition team assembled by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was replaced as the teams leader last week by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, the vice president-elect. A person close to Rogers called his departure part of an effort to distance the team from Christie. Anyone close to Chris Christie got dumped, said the Rogers ally, who would not be named discussing internal transition team dynamics. All the level-headed people are stepping aside. Another potential bridge was also cut off when Eliot Cohen, a prominent conservative critic of Trump, portrayed himself as walking away angrily from an attempt at reconciliation. Cohen, a supporter of the war in Iraq who served in President George W. Bushs State Department, had organized a letter signed by dozens of former officials denouncing Trump during the campaign. After exchange [with] Trump transition team, changed my recommendation, Cohen wrote on Twitter. Stay away. Theyre angry, arrogant, screaming you LOST! Will be ugly. Trump had insisted during the campaign, contrary to evidence, that he had always opposed the Iraq war. Another potential player in the administration, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, also took himself out of the running for an administration job, according to Terry M. Giles, finance chairman during Carsons presidential campaign. Christies departure was also responsible for the delay in setting up meetings between Trumps team and the leaders of federal government agencies. Christie had signed an agreement with the Obama administration that set parameters for interactions between White House officials and designated representatives of the president-elects team. That agreement, which is required by federal law and sets the conditions for access to documents, staff and facilities of federal agencies, no longer applied once Christie was removed from his position. The White House said it received a new agreement signed by Pence late Tuesday. The government is ready for the Trump folks, and the Trump folks need to get moving, said Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan group that focuses on good governance. Stier said Trump seems to be figuring out how to move from campaigning to governing, one of the stiffest challenges that any president-elect faces, particularly one who campaigned as an outsider. The task is enormous, he noted: hiring 4,000 people, implementing policy, learning enough to avoid national security risks, preparing a budget a month after inauguration and preparing for things you cant expect, the asteroids that come in. With two houses of Congress now held by the Republicans, they have to produce quickly, said Martha Kumar, an expert in presidential transitions. Those most affected by Trumps agenda are also anxious about the lack of clarity. Hospital groups, health insurers, consumer advocates and others have been scrambling since the election to learn how the Trump administration and its allies on Capitol Hill will fulfill their pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Industry officials and others say it has been almost impossible to find out what the new administration is planning. Even identifying who is making decisions on what was a signature issue for Trump during the campaign has been a challenge, health sector leaders said. In 2008, President-elect Barack Obamas team moved faster, signing an agreement to meet with top officials in Bushs White House four days after he was elected. Eight years earlier, Bushs transition team could not begin meeting with agency officials for weeks because the result of the 2000 election was in doubt. Kumar and Stier both said that Trump has time to regain his footing. Kumar believes Pence, who served in Congress, was a wise choice to lead the effort, given his ties to top lawmakers. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) tried to reassure the public that the effort remained on track and that he was in touch with Trump almost daily. Were going to do everything we can to help make him be as successful as hes going to be, Ryan said. Trumps team tapped Rep. Chris Collins of New York the first in the House to support him as a liaison to House Republicans, and sent an aide to Tuesdays meeting of the House GOP as a legislative emissary. Yet even as the process moves forward, all new administrations face hurdles in getting their Cabinet choices approved by the Senate, even if their party has control. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a leading libertarian voice who briefly mounted his own presidential run, told CNN on Tuesday that he would not support John Bolton, once Bushs ambassador to the United Nations, as a potential secretary of State, and would also have trouble supporting Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former New York mayor, for the job because of their support for the war in Iraq. Giuliani and Bolton are very similar, Paul said. Bolton just has a more extensive cheerleading background with regard to the Middle East. Liberal critics have also begun taking aim at Trumps choices. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, speaking to corporate leaders at a Wall Street Journal forum, said Trump had already broken his promise to clean up Washington. Hes putting together a transition team thats full of lobbyists, she said. The kind of people he actually ran against. Times staff writers Michael A. Memoli, W.J. Hennigan, Tracy Wilkinson and Noam N. Levey contributed to this report. Twitter: @noahbierman, @lisamascaro Trump used to rail against drug prices. Now the industrys allies are helping shape his agenda Despite talk of GOP unity, Trumps programs face fight from Republican budget hawks Why Trump or any other politician cant do much to bring back manual labor jobs UPDATES: 7:50 p.m.: This story was updated with a tweet from Donald Trump. 5:25 p.m.: This story was updated with the White House saying Pence signed an agreement to begin transition work. This story was originally published at 4:25 p.m. Wouldnt it be marvelous to have a renowned chef cook you Thanksgiving dinner in the warmth of his own house? For several friends of Tim Kolanko, executive chef of Blue Bridge Hospitality, thats exactly what they experience each Thanksgiving. About eight years ago, Kolanko, a native of Michigan, and his wife, began hosting Thanksgiving for friends, who like himself, were transplants to San Diego and were away from their families. Today, it has blossomed into a feast that serves about 20 people. Its what Thanksgivings all about, says Kolanko. Getting around the table with your friends and reconnecting. Advertisement If youre not on Kolankos guest list, dont worry. Hes going to share both his top tips for making a memorable Thanksgiving meal and four of his favorite side dish recipes. Kolanko has lived in San Diego for 14 years, and for the past three hes been executive chef of Blue Bridge Hospitality, a restaurant group that includes Mess Hall at Liberty Station and Leroys Kitchen and Lounge in Coronado. Despite his nostalgia for Michigan Thanksgivings, Kolanko makes his holiday a genuinely San Diegan affair by sourcing all of his food from local farmers and purveyors. He says he shops religiously at the Sunday Hillcrest farmers market, where he is continually inspired by the tremendous bounty. In addition to weekly farmers markets, Kolanko recommends Liberty Public Market in Point Loma, which houses more than 30 local artisans and vendors. San Diegans can buy everything from fresh turkeys to potatoes from organic farms including Be Wise Ranch, Stehly Farms, and Suzies Farm. His advice for home cooks: You should buy what looks great. You can work fall flavors into dishes that are familiar to you and work them into something new. For instance, he says if fresh pomegranates look enticing, buy a couple and sprinkle them on top of a seasonal salad or a baked squash dish. This seasonal Persimmon Salad is on chef Tim Kolankos Thanksgiving menu. (Eduardo Contreras / U-T ) He cautions against trying too many new dishes or getting overly creative and ending up with an Asian rice dish, for example, which really doesnt make sense for a Thanksgiving menu. Kolanko believes traditional dishes such as potatoes, squash and string beans deserve a place on the table, but he encourages home cooks to make them with a homegrown twist. For example, instead of making familiar butternut squash, consider spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is seasonal and its wonderful, but a lot of people dont understand it, says Kolanko. He has a remedy: Halve and roast it until al dente so it still has bite and turn it into a cold salad tossed with pomegranate arils and a tarragon and citrus vinaigrette. He also favors jazzy delicata squash, which he uses as a vessel for sauted Brussels sprouts. Its easy: Halve and seed the squash until tender. Meanwhile, shave Brussels sprouts on a mandoline and quickly saut them with butter and shallots. Tuck them inside the squash and top with pomegranate arils or toasted hazelnuts. Kolanko claims he has converted a lot of Brussels sprouts haters with this dish because the quick cook time reduces the amount of sulfur released (which causes that distinctive unpleasant cabbage odor). Fall Squash, Apple, Potato and Comte Cheese Gratin. (Eduardo Contreras / U-T ) In lieu of prosaic mashed potatoes, Kolanko opts for a potato, squash, apple and comte cheese gratin (recipe follows). What would have been just a potato dish, is now a dish that (finds) homes for other vegetables like seasonal butternut squash and leeks, he says. He suggests using locally grown Julian apples and comte cheese from Venissimo Cheese, which has five locations. Kolanko also finds a multitude of uses for Julian freshly pressed apple cider: You can do so many things with apple cider, he says. Baste your turkey, braise sweet potatoes with it, or make a vinaigrette. And vinaigrette plays a role in Kolankos Thanksgiving dinner, since he kicks off the meal with a seasonal salad. Living in SoCal, we always have a salad. My wife is the queen of seasonal salads, so she creates one every year, he says. They might include dates or seasonal citrus along with fragrant nut oils and warm autumn spices such as cinnamon and clove. This year, it will be a brilliant persimmon, kale and red cabbage salad with shaved Parmesan cheese, toasted pecans and pomegranate arils. Tim Kolankos Green Beans With Toasted Almonds and Citrus. (Eduardo Contreras / U-T ) To offset the many yellow and orange vegetable dishes on the Thanksgiving table, Kolanko reminds home cooks to include something green, such as his recipe for green beans with toasted almonds and citrus that will add a pop of color to your table. Kolankos number one tip for a smoothly executed Thanksgiving meal is to plan, plan, plan. My guests always say, How do you get all of the dishes ready at the same time? He says the secret is to break down recipes into doable components. A couple of days prior to the holiday, start cleaning and blanching green vegetables and par-cooking others such as squash or root vegetables. Have them in dishes with toppings in place so you can pop them in the oven before the dinner starts. He also stresses the importance of planning your oven space wisely. He says once the turkey is removed, plan out the order for the remaining dishes. Thats the biggest challenge to getting everything on the table at the same time, he says. Although I cant be at Kolankos Thanksgiving table, his presence will certainly be felt at my familys table and, I hope, yours too. Russo is a San Diego freelance food writer and cookbook author. Persimmon Salad Serves 6 cup pecans 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar, divided 1 teaspoons honey, divided Pinch of salt 1 shallot, thinly sliced 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/3 cup grapeseed or canola oil 10 ounces green curly kale, finely julienned 6 ounces red cabbage, finely julienned 3 Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced cup Parmesan cheese, sliced with a vegetables peeler 1 cup pomegranate arils Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool then finely chop and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt. Add shallot and let sit until shallots turn a bright pink color and are slightly pickled, about 10 minutes. Remove and discard liquid. For the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in oil while continuing to whisk, until emulsified. Stir in toasted pecans. In a large bowl, combine kale, cabbage, and pickled shallots. Add vinaigrette and toss to combine. Lay sliced persimmons on a platter so they cover the bottom. Add tossed kale mixture on top of persimmons, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and pomegranate seeds. Fall Squash, Apple, Potato and Comte Cheese Gratin The apples and squash help keep this dish from getting too heavy, as opposed to traditional potato dishes,says chefTim Kolanko. Makes 6 to 8 servings Cheese sauce 3 cups whole milk 3 whole cloves garlic, peeled 1 bay leaf 4 ounces unsalted butter cup all-purpose flour 1 cup grated comte cheese, plus a couple of ounces for garnish Salt, to taste Gratin 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices 1 small butternut squash, peeled and de-seeded, and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices Several shakes of salt 1 medium tart apple such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 large leek, thinly sliced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish To make the cheese sauce, simmer milk, garlic and bay leaf gently until garlic is tender. Remove garlic and bay leaf. Smash garlic to a paste and add back to milk. In a separate pan, cook butter and flour over low heat, stirring often, for 10 to 15 minutes to make a roux. Whisk or blend roux into the milk mixture and bring to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Use a heavy-bottom stainless steel pot, (not aluminum) and be mindful not to let the bottom scorch. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until completely melted. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. To assemble gratin: Coat an 8-by-12-inch baking dish with butter. In a bowl, toss sliced potatoes and squash with salt to and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. With a clean towel, pat dry the salted potatoes and squash, then taste the raw potato for seasoning. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Combine potato mixture, apples, leek and 3 cups of the cheese sauce in a bowl and toss to coat evenly. If it seems a bit dry, add more sauce to coat. Pack the mixture into the baking dish and gently press it down to so you have a smooth surface. Top with reserved comte cheese and some fresh thyme leaves. Bake for 30 minutes covered with aluminum foil, then for 30 minutes uncovered, or until golden brown on top and tender when pierced with a knife. Green Beans With Toasted Almonds and Citrus To save time on Thanksgiving, you can parboil and shock the green beans in ice water a day or two ahead, says Kolanko. Makes 6 to 8 servings Green beans 2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed 4 ounces of cold butter, plus 1 tablespoon for sauteing 2 shallots, thinly sliced 6 ounces chicken broth The juice of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons salt 4 cranks of black pepper from a pepper grinder, or a pinch Gremolata cup toasted almond slivers 1 cups unflavored breadcrumbs 3 teaspoons lemon zest 3 teaspoons orange zest 1 small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain beans and shock in a bowl of ice water. Reserve for later. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon butter. Add shallots and cook until soft. Add chicken stock and cook until reduced by half. Swirl in remaining 4 ounces of cubed cold butter until emulsified: the sauce should be creamy and slightly thick, not broken and separated. Add the juice of one lemon. Place green beans into the broth and butter sauce and toss until coated. Add salt and pepper. For the gremolata, place almonds, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, orange zest, parsley, grated Parmesan and olive oil in a food processor and blend for 30 seconds, or until the texture resembles coarse sand. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place green beans in an 8-by-11-inch ovenproof dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Cornbread stuffing, created by chef Tim Kolanko. (Eduardo Contreras / U-T ) Cornbread Stuffing Serves 6 to 8 Cornbread 1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone ground 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons white sugar 1 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 large egg 1 cup whole milk cup vegetable oil Butter to coat the pan Stuffing 1 (1-pound) loaf country style or levain bread, crust removed and cubed to 1-inch pieces, toasted 1 tablespoon butter 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil 1 large onion, minced 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 2 apples, diced 6 fresh sage leaves, chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme, picked and chopped 1 cup chicken stock 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 batch corn bread cooled and cubed into 1-inch pieces To make cornbread: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat an 8-by-10-by-2-inch ceramic baking dish with butter. Mix all dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder) in a medium bowl. In a separate medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients (egg, milk, oil). Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until fully combined. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Make the stuffing: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. To toast bread, place cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until dry and lightly toasted, but not dark. In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter. Once melted, add oil, onion, celery and apples, and saut for about 10 minutes until soft. Stir in sage, thyme and chicken stock, and reserve. In a large bowl, combine the cubed cornbread and toasted country bread. Add the onion and celery mixture and eggs, and toss until everything is incorporated. Mound the mixture in the 8-by-10-by-2-inch pan you used earlier and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until the top of stuffing is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 150 degrees when tested with a thermometer. Thanksgiving options Mess Hall, located in Liberty Public Market in Point Loma, will be serving as a pickup location for free-range turkeys from Stehly Farms. Customers can order turkeys online at StehlyFarmsOrganics.com and pick them up at Mess Hall. Dont want to cook? Mess Hall also will offer a selection of side dishes (including those featured in this article) and desserts to order and pick up. For more information, call Mess Hall at (619) 255-8360. Why is Dylan Dabasinskas winning the outstanding organizational volunteer award at Wednesdays National Philanthropy Day ceremony at Copley Symphony Hall? Dont ask him. No, really. Please dont. This award is very hard for him, said Carlye Wund, director of development for Firefighter Aid, a San Diego nonprofit that gives financial support to firefighters and their families in times of need. He has been saying, I dont really deserve this. Hes a giver, not a taker. Its part of that fire family thing. It is in them to give back. An EMT with Mercy Ambulance and a reserve firefighter for San Diego County Fire Authority, the 24-year-old Dabasinskas spends his working life helping people. The same goes for his non-working life. Advertisement Over the past two years, the 4S Ranch resident has become Firefighter Aids go-to volunteer. He has raised thousands of dollars during the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb fundraiser, which honors the first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. He is also the person Wund and her colleagues call when they need someone to run errands, fix a computer, edit a video, organize a store room or just move furniture around. Whether it is IT support, fundraising enthusiasm or muscle, the San Diego native always answers the call. It is how this firefighter rolls. Thats my mentality. I always want to do more stuff to feel helpful, said Dabasinskas, who moved to Mission Viejo with his family while he was in elementary school and moved back to San Diego last year. The people Ive met here have become a family to me, and Im willing to drop whatever Im doing to help out. Like many kids, Dabasinskas wanted to be a fireman when he grew up. Unlike most kids, he never changed his mind. At 16, he joined the Orange County Fire Authoritys Fire Exploring Program, which gives its young volunteers an inside view of the fire-service life. After graduating from Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo, he worked at Mission Hospital as a transporter. He joined the San Diego County Fire Authority in 2012 and was hired as an EMT for Mercy Ambulance earlier this year. My dad was in law enforcement, so I grew up in a public-safety family, Dabasinskas said during an interview at the Firefighter Aid offices in Mission Valley. When people call 911, it is the worst day of their lives, and we get to help them. To be able to mitigate their fears is really special. Thats not something everyone gets to do. Firefighter Aid got on his giving-back radar two years ago, when he and his fiancee, Sierra Lawrence, joined a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb team. Their group raised $8,500, but they wanted to do more. The next year, their team raised $16,000 for Firefighter Aid. Now, Lawrence works there, and Dabasinskas puts in so much volunteer time its like he works there, too. Firefighters in general are amazing volunteers. They have this brotherhood, and they are very giving people. They have each others backs, Wund said. Dylan works all the time, but no matter how late hes worked the night before, he comes in with coffee and a positive attitude. Hes such a good guy. In addition to raising money during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Dabasinskas now helps run the event. He corrals his fellow volunteers, moves equipment and organizes supplies, usually with the help of a meticulously organized, color-coded spreadsheet. He also helps raise awareness for the stair climb by appearing at community events wearing a Smokey Bear costume and leading kids in stop, drop and roll exercises. Last year, Dabasinskas also found time to join with the San Diego-based We Care Bears Project to equip San Diego County Fire Authority and Cal Fire trucks with donated teddy bears to give to kids who are sick, injured or just scared. And on Valentines Day, he joined with Firefighter Aid to deliver gift boxes to widows who had lost their firefighter husbands. He even helped one of the women set up her DVD player and computer. So as the giving-back community celebrates National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday, Firefighter Aid and the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will be celebrating Dylan Dabasinskas. The man of the hour might need a little more time to adjust to the idea. Having my name next to some of these large organizations like Susan G. Komen, thats crazy, he said of his fellow honorees, a list that also includes Linh Luong of Reality Changers and local philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. Im honored and thankful, but I cant do any of this on my own. There are great board members who help out, and Sierra is a huge support network at home. I just do this because I enjoy helping people. Never in a million years did I want anything from this. National Philanthropy Day Honorees Outstanding Philanthropist: T. Denny Sanford, owner and founder, First Premier Bank; CEO, United National Corp. Outstanding Development Professional: Amy Parrott, San Diego Zoo Global Outstanding Organizational Volunteer: Dylan Dabasinskas, Firefighter Aid Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer: John Seiber, Kraemer Endowment Foundation, UBS Outstanding Grant Making Organization: Susan G. Komen San Diego Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation: Brookfield Residential, HomeAid San Diego Outstanding Youth/Student Volunteer: Linh Luong, Reality Changers Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com The actions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers that preceded the death of a 40-year-old El Cajon man at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in December 2014 were a justified use of force, a federal panel has concluded. The incident at the ports eastern pedestrian entrance involved the firing of a Taser to subdue 40-year-old Francisco Manuel Cesena, a U.S. citizen who assaulted a CBP officer while in custody, according to the report released Wednesday. The case was one of four incidents examined by the CBPs National Use of Force Review Board established in December 2014 to increase accountability and transparency. In all four cases, the reports conclude that the use of force was justified. Advertisement The three subsequent cases involved incidents in different parts of the country. One took place on March 19, 2015, in Sumas, Wash., on the Canadian border and involved the firing of a service-issued handgun by a U.S. Border Patrol agent that resulted in a mans death. Another occurred when a U.S. Border Patrol agent fired his service rifle on April 11, 2015, in Pima County, Ariz., but there was no evidence of injury. A third took place on May 7, 2015 at a border checkpoint near Waddington, N.Y., when a Border Patrol agent activated an electronic control weapon dart mode against a woman who struck an agent and defied orders to get into her car. The woman declined medical treatment and was released. The San Ysidro incident occurred on Dec. 24, 2014, after Cesena presented himself at the ports pedestrian entrance without U.S. entry documents shortly after 3 p.m.. Authorities found that Cesena was wanted on a felony warrant for violating the conditions of his probation and release, and was considered dangerous, the report stated. After they took him into custody, CBP officers discovered a package wrapped in black electrical tape around Cesenas groin area that included heroin and two syringes, according to the report. Some hours later Cesena was unrestrained as he waited in a security area while officers processed the paperwork, the report stated. Suddenly and without provocation Cesena stood up, ran toward the officer, leaped over a counter and began hitting the officer on the head with his fists, according to the findings. Officers initially used their fists to subdue Cesena, and ordered him to stop fighting and resisting, but he did not comply, the report stated. One officer activated his electronic control weapon without engaging probes against Cesenas right shoulder, but it had little effect, according to the review panels account. The officer then activated his electronic control weapon without engaging probes twice on the subjects buttocks, it stated. Cesena continued to resist until officers succeeded in restraining him, the report said. Shortly thereafter, the subject appeared to stop breathing. After officers initiated CPR, he was transported to Sharp Chula Vista, and pronounced dead at 7:57 p.m., the report said. The report said the review board determined that the application of force, including physical strikes and the use of the electronic control devices...was in compliance with the CBPs Use of Force Policy. The board also made three operational and policy recommendations that have been referred to appropriate operational and policy officials within CBP for consideration. A spokesman said that the recommendations were withheld from the public report because they are law-enforcement sensitive. The board is made up of high-ranking officials from CBP, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The board reviews cases that have completed the investigative process and have been declined for prosecution. Pedro Rios, director of the American Friends Service Committees U.S./Mexico Border Program questioned the thoroughness of the investigation. It doesnt provide any details about the abuses he suffered, he said, and fails to reveal the recommendations which might provide more information about how use of force policies might be improved and how Francisco Cesenas death could have been avoided. An autopsy concluded that Cesena died of cardiac arrest caused by several factors, including being struck repeatedly with tasers, being restrained face down and methamphetamine and heroin intoxication. Cesenas family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court in October 2015 seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. It alleged CBP officers used excessive force was used to subdue Cesena. They kept him face down, with a mask obstructing his face and mouth after he had stopped resisting, said the familys attorney, Eugene Iredale. While the boards report stated that Cesena was struck three times, the lawsuit alleges the Taser was fired four times. He had no right to jump over the gate and start punching somebody, Iredale said, but the force that was applied was excessive. The case is still pending. Search the Union-Tribunes database of fatal police shootings in San Diego County since 1980 sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez a native of Mexico, an American citizen and a supporter of immigration reform was elected vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Tuesday. The first Latino to hold the position, he will begin his three-year term just eight days after the country elected Donald Trump as president. Trump has vowed to deport millions of immigrants who are here illegally and made the construction of a border wall a centerpiece of his campaign. In a phone interview from Baltimore, where the bishops assembled, Gomez said he was surprised by the results but grateful to my brother bishops for their trust in me. Advertisement He dismissed the notion that his selection had anything to do with Trump, saying it was about the challenge in our country to address the broken immigration system. In elevating him to vice president, Gomez said, the bishops were acknowledging the importance of Los Angeles in our country and the importance of Latinos in our country. The diversity in Los Angeles is becoming the norm, he said. Being in the leadership gives me the opportunity to share what we do in Los Angeles and how we make a difference. California and Trump are on a collision course over immigrants here illegally Observers of the Catholic Church called Gomez an excellent choice for the post, praising his leadership abilities and his big heart. But some could not totally separate his appointment from last weeks election results. Alejandro Bermudez, executive director of the Catholic News Agency, said the vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops traditionally is chosen with the expectation that he will become its next leader. In fact, Gomezs predecessor, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, was elevated to president Tuesday. So in three years, Bermudez said, Gomez is likely to become the groups first Latino president. Although immigration is not the only issue important to U.S. bishops, Bermudez said that selecting Gomez sends a powerful message. its impossible not to see a connection. Gomez said Tuesday that the churchs focus on justice for immigrants was nothing new in an increasingly Latino church. He noted that President Obama had deported more than 2 million people during the last eight years. A spokeswoman for the L.A. Archdiocese said Gomezs position has always been to keep families together. At a post-presidential election prayer service at Los Angeles downtown cathedral, Gomez said: Our brothers and sisters who are undocumented we will never leave you alone. In the past couple days since the election, we have children in our schools who are scared. They think the government is going to come and deport their parents any day now, the archbishop said. This should not be happening in America. We are not this kind of people. We are better than this. Ines San Martin, an Argentinean journalist who covers the Vatican for the Catholic media outlet Crux, said it appeared that the U.S. bishops selection of Gomez was inspired by Pope Francis stance on immigration: They wanted a leader in America who too could provide credibility on the topic. Choosing Gomez, sends a signal that, on this issue, were united and well be watching carefully, San Martin said. matt.stevens@latimes.com Twitter: @ByMattStevens ALSO LAPD will not help deport immigrants under Trump, chief says Despite talk of GOP unity, Trumps programs face fight from Republican budget hawks When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than Obama UPDATES: 5:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reaction Gomez, experts and observers of the Catholic Church. This article was originally published at 12:30 p.m. A doctor from Newport Beach once accused of Medi-Cal fraud pleaded guilty Tuesday to fleeing federal prosecution by faking his own death and living abroad in Egypt for the last 14 years. Tigran Svadjian, 58, admitted that he hid in Russia then Egypt after leaving California in 2002 to avoid facing charges that he allegedly bilked California out of millions through fraudulent billings. Before he vanished, Svadjian had agreed to go undercover to help investigators catch co-conspirators. Advertisement If he had been convicted in the case, he would have faced up to 10 years in prison. But in the years since Svadjian fled, federal investigators said the evidence they had against him was discarded, eliminating the chance to prosecute him on the much more serious charges that he originally faced. For pleading guilty to fleeing prosecution on Tuesday, Svadjian now faces a maximum of five years in prison. Hes scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 9. According to a letter that the state Department of Health and Human Services sent to Svadjian before he fled in 2002, a 14-month audit of his practices in Fresno and Los Angeles revealed he had overbilled California more than $1.9 million in treatments for state-insured patients. The letter contended Svadjian provided only 13 of 200 medical records the state requested as part of an audit and that he could not account for 94% of the services he had allegedly performed. Some of the patients he had supposedly treated were dead, authorities said. Prosecutors eventually made Svadjian an offer, according to an FBI affidavit filed this summer: If he wore a wire and turned against his co-conspirators, his case would be kept confidential and the charges possibly reduced. Svadjian agreed but then hopped on a flight to Russia. His lawyer told prosecutors that hed be back by the end of October. But on the last day of that month, Svadjians attorney in L.A. sent a fax to federal prosecutors in Sacramento. Included was a Report of the Death of an American Citizen Abroad from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Svadjian had died 11 days prior on Barklaya Street, the document said, and his remains were cremated and given to his mother. After Svadjian absconded in 2002, he took on two different identities and started a new life in Egypt, where he found a girlfriend and had two sons. His second child was born this summer, said Andre Townsend, Svadjians public defender. Hes just eager to get back to Egypt, Townsend said after his clients guilty plea Tuesday. But in fleeing 14 years ago, Svadjian had also abandoned the family he had established with his first wife in the U.S. Svadjian had gotten married in New York in the 1980s, followed by a son and daughter in the following years. In a brief interview with The Times after Svadjians arrest this summer, his estranged wife, Emilya, said she was devastated to learn he was alive and that she had collected his ashes and received his death certificate after his supposed demise. Svadjian had paid a Russian police officer $200 to fake his death and in return, was given a fake death certificate from a morgue in Moscow. He was arrested this summer in Ukraine with a fake passport when he tried to enter Russia to be with his girlfriend for the birth of their son, according to an FBI affidavit. Joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Three alleged gang members charged in September killing of Marine in South L.A. If you are attacked, fight back: Authorities issue warning after series of sexual assaults in Maywood They found the air horn guy!! El Segundo residents rejoice after driver with air horn arrested A retired Navy captain who used his clout as the naval attache to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines to help Singapore businessman Leonard Glenn Fat Leonard Francis pleaded guilty to a bribery charge Tuesday. Michael Brooks admitted in federal court in San Diego to accepting the services of prostitutes, getting free trips, lodging and gifts from Francis as payment for his help boosting Francis company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia. Brooks, 57, retired in 2011. He pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery from 2006 to 2008 while he was in the Navy. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, but it is likely that Brooks, who has no criminal record, will get less than that when he is sentenced on Feb. 17. Advertisement The guilty plea is the latest to come down in the Fat Leonard bribery scandal investigation. He is the eleventh current or former Navy official to plead guilty. Five employees of GDMA have also been charged. Among those are the once-corpulent Francis, whose girth earned him the memorable nickname and whose years-long efforts to bribe Navy officials to benefit his company is at the center of the scandal. GDMA was a ship-husbanding company providing an array of services to Navy ships in ports across Asia. Francis bribed Navy officials in the giant Seventh Fleet to use their influence to steer ships to ports that his company controlled. Once they were there, he systematically overbilled the service for fuel, water, transport and many other services. He has pleaded guilty and is awaiting to be sentenced in June. In his plea agreement, Brooks admitted that when he served as the naval attache to the embassy in Manila, he used his position to get diplomatic clearances through the island nation. Those clearances allowed GDMA ships to move in and out of the Philippines under the diplomatic protection of the embassy, and allowed the company to pay less in customs fees and taxes. It also meant company ships were not subject to normal inspection, meaning GDMA could bring in or take out virtually any cargo it wished. Brooks also provided Francis with internal Navy documents and emails. In one instance, in early 2007, Brooks received an email about an upcoming visit of the USS Blue Ridge the command ship of the Seventh Fleet that also referenced a complaint that a GDMA competitor had made against Francis company. The email specifically warned recipients not to share it with anyone outside of government or who does not have a need to know. In his reply to that email where Francis was blind-copied Brooks vouched for GDMAs work, according to the plea agreement. Brooks also admitted he submitted materials praising the companys work to Navy officials under his name even though they were secretly written by Francis. In exchange for this work, Brooks received the services of prostitutes many times, as well as electronics, luxury watches, hotel stays, fancy wines and other gifts. Brooks was indicted by a federal grand jury in May. The plea agreement orders him to pay the Navy $31,000 in restitution. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com San Diego County voters gave nearly $3.5 million to support President-elect Donald Trumps campaign, based on federal donation data. According to campaign contribution records collected by the Federal Election Commission, voters with ZIP Codes in Del Mar, San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe gave the most about $1.8 million making up more than half of all donations from San Diego County. Residents with a La Jolla ZIP Code came next, contributing a total of $122,800 to Trumps campaign, other supporting committees and Super PACs from June 2015 to October of this year, data show. Advertisement Click on the map below to see which communities helped Donald Trump become the 45th president of the United States. Data show totals in some top areas are skewed by large individual donations from local business leaders and philanthropists such as weight loss icon Jenny Craig and real estate developer Douglas Manchester. Other communities, such as Solana Beach and Encinitas, have both a large number of contributions and total dollar amount. Click here to see the top individual contributors. All data is collected by the Federal Election Commission. The analysis includes contributions made to Donald Trumps campaign, victory fund and Super PACs and joint-fundraising committees that are listed as pro-Trump by OpenSecrets. Only committees that solely supported Trumps presidential race are included in the analysis. Contributions are mapped by the ZIP Code listed on each donation record. Donations from a P.O. Box have ZIP Codes relating to a single location, such as a U.S. Post Office, rather than a large geographic area. For mapping purposes, these donations were added to the ZIP Codes encompassing the single location. Contact Lauryn Schroeder via Twitter or Email. San Diego County took in 371 refugees in October, according to the county Health and Human Services Agency. Thats a 51 percent increase from October 2015, when the county took in 245 refugees. The rise follows President Barack Obamas decision to increase the overall number of refugees resettled in the United States to 110,000 in fiscal year 2017 from 85,000 in fiscal year 2016. Fiscal year 2016 saw record-breaking months of arrivals toward September, the last month of the federal budget calendar. Advertisement In October 2016, with the start of a new fiscal year, Iraqis were the largest refugee group in the county, at 108. Syrians were the second largest group at 76, and Afghans were third at 46. President-elect Donald Trump included reducing the number of refugees that the U.S. takes in, particularly refugees from Syria and other Muslim countries, in his campaign platform. Now that he has won election, those who work in refugee resettlement are not sure what to expect after January. Sysvanh Kabkeo, bureau chief for Californias Refugee Programs Bureau, said last year the state took in more Syrian refugees than any other state in the nation. He said he could not comment on whats going to happen now because he doesnt know. The new administration could change the numbers taken in at any time, he said. Robert Moser, deputy director for Catholic Charities, one of four refugee resettlement agencies in San Diego, said if the U.S. stops resettling refugees, people will still find a way by coming to the border and asking for asylum. Refugees are individuals who were forced to leave their home countries because of persecution. They apply to come to the U.S. from overseas and go through screening processes while they wait overseas for approval. Once approved, they are put on flights to the U.S., greeted by resettlement agencies and helped assimilate in their new homes. Asylum seekers were also forced to leave their homes because of persecution, but they apply for help after arriving at the U.S. border or from inside the U.S. rather than from overseas. If they apply at the border, they are put in immigration detention facilities until they have credible fear interviews, which determine whether or not their asylum cases are genuine. If they pass the interviews, they make their way through the immigration court backlog and present their cases to immigration judges who decide whether to grant asylum. If they apply from inside the U.S., they follow the same process, though they are generally not detained. They do not have access to all of the benefits that refugees receive. The reality is, the world is coming to our doorstep, Moser said. Moser said that when refugee resettlement paused after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, the numbers seeking asylum at the border went up. When the front door closes, the back door is knocked upon, Moser said. As dollars dry up or policies change, theyre still going to come. And were still here. kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate The man who was killed by a San Diego officer after he shot a City Heights family, one fatally, was the ex-boyfriend of one of the women he wounded Sunday night. According to the county Medical Examiners Office, Juan Fernandez, 22, of San Diego went to the apartment of his former girlfriend and her family on Marlbourough Avenue south of University Avenue, authorities said. Police believe Fernandez got into a fistfight with another man after arriving about 9:15 p.m. He is then suspected of getting a gun from his vehicle and chasing the man he fought down the street. Advertisement The other man was not a family member, police said. Police said Fernandez then went back to the complex and shot four family members in a courtyard, including his ex-girlfriend. Neighbors said he grabbed her by the hair and was dragging her toward his vehicle when officers arrived. An officer told Fernandez to drop the gun he was carrying, but he pointed it at the woman instead. Fearing for his own safety and the womans safety, the officer took a single shot, killing Fernandez, police said. The woman, in her 20s, was taken to a hospital for her injuries. Two other members of her family were also taken to hospitals, where one of them died. One victim chose not to be transported. Search the Union-Tribunes database of fatal police shootings in San Diego County since 1980 1 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 14 SDPD investigators collect evidence and photograph the crime scene Monday morning where an SDPD officer killed an armed suspect holding a woman hostage Sunday night outside a City Heights apartment who earlier had shot four people during a fight, including the hostage, authorities said. One of the victims later died at a hospital. (Peggy Peattie / San Diego Union-Tribune) Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com Authorities are asking the public to help find three men wanted in a series of scams targeting elderly Spanish speakers in San Diego County. In an Aug. 24 case in Oceanside, one of the men approached a 73-year-old woman in a Walmart on Vista Way just north of state Route 78, authorities said. He told the woman in Spanish that he was from Costa Rica and needed help finding a nearby immigration services office. She told the man she couldnt help him, and thats when a second man showed up and helped persuade her to give the pair a ride to the immigration services office. Advertisement During the ride, the men told her they had a winning lottery ticket and needed help collecting the money. They promised her $40,000, authorities said. The woman became suspicious, thinking the men were trying to scam her. Her cellphone then rang, and one of the men snatched it from her. The pair told her she needed to withdraw $1,800 from her bank account and give it to them, officials said. Fearful, she complied and then dropped off the men in downtown Oceanside. Authorities said the woman noticed a dark colored minivan, possibly a Toyota Sienna, when she was driving the two men. The encounter lasted two hours, authorities said. Investigators believe the same trio is behind at least five other similar crimes in cities including Vista, Spring Valley and Imperial Beach. Authorities did not release details about those cases. Investigators suspect there may be other victims who did not file a police report. One men was described as Latino, 35 to 45 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 180 pounds, with short curly hair and a heavy build. The second was described as Latino, 30 to 40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 200 pounds, with a thin build. The third man was described as Latino, 30 to 40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 180 pounds, with a thin build. Anyone with information was asked to call the Oceanside Police Department at (760) 435-4572 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone with information that leads to an arrest. Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez A 64-year-old woman who was shot by her fiance in September called off their relationship the day of the Imperial Beach murder-suicide, according to an autopsy report released Tuesday. Ren Verasco, 69, killed Suzanne Kirkwood King in their bedroom before he turned the gun on himself, authorities said. According to the autopsy report, the couple planned to marry in September, but King was having doubts about their relationship. On Sept. 11, the two had an argument, and King broke up with Verasco, saying she was moving back to Arizona, authorities said. Advertisement Investigators later found a large suitcase filled with her belongings on their bed. After their dispute, King went to a neighbors home, and, after some time, Verasco showed up there, the autopsy report said. The couple walked to their apartment, on Imperial Beach Boulevard near the edge of the Tijuana Estuary, and went to their upstairs bedroom. Moments later, their roommate heard two gunshots. When he when to check on them, the roommate was unable to open their bedroom door. A medical examiner investigator said Verasco was leaning unconscious against the door. Worried, the roommate called 911 about 5:15 p.m. King died in the bedroom, and Verasco was taken to a hospital where he died about two hours later. Verasco had spoken to an ex-wife a few weeks before the murder-suicide and said he was in an unhealthy relationship, the woman told a medical examiner investigator. He mentioned taking sleeping pills. A second ex-wife reported Verasco was physically abusive during their six-year marriage, according to the investigators report. She said her former husband owned a gun when they lived in Pennsylvania until police took it away, citing a domestic violence incident. Sheriffs investigators previously said King and Verasco did not have children together. Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez Hundreds of people, mostly students, flooded into downtown San Diego Wednesday, blocking streets as they marched to protest Donald Trumps presidential victory. The demonstration began near San Diego City College on Park Boulevard about 10 a.m., police said. Around 11:15 a.m., protesters mostly from San Diego High School and San Diego City College marched into the street. The crowd was estimated at 300 to 500 people, according to police and participant estimates. Protesters were mostly peaceful, with the exception of a few who raised a ruckus when a San Diego police officer was detaining a minor after he refused orders to get out of traffic near Sixth Avenue and C Street. Police said some in the crowd surrounded the officer, yelling, Let him go. Advertisement As other officers got there, an 18-year-old man in the group punched an officer in the face, police said. The young man ran away, but people pointed him out and officers arrested him. He booked into jail on a charge of battery on a police officer. The juvenile who was detained was cited and released. Police said there were no other arrests. The protest comes about a week after Trump clinched the election, and amid similar demonstrations that have taken place across the nation. Hundreds of people protested downtown Wednesday morning, blocking streets as they marched to protest Trumps presidential victory. Some of the downtown protesters said the march was planned by students at City College and that word spread in recent days, including Wednesday morning via social media. The demonstrators eventually ended up outside of the federal building in downtown San Diego. They held signs that said Students Against Bigotry, Were Not Trumps Nation, Make Racists Afraid Again and a few with obscenities against the president-elect. Many of the signs were in Spanish. The crowd was an ethnically diverse mix of people, many who were young. It also included representatives of the San Diego chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and American Friends Service Committee, which supports the growth and development of immigrant-led organizations, according to its website. We have to protest this election. Too many people voted for racism and bigotry, and now they are supporting a man who is full of empty promises, said Ciera Coronado, a 21-year-old student at San Diego City College. It is up to us to do this. Otherwise, we will lose a lot of our future. Nearby, 15-year-old Theresa Rodriguez from San Diego High said: Im here to support the LGBTQ community. I dont support Trumps policies, and Im here to show love. While outside the federal court building, people took turns shouting messages from a bullhorn. They generally talked about the need to keep their anti-Trump activism nonviolent and focused on positive themes. You are all our future. You deserved so much more than this election gave you, said Kelly Mayhew, a San Diego City College English professor. Its up to you to change things. Paul Lopez, 41, another English professor at the college said he came to show support for and solidarity with the students. San Diego High School students Cinthia Hernandez, 16, left, Coralynn Bradley, 15, center, and Angel Casian, 15, hold their arms up as they join other students in front of the federal court building in downtown San Diego to protest Donald Trumps presidential victory. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune ) Around the same time that the downtown march launched, 50 to 60 Lincoln High School students left the Imperial Avenue campus and took to the streets, also to protest Trump. As the group walked west on Imperial, they could be heard chanting, The people united will never be divided. A couple of students carried Mexican flags, while others held posters aloft. One read, Make America Safe Again. Interim Lincoln High Principal Shirley Peterson said the campus got advance notice of a potential demonstration by the students. She opened up the school theater as a free-speech space in a failed effort to keep them on campus. Once the group walked off the campus, two San Diego Unified School District police officers followed the protesters. About 15 students strayed from the demonstration. We support students having free speech, Peterson said. A lot of teachers took an opportunity to talk to students about the protest and what it would accomplish. But we are also concerned about student safety. Students who left campus will be marked absent, according to district officials. The Lincoln High group eventually merged with the downtown protest near the federal building on Front Street about five miles away from the Imperial Avenue campus. About 1 p.m., the two groups, now united, proceeded eastward along Broadway, headed back toward San Diego City College. As the marchers ended their rally on a lawn outside the college about 1:30 p.m., two Trump supporters, Brian Gonzales and Luke Celeste, both 19, held a quiet counter-protest on the sidewalk across the street, unfurling an American flag. Whether they like him or not, he is going to be president, said Celeste, a Point Loma resident. They might as well suck it up and deal with it. These protests have been creating nothing but division, said Gonzales, who lives in La Mesa. They should be spreading a message of unity. Celeste said he was watching media coverage of the rally and noticed several of the protesters carrying Mexican flags, but no American flags. So I brought mine. He said it draped the casket at his Army veteran grandfathers funeral 30 years ago. This is America, Celeste said. Why are they marching under the flag of a sovereign nation? There was a brief confrontation between the two men and several of the protesters. Food and drink cups were thrown in the direction of the flag holders. Police defused the situation and convinced Celeste to fold up his flag. Staff writers David Hernandez and Gary Warth contributed to this story. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com UPDATES: 1 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. It was originally published at 12:10 p.m. 5:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from police about arrests. It was originally published at 12:10 p.m. Regarding Would you support the Calexit movement? (Nov. 10): Statistics show that 34 percent of Californias population is on public assistance, in one form or another. How is California going to pay for this without federal assistance? If we are no longer citizens of the U.S., are we going to get Social Security, Medi-Cal and Medicare? Advertisement Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. E-mail letters@sduniontribune.com Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191. You can also leave a comment below Are the billionaires, millionaires, tech companies and businesses currently living/operating in our state going to stay in California and pay taxes north of 70 percent to cover these expenses? What will happen to the middle class that is already struggling to survive in California? I usually refrain from political discussions, but this is beyond comprehension. Absolute idiocy. For those looking to Canada as an alternative, I hope they have an advanced degree and/or $100,000 in liquid assets. Fluency in French or English is a must. But then again, why in the world would you want to immigrate to a country that imposes such unfair requirements? Susan Bell Bien Rancho Santa Fe Trump U trial should proceed as planned Regarding Dont let Trump U actions go unpunished (Nov. 14): The interviewer (Billy Bush) is fired for conducting an interview that contained lewd comments. The interviewee is elected president. Now, because this bully will be president, his attorney is asking for his Trump University trial to be postponed or, to quote him, We need a little bit of a timeout. I need a permanent timeout from Donald Trump being president and, no, he should not get a timeout. No one is above the law, not even a president-elect. Ellen MacVean Point Loma Planning, not protests, mark path forward Regarding Opposing views on anti-Trump demonstrations (Nov. 15): I think we will have to put up with Trump for at least four more years, unless something tragic happens. The time for demonstrations will be in two years, before we elect our congressmen and senators and see how they voted. If we let Trump ruin our lives, then he wins. Betsy Worthy Oceanside * * * It is interesting to note the many hateful comments by rioters and progressives in the Democratic Party. They are rampant with fear and paranoia about what Trump might do as president. No one knows for certain what he will do. This is a great country that has dealt with wars, the 9-11 attack and other major disasters. It seems foolish to waste so much time and energy about what might happen when this country faces terrorist threats from within and without, homelessness, unaffordable housing, illegal immigration, attacks on law enforcement and the number of people who are out of work. Whether you like Trump or not, he deserves the same opportunities to govern as were given to President Obama. Jim Biers Encinitas The case for a Trump presidency was clear Donald Trump is not the answer to Americans prayers, but I voted for him for the following reasons. I believe that the billions being spent on illegal aliens should be spent on American citizens, veterans and seniors. I think that Israel is our only true friend in the Middle East. I feel that we should be using North Americas energy resources, instead of sending billions to the Middle East. I think that we should be governed by the three branches of government rather than by executive action. I do not believe that we can properly screen Muslim refugees and I am more concerned about the safety and security of 300 million Americans than Muslims in the Middle East. Because in 25 years of public service, Hillary has done nothing of note except leave behind her scandal after scandal. Dan Hahlbohm University City Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. What would Californians do if they found out an asteroid was speeding through space headed directly toward the state? Thats what NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) officials have been working on in the Los Angeles area lately making sure the agencies are prepared to work together to cope with an oncoming asteroid. It's not a matter of if but when we will deal with such a situation," said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. "But unlike any other time in our history, we now have the ability to respond to an impact threat through continued observations, predictions, response planning and mitigation." Even though the odds are slim of actually seeing #Asteroid2016, planetary defense and emergency management experts are working on making sure any surprises dont catch them off guard. Officials in El Segundo, California, last month simulated the possibility of discovering a hypothetical asteroid that would hit earth on Sept. 20, 2020 and how to deal with it. They worked on tracking the fictitious asteroid and predicted it would slam down somewhere in Southern California or just off the coast in the Pacific Ocean. So how likely is this to happen and what exactly would NASA & Co. do about it? Besides considering sending Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck up to deal with it, heres a rundown: To date, 15,000 near-Earth asteroids have been discovered, but none yet pose a risk of impact with Earth over the next 100 years. That doesnt mean NASA stops looking. One of the best plans experts have right now is straight out of the movie Armeggedon: They would build a spacecraft and ram it into the asteroid. It takes a long time to build one of those, so experts involved in the simulation planned for mass evacuation of Los Angeles. Were guessing the 5 will be totally jammed. The most recent asteroid action on earth was one that exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk in 2013. It shattered windows and injured more than 1000 people. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office is what oversees the work of NASA and FEMA to prepare for an asteroid attack, so you can keep up with news from there here. Basically you shouldnt be too worried, but its nice to know somebody is paying attention. Theres even an official @asteroidwatch Twitter account run by the The Center for Near Earth Object Studies that keeps citizens of our fine planet in the loop. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin ALSO Brightest 'supermoon' in decades dazzles sky gazers Obama's new goal? 'Sending humans to Mars by the 2030s' Opposition from three City Council members Tuesday night killed the San Diego Habitat for Humanity-sponsored veterans housing development on Twin Peaks Road and left the two council supporters fuming. Mayor Steve Vaus joined Councilmen Barry Leonard and Dave Grosch in rejecting the 22-unit, for-sale townhome project while Councilmen Jim Cunningham and John Mullin went down swinging. Leonard and Grosch took the position that the non-profit was the wrong partner for the project, while Vaus voiced concerns over the amount of money the city would have to invest in its construction. A visibly angry Mullin charged Leonard and Grosch with putting out a smokescreen of outrageous proportions and labeled as outrageous their claims that the San Diego Habitat for Humanity lacked the experience and financial resources to build the housing. Cunningham, who has been championing the idea of Poway offering affordable housing to veterans since 2013, said Theres something boiling in the souls of those who dont want this project. Later he added, This cuts to my core I gave it my all. Council consideration followed a public hearing at which 20 residents spoke regarding the project, with 15 in opposition and five in support. Another 33 people turned in comments, but did not speak. Twenty-seven of them were in opposition while six were in support. Opponents returned to the same themes expressed at a July public hearing and August workshop: The 2-acre lot is too small for the mix of duplexes and triplexes, the project does not fit well into the surrounding neighborhoods, it will add to morning and evening traffic congestion on Twin Peaks Road, parking will be an issue and theres no real guarantee that the low- and moderate-income units will be sold only to veterans and active-duty personnel. No one on either side opposed the idea of the city providing affordable for-sale housing opportunities to veterans and active-duty personnel. Comments were devoted to aspects of the specific development design or whether giving priority to veterans would fly legally. In opening remarks prior to the comment portion of the meeting, Lori Pfeiler, executive director of the local Habitat group, insisted that Its a veterans project to us. In his comments, Leonard noted that the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) was initially a partner in the project and was offering to contribute $8 million, plus wrap-around veteran services, for what at the time was being called a Habitat for Heroes in Poway. At some point the San Diego Habitat for Humanity group entered the picture as a partner and CalVet later became frustrated and withdrew, he said. The fact that San Diego Habitat proposes to build what it is calling the Twin Peaks Community in three phases bothers him, Leonard said, as does the fact that local Habitat representatives appear to have struggled in negotiations with city staff. I dont think we have the right developer here, Leonard said. Grosch agreed, adding that there should have been more council and public comment opportunities during the early portion of the planning process. When CalVet pulled out, we should have met, but we didnt, Grosch said. The whole process is bad we could do better. The proposal before the council called for the city to donate the lot, valued at just over $1 million, plus $820,000 in affordable housing money to help subsidize mortgages of first-time low-income buyers. That number had increased by $300,000 from an earlier figure that reflected the project being reduced from 26 to 22 units in July. The amount earmarked for mortgages bothered Vaus, who said it represented about 30 percent of the money available in the citys housing fund while the project would provide only 4 percent of the affordable housing the city still needs to build or designate (506 units) under state mandates. This project has been wrapped in an American flag, but you cant ignore the red flags around it, the mayor said. Mullin said he believes the proposed project met or exceeded all city development standards and was less dense than is allowed. He noted the city over the years has repeatedly taken steps to affirm that the parcel was to be used for low- and moderate-income housing and wondered whether some future project would include more units, more potential traffic and no veterans. Given the final pre-vote opportunity, Cunningham said the $820,000 investment represented the least amount of money the city has put into an affordable housing development in the city and There is nothing that says Habitat cant build it. Email: editor@pomeradonews.com Fourteen years after dropping out of high school, PalomarCollege graduate John Aragon is transferring to Yale University,becoming the fifth member of his family to attend the Ivy Leagueschool. Advertisement Aragon, who graduated from Palomar last month with an associatedegree in English, participated in a research fellowship at Yalelast summer, and will be one of a handful of transfer studentsadmitted there next fall. Its almost like they found their own Good Will Hunting kindof guy, said his sister, Oriana Aragon, referring to the movieabout a gifted young man who works as a janitor at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology. Oriana is working toward adoctorate in psychology at the university. His transfer from a community college to an elite university,Aragon said, demonstrates that its one thing to besuperaccomplished. Its another to make the most of theopportunities you have had. He joins his sister and a cousin who are studying there now, andfollows two uncles who graduated from the university. His ownstory, however, diverged early from that academic lineage. Aragon was born in Tijuana, and grew up on a 4-acre ranch inValley Center, where his father, who uses a wheelchair because ofmuscular dystrophy, raised produce and livestock while running twocarpet shops in Escondido and Chula Vista. When his mother died of breast cancer after his freshman year ofhigh school, Aragon, then 16, dropped out to work with his eldersiblings in the familys companies, then started his ownconstruction-related business. Feeling restless with that path, however, he took a cue from hisolder sister, Oriana, who attended Palomar College, then Cal StateSan Marcos before being accepted at Yale. I thought, There has to be something more than installingpeoples carpet, said Aragon, 31. He enrolled at Palomar, where he said he was intimidated by theacademic world, but determined to learn the ropes. He started as a business major, he said, because, it was theonly major I had heard of at that point. Discovering a love of literature, he quickly switched his majorto English, confronting what was then unfamiliar terrain. Id never written even an essay in high school, he said."Maybe a book report in eighth grade. The first time I heard theword thesis was in English 100. So its definitely possible tostart wherever youre at. Even as he struggled to catch up academically, Aragon aimed totransfer to UC Berkeley, a goal that he said his first counselor atthe college dismissed as unrealistic. Undeterred, Aragon said, he switched counselors. Aragon served as vice president of the student council, andmastered course material sufficiently to tutor newer students inEnglish. Those experiences helped land him a summer research fellowshipat Yale last year, where he was the first community college studentto participate in the undergraduate program. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, he studied VisionaireMagazine, a limited-edition publication of art and fashion. Theexperience sparked his desire to return, and he added Yale to thelist of schools he applied to for transfer. This spring, he said, acceptance letters rolled in for schoolsincluding UC Berkeley ---- his original first choice ---- as wellas UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Connecticut College andBrown. Begging for time from those institutions, he held out foradmission to Yale. That email came Thursday, he said, opening a door that he wouldnot dared have knocked on several years ago. Aragon said he hopes to use his education to help address socialinequality, and aims to become an English professor or work for anonprofit. Family members say theyre thrilled at his success. Its every parents dream come true, said his father, CharlesAragon, who now lives near Phoenix. Hes already been a very, veryhard worker. He merits it. President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team are at work vetting individuals to serve in the incoming White House cabinet. And a few names have cropped up repeatedly for the secretary of state job former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Here's a rundown on each candidate. Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump Rudy Giuliani As of now, Giuliani is Trump's "top pick" for secretary of state, according to The Wall Street Journal. Giuliani was mayor of New York City during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has been a controversial figure on the campaign trail he gave a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in July and has been one of Trump's top surrogates ever since. Giuliani was a high-profile prosecutor before he served as mayor, which established his reputation as a firebrand. While he was mayor, he was known to practice a localized version of foreign policy, The New York Times noted this week. He once kicked Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat out of a symphony performance at the Lincoln Center in New York, refused to dine with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and threatened to boot the UN from its headquarters in the city. The Times describes him as a neoconservative who supports Israel, is suspicious of Iran, and believes in aggressive foreign policy. Bob Corker Bob Corker Corker confirmed to CNBC this week that he is being considered for the secretary of state job and has had conversations with the Trump transition team. Corker also, however, told The Tennessean that he doesn't expect to get the job. Corker has been a senator since 2007 and is the current chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. He seems to differ with Trump somewhat on his views of Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Corker told CBS News this week that, while its good for two world leaders to begin their relationship on a "positive note," Putin has also "shown himself to be a brutal dictator-like leader" who has "worked against our national interests." Story continues John Bolton George Bush John Bolton Bolton, a former US ambassador to the UN under President George W. Bush, is another rumored pick for secretary of state. He's a well-known neoconservative hawk who is currently a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In addition to serving as UN ambassador, Bolton worked in the State Department under Bush and was one of the architects of the Iraq War. Like Trump, he opposes the Iran nuclear deal, but unlike the president-elect, he's rather interventionist in his foreign policy. donald trump newt gingrich Newt Gingrich The former House speaker and Georgia congressman was another one of Trump's top surrogates during the campaign. Before the election, Trump said that Gingrich would have a role in his administration if he won, and Gingrich has remarked recently that he would like to be involved in Trump's government. Gingrich was House speaker in the 1990s, but has since then developed a reputation for his rhetoric that, in many ways, mirrors Trump's. He ran for president in 2012, but failed to win the Republican nomination. He also racked up ethics complaints during his time serving in the House. nikki haley Nikki Haley Haley's name was added to the list on Wednesday, according to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. The South Carolina governor has become a rising star within the Republican party in recent years. She delivered a well-received rebuttal to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address this year, calling for unity seeming to negate Trump's campaign tactics by urging people to "resist the temptation" of following the "siren call of the angriest voices." She also took a swipe at anti-immigrant rhetoric, saying that "no one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country." 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2016 -- Certain directors of Banc of California Inc are under investigation over possible wrongdoing. The investigation was announced for current long-term investors in shares of Banc of California Inc over potential breaches of fiduciary duties by certain directors. Investors who purchased shares of Banc of California Inc (NYSE:BANC) and currently hold any of those NYSE:BANC shares have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at mail@shareholdersfoundation.com or call 858-779-1554. The investigation by a law firm concerns whether certain Banc of California directors breached their fiduciary duties and caused damage to the company and its shareholders. Shares of Banc of California Inc (NYSE:BANC) grew from $9.98 per share in May 2014 to as high as $23.06 per share in August 2016. On October 18 2016, an article was published claiming, among other things, that certain Banc of California insiders had undisclosed ties to individuals previously accused of involvement with the collapse of Gerova Financial. Shares of Banc of California Inc (NYSE:BANC) declined from $18.02 per share on October 11, 2016 to as low as $10.93 per share on October 18, 2016. On November 10, 2016, Banc of California Inc stated that it is delaying the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016 for the completion of a review into certain purported improper relationships and related party transactions and related matters. Banc of California further stated the review includes an investigation by independent legal counsel having no prior relationship with Banc of California or its officers and directors will be investigating as appointed by the Special Committee of Independent Directors, established by the Board of Directors on October 27, 2016. On November 15, 2016, NYSE:BANC shares closed at $14.80 per share. Those who purchased shares of Banc of California Inc have certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation. Contact: Shareholders Foundation, Inc. Michael Daniels 3111 Camino Del Rio North - Suite 423 92108 San Diego Phone: +1-(858)-779-1554 Fax: +1-(858)-605-5739 mail@shareholdersfoundation.com Lawrence, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/16/2016 -- Netherlands has a highly developed banking system and the activities of this system go far beyond the boundaries of the country. Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands is known as one of the world's largest financial centers. The central bank is the main financial system in the country's banking system. Apart from the main financial institution, there is a huge number of other commercial, mortgages, savings and other banks. Among these, the top 5 banks in Netherlands are Rabobank, ING, DHB Bank, Amsterdam Trade Bank and ABM Amro. The Rabobank, which is also called the Cooperative CentraleRaiffeisen Boerenleenbank BA, is a Dutch multinational banking and financial services company. It is a part of the Rabobank Group and is one of the largest financial services providers in the Netherlands. This bank offers several products including Banking, Insurance, Leasing and Real Estate. The total assets of the bank have increased from 681.086 billion in 2013 to 669.095 billion in 2014 and the total equity has increased from to 38.534 billion in 2013 to 38.871 billion in 2014. The ING Group is a Dutch multinational banking and financial services corporation that is headquartered in Amsterdam. It offers several products including product, retail, direct, private, investment, commercial banking, insurance and asset management. ING Group expanded its international business through a number of acquisitions during the 1990s. The 'Fortune Global 500' in the year 2012, has declared ING as the world's largest banking/financial services and insurance conglomerate by revenue with gross receipts exceeding $150 billion per annum. It was also the 18th largest corporation by revenue as of 2013. The bank is registered in Netherlands. The Dutch State owned ABN Amro bank is also headquartered in Amsterdam. This is the third largest bank in the country of Netherlands. As on 2015, the bank has an operating income of 8.455 billion Euros and the profit for 2015 has also increased to 1.924 million Euros. The total assets value has increased to 390.317 billion Euros in the year 2015 and the total equity has also increased to 17.584 billion Euros. The Dutch Commercial Demir-Halk Bank or the DH Bank is jointly owned by a Turkish bank and HCBG Holding BV. The bank operates through various countries including Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Turkey.The bank offers Retail Banking and Commercial Banking.The bank acquired a 66.65% stake in Export & Credit Bank Inc, Skopje (EC Bank), which was sold to Turkey HalkBankas? in the second quarter of 2011. The Amsterdam Trade Bank is a commercial bank. The bank is almost completely owned by the Russian Alfa Bank since March 2001. Media Contact: URL: http://banksnetherlands.com After the success of LG G5, tech enthusiasts now have their eyes set on LG's highly anticipated upcoming flagship, possibly dubbed LG G6. While, the smartphone maker hasn't revealed anything about the handset, rumors about the LG G6 release date, specs and price details have been hitting then web for quite some time now. Recent reports suggest the LG G6 will come loaded with some extremely impressive specs and features which will help the smartphone give a tough fight to its competitors. Rumors suggest that the next-gen smartphone will feature a curved OLED 4K display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 830 processor, 6GB RAM and at least 32GB of internal memory. Notably, LG G5 offered only 4 GB of RAM. According to Pocket Lint, LG is planning to scarp the modular idea for the upcoming G6 smartphone. As per the report, the LG G5 successor will get a tempered glass rear for a more premium look along with wireless charging capability. It is also rumored that the new device might come with an iris scanner on the front same as its predecessor. On the software side, the smartphone is expected to come running the latest version of Google's Android Nougat OS. There's currently no information about the G6's camera's resolution. As far as pricing is concerned, with top-end features, the next gen LG G6 might come carrying a hefty price tag which might be equal to or more than the pricing of the current LG G5. Talking about the LG G6 release date, the handset is likely to get announced at the MWC 2017. Readers are advised to take the information with a big grain of salt a nothing yet has been announced by the makers. Don't forget to tune into SWR for the latest news on LG G6 release date, specs and pricing details. Most parents think that their child's bad behavior could be influenced by their friends. On the other hand, a new study suggests that child's siblings do influence his or her behavior the most. The study was led by a team of researchers from Florida Atlantic University. They discovered that siblings are responsible for the child's bad behaviors in adolescents more than genes, parents or friends, according to WTAX. This explains the significance of the roles of brothers and sisters in a family. Professor Brett Laursen from Florida Atlantic's Psychology Department told Mail Online that sibling influence on children's behavior rivals that of their peers. He further said that people spend much time worrying about peer pressure and what happens when children hang around with the "wrong friends." On the other hand, people spend little time worrying about whether siblings are a source of untoward influence. Professor Laursen, who is also the lead author of the study, explained that the closer in age you are to your siblings, the more important and influential that sibling is. He further explained that the reason for this is that problem behaviors spread indirectly between siblings. The key take-home message from this study is that intervention programs need to be targeted at specific problem behaviors and not the (sibling) relationship itself. In the study, the team examined the pairs of identical and fraternal twins in Quebec. They gathered data for each pair ages between 13 and 15. They found that siblings have a key role in increasing the problem behaviors over time. The impact of the siblings is more than the child's parents, friends or genes. The researchers found that problems spread between siblings within problem behavior domains. That is, one sibling's delinquency affects the other sibling's delinquency. If one is in a substance abuse, the tendency is the other will be, too. The results of the study confirm that poor behaviors in children cannot be explained by parenting or genetics. Professor Laursen said that although parents are often the target of intervention, practitioners would be well advised to focus their efforts on siblings, who are more influential than parents when it comes to substance use and delinquency, and whose influence rivals that of friends. A team of scientists plans to build a telescope to look for the next Earth and citizens across the globe can help. Dubbed as the "Project Blue," the initiative aims to raise at least $1 million through the crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter. For thousands of years, humans have looked at the sky and wondered if there are other planets just like Earth, which can provide home and shelter in the future. To answer this big question, a team of scientists is asking the participation of citizens to be part of this historic moment. This ambitious initiative will directly take photos of planets around the double suns of Alpha Centauri, which is the nearest stellar near the Solar System. The initiative consists of scientists from various organizations such as Mission Centaur, SETI Institute, BoldlyGo Insitute and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This high-impact space exploration will enable the telescope to capture images, visible to the human eye of orbiting exoplanets using a low-cost and lightweight telescope. Astrophysicists believe that this could lead to the discovery of at least one potentially Earth-like planet. "We're at an incredible moment in history, where for the first time, we have the technology to actually find another Earth," said Jon Morse, Mission Executive, in a press release by Project Blue. "Just as exciting -- thanks to the power of crowdfunding -- we can open this mission to everyone. With the Project Blue consortium, we are bringing together the technical experts who can build and launch this telescope. Now we want to bring along everyone else as well. This is a new kind of space initiative -- to achieve cutting-edge science for low cost in just a few years, and it empowers us all to participate in this moment of human discovery," he added. If the project reaches $4 million, the scientists will be able to do more than just build a telescope. They could test their technology, a coronagraph, manufacture key telescope elements and include students and universities in the project to support learning about open space. The crowdfunding project will run through Dec. 21 via Kickstarter. The massive social media website has been facing increasing criticism as of late, with users especially calling foul over its role in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. According to critics, the site has allowed propaganda lies disguised as new stories to spread, most of which are unchecked. Yahoo! News noted that spreading false news has become so bad on the site that President Barack Obama himself called it a "dust cloud of nonsense." However, as noted by Business Insider, CEO Mark Zuckerberg himself was not too concerned of the issue, stating that fake news is only a small percentage of the things shared on the site, and would not have too much impact to the public -- despite Facebook vowing to do better in differentiating fake news from real news. That being said, how difficult could it be for Facebook to find a way to block fake news? Apparently, not as difficult as the company makes it out to be, considering that a group of four students were able to find an algorithm to determine real news from fake ones -- in under 36 hours. During a hackathon at Princeton University, four college students -- Nebanita De from the University of Massachussetts at Amherst, Anant Goel from Purdue University, Mark Craft and Quinglen Chen of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign -- were able to make a much needed News Feed authenticity checker. According to De, their checker, called "FiB: Stop Living a Lie" classifies every post, including pictures, fake links, malware links and news links using artificial intelligence. They take into account website reputation and look into malware and phishing database, to begin with. Following the analysis, a browser plug-in adds a tag in the corner that states whether or not a news story is verified. The extension is an open-source project that can be used by any developer. But while it is not a total solution, it is a start. Good news for environmentalists concerned about Donald Trump's win: for the third consecutive year, global carbon emissions did not increase too much in 2016. The news was announced by a group of scientists from the Global Carbon Project that measured the amount of carbon dioxide that humans emit each year, as well as indicate how much of it is absorbed by plants, land surfaces and oceans. The news of emission standstill came from the group late last year, when it found that emissions in 2014 and 2015 represented what seems to be the end of a strong growth trend that concerned many scientists and environmentalists for quite some time. At this point, the group noted that 2016 may be on a similar trend based on its projections, with only a 0.2 increase above the previous year's emission levels: barely a rise at all. Glen Peters, one of the contributors of the research, said that they estimate the emission growth to be flat again, adding that "It's definitely three years, it's fairly flat, which is quite a contrast to a decade ago, when it was growing at about 3 percent. It's really leveled out the last few years." The particularly low level, according to Peters, is thanks in part to a decline in emissions from the United States and China -- both of which are major ballplayers when it comes to emissions. The Washington Post noted that China saw a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 0.7 percent in 2015 and an additional 0.5 percent forecast for 2016. Despite this small victory, not everyone in the world is putting in the same effort. India, for instance, had a strong 5.2 emission growth. A bigger battle still needs to be won, as the current leveling out still means that there is a little over 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide expected to have been emitted this year due to fossil fuel use and unending industrial activities. Then, there is also the environmental fight in the U.S. President Obama vowed to reduce auto pollution by making more fuel-efficient goals to drive up gas mileage. However, with president-elect Donald Trump campaigning on reviving fossil fuel industries and roll backs on environmental regulations, the set targets of the Obama administration could be scrapped, as The New York Times pointed out. A group of scientists from Europe is heading to Antarctica this month in the hope that they will be find the oldest ice on Earth. The team, part of a European Union-funded research consortium from 10 countries, will initially search for a suitable site to drill an ice core. The ultimate objective of this ambitious mission is to find out how the Earth's climate has changed over the past 1.5 million years. According to British Antarctic Survey, dubbed as Beyond EPICA-Oldest Ice (BE-OI), the project will see the researchers extract air from tiny bubbles trapped in the ice that, in turn, will help them better understand the changes in the Earth's atmospheric conditions over time. "In the early 2000s we drilled an ice core from Antarctica that gave us a climate record going back 800,000 years. Now we want to double the length of that record to investigate an important shift in Earth's climate around one million years ago, when the planet's climate cycle between cold glacial conditions and warmer interludes changed from being dominated by a 41,000-year pattern to a 100,000 year cycle," said Dr. Robert Mulvaney, ice core scientist from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the U.K. partner in Beyond EPICA. Climate scientists believe that there have been at least five major ice ages since the formation of the Earth some 4.5 billion years ago. The most recent of which occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch that began roughly 1.8 million years ago and lasted till 11,700 years ago, Live Science reports. While the details regarding the exact causes leading to these periodic ice ages are somewhat sketchy, many scientists are of the view that this happens mainly because a combination of multiple factors that include the Earth's distance from the Sun, atmospheric composition, as well as ocean circulations. Dr. Mulvaney also stated that a better understanding of the phenomenon that controlled the shift in Earth's ice ages in the past will help scientists decode how ice will behave in the ongoing state of global warming due to human-induced climate change. It is common for people to have a bottle of beer to relax after a long day at work. A new research has found that drinking a pint of beer a day could help lower the risk of having a stroke or developing cardiovascular diseases. According to The Independent, moderate consumption of alcohol, particularly beer, was added to provide to a slower drop in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good cholesterol' in a study by researchers at Pennsylvania State University. As many may have already known, HDL helps get rid of the 'bad cholesterol' or the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the arteries. Experts have said that blood vessels with accumulated levels of LDL can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke. However, increased HDL in the body can prevent large amounts of LD from accumulating. The study combines a significant number of others suggesting the positive effects of alcohol on health, some of which draw conclusions opposite to each other. For the study, researchers examined 80,000 healthy adults in China and found that the natural decline in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the "good" cholesterol, in the body was delayed by a moderate intake of alcohol. However, the research showed at an American Heart Association conference, one or two servings per day for a man or up to one for a woman was directly connected with a slower HDL decline than either not drinking at all, or drinking too much. Although the trend applied to both beer and spirits, the effect was most visible for drinkers of beer, the Pennsylvania State University study found. It is important to note that current U.K. government recommends that both men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week, the equivalent of six pints of average strength beer. According to The Telegraph, the previous guidelines, ditched in January this year, advised a limit of 21 units for men and 14 for women. However, the scientists said that more studies were needed to determine whether the alcohol-HDL association applied to non-Chinese populations. HARTSVILLE, S.C. Through his work with Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publisher, Terry Poplava had the opportunity to embark on a mission trip in October to Fiji. Poplava said it started with a phone message left to him from Msgr. Edward Lofton, pastor of St. Theresa the Little Flower parish in Summerville, chaplain and cheerleader for the Knights of Columbus, and director of the diocesan Office for the Propagation of the Faith, about a mission trip he was planning. I had no idea what was in store for me, just a sense that it might be significant, Poplava said. When he told me he was asking me to go on a mission trip to Fiji as part of Diocese of Charleston Propagation of the Faith, I was overwhelmed. The trip took place from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11. Before leaving, Poplava wrote: Even though I work for Our Sunday Visitor, and am a parishioner in the diocese of Charleston, I am a very flawed Catholic. So I am trying to open myself to this journey and to the experience of learning about the experience of the people of Fiji and their Catholic journey. I have admired the work the Msgr. Lofton does for several years. They had gotten to know one another through his church and through Poplavas work as executive director of marketing and sales for Our Sunday Visitor. Lofton was aware of the materials and pamphlets distributed by his office about the Catholic faith, Poplava said. Lofton told him that the last time he was in Fiji he was told of a need for materials about faith, especially in their Catholic schools where religion is taught. After arriving on the island, Poplava met with the principal of one of the Catholic schools, Basilisa Lalama, who was very interested in any resources he could share to teach the Catholic faith. She told him that 70 percent of the students of the school are Catholic, and the school requires the Catholic students to attend religious education classes. He was told the archdiocese developed a religion curriculum in the 1990s that is still used today. Two of the pamphlets he took with him were How to Pray the Rosary and Why Go to Confession. Poplava also got to witness the building of churches and schools on his trip. He said the missionaries provide supplies, but it is the people in the community who build the buildings. Poplava said he was glad he had the opportunity to meet with the people in the villages. He said while there are tourist resorts, they are not evident from the villages. He said there is one resort that cost $7,000 a night, but he never saw any such luxuries on his visit. He said this is still a developing area. He said there are areas where the average person in the United States would avoid. There is much poverty in the rural areas. The people live in houses that arent solid with four walls. Yet, he said, these people are happy and always welcoming. They seem very comfortable, he said. They dont seem to feel the need for something else. These people who have nothing, who dont have adequate health care are people who are saving money to build a church, Poplava said. He said they are not eating to save money for their church. When he asked them why they wanted a new church, he said he was told we need a place to pray. Fiji is in the South Pacific just south of the equator and near Australia. When he was there, it was spring, and the temperatures were in the high 70s. The people speak fluent English, he said, so it was easy to communicate. Not only did they talk, they were happy to share ideas, he said. Poplava said this was his first solo mission trip. He and his wife, Sharman, went on a mission trip in 1999 with their church in Charlotte. Poplava said he was moved by this experience. He will be donating 500 books and 1,000 pamphlets for their use. For him, participating in missions is a way of returning your gifts and being grateful. We are tending this earth and need to make it better, he said. He hopes one day to return to Fiji. FLORENCE, S.C. Pecan Pie is a staple on many Southern tables. A new initiative in Florence is showing visitors and locals alike that the nut can be used for so much more. The South Carolina Pecan Trail leads people on a culinary journey to nearly 20 different local establishments whose menu features a dish highlighting pecans. Offerings range from a drink to main courses and desserts. Created by the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau, the trail offers participants a fun way to discover local restaurants, said Holly Beaumier, director of the bureau. The hub (of the Pecan Trail) is in Florence, Beaumier said. It kicked off last week because the South Carolina Pecan Festival was held Saturday in downtown Florence. "We thought it was the perfect time, Beaumier said. Beaumier explained how the passport program will work. Basically, there are about 20 different sites, including restaurants and pecan stores that will have the passports available, Beaumier said. In the passports are the lists of the restaurants along with the dishes that are featuring pecans. Whenever people take the passports into the restaurants, they will get a stamp. After they get a few stamps, participants can earn rewards. They collect four stamps and they get a nutcracker, which they can pick up from the Visitors Center at the Civic Center, Beaumier said. If they get eight stamps in it, they get a drawstring backpack. For collecting all of them, they get these two items and also a cool T-shirt. Beaumier made the announcement about the trail on Nov. 3 during a press conference at Rebel Pie, a participating restaurant. Rebel Pie owner Alan Cooke said his menu features two things with pecans. "They approached me to be part of the pecan trail because I use pecans on my spinach salad and on my Danish (dessert) pizza, which is kind of novel and unique, Cook said. I love a pecan Danish, so I just naturally made a pizza out of it. Cooke said that although his restaurant has won awards such as Best of the Pee Dee, there are still people who arent familiar with what it does. A Neapolitan-style pizza is still kind of new to this area, Cooke said. There is definitely an education process. I think this will get people to come in and try it, and I think that once they do, theyll like it. The Pecan Trail program will last for three years. For more information on the Pecan Trail, check out visitflo.com/sc-pecan-trail or call the visitors center at 843-664-0330. FLORENCE, S.C. Carolinas Hospital System invites the community to come out for two days of holiday celebration for the annual Project Jingle Wreath and Christmas Decoration Auction. Wreaths and decorations from several local nonprofit organizations will be displayed in the main lobby of Carolinas Hospital System, located at 805 Pamplico Highway in Florence. Bidding will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 7 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds will go to The Care House, Lighthouse Ministries, the American Red Cross, Empowered to Heal, House of Hope, The Naomi Project, The Florence Area Literacy Council, Habitat for Humanity, Mercy Medicine Free Clinic and SNAC. For more information, visit facebook.com/PROJECTJINGLE or call 843-674-2615. MARION, S.C. The annual Marion County Veterans Day Celebration went on as planned on Nov. 6 despite ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Matthew. The day started off with the 29th annual parade through downtown Marion. The event, organized by the Marion County Veterans Affairs Office, paid tribute to local veterans with a special dinner gathering at Marion High School. Organizer Gloria Evans said the program went on as planned thanks to the support. From the city and the county, we just get excellent support, she said. Without them it would not be as good as it has been. Marion Mayor Bobby L. Davis served as the speaker for the event last year and welcomed the crowd as a Vietnam veteran. I know from experience that, yes, we serve, but their families make sacrifices as well, he said. Marion officials held their own fourth-year celebration at the Veterans Memorial Triangle the previous day. Evans said she wants the audience to come away more than just saying thanks to the veterans. Thankfulness and recognizing that this was done to honor them, she said. COLUMBIA, S.C. Emma Graham, a sophomore at Hartsville High School, earned a first-place ribbon in the 2016 South Caroline State Fairs Student Art Competition, and five other Darlington County School District students won awards in their contests. Shayla Walters, a freshman at HHS, earned a second-place ribbon in her division. Emily Gainey, a third-grader at North Hartsville, took home a third-place award. Jason Hutchinson, second grade, and Kate Dargan, fourth grade, of St. Johns Elementary School earned honorable mentions in their groups. Katrina Turner, a second-grader at St. Johns, received a second-place award. Marisa Johnson, the district's arts and innovative programs coordinator, praised the students and their teachers for their hard work. Every school district in the state of South Carolina was represented in this statewide juried art competition, Johnson said. We are very pleased to have student winners ranging from honorable mention to first place. Our art teachers set high expectations, and our DCSD student artists rise to the occasion creatively. The winning artwork was displayed during the State Fair, and the artists also took home cash prizes. FLORENCE, S.C. Capt. Brandon Brim took the reins Thursday morning at the U.S. Army Recruiting Commands Florence Recruiting Company during a change-of-command ceremony at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library. Brim, a 30-year-old native of Augusta, Georgia, will be responsible for the Armys recruiting efforts in Florence, Sumter, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown. His predecessor, Capt. Marco Montoya, told the crowd inside the Stukes Room that Army service has given him much. What other job will pay you to jump out of an airplane, rappel out of helicopters, visit the world and meet nice and mean people? he said to laughter. Eat that nice chow, get a college degree and work with the best people in the world. Brim thanked his wife, Candice, and noted it was their 6-week-old daughter Natalies first outing. I thank God for allowing me to stand before you today, Brim said, telling the crowd he couldnt ask for a better colleague than Montoya, who is retiring in March after more than two decades of service. Twenty-four years is three times longer than Ive been in the Army, but Ill do my best to get there. Brim said, We as a company, I want you to know that our great Army is better because of outstanding leaders such as yourself. To the recruiters of the company, Brim echoed the words of Gen. Matthew Ridgeway, who served during the Korean War. I will give you my utmost and expect yours in return, Brim said. After the brief ceremony, he said having the opportunity to command is a great feeling that makes him feel extremely blessed and extremely lucky. When hes telling young people about what its like to serve in the military, he explains the endless opportunities available. The Army has afforded me so many: college education, career advancement, anything that you can possibly think of," he said. "The Army is what you decide to make of it. What I love are the endless chances to create your own destiny. LAKE CITY, S.C. Jefferson Henneghan was drafted into the Army years ago at the start of the conflict in Vietnam. At the time, he was a junior at Morris College in Sumter. They wouldnt defer me anymore, so I said I would go, Henneghan said. So, I went to Fort Jackson for basic training, and I left there and went down to Fort McClellan for chemical school. At Morris College, Henneghan majored in chemistry, so when given the opportunity, he volunteered to attend chemistry school while in the military. I thought it would be about the same, but it wasnt, said Henneghan, a Lake City native. But he graduated top of his class while at Fort McClellan and taught classes afterward. I enjoyed doing it, he said. But after that, they shipped me to Vietnam. Henneghans Vietnam experience wasnt a bad one, he said. He still worked with chemicals using flame throwers and CS gas. He served as a machine gunner for a tank crew. You try to learn some of everything," he said. "Try to keep you out of bad situations. And thats what I did. One of the toughest adjustments Henneghan said he had to make in Vietnam was not being able to take showers properly. Before Henneghans tour was over, his mother died and he returned to Lake City. He was supposed to return to Vietnam to finish his last three months, but he called the Pentagon and told officials that he was not going back. Everybody said, Why did you call the Pentagon? Thats the best thing to do, Henneghan said. I called the top branch, and they were very nice. They said, OK and told me to report to Fort Jackson. Henneghans cousin, Clyde Bess, said when Henneghan did not go back to Vietnam, he remembered everyone saying, "Hallelujah, thats a blessing. We all were saddened at the fact that he was brought home because of the fact of his mother passing, Bess said. But it might have been prayers that caused Henneghan not to have to go back to Vietnam, Bess said. Henneghan said he went to Fort Jackson and became a military police officer. He stayed at Fort Jackson for approximately six months before going to Germany, where he became a training noncommissioned officer. He had a desk job there. My military experience wasnt bad. Its always nice because I tried to find the easy way about, he said. I went to school, and every time they asked for people who wanted to go to school, I volunteered to go to school. After serving three years in the Army, Henneghan decided it was time to leave and return to college. He completed his degree at Morris College and then taught in Florence County School District Three. He later joined the Florence unit of the National Guard, serving as a military policeman. He was the first African-American first sergeant of the 132nd Military Police Company. His service in the National Guard gave him the opportunity to travel to places, including West Point and Panama. A stint in Desert Storm was quite the experience for Henneghan. While others were in tents in the desert, Henneghans platoon stayed in an airport and was able to take hot showers. It was quite nice," he said. "I made some friends with the Saudi people over there, especially the men. Getting to know the locals was important to Henneghan, he said, because it helped each party get along better and know what was going on. A Saudi prince was the owner of the hotel in Rafha that Henneghan and his platoon stayed in. He came down, and I met him. He came in a white jet, Henneghan said. He said, Anything you need, make me a list and Ill bring it to you. And I did. The next week, Henneghan said, the prince flew in and unloaded his plane with the items that members of the platoon asked for. They stayed in Saudi Arabia for seven months. While serving in the National Guard, Henneghan made an impact on those he worked with. Sergeant Elvert Johnson, who now works as a recruiter at Lake City High School, was assigned to the 132nd MP Company years ago when Henneghan served as sergeant. Johnson said Henneghan was a father and leader. We dont have that now," Johnson said. "Back then, Sergeant Henneghan was straightforward. He could knock your head off and then say, Lets go get lunch and be done with it. Since I came here (Lake City High School) and met him again, I told him I appreciate what he taught me back then. Henneghan served in the military for a total of 32 years before retiring. My entire military encounter was pretty good, he said. I didnt have any bad feelings about the military. I tell kids now, if you have nothing else to do, go to the military, but its what you make it. Today, Henneghan works at Lake City High School, where he assists with the technology in the school, among other things. FLORENCE, S.C. Harvest Hope Food Bank received a major donation on Nov. 1 from Smithfields Helping Hungry Homes program in partnership with IGA and KJs Market. More than 25,000 pounds of protein the equivalent of 100,000 servings was donated to the food bank as Smithfield is in the process of donating 1 million servings to eight food banks across the country. Harvest Hope Food Bank is thrilled to receive this generous donation from Smithfield, said Denise Holland, Harvest Hopes CEO. With so many in the community still struggling to recover from Hurricane Matthew, both the Pee Dee area and Harvest Hope are in great need of assistance to help feed the hungry. Smithfields donation will help us as we continue to build upon the more than half-million meals weve distributed since the hurricanes landfall. Harvest Hope has set up more than a dozen mobile food pantries throughout the area and opened a temporary and emergency food pantry at its Florence branch that served over 500 families in its first two days. Its scheduled to continue to operate until Friday. As the states largest food bank, Harvest Hope feeds 38,000 people in an average week. We truly appreciate Smithfield for partnering with us to give back to the community through this generous donation, Bill Harrell, W. Lee Flowers and Company meat department director, said in news release. Whenever a disaster strikes the areas where we live and serve, we try to give aid and relief to all those in need. We strive to help people rebuild and restore their lives to normal in as many ways as possible, whether it be through donations of food, money or time. Smithfield is proud to partner with IGA and KJs Market during our 300th milestone tour to present this donation to the Harvest Hope Food Bank, said Dennis Pittman, Smithfield senior director of hunger relief. After the recent hurricane that devastated the area, we started working immediately to provide donations to the food banks that are feeding so many of the families who lost their homes and dont know from where their next meal will come. We encourage others to get involved and volunteer time, money, or food to help provide recovery assistance. Throughout 2016, Smithfield is donating more than 6 million servings of protein to food banks nationwide. Harvest Hope encourages those who wish to help to donate at harvesthope.org . The agency also can use canned goods such as shelf-stable meats (Spam, Vienna sausages, tuna, etc.), peanut butter, jelly, tomato sauce, pop-top soups, diapers (for both children and seniors) and liquid baby formula (by the case only). The day after the election, I had a two-hour drive to Greenville, so I decided to listen to NPR radio to help pass the time. The show was taking call-ins from listeners, and the majority of the callers were whining about Hillary losing the election. They were saying things such as they were concerned about race relations getting worse, the economy taking a downturn, increasing crime, and the progress that the progressives had made being reversed. All of this and more because Trump won the election, never mind that the present administration has put this country in the biggest mess it has seen since the Depression. None of these callers could understand how poor Hillary could have lost. Well, to put it succinctly, "the deplorables," as Hillary called us, have spoken loud and clear, and this is what they said: We are tired of the corruption in Washington. We are tired of the lies about Hillary's emails, Benghazi and the criminal Clinton Foundation. We are tired of the IRS being used by the president to coerce political opponents. We are sick of seeing illegal immigrants and criminals being released onto the public by inept police departments in "sanctuary cities." We are tired of the weak-kneed FBI being a puppet of the Clinton machine and the so-called Department of Justice. We are sick of a president that supports groups of rioters and looters. We are tired of seeing the president of the strongest nation in the world bowing to leaders of terrorist-supporting countries and making this country the laughingstock of the world. Progressives, listen carefully: "The deplorables" have taken back their country. Do you get it now? HENRY H. HAM JR. Leesville The alleged period of cartel operations by K Line was between July 2009 and September 2012, according to ACCC. The matter was before Australias Downing Centre Local Court for a first mention on 15 November 2016. This is the second matter in which criminal charges have been laid against a corporation under the criminal cartel provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, ACCC said. Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), another Japanese shipowner, pleaded guilty to similar charges brought by ACCC in July this year. NYK faces a maximum fine of which ever is greater of AUD10m ($7.6m), three times the benefit obtained, or if this cannot be determined 10% of its annual turnover in Australia. The ACCCs investigation into other alleged cartel participants is continuing, ACCC added. They might try to reason with the objectors, pointing out the local employment benefits, the wealth brought into the region by their link in the logistics chain; they might even mention that the whole reason for the establishment of the town or city had been based upon the port. It will be like water off a ducks back. The temptation to retreat behind the dock walls and sulk at this non-co-operative attitude among the locals might be great. But instead, it is worth looking at an annual award offered by the European Sea Ports Organisation, which recognises the value of the societal integration between port and its population. This ESPO competition, now in its 8th year, owes its origins to a book written by the Antwerp based maritime lawyer Eric van Hooydonk, concerned at the open hostilities in his own city around port development plans. Soft Values of Seaports was a well-argued strategy for the restoration of public support for seaports and was taken up by ESPO as a basis for its annual award. The award tries to encourage a more mutually positive exchange between a port and the people who live around it, recognising that in the end, no good really comes from a port ignoring the needs of those who dont actually work in the port estate, and quite obviously, that only benefit comes from co-operation. There is always a theme for the award, which over the years has looked for societal benefit in areas such as close co-operation, development, the protection and enhancement of heritage assets, education and the promotion of awareness. This year had an environmental theme, Nature in Ports and competing ports were invited to tell how the nature and ecosystem of their port was being preserved and upgraded. The winner, announced at a grand ceremony in Brussels this month, was Bremenports, for their huge Luneplatz project, a major long-term compensation scheme alongside the River Weser that has preserved a substantial area for nature, that otherwise might have been swallowed up by industrial development. The port was the co-ordinator, reconciling all sorts of conflicting demands of industry, agriculture, public access, port development and conservation. There is huge public involvement, along with schemes to get youth on board, while maintaining bio-diversity. The introduction of helpful species such as water buffalo also seemed an imaginative development. Cartagena, Dunkirk, Guadaloupe and Riga were also finalists this year. The competition is notable in that it attracts entries each year from some of Europes biggest ports, but also some of the smallest harbours and the winners have been drawn from all around Europe, regardless of the weight of the investment that has been demonstrated. It is not all about money, but imagination, along with a degree of sincerity and a long term commitment to whatever ESPO suggest as a theme are what makes the difference. It is a European competition, but the problems which gave rise to its existence are to be found all over the world, whether it is residents of Alaskan cruise ports shouting about disturbances from cruise ships or people complaining about plans to bring ships closer to where they live. The ideas generated by this award, which are published each year by ESPO contain endless ideas about how these sort of conflicts can be defused and prevented, by bringing ports closer to the people who live around them, and giving ordinary people a stake in their local ports. There are ideas here which could be applied with advantage, from Melbourne to Montevideo. It is worth checking it out. Soft values ought to be universal. Donald Trump and Pena Nieto Donald Trump had no State Department briefing materials in front of him during his first calls with world leaders as president-elect, The New York Times reported Tuesday. The materials are standard practice for the president or president-elect to avoid any diplomatic hiccups in their dealings with foreign leaders. The Times cast Trump's improvised calls as largely the result of disorganization among his transition team, which has seen two big shake-ups in the past seven days first on Friday, when Vice-President elect Mike Pence replaced Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey to lead the team, and again Tuesday, when Pence ordered that all lobbyists on the team step down. The Times said "prominent American allies" including the UK and Israel had been "scrambling to figure out how and when to contact Mr. Trump," a report Trump denied in a series of tweets on Wednesday morning. "I have received and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing New York Times said," Trump tweeted. "Russia, UK, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. The New York Times is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me." trump hallway Trump did not respond, however, to The Times' report that those calls broke with tradition by being largely improvised. The apparently off-the-cuff calls were not the only unorthodox aspect of Trump's postelection transition. On Wednesday, Trump left Trump Tower in New York for the first time in days without his press pool to have dinner at the 21 Club a few blocks away, according to The Associated Press. "The movement was a surprise given that Trump's campaign had already called a 'lid' a signal to journalists that he would not be venturing out for the rest of the day," the AP reported. "The practice is meant to ensure that journalists are on hand to witness, on behalf of the public, the activities of the president or president-elect, rather than relying on secondhand accounts." Story continues The Huffington Post reported that the Obama administration did not receive a signed memorandum from Pence needed to formally begin the transition of power until Tuesday evening. "That document still hadn't arrived by 4:30 p.m., and only later in the evening did a White House official confirm it had been received," The Huffington Post said. "The official noted that the language signed by Pence was identical to a memo signed by Christie, making the holdup all the more peculiar." NOW WATCH: How to move to Canada and become a Canadian citizen More From Business Insider Ann Arbor has long been a haven for Michigan's LGBTQ community, but it still lags significantly behind some other Michigan cities on LGBTQ-friendly municipal policy.Ann Arbor was one of the first cities in the nation to enact an LGBT-inclusive anti-discrimination ordinance, authored by legendary local LGBTQ rights activist Jim Toy in 1972. The city's latest step forward in LGBTQ policy came last month, when Mayor Christopher Taylor chose Jim Toy Community Center (JTCC) president Brad OFurey to fill a new volunteer position as LGBTQ liaison to the mayor's office. Since relocating to Ann Arbor from Houston in 2012 OFurey, 28, has made a name for himself at JTCC, but also as a campaign manager for many prominent local Democrats. In the past three years he's helped elect Mayor Taylor, state Rep. Adam Zemke, and 22nd Circuit Court Judge Carol Kuhnke, the state's first openly lesbian elected judge.But Ann Arbor is actually behind the curve in appointing an LGBTQ advisor to local government. The Human Rights Campaigns (HRC) 2015 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which ranks municipalities on how well they support LGBTQ citizens, gave Ann Arbor a score of 77 out of 100 . Elsewhere in Michigan, Detroit and East Lansing both earned perfect MEI scores. The creation of a liaison position should raise Ann Arbors 2016 MEI score to 82.In a phone interview with Concentrate, OFurey explained how he plans to help improve the citys MEI ranking, as well as the overall quality of life for Ann Arbors LGBTQ community.The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.Given your work with the Jim Toy Center and Mayor Taylors campaign its clear why you were qualified and chosen for this position, but how did this come about in the first place?This came out when we were trying to figure out how to improve the HRC score for Ann Arbor. One of those things that a lot of major cities have is a liaison for the LGBT community. There were discussions with the mayor on how we can increase the score, and this was something we saw as an opportunity to help with that and to help with communication between [the LGBTQ] community and the mayor and the city.What other action can be taken to earn Ann Arbor a perfect HRC score in the future?There are a few things, like opening up a dialogue, especially with those in the transgender community who are more at risk in our community than any other as far as poverty, homelessness, and profiling by police. So we're hoping that this will open up a dialogue with the city, the police, and our community.Something else the HRC considers in its scoring is an LGBTQ police liaison or task force. Is the city making any ground regarding that?Behind the scenes were working with the police on a separate level on the issue of the transgender community and having a liaison. In the past there have been things like sensitivity training for the gay and lesbian community, but now I think there needs to be more of a push on the issues that affect the trans community the most.Since youve just taken on this role, are you looking to other cities that already have an LGBTQ liaison for guidance?I'm not looking at any other city in particular. This didn't arise from there being an issue with the way the city deals with LGBT issues by any means. We're not looking to be like any particular city. We are pretty lucky to live in a place like Ann Arbor, which is very welcoming. It's a really awesome place to live and it really fosters diversity. But there are always ways to improve that. There are always ways to make people feel even more welcomed, and this is part of that.How does your work with the Jim Toy Community Center extend to your duties in this new position?Theyre both volunteer-based positions. I've been on the Jim Toy board, first as a board member starting in 2012, and now as president. The Jim Toy Center has programs such as "Know Your Rights," and we have some groups that work with teens, and we're continuing to expand those offerings. We do have some groups that meet at Jim Toy that help with various aspects of the community. We do offer things like a lesbian book club, Narcotics Anonymous, Toastmasters, and support groups for trans individuals.I think that puts me in a position to work with these different constituencies to bring their concerns to the city. And if the city ever has any questions on how to deal with a certain issue or how to advocate better on behalf of these constituencies, that puts me in a good position to open up that dialogue and have that conversation, and talk about best practices and the best ways to move forward as a city.Has the mayor approached you about any particular issues yet? And what is your main goal going forward with this position?No, not yet. Im working with some folks on the board, but it is my goal to advocate for those who are in the transgender community, who face very different experiences than cisgender folks in our community. I think the goal is to focus on improving our Equality Index score by introducing policies for the city to work on. My main goal is to be a resource to the city as they deal with these issues, so as these issues come up I can provide some guidance to them. Chamira Young is exactly the kind of young, talented, creative professional that cities across Michigan are scrambling to attract -- and she's choosing to build her photography studio and brand in Port Huron.OK, we might be a little biased; she's The Keel's lead photographer. But we hope that only makes her even more amazing.Young has built most of her career in art and photography in Michigan. She was born in Kalamazoo, grew up in Detroit, and went to the University of Michigan School of Art and Design in Ann Arbor."That's where I first picked up a camera," Young says. "It was a great time of creating and discovering, so much fun. From there, I kind of just worked my way this way, one job a little closer than the next."She's been an illustrator, graphic designer, web designer, and assistant magazine editor, each gig rounding out her resume in a new way. But in the end, it was photography that drew the most passion from her."I had to make a choice at one point. I could be a jack-of-all-trades, or I could focus on one thing, and I chose photography," says Young.That choice eventually brought Chamira and her husband to the Port Huron area just under a year ago, although he's from the area, so it was a bit of a homecoming for him, she says."I've really liked getting to know the area, working with all these local businesses and meeting people," says Young. Much of her work is one-on-one with small or medium-sized businesses, creating promotional or marketing shots, product or location shots or professional head shots. She also does a limited amount of portraits for families or seniors.Young often works on location, shooting at businesses or for clients, but when she's not, she builds her business, Chamira Studios , from either a home office or Loft 912 in downtown Port Huron, a co-working space populated by other self-employed professionals or remote workers."When you walk into that space, it's dynamic," she says. "The people there, the feel of it, even the colors on the walls. It reminded me of Ann Arbor, actually. It was like an office space transported from Ann Arbor."She praises owner Matt Brooks for creating a positive, entrepreneurial place that attracts good people and makes creativity possible, and has even used the space for some shoots.Young's always on the lookout for ways to network and connect with other photographers and inspire learning for herself and others, which led to her other endeavor, ProPhotographerJourney.com , a podcast and educational site focusing on the business side of professional photography.She produces the interview-style show on a weekly basis and talks with photographers from different niches of the industry all over the world. She's interviewed red-carpet photographers, underwater photographers, and a wide range of others, with 103 episodes currently online.Young says she wanted to offer resources to teach photographers how to build their businesses, with skills like marketing and strategy. She thought a good way to do that would be to ask successful photographers what they do that works."It's blown my mind that they're all so willing to talk to me," she says. Then, she shares that knowledge with other professionals through the podcast, as well as webinars, e-books, and the occasional online class.The lessons she's been able to teach, she's also been busy learning herself, as good teachers do."I've learned that this is about 80 percent business, and 20 percent taking photos," she says. And with that in mind, she hopes to expand her own business in Port Huron."The future's not set in stone, but what would be wonderful is to bring more people into my photography business team," says Young. "What I've learned from the podcast is that successful people don't keep it just a one-man show; they bring on other people to help with different aspects of the business."She envisions Chamira Studios becoming a place where other photographers can network and connect, while also allowing her to train other photographers in the southeast Michigan area.Kim Eggleston is a Michigan-based freelance writer and editor. Millions of people in India dodge human excrement in the street on a daily basis, while at the same time trying to avoid the horrible smell that permeates the air. Enter: The Google Toilet Locator. Within the next 15 days, India's Ministry of Urban Development plans to launch the Google Toilet Locator in partnership with the tech giant, allowing people in India to find the nearest clean toilet using Google Maps on their phone. The technology is based on crowdsourcing, similar to the way apps like Yelp provide information on restaurants. Nearly 620 million people in India defecate in the open, which has significantly contributed to water contamination, causing an ongoing public health crisis. Drinking water with fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea among other illnesses, something that's especially dangerous in children because it can result in malnutrition and even death. RELATED: You Can't See It, But There's A LOT Of Stuff In Your Water Open-defecation has been a common practice for centuries, not only in India but in other countries as well. "Open defecation is both a historic and a contemporary practice in settings throughout the world," Korydon Smith, a professor of architecture in the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, told Seeker. "It has gained attention in India because of the size and density of many cities along with global and nationwide efforts to be "open-defecation-free." According to UNICEF, access to toilets in India is increasing, but for the poorest 20 percent of the country, open-defecation is essentially the norm. "There are a number of barriers that impede the transition to the use of private and communal toilets and latrines," Smith said. "Lack of funds, know-how, and space for constructing latrines, the need for maintenance, a transformation of cultural norms, and other factors hinder adoption." In 2014, UNICEF India launched the Poo2Loo campaign to raise awareness about the problem. They produced an animated YouTube video that detailed one Indian man's daily run-ins with poo, from morning to night. RELATED: Why You Shouldn't Hold in Your Poop While the video is lighthearted and funny, it also brought some serious concerns to light. Many people in India may recognize that public defecation is a problem but they don't understand exactly why. The video fills in some information gaps by showing how fecal matter can pollute water systems, putting everyone's health at risk. The Poo2Loo campaign has since ended, but the launch of the Toilet Locator indicates that sanitation progress is being made. The technology will be piloted in India's National Capital Region (NCR), but in time the government plans to give the entire country access. A MoUD official told the IB Times, "Mechanisms are in place for the facility to be scaled up, and for it to reach all the 2,041 urban local bodies of the country." Smith agrees that the Toilet Locator is a good resource for urban areas, but stresses that technology cannot solve India's sanitation problem all together. "The Google Toilet Locator might add to the toolkit and make a difference in some urban settings... but it cannot overcome situations where latrines are sparse, such as rural settings, where restrooms are not well maintained, or where toilets are not accessible to people with disabilities or secure for women and girls," he said. "Meeting the needs of vulnerable populations like older adults and young children is a majority priority in order to fulfill the UN goal of 'clean sanitation for all.'" WATCH: What Life Is Really Like In Delhi, India Reindeer, in fiction and real life, are known for their ability to forge through tough conditions. But extreme weather events tied to Arctic sea ice loss have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of reindeer, new research finds. Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus, also called caribou in Alaska and Canada) aren't the only ones affected. The die off poses risks for nomadic herders, such as the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of West Siberia. The oral histories of these people over recent years were incorporated into the new study, which is published in the journal Biology Letters. RELATED: Hundreds of Reindeer Killed by Lightning in Norway "The private herders who lost all their animals were hardest hit because, for them, it is really a subsistence economy," lead author Bruce Forbes, a research professor at the University of Lapland's Arctic Center, told Seeker. "The private herders have had to become full-time subsistence fishermen to support their families while they rebuild their herds with breeding stock borrowed from their neighbors and relatives." He and his team conducted the study after noting that two extreme weather events in 2006 and 2013 caused widespread starvation among the Arctic reindeer herds. In 2013 alone, at least 61,000 reindeer died, representing 22 percent of the estimated 275,000 reindeer on the Yamal Peninsula. Forbes explained that in a typical year, autumn snow falls on vegetation that the reindeer eat. Occasional rains can lead to crusted snow or ice patches that the deer can either push through or eat around. "Normally stronger bulls would work to break through the ice crust so that females - many of them pregnant - and yearling calves can access the fodder beneath," Forbes said. "The best condition is powder dry snow, which is easy to dig through to the ground layer of lichens and other vegetation beneath." Rain on snow doesn't cause problems in spring, when it's warmer overall, but it can be catastrophic for reindeer in the fall when it turns into a thick ice crust that can prevent the animals from accessing food. The scientists combed through climate data from years when mass extinctions occurred, and found they corresponded with thinning of ice in the Barents and Kara Seas. Usually sea ice there increases rapidly in November, but it has been decreasing during some years, likely due to climate change. RELATED: Thawed Reindeer Unleashes Siberian Anthrax Outbreak "Open ice or jumbled ice packed together allows more moisture to accumulate in the atmosphere over the sea at a time when the air should be quite dry," Forbes explained. "If the moisture, measured by NASA satellite sensors as specific humidity in the atmosphere, builds up in association with onshore winds, then rain can fall over the adjoining mainland." The scientists interviewed 60 herders and administrators in the area between March 2014 and April 2016, asking about their observations. The herders, who must manage semi-domesticated reindeer over large tracts of land, recalled extreme weather events that would hurt their herds, but said they're happening more frequently now. The situation is so bad that mobile slaughterhouses may be deployed in the future, if the sea ice starts to collapse noticeably again. This would d allow the herders to slaughter at-risk animals humanely, Forbes said, rather than letting them starve, which would also be a monetary loss for the herders. The stuff that's on your phone can get you into a lot of trouble. Just ask Anthony Weiner, the former New York Congressman involved in three sexual scandals related to sexting. Technically, he got in trouble for what was "in" his phone, though, in the data. But now comes word that the stuff that's literally on your phone - the dirt, grime, grease, and schmutz - can disclose a good deal of information about your lifestyle. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, recently concluded a study in which they gathered smartphones from 39 volunteers and swabbed each for chemical residue. By analyzing the grime, the research team was able to suss out a remarkable amount of information on the owners: where they've been, what foods they eat, what cosmetics they use, what medicines they take. The list goes on. By compiling the information using dedicated software, the researchers generated a "lifestyle sketch" of each individual owner. The hope is that the new system might be useful to law enforcement groups for criminal profiling and forensics. Pieter Dorrestein, senior author on the study and a professor of pharmacology at UC San Diego, said that the system uses mass spectrometry to identify substances and materials on the molecular level. While the scanning technology isn't new, the analysis approach is different than what has been attempted before. WATCH VIDEO: Smartphones Are Killing Your Social Life Press Release November 16, 2016 De Lima questions hike in gov't confidential and intel funds Sen. Leila M. de Lima has expressed concern over the huge increase in confidential and intelligence funds of the government, notably of the Office of the President (OP), under its proposed P3.35-trillion national budget for next year. During the Senate plenary debate Tuesday night, De Lima noted how the proposed budget of the OP has dramatically ballooned to P20.03 billion which is around P17 billion more than its existing budget of only P2.87 billion for 2016. "Why must the President spend more than 2 billion for confidential and intelligence expenses when there are agencies which specialize in intelligence operations?," she asked. Under the proposed 2017 national budget, the President's confidential and intelligence funds are given an allocation of 1 billion - or 400 percent times bigger than the current 250 million. Confidential funds are for surveillance activities in civilian government agencies to support its mandate, while intelligence expenses are for intelligence information gathering of the military, police, and intel agents on matters of national security. The former justice secretary explained that there are various government agencies which are directly responsible or mandated for the intelligence gathering. These agencies are the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Intelligence Service, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Intelligence Service, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. De Lima pointed out that a bloated allocation of confidential and intelligence fund under the OP reveals the administration's apparent distrust on the current intelligence operations. "The President is the ultimate recipient of intelligence reports and not the one supposed to generate them. Why must he require considerable funds for confidential and intelligence expenses for operations that would render the intelligence operations of the said agencies useless?," she said. De Lima recalled that President Duterte made public the so-called "drug matrix" containing names of persons allegedly involved in drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prison. The list that includes herself and other public officials was dismissed as unreliable. The President had later apologized to some officials he implicated, saying the list had flaws because he was negligent in counterchecking the facts. Both NBI and PDEA had denied their involvement in the preparation of the list of alleged "narco-politicians." These instances, De Lima continued, serve as more than proofs that the President does not demand a high standard of intelligence gathering and validation prior to taking appropriate action. "Should we abolish the intelligence agencies since the President does not trust their operations? Or should we restrict the President's propensity to generate and act on low quality intelligence?," she said. "The President should instead make use of the intelligence reports of our agencies instead of generating them himself," she said. Press Release November 16, 2016 Hontiveros pushes for debt audit in 2017 budget An audit of loan agreements challenged as illegitimate, fraudulent and/or wasteful was pushed in the proposed P1.9 trillion 2017 national government budget by Senator Risa Hontiveros. In her maiden budget interpellation on Tuesday, Hontiveros proposed the inclusion in the said budget of a special provision to "hold in trust" interest payments for at least 20 loan agreements pending a thorough review through a congressional debt audit. Hontiveros assured that debts validated to be aboveboard will continue to be serviced. However, those proven to be illegitimate or riddled with questionable processes, contractual obligations, purposes and use will be subjected to renegotiation and/or repudiation. Subsequently, funds allotted for their payments will be re-channeled to augment the government's spending for important social services. "It is only apt that the Duterte government's first proposed appropriation law dubbed as 'a budget for real change,' has a specific policy language to safeguard the nation's coffers from illegitimate loan agreements. It is only common sense that we should not pay what we don't owe. A congressional debt audit is a step in the right direction to scrutinize these debts and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past," Hontiveros said. Hontiveros explained that the country endured paying for illegitimate debts in the past like the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and the defunct Austrian Medical Waste Incinerator Project. She cited a study by the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) which has identified 20 questionable loan agreements amounting to P 900 million (please see attached) in the proposed 2017 budget. The debt watchdog said that many of the loans came from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank (WB). Senator Loren Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, and principal sponsor of the proposed budget, agreed to a congressional debt audit. "BNPP revival a public health risk" Meanwhile, Hontiveros opposed the government's plan to revive BNNP, saying it poses a serious risk to public health. She said that one of the primary consequences of radiation exposure is DNA damage while long term risks include an increased probability of contracting thyroid cancer and leukemia. The senator also argued that nuclear experts couldn't provide a fail-safe measure to dispose of nuclear waste. Hontiveros added that the proposed revival of the BNPP runs contrary to the prevailing attitudes of more experienced nations regarding the future of nuclear energy. "In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, Germany, through its Energiewnede program, has pledged to fully close all of its nuclear energy plants by 2022. The risks to human health and the environment cannot be overstated. We live in an age where our actions directly shape the natural world. Our existing laws such as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 represents our commitment to renewable energy and increase its share in our energy mix." Press Release November 16, 2016 Legarda: 2017 Budget Programs Must Consider Filipinos' Happiness and Well-Being Senator Loren Legarda today said that the proposed 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) aims to ensure that the quality of life and well-being of Filipinos are taken into consideration in the plans, programs and activities of government. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that aside from measuring growth via traditional economic yardsticks of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP), it is equally important to measure the level of happiness, satisfaction and quality of life of Filipinos. "Economic growth, per se, does not ensure the well-being of citizens so that a more accurate measure of development needs to be explored. We have encouraged the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to incorporate the pillars of Bhutan's Gross National Happiness (GNH) indicator," she said. During the plenary deliberations on the proposed budget of NEDA, Senator Gringo Honasan supported the call of Legarda to adopt the GNH, noting that other countries have started adopting the concept and that Ecuador, Bhutan, Venezuela, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) even have ministers of happiness. Legarda said she has included a special provision under the proposed 2017 GAA that requires NEDA to ensure that the implementation of programs, projects and activities in the GAA shall contribute towards the improvement of the level of happiness in the country, as measured through GNH. "Improving quality of life goes beyond economic growth and should include equally important factors such as good governance, equitable and sustainable socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and disaster resilience," said Legarda. "Apart from the integration of GNH in the budget, I am also helping our government ensure that the national budget is attuned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or global aims to end poverty and hunger, improve health and education, make cities more sustainable, combat climate change, promote peace and justice for all, and protect the environment and biodiversity. In the same way, we also seek to contribute to the achievement of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction," she said. Press Release November 16, 2016 WOMEN LEADERS ASK SENATE: DON'T REMOVE 1.3 MILLION FAMILIES FROM PANTAWID PAMILYA PROGRAM; SEN. KIKO MEETS THEM MANILA - As the Senate deliberated the P3.3-trillion national budget, women leaders from Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid on Wednesday morning danced the zumba outside the Senate gates to get the senators' attention regarding their worry: That 1.3 million of the 4.4 million families-beneficiaries would be removed from the program, so that rice subsidy may be given instead. "Nasisiyahan kami sa planong pagbigay ng rice subsidy ngunit lubos kaming nababahala na kailangang alisin ang halos ikatlo sa aming mga kasamahan upang maibigay ang rice subsidy (We are happy about the plan to give the rice subsidy but we are terribly worried that almost a third of our colleagues would be removed so that rice subsidy may be given)," the women leaders said. They noted that due to the program, many of their lives have eased but continue to be poor. They also said many of them are already availing themselves of the livelihood program planned to take the place of the health grant. "Mas mabuti pa pong ang karagdagang P16 bilyon na pondo ng programa para sa 2017 na lamang ang gamitin para sa rice subsidy at huwag na pong alisin ang health grant (It would be better if the additional P16 billion fund of the program for 2017 be used for rice subsidy and not take out the health grant)," they added. Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan met with the women leaders, who included Helen Araojo. "Sabi naman ng DSWD, itutuloy naman nila. Tinutulak ngayon ni Senator Drilon na ibalik sa 4.4 million [ang beneficiaries]...Ang alam ko, saklaw lahat. Dapat bumili rin kayo ng gulay para ang mga anak ninyo ay malayo sa sakit (The DSWD said they would continue. Senator Drilon has pushed to restore the 4.4 million beneficiaries...I know that everything is covered. You should also buy vegetables for your children so that they would not become sickly)," Pangilinan told the women leaders. According to the Samahan, during House of Representatives budget hearing last September 1, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it would remove 1.3 million 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program) families-beneficiaries in livelihood programs. Then, it would use the funds to provide for the 1.3 million to provide rice subsidies to the remaining 3 million families-beneficiaries. The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18. It is patterned after the conditional cash transfer (CCT) schemes in Latin American and African countries, which have lifted millions of people around the world from poverty. College students whose school has shut down or committed fraud may soon be eligible for financial relief from federal regulators. Next July, barring any changes after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, new rules from the Department of Education could lead to an increase in student loan forgiveness. The new rules make it easier for students to get their loans dismissed if their college closes or if students believe they were swindled by their school. Several high-profile, for-profit colleges have closed their doors in recent years leaving students without a degreeand with student loans they cant repay. While students of schools that have shut down recently tried to get their federal loans discharged before the schools closed there was no formalized process to do so, says Betsy Mayotte, director of consumer outreach and compliance for American Student Assistance, a nonprofit organization that provides financial education to college students. If Your College Shuts Down While most of the new rules dont go into effect until next July, borrowers whose schools closed on or after November 1, 2013, and who have not been able to transfer their credits to another school after three years will have their federal debt automatically discharged. The student loan forgiveness rule changes will immediately benefit students who had taken out loans to attend Corinthian College or ITT Technical Institutes, which are among the schools that have shut down in recent years leaving many students with debt and credits that are difficult to transfer. Loans will be dismissed automatically for students who have not been able to transfer their credits and complete their degree within three years of the schools closure. However, Mayotte says borrowers can speed up the process by completing required documents and emailing them to FSAoperations@ed.gov. In the future, when schools close, both the schools and the lenders will be required to give students an application to apply for student loan forgiveness. The new rulings do not apply to students who took out private loans to pay for school. Story continues If You Believe Your College Defrauded You The new rules also include what are known as Borrower Defense Rules, which will provide borrowers with a more streamlined process to file claims if they believe they have been lied to or mistreated by their college. The Department of Education has long had rules on the books about how borrowers can claim a defense to repayment for a loan, but there were no federal standards or rules around the process, says Karen McCarthy, director of policy analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Students could feel defrauded if, for example, a college attempts to get them to enroll by inflating its job-placement statistics. Starting next July, if the rules go into effect, schools will no longer be able to require students to sign arbitration agreements, which prevent class-action lawsuits. So a borrower would be able to take the college to court for any disputes related to their education or their loans. Hundreds of thousands of students have been harmed in recent years by predatory schools that have treated them as little more than dollar signs, said Suzanne Martindale, staff attorney for Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports. The action by the Department will help students get the relief they deserve and ensure schools are responsible for the cost of canceled loans when they engage in fraud. Even so, Consumers Union says the new student loan forgiveness rules, which apply to loans taken out after July 1, 2017, are disappointing because the standards are tougher for borrowers to meet than the current standards required by state laws. If you have a student loan and feel you've been wronged, you should visit the website of the Department of Education where you'll find more information about how to file a claim. 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When a nonprofit developer applied to build 150 apartments for low-income seniors in the affluent Forest Hill neighborhood of San Francisco west of Twin Peaks, city housing officials were thrilled. Here at last was an affordable project proposed not for the usual precincts of the Tenderloin or SoMa, but for a quiet corner of the city that rarely sees development of any kind. Equity in terms of where we are creating affordable housing is a big issue for the mayor, Jeff Buckley, senior adviser to Mayor Ed Lee on housing issues, said when the developer pitched the idea in October. But just a month later, the project is in deep trouble for reasons that go a long way toward explaining why most of the citys housing for poor people is in neighborhoods where there are already plenty of poor people. For many of those who live in the detached, single-family homes in Forest Hill, the five-story, 132,000-square-foot project proposed for Laguna Honda Boulevard is too tall and too dense. They warn that it will increase traffic, noise and crime. On Monday night, more than 100 residents squeezed into the Forest Hill Clubhouse a 1919 Arts and Crafts building designed by Bernard Maybeck and owned and maintained by homeowners. The occasion was a neighborhood association meeting devoted to the proposed project. The group, which typically deals with such things as pruning schedules for the elm trees along Magellan Avenue, unanimously voted against the housing development. Paul Chinn/The Chronicle Joe Bravo, an attorney who is leading the charge against the project, said the opposition is not a question of being a NIMBY. Its a question of saving the hill the pine-tree-dotted knob that gives the Forest Hill neighborhood its name. You cant build 132,000 square feet and make it look like the Arc de Triomphe, Bravo said. This is a huge development for the area. It would be perfect for somewhere along the Van Ness corridor next to a Holiday Inn. The project, proposed by the Christian Church Homes of Northern California, would put housing on a long, narrow parcel at 250 Laguna Honda Blvd., at the foot of the eastern side of Forest Hill. The site is now home to the Forest Hill Christian Church, a portable classroom that the church uses as a preschool, and a parking lot. Some residents took pains to say it was the height and density of the building that they opposed, not the fact that it would house low-income seniors, 20 to 30 percent of whom would be formerly homeless. But others openly said residents of the complex would bring with them the sort of quality-of-life problems that neighborhoods west of Twin Peaks are largely immune from. One resident said at Monday nights meeting, We dont know if there are going to be sex offenders living there. Another asked Christian Church Homes representatives, What resources are you going to provide to make sure my 11-year-old girl is safe? Jamie Wong, a Sunset District native who has lived in Forest Hill for nearly a decade, said she is worried about the development destabilizing the hillside and changing the feel of the area. As a parent, I am concerned about people with mental illness and drug addictions, she said. I want my kids to be able to play outside thats why we bought a house here. The controversy underscores how antidevelopment sentiment tends to squeeze low-income projects into a limited number of dense neighborhoods. Paradoxically, its more expensive to build in those poorer downtown districts than in places like Forest Hill, where height limits and more expansive parcels mean projects can use cheaper, wood-frame construction. Sites near downtown tend to be small and pencil out economically only if the structures are tall, which requires costly concrete or steel-frame construction. Kathleen Mertz, vice president of development for Christian Church Homes, said in an interview that the initial rendering for the Forest Hill project isnt necessarily representative of what would be built. Plans could change, she said. Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle 2016 Im there to listen, Mertz said before the meeting. Everyone needs to participate together to help be part of the solutions of the affordability crisis in San Francisco. I would argue that being able to live and thrive and age in place in San Francisco is part of making a holistic and inclusive community. That means having housing for people at all income levels, all family types and all life stages. Mark Watts, president of the Forest Hill Association Board of Directors, said he supports affordable housing on the site, but that the initial proposal looks like a Russian gulag. Watts added, People are afraid of formerly homeless people wandering around the neighborhood attacking our kids and pushing our elderly down. That is not something I am worried about, but that is what people are afraid of. 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. Tim Colen of the advocacy group Housing Action Coalition lives in Forest Hill and is trying to ease his neighbors concerns. Hes hoping to organize a tour of other developments in the city that house low-income seniors. People owe it to themselves to go and look at what low-income senior housing is all about, how its run and managed, Colen said. They are missing an opportunity to extend a welcome to a group of people not currently represented in the neighborhood. The project will ultimately need Board of Supervisors approval, which will be less likely if Supervisor Norman Yee, who represents the neighborhood, doesnt change his mind. Given the lack of community support, he said, I am unable to support ... this project in its current form. Its been so long since affordable housing was constructed west of Twin Peaks that its something new and unfamiliar to many residents, said Kate Hartley, deputy director of the mayors office of housing and community. The fears that some people have expressed will not be realized, she said. We want everyone to understand that affordable housing in San Francisco is very high quality and very well done. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener declared victory in a tightly contested state Senate race on Tuesday but his opponent, Supervisor Jane Kim, isnt conceding yet. With 93,000 ballots left to be processed in San Francisco and an undetermined number from the northern San Mateo County portion of Senate District 11, Wiener has a 13,833-vote lead. Kim has made up almost no ground in the count since election day, and trails Wiener 52.2 to 47.8 percent. Hundreds of thousands of votes have been counted, and Im deeply honored to be elected to represent our community in the state Senate, Wiener said in a statement. I want to acknowledge and thank my opponent and colleague, Jane Kim, and her supporters for the passionate and talented campaign they ran. Wiener and Kim were vying to fill termed-out Sen. Mark Lenos seat in the Legislatures upper house. Kim finished first in Junes primary by 0.2 of a percentage point, or 669 votes, after trailing in the vote after election day, and shes not yet conceding defeat. There are more than 90,000 votes to be counted, said Julie Edwards, a spokeswoman for Kims campaign. Were going to respect those voters who have a right to be part of this process and have their voices heard. The state Senate race was the main event in the election struggle between the citys more moderate faction, as represented by Wiener, and progressives, who backed Kim. Wiener outspent Kim nearly 2-1 in the race $2.1 million since January to her $1.3 million and received an additional $1.5 million from outside independent expenditure committees, more than five times what Kim brought in. In his victory statement, Wiener returned to a central issue in the campaign what to do about rising housing costs that threaten to skew the districts population toward the wealthy. We have our work cut out for us, Wiener said. The housing crisis isnt limited to one city or region. It requires statewide action. 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. The state must do more to support public transportation. ... I will do my work in the state Senate, and I will count on every member of this community to join in that work. Regardless of whether Wiener holds on or Kim rallies, Mayor Ed Lee will have a vacant seat to fill on the Board of Supervisors. The appointee will serve until the next citywide election in 2018. Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn Social medias dominance of the publics time and attention has reached new heights, according to a study released Friday. More people than ever reportedly get their news from social media, and about half of the online American public relied on social networks for learning about the 2016 presidential election. Social media has become a staple at work and to find work. Younger people, many of whom who grew up with mobile phones, are relying more than ever on messaging apps to organize and communicate. Of all the social media on the Internet today, Facebook is far and away the most popular and thereby the most influential. As of April, nearly 8 out of every 10 people who use the Internet had a Facebook account, according to the study released Friday by the Pew Research Center, which recorded a more than 7 percent jump in the number of Facebook users from last year. Thats more than double the number of people who use Twitter (24 percent of people online), scrapbooking tool Pinterest (31 percent), Facebooks photo- and video-sharing app Instagram (32 percent) or professional networking website LinkedIn (29 percent). With 1.18 billion people checking Facebook daily as of September, the social media juggernaut has quickly become one of the most significant distributors of information in the world. Not all the information on Facebook is correct. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, interviewed at the Techonomy conference in Half Moon Bay this week, defended his company against accusations that the fake news items circulated on the social network influenced the results of Tuesdays presidential election. Some of the false posts included claims that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton would be criminally charged for having used a private email server during her time as secretary of state. Voters make decisions based on their lived experience, Zuckerberg said in an onstage interview with David Kirkpatrick, author of The Facebook Effect. I think there is a certain profound lack of empathy in asserting that the only reason why someone could have voted the way they did is because they saw some fake news. Facebook, which has continued to attract older members, remains wide-ranging in terms of who uses the site, the study showed. About 88 percent of 18-to-29-year-olds have Facebook accounts, while 62 percent of those 65 and older have joined. Those older users, though, appear to be powering the companys growth. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Thanks in part to the growing number of older adults who are joining the site, Facebook use appears to be on the rise, according to the Pew report. Other social media have been unable to break into that demographic in the same way. LinkedIn, which has the second-most users age 65 and up, boasts about 20 percent of that group. The Pew study was conducted by surveying a national sample of 1,520 adults aged 18 and up from March to April of this year. Respondents live in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih and his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak are said to be heading to Qatar later this week for an unscheduled meeting, according to industry sources quoted by Reuters. The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is meeting in Doha, and though OPECs de factor leader Saudi Arabia is not a member of the gas forum, OPECs Algeria, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, and Venezuela are. According to Reuters sources who had spoken on the condition of anonymity, the Saudi minister was expected to meet other OPEC ministers, and maybe Russias Novak, this coming Friday. Some may see this as a good opportunity for the Saudis to take stock of where some OPEC producers and Russia stand on the issue of possible freezes/cuts in production, although most members, including Iraq and Iran, have been pretty vocal about where they stand. The meetingan unscheduled one is likely a sign that things are not progressing as planned, and more discussions are required to reach some consensus. The Saudis - OPECs biggest producer - who have so often been the ones to cut, said just yesterday that this time around, they will not cut unless there is collective action. According to OPEC sources, Saudi Arabia has said which conditions need to be met so that a deal could go throughand those terms are strict, which is probably telling of the kingdoms bond sale that went through last month, giving them a bit more of a lifeline than they had before the borrowing. Still, its hardline stance, which was probably never meant to be publicized at this point and could be interpreted as some type of ultimatum, is a bit puzzling given that Saudi Arabia just announced it cut $266 billion in projectsclearly it is feeling the weight of low oil prices. The Saudi terms are: collective action, each producer sharing the burden of the cuts equitably, transparent production figures used for determining the starting point of a cut/freeze, i.e. figures as reported by OPEC, and expectations that Iraq would cut production. Story continues So is Iran feeling the crunch to the same degree as Saudi Arabia? Is Iraq? We know Venezuela is, and Angola cant afford toilet paper for its state-run oil firm employees, but Angola and Venezuela really dont hold the same sway with production volumes being significantly less than Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. This weeks meetings on the sidelines of the Doha forum could be another informal round of talks for Falih as the Saudi minister tries to push the kingdoms agenda and bring the other OPEC members around to the importance of a freeze. Just how important Iran and Iraq see this freeze will likely determine the fate of the OPEC deal, if one is to be had. Although its not clear if Falih would meet his Iranian counterpart Bijan Zanganeh - and its not even clear yet if Zanganeh would attend in person the Saudi minister might have plenty of opportunities to discuss the possible deal, not only with fellow OPEC producers, but with Russia as well, who has publicly agreed to a cut, if and only if OPEC members reach a consensus. And while Russia is said to be on board give those conditions, they do not appear to be in the dire straits that many of the OPEC members find themselves in. Related: Iran Nears Pre-Sanction Levels, Starts Pumping Oil At 3 New Fields Al-Falih has a tough road ahead indeed, given that Iran is ramping up output, and Iraq is pleading for an exemption because it is fighting Islamic State. As if this was not enough for a deal-breaker, Iraq and Iran are disputing OPEC figures and are self-reporting higher numbers. On top of that, theres non-OPEC Russia, which has said that it could join efforts to stabilize markets, yet like OPEC, is showing no signs of stopping, and continues to increase its oil output. With November 30 just two weeks away, reports of diplomatic efforts to clinch some kind of a feasible deal are creating some volatility in the oil markets. According to Tamas Varga, oil analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates, as quoted by Reuters, said: Reports of a diplomatic push by OPEC to strike a deal are supporting the markets. The rally could last a little while but the underlying fundamental picture is still bearish. This was originally published by Oilprice.com. Related Articles Headlines splashed across the Internet on Monday announcing that Google and Facebook would no longer tolerate misinformation spread by fake news websites. The problem: Thats only half true. Since last weeks election of Donald Trump to the White House which left many looking for someone to blame Google, Facebook and, to a lesser extent, Twitter have been besieged by critics accusing the companies of promoting fake news that some media experts believe may have impacted Americans decisions at the polls. By Monday, it seemed, Google had decided to do something about that. The search-engine juggernaut announced that it would no longer allow websites that peddle falsehoods as fact to use its online advertising services. Hours later, news broke that Facebook would do the same. But Facebook, which has a list of types of websites it bans from accessing its advertising service, had already been cutting off fake news sites from its advertising tools for months. And yet, fake news stories were shared rapid-fire on social media for months leading up to last weeks vote. Fake news sites, which run the gamut of political leanings, usually fall into one of two categories: organizations that seek to spread misinformation to manipulate people and sow mistrust, and companies or individuals that use sensational and false stories to attract readers and make money through advertising. Facebook and Google are essentially polluting an information ecosystem with trash, with garbage, and its clear that that garbage has an impact, said Gabriel Kahn, a professor at the University of Southern Californias Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. When you create a marketplace that puts two unequal things on the same level, youre democratizing unequal information. You wouldnt put a carton of milk next to a carton of paste and tell people theyre the same thing because they both look white. The companies have largely declined to acknowledge the role they play in the creation and dissemination of information, critics said, though calls for them to do so have grown louder. Barring fake news sites from using their advertising tools to turn a profit may hamper the seemingly unending barrage of hoaxes and hooey online, but, experts said, its not likely to change the fact that the Internet is a minefield of misinformation. Thats because online-advertising giants like Google and Facebook are a large reason why such sites exist they drive traffic right to them, Kahn said. Googles new directive targets its AdSense tool, which allows companies to buy advertisements on millions of independent websites. (Often, readers find those same websites through Google searches.) Banning fake news sites means they will no longer profit from those Google-sold ads. The new policy does not impact false news reports that may appear in Google search results. A few days after the election, a search on final election count displayed a result from a fake news site that reported Trump won the popular vote. (He did not. Though votes are still being counted, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has maintained a lead.) Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate or conceal information about the publisher, the publishers content or the primary purpose of the Web property, Google said in the statement. Facebook, which has been barring false news sites from using its Audience Network for months, said the only change made this week was that the company updated its written policy Monday to specifically include fake news alongside gambling and adult content as websites it bans from using its ad tools. We do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news, Facebook said in a statement. Our team will continue to closely vet all prospective publishers and monitor existing ones to ensure compliance. Neither Google nor Facebook would specify how it would determine which websites count as fake. Part of the challenge is that its not easy to distinguish between real and false information. When email servers detect spam, the machines scan for certain keywords to flag scams and unwanted ads. Thats harder to do with false articles, because they require a contextual understanding of whats written. Whats fake in the story is the message its conveying, said Aram Galstyan of USCs Information Sciences Institute. Writing the story using the same set of words in one case you are telling the truth, but in one case a complete lie. Detecting fake news stories through keywords could result in legitimate articles covering a hoax or lie also getting flagged. Machines are also not as good at understanding sarcasm, Galstyan said. But using machines to detect fake news articles has an advantage: Unlike humans, the computer never gets tired, said John Nay, a Ph.D. student at Vanderbilt University and co-founder of PredictGov, which uses machine learning to predict and understand legal outcomes. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Galstyan believes Google may use a method that would combine the work of machines and humans to detect fake stories. The machines could flag sites that are suspected of hosting misinformation, and then humans could look at those sites and make a determination, he said. Melissa Zimdars, an assistant professor of communication and media at Merrimack College published a list she created of fake news websites, which included parody publications like the Onion. Initially, Zimdars included about 150 websites. A day later, she said, she had received submissions of hundreds more. As these sites are found out, the website operators may evolve, though, figuring out how to reverse-engineer the algorithm that is used to flag the fake news and then test new articles, Nay said. Google likely has much better engineers than the fake news operators and will likely be slightly a step ahead in this game. This isnt the first time Google has taken a stand against bad content. In 2011, Google updated its algorithm on searching that affected about 12 percent of its queries and dropped the rankings of low-quality sites those that scraped information off other websites and werent very helpful at answering what people were looking for in their search query. The change negatively impacted content farms that employed writers to generate large swaths of content that would appear high on search results. Googles update basically was intended to demote those sites in the search rankings, said Jan Dawson, chief analyst at research firm Jackdaw. Fake news websites at the crux of this months controversy use tactics similar to the content farms of the past, experts said. The goal is to bring lots of traffic to their sites by posting it on Facebook and getting people to share it widely. As Google changes its algorithm yet again, experts say, operators will probably try to find a way around it. Its an ongoing game of cat and mouse, Dawson said. The two keep adjusting themselves in response to each other. Wendy Lee and Marissa Lang are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com, mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thewendylee @marissa_jae Over the years, there has been no shortage of U.S. corporations traveling to the Bay Area to pay homage to the epicenter of technology and innovation. They come here to pick the brains of entrepreneurs and leaders. They open research centers. They try to hire away its highly skilled workforce. And they mostly fall flat on their face. General Electric of Boston wants to be different. But one also gets the sense that the industrial conglomerates CEO, Jeff Immelt, has his own message for Silicon Valley: Its our turn now. Since establishing its most recent Silicon Valley beachhead in 2010, General Electric has worked hard to regain its reputation for technological wizardry. The company has established a stand-alone business, GE Digital, at a 340,000-square-foot facility in San Ramon. GE plans to employ 2,000 people in the Bay Area by 2017. Five or six years into the effort, we feel good about our digital strategy, Immelt told me during the companys annual Minds and Machines event in San Francisco. We have tried to bring our investors along slowly and not try to oversell it. Instead of just making stuff like washing machines and jet engines, the company is making the software to control how that stuff is made. The centerpiece of that effort is Predix, a sort of operating system akin to Windows or iOS but instead of running laptops or tablets, its meant to run entire industrial firms. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Its part of a bigger bet Immelt is making. While consumer technologies like social networking and smartphones have dominated the economy in recent years, Immelt believes that the next Internet revolution will arrive in the industrial sector. In 2010, we were a real outsider, Immelt said. Over time, we got to know the venture capital community and the tech community. These are things that you go step by step. Get to know us. Work with us. Lets buy companies together. Founded in 1892 by Thomas Edison, the company long symbolized the industrial and technological might of the United States. General Electrics inventions include everything from lightbulbs and jet engines to radios and televisions. Today, the company generates a staggering $140 billion in revenue a year. But since the arrival of the Internet, GE has ceded its innovation mantle to Silicon Valley. NBCi, an Internet venture GE spun out of NBC, which GE used to own, flopped in the dot-com bust. Firms like Apple, Google and Facebook captured the publics imagination. Consumer innovations drove the economy. Until now. Since the Great Recession in 2008, the U.S. economy has been growing on average about 2 to 2.5 percent per year, thanks mostly to consumer spending. But improvements in how quickly and efficiently companies can make goods and services have been nonexistent, Immelt said. The big missing piece has been productivity, he said. The difference between 2 percent and 3 percent (gross domestic product) growth is more productivity. Productivity has been lagging dramatically. At zero productivity, you dont create high-paying jobs. You cant drive sustained economic growth. Thats where Predix comes in. Energy giant BP uses the system to reduce unplanned downtime for offshore oil and gas platforms. The Port of Los Angeles and GE are starting a pilot system to digitize cargo information and share it securely. GE Digital now generates about $6 billion a year in sales a small but fast-growing part of the companys revenue. Immelt took a cautious stance on President-elect Donald Trumps plan to double American economic growth to more than 4 percent a year. Its the early days, Immelt said. We want to learn what the priorities are. Id just like to get back to 3 percent growth. In the meantime, General Electric will continue to expand its presence in the Bay Area. This week it announced it would buy Pleasantons ServiceMax, a cloud software company and Berkeleys Wise.io, a machine-learning startup. Its also buying Bit Stew Systems, an industrial software maker in British Columbia. But in truth, General Electric is more interested in snapping up Silicon Valleys talent than its companies, said Bill Ruh, a former Cisco executive who heads GE Digital. Not many companies focus on the kind of business software GE is keen to buy. Immelt said he deeply respects Silicon Valley, but he also seemed to take a thinly veiled swipe at the regions reputation for hubris. Were a big company, and there are a lot of advantages of being a big company and I dont want to give those up, Immelt said. But when Im out here, I try to learn new things to give a sense of purpose to our team the same way a startup has a sense of purpose. He had some advice for Silicon Valley: Ive done this for a long time, and the times that I gotten in the most trouble is when Ive become too arrogant. When Ive stopped listening. The only cautionary tale is that theres a thing as being too successful if it turns into complacency or arrogance. Its up to people out here to stay humble, to stay focused on whats important, and to understand their role in the world. Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Neiman Marcus, the 109-year-old luxury department store, is looking to a 7-year-old startup to help it connect with younger customers. Rent the Runway, which rents womens designer fashions online think Carrie Bradshaws closet but in the cloud on Friday will open a store-within-a-store at Neiman Marcuss 252,000-square-foot San Francisco store on Union Square. Its the first step in a partnership with plans to spread to several of Neiman Marcuss 42 stores, the companies said. We are interested in better understanding the Rent the Runway customer, a fashion-minded Millennial woman, said Neiman Marcus Group CEO Karen Katz. We believe we have to run toward the shared economy instead of away from it, because its definitely a part of our lives. Rather than cannibalizing store sales, renting can be a gateway to buying, the companies said. Were a discovery platform for designer fashion, said Jennifer Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. Our two services can help each other grow as opposed to being competitive. Women will rent a hot-pink cape from Oz or a printed Marni top, then go and invest in (buy) a black cashmere sweater. The move comes at a critical time for Dallas-based Neiman Marcus, which has faced declining sales, partly because a strong dollar has dampened overseas tourists appetite for U.S. luxury goods. Its chief financial officer left this month for another Texas company after less than two years on the job, according to the Dallas Morning News, though the retailer said the departure did not reflect a disagreement over operations, policies or practices. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Runways 425 designer brands are fairly similar to Neiman Marcuss roster, Hyman said. With $125 million in venture backing, her company has stand-alone bricks-and-mortar stores in Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York, but this is its first venture with an existing retailer. Those stores see many thousands of visitors a week, Hyman said. In March Rent the Runway added a $139 a month subscription option in addition to one-off rentals, making it a kind of Netflix for fashion. Customers can use the companys free shipping to receive and return items, or can stop by the new store to pick up or drop off their orders. Rent the Runway will staff its 3,000-square-foot store, located on the fifth floor of 150 Stockton St., with its own stylists and will project its own dream closet brand identity. Its thousands of items will frequently rotate to create excitement and variety and new reasons for customers to stop by. As Rent the Runway customers rent or return dresses, well have a great selection of shoes, bags, cosmetics and jewelry from Neiman Marcus, Katz said. Our goal is that theyll be inspired by these assortments of accessories and want to engage with our team while theyre there. Or, they may even splurge on a bigger-ticket item. If a customer rents a Diane von Furstenberg dress and falls in love with it, she may come back to buy one as a longer-term investment, Katz said. Jeremiah Owyang, founder of Crowd Companies, an association for large businesses interested in innovation, said this kind of partnership makes sense. Retailers are in the midst of disruption and they are concerned, he said. They are trying every single business model they can: co-working, event centers, pop-up shops. They realize traditional ways of getting foot traffic are diminishing in the digital age. Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid In the course of his campaign, Donald Trump said he would renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, enact steep tariffs against China and Mexico and possibly even pull out of the World Trade Organization, among other moves. But if the president-elect were to follow through on those promises, the U.S. would almost certainly face a trade war that would hit the West Coasts labor market hard, according to an analysis by the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Washington the state most dependent on foreign trade could expect to lose at least 170,000 jobs under a full trade-war scenario. At more than 5 percent of the workforce, that would be the highest percentage in the nation. California would lose roughly 730,000 jobs at least 4 percent of its workforce. San Mateo and San Francisco counties would see job losses in the business-services sector, which includes some of the regions fast-growing tech companies. Other trade-dependent states would see similar losses. The Peterson Institute is a private, nonprofit Washington think tank that identifies itself as nonpartisan. Since the election, Trump has backed away from some of his campaign rhetoric, but has not indicated that he would soften his plans around foreign trade, where he has perhaps the most power to act without Congressional approval. ANDY ROGERS/SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER On the one hand, it is kind of made to order for him to start doing himself in the first 100 days of the administration, said Marcus Noland, who co-authored the Peterson Institute report. On the other hand, he said, You get the sense they are trying to back away from what they said. Were in a situation where everybody woke up and now we have to govern. The Trump transition team didnt respond to a request for comment. A two-paragraph statement on trade policy on the new administrations transition website says that free trade is good as long as it is fair trade. Of the moves Trump threatened during the campaign, a 45 percent tariff on Chinese goods could be most damaging. The Chinese government appears ready to retaliate, according to an editorial published Sunday in the state-run Global Times. China will take a tit-for-tat approach then, the article said. A batch of Boeing orders will be replaced by Airbus. U.S. auto and iPhone sales in China will suffer a setback, and U.S. soybean and maize imports will be halted. China can also limit the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. The Peterson Institute undertook the analysis of the trade policies of both Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in September. That its authors saw the need for such a study spoke to a notable shift in the candidates trade policies from past consensus. Since international economic policy has largely been an area of continuity and bipartisanship, at least since World War II, there has not been the need to examine trade in previous elections, the authors wrote. In this election, however, the need is pressing for an unbiased, transparent, and evidence-based analysis. The report noted that both candidates trade policies could have negative impacts on the American economy, but Clintons policies would have had mild ones compared with Trumps potential to incite a trade war that could drive the economy into recession. Though many of Trumps proposals would probably be legal, opponents would be expected to challenge them in Congress and in the courts. But it would take several years before either branch of government could reverse his policies, if they were to do so at all, according to the report. Enormous economic damage to U.S. firms, workers, and communities could ensue from a trade war long before the legal battlefield is cleared, the authors wrote. It would be a mistake to suppose that the U.S. courts will intervene to stop a trade war. A trade war could take many shapes, but an asymmetrical trade war, where other nations retaliated more harshly, could have more sweeping impacts that would be hard to ease. China could end imports of U.S. aircraft, hitting Boeing disproportionately hard as China accounts for a major share of Boeings sales. Greater China, including the mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, accounts for almost a quarter of Apples sales, largely iPhones. But it remains starkly unclear whether Trump intends to follow through on his most aggressive trade proposals. There arent going to be trade wars, Wilbur Ross, a billionaire who has been advising Trump on economic policy, told Yahoo Finance last week, downplaying the prospect of punitive tariffs. Ross said Trump would encourage trading partners like China and Mexico to buy more commodities and products from the U.S. instead. Daniel DeMay is a SeattlePI.com staff writer. Email: danieldemay@seattlepi.com Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay A Millbrae resident who allegedly punched a Latino man after making derogatory comments about Mexicans in Redwood City was charged with a hate crime, prosecutors said Tuesday. Michael Anthony Goggins, 34, pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of resisting an officer and a misdemeanor hate crime charge Monday at the San Mateo County courthouse in Redwood City, said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. An employee at a Chevron gas station in the 2200 block of El Camino Real called police about 10:40 p.m. on Nov. 9 after Goggins started yelling at the worker, officials said. He shouted, Why are you in my country?; F you and You are lazy according to the San Mateo County district attorneys office. The suspect then fled to Willow Street, where its alleged he randomly attacked a Latino man. The victim, a 20-year-old Redwood City resident, was walking with a friend when Goggins approached and punched him in the chest, said Lt. Sean Hart, a Redwood City Police Department spokesman. It appeared to be that the motivation was based on peoples race, Hart said. Goggins allegedly spoke to the victim in Spanish, saying, Im white, Im from here, where are you from? He then used a racial slur to describe the victim before punching the victim in the chest, police said. Goggins ran to Laurel Street, where he was met by police officer. He ignored police commands, violently resisted officers, and tried to bite them, officials said. After he was taken into custody Goggins mentioned hitting a Mexican man, because he is a traitor and began talking about aliens invading the country. He was taken to a medical center for psychiatric evaluation. He was later booked at the Maguire Correctional Facility, where he was being held on $50,000 bail, prosecutors said. Hart said Goggins was impaired at the time of the incident but it was not clear if it was due to mental illness or drugs. The assault came a day after the presidential election, one of many reports of alleged hostility against minorities following the election of Donald Trump. 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. On Monday, a Latina nanny caring for two toddlers was assaulted in San Franciscos Fort Mason in another hate crime committed by a possibly mentally unsound man. He told her through broken Spanish, No Latinos here, grabbed the woman by the neck, and shoved her, said Nathan Sargent, a spokesman for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In Mondays case, the woman couldnt positively identify the suspect and there werent other witnesses, so the man was not currently facing hate crime or assault charges, officials said. Chronicle staff writer Kimberly Veklerov contributed to this report. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno If you head to Google to learn the final results of the presidential election, the search engine helpfully walks through the final electoral vote tallies and number of seats won by each party in the House and Senate. Under that, Google lists some related news articles. At the top this morning, with an accompanying photo: a story arguing that Donald Trump won both the popular and electoral votes. That's not true. The Daily Show's Dan Amira noticed that numbers were being spread on social media that linked back to the "70 News" site. The 70 News article cites its source as a tweet, which cites as its source USASupreme.com, another random website which doesn't actually include the numbers themselves. It does, however, argue that Hillary Clinton is "probably not going to win the actual number of votes cast. She may win the number of votes counted, but not the votes cast." That distinction is ... not really clear, except that the author, "Alex," seems to believe that absentee ballots are only counted if the tally could make the difference in the election. That's not true, either. In light gray text above the link to 70 News, Google relays the actual current tally of counted votes: Clinton has a lead of about 700,000. That lead has grown since Election Day and will almost certainly continue to grow, since millions of the votes being counted are from California, and the plurality of those votes are from very-Clinton-friendly Los Angeles County. The source behind the "USA Supreme" website isn't clear. It looks an awful lot like Prntly, a made-up news website we looked at earlier this year. Founded by a former convict named Alex Portelli, Prntly is part of the broad diaspora of websites that takes news about American politics, frames it in a pro-Trump way (often at the expense of accuracy) and then peppers the page with ads. In an email, Portelli denied involvement in USA Supreme, suggesting that it was the work of a group of young people in Macedonia first reported by BuzzFeed. These sites leverage the inability of Facebook and other social media sites to weed out nonsense in order to get clicks and make money from advertising -- a remarkably lucrative endeavor, particularly in a country where the U.S. dollar stretches a lot further. Why Google includes 70 News as a news source isn't clear. Among the main categories of news stories the site lists in its header is "Hillary's Health," which links to a number of rumors about the health of the Democratic nominee. Under "Politics" is a story that, among other things, links the Council on American-Islamic Relations to Al Qaeda. Another story suggests that protestors against Trump in California were being paid to do so. 70 News has added a header to its post about the election results. "Anyone asking where I got the figures, it was from twitter posts. Knowing the Democrat media have been dragging their liberal feet giving Michigan to Trump - finally they did, with Arizona finally declared two days ago - Trump now has the 309. Except for the twitter posts, the popular vote number still need to be updated in Wikipedia or MSM media - which may take another few days because the liberals are still reeling and recovering from Trump-shock victory. If I'm wrong, I won't hesitate to change the numbers. It's the job of the establishment media to tell the people the final numbers when it's out there already." None of that is true, either. The "establishment media" has regularly updated election results, showing Clinton with a wide popular vote lead. The reason that Michigan hasn't been called is that Trump's lead is 12,000 votes, and the results haven't been finalized. New Hampshire also hasn't been called for Clinton; her lead there is under 3,000 votes. "Alex" is wrong; he's hesitating to change the numbers. If you're interested in tracking the final vote tallies in the presidential race, you can simply search Google and keep an eye out for the small print under the electoral college totals. If you also see an article from a random site you've never heard of? I might recommend you take its numbers with a grain of salt. Of course Roka Akor is offering a cocktail omakase. How has no one else done this yet? The idea combines every buzzy concept available to San Francisco dining establishments: curated, bespoke, narrative-driven, Japanese. As Alex Riddle, Roka Akors corporate executive bartender and the cocktail omakase mastermind, puts it: We like the idea of a cocktail being more than just a cocktail, and an opportunity to tell a story. In Japanese, omakase means I leave it up to you. In our lexicon, omakase refers more often to a Japanese restaurant tasting menu. Sitting at a counter, you put yourself at the mercy of the sushi chef, ask no questions, wait eagerly to see what he produces for you. Similarly, Roka Akors cocktail omakase offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, for a maximum of five customers each night has you sitting at a bar with one-on-one attention from Riddle or one of his bartenders. Five cocktails, interspersed with two tea courses, cost $55. Theres a recommended food pairing, for an additional $55, but it takes a backseat to the booze. Its an intense experience, full of extreme visual stimulation and lots of backstories. In its current iteration, the theme of the cocktail omakase is Japanese festivals; the drinks interpret, for instance, the Great Japan Beer Festival, the Sakura cherry blossom festival and Yuki Matsuri, a snow festival held in Sapporo. (The theme will change every month or two; a previous theme was Elements.) The interpretations are elaborate and, sometimes, far-reaching: In the case of the beer festival, the corresponding cocktail contains no beer, but rather mimics the physical components of a beer white vermouth for floral and herbal notes; grapefruit juice for citrusy bitterness; a Centennial Hops tincture; egg white foam infused with Japanese IPA, to approximate the beer head. John Storey Does it taste like beer? No, though it certainly smells of it, thanks to the IPA foam. As a cocktail, though its floral flavors are pleasant, it lacks a core balancing component: The bitterness doesnt bite enough to counter the drinks soft frothiness, and it grows more dilute as you drink it. Its a great story, but when youre paying for a drink, should narrative ever eclipse considerations of taste? Most visually interesting is the third cocktail, a Blue Blazer variation that pays homage to the Yamayaki Festival, a celebration that involves lighting things on fire. To make it, Riddle cuts slivers of Wagyu miyazaki beef fat, places them in a goblet with bourbon and lime juice, and sets it on fire. (The food pairing for this, by the way, is a buttery-tender slab of Wagyu miyazaki beef.) He then proceeds to pour the flaming mixture from one goblet to another, a brilliant blue blaze trailing his hand movements. At one point during my visit, Riddles hands were briefly set on fire; he kept his cool. To this caramelized concoction of beef fat, sugars and whiskey he adds Benedictine and Carpano Antica. The cocktail is served in a gorgeous, intricately etched black cup alongside an artfully arranged pile of rocks and sticks. That makes for a highly entertaining show, and the drink tastes delicious, like a really good whiskey sour rich, tart and fruity flavors in harmony. Can you taste the caramelized beef fat? Not really. But thats not really the point. That drink is largely about showmanship, Riddle concedes. One other drink, based on cherry blossom-infused plum wine, sings in a monotone but does an impressive color change, from blue to bright purple, before your eyes as Riddle makes it. The snow festival drink doubles as a pre-dessert, with gin- and sake-based sorbet, melon-infused shochu, lemon-basil shaved ice and honey-carrot caviar pearls that Riddle tediously creates in front of you. The final drink, accompanying chocolate truffles, is the weakest link in the chain a combination of dry (Barolo) and sweet (tawny Port) wines with Armagnac, a little too austere to stand up to the decadence of the truffles. John Storey The two tea courses one, a 1999 vintage Pu-erh, the other a jasmine oolong, both Chinese are welcome pauses from the booze. Riddle brews the tea, decants it, pours it into tiny cups and sips along with you. Both are lengthy interludes, observing the relaxed pace that teatime demands. Riddle is a wealth of knowledge about Chinese tea, and youd be wise to pick his brain. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Those tea courses, in a way, are the moments that best fulfill the traditional mandate of an omakase menu: Like a sushi chef, here Riddle stops to showcase a single ingredient, his own creative process yielding to that ingredients bare, basic character. And as with a sushi menu, the cocktail omakase on the whole has an admirable commitment to moderation and restraint in this case, by limiting your alcohol intake to the equivalent of three typical cocktails, alternating the hardness of the alcohols, breaking it up with all that tea. You can drink more impressively composed cocktails elsewhere in San Francisco. Youd be hard-pressed to find a better show. Whether story and showmanship are enough for you, I suppose, depends on what you want when you pay $55 for a drinking experience. Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob What: Cocktail omakase ($55), food pairing ($55) Where: Roka Akor, 801 Montgomery St., S.F. www.rokaakor.com/san-francisco or (415) 767-0773 When: Cocktail omakase offered at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Reservations required. How hard would you work to suspend disbelief when confronted, on the one hand, by a mountain of implausibility in a new TV miniseries, and, on the other, performances of exceptionally high quality and, yes, credibility? Youll ask that question of yourself as you watch Undercover, premiering Wednesday, Nov. 16, on BBC America. Peter Moffat, who created the six-part miniseries, starts with a promising concept: A crusading barrister is married to a man who pretends to be a writer but is in fact a former undercover cop. He has spent 20 years happily living a lie when he is blackmailed into returning to his old job and now finds himself monitoring his wifes work to find out who caused the death of a black activist shortly after she first met her now-husband. The series is not only about the man known as Nick Johnson (Adrian Lester, Hustle) working undercover as a cop, but being undercover in his family life as well. Maya Cobbina (Sophie Okonedo, Doctor Who) meets Nick at a black rights rally led by activist Michael Antwi (Sope Dirisu, Human) in 1996. Maya already has a boyfriend, but she clearly finds him intriguing. For his part, Nick seems to be attracted to her, but is he really? We know hes working undercover and has been ordered to infiltrate Antwis group, so his motives may be more complicated than a first crush. Antwi is later arrested during a demonstration that turns violent when the police allow the activists to be attacked by skinheads. Hes thrown into a cell with one of his attackers (Ian Peck, Peaky Blinders), has to fight for his life and loses. Who made the decision to put Peck into the cell with him? And could the cops have saved his life after they belatedly tried to break up the beating in the cell? For the next two decades, Maya tries to find the answers to those questions. At the same time, she has been commuting to Louisiana to try to win the freedom of a death row inmate named Rudy Jones (Dennis Haysbert, Backstrom), convicted of killing a local politician. The setup is initially convincing and engaging, but the first crack in the wall occurs when Nick is informed by his handlers in 1996 that someone is doing a data check on him, or, at least, on the person known as Nick Johnson. Fair enough. We already know that Mayas then-boyfriend is wary of the new guy, but if he or someone else in Antwis organization is checking on Nicks background, wouldnt they discover that the self-purported crime novelist has no titles to his name? We overlook the slip for now, but Moffat continues to complicate the story. Some of the complications seem to be an attempt to add nuance to the characters. Maya and Nicks son Daniel (Daniel Ezra, Prey) has developmental difficulties that make him completely trusting and prone to take everything anyone says as literal truth. At 18, he is unsettled by a little white lie his father told him when he was just a boy. Meanwhile, we know that Nicks entire life is a lie, but only Daniel has the ability to question any part of it. Nicks wife and two daughters take him at his word. That character nuance is valid, but having Maya fall into an epileptic fit in the first episode only so she will have something to keep from Nick as the story unfolds is just too convenient for credibility. As the series continues, Moffat piles on the inconsistencies as Maya, after years of defense work, accepts a position as the crowns Director of Public Prosecutions and announces her first case will be to find out who was responsible for Antwis death 20 years earlier. Some of the same people behind Antwis death make the decision to hire Maya for the job, the same people who then order Nick to spy on his wife. Nick has multiple chances to fess up to his wife about who he really is, but doesnt do it. At one point, Moffat falls back on the favored mechanism of 19th century British novelists to advance the story: coincidence. Nick is seen by Mayas best friend, journalist Julia Redhead (Angel Coulby, Merlin) meeting with a former undercover colleague (Leanne Best, Ripper Street). She sees the woman kiss Nick and later tells Maya her husband must be having an affair. Obviously, Nick cant tell Maya the truth, but he lies and says yes hes been having an affair with the woman. Really? He couldnt think of something believable? Having lied consistently to his wife for two decades, youd think hed be better at it than this. A climactic pre-finale scene takes place in the U.S. Supreme Court, where apparently any British lawyer is welcome to argue a case. In fact, attorneys have to be approved to argue before the Supreme Court, and its far from a rubber-stamp process. When another figure in Moffats excessively over-plotted story is allowed to testify before the justices, the last ounce of credibility is tossed out the window. The miracle of Undercover is that it nonetheless manages a fairly entertaining degree of credibility, almost entirely because of several strong performances, beginning with Okonedo. Shes so good she is believable even when the script is otherwise full of baloney. Okonedo instills depth, nuance and passion into the role of a woman who has spent her professional life fighting for truth without realizing she is destined for an even greater battle for truth in her own home. Lester is almost as good. He makes us believe both Nick Johnson and the real man behind the false identity. He cant quite make the leap when Moffats script ultimately fails him, first by offering clear opportunities for truth that Nick eschews, and then by throwing a series of unlikely plot twists toward the end of the series designed to resolve the thematic dilemma at the heart of the story. Undercover could have been far better, but it just isnt. Nonetheless, its worth your time, if only to wallow in the brilliance of Okonedos performance and to consider what might have been if only Moffat had exercised some restraint. David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle and co-host of The Do List every Friday morning at 6:22 and 8:22 on KQED FM, 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento. Follow him on Facebook. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV Undercover: Miniseries, drama, back-to-back episodes 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, BBC America A week after Hillary Clintons stunning loss at the polls, a member of her campaign assured women at a San Francisco political conference that there is a path forward. Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who served as co-chair of Clintons transition team, encouraged women not to stay down, but to rise and to fight. That means becoming more involved, whether that is for the PTA or in local government, she said during an Emerge America Women in Politics conference, part of a training program that aims to increase the numbers of Democratic women in public office. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Franciscos newest and potentially most unusual college campus will be designed by one of the nations most highly regarded architects. California College of the Arts has selected the Chicago firm Studio Gang, led by Jeanne Gang, to remake the schools cluster of buildings and properties near Showplace Square. The goal is a unified campus with space for all of the functions of CCAs current Oakland campus, which eventually will close, along with housing for roughly half of the colleges 2,000 students. In selecting Gang late Tuesday, the college went with an architect best known for distinctively shaped and textured towers including a 39-story high-rise with what she calls migrating bays that is approved and could begin construction early next year on Folsom Street near the Embarcadero. But her academic work is extensive, including an 800-bed residential commons at the University of Chicago described as stunningly beautiful in the November issue of Architectural Record. The challenge at CCA, though, goes beyond architecture. It will take nimble urban design to conjure a cohesive sense of place from what now is a scatter of properties along Eighth and 15th streets west of Mission Bay, north of Potrero Hill and south of Showplace Square. An imaginative approach to landscape architecture will be necessary as well, since green space in the former blue-collar flatland is nonexistent. That whole part of the city is somewhat undefined right now, between different areas, Gang said Wednesday from Berlin, where she is presenting two projects at the World Architecture Festival. This could be a really good focal point for the area as it emerges. Gangs initial focus is likely to be on a 2.4-acre empty lot behind CCAs main building in San Francisco, a spacious, light-filled former Greyhound Bus facility at 1111 Eighth St. that the college restored in the late 1990s. Beyond the addition of buildings and plazas, CCA seeks to create a learning environment in sync with the fluid technology culture that has emerged in San Francisco and Silicon Valley while also making the campus feeling like something distinct unto itself. Another priority is environmental sustainability. Even with such industrial equipment as ceramic kilns and glass furnaces for students, CCA would like to consume no more energy than it can produce on site. One thing that attracted Studio Gang to the project is this complexity, Gang said, along with the opportunity to pursue architecture as part of a larger design effort. We love that this is an organization that wants to be hacked, Gang said of CCA. The college doesnt want to try and do the same thing forever. Stephen Beal, president of the college, said there will be a simultaneous effort during the next six months to map out a campus plan, while Studio Gang starts to tackle design possibilities for the empty lot. We need to have this done in an integrated way, around sustainability and landscape design as well as architecture, Beal said. Studio Gang was selected after a competition that included Allied Works Architecture and Michael Maltzan Architects. The interaction between Jeanne and her team really stood out during the presentations and interviews, Beal said. There was a horizontality that gave everyone confidence that our interaction with them would parallel their interaction with each other. Even as this effort begins, CCA has two student housing projects in the works. A 228-bed dormitory at 17th and Arkansas streets designed by Leddy Maytum Stacy was approved this fall. Design work for another dorm at Eighth and Hooper streets is in its early stages. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Turns out the worst thing for a World War II submarine is seawater. Add salt to the bronze of the torpedo tubes and the steel in the hull, and the sub becomes fast food for corrosives. Dry-dock overhaul is recommended every seven years. So when the Pampanito was left in the water for nearly 10 years while $650,000 was raised for restoration it emerged covered with enough barnacles to fill a 20-yard dumpster. A second dumpster-load of chipped and flaking paint had to be scraped off before work could begin. Starting in mid-September, a crew of shipwrights, welders and painters at Bay Ship & Yacht in Alameda worked in two shifts, running from 7 a.m. to midnight, five days a week. The hard work was in replacing rusted and rotten steel in the area below the water line, which is two-thirds of the boat. The gaskets around the 10 torpedo doors were changed out for the first time ever. When the 311-foot fighting vessel is put back into the service of tours and Cub Scout sleepovers Wednesday at Pier 45, it will be in the best shape since it slithered into the War in the Pacific on March 15, 1944. This is more than a shave and a haircut, said Aaron Washington, ships manager with the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. Were trying to preserve the boat for the next 100 years. The Pampanito, which usually carried 10 officers and 70 sailors, has a storied history, having sunk six Japanese ships while on patrol in enemy waters. One of the ships turned out to be stuffed with Allied POWs. But the Pampanito was able to rescue 73 British and Australian troops from the water, dangerously doubling the capacity of the sub, and carry them three days to safety. One of the most sensational stories of the war, said Adm. Chester Nimitz. During its tour, the Pampanito made 697 dives to escape enemy warships and their depth charges. It sailed back under the Golden Gate on Sept. 5, 1945, without having lost a single sailor. The Pampanito never sailed again and was declared a national landmark. It opened for tours in 1982 and attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year. This is its fifth time in dry-dock, and this visit finally happened after $200,000 was secured in a National Maritime Heritage Grant. The funds come from scrap metal sales as ships in the Mothball Fleet in Suisun Bay are dismantled. Among the 35 specialists working on the Pampanito are those who specialize in squeezing into tight spaces. We had some small guys in there, said project manager Craig Williams. The smaller the better. A crew of 5-foot 2-inch 160-pounders was lowered through a narrow deck hatch, to sandblast and paint the sanitary tank. Its pretty much the worst place you can imagine, Williams said. The hull has been primed and covered with three coats of paint. Then 60 unpainted steel plates were attached below the water line. The hope is that the corrosives in the seawater will attack these plates instead of going to the trouble of eating through paint to get to the steel hull. Were trying to outsmart nature, Williams said. For its return trip out of dry-dock to Fishermans Wharf on Saturday, the Pampanito was towed along the San Francisco waterfront, visible from the Veterans Day Parade along the Embarcadero. On Wednesday, it will reopen for tours, and for the first time in its history as a museum, the Pampanito will be armed with both types of torpedoes it fired in battle gas and electric. The Pampanito will be a safer boat to visit in all ways but one. The watertight hatches that separate compartments will continue to offer the opportunity to trip and bang your head seven times going fore and aft and seven more times returning aft and fore. You definitely will still be able to do that, Washington said. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art See the Pampanito Memorial: The Pampanito reopens Wednesday . Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Pier 45, Fishemans Wharf, San Francisco. General admission: $20. (415) 561-6662. www.maritime.org. Video: Tour the Pampanito in dry-dock at: http://bit.ly/2ePtRaE. An owner of rent-controlled apartments in San Francisco abused and harassed tenants to get them to move out, or simply evicted them without cause, so she could raise rents on unsafe buildings, a lawyer for the city said Tuesday in the trial of a lawsuit against the owner. A lawyer for landlady Anna Kihagi countered that she acted legally in ousting the tenants but was being scapegoated by tenant activists and the city. Kihagi and companies partly owned by her two sisters have bought 10 apartment buildings with 50 units, mostly in the Mission District, the Castro and Noe Valley, in the past few years. Since the purchases, the owners have evicted at least 13 tenants and sought to remove others, allowing them to raise rents to market levels on the vacated units. City Attorney Dennis Herrera is seeking an injunction to prevent the owners from mistreating tenants. In addition, he wants a court-appointed property manager for the buildings and monetary damages. Several former tenants have filed separate suits against the property owners. Kihagi targeted tenants who paid below-market rents to get them out through bad-faith, no-fault evictions, Deputy City Attorney Michael Weiss said Tuesday in his opening statement to Superior Court Judge Angela Bradstreet, who is hearing the case without a jury. California law allows a property owner who wants to move into a rental unit to evict the tenant. But Weiss said Kihagi used that law to remove tenants even when other units in the building were vacant, and also transferred partial ownership of the buildings to her sisters so they could displace other tenants. She also made tenants lives miserable by cutting off their utility service, installing surveillance cameras and setting up loud construction projects outside their buildings, Weiss said. In some cases, he said, Kihagi falsely claimed a tenant hadnt paid the rent and then sued for eviction. When one tenant turned down Kihagis offer of a buyout, Weiss said, the landlady noted the tenants low-paying job as a house-cleaner. You cant afford to live in San Francisco, Kihagi told her, according to Weiss. Be prepared to leave the city. When another tenant told Kihagi her floor had cracks and needed repairs, Weiss said, the landlady swore at her and added, For the peanuts you pay, you dont deserve any floor. He said Kihagi also ignored safety laws and refused to allow city inspectors onto her property after tenant complaints. In addition, Weiss said, the landlady told several tenants more than a year ago that they had to move out for three months of construction work, but hasnt let them return. Defense lawyer Karen Uchiyama said the case against her client was manufactured by a tenant-activist group that influenced the city to (make) a scapegoat of Anna Kihagi. Uchiyama said that Kihagi and her sisters kept the buildings in good condition, even if repairs sometimes took longer than expected, and that tenants overreacted to petty problems. She said the owner broke no laws by evicting tenants so that she and her sisters could occupy property they owned. She could have done better in being more sympathetic, but she put her sisters and herself first, Uchiyama said. That is not illegal. Kihagi and her sisters will not be allowed to testify in their own defense. Bradstreet ruled Monday that they had forfeited their rights by refusing to allow the city to inspect the buildings in preparation for the case or to agree to pretrial questioning by city lawyers. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images A United Airlines flight headed to New Jersey from San Francisco International Airport made an emergency landing Wednesday morning in Salt Lake City after the pilot became ill, officials said. The Boeing 757 with 136 passengers departed San Francisco at 6:05 a.m. for Newark Liberty International Airport. About two hours into the flight, the pilot started to feel ill and the co-pilot diverted the plane safely into the Salt Lake International Airport, said Maddie King, a spokeswoman for United Airlines. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener declared victory in a tightly contested state Senate race on Tuesday but his opponent, Supervisor Jane Kim, isnt conceding yet. With 93,000 ballots left to be processed in San Francisco and an undetermined number from the northern San Mateo County portion of Senate District 11, Wiener has a 13,833-vote lead. Kim has made up almost no ground in the count since election day, and trails Wiener 52.2 to 47.8 percent. Hundreds of thousands of votes have been counted, and Im deeply honored to be elected to represent our community in the state Senate, Wiener said in a statement. I want to acknowledge and thank my opponent and colleague, Jane Kim, and her supporters for the passionate and talented campaign they ran. Wiener and Kim were vying to fill termed-out Sen. Mark Lenos seat in the Legislatures upper house. Kim finished first in Junes primary by 0.2 of a percentage point, or 669 votes, after trailing in the vote after election day, and shes not yet conceding defeat. There are more than 90,000 votes to be counted, said Julie Edwards, a spokeswoman for Kims campaign. Were going to respect those voters who have a right to be part of this process and have their voices heard. The state Senate race was the main event in the election struggle between the citys more moderate faction, as represented by Wiener, and progressives, who backed Kim. Wiener outspent Kim nearly 2-1 in the race $2.1 million since January to her $1.3 million and received an additional $1.5 million from outside independent expenditure committees, more than five times what Kim brought in. In his victory statement, Wiener returned to a central issue in the campaign what to do about rising housing costs that threaten to skew the districts population toward the wealthy. We have our work cut out for us, Wiener said. The housing crisis isnt limited to one city or region. It requires statewide action. The state must do more to support public transportation. ... I will do my work in the state Senate, and I will count on every member of this community to join in that work. Regardless of whether Wiener holds on or Kim rallies, Mayor Ed Lee will have a vacant seat to fill on the Board of Supervisors. The appointee will serve until the next citywide election in 2018. Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn For two months in 1913, the San Francisco Bulletin published daily installments of the autobiography of an anonymous prostitute the paper called Alice Smith. Her story, despite the impact it had on society at the time, was nearly forgotten and is collected for the first time in more than 100 years in Alice: Memoirs of a Barbary Coast Prostitute. The book has been published by Heyday, the independent nonprofit publisher based in Berkeley. Ivy Anderson and Devon Angus, the books editors, discovered the story out of a mutual love for the underground book You Cant Win (1926), by the hobo and burglar Jack Black, which had a profound influence on William S. Burroughs and was originally serialized by the Bulletin. Interest in that books backstory led Anderson and Angus to Fremont Older, editor of the paper, whose own life was fascinating; in reading about it, they stumbled on a mention of the memoir but had to scour through microfilm to find it. Alices own narrative immediately gripped us, Anderson said by phone. But the thing that really indicated to us that this was a special and remarkable document was, alongside these daily installments of Alices story, there were these letters to the editor that were published, and nearly half of them were written by other prostitutes or working-class women, reflecting on their own experiences in San Francisco and California in this really candid way. The paper published more than 200 responses, which are also collected in Alice. All sorts of people wrote in to the paper, Angus said, and at first they were just talking about the memoir, but as it started going along they started talking to each other through these letters, and you had all these different classes, and people from all different parts of society that very often wouldnt be talking to each other like rich conservative men who were actually going to the Barbary Coast and purchasing the favors of these women who were having conversations they would never have in the brothel, through this newspaper, and it created this whole dialogue, this whole discourse that was really unique for the time. Alices story, A Voice From the Underworld, sparked what Anderson and Angus believe to be the first sex worker rights protest in modern U.S. history, organized in 1917 by two madams and Fremont Older against the closing of the Barbary Coast and the eviction of the brothel workers. Anderson and Angus will present Alice: Memoirs of a Barbary Coast Prostitute, which won the 2015 California Historical Society Book Award, as part of UC Berkeleys California Studies Dinner Seminars series, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, 2521 Channing Way, and in a Barbary Coast Walking Tour on Saturday. As much as this is going to be a tour that includes stories of vice and criminality, and sort of salacious, lascivious stuff, Anderson said, our attempt is really to broaden these discussions about vice and connect them to greater political and philosophical movements that were happening in San Francisco between 1849 and 1917, but that also are still continuing to happen in San Francisco today. Evan Karp is the creator of Quiet Lightning and Litseen.com. Twitter: @quiet_lightning Alice: Barbary Coast Walking Tour: Noon. Saturday, Nov. 19. Free. City Lights Books, 261 Columbus Ave. (415) 362-8193, www.voicesfromtheunderworld.com/upcoming-events. Other book events Michael McClure celebrates the publication of a new collection, Mephistos and Other Poems, with a reading at City Lights Books (Free. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 . 261 Columbus Ave.). www.citylights.com/info/?fa=event&event_id=2756 Bonnie Wai-Lee Kwong, Danusha Lameris, Susan Terris, Amos White and Javier Zamora lead an open discussion about diversity in literature, focusing on how we decide what to read, who decides what gets published, and what we think about quotas, appropriation, identification, and nepotism (Free. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave., San Rafael). CAConrad, author of the 2015 Believer Magazine Book Award-winning Ecodeviance: (Soma)tics for the Future Wilderness (Wave Books) is in town from Philadelphia to read for the Writers Series at the California College of the Arts (Free. 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. 195 De Haro St.). Poets Judy Grahn (Another Mother Tongue: Gay Words, Gay Worlds, and A Simple Revolution, the Making of an Activist Poet), CAConrad, and Katie Ebbitt (Another Life) read from their work (Free. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Alley Cat Books, 3036 24th St.). This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Apple CEO Tim Cook is telling his employees to keep moving forward. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is saying progress does not move in a straight line. T-Mobiles CEO John Legere tweeted lets see what an out of the box, non-typical, non-politician can do for America! CEOs of major companies are taking stands about the results of the election a departure from the traditional model of not mixing politics with business that major brands have long espoused. Some are using it as an opportunity to bring their employees together following a divisive election campaign. Others are using it as an opportunity to stress their companies values and mission, or a chance to make nice with President-elect Donald Trump, whom many CEOs were publicly against during the campaign. The men and women who head the nations biggest companies know that having a hostile relationship with the Trump administration could make doing business difficult. They also know that they operate in liberal bastions like New York and San Francisco just as much as in Trump-leaning places like Fort Wayne, Ind., or Charleston, W.Va. Neutral is the best policy, says John Challenger, CEO of workplace consultant Challenger, Gray & Christmas. T-Mobiles Legere, who long was vocally opposed to Trump, congratulated the president-elect on Twitter for his victory last week, while holding off on judging his policies. Meanwhile another telecommunications executive, Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure, himself an immigrant and personally opposed to Trump, sent an email to employees saying that its our obligation to accept the will of our fellow Americans and respect the new leader. Its possible that Legere and Claure made nice because the president appoints the chairman and commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, an agency that holds enormous influence over the telecommunications industry. All five FCC commissioners will see their terms expire during Trumps term. CEOs of automakers, including Fords Mark Fields, have also struck a conciliatory tone, partly because Trump has called for the repeal or renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has allowed the automakers to set up shop in Mexico tariff-free. Many CEOs publicly expressed hope that the tensions dividing the country will diminish, and that American consumers will set aside their fears and get back to what they do best: shop. We are hoping that in the postelection we are just going to see people ready to spend, said Marvin Ellison, CEO of JCPenney. CEOs and companies that try to bring people together are going to be the winners, says Dr. Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace Universitys Lubin School of Business. That always works better from a brand perspective, he says. Wall Street, which donated heavily to Hillary Clinton, also now faces an administration that could provide both profit and peril. Trump has said he wants to roll back some of the regulations in the Dodd-Frank law that was passed after the financial crisis, a move that would benefit big Wall Street banks. But the Republican Partys platform also contains a provision calling for the return of the Glass-Steagall Act, a Depression-era law that broke up big banks. Trumps victory drew a range of responses from CEOs in Silicon Valley, where popular sentiment had tilted strongly against Trump because of his statements on immigrants, women, overseas manufacturing and the use of encryption in consumer products like Apples iPhones. In a postelection email to employees, Apple CEO Cook didnt mention Trump by name but acknowledged that many people had strong feelings about the outcome of the vote. Cook had let it be known during the campaign that he didnt support Trump, although he generally avoided taking a public stance on the candidates. In his email, Cook said Apple would continue to support diversity. Cook didnt mention encryption, which he has previously argued is essential to protect consumers privacy. But he added, While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apples North Star hasnt changed. Microsofts chief executive was more conciliatory. In a post on LinkedIn, the social networking site that Microsoft is buying, Satya Nadella wrote: We congratulate the president-elect, and look forward to working with all those elected yesterday. But Nadella added that Microsoft is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Facebooks Zuckerberg, who had previously criticized Trumps call for building a wall on the Mexican border, sounded subdued in a post on his own social network. I thought about all the work ahead of us to create the world we want for our children, he wrote. This work is bigger than any presidency and progress does not move in a straight line. Princes estate sues Tidal Princes record company is suing Jay Zs firm for copyright infringement, saying it streamed Princes songs on the Tidal music service without permission after his death. NPG Records says in a federal lawsuit that Prince gave permission to Roc Nation to stream songs on Tidal from only one album. But the lawsuit says other songs, including Purple Rain, Little Red Corvette and 1999, began streaming about six weeks after Prince died in April. A toilet called Trump The founder of a Chinese brand of high-tech toilets called Trump said he had no intention of soiling the name of Americas next president, the New York Times reported. Zhong Jiye said he had not heard of Donald Trump when he registered the English name of his company, Shenzhen Trump Industrial Co. Ltd., as a trademark in 2002. In Chinese, the company name means innovate universally, he said, highlighting how the toilet seats warm and wash the users backside. That Chinese name, he explained, also sounds a little like trump. The itch to fly When American Airlines flight attendants complained about new uniforms, the airline said it was limited to about a dozen people with allergies to wool. But a union says the number of employees complaining about hives and headaches after wearing the uniforms has grown to more than 1,300. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants said it had the uniforms tested and found they contained chemicals normally found in pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers. Compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing Xencor Inc.s experimental treatment for a rare immune disorder helped reduce the severity of the disease for 82 percent of patients, according to data from a midstage trial that the company presented at a weekend conference. Nine of 11 patients with immunoglobin G4-related disease, an inflammatory disorder in which the immune system attacks multiple organs, saw at least a three-point reduction in a score that measures the severity of the disease, and five patients attained remission, Xencor Chief Executive Officer Bassil Dahiyat said in a telephone interview. The company presented the data at the American College of Rheumatologys annual meeting in Washington. We were hoping to see activity that was measurable, and a significant number of people have a response, Dahiyat said. While the company is still waiting for final results from the trial, we are very encouraged and motivated to move as quickly as we can, he said. The drug, called XmAb5871, is Xencors leading experimental treatment. The Monrovia (Los Angeles County) biotechnology firm has no approved drugs on the market yet. Xencor specializes in next-generation drugs using monoclonal antibodies and has struck partnership deals with big pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Amgen and Novo Nordisk. Three of the 11 patients discontinued treatment and dropped out of the study. Of those three, one had an atypical form of the disease and didnt have a response. Another responded to the drug at first but later relapsed. The final patient had a hypersensitivity reaction and developed antidrug antibodies. Otherwise, XmAb5871 has been well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, according to the company. The hypersensitivity is in the realm of expected adverse events for these types of treatments, Dahiyat said. It doesnt have material impact on development plans. About 40,000 people in the United States have immunoglobin G4-related disease and theres no treatment approved for the condition, though doctors typically prescribe steroids to manage the symptoms. Two patients in the study were able to taper and discontinue their steroid use, according to Xencor. The trial, which is looking to enroll 15 patients, will have final results in 2017. If successful, Xencor will start a larger trial, comparing the drug either to placebo or to standard of care, Dahiyat said. XmAb5871 is also being tested on the autoimmune disease lupus. Caroline Chen is a Bloomberg writer. Email: cchen509@bloomberg.net 1 Hot car death: After pulling his lifeless son from the car where the toddler had been left sweltering and alone for hours, Justin Ross Harris insisted it had been a fatal accident. Georgia police found the death suspicious from the short drive during which Harris said he forgot about his son to the fact that he returned to his SUV once without noticing the boy. After a month-long trial and four days of deliberations, a Cobb County jury this week convicted the 35-year-old Harris of malice murder concluding not only that he should be held criminally responsible, but that he left his 22-month-old son, Cooper, to die on purpose. Harris faces a sentence of life in prison, either with or without the possibility of parole. The trial judge scheduled a sentencing hearing for Dec. 5. 2 Racist post: The mayor of a West Virginia town has issued an apology for her response to a racist post on Facebook about first lady Michelle Obama. Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling says her comment wasnt intended to be racist. Clay County Development Corp. Director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Donald Trumps election as president, saying: It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified first lady in the White House. Im tired of seeing a Ape in heels. Whaling responded: Just made my day Pam. A pair of alleged hate crimes in the Bay Area over the past week targeted a Latino man and a Latina nanny adding to a growing list of reports of hostility toward minorities following the presidential election, officials said Tuesday. In San Francisco, a Latina nanny caring for two toddlers was assaulted Monday in the Great Meadow area of Fort Mason by a man who told her through broken Spanish, No Latinos here, officials said. That same day, in Redwood City, a Millbrae man was arraigned on a misdemeanor hate-crime charge for allegedly punching a Latino man last week after making derogatory comments about Mexicans. No one faced charges in the San Francisco incident because the woman couldnt positively identify the suspect and there werent other witnesses, officials said. The assailant allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck and shoved her at the Fort Mason meadow around 10:45 a.m., said Nathan Sargent, a spokesman for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Officials say he was probably not a native Spanish speaker. A jogger passing by stopped and helped the nanny call 911, Sargent said, and U.S. Park Police officers quickly located a suspect. The suspect, who evaded questioning, was held on suspicion of resisting arrest and taken to San Francisco General Hospital for a 72-hour psychiatric evaluation, Sargent said. The separate incident in Redwood City resulted in the arrest of Michael Anthony Goggins. Goggins, 34, pleaded not guilty Monday in San Mateo County Superior Court to two felony counts of resisting an officer and a misdemeanor hate-crime charge Monday at the San Mateo County courthouse in Redwood City, said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. That alleged attack took place Nov. 9 after an employee at a Chevron gas station in the 2200 block of El Camino Real called police to report a man yelling at the worker, officials said. Goggins had shouted, Why are you in my country, F you and You are lazy, according to the San Mateo County district attorneys office. The man then fled to Willow Street, where its alleged he attacked a Latino man, authorities said. The victim, a 20-year-old Redwood City resident, was walking with a friend when Goggins approached and punched him in the chest, said Lt. Sean Hart, a Redwood City Police Department spokesman. Goggins allegedly spoke to the victim in Spanish, saying, Im white, Im from here. Where are you from? He then used a racial slur to describe the victim before punching him in the chest, police said. Goggins was taken to a medical center for psychiatric evaluation and later booked at the Maguire Correctional Facility, where he was being held on $50,000 bail, prosecutors said. In the week since the presidential election, a number of incidents toward minorities have been reported across the country, including at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz. Groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center say they have seen an uptick in harassment, especially in schools and colleges, by people emboldened by Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric. California Attorney General and incoming U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris sent a bulletin last week to police agencies outlining hate-crime laws due to an uptick in threats of hate crimes and other violent extremism. Kimberly Veklerov and Jenna Lyons are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KVeklerov @JennaJourno Magician David Blaine has found a few new believers in rapper Drake, comedian Dave Chappelle, Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler, actress Shay Mitchell, and of course, Golden State Warriors MVP Steph Curry. In a new clip from his show "Beyond Magic," Blaine pulls off a creepy and amazing feat, wherein he appears to manifest frogs from his mouth. Tampopo: Imagine a foodie movie structured like a spaghetti Western. That is the delightful approach of Juzo Itamis classic 1985 film Tampopo, about a mysterious drifter, complete with Man With No Name cowboy hat, who wanders into the life of a widowed mother and assembles a team a sort of magnificent seven to transform her flailing ramen shop into something special. The movie delighted American audiences in 1987 and created a wave of quirky, lovable Japanese comedies in international theaters over the next decade, from Itamis A Taxing Woman to Masayuki Suos Shall We Dance? Approaching its 30th anniversary in U.S. theaters, Janus Films has restored the film for rerelease. The drifter is Goro (Tsutomu Yamazaki), a truck driver who seems to know every two-bit ramen place in Japan. Riding shotgun is his loyal partner and fellow foodie Gun (a super-young Ken Watanabe, a quarter of a century before embarking on an American film career in such films as Inception). The widow, Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto, Itamis real-life wife at the time), has assumed the family business after her husbands death, and struggles to maintain the business and find time to raise her young son. Goro sees the potential in Tampopo (the Japanese word for dandelion) and decides to help her. He recruits an aging ramen master, a noodle expert, a contractor well-versed in interior design and others while putting Tampopo through a ramen-making boot camp. Part of the charm of Tampopo is Itamis use of completely unrelated sidebars devoted not only to love of food, but also love of movies. Most notably, Koji Yakusho has a few scenes as a mysterious man in a white suit who incorporates food as part of his erotic passions with his lover (Fukumi Kuroda). Tampopo is an utter delight, but you also find a lot about how to make good ramen (dont take my word for it; a special screening took place during last weekends San Francisco Ramen Tasting Competition). In fact, I dare you not to head to the nearest ramen house after you see the movie. Starts Friday, Nov. 18, at Landmarks Opera Plaza Cinema, 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 771-0183; Landmarks Shattuck Cinemas, 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 644-2992. www.landmarktheatres.com Chinese American Film Festival: The 4 Star Theatres annual gathering of new Chinese movies features 10 films of various genres, including the action thriller Saving Mr. Wu, starring Andy Lau, and the romantic comedy My Best Friends Wedding, starring Hsu Chi (a.k.a. Shu Qi). Through Sunday, Nov. 20, at 4 Star Theatre, 2200 Clement St. S.F. (415) 666-3488. www.lntsf.com Astaire, Rogers and the Marx Brothers: Much of the lure for Depression-era audiences was the pure escapism of musicals with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and comedies starring Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo. Sensing we need some post-election escapism, the Stanford Theatre has double feature weekends through Dec. 18 pairing one of each, beginning Friday, Nov. 19, with Top Hat and Night at the Opera. 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. (650) 324-3700. www.stanfordtheatre.org Curiosity, Adventure and Love: San Francisco-born freelance journalist Sunshine Lichauco de Leon screens her new film about her 104-year-old grandmother, Jessie Lichauco, who is a living testament to 20th century Philippines history. 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F. (415) 557-4400. www.sfpl.org Mississippi Mermaid: The history of film noir would be unthinkable without crime novelist and screenwriter Cornell Woolrich, who is thought to have contributed source material for more film noirs than anyone else, including Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Basically, Woolrich lived with his mother in a Manhattan residential hotel, a closeted homosexual and alcoholic pounding out dark story after dark story for detective magazines and pulp fiction publishers. A double feature of Woolrich adaptations at the Castro Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 20, is a nice one, thanks to the inclusion of the rarely screened Francois Truffaut film Mississippi Mermaid. It plays only one time, with Alfred Hitchcocks way-more-famous Rear Window getting three screenings before it. Truffauts 1969 film was actually his second straight adaptation of Woolrich, after Jeanne Moreaus murderous revenge rampage in The Bride Wore Black. In this one, Jean-Paul Belmondo is a plantation owner on an Indian Ocean island who gets Catherine Deneuve as his mail-order bride but is she the bride he ordered? And what about her sketchy past? Its a great example of a filmmaker making a completely foreign work his own: Woolrichs stories would not seem to be a great fit for the maker of 400 Blows and Jules and Jim, yet Mississippi Mermaid fits well into Truffauts oeuvre of fatalistic, obsessive love. 9:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, with Rear Window (7 p.m.; also 2:30 and 4:45 p.m.), at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F. (415) 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BrfilmsAllen Janus Films 1966 Many think Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene was the greatest African filmmaker of the 20th century which means hes not that well known, unfortunately. But in a decade dominated by Godard, Truffaut, Fellini and Kurosawa, Sembene (1923-2007) gained an international following with novels and films attacking post-colonial racism. Jessica Forde/Anonymous Content The Take, a steady if unspectacular action thriller, pairs an American pickpocket with a lone-wolf CIA agent, unlikely allies in the pursuit of a gang behind a deadly bombing in Paris. If this sounds rather formulaic, it is and the film doesnt pretend otherwise. But to its credit, The Take moves along briskly, offering two decent actors, a few deft plot twists and some refreshingly realistic action sequences that dont look like theyve been cobbled together in a special effects factory. Music mogul Steve Aoki is coming to the Bay Area to party and hes not just bringing the cake and Champagne. The Los Angeles producer is traveling north for the San Francisco edition of his Dim Mak 20th Anniversary, a touring dance party celebrating Aokis record label and lifestyle brand. Scheduled to appear are Rae Sremmurd, the Bay Areas own dubstep star T-Mass, DVBBS and Gitchii. Teresa Crawford/Associated Press SEATTLE Democratic mayors of major U.S. cities that have long had cool relationships with federal immigration officials say they will do all they can to protect residents from deportation, despite President-elect Donald Trumps vows to withhold potentially millions of dollars in taxpayer money if they do not cooperate. Besides San Franciscos Mayor Ed Lee, New York Citys Bill de Blasio, Chicagos Rahm Emanuel and Seattles Ed Murray are among those in sanctuary cities that have tried to soothe worried immigrant populations. WASHINGTON House Republicans renominated Speaker Paul Ryan as their leader Tuesday, quieting rumors of an initial revolt in the party in the wake of feuding between Ryan and President-elect Donald Trump, while Democrats grappled with their own potential insurrection. To retain the speakers job, Ryan, of Wisconsin, will still have to clear a vote by the full House when the new Congress assembles in January when he must win at least 218 votes. With the results of a few contests outstanding, Republicans will hold at least 239 seats, leaving a relatively healthy margin for dissent in their ranks. House Republicans said on Twitter that Ryans selection was unanimous. But Ryan will have more than his contentious relationship with Trump to navigate. Stephen Bannon, the former chairman of Breitbart News, whom Trump named as his chief strategist, is a longtime critic of Ryan. Although he endorsed Trump and urged Americans to vote for him in the days leading up to the election, Ryan repeatedly criticized Trumps more inflammatory statements during the campaign, once criticizing his proposed ban on Muslims as not what this country stands for. After the release of a 2005 recording in which Trump boasted in vulgar terms about sexually assaulting women, Ryan dis-invited him to a planned joint appearance in Wisconsin and told Republicans he would no longer defend him nor campaign for him. Trump had said privately before his victory that Ryan should be punished for not offering his full support. Yet Vice President-elect Mike Pence made it clear to House Republicans that the incoming president wanted Ryan as Speaker. House Democrats, meanwhile, abruptly announced Tuesday that they were delaying their own leadership elections set for Thursday until Nov. 30 to give lawmakers more time to process disastrous election results. Its not clear whether the election delay might morph into a real challenge to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco. She has led House Democrats for more than 12 years and has consolidated support with strong fundraising and an ability to deliver votes, but theres long been grumbling from Democrats who say new leadership is needed at the top. On Tuesday, Republicans also re-elected Reps. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield, Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state as their majority leader, whip and conference chairwoman, offering an endorsement of the leadership that helped them maintain a sizable majority in last weeks election. Democrats have a net gain of six seats so far. Three days into his carjacking trial in 2005, James Ochoa faced a daunting choice: Risk spending the rest of his life in prison if convicted by an Orange County jury or plead guilty and be released in two years. Ochoa, then 20 and on probation for drug possession, had already rejected two plea offers and wanted to prove his innocence. But the judge made it clear the odds were against him because he had been identified by the victims as the perpetrator. If convicted, Ochoa feared he would never see his young son again. I felt like I was gambling with my life, he said from his home in the Dallas area. He pleaded guilty to armed robbery and spent about a year in prison before DNA linked the crime to another man in 2006. Ochoa was cleared and released within days. Hundreds of others have faced the same dilemma. More than 300 of the more than 1,900 people who have been exonerated in the U.S. since 1989 pleaded guilty, according to an estimate by the National Registry of Exonerations. The registry is maintained by the University of Michigan Law School using public information, such as court documents and news articles. Last year, 68 out of 157 exonerations were cases in which the defendant pleaded guilty, more than any previous year. Critics say the numbers reflect an overwhelmed criminal justice system with public defenders who have more cases than they can handle and expedience on the part of court officials, who can save the government money with plea bargains compared with costly trials. For a long time, it was our countrys crown jewel, built on the principle that it was better that 10 guilty go free than one innocent be wrongfully convicted, said David Markus, a prominent Miami defense attorney. Now sadly, the system accepts and even encourages innocent people to plead guilty. In the 1970s and 1980s, state and federal lawmakers reacted to rising crime rates by imposing mandatory minimums and other sentencing laws to crack down on felons. As the penalties and risk of going to prison grew, so did the percentage of defendants who opted to plead guilty. Last year, more than 97 percent of criminal defendants sentenced in federal court pleaded guilty compared with about 85 percent more than 30 years ago, according to data collected by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. An officer for the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board initially recommended that Ochoa not receive any money for his imprisonment, saying Ochoa contributed to his erroneous conviction by pleaded guilty. But in the end, the board granted Ochoa $31,700. He also got $550,000 to settle his lawsuit against the city of Buena Park. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate One hundred and sixteen of California's 280 state parks will be free to the public to visit on November 25, the day commonly referred to as Black Friday. The California state parks department, in conjunction with San Francisco organizations the California State Parks Foundation and the Save the Redwoods League, will facilitate the event by providing 13,000 free vehicle one day-use passes to the public for visits at local parks. The passes will be given out on a first-come first-served basis. Parking will be free at parks including Mount Diablo State Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Tomales Bay State Park, Jack London State Historic Park, Half Moon Bay State Beach, as well as ones further south including several around Pescadero and Santa Cruz. (A full list of participating parks is available at GreenFriday.org.) The idea came to event organizers last year after finding out that outdoor retailer REI gave employees Black Friday off to go outside rather than work in store to gift-buying masses. This year, the store is doing the same thing, with the company CEO saying he hopes to ease the "divisive tone" of the nation at the moment. "We tend to put aside differences when we are presented with the magnificence of being in nature," CEO Jerry Stritzke said, "no matter our beliefs or allegiances." Last year, Green Friday organizers opened up admission to 48 parks on Black Friday, and as they say, the response was "overwhelming" that this year, they're expanding. "We realized we had the constituency and momentum to create a new tradition, one that is a natural fit with the great American holiday of Thanksgiving," said Sam Hodder, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Redwoods League. "As Californians, we have every reason to give thanks for some of the world's most stunning parks and reserves, with the help of our partners we're expanding the program this year from 48 to 116 parks." Those who would like to visit a park for free on "Green Friday" may begin printing their day-use pass at noon Wednesday, November 16. Read Alyssa Pereira's latest stories, and follow her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Send her news tips at apereira@sfchronicle.com. Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich cruise missile On Tuesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a handful of videos glorifying its Mediterranean naval campaign to support Syrian President Bashar Assad. Cruise missiles were seen launching vertically from destroyers, tipping sideways, and then rocketing toward the Syrian city of Aleppo. The videos also showed operations aboard Russia's sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov. But according to experts, as flashy as this naval show of force may be, it added nothing toward the completion of Russia's military objectives. "Its mostly for show," Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian studies, told Business Insider. According to Gorenburg, hauling an aircraft carrier, a nuclear-powered battle cruiser, two destroyers, a tanker, and the tug boat that accompanies the aircraft carrier in case of a breakdown "didn't add anything" to Russia's military capability in Syria but was instead meant to have "caught everyone's attention." "There's been an effort over the last few years to show that Russia has some of the same capabilities as the US," Gorenburg said. "One prominent example was those cruise-missile strikes from the Caspian Sea, to show that they have the standoff cruise-missile capability." And so the first combat deployment of the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier represents another attempt to mimic the US's military power. "They have one aircraft carrier it's not the most reliable," Gorenburg said of the Kuznetsov, which had to be towed almost 3,000 miles back to Russia after breaking down near France and Spain in 2012. Gorenburg pointed out that the Kuznetsov approached Syria bearing new aircraft: MiG-29Ks. But these naval variants, suited for the type of strike missions necessary in Syria, haven't yet been put to combat use. Additionally, one of the MiG-29Ks crashed Monday when returning to the ship. Story continues mig 29k In part, Gorenburg said, the naval deployment to Syria could be seen as a sales pitch, as Russia hopes to export cruise missiles and aircraft: "They've used the Syria conflict for showing off their arms for customers, but that's more with regular [not naval] aircraft." The real purpose behind the deployment, however, he said, is "more to demonstrate to NATO and the US that they have this capability, and it's something else you have to keep in mind." kuznetsov su 33 Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, echoed Gorenburg's statements to the Washington Examiner: "There's not a kinetic effect that they bring that can't already be brought with the forces that they have there." "From a pure military perspective, Russia already has significant capabilities inside Syria," Davis said. "They have nearly two dozen strike aircraft that are based there." NOW WATCH: Watch 2 Ukrainian politicians brawl after one is accused of working with Russia More From Business Insider Snapchat has reportedly filed for an IPO. And the reason, all else considered, is simple: to pay shareholders. Reuters reported late Tuesday that the social media platform now known as Snap Inc. has confidentially filed to go public in a deal that could value the company as high as $25 billion. Snaps debut could come as soon as March. Recall that Facebook tried to buy the company for $3 billion back in 2013 and was famously turned down. If Snap debuts at a valuation eight times this amount, well, theres no debate over whether this was the right call. Eventually, though, at a certain scale companies must find their way to public markets in order to accomplish the simple goal of paying shareholders. Or rather, the companys investors need to pay their shareholders. At some point, all the private money, the financial sponsors, that are in [a private company], are going to have to bring their entities to public markets so that they can pay their shareholders, said Matt DeSalvo, head of US equities at Mizuho Securities. DeSalvo noted, of course, that investors will pick their spots on when to go public, as private investment funds whether its private equity or venture capital have a certain window inside of which to return capital to their investors. Additionally, companies could want to reward their own employees who have been paid with a considerable mix of cash and stock. When private companies raise money there is sometimes an ability for longer-term employees with vested options to cash out. But as companies get larger, the ability for a private fundraise to meet the liquidity needed to reward shareholding employees dwindles. Ultimately, they all go public, DeSalvo said. The only question, really, is when. To date, 2016 has been a notably slow year for initial public offerings, with only 73 companies going public through the first three quarter of the year, the lowest since 2009, with proceeds totaling just $13.1 billion, according to data from FactSet. Story continues Source: FactSet Following the election of Donald Trump, markets have been in rally mode and business optimism at least as the Wall Street analyst community sees it should improve from here. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, however, that Snap made its IPO filing before Trumps election and this outcome will not change its plans. From a sentiment standpoint it seems that, if anything, this event shouldve improved Snaps outlook. But either way. Details on what exactly investors get for a slice of Snap will come in time once its financials are made public. What we know now is that, as of late September Snapchat had 60 million daily users in the US and Canada. The company is also projected to bring in about $360 million in revenue this year, according to reports. Snapchat, in many respects, is the advertising platform brands feel they must be on to reach a millennial audience. And a research report from RBC in October said about 50% of marketers had expressed interest in advertising on the platform. Snapchat is mobile-first. And Snapchat offers users and advertisers something that isnt merely a Web-based facsimile of existing media online news is just a newspaper online, streaming video is just TV online it gives up to 10 seconds of someones time. Then its gone. Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Read more from Myles here; follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland For Immediate Release Chicago, IL November 16, 2016 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Royal Dutch Shell plc (NYSE:RDS.A Free Report),Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX Free Report),ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report),ExxonMobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) and Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE:SXL Free Report). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Tuesdays Analyst Blog: Oil & Gas Stock Roundup: RDS.A, CVX and More It was a week where both oil and gas prices finished sharply lower. On the news front, European supermajor Royal Dutch Shell plc (NYSE:RDS.A Free Report) pledged to invest $10 billion in Brazil over a five-year span, while U.S. biggie Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) and partners commenced production at the Mafumeira Sul development offshore Angola. Overall, it was another dismal week for the sector. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dived 5.4% to close at $43.41 per barrel, while natural gas prices ended down 5.3% to $2.619 per million Btu (MMBtu). (See the last Oil & Gas Stock Roundup here: EOG, Apache Wrap Up Q3 Energy Earnings Season .) Oil prices sank to multi-month lows after reports showed that output by members of the OPEC cartel whose associate nations supply around 40% of the world's crude rose to an all-time high in Oct. At 33.64 million barrels a day, current production is way over OPECs target to limit volumes to a range of 32.5 million - 33 million barrels a day. Given the recent data sets, investors have started doubting whether OPEC will be able to rein in production as part of the plan reached in Sep. Story continues Adding to the pessimism was the U.S. Energy Department's weekly inventory release, which showed a dramatic increase in domestic crude production. Meanwhile, natural gas also turned sharply lower following a larger-than-anticipated inventory build that pushed the commoditys storage level to a new all-time high. The commodity was further hampered by a warmer-than-normal weather that translates into weak demand for the heating fuel. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. Europes largest oil company Royal Dutch Shell plc recently announced its plan to invest $10 billion in Brazil over a span of five years. The company intends to tap into the increased opportunities for foreign companies in the Brazilian oil industry with this move. Shell currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here . Shell the largest foreign investor in Brazil plans to continue investing heavily in the country in order to double its global deep water production by the early 2020s. Shell plans to invest around $2 billion every year and it intends to fund the investment from the more than $30 billion in capital that it has already deployed in Brazil. Following regulatory changes in Brazil, Shell seeks to expand its ultra deepwater oil exploration and production holdings in the country. Notably, the company already operates 5,500 energy stations in the nation and has acquired a large number of oil and gas assets via its takeover of BG Group this year. (Read more: Shell Announces Plan to Invest $10 Billion in Brazil .) 2. Chevron Corp., the second-largest U.S. oil producer, recently reported that it has started production at the Mafumeira Sul oil field along with Angolan state oil major Sonangol. The initial production capacity of the field is 10,000 barrels per day. The Mafumeira Sul oil field is estimated to produce 110,000 barrels per day or more, once fully developed. Located off the coast of Angola, the project is worth $5.6 billion and currently uses early production systems or EPS to produce 10,000 barrels of oil per day. Sonangol has a 41% stake in the Mafumeira Sul oil project. Chevron, on the other hand, holds 39.2% interest. (Read more: Chevron Starts Production at Mafumeira Sul Field .) 3. U.S. independent ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) recently announced plans to commence a multi-billion-dollar divestment program next year in order to survive price volatility. The company intends to sell assets valued between $5 billion and $8 billion, mainly from its North American natural gas portfolio. Given that Brent crude is now trading at about $50 per barrel, these activities will facilitate the company to accomplish its priorities like a debt level of $20 billion, a 2030% payout of operating cash flows to shareholders as well as modest production growth to drive margin and cash flow expansion. According to the strategy for 2017, ConocoPhillips will announce a $3 billion share repurchase program. Moreover, the company is expected to further trim its capital expenditures and costs in 2017 from the levels in 2016. Nonetheless, it will target a modest growth in production. ConocoPhillips now expects capex of about $5 billion next year, down 4% from the current years guidance of $5.2 billion. This also indicates more than 50% decrease from the 2015 capex and investments of $10.1 billion. (Read more: ConocoPhillips Plans Divestments Worth $8 Billion in 2017 .) 4. Worlds largest publicly traded energy company ExxonMobil Corp. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) and pipeline operatorSunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE:SXL Free Report) recently announced their decision to form a strategic joint venture (JV) by combining their key crude oil midstream assets, mainly in the Permian basin of West Texas. Per a statement, Permian Express Partners the new JV will comprise assets owned by both companies. Sunoco Logistics will be the majority owner and operator of the JV assets with a stake of 85%, while ExxonMobil will hold the remaining 15%. Sunoco Logistics will contribute its Permian Express 1, Permian Express 2 and Permian Longview and Louisiana Access pipelines to the JV. ExxonMobil, on the other hand, will contribute a Texas-Louisiana pipeline as well as its Pegasus pipeline, which runs from Texas to Illinois. (Read more: Exxon & Sunoco Logistics to Merge Midstream Assets, Form JV .) Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1 Stock of the Day pick for free. About Zacks Equity Research Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>. Get the full Report on RDS.A - FREE Get the full Report on XOM - FREE Get the full Report on CVX - FREE Get the full Report on COP - FREE Get the full Report on SXL - FREE Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com/ Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. 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 ROYAL DTCH SH-A (RDS.A): Free Stock Analysis Report CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report CONOCOPHILLIPS (COP): Free Stock Analysis Report SUNOCO LOGISTIC (SXL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Mel Solomon/Word for Word The opening of Edward P. Jones noir story All Aunt Hagars Children accomplishes two feats: It sets a scene, and it throws in one out-of-nowhere detail that makes you thirst to know more. On what was to have been one of my last days in Washington, my mother, my aunt and murdered Ikes mother came up to the second-floor office I had been sharing with Samuel Jaffe. If that line is strong on the page, Word for Word makes works of literature seem as if their natural home is onstage and thats without, as the companys name suggests, changing a word of text. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Chris Hardy Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Keith Sutter Show More Show Less 3 of 3 There will be world premieres by Smuin dancers Rex Wheeler and Nicole Haskins as well as choreographer-in-residence Amy Seiwert at this years Christmas Ballet. But no worries. Favorites from past years of Smuin ballets annual holiday fare will be on the program, too, when the popular show opens Friday, Nov. 18, in Walnut Creek. And, as usual, the company will also bring The Christmas Ballet, now in its 22nd season, to Carmel, Mountain View and San Francisco. NIMRUD, Iraq Nearly a month into the fight to retake Mosul, government forces pushed Islamic State militants out of nearby Nimrud, home to some of Iraqs richest archaeological treasures. And when soldiers finally surveyed the extremists destruction of the ancient sites, one said that those who carried it out dont have a place in humanity. Intricate reliefs that once stood at the gates to the magnificent Assyrian palace lay in pieces: stone carvings of a face, half of a claw, part of a wing, fragments of script. In April 2015, the Islamic State extremists released a shocking video that showed how they had hammered, bulldozed and blew up parts of the 13th century B.C. Assyrian capital in the Tigris River valley south of Mosul. Iraqi officers accompanied journalists to the site Wednesday, wandering through the piles of rubble and snapping photos of the damage that U.N. officials had once called a war crime. The Assyrian Ziggurat, nearly 3,000 years old and once one of the tallest surviving buildings of the ancient world, has been leveled. On palace walls, only small fragments of stone carvings remained. Two Assyrian winged-bull statues that once marked the palace entrance have been completely destroyed. In a palace doorway, four deep cracks defaced a large carving of an Assyrian guardian spirit. I didnt cry when Daesh destroyed my home, but I really cried when I saw the video of them destroying this site, said Sheikh Khaled al-Jabouri, a tribal fighter from the Nimrud area. These ruins are not just important to the people of this area, but to all of Iraq. Since they seized territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014, the Islamic State militants, also known by the Arabic acronym Daesh, have destroyed other cultural treasures that they said promoted idolatry and violated their fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law. This was done by people who dont have a place in humanity, said Maj. Gen. Dhiaa al-Saadi, the deputy commander of Iraqi ground forces, as he surveyed the ruins. Shortly after portions of the site were excavated in 1845, some carved slabs and massive statues were removed and sent to the British Museum in London, where they remain to this day. The Iraqi national museum in Baghdad also houses winged bulls from the Nimrud site. Army Sgt. Maj. Marwan Abbas said he had last been at the site when he was a teenager during a school trip from Baghdad, and seeing its current state broke his heart. Before 2003, all Iraqis would come here for school picnics, Abbas said, describing how in the spring, the site was surrounded by green fields. Such trips were canceled, he added, after the security situation deteriorated following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Over a decade later, with Iraq more divided than ever, its cultural heritage remains one of the few unifying forces. As Iraqi forces have clawed back territory from Islamic State since the grinding operation to retake Mosul began Oct. 17, authorities have found evidence of mass graves, torture and brutal prisons. They fear they will also find even more destruction of ancient treasures marking the countrys rich history. We have information that all of the archaeological places in Mosul have already been destroyed, al-Saadi said. Archaeologists and government officials have yet to visit the site to conduct a proper assessment, according to Iraqi officers at the scene. ATHENS President Obama pointed Tuesday to fears of globalization, economic uncertainty, suspicion of elites anything but his own performance as he grasped for ways to explain the unexpected rise of Donald Trump. Opening his final overseas trip as president, Obama acknowledged he was surprised by Trumps victory and said it stemmed from deep-seated anxieties among working-class Americans that government must do better to address. But, he added paradoxically: Thats been my agenda for the last eight years. People seem to think I did a pretty good job, Obama told reporters, citing his strong approval numbers. So there is this mismatch, I think, between frustration and anger. In a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Obama said his proposals on jobs, education and infrastructure would have helped the same voters whose frustration drove Trumps success at the polls if only theyd been implemented. The problem was I couldnt convince the Republican Congress to pass a lot of them, Obama said. It was also the clearest sign yet that the president did not accept Trumps election as a repudiation of his policies, despite Trumps ardent rejection of nearly every piece of Obamas legacy. Obamas words are being watched closely by world leaders who see parallels between Trumps election and the rise of far-right movements in their own countries amid continued economic anxiety. After Athens, Obama planned visits to Germany and Peru. Obamas visit sparked large protests in central Athens, prompting riot police to use tear gas and stun grenades to disperse about 3,000 left-wing marchers after they tried to enter an area declared off-limits to demonstrators. No injuries or arrests were reported. At each stop on his trip, Obama expects to confront apprehension from world leaders who fear Trump could bring about seismic changes in U.S. foreign policy and withdraw the U.S. from its traditional leadership role. Paying the first presidential visit to Greece since Bill Clinton in 1999, Obama sought to reassure NATO allies that Trump, despite belittling the alliance during the campaign, wouldnt abandon it. Obama said Democratic and Republican administrations had respected NATO and predicted significant continuity even as we see a transition in government. Heres who was going to be on the show, says Kathryn Davis, pulling out a little blue calendar and flipping through its pages. Next week, we had ViVo Contemporary and the photographer Jennifer Esperanza. Then there was the Santa Fe Art Institute, Creative Santa Fe and independent curator Niomi Fawn. The art historian and radio personality is nursing a latte at Counter Culture Cafe, lamenting the end of her KVSF 101.5 show, ArtBeat. News of the cancellation spread by email and social media earlier this month, as Davis informed her guests and fans that Hutton Broadcasting had brought down the axe. "It hurts a lot, although all of my would-be guests have been so supportive," says Davis. "Essentially, we cut off the voice for all these people. It feels like a step back into the Stone Age." ArtBeat has been on the air since 2012, most recently holding a Thursday afternoon slot on KVSF, though Davis has been a prominent voice within Santa Fe's art scene for much longer. She arrived in the City Different in 1985, and has seen the creative community here change considerably. Davis sees the cancellation as an opportunity to look back at Santa Fe's successes and blind spots, and launch a new endeavor aimed at filling the gaps. Davis vividly remembers the 2012 phone call from Scott Hutton asking her to launch ArtBeat. She had hosted a series of 30-second spots about local art events on KLBU, and pitched a show to Hutton when his media company acquired the station in 2007. A few years later, he went for it. "I have these emails I found in my old files about telling Scott what I wanted to do," Davis says. "My vision then was just as clear as it is now: Give these people a voice and expand the boundaries of the show." She wanted to broadcast live from art events, and to produce video content as a digital extension of the radio show. The show was an underdog from the beginning, and Davis is grateful for Hutton's support. "I never had a problem with the idea that we were going to talk about the visual arts on a non-visual medium," Davis says. "I know that was a tough sell for a lot of account executives at Hutton. It was a tough sell for galleries, too, who would much rather spend thousands of dollars to have a full page ad in Art in America." Davis felt some pushback from the radio community to some of her ideas for launching the show in the digital world. Video had already killed many a radio star, and she was among the partisan survivors of the format. Santa Fe's art community fell in love with ArtBeat. She made sure to invite guests from all corners of the scene, from well-heeled gallery owners to the leaders of upstart art collectives. From Hutton's headquarters off Airport Road, she chronicled the battles of a rapidly changing local culture and economy. It was an evolution that she'd been eagerly awaiting. Originally from California, Davis moved to Eugene, Oregon, in the early 1980s and worked as a dental hygienist. In 1985, she divorced her husband, packed up her blue Volkswagen Beetle and followed the "hippie trail" to the Southwest. "In the '80s, the art scene here was hip and flashy," she says. "We were all drinking and doing drugs, and getting smashed and killed in cars like TC Cannon." Even then, when Santa Fe art dealer Elaine Horwitch was selling out shows by Fritz Scholder, the situation felt a bit precarious. "It was kind of haphazard, even though it was such a boom scene," Davis says. "It seemed like it would never end, and we've all seen ghost towns based on that theory." By the early 2000s, Davis had achieved an MA in art history from University of New Mexico and had taken a teaching job at College of Santa Fe. Armed with an expanded knowledge of art history, she was dismayed by Santa Fe's languishing art world. "I just thought, 'Why can't I just shut up, start driving a taxi, and just give up on this whole thing?'" she says. "It just looked like a bunch of crap to me." As projects such as the performing arts series High Mayhem and the art collective Meow Wolf started to spring up, she saw rays of hope. By the time ArtBeat went on air, a new contemporary art scene was blossoming. "It's a new model now," Davis tells SFR. "I don't think it works, business-wise, the way the old model worked. People who do things according to the old model don't know how to function now: the city, the state, the tourism department, many galleries and museums. I feel like a millennial in that sense." She's taking a millennial approach to resolving the issue by launching a new project on a digital platform. Davis is currently in talks with a number of local art luminaries to launch a podcast, or a video series, or a Facebook Live show, or a social media news outlet, or a hybrid that incorporates all of her ideas. "I need help. This is a call to creatives who are already thinking, 'You know, we really need a voice. How are we going to do this?' I'm available. I'm ready," says Davis. She carries with her a mission to connect new audiences with contemporary art and art history. "I thought I was going to be this museum curator, high above the fray. Thank god I was led in a different direction that has to do with being human and being creative," she says. "I want to be the Sister Wendy of this generation, and have something to hand on to future generations to make art crazier and better and more inclusive. I want to teach weird art history." Meanwhile, Hutton Broadcasting is preparing for the December launch of a new program called Art Fusion, to be hosted by Artisan owner Ron Whitmore and broadcast live from the art supply store. "We're going in a different direction; we love Kathryn, she's awesome. We just weren't getting the traction we needed," Hutton tells SFR. "Ron's show will be very interactive, it will have a live audience, he'll have painters live 'onstage' with himhe's very connected, he's very dialed in. ... I want to be supportive, I just have to fish where the fish are." Santa Fe Reporter Qantas Airways' International boss Gareth Evans says the new Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 aircraft due in October next year will include brand new premium economy, pitching seats at the growing market between economy and business class. Speaking at a Trans-Tasman Business Circle lunch in Auckland today, Evans said the new premium economy seat hadnt been announced yet but would be world leading. Its been built in conjunction with the University of Sydney ergonomics, wellness, sleep research, very much focused on rest, he said. The Australian airline, which celebrated its 96th birthday today, deferred its initial order in December 2005 for 45 Dreamliners while it struggled with poor performance from its international division. Last year it announced an order for eight of the aircraft to replace its ageing Boeing 747-400 fleet and Evans said the new aircraft opens opportunities for ultra long-haul flights such as Perth to London (7,839 nautical miles), Melbourne to Dallas (7,814 nm), and Sydney to Chicago (8,022nm). Currently, 30 percent of Qantas's seats are business and premium economy, a segment where it competes with Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines for fares with add-ons such as extra seat width, more recline or a bigger TV screen. Evans runs the international division which includes trans-Tasman flights and Jetstars operations within New Zealand. He was previously group chief financial officer, a role he described as "character building" until around 18 months ago when its transformation restructuring programme started to deliver faster-than-expected returns. It posted an A$1.5 billion profit before tax in August, the best in its history,and resumed paying dividends after a seven-year hiatus. Airlines executives are cagey about releasing figures for the highly competitive trans-Tasman route and typically revenue isn't broken out in their accounts. Evans said Qantas had helped bring competitive tension within New Zealand and also on the trans-Tasman route where it had grown services and capacity by 10 percent over the past year. The tourism boom has sparked overall demand up 7 percent on the Tasman over the past 12 to 18 months which in a big market is incredible, he said. Qantas now flies 11 routes between the two countries and is about to start direct flights from Christchurch to Melbourne early next month. Qantas also partners with American Airlines which this year started direct flights on the lucrative Auckland-Los Angeles route in direct competition to Air New Zealand and that was performing extremely strongly, he said. About 30 percent of tourists from the US want to visit New Zealand as well as Australia. We have seen great patronage from the New Zealand public of that service, great awareness, and also a huge leverage of the American distribution system up there to increase awareness and penetration of travellers coming out of the US to New Zealand. Evans said theres huge opportunity for both Australia and New Zealand from rising tourist numbers in Asia. In China alone there were 435 million flights in, out, and within the country this year and within ten years thats going to be 1.3 billion trips. Today in Asia Pacific there are 1.3 billion passengers and by 2035 that will be 3.1 billion, he said. We in Australia and New Zealand are brilliantly placed to take advantage of this huge world growth in travel and tourism because it is going to happen on our doorstep, in our region. Asia Pacific will be almost half of the global market and bigger than North America and Europe combined. The aim was to double the current 1 percent of Chinese outbound tourists (1 million) that currently visit Australia annually by being smart about marketing, having the right links through its partnership with China Eastern, and through the government making it easier for them to visit through better visa processing, he said. When asked what disruptive technology Qantas saw coming to aviation, Evans said management spend a lot of time thinking about that and recently met Uber management which scared the pants off us and inspired us, he said. He doesnt think the aviation industry is likely to get fully Uberised because of the amount of regulation and safety considerations but there was potential in the distribution space for airlines to be disintermediated. "You could have Apple or Google or Uber flights where those companies bring technology to leverage their data and brands and rob the airlines of their brands thats a potential threat to the industry, he 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Complectus, which owns the Perpetual Guardian supervisory business, shelved plans for an initial public offering with volatility in already uncertain markets heightened by this month's US presidential election. The Auckland-based company had planned to list in early December raising up to $150 million in a dual-listing on the NZX and ASX but has decided to put that off until markets settle. The S&P/NZX 50 Index has fallen as much as 12 percent from a peak in early September, with the prospective presidency of Donald Trump driving up bond yields and taking the shine off high-yielding markets such as New Zealand. "While the initial feedback from analysts and investors has been positive, we feel that the appropriate course of action is to postpone the IPO until markets have settled," founder Andrew Barnes said in a statement. "We are mindful that market conditions can affect the listing process and don't want to proceed in a window that creates uncertainty for investors and the company alike." Perpetual Guardian was the brainchild of Barnes, who began buying trustee firms in 2013 with the acquisition of Perpetual Trust and later went on to buy Guardian Trust. Since then the group has purchased Covenant Trustee Services, Foundation Corporate Trust and New Zealand Trustee Services and now oversees more than $130 billion of assets. This week Perpetual Guardian settled a dispute with the receivers of failed lender Capital + Merchant, claiming Perpetual Trust breached its duty of care. The dispute predated Complectus' acquisition of Perpetual Trust, and the payout would be covered by its insurers. In September, Complectus owner Bath Street agreed to drop court proceedings with Perpetual vendor Pyne Gould Corp over the sale. The terms are yet to be finalised. Accounts filed with the Companies Office show Perpetual Trust reported a loss of $331,000 on revenue of $4.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, compared to a profit of $59,000 on sales of $6.4 million. The unit paid a service fee to Guardian Trust of $5.3 million in 2016, compared to $5.6 million in 2015. Separately, Guardian Trust's accounts show it generated a profit of $8.8 million on revenue of $43.6 million in the year ended June 30, largely unchanged from a profit of $8.8 million on sales of $44.2 million in 2015. 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Rakon, whose shareholders pushed sales director Darren Robinson from the board this year, posted a first-half loss, blaming a sluggish telecommunications network industry for lacklustre sales. The Auckland-based company posted a net loss of $5.7 million, or 2.9 cents per share, in the six months ended Sept. 30, from a profit of $1.1 million, or 0.6 cents, a year earlier, it said in a statement. Revenue slumped 21 percent to $46 million, and underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation plunged 90 percent to $647,000. The shares fell 10 percent to 18 cents, matching a record low touched in 2013 and making them the biggest decliner in early trading on the S&P NZX All Capital Index. "Network operators had continued during H1 to defer investment in infrastructure, affecting Rakon's sales to equipment manufacturers," managing director Brent Robinson said. "Initiatives to reduce Rakon's annual operating expenses by 20 percent, announced to shareholders ahead of the company's last annual shareholders' meeting, were almost completed." Rakon tilted its focus to the telecommunications sector after rivals in the smart wireless market caught up, turning what was once a niche product into a commoditised one. That shift helped Rakon return to profitability in the March 2015 year, but a slump in spending by network operators weighed on the Kiwi firm in 2016 and pushed it back into the red. Sales from the telecommunications division shrank 26 percent to $21.3 million, while global position revenue fell 27 percent to $12 million. Space and defence was the only segment to improve, with sales up 2.7 percent to $11.6 million. The company's margins were squeezed in the latest period, with gross margins shrinking to 36.3 percent from 41.5 percent a year earlier, through its restructuring efforts saw operating expenses fall 11 percent to $20.6 million. Robinson said the full benefit of those changes won't come through until the 2018 financial year due to one-off costs. In the latest period that included $737,000 from a partial restructure at its New Zealand business, with a further $213,000 provided for and expected to be incurred in the second half of the year. After the Sept. 30 balance date, Rakon told its French staff about a planned re-organisation which it expects will cost 1.4 million euros. The company affirmed annual guidance for underlying earnings of between $3 million and $5 million, with Robinson saying second-half orders project revenue to be 12 percent to 15 percent higher than the first half, implying sales of $51.5 million to $52.9 million. Rakon has tested investors' patience with the founding Robinson family's influence becoming a bone of contention at this year's annual meeting. The New Zealand Shareholders' Association won enough support to oust Darren Robinson from the board, and while chairman Bryan Mogridge retained his seat he indicated he would serve one more term and that founder Warren Robinson was prepared to step down before the next AGM. The company sold itself as a high-growth prospect when it listed in 2006, but made an ill-fated venture in China around the time of the global financial crisis, taking on too much debt at a time when it lost its advantage in manufacturing GPS components. Rakon's debt rose to $22.8 million, of which $22.7 million is due to ASB Bank in the coming 12 months. The lender renewed its banking facilities in March of this year, amended some of the terms in September, and "the directors anticipate renewing the cash advance facilities at reduced levels" before it expires in 2017. The company reported an operating cash outflow of $612,000 in the half, compared to an inflow of $5.3 million a year earlier, and $6.3 million of investment activities, including its investment in Internet-of-Things company Thinxtra, were offset by a $6.9 million drawdown on its banking facilities. As at Sept. 30, it was in a negative cash position of $688,000. Robinson said Thinxtra is on track to provide network coverage to 85 percent of Australians and New Zealanders by the end of June next year. Rakon invested a further A$4.6 million into Thinxtra during the period, taking its stake to 46 percent, though that would reduce to 36 percent if the IoT firm's founding shareholders exercise all of their outstanding options. 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Bronwyn King, the Australian doctor leading a global push to encourage fund managers to exclude tobacco stocks, said shes had approaches from six major funds in New Zealand interested in making the shift. The move follows investor uproar earlier this year after media investigations found New Zealanders had unknowingly invested $152 million in arms manufacturers and big tobacco companies through their KiwiSaver funds, she said. King is chief executive of Tobacco Free Portfolios and a practising radiation oncologist in Melbourne. She has already persuaded 35 Australian superannuation funds controlling nearly half of the total funds under management in that country to shun tobacco, and doesnt know the numbers of funds that exclude tobacco in New Zealand though ANZ is a recent convert and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund was the first sovereign wealth fund in the world to do so. Kings own epiphany came in 2010 when she and her Kiwi husband wanted to buy a house and she went to discuss her savings in the superannuation fund Health Super with a consultant. As she left, she asked whether she was meant to specify how she wanted her money invested in Health Super. The consultant replied she didnt need to worry because she was in the default option where the decisions were made for her. King then asked what the options were and was told there was a greenie option involving no investment in mining, alcohol, or tobacco. It was a big shock knowing I was investing in tobacco companies that were making products that killed my patients, she told a Responsible Investment Conference in Auckland yesterday. It turned out Health Supers default option included investing in four of the big tobacco companies, and King shared that news with other staff members at Peter Mac, a dedicated cancer hospital. She also raised it with the chief executive and then with the super fund which had merged with Sydney-based First State Super. After a lot of discussion, it became the first Australian superannuation fund to renounce tobacco investments in 2012. One of the biggest successes in King's campaign came this year when AXA, the worlds second-biggest insurer, said it would sell 200 million euro of tobacco stocks and run down 1.6 billion euro of tobacco corporate bonds. King says shes currently working with more than 100 financial institutions with four more likely to announce a similar move soon. The tide has turned in public sentiment on the issue and fund managers who manage investors money are slowly waking up to that fact, she said. The pitch that has worked best has been highlighting the tobacco industrys exploitation of young people with an estimated 100,000 children starting smoking each day. Not many people are aware that according to the International Labour Organisation up to 60 percent of the workforce in tobacco farming are aged under 16, she said. The average age at which Australian smokers take up the habit is 15 years and nine months the oldest in the world. The average in the UK is just 11 years. The percentage of boys that smoke between 13 and 16 years old is 3.7 percent in New Zealand but is much higher in emerging countries such as Indonesia where the figure is 41 percent and 52.1 percent in Papua New Guinea. This is not about adults making an informed choice but about children who start smoking when theyre too young to be aware of the risks, she said. One conference attendee said one of the problems with divestment was that tobacco stocks had done so well for investors over the years. King said that was the most difficult thing though there were signs those profits could change in the next 10 years. The industry has done well in the past 10 years because it has gone into the developing world before these regulations were crafted. Its made the most of these very poor populations with large user bases and very poor levels of awareness and very poor regulatory frameworks, an industry that continues to get away with 60 percent of its workforce being child labour, externalising costs and internalising profits and not being held to account for all of these deaths is extraordinary. King said theres three strong reasons behind going tobacco free: tobacco is a unique product in that it cant be used safely with two out of three smokers dying from its use; the UN Tobacco Treaty signed by 180 countries including New Zealand requires governments and related bodies not to invest in the industry and take other measures such as plain packaging; and engagement with the industry to change its behaviour is futile. Theres a regulatory risk for fund managers with three countries having introduced plain packaging legislation and another 20 will have by next year, King said. New Zealand has signed off on it but not yet set a date for implementation. Theres also a litigation risk with the Quebec state government succeeding last year in a landmark class action suit against three big tobacco companies where the judge awarded C$15.6 billion in compensation to one million smokers for the health effects of the products. It is being appealed by the tobacco companies. King said the case was one the rest of the world should watch with interest. If that precedent is set I cant believe the people of New Zealand would be happy to continue to pick up the costs of the tobacco industry, it doesnt make any sense. The truth is if we all sued at the same time the tobacco industry couldnt even pay its own costs for one 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Fonterra Cooperative Group has lost its bid to overturn a High Court ruling against inferior terms offered to the suppliers of the failed New Zealand Dairies Ltd business in South Canterbury. The Court of Appeal bench, comprising Justices Tony Randerson, Helen Winkelmann and Brendan Brown, today rejected Fonterra's application to throw out a ruling that it breached the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act by imposing less favourable terms on farmers who had previously supplied NZDL. Fonterra bought the independent processor's plant out of receivership in 2012 and took on the farmers, who supplied milk from farms in North Otago and South Canterbury. Fonterra made a deal with the farmers, agreeing to buy their milk under a "growth contract", rather than a fully share-backed supply, where farmers purchase one Fonterra share for every kilogram of milk solids they supply in a season and are paid the farmgate milk price plus a dividend on each share. Under the growth contract, the farmers were entitled to 5 cents less per kilogram of milk solids than the contract milk price and bought 1,000 Fonterra shares but couldn't "share up" - become fully share-backed - in their first year of supplying Fonterra. According to DIRA, the legislation enabling the merger of the Dairy Board with the New Zealand Dairy Group and Kiwi Cooperative Dairies, Fonterra is not able to give new entrants different terms from its existing shareholding farmers. The High Court ruled the farmers qualified to become fully-fledged shareholders and Fonterra misled them about their ability to buy more shares. The appeal court upheld that decision, rejecting Fonterra's assertion that the agreements were supply contracts without share backing and that they should have been covered by DIRA. "We agree with the Judge that the main reason for imposing the less favourable terms was to placate existing shareholders who might have harboured concerns that the respondents were being allowed to 'waltz back in'," the judgment said. "It is difficult to escape the Judges conclusion that they were imposed as a penalty for the respondents perceived disloyalty." The case was split by consent in the High Court, with questions about reliance and loss delayed for later adjudication, so the lower court did not award costs. 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document New Zealand's defence plans out to 2030 include replacing the two Anzac-class frigates, adding transport aircraft, the possible replacement of armoured vehicles, new inshore capabilities, and a spruce-up for camps and bases. The Defence Capability Plan 2016, detailing $20 billion of military investment through until 2030 was released by Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee at the Defence Industry Association's annual forum in Auckland today. The plan follows the release in June of the government's second defence white paper. In a speech to the forum, Brownlee said New Zealand's defence capabilities and budget had to allow for increased interest in Antarctica and Southern Ocean fisheries, increasing demand for air surveillance, better cyber protection and intelligence support. The plan also includes a $1.7 billion modernisation of the defence estate, "while retaining a presence in all current camps and bases". The government has planned annual increases in Defence Force operating and capital budgets sufficient to maintain defence spending at about 1 percent of gross domestic product, including $300 million of extra operating spending over the next four years that was announced in this year's budget. "While we do not face a direct military threat in the foreseeable future, the rules-based international order which New Zealand relies upon as a small country is under greater pressure," Brownlee said. "We, therefore, need a Defence Force that can protect New Zealand and also contribute to international security." The Anzac frigates are being upgraded over the next four years but ultimately will be replaced by "modern combat vessels" able to foot it in the late 2020s and early 2030s. Brownlee said that decision "is likely to be the most significant and challenging capability choice facing future governments in the next 15 years. Initial consideration of options is to be done before 2020." The New Zealand Navy currently has two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels. It will add a third offshore vessel that will be ice-strengthened and winterised, according to the plan. It will also replace its fleet tanker HMNZS Endeavour with a new tanker to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, which will also be ice-strengthened. It has a tender out for a new littoral operations vessel, which will have diving, hydrographic and mine counter-measure capacity. Soldiers are currently being upgraded with the new standard issue modular assault rifle from Lewis Machine & Tool Co, replacing the Steyr AUG. Soldiers will be outfitted with new night vision equipment on a rolling basis through to 2030, along with technology to detect and counter improvised explosive devices. Brownlee said the Army would also review its Pinzgauer and NZLAV armoured vehicles to decide whether they should be modernised or replaced. More investment would be made in the Special Air Service, including specialised weapons and equipment. In the air, the workhorse C-130 Hercules and Boeing 757s would be retired and replaced in the early-to-mid 2020s, while the recently upgraded P-3 Orion surveillance and reconnaissance fleet is also due to retire by 2030. Police and protestors clashed at the forum today in Auckland. New York Stock Exchange-listed Lockheed Martin, whose products include the Black Hawk helicopter, the F-16 and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, is again principal sponsor for the event. Lockheed is what is known as a prime contractor to the military, winning major contracts which it then turns to the local industry to help fill. Much of that work is won by Lockheed's mission systems and training division, maintenance and overhaul divisions. The spending plan coincides with this week's major earthquake, which has rendered the Wellington headquarters of the New Zealand Defence Force uninhabitable, meaning that for the meantime, head office military staff are working from home until new temporary accommodation is found while the nine year-old headquarters is repaired. 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: Air New Zealand issues Performance Rights Heartland announces new Director of Heartland Bank GEN - Agreements in Principle to Issue New Shares Geraldine McBride steps down from Sky Board Sky ASM 2022 South Port NZ Ltd - Results of 2022 Annual Meeting November 2nd Morning Report AIA - Auckland Airport announces executive team change South Port NZ Ltd - 2022 Annual Meeting ENS - Rights Issue Offer Document Annual Restoration Advisory Board meeting held The 20th Fighter Wing held its annual Restoration Advisory Board meeting Nov. 14, at the New Beginning Banquet Facility, Sumter, South Carolina. The purpose of the RAB is to promote community awareness and obtain constructive community review, comment and input on both current and proposed environmental remediation actions in association with Shaw AFB. The meeting provided a forum for neighbors and local governments to openly discuss the environmental cleanup actions of Shaw AFB and any recent changes to the bases environmental restoration program. In November 2014 the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit listed Shaw AFB as having 123 groundwater cleanup sites. In two years, 99 of the original sites have been closed in accordance with RCRA permit requirements. Of the 24 remaining active cleanup sites, three sites impact off-base locations. These sites continue to have no impact on the drinking water on or surrounding Shaw AFB. To date, $105 million has been spent on the environmental restoration program and nearly 1,400 treatment and monitoring wells have been installed on and around Shaw AFB. Shaw AFB remains focused on improving its environmental programs and is constantly monitoring policy changes, working with stakeholders, and implementing new technologies to hasten our cleanup, said Jane Allen, 20th Mission Support Group director for installations. We are committed to being a good neighbor to the people of Sumter. Questions should be directed to 20th FW Public Affairs, (803) 895-1620. Those interested in joining the RAB should email Juvenal Soloman at juvenal.soloman.1@us.af.mil. BENGALURU: Governments decision to demonetize and disband 500 and 1000 currency notes has led people scurrying to get a hold of their finances. There have been long queues at Banks and ATMs, as people wait patiently to exchange the money or draw some cash from the ATMs to cater to their monthly and daily needs. While this was expected, the banks are also trying their best to help the common man. According to the government, This is only a temporary phase and it will wither away. The move by the government has generally been met with positive response from the common man, while the opposition forces are trying their best to make an issue out of this. Banks have come out with innovative ways to help people and if you are in Bangalore, then there is a mobile ATM of Canara Bank that can help you in these cashless days. In a bid to help the common man, Canara bank has come out with this innovative idea to help people from standing in endless queues at the ATMs. On Sunday evening this mobile ATM was seen on MG Road, which allowed people to withdraw money in a short duration and brought a smile on people who were paranoid. Till now it has helped people to withdraw 8 lakh worth of cash. The bus arrived at 5.30 pm to help people withdraw cash and skip the long queues outside banks. According to Mr Chiniwar, General Manager, Canara Bank, sufficient cash will reach ATMs by Wednesday and this will help reduce the tension and anxiety among people and reduce the insane rush that we are seeing at the banks. Read Also: India Inc's January-October Merger And Acquisition Deal Tally Hits $32 Billion 'Inflation To Touch RBI's Mid-Term Target By 2018 End' NEW DELHI: The increasing convergence of the technological and physical worlds will expand the security challenges globally and organisations will feel the long-term implications of this new digital ecosystem, a new report said on Wednesday. The "2017 Cybersecurity Predictions Report", prepared by cybersecurity experts from web security firm Forcepoint and defence contractor company Raytheon looked at all aspects of cybersecurity, from business and individual behaviours to the impact of larger technology trends on governance and international engagement. "The security challenges rising from the rapid integration of the digital and physical worlds in 2017 will be felt globally," Kris Lamb, Vice President of Forcepoint Threat Protection R&D and Security Labs, said in a statement. According to Josh Douglas, Raytheon Foreground Security Chief Strategy Officer, "organisations think they get inherent security just by migrating to the cloud". "But moving data off-site does not absolve organisations of their responsibility to secure it and best practices still matter. The end result of a rush to cloud computing without these considerations may mean a decreased security posture for many companies in 2017," added Douglas. The report predicted the rise of voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) to access web, data and apps will open up data privacy concerns. "A new corporate-incentivised insider threat may clash with customer data, corporate profit and other performance goals, forcing businesses to re-evaluate their corporate environments and growth strategies," the report said. Read Also: India and U.S. Launch $95 Mn Clean Energy Projects 'Sweet' Solution To Kill Bacteria In Drinking Water Developed BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced setting up the first Women's Park at Kalaburgi in the state's north to facilitate women entrepreneurs open their manufacturing and processing units. "The first Karnataka Ladies Association and Manufacturers Park (K-LAMP) in the Kesaratagi industrial area of Kalaburgi will have facilities to incubate, train, develop and test diverse products for mass production," said Additional Chief Secretary K. Ratna Prabha at a conclave here. Kalaburgi is about 640 km from Bengaluru. The state government also launched a website (www.klampk.com) dedicated to women entrepreneurs on the valedictory day of the 'ThinkBig 2016', a global summit of women entrepreneurs in partnership with the US-based WEConnect International global network. "Special incentives have been provided in the state's new industrial policy for the Hyderabad-Karnataka region comprising the six backward districts of Bidar, Bellari, Kalaburgi, Koppal, Raichur and Yadgir to encourage women entrepreneurs set up their units in various sectors," said Prabha. Admitting that many women had to be groomed for promoting enterprising ventures across the state, she said the Industry Department would conduct seminars, worships and product-oriented programmes for budding women entrepreneurs in different sectors. "Going forward, the KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board) will develop an exclusive Women's Park on a 50-acre land near Bengaluru, with plots of 5,000 square feet each for micro and small-scale units," she added. Addressing about 2,000 women delegates from 19 states across the country and dozen countries from the world over, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazmudar Shaw urged the women entrepreneurs to think big and build scale. "Don't be contended with opening a boutique or a small-scale unit but realise your full potential and break the mindset," she said. As about 90 per cent of women rely on self-financing, Shaw said banks and venture capitalists should realise that women were worth investing in and advised them to change their mindset. Announcing a 'Women Start-up' programme at the IIM-B school, Goldman Sachs India Chairman Sonjoy Chatterjee said the course would help women think of and initiate new ventures of their own. "The free-of-cost year-long programme will train, mentor, incubate and support women to select projects in partnership with a Wall Street financial services firm," said Chatterjee. Read Also: India's Income Will Go Up By 27 Pct With Women Participation Elon Musk's 3000 Acre Gigafactory to Produce Tesla Vehicles NEW DELHI: A "significant proportion" of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected by select Chinese imports, which grew at a higher rate compared to shipments from rest of the world, Parliament was informed today. According to information compiled from data provided by Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, imports from China in 11 major product groups, largely manufactured by MSMEs in India, have grown at a higher rate than their respective imports from all countries combined during 2012-13 to 2015-16. "As these 11 product groups accounted for 74 per cent of India's total imports from China in 2015-16, a significant proportion of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected from Chinese imports as compared to the rest of the world," Minister of State for MSME Giriraj Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The 11 product groups pertain to electrical and electronics, mechanical and metallurgical products, as well as chemical, glass and ceramics based items. Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra, during a recent visit to China, had invited the country's businesses to partner with Indian companies, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for technological collaboration and manufacturing in India. FDI policy places some restrictions on foreign investment in certain sectors. Subject to such restrictions, foreign investors can set up enterprises in India without a lower level ceiling on investment. Such investment can be greenfield as well as in existing enterprises. "India has one of the most liberalised FDI policies in the world, wherein 100 per cent FDI under automatic route is permitted in most of the sectors. There is only a small list of sectors where FDI is regulated -- subjected to government approval, cap or having other conditionalities. The FDI policy equally applies to MSME sector," Singh said. Read Also: India and U.S. Launch $95 Mn Clean Energy Projects 'Sweet' Solution To Kill Bacteria In Drinking Water Developed STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD is asking for the public's help in identifying four individuals sought for questioning in connection with the burglary of a Mariners Harbor home that was broken into through a window. Burglars stole a ring, shoes, and an iPad from inside a home on Ludwig Lane between 7:20 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, according to a written statement from the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The individuals, thought to be males in their teens or early 20s, entered the home through an unlocked window in a first-floor bedroom in the back of the house, according to the statement and a police spokeswoman. Police released surveillance video of the individuals sought for questioning in connection with the incident, taken from a camera on Ludwig Lane. Anyone with information is asked to visit the NYPD's Crime Stoppers website, call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA) or text their tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- A trail of Facebook posts Friday morning tell the story of a troubled man who, according to friends, wasn't receiving the help he needed when he allegedly hijacked a city bus on the North Shore. Mario Casanova, 33, of Brooklyn, faces multiple felony charges after police said he entered an X10 bus Friday evening and told the driver he had a gun. Police said he got behind the wheel and crashed in to three cars; one of them occupied, before ultimately hitting a utility pole at the corner of Castleton Avenue and Broadway in West Brighton. Friends said Tuesday he is not usually an outwardly violent person, but has suffered from mental health issues, drug addiction and the added stress of family, a girlfriend and children for years. "I know Mario very, very well, and his intention was not to hurt anyone in any way; even the driver," said Marcello Sansone, who said he's been friends with Casanova for about 15 years. "If the driver would have told him to f--- off, he would have got off the bus," Sansone said. "The kid isn't a bad dude or a dangerous person, and with help he would be able to better manage his issues." On the day of the incident, Casanova -- who already was facing legal troubles -- posted the following to his Facebook page. 5:45 a.m.- "I choose to live in the now, my past is behind me, my future will be great. Now I just need a d--- job." 8:32 a.m.- "I have been given the antidote for my infection in my mind, my body will grow stronger and my would will shine through the veil... thanks Dr. Phil." 8:42 a.m.- A shared post: 'I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.' 9:34 a.m.- A shared post: 'Surround yourself with energy that takes you up. Be around people who make you feel good. They will help you manifest what you want.' 12:45 p.m.- A shared post: 'I think that stupid people were put on this planet to test my anger management skills.' The incident on Friday wasn't Casanova's first public run-in with the law. In March, he allegedly smashed a second-story window of a Wyndham hotel in Brooklyn and threatened to jump. A New York Daily News photograph depicted him staring through the broken window, covered in blood with blood smeared on the walls of the hotel room. "I don't believe he was getting the help he really needed at all," Sansone said. "He has many, many issues mentally, emotionally and, on top of all of that, he has a bad drug problem. At the arraignment Monday, a judge ordered Casanova be placed on suicide watch, receive medical attention and undergo a psychological examination. He was in jail without the option of bail, as of Tuesday, awaiting a Dec. 12 court date, according to public records. Friends commented under some of Casanova's Facebook posts in the days leading up to the incident, asking if he was OK and telling him to call them. One of the commenters, James Heines, said Tuesday he "hopes the system realizes Casanova is not in the right frame of mind." AX212_32BB_9.JPG In this Nov. 9 photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, walks back to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, after speaking about the election in the Rose Garden. The potential awkwardness surrounding the transition from Democratic President Barack Obama's administration to one led by Republican President-elect Donald Trump has prompted the internet to imagine some amusing chats between Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.(Associated Press /Pablo Martinez Monsivais) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As Vice-President Joe Biden made plans to meet later Wednesday with his successor, Vice-President-elect Mike Pence in Washington, a series of goofy Biden memes on the White House transition are getting attention, smiles and chuckles, on social media. The memes, some tasteful, and others more pointed, are popping up mostly on Twitter and Facebook and have Biden suggesting ways to troll incoming-President Donald Trump. But Biden is usually foiled by a disapproving President Obama, who pleads for decorum and reason. Here's a few (of the more tasteful) Biden-Obama memes that made us smile: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A New Brighton man, who authorities said helped fuel the drug trade in his community, has pleaded guilty to a narcotics charge. Dwan Pegues, 25, was among 13 suspects busted in April under a 14-month probe dubbed "Operation New Blood." Members of the group had filled the vacuum created by the takedown of a massive drug ring in the summer of 2014, according to District Attorney Michael E. McMahon's office. New groups of loosely-affiliated individuals living in the area had emerged to replace the organized drug crews that had been arrested in the 2014 sting, called "Operation Jersey Boys," because they were based around Jersey Street in New Brighton, said the D.A. Prosecutors said Pegues sold heroin or crack cocaine nine times between Sept. 1, 2015, and March 30 of this year. Pegues pleaded guilty Monday in state Supreme Court, St. George, to a felony count of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 5. Page Content Education on the Move (EOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is teaming up to celebrate the teachers of the various schools on the island. November 14th 18th is the International Education week, whereby the EOM committee along with the Ministry ECYS saw it fit to show appreciation to all the teachers as well as to celebrate International Education Week. The Minister is scheduled to visit all the schools on the Dutch side of the island during the International Education Week. The teachers will also be given a small token of appreciation, including an inspirational poem, to be hung in the classroom, as well as an EOM mug. Various businesses were contacted in request for donations, which two businesses complied. Le Grand Marche has given a 15% discount for shopping to all teachers. All shopping must be done on November 16th in order to have the discount applied. Cable TV has also donated one month of free cable subscription for 10 teachers, which will be raffled, at the end of the week, to determine the recipients. Education on the Move is designed to bring awareness to education whereby all educational stakeholders and the community of St. Maarten will get involved. The objective of EOM is to get everyone engaged and actively involved in education. Another goal of EOM is to promote men in education and recognize the current male educators. All male educators on the Dutch side will receive a special EOM plaque, with a quote with words of encouragement. The Minister visited six schools on Monday, November 14th. The schools were, The Sister Borgia School, The Oranje School, The St. Joseph School, The Marie Genevieve de Weever School, The Sundial School and the Sint Maarten Academy PSVE. Minister Jacobs encouraged all the students to show appreciation for their teachers from time to time. Photo Caption - Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs with Teachers from Oranje School, St Joseph & Sint Maarten Academy PSVE. What President Trump means for the future of energy and climate Posted on 16 November 2016 by Guest Author Mark Barteau, Director, University of Michigan Energy Institute, University of Michigan This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. PresidentDonaldTrump. For those on both sides of the aisle who vowed Never Trump!, thats going to take some getting used to. On this morning after a stunning election, the first impulse may be to describe the future in apocalyptic phrases. Game over for the climate! Game over for NATO! Game over for the Clean Power Plan! Game over for Planned Parenthood! While there are certainly extreme outcomes possible for these and many other issues that divide our nation, we may see some moderation, especially on matters where the divisions do not rigidly follow ideological fault lines. Of course, the president-elect himself is famous neither for hewing to right wing orthodoxy nor for consistency between his various pronouncements. As he has said: I like to be unpredictable. But make no mistake, in the energy and climate space Trumps number one priority is to dismantle the Obama legacy as he sees it. And he sees it largely through the lens of organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute, pro-fossil fuel organizations severely allergic to regulations. A prime target is the Environmental Protection Agency and its regulation of greenhouse gases via the Clean Power Plan and methane emissions measures, which are described as job killers. Fossil fuel revolution The Clean Power Plan, which sets limits on carbon emissions from power plants, has been stayed by the courts for the moment, but one should not forget that EPAs responsibility to regulate CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act was affirmed by the Supreme Court. This sets up a potential conflict among the executive, legislative and judicial branches. President Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress may hollow out and handcuff the EPA, but EPAs responsibility to regulate greenhouse gases will remain unless existing law is modified by Congress or by a Court returned to full strength with Trump appointees. Bureau of Land Management, CC BY There are other parts of the Obama energy legacy on which President Trump will likely build, whether he admits it or not. Since President Obamas election, domestic production of oil and gas has surged, making the U.S. the worlds largest energy producer and reducing oil imports from 57 percent to 24 percent of our consumption. Trump would put fossil energy production on steroids, opening up or selling federal lands for exploration and production of oil, gas and even coal. He has called this an energy revolution that will produce vast new wealth for the country. The only limitation to a policy of drill, baby, drill and dig, baby, dig evident in his past positions is an acknowledgment that local communities should have a say in whether hydraulic fracturing is permitted in their environs. Whether this respect extends to communities affected by other energy infrastructure projects, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline, remains to be seen. Reviving coal through exports? During the campaign, Trump promised to put coal miners back to work, touted the virtues of clean coal and pledged to make energy dominance a strategic economic and foreign policy goal of the United States. He criticized Hillary Clinton for encouraging China to develop its own natural gas resources to make it less dependent on energy imports (and therefore, on Central Asia and Russia). Is energy nationalism a feasible path on which he will be able to lead the nation? Frankly, no. As is widely known, the crisis in coal country owes far less to EPA regulations than to the abundance of cheap natural gas made available by fracking. Eliminating the Clean Power Plan is unlikely to decrease the rate of retirement of old coal-fired power plants in the US, or to induce utilities to build new coal plants. Its a matter of economics, not regulatory burden. AP Photo/Steve Helber Development of Clean Coal technology, even if it does not include sequestering carbon underground, would require more, not less, emissions control for power plant operators. Since these controls add cost, they would render investments in new or upgraded coal plants even less favorable compared to gas-fired plants. If the solution to reviving the domestic coal industry is to dramatically increase exports, one can hardly expect the rest of the world to sit idly by while the U.S. attempts to establish energy dominance. Like oil, coal is a global commodity and theres a limit to how much control one country can exert globally. In recent years, even OPEC has been unable to dominate oil markets sufficiently to successfully undercut the growth of U.S. oil production. And, by the way, 75 percent of the worlds proven oil reserves are under the control of government-owned national oil companies. It is difficult to see how investor-owned oil giants like ExxonMobil can dominate this landscape. Uncertainty on renewable energy What about renewable energies in the Trump administration? The president-elect has sent a few mixed messages here as well. Solar seems to be fine, but is not cost competitive in his eyes. Wind power has been suggested (with no small measure of hyperbole) to kill eagles and to leave rusting wrecks of obsolete turbines blighting the landscape. He believes neither deserves subsidies. As a candidate, Trump said that he would protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which mandates biofuel production, and corn-based ethanol. Yet he has criticized some elements of the RFS as benefiting Big Oil at the expense of smaller refiners. Whatever his intentions as president, Mr. Trump will find sharply drawn battle lines within his own constituencies on these issues. Support for the RFS among GOP office holders breaks along state borders with the answer to the question: Is the RFS of benefit or harm to the farmers and energy interests in my state? A host of conservative think tanks and energy industry organizations strongly oppose the RFS as well as any subsidies for or promotion of renewables. For example, Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley has declared undying support for corn ethanol and for the production tax credit to promote Iowas wind energy industry. The bottom line is that, even if President Trump figures out what he wants to do about renewable energy, his plan will be every bit as contentious as anything that President Obama has done. Global climate implications President-elect Trumps Energy Revolution is based on unfettered expansion of American energy production, and opposition to anything that might limit it. This means more of the same fossil fuels that dominate our current energy supplies. And his proposed climate policies are entirely consistent with the view that any greenhouse gas controls should be eliminated. He pledged as a candidate to withdraw the U.S. from the climate agreements forged at last years Paris COP21 meeting, even as there is a growing global consensus that even more must be done to limit global warming and climate change. The Paris Agreement states that parties cannot withdraw for three years and that an additional one-year waiting period is required. Whether President Trump will feel constrained by this or other international commitments, including NATO, remains to be seen. The danger is not just that the United States will go rogue on climate matters (which would be bad enough), but that in doing so, it will bring down the growing global cooperation to curb greenhouse gases that has been 40 years in the making. During the campaign it was abundantly clear that a core tenet of Mr. Trumps business philosophy is sticking others with the cost of advancing his grand agenda, through bankruptcy or by stiffing contractors. The legal and political constraints on the president may provide some inhibition as he steps into this role. Nevertheless, sticking future generations of Americans and in fact people around the globe with the bill for Trump administration energy and climate policies, whatever they turn out to be, would be, in my view, morally indefensible. 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 A man was stabbed during a knife fight in the loading dock at a busy south Canberra shopping centre on Monday afternoon, police say. Two men armed with knives became embroiled in an altercation at the Calwell Shopping Centre on Webber Crescent shortly before 5pm. When police and paramedics arrived, they found one man with stab wounds. The man was taken to Canberra Hospital, where he remained in a stable condition on Wednesday afternoon. Another Fremantle Dockers player may be in hot water after mature-aged recruit player Shane Yarran was charged with assault. The 27-year-old, who made his debut for the Dockers this season, has told the club he plans to plead not guilty and the club has said it understands the incident involves a family member. Yarran's assault charge comes days after a Bunbury school teacher accused Michael Johnson of assaulting him in a Leederville kebab shop, in an incident he claims occurred when he filmed the 2013 All-Australian with his pants down at 3am on Sunday. Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said Yarran advised the club of the incident on Monday. Oil markets globally are faced with the rising threat of a shortage emerging over the next few years due to the lack of development of new oilfields, with capital spending at the lowest level in more than 50 years, the International Energy Agency has warned. The warning came as the global price of crude oil hovers around $US45 a barrel, which is well down from the mid-2014 level of around $US115. In response, oil companies have slashed exploration and production spending. An abandoned production platform waiting to be sold at the Port of Iberia, Louisiana, USA. Credit:Derick Hingle/Bloomberg Much of the focus of attention in the oil market at present is on the shale oil market in the US which is able to respond quickly to oil price movements due to its short investment cycle. But traditional oilfields require as long as six years to bring on stream once an initial decision is made to invest, the Agency warned in its latest world energy outlook, released on Wednesday. The global boom in craft beer has helped fatten the earnings of the country's largest locally owned grains group, which has emerged as a significant participant in the malt industry worldwide. Graincorp's malt unit contributed more than half the group's earnings in the year to September, but the company has warned that the robust growth enjoyed in recent years has begun to slow. "Craft [beer] demand is slowing," group chief executive Mark Palmquist told analysts on Wednesday. "It is now longer growing at double digits but the high single digits." Destinations outside Sydney and Melbourne are attracting a new breed of adventurous Chinese visitor willing to explore regional areas, the Choice Hotels franchise maintains. The New York-listed Choice group covers 230 hotels in Australia with nearly 10,000 rooms under the Econo Lodge, Comfort Inn, Quality, Clarion and boutique Ascend brands. More Chinese tourists are opting for attractions away from Sydney and Melbourne. Credit:Brian Cassey Much of Choice's mid-tier accommodation caters for regional or rural towns and has seen a significant rise in Asian visitors over the past two years, chief executive Trent Fraser said. The group hopes to boost its overall appeal to the Chinese market, now the largest group of arrivals in Australia, by inking a global deal with China's biggest online travel agency, Ctrip. Billionaire Sydney-based developer Lang Walker has hit the property jackpot with the massive Collins Square project contributing to a bonanza $245.6 million profit. Walker Corporation's financial reports for the year ending June 2016 show profit jumped from $104.8 million the previous year, a rise attributed to the success of Collins Square. When complete, the Collins Square cluster of towers will have more than 250,000 square metres of lettable space. The group's profit before tax was $358.5 million. Total assets held by Walker Corporation rose from $1.697 billion to $2.527 billion. Mr Walker briefly offered the vast five-tower Collins Square complex in Melbourne for sale in April before withdrawing it from the market despite getting three bids for the mixed-use retail and office project. The Marriner Group won't revisit plans to build a tower at the rear of Melbourne's much-loved Forum Theatre. Marriner Group chief executive Jason Marriner told Fairfax Media there were no plans to have another look at the tower after its appeal was thrown out by the Supreme Court in September. The Forum Theatre in Russell Street is closed for renovations until 2017. Credit:Paul Jeffers "There's nothing happening, nothing happening at all," Mr Marriner said, shortly before recent council elections. Mr Marriner's father, developer David Marriner, proposed building a $100 million hotel at the back of the Forum, which he claimed would fund a much-needed renovation of the historic theatre. The news that Federation Square will be the likely new home for an Apple megastore should be a wake-up call to Melburnians to protect one of our city's most loved and frequented public squares and cultural precincts before its character is irrevocably changed. Apple is believed to be in the final stages of lengthy and secretive negotiations with Fed Square management and the state government over a new $50 million glass-ceilinged megastore to be housed in a redesigned Yarra building now the home of the Koorie Heritage Trust. Federation Square: Not appropriate for a massive Apple shop. Allowing access to such a significant public site to one of the biggest US mega-corporations will irrevocably change the character of Fed Square from a thriving and diverse public square and vital cultural precinct to something more akin to a generic shopping mall. At the very least, the Victorian public should expect a proper process of public consultation before this proposal proceeds. Enzo Maiorca, who has died aged 85, was the first man to dive 50 metres without breathing apparatus a feat previously reckoned to be physiologically impossible. Between 1960 and 1974 Maiorca held 13 world records in the "no limits" class of freediving, in which divers may use any means to go as deep as they can. The most common method and the one practised by Maiorca has divers clutch a weighted, rope-guided sled, which plunges to the prescribed depth on the end of a guide rope. Competitors then inflate a lifting bag from a gas canister to propel themselves to the surface. Italian free diver Enzo Maiorca in Sorrento, 1974. Credit:AP Having made it to a depth of 50 metres in August 1961, Maiorca surpassed his own record again and again. With the medical wisdom of the time set against him, he drew inspiration from the life of the Greek fisherman Yorgos Haggi Statti, who in 1913 had dived 77 metres to locate the anchor of the wrecked Italian battleship Regina Margherita. Maiorca was born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 1931. He learnt to swim at the age of four, and took a keen interest in spear-fishing as a young man. After U.N.C.L.E., Vaughn carved out a niche playing villains. In Bullitt he was the conniving Senator Walter Chalmers, who observed: "Integrity is what we sell to the public"; he reprised the role as Sen Gary Parker in The Towering Inferno. In Superman III, to the anger of his son's classmates, he played Ross Webster, the company CEO who tries to kill the superhero. But his defining role was the sinister White House aide Frank Flaherty in the miniseries Washington: Behind Closed Doors (1977), for which he won an Emmy. Vaughn compensated for a miserable childhood by enjoying Hollywood to the full; his best friends were Jack Nicholson, James Coburn, George Peppard and Warren Beatty. In his memoir A Fortunate Life Vaughn recalled Nicholson stumbling through an acting class in the 1950s and telling him: "Vaughnie, I'm going to give myself two more years in this business. Then I'm going to look for another way to make a living." Vaughn replied: "Hang in there, Jack. You're too young to quit." Nicholson would win three Oscars. Vaughn was more of an homme s??rieux than his friendships, his roles or his image suggested. In 1970, at the height of his stardom, the University of Southern California awarded him a PhD for his dissertation Only Victims: A Study of Showbusiness Blacklisting. He was philosophical about the movie business, observing in later years: "It's filled with rejection. The five stages of an actor are: 'Who's Robert Vaughn?', 'Get me Robert Vaughn', 'Get me a young Robert Vaughn', 'Get me a Robert Vaughn type' and 'Who's Robert Vaughn?'?"? Because of his popularity as Napoleon Solo, the Democrats asked him in 1966 to challenge Reagan, a fellow actor who was Republican candidate for governor. Vaughn declined, having pledged his support to "Pat" Brown; Brown lost by a landslide, leaving Reagan on the path to the presidency. Vaughn was also a friend of Bobby Kennedy, supporting his presidential campaign which ended in assassination in Los Angeles. Deeply shocked, he took a role in a film being made in Czechoslovakia - only for the Russians to invade in mid-shoot. Robert Francis Vaughn was born in New York on November 22 1932. His father, Gerald Vaughn, was a radio actor, his mother, Marcella Gaudel, a stage actress. His parents - who he was convinced did not want him - separated when he was small, Robert and his mother moving to Minneapolis. From high school he enrolled at the University of Minnesota to study Journalism. Leaving after a year, he moved to Los Angeles, taking a master's degree in Theatre at the State College of Applied Arts and Sciences. Weeks after graduating he landed a part in End As A Man, playing a sadistic military cadet; Burt Lancaster was at the first night and signed him up to a film contract. Vaughn made his television debut in 1955 in Medic, and his first movie appearance as an extra in The Ten Commandments (1956), behind Yul Brynner's chariot. He first appeared on the credits in Hell's Crossroads (1957), playing Bob Ford, the killer of Jesse James. His performance in The Young Philadelphians caught the eye of John Sturges, who was preparing to direct The Magnificent Seven, a remake of Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai transplanted to Mexico. Sturges had no script and not much of a cast; he hired Vaughn to play Lee, the snappily dressed gunslinger, and Vaughn suggested his school friend Coburn, who had minimal acting experience. Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Brad Dexter and the newcomer Horst Buchholz made up the Seven. Pages of script typed on onion skin paper were pushed under Vaughn's door the night before each shoot; he had little time to study them as in the small hours McQueen would wake him with some grumble about Brynner having a bigger horse, a better gun or better lines than he. Yet it fell to Vaughn to deliver one of the great one-liners in a Western. When Chris (Brynner) greets him with: "I thought you were looking for the Johnson Brothers", a deadpan Lee replies: "I found them." Though not a runaway box-office success, The Magnificent Seven became a classic, and the second most repeated movie on American television after Casablanca. Vaughn moved back to television, starring from 1964 to 1968 in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement). Cult viewing for teenagers in 60 countries, it spawned a spin-off show, merchandising and movies. Vaughn recalled: "It made it pretty difficult to go shopping - at one point I had to employ a secretary to do my shopping for me." He returned to the big screen with The Venetian Affair (1967) and then Bullitt, directed by Peter Yates and produced by McQueen's Solar Productions. Vaughn turned down appeals to play Chalmers, rating the script "the dumbest I'd read in my life"; only when McQueen started shooting having still not cast the part did he take it. Numerous film roles followed, but he was busier in television, appearing in, among other things, The Protectors (1972), Captains and the Kings (1976), Murrow (1986), the long-running Columbo and Murder She Wrote - and, more recently, Law & Order and Little Britain, USA. Vaughn played the lead in Hamlet in California while appearing in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and in the American production of Tom Stoppard's Chief Inspector Hound. He depicted presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and Harry S Truman on the stage, and Woodrow Wilson in a miniseries. In 1987 he was brought into the final series of The A-Team to ease tensions between Peppard and the unpredictable Mr T. The idea that public servants are underpaid is completely unsubstantiated. Over the past decade, federal public servants' pay has risen by 50.7 per cent, far more than the increase in CPI of 31.8 per cent. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in May 2016, public sector full-time adult average yearly earnings were $87,942.40, compared with the private sector average yearly earnings of $80,204.80. Whether in the private sector or the public sector, bargaining takes negotiation from both the employer and the employees. The Turnbull government's workplace bargaining policy provides the flexibility for this to occur on the employer side. It puts a cap on remuneration increases at 2 per cent a year, with scope to increase salary beyond this point through the packaging of other benefits or productivity increases. The government's policy is currently subject to an inquiry by the Senate Education and Employment Committee, chaired by a Labor senator. Enterprise bargaining is a two-way street. Public sector unions cannot continue to argue that well-paid public servants deserve additional entitlements without considering the trade-offs that could be made. Public servants already enjoy generous conditions and entitlements that would not pass the pub test. If public sector unions want to continue with their campaign for pay increases beyond 2 per cent then they need to come to the bargaining table. The Institute of Public Affairs has conducted research into the top 10 Australian Public Service enterprise agreements by agency size covering 72.4 per cent of public servants which identified three broad areas where trade-offs could be made. The first area is the generous allowances that have the effect of increasing salaries by thousands of dollars each year. For example, a Wellbeing Site Representative at the Australian Taxation Office comes with an allowance of $613 a year. The Department of Health agreement provides staff with subsidised eyewear, at $165 for each prescription. The Department of Agriculture agreement allows staff to claim $300 a year for health and fitness activities like gym memberships whether or not they actually go to the gym is a different matter. These examples are the tip of the iceberg. The second area is the generous leave provisions that go well beyond the standard entitlements in the private sector. The Department of Social Services Agreement has up to four days' paid leave a year to conduct volunteer work with a community organisation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade allows paid leave where employees are participating at an international sporting event. Several agencies provide one day of paid leave a year for employees to move house. Most private sector employees would be expected to take annual or unpaid leave for these activities. The Department of Defence has what's called DECA day. As I explained when I appeared before the Senate committee last week, "it's not part of your annual leave, it's not part of your sick leave, and it's not part of your personal leave. You just take a day off when you feel like it." The third area is the exclusive perks that are given to public sector unions. The agreements provide unionists with access to workplace facilities, infrastructure, technology and resources and paid time. For example, union delegates have the right to paid time to represent the interests of members to the employer and in industrial tribunals, and also get paid leave to attend union training and events. It is unacceptable that taxpayers are subsidising unions' industrial and political activities. The current inquiry into the government's workplace bargaining policy is, of course, simply part of a wider political campaign. Public sector unions are increasingly using the enterprise bargaining system to advance their own political agendas, rather than representing the best interests of their members. There is a weight of evidence to show that potential trade-offs could be made to boost pay for public servants. The government's policy is flexible; whether the public sector unions' policy will become flexible remains to be seen. Changing Australia's race hate laws is not a first-order priority. Scrapping section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act is not going to create an extra job, it is not going to ensure you will get to work, or school, or get around your business any sooner, it's not going to build an extra road. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission head Gillian Triggs and Attorney-General George Brandis have clashed repeatedly over hate speech. Credit:Andrew Meares Malcolm Turnbull uttered those commonsense words a few months ago. Not that you'd realise it today, given how the Prime Minister has responded to his right-wing colleagues and the confected frenzy over two hate speech cases by performing a backflip of epic proportions. Now that Mr Turnbull has fast-tracked a parliamentary inquiry into changing section 18C and how the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission handles complaints, let's be clear. Hate speech laws need refining, not scrapping. The respect for difference in Australia needs building, not dismantling. Complaints handling needs streamlining backed by resources. And as we have argued for decades, the biggest threats to free speech in Australia are defamation and suppression order laws that give the rich and powerful an unfair advantage over everyone else whose feelings might have been hurt. The Turnbull government has struck a deal with the United States to offer resettlement for refugees whom Australia holds on Manus Island and Nauru. While this is an agreement negotiated with the administration of Barack Obama, much of the practical implementation will only occur after the inauguration of Donald Trump in January as the next US president. That alone is reason for caution before presuming this deal will end the needless misery Australia is inflicting on refugees with its policy of offshore processing in the Pacific. Mr Trump has displayed a capricious attitude towards immigrants, making a base appeal to prejudice throughout the US election. At one time he proposed a ban on Muslims entering the country. Whether he will honour a commitment by his predecessor to resettle refugees on behalf of Australia many of whom have fled from Muslim-majority nations stands at very least as an open question. The fate of people held on Nauru and Manus Island should not be hostage to the whim of Donald Trump. Credit:AP When Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was asked during a television interview this week whether he had faith the deal would be sustained after Mr Obama leaves the White House, he said he was "confident". We also hope for a successful resettlement for people who have languished too long. But the fate of people held on Nauru and Manus Island should not be hostage to the whim of Mr Trump. Australia's indifference to the rights of these people has already done enough damage. The Age has long maintained the simplest and speediest way to end what still remains a policy of island detention and the practice remains detention, despite the open gates of the camps is to bring the refugees to Australia. The government has stubbornly and mistakenly insisted that harsh treatment, in refusing people entry to Australia, is needed as a deterrent for smugglers. The humanitarian initiative is a group of states and civil society organisations working towards a ban on nuclear weapons. For the last five years, the group has made steady progress towards this goal. Unfortunately, states that have nuclear weapons, or states that seek protection under a so-called nuclear umbrella, have largely opposed a treaty banning nuclear weapons . This includes nearly all NATO members, as well as Australia. Among the more alarming aspects of Donald Trumps election is that he will soon have command of thousands of nuclear weapons . This poses a new and unknown threat to global peace and security, but it also provides an urgent incentive for all states to join the humanitarian initiative to ban nuclear weapons. Firstly, and not to be taken lightly: Trump is highly unpredictable. President-elect Donald Trump cannot be trusted with the nuclear codes. Credit:AP Western-allied states seek to frame the issue of the nuclear weapons as a threat from an unpredictable other. In this telling of the story, only unhinged leaders such as Irans Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, North Koreas Kim Jong-un, Russias Vladimir Putin, or terrorists would be willing to use nuclear weapons. By contrast, the US casts itself as worthy of nuclear weapons due to its stable, law-abiding and trustworthy leadership. But throughout the election campaign, Trump came across as irrational, hypersensitive and prone to threatening those with whom he disagrees or disapproves. He revealed his inconsistent beliefs and false claims about basic truths and willingness to change these beliefs for votes on a whim. Of course, whether it is under President Obama or President Trump, the US is capable of launching, within minutes, a nuclear attack that could risk the extinction of human life on Earth. Since Donald Trump's extraordinary election victory last week, I've seen Americans react in a range of ways: celebration, street protests and crying on public transport. But one less visible reaction has been the quiet, concerned calls to health clinics by women looking to obtain IUDs. Intrauterine devices are a long-lasting form of birth control that, according to a number of reports, many women are considering due to the election result one that points to an escalation of the United States' never-ending, back-and-forth war over reproductive rights and services. It's ironic that a thrice-married sexual braggart and former Manhattan playboy, who stands accused of multiple acts of sexual misconduct, could become a president who heralds a rise in social conservatism at a national level and curtailing of these rights and services but it's hardly the strangest thing to happen this year. Trump does not appear to be devoutly religious or a staunch ideological opponent of abortion or birth control. He says he's a Christian, but admitted last year he never asked for forgiveness, while greed and pride seem less sins to him than personal credos. In a 1999 interview he described himself as "pro-choice in every respect". Monday's earthquake raised parts of the Kaikoura seabed by more than a metre, providing a unique insight for scientists. Dr Joshu Mountjoy, a marine geologist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), said the seabed lift was a first for modern New Zealand scientists. "I've never seen it before during an earthquake and it's the first time we've seen something like this," Dr Mountjoy said. Co-seismic movement, the seismic release of energy along a fault, was behind the phenomenon, he said. Break out the lily-white legs, and prepare to get reacquainted with your summer wardrobe. Finally, after a seemingly interminable stretch of chilly weather, Melbourne is about to crank up the temperature. Emergency services are battling 50 fires across New South Wales as officials fear temperatures could hit 48 degrees in some areas. Credit:Leigh Henningham After a forecast 20 degree top on Wednesday, the mercury is set to rise 10 degrees in one day, with a glorious 30 degrees predicted for Thursday. "It's the first time we'll get up to 30 degrees since March, exactly eight months to the day," said Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Stephen King. A former US presidential advisor says Donald Trump "could easily stop" Australia's deal to send refugees from offshore detention centres to the United States. Karl Rove, who was an advisor and deputy chief of staff to George W. Bush, made the comments to Peta Credlin and Kristina Keneally on Sky News on Wednesday night. Mr Rove said if all those kept on Manus Island and Nauru were on US soil by January 20, there may be "little ability to undo the deal". However, if the asylum seekers remained in transit, Mr Rove said the deal could easily be stopped by president-elect Donald Trump. Australia's most senior public servant, Martin Parkinson, has taken a veiled swipe at the short-sightedness of Donald Trump's pledge to tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership and scale back the United States' economic leadership in Asia. Dr Parkinson, who heads the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, said the model of US "economic diplomacy" remains the "right bet for our region" despite the nationalistic instincts and policy positions of the incoming President. "Allowing a short-term domestic focus to be the only prism through which policy is made surely risks the gains the US has made in our region. Or to put it another way, there is a clear external dimension to any commitment to 'make America great again'," Mr Parkinson told a gathering of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia in Sydney on Wednesday. "There is clearly a need for the US to be increasingly strategic and agile in our region and to resist the temptation to focus on short-term expediency." The Productivity Commission has delivered a scathing indictment of the failure to evaluate programs aimed at tackling Indigenous disadvantage, saying it helps explain mixed results in critical areas, including soaring rates of incarceration and self-harm in Aboriginal communities. The latest Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report shows a 77 per cent increase in imprisonment of Indigenous adults since 2000 and a 56 per cent increase in hospitalisation from self-harm attempts over the last decade but more positive results in infant mortality, year 12 attainment, participation in further education, employment, and native title recognition. Since 1998, the mortality rate among 0-4 year olds went from 217 to 159 per 100,000. The proportion of Aboriginal 20-24 year olds completing year 12 or equivalent increased from 45 per cent in 2008 to 62 per cent in 2014-15. The proportion of adults in full-time work went from 54 per cent in 2002 to 63 per cent in 2014-15. Some measures remained stagnant: 22 per cent of Indigenous people experienced real or threatened family violence in the last 12 months, youth detention remains at 24 times the non-Indigenous rate and rates of Indigenous language learning and speaking are unchanged. Since finding fame nearly a decade ago, Lady Gaga has become renowned for pushing boundaries when it comes to self-expression as a symbol of rebellion and strength. After peacefully protesting outside Trump Towers following Hillary Clinton's election defeat, the songstress has written a moving essay defining womanhood in the modern world for US Harper's Bazaar. "Being a lady today means being a fighter," Gaga penned. "It means being a survivor. It means letting yourself be vulnerable and acknowledging your shame or that you're sad or you're angry. It takes great strength to do that." Stefani Germanotta (Gaga's real name), also attributes her female forebears as being influential in empowering her "fighting spirit", saying she realised her rebellion was passed down her lineage. Annette Baker is a finalist for the 2016 Australian Mental Health Prize. Mary returned home to the family home in Albury, a different little girl. Three difficult years ensued, with Annette, her husband Stuart or her brother Jack delivering Mary's meals to school, sometimes four times a day and sitting with her as she ate "dutifully". "We were helpless and we didn't receive any help," Annette says. "We didn't know the extent of how serious the issue was. We didn't know what the f--- to do." It was March 2011 that Mary, just 15, took her life. Tragically, the Baker family had already endured the devastation of losing Stuart's parents in a light plane accident. However, the community response following Mary's death was something else entirely. More than 1000 people attended her funeral service held at Albury's civic square, but many friends and family were at a loss about how to help or what to say. "It was like having leprosy," Annette says. "I had Mary's paediatrician diagonally run across the road from me the first time I went to town ... I thought, 'You coward.' "We have a great support network, but it's funny how everyone struggled. There was just silence." She began searching book stores for literature about suicide. She found books about everything else. "There was nothing about surviving suicide." Annette kept wondering what she could do and, as the winter solstice of 2011 came and went, she suggested to Stuart that she create an event to stop the silence around suicide and to start a conversation. The following year, Annette with the help of others in the community, held the first Winter Solstice event in Albury for "music, words, food and warmth to offer a little bit of healing and a little bit of hope". "This event is about understanding and helping others to understand that you're not alone when dealing with the silence and the stigma around suicide of a family member or friend," Annette wrote on the Facebook page about the event. "By getting the community involved whether they have been affected by suicide or not we aim to educate them that this is something that needs to be talked about." Annette chose the date specifically. "The winter solstice is about shining light on the darkest and longest night," she explains. That first year, the community rallied and people turned out to warm themselves around fire pits in the freezing cold to bring some light to the subject of suicide and support one another. The children in Mary's school year came to sing, Indigenous musician Archie Roach performed, 2010 Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry was the keynote speaker, and friends and family donated and cooked food in the CareVan caravan for the event. Four years later and The Winter Solstice has taken on a life of its own. "Albury just expects it now," says Annette, who has found her own voice through the events. "I've had to become brave." This year, the University of Sydney's Professor Ian Hickie spoke to the crowd who had turned out in the rain. "Communities like this lead the world," Professor Hickie said, in the downpour. "It's not so easy to come together in adversity. "It isn't mental illness alone that kills, it's the mental illness plus the isolation, plus the despair, plus the loss of hope. It is that situation that people with mental illness, sadly, expect that the community will not be there ... it's the not forgetting and the coming together that is critical for survival ... we don't just care when it's easy, we care when it's hard." This year, journalist Stan Grant also spoke. "In our worst moments, we find ourselves in each other," he said. And we do. "I feel really, really 'Oh my God, it's amazing,' " says Annette, who is a finalist for the 2016 Australian Mental Health Prize, being held at the University of NSW on December 7. The event has provided purpose and "a wonderful distraction" for Annette, who thinks of Mary "all day, every day". "She's not here any more, but we are quite spiritual, not in a religious way, and we've got a bower bird in our back yard and we always think, 'That's Mare'. She's in our lives." Cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos could be a key beneficiary of Premier Mike Baird's controversial overhaul of the Independent Commission Against Corruption when findings are published for an investigation in which he is embroiled. Senator Sinodinos was a witness in Operation Credo, the investigation into Australian Water Holdings, a company he chaired that was linked to the family of corrupt former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid. The senator is reportedly not subject to a corruption finding but may be subject to adverse opinion, including about a claimed lack of knowledge about political donations by the company to the NSW Liberals when he was both party honorary treasurer and chairman. Changes that passed the NSW Parliament on Wednesday enshrine for the first time a right of response for subjects of an adverse finding or opinion. Sydney nursing home mass murderer Roger Dean has lost his bid to challenge his life sentence in the High Court. The former nurse murdered 11 elderly residents of a western Sydney nursing home by setting fire to the facility as they slept on November 18, 2011. Nurse Roger Dean speaks to the media after the fire at the Quakers Hill Nursing Home that killed 11 residents. Credit: Seven News He pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court 18 months later, on what was to have been the first day of his murder trial. He was subsequently given 11 life sentences. A worker crushed to death by a 10-tonne concrete panel at Eagle Farm Racecourse identified a problem at the job site before the tragic accident, a court has heard. A text message between the worker and his boss acknowledged an issue, the prosecution said, while alleging the panels weren't properly braced. Experienced construction supervisor Claudio D'Alessandro, 58, was charged on Tuesday with the manslaughter of two of his employees, 34-year-old Ashley Morris and 55-year-old Humberto Leite, after he was arrested at Brisbane Airport trying to board a flight out of Australia, allegedly to go on a four-day holiday to the Philippines. The two construction workers rode on the back of a falling concrete slab, only to be crushed to death by a second slab at a Brisbane racecourse, according to police. Machine-learning could soon be used to identify if a person is suicidal, if a just-published American study can be replicated. The study, published this month in the journal Suicide and Life Threatening Behaviour, applied machine-learning algorithms to the written and verbal language of almost 400 patients admitted to three US hospitals between 2013 and 2015. Algorithms may soon join the fight against suicide. Credit:Matt Davidson The patients recruited fitted into one of three categories: suicidal, mentally ill but not suicidal, or neither. Each was interviewed by a psychiatrist, first filling out a standard tick-box survey and then answering open-ended questions concerning subjects such as hope and anger. Assessments were then made by participating doctors. Simultaneously, the data was subjected to machine-learning algorithms. The artificial intelligence conclusions matched those of the experts in 93 per cent of cases. A Chinese student has been fined $5000 for kicking a teenager whose skull had been fractured in a brutal attack in a Chinatown alley, with a magistrate saying she should be "utterly ashamed" of herself. Sirui Luo, 21, kicked the Chinese high school student minutes after he was kicked and punched in the head repeatedly, while bystanders watched on April 15. Sirui Luo leaving court. She was sentenced for assault after kicking a man who had been bashed and later died. Credit:Justin McManus The teenager was taken to hospital with severe skull fractures and a brain haemorrhage but later died from his injuries, the court heard. CCTV footage shows Luo standing in front of the 19-year-old as he sat in an alcove, and stepping forward to kick him. By the time Liam Lenihan graduated from university as a town planner in 2009, the boom years were over. Ireland was tumbling into recession. Businesses shut down, banks foreclosed on homes, and tens of thousands of Irish people would leave the country in search of work as the unemployment rate charged towards 15 per cent. Irishman Liam Lenihan with his Australian partner, Tanya Grausam, and their seven-month-old son, Henry, at home in Hawthorn. Credit:Justin McManus. Unable to find a job, Mr Lenihan, who is from Kilkenny, moved to Australia on a working holiday visa. A lover of Irish sport, he settled in Melbourne so he could join the long-running Garryowen Gaelic hurling club. Six years later, Mr Lenihan is still here. But as the economy in Ireland recovers, he's among a growing number of Irish people considering moving home. "When I graduated there was nothing at all, but now that's starting to change," says Mr Lenihan, who has an Australian partner and a seven-month-old son. A long-running battle pitting one of Victoria's best-known musicians against racing royalty has flared over horse training on a stunning stretch of coastline. The controversy has centred on the Belfast Coastal Reserve, a strip of beach between Port Fairy and Warrnambool, on which the state government this week placed regulations on commercial horse training. Darren Weir's horses training on a beach near Warrnambool. Credit:Warnambool Standard Environmentalists say the reserve has been invaded by a stampede of horses that pose a threat to vulnerable bird species, including the hooded plover. The beach has become increasingly popular with horse trainers, including 2015 Melbourne Cup winner Darren Weir who has a property at Warrnambool. The pair was invited to speak to a soon-to-be launched group, the "Independent Jewish Council of Australia", on a range of topics including repealing Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which contain legal protections against hate speech. But the event might struggle to find a home, with Glen Eira City Council distancing itself from the event late on Thursday. One Nation Senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts will address a conservative Jewish group next month on the "dangers" of Muslim migration to Australia. Avi Yemini served as a sniper in the Israel Defence Forces. Credit:Facebook "I think a lot of the Jewish community leaders only seem to lean towards conservative politics when it comes to Israel, but on a lot of other matters they lean to the left," he said. Mr Yemini had invited the far-right senators to discuss "the difference between the current problematic Islamic immigration and the successful post-Holocaust Jewish immigration", why Section 18C should be amended or abolished, One Nation's policies towards Israel, and how the party could connect with the Australian Jewish community. He told Fairfax Media he had had "verbal confirmation" from a council officer earlier in the week that the event could be held at the Glen Eira Town Hall on December 4, and to submit paperwork as a formality. But late on Thursday, Glen Eira City Council distanced itself from the planned event, issuing a statement saying there were no bookings in any of its facilities for the event. Perth deputy lord mayor James Limnios wants the embattled council to provide free weekend parking for Christmas shoppers in the CBD to boost the trade of struggling retailers. But his proposal is at odds with Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, who claims the council can't afford to offer free parking, despite it forecasting to collect more than $87 million in parking fees and fines in 2016-17, almost half of its total annual revenue of $200 million. James Limnios hopes to introduce free weekend parking to attract more shoppers over Christmas. Cr Limnios said he felt compelled to help retailers who "were the heart and soul of our city" and dismissed Ms Scaffidi's claim the move was unaffordable. "We can't afford not to," Mr Limnos told Radio 6PR. WA fans of US comedian Jerry Seinfeld no longer have to wait till 2017 to catch a glimpse of him in Perth - just go behind the IGA supermarket on Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley and you can see him in all his puffy shirt glory. Perth artist Paul Deej has been hard at work creating a 35-foot long mural of beloved characters from Seinfeld, with the core gang of Jerry, Elaine and Kramer spraypainted alongside fan favourites like the Soup Nazi, Mr Steinbrenner, Frank and Estelle Costanza, George's fiance Susan, the Bubble Boy and of course... Newman! Posting a video of the work to his Facebook wall, Mr Deej said he had the Seinfeld theme music playing over the top but got flagged to stop using it. "Hey Jerry Seinfeld can I get permission to use it?" he wrote Diagnosing asthma and pneumonia could become as easy as coughing into a phone with Perth researchers trialling a potentially revolutionary app. The ResApp Health smartphone application, which requires patients to cough into a phone four or five times from about a meter away, has been tested at two Perth hospitals with a 90 per cent or more level of accuracy. Pneumonia is the largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide, killing close to one million children under the age of five in 2015, according to the World Health Organisation. A large portion of those deaths are caused by lack of access to diagnosis. "To the cheesemobile!" It's a pretty lame joke for me to quip - but as we check out Chris Vogel's mud-splattered Mitsubishi van, mirth turns into method. "In France and Switzerland they try to get the milk to the creamery as soon as possible and make cheese with it straight away to get those amazing flavours," Mr Vogel said, showing us around his spotlessly clean cheese making shed. "So I milk my cows in the morning, they're about four kilometres away from here, load the milk into the vat in the van and then drive over here quick as I can and start it up." Whiteman Park has trumped a host of higher-profile competitors to be named Western Australia's top tourist attraction. The shock win for the popular family park came at the 2016 Tourism Council of WA Awards on Tuesday evening, where Rottnest Island took out the silver medal and Perth Zoo the bronze. Whiteman Park is also famous for its tram rides. Credit:Whiteman Park The much-maligned Perth Bell Tower and Bibra Lake fun park Adventure World were also nominated in the same category. Whiteman Park thanked all its visitors on Facebook for their triumph. Lung cancer patient Mick Phillips has travelled to Cuba to obtain Cimavax. Credit:NYT The trial could take years, but U.S. cancer patients are not waiting. Over the past couple of years, dozens have slipped into Havana and smuggled vials of the vaccine in refrigerated lunchboxes back to the United States, sometimes not even telling their doctors. Talk about Cimavax on cancer patient networks online has been escalating steadily as relations between the two countries have warmed and more patients are making preparations to go. "There's no doubt that without this medicine, I would be dead," said Mick Phillips, 69, of Appleton, Wisconsin, who first went to Cuba in 2012 and has been returning annually ever since. "When we were children, we were taught that Cubans didn't know what they were doing. Turns out they do." The immunotherapy drug Cimavax, made in Cuba, is making its way to the US. Despite experiences like Phillips', trials in Cuba have shown only a modest benefit overall. In the most recent trial, patients receiving the vaccine after chemotherapy lived about three to five months longer than patients who did not receive it. The study, published earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Cancer Research, also found that vaccinated patients with high concentrations of EGF in their blood lived even longer. The U.S. embargo against Cuba prohibits the importation of most goods from Cuba, including medication, without a license. U.S. citizens are now permitted to travel to Cuba if their purpose falls into one of a dozen categories approved by the Treasury Department, but seeking medical care is not one of them. Most patients going to Cuba fly through a third country such as Canada or travel under a general education category called "people to people". None have declared with customs officials the dozens of vials of Cimavax they take home tucked in their backpacks or suitcases. Stephen Sapp, a public affairs officer for US Customs and Border Protection, says there is no record of Cimavax being intercepted at the US border. If it were, it is unclear what might happen. Under the FDA's "personal importation policy", some unapproved medications may be taken into the country if there is not an adequate alternative available in the United States, or if treatment began in a foreign country and the amount is limited to a three-month supply. In addition, the Treasury Department recently established a new general license enabling US citizens to import Cuban pharmaceuticals under certain circumstances. But in the case of Cimavax, the regulation has apparently never been put to the test. Malik's son, Nauman, carried 80 vials of the vaccine and a set of syringes in his backpack when he and his mother flew into Los Angeles from Cuba in June. Patients generally receive an initial round of four injections at La Pradera, an international health centre that caters mostly to foreign medical tourists in Havana - two to the arms and two to the buttocks - and then continue to give themselves periodic injections at home for up to several months. At the airport, Nauman Malik wrote on his declaration form that he was carrying medication, but he said that authorities did not ask what it was. "I was ready for the discussion, but it just never happened," he said. Cuban researchers began working on Cimavax in the 1990s, prompted in part by the high rate of lung cancer in the country. A non-controlled study in 1995 produced the earliest published evidence of the feasibility of inducing an immune response against epidermal growth factor in patients with advanced tumours, according to a 2010 article published in Medicc Review, an international journal of Cuban medicine. Dr Kelvin Lee, the chairman of immunology at Roswell Park, has been collaborating with scientists at Cuba's Centre of Molecular Immunology since 2011. He said he hoped the vaccine could be used on other head and neck cancers and ultimately "to prevent cancer". Patients in Cuba began receiving the vaccine free in 2011, and it has been administered to more than 4000 patients worldwide, according to Roswell Park. Lung cancer and immunotherapy researchers are intrigued by Roswell Park's proposed trial, which would combine the vaccine with a form of immunotherapy called a checkpoint inhibitor that keeps the cancer from turning off a patient's immune system. The Roswell trial intends to use the drug Opdivo, one of four checkpoint inhibitors approved by the FDA. But the scientists are also reserved in their appraisal of Cimavax, in part because the Cuban trials were done on a relatively small number of patients. There is concern that the vaccine has received disproportionate attention in the flush of warming relations between the two countries. "The data is intriguing, but we need to do more definitive studies to evaluate the benefits," said Justin Gainor, a thoracic oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital who works on the design of clinical trials for novel therapeutics. "Right now, the body of evidence does not support using it outside the clinical trial process." The Cuban health care system has long been recognised for providing high-quality health care. A 2015 report by the World Health Organisation noted, "In Cuba, products were developed to solve pressing health problems, unlike in other countries, where commercial interests prevailed." With Cimavax migrating into the United States, those commercial interests are already coming into play. In Cuba, a four-shot dose of Cimavax costs up to $US100 to manufacture, Lee said. Phillips, of Wisconsin, estimates that he pays about $US9,000 for his annual supply of Cimavax, or about $US1,500 a dose, which a visiting nurse administers every two months Although some patients say the price recently dropped to about $850 a dose, the total cost of the trip can easily run more than $15,000, including airfare, lodging at La Pradera for several nights, and several months worth of the vaccine. Phillips, a lifelong smoker who was given a lung cancer diagnosis in 2009, said it was worth every penny. After chemotherapy and radiation, his cancer returned in 2010. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte may share Donald Trump's disruptive tactics and strongman style, but that doesn't mean the two are about to form a lasting bond. The Philippine leader has appeared to enjoy being compared to the US President-elect and was dubbed the "Trump of Asia" on the campaign trail. Both have a tendency to blow up at reporters over questions about their policies, and have made lewd remarks about women. Both also came to power with populist policies on a wave of frustration with established political parties and a sense that life for ordinary people had gotten worse amid widening income inequality, a struggle for jobs, and rising crime. Still, there are areas of potential conflict. If Trump follows through on some of his campaign promises it could damage the Philippine economy. And Duterte, who was mayor of the city of Davao for decades before he ran for the presidency, has made clear he intends to continue his efforts to limit his country's economic and military reliance on the US, opening up a greater role for Ch St Paul, Minnesota: Prosecutors in Minnesota said Wednesday that they had charged the police officer who fatally shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, with second-degree manslaughter for the shooting. The shooting's aftermath was broadcast on Facebook Live by Diamond Reynolds, Castile's girlfriend, footage that quickly spread across social media and cable news. John Choi, the Ramsey County attorney, said at a news conference in St Paul, that Jeronimo Yanez, the officer who shot Castile, would also be charged with endangering the lives of Reynolds and her four-year-old daughter, who was also in the car and witnessed the shooting. Reynolds was called a hero for calmly recording the shooting. New York: Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is now the leading candidate to become President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state, but even some Republicans say his tough-guy personality and global business ties may be at odds with international diplomacy. Giuliani, 72, has been one of Trump's most vocal and high-profile supporters, and according to sources close to him and Trump, he is eager to become the top US diplomat and expects a decision by Trump as early as next week. The other top candidate, the sources said, is former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton, a foreign policy hawk. New York mayor at the time of the September 11 attacks by al-Qaeda militants, Giuliani is also considered a hard-liner on national security matters, but he has little diplomatic experience. Still, some prominent Republicans said he is qualified to take command of US diplomacy at a time of chaos in the Middle East, rising nationalism in much of Europe, and growing challenges from Russia and China. Athens: US President Barack Obama extolled the strengths of democracy from its Greek birthplace on Wednesday in a speech aimed at highlighting the values he sought to respect in office and prodding his Republican successor, Donald Trump, to follow suit. On a farewell trip to Europe, Mr Obama tried to reassure allies that core US priorities, including a commitment to the NATO military alliance, would continue under Mr Trump, despite the New York businessman's campaign trail statements that called that commitment into question. Mr Obama portrayed the United States as an example of democracies prizing the peaceful transfer of power, even when ideas between the incoming and outgoing leaders are opposed. "The next American president and I could not be more different," he said to an audience in Athens. "We have very different points of view, but American democracy is bigger than any one person." The man Mike Pence deposed as transition team leader: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Credit:AP Increasingly, among the shards are more mainline Republicans in the national security field. In an angry Twitter post on Tuesday morning, Eliot Cohen, a leading voice of opposition to Trump during the campaign who had advised those interested in administration jobs to take them, abruptly changed his mind, saying the transition "will be ugly." After responding to a transition insider seeking names of possible appointees, Cohen said, he received what he described as an "unhinged" email from the same person saying "YOU LOST" and accusing Trump critics of trying to infiltrate the new administration's ranks. Mike Rogers was among at least four transition officials purged this week. Credit:AP "It became clear to me that they view jobs as lollipops, things you give out to good boys and girls, instead of the sense that actually what you're trying to do is recruit the best possible talent to fill the most important, demanding, lowest paying executive jobs in the world," Cohen said. Rogers' departure coincided with word from Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose possible selection as secretary of state comforted more mainline Republicans, that he was unlikely to be chosen. Mike Pence. Credit:Charlie Neibergall "Has my name been in the mix? I'm pretty sure, yeah. Have I been having intimate conversations? No," Corker said in an interview. "Do I understand that it's likely that people who've been involved in the centre of this for some time, and have been surrogating on television, are likely front-runners? I would say that's likely, yes." The two names most prominently mentioned for the diplomatic job - former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton, an assistant secretary of state and one-year ambassador to the United Nations during the Bush administration - are both Trump loyalists. But both could be problematic, even among Republicans who would have to confirm them. Former New York City mayor, Rudy Giuliani. Credit:AP Giuliani, thought to be an early choice for attorney general, was said by a person close to the transition team to have personally appealed to Trump for the diplomatic job. He has virtually no diplomatic experience or knowledge of the State Department bureaucracy. Bolton, a national security hawk who got his UN job through a recess appointment after the Senate refused to confirm him, was a leading advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, contradicting Trump's campaign position opposing it. Senator Rand Paul said on Tuesday that Bolton would be a "disaster" and that he would actively oppose his nomination. Others were more supportive. "If he picks John Bolton, then I'll support John Bolton. If he picks Rudy, I'll support Rudy," Senator Lindsey Graham said. The short-list for defense secretary is said to include Sessions, Senator Tom Cotton and Flynn. Although Sessions serves on the Armed Services Committee, his main issue there has been immigration. Cotton is a Harvard Law graduate who just seven years ago was a first lieutenant in the Army. Senate confirmation of Flynn, who has also voiced interest in serving as director of national intelligence, could be difficult, said the person close to the transition team. He was forced out as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency after two years over concerns about his leadership, and he has potentially problematic connections to foreign governments. Flynn has admitted that he accepted money for appearing at a lavish gala with Putin in Moscow last year. He recently criticised the Obama administration's treatment of Turkey in an opinion column, without disclosing to the Trump campaign that his consulting firm has financial ties to that country, said the person close to the transition, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to describe internal discussions. Another possible barrier for Flynn, who retired as a three-star general after leaving the DIA in 2014, is the statutory requirement that the defense secretary be at least seven years removed from active duty. Flynn has told members of the transition team that getting a waiver to this requirement would be "no big deal," said the person involved with the team. But that assertion has been met with at least some internal skepticism, including from Trump's daughter Ivanka, who asked during meetings whether such a waiver "has ever been done before." The Senate waived the provision, part of the 1947 National Security Act, when President Harry Truman appointed retired General George C. Marshall to the post in 1950. The person with ties to the transition said support for Flynn has waned as it has become evident that "he has some confirmation-type problems." But Flynn's influence within the transition remains high, and several sources inside the transition or with ties to Christie said Flynn and Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, had seized control of the national security posts within the new administration and engineered the recent purges in what they described as a troubling episode of political score-settling. Former New Jersey governor Thomas Kean Sr, a longtime mentor to Christie, said in an interview that Kushner was widely seen as unhappy with Christie's handling of the transition. There was "some shock" within Christie's circle at their abrupt dismissal from the transition ranks, Kean said. Tensions between Christie and Kushner date back more than a decade. In 2005, Christie, then the US attorney in New Jersey, led the successful prosecution of Kushner's father, Charles, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, who was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion and witness tampering. Christie also has been beset by scandal of his own making. After a month-long trial that put his gubernatorial administration in a negative light, two of his former top aides were found guilty on November 4 for their roles in disruptive 2013 lane closures on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. In addition, Christie is believed by some Trump intimates to have been insufficiently loyal in the final weeks of the campaign. Those who have been ousted along with or following Christie include Richard H. Bagger, the former Christie chief of staff who had been executive director of the transition, and William J. Palatucci, a New Jersey Republican who served as the transition's general counsel. Most recent departures, a transition official said, also include Kevin O'Connor, the former No. 3 official at the Justice Department who was in charge of the department in the transition. The New York Times also reported the departure of Matthew Freedman, a protege of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who headed the National Security Council transition team. Earlier, Freedman privately told associates that the Trump team would be "very punitive" toward Republicans who signed letters saying they opposed him during the campaign and was looking to put "true loyalists" in top jobs. None responded to repeated efforts to contact them. The person close to the transition said it was made clear to Rogers when he received a call from Trump adviser Rick Dearborn that he was being moved aside because of ties to Christie. Loading A Russian Su-33 fighter jet stands ready to take off the flight deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Credit:AP The divided city has become the epicentre of the battle for Syria. The government's recapture of Aleppo could hasten the fall of remaining rebel strongholds across the country. Residents reported airstrikes on at least five Aleppo neighbourhoods. The extent of the casualties was unclear, but they appeared to include at least three civilians, including a woman, who were killed in the neighbourhood of Masaken Hanano, and 10 others wounded. There were conflicting reports about whether the attack had consisted of barrel bombs, which are usually dropped from helicopters, or an assault by fighter jets. Air strikes resumed in rebel-held areas in Syria on November 15. Credit:Screengrab "Since this morning, until now, dozens of shells and rockets have bombed Aleppo," Mohammad al-Sheghal, a resident of eastern Aleppo, said in a text message, adding that he believed that the planes were Russian fighter jets. The fighting broke out a day after Putin spoke to US President-elect Donald Trump and agreed to cooperate on fighting "international terrorism and extremism," according to a Kremlin statement. That declaration echoed Trump's recent comments that he would try to work with Moscow and with Assad to fight against the Islamic State. Russian and Syrian government airstrikes pound western rural Aleppo province earlier this month. Credit:AP Assad, meanwhile, told a Portuguese television station he would "wait and see" if Trump would follow up on his promises. "Can he deliver?, he asked. "We don't have a lot of expectations because the US administration is not only about the President... What about the countervailing forces within the administration? Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Credit:AP "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not," Assad said. "That is why we are very cautious in judging him ... But let's say if he is going to fight the terrorists of course we are going to be [an] ally, natural ally with the Russians, with the Iranians," he added. A matryoshka doll showing Donald Trump beside painted wooden models of St. Basil's cathedral in a souvenir shop in Moscow. Credit:Bloomberg Damascus had long hoped it could win back international legitimacy as part of the international fight against IS, but the US has rejected that idea, viewing Assad as part of the problem. Assad said he was ready to cooperate with Washington if it ended its policy of supporting rebels seeking to overthrow his government. A Russian Su-33 fighter jet stands on the flight deck of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Credit:AP Trump's comments concerning Syria also received a favourable reaction on Tuesday from the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. "What he's been saying is quite interesting," de Mistura said, speaking on the BBC's "Hardtalk" program. "The focus, the priority, is Daesh, fighting terrorism. Second to do, if possible, a deal with Russia. Both points make a lot of sense." Residents sit among rubble in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, Syria, last month. Credit:White Helmets The diplomat said he had yet to speak directly to Trump or his associates. He also emphasised that in his view, the Syria conflict still required "a completely new approach to what is a political solution." The Syrian government calls all its opponents terrorists, and Russia makes little distinction among the different groups fighting Assad. A constant sticking point has been that some of the rebels that the United States has supported have made battlefield alliances with al-Qaeda-linked groups considered terrorists by Moscow and Washington alike. De Mistura has estimated that perhaps a few hundred of the 10,000 or so fighters inside besieged eastern Aleppo are affiliated with al-Qaeda; rebels say that number is lower and the government says it is higher. The Obama administration has said that fighting the Islamic State is the priority of the United States, not toppling Assad - though that is another stated US aim. Under President Barack Obama, the US government has continued to support some rebel groups that Washington deems not to be extremist, and it has shunned direct cooperation with Moscow and Damascus, contending that their campaign in Syria has been focused less on defeating extremists and more on battling opposition groups fighting Assad. The Obama administration has also condemned what it says is indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian government and its Russian allies. A change in US policy under Trump could involve a shift toward direct cooperation with Assad and with Russia against IS. The Syrian president said winning the war was the only option he had with defeat bringing the end of his country. The war has shattered Syria into a patchwork of areas controlled by Assad's state, rebels battling to topple him, a powerful Kurdish militia, and IS. Hundreds of thousands of people have died and the war has created the world's worst refugee crisis. Shoigu, at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, said a Russian warship, the Admiral Grigorovich, was taking part in the latest operation, launching cruise missiles against insurgent targets. "For the first time in the history of Russian navy, the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier took part in combat, too," he said. "Today, our Su-33 fighter jets began to work from this warship." For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser PHILIPSBURG:---- Education on the Move (EOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is teaming up to celebrate the teachers of the various schools on the island. November 14th 18th is the International Education week, whereby the EOM committee along with the Ministry ECYS saw it fit to show appreciation to all the teachers as well as to celebrate International Education Week. The Minister is scheduled to visit all the schools on the Dutch side of the island during the International Education Week. The teachers will also be given a small token of appreciation, including an inspirational poem, to be hung in the classroom, as well as an EOM mug. Various businesses were contacted in request for donations, which two businesses complied. Le Grand Marche has given a 15% discount for shopping to all teachers. All shopping must be done on November 16th in order to have the discount applied. Cable TV has also donated one month of free cable subscription for 10 teachers, which will be raffled, at the end of the week, to determine the recipients. Education on the Move is designed to bring awareness to education whereby all educational stakeholders and the community of St. Maarten will get involved. The objective of EOM is to get everyone engaged and actively involved in education. Another goal of EOM is to promote men in education and recognize the current male educators. All male educators on the Dutch side will receive a special EOM plaque, with a quote with words of encouragement. The Minister visited six schools on Monday, November 14th. The schools were, The Sister Borgia School, The Oranje School, The St. Joseph School, The Marie Genevieve de Weever School, The Sundial School and the Sint Maarten Academy PSVE. Minister Jacobs encouraged all the students to show appreciation for their teachers from time to time. PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Claret Connor on Monday received courtesy visits from newly appointed Ambassador to Cuba Alexandra Valkenburg and Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Robert de Leeuw. The Ambassadors are visiting the country on a two-day working visit by meeting with different stakeholders in the public and private sectors. After completing their working visit to Sint Maarten, the delegation will travel to Curacao and Aruba. Both Ambassadors were accompanied by regional envoys Jurgen Bartelink, Regional Business Developer Pacific Rim (Lima), Alex Oosterwijk, Regional Envoy Security, Rule of Law & Human Rights (San Jose), Liesbeth Mol, Regional Envoy for the Caribbean Missions & Networks (Havana). CAYMAN ISLANDS:--- During a recent appearance on BBC, Cayman Finance CEO Jude Scott highlighted the Cayman Islands dedication to upholding the standards and expectations of a premier financial jurisdiction through transparency and a strong compliance culture. The host, Tanya Beckett, began with an insight into the Panama papers, mentioning that some of the companies in the papers were linked to the Cayman Islands. She asked Mr Scott how the Cayman Islands ensure that all activity remains above board and whether the Panama papers had any impact on the financial services industry in Cayman. The reality is not all offshore jurisdictions are made the same. We put a lot of work in, and some cases for example, our anti-money laundering regimes have been in place for over 15 years, Mr Scott said. We really look to create a strong compliance culture, and as a result, were seeing a lot of clients who desire that kind of environment now looking to relocate into the jurisdiction. Weve always modelled our jurisdiction as a top quality jurisdiction really following global international standards, he said. With the Panama papers, there was not really much impact on the Cayman Islands actually weve seen a lot of positive outcome from it. Ms Beckett went on to inquire as to how the Cayman Islands face one of the biggest topics in international financial discourse transparency and asked Mr Scott if he believed that tax havens would see more or less business going forward. Were not a tax haven, Mr Scott stated. Were a transparent jurisdiction and were a tax neutral jurisdiction. From a tax perspective, we have signed up to UK FATCA and US FATCA. We have been one of the early adopters of Common Reporting Standards and really the vast majority of the business we do is fully transparent, he said. Mr Scott also said that Cayman Finance and other industry stakeholders work hard to ensure that the Cayman Islands financial industry is held to the highest standards and that all of those who work within the industry are of the highest calibre. As a jurisdiction, I guess it has become a part of our DNA, he said. Weve really focused on being a premier jurisdiction modelled after London as well as New York and so we constantly look to seek out the best local and international talent, attract them and also retain them. PHILIPSBURG:--- The traffic department investigated a Monday morning crash on the Juancho Yrasquin Boulevard in the area of the Cruise facility between a Chrysler Cruiser and a Honda Civic that left two injured. The accident involved the two vehicles that were traveling towards the Cruise Facility around 07.00 am. At the moment both vehicles came in the area where the yellow and orange water barricades are placed, the driver of the Cruiser which was traveling at a high rate of speed attempted to overtake the Honda. The driver of the cruiser then swerved back to his right, he then collided with the front right side fender of the Honda. As a result, the Cruiser crashed into the barrier which sent the vehicle into a tailspin whereby it finally flipped over and ended up on its top. The collision left the Cruiser seriously damaged. Personal from the ambulance department transported the two injured that were traveling in the Cruiser to the medical center where they received medical attention and later released. The traffic department was also assisted by the Fire department with the clean up of debris. KPSM Press Release. The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has unsettled governments across Asia, possibly more so than in other regions of the world. Thanks to Trump's unconventional rhetoric and out-of-the-box propositions, Asia is struggling to come to grips with unforeseen scenarios in U.S. foreign policy. Fundamental alterations of national strategies rather than cosmetic recalibrations will be required to manage the challenge of "Trump the unpredictable.", reports Asia Nikkei.com According to Sreeram Chaulia, dean at the Jindal School of International Affairs, Trump has raised tremendous hopes in India by announcing that he would be "best friends" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the common fight against "radical Islamic terrorism". In effect, this means an even closer strategic alignment between Washington and New Delhi at the cost of Pakistan and China, which have been warily watching a closer India-U.S. strategic partnership during the Obama years, he wrote. Trump's anti-Muslim bias and fervent desire to go down in history as the man who crushed Islamist extremism will ultimately drag him into formal or informal alliances in Asia and the Middle East that would stoke existing rivalries or create new ones. Trumps anti-Muslim rhetoric likely wouldnt get in the way of pushing new contracts for American arms makers, for whom India is a major market. Trumps crusade against Chinas economic power would also favor New Delhi in its strategic rivalry with Beijing. Then throw in Pakistan, whose troubled but longstanding alliance with the U.S. has been a serious problem for India. Clinton, who took twice as many trips to Pakistan as to India during her tenure at the State Department, worked hard to keep Pakistan onside during the Obama presidency. Trump, on the other hand, has declared Pakistan the most dangerous country in the world other than Iran. Trumps rise is also being viewed as the latest setback for Indias ambition to become a factory for the world, reported Bloomberg. Having missed the export-driven steam-boat that transformed China and fellow East Asian economies over the past several decades, India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pinned hopes on an ambitious "Make in India" campaign to make up lost ground. With the worlds biggest consumer market soon to be overseen by a president whos pledged to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and raise barriers to imports, that hardly helps Modis cause. Britains vote in June to leave the European Union had already given impetus to a shift toward protectionism in developed nations, casting a pall on emerging-market prospects. In the medium to long-term, a Trump presidency would add to Indias woes, said Priyanka Kishore, lead Asia Economist at Oxford Economics in Singapore. It would impact Indias engine of growth -- the services sector negatively and also accelerate the nominalization of Indias services and services exports growth, which is an emerging source of concern. The U.S. is Indias largest export market and one of its largest foreign investors. Trumps policy mix could slow planned U.S. investment abroad, and place curbs on immigration, especially the information-technology workers that India specializes in. Trump has characterized so-called H-1B visas as hurting American workers. Indians account for a big share of these 70 percent of those approved in 2014 were to people born in the country -- and they offer Indian companies a critical way to skill up their staff. At the same time, there are plenty of reasons for Trump to look favorably on economic ties with India, which has been a geostrategic rival of China in south Asia. American companies like Wal-Mart Inc., Facebook Inc. and Apple Inc. want to boost their presence in India, with its swelling middle class, and top executives including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook have toured the country seeking opportunities in a nation of 1.3 billion people. India represents one of the most attractive long-term growth markets for U.S. exports, said Rajiv Biswas, Singapore-based chief economist for Asia-Pacific at IHS Global Insight. Foreign direct investment rose to a record in 2015, official data show. Any threat to India isnt imminent, and much depends on whether Trumps turns campaign rhetoric into policy reality. When the rest of the world was glued to Trumps stunning election victory, most of India was more interested in the governments shock move to ban 500 and 100 rupee notes. Without warning, Modi sought to withdraw banknotes equivalent to 86 percent of the money in circulation in an attempt to crack down on black money and tax evasion. Trump is not a threat to India, said Trinh Nguyen, a senior economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong. It is the timing of its ambition to industrialize that is a bit off. And that doesnt mean it wont receive FDI. The country is expected to be one of the few ones with rapidly growing demand. It just means that the government will have to work harder to make it more competitive. Still, Trumps election adds risks for Asias third-biggest economy. There are already existing economic tensions, especially in the technology sector. Indias government has banned Facebooks free web service and declined to exempt Apple from local sourcing rules. Even before Trump, many have had doubts whether robotization, and an increasingly protectionist and less material world are already making it difficult for India to repeat Chinas path, said Nguyen. Meanwhile a report said two-term Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, the first ever Indian-American to be elected as a state Governor, is among the shortlisted candidates for Donald Trump's Cabinet. If appointed, the 45-year-old will be first ever Indian-American to be included in the president's cabinet and second ever to be elected to the US Congress. agencies Photo caption: Bird on a wire. (AP Photo/MTI, Peter Kollanyi) By Ratnesh Mathur, (Quartz) In 1998, I read a newspaper report that Leonard Cohen was in Bombay. I was a big fan of his music and poetry and I tracked him down to a small hotel in Kemps Corner. I asked if he could autograph the CDs and books I intended to leave at the reception, but Cohen came out and invited me to stay for a chat, instead. It turned out to be a five-hour discussionthe start of a friendship for the next 18 years. We exchanged our last emails just five weeks ago, on his 82nd birthday. Every day in that autumn of 1998, Cohen was reciting the verses of the 13th-century Marathi bhakti poet Sant Dnyaneshwar. He was in Bombay to attend the satsangs of Advaita guru Ramesh Balsekar at Warden Road. He wasnt just reciting the verses by rote; he knew the English meanings of the words. He was pondering the concepts of sagun (the worship of God with form) and nirgun (the worship of God without form) and why both were essentially the same. When he arrived in India in 1998, Leonard Cohen was already a Zen monk. He had spent five years in deep meditation and silence with Zen guru Roshi in Mount Baldy, near Los Angeles. It had been a decade since he had recorded new music or performed. The guru of 1960s folk and poetry had entirely stepped out of public life. Instead, his life-long quest for knowledge and inner peace had completely consumed his time and attention. He was led to Bombay by his curiosity to meet Balsekar, the author of a book titled Consciousness Speaks he read in his monastery. Cohen spent much of 1999 and 2000 in Bombay, and then made brief visits until 2003. It was always for one purposeto attend Balsekars daily morning satsangs and spend time with the teacher. Many of these conversations during the satsang have been preserved in audio and video recordings by Balsekars devotees. Between the Buddhist teachings of Roshi and the Vedanta teachings of Balsekar, Cohen finally found the inner peace that he had been seeking all his adult life. Sylvie Simmonss excellent biography, Im Your Man, explains this very well. During this period, Cohen got back to writing poetry and sketching in his art book. Some Sunday mornings, Cohen took us along to Balsekars satsangs. These were Vedanta question-and-answer style discussions at which Balsekars philosophy appeared to have answers to every big question in life. The teachers clarity of thought and his delivery in English had attracted many Western seekers. During most sessions, Cohen sat quiet but attentive. As the friendship between Cohen and Balsekar developed, they would spend time alone in the evenings too, away from the satsang devotees. This piece was originally appeared in Quartz (qz.com). To read the rest of the piece go to: http://qz.com/836349/leonard-cohen-had-a-devotion-to-indian-philosophy-and-the-city-of-bombay/ St. Joe County floats site for relocation of Portage Manor residents The county plans to sell Clay Township Park to the township for a nominal fee, rather than continue to lease it. 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. 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. Since the Mughal Era the Anarkali Suits are the part of Indian women closet. Designer Anarkali Suits are perfect to wear at weddings and festive occasions. If you dont want to drape a saree then you can quickly wear the anarkali dress and get ready for any wedding within minutes. It seems like Indian celebs are also so much in love with this lovely Indian ethnic wear. And this is the reason why in some recent events, many Bollywood and tollywood Divas were seen in Designer Anarkali Suits. Here we are listing the latest images of the celebs in anarkali suits. Madhuri Dixit in Shyamal & Bhumika Anarkali Dress Dressed in the Peacock shade beautiful Shyamal Bhumika anarkali, Madhuri Dixit was looking drop dead gorgeous at the Hiru Golden Film Awards in Sri Lanka. The teal color silk fabric added the shine and inside it the lovely net embroidered fabric added to the elegance and the both together looked like the perfect combination. Vidya Balan in Gaurang Anarkali Vidya Balan always know how to rock the ethnic wear and this time also at Ekta Kapoor Diwali Bash, she looked stunning in a blue designer Anarkali Suit with a contrast kalamkari dupatta. The look was completed beautifully with a matching blue round bindi, a potli bag and a lovely statement necklace. Raai Laxmi in White Sabyasachi Anarkali Suit South Indian actress Raai Laxmi was recently seen in a Sabyasachi outfit for her movie promotion. She looked like an angel in the serene white and gold designer anarkali dress. Sushmita Sen in Shilpa Reddy Plum Anarkali She is the Miss Universe and she looks gorgeous in whatever she wears. She wore this pretty plum designer anarkali suit during Durga Puja 2016. She paired it with an off white churidar and dupatta. Simple yet alluring!! Sophie Choudry In Manish Malhotra Anarkali She is very popular as the glam diva but this time Sophie nailed it with her ethnic look. Red pleated anarkali, bindi, mogra gajra on her hair bun, lovely jhumkis, bandhani dupatta and a sparkling clutch, everything together made her look like the ethnic queen. Sonakshi Sinha in Seema Khan Anarkali With her new toned body, Sonakshi Sinha rocked the Ekta Kapoor Diwali Party in this lovely Lime Green Seema Khan Anarkali Suit. Her loose open straight hair and the chocolate shade lipstick completed the look perfectly. But something that looked odd was the long hanging earrings that almost clashed with her golden neckline. Kajol in Bhumika Sharma Anarkali For the first time Kajol and her husband, Ajay Devgan made an appearance together in the Kapil Sharma show for promoting the movie Shivaay. Kajol was looking so stunning in Bhumika Sharma off white and gold anarkali that it was difficult to take eyes off from her. Karishma Kapoor in Rohit Bal Creation She know how to nail every occasion with the lovely outfits. She wore this royal designer anarkali suit at her stylist Tanya Ghavri wedding trunk show. She kept the makeup to the minimum and the highlight was the golden jhumkis and the matching potli bag. Few more celebs in Designer Anarkali Suits: 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 Virgin Galactic prepares for its second attempt at a glide test flight of the VSS Unity on Nov. 3. Weather postponed the glide test flight that was originally scheduled for Nov. 1. WASHINGTON It's a time for transition for the commercial space industry, and not just because of a change of presidential administrations. The second annual Space Commerce Conference and Exposition, or SpaceCom, convenes in Houston Nov. 15 for three days of discussions about future directions for companies and markets as new capabilities, from small satellites to commercial crew vehicles, get closer to entering service or find wider acceptance in the market. The conference's first day will take a broad look at the overall commercial space industry and prospects for growth. Panelists from the space industry as well as other industries that make use of space technologies will discuss the state of the commercial space and how close it may be to a "tipping point" that could greatly increase demand for, and investment in, space companies and technologies. The conference's second day Nov. 16 will examine in greater detail some of those emerging markets and applications. Parallel sessions will discuss the growth in "big data" applications in Earth observation, use of the International Space Station in general and microgravity research there in particular, other commercial applications of low Earth orbit, and even space resource utilization on the moon or asteroids. As the inaugural SpaceCom did last year, other sessions Nov. 16 will examine the interplay between the space industry and other markets that can either make use of space capabilities, or offer technologies for use in space. Those sessions include discussions of space in materials science, climate research, natural resources and remote medicine. Other panels that day will examine more underlying issues, like the use of commercial spaceports to support space ventures. Another timely panel will discuss public policy issues as the Trump administration whose policy statements have indicated at least continued, if not enhanced, support for commercialization prepares to take office. The conference's final day Nov. 17 looks at both markets and investment opportunities. Robert Bigelow, founder of Bigelow Aerospace, will discuss his company's plans to develop commercial habitats in low Earth orbit, either as standalone space stations or attached to the ISS. Boeing Vice President John Elbon will also give a keynote, looking ahead to the human exploration of Mars, a topic discussed in other panels earlier in the conference. SpaceCom will not be focused entirely on the near term. On Nov. 16, Dan Collins, chief operating officer of United Launch Alliance, will discuss his company's "Cislunar 1000" 30-year plan to commercialization of cislunar space between the Earth and moon. Collins will speak immediately after Pete Worden, the former director NASA's Ames Research Center and current chairman of the Breakthough Prize Foundation, which is funding efforts like the Breakthrough Listen project to search for signals for alien civilizations. Worden will speak about his work promoting the space resources initiative in Luxembourg as well as new models for funding "high-risk" space initiatives. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. November's full moon was the closest and brightest "supermoon" since 1948. NASA captured a stunning video of the giant, glowing moon as it rose over the Soyuz spacecraft, which will carry three crewmembers to the International Space Station Thursday (Nov. 17). Photographers with NASA's Johnson Space Center, which oversees human spaceflight activities, shot this incredible view of the "supermoon" rising just minutes after sunset on Monday (Nov. 14) at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Because the full moon was about 17,000 miles (27,000 kilometers) closer to Earth than it is on average, it appeared 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than usual. On Monday, just hours before moonrise, a train towed the Soyuz MS-03 rocket from the Integration Facility to the launchpad. There the rocket was lifted to its upright position just in time to set the scene for a picture-perfect super-moonrise. ['Supermoon' Photos: The Closest Full Moon Until 2034 in Pictures] November's supermoon is seen rising behind the Soyuz rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch pad in Kazakhstan, Monday (Nov. 14). (Image credit: NASA / Bill Ingalls) The mission, named Expedition 50, includes NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Navitskiy and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. The team will blast off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome and head for the International Space Station on Thursday at 3:20 p.m. EST (2020 GMT, or 2:20 a.m. Nov. 18 Baikonur time). The Soyuz rocket is rolled out by train to the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. (Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls) Pesquet will be the first French astronaut to travel to the space station, while Whitson and Navitskiy are veteran space travelers. The three will spend six months inside the orbiting laboratory, where they will conduct about 250 science experiments not possible on Earth. 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. The three Baltic countries and Poland are already worried that Trump, who admires Putin, could team up with the autocrat in Moscow at their expense. They worry that Trump, the author of "The Art of the Deal," could bypass them and reach an agreement directly with the Kremlin. Trump has repeatedly made clear his foreign policy will revolve around protecting American interests and not in defending Western values. "I worry about the future," says Ryszard Schnepf, former Polish ambassador to the United States. He describes Trump as a power-loving man fascinated by Putin. "He could hit upon the idea of bringing about a bipolar world again, and in that world we are merely a playing card." A new Treaty of Yalta, in which Washington and Moscow defined their respective spheres of influence, would threaten the independence of the Eastern European allies. It is very important that we do not "repeat the mistakes of the past," cautions Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius. Agreements with Moscow need to be based on values, principles and international law, he explains, and not on interests or spheres of influence. If Trump is serious about reducing the American contingent in Europe, large NATO countries like Germany would hardly be in any position to offset the losses. They lack enough units to truly replace the Americans. Instead, leading minds in the alliance suspect that this could trigger a debate over NATO's nuclear strategy -- an issue many European governments are determined to avoid out of domestic political considerations. However, if conventional troops no longer provide the necessary clout, the nuclear option automatically comes to the fore. Pressure To Increase Funding In their most favorable scenario, the NATO strategists assumed that the new US president would only strictly insist that the Europeans spend more money on their security. During the campaign, after all, Trump left no doubt that he intends to radically change burden sharing within the Western alliance. One of Trump's closest advisers, General Mike Flynn, the former head of US military intelligence, told SPIEGEL in an interview in July that, when it comes to money, Trump will pay little attention to the carefully tended harmony in the alliance. "We have to have these alliances going forward and see who's going to pay for them," Flynn said. He added that "NATO as a political alliance does need to be relooked at in terms of everything, (including) resourcing and capabilities," soon after Trump's administration takes office. At the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, the member states agreed to a goal of spending 2 percent of their national GDP on defense. But few countries are currently meeting that goal. Germany, the second-strongest economy in the alliance, next to the United States, spends only 1.19 percent of its GDP on defense. Trump is now threatening to make the mutual defense commitment under Article 5 dependent on fulfilling this goal, or even to increase the percentage. For Germany, 2 percent would already signify a dramatic increase in the defense budget, from about 34 billion today to roughly 65 billion. In any case, NATO officials are preparing themselves for growing demands on the Europeans. "Europe has no other choice: It has to strengthen the European column in NATO," says EU foreign policy expert Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, a member of the pro-business Free Democratic Party. Under pressure from the outgoing US administration, the Europeans have already agreed to increase their share. In Brussels, officials from the 28 member states ratified the alliance's top-secret Blue Book, a performance specification of sorts that defines, until 2032, the numbers of troops, aircraft, ships, tanks and soldiers each country is to provide for the alliance command posts. For Germany, the document calls for a 1-percent increase in its military contributions to NATO, bringing Berlin's total contribution to 3 percent of GDP. As feasible as this may sound, though, it actually means that Germany would have to substantially increase its investments in defense once again. The current budget of 130 billion until 2030 would be far too small. At the moment, officials at the Defense Ministry in Berlin fear that Trump will overturn the painstakingly negotiated agreement. "Right now, no one knows whether the 1-percent increase will still be enough," says a German NATO officer. Many in Brussels and Berlin are now clinging to the hope that a President Trump can be persuaded to abandon some of the pledges he made during his campaign. Europeans will have to explain to Trump why NATO is relevant, say officials in Berlin. The best approach, they believe, is to remind him that he promised to make American great again. "If Trump ignores the fact that he is not going to find any more reliable partners than those in Europe, he will undermine the United States' role as a superpower," warns Ischinger. Update: Following his first meeting last week with Donald Trump, President Barack Obama said Monday that the president-elect had "expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships." Obama, who is in Europe this week, added, "I think that's one of the most important functions I can serve at this stage, during this trip, that there is no weakening of resolve when it comes to America's commitment to maintaining a strong and robust NATO relationship. And that there is a recognition that those alliances aren't just good for Europe, but they're good for the United States and vital for the world." But Obama also pressured NATO's European partners to increase their military spending. During a stop in Greece on Tuesday, he praised the country for being one of five NATO allies that dedicated at least 2 percent of its budget to defense spending, despite difficult times economically, and said that others should too. Meanwhile, NATO chief Stoltenberg stated Tuesday he is "certain" Trump "will live up to all of the commitments of the United States in the alliance." South Africa, November 16, 2016 (SPS) the international climate activist and humanitarian, Ms. Catherine Constantinides called in her article entitled: In the Quest for Climate Justice, Who's Left Out? The international community must not allow Morocco to sweep the injustices of Western Sahara under the rug. Catherine Constantinides called responsible countries, journalists and members of civil society to use this opportunity to send the message that it does not condone Morocco's behaviour , pointing out that only in the face of strong international pressure Morocco will begin acting as a responsible international partner with the UN. for a start by agreeing to return to direct negotiations with the Frente Polisario, the internationally recognized representative of the Saharawi people, towards holding a referendum as soon as possible When we talk about climate justice, she went on saying in her articles, don't forget about the people of Western Sahara right next door, one of the most vulnerable people in the world to climate change. Increasingly common extreme weather events amplify the hardship posed by already inhospitable conditions. Last year, severe floods devastated the adobe structures of the refugee camps, destroying homes and displacing some 25,000 people. Meanwhile Morocco is fast positioning itself as a global green energy pioneer. This is an important and admirable goal, but the fact that Morocco is actively granting new oil exploration contracts for foreign corporations to illegally drill on- and off-shore in Western Sahara throws its true intentions into question. She adds Catherine Constantinides stressed that it is imperative that everyone involved in international climate politics understands that no country is less deserving of the honour and responsibility of guiding these crucial talks than Morocco: a country that has unilaterally expelled UN peacekeeping staff and repeatedly refused to abide by UN Security Council resolutions. Recalling that Since 1991, Saharawi refugees in Saharan Algeria have been waiting, in some of the most inhospitable conditions imaginable, for the referendum to be held. They have foresworn armed struggle and placed their trust in the UN, and in international law, to resolve the issue. In response, Morocco has repeatedly prevented the referendum from being held, flooded the Western Sahara with Moroccan settlers, and engaged in widely documented human rights abuses against indigenous Saharawi in the occupied territory.SPS 125/090/TRA Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media The Connecticut Food Bank is badly in need of turkeys and other Thanksgiving delicacies to help roughly 700 programs for the needy provide holiday dinner for all Thanksgiving is our national meal, said Connecticut Food Bank CEO Bernie Beaudreau in a news release. It should be a day when everyone has an opportunity to sit at the table and share in the bounty. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD The body of a Stamford man reported missing after attending a party this weekend in a luxury Manhattan apartment was found Wednesday in a shallow grave in a desolate area of the New Jersey shore, police said. Authorities in three states had been involved in a massive search this week after relatives of Joseph Comunale, 26, reported he had not returned from a weekend jaunt to New York City. The Westhill High graduates family reported their son missing at Stamford police headquarters early Sunday evening after they had not heard from him all day. On Wednesday afternoon, four days after the party, New York police asked Comunales family to drive to the New Jersey shore to identify his body, which had been found in a wooded area in Monmouth County. Several hours later, on the slate steps of his Westover Road home with about 15 close friends of his son standing behind him, Pat Comunale pleaded that justice find those who slayed his son. I thank the Stamford police department, the NYPD and New Jersey authorities for all their hard work. My son was an incredible kid, never in trouble. He had tremendous friends around the world and the country. Its just not right, Comunale said. These guys should pay, they have to pay. Ill be there every day. Justice for Joey, guys. Stamford police Lt. Tom Barcello said Sgt. Sean McGowan investigated the missing person complaint that helped New York City police pick up Comunales trail at the tony Grand Sutton apartment building, near the corner of East 59th Street and First Avenue. More Information Missing Stamford man found dead A timeline of the events since Joseph Comunale left Stamford over the weekend: Saturday night Joseph Comunale goes to Manhattan to a party at an upscale apartment. Sunday morning Comunale last seen entering Grand Sutton apartment building at 7:30 a.m. Sunday night Family reports Comunale missing; NYPD uses search dogs to try to locate him. Monday A resident in the building is arrested on an unrelated charge. Tuesday Police find possible evidence of foul play in the apartment where the party was held. Wednesday morning A body is found in Oceanport, N.J. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON Comunale's family goes to N.J. to identify the body. WEDNESDAY EVENING Police confirm body as Comunale. Sources: Stamford and New York police See More Collapse Surveillance footage showed Comunale entering the Grand Sutton building early Sunday morning. Resident in custody A resident of the apartment where Comunale was last seen was taken into police custody Monday on an unrelated charge, the NYPD said. NYPD officers were called to the Grand Sutton building after someone reported a suspicious-looking man dragging a large bag out of the building and placing it in a car, CBS News reported, citing unnamed sources. Police used search dogs in their attempt to locate Comunale on Sunday night. The Westhill High School and Hofstra University graduate worked as a sales associate at Tri-Ed in Elmsford, N.Y., according to his family. Comunale graduated in 2008 from Westhill, where he played hockey and baseball. He was also an athlete at Hofstra. Comunale graduated from college in 2012 with a bachelors degree in business administration, according to his LinkedIn account. Many of his friends posted heartbroken messages on Facebook Wednesday describing Comunale as a beloved, upbeat person. You changed countless lives, your brothers, your family, your friends, in ways that will carry on, one person wrote. Joey Comunale you are truly going to be missed, you were a great teammate, great role model, a great friend and most of all, you were a great person, another friend said. If you own a cat, you've probably heard that you should keep it inside - and if you live in Australia or New Zealand, you've definitely heard it. Veterinarians and rescue groups argue that it's better for the cats, who can be slammed by cars, eaten by coyotes or poisoned by antifreeze while strolling about. Conservationists say it's better for birds and other wildlife that cats love to maim and kill. But there are downsides to the indoor feline lifestyle. Cats can get bored, leading them to bug you at midnight or leap at the television during the best moments of the World Series or David S. Pumpkins. They can become aggressive, causing them to view your ankles as enticing scratching posts. They can get lazy and fat, like the majority of American cats. Or they can fall victim to what Abigail Tucker, author of the recent book about cats, "The Lion in the Living Room," refers to as "the most serious disease of feline modernity": idiopathic cystitis, or Pandora Syndrome. The symptoms are bloody or painful urination, frequently outside a litter box, and other gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological ailments. The cause, researcher Tony Buffington told Tucker, is indoor living that has removed from cats the control and territory they crave. One big issue, cat experts say, is that in the 10,000 years or so since humans adopted cats as vermin-catchers, people have not selectively bred them to match their new lethargic, indoor lifestyle. In other words, just beneath the surface of that fluff ball on the ottoman is a skilled predator whose instincts tell it to roam, stalk and pounce. When there's nothing suitable to act on, problems can arise. People have long mistakenly viewed cats as low-maintenance pets that only need a bowl of kibble, a place to sleep and an occasional scratch, said Mikel Delgado, a graduate student at the University of California in Berkeley who studies cat behavior. "We've just been like, 'Oh, you're cute and cuddly. Come inside,' and we've kind of forgotten about what cats are built to do, which is hunt," Delgado said. "We're not recognizing who cats really are and what they need." But fortunately, we are living in pet-obsessed modern America, so there's a growing industry to help cat owners make their home something of a predator's wonderland - or, at least, a tolerable territory. Blogs can show you how to build screened cat patios, or catios, or you can order a kit or hire someone to construct one. The website Hauspanther, which says its mission is "to spread the word about how good design can enhance the way we live with cats," directs cat owners toward minimalist cat climbing complexes, modern felt cat baskets and Nordic-style feline furniture. And for those desiring a smaller investment, the market now sells a plethora of products intended to offer cats a sort of simulated hunting experience. Indoor cats may not be able to act on their drive to scale trees and stalk prey. But they can use what are known as "food puzzles," or contraptions that hold food - wet or dry - in balls, boxes, mazes or even pinatas that cats must use their brains and bodies to swat and open. "Any cat in their natural environment would not just be handed a bowl of mice," said Delgado, who co-hosts a website exploring the features - and extolling the virtues - of food puzzles for cats. "They would have to work for any food item they obtain." Many cat owners might not believe their pudgy, sleepy kitties would cooperate with food puzzles. But Delgado recently co-authored a recent paper in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, and it listed several cases of problematic cat behavior that the researchers resolved or improved with the products. One young male was extremely afraid of people, but after being given food puzzles, he allowed petting and came when called. An 8-year-old obese cat lost 20 percent of his body weight after being given purchased and homemade food puzzles, which can be as simple as a yogurt container with holes punched in it. Several kitties stopped urinating outside of their litter boxes - once they had food puzzles. But even if the cats exert effort to obtain their food from a rolling piece of plastic, does that mean they like to? Might it not drive them nuts in the process? Asked that question, Delgado brought up a counterintuitive phenomenon called contrafreeloading, which is used to describe animals' preference for food that requires effort over identical food that is given to them. This behavior has been observed in many animals - from rats to gerbils to pigeons to wolves - and scientists still haven't agreed on why they do it. Just one species studied didn't display contrafreeloading. That's right: Cats. But Delgado said she is skeptical of that finding. The study was conducted decades ago and with a very small sample size, she noted. "Why would cats be the exception?" she asked. "We need to revisit this study with cats." Delgado acknowledged that introducing food puzzles can be challenging, and she advises owners to start with easy ones - with a regular food source still available so cats don't get frustrated - then ramp up the difficulty. Each cat in a household should have its own puzzle, she said. When it works, owners often "see their cat in a new light," Delgado said. "Given that the overall trend from the conservation movement and vets and rescue groups is to keep cats indoors, then we have to face this problem we have, which is that just keeping cats indoors isn't enough." Karin Brulliard is a national reporter who runs the Animalia blog. Previously, she was a foreign correspondent and a local reporter. To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below. Taipei, Nov. 16 (CNA) Hon Hai Precision Industry Chairman Terry Gou () could jump into the presidential race in Taiwan in 2020 after he was reported to have asked senior company executives for their opinions of his doing so, on the day when business tycoon Donald Trump won the presidency of the United States. W hen Hong Kong financial advisory firm Convoy announced this week that it was investing 24 million in Nutmeg, a small, technology-driven UK fund management group, no lesser person than the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond got quite excited. Britain is leading the way forward in global fintech, he said. It is an industry which is going from strength to strength and todays announcement confirms the UK as the global fintech capital. Well up to a point. Nutmeg is nothing special in technical terms, pretty unsuccessful in attracting clients and mildly embarrassing for backers who have already invested more than 50 million in it. It is not so much going from strength to strength as loss to loss, the latest being 9 million. Existing shareholders who include Michael Spencer of Icap, Charles Dunstone of Carphone Warehouse, Balderton Capital, which previously backed LoveFilm and Zopa, and asset management group Schroders will surely be grateful this Asian house has come along with deep pockets and open wallet. While we must wish it every success in its attempt to make a successful business out of what it has bought into, it needs to be aware there is much work to be done. Nutmeg was founded in 2012 by Nick Hungerford, a personable and smart guy who developed the idea when he was at Stanford Business School in California, and was persuaded by his classmates and tutors to give it a whirl. In essence, he wanted to build a fund management firm that would allow ordinary retail investors with as little as 1000 access to the very best investment ideas from the very best fund managers, with portfolios specifically tailored to meet their needs. He proposed to harness technology to make this happen at very reasonable cost. His was thus a pioneer in the UK of what became known as robo-advisers a new kind of fund manager where technology is supposed to do the work once performed by expensive humans. He got the firm to a position where potentially it could deliver on its side of the bargain, garnering a lot of publicity on the way, but the firm also developed a habit of making losses that were substantially bigger than its revenues. The board eventually lost patience and Hungerford was removed as chief executive earlier this year. Most of what was unconventional, quirky, passionate and different about Nutmeg seemed to go with him. The venture has not worked thus far, despite its bold marketing, because it has failed to find enough clients and those it has attracted have, for the most part, not put in enough money. Some hard-bitten investment professionals have serious doubts about whether the business model for robo-advisers actually makes sense. Alan Miller, once a star at New Star who now runs portfolios of exchange-traded funds with wife Gina (the Article 50 litigant) at SCM Private, wrote a series of blogs earlier this year that seriously questioned whether most robo-advisers would ever make money. He expressed incredulity at the amount of capital robo-promoters seemed able to attract to back what he considered a seriously flawed business model the more so when you consider that in the US, which is a bit ahead of the UK, groups with several billion under management were still making losses. The whole thing reminded him of the insane optimism for technology at the time of the dot-com boom 16 years ago. There was a lot of money to be made running conferences for robo-advisers; there were fortunes to be had selling highly priced research to robo-advisers; providing consultancy to robo-advisers was a nice little earner. There was certainly joy to be had from contracts to supply systems to robo-advisers. There just wasnt any money in actually being the robo-adviser. The nub of Millers argument is that a new firm with no brand name and no pedigree has to spend too much money acquiring customers, and that makes the whole business unviable. Part of the pitch is that it levies low fees, so that means even if clients stay loyal, it will take years to recoup the money spent on acquiring the customers. Experience shows that clients are not loyal but will stick around for three years at most against the 10 or more needed for the firm to break even. They are not loyal because in large part they are new to investment, the brand name means little and, being millennials, they automatically shop around. New fund managers find it even harder to attract established investors, most of whom are very cautious about whom they trust with their money, even when complaining endlessly about the service and performance they get from their existing provider. Even those persuaded to test the water usually only put in a token amount to see how this performs before offering up any more. Gaining access to retail investors through the big platforms is similarly difficult. Platforms like funds that are best in class. But you cant be best in class until you have a track record, and you cant get a track record if no one gives you any money. So one can see why Hammond wanted to flaunt the fact that post-Brexit Britain was open for business. Shame the business he chose is loss-making, and likely to remain so for quite some time. Y ours for 500 million: half a Cheesegrater. Property firm British Land is scouring the market for a buyer of its 50% stake in the City tower to help fund the new Liverpool Street development which it committed to today. The stake in the trophy building, now full up with tenants including the practice of its own designer Lord Rogers, is likely to appeal to the raft of buyers from Asia and the Middle East looking for assets in London following the pounds post-Brexit crash. Cushman & Wakefield is the agent on the deal. Chief executive Chris Grigg refused to comment on the sale but said: We will always look at any asset in the portfolio and make a judgment as to whether there is more money to be made from holding it or selling it, and that applies to development, that applies to the retail side and it applies to our office portfolio as well. British Land and its Chinese partners GIC will press on with 100 Liverpool Street, a new scheme designed to appeal beyond traditional City tenants, which should be completed in 2019. But devaluations pushed British Land to a first-half loss of 205 million in the six months to September, while it is also cautious over new schemes following the referendum. The shares edged 1.5p down to 605p. M orrisons has deepened ties with Amazon and boosted its presence in the South-East by unveiling a one-hour grocery delivery offer through the retail giant available in London. Members of Amazons 79-a-year Prime service can now order a full Morrisons shop through the Prime Now app. A one-hour delivery costs 6.99, but two hours is free. The launch in selected postcodes in the capital and Hertfordshire adds to Morrisons existing partnership with Amazon, which already stocks thousands of Morrisons products. Amazon Fresh was launched in the UK earlier this year. The expansion, described by Morrisons as capital light, also gives the grocer greater exposure to London shoppers, something it lost when boss David Potts, brought in last year to revive flagging sales, sold off its ill-fated convenience arm M Local. Morrisons expects wholesaling through Amazon will boost profits by between 50 million and 100 million. Online supermarket Ocado, which runs Morrisons own online operations and is headquartered in Hertfordshire, saw shares tumble 17.1p, or more than 6%, to 265.1p, and Morrisons was up 3p at 224.9p. D emand for luxury yachts has not sunk since the Brexit vote, the boss of vessel manufacturer Sunseeker International has declared. Phil Popham revealed appetite from wealthy Londoners has held up for products such as the Sunseeker 131 yacht, which is priced from 19.5 million and can accommodate 12 guests. Weak sterling has also helped lift sales from international buyers, he said. Since June we have experienced a very successful boat show season with substantial confirmed retail orders at Cannes, Southampton, Monaco and Fort Lauderdale, he added. Popham said his firm would invest in bringing more models to market in the next five years as we progress through Brexit. His comments will come as a fillip: last December rival yacht-builder, Fairline, went bust and was then bought by two Russian investors. Popham was speaking as Sunseeker, owned by Chinas Dalian Wanda, picked up a British luxury manufacturing trophy at the Walpole luxury awards this week. Michelle Emmerson, Walpole chief executive said: Whatever happens [with Brexit], the British luxury sector will keep calm and carry on. Other winners at the event included Anya Hindmarch, Burberry and Charlotte Tilbury. F irst Brexit, now the US election. In both cases conventional wisdom has been upended. And both reflect deep divisions about the costs and benefits for western countries of a more integrated global economy and society. In the US the economic fissures are symbolised by closed steel plants, stagnant wages and a gilded age for the economic elite. The decisive social division this year was the quiet anger of the white working class. Both were exacerbated by the feeling that the government was not working. So Centre-Left and Centre-Right are challenged. The Left has to decide whether to ditch its commitment to an open global economy in the name of equality. The Right must decide whether to reject its belief in the role of the West as the anchor of global politics. The refugee crisis is at the fulcrum of these dilemmas. My organisation, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), works in war zones and neighbouring states to help victims of war, and we resettle refugees in the US. We helped 23 million people last year. We are in a growth industry because international politics is not working. David Miliband: 'Sadiq Khan was right to say its a badge of shame that London has not taken more Syrian refugees' / Jemal Countess / Getty The plight of more than 9,000 refugees and migrants stranded in Calais got plenty of coverage. But these people are a tiny percentage of the 65 million forced to flee their homes by conflict, never mind the more than 150 million who are on the move for economic reasons. The people we serve face a daily struggle to survive, stuck at the bottom of the social and economic ladder in countries where most residents are already living below the poverty line. The old model was that refugees would live in camps before going home after a short stay. Today, cities rather than camps are the first to feel the strain 59 per cent of the worlds refugees live in towns and cities. A city such as Mafraq in Jordan, about the size of Plymouth or Reading, has seen its population double in five years with the arrival of refugees from Syria. Yet despite the pressures, it is people in cities who remain the most open to taking more. The IRC surveyed levels of sympathy towards Syrian refugees in the UK and found 64 per cent of Londoners expressed sympathy, in contrast to 46 per cent of respondents in the north of England. Cities have provided the best examples of successful integration of refugees:Hamburgs rapid investment in housing, Viennas establishment of a refugee co-ordination centre, and Athens providing financial assistance to get refugees into jobs show what is possible. London is an example of how diversity can be a strength. Mayor Sadiq Khan was right to say its a badge of shame that London has not taken more Syrian refugees, despite enthusiasm from progressive London boroughs. The latest available figure is just 97, out of five million displaced by the conflict. Most refugees need to be helped where they land in developing economies such as Lebanon, Kenya and Ethiopia. But the most vulnerable need a new start. At a time when national governments are turning in on themselves, cities can show the way forward. This is as true of Shanghai, Bangalore and Sao Paulo as it is of London and New York. The gains of the open society have been hard-won. Now they need to be defended. David Miliband is president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee (rescue-uk.org). He will be speaking at the London Conference 2016 today, discussing Londons place in the world. N ow more than ever, Nigel Farage is squirming with glee in an ill-deserved limelight. He boasts that Donald Trump greeted [him] like a long-lost friend at their meeting in New York on Saturday (We laughed and joked). He sows a Cabinet split with his devious offer to provide introductions and to start the necessary process of mending fences, to act as an intermediary between the Government and the new presidency. Never one to limit his options, he also nominates himself as US representative in Brussels: I would rather like that job. Not that the Ukip interim leader has been as consistent in his support for Trump as he now suggests. When the Republican nominee faced a storm of protest over his taped remarks about sexual assault, Farage took a rather cooler line. In an interview with Robert Peston on October 23, he insisted that his appearance in August at a campaign rally in Jackson, Mississippi, was not the fruit of political design: By happenstance coincidence [I] finished up meeting Trump, going on the stage with him. I havent endorsed him as a candidate. Less a long-lost friend, then, than the fairweather variety. Flush with his renewed access to the President-elect, he is now doing what he does best, which is to sow mayhem. The Trump team, he claims, are less impressed by Theresa Mays entourage than by the PM herself. On LBC radio, he lambasted those ghastly little apparatchiks that work in Downing Street an apparent reference to Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, Mays joint chiefs of staff, both of whom tweeted disobligingly about Trump before assuming their present roles in Downing Street. Well, give me a ghastly little apparatchik any day over a failed parliamentary candidate who has struck lucky in the political casino. Theresa May asked if Nigel Farage will get a peerage Soon Farages offer to be a human bridge between the new White House and HMG will be swept away by the institutional juggernaut of diplomacy and international protocol. Political friendship is one thing. But the US-UK relationship involves daily transfers of national security data, market-sensitive information, and geopolitical analysis. Farage cannot possibly be the point-man for this classified exchange and he wont be. The deeper significance of Farages meeting with Trump is rather different. It symbolises not the ascendancy of a single Ukip politician but a much broader strategic challenge to the international political order, and one that cannot be dismissed as readily as Farages personal opportunism. Even more intriguing than the photo of the Ukip leader and the President-elect was the group shot of the pair with their associates. Alongside Trump and Farage stood Gerry Gunster, a US political consultant, retained by the Leave.EU campaign during the Brexit referendum; Arron Banks, the tycoon who has funded Ukip bounteously in recent years; Andy Wiggy Wigmore, Bankss consigliere; and Raheem Kassam, former aide to Farage, who was forced to withdraw from the Ukip leadership race after calling for Nicola Sturgeon to have her mouth taped shut and her legs, so she cant reproduce. 'Let's get even': Nigel Farage says there will be riots if Brexit is blocked Kassam is also editor-in-chief of Breitbart London, the UK offshoot of the notorious website that has become a forum for the so-called alt-Right: a loosely-bound movement of the far-Right opposed to globalisation, feminism, immigration and much else, ranging from disillusioned conservatives to white supremacists. The executive chairman of Breitbarts global operation until he joined the Trump campaign was none other than Steve Bannon, named on Sunday as White House chief strategist (in spite of his alleged anti-Semitism, which he denies, and the white nationalist opinions he has oxygenated and tolerated on the site). What we see here is not entryism by a militant clique but an entirely new approach to politics. Farage, Kassam and Bannon are part of a global nexus of the populist Right, bound by their hatred of the established order, connected and saved from political obscurity by the awesome power of digital technology. They are part of a continuum that stretches from Trump himself to Alex Jones, the alarmingly popular conspiracist and radio show host, who claims that the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax, that evil genetic engineers are breeding human-fish hybrids, and that the Clintons have engaged in satanic child abuse. In the past, a man with such views would have been reduced to wearing a sandwich board and bellowing in the street. No longer. Those who kid themselves that the President-elect has been tamed by the prospect of office should note that he called Jones this week to thank his audience, promising to appear on the show in the next few weeks. The existing political system consists of slowly evolving, rule-based institutions, a hierarchy of knowledge and authority, in which representative assemblies interact with government according to tried and tested procedures. The new, rival form of politics is spectacularly different. It is connected not by institutional bonds but by the viral force of social media, the blogosphere and sites that revel in their hostility to the MSM (mainstream media). To borrow the distinction popularised by the technologist Eric S Raymond, the Cathedral of traditional politics now faces a deadly assault from the Bazaar of anarchic digital populism. The web has abolished the distinction between the centre and the periphery, between the respectable and the marginal which is precisely how an individual such as Bannon, a self-styled Leninist of the Right, can end up with unrestricted access to the Oval Office. This is what Farages moment truly portends: not just phone calls to the White House but an entirely novel, completely untested way of running the world in which the barriers to extremism are melting before our eyes. A great reckoning lies ahead, its outcome perilously uncertain. T he Donmar Warehouse has been recognised with a prestigious award for its work with women prisoners. The Longford Prize is awarded annually for outstanding work in the area of penal or social reform. Two ex-prisoners are currently starring in the Donmars all-female Shakespeare trilogy, which is set in a prison, and for the last four years it has teamed up with Clean Break Theatre Company, which works with serving and former women prisoners, and York St Johns Universitys Prison Partnership Project to take work into prisons and get former offenders on stage. Director Phyllida Lloyd said taking the plays behind bars gave them authenticity. She said: We thought it was a good idea to collaborate with a company and individuals who have experience of the justice system. The audiences in prison have given us so much. They understand retribution, betrayal, banishment and loss, They have lived lives that match these plays. Previous winners of the prize, named after the politician Lord Longford who campaigned for years on penal reform, include the Prison Radio Association and The Clink charity which runs restaurants in prisons including Brixton and Cardiff. Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout T heatres across the UK are sharing a sneak peek behind the scenes as part of annual Twitter celebration, #LoveTheatreDay. The event began in 2014, and offers both industries and audiences the chance to shout about the brilliance of theatre and why they love it. Audiences are sharing what they are watching tonight to celebrate #LoveTheatreDay, as well as their reasons for holding the stage dear to their hearts. Many theatres are giving a glimpse backstage, or offering Q&As with members of their backstage team. This evening theyll offer a chance to get in on the action as the curtain goes up in theatres across London. The Almeida Theatre in Islington celebrated by delving into their archives, remembering a 1995 Hamlet starring Ralph Fiennes and the world premiere of Neil LaButes The Shape of Things starring Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd. The Old Vic offered a backstage look at their current production of King Lear, starring Glenda Jackson. The Barbican offered a throwback to their auditorium as it was being constructed in 1981. The Motown musical gave audiences a chance to ask questions to their Deputy Stage Manager. The Bush Theatre in Shepherds Bush gave a sneak look into the current refurbishments being made to their building. St James Theatre snuck backstage for their current production of the Jason Robert Brown musical The Last Five Years. Half a Sixpence celebrated their front of house team by showing them off under a special Snapchat filter. Matilda the Musical got up close and personal with one of their props. Wicked showed their stars getting ready for the stage. Kinky Boots also visited their stars dressing rooms. The National Theatre gave a special tour through their stage door. Playwright David Eldridge celebrated the writers who have influenced him. Phoebe Eclair-Powell, writer of Fury which was at Soho Theatre this year, championed theatre as a great thing in what has felt like a hard year. To follow all of the action, search the hashtag #LoveTheatreDay. Y ou dont get much more niche than a 500 Japanese ceramic sushi knife retailer in a hidden-away alley in Kensington, and Ive been wandering past its unbothered doorway for years wondering how it pays the rent. This month, though, its suddenly been busy. Its the same story at the 400 pillbox-hat shop a few doors down. Its the same story, in fact, across Londons luxury shops. The perennially deserted are suddenly packed, the usually-popular are running out of stock. Where once New York was the place to fly to for bargains, London has nicked its crown. The Brexit-fuelled plunge in the pound means that, around the world, airlines are publishing glossy ads plugging their flights to London as a ticket to a cheap-shopping mecca. A Wall Street Journal headline recently dubbed the UK a bargain basement for luxury. While retailers have hiked up the prices of electronics (thanks, Apple), imported wine and cars, the already-fat margins on luxury goods mean that many of the capitals poshest stores have left the price tags as-is and watched them being marched to the tills. The pound now trading at $1.24, down from a pre-Brexit figure of $1.45 has made the UK the worlds cheapest place to buy luxury goods. According to Deloitte, 64 per cent of the priciest handbags and clothes now sell for less in Britain than in the US, China and France. The shopping spree started promptly: when the pound tumbled eight per cent on the first morning after the Brexit vote in June tourists who were in town already began buying more. One Chelsea shop assistant told me her store ran out of bags that Friday (the French didnt stop spending), while Chinas Wuhan Morning Post ran a speedy headline proclaiming Pounds depreciation sparks shopping fever. 64 per cent of the priciest handbags and clothes now sell for less in Britain than in the US, China and France / AFP/Getty Images Shoppers are travelling from across the globe for a London bargain. Its not just Europeans and those in Asia who are more interested in London and the UK post-Brexit but Americans and Australians too, says a spokesman for Harvey Nichols. London is always buzzing with tourists in the summer, but there was a noticeable increase in international spend and footfall, and international customers are staying longer into the autumn. Theresa May: Brexit is an opportunity to make globalisation work for all What are they buying? At Harvey Nicks its jewellery, pricey make-up (September saw double-digit growth across its beauty counters) and handbags: the store has had to repeatedly re-order Guccis Dionysus hobo bag as tourists flock to snap it up for 1,180 in London, compared with $1,890 at New Yorks Bergdorf Goodman. Design and interiors shops in London 1 /41 Design and interiors shops in London CENTRAL Mint, Knightsbridge Mint has made a name for itself in the design world by offering exclusive works by both new, as well as internationally recognised, designers. Mint also places a strong focus on interpreting the latest interior design trends. With many one off and limited edition pieces made exclusively for Mint, having them in your home will make friends and family very jealous. Find it: 2 North Terrace, SW3 2BA ; mintshop.co.uk Mint Press CENTRAL Designers Guild, Kensington Designers Guild was established in 1970 by brother and sister, Trisha Guild and Simon Jeffreys. Their range of luxury designs, fabrics, wallcoverings and bed and bath collections are available worldwide but their UK flagship store is is situated in Kensington. Find it: 265-277 KING'S ROAD, SW3 5EN; designersguild.com CENTRAL Aram Store, Covent Garden When Zeev Aram opened his first showroom in 1964, the Londoners that walked past the shop front didnt know what had hit them. Today the shop features a huge range of stunning design pieces, from chairs and tables, to lamps and storage. There is even a whole floor of the shop dedicated to new work by designers that are still relatively unknown, as helping talented designers is something Aram has always deemed vital. Find it: 110 Drury Lane, WC2B 5SG; aram.co.uk CENTRAL Pentreath & Hall, Bloomsbury Pentreath & Hall was founded by accident five years ago when Ben Pentreath, an architect, decided to open a small shopfront on his office annex, and his friend Birdie Hall, an artist, decided to help him. The shop was born and has now grown to become a treasure chest of beautiful things. Only stocking items the pair both love, it is clear that these two are a very stylish duo. Ideal for contemporary twists on classic design pieces. Find it: 17 Rugby St, WC1N 3QT; pentreath-hall.com Pentreath & Hall Shop CENTRAL Andrew Martin, South Kensington The Andrew Martin shop is an explosion of different cultures, decades and nostaligia. Their design items are inspired by all three, and pieces on display have an unusual emotive power to them. Stepping inside you will see a range of unusual objects and things you wouldn't expect to see in an interior design shop, such as giant leather animals, some taller than six foot. Nothing on show is subtle - if you are after a few statement pieces this is the place for you. Find it: 198-200 Walton St, SW3 2JL; andrewmartin.co.uk CENTRAL Darkroom, Bloomsbury Favouring colour and texture over what the object is when it comes to the designs they have in store, Darkroom showcases items in a unique way. Against the signature black walls of the shop, their colourful pieces, ranging from vases to jewellery, really do pop. Find it: 52 Lamb's Conduit St, WC1N 3LL; darkroomlondon.com CENTRAL Jimmie Martin, Kensington Wacky is the word that best describes the Jimmie Martin shop. Featuring one-off pieces of furniture in bold colours, frequently neon, the designs are always quirky and unusual. Founders Jimmie Karlsson and Martin Nihlmar wanted to sell sophisticated design items that would be glamourous, yet retain an urban feel. Their animal print cushions are a must-see. Find it:77 Kensington Church St, W8 4BG; jimmiemartin.com Jimmie Martin CENTRAL Skandium, Knightsbridge Specialising in Scandinavian Modernism, Skandium has a range of unique designs on sale. All understated and chic, Skandium stocks furniture, ceramics, lighting and glass. Items are made to be durable and versatile, and all are laid out neatly in the shop. Skandium shows how cutting edge design can work in your home. Find it: 86 Marylebone High St, W1U 4QS; skandium.com NORTH mollymeg, Islington A child's dream come true. Molly Meg is an independent children's design store offering an adorable selection of furniture, home decoration, vintage style toys, gifts and party supplies. Although established since 2009, their first permanent store opened in October 2016. Find it: 111 Essex Rd, N1 2SL; mollymeg.com NORTH Indish, Crouch End Flying the design flag in Crouch End since 1996, Indish sell Scandinavian and British home orientated items with two things in common: an aesthetic and a function and useful and beautiful things. There are super hipsterish ornaments and decor to instantly liven up your living or bedroom, from vases and abstract cushions, to clocks and geometric wall art. These are also unique pieces that would make fabulous gifts. Indish is definitely for the cool and quirky. Find it: 16 Broadway Parade, N8 9DE; indish.co.uk NORTH Twenty Twenty-One, Islington You really cant miss Twenty Twenty-One when you are walking down Upper Street. The shop front is just as striking as what is for sale inside. As the name suggests the designs on offer combine classic styles from the twentieth century with contemporary designs. The clean aesthetic makes for elegant designs that won't tire over time. Find it: 275 Upper St, N1 2UA; twentytwentyone.com NORTH Pitfield, Hoxton Shop, cafe and exhibition centre in one, Pitfield is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. Homely meets modern, the space is packed with unusual pieces in many different styles. From vintage to designer, and from furniture to wallpaper, it would be difficult not to find what you are looking for. Find it: 31-35 Pitfield St, N1 6HB; pitfieldlondon.com NORTH Aria, Islington Aria is found in an impressive building which as well as being home to the design shop, is also the venue for many creative events. The shop stocks an eclectic range of contemporary furnishings as well as hand-selected vintage pieces. Aria also collaborates with local independent designers and artists so be sure to check them out if you are after something a little different. Find it: Barnsbury Hall, Barnsbury St, N1 1PN; ariashop.co.uk Louis Little NORTH Labour & Wait, Shoreditch Labour & Wait showcases quality, everyday design products for the home. You wont find any wacky designs here; everything is traditional and timeless. Many of the designers behind the creations on sale still use traditional manufacturing techniques. If you are after honest, wholesome homeware - look no further. Find it: 85 Redchurch St, E2 7DJ; labourandwait.co.uk NORTH Monologue, Shoreditch Just a few months old, Monologue is a contemporary concept store founded by interior designer Pavel Klimczack with a Scandi leaning. You'll find HAY stationary, soft throws in eclectic prints and unique accessories for the home. Find it: 93 Redchurch St, E2 7DP; monologuelondon.com NORTH Jasper Morrison, Hoxton Jasper Morrison provides an entirely different shopping experience. Featuring products from around the world, many made by anonymous designers, the designs on sale are unique, despite being everyday objects. Their website is definitely worth checking out; it, much like the shop, is the epitome of understated chic. Find it: 24 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA; jaspermorrisonshop.com Jasper Morrison in Hoxton - press image NORTH Smug, Islington Full of personal touches, Smug reflects owner Lizzie Evans eclectic tastes. Items are displayed on unusual items of 1950s furniture that Lizzie has collected over the years, including Formica tables and even retro school desks. The shop space features its old waxed boards and rusty manhole covers combined with glass flooring. The result is a bright, open space that keeps its unique and old-fashioned charm. When you have finished browsing the homeware designs you can go to recently launched Cafe Smug for a quirky coffee. Find it: 13 Camden Passage, N1 8EA; ifeelsmug.com Lizzie Evans, founder of Smug - press image NORTH Atelier Abigail Ahern, Islington Designer and author of 'A Girl's Guide to Decorating', Abigail Ahern, is known across the design industry for her glamorous taste and ability to design pieces that are bold but also tasteful. The shop is enchanting. The design pieces on display feel luxurious and glamorous and the huge array of brightly-coloured flowers create a unique shopping experience. Find it: 137 Upper St, N1 1QP; abigailahern.com NORTH Future and Found, Tufnell Park Named after what they stock, future being new designs from around the world, and found representing the array of vintage market finds on display, the shop provides what it promises. All their designs are simple and the colour palette is uncluttered you wont find an array of brash coloured objects here but rather muted shades. Find it: 225a Brecknock Rd, N19 5AA; futureandfound.com NORTH Triangle, Clapton Chatworth Road is a new London hotspot with its Sunday market, cafes and delis and Triangle is its latest addition as a design-led lifestyle store. Started by three close friends, Triangle sells everything from stylish teak tables to mid-century glassware via Scandinavian homeware from designers such as Normann Copenhagen. Find it: 92A Chatsworth Rd, E5 0LS; trianglestore.co.uk Triangle in Clapton - press image EAST HAUS, Victoria Park Haus offers a carefully considered selection of the best in contemporary furniture, lighting and homeware from their delightful East London shop. Products are sourced from leading European design brands and internationally renowned designers, as well as lesser known pieces from smaller producers and independent designers. Find it: 39 Morpeth Rd, E9 7LD; hauslondon.com EAST Earl of East London, Hackney This lifestyle brand prides itself in a love for mid-century and vintage products and offers stunning collectables, home decor items and personal accessories. Co-owners Niko and Paul have also developed their own range of interior fragrances inspired by their travels and memories. Find it: 13- 23 Westgate St, E8 3RL; earlofeastlondon.com Earl of East London lifestyle store - press image EAST SCP, Shoreditch Located in what used to be an old mattress factory in the middle of the Shoreditch Triangle, SCP Shoreditch has since been transformed into a chic location for interior design. Featuring over 200 brands over two floors, the shop showcases contemporary furniture and homeware accessories. On sale are also some of SCPs own designs which combine beauty with practicality. SCP are known to have launched famous names into the industry, such as James Irvine, Jasper Morrison and Terence Woodgate. Find it: 135-139 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3BX; scp.co.uk EAST Do Shop, Shoreditch Do Shop shows off the fun side of design. The shop features furniture, lighting, kitchenware which is functional but also inspiring. Do Shop also has the Do Masters programme where they select young design school graduates and market and sell their products in store. Most of the profit made then goes to the designers. Find it:16-28 Tabernacle Street, EC2A 4DD; do-shop.com EAST House of Hackney, Shoreditch If you're got a things for bold prints, then House of Hackney will be a treasure trove of design inspiration for you. Founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Javvy Royle and Frieda Gormley, the homeware products range from lampshades to shower curtains to wallpaper. You'll probably recognise their palm fronds design... Find it: 131-132 Shoreditch High St, E1 6JE; houseofhackney.com WEST The Old Cinema, Chiswick Dating back to the 1890s, The Old Cinema was just that. Now refurbished into Londons only department store dedicated to antiques, vintage and retro designs, it is well worth a visit. Items are sourced from around the world and many items are one off pieces that you wont find anywhere else. Find it: 160 Chiswick High Rd, W4 1PR; theoldcinema.co.uk WEST The Cloth Shop, Notting Hill The Cloth Shop is exactly what it calls itself. You will find a huge array of fabrics from around the world that are all made of natural fibres. Quilts from India, linens from Russia and woollen blankets from Ireland are all under one roof. If that wasnt enough the owners, Sam Harley and Alex Adams, who have been running the shop for over 20 years, can advise you on fabric measurements and recommendations. They really know their cloths! Find it: 290 Portobello Rd, W10 5TE; theclothshop.net WEST Tom Dixon, Portobello Dock The Tom Dixon shop is breath-taking. Nearly all of the items on sale are show-stopping pieces that would be the talking-point of a room. Established in 2002, this British product design brand turns everyday objects into extraordinary works of art. Even if you only want to have a browse, definitely stop by, you will be impressed. Find it: Wharf Building, Portobello Dock, 344 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5BU; tomdixon.net/uk Tom Dixon WEST Retrouvius, Kensal Green Founded by Adam Hills and Maria Speake, who met on their first day at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, their vision for the shop was unique. Salvaging items from skips, old offices and abandoned houses to name a few places, the shop is full of quirky pieces. Most pieces are sold as they were found, only a few are restored. Paul Smith once bought a device for measuring the length of men's trousers when horse riding from the shop. Current stock includes rare Derbyshire fossil limestone from the facade of a Farringdon demolition and Edwardian furniture from a London reference library. You really will find all sorts of odd things in Retrouvius. Find it: 1016 Harrow Rd, NW10 5NS; retrouvius.com/home WEST OKA, Chelsea What began as a mail orders interiors company in 1999, turned into an official shop in Parsons Green, by 2000. OKA offer hand-crafted rattan accessories and storage inspired by the Far East yet adapted and modernised for the West. OKA is now available in the prettiest spots across the UK. Find it: 155-167 Fulham Road, SW3 6SN; okadirect.com OKA Press SOUTH Do South Shop, Crystal Palace The perfect mix of rustic and modern. The Do South Shop was established in 2010 and has since become a warm and cozy home from home offering furniture, quirky lighting, luxury sofas and unique accessories to add that 'wow' factor. They also specialise in vintage furniture classics. Find it: 2 Westow Street, SE19 3AH; dosouthshop.com While luxury goods buyers probably arent penny-pinching, for those on a spree the savings can add up. A Speedy 30 handbag from Louis Vuitton costs 645 in London compared with 760 in Paris, $970 in New York, and 7,450 yuan in China, according to Deloitte. A mens cashmere V-neck sweater from Brunello Cucinelli, meanwhile, costs 650 in London, 840 in Paris, $995 in New York or 8600 yuan. In Londons Luxury Quarter, a rebranding of the upmarket shops and hotels anchored around New and Old Bond Streets, which includes Balenciaga and Aspinal of London, international spending (which is, before anyone gets too excited about HMRCs takings, tax-free) grew by 36 per cent in August and 18 per cent in September. Chinas huge luxury splurge in London was most noticeable, though, in the first week of October Golden Week, the twice-yearly national holiday which sees its wealthy folk flock abroad. Their tickets might have booked well before Brexit but their yuan had a lot more spending power when the Chinese arrived in fact, their trips were 20 per cent cheaper than at the same time last year. London's Luxury Quarter: Old Bond Street / Getty Images They shopped accordingly: Chinese tourist spending in the West End during Golden Week was more than triple last years total, to an average of 1,256 per shopper, according to the New West End Company. Fashion designer Amanda Wakeleys Mayfair and Chelsea stores have seen sales rise 30 per cent, something her partner Hugh Morrison partly credits to the very strong Golden Week performance from the Chinese. Wealthy euro-spenders are even flying in on private jet shopping sprees: booking firm PrivateFly says inbound London leisure flights from Europe are booming, thanks to the cheap pound. An Expedia poll of 11,000 Europeans put London as the top city for value and Penhaligons, the perfumier used by Prince Charles, says it has noticed the return of the European customer post-Brexit, especially the Italians and French. Shoppers, it adds, are trading up to our highest price-point collections or buying all four fragrances of a set at once. Thats 720 for four perfumes. We even had a customer buy 20 pieces of the collection in one go, the perfumier adds. This would cost more than 3,000. In Burlington Arcade, one of Londons oldest shopping centres, where Penhaligons perches alongside Chanel and Manolo Blahnik, post-Brexit sales shot up by an average of 20 per cent thanks to tourists, according to its European investor-owner Meyer Bergman. So far, most luxury goods firms havent upped their prices. Luxury brands are usually cautious about en masse pricing adjustments because that risks a negative perception in the eyes of the consumer, says Nick Pope, head of fashion and luxury goods at Deloitte. People dont like paying more for the same product. But that wont last forever. European brands in particular cant perennially swallow a painful exchange rate hit at their British businesses. Michael Ward of Harrods reckons luxury goods in London will be priced alongside the euro within three months. Fashion tongues claim a certain monogrammed bag company has already pushed up prices without hurting demand. A number of brands have started to move typically the ones with less price sensitivity in their customer base, Pope adds. But if this sterling position becomes the new normal, and margins come under continued pressure, Id expect more brands to respond with pricing adjustments. In the meantime, niche luxury industries are cashing in on the boom: you can barely hear an English voice on Marylebones Chiltern Street as Londons wedding suppliers roll around in Brexit-fuelled cash. And over in Chelsea, royal wedding-dress designer Sassi Holford says foreign brides have been banging down the door: Our US orders are up 50 per cent, as well as an increase in orders from South Korea and Japan. My London store had a Brexit-busting July and August but there was little difference in my other shop in Taunton. I get the impression tourists see what good value London is at the moment and are flying in to spend. Autumn wardrobe architect 1 /10 Autumn wardrobe architect Tourists are travelling here to buy the rest of their wedding gear too: Mayfairs House of Garrard, one of the worlds oldest jewellers, says its highly-mobile clientele are spending more as well as arriving in bigger numbers. One particular thing we have noticed, says chief executive Joanne Milner, is an increase in impulse buys from engagement rings to tiaras from the Garrard collection [which start at 1,190]. Will the boost last? The luxury goods industry is at pains to point out that shoppers arent just coming for bargains: Michelle Emmerson, chief executive of trade group Walpole, whose members include Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Harrods and Jimmy Choo, says while the exchange rate attracts customers, UK luxury retailers provide tailored experiences that serve international customers extended shopping hours, international payment systems, in-store dining, international delivery options, as well as multilingual staff. But since the weak pound doesnt look like it will recover any time soon, and with European-owned stores set to hike up their prices first, British brands could continue to feel the benefit. Follow Lucy Tobin on Twitter: @lucytobin A gay couple subjected to a tirade of abuse for holding hands in the street have voiced fears over a rise in homophobia in London. Chris Withers, 28, and his 26-year-old partner, who asked to remain anonymous, were told disgusting people like them are not welcome in the capital while walking near Charing Cross after a night out at a jazz club. The lighting designer, who lives in New Cross, south London, described how their drunken attacker hurled homophobic insults at them in Villiers Street at 2am. He told the Standard: It was all very puerile and childish. I turned round and, rightly or wrongly, said it really wasnt acceptable behaviour and at that point he started tailing us over the Jubilee footbridge and along the South Bank. The pair said they were not intimidated by the verbal assault but Mr Withers added that he did not expect to face such a tirade of abuse in the capital. I love London because its such a diverse city, its multi-cultural, its open and you just dont expect that here, he said. I could take the silly insults, but what upset me was when he said get out of my city, disgusting people like you are not welcome here. Mr Withers, who has lived in the capital for eight years, used his mobile phone to film the abuser in case things got nasty. Man police wish to speak to after two men were subjected to homophobic abuse in Charing Cross Police have now released the footage in a bid to track down the suspect. The victim said: My boyfriend and I have both noticed discrimination happening more often, not just homophobic, racial, sexist. Its not acceptable. Weve been spat at in Vauxhall and had chips thrown at us by a group of teenagers in Waterloo. Rise in racist and homophobic incidents reported following Brexit result Normally we just brush it off and carry on but I want to encourage people to come forward, report it to the police. This guy was just a drunk idiot but these people need to be made responsible for their actions. The suspect is described as a slim, white man, aged in his early 30s. He was wearing a black top, dark hooded jumper, jeans and trainers at the time of the attack. PC Emma Rogers, from Westminster CID, said: This is a shocking incident that has left both victims very distressed. We are keen to identify the man in the footage so we can speak to them about the incident. We would also urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue Anyone with information or any witnesses are urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A selfish charity boss who swindled a women's refuge out of more than 33,000 as it was on the brink of closure has been jailed for two years. Ruth Hiscock, 37, raided the accounts of the Harrow Womens Centre to secretly top up her salary after she was appointed finance officer and centre coordinator. The charity, offering an irreplaceable sanctuary for women in need, was plunged into a financial crisis in April 2013 when it was stripped of its council funding. Hiscock spoke publicly that the centre was on the verge of closure which would have a devastating effect on the women of the borough, and spearheaded efforts to secure a five-year grant from the Big Lottery Fund. However, it has now emerged Hiscock was siphoning off money for herself during the crisis. She was confronted by charity trustees when the two-year fraud was finally exposed, and confessed: I hold my hands up. I took the money and I admit I am guilty for all the payments that were taken on top of salary taken." Hiscock, of North Orbital Road, Watford, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, between 2013 and 2015, and at Harrow crown court yesterday she was jailed for two years. Prosecutor Maureen Flaherty told the court some refuge staff were not paid and the charity owed 26,000 in unpaid rent as a result of Hiscocks financial mismanagement. The defendants running of the charity was deemed to be successful, and utilising her strength of character and the manipulation of those she worked with, she managed to keep her position of authority, she said. An aggravating factor is that some of her fellow-workers were essentially short-changed. They were not paid and lost out. The refuge, in Andrew Close, Harrow, has for the last 20 years offered support for women in need, including legal advice, child care support, financial assistance, as well as counselling and welfare support. Hiscock was originally employed as a part-time bookkeeper, but impressed trustees so much that she was promoted to take overall charge of the centre. The court heard when staff complained about not being paid, Hiscock lied that the trustees were unhappy with their work in order to deflect any wrongdoing away from herself. Miss Flaherty said Hiscock created bogus invoices to cover her tracks and kept the fraud under wraps for so long as she came across as such a jovial, decent person. The trustees have been left feeling foolish that they could not protect the charity, she added. The fraud was eventually uncovered when trustees investigated why staff had not been paid and the rent had not been paid. Hiscock was initially accused of defrauding the charity out of more than 40,000, but prosecutors accepted yesterday she had taken a total of 33,771.26. Following sentencing, Detective Constable Phil Moor said: "Hiscock's selfish actions have had a significant impact on the community and almost resulted in the closure of a much-needed charity. "Hiscock abused her position of trust, deceived her colleagues, and took advantage of the Harrow Women's Centre for her own gain for more than two years. The Harrow Womens Centre trustees said in a statement Hiscock had jeopardised unique and irreplaceable services the charity offers. Ruth had full knowledge and appreciation of the potential consequences of what she was doing and the devastating impact it would have on the Harrow Womens Centre and therefore the community at large. L awyers working on behalf of Julian Assange have revealed they will appeal to US President-elect Donald Trump to end a criminal investigation into the WikiLeaks founder. Mr Assange was quizzed on Monday and Tuesday by Swedish prosecutors inside the Ecuadorian Embassy over sex allegations which he has denied. The WikiLeaks founder is also subject to a criminal probe in the US over the publication of classified documents about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan provided by whistleblower Bradley Manning. Mr Assange claimed political asylum inside the London embassy, where he has been holed up since 2012, amid fears he could be extradited to the US to face charges. Fresh hope: Lawyers working for Julian Assange hope to appeal to US President-elect Donald Trump to end a criminal investigation into the WikiLeaks founder / Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Following his interview with Swedish prosecutors, his lawyer Jennifer Robinson said he had co-operated fully and hoped the matter can now be closed. She said: "It is important to remember that he has never been charged and has already been cleared once by the previous prosecutor. Julian Assange marks WikiLeaks' 10th anniversary "We hope and expect that the prosecutor will come to the same conclusion." She added that she hoped to strike a dialogue with Mr Trump over the ongoing investigation with the US which was launched in 2010. Julian Assange's Cat - In pictures 1 /20 Julian Assange's Cat - In pictures AFP/Getty Images PA AFP/Getty Images PA PA EPA AP EPA EPA Julian Assange's cat sits at the window of Ecuador's embassy Reuters Reuters AFP/Getty Images Alex Lentati Jamie Wiseman for the Daily Mail PA She said: During that time we have repeatedly called for the investigation to be closed on the grounds it violates the First Amendment , and places a chill on freedom of speech and reporting. "Through US counsel, we had reached out to the Obama administration, most recently just a few months ago, and we will continue to do so with future US administrations until the investigation is closed." Loading.... Ms Robinson added the "absurd politicised situation" must draw to a close. Sweden's assistant prosecutor Ingrid Isgren and police inspector Cecilia Redell were present while questions were put to Mr Assange. They made no comment as they returned to Sweden, but a statement said: "As the investigation is ongoing, it is subject to confidentiality. Questioned: Swedish chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren leaves the Ecuadorian Embassy in London / EPA/HANNAH MCKAY This confidentiality also applies according to Ecuadorian legislation for the investigative measures conducted at the embassy. Therefore, the prosecutors cannot provide information concerning details of the investigation." A woman smashed through the doors of her local council offices on her mobility scooter when staff refused to answer her phone calls, a court heard. Nurjie Sela, 59, allegedly staged her own ram-raid by repeatedly reversing into the locked front doors of Hammersmith and Fulham council offices. She squirted oil over the floor, walls computers and desks and drove off on the scooter before police arrived, Hammersmith Magistrates Court heard. Sela then made off to the offices of Farrell, Matthews and Weir in Hammersmith Broadway and careered into the building before again squirting oil from a plastic bottle. She caused 3,000 of damage at the council office and another 200 of damage at the solicitors. Prosecutor Aimee Emby said: On the 23rd September at around 6pm the defendant attended the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham council office. The allegation is at she used her mobility scooter to reverse repeatedly into the front doors causing them to fall inwards. She then squirted liquid over the walls, floor, computers and desks. After briefly leaving she returned to continue her assault on the building, the court heard. Security staff tried to calm her down but she zoomed off, Ms Emby told the court. At 6:15pm she went to Farrell, Matthews and Weir solicitors on Hammersmith Broadway. Again she used the bottle of liquid to squirt on the stairs, floor and walls. The liquid is said to be cooking oil, said Ms Emby. Sela, who followed proceedings with the help of an Albanian interpreter, admits to going to both locations but denies criminal damage. She said she acted after the council and the solicitors did not respond to her phone calls or when she tried to talk to them directly. I did it because they did not answer, she said. The court heard that the allegation centres on a dispute with social services stretching back three years. Sela, of Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, denies two charges of criminal damage. Chair of the magistrates bench Tim MacAndrews released her on bail to next appear at City of London Magistrates Court for trial on January 11 next year. A surgeon has told how he used a playlist featuring Coldplay and Ellie Goulding to ensure he completed the UKs first robotic removal of a kidney tumour on the internet on time. Ben Challacombe, a consultant urological surgeon, had 30 minutes to remove the 3cm tumour from patient Jacqueline Nelson, sew up the kidney and restart its blood supply, or the organ would start to die. He used six songs, each lasting about five minutes, to indicate how much time he had left. The playlist opens with Coldplays Viva La Vida and Princess Of China, followed by So Far Away by Dire Straits, Burn by Ellie Goulding, and Just Give Me A Reason by Pink. The last song is Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis. I know that I need to do it within five songs, and if I hear the sixth song we are over time, Mr Challacombe said. I dont ever want to hear the Oasis song. He managed to finish in 21 minutes, and the whole operation, at Guys hospital, lasted two hours and removed about a third of Mrs Nelsons left kidney. Success: a live webcast showed Ben Challacombe, above, removing a kidney tumour It was the first time the procedure known as a partial nephrectomy had been beamed from a UK hospital to thousands of doctors and medical students taking part in the World Robotic Surgery Education 24-hour webcast. NHS England recently approved the use of robotic surgery for the treatment of kidney cancer. Mr Challacombe compared the key part of the operation to a pilot flying under 10,000ft, when full concentration is required: The music is our Below 10. It tells everybody I need their attention, and means I dont have to keep looking at the clock. He said the operation had been slightly stressful but a success. The key part of the operation is to leave enough functional kidney should something happen to the other kidney, you can live off it, he said. Mrs Nelson, 55, a pharmacy technician and grandmother from Canvey Island, was diagnosed after finding blood in her urine. A nurse at her GP surgery initially told her she had a urine infection but she forced her GP to refer her to Southend hospital for a scan, leading to the correct diagnosis. She was initially told that because the cancerous tumour was growing into her kidney and in an unusual position, the entire organ would have to be removed. Then she was given the option of keyhole robotic surgery at Guys. This operation is great for me because if they can preserve the healthier part, then I will have one and two-thirds kidneys, Mrs Nelson said. Its incredible what they can do now. I feel I have been quite privileged to get this operation. T he father of a teenager who died after suffering an asthma attack during a school detention today sobbed: Weve lost our son, weve got nothing left. Year 9 pupil Nasar Ahmed, 14, stopped breathing in an exclusion room at Bow School in Tower Hamlets, east London, where he was reportedly being punished for knocking a bin over. He was rushed to hospital but died four days later on Monday when his life-support machine was turned off. The death is now being investigated by police and Nasars family is demanding an investigation into what happened. His father Ashrafu Zaman, 48, said he was called into the school at 11.40am on Thursday after being told his son had done something naughty. He said: Nasar put his hands together and pleaded with me, saying Ill never do it again. Im so tired, Im not well, but they sent him to detention anyway. Nasar Ahmed, 14, died in detention Later that day I got the call saying he was unwell and I had to come in. I left work to rush down and there were four ambulances outside. The paramedics tried to stop me getting to him but I pushed past. I got into the room and saw my son on the floor. I saw them working on him to try and get him breathing again. Now weve lost our son, weve got nothing left. Nasars mother Ferdosie added: Nasar was ill growing up and it was a challenge raising him until he got to 14. Now he is gone out of this world without us. I cant believe it. A poignant photograph of Nasar in hospital before he died, released by his family, has been shared across Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #justice4nasar. His cousin Sani Begum, 38, said the family was demanding a full investigation, adding: We do not want any parents to go through what we have. Were all exhausted and going through hell. She said: As a kid he was popular, well-mannered, he would always help his parents with shopping. He was so clever and he wanted be a politician. He loved his classmates and theyve been with us crying in the house. We were all there when we switched off the machine in hospital. The school issued a statement insisting Nasar was supervised at all times in the detention room. Cath Smith, the schools executive headteacher, said: The whole school community sends our thoughts and prayers to him, and to his family. We will continue to offer support to the family, his fellow pupils and teachers at this very difficult time. John Biggs, the Mayor for Tower Hamlets, said: Ive requested a report into what happened but now our prayers should be with Nasar and his family. A Scotland Yard spokesman said the death is not thought to be suspicious and is being treated as unexplained. The inquiry is being conducted to prepare a file for the coroner. He added: Officers from Tower Hamlets are conducting a number of enquiries in relation to the incident and the investigation is ongoing. L ondon is one of the worst cities in the world to live in, according to the capital's foreign population. The city ranked poorly for quality of life, leisure options, safety and happiness in the Internations Expat Insider 2016 survey of 14,000 immigrants. Claiming to be "one of the most extensive studies ever conducted to explore the general living situation of expatriates, it ranked London 17th out of 35 global cities. The winner was Melbourne in Australia, which triumphed thanks largely to its stellar work-life balance, followed by Houston, US, in second and Spain's capital Madrid in third. Top: people cycle along the Yarra River in Melbourne, ranked the world's best city for expats / Getty Images The survey was conducted before Britain voted to leave the EU on June 23. An InterNations spokesman said: Even in pre-Brexit UK, expats in London rated the safety at a relatively low 24th position out of 35 cities. "At 65 per cent peacefulness, on the other hand, is well below the global average of 75 per cent. As the data was collected before the referendum in June, 80 per cent of expats still rated the political stability of London positively, compared to a 61 per cent global average. "However, the impact that Brexit will have on expats perceptions of London and the UK in general is still unclear." Young Brits head for the Aussie lifestyle post-Brexit They added: "It is unlikely to have a positive effect on expats living and working in London." London ranked highest in the work category, coming in at 16th place. Career prospects were rated positively by 76 per cent of respondents, eclipsing the worldwide average of 55%. However, it ranked 24th for quality of life, 26th for leisure options, 33rd for personal happiness, 18th for transport and 24th for both health and safety. M ayor of London Sadiq Khan has called on US workers disappointed with the election of Donald Trump to move to London. Mr Khan was speaking alongside Google chief Sundar Pichai as the tech giant announced plans to expand its offices in the capital and create thousands of new jobs. Referencing reports that many Americans began investigating how to emigrate to Canada following Donald Trump's shock win over Hillary Clinton - causing the Canadian immigration website to crash - Mr Khan suggested they look to the UK instead. "Millions of people, I'm told, used Google's search engine post the election on Tuesday - we know millions use it every single day," he said. "I heard one of the most googled things since Wednesday has been 'how do you emigrate?' "If talented people based in the US want to come here to London, my message is simple - London is open. Sadiq Khan calls Donald Trump's views on Islam ignorant - Good Morning Britain And our website's not going to crash." His words came as Google confirmed plans for a 1 billion new 10-storey expansion to its headquarters in Kings Cross, creating 3,000 new jobs. Round-up of Trump's most infamous comments in the run-up to his presidency Mr Pichai called the election and public reaction since a "challenging time", but said he was now hopeful of a smooth transition of power. "Coming from the US, we've obviously been going through an important moment and it's important to remember it's a democratic process," he said. "It's a robust and challenging democratic process. But it's important that we now have a smooth transition. "We've had a deeply divided election, but we now hopefully can move beyond the rhetoric of the campaign to actually getting things done. "And so I remain optimistic we will go through this transition well, but it's been a challenging time and it definitely weighs on all our minds." S adiq Khan today announced that he was officially supporting legal action against a third runway at Heathrow. The Mayor has instructed Transport for London to help four local councils and Greenpeace which are bringing the case against expansion. The transport body is expected to be named as an interested party in the action, which insiders believe will strengthen their hand. Mr Khan will then decide whether City Hall, at the taxpayers expense, will formally join the legal challenge. At City Hall question time, the Mayor hit out at the devastating environmental consequences of the Governments decision last month to back a third runway at Heathrow. Sadiq Khan: Heathrow expansion is 'wrong decision for London and Britain' I promised I wouldnt just stand by and see hundreds of thousands suffer from the additional noise and air pollution a third runway would cause, he said. Thats why Ive directed TfL to provide their expert advice and assistance to support Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth and Windsor and Maidenhead councils, and Greenpeace, as they prepare for a joint legal challenge, and why I will be ready for us to play an active role in the action if required. The Mayor said expansion would mean the intolerable prospect of an extra 200,000 Londoners, including 43,200 schoolchildren, being exposed to an unacceptable level of noise every day, leading to health problems related to stress and sleep disturbance. Heathrow Airport releases CGI video of new runway over M25 The runway would also lead to higher levels of toxic air in an area where pollution is already well above legal levels for NO2 emissions, Mr Khan claimed. Loading.... Ministers have argued that Heathrow expansion can be delivered within air quality requirements. However, the High Court rejected the Governments air quality plan two weeks ago. The Mayor also raised concerns over how the Government would find billions of pounds to improve road and rail connections to Heathrow. Welcoming the decision, Wandsworth council leader Ravi Govindia said: Transport for Londons resources and technical expertise will be hugely helpful to developing our case and exposing the deeply flawed logic supporting Heathrow expansion. War hero's widow vows to fight on as home near Heathrow faces demolition Greenpeaces John Sauven said: A third runway at Heathrow will inevitably heap more misery on hundreds of thousands of Londoners already suffering from illegal levels of air pollution. It will also drive the UKs climate-warning emissions through the roof. Ministers are already on the run from a court ruling that has exposed their current air pollution plan as a sham. Mr Khan, who U-turned on his original support for Heathrow after the air quality evidence changed, was in favour of expanding Gatwick, which he said could boost the economy without causing air pollution problems. It was also said Gatwick would be cheaper and quicker to expand than Heathrow. B oris Johnson came under stinging attack from European leaders today who accused him of basic mistakes about the EU rules - as a poll revealed half the public think the Government is mishandling Brexit. The former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, now the lead Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament, reacted angrily to a colourful interview in which Mr Johnson dismissed one of the central EU tenets as bollocks. Cant wait to negotiate with @BorisJohnson, so that I can read him Article 3 of the Treaty of Rome, tweeted the influential MEP. The Dutch finance minister also piled in with scathing criticism of Britains Foreign Secretary, saying he was saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable. Polish woman booed on Question Time for saying she feels unwelcome since Brexit Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who heads the Euro group of finance ministers, warned on BBC Newsnight: There is no win-win situation. Its going to be a lose-lose situation...and in the best case if we set aside all emotions and try to reach an agreement that is least damaging. Anger erupted after Mr Johnson went off message in an interview with a Czech newspaper, in which he argued Britain could leave the EUs customs union while keeping free trade with the single market area. Mr Johnson further annoyed EU leaders by heaping scorn on one of the prized four freedoms of the EU: The idea that freedom of movement is a fundamental right of the EU is just bollocks, he said. The public spat came as an Ipsos MORI survey found 48 per cent of the public already think the Government has done a bad job at handling Britains exit from the European Union. Loading.... In another setback, the influential Institute for Government think tank endorsed claims by consultants Deloitte that Whitehall was unprepared for Brexit. It said 25 per cent efficiency cuts were undeliverable at such a time of strain on the Whitehall machine. 'Let's get even': Nigel Farage says there will be riots if Brexit is blocked Ipsos MORI found the public deeply divided about Mrs Mays attempts to move Article 50, which will begin the exit process next year, without allowing MPs to vote on whether they want a hard or soft Brexit. Three High Court judges ruled that Article 50 cannot be moved without a vote in Parliament, which some MPs and peers see as chance to tie the Prime Ministers hands by stipulating she should try to retain single market membership, for example. Landmark Brexit Ruling: What happened and what happens next? However the poll found 44 per cent agree with her that any vote should be narrowly limited to the question of moving Article 50, leaving her free to negotiate as she sees fit. A smaller minority of 37 per cent backed MPs like Nick Clegg who want parliament to vote on the terms of Britains future relationship with the EU. This soared to 62 per cent among Londoners, reflecting the capitals backing for Remain in the June referendum. Loading.... The monthly survey found the Tories have a nine point lead over Labour, with the Conservatives on 42 per cent, Labour on 33, the Liberal Democrats on 10, and Ukip at seven. Loading.... Nearly nine in 10 Conservatives are happy with Mrs Mays performance, but fewer than half of Labour supporters were satisfied with Jeremy Corbyn. Loading.... Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos MORI, said: Theresa Mays honeymoon over Labour continues, but that isnt stopping the public being critical of her governments handling of Brexit. "And with deep divisions in society continuing on Britains relationship with Europe, its not going to get any easier for her. The Centre for London think tank, is today hosting a conference on the capitals place in the post-Brexit world. Theresa May: Brexit is an opportunity to make globalisation work for all Ben Rogers, Director at Centre for London said: Londoners, especially young Londoners, are worried about the effects that Brexit will have on the London economy and on their own standard of living and want London government to have more power to address the capitals challenges. G erman-speaking minister Greg Hands has sought to rally businesses in Bavaria to pile pressure on Chancellor Angela Merkel to strike a trade-boosting Brexit deal. International trade minister Mr Hands said that Bavarian companies export more than 12 billion (10.34 billion) of goods to Britain a year, more than half of which are from its giant car industry. British goods worth 6 billion (5.17 billion) are shipped annually to Bavaria. These figures are remarkable, he told business chiefs in Munich earlier this month. In his speech delivered in German, Mr Hands emphasised that his message was that Britain is open for business and that firms should not be afraid of Brexit. Mrs Merkel is seen as crucial in shaping the type of agreement that is reached between Britain and the EU as it quits the union. She opened the door yesterday to a limited EU-wide loosening of the rules on freedom of movement which could pave the way for Britain gaining good access to the single market after Brexit. S cores of puppies have been rescued at a Welsh port following illegal attempts to smuggle them into the country. Two shipments containing nearly 100 dogs, which included beagles, basset hounds, labradoodles and Pomeranians, were intercepted at Holyhead Port by Border Force officials, the RSPCA said. Investigators said the puppies were kept in filthy crates without food or water while attempts were made to smuggle the transported dogs behind bales of wood shavings. The puppies, aged around seven weeks old, were found on two separate ferries arriving at Holyhead from Dublin on Tuesday. "Shocking": The dogs were found in filthy conditions on two separate ferries from Dublin / RSPCA/PA Wire The RSPCA said the discovery highlighted a shocking example of the illegal puppy trade as unscrupulous dealers bid to cash in on the dogs. Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, said: "These poor puppies were being carted into Wales in deeply inappropriate conditions in the early hours of the morning. "Sadly, to unscrupulous dealers, these young pups are nothing more than a cash bonanza - and dealers would have been targeting tens of thousands of pounds from these shipments. "This is another shocking example of people being readily prepared to act illegally and compromise the welfare of defenceless animals to make a quick buck - but, fortunately, they were stopped in their tracks. "The RSPCA was delighted to be able to work so closely with a number of partner agencies to target these puppy dealers, and their involvement with us demonstrates the importance of working together in the interests of animal welfare. Caged: The RSPCA said the discovery was a "shocking example" of the illegal puppy trade / RSPCA/PA Wire We are hugely grateful as to the commitment they have shown this critical issue. "We believe thousands of unsuspecting buyers purchase puppies who have been imported in shocking conditions, handing huge profits to unscrupulous traders." The RSPCA said the dogs were checked over and deemed fit enough to travel back to Ireland where they are now in care. Gareth Pritchard, Deputy Chief Constable of North Wales Police and National Police Chiefs' Council lead for dangerous dogs and companion animals, added: "There is concern from many police forces about how criminals are seeking to make money from illegal and inappropriate puppy importation. Probe: The puppies were found on Tuesday / RSPCA/PA Wire "These activities can cause severe animal welfare problems and provide revenue for criminals. "We are pleased to work with the RSPCA on this important operation and the recent activity does demonstrate the scale of the problem. We will continue our discussions with the Welsh Government and Defra to seek improved controls on importation." P rince Harrys relationship with actress Meghan Markle is so serious that he is poised to personally fund protection for the woman he loves. The fifth in line to the throne is ready to hire a retired Scotland Yard Personal Protection Officer to shadow Miss Markle when she is in the UK. Miss Markle, 35, is said to be relaxed about the situation and believes such a move is charming but unnecessary. But Harry, 32, still haunted by the death of his mother Princess Diana while being pursued by foreign paparazzi, is understood not to want to leave his girlfriends personal safety to chance. Prince Harry hits out at media over 'abuse' of girlfriend Meghan Markle One senior inside security source said: There have been initial discussions about this matter. "HRH has made it clear that he believes Miss Markles personal safety is paramount and that the behaviour of some elements of the media and press has been grossly unacceptable. But in the end it comes down to a matter of cost, who is paying for what. Protecting the Royal Family is a hugely expensive business. There is a precedent for senior Royals hiring retired officers from the elite Scotland Yard department to watch over their loved ones. Prince Harry is ready to hire a retired Scotland Yard Personal Protection Officer to shadow Miss Markle / Getty Most notably The Prince of Wales hired his trusted former Personal Protection Officer (PP0) the late Sgt. Andy Crichton to watch over the Duchess of Cornwall when, as Camilla Parker Bowles, she was reportedly pelted with bread rolls by upset women in her local supermarket. Another well-placed source told the Evening Standard: Scotland Yard operates the Royal Diplomatic Department. It is an elite department of officers. Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits "It is therefore not cheap to run and like anywhere in the publicly funded sector they have been subject to stringent Government funding cuts. It means that even blood royal princesses, such as Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of HRH the Duke of York, while still protected round the clock, their protection is not totally funded by the taxpayer and The Duke, their father, has to contribute to protection when they are off duty. Of course the mainstream Royals - The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Cambridges and Prince Harry all still get 24/7 Protection provided by Scotland Yard and SO14. Miss Markle, 35, famous for her star role in the hit TV US drama Suits, has been dating Prince Harry for around two months and has been staying with him at Kensington Palace recently. Last week, Prince Harry instructed Kensington Palace to issue an unprecedented statement confirming their relationship and attacking abuse and harassment his girlfriend was being subjected to. Princess Dianas former Personal Protection Officer Inspector Ken Wharfe, now a security consultant and best-selling author, told The London Evening Standard: It is extremely unlikely that Scotland Yard would fund protection for Miss Markle at this stage. Harry is still haunted by the death of his mother Princess Diana while being pursued by foreign paparazzi / Georges De Keerle/Getty Images In America and Canada where she lives she is well used to the attention she gets as a star actress. But nothing can prepare a person, even a Hollywood actor, for the attention they get once they are associated seriously with or a member of the British Royal Family, especially if you are in the sights of the paparazzi and the tabloid press. The bottom line is if it is believed that Miss Markle is a serious contender to be Prince Harrys bride then of course the reporters and photographers of the Press will do their job. That is fair enough. Meghan Markle - In pictures 1 /53 Meghan Markle - In pictures Actress/model Meghan Markle attends the pARTy! - celebrating 25 years of P.S. ARTS on May 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California Getty Images Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Street artist Pegasus' art work which appeared in Highbury and Islington. @pegasusart Meghan Markle in Ibiza Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle attends Glamour and L'Oreal Paris Celebrate 2016 College Women Of The Year at NoMad Hotel Rooftop on 27 April 2016 in New York City Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images Actress Meghan Markle attends P.S. Arts' The pARTy at NeueHouse Hollywood on 20 May 2016 in Los Angeles, California Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Meghan Markle.. 'Today' Show, New York in 2016 MediaPunch/Rex Features Meghan Markle, Lexus-mosphere, Lexus Street Style, Day Two, MADE Fashion Week, New York in 1015 BFA/Rex Features Meghan Markle Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle attends the NBC's 2015 New York Summer Press Day at Four Seasons Hotel New York on 24 June 2015 in New York City Robin Marchant/Getty Images Meghan Markle attends Wes Gordon runway show during MADE Fashion Week Fall 2015 at Milk Studios on 13 February 2015 in New York City Getty Images Meghan Markle attends the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Spring Studios in 2015 Getty Images Model Meghan Markle attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 13th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street on October 28, 2014 in New York City Larry Busacca/Getty Images Meghan Markle attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 13th Annual An Enduring Vision Benefit at Cipriani Wall Street powered by CIROC Vodka on 28 October 2014 in New York City Getty Images Meghan Markle poses backstage at the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 at The Theatre at Lincoln Center on 08 February 2014 in New York City Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Meghan Markle arriving for the World Premiere of The Hunger Games : Catching Fire, at the Odeon Leicester Square, London in 2013 Matt Crossick/PA Meghan Markle attends the London Global Gift Gala at ME Hotel on 19 November 2013 in London Getty Images Meghan Markle attends the ELLE Women in Television Celebration presented by Hearts on Fire Diamonds and Wella Professionals held at Soho House on 24 January 2013 in West Hollywood, California Getty Images Actress Meghan Markle attends the Rising Stars: 2012 Producers Ball during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2012 in Toronto, Canada Getty Images Meghan Markle Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle Meghan Markle/Facebook Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits Meghan Markle in Anti-Social: Special Edition - Trailer Meghan Markle in Anti-Social: Special Edition - Trailer Meghan Markle in Anti-Social: Special Edition - Trailer Meghan Markle in Anti-Social: Special Edition - Trailer Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in Suits (Season 5) NBC Universal Media But in this day and age it does leave her a little exposed.. He went on: Should, however, Prince Harry fund a retired, and therefore unarmed, ex S014 officer to accompany her whilst in the UK I think it would be a sensible move. The expertise in dealing with situations and associations with existing officers in the department and appreciation of our policing systems could prove timely, and yes, crucial." Prince Harry received more than 10 million when he turned 30 on September 15 his share of the inheritance from his mother Princess Diana. The cost of a retired freelance SO14 officer full time would be around 50,000 annually as they would already receive a final salary pension. A Kensington Palace spokesman said: We wouldnt comment on private matters. A child aged two shot its one-year-old baby sibling in the face while they sat inside a parked car at a shopping mall in the US. The baby was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after the shooting at the shopping centre car park in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Police are unsure how the two-year-old child managed to get hold of the gun. Officers said two adults were with the children at the time of the incident. Police were called to the mall car park near the corner of North Foster Drive and Greenwell Springs Road on Tuesday night at about 7.20pm local time. A spokesman said the family drove the injured child to the hospital rather than wait on an ambulance. The child was taken to the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Centre. An investigation into the incident is under way. D onald Trump is in discussion with his advisers over making immigrants from Muslim countries register on a national database, it has been claimed. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach said he had been in talks with the president-elects advisers for the past three months to help him hit the ground running with anti-immigration policies. Mr Kobach, who helped write tough immigration laws in Arizona and elsewhere, said he was helping with introducing extreme vetting of Muslims entering the United States as a national security measure. He said his immigration policy group could recommend the reinstatement of a national registry of immigrants and visitors who enter the United States on visas from countries where extremist organisations are active. Round-up of Trump's most infamous comments in the run-up to his presidency Mr Kobach helped design a previous program, known as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), while serving in Republican President George W Bush's Department of Justice after the September 11 attacks. Under NSEERS, people from countries deemed "higher risk" were required to undergo interrogations and fingerprinting on entering the United States. Some non-citizen male US residents over the age of 16 from countries with active militant threats were required to register in person at government offices and periodically check in. Donald Trump's victory speech after winning US election NSEERS was abandoned in 2011 after it was deemed redundant by the Department of Homeland Security and criticised by civil rights groups for unfairly targeting immigrants from Muslim- majority nations. Mr Kobach said the immigration advisers were also looking at how the Homeland Security Department could rapidly build a wall with Mexico without approval from Congress by reappropriating existing funds in the current budget. The claims come after Mr Trump gave his first TV interview and promised to deport or imprison up to 3 million illegal immigrants. Americans in London react to Trump victory He told CBS show 60 Minutes: "What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million, we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate. "But were getting them out of our country, theyre here illegally. D onald Trump gave the media the slip last night to take his family out for a celebratory dinner amid growing claims his presidential transition plans are in disarray. The US president-elects break with protocol is the clearest sign yet that the billionaire former reality star intends to take an unconventional route to the White House. Mr Trump was greeted with a standing ovation from stunned diners at the famed 21 Club after arriving with wife Melania and his four grown-up children and their respective partners. But the press pool kept in the dark about the visit was not so happy. Theyd been told by the soon-to-be 45th president that he was settled down for the night at Trump Tower at about 6pm and they might as well go home. A little over one hour later, Mr Trump and his family entourage emerged from the upscale Manhattan apartment block - the scene of angry demonstrations last week - and took a motorcade to the restaurant where he held a wedding reception with his first wife, Ivana, in 1977. The supposedly secret trip was discovered when a reporter from the Bloomberg news agency, who was at the restaurant by chance, took a photo of the Trump party. Donald Trump: Is the President-elect already breaking campaign promises? It was the first time the property tycoon had left Trump Tower since arriving back in New York from Washington DC last Thursday. Every president and president-elect in recent memory has travelled with a pool of journalists when leaving the White House grounds. News organisations take turns serving in the small group, paying their way and sharing the material collected in the pool with the larger press corps. Donald Trump masks - Factory struggles to cope with demand The White House depends on having journalists nearby at all times to relay the president's first comments on breaking news. President Obama has a media pool that follows him around the capital as well as one that travels with him on Air Force One and is almost never without a press pool. Donald Trump: President-elect / REUTERS Washington insiders say in-fighting among the Republican nominees transition team is causing chaos as Mr Trump tries to settle on a Cabinet. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and national security advisor Mike Rogers, both tipped for top jobs, are said to have been axed. Axed: Chris Christie But after arriving home from his surprise outing last night, Mr Trump insisted that everything was in order. Donald Trump says protests against him are 'unfair' Sending a tweet that appeared to reference his reality show past, Mr Trump wrote: Very organised process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a vice chair of the transition and a top contender for the secretary of state role, told the New York Times the discord was completely normal. US election 2016: Newspaper front pages react to Donald Trump win 1 /24 US election 2016: Newspaper front pages react to Donald Trump win The Washington Post The Washington Post New York Daily News 'House of horrors,' the New York City paper says. The New York Times The New York Times USA Today President Trump, says USA Today. New York Post Colourful front page with the words President Trump from the New York Post. The Daily Telegraph, Sydney 'W.T.F.' says the Australian Daily Telegraph in Sydney. The Miami Herald The Miami Herald in battleground state Florida, which Trump won. The Baltimore Sun The Baltimore Sun Beaver County Times, Pennysylvania Beaver County Times, Pennysylvania, a key swing state where Trump triumphed. Dallas Morning News The Dallas Morning News South Florida Sun Sentinel The Sun Sentinel paper in Florida, a battleground state where Trump won. El Periodica El Periodica, a morning daily newspaper based in Barcelona, Spain, carries the headline: 'God forgives America'. La Razon, Spain Spanish newspaper La Razon splashes with the headline: The Populist States of America Liberation, France 'Trumpocalypse': France's daily newspaper Liberation has a bleak looking front page for its special election edition. The i The i newspaper's 'disunited states' front. The Metro 'It's Trump,' says the Metro. The Daily Telegraph The UK's Daily Telegraph Evening Standard Trump Triumph shock the world Evening Standard It happened in the Reagan transition. Clinton had delays in hiring people, he said, referring to past presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. This is a hard thing to do. ransitions always have glitches. This is an enormously complex process, he added. Among those visiting the election victor yesterday were Senator Ted Cruz, who branded Mr Trump a snivelling coward during the Republican primaries, and the businessmans former wife, Marla Maples. C hina has censored websites which have mocked the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un - by referring to him as "Kim Fatty the Third". North Korean officials, fearing that the dictator would find out about the nickname, lodged a formal request with China to prohibit names disparaging their leader from appearing online or in Chinese media. The nickname Kim Fatty the Third is often used in China to poke fun at the North Korean leader who reportedly weighs up to 20 stone and is the third generation of his family to rule North Korea. Reports have said the insult is so commonplace that auto-complete algorithms on Chinese search engines even suggest the phrase. Kim Jong Un addresses the Korean People's Army / KCNA/ REUTERS It is thought to be especially popular among young Chinese who tend to look down on their countrys would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the North's nuclear weapons programme, which China has condemned along with South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. But Beijing continues to support the regime with limited trade and diplomatic backing. A New Zealand bishop has blamed earthquakes on gays, sinners and murderers. Bishop Brian Tamaki of the Pentecostal fundamentalist movement, Destiny Church, told churchgoers that the earth convulses under the weight of certain human sin. "It spews itself up after a while - that's natural disasters - because nature was never created to carry the bondage of our iniquity." Bishop Tamaki was speaking the day before a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand s south island, killing two and leaving thousands cut-off. A video of the sermon was posted on the churchs Facebook page. The bishop has previously blamed a gay priest and the people of Christchurch for the earthquakes which hit Canterbury in 2010 and 2011, killing 185 people. T he Duke of Cambridge today took his campaign to end illegal trade in animal parts such as rhino horn to one of the worlds top destinations for trafficked wildlife products. He arrived in Vietnam for a two day official visit to give a positive message to local people about how they can help save animals at risk of extinction from industrial scale smuggling and to address a global conference on trafficking. Vietnam is known as one of the worlds leading transit centres for the trade in animal parts, many poached in Africa, but the Duke hopes his visit will boost its governments efforts to clamp down on traffickers. Ahead of his speech tomorrow Prince William visited Hong Ha Primary School, where many of the pupils are children of traditional medicine practitioners. Prince William visits Vietnam to fight against illegal ivory trade The children read Im a Little Rhino, a childrens book produced by the Vietnamese Government to educate children about the threat to wild rhinos and the lack of effectiveness of rhino horn as medicine. He also visited a traditional medicine shop on Lan Ong Street, Hanois hub for traditional medicine, where he spoke to a traditional medical practitioner about work to curb use of products like rhino horn in traditional treatments. The trip included talks with Vietnams Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the presidential palace in the capital Hanoi. A Kensington Palace spokeswoman said: During his call on the Prime Minister, the Duke spoke about the strength of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam and said he was looking forward to hearing what Vietnam was doing to tackle the challenges presented by the illegal wildlife trade. William is a patron of conservation charity Tusk Trust and is president of United For Wildlife, an umbrella organisation of conservation groups. In advance of the Third Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade the Vietnamese authorities last weekend destroyed more than two tonnes of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns. The nearly 5,000lb (2,200kg) of seized material - estimated to be worth more than 5.5 million on the black market - came from some 330 African elephants and 23 rhinos slaughtered by poachers. The animals were killed to meet the demand for ivory, which is used to make jewellery and home decorations, and rhino horns, which some people mistakenly believe can cure cancer. One Vietnamese village Nhi Khe has been described as an industrial-scale crime hub for rhino horn and elephant products and a supermarket for illegal wildlife trafficking at a special hearing of the new Wildlife Justice Commission in The Hague earlier this week. The Princes spokesman said: He knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation. A pizza shop customer shot and killed one thief and injured another as they tried to hold-up a restaurant, US authorities said. The shooting happened at Porfirios Pizza and Pasta restaurant in a shopping mall in Levittown, near Philadelphia. The armed customer reportedly shot at the intruders as they reached for their guns, Middletown Police Chief Joe Bartorilla said. One suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. The second suspect was taken to a hospital. His condition was not immediately clear. The scene of the attack / Michelle Heil Bartorilla said the customer and two pizza shop employees were the only people in the restaurant when the two armed suspects walked in. The Bucks County Courier Times reported that the two employees were not hurt and the customer declined medical attention at the scene. According to Bartorilla, the customer's gun was properly registered. Police were still trying to confirm whether the man had a concealed carry permit. Police have not yet released the names of the customer or the two alleged robbers. A US mayor has resigned after apparently praising an online comment which described Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels." Beverly Whaling stepped down as the mayor of Clay in West Virginia after a post under her name appeared on a Facebook post saying the remark "made my day." It came a day after the director of a local government-funded charity was removed from her position over her Facebook post. Following last weeks presidential election Pamela Ramsey Taylor, director of the Clay County Development Corp., wrote on Facebook: It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House. Adding: Im tired of seeing an Ape in heels. A screenshot of the comments posted on Facebook According to NBC affiliate WSAZ Ms Whaling, the mayor, replied: Just made my day Pam. The comments have since been deleted from Facebook. The mayors resignation came after more than 150,000 people signed an online petition calling for her to step down. In a statement to The Washington Post Ms Whaling said: "My comment was not intended to be racist at all. I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! US Election: Donald Trump's wife Melania mirrors Michelle Obama speech from 2008 I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not of any way racist! "Again, I would like to apologize for this getting out of hand!" Ms Taylor reportedly issued an apology to WSAZ but argued that responses to her post had turned into a hate crime against me. She said she and her children had received death threats. A US priest placed an aborted foetus on his altar for a sermon as he urged his congregation to vote for Donald Trump. Father Frank Pavone stood behind the altar as the corpse of the foetus lay on it on the Sunday before the US election. "Today, two days before the election, I have taken the extraordinary step of showing you this child, because there are many in this country who still do not realise that we can prevent and must prevent a monumental disaster happening to our nation," he said. He added that Hillary Clinton wanted to protect abortion while Donald Trump wanted to protect babies right to life. The Catholic priest now faces an investigation from his bishop, Patrick Zurek of the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas. In a statement Bishop Zurek said: Father Frank Pavone has posted a video on his Facebook page of the body of an aborted fetus, which is against the dignity of human life and is a desecration of the altar. We believe that no one who is pro-life can exploit a human body for any reason, especially the body of a foetus. He said he had already conducted a funeral and that he had obtained the foetus through a pathologist who entrusted him with the body. S cottish MSPs have debated taking action against the new shape of Toblerones in change blamed on Brexit. Colin Beattie from the SNP lodged a motion, branded a waste of parliamentary time by rivals, over the decision to widen the gaps between the segments of the chocolate bar. Toblerone manufacturer Mondelez International announced the change last week and blamed it on rising food prices. The decision sparked anger among fans of the triangular snack. Mr Beattie's Wednesday motion called on the UK Government to take "speedy action to rectify the change" and said it was "emblematic of the devastating consequences that Brexit could bring". Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles hit back with a string of confectionary-based puns, saying: "Toblerone won't be the only chocolate bar that will change as companies crunch the numbers. "The Tories' Brexit fudge means we must have a referendum on the final terms of our exit. "We all know Brexit won't be a picnic but Mr Beattie should realise that the SNP's attempt to introduce a double decker of uncertainty through another breakaway will only make the situation worse." Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: "It appears that the SNP's quest to find grievance in all things has now entered the confectionery stall. What a joke. "However, given the grief Mr Beattie is suffering over the scaling-down of Toblerone, the Scottish Conservatives pledge today to buy him some good Scots chocolate, like a pack of Tunnock's tea cakes which - regardless of Brexit - remain as delicious and substantial as always." A Labour source said: "This took us by surprise - the SNP's whole mission is greater separation. "Even the most sweet-toothed of Scottish taxpayers must be wondering if this is the best use of parliamentary time, some might even say Mr Beattie is about as much use as a chocolate teapot." H agrid rides a flying motorbike, Harry has his broomstick and every Hogwarts pupil goes to school on a magical train. In the real world, Muggles are stuck with planes but, from today, budding wizards can at least take a bit of magic with them when they fly. A Harry Potter shop is opening at Heathrow Airport, the second in London after the Platform 9 store at Kings Cross. Bosses say J K Rowlings wizarding world is now a quintessentially British brand and believe tourists will be as keen to buy Gryffindor scarves as they are Union Jack T-shirts or model black cabs. Its launch was timed to coincide with the release of spin-off film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, which is out on Friday. The 600 sq ft store, in departures at Terminal Five, will stock merchandise from the film as well as products from play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Parts I & II, which until now have been available only at the Palace Theatre. It will also sell items from the Warner Bros Studio Tour and all the other products from Rowlings original books and their film adaptations. Passengers can buy Hogwarts robes for 65, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans at 10.50 for a pack of three and the entire Harry Potter book series for 60. Themed travel products for children, such as colouring books and card games, will also be on sale. Chris Annetts, retail director of Heathrow, said: People travelling through Heathrow regularly tell us gift items are important and they wish to pick them up in the terminal before travelling. Harry Potter is a huge brand and people seem to have an endless want for it. It is a quintessentially British brand and we are proud to be combining the magic of Harry Potter with the magic of flying. We have gifts in stores with buses and cabs on and we think Harry Potter merchandise will sell as well. It is an iconic British brand. Magical setting: store assistant Amy Rousseau at Heathrows new Harry Potter shop / Alex Lentati Jonathan Sands, one of the team behind the shop, said: This is the first shop to bring all of the wizard world together. It is very exciting. We were offered the opportunity to work with Heathrow and we jumped at it as a way of reaching a new audience. Brand expert Jon White, managing director of consultancy Elmwood, said: The story has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many people, who are now handing it down to the next generation of fans. It would not have stuck around for so long if that wasnt the case. It is very lucrative and with the show, the tour, the new movie it is showing no signs of stopping. It is absolutely a very British thing now. C arrie Fisher has claimed that she had an intense on-set affair with Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford. Nearly 40 years after they shot the first film in the franchise, the US actress has revealed that the on-screen lovers were also having a passionate relationship off-screen. Fisher, 60, who played Princess Leia in the iconic sci-fi films, has said that she enjoyed a three-month affair with the then married father-of-two when she was 19 and he was 33. Speaking about going public with the affair in her forthcoming book, Fisher told People: It was so intense. It was Han and Leia during the week and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend. Reunited: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in 2015 / Jesse Grant/Getty Images In new book The Princess Diarist, Fisher writes: I looked over at Harrison. A hero's face - a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. "How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Premiere 1 /38 Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Premiere Star of the show Daisy Ridley at 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' eurpoean film premiere, London David Fisher/Rex John Boyega attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Justin Tallis/AFP/gETTY iMAGES Director's Cut J.J. Abrams attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Solo has landed Harrison Ford attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Make way for the original Princess Carrie Fisher at 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' film european premiere David Fisher/Rex The real 3P0 Anthony Daniels attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Lupita Nyong'o at 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' film premiere David Fisher/Rex Beckham United Jnr Romeo Beckham (L) and Brooklyn Beckham attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Skywalker sqaud Mark Hamill with daugher Chelsea Hamill and wife Marilou York attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Glittering star Daisy Ridley at 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' eurpoean film premiere, London David Fisher/ Rex Gwendoline Christie attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Meet the new bad guy Adam Driver (R) and Joanne Tucker attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Rolling with it Droid character BB-8 at the European Premiere of Star Wars, The Force Awakens in Leicester Square, London Paul Hackett/Reuters Aliens on the red carpets Jawa's and Sand People attending the Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Premiere Ian West/PA Darth Vader and company Darth Vader and Chewbacca pose with stormtroopers at the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Double droids C-3PO and R2-D2 attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Dave Benett Oscar Isaac attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Hello Wicket Warwick Davis attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett The real Chewbacca Peter Mayhew attending the Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Premiere Ian West/PA Sophie Hunter and Benedict Cumberbatch attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett George Lucas (L) and Mellody Hobson attend the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens Dave Benett Big fan Simon Pegg attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Diego Luna attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett Chewie and friends ans dressed up as Star Wars character pose ahead of the European Premiere of "Star Wars The Force Awakens" Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images Lightsabers at the ready ans receive light sabres before the start of the European Premiere of "Star Wars The Force Awakens" Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images This way to the Dagobar system Fans wait ahead of the European Premiere of "Star Wars The Force Awakens" Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images The force is strong Fans gather in Leicester Square for hte Star Wars:The Force Awakens European Premiere Jeremy Selwyn Myleene Klass attends the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in Leicester Square Dave Benett "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him - he was kind. While Ford is yet to comment on the claims, he was reportedly sent a first draft of the book ahead of publication. Star Wars episode 8 filming confirmed in teaser clip Fisher has since denied that she wrote about their sex life in the book, saying that some lines had been taken out of context. She wrote on Twitter: I couldnt get twitter working on my new phone so Ive been away during this out of context book excerpt time. (sic) I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture--chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise. Fisher and Ford recently reunited to star together in The Force Awakens. J eremy Clarkson has claimed that he was deliberately barred from boarding a flight home by an ignorant airport worker. The Grand Tour presenter said that he and his team werent allowed to get on a BA flight from Stuttgart to Heathrow this week over the Top Gear Falklands War row. Speaking to The Sun, Clarkson claims that they were stopped at the departure gate after getting the call to board from the lounge. Our security guys turned round and said, Theyre not letting us on, he said. The Grand Tour- first look 1 /6 The Grand Tour- first look Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg film their first studio episode PA/Amazon Prime Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg arrive on their brand new set PA/Amazon Prime The studio audience surround the trio in the pop up studio PA/Amazon Prime The makeshift studio in Johannesburg PA/Amazon Prime First look at the new series of The Grand Tour PA/Amazon Prime He went on to allege that Manuel Pereira, who was working on the gate, purposefully denied them access to the plane, saying that he was from Argentina. I said to this little bald guy, Whats the problem? He had a big smile on his face. He said, Youve missed it. We said we had left the lounge when we were told, and he said, Im from Argentina so f*** you. Richard Hammond and our producer also heard him. It was disgraceful. Amazon launch trailer of The Grand Tour Speaking to The Sun, Mr Pereira said that he is in fact Spanish and denied swearing, adding: "I would never say such a thing. I wasn't rude. I was polite and professional". Clarkson also claims that the airport official had accused them of being too drunk to board the flight, despite the fact that theyd only had one can of beer. He has even called for Mr Pereiras arrest, saying: This ignorant little worm made us miss our plane and he will pay for it. Clarkson and the Top Gear team were forced to flee Argentina back in 2014 after it was claimed that the number plate on one of their cars, reading H982 FKL, was a reference to the Falklands War. Clarkson, 56, claimed he was barred from boarding a British Airways flight to Heathrow from Stuttgart, Germany, on Monday night over an alleged row over the Falklands which was sparked during a controversial Top Gear episode from 2014. The TV presenter claimed Argentinian airport worker Manuel Pereira stopped him from boarding the flight in what Clarkson described as a hate crime. Mr Pereira allegedly said: Im from Argentina, so f*** you. A representative from Stuttgart Airport confirmed Mr Pereira was Spanish and not Argentinian. The Grand Tour- first look 1 /6 The Grand Tour- first look Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg film their first studio episode PA/Amazon Prime Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg arrive on their brand new set PA/Amazon Prime The studio audience surround the trio in the pop up studio PA/Amazon Prime The makeshift studio in Johannesburg PA/Amazon Prime First look at the new series of The Grand Tour PA/Amazon Prime A police spokesperson has since said Clarkson and his team, including Richard Hammond and James May, missed repeated calls for their flight. The film crew with Mr Clarkson paused in the lounge and thereby they did not hear the call for the delayed flight to London, the spokesperson told the BBC. Speaking about Mr Pereira, Clarkson told The Sun: Hes a stupid, bitter and twisted little man. "The police said it was a hate crime and he would be arrested. Yes, even the Germans were 100 per cent on our side for once. But Reutlingen police said they did not know what was said during the verbal dispute but were not aware of any hate crime allegations. A Stuttgart Airport statement read: The ground services for the mentioned flight were operated by our partner, S Stuttgart Ground Services. In this case, Mr Clarkson and his team missed several calls in the lounge while the other passengers have been already boarded. Toby Earle previews The Grand Tour Due to airline policy, after a certain time of absence the luggage will be removed from the aircraft and the missing passengers will be withdrawn from the passenger list. From this point there is no chance for boarding, even if the passengers show up. Clarkson, who had been in Germany filming The Grand Tour, boarded a later flight to London following the incident. Clarkson sparked a diplomatic row in 2014 when he and his co-hosts Hammond and May were forced to flee Argentina after driving around in a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL. Some locals took offence at the number plate and suggested it could refer to the 1982 Falklands conflict. Standard Online has contacted Reutlingen police. Follow @StandardEnts or like us on Facebook for more news. Taipei, Nov. 16 (CNA) The green iguana (), also known as the American iguana, an introduced species that is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, could pose a potential threat to Taiwan's ecology if they continue to find their way from their owners into the wild, officials in Tainan said Wednesday. As I log into Facebook Tuesday morning, the first thing that I see is a list circulating from a journalism professor about fake news sites. The list is compiled by a Merrimack College professor who says she compiled the list as a resource for her journalism students. From my own experience on Facebook, it looks like a balanced list, albeit I know of a few other sources that could be listed, with sites that are labeled as liberal and conservative on it. The timing of the list comes as Mark Zuckerberg asserts that only 1 percent of the articles shared on Facebook are false news stories. I had to laugh a little when I heard that, and then, I wondered. Is it really only 1 percent or do my friends just share a large quantity of false news stories? Hmmm. Coverage of the election is the most notable reason false news on Facebook has become a discussion point. Mark Zuckerberg says he doesnt think news on Facebook affected the election. Well, maybe, Im not sure, I most certainly didnt vote one way or the other based off Facebook. However, Facebook has certainly become a go-to place for news and what you see in your newsfeed conservative, liberal, etc., could be at play. In May, Pew Research Center did its annual survey and found that six out of 10 Americans got their news from social media. Facebook leads the pack in the sites that U.S. adults are using to get news, with Pew estimating 44 percent of the general population get their news there. And, of those users who get their news on social media sites, a majority reported they get their news on just one site you guessed it, Facebook. I dont think its necessarily Facebooks job to make sure the news we are reading is accurate. I believe weve always known false news exists on the social media platform Ive often had to tell a friend that scare tactic articles about boogie men in the night are not true. Those seem like harmless articles, though such websites now seem to be adopting addresses similar to those of legitimate news sites, such as ABC News. However, more and more, some of these sites seem to be taking on national issues and outright telling flat out lies. Its on us, as individuals, to make sure we arent just reading articles aligned with our biases, that we dont have a groupthink mentality in our posts or comments and that weve sought out other sources to be sure we have the both sides of the story. Want to be better at that? The professor, Melissa Zimdars, also offers tips for analyzing news sources, which Im sharing below. Tips for analyzing news sources: Avoid websites that end in lo ex: Newslo. These sites specialize in taking a piece of accurate information and then packaging that information with other false or misleading facts. Watch out for websites that end in .com.co as they are often fake versions of real news sources. Watch out if known/reputable news sites are not also reporting on the story. Sometimes lack of coverage is the result of corporate media bias and other factors, but there should typically be more than one source reporting on a topic or event. Odd domain names generally equal odd and rarely truthful news. Lack of author attribution may, but not always, signify that the news story is suspect and requires verification. Some news organizations are also letting bloggers post under the banner of particular news brands; however, many of these posts do not always go through the same editing process (ex: BuzzFeed Community Posts, Kinja blogs, Forbes blogs). Check the About Us tab on websites or look up the website on Snopes or Wikipedia for more information about the source. Bad web design and use of ALL CAPS can also be a sign that the source youre looking at should be verified and/or read in conjunction with other sources. If the story makes you REALLY ANGRY its probably a good idea to keep reading about the topic via other sources to make sure the story you read wasnt purposefully trying to make you angry (with potentially misleading or false information) in order to generate shares and ad revenue. Its always best to read multiple sources of information to get a variety of viewpoints and media frames. Some sources not yet included in this list (although their practices at times may qualify them for addition), such as The Daily Kos, The Huffington Post, and Fox News, vacillate between providing important, legitimate, problematic, and/or hyperbolic news coverage, requiring readers and viewers to verify and contextualize information with other sources. Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Superintendent Brady Johnson and members of the Iredell-Statesville school board gave Chairman David Cash an emotional sendoff at Mondays meeting. Cash, who served on the board for 16 years, 14 of them as chairman, did not run for reelection. By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Bloomsdale will probably host a major fireworks display. The pyrotechnics will not take place until 2024, however. During the Oct. 12 board of aldermen meeting, Kevin Wehner and city officials again discussed the possibility of a July 4 fireworks display at the youth soccer fields on land leased by the city Come and enjoy Read more [...] Chill. That's a paraphrased message from the owner of a small but significant downtown St. Louis building to preservationists who fret it will soon be demolished. Not necessarily, say two executives of TWG Development, the company that owns the vacant building at 923 Locust Street. TWG, based in Indianapolis, plans to build apartments in two other empty buildings it bought this year in the 900 block of Locust. TWG is proposing 88 market-rate apartments at 917 and 921 Locust. The $20 million proposal includes demolition of the three-story building at 923 Locust and its replacement by a 2,400-square-foot commercial building with rooftop patios for some of the apartments planned for the adjoining building. The approximately 120-year-old building at 923 Locust is unusual in St. Louis for a Tudor Revival-style cladding installed decades ago. The building once housed the nationally renowned Noonan-Kocian Art Co. Some building preservationists reacted with dismay to the TWG's demolition announcement. They also criticized the boxy design of the firm's proposed replacement building. Greg Johnson, senior pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church and a contributor to nextstl.com, told the city's Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority board Tuesday he wants TWG to preserve 923 Locust, which is at the corner of Locust and 10th Street. He said he suspects that beneath the fake Tudor cladding the building's original exterior is largely intact. TWG's president, Tony Knoble, and J.B. Curry, a company development director, responded that they will try to preserve the building if the city insists. They added that they will listen to proposals to save the structure. "We're just looking for a solution to that corner," Knoble told the LCRA board, which voted to support 10 years of tax abatement for TWG's apartment project. The TWG execs said the current rendering of a replacement building shows a preliminary design. But they added that the existing building is structurally unsound. Hoping to snare young and digital-savvy investors, Wells Fargo Advisors is planning to start a robo-advice option. SigFig, a San Francisco firm in the computerized advice business, will help develop a robo platform for Wells Fargo Advisors. Robo-advice is a fast-growing part of the investment business. Clients answer questions online, and a computer suggests investments, usually exchange-traded funds, to match their needs. Robos typically charge much lower fees than traditional full-service firms such as Wells Fargo Advisors, which rely on face-to-face meetings with human advisers. Traditional brokers see robos as a way to bring in younger clients who dont have enough money to justify traditional fees. As their wealth increases, the firms hope to move them to human brokers. The move is important in delivering financial advice to the next generation of investors, while building a pipeline for our full-service business, said David Carroll, head of wealth and investment management at Wells Fargo Advisors. Although SigFig will help set up the system, the automated advice will come from Wells Fargos own investment judgment, Wells Fargo said. The company hasnt decided how much to charge for the robo service, which should roll out in pilot mode next year. SigFig charges nothing to investors with less than $10,000 to invest and 0.25 percent of assets to those with more. By contrast, full-service brokers charge commissions on investment purchases, or fees that often exceed 1 percent of assets. Wells Fargo Advisors, based in St. Louis, joins other older firms in testing robo-advice. Bank of America Merrill Lynch is launching a robo in its Merrill Edge discount investment arm. UBS Group, LPL Financial, discount broker Charles Schwab and mutual fund giant Fidelity are also launching robos. They are up against newer robo firms with roots in technology such as SigFig, Wealthfront and Betterment. The Labor Departments new fiduciary rule for retirement accounts is another impetus pushing traditional firms toward a robo option. The rule requires advisers to put the clients interests first. Advisers often serve smaller accounts with commission-paying products, which can create conflict of interest questions under a fiduciary standard. A week after Donald Trumps stunning election as president sent the countrys governance lurching to the right, the nations Catholic bishops sent a message of their own at least on immigration by putting Mexican-born Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles in line to become the first Latino to lead the American hierarchy. But the vote at their annual fall meeting in Baltimore on Tuesday also suggested that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is still hesitant to fully endorse the more progressive and pastoral approach to ministry that Pope Francis has been championing since his election in 2013. Gomez was elected vice president of the USCCB on the third round of balloting for that post, meaning he will by custom probably become the president of the conference in three years when the term of the incoming president, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, expires. DiNardo, who had been vice president, was elected president on the first ballot in what is normally a pro forma vote moving the vice president to the top spot. Gomez was front and center in the aftermath of Trumps election in underscoring the Catholic Churchs solidarity with immigrants, holding a prayer service in the Los Angeles cathedral last week and delivering a powerful denunciation of Trumps threats to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Tonight in America children are afraid; men and women are worried and anxious, thinking about where they can run and hide. This is happening tonight, in America, Gomez told a solemn gathering that included Los Angeles Democratic mayor, Eric Garcetti. Tonight we promise our brothers and sisters who are undocumented we will never leave you alone, he added. In good times and in bad, we are with you. You are family. We are brothers and sisters. As the votes showed the cleric from Los Angeles had won, Vermont Bishop Christopher Coyne, who is chairman of the USCCBs Committee on Communications, tweeted: A major shift West and culturally. Gomezs election came after the bishops issued a plea on the opening day of their meeting, calling on President-elect Trump to change course and adopt humane policies toward immigrants and refugees. The vice presidents election is also a major challenge for Catholic leaders, who saw their flock of some 65 million, which is increasingly Latino, divide their votes in the presidential election. Trump won the overall Catholic vote by 7 percentage points over Hillary Clinton, 52-45. But Latinos went strongly for the Democrat while white Catholics went for the GOP nominee. The choice of Gomez also points to another divide, and a turbulent dynamic, within the hierarchy: He is viewed as a doctrinal conservative, and while Gomez leads an enormous, diverse and growing archdiocese of more than 4 million Catholics, Francis pointedly passed over him last month when he named his first U.S. cardinals. Gomezs election to the USCCB leadership this week days before three American churchmen considered more progressive than he is will receive red hats in Rome from the pope was seen by some as a clear signal. Moreover, while DiNardos ascension to president was expected, he is also widely viewed as a conservative with a spiky public persona who has clashed publicly with other bishops. DiNardo was also one of 13 conservative cardinals who signed a private letter to Francis at a high-stakes Vatican meeting last October warning the pontiff in stark terms not to push ahead with reforms to pastoral practices that would make the church more inclusive and open to the divorced and remarried, for example. When the letter went public it created a furor, though Francis and his allies were still able to pass language that largely did what the pope wanted. The upshot is that while Francis has begun naming bishops and promoting cardinals who share his vision for the church, observers say it will probably take another couple of years and perhaps 20 to 30 more appointments to the nearly 300-member hierarchy before Catholics would see a definite Francis effect on elections of USCCB leaders. Those numbers seemed to play out in Tuesdays balloting. Two or three of the names on the slate of 10 candidates for the top two spots were viewed as moderates in the Francis mold, and the others were seen as more traditionally orthodox. The votes quickly coalesced around one from each camp Gomez and New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Gomez got 60 votes on the first ballot for vice president, and Aymond received 56 votes. Gomez got 105 on the second ballot, and Aymond 81, and on the third ballot between just the two of them, Gomez won handily, 131-84. Still, reform-minded churchmen are continuing to push the USCCB in a different direction after more than three decades of appointments by doctrinally conservative popes. Cardinal-elect Joseph Tobin, who was just appointed to the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey, asked on Tuesday that the bishops do more to highlight Francis push to combat climate change an issue that is more urgent than ever given the possibility that the administration isnt going to be very interested in the questions that Pope Francis is interested in, including the clear link [the pope] demonstrates between human misery and the environmental degradation. The bishops also spoke about efforts to try to bridge the divide between pro-life and social justice Catholics a divide that often breaks down along conservative and liberal lines. They held a Mass on Monday evening at a largely African-American parish in downtown Baltimore, which has been ravaged by poverty and gun violence, as part of a push to highlight their concern about racism in the U.S. Yet the Vatican seems to feel the bishops need to move more quickly and forcefully. At an event at Georgetown University in Washington last Friday, the popes ambassador to the U.S., who is a key figure in sending names of new bishops for the pontiff to appoint, said the American church needed to assume a prophetic role. Francis is more prophetic than the Catholic bishops here today, said Archbishop Christophe Pierre, according to National Catholic Reporter. Pierre cited the refugee issue but said the question went further. We [the Vatican] can send some ideas, and these ideas have to be thought about in the bishops conference, he said. If youre looking for a red wine that would go with your Thanksgiving turkey as well as the sweet and savory sides, consider a wine from Frances Beaujolais, the most southern region in Burgundy. Unlike the rest of Burgundy, where pinot noir is king of the red wines, the gamay grape rules in Beaujolais. Gamay produces fresh, fruity easy-to-drink reds that are lighter in body and best served cool. Basic wines from this area are labeled Beaujolais, but the highest quality ones come from 10 designated areas known as crus that have their own appellations and distinctive personalities. Among the best come from Cote de Brouilly, which is different than the cru of Brouilly. The reds from Cote de Brouilly tend to be more concentrated and fuller in body. Although Beaujolais wines are best consumed young, those from Cote de Brouilly can age for several years. Chateau Thivin, the oldest estate on Mont Brouilly, is one of the top producers in this cru. Imported by the well-regarded Kermit Lynch, the 2015 vintage received 94 points from Wine Advocate. Chateau Thivin 2015 Cote de Brouilly Bought Wine and Cheese Place, 7435 Forsyth Boulevard, in October for $23.99 Description This is an absolutely charming red wine thats soft, silky and so very elegant. A solid cru Beaujolais, the Chateau Thivin is rich with red berry fruit along with hints of bakery spice and some earthiness. This is a flavorful and easy to drink wine that has fine tannins and a delightful racy acidity. Its a versatile and food-friendly wine that would grace any Thanksgiving table. 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. Michael and Robbin Dailey say their neighbors just received more than the asking price on their house, and although they would desperately like to move from their Bridgeton home, they dont expect a similar return. Thats because they say their ranch-style home in the Spanish Village neighborhood is worthless after recent tests revealed unacceptable levels of radioactivity in household samples of dust, gleaned from behind the fridge, in hard-to-reach corners of the basement, and in the dirt of their manicured yard. Who would want it? asked Michael Dailey, 63. It makes you wonder what is actually contaminated, (and) what isnt. The Daileys said the tests conducted by a Massachusetts lab show a distinct fingerprint, linking the radioactivity in the dust to the unique signature of highly concentrated uranium found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the same uranium used to develop nuclear weapons in the Manhattan Project before its eventual disposal in West Lake Landfill, about a half-mile northeast of the Daileys ranch-style home. They think its no coincidence. On Tuesday, the couple filed a lawsuit against private companies associated with management of West Lake and the adjacent Bridgeton Landfill, and the complex's history as a disposal site for radioactivity. The Department of Energy is not among the defendants, although the agency is recognized as one of the Potentially Responsible Parties in the Environmental Protection Agencys ongoing process of determining a cleanup plan for the site. The Daileys suit, filed in St. Louis County, claims that the defendants have damaged the value of their property, which Robbin Dailey, 61, says they bought for $110,000 in 1999, and moved into with one son. The suit alleges that some samples of dust contained levels of thorium-230 a radioactive decay product of uranium that were 200 to 1,000 times greater than background levels that can be expected to occur naturally, along with traces of other radioactive elements. The suit also lists costs of relocation and monitoring the couples future health among the damages it seeks to recover, even though they do not have any immediate health concerns they can attribute to the site. Its scary. Its like living in a state of you dont know whats going to happen with your health next, Michael Dailey said. How much have I been exposed? Representatives of Republic Services, the operator of the landfill and one of the defendants in the suit, maintained that the site and its surroundings are safe. We have not seen the suit, or any scientific data to support its foundation, Russ Knocke, Republic Services vice president of communications and public affairs, said in a statement. For years, federal regulators, state officials and third-party experts have been clear that the landfill is safe. There has been no evidence that supports a claim for off-site contamination. The landfill remains in a managed state. A representative of Cotter Corp., a uranium mining company listed as another of the potentially responsible parties at the site, did not respond to a request for comment. The EPA aims to select a cleanup plan for the West Lake Landfill by the end of the year. Options include putting a cap over the site, or pursuing full or partial excavation of its contents. Although it is not listed as a defendant in the lawsuit, the agency released a statement reiterating that it has not seen evidence of radioactive materials leaving the landfill. "EPA has not received any new data regarding any migration off-site of radiologically impacted material (RIM) from the West Lake Landfill," the statement said. "As we have previously stated, if individuals have new scientifically valid data that we could evaluate they should share that with EPA. "The protection of human health and the environment remains EPAs highest priority at the West Lake site and all current, scientifically valid, data available to EPA demonstrate no off-site health risk to residents or employees in the local area." In a letter of their own, lawyers representing the Daileys noted that there has been past detection of the radioactive isotope lead-210 in the surrounding area, suggesting that radon gas is migrating from the landfill in small traces. This story was updated on Nov. 16 with a statement from the EPA and a response to that statement from the Daileys' legal counsel. KINLOCH A driver who crashed his car last year ran from the scene and left a teenage girl to die, even as he heard her crying in pain, authorities say. St. Louis County prosecutors last week charged Montrell L. Jeffery with a felony, leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in injury. Jeffery, 18, lives in the 8000 block of Frost Avenue in Berkeley. Authorities allege that Jeffery was driving a sedan that crashed in Kinloch late on the night of Nov. 28, 2015. His teenage passenger, Torri Ivy, was fatally injured in the crash at Courtney and Witt avenues. Jeffery "admitted hearing (Ivy) crying in pain," court records say. He ran from the scene and hid in a home. He never called police or sought help, authorities say. Kinloch and Berkeley police who had been called to investigate reports of gunfire happened upon the crash. Ivy was found pinned beneath the overturned car. Ivy died of injuries she suffered in the crash, authorities say. She had no bullet wounds, and police said they didn't know if the gunfire was connected to the car. Police said there was no indication that shots had been fired inside the car. The charge of leaving the scene was filed Nov. 8. Bail for Jeffery is set at $5,000. Ivy lived in the 3100 block of Maywood Avenue in Velda Village Hills. EAST ST. LOUIS An East St. Louis man admitted on Tuesday that he tried to smuggle marijuana to a federal inmate by swapping bags of Doritos, the federal prosecutor's office said. Ricky J. McGee, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here to charges of providing contraband to a federal inmate and making a false representation to the Bureau of Prisons, a release from U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce said. McGee faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and supervised release of up to three years on each charge when he is sentenced March 1. Prosecutors said an officer monitoring the visiting room at the federal prison in Greenville on May 8 saw McGee swap Doritos bags with an inmate. The bag given to the inmate was confiscated and eight small blue balloons with pot in them were found inside. In addition, the inmate was later found to have swallowed two similar balloons. The charge for making a false statement was based on McGee having signed a form before the visit stating that he was not in possession of marijuana, the prosecutor said. COLUMBIA, Ill. The ex-wife of former Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards will receive $150,000 from the city to settle a federal lawsuit that claimed he used spyware to illegally access information on her phone. The settlement was signed Oct. 26 and approved by a federal judge Nov. 9. Carla Edwards attorney, Russell Watters, said his client was satisfied, and it was sufficient enough to compensate her for all the hell she went through. A city statement says the lawsuit was immediately turned over to the citys insurance carrier, which negotiated and paid the settlement. Joe Edwards, who retired earlier this year, was not named in the suit. He could not be reached for comment. Carla Edwards sued the city and unnamed employees July 29, saying that her husband used police resources to access her phone. The phone was paid for by her and in her name, and she was not under investigation, the suit says. The chief then passed information to other public employees who used the information with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and other agencies to embarrass and institute investigations into plaintiff and plaintiffs private matters and family and in an attempt to adversely affect her employment status, the suit says. Watters said Carla Edwards would sue another public entity as soon as Friday but declined to explain further. Well look forward to that day in court as well, he said. Joe Edwards was hired as a patrol officer in 1992, became deputy chief in 2003 and chief in 2004. In an email, City Administrator Jimmy Morani said the allegations in the lawsuit were investigated by the Monroe County Sheriffs Department and turned over to a special prosecutor. Morani said he was not aware of its outcome. LAKE SAINT LOUIS A Lake Saint Louis resident faces a second-degree murder charge after he killed a man he caught stealing his car outside his townhouse earlier this month. The case appears to turn on whether the resident, Charles Lewis Flagg III, 39, was in reasonable fear when he fired multiple shots at the thief as he fled in Flaggs car. The states castle doctrine and related laws give wide latitude for the use of deadly force in the face of reasonable fear. But authorities say Flagg gave no indication to investigators that he feared for his life or was threatened in any way by the fleeing car thief, who was unarmed. The takeaway from this case is if youre going to have the privilege of being a gun owner which you do, very much so in this state you also have the responsibility of knowing what the rules are, St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar said at a news conference Wednesday. We cannot allow this to turn into the Wild West. Police Chief Mike Force quoted from a state law that says a person shouldnt use deadly force on another unless he reasonably believes its necessary to protect himself or another from death, serious physical injury or a forcible felony. There has to be a threat and you have to be able to articulate that threat, he said. Flagg was also charged with an alternative, lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. Lohmar said he probably would present the two charges to a grand jury and let it weigh in on which to indict Flagg on. He added that it was possible both theories could be offered to a trial jury. Lohmar said the murder charge required a jury to find Flagg acted with the purpose of causing serious physical injury. The manslaughter charge would require only that he recklessly caused the car thiefs death, a lower bar. Lohmar said he could face 30 years if convicted of murder, or seven if convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Flagg was released Thursday after posting bond. His bail had been set at $100,000. An alarm and gunshots Authorities say Flagg fatally shot Shawn T. Jimenez, 31, also of Lake Saint Louis, as the man fled from Flaggs home in the first block of Monterey Cypress Lane in Flaggs car early in the morning on Nov. 4. According to court records, Flagg told police he awoke from a deep sleep to the sound of his auto alarm going off about 1 a.m. He said that he looked out the bedroom window of his townhouse and saw a man walking near his 2009 Volkswagen Passat, which was parked on the driveway. Flagg said he took a .357 caliber magnum revolver with him as he went outside to confront the man. He said that he yelled for the man to stop but that the man backed the car away from him, at which time Flagg fired a shot at the windshield. Flagg said that as Jimenez drove the car off the driveway, he walked toward it and fired three to five more rounds toward the drivers window. Police said they were called to the scene by the resident, who told them he had fired shots and needed assistance. Officers found Flaggs Passat about a block away from his home. The car had struck a garage. In the drivers seat was Jimenez, dead. According to court documents, Jimenez was struck at least one time in the chest. Rights and responsibilities Force and Lohmar, at the news conference at Lake Saint Louis City Hall, urged gun owners to learn the details of how they can use their firearms under the law. Flagg was a legal gun owner, Lohmar said. The state Legislature has drastically expanded those rights and I wont weigh in on whether thats good or bad but with that comes a tremendous amount of responsibility, Lohmar said. In a St. Louis case with some similarities, Anthony J. Coleman, 22, was charged in February with shooting at a motor vehicle and evidence tampering after firing at a man who stole his rental car at a convenience store. The man was injured and taken to a hospital. That case is pending, court records say. Authorities said Coleman wasnt protected from prosecution by the castle doctrine because the car thief was fleeing when shot. In another St. Louis case, a judge on Tuesday sentenced Lervurance McDade, 61, to three years on probation for being a felon in possession of the gun he used to kill a boy, 13, caught rifling through his car. The boy was more than 70 feet from McDade when he fired, and the boy did not appear to be fleeing. The citys chief prosecutor, Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, said her office passed on more serious charges against McDade because of the castle doctrine law. She called the boys death a tragedy but said that Missouri law regarding a homeowners right to protect himself and his property is complicated. Joel Currier of the Post-Dispatch staff contributed to this article Wayne Carroll Martin III, now 46, and a partner started Maverick Construction LLC in 2011, his plea agreement says. From March of that year through July 1, 2014, Martin forged his partner's signature on a $42,000 loan, lied about $14,000 in assets being held in gold and made unauthorized purchases on a company credit card, his plea says. Martin said he caused no more than a $175,000 loss to the company; prosecutors say he caused a loss of at least $236,000. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court will soon decide if a state law limiting the money municipalities can raise from traffic tickets unfairly targets St. Louis County. The court heard on Wednesday oral arguments for and against the law, which was passed as a response to unrest in Ferguson after the shooting of Michael Brown on Aug. 9, 2014, and the discovery of abusive policing and court practices that targeted minorities. A Post-Dispatch investigation into municipal courts later revealed that cities in the St. Louis area relied heavily on money generated through the court fines and fees wrought by minor traffic violations. Flaws in the courts eventually led not only to a new state law Senate Bill 5 but to a set of minimum standards for municipal courts laid out by the state Supreme Court. That plan will go into affect July 1. The law caps the amount of fines, bond forfeitures and court costs certain cities can retain from traffic tickets, lays out penalties for noncompliance and requires any excess amounts be turned over to the state department of revenue. At issue is whether or not St. Louis County is singled out based on its population. The law mandates that counties with a charter form of government with more than 950,000 residents cant generate more than 12.5 percent of their revenue from traffic fines. St. Louis County is currently the only county in Missouri that fits that description. Because of that, a circuit court judge struck down the law, arguing it was a special law that unfairly targeted one county while the rest operate under a 20 percent cap. On Wednesday, attorneys for the state contended that it wasnt unusual for the Legislature to pass laws based on population, pointing to more than a dozen similar statues that also apply only to St. Louis County. There are local problems at different parts of the state that require different remedies, said Andrew Hirth, the states attorney. And in the case of municipal court reform, Justice Zel M. Fischer said it was clear lawmakers acted with St. Louis County in mind. Do you concede that this law was obviously directed at where the Legislature thought the problem existed? Fischer asked Hirth. Hirth agreed, but also said that because St. Louis has 90 municipalities within it, theres a rational basis for treating them differently. (If) you drive from one side of St. Louis County to the other, youre subject to an awful lot of different jurisdictions, Hirth said. David Pittinsky, arguing for more than a dozen cities that sued the state, took issue with the states argument that the law wasnt a special law because any county could grow to 950,000 people eventually. Using Jackson County (Kansas City) as an example which has an estimated 680,000 people Pittinsky said looking at the most favorable growth rate from recent Census figures, it would take approximately 150 years for the county to reach 950,000 people. I dont think theres any debate they singled out municipalities in St. Louis County, he said. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Murder charges against two men set for trial this week were dropped after a key states witness failed to show up to testify at trial, authorities said Wednesday. The court dismissed charges of murder and armed criminal action against Michael A. Simmons, 40, and Dorian M. Chalk, 34, in the killing of Clement Sonnier, of the 9200 block of Ellison in Ferguson, whose body was found in Kinloch on April 3, 2013. After a jury was selected Monday, opening statements were set to begin Tuesday in Circuit Judge Tom W. DePriest Jr.s courtroom. Authorities had issued material-witness warrants for two people but could not find one of them. Simmons and Chalk were released Tuesday after charges were dropped. It was unclear if prosecutors would continue to pursue a case against them. Officials claimed the men drove Sonnier, 31, to a vacant lot near Gregory Drive and Mable Avenue in Kinloch, pulled him from the car and shot him multiple times. A man who runs a business near there found the body that night. He told the Post-Dispatch that Sonniers legs were bound with zip ties. Chalks attorney, Herman Jimerson, said the states case rested solely on the testimony of two witnesses who admitted in depositions they lied to police. Jimerson said he was proud that two innocent defendants were released but said it was a shame that two men sat in jail with high bonds and little evidence and couldnt get out until there was a trial date. Simmons public defender, Patrick Brayer, declined comment. Court records list Simmons address in the 6000 block of Hancock Avenue in Berkeley and Chalks in the 9700 block of Lorna Lane in north St. Louis County. UPDATED at 9:50 a.m. with detail from order of protection court documents ST. CHARLES COUNTY One or two gunmen climbed onto an air conditioning unit and fired shots into a St. Charles County home Wednesday morning, injuring a man but missing a woman and four children who were inside. Police spokeswoman Val Joyner said the victim is a 33-year-old man, who was shot twice but survived the attack. He was rushed to a hospital. Joyner didn't know his condition. He was shot at about 6:15 a.m. at a home in the first block of Wilbert Drive, near McClay Road. Two men escaped in a black Chevrolet Silverado with Missouri license plates. Police didn't have the plate number. Joyner said police were searching for two persons of interest. She identified them as Dareion D. Tate, 32, and Alfred Davis, 25, both of St. Louis County. Tate is the estranged husband of the female homeowner, police say. The Francis Howell School District put all schools on a "soft" lock down for the day as police searched for two men who shot a man at a home in the Harvest Acres subdivision. The shooting was a half-mile away from the closest school building, but officials called for the lock down as a precaution. Authorities gave the following account: A family had been eating breakfast inside their home when two men knocked on the door of the home. A woman, who is the homeowner, answered the door. They argued with her and she shut the door. The gunmen went around to the back of the home, climbed atop an air conditioning unit and fired shots through a window into the home. Two shots hit the man but missed the others. Joyner wasn't certain about the relationship between the woman homeowner, the children and the man who was shot. Court records obtained by the Post-Dispatch show the woman has had a full order of protection against Tate since August. A St. Charles County judge ordered that Tate not stalk, harass or threaten her. The judge said Tate had to leave their home and stay at least 100 feet away from her, all while continuing to pay $729 a month in child support and $110 a month to the woman. The woman and Tate have two children in common, court records say. She filed for divorce last month. Police weren't commenting on a possible motive for the shooting, other than to say it was a domestic disturbance. The "soft" lock down at the Francis Howell schools means that students weren't being allowed to take part in any outdoor activities, and the schools have stricter requirements for people being buzzed into school buildings. LADUE Dozens of students from Horton Watkins High School in Ladue walked out of class Wednesday to protest recent racially charged incidents. The students, who assembled outside the high school after noon, said they didnt feel the incidents were being taken seriously by administrators. Several African-American students and parents said they wanted stricter punishment for the students responsible and a stronger stance from administrators on the racism they feel at school. At least 150 then organized a march near the school. Well come back to school when they treat us right, said student Tajah Walker, 15, who led the protest. If they suspend me, they better suspend everybody. The student march led to the districts administrative offices. There, students confronted district spokeswoman Susan Downing, demanding to speak to the superintendent, who came out of the offices for a few minutes before going back inside. If thats how you feel, then we need to fix that, Superintendent Donna Jahnke said. But we cant fix it if you all wont work with us. Jahnke, who is white, said she knew she didnt understand what its like to be an African-American and wanted students to work with her. Students were not satisfied with the administrations response. She has the privilege to sit there and give us the fluff answer, Tajah said of Jahnke. Sorry dont fix everything. In the past week, two white students have been disciplined for saying that black students should go to the back of a school bus. The white students were chanting Trump, Trump, Trump, according to the school district. Tuesday evening, Ladue residents told the districts school board that the incidents were not isolated. Tajahs mother, Tango Walker-Jackson, said her daughter had endured five incidents this school year. At Wednesdays protest, black students took turns giving emotional personal narratives of how they dont feel valued as much as white students. Some said they had heard of black students getting harsher suspensions for more minor offenses. Some said they were unfairly reprimanded at school for refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance to a country they dont believe gives them justice. If you dont have a struggle, you can speak for the people that do, sophomore Sydney Alexander said to the white students who had come out to protest. Use your privilege to speak for me. Dont let this be another wasted conversation like every other one was. Ladue has said it was already working on a number of tolerance initiatives before the bus incident, including holding diversity and equity training for staff and hosting a student play and discussion about race. WASHINGTON A congressional effort to move oversight for cleanup of the West Lake Landfill in Bridgeton from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Army Corps of Engineers wont pass the current Congress. The measure cleared the Senate earlier this year, but it remains bottled up in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, with no plans for a final hearing before sending it to the full House, according to a spokesman for Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville. Shimkus holds a key subcommittee post and has questions about the move. Congress has only a handful of days in session before a new Congress takes over in January. Little is known about where the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump stands on the cleanup at the West Lake and Superfund sites around the county, although activists worry that a hostility toward government regulations and the EPA could further complicate cleanup plans. Missouri members of Congress have consistently criticized the EPA for not coming up with a plan to clean up the site, which contains hazardous waste from World War II atomic bomb projects and has been the source of health-related complaints by neighboring residents for years. On Tuesday, a Bridgeton couple filed a lawsuit against private companies associated with management of West Lake and the adjacent Bridgeton Landfill and the complexs history as a disposal site for radioactive waste. Michael and Robbin Dailey alleged that recent tests revealed unacceptable levels of radioactivity in and around their home a half mile from the dump. The EPA reiterated that it had no evidence that radioactive material was leaving the landfill. The bill shifting the cleanup to the Corps had bipartisan sponsorship from St. Louis-area members of Congress as well as activists involved with the waste site. Its failure in this Congress set off political finger-pointing directly related to Missouris 2018 Senate race. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., accused a potential opponent, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, of being unable to persuade fellow Republicans to vote for the transfer. Republicans pointed out there was bipartisan opposition to the idea in the House, including from the influential energy committees Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., who raised questions about precedent for Superfund sites in his state. Wagner is a senior deputy whip and the sophomore class representative to the House Republican leadership. McCaskill did not mention Wagner by name Wednesday, but in a statement issued by her office she was clearly referring to her potential 2018 rival. McCaskill pointed out that she and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., were able to get the bill through the Senate, then said: For the life of me, I cant figure out why the U.S. House including a member of our delegation whos a member of House leadership cant get it done. Wagner and Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, testified on behalf of the bill before Shimkus subcommittee in July. Dawn Chapman, a founder of the Just Moms group advocating on behalf of homeowners in the Bridgeton area, praised both Wagner and Clay at the time for their advocacy. Wagner said Wednesday that the administration of President Barack Obama opposed the bill, so even if it had gotten through Congress it would have faced a veto. I am going to try to take it to a new [Trump] administration that does listen to the people because I am listening to my constituents on this, and I wholeheartedly know that they have great concerns on this issue, Wagner said. But we are going to have to take it to a new administration because the Obama administration said they would not support it. The Corps of Engineers opposed the transfer bill, saying it could further delay cleanup and shift more of a burden of paying for it to the taxpayer and away from the companies that produced the waste. The EPA also opposed it and said previously that it would have a plan on cleanup on the site before the end of the year. However, a spokesman for the agencys regional office in Lenexa, Kan., would not confirm on Wednesday if that was still the agencys goal. In terms of update on the schedule, we have not made any new announcements, EPA spokesman Ben Washburn said. But Chapman, the co-founder of Just Moms, said she was told Wednesday by EPA officials in Bridgeton that the agency would not meet the December deadline. In July, Shimkus told the Post-Dispatch that he was worried that shifting the responsibility to the Corps, which activists believe has a better track record of cleaning sites such as West Lake, would put cleanup at the site at the bottom of the list of Corps projects. Jordan Haverly, a spokesman for Shimkus, said this week that his boss was reserving judgment and was not taking a position on the transfer to the Corps until it goes through regular [committee] order, where wed hear from all stakeholders and vet the concerns raised by the Army Corps and EPA. John LaBombard, a spokesman for McCaskill, said a Trump administration position on the transfer or even the character and size of the EPA funding was really unknowable at this point. While the EPA might be severely weakened under Trump, its possible there are some bureaucratic interests that would still oppose the transfer, he said. So it really is up to House Republicans to get this thing done, regardless of the agencys position. Chapman said activists were also concerned about what the new administration would do. Will EPA still have funds to oversee it, and will it still be able to be a priority? for cleanup, she asked. WASHINGTON Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, and 168 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives have asked President-elect Donald Trump to reverse his decision to hire Steve Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor. Bannon, who ran the conservative website Breitbart.com before becoming the CEO of Trumps campaign, has become a lightning rod as Trump transitions to the presidency. Critics say that Breitbart has published racist and bigoted posts and that Bannons appointment sends the wrong message after a campaign in which Trump himself was accused of attacking groups of people, including Mexicans, Muslims and undocumented immigrants. White nationalism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and hate have no place in our society, and they certainly should not find safe harbor in the White House, says the letter from 169 House Democrats, sent Wednesday to Trumps transition offices in New York. Bannons appointment deepens division and encourages dangerous extremists. And it sends a disturbing message about what kind of president Donald Trump wants to be, Clay said in a statement. He said he hoped Trump will reconsider this decision and put healing our country ahead of rewarding political extremism. The letter also was signed by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Kansas City. Bannon has been a key member of Trumps inner circle since late summer, and his defenders say he is an outsider bent on breaking up the status quo and not a racist. But civil rights groups and Democrats have made Bannon a frequent corollary target as they attacked Trumps rhetoric they say encouraged white supremacists and garnered endorsements from racist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan, which Trump disavowed. Absent new allegations about Bannon, the Democrats letter is unlikely to change Trumps mind, given that he pronounced many times on the campaign trail how much he valued loyalty. OFALLON, Mo. Edward J. Griesenauer, who as OFallon mayor from 1986 to 1995 presided over earlier stages of the citys big growth spurt, died Monday (Nov. 14, 2016) of natural causes. He was 85. Prior to becoming mayor, Mr. Griesenauer was a city alderman for 17 years. The citys population grew from about 14,000 to about 26,000 during his tenure as mayor. Now its more than 85,000. The current mayor, Bill Hennessy, said Tuesday that the city had lost one of its formative leaders. His contributions helped OFallon make the crucial transition from a small rural community to what is now the seventh-largest city in the state and one of the countrys best places to live, Hennessy said. Mr. Griesenauers nephew, John Griesenauer, said his uncle was proud of overseeing the construction of the first phase of the widening of Highway K to four lanes and arranging funding with the state to do so. Among other accomplishments, city officials said, was organizing the citys first industrial park West 70 Commerce Center and signing the contract to build the Interstate 70 interchange at Bryan Road. That secured access to I-70 for what is now the citys western half. John Griesenauer, the citys administrative services director, said his uncle also emphasized the importance of expanding the city park system. The late mayor, a lifelong resident of OFallon, died at the home of a daughter, Laura Garrison, where he had lived in recent months. He was a graduate of Assumption High School, an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, a member of Assumption Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 2669 and American Legion Post 388. Mr. Griesenauer was first elected to the old Board of Aldermen in 1966. He served until 1972 and then again from 1975 until 1986. He was board president in 1986 when the aldermen impeached then-Mayor Jim Brown. Mr. Griesenauer was appointed mayor and then won the post in his own right in an election a month later. Although the Missouri Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that Browns impeachment was improper, Brown wasnt reinstated because Mr. Griesenauer had won the mayors election. I didnt really want to get off the board, Mr. Griesenauer said in 1994 about his elevation to the mayors job. Then I realized I enjoyed the office. Mr. Griesenauer tried a political comeback in 2005 but lost a race for alderman. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Assumption Catholic Church, 403 North Main Street, OFallon, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Assumption Church Cemetery. Among survivors in addition to his nephew are his wife, Lois Griesenauer of OFallon; a son, Edward Griesenauer Jr. of OFallon; two brothers, Ralph Griesenauer of St. Paul and Jim Griesenauer of OFallon; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or the Alzheimers Association. JEFFERSON CITY With less than two months left in his tenure, Gov. Jay Nixon applauded a report Wednesday showing a record number of Missourians have jobs. But, while he credited the growth to his administrations investments in education, workforce training and economic development incentives, his successor is poised to make significant changes in the states approach to economic development. Republican Eric Greitens has already said he wants to make Missouri a right-to-work state, in which members of labor unions wouldn't be required to pay dues. And, in one of his first acts as Missouris new governor, Greitens could use his executive power to begin reshaping the states landscape for businesses. Exactly what the political newcomer might do remains as much of a mystery as it did during his successful campaign against Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster, in which he focused more on Kosters record than on specifically what hed do as chief executive. But, following Greitens six-point win over Koster, a game plan for boosting the prospects of business owners has begun to emerge. In a post-election press conference, Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, outlined a two-pronged approach to making so-called regulatory reform a reality. The governor is going to give us scenarios where he can do that by his action and then well see what legislation needs to be done to rescind some of the regulatory burden on businesses, Richard said. Similarly, Dan Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he believes Greitens will act swiftly to address concerns raised by the business community for years and then leave the Legislature to do what he cant do alone. I know hes very supportive of our agenda in general, Mehan said. On the campaign trail, Greitens offered few specific examples of how he would spur job creation and help business owners. We must eliminate burdensome regulations that are destroying jobs right here at home, noted Greitens campaign website. That statement comes against the backdrop of an October jobs report from the Missouri Department of Economic Development showing the states unemployment rate has dropped to 5.1 percent. The report also showed Missouri gained 50,900 jobs over the past 12 months and that a record 2,838,500 Missourians are now employed. The latest jobs report showing a record number of Missourians working and the 50,900 jobs gained in one year demonstrates the significant growth we continue to make, helped by our investments in quality education, workforce training and economic development incentives, Nixon said in a prepared statement. In addition, Nixon praised an announcement this week that Boeing Co. is moving 500 jobs to its north St. Louis County campus from California. I greatly appreciate the continued investments Boeing has made in Missouri and the hundreds of new jobs they are continuing to create for area families. Missouri is hard at work, building what the world wants and strengthening our economy for the future, Nixon said. While Nixon said bipartisan cooperation has helped Missouris economy, Mehan said entrepreneurs are looking for more changes. Among them would be the creation of a one-stop shop for submitting paperwork, eliminating the need to deal with multiple state agencies for various permits and licenses. Mehan, whose organization endorsed Greitens in the election, also said complying with state tax codes could be easier. The Missouri Department of Revenue has changed some of the regulations and some of the ways they collect things, Mehan said. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who did not seek re-election after two terms because of term limits, left a number of vacancies on a special board formed to look at regulations on small businesses, arguing that it was unneeded. Mehan said hed like Greitens to jumpstart the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board to help find ways to cut red tape. Entrepreneurs are key to our growth, Mehan said. Greitens also could install new directors in key state agencies as a way to put his business handprint on state government. Richard said Republicans who now control both the legislative and the executive branches of government have a mandate to promote business friendly changes in state government, including making Missouri a right-to-work state. We will be pressing those issues pretty quick, Richard told reporters. The inauguration is Jan. 9. Downtown property owners have sued the Rev. Larry Rice, saying his homeless shelter is a nuisance adversely affecting public safety and quality of life. The suit comes a week after the city sent Rice a cease and desist notice, saying he was operating his New Life Evangelistic Center, at 14th and Locust streets, without a permit. NLEC purposefully attempts to attract the greatest possible number of high acuity homeless men to the facility and generate the maximization of the nuisance caused in the community as a core business practice, reads the suit filed this week in St. Louis Circuit Court by attorney Elkin L. Kistner. The plaintiffs are owners of parking lots and buildings near Rices shelter. Rices center was issued a permit for 32 beds in 1976, but it expired last year, and Rice argued unsuccessfully in court that he did not need to get signatures of approval from nearby residents before applying for a new permit. City leaders said Rice had been given adequate time to apply for a new permit and that is why the notice had been sent. Rice has 30 days to appeal, and he told the Post-Dispatch he would. He regularly shelters more than 200 people per night. NLEC tolerates and encourages repeated encampments of homeless people who effectively live on the sidewalks of Locust Street immediately outside NLEC, says the suit, which also references the more than 100 people who have overdosed on K2, a synthetic cannabis, most within a few blocks of the shelter. This epidemic of drug overdoses has caused an unprecedented level of chaos and panic in the community, the suit reads. Kistner said in the suit that within the last 12 months, the shelter and the public ways abutting the premises had been used for various offenses including selling drugs, prostitution, public urination and defecation, vandalism and stealing. The suit also alleges that NLEC refuses to work with police, city government or the neighborhood. The shelter could abate the nuisance by reducing its occupancy including the number of registered sex offenders who use NLEC as their address. The suit follows complaints from some residents who attended Monday nights Downtown Neighborhood Association, angered that Rice was allowed to speak at the meeting. How shameful that the DNA gave Mr. Rice (notice I do not use reverend) a bully pulpit from whence to elaborate on how wonderful he is and blame others for the crime and repulsive behaviors swirling around NLEC, downtown resident Laura Griffin wrote in an email to Human Services Director Eddie Roth after the meeting. Rice told the Post-Dispatch last week that the city was harassing his shelter at the request of downtown residents such as Griffin, who lives nearby. On Wednesday, Rice said that the lawsuit was frivolous and that there was a basis for a counter suit. Were not going anywhere, Rice said Wednesday. Im trying to avoid an all-out war downtown. Kistner said in the suit that his clients are entitled to damages, injunctive relief and other equitable relief to abate the conditions and conduct alleged. No specific amount is requested. EASTON, Pa. A man who drunkenly assaulted his fiancee last year and now can't find a job because of his conviction and prison sentence has no one to blame but himself, a judge said Wednesday in throwing out his lawsuit against a casino he accused of serving him too many free drinks. Northampton County Judge Paula Roscioli ruled midway through the civil trial that 31-year-old Nicholas Mullins was the only one responsible for his actions in January 2002 inside his hotel room at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, The (Allentown) Morning Call reported. Mullins, who downed 17 drinks, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to two to four years in prison. Defense attorney Stuart Niemtzow said his client was also injured and now can't find employment. Niemtzow vowed to appeal the ruling. Mullins, a Navy veteran, cited the Dram Shop Act, a law on the books in Pennsylvania and 37 other states that says businesses selling alcohol to visibly intoxicated people can be held liable for injuries they suffer as a result. Mullins told police that his fiancee attacked him after he lost $800 and contends he only slapped her in self-defense. A doctor concluded that her injuries were consistent with being punched repeatedly. Casino attorney Kevin Ruane said the attack occurred "well after" Mullins finished drinking. Hotel records showed that the couple entered their room at about 1:30 a.m., three hours before the assault was reported, he said. The judge decided to throw out the lawsuit after the defense rested its case. She said the casino could not have reasonably foreseen Mullins' actions. Mullins said Wednesday he had anticipated that his suit would fail but believed it was worthwhile anyway. "I wanted to bring attention to the fact that Sands casino overserves people without care of the consequences," Mullins said. "Maybe in the long run, it saves some lives." In all of the election commotion, we failed to note that George Tex Allen Jr. was laid to rest on Oct. 26, just four years after being released from prison. The state of Missouri never tried to make him whole for the nearly 30 years of freedom the state robbed from him. Allen received a 95-year prison sentence for the 1982 rape and murder of Mary Bell in St. Louis. Before his trial, police investigators had acquired significant exculpatory evidence but had withheld it from Allens defense team. It was a complicated case in which Allen, who was mentally ill, had confessed even though crime-scene evidence pointed to another perpetrator. The judge who ordered Allen released from prison in 2012 said his confession had been coerced and that the prosecution had ignored or hidden exculpatory evidence in their zealous pursuit of conviction. It was a travesty of justice. Three decades later, how much has changed? Jadda Kennedy spent nearly a year in jail and faced a possible life prison sentence for a murder she didnt commit, the Post-Dispatchs Joel Currier reported Tuesday. The circumstances and investigatory missteps were very similar to Allens case. Now that Kim Gardner is stepping into the circuit attorneys job, her first order of business should be to appoint an ombudsman-type overseer who can intervene when suspicions arise that the wrong suspect is being accused. In Allens case, the state behaved with official indifference when he was ordered released. No compensation offer was forthcoming. Allen died a poor man. His family had to collect donations to cover his funeral costs. The issue of wrongful incarceration is one that oddly unites liberals and conservatives across the country. Tea party politicians have backed efforts to strengthen laws punishing prosecutorial misconduct and to ensure that exonerees receive fair even generous compensation for the freedom taken from them by the state. Nothing epitomizes government overreach like an innocent person being robbed of his or her freedom. In Texas, the compensation package is the most generous in the country as mandated by successive Republican governors and a Republican-run Legislature. Texas exonerees receive $80,000 per year of incarceration. Missourians receive something closer to $18,000, or $50 per day of wrongful imprisonment but only in cases where DNA is the determining factor proving innocence. Allen got nothing. The bar is too high for people like him. Allens case also resembles that of Christopher Scott, a Texas man wrongfully convicted of murder who spent 13 years in prison. Scott won his exoneration without the aid of DNA and received nearly $1 million in compensation. To date, Texas has paid out nearly $100 million to the wrongly imprisoned. No such luck for George Allen. Big government reached in and stole his life, offering nothing in return. In a gratuitously spectacular display of counterproductive hypocrisy, an anticipated 225 Canadians will jet to Morocco to denounce the use of fossil fuels. Canadas catalogue of participants is so large it takes up the better part of eight pages in the United Nations list of attendees. Australias delegation can fit on two pages, as can Chinas, which has 38 times Canadas population and immensely greater emissions issues to deal with. France, which hosted last years conference, has five pages of names. While some Canadian delegates are footing their own bills, federal, provincial and municipal governments will pay the lions share of costs. The bloated size of the crowd extends a tradition started last year, when 335 Canadians attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is not attending the follow-up event in Marrakech. It may be that that gathering was worth attending, as it supposedly set out a bold new direction for combating man-made climate change and signalled a global commitment to take decisive action. Optics aside, they werent there to do serious work. In claiming victory on election night, one of the first things Donald Trump said was, I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me. So important was it that he waited five entire days before appointing an alt-right, white nationalist media executive as his White House strategist and chief adviser a man with a history of domestic violence and promoting racist, anti-Semitic, anti-feminist and anti-Muslim views. The appointment of Stephen K. Bannon drew immediate and widespread criticism on the left and parts of the right yet deafening silence from congressional Republicans. It rocked hopes that President-elect Trump might be more thoughtful than candidate Trump. For the benefit of national unity, to say nothing of his own credibility, Trump should rescind Bannons appointment immediately. Whatever points he might lose from readers of Breitbart News, where Bannon was chief executive, or Stormfront, a neo-Nazi website that celebrated Bannons appointment, Trump would gain a thousand-fold from Americans who dont want to see radical fringe beliefs normalized. Make no mistake: Bannon is no mere conservative, nor even a tea party conservative, but a man with a deeply repellent history of promoting hateful and divisive opinions. A former investment adviser, he took over the conservative news aggregation website after the death of its founder, Andrew Breitbart, in 2012. Bannon steered it hard right, promoting such stories as Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy, Hoist it High and Proud: The Confederate Flag Proclaims a Glorious Heritage, and Political correctness protects Muslim rape culture. Under Bannon, Breitbart.com jumped on the Trump bandwagon early, embracing him as sympathetic to the alt-rights paranoid views that political correctness is unfair to white Americans. Bannon himself is said to despise mainstream politicians, of whatever party, as elitist and out of touch with his version of traditional American values. He is not without management skills; after joining the Trump campaign in August, he brought a semblance of order to chaos. Trump may feel he owes him. Trump said Bannon will be co-equal with Reince Priebus, the GOP national chairman Trump named as White House chief of staff. Priebus is one of those mainstream politicians Bannon loathes, an ally of House Speaker Paul Ryan, his fellow Wisconsinite. Under Bannon, Breitbart attacked Ryan ceaselessly, with Bannon saying on a radio show in March that Ryan was rubbing his social-justice Catholicism in my nose every second. This is not a normal political appointment. This is a declaration of war on many segments of the American population. For Trump, it is an epic stumble right out of the gate. To use a phrase Bannon used against Ryan, Bannon is manifestly unfit to serve in the White House. According to researchers Ana Maria Villegas and Jacqueline Jordan Irvine, minority teachers, as role models, improved the self-worth of minority students. Others found that a diverse teaching population improved academic achievement for minorities along with the educational climate for white students. Educators and the makers of policy have spoken about the need to diversify the teaching population for a number of years. A recent study by Yale University further explains why Americas classrooms need more African-American male teachers. The study compared the unconscious stereotypes of black and white preschool teachers toward students. The results of the study yielded that teachers who care for young children judge those kids behaviors differently based on race or implicit bias. Implicit bias is the bias in judgment and/or behavior that results from subtle cognitive processes. To a large extent the ultimate effect of implicit bias for African-American students is the widening of the discipline gap and achievement gap. Recent estimates reveal that one in three students will be suspended between kindergarten and 12th grade. African-American preschool children are overall 3.6 times as likely to be suspended as white preschoolers. Across all grade levels, African-American students are nearly four times as likely to be suspended and almost twice as likely to be expelled as white students. Loss of classroom instruction time damages student performance. For example, a study by Attendance Works found that missing three days of school in the month before taking the National Assessment of Educational Progress translated into fourth graders scoring a full grade level lower in reading on this test. New research shows that higher suspension rates are closely correlated with higher dropout and delinquency rates, and that they have tremendous economic costs for the suspended students, as well as for society as a whole. By turning the other cheek to the discipline gap, we will always be unable to close the achievement gap. I believe that we can combat implicit bias and the discipline gap by first improving the minority teaching gap. In Missouri, I am one of only 63 African-American male special education teachers in the entire state. Missouri leads the country in the suspension disparity among black and white elementary students. According to the latest statistics from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, there are 14,436 African-American male students in the state and yet only 63 African-American male special education teachers. In the general education setting, there are 814 African-American male teachers (out of 70,117 educators statewide) yet there are more than 72,000 African-American boys statewide. Students do not benefit nor do school districts from such a large discrepancy in teacher/student diversity. African-American male educators can instantly provide positive role modeling and improve the self-worth of all students and particularly African-American students. This is not to make or portray African-American male educators as the solution or savior to education or the fix to all of the educational issues that we face today. The achievement gap, implicit bias and discipline gap issues are complex, so it will take a multifaceted approach to fix, but I believe that closing the teaching gap is a major step in the right direction. Roosevelt Mitchell III is a St. Louis city resident and an award-winning special education teacher in the Normandy school district. 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? niceAuthorities in Pennsylvania said a pizza shop customer shot and killed one robber and injured another after they tried hold up the restaurant Tuesday night.The incident took place at Porfirio's Pizza and Pasta in Levittown, about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia.Police said the customer shot both men after they allegedly pistol-whipped him.The two male robbers apparently told the employees and the customer to get on the ground. They began pistol-whipping the customer. At that point, the customer produced a handgun and shot both of the robbers, Middletown police Chief Joseph Bartorilla said.One of the robbery suspects was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot in the chest. The second was in serious condition after suffering injuries in the neck and shoulder. The robber was being transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia, according to Levittown Now.Police said the customer and two pizza shop employees were the only people in the restaurant when the two armed suspects walked in.Police said the customer's gun was properly registered, but they're unsure if he had a concealed carry permit.Levittown Now reported that the suspects were local residents, but further details werent released.The Associated Press contributed to this report. FERRIES have been halted after an unexploded WW2 bomb was found in Portsmouth Harbour. Approximately 200 people are stranded on a ferry called the Commodore Clipper. A Condor Ferries spokesman said: "Due to a possible unexploded ordinance found in Portsmouth Harbour, the harbour is currently closed. "Commodore Clipper is currently holding outside the harbour and we will send out an update once further information is received." Authorities are currently trying to remove the device from the sea before any ferries can leave Portsmouth. BREAKING: Ferry chaos after discovery of WW2 bomb FERRIES have been halted after an unexploded WW2 bomb was found in Portsmouth Harbour. By Rehema Figueiredo Wed, Nov 16, 2016The Daily ExpressApproximately 200 people are stranded on a ferry called the Commodore Clipper.A Condor Ferries spokesman said: "Due to a possible unexploded ordinance found in Portsmouth Harbour, the harbour is currently closed."Commodore Clipper is currently holding outside the harbour and we will send out an update once further information is received."Authorities are currently trying to remove the device from the sea before any ferries can leave Portsmouth.A 500m cordon is in place after the Second World War explosive was discovered during dredging work to make way for Royal Navy ships.The discovery was made during work on the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.Ferries trying to leave to cross the Channel have been told they cannot set off until the device has been dealt with.Boats trying to enter the harbour have also been kept out at sea.The device must first be removed from the sea before being safely detonated on land.Several sites in the city, including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, have been closed.A Royal Navy spokesman said: "Another German unexploded bomb has been found in Portsmouth Harbour."A plan is in place to tow the bomb out of the harbour, where it will be destroyed in open waters by RN bomb disposal experts."The device was found by a dredging barge carrying out work in the harbour before the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth - the Navy's new 70,600-tonne aircraft carrier - into the naval base next spring."People on board the Commodore Clipper have taken to social media to express their frustration.One passenger tweeted to say they have "no idea" how long they will be waiting.The discovery comes after shoppers and clubbers were evacuated from a major complex in Portsmouth two months ago after a massive unexploded World War Two bomb was discovered.Crowds were ordered to leave Gunwharf Quays, in the south coast city, after the 500kg device was found by Royal Navy experts in September.A torpedo was also found earlier in September. The Toastmasters pictured with The Mayor of Stratford Cllr Juliet Short. TOASTMASTERS from across the UK descended on Stratford-upon-Avon earlier this month for the annual Circle of Toastmasters lunch at the Stratford Hotel. The event was organised by the circles founder Ruben Lynch, 69, from Bidford, with honoured guests including Stratford Mayor Cllr Juliet Short and the Jamaican Consort attending. Ruben, originally from Monserrat in the Caribbean, became a toastmaster following a 22 year career in the British Army, ten of which he served as manager of the officers mess. After leaving the army Ruben worked as manager at the Chesford Grange Hotel, where he was spotted by a toastmaster and encouraged to become one himself. Ruben said: Toastmasters are masters of etiquette and protocol, our role is to help people who might not know exactly what they should do at formal occasions. We help at weddings and balls or any event at which we might be needed. I became a toastmaster simply because it was something I was good at, I grew up being taught the importance of good manners and I believe they will get you everywhere. I go into local schools and talk to children about why manners are important and I also do lectures in Birmingham about events management. Aside from good manners, my main advice to anyone who wants to be a toastmaster is to always pay attention to the details and to think of others before yourself. I believe that if you are warm, friendly and have We had 36 guests at the lunch in Stratford including ten toastmasters. It went really well and I enjoyed the steel band we had playing. TWO men jailed for murdering Stratford-upon-Avon carpet fitter Tristram Wallace last year are appealing against their convictions. Neil Potter and Peter Mallon were both found guilty of murder following a five-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court on 10th May this year. Both men denied murder with Mallon pleading guilty to manslaughter and Potter denying all charges. Potter was jailed for 18 years while Mallon was handed a 16-year custodial sentence. This week the Court of Appeal confirmed that both men were in the process of appealing their convictions with Mallons appeal at a very early stage and Potters at the first phase of examination by a judge. At the same trial Donna Windsor and Toney Jelf both admitted charges of manslaughter after Mr Wallaces death and were jailed for ten years, and nine years and four months, respectively. A fifth person, Florence Caines, 26, was arrested in the immediate aftermath of Mr Wallaces death, and pleaded guilty to the theft of his mobile phone. She was sentenced to eight months in prison, but was released after the trial in May having served more than that period on remand. During the trial the court heard that Mr Wallace suffered more than 40 injuries as his four attackers rained down punches and kicks. A forensic pathologist told the court that Mr Wallaces death was probably caused by inhaling his own vomit, which led to a lack of oxygen in his blood, combined with the stress of the attack. The jury were told that the group continued to attack Mr Wallace as he tried to escape across the street and were also said to have rifled through hiss pockets as he lay bleeding on the ground. The group attacked Wallace after incorrectly identifying him as a drug dealer. The killing in broad daylight on Birmingham Road on 22nd June, 2015, shocked Stratford to its core, triggering calls for greater police resources to be set aside for the town. Former Stratford Mayor, Cyril Bennis, has been vocal with his concerns over the towns policing since Mr Wallaces death, raising the issue with the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner. The former commissioner Ron Ball was quick to reassure residents after the attack that Stratford was one of the safest towns in one of the safest countries in the world, but said the incident in itself would not lead to an increased police presence in the town. The Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, Syed Ibne Abbas, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Chief Executive, Dr Diana Owen, centre. (Submitted photo) STRATFORD-UPON-AVON proved were not just about Shakespeare when we helped celebrate the recent birthday of renowned Eastern man of letters, Dr Sir Allama Mohammed Iqbal. Last Wednesday, 9th November, the Pakistan Consulate in Birmingham, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and the Iqbal Academy hosted a joint celebration at the Shakespeare Centre of two of the worlds leading writers, Shakespeare and Iqbal the renowned poet-philosopher, who is regarded as a founding father of modern day Pakistan. The evening of music and poetry was attended by leading figures and the wider community from both literary traditions, including the Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, Syed Ibne Abbas. He said: This celebration is a befitting tribute to our two literary greats. "Though they lived and wrote more than two centuries apart, Shakespeare and Iqbal both speak to people around the world. There are many striking similarities, their works, literature and thoughts relate to human emotions and transcends all space and time. "The words of these two great men connect our cultures in so many ways and Im encouraged to see their creative legacies continue to enrich the lives of future generations. Dr Diana Owen, chief executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: We are proud to be associated, through Shakespeares legacy, with the literary geniuses of other nations. "We are dedicated to the worldwide promotion of Shakespeares work and our centre here in Stratford is a natural hub a global cultural meeting place to connect people through Shakespeare. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Iceberg Research on Wednesday said it expects construction company Tutor Perini Corp's share price to tumble as much as 55 percent, hurt by weak financials and weak corporate governance plus concerns whether planned infrastructure spending will become a reality. In a report issued on Wednesday and seen by Reuters, Iceberg said shares could tumble to $13 a share. It fell 6 percent to trade at $27.05 in early trading on Wednesday. Like other construction companies, Tutor Perini's stock surged after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential race and has called for heavy infrastructure spending. But Iceberg said Tutor Perini, with a $1.5 billion market capitalization, faces net debt of $622 million at a time when banks are cutting their exposure to the company. It also noted that investors have complained about weak governance where their votes on pay have been ignored for years. And it said Trump's planned infrastructure spending is not a sure thing. Since the election, the stock price has jumped 35 percent. "Interest expenses will plague Tutors profitability compared to its peers," the report said. "Going forward Tutor may be engaged in a vicious cycle: its declining financial strength may prevent the company from bidding on some contracts or force the company to lower its prices even more aggressively," the Iceberg Research report, seen by Reuters, says. "Our target price for Tutors stock is $13 per share (55 percent downside)," the report added. (Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Sign up for StreetInsider Free! Receive full access to all new and archived articles, unlimited portfolio tracking, e-mail alerts, custom newswires and RSS feeds - and more! SC16 -- To help companies join the AI revolution, NVIDIA announced a collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate AI in the enterprise. Using the first purpose-built enterprise AI framework optimized to run on NVIDIA Tesla GPUs in Microsoft Azure or on-premises, enterprises now have an AI platform that spans from their data center to Microsoft's cloud. "Every industry has awoken to the potential of AI," said Jen-Hsun Huang, founder and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. "We've worked with Microsoft to create a lightning-fast AI platform that is available from on-premises with our DGX-1 supercomputer to the Microsoft Azure cloud. With Microsoft's global reach, every company around the world can now tap the power of AI to transform their business." "We're working hard to empower every organization with AI, so that they can make smarter products and solve some of the world's most pressing problems," said Harry Shum, executive vice president of the Artificial Intelligence and Research Group at Microsoft. "By working closely with NVIDIA and harnessing the power of GPU-accelerated systems, we've made Cognitive Toolkit and Microsoft Azure the fastest, most versatile AI platform. AI is now within reach of any business." This jointly optimized platform runs the new Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit (formerly CNTK) on NVIDIA GPUs, including the NVIDIA DGX-1 supercomputer, which uses Pascal architecture GPUs with NVLink interconnect technology, and on Azure N-Series virtual machines, currently in preview. This combination delivers unprecedented performance and ease of use when using data for deep learning. As a result, companies can harness AI to make better decisions, offer new products and services faster and provide better customer experiences. This is causing every industry to implement AI. In just two years, the number of companies NVIDIA collaborates with on deep learning has jumped 194x to over 19,000. Industries such as healthcare, life sciences, energy, financial services, automotive and manufacturing are benefiting from deeper insight on extreme amounts of data. The Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit trains and evaluates deep learning algorithms faster than other available toolkits, scaling efficiently in a range of environments -- from a CPU, to GPUs, to multiple machines -- while maintaining accuracy. NVIDIA and Microsoft worked closely to accelerate the Cognitive Toolkit on GPU-based systems and in the Microsoft Azure cloud, offering startups and major enterprises: Greater versatility: The Cognitive Toolkit lets customers use one framework to train models on premises with the NVIDIA DGX-1 or with NVIDIA GPU-based systems, and then run those models in the cloud on Azure. This scalable, hybrid approach lets enterprises rapidly prototype and deploy intelligent features. or with NVIDIA GPU-based systems, and then run those models in the cloud on Azure. This scalable, hybrid approach lets enterprises rapidly prototype and deploy intelligent features. Faster performance: When compared to running on CPUs, the GPU-accelerated Cognitive Toolkit performs deep learning training and inference much faster on NVIDIA GPUs available in Azure N-Series servers and on premises.(1) For example, NVIDIA DGX-1 with Pascal and NVLink interconnect technology is 170x faster than CPU servers for the Cognitive Toolkit. Wider availability: Azure N-Series virtual machines powered by NVIDIA GPUs are currently in preview to Azure customers, and will be generally available soon. Azure GPUs can be used to accelerate both training and model evaluation. With thousands of customers already part of the preview, businesses of all sizes are already running workloads on Tesla GPUs in Azure N-Series VMs. NVIDIA and Microsoft plan to continue their collaboration to help optimize the Cognitive Toolkit for NVIDIA GPUs in Azure and as part of a hybrid cloud AI platform, when connected to NVIDIA DGX-1 on premises. Steven Mnuchin, the Trump campaign's finance director, arrives in the lobby of Republican president-elect Donald Trump's Trump Tower in New York, U.S. November 14, 2016. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is weighing an "infrastructure bank" to make investments in the nation's infrastructure, Trump adviser Steven Mnuchin told reporters on Wednesday. Mnuchin, a Wall Street veteran under consideration for Trump's Treasury secretary, said the team was focused on "taxes... regulatory changes, looking at the creation of an infrastructure bank to fund infrastructure investments." "I'd say the economic priorities are clearly taxes, regulatory, trade, infrastructure," he added. (Reporting by Emily Stephenson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) PARIS and NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, technology and outsourcing services, today announced that it is launching its global FinTech1 initiative to fast track FinTech engagements with its global financial services clients. Capgeminis FinTech initiative will bring together its domain and integration expertise to scan, select, and evolve FinTech innovation for its clients, through an intense curation and collaboration process, planned to be conducted at Capgeminis global network of Applied Innovation Exchanges (AIEs)2, discovery centers and related assets. Be it generating exceptional customer experience or improving operational efficiencies, FinTech innovation is a catalyst to the industry. As the pace of innovation with financial services technology accelerates, Capgemini has developed this initiative to connect clients with FinTech innovations and foster agility, said Thierry Delaporte, Head of Capgeminis Global Financial Services Business Unit and Member of the Group Executive Board. Capgeminis FinTech initiative is unique in that its intended to extend beyond the traditional incubator concept to encompass connection, curation, incubation, and investment stages. The initiative will differentiate Capgemini as an active participant in the process of validating and evolving the core value propositions of participating companies in collaboration with clients. Additionally, it will address one of the biggest challenges in integrating external innovation by bridging gaps in adoption. These gaps could include tech integration, data management, process changes, and compliance and regulatory requirements. Companies participating in the initiative will experience Capgeminis curation process which scans and selects the innovations that will help meet market needs being requested by clients. Provisions will be made for all categories of FinTechs as well as enterprise technology oriented startups to apply to participate in the initiative to leverage innovation in the financial services industry. Once selected through the curation process, FinTech innovations will then be refined and evolved through an incubation designed to be in collaboration with clients. The global FinTech initiative will encompass all segments and process areas addressed by Capgeminis financial services business. Capgeminis global network of AIEs, discovery centers and related assets are leveraged for not only the curation and incubation phases but also as channels for bootcamps, hackathons, and joint innovation days with clients. Additionally, participating companies will gain access to a large community of Capgemini advisers, clients, and alliance partners to co-create business models, providing opportunities to gain competitive advantages. Capgemini has worked with MaRS Discovery District, a global innovation hub based in Toronto that is home to Canadas largest financial technology cluster. This relationship is a strong recognition of the quality of FinTech innovation in Canada. Capgeminis curation process will provide new channels for Canadian FinTech ventures to identify business and investment opportunities in emerging global markets, said Adam Nanjee, Head of Financial Technology at MaRS. Bluechain, which was formed in 2015 to commercialize an innovative payment technology designed to enhance security across a broad array of payment situations, is participating in Capgeminis FinTech initiative. According to Mike McAuley, CEO, Bluechain, Bluechain Technology will transform the future of payments. As we operate in the niche payment technology space in Australia, we were very pleased to be working with Capgemini, as an advisor and global channel partner for the distribution of payments solutions based on our technology. For more information on the initiative, contact [email protected] Capgeminis recently launched World FinTech Report can be downloaded at www.worldfintechreport2017.com About CapgeminiWith more than 180,000 people in over 40 countries, Capgemini is a global leader in consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2015 global revenues of EUR 11.9 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business, technology and digital solutions that fit their needs, enabling them to achieve innovation and competitiveness. A deeply multicultural organization, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business ExperienceTM, and draws on Rightshore, its worldwide delivery model. Learn more about us at www.capgemini.com. Rightshore is a trademark belonging to Capgemini Serving two-thirds of the worlds largest financial services institutions, Capgeminis Financial Services Strategic Business Unit helps banks, capital markets firms, and insurers meet todays industry disruptions with innovative business and IT solutions which create tangible value. A team of 45,000 financial services professionals around the world collaborates across geographies, domains, and technologies to deliver the best tailored solutions to its clients. Capgeminis Financial Services Unit brings award-winning industry expertise, leading market insights and over 25 years of global delivery excellence to client engagements. Learn more about us at www.capgemini.com and www.capgemini.com/financialservices. 1 FinTech is defined as financial services technology that is driving innovation including innovation found in insurance, banking, payments, capital markets, and regulation. Sector-specific FinTechs can be referred to as InsurTechs, PayTechs, RegTechs, etc. 2 Capgeminis Applied Innovation Exchange currently includes a global network of nine innovation spaces, known as Exchanges, where organizations are able to immerse themselves in the understanding, experimentation and application of all aspects of emerging technologies, as well as address the business disruptions confronting them and their industries Capgemini Contacts: Miranda Sanders (North America) Weber Shandwick for Capgemini [email protected] (212) 445-8120 Benjamin Pfeffer (EMEA) Weber Shandwick for Capgemini [email protected] +44 (0) 207 067 0461 Source: Capgemini Financial Services McComb, Mississippi (PRWEB) November 16, 2016 For those living in or moving to southwest Mississippi, Doug Rushing Realty is doing more to delight its home buyers. Rushing Realty, who has long pledged to give its clients the Southern approach to life and real estate, highlights the nature activities available to buyers of Mississippi real estate, like hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing and other endeavors. Of the new website, Alan Bridevaux said, "We worked extremely hard on our new website with our new mapping program and are very proud to launch the new system to our valued clients." For those searching around McComb, Tylertown, Brookhaven or surrounding southwest Mississippi areas, beginning the home search is now a much easier process. The website functions seamlessly, allowing visitors to quickly discover homes that suit their needs and preferences. Dougrushingrealty.com lists all kinds of real estate properties, including houses, condos, patio homes, multi-family units, townhomes, cabins and land. The goal of the new website is to make sorting through the vast amounts of land for sale in Mississippi a much simpler process. By setting up an account and establishing preferences, users can quickly find a suitable property within their budget. The new website, which is updated in real-time, puts more (and bigger) pictures, better details and more information at the buyer's fingertips as well a complete map of the land or house. This saves potential land and home buyers time, resources and gas, as they'll be able to narrow down their choices much more easily. When they contact an agent at Doug Rushing Realty, they'll have a clear idea on what properties fit their needs. The new website is a part of the overall plan of Doug Rushing Realty--which is to provide exceptional service to real estate clients in both Mississippi and Louisiana. Agents at Doug Rushing Realty are always looking for the opportunity to help buyers find that special home that matches their dreams. The new website is helping support that goal. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/11/prweb13846610.htm LONDON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hertz Europe Limited, part of Hertz Global Holdings (NYSE: HTZ), is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program in Europe by offering program members who reside in the region the chance to win exclusive anniversary prizes when they book and complete a qualifying rental. Additionally, all Gold Plus Rewards members can now earn and redeem points at more locations globally, with new participating countries including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. One lucky winner will receive 500,000 points, enough to enjoy more than 555 award rental days at any participating location globally. Additional prizes include 5,000 points for five winners, each enough for more than one reward rental week; five upgrades to Five Star and five to President Circle; and five vehicle upgrades for members to use on their next rental. Qualifying rentals must be booked between November 16th and December 15th 2016 and completed by December 15th 2016 with a minimum rental car hire period of two days and maximum hire for 28 days. Specific terms and conditions apply.* During the last five years, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members residing Europe earned approximately 1,500,000,000 Gold Plus Rewards points - equivalent to 22,000,000 rewards rental days - for use in participating countries. Earned points can be used towards rental days and other optional services. Points do not expire as long as the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member has either earned or redeemed points through rental activity in the prior 24 months. Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and available to sign up in more than 70 countries around the world. This year, the program's points rewards scheme has been opened to Gold Plus Rewards members residing in China, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, and Sweden. All countries where points can be now redeemed include: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and participating U.S. Territories. Customers can enroll into the free Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program via the Hertz website, at the rental counter or on the phone. Members can skip the counter at 50 airport locations around the world and, at more than 4,000 locations worldwide, they can simply show their driver's license and pick up their keys. Further information can be found on the Hertz website here. This year Hertz Gold Plus Rewards received top honors at the FlyerTalk Awards for the fifth consecutive year. The program was named the Best Rewards Program of the Drive category across the Americas, Europe/Africa and Middle East/Asia/Oceania and received the Outstanding Benefits recognition globally. * Terms and Conditions of the Gold Plus Rewards 5th Anniversary Prize Draw Competition Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions is a condition of entry. By entering this competition you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. 'The Promoter' of this Gold Plus Rewards 5th Anniversary Prize Draw Competition ('The Competition') is Hertz Europe Limited of Hertz House, 11 Vine Street Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1QE, UK). These Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. THE ENTRY The prize draw is available to Gold Plus Rewards members who reside in the following countries and regions: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom Platinum tier members and former No 1 Club members are not eligible for entry into this prize draw. Member must select to receive Gold Plus Rewards points on their member profile prior to booking. Entry to the prize draw will be for bookings from 16th November 2016 to 15th December 2016 ('The Prize draw Period'). The closing time is 23:59 GMT on 15th December 2016. To be eligible for the competition, Gold Plus Rewards members must complete a 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' and need to contain the following elements: The promotional coupon (PC) code 203266 is required at the time of reservation. The entry is valid on paid rentals picked up to 15th December 2016 at Hertz locations. Minimum rental car hire period is two (2) days and maximum rental car hire is twenty eight (28) days. Hertz standard rental Terms and Conditions apply to all rentals, including minimum age restrictions. All valid Qualifying Car Rental Transactions will be automatically entered into the competition and will equate to one entry into the competition draw. Members may enter more than once providing they make a 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' within the entry dates. Each 'Qualifying Car Rental Transaction' during the promotional period. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for late, incomplete, incorrectly submitted, corrupted or misdirected reservations which may be eligible for competition entry. THE COMPETITION The prize draws will be completed on, or before, end of the day GMT on Tuesday 20th December 2016. The winners of the completion will be randomly selected from all valid entries either (i) using a computer process or (ii) by an independent person or under the supervision of an independent person depending upon the nature of the prize. If for any reason any aspect of this competition is not capable of running as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, network failure, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this promotion, the Promoter may in its sole discretion cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the promotion, or invalidate any affected entries. THE PRIZES There are 5 (five) prizes available to win which will be distributed as follows: 1 winner of 500,000 Gold Plus Rewards points 5 winners of 5,000 Gold Plus Rewards points 5 winners of a President's Circle Tier upgrade for one year 5 winners of a Five Star Tier upgrade for one year 5 winners of a double-car-class upgrade Gold Plus Rewards points will be deposited in the Hertz website profile of the winners within 28 days of the winners being notified of their prize. Gold Plus Rewards tier upgrades will be actioned within 28 days of the winners being notified of their prize. The prizes are as stated and cannot be sold or exchanged for cash, goods or services. The prize is non-transferable and must be taken by the relevant winner. In the event of unforeseen circumstances the Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Prize for an alternative of equal or greater value. NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION OF WINNERS The winners will be contacted by the Promoter on or before 6th January 2017 in writing using the contact details provided by the member in their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards profile. If a winner cannot be contacted within this period, the Promoter reserves the right to select another winner from the prize draw. The name (initial and surname) and region of the winner will be available on request by enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope within 6 weeks of the notification date to: Gold Plus Rewards Team EMEA, Hertz House, 11 Vine Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1QE. USE OF ENTRIES By entering the competition, the member agrees that in the case of winning a prize, the winners may be required to participate in publicity related to the competition for advertising, marketing, and promotional purposes and other communications in any reasonable means and media. GENERAL All Hertz Gold Plus Rewards rules apply. Go to hertz.com for Gold Plus Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. About Hertz GlobalHertz Global operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands, through its operating company The Hertz Corporation, in approximately 10,000 corporate and franchisee locations throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Hertz Global is one of the largest worldwide airport general use vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized in the world. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Carfirmations, Mobile Wi-Fi and unique vehicles offered through the Adrenaline, Dream, Green and Prestige Collections set Hertz Global apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz Global owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation, operates the Hertz 24/7 hourly vehicle rental business in international markets and sells vehicles through its Rent2Buy program. For more information about Hertz Global, visit: www.hertz.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/20161116/440077 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hertz-loyalty-program-marks-fifth-anniversary-in-europe-with-new-participating-countries-and-exclusive-birthday-rewards-300364154.html SOURCE Hertz Global Holdings THE WALL OF SHAME "The only thing [Trump's] mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin's c--k holster." --STEPHEN COLBERT "[Ivanka Trump] Your father is a racist birther. Steve Bannon an anti-Semitic opportunist. You and your husband are enabling hatred. F--- your shoes." --BRADLEY WHITFORD "Melania [Trump] is a hooker." --JACOB BERNSTEIN "And my job is to shut other white people down when they want to interrupt." "We have to, at the DNC, provide training. We have to teach them how to communicate, how to be sensitive, and how to shut their mouths if they're white." --SALLY BOYNTON BROWN "And to our detractors that insist that this march will never add up to anything: F--- you! F---you! "Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House." --MADONNA "Barron Trump looks like a very handsome date-rapist-to-be." --STEPHEN SPINOLA "Barron [Trump] will be this country's first homeschool shooter." --KATIE RICH "Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick 'em all out, you'll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts." --MERYL STREEP "There's a billion to one chance we're living in base reality." [That means we're almost positively living in a simulation, like a video game.] --ELON MUSK "When I would deny that there was a significant racist component in some of the politics on our side, it was because the people I hung out with were certainly not. When suddenly, this rock is turned over, there is this'Oh shit, did I not see that?'" ---------------------------- "In any other scenario, Hillary Clinton's lying about her emails, and her pay-for-play relationship with the Clinton Foundation would be disqualifying issues. The only reason they're not disqualifying is because Donald Trump is a fundamentally more repellent, dishonest figure." --CHARLIE SYKES "I made a mistake in recalling the events of twelve years ago... I said I was traveling in an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire. I was instead in a following aircraft." --BRIAN WILLIAMS "I'm here to tell you if you elect me governor of this state, I will end the civil war." --TOM BARRETT "I would not look to the U.S. Constitution, if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012. I might look at the constitution of South Africa. That was a deliberate attempt to have a fundamental instrument of government that embraced basic human rights, had an independent judiciary. It really is, I think, a great piece of work that was done." --RUTH BADER GINSBURG "Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now, do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?" --ROBERT DE NIRO "The death of Andrew Breitbart disproves the adage that only the good die young." --JULIAN BOND "The National Institute of Health has said that it is a danger to women's health and safety of their families that for 30 years to be exposed to the prospects of pregnancy." --GWEN MOORE "[Tea Party Republicans] have acted like terrorists." --JOE BIDEN "Why did- Couldn't the President have said at that moment, way back in December of last year, 'no game playing. No hostage-taking. No terrorizing this country with the debt ceiling. I'm not going to negotiate with you guys. You can't play it that way.' Could he have done that?" --CHRIS MATTHEWS "[T]he tea-party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth having defeated Mordor." --WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL "I remember distinctly an image of--we were sitting on his couches, and I was looking at [Obama's] pant leg and his perfectly creased pant, and I'm thinking, a) he's going to be president and b) he'll be a very good president." --DAVID BROOKS "I feel like calling her back and smackin' her around." --FRED CLARK, DEMOCRAT "The picture was of me, and I sent it." --ANTHONY WEINER "[I]f you go back to the year 2000, when we had an obvious disaster and - and saw that our voting process needed refinement, and we did that in the America Votes Act and made sure that we could iron out those kinks, now you have the Republicans, who want to literally drag us all the way back to Jim Crow laws and literally - and very transparently - block access to the polls to voters who are more likely to vote Democratic candidates than Republican candidates. And it's nothing short of that blatant." --DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ "This is probably one of the worst times we've seen because the numbers of people elected to Congress. I went through this as co-chair of the arts caucus. In '94 people were elected simply to come here to kill the National Endowment for the Arts. Now theyre here to kill women." --LOUISE SLAUGHTER "The protesters have proven today that theyre not going away. It was a pretty rough night last night. You can imagine if people said, well, we just cant fight the power. Instead, this morning, they came by tens, by hundreds, by thousands. By midday today, it was easily more than 10,000, perhaps as many as 15,000 people on the square here in Madison. Not organized by anyone, just grassroots citizens who came out just like the Minutemen in 1776." --JOHN NICHOLS "They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own -- they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with your life, with that money. We've allowed them to take that. That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours. We all have this -- we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it. I think we need to go back to taxing these people at the proper rates." --MICHAEL MOORE "Why don't we just raise the taxes and let these folks have their collective bargaining, have their union representation and go back to their jobs? Raise the taxes on the wealthy." --DAVID LETTERMAN "In 1933, [Hitler] abolished unions and that's what our Governor [Scott Walker] is doing today." --LENA TAYLOR, Democrat State Senator "So I would urge my Republican colleagues, no matter how strongly they feel -- you know, we have three branches of government. We have a House. We have a Senate. We have a president. And all three of us are going to have to come together and give some, but it is playing with fire to risk the shutting down of the government." --CHUCK SCHUMER "Well, when you start off with the Preamble of the Constitution, you talk about the pursuit of happiness." --JOHN LEWIS "I'm Rebecca Kleefisch. I performed fellatio on all the talk show hosts in Milwaukee. And they endorsed me and that's how I became lieutenant governor." --SLY SYLVESTER "Do you think this Constitution-loving is getting out of hand? I mean, is it a nod to the Tea Party?" --JOY BEHAR "We cant just leave it up to the parents." "[Military leaders] tell us that childhood obesity isnt just a public health issue; they tell us that it is not just an economic threat -- it is a national security threat as well." --MICHELLE OBAMA "Actually, I did not take part in [the assassination of Sarah Palin]. I led it." --KATHLEEN PARKER "[The repeal of ObamaCare is] a kind of creeping genocide." --JESSE JACKSON "[Obama] has to realize that Mitch McConnell has virtually said so that politically he wants to cut out his heart and throw his liver to the dogs." --DAN RATHER "And the instructions are not to improvise a comedy sketch, but to elect a group of unqualified, unstable individuals who will do what they are told, in exchange for money and power, and march this nation as far backward as they can get, backward to Jim Crow, or backward to the breadlines of the '30s, or backward to hanging union organizers, or backward to the trusts and the robber barons. "Result: the Tea Party. Vote backward, vote Tea Party. And if you are somehow indifferent to what is planned for next Tuesday, it is nothing short of an attempted use of democracy to end this democracy." --KEITH "Reagan's dead and he was a lousy President" OLBERMANN "I gotta wonder when people are gonna start wearing uniforms. I mean they've got an army out there in Alaska of militia people. You've got these guys going around acting like street thugs. I mean it isn't far from what we saw in the thirties, where all of a sudden, political parties started showing up in uniform." --CHRIS MATTHEWS "[Sharron Angle] is a moron on top of being evil... I'd like to see her do this ad in the South Bronx. Come here, bitch. Come to New York and do it. I'm not praying for her. She's going to hell. She's going to hell, this bitch." --JOY BEHAR "So people have been hurting and I understand that. And it doesn't give them comfort or solace for me to tell them, you know, but for me, we'd be in a worldwide depression." --HARRY REID "And to play Dick Cheney, all I had to do was find my Dick Cheney. And you can find all the villainy in the world in your own heart, and that's what an actor's job is. I always say to kids, inside you is Hitler and Jesus. And you got to find the appropriate person and bring them out." --RICHARD DREYFUSS "Because I live in the District of Columbia which is so predominantly Democratic, I am a registered Democrat. But I am an avowed neutral. And to put that into practice, I take my young daughter into the voting booth and she votes for me. She's now 14. We've been doing this since she was about age 4. She's now quite informed." --BOB WOODWARD "Sarah Palin's an idiot. Come on. This is a remarkably, stunningly, jaw-droppingly incompetent and mean woman." "The Democrats may have moved into the center, but the Republicans have moved into a mental institution." --AARON SORKIN "Perhaps the greatest threat of all is the undermining of our Constitution and the systematic attack against the inalienable rights of the citizens of this nation, rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution. At the vanguard of this insidious attack is the Tea Party. This band of misguided citizens is moving perilously close to achieving villainous ends." --HARRY BELAFONTE "[Christine O'Donnell is] a witch who doesn't masturbate." --JOY BEHAR "Ah, the Tea Party, the nativist bed-wetters who somehow control our national dialogue. Yes, I call them the Pee Party, Jay, because they're always peeing in their pants about something. They're just, they're afraid of a mosque being built in New York. They're afraid of guns. You know, they think Obama, who like every other pussy Democrat has never said a single word about gun control, but they are very sure that he and his Negro army are coming after their guns. You know what? If you think that he's coming after your guns, you need to get out of your chat room and have your house tested for lead. He's not coming after your guns or your Bible or your fishing pole or your chewing tobacco." --BILL MAHER "That's a trade-off society is making because of very, very high medical costs, and a lack of willingness to say, you know, is spending a million dollars on that last three months of life for that patient, would it be better not to lay off those ten teachers and to make that trade-off in medical costs. But that;s called the 'Death Panel' and you're not supposed to have that discussion." --BILL GATES "NOT the 'whiteman's bitch'" --IESHUH GRIFFIN "[If Rush Limbaugh suffered a heart attack in my presence, I would] laugh loudly like a maniac and watch his eyes bug out. I never knew I had this much hate in me. But he deserves it." --SARAH SPITZ "You want freedom, you going to have to kill some crackers. You going to have to kill some of their babies." --KING SAMIR SHABAZZ "If this was Texas, which is the state that, that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this, saying that they had a major issue with, you know, with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would say I would have to look twice at this. "But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border. And, um, it just, it doesn't make sense to me that when you google this subject, if you put in 'Arizona S.B. 1070,' that you see a picture of the governor of Arizona meeting with President Obama in May of 2010. If you have direct linkage to the president, there are already National Guard troops on the border in Arizona." --PEGGY WEST "Tell [the Jews] to get the hell out of Palestine. Remember, these people are occupied and it's their land. It's not German. It's not Poland. [The Jews] can go home. Poland. Germany." --HELEN THOMAS "After the last eight years, it's good to have a president that knows what a library is." --PAUL McCARTNEY "By the way, I just want to point out I'm wearing my splash shield because I was told I was going to be in the splash zone (during Harry Smith's colonoscopy on live TV)." --KATIE COURIC "And that Word is, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word." ---------------------------- "Think of an economy where people could be an artist or a photographer or a writer without worrying about keeping their day job in order to have health insurance or that people could start a business and be entrepreneurial and take risk, but not job loss because of a child with asthma or someone in the family is bipolaryou name it, any condition is job-locking." --NANCY PELOSI "Back in World War II, we viewed the Japanese as 'yellow, slant-eyed dogs' that believed in different gods. They were out to kill us because our way of living was different. We, in turn, wanted to annihilate them because they were different. Does that sound familiar, by any chance, to what's going on today?" --TOM HANKS "The 'White Right' is trying to set Barack up to be assassinated.... Here are Christians praying for God to kill Barack Obama." --LOUIS FARRAKHAN "I refuse to accept the notion that the United States of America is not going to lead the world economically throughout the 20th Century." --JOE BIDEN "Obama's critics keep blasting him for Chicago-style politics. So, fine. Channel your inner Al Capone and go gangsta against your foes. Let 'em know that if they aren't with you, they are against you, and will pay the price." --ROLAND MARTIN "Martha Coakley is running to fill the rest of Ted Kennedy's term, and her opponent is a far-right tea-bagger Republican." --CHUCK SCHUMER "I tell you what, if I lived in Massachusetts, I'd try to vote ten times. I don't know if they'd let me or not, but I'd try to. Yeah, that's right, I'd cheat to keep these bastards out. I would. 'Cause that's exactly what they are." --ED SCHULTZ "We also see how revved up the tea baggers are at the thought of hijacking health care reform and every chance we have at making progress in Washington." --JOHN KERRY "A few years ago, this guy (Obama) would have been getting us coffee." --BILL CLINTON "I didn't realize I had written a column defending Roman Polanski and minimized his crime - are you sure it was me? I mean, I? There is, apparently, more to this crime than it would seem, and it may sound like a hollow defense, but in Hollywood I am not sure a 13-year-old is really a 13-year-old." --TOM SHALES "Joe Wilson yelled 'You lie!' at a president who didn't. But, fair or not, what I heard was an unspoken word in the air: You lie, boy!" --MAUREEN DOWD "One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game... During the 7th inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez." --DAVID LETTERMAN "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasnt lived that life." --SONIA SOTOMAYOR "We all considered sexual abuse of minors as a moral evil, but had no understanding of its criminal nature." --REMBERT WEAKLAND, Archbishop of Milwaukee 1977- 2002 "You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was so strung out on Oxycontin he missed his flight." "Rush Limbaugh -- 'I hope the country fails.' I hope his kidneys fail." ---------------------------- "[Obama] told me I did a great job. The first lady said the same thing. I got a 'well done' from the president, I'm on cloud nine." --WANDA SYKES "Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less." --COLIN POWELL "[Tea Party goers are] just a bunch of wimpy, whiny, weasels who don't love their country." --PAUL BEGALA "I wouldn't want [gay marriage] to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court." --BARNEY FRANK "Going forward, my mind will be open to every solution -- except one. We should not -- we must not -- and I will not -- raise taxes." --JIM DOYLE, Liar "He's a terrorist. Rush Limbaugh is a terrorist." --JOY BEHAR "You know, I just want to say to her (Sarah Palin), just very quickly...F--- you." --JON STEWART "Should I be worried about being a slave and being returned to slavery?" --WHOOPI GOLDBERG "I also believe that America is the greatest sin against God." --FR. MICHAEL PFLEGER "Those who think they can revive the stinking corpse of the usurping and fake Israeli regime by throwing a birthday party are seriously mistaken. Today the reason for the Zionist regime's existence is questioned, and this regime is on its way to annihilation." --MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD "We'll be eight degrees hotter in ten, not ten but 30 or 40 years and basically none of the crops will grow. Most of the people will have died and the rest of us will be cannibals." --TED TURNER "Look, [Mitt] Romney comes from a religion founded by a criminal who was anti-American, pro-slavery, and a rapist. And he comes from that lineage and says, 'I respect this religion fully.'" --LAWRENCE O'DONNELL "Mexico does not end at its borders... Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico." --FELIPE CALDERON "The planet has a fever. If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant." --AL GORE "Don't fear the terrorists. They're mothers and fathers." --ROSIE O'DONNELL "Is America ready for a black president? Well, I say we just had a retarded one. When did being black become a bigger deterrent than being retarded?" --CHRIS ROCK "Shut the f--- up! Shut up if you can't take a joke [about President Bush]!" --BARBRA STREISAND "Right, oh, yeah, Happy 9/11! Celebrate the day, right?" --JAMES BROLIN, Mr. Barbra Streisand "I think President Bush very well may have signed an authorization for the 9/11 attacks." --KEVIN BARRETT, UW-MADISON Lecturer "I said what I said. I am not guilty." --SADDAM HUSSEIN "Terri will not be starved to death. Her nutrition and hydration will be taken away." --MICHAEL SCHIAVO "On the eve of the election last month my wife Judith and I were driving home late in the afternoon and turned on the radio for the traffic and weather. What we instantly got was a freak show of political pornography: lies, distortions, and half-truths -- half-truths being perhaps the blackest of all lies. " --BILL MOYERS "I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for." --HOWARD DEAN "The Iraqis who have risen up against the occupation are not 'insurgents' or 'terrorists' or 'The Enemy.' They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win." --MICHAEL MOORE "And there is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs." --JOHN KERRY "F---ing retarded." "[Republicans] can go f--- themselves!" --RAHM EMANUEL "I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president." --HILLARY CLINTON "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is." --BILL CLINTON "And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment." --MICHELLE OBAMA "If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor, makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor." ---------------------------- "If you love me, you got to help me pass this bill." ---------------------------- "[F]or most of my lifetime, the United States was such a dominant economic power, we were such a large market, our industry, our technology, our manufacturing was so significant that we always met the rest of the world economically on our terms. And now, because of the incredible rise of India and China and Brazil and other countries, the United States remains the largest economic and the largest market but theres real competition out there. And that's potentially healthy. It makes -- Michelle was saying earlier I like tough questions because it keeps me on my toes. Well, this will keep America on its toes." ---------------------------- "If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, 'We're gonna PUNISH OUR ENEMIES and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,' if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2." ---------------------------- "We don't mind the Republicans joining us. They can come for the ride, but THEY GOTTA SIT IN BACK." ---------------------------- "We can absorb a terrorist attack. We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever... we absorbed it and we are stronger." ---------------------------- "We're buying shrimp, guys." ---------------------------- "We are the ones we've been waiting for." ---------------------------- "We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers so I know whose ass to kick." ---------------------------- "We're not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that's fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money. But, you know, part of the American way is, you know, you can just keep on making it if youre providing a good product or you're providing good service. We don't want people to stop fulfilling the core responsibilities of the financial system to help grow the economy." ---------------------------- "If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen." ---------------------------- "It is a vital national security interest of the United States to reduce these conflicts because whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower, and when conflicts break out, one way or another we get pulled into them. And that ends up costing us significantly in terms of both blood and treasure." ---------------------------- "But I -- I think that the most important thing for the public to understand is, we're not handling any of these cases any different than the Bush administration handled them all through 9/11." ---------------------------- "One such translator was an American of Haitian descent, representative of the extraordinary work that our men and women in uniform do all around the world -- Navy CORPSE-MAN Christian [sic] Brossard. And lying on a gurney aboard the USNS Comfort, a woman asked Christopher: 'Where do you come from? What country? After my operation,' she said, 'I will pray for that country.' And in Creole, CORPSE-MAN Brossard responded, 'Etazini.' The United States of America." ---------------------------- "I hear that Dr. Joe Medicine Crow was around, and so I want to give a shout-out to that Congressional Medal of Honor winner. It's good to see you." ---------------------------- "We are God's partners in matters of life and death." ---------------------------- "[T]he Cambridge police acted stupidly." ---------------------------- "I am going to teach [my daughters] first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby." ---------------------------- "The reforms we seek would bring greater competition, choice, savings, and INEFFICIENCIES to our health care system." ---------------------------- "Over the last 15 months, weve traveled to every corner of the United States. Ive now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it." --BARACK OBAMA NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Evercore (NYSE: EVR) announced today that John S. Weinberg has joined Evercore as Chairman of the Board and Executive Chairman. He joins a senior management team that now includes Roger Altman, who will become Founder and Senior Chairman, and Ralph Schlosstein, President and Chief Executive Officer. Both Mr. Altman and Mr. Schlosstein will remain on the Board of Directors. Mr. Weinberg most recently was Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs Group from June 2006 to October 2015. John was Co-Head of Global Investment Banking from 2002 to 2014. Before that he was Co-Head of Investment Banking in the Americas. At Goldman Sachs, Mr. Weinberg provided strategic and financial advice to a number of leading companies, including Ford, General Electric, and Boeing, and he advised on the IPOs of Visa and Under Armour. Mr. Weinberg joined Goldman Sachs in 1983 and was promoted to Partner in 1992. Roger Altman, Evercore's Founder and Senior Chairman said, "This is a profound step forward for Evercore. There is no advisor more respected by clients around the world than John Weinberg. He epitomizes the values of quality, integrity and excellence which are the heart of our firm. I look forward to working closely with John, as we continue to build Evercore towards becoming the one, truly elite global advisory firm." Ralph Schlosstein, Evercore's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We are excited to have John join Evercore as Chairman of the Board and a member of our senior leadership team. John has a well-deserved reputation among clients and industry leaders as an extraordinarily talented and highly principled advisor and leader. His deep experience as a long-time leader of a premier financial institution will strengthen and deepen our senior leadership team as we continue to pursue our goal of becoming the most elite global independent investment banking advisory firm in the world. I sincerely look forward to having him as our partner in leading the firm." Mr. Weinberg commented, "I am excited to join the senior leadership team of Evercore. I also look forward to working closely with the many people of this outstanding organization. Their reputation for excellence and intense focus on their clients' interests make it a privilege for me to do so." Mr. Weinberg received a BA from Princeton University in 1979 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1983. He currently serves as a board member of Ford Motor Company, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and Middlebury College, and he serves on the Investment Committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He previously served on the visiting committee for Harvard Business School. About EvercoreEstablished in 1995, Evercore is a leading global independent investment banking advisory firm. Evercore advises a diverse set of investment banking clients on a wide range of transactions and issues and provides institutional investors with high quality equity research, sales and trading execution that is free of the conflicts created by proprietary activities. The Firm also offers investment management services to high net worth and institutional investors. With 27 offices and affiliate offices in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, Evercore has the scale and strength to serve clients globally through a focused and tailored approach designed to meet their unique needs. More information about Evercore can be found on the Company's website at www.evercore.com. Investor Contact: Robert B. Walsh Chief Financial Officer, Evercore +1.212.857.3100 Media Contact: Dana Gorman The Abernathy MacGregor Group, for Evercore +1.212.371.5999 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150517/216568LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/john-s-weinberg-to-join-evercore-as-executive-chairman-300363772.html SOURCE Evercore Jackson, Mississippi (PRWEB) November 16, 2016 MississippiLandsource.com and the sites that it owns and operates now encompass over 50 partner websites, and Doug Rushing Realty will benefit from a huge amount of exposure for clients that want to buy or sale land or houses in Mississippi and Louisiana. Chuck Magee, founder of MississippiLandsource.com, says, "We are very happy with our internet exposure for Doug Rushing Realty throughout Mississippi." Doug Rushing Realty is headquartered in McComb and Tylertown, Mississippi. They have been in the real estate industry for decades serving clients in Mississippi as well as Louisiana with their land for sale in Mississippi and Louisiana. The advertising partnership is the beginning of a long-term relationship with Mississippilandsource.com. Alan Bridevaux and Rushing Realty bring many years of helping Mississippi and Louisiana clients with their real estate needs. About Mississippilandsource.com MississippiLandsource.com, LLC is a land and house listing website for Mississippi Real Estate Brokers to list land for sale in Mississippi. Mississippi-landsource.com is part of the Your-Landsource.com network of over 55 websites owned and operated, which are targeted towards buyers and sellers of land, farms, ranches, commercial, timberland and rural homes outside city areas. In addition to the land for sale in Mississippi listing websites, MississippiLandsource.com has a small group of sponsors that will aid in the purchase and enjoyment of land and home ownership. Doug Rushing Realty for land for sale in Mississippi, Watkins Construction and Roofing for home remodeling and roofing needs. MississippiLandsource.com is the leading rural real estate listing website in Mississippi and our clients, include Doug Rushing Realty, United Country, Tom Smith Land and Homes, Keller Williams, Century 21, Capital Ag, American Forest Management, and many other fine Brokers and Realtors. MississippiLandsource.com was formed in 1999 and is headquartered in McComb, Mississippi. Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/11/prweb13837707.htm CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/15/16 -- Pengrowth Energy Corporation (TSX: PGF)(NYSE: PGH) ("Pengrowth" or the "Company") announces the calling of a meeting of the holders (the "Debentureholders") of its 6.25% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due March 31, 2017 ("the Debentures") to amend certain terms of the outstanding Debentures. Pengrowth has been focused on improving its balance sheet and has taken steps to bolster its cash position in 2016 in anticipation of the forthcoming debt maturities in the first seven months of 2017. Following the monetization of its 2018 and 2019 commodity risk management contracts, the Company exited the third quarter with $139.5 million of cash on the balance sheet. Subsequent to the end of the quarter and through the monetization of its foreign exchange hedges and significantly all of its 2017 commodity risk management contracts, Pengrowth's cash balance increased to approximately $225 million as at November 15, 2016. Following these transactions, in addition to its 2016 hedges as set out in its third quarter financial results, the Company has 8,000 barrels per day of expected 2017 crude oil production hedged at a Canadian dollar equivalent price of $61.51 per barrel and no natural gas contracts in place. The Company also re-entered into foreign exchange contracts on a significant portion of the principal amount of U.S. dollar denominated term notes at an average fixed exchange rate of Cdn/USD $0.748. The monetization efforts have resulted in the Company having a substantial cash position, providing Pengrowth with additional financial flexibility for its debt reduction efforts. With the Company having already repaid all drawings under its revolving credit facility and in keeping with its debt reduction objective, at this time, Pengrowth feels its best course of action is to use the cash on hand for the early retirement of approximately $127 million of outstanding Debentures. Should the amendments be approved by Debentureholders and the Company proceed with the early redemption, the Company's balance sheet strength is expected to improve by reducing its overall debt position. Following the redemption, the Company expects to exit the year with approximately $100 million of cash on hand. Indenture Amendments If approved, the amendments would permit Pengrowth, at its option, to redeem all of the outstanding Debentures for cash consideration of $1,031.16 for each $1,000 Debenture (the "Amendments"). This is equivalent to par plus interest to March 30, 2017. If the proposed Amendments are approved, it is expected that the Company will redeem the Debentures on December 30, 2016. Meeting to Approve Indenture Amendments The meeting of Debentureholders will be held at 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on Thursday, December 22, 2016. The record date for determining the Debentureholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting will be November 17, 2016. At the meeting, Debentureholders will be asked to approve the Amendments by an extraordinary resolution authorizing Pengrowth and the trustee of the Debentures to amend the terms of the outstanding Debentures. For the Amendment to be approved, holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding must be represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, and the extraordinary resolution must be passed by Debentureholders' votes representing no less than 66 2/3% of the principal amount of the Debentures represented at the meeting. A proxy form and a management information circular will be mailed to Debentureholders in connection with the meeting. Pengrowth's board of directors has unanimously concluded that the proposed Amendments are in the best interests of the Company and recommends that Debentureholders vote FOR the proposed Amendments. How to Vote Pengrowth Debentureholders with questions or need help voting are encouraged to contact the proxy solicitation and information agent Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1487 toll-free within North America, or 1-416-867-2272 (for collect calls outside North America), or e-mail at [email protected]. To vote for the Amendments please complete the applicable proxy form to be provided by your broker or other intermediary no later than 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on December 20, 2016. About Pengrowth: Pengrowth Energy Corporation is an intermediate Canadian producer of oil and natural gas, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Pengrowth's assets include the Lindbergh thermal oil, Cardium light oil, Swan Hills light oil and the Groundbirch and Bernadet Montney gas projects. Pengrowth's shares trade on both the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PGF" and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PGH". PENGROWTH ENERGY CORPORATION Derek Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information about Pengrowth, please visit our website www.pengrowth.com or contact: Investor Relations, E-mail: [email protected]. Advisory on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning, but not limited to: the Company's plans in respect of the Amendments to the Debentures; the timing for the redemption of the Debentures; and hedging in place for 2017 production and the weighting thereof between crude oil and natural gas; and the positive effect of the Debenture redemption on the Company's financial position. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, operational, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Pengrowth's control, and many factors could cause Pengrowth's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to: changes to the meeting, including anticipated dates; the benefits of the Amendments to the Debentures; the impact of the Amendments to the Debentures on the Company's stakeholders and on the Company and its financial position, liquidity and outlook; ability to obtain approval of the Amendments to the Debentures by extraordinary resolution; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the reports and filings made with securities regulatory authorities by the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by Pengrowth in light of its experience and perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including, but are not limited to: that the Company will successfully negotiate agreements; receipt of required regulatory approvals; the Company's ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will conduct its business; future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company's reserves and resources; the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting exploration and development activities; conditions in general economic and financial markets; current commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future operating costs; uninterrupted access to areas of Pengrowth's operations and infrastructure; that Pengrowth will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures and requirements as needed; that Pengrowth will have the financial ability to redeem the Debentures; that Debentureholders will approve the Amendments; that Pengrowth will have the ability to develop its oil and gas properties in the manner currently contemplated; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated; that the estimates of Pengrowth's reserves and resource volumes and the assumptions related thereto (including commodity prices and development costs) are accurate in all material respects; and other matters. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Pengrowth 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. Contacts: Pengrowth Wassem Khalil Manager, Investor Relations (403) 233-0224 or Toll free 1-855-336-8814 Source: Pengrowth Energy Corporation Content Marketing Institute Releases New Research on State of Content Marketing in Australia CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- More experience means more content marketing success for Australian marketers. Thats just one of the key findings in the new Content Marketing in Australia 2017: Benchmarks, Budgets, and Trends report from the Content Marketing Institute, a UBM company, in partnership with the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA). This years report is sponsored by LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. To see our analysis and download the full report visit: http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2016/11/australian-content-marketers-research What did we find? 56% of Australian marketers in the sophisticated/mature phase of content marketing consider their organizations approach to content marketing to be extremely or very successful, compared with 25% of the overall sample and 3% of organizations in the young/first-steps phase. While early-stage content marketers can learn many things from their more mature peers, one of the most striking and encouraging observations about those in the early phase is that 71% agree that their organization is focused more on building long-term relationships than on getting quick results from content marketing, explains Joe Pulizzi, founder Content Marketing Institute and author of four content marketing books including Content Inc. That tells me that many Australian organizations that are just starting out with content marketing have the right idea content marketing is an opportunity to create ongoing value. I dont think we could have said that a year ago when the Australian marketers we surveyed reported a heavy focus on leads and sales. Other Key Highlights: 35% of Australian marketers say their organizations are in the sophisticated/mature phases of content marketing; 28% are in the adolescent phase; and 38% are in the young/first steps phase. Australian marketers attribute their increased success with content marketing over the past year primarily to doing a better job with content creation (71%), for example, producing higher-quality, more efficient content. 59% of Australian marketers say their organizations are extremely or very committed to content marketing. 69% of Australian marketers agree that their organization is focused on building audiences (one or more subscriber bases). 68% of Australian marketers agree that their organization values creativity and craft in content creation and production. Its exciting to see that Australian marketers, including those who are just starting out with content marketing, understand the importance of using content to build relationships, says Jodie Sangster, chief executive officer, the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising. There are no quick fixes with content marketing. Marketers who commit to the approach, document their strategy, and create ongoing value for their audience will see long-term results. For research charts, a video, quotes and more, check out this Dropbox. To view all CMI research and to subscribe to our emails visit: contentmarketinginstitutecom/research About Content Marketing Institute: Content Marketing Institute is the leading global content marketing education and training organization, teaching enterprise brands how to attract and retain customers through compelling, multichannel storytelling. CMIs Content Marketing World event, the largest content marketing-focused event, is held every September in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and the Intelligent Content Conference event is held every spring. CMI publishes the bi-monthly magazine Chief Content Officer, and provides strategic consulting and content marketing research for some of the best-known brands in the world. Watch this video to learn more about CMI, a UBM company. To view all research and to subscribe to our emails visit www.contentmarketinginstitute.com About the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising The Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) is the principal industry body for information-based marketing and advertising and is the largest marketing and advertising body in Australia with more than 600 member organisations. ADMA represents the new era of marketing and advertisinga 360 view from end-to-end. From marketing to advertising From effective to creative From above to below From measurable to engaging ADMA is the leading authority and go-to resource for creative and effective data-driven marketing across all channels and platforms, providing knowledge, advocacy, insight, and innovation to advance responsive and enlightened marketing. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006537/en/ Content Marketing Institute Amanda Subler, 216-941-5842 [email protected] Source: Content Marketing Institute TRIPOLI (Reuters) - An air strike targeting Islamist militants has killed at least seven people near the southwestern Libyan city of Sabha, a local official and media reports said on Tuesday. Gunmen later seized the remains of the suspected militants from a morgue, said the official, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. The early morning strike hit three houses in Gardah, northwest of Sabha, destroying two of them and damaging the third, said the official. It was not clear who carried out the strike, and military officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Forces on both sides of conflict-ridden Libya's east-west political divide have used warplanes to strike militant targets. The United States has also conducted air strikes on Islamist militants in Libya, but a U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said its forces did not carry out the latest strike. There were conflicting reports about whether the suspected militants were linked to al Qaeda or Islamic State, both of which have a presence in Libya's south. Libyan news website Press Solidarity said the main target was a militant called Abdulrahman Belhaj Hesnawi, also known as Abu Talha al-Libi, though several reports said he was not among the dead. The local official, from Gardah, said some of those killed were Libyan and some were foreign, and it was not known whether they included Hesnawi. "After one or two hours a group of gunmen went to a local hospital in Adri, 35 km (22 miles) from Gardah, and they seized the remains of the bodies," he said. The United States has been conducting air strikes on Islamic State in the group's former bastion of Sirte, 500 km (310 miles) north of Gardah, since Aug. 1, and had previously launched several strikes against militant targets elsewhere in the vast North African country. France has acknowledged flying intelligence and surveillance flights over Libya. Some Islamic State militants who were based in Sirte fled south into the desert when a campaign to oust them from the city began six months ago, according to Libyan officials. (Reporting by Ahmed Elumami and Phil Stewart; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Dan Grebler) President Abdelaziz Bouteflika looks on during a swearing-in ceremony in Algiers April 28, 2014. REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika returned home on Tuesday after an eight-day trip to France for a medical check-up, state media reported. A statement from the Algerian presidency broadcast on state radio said Bouteflika "underwent periodic medical checks" during a private visit to Grenoble, without giving further details. The Algerian leader, 79, has been seen only occasionally in public since suffering a stroke in 2013. He has visited Europe several times for treatment and remained in hospital in France for months after his stroke. Bouteflika, a veteran of Algeria's 1954-62 independence war, has governed the North African OPEC state for more than 15 years, and was re-elected in 2014 after a campaign in which he was only seen when he came out to vote in a wheelchair. His physical frailty has spurred debate about whether he will complete his current term, which ends in 2019. Bouteflika's opponents have called for an early presidential election, though his supporters say he is in charge and able to rule the country. He has made several public appearances over the last few weeks. Bouteflika led Algeria out of international isolation and a war with armed Islamists that left an estimated 200,000 people dead in the 1990s. He is seen by many Algerians as a symbol of stability. (Reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Guatemala's President Jimmy Morales (L), Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernandez and El Salvador's President Salvador Sanchez Ceren pose for a picture during the Tri-National anti gang task force deployment ceremony in Nueva Ocotepeque, Honduras, Nove By Nelson Renteria NUEVA OCOTEPEQUE, Honduras (Reuters) - The Central American nations of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador on Tuesday launched a joint security system to combat gangs and drug smuggling, as well as curtail migration and lower murders in one of the world's most violent regions. The initiative will allow police and soldiers from each country to undertake coordinated actions to attack gangs, drug trafficking and people smuggling, officials said. The three impoverished countries have each contributed to a sharp rise in the number of Central American migrants heading north to the United States in recent years, a flow U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to stop. "What we are installing is the perfecting of shields along our borders," Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said at an event in the western city of Nueva Ocotepeque, accompanied by Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. "We're conscious of the fact that this war against crime, which we're winning, has, and is going to have, effects and repercussions, but we can't go backwards." The joint security force is part of the so-called "Alliance for Prosperity" plan, which aims to regenerate the region with support from Washington, creating jobs and infrastructure. That plan, whose fate is unclear after Trump's surprise election last week, was hatched after a sharp rise in Central American child migrants bound for the United States sparked a crisis for outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014. Last year, as part of the plan, the U.S. Congress approved a first payment of $750 million for the three countries, but it has so far yet to materialize, Guatemala's foreign minister, Carlos Raul Morales, told Reuters. Trump has said he will deport up to 3 million people living illegally in the United States, and crack down on immigration by building a border wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. Morales said he had spoken with migrants in the United States and understood their "logical fears," but added it was too early to fully gauge what Trump will do as president. Honduran president Hernandez said he would meet U.S. lawmakers from both parties to defend the Alliance for Prosperity. "In the case of President-elect Trump, I think he has identified a clear objective: they don't want migrants there, just as we don't want our people to go," Hernandez said. (Additional reporting by Sofia Menchu and Enrique Pretel; Editing by Alistair Bell) China's Premier Li Keqiang speaks during the meeting of heads of government Central and Eastern European countries and China in Riga, Latvia, November 5, 2016. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins BEIJING (Reuters) - China's premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday that he is confident the country can "accomplish major development tasks relatively well" in 2016, according to the state radio. Li said China's economy is stabilizing as many indicators performed better than expected, strengthening the confidence in China's development path. (Reporting by Yawen Chen and Nicholas Heath; Editing by Richard Borsuk) Moldova's Socialist Party presidential candidate Igor Dodon speaks to the media after a presidential election at his election headquarters in Chisinau, Moldova, November 14, 2016. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) - The pro-Russian winner of Moldova's presidential election said on Tuesday the country would not cut ties with the European Union, appearing to row back on campaign comments that it should move closer to Moscow. Igor Dodon won Sunday's election with just over 50 percent of the vote after calling in the campaign for a referendum on its 2014 political and trade pact with the European bloc and focus on improving relations with Russia. His stance put him in direct conflict with the ex-Soviet republic's pro-EU government, but his latest comments suggest he is seeking to find a middle ground. "All ties with the EU remain in effect, all decisions with the external partners of Moldova will be carried out in the future," Dodon told a news conference. "The president should be neither pro-European nor pro-Russian, but only pro-Moldovan." In contrast to this conciliatory tone, Dodon told a Russian news channel on Monday he would push for early parliamentary elections next year to force out the government. This would spell yet more instability for the ex-Soviet nation, where a $1 billion graft scandal in 2014 damaged trust in pro-EU leaders and resulted in the prime minister being jailed. The impoverished country has had four premiers since. Dodon said he had been congratulated on his victory by EU leaders as well as by Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that he planned to visit Moscow before the end of 2016. Russia imposed trade bans on key Moldovan farming exports in response to the EU agreement. Dodon's promise to boost relations with Moscow has found favor with the many Moldovans suffering financially from the bans and a broader economic downturn. The economy of Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, shrank 0.5 percent in 2015 after two years of growth. It is expected to return to modest growth this year, but exports have yet to recover to pre-crisis levels, falling 4.3 percent in the first quarter of 2016. (Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Matthias Williams and Tom Heneghan) Logitech computer keyboards are on sale at an electronics store in Westminister, Colorado January 15, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking By Eric Auchard BARCELONA (Reuters) - Pioneering computer mouse maker Logitech isn't ready to walk away from the personal computer business just yet, even though its chief executive spends all his time these days thinking how to expand into faster-growing accessory markets. Bracken Darrell, the company's design-minded president and CEO, has devoted his four years in charge of the Swiss-American electronic accessories maker to push Logitech into mobile music speakers, gaming, wearables and home and video controls. The company recently introduced a home control device it calls Pop switch which can act as a remote control for lights, door locks, speakers, thermostats and other household devices. "Everything we are doing today is creating cloud-based peripherals," Darrell told investors at Morgan Stanley European Tech Media and Telecom conference here on Wednesday. "I keep the PC business in a dark space in my mind," he said. "The rest of the business has just been super exciting." Darrell has transformed the financial results of a company previously in steady decline, with Logitech now on track to report steady sales growth in constant currencies of around 10 percent and improving operating margins around the same level. Founded 35 years ago in the early days of the PC era, Logitech saw sales of PC pointing devices decline 1 percent in its latest quarter, while mobile music speakers grew 20 percent, other audio equipment rose 35 percent and video conferencing tools like webcams jumped 43 percent. Worldwide shipments of new PCs are forecast to decline by 8 percent this year, research firm Gartner predicts. "We are holding our own in the PC peripherals business which has no right to grow," the Logitech CEO said. Still, PC accessories like mice and keyboards still accounted for nearly half of net sales of $564 million for the quarter ended in September. Logitech is also gearing up to build virtual reality or augmented reality gadgets. In a throwback, its product developers are reusing technology from a pointing device the company developed in the early 1990s for an earlier generation of virtual reality systems that went nowhere. Inventors have unprecedented scope to reinvent all manner of products now, Darrell said, as electronic components such as microprocessors, storage, network sensors and cloud-based, Internet-connected services are virtually free. Carrying his argument to an extreme, he pointed at a wooden chair his interviewer was sitting on and declared that if it was to be redesigned, craftsmen would take advantage of these four low-cost components to create Internet-connected furniture. "That's true of that table, that light, that chair, that plant," he said. "Everything can be part of the Internet of Things". (Reporting by Eric Auchard; Editing by Adrian Croft) Military members were honored Nov. 11 during a rousing Veterans Day program at Plattsmouth High School, which included an address from a Lieutenant General, performances from the PHS band and chorus members and the presentation of the 2016 Blue Devil Patriot Awards. In his address, United States Air Force Ret. Lt. General Donald O. Aldridge noted the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor Americas war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all American veterans, both living and dead, he said. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for dedicated and loyal service to our country. Nov. 11 is the day, We ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free. But giving ones life is not the only price one might pay. Many veterans are homeless. Although estimates vary, on any given night, approximately 40,000 veterans are homeless. Many of those homeless veterans, about 4 percent, are women veterans. Aldridge said it was a privilege to participate in the program and honor those who serve. Many in the world are amazed at the willingness of Americans to risk their lives to defend our way of life, Aldridge said. That willingness to serve under dangerous conditions is tied to the core value of patriotism, he explained. Periodically I find it useful to review, at least in my own mind, the fundamental beliefs or principles that we as individuals hold sacrosanct. For me, one of those concepts is patriotism. During one of those periods of personal inner review, I decided to find out how others defined patriotism and compare my concept or belief with theirs. He cited Adlai Stevensons definition, When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England Hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and raising plains, the great mountains and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self respect. Aldridge noted that Stevenson understood the importance of perpetuating a love of country. Because, he said, Government (in a democracy) cannot be stronger or more tough-minded than its people. It cannot be more inflexibly committed to the task than they. It cannot be wiser than the people. Aldridge added that a nation loses its status when citizens lose a sense of their country being a nation. We, all of us, must speak out in support of freedom and the principles on which this nation was founded. We must be informed and vote responsibly. We must not only define patriotism for ourselves, we must remind our families, our neighbors and our community of the price that has been paid by others so that we can live in freedom. For Aldridge, there is no better symbol of the United States than its flag, Old Glory. I gladly confess that I still get a limp in my throat when that flag marches down the street or passes in review on the parade field. That is my flag. This is my country. I hope that you feel that tug on your emotions also. He ended with a passage written by Sir Walter Scott: Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, who never to himself has said, this is my own, my native land. In addition to his address, Aldridge presented Blue Devil Patriot Award citations to veterans Charles Jones and Leroy Lewis. (See accompanying story). PHS Principal Jeff Wiles welcomed students, citizens and veterans at the beginning of the program, which was once again organized by veteran and former PHS teacher Mike Pauly. Today, we honor the military personnel for their sacrifice and dedication to our country, Wiles said. Where would we, our country, be if there was no one willing to serve? This country is built on courage, commitment and patriotism. America is strong and free. We would have never come this far without those who serve today and our veterans. Pauly followed the welcome by noting Terry Little was celebrating his 48th anniversary of becoming an American citizen. Little is a local musician who served in the USAF. He also thanked Wiles for allowing the Veterans Day program to be held at the high school. Thank you Mr. Wiles for being a continuing force for making this day possible, Pauly said. The program also included the solemn and official POW/MIA Ceremony conducted by STRATCOM Color Guard from Offutt Air Force Base as well as patriotic performances by PHS choral group Uncommon Time, the high school band and The Old Krusty Minstrels. Efrain Antonio Campo Flores (2nd from L) and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas stand with law enforcement officers in this November 12, 2015 photo after their arrest in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Courtesy of U.S. Attorney's Office Manhattan/Handout via R By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two nephews of Venezuela's first lady on trial in New York for drug trafficking on Tuesday scored a significant concession from prosecutors, who revealed they were ripping up a cooperation agreement with a key witness the defense accused of lying. The unusual development was disclosed by a prosecutor in Manhattan federal court during the trial of Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, nephews of Cilia Flores, the wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Prosecutors have accused the two men of trying to 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. To back their claims, prosecutors had been relying on a paid informant working for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who posed as a Mexican drug cartel member while meeting with the nephews in Venezuela. But in the months after the nephews' November 2015 arrests in Haiti, U.S. authorities came to learn the informant, Jose Santos-Pena, and his son, another informant, had been lying to the DEA, while secretly engaging in their own drug deals. Both Santos-Pena and his son subsequently pleaded guilty to narcotics charges and to lying to the government. Both are in jail. The cooperation deal that prosecutors said is "getting ripped up" would have helped the father avoid serving further prison time. In court on Tuesday, though, Randall Jackson, a lawyer for Campo Flores, played a series of jailhouse phone recordings that he had said would show Santos-Pena was "continuing the orchestration of drug trafficking from prison." The recordings also showed a third-party facilitated calls between Santos-Pena and his son. That was despite Santos-Pena on Monday saying he was not supposed to talk to his son about his testimony and had not spoken with him in jail. Following that, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Quigley reminded Santos-Pena that if he lied, his cooperation agreement could be voided. Quigley then asked if "you now understand your cooperation agreement is getting ripped up" and that he would not be receiving a favorable letter from prosecutors at sentencing. "No sir," Santos-Pena said. "You should," Quigley said. It was unclear whether the issues with Santos-Pena, who earned over $1 million assisting authorities in various cases, would impact the case. Prosecutors have relied on other evidence, including one other cooperating witness, covert recordings and electronic messages from the nephews. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by David Gregorio) Imran Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday has called for big decisions by the nation to change Pakistan. Leader of the political party addressed a convention of Insaf Student Federation (ISF) in the federal capital today. In his speech he said that leaders should be honest to the nation unlike what the premier, Nawaz Sharif was stating in the Supreme Court (SC) in Panama Leaks case. He called for students and youth of the nation to make the country great. A successful society strengthens its institutions, he said. Khan stressed the need of justice for common man. PTI chief said that only strengthened institutions could weed-out corruption. However, the convention was once again marred by mismanagement and disruptions during Imran Khans speech as attendees furthered to the stage. Khan, responding to the chaos said that there would come a time when the organisation would be disciplined. The Fremont Police Department is now able to more efficiently communicate with multiple public safety jurisdictions with its new interoperable radio system. The new system, which debuted Nov. 10, allows for direct connections with multiple public safety jurisdictions through an 800 megahertz (MHz) system by Motorola. The new system allows interoperable communications with the Omaha Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol and the public safety jurisdictions of Douglas and Washington Counties, among others. The Fremont Fire Department also has the capacity to use this system and will soon be operational as well. The previous UHF/VHF system, in operation for more than 30 years, reached the end of its life and could not be upgraded, released information says. The Police and Fire Departments, along with the joint communications center (911), worked together to select a replacement that would offer technical benefits and expand to meet future needs. In October 2015, the Fremont City Council approved the $1.7 million seven-year lease agreement with Motorola. Since that time, the Police Department installed equipment and trained personnel. The system not only allows for communications with multiple other law enforcement agencies, but it is actually part of the systems that are currently operational in the Washington and Douglas County areas. This provides better radio coverage for all of the agencies involved, and also provides a backup in the event of outages in one of the jurisdictions. The new radio system is a godsend for the Fremont Police Department, Police Chief Jeff Elliott said. This system allows for much better communications for our officers in the field and the ability to talk directly to the Fremont Fire department, which had previously not been possible. I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the Mayor and City Council for approving this expenditure, it will certainly improve our delivery of essential public safety services. From Wednesday, November 30, a new user-friendly online tool will be available for the public to access police crime data. Deputy Chief Executive for Strategy Mark Evans says the police have not been able to report crime in data in an easily accessible format online, until now. But as of November 30, we are launching a new, interactive tool that will provide the public with access to a range of easily accessible information about victims, offenders and crime trends. This will make it easier for people to access, analyse and understand data that Police holds about crime. Until now, the data has been available through the Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) website, but will now be migrated across to the police website, where it will be available from the end of the month. Statistics New Zealands Natalie Keyes says the organisation has been working with police since early last year to help develop the new reporting tool and ensure a smooth transition. We are supporting police as they launch this new interactive tool, she says. The data on the police website is the same as that previously available via Statistics NZ, but with some additional features, which will provide more information about where and when crimes are occurring. This data will help inform decision-makers and other stakeholders. Statistics NZ will also continue to work with Police, as it does with all government agencies who publish official statistics, to provide oversight and advice regarding the statistics they produce. Mark says the policedata.nz tool will provide information series of standardised, user-friendly interactive reports. A new feature will be the presentation of Tier 1 statistics from Recorded Crime Victims Statistics (RCVS) and Recorded Crime Offenders Statistics (RCOS). Tier 1 statistics represent the subset of official statistics that have been identified as New Zealands most important statistics, essential to help the government, business and members of the public to make informed decisions and monitor the state and progress of New Zealand. Police have also consulted with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner before finalising its reports. Police remain committed to ensuring the transparency, accuracy, reliability and authenticity of all of their data, and take that responsibility very seriously, says Mark. Police statistical information continues to be routinely independently audited and overseen as appropriate. This new tool is an exciting step as it provides victimisation, offender and crime trend data in an easily accessible format, which will be useful for researchers, government agencies, media and other interested groups and individuals. UPDATED 3.30PM: State Highway 35 between Maraenui and Omaio in the Eastern Bay of Plenty has been reopened following an earlier slip on the western side of the Motu Bridge. Police say contractors have been able to clear the road earlier than expected, but work is still progressing on smaller slips on the bluffs and motorists are advised to expect delays. The slip resulted in slip resulted in large boulders falling onto the highway and heavy machinery has been required to clear them from the road. The New Zealand Transport Agency says one lane of SH35 is currently open, with stop/go traffic management in place. But delays are likely and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if and where possible or delay their travels. EARLIER: A large slip has forced the closure of State Highway 35, between Maraenui and Omaio. Police say a substantial slip on the western side of the Motu Bridge, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, has blocked the road. "The slip resulted in large boulders falling onto the highway and heavy machinery will be required to clear them. "Contractors are on their way, but it may be some time until the road is cleared and made safe." The road will be closed until further notice. Kmart Bethlehem is celebrating their first Christmas in Tauranga with their inaugural Wishing Tree appeal. The appeal is a joint effort with the local Salvation Army to try and make Christmas a little merrier for those in need. The idea is for people to come into the store and either buy or bring a gift to donate. There are tags on the tree people can attach to the gifts, detailing whether theyre for a baby, toddler, child, teen, adult, or senior, as well as gender. On Wednesday morning at 9am, store manager Forrest Worthen spoke to a crowd of Kmart employees, Salvation Army members and other Bethlehem Town Centre staff about the appeal, and how great it was to be taking part in the nationwide initiative. He spoke off the cuff about his own upbringing, saying his own Christmases as a child were sometimes difficult. I guess for me, I can understand what its like to be a child in a family without the money to afford gifts. Afterwards guests enjoyed the carols of the Salvation Army band, while tucking into some cupcakes donated by Countdown Bethlehem. Bethlehem Town Centre manager Andrew Wadsworth says it will be the biggest charity appeal in the town centre. Kmarts been a great addition, and its fantastic to bring such a worthy cause to this community, because sometimes we can take Christmas for granted. Salvation Army Captain Gaylene Harvey says shes sent out calls for families to be nominated to receive gifts this year, and has been inundated with twice the usual number. So were most definitely thrilled to have another store supporting us, especially in Bethlehem it makes a good Christmas story, she laughs. Salvation Army Public Relations Kay Worth says theres always a need, and its wonderful to see children getting involved in giving. Its a joy to see kids donate as well. The store has a goal of 2,000 gifts this year, and hopes, with the support of the Bethlehem community, they will achieve it. GNS Science has revised the magnitude of the large earthquake that struck at 12:02am on Monday from a 7.5 to a 7.8. Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the revision comes after a reassessment of data from GNS stations across the country. Because it took over a minute for the fault to rupture during this event, the standard method normally used to calculate the energy released during an earthquake was insufficient, says Gerry. The revised magnitude just tells us what anyone who felt the earthquake would already know that it was a powerful tremor that lasted for a long time. It does not change what happened or how central government or local authorities responded. It simply provides us with more knowledge about how significant this earthquake was. As expected with a larger earthquake, the revised magnitude does have an effect on the probabilities of forecast aftershocks, meaning it is now forecast that aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Defence Force continues to evacuate people from Kaikoura. At 1am this morning the HMNZS Canterbury docked at Lyttleton Harbour with 449 evacuees on board. Civil Defence Emergency Management Director Sarah Stuart-Black says yesterday also marked the first successful vehicle passage through the Inland Road (Route 70). The New Zealand Defence Force will be conducting further assessments of the road today, she says. The road is still high risk and is not yet open to private vehicles. We are doing everything possible to get the road open, but were asking people not to attempt to use the route for access in or out of Kaikoura until weve finished the urgent work needed to open it safely. Several naval vessels from other nations including the USS Sampson are due to arrive of the coast of Kaikoura today, having sailed to New Zealand initially for the 75th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has revealed how the Government plans to spend $20 billion to boost New Zealands defence capability. On Wednesday the minister launched the Defence Capability Plan, the next step of the Defence White Paper released in June and sets out the Governments expectations for defence over the coming decades. Since then the Government has agreed to the procurement of an ice-strengthened naval tanker and high mobility vehicles for the Special Air Service. It has also approved upgrades to the underwater surveillance capability of the P-3 Orion and has requested tenders for a littoral operations vessel. Gerry says in response to an assessment of the Defence White Paper, the Government will also invest in an ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel, replacement of our maritime surveillance aircraft in the 2020s, and a cyber protection and support capability for deployed forces. Other major investments over the period include replacing the ANZAC frigates with modern combat vessels; new transport aircraft to replace the C-130 and B757 fleets; digitising land forces through the Network Enabled Army programme; rolling purchases of modern weapons and protective equipment; protected mobility vehicles; and secure strategic communications capabilities. For the first time, the Defence Capability Plan includes indicative capital cost and schedule bands for major projects, to demonstrate the relative scale and timing of the investments. For New Zealand suppliers, knowing the size and scope of capability investment opens up opportunities for partnering with other contractors to provide through-life support arrangements for major assets, or to suggest niche technology solutions. Gerry says the $1.7b programme of capital investment to rejuvenate the Defence Estate is one of the biggest opportunities for New Zealand suppliers to be involved in, particularly the local construction sector. New Zealanders expect NZDF personnel to be well equipped and trained for operations, and the significant investment in new capabilities detailed in this Plan will ensure that this occurs, Mr Brownlee says. To read the Defence Capability Plan in full visit the New Zealand Defence Force website at: www.defence.govt.nz Called the Royal Oak Frosted Gold, the watch has been created in collaboration with Florentine jewellery designer, Carolina Bucci. It was unveiled at a gala dinner at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence in the presence of actress and brand ambassador Freida Pinto, jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and watch designer Jacqueline Dimier, who created the first Royal Oak for women in 1976. Some 200 guests were welcomed with a dinner concocted by local 3-Michelin star chef Annie Feolde. The evening ended with a showcase concert by musician Brocken Back. The commemorative watch features an 18-karat white or rose gold case measuring 37mm or 33mm, including an AR-coated sapphire crystal, and a sapphire display back for the 37mm version. It is, however, the strap and case that make this watch truly special, thanks to a surface treatment process rooted in an ancient gold hammering technique, also called the Florentine technique. Carolina Bucci, who has used this technique in her jewellery making before, has now adopted it to create the Royal Oak Frosted Gold. Jasmine Audemars, president of the Audemars Piguet Foundation, said: Although Carolina and Jacqueline are decades and cultures apart, Carolinas vision today met Jacquelines in more than one way, giving the Royal Oak an appeal that captures the attention from a distance while retaining the key design codes of the original piece. With this in mind, I would like to thank them both for their talented work. Founded by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in Switzerland in 1875, Audemars Piguet has grown to become one of the worlds leading manufacturers of high-end watches. Marco Casali based the concept of the new explorer on Palumbos shipbuilding experience and heritage. The Columbus Tomahawk combines technical seakeeping ability and high-levels of comfort, mixed with a rugged adventure style with a bow based on the titular Native American battle axe. The clean design of the explorer vessels combines the extraordinary spaces for guests, with high quality finishing and unique comfort, with an innovative layout and spacious interior. Created to span lengths of 40 metres to 100 metres, the Columbus Tomahawk is a full custom design which can satisfy the owners wishes on a new and exciting platform. Tomahawk is conceived as a yacht inside a ship, because of its comfort qualities, explains Marco Casali, designer of Tomahawk. The owners cabin (75sqm) lies at the bow with its forward-facing windows overlooking a 21 square metre private terrace with its sun bathing platform and Jacuzzi: a clear 180 degree view in total privacy. The guest area in the lower deck is connected to the gym-spa area with windows overlooking the beach club. The guests and the owner may reach the beach area, the pool and the water directly without passing through the saloons. A unique dining area is hosted in the bow with an American bar and a cinema/karaoke space. The crew area is also larger than usual and focuses on the quality of the space. The vessels extra-large volumes can be seen on the beach club, which also gives way to a fully stocked tender bay with space for anything from up to two 12 metre tenders, four jet skis, a submarine or several motorcycles and sea toys. Syracuse, N.Y. A Georgia company has temporarily withdrawn its latest plans for a student apartment high-rise near Syracuse University. John Langey, an attorney representing Landmark Properties, of Athens, Ga., said the company withdrew its proposal because logistical problems made it impossible for its experts to attend a public hearing the Syracuse Planning Commission planned to hold Monday night on the project. "Having just our engineer and legal team available did not seem sufficient for the public hearing in the event there were technical questions to be addressed," he said in an email to syracuse.com on Tuesday. "We hope to be back at a future meeting soon." This spring, the company proposed a 17-story, 650-bedroom student high-rise at the northwest corner of East Adams Street and University Avenue, close to the SU campus. It quickly withdrew the plan after the university said the tower would be too tall for the area. Landmark Properties submitted a new plan last month, proposing a 630-bedroom tower that would be 13 stories tall instead of 17 stories. SU did not publicly comment on the company's revised plan, but it did express concerns that a recent upsurge in built and proposed off-campus student housing projects on University Hill could lead to large vacancies among apartment homes in the neighborhood east of its campus. The developer has said its project would fit well on University Hill and that smaller student housing properties in the university area would be able to compete because their rents are lower than those that Landmark Properties plans to charge. The company wants to have the project, which it has named The Standard at Syracuse, ready for occupancy in August 2019. Rents would range from $1,250 to $1,650 a month per tenant. The Planning Commission voted Monday to approve two other off-campus student apartment projects a 604-bedroom development by Peak Campus, of Atlanta, at 945 E. Genesee St. and a 368-bedroom development by University Student Living, of Marlton, N.J., at the southeast corner of East Genesee Street and Walnut Avenue. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A cracked fish tank, a bike that didn't have wheels, and a picture of his dog. These were some of things Ryan Lawrence asked for when he divorced Morgan Lawrence after he killed their daughter this past winter. But what about mementos of their daughter, Maddox Lawrence? "These are the things of value and importance to him," Robin Forster, Maddox's grandmother told the judge at Ryan Lawrence's sentencing Wednesday in Syracuse. Turning toward Ryan Lawrence, Forster posed one question: "Was Maddox ever important to you?" Ryan Lawrence, 25, of Syracuse killed his 21-month-old daughter Maddox in February, dumping her body in Syracuse's Inner Harbor. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder on Sept. 15. He was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years to life in state prison. It was an emotional morning in court Wednesday as family members of Maddox Lawrence took turns sharing their thoughts about the baby that they would never see grow up and the man who killed her. Family members said they must carry on, living in a world without her. Maddox's mother, Morgan Lawrence, spoke publicly for the first time since Ryan Lawrence was charged. Up until this point, she's only made statements through letters read by the district attorney. In court, she talked about how she has been suffering from extreme anxiety since the death of her daughter, and how holding down a job with all the interference from the police has been difficult -- many of her electronics have been seized, as well as her camera which she used for professional photography. Morgan Lawrence said being alone has been hard, but being around others has almost been harder. Everyone wants to talk about Ryan Lawrence and how he killed their daughter, she said. On the street, she said she can see people trying to pinpoint where they'd seen her before. But the worst, she said, is probably dealing with the fact that her chance at motherhood was taken away by the man who was supposed to protect them. "Knowing her death was at the hands of a man who I once loved and trusted with our lives shakes me to the core," Morgan Lawrence said in court. Maddox's uncle and aunt, Rich and Nicole Lawrence, and her maternal grandparents, Michael and Robin Forster reflected on the things they were robbed of because of Ryan Lawrence's actions and how they never should have trusted him. "You are not the brother I thought you were," said Rich Lawrence, Ryan's brother. "You murdered your best shot at happiness." Rich Lawrence said he once encouraged Ryan Lawrence when he first found out he was having a baby. He said he was proud that his brother was going to be a father, and that maybe this new love would help him with his own internal struggles. But he said he was wrong. "If the love for your child doesn't provide a brighter future for you, nothing ever will," Rich Lawrence said. Nicole Lawrence, Maddox's aunt and Ryan Lawrence's sister-in-law, said her own daughter, who was once younger than Maddox, will now be perpetually older than her while Maddox is frozen in time. "You [Ryan Lawrence,] did a horrible, unspeakable act, but she will live on in the stories I tell my daughter," Nicole Lawrence said. Maddox's maternal grandparents said living was hard, and their voices shook whenever they mentioned their granddaughter's name. Even being in the house where Maddox used to get dropped off to play was hard, said Robin Forster, Maddox's grandmother. Robin Forster said she is extremely embarrassed that she let Ryan Lawrence deceive her. She thought he loved her daughter Morgan and her granddaughter Maddox, and was insistent that he would never harm her, she said. "When I found out what he did to Maddox, my whole world was turned upside down," Robin Forster said in court. The family said they must live making memories without the little girl, and will forever have to wonder what she would have been like, what her talents would have been and what she would have aspired to be. Family members would never see her go to preschool, or learn her first words, said Michael Forster, Maddox's grandfather. They would never take her to the New York State Fair again, or watch her play in leaves in the fall, or watch her go to a prom, he said. And when they spend time with their own children, or grandchildren, or nieces or nephews, family members said it will come with a sense of sadness that cannot be given back. "For every pleasant moment to come, it will come with the disparaging thought that Maddox should have been here," Michael Forster said. After family members talked, the judge sentenced Ryan to 25 years to life in prison. Some of Maddox's family members said they hope he dies there. "Every second, minute, hour, day, month and year of her future was taken from me," Michael Forster said. "I feel it is only fair that all of Ryan's remaining seconds, minutes, hours, months and years on this Earth be somewhat taken from him." SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Morgan Lawrence, the mother of baby Maddox Lawrence who was killed this past winter by her father, spoke in court during Ryan Lawrence's sentencing. She spoke about the hardships she's had to face since finding out her husband murdered their baby girl, from strained or severed relationship ties with family and friends, to financial struggles as police still withhold her vehicle and computer as possible evidence. Morgan Lawrence addressed both the judge and Ryan directly as she talked for close to 10 minutes. Before reading from a statement, she turned to Ryan Lawrence and said: "I would give anything to hug her again. I just think it's so cowardice, what you did. What was the point?" Morgan Lawrence's full statement The actions of Ryan Lawrence have greatly affected my life. I've been forced against my will out of motherhood, I've been robbed of my livelihood and my most valuable possession. I'm uncomfortable conversing with others about my [inaudible] experiences due to the past few years revolving around providing the best life I could for Ryan and Maddox. I've lost my home, I've lost my job, I've lost many people I consider family -- and I'm talking about your family -- because of your actions. I now am suffering from anxiety and depression because of losing Maddox, and all of the drastic changes I'm facing, such as my housing situation. Ryan Lawrence's actions have left me unbearably heartbroken. I'm dumbfounded by the audacity of his choice to make such an uneducated decision on the behalf of everyone in Maddox's life. Any one of our family members or friends would have gladly taken her from you if you had just told her that you were feeling you were going to harm her. His completely irrational actions have left me with no answers or closure. Ryan's not only taken my daughter away, but also abandoned me as well, leaving me with feelings of extreme loneliness and sadness. The situation also leaves me questioning my own judgment of others' intentions and their character. Burying my daughter alone was the single most hollowing experience I've ever endured. Knowing her death was at the hands of a man that I once loved and trusted with our lives shakes me to the core. Because of what Ryan has done, I can never again be sure that I know someone for who they truly are. Ryan Lawrence's actions have affected the lives of others as well. Maddox was loved by everyone she met. She was strong and inspiring. She's missed greatly by everyone who knew her, and those who were very close to her, such as our family, are heartbroken and outraged. Three of Maddox's aunts are my own sisters. Two of them spent nearly every day with her, and they're both under the age of 13. They're children, they should never have been subjected to this type of personal pain and heartache and violence. The situation wears on them during everyday life, ranging from personal pain to comments other children make at school about me. They didn't choose to be plastered all over the news and the Internet. This is exposure that our family didn't ask for nor want. My other sister is grown with two children of her own and one on the way. It's a girl. As she watches her children grow, she wonders the same things I do: would our children have had as close of a bond as we do, who would Maddox have grown to be, what would she look like, what would her talents have been? She mourns as I do for her children who are too young now to understand, but will someday have questions about Maddox when they see her pictured in photographs beside them. At that point, like others in our family will small children, she'll have to decide how to jump that touchy hurdle. Will she choose to share stories, or withhold? These are challenging decisions we must all make. Some of the most affected people aside from myself in this situation are Ryan's brother, Ritchie, and his wife, Nicole, and [inaudible]. For them, standing by me means losing their family members. On top of the double loss we are all facing by losing Maddox and Ryan, Ryan's actions have torn his own family apart as they argue over supporting him or myself through the situation. Finally, the local community has been greatly shaken by Ryan's actions. They've done everything in their power, from searching for Maddox while she was missing, to building memorials and helping me rebuild my life. Ryan Lawrence's actions have affected my financial situation as well. I now find it very difficult to hold a job, making providing necessities for myself near impossible. I can't afford to live on my own, but I find it very difficult to live with others during this trying time. Since February, the police have withheld my vehicle, laptop, and my DSLR camera that Ryan had used during his crime. This has hindered me from being able to work as a photographer, causing a larger drop in income and emotional strain on me since I use art as a form of destressing. Ryan's actions have also affected my social interactions with old friends, new friends, and even strangers. I'm constantly trying to avoid the mention of Ryan when speaking with old friends, however almost always that's where the conversation ends up going. When talking to new friends I've met recently after this situation, I'm always questioning if they recognize me, always feeling as if I have to hide who I am. Interactions with strangers are the most uncomfortable. Often people stare at me as if they recognize me. Several people have approached me claiming they know me, but they can't place me. I wait patiently as they try to place me, denying all their guesses. I know how they recognize me: they've seen my face on the Internet, or Nancy Grace. They've heard my voice on the radio, or saw me on TV begging Ryan to bring Maddox home safe to me. And I'll never tell them. I want to be myself again, just to be Morgan. I don't want to be identified by Ryan's horrible actions, and I don't want Maddox's life to be known by her death. I want her to be known for who she was, and I want to be known for the loving mom and wife that I truly was. As a result of Ryan's actions, I need for him to spend the rest of his time in prison. I fear for my safety, and I fear for the safety of others if he's released back into the community. He's deceived everyone in his life with ease, and he's betrayed all of us with his actions. He's charismatic and believable when he wants to manipulate a situation in his favor. Before a parole board 25 years from now, he may seem remorseful, he may beg and plead to be released, he may claim to be changed. Please don't be fooled. He's a monster, and I truly believe he'll kill again if given the chance. Don't give him that chance. This is the most horrible thing I've ever endured in my life, but I want you to know you will not drag me down. I will rise above this, and honor my daughter in my own life. You took Maddox's only chance at life, Ryan, and therefore you don't deserve a second chance at your own. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Onondaga County Court Judge Anthony Aloi told the court this morning that the loss of Maddox Lawrence, who was brutally murdered by her father, has affected the Central New York community. "Maddox Lawrence, Baby Maddox as she has been commonly referred to, became what I call a hero in this community," Aloi said this morning during the sentencing of Ryan Lawrence. Maddox Lawrence, 21 months old, was killed on Feb. 20 and her body was later dumped in Onondaga Creek, authorities have said. Ryan Lawrence was sentenced this morning to 25 year to life in state prison for the brutal murder. Aloi said Ryan Lawrence's actions during that February day has hurt those who never met the toddler. "The pain and suffering you caused transcend the tragedy of Maddox's death and has truly touched the hearts, minds and the very souls of so many people in this community," Aloi said. "This community has truly felt a personal since of loss by her death. I cannot describe that loss in words." Darren Kattan facebook.jpg Darren Kattan of Baton Rouge, La., in a screenshot from his Facebook page. (John O'Brien | jobrien@syracuse.com) SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Louisiana man admitted today that he sold devices across the U.S., including in Central New York, that allowed vehicle inspectors to cheat pollution tests. Darren Kattan, 31, of Baton Rouge, pleaded guilty in federal court in Syracuse to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and violating the federal Clean Air Act. Agents with the EPA and state Department of Environmental Conservation began investigating Kattan in January 2013 after a source told them he was a supplier of a device known as an onboard diagnostic simulator, according to an affidavit from EPA Special Agent Daniel Lau. A DEC investigator determined that Kattan's device was used 37 times in the Utica area to conduct illegal vehicle inspections, Lau's affidavit said. Kattan conspired with three other people to sell more than 200 of the devices across the country from 2010 to 2013, he admitted in court. Kattan sold 50 devices to one co-conspirator. That person sold 170 devices to "numerous" co-conspirators across the country, according to court records. The first co-conspirator sold the devices to another co-conspirator in the Utica area who provided the device to vehicle repair shops and others in the Utica area, court records said. Kattan sold the source codes for the device to one of the co-conspirators for $12,000. Federal prosecutors would not respond to questions about the co-conspirators, who were not identified, or how much money Kattan made on the illegal devices. Kattan posted a video on the device in 2009 in which he shows how the device, an OBD2 Simulator, works: He demonstrates how to bypass the oxygen sensor on a car. "What we're able to do with this device is plug it into a USB and load in specifics about your car," Kattan says in the video. He tells viewers they can use the device if they "don't feel like sweating it out in a vehicle all day." Onboard diagnostic simulators allow people to bypass New York state vehicle inspections for emission levels. The EPA's source, who's not identified in court papers, admitted buying and selling "numerous" simulator devices from 2009 through 2012, Lau's affidavit said. Kattan, who owns internet hosting company Immense Network, invented and developed one of the simulator devices, the source told federal agents. Kattan faces up to five years in prison when U.S. District Judge Norman Mordue sentences him March 16. Federal sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence of between 24 and 30 months, federal prosecutor Todd Gleason said in court. Contact John O'Brien anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-2187 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Ryan Lawrence, who was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison this morning, told the court he was sorry and that he didn't know why he killed his 21-month-old daughter. Morgan Lawrence, the mother of Maddox Lawrence, left the courtroom in the middle of Ryan Lawrence's statement. Ryan Lawrence addressed the court for about five minutes. As he spoke, he cried and paused several times. Read Ryan Lawrence's full statement below: It's incredibly hard to talk about this for many reasons. Even harder to find the words to explain such a horrible crime. It's with all of my heart that I convey my sincerest apology to everyone for taking Maddox from her family and everyone who loved her. I'm also utterly sorry for denying Maddox a chance at life. I can't expect your forgiveness but I tell you now that the sorrow I feel for what I have done is complete and comes from the deepest depth of my being. This sorrow, I feel, has nothing to do with being in jail, but for the pain for the loss of Maddox. I miss her so bad. Max is the most beautiful thing I ever seen and the best thing that ever happen to me. I'd say that to her all the time and to everyone else that would listen. It was amazing to have her everywhere I went, including all the times I brought her to work with me. When our baby was diagnosed with cancer we were in shock, but hopeful that the doctors in New York City would cure her. As indeed they did. Even after enduring countless overnight trips to the hospital and fruitless attempts at soothing a baby who couldn't possibly understand why she couldn't eat for hours before invasive treatment procedures. The threat of her cancer returning was very real. Our work schedules were arranged so that one of us was always with the baby. But there was very little time for the three of us together, nor enough money for a sitter or much of anything else. Still we treated her and feed her better than we did ourselves and loved her far more than anything else we've ever known. In no way, can I justify my actions and there is no one else to blame but myself. There is no good explanation for such a horrendous crime. And regret is too simple a term to describe what I feel. What I can say is that I've never felt such strong emotions towards anything in my life than my ever-growing unconditional love for Maddox. And now I'm completely distraught by overwhelming grief and anguish for what I have done. I was never jealous of my daughter. Both our families know I loved Maddox. If anything, I only wanted more for her. Max was always at the top of my list and is constantly, to this day, the focal point of my thoughts and actions since she first came into my life. I'll never overcome this feeling of loss, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to figure out how I got to such a dark, irrational state. She was my life's purpose and making her happy was my job. Such strong feelings of love, however, brought equally strong feelings of fear and uncertainty when it came to my responsibility for her happiness. Although I blame no one else for my acts, as the pressures to give her the perfect life built up, I also struggled against relentless waves of negative emotions every day bearing witness to the pain and sadness in many of my wife's and daughter's interactions. Yet no reason and no psychological diagnosis seemed plausible to me to have made me commit this act against my very nature taking the one thing I loved most. This Easter, my father weeping, asked me what I was thinking. In despair, I gave him the only answer I could: I don't know. Although these pressures lead me to this unthinkable act I cannot now make sense of what I did. There's no valid reason for why our daughter Maddox had to die. Not a second goes by when I don't wish that I could take back what I did and that Maddox would still be alive. I pray all the time that she is in a better place and that God and my mother are watching over her. To Morgan and all those who loved her, I hope that from my plea and acceptance of responsibility you can find at least some measure of closure from the pain I inflicted. This was and is without question the worst act I will ever commit. I recognize that no one, but myself can be blamed for this atrocity and I will always be traumatized knowing that I'm responsible for such incomprehensible actions. Although I accept this punishment, nothing can be worse, nothing can be worse than my own despair at the loss of Maddox. I regret that I'm not alone in that feeling. I loved my daughter with all my heart, the only thing that can match my love and loss of her now is the dreadful pain and remorse I feel for committing such a terribly terrible crime. I'm sorry. I know I can never be sorry enough. This page no longer exists or may have been moved.If you believe this is a mistake please email This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? 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. Snap Inc., the recently appointed parent company of Snapchat, is reportedly moving forward with the intent of making its debut on the stock market in early 2017. Sources familiar with the matter tell Reuters that Snapchat has confidentially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act which allows companies with less than $1 billion in annual revenue to do so in secret. According to the publication, Snapchat will be valued at $20 billion to $25 billion when it goes public. Snapchat got its start in 2012 as an ephemeral messaging app and has been instrumental in the rapid rise of messaging apps in general. A study by Nielsen last year found that on any given day, Snapchat reaches 41 percent of all 18 to 34 year-olds in the US. According to its advertising page, more than 100 million people now use Snapchat every day, watching over 10 billion videos per day. As Reuters points out, investors up to this point have been concerned with the fact that Snapchat's advertising sales are its only major source of revenue. That may no longer be the case, however, as the company in September unveiled video-capturing glasses that went on sale just last week through a vending machine tour across the US. Due to their extremely limited nature, we're seeing the $130 Spectacles selling for as much as $1,000 on eBay. Samsung isn't allowing a troubled 2016 to stand in the way of progress. The Korean company announced it would be spending $8 billion to acquire audio and auto systems maker Harman earlier this week, and now it's purchased a Rich Communications Services (RCS) business from NewNet Communication Technologies. The acquisition, which could be the first step toward the next generation of SMS text messaging, will see NewNet Canada continue to operate independently as a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. The RCS standard adds the kind of features found in messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to short message service (SMS) texting, including the ability to see when someone is typing out a reply. Users will also be notified when a recipient has read a text - another way to experience the dread that comes with knowing someone's read a message but hasn't responded. There'll be other benefits, too. The quality of voice and video calls will improve, while sharing large multimedia files and high-resolution photos will become easier, as will adding and removing people from group messages. Samsung said that users will be able to communicate on any network, with an RCS-enabled device as well as SMS-only devices. The precise terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, but Samsung will have paid a lot less than it did for Harman. The company did, however, stress the importance of its most recent purchase. "This acquisition is a critical milestone not just for Samsung but also for the communications industry," it said in a statement. "As an end-to-end, GSMA-compliant RCS solution, it will accelerate the deployment of RCS-enabled networks, providing consumers with a ubiquitous standards-based messaging and communications platform." One of the major problems with Google AdSense is the fact that without knowing, Google has accepted several fake news site to its network, and this has caused for a lot of misinformation across the web. However, it would seem Google is finally ready to act and remove these websites for good. Fake News And The U.S. Election This move from Google has come at a time when the tech industry is being blamed for not doing enough to curtail fake news and hoaxes during the U.S. 2016 election. Fake news tend to go viral easier than real news, and as such, we can see the reason why they are so prevalent on social networks. Fake news have been happening long before the U.S. election, but it would seem as if Silicon Valley allowed it. The popularity of the medium makes for a lot of money to be made by the likes of Google and others through their ad program, but things have changed. "Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property," Google said in a statement to Reuters. Google already prevents its AdSense program from supporting sites with violent intent or sexual behavior, but some might say it took too long for the company to travel down this path. It should be noted that Google did not talk about fake news and hoaxes appearing in the results on its search platform. That's another problem, but one is hoping that by blocking these websites from having access to AdSense, the money will stop flowing, and they will simply go out of business. Then again, we should know by now that nothing is that easy, but it's a start. Before the U.S. election, teens in Macedonia were duping political followers in the U.S. with several fake news websites, and they made a lot of money from advertisement. To further prove Google has failed to handle fake news, a recent search for the final election numbers shows a fake news website at the top of the query. It's interesting an election was needed to force Google to act. Facebook Fake News As for Facebook, the company had developed a tool designed to locate fake news on its social media platform. However, the company decided not to deploy the tool due to the possibilities it could have come under fire from certain political groups. On the other hand, CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is denying that his company had any role in influencing the U.S. election, but that might not be enough for some. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Year 2016 will be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures breaching the already record-making temperatures of 2015. This was stated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which based the conclusion on a new data that showed 2016's global temperatures are approximately 1.2 Celsius above the pre-industrial levels. To be precise, the global temperatures between January and September 2016 have been about 0.88 Celsius (1.58F) higher than the average (14C) for the 1961-1990 reference period, used by WMO as a benchmark. The preliminary data for October indicated that the temperatures are at a sufficiently high level for 2016 and the hottest year tag is on the way. That would take 2016 to the club of 16 of the 17 hottest years on record this century, in which 1998 was a prominent one. The world body stated that the El Nino event of 2015-16 was responsible for a hike in temperatures apparent in the early months of the year. Adding to that is climate change indicators showing a new alarm. Concentrations of major greenhouse gasses are increasing and Arctic sea ice is down to scary low levels with an early melting of the Greenland ice sheet having been reported. Similarly, Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Russia, Alaska and Canada are at least 3 C above average. "Three record-breaking years for global temperature would be remarkable," says Peter Stott, of the Met Office. Trump Presidency And Paris Agreement The prediction from the U.N. weather agency was released to update the latest UN climate talks in Morocco where the focus is on implementing the Paris Agreement. The study suggests there has been "almost no growth" in carbon emissions from fossil fuels in the past three years, unlike the previous decade with hopes that emissions may have peaked. The study comes at a time when the future of climate change talks has been overweighed by Donald Trump's election win. Trump is on record calling climate change a hoax with his transition team member saying pulling the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement is a priority. The Paris accord seeks to shift the world economy from the grip of fossil fuels towards a higher push on renewable energy. "Another year. Another record," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement in Marrakesh, Morocco, where 200 nations are deliberating on the means for slowing climate change. The WMO also said heatwaves and flooding have become much more common and pointed to events like Hurricane Matthew that hit Haiti in October, China's flooding and the biggest wildfire in Canadian history as events that are signaling a change in climate. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Darth Maul continues to be one of the most enduring Star Wars characters from the prequel trilogy, largely because of how mysterious he was. Throughout the entirety of The Phantom Menace he barely speaks a full sentence, and proves to be a formidable opponent for both Qui Gon Jinn and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi. The fact that he was killed off in the same film (sort of) makes his popularity all the most fascinating. But what of Maul's past? It's a subject that had been explored some in earlier Star Wars comics, but those tales have since been washed away when Disney acquired the Star Wars license and proceeded to wipe out the franchise's extensive expanded universe. Now, slowly but surely, Disney is building Star Wars from the ground up once more, and that means a new Darth Maul prequel story from Marvel comics. 'Darth Maul' Miniseries Simply titled Darth Maul, the five-issue miniseries from writer Cullenn Bunn and artist Luke Ross will take place prior to the events of The Phantom Menace, when Darth Maul is still being trained by Darth Sidious. Here's how USA Today summarizes the upcoming series: "The comic finds Maul an untested warrior under the training of Darth Sidious, who would later become the Galactic Emperor. Told to stand down from engaging with Jedi yet, Maul hunts down the worst of the worst in the cosmic underworld to vent his frustration. "After learning a young Jedi Padawan named Eldra Kaitis has fallen into the hands of a crime lord, Maul seizes an opportunity to test his skills against a real Jedi but also maybe turn someone else to the dark side." Bunn goes on to say that he the padawan Edra will have a major impact on Maul's life going forward, and that the comic will also explore the relationship between Maul and Sidious. Darth Maul's Quest For Vengeance Of course, this won't be the first appearance of Darth Maul in the new Star Wars canon. Dedicated Star Wars fans know that Maul doesn't actually die in The Phantom Menace. Rather, as revealed in the events of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, he builds himself robotic legs and sets out on a quest for vengeance against Obi-Wan Kenobi. Darth Maul recently appeared in Star Wars: Rebels as well, where his quest for revenge looks to be continuing. No word yet on when exactly this prequel comic will be arriving, but it sadly won't be until next year. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Shortly after the rise of accusations targeted at Facebook for helping, by some measure, influence the outcome of the 2016 Presidential Election due to its lackluster efforts in eliminating fake news on people's newsfeeds, another company has been found to have also mishandled fake news. This time, it's Google. Several websites have reported seeing a fake news article featured as one of Google's top stories upon entering relevant search terms such as "Presidential election results" or something similar along the lines. Dan Abrams of Mediaite first spotted the incident. Google normally tallies up relevant news stories that correspond to the search terms users enter. In this case, an article from a blog called "70 News" was placed at the top or grouped within legitimate stories. The article in the aforementioned blog declares President-elect Donald Trump as having successfully won both the electoral college and the popular votes. For the record, Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, despite losing the electoral college votes, won the popular vote, with unaccounted mail-in and absentee ballots slated to further balloon her tally in a couple of weeks' time. The trail of evidence that lead to the article's assumption begins with a USA Supreme article having denoted that Clinton might win votes tallied but won't win votes cast because of "ignored Republican absentee ballots." A Twitter user named Michael used the USA Supreme article to inaccurately report the number of popular votes. The author of 70 News then used Michael's numbers to create the article that's now showing up atop Google's search results. The Rising Problem Of Fake News Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg has rebuked a growing belief that the careless proliferation of fake news on the site helped propel Trump to win the presidency, with the foremost issue trailing toward the abysmal practices of Facebook in keeping its site disinfected from fake news, or similar inaccurate reports that often inhibit an agenda with questionable and even conceptually violent intents, such as, but not limited to, spurring hate crimes. Now that there's a new President-elect, a surfeit of analyses is littering the web, either knee-jerk or rational appropriation pieces on why the elections turned out the way it did. All the polls previously heralded Clinton as the surefire winner by a staggering percentage that eclipsed Trump's chances of victory. As publications spurn or scrutinize the turnout, pressure has been put on social media sites with flawed algorithms causing the lack of a proper weeding-out of fabricated and false coverage. Google Bans Fake News Sites Google is planning to elbow fake news sites away from its advertisement software, the company told the Wall Street Journal on Monday. Google banning these sites from taking advantage of its ad-selling software is an indication that it's addressing the recent criticism received by social media sites on its mishandling of inaccurate information. Google has promised to gate-keep ads from appearing on websites that distribute fake news. "The goal of Search is to provide the most relevant and useful results for our users," a spokesperson from Google told The Verge, stating that it's currently fine-tuning its algorithm. Do you think social media played a major role in the recent elections? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sony has quietly started pushing the November Android security update to its Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact, ensuring the smartphones are up to date in terms of security. In this day and age when mobile use is on the rise and smartphones have pretty much become ubiquitous, it's paramount that user data is protected and devices remain secure. After the whole Stagefright scare affecting millions of Android devices back in 2015, Google decided to release monthly security patches to keep its operating system as secure as it can be. There was still a Quadrooter vulnerability that threatened 900 million Android devices running Qualcomm chips, but overall monthly Android security updates should ensure that devices are out of harm's way. BlackBerry and Samsung were among the very first OEMs to push out the November security patch to their devices, even before Google released the update for its own Pixel and Nexus handsets. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge on T-Mobile, for instance, got the patch on Nov. 5, while Google rolled the November security update to the Pixel and Nexus devices running Android 7.1 Nougat several days later. Sony Xperia November Security Patch Sony is not wasting any time, running just a little behind Samsung, BlackBerry and Google. The company has quietly started rolling out the latest security update to its Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact. The update for the Sony Xperia XZ carries build number 39.0.A.3.30, as the reliable Xperia Blog reports, while the patch for the Xperia X Compact carries build number 34.1.A.3.49, according to Phone Arena. No Changelog Yet Sony has yet to make any official announcement regarding these two updates that are rolling out now, so it remains unclear at this point whether they include other fixes or improvements for the Xperia X Compact or Xperia XZ beyond the Android security patches from Google. Some users have been experiencing some issues with the responsiveness of the double tap to wake feature, but it's unknown at this point whether Sony resolved the problems with this patch. It's possible that this update only includes the security updates from Google and a subsequent patch from Sony will address other matters pertaining to Xperia devices. OTA Rollout Lastly, Sony is pushing the updates over-the-air (OTA), which means that it may take a while for all Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact users to receive them. OTA updates always roll out gradually and not all users get them at the same time. Nevertheless, the updates have started rolling out and you can always check for their availability from your smartphone's Settings menu. If you already received the update, drop by our comment section below and let us know if it includes anything else besides the November security patch. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. MASON CITY The Mason City Airport Commission wants Air Choice One to continue to serve the Mason City Municipal Airport. The commission voted Monday to make that recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration, which has the final say. Airport Manager Pam Osgood said, The momentum of what Air Choice One has accomplished over the last two years can continue with a four-year commitment to provide quality air service to the traveling public of North Iowa. Air Choice One has provided air service in the cities of Burlington, Iowa, and Decatur, Illinois, for the past eight years and four years in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I believe this track record speaks for itself in recommending Air Choice to the DOT, she said. Osgood said another key component is that Air Choice One is established in three major hubs, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Chicago. It will also serve passengers in Fort Dodge. This is truly a unique situation for Mason City and Fort Dodge. I want to thank the traveling public for their support of Air Choice One over the past two years, and the best is yet to come, said Osgood. Air Choice One, based in St. Louis, operates an eight-passenger aircraft. The other bidders were Aerodynamics Inc. of Kennesaw, Georgia, and Boutique Airlines, headquartered in San Francisco. The commissions recommendation will go the FAA along with letters of support from Mason City Mayor Eric Bookmeyer and Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb. The DOT subsidizes air travel to smaller airports through its Essential Air Service program. Air Choice One began serving Mason City in November 2014. According to new research presented, Nov. 14, at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), mosquitoes who carry Zika could also carry the chikungunya virus. As the insects can secrete enough saliva, they can also potentially infest people with both viruses at once. The study was carried out at Colorado State University, being one of the many recent studies following the Zika virus' spread. One of the other studies presented at the medical gathering states that there is a chance for three mosquito-borne viruses to be spread in America and some Asiatic regions at the same time, the third virus being dengue. Raising Preoccupation - Zika's Interaction With Other Viruses Another research conducted in the north-eastern part of Brazil shows that a mixture of neurological issues could follow the outbreak of these three diseases, as it happened in 2015. Among the scientists' investigation, the priority is identifying the reaction of the dengue virus after the Zika infestation. According to the scientists, the first disease could either intensify or be neutralized in contact with the new infection. While the way Zika interacts with dengue is a priority, scientists are also preoccupied about the virus' behavior when the patients also contact chikungunya. While Zika and dengue are related to one another because they are produced as part of the same virus family, the effects of chikungunya's interaction with Zika in humans or mosquitoes wasn't subjected to research until now. New Directions Of Study Currently, scientists from Colorado State University are undergoing a series of tests in order to examine the behavior of the Aedes mosquitoes when it comes to the viruses' transmission, given that a mosquito carrying more than one of these three viruses at a time is an increasing possibility. Thus, the scientists have conducted an experiment permitting the insects to feed on blood that had previously been infected with one of the three viruses or combinations of them. The preliminary results of these lab experiments suggest that more than one of the three viruses can be transmitted at a time. While this concern existed before among the medical personnel whose scientific efforts have been focused on stopping the spread, this possibility was never lab-proven. Consequently, a study was conducted in Nicaragua, proving that no less than one in five patients who were found Zika positive were also infected with one of the other two viruses. However, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, who were infested with chikungunya and Zika, manifested an inhibition of the latter, which could help further research on the topic. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google has hired two Artificial Intelligence researchers to lead the machine learning unit of its Google Cloud platform. Diane Greene who leads Google's Cloud platform announced the machine learning unit and the two new hires that'll helm it on Tuesday during an event in San Francisco. The two new hires are Fei-Fei Li, director of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford University and Jia Li, who previously headed research in Snap Inc., parent company of popular photo-sharing app Snapchat, Reuters reported. Many analysts regard the two women as experts in the field of computer vision, an AI branch concerned with programming computers to recognize objects within images. Google Cloud Platform Gains AI During the event, Greene explained that the two new hires act as Google's commitment to integrating AI into its cloud computing business. The company plans to branch out from simply doing AI research into incorporating data into various Google Cloud products and services. Greene said that Fei-Fei Li and Jia Li represent top-tier researchers and leaders in the ascendant surge and integration of AI into different platforms. Greene was also particularly excited that these two are women, noting the lack of females in the field of AI research, and in broad strokes, technology companies. Additionally, Greene explained why the two women were thrilled to leap into Google's turf. "What really attracted these two people to come and be in Google Cloud is a chance to democratize machine learning and artificial intelligence," she said. Fei-Fei Li And Jia Li Before helming Snapchat's research innovations efforts, Jia Li was the head of Yahoo's Visual Computing and Learning Group. Her research areas include computer vision and machine learning, with the bulk of her work focusing on the application of machine learning methods to improve image retrieval results. Fei-Fei Li is an associate professor at Stanford University's Computer Science department. Her work taps into computer vision, machine learning and cognitive neuroscience. In early 2015 she gave a TED talk concerning the process of teaching computers how to recognize images. Jia Li is slated to begin her work at Google after the Thanksgiving holiday while Fei-Fei Li starts early 2017, a spokesperson at Google said. More Companies Turning To AI A number of companies are setting up specialized departments solely focused on AI research, hiring people to helm it, or acquiring AI startups to the dirty work. Some of these are Microsoft, Apple and Samsung. Many factors propel companies to incur leaps and in turn, create this collective push of AI into everyday products and services. However varied these experiments or intents with AI may be, advancing technology can only mean great things for consumers in the end. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Brown administration and the University of California, San Francisco announced on Tuesday that six projects have been selected for the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine.Precision medicine uses data-driven tools, analysis and advanced computing to develop new diagnostics, therapies and insights into disease, according to a press release from the Governor's Office. Brown announced the precision medicine initiative in 2015. The administration believes it's the first state to do so.The 2016 state budget included approximately $10 million for precision medicine projects, and built upon the successful inclusion of $3 million in appropriations in 2014-2015, which lawmakers had authorized for two demonstration projects spearheaded by the University of California, San Francisco and the University of California, Santa Cruz.The six projects announced Tuesday include, among other goals, improving the early treatment of prostate cancer, helping patients better manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and depression, gathering personal health data through their mobile phones or via specialized wearable technology, applying state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology to CT scanning, creating a catalog of DNA variants, and combining several types of clinical data and real-time patient data into interactive tools.The projects were selected through a selection committee of internationally recognized experts in genomics, statistics, ethics, cancer, computation and other sciences, according to the release. Over 20 organizations from academia, private sector, patient advocate groups, hospital systems and entrepreneurs will be partnering to complete these projects, which will use research, clinical, environmental and population data to better diagnose, treat and prevent disease.Each grant awardee is eligible for up to $1.2 million in grant funding, which will then be leveraged with other non-state funding sources to complete the projects, according to the release. In addition to developing demonstration projects, CIAPM is conducting an inventory of Californias vast technological and medical resources that make precision medicine possible.The projects are scheduled to begin in December and continue for 18 months.For more information about the data-driven CIAPM initiative, including more about the selected projects, visit http://www.CIAPM.org. Brain implant helps woman with locked in syndrome communicate Thanks to a brain implant, a paralysed woman in the Netherlands with locked in syndrome as a result of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been able to speak again. The fully implanted brain-computer interface allows the patient to wirelessly transmit her thoughts to a computer. This is the first time a braincomputer interface has been used at home in a persons day-to-day life that doesnt require constant doctor supervision. The new implant help the patient to spell out words and sentences, and can be used anywhere. That is a international first, neuroscientist and lead researcher Nick Ramsay, from the college scientific school Utrecht, advised CNN. it is a completely implantable gadget that works at home without need for any professionals to make it paintings. The patient, Hanneke de Bruijne was diagnosed with ALS in 2008. Shortly, her nerve cells completely gave manner. Within the space of just years, she went from wholesome to incapable of respiration without a ventilator, and she should now not circulate or communicate. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, is a degenerative condition affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. Currently, there is no cure and most people die within three to five years from the beginning of symptoms. In September last year, when de Bruijne was 58 and in the late stages of ALS, her only means of communication was through eye movements and blinks. At this point, she gave consent for researchers from the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht to place an implant in her brain to help her communicate. Testing was done over 28 weeks. de Bruijne and the team worked to get the settings of the implant in line with her brain signals. The doctors and engineers at UMC Utrecht installed a relatively simple brain implant called an electrocorticograph (ECoG). An ECoG is very similar to an EEG, only the electrical sensors are placed inside your skull against your brain, rather than externally on your scalp. Just below her collarbone, a transmitter was placed. The transmitter receives signals from the electrodes then amplifies them to wirelessly send them to a computer, which transmits the signals as speech. Following the operation, doctors worked with de Bruijne to monitor and adjust the settings to get the system as accurate as possible. She can now use the speech computer at home on her own without the help of the team. de Bruijne moves her fingers in her mind to operate the computer. The changes to the brain signals are relayed and converted into a mouse click. On a screen, there is an alphabet through which she can spell out words and sentences. It also gives her the ability to alert her caregiver that she needs assistance without relying on the caregiver noticing her eye movements. Such calls for help can be critical if her ventilator stops working properly or saliva is building up. This is a significant advance in our field, Jonathan Brumberg, an assistant professor of speech-language-hearing at the University of Kansas, who was not connected with the work, told Reuters Health in an email. It has significant advantages because the patient could use the device outdoors and with minimal dependency on others for setting up the device. Nick Ramsey, professor of cognitive neuroscience at UMC Utrecht said, This is a major breakthrough in achieving autonomous communication among severely paralyzed patients whose paralysis is caused by either ALS, a cerebral haemorrhage or trauma. In effect, this patient has had a kind of remote control placed in her head, which enables her to operate a speech computer without the use of her muscles. If the team can repeat their success in two more ALS patients, they hope to begin a larger-scale trial. We hope that these results will stimulate research into more advanced implants, so that someday not only people with communication problems, but also people with paraplegia, for example, can be helped, Ramsay said. The work was presented at the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting by Nick Ramsey, a specialist in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) at the Brain Center Rudolf Magnus at UMC Utrecht in the Netherlands. The research paper is published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine. Source: Business Insider What must Googlers not talk about publicly to avoid losing their jobs? Google is one of the most preferred tech companies to work for. Over the years, Google has gained a reputation for being a benevolent employer for software engineers and developers. However, it has certain dos and donts for its employees. Crossing the proverbial line can mean instant pink slip and ignominy of living with the fact that Google fired for the lifetime for a software engineer/developer. So what must Googlers not publicly to avoid ruining their careers by getting fired? We scoured different answers on Quora to tell you what current and ex-Googlers or as Google employees are known, say what they can speak. Here are a few examples of what happened to certain Google employees when they spoke/wrote out of line from Google policy. These instances were provided by Paul S. R. Chisholm who worked for Google from June 2007 to March 2014. Another Googler, Brian Bi who is at present(!) a software engineer says that as Googlers, they dont talk about unreleased products, details of proprietary systems, or personally identifying information. Bi says that this kind of behaviour is likely to get the employee fired immediately. Bi says that there are certain things which Google doesnt allow employees to talk even privately. For example, Googlers instructed not to post on internal mailing lists about ongoing litigation that involves Google. Failing to follow this may get the Googler a stern warning from a lawyer. Repeated offenders may get the pink slip. Leaving aside litigation and proprietary Google products, Bi Googlers have freedom to give their views on other subjects. For example, a Googler can write about the evils of web advertising without crossing the line. David Tussey who put in six years at Google in product management says all tech companies have the same dos and donts that can get you fired. Competition sensitive data, financial results, new product development status, potential/ongoing litigation, mergers and acquisitions anything that is directly and materially related to the success and competitive position of Google or any other tech company can get you fired. Every company, especially tech company employee has to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement or NDA with it. NDAs are not restricted to blog posts and have social media platforms and any other public means of communication under their ambit. US-based companies particularly go to great lengths to prevent confidential information being leaked by employees and punish them severely. Many find out later that Chinese government and its agencies had access to every information in engineering, product development, marketing, finance and all R&D projects for many years. Cybersecurity CEO Resigns After Threatening To Kill President-Elect Donald Trump Matthew Harrigan, the President & CEO of PacketSled, has resigned after he posted threats on social media to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump with a sniper rifle. PacketSled, is a San Diego-based cyber-security firm that develops software to detect the origin of cyber-attacks. The Twitter and Facebook accounts linked to Harrigan included comments threatening Trump on Sunday afternoon. Im going to kill the president. Elect, was one of the posts on Harrigans Twitter account. It was followed by the comment, Bring it secret service, before delving into further detail about just how he planned to take out Trump. getting a sniper rifle and perching myself where it counts, reads a post to Harrigans Facebook account. Find a bedroom in the whitehouse [sic] that suits you motherfer. Ill find you. However, Harrigan quickly went on to apologize for his remarks in a statement on PacketSleds website, toning down the threats merely as a joke. Heres the full apology: My recent Facebook comment was intended to be a joke, in the context of a larger conversation, and only privately shared as such. Anyone who knows me, knows that I do not engage in this form of rhetoric with any level of seriousness and the comment most certainly does not represent my real personal views in any regard. I apologize if anything that I said was either taken seriously, was offensive, or caused any legitimate concern. Best Regards, Matt Harrigan Harrigans apologetic statement has since been removed from PacketSleds website. Instead, the company put up a new post, notifying that the board of directors has accepted the resignation of President and CEO Matthew Harrigan, effective immediately. We want to be very clear, PacketSled does not condone the comments made by Mr. Harrigan, which do not reflect the views or opinions of the company, its employees, investors or partners, the statement further said. While the apology statement was removed from PacketSleds website, on Harrigans Twitter account, he posted three comments apologizing for the previous posts. The Secret Service said its aware of Harrigans posts, but otherwise declined to comment. Under the U.S. law, threatening a president- or vice-president-elect is a federal crime. Anyone who knowingly and willfully threatens to kill, kidnap or inflict bodily harm upon the president-elect could face a fine and up to five years in prison. Source: RT Mark Zuckerbergs Pinterest Account Hacked For The Second Time This Year In the month of June, we had reported how a hacker group named OurMine had claimed responsibility for gaining access to Facebooks CEO Mark Zuckerbergs Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram accounts. For the second time this year, Zuckerbergs Pinterest account has been hacked by OurMine again. OurMine is reportedly a group of teenage hackers based in Saudi Arabia who target social media accounts of top Silicon Valley executives in order to raise awareness about internet security. It brings out the security flaws in a users account by gaining access to them, says OurMine team. Apparently, OurMine mailed folks at CNET who claimed to have hacked Zuckerbergs Pinterest account. They claimed to have a discovered a vulnerability on Pinterest that allowed them to hijack Zuckerbergs account. By exploiting it, they were able to deface his profile. According to the report, Facebook CEOs bio on Pinterest temporarily read, Dont worry, we are just testing your security. While the group did not disclose how it carried out the hack but they did say it wasnt through from any of the databases that were leaked this year after some mega breaches. When pressed, OurMine said it has an exploit on Pinterest but gave no details, says the report. OurMine group also mailed CNET the username and password of Zuckerbergs Twitter account. The group claimed that Facebook chiefs current Twitter password was his former personal Gmail password, which he changed six months ago. The group also revealed that Zuckerberg switched to two-factor authentication on Twitter after his account was hacked earlier this year. The phone number associated with the account ended in 86, according to the hackers, CNET wrote. OurMine had previously claimed responsibility for hacking Pokemon Go servers in July, Twitter account of John Hanke; the CEO of the US based software company, Niantic that created the popular GPS based augmented reality game, Pokemon Go, along with the Japanese company, Nintendo. In June this year, the group had also hacked Twitters chief executive officer (CEO), Jack Dorseys and Googles CEO, Sundar Pichais social media accounts. OurMine had also hacked the Twitter account of Evan Williams, the micro blogging sites co-founder and former CEO, during March this year. Source: CNET MASON CITY County road B-35 will be open for traffic on Monday, Nov. 21, County Engineer Mary Kelly told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday. The well-traveled road between Mason City and Clear Lake has been closed for several months for repairs and completion of the work has been delayed numerous times by bad weather. Kelly said the bike trail, popular with many North Iowa cyclists, will not be open because of wet concrete. Its opening will be determined by the Conservation Board, she said. The $4.1 million project included widening a 2.5-mile section between Mason City and Clear Lake. The road has been widened from 24 to 28 feet with 12-foot driving lanes and two-foot paved shoulders. The project has also included adding turning lanes at the intersections of Jonquil, Killdeer and Lark avenues. Work began in April and was scheduled to be done in October but heavy rains caused many delays. The Venezuelan president described the day with his Colombian counterpart as fruitful, intense and extensive. | Read More JOICE A Nebraska man accused of driving 99 mph on Interstate 35 and crashing on an off-ramp Monday faces criminal charges. Trevell Moore, 18, of Omaha, was charged late Tuesday afternoon with felony possession of stolen property and misdemeanor eluding, marijuana possession, not having a valid drivers license and several traffic charges. An Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement officer spotted Moore driving about 100 mph south on I-35 south of the Worth County weigh scale, according to court documents. Thats about three miles south of the Highway 105 exit. Authorities say Moore, who was clocked going 99 mph, crashed on the off-ramp at exit 208 while trying to get on to County Road A-38. The crash was about three miles south of the scale. Iowa Motor Vehicle Enforcement Capt. Joel Sivinski said the officer, who according to court documents was already driving south when he spotted Moore, chased him for a short distance before Moore lost control and crashed. The vehicle tried to make an evasive move trying to take the exit pretty fast, he said. Moore wasnt hurt. He was booked at the Worth County Jail Monday afternoon. Formal charges were filed Tuesday afternoon. Moores next court hearing is Nov. 23 in Northwood. CLEAR LAKE | A North Iowa man police say bought lottery tickets in Clear Lake with a forged check was given a suspended prison sentence Monday. Michael Patrick Reich, 30, Manly, was given a five-year suspended sentence on one count of felony lottery forgery or theft of ticket and was put on probation for five years. A $750 fine was suspended. He received the same sentence for one count of felony forgery. Reich pleaded guilty to those charges in September. An additional count of lottery forgery or theft of ticket and two additional counts of forgery were dismissed. Police say Reich forged stolen checks on Christmas Eve last year at two gas stations in Clear Lake. One check was for $76 at Casey's General Store and the second was for $158, which included the purchase of lottery tickets, at Kwik Star, according to the Clear Lake Police Department. -- Mary Pieper Anais Nin was born to Cuban parents in France, raised in Europe, Cuba and the U.S., and then settled in Paris after her marriage, establishing herself in its lively arts community of the '20s & '30s. By the summer of '39, however, facism was rising, war was approaching, and the French government was urging foreign nationals to get out of the country while they still could. Nin followed her American husband to New York, heart-broken at losing the city she loved, worried sick about friends and family she was leaving behind. Fourteen years later, having emerged from the world-wide trauma of the war years, she wrote the following words in her diary: "Why one writes is a question I can answer easily, having so often asked it of myself. I believe one writes because one has to create a world in which one can live. I could not live in any of the worlds offered to me -- the world of my parents, the world of war, the world of politics. I had to create a world of my own, like a climate, a country, an atmosphere in which I could breathe, reign, and recreate myself when destroyed by living. That, I believe, is the reason for every work of art. "The artist knows the world is a subjective creation, that there is a choice to be made, a selection of elements. It is a materialization, an incarnation of his inner world. Then he hopes to attract others into it, he hopes to impose this particular vision and share it with others. When the second stage is not reached, the brave artist continues nevertheless. The few moments of communion with the world are worth the pain, for it is a world for others, a gift for others, in the end. When you make a world tolerable for yourself, you make the world tolerable for others." It has been one week since the U.S. election, and the country has taken a fearsome turn for those of us who value civility, decency, diversity, and the norms of democracy. I keep hearing the same question from friends and colleagues in the Mythic Arts field: How can I simply return to my work? Making art can seem like a frivolous pursuit compared to the urgent news of the day; to the need for action and activism, as opposed to the quiet withdrawal from the world upon which creative work often depends. I have two thoughts about this. First, that art is not frivolous. As Jeannette Winterson states so eloquently: "Naked I came into the world, but brush strokes cover me, language raises me, music rhythms me. Art is my rod and my staff, my resting place and shield, and not mine only, for art leaves nobody out. Even those from whom art has been stolen away by tyranny, by poverty, begin to make it again. If the arts did not exist, at every moment, someone would begin to create them, in song, out of dust and mud, and although the artifacts might be destroyed, the energy that creates them is not destroyed. If, in the comfortable West, we have chosen to treat such energies with scepticism and contempt, then so much the worse for us." Or as Ursula Le Guin said in her National Book Award acceptance speech in 2014: "Hard times are coming, when well be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now, can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies to other ways of being, and even imagine real grounds for hope. Well need writers who can remember freedom -- poets, visionaries -- realists of a larger reality." And how right she was. My second thought is that, yes, we are in a period of cultural crisis -- and in such times, each of us must decide where our energy and resources can best be employed. For some, this may mean postponing personal projects in order to throw oneself fully into activism as a matter of urgency. The brilliant young writer Laurie Penny, for example, tweeted this last week: "I'd planned to scale back the full-time political writing to do more fiction. That nice life plan is now in the bin. That's okay. Game on." For others, full-time activism is not a practical option, nor is it the best deployment of our time and our gifts. I'll use myself as an example here. I was widely politically active in my younger years, but in late middle-age I'm contrained by health issues, by family responsibilities, and by the paucity of "spoons" I have to distribute among competing priorities each day. Within these constraints, the best use of my time is to focus on the things I'm designed by my nature to do: to write, to paint, to create "beauty in a broken world" (to use Terry Tempest William's evocative phrase), and perhaps lift the spirits of those who are on the Front Lines, doing the hard physical work I can no longer do. I do not think this task is a lesser one. My job is to tell stories, in words and in paint -- and stories, well-told, are not trivial things. Stories teach. Challenge. Console. Refresh. They examine the world, and re-imagine the world. They remind us of what courage looks like, and hope. They explain us to each other. They explain us to ourselves. They feed us. Heal us. Confound us, and shake us out of despair or complacency. They light the way through the dark of the forest, bring us home on a path of breadcrumbs and stones. Telling stories is meaningful work, even now. Especially now. Game on. I don't mean to say it's a binary choice: going out into the world in the form of activism or turning inward to create works of art. We can do both, of course, and many of the artists I admire most throughout history have blended the two. How do we do this? With "sacred rage," Terry Tempest Williams advises, and an open and active heart: "I dont think there is anything as powerful as an active heart. And the activists I know possess this powerful beating heart of change. They do not fear the wisdom of emotion, but embody it. They know how to listen. They are polite when they need to be and unyielding when necessary. They remain open, even as they push boundaries and inhabit the margins, understanding eventually, the margins will move toward the center. They are tenacious, informed, patient, and impatient, at once. They do not shy away from what is difficult. They refuse to accept the unacceptable. The most effective activists I know are in love with the world. A good activist builds community. "I used to ask the question, 'Am I an activist or a writer?' I dont ask that anymore. I am simply a human being engaged." May we all be "human beings engaged" with the world around us, in one way or another. Loudly or softly, on the streets or at the desk...whichever way suits each of us best. We need it all right now. We need the urgent political conversations...but also the quiet discussions of books and art, folklore and myth, for they serve to keep our hearts open, receptive and responsive. To remind us of what we're fighting for. And to honor what's soft, and deep, and nuanced at a time when the dominant discourse is too often hard, and shallow, and simplistic. "All kinds of activism will be needed in the coming months and years," says Laurie Penny. "Including the quiet, gentle activism of quiet, gentle people." Myth & Moor is a safe haven for the quiet and gentle.... But if you're loud and compassionate, you are welcome here too. The passage by Anais Nin is from The Diary of Anais Nin, Volume 5, 1947-1955 (Harcourt, 1975). The passage by Jeanette Winterson is from Art Objects (Vintage, 1966). The two quotes by Laurie Penny are from her Twitter page. The quote by Terry Tempest Williams is from an interview by Devon Fredericksen (Guenerica, August 2013). The poem in the picture captions is from What to Remember When Waking by David Whyte (Sounds True, 2010). All rights reserved by the authors. The drawing is by Charles Robinson (1870-1937). YANGON, 16 November 2016: Yangon International Airport handles over 360,000 passengers a month with 120 daily flights serving the city daily according to the latest report from Myanmars Civil Aviation Department. Global New Lights of Myanmar quoted the department deputy general director, U Aung Kyaw Tun, saying the number of daily flights increased from just 40 when compared with 2014. This year the airport should handle around 4 million passengers. There are direct flights from Yangon International Airport to China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Qatar. Myanmar National Airlines launched, 4 November, two weekly flights from Yangon to Chiang Mai operating on Monday and Friday. MNA will also increase frequencies on the Yangon-Singapore route from seven to 12 flights a week effective 1 December. Air KBZ will also commence flight service connecting Yangon and Chiang Mai in Thailand starting 2 December with three weekly flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. MASON CITY The Iowa Supreme Court last week denied further review of a Cerro Gordo County jurys decision to find the driver of a van that struck and killed a pedestrian not at fault. Clyde DeWayne Parker Jr., 37, was hit shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2014, while walking along the 900 block of South Monroe Avenue in Mason City. His estate filed a lawsuit against the vans driver, Gayle Shatek, and her husband, Timothy Shatek, the owner of the van. Gayle Shatek was talking with her husband on a cell phone when her van struck Parker, a Mason City resident who was walking with traffic on the side of the street, according to court records. Parkers estate was seeking damages for funeral and medical expenses, loss of earnings and Parkers pain and suffering. In June 2015 a Cerro Gordo County jury found Gayle Shatek was not at fault in the accident. Parkers estate appealed the jurys decision. The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld the decision in September 2016. The estate asserted the district court abused its discretion by allowing Parkers criminal history information to be entered as evidence during the trial. The estate claims this evidence was irrelevant. Parker was convicted in 2011 on a felony charge of methamphetamine delivery. The appeals court noted the estates expert witness testified regarding economic damages, including the loss of accumulation to the estate due to Parkers death. The ruling stated the evidence of Parkers criminal history was relevant because during cross-examination the expert witness acknowledged a persons criminal history could affect employability, future earnings and accumulation to the estate. The appeals court noted Parkers criminal history was discussed only briefly during the trial. The estate also challenged one of the jury instructions, claiming it was misleading and confusing. The instruction stated that the jury was allowed to consider whether Parker exercised reasonable care in walking in the street, noting although a pedestrian has the lawful right to travel upon the streets, they are designed primarily for vehicular use. The appeals court ruled the instruction was not misleading or confusing, but a correct statement of the law. The convicted drivers in a fiery crash allegedly the result of a road-rage chase on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge that killed five Ascension Parish residents, including three young boys, in 2011 pointed the finger of blame at each other Tuesday in the first day of trial in the lawsuits filed against them by the victims' families. David Leger, 34, of St. Landry Parish, who is serving an eight-year prison term for vehicular homicide, testified that Kelsye Hall was the aggressor in the crash and the cause of it; but Hall, 27, of Baton Rouge, who was sentenced to two years in prison and is now on probation, insisted Leger is 100 percent at fault for the fatal accident and that she was afraid of him that night. Leger, wearing a red prison jumpsuit, testified in a bench trial before state District Judge William Morvant that it was Hall who was driving a sport-utility vehicle erratically on March 13, 2011, forcing him onto the right shoulder of I-10 West not far from the Highland Road exit. "I did what I thought was reasonable," he said. Harold Adkins, one of Hall's attorneys, suggested Leger was operating his truck "like some NASCAR driver." Leger said his pickup and Hall's vehicle were nearly side by side he in the right lane and she in the left when he saw the left headlight of her SUV in one of his mirrors. State troopers testified Tuesday that the two vehicles bumped, sending Leger's truck rotating out of control across the median and into the eastbound interstate lane, smashing into a car driven by Effie Fontenot, 29, of Prairieville. Fontenot and her three boys Austin and Keagan Fontenot, 3 and 11, respectively, and Hunter Johnson, 7 were killed, as was Fontenot's front seat passenger and coworker, Kimberly Stagg, 19, also of Prairieville. Leger, whose blood-alcohol level after the crash was 0.10 percent, acknowledged Tuesday in his first court testimony since the crash that he consumed rum and Coke drinks at a barbecue in Geismar before the crash, but denied that his alcohol consumption was a factor in the accident. "By legal definition I was impaired," he conceded. "I don't think it played a part because I can't control the actions of others." In Louisiana, a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is considered presumptive evidence of drunken driving for those 21 and older. Hall, who testified at Leger's trial but not her own, testified Tuesday that to this day she can't figure out why Leger seemed to be chasing her down the interstate from Gonzales into Prairieville and Baton Rouge. "If I made Mr. Leger upset, I don't know what I did to make him upset," she said. Hall, despite witness accounts that she and Leger were engaged in a high-speed game of cat and mouse, said she "never, not once" tried to block Leger from passing her. To the contrary, Hall insisted, she tried to get out of his way six different times. "He followed me the whole way," she said. "I deny any games played with Mr. Leger. I know my true intention that night. I had no ill intent. I was scared. I was terrified." +6 Witnesses: Reckless driving preceded fatal accident A Baton Rouge woman convicted last summer in a horrific Interstate 10 crash that killed two Sgt. Daryl Davis, a Louisiana State Police trooper, said the crash investigation revealed that Leger and Hall were both at fault. "I honestly believe that the behavior leading up to that passing was aggravating," Davis said, referring to witness accounts that Leger tried to pass Hall on the interstate's right shoulder moments before the crash. "The behavior they were displaying was destined for serious trouble." Trooper James Summerford said the crash scene resembled a plane crash. "That's how nasty it was," he said. Summerfield described how he and Davis responded to what was initially dispatched as a vehicle fire. Summerfield said he made a horrifying discovery after calling in that two persons were dead in the front seats of the charred car. "At some point in time I looked in the back seat and saw another one, and another one, and another one," he said. Donaldsonville firefighter John Robie testified he was right behind the crash when it occurred but was unable to help the car's occupants because of the intense fire. "The vehicle was mangled. I remember seeing drops of liquid fire. Then it just burst into flames. It just went from zero to 60 really quick," he said. But what Robie heard coming from the car continues to haunt him. "Screams. Constant screams. From the sedan," he said. "I've never had to listen to someone suffer or die in a fire. I wish I could forget it, but I can't. The sound of a small child, which was the last (scream). It seemed like forever. I couldn't tell you an exact (amount of) time. It wasn't quick." The victims' families, who are seeking damages from Leger and Hall, also testified. Kimberly Stagg's parents said how difficult it has been dealing with their tragic loss. "I cry at one point every day," Karen Stagg said, clutching a framed high school graduation photograph of her daughter. "They taught me to hate and they taught me to cry," Karen Stagg's husband and Kimberly Stagg's father, Kenneth Stagg, said of Leger and Hall. Sue Fontenot, mother of Effie Fontenot and grandmother of her three boys, remembered one of the last phone calls she received from her only daughter. "I just called to hear your voice," her daughter said in the call. Fontenot said her faith tells her that one day she will see her daughter and grandchildren again. Update, 1:30 p.m. A hearing on the attorney general's effort to block Gov. John Bel Edwards' order banning discrimination in state government against LGBT people has been pushed back to Nov. 29. Both sides arrived in court Wednesday. But lawyers for the two elected officials disagreed on what should be handled in the hearing. Judge Todd Hernandez spent nearly two hours in a closed-door meeting with the lawyers, trying to work out scheduling details. When they emerged, the new hearing date was set. Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry says the Democratic governor's anti-discrimination order violates the state constitution. Landry's asking for a preliminary injunction prohibiting Edwards from enforcing the order. Edwards accuses Landry of repeatedly exceeding his authority and is asking Hernandez to define the attorney general's role in office. Original story BATON ROUGE (AP) The Louisiana attorney general's effort to block Gov. John Bel Edwards' order banning discrimination in state government against LGBT people has reached a courtroom. Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry says the Democratic governor's anti-discrimination order violates state law and exceeds the governor's authority. Landry's asking Wednesday for a judge to issue a preliminary injunction, prohibiting Edwards from enforcing the order. Edwards accuses the attorney general of playing politics and says he has the legal authority to issue the protection order he released in April. It prohibits discrimination in government and state contracts based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The order includes an exception for contractors that are religious organizations. Landry has blocked dozens of contracts to let state agencies hire outside lawyers that contain the anti-discrimination clause. MASON CITY The City Council unanimously approved awarding of a contract for a quiet zones project despite opposition from residents opposed to the closing of the Ninth Street Northwest railroad crossing. The closing of the crossing is part of a deal the city has with the Union Pacific Railroad. In exchange for the closing, the city will purchase railroad right-of-way land that will allow creating a bike trail from one end of the city to the other. Fiteeen people spoke at a public hearing prior to the vote, 14 of whom were against the project or who asked the council to hold off making a decision. Jim Ewalt said he has asked city officials for years to hold neighborhood meetings but to no avail. Bonnie Steuben presented City Administrator Brent Trout with a petition signed by neighborhood residents who oppose the closing. Kids go across there all the time. Theyre still going to cross, even it its closed, she said. For all the people in the northwest part of town, youre closing us off. Donna Wernet told the council, Youre throwing the entire neighborhood under the bus. Paul Adams and Andy OBrien, opponents in next months City Council runoff election, both asked the council to slow down. This is a hot topic, said Adams. Is there any risk to public safety? If so, share it with the public. OBrien asked if there was any room for compromise. Im asking you to table this to see if there is any way to work with the neighborhood on this, OBrien said. Former Councilman Max Weaver suggested the council hold off until after the election so the full council could act on it. Terry Hamm was the only resident to speak in favor of the closing. He said hed be able to open his windows again in the summertime and it would increase the value of his house. This is a chance to make our neighborhood a decent neighborhood, he said. Hamm said hes afraid if he tried to sell his house now, hed probably get only 60 to 70 percent of what its worth. Trout said he and council members have studied this for years and he experienced quiet zones in Boone, where he served as city administrator before coming to Mason City. My recommendation is to create the quiet zone. It is a quality-of-life improvement, he said. Councilman Travis Hickey and other council members said this wasnt a snap decision; it has been studied for years. He said the opportunity to have the trail is appealing. Its a great community amenity, he said. Councilman Bill Schickel asked Trout to comment on several questions brought up by the neighbors, including public safety. Trout said he had talked with both the police chief and fire chief and both said closing the crossing would not cause a big problem for them. Councilman John Lee said, The bike path would benefit the entire city. Quiet zones have been talked about for a long time. It seems like a good match. And I havent heard any objections until tonight. Mayor Eric Bookmeyer said, In things we hear about on a daily basis, this is in the top five. In the end, the council approved awarding a contract to Mid-Continent Contracting for $111,836 to begin construction work. The work involves removal of street and sidewalk and other modifications at crossings at Fourth Street Southwest and Ninth Street Northwest and related work at crosssings at 15th Street Southwest, Sixth Street Southwest and First Street Northwest. A generous Canberra school teacher has shared one of the most special days of her life with her entire grade one class. Brigitta van Reesch (now Brigitta van Deas) invited all her grade one students at Holy Trinity Primary School in Curtin to her wedding on October 28. Brigitta van Reesch, now Brigitta van Deas, a first grade teacher at Holy Trinity Primary School in Curtin invited her whole class to her wedding. Credit:Sonia Di Mezza It was a Friday, so the students, resplendent in their best outfits, could finish school and be taken to the wedding at the Holy Family Church in Gowrie. For Mrs van Deas, it was an automatic decision to include her students, who sat transfixed in the church as the ceremony unfolded. Wages in Canberra's private sector rose faster over the past year than elsewhere in Australia, where pay growth hit a new low. However, pay rises in the capital's government sector remained relatively small, despite another increase in the rate of public servants' salary growth. Annual wage growth in the ACT has been below the national average for more than three years. But the latest data, released on Wednesday, shows the capital's labour market is catching up. A senior economist has questioned the persistent budget deficits in the ACT and says the territory should prepare itself for a downturn in the global economy, given the risks of its reliance on government spending. "If we're running close to the line, if there is an underlying structural deficit there, obviously if the economy turns down sharply, that's likely to drive the budget into significant deficit," Dr Stephen Anthony said. Industry Super Australia chief economist Stephen Anthony: ACT should capitalise on its expertise in public administration and research. Credit:James Boddington "And if the government isn't exercising the requisite control over spending and doing everything in its power to maintain competitive growth drivers in the economy, then it is much easier to get in a very tough situation quickly." Dr Anthony, who is chief economist with Industry Super Australia in Melbourne, was formerly director of budget and forecasting with Canberra consultancy Macroeconomics, where he worked helped ACT Treasury model the economy. A series of companies associated with high-flying Sydney accountant who had scores of wealthy clients in Sydney's eastern suburbs have been found to have avoided paying tax by the High Court, in a case that the tax office has described as "blatant tax evasion". Four companies linked to accountant, Vanda Gould, used a complex structure that gave the impression there was offshore control. Three of those companies were linked to Mr Gould's business associate Swiss-based businessman, Peter Borgas, to give the appearance Borgas was in control of the businesses and therefore Mr Gould's businesses did not need to pay tax in Australia. Another was linked to a company incorporated in Samoa. Sydney accountant and company director Vanda Gould will have to pay millions to the ATO. Credit:Rob Homer However, in an unanimous decision - which is a huge win for the Australian Taxation Office - the High Court found Mr Borgas's role was fake and Mr Gould actually controlled the companies. It also found Mr Gould was an Australian resident for taxation purposes. The companies controlled by Mr Gould will now have to pay just over $16 million in outstanding tax and penalties to the ATO. He will also have to cover the tax office's costs, which is expected to be several million dollars. MASON CITY | A Mason City man police say stabbed his neighbor in the stomach was sentenced Tuesday to up to 10 years in prison. Dale Elton Reese, 57, was fined $1,000 fine for felony second-degree burglary. He was ordered to pay $5,355 restitution. Reese originally was charged with first-degree burglary but the charge was reduced in a plea bargain. A felony charge of willful injury causing serious injury as an habitual felony offender was dismissed. Reese forced his way into his neighbor's apartment on July 26 at a complex in the 700 block of North Federal Avenue, according to the Mason City Police Department. Police say Reese ransacked the residence, stabbed his neighbor in the stomach with a knife, stole some cigarettes and then retreated to his own apartment. He refused to come out. The department's special operations unit removed Reese from his apartment about three hours later. His neighbor declined a ride to the hospital for the stab wound but did seek treatment. The injury did not require surgery, according to the police. -- Mary Pieper Sydney's coastal homeowners face their property values being reduced, as the future risk of increasingly extreme weather events grows, a climate risk consultant says. Dr Karl Mallon, director of science and systems for Sydney-based consultants Climate Risk, said Australia's quintessential problem is that "you can build a house which is insurable tomorrow, but is wholly unsuitable 30 years down the track". The message follows the release by the independent Climate Council of its latest report, Super-charged storms in Australia, which argues that the nation is highly vulnerable to "storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and extra-tropical cyclones, including [more intense] east coast lows." Monster conglomerate Wesfarmers, whose businesses range from retailers Coles, Kmart and Target to chemicals and fertilisers, has kicked off a sale process for its two Australian coal mines after prices for the commodity soared this year, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Perth-based company has sent preliminary information on the Curragh and Bengalla mines to potential buyers ahead of calling for bids, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details aren't public. Bengalla: Less than a year that Rio has sold its stake in the Hunter Valley coal mine, Wesfarmers is looking at doing the same. Wesfarmers is working with UBS on the potential divestments, which may fetch as much as $2 billion, two of the people said. Prices for coking coal, a material used in steelmaking, have nearly quadrupled this year as China cut its own production to ease overcapacity. Anglo American's board recently rejected a bid for its Australian metallurgical coal assets after deciding the offer was too low given recent price rise, people familiar with the matter said earlier this month. Woolworths' biggest problem child, Big W, just got a lot more difficult. Questions will now be asked about whether it could be abandoned after the architect of its turnaround strategy, Sally Macdonald, quit after just ten months in the job. Could Woolworths eventually give up on Big W? Credit:Glenn Hunt There has been plenty of speculation that Woolworths has been entertaining at least one would-be suitor for the discount department store chain a move that could allow it to better focus its efforts on improving the fortunes of its supermarkets. To the extent that Woolworths explained the reasons for Macdonald's departure, it appears to be frustration that the turnaround of the troubled discount department store chain was going to take another three to five years. This seems to be longer than Macdonald could stomach. Her predecessor Alistair McGeorge lasted little more than a year, with the company citing health reasons for his departure. ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has described Donald Trump's shock US election win as a "bruising experience for women everywhere". Ms Guthrie, the public broadcaster's first female managing director and one of the nation's most influential businesswomen, said she had been thinking a lot about the unexpected election result and what it meant for women. "We need to consider what it means when Mr Trump, a candidate whose views on women are so well-known in the public space, can defeat Hillary Clinton - not just the first woman endorsed by a major party to run for president, but who is also one of the most qualified candidates in US history," she said. "For women in the workplace, sometimes it .. becomes more about character attributes rather than performance or capability." I'll say one thing for Australia's far right conservatives, they don't miss a beat. With fear and loathing on the streets of America a nation split down the middle over the president-elect our own standard bearers for the lunar right are lining up to preach the perils of ignoring the "silent majority", to thump their chests and say "I told you so". Former prime minister Tony Abbott wasted no time last week offering his analysis on the merits of opinion polls and the woes of "disenfranchised voters", and his views are echoed by the twin beacons of the Coalition's Christian right, Cory Bernardi and George Christensen. It's a familiar refrain and it goes like this: the major political parties don't care about the concerns of the mainstream middle class because the establishment, aided and abetted by "intellectuals" and "some sections of the media" which is to say anyone but the Murdoch press, presumably has been captured by the "cultural elite" and its leftist agenda. Illustration: Joe Benke There's nothing new here, although it's edifying to see how swiftly the ultra-conservatives have scrambled to capitalise on Trump's victory and sought to make it their own. It's a pretty slick narrative, too the conflation of neo-conservatism and voter disenchantment so you can't blame our homegrown conservatives for having a crack. Abbott, for starters, has nothing to lose in peddling his essentially self-serving assessment, and Bernardi may well be looking to the tidal wave of evangelical support that lifted Trump to victory and dreaming, perhaps, of a similar Antipodean uprising. Dream on. Much as Australia's far-right would like to see the analogy to think of Trump's victory as a harbinger of their own the parallels are largely imagined and almost certainly exaggerated. The rising furore over President-elect Donald Trump's naming of alt-right hero Stephen K. Bannon as chief strategist has devolved into a bizarre argument over whether Bannon is personally racist and anti-Semitic or "only" ran a website questioning the loyalty of Jewish critics and espousing the views of far-right European parties. It's not bad enough that a high-ranking White House official praises right-wing, anti-Semitic parties, boasts of his publication's association with white nationalists and built a campaign around the threat of globalist, international moneymen a thinly disguised anti-Semitic trope? (Actually, Bannon's former wife claims that he did object to sending his children to a school with Jewish students. Doesn't this "count"?) House Speaker Paul Ryan tells us not to worry; it's all good. Really. Funny how Trump and some of his closest aides who rail against globalism are enmeshed in foreign businesses. Trump, of course, is indebted to foreign banks. From The Wall Street Journal: "Germany's Deutsche Bank has been one of Trump's long-time suppliers of credit. The bank provided him with hundreds of millions in loans to finance the DC hotel and other projects. Deutsche Bank, which does plenty of business in America, has already been hit with massive fines by US regulators for various shenanigans. So what happens when a foreign bank that federal regulators oversee is a creditor to the president those regulators answer to? The same problem could play out with banks in China and other foreign countries that Trump has had dealings with." Amid the despair at Trump's victory among feminists and Clinton supporters, there is a danger that another woman is being dragged down in defence of their heroine: the next First Lady, Melania Trump. From her childhood in Yugoslavia, to learning five languages as she worked around Europe as a model, to moving to New York, until now, as she prepares to take up residence in the White House, hers is an extraordinary story. As a woman and an immigrant, she should find support among Clinton's supporters and the liberal-minded. Yet, during the campaign there was an undercurrent of sexism and xenophobia towards her that has only intensified since her husband's victory. This hypocrisy, where it is suddenly OK to poke fun at a Slovenian for the way she speaks, at an ex-glamour model for the way she looks, is staggering. Melania Trump and Michelle Obama met at the White House on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images On social media and chat shows there has been sneering about her posing topless, an assumption that she is an unintelligent bimbo afraid to challenge her domineering husband. On The Graham Norton Show last Friday, Andrew Lloyd Webber said the name Melania "sounds like a disease". There are the unfair comparisons to the Harvard-educated Michelle Obama, as though Melania Trump is academically unqualified to be First Lady. Mrs Obama became a role model for girls and young women not because she married a future president but for what she did as First Lady of the United States. So let's give Mrs Trump the chance to do the same. Donald Trump will honour a refugee resettlement deal signed between Australia and the outgoing Obama administration, according to former US ambassador to Australia John Berry. The Turnbull government is racing to implement an agreement for a one-off transfer of some of the 1800 detainees held in Australian immigration detention facilities on Manus Island and Nauru to the US. The deal comes months after Australia said it would accept Central American refugees from camps in Costa Rica for settlement in Australia. The agreement - under negotiation between Canberra and Washington for nearly a year - has been thrown into doubt by Mr Trump's shock election win. US Homeland Security officials are arriving in Australia this week to begin processing and security checks, with the prospect of some refugees being settled before the Republican administration takes office on January 20. A national system to compensate victims of child sexual abuse looks to be in doubt as states and territories withhold their support amid questions about the efficacy of an opt-in redress scheme. The federal government surprised some states with Social Services Minister Christian Porter's November 4 announcement of a $4.3 billion scheme, following a recommendation of the royal commission into child sexual abuse. No further details have been provided, leaving states including Western Australia and Victoria seeking answers and the development of some state schemes in limbo. West Australian Premier Colin Barnett told Fairfax Media he'd had no consultation from the federal government, despite Mr Porter saying it would seek national co-operation and even force the ACT and Northern Territory governments to sign up. Former prime minister Tony Abbott has described Donald Trump's surprise victory in the US presidential election as "the revenge of the deplorables" and says it will put contentious global issues such as climate change into "better perspective". In a wide-ranging television interview with conservative commentator Andrew Bolt, Mr Abbott pointed to a number of areas where the political tide had appeared to turn in favour of the right-wing, including the changing behaviour of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and momentum for amending section 18C race laws. "This is, if you like, the revenge of the deplorables," he said of Mr Trump's victory on November 8. "All of the people who are sick of being called racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic because they don't comply with the canons of political correctness ... all those people saw Donald Trump as in some way their champion." The Republican President-elect has asserted that global warming is a Chinese hoax and vowed to tear up the Paris climate agreement which Australia ratified last week. While refusing to call climate change a "scam", Mr Abbott said the election of Mr Trump would put the climate issue into perspective. MASON CITY | The University of Northern Iowa is partnering with North Iowa Area Community College to offer its master of business administration degree program on the NIACC campus. The first group of students will begin the program in January. To make the program accessible to working adults, classes will be Friday evenings and Saturdays. Each course will be taught over an eight- to 11-week time frame. The MBA program at UNI has been named a "Best Business School MBA" by the Princeton Review. Five seats are still available for classes beginning in January. Interested students must apply by Dec. 1. More information is available at www.business.uni.edu/mbamasoncity. Weir has been donating to charity for 30 years. "I grew up in very small-town Victoria: Horsham," she recalls. "Dad worked at a stock feed mill and Mum in a shop. We had no money, but I couldn't have been more privileged in terms of a happy childhood. So when I got my first job, I wanted to do my bit to try to help other people." The 50-year-old Weir who has short hair, a very focused gaze and a cheerfully low-key manner describes herself as "a really ordinary person"; albeit, as a senior executive with Foxtel, a well-paid one. But in 2014 she pledged to give away a million dollars of her own money within five years. We're sitting in the screening room of a Sydney production studio. It feels strange to be in a movie theatre and not watching a movie, but Weir (a film and TV buff) seems to revel even just sitting in a place where movies happen. "It comes from all those weekends as a kid in a country town, going to the Saturday afternoon double bill at the local theatre," she admits. "I was obsessed." I accidentally meet Deanne Weir millionaire, feminist, philanthropist in the lift 10 minutes before our interview begins. Meetings pre-meeting are always slightly embarrassing, because nobody's quite got their game face on, but Weir seems friendly and direct and determined, which is pretty much how she stays when the tape starts rolling. From the beginning, she focused on women and girls. "I bring a business lens to philanthropy I'm not interested in just throwing my money at something. I like to know it's going to have a good return for communities. And investing in women and girls is one of the best ways of doing that." Girls worldwide, she points out, are much more likely to die young, be uneducated, live in poverty and suffer violence. And yet improving their position is one of the best-known predictors for economic growth and increased political and social stability. To pluck one statistic from hundreds: research shows that when women generate an income, they reinvest 90 per cent of their earnings into their families, compared with up to 40 per cent for men. As well as economic pragmatism, Weir also supports women out of personal conviction. "If growing up in Horsham in the '70s didn't make you a feminist, nothing would," she laughs. "Lovely people, but my mother was made to leave school at 13, because what was the point of educating a girl? She was a really intelligent woman, but pretty frustrated: married young, four kids under seven, that whole thing." She pauses, shaking her head. "Christmas day! There'd be 30 or 40 people, and it'd be 40 degrees, and the women would all be in the kitchen with the wood stove, cooking the whole hot-meal catastrophe, and the blokes would all be sitting in the front room drinking beer. It was a very clear message about what your job was, and what the expectations were. And I wasn't having it." Weir finished high school, studied law at Monash and began donating to the International Women's Development Agency, which she describes as the only Australian development organisation entirely focused on women's rights and gender equality: "Just 10 or 20 bucks a month, or whatever it was." She eventually left law for business, and was one of the senior management team at Austar when it was bought out by Foxtel in 2012. "All of us had invested personally in the business re-mortgaged the house and stuff so it turned out to be a very lucrative moment." It was then that she set up the WeirAnderson Foundation, dividing its resources between the Sydney Women's Fund, which has numerous programs focused on women and girls in the greater Sydney area, and her old favourite the International Women's Development Agency. Almost 50 bus routes are set to be redirected through Brisbane's CBD from next month to allow for construction to start on the $3 billion Queen's Wharf Brisbane project. And more than 200 Brisbane Transport buses will have their timetables changed to reflect "current running times". More than 200 of Brisbane Transport's buses will get a timetable shake-up from December 12. Credit:Harrison Saragossi As part of the changes in the CBD, 45 Brisbane Transport services and four services operated by Clarks Logan City Bus Service, Mt Gravatt Bus Service and Park Ridge Transit will be re-routed through the city, with some arriving or departing from new stops in Brisbane's CBD The changes will be rolled out on Monday, December 12, with TransLink officers working across the network from November 28 to advise customers. A man has died after the minibus he was driving struck a traffic light in Ballarat on Wednesday morning. The vehicle hit the traffic light at the corner of Doveton and Mair Streets just after 9am. The van was carrying elderly passengers when it crashed in central Ballarat. Credit:Kate Healy An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said paramedics assessed three passengers at the scene. She said two people had been taken to the Ballarat Base Hospital with minor injuries. Teenage prisoners from the troubled Parkville justice centre will be sent to a segregated wing of the maximum security Barwon prison in coming days. After meeting with the Governor Linda Dessau, Children's Minister Jenny Mikakos announced that the Grevillia unit at Barwon would be temporarily used for inmates from the state's two youth justice centres at Parkville and Malmsbury. The news comes after the Youth Parole Board knocked back government efforts to have seven young offenders, identified as "ringleaders", sent into the adult prison population. The government would not comment on the Youth Parole Board's decision on Thursday. A driver has been slapped with fines after travelling to a party with 16 passengers in his Toyota troop carrier, which breached the vehicles capacity limit. Esperance Police stopped the vehicle on Rowse Street, Nulsen at 10.40pm on November 12. The vehicle has 12 seatbelts fitted and 16 passengers were in the vehicle. Four people were issued $550 infringements and the driver was issued an $800 and four demerit points. The driver and 16 people on board ages ranged 18 to 25 and they stated they had no other way of getting to the party. It's just another cray in WA.... supersized! WAtoday reader Mason Watts sent us a photograph of his wife Sheree holding up what we think is a very big example of an Ornate Rock Lobster, or painted cray, caught in the shallows off Exmouth. Sheree Watts with the big painted cray. Credit:Mason Watts "Unfortunately no measurements, but here it is next to a couple others," Mr Watts said, sending us another photograph. "The small one was 80mm on the carapace (legal is 76mm) so easily 3-4 times bigger." England's sultriest chef has been spotted dropping in to local eatery Long Chim on Tuesday eveninga head of her appearance at this weekend's Margaret River Gourmet Escape. Nigella Lawson was spied having a bite to eat with fellow celebrity chef George Calombaris at the popular Thai eatery in the Treasury Buildings in the CBD, and it appears Ms Lawson was especially happy with her meal. Nigella Lawson and George Calombaris. Credit:Hannah Barry Long Chim also posted the photo of the pair this morning. Officials at South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare say they know of at least five adoptees who were deported back from the United States. But advocates for Korean adoptees say there may be more than twice as many, some undocumented. Tossed back to a country they had left decades ago, these adoptees were once again foreigners struggling to adapt to an unfamiliar culture and language. The television documentary that reported Crapser's plight also included the story of a 44-year-old adoptee named Monte Haines, or Han Ho-kyu, who served in the US military in the 1990s. He was deported to South Korea in 2009 after he was caught driving a truck carrying illegal drugs. Some adoptees had severe mental illnesses and became homeless when they returned to a country that was never truly their home. A picture of Mr Crapser at Ms Kwon's home. She knew him as Shin Song-hyuk. Credit:Jean Chung for The New York Times At least Crapser has a birth mother waiting for him. Kwon, 61, spends hours filling ruled pages with the letters of the English alphabet, copied down in a shaky hand. It's slow going for a woman with no formal education, but she wants to be able to explain herself to her son. "I have never imagined that he was having this hard life of his," she said, wiping away tears. "I should have kept him even if we starved together. What I did was an unforgivable sin." When she was a child, Kwon received acupuncture therapy that went horribly wrong, leaving her left leg shrivelled and paralysed. Her alcoholic father sent her to live with a man with cerebral palsy. A year and a half later, she met a carpenter with whom she had three children: a daughter and two sons, including a boy born in 1975, Shin Song-hyuk, who would become Adam Crapser. Adam Crapser, left, with daughters Christal, one, Christina, five, and his wife, Anh Nguyen, in the family's living room in Vancouver, Washington state. Credit:AP The carpenter often kicked and punched Kwon, she said, and he eventually abandoned her and her young children. Kwon could not pay her rent. Her father was too poor to take her and her children in. In 1978, she gave her youngest son to a childless family. She took her daughter and Song-hyuk, then three, to a local orphanage that arranged adoptions. She saw her children playing with toys and other children, and left without saying goodbye for fear they would follow her. "I know it sounds like an excuse, but I had no one to turn to for help," Kwon said. After giving her children away, Kwon worked in a plastics factory in Seoul. She kept a couple of black-and-white photos of her children. She would remember the days when she fetched water from the village well - spilling so much because of her leg that she had to make multiple trips - to give her babies a bath, or the times when they devoured what little food she could provide, usually rice mixed with soy sauce and cooking oil. "I missed them, especially when it rained or snowed or when the sky was overcast," she said. "But the belief that they were having a better life somewhere than I could ever provide has sustained me." Kwon later married a widower 20 years her senior. She said she had dedicated herself to caring for his two daughters as if they were her own, believing that she was doing what adoptive parents were doing for her own children. She also gave birth to four more daughters, now all in their 30s. Her husband died years ago, and her grown children have moved away. She now lives in a low-slung house with another man, whom she married and who helped her raise her daughters. As she got older, she began using crutches or an electric wheelchair when travelling outside. In her room, when she moves, she drags a plastic chair to lean on for support. Last year, Kwon got a call from a relative who remembered Song-hyuk and had watched the television documentary. In it, Crapser called out for his birth mother. "Remember, Eomma, I am always your son, your flesh and blood," he said, using the Korean word for mom. 'I made a lot of mistakes in my life': Adam Crapser faces deportation from the only homeland he has known. Credit:AP Kwon contacted the documentary's producer, Kim Bo-seul, who arranged a video chat between the mother and son, and a DNA test to confirm their relationship. Crapser, who has a wife, a daughter and two stepdaughters, communicated with his biological mother through an interpreter. He expects to be deported in the coming weeks and will reunite with his mother, who plans to decorate a small room in her house for her son. Kwon said she had trouble sleeping, thinking of what she would tell her son and what she should feed him when he arrives. Loading "I am still poor, but I owe him a lot of love," she said. "It's heartening to see overseas partners so willing to alter their plans and offer their assistance," Mr Brownlee said. "Despite the changes to the planned celebrations, it's poignant to see the anniversary marked with such co-operation and camaraderie." Pictures shared on social media showed large sections of rocky coast, covered in seaweed and abalone, apparently lifted out of the sea by the force of the quake. The immediate focus has been getting the more than 1000 tourists out of Kaikoura, which is also in need of water, food and sanitary supplies. Hundreds of stranded tourists had been housed in the communal halls of the local indigenous Maori Ngai Tahu tribe and fed with crayfish. Officials said more than 400 people had been evacuated by helicopters from the town, including a dozen with a range of injuries. Transport Minister Simon Bridges said massive landslides that buried road and rail links along the South Island's east coast would take many months to repair. Meanwhile, a snow warning may spell trouble for motorists on the remaining route between Christchurch and Picton, after the quake shut State Highway 1 from Kaikoura. Wellington reels Wellington's CBD is unlikely to return to business as usual in the short term as assessment continues on quake-damaged buildings. A building in central Wellington is at significant risk of collapse after the earthquake left one of its main support beams looking like a broken bone. Emergency services rushed to evacuate nearby buildings and cordon off part of Molesworth Street, near Parliament, about 5pm on Tuesday. Officials Wellington are to decide within days whether it would have to be brought down. Staff from the Wellington Emergency Response team warned people away from the area. One could be heard saying, "Keep away, that building is going to come down." People in other buildings around the area - including a church, Rugby House and the New Zealand Red Cross headquarters - were evacuated as a precaution. Another building, on the corner of Taranaki and Manners streets in central Wellington, suffered cracks and damage but the fire service said that there was no risk of it collapsing. The earthquake damaged Statistics New Zealand's headquarters so extensively that staff were told they may not be back for a year.At least one floor is believed to have collapsed, with another floor also damaged. The full extent of the damage will not be known until inspectors go into the building, where about 500 people work. The Bank of New Zealand building on the Wellington waterfront has also been extensively damaged. Staff are unlikely to return to work this week as assessments continue. As if the earthquake damage was not enough, Wellington was hit by wild weather that caused commuter chaos on Tuesday. Another storm is brewing on Wednesday as well. Help from abroad The Defence Minister said the New Zealand Defence Force had accepted offers of help from the US, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore. Vessels in action include the USS Sampson, the first US warship to visit New Zealand in 33 years, which will deploy two MH60 helicopters. Until an agreement reached last month, US military ships had been prevented from visiting New Zealand due to the country's nuclear-free stance adopted in the 1980s. Australian has diverted the HMAS Darwin, which will use its Seahawk helicopter from offshore, while Canada is sending the HMCS Vancouver. They will join New Zealand's HMNZS Canterbury, HMNZS Wellington, HMNZS Te Kaha and tanker ship HMNZS Endeavour. Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people. Loading Washington: For about $US50, you can get a smartphone with a high-definition display, fast data service and, according to security contractors, a secret feature: a backdoor that sends all your text messages to China every 72 hours. Security contractors recently discovered pre-installed software in some Android phones that monitors where users go, whom they talk to and what they write in text messages. U.S. authorities say it is not clear whether this represents secretive data mining for advertising purposes or a Chinese government effort to collect intelligence. International customers and users of disposable or prepaid phones are the people most affected by the software. But the scope is unclear. The Chinese company that wrote the software, Shanghai Adups Technology Co., says its code runs on more than 700 million phones, cars and other smart devices. One U.S. phone manufacturer, BLU Products, said that 120,000 of its phones had been affected and that it had updated the software to eliminate the feature. Kryptowire, the security firm that discovered the vulnerability, said the Adups software transmitted the full contents of text messages, contact lists, call logs, location information and other data to a Chinese server. The code comes pre-installed on phones and the surveillance is not disclosed to users, said Tom Karygiannis, a vice president of Kryptowire, which is based in Fairfax, Virginia. "Even if you wanted to, you wouldn't have known about it," he said. MASON CITY | The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health and the Partnership for a Tobacco Free Cerro Gordo County are celebrating the Great American Smoke Out on Thursday, Nov. 17. The Smoke Out is a day to help people put down the cigarettes, chew or other nicotine product and quit for the day. Individuals are invited to stop at the county public health department this week to pick up a free Quit Kit, a bag of ideas and tools to tame the cravings. The Partnership and Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health offer a number of tobacco cessation and prevention resources. Call Penny McCaslin at 641-421-9329 or visit www.cghealth.com for more information. Donald Trump has emerged from his New York skyscraper for the first time in days - but without the usual pool of journalists on hand to ensure the public knows where he is. Trump spent about two hours dining with family at the 21 Club, a restaurant a few blocks from his Trump Tower residence. President-elect Donald Trump, right, kisses his son Eric farewell after dining at the 21 Club in New York on Tuesday. Credit:AP Journalists were only aware that Trump was leaving home when they spotted a large motorcade pulling away from the building, including an ambulance with lights flashing. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was an "outsider" who will take on the elites Peter Thiel says. Credit:AP In a single-finger gesture to higher education, Thiel set up scholarships for would-be entrepreneurs, consisting of $100,000 grants for them to skip university and get on with their start-up. He's helped a start-up that takes animal skin tissue and "grows" leather from it in vitro. Between times he clerked to a Federal Court judge; became a New York lawyer; ran a hedge fund; and became a venture capitalist. Thiel is as thin-skinned as Trump. To get back at Gawker Media for outing him as gay in 2007 and for generally mocking him, Thiel funded the successful breach-of-privacy action by the wrestler Hulk Hogan, who won a $US140 million judgment in May 2016 that drove Gawker into bankruptcy. Wrestler Hulk Hogan testifies in his case against the news website Gawker in St Petersburg, Florida, in March. Credit:AP Like Trump, Thiel believes in creative disruption or destruction. And despite being hailed by The New Yorker as possibly the world's most successful technology investor, Thiel is ambivalent about this thing called the information age hasn't created enough new jobs, he says; didn't produce revolutionary improvements in manufacturing and productivity. Some cast Thiel as a Medici; others as more Machiavellian. An outspoken and extreme libertarian who is gay and Christian, the German-born Thiel immerses himself in philosophy, history, economics, anthropology and culture. The magazine Fortune bills him as "America's leading public intellectual". What could be: an artists projection from the Seasteading Institute. Credit:Seasteading Institute But, as The New Yorker's George Packer wrote in a profile in 2011, "his main lament is that America the country that invented the modern assembly line, the skyscraper, the airplane and the personal computer has lost its belief in the future. Thiel believes that Americans who are beguiled by gadgetry have forgotten how expansive technological change can be." The manifesto of Thiel's venture capital firm, Founders Fund, was once subtitled: "We wanted flying cars, instead we got 140 characters." Peter Thiel, a member of President Donald Trump's transition team, is a well-known contrarian in Silicon Valley. Credit:AP He blames much of what ails the US on this failure of imagination from wage stagnation to the collapse of manufacturing to a bloated financial sector. That biggest idea about government that Thiel hasn't shared with the Trump crowd is that he's dead set against some of the fundamentals of democracy: "I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible," he wrote in a 2009 essay; he believes in monopolies but denounces multiculturalism as "exist[ing] to destroy Western culture". Gawker outed Thiel as gay. Thiel backed a lawsuit that drove Gawker out of business. Credit:Stephen Clark In that 2009 essay, "The Education of a Libertarian", published by the Washington-based Cato Institute, Thiel writes: "The 1920s was the last decade in American history during which one could be genuinely optimistic about politics. Since 1920, the vast increase in welfare beneficiaries and the extension of the franchise to women two constituencies that are notoriously tough for libertarians have rendered the notion of 'capitalist democracy' into an oxymoron." But if Thiel sounded hopeless or resigned in 2009, he sees Trump as a bridge to somewhere - possibly to his sense that to protect capitalism the democracy must be shrunk; get the vote back from those damned women and welfare recipients, and capitalism has a better chance in a tighter democracy of more sympathetic voters. Thiel's argument against democracy as we've known it reads like the web-based Dark Enlightenment or Neo-reaction movement, sometimes abbreviated to NRx, a key element of which is described as a post-libertarian futurism it touts authoritarianism, even some kind of monarch-and-subjects rule, as preferable to democracy because libertarians are unlikely ever to win democratic elections. With an eye to a future in which there would be the highly productive few and a great many unemployables who will have been marooned by new technology - the contours of which can be seen already in the American Rust Belt - neo-reactive thinking asks why should the moneyed elites be obliged, as in a conventional democracy, to defer to the voices of the poor and the jobless in deciding how to run the country? In his endorsements of Trump, Thiel would have his audience believe that he views the social fabric through the prism of conventional democracy and certainly nothing seriously revolutionary or neo-reactionary. Here he is in his GOP convention speech: "[Donald Trump] is a builder and it's time to rebuild America. Across the country wages are flat. Americans get paid less today than 10 years ago. But healthcare and college tuition cost more every year. Meanwhile Wall Street bankers inflate bubbles in everything from government bonds to Hillary Clinton's speaking fees. Our economy is broken. "Our government is broken. Our nuclear bases still use floppy discs. Our newest fighter jets can't even fly in the rain. And it would be kind to say that government software works poorly, because much of the time it doesn't even work at all. That is a staggering decline for the country that completed the Manhattan Project [which produced the first nuclear weapons]. "Instead of going to Mars, we have invaded the Middle East. We don't need to see Hillary Clinton's emails her incompetence is in plain sight. She pushed for a war in Libya, and today it's a training ground for ISIS When I was a kid, the great debate was about how to defeat the Soviet Union. And we won. Now we're told that the great debate is about who gets to use which bathroom." At the National Press Club, he spoke of the US as a passenger on the Titanic "and we're going to sink". Praising Trump for daring to question the lofty notion of American exceptionalism, he said the Trump agenda was about making the US a normal country no trade deficit, not fighting wars and having a government that "actually does its job". Some slick lines in there, but nothing more than a tidy version of what Trump spouted on the stump. But here's a funny thing just as Thiel does, Trump also has a big idea about government that he implies, but never articulates. It's this: white Americans are his "real" Americans and African-Americans, migrants and Muslims, the black and brown "others", are stealing the jobs and terrorising the lives of his "real" American core followers. Deconstructed, it's another iteration of Thiel's "get rid of the welfare beneficiaries and women" argument. Trump's talk of deporting as many as 12 million undocumented migrants and creating a database of Muslim Americans sets native-born white Americans above the rest "'real' Americans get to enjoy the rights and privileges of citizenship; racial outsiders and internal enemies do not", as The Guardian's Ben Tarnoff puts it. This is the objective of the white supremacists and ultranationalists who are falling over themselves to cheer Trump on, with the Ku Klux Klan endorsing him before the election and a number of their fellow travellers concluding in the wake of the election that Trump's success is proof that they too have become electable. OSAGE A private equity firm from Dallas has purchased Fox River Mills Inc. in Osage, the company announced to employees Tuesday. LongWater Opportunities, which describes itself as an operationally focused private equity firm, purchased the company from the Lessard family, which has owned and managed the business for more than 40 years. John Lessard, Fox River president and co-owner, said, We knew it was important to find a partner that believed in U.S. manufacturing and investing in the people and the community. We believe weve found that in LongWater. Were excited about the future of Fox River Mills. Jordan Bastable, a partner at LongWater, said, Fox River Mills is an incredible American brand that has been forged over a century and has been steadfast in its commitment to quality and technical performance. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide operational support and ensure the brand is around for another 100-plus years, Bastable said. Fox River Mills was founded in 1900 and manufactures knitted socks and handwear under its Fox River brand name and for other brands and retailers. It is the longest continuously-running hosiery mill in the U.S., according to a press release from the company, and manufactures all of its products in its 240,000-square-foot facility in Osage. Fox River is the fourth investment in LongWaters second equity fund. It will become a division of Standard Merchandising Co., a Camden, New Jersey-based domestic manufacturer of socks and hosiery products acquired by LongWater in December 2015. Laura Johnson, chief executive officer of Standard Merchandising Co., said, Fox River Mills has the unique blend of heritage and innovation as hallmarks of the brand. We value the rich history and deep expertise of the Fox River team and look forward to developing careers and commerce in Osage and the surrounding communities. LongWater Opportunities is headquartered in Dallas and has an office in Fargo, North Dakota. It targets control buyout equity investments in lower-middle-market U.S.-based manufacturing companies in partnership with family owneroperators and entrepreneurs, according to the company. LongWater takes a handson approach with its portfolio companies to identify and execute strategic and operational initiatives that create sustainable competitive advantages, the company said. Brenda Dryer, the executive director for the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, said, We have had an outstanding working relationship with the Lessard family. We look forward to the opportunity to work with LongWater Opportunities, and stand ready to be of assistance during this time of transition. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... MASON CITY A neighborhood informational meeting about a new urgent care clinic to be located in the former Iowa Department of Transportation administration building is set for Wednesday evening. The meeting will be 5:30 to 7 at Hy-Vee East. Quick Care Medical Clinic recently purchased the building at 1420 Fourth St. S.E., according to a letter sent to those living in that neighborhood by CASCO, an architectural and engineering firm based in St. Louis. CASCO has an urgent care clinic prototype that has been used in multiple locations across the United States, according to the companys website. The Mason City Quick Care Medical Clinic will offer basic medical services consistent with urgent care clinics across the country, as well as oncology therapeutic massage treatment, according to the letter from CASCO. The letter also states the clinic will be open seven days a week, with no overnight patients or ER services. Plans for the project, including details of operation per day, the level of medical services provided and upgrades to the building and site, will be discussed at the meeting Wednesday. Those who attend the meeting are asked to stop by the Hy-Vee East customer service department to be directed to the meeting room. Tricia Sandahl, Mason City planning and zoning manager, said city officials are aware of the sale of the former DOT administration building, but no zoning applications are pending at this time. Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa has an urgent care clinic called Mercy Urgent Care. The clinic, which is open seven days a week, is located at Willowbrook Mall. FOREST CITY A recount is underway in the Winnebago County sheriff election between incumbent David Peterson and Deputy Sheriff Steve Hepperly. Peterson defeated Hepperly by 23 votes in an unofficial tally from the Nov. 8 election. Peterson, a Republican from Lake Mills, received 2,892 votes. Hepperly, a Democrat from Thompson, received 2,869. The numbers were expected to be made official this week, Auditor Karla Weiss said during a county Board of Supervisors meeting this week. There has not been a recount in recent years, Weiss said. The county only uses a recount for sheriff elections as per state law. Hepperly must submit a written request for a recount. We had a lot of good ideas we put out there, he said. Its just unfortunately that we may not have a chance to do so. Hepperly, who feels he ran a good, positive, clean campaign, says law enforcement a lifelong career is his passion. I always put my all in to it, he said. Well see what transpires. Weiss said there would be no cost for a recount. There must be a separation of at least 1 percent, or 57 votes in this case, whichever is greater. I trust the machines. I trust the election workers, she said. I dont think the vote will change, even with the recount. U.S. officials whove been working to refute terrorist propaganda and blunt recruitment by ISIS and other groups are bracing for a Donald Trump administration, fearing that he and his advisers could set back their efforts by years and play into terrorists hands. Three U.S. officials told The Daily Beast that President-elect Trumps campaign rhetoric, combined with the names now surfacing as potential top national security advisers in the next administration, signal a dramatically different approach that could give ISIS ammunition to claim that the United States is engaged in a religious war. In fact, ISIS commanders have already begun to make that argument. This guy [Trump] is a complete maniac , Abu Omar Khorasani, an ISIS leader in Afghanistan, told Reuters. His utter hate towards Muslims will make our job much easier because we can recruit thousands. During the campaign, Trump pledged to ban Muslims from entering the United States, a position he later modified to what he described as extreme vetting of individuals from certain countries. But he also excoriated his rival, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as President Obama and his aides for refusing to use the words radical Islamic terrorism to describe groups like ISIS. Clinton agreed eventually to utter the term, saying the words didnt matter much. But her earlier decision to avoid such language was deliberate and informed by many conversations that administration officials had with Muslim leaders and community groups, who concluded that linking terrorists activities with a religion only served to legitimize them in the eyes of impressionable recruits. Equating radical terrorism with Islam was not only inaccurate, it was not very helpful if we are talking about a lasting ISIS defeat, one defense official told The Daily Beast, adding that it allows the terror group to claim that it is defending Muslims everywhere. They will say, Join us. America has declared war on Islam. Of course we are concerned, a second official said of the heated rhetoric on the campaign trail that is now apparently transferring into the next administration. The official noted that the U.S. military is making demonstrable progress on the battlefield against ISIS but that those gains could be offset by recruitment efforts given a new boost from incoming administration officials. The names surfacing as likely to play a key role in advising the next president have been a cause of alarm for some officials and experts. Retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who ran the Defense Intelligence Agency and was one of the first intelligence leaders to identify ISIS as a bigger threat than the Obama administration thought, has become a vocal critic of the administrations language and its counterterrorism efforts. Flynn has said political correctness has prevented the United States from confronting violent extremism, which he sees as a cancerous idea that exists inside of the Islamic religion. Flynn authored a book that argued the U.S. government has concealed the actions of terrorists like [Osama] bin Laden and groups like ISIS, and the role of Iran in the rise of radical Islam And his Twitter feed has linked to video describing fear of Islam as a rational reaction to terrorist attacks. Another adviser to Trumps national security transition team, Clare Lopez, is known within foreign policy circles for her claims that the U.S. government has been infiltrated by agents from the Muslim Brotherhood. Lopez co-authored a book, See No Sharia, which purports to show how Islamists in general and the Muslim Brotherhood in particular have gained access to and considerable sway over policymakers in the White House, the FBI and the Departments of State, Justice, Defense and Homeland Security. Lopez has also espoused the opinionwidely discreditedthat terrorists short-selling U.S. stocks caused of the 2008 financial collapse. The crisis was actually precipitated by a collapse in the real-estate market and the proliferation of exotic financial products manufactured by U.S. financial institutions. Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Frank Gaffney, who regularly warns of the looming imposition of sharia law in the United States and has accused anti-tax conservative Grover Noquist of being secretly aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, was joining the transition team to assist on national security issues. And Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a member of the transition team's immigration policy group, has reportedly been discussing a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries. The combination of campaign rhetoric and fringe views of some key Trump advisers portends a radically different approach to fighting terrorism, experts said. The Bush and Obama administrations agreed that the key to defeating jihadist recruitment is to carefully distinguish between jihadists and mainstream Muslims, William McCants, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the author of The ISIS Apocalypse: The History, Strategy, and Doomsday Vision of the Islamic State, told The Daily Beast. The rhetoric and policies put forward by Trump and his top advisers during the campaign collapsed that distinction, which will make us all less safe because it gives credence to jihadist propaganda that the United States is at war with Islam. In the past week, every time a potential Trump administration nominee is mentioned, the name flutters through the Pentagon and around U.S. intelligence and security agencies, where officials try to game out how it might help or hurt the ongoing campaign against ISIS and al Qaeda. The perception that Islam is under attack would allow terror groups to resurge in Sunni Arab-dominated cities in Iraq and Syria where ISIS appears to be on the decline, two defense officials told The Daily Beast. The best military campaign against jihadism is not a long-term plan, defense officials have repeatedly said; it only works if there is no political room for groups like ISIS and al Qaeda to return. In the past two days, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton, the one-time U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, have been discussed as the next secretary of state. Giuliani, who has no direct foreign policy experience, falsely said during the campaign that terrorist attacks on U.S. soil only occurred under the presidencies of Obama and Bill Clinton, skipping over the 9/11 attacks, which occurred when he was the mayor of New York. Bolton has called for U.S. support of Egyptian President Abdel Fatteh el-Sisi, whose authoritarian rule, particularly in the northern Sinai, has become a recruiting tool for jihadists in northern Africa. Privately, U.S. officials told The Daily Beast that they were concerned a Trump administration would seek to dismantle new programs set up in federal agencies specifically designed to work with mosques and community groups around the country. In January, the Obama administration established a task force for countering violent extremism, led by the Department of Homeland Security, that includes more than 10 agencies and departments from across the government. It mission is to work with local leaders and community groups in order to de-legitimize the ISISs and other terrorist groups apocalyptic vision. Experts in the field generally agreed that the approach was more helpful than many of the fitful, often tone-deaf attempts to lure Muslims from the jihadists siren song. Since 2012, the federal government has held thousands of meeting and community engagements in U.S. cities, including roundtable discussions, town hall meetings, and meetings with community leaders. To be successful in our homeland security efforts, we have to underscore and reinforce the fact that ISIL does not represent Islam and cannot justify its barbaric terrorism with twisted interpretations of one of the worlds most prominent religions, George Selim, the director of the departments office for community partnerships, told a House committee in September. (ISIL is the acronym the Obama administration uses for the terror group.) A new report on global efforts to combat violent extremism, released Tuesday, encouraged such programs and called on the United States and other countries to avoid rhetoric and responses that estrange Muslim communities. In the United States, such an approach would necessitate redoubling efforts to engage with Muslim communities and address their concerns about stigmatization, surveillance, entrapment, and hate crimes, said the report, co-authored by former CIA director and secretary of defense Leon Panetta and former British prime minister Tony Blair, and published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. McCants said the Trump administration should survey current homeland security and counterterrorism efforts and hear from a broader range of experts than appears to be shaping policy now. My hope is that the incoming administration will change its mind after talking to Americas partners and allies in Europe and the Middle East, who are keen to isolate our jihadist enemies rather than enlarging their ranks. President-elect Trump needs to hear from more than just a few paranoid voices who profit politically or professionally by stoking American fears of Islam, McCants said. America, or at least my America, is reeling from Donald Trumps victory, and we need a reference point to anchor our fears, frustrations, and confusions as we chart a path forward. To me, that reference point is clearand frightening. ReconstructionAmericas long-forgotten era where progression and regression were in perpetual conflictmirrors the traumas of today to an alarming degree. From 1865 to 1877, the federal government embarked on an ambitious agenda to reconstruct American society by enfranchising African American men after the Civil War. During the war, many slaves fled to the North in search of freedom, and many of them enlisted in the Union army and fought to defeat the Confederacy. This yearning for freedom and willingness to die for their country in many ways necessitated the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Then, upon conclusion of the war, the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution were passed in 1865, 1868, and 1870, which abolished slavery, granted citizenship to freed slaves, and ensured that the right to vote could not be taken away because of ones race, color or previous condition of servitude. Americas identity, and especially the Souths, was going through revolutionary changes. To the surprise of no one, many factions hated these changes and fought them bitterly. And unfortunately, these same progressive and regressive factions still dominate Americas political climate today. In the 1860s, the progressive agitators who supported Reconstruction were an extension of the abolitionist movement. They were primarily classified in three categories: carpetbaggers, scalawags, and enfranchised black Americans. Carpetbaggers were Northerners who relocated to the South after the Civil War. Southerners perceived them to be opportunists who moved to the South to capitalize on the destruction by building industries and running for elected office. Southerners described them as untrustworthy people who wanted to take advantage of them. Yet clearly a carpetbagger should be viewed as a progressive American who uprooted his life and relocated to the oppressive South to build a more equitable society. Alarmingly, though, our society still employs the Southern usage. Scalawags were Southern white Republicans (who were the progressives of this era) who sided with the carpetbaggers and worked together to reshape the South and America for the better. In the South, a scalawag is considered a traitor. Scalawags were mostly white people whose way of life was less dependent on slave labor: non-slaveholding, small-time farmers; middle-class professionals and others who sided with the Union. African Americans who voted and won elected office represented the third major group. They demonstrated the progress of this era. Roughly 2,000 African Americans held public office during Reconstruction, including elected positions at the local, state and national level. Hiram Revels was born a free person of color in North Carolina, but relocated to Mississippi during Reconstruction and became Americas first black U.S. Senator in 1870. Robert Smalls of South Carolina was Americas longest serving black congressman until Harlems Adam Clayton Powell Jr. left office in the 1970s. While many of the complexities of today and 150 years ago are not the same, the three progressive protagonists have not changed much. President Barack Obama clearly represents an example of our progress toward equality and enfranchisement. Additionally, the Clintons changed Americas political landscape in the 1990s by aligning a progressive Southerner (a modern-day scalawag) in Bill Clinton with a progressive Northerner (a modern-day carpetbagger) in Hillary Clinton. And they successfully appealed to disenfranchised African Americans and poor whites in the South to reshape America and launch our current progressive movement. Bill was even half-heartedly called Americas first black president, prior to the election of Barack Obama, and jokingly referred to as Bubba to highlight his crossover appeal. In todays America, the geographical distinctions between carpetbaggers and scalawags has become less rigid, but the necessity of viewing our society through a racial equity lens remains paramount. Nowadays, carpetbaggers reside within a racially diverse cosmopolitan environment, and they need to align with todays scalawags from more rural, racially homogenous or divided landscapes. Without this partnership the importance of racial equity can become lost, and now economic concerns, which may perpetuate economic and racial inequities, can sway well-meaning and potential scalawags to side with ending Reconstruction. The progressive protagonists pursuit of progress and equality also represented an existential challenge to the regressive, racially unjust status quo that America has grown accustomed to since the end of Reconstruction. And not surprisingly, Trumps rise also embodies the backlash from 150 years ago. In addition to harassing carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed black Americans, white Southerners organized into various groups with the mission of returning the South to its pre-Civil War heyday. Leading businessmen from across the South united and formed the Redeemers movement. They wanted to redeem the South to a previous, more prosperous era. You might say they wanted to make the South great again. Additionally, the white nationalist movement rose to prominence in the South, and the Ku Klux Klan was formed in order to terrorize black Americans to prevent them from voting and living as free men. Also, poor and middle-class white Southerners felt the brunt of the post-war economic hardships, and they craved for leaders who could improve their economic station. While poor and working-class whites might have had many economic similarities with the recently liberated and enfranchised blacks, many of them instead sided with the rhetoric of the Redeemers and white terrorists. They had a greater familiarity with Southern whites, and their economic interests trumped their moral concerns and the necessity of racial equality. These factions formed the core that could defeat the federal government and end Reconstruction and progressivism in the 1870s. Trumps claim to Make America Great Again, his quasi-association with and endorsement by the KKK and white nationalists, and his surprisingly strong support amongst economically distressed whites, all fit within the antagonistic, regressive ideologies of 150 years ago. Despite the progressiveness of this era, Reconstruction only lasted for 12 years, and upon its demise the Southern states began implementing regressive policies that would remake the South into its pre-Civil War image. The Southern states all drafted oppressive constitutions that included voting impediments such as poll taxes, literacy exams, and more. Blacks who could no longer be forced into slavery were instead arrested for minor charges such as vagrancy and sent to prison and subjected to slave-like conditions. A conservative Supreme Court in 1896 made separate-but-equal the law of the land via Plessy v. Ferguson and segregation and Jim Crow became the standard in the South. A progressive ideology that included racial justice and equity did not re-emerge until the 1960s when black Americans finally re-earned the equality that had been taken away from them 100 years ago. Trumps rise shows how America has hardly progressed beyond the antiquated battle lines of yesteryear that have always divided our country, and how quickly we can succumb to our lesser selves. We need to learn the lessons of Reconstruction so to avoid potentially a century of oppressive, racially divisive and unjust policies disguised as democracy. In the fact-free world of what trends on Facebook, everything is going swimmingly in Donald Trumps America over the last 48 hourseven if none of it is true. Americas biggest celebrities are flipping to Trump, manufacturing plants are shutting down in Mexico and moving back to Ohio, and Barack Obama is admitting to mountains of treasonous activities on Facebook since Monday morning. But none of that is happening in reality, a distinctly different place from the news on the most popular social network on earth, even if millions of its daily active usersand Facebooks CEOare unable to recognize the disconnect. Mark Zuckerberg has been in the crosshairs this week, even from within his own company, for saying he believes its a pretty crazy idea that fake news on Facebook, which is a very small amount of content, influenced the election in any way. He should take a look at the most shared stories on his website, according to trend analysis site Trendolizer, and see if he can reconcile his PR statement with the truth. At least a dozen stories with no basis in realitymost of them favoring Donald Trumpbroke Facebooks trending algorithm Monday and Tuesday, as the new president-elect took to his own Twitter account to repeatedly deride fact-checked newspapers like The New York Times. Early Monday, exclusively on Facebook and a series of websites like AmericanNews.com, one of Americas biggest celebrities, Denzel Washington, offered up a full-throated endorsement of Trump. Denzel Washington Backs Trump in the Most Epic Way Possible, the headline read. Denzel is now Team Trump! The story was shared 10,000 times from a single sourceAmerican Newss Facebook pagein its first six hours on the web. The post garnered 80,000 likes in a half of a day. Nothing about the post is true, but that didnt seem to matter to American News, which has 5.5 million followers and an account verified by an employee at Facebook. American News, which on Tuesday posted stories like Michelle Obama Exposed for the Pervert She Really Is (the website calls her Moochelle in its posts), The View Is About to Get Shut Down, and BREAKING: Hillary Clinton to Be Indicted Your Prayers Have Been Answered, has 700,000 more subscribers than The Washington Post on Facebook. None of those stories are true. But American News is nowhere near the lone source behind the intentionally fake news that took over Facebook in the last 48 hours. According to Trendolizer, a variation on EndTheFeds story Since Donald Trump Won the Presidency Ford Shifts Truck Production from Mexico to Ohio trended three times over the last 24 hours. Ford shifted its truck production from Mexico to Ohio in August 2015, not this week, and the move had nothing to do with Trump. That didnt seem to matter for EndTheFed, whose post was shared 15,000 times, or ViralLiberty.com, whose nearly verbatim post trended later on Monday. By the time DonaldTrumpNews.cos headline BREAKING: Since Donald Trump Won The Presidency Ford Shifts Truck Production From Mexico To Ohio racked up 20,600 shares, there was a startling development in the real world. Ford CEO Mark Fields announced his company was doing the opposite of the viral reports on Facebook. Ford Motor Co. is moving ahead with plans to shift production of small cars to Mexico from Michigan, Reuters reporter Alexandria Sage wrote at 5 p.m. Tuesday. That storyentirely truehad 233 shares on Reuters Facebook page at press time. Current President Barack Obama also had a busy day in the fake news world, when his lawyers were forced to officially admit [his] birth certificate is fake, according to the Facebook pages Conservative Country and The American People News, whose stories have pushed past 6,000 shares and 50,000 likes since Monday. The story is a total fabrication. In Facebooks universe, 3 million illegal aliens are also Under Investigation for Voting After Obama Told Them It Was OK. The group 100 Percent FED Up netted more than 18,000 shares in the last 48 hours with that headline. Obama, for what its worth, did not tell undocumented immigrants to vote, and 3 million people are not under investigation. Of course, this has no effect on the pop-up websitesoften one-person operationsthat can earn up to $3,000 a day by appealing to the emotions of Americans on Facebook with quasi-official-looking news, but without any of the facts. As BuzzFeed News reported days before the election, more than 100 pro-Trump sites were created by Macedonian teenagers attempting to skirt labor laws and earn a paycheck on the web by appeasing an easy-to-dupe American electorate. BuzzFeed then reported this Monday that renegade Facebook employees have formed a task force to challenge their CEO on his public position that fake news poses no problem to the companys users. Its not a crazy idea. Whats crazy is for him to come out and dismiss it like that, when he knows, and those of us at the company know, that fake news ran wild on our platform during the entire campaign season, one anonymous Facebook staffer told BuzzFeed. By the end of the day Tuesday, even fake-news sites had become more self-aware than Zuckerberg. A trending story headlined BREAKING: Hillary Clinton Breaks SilenceIs Preparing to Fight for the White House! on RealtimePolitics.com begins like this: One of the top reasons Democrats feel Hillary lost, is due to the vast amount of fake news sites that cram Facebook with their sensationalistic headlines, such as Hillary Will Be Indicted By The FBIYour Prayers Have Been Answered! the post reads. Now, the Clinton team plans to fight back. The Clinton team does not plan to fight back. And neither, for now, does Mark Zuckerberg. Gosh, who knows whats going to happen, mutters Eddie Redmayne. We are seated together at a hotel in Lower Manhattan on the eve of the U.S. presidential election, and, despite the nerves, his hair remains as voluminous and FernGully-like as ever. Little did either of us know that, some 30 hours later, a former reality-TV star who ran on a platform of bigotry, a self-admitted sexual predator with a decidedly un-Redmayne-like coif, and a man who J.K. Rowling herself proclaimed was worse than Voldemort, would be elected the 45th president of the United States. Its a development thats since made the occasion for our meeting, the lovely new film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, even more timely; a welcome respite from the drudgery and skulduggery of these past few politically infused monthsand, really, a god-awful year overall. Fantastic Beasts is spinoff of the Harry Potter series, and, though Rowling penned the novel in 2001, she recently claimed the films screenplay, which she wrote around 2012, was inspired by the rise of populism around the world. And its easy to see how. The film opens with Newt Scamander (Redmayne), a wizard and magizoologist whos been banned from Hogwarts under mysterious circumstances, arriving in 1926 New York. There, wizards are living in hiding, fearing persecution from the public, including a fanatical faction of No-Majs (humans) out to disappear them for good. The oppression of the wizarding world seems very much like an allegory of immigrant lifea theory shared by Redmayne. There are themes of oppression and segregation, and what I find interesting is its all based on their history, he says. Its back to the Salem trials and the fear that is instilled centuries ago remains in us, and that seems weirdly contemporary. J.K. Rowling is an artist, and the role of art is to question the way things are in the worldbut she does it in the context of something that is fun, and scary, and inviting, and comedic. Scamander, for his part, is possessed of an open mind... eventually. Though hes understandably distrustful of humans and has been cast out by the wizard community, he is the Noah of this tale, protector of a suitcase full of magical endangered creaturesanimals that have been outlawed by the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) for fear of exposing the wizards existence to the narrow-minded public. Hes someone who has edges, is prickly, and is not someone youd instantly warm to, says Redmayne. He eventually warms up and forms a clique of like-minded outcasts, including the witch/Auror Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), her delightful younger sister Queenie (Alison Sudol), and an aspiring No-Maj baker named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), all of whom must help Scamander catch the fantastic beasts after theyve escaped from the suitcase. As far as acting alongside these elaborate CGI creatures goes, Redmayne shares that he had a bit of help. They built a lot of it so much more than you would expect was therefrom vast New York sets to giant puppets for some of the beasts, he offers. As for the suitcase, they had built in this studio lots of the elements, so when you went up to the Thunderbird, the rock where the bird came down was there, and there would be a puppeteer with the head of the bird coming down. But then while you were doing that, youd have Pickett [the Bowtruckle] walking on your hand who wasnt there at all, and it felt like youve just spent a few weeks talking to your imaginary friend. Sounds like a real-life acid trip, I tell him. It would be an interesting film to do that! he replies, with a chuckle. Redmaynes flirtation with the Potterverse didnt begin with Beasts. Years before he took home a Best Actor Oscar for his turn as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and became a superstar, hed auditioned for the role of Tom Riddlea gifted Hogwarts student who over time mutated into Lord Voldemort. It didnt go so well. When I was at university Id had one of my firstand most unsuccessfulauditions, he recalls. They were casting the net quite wide for Tom Riddle, so they were coming around schools and universities and I met with I think the eighth assistant casting director and lasted about three lines into the first scene before I was shown the door! The bright-eyed actor probably wasnt the best fit for a young man destined to become one of cinemas most iconic villains, but hes managed quite well for himselfas has one of his best mates, Benedict Cumberbatch. The two not only came up in the industry together, but have been leading bizarrely parallel lives. When Redmayne was shooting the aforementioned Stephen Hawking film, a role Cumberbatch had played in 2004s Hawking, he even texted me from Harrow, my old school, underneath a chalkboard with my name on it while he was dressed as Stephen Hawking, Cumberbatch told me. It was one of the most surreal, hall-of-mirrors experiences Ive had. The similarities dont end there. Both Redmayne and Cumberbatch were nominated for their first Oscars the same year, got married two months apart from one another, recently each welcomed their first child, and are both serving as topliner in a blockbuster film for the first time playing wizards (Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange). Its freakin odd! Youre absolutely rightthere is an oddness to it, admits Redmayne. I think wed love to work together someday rather than working in parallel worlds. And we did work together once on a film called The Other Boleyn Girl where we played Scarlett Johanssons husbands. He pauses. What is lovely is that the past few years for both of us have been such a ride that it is wonderful to have a pal who you can go and really talk to about the intricacies of the experience. Its been kind of wonderful. And I found Comic-Con to be this amazing frenzy, but I called Ben and was like, Dude! Talk me through your experience! How do you handle it?! Redmayne married his longtime girlfriend, Hannah Bagshawe, in December 2014, and their daughter, Iris Mary, was born this past June. The thought of his daughter one day seeing her father as a wizard in a Harry Potter film prompts Redmayne to collapse into a bashful smile. Wow, he says. Shes four and a half months but Katherine Waterston was making a point this morning that she is the daughter of an actor, and the reality is that all your friends are like, Oh, your Dad is so cool! and youre like, My Dads lame. I imagine it will be more like that. But shes only four and a half months so who knows what shell think of wizards and all that! In the wake of the election, many college students at elite colleges and universities have come down with serious cases of PTSD: President Trump Stress Disorder. Their inability to anticipate this outcomethe election of Donald Trumpshould prompt the Ivy League to consider whether its really preparing students for life outside the liberal bubble of campus. To equip students with the resources they need to refute Trumpism, colleges have to stop shielding them from ideas that offend their liberal sensibilities. They have to stop pretending that shutting down a discussion is the same thing as winning an argument. Silence is not persuasion. At Cornell University, weary students sat outside in shock the morning after the election. The Cornell Daily Sun, which live-streamed the gathering, invited viewers to cry with us. Attendees said they were heartbroken and terrified. Elsewhere, at campuses across the country, students begged professors to cancel classes and postpone exams, citing fear, exhaustion, and emotional trauma. Such accommodations were frequently granted: Academics at Columbia University, Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and other institutions told students to take some time to come to terms with what had happened, as if the election of Donald Trump was akin to a natural disaster or terrorist attack. That wasnt all. Law students at the University of Michigan were provided with a post-election self-care with food and play event, complete with stress busting activities like play dough, coloring books, legos, and bubbles. Columbia Universitys Barnard College offered hot chocolate and coloring. The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution, created a healing space: more coloring books, and also puppies. There were actual cats and a puppy there, one UPenn student, Daniel Tancredi, told The College Fix. The event as a whole seemed to be an escape from the reality of the election results. One wonders whether some campuses have routinely provided too much of an escape from reality, if the election has reduced their students to tears, play dough, and a whole lot of coloring books. To be sure, there are good reasons for students to be dismayed by Trumps victory. Candidate Trump vowed to deport illegal immigrants, his administration could curtail LGBT rights, and his embrace of Steve Bannon and the alt-right has emboldened white supremacy, to name just a few. Left-leaning students throw tantrums all the time, but this tantrum has the virtue of being grounded in legitimate concernunlike, say, Christina Hoff Sommers coming to campus or someone wearing a culturally appropriative Halloween costume. Intensifying this post-election freak-out is the fact that almost no one saw it comingand thats even more true on many college campuses than it is for other similarly blindsided institutions, like the left-of-center media. Campuses are remarkably devoid of conservative, Republican, and independent voices, particularly at the most selective and well-regarded schools. To give one example, just a single Princeton University faculty member made a donation to the Republican candidate in 2012. You would be more likely to encounter a Trump-sympathetic intellectual on the surface of the moon or the bottom of the ocean than at Harvard or Yale. All this ideological uniformity has a cost, wrote Charles Camosy, an associate professor of ethics at Fordham University, in a recent op-ed for The Washington Post. Camosy elaborated on the problem in an interview. People who are college educated, especially on hot button issues like life or choice or sex or marriage, are unable to even imagine how someone might have a different opinion, he told The Daily Beast. Theyve never been exposed to a different opinion except as a caricature. The purpose of college is to educate students and prepare them to succeed in the real world. But the rest of the country is distinctly unlike campus: It is filled with people who represent a wide range of political opinions, religious traditions, income levels, and racial backgrounds. And it is filled with people who wanted Trump to be the next president of the United States. Not all students are equally sheltered, of course: Red state universities no doubt had a much larger proportion of Trump sympathizers. On these campuses, at least, liberals had to debate their conservative classmates. But on elite campuses, not so. If higher education is not teaching students to live alongside these people, grapple with their views, and perhaps change their minds, it is failing its mission. That mission is difficult to fulfill when a campus is homogenous. Universities have long-recognized this, which is why they have prized diversity as one of the most important ingredients in a modern liberal arts education. Many colleges have implemented race-based and class-based admissions systems to try and boost enrollment among under-represented groups. When they hire new professors, they often prioritize minority applicants. They create new initiatives, centers, and administrative positions with the goal of celebrating and promoting diversity. But these efforts have not yielded much diversity of thought and belief on campus. Indeed, leftist progressivism is so monolithic on many campuses that it not only discourages, but often openly punishes, alternative views. Remember the anonymous professor who admitted in The Chronicle of Higher Education that she couldnt write a recommendation for a perfectly qualified student, solely because she had overheard the student say something about getting a concealed carry permit? Diversity in most cases means safe, familiar, not going to challenge me, said Camosy. It will be yet another weapon to promote an agenda I already believe in. Its a problem that has led Harvards student newspaper, The Crimson, to conclude that something resembling ideologically based affirmative action might be justified. Ultimately, this weeks surprises have underscored Harvard students need to understand those who disagree with us, however strongly we feel that their views would lead to catastrophe or injustice, the editorial board wrote. The Crimsons editors understand something their colleges administrators seem to have missed: Banishing non-leftist views from campus is self-defeating. Well-educated young people should be the best line of defense against the moral and political backwardness that Trump represents. Instead, students were caught more off-guard than almost anyone else, and its not their fault: Elite colleges have failed them. They need more ideological diversityand fewer coloring books. The only thing missing from the grubbily realized first rooms visitors alight upon at Exhibitionism, the New York show devoted to the music and style of the Rolling Stones, is the musky pong of young men living together in bohemian squalor. These first roomsafter you have passed a huge set of screens showing Stones videos and fan hysteriaare supposed to be evocations of the flat at 102 Edith Grove, in Londons Chelsea, where the bandmates first lived in early 1963. As you might expect, it appears to be the kind of hovel four aspiring rock stars would occupy, with dirty dishes piled high in the sink, more dirty plates on the counter-top, overflowing ashtrays, discarded egg shells, empty bottles, tangles of sheets on beds, and a pair of bizarrelyand surely not historically accurateclean tighty-whities. The exhibitions nine galleries at Industria in the West Village feature not only 500 items on display, but also the Stones music, and the voices of the Stones themselves, revealing anecdotes, and so it is that Mick Jagger in this room remembers even the bathroom sink was piled with dirty dishes: He didnt wash himself much there, he says. The exhibit, which was in London before landing in New York, is not critically minded. This exhibition has been constructed with the full participation of Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Ronnie Wood. There is no sniff of controversy, no mention of private and public scandals, or of problems in the band, no whisper of the violent tragedy of Altamont, or drink, drugs, and broken marriages. This is sheer, unapologetic fandom: a paradise for Stones nerds, who should set aside many hours to pore over everything. There are videos of the concerts. Display cases show such ephemera as the bands first U.S. tour program of 1964, their first contract, and album, and Keith Richardss diary from 1963. Asked by the bands fan club what their personal ambitions were: Charlie Watts said to Own a pink Cadillac. Brian Jones wanted to live on a houseboat and have a very fast speedboat. A recreation of a studio, complete with instruments, features the memories of all the band members: Keith Richards says he is the one who insists they try out pieces over and over again; Charlie Watts calls it working to Keith time, with a song being worked over almost 40 times. We learn how Ruby Tuesday was made, and that the bands logothat livid pair of red lips, part-sexual, part-comicalwas not a riff on what many have assumed to have been Jaggers own famously puffy ones. John Pasche, who designed the lips, says that Jagger had first presented him with a picture of Kali, the Hindu goddess with the pointed tongue. Lots of people ask me if it was based on Mick Jaggers lips, and I have to say it initially wasnt, he says. Another room features a room of the bands guitars, including Richardss custom 1957 Gibson Les Paul. In the center of the room you can listen not only to a selection of Rolling Stones songsincluding Honky Tonk Woman, Start Me Up, and Angiebut play with all the various levels as if you were mixing them yourself. A room of album designs and posters includes Robert Brownjohns birthday cake for Let It Bleed (baked by British culinary icon Delia Smith), and Andy Warhols suggestively zippered pair of jeans, which he photographed for Sticky Fingers, and a series of display cases showing scale models of the Stones staging of recent concerts. The curation feels very personal in places, like the set lists Ronnie Woods composes of the songs the bands rehearse on tour, all done in colorful pens. The photographer David Bailey, who captured Jagger with his head swathed in a silk scarf, had told Jagger he wanted to style him like Hepburnit was only when they were doing the shoot that Bailer realized Jagger had meant Audrey when he had meant Katherine. Jagger loves the dress-up: The spirit of the 1960sits sexual and artistic boundaries blurringis most playfully imagined by him. This gallery of albums and photographs, like the Polaroids Warhol took of band memberswith playful body biting between the menbegins to allude to their impact on style itself. The look we see on Jagger is first smart mop-top, and then snake-hipped glam rocker. The lip logo and album designs are exercises in pure pop. The final set of galleries pays full-throttle tribute to the fashion of the Stones themselves: straight men who began their music life decked in the polite uniform of checked suits, and then fully embraced Glam, and now whatever tight, colorful damn thing they like. On a series of mannequins, we follow them from embracing the Swinging London Kings Road era of the late 1960s: velvet jackets, frock coats, ruffled shirts andas designer Anna Sui saysantique military jackets and Grenadier Guardsman jackets. A photo of Jagger shows him encased in a jacket with a luxuriant fur hood. Into the 1970s, while the Stones werent as gender-blurring as artists like Bowie and Marc Bolan in how they dressed, like the Beatles they loved velvets and brocade, purples, and colorfully designed suits. Shirts came with long neckerchiefs or floaty scarves. It was Jagger, and remains Jaggermainly thanks to that amazing bodywho experimented the most, and we see the chest-cleaving, crotch-skimming, hip-hugging jumpsuits he began to wear. All of the band members seem to have been fans of richly colored or elaborately designed long coats. In later years, the clothes got fancier and more luxe, as designed by Alexander McQueen, Gianni Versace, and Prada (notably, a red feather coat the latter designed for Jagger). The most stunning, and it turns out poignant, garmenta mass of black marabou feathers, like a giant camp crowwas designed for Jagger by his partner LWren Scott in 2012. She committed suicide, aged 49, two years later. This kaleidoscope of fashion would serve as a memorable finale, but the Stones are best-known for their music rather than threads. And so, we are guided through a typical backstage area of a Stones concertall the trunks, and cables, and studio equipment and a dressing room with a rack of clothes, until you are guided into a room and given 3D spectacles to watch the band sing (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction live in concert, with petals falling seemingly around your head and the magnificent sight of Jagger strutting that angry-peacock stride of his right at you, arms waving like demented scythes. If the Stones are ageing, they havent received the cocoa-and-slippers memo, and its marvelous to behold. Jaggers golden shirt flares like a billowing cape, his bandmates laugh and jam around him, the crowd roar, laugh, and weep with joy at watching them. And so it is that the Stones magnificently go on rolling. Exhibitionism runs until March 12 at Industria, 775 Washington Street (at West 12th Street). Details here. In the week since the election, political pundits and everyone who didnt vote for Donald Trump have been trying to wrap their heads around how he emerged victorious as president-elect. Are the 60 million Americans who voted for Trump as ignorant, racist, and misogynistic as he proved to be during his campaign? Are they so disenchanted with the political establishment that they chose a con artist over a flawed but objectively more qualified candidate whose very name is synonymous with that establishment? Of the many complicated factors that motivated the electorate, theres evidence that the anti-establishment movement was a big one. We knew this when Bernie Sanders, an anti-establishment politician with very little name recognition, came close to beating Hillary Clinton during the primaries. Early on, many progressive millennials admitted they preferred Sanders to Clinton. Now, that same demographic--joined by older supporters of both Sanders and Clintonare marching to protest Trumps election in cities across the country and calling for a political revolution. They were marching down Manhattans Fifth Avenue on Tuesday when Becky Bond and Zack Exley, who spearheaded the grassroots volunteering efforts that helped Sanders surge ahead in the primaries, were at Civic Hall promoting their book, Rules for Revolutionaries: How Big Organizing Can Change Everything. We have to translate this energy into work that will actually blunt some of the worst abuses of the Trump administration, and also begin working to build the base of mass organizing that well need to sweep the elections in 2018, Bond said of the anti-Trump movement, while protesters chanted not my president outside. I met the authors in a conference room at Civic Hall, ahead of a Q&A with Civic Hall co-founder Micah Sifry. Bond worked for the CREDOa mobile phone company that raised tens of millions of dollars for progressive groupsfor 15 years before quitting her job to work full time for the Sanders campaign. Both authors are 46. Having worked on Howard Deans presidential campaign in 2003, John Kerrys in 2004, and Obamas in 2008, Exley parlayed his knowledge of what made a campaign successfulparticularly the Obama campaigns strategy of forming neighborhood teams in battleground primary statesinto efforts to mobilize and organize volunteers for the Sanders campaign. Like Sanders himself, Bond and Exley arent interested in debating whether the Vermont senator could have beaten Trump had he been the Democratic nominee. Yet they are certain the only way to fight the Trump administration now is to galvanize volunteers through big organizing for a revolutionary mass movement, just as they did for the Sanders campaign, pushing revolutionary progressive agendas through tech-enabled, peer-to-peer participation in politics. Rules for Revolutionaries outlines 22 rules in chaptersfrom The Revolution Will Not Be Staffed to People New to Politics Make the Best Revolutionariesand highlights major goals of big organizing: free public college, universal health care, an end to the drug war and the mass incarceration of racial minorities, and an anti-globalization industrial policy which, Bond and Exley argue, will create more jobs at home. Many readers will recognize these goals from the Sanders campaign, but the book stresses that mass revolutionary organizing is bigger than the 2016 election: its what powered virtually every transformational movement in US history from anticolonial rebellions up through the civil rights, womens rights, and gay rights movements, the authors write. Indeed, the concept of big organizing isnt new, but its especially appealing now to those who are fed up with establishment politics. Theres no big money in big organizing, and volunteers act as campaign staff. In Rules for Revolutionaries, Bond and Exley explain that big organizing is what populists used to simply call organizing but with the potential for much greater scale thanks to new and accessible technology for connecting people. Small organizing, by contrast, has risen recently with the liberal establishments attempts to address radical problems through incrementalist politics, putting power in the hands of an increasingly small number of mega corporations and institutions, they write. Clintons campaign relied on small organizing, which Bond and Exley say works just fine when the goal is maintaining the status quo. But its not big enough to challenge the establishment. People are beginning to understand that the problems we face now, like climate change and racial injustice, are too big for incrementalist solutions, Bond said on Tuesday. We need to address these problems urgently and make huge changes before its too late. Both Bond and Exley noted that they were working on the fringe of the Sanders campaign in its early months, and that their big organizing tactics were considered so politically unorthodox at the time that it would have been irresponsible for the campaign to invest in them. The tragedy of these insurgent presidential campaigns is that hundreds of thousands of people want to come out and work but we dont have the resources to put them to work, Exley said, comparing the early grassroots movement of the Sanders campaign to a start-up with millions of customers and no product. But their movement gained momentum over time: Sanders went from having only 3 percent name recognition at the start of his campaign to capturing 46 percent of pledged delegatesmany of them pulled into politics for the first timeat the Democratic National Convention. Kenneth Pennington, who was national digital director for the Sanders campaign, praised Exley and Bonds big organizing efforts in an email to The Daily Beast. What Becky and Zack brought to Bernie 2016 was a strategy for organizing millions of volunteers that required fewer staff and less resources, Pennington wrote, adding that they built a network of largely self-sufficient volunteer teams that produced invaluable work for Bernies campaign. That invaluable work included 75,000 volunteer-run events around the country during the campaign, 8 million peer-to-peer text messages to supporters and voters, and 81 million phone calls to voters. Those kind of numbers only happen when you trust volunteers as leaders like Becky and Zack did, Pennington wrote, remarking that their distributed organizing team set the standard for how progressives should organize for decades and revolutions to come. Do they think their methods will be embraced in future presidential campaigns? It depends on whos running the campaign, Exley said, adding that veterans from the Clinton or OMalley campaigns, for example, probably wouldnt adopt a grassroots big organizing strategy. They dont know the potential of what were doing, so it wont become standard. The key to changing the system, Exley and Bond argue, is understanding the importance of going for big goals that even progressive liberal politicians say are politically impossible. And what of the progressive economists who argued that some of Sanderss domestic economic proposals werent feasible? In February, four former Democratic chairmen and chairwomen of the presidents Council of Economic Advisers wrote an excoriating letter to Sanders and Gerald Friedman, the source of the Sanderss campaigns numbers, calling out Friedmans extremism and claims that exceed even the most grandiose predictions by Republicans and could undermine the credibility of the progressive economic agenda. Responding to the letter, liberal economist Paul Krugman wrote in The New York Times that the Sanders campaigns job projections and healthcare claims arent just implausible, theyre embarrassing to anyone remotely familiar with economic history. Krugman noted that, under Sanderss single-payer healthcare plan, health care costs would be disproportionately incurred by a small segment of the population. Paul Krugman is not a progressive economist, Exley countered, arguing that economists have shifted so far to the right that liberals like Krugman are essentially promoting Reaganomics. Bond concurred that ideology governs what people like Krugman consider feasible or possiblean odd assertion, given that Krugman and others who lambasted Sanderss economic proposals have pushed for progressive reforms like raising the minimum wage. I dont think theres a strong empirical argument against making the changes were asking for, she said, its just a matter of prioritization. If the government can spend $20 trillion bailing out big banks and billions of dollars on wars in the Middle East, Exley and Bond argued, then it could certainly afford Sanderss economic proposals. To some, the core principles of mass organizing may seem similarly idealistic or counter-intuitive, like the idea that people are more likely to step up to the plate for game-changing issuesfree college tuition!than they are for incremental plans for change. One can see how people new to politicsthe best revolutionaries, according to Exley and Bondwould be more likely to rally behind those game-changing issues than more nuanced proposals. The people who are new come in with a sense of urgency and they dont have bad ideas left over from the way they did it last time, Exley said. Today, many of those people are being asked by their friends on Facebook to protest Trump. How can they affect change through mass organizing now? Bond cited the Black Lives Matter movement as an example of mass organization, and suggested that we appoint black leaders to deconstruct institutional racism while fighting for issues like income equality. She also said that people need to be ready to act if, for example, President Trump mandated that all Muslims register. Wed need to get millions of people to register as Muslims in solidarity, she said, adding thatin the meantimewe should push for more American cities to be like San Francisco, a sanctuary city that protects immigrants from deportation. Given that progressives already support these principles, we shouldnt be surprised if an Occupy Wall Street-style, mass-organized movement arises in response to Trumps presidency. And if the progressive anti-establishment movement that latched onto Sanderss campaign pulls mainstream liberal voters into its camp, then Rules for Revolutionaries might become our generations political manifesto. Donald Trump recently named Steve Bannon to be a White House chief strategist and senior counselor to the president. Its a position that could give Bannon, the former chief of the alt-right Breitbart media outlet, access to the nations most sensitive secrets. Theres just one problem: He might not be able to pass the background check. The basic form required to get a security clearance, known as an SF86, asks about ones arrest record, foreign contacts, association with organizations dedicated to the use of violence, and association with groups that advocate use of force to discourage individuals from exercising their constitutional rights. All of those questions could be seriously complicated for Bannon, whos been celebrated by American white nationalists, feted by Europes ultra-right, and charged with choking his wife. Its a problem without much, if any, precedent in the White Houses modern history. Theres rarely been someone with so many questionable ties appointed to such a lofty position. In fact, security clearance experts tell The Daily Beast, Bannons background would create serious problems for any other government employeeif he werent so close to the president. But unlike the nations soldiers and spies, the alt-right Breitbart ringleader will get special treatment. Bannon has an ace-in-the-hole: the backing of the president-elect of the United States, who could intervene to demand Bannon get clearance anyway. Its a move that could come at the expense of his relationship with lawmakers, the FBI, and the intelligence community. He is, lets say, a colorful figure that might raise concerns in an ordinary investigation, said Steven Aftergood, a director at the Federation of American Scientists. In another context, there would be no opportunity for [an] override It would never come to the attention of a senior official if he were just a regular employee. Bannon has a long history of red flags. He was accused of grabbing his then-wife, Mary Louise Piccard, by the throat and arm during a heated argument that led to a domestic-violence charge against him in the mid-1990s, according to court documents relating to their divorce. Police reportedly responded to the argument on New Years Day, 1996. In a declaration during their divorce proceedings, Piccard claimed her husband told her that if I wasnt in town they couldnt serve me and I wouldnt have to go to court to face the abuse charges. Bannon ended up pleading not guilty, and the domestic-violence charges were dropped due to witness unavailability. Further, he may have been paid illegally during Trumps campaign by pro-Trump billionaireswhich prompted a complaint from a campaign watchdog group. Thats something which could be looked at during the FBI investigation. Bannon has also sought to forge alliances with Europes nationalist, anti-immigrant, and far-right partiesand to provide a home for those groups American sympathizers. Bannon also once described himself as a Leninist who wanted to destroy the state... bring everything crashing own, and destroy all of todays establishment in order to reach tea party populist goals. In August, white nationalist groups immediately rejoiced upon news of Bannons hiring as the Trump campaigns chief executive. Thats because under his leadership, Breitbart had given favorable coverage to their alt-right movement. Under Bannons stewardship, Breitbart has praised racist websites like VDARE and American Renaissance as an eclectic mix of renegades. American Renaissance is headed by a man who backs voluntary racial segregation and says African Americans are genetically predisposed to be criminals. Bannon brags about his international Breitbart operation as the platform for Americas racist, anti-Semitic, pro-Trump alt-right, and has for years been thinking globally, with an affinity for the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), Alternative for Germany (AfD), the Party for Freedom Party (PVV) in the Netherlands, and the National Front in Franceall of which have earned glowing coverage on the pages of Breitbart. The National Front, for example, has been blamed for anti-Muslim violence in France, resulting in the ransacking of a Muslim prayer space. The head of UKIP, Nigel Farage, has darkly warned that violence is the next step if immigration to that country is not controlled. Bannons Breitbart, which currently has operations in London and Jerusalem, has had plans for a while now to expand to France and Germany with new bureaus to help aggressively promote the populist-nationalist politicians and groups there. After the presidential election, Marion Le Pen, a leader of Frances far-right movement, said she was eager to work with Bannon. He has long wanted to work with all of those parties, but that was only in promoting them with Breitbart, a source close to Bannon told The Daily Beast. Now he has the power of the White House to do it. Bannon spent seven years in the navy as an officer at the beginning of his career, where undoubtedly he would have gone through some security screenings. But this will be far more comprehensive. In order to get top secret clearance, Bannon would need to go through a thorough investigation by the FBI, and be cleared by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He also would receive a polygraph test, and investigators would explore his allegiance to the United States, any foreign contacts he might have, and the history of his personal conduct. Hes going to go through a vetting, a picking apart of his life, unlike hes done in decades. Theyre going to learn everything that hes been doing ever since he took over the Breitbart empire. Its going to be invasive, its going to be personal, and its all going to be uncomfortable, said Bradley Moss, a lawyer specializing in national security issues. The FBI will explore whether Bannon has a history of questionable judgment, deceitfulness, unreliability, lack of candor, or other signals that he should not be trusted with information that could damage the nations security if published. Bannon isnt the only one who will need to get a security clearancethe Trump transition team has looked into getting clearances for his adult children and son-in-law Jared Kushner, despite the fact that nepotism is prohibited by federal law. Even if there are serious concerns, Trump can ultimately reverse any negative finding by the FBIbut not without a cost. If the president gets a recommendation that is negative, hell have to think long and hard about overruling it, because its not something to do lightly, said John Berry, another lawyer specializing in security clearances. Well have to see how far the president is willing to go in terms of granting information to people with security concerns. There are already hints of political consequences on the horizon. Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called on the FBI and ODNI to investigate Bannon the same way any other government employee would be investigatedwithout fear or favor. They should go through the ordinary background checks and not give him any special treatment. And if they find that any other candidate with his background would be disqualified, then he should be disqualified, Schiff told The Daily Beast. If the FBI investigation into his history and personal associations brings up red flags, it will cause a conundrum for the nations law enforcement and intelligence communities. Even before Bannon, there have been doubts within the intelligence community as to whether Trump will take their advice on a range of issues. Given that the president-elect disregarded what the intelligence community must have been telling him about Russias role in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee there are already profound concerns [over whether] he will accept the views of the intelligence community when it differs from his own view of things, Schiff said. Were he to move forward with someone that the intelligence community found to be disqualified on the basis of his background checks, that would be another cause for grave concern. Trump is already receiving pressure to ditch Bannon. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the Trump adviser as having presided over the premier website of the Alt-Right, a loose-knit group of white nationalists and unabashed anti-Semites and racists, and Sen. Harry Reid denounced him Tuesday as a champion of white supremacy. If red flags emerge during the investigation into Bannons past, Trump will need to make a decision on whether it is worth it to stick with the head of Breitbart. Hed be expending a lot of political capital, and considerable political backlash if the FBI moves to deny it, Moss said. Whether its worth it to Donald Trump is ultimately something only he will know. with additional reporting by Asawin Suebsaeng Scant surprise that the Trump transition effort is in disarray. After all, the Trump team is headed by the same Mike Pence who gave a speech six years ago almost to the day deriding the Obama transition team for seeing an urgency in the very task he now faces. Listen to the exact words of President Obamas transition team, who said at the point of his election, quote: Its important that President-elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one, Pence told the Federal Societys national lawyers convention at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of Nov. 19, 2010. The then-congressman from Indiana described this as unprecedented presumption. He said of presidents in general, and clearly meaning Obama in particular, It is neither his job nor his prerogative to shift the power of decision away from the people, to him and to the acolytes of his choosing. Acolytes being pretty much what Pence, as head of the Trump transition team as well as the vice-president elect, is now charged with choosing for the new administration. And poor Pence must do so for a man whose quest for White House pretty much fits what the 2010 speech condemned. The presidency isnt it amazing, given the great and momentous nature of the office, that those who seek it seldom pause to consider what theyre seeking? Pence said. Rather, unconstrained by reflection or principle, theres a mad rush towards something that, once its powers are seized, the new president can wield it as an instrument with which to transform the nation and the people according to his highest aspirations. No presidential candidate in American history has been as unconstrained by reflection or principle as Trump. And a man who has expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad along with other despots would hardly share the view Pence then expressed regarding presidential power. But other than in a crisis of a house divided, the presidency is neither fit nor intended to be such an instrument, Pence said, apparently referring to Lincoln during the Civil War. We as a people are not to be ruled and not to be commanded. That line drew considerable applause. Pence went on, The president should never forget this: that he has not risen above us but is merely one of us, chosen by ballot, dismissed after his term, tasked not to transform and work his will upon us but to bear the weight of decision and to carry out faithfully the design laid down in the Constitution and impassioned by the Declaration of Independence. Pence offered a warning that the new president would not likely heed if his transition chief were now to repeat it. Power is an instrument of fatal consequence, Pence said in the speech. It is confined no more readily than quicksilver, and it escapes good intentions as easily as air flows through mesh. Therefore, those who are entrusted with it must educate themselves in self-restraint. That would seem to be a lesson beyond Trumps grasp. Pence went on in his speech, A republicif you can keep itis about limitation, and for good reason, because we are mortal, and our actions are imperfect. Trump too often seems not even to recognize limits, much less heed them. The tragedy of presidential decision is that even with the best of choice, some, perhaps many, will be left behind, and some, perhaps many, may die, Pence continued. Because of this, a true statesman lives in what Churchill called a continuous stress of soul. He may give to Paul, but only because he robs Peter. Trumps harsher detractors have suggested he has no soul and pointed to instances where he has robbed both Peter and Paul and given to nobody. Pence in his speech then offered a warning that was clearly referring to Obama, but would much better fit Trump. It is a warning we all should heed in the present day. And thats why you must always be wary of a president who seems to float upon his own greatness, Pence said. For all greatness is tempered by mortality, and every soul is equal. He added, It is a tragedy indeed that new generations taking office attribute failures in governance to insufficient power, and invariably seek more of it. Pence kept on. The president is not our teacher, our tutor, our guide or our ruler. He does not command us, we command him. We serve neither him nor his vision. The Pence of now would be well advised not to announce to Trump that Trump does not command him and that he serves neither Trump nor Trumps vision. The Pence of then continued, We fought a war so that we dont even have to treat kings like kings. And if I may remind you, we won that one. This remark was rewarded with laughter as well as applause. Pence was solemn as he spoke of the humble sensibility of a president such as Calvin Coolidge. Pence quoted what Coolidge had written after his son died from blood poisoning incurred from an injury on the South Lawn of the White House: What might have happened to him under other circumstances, we do not know, but if I had not been president In his suffering, he was asking me to make him well, and I could not. And when he went, the power and the glory of the presidency went with him. The Calvin hardly sounds like The Donald. Pence said of Coolidge, A sensibility like this, and not power, is the source of presidential dignity, and it must be restored. It depends entirely upon character, self-discipline and an understanding of the fundamental principles that underlie not only the Republic, but life itself. Pence could hardly have spoken of character, self-discipline and fundamental principles in a speech about Trump. Pence did make an observation that could apply to Trump if Trump goes after such Supreme Court rulings as Roe v. Wade. A president who slights the Constitution is like a rider who hates his horse. He will be thrown Pence here got more laughter and applause. and the nation along with him. Pence noted in general of the nations highest office, The president solemnly swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. He does not solemnly swear to ignore, overlook, supplement or reinterpret it. He went on, Other than in a crisis of morality, decency and existence, like the Civil War, if he should want to hurry along the Constitution to fit his own notions or designs, he should do so by amendment rather than adjustment, for if he joins the powers of his office to his own willful interpretation, we step away from a government of laws and toward a government of men. Tell that to Trump. The president should regard the Constitution and the Declaration like an obsessed lover, Pence said. But hopefully no preamble grabbing. They should be on his mind all the time; the prism through which the light of all questions of governance pass, Pence said of the two sacred documents, Though we havesometimes gradually, sometimes radicallymoved away from this, we can move back to it. And who better than the president to restore this wholesome devotion? Two words that even a fair number of his supporters would not associate with with Trump are wholesome and devotion. Pence imagined aloud what our forbearers might advise us, whoever the president might be. I have no doubt that they would tell us to channel our passions; speak the truth simply; and do whats right, slowly and with resolution; to work calmly, steadily, without animus or fear; to be like a rock in the tide, let the water tumble about us, be firm and unashamed in our love of country. Pence invoked Lincoln by name. We too have voices of shades who emerge from our past what Lincoln in his first Inaugural Address called the mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriot grave that bind us to the great and to the humble, the known and the unknown. And if I hear them clearly, what they say is that although we may have strayed, we have not strayed too far to return, for we are, every one of us, their descendants. The Pence of then was saying what many of us are now hoping in the aftermath of Trumps election. The sinews are still there, quite lively, waiting to flex. We can still astound the world with justice, reason and strength. Exactly. Pence may be bungling the Trump transition effort, but the words he uttered six years ago carry the same sentiments that many of us are summoning when horrified by the surreal reality of a Trump presidency. I know this is true. But even if it were not, we could not in decency stand down, if only for our debt to history, the debt we owe to those who came before, who did great things, who suffered more than we suffer, who gave more than we give, who pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honorfor us, whom they did not know. He went on, Many great generations are gone, but I see them in my minds eye. By the character and memory of their existence, they forbid us to despair of our republic. I see them crossing the prairies in the sun and the wind. I see their faces looking out from steel mills and coal mines, and immigrant ships crawling into the harbors at dawn. I see them at war, at work and at peace. I see them long departed, looking into the camera with hopeful and sad eyes. I see them embracing their children who became us. They are our family and our blood, and we cannot desert them. He concluded, In spirit, all of them come down to us in a connection that out of love we cannot betray. They are silent now, but from the eternal silence of every patriot grave, there is yet an echo that says, Its not too late. Keep faith with us. Keep faith in God, and do not, do not ever despair of this republic. Among the patriot graves is one in Plymouth Notch Cemetery in Vermont whose tombstone bears the name Calvin Coolidge and notes he was born on the Fourth of July, as befits an early champion of racial justice and religious tolerance and social equality. Coolidge also began as a vice president and, if you listen closely, the echo from his grave can be heard to carry two additional words. Poor Pence. And poor us. Editor's Note: The original version of the story did not include the Texas Military Department's response, which has now been added. A teenage boy at a military school housed inside a former jail in the Texas desert says cadets like him are pitted against each other like The Lord of the Flies while staff members turn a blind eye. Each incoming class at the Texas Challenge Academy is split into two platoons called Alpha, made up of 17- and 18-year-olds and Bravo made up of 16- and 17-year-olds. Challenge Academy is a quasi-military high school with programs nationwide offering struggling students an alternative education to earn an expedited diploma or GED, mostly funded by the Department of Defense. The platoons at this West Texas outfit work like simulated gangs. To succeed here means dodging dangerous melees and new foes for almost 18 months to graduate and become law-abiding citizens or future soldiers. Ten days is all it took for one 17-year-old kid from San Antonio who well call Chris to be shown the door via the emergency room. Chris was an Alpha who hoped enrolling in the school could be a springboard to one day embark on a career in the Air Force. At the academy, he became a three-digit number, everyday saying thank you, maam and thank you, sir, tidying his bunk bed right after Reveille at 4:45 a.m. and mastered the march until 8:45 p.m. when Taps lulled everyone to lights out. Except few slept with fights breaking out nightly. To hear Chriss account, this school is a far cry from a safe haven; and seemingly endorses the thug life that Chris and fellow pupils thought they left behind. This incident is not representative of the program, itself or the hard work and dedication of our staff and families who work closely with the Challenge Academy, Lt. Col. Travis Walters, a Texas Military Department spokesman, said. He said members of the National Guard conducted an internal investigation into a physical altercation [that] took place between two cadets at the Sheffield campus on July 22 leading to four Challenge cadets being dismissed for unacceptable behavior. Its unclear how unique Chriss case is since Lt. Col. Walters wouldnt confirm if there had been other documented attacks amongst cadets. But he ensured that the program (which rejects applicants for having criminal records and doesnt admit court mandated students) utilizes a disciplinary processes to deal with all minor verbal and physical altercations between cadets. Chriss single mother, who we will call Nancy, had high hopes that the Challenge Academy would change her sons life. She had struggled as a 54-year-old corrections officer and single mother to help Chris find success in school since 2010 when his father was stabbed to death. Chris slipped as a student, hopscotching high schools in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, before his family relocated to San Antonio. Thats why on July 12, Chrissporting a black tie, white poplin, and black trouserslugged two duffel bags stuffed with $500 worth of provisions stowed in a charter bus about to pull away from Camp Mabry military base in Austin, Texas. It was just so formal and on the up and up, his mother remembered. All the parents, we were thinking they were taking them to another military base. Once aboard the bus though, Chris and company were hushed into submission. They tell us, Were going to take this long ride. Be quiet. Go to sleep if you like. The longer you talk the more youre going to get stronger real fast. Their destination wasnt a military base but Sheffield Boot Camp, a former juvenile lockup. Not one time did they say Oh this is taking place in a [former] jail. It had towering hurricane fences that screened infinite rolling hills in the chapped terrain of the Stockton Plateau where grazing goats, mountain lions, scorpions, and rattlesnakes roam. But the perils beyond the fence paled to the cadets and sergeants sanctioning the kill-or-be-killed conditions. Chris realized being a volunteer was the exception; many of these kid Rambos were seasoned gangbangers and juvenile delinquents. At every turn, Challenge Academy pupils tested each others street cred by brawling; some dustups swelled into mini-riots. The first night everybody was all quiet, Chris said. But when the lights went out people would start hitting other people one of the reasons was a lot of the dudes in there kept claiming all these gangs. There were kids claiming Bloods, Crips, and other gangs like Chicago-based Gangster Disciples amongst others. He likened himself and others in the Challenge Academy not as cadets but inmates. Also, he learned he was conquering obstacle courses and dodging beefs with actual inmates and delinquents. One cadet had been ordered by a judge to attend the Challenge Academy after being caught for armed robbery and another decided on the school instead of jail after he was caught stealing credit cards. Other classmates were ordered by administrative judges for being deemed serial truants, which in Texas, playing hooky enough times can mean a misdemeanor and/or steep fines. The Challenge recruiter that sold Nancy and her son on the Challenge Academys merits was a pastor whose own son was turned around. There was never any mention that their quarters in Sheffield would be a former juvenile hall or that some classmates would carry rap sheets. He was finding out all these other kids were in jail and they were court ordered there, Nancy said. They thought we as parents wouldnt know that their kids would be mingling with some who have no reason to care about life. The fact that the school inspired cadets to go against each other was disturbing. Theyre teaching them these damn songs while theyre doing PT, Nancy said, referring to physical training. Chris was ready for the rigors of physical and mental conditioning. But the fact that it was compulsory to chant these capricious taunts left him vexed. Chris remembered one cadence to provoke Bravo from its opening lines. Hey, Bravo! Hey, Hey Bravo! Look out your window. Look out your window. Here comes Alpha! Here comes Alpha! Other songs were more explicit. One of them is about the helicopter coming to get the wounded and forget about the dead, Chris said. Thats some shit! Im like, What? Asked about the taunting cadences between Alpha and Bravo Lt. Col. Walters said that cadets are divided into those platoons to facilitate friendly and healthy competition. And while there are some rivalries that flare up, he said none of them are unhealthy or unfriendly. Passing the screening process meant putting on a good face in front of the schools director. Chris says he only started thinking twice once he was already a numbered cadet. Each question its program director Michael Weir, a retired Marine Corps first sergeant, threw at him during their hour together was read from a booklet. Every do any drugs? Chris admitted experimenting with weed. Was it a court order for you to come here? No, he applied willingly. Are you homosexual? Chris replied, Im straight, man. You ever get in any fights? I told him I actually been in a lot of fights. Weir pressed him. He asked me, So like when you get mad you just want to fight? Chris said, I told him, No, it doesnt happen like that. I just grew up in a way that you never let anybody disrespect you. Then Weir laid down the law. You fight here youre going to get kicked out, Chris remembered the director saying. Yet, Chris says, fights were an everyday occurrence and the staff in charge almost never intervened. They got caught but nobody got sent home, Chris said. The sergeants sometimes broke the fights up and then they took them to a whole other side to isolate them. They was back within a couple days. These bouts were almost as frequent as escape attempts. Bravos were especially prone to going AWOL. You hear everything that happens on the walkie talkie, every morning we hear, We got a runner. We got another one. The staff routinely sent out personnel they nicknamed coyotes to nab the runners. Lt. Col. Walters maintained that since the Challenge Academy is not a lockdown facility nobody is forced against their will to stay there. But he admitted that some do leave campus, in an attempt to act out. It took only a few days before Chris himself almost uncontrollably espoused the Alpha vs. Bravo mentality. A Bravo cadet once tested Chris and his friend saying, I heard all them Alpha niggas is bitches. I told him, Oh yeah, who I look like? Not one of them Bravo dudes, because Bravo always running. Becoming a true Alpha and breeding the vitriol didnt stop Chris from eyeing the exits. He would write his mother two tearful letters. The first night we got there I wrote a letter to my mom, Chris said. I dont remember word for word but I wish she would have got it. I wrote her saying, This is the hardest thing Ive done. I can see that already Im going to have a tough time in here. I want to get done with school so Im telling myself I got to keep going through with it. Both Chris and his mother Nancy contend the letters never arrived. I dont know why it wasnt sent through, Chris said. Nancy remains suspicious as to why the snail mail failed. I asked the director [Weir], Wheres my sons letters that he sent me? And she says he blamed it on the postal service. If I had read them damn letters I would have turned around and gone back and got him. Instead, Chris soldiered on. At around lunch time on July 22, Chris said another mini-riot broke out in the field area between Alpha and Bravo. Then the platoons split up, and Bravo was sent in for chow while Alpha platoon stood in formation. Chris said one outspoken cadet nicknamed Newport (the name stuck after his failed escape attempt to get cigarettes) began mouthing off to a female sergeant. Chris made pleas for Newport to calm him down, but he got mad and threw his canteen at her. It missed by a nose. I went up to him and I said, Bruh, what is wrong with you? Thats a woman. How would you like it if someone threw something at your mama or your sister or something? Is you dumb? The shouting match incensed Newport who raised his fists and charged Chris. I told everybody in that schoolthey know Im nothing to play with, he said. So he comes at me with his hands up like ready to fight and I hit him in his cheek. The defensive blow forced Newport backward. He didnt go down and he still kept coming toward me. After striking Newport four or five times Chris said out of nowhere he felt a huge boom on his left cheek. I just got hit, he said. At first I didnt know who did it or what. I just remember I got hit and I fell and my mouth split. As he came to, Chris saw that a cool acting cadet standing a few paces away was the sucker puncher who swung his filled canteen at close range. Hes just standing to the side acting like he had nothing to do with it, Chris said. Newport ended up running away as Chriss severed jaw gushed. My mouth was full of blood. It was like water. I had to spit it all out, he said. Bottom of my mouth it looked like a tooth was missing. Bleeding profusely, Chris said a couple adults paused to ask if he was alright, then kept walking. Chris managed to convince one sergeant to let him see the nurse, but she was out to lunch so he waited for two hours, he said. Once she arrived, the nurse retrieved saltwater for Chris to rinse his mouth. After being released from the hospital Chris returned to the campus where he said the director allegedly told him, casually, This isnt the first broken jaw weve had. Since then Chris has been learning how to eat soft foods again following three surgeries on his jaw. On the day her son was allegedly ambushed, Weir emailed parents a letter that said there was an unfortunate incident involving one of our Team Leaders who attacked a candidate (student). Weir stated that he was compiling a report after interviewing witnesses and would submit the findings to the Texas Military Department, made up of three military branches including the Texas Army, Air and State Guard forces. He added, The side effect of this situation is that multiple candidates are [sic] requesting to drop from the program. The letter promised to give cadets phone sessions with the parents; and he pleaded for them to convince their sons to continue to work the program and not drop out. When reached by The Daily Beast Director Weir said he passed all the information in this case up the chain of command but couldnt answer any questions about what happened to Chris. Despite supplying 75 percent of Challenge Academy funding, a Department of Defense rep refused to answer questions posed by The Daily Beast citing that the program is managed at the state level and instead deferred all questions to the Texas Military Department. School administrators apparently waited a full day before ringing authorities. They called us on the 23rd and the incident happened on the 22nd, Sgt. Tulon Murphy, of the Pecos County Sheriffs Office, said. The sergeant says his law enforcement agency routinely works various crime scenes at the military school ever since it was converted from a juvenile detention facility back in 2008. I think the kids get into fights and all sorts of stuff, Sgt. Murphy told us. We get called frequently there. Sgt. Murphy read off from the report that there was a fight going on and Chris went to help and thats when he was attacked. Thats how this happened. Chriss uncle wonders why the school stalled to contact authorities. When you break somebodys jaw or fracture a face police should be involved right away, the 55-year-old man, who requested anonymity said. They should have been talking to him, with police present and asking him Do you want to bring charges against this individual? That wasnt the case and it was weird. Assistant District Attorney Bill Parham said theres an outstanding warrant for the suspect, but because of short staff and case backlog the assault against Chris wont be presented to a grand jury until January or possibly February of next year. As far as our office goes we have numerous cases that are pending and going through and we have a little bit of a backup, he said. We have been very shorthanded. Thats not an excuse thats just a fact. As she waits on Lady Justice, Chriss mother Nancy says her son is not the same boy I dropped off that day in the summer. This was supposed to be a success story and it turned into a damn disaster, she said, choking back tears. She mentioned how Chriss best friend since he was 4-years-old enrolled at the same time but in another Challenge Academy on a Georgia military base. He joined because Chris did. Now Chriss friend is about to graduate and will enter the Navy. They signed up at the same time and left at the same time, Nancy said. But he went to a military base and my son went to a prison. On Tuesdays Late Night, Seth Meyers reminded viewers that Donald Trump had three different campaign managers over the course of his presidential run, noting that three must be a lucky number for him before showing a photo of the president-elects three wives. The host went on to say that the internal divisions that plagued Trumps ultimately successful campaign seem to have continued as he begins to staff up his White House, with Reince Priebus reflecting the more moderate wing as chief of staff and Steve Bannon representing the more powerful and far more radical side as chief adviserthe same position held by Karl Rove under President George W. Bush. Bannon is the former executive chairman of Breitbart News, which Meyers called a website adored by white nationalists, and, citing Roves influence within the Bush administration, claimed that history indicates [Priebus] will probably be less powerful than Bannon. Also, as Meyers pointed out, even Glenn Beck thinks Bannon is too terrifying to be in the White House. You know the world has gone insane when Glenn Beck and Bernie Sanders are on the same page, he said. Next, Meyers moved on to the inevitable conflicts of interest that will come with the Trump children taking over his business. This was already apparent during the familys 60 Minutes appearance, which Ivanka Trump used to hawk a $10,800 gold bracelet from her jewelry line. Did you hear that, disenfranchised white working-class voters? Meyers asked. For only $11,000 you can make your wrist great again! Finally, the host arrived at Trumps back-pedaling on some of his biggest campaign promises, including that wall on the Mexican border he was always talking about. Now, he has said hes open to it being a fence and, according to Newt Gingrich, the assertion that Mexico would pay for said wall was really more of a campaign device. A campaign device, or in laymans terms, a fucking lie, Meyers said, adding, Hey, honey, now that were married Im not going to give you a beautiful house and the three children after all. That was an engagement device. The First Amendment Defense Act is the nuclear version of the so-called religious freedom laws that have appeared across the country, most infamously in Mike Pences Indiana. The Republican House will surely pass it, the Senate will pass it unless its filibustered by Democrats, and President-elect Trump has promised to sign it. If it becomes law, FADA will be the worst thing to happen to women and LGBT people in a generation. Like state religious freedom restoration acts, FADAs basic principle is that its not discrimination when businesses discriminate against LGBT people if they have a religious reason for doing so. The most famous situations have to do with marriage: wedding cake bakers who say that if they bake a cake, theyre violating their religion; Kim Davis, the government clerk who said that signing a secular marriage certificate was a religious act that she could not perform. But those stories are a red herring. The more important cases are ones like hospitals refusing to treat LGBT people (or their children), pharmacies refusing to fill birth control prescriptions, businesses refusing to offer health benefits to a same-sex partner, and state-funded adoption agencies refusing to place kids with gay families. Underneath the rhetorical BS, thats what FADA is all about. First, the bill applies to any corporation, organization, or person who believes or acts in accordance with a religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. Notice how broad that is: any business, agency, or individual, including government employees, hospitals, or huge businesses like Hobby Lobby or Chick-Fil-A. Old-age homes and hospices that turn away gay people yes, this has actually happened are covered. Hospitals that refuse a same-sex partner visitation rights covered. National hotel chains that refuse to rent rooms to gay couples (or unmarried straight ones) covered. And notice that it applies not just to religious beliefs about same-sex marriage, but also to sexual conduct in general. Translation: contraception, sex education, treatment of STDs all of these are part of the bill. If a national pharmacy chain wants to refuse to fill prescriptions for the morning after pill, if a company wants to fire someone for being pregnant out of wedlock or becoming HIV positive, if a public school wants to stop teaching sex ed all covered. And finally, since moral conviction is added in there, it doesnt matter that Jesus never mentioned health insurance coverage. No actual religious grounds are necessary; just some moral conviction that the only allowable sex is sex within a heterosexual marriage. What does covered mean? Essentially, FADA prohibits the federal government from doing anything about any of these acts. Specifically, it lists revoking tax exempt status (as it did for Bob Jones University because of its racist policies, in the case that started the whole religious freedom movement) and refusing any federal grant, contract, or certification. But then the bill adds otherwise discriminate against such person, which actually means anything at all, so long as the government is taking some adverse action. (Person includes companies and organizations, remember.) For example: - The current government policy requiring federal contractors 20% of the entire U.S. workforce not to discriminate against LGBT people will be immediately revoked. Contractors can legally fire people for being gay (or transgender). - A governor can order that, in his state, no clerk anywhere may certify a same-sex marriage, and the federal government could do nothing about it. - If a restaurant or hotel posts a sign saying NO FAGGOTS ALLOWED, FADA prohibits the government from discriminating against it by initiating an enforcement action under public accommodations laws. Gay couples may be refused hotel rooms anywhere in the country. - If a company refuses to let a person take time off to take care of her same-sex partner in the hospital, the government cannot pursue any action under relevant employment laws. - If a state-funded adoption agency refuses to place children with legally married same-sex couples, the government cannot withdraw its contracts with that agency. (This was a key request by Catholic adoption agencies, which receive the bulk of their funding from the government.) - An employee at the Department of Veterans Affairs could refuse to process a claim for survivor benefits for the same-sex spouse of a servicemember. - All schools and universities can discriminate against LGBT people, regardless of Title IX (as long as they link that discrimination to a view about marriage, which is quite easy to do). Universities may turn away gay applicants, deny LGBT clubs, and fire all gay faculty and staff members, with no penalties from the federal government. - Any hospital may refuse to provide contraception, reproductive health care (including consultations of any kind), or health care of any kind to unmarried people or gay people, and not lose accreditation. - And yes, however unlikely, your boss could fire you for having (straight) premarital sex, and no federal agency could come after you. Oh, and then theres that third point to consider. FADA has one of the strangest pre-emption clauses of any bill Ive ever seen. Normally, federal bills either pre-empt state ones, or have a no pre-emption clause, saying that state laws take precedence. FADA has some of each, stating that Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt State law, or repeal Federal law, that is equally or more protective of free exercise of religious beliefs and moral convictions. In other words, if a state has a non-discrimination law against gay people, FADA supercedes it, prohibiting any federal action based on that law. But if a state has a law that protects the religious party more, FADA doesnt supercede it. Under that language, state level actions against anti-gay corporations, organizations, and individuals would not be prohibited but the federal government could offer no assistance, and indeed could not do anything at all, even if the anti-gay party is in clear violation of state law. In other words, states with more protections for women or LGBT people youre on your own out there. Overall, FADA makes LGBTs officially second-class citizens of the United States more like those in anti-gay countries like Putins Russia. We may be fired, barred from entry, denied services, denied health care, denied education, and denied legitimacy in ways that straight married people (and probably most straight unmarried people) do not. My fully legal marriage isnt worth the paper its printed on, because no one anywhere has to respect it, not even a government employee. As you can see, FADA effectively overturns Obergefell without anyone having to file a lawsuit, because it creates a loophole as large as the right to marry itself. Any governor, mayor, or clerk could proffer a moral objection to same-sex marriage, and stop all employees under his or her authority from registering gay couples or certifying gay weddings. And even absent such action, any employer or business can act as though the marriage simply does not exist. But FADA goes much further than marriage. It attacks unmarried women, who may be denied health care by state hospitals, employers, and insurance companies. It makes it impossible for the federal government to do anything in a host of discriminatory situations. It turns back the clock not just two years, to before Obergefell, but twenty years, to a time when simply being gay was criminal. And it has the support of the House, the Senate, and the President-Elect. NORCIA, ItalyFather Marco Rufini wants to believe that a Good Samaritan took a 17th century painting by French artist Jean Lhomme from his parish church in Nottoria di Norcia after the latest in a series of devastating earthquakes that began in August and hit here especially hard in late October. The 6-by-4-foot Pardon in Assisi, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, had hung in the church for more than two centuries. It had only been removed once, when the church underwent a moderate restoration that quite obviously did not include implementing anti-seismic measures. And now its gone. The last time anyone saw it was Oct. 25, on the eve of a string of earthquakes that leveled much of this area of central Italy last month. I hold out hope that someone went into the church to save it, Rufini told The Daily Beast. Maybe they put it in a safe place and had to evacuate. Maybe they plan to return it when the earth stops shaking. Sadly, Father Rufinis faith in humanity is very likely misguided. Patrimony police, along with Italys red helmet fire brigade force, a modern Monuments Men army specially trained to rescue precious works of art from disaster zones, believe it has been stolen. It probably fell off the wall during the tremor and the bandits easily ran away with it, says a fire brigade member who recently was picking through the rubble of the church of San Salvatore for fragments of an ancient fresco. Weve found caches of art, silver and jewelry taken from destroyed homes hidden for later pickup all over the area. In fact, bandits have been combing the area since August, picking through the rubble and pocketing whatever they can. Italys civil protection agency has had to deploy special anti-looting forces to guard over destroyed banks where people kept safe deposit boxes and homes known to belong to wealthy people. Owners have also returned to unsafe areas to guard their possessions from bands of thieves that Italians call jackals who often pose as residents to get into the area. But its not just works of art that are going missing. In the tiny town of Montelparo, local police discovered that someone had broken into the storage room of a local bar. They left Champagne bottles and snack wrappers as evidence. They also stole the air conditioner and cleaned out all the coins from the slot machines. The bar owner had obtained special permission from the civil protection authorities to return to his property to empty out the storage container and remove the air conditioner so he could open a new bar. When he got there, it was already too late. Since the first earthquake struck in August, jackals have been prowling the area to steal everything from sacred art to family heirlooms from the rubble, Nicola Alemanno, the mayor of Norcia, told The Daily Beast. They look for wall safes and jewelry boxes. Its a free-for-all Authorities do what they can to patrol the area, but there are more than 100 small hamlets that have been affected and many of them have no residents left. Nearly 300 people died in the Aug. 24 earthquake that was followed by large tremors on Oct. 25 and again on Oct. 30, leaving many areas completely isolated. The archbishop of Norcia and Spoleto, Monsignor Renato Boccardo, says it is impossible for authorities to watch every single house for looters. Whoever wants to go into a home or church can get in easily, he told reporters at a press conference in Rome last week. Each church in the area is filled with precious art works, ancient religious artifacts, and cash from the collection plate. The fire brigades red helmets have removed thousands of paintings employing cranes and machinery generally used for human rescue. They have also covered frescoes with tarps to try to protect them from the rain and snow until they can be removed and reassembled. More than 5,000 churches and monuments were damaged or destroyed in the earthquakes. The overall damage is thought to be in the billions of dollars, but authorities have not been able to put a price tag on what is missing from the destroyed area. Most homeowners have been evacuated and are not allowed to return until authorities shore up the buildings and the civil protection agency gives the OK. Roads are blocked, but bandits simply traverse the open fields in the sparsely populated areas and pick through the treasures. It adds insult to injury, Boccardo says. Especially when you consider that the good people cant go back to their homes while the jackals run free. Alden Ehrenreich was 19 when he first met his Rules Dont Apply director Warren Beatty, several years before the future Han Solo would star in the Hollywood icons period passion project about a songwriting starlet (Lily Collins) and an ambitious chauffeur (Ehrenreich) working in Hollywood for eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. A voracious cinephile raised in the Palisades by movie-loving parents, Ehrenreich had questions. Their first lunch lasted for five hours. I asked him everything I wanted to know about film in the 70s, his career, all the actors hed worked with, the people he admired in the business, Ehrenreich told The Daily Beast this week in Beverly Hills. He did manage to avoid asking about Beattys legendary way with some of Tinseltowns most glamorous women, one parallel that comes to mind watching the Oscar-winner portray billionaire kook Hughes in their film. It comes up once in a while, but not muchI think its the part of his legacy that theres the least to learn from, the 26-year-old laughed. Whats the takeaway from that? Its more interesting to me to hear about the decisions he made in the film industry, what his ideas about filmmaking are, which actors he worked with who were inspiring to him, and everything else that he did. Ehrenreich lends an earnest steeliness to Frank Forbes, a God-fearing Methodist from Fresno who takes a job driving Hughess contract starlets around town to learn everything he can from his boss, and hopefully one day, go into business with him. Their first meeting comes halfway into the film, as Beattys lovably erratic Hughes strides out of a bungalow after putting off their face-to-face for months and takes over Franks car without a word, leaving the young man stammering in wide-eyed bewilderment. The film jumps back and forth in time across a span of Hughess later years, when the maverick businessman, studio head, and aviation pioneer became increasingly reclusive. Beatty relishes every scene hes in, lending a comic fragility to Hughes as everyone around him eventually becomes fed up with his obsessive behavior. Against this backdrop Collins and Ehrenreich sparkle and shine as fate and circumstance send Marla and Franks paths surging together and apart, transforming both into unexpected versions of the idealistic young dreamers we first meet. Ehrenreich considered the serendipity of his timing. Beatty had famously been kicking around the project for decades, certainly since long before Ehrenreich was born. By the time Rules Dont Apply actually became a go, the young actor had more films under his belt, and had aged into the role. I think he thought that I was too young for the role, he said. So time went on and I grew up a little bit and he luckily decided to make the movie later than hed originally planned on. Then again, Ehrenreich has a lot of reasons to trust in the universe. The true Hollywood story of how he was discovered is the kind of origin tale you never hear anymore, and hes so grateful for how the stars aligned he still tells it with gusto. As a teenager, he was spotted by Steven Spielberg when the director watched a video hed made at a friends bat mitzvah. It was a very silly, goofy comedy short that Id made with a friend of minewe used to just make these really ridiculous videos together, just us sitting around filming each other doing stupid things and laughing, he smiled. We showed it to our parents and they said, You look like a moron, dont let anybody see this, and we showed it anyway. At the time I was also writing very serious short films and making them in middle school. Those didnt get me anywhere. But this one did! Then Ehrenreichs mom got a call from DreamWorks. Ehrenreich went in for a meeting with Spielberg and his head of casting, got an agent, and started figuring out how to jumpstart a bona fide acting career. A few years laterafter a few TV guest spotshe landed the Coppola film Tetro, starring opposite Vincent Gallo. Coppola also put him in Twixt, and within a few years he was cast in Richard LaGravaneses Beautiful Creatures, Park Chan-wooks Stoker, and Woody Allens Blue Jasmine. Earlier this year he stood out in the Coen Brothers Hail Caesar as the terminally twangy Hobie Doyle, stealing every scene he had. The Spielberg endorsement helped carry his confidence through the first few bruising years of endless auditions and rejections, he laughed. But the roles he did land helped propel him on a path toward his biggest coup to date: playing a young Han Solo in Disneys untitled, top-secret 2018 standalone prequel movie, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The spotlight that will come with the highest profile role hell likely ever play hasnt overwhelmed his life just yet, Ehrenreich says. Hes been sworn to secrecy, obviously, and is getting pretty good at deflecting the curious press. Im playing Han Solo, he exclaimed. I can tell you that! But as a kid coming up between the trilogies, which version of Han Solo did he grow up with: the Han that shot first, or the one who, as of 1997, would never? He burst out laughing, horrified at the conundrum. Oh God. I dont have a good answer for that! I dont have a good way of deflecting that! I dont remember. So if I grew up with that, then yeah. He deflected by changing the subject back to movies, recommending a favorite podcast of his: You Must Remember This, film expert Karina Longworths remarkably deep and tantalizing series on old Hollywood and its players. Ehrenreich explained how he got his name when his parents went to see Field of Dreams, directed by Phil Alden Robinson, with him in the womb and took to the name. He recalled growing up on Turner Classic Movies, hitting Santa Monicas Aero Theater with his friends in high school to watch the classics. Hes the rare rising hot Hollywood actor who can name every single repertory cinema in Los Angeles. Maybe movies were always in his DNA. He certainly realizes, with the addition of Beattys first film as a director in 14 years, how unusually high his auteur-to-filmography ratio is for an actor of his age. I think its a weird amount, he marveled. I find it remarkable. Its surreal for me that Ive gotten to work with so many people who are not only great filmmakers but whose films have had such a direct effect on me. I feel like Francis Ford Coppolas movies and Woody Allen and the Coen brothers, and now Warrenthese are filmmakers whose films I loved so much growing up. I feel really grateful and lucky that I had the opportunity to get to be a small part of their legacy of work. As a businessman and presidential candidate, Donald Trump not only valued discretion in his employees, he legally guaranteed it by requiring them to sign lengthy nondisclosure agreements. One Trump NDA obtained by the Associated Press gagged Trump associates throughout their employment and at all times thereafter. It barred them from sharing any insider details in the future and made it clear that they could be sued for disparaging any member of the Trump family, including Barron and Melania Trump or any of Trumps 10 grandchildren. The NDA applied to everyone from Trumps top employees in the Trump Organization to campaign volunteers and even the guy who made the famous Make America Great Again hats. But as Trump begins to assemble his new team at the White House and in the Executive Branch, federal employment-law experts say theres no way for Trump to put a similar gag order in place as president. Yet. And its not because he doesnt want to. In an interview with The Washington Post in March, Trump told reporter Robert Costa that if he won the White House, he would want to require his new team, who would all be federal employees, to also sign NDAs. I dont know, there could be some kind of a law that you cant do this, he said (fact check: true). But when people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I dont like that. Cheri Cannon, an employment-law specialist in Washington, D.C., said federal employees are required to protect classified information, secret information, personnel decisions, and sensitive contracts in multiple ways as a condition of their employment. But theres no way for a President Trump to prevent his political appointees from talking about him and his family, other than showing them the door, she said. Career federal employees have protections that even Trump cant touch. You have a First Amendment right to trash-talk your boss, Cannon said. Theres nothing in the world that can stop Joe Blow, Commerce Department employee, from trash-talking the president. You dont see that a lot, but it could happen. Cannon noted that that political appointees all serve without due process at the pleasure of the president and can be fired for any reason, including for disparaging Trump. But they cant be silenced. The political appointees are going to lose their jobs, Cannon said. Career people cant lose their jobs, not for speaking their minds. Robert Passman, the founding partner at Passman & Kaplan who specializes in federal employment law, said any new NDA for Executive Branch workers would have to be approved by the Office of Personnel Management. I dont think OPM would allow it and I think it would be clearly improper, Passman said. He agreed with Cannon that the only thing Trump can really do to encourage political appointees silence is to take away their jobs. Trumps go-to threat to sue somebody wont be at his disposal as president. He can certainly tell them in advance that if they do talk hell fire them on the spot, and he can do that, Passman said. Otherwise you cant sue a federal employee for any acts committed within the scope of their employment, except for very rare exceptions. Employment-law experts who spoke with The Daily Beast uniformly agreed that Trump may be able to demand his teams loyalty, but he wont be able to require their silence, as the law stands today, by doing anything other than firing them, as long as classified information isnt shared. But Joanna Friedman, a partner with the Federal Practice Group specializing in federal employment law, said that just as Presidents Clinton and Obama signed executive orders restricting their appointees from lobbying former colleagues for a period of time, Trump could conceivably sign an executive order to add confidentiality and non-disparagement requirements on to new political appointees after they leave the Trump White House. He has the power to do it, she said. I dont think its a matter of someone signing a contract with Trump. Rather, hell use his executive powers to make it law that you have sign this to work for him. Friedman said a court would have to agree that the new restrictions serve the public interest, which would be a very high bar. But its not impossible. It is unheard of and its never happened, she said. But I think we all have learned in the last year that just because its unheard of, that doesnt mean Trumps not going to make it happen. Ultra-low-power design for prolonged battery lifetime in applications with sensors in the Smart Home, Smart City, and Smart Industry Built-in support for Sigfox simplifies access to reliable, efficient, and cost-effective IoT connectivity Programmable device supports multiple protocols and multiple sub-1GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency bands Geneva, November 15, 2016 - The latest radio chip for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) from STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, delivers extremely high energy efficiency for smart connected objects to operate for up to 10 years without replacing batteries. ST's new S2-LP transceiver is ideal for networked devices, such as alarm systems, surveillance equipment and smart energy-metering solutions, as well as long-range radio links used to connect devices like remote sensors directly to the Cloud without a local gateway. Other applications include building automation, industrial monitoring and control, and systems for managing lighting, traffic, or parking in smart cities. The device operates in unlicensed sub-1GHz frequency bands, which are available globally. Ultra-narrowband operation allows highly efficient use of radio spectrum and reliable data exchange up to long distances using low-power signals. In addition, the transceiver enables connectivity to the Sigfox global network, which is being rolled out worldwide to provide a reliable cost- and energy-efficient communication solution for billions of sensors and smart things. "Building on our strengths in MEMS Sensors, Analog and Microcontrollers, in 2009 we saw the coming need to support emerging IoT applications with a low-power ISM radio for medium-long-range wireless connections and we developed and introduced our own SPIRIT1 low-power sub-1GHz radio that is currently in many applications available in the market," said Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Analog and MEMS Group, STMicroelectronics. "Now, in partnership with Sigfox, we are opening a new era in ISM radios for the IoT to extend battery life from months to more than 10 years while preserving the robustness and reliability of the connection and reducing maintenance costs for remote and difficult-to-reach sensors." Tony Francesca, Vice President of Global Ecosystem Partners at Sigfox added, "Our global network, which has been optimized for the lowest device energy consumption and cost, provides an entirely new way of connecting the physical world to the Cloud. ST's support for Sigfox, integrated in the new S2-LP radio device, will help system designers bring their IoT concepts to life by leveraging the benefits of our fast global infrastructure and ecosystem." The S2-LP long-range, low-data-rate transceiver is in production now in a 4mm x 4mm QFN24 package, priced $1.15 for orders of 1000 pieces. Technical Notes The S2-LP transceiver is a highly integrated device made possible by ST's wide-ranging competencies including low-power RF analog design and integration with digital blocks comprising the radio baseband. It: Supports point-to-point, star, as well as mesh networking topologies thus resulting in a very flexible wireless transceiver for connected objects. Delivers extremely low power consumption, drawing only 6.7mA in receive mode, and 10mA when transmitting at 10dBm. Sleep and standby modes reduce the current to just 600nA and 350nA, respectively. Receiver sensitivity of -130dBm enables operation over distances up to several hundred kilometers, depending on the environment, thus enabling wide-area coverage. Is a flexible solution that can be programmed for operation in multiple worldwide sub-1GHz ISM frequency band: support for Sigfox, Wireless M-Bus and 6LowPAN, as well as IEEE 802.15.4g, which is suitable for home energy-management systems. Leverages a full-featured Software Development Kit (SDK) compatible with the STM32 microcontroller family that has proven credentials in the energy-conscious IoT space, and with the extensive STM32 development ecosystem including prototype boards and rich software tools and resources. Is Sigfox-ready and comes with a pre-certified Development Kit enabling immediate connectivity to the Sigfox network for evaluation and easy prototyping purposes. About STMicroelectronics ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST's products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented. In 2015, the Company's net revenues were $6.90 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.st.com. For Press Information Contact: STMicroelectronics Michael Markowitz Director of Technical Media Relations +1 781 591 0354 michael.markowitz@st.com TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - VisualVault, a SaaS-based Business Process Automation (BPA)/ Enterprise Content Management (ECM) software company, signed a business partner agreement with Intelidata, who is headquartered in Santiago, Chile. Intelidata is a Business Process Outsourcing technology company with offices and enterprise level clients throughout Latin America. This agreement will give Intelidata the ability to sell and use VisualVault with their clients for the automation of high volume document and data processing applications. "We are extremely pleased that Intelidata has selected VisualVault as their preferred partner for the automation of high volume content and data applications.", commented Steve Leichtman, CEO of VisualVault. "This is another important step in our commitment towards global expansion of our partner program." Intelidata has a strong base of clients they service in the Customer Communication Management and Enterprise Content Management markets; many of which are large global companies. This partnership supports VisualVault's strategic goal of working with global partners to focus on the solution's strength of automating high-value document and data processes. "VisualVault offers us an advanced SaaS-based solution to manage the exceptionally large volume of content and provide advanced automation capabilities such as workflow and Intelligent Forms for our clients," said Hector Raffo, Director of Intelidata. "We have found VisualVault extremely scalable and easy to deploy and a very supportive partner who is committed to our success." About VisualVault Founded in 2009, VisualVault is a private, Arizona-based, Business Process Automation (BPA)/Enterprise Content Management (ECM) company specializing in the automation of data and document intensive processes at an enterprise level. The VisualVault platform is a cloud-based application that includes Intelligent Forms (i-Forms) which automate and validate both structured and unstructured data. These i-Forms streamline manual data entry and routing processes to boost overall productivity and accelerate business results. VisualVault enables its clients to search and present content in a contextual manner configured for their specific business requirements, improving adoption through flexibility and ease of use. VisualVault's integrated platform standardizes user data so it may be accessed, viewed and used across an enterprise providing users with live dashboards for end-to-end reporting, analysis and decision making. VisualVault's mission is transforming our client's processes quickly and cost-effectively, without replacing expensive core legacy systems, by streamlining their data and document intensive processes with our uniquely configured software that is delivered as a service. About Intelidata Intelidata is a private company, based in Santiago de Chile with offices in Argentina, Colombia and Peru. It was founded in 2008. It is primary focused in providing Managed Services and Implementation Services for Customer Communication Management (CCM), covering from processes like cleaning and preparation of data to generation, delivery and archiving of multi-channel communications. Press Contact: Jason Hatch VisualVault Phone: 480-308-4400 x225 jason.hatch(at)visualvault(dot)com This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/11/prweb13848676.htm By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu Contact: Dr. Larry Stein, 830-278-9151, larry.stein@ag.tamu.edu Bill Ree, 979-845-6800, bill.reejr@ag.tamu.edu Wizzie Brown, 512-854-9600, ebrown@ag.tamu.edu Molly Keck, 210-631-0400, mekeck@ag.tamu.edu SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is seeking assistance in locating possible pecan weevil infestations in Bexar, Hays, Comal and Travis counties, said Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist in Uvalde. The pecan weevil is a serious pest of pecan, Stein said. Previously, pecan weevil distribution was unknown in Texas until last year when they were found near the Wimberley area in Hays County. Most recently, we had a new pecan weevil identification in Comal County near the Guadalupe River. And theres strong possibility of additional infestations within these and other nearby counties. Bill Ree, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management program specialist for pecans at the Texas A&M University Riverside campus in Bryan, said area landowners can help identify areas of infestation. Many of the areas within these counties are environmentally sensitive so that would likely preclude the use of chemical controls to help manage the weevil, Ree said. He said while there currently is no plan or need to quarantine affected areas, gathering information on the extent and range of the geographical distribution of this pest is important for educational purposes. If anyone finds a suspected infestation, pecans showing signs of that infestation can be taken to their local AgriLife Extension county office or can be mailed to me, he said. The address to mail samples for confirmation is: Bill Ree, P.O. Box 2150, Bryan, Texas 77806-2150. Molly Keck, AgriLife Extension entomologist for Bexar County, said signs of pecan weevil infestation include seeing two to four legless white grubs inside the shell or small, round BB-shaped holes on the outside of the shell. The adult weevil is typically gray to brown in color and about 3/8 of an inch long, Keck said. The snout of the female is as long as its body while the males snout is a little shorter. The weevil larvae are cream colored with reddish heads and when grown can reach a length of of an inch. She said adult weevils damage pecans by feeding on and/or laying eggs in them. The key to weevil control is to prevent egg laying or oviposition, said Wizzie Brown, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Travis County. Brown said because the pupae and adults are typically covered with several inches of soil and pesticides cant get inside the nuts to attack the larvae, the only option is to manage infestations after the adults have emerged. She said the best way to prevent weevils from laying eggs is to monitor pecan kernel development to determine when the earliest maturing cultivars might be susceptible to oviposition. Currently, the best way to manage pecan weevils is to avoid getting them, she said. This is achieved by spraying the tree with insecticide when the adults are on the tree laying eggs. She said pecan weevils can be controlled by spraying liquid applications of carbaryl, commonly sold under the brand name Sevin. You can kill weevils by spraying the trunk and lower scaffold limbs, but the best control is by spraying the whole tree at the right state of nut development, she said. Brown said to monitor adult pecan weevil emergence, landowners can set up insect traps near their pecan trees in late summer when the insect begins to emerge. The traps should be checked daily to monitor when the adults emerge from the soil, she said. Females will usually lay eggs four to six days after emergence, so the traps can be used to tell when the weevils are present as well as to get a general idea of the population numbers. She said if landowners choose not to use traps for monitoring, they can time insecticidal treatments for the pecan trees based upon when the pecan shell begins to harden. Female pecan weevils lay their eggs in pecans once shell hardening has begun, so it can be used as a method to time treatment, she said. The possible problem with this method is that it does not measure population levels of the weevils, so it may lead to unwarranted treatments. -30- Lysaker, 16 November 2016: Scanship Holding ASA has through its subsidiary Scanship AS, been awarded an AWP contract by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The AWP system will be installed on a P&O Australia newbuild, a part of the Carnival Corporation & PLC fleet. The Scanship system is designed to meet the new IMO MARPOL Standard MEPC 227(64) with chapter 4.2, known as the HELCOM standard with nutrient removal. The P&O Australia newbuild will be specifically designed and developed for the brand and the guests she will serve, while Scanship is currently completing delivery of AWP systems to other cruise ships for Fincantieri. The main delivery of equipment will take place during 2017. "The contract with Fincantieri adds to our large contract portfolio in the cruise newbuilding space, and we are proud to deliver our cleantech technologies to the newbuilds of Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, TUI, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Asia, MSC, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, Hurtigruten and P&O Australia in the next years to come"; says Henrik Badin, CEO of Scanship, in a statement. For further queries, please contact: Henrik Badin - CEO Scanship Holding ASA Tel: +47 90 78 98 25 Email: henrik.badin@scanship.no ABOUT SCANSHIP HOLDING ASA Without advance notice, the former rivals rivals privately huddled at Trump Tower in New York, where the billionaire has been hunkered down weighing whom he wants to staff his administration. After the meeting, Cruz's team insisted he made the trip to Manhattan simply to see how he can help Trump as a senator, but it did not take long for other theories to take hold. By the end of the day, Bloomberg Politics was reporting that Cruz is under consideration for attorney general, citing an anonymous source. In response, a Cruz aide pointed to a statement earlier Tuesday that said Cruz stands ready to assist the Trump administration on behalf of his constituents in Texas. Cruz joining Trump's administration would amount to an incredible twist in the senator's complicated relationship with Trump. The two bitterly battled in the primaries, and Cruz pointedly declined to endorse his party's nominee at the GOP national convention in July before finally coming around two months later. Shortly after he dropped out of the presidential race in May, Cruz made clear he was not interested in at least one job in Washington: U.S. Supreme Court justice. But in the week since Trump's upset victory over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Cruz has not ruled out taking a job in Trump's administration. Asked Tuesday evening in Austin prior to the Bloomberg report whether there was a spot for Cruz in the Trump administration, Cruz strategist Jason Johnson did not say either way. "Truly don't know," Johnson repeatedly said while acknowledging reports that the two had met in New York. Johnson was speaking as part of a panel discussion on the future of the GOP after Trump's election. Cruz apparently escaped reporters' attention as he slipped into Trump Tower earlier Tuesday. Once word got out, Cruz's team confirmed the meeting had happened. "Sen. Cruz is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with President-elect Trump in New York today," Cruz spokeswoman Catherine Frazier said in a statement. "The American people issued a clear mandate to drain the swamp in Washington, repeal Obamacare and start over with cost-effective, patient-centered health care reform, appoint constitutionalist judges to the Supreme Court, secure our southern border and enforce immigration laws, and enact policies that will create more good-paying jobs for the American people. On behalf of the 27 million Texans he represents, the senator looks forward to assisting the Trump Administration in achieving these objectives." Asked whether the meeting was at all about an administration job for Cruz, Frazier reiterated the meeting was about how the senator can help Trump "implement the conservative policies that were campaigned on." Trump, for his part, did not divulge any details Tuesday about the transition process. But minutes after the Bloomberg report, the president-elect did offer some reassurance on Twitter. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," Trump said. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Read more: Former President George W. Bush on Tuesday cautioned against allowing anger to dictate policy in the wake of a heated presidential race especially when it comes to trade, an issue in the crosshairs of President-elect Donald Trump. "I understand anger, and some people might have been angry when I was president, but anger shouldnt drive policy," Bush said during a speech in Dallas. "What should drive policy is whats best for the people who are angry and how does benefit it people in our country and people in our neighborhood." Bush, who did not support Trump, opened his remarks by saying he does not "think it's helpful for a former president to criticize successors." But he went on to carefully push back on a central argument throughout Trump's campaign that trade deals have been bad for the U.S. economy, sending jobs overseas and shrinking wages. Any president, Bush said, should "recognize that trade encourages growth and fair trade is important for the workers of our respective countries." As an example, Bush cited the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump has vowed to dismantle. Bush said NAFTA in Texas has "transformed" the state's border with Mexico, creating a "thriving middle class on both sides of the Rio Grande River." "Someone said NAFTA is a four-letter word," Bush said with a chuckle. "No, its a five-letter word. Bush's comments, made at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and livestreamed, were his first major public remarks since Trump's upset victory a week ago over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Bush, did not cast a vote in the presidential race, according to a spokesman. The 43rd president began his speech by making clear he has no intention to make Trump's job any more difficult than it already is. "Im pretty much out of the political world," Bush said. "Im interested in politics, but I dont think its helpful for a former president to criticize successors. Its a hard job to begin with, and I dont think it helps to make it any harder." Bush went on to offer a brief reflection on the outcome last week, saying economic frustrations were "part of what was taking place during this recent election." "People were sick and tired of the status quo and they are insisting that leadership analyze what's right and whats wrong and do something about it," Bush said. VANCOUVER, Washington, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB:CYDY), a biotechnology company focused on the development of new antibody therapies for combating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, announces that an abstract featuring results from its ongoing Phase 2b extension study with PRO 140 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with HIV has been accepted for a poster presentation, as well as a themed discussion at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), which is being held in Seattle from February 13 to 16, 2017. The abstract, PRO 140 Single-Agent Maintenance Therapy for HIV-1 Infection: A 2-Year Update," was selected for a Themed Discussion Presentation by the CROI Program Committee. This presentation will include four or five abstracts merged into a special theme-oriented, hour-long discussion featuring a brief summary of noteworthy results, conclusions and discussion points. The presentations will be followed by an interactive discussion that synthesizes the relevant information of the abstracts, covers key points of agreement and controversy and draws comparisons to related work in the scientific field. The abstract will provide an update on 10 patients with HIV who have successfully achieved complete viral load suppression for more than two years with PRO 140 administered in weekly subcutaneous injections. Complete virologic suppression is defined as plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 40 copies/mL, which is the lower limit of detection in the commercial assay for HIV detection and is the level at which HIV transmission is reduced by more than 96%. The results from this ongoing extension study are highly significant as PRO 140 is being substituted for the current standard of care Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), said Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CytoDyn. Only about 30% of patients achieve lifelong viral load suppression on HAART, which also has notable drawbacks such as highly regimented daily dosing, toxicity and incomplete recovery of the immune system. All patients in the Phase 2b monotherapy study were evaluated for infection with strains of HIV-1 that utilize the CCR5 co-receptor as PRO 140 targets CCR5 with high affinity and potently blocks HIV-1 cell entry. We look forward to having results from our ongoing extension study presented to the many researchers and others involved in HIV/AIDS who will be attending CROI 2017, added Dr. Pourhassan. We are advancing PRO 140 through the clinical development process both as a monotherapy and in combination with HAART. We anticipate announcing our primary efficacy endpoint results from the pivotal Phase 3 combination trial as early as the first quarter of 2017. CROI Conference The annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) brings together top basic, translational and clinical researchers from around the world to share the latest studies, important developments and best research methods in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and related infectious diseases. CROI is a global model of collaborative science and the premier international venue for bridging basic and clinical investigation to clinical practice in the field of HIV and related viruses. Additional information about the conference is available at http://www.croiconference.org/. About CytoDyn CytoDyn is a biotechnology company focused on the clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The Company has one of the leading monoclonal antibodies under development for HIV infection, PRO 140, which has completed Phase 2 clinical trials with demonstrated antiviral activity in man and is currently in Phase 3. PRO 140 blocks the HIV co-receptor CCR5 on T cells, which prevents viral entry. Clinical trial results thus far indicate that PRO 140 does not negatively affect the normal immune functions that are mediated by CCR5. Results from seven Phase 1 and Phase 2 human clinical trials have shown that PRO 140 can significantly reduce viral burden in people infected with HIV. A recent Phase 2b clinical trial demonstrated that PRO 140 can prevent viral escape in patients during several months of interruption from conventional drug therapy. CytoDyn intends to continue to develop PRO 140 as a therapeutic anti-viral agent in persons infected with HIV and to pursue non-HIV indications where CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 may be involved. For more information on the Company, please visit www.cytodyn.com. About PRO 140 PRO 140 belongs to a new class of HIV/AIDS therapeutics viral-entry inhibitors that are intended to protect healthy cells from viral infection. PRO 140 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against CCR5, a molecular portal that HIV uses to enter T-cells. PRO 140 blocks the predominant HIV (R5) subtype entry into T-cells by masking this required co-receptor, CCR5. Importantly, PRO 140 does not appear to interfere with the normal function of CCR5 in mediating immune responses. PRO 140 does not have agonist activity toward CCR5 but does have antagonist activity to CCL5, which is a central mediator in inflammatory diseases. PRO 140 has been the subject of seven clinical trials, each demonstrating efficacy by significantly reducing or controlling HIV viral load in human test subjects. PRO 140 has been designated a fast track product candidate by the FDA. The PRO 140 antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side effects and less frequent dosing requirements as compared to daily drug therapies currently in use. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of United States securities laws, including statements regarding CytoDyns current and proposed trials and studies and their results, costs and completion. These statements and information represent CytoDyns intentions, plans, expectations, and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many beyond CytoDyns control. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or information. The words believe, estimate, expect, intend, attempt, anticipate, foresee, plan, and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. CytoDyn disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. While it is impossible to identify or predict all such matters, these differences may result from, among other things, the inherent uncertainty of the timing and success of and expense associated with research, development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of CytoDyns products and product candidates, including the risks that clinical trials will not commence or proceed as planned; products appearing promising in early trials will not demonstrate efficacy or safety in larger-scale trials; future clinical trial data on CytoDyns products and product candidates will be unfavorable; funding for additional clinical trials may not be available; CytoDyns products may not receive marketing approval from regulators or, if approved, may fail to gain sufficient market acceptance to justify development and commercialization costs; competing products currently on the market or in development may reduce the commercial potential of CytoDyns products; CytoDyn, its collaborators or others may identify side effects after the product is on the market; or efficacy or safety concerns regarding marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, may lead to product recalls, withdrawals of marketing approval, reformulation of the product, additional pre-clinical testing or clinical trials, changes in labeling of the product, the need for additional marketing applications, or other adverse events. CytoDyn is also subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the actions of its corporate, academic, and other collaborators and government regulatory agencies; risks from market forces and trends; potential product liability; intellectual property litigation; environmental and other risks; and risks that current and pending patent protection for its products may be invalid, unenforceable, or challenged or fail to provide adequate market exclusivity. There are also substantial risks arising out of CytoDyns need to raise additional capital to develop its products and satisfy its financial obligations; the highly regulated nature of its business, including government cost-containment initiatives and restrictions on third-party payments for its products; the highly competitive nature of its industry; and other factors set forth in CytoDyns Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2016 and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Filipinos around the world are in a jittery wait and see mode as to what will happen to their homeland after the shocking win by Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Donald Trump on his election win and said he now wishes to stop quarreling with the United States, recalling his anger at the Obama administration for criticizing him. The maverick leader, dubbed "Trump of the East" for his unrestrained rants and occasional lewd remarks, has repeatedly hit out at Washington in recent months, threatening to cut defense pacts and end military joint drills. "We are both making curses. Even with trivial matters we curse. I was supposed to stop because Trump is there. I don't want to quarrel anymore, because Trump has won." Duterte won a May election by a huge margin and is often compared with rump, having himself been the alternative candidate from outside of national politics. He campaigned on a populist, anti-establishment platform and struck a chord among ordinary Filipinos with his promises to fix what he called a broken country. The potential impact of a Trump presidency on the Philippines is outlined here by Rappler.com; 1) Immigration and remittances Donald Trump espouses a protectionist worldview that runs across many of his policies, such as immigration. For instance, he has promised to bring jobs back to the United States and go after the 10 million or so undocumented immigrants who have stolen such jobs. These statements are bound to rattle ethnic minorities in the US, including the nearly 4 million Filipinos currently living there, who account for about a third of all Filipinos abroad. Although most of them are documented, racist attitudes coming from Trump himself could make daily life harder for Filipinos there in the form of discrimination and exclusion. OFWs seeking to enter the US to find job opportunities even the highly skilled ones may also have to look for alternative destinations once US immigration policies begin to tighten. All these suggest that the flow of OFW remittances could be compromised. Donald Trump once proposed to impound remittance payments derived from illegal wages. The inflow of OFW remittances has slowed down in recent years, and today they account for just around 10% of GDP (Figure 1). But as much as 43% of such remittances come from the US. Hence, if Trumps immigration policies push through, the role of remittances in buoying up the Philippine economy could further diminish. 2) Investments Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Americans are losing their jobs to other countries, and promised to punish firms which will outsource their operations abroad. This could spell disaster for the Philippines outsourcing industry, especially since around 70% of its earnings come from the US. For the longest time the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry has served as one of the Philippine economys bright spots. It has created many high-paying jobs for our young professionals and earned dollars for the economy in a way that is even starting to overtake dollar earnings from remittances. But with Trumps win, some economists claim that this industry could suffer.Moreover, by saying that he would start buildingthings in [the US] instead of in other countries, Trump envisions an increasingly self-sufficient and isolationist America, preferring to keep investments in the US instead of out. A weaker outflow of long-term direct investments from the US, still the worlds largest economy, could stifle growth in the developing world. 3) Trade Donald Trump views global trade as a zero-sum game: countries have to compete with each other since winners always win at the expense of losers. For instance, because of Chinas alleged currency manipulation, Trump has vowed to impose a retaliatory 45% tariff on Chinese imports. But such zero-sum thinking is completely at odds with one of the most basic lessons in economics: international trade can make every country in the world better off. Restricting trade in the form of, say, prohibitive tariffs or quotas generally reduces the welfare of people around the world. As much as 15.7% of Philippine exports of goods go to the US, but this share has, in fact, been decreasing for several years. Today more than half of our exports of goods go to East Asian countries. Still, it will be better for the Philippines to see more trade rather than less, regardless of the country destination. Trade deals, both old and new, also seem to be in jeopardy. Trumps rejection of the Trans-Pacific Partnership although it admittedly has its flaws could promote a general skepticism of trade deals and disrupt the integration efforts of countries like the Philippines. Overall, a slowdown of US trading activity borne by Trumps protectionist policies could derail global trade, which has already decelerated in recent years. One could only hope that Trumps business acumen if any kicks in and makes him realize that a policy of blanket protectionism will prove unprofitable for a vast majority of American businesses in the long run. 4) West Philippine Sea Trumps win is also a veritable game-changer when it comes to the Philippines claims in the West Philippine Sea. In contrast to Obamas rebalancing strategy in Asia-Pacific, there is now doubt whether Donald Trump will show a similar degree of interest in the region. Hence, with less US interference, China could now flex its muscle more in the region. With US support now uncertain, fellow claimants to the West Philippine Sea could decide to swing Chinas way. In this sense, President Dutertes recent pivot to China although by no means is he a master strategist almost seems like a prescient move that anticipated Donald Trumps win. At the same time, it appears that President Duterte wants to repair ties with the US, and has recently expressed his willingness to work with Trump. So could the Philippines cozy up to both the worlds economic superpowers? Its hard to tell, but theres no doubt that Trumps win complicates our strategy when it comes to the West Philippine Sea. 5) Climate change Finally, despite the global evidence and consensus, Donald Trump doesnt believe in climate change, and even maintains that global warming is nothing but an expensive hoax. No wonder people all over the world are wary that Trumps win could spell climate disaster for the entire world. In particular, Americas lukewarm stance on climate change could set the tone for climate change initiatives worldwide and impede their momentum. Numerous studies have shown that the Philippines is one of the countries most at risk and vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The impacts range from more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and loss of biodiversity. Hence, the Philippines could easily find itself at the receiving end of Donald Trumps dangerous and utterly misinformed stance on climate change. The Rocky Mount Police Officer who shot a suspect during an incident at a lcoal restaurant in September will not face criminal charges. After reviewing the findings of the Virginia State Police, and with due regard to the grand jurys indictments (against the suspect), the commonwealths attorneys office will not pursue criminal charges against Sgt. T.J. Robertson, said Franklin County Commonwealths Attorney A.J. Dudley. Last week, a Franklin County grand jury indicted Gary Ray Turner, 37, of Boones Mill on five felony counts related to the incident -- including two charges of attempted malicious wounding of police officers, one charge of eluding police, and two counts of destruction of property for one sheriffs office and one RMPD vehicle. The VSP conducted an investigation into the shooting incident at the request of Rocky Mount Police Chief Ken Criner. The shooting occurred on the night of Sept. 10 after a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office attempted to stop a Ford pickup truck on Tanyard Road, according to the VSP. The pickup truck and its driver, Turner, matched the description of an alert that had been broadcast over the radio to authorities. Turner was wanted on an outstanding warrant in Roanoke. When Turner allegedly refused to stop and attempted to flee the scene, Deputy Jay Mason and Robertson blocked the pickups means of escape, according to Corrine Gellar with the VSP. Thats when Turner allegedly began ramming his truck into the two law enforcement vehicles. "During the course of the pickup truck trying to escape and running into the law enforcement vehicles, the Rocky Mount police officer fired a shot at the pickup," Geller said. The pickup truck managed to break free and flee, but the deputy and officer stopped the driver a short distance later, Geller said. There was a woman in the passenger seat of the passenger seat of the pickup, but she was not injured. Turner was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, Geller said. No officers were injured during the encounter. Turner was taken into custody by Roanoke police when he was released from the hospital two days later. Last month, Turner appeared in Roanoke Circuit and pleaded no contest to being an accessory to grand larceny, conspiring to commit grand larceny, and a reduced charge of petit larceny the charges that sparked the incident in Rocky Mount on Sept. 10. Those offenses involved the May thefts of a nail gun, a power drill and several fishing reels from Lowes, Home Depot and Sportsmans Warehouse, respectively. Through his plea agreement, Turner received a total of five years, time that will be suspended after he serves about a year. A trial date has not been set for the felony charges in Franklin County at this time. 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 ... (Oslo, 16th November 2016) The Corporate Management in Statkraft AS will have a new composition. Irene Egset will be the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) taking over from Hallvard Granheim who will now be the new Executive Vice President for Market Operations & IT. Jurgen Tzschoppe will be the new Executive Vice President for the business area International Hydro replacing Asbjrn Grundt, who has decided to step down from Corporate Management. Jon Vatnaland joins Corporate Management with responsibility for Corporate Staff. Following these changes, Statkraft's Corporate Management will have the following composition: Christian Rynning-Tnnesen, Chief Executive Officer Irene Egset, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Hilde Bakken, Executive Vice President Power Generation Jurgen Tzschoppe, Executive Vice President International Hydropower Hallvard Granheim, Executive Vice President Market Operations & IT Steinar Bysveen, Executive Vice President Wind Power, Technologies, Industrial Ownership and Strategy Jon Vatnaland, Executive Vice President Corporate Staff (as of 01.02.17) "We are in a period of major restructuring. With this composition of the Corporate Management Statkraft will be well equipped to meet the challenges ahead. Our goal is that Statkraft will be one of the most cost-efficient companies in renewable energy," says CEO Christian Rynning-Tnnesen. Statkraft's Performance Improvement Programme is progressing as planned. The aim is to strengthen performance and reduce costs across the entire company. The goal is to reduce annual costs by 800 million kroner by the end of 2018. The changes to Statkraft's Corporate Management will come into effect from Monday 21st November with the exception of Jon Vatnaland, who will join on 1st February 2017. For further information, please contact: SVP Investor Relations Thomas Geiran, tel.: +47 905 79 979, e-mail: thomas.geiran@statkraft.com SVP Corporate Communication Bente E. Engesland, tel.: +47 911 59 952, e-mail: bente.engesland@statkraft.com or www.statkraft.com About Statkraft: Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe's largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, gas-fired power and district heating and is a global player in energy market operations. Statkraft has 4200 employees in more than 20 countries. TORONTO, Ontario, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Toronto-based IT software developer announced today the pilot program, Karen by Karen.ai, a cognitive recruiting chatbot that engages candidates throughout the application process, matches candidates to alternative positions and provides screening support before, during and after the recruiting process. "Karen derives concepts and personality traits from candidates' resumes and cover letters and assesses the level of engagement and gains deeper insights through a simple text chat conversation. This conversation improves the candidate's experience of the recruitment process and represents the company's brand," said founder Noel Webb. Webb also noted Karen can follow up with candidates during and after the requisition and provide alternative options within the company for which they may be better suited. While automated solutions have existed in recruitment for nearly a decade, Karen takes these automations one step further, because Karen can learn from conversations with candidates and predict other positions for which they might be a match. "This helps candidates avoid that infamous black hole created by the traditional applicant tracking system in the enterprise," Webb said. "Karen's ability to help them through an arduous process, ask questions to better match candidates to opportunities and most importantly, to find concepts hidden in text, in addition to traditional keyword search, all place Karen's technology squarely in the Artificial Intelligence camp." Many of the systems that perform similar functions are based on a proprietary in-house AI model. However, Karen leverages a trained IBM Watson model, a proven leader in the area of Artificial Intelligence, having famously beaten humans at Jeopardy. Tech aficionados may be excited about the idea of this kind of Artificial Intelligence being applied to recruiting to solve for everything including: Time Crunch. Recruiters spend around 6 seconds reviewing a resume, often weeding through many unqualified applicants. Screening. Candidate Rank allows recruiters to focus on the top candidates and glean deeper information and context of their candidate's application. Engagement. Karen has a conversation service that interacts with the candidates throughout the application process to gauge their qualifications, keep them informed about their status for the position, as well as guide them through the process. ATS Bounce. Many applicant tracking systems inadvertently weed out qualified candidates based on outmoded keyword search. The Karen.ai pilot program is open to companies with 10,000 employees or more, and companies who deal in high-volume recruiting are encouraged to apply. To learn more about Karen, please visit the website at Karen.ai or call (647)-966-9048. About Karen.ai: Karen.ai is the home of Karen, a cognitive recruiting chatbot for recruiters and candidates. Karen is a winning combination of candidate rank, chatbot candidate engagement, and data crunching for both recruiters and candidates alike. Karen alleviates up to 50% of a recruiter's time reviewing resumes and cover letters, all while engaging with candidates to further analyze qualifications for specific career interests. To learn more about all Karen can do for recruiters and candidates, visit: karen.ai This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/11/prweb13852173.htm Podcast: Who comes out ahead in the Charlie Jones vs. Iowa football reunion? MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., announced today that it has reached a significant milestone with the 1,000th implant of Inspire therapy since FDA approval in April, 2014. As the only FDA-approved implantable device for obstructive sleep apnea patients who dont get benefit from traditional CPAP therapy, the company also noted that over 100 medical centers worldwide have now completed training and are actively implanting the Inspire device. While achieving the 1,000th patient implant and training the 100th hospital on the procedure are clearly important milestones, the most important factor is patient outcomes, says Inspire Medical Systems CEO and President Tim Herbert. We continue to see Inspire patients with a significant and sustained reduction in sleep apnea severity, and they are using the device an average of 7 or more hours per night, every night. Its truly life-changing for the sleep apnea patients and their families. Inspire Medical Systems also announced today that Marilyn Carlson Nelson has been named to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mrs. Carlson replaces her husband, Dr. Glen Nelson, who passed away on May 14th after a long illness. Mrs. Carlson is currently chairman and former Chief Executive Officer of Carlson, a global travel and hospitality company. She also serves on the board of the United Nations Global Compact, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Harvard Kennedy School Advisory Board. Having Marilyn Carlson join the Inspire Board is personally and professionally very important to Inspire, adds Herbert. Her late husband, Dr. Glen Nelson, was instrumental in Inspires launch and growth and I know Marilyn will bring similar inspiration and leadership to the team at Inspire. Finally, Inspire is announcing the completion of a Series F financing round of $37.5 million. The financing was led by a new investor, Amzak Health. Joyce Erony, Partner at Amzak Health, will join the Inspire Board of Directors. The funds raised will be used to further develop market adoption of Inspire therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, specifically in the area of reimbursement. We are delighted to join the Inspire team and look forward to working with management to grow and expand this important therapy, stated Joyce Erony. To date, over 140 private insurers have covered Inspire therapy on a case-by-case basis and Medicare has reimbursed Inspire therapy based on medical necessity in many geographies across the United States. Additionally, Inspire therapy is on the Federal Supply Schedule making it available for active military members, veterans and their beneficiaries. The focus moving forward is to partner with private insurers to transition from individual prior authorizations to the development of positive coverage policies. The financing round will also assist in broadening marketing strategies and increasing the sales and operations teams within Inspire Medical Systems. Inspire continues to build a robust clinical evidence dossier including the imminent publication of a German Post-Market Study, as well as the 5-year STAR pivotal trial results. About Inspire Therapy Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for some people with moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea who are unable to use or get consistent benefit from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In contrast to CPAP, Inspire therapy is implanted inside the body and works with a patient's natural breathing process. Controlled by the small handheld sleep remote, the system includes a breathing sensor and a stimulation lead powered by a small battery. During sleep, the system senses breathing patterns and delivers mild stimulation to the tongue and other soft tissues of the throat to keep the airway open. Inspire therapy is currently available at more than 100 leading medical centers across the United States and Europe. About Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. Inspire Medical Systems, Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minn., was incorporated with the purpose of developing a safe, effective and well-accepted therapy to help those OSA patients who are unable to tolerate or get relief from CPAP. Inspire therapy is the worlds first implantable FDA-approved neurostimulation system for the treatment of OSA. The Company is privately held and investors include Amzak Health Team, Aperture Venture Partners, GDN Holdings, Johnson & Johnson, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Medtronic, OrbiMed Advisors, Synergy Life Science Partners, TGap Ventures and US Venture Partners. For more information, visit www.InspireSleep.com. NORWALK The Norwalk Community Health Center has partnered with the American Cancer Society to host the 2016 Great American Smoke Out Day on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 120 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smoke Out on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokes to the use to date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting even for one day smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life, one that can help lead to reducing cancer risk. NORWALK A Stamford Superior Court judge on Monday ruled in favor of the city of Norwalk in a lawsuit filed by a Norwalk man who was injured while riding his bicycle at the beach in 2013. Judge Donna Heller issued a summary judgment on Nov. 14 in the case of Stepniarek v. City of Norwalk. In the lawsuit, Albert Stepniarek claimed that while biking at Shady Beach in the twilight hours of June 14, 2013, he rode into a chain that was slung between two posts at the end of a paved trail at the beach. According to the complaint, Stepniarek suffered severe and debilitating injuries to his neck, back, knee, and elbow when his bicycle struck the chain and he subsequently flew over the bikes handlebars to the ground. He sued the city for medical costs, including hospital care and associated pain, suffering and emotional distress, as well as financial losses. In an Aug. 19, 2013 letter of intent to bring action from Stepnarieks New Haven-based attorney, Brendan Keefe, to Norwalks city clerk, Keefe wrote in part: Mr. Stepnariek was injured ... as he was riding his bicycle and turned off a loop around Shady Beach ... into the picnic area. Stepnariek entered ... along the asphalt sidewalk/parking lot surface (and) his bicycle hit and flipped over a thin chain linked between wooden posts. The placement of the wooden posts is designed to keep vehicles from the parking area. Keefe cited the dangerous placement of the chain as well as lack of warning signs and precautionary measures ... to warn bicyclists or pedestrians of the chain caused Stepnariek to hit the chain with his bicycle as he attempted to travel between the wooden posts. The lawsuit claimed damages in excess of $15,000. At a recent pre-trial hearing, Stepniarek made a demand to settle the matter for the sum of $65,000, according to Norwalks Deputy Corporation Counsel M. Jeffry Spahr. The city responded to the suit in part that the plaintiffs own negligence caused his injuries. The city successfully argued the case on the grounds of statutory recreational use immunity as well as governmental immunity. In response to this claim the City cited a number of defenses, all of which were accepted by the Court. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Decision, the City was found to be not liable for the Plaintiffs injuries as a matter of law, Spahr said in an email. In addition to the more immediate benefit of this case, I believe that this decision will support the case law in our State that might allow us to argue forcefully for similar immunity/protection in the future. llake@hearstmediact.com After a six-week detour, a driving under the influence case against Isais Miguel is back where it was in early August. On Aug. 3, the Grand Island man pleaded no contest in Hall County District Court to third-offense driving under the influence, which is a Class 3A felony. On Oct. 3, the day Miguel was to be sentenced, he asked District Judge Teresa Luther to allow him to withdraw his plea. Miguel believed a Supreme Court case decided in June, Birchfield v. North Dakota, might have an impact on his case. Through his new attorney, Jonathan Hendricks, Miguel withdrew his motion to withdraw his plea on Tuesday, meaning the no contest plea stands. He will be sentenced on the third-offense DUI offense at 9 a.m. Feb. 2. Hendricks told Luther that Miguel now understands the repercussions of the Supreme Court case, so he is content with the no contest plea. On Oct. 3, Miguel argued that his Fourth Amendment rights were violated when blood was taken from him at CHI Health St. Francis on Feb. 21, the day he was arrested. In Birchfield v. North Dakota, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourth Amendment permits warrantless breath tests as part of arrests for drunken driving but doesnt permit warrantless blood tests. During another session on Oct. 6, scheduled to consider the plea to withdraw, Miguels recollection of the legal counsel he has received differed from that of his attorney, Hall County Public Defender Gerry Piccolo. Luther, saying its possible that Piccolo could have been a witness on the motion to withdraw the plea, appointed a new attorney. Miguel, 33, was originally charged with aggravated third-offense driving under the influence, but the aggravated portion of the charge was removed under a plea agreement. Chief Deputy Hall County Attorney Sarah Carstensen is prosecuting the case. Miguel still faces six charges in another case in which he is accused of stabbing a man twice in a dispute over a guitar on Feb. 27. Piccolo continues to represent Miguel in that case. LONDON - November 16, 2016 - Transocean Partners LLC (NYSE: RIGP) (the "Company") announced today that it reconvened and adjourned, without a vote, the Company's previously rescheduled special meeting of common unitholders to vote on the proposed merger with a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. ("Transocean"). The special meeting will reconvene on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. local time at the Company's offices at 40 George Street, 4th Floor, London, England W1U 7DW, United Kingdom. The record date for common unitholders entitled to vote at the special meeting remains September 22, 2016. During the period of the adjournment, the Company will continue to solicit proxies from its common unitholders. Common unitholders who have not already submitted a proxy are encouraged to do so. Any common unitholder who has previously submitted a proxy may revoke and submit a new proxy by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on December 5, 2016, or vote in person at any time before the polls close at the special meeting on December 6, 2016. Common unitholders who do not wish to revoke their proxy do not need to take any further action. All common units represented by properly submitted proxies that are received in time for the special meeting, as adjourned, and that are not revoked, will be voted at the special meeting in the manner specified by the holder. Leading independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., Glass Lewis & Co. LLC and Egan-Jones Ratings Co. recommend common unitholders of the Company vote in favor of the approval of the Merger Agreement and the merger. The Board of Directors of the Company and the independent conflicts committee of the Company have each unanimously recommended that common unitholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement and the merger. Today's adjournment provides common unitholders, who have not yet participated in the critical process, the extended opportunity to vote, which we encourage them to do. Unlike proxy votes on routine annual meeting matters, a non-vote is effectively a "No" vote for the merger. Please vote. Unitholders who need assistance in voting their common units, or who have questions, are encouraged to contact the Company's proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, at (888) 750-5834 from U.S. and Canada or (412) 232-3651 from other countries. About Transocean Partners Transocean Partners was formed as a growth-oriented limited liability company by Transocean Ltd. to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. Transocean Partners' assets consist of 51 percent interests in subsidiary companies that own and operate three ultra-deepwater drilling rigs. For more information about Transocean Partners, please visit: www.transoceanpartners.com. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes "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. The statements regarding the proposed transaction, including its effects, benefits and costs savings, opinions, forecasts, projections, expected timetable for completion, expected distribution and any other statements regarding the Company's and Transocean's future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. We can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, among other things, satisfaction of the closing conditions to the merger, the risk that the contemplated merger does not occur, negative effects from the pendency of the merger, the ability to realize expected cost savings and benefits, failure to obtain the required vote of the Company's unitholders, the timing to consummate the proposed transaction, the adequacy of and access to sources of liquidity, the Company's and Transocean's inability to obtain drilling contracts for rigs that do not have contracts, the Company's and Transocean's inability to renew drilling contracts at comparable dayrates, operational performance, the impact of regulatory changes, the cancellation of drilling contracts currently included in each company's reported contract backlog, and other risk factors that are discussed in the Company's and Transocean's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-Ks, as well as its other filings with the SEC available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov). Actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of them in light of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional Information This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC REGARDING THE TRANSACTION CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. These documents contain important information about the proposed transaction that should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the proposed transaction. Investors may obtain free copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by the Company and Transocean through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company are available free of charge on the Company's internet website at: www.transoceanpartners.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Transocean are available free of charge on Transocean's internet website at: www.deepwater.com. You may also read and copy any reports, statements and other information filed by Transocean and Transocean Partners with the SEC at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at (800) 732-0330 or visit the SEC's website for further information on its public reference room. Participants in Solicitation The Company, Transocean, their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers may be considered, under SEC rules, participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016, and its proxy statement for its 2016 annual meeting of unitholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 2016. Information about the directors and executive officers of Transocean are set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2016, and its proxy statement for its 2016 annual general meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 18, 2016. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests in the transaction, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials that may be filed with the SEC. Analyst Contacts: Bradley Alexander +1 713-232-7515 Diane Vento +1 713-232-8015 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 Before any votes were cast in the 2016 legislative general election, term limits and primaries had sent a dozen members of the Nebraska Legislature headed for retirement. Now, five more defeated incumbents appear to be joining these exiting members. What does the turnover from the election mean for the possibility of tax reform in Nebraska? Its hard to count legislative votes so quickly. In Nebraska, senators party registrations usually mean less than their individual philosophies and legislative priorities. Before any tax reform legislation will be debated by these senators, however, it generally has to be approved by the Unicamerals Revenue Committee. In the past, the majority of these eight senators have been an impediment to tax reform. But a major change is in store for the committees makeup. Sen. Jim Scheer, re-elected without opposition Nov. 8, is mounting a campaign for Speaker of the Legislature. If his bid is successful, it will take him off the committee and in a position to guide legislation in a much greater capacity. The current Revenue Committee chairman, Sen. Mike Gloor, and Sen. Kate Sullivan, who at times sponsored general fund tax increases, will be leaving due to term limits. Perhaps most remarkably, voters have dismissed Sandhills-region Sen. Al Davis from the tax-levying committee in his election loss to Tom Brewer. Davis was one of Revenues most vocal opponents of lower income taxes. In 2015, he enlisted groups that support higher taxes when he introduced and championed LB280, a major income tax rate increase on all Nebraskans. The bill would have enabled school districts to collect an income surtax of up to nearly 30 percent. That would have given Nebraskas lower-middle income taxpayers and small businesses about as high of an income tax as New York imposes on millionaires on Wall Street. Davis sold the bill as meaningful property tax relief for his rural district, but LB280 was in fact a large, immediate hike on all taxpayers while only modestly reducing education tax levies over a period of years. Clearly the voters didnt agree that Sen. Davis ideas were as generous or novel as the high-tax lobby thought. With more reform-minded senators joining the Legislature in 2017some who explicitly ran on comprehensive reform of property and income taxthere is a new opportunity for the committee to turn the page on the high-tax attitudes and policies that create self-imposed challenges to Nebraskas economic growth. Sen. Jim Smith, a current committee member and the Legislatures leading proponent of a combined income and property tax reform effort, is seeking the chairmanship of the Revenue Committee, and is prepared to introduce a plan for revenue-neutral tax reform. This change in leadership would give members of the Nebraska Legislature everything theyd need to begin to right-size and rebalance the states tax structure in a way that actually improves the states tax system for working, investing, and attracting entrepreneurs and workforce talent. There is the potential for the Legislatures committee system to no longer be a hindrance to free market policies getting to the floor, the clear majority of legislators have been elected with a mandate for reform, and leading national researchers have provided economically sound, step-by-step instructions for responsible tax reform. Voters have paved the way. Now we will see if the grip of the high-tax lobby has subsided enough for lawmakers to find the will for reform. By the way, President-elect Donald Trump will also have a major impact on the potential for policy changes in the Nebraska Legislature over the next four years. Nebraskas relationship with the federal government may be poised to change in a significant way on topics including health care, education, natural resources and energy, and the fiscal policies that relate to these issues. There is a definite opening for greater legislative study of fiscal federalism now that an administration and congress is coming into place which may be open to authorizing states to take more initiative in how their federal tax dollars are allocated for some of the largest parts of the state budget. As President-elect Donald Trump waits until January to take office, Americans are waiting to find out if some of his talk during the election was just part of the campaign or an indication of policies that he will pursue. One of the most important issues for Nebraskans is trade. During the campaign, Trump called the Trans-Pacific Partnership a disaster and vowed to fight it. Extra scrutiny of trade deals, as Trump advocates, is good. But any review of trade agreements will find them good for American agriculture. For example, the U.S. trade representatives office released the following information: n Nebraska exports to other countries support more than 58,000 jobs. In 2015, Nebraska exports to TPP countries alone totaled $3.9 billion about 60 percent of all the states exports in a single year. n TPP will eliminate foreign taxes on made-in-Nebraska products and knock down costly trade barriers for Nebraska farmers and businesses. TPP would eliminate foreign taxes in the form of tariffs as high as 388 percent on pork exports, 50 percent on beef, 30 percent on popcorn, 28 percent on leather, 20 percent on insecticides and 10 percent on boats. n More than 1,000 companies exported goods to TPP countries from Nebraska in 2014 and 80 percent of them were small and medium-size companies. n Nebraska farm exports totaled $7.2 billion in 2014. These exports supported about 54,600 jobs, both on and off the farm. n Tariffs are already low in TPP markets, but corn and soybean producers will benefit from reduced meat tariffs that are expected to create new feed demand. Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on soybean oil and soybean meal. n Japan will eliminate duties on nearly 80 percent of tariff lines, including processed pork. n Japans beef tariff, currently as high as 50 percent, will be reduced to 9 percent. Japan will eliminate duties on processed beef products. Vietnam will eliminate tariffs and Malaysia will lock tariffs in at 0 percent. While all of those points show that TPP would be good for Nebraska and for farmers, Trump claims that it would kill millions of American jobs as companies look to move operations to other countries with lower labor costs. That is a valid concern about trade deals that struck a chord with voters during the presidential campaign. Its hoped, though, that the new administration will see the value of the trade deals for the Farm Belt. American farmers have been battered by low commodity prices and trade agreements that expand the market for their products will help increase demand. Republicans have traditionally been strong proponents of trade. Trump, however, brings a new perspective on the issue. TPP has the potential to significantly help the economy right here in Nebraska and Grand Island. Its hoped that some efforts will be made to save it, even with the new administration taking office. Phillies make history: Five homers off Astros starter in Game 3 win McCullers, pitching in his first World Series game since 2017, became the first pitcher in postseason history to give up five home runs in a game. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetBeez, a network performance monitoring company, is on track to close a record year for growth, with significant gains in revenue and new customers. Starting the year, NetBeez participated in the Y Combinator Winter 2016 program. The company also attracted new funding from Partech Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in information and communication technologies, with offices in San Francisco, Paris, and Berlin, and added Reza Malekzadeh to its Board of Directors. NetBeez has developed a proactive network performance visibility solution that reduces the amount of time network administrators and IT teams invest in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving performance issues of enterprise infrastructure and cloud applications. In the last twelve months, NetBeez secured several high-profile contracts with Fortune 1000 companies while achieving impressive traction and revenue growing almost 3 fold in less than 12 months. This impressive growth demonstrates a strong demand for the type of network monitoring that NetBeez has pioneered with its innovative distributed solution. NetBeezs solution provides a complete picture of network, cloud, and application availability and performance by monitoring from the end user perspective at remote locations, an improvement over traditional device-based monitoring. Before NetBeez, we had to rely on users calling the help desk to be aware of network outages, says David Flores, Network Administrator at Kingston Technology. With NetBeez, we get the real-time status of all the network from the user perspective and, when a problem occurs, we can see what branches are affected and how we can fix the problem pro-actively rather than having to wait for unhappy users to report the problems to us. With new funding from Partech Ventures, NetBeez will be able to expand its team and customer acquisition initiatives to further improve and develop the product and accelerate the growth of its customer base. Reza Malekzadeh, General Partner at Partech, will join the companys Board of Directors. Reza brings his expertise and more than twenty years of experience in enterprise software. In 1998, Reza was the first non-engineer hired by VMware and, as its Director of Marketing, was instrumental in the commercial launch of the company. Reza also worked for other high-growth tech companies like Cisco, NetCarta (acquired by Microsoft), and Cumulus Networks. The explosive growth of mobile users, apps, and connected devices presents big challenges for corporate networks that werent built for this scale and complexity," said Reza Malekzadeh, General Partner at Partech Ventures. The NetBeez product has helped customers of all sizes monitor their networks and deliver a much better experience to their user. We are very excited to join forces with the team as they further expand their roadmap and accelerate their go to market. NetBeez was founded in 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA, and, before Partech, received investments from the Pittsburgh-based fund Innovation Works, Carnegie Mellon University, and Y Combinator. About NetBeez NetBeez, Inc. is a network performance monitoring company delivering the only fully-scalable monitoring solution that continuously simulates user connectivity on any wired or wireless network. Dedicated sensors called Beez simulate end users and enable proactive identification and troubleshooting of complex network issues, helping to significantly reduce IT's time to resolution. For more information, call 1 (844) 638-2339, visit us at http://netbeez.net or follow us on Twitter @NetBeez. Houma, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynamic Retail Solutions, Inc. a national retail advertising company, recently opened their first office in South Louisiana in January 2015. Since then the office has made some major strides in the area. We are very excited about the growth weve seen here in South Louisiana, District Manager C.J. Robinson said. We launched in early 2015 right as the economy in Houma took a big downturn and we have been able to do some incredible things especially when you consider the struggles a lot of other companies have had. The South Louisiana office just secured their first international client, a large electronics manufacturing company out of South Korea. The company is one of the largest consumer electronics manufacturers in the world and is looking to increase their retail sales in the local market. This is right up there with the largest companies in the world, there was a lot of competition for this contract and the hard work we have put it helped us win, and we like to win. Now the team is expanding into the Lafayette region. One of the best parts of our company is our business development program. We always have people growing and getting promoted which I believe is why our company is growing so fast and doing so well. The manager who will be taking over for Robinson in the Houma office is Joel Picolo, a recent graduate of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. Picolo just graduated in May and now five months later he is being moved into a Marketing Manager role. Joel has been fantastic, Robinson said. He is a recent graduate with his degree in marketing and is already helping us run three or four different campaigns. With the recent expansions DRS will be hiring new people in both Houma and Lafayette. To apply visit http://dynamicrs.com/apply.html Glen Carbon is offering residents a chance to get a jump on early Christmas shopping. In an effort to expose some of the great businesses in Glen Carbon, the village Business Advisory Board is hosting the Live Here Shop Here Holiday Trolley Tour. Residents will be able to board two trolleys that will be driving a pre-determined route with 11 stops at local shops. The trolley tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19. Scheduled stops include the Glen Carbon Library; Repurpose, Restore, Redecorate; Sweeties Confections; Miss Baileys Poppy Patch; My Treasure House; Sherwin Williams; Ooh La La Spa; UPS Store; PetSmart; European Wax Center; Big Frog; Allisons Comfort Shoes; Exactime Watch and Clock and Dance Counts Dance Supply. Residents can drive and park at one of the stops and then catch the next trolley when they are done shopping. Village Administrator Jamie Bowden said the event gives exposure to local businesses. We encourage everyone to support the local businesses and the Live Here Shop Here Trolley Tour will connect our residents with local businesses. Bowden said it is the hopes of the village that if the program is successful future trolley tours would include larger portions of the village. This years trolley tour will be located in the shopping areas on the eastern side of Glen Carbon. Bowden said depending on the success of the program and more involvement from other businesses, the BAB would like to expand the trolley service to the west side of Glen Carbon. We would also hope to involve more local businesses to get involved in future programs and with the business advisory committee, Bowden said. In addition to the free trolley, participants will have the opportunity to enter a raffle on each of the trolleys for the chance to win prizes donated by the business sponsors. Glen Carbon officials encourage all residents to shop local this holiday season. For more information about the Live Here Shop Here Holiday Trolley Tour visit the village website at http://www.glen-carbon.il.us/. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia Thu, November 17, 2016 State-owned vaccine production company Bio Farma is currently conducting a vaccine production workshop for Islamic countries in the exhibition room of its industrial compound in Bandung, West Java. The workshop, which kicked off on Nov. 15 and will continue until Nov. 18, seeks to serve as a platform among the countries to exchange knowledge on new frontiers of safe and high-quality vaccine manufacturing. Targeted participants are Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries that have a vaccine industry or are currently developing one. Bio Farma has been entrusted by the OIC to host and co-organize the event with other organizations, namely the Health Ministrys directorate general of disease control and prevention, Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), the countrys technical advisory group on immunization and the World Health Organization (WHO). Individuals from the organizations are also acting as facilitators and panelists during the workshop. Prior to the event, Bio Farma hosted a meeting between Muslim countries vaccine production industry representatives on Nov. 14 to 15. Vaccine Manufacturers Group (VMG) chairman Tarek Ibrahim Mahmoud said the program sought to achieve self-sufficiency in manufacturing for Muslim countries. He added that his company Arabio, from Saudi Arabia, planned to invest in Bio Farmas product and technology development, especially to produce vaccines for measles, tetanus and hepatitis, among others. -(Photos courtesy of JP/Rehza) During the meeting, the group welcomed Turkish vaccine company Keymen Ilac as a new member. This forum is important to exchange knowledge in terms of vaccine development among Muslim countries, Keymen Ilac managing director Mutlu Topal said. The workshop comprises discussions, a field visit to observe Bio Farmas production process as well as a fringe event promoting Indonesias biodiversity, culture and potential as a tourist destination. Agenda items include capacity building programs on waste management for vaccine manufacturers, clinical trials and surveillance as well as storage, cold chain and distribution, conducted on Wednesday. The programs capacity building activities will end on Thursday with a factory visit and tour of the Bio Farma museum. On the same day, participants will enjoy a number of cultural programs, like listening to angklung (traditional bamboo instruments). On the final day, participants will take a tour of Bandung. Here is a snapshot of some of the upcoming programs: Waste management has become an important topic for Islamic countries vaccine industry management, especially after the industry was rocked by a number of fake vaccine cases in Indonesia and Senegal a few months ago. Senegal will be a panelist during the session conducted on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. Given the rising dengue fever cases in Indonesia, the workshop will also include a consortium on dengue vaccine research to achieve national self-sufficiency. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) Beijing Wed, November 16, 2016 Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty the Third," a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words "Jin San Pang" on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. (Read also: North Korean children learn more about Kim Jong-un than English: Study) The nickname pokes fun at Kim's girth and his status as the third generation of the Kim family to rule the world's only hereditary communist dynasty. It's especially popular among young, irreverent Chinese who tend to look down on their country's would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the North's nuclear weapons program. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) New York, United States Wed, November 16, 2016 Google wants to make digitizing your old photo prints as easy as opening an app. The PhotoScan app for iPhones and Android phones will use the phone's camera to capture an old photo in four sections and stitch them together, much like a panorama shot. Google says this approach helps eliminate glare that can mar attempts to digitize a print by simply photographing the whole photo. (Read also: Explore Indonesian heritage with Google Art Camera, Cardboard) The app will make minor adjustments to restore color in faded photos and to aligned corners when the photo print is bent. Julia Winn, a product manager for the new app, says scanning photos with traditional scanners takes time, while third-party digitizing services cost money and require you to part with your photos temporarily, risking loss and damage. The free app comes out Tuesday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Michael Liedtke (Associated Press) San Francisco, United States Wed, November 16, 2016 Google is promising that its widely used translation service is now even more fluent, thanks to an advance that's enabling its computers to interpret complete sentences. That may sound simple, but it took years of engineering to pull off. Until now, Google's technology analyzed phrases in pieces and then cobbled together a sometimes stilted translation. Now that Google's machines can interpret entire sentences, the translations of extended passages of text should read and sound much more like a native speaker of the language. The technology, dubbed "neural machine translation," is similar to what Google has been using for the past few years to identify people and objects in pictures stored in its Photos service. Google described its neural machine tool as the biggest leap for its translation service in a decade. (Read also: Google Allo chat app is smart, but enough to break though?) Forrester Research analyst Mike Gualtieri also believes Google's new method is a significant breakthrough, although he said he expects it to make some potentially embarrassing mistakes in its early stages, much like the Photos service misidentified some things when it first rolled out. "I doubt it will be translating like the computers on 'Star Trek' quite yet," Gualtieri said. Starting Tuesday, the technology is being be used to translate phrases to and from English and eight other languages French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Turkish. Those languages cover about one-third of all the translation requests that Google gets. It says that on average it translates about 140 billion words per day for the more than 500 million people who use the service. Google, part of Alphabet Inc., eventually hopes to apply the neural machine technology on all 103 languages in its translation service. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 With a population of just 18,000 living along the Southern coast of Papua, the Kamoro people are one of the few Papuan tribes who still practice their little known, meticulous tradition of wood carving. Unlike their neighbors the Asmat tribe, Kamoro art is perhaps lesser-known, yet actually rich with a peaceful style and form. As quoted by the Foundation for Kamoro Carvers, the intricacies in their carvings show a much deeper relationship with the cosmos, their current world and the past. Today, Kamoros artistry is increasingly valued with the revival of their wooden carvings. (Read also: Carving by eye, Kamoro style) Although no ancient Kamoro art exists today for carvers to look at or study, a deluge of newer forms have been created by its people in the present: Eastern and Western styles of shields, forms of ancestral figures, sago bowls, paddles with an open shield on the other end, and many others. Often, carvers are known to cut a hidden joke into their wooden carvings, reflecting the Kamoros sense of humor. Even though a Kamoro museum has not been established, an annual exhibition and art sale organized by the Foundation for Kamoro Carvers is held in Jakarta to display this Papuan tribes unusual talent, as well as to provide carvers and female plaiters with financial support. This year, the sale will be held on Nov. 19-20 at the American Club in South Jakarta. Admission is free. The event will also welcome a group of seven carvers who will sing, dance, drum and carve. The carved pieces start at Rp 250,000 (US$19). (mra/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Thailand-based startup Helpster, the main focus of which is to connect blue collar workers and employers, has just received US$2.1 million from Indonesias Convergence Ventures and Singapores Wavemaker Partners, as well as several other strategic investors. The funds will be used mainly to develop products and expand into the Indonesian market, said Helpster, as quoted by dailysocial.id. The startup, which was founded in January, uses a website and mobile applications -- now available in the Indonesian language -- to connect food and beverage, hospitality, event and logistics businesses with laborers, whether for temporary or permanent jobs. (Read also: Indonesian student creates social search engine) Traditional methods, such as information in brochures or labor brokers are deemed unsatisfactory in terms of the received labors quality, Helpster co-founder Mathew Ward stated, noting that they are set to change the ways of labor recruitment. The company is aware that reaching out to the entire blue collar worker population is challenging. However, it also sees a potential to grow. Adrian Li, managing partner of Convergence Ventures, stated that the growth of the food and beverage and hospitality sectors in Indonesia would provide great opportunities for Helpster to grow in the country. The Helpster mobile app is available for both Android and iOS operating systems. (mas/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) MarrakeCh Wed, November 16 2016 Countries that reached a landmark agreement to reduce emissions during the COP21 Paris climate meeting have stumbled in their efforts to translate their pledges into action on phasing out coal from their energy platforms. As the momentum to implement the Paris agreement has slowed amid slumping economic growth, nations have faced domestic constraints to identify a clear path to phase out use of high-carbon sources of energy. 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 Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) MarrakeCh Wed, November 16, 2016 Countries that reached a landmark agreement to reduce emissions during the COP21 Paris climate meeting have stumbled in their efforts to translate their pledges into action on phasing out coal from their energy platforms. As the momentum to implement the Paris agreement has slowed amid slumping economic growth, nations have faced domestic constraints to identify a clear path to phase out use of high-carbon sources of energy. As Indonesia, the worlds fifth-largest coal producer, continues to struggle in dealing with land and forest fires, it has expressed its commitment to reduce its dependence on coal in its first nationally defined contribution (NDC) reported to the COP21. Aiming to cut emissions by 29 percent by 2030 through its own efforts and 41 percent with international cooperation, Indonesia has pledged in its action plan to reduce energy supply supported by coal to a minimum of 30 percent in 2025 and 25 percent in 2050. About 55.7 percent of the countrys energy derived from coal in 2015, while renewable sources such as geothermal and hydropower made up only 9.9 percent. Indonesia has renewed its commitment at the COP22 Marrakech climate summit. The reduction scheme is already stipulated in our [national energy strategy]. We are looking for technological support to aid the reduction, said Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar. But in Marrakech, theres an air of deceleration from other countries. The conferences parties have decided to put the plan on the back burner, as many of the Paris signatories have yet to ratify or submit their national action plans. As of Tuesday, 109 of the 197 countries had ratified the agreement, hampering the first meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1). Germany, Europes biggest economy and the main initiator of the joint global agreement, is on the brink of breaching its green credentials after failing to submit a national action plan prior to the commencement of the conference. The German government faced resistance from an opposition party over its national plan concerning its pledge to reduce the use of lignite, also known as brown coal. In 2015, 44 percent of the countrys energy was generated from coal and about 31 percent derived from renewables. Still reeling from the surprise victory of US president-elect Donald Trump, who is widely known as a climate change denier and an ardent supporter of coal, the United States said it remained committed to action, but gave no indication as to what the upcoming administration had in the pipeline. Trump has picked Myron Ebell, an advocate for the fossil fuel industry and climate contrarian, to sit on the transition team of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), raising fears that he may dismantle President Barack Obamas climate plan. But even without Trump, the US has yet to define its strategy to phase out coal. In its NDC document submitted by the Obama administration, the US, the second-largest producer after China, does not address coal in its planned action. With the agreement having entered into force, its no longer a question on whether to accelerate the agreement implementation, but a question on when and how, said US special envoy on climate change Jonathan Pershing. The US still relies on coal to meet 33 percent of its energy needs, while about 17 percent comes from renewables. Were installing for economic reasons, not policies favoring one source over another, but economic-driven programs, Pershing said. While refusing to reveal plans of the future administration, Pershing said the world should continue action, with or without the US. Indonesia special envoy for climate change Rachmat Witoelar said the country would remain committed even if the developed countries lagged in their commitments. This is the commitment that has been built for years and should be protected, he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callista Anggun Wijaya and Moses Ompusunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama is considering filing a pretrial motion for a blasphemy case in which he was named a suspect on Wednesday. Ahok said he had not yet figured out his next legal move after the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) charged him with blasphemy, which could harm his reelection bid next year. I personally want a pretrial, so it can be live [on television], Ahok said at Rumah Lembang, his campaign headquarters in Central Jakarta. However, his lawyer, Sirra Prayuna, said the legal team had yet to determine its next steps. We just heard Bareskrims conclusions. Give us time to think. Separately, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said the police would welcome a pretrial motion should Ahok file one. "Any suspect has the right to file a pretrial motion to challenge his or her suspect status. We are ready [if Ahok exercises the right]," Boy told reporters at the police headquarters in South Jakarta. Boy added that a pretrial motion would not affect the investigation into the case, claiming that evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation was adequate to declare Ahok a suspect. On Tuesday, Bareskrim investigators heard testimony from dozens of witnesses and experts during a 10-hour closed-door case screening. The screening was a response to a protest by more than 100,000 people around the National Monument (Monas) park in Central Jakarta on Nov. 4, demanding Ahok prosecution for blasphemy, based on a video featuring the governor commenting on a verse in the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. English French Press release FINANCIAL TERMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHANGE IN CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD Paris - November 16, 2016 Financial terms of Laurent Morel's departure The Supervisory Board met on November 15, 2016 and approved the execution of agreements relating to the termination of Laurent Morel's employment contract with Klepierre Management - a subsidiary of the Group - and of his functions as Chairman of the Executive Board (the "Termination Agreements"). Following the recommendation of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, the Supervisory Board decided the following: Fixed compensation for 2016 The Supervisory Board had set Laurent Morel's annual fixed compensation for 2016 at EUR 472,000. This amount shall be paid on a pro rata basis until November 6, 2016. For the resumption of his employment contract with Klepierre Management, Laurent Morel shall receive a gross monthly compensation of EUR 39,333, which shall be paid on a pro rata basis (it being specified that the termination of his employment contract will only become effective toward the end of 2016, after approval of the consensual termination agreement). Short-term variable compensation for 2016 The Supervisory Board had set a quantitative component, based on achieving a Net Current Cash Flow (NCCF) per share objective and capped at 80% of the fixed compensation, and a qualitative component, capped at 50% of the fixed compensation. Upon recommendation of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, during its meeting on November 15, 2016, the Supervisory Board decided to set Laurent Morel's variable compensation for 2016 as follows: EUR 306,800 for the quantitative part, representing 65% of his fixed compensation (this amount was determined on the basis of an estimated NCCF per share, to date, for 2016; Laurent Morel will be required to reimburse Klepierre for an amount equal to the difference between the variable compensation paid and the variable compensation that he should have received if the NCCF per share actually achieved turns out to be lower than this estimate); EUR 212,400 for the qualitative part, representing 45% of his fixed compensation. Termination indemnity Laurent Morel having held various functions within the Group over 29 years, notably pursuant to his initial employment contract, he could have claimed a significant departure indemnity as a result of applicable statutory and collective provisions. In the context of the Termination Agreements, however, Laurent Morel has accepted, in accordance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code recommendations, to limit the amount of total indemnity received as a result of the termination of his functions to EUR 1,982,400, which represents two years of his fixed and variable compensation for 2016. This termination indemnity, which will only be paid after approval of the consensual termination agreement by the French labor administration, will be subject to a claw back mechanism in case the variable compensation 2016 is adjusted downwards. Performance shares In the context of the Termination Agreements, following the recommendation of the Nomination and Compensation Committee and in accordance with the possibility provided in the different plans, the Supervisory Board decided to waive the presence condition for the 102,353 performance shares subject to vesting period, granted to Laurent Morel. All of these performance shares remain subject to conditions relating to the absolute performance of the Klepierre share price, the relative performance of Klepierre's shares compared to the FTSE EPRA Eurozone index and, starting from the 2016 plan, Klepierre's internal performance based on the evolution of net rental income. From a practical standpoint, these performance conditions are particularly challenging. More details regarding the performance share plan conditions are provided in Section 4.4 of Klepierre's 2015 Registration Document. The Supervisory Board further recognized that the waiver of the presence condition is justified by Laurent Morel's long tenure within the Group and the fact that, by his action, he has contributed to the development of Klepierre and set solid bases for the implementation of the Group's future strategy. All of these elements (including the termination indemnity to be paid to Laurent Morel pursuant to the Termination Agreements, whether the indemnity is related to the termination of his functions as employee or of a transactional nature), will be submitted to the consultative vote of the shareholders at the 2017 Annual General Meeting. Jean-Marc Jestin's compensation The fixed annual compensation of Jean-Marc Jestin has been aligned with the compensation previously paid to Laurent Morel (i.e., a fixed compensation equal to EUR 472,000), and will be paid on a pro rata basis from the beginning of his tenure as Chairman of the Executive Board. The criteria used to determine his variable compensation (as described in the press release dated May 13, 2016) remain unchanged. ABOUT KLEPIERRE The leading pure play shopping center property company in Europe, Klepierre combines development, property and asset management skills. The company's portfolio is valued at EUR 22.6 billion at June 30, 2016 and comprises large shopping centers in 16 countries in Continental Europe which altogether welcome 1.2 billion visitors per year. Klepierre holds a controlling stake in Steen & Strm (56.1%), Scandinavia's number one shopping center owner and manager. Klepierre is a French REIT (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris and included in the CAC 40, EPRA Euro Zone and GPR 250 indexes. It is also included in ethical indexes, such as DJSI World and Europe, FTSE4Good, STOXX Global ESG Leaders, Euronext Vigeo France 20 and World 120, and Euronext Low Carbon 100 Europe, and is ranked as a Green Star by GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). These distinctions underscore the Group's commitment to a proactive sustainable development policy. For more information: www.klepierre.com AGENDA February 6, 2017 2016 Full-Year Earnings (press release after market close) INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Julien GOUBAULT - +33 (0)1 40 67 51 85 - julien.goubault@klepierre.com Vanessa FRICANO - + 33 (0)1 40 67 52 24 - vanessa.fricano@klepierre.com Julien ROUCH - +33 (0)1 40 67 53 08 - julien.rouch@klepierre.com MEDIA CONTACTS Lorie LICHTLEN - Burson-Marsteller i&e - +33 (0)1 56 03 13 01 - lorie.lichtlen@bm.com Camille PETIT - Burson-Marsteller i&e - +33 (0)1 56 03 12 98 - camille.petit@bm.com *** This press release is available on Klepierre's website: www.klepierre.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Global insurance company AIA is considering investment in Indonesian infrastructure to diversify its portfolio. PT AIA Financial Indonesia president director Ben Ng said as long as an infrastructure project offered returns and risks that matched the company's long term horizon, it would tap into the project. Currently, most of AIA's portfolio in Indonesia is government bonds, but in the rest of Asia it mostly invests in infrastructure. "We are a big infrastructure investor in the region, so clearly in Indonesia we would have the same interest," he said during a press meeting at his office on Wednesday. Indonesia needs around US$400 billion to finance infrastructure projects until 2020. As the government can only finance around 30 percent of that sum, most of the projects are set to be sold to private investors. At the same event, AIA Group executive director Mark Edward Tucker said the group usually participated in infrastructure investment in the operating country. The third-largest insurer has around $40 billion worth of investment in infrastructure projects across Asia. "In all countries that we are in we have some form of infrastructure investment, which is a good demonstration of commitment," he said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andjarsari Paramaditha (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 Last week, prominent businessman Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th US president, against popular polls that predicted a victory for former US secretary of state and first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton. While the result was seemingly surprising to the rest of the world, Trumps victory is perceived by the Americans as a way to build a better domestic economic system. But what does that mean to the rest of the world, including Indonesia? On the day Americans went to the voting stations, Asian equity markets fell as investors swayed toward risk-averse modes amidst heightened market uncertainty. The following day, money markets also tumbled as a follow-up reaction. During his campaign, Trump mentioned his economic policies, which would include new trade barriers, higher import taxes, a better employment market for the Americans and a tax-cut plan. The domestic-laden plan is perceived as protectionism by international investors, almost equivalent to the reaction to the Brexit vote back in April. With such greater risks of uncertainty, global financial market volatility could continue until the president-elect selects his cabinet members and puts out his policies in January. However, global monetary policy would also be in a wait-and-see mode, which is a good way to reduce risks. A US Federal Reserve rate hike would likely be paused until further development of economic policies has been unveiled. Hence, we also expect our central bank would follow suit by limiting any policy decision to intervene in the market only to manage currency volatility until end of this year. Indonesia needs to remain vigilant as its foreign exchange market is still considered shallow compared to its regional peers. Looking into the list of economic policies that are expected to be implemented by the next US president, trade barriers and import tax policies would have the most impact on global economic conditions. Although Mexico and China had been mentioned as the targeted countries for these policies, Indonesia is not exempted from the spillover risk. Both the US and China are major Indonesian trading partners and any change in the countrys bilateral dynamics could impose weakening trade trends. Indonesias exports to the US have been rising for the past three years and it became the countrys top export destination, the Central Statistics Agencys (BPS) September trade data shows. The main export products include coffee, cocoa, textiles, electronic products, shrimp, rubber products and footwear. The total export value was US$8.7 billion in September. On the other hand, by looking at the softening demand from China in the past couple of years, we expect a further slowdown of Chinas export numbers. With China becoming a target for higher import tariffs, it would open opportunities to other trade partners to fill the gap. Unfortunately, manufacturing is not one of Indonesias strengths and we would not be able to take advantage of the opportunity unless we can catch up with the development in a short time span. However, this risk is seen as controllable in the longer run. The growth of Indonesias gross domestic product (GDP) is still domestic-oriented and dominated by private consumption. A sensitivity test done by Mandiri Sekuritas shows that every 1 percent increase of the US economy only contributes 0.05 points to Indonesias growth and vice versa. Another point to be considered is the possibility of the US pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP was initiated by the US and involves 11 other countries: Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Peru. By lowering tariffs for a broad variety of products, the members hope to increase trade and economic growth, encourage transparency and competitiveness and improve the manufacturing sectors of the member countries. The debate about whether Indonesia will benefit if the government decides to take part in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has been ongoing since last year. The free trade initiative is perceived to be beneficial as it could make Indonesian manufacturing industries more vibrant, its exports more competitive and its economy bigger. However, with the US plan to renegotiate or even pull out of the deal, Indonesia would have more time to consider how to reinvigorate its export-oriented and manufacturing industries as it potentially could be one of the contributing factors that can boost Indonesia economic stability in the real sector and in the long run. 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 Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi is set to attend an emergency ministerial-level meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. The emergency meeting was called by OIC sitting chair Saudi Arabia over security concerns following a missile launch intercepted by Riyadh in October, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir revealed. There was a request from Saudi Arabia [to the OIC] to convene the emergency meeting. The first order of business has to do with a recent missile launched against Saudi Arabia, he said in Jakarta on Tuesday. 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 Gary Fineout (Associated Press) Orlando, Fla., United States Wed, November 16, 2016 The nation's Republican governors met Tuesday in battleground Florida where they said were "giddy" at the opportunity for "disruptive changes" to wrest power from Washington following the election of Donald Trump. Wisconsin's Scott Walker, the incoming chairman of the Republican Governors Association, said that "the sky's the limit" and that the "possibilities are endless now" that there was a Republican president and a Republican majority in Congress. Walker and other governors ticked off a long list of areas they would like to gain more control over whether it was education, transportation, workplace rules, health care or environmental policies. But it was clear that there was not complete unanimity among the governors on how to unwind President Barack Obama's health care overhaul that included an expansion of Medicaid, the nation's main safety net health care program for the poor. An estimated 20 million Americans are now receiving coverage through different elements of the overhaul including Medicaid or through health care exchanges that offer insurance policies. Florida Gov. Rick Scott called the overhaul a "disaster" and repeated several times that Republicans need to repeal it entirely, although he suggested they should find a way to retain some more popular sections - such as the one allowing parents to keep their children on their policies until they turn 26-years-old. "It doesn't work, it's didn't control costs, it was a complete lie," said Scott, a former health care executive who ran one of the nation's largest hospital chain and was forced out amid a federal investigation that resulted in the company paying a record fine of US$1.7 billion for Medicaid fraud. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, however, said she expected people to continue to enroll for insurance using health care exchanges as long as it's the law and that they can't just take away insurance from people who have it now. "I don't know that there will ever be a turn off the switch, wait a period of time and then turn it back on," said Martinez. "There is going to have to be a transition and not leave everyone uninsured." Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who noted that Medicaid was expanded in his state prior to his election, called for a "thoughtful approach" to revamping health care and said what he wants the ability to put in additional requirements for Medicaid recipients such as work requirements. Hutchinson has tried to win federal approval for some of his ideas but said he had been "stymied" by the Obama administration. The additional control that states are seeking over Medicaid was one of the items that Vice President-elect Mike Pence mentioned during a private meeting with many of the GOP governors on Monday evening according to a statement put out by the Trump campaign. Many of the other Republican governors cited Pence, who is currently the Indiana governor, as someone who they could turn to once Trump is sworn in as president. While Scott was a firm backer of Trump before the election, other governors attending the conference had differing opinions of Trump. Martinez, the nation's only Latina governor, did not endorse Trump although she congratulated him after his win. But while some Republican governors may not have shared the same level of enthusiasm for Trump they said multiple times Tuesday that they were looking ahead to the changes they expect to come in the next few months. Some warned, however, that the dissatisfaction from Americans that may have propelled Trump and Republicans to success on Election Day will come back to haunt them if they don't follow through on many of the promises that have been made so far. Several governors said the GOP needs to move quickly within Trump's first 100 days to carry out their agenda. "We cannot squander this opportunity," said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 The Jakarta administration is planning to turn a 600-meter stretch of the Krukut River along Jl. Kali Besar Timur and Jl. Kali Besar Barat in West Jakarta into a clean stream with a public park, inspired by Cheonggyecheon Creek in Seoul, South Korea. The head of the Kota Tua Zone Management Unit (UPK Kota Tua), Norviadi Setio Husodo, said recently that renowned architect Budi Lim had designed the river to become a tourist attraction. It is inspired by the creek in South Korea, Norviadi told The Jakarta Post. He referred to the Cheonggyecheon, a modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul. 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 Hasyim Widhiarto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 After weeks of public controversy, the National Police announced on Wednesday that they had named Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in a blasphemy case, in a move that may risk his reelection bid in the capital. Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent in the predominantly Muslim country, sparked uproar among Muslim groups after he made a comment about a verse in the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. On Nov. 4, over 100,000 people, mostly from various Muslim organizations, including the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), swarmed onto Jakarta's streets to demand that the police prosecute Ahok. In a press conference on Wednesday, the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) head, Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto, said the polices decision to name Ahok a suspect had been made after they learned the outcome of a case screening on Tuesday regarding the allegations against him. "Although there are different opinions among police investigators, most agreed that the case should be settled in an open trial," he said, adding that Ahok was accused of violating Article 156 of the Criminal Code regarding blasphemy in reference to Article 28 (2) of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. Ari said the police had barred Ahok from traveling overseas but did not mention whether they would detain him during the investigation. (Read also: Jakarta cools off after violent rally) A number of Muslim figures have accused law enforcers of protecting the governor. 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. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, however, strongly denied the accusations and said the police would continue the legal process. We are ready to anticipate risks [from the ongoing legal process], Tito said on Wednesday, reiterating his commitment to continuing the case in a fair and transparent manner. Together we can: Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama (right), running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat (second right) and their campaign spokesperson Ruhut Sitompul (third right) woo their supporters at their campaign headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, soon after the National Police named Ahok as suspect in a blasphemy case. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A) Ahok, meanwhile, called on his supporters to accept the polices decision, saying he would use all available legal means to challenge the decision, including by filing a pretrial motion. Im calling on my supporters to accept me being a suspect. I believe that the police are professional, he said at his campaign headquarters in Menteng, Central Jakarta. (Read also: I am being mistreated: Ahok) Ahok and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat, the incumbent deputy governor, will compete against two candidate pairs Anies Baswedan-Sandiaga Uno and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni pair in next years gubernatorial election. Political parties see Jakarta as a crucial area to gauge their influence and popularity ahead of the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. Jakarta General Elections Commission chairman Sumarno, meanwhile, said the commission would not drop Ahok as a candidate unless a court found him guilty. The candidate can still continue his campaign activities and join other upcoming election procedures until voting day, he said. (cor, cal, mos) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 State-owned construction company Hutama Karya expects a 63.6 percent increase in sales to Rp 18 trillion (US$1.34 billion) in 2017 from projected sales of Rp 11 trillion this year. President director I Gusti Ngurah Putra said the company expected the completion of two sections of the trans-Sumatra toll road to be the main contributor to the companys sales next year. We are sure that the Medan-Binjai toll road section, spanning about 17 kilometers, and the Palembang-Indralaya section, which is 22 km in length, will commence operation by next year, he said. With the expected jump in sales, the company projects its net profit to more than double to Rp 1 trillion next year. Based on Government Regulation No.117/2015, Hutama Karya is assigned by the government to develop 24 sections of the trans-Sumatra toll road project, which spans 2,709 km in length. To support the project, the company plans to launch a series of bonds worth Rp 6.5 trillion until 2018. Putra, however, said Hutama Karya had no plans for an initial public offering anytime soon. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama remains unperturbed as he attempts to calm his supporters after being named a suspect in a blasphemy case. After weeks of investigations, the National Police announced Wednesday morning that they had named Ahok a suspect in the case, a move that may jeopardize the incumbent governors efforts to seek reelection. Ahok, who was meeting with local residents at his campaign headquarters in Menteng, Central Jakarta, when the police announced his status, told his visitors not to worry, as he had received thousands of complaints. "Im [being named] a suspect, just let it be," he said. Ahok also said the status would not bring him down. [If] Ahok is imprisoned, [he is] being mistreated. How great I am, he said in a sarcastic tone. (Read also: Ahok named suspect in blasphemy case) 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 Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have so far received around a dozen reports regarding the case. On Nov. 4, over 100,000 people, mostly from various Muslim groups, swarmed Jakarta's streets to demand Ahok's prosecution for alleged blasphemy. Previously, a number of Muslim figures had 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. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, however, strongly denied the accusation and said that the police would continue the legal process. (hwa) TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 The number of international students at US colleges and universities has surpassed 1 million for the first time during the 2015-2016 academic year, a newly released report reveals. The 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange states the number shows a 7 percent increase to 1,044,000 international students from the previous year. The new report also reveals that 8,727 of this total are students from Indonesia. This is the highest amount in 12 years, placing Indonesia 19th in place of origin among international students in the US. Our combined efforts have resulted in a nearly 26 percent increase in the number of Indonesians studying in the US since 2010, the report said. Open Doors also reports that more than 313,000 US students received credit last year for studying abroad, increasing by nearly 3 percent over the previous year. The number of US students coming to Indonesia to study for academic credit has increased by 5.1 percent to 534. In 2015-16, 66.7 percent, or more than half of the Indonesian students in the US, studied at undergraduate level, 18.6 percent pursued graduate studies, 11.3 percent pursued optional practical training, and 3.4 percent enrolled in non-degree programs such as English language or short-term studies. The release of the new Open Doors report coincides with International Education Week (IEW), an initiative through which the US Embassy promotes the benefits of international education. IEW 2016 will be celebrated with a string of activities, such as educational events at @america, outreach to high school and university students and information sessions on graduate scholarships, among others. English Icelandic Arion Bank reported net earnings of ISK 17.3 billion for the first nine months of 2016, compared with ISK 25.4 billion for the same period of 2015. Return on equity was 11.2%, compared with 19.8% for the first nine months of 2015. Adjusted earnings amounted to ISK 5.7 billion, compared with ISK 11.5 billion in the first nine months of 2015. Return on equity from adjusted operations was 3.7%, compared with 9.5% for the same period last year. Total assets amounted to ISK 1,038.5 billion at the end of September, compared with ISK 1,011.0 billion at the end of 2015. Shareholders equity totalled ISK 206.9 billion at the end of September, compared with ISK 192.8 billion at the end of 2015. The Bank enjoys a strong financial position and has focused on maintaining good liquidity in the period leading up to the lifting of the capital controls. The Banks capital ratio at the end of the period was 26.1%, compared with 24.2% at the end of 2015. Tier 1 Capital increased during the period to 25.5%, compared with 23.4% at the end of 2015. Highlights of the income statement and key performance indicators: In ISK million 9M 2016 9M 2015 Q3 2016 Q3 2015 Net interest income 22,058 20,287 7,432 7,112 Net commission income 10,213 10,726 3,466 3,292 Net financial income 4,339 10,176 844 453 Share of profit of associates 710 6,956 16 2,739 Other operating income 2,642 2,232 781 709 Operating income 39,962 50,377 12,539 14,305 Salaries and related expense (12,252) (10,320) (3,826) (3,153) Other operating expenses (10,393) (9,016) (3,425) (3,012) Bank levy (2,190) (2,168) (705) (779) Net impairment 6,827 (114) 5,882 (33) Net earnings before taxes 21,954 28,759 10,467 7,328 Income tax (5,261) (3,639) (3,170) (1,272) Net gain from disc. operations 569 277 206 15 Net earnings 17,262 25,397 7,503 6,071 KPI's: Return on equity (ROE) 11.2% 19.8% 14.4% 14.2% Net interest margin (int. bearing assets) 3.1% 3.0% 3.1% 3.1% Cost-to-income ratio 56.7% 38.4% 57.8% 43.1% Tier 1 ratio 25.5% 22.2% 25.5% 22.2% Hoskuldur H. Olafsson, CEO of Arion Bank: The financial results for the first nine months of 2016 are satisfactory. The Banks core operations have performed slightly below expectations as external conditions have been challenging in many respects. The performance of the equities market had a negative impact on the financial results, as the Bank still has holdings in listed equities. Nevertheless the core operations remain solid and the Bank continues to consolidate its capital. Standard & Poor's cited Arion Bank's improving capital position, better access to foreign debt capital markets and greater resilience in the Icelandic economy as reasons for upgrading the Banks credit rating to BBB/A-2 with a positive outlook. The spread on the Banks international issues on the secondary market has decreased, clearly indicating that there is demand on the international credit markets for Arion Bank bonds. At the end of September Arion Bank completed the acquisition of the insurance company Vorur, adding non-life insurance to our product range, which has already included life insurance for several years. As a subsidiary of Arion Bank, Vorur will form a close partnership with the Bank, bringing benefits to the customers of both companies. Conference call in English Arion Bank will be hosting a conference call in English on Thursday 17 November at 1:00 pm GMT, where Stefan Petursson, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the highlights of the Banks financial results. People interested in participating can contact ir@arionbanki.is to obtain dial-in information. For further information please contact Haraldur Gudni Eidsson of Arion Bank's Communications division at haraldur.eidsson@arionbanki.is, or tel. +354 444 7108. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 In order to survive the global economic slowdown, the country must intensify efforts to boost foreign investment while at the same time increasing domestic production, a former finance minister has said. Economist Chatib Basri, who served as finance minister from 2013 to 2014 under president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration, said the governments development programs, such as infrastructure projects, could potentially attract foreign investment. He, however, said more must be done as the nation needed investment equal to 6.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to improve its annual economic growth by 1 percent. There are two ways to escape from the 5-percent growth [cycle], by increasing investment or boosting domestic production so that we can reduce the 6.6 percent ratio to 5 percent, Chatib said at the UOB Indonesia Economic Outlook 2017 forum in Jakarta on Wednesday. Amid a weak global economy, the nation saw its GDP grow by only 4.79 percent last year, the lowest rate in six years. The government is targeting economic growth of 5.2 percent this year and 5.1 percent in 2017. Chatib said the government currently was on the right track with its efforts to remove red tape, establish vocational training, and loosen the negative investment list. But these policies would take time to have an effect. To create immediate impact, he suggested the government initiate cash-for-work programs, in which local residents, for example, would be paid to build irrigation networks, roads, or bridges. Such programs, however, must directly be controlled by the central government. We actually have the Village Funds program, but it doesnt work because village chiefs are not used to planning and handling [development] projects," he said. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 President Joko "Jokowi Widodo has called on the public to respect an ongoing police investigation into Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama over blasphemy allegations, as he considers the process has run in a fair and transparent manner. Jokowi, through presidential spokesman Johan Budi, said on Wednesday that "what has been done by the police has met the necessary principles of transparency, fairness and professionalism". "The President asks all parties to respect the legal proceedings that have been completed and are currently underway," Johan said. "[The President] welcomes the public to monitor the next [phase of the ongoing legal] process [as Ahok has now been named a suspect]." (Read also: Ahok named suspect in blasphemy case) On Nov. 4, over 100,000 people, mostly from Muslim organizations, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), swarmed onto Jakarta's streets to demand that the police prosecute Ahok in response to comments about a verse of the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. The peaceful rally, however, turned violent later in the evening with a confrontation in front of the State Palace. Prior to the rally, a number of Muslim figures accused the President and law enforcers of protecting the governor. Ahok, who previously served as deputy Jakarta governor, replaced Jokowi after the latter won the presidential election in 2014. The same Muslim groups are reportedly organizing another rally on Nov. 25 in case the police drop the case against Ahok. Johan refused to comment on the possibility that the planned rally would go ahead despite the police having named Ahok a suspect. Earlier on Wednesday, during a visit to the Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) headquarters in Cilodong, on the outskirts of Jakarta, President Jokowi shared his confidence that there will be no more demonstrations in regards to the blasphemy case. The President has consolidated support from numerous groups in the country, including the military, the police and a number of Muslim groups, in an effort to maintain peace following the rally on Nov. 4. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Vice President Jusuf Kala has said that incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama should undergo the whole legal process he would have to bear after the police named the governor a suspect of blasphemy on Wednesday. Ahok should undergo [the whole process], because he has promised to do so. He is a suspect, right? Not necessarily proven guilty, Kalla said Wednesday in Jakarta after opening the International Business Integrity Conference (IBIC) held by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent in the predominantly Muslim country, sparked uproar among several Muslim groups that led to a massive Nov. 4 rally in Jakarta with comments on Quranic verses during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. On Tuesday, investigators from the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department heard testimony from dozens of witnesses and experts in a 10-hour closed-door case screening and played the section in question of Ahoks recorded speech. Many believe the blasphemy case is part of political maneuvers by some parties to disqualify Ahok and his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat from participation in next years gubernatorial election, where they seek to defend their positions. They are running against two other candidate pairs, Anies Baswedan-Sandiaga Uno and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono-Sylviana Murni. (fac) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is ready to take all measures, including partnering with foreign agencies, to find Eddy Sindoro, a former top executive of diversified giant Lippo Group who is implicated in a case of alleged bribery involving Supreme Court secretary Nurhadi, a commissioner has said. KPK commissioner Laode Syarif said the antigraft body had cooperated with its counterparts, such as Singapore's Corrupt Practice Investigation Bureau, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, to track Eddys whereabouts. If it's still difficult [to find him], we will ask for help from Interpol, Laode said, adding that KPK chairman Agus Rahardjo and commissioner Saut Situmorang had recently gone to the US to sign agreements with several agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, which aims to strengthen cooperation in eradicating corruption. Eddy is accused of being involved in a bribery case related to the handling of a case review in court. The KPK arrested Central Jakarta District Court registrar Edy Nasution on April 22 as he accepted a bribe from businessman Doddy Aryanto, who worked for developer PT Paramount Enterprise International. The company is reportedly a Lippo Group subsidiary for which Eddy served as chairman. Eddy has evaded KPK summons three times and gone overseas despite being issued with a travel ban by the antigraft body. Laode, however, refused to speculate on whether immigration officials had helped Eddy leave Indonesia. (fac/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Wed, November 16, 2016 Following a meeting between Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution and businesspeople in Batam, the minister postponed on Tuesday a plan to increase lease fees in the free trade zone in Riau Islands province. Darmin also postponed airport, seaport and hospital tax increases until after more meetings were held. The coordinating economic minister visited Batam following an order from President Joko Jokowi Widodo. Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly and National Police expert staff coordinator Insp. Gen. Burhanuddin Andi also paid a visit. Jokowis order came amid protests from Batam businesspeople who rejected the lease fee increase plan issued by the Batam Free Trade Zone Management Body (BP Batam). Representatives of Batam businesspeople met with Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki on Monday. Jokowi was away with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the time. Darmins entourage held three separate closed-door meetings on Tuesday with BP Batam head Hartanto Reksodipoero, Riau Islands Governor Nurdin Basirun and businesspeople. After listening to all parties, we decided to postpone the lease fee increase, he said. Darmin said the legal basis for the increase was Finance Ministerial Regulation No. 148/2016, thus he would schedule a meeting with Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati to evaluate the plan. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 The Press Council has expressed concern about the safety of journalists when covering demonstrations in the country in the aftermath of the massive rally by Muslim groups in Jakarta on Nov. 4, which saw a number of violent acts being committed against several reporters covering the story. During the Nov. 4 rally, in which around 100,000 protesters from several Muslim groups demanded the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a number of reporters, from outlets such as Kompas TV and Metro TV, were prevented from covering the event by some protesters who accused them of being partisan. Press Council chairman Yosep Adi Prasetyo said on Tuesday that the public had to welcome any journalists regardless of their institutions to cover important events such as the recent rally. 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 Asif Shahzad (Associated Press) Islamabad Wed, November 16, 2016 Some 400 Turkish nationals affiliated with a chain of international schools in Pakistan were ordered by Islamabad to leave the country within 72 hours, officials said Wednesday ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit. The move was announced on the website of the Pak-Turk International chain of schools and colleges, and confirmed by two school officials. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity saying they feared for their safety when they returned to Turkey. Turkish officials have accused the school of being affiliated with the movement of US-based dissident cleric Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan is to arrive in Pakistan later Wednesday on a two-day visit. He has accused Gulen supporters of staging a failed July 15 coup attempt. His government later seized hundreds of social, educational and health care facilities and sacked thousands of employees on suspicion of working for Gulen. The school operates 28 campuses throughout Pakistan. Of those being asked to leave, 108 are staff members and the rest are family members. Erdogan welcomed Pakistan's decision. At Ankara's airport before leaving for Islamabad, Erdogan praised Pakistan for showing solidarity with Turkey against Gulen's movement which Turkey has designated a terror organization. "They moved rapidly in the direction of ending the [Gulen movement's] presence in Pakistan and toward thwarting their attempts at unrest," Erdogan said. "As you know Pakistan has asked persons linked to the organization to leave the country by Nov. 20. This is very pleasing for us." One of the Pak-Turk school officials denied that the institution was in any way related to Gulen. He said school was registered locally and fulfilled all local legal requirements. The other official said the school will challenge the decision because it wasn't possible for so many people to leave on such short notice. Both officials said that the expulsions will not hinder the day-to-day functioning of the school system, since the vast majority of the 1,500 staff members are Pakistani. Erdogan said Turkey's educational authorities would help Pakistan overcome any problems the expulsion may cause. "We will do whatever we can to ensure that there is no void or suffering as a result of the ouster of this organization from the country," he said. A Pakistani Interior Ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Associated Press. ___ Associated Press writer Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey contributed to this report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Pematang Siantar Wed, November 16 2016 After being postponed for almost a year, the mayoral election in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra, is finally set to kick off on Wednesday. As many as 188,133 registered voters are ready to cast ballots in 535 polling stations distributed throughout 53 subdistricts across the city. Tagor Sitohang from the Siantar Marihat area expressed gratitude that the election was finally ready to be conducted after a lawsuit filed by two of the candidates had caused several delays. 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 Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 The National Police said on Wednesday that investigators had to deal with sharp differences before naming Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in a high-profile blasphemy case. Speaking in a press conference, the head of the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto, said there were stark differences of opinion among the 21 police investigators assigned to handle the case. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian explained that such contrasting opinions had occurred because experts invited to testify in the case were also deeply divided. "The investigators were divided because the experts were. However, some of them believed there are criminal elements in this case. Therefore, they have decided to bring this case to an open trial, Tito said. The police invited 39 experts from various backgrounds, including criminal law, language, religion, psychology, anthropology and digital forensics, to testify in the case. Ahok is accused of violating Article 156 of the Criminal Code regarding blasphemy, in reference to Article 28 (2) of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law. Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent in the predominantly Muslim country, sparked uproar among Muslim groups and communities after he made a comment about a verse in the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have so far received around a dozen reports regarding the case. On Nov. 4, over 100,000 people, mostly from Muslim groups, swarmed onto Jakarta's streets to demand Ahok's prosecution for alleged blasphemy. Previously, a number of Muslim figures accused law enforcers of protecting the governor. 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, has strongly denied the accusations and said the police would continue the legal process. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 The National Police have said its decision to charge Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama with blasphemy ahead of the February gubernatorial election is a break from tradition. Police chief Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian said a 2013 circular issued by the police chief at the time advised the force to postpone any criminal investigation implicating an election candidate until the election was over. The purpose of the circular was to prevent politicians from using criminal investigations as a political weapon. The police, however, decided to ignore the circular given the sensitivity of Ahoks case. Considering the highly sensitive nature of the case, I had even ordered the head of the [National Polices] Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) to begin investigating this case before Oct. 21," Tito said, referring to Bareskrim head Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto. The police had received 14 reports from Islamic organizations that accused Ahok of committing blasphemy. Police questioned 29 witnesses and 39 experts in the investigation before screening the case on Tuesday. Ahok has been accused of defaming the Quran for suggesting that some people have been exploiting the Islamic holy scripture for political purposes. On Nov. 4, thousands of protesters staged a mass demonstration to urge law enforcers to prosecute Ahok for alleged blasphemy. They threatened to hold another large-scale protest on Nov. 25 had police cleared Ahok. (ary) DENVER, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado Association Services, an Associa company, is proud to announce it has named Ann Williams as president. Williams joined Associa in November and is overseeing operations, business development and the association management teams within the three branch locations in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Lakewood. "We are excited to bring in someone with local industry experience and a track record of successful leadership," says Associa Regional Vice President Heather Kerwin. "Ann is an energetic and motivational person who will provide direction and expertise to our team, and lead the effort in providing our clients and communities with unsurpassed service." Prior to Associa, Williams was president of Hammersmith Management where she worked for the last eight years. Before that, she served as vice president for national and international hotel companies. Williams earned a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) designation from Community Associations Institute (CAI) and has a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of California Sonoma State. Building and managing successful communities for more than 37 years, Associa is the leader in community management with over 10,000 employees operating more than 180 branch offices in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Based in Dallas, Texas, our industry expertise, financial strength, and innovation meet the unique needs of clients across the world with customized services and solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more about Associa and its charitable organization, Associa Cares, go to www.associaonline.com or www.associacares.com. Stay Connected: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/associa Twitter: https://twitter.com/associa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/associa Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/associa/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/associamarketing Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Associaonline/ A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=41892 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 As a result of the dissenting opinion within the police's investigation team that eventually named Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect for alleged blasphemy, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian hoped that Ahok's future trial would be aired live by television stations so the public could witness the hearings firsthand. "Police have decided to bring the case to an open trial. Therefore, just like Jessica's case for example, anyone can see the testimonies and opinion conveyed in the hearing. We hand over the case's decision to the judges," Tito said on Wednesday, referring to the recent high-profile murder trial implicating Jessica Kumala Wongso. (Read also:Ahok named suspect in blasphemy case) Tito said there was dissenting opinion among the 21 police officers who investigated the case under the leadership of National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) general crimes director Brig. Gen. Agus Andrianto. Views had differed because of the contrasting opinions given by dozens of experts who had testified in this case, Tito said. Some of the officers saw a criminal element in Ahok's speech, which made reference to a Quranic verse on Sept. 27 during an event in Thousand Islands regency, while some did not. However, most of the investigators took the stance that Ahoks speech was an act of criminality, Tito said. After naming Ahok a suspect, police would soon issue a letter of investigation, which would hand over the case to the prosecutor. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya and Moses Omposunggu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Amid mounting public pressure, the National Police will announce on Wednesday morning whether they have sufficient evidence and testimony to name Jakarta gubernatorial candidate and incumbent governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in a blasphemy case. The announcement of the case screening results will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m., the National Police said in an invitation sent to reporters. 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 Nov. 4, over 100,000 people, mostly from various Muslim groups, swarmed Jakarta's streets to demand Ahok's prosecution for alleged blasphemy. (Read also: Suspect or not, Ahok will move on) On Tuesday, investigators from the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) heard testimonies from dozens of witnesses and experts during a 10-hour closed-door case screening session. Previously, a number of Muslim figures had 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. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, however, strongly denied the accusation and said that the police would continue the legal process. (hwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wibawanto Nugroho (The Jakarta Post) Washington, DC Wed, November 16 2016 One way to predict the likely impacts of Donald Trumps US presidential election victory on a global level is by comprehending the philosophical and practical grounds of his probable national security strategy. This is indeed the open manifestation of his national security motivation, premise and policy and president-elect Trump should have his own published by 2017. National security strategy in the strictest sense pursues a broader definition of security defense, diplomacy and development while the modern-day national security strategy characterizing Trumps future administration is more complex than just the choice between the employment of soft and hard power that so far has typified the simple distinction of Republican and Democratic security policies. 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 Grace D. Amianti, Nethy Dharma Somba and Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Jayapura/Kupang Wed, November 16, 2016 Regional administrations may face challenges in implementing an upcoming rule to boost infrastructure spending in their regions, owing to low capacity and weak spending quality. The new rule, in the form of a finance ministerial regulation, will require regional administrations to boost their role in infrastructure spending next year, as the 2017 State Budget Law stipulates that regions must allocate a minimum of 25 percent of their budget for infrastructure development. The 25 percent allocation for infrastructure must be included in the general transfer fund (DTU) which comprises revenue-sharing funds (DBH) and general allocation funds (DAU) from the central government. The governments seriousness in developing infrastructure is shown through the allocation of Rp 387.3 trillion (US$29.04 billion) for infrastructure in the 2017 state budget, a 22 percent increase from the previous years revised budget. The Finance Ministrys Regional Fiscal Balance Director General Boediarso Teguh Widodo said the upcoming revised policy would comprise clear guidelines for regional administrations to arrange programs and projects for the 25 percent allocated infrastructure funds in their budgets, as well as the reporting procedure. Regions will be punished for failing to allocate 25 percent for infrastructure, he said without providing details. According to data from the ministry, 363 out of the 542 regions across the country spent less than 25 percent of their budget on infrastructure in 2015. Boediarso acknowledged that some regions remained weak in infrastructure spending, as they chose to spend mostly on routine expenditures, such as salaries and operational activities. The implementation of the new policy, however, may not be as smooth as expected. Papuan Peoples Representative Council (DPRP) Commission C chairman Carolus Bolly said the provinces lawmakers and administration had yet to receive the technical guidelines on the governments new infrastructure policy, preventing them from starting discussion on the provinces 2017 budget with less than two months left. Papua has allocated Rp 1.1 trillion in infrastructure funds in this years regional budget, excluding the special autonomy funds of Rp 5.4 trillion under the 2001 Papua Special Autonomy Law. Hendrik Paut, the secretary of Kupang regency in East Nusa Tenggara, said the mind-set of officials was a potential obstacle. The Kupang regency will maintain the portion of its public spending at a minimum of 60 percent in 2017, the same as this year. A major portion of the spending figure will be channeled for agriculture-supporting infrastructure since agriculture has become the largest revenue source in the region. Economists have said that while the new strategy would help accelerate infrastructure development, a special allocation alone would not solve all infrastructure problems because many regional administrations had their own issues to deal with. Outside Java, many [officials] are still clueless regarding the most suitable and effective infrastructure projects for their regions, while having limited available funds, Center of Reform in Economics (CORE) Indonesia research director Mohammad Faisal said. Apriadi Gunawan, Severianus Endi, Jon Afrizal and Wahyoe Boediwardhana contributed to the story. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 While coal prices unexpectedly reached an all-time high ahead of US president-elect Donald Trumps victory, the countrys coal mining sector must still rely on the domestic market as doubts have arisen about Trumps ability to revive the coal industry. Thermal coal in the Australian port of Newcastle, the benchmark for Asia, traded at US$105.81 per ton at the end of last month. Reuters reported that this was 109 percent higher than at the end of 2015 when coal prices slumped as a result of overproduction and sluggish demand from the main coal buyer China. It was part of Trumps campaign last month to boost the coal industry in the worlds second-largest economy. Will it affect the worlds coal industry, especially Indonesia as the main coal exporter in Southeast Asia? Many people doubt that. Bloomberg has even reported that doubts have arisen recently in the US over Trumps ability to revive coals glory, as abundant shale gas has structurally eroded the coal market. Therefore, the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) has expressed its pessimism over the coal price outlook next year. APBI chairman Pandu P. Sjahrir believes that the Newcastle price will experience a retreat of around $30 per ton next year, leaving the price to settle at around $80 per ton. The price is expected to remain at between $60 and $80 per ton next year with China continuing to control its coal production. This is expected to help boost production of a few Indonesian coal-mining companies with large reserves, but will prove unhelpful for the majority of smaller miners. Furthermore, according to Pandu, it is unlikely that coal production will reach the record high of its glory days in 2010 and 2011, even though Indonesia will remain a major coal exporter over the next few years. The association believes that Indonesian coal miners are still relying on the governments plan to procure 35,000 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity by 2019, almost 20,000 MW of which will be produced by coal-fired power plants. The question now is how to boost Indonesias domestic market. For the past three years, [local] production has remained stagnant at around 90 million to 100 million tons, Pandu said, adding that 200 million tons of coal could be produced annually if the 35,000 MW program was successful. Last year, Indonesia only produced 383 million tons of coal, falling short of the 425 million tons target. Although this years target has been trimmed to 419 million tons, BMI Research, a unit of Fitch Group, predicts that only 314 million tons will be produced by the year-end. However, this will be followed by a subdued 3 percent year-on-year growth starting this year until 2020. BMI Research commodities analyst Sabrin Chowdhury observed that the countrys exportable surplus would stagnate as result of both government policy to conserve domestic reserves and strong demand from local coal-fired power plants. State-owned electricity company PLN has predicted that by 2025, 50 percent of all electricity will be procured from coal-fueled power plants, whether they be steam or combined steam-gas power plants. She noted that the governments appetite for coal-fueled power plants also stemmed from its eagerness to move away from diesel-fueled plants since domestic demand for oil has far outgrown production. In order to reduce the impact on the current account deficit from oil-based power generation on its current account deficit, we expect coal to play a larger role in Indonesias power sector given that the feedstock can be sourced locally, Chowdhury said. Thus, she projects that coal would remain king despite emphasis on the use of cleaner energy sources and the outlook for future investments in the Indonesian coal sector was still positive, especially as the government has provided as an incentive the cost-plus pricing scheme. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry recently revised a ministerial regulation on mine-mouth power plants, which previously stipulated that the cost of coal bought by electricity producers would be based on production cost and a margin between 15 and 25 percent. The revised regulation, issued in September, stipulates that although the margin will be maintained, the coal price must be negotiated business-to-business. The scheme was changed following months of resistance from PLN, which claimed the cost-plus scheme was economically unfeasible. The ministrys mineral and coal director general, Bambang Gatot Ariyono, expressed his optimism that the new scheme would help achieve this years non-tax revenue target of Rp 30.1 trillion (US$2.3 billion). According to ministerial data, Rp 19.26 trillion, or around 64 percent, of the target has been reached by the beginning of October. ------------------- 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. 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 (The Jakarta Post) Vientiane, Laos Wed, November 16, 2016 Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has called for concrete action to follow up on regional security agreements signed by all ASEAN countries. In his remarks during the opening session of the 2016 ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday, Ryamizard cited two crucial issues that raised concerns in ASEAN member meetings: terrorism and the disputed South China Sea. We have frequently discussed concerns [on regional security]. Its time to take concrete action to realize our discussions, Ryamizard said. He emphasized the importance for all ASEANs defense ministers to remain unified to uphold safety in the region. We must continue our togetherness and even improve our cooperation. Defense ministers from all ASEAN countries gathered at the ADMM in Laos to informally discuss security in the region. It is aimed at strengthening communication and solidarity among ASEAN countries, especially regarding security concerns. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim and Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 The bomb attack perpetrated by alleged Islamic State (IS) group sympathizers at a church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, killing a toddler and injuring three others, aimed to provoke religious tensions in the area, an analyst says. But the terror group will likely fail at achieving this goal, as both Muslims and Christians have condemned the attack, which came at a time when the country is facing a growing threat of religious intolerance. 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 Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 The bomb attack perpetrated by alleged Islamic State (IS) group sympathizers at a church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, killing a toddler and injuring three others, aimed to provoke religious tensions in the area, an analyst says. But the terror group will likely fail at achieving this goal, as both Muslims and Christians have condemned the attack, which came at a time when the country is facing a growing threat of religious intolerance. Instead of blaming a specific religion for the attack, religious followers have left it up to law enforcement bodies to resolve the case, a move that has prevented the emergence of sectarian conflict in the area, University of Indonesia (UI) terrorism expert Ridwan Habib said. The majority of Samarindas residents are Muslim, with 841,682 adherents, followed by Protestantism with 52,445 followers and Catholicism with 22,554 followers. East Kalimantan has never experienced a religious conflict before, but the province saw a bloody ethnic conflict in one of its cities, Tarakan, in 2010. Another bloody ethnic conflict rocked Sampit in neighboring Central Kalimantan in 2001. Triggering sectarian conflict was the typical goal of IS attacks, Ridwan said. Targeting a church, he said, would create tension between Muslims and Christians in the region, especially Christian followers from the Dayak tribe, one of the largest tribes in the region. But so far there is no indication that the attack will trigger retaliation from local Christians. The family of Trinity Hutahaean, a 4-year-old toddler who was severely wounded in the attack, said they had forgiven the alleged perpetrator, identified as Johanda. Trinitys aunt Roina Simanjuntak said that the family would let God decide whether revenge was exacted on Johanda for his attack on a group of innocent toddlers playing in the church compound with a molotov cocktail. Roina added that the family also did not condemn the attacker because God teaches us to forgive and not to pay revenge. I have a big hope that my family members, especially Trinitys mother, can face this hard time. She is still in trauma after seeing what happened to her child, Roina said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. Trinitys mother remained patient and did not pray for God to punish Johanda, Roina added. Dont let this incident happen again in the future. [The offender] has done enough to hurt the family. Ridwan said that Sundays bombing was not a random incident, but a planned attack. Johanda, a former terrorism convict, had lived for years in Samarinda, where he joined an East Kalimantan branch of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) a domestic terrorist faction that supports IS. He had been looking for a target: the easiest and the most vulnerable one in the area where he lived. He was not someone sent to the area to carry out the attack, he said. Ridwan said that the attack took place just days after IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a public call for all IS sympathizers to launch sporadic attacks across the globe as the terrorist group was cornered in Mosul in Iraq after a US-led coalition intensified attacks in the region. The Samarinda attack did not come as a surprise to him because the city had seen growing campaigns calling for the establishment of a khilafah (caliphate) in the past two years, Ridwan said. You will find growing pro-khilafah movement activities in Samarinda including pengajian [religious gatherings] and rallies, Ridwan said. Local branches of JAD and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) have long campaigned for a caliphate system in Samarinda, said Ridwan, but the difference was that JAD justified the use of violence to establish a caliphate system, while HTI did not. Both organizations have different strategies [to establish a caliphate]. HTI has said that it did not justify violence, while JAD considers such an act as a form of jihad, Ridwan said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 US president-elect Donald Trumps expected protectionist policy will not immediately impact on Indonesias trade, but long-term effects may arise from its relations with China, experts say. Since Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 8, all eyes have been fixated on the US and its new leaders moves, especially on promises made during his campaign. Trump has previously asserted that decades of free-trade policies are responsible for the collapse of the American manufacturing industry and he plans on erecting trade barriers after being sworn in as president. However, Maybank Indonesia economist Juniman said on Tuesday that the impactif Trump proceeds with his plansmay only be felt in the second half of 2017. It wont affect us in the near future. Suppose he intends to implement such a policy, Trump will need time to negotiate with the US Congress, Juniman told The Jakarta Post. The US has traditionally been one of Indonesias major trading partners and the latest data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the US topped the list of non-oil and gas export destinations throughout this year. The volume of non-oil and gas exports to the US almost reached US$13 billion from January to October, an increase of 0.5 percent annually. The products exported included apparel, rubber, fish products, minerals, coffee, wood and cocoa. Juniman said Indonesia had a competitive advantage as many of its exported products could not be produced by the US domestically, adding that people should not worry over the future of Indonesia-US trade relations. However, an indirect impact could come from China, which is Indonesias other major trading partner. If the US really sets high tariffs on Chinas imported goods, Chinas economy will face a slowdown and so will our economy, Juniman said. Bloomberg reported Trumps threats to slap tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese imports cast a shadow over Chinas stability and the worlds most crucial trade relationship. Indonesias relations with China have also been strong. China sat at the second position in terms of exports a with value of $11.39 billion from January to October, rising by 3.4 percent year-on-year. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam concurred with Juniman, saying Indonesia had been a part of Chinas production network, including by supplying raw materials for the production of various key commodities in China. Indonesia exported $1.17 billion worth of commodities to China from January to October, including coking coal, palm oil and ferronickel, according to the BPS. If the protectionist policy is implemented by the US, Indonesia will be affected in the long run, especially in the sectors of mining, plantation, palm oil, rubber and cocoa, Latif said. One way to solve the problem was to find new export destinations and strengthen the domestic market, he added. Meanwhile, BPS deputy head for distribution and statistics Sasmito Hadi Wibowo said he was optimistic that the value of Indonesias exports could surpass $140 billion by year-end, from $117.09 billion as of October, considering the recent hike in global commodity prices. A gauge of Indonesian miners has risen 21 percent this quarter, compared with a 4.6 percent decline in the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) , as output curbs in China pushed up coal prices and nickel was supported by an environmental crackdown in the Philippines, the worlds top supplier, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Mining and agriculture were the only two of nine industry gauges on the JCI to climb on Friday as the measure plunged 4 percent in its biggest drop in three years. The price of power-station coal at Australias Newcastle port also surged 34 percent in October, the most since February 2009, and has more than doubled this half to almost $110 a ton. ------------------- 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 Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 US president-elect Donald Trumps expected protectionist policy will not immediately impact on Indonesias trade, but long-term effects may arise from its relations with China, experts say. Since Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 8, all eyes have been fixated on the US and its new leaders moves, especially on promises made during his campaign. Trump has previously asserted that decades of free-trade policies are responsible for the collapse of the American manufacturing industry and he plans on erecting trade barriers after being sworn in as president. However, Maybank Indonesia economist Juniman said on Tuesday that the impactif Trump proceeds with his plansmay only be felt in the second half of 2017. It wont affect us in the near future. Suppose he intends to implement such a policy, Trump will need time to negotiate with the US Congress, Juniman told The Jakarta Post. The US has traditionally been one of Indonesias major trading partners and the latest data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the US topped the list of non-oil and gas export destinations throughout this year. The volume of non-oil and gas exports to the US almost reached US$13 billion from January to October, an increase of 0.5 percent annually. The products exported included apparel, rubber, fish products, minerals, coffee, wood and cocoa. Juniman said Indonesia had a competitive advantage as many of its exported products could not be produced by the US domestically, adding that people should not worry over the future of Indonesia-US trade relations. However, an indirect impact could come from China, which is Indonesias other major trading partner. If the US really sets high tariffs on Chinas imported goods, Chinas economy will face a slowdown and so will our economy, Juniman said. Bloomberg reported Trumps threats to slap tariffs of up to 45 percent on Chinese imports cast a shadow over Chinas stability and the worlds most crucial trade relationship. (-/-) Indonesias relations with China have also been strong. China sat at the second position in terms of exports a with value of $11.39 billion from January to October, rising by 3.4 percent year-on-year. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam concurred with Juniman, saying Indonesia had been a part of Chinas production network, including by supplying raw materials for the production of various key commodities in China. Indonesia exported $1.17 billion worth of commodities to China from January to October, including coking coal, palm oil and ferronickel, according to the BPS. If the protectionist policy is implemented by the US, Indonesia will be affected in the long run, especially in the sectors of mining, plantation, palm oil, rubber and cocoa, Latif said. One way to solve the problem was to find new export destinations and strengthen the domestic market, he added. Meanwhile, BPS deputy head for distribution and statistics Sasmito Hadi Wibowo said he was optimistic that the value of Indonesias exports could surpass $140 billion by year-end, from $117.09 billion as of October, considering the recent hike in global commodity prices. A gauge of Indonesian miners has risen 21 percent this quarter, compared with a 4.6 percent decline in the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) , as output curbs in China pushed up coal prices and nickel was supported by an environmental crackdown in the Philippines, the worlds top supplier, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Mining and agriculture were the only two of nine industry gauges on the JCI to climb on Friday as the measure plunged 4 percent in its biggest drop in three years. The price of power-station coal at Australias Newcastle port also surged 34 percent in October, the most since February 2009, and has more than doubled this half to almost $110 a ton. HAMILTON, N.J., Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest video installment of LeadingThoughts from LeadingAge New Jersey focuses on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Anti-Fraud Toolkit designed to provide senior citizens with the information they need to recognize and avoid scams. LeadingAge New Jersey President & CEO Michele Kent interviewed director Steve Lee about this vital tool. New Jersey's seniors fall victim to financial frauds and scams more than any other group. Targeted because many in the over 60 generation have accrued financial assets like property or a nest egg, fraudsters also zero in on this vulnerable population because older New Jerseyans are less likely to report the crime - they may not know who to report it to or are too ashamed at having been scammed. Michele Kent commented, "With the financial loss by victims of elder financial crimes and exploitation exceeding $2.9 billion dollars annually, it is crucial for LeadingAge New Jersey to get the word out to our members, our partners and to the public about ways to prevent fraud for our New Jersey seniors. Not only does fraud take a financial toll, but it can be emotionally devastating. NJDCA Director Steve Lee reiterated, Financial fraud doesnt just cheat senior citizens out of their money, it robs them of their dignity and sense of security. A critical component of the Anti-Fraud Toolkit is its "Real-Time Fraud Alerts" which are emailed to a network of senior center employees, caretakers, and others who work with and have access to seniors and can post or distribute these alerts. This is an immediate way to communicate active frauds and scams directly to seniors, whether it be an IRS tax scam or fraudulent contractors going door to door. About LeadingAge NJ LeadingAge New Jersey is the statewide association of not-for-profit senior care organizations and is dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey through advocacy, education and fellowship. Together with our partner, LeadingAge, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16 2016 Religious conflicts and nationwide violence continue to taint the state of tolerance in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority nation, with the recent blasphemy allegation lodged against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama and a church attack in Samarinda, East Kalimantan exposing the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with religious-motivated crimes, activists have said. Speaking at a discussion to mark International Tolerance Day, which falls on Nov. 16, Setara Institute research director Ismail Hasani said the trend of conservatism among societies had continued to rise and contributed the most to religious-based violence and tension. With its leniency in enforcing the law without exception while being persistent in maintaining regulations considered discriminatory toward minority religious groups, the government has also given room for conservatism to grow, Ismail said. 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 Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Wed, November 16, 2016 Semarang District Court on Wednesday sentenced United States citizen Philip Russell, aka Kamran Muzaffar Malik, to life imprisonment for his involvement in smuggling 97 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (locally known as sabu-sabu) from Guangzhou, China. The incriminating factor is that the sabu-sabu could destroy the young generation, presiding judge Nur Ali said. Russell, through his lawyer Freddy, said he decided to appeal the verdict. Nur Ali said Russell was found guilty for his involvement in smuggling the drug into Indonesia via Tanjung Emas harbor of Semarang in December last year. The defendant who had been working at a money transfer service company in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, since 2014, helped finance the importation of electrical generators from China, During a raid on a furniture workshop in Jepara, Central Java, in January last year, National Narcotics Agency officers found the drugs hidden inside the generators. The officers then investigated further and afterwards arrested Russell and others. (Read also:Pakistani drug smuggler gets death) Earlier, the court sentenced one of Russells accomplices, Muhammad Riaz, a Pakistani who was believed to be the leader of the drug smuggling network, to death. The court also sentenced Faiq Akhtar, Citra Kurniawan and Tommy Agung Pratomo each to life imprisonment, while Restiyadi Sayoko and Didi Triono got 20 years and 15 years in prison respectively in the same case. (jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Vientiane Times/ANN) Wed, November 16, 2016 Governors and Mayors of ASEAN capital cities have adopted the theme Commitment and Responsibility of ASEAN Capitals for ASEAN Integration, which covers four main subthemes. The subthemes are: creating ASEAN capitals as livable cities; ensuring public security; the preservation and promotion of traditional and cultural heritage and promotion of tourism; and cooperation in strengthening the workforce. This information was outlined by Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune during the fourth Meeting of Governors/Mayors of ASEAN Capitals, held in Vientiane Tuesday. In his opening remarks, Sinlavong said the theme of the meeting was compatible with the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, which all ASEAN governments have consensually adopted. This meeting takes place at the same time as the 450th anniversary of the That Luang stupa, which is considered to be the biggest cultural festival in Laos, Sinlavong said. He observed that the meeting served as a forum for discussion and the sharing of knowledge and experiences between ASEAN governors and mayors, which would ultimately contribute to the development of ASEAN capitals. He said the successful outcome of the third Meeting of Governors and Mayors of ASEAN Capitals had contributed to a closer relationship between ASEAN capitals, especially in terms of sharing best practices in various areas. Those have underpinned the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, such as sustainable urban development, traffic congestion solutions, the creation of green capitals, tourism industry, workforce capacity enhancement, cultural exchange, and other issues. Sinlavong said many interesting activities have been planned such as art exhibitions, and the exhibition of local products from ASEAN capitals. During the meeting, Sinlavong asked for cooperation and contributions from all delegates in sharing their ideas on the above-mentioned issues in a constructive manner and fruitful atmosphere, in line with the ASEAN slogan: ASEAN, we are bonded as one. Sinlavong thanked the governors and mayors of ASEAN capitals for their contributions to the meeting. This indicates a manifestation of support and readiness to strengthen the integration and realisation of the ASEAN Community at the local level, he said. Sinlavong encouraged the visiting governors and mayors to visit various landmarks and appreciate the beauty of Lao culture and nature during their stay in Vientiane. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jim Gomez (Associated Press) Manila Wed, November 16, 2016 The Philippine president, who has lashed out at President Barack Obama for criticizing his deadly crackdown on drugs, said his ties with the United States are likely to improve under Donald Trump, but that he is also excited to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin at an upcoming Asia-Pacific summit. President Rodrigo Duterte made upbeat remarks about both the president-elect and Putin at a news conference late Tuesday in Manila. Asked whether his ties with America can improve under Trump, Duterte replied: "I'm sure, we have no quarrel. I can always be a friend to anybody, especially to a ... president, chief executive of another country." Duterte, who has been compared to Trump because of his irreverence toward rivals and critics, said he trusted the US president-elect's judgment and expected him to be fair in dealing with people living in the US illegally. Filipinos are one of the largest expatriate groups in the United States. His friendly remarks were a departure from his comments on the campaign trail in March, when he took offense at being compared to Trump. "Donald Trump is a bigot, I am not," Duterte told The Associated Press, referring to Trump's proposals to ban Muslims from entering the US and erect a wall along the Mexican border. Duterte, 71, has had a frosty relationship with Obama and the US government since US officials expressed reservations about his anti-drug war, which is thought to have left more than 4,000 people dead since July. He has told Obama to "go to hell" and announced his "separation" from America, his country's treaty ally, during a state visit to China last month. Duterte later said he meant he wanted to chart a foreign policy that would not lean excessively on America. His push away from Washington has been accompanied by approaches to China and Russia. Duterte said he is looking forward to meeting with Putin at this month's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru, and wants the two countries to have stronger ties. "I will not ask for anything. I want to be friends with him, I just want the two countries to be the best of friends," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Hanoi Wed, November 16, 2016 Britain's Prince William has arrived on his first visit to Vietnam where he will take part in an international conference on illegal wildlife trade in the fight to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered species from extinction. The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of United for Wildlife, will meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on Wednesday before attending the two-day conference starting Thursday in Hanoi. "He knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation," the Prince's office said in a statement Tuesday. On Saturday, Vietnamese authorities destroyed 2,253 kilograms (4,956 pounds) of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns, sending a message that the government wants illegal wildlife trafficking stopped. Vietnam is one of the world's major transit points and consumers of trafficked ivory and rhino horns. The Hanoi conference on illegal wildlife trade will bring together leaders and senior officials from more than 40 countries as well as experts from international wildlife conservation groups. The conference is the third of its kind after the one held in London in 2014 and another in Botswana last year. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Associated Press) Bangkok Wed, November 16, 2016 Advocates for Myanmar's Muslim ethnic Rohingya community say more than 100 members of the minority group have been killed in government counterinsurgency sweeps in the western state of Rakhine. Ko Ko Linn of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization said by phone Wednesday that according to villagers, at least 150 people had been killed by security forces since Saturday. He alleged that the government sought to cover up the killings by barring the media and aid groups from the area. The government has acknowledged the deaths of 69 "violent attackers" and 17 members of the security forces. The attackers weren't identified, but the army has aligned with Rakhine Buddhists against the Rohingya. The government says the attackers burned down hundreds of homes, but rights groups blame the army for such actions. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Annabeth Leow (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore Wed, November 16, 2016 Life imitates art imitates life, in a bizarre case of photographic imitation among the well-heeled, well-traveled social media celebrity set. Australian blogger Lauren Bullen's Instagram account - under the handle @gypsea_lust - is dotted with decadent scenes of breakfast or sunbathing in farflung locales such as Greece, Spain and Morocco. Ms Bullen, 23, wrote in a blog post dated Nov 11 that another woman had been deliberately recreating her online photos. The second woman, going by the name Diana Alexa, had visited the exact same places that Ms Bullen had, and took photos in similar outfits and poses. Some of Ms Alexa's pictures, which Ms Bullen shared on her blog, were dated in September and October. (Read also: 10 local travelers to follow on Instagram) A photo posted by LAUREN BULLEN (@gypsea_lust) on Nov 12, 2016 at 8:13pm PST Ms Bullen subsequently wrote that she had been in contact with Ms Alexa, who has since removed the photographs. Ms Bullen also took down her original blog post criticizing the slew of replica photos. "She just got inspired and liked the style of my work," Ms Bullen wrote, adding that she did not wish to speak to the media about the incident. Ms Bullen, who has more than 700,000 followers on Instagram, denied that it had been a publicity stunt. 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 News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Adisumarmo International Airport in Surakarta, Central Java, has been recognized as the country's healthiest airport by the health and transportation ministries. The airports general manager, Abdullah Usman, told Antara news agency Tuesday that it underwent an assessment prior to topping the international airport category. This award shows that even a small airport like Adisumarmo can compete and have achievements in terms of improving services for our customers," said Abdullah. (Read more: Jokowi to inaugurate Mianggas Airport in N. Sulawesi) Winners of the biennial award must meet specific requirements, including by implementing environmental health policies and infrastructure planning, as well as by providing a safe and healthy work environment and security area. Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport in Pekanbaru, Riau, and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, were named second and third place winners, respectively. (jes/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, November 16, 2016 Two Indonesian students brought home trophies from an Asia-Pacific water rocket competition in Los Banos, the Philippines, on Sunday. The competition is part of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) or the 23rd assembly of institutes of aeronautics and space. Bayu Dwi Tjahyono, a student of SMPN 5 state junior high school in Kebumen in Central Java, was awarded second place in the competition. Meanwhile, Alfian Pebriansyah from SMKN 4 state vocational school in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, placed third. According to the official website of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), both students had previously won the water rocket competition at the regional and national level. Prior to going to the Philippines, they had received training on basic principles of creating water rockets by the institute's Rocket Technology Center Team (Pustekroket). (Read also: Indonesian student among 2016 Diabetes Award winners) Alfian Pebriansyah (center) from SMKN 4 state vocational school in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, who placed third at an Asia-Pacific water rocket competition receives an award at the competition's ceremony.(LAPAN/File) The winner of this years competition comes from Malaysia, while the [fan's] favorite winner is from Vietnam, LAPAN spokesperson Mega Mardita told Antara news agency, adding that the institute hoped the competition would encourage Indonesian children to learn more about science, aeronautics and space. The Asia-Pacific water rocket competition was established in 2005 for 12 to 16-year-old students. This years contest saw 54 students from 13 countries participating, which included Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Cambodia. The rockets were basically made from carbonated water bottles filled with water and were launched by enabling the right pressure and angle. (wir/kes) Its a tough time to be an immigrant in America. Last night at the Tenement Museum, there was an uplifting event: 15 people were sworn in as new American citizens. Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told them: Dont listen to those who say you have to choose between being a proud American and a proud immigrant: You can be both, you must be both. [Daily News] The NYPD hate crimes unit is investigating after a swastika was found on the building where State Sen. Brad Hoylman lives. [Channel 7] A company that makes puppets was almost forced out of business by a workmans comp snafu. [Channel 7] The acclaimed Lower East Side restaurant, Contra, has won a star from Michelin. [Eater] New York Cares launched its 28th annual coat drive at the Bowery Mission. [Channel 7] ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX), (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 will be released before the opening of the U.S. financial markets on Thursday, November 17, 2016. The Company had previously announced that these financial results were scheduled to be released on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. As previously announced, the Companys management will conduct a conference call and simultaneous Internet webcast to review these results at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. Investors may access the webcast by visiting the Companys website at www.dianashippinginc.com, and clicking on the webcast link. The conference call also may be accessed by telephone by dialing 1-877-407-8291 (for U.S.-based callers) or 1-201-689-8345 (for international callers), and asking the operator for the Diana Shipping Inc. conference call. A replay of the webcast will be available soon after the completion of the call and will be accessible for 30 days on www.dianashippinginc.com. A telephone replay also will be available for 30 days by dialing 1-877-660-6853 (for U.S.-based callers) or 1-201-612-7415 (for international callers), and providing the Replay ID number 13646687. About the Company Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Age Farm Inc. (CSE:NF) (OTC:NWGFF) (FSE:ONF) (www.newagefarminc.com) (New Age Farm or the Company) is pleased to announce it has completed the non-brokered private placement announced on October 31, 2016 (the Financing). The Company raised a total of $722,250. Pursuant to the Financing, the Company will issue a total of 8,497,058 million units (the Units), where each Unit consists of one common share at a price of $0.085 per Share (the Shares) and one whole share purchase warrant (the Warrants), where each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share in the equity of the Company at a price of $0.20 per warrant share for a period of two years from the date of closing of the Financing. The Company granted agents an option to cover over-allotments (the Over-Allotment Option) which allowed agents to offer up to 1,750,000 additional Units. The Company has used the Over-Allotment Option to issue 1,397,058 Units, and these over-allotment Units are included in the total referenced earlier in this news release. The Company will pay commission of $28,035 in cash and issue 329,824 broker warrants in connection with the Financing (the Broker Warrants). Each whole Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share in the equity of the Company at a price of $0.20 per warrant share for a period of two years from the date of closing of the Financing. In addition, a total of 5,000,000 finders warrants will be issued at an exercise price of $0.085 per warrant share and be exercisable for a period of two years (the Finders Warrants). The proceeds of the Financing will be used for general working capital purposes, to include among other things, the completion of the greenhouse build out at New Age Farms Oroville Green Campus and for administrative costs associated with the NHS Industries Ltd. spin out announced on November 10, 2016 (the NHS Spin Out). Subscribers to this Financing will be eligible to participate in the NHS Spin Out provided they remain shareholders as of the close of business on November 30, 2016, the Share Distribution Record Date. New Age Farm shareholders as of the Share Distribution Record Date will be entitled to receive their pro-rata share of the NHS Spin Out share distribution based on their shareholdings in New Age Farm as of November 30, 2016. Shareholders should consult with their own legal, tax and/or investment advisors for advice with respect to the implementation and effect of the spin out transaction on their own investment. Carman Parente, President and CEO of New Age Farm commented: I am extremely pleased that our shareholders are committed to the ongoing success of our company and allowing us the opportunity to continue executing and expanding our business model. The issuance of the securities described in this news release are subject to acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange. All amounts quoted in this news release are in Canadian funds. All Securities issued in connection with these transactions will be subject to a 4-month and one day hold period. About New Age Farm Washington State Through its Washington State subsidiary, New Age Farm owns two properties, one located in Sumas, WA, and the other in Oroville, WA, where it offers fully built out turnkey service operations to licensed I-502 tenant-growers who will lease the facilities for production and / or processing. With three leases already in place, operations in Washington State have begun and will expand further as the Company completes its build outs. In compliance with state regulatory requirements, New Age Farms facilities feature 24 hour security that enhances the safety and security of the community, our tenant-growers and their operations. All New Age Farms tenant-growers hold either Tier 2 or Tier 3 licenses allowing them to produce and / or process marijuana for sale at wholesale to marijuana processor licensees and to other marijuana producer licensees. A Tier 3 license allows for between ten thousand square feet and thirty thousand square feet of dedicated plant canopy while Tier 2 licensees can have up to ten thousand square feet of dedicated plant canopy. Revenue is generated on a base lease rate and the level of service that the tenant-grower requires for its production and / or its processing needs. About the Washington I-502 Marijuana Market In November 2012, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) passed Initiative 502 (I-502) pursuant to a vote by the people of the State of Washington. I-502 authorized the WSLCB to regulate and tax recreational marijuana products for persons over twenty-one years of age and thereby created a new industry for the growing, processing and selling of Washington State-regulated recreational marijuana products. A recent WSLCB commissioned report by the Rand organization suggests that there are currently up to 650,000 recreational marijuana users in Washington State, worth approximately $1.25 - $1.5 Billion USD in annual sales. British Columbia Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, NHS Industries Ltd. (NHS), New Age owns a five and a half acre greenhouse facility in the lower mainland of BC with a 48,000 square foot greenhouse facility, capable of growing 2.4 million 4 potted plants annually. NHS is in the process of formulating innovative proposals for small scale agricultural facilities for exploring multiple avenues for cash flow processes. The facility is located minutes from three major Canada USA border crossings and direct routes to the lower mainland west and to all points east and west along 16th Ave to Hwy 99 and to Hwy 1 make its location in South Langley an ideal hub. NHS intends to become a beta site for sustainable growing capabilities as well as minimizing all carbon footprints with regard to all its on-site operations. This facility will meet a growing demand in the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas to help smaller growers become more efficient, more productive, implement value added product lines, and reduce waste. For further information about New Age Farm, please consult the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. WWW.NEWAGEFARMINC.COM The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy hereof. This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. 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 including, but not limited to completion of planned improvements at both the Canadian and US sites on schedule and on budget, the availability of financing needed to complete the Companys planned improvements on commercially reasonable terms, planned occupancy by the tenant-growers, commencement of operations, the ability to mitigate the risk of loss through appropriate insurance policies, and the risks presented by federal statutes that may contradict local and state legislation respecting legalized marijuana. 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. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities and the Company is not soliciting an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon. It was 10am and a small group of us gathered in the lobby of Generator Hostel in Amsterdam to take a free walking tour around the amazing city. After a short walk, plus an essential stop in a traditional coffee shop for banana cake, we arrived at Dam Square. The guide announced the itinerary and after a few photo stops and history lessons she announced, Sex is a 24/7 business here in Amsterdam. With that, before breakfast had even digested, we were in the centre of the Red Light District. It was a stunning square surround by tall houses with a picturesque church right in the centre; not what youd expect from the sex centre of Amsterdam. The RLD has a sophisticated entrepreneurial side that you may not be aware of. Here are five facts you should know before judging this area of the Netherlands; 1. Pick your alley There is plenty of choice at the RLD, and just like a retail store, your options come in categorised aisles. From Big Mamma Alley to the Elite Alley (the best in the trade) you can stroll down your ideal womans narrow lane and find exactly what youre looking for. 2. You might get rejected Although the women may be your type, the women who work in the RLD are their own boss. Brothels are illegal and you wont see any sex worker being dictated by a powerful male like youve seen in the movies. These woman are there because they registered to be a sex worker and are authorised to do so with a license after meeting several government checks. She chooses her hours, her rates and her clients, so if you arent her type she has every right to slam a door in your face. Be prepared. 3. Rent a window Running your own business comes with many perks but also many costs. The sex workers of the Red Light District sometimes need to hire accountants and need to pay rent on their office like any other self-employed person. Buildings throughout the RLD are owned and windows are rented individually, at a very high price. Usually somewhere in the region of 150 per 8 hour day. Dont worry though, these woman can often make that in 30 minutes. Its all in a days work. 4. The tactful Church The irony of the beautiful Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam, standing proud in the centre of an area of sin isnt so ironic after all. In fact, the Church and the streets of the Red Light District have benefited from each other for years. Many years ago when soldiers docked after months at sea they would head to the Church to pray, however on the way would be distracted by something else theyd been missing for months. After an inevitable cave to temptation they would reach the Church and confess their sins, pleading for forgiveness. Off they went back to sea, wiped clean of their RLD antics. The Church decided to cash in on this and started charging for advanced forgiveness - if you had a limited time ashore or came about when the Church was closed you could pay for confession in advance. Think, Dear Father, Im about to commit several sins with a woman down the road then youd collect your get out of hell free card and have as much fun as you like! 5. Its shrinking The government in Amsterdam want to make the city known and loved for its famous windmills, tulips and canals, not the drugs, sex and party scene that draw many travellers in. For that reason they are scaling down the Red Light District (although not getting rid of it completely). Personally I think this may kill a lot of their tourism and create other problems such as empty buildings, homeless workers and illegal activity. Plus, the stories surrounding this amazing place are too good to wave goodbye to - so let's hope they don't. Visit Amsterdam whilst you can and experience the magnificent windmills, tulips and whatever else you fancy - its usually on offer in the Netherlands. 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Weve proven that you can grow your business at an incredible rate and still maintain close partnerships with each of your customers. We work hand-in-hand with our customers to help automate their IT service assurance and when new technologies hit the market, were often first to show up with an effective solution for discovering, monitoring, and managing those technologies. ScienceLogic has been recognized for a number of awards this past year, including Red Herrings Top 100 North American companies, Northern Virginia Tech Councils (NVTC) CFO of the Year honors, and the UK Cloud Awards. CEO Dave Link was also named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 Mid-Atlantic award winner. ScienceLogic is honored to be recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in North America by Deloitte, said Link. Its proof that our solutions drive real value and maximize business impact for our customers, and it further demonstrates that our customer-centric strategy differentiates our business in the marketplace. Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent. About Deloittes 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloittes Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, Deloitte means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. About ScienceLogic ScienceLogic is the global leader in hybrid IT monitoring for the network of everything. Over 25,000 global service providers, enterprises, and government organizations rely on ScienceLogic to significantly enhance IT efficiency, optimize operations, and ensure business continuity. ScienceLogic is the first monitoring solution to provide a comprehensive view of all IT components through a single pane of glass, whether they reside in a public cloud environment or on-premises. With over 1,500 dynamic management apps and custom dashboarding capabilities, we deliver the scale, resiliency, and automation needed to simplify the constantly evolving task of managing IT resources, services, and applications. HOUSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Partners LP (Targa Resources Partners or the Partnership) (NYSE:NGLS PRA) announced its monthly distribution on the Partnerships 9.00% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units ("Series A Preferred Units") for November 2016. Targa Resources Partners LP announced today that the board of directors of its general partner has declared a monthly cash distribution of 18.75 per Series A Preferred Unit, or $2.25 per Series A Preferred Unit on an annualized basis, for November 2016. This cash distribution will be paid December 15, 2016 on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units to holders of record as of the close of business on November 30, 2016. About Targa Resources Partners LP Targa Resources Partners LP is a Delaware limited partnership formed in October 2006 by its parent, Targa Resources Corp. (TRC or the Company), to own, operate, acquire and develop a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. On February 17, 2016 TRC completed the acquisition of all outstanding common units of the Partnership. Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. TRC owns, operates, acquires, and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary midstream energy assets. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; gathering, storing, and terminaling crude oil; storing, terminaling, and selling refined petroleum products. The principal executive offices of Targa Resources Partners LP are located at 1000 Louisiana, Suite 4300, Houston, TX 77002 and their telephone number is 713-584-1000. For more information please go to www.targaresources.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this release are "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, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Partnerships control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Partnership. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the timing and success of business development efforts; and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Partnership's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Partnership does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This release is intended to be a qualified notice under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b). Brokers and nominees should treat one hundred percent (100.0%) of Targa Resources Partners LPs distributions to foreign investors as being attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, Targa Resources Partners LPs distributions to foreign investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest applicable effective tax rate. Cabinet approves increase in flights from Russia TOURISM: The cabinet has approved an increase in the number of flights into Thailand by Russian airlines, to boost future tourism. tourismRussiantransport By Bangkok Post Wednesday 16 November 2016, 10:17AM Surin beach is a popular destination for Russians visiting Phuket island. Photo: Achadtaya Chuennirun Russian airlines from any port of origin can increase services into Bangkok from 70 to 105 a week, and flights into Phuket can be doubled to 56 a week There is also a reciprocal increase in the number of flights allowed by Thai airlines to Moscow, from 70 a week to 105, and to St Petersburg, from 28 flights to 56. The increase was agreed in talks between the two governments before sent to the cabinet for approval yesterday (Nov 15). Charter and regular airlines operating between the two countries have not filled the current limit, but Transport Minister Arkom Termpittayapaisith welcomed the decision. The approval of additional services will encourage more tourists from Russia in future, he said. Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are among top choices for tourists from Russia, who arrive by both charter and regular flights. However, the economic slump in Russia led to a decline in their travel overseas. About 884,000 Russians came to Thailand last year, a 44 per cent drop from 1.6 million in 2014, according to Tourism Department figures. The number of tourists from Russia has declined but the figures are expected to increase in the future, the minister said. The sharp drop in tourists from Russia caused Thai Airways International to cease regular flights between Bangkok and Moscow as the national flag carrier dropped unprofitable routes under planned economic restructuring. However, Thai Airways will relaunch the Moscow service on Dec 15, with four weekly services to the Russian capital, he added. Read original story here. Hope fades in search for missing Russian at Similans PHUKET: The Royal Thai Navy and officials at the Similan National Park are continuing their search efforts to locate missing Russian national Alexey Stashkov, but have reduced their search to standard patrols. Russianmarineaccidentsmilitarytourism By Tanyaluk Sakoot Wednesday 16 November 2016, 07:12PM An electronic map of the Similan National Park is displayed on one of the parks patrol boats. Photo: Similan National Park Officers at the Similan National Park have now reduced their search efforts to locate missing Russian national Alexey Stashkov to their regular patrols. Photo: Similan National Park Mr Stashkov disappeared after going for a swim from a friends yacht moored off the Similan Islands on Oct 31. Attempts by Mikhail Kolmogorov, his friend and the captain of the yacht Revolution, failed to recover him. (See story here.) Royal Thai Navy and park officer search teams scoured the waters for Mr Stashkov after they were alerted to his disappearance, and later expanded their search to include landfall in case he made it ashore one of the many isles in the archipelago. However, they have so far failed to locate him, and park officials have now reduced their efforts to keeping a lookout during their standard patrols, Similan National Park Chief Ruamsilp Manajongprasert told The Phuket News today (Nov 16). We co-ordinated our search efforts with the Royal Thai Navy in the first week of seaching for him, from Nov 1-7, but now we have started to reduce our search to our daily patrols around the park, which includes Payan Island and Huyong Island, Park Chief Ruamsilp explained. We also no longer have officers land on the the islands to search for him, we now just search by boat, he said. We are staying in touch with other tour boats entering the area in case they have seen anything, but we have yet to learn of any hints that may help us find him, he added. Park Chief Ruamsilp confirmed that the Royal Thai Navy is also continuing its search for Mr Stashkov, but admitted that he did not know the current extent of their efforts. Repeated attempts by The Phuket News to contact Lt Kwanjai Kerwan, who is the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command public liaison in Phuket, have been unsuccessful. Phuket officials seize over 1,000 kilos of illegally imported beef PHUKET: Two men were taken into police custody yesterday (Nov 15) after officials from the Livestock Department seized over 1,000 kilograms of illegally imported beef from two addresses in Rassada. crimeagricultureanimalseconomics By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 16 November 2016, 08:00AM Officers seized more than a ton of illegal beef in two related raids in Phuket yesterday (Nov 15). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Officers seized more than a ton of illegal beef in two related raids in Phuket yesterday (Nov 15). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub At 1pm, more than 30 officials from the Livestock Department Region 8 office, which covers the Chumpon, Ranong and Phuket provinces, and officers from the 41st Military Circle were led by Phuket Department of Livestock Development Chief Pornchai Inkamdee to seize a total of 1,342kg of illegally imported beef in Rassada. Two men, Borakas Torthip and Chaiyong Kongchamnan, were later taken to Phuket City Police Station to face charges of possession or transportation of illegal beef, and the illegal importation of beef into the Kingdom. Mr Pornchai explained, The arrest of the two suspects came after we received an order from the director of the Department of Livestock Development to investigate illegally imported beef from India. We immediately contacted the 41st Military Circle and investigated two suspect locations where we discovered 1,342kg of illegal beef. The first location we raided was a home in Moo3 Rassada, where we seized 300kg of illegal beef and arrested Chaiyong. The second location was the Andaman Meat Supply premises in Moo 5 Rassada where we found 1,042kg of beef and arrested Borakas who claimed to own the frozen beef, he said. madGMAT wrote: Twelve years ago and again five years ago, there were extended periods when Darfir Republic's currency, the pundra, was weak: its value was unusually low relative to the world's most stable currencies. Both times a weak pundra made Darfir's manufactured products a bargain on the world markets, and Darfir's exports were up substantially. Now some politicians are saying that, in order to cause another similarly sized increase in exports, the government should allow the pundra to become weak again. Which of the following if true provides the government with the strongest grounds to doubt the politican's recommendation, if followed, will achieve its aim? a) Several of the politicians no recommending that the pundra be allowed to become weak made that same recommendation before each of the last two periods of currency weakness. b) After several decades of operating well below its peak capcity, darfir's manufacturing sector is now operating at near-peak levels c) the economy of a country experiencing a rise in exports will become healthier only if the country's currency is strong or the rise in exports is significant. d) those countries whose manufactured products compete with darfir's on the world market currently all have stable currencies e) a sharp improvement in the efficiency of darfir's manufacturing plants would make darfir's products a bargain on the world markets even without weakening of the pundra relative to other currencies. Can someone explain??? Owner of Angles and Arguments Check out my Blog Posts here: Blog For Individual GMAT Study Modules, check For Private Tutoring, check KarishmaOwner of Angles and ArgumentsFor Individual GMAT Study Modules, check Study Modules For Private Tutoring, check Private Tutoring Signature Read More It is a 'weaken the plan' question.What is the plan?Plan: When currency weakens, exports increase. (Foreigners can buy more using same amount of their currencies so they buy more.) Therefore, in order to cause [highlight]another similarly sized increase in exports[/highlight], the government should allow the pundra to become weak again.Focus on the highlighted words. The aim is to cause a similarly sized increase in exports. That is what the plan is trying to achieve. On weaken questions, we focus on the conclusion. What the plan is trying to achieve is parallel to conclusion. So we focus on trying to weaken what the plan is trying to achieve. We need to find something that tells us why we will not get a similarly sized increase in exports even if we weaken pundra.Options a, c, d and e do not talk about the reasons we will not see similarly sized increase in exports.Option B tells us that darfir's manufacturing sector is now operating at near-peak levels. If this is true, exports cannot increase much because darfir cannot manufacture more than it is manufacturing now. If there are no extra products manufactured, there cannot be extra exports. In previous instances, darfir was manufacturing below capacity so they could manufacture extra products. Hence the plan worked in those instances but this time it may not. Therefore, option (B) is correct._________________ IrinaOK wrote: Visitors to the park have often looked up into the leafy canopy and saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs hang like socks on a clothesline. (A) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs hang (B) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs were hanging (C) saw monkeys sleeping on the branches, with arms and legs hanging (D) seen monkeys sleeping on the branches, with arms and legs hanging (E) seen monkeys sleeping on the branches, whose arms and legs have hung Meaning is crucial to solving this problem: Concepts tested here: Meaning + Modifiers + Verb Forms + Parallelism A: branches monkeys B: branches monkeys C: D: Correct. monkeys E: branches monkeys Hence, D is the best answer choice. Dear Friends,Here is a detailed explanation to this question-Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended meaning of this sentence is that visitors to the park have often looked up into the leafy canopy and seen monkeys that were sleeping on the branches, and the monkeys' arms and legs hung like socks on a clothesline. The simple past tense is used to refer to events that concluded in the past. The simple past continuous tense is used to refer to actions that took place in the past over a period of time. The simple present tense is used to indicate actions taking place in the current time frame, indicate habitual actions, state universal truths, and convey information that is permanent in nature. The present perfect tense (marked by the use of the helping verb has/have) is used to describe events that concluded in the past but continue to affect the present. In the noun + comma + phrase construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun; this is one of the most frequently tested concepts on GMAT sentence correction. who/whose/whom/which/where, when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma.This answer choice incorrectly uses whose arms and legs to refer to branches, illogically implying that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; the intended meaning is that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; please remember, who/whose/whom/which/where, when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma. Moreover, Option A incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw (rather than the past participle seen) with the helping verb have, which is used as part of the present perfect and present perfect continuous verb constructions; in simple words, havesaw is incorrect whereas haveseen is the correct usage. Further, Option A incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw to refer to an action that began and concluded in the past but continues to affect the present; present perfect tense is correct for such usage. Additionally, Option A incorrectly uses the simple present tense verb hang to refer to an action that took place in the past over a period of time; remember, the simple past continuous tense is used to refer to actions that took place in the past over a period of time, and the simple present tense is used to indicate actions taking place in the current time frame, indicate habitual actions, state universal truths, and convey information that is permanent in nature.This answer choice incorrectly uses whose arms and legs to refer to branches, illogically implying that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; the intended meaning is that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; please remember, who/whose/whom/which/where, when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma. Moreover, Option B incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw (rather than the past participle seen) with the helping verb have, which is used as part of the present perfect and present perfect continuous verb constructions; in simple words, havesaw is incorrect whereas haveseen is the correct usage. Further, Option B incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw to refer to an action that began and concluded in the past but continues to affect the present; present perfect tense is correct for such usage.Trap. This answer choice incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw (rather than the past participle seen) with the helping verb have, which is used as part of the present perfect and present perfect continuous verb constructions; in simple words, havesaw is incorrect whereas haveseen is the correct usage. Further, Option C incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb saw to refer to an action that began and concluded in the past but continues to affect the present; present perfect tense is correct for such usage.This answer choice avoids the modifier error seen in Options A, B, and E, as it uses the phrase with arms and legs, rather than a who/whose/whom/which" phrase, conveying the intended meaning of the sentence- that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the. Further, Option D correctly uses the present perfect tense verb haveseen to describe an event that began and concluded in the past but continues to affect the present. Additionally, Option D correctly uses the present participle (verb+ing hanging in this sentence) to refer to an action that took place over a period of time in the past; remember, the present participle can be used to refer to actions that are continuous in nature, in any time period.This answer choice incorrectly uses whose arms and legs to refer to branches, illogically implying that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; the intended meaning is that the arms and legs that hung like socks belonged to the; please remember, who/whose/whom/which/where, when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma. Additionally, Option E incorrectly uses the present perfect tense verb have hung to refer to an action that took place in the past over a period of time; please remember, the simple past continuous tense is used to refer to actions that took place in the past over a period of time, and the present perfect tense (marked by the use of the helping verb has/have) is used to describe events that concluded in the past but continue to affect the present.To understand the concept of "Simple Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):To understand the concept of "Present Perfect Tense" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~2 minutes):To understand the concept of "Simple Continuous Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):All the best!Team_________________ SD Secretary of State office says Smith remedied campaign finance mistake Rep. Jamie Smith's campaign originally did not include the mailing addresses of his donors in violation of campaign finance law. The city of Baie d'Urfe is holding a public consultation on the use of fire burning stoves tomorrow at the Whiteside Tayior Centre. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, right, listens to testimony at his trial at the Charleston County court in Charleston, S.C., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Slager is charged in the shooting death of Michael Scott, an unarmed black motorist. (Grace Beahm/Post and Courier via AP, Pool) Organisation: Future Options Consulting Ltd Duty Station: Uganda About US: Future Options Consulting Ltd is an online recruitment services which now seeks to recruit on behalf of its valued Client, an international energy business with a portfolio of hydropower investments in Uganda. Job Summary: The Civil Supervisor will manage the delivery of the Project and manage the delivery and performance of the civil works of the EPC contractor. Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities: Supervision of the field civil works that meet Project and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements Regularly monitor and oversee the progress of the civil works ensuring that they are completed in a safe manner, within budget, on time and to the required technical and quality specifications and standards. Ensure the timely delivery of the review of the civil engineering documentation (such as drawings, material specifications, testing plans and procedures, geotechnical hydraulic reports, topography, specifications, calculations, equipment lists, vendor packages) delivered by third parties to the appropriate professional standards and project requirements, identifying and explaining any deficiencies and risks Keenly review the civil engineering constructability design/method statements, and respond to technical design and engineering challenges, providing troubleshooting solutions. Review the need and advise on potential variances or deviation; technical and program impacts. Actively participate in relevant project meetings and audits, and provide inputs for the reports and follow required checking procedures. Provide inputs for review of contractor payment applications, comparing progress against the overall project budget and the contract bill of quantities. Offer timely technical and engineering support to the Owners Engineer team or other third party contractor or consultant appointed by the Company. Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The ideal candidate should preferably hold a Bachelors degree in Engineering from a reputable institution, relevant certificates are a plus. A minimum of eight to ten years of civil supervisor experience. At least five years experience in hydropower engineering or construction. Previous experience as a contractor and/or owner is preferred. Excellent communication skills, both written and orally. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office suite including Microsoft Project Previous experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa is a strong preference. A hands-on and proactive attitude towards construction issues and problem solving. Must be honest, a self-starter, with the ability to take responsibility for their own work, open to creativity. How to Apply: All candidates should send their applications with updated curriculum vita including contacts of three professional referees to: The Director, Future Options Consulting Ltd, 4th Floor, Diamond Trust Building, Kampala Road, P.O. Box 34934, Kampala, Uganda via email to: reception@futureoptionsug.com NB: Please include the title of the position for which you are applying in the subject line of the email. 5:00PM Deadline: 24th November 2016 by5:00PM find us on our Facebook page For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com orfind us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Organisation: Microfinance Support Centre Limited (MSC) Duty Station: MSC Head Office, Kampala, Uganda Reports to: Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer) About MSC: The Microfinance Support Centre Limited (MSC) is a linchpin of Government of Uganda (GOU) micro credit programmes under the Rural Financial Services Strategy. MSC facilitates access to affordable, sustainable and convenient financial and Business Development services to active and productive Ugandans. MSC Ltd supports legally established entities engaged in the value chain namely; production, value addition and marketing enterprises. MSC offers affordable credit through its network of 13 regional offices spread throughout the country. It has so far served clients in 110 districts in Uganda. It gives priority financing to support the agricultural production value chain namely; production, value addition and marketing. Besides credit, MSC provides capacity building to its clients including SACCOs, Cooperative Unions, MFIs and SMEs to enable them manage their organizations sustainably. Job Summary: The Manager, Communications will develop and implement communication strategies, plans, systems and evaluate the impact of plans and designs. The incumbent will provide information about MSC products &services to the public. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Ensure proper implementation of the Communication strategy. Act as the MSC spokesperson with delegation from the Executive Director. Develop and manage media partnership particularly radios, print media, TVs to promote the image of the Company. Manage community relations and corporate social responsibility with focus on public and community initiatives. Plan, budget and report for communication functions. Compile corporate publications Manage all brand touch points and ensure feasibility and consistency. Ensure distribution of the companys communication materials. Manage the Resource centre processes and activities Key Result Areas: Communication guidelines, processes, procedures and strategies Corporate publications Management of public relations issues. Advocacy Development of content Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The applicant for the Manager, Communications career placement should preferably hold a Bachelors Degree (Honours) in any of the following; Mass communication, or public relations or any other related discipline. Possession of a masters degree in public relations or mass communications or related area Possess relevant professional qualification will be an added advantage. A minimum of eight years working experience in public relations, 03 of which should be at expert or senior level in a reputable institution. Highly specialised training and demonstrable expert knowledge and achievement may be considered in lieu of some years of experience. Good computer skills. Ability to manage others Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal relationship Skills. Ability to inspire, motivate and influence at all levels of partnerships. Ability to demonstrate assertive behavior, a creative, innovative and self-motivated person. Ability to demonstrate business acumen with the flexibility and creativity to achieve results, a person of Innovation and flexibility in marketing and PR Ability to generate new ideas, solutions and develop creative approaches. Ability to work cooperatively with others to be part of a team. How to Apply: applications with detailed Curriculum Vitae together with copies of certified academic certificates with at least 3 referees in properly sealed envelopes to the address given below clearly stating the job title applied for on the top right corner. All applicants are required to fill a summary form upon submission of the application, Click Here. All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send theirapplications with detailed Curriculum Vitae together with copies of certifiedacademic certificates with at least 3 referees in properly sealed envelopes tothe address given below clearly stating the job title applied for on the topright corner. All applicants are required to fill a summary form uponsubmission of the application, Address to: The Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, The Microfinance Support Centre Limited, Plot 46, Windsor Crescent- off Acacia Avenue P.O. Box 33711 KAMPALA 5:00 pm Deadline: 30th November 2016 by5:00 pm find us on our facebook page For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com orfind us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the media was responsible for upholding the right to freedom of speech and stressed the self-regulation by the Fourth Estate. "The press is responsible for upholding free speech," Modi said while speaking at a commemoration event of the National Press Day at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi on the need to self-regulate, Modi said, "The government should not interfere in the working of the media." The prime minister said external control does not help in upholding the freedom of expression. "Internal discipline in the media is more important than any external intervention," Modi said. He also recalled the Press Council of India's role during the Emergency and said, "We remember how the Press Council ceased to exist during the Emergency. And the things for the media normalised after Morarji Bhai (Morarji Desai) became the prime minister." Modi said it is the media's responsibility to make appropriate changes with time as many newspapers have shifted to digital mediums. Citing the importance of self-regulation in the media, Modi said, "After the Kandahar plane hijack (in 1999) and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (in 2008), we witnessed examples of media's self-regulation." Referring to recent killings of media persons, Modi said, "Any death is worrisome, but journalists losing their lives just because they are highlighting the truth becomes even more serious." He termed the attack on media as the most cruel act. [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] A new large, wide luxurious library was inaugurated last week with the assistance of the women who frequent the Kosel in the present of Rishon LTzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita. The new library, with its golden-framed carved in stone is at the rear of the Kosel Plaza and it contained eight columns in which one can find new siddurim of various minhagim for the benefit of the public. The initiative is from the Kotel Heritage Foundation and made possible by a generous donation from the Kochav family of Mexico in honor of their mothers, Mrs. Yocheved Kochav and their aunt, Mrs. Jacqueline Lichtenstein. It is designed to facilitate finding a siddur for until not, one was often compelled to enter the little room on the right in search of a siddur. The new library is accessible and protected against rain and sun by doors that close with a simple push as well as easily opened. The library is accessible to women seeking siddurim and Tehillim as well. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Veteran Likud MK Dr. Benny Begin is not a fan of the Regulation Bill that seeks to retroactively legalize Amona, telling the media he will vote against it in Knesset on Wednesday. Speaking with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday 14 Cheshvan, Begin explains While I understand the plight of the Prime Minister, the solution proposed here is simply unacceptable. We are all pressured and we all understand this but does that mean we need a bad solution? We are dealing with case law. You receive a ruling in your favor or oops, cancel it cancel it. This is most serious. On Monday evening the Obama administration spoke out against the bill, which was passed earlier this week by the Ministerial Law Committee. State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said the US is aware additional steps are necessary before the bill becomes law and the administration hopes these steps are not taken. She added passing it would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that is inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and breaks non-standing Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Dozens of security guards employed in schools around Jerusalem sent in letters of resignation on Monday, 12 Cheshvan to City Hall in protest over their low salaries and poor work conditions. The letter is a form of protest and statement of despair as it follows ongoing efforts and a battle for better conditions. Strike leader Alex Tanzer explains those who submitted their letters of resignation join 120 colleagues who did so in recent months. Additional guards are expected to follow. Histadrut national labor federation director for the Jerusalem district Mr. Danny Bonfil spoke with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), explaining in line with the new agreement beginning in January 2017, the guards will receive an increase from the current NIS 26/hour to NIS 28/hour. On October 9th, Histadrut leader Avi Nissankoren promised the guards if they do not receive the increase the labor federation would declare a labor dispute which is an unprecedented move on their behalf. The guards explain they cannot live on the salaries they earn, with one guard employed in a school in Gilo, in the southern capital, earned NIS 1,600 in October as there were only eight school days. He explains that teachers are paid even if there is no school but they are only paid when they work. They guards add that City Hall takes advantage of them, pointing out guards employed by subcontractors are paid during vacation in Tishrei, Chanukah and other times of the school year. They point out their salary is among the lowest among guards around the country. As an example, they point out guards with the same responsibility but employed by the Ministry of the Interior earn NIS 30.19/hour. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on Tuesday afternoon 14 Cheshvan attended a media event in Eilat during which he was asked about the proposed state budget. He told reporters that as he said in the past, he was not going to release anything over the current proposed budget and he has informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of this. The Kulanu party leader was asked about a number of matters, including the Regulation Bill which seeks to retroactively legalizing Amona. This bill is scheduled to be voted upon in Knesset on Wednesday, 15 Cheshvan. Kahlon stated he and his colleagues in Kulanu will not contribute to a process that is harmful to the High Court of Justice. He added he plans to speak with Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit to determine if the bill is harmful to the court, and if this is the case, he and his party will oppose it. Likud would like to make us their Shabbos goy or on-call leftists Kahlon stated. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Russia announced a major new air offensive in Syria on Tuesday as opposition activists on the ground reported that the first airstrikes in nearly a month struck the besieged, rebel-held parts of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. According to activists, between four and 10 people were killed in the strikes on Aleppo, raising concerns of a return to daily deadly violence in what is Syrias largest city. The offensive began hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria over the phone and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy international terrorism and extremism. The Obama administration has been trying for months to negotiate a cease-fire in Aleppo, a city that has become the epicenter of the war between President Bashar Assad and rebels fighting to topple him, some of whom receive U.S. aid. From the militants side, al-Qaidas Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo city. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a meeting with Putin on Tuesday that the operation involves the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which made a much-publicized trip to Syrias shores last month. He said Russian warplanes will target ammunition depots, training camps and armaments factories in the rebel-held province of Idlib and the central province of Homs. He did not immediately mention Aleppo. Meanwhile, Syrian activists reported strikes in all three places Idlib, Homs and Aleppo. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said missiles fired from Russian warships in the Mediterranean struck areas in Aleppo province and on the eastern edge of nearby Idlib. The Observatorys chief, Rami Abdurrahman, said the areas hit with missiles are strongholds of jihadi groups, including the al-Qaida affiliate known as Fatah al-Sham Front. The Observatory and other groups said airstrikes also struck at least eight neighborhoods in Aleppo city, killing at least 10 people. The Local Coordination Committees, another activist group, said the airstrikes on Aleppo killed four and wounded others. Activist Baraa al-Halaby, who is based in eastern Aleppo, said via text messages that warplanes are firing missiles and helicopters are dropping barrel bombs on the eastern part of Syrias largest city. People are scared. The bombardment is intense, al-Halaby wrote. A reporter for Syrian state TV speaking from the government-held western part of the city, said troops are preparing to attack east Aleppo from nine directions. Ibrahim Nseir, a priest and the head of the Anglican sect in Aleppo, also speaking from the citys west, said he could see smoke billowing from the eastern neighborhoods as a result of the airstrikes. Sounds of warplanes flying at low altitude could be clearly heard over the phone. In mid-October, Russia said it would halt weeks of deadly airstrikes to allow rebels and supporters to leave eastern Aleppo. The rebels refused to take up the offer and the United Nations failed to negotiate the delivery of aid into the besieged area. The Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV aired live footage from Aleppo, showing smoke billowing from eastern parts of the city, contested since 2012. On Saturday, Syrian government troops repelled a rebel offensive on the western parts of Aleppo designed to break the siege on the opposition-held east. The government siege has left an estimated 275,000 people trapped, with no aid allowed in since July, amid a punishing bombing campaign. In the northwestern province of Idlib, a member of the extremist Jund al-Aqsa group known as Abu-Dardaa-al-Shami told The Associated Press over the telephone that the airstrikes are much, much, much more intense than previous ones. He added that in addition to the air raids, ballistic missiles hit the province near the town of Saraqeb. In Geneva, meanwhile, two U.N. agencies said food production in Syria has shrunk to an all-time low, threatening to drive more people from their homes after 5-1/2 years of war. The World Food Program and the Food and Agricultural Organization said factors like rising prices, poor weather, general instability and the lack of fertilizer and seeds could force some farmers to stop producing. A joint report released Tuesday says the planting area in the 2015-2016 season was the smallest ever in zones controlled by the government, ethnic Kurds and the armed opposition. WFP spokeswoman Bettina Luescher said information was lacking about areas controlled by IS. FAO regional representative Abdessalam Ould Ahmed said 80 percent of households in Syria lack food or money to buy it. (AP) [COMMUNICATED CONTENT] From planet Earth, the naked eye can discern some four thousand stars in the night sky. Ancient peoples mistakenly believed that this was approximately the total number of stars in the universe, spread out across the sky like night-lights fixed in the celestial dome of the world. No one thought it possible that the small, flickering light was in fact a distant galaxy comprising a very large number of stars. Today we know that beyond the number of stars that we can see from our world, the universe contains many stars and star clusters invisible to the naked eye. As we have already mentioned, some of the stars that we can see are not individual stars, but entire galaxies containing myriad stars. Amazingly, even in ancient times, the Jewish Sages knew from the Torah that the real number of stars is completely different and drastically larger than those we can see from Earth. They also knew that the stars are not distributed randomly across the sky, but form an orderly system, which altogether constitutes a very impressive structure. This is how the Sages described it in the Talmud, using Roman military terminology: [God said to the People of Israel] I created twelve constellations in the firmament (groupings of stars: Libra, Scorpio, Pisces, etc.), and for each constellation I created thirty hosts (clusters of stars for each of the twelve signs), and for each host I created thirty legions (thirty legions of stars for each of the thirty hosts), and for each legion I created thirty divisions, and for each division I created thirty battalions, and for each battalion I created thirty camps, and to each camp I have attached three hundred and sixty-five thousand tens of thousands of stars, corresponding to the days of the solar year, and all of them I have created only for your sake. Lets do the math: A thousand times ten thousand: 1,000 x 10,000 = 10,000,000 Each camp has 365 x 10,000,000 stars, which means 3,650,000,000 stars! How many camps are there in the universe? 30 camps x 30 battalions x 30 divisions x 30 legions x 30 hosts x 12 constellations = 291,600,000 camps. To calculate the total number of stars in the universe, we must multiply this number by the number of stars in each camp: 3,650,000,000. Therefore, the total number of stars in the universe is: 291,600,000 x 3,650,000,000 = 1,064,340,000,000,000,000 stars. It must be emphasized that this number refers to the cosmic objects defined here by the Sages as stars, but not to the various solar bodies that range across space that cannot be called stars. It is incredible to discover that thousands of years ago, when most of the surrounding civilizations counted only some 4,000 stars, the Sages talked about vastly greater numbers. Even more incredibly, though there remains significant debate among astronomers as to the actual number of stars in the universe, modern calculations are now approaching the numbers given by the Sages. In 1997, NASA scientists estimated the number to be around 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1021) stars. In 2003, the Australian National University#3 published its research scientists rough estimate of the number of stars in the universe, based upon a non-conclusive sampling (in the Universitys own words) conducted on a tiny area of the cosmos. The total number of stars they arrived at was 7 x 1022 stars. Based on their understanding of the Torah, the Sages concluded that the accurate figure is 1018 plus another 64,340,000,000,000,000 stars. As is inferred from the word in the narrative: I created, this is the Sages estimate of the number of stars from the time of creation. Even given the most advanced astronomical equipment available to the ancient world, there is no way that human beings could have estimated such a large number of stars, were it not a received tradition from a source that transcends human perception. For a further, amazing correspondence, let us point to the Sages statement at the end of their calculations: and all of them I have created only for your sake. This implies that the entire universe was somehow created for the sake of our world a bold statement to make in light of the vastness of the universe. On the one hand, we can interpret this statement homiletically; that is, the vast universe, with its endless space, is necessary to grant human beings some concept of infinity. This produces to a sense of humility, particularly when standing before the Creator, which enables a person to reach spiritual completeness. If the whole of creation had been confined to planet Earth and a limited solar system around it to provide heat and light, our conception of the greatness of God would have been greatly restricted for a human being is always in awe of the great wide world. However, when a person realizes that the creation, with all its immense size and myriad component parts, is almost too vast to imagine, and that his existence on his earth is a mere speck of dust in comparison, he is amazed and humbled by the greatness of God, and declares: When I behold your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have set in place, what is frail man that You should remember him and the son of mortal man that You should be mindful of him? (Psalms 8:4-5). Furthermore, we can say that the more knowledge and control human beings gain over the world with each passing generation, the more amazing and wondrous the universe simultaneously becomes, whether through discoveries made in space or on the microscopic level. Thus, a balance is maintained: we can never become blinded by our own power, and must always stand in awe of Gods creation. However, as with all spiritual systems, there is no doubt a physical correspondent. In other words, the Sages comments suggest that the universe in its entirety is also necessary for our physical world to exist. As though the cosmos was a colossal factory constantly churning out various materials all for sake and protection of the universes most important element humankind. Now, while it is clear that science has yet to discover the real links between the universe and the existence of our world, it is fascinating to note that famous scientists are making statements indicating a growing recognition of the importance of the universe in its entirety to our existence. Professor Nathan Aviezer, physicist and author, has had this to say about this principle: Recent advances in astronomy have revealed a remarkable link between life on Earth and the distant stars. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that without the stars, life on Earth would have been impossible. Professor Aviezer goes on to quote Professor Michael Zeilik from the University of New Mexico: Massive stars have relatively short lifetimes, after which they catastrophically explode. During their short life span, the thermonuclear furnace deep within them manufactures elements as heavy as carbon and iron; at their death, the awesome violence of the supernova explosion forges elements heavier than iron and blasts as much as 90% of the stars material into interstellar space. Out of this recycled material, new stars and planets will be born: stars such as the sun and planets such as the Earth. Life arose on our planet because massive stars lived and died. Without supernova explosions, the carbon that is the key to life as we know it would not have been distributed throughout interstellar space. In this context, it is important to note that according to Sages, before the creation of our world: God created and destroyed worlds. The nature of these worlds, or their necessity for our worlds existence, was not discussed, though the Kabbalah offers a profound and cryptic explanation of these words. However, keeping to the literal level, it is possible that the Sages words also alluded to the destruction of those giant stars as a prerequisite for the creation of our own world. Astrophysicists have also realized that it is only due to the vast distances within the universe that we are protected from the lethal effects of cosmic radiation. The immense distances cosmic rays travel drain their lethal strength to the point that they can no longer harm us. Professor Freeman Dyson from Princeton University has studied this phenomenon: The vastness of the interstellar spaces has diluted the cosmic rays enough to save us from being fried or at least sterilized by them. If sheer distance had not effectively isolated the quiet regions of the universe from the noisy ones, no type of biological system would have been possible. Adding to this puzzle, some scientists suggest that the laws of interstellar gravity are so highly complex that without the stars existence, our world could not exist or move through space with that precise position and orbit that are so essential for the creation and sustenance of the ecosphere. Thus, the universe may be considered a vast system of cogs, wheels and springs in a giant clock that exist only in order to turn the clocks small hands our world. Though the gears of this clock are infinitely great, they are all necessary for us to run our lives properly. As we have already mentioned, despite all that we already know, we have not yet discovered the real relationships between the universe and our existence, and much more remains hidden than is within our grasp. Raise your eyes on high and see Who created these things! He brings forth their legions by number; He calls to each of them by name. (Isaiah 40:26) Key members of Washingtons pro-Israel community, along with Israeli government officials, are avoiding criticism of the controversial Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, even as some top Jewish-American leaders and groups including the Anti-Defamation League denounce him for anti-Semitism. The uproar over Bannon and growing anxiety over signs of anti-Semitism among some Trump supporters has created a political test for some American Jews, particularly those focused on foreign policy. Some described feeling torn between personal disgust and a desire not to pick an early fight with a president whom they hope will be a strong defender of Israel. On a personal level Id like to go bananas about it, said one Washington Jewish activist. On a professional level it would be malpractice. We dont know what [Bannons appointment] means. Although Bannon is not expected to play a major foreign policy role, many American and Israeli Jews are appalled at the ascension to the West Wing of Bannon, a man they say at a minimum condoned anti-Semitism as the editor of the conservative website Breitbart.com and in some of Trumps campaign messaging. Bannon was also accused by his ex-wife of disparaging Jewish people in a 2007 child-custody proceeding. In a statement on Sunday the Anti-Defamation League called Bannon hostile to core American values, while other Jewish leaders have charged that Trumps campaign attacks on global special interestsincluding a campaign ad featuring prominent Jews like financier George Soros and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellenhad clear anti-Semitic undertones. The Trump campaign rejects those charges, as do friends and associates of Bannon. But the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)which focuses on U.S. foreign policy, and which sources said is likely mindful of preserving its influence over the incoming administrations Middle East policieshas declined to weigh in. READ MORE: POLITICO Donald Trump met privately Tuesday with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, kicking off what could be one of the most complicated post-election relationships in Washington. Cruz visited Trump Tower on Tuesday afternoon to meet with the President-elect, a step most congressional Republicans have not yet taken. Many Republican leaders in Congress have merely spoken with Trump by phone. The topic of their conversation was not clear. Catherine Frazier, a Cruz spokeswoman, said in a statement that Cruz looks forward to assisting the Trump administration in achieving policy wins for conservatives, though she did not offer further details. (Source: CNN) Councilman David G. Greenfield is calling on the well-known Zagat Guide to make greater efforts to incorporate a wide range of New York cuisines into its famous guidebook in light of the fact that the latest edition features none of the many delicious kosher dining options in Brooklyn. Zagats updated 2017 edition was released recently, and while some readers say they already have Yelp for this, others claim that Zagat offers a more consistent and reliable guide to New York dining. For that reason, Greenfield said, its really a shame that the new Zagat guide offers zero kosher options in Brooklyn, which is historically home to much of New Yorks vibrant Jewish community, including several of the best kosher restaurants in the world. In fact, the new guide lists just three restaurants in Bensonhurst, only two in Midwood, and when it comes to Boro Park, Zagat lays a big goose egg. The guide includes only eight kosher restaurants, only one of which Mexikosher, on Manhattans happening Upper West Side is new this year. It includes no kosher restaurants in Brooklyn. I urge the editors of Zagat to seek out a more diverse array of dining options in New York, and particularly in Brooklyn, Greenfield said. We have some of the finest restaurants in the world in Brooklyn, and many happen to be kosher. But you wouldnt know that from reading the Zagat Guide. Update your Guide! Your customers and your stomachs will be glad that you did. (YWN Desk NYC) President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence are receiving their first highly sensitive presidential daily brief today, after their victory last week, multiple sources familiar with the presidential transition told ABC News. As of 1 p.m. today, the top-secret intelligence briefing was underway and being presented to Trump and Pence in Trump Tower in Manhattan by career intelligence analysts. The PDB, as its commonly known, will be identical to the one President Barack Obama receives and will be available to Trump every day until he moves into the White House in January. Once in office, Trump will likely receive the brief as a morning ritual like presidents before him. This is an important part in ensuring the kind of smooth transition that President Obama has prioritized, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said last week, when Trump became eligible to receive them. Earnest noted that this was a courtesy President George W. Bush extended to Obama eight years ago. Intelligence officials said the sitting president determines what the president-elect will receive, and Obama decided to grant access to the PDB, which means Trump may, at his discretion, receive the exact same information that Obama receives each morning. Although Trump already had a few intelligence briefings by virtue of being the Republican presidential nominee, PDBs are much more specific. Updated daily, the PDB contains a region-by-region breakdown of the most urgent national security issues and can contain the most sensitive up-to-date secret information and analysis obtained by the U.S. intelligence community. (Source: ABC News) With increased security near Trump Tower now that its most famous resident is the president-elect, roads are being shut down and pedestrians are having a tough time getting through. And it may not be changing after Jan. 20. President-elect Donald Trump has said he plans to spend part of his time at his home at Trump Tower, and that could create a security and traffic nightmare in the area. Traffic in Midtown is nothing new, of course. But now, lanes are being shut down for protesters on Fifth Avenue, and 56th Street is totally closed to vehicles outside Trump Tower. Police are also posted outside the president-elects New York City home. The result has been bumper-to-bumper crosstown traffic in Midtown. The Secret Service wants to ban all traffic from Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower whenever the president-elect is in town. The NYPD and Secret Service have a meeting planned for Thursday to negotiate a compromise that wont completely shutdown the heart of Midtown. The NYPD said it has not determined whether security measures including heavily-armed police and street closures around Trump Tower will remain once Trump takes office. The NYPD is working closely with the Secret Service to secure the safety of all New Yorkers living in, working in and visiting the area. Another concern is the skyscrapers ability to handle a bomb blast. It went up in 1983, 20 years before the city put stricter building codes in place after 9/11. READ MORE: CBS2 Behind the scene efforts to reach a plea bargain agreement are underway involving Rabbi Eliezer Berland and the prosecution, Channel 2 News reports. Kikar Shabbos News adds there is also drama between the rabbis attorneys, citing attorney Ephraim Damri arrived in court last week carrying a power of attorney document signed by Rabbi Berland in which it stated all the other lawyers involved in the case are promptly dismissed, leaving Damri as his sole representative. The court ruled a special hearing will be held to address the dramatic change in the case, the dismissal of the entire legal team. Kikar adds that Damri agrees to a plea bargain agreement that would compel the rabbi to serve 18 months in prison in exchange for omitting portions of the charges against him as well as softening the language of the more serious charges against him. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) So the biased media which fed us the pack of lies of how Hillary Clinton will win the election, is once again as biased as can be. The latest bias reporting is about hate crimes which are being blamed on Trump supporters. The are jumping all over every swastika with glee and excitement. Not only the news agencies, but the slimy politicians. I must add that I am sickened by the use of a swastika by anyone to attack anyone no matter of their race and ethnicity. Has anyone else wondered where all these news agencies and dirty politicians have been when swastikas have been scrawled on Jewish schools, homes, cars, and street poles in Jewish communities? And we arent talking about one or two incidents. We are talking about dozens and dozens of incidents just since 2012! The police investigates them, but besides for a report on YWN, or a press release by a Jewish elected official not a word is heard about them. Nothing CLOSE To the amount of reporting now. It make me wonder if these news agencies are in fact a bunch of despicable anti-Semites. And now Twitter comes along and has started deleting Twitter accounts belonging to members of the Alt-Right claiming they are hate groups. Yet the same Twitter has no problem with tens of thousands of tweets with the hashtag #AssassinateTrump or #RapeMelania. What about the millions of tweets by Hamas calling for the murder of Jews? Is that not a problem? Does Twitter see no problem with that? Just imagine if tens of thousands of people started tweeting about (G-D forbid) assassinating Obama or a #RapeMichelle hashtag was started. The biased media would be all over it. The bias is simply sickening. Shimon Gross Queens NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE POSTED ON YWN? SEND IT TO US FOR REVIEW (YWN World Headquarters NYC) EasyJet is powering ahead with a 10million Brexit plan to set up a base on the European mainland. The budget airline is establishing an operating company overseas to 'take control of its own destiny' and guarantee its flying rights when Britain leaves the European Union. The firm, which released its full-year results yesterday, has set aside 10million over the next two years to go towards setting up the base and re-registering aircraft in the region. Tough year: Budget airline easyJet has suffered a 27.9 per cent drop in annual pretax profits It has been forced to take this action in order to get a European air operators' certificate that allows it to fly internal flights in Europe after Brexit. The move will secure the rights of the 30 per cent of its network that remains wholly within, and between, EU states, excluding the UK. It is rumoured the new company will be based in Frankfurt in Germany though the exact location is expected to be unveiled in the next few weeks. Dame Carolyn McCall, chief executive of EasyJet, said that the airline would remain listed on the London stock exchange and continue to be headquartered in Luton. She said: 'We believe that the Government will strike an agreement with the EU for aviation but we don't know what form and content that will have. It is much better for EasyJet to control its own destiny.' EasyJet posted a mixed set of results in the year ended September 30, saying it had remained 'resilient' despite terrorism and industrial action. Passenger numbers rose to record numbers, up 6.6 per cent from last year to 73.1million but profits in the period came in at 495million, down 27.8 per cent from the 686million it had posted the year before because of currency fluctuations. Sales also fell 0.4 per cent to 4.7billion as the airline cut fares. Severe disruption due to strikes, poor weather and runway closures at Gatwick resulted in 8,348 flights being either cancelled, delayed or diverted. McCall said terrorism had affected the company's profits by about 150million. Free calls: Mukesh Ambani, who runs the Jio network in India Vodafone wrote off 4.3billion after India's richest man gave away mobile phones and free calls in a bid to scupper the firm's growth. The mobile giant has seen its plans to expand in Asia hindered by free deals handed out by Mukesh Ambani, who runs the Jio network in India. Ambani, 58, who is worth an estimated 18billion, has given new customers the chance to pay nothing for three months. This unprecedented giveaway has impeded the opportunities for Vodafone, which is the second biggest player in the market. India has a population of 1.25billion, but fewer than 30 per cent of the population own a smartphone, providing considerable opportunities for telecoms groups such as Vodafone. However it is a fragmented market with scores of telecoms firms operating in small areas, focused around cities. And as a result firms are in a fierce war to snare new customers. In September the Jio network said all its services would be available for free until the end of the year, in a 'welcome' offer. After this the cheapest of its ten plans begins at just 1.77 a month for 0.3gb of data. Most deals in the UK offer at least 1gb. To fight back, Vodafone has lowered prices and increased data allowances, making special offers in a bid to claw back customers. But it was forced to write-off 4.3billion in a non-cash charge in its half-year results to September 30, because of the increased competition. It also said it had delayed a stock market listing in India until market conditions stabilised, and advised this would not happen before the end of March. Chief executive Vittorio Colao said the free trials from Jio were 'unprecedented', and the promotions were expected to be lifted within 90 days as required by legislation. He said: 'Any company needs to start billing. That will be the moment when we start seeing exactly how the market is going. To fight back, Vodafone has lowered prices and increased data allowances, making special offers in a bid to claw back customers 'It's harder to assess the impact until players play by the same rules.' The write-down is not the first time Vodafone has taken a hit on one of its overseas businesses. In 2006 it made a 14.8billion loss after admitting some of its assets were worth less than it thought. It incurred one-off costs of more than 23.5billion after revaluing its German business Mannesmann, which it bought in 2000 for 112billion. And when Vodafone sold its Japanese business to Softbank in 2001 it was said to write off 4.9billion as the business was valued at a higher level on its balance sheet. Yesterday's write-down came as Vodafone posted a 3.9 per cent fall in revenue to 23.5billion, largely due to the fall in the pound since Britain's vote to leave the EU. It saw strong performance in Germany and Italy, but reported a 'mixed' result in the UK. Revenue in the UK fell 2.7 per cent, which Vodafone said was due to the migration of customer bills onto a new system. Today, Money Mail launches a major campaign to help savers cash in their rip-off pensions. Under laws introduced last year, everyone aged over 55 should be able to withdraw as much as they want from their pensions. But five million pensioners who have already turned their pots into a retirement income have been denied these freedoms. The Government had promised reforms next April to allow retirees to sell their so-called annuities for a lump sum. Injustice: Five million pensioners who have already turned their pots into a retirement income have been denied pension freedoms But the plan was axed in a sudden announcement last month that opened up a cruel divide between the generations. While younger workers will be able to spend their life savings as they want, older pensioners are stuck with useless deals that pay as little as 1 a month. According to official figures, hundreds of thousands of retirees want to swap these incomes for cash lump sums to pay off debts, carry out house repairs, visit relatives abroad or treat their families. In an unexpected boost, Money Mail revealed a little-known law was already in place that should at least allow them to cash in pots worth up to 10,000. Yet greedy insurers have refused to pay out. Meanwhile, around 1.3 million savers have been trapped with rotten annuities that deprive them of up to 40 per cent of the income they were supposed to get. The City watchdog found evidence savers who were in poor health when they bought annuities were mis-sold the wrong deals. Yet it is allowing the same firms who ripped off customers to work out who should get compensation and how much. In the four weeks since the Government's surprise U-turn, Money Mail has been inundated with letters and emails from devastated pensioners who cannot fathom why they've been left stranded by ministers and the insurance firms they trusted. So today we embark on a crusade to win fairness for the retired with four key demands: Extend the law so that any annuity, regardless of size, can be sold back to the insurer that issued it. Force insurers to offer a quote to any of their customers who want to cash in their annuity. Protect savers from rip-offs by providing free guidance on cashing in annuities and a cap on fees for professional financial advice. Ensure fair compensation to the millions who were mis-sold annuities. For years, most savers with pensions linked to the stock market bought annuities when they retired. That was the only practical way to access your money, unless you were very rich. Then, in 2015, former Chancellor George Osborne said anyone who was yet to buy an annuity would get unlimited access to their funds. Money Mail readers who already have an annuity have written eloquent and often heart-breaking letters describing what it would mean if these freedoms were extended to them. Without exception, they say a lump sum would make a huge difference to their quality of life, while the pathetic monthly income they currently get is practically useless. This is particularly true where they have other sources of income, such as final-salary pensions or a spouse's pension. Today we reveal the inside story of how the Government ditched plans to help the retired. Osborne had originally wanted to create a 'secondary annuity market' where savers could sell their deals to the firm that made the highest cash bid. But insurers lobbied furiously against the reforms, which proved to be fatally flawed. It has since emerged that the law allows savers with annuities worth less than 10,000 to cash them in. Poor deal: Many elderly people were locked into annuities against their will because it was the only option before pension freedom But the rules state that insurers can veto these requests. And most big firms including Aviva, Standard Life and Prudential say they'll refuse to pay out. The Government must extend that law to all savers, putting the ball squarely in the insurers' court. Then, the giant firms in charge of your retirement cash must be forced offer every customer the chance to cash in. The City watchdog must ensure savers get a fair payout by allowing insurers to deduct only their costs from the lump sums they return to customers. For example, take a saver who turned a 100,000 pot into an annuity ten years ago, taking 5,000 a year as income. That would leave 50,000 in their pot. If they sold the annuity back to their insurer, any deductions to cover administration costs should be capped. Swapping your annual income for a lump sum is a life-changing decision and will not suit everyone. In fact, the majority of savers with large annuities are likely to be better off keeping their deals provided they were not mis-sold. To protect pensioners from rip-offs, the Government must offer free guidance to the pros and cons through its Pension Wise service. Savers with pots worth more than 30,000 may want to take full financial advice and must be protected from excessive consultation fees. The retired also deserve a fair deal over the annuity mis-selling scandal. Just four in ten savers who bought annuities shopped around for the best rate despite the 25 per cent income boost potentially available. Money Mail repeatedly exposed how profit-hungry firms used underhand tactics to lure customers into shoddy deals. Today we launch an offer for 50 readers to get an annuity audit worth 175 to see whether they were mis-sold. The Financial Conduct Authority must force all companies to review all their past sales for mis-selling. So far it has only demanded full reviews by two firms. It also plans to allow insurers to work out their own compensation packages for sick customers who were sold deals for healthy people. There must be a single set of standards for working out whether someone was mis-sold and how much they should get. Estimados amigos, Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia. Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro. Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras. There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen. You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out. No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca. Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt. Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos. Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada. History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. Triangulating Brexit BRUSSELS More than 100 days after the United Kingdom voted narrowly to leave the European Union, it remains far from clear what arrangement will regulate cross-Channel trade after Brexit. Political discussions tend to revolve around three key issues: immigration controls, access to the single market, and passporting rights for financial services. Which balance should European leaders strike? Many in Britain know exactly what they want: to impose controls on the movement of workers from the rest of the EU, thereby protecting the domestic labor market, but without losing access to the single market or passporting rights, which allow British firms to sell their financial services on the continent. That was, after all, the kind of deal many leaders of the Leave campaign promised before the June referendum. But the Brexiteers promise remains wishful thinking. As German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble has pointed out, access to the single market is inextricably linked to the free movement of people. Indeed, he has even offered to send Boris Johnson, the UKs foreign secretary, a copy of the Treaty of Lisbon, where that link is established. This may sound legalistic, and it certainly reflects political motivations. But basic economic principles imply that free movement is, indeed, at least as important as free trade. Trade usually benefits both sides. It is thus clear that it is in the common interest of the UK and the EU to minimize the losses from the introduction of new barriers through Brexit. From the point of view of European welfare, it is the size of the trade barriers that matters, not which side is a net exporter or importer. Low barriers typically have low costs, unless very large volumes of trade are affected. But as barriers become higher, the negative impact on welfare grows disproportionately. The good news for the UK is that it probably wouldnt face substantially higher trade barriers even if it did leave the single market. After all, the EU has, in general, a liberal trade regime, with low external tariffs. That is why so many studies do not consider the economic benefits of tariff-free transatlantic trade as the primary reason for pursuing it. Even if the UK faced some additional barriers such as new customs requirements and certificates of origin their impact would most likely be relatively small. The case of Switzerland which is even more integrated into EU production chains than the UK shows that efficient customs administrations on both sides are enough to keep such barriers to a minimum. In any case, exports of goods to the EU generate only about 6% of the UKs GDP. Yet another reason why the introduction of some low trade barriers is unlikely to produce large losses is that the differences in the cost of producing goods in one market or the other are small. Producing a car in Britain, for example, costs about the same as producing one in Germany. Barriers to the free movement of labor are a different story. Productivity and income per worker in the UK remains significantly higher than in, say, Poland. A worker would get about 25 ($27.70) for an hour of work in the UK, but only 8.50 in Poland. In other words, not allowing a Polish worker to work in the UK would imply large economic costs for Europe. Moreover, if British Prime Minister Theresa May follows through on her stated goal of reducing annual net immigration to less than 100,000, the UK would have to implement drastic potentially costly measures to close off the UK labor market. This means that the barriers that EU negotiators are in a position to impose which largely affect trade in goods are likely to have a much smaller impact than the UK-imposed barriers, such as quotas on EU workers. But there is one more issue that negotiators must consider: financial services. While overall trade in services is unlikely to suffer enormously from Brexit the internal market for services never worked all that well, anyway finance constitutes a special case, largely because of the passporting arrangements for banks. Economists are often ambivalent about the benefits of financial integration, not least because large flows of bank credit can have a serious impact on macroeconomic stability. Whereas securitization, for example, can help to reduce risk and increase the availability of credit for risky borrowers under the right framework, the 2008 global financial crisis starkly demonstrated that it can imply huge costs if it goes too far. But steps can be taken to maximize the benefits of cross-Channel provision of financial services after Brexit. The key is to base decisions not on sustaining the City of Londons role as Europes financial hub, but on ensuring that the services provided strengthen Europes capital markets. That would require an emphasis on equity over debt instruments, and on market-based financing over bank credit. From an economic standpoint, the priorities that should guide Brexit negotiations are clear. Negotiators must focus on minimizing new barriers to the free movement of labor; indeed, this should be an even higher priority than maintaining the free movement of goods. And British financial services should be welcomed in the EU, but only if they help it to move away from its bank-centric system and complete the capital market union. But politics continues to distort discussions, driving leaders to draw red lines on free movement and adopt mercantilist stances on financial services. It will take some statesmanship on both sides to shift attention to the common good. Every day brings with it new disturbing headlines thanks to Our Idiot President-Elect, and Stephen Colbert can barely keep up. On his show last night, he tackled Obama's final overseas trip, Trump's disastrous transition to power so far, fake news and Facebook, Ben Carson's rejection of a cabinet position, and vampire mice. But he almost stopped his monologue completely short to deliver a personal plea to Trump after news this week emerged that Trump wants to return to NYC as much as possible, which could lead to blocking off 5th Avenue (and removing the spine of Manhattan). "This is personal: on behalf of eight million people, please don't come back every week to New York, I am begging you, please," Colbert said. "The one week a year when Obama comes in for the U.N. is like the fall of Saigon meets Dante's Inferno meets World War Z around here...whole generations of New Yorkers will be born and die without ever leaving their Uber!" He continued, "Why, for the love of pete, would you want to come back to New York? Eighty-six percent of Manhattan voted against you, your front door is blocked by 10,000 people screaming at you. And plus, I've been there, the White House is very nice, it has 35 bathroomsyou can sit on the same toilet Lincoln tweeted the Gettysburg Address from." Colbert also staged an interview with Trump using the 60 Minutes interview footage the other night, questioning him about Putin's gift of a "large wooden horse." We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Joyce Shepard When Mayor DiBlasio had a Town Hall meeting in Bayside back in February, which was co-sponsored by Council member Paul Vallone, I came out of my advocacy retirement to attend. I raised my hand and was called upon by the mayor. My issue was the homeless. I reminded the mayor of the time Gov. Mario Cuomo shut down all the psychiatric hospitals in New York, dumping patients into our communities without any out-patient services. After reading week after week about the problems of not in my backyard (NIMBY) by community residents regarding the homeless population being placed in hotels and motels in their neighborhoods, I decided to bring my idea to the mayor. Today our tax dollars are paying for those psychiatric hospitals that are languishing, and as far as I know, still empty. I suggested the mayor and Councilman Vallone contact Gov. Andrew Cuomo and suggest they appoint a commission to look into the possibility of making the hospitals one-room apartments with socialization and medication services. Just as the residents have the right to protest the dumping of the homeless in their community, this population has the right to be offered decent living conditions. They certainly do not deserve the rejections they suffer and being housed in unsafe shelters. When I went undercover as a battered woman 20 years ago, I was astonished at the dreary and unsafe shelters I was referred to. When will this citys elected officials start protecting and serving the homeless? It could possibly happen if the homeless voted. The many psychiatric hospitals can be turned into apartment buildings. After all, theyre languishing as we pay taxes for them, while people are living in the streets. The buildings are surrounded by grass, creating a country atmosphere. I believe just as the residents have their right to protest, the homeless population has a right to be offered a one-room apartment in a country atmosphere. I have called Mr. Vallone and the mayors office and have not had my calls returned. I hope that someone with clout looks into my suggestion and gets the problem for all mediated. Or maybe these hospitals are being offered to developers, which wouldnt surprise me at all. Joyce Shepard, CSW Bayside Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez HOWARD BEACHPolice were searching for five men in connection with a robbery in Howard Beach. According to police, on Oct. 27 at 10:28 p.m. the five suspects entered the Rite Aid located on 160-10 Crossbay Blvd. and took $1,350 worth of merchandise. When they were leaving, one of the suspects said not to follow him because he had a knife, police said. The five suspects are being described as men anywhere from between 16 to 20 years old. According to police, they fled the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Select the Times' Boys and Girls Athletes of the Week for Oct. 24-30 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Fans of "Downton Abbey" may want to sit down before reading this: In an early scene of Michelle Dockery's new TNT series, "Good Behavior," the woman formerly known as Lady Mary Crawley scrubs a filthy toilet bowl. The stylish crime drama, created by Chad Hodge and Blake Crouch, follows Letty, a recovering meth addict, thief and con artist. Recently released from prison, she's attempting to stay straight. But then she crosses paths with Javier, a devastatingly handsome hitman (Juan Diego Botto), and lots of very bad behavior ensues. "To have the opportunity to do something so different wasn't something I expected so soon after 'Downton Abbey,' so I feel really fortunate," said the 34-year-old British actress, who also has a major role in the Netflix miniseries "Godless," due in 2017. Q: Coming out of "Downton Abbey," how did you decide what you'd do next? What were your creative priorities? More Information Tune in "Good Behavior" When: 9 p.m. Tuesdays Where: TNT See More Collapse A: It's difficult to top something like "Downton." The writing is first and foremost. "Good Behavior" came about sort of midway through (the final season of "Downton Abbey"). On first reading I thought, this is something I have to do. Letty is such an emotionally raw character. Q: Letty and Mary are, at least superficially, quite different. Do you see any similarities? A: There's definitely parallels with these women, two very strong women who've been through a significant amount of trouble in their life. You do carry with you some of what you've gained from those other roles that you've played. I'll never forget Mary. She has a very special place in my heart. Q: Did you get lots of offers for costume dramas after "Downton Abbey"? A: Surprisingly, no. What I've always hoped for is a varied career and different characters and times in history to learn about. (Being typecast in period roles) wasn't really something that I was too worried about. I'd already done a film, "Sense of an Ending," which is present day. "Godless," the Netflix miniseries that I'm shooting right now, is set in 1883. I have to say I loved going back to period clothes. Q: There were times during "Good Behavior" that I wondered what the Dowager would say. A: That's what all the headlines will say, I'm sure. It's wonderful to play a female role that is so, so strong and very honest and unapologetic. Friday Mickey, Minnie and the Disney gang are off on their latest adventure in "Disney Live! Mickey & Minnie's Doorway to Magic." Mickey, Minnie and 25 of their Disney friends will open doors to imagination, and everyone is in on the fun. Snow White, Tinker Bell, Aladdin's genie and Cinderella will be there, along with characters from "Toy Story" and "Twisted." And of course, Donald and Goofy are along for the ride in the live show, which features actors playing the Disney characters. Two shows, at 4 and 7 p.m. $18-$78. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. 465-3335; http://www.palacealbany.com Friday WAMC's Wanda Fischer is a fan of the Boxcar Lilies. The "Hudson River Sampler" host ranked the Lilies' album "Knockout Rose" at No. 3 her top 25 records of 2015. The female Americana trio bassist Jenny Goodspeed, guitarist Susan Cattaneo and Stephanie Marshall on washboard and cajon is known for its tight three-part harmonies and musical mix of folk, country, blues and bluegrass. Cosby Gibson will open for the Lilies when they come to town this week as part of the A Place for Folk concert series. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $10-$20. Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, 221 Wendell Ave., Schenectady. 465-3335; http://www.aplaceforfolk.org Saturday Low Lily likes to mix a little bit of pop in with its traditional Americana and folk sounds. So says PopMatters, one of a number of publications that have heaped praise on the acoustic trio, made up of Liz Simmons (vocals, guitar), Flynn Cohen (vocals, guitar and mandolin) and Lissa Schneckenburger (vocals and fiddle). The group's self-titled debut album also made Sing Out! magazine's best of 2015; the publication called it a "wonderful album." 8 p.m. Saturday. $10-$18. Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880 Route 43, Averill Park. 674-2007; http://slca-ctp.org/low-lily Friday-Saturday In "Master Class," demanding opera diva Maria Callas has little patience for the students in her voice class at the Julliard School. As her students attempt to impress her, Callas reminisces about her own failures and triumphs in life and on stage. From a childhood as an ugly duckling to her successes at LaScala and her affair with Aristotle Onassis, Callas' too-short life she died at age 53 of a heart attack in 1977 is center stage in Terrance McNally's drama. Anny DeGange plays Callas in the Creative Place International's staging of the play, directed by Ron Holgate. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $25. Riggi Theater, National Museum of Dance, 99 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 584-7780; http://www.thecreativeplaceinternational.org Sunday Concerto, recital and chamber music repertoire, it's all the same to classical violinist Soovin Kim. Kim, who won the prestigious Paganini International Competition at age 20, has performed with orchestras across the U.S. and around the world, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, and the Seoul Philharmonic. A regular at the Marlboro Festival, Kim recorded four commissioned works by Korean composers with his piano quartet MIK (Made in Korea). He joined the faculty at the New England Conservatory in 2014. Kim will offer an all-Bach concert when he performs at Union College this week. 3 p.m. Sunday. $30; free for students under 30 with ID. Union College, 807 Union St., Schenectady. 388-6080; http://www.unioncollegeconcerts.org This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CLIFTON PARK -- A Wednesday round-up of State Police warrants includes a Rensselaer County man wanted for two misdemeanor charges. Valley Falls resident Scott Phillips is sought for criminal possession of stolen property and forgery charges. Troopers investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle at a Clifton Park business on April 11 found Phillips with almost 29 grams of crack and powder cocaine, State Police said. The 31-year-old is described as a 5-foot-9 white man, weighing 165 pounds. He has brown eyes and hair. State Police posted warrants for eight other people online Wednesday: Bridget M. Skidders, 40, is wanted in St. Lawrence County for a felony criminal possession of marijuana charge, a probation violation. Skidders was arrested June 10, 2011, when she was found with more than 34 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in the town of Madrid. She is described as a 5-foot-1 American Indian woman with brown eyes and hair, weighing 160 pounds. Amanda L. Murphy, 27, is wanted in Fishkill for criminal possession of a controlled substance, promoting prison contraband and possession of a hypodermic needle, all misdemeanor charges. Murphy failed to appear in court in early 2016, State Police said. She was arrested in May 2015 for possessing a controlled substance and again in July 2015 for entering Downstate Correctional Facility with a hypodermic needle containing heroin residue, State Police said. Murphy is described as a 5-foot-4 white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, weighing 132 pounds. Michael D. Stevenson, 38, is wanted in Binghamton for a misdemeanor aggravated harassment charge. Stevenson was arrested in April 2010 for making threatening telephone calls to a victim in Fenton, State Police said. A warrant was issued in July 2010 after he missed court dates. Stevenson is described as a 5-foot-5 white man with brown hair and blue eyes, weighing 140 pounds. Charity F. Carson, 41, is wanted in Niagara for misdemeanor criminal trespass. Carson entered a home in Niagara Falls without permission in August 2005, State Police said. Her arrest warrant was issued in March 2008. She is described as a 4-foot-10 white woman with blonde hair and green eyes, weighing 110 pounds. Jason D. Aldrich, 32, is wanted in Rochester for aggravated driving while intoxicated and failure to appear in court, after being charged on June 11, 2016. The Rochester resident is described as 6-foot-4 white man with brown hair and eyes, weighing 185 pounds. Paul Fisher is wanted in Deerpark for felony grand larceny and burglary charges. Fisher broke into a hunting camp and stole a 2015 Polaris all terrain vehicle and a utility trailer, State Police said. He was arrested but failed to return to court. Fish is described as a 5-foot-9 white man with brown hair and blue eyes, weighing 154 pounds. Josue Perez, 26, is wanted in Nassau County for driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation and traffic violations. Perez was stopped for speeding on the Southern State Parkway in 2015 and was later arrested, State Police said. The Brentwood resident drives a red GMC and is described as a 5-foot-8 Hispanic man with black hair and brown eyes, weighing 170 pounds. Milo H. Classon, 56, is wanted in Buffalo for driving while intoxicated after a February 2010 arrest on the Thruway. He is described as a 5-foot-10 white bald man with brown eyes, weighing 200 pounds. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call the State Police at (518) 383-8583 or email Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov. The State Police asked residents not to take any other action. State Senator Brad Hoylman found two swastikas etched on a service door to his apartment building in Greenwich Village, adding to the number of recent hate crime incidents in the city in the wake of last week's presidential election. Hoylman, who is Jewish and openly gay, posted about the incident on Facebook and Twitter, writing that he spotted the twin swastikas on door to the Fifth Ave building in which he lives with his partner and daughter yesterday evening. He blamed President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of white nationalist Steve Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor for the incident, and noted that just last week, swastikas appeared on dorm room doors at the nearby New School. "Meanwhile, Stephen Bannon, an anti-Semitic, white nationalist has been named as the senior strategist to President-elect Donald J. Trump," Hoylman wrote. "Connect the dots." Mayor de Blasio tweeted at Hoylman that "Millions of New Yorkers stand with you tonight against anti-Semitism," adding, "Hate has no place in NYC. #NotInOurCity." The NYPD's Hate Crime Unit is investigating the incident. In addition the New School swastikas, a swastika was found on a sidewalk in Crown Heights Sunday morning, and last week, a Muslim prayer room was vandalized at NYU. A tipster tells us a swastika has appeared in the window of a building on East 96th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on the Upper East Side, facing the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. "We are at a loss what to do as we are afraid to confront for we do not know if there agenda is propoganda, scare tactic or worse," the tipster, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells us. The NYPD is investigating the Greenwich Village incident as a hate crime. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 For music lovers of a politically progressive bent feeling psychically crumpled by the recent election, Ted Leo has some fighting as in fighting back words. His song "In the Mean Times," written for a Kickstarter project, proclaims "In the mean times/We'll push against that trend/The arc is ours to bend/This isn't where it ends." Could be an anthem for those not feeling rosy about the dawn of the Trump era. Leo cut his teeth some years back in a series of bands in New York City and Washington, D.C. The most-fruitful of his projects has arguably been Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, who have so far released six albums, the most-recent in 2010. Leo also had a duo project with Aimee Mann called The Both that yielded an eponymous album in 2014. But Leo is also quite comfortable holding the stage solo. He likely will not be lacking for charged topics to sing, and maybe speak, about. Joe Stalvey This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Helen Krajick, operating room manager at St. Peter's Hospital, was honored earlier this year for her support of Capt. Donna McCormick, a registered nurse in the OR who serves in the New York Air National Guard as an aeromedical evacuation nurse. This past spring McCormick was deployed for a second time to Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She also flew missions with her unit to the Middle East, primarily Qatar. "We would fly in the back of a C-17 aircraft, which is made up like a flying hospital floor," she said. She was with a seven-member crew of medical personnel that brought wounded soldiers, Department of Defense personnel, families and even injured working dogs to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. McCormick, who has been working at St. Peter's since 2001, joined the National Guard in 2005. Her deployments last 120 days. Serving the country is a family affair, with her husband, Master Sgt. Robert McCormick, recently retired from the Air National Guard. Plenty weighs on the mind of a deployed service member family, home, loneliness, job security. It certainly helps if the supervisor is understanding. Krajick puts McCormick's mind at ease regarding her work situation when she needs time off for military drills. When McCormick is deployed, Krajick holds her position until she returns and eases back into civilian life. McCormick recalled how Krajick made it easy for her "a month before and a month after deployment" to allow for briefing before deployment and debriefing and assimilating back into civilian life after. When McCormick was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, Krajick again came to the rescue. "Helen is very caring, very giving," McCormick said. "She let me stay out as long as I needed to. I didn't have to worry about my job while I was deployed and also when I was out sick." Born and raised in Albany, McCormick is a graduate of the Hudson Valley Community College nursing program. She has been a nurse for 25 years and has worked at St. Peter's Hospital for 34 years. She was a scrub technician in OR for nine years, went back to school and got her nursing degree. She has been OR manager for 20 years. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. She received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award "for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in American's National Guard and Reserve Force." "Some deployments are over the holidays. I deploy with lots of people. Some have bosses who are not happy (to have their employees deployed). I never worry about any of that," she said. "Helen makes it seamless for me. It's amazing. Totally." "Everyone on the staff supports Donna," said Krajick. McCormick said Krajick takes care of everyone. "She sees us as her family in the OR. She works around people with young famlies, single parents and people like me who are in the military." THE ISSUE: Separate incidents at two area jails demonstrate lax enforcement of the law. THE STAKES: Employees must be held accountable when evidence shows they've overlooked misconduct.The arrest of a veteran sergeant at the Albany County jail who allegedly smuggled contraband into the facility came after authorities were given a heads-up to the expansive scheme. But that tip didn't come from a fellow employee, who would be obligated to report any such illegal activity. It came from an inmate. More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse While Sheriff Craig Apple deserves credit for the swift follow-up that resulted in the arrest of the sergeant, six inmates and six other civilians, it's a stunning revelation and more than a mere embarrassment to those in charge. Longtime jail employee Merlin Thomas Jr. is accused of meeting the friends and relatives of inmates in the jail parking lot and charging up to $200 to bring prohibited items to them, including cellphones, tobacco, marijuana and knives. The sheriff described it as an organized operation, with prisoners simply using their cellphones which, incidentally, are banned inside the jail to place orders for the items they wanted. Sheriff Apple rightfully acknowledges the dangers all these items present. Even worse, the activity was going on right under the noses of jail guards and supervisors noses that evidently failed to detect the distinctive odor of tobacco and marijuana in a supposedly smoke-free facility. Days later, on the other side of the Hudson River, a nearly $2 million settlement was finalized in the long-standing case of illegal activity at the Rensselaer County Jail. Several jail employees, some of them supervisors, were engaged in an ongoing campaign of bullying and sexual harassment of a female sergeant. According to the findings made by the state Division of Human Rights, the repeated mental and physical harassment of the woman went on for years, inflicted by two separate gangs of guards, one of which included sergeants and lieutenants. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The victim was under the care of a doctor for serious emotional trauma and depression when she left her job at the jail on disability in 2010. The fair and reasonable award covers lost wages and compensatory damages, and provides her with the pension to which she would have eventually been entitled had she not been hounded out of her job. The sheriff at the time, Jack Mahar, who has since retired, said he wouldn't tolerate bullying or sexual harassment. But if it's not reported or uncovered, it's hard to punish. You can't generalize from two specific incidents. But these are only the latest episodes of misconduct in local jails, a story line that has become all too common. One must wonder: Is there adequate oversight on the part of the state Commission on Correction, which is supposed to set and maintain standards for jails around the state? The three-member commission, appointed by the governor, must assure that misconduct isn't the norm in county jails. Employees who simply look the other way when crimes are being committed in their midst are accomplices and must be held accountable. PennDOT has public comment forms that residents can fill out and return by Nov. 29, regarding whether there is a need for the South Perry Street Bridge. "We set out to be a small neighborhood staple, and I think we have achieved that," Mountain Province owner Ray Luna says of his coffee shop on Meserole Street in East Williamsburg. "We're the gay POC 'Cheers' of coffee shops, and we hope that we will continue to have a home in this block amidst the rabid gentrification of Brooklyn." There are a few things that make this space unique. The beans used to make the espresso drinks are sourced exclusively from the Philippines and the cafe specializes in Filipino pastries. The intimate interior, decorated with palm tree-patterned wallpaper, the cabinets filled with old pots and vintage photographs, and even a shrine dedicated to the Infant Jesus and the Virgin Mary, feel more like a Filipino grandmother's kitchen than many of the other hip coffee shops in the neighborhood. This is no coincidence. Luna tells us that he was inspired to open the cafe three years ago by his own grandmother, the matriarch of his family. "My grandmother was able to provide and send six kids to school by baking cakes for the neighborhood. Soon after, my mom and my aunt followed in her footsteps in one form or another," Luna told us. "So in a way, our tiny shop is a celebration of her legacy and the legacy of my family" he adds. Even the house-made pastries sold at Mountain Province are made with his grandmother's recipes. One of the most popular items on their menu is their cassava cake, made of grated yucca, coconut milk, coconut cream and topped with a layer of organic condensed milk. Their ensaymada, a brioche bun filled with ube (purple yam), is also a favorite among customers. Mountain Province's Cassava Cake (Joshel Melgarejo/Gothamist) The only coffee shop in New York City that serves solely Philippine-sourced coffee beans, Mountain Province focuses on offering ethically-sourced, fair trade coffee beans provided by Kalsada Coffee, a roaster that works with small independent coffee farmers in the Philippines. Luna says he chose to do this because he "wanted to support the coffee farmers in the Philippines and to promote the Philippine coffee industry here." Mountain Province also used to serve the high profile civet ("cat poop") coffee, but had to stop because the demand for it was low due to its cost. Luna initially wanted to open Mountain Province as a safe space for his friends, who identify as LGBTQIA+ and POC. His friends, including his partner, have subsequently joined the Mountain Province team as staff, as well as business partners. They each have their own stories of migrant struggle, since, like Luna, they emigrated to America from areas in the Philippines such as Manila, Cebu, Misamis, and Pampanga. Chevy Evangelista, Ray's best friendwho was a dental assistant for 12 years before becoming the coffee shop's baristatold us that what sets them apart from other cafes is their customer service. "I'm figuring it out myself, whether its a Filipino thing or whatever, we're really friendly with our customers. We know most of their first names. We've gone to dinner with some of them. We're very hardworking and we get pleasure from serving food and coffee to the neighborhood." Mountain Province is located at 9 Meserole Street, (718) 387-7030; mountainprovincecoffee.com RingCentral Hits the Century Mark with its US Patents By Frank Griffin - Contributing Writer RingCentral has been acknowledged by Frost & Sullivan as Company of the Year for overall vision, product innovation, and customer value, as well as Leader in Gartner's UCaaS Magic Quadrant. The recognition it has received is based on the innovative communications solutions the company provides as the needs of its customers continues to evolve. So it should not come as a total surprise the company just received its 100th U.S. patent. In the past month and a half alone, RingCentral has applied for four patents to improve communication capabilities. This includes a system for evaluating the quality of a communication session; a hybrid communications system using peer-to-peer and centralized architecture; systems and methods for initiating a peer-to-peer communication session; and systems and methods for managing multimedia conference calls. These patents continue to give us a competitive advantage as we aim to empower enterprises with the leading cloud communications and collaboration solution for their mobile and distributed workforces. Our investment in research and development is unprecedented in the industry, and we look forward to bringing to market more cutting-edge technologies that ultimately help our enterprise customers drive workplace productivity and overall business success, said Vlad Shmunis, chairman, founder and CEO of RingCentral. RingCentral has a wide portfolio of cloud communications and collaboration services that bring users together across devices, platforms and systems using voice, video and data. Some of the solutions that make this possible include, cloud PBX, video and audio conferencing, contact center, presence, interactive voice response (IVR) systems, UCaaS and more. The unified communications as a service (UCaaS) RingCentral provides integrates smartphones, tablets, computers, and desk phones to bring remote and mobile workers together so they can collaborate and access company resources no matter where they are. These services and others are used by more than 350,000 businesses around the world, including leading global brands such as BMW, Twitter, Guess, Subway, H&R Block, Del Monte, Box and many others. The company has a global workforce of engineers that are part of its employee patent Innovation Incentives program that encourages participation. This has resulted in patents being issued to the company in a distributed fashion across its different engineering, product development, platform, and mobile groups. RingCentral says this is part of its core corporate culture. Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Alicia Young [November 16, 2016] Accenture Forms Strategic Relationship with Partech Ventures to Drive Innovation and Support Startup Ecosystem Accenture (News - Alert) (NYSE:ACN) has entered into a strategic relationship with Partech Ventures, a leading venture capitalist firm headquartered in Paris, France, with offices in Berlin, Germany and San Francisco, California. Under the agreement, Accenture will invest in two Partech funds and join its Advisory Committee, gaining early access to relevant startups and the opportunity to co-invest in early-stage companies. Financial details were not disclosed. The collaboration will enable Accenture's enterprise clients to tap into the rich pool of innovation offered by top-tier startups to find new ideas and access new solutions for solving large business problems. It will further expand Accenture's participation in the European and U.S. startup ecosystem, providing Accenture with privileged access to emerging digital leaders. "Innovation provides the opportunity to invent the future and it's firmly at the core of our business model and our work in the market," said Paul Daugherty, chief technology officer, Accenture. "Through Accenture Ventures, we help our enterprise clients navigate the startup community to find those that address real business challenges or create real value. Our unique relationship with Partech will contribute to a robust, high quality portfolio and sourcing that helps us deliver what enterprises need to innovate." The relationship with Partech Ventures was driven by Accenture Ventures, which focuses on teaming with and investing in companies that create innovative enterprise technologies. Through extensive relationships with startups, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, venture capitalists and corporate R&D groups around the world, Accenture Ventures invests in, and teams with, the most promising sources of innovation in the market. "Through our relationship with Partech, Accenture will become more immersed in the startup community, particularly in Europe, identifying new opportunities to introduce innovation to ou enterprise clients faster and at scale," said Christian Nibourel, country managing director for Accenture in France and Benelux. "This agreement, along with the recent opening of the Accenture Innovation Center in Paris, demonstrates Accenture's continued commitment to drive innovation not only in France but around the globe." "We are very proud to count Accenture as one of our strategic relationships at a global level," said Philippe Collombel, co-managing partner of Partech Ventures. "This collaboration embodies Partech Ventures' transatlantic DNA and will enable our B2B portfolio companies around the world to access more prospects. Our relationship will be extremely powerful for each party when win-win opportunities between Accenture, a startup and an enterprise client to innovate together arise." Accenture Ventures will make a minority equity investment in Partech Entrepreneur II Fund, which specializes in seed funding, and in Partech International Ventures VII, which invests in early stage startups. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions - underpinned by the world's largest delivery network - Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 384,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. Accenture Ventures partners with and invests in growth-stage companies that create innovative enterprise technologies. Using an open innovation approach, Accenture Ventures identifies the most promising sources of innovation in the market, working with startups, accelerators, entrepreneurs, investors, academic institutions and corporate R&D groups around the world. About Partech Ventures Founded in 1982 in Silicon Valley, Partech Ventures is a global investment firm with a team spread across offices in San Francisco, Paris and Berlin. Most Partners have been entrepreneurs themselves or have held management positions within tech companies. The partnership acts and invests as a single team, helping entrepreneurs build fast-growing tech and digital companies addressing large markets across multiple continents. Partech Ventures partners with entrepreneurs at the seed (Partech Entrepreneur), venture (Partech International) and/or growth (Partech Growth) stages. Companies backed by Partech Ventures have completed 21 initial public offerings and more than 50 major M&A transactions with leading international companies. Since 2012, the team has built a pioneering business development platform fostering synergies and business relationships between entrepreneurs and strategic partners. Preqin, an independent global research firm, has ranked Partech Ventures as one of the ten most consistent venture capital firms in the world, and the only European VC in the top 25. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006702/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Boku and Spotify Launch Carrier Billing in Japan Boku Inc., the global leader in direct carrier billing, today announced that carrier-billed subscriptions for music streaming service Spotify (News - Alert), which launched in Japan in September, are now available across the country's three largest carriers. In partnership with KDDI, Softbank (News - Alert) and NTT Docomo, more than 158 million mobile subscribers can now use their mobile phone as a payment option for their Spotify Premium subscriptions. This marks the Japanese launch of Boku's Phone (News - Alert)-on-File technology, which allows merchants to manage renewal charges on a user's mobile account in the same way as they do with cards. Spotify gains the ability to utilize carrier billing as a powerful way to acquire new Japanese customers who find using their mobile phone number for purchases to be the easiest and most secure way to pay on any device, including PC and mobile web-based purchases. Once a free Spotify Premium trial has expired, the subscription fee will automatically appear on the user's mobile phone bill. Japan is a strong market for carrier billing with 77% of internet use being through mobile. This entrance into Japan is also an expansion of Boku's existing global partnership with Spotify that already includes the UK, Germany, Italy the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia. Jon Prideaux, CEO of Boku commented: "Japan is the world's second largest music market and no alternative payment method has proved more effective at monetizing Japanese consumers online than carrier billing. Our partnership with Spotify and the three largest carriers in Japan is a massive win for all parties in terms of revenue growth, new subscriber acquisition, and consumer satisfaction. These new carrier agreements not only speak to the global appeal of Spotify's streaming music service, but also to the continued growth of carrier billing's popularity in all parts of the world as a preferred form of payment." Spotify is the first music service in Japan to offer both a free ad-supported service and an ad-free ubscription service, which enables users to listen to music wherever and whenever they are - even while offline. To pay for Spotify via carrier billing, users can simply enter their mobile phone number to start a free 30-day trial of Spotify Premium and when the free trial expires the user is charged via their phone bill. Spotify begins charging users for Premium on the first day following the end of the trial, on a recurring monthly basis. Spotify currently boasts more than 100 million active users, and 40 million paid subscribers across more than 50 countries worldwide. About Spotify Spotify (Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden, CEO: Daniel Ek) is an award-winning digital music service that gives you on-demand access to more than 30 million tracks. Our dream is to make all the world's music available instantly to everyone, wherever and whenever you want it. Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage and share music with your friends, while making sure that artists get a fair deal. Spotify is now available in 60 markets globally with more than 100 million active users and over 40 million paying subscribers. Since its launch in Sweden in 2008, Spotify has driven more than US $5bn to rights holders. Spotify is now the second biggest source of digital music revenue for labels in Europe, and the biggest music streaming service of its kind globally. www.spotify.com About Boku Boku is the world's largest direct carrier billing mobile payments company, integrated with hundreds of mobile operators all over the world. Its bank-grade payments technology allows consumers to charge purchases to their mobile phone bill. Boku partners with global merchants including Facebook (News - Alert), Sony, Microsoft, Spotify, Riot Games, and many more. Based in San Francisco with offices in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Boku is funded by leading Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and venture capitalists including Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures, Index Ventures, Khosla Ventures, GMO Payment Gateway (News - Alert) and NEA. For more information visit: www.boku.com Useful Links: Boku website: http://www.boku.com Media Kit: http://www.boku.com/press/media/ Spotify: http://www.spotify.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005320/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Broadvoice Awarded Government Contractor Status LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadvoice, a premier provider of cloud-based hosted voice, unified communications (UC) and SIP trunking services, has been awarded a NASPO ValuePoint master agreement by the State of Utah for cloud solutions in all states, local governments and public education entities with an approved participating addendum. As a NASPO ValuePoint master agreement awarded contractor, the company expects to rapidly expand by delivering advanced communications solutions to public entities across 35 states and counting as participating addendums continue to be completed. This award gives Broadvoice and its channel partners fast-track access to the multi-billion dollar government cloud market. The NASPO ValuePoint Cloud Marketplace eliminates traditional RFP challenges, which allows states, local governments, K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, political subdivisions, and authorized non-profit organizations with an approved participating addendum to more quickly gain access to Broadvoice services. NASPO ValuePoint facilitates multi-state cooperative procurements through rigorous RFP processes conducted by a Lead State under their public procurement statutes and rules before awarding a national contract. Since an in-depth RFP has already been completed, agencies are able to purchase communication technology with a participating addendum through Broadvoice and its channel partners, saving months of time. "We are honored to be one of the few cloud service providers to pass the rigorous vendor selection process, which in turn will open doors to a vast array of new public sector opportunities," said Jim Murphy, Broadvoice CEO. "Whether it's a state government or a local school district, we are excited to help these public entities realize the cost savings and technology advantages that the private sector has long enjoyedwhile delivering the level of service that Broadvoice has become synnymous with." For the next 10 years, Broadvoice is approved as a cloud services vendor for all states that participate in the public sector Cloud Service marketplace, created by NASPO ValuePoint in conjunction with the state of Utah. To inquire about cloud communications services that your state can use through NASPO ValuePoint, please contact Broadvoice at [email protected], visit the Broadvoice website at www.broadvoice.com or visit NASPO ValuePoint website at www.naspovaluepoint.org. Broadvoice was recently named to the annual Inc. 500|5000 list, a ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. It offers a flexible, smart portfolio of IP-based voice and data offerings, backed by its enterprise-class, geo-redundant IP Telephony platform. This includes a full UC suite and cloud PBX services, including unlimited voice calling plans for businesses, throughout the continental United States and Canada. About Broadvoice Headquartered in Los Angeles, Broadvoice is a premier provider of cloud phone service, contact center solutions, collaboration and conferencing. Utilizing the latest cloud communications technology, Broadvoice helps businesses reduce overall costs and improve efficiency. The company continuously delivers a full suite of secure, reliable, real-time communication solutions that help businesses connect with customers anywhere, any time and with any device. Broadvoice has been ranked in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 and Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Visit Broadvoice.com to learn more. Media Contact: Broadvoice Cheryl McRae 818-671-2953 [email protected] General information and additional contract details are available on NASPO ValuePoint's website: http://www.naspovaluepoint.com/#/contract-details/71/overview/general About NASPO ValuePoint The NASPO ValuePoint Cooperative Purchasing Organization (formerly WSCA-NASPO) provides the highest standard of excellence in public cooperative contracting. By leveraging the leadership and expertise of all states with the purchasing power of their public entities, NASPO ValuePoint delivers best value, reliable, competitively sourced contracts. Since 1993 NASPO ValuePoint has been the cooperative purchasing arm of NASPO (the National Association of State Procurement Officials) encouraging, fostering and guiding the nation's most significant public contract cooperative. NASPO ValuePoint is a unified, nationally focused cooperative aggregating the demand of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the organized US territories, their political subdivisions and other eligible entities spurring best value, innovation and competition in the marketplace. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439766LOGO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439767 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/broadvoice-awarded-government-contractor-status-300363965.html SOURCE Broadvoice [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] First Tennessee Bank Goes Live with D3 Banking D3 Banking, the leading innovator in data driven digital banking, announced today that First Tennessee Bank has successfully gone live on its digital banking platform, migrating nearly 500,000 digital customers. The platform will help the bank reduce cost and complexity, offer a consistent, personalized experience to their customers and create new and innovative services in a state-of-the-art digital environment. "Our goal is to earn the trust of our customers every day whenever and wherever we interact with them. More and more of those interactions are happening via our digital banking channel where these customers expect the same quality interactions when banking as they receive from leading technology companies such as Apple or Google (News - Alert)," said Kevin Karrels, Senior Vice President, Digital Channel Strategy Executive at First Tennessee Bank. "D3 Banking allows us to meet and exceed high consumer expectations in a configurable, scalable and secure environment, competitively positioning ourselves for years of digital growth. We're excited to have our customers live on D3 Banking, so they can benefit from the enhanced digital banking experience the platform delivers." Through D3 Banking's powerful analytics, users gain a comprehensive view of their financial patterns and planning, while First Tennessee Bank is able to monitor and analyze this data to personalize its assistance and offerings. The single platform allows the bank to easily and efficiently manage fundamental banking services while lowering costs and streamlining once disparate processes to simplify the user experience. Mark Vipond, CEO of D3 Banking, said, "Forward thinking institutions like Fist Tennessee Bank are realizing the full potential of digital banking and the benefits that a data rich digital banking solution can offer to customers for years to come. Consumers expect their banks to personalize and anticipate their needs, just as they expect Amazon to recognize what items are relevant to them and Netflix to know what they will want to watch next. D3 Banking unlocks the wealth of information available to financial institutions, equipping them for relevant counsel and cross sell opportunities while strengthening the overall customer relationship. We're extremely proud to have worked with First Tennessee on this project and look forward to working together on the future initiatives." D3 Banking provides mid-sized and regional financial institutions with a comprehensive set of data driven digital banking services for any computer, smartphone, tablet or other digital device. The modern architecture, scalability and configurability of the D3 Banking platform will enable First Tennessee Bank to quickly and easily respond to trends and fluctuating digital preferences experienced by consumers and the overall industry. About D3 Banking D3 Banking reduces the cost and complexity of digital banking by providing a scalable single platform solution for consumers and small businesses that can be accessed via laptop, smartphone, tablets and wearables. The company's solutions provide a consistent, intuitive user experience in a highly configurable environment that allows banks and credit unions to leverage their brand positioning and respond to consumer needs quickly and without additional cost. By providing Data Driven Digital banking using a powerful, proven analytics engine, D3 Banking's platform delivers value-added financial management tools to consumers and small businesses while providing financial institutions with the ability to use this information to personalize their product and service offerings. Learn more about the company at www.d3banking.com. About First Tennessee First Tennessee Bank is the largest bank headquartered in Tennessee, with the number one deposit market share in Chattanooga, Memphis and the Tri-Cities, a top-five deposit market share in Knoxville and Nashville, and the number one market share in the counties in which we have locations. The FTB Advisors wealth management group has 313 financial advisors and $28 billion in assets under administration. First Tennessee was founded during the Civil War in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country and one of the highest customer retention rates of any bank in the country. First Tennessee, FTN Financial and FTB Advisors are part of First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE:FHN), which has 4,300 employees. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Working Mother and American Banker magazines. More information is available at www.FirstTennessee.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005838/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2016] MiCRO Expands Microinsurance Market in Central America The Microinsurance Catastrophe Risk Organization (MiCRO), a reinsurance company incorporated in Barbados, has announced a new microinsurance product offering to meet the protection needs of low-income families in Central America. "This innovative product will for the first time offer insurance protection in Guatemala to those who need it most," said Carlos Boelsterli, CEO for MiCRO. "Clients will also receive training to reduce their exposure to risk. Over the long run, this approach will help strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and improve the country's overall economic performance." MiCRO's pioneering product will cover business interruption losses from excessive rainfall, severe drought and earthquakes. MiCRO already submitted a related product for approval in El Salvador and plans to do so in Honduras in 2017. "We are working closely with microfinance institutions and insurers in Central America to develop commercially sustainable products that are appropriate and affordable for farmers and small businesses," said Steve Mitchell, Chairman of the Boardfor MiCRO. "Anyone who may be affected by a catastrophic weather or earthquake event will be able to get the insurance protection they need from a reliable source." The catastrophic risk index insurance policy, designed by MiCRO and provided through local Guatemalan partners Banrural and Aseguradora Rural, is triggered automatically by predetermined events that are verified by objective data sources, including NASA satellites. The stronger the event, the greater the payout to the beneficiaries will be. Policyholders will also receive disaster risk reduction training through national coordinating bodies, such as Guatemala's CONRED. Critical to many Central American economies, the agriculture and small business sector is exceedingly susceptible to weather-related events. Climate change is a threat multiplier for many such events, increasing both their intensity and frequency. Before this product, there were no index-based, catastrophic risk insurance policies specifically for low-income individuals in Guatemala. By the end of 2019 MiCRO's catastrophic risk index insurance products are expected to reach 250,000 people across Central America. They will be offered through local insurance companies, which will distribute policies through aggregators, including microfinance institutions, and other organizations. MiCRO's expansion into Central America is supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Mercy Corps, and Swiss Re whose technical assistance and risk capacity has been instrumental in providing this first-of-its-kind insurance protection. About MiCRO The Microinsurance Catastrophe Risk Organisation (MiCRO) is a specialized reinsurance company that combines the capital efficiency of the international reinsurance market with donor capital to design and deliver comprehensive insurance solutions to low-income populations, especially microentrepreneurs and smallholder farmers. Learn more at www.microrisk.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006784/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Renesas Electronics Spurs Innovation in Ethernet TSN Technology to Drive Autonomous Driving and Industry 4.0 Network Evolution Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced its latest innovative developments in Ethernet time-sensitive networking (TSN). Renesas has become the world's first to demonstrate standard compliance and interoperability for frame preemption, the most essential feature for TSN (Note 1) at the AVnu Plugfest (Note 2). Ethernet TSN standards are currently under development by the TSN task group of IEEE802.1. Their goal is to pave the way for seamless deterministic communication via Ethernet for automotive in-vehicle networking and within the industrial internet. Recently, the extension of the Ethernet AVB (Audio Video Bridging) standards for professional audio and in-vehicle networks, etc. is progressing. The standards cover several features, including time synchronization as well as traffic scheduling, frame preemption and ingress policing. With these features, the TSN technology is expected to accelerate the harmonization of Ethernet technologies in Industry 4.0 applications as well as in the automotive market, such as for high-speed in-vehicle networks. Renesas has developed two TSN demonstrations for automotive and industrial networking to illustrate the potential benefits of the TSN standard. The demonstrations will be showcased at the upcoming Automotive Networks to be held on November 17 in Munich, Germany, and SPS IPC (News - Alert) Drives exhibitions, to be held from November 22 to November 24 in Nuremberg, Germany. Renesas' TSN engagement for automotive Renesas offers a variety of semiconductor solutions that support Ethernet AVB, which is already widely used in automotive networks. Building on its expertise in in-vehicle communication technology, Renesas has become the world's first to demonstrate standard compliance for frame preemption as first in the industry. Renesas will showcase the new TSN demonstration at the upcoming Automotive Networks event in Munich on November 17, 2016. Renesas will also provide more details about the company's TSN switch solution adapted to the upcoming IEEE (News - Alert) 802.1 standards. The TSN technology is expected to realize wider use of Ethernet for in-vehicle networks and even replace the previous networks used for critical control. Renesas is also eyeing the possible replacement of the existing Ethernet with the TSN for automotive control systems, and intends to promote TSN standard in automotive networks to contribute to the realization of more suitable and safer autonomous-driving vehicles. Renesas TSN engagement for Industry 4.0 With its rich lineup of industrial network solutions that support a variety of industrial Ethernet standards, Renesas is contributing towards the realization of Industry 4.0. The latest generation of industrial Ethernet standards often come with proprietary layer-2 implementations, which make network convergence difficult. The consequence are isolated networks that require gateways to be connected to other hierarchies. Renesas is working to combine the current generation of industrial network technology with TSN to make it future-proof while also supporting legacy standards by offering best-in-class solutions. Renesas will showcase the TSN demonstration on stand 142, Hall 6 at the upcoming SPS IPC Drives fair 2016 in Nuremberg. Renesas TSN demonstrations features The TSN demonstration for automotive application is based on a future in vehicles network domain architecture. It shows tunneling of CAN traffic via Ethernet and the effects of various TSN features that can be enabled or disabled on demand. The TSN demonstration for industrial applications is designed with the factory network in mind where various devices are connected. This demonstration showcases the effects of TSN features on motor control for which real time control is essential, on a network where traffic from various devices coexists. Main features of TSN standard shown in the demonstration Along with many standard switch features, the TSN demonstrations will specifically include the following features: Forwarding and Queuing Enhancements for Time-Sensitive Streams. (IEEE 802.1Qav) This is an mechanism to shape the traffic by establishing a fairness transmission of priority traffic by reservation of limited bandwidth per traffic class; this is also known as "Credit-Based Shaping" This is an mechanism to shape the traffic by establishing a fairness transmission of priority traffic by reservation of limited bandwidth per traffic class; this is also known as "Credit-Based Shaping" Enhancements for Scheduled Traffic (IEEE 802.1Qbv) With this feature, the traffic can be classified to one of the eight traffic classes, and the classes can then be scheduled to allow for them to communicate at a fixed repetitive cycle. Timing and Synchronization (IEEE 1588v2 / IEEE 802.1AS) This is the classic master-slave protocol to synchronize the clocks between the network participants Frame Preemption/Interspersing Express Traffic (IEEE 802.1Qbu/802.3br) A new mechanism that allows a time-critical frame to interrupt a non-time-critical frame in order to reduce latency. Renesas is one of the few companies joined the first AVnu Plug Fest (Note 2) held in August 2016 at the University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL (News - Alert)). The event focused on Frame Preemption/Interspersing Express Traffic, and there the strict compliance and interconnectivity of Renesas technology had been confirmed. Renesas intends to continue to support promotion of the Ethernet TSN standard and its adoption in the automotive and industrial fields to contribute to the development of autonomous-driving vehicles and Industry 4.0. (Note 1) Renesas demonstrated during the AVnu Plugfest devoted to presentations of frame preemption/interspersing express traffic that was held for the first time in August 2016. (Note 2) A connectivity testing event sponsored by AVnu Alliance, the body responsible for defining Ethernet TSN connectivity specifications, and implemented by the University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), the official certification organization for Ethernet TSN. For more information about Renesas, follow Renesas Electronics America at @RenesasAmerica on Twitter (News - Alert) and http://www.facebook.com/RenesasAmerica. For more information about the Medium One production cloud, contact [email protected]. About Renesas Electronics Corporation Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live-securely and safely. The number one global supplier of microcontrollers, and a leader in Analog & Power and SoC products, Renesas provides the expertise, quality, and comprehensive solutions for a broad range of Automotive, Industrial, Home Electronics (HE), Office Automation (OA) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications to help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com. (Remarks) All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005596/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] UMC Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for New 12-Inch Wafer Fab in China United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today celebrated the grand opening of United Semi, UMC's 12-inch joint venture wafer fab in Xiamen China. The state-of-the-art fab, which was completed in record time, realized volume production for customer products merely 20 months after groundbreaking in March of 2015. Pilot production yields for communication ICs at the fab have already exceeded 99% on the company's 40nm process. Zhuang Jiahan, city mayor of Xiamen, delivered the keynote speech for today's event. Po-Wen Yen, CEO of UMC, said "Owing to the tireless teamwork of our suppliers, facilities management and engineering teams, we have realized successive, noteworthy milestones since United Semi broke ground in March, 2015. We achieved cleanroom readiness and equipment move-in within a year, and pilot run verification to mass production in only 8 months. With United Semi being able to leverage UMC's technology expertise and over 35 years of proven manufacturing experience, we believe this new fab is the best choice for IC designers in China and worldwide who wish to manufacture their products locally in order to serve China's vast electronics market, while also mitigating geographic risk. We are excited for the future of United Semi as today's grand opening kicks off the next growth stage for UMC." United Semi is a 3-way joint venture foundry company between UMC, Xiamen Municipal People's Government and Fujian Electronics & Information Group. Its fab, Fab 12X, is southern China's first 30mm foundry facility. The fab will utilize UMC's mass production 55nm and 40nm technologies, with a maximum design capacity of 50,000 wafers per month. The main advantage for choosing Xiamen as the fab location is its short distance from Taiwan, allowing seamless support from UMC's Taiwan headquarters. Furthermore, Xiamen has a well-established infrastructure to supply ample local engineering talent and logistical support. United Semi complements UMC's Hejian fab in Suzhou, China, which provides 8" foundry services for local and international customers. About UMC UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced IC production for applications spanning every major sector of the electronics industry. UMC's robust foundry solutions enable chip designers to leverage the company's sophisticated technology and manufacturing, which include volume production 28nm gate-last High-K/Metal Gate technology, ultra-low power platform processes specifically engineered for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and the automotive industry's highest-rated AEC-Q100 Grade-0 manufacturing capabilities for production of ICs found in cars. UMC's 10 wafer fabs are strategically located throughout Asia and are able to produce over 500,000 wafers per month. The company employs more than 17,000 people worldwide, with offices in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at http://www.umc.com Note from UMC Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in the foregoing announcement are forward-looking within the meaning of the U.S. Federal Securities laws, including statements about introduction of new services and technologies, future outsourcing, competition, wafer capacity, business relationships and market conditions. Investors are cautioned that actual events and results could differ materially from these statements as a result of a variety of factors, including conditions in the overall semiconductor market and economy; acceptance and demand for products from UMC; and technological and development risks. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in UMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. UMC does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006891/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2016] Womply Raises $30M to Run SMB Front Offices Womply, the leader in front office software for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs), announced today that it has raised $30 million in a growth equity financing led by Sageview Capital, with participation from existing investors. Since its founding in 2011, Womply has raised $50 million in total investment from a combination of high net worth, venture capital, and growth equity investors. The company plans to use the new capital to hire more staff, expand its product offerings, and reach more small and medium business customers. "Womply's mission is to use technology and data to grow, protect, and simplify small business," said Cory Capoccia, President of Womply. "This additional investment will allow us to scale even faster, further expand our partnerships, and remain laser focused on our merchant customers for many years to come. We can't wait to announce new products and partnerships in 2017." SMBs employ more than 40 million people across the country, and over 5.5 million of them have fewer than one hundred employees. As large corporations continue to expand into new and different business categories, these SMBs face increased competition and need new ways to differentiate themselves and deliver outstanding customer experiences. Womply is proud and excited to support this group of amazing people who share so many of our Core Values. Womply is one of the fastest growing SMB-focused technology companies in America. In the past two years alone, Womply has added more than 60,000 small and medium sized businesses as customers. The Womply software platform is a must have for SMBs of all types and locations. The company's unified, browser-based platform satisfies the most common monitoring, analytics, and marketing needs for SMBs including online presence and reputation management, customer andrevenue analytics, and easy-to-use marketing tools. Womply serves businesses in nearly every zip code in America, across more than four hundred business categories such as restaurants, retail, auto, health and beauty, hospitality, medical, and many more. Womply is also the leading provider of merchant-focused software to the credit card processing and acquiring industry. Since 2012, Womply has signed more than thirty exclusive product and distribution partnerships with leading credit card processors, acquirers, and independent sales organizations (ISOs). Together these partners process hundreds of billions of dollars in annual credit card transactions in the United States for millions of merchants. "I have known the Womply team for many years and have been impressed by their product innovation and performance," said Dean Nelson, Partner at Sageview Capital. "Womply has quietly established itself as one of the fastest growing SMB software companies we've seen. This growth has depended in large part on the unique partnership model that they pioneered and perfected, which provides significant value to partners and merchants alike. We are thrilled to lead this investment in Womply and look forward to working with the management team as the company provides an even broader range of products and services to a growing number of small and medium sized businesses." ABOUT WOMPLY Womply is a software-as-a-service (SaaS (News - Alert)) provider to small and medium businesses and one of the fastest growing software companies in America. Our mission is to use technology and data to grow, protect, and simplify small business. Every day we serve tens of thousands of merchants, across 400+ business verticals, in every corner of America. We're hiring for engineering, devops, design, sales, marketing, business development, account management, and more. For more information visit https://womply.com or email [email protected] ABOUT SAGEVIEW CAPITAL Sageview Capital LP is a private investment firm providing growth capital to small and mid-sized companies in the technology, business services, and financial services sectors. The firm's investments include 360insights, Alfresco, Avalara, Crimson Hexagon, Demandbase, EverBank Financial, GoPro (News - Alert), MetricStream, Reflexis, and United Capital, among others. Sageview was founded in 2006 and is led by Ned Gilhuly and Scott Stuart, former partners of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Dean Nelson, former head of KKR Capstone. The firm has offices in Greenwich, Connecticut and Palo Alto (News - Alert), California. For more information, visit www.sageviewcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006836/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2016] 49 Industry Leaders Collaborate to Define New 400G OSFP Transceiver Module for Next-generation Cloud Datacenter Networks Arista Networks, together with Acacia Communications, Accelink, Adva Optical Networking, Amphenol, AppliedMicro, Applied Optoelectronics, Barefoot Networks, Broadcom, Cavium, ClariPhy Communications, ColorChip, Coriant, Corning, Dell (News - Alert) EMC, Finisar, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Fujitsu Optical Components, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hitachi Cable Systems, Huawei Technologies, Infinera (News - Alert), Innolight, Innovium, Inphi, Intel, Ixia, Juniper Networks, Kaiam, Lorom, Lumentum, Luxtera, Macom, Marvell, Mellanox Technologies, Molex, MultiLane, NeoPhotonics, NEL America, Nokia, Oclaro, PHY-SI, SAE, Senko, Source Photonics, Sumitomo Electric (News - Alert) Industries, TE Connectivity, and Yamaichi Electronics announced the formation of the OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) Multi-Source Agreement. OSFP offers a unique combination of high front panel density and thermal performance that enables system designs with 32 400G ports per 1U that support th full range of 400G optics technologies, from datacenter to metro reach. "It is rare to see so much industry support behind a new optics module form factor," said Andreas Bechtolsheim, Chief Development Officer, Arista Networks. "We believe that the OSFP ecosystem will be a key element in enabling a successful market transition from 100 Gbps Ethernet to 400 Gbps and beyond." For more information, visit the OSFP MSA website at www.OSFPmsa.org. Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements The information in this press release contains "forward-looking statements", within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding the benefits of OSFP, future product developments for OSFP and the impact of OSFP on future product transitions. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Any forward-looking statements made by the Companies speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Companies are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter their forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006863/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In 1970, three years before the Supreme Court affirmed a woman's right to abortion in Roe v. Wade, New York amended its Penal Code to legalize most abortions. In doing so, it became the second state in the country (Hawaii was the first) to enforce a woman's right to abort her pregnancy. Today, New York has relatively strong protections surrounding the procedure. There arent legal obstacles like parental consent requirements for minors or state-mandated counseling, as there are in states like neighboring Pennsylvania. It's also among the minority of states where Medicaid covers most forms of abortion. If President-elect Donald Trump makes good on his campaign promise to appoint anti-abortion justices to the Supreme Court and send the question of reproductive rights "back to the states," New York will most certainly keep its current protections in place. "New York would be one of those states women travel to if this is the kind of doomsday scenario we're looking at," predicted Miriam Yeung, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. But while Roe v. Wade enshrines a woman's right to an abortion after 24 weeks if the pregnancy threatens her health, New York's law is more strict: currently, it only ensures late-term abortions if the doctor has reason to believe the pregnant woman's life is at stake. The federal standard technically takes precedence over state law, but practically, the criminal laws on the books deter many doctors from performing abortions for women with dangerous late-term conditions like preeclampsia, heart attack, or stroke, according to Dr. Diane Horvath-Cosper of Physicians for Reproductive Health. The same goes for late-term fetal conditions, like abnormal brain development. "Women who are facing health concerns who are pregnant have doctors in hospitals having as many conversations with attorneys as they do with other doctors," said Democratic Assemblywoman Deborah Glick. "What can we do? Is this a liability for the hospital?" Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan, center, has historically voted anti-abortion and is poised to lead a majority anti-abortion senate (Governor's Flickr). Now, with federal abortion rights hanging in the balance, advocates and policy makers are concerned that the Republican-led State Senate will continue to obstruct legislation that would enshrine Roe protections at the state level. "While New York is an overwhelming pro-choice state, we are actually facing another legislative session with what will likely have an anti-choice New York State Senate," said Andrea Miller, president of the National Institute for Reproductive Health, which advocates for reproductive health legislation in New York. Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan is historically anti-abortion, as is most of the state Republican Party. Legislative efforts have also been hampered by Democrat Ruben Diaz and political chameleon Simcha Felder, both of whom have been generally anti-abortion. (Diaz could not be reached, Felder declined to comment.) Glick is sponsoring the 2015 Reproductive Services Act, which would move abortion rights over to the health code and expand them to be on par with Roe v. Wade. To date, the RSA has passed the Democrat-led Assembly, but not the Senate. Richard Azzopardi, spokesman for Governor Andrew Cuomo, reiterated the Governor's support for the legislation in the wake of Trump's election. "Now that no one is under the delusion that protecting the right to choose is purely a federal issue, we urge our partners in government to join us and take action," he said. In September, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a legal opinion that New York can't criminalize late-term abortions, as doing so conflicts with Roe. This finding, of course, only stands so long as certain federal abortion rights remain intact. New York Civil Liberties Union Director Donna Lieberman said that even now, the opinion "isn't ironclad against a rogue DA that might try to take a doctor to criminal proceedings for taking good care of a patient." Meanwhile, anti-abortion lobbyists say they're bolstered by Trump's victory, and will double down their opposition. Barbara Meara, Chairman of New York State Right To Life, said that the RSA would be "used as an excuse" to perform a late-term abortion for "literally any reason." "We're going to continue to work against this extreme legislation," she added. "We think it's very dangerous." Asked if she was confident the Senate would continue to reject the RSA, Meara laughed. "It's so close that we're always worried, let me tell you," she said. "We never feel 100 percent confident. One person being sick or changing their mind could be devastating." But, she added, "I think we're okay." (Getty) If Trump appoints an anti-abortion Supreme Court justice, Roe wouldnt fall immediately. "You'd have to have the right case come to the court," Miller said. "Cases don't just appear out of thin air." But broader reproductive rights may face a more immediate threat. Currently, the Affordable Care Act requires that all health insurance plans offer copay-free contraception coverage. Planned Parenthood of NYC has predicted that about three million people in New York State can expect to lose their health insurance if the ACA is repealed. Meanwhile, birth control costs could go through the roof and women would have limited choices when it comes to birth control options. Hence the national call for women with insurance to consider long-term contraceptive methods, like IUDs. Planned Parenthood's NYC chapter is also looking to lose $10 to $12 million in federal funding, should the Trump administration and Congress manage to defund it, which would put additional financial stress on the non-profit organization, assuming many women lose access to affordable contraception and healthcare. "What this would mean is we would lose the ability to get reimbursed for the services we deliver through Medicaid and Title X, and other programs that help us provide care to low income people, and folks who may not have the means to be able to pay for our services otherwise," said Christina Chang, the vice president of public affairs at Planned Parenthood of NYC. In order to maintain its commitment to offering care to patients regardless of their insurance, ability to pay, or immigration status, Planned Parenthood would have to fill this potential budget gap through donations. Legislation currently stalled in the state Senate could actually expand on the contraceptive access available to New Yorkers under the imperiled ACA. While the ACA contraceptive mandate covers only a portion of all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act of 2015, sponsored by Republican Senator John Bonacic, would require insurers in New York to provide copay-free coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives. Emergency contraception sold over-the counter like Plan B, which typically costs at least $50, would also be covered under the law. Miller is particularly excited about a provision in the CCCA that would offer coverage for male contraception. "One of the things that people don't realize, but I think is especially important now, is that states can frequently go beyond the floor that the federal government might set," she said. "And this is one of those moments where that floor is about to drop out, potentially." The CCCA is relatively new legislation. Even though it stalled in the Senate this year, advocates are encouraged by its bipartisan support. Still, Miller said, all reproductive justice legislation is now facing "an emboldened anti-choice movement that feels like it has the wind at their backs." "Despite the results of this election, we have to hold elected officials accountable now," Chang said, noting that Planned Parenthood plans to hold a day of action on January 30th. "We need to really speak to our elected officials and make sure they know people are watching." For folks who want to help out in the short term, Planned Parenthood has provided a list of five ways to take action, which include donating to groups like Make the Road New York, the Audre Lorde Project, and New York Abortion Access Fund, all of which plan to challenge an anti-women, anti-LGBTQ, anti-immigrant administration. "We're in for a really long haul," Chang said. "This is not something we're going to be able to combat and win in the coming days, so we're counting on our supporters to be standing with us in the weeks and months to come." Planned Parenthood accepts donations online. More info about organizing efforts is available here. With Rebecca Fishbein. [November 15, 2016] EchoStreams Teams Up with Orange Silicon Valley, SQream Technologies, and Caltech to Demonstrate GPU Accelerated Database Applications in Big Science SC16 - SQream Technologies, a GPU accelerated database startup from Israel, teaming up with Orange (News - Alert) Silicon Valley, EchoStreams, and Caltech, and using the world's highest density "Supercomputer-in-a-Box" (Klimax-210) from Cocolink (S. Korea), has developed a system deployed on the exhibit floor of Supercomputing 2016 (SC16) in Salt Lake City that runs SQream's powerful GPU accelerated database on a compact 100 TeraFLOP 4 RU Supercomputer to load and process 20 TB/hr of science data. By using the server platform's capability of hosting up to 20 NVIDIA (News - Alert) GPUs, and codes developed by Caltech researchers at the LHC, the team plans to demo and benchmark systems handling up to 50 TB/hr. This is a feat for a single database node that will prove to be extremely useful to Big Science programs such as the high energy physics experiments at the LHC, as well as other Big Data experiments in basic energy sciences, as well as genomics, climate, and other domain sciences. High energy physics experiments, with their high volume, velocity, and variability of data already approaching an exabyte under management at sites around the world, are a unique platform to architect this new class of exascale architecture, and meet the future needs of data intensive sciences. The experiments at the LHC are instrumented with close to a hundred million electronic channels and are exposed to data rates of up to a petabyte per second. The data need to be carefully filtered in real time and analyzed to provide crucial knowledge on fundamental questions, including the nature of the dark matter that makes up 85% of the matter density in the universe, and the long-term stability of our universe. "As we enter the era of the High-Luminosity LHC in the next decade, we will be in entirely new territory in terms of Big Data in science," said Caltech's Professor Harvey Newman, who leads a research program that uses high energy physics as a testbed for exascale ecosystem architectures of the future. "SQream is excited to take on the world's biggest data science challenges - exploring the basic ingredients of the universe, together with Orange, Caltech, and EchoStreams," said Ami Gal, CEO and Co-Founder at SQream Technologies. "We are pleased to be part of this collaboration with Caltech, Orange, and SQream. EchoStreams working closely with Cocolink provides a very High Performance Computing (HPC) Klimax-210, supporting up to 20 GPU in a 4U server all in the same PCIe root cmplex. This enables researchers to fully utilize all GPU computing capabilities without any compromise," said Andy Lee, Director of Product Marketing at EchoStreams. "We are working on providing solutions to Big Data processing challenges in science such as the ones of the largest science data repository in the world: the distributed data of the Large Hadron Collider program. Such science applications can be extremely valuable and the principles can be ported downstream to various industry verticals in the Telecom and Enterprise domain," said Gabriel Sidhom, Vice President of Technology and Development at Orange Silicon Valley. The team is currently demonstrating Cocolink Klimax-210 at Supercomputing 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah, November 14th through 17th at booth #2537. About Orange Silicon Valley Orange Silicon Valley (OSV) is the Bay Area division of Orange, one of the world's leading telecommunications operators, serving 263 million customers across 30 countries. Through research, development, and strategic analysis, OSV actively participates in the disruptive innovations that are changing the way we communicate. OSV contributes to and engages with the regional Silicon Valley ecosystem through numerous programs, such as the Orange Fab startup accelerator, Orange Institute, and ongoing collaborations with OSV partners. OSV thrives on collaboration, working closely with Silicon Valley & San Francisco to foster innovation and seek out disruption. In an accelerating present OSV anticipates that the future is closer than we think. OSV acts as guides to the digital revolution occurring in the San Francisco Bay Area, regularly hosting startups, businesses, and corporate leadership from around the world. About SQream Big Data analytics software vendor SQream Technologies (http://www.sqream.com) introduces a high-performing, next-generation GPU-powered database delivering the solutions required for today's terabyte to petabyte scale pressing data needs. SQream DB quickly relieves Big Data and complex analytics pains, while leveraging existing resources. With minimum cost, hardware, and infrastructure changes, SQream enables entities that are dealing with rapidly scaling data to easily ingest, store, and analyze extremely high data volumes at a very low latency. With SQream, the power of a full-rack database machine is condensed into a standard 2U server, delivering the highest cost-performance in Big Data analytics. About EchoStreams EchoStreams Innovative Solutions LLC is a US-based, white-box OEM/ODM solution platforms provider committed to turn creative ideas into purpose-built innovative and disruptive solutions. EchoStreams partners with technology leaders and solution integrators to offer purpose-built solutions to companies who are supporting the world's IT infrastructures. EchoStreams' solution platforms can be found on www.echostreams.com, and fully integrated turnkey solutions can be OEM'ed through qualified integrators and value-add distributors listed on our website. About Caltech Exascale Caltech's team of high energy scientists and network engineers at the LHC work on R&D of future exascale architectures. Prof. Newman, heading the group, has been architecting, developing, and operating state-of-the-art international networks and collaborative systems serving the high energy and nuclear physics communities. The group's co-Pi Prof. Spiropulu is working on data-driven solutions for science domain challenges that involve Big Data. More information: http://hep.caltech.edu/cms View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006865/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2016] BSO Announces Fastest Connectivity to and from Dubai LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowered latencies bring greater speed advantage to traders in the location BSO, the global Ethernet network, cloud and hosting provider, has significantly lowered network latencies in / out of Dubai. At the time of writing, BSO's network offers the lowest latencies on the market. London <> Dubai - 93ms RTD <> - RTD Frankfurt <> Dubai - 92ms RTD <> - RTD Mumbai <> Dubai - 27ms RTD <> - RTD Singapore <> Dubai - 74ms RTD <> - RTD Chicago <> Dubai - 164ms RTD This advancement is the latest in a series of network optimisations strengthening BSO's position as the network provider of choice for organisations connecting into the Middle East and Asia. This development also reinforces BSO's partnership with DGCX - Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange. DGCX continues to grow as a globally trategic trading location, with the exchange reporting growth of 43% during its most recent company statement. Many of DGCX's products are in high demand due to volatility in global markets and a resurgence of gold as an investment safe haven. DGCX today accounts for 36% of the global exchange traded market share in the Indian rupee. The exchange recently entered into an agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange to list Shanghai Gold Futures on its exchange. It will be the first yuan-denominated gold future product to be offered outside of China and it will use the Shanghai Gold Benchmark Price as its pricing mechanism. "High Frequency Traders and algorithmic traders will benefit immensely from our new latencies," says Michael Ourabah, CEO at BSO. "Dubai and DGCX are extremely popular marketplaces for the international financial community and we are constantly refining our network to ensure our customers are always one step ahead of competitors." This news coincides with BSO's sponsorship and attendance at FOW Trading GCC where the team are available to discuss this announcement. Please email [email protected] to arrange a meeting at the event. About BSO BSO is the Ethernet network, cloud and hosting provider of choice for global businesses wanting superior technology infrastructure and connectivity to the world's most dynamic marketplaces. The company pioneers technology across emerging and established markets, designing solutions that offer the highest availability and lowest latency in the industry. Headquartered in London, BSO's global network reaches every continent and spans 20 countries with 91 data centre locations. BSO is redefining connectivity through best-in-class services, global knowledge base and a unique approach to the customer experience. The company continually strives to innovate and invest in its own services to ensure its solutions evolve in parallel with the finance community. For more information, please visit http://www.bsonetwork.com. Follow BSO on Twitter and LinkedIn. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 15, 2016] DHL Global Connectedness Index: Globalization Surpassed Pre-crisis Peak, Advanced Modestly in 2015 BONN, Germany and MUMBAI, India, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL, the global logistics leader, today released the fourth edition of its Global Connectedness Index (GCI), a detailed analysis of the state of globalization around the world. The 2016 report shows that global connectedness, measured by cross-border flows of trade, capital, information and people, surpassed its 2007 pre-crisis peak during 2014. In 2015, globalization's post-crisis expansion slowed, but the data indicate that it did not go into reverse. Currently available evidence -- still preliminary in some areas -- suggests that the world was about 8% more connected in 2015 than in 2005. The information pillar -- measured by international internet traffic, telephone call minutes and trade in printed publications -- showed the strongest growth over the reporting period (2013-2015). The gains in capital and people flows have been more modest, while the decline in the proportion of goods traded across borders -- which began in 2012 -- accelerated in 2015. "Globalization has served as the world's engine of progress over the past half century," commented Deutsche Post DHL Group CEO Frank Appel. "The GCI documents that globalization has finally recovered from the financial crisis, but faces an uncertain future. It is imperative that policymakers and business leaders support an environment in which globalization can continue to flourish and improve the lives of citizens around the world." The research on the GCI was led by internationally acclaimed globalization expert Pankaj Ghemawat, who highlighted how emerging economies still lag behind on global connectedness. "Advanced economies are about four times as deeply integrated into international capital flows, five times as much on people flows, and nine times with respect to information flows," Ghemawat commented. The GCI also notes that if emerging economies become more similar to advanced economies in terms of their connectedness levels, this would provide a powerful boost to overall connectedness. The 2016 edition also documents a rising proportion of internet traffic crossing national borders, even as international trade and nformation flows lag their potential. "This underscores the tremendous headroom available for international e-commerce to boost business activity and expand the options available to consumers around the world," commented Jurgen Gerdes, CEO Post -- eCommerce -- Parcel, Deutsche Post DHL Group. The 2016 Country and Regional Index Results In addition to a comprehensive overview on the state of globalization, the 2016 report also provides detailed insights into the connectedness of individual countries and regions. The index ranks countries on their depth (intensity of international flows) and breadth (geographical distribution of flows), which combine for an overall connectedness score between 0 and 100. The Netherlands retained its top rank as the world's most connected country and Europe is once again the world's most connected region. All but two of the top 10 most globalized countries in the world are located in Europe, with Singapore and the United Arab Emirates as the standouts. North America is the second most globally connected region and leads on the capital and information pillars, with the United States as the most connected country in the Americas. Overall the US is ranked 27th out of the 140 countries measured by the GCI. North America had the largest gain in overall global connectedness during the past two years, followed by South & Central America & the Caribbean. Countries in South & Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa suffered a drop in their average levels of global connectedness. Suriname, Jamaica and Fiji were the biggest gainers in terms of rank changes from 2013 to 2015, moving up 23 (112th to 89th), 22 (107th to 85th) and 20 (94th to 74th) places respectively. Suriname's rise was driven by a substantial broadening of its international interactions, whereas Jamaica and Fiji increased on both the depth and breadth dimensions of their global connectedness. Nigeria, Togo and Nicaragua experienced the largest decreases in terms of overall rank, dropping 28 (67th to 95th), 21 (72nd to 93rd) and 19 (71st to 90th) places respectively. New City Indices on Globalization Giants and Hotspots The twin trends of globalization and urbanization have prompted rising interest in global cities. The 2016 edition of the DHL Global Connectedness Index introduces two new city indices. The "Globalization Giants" index compares the size of cities' international interactions. The "Globalization Hotspots" index parallels the depth dimension of the country-level GCI and ranks the cities with the most intense international flows of trade, capital, people, and information compared to their internal activity. Singapore leads both of the new city-level globalization indices. "Even after controlling for Singapore's structural advantages, the Lion City still outperforms on the depth of its international flows," commented Ghemawat. "Credit must be given to policies aimed at growing Singapore's connections beyond its immediate neighborhood," he added. London and New York, perennial leaders on rankings of global cities, place 3rd and 4th on the Globalization Giants index, but only 47th and 76th on the Globalization Hotspots index. Many smaller cities are far more intensively focused on international activity that these two megacities, according to the report. Unexpected high performers in the Hotspots index include Manama (2nd), Tallinn (6th) and Mumbai (13th). -- End -- DHL -- The logistics company for the world DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion euros in 2015. Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161116/8521607491a [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] NTT Communications, NTTWEM and NTT FINANCE Launch New Submarine Cable-Laying Ship "Kizuna" NTT (News - Alert) Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT (NYSE:NTT) Group, NTT World Engineering Marine Corporation (NTTWEM) and NTT FINANCE CORPORATION (NTT FINANCE) jointly held a launch ceremony today for their new submarine cable-laying vessel "Kizuna" at Kanrei shipyard in Tokushima, Japan. Construction of the 8,500 ton ship, which measures 109 meters in length and 20 meters in width, and which will have a planned average cruising speed of 13 knots and a capacity of up to 60 crew, will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2016. Kizuna will be owned by NTT FINANCE and leased to NTTWEM when required. NTTWEM's parent company NTT Com and other telecommunication companies and service providers will utilize Kizuna and three other vessels operated by NTTWEM to lay and maintain submarine cables used for delivering network and cloud services. Submarine cable forms part of the core physical infrastructure that supports worldwide mobile communications, video distribution, music sharing, the transmission of enterprise data and IoT-related data collected from sensors worldwide. Optical fiber undersea cables are increasingly being laid to handle the ever-increasing volumes of such data. Image 1: Conceptional image of the completed Kizuna Image 2: Kizuna launch party Features of the new vessel include: Good navigability and ability to remain stable over fixed points in the ocean Kizuna is configured with its main working space in the stern. Its advanced design incorporates azimuth propellers, an electric propulsion system and a dynamic positioning system. These allow it to navigate quickly to selected locations and once in position, to withstand wind velocities of up to 14 meters per second, wave heights of up to 3 meters and ocean currents of up to 3 knots. Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) allows rapid laying of undersea cable An ROV equipped with a jet cable laying system and with a maximum operating depth of 2,500m will be deliverd as part of the new vessel's equipment. This will allow rapid troubleshooting, speedy determination of any points of failure and easier replacement of cable following any repairs. Multipurpose vessel with a variety of modern equipment The new vessel will have a large open working deck with two heavy-duty cranes and a large secured work space at the stern, allowing it to be deployed for a variety of tasks, including cable maintenance as well as cable laying. Compact design will allow cable maintenance in domestic waters Careful use of space and the extensive deployment of electronic equipment will allow small teams of people to carry out more routine maintenance work efficiently. Kizuna is smaller than its existing sister ship "Subaru," making it suitable for work within congested Japanese waters. Flexible functionality will facilitate rapid disaster response Kizuna has been designed to assist during disaster recovery operations, for example through the rapid shipment of containers and other supplies. The vessel can also transport disaster recovery vehicles and emergency cellular network base stations, as well as satellite communication facilities and temporary accommodation for NTT group employees working in disaster zones (see Appendix 1). NTT Com plans to deploy the new ship Kizuna predominantly for cable laying in Japanese waters, with the existing Subaru being used mostly overseas, with both vessels offering fast and competitive undersea cable laying and maintenance. The name of the new vessel was chosen following an internal poll of NTT Com Group employees. The Japanese word "kizuna" signifies the connection between people and between people and things, and is therefore an appropriate symbol for NTT Group's business field, as well as being a keyword for the next generation. The calligraphy of the Japanese character for "kizuna" appearing on the ship's body is the work of Tetsuya Shoji, President and CEO of NTT Com. About NTT World Engineering Marine Corporation NTT World Engineering Marine has been the marine-engineering arm of the NTT family since 1998. It is engaged in laying submarine communication cables and providing related maintenance services. www.nttwem.co.jp About NTT Communications (News - Alert) Corporation NTT Communications provides consultancy, architecture, security and cloud services to optimize the information and communications technology (ICT) environments of enterprises. These offerings are backed by the company's worldwide infrastructure, including the leading global tier-1 IP network, the Arcstar Universal One VPN network reaching 196 countries/regions, and over 140 secure data centers worldwide. NTT Communications' solutions leverage the global resources of NTT Group companies including Dimension Data (News - Alert), NTT DOCOMO and NTT DATA. www.ntt.com | [email protected] Com | [email protected] Com | [email protected] Com About NTT FINANCE CORPORATION NTT FINANCE provides a range of financial services for leasing, loan and investment and settlement services for billing, collection services and credit card services. www.ntt-finance.co.jp View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006881/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] ELCINA-IMRB Study: Electronics For You and electronicsforu.com Top the Media Charts in the Indian Electronics Industry NEW DELHI, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ELCINA Conducted India's First Survey Along With IMRB, on Media Consumption Patterns in the Indian Electronics Industry, and Electronics For You magazine and http://www.electronicsforu.com Have Emerged as Clear Leaders Among the Publications and Websites Respectively Electronics For You magazine has emerged as the clear leader amongst all publications accessed by the Indian electronics industry. And, when it comes to websites, http://www.electronicsforu.com is the topper. These rankings have emerged from a unique survey done by IMRB on behalf of ELCINA-India's leading electronics industry association. A group of 367 people, comprising professionals, entrepreneurs, academicians, students, hobbyists, influencers and others participated in this research. Conveying the objective behind this research, ELCINA President, Vikram Desai, said, "In our 50th year, we wanted to take up projects that are important for the Indian electronics industry. One such project was to conduct a research to find out media consumption patterns of various stakeholders within the Indian electronics ecosystem. We realised that this report will help all of us to review and improve our communication strategies, which in turn should enable the industry to grow faster. We have never seen such a report before, and are gratified and pleased at taking this initiative." Ramesh Chopra, Founder, EFY Group, shared, "We thank ELCINA for conducting such a unique study. This is a shot in our arm, as it has helped to prove our strong engagement with the Indian electronics industry and fraternity. While we have been around since 1969, in the absence of this third-party survey, we had no means to prove our leadership vis-a-vis any new entrant in the sector. Now, the figures are out in the open, for everyone to benefit." Rajoo Goel, Secretary General, ELCINA, said, "Everyone - the government, the academia, the industry, our members and even the team at ELCINA, was looking for such a report. We all wanted to know the right medium to choose when targeting a particular audience. Thus, we assigned this independent study to IMRB-India's leading research agency, with whom we have worked on various projects. And we are delighted by the first such study that they have helped us produce." Top 5 Findings of the ELCINA-IMRB Survey - Technology Trends Matter the Most The key finding of this survey is that technology trends matter the most to the stakeholders of this sector. "When asked to choose between the tech trends and business trends, 81 per cent of the respondent chose tech trends," claims the report. - Publications are the Preferred Source to Discover Important Topics 74 per cent of the respondents believed that publications are the preferred source to discover important topics, which they then find out more about through the web. These two findings clearly establish the dominance of tech publications as mediums that influence the entire ESDM ecosystem. - Electronics For You Emerges as the No.1 Brand Among Publications With respect to 'Top-of-mind' recall among business and trade publications, Electronics For You (EFY) emerged as the clear leader, with a whopping 68 per cent recall. The next two brands were IEEE Spectrum (2 per cent) and Electronics Bazaar (1 per cent). - electronicsforu.com is India's No.1 Website on Electronics When surveyed about the top-of-mind recall for websites, electronicsforu.com topped the list with a 61 per cent recall factor, ieee.org with a 34 per cent recall factor, and allaboutcircuit.com with 28 per cent recall. - Facebook and LinkedIn are the Most Popular Social Media Platforms Facebook and LinkedIn are the most preferred social media platforms for sharing information related to the electronics industry/products. 65 per cent use Facebook and 49 per cent use LinkedIn to exchange knowledge on the electronics industry. Find the executive summary of the survey at http://elcina.com/media-consumption-trends-report.asp Download the detailed (PDF) report from http://elcina.com/media-consumption-trends-register.asp About ELCINA Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA) is the oldest and largest industry association in the country representing the interests of the electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry since 1967. ELCINA has established itself as an interactive forum for electronics and IT manufacturers. It actively interacts with the government and advises it on policy and business environment issues. It networks with technical institutions and business support organisations in India and abroad to enable business expansion and information dissemination on technical developments. With greater liberalisation, ELCINA's focus has shifted to offering professional and value-added services to the electronics community. ELCINA's focus, originally, was to promote the manufacture of components - the building blocks of the industry. Having recently been renamed as Electronic Industries Association of India, it has now widened its horizons and broadened the scope of its activities to include the development of the entire electronics and IT hardware domain. About EFY Group Over the last four decades, the EFY Group has become synonymous with information on cutting-edge technology. Starting with its flagship publication, Electronics For You, which is South Asia's most popular electronics magazine, the group now offers a bouquet of specialised publications like Electronics Bazaar - a business magazine for the electronics industry, and Open Source For You - a complete magazine on open source software. It also has online news portals and websites, such as electronicsforu.com, opensourceforu.com and electronicsb2b.com. Another website, eleb2b.com, is an online marketplace for trade and commerce in electronics. The group also publishes directories and books, apart from organising several events like India Electronics Week, Electronics For You Expo, Electronics Rocks, Test & Measurement India, LEDAsia.in, IoTshow.in, Raksha India, DIY Expo and Open Source India. The EFY Group has offices in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. Besides, it has representatives in Ahmedabad and Pune. It also has distributors across South East Asia. For more information, visit http://www.efy.in About Electronics For You magazine The EFY Group's first magazine, Electronics For You or EFY (http://www.efy.in), was launched in January 1969, when the Indian electronics industry was still at a nascent stage. Today, it has grown into South Asia's most popular electronics magazine. In fact, the EFY Group, which now owns a collection of media properties, has been named after this flagship brand. The magazine's goal is to keep the electronics fraternity updated with the latest in technology. It also keeps hobbyists busy with the circuit ideas and construction projects it features, month after month. And it helps consumers decide on which electronic product to buy when they enter a shopping mall. The CD that accompanies each issue of this magazine carries a host of useful software and games. Media Contact: Debdatta Basu [email protected] +124-4046809 Marketing Manager EFY Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Your.MD Adds 12 New Digital Health Partners to Its AI Health Platform, OneStop Health LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Your.MD, the creators of the first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Personal Health Assistant capable of providing anyone in the world with the most relevant health information, has announced that 12 additional leading digital health service providers have joined its OneStop Health platform - the first AI recommendation solution to help people find the most professional and trustworthy health services and products. Spanning six core health categories - Condition Management, Diagnostics, Medication, Primary Care, Telehealth and Wellbeing - Your.MD's OneStop Health is fast becoming the 'go-to' place for assisted self-care for mobile phone users the world over. Joining over 20 market-leading digital health services already integrated in the platform, including NHS Choices, Samsung S Health, PlusGuidance and HealthExpress, is Mimi Hearing Technologies (global). Mimi's CE medically-certified app is the global #1 hearing test in the App Store. It accurately tests iOS users' hearing capabilities and creates a personalised "earprint" that seamlessly integrates with their favourite music source, via the Mimi Music app, to create sound perfectly tailored for each individual's hearing ability. For Primary Care services, Doctify (UK), GPDQ (London & Birmingham) and GetDoc (Singapore and Malaysia) now allow Your.MD's users to search, find and connect to a healthcare practitioner or specialist care provider in their area. Meanwhile, Dr Morton's - the medical helpline (UK) will enable speedy access to women's health experts and will be the first to put leading gynaecologists directly online. Your.MD users seeking to speak to a healthcare professional on-demand can now find the best Telehealth services in their country via OneStop Health including MyPocketDoctor (Philippines), and soon-to-be-integrated Dr Care Anywhere (Africa, China and UK) and Akira (Canada). On the Condition Management front, MyMeds (gobal) - a secure medication management app - has recently joined Your.MD's OneStop Health platform, whereas Antidote (UK and USA) will connect Your.MD users to relevant medical trials. Meanwhile, Cera (UK) is on board to provide online home care services to Your.MD users through round-the-clock expert support. Urban Massage (UK) has also joined Your.MD's existing Wellbeing services to provide professional massage services wherever and whenever needed. Matteo Berlucchi, Your.MD's chief executive, said: "Your.MD has one goal: to provide personalised, trustworthy and accessible healthcare assistance to everyone. Our OneStop Health platform is a fundamental element of this. We partner only with best-in-class digital health services around the world to ensure that our global user base can always find the most relevant and trustworthy health companies to enable them to get better." Henrik Matthies, Mimi Hearing Technologies' managing director, added: "Your.MD offers mobile users a trusted first point of contact for any healthcare query. Beyond that, it's OneStop Health platform provides a curated list of healthcare services for its users that is totally tailored to their personal scenario. We are excited to take part in this journey to cater literally anyone in the world with the best possible healthcare service." Having recently celebrated 1 million downloads, Your.MD has been the #1 Health and Fitness app in over 100 countries. Your.MD's AI-based pre-primary care service is available on the web, iOS and Android app and popular messenger platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Kik, Slack, and Telegram. About Your.MD Your.MD is the world's most advanced AI Personal Health Assistant, offering anyone with a mobile phone free access to fully personalised, trustworthy and actionable pre-primary care information. Available on the web, iOS and Android apps and a multitude of popular messenger platforms, Your.MD empowers people to discover what's wrong with them thanks to the world's first AI system designed to understand individual situations and personal factors, receive medically certified guidance (in partnership with the UK's NHS), and discover the best available next step options via OneStop Health - Your.MD's curated network of trusted health service providers and products. Founded in Oslo, Norway, and now headquartered in London, UK, Your.MD has an ongoing partnerships with Samsung S Health and the NHS. #health4all http://www.your.md http://www.twitter.com/yourdotmd About Mimi Hearing Technologies Named MIDEM's and Mobile Premier Awards winner in 2016, Mimi Hearing Technologies builds smartphone-based tools for people to hear better. Mimi's patent-pending technology creates your personal "earprint" that seamlessly integrates with your favorite music source to create sound perfectly tailored for you. With over one million tested ears, twelve years of R&D and a patent pending sound processing, Mimi is the expert for hearing ability and behavior. Mimi consists of a team of passionate scientists, audio engineers and designers, based in Berlin and dedicated to delivering the best listening experiences today and in 20 years from now. The company's latest product, Mimi Music, is available to download for free in the Apple App Store. Mimi Hearing Technologies is funded by Atlantic Labs, Gotham Gal Ventures, Horizons Ventures and global technology and healthcare luminaries throughout Silicon Valley, Europe and Hong Kong. For more information, visit https://mimi.io and follow @mimihearing on Facebook and Twitter. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Trilliant Named Company of the Year for Innovation for Energy in Asia at IAIR Awards REDWOOD CITY, California, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Trilliant, the global leader in enterprise-wide smart energy communications, has received the Company of the Year for innovation award from IAIR. Trilliant accepted the award at the 6th annual edition of the LE FONTI - IAIR AWARDS (24th award ceremony edition) in Singapore at the Peninsula Excelsior Hotel on November 11th, 2016. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150127/171757LOGO IAIR is one of the fastest growing magazines worldwide focusing on global economy and sustainability, and awards its Company of the Year distinction to outstanding businesses that demonstrate excellence and proven success in areas such as innovation, organizational growth and personal commitment toward their businesses and people. IAIR chooses winners based on an online survey through their 50,000 readers, through gathered information from the editorial staff spread all around the world, and from the feedback from opinion leaders f different worldwide events. The Trilliant Platform's innovation has helped utilities transform their communications networks for more than 30 years and today is addressing the challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT). Trilliant recently delivered Vietnam's first smart city communications platform in Ho Chi Minh City, connecting the utility's metering infrastructure with the city's global tech firms. Also, this year Trilliant celebrated a significant milestone of connecting more than four million smart meter devices for British Gas, the largest energy and homes services company in the United Kingdom. Trilliant is the first with a proven, scalable, multi-technology smart grid platform that truly delivers on the promise of smart distribution, smart metering and smart consumer anywhere in the world. Today, energy providers around the world look to Trilliant to provide expertise and technology for successful smart grid deployments, and to optimize their smart grid investments. The Trilliant Platform represents the energy industry's only enterprise-wide communications platform based on a secure, standards-based, multi-technology, open spectrum solution. "Our innovation flows from a conviction that there isn't a cookie-cutter solution for utilities' smart grid needs todayor for their future IoT needs," said Andy White, Trilliant Chairman and CEO. "Regardless of the approach or requirement needed, we work with utilities to meet smart grid challenges today and prepare with best-in-class security for the ever more interconnected future." See a full list of winners here. http://www.iairawards.com/iair_awards_winners.php About Trilliant Trilliant offers the energy industry's only enterprise-wide Smart Communications Platform for connecting the internet of things (IoT) through a secure, standards-based, multi-technology, open spectrum solution. With three decades' experience and the most field-proven and globally compliant solution, Trilliant maximizes smart grid and smart city investments and makes operations future-ready. www.trilliantinc.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Germany and South Korea Strengthen Partnership High-profile - AdeKo Conference in Dresden November 16-18, 2016 DRESDEN, Germany, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Germany, S.E. Kyung Soo Lee, and the Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony, Stanislaw Tillich, are opening the 8th German-Korean ADeKo Conference in Dresden with a festive reception. From November 16-to-18, top researchers, industry, and political representatives will meet at the International Congress Center Dresden's "Engineering for our Future" to strengthen collaboration in economy and science. South Korean and German research and industry representatives have also announced the signing of a cooperation agreement. This bi-national summit of the Alumni Network Germany-Korea (ADeKo) ranks among the most significant events to bolster collaboration between South Korea and Germany. Up until now, the summit was held in Seoul, the Capital of South Korea, and this year, the State Capital Dresden will be the first German city to host this high-caliber event. Organizers expect more than 300 guests from both countries to attend. "Germany is one of South Korea's most important trade and economic partners in Europe", the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Korea, Kyung Soo Lee, says. "Between 1962 and 2015, Germany's investments in South Korea totaled $12 billion (USD), which makes the Federal Republic of Germany the 3rd largest investor in South Korea. I am delighted that entrepreneurs and scientists of South Korea and Dresden are taking up this tradition and expanding their collaboration, at the renowned ADeKo-Conference," the ambassador Kyung Soo Lee says. Read full press release: http://datas.weichertmehner.com/adeko.pdf Contact: State Capital Dresden, Kai Schulz, spokesman, +49(0)351-4882390, [email protected] WeichertMehner (Agency), Mathias Rentsch, +49(0)351-50140200, [email protected] . [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] 2017 California Life Sciences Industry Report Shows Increased Employment, Growth and Robust Treatment Pipeline California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) and PwC US today released the 2017 California Life Sciences Industry Report. With over 350 data points, the annual report shows that California's life sciences community is continuing to grow and remains a global hub for innovation, creating high-wage jobs, bringing new therapies to patients, and attracting significant investment from venture capitalists, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and more. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005567/en/ California Life Sciences Association's (CLSA) & PwC's 2017 California Life Sciences Industry Report. Get your copy at: www.CALifeSciencesIndustry.com. (Graphic: Business Wire) The report examines California's unique life sciences ecosystem, demonstrating how commitment from the state's political, academic, and business leaders has created a strong life sciences enterprise, which is now home to more than 3,040 life sciences companies - 192 more than the previous year. California continues to lead the nation's biopharmaceutical and medical device jobs, venture capital (VC) investment, digital health VC investment, doctoral recipients in life sciences disciplines and more. Governor Jerry Brown: "The California Life Sciences Association is an important partner in our efforts to foster a stronger biomedical industry and boost job growth in California. This state is committed to supporting this critical sector, both economically and through strong public policy. Life Sciences is a cornerstone of California's economy and I look forward to working with leaders in this sector as we continue to contribute to a healthier society, strengthen our economy and advance new medical technologies." Key Findings: Life sciences directly employed 287,200 people throughout the state in for-profit companies, universities and nonprofit research institutes in 2015. When indirect and induced employment was factored in, the industry accounted for 884,200 jobs. The Bay Area led the state with over 68,300 direct life sciences jobs. Los Angeles County following closely with 57,174, while Orange (News - Alert) County and San Diego County reported 43,327 and 38,694 life sciences jobs, respectively. There are 1,714 medical device and equipment manufacturing firms, and 1,326 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Collectively, these total 3,040 life sciences companies in California - 192 more than the previous year - producing new technologies to improve patient care and boosting the state's economy. Biopharmaceutical and medical device employment combined grew 7 percent between 2011 and 2015. By contrast, during that same period, those numbers declined by 4 percent in the second-ranked state, New York. As of Sept. 7, 2016, California companies had 1,269 investigational new drugs in the development pipeline, including 404 for cancer and 134 for infectious diseases. In 2015, 264 medical devices developed by California companies were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). California is projected to lead the nation in VC life sciences investment, with $4.4 billion in 2016. Massachusetts is projected to be second with nearly $3 billion. California's nascent digital health sector is projected to attract $1.6 billion in VC investment for 2016, leading the nation. Grants from the NIH exceeded $3.5 billion in California for federal fiscal year 2016, a billion dollars more than Massachusetts. The industry paid workers $33.5 billion in salaries and wages during 2015 with the average annual salary over $116,000. The report also includes a first-ever regional spotlight, which took a closer look at Los Angeles County, an emerging life sciences powerhouse. Data shows that the top NIH grant recipients in Los Angeles County attracted over $760 million in grants, and Los Angeles County accounts for 20 percent of California's total life sciences workforce. California's stellar academic excellence remained on full display, with 11 of the state's universities in the Shanghai Index's top 100. Again, this leads the nation. California universities produced 1,318 life sciences doctorates in 2014. "California's life sciences sector is delivering incredible value for the people of the Golden State and patients around the world," said Sara Radcliffe, President and CEO, California Life Sciences Association (CLSA). "Whether it's pharmaceutical drugs, biologics, medical devices, digital health technologies, genomic diagnostics or other subsectors too numerous to count, our life sciences community is providing a steady stream of innovation and having a tremendous positive impact on healthcare." "This report indicates sustained and strong growth for the California life sciences industry over the course of the past year," said Peter Claude, Partner, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Advisory, PwC. "Our research confirms that the state continues to lead the nation in attracting both VC investment and NIH grants, life sciences employment, commercializing new products, boosting the overall economy, and most importantly, improving patient care." "This is more than an industry, it's an ecosystem," added Radcliffe. "Excellent academic institutions produce well-trained scientists who continue in academia, join industry or start their own companies. This process leads to new innovation and investment to transform innovative ideas into products, generating income, employment and life-changing technologies." Click here for more information and to view the full report. About California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) is the state's largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization. With offices in Sacramento, San Diego, South San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington DC, CLSA works closely with industry, government, academia and others to shape public policy, improve access to innovative technologies and grow California's life sciences economy. CLSA serves biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics companies, research universities and institutes, investors and service providers throughout the Golden State. CLSA was founded in 2015 when the Bay Area Bioscience Association (BayBio) and the California Healthcare Institute (CHI) merged. Visit CLSA at www.califesciences.org, and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @CALifeSciences, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. About PwC PwC's Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences practice, part of PwC's Health Industries Group, is a leading advisor to public and private organizations across the entire health industries landscape. This group also includes PwC's Health Research Institute, which provides new intelligence, perspectives, and analysis on trends affecting health related industries. We provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders. More than 223,000 people in 157 countries across our network of firms share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. For more information visit: www.pwc.com/us/pharma. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005567/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Quanterix to Unveil Groundbreaking Neurodegenerative Disease Research and Strategic Partnership at Neuroscience 2016 Quanterix Corporation, a company digitizing biomarker analysis to advance the science of precision health, today announced a strategic collaboration with UmanDiagnostics AB, a company specializing in the early detection of brain diseases, to provide commercial access to a Simoa ultrasensitive NeuroFilament Light (Nf-L) assay. Additionally, the company today unveiled that researchers from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, will present new results from research conducted using Quanterix' Simoa technology at Neuroscience 2016 on November 12 - 16, 2016 in San Diego, CA (News - Alert). Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are currently incurable and have debilitating conditions that result in progressive neurodegeneration, which may start 20-30 years before symptoms are noticed. Developing specific, sensitive and predictive biomarkers is one of the major challenges so far for establishing therapeutic treatment for these diseases. The major barrier is a lack of highly sensitive and reliable tools to measure the gradient difference of molecules in the bloodstream at the pre-symptomatic stage. Many of the critical neurology health related biomarkers, including Nf-L, are not present in high enough concentrations in the blood to be detected with standard assay technology today. Quanterix' digital health solution, Simoa, solves this problem by giving researchers the ability to closely examine critical biomarkers simultaneously, in a hypersensitive and reliable manner. The strategic partnership with UmanDiagnostics will provide researchers and clinicians with commercial access to the most sensitive NeuroFilament Light (Nf-L) assay available on the market, which will improve detection and diagnosis capabilities in neurology. "We are extremely pleased to be working closely with Quanterix to provide Uman's highly specific Nf-L antibodies for use in the Simoa assay format. This enables the world's most specific and sensitive assay for Nf-L," said Dr. Niklas Norgren, CEO, UmanDiagnostics. "The Simoa Nf-L assay is capable of detecting this highly informative neuronal damage biomarker directly in blood, enabling simplified assessment of a variety of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, and potentially a critical way to access concussion-related neurological issues." "This year's Neuroscience event is a great opportunity for researchers to showcase groundbreaking discoveries in several different areas of neurology and an appropriate forum for us to unveil our partnership with UmanDiagnostics," said Kevin Hrusovsky, CEO and Executive Chairman, Quanterix. "Our collaboration with UmanDiagnostics will provide critical, commercial availability of our Simoa-based assay, which can detect and quantify Nf-L in blood. We look forward t advancing research with this sensitive assay and uncovering groundbreaking discoveries in neurology disease. We're also excited to take part in this innovative conference and collaborate with leading scientists in the field to transform the way in which we detect and treat neurodegenerative disease in the future." Additional information on the University of Mississippi Medical Center and German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease research session and presentation include: Nanosymposium Session Details: "Using a Single Molecule Digital Analyzer to Measure Blood Based Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases" When: Saturday, November 12, 2016, 1:00 - 1:15 p.m. PT Where: San Diego Convention Center, Room 32B Authors: J. Wang, Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Q. Zhang, B. Zheng, J. Lage, C. Stockmeier, T. Mosley, University of Mississippi Medical Center Session Abstract: Using Quanterix technology, these researchers have successfully developed an ultra-sensitive, single molecule digital analyser platform which can measure the molecules in plasma and tissue homogenates at serial pg/ml to fg/ml in a very reliable manner - R square values are as high as 99 in serial dilution tests. They've now successfully established the tests for several cytokines and also for a neurosteroid allopregnanolone in human plasma samples. Further spike and recovery experiments in diluted samples help them to accurately measure the spiked samples in calibrator into those diluted brain samples (recovery 70-93%). The high sensitivity also indicates that these molecules can be measured in a small size quantity/volume (less than 200) of samples. Therefore, the highly sensitive and reliable measurement platform can be used to determine the blood based, early changes of bioactive molecules for neurodegenerative disease. The results will also provide targets for developing therapeutic strategies for these neurodegenerative diseases. Poster Presentation Details: "Prevention of Tau Increase in Cerebrospinal Fluid of APP Transgenic Mice Suggests Downstream Effect of BACE1 Inhibition" When: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. PT Where: San Diego Convention Center, Halls B-H Authors: J. Schelle, German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, L. Hasler, German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Natural and Medical Science Institute, J. Gopfert, Natural and Medical Science Institute, T. Joos, Natural and Medical Science Institute, H. Vanderstichele, ADx NeuroSciences, E. Stoops, ADx NeuroSciences, U. Neumann, Neuroscience, Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research, D. Shimshek, Neuroscience, Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research M. Staufenbiel, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, M. Jucker, German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research S. Kaser, German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research Presentation Abstract: The inhibition of the beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a main therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The characterization of BACE1 inhibitors has largely focused on direct effects, (i.e. the reduction of -amyloid (A) generation and deposition in the brain). These researchers previously reported an age-related increase of tau protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of A precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice reminiscent of changes in the CSF of AD patients. Using a novel high-sensitivity tau sandwich immunoassay they now demonstrate that BACE1 inhibition prevents CSF tau increase both in early-depositing APP tg mice and APP tg mice with moderate A pathology. Their results demonstrate that BACE1 inhibition not only reduces A generation but also downstream AD pathophysiology. The tight correlation between A aggregation in brain and tau levels in CSF renders CSF tau a valuable marker to predict the effectiveness of BACE inhibitors in current clinical trials. Quanterix will also be hosting a webinar with Dr. Michelle M. Mielke, Professor of Epidemiology and Neurology, The Mayo Clinic, and Dr. Stephan Kaser, HIH Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, on Friday December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. EST on novel CNS biomarker applications enabled by Simoa. The webinar will highlight the use of a Simoa custom assay and the commercial tau assay for different applications in mouse and human studies in both cerebrospinal fluid (mouse) and blood (humans). To learn more about the webinar and register, please visit: http://www.quanterix.com/resources/webinars/novel-cns-biomarker-applications-enabled-single-molecular-array-simoa-technology. For more information on Quanterix and Simoa technology, please visit booth #3009. To learn more about the Simoa neurology assay menu, please visit: http://www.quanterix.com/therapeutic-areas/neurology. About Quanterix Quanterix is a company that's digitizing biomarker analysis to advance the science of precision health. The company's digital health solution, Simoa, is changing the way in which healthcare is provided today by giving researchers the ability to closely examine the continuum from health to disease. In doing so, Quanterix enables much earlier disease detection, better prognoses and enhanced treatment methods to improve the quality of life and longevity of the population for generations to come. The technology is currently being used for applications in a majority of therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, cardiology, inflammation and infectious disease. The company was established in 2007 and is located in Lexington, Massachusetts. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005146/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] UTHealth, Purdue Pharma Enter Long-Term Research & Education Alliance The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and Purdue Pharma L.P. have entered into a specialized alliance to bring academic researchers at UTHealth and drug developers from Purdue Pharma closer together with the common goals of accelerating the development of new drug therapies for patients while advancing the science and providing unique educational experiences for both parties. The alliance will promote, develop and expand research and education in the areas of pain, neuroscience and other chronic diseases. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005557/en/ Alan W. Dunton, M.D., senior vice president and head of Research & Development at Purdue Pharma(Photo: Business Wire) The alliance will kick off in early December 2016 with leaders from UTHealth and Purdue Pharma attending a scientific symposium at UTHealth on UTHealth's campus in the Texas Medical Center. UTHealth researchers will highlight key capabilities as well as research activities already underway as part of this new alliance. Purdue Pharma also will share an overview of capabilities. As part of this long-term partnership, multiple special topics symposia will be organized to create opportunities for scientific exchanges and personal interactions between the organizations. "There is a long-standing desire and motivation within industry and academia to work together more closely for the benefit of patients," said Don Kyle, Ph.D., vice president for Discovery Research at Purdue Pharma. "In this alliance, we share a common vision for a new paradigm that will connect researchers across disciplines, lower traditional barriers between industry and academics, and create unique educational experiences for students and trainees in the process. It is very exciting for us to align in this way with the distinguished faculty, staff and students at UTHealth." Melissa Thompson, Ph.D., of UTHealth's Office of Strategic Industry Initiatives has worked closely with Purdue Pharma to establish this innovative alliance to work together on research that can lead to new product development. "This new relationship has been structured in a way to cultivate innovation, and will enhance opportunities for drug development and commercialization efforts beyond tradition collaborative models by partnering early on in the discovery process, as well as creating more synergistic collaborations in the preclinical and clinical settings," said Bruce D. Butler, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Technology at UTHealth. UTHealth and Purdue Pharma will have opportunities to work together on research that may lead to new product development. "Industry nd academic partnerships like these are important to broaden access to technology, differing perspectives for problem solving as well as shared risks and rewards," said Alan W. Dunton, M.D., senior vice president and head of Research & Development at Purdue Pharma. "Our Research & Development team is continually working to understand the pathophysiology of these diseases so we can identify new ways to develop and investigate potential therapies. Working with an institution with the research experience and capabilities of UTHealth will enhance our ability to accomplish this important goal." The partnership also includes a new Purdue Pharma Scholar program with funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are conducting research in pain, neuroscience or other adjacent areas of chronic disease. Purdue Pharma research leaders will work with the Scholars and Scholars may also have the opportunity to visit Purdue Pharma facilities. It is anticipated that Scholars and other affiliated researchers will present their research at an annual Purdue Pharma Research Conference at UTHealth, which will be attended by UTHealth and Purdue scientists and leaders. "This is a valuable opportunity for UTHealth investigators across our campus to collaborate on projects that will lead to important new discoveries, and we're excited to partner with Purdue Pharma - a recognized global leader in pioneering research, products and medical programs," added Michael Blackburn, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief academic officer at UTHealth. "Including our graduate students and other trainees in this collaborative relationship provides invaluable experiences in research training and the discovery process at UTHealth." About Purdue Pharma L.P. Purdue Pharma L.P. is a privately-held pharmaceutical company and is part of a global network of independent associated companies that is known for pioneering research in chronic pain and opioids with abuse deterrent properties. The company's leadership and employees are committed to providing healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers quality products and educational resources to support their proper use. Purdue Pharma is engaged in the research, development, production and distribution of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines and hospital products. With Purdue Pharma's expertise in drug development, commercialization and life-cycle management, the company is diversifying in high-need areas to expand through strategic acquisitions and creative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.purduepharma.com or follow the company on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. About The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) was established in 1972 as Houston's health university. The most comprehensive academic health center in The UT System and the U.S. Gulf Coast region, UTHealth is home to the John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School and schools of biomedical informatics, graduate biomedical sciences, dentistry, nursing and public health. UTHealth educates more health care professionals than any health-related institution in the State of Texas and features the nation's sixth-largest medical school and the highest ranked nursing graduate school in Texas. It also includes a psychiatric hospital and a growing network of clinics throughout the region. The university's primary teaching hospitals include Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. For more information, visit www.uth.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005557/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] GSOFT named 477th fastest growing company in North America on Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - We are proud to announce that we have made it onto Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 list. This ranking acknowledges the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and energy tech companies in North America, between 2012 and 2015. Thanks to our 129% financial growth rate, our innovative vibe, and our workplace culture, we find ourselves in 477th. As we are currently celebrating our 10th anniversary, finding ourselves among such a select group of inspirational companies has come as a welcome complement to such a successful decade. "I'm extremely proud to be at the head of a Montreal-based organization with such a commitment to putting innovation and employee happiness at the very forefront of the company. Our mission to build better workplaces is really crossing borders. The revolution has just begun!" states Simon De Baene, CEO and cofounder of GSOFT. In addition to doubling its revenues over the past 12 months, the software engineering company has also doubled its office spae, welcomed it's 200th employee, and ranked in 95th place in PROFIT500's list. GSOFT Highlights: Founded in Montreal on April 11th, 2006 on Core Mission: To make a positive impact on people's lives at work Currently employing 200 people (80 more than this day last year) Serving more than 10,000 customers throughout more than 110 countries Has completed more than 300 customized development projects for almost 200 organizations Is housed in a one-of-a-kind 54,000 sq. ft. office, equipped with its own skate ramp About GSOFT GSOFT is a Quebec-based software engineering company that sets itself apart from others in the industry through a workplace culture based on employee happiness, and an undying passion for developing high quality software that has, by themselves, a positive impact on people's lives at work. Founded in 2006, GSOFT is constantly growing. Actually, it has currently 200 employees and more than 10,000 customers in more than 110 countries. About Technology Fast 500 2016 de Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 or USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million or USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years, and be headquartered within North America. SOURCE Groupe GSoft Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Ankura Appoints Corzine, Lohn and Bahadur to Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical Group WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ankura Consulting Group (Ankura), a business advisory and expert services firm, announced today the appointments of Scott Corzine and Duane Lohn as Senior Managing Directors and Gary Bahadur as Managing Director. Messrs. Corzine, Lohn and Bahadur, who are also joined by Directors Aron Baigelman and Christina Bredhold, will practice within Ankura's Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical group and focus their practice on business continuity, cybersecurity and crisis management. They are all based in the firm's New York office, with Mr. Lohn splitting his time between New York and Arizona. Mr. Scott Corzine joins Ankura as Senior Managing Director with decades of experience in providing operational risk and resilience services. He has advised a broad portfolio of private, public, and education sector clients across the U.S. and internationally on their governance, risk and compliance initiatives, and their response to disruptions and crises. Mr. Corzine was principal investigator on two research teams engaged by a unit of The National Academy of Sciences to study resilience issues in the U.S. airport sector. He has also developed training curricula and led business recovery workshops for New York City and FEMA, performed a detailed information security assessment for an Asian telecommunications operator, and developed business continuity and IT disaster recovery plans for a multinationalinsurance underwriter. Mr. Corzine was most recently with FTI Consulting. Mr. Duane Lohn joins Ankura as Senior Managing Director with extensive experience in business continuity planning (BCP), continuity of operations, information technology/disaster recovery, emergency and crisis management, and cyber and information security. He has led large global engagements for multinational organizations and companies across numerous industry sectors, including government, higher education, oil and gas, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Mr. Lohn has led teams implementing BCP and crisis management tools for a $9 billion global retailer, the state of Nevada, and a global hospitality company with 4,700 locations in 101 countries. Mr. Lohn was most recently with FTI Consulting. Mr. Gary Bahadur joins Ankura as Managing Director with more than 20 years of experience in the information security and technology industry. Mr. Bahadur has managed security audits throughout the financial services, manufacturing, retail, and pharmaceuticals industries. In his prior role as a Senior Vice President at Bank of America, Mr. Bahadur redesigned the Global Threat Management Lifecycle Strategy and the Risk Forecasting Strategy to reduce overall information security (InfoSec) risk. As the cofounder and CIO of a $20 million security vulnerability risk management firm, he conducted security consulting engagements for Fortune 100 companies against NIST, ISO, COBIT, HIPPA, and other standards. Mr. Bahadur was most recently with FTI Consulting. "As we continue to strengthen our leading team of professionals, Ankura remains committed to helping our clients find opportunity in the most challenging situations," said Marc Ferzan, Ankura Senior Managing Director. "Scott, Duane, and Gary each bring extensive records of delivering success under pressure. Their leadership will help our clients through complex and demanding situations." 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/20161115/439992 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160424/359269LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ankura-appoints-corzine-lohn-and-bahadur-to-risk-resilience--geopolitical-group-300363956.html SOURCE Ankura Consulting Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Newsbyte: SAP Builds Momentum in Third Quarter With Thousands of New Customers WALLDORF, Germany, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP NEWSBYTE SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) reached more than 4,100 SAP S/4HANA customers globally in the third quarter. In North America, thousands of customers selected industry-leading SAP solutions to enable their digital transformation. The company earned particularly impressive growth from sales of SAP Hybris and SAP SuccessFactors solutions in SAP's small and medium business (SMB) segment, which is now up to 6,000 customers, including 1,350 that chose SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central. Some SAP customer successes in North America are outlined below. MOD Pizza, a United States-based fast-casual restaurant company, purchased SAP S/4HANA Cloud and the SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite. The company is taking the restaurant industry by storm with its innovative "made-on-demand" superfast pizza chains. Named by Technomic as the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the United States in 2015, MOD has over 160 stores throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, and expects to double in size in 2016. SAP provides this innovative, successful growth company with a comprehensive public cloud platform that will support MOD's core financials, inventory, project management, recruiting and employee data processes. Cintas Corporation, a trusted leader that helps keep companies of all sizes and types at their best with products and services ranging from uniforms, through first aid and safety products to fire extinguishers, selected the full SAP SuccessFactors HCM Suite, including SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, over Workday solutions, to transform its HR services. With the SAP SuccessFactors offering, Cintas expects a much higher level of employee self-service to significantly reduce costs and strengthen real-time decision making, giving the company the "Live Business" advantage. PepsiCo, one of SAP's largest customers, is live with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central across 78 countries with more than 159,000 employees. The United States and Canada are expected to go live in early 017, bringing the total to more than 250,000 employees on SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central. Bearing the Ditch Witch brand name, Charles Machine Works (CMW) manufactures and sells underground construction equipment and parts. CMW selected the SAP Hybris Cloud for Sales, SAP Hybris Cloud for Service, and SAP Hybris Commerce solutions, along with SAP Configure, Price, and Quote, and SAP Hybris Digital Documents by OpenText to get an accurate view of orders and improve forecasting. CMW expects the holistic view of the customer delivered through this e-commerce initiative to simplify business transactions and increase revenue through relevant marketing to end customers. Since 1938, ATB Financial has grown from being one small treasury branch to the largest Alberta-based financial institution. ATB chose the SAP Hybris Marketing solution over other cloud-based marketing solutions to more effectively listen to, understand and communicate with existing and prospective customers across various digital platforms. ATB selected SAP Hybris Marketing for its powerful data management and segmentation capabilities and ability to provide ATB with lower overall total cost of ownership with faster time-to-market. Insight Enterprises is an Arizona-based publicly traded global technology company that focuses on business-to-business and information technology capabilities for enterprise and public sector clients. It is increasing its footprint in value-added professional and technical services and in the provisioning of cloud solutions in response to changing demand in the marketplace. Insight selected SAP Hybris solutions to integrate all digital and physical customer touch points onto a single platform to more efficiently connect customers with service or sales agents. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District is a community-owned electric utility governed by a seven-member Board of Directors. The company is upgrading to SAP Business Warehouse powered by SAP HANA and implementing SAP Document Presentment by OpenText to gain visibility into meter data and improve customer services through enhanced communications and personalized invoices. "The success of SAP over this past quarter is owed entirely to the trust our customers have placed in us to help them overcome the complexities of digital transformation," said Steve Shute, chief operating officer at SAP North America. "The reality of the digital age is that companies that can effectively capitalize on the potential of big data and analytics are the ones that will win. With SAP S/4HANA as the foundation for their digital business, our customers are empowered to unlock the real-time insights needed to create new revenue streams and stay ahead of the competition." For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews. Media Contacts: Jackie Montesinos Suarez, +1 (786) 325-0568, [email protected], ET Steve Collins, +1 (617) 335-5456, [email protected], ET Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110126/AQ34470LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newsbyte-sap-builds-momentum-in-third-quarter-with-thousands-of-new-customers-300363975.html SOURCE SAP SE [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] PhishLabs Recognized in Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 List of Fastest Growing Companies PhishLabs, the leading provider of 24/7 cybersecurity services that protect against the exploitation of people, today announced the company has been ranked 301 in Deloitte's (News - Alert) 2016 Technology Fast 500. The company's 252 percent revenue growth from 2012 to 2015 places PhishLabs among the fastest-growing technology companies in North America. On Thursday, Nov. 17, PhishLabs will host a live webinar exploring best practices for sharpening human defenses with effective security awareness training. To register, go to https://info.phishlabs.com/planning-for-an-effective-sat-program-in-2017. "PhishLabs goes further than traditional cyber defenses to stop and fight back against cybercrime," said John LaCour, Founder and CEO of PhishLabs. "Our expert-powered services provide the proactive threat prevention, detection, and mitigation organizations need to protect against modern adversaries that exploit people to compromise sensitive information and systems." Phishing is the top cyber threat faced by organizations. Cybercriminal, hacktivist, and nation-state threat actorsuse phishing as an entry-point to steal credentials and install malware. Most major breaches, including those involving the Democratic National Committee and multiple U.S. government agencies, were initiated with phishing attacks. Delivering a comprehensive range of services that protect employees, networks, and account holders from phishing attacks, PhishLabs is positioned well to help organizations fight back and reduce their greatest area of risk. PhishLabs services combine proprietary technology, human expertise, and global threat intelligence to stop cybercrime attacks before they impact client organizations. In 2015, PhishLabs analyzed more than one million confirmed malicious phishing attacks. The company currently investigates and mitigates more than 6,000 phishing attacks every month, identifying the underlying infrastructure used in these attacks and shutting them down. About PhishLabs Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, PhishLabs provides 24/7 cybersecurity and threat intelligence services that help organizations fight back against attacks targeting their employees and customers. PhishLabs is trusted by four of the top five U.S. financial institutions, seven of the top 25 global financial institutions, leading social media and career sites, and top healthcare, retail, insurance and technology companies. In addition to mitigating more than 6,000 phishing attacks per month, PhishLabs clients benefit from real-world actionable intelligence, analysis, and guidance from the PhishLabs R.A.I.D. research division, which is comprised of some of the world's most respected malware researchers, reverse engineers, and threat analysts focused on monitoring global attack trends, dissecting cyber tradecraft, and tracking cybercrime. For more information, visit https://www.phishlabs.com and follow @phishlabs. About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies - both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. To be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. PhishLabs and T2 are registered trademarks or trademarks of Ecrime Management Strategies, Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005853/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Ithmar Capital and the World Bank Announce Creation of Green Growth Infrastructure Facility, the First Green Fund Dedicated to Africa RABAT, Morocco, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Bank Group and Ithmar Capital, a Moroccan Sovereign Investment Fund, have entered into a memorandum of understanding relating to the establishment of a Green Growth Infrastructure Facility for Africa (GGIF Africa), the first pan-African fund dedicated to green investment in the continent. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440093LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440094 ) GGIF will be structured as private capital fund and its objective is to attract private investors with interest in Morocco or Africa who are looking for responsible and green investment opportunities. Its aim is to work as a catalyst for the transition of Africa into a green economy by supporting low carbon infrastructure such as clean energy, low carbon transportation and the efficient utilization of water resources. GGIF will be sponsored by the World Bank and Ithmar Capital. This dual-sponsoring will allow the fund to benefit from the strengths of these two organisations; the World Bank with its expertise in fund establishment an policy work, and Ithmar Capital through its network of partners and experience in co-investment structuring. The announcement was made today at the Finance Summit of COP22 in Marrakesh, the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, focused on mobilizing stronger and more ambitious climate action. GGIF will also include a Public Private Partnership (PPP) unit that will focus on the origination of viable projects in collaboration with Government agencies. This will result in a consolidation of PPPs in the targeted countries. The World Bank and Ithmar Capital will work in close partnership with a broad range of public and private investors, including Regional Development Banks, Sovereign Wealth Funds, and global and regional institutional investors, to increase private capital participation in green infrastructure investments across the continent. As well as leveraging private capital flows for investment in environmentally sustainable infrastructure, the GGIF will focus on reducing the risk of marginally non-bankable projects in order to render them viable. Tools will include innovative mechanisms for project preparation and capital structures. The move has already received a letter of support from the IFSWF Chair (International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds), which has just launched its first working group dedicated to climate change. Sovereign Wealth Funds are natural investors in infrastructure projects on account of their long investment horizon, sovereign status, and relatively little need for portfolio liquidity. Under the leadership of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, Africa has become a "strategic priority for Morocco". Relying on its growing economy and European proximity, the Kingdom is working towards becoming a competitive African hub. Morocco is already a key economic and strategic partner for many African economies, as evidenced by the rise in direct investment in high-value sectors such as banking, insurance, telecommunications, energy agriculture and social housing. About Ithmar Capital: Ithmar Capital was established on November 11th, 2011 by the Moroccan government and supported by the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development under the name of Fonds Marocain de Developpement Touristique (FMDT). The Fund is part of the long-term development plans initiated by The Kingdom of Morocco in different economic sectors. http://www.ithmar.gov.ma [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Infoblox Brings Additional Network Control & Security to Microsoft Azure SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Infoblox Inc., which provides DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (DDI), today introduced Infoblox DDI for Microsoft Azure, a virtual appliance that delivers network control and security to the Azure cloud computing platform. With the addition of Azure, Infoblox now provides DNS, DHCP, and IP address management capabilities the category known as DDI across multiple cloud platforms including AWS, OpenStack, VMware and traditional on-premises networks. According to a survey among 1,000 North American and European enterprise infrastructure technology decision makers, 59 percent will adopt a hybrid cloud model in the next 12 months1. As companies are making the transition to a hybrid model, they have to operate in a multi-cloud, multi-platform environment which often includes traditional on-premises components as well. Legacy DDI approaches in the new cloud paradigm often negatively impact cloud agility due to manual processes, cause inconsistencies across hybrid deployments, and increase vulnerabilities that can lead to outages, security breaches and a poor end-user experience. The network is the foundation for any business, and enabling our customers to keep their network strong, stable and secure, from any platform, is our top priority. By extending Infobloxs Actionable Network Intelligence to Microsoft Azure, were offering our customers the ultimate in choice, said Scott Fulton executive vice president of products at Infoblox. Legacy DNS infrastructure is one of the most exploited parts of a network and often the hidden crack in the foundation that derails a business especially with next-generation, dynamic initiatives like public and hybrid cloud. Like the Millennium Towers luxury high-rise in San Francisco that is sinking and tilting, problems at the foundation can be notoriously hard to diagnose and can have costly, devastating impacts. Infoblox helps increase business speed and agility by making it fast and easy for IT teams to take charge of core network services and security through one unified platform. Ryan McGee, director, Microsoft Security Marketing, Microsoft Corp. said, The cloud brings tremendous speed and business agility with an automated rocess for spinning up storage and compute, but network configuration like DNS across hybrid environments is often complex and is still managed manually. Now, Azure customers can implement Infobloxs DDI technology to automatically provision and manage core DNS infrastructure in Azure as part of the workflow, have visibility across disparate platforms, and accelerate the speed in which they can be up and running. 1 Forrester, The Cloud Computing Playbook For 2016, by Glenn ODonnell, October 26, 2016 New Infoblox for Microsoft Azure Infoblox DDI for Azure manages DNS records and IP addresses and integrates seamlessly with an organizations existing Infoblox infrastructure. The offering also supports DNS firewall security to detect infected workloads and help prevent the spread of malware. The benefits of Infoblox DDI for Azure include: Greater Agility . Infoblox DDI for Azure can reduce deployment times of virtual machines by eliminating manual processes and lengthy trouble ticket processes with automated provisioning and clean-up when VMs are destroyed. As a result, customers can eliminate bottlenecks in creating DNS for setting up virtual machines and deploying new applications in Azure. . Infoblox DDI for Azure can reduce deployment times of virtual machines by eliminating manual processes and lengthy trouble ticket processes with automated provisioning and clean-up when VMs are destroyed. As a result, customers can eliminate bottlenecks in creating DNS for setting up virtual machines and deploying new applications in Azure. Consistency . Infobloxs unified solution helps eliminate errors, reduce unplanned outages and ensure a uniform policy for DNS naming conventions and IP address assignments in a multi-cloud, multi-platform environment that includes Azure. . Infobloxs unified solution helps eliminate errors, reduce unplanned outages and ensure a uniform policy for DNS naming conventions and IP address assignments in a multi-cloud, multi-platform environment that includes Azure. Automated Discovery and Visibility . Infoblox provides network administrators visibility with non-disruptive, automatic discovery of virtual machines and resources in Azure and other cloud platforms, across geographic regions. This helps ensure that organizations meet security and compliance needs without manual overhead. . Infoblox provides network administrators visibility with non-disruptive, automatic discovery of virtual machines and resources in Azure and other cloud platforms, across geographic regions. This helps ensure that organizations meet security and compliance needs without manual overhead. Connectivity. API integrations allow additional automation including IP address assignment and integration with other workflow and orchestration tools. In addition to Azure, supported platforms include AWS, VMware, Microsoft, OpenStack, Cisco, HP, BMC, CA and Elasticbox. This broad support enables organizations to evolve their cloud strategy based on business needs, while maintaining consistent network-services infrastructures without costly and disruptive migrations. Pricing and Availability Infoblox DDI is available now in the Azure Marketplace: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/partners/infoblox/infoblox-nios-forvnios/ Pricing information is available from Infoblox sales representatives and channel partners. About Infoblox Infoblox delivers Actionable Network Intelligence to enterprise, government, and service provider customers around the world. As the industry leader in DNS, DHCP, and IP address management, the category known as DDI, Infoblox (www.infoblox.com) provides control and security from the coreempowering thousands of organizations to increase efficiency and visibility, reduce risk, and improve customer experience. Media Contacts: Jill Reed Highwire PR for Infoblox [email protected] (415) 963-4174, ext. 5 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Trianz is a Proud Sponsor of AWS re:Invent 2016, Las Vegas - the Flagship Event of Amazon Web Services SANTA CLARA, California, BANGALORE and DUBAI, UAE, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Trianz, a global consulting and technology services firm, is proud to be a sponsor of upcoming AWS re: Invent 2016, being held at The Venetian, Las Vegas, from Nov 28 - Dec 2. AWS re:Invent is the largest gathering of the global Amazon Web Services community, enabling attendees to connect with peers and cloud experts. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160615/809578 ) Trianz is an Advanced Consulting Partner in the AWS Partner Network (APN) and has achieved AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) partner status after rigorous third-party validation audits. The MSP is reserved for qualified APN Partners who are skilled at cloud infrastructure and application migration and have delivered value to clients by offering proactive monitoring, automation, and management of their customer's environment. Being one of the early AWS consulting partners, Trianz is making rapid strides in AWS ecosystem, with implementation innovation around Migration, DevOps, Disaster Recovery, Data Transformation & Analytics on Cloud. Speaking on this summit sponsorship, Vivek Gupta, Worldwide VP, Cloud Services at Trianz said, "We are delighted to be part of the largest gathering of the AWS community. Trianz has gradually evolved in the AWS ecosystem and we are looking forward tocontinue helping clients adopt the cloud paradigm and achieve the desired business benefits. AWS re:Invent brings best of minds together, giving us an opportunity to network, and also do a deep dive into latest from AWS." Organizations globally are rapidly adopting cloud services to reduce costs, improve scalability, and achieve desired business outcomes. Trianz is proactively responding to these market needs with the new set of cloud models and has tailored services that help address critical challenges while effectively leveraging the cloud potential. Ira Horowitz, VP, New Client Relationships & Alliances at Trianz expressed, "As an MSP partner, Trianz is playing a vital role in solving cloud challenges for various clients across geographies and industries. AWS re:Invent is a great platform to showcase our capabilities, and we are looking forward to a successful event." Trianz will be at Booth # 1940, and invites guests to meet the Trianz team of experts at the conference. About Trianz Trianz is a dynamic and fast growing firm that helps leaders in client organizations formulate and execute operational strategies to achieve business results from a senior management perspective. Leveraging the Cloud, Analytics, Digital, and Security paradigms, Trianz brings the best of consulting and technology experiences, execution models and IP to deliver consistent success to clients. With offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC Metro, New York, Dubai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Chennai and Hyderabad, Trianz serves a wide range of clients from Fortune 1000 to emerging companies in high tech, insurance, financial services, retail, manufacturing, life sciences, public sector and logistics industries. Over the past decade, Trianz has developed a reputation for excellence in execution, enabling global organizations to achieve results envisioned by their senior management. Trianz measures success completely in client terms - the impact created through business execution. Media Contact: Prashant Bhavaraju Director, Marketing +1-408-387-5800 [email protected] http://www.trianz.com SOURCE Trianz [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] New Attribution and Compliance Reporting Capabilities Now Available in Evident.io Cloud Security Platform DUBLIN, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Finding and identifying insider threats and providing increased visibility of security in cloud infrastructure is becoming ever more important as organizations expand usage of Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and other public clouds. Today, Evident.io announced the addition of new risk attribution and compliance features in the Evident Security Platform (ESP) to address these challenges. The new user attribution feature gives users an additional dimension of visibility into their ESP risk alerts by correlating to AWS CloudTrail data and letting individuals immediately see who, how, and where an alert was generated. Risk User Attribution ESP is the only platform that can provide a single-pane-of-glass view across all AWS accounts, services, and regions, and also provide risk user attribution, allowing security teams to respond more quickly and focus on higher value issues. With easy access to user attribution data, SecOps teams can now build scorecards to determine people within the organization who may need better training on security best practices. Organizations can use this data to identify bad actors who may have breached the infrastructure or insider threats, and rapidly quarantine those threats. When user attribution is immediately known, the cloud environment is vulnerable for less time, and SecOps has a Single Source of Truth about who's creating cloud infrastructure security risks. "Until now, user attribution has been extremely difficult to determine and required users to scrub through logs and make difficult correlations to uncover when and how a risk was introduced into the cloud environment. When an organization's infrastructure sees hundreds or even thousands of changes taking place in the cloud on a daily basis, identifying user attribution can be nearly impossible," said Evident.io CEO and Co-founder, Tim Prendergast. "Now, with user attribution, you can improve security skills across your team so every resource can now operate as well as your most skilled security resources." The Evident.io compliance reporting feature provides organizations with complete security and continuous compliance monitoring for their entire AWS environment all services, all regions, and all accounts-- and delivers a real-time compliance assessment with simple, one-button compliance reports. By using ESP for both security and compliance, organizations can benefit from economic efficiencies and timeliness, allowing individuals to focus on creating value rather than fixing a year's worth of compliance debt. Continuous Compliance Reporting With this announcement, the Evident.io Compliance View for the CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark will be available for free to all ESP users. Evident.io team members worked alongside representatives from Amazon Web Services, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and others organizations to develop the first CIS AWS Foundations Benchmark , which was released earlier this year. , which was released earlier this year. The benchmark was designed to provide organizations easy to follow implementation and assessment procedures for security best practices for AWS. By providing free access to the Compliance View, organizations around the world can achieve measurable security results. Evident.io Compliance Views for NIST 800-53, PCI-DSS 3.2, SOC-2 and HIPAA will be released by year-end. "Regulations around encryption, data residency, access controls and other requirements remain as organizations move to the cloud," said Adrian Sanabria, Senior Security Analyst with 451 Research. "While cloud service providers do their part to protect customers and comply with regulations, organizations often miss two very important things. First, organizations must understand where service provider responsibilities end and customer responsibilities begin. Second, in many cases the majority of compliance and regulatory maintenance, audit and reporting work can be completely automated sadly, an opportunity most organizations overlook." The company also announced a new private SaaS offering that enables regulated government entities and organizations concerned with data sovereignty to run ESP within their secure AWS environments. Private SaaS Offering ESP will provide a unified view of infrastructure security and compliance that is imperative to government entities who are moving to the cloud but need to meet FISMA requirements. This offering enables regulated government entities and other organizations to run ESP within their own environments. It will be available on both the AWS Marketplace and the AWS Marketplace for the U.S. Intelligence Community. "The tools available to organizations for cloud compliance assessment are inefficient or rely on manual processes," said Justin Lundy, CTO and co-founder of Evident.io. "Using the continuous security monitoring data collected in the Evident Security Platform, our new Compliance Views eliminate the manual drudgery of compliance assessment. By clicking one button, organizations have a continual view of the state of compliance across their cloud infrastructure." About Evident.io Evident.io is the pioneer and leader in security and compliance automation for public cloud. The Evident Security Platform (ESP) enables organizations of all sizes to proactively manage cloud security risk minimizing attack surface and improving overall security posture, all from a single dashboard. ESP continuously monitors an organization's entire AWS footprint, identifying and assessing security risks, providing security staff with expert remediation guidance, and enabling painless security auditing and compliance reporting. Built on Amazon Web Services APIs, ESP is agent-less and can be deployed to even the most complex environments in minutes. Evident.io is a privately held company based in Dublin, CA and backed by Bain Capital Ventures, True Ventures and Venrock. For more information please visit: www.evident.io. Evident.io is an AWS Advanced Technology Partner, has achieved AWS Security Competency, is a corporate member of the Cloud Security Alliance, and a participating organization of the PCI Security Services Council (SSC). Evident.io and the Evident.io logos are trademarks of Evident.io, Inc. in the United States. *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439764-INFO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439810LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-attribution-and-compliance-reporting-capabilities-now-available-in-evidentio-cloud-security-platform-300363634.html SOURCE Evident.io [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] PageCloud Funded to Change the Web Forever by Bringing Website Creation to Everyone OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PageCloud, developer of the world's most innovative website creation platform, closed its Series A financing round, bringing total funds raised to $11.5 million CAD (~$8.6M USD). Key investors include early-stage venture capital firm Accomplice and trade-finance agency Export Development Canada, as well as notable angel investors from SalesForce.com, LinkedIn, and Shopify. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440136 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440134 "This funding lets us scale our team and continue to democratize the Web for everyone," said Craig Fitzpatrick, founder and CEO, PageCloud. "We're shattering the technical barriers to creating content on the world's greatest medium: the Internet. For the last 20 years, the Web has been dominated by rigid cookie-cutter templates and labor-intensive manual coding. We're making it as easy as using a pencil and paper, for everyone with an Internet connection. This new financing is a great vote of confidence from investors who share our vision." PageCloud's website creation technology, which debuted in the fall of 2015, marks a major change in the way content is created online. It puts control in the user's hands with a powerful website creation and editing solution that enables anyone to create rich, unique user experiences without requiring any coding knowledge. PageCloud greatly simplifies the process f creating and editing websites, including the complex process of making web content mobile, with intuitive drag and drop functionality. The $20.1 billion US website creation market hasn't changed much in the past 15 years, with tools still too technical for most people to use: 70% of website budget and effort still goes into manual coding, but only 1% of the population knows how to code 45% of businesses in developed countries still don't have websites yet, and ? of the planet still isn't online 785 million websites exist today, with 16 million new ones created monthly (or 6 new sites per second) Since releasing its website creation platform to the public one year ago, PageCloud has acquired more than 15,000 customers in over 130 countries worldwide. This Series A funding will help the company continue to develop the platform and add more groundbreaking functionality, helping anyone create their dream website. "We love the PageCloud team's product-first mentality and that we could find early-adopter users who validated the promise of the tech and approach. It's a big market that hasn't changed a lot since the advent of the Web, and it's time for a new, more agile option," said Jeff Fagnan, founder and general partner, Accomplice. "PageCloud frees people from the shackles of what website creation used to be. It gives non-technical people the ability to build beautiful websites." PageCloud is available now for $24/month, which includes hosting, after a 14-day free trial at www.pagecloud.com. About PageCloud PageCloud is a browser-based website creation platform with a simple goal: to democratize the Web, giving the whole world the ability to create and share online. This innovative, professional-grade website creator lets users build and edit websites with a powerful editing experience not seen on the Web before. Many world-firsts, like the ability to import layers directly from Photoshop, make PageCloud the world's most innovative website creator. No need to code or learn complicated back-end user interfaces, and no rigid templates. Thanks to PageCloud, anyone with a browser and an Internet connection now has the ability to create websites that are truly their own. To learn more, visit pagecloud.com. See the press kit at pagecloud.com/press-kit. PageCloud and the PageCloud logo are registered trademarks belonging to PageCloud Inc. Any other trademarks used are the property of their respective owners. Media contact: Lauren Olson 613.282.6405 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pagecloud-funded-to-change-the-web-forever-by-bringing-website-creation-to-everyone-300364225.html SOURCE PageCloud [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Geometris Fleet Telematics Certified with FMCSA Geometris LP, provider of the industry-leading family of Fleet Tracking and Telematics hardware devices announced certification with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the Hardware interface to VisTracks Inc. white labeled DOT HOS Software. This certification shows compliance of the hardware and software combination to the FMCSA December 2015 mandate for Electronic Logging Device (ELD) application software and hardware support. With the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) having issued mandates that require fleets to maintain electronic logs, it's imperative that truck drivers are compliant with hours of service, rests, vehicle inspections and a myriad of other regulations. Geometris successfully passed all 318 FMCSA tests at an independent test lab when used with the VisTracks android software application. The Geometris whereQube Eng8X Series includes support for engine bus data on SAE J1939 and SAE J1708 standards of critical parameters such as VIN, engine on/off, speed, engine hours, and RPMs that are required to be transmitted every 3 to 5 seconds to the android app for FMCSA compliance. Additionally, the Geometris whereQube Eng-8X Series uses short range wireless personal-area-network (PAN) connectivity to make pairing simple and to interface with both android and iOS developer applications. The Geometris whereQube Eng-80 Series devices and frmware should be used for light duty trucks in FMCSA certified HOS application. On Board Diagnostics provided to the SAE J1962 standards must request PID codes and receive responses from the vehicle and are often required to have unique firmware for each of the major manufacturers of light duty trucks. There is currently no requirement to report actual odometer in the OBDII specifications nor engine hours that are required by the FMCSA. "We are pleased to have gained certification with the FMCSA and appear on their website of approved ELD vendors," says Dr. Stephen Eick, VisTracks' Chief Executive Officer. "Key to our effort was the ease of integration with the Geometris whereQube Eng-8X Series with a BTLE interface. It is so much easier for a driver to use compared to other vendors." Dr. Eick continued "we also had tremendous engineering support from the Geometris team in Houston and that sped up our FMCSA certification project tremendously." "We are thrilled that VisTracks has gained certification with the FMCSA using our telematics hardware," says Manish Desai, CEO of Geometris. "We were invited into the design process by one of VisTracks key white label resellers and worked hard to meet their special requirements." Key Features of Geometris whereQube Eng-8X Series GPRS Multi Slot Class 12 , EDGE multi-slot Class 12, WCDMA 3GPP release 5 modem Internal GPS antenna, Internal 3 V SIM, OBDII CAN Connector with adaptors for J1939 and J17 Wireless Firmware Updates, Internal Battery, Bluetooth LE, Locking Connector, Accelerometer User installed and powered by the OBD port, ultra low power consumption in Sleep Mode Compatible with Android (News - Alert) and iOS software applications About Geometris Geometris is a leading provider of telematics devices for OEM and commercial applications in Fleet Tracking, Heavy Equipment monitoring, driver behavior, automobile dealer lot management and secured finance applications. Headquartered in Houston Texas, Geometris also has a contract manufacturing subsidiary, Premier Electronics in Stafford TX. For more information visit www.geometris.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006008/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] SendGrid Announces the Grand Opening of New Global Headquarters in Downtown Denver DENVER, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SendGrid, the leading delivery platform for customer communication that drives engagement and growth, today announced the opening of its new global headquarters at 1801 California Street in downtown Denver. First announced in May, the new space consolidates SendGrid's multiple Colorado office footprint into a single Denver location to drive employee engagement, collaboration and productivity. The office was designed to hold more than two times the current Colorado employee-base to accommodate its growth plan of 900 employees globally by the year 2020. "The opening of our new Denver headquarters is an important milestone for SendGrid as we continue our evolution and maturation as a market-leading SaaS communication provider," said Sameer Dholakia, CEO of SendGrid. "We're excited to have all of our over 260 Colorado employees together in one office so we can continue to innovate and collaborate as we attract new customers and introduce new features to our existing customers." SendGrid will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 16th for SendGrid employees, friends, families, customers and local officials including Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock, Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Fiona Arnold and President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Tami Door. Local media is invited to attend the event at 5:00 PM MT. "SendGrid invested in Colorado's first ever WiFi-enabled shuttle service to connect our employee-base and office in Boulder with our new global headquarters in Denver," said Yancey Spruill, CFO and COO of SendGrid. "Connecting the two communities enables us to recruit from both talent pools in an innovative and productive way that is critical to our 4H culture." The office was thoughtfully designed with a staircase in the reception area that connects the fifth and sixth floor to encourage interactions and conversations between employees. SendGrid's new brand and logo, launched in June of 2016, is incorporated throughout the modern design in the ceiling, floor, walls and other materials and color choices. The office features open workspaces and collaboration spaces that are placed along the windows, rather than the interior corridor, to ensure light and street views aren't blocked for employees. "We're very proud to welcome SendGrid to the roster of innovators that are choosing Denver as a home base for their future growth," said Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock. "This is a signature business expansion for our downtown, startup and tech communities that will pay dividends for both the firm and the city for years to come." "SendGrid is an outstanding community partner for Downtown Denver, as well as our entrepreneurial programs like Denver Startup Week," said Tami Door, President and CEO, Downtown Denver Partnership. "By choosing to grow its global headquarters in Downtown Denver, SendGrid showcases the strength of our culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and the importance of a center city location to attract and recruit top talent." SendGrid commissioned art from local artists who used innovative materials and plants that were carefully placed around the office to create a soothing and inspiring work environment. The kitchen, bistro and other areas have an abundance of seating to encourage employees to meet and eat together, stocked with sub-zero refrigeration, craft beer, wine and healthy snacks. Employees also eat free at several local eateries. SendGrid also has offices in Redwood City and Orange, California in addition to London, England, announced in October of 2016. To learn more about job openings at SendGrid, visit www.sendgrid.com/careers. About SendGrid: SendGrid is a proven, cloud-based customer communication platform that drives engagement and business growth. A leader in email deliverability, SendGrid successfully delivers over 30 billion emails each month for Internet and mobile-based customers like Airbnb, Pandora, HubSpot, Spotify, Uber and FourSquare as well as more traditional enterprises like Intuit and Costco. For more information, visit www.sendgrid.com. Media Contact: David Friedman SendGrid 303-868-9641 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439952 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439953 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439951 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439949 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439950 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sendgrid-announces-the-grand-opening-of-new-global-headquarters-in-downtown-denver-300364237.html SOURCE SendGrid [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] IBM Invests $200M to Help Clients Respond to Cybersecurity Incidents CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM Security (NYSE: IBM) today announced a major expansion of its incident response capabilities, including new facilities, services and software as part of a $200 million investment made this year. These investments include a new global security headquarters in Cambridge, Mass. which features the industry's first physical Cyber Range for the commercial sector, where participants experience preparing for and responding to cyber attacks using live malware and real-world scenarios. IBM also expanded capabilities and capacity for its global network of IBM X-Force Command Centers which now handle over 1 trillion security events per month. These security operations centers are staffed by 1,400 security professionals who will use cognitive technologies like Watson for client services, including chat sessions and data delivery, as well as Watson for Cybersecurity to quickly address cyber security events. As part of today's announcement, IBM launched a new elite incident response and intelligence consulting team called IBM X-Force Incident Response and Intelligence Services (IRIS). IBM's investments also includes its acquisition of Resilient Systems earlier this year, a pioneer in the incident response market. A new Ponemon Institute study on Cyber Resilience, sponsored by IBM and also announced today, found 75 percent of IT and security professionals surveyed say their organization does not have a modern incident response plan applied across the entire enterprise. This lack of planning and coordination can make it difficult to respond quickly and contain the costs of an incident. For example, in 2018, companies in the UK must report data breaches to regulators within 72 hours or face fines up to 4 percent of their global annual turnover. "Being prepared to respond is the first line of defense in making sure a cyber security incident doesn't become a crisis," said Marc van Zadelhoff, General Manager, IBM Security. "To adequately prepare for and respond to cyber attacks, companies need to assemble cross-functional teams that bring a strategic mix of security intelligence, technical skill, legal precision and regulatory understanding combined with a comprehensive plan of action. With our investments, we've moved IBM into a unique position in the industry with a comprehensive cybersecurity immune system for customers to build world-class capabilities for thwarting cybercrime." IBM X-Force Command Centers and New Cyber Range IBM Security's new headquarters in Cambridge, located at 75 Binney Street, includes a fully operational "Cyber Range," bringing together capabilities and experiences previously only available in the public sector. IBM's new X-Force Command Cambridge Cyber Range immerses people in simulated cyber attacks to train them on how properly prepare for, respond to, and manage a broad variety of threats. This experience can be leveraged by Chief Information Security Officers and their security teams, as well as those withut security expertise, such as other members of the C-Suite/lines of business, board members, students and others. IBM's Cyber Range uses live malware, ransomware and other real-world hacker tools culled from the dark web to deliver realistic cyber attack experiences. The facility features an air-gapped network of a fictitious corporation, used for simulated attacks, consisting of one petabyte of information, more than 3,000 users and a simulated version of the internet. As part of the Cyber Range experience, IBM has designed real-world scenarios to help clients experience, defend against and shut down cyber attacks. The scenarios will also help train organizations with the necessary steps required to respond quickly in the wake of an incident, from addressing regulatory requirements that vary from country to country and state to state, to client, business partner, media and supply chain notifications and management. As part of today's announcement, IBM also launched IBM X-Force Command Center Atlanta, a fully upgraded security operations center which IBM has operated for 15 years. The facility now handles over 35 billion security events per day a 75 percent increase in capacity. IBM X-Force Command Center Atlanta is a hub for the company's network of SOCs, which help protect 4,500 clients across 133 countries. Using IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence, the security operation centers bring in 200,000 new pieces of threat intelligence daily, by leveraging insights from analysis on over 100 million web pages and images, and collecting data from monitoring 270 million endpoints. IBM also has expanded its capacity to handle security events and intelligence for IBM X-Force Command Centers in Bangalore and Poland, complemented by previously modernized IBM centers in Costa Rica and Tokyo, creating a scalable global network of defense for clients. New IBM X-Force IRIS Team of Elite Security Consultants IBM also launched a new incident response and intelligence consulting team called IBM X-Force IRIS. Led by Wendi Whitmore, Global Lead, IBM X-Force IRIS the team includes over 100 elite cybersecurity consultants positioned throughout the globe, with deep expertise in incident response and threat intelligence. Whitmore has built the IBM X-Force IRIS team by bringing together security consultants with a broad spectrum of experience, including those who have led responses to many of the largest cyber security breaches in the past decade. Their response experience has spanned retail, political and international banking networks. Many members of the new team are former security experts at federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies where they built intelligence collection and analysis capabilities which are still in use today. The IBM X-Force IRIS team further expands IBM's incident response capabilities, building on the services announced in February. The new consulting capabilities, with the incorporation of IBM X-Force intelligence services, will help clients understand where and how cyber attacks are being launched to defend against and remediate them with greater speed and precision. With a focus on preparedness and planning, the IBM X-Force IRIS practice helps clients test their environment, run attack scenarios, and identify key business systems and processes needing stronger security and critical to maintaining resiliency. Through an emphasis on proactive planning, IBM X-Force IRIS can help clients reduce the costs and complications of response, which can help lead to quicker containment of an incident. The IBM X-Force IRIS's capabilities include: Proactive incident response planning and preparedness training Incident simulation and tabletop exercises, including Red Teaming / Blue Teaming A concurrent approach to containment, remediation and threat intelligence Forensic analysis Threat Intelligence analysis Builds on Resilient Systems' Pioneering Incident Response Technology Resilient, an IBM Company, provides a software platform for comprehensive incident response management and orchestration designed to help security professionals manage and respond to incidents faster and more intelligently. The platform has agile playbooks based on National Institute of Standards and Technology and SANS Institute standards that cover potential threats from a lost laptop to malware attacks. It also has the one of the largest privacy databases with global breach notifications to help clients maintain compliance. This enables clients to mitigate cyber incidents more quickly while helping minimize their exposure. Resilient Systems' award-winning platform is a foundational component of IBM's incident response technologies, along with IBM's QRadar Security Intelligence. For more information on or to arrange a visit to the IBM X-Force Command Center Cyber visit: http://www.ibm.com/security/xforcecommand About IBM Security IBM Security offers one of the most advanced and integrated portfolios of enterprise security products and services. The portfolio, supported by world-renowned IBM X-Force research, enables organizations to effectively manage risk and defend against emerging threats. IBM operates one of the world's broadest security research, development and delivery organizations, monitors 35 billion security events per day in more than 130 countries, and holds more than 3,000 security patents. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog. Media Contact: Kelly Kane, IBM Security 413-297-2668 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibm-invests-200m-to-help-clients-respond-to-cybersecurity-incidents-300364226.html SOURCE IBM Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] NetBeez closes another record year, adds Partech Ventures to its list of investors SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NetBeez, a network performance monitoring company, is on track to close a record year for growth, with significant gains in revenue and new customers. Starting the year, NetBeez participated in the Y Combinator Winter 2016 program. The company also attracted new funding from Partech Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in information and communication technologies, with offices in San Francisco, Paris, and Berlin, and added Reza Malekzadeh to its Board of Directors. NetBeez has developed a proactive network performance visibility solution that reduces the amount of time network administrators and IT teams invest in identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving performance issues of enterprise infrastructure and cloud applications. In the last twelve months, NetBeez secured several high-profile contracts with Fortune 1000 companies while achieving impressive traction and revenue growing almost 3 fold in less than 12 months. This impressive growth demonstrates a strong demand for the type of network monitoring that NetBeez has pioneered with its innovative distributed solution. NetBeezs solution provides a complete picture of network, cloud,and application availability and performance by monitoring from the end user perspective at remote locations, an improvement over traditional device-based monitoring. Before NetBeez, we had to rely on users calling the help desk to be aware of network outages, says David Flores, Network Administrator at Kingston Technology. With NetBeez, we get the real-time status of all the network from the user perspective and, when a problem occurs, we can see what branches are affected and how we can fix the problem pro-actively rather than having to wait for unhappy users to report the problems to us. With new funding from Partech Ventures, NetBeez will be able to expand its team and customer acquisition initiatives to further improve and develop the product and accelerate the growth of its customer base. Reza Malekzadeh, General Partner at Partech, will join the companys Board of Directors. Reza brings his expertise and more than twenty years of experience in enterprise software. In 1998, Reza was the first non-engineer hired by VMware and, as its Director of Marketing, was instrumental in the commercial launch of the company. Reza also worked for other high-growth tech companies like Cisco, NetCarta (acquired by Microsoft), and Cumulus Networks. The explosive growth of mobile users, apps, and connected devices presents big challenges for corporate networks that werent built for this scale and complexity," said Reza Malekzadeh, General Partner at Partech Ventures. The NetBeez product has helped customers of all sizes monitor their networks and deliver a much better experience to their user. We are very excited to join forces with the team as they further expand their roadmap and accelerate their go to market. NetBeez was founded in 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA, and, before Partech, received investments from the Pittsburgh-based fund Innovation Works, Carnegie Mellon University, and Y Combinator. About NetBeez NetBeez, Inc. is a network performance monitoring company delivering the only fully-scalable monitoring solution that continuously simulates user connectivity on any wired or wireless network. Dedicated sensors called Beez simulate end users and enable proactive identification and troubleshooting of complex network issues, helping to significantly reduce IT's time to resolution. For more information, call 1 (844) 638-2339, visit us at http://netbeez.net or follow us on Twitter @NetBeez. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Onlineprinters Optimises Delivery Times LONDON and DUBLIN, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Neutral shipping: Resellers benefit from drop shipping Next-day delivery has become established practice in the printing industry, too. Onlineprinters has further optimised its logistics processes in the past months to give customers more influence on delivery. Moreover, resellers can ship directly to end customers. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440147 ) Printings delivered more quickly The Onlineprinters online shop is run by German Onlineprinters GmbH, one of Europe's leading online print shops. Each year, the company produces around 2.1 billion printed products in its in-house production facilities. In 2015, more than 1.25 million shipments were sent to destinations all across Europe. Customers can now track their parcel's shipping status in real-time. Additionally, the delivery time window is limited to one hour to give customers more certainty as to when their parcel will arrive. What is more, customers just need to send an e-mail to postpone delivery by up to three working days. Additionally, all freight shipments have been sent by express delivery free of charge since 1st October. This makes freight forwarding nearly as fast as parcel delivery. Neutral delivery enables drop shipping Being a partner to varius resellers such as agencies and print shops, Onlineprinters has focused on further optimising the shipping process for this customer group. The online print shop offers drop shipping free of charge which means that products are shipped directly to the end customers of those ordering the products. "This requires trust. Having evolved from a traditional print shop, we understand the needs of our resale partners," Onlineprinters CEO Dr. Michael Fries emphasises and he adds: "This is why we generally ship our products in neutral packaging without any reference to us as a manufacturer. Standard shipping is always free. Data protection and discretion are our top priority." Drop shipping requires the possibility to specify an alternative shipping address besides the invoice address so that end customers only receive the goods and not the invoice from the manufacturer. To not disclose the actual manufacturer of the printed products, Onlineprinters uses both neutral packaging and neutral delivery notes. Additionally, a customised return address can be specified to identify the reseller or agency as the originator. About the company Onlineprinters GmbH is one of Europe's leading online print providers. In line with the motto "Print simply online!" the company sells printed products to 500,000 customers in 30 European countries through its 15 web shops. Internationally, the company is known under the brand name "Onlineprinters"; in Germany it operates under the name "diedruckerei.de". The product range comprises 1,400 printed products from business cards, stationery and flyers to catalogues, brochures and large-format advertising systems. The formula to successfully produce customised prints in terms of Industry 4.0 rests on three pillars: online sales, fully integrated production from ordering to shipping and gang run printing. The latter uses so-called combined forms to collectively produce print jobs, therefore minimising costs and reducing the environmental impact. Selected products allow customers to choose the option of same day printing (produced on the same working day), overnight delivery, climate neutral production and custom size specification. Onlineprinters GmbH employs a staff of 600 and produces over two billion printings per year. Press contact: Onlineprinters GmbH Patrick Piecha Head of Press & Public Relations Rudolf-Diesel-Strae 10 91413 Neustadt an der Aisch Germany Tel.: +49-9161-6209807 [email protected] http://www.onlineprinters.co.uk http://www.onlineprinters.ie [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Starr Companies Launches STARR INSURE, a Direct to Consumer Digital Insurance Agency for Small Businesses Starr Companies announces the launch of STARR INSURE, LLC its new direct to consumer digital insurance agency that provides property and casualty coverages for small businesses. "STARR INSURE offers insurance to small businesses, in a quick, easy-to-understand way," explains Robert Cruz (News - Alert), senior vice president of Starr Companies and member of the board of managers for STARR INSURE. "We believe that we have built one of the fastest quoting engines for business insurance to date." Coverage is obtained, end-to-end, through www.starrinsure.com, and covers a range of small businesses including but not limited to distributors, retailers, artisan contractors, medical offices, general offices, professional services, and social organizations. Rober continues, "And, offering it directly and doing so online, makes the insurance more accessible and affordable for small businesses. We believe this creates real value in the marketplace." STARR INSURE's initial launch includes Business Owners Policies (BOP) in the United States. The Company has plans to introduce additional lines of business and coverages in the coming months. About Starr Companies Starr Companies (Starr) is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on five continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starr's insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, Hong Kong and Singapore each have an A.M. Best rating of "A" (Excellent). Starr's Lloyd's syndicate has a Standard & Poor's rating of "A+" (Strong). Starr's insurance company subsidiary domiciled in China has an A.M. Best rating of "A-" (Excellent). For more information visit us at www.starrinsure.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006110/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] CharterCARE and UnitedHealthcare to Improve Medicaid Patients' Health and Health Care in Rhode Island CharterCARE Health Partners, CharterCARE Provider Group RI, LLC, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island have launched a Medicaid accountable care program to improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce the overall cost of care for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plans. UnitedHealthcare is collaborating with physician groups as part of the State of Rhode Island Accountable Entities Pilot to improve coordination of care for people enrolled in Medicaid. Approximately 5,000 people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's Medicaid health plans in Rhode Island will benefit from this collaboration with CharterCARE. The Reinventing Medicaid Act of 2015 is a comprehensive, progressive package of reforms that positions Rhode Island to improve access to high-quality care and achieve more than $100 million in annual Medicaid savings without cutting Medicaid eligibility or reducing benefits, according to the state. "From day one, the top priority in our work to transform Medicaid has been to provide Rhode Islanders with better care and achieve healthier outcomes for more people," said Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. "Accountable entities like these will reward collaboration and help shift our entire health care system toward a structure that pays for outcomes and quality, rather than volume of services. I commend CharterCARE and UnitedHealthcare for leading the way in this effort." UnitedHealthcare, the CharterCARE system and CharterCARE Provider Group RI will work together to better coordinate patient care by using shared technology and information about emergency room visits and hospital admissions, and services that help patients manage their chronic health conditions and encourage healthy lifestyles. The accountable care program also changes the incentives so that care providers have a shared responsibility for the overall cost of care, moving away from a system that reimburses for quantity of services provided to one that rewards the quality of patients' health outcomes and has the potential to reduce overall costs. "Through this accountable care collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, we are well positioned to increase services and offer more enhanced patient care for Medicaid enrollees," said John J. Holiver, FACHE, CEO of CharterCARE. "This new relationship will enable us to start applying our innovative Prospect Coordinated Regional Care model to improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce the overallcost of care for people enrolled in Medicaid." UnitedHealthcare will support overall population health, giving the entire care team clear, actionable data about individual patients' health needs, potential gaps in care and proactive identification of high-risk patients. Community-based health workers and care managers will support community-based care coordination, such as helping with planning after a patient is discharged from the hospital and scheduling follow-up appointments. "We look forward to working with the CharterCARE system and CharterCARE Provider Group RI to enable people to receive more personalized and better coordinated care, which will significantly enhance their ability to live healthier lives," said Patrice Cooper, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island. UnitedHealthcare serves nearly 300,000 Rhode Islanders with a network of 15 hospitals and more than 4,500 physicians and other care providers statewide. Nearly 15 million people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare plans across the country have access to accountable care programs, delivered in part through more than 800 accountable care arrangements nationwide as the organization engages in deeper, more collaborative relationships with physicians and hospitals. Care providers nationwide are showing strong interest in a shift to value-based care. UnitedHealthcare's total payments to physicians and hospitals that are tied to value-based arrangements have tripled in the last three years to more than $52 billion. By the end of 2018, UnitedHealthcare expects that figure to reach $65 billion. For more information about UnitedHealthcare's full spectrum of value-based initiatives, visit www.UHC.com/valuebasedcare. About CharterCARE Health Partners CharterCARE Health Partners is a coordinated regional care network comprised of two acute care hospitals, a large nursing home facility, a regional cancer center, a rehabilitation center, a community primary care center and a home health services company. CharterCARE also operates a school of nursing. CharterCARE Provider Group RI, LLC is large independent practice association (IPA) with more than 500 providers closely aligned with the CharterCARE system. Our coordinated regional care model allows us to deliver services to patients at multiple levels of care, at the right time and place and at lower costs. This way of organizing and delivering health care services enables us to optimize population health management strategies in Rhode Island. CharterCARE is a joint venture company that leverages both the health care management expertise and capital strength of Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc., a California-based company that owns and operates hospitals in Texas, California, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter (News - Alert). Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006284/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Inscopix, Inc. Ranked Number 61 Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Inscopix, Inc. today announced it ranked number 61 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Inscopix's chief executive officer, Kunal Ghosh credits its scientists with the company's revenue growth. He said, "Inscopix is honored to be recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. Our growth is thanks to our valued customers - amazing scientists who are using our brain mapping tools to advance our understanding of the brain works." "Today, when every organization can be a tech company, the most effective businesses not only foster the courage to explore change, but also encourage creativity in using and applying existing assets in new ways, as resourcefully as possible," said Sandra Shirai, principal, Deloitte (News - Alert) Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications industry leader. "This ingenious approach to innovatio calls for the encouragement of curiosity and collaboration both within and outside the office walls." "This year's Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead," added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors." Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent. About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies - both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. About Inscopix Inscopix is a discovery phase neuroscience company in Silicon Valley that is focused on advancing the mechanistic understanding of the brain at the level of neural circuits and networks. Inscopix develops miniaturized real-time brain mapping platforms that pave the way for incisive new insights into healthy brain function and for next-generation diagnostics, treatments and therapeutics for brain disorders. Inscopix was recognized as a private-sector partner of the Presidential BRAIN Initiative in 2014 and by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer 2015. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006294/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] KSFY-TV Begins Broadcasting From Its New Downtown Sioux Falls Studio ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray," "we," "us" or "our") (NYSE: GTN and GTN.A) announced today that KSFY-TV began broadcasting from its new downtown Sioux Falls studio Monday, November 14. Nearly a year ago, KSFY signed a multi-year lease agreement for space in Courthouse Square, 325 1st Avenue South, in Sioux Falls. The building is located just north of the Federal Courthouse, and has convenient access to historic Phillips Avenue. Over the past year, KSFY and Gray Television have been building a state-of-the-art facility on two floors of the building. The first floor includes the television studio, media control center and newsroom. The second floor is home to the sales department. "We are excited about this new era for KSFY Television," KSFY President and General Manager Jim Berman said. "or months, our viewers have been waiting to see what we've been working on. Today they get to see what we've been up to, building one of the finest state-of-the-art facilities in the region. We believe this new station will enhance our ability to serve our viewers and advertisers at the highest level." Courthouse Square is one of the newest buildings in downtown Sioux Falls. It is a LEED Gold certified office building. Construction of the second floor facilities was completed this summer. News and operations moved into their facilities this week. A majority of the construction was completed by local contractors. About Gray Television: Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE: GTN and GTN.A) is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that owns and operates television stations and leading digital assets in markets throughout the United States. We currently own and/or operate television stations across 51 television markets that collectively broadcast over 190 program streams including 36 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, 27 channels affiliated with the NBC Network, 19 channels affiliated with the ABC Network and 14 channels affiliated with the FOX Network. We own and/or operate the number-one or number-two ranked television station operations in essentially all of our markets, which collectively cover approximately 9.5 percent of total United States television households. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440280 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160210/331974LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ksfy-tv-begins-broadcasting-from-its-new-downtown-sioux-falls-studio-300364432.html SOURCE Gray Television, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Top 5 Vendors in the Commercial Washing Machine Market From 2016 to 2020: Technavio Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global commercial washing machine market report. This research report also lists 13 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. Recently the number of laundromats has increased due to growing demand from dual households who do not have enough time to do laundry. Steady economic growth, rising disposable incomes, and increase in dual-income households with reduced time for housekeeping and laundry are major factors spurring the growth of consumer laundry services. Additionally, the increasing hospitality sector in various regions and emergence of online on-demand laundry services owing to the increasing internet penetration on a global scale has increased the demand for commercial washing machines. The stable outlook for travel and tourism industry supported by an increase in the global outbound travel growth; the ensuing growth of the hospitality industry; and demand for guest services is also fueling growth in the market. Europe and the US make the largest revenue contribution to the global commercial washing machine market because of the high penetration of laundromats in the developed countries. Laundromats and online on-demand laundry service are an emerging concept in the developing countries like India and China. Hence, the demand for the commercial washing machine is increasing rapidly in the emerging economies. Competitive vendor landscape Although the global commercial washing machine market is partially fragmented with the presence of several small- and medium-sized players, the market is dominated by established manufacturers such as Alliance Laundry Systems, Dexter Apache Holdings, Continental Girbau, Electrolux, and Whirlpool. The focus on R&D activities and investments by the market leaders ensure that product innovation is always the top priority. "Although the top-five vendors cater to most of the market, private labels are launching their commercial washing machines at a lower price to use sales volumes to gain market share. This has led to the entry of several new vendors in the global commercial washing market," says Abhay Sinha, a lead analyst from Technavio. Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=54330 Technavio's sample reports are free o charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Top five commercial washing machine market vendors Alliance Laundry Systems The company manufactures commercial laundry equipment like commercial washing machines, ironers, and dryers, with various load capacities ranging from 15-400 lbs. The company also provides technical support services; and financing solutions for multi-store owners, laundry owners, first-time investors, and on-premise laundry business owners. It manufactures under well-known brand names like Speed Queen, Uni-Mac, Primus, Huebsch, and IPSO. The company has manufacturing operations in Wevelgem, Belgium; Ripon, Wisconsin, US; Pribor, Czech Republic; and Guangzhou, China. Continental Girbau Continental Girbau manufactures commercial and industrial laundry equipment. It provides commercial dryers, washers, and heat roll and chest ironers, for card and coin operated, and on-premises laundries, and industrial laundries, among others. The company operates as a subsidiary of Girbau S.A. Dexter Apache Holdings Dexter Apache Holdings manufactures and distributes laundry equipment, stainless steel tanks and food processing equipment, and retail ice merchandising equipment and walk-in freezers/coolers, and offers technology and financing for businesses. The company provides high alloys, stainless steel, and carbon steel products for equipment used in laundries such as change laundry carts, machines, vending machines, folding tables, and more, for commercial and industrial on-premise laundry markets. Electrolux Electrolux is a global consumer home appliance manufacturing company that manufactures household appliances and appliances for professional use in Sweden as well as in international markets. Some of the major products offered by the company are floor care products, microwave ovens, room air-conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, cookers, refrigerators, and small domestic appliances. Electrolux, AEG, Frigidaire, and Eureka are the well-known brands of the company. Whirlpool The company manufactures and markets home appliances and related products like laundry appliances, cooking appliances, dishwashers, hermetic compressors, refrigerators and freezers, mixers, and other portable household appliances. These products are sold under the brand names Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Bauknecht, Maytag, Brastemp, JennAir, Amana, and Consul. The company operates through the laundry appliances, refrigerators and freezers, cooking appliances, and others segments. Geographically, it operates in North America; Central and South America; Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia. Browse Related Reports: Washing Machine Market in the US 2016-2020 Global Smart Connected Washing Machine Market 2016-2020 Global Gas Dryer Market 2016-2020 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/20161116005089/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Juan Maldonado, the 56-year-old man charged Tuesday in the July hit-and-run killing of 35-year-old Matthew von Ohlen, worked as a crane operator and lived with his mother in South Williamsburg at the time of his arrest, according to his attorney Howard Kirsch. "I have almost no information on the case," Kirsch told Gothamist on Wednesday. "I met him for the first time yesterday and you probably know a lot more than I do at this point." Kirsch added that he'll likely meet with his client next week. Maldonado is being held on $100,00 bail following his indictment on eight counts, including charges of second-degree murder, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash. Von Ohlen was biking home from a shift as a bartender at Apotheke in Chinatown around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, July 2nd, when he was struck in front of 690 Grand Street in Williamsburg, between Manhattan and Graham Avenues. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said Tuesday that, according to an investigation, Maldonado "swerved" into the bike lane on Grand Street and sped through a red light before striking von Ohlen. He then "hit the victim's bicycle from behind causing the victim to fall. The defendant continued driving, running over the victim and dragging him approximately 10 to 20 feet as he sped away." The charges filed Tuesday, carrying a top sentence of 15 years, imply recklessnessnot intentionality. On July 6th, four days after von Ohlen's death, police identified the black Chevy Camaro allegedly involved in the crash and confirmed that a suspect had been identified based on the vehicle's registration. In the months that followed, radio silence on the case and a marked uptick in cyclist ticketing on Grand Street angered and puzzled safe streets advocates. DNAinfo reports that the NYPD identified Maldonado when the car was recovered, but waited four months for a grand jury to indict him on felony charges before making an arrest. The outlet also reports that Maldonado was fired the day before the crash, from a job delivering construction materials for Certified Lumber in South Williamsburg. One employee there said he repeatedly showed up for work under the influence, or didn't show up at all. Shortly after the crash, family told DNAinfo, Maldonado drove to Connecticut to visit with his teenage daughter. Police recovered his car there. He apparently didn't let on about the crash to his mother, who was surprised when officers arrived Tuesday morning to make an arrest. According to attorney Steve Vaccaro, who primarily represents cyclists and pedestrians injured and killed by reckless drivers, it is not uncommon for police to withhold updates on a fatality case. As a general rule of thumb, he said, police will refer to "investigation ongoing," even if only a shred of evidence is outstanding. "They may have every bit of evidence there is except for one, and they'll even refuse a FOIL [Freedom of Information Law] request," he told us. [November 16, 2016] Influential Thought Leader Richard Florida to Keynote Ann Arbor SPARK Annual Meeting Ann Arbor SPARK will host Richard Florida, one of the world's leading public intellectuals on economic competitiveness, demographic trends, and cultural and technological innovation, as the keynote speaker at its annual meeting. Ann Arbor SPARK's annual meeting, the region's premier gathering of business and community leaders, will be held on April 24, 2017, at the Eastern Michigan University Student Center in Ypsilanti, Mich. "Richard has called Ann Arbor a center for creativity. He will talk about his latest research and his new book, The New Urban Crisis, to be released next year in April," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. "It's exciting to have Richard here to share his perspective on how the characteristics that make this region unique - creativity, vibrancy, intelligence -- is fueling our economic success It's also exciting that Ann Arbor SPARK's annual meeting will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the North America International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation." Florida, author of the award-winning Rise of the Creative Class, is a researcher and professor, serving as the director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the niversity of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, Global Research Professor at New York University, and a visiting fellow at Florida International University. He is also founder of the Creative Class Group, which works closely with governments and companies worldwide. A 2013 MIT study named Florida the world's most influential thought leader. TIME magazine recognized his Twitter (News - Alert) feed as one of the 140 most influential in the world. Florida is a writer and journalist, having penned several global bestsellers, and serving as senior editor for The Atlantic, where he co-founded and serves as Editor-at-Large for CityLab. He previously taught at Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State University, and George Mason University, and has been a visiting professor at Harvard and MIT (News - Alert), and visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution. Ann Arbor SPARK's annual meeting is proudly sponsored by the DTE Energy Foundation. About Ann Arbor SPARK Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006422/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] GMG Stations Most Watched for Election Results Graham Media Group, Inc., a Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) subsidiary, reported today that it delivered top ratings on all platforms during election night coverage. Graham Media Group owns five local television stations, each in a top-50 market, all were recognized as news leaders during the country's historic election night. "Our connection to the communities we serve proved exceptionally strong on election night. Excellent coverage in all markets was part of the story, but the other part is the power and impact of local television news on the national front," said Emily Barr, President and Chief Executive officer. KPRC-Houston (NBC) delivered a 5.9 rating and 12 share of persons 25-54 which is a 9% increase over its 2012 primetime election coverage, and up 34% from 2008. The station also led the way with the local 5pm and 10pm newscasts surrounding the primetime coverage, which delivered a 2.3 rating and 9 share of persons 25-54 and a 5.4 rating and 10 share of persons 25-54 respectively. WDIV-Detroit (NBC) was the most watched television station in Detroit and was ranked #1 out of the top 25 LPM NBC affiliates with a 10.1 rating and 14 share of persons 25-54 from 8pm-11pm. Te station's website, ClickonDetroit.com received nearly 300,000 unique visitors. WDIV Local 4 Newscasts dominated the afternoon into the evening with wins at 4pm, 5-6:30pm and 11pm. KSAT-San Antonio (ABC) was #1 in Prime Election Coverage with an 8.4 rating and 12 share of persons in households, and grew double-digits in key election coverage day parts since the 2012 Presidential race. In addition, KSAT's Presidential Candidate HQ livestreams were the #1 search result nationwide on Google (News - Alert). WKMG-Orlando (CBS) was first in local news at noon among households and total viewers, including a 32% household ratings gain from Election Day 2012. The 4pm newscast was ranked #1 with women 25-54, and the 5pm newscast was first in its time period among adults 25-54 and women 25-54. WKMG had the most extensive coverage of a national election in the Orlando market with coverage from 4-6:30pm and an expanded 7-8pm newscast. WJXT-Jacksonville (Independent) kicked off continuous Election Day coverage at 7pm and stayed on air until 3:30am, covering Local, State and National races for viewers in Jacksonville. Nielsen results show WJXT as the winner in the key 8pm to 11pm prime-time hours, with a 7.2 rating and 9.7 share in households. News4JAX at 6pm was the highest rated local newscast of the day in Jacksonville with a 7.5 rating and 12 share. Approximately 175,000 digital users viewed more than 1.3 million page-views on News4JAX.com and the station's newsreader app. About Graham Media Group Graham Media Group, Inc. (www.GrahamMedia.com), a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC), owns five local TV stations-each in a top-50 market and all recognized as news leaders-reaching 6.5% of U.S. television households: KPRC-Houston and WDIV-Detroit (NBC); KSAT-San Antonio (ABC); WKMG-Orlando (CBS); and WJXT-Jacksonville (independent). The stations also broadcast digital channels focused on classic television and operate market-leading websites, mobile sites and mobile apps that deliver breaking news, weather and community news, reaching millions of users across each platform. Graham Media Group owns SocialNewsDesk, a leading provider of social media software solutions used in more than 1,000 newsrooms across 5 continents. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006426/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Philly Shipyard Hosts Second Annual National Apprenticeship Week Student Event As part of President Obama's declaration of National Apprenticeship week, Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI), today hosted an event to showcase its widely respected Registered Apprenticeship program. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006452/en/ Supervisor Alfredo Dajer, graduate of the Philly Shipyard Apprentice Program, speaks to a group of students about career development opportunities from apprenticeship programs. Photo credit: Charles Cerrone Photography In coordination with the Philadelphia School District, the shipyard invited 30 students from four area schools to its newly developed Training Academy, where current Philly Shipyard apprentices receive welding training. In May 2016, the company opened the academy to provide a dedicated facility offering customized training for all production personnel. The visiting students shadowed current apprentices in the new academy, met with former apprentices, and then participated in a tour of the larger shipyard facility. Jim Clark, PSI Training Manager, organized the second annual event and commented, "Philly Shipyard's apprentice program is a necessity for our business to build and sustain a long-term workfore. Since its inception, the company has graduated 106 apprentices who have developed into the next generation of skilled shipbuilders. There are another 75 active apprentices. The students visiting today have an opportunity to witness first-hand the value of joining an apprenticeship program to learn the skills and academics necessary for a successful career in manufacturing. It is an opportunity like no other." Initiated in 2004, the three-year apprenticeship program develops the next generation of Philly Shipyard employees. As of today, shipyard apprentice graduates and current apprentices make up 23% of its current workforce. Since its founding, 21 graduates have moved into management positions and many have obtained additional manufacturing qualifications. The shipyard hired 50 apprentices in 2016 and intends to hire more in 2017. Philly Shipyard has a construction backlog through 2019. It is currently building four 50,000 dwt tankers for a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, Inc. and two 3,600 TEU containerships for Matson Navigation Company, Inc. For more information on Philly Shipyard projects, please visit www.phillyshipyard.com. About Philly Shipyard: Philly Shipyard is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the Jones Act market. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as the preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships. Philly Shipyard is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital II, which in turn is majority-owned by Aker ASA. Aker is a Norwegian industrial investment company that creates value through active ownership. Aker's investment portfolio is concentrated on key Norwegian industries that are international in scope: oil and gas, fisheries and biotechnology, and marine assets. Aker's industrial holdings comprise ownership interests in Aker Solutions, Kvaerner, Det norske oljeselskap, Aker BioMarine, Ocean Yield, Havfisk and Akastor. About National Apprenticeship Week: National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for the Apprenticeship community to tell the story of apprenticeships and is an invitation to business and industry, education, career seekers, community based organizations, students, and workers to learn about the real world advantages of developing careers through adoption of the apprenticeship model. Apprenticeship is for those who aspire to be great, lead in innovation and creativity, strive to innovate in business and industry, and recognize the value of combining paid on the job learning coupled with a substantial educational component to build generational greatness in careers and commerce. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006452/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Retired Police Officer Leads California Cannabis AP Investment Fund The Managing Members of AP Investment Fund LLC ("AP" or "the Fund") announced today the $12.6 million fund's successful closing. AP stands as the nation's first fund to support real estate acquisition and private debt servicing to retail dispensaries targeting recreational consumers. "AP is one of the first institutional funds focused on the $3 billion cannabis industry and is specifically designed to make strategic real estate investments and loans to dispensary businesses in California, the largest growth market for legal consumer products. Ours is a unique vision, and we have attracted investors who see the value in building a highly professional, well-valued real estate portfolio with tenants that are supported by financial and operational experts," stated Kyle Kazan, one of the Managing Members of the Fund, and Co-Founder of Beach Front Properties LLC, a successful real estate investment group. A retired police officer, Kazan is also a member of LEAP - Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. "Participants in the cannabis industry have struggled to acquire the necessary capital to purchase real estate and facilitate ongoing operations. This is precisely the void our Fund addresses," he continued. Kaan pointed out that "the marijuana industry is the classic market dislocation where there are more investment opportunities than capital ready to invest. In the past 20 years, I have been successful investing in exactly these opportunities." The team at AP Investment Fund also brings significant operational experience which has already proven vital in bringing sophistication to a market which is on the verge of maturing. "While many people have been successful in navigating the municipal ordinances to obtain a license to dispense cannabis and set-up a retail store, very few understand best practices in accounting, HR and marketing," Kazan said. "To this end, our operating partners in the industry are benefitting from our involvement and our investments are in the best possible position." All of the Fund's investors are high net worth and sophisticated individuals. Many are investment managers, and none were invested in this space before the Fund's existence. AP is focused entirely on California "as we have worked successfully in the real estate market here for the past 20 years, and the demographics, along with the state, being the sixth largest economy in the world, indicate that there is more growth potential here than any other single market," Kazan said. The first real estate acquisitions are in Santa Ana and Santa Barbara County, which include a grow facility that supports one of the fund's dispensary borrowers in nearby Santa Barbara. "This is an extraordinary time for the cannabis industry - almost like the end of Prohibition in 1933," Kazan summarized. "These first days will never come again. We believe we're in the right place at the right time, and we've spent the past two years identifying the right starting players for our loan and real estate portfolios. This is business as we rarely get to see it, and only those who move quickly will have the opportunity to reap the benefits." Past performance is no guarantee of future results. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006489/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc. Appoints New Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Support Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc. (NBC or the Company)* (OTC Pink: NEEB) today announced the appointment of Kara Bunde-Dunn as its new senior vice president of marketing and sales support. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006495/en/ Kara Bunde-Dunn, Nebraska Book Company's senior vice president of marketing and sales support (Photo: Business Wire) At NBC, a leading provider of textbooks and solutions for independent college retailers across the United States, Bunde-Dunn will apply her experience in service excellence, talent development and sales growth to expand on the Company's rich history. "We are pleased to welcome Kara to the NBC team," said Rick Bunka, president and chief executive officer of NBC. "Her expertise in business development and cliet engagement will help further our efforts to enhance our ability to execute within the wholesale textbook business and expand our capabilities in software and managed services to better serve our clients in the higher education marketplace." Prior to joining NBC, Bunde-Dunn served as vice president of business development for National Research Corporation (NRC), a company known for its customer-centric care model. Before NRC, Bunde-Dunn held several senior-level positions at Talent Plus, Inc., where she led and developed a team of account executives and service professionals and established a proven track record in revenue growth, client retention and client satisfaction. "I am excited to bring what I've learned throughout my career to Nebraska Book, and I look forward to focusing much of my time on strategies that enable the team members at Nebraska Book Company to help their customers adapt to marketplace changes, grow store sales and increase profitability," Bunde-Dunn commented. "It is my personal mission to ensure every experience our customers have delivers on our brand promise." Bunde-Dunn resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her family. About Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc. Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc., more commonly known as Nebraska Book Company (NBC), began in 1915 as an independent college bookstore and is now a key resources partner to over 2,000 independent college retailers nationwide. With its strategic business services and technology offerings, including localized e-commerce capabilities, back-end system access and support as well as textbook solutions, Nebraska Book Company is devoted to supporting and strengthening independent higher education retailers across the United States. For more information about Nebraska Book Company, visit www.nebook.com. *Nebraska Book Holdings, Inc. common stock is not listed, traded or quoted on any U.S. stock exchange but is quoted on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol NEEB. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006495/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Millions Vote on Hart InterCivic Technology in General Election AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Voters in hundreds of cities and counties across 17 states cast their ballots in the 2016 General Election using voting systems from Hart InterCivic. "In an election year with unprecedented voter interest, election officials and their staffs across the nation have worked tirelessly for many months to ensure that the systems, materials, trained poll workers and all else needed are in place so that voters experience a successful General Election. Hart is proud to provide reliable technology and services that facilitate the election process and protect the sanctity of the vote," said Hart InterCivic President and CEO Phillip Braithwaite. A pioneer in innovative election technology, Hart first introduced the legacy Hart Voting System in 2000. Hart's newer Verity Voting system was first introduced to the market in 2015. Verity builds on the earlier system's ground-breaking digital technology and incorporates the latest security protocols, robust user interfaces and numerous other updates in a freshly conceived, integrated system that meets modern federal and state certification demands. "For more than 100 years," Braithwaite added, "Hart has provided solutions that make election administration more efficient and effective. Our culture is centered on an absolute commitment to customer service. On an Election Night such as this historic one, our commitment pays off as we see customers posting accurate, auditable results." The November 2016 election was Verity's first Presidential Election. Used in jurisdictions across five states, the system passed the test with flying colors, as evidenced by comments from Hart customers. "W always have a successful election with Hart equipment; we've never had a hiccup with a machine. I've been happy with Hart from Day One. I think it's beneficial to have a concentration of counties with the same vendor, so I supported my neighboring counties in choosing Hart and Verity by providing positive recommendations of both. For this General Election, three counties pooled resources for on-site Election Day support, which worked very well. We used a DRE voting system in the past, and our voters were excited to receive paper ballots for this election. They liked how quickly the scanner takes the ballot, reads both sides at once and displays the waving flag once they cast their vote. Our election officers are really happy with the machines, too. Once they set the unit up, they just press one button to turn it on." Kelly LaFollette, General Registrar, Essex County, Virginia "In Ada County, our focus is to provide all voters the opportunity to vote with confidence and ease, knowing their choices are recorded accurately. Voters liked the new system, and the equipment functioned properly throughout the election. With more than 200,000 voters participating, the system's ability to handle a large volume of ballots efficiently allowed us to provide final results as quickly as possible." Phil McGrane, Chief Deputy, Clerk's Office, Ada County, Idaho With the 2016 Presidential Election behind them, many Hart customers are eager to make the shift to Verity, as the following quote describes. "We've been with Hart since 2005, and we trust our voting system completely. This election couldn't have gone any smoother; we didn't have a lot of questions about the equipment or long lines. We were home before 10 on Election Night! We plan on moving to Hart's Verity system because it's time for a newer system. We're excited about Verity's touch screens; first-time voters are more familiar with touch screens. Also, the lighter-weight equipment will be easier for our election judges to manage. We're ready to move forward." Laurie Mangum, Joint Elections Administrator, Eastland County, Texas Braithwaite concluded, "We are geared up to meet the demand for Verity and to assist jurisdictions across the country in modernizing their voting technology." About Hart InterCivic, Inc. Austin-based Hart InterCivic is a full service election solutions innovator, partnering with state and local governments to deliver secure, accurate and reliable elections. Working side-by-side with election professionals for more than 100 years, Hart is committed to helping advance democracy one election at a time. The Hart mission fuels passionate customer focus and a continuous drive for technological innovation. The company's new Verity Voting system makes voting more straightforward, more equitable and more accessibleand makes managing elections more transparent, more efficient and easier. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150706/231005LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/millions-vote-on-hart-intercivic-technology-in-general-election-300364418.html SOURCE Hart InterCivic, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Mezi Shifts Focus to Travel, Reveals Most Powerful Mobile Travel Booking Experience for Consumers Mezi, the free personal travel assistant app powered by artificial intelligence, today unveiled the first ever completely AI-powered travel experience across hotels, flights and restaurant reservations, evolving its identity from a virtual personal assistant to a travel-focused assistant. Mezi has reimagined the online travel booking experience to offer highly personalized and expert assistance for consumers, creating a "do it for you" travel search and booking service that provides consumers with a more time- and cost-efficient alternative to the otherwise tedious, fragmented online travel booking experience. "Consumers are exhausted by the labor intensive, 'do it yourself' nature of online booking sites, and we wholeheartedly believe the future of travel is 'do it for you' -- which is what we're bringing to life with Mezi," said Swapnil Shinde, Co-Founder and CEO of Mezi. "Machine learning enables a whole new layer of personalization and curation unaccounted for in the online travel booking experience today. We've designed Mezi to offer the best of the old and new, serving up the perfect blend of a personal travel agent along with the wealth of data and analytics offered by online booking sites." Since launching in December 2015 Mezi has closely watched how customers interact with the app, experiencing the srongest demand in the travel category. Nearly 80 percent of total sales on Mezi in October were via travel bookings, with growth in monthly active users making travel requests skyrocketing by 750 percent since April. Customers share details for their upcoming trip, and Mezi's AI does the rest; scouring dozens of booking sites and thousands of reviews, Mezi delivers highly personalized options for flights, hotels and restaurants for customers to select from in a matter of seconds. Conversations happen in real-time, as if talking to a friend or personal assistant, in natural language and with a degree of specificity that is unrivaled by online travel booking services. Mezi builds your profile with each use, and applies previous travel preferences to all future conversations and requests, making the most personalized and comprehensive travel concierge service possible. Equipped to handle all aspects of the travel experience, Mezi also makes subsequent interactions like rebooking, canceling and updating itineraries as simple as the initial booking. To learn more about Mezi's complete personal travel concierge experience, visit https://mezi.com. About Mezi Mezi is your personal travel assistant, powered by the world's smartest chatbots and human experts. Just send a message to Mezi whenever you need to buy something and let Mezi take care of the research, present you with options, and help you place the order. Combining the best of human expertise and artificial intelligence, Mezi makes getting exactly the right product as simple as asking a question. Founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneurs Swapnil Shinde and Snehal Shinde, Mezi is now available on iOS and via SMS. Learn more at https://mezi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006568/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 16, 2016] Canadian Local Number Portability Consortium (CLNPC) Selects Neustar to Provide Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) Services for the Next Decade Neustar, Inc. (NYSE: NSR), a trusted, neutral provider of real-time information services, today announced that the Canadian Local Number Portability Consortium Inc. (CLNPC), has selected Neustar to serve as its Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) for the next decade. Under the agreement, Neustar will continue to provide Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) services to the Canadian telecommunications industry through December 31, 2028. The Canadian NPAC is a critical part of Canada's telecommunications infrastructure, connecting every single service provider in the country, enabling consumer choice and competition, and providing accurate routing information for millions of calls and texts daily. The NPAC is a real-time information service, requiring strong neutrality qualifications and compliance with extensive security operations, particularly vital as the telecommunications industry is experiencing significant technology changes. The CLNPC selected Neustar for its technology, talent and expertise in number portability and addressing services. Neustar has served as the Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) for both the United States and Canada for nearly two decades, providing critical infrastructure essential to accurate call routing, consumer choice and competition, as well as foundational support for the communications industry's transition to IP networks. The Canadian NPAC operates independently from the U.S. NPAC, which is currently undergoing a multi-year transition to Ericsson (News - Alert). That transition was originaly intended for July 2015, but has been delayed to at least 2018 according to current published schedules. "We are delighted to extend the contract with Neustar who has proven to be an exceptional partner to the CLNPC and the Canadian industry. In selecting Neustar, following the issuance of a public request for information and the consideration of all options available to the Canadian industry, the CLNPC has ensured that Canadian operators, consumers and businesses will have uninterrupted number portability services. Our decision process was driven by a broad assessment across all aspects of the service, including the future requirements of our Shareholders. Neustar's proposal provided the greatest overall value for our clients and consumers," said Jacques Sarrazin, President and CEO, CLNPC. "With support and confidence from Canadian operators, we look forward to Neustar continuing to be to an excellent supplier to the Canadian industry, and exceeding the requirements of our clients for the next decade." "We are proud to extend our successful partnership with the CLNPC and Canadian operators for the next 10 years. The NPAC is a critical component of any country's telecommunications infrastructure. The CLNPC is comprised of sophisticated and experienced operators, who understand and recognize the vital nature of our NPAC services," said Lisa Hook (News - Alert), President and Chief Executive Officer, Neustar. "Securing this contract through 2028 is a reflection of our commitment to numbering and addressing services, especially as the telecommunications industry migrates to IP network architectures." About Neustar Every day, the world generates roughly 2.5 quadrillion bits of data. Neustar (NYSE: NSR) isolates certain elements and analyzes, simplifies and edits them to make precise and valuable decisions that drive results. As one of the few companies capable of knowing with certainty who is on the other end of every interaction, we're trusted by the world's great brands to make critical decisions some 20 billion times a day. We help marketers send timely and relevant messages to the right people. Because we can authoritatively tell a client exactly who is calling or connecting with them, we make critical real-time responses possible. And the same comprehensive information that enables our clients to direct and manage orders also stops attackers. We know when someone isn't who they claim to be, which helps stop fraud and denial of service before they're a problem. Because we're also an experienced manager of some of the world's most complex databases, we help clients control their online identity, registering and protecting their domain name, and routing traffic to the correct network address. By linking the most essential information with the people who depend on it, we provide more than 12,000 clients worldwide with decisions-not just data. More information is available at http://www.neustar.biz. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006570/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] EQUITY ALERT: Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Securities Claims Against Rio Tinto plc - RIO Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it is investigating potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Rio Tinto plc (NYSE:RIO) resulting from allegations that Rio Tinto may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. On November 9, 2016, Rio Tinto announced that on August 29, 2016, it "became aware of email correspondence from 2011 relating to contractual payments totaling US$10.5 million made to a consultant providing advisory services on the Simandou project in Guinea." Rio Tinto launched an investigation led by external counsel, contacted U.K. and U.S. authorities, and suspended its Energy and Minerals chief executive Alan Davies. Rio Tinto's Legal & Regulatory Affairs group executive Debra Valentine also stepped down from her role. On November 15, 2016, the Financial Times (News - Alert) reported that Rio Tinto's lawyers had uncovered more than a year ago internal emails concerning the questionable $10.5m payment to a consultant. On this news, shares of Rio Tinto fell $1.52 per share or approximately 4% to close at $38.13 per share on November 15, 2016 damaging investors. Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action lawsuit to recover losses suffered by Rio Tinto investors. If you purchased shares of Rio Tinto, please visit the firm's website at http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-998.html for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim or Kevin Chan of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/rosen_firm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006575/en/ [November 16, 2016] PALOMA-2 Phase 3 Study Published In The New England Journal Of Medicine Demonstrates Clinical Benefit Of Pfizer's IBRANCE (palbociclib) In First-Line ER+, HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) today announced that detailed results from the Phase 3 PALOMA-2 trial were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. These data, presented at the 52nd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June, further demonstrate the clinical benefit of IBRANCE (palbociclib) as initial therapy for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (ER+, HER2-) metastatic breast cancer. The PALOMA-2 study showed the combination of IBRANCE and letrozole extended progression-free survival (PFS), or the amount of time before tumor growth, by more than 10 months compared with letrozole plus placebo. Further, the study demonstrated that the median PFS of the IBRANCE and letrozole combination exceeded two years - making it the first and only treatment for this population of women to do so in a randomized Phase 3 study.1 "The median PFS of more than two years observed in this study is unprecedented for this patient population," said Veronique Dieras, M.D., medical oncologist and head of clinical research, Clinical Investigational Unit Chef de Service Recherche Clinique, Unite d'Investigation Clinique Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris, France. "Building on the Phase 2 PALOMA-1 data, the results of PALOMA-2 provide additional evidence that the combination of IBRANCE and letrozole is a meaningful advancement for these women." "Since its accelerated approval in 2015, IBRANCE in combination with letrozole has become a standard of care for the treatment of post-menopausal women with ER+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer," said Hope Rugo, M.D., professor of medicine and director of breast oncology and clinical trials education at the University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We now have seen consistent results across three randomized trials in which the addition of IBRANCE to an endocrine therapy significantly prolonged PFS compared to the endocrine therapy alone." In the trial, median PFS for women treated with IBRANCE plus letrozole was 24.8 months (95% CI, 22.1-not estimable) compared with 14.5 months (95% CI, 12.9-17.1) for women treated with letrozole plus placebo (HR=0.58 [95% CI, 0.46-0.72], p<0.001), a 42% reduction in the risk of disease progression. "IBRANCE has raised the bar for new treatments in hormone-receptor positive advanced breast cancer. The results of this Phase 3 trial add to the growing body of clinical data in support of IBRANCE and translates into hope for patients," said Mace Rothenberg, M.D., chief development officer, Oncology, Pfizer Global Product Development. "We look forward to sharing the full PALOMA-2 data with global regulatory authorities with the goal of making IBRANCE available to more women around the world. Pfizer is proud of being a leader in the development of innovative therapies like IBRANCE that make a meaningful difference in patients' lives." Safety results were consistent with PALOMA-1 and no major unexpected safety findings were observed. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events with IBRANCE plus letrozole versus placebo plus letrozole were neutropenia (66.4% vs 1.4%), leukopenia (24.8% vs 0%), infections (6.5% vs 3.2%) and anemia (5.4% vs 1.8%). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.8% of patients in the IBRANCE plus letrozole group and none of the patients in the placebo plus letrozole group. For more information, please see Important Safety Information for IBRANCE below.2 IBRANCE first was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2015 and is indicated for the treatment of hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with letrozole as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women.2 The indication in combination with letrozole was approved under accelerated approval based on PFS results from the Phase 2 PALOMA-1 study. As stated at the time of the approval, continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial, the double-blind, Phase 3 PALOMA-2 study.2 A supplemental New Drug Application to support the conversion of the accelerated approval to regular approval based on the results of PALOMA-2 has been submitted to the FDA. IBRANCE also is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of HR+, HER2-advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with fulvestrant in women with disease progression following endocrine therapy based on results from the Phase 3 PALOMA-3 study.2 Since the initial approval in February 2015, more than 40,000 women have been prescribed IBRANCE by more than 8,500 prescribers in the U.S. As previously disclosed, the European Commission has approved IBRANCE for the treatment of women with HR+, HER2- locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The approval is for IBRANCE to be used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. The approval also covers the use of IBRANCE in combination with fulvestrant in women who have received prior endocrine therapy. In total, IBRANCE is approved in more than 50 countries. About PALOMA-2 PALOMA-2 is a randomized (2:1), multicenter, multinational, double-blind Phase 3 study designed to assess the PFS of IBRANCE (125 mg orally once daily for three out of four weeks in repeated cycles) in combination with letrozole (2.5 mg once daily continuously) versus letrozole plus placebo as a first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer. PALOMA-2 evaluated a total of 666 women from 186 global sites in 17 countries. The full prescribing information for IBRANCE can be found at www.pfizer.com. About IBRANCE (palbociclib) 125 mg capsules IBRANCE is the first and only FDA approved oral inhibitor of CDKs 4 and 6,2 which are key regulators of the cell cycle that trigger cellular progression.3,4 In the U.S., IBRANCE is indicated for the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with letrozole as initial endocrine based therapy in postmenopausal women, or fulvestrant in women with disease progression followng endocrine therapy.2 The indication in combination with letrozole is approved under accelerated approval based on PFS. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial, PALOMA-2.2 Important IBRANCE (palbociclib) Safety Information from the U.S. Prescribing Information Neutropenia was the most frequently reported adverse reaction in PALOMA-1 (75%) and PALOMA-3 (83%). In PALOMA-1, Grade 3 (57%) or 4 (5%) decreased neutrophil counts were reported in patients receiving IBRANCE plus letrozole. In PALOMA-3, Grade 3 (56%) or Grade 4 (11%) decreased neutrophil counts were reported in patients receiving IBRANCE plus fulvestrant. Febrile neutropenia has been reported in about 1% of patients exposed to IBRANCE. One death due to neutropenic sepsis was observed in PALOMA-3. Inform patients to promptly report any fever. Monitor complete blood count prior to starting IBRANCE, at the beginning of each cycle, on Day 14 of first 2 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Dose interruption, dose reduction, or delay in starting treatment cycles is recommended for patients who develop Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Pulmonary embolism (PE) has been reported at a higher rate in patients treated with IBRANCE plus letrozole in PALOMA-1 (5%) and in patients treated with IBRANCE plus fulvestrant in PALOMA-3 (1%) compared with no cases in patients treated either with letrozole alone or fulvestrant plus placebo. Monitor for signs and symptoms of PE and treat as medically appropriate. Based on the mechanism of action, IBRANCE can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during IBRANCE treatment and for at least 3 weeks after the last dose. IBRANCE may impair fertility in males and has the potential to cause genotoxicity. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during IBRANCE treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise women not to breastfeed during IBRANCE treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. The most common adverse reactions (=10%) of any grade reported in PALOMA-1 of IBRANCE plus letrozole vs letrozole alone included neutropenia (75% vs 5%), leukopenia (43% vs 3%), fatigue (41% vs 23%), anemia (35% vs 7%), upper respiratory infection (31% vs 18%), nausea (25% vs 13%), stomatitis (25% vs 7%), alopecia (22% vs 3%), diarrhea (21% vs 10%), thrombocytopenia (17% vs 1%), decreased appetite (16% vs 7%), vomiting (15% vs 4%), asthenia (13% vs 4%), peripheral neuropathy (13% vs 5%), and epistaxis (11% vs 1%). Grade 3/4 adverse reactions (=10%) in PALOMA-1 reported at a higher incidence in the IBRANCE plus letrozole group vs the letrozole alone group included neutropenia (54% vs 1%) and leukopenia (19% vs 0%). The most frequently reported serious adverse events in patients receiving IBRANCE plus letrozole were pulmonary embolism (4%) and diarrhea (2%). Lab abnormalities occurring in PALOMA-1 (all grades, IBRANCE plus letrozole vs letrozole alone) were decreased WBC (95% vs 26%), decreased neutrophils (94% vs 17%), decreased lymphocytes (81% vs 35%), decreased hemoglobin (83% vs 40%), and decreased platelets (61% vs 16%). The most common adverse reactions (=10%) of any grade reported in PALOMA-3 of IBRANCE plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant plus placebo included neutropenia (83% vs 4%), leukopenia (53% vs 5%), infections (47% vs 31%), fatigue (41% vs 29%), nausea (34% vs 28%), anemia (30% vs 13%), stomatitis (28% vs 13%), headache (26% vs 20%), diarrhea (24% vs 19%), thrombocytopenia (23% vs 0%), constipation (20% vs 16%), vomiting (19% vs 15%), alopecia (18% vs 6%), rash (17% vs 6%), decreased appetite (16% vs 8%), and pyrexia (13% vs 5%). Grade 3/4 adverse reactions (=10%) in PALOMA-3 reported at a higher incidence in the IBRANCE plus fulvestrant group vs the fulvestrant plus placebo group included neutropenia (66% vs 1%) and leukopenia (31% vs 2%). The most frequently reported serious adverse reactions in patients receiving IBRANCE plus fulvestrant were infections (3%), pyrexia (1%), neutropenia (1%), and pulmonary embolism (1%). Lab abnormalities occurring in PALOMA-3 (all grades, IBRANCE plus fulvestrant vs fulvestrant plus placebo) were decreased WBC (99% vs 26%), decreased neutrophils (96% vs 14%), anemia (78% vs 40%), and decreased platelets (62% vs 10%). Avoid concurrent use of strong CYP3A inhibitors. If patients must be administered a strong CYP3A inhibitor, reduce the IBRANCE dose to 75 mg/day. If the strong inhibitor is discontinued, increase the IBRANCE dose (after 3-5 half-lives of the inhibitor) to the dose used prior to the initiation of the strong CYP3A inhibitor. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of IBRANCE and should be avoided. Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers. The dose of sensitive CYP3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index may need to be reduced as IBRANCE may increase their exposure. IBRANCE has not been studied in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment or in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). About Pfizer Oncology Pfizer Oncology is committed to pursuing innovative treatments that have a meaningful impact on those living with cancer. As a leader in oncology speeding cures and accessible breakthrough medicines to patients, Pfizer Oncology is helping to redefine life with cancer. Our strong pipeline of biologics, small molecules and immunotherapies, one of the most robust in the industry, is studied with precise focus on identifying and translating the best scientific breakthroughs into clinical application for patients across a wide range of cancers. By working collaboratively with academic institutions, individual researchers, cooperative research groups, governments and licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to cure or control cancer with its breakthrough medicines. Because Pfizer Oncology knows that success in oncology is not measured solely by the medicines you manufacture, but rather by the meaningful partnerships you make to have a more positive impact on people's lives. Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world's best-known consumer healthcare products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at @Pfizer and @Pfizer_News, LinkedIn, YouTube, and like us on Facebook (News - Alert) at Facebook.com/Pfizer. DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of November 16, 2016. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments. This release contains forward-looking information about IBRANCE (palbociclib), including its potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of IBRANCE; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including further investigation of the clinical benefit of IBRANCE, the ability to meet anticipated clinical trial commencement and completion dates and regulatory submission dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, including unfavorable new clinical data and additional analyses of existing clinical data; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; whether and when the accelerated approval for IBRANCE will be converted to regular approval in the U.S.; whether and when drug applications may be filed in any additional jurisdictions for IBRANCE for potential HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indications or in any jurisdictions for any other potential indications for IBRANCE; whether and when the MAA filed by Pfizer with the EMA (News - Alert) for IBRANCE may be approved and whether and when any such other applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on the assessment by such regulatory authorities of the benefit-risk profile suggested by the totality of the efficacy and safety information submitted; decisions by regulatory authorities regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of IBRANCE; and competitive developments. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results," as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. 1 Based on a MEDLINE literature review for Phase 3 trials in HR+/HER2- MBC treatment as of August 2016. 2 IBRANCE (palbociclib) Prescribing Information. New York. NY: Pfizer Inc: 2016. 3 Weinberg RA. pRb and Control of the Cell Cycle Clock. In: Weinberg RA, ed. The Biology of Cancer. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Garland Science; 2014:275-329. 4 Sotillo E, Grana X. Escape from Cellular Quiescence. In: Enders GH, ed. Cell Cycle Deregulation in Cancer. New York, NY: Humana Press; 2010:3-22. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006647/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission. A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it. Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy. [November 16, 2016] Sonitor Technologies Raises 65 Million NOK (approximately $8 Million) in New Equity Sonitor Technologies, a global leader in high definition, indoor positioning technologies that provide real-time visibility and intelligence within complex indoor environments and based in Norway with operations and offices in the United States, announced today that it has raised new equity totaling 65 million NOK (approximately $8 million). This new equity, raised from its existing investor base, will be used to meet the growing, global demand for Sonitor's unique and differentiated RTLS (real time location system) and to fund and accelerate its growth and innovation strategy, addressing healthcare and other attractive industry verticals. With the addition of this latest raise, shareholders have invested a total of 431 million NOK (approximately $63 million) and the company has nearly doubled its staff over the last 12 to 18 months. "Our shareholders continue to recognize the unique value and strong market position our ultrasound-based RTLS technology has in healthcare and other industry verticals," said Arne Oyn, Group President and CEO of Sonitor. "This new raise will fuel our research to drive ultrasound indoor positioning innovation and allow us to expand our resources and reach ensuring we are delivering on customer and market needs. Our current and prospective customers can be confident they have chosen a reliable, long-term market leader dedicated to pushing the envelope in RTLS technology that will deliver breakthrough innovation." Sonitor is committed to making life better by accelerating insights into action to enhance life, health and property by delivering innovative technologies like Sonitor's Sense RTLS technology platform so that forward-thinking institutions can build and sustain their next-generation ecosystem. About Sonitor Technologies, Inc. (www.sonitor.com) Sonitor Technologies' tiered resolution Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), with patented High Definition Ultrasound capabilities, are specifically developed and designed for indoor positioning in complex environments. Sonitor has developed the healthcare industry's most advanced open integration RTLS platform, Sonitor Sense, a wireless system which supports a wide range of applications to make hospital operations more efficient. Sonitor is selected by world-class partners to build industry-leading solutions for global deployment. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006653/en/ [ 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. Google announced that Google Earth VR is now available for the HTC Vive. The company said that Google Earth has been downloaded more than 2 billion times since it debuted in 2006. Now it's bringing the whole experience, which allows people to explore the world via high-resolution satellite imagery, to virtual reality. Google Earth VR will debut on the HTC Vive, but Google said people should "stay tuned for more updates on Google Earth across other platforms next year," so the app is likely to hit other VR HMDs in 2017. It's interesting that Google Earth VR has debuted on the HTC Vive before heading to Daydream, the VR platform Google introduced earlier this year. The company just released the Daydream View VR HMD, and it would have made sense for it to favor its own hardware with new VR experiences, but the Vive-exclusive Tilt Brush lends some precedence for the company making software for other VR platforms instead of keeping everything all to itself. (Google StreetView is on Daydream, though.) Google Earth VR will sport features that make it easier to "visit" interesting places. As the company said in its announcement: Now, at 196.9 million square miles, we know the world is pretty big, so weve made it easy to find great places to visit. Earth VR comes with cinematic tours and hand-picked destinations that send you to the Amazon River, the Manhattan skyline, the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, and more. Google Earth VR is available now from the Steam Store as a free download. Lovely new stuff today from Sydney artist RESD aka Paul Carpenter, who has just released his new single The Right Thing, a soundtrack to the ennui that sets in after the breakdown of a relationship. Having stepped away from playing in bands after Sydneys live scene started dying a slow and painful death, Paul picked up an iPad and began working on beats and acoustic bedroom demos. With each track recorded entirely by Paul himself, they were then mixed by Michael Badger at Jaya Jaya Studios in Melbourne (The Demon Parade, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard) who also contributed to the mood of longing and despair with his backing vox. The Right Thing is being released independently on iTunes and streaming platforms this Friday November 18, but you can hear it now below. If youre a hopeless romantic like us, its been your dream to finally tie the knot at a music festival. Well, Beyond The Valley would like to give you a shot at making your dreams come true and best of all, you can do it inside of a giant inflatable church. Part of Beyond The Valleys 2016 New Year interactive utopia will include a giant inflatable church that anyone attending the festival can get married in. Yknow, not legally or anything, but you will get to spread the love and have fun with your best friends and loved ones. Or even someone you just met, just for kicks. And dont worry, it may be a church but people of all ages, religions, and orientations are welcome, so long as youre interested in participating in an inflatable celebration of love and all the fuzzy, warm feelings that it gives us. The inflatable church is something of an icon unto itself, having toured all around the globe and serving as the site for Kelly Osbournes marriage at Electric Picnic Festival and Jake Sheers of Scissor Sisters ceremony at Bestival. It also holds the Guinness World Record for being the first ever inflatable church and even has its own priest, who leads each ceremony with vows, speeches, kissing, tears, certificates, dance-offs, and any other kind of revelry the congregation feels like engaging in. Check out the full Beyond The Valley 2016 lineup below. Beyond The Valley 2016 Lineup Ali Barter Audiojack Big Words Carl Craig Claptone Dom Dolla Ecca Vandal Guy Gerber Luke Million Ngaiire Purple Disco Machine Roland Tings The Delta Riggs Tigerilla Torren Foot Alex Lahey Bag Raiders (LIVE) Bakermat Chance The Rapper Dena Amy Dune Rats DZ Deathrays Eats Everything Emma Louise Giraffage GoldLink Harts Hermitude Highasakite Hot Chip (DJ set) Hudson Mohawke Japanese Wallpaper Jarryd James JME Kllo Kolsch (DJ Set) Ladyhawke Lastlings Lunice Montaigne Motez MSTRKRFT Oliver Huntemann Paces Pachanga Boys Phantogram Running Touch Ryan Hemsworth SAFIA Skream Slumberjack Sonny Fodera Sticky Fingers Thundamentals Tokimonsta Total Giovanni Vera Blue Wafia What So Not ZHU Wednesday, 28th December 2016 Sunday, 1st January 2017 Lardner Park, Warragul VIC Tickets: Beyond The Valley THE LATEST BLOG POST RIGHT NOW FROM KANSAS CITY'S CHIEF OF POLICE TARGETS COMMUNITY SILENCE FOR RISING MURDERS AMID BLOODY 2016!!! "There are so many other homicides we can do nothing about. Consider the two people murdered this past weekend. One was a son who killed his father. The other was a woman who got into an argument with another woman and asked her boyfriend to go over and confront the woman she was fighting with. It appears the boyfriend shot up a car full of people, not just the woman in question. One died, and three others were transported to hospitals in critical condition. The only way law enforcement could have intervened in either of those situations was if someone notified us. And we are begging you to let us know when something like this is occurring or about to occur. "In so many of this years homicides, someone had to know that something was amiss. Someone had to know a dispute was brewing. Someone had to know that their friend or family member was angry and armed. If someone had called us, officers might have been able to stop the homicides from ever taking place. As City Council Member Alissia Canady said at our Board of Police Commissioners meeting this morning, Everyone is looking for us to do something, but it needs to come from the community. "We know the motive in 53 of this years 107 homicide cases. Of those 53 homicide motives we know, 24 of them were arguments. Instead of resolving a conflict through discussion and compromise, poor anger management skills and easy access to guns have led to the death of at least 24 people in Kansas City this year. Again, in many of these cases, multiple people knew that a conflict was at hand, but no one reached out to law enforcement to ask for help in changing the eventual outcome . . ." As the Kansas City murder count continues to skyrocket, local leaders and politicos have been busy dodging responsibility for the ongoing slaughter.To wit . . .It's important to now that while the Chief puts the blame back on neighbors and residents . . .In fairness, here's the word directly from the Chief . . .Money line . . .You decide . . . European Union is intensifying pressure on the Greek government for immediate reforms on labour-related issues. The European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marriane Thyssen, underlined the need for changes in the Greek labour market, including the determination of minimum wages and social benefits policies within the framework of the second review of the Greek bailout program by the creditors. The old system is not viable. You cannot have a social security system without adequate contributions and give out pensions after 35 years of employment when life expectancy has been risen, she said. The Commissioner acknowledged that the reforms would be tough on the Greek people, but aded that society was undergoing a transitional phase on labour matters in all EU member-states. Meanwhile, the creditors commenced the first round of contact with the Greek delegations in an effort to close the second review, Tuesday. The new Greek Labour Minister, Efi Achtzoglou presented her plans to the institutions, with the reintroduction of free collective bargaining taking top priority on her agenda. The lenders, however, are persisting for the adoption of employment bargaining with flexible wages. During the first meeting with the competent task force assigned with examining labour-ralated matters, the new Labour Minister strongly opposed any changes in the mass layoff level, arguing that the current Greek legal framework was completely in line with the EU provisions. Achzoglou will push for a proposal permitting reduced work hours in the event a business is facing dire economic conditions, under the provision the state supports the unemployed worker during his jobless period. The Greek side also objects to the demand for a lockout, which had been included on the agenda of talks in the past, something the Greek Ministry believes will resurface. The two sides are also in disagreement on the matter of the minimum wage level, an issue the creditors and domestic employees and business see to eye on, as they want no changes to take place until 2018. A new meeting is scheduled for Wednesday between the two sides. 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 Speaking at the Athens Stavros Niarchos Foundation on Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama once again highlighted the need for Greece's creditors to agree to debt relief Speaking at the Athens Stavros Niarchos Foundation on Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama once again highlighted the need for Greece's creditors to agree to debt relief, in accordance with the advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), noting that the country, and especially its young people, needed to see hope and a future. "The IMF has said that debt relief will be crucial to get Greece back to growth. They are right. It is important because if reforms here are to be sustained, people here need to see hope and they need to see progress." Young people, in particular, needed to know there is a future, there is an education, and jobs that were worthy of their potential, he added. "You dont have to travel overseas, you can put roots right here in your home, in Greece, and succeed. And I am confident that if you stay the course, as hard as it has been, Greece will see brighter days," he said in a message to the country. 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 Photo Source: protothema.gr US President Barack Obama on Wednesday toured and was photographed atop the Acropolis in the heart of Athens and with the Parthenon in the background US President Barack Obama on Wednesday toured and was photographed atop the Acropolis in the heart of Athens and with the Parthenon in the background, the quintessence of Classical Antiquity and a symbol of both democracy on a global scale -- and the continuing presence of Hellenism for the past 3,500 years. is visit to the site was reportedly a personal choice, and harks back to his Harvard-educated background, which included classical studies. Obama was given a personal guided tour by a high-ranking culture ministry archaeologist, as he appeared in more comfortable attire atop the hill that dominates central Athens. The entire archaeological site was closed off to the public on Wednesday, and will only reopen at 2 p.m. (local time) after the popular and outgoing US president and his 30-vehicle entourage depart for a scheduled address by the latter. After his tour of the outdoor and hilltop archaeological site, which includes the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and remnants of other ancient Athenian temples atop the Acropolis, Obama was then given a tour at the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, which stands across from the Acropolis south end. Meanwhile, one of the more interesting tidbits from Obamas contacts with the Greek side on the sidelines of Tuesdays official dinner was a Tweet by Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, who related how the soon-to-be ex-president accepted an invitation to again visit Greece but this time along with his famous family and for a vacation. According to Kountoura, Obama asked for recommendations on the best Greek holiday destinations. 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 Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS), a leading consulting organisation in the field of construction materials and geotechnical engineering, has opened a new branch in Tripoli, Lebanon. Located in Al Qalamoun area, the new facility features a hitech laboratory fully equipped to perform various field sampling and materials testing procedures, covering asphalt, concrete, soil and various other construction materials, said a statement from ACTS. With this launch, the construction group now has three main laboratories and five engineering offices in Lebanon. The move comes in line with the company's ongoing growth strategy and its continuing commitment to meet client needs, said a top official. "The opening of the Tripoli branch coincides with the 20th year anniversary of ACTS. This speaks volume about our commitment to the Lebanese construction market," remarked Khaled Awad, the chairman of ACTS, said. "It also reflects our belief that North Lebanon will witness soon a substantial rise in construction activities. ACTS will ensure it brings its 20 years and regional experience in quality control and unique know-how in testing to Lebanon second capital and the whole north," noted Awad. Since its establishment in 1996, ACTS has been going from strength to strength leading the way in raising the quality standards for the construction industry, becoming, in fact, the preferred third-party provider in the region for geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and consulting, he added. A major player in the region, ACTS said it has worked on some of the most ambitious projects in the region including Riyadh Metro, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Doha Metro and Kingdom Tower, the worlds first kilometre-high skyscraper being constructed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Awad pointed out that the company was planning to enter new GCC markets and hoped to announce a new market entry by year end. "We have successfully expanded our reach over the years and this has enabled us to significantly grow our business. Our expansion strategy set for 2020 is very much on track," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias Taqnia Cyber has secured the Microsoft Authorised Training Centre certification in partnership with Indian group Koenig Solutions, a leading IT training provider. Taqnia Cyber is a government-owned company specialising in the fields of Information security, communication security and signal intelligence offering its services and consultations to both public and private sectors. The certification will allow the companies to join the ranks of Microsofts Learning Partners authorised to deliver Microsoft Official Courses (MOC), said a statement from Koenig Solutions. Receiving the certification is also attributed to the strong ties maintained by Taqnia Cyber with Koenig, which is considered a valuable Microsoft partner and recipient of the Microsoft Partner of the Year Award in India for six consecutive years, it said. The partnership between the companies has led to the opening of a modern cyber academy, which is completely aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to provide quality training to the Saudi population, it added. With the certification, the academy will now be able to cover Microsoft courses in the kingdom. According to Taqnia Cyber senior executives, the new certification is a step forward towards the efforts to play a key role in the countrys Saudisation initiative, the official national policy of the of Saudi Arabia. The training centre will now be able to cater to the needs of cyber security experts from leading banks, financial institutions, government entities, law firms, healthcare centres, utility and transportation providers, said a statement. Aditya Girish, territory manager Middle East, Koenig Solutions, said: We will be bringing in the best quality training in the market with training delivered only through in-house trainers and not through freelancers. Our company has the largest pool of IT trainers in the world which will be of immense help to cater to this demand, he added. TradeArabia News Service Emirates Global Aluminium (Ega), one of the world's leading aluminium producers, said it has reached a major milestone in the construction of its Dh11-billion ($3 billion) Al Taweelah alumina refinery with 60 per cent completion of the calciners section of the project. The Al Taweelah alumina refinery is currently one of the largest industrial construction sites in the UAE, with 5,900 people working on site. Peak construction manpower is expected to be more than 10,000. A ceremony was held to celebrate the construction milestone which was attended by Ega's executive vice-president (upstream) Yousuf Bastaki along with Finnish ambassador Riitta Swan and Markku Terasvasara, the chief executive of Finland-headquartered global minerals and metals technology company Outotec. The construction of the refinery is progressing well with 37 per cent of the project already completed. It is expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2018, said the statement from Ega. The plant, which is set to be a critical part of the UAEs growing aluminium industry, will refine bauxite ore into alumina, the feedstock for aluminium smelters. Once operational, it will be capable of producing two million tonnes per year of alumina, some three-quarters of the alumina needs of the Al Taweelah smelter, it stated. Currently, the UAE relies on third-party imports for all of its alumina needs, which amount to close to five million tonnes per year. Ega has over 300 customers in around 60 countries worldwide including Ducab Aluminium Company and Taweelah Aluminium Extrusion Company which are contributing to the expansion of the UAEs aluminium downstream industry. Abdulla Kalban, Ega's managing director and chief executive, said: "We are creating an aluminium value chain for the UAE, and our partners such as Guinea, that stretches around the world. Al Taweelah alumina refinery is an important link in that chain. It creates jobs, economic opportunity and scope for further industrial development both at home and abroad. I am pleased that the project, and Outotecs part in it, is proceeding so well. Bastaki said: "The Al Taweelah alumina refinery is a major investment by Ega in the future of the UAEs aluminium industry. Producing alumina in Abu Dhabi, and mining bauxite in Guinea, will enable us to manage the cost of this important resource. That means the potential of the aluminium industry to contribute to the growth of our economy will be secured." Terasvasara said: We are proud that Outotec was offered the opportunity to participate in this important project and are working hard to live up to the trust that the UAE has placed in us. Calcination is the final stage of the process of refining bauxite ore into alumina for use in an aluminium smelter, he added. Located next to Egas Al Taweelah smelter, it one of the largest single-site aluminium smelters in the world, in the Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi (Kizad). The refinery is only the second to be built anywhere in the Middle East, and sees the UAE expanding upstream in the aluminium value chain.-TradeArabia News Service Syrian government aircraft have bombed besieged rebel-held eastern districts of the city of Aleppo for the first time in three weeks, said a report citing activists. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least five people were killed as a number of areas were hit, reported BBC. The government and its ally Russia halted air strikes in mid-October to allow civilians and rebels to leave. On Tuesday, activists said the three-week moratorium on air strikes declared by Russia had seemingly ended. Warplanes and helicopters reportedly bombed the Haidaria, Masakin Hanano, Sakhour, Sheikh Faris, Bab al-Nairab, Qadi Askar and Qaterji districts. Russia however denied it had resumed attacks on Aleppo, but said it had launched missiles at jihadist groups elsewhere, said the report. Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was also used in combat for the first time, with Su-33 fighters flying sorties from the eastern Mediterranean. The UN says weeks of air strikes and shelling have killed more than 700 civilians in the east, while rocket-fire has left scores dead in the government-controlled west. Dubai-based holding company Contec Technologies has signed a strategic deal with iMOBMEDIA, an Irish mobile media marketing company to deliver the latest in mobile media advertising services to mobile operators and publishers in the GCC. The announcement was made during Enterprise Irelands trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE led by Charlie Flanagan TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. As well as strengthening its position in the region, iMOBMEDIA expects the partnership to create further growth represented in investment and additional personnel in the companys Dublin HQ, as well as, helping to scale and expand its reach across the fast growing CGG and Mena region. Mobile advertising revenue is challenging desktop and iMOBMEDIAs innovative solutions offer a unique advantage in the media advertising space. Combining the technology expertise and market reach of the two companies marks a significant step forward, adding value for GCC customers in an increasingly digital-hungry marketplace, and enabling operators to meet their needs and exceed expectations. Its a real step change in targeting audiences that are digitally savvy and active. Flanagan said: Helping Irish companies to build mutually beneficial business partnerships in the Middle East is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. Todays announcement by iMOBMEDIA is a great example of what is possible for innovative Irish companies in this dynamic market, and I wish them every success for the future. Brendan Conway, CEO, iMOBMEDIA said: According to a recent report by A.K. Kearney- The GCC Telecom Consumer of the Future, 42 per cent of mobile customers in the GCC are using mobile Internet and apps, as opposed to 36 per cent in the US and 25 per cent in Europe. With that in mind, we believe there is a clear opportunity for regional operators to tap into and iMOBMEDIAs mobile ad delivery solutions are the perfect fit for GCC operators to drive high-quality digital ad service offerings that enhance customer experience. iMOBMEDIA has launched new data-driven mobile advertising solutions for operators and publishers globally, enabling to manage millions of mobile user profiles, deliver targeted audiences and ad campaigns. iMOBMEDIA provides an industry leading platform for Data Management and Digital Advertising. We help our customers gain a deeper understanding of their target audience by analysing digital content consumption from the digital ecosystem. The insights generated from the iMOBMEDIA platform informs our clients media strategies to deliver significant ROI for our customers, he added. iMOBMEDIAs success in leveraging Operators big data (1st party data) to deliver mobile advertising to targeted audiences makes an ideal extension to Contec Technologies range of mobile telecom payment services. Roy, managing director, Contec Technologies said: We have massive reach here in the Middle East and Central Africa region incorporating the GCC countries. The Mobile Operators who we currently deal with have more than 300 Million customers. This represents a great opportunity for both iMOBMEDIA and Contec Technologies in partnering to solve the challenges faced by operators. TradeArabia News Service Dubai International (DXB) has been voted for the second consecutive year as the worlds 'Best Airport for Layovers' at the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards Middle East at a ceremony in Dubai on Monday. Dubai was the top choice among the three final nominees chosen in the category by readers of the luxury travel publication, the other two being Dohas Hamad International Airport, and Singapores Changi International Airport. Welcoming the honour as a validation of the renewed focus and efforts of Dubai Airports to enhance customer experience across Dubai International, Anita Mehra, senior vice president, Communication & Reputation said: This recognition means a lot to everyone at Dubai Airports and all our stakeholders at DXB who work very hard together to ensure the comfort and happiness of our customers. DXB had a great start to the year with the opening of the $1.2 billion Concourse D which not only elevated airport experience but also provided timely capacity for our growing traffic. We delighted our customers with live performances of international artists through the #musicDXB campaign, and ensured travellers had a smooth and fun start to their holidays during our busiest summer in history through the [email protected] campaign, she added. DXB was voted as the favourite among the international hubs based on the round the clock availability of a wide range of contemporary food and beverage options, a variety of top-class retail brands, the comfort of luxurious airside hotels, and unique relaxation concepts such as spa treatments and sleeping pods. The Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards Middle East are the region's most popular annual awards that honour the best of the best in luxury travel and hospitality. Readers of magazine filled out an online survey that opened in July earlier this year, nominating and voting for their favourite travel experiences, properties and operators. The votes were collected and audited, and the winners announced at the black tie Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards ceremony in Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service Maldives is one of the tourist destinations that travelers love to spend their holidays in despite the significantly higher cost that you will shred out compared to other tourist destinations. But getting to Maldives is definitely worth the cost, due to its breathtaking scenes and ultimate travel experience. With the help of Dreaming of Maldives, here are some good starter tips to help you manage your location, choose a perfect resort, find a villa and to understand better about resort transfers and climate in Maldives. Be Aware of the Extras and Taxes- Foods and drinks need to be shipped from abroad to Male (Capital Island) and then from Male to the Resorts. That is why extras and taxes are too high not only in Maldives but also in Luxury Resorts. In spite of their services, each resort needs to charge 2 taxes such as 10 percent service charge and 8 percent goods and services tax. The latter is the only tax that rises regularly. Know Exactly What "All Inclusive" Formula Includes- You must have lots of options in choosing a resort especially if they have the "all inclusive" formula. Remember that the all-inclusive formulas are not the same in terms of quantity and quality. Inquire first before trying to book in one of their resorts. Ask the things that you really want to know before you decide to book just like knowing the precise inclusion of the accommodations and what amenities are allowed to be used. Check the Wi-Fi Connectivity (whether it is free or will come with a cost)- Most holidaymakers want to be hassle-free and away from work stress. However, in some cases, they still need to be connected during holidays whether for pleasure or work. Some resorts offer free Wi-Fi access and others requires an extra fee for you to stay connected. There were Maldives resorts that charges to around USD150 per week or USD8-10 for every one or two hours. The paid Wi-FI access is on the high side so it is practical to check first if the place that you are going to stay has free Wi-Fi. Check Villa location and tranquility- To make your holiday more enjoyable, avoid being located near the transport area, diving jetty or to unpleasant places that will ruin your stay or relaxation. Try to be in a serene private place where you can have more quality time to yourself or family or friends. Boat Transfers- Boat transfers are longer than its scheduled time in case of bad weather. When Maldives water get rough, transfer time are doubled and uncomfortable; you might probably have sea sickness and back pains. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Many of us choose to live in Montana because we value pristine air and water. Yet, when the health department last looked at statistics related to lung health in Lewis and Clark County, we were dismayed to find that we have more breathing problems per capita than other parts of the state and nation. Just look at these statistics from our most recent Community Health Report. They show that residents of Lewis and Clark County are more likely: To have lung cancer. (The rate in our county is 51 cases per 100,000 people compared to 45 in Montana and 48 in the nation). To visit a hospital emergency room because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (In the county, 904 ER visits per 100,000 are related to COPD compared to 805 for the state). To be hospitalized for COPD. (In the county, 860 hospital admissions per 100,000 people are for COPD compared to 717 for the state). To have asthma. (Fifteen percent of county residents have been diagnosed with asthma compared to 13 percent for the state and 14 percent for the nation). Smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces is a significant and preventable source of winter air pollution in Lewis and Clark County. When pollution builds up during temperature inversions, it can cause reduced lung function, headaches, and chronic bronchitis. It can also make existing lung disease worse. If you choose to burn wood (or other solid fuels), here are two ways you can help all of us to breathe a little easier. Choose the right stove In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) began requiring makers of wood-burning stoves to reduce the pollution the devices produce by about 90 percent compared to older models. Stoves that meet these rigorous standards are considered to be EPA-certified. Theyre designed with better insulation and improved air flow, which makes them more efficient and results in less smoke. So if youre considering buying a new wood stove or wood-burning fireplace insert, look for an EPA-certified device. Youll be able to find one at any stove retailer. One advantage of owning an EPA-certified stove is that youre likely to use about a third less firewood and that means paying for and hauling less firewood, too. Another is that the air inside your home will be cleaner, so your family will be better protected. Pellet stoves are among the cleanest-burning stoves available. Avoid buying secondhand models that arent EPA-certified. They may save you money in the short-run, but you might end up spending more for health-care costs down the road. If you have an existing stove, you can determine whether its EPA-certified by looking for a metal certification label on the back of the stove. Dont confuse the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety label for a certification label; theyre not the same thing. You can find a list of EPA-certified wood stoves at www.epa.gov/compliance/list-epa-certified-wood-stoves. Burn smart, burn clean When you burn a hot, smokeless fire in your woodstove or fireplace, you protect air quality in your own home and outdoors. You also use less wood and reduce the risk of a house fire. Heres how to burn smart and clean: Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood. This reduces smoke and produces more heat. Start your fire with small, dry kindling to establish a hot flame. Gradually add wood of 4-5 inches in diameter to maintain a hot, clean fire. Keep the damper open enough to maintain a clean, hot fire. Smoldering fires cause six times more pollution than hot, clean fires. Don't pack too many logs in your stove. Smaller, hotter fires are more efficient and less polluting. Check for creosote buildup. A clean chimney increases wood-burning efficiency and reduces the chance of dangerous chimney fires. Avoid burning during warm weather. Burning when the outside temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit requires constant dampening. That increases smoke production. Go outside and check your chimney for smoke. About 15 minutes after you start your fire, you should see very little smoke coming from the chimney. Check local air quality daily. Be sure to follow health department advisories and restrict burning when air-quality warnings are issued. To sign up for daily advisories, email outdooraq@lccountymt.gov, or call 447-1644. Help protect your health and that of your family, friends, and neighbors. Burn wood wisely. For more information, call the Environmental Services Division of Lewis and Clark Public Health at 447-8351, email outdoorAQ@lccountymt.gov, or visit www.HelenaAir.org Melanie Reynolds is the Lewis and Clark County health officer. JK Rowling, award-winning author of the 7 "Harry Potter" books that swept the world, is at it again. After the popular release of her follow-up to the boy wizard's adventures, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", the charming guide book has seen a big-screen adaptation come out this November with Academy Award Winner Eddie Redmayne in the lead as Newton "Newt" Scamander. From the onset, the story is set in New York, in prohibition-era America, according to The Guardian, 70 or 80 years before Harry Potter turns 11 and attends Hogwarts School. Because of this, filmmakers had to balance this highly un-magical time with Rowling's world of exotic creatures, magic spells and eccentric characters. The result is an alternative steampunk feel to the usual fairytale magic viewers have come to expect from Rowling's work. "Fantastic Beasts" features dark tones and buildings and interiors in rich baroque style. The New York created in the film almost feels like Gotham City, waiting to eat up Newt Scamander travelling from over the pond, a smart but jumpy and scatterbrained magical beast taxonomist. To get a better glimpse of this new world, let's take a closer look at the actual filming locations for this Baroque New York-set movie. 1. Warner Bros. Studio, Leavesden- Although a little underwhelming, this studio saw the production of all 8 former Harry Potter movies, having the best sets in UK. Just an hour outside London, the area hosts the Harry Potter Studio Tour, according to Movie Pilot, a must-see for Potterheads. 2. St. George's Hall, Liverpool- This Neoclassical building was meant to "capture the grandeur" of 1920s New York depicted in "Fantastic Beasts". The building is at the heart of Liverpool and is home to a dazzling 30,000-tile mosaic floor and some of the world's greatest brick arches. Currently, it is used as a concert hall and law court. 3. Martins Bank, Liverpool- This outstanding piece of Georgian architecture was also used as the film location for Gringotts Bank in the Harry Potter series. Whether the bank will serve as an international branch of Gringotts or serve as an American wizarding bank remains to be seen in "Fantastic Beasts". Currently, it is owned by the Bank of Liverpool and has seen many movie crews filming in its halls. 4. Cunard Building, Liverpool- This building's facade primarily served as MACUSA's Headquarters in the movie. Built around 1914-1917, the building is Greek and Italian inspired in its architecture, with many sculptures on its frontage, adding to the old world charm of "Fantastic Beasts". It used to be home to the Cunard Line, an Anglo-American passenger cruise line that served the North Atlantic Ocean. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Home to the 8th highest mountain in the world, Nepal is known for itseautiful scenery, religious festivals, unique wildlife. Here are some oft he things in store for visitors here. 1. Do yoga in the mountains. In conjunction with the International Yoga Day, there will be a one-week celebration called "Yoga in the Mountains" where there will be yoga, workshops, retreats, spiritual awareness at the Kathmandu Valley on April 7-9, 2017. 2. Do the 15th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge. To uphold the country's whitewater tourism, the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies is organizing the 15th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge from the 28 to 30 November of this year. There is a competition for these three categories Boater Cross, Extreme Slalom, Down River Race. 3. Are you into body art? Consider attending the International Nepal Tattoo Convention. Every year, since 2010, an assembly of tattoo artists across the globe meet to celebrate art in this form. This annual meet is organized by the Nepal Tattoo Convention and the 7th convention will take place on March 31 to April 2, 2017. 4. Learn at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (Kimff). The 14th edition will be held from 8 to 12 December 2016 with the purpose of exhibiting films that highlight mountain issues. This festival holds discussions, lectures and workshops and is attended by activists, critics, mountaineers and the like. 5. Do some thangka painting. In Kathmandu, there are craft workers who can teach you about Nepalese art.One such cultural craft is the Thangka painting that has been passed down and perfected by generations. You don't need to be an expert to do this--your teacher will guide you in every step of the way. The best part is you'll be able to take your painting home. 6. Have some astrology consultation. Nepalis have been practicing this system and they have deep beliefs in astrology. They consult astrologers for auspicious events in their life such as entering married life, giving birth, starting a new business, and building a house. 7. Try some adventure sports. There are plenty of adventurous and extreme activities such as skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, trekking, zipflying, and mountaineering. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 In Japan, many citizens are train enthusiasts, what with local train lines being ultra fast, always on time and well-maintained. The cross-country Bullet Trains are even more astounding, shuttling hundreds of miles in a matter of minutes. Japan's Shinkansen, their first high-speed rail, opened in 1964, when Tokyo first hosted the Summer Olympics. With Tokyo again named to host in 2020, Japan intends to pull a repeat performance, albeit with a faster, higher technology maglev train. According to CNN Travel, the new maglev train was being tested near Mount Fuji last year and broke its former record of 366 mph, and currently going as fast as 374 mph. Around Asia, maglev trains are currently used in Shanghai and Changsha in China, and Incheon, South Korea. Albeit being slower than Japan's newest train, all use similar technologies of using magnetic repulsion to raise or levitate the train off its tracks. This levitation is not just some cool feature, but greatly reduces friction when propelled forward by powerful electro-magnets. The new line is set to link Tokyo to Nagoya, a 177mile journey, and shorten travel time by up to 40 minutes faster than taking a flight. The 16-carriage train can carry 1,000 passengers and is set to be expanded to Osaka. Named the Chuo Shinkansen, the initial costing worried Japanese citizens. According to The Japan News, although the train mobiles themselves cost twice as much as regular trains, the civil engineering budget for the tracks, rails and housing structures are the same. In addition, maintenance and operation costs are expected to go lower because of further technological advancements in superfast train systems. Japan is hoping to outperform Western countries in engineering, given that the small East Asian country has shown much pride and skill in technological advancements. One such future project Japan must watch out for is Elon Musk's Hyperloop meant to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco with a top speed of 700 mph. (READ: Hyperloop One Supersonic Train Commits to 30-minute travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco) See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Christmas is just around the corner and many are heading out to shop for gifts. If you are planning to travel and go shopping, Singapore is the right country for you. Singapore is home to a lot of malls and shopping centers ranging from the most luxurious to the budget-friendly. Here are some of the places you must not miss. Singapore is not a shopping district without Orchard Road. Orchard Road is the center of shopping centers in Singapore. Here you will find the cheapest shops and also the most lavish. You will find all sorts of international brands scattered along this road but offering a cheaper rate than the West. Here you will find Marks & Spencer, Nike, Charles & Keith, Louis Vuitton, Prada and many others. It is a haven for fashion enthusiasts, but can also cater to those who are going under a strict budget. Go to the Lucky Plaza where they offer cheaper alternatives. Little India is your urban shopping mecca. Chic, clean, and diverse, Little India does not just offer affordable ,silk and satin but also gives a rich culture and tradition. "Temples and heritage sites that talk of a culture of the years gone by adorn the streets of Little India depicting an aspect of devotion that that is engrained in every Indian. With a blend of the old and the new, Little India today embraces a lifestyle that is ever so dynamic, colorful and dramatic," says their website: Rejoice for cheap shops in Bugis Street, the go-to hip place where you can bargain. It is packed with affordable and cheap boutiques, mostly comprised by fashion blogger entrepreneurs. It never went out of date as the shops go with the current trend of fashion. Expect to see a sea of people here, and don't forget to haggle! See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 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. A Butte man died early Tuesday after flipping his vehicle east of Anaconda on Interstate 90. There were no other casualties. His name was not immediately released. A spokesman at the Montana Highway Patrol dispatch said the man, 40, was driving a 2004 GMC Envoy in the westbound lane when he drifted off the right side of the road. The driver over corrected and rolled twice through the median and into the eastbound lane, coming to a stop in the eastbound ditch. The call came in at 12:15 a.m. The crash occurred just east of the Highway 1 interchange. The dispatch spokesman said the man was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene. Road conditions were dry and authorities suspect drugs were a factor in the crash, according to the patrol's report. BILLINGS -- A man with a history of violence and seven drunken driving convictions will spend eight years in federal prison for running over a woman who was walking with her fiance in a crosswalk in Lame Deer, killing her instantly. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters on Tuesday sentenced Joseph Curtis Morrison Jr., 53, of Lame Deer, to the statutory maximum as recommended by the prosecution. Morrison pleaded guilty on Aug. 1, the day his jury trial was to begin, to involuntary manslaughter as charged in an indictment. There was no plea agreement. Morrison faced a guideline range of about four years to five years. Prosecutors accused Morrison of driving recklessly on Aug. 27, 2015, in Lame Deer when he killed Daisy Ann Rowland, 49. Watters called the circumstances very egregious and that it was an understatement to say the victim died a violent and painful death. Rowland and her fiance, Lorenzo Grendahl, were minding their own business in the middle of the day when Morrison drove up onto a curb around vehicles at the intersection, struck Rowland, dragged her body and took off. You didnt even stop, Watters said. The judge noted that Morrison suffered and witnessed abuse as a child and has trouble organizing thoughts because of traumatic brain injury and alcohol. Those factors may explain the reason for Morrison being in court, but they were not an excuse, she said. Grendahl and several family members told the judge at the sentencing hearing about how Rowlands death had affected their lives. I really loved my lady so much, Grendahl said. I did everything for her. I honored her, he said. Grendahl said he is in therapy to cope with the trauma of what he saw and heard. Im kind of shaken and everything, he said. I have a lot of anger toward you, said Stella Killsontop, Rowlands sister. You took something from our family, she added. Morrison apologized to the family. I still have trouble understanding what happened, he said. Morrison also said he didnt remember what happened but realizes he hit and killed Rowland. Thats something I have to live with the rest of my life, he said. Defense attorney Robert Kelleher Jr. recommended a guideline sentence saying Morrison felt remorse and suffers from traumatic brain trauma that makes him more vulnerable to alcoholism. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said Morrison was driving a Chevrolet Suburban when it left the road as he approached the intersection, went up onto the sidewalk around cars stopped at the stop sign and through the intersection. The vehicle hit Rowland and pulled her under, Sullivan said. Rowlands body was dislodged after the vehicle hit the curb. Morrison treated Rowland like roadkill, Sullivan said. Morrison left the scene, abandoned his vehicle and fled, he said. Morrison told a witness that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and had been awake for about a week, Sullivan said. Investigators got a search warrant for the vehicle and found a bottle of Black Velvet on the passenger-side floorboard and a wallet with identification cards from the Montana State Prison for Morrison. In urging the maximum sentence, Sullivan noted Morrisons extensive record of violence and substance abuse. Morrisons running over Rowland, Sullivan said, put a capstone on a lifetime of violence and drinking and driving. Between this offense and his criminal history, it is clear just how little he concerns himself with the well-being of others. Morrisons affinity for drinking and driving is long-running and deeply ingrained behavior that he has shown zero willingness to stop. Killing someone while doing so was simply a matter of time, Sullivan said. Among his violent actions, Morrison beat a man with a shovel handle while drunk in 1984, pulled a woman to the ground and kicked her in the face and arms and chest in 1992 and nearly beat a man to death in 1995, the prosecutor said. Morrison has four assault convictions, the prosecutor said. In addition, Morrison has seven total drunken driving convictions in state and tribal courts. Two weeks before killing Rowland, Morrison was arrested for felony drunken driving in Custer County after failing sobriety tests and smelling of alcohol, Sullivan said. Custer County ultimately decided not to bring charges, but the facts indicated that Morrison was drinking and driving just 17 days before he ran over Rowland, he said. The majority of Morrisons life has been spent in prison or on supervision and his alcohol and substance abuse problems go back to the 1980s, Sullivan continued. The prosecutor called Morrison an extreme danger to the community and said none of his previous convictions instilled any respect for the law. He was so obviously guilty of this offense but waited until literally the last minute to finally accept some responsibility, Sullivan said. Rajinder Nagarkoti Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 The local unit of the SAD has refused to accept the BJPs offer of four seats for the coming MC poll, scheduled for December 18. A few days ago, the BJPs national general secretary and MC poll in-charge, Dr Saroj Pandey, had conveyed to SAD leaders the partys decision to give only four seats to it in the MC poll. City BJP president Sanjay Tandon had also made an announcement regarding it at a press conference. However, SAD Chandigarh unit president Jagjit Singh Kang said they had not accepted the BJPs offer of four seats. SAD leaders would hold another meeting with BJP leaders and would put forward their demand for 10 seats, he said. The SAD had already received around 40-50 applications from ticket contenders for the MC poll, he said. The SAD is demanding Ward No. 9 and 15 (reserved for women candidate), and Ward No. 10 and 18 (general ward). Besides, the SAD has also demanded six of the 13 wards (Ward No. 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 25), on which the BJP candidates had lost in the last MC poll in 2011. The SAD had demanded Ward No. 9, 10, 15 and 18. Whereas of the 13 wards, on which BJP candidates had lost in the last MC poll in 2011, the BJP could give any six seats to the SAD. In the last MC elections, the SAD had fielded four candidates. Of them, Jagjit Singh Kang (Ward No. 5) and his wife Inderjeet Kaur Kang (Ward No. 9) had lost the MC elections. At present, the SAD has two councillors in the MC Deputy Mayor Hardeep Singh (Ward No. 10) and councillor Harjinder Kaur (Ward No. 15). The SAD is demanding additional seats on which the BJP candidates had lost in the last MC elections. G Parthasarathy PRESIDENT Pranab Mukherjee paid a State visit to Nepal earlier this month. This was the first State visit to Nepal by an Indian head of state, after a lapse of 18 years. The visit took place in the wake of significant political changes in Nepal. These developments included the resignation of Nepals India-baiting, China-centric, Maoist Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli. President Mukherjee, who as External Affairs Minister had personal experience of the process of democratic transition in Nepal, was given a warm welcome. His visit enabled the two countries to have an exchange of views on virtually all issues of mutual interest. The Presidents visit came after a change in government in Nepal in August this year, with Mr Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda being sworn in as Prime Minister, for his second term. Mr Oli had resigned a month earlier. Bearing in mind Indias sensitivities, Mr Prachanda chose, unlike his predecessor, to visit India before heading for more distant capitals. While India has contributed extensively to economic development in Nepal and to opening its higher education institutions to Nepalese students, there is little to show by way of cooperation in harnessing the vast hydel potential of 83,000 MW of Nepal, for mutual benefit. Unlike Bhutan, which has emerged as the most prosperous country in South Asia, because of sale of electricity from hydel projects constructed with Indian cooperation, Nepal has chosen to tie itself in knots by glacially slow progress in hydel projects with India. These projects have the potential to significantly contribute to the well being of its people. Even projects, involving cooperation with private sector companies in India, are now proceeding in a disappointingly slow manner. There is also much that needs to be done to improve grid connectivity between the two countries, to enable Nepal to accelerate economic growth by obtaining power from India. President Mukherjees visit came in the wake of a virtual standoff between mainstream parties like the Nepali Congress and Maoist/Communist Parties on the one hand and those representing the Madhesi population on the other. The Madhesis comprising Hindus, tribals and some Muslims, reside in 20 districts, covering 23.1 per cent of the total area of the country. They constitute 35.9 per cent of Nepals population. There are also significant differences between the Madhesi parties themselves, apart from their differences with their mainstream national counterparts. Given that they reside in border areas contiguous to India and have familial ties across the open border, the Madhesi parties look to support from India to obtain what they aver are reasonable provisions in the constitution, which guarantee their due say, in the countrys governance. We appear to be running into a situation in Nepal, akin to what prevailed in Sri Lanka in the early 1980s. Bringing the contesting parties together for them to reach an equitable solution to these ethnic differences, while making it clear that we will not countenance any challenge to the sovereignty, unity and integrity of Nepal is going to remain the most daunting challenge for Indias diplomacy. India has to ensure that any role it plays in Nepal is tactful, discreet and not seen as being intrusive or insensitive. Pakistan continues to fish in troubled waters in Nepal, using it as a conduit to smuggle counterfeit Indian currency. It retains links with radicals like those involved in the hijacking of IC 814. Given the cooperation India receives from Nepal, this issue appears largely manageable. After the squeeze on smuggling counterfeit currency through Nepal and Bangladesh tightened, Pakistan is now trying to smuggle counterfeit currency smuggling through Thailand and Myanmar. The real challenge India faces is from China, which is ready to use its diplomacy and financial muscle to erode Indian influence. China also seeks to ensure that disaffected Tibetans are not allowed shelter in Nepal or given space to enter India from Nepal. India, in turn, is wary of any military cooperation between China and Nepal or of any penetration of Chinese workers and projects into areas close to the Indo-Nepal border. In more recent years, India has noted Chinese efforts at seeking to act as a protector of Buddhist beliefs by expressing readiness to develop Lord Buddhas birthplace Lumbini, located very close to the Indo-Nepal border. New Delhi boycotted the Oli governments efforts to organise function at Lumbini in May this year, with Chinese assistance, on themes like Preservation and development of Buddhist heritage in Nepal. In the past few years, China has indicated that it would invest over $3 billion to develop Lumbini as a heritage and academic site, linked by air and rail across Nepal and further to China. With a Buddhist population of over 250 million, Chinas Communist rulers, some of whom are billionaires, naturally have to hedge against opposition to one-party rule assuming religious dimensions. Hence, the conscious effort by the ruling elite to appear Buddhism friendly while hoping that it can benefit from schisms between those observing Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana practices! Rather than just opposing Chinese moves to exclusively develop Lumbini into a hub for tourism and Buddhist studies, India would be well advised to work with Nepal and countries with large Buddhist populations to develop a Buddhist tourism and heritage belt extending from Lumbini to Buddhist historical and pilgrimage sites like Kapilavastu, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Sanchi and Kushinagar. This could be extended to other historical places like Varanasi. Development of these tourist sites would require substantial investments on developing quality road and rail infrastructure and air services, apart from hotels and rest houses. But the tourism market for such services is huge, considering that there are an estimated 535 million practising Buddhists worldwide. China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and South Korea have Buddhist populations of over 11 million. Funds for building the Buddhist heritage tourism and spiritual education in a corridor extending across Buddhist sites in India can easily be raised if India undertakes a cooperative effort, with countries with large Buddhist populations, while seeking funds from institutions like the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, along with private venture capital. M.G. Devasahayam PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi has gone overboard on demonetisation and, despite the agony of the public, has staked his very life on the success of this historic and path-breaking measure to get rid of black money and purify India of corruption. While pontification on patriotism continues unabated, a Karnataka mining tycoon and former BJP minister is splurging upwards of Rs 500 crore of black money on the wedding of his daughter. Theres not a whimper from the Prime Minister. The claim of eliminating black money and corruption is at best a red herring. There are reasons for this. In today's market, a Rs 500 note is not a high-value denomination. This note was demonetised, while introducing the Rs 2000 note simultaneously. As it is, the middle class and others are uncomfortable with Rs 1000 notes. There are problems in paying for day-to-day purchases, household help, eating out, cab rides, buying food in flights etc. What will they do now? The Rs 2000 notes seem to have been printed for money-bags. Soon after notifying demonetisation, the banks and ATMs went cash dry, resulting in serpentine queues. The public could get only Rs 2000 notes. Rs 500 notes were not brought into circulation for one week. People ran around like headless chicken. Stringent restrictions were imposed on cash exchange and withdrawal of cash from own accounts. The latter is unconstitutional because under Article 300A of the Constitution, No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. Demonetisation was carried out through a Notification issued under Section 26(2) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, that gives no authority to restrict withdrawal of one's own money. Adding insult to injury, indelible ink would be used at banks to identify people who exchange notes! The common person has been beggared and is struggling to meet basic necessities. Nearly 22 persons have died as a result of the chaos in the wake of demonetisation. The situation is likely to deteriorate as people's patience wears thin. This raises question about the core objective of demonetisation is it to remove black money from the system or to suck up huge amount of white money from the common man to bring liquidity to NPA-infested banks and protect defaulters whose debts run into billions of rupees. From the marketing pitches made by the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, the RBI and public sector banks one could infer that the secondary objective is to promote digital and cashless business, owned mostly by MNCs that could at best reach 25-30 per cent of the public. Demonetisation is certainly not the way to purify India's polity. If at all the Prime Minister is serious about it, he must cleanse India's electoral process. The lack of integrity in polls is morphing India's democracy into kleptocracy, which is: government of the thieves, by the thieves, for the thieves. Undoubtedly, the country's track record of timely and efficient elections has given legitimacy to India's democratic polity and politicians are the beneficiaries. The moot question, however, is what kind of people get elected? Are they leaders or dealers? Nearly one-third of the elected representatives face serious criminal charges such as murder, rape, abduction and offences relating to moral turpitude. Almost all have amassed unaccounted wealth in black assets. Successive governments did not lift a finger to set right things. However, the Supreme Court intervened and in its judgment in March, 2003, directed all candidates contesting elections to file affidavits before the returning officers stating their criminal antecedents, assets and liabilities. This was meant to curtail criminal and money power in elections. The same court on July 9, 2013, struck down Section 8 (4) in the Representation of People's Act, allowing MPs and MLAs to continue to be elected representatives even after they get convicted for criminal offences. On July 5, 2013, the apex court decreed that: Freebies shake the root of free and fair elections to a large degree and directed the Election Commission (EC) to frame guidelines for the election manifesto. All these have come to naught and the rot is deepening. The major factor in electoral corruption is the attitude of political parties who have no law or rules to bind them. These entities have failed to bring about inner-party democracy, transparent funding and functioning as well as merit-based selection of candidates free of criminal and corruption taint. They consider themselves private entities and have wilfully defied the RTI Act. They liberally field criminals and corrupt as candidates. Electoral corruption, including individual bribing and vote-buying as well as mass inducement through showering of fancy/consumer goods as freebies thrives. Being controlled by these very political parties, the Central government is averse to any change. Proposals for reform from the EC have been pending for decades. Bullied by political parties and disheartened by the government's indifference, the EC has compromised on electoral integrity. The result is diminishing of India's democracy. In the last two decades, election technology and management has advanced with EVMs, IT solutions and a vast array of observers, surveillance or raiding teams and para-military forces. But democracy has decayed. Among the three players in the election field, rule-less political parties are going from strength to strength, the rule-bound government is callous and the EC remains paralysed. Another key and powerful player, the judiciary, is treating elections in a casual manner. Election petitions remain pending for ages. Elections are merely an exercise to facilitate politicians capturing and retaining power by fair or foul means. The fundamental principles of democracy such as electoral integrity and a level playing field do not figure in the scheme of things. The EC and civil society have put forth several suggestions to cleanse the electoral process. These include: a paradigm change in the selection process of candidates by political parties to contest elections; allocating different symbols for different elections to recognised parties; Vetting of election manifestoes of political parties by the EC for compliance with the model code of conduct. There are also suggestions to ban corporate funding; adopting list-based proportional representation system; setting expenditure limits for political parties during elections and appointing election commissioners through the collegium method. Proposals have also been mooted for the EC to deal with electoral offences and disqualifying of corrupt, criminal candidates at the threshold. In addition, it is important to crack down on mafia and activities that generate black money used to bribe voters and reining in of the media to ensure equal access to all players. The Prime Minister's call for a debate on simultaneous elections and state funding of elections is controversial and very time consuming. This again, is a red herring. If he is serious he should address the doable, non-controversial, long-pending electoral reforms. Only this can help to purify the polity and usher in true democracy. The writer, a retired bureaucrat, is the founder-convener of the Forum for Electoral Integrity. Since Monday thousands of students in Kashmir have appeared in the Class X and XII examinations. It is an act of commitment to academic pursuit on their part and is a welcome departure from the toxic mood generated by clashes between stone-throwers and pellet-showering security forces. Ninety-five to 99 per cent students appearing in the exams reflect a collective wish to move away from the shackles of violence that had confined them to their homes. They have walked out of the wall of fear and obscurantism that was sought to be built around the burnt schools. Behind the students should be discerned the parents courage and clarity about their wards future. After terrorist Burhan Wanis killing, education had become a big casualty as disturbances erupted mainly due to the misreading and mishandling of the situation by the administration. Each and every death and the case of blinding of youth in Kashmir fuelled the violence. Matters worsened for students as it was a majority of their age group that was the victim of the clashes. The anger driven by the revenge for death in the neighbourhood spelled dark times. Yet, it appears a majority of parents wanted their children to be in schools, attending classes and preparing for the academic pursuit of dignified careers; but the parents, too, found themselves helpless in walking away from the overcast of lengthening shadows of the unrest. They watched haplessly as school after school was burnt. They could discern an extremely malevolent design at work. It was behind-the-scenes activism by the Government of India, the constitutional head of the state and sections of civil society that led to the outrage over the locked and burning of schools. An outcry of save schools played a great role in encouraging the students to take the route to schools once again. This clamour was so loud that the separatists had to fall in line by maintaining silence. The separatist leaders have the attitude of the professional agitators, the parents have a personal, genuine concern about their wards future. For now, the students have made a statement. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankar today termed the resolution passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha seeking payment from Haryana for supply of water through Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal from 1966 onwards as anti-national. The Minister Agriculture said Haryana was carved out of Punjab as a result of division between the two states. Hence, the question of payment for water does not arise. In fact, Punjab should compensate the farmers of Haryana for losses incurred by them every year, said the Agriculture Minister. The Agriculture Minister said that in a letter written to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on March 17, it had been mentioned that farmers in Haryana faced estimated losses of Rs 30,000 crore every year, which should be compensated by the Punjab Government. Dhankar said the Punjab Government should respect the Constitution and the decision of the Supreme Court, adding, Haryana had spent Rs 20 crore as legal fee to fight the case. Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 In a significant judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) has dismissed a petition filed by Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RIL) against the appointment of a former Chief Secretary as arbitrator in a dispute with Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited over the setting up of a thermal power plant. The court was told that the respondent had accepted the petitioners bid for an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a thermal power plant. In the course of the correspondence, the petitioner raised certain demands, which the respondent rejected. Subsequently, the petitioner referred to the fact that disputes had arisen between the parties and invoked the arbitration agreement by requesting the respondent to appoint a sole arbitrator. The state government, vide an order dated July 29, appointed former Chief Secretary Promilla Issar as the sole arbitrator. The petitioner contended that the appointment was contrary to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, amended by the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2015. Admittedly, the arbitrator was Chief Secretary from August 31, 2007, to February 29, 2008. It was during this period that the parties entered into a contract dated August 30, 2007. The petitioner added that the arbitrator also failed to file a disclosure. The counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent pointed out that the ex-Chief Secretary was appointed on August 31, 2007, whereas the work was awarded in favour of the petitioner seven months earlier, on January 29, 2007. The formal contract was signed on October 30, 2007. Taking up the matter, Chief Justice SJ Vazifdar asserted that the petitioners submission was well-founded that disclosure was contemplated not merely where circumstances actually impinged upon the independence or impartiality of the arbitrator, but also if the circumstances were likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to his independence or impartiality. Referring to the recommendations by the Law Commission, Chief Justice Vazifdar asserted that it undoubtedly dealt with the issue of natural justice and fairness in the appointment of arbitrators. But the court did not find any recommendation absolutely debarring former employees of a party. Even if the recommendations did so, the Act does not do so. In any event, the Law Commission has dealt with serving employees and not former employees of the department. Ultimately, it is the Act that must be construed. If the Act is contrary to recommendations, it is the Act and not the recommendations of the Law Commission that must prevail. I do not find any inconsistency between the recommendations of the Law Commission and the amendments to the Act, the Chief Justice observed. Dismissing the petition, the Chief Justice asserted that the petitioner would be entitled to adopt appropriate proceedings to challenge her appointment if it was found later that the arbitrator had suffered from disqualification. BUTTE -- The ancient art of calligraphy and a lesson in Chinese traditional culture made an appearance at Montana Tech on Tuesday. Graduate student June Mohler learned a handful when visiting Chinese professor Han Zhiguo gave a quick lesson on the fine art of calligraphy, an angular script of highly aesthetic value. I used to do biological illustrations, said Mohler, after carefully following Hans precise brushstrokes on rice paper. Mohler was one of 25 people taking in Zhiguos presentation on Guoxue Chinese traditional culture in the basement of the Student Union Building. Zhiguo is in town for a week as part of a faculty exchange program that Tech science/technology professor Pat Munday said came about through a series of fortuitous events, or Yuanfen, as they say in China. With local translator Chen Shihua Brazills help, Zhiguo lectured about traditional Chinese music, poetry, painting, medicine and festivals. Hwe-Chu Tu, who teaches Mandarin Chinese at Tech but who hails from Taiwan, said Zhiguos lecture covered different flavors of the Chinese culture. The majority of the audience doesnt have much knowledge of the Chinese culture, said Chu, whose husband is associate computer science professor Frank Ackerman. A delicate tea ceremony ripe with symbolism and ritual and the calligraphy lesson rounded out the lecture. Ackerman was the first one honored with a tiny cup of green tea. Though emerging as a modern industrial superpower, China has managed thus far to blend its traditional culture with contemporary science and technology, said Munday. Translator Shihua, a Tech grad, and professor Chad Okrusch have a personal connection through Wei Shangrong, an administrator at Guangdong College of Business and Technology in Guangzhou, China a city of 12 million people. Wei previously taught Shihua at a Chinese college, then Okrusch cemented the friendship when he researched international trade in bamboo fishing rods in China. Those connections prompted Wei to visit Tech, formalizing the college-to-college relationship. Zhiguo is the first faculty to test the exchange. So far Munday has twice visited China; he plans to travel there again in February. We hope for a formal faculty exchange and professors to come from their three-year school, said Munday. Because Guangdong College is a three-year school, students must complete their degree elsewhere. Thats the first step. Then we hope in a few years to have students complete their fourth year here by taking a BS from Montana Tech, said Munday. Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today described the Punjab Assemblys resolution to demand charges for river waters from Haryana and refusal of land for construction of the canal as meaningless. He said, The Supreme Courts verdict on SYL had attained finality now. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution in a special emergency session, directing the state government to take up the issue of recovering the charges for the states waters with the Centre. The Punjab Assembly also directed the state government, council of ministers and all state government employees to neither give land to any agency for the construction of the SYL canal nor let any agency do any work on it. Hooda said no legislature or executive could now stop Haryana from getting its share of water. He said the SC had given clear directions to the Centre to the canal constructed so that Haryana could get its share. Hooda said now it was for the BJP to decide whether it would like to withdraw support to the Badal government or be a party to the constant contempt of court by the SAD-BJP government. He reiterated his demand of dismissal of the Badal government and the imposition of the Presidents rule in Punjab, adding, the SAD-BJP government had failed to act as per the federal structure of the country. Reacting to Punjabs demand for water charges, Hooda said Punjab, instead, should pay for using Haryanas share of river waters for the past 40 years. Does the Government of Punjab pay HP charges for using the waters of the Sutlej? he questioned. Hooda accused the Badal government of trying to spread anarchy by unnecessarily flaring peoples sentiments on the issue. He also castigated the Centre for subjecting people to acute hardships by its faulty implementation of demonetisation plan. He, however, said the Congress welcomed the act to curb black money. INLD writes to Prez, seeks meeting Chandigarh: The INLD has sought time for a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee on the SYL canal issue. A party spokesperson said Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala had written to the President for giving him time of his convenience so that he and his party MLAs and other leaders could seek his indulgence in the completion of the canal by placing facts before him. Abhay wrote that after a prolonged legal battle, the apex court had given its verdict in Haryana's favour in 2002. However, in 2004, the Punjab Government passed a bill abrogating all water agreements in "defiance of the Supreme Court and in total contempt of the Constitution of India. US association seeks completion of canal Chandigarh: The US-based Haryana Association has demanded early construction of the SYL canal so that farmers in the state could get irrigation water for their crops. Niraj Sihag, vice-president of the association, said that a meeting of the body was held in Washington DC where members welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court on the SYL canal and demanded its early implementation. Sihag said that the association would soon meet Indian Ambassador in the US and submit a memorandum to him in this regard. He said the association would take up the issue at all levels and was ready to provide all kinds of help for the state's legitimate right over SYL waters. Parvesh Sharma Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 Having failed to see any positive development in connection with construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) canal in Punjab after the Supreme Court ruling, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders today hinted at seeking the intervention of Central party leaders to get things done. The state BJP has not invited the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the all-party meeting tomorrow while AAP has alleged that the ruling party does not have any right to call it an all-party meeting if all parties are not invited. After the Punjab Assemblys resolution today, Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala along with all party legislators, Independents and a BSP MLA declared that they would not hesitate in seeking the intervention of the Centre as Punjab had been defying the SC order. We will knock at the door of all authorities, including the Centre, to get justice. Haryana was a part of Punjab and we have equal rights over the waters. I have not seen the resolution passed by Punjab, but it is a direct challenge to the apex court judgment and hence illegal, Barala said. The MLAs submitted a memorandum to Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, requested him to stop the Punjab Government from denotifying the acquired for the SYL. The MLAs termed the resolution passed by Punjab as illegal as the Supreme Court had decided in favour of Haryana. There is no confusion about the SC order and it is 100 per cent clear. The Punjab Government is trying to politicise the issue without any valid reason. It will set a wrong precedent, said Gian Chand Gupta, BJP chief whip and Panchkula MLA. Barala confirmed that AAP had not been invited for the all-party meeting as the party had no existence in Haryana. State AAP convener Naveen Jaihind said his party had got around 5 lakh votes in Haryana during the General Election. It is ridiculous that the BJP does not accept our existence in Haryana even though we got 5 lakh votes in the state. We had accepted the BJP as the party in the Opposition in New Delhi, where it had got only three seats out of 70. It shows that the BJP does not respect the sentiments of the common man, he added. Tribune News Service Ambala, November 16 Health Minister Anil Vij today slammed the Punjab Government for demanding royalty on water. Punjab cant claim royalty on water as it comes from Himachal and not produced by the state. By making such claims, the Punjab Government is trying to nullify the orders of the Supreme Court, he said, while talking to mediapersons after a Janta Darbar here today. Vij said: Punjab is heading towards constitutional crisis. It is a serious issue. The government is not showing regards to the apex court verdict given on the SYL canal. The Haryana Government is keeping a close eye on every move of the Punjab Government and will give appropriate reply to their every action. Besides this, we will approach the Union government, too, in this regard. Earlier, members of Indian Medical Association led by their district chief Dr Prabhakar Sharma met the Health Minister and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister. Dr Sharma said: We have submitted a memorandum in support of our six demands, including amendments to the PCPNDT Act, withdrawal of proposed NMC Bill and suitable amendments to Indian Medical Council Act. We kept all private clinics closed for three hours and observed Satyagrah on the nationwide call given by the IMA. If our demands were not fulfilled, we will go for indefinite strike. Tribune News Service Shimla, November 16 The Executive Council (EC) of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) today approved filling of 29 posts of Associate Professor and 49 posts of Assistant Professor in various departments, including Regional Centre, Dharamsala and Evening College. The EC meeting was held here under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof ADN Bajpai. The EC also approved the annual accounts of the university for the year 2012-13. The council constituted a committee to look into the aspect of utilizing the learning resource centre accommodation of HPU at Noida. The council also approved 31 posts of different categories, including those of Assistant Librarian, System Analyst, Steno Typist, Electricians, Laboratory Attendant Grade-IV, Library Attendant, Mali, Peon, Helpers and Chowkidar. The council also approved 59 posts of different categories, including 53 posts of Junior Office Assistant (IT), 2 posts of Restorer, 4 posts of Accountant and 3 posts of driver. The recommendations given by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team were opened in the presence of EC members, Deans, Chairpersons, Director and representatives of all the unions and associations, both teaching and non-teaching. The Council unanimously expressed gratitude to the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for their support and cooperation. Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 16 National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today termed internal autonomy as the best solution to Kashmir issue. Internal autonomy (is) the best and acceptable to all solution to Kashmir issue.if anyone has a better solution, which is acceptable to both sides of Kashmir (across LoC), to all sections and people of all regions, the National Conference will welcome it, Farooq, a former Union minister, said. Farooq, who is also three-time state Chief Minister, was addressing the convention of his partys youth wing at party headquarter here. The National Conference chief also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, accusing it of committing injustice and deceiving the people of Kashmir. Instead of listening to peoples voice and demands, Modi and his government sent lakhs of troops to Kashmir and created mayhem everywhere, he said. He alleged that oppression on Kashmiris has stained the democracy and secularism of India which will be impossible to remove. Lashing out at the ruling PDP, he accused it of being a root to all miseries. The PDP asked for votes against the BJP but it was internally allied with the RSS and bargained the mandate of the people by allying with the BJP, he said. The NC leader also asked the PDP to define the vision of its founder and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The reality is that during its rule, the PDP worked only for show off.Muftis vision was nothing but to completely demolish the states special position, he said. Flays Parrikar remarks Hitting out at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said if he thinks the demonetisation move and the board exams would end the unrest in Kashmir valley, it was a misconception and the storm would rise again. He said, If the Defence Minister thinks that by examination and change in currency (demonetisation), the storm, which has erupted here, will die down, then he has a misconception. This storm will not die down. Whatever they do, this storm is there and after exams, they will see that the storm will rise once again. Parrikar on Monday had said since the high-currency notes were demonetised, terror funding had come down to zero and there had been no stone-throwing on security forces. PTI Arun Joshi Tribune News Service Jammu, November 15 The Centre is against adopting Track II in tackling Kashmir unrest. It has rubbished report of the Yashwant Sinha-led delegation to Srinagar as one-sided and without any clear pathway to peace and order in the troubled Valley. Sources said the Centre was not happy with such unofficial delegations. These delegations have no mandate and it is not binding on the government to take cognisance of the same or work according to their recommendations, a top source said. The visit of the five-member goodwill team was nothing but a crude attempt to grab headlines for a couple of days, a source in the Central Government said. The government is not at all obliged to work as per their recommendations, he said. The Centre is clear that the talks will begin only after everyone expresses faith in the Constitution of India. There is no other parameter that can define dialogue. That violence cannot be allowed at any cost, Delhi is very clear. Since there was no change in the attitude of separatists after meeting the delegation, it is obvious that the delegation failed to achieve the basic purpose of forcing the so-called stakeholders to take baby steps towards peace in Kashmir. The separatists have issued two stringent calendars after that, and there was no mention of halting shutdowns or exempting schools from it. Worse still, the burning of schools has continued. The top source said there was no breakthrough, which the delegates had claimed, at the conclusion of its visit. Nor had they been able to bring about any worth-mentioning change in the attitude of those people. As and when the government would wish, it would open its own channels of communication with credible offer in return for peace, but it will not succumb to any blackmail at any stage, the source said. He indicated that the Centre would wait and watch so as to identify players genuinely interested in peace and progress of the state. Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 16 A personnel of the elite counter-insurgency unit of the J&K Police was killed in a gunfight in north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Wednesday. The gunfight erupted when a joint team of the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police and 27 Rashtriya Rifles launched a search operation in the Marwal forest area near Zaloora, Sopore, over 60 km from here, after an input about the presence of at least four militants in the area. As the cordon was being laid, militants opened fire, triggering a gunfight. A policeman was wounded in the gunfight who later succumbed to his injuries on the way to a hospital due to blood loss, a police officer said, adding that the militants managed to escape. The slain policeman was identified as Constable Mohammad Shafi and was part of the Srinagar-based counter insurgency unit Cargo that had generated inputs about the presence of militants in the forest area. Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar said the forces had a specific input about the presence of militants in the area when the search was launched. Constable Mohammad Shafi was martyred during the gunfight, Kumar said. The operation to trace militants is still underway. This is the second gunfight in Sopore sub-district in the past four days. Two Pakistani militants of the Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed in Drusu Watergam on November 9. Meanwhile, a wreath-lying ceremony was held in the District Police Lines here where floral tributes were paid to the constable. The DGP led the officers and other police personnel in the wreath-laying ceremony. The slain constable is survived by his wife and parents. Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 16 A personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's elite counter insurgency unit was killed in a gunfight in north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday. The gunfight erupted when a joint team of the Special Operation Group of J&K Police and the Army launched a search operation in the wee hours in Marwal forest area near Zaloora, Sopore, over 60 km from here, after an input about the presence of militants in the area. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The deceased was identified as Mohammad Shafi Dar of Special Operations Group (SOG). "As the cordon was being laid, militants opened fire triggering a gunfight. A policeman was critically wounded in the gunfight who later succumbed to his injuries," a police officer said. The exchange of the fire has stopped and searches are being carried out to track the militants in the forest area. This is the second gunfight in Sopore sub-district in past four days. Two Pakistani militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed in Drusu Watergam on November 9. Washington, November 16 Four Indian-Americans, including two women, elected to House of Representatives and the Senate in the historic US general elections are here for their first official Congressional orientation meeting to find out how they can work collectively to achieve their common goals. Three of them, Pramila Jayapal from Washington State, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Ro Khanna from California elected to the House of Representatives have spent the last two days together. They are not only learning the tricks of the trade at the Capitol Hill, but also figuring out how they can work collectively to achieve their common goals. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The fact that they are all from the same Democratic Party makes their job easier in this regard. But a tougher one given that they are all pitted against a Republican majority in the House. "We have been together for the past 24 hours," Jayapal told PTI in an interview here. Even the group picture that the first-time lawmakers took outside the Capitol, Jayapal and Khanna are seen standing together. "I Ro and Raja are all together in orientation," Jayapal said. Ami Bera, whose counting of votes is still going on, is expected to join them soon, thus increasing the strength of Indian-Americans in the House to four and the Congress to five, adding Kamala Harris from the Senate side. If re-elected, Bera would become the longest serving Indian-American in the Congress after Dalip Singh Saund, who was elected to the House of Representative thrice in 1956, 1958 and 1960. "I have not met Kamala Harris. We look forward to that. The Senate does very different orientations. And I understand that there may be some distant relationship between Kamala's Indian family side and my. So I have to figure out what that is," Jayapal said. "It is a great honour. Raja, Ami, Ro and I are talking about how we have our own little South Asian Caucus/India Caucus (in the House), because we are four of us now. So that's also very exciting. I am thrilled to be serving with all three of them, and thrilled to be the first Indian-American women to be elected to the House of Representatives," Jayapal said in response to a question. Krishnamoorthi said the newcomers are "intrigued" as they try to figure out what issues Trump will champion, The Chicago Tribune reported. PTI Marching with about 60 others outside of a downtown federal building Tuesday, Helenan Quincy Bjornberg told of her experience at the Dakota Access petroleum pipeline protest. "It was amazing," she said. Bjornberg said standing on the front lines with others was an event that is hard to explain. "It's an overwhelming feeling like you're home," she said. "We took it as our spirits belong out there." Bjornberg said she plans on returning to the protest near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota in coming weeks. "They don't know that we're here -- but they can feel it," she told the other protesters gathered outside the Sen. Max Sieben Baucus Federal Building. "This isn't just an Indian issue. It's a human race issue." In Helena, the protesters chanted "Water is life," "Standing Rock" and "Shame on you." The group gathered outside of the building, which houses an office of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the entity that will decide whether to allow the pipeline to cross under the Missouri River. The organizer said the protest was in solidarity with those currently in Standing Rock. Following the Helena march and rally, protest organizer Richard O'Connor attempted to speak with someone with the agency. He was told the office was closed Tuesday. He spoke of pipeline spills, including the two worst ones in Montana both into the Yellowstone River. "It's going to be a total disaster," he yelled outside the building. "We want this pipeline shut down." "What we are doing is building more oil infrastructure," O'Connor said, adding the funds would be better used for solar farms or other alternative sources. In a letter to the Independent Record dated Sept. 19, Montana Petroleum Association Executive Director Alan Olson wrote that "current protestors (sic) were nowhere to be found" during the extensive public comment period for the pipeline project. He also pointed out that protests at the site and a lawsuit against the project have hindered progress on the pipeline, which was expected to be operational by the end of this year. "Businesses which follow the letter of the law should be granted the right to operate," he wrote. "We cannot afford the uncertainty created by lawsuits, delays, and last minute reconsideration of permitted activities, and we certainly cannot afford decisions made to support a 'Keep it in the Ground' agenda." Similar protests were held in Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls and Hamilton -- and nationwide -- on Tuesday. Hundreds showed for the gathering in McLeod Park in Missoula to hear a University of Montana lecturer and nine others speak on the subject. The corps' office in Missoula also was closed Tuesday. A Monday rally on the steps of the Capitol focused on opposition to the Montana Highway Patrol's involvement in the policing at Standing Rock. Authorities said 10 state troopers were sent to the area after North Dakotan officials requested assistance from all states. Organizers said the event was intended to keep state government accountable. O'Connor said as an environmental activist, he felt the need to voice his concern about the pipeline and also extol the virtues of clean energy options such as solar. "I think it's time for our country to turn in another direction," he said after the protest. Bjornberg urged all concerned about the pipeline to donate their time, money or efforts to the ongoing protests. "If you can't make it out there -- pray," she said. "Prayer really helps," Bjornberg added. Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 Knowing that the announcement will kick-off yet another political debate, the government today said there were about 2 crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in India. Informing the Rajya Sabha through a written reply, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said: As per available inputs, there are nearly 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India. The minister, however, contended that since such people from Indias eastern neighbour have entered the country without any valid travel documents, their entry is clandestine and surreptitious and thus it was not possible to have accurate data of such illegal migrants staying in different parts of the country. He also claimed that identification and deporting such persons is a continuous process. During his campaign for the General Election in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that Bangladeshis would be deported if he came to power. Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation from 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. The 2014 election manifesto of the BJP had said the party would review and improve the border management and punitive measures would be introduced to check illegal immigration. The BJP had said it would address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this would include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share 4,096-km international border. Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 When Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal met for dinner last night, people close to the two leaders knew it was no routine meeting. Discussions between the Chief Ministers of Bengal and Delhi are learnt to have ranged from demonetisation of old currency notes to the current political atmosphere in the country and the need to halt the march of BJP-RSS combine. It was no surprise then that Kejriwal instructed AAPs Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann to attend TMCs march to the President against demonetization on his behalf today. Kejriwal also backed Banerjees demand to withdraw the demonetization decision. On the surface the TMC-AAP coordination may appear routine but sources in both parties admit it is reflective of a larger coalition in the making. Ever since the TMC gained the status of a national party in September this year, Mamata Banerjee has been working on ways to expand her partys national footprint. She has found in Kejriwal a trusted ally as she works to stitch a national anti-BJP coalition ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. She realizes she has to start now, a source privy to developments said. It is also learnt that Mamata Banerjee, a former Congress leader, is in touch with some disgruntled and expelled Congress persons whom she knows and has worked with. For instance, in Punjab where AAP is a serious contender in 2017 state elections, Banerjee has been in touch with expelled Congress leaders Jagmeet Brar and Bir Devinder Singh. Bir Devinder even attended Banerjees march to Rashtrapati Bhavan today though Brar, who is aligned with AAP now, said he was busy in the state. Even senior Congress leaders watching the rise of Banerjee say they dont doubt her potential to fill the void created by a shrinking Congress in many parts of the country. Bengaluru, November 16 A blockbuster wedding of mining baron and former minister B Janardhan Reddy's daughter marked by unmitigated opulence took place at the sprawling Palace Grounds on Wednesday, raising a firestorm of controversy. The five-day extravaganza with ceremonies held against the backdrop of lavish settings concluded on Wednesday as the ostentatious wedding stirred a huge row over its timing when people across the country are reeling under cash crunch after demonetisation of high value currencies. Palace grounds that plays host to grand weddings presented almost a surreal picture as Bramhani entered into wedlock with Rajeev Reddy, a leading businessman's son from Andhra Pradesh, with rituals conducted by a battery of priests from the famous Tirumala temple. The grandeur of the wedding was such that huge sets replicating Vijaya Vitthala temple of Hampi, the seat of the glorious erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire, and Tirumala Tirupati temple were erected at the venue, along with the replica of the homes of both of bride and the groom. Pre-wedding events have been on with equal extravagance at the venue for the past five days. Artistes and dancers from different parts of the country, including Samba dancers from Brazil, were part of one such bash last night. The first glimpse of the ostentatious wedding came with the invitation box with a LCD screen playing a video, in which where Reddy and family were seen inviting guests, lip syncing to a song. Thousands of people attended the event on Wednesday and were given saplings along with sweets as a return gift. It is said about 50,000 people had been invited for the wedding and people were also ferried from Reddy's bastion, mine-rich Ballari. Reddy and family dressed up as "royals" in gold and diamond had left no stone unturned for the wedding. Most utensils for the wedding rituals were either gold or silver and entire venue was equipped with air conditioners. The who's who of the Kannada and Telugu film industry as well as prominent BJP leaders who attended the event. PTI Simran Sodhi & Seema Kaul Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 A spirited Opposition in the Rajya Sabha today pushed the Narendra Modi government to a corner over its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Alleging that information about the move was selectively leaked prior to the PM's November 8 announcement, it demanded an inquiry, preferably by a joint parliamentary committee, into the matter. The Congress, JD(U), RJD, SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, Left and AIADMK together launched a scathing critique of the PMs decision, which they described as ill-timed and ill-conceived. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma asked the PM from where he had received Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if payments were made by cheque or credit card for his rally in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Sharma accused the government of being insensitive to the poor, pointing out that the PM was riding a bullet train in Japan when the people stood in unending queues from 3 am onwards to withdraw money. BSP chief Mayawati demanded that the Prime Minister should be present in the House to hear out the Opposition. Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad supported Mayawatis plea. Power Minister Piyush Goyal defended the government, but as the debate progressed, his defence turned progressively weak. Speaking in the House after Congress Sharma, he claimed there was no politics behind the governments decision. It is a step taken in national interest that will help the country in the long run, he maintained. A witty Ram Gopal Yadav, former Samajwadi Party MP, pointed out: Those hailing demonetisation will come face to face with reality in four months when there will be a cash crunch. No commodity, including Baba Ramdevs products, will sell. The remark provoked a chuckle. Academically, the debate belonged to Sitaram Yechury of the CPM. It reminds me of Marie Antoinette who during the French Revolution remarked if people cant find bread, why dont they eat cake. Now we have Modi Antoinette who says if you dont have paper, use plastic, he remarked. The debate will be carried forward by a determined Opposition tomorrow which is all too aware that it has pushed home its advantage. Simran Sodhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, November 16 The next round between India and Pakistan might play out in Amritsar in early December as indications suggest that Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Ministers adviser on foreign affairs, is likely to travel to the city to attend an international conference. Amritsar will host Heart of Asia Conference on December 3-4, which would provide an opportunity for India and Pakistan to resume dialogue that has remained suspended since the September Uri attacks. Speaking to a Pakistani TV channel, Aziz said his visit could be a good opportunity to defuse tension. Aziz said he was not yet aware if he would be meeting his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) India has not yet responded to the comments of Aziz and sources in the government here said for India, this would have to be a careful decision. If India decides to hold a meeting with Aziz, it could be construed that India had compromised on the tough position it had taken post-Uri, said sources. Since Uri, the government has tried to isolate Pakistan globally and its biggest success was the cancellation of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad. Led by India, SAARC member nations boycotted the summit citing that the atmosphere was not conducive for the event. Islamabad, November 16 Sartaj Aziz, Prime Ministers Adviser on Foreign Affairs, said he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a good opportunity to defuse the tension between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in Amritsar on December 3. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. Unlike India, that had sabotaged the SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India, Aziz told the media. Its a good opportunity to defuse the tension, PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself would participate in the conference and would not repeat Indias blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit. Aziz, however, said it had not been confirmed yet whether he would meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser said US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve a Nobel Prize if he intervened and succeeded in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. Trump would deserve Nobel Prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute, he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. PTI Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, November 16 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi was on Wednesday granted bail by the Bhiwandi Magistrate's Court in connection with a defamation case filed against him for his remarks blaming the RSS for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Gandhi was granted bail on a personal surety. The next date for hearing has been fixed for January 28 next year. The case against Gandhi was filed by a local RSS activist Rajesh Kunte. Though the Supreme Court has stayed the proceedings against him, Gandhi appeared before the magistrate's court at Bhiwandi on July 8, 2015. The Congress leader had last September withdrawn his petition filed in the apex court, challenging the case and said he would face the trial. He had moved the SC challenging an order of the Bombay High Court, which refused to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the lower court. Later, addressing a gathering of party workers, Rahul Gandhi said he made his appearance in court to fight for the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. There an ideology of freedom and another of slavery. I am fighting those who want to bend India so they can rule the country, the Congress leader added. He also hit out at the Narendra Modi government's move to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes. The common people of India are outside standing in queues. Do you see any rich person or industrialist standing here? You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be taken away and given to some 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names, Gandhi said.' The Congress leader said his party would raise the issue in Parliament. Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution directing the state government to demand charges for riverwaters flowing to the non-riparian states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. It asked the state to seek the Centres help to recover the charges. The resolution also directed the Punjab Government, Council of Ministers and all state employees not to hand over land to any agency for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, allow any agency to begin work on it, or cooperate with any agency in its construction. The proposal was mooted by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Edit: Election-time itch Addressing the House, Badal said all aspects of water, including drainage, embankments, water storage and water power, fell in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The state could not part with its waters since almost 105 blocks were water-stressed and groundwater utilisation had been overexploited, he said. Punjab needs 52 MAF (million acre feet) water for agriculture, but only 27 per cent is presently being met from riverwaters. The once-fertile land is becoming barren because of low water availability, which will impact the food security of the nation and the states economy, he said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Opposition Congress MLAs, who resigned from the Assembly last week in the wake of the SC verdict rendering the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act 2004 invalid, chose to stay away from the session. However, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjit Singh Bains Independent MLAs from Ludhiana and Pargat Singh, who quit the Akali Dal recently, were present. The Bains brothers, particularly Simarjit, targeted the Treasury Benches for stealing his private members Bill moved in the last session on seeking charges from non-riparian states for water use. Accusing Badal of failing to defend the rights of the state in the Supreme Court, Simarjit said giving these directions was just politics at play. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal proposed the resolution saying there had been instances where the state had demanded royalty and received it. Patiala, Nabha and Jind paid royalty till 1945-46 for using waters of the Sutlej, he said. Bassi Pathana MLA Nirmal Singh said Rajasthan owed the state Rs 80,000 crore as royalty for using state waters. Simarjit Singh Bains, however, put the figure at Rs 15.34 lakh crore. On Bains insistence, the names of the three non-riparian states were incorporated in the resolution. The government was initially contemplating bringing the demand of seeking remuneration from other non-riparian states through a Bill The Punjab State Ownership, Utilization and Imposition of Cess/Charges on Water Bill, 2016. But being a money Bill, it required a nod from the Punjab Governor, who wouldnt have given his assent to bringing a money Bill during the emergency session, said sources. The government then decided to use all provisions envisaged in the draft Bill into a resolution and issue directions to the state for its implementation. Interestingly, the directions issued by the legislature can be set aside only by another legislation. With the SYL canal issue dominating the state politics for over three decades now, whichever party forms the next government is unlikely to reverse this decision. Ruchika M Khanna WITH winter setting in, theres a nip in the air, but this conversation is just hotting up. Village elders are sitting at the dilapidated bus stop of Indergarh village, animatedly debating whether the winds of change will sweep the Akali stronghold of Dharamkot, represented by Cabinet minister Tota Singh. Two issues dominate the debate: Drugs and jobs. As the villages of Dholewala and Nurpur Hakima under this constituency in Moga district are notorious for the chitta trade, most of the elders feel that gainful employment can act as an antidote. Karnail Singh, a retired patwari, rues that all four of his highly educated grandchildren two engineers, a post-graduate in physics and an ETT teacher havent got the jobs they deserve. They are all teaching in schools and colleges instead of being hired by multinational IT companies or the top industries. No government has been able to create employment avenues. The youth is a frustrated lot and I fear that they might take some drastic step, he says. His message to the vote-seekers is loud and clear: Hun jo sarkar banave, usnu sab to vadh iss te dhian dena chahida hai. Eh puraniyan partiyan ne saade bachcheyan vaste kuch nahin keeta, te navin party kol halle kuch karan vaste samarth nahin lagdi (the party that comes to power should focus on jobs for the youth. The traditional parties have not done the needful and the new entrant seems incapable of doing it). His friend, Sarup Singh, butts in, I have heard that the government received six lakh applications for police recruitment. Chalo, ihna ne bharti tan khol ditti. Hun jehde berozgar drug yan crime val jande ne, naukri milegi tan sudhrange (the jobs will wean the unemployed off drugs and crime). Development works have been initiated in the village we now have a new mandi and there is a sewage disposal system in place, he adds, brimming with optimism. Mahinder counters him: Development is selective. Roads and gullies are not being constructed in the areas where they (local Akali leaders) know that most of the residents support the Congress or jharu (AAP). Projects have been fast-tracked in a majority of the 160 villages and two main towns (Dharamkot and Kot Ise Khan), obviously with an eye on the impending model code of conduct. Rupinder Kaur of Kishanpura village, who is preparing for IELTS so that she can go abroad, minces no words: Every party treats the voters like beggars once it comes to power. We have to beg to get development done in our villages something which is our right. That's why the local youth want change. And also responsive governance. Echoing her views, another youth, Jaswant Singh of Badduwal village, says, The government has set up a new tehsil complex in Dharamkot; even the new roads are being relaid; the sewerage system is being set up. But why does it all happen only when the elections are approaching? Though economic and infrastructural development has largely eluded Dharamkot over the years, there are still many committed Akali and Congress supporters. The constituency is dotted with flex boards put up by the Akalis, highlighting various development works and the Tirath Yatra scheme. The Congress is not far behind with boards of its own, with the slogan, Captain Liao, Punjab Bachao. However, its the young brigade in most villages which wants to try out the new party on the block. Jaswinder Singh, a vegetable seller of Kot Ise Khan, is happy with development, even if its belated, but the cartelisation of the transport business by top Akali leaders and their failure to solve the cases of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib are issues that still rankle. According to Sandeep Bajaj, who works as a chemist in Dharamkot, the government has miserably failed to curb the drug menace. This place has become a haven for addicts. Scores of customers come asking for syringes daily, but I dont sell these as I know they want to use it to inject drugs. Amarjit Singh, a former sarpanch of Nurpur Hakima, laments, Kam keete ghat ne, mashhuri batheri keeti aa. Jehde keete ne, oh vee aivein aa. Ithe bachcheyan de bhavikh vaste kuch nahin hai (The rulers stress is on publicity rather than executing the works properly. Theres nothing here for the young generation). This sums up the mood in the constituency the voters are seeking accountability. No party can afford to take them for granted. Akali territory MLA Tota Singhs rivals SGPC member and Congress ticket front-runner Sukhjit Singh Kaka Lohgarh and AAP candidate Dr Ranjodh Singh Sra are out to turn the disenchantment among the voters to their advantage. Dharamkot has sent an Akali to the Vidhan Sabha for four consecutive terms. Between 1997 and 2007, it was a reserved seat from where Sital Singh was elected thrice. In 2012, after it was declared a general seat, Tota Singh came up trumps. He now faces an uphill task, not only due to anti-incumbency but also in view of the pesticide scam that rocked the agriculture ministry headed by him. Last election result Winning Candidate Tota Singh of SAD Votes polled 62,887 Runner-up Sukhjit Singh Kaka Lohgarh Congress Votes polled 58,632 Amaninder Pal AT the entrance of Government Senior Secondary School, Bargari, a villager keenly reads a black-and-white poster. It calls upon residents to observe kaali Diwali in protest against last years desecration incidents. Hun ah chep ditta aithe kise ne (Now, somebody has pasted this here), he mutters before entering the premises. The anxiety on his face reflects the fear that has gripped the collective psyche of residents of the Jaito Assembly segment in Faridkot reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates and consisting of one town and 47 villages which witnessed a series of tragic events in a span of less than a year. It all begun with the desecration of a Sikh scripture in June 2015 in Bargari, followed by massive protests and killing of two protesters in police firing in Behbal Kalan in October the same year. June this year saw the murder of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower in nearby Jawahar Singh Wala village. If the events hurt them, what the residents fear the most is the nagging sense of some unexpected happening. The fears are not unfounded as investigating sleuths have not only recorded fingerprints of residents of several villages located around Bargari, but have also taken writing samples of school students. Nobody knows who is behind these incidents. But the fact is that people have died. Many of our youngsters have been detained and questioned. We are still in pain over whats happened here over the past year. We dont know what the future has in store, says septuagenarian Gurnam Singh. Kenya-returned Niamiwala resident Sukhraj Singh is the son of religious preacher Krishan Bhagwan Singh, who died in police firing in October 2015. A computer hardware engineer in Kenya, Sukhraj, a baptised Sikh, preferred to stay back after his fathers death. Last month, he invited a huge gathering to observe the death anniversary of his father, who died along with Gurjit Singh of nearby Sarawan village. People of this area still sympathise with victims of the police firing. That indiscriminate firing is surely going to prove dear to Akalis in the elections, he says. Anger simmering against the ruling alliance after Behbal Kalan is not limited to electors alone. The case of Kulwant Singh, a communist-turned-Akali-turned-SAD rebel, epitomises how village-level Akalis have preferred either to remain low-profile or openly revolt. Being a local Akali leader, I would often meet officials urging them to address grievances of our cadre. But after the Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents, being an Akali is nothing more than a subject of scorn. I have stopped identifying myself as an Akali, Kulwant says. Surrounded by villages, the Hindu-dominated Jaito city the only town in a constituency of 1.37 lakh voters presents a completely different set of grievances. But what is common is the resentment against the ruling alliance and its local leaders. The short-statured and mild-mannered Right to Information (RTI) activist Dr Harish Chander had become the rallying point of massive protests in Jaito eight months before the Behbal Kalan firing. In February last year, he dared to distribute pamphlets alleging rampant corruption in the municipal committee headed by the wife of an Akali leader. Days later, he was beaten up by Akali and BJP leaders at a busy roundabout. Soon after, a joint front organised an agitation against Akali and BJP leaders. Sitting in his office near Jaitos Nehru Park, he says that compared to Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents, poor civic amenities and highhandedness of local politicians will have more influence on the voting pattern of city residents. We dont have a sewage treatment plant, the citys sewerage system remains choked, you can see people walking in knee-deep water in almost every street after every rainfall. We dont have a flyover for the railway crossing that remains closed for six-seven hours every day. We have only one permanent doctor in the government hospital. But when we ask questions, they beat us up, he says. Citing Dr Harishs example, Bhagtuana resident Naib Singh says the local leaders of ruling parties are patronising gangs in Jaito and villages. They can thrash anybody at will. People are fed up. This is going to be a major issue this time. Most of the villages of Jaito segment were part of the Panjgrain constituency till 2007. Reserved for SCs, Panjgrain was an Akali bastion. After Emergency was lifted in 1977 till 2007, the Akalis had never lost this seat, barring in 1992, when the Shiromani Akali Dal boycotted the elections. The seat remained the pocket borough of Gurdev Singh Badal, close aide of CM Parkash Singh Badal. However, the tables turned in 2007, when Congress candidate Joginder Singh Panjgrain wrested the seat and won again in 2012. But today, both major parties are being given a tough challenge by AAP, whose candidate Prof Sadhu Singh had taken a lead of over 20,000 votes from this segment in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. AAP has taken a lead in announcing its candidate Master Baldev Singh, a retired primary teacher. The Akalis and the Congress are not only lagging behind in naming the candidates, rather their probables are either showing disinterest in contesting from this segment or facing a challenge from their own partymen. Rumours abound that two-time Congress MLA Panjgrain is nowadays more visible in Malout-Abohar area. On the other hand, former agriculture minister Gurdev Singh Badals family is claiming the ticket, that can mar chances of Akali halqa incharge Parkash Singh Bhatti. Back in Bargari, the middle-aged man is about to leave the government school. Hes not willing to disclose his identity, but readily gives his election outlook: From Bargari, Behbal, badmashi of local leaders to sewerage, everything will matter in Jaito this time. We dont know which party will win, but Jaito is surely going to spring a surprise this time. Chandigarh, November 16 Terming the resolutions passed in the special session of Punjab Assembly as "irrational and illogical", state Congress chief Amarinder Singh on Wednesday hit out at the Badal government's "refusal" to acknowledge that the state has no surplus water. Asserting that Punjab is facing acute water crisis, he said the question of give water to its non-riparian neighbours does not arise. "But for some inexplicable reason, the SAD government's resolution is completely silent on this key issue," Amarinder said, and termed as "shameless" the Akali government's "crude attempts" to "brush this critical aspect of SYL issue under the carpet". He accused the Badal government of not mentioning Punjab's acute water scarcity and its consequent inability to share water in the resolution. The state Congress chief said all pre-Independence precedents, as cited in the resolution, had been overruled by the Act of 1955, which categorically laid down that all water sharing will be free of cost. "Since that was a Central legislation, you would need to take the Centre's permission before trying to negate it," he said, and asked Badal if he had taken the Centre's consent before resorting to such a measure. The state government seemed to have deliberately kept its resolution on recovery costs ambiguous, making no mention of future water sharing. But the intent was clear, Amarinder claimed, adding by seeking royalty for water shared with other states from 1966, SAD has laid the foundation for making similar demands in the future. "In any case, how is recovery of past water costs going to resolve the problem triggered by the Supreme Court verdict in the SYL case," he asked and accused Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of trying to mislead and cheat the people of Punjab of its rightful due. The state Congress chief claimed the Centre itself had declared 3/4th of Punjab as "dark zone" on account of the acute water scarcity in the region. "So where does the question of sharing water, with or without cost, arise," he asked. Amarinder sought the Centre's intervention in the matter and asked it to present the real facts of the case before the apex court to enable it to reach a logical conclusion. Referring to another resolution passed in the special session, he said, "What do they mean by saying that the state government should not give the SYL land to the centre or any central agency, when there is no SYL land left now, in the wake of the Denotification Bill." PTI New Delhi, November 1 The central government has decided to reopen eight more anti-Sikh riots cases, a decision that comes months before Punjab votes for Assembly elections. A special investigation team appointed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will conduct the inquiry. The latest announcement takes the number of ant-Sikh riots cases being reinvestigated to 58. The latest development comes as Punjabs ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal and its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, are likely to face a fierce contest in elections that will be held early next year. On July 30, the ministry had directed SIT to investigate 22 cases of the 1984 riots in which more than 3,000 people were killed 2,733 in Delhi alone in riots that were sparked after former prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her sikh bodyguards. Another 28 cases were added to the SITs investigation list on August 23. "All individuals, group of person, associations, institutions and organisations, who are acquainted with the facts of these cases are invited to give evidence/ depose about the same so as to facilitate further investigation," a Home Ministry notification said. The Ministry had set up the SIT on February 12, 2015, to investigate grave criminal cases in connection with the 1984 riots filed in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Some 650 cases were registered in Delhi. Delhi Police had closed investigations into 241 cases citing want of evidence. Later, although Justice Nanavati Commission had suggested reinvestigating only four, BJP insisted on having all riots cases reinvestigated. The Central Bureau of Investigation had reinvestigated four cases, even filing charge sheets against in two. Five people, among them a lawmaker, was convicted in one case. PTI Tribune News Service Chandigarh, November 16 PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh said the resolution passed by the Assembly was ridiculous, irrational and illogical. He said Punjab had no surplus water to sell. Punjab simply cannot give water to its non-riparian neighbours at any cost, said Amarinder, pointing out that the state was itself facing acute water scarcity that the question of sharing the riverwaters did not arise. Amarinder lashed out at the Badal government for making no mention of the states water scarcity and its consequent inability to share water in its resolution, which was blatantly in violation of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1955. He alleged that by seeking royalty for water shared with other states w.e.f 1966, the Akalis had laid the foundation for making similar demand for water sharing in the future. Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition, while addressing the media, said the directions to the state government and the employees not to hand over any land to any agency for construction of SYL canal were farce. The resolution passed by the ruling party did not require intervention of the legislative. Instead of passing a resolution, the Badal-led government should have brought a strong Bill on the issue. But they do not have the courage as they fear dismissal at hands of the Modi-led Union Government, alleged Channi Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former CM, said the government had been exposed on the issue. She alleged that the Badal government put up a weak case before the Supreme Court. Govt traded waters with Sehajdhari Bill Amritsar: PPCC vice-president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday justified Congress' stance to not attend the special Assembly session on SYL canal. He accused the SAD of selling Punjab's water rights to the BJP in exchange for the SGPC Act Amendment Bill. "The party did this to retain its hold on the Sikh body," he told the media here. He questioned the aim of calling the special Assembly session. "The government relegated the SYL canal on the back burner for 12 years. It brought the matter into prominence to gain mileage in the elections." "An administrative order to denotify the SYL land would have sufficed. What was the need to summon a session? To exploit the issue in the elections can be the only reason," Jakhar said. TNS Questions if Sukhbir knew about currency ban Gurdaspur: Jakhar hinted that Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal might have been aware of the government's demonitisation move. He said: "I have no proof, but people have started questioning Sukhbir's absence from Punjab in the days succeeding September 28 when the state government had ordered the evacuation process." tns Tribune News Service Dehradun, November 16 Currency crunch continued with banks and ATMs witnessing long serpentine queues across the state today. Theres no respite for residents even after the passage of a week since the Central Government announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The crowd was as usual at the main branch of State Bank of India in Dehradun. People had queued themselves up right early in the morning for exchange of currency and depositing old currency notes. Meanwhile, workers of the BJP and the Congress were seen serving tea and snacks to people standing in queues. The new thing the customers came across in the banks was indelible ink marks on their fingers. This move aims at restraining people who keep on visiting banks frequently to exchange old currency notes more than the prescribed limit. As usual, the bank functioning was marred by cash crunch in various districts of the Garhwal division. The situation in Rudraprayag district, that bore the brunt of 2013 disaster, was almost worse where a large number of people had to return empty handed in the absence of new currency. The non-availability of the newly-released Rs 500 denomination is also a problem for people as they get currency notes of Rs 2,000, and using that in the market, mainly small retailers, is a Herculean task in the absence of change. In Dehradun, jewellers downed their shutters and staged a demonstration outside the Income Tax office. They accused the taxmen of unnecessarily harassing them. The officials concerned had conducted raids at jewellery stores on Rajpur Road yesterday to crack whip on hoarders of black money, who wanted to buy gold. Interestingly, most of the people queued up at banks and ATMs, while talking to The Tribune, lauded the move of Narendra Modi-led Central Government. People took out a rally in Shantikunj (Haridwar) in support of the Prime Ministers crackdown. The protesters, mostly members of Gayatri Parivar Shantikunj, wearing traditional yellow robes, appealed to the people to support the Centre. Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar head Dr Pranav Pandya said the strike against black money was a welcome step that should be appreciated. He said it would bring prosperity in the country. Mussoorie BJP activists serve tea to people outside banks Mussoorie: BJP workers served tea to people queued up at a branch of SBI to exchange old currency notes or withdraw cash here on Wednesday. They had set up a stall right in front of the bank where tea was served to people. Besides, BJP workers were also seen helping out people in filling their bank slips for exchange of notes or cash withdrawal. BJP general secretary Kushal Rana said, Despite inconvenience, people are in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to flush out black money. The Opposition, including the Left parties, in connivance with the hoarders of black money are trying to stall the process for a few days to buy time to convert their black money into white, he said. Meanwhile, residents alleged that officials of the Electricity Department and the Municipal Council were collecting only Rs 100 notes from customers for house tax and electricity bill payments but were depositing Rs 500 notes in the bank. An investigation should be launched into it, they said. However, officials of the MC and the Electricity Department, requesting anonymity, refuted the allegations. BJP local unit president Mohan Petwal and others were present on the occasion.TNS Kabul, November 16 A suicide bomber on a motorbike killed at least four people and wounded several in an attack on a vehicle carrying national security officials in Kabul on Wednesday, a security official at the scene in the Afghan capital told Reuters. An interior ministry official confirmed the attack but could not say immediately how many people had been killed or wounded. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The suicide bomber was on a motorbike and detonated himself in the Pul Mahmood Khan area (in Kabul). The target is unclear but there were casualties, said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Reuters Mosul, November 16 Emboldened by machinegun fire on Islamic State snipers along Mosuls frontlines, a few residents are emerging from their homes in pockets of the city where Iraqi forces have dislodged the jihadists. In al-Zahraa in eastern Mosul, shopkeepers swept away broken glass and neighbours were starting to interact again, days after Islamic State fighters were ousted from the neighbourhood. Two rabbits hopped along a sand lot as gunfire crackled nearby. But there is still an overwhelming sense of uncertainty as parts of the sprawling city slowly come to life and Iraqi Special Forces press ahead with their offensive on Islamic States last big stronghold in Iraq. Many residents fear that even if the entire city falls, the worlds most dangerous militant group will return one day to impose its ultra-hardline version of Islam. We need the army to stay here for 10 years to protect us, sewing shop owner Omar Sibawee said as special forces on a nearby rooftop opened fire at buildings where jihadists were holed up. We are afraid they have sleeper cells in Mosul. About 800 Islamic State militants swept through northern Iraq in 2014, seizing Mosul and nearby towns and villages. Cigarettes were banned and anyone caught smoking was whipped. Women were forced to cover from head to toe. Suspected adulterers were stoned to death in public. Iraqi forces have captured several areas of eastern Mosul during the offensive, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since a US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Just beyond Sibawees home is one of the spots where Islamic State beheaded people. The militants insisted the entire neighbourhoodadults and children alikegather to watch. Reuters Butte, Basin, Libby, Upper Ten Mile. What do these places have in common? They were at one time very productive mines. Many people earned a good wage working those jobs. The mining companies made millions. All was well. But what do they have in common now? They are 4 of the 17 Superfund sites in Montana. They are an example of what can happen when the mining industries leave. Who pays for the cleanup of these sites? We as taxpayers do. Mining often leaves a toxic mess when the mines close. I for one do not want to see the Smith River meet the same fate as the Berkeley Pit. Janet Andrew Helena Following some improvements with both rates and freight availability on the spot truckload freight market the first week of the month the following week was one that gave back some gains. New details from DAT Solutions its load boards show the amount of available spot freight declined 1% for the week ending Nov. 12. With available truck capacity up 5% compared to the previous week, national average load-to-truck ratios weakened with the van ratio down 3% to 2.7 available van loads per truck while the refrigerated load-to-truck ratio dropped 5% to 6.4 to 1. The flatbed ratio was unchanged at 14.1 to 1. As a national average, spot truckload rates remain solid, according to DAT, with vans down 3 cents for an average of $1.67 per mile. Both reefers and flatbeds fell 2 cents for averages of $1.95 per mile and $1.89 per mile, respectively. All reported rates include fuel surcharges. These declined happened as the average price of on-highway diesel dropped another 3 cents to $2.44 per gallon. In the van sector, the two strongest spot markets remain out West, Los Angeles and Ontario, California. Los Angeles-Phoenix paid the best average rate in the region at $2.77 per mile, up 5 cents over the previous week. Philadelphia saw the biggest average outbound rate increase thanks mostly to lanes to destinations in the Northeast. That includes Philadelphia-Boston, up 10 cents to $3.20 per mile. High van markets by region: West: Los Angeles, $2.08 per mile, unchanged Midwest: Chicago, $2.09 per mile, up 1 cent South Central: Dallas, $1.50 per mile, down 2 cents Southeast: Memphis, $1.91 per mile, up 1 cent Northeast: Buffalo, $1.93 per mile, down 3 cents The number of reefer load posts declined 1.5% while truck posts increased 3.4%. DAT reported produce had an off week with several markets experiencing a large fall-off in volumes. One area that bucked the trend was Southern Idaho, where potatoes and onions are rolled out ahead of Thanksgiving. Twin Falls was the number one market for reefer load posts last week, and the load-to-truck ratio there surged to 33.4 loads per truck. With peak apple season over in Michigan, rates dropped on lanes out of Grand Rapids. Apples will continue moving from storage locations throughout the winter, a reason the lane from Grand Rapids to Madison bounced back up to $2.37 per mile. Flatbed load posts declined 2% last week, and truck posts increased 2%. The average rate fell for the second straight week. Flatbed load availability increased 12% in October, and capacity declined 1.5%, compared to September. That combination yielded a 14% increase in the national load-to-truck ratio, from 12.8 to 14.5 loads per truck. Compared to September 2015, the ratio rose 47%. Dear friends around the world, Here are some of my thoughts after reading this interesting turn of events in Dharamsala in this article DIIR Holds First Workshop to Enhance Chinese Outreach Campaign which is on Central Tibetan Administrations (CTA) website belonging to the Tibetan leadership: 1. Any Tibetan inside or outside of Tibet who makes relationships with Chinese nationals and Chinas leadership is somehow always considered anti-Dalai Lama and anti-Tibetan and basically a traitor. So it is interesting the Tibetan leadership is encouraging workshops in their headquarters in Dharamsala of teaching Tibetans and others how to reach out to China and the Chinese national. That is indeed a stunning turn of events because the Tibetan leadership did not encourage friendship with China among their people as it would be seen as an act of betrayal to Tibet. Now they are having workshops to learn how to connect with China and Chinese nationals. So many Tibetan lamas and people have gone to China and met with leaders and the ordinary people and have been branded traitors. They are in turn ostracized. The Tibetan leadership likes to highlight which lama has ties with China and therefore against the Dalai Lama! 2. On the one hand, the Tibetan leadership are (understandably) always criticising the Chinese leadership. But what is done is done, and whatever Tibet was or was not in relations to China and its sovereignty is not in the cards anymore. So do not keep talking about what Tibet was. If they want a better deal for Tibet, then it is high time they tone down the negative rhetoric and humbly reach out to China. So it is important that at every get-together with foreign dignitaries and their citizens, the Tibetan leadership stops criticising and talking about the evils of China. 3. Do not talk about human rights, ethics and morality, and stamp down China with that. China is what it is. Every country in the world has human rights abuse issues and in some countries, it is still happening so no one should be the pot calling the kettle black. Basically, humans are interested in power, benefits and financial rewards and in most cases, these three override any sort of ethics and morality. If Western powers were so ethical and moral, why do they not go to war with China for Tibet, as they have done for Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam? I am not condoning war in any way but I am giving examples. With all of their so-called morality, human rights and ethics, the Western powers voted that within their policies, Tibet is a part of China. So is it not ironic that on the one hand, they entertain His Holiness the Dalai Lama and on the other hand, they are falling over one another to make close ties with China and get economic benefits? When it comes to governance, it is not morality and ethics that is high on the agenda but how much money is made. So it would behoove the Tibetan leadership to shift the direction of their friendship towards the Chinese. After all, in the last 50 years of their friendship with the West, the Tibetan leadership have received hundreds of millions in financial aid for Tibetan refugees but that did not help Tibet in any way. So if the Tibetan leadership keeps criticising China and waltzing with the West, it would show that they are actually interested in financial gains for their own coffers within the exile leadership, and not all that interested in helping Tibet. So which is it? You all have a guess. 4. It is interesting that there is this training programme going on. I hope it expands and becomes a regular event and, if I can say so, it should have started decades ago. The fact of the matter is that countries with sovereignty are making Olympic sprints towards friendship with China so what more is there to say about a leadership without a country and in exile? Therefore, if the Tibetans genuinely want this new initiative to be successful, they have to stop their negative rhetoric about China and stop further irritating this powerful nation. The bottom line is that, truth be told, it is a waiting game. The Tibetans in exile are dwindling and for Tibetans in foreign countries, they will increasingly integrate into their respective adopted countries as they reach the second, third, fourth generations living there. These current and future generations may be Tibetan in name and DNA but in any other way, their attitude will become more and more like their adopted countrys. If you look two, three, four generations into the future, all of this will be just another event in history, just like the takeover of Australia by British convicts, the pillage of American Indians in North America and the destruction of South American Mayan Empires by its greedy conquerors, to name just a few. And these conquered places have become sovereign countries belonging to the conquerors, without a peep from their native and original inhabitants. Australia, North America and South America are very good examples of how something wrong is, eventually and in time, forgotten and becomes something right. It is not that I agree but Tibet is a part of China and over time, it will become part and parcel of history, just like the three continents mentioned. 5. I find it very funny that I have always supported the preservation of the unique Tibetan language, culture and religion. I have always had the deepest and utmost respect for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and I still do. I have also had a great respect for the ancient and continuously influential and rich culture of China. My respect for Tibet and the Dalai Lama does not contradict my respect of China, and my respect of China does not contradict my simultaneous respect for Tibet and the Dalai Lama. Yet as an exiled Tibetan, I am forced to be one or the other where in fact I would love to see a friendship of China and Tibet that benefits both sides. I have always advocated this. For 400 years Dorje Shugden has been practised and has had nothing to do with politics. Suddenly, as a Dorje Shugden practitioner, I am tried and crucified as a hater of the Dalai Lama and Tibet. My religious practice has nothing to do with Tibetan or Chinese politics, but it has everything to do with my spiritual convictions. I am a Tibetan by blood, and a Buddhist and faithful practitioner of the Protector Dorje Shugden. I have no dealings and connections, nor have I ever had with the great nation of China. I do hope I can visit the religiously historically significant places in China that are connected with Buddhism, but that does not make me anti-Dalai Lama. What is funny is this that if you practise Dorje Shugden, you are on Chinas side and against the Dalai Lama. For me, personally, China and Dorje Shugden have nothing in common in my relationship with them. So I do not appreciate the negative rhetoric that I receive on a daily basis because I respect China and Dorje Shugden. Again, I would like to reiterate I respect the great nation of China, I respect Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama and I hope very much the three of them can be good friends because the alternative is the status quo. I am happy to see this workshop and I hope it continues. I hope that the Tibetan and Chinese people will become good friends but this can only happen if the Tibetan leadership extends an olive branch to China and soon, I hope, if not for themselves then for the six million Tibetans in Tibet. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama be strong and live very long. May the great nation of China grow in strength. And may Tibet become a zone of peace and happiness. Sincerely, Tsem Rinpoche DIIR Holds First Workshop to Enhance Chinese Outreach Campaign November 16, 2016 DHARAMSHALA: China desk of the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) held its first workshop for Chinese liaison officers to enhance its Chinese outreach campaign on Saturday, 12 November. The workshop was held as directed by Kashag at DIIRs Lhakpa Tsering Memorial Hall. Sixteen participants attended the workshop which included PhD students from the US, Belgium, Taiwan as well as from the Dalai Lama College of Higher Education based in Bangalore, India and the East Asian Research Center of Jawaharlal Nehru University based in New Delhi. During the workshop, Mr Dawa Tsering, Representative His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Taiwan, Mr Kunga Tashi, Chinese liaison officer at OOT North America, Mr Lama Kyab, the assistant to the Taiwan Representative Office, Joint Secretary Mr Sonam Dorjee, spoke on various topics related to Tibet and China. The topics include the reincarnation issue, restoration of Tibetan culture, Chinas Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law, the Middle Way Approach followed by a question and answer session. The participants expressed their satisfaction at the enthusiastic discussion on the Tibet-China issue and called for more such workshops and training in the future. Accoridng to DIIRs Chna desk, the workshop focused on three main issues vis a vis why do Tibetans need to reach out to Chinese, the level of coordination required with Chinese nationals, and how to reach out to Chinese nationals. For more interesting information: Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 13 of the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, allowance is made for fair dealing for purposes such as non-profit research, private study, criticism, review or the reporting of current events. The Operator and author(s) of TsemRinpoche.com, a not-for-profit blog, do not claim ownership on the intellectual property rights of the contents, images and/or videos reproduced in this article. Any subsisting intellectual property rights shall belong to the legal owner of the contents, images and/or videos. DENVER An appeals court ruled Tuesday that the controversial 2014 execution of an Oklahoma man, which lasted 43 minutes, was not cruel and inhumane. Everyone acknowledges that (Clayton) Lockett suffered during his execution, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver stated in a 32-page ruling. However, what Locketts estate alleged occurred was the sort of innocent misadventure or isolated mishap that the U.S. Supreme Court has excused from the definition of cruel and unusual punishment, the appeals court said. Some risk of pain is inherent in any method of execution no matter how humane, the appellate judges wrote, citing a Supreme Court decision in an unrelated case. Locketts estate had appealed a 2015 decision in Oklahoma City by U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton dismissing the estates lawsuit. It was against state officials and a McAlester doctor who was an executioner. Tuesdays 3-0 ruling affirmed Heatons decision. The drug midazolam was used to render Lockett unconscious before two other drugs were administered to bring about death. No state ever used that protocol, the appellate judges wrote. Locketts estate alleged, among other things, that what occurred at the execution was torture and human medical experimentation. Heatons decision stated that Lockett had no clearly established constitutional right to the use of any specific drugs for the lethal injection that was used. A state investigation later concluded the drugs did not enter Locketts vein due to an IV that executioners improperly placed. Lockett was put to death for the 1999 murder, near Perry, of Stephanie Neiman. The execution was the focus of international attention and was condemned in some quarters. The American Civil Liberties Union, Doctors for the Ethical Practice of Medicine and numerous doctors submitted arguments to the appeals court as friends of the court. Among those doctors is John Henning Schumann, a professor of medicine at the University of Tulsa. Locketts attorneys also claimed that his right to due process was violated because his attorney was not allowed to sit next to him in the death chamber. Apparently, plaintiff claims that Mr. Lockett had a right to communicate with his counsel as he lay on the gurney in the execution chamber, so that he could potentially commence litigation about whatever aspect of the execution process arguably violated his rights, Heaton wrote in his decision last year. Plaintiff cites no authority which gets remotely close to supporting that remarkable assertion, and the court has considerable doubt whether any constitutional violation of that sort even arguably exists. Heaton dismissed all claims against members of the execution team, Department of Corrections Department officials and Gov. Mary Fallin. A former probate attorney admitted Tuesday to embezzling more than half a million dollars from clients whose estates he once managed. Christopher Ivor Mansfield, 38, admitted he took a total of about $587,030 from nearly a dozen estates he handled during a three-year period ending in October 2015. Federal prosecutors charged Mansfield on Sept. 28 with one count of bank fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transaction in connection with the scheme. U.S. Attorney Danny Williams said Mansfield opened bank accounts in the name of the estates in order to deposit, disperse and transfer funds. Williams said Mansfield used the money for personal expenses and to fuel a substantial cocaine habit. Following the hearing Tuesday in Tulsa federal court, Williams said the legal profession should be concerned when attorneys steal from their clients. I believe that they should be dealt with harshly and were going to seek a significant sentence in this case, Williams said. The bank fraud count carries a maximum 30-year prison term and maximum $1 million fine, while the money laundering count carries a maximum 10-year prison term and a fine which may be well over $1 million, said Chief U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell, who presided over the hearing. Williams said it was believed that Mansfields scheme started prior to 2013, but the statute of limitations prevented prosecuting acts that occurred more than three years ago. Frizzell asked Mansfield during the hearing about reports that he once had a $2,000 to $4,000 drug habit. Is that per week, per month? Frizzell asked. Per week, Mansfield replied, also telling the judge that he has been clean since seeking in-patient treatment on Nov. 20, 2015. The criminal investigation by the IRS and FBI came about after probes by the Oklahoma Bar Association and Tulsa County probate court found irregularities with estates under Mansfields control, officials said. At the time of the alleged crimes, Mansfield was an Oklahoma-licensed attorney who was court-appointed in probate cases. He served as a personal representative in probate cases and was responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of multiple probate estates. Williams said earlier that none of the funds had been recovered and indicated it would be a challenge to recoup the monies. Nevertheless, the plea agreement calls for Mansfield to make restitution totaling $587,030, representing the amount taken in the scheme. One of the Mansfields victims told Frizzell Tuesday that the experience had been very traumatic for his family. It is beyond my comprehension that someone could do this to a family, said David Cox, whose mothers estate is due $5,223 in restitution from Mansfield. Frizzell set a sentencing date of Feb. 15 for Mansfield, who is free on an unsecured bond. Residents in Valsayn South are said to be marooned in their homes. Councillor for the area S CuriousWorks workshop with YouTube sensation RackaRacka The Australian Film, Television & Radio School has released a research paper on best practice in building diversity in the screen industry. The research paper, Inclusive Pathways Framework for Screen Storytelling Talent, was launched at the Screen Forever conference yesterday. The paper surveys the current landscape in Australia and internationally and offers recommendations to ensure underrepresented groups are provided opportunity and access. The current conversation on the lack of diversity and inclusion in the media is not new one. Its a conversation thats been going on in Australia for more than 20 years, said AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow. AFTRS commissioned this research to understand what the industry can do today to make a lasting change, so that we will not need to be shocked into action in another decade or two. There are a lot of good schemes and people who have made a difference. We also spoke to people about the barriers they feel are stopping underrepresented groups from entering the industry to better understand how to dismantle them. The research makes it clear that there is no easy answer and no short term fixes, however that a cohesive and comprehensive industry approach needs to be implemented to develop careers from school onwards. This will need commitment, consideration and collaboration across the industry. Together we can make a difference, he said. At AFTRS, we are committed to finding and empowering Australian storytellers for the screen regardless of where they come from or who they are. We are doing this because our role is to champion Australian creativity and culture in its entirety. This demands being as open, accessible and diverse as the nation we serve. The AFTRS research paper follows the Schools work on diversity through the year, including the well-attended industry forum Diversity: Building a Platform for Change. The School has partnered with several organisations to reach out to diverse communities including, most recently, a week-long intensive workshop with western Sydney based CuriousWorks, a group of young arts-media inventors committed to subtly reshaping the media landscape that reflect the Australian community in its true diversity. Disclaimer: AFTRS advertises at TV Tonight. Someone asked me the other day Arent you tired of playing Ash? But Im just getting started! Bruce Campbell declares. What a guy. After first appearing as Ash Williams in Sam Raimis Evil Dead film in 1981, he shows no signs of winding down the character 35 years later. Currently appearing in the second season of spin-off series Ash vs Evil Dead, he sees plenty of scope for character development, thanks to the depth of the medium. In television Ash gets to speak. Evil Dead 2 I shot for weeks at a time without saying any dialogue, he recalls. But in this case its a really great chance to flesh him out, and you have to for television. But the beauty is you get to sit down with people and have little side conversations. You see him in all these different scenarios and situations. Now because youre telling a bigger story Ash has to be a hero, he has to be a leader. He makes really bad mistakes and causes people to die but hes our guy. I just like how flawed he is. I just like how flawed he is. Id rather watch a story about a garage mechanic than a superhero. I cant relate to the guy in spandex. I want to be able to relate to something. Joining him in the NZ-filmed series are Lucy Lawless, Ray Santiago and Dana DeLorenzo. The second season of the horror series sees Ash leaving his beloved Jacksonville and returning to his hometown of Elk Grove, Michigan. There, he confronts Ruby (Lawless) while former enemies have to form an uneasy alliance as Elk Grove soon becomes the nucleus of evil. Also appearing in season 2 is original Six Million Dollar Man Lee Majors as Ashs father. That was pretty sweet casting I have to say. We wanted that bad, Campbell explains. He doesnt do horror, so I give him a lot of credit. This is a guy who has been doing family friendly stuff for decades in very popular shows. But to his credit he said Let me watch the first season and he laughed his ass off. It was a blast to have him. And who knows, never say never about characters coming and going? Maybe we can keep him around. There isnt much of a comedy-horror genre With its tongue planed firmly in its bloodied cheek, Ash vs Evil Dead has been praised for keeping the comedy-horror genre alive. There isnt much of a comedy-horror genre, Campbell suggests. I think weve got it mostly sewn up. The Walking Dead is not a real laugh riot. Other shows like American Horror Story are not very funny either. So weve just continued to celebrate that genre, but I dont know who is interested in following after us. Its a funky genre. Its splat-stick. But I hope we make it easier for that genre to continue to thrive. The Walking Dead has done a great service to the horror genre and brought it literally out of the shadows. The show certainly has its devotees, with Campbell a regular on the fan convention-circuit. My first convention was 88 and Ive been doing them ever since. Every year is different but I probably do 3 to 4 a year, anyway. When I do these promotional things, San Diego Comic Con, Europe Comic Con, they dont let you make any money. Im just there for PR. But its fine. I go for social interaction and to put money in the coffers. No mystery there, he insists. A couple of key things have changed at conventions. It used to be Adam West. A guy who was on a show 30 years ago, and his sidekick. And theyre still there. God bless Adam West, hes still ticking. I love that guy. Hes 85! Those guys were my idols. But now they bring in current guys who are on the air right now, because they know they are relevant right now. People dont usually stand in line for shows like Burn Notice. Despite a formidable CV including Burn Notice, The Hudsucker Proxy, The Majestic, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Librarians and Fargo, its Ash Williams the fans come to see. People dont usually stand in line for shows like Burn Notice. They stand in line for shows that are culty and Evil Dead is very culty. In Season 2, Campbell says Ash has to make good and clean up his town, despite the fact they dont really want him back. Hes the Ashy-Slashy, the urban myth, the broomstick butcher with the chainsaw hand who killed innocent kids 35 years ago, he says. So he has baggage. He has to save a town that doesnt really want him. They feel like theyd be better off without him. You go into his bedroom. You never really saw where Ash came from, so I love this. And there will be some Easter eggs coming up too call backs to some older characters. His goal this season is really to clean up his town and try and have a normal life. So good luck with that! Ash vs Evil Dead is currently screening on Stan. Not all reboots get the greenlight with a small screen adaptation of The First Wives Club being passed by US cable network TV Land. But the project may yet be redeveloped. The 1996 feature, which starred Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, was to have been a single-camera comedy starring Alyson Hannigan, Megan Hilty and Vanessa Lachey as former 1990s classmates who reconnect in present day San Francisco after their close friend from college dies in a freak accident. When they discover that they are all at a romantic crossroads, they band together to tackle divorce, relationships and lifes other annoying challenges. Written by Rebecca Addelman it may yet be redeveloped. Another TV Land pilot based on a movie, Heathers, is headed into production while American Woman, featuring Alicia Silverstone was picked up to series earlier this week. Original First Wives star, Goldie Hawn, is currently visiting Australia. Source: Deadline Next week Richard Ayoade returns in a second season of Travel Man, now on SBS VICELAND. The former IT Crowd stars shows everyone where they have been going wrong with their holidays, and how to extract the maximum from just 48 hours away. Episode One: Vienna Richard is joined by fellow star of The IT Crowd, Chris ODowd, for 48 hours in the Imperial splendour of Vienna. Over a packed two days, theyll tour the city twice, sample its finest sausages, cakes, wines and spirits, visit fairgrounds, cafes, sewers and the home of one of Viennas most famous sons. Monday, 21 November at 8.00pm on SBS VICELAND Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman held a meeting with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The sides discussed future joint steps to implement structural reforms in Ukraine and support economic growth, the governments official website reported on Tuesday evening. Prime Minister Groysman stressed that the Ukrainian government is aimed at carrying out successful reforms in the country and focuses on the agenda of its action program to be implemented in full. We understand that the structural reforms vital for the country prove necessary, first and foremost, for Ukraine, to let us out of the difficult economic situation that we have occurred in as a result of decades without reforms", stressed the prime minister. Prime Minister Groysman noted that the Ukrainian economy is demonstrating a growing trend. This growth must be preserved and accelerated, he said. According to him, the governments coordinated work of Government and Parliament will ensure further successful development of the country. The Prime Minister mentioned that Government continues corporatization of state-owned enterprises and takes measures to de-shadow the economy and to provide economic growth. He also informed the interlocutors that the discussions on the draft national budget for 2017 are ongoing in Ukraine. In in particular, he stressed that Government takes efforts to ensure that the budget process be completed on time and expects Parliament will adopt the national budget. iy UN Member States adopted the resolution on the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol (Ukraine) at the meeting of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. The document was supported by 73 countries, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. However, 76 Member States abstained, and 26 Member States voted against the resolution, noting that it "contains a selective approach and politicizes the consideration of issues related to human rights." The resolution on the human rights situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol (Ukraine) condemns the massive human rights violations in the occupied Crimea and calls on Russia as an occupying power to adhere to its obligations under the international law. The resolution also contains an appeal to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report on the situation on the Crimean peninsula. Among other things, the document urges Russia to provide unhindered access to the peninsula for the international human rights defenders, including those working under the auspices of the UN. ol Names of 100 people suspected of downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have been identified and will be revealed by early 2018. This was stated by Transport Minister of Malaysia Liow Tiong Lai, FMT reports. "About 100 suspects had been identified as being involved in shooting down the plane," he said. According to the Malaysian Minister, all the 100 suspects will be called in to give their statements, and the investigation will reveal the names of those involved in the tragedy by early 2018. "We will use the International Court in Netherlands to prosecute those responsible," the Minister said. The Joint Investigation Team, comprising Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine, is working together on the criminal investigation into the crash, he added. The flight was shot down on July 17, 2014 by a BUK missile from the 9M38-series. All 283 passengers and 15 crew on board, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, were killed. ol The introduction of state financing of political parties could be a basis for the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine and a real step towards fight against corruption. US Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Louise Yovanovitch said this during her speech at the forum "Our money in politics: version 2.0," an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Ukraine today has one of the most progressive legislation in Europe regarding the financing of political activities. It includes transparency and accessibility to financing, limit for private contributions and gender perspective. This reform can be a main step in the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine," the ambassador said. "The US government is pleased to continue to support the Ukrainian people in the implementation of this legislation," Yovanovitch promised. ish Ukrainian ministries and agencies should speed up the process of introducing the e-governance. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this at the Cabinets meeting on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "We need to speed up and provide support, including financial, for introducing e-governance and minimizing contacts with government officials," Groysman said. According to him, the authorities have the necessary opportunities for doing this. "I urge all the ministries to take this seriously," the Prime Minister said. In this context, the Government has adopted today a draft document to facilitate introduction of the e-governance in Ukraine. ol Many Thanks to our Advertisers When choosing between competing products and services, please consider our advertisers, who help support Brand New. WASHINGTON -- As a Donald Trump victory became clear last week, the ghost of Herbert Hoover paid a visit to Trump's election night party in New York. In the Fox News coverage playing on screens in the ballroom, Megyn Kelly turned to Karl Rove. "It didn't happen under Reagan or the Bushes. When was the last time a Republican president had a Republican Congress?" "1928," Rove answered. "Incredible," Kelly said. Yes, quite: Republicans actually had unified control for four years under George W. Bush, and for two years under Dwight Eisenhower, as Rove amended when I followed up with him. But the 1928 comparison is instructive. It's the last time a Republican president enjoyed anything like the majority Trump will have, particularly in the House. And how did that work out for them? Hoover took over in a time of general prosperity but stagnant wages and vast income inequality. Populists in Congress proposed dramatic increases in tariffs to help the struggling agricultural sector, the equivalent of today's beleaguered blue-collar workers. The proposal divided Republicans in Congress and Hoover before they produced the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, setting off retaliation, freezing international trade, contributing to the Great Depression and accelerating a ruinous cycle of nationalism around the world. Hoover's ghost should haunt the GOP right now. A populist, protectionist president has come to power at a time of long-depressed wages and vast inequality. He threatens to implement a 45 percent tariff against China and 35 percent against Mexico, and he's about to collide with free-traders and pro-business interests in his own party. If they jettison Trump's agenda and proceed with business as usual, they risk inflaming Trump's already furious followers. If they do what Trump has promised, there will be chaos as they pursue what amounts to a mission impossible: enacting a huge tax cut, making enormous spending increases on infrastructure and the military and cutting the debt in half -- all without touching Social Security and Medicare. With unified control, Republicans now own every issue -- health care, the economy, national security -- and Democrats, who narrowly won the popular vote and are supported by exit polls showing tepid support for many of Trump's policy priorities, have little incentive to cooperate. Some early signs show Trump won't hesitate to disappoint supporters. Drain the swamp? Trump has packed his transition team with a who's who of the K Street lobbying trade, according to Politico. Among those in charge of staffing the new administration are people who have lobbied for or represented Altria, Visa, Anthem, Coca-Cola, General Electric, HSBC, Pfizer, PhRMA, United Airlines, Southern Company, Dow Chemical, Rosemont Copper Co., Boeing, Duke Energy and Nucor. My colleague Catherine Ho reports that Trump's win "is likely to be a boon to the lobbying business," as businesses try to counteract the uncertainty with more lobbyists. The Trump-proposed ban on Muslims entering the country? As the Post's Jose A. DelReal reported, the Trump campaign removed that policy's webpage Thursday, then restored it after the reporter's inquiries. That wall on the Mexican border? "Going to take a while," Trump lieutenant Rudy Giuliani said Thursday, suggesting "he can do it by executive order by just reprogramming money within the immigration service." "Reprogramming" money away from ... deportation? Truly building the wall would cost many billions of dollars and require approval from Congress. The "lock her up" crowd may also be disappointed. Chris Christie said "politics are over now." On that same question, however, Giuliani said prosecuting Clinton would be "a presidential decision" -- an extraordinary departure from the American tradition of removing the president from prosecutorial decisions, particularly since President Nixon tried to block the Justice Department's Watergate probe in 1973. The Trump transition sounded another Nixonian note when Trump surrogate Omarosa Manigault told a conservative website that Trump is keeping an enemies list. The conflicting signals suggest Trump himself hasn't settled on his course. His gracious victory speech was about reaching out to the opposition, but Breitbart News, whose once and future leader ran the campaign, has been whipping up racial fears ("Shock Video Shows White Man Viciously Beaten in Chicago After Election"). On Thursday night, the president-elect tweeted that "professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!" Friday morning he reconsidered: "Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!" Trump's internal tension is understandable. He can leave supporters disillusioned, or he can keep his promises -- and send us all back to 1928. DECATUR Opportunities for business development exist as the world's food production changes to meet evolving demands of consumption. That's a message Parry Dixon delivered Tuesday as part of the Millikin Institute for Science Entrepreneurship Speaker Series. Different food and ways to consume are likely to lead to opportunities to develop businesses, said Dixon, who is director of economic research for Archer Daniels Midland Co. There are tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs, Dixon said. Those challenges are really opportunities. Africa will be the real test of humanity over the next 20 to 25 years. The challenge is to meet the needs of a global population that is continuing to increase, particularly in Africa, Dixon said. We need to make sure we don't have persistent starvation on that continent, Dixon said. Africa is a major challenge and a major opportunity as we look at agriculture going into 2050. The world population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, he said. Dixon said much of the world is struggling with undernourishment as the affordability of food is an issue. Meat consumption has doubled in the past 25 years, as Dixon said China has led the way. With Africa and India expected to experience the most growth, he doesn't expect the trend of increasing meat consumption to continue. India is not going to suddenly start consuming beef and pork, Dixon said. We'll continue to eat meat, but the rate of growth is going to change. More meat could be traded, which Dixon said could provide an opportunity in the United States and South America. The challenge will be handling food safety issues, he said. Our record on food safety allows us to be able to compete, Dixon said. Decatur can be at the center of the innovations involved in the changing nature of agriculture, Millikin University President Patrick White said. We need to produce more and innovate in every aspect we can, White said. This innovation in food is happening right here in Decatur. Food and its processing is not going to go away. While other types of jobs have faded away with advancements in technology, White expects the need to work in and train for careers related to food production to continue as the demand to adequately feed the world population remains high. DECATUR Dwayne Orville Andreas, an agribusiness giant who brought the world to Central Illinois, died Wednesday. He was 98. The fourth son born to a Mennonite farming family in Minnesota, he dropped out of college but rose from humble beginnings to become chief executive officer of Archer Daniels Midland Co. in 1970 and CEO and chairman from 1972 until he stepped down from the CEO's office in 1997. He retired as chairman in 1999. Under his leadership, ADM went from a modest regional grain processor with sales of $425 million to a world-leading company with 1997 revenues of $13.9 billion. A friend of U.S. presidents and world leaders, he invited many of them to visit him in Decatur, and they came. The VIP guest list included President Ronald Reagan and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. He even flew Mother Teresa to Decatur in his corporate jet in 1989 so she could visit with his secretary's 5-year-old son who suffered from muscular dystrophy. Andreas, and his late wife, Inez, who died in 2012, contributed generously to charities, colleges, the American Red Cross and countless other causes. One idea close to his heart was fighting world hunger and using advances in agricultural technology to feed more people. During his lifetime, Mr. Andreas passionately believed in agriculture's ability to address hunger among the world's poor, ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano said Wednesday. He used his deep understanding of global markets and extraordinary business acumen to support policies and programs that helped food reach people in resource-scarce regions. "After President John F. Kennedy appointed him to the American Food for Peace Council, Mr. Andreas was quoted as saying: 'Food knows no boundaries. We are in the international age of agriculture.' Referring to ADM's giant global workforce, Luciano added: On behalf of ADM's 32,000 colleagues around the world, I extend condolences to the entire Andreas family. ADM had employed just 3,000 people and owned 40 processing plants, mainly in the Midwest, when Andreas had ascended to the top job in 1970. Upon his retirement, the company had more than 23,000 employees and owned 274 processing plants spanning the world. A former U.S. ambassador, Robert Strauss, once described Andreas as A very able businessman, probably the ablest one I've ever known. Part of his business savvy was knowing he needed influence in high places: His list of friends and golfing partners included Republican presidential nominee Thomas Dewey and former House Speaker Thomas (Tip) O'Neill, a Democrat. One especially close friend was Vice President Hubert Humphrey, who was godfather to Andreas's son, Michael. Andreas knew President Ronald Reagan well, and Reagan appointed him to chair of the foundation that helped meet the cost of national celebrations to mark the U.S. Constitution's 200th birthday in 1987. But plying politicians with money also led Andreas into controversy. An investigation in the time of Watergate accused Andreas of illegally contributing $100,000 to Humphrey's 1968 presidential campaign, but Andreas was later acquitted of all allegations. A $25,000 cash donation to President Nixon's 1972 re-election bid also caught attention during Watergate, sparking debate about unreported campaign money. The biggest scandal under his watch broke in the 1990s with news that certain company executives had taken part in a scheme to fix the price of citric acid and lysine, an animal feed additive. ADM was eventually fined $100 million. Andreas was never accused of wrongdoing, but three executives were subsequently jailed, including his son Michael, who had been the heir apparent at the time to his father's leadership role at ADM. Looking back on Andreas's life and legacy today, however, many community leaders who knew him, such as Decatur Tribune Editor and former Mayor Paul Osborne, said the positives of his life far outweigh any negatives. I think what he accomplished in his life far exceeds anyone talking in negative tones about what he did or the company did, Osborne said. Andreas was one of those people who was overall bigger than the company itself. He embodied this aggressive company policy that said we're here to grow and we're here to be on the world stage; a lot of the good things that have happened in our community and with Archer Daniels Midland were the result of the forward thinking he had. Andreas was only 5 feet, 4 inches tall, and yet Osborne remembers him as a giant figure who brought world leaders and the world to Decatur. He described him as the kind of corporate titan we don't see so much anymore. He was a cut above about every business leader I ever knew, Osborne said. There was just such a respect for his judgment. I was at a few meetings with him, and, when he walked in, the room got quiet. Everyone knew that this man was worth listening to. Mirinda Rothrock, president of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, had worked in Andreas' office for several years and described him as an icon who cared about the Decatur and Macon County communities. She said the generosity of Andreas means his name will live on forever. I guess if I had one thing to say about Mr. Andreas, it's that it will be very hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember, Rothrock said. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe also described Andreas as an iconic figure who propelled his city to the forefront of the agribusiness world as he brought global leaders to our door. He really put Decatur on the map, and he built Archer Daniels Midland, said Moore Wolfe. What he did was just absolutely amazing. And Andreas was fondly remembered by philanthropist Howard G. Buffett, who moved his family to Decatur nearly 25 years ago after he was offered a position at ADM. Dwayne was the reason I moved to Decatur, Buffett said. He was a great teacher and he gave me some amazing opportunities. Donald Trump emerging as the President-elect of the United States of America is not warmly welcomed by most universities in the country. There might be mixed opinions over tolerant or concerned educators way of coping with the serious stress experienced by students - but they are in line with psychiatric principles. The unexpected result that denied the presidency to a very capable woman Hillary Clinton, who was speculated to be the first woman to become US president has disappointed many students. The shock has even escalated towards the rest of the academe. Educators must do something to aid the mourning students. The shock has caused changes in the setup of classrooms in universities especially in schools where only a few or no known Donald Trump supporters. The University of Michigan Law School, for instance, came up with the so-called "post-election self-care". Might be funny for some but psychologists would definitely agree with their strategies. Refreshments are served, helpful play psychologically available in the classrooms coloring books, play dough sets, card-making packs, Legos and some bubbles. They might be law students but the activity can take their minds away from their troubled emotions. They are not just for children but for adults too, based on the report of USA Today. Stanford informed students and faculty members that psychological counseling is available for those who are experiencing post-election symptoms. The University of Michigan's Flint campus also did the same. Ivy League follows suit, with the University of Pennsylvania which is Trump's alma mater went as far as offering puppy therapy. UM Law then removed the website announcement when the situation neutralizes and students are already slowly getting back to their normal state. The kindergarten approach like what critics call it really did help the young adults in university campuses, added The Most Important News. Donald Trump's election victory also marks the expansion of charter schools in the country. Not only that he prefers it than the public school system but he will also offer incentives for school operators to embrace. Rudy Giuliani, vice chairman of president-elect Trump's transition team is confident that it is a priority of the new administration. The $20 billion school choice idea of Donald Trump will allow 11 million students in the poverty level the opportunity to attend the school of their choice. This is seen to bridge the gap for students having more opportunities from the elite schools than the students in public schools. The federal funding for education will be redirected to this program, according to New York Post. Grant distribution will be flexible towards favoring states' choices of private schools, charter laws, and magnet educational facilities. This will encourage them to join the federal campaign as Trump will work on the congress as her supports charter school system more than his rival, Hillary Clinton. The national teachers' union led by Randi Weingarten was said to have the influence with Hillary Clinton's silence when it comes to the charter school system's endorsement. It is, however, not clear if Clinton is really against the promotion of charter schools. It is speculated that the election result will give mixed blessings. Republicans seem to have control of the New York State Senate while voters in Massachusetts rejected the increase of the number of charter schools. Also, Mayor de Blasio is resisting to allow charter schools in public school vicinity. The charter school preference of Donald Trump inspires schools to expand their facilities following the same system just like Syracuse in Bew York that is now on their 3rd charter school after the recent approval, based on the report on the Syracuse website. What's your fondest childhood memory? By the time you have reached adulthood, you might have already forgotten a lot of things from so many years back but it's quite amazing how you can still recall things that are associated with your major life events like the time you got your first puppy, or the time you drove a car, etc. You associate these vivid memories to your most important life events for a reason. A University of Edinburgh study explained the event of creation of memories and called it "flash bulb" memory. The research suggest that when an individual is exposed to something that's new to them, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical that is being transmitted to the part of the brain that is responsible for memory foundation. So that means that the dopamine is the one that creates the memory for that specific moment. In short, the way to improve your memory is the element of surprise. Professor Richard Morris, of the Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Little surprises happen all the time in subtle ways that reflect our personal lives and interests. Somehow, the novelty of surprise creates a halo of better memory for all the otherwise trivial events of one's day that we ordinarily forget." So now that you know what triggers your memory creation, here's how you can apply this in your daily life. Take a break after long hours of focusing on your work. A few minutes to breathe won't hurt. Since dopamine is released when you finish something, you have to celebrate small wins within the day. No matter how small your accomplishments you deserve to celebrate them. Take body breaks to give yourself a boost of endorphins and dopamine. And lastly, try something you haven't done before. It does not have to be breath taking or something like that. The only important thing is that you are able to create something new so you won't have to stick to just the same old routine because life does not have to be boring! DECATUR David McGee was sentenced to the maximum term of 15 years in prison, after a jury convicted him of attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, for trying to rape an elderly woman. At the sentencing hearing Tuesday, Circuit Judge Timothy Steadman said that after hearing from the state that McGee previously sexually abused a 15-year-old girl, he had to sentence him to the maximum term for the protection of the community. His history of criminality is quite substantial, Steadman said. McGee, 37, was convicted Oct. 4 after a woman in her 70s testified that he tried to rape her after threatening her with a butcher knife, trying to tie her up with duct tape and threatening to kill her cat. With credit for time served in jail since June 2014 McGee will be eligible for parole in 2021. Assistant Macon County State's Attorney Lindsey Shelton, who recommended the maximum sentence for the Class 1 felony, presented testimony from two Decatur police detectives as evidence in aggravation. Prior cases of sexual abuse by McGee were presented by detective Joe Patton. In a 2010 Greene County case, the victim was a 15-year-old developmentally disabled girl with a mental age of 9. She reported that he sexually assaulted her and tried to force her to commit other acts. He was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to register as a sexual predator for life. McGee was also accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in Florida in 2007. Detective Ron Borowczyk said he found evidence on the laptop computer in McGee's residence of granny pornography, featuring women older than 60. Steadman sustained an objection by Assistant Public Defender David Ellison as to its admissibility because there was not enough evidence to say it was him viewing it. Before the hearing started, McGee argued in support of a motion for a new trial. I don't feel like I had a fair trial, McGee said, as he sat at the defense table with Ellison. He said he believed the jurors had done background checks on him prior to trial, although they were ordered not to do so. He said he wanted to read reports of the two other arresting officers, although he admitted he did not know if they ever wrote reports. He said he believed his attorney should have argued a lot more stronger for him. Ellison argued that there was insufficient evidence for a conviction, including no forensic evidence connecting McGee to the knife or duct tape. Steadman denied the motion. He said some of those issues had already been litigated and settled. If there's one witness, and that witness is credible, that's sufficient, Steadman said. There was also other evidence that corroborated her testimony. A certain Harvard graduate recalls that a simple essay filled with a painful childhood memory allowed her entry into not just one - but 14 colleges. Soa Andrian, a recent graduate from Harvard University, told the Business Insider that in applying for college, her original essay felt insincere, and felt the need to write something else. "My original common app essay was about a poster presentation I made at a summer program and what I learned about being less shy," she said. "But it felt disingenuous. I think it felt disingenuous because I wrote what I thought admissions committees would want to see - a little humility by sharing an insecurity, but a small one that ultimately was easy to overcome." Instead of submitting that essay, Andrian wrote a personal one that featured one of her painful but cherished memories while visiting relatives at Antananarivo, Madagascar. This essay earned her acceptances to 14 colleges: Harvard University, Brown University, University of Chicago, Columbia University, The University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Miami, MIT, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Rice University, Stanford University, and Washington University. In that essay, she wrote of an experience wherein she was made fun of by four boys. They kept teasing her "fat" in their native language. In response, young Andrian shouted, "You are just jealous that you are poor and I am American!" She ran home to her father and aunt, and was comforted by the latter. Later, when she walked along the area, the same boys saw her, but this time they ran away. Moments later they returned, waving some paper bills and saying innocently, "Look! We are not poor! We have money! We are Amreekan too!" Andrian said the sight taught her many things, and has given her a passion to serve. She said her passion to serve will enable her to bring improvement to the community in the college and beyond. "I work for these boys, for all the proud Malagasy (and even those who are not proud to be Malagasy), and the children who cherish "what is" instead of mourning "what could be"," she said. Andrian's other noteworthy stats can be found in education startup AdmitSee. A high school history teacher was forced to go on leave after he compared Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Frank Navarro, who has taught at Mountain View High School in California for 40 years, is a Holocaust scholar. Quartz reported that Navarro was asked to temporarily leave the school last week after they received a complaint about what he was teaching in class. Apparently, the complaints were about a lesson where he discussed "remarkable parallels" between Trump and Hitler. He talked about how similar their attitudes were, especially in using people against foreigners to win an election. Both leaders also promised to make their countries "great again." Speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle, Navarro revealed that the parent accused him of saying that "Donald Trump was Hitler." He denied such claim, saying that "that's sloppy historical thinking." "I think it makes sense," he said about the two leaders' similarities. "It's factual, it's evidence-based. It reminds students that history is real." The school's principal, Dave Grissom, and Superintendent Jeff Harding believes that the lesson was inappropriate. "Regardless of their political affiliation, many of our students show signs of emotional stress," Grissom told parents last Friday. He added that he is responsible for maintaining an "emotionally safe environment" for students. Moreover, he also wants to protect teachers and staff from unsubstantiated allegations. According to Oracle Online, Navarro only wanted to show how present day events are parallel to history. He believes that his lessons were factually accurate since he was able to study the Holocaust in-depth. Senior student Justin Allen did accuse Navarro of holding one-sided class discussions. He was enrolled in the teacher's first period Civics and Economics class. Navarro denied the accusations. "I do agree with some of [Trump's] policies, and when I'd try to talk about it, [Navarro] just told me to shut up or said something super rude," the student said. "I like to treat people the way I want to be treated, and I would never treat a teacher that way. That's super disrespectful." Microsoft has helped with the investigation on hateful and racist text messages sent to black students at the University of Pennsylvania last week. Several freshmen were added to a GroupMe message named "Mud Men." They were bombarded with racial slurs and graphic images with racially explicit content. A member of the group posted a photo of lynchings with the caption, "I love America." The same individual also posted an event into the message called "Daily lynching." The University of Pennsylvania has released a statement on Twitter revealing that the GroupMe account "appears to be based in Oklahoma." Police and information security staff are already working to find the exact location of the account. The Guardian reported that Microsoft is helping UPenn with the investigation. The racist text messages were sent using the company's GroupMe chat app. The company has announced that it would suspend the accounts responsible. "As soon as we became aware of the chats taking place on GroupMe, which violated our terms of service, we took action and removed the chats," a spokesperson for Microsoft told the publication. "We're investigating to determine which user accounts will be suspended." The University of Pennsylvania has also partnered with FBI to investigate the incident. It was found that three people from Oklahoma may have been responsible for the hateful act, one of whom was a student at the University of Oklahoma. "The University of Oklahoma has made it clear that we will not tolerate racism or hate speech that constitutes a threat to our campus or others," University of Oklahoma president David L. Boren said in a statement. "We have a record of taking swift action once all of the facts are known." The surge of hostile acts against minority students came after Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidential Election 2016. Muslim, Latino and black students in different universities have been targeted for their race or religious beliefs by supporters of the president-elect. In 2011, the National Institute of Informatics initiated a project that would enable a robot with artificial intelligence to gain entry at the University of Tokyo. Like most students, in order to study in the school, all applicants must go through the mandatory entrance exam. University of Tokyo, or Todai, wanted to create an artificial intelligence program that is smart enough to do it. They hoped to have this goal fulfilled in March 2022. However, the team decided that it is abandoning that program when its latest AI robot failed to gain admission at Todai. Aptly named Todai Robot, the AI program successfully passed initial tests. Until the team discovered that the program has a limitation. According to Japan Times, the AI did not have a complete ability to understand certain exam questions. Professor Noriko Arai, the man behind NII, explained that the Todai Robot is not good at answering questions that requires meaning. Most admissions exam require the student to not only answer technical questions relating to the school, industry and course. Exams also requires the applicants to answer questions that have a broader meaning. Last year, the Todai Robot took a test via the unified admission for national universities. The results were not successful. This year, the AI robot took another version of the test. Its scores were similar to last year's results. Over-all, the AI robot has slowly gained and increased its academic performance. But because of the unsuccessful attempts at making the cut, the team behind the Todai Robot is now thinking of focusing its efforts elsewhere. The team is planning to shift their focus to gaining the academic skills required for written answers. The team must also take into account the inclusion of newer answers to its database. Will an artificial intelligence program be able to pass an entrance exam in the future? Only time will tell. The Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring Project, or DREAM project for short, names Dascha Polanco as its DREAMer of the Year. Dascha Polanco is a Dominican American actress, best known for playing the character Dayanara Diaz on "Orange Is the New Black." Being named as DREAMer of the Year, she is being recognized because of her philanthropic work for education. Her new theater and arts program is being recognized by the Dominican Republic as an essential program in partnership with DREAM, according to Latina. This is Polanco's way of giving back to her community. She knows what it is like in the DR. She was an immigrant before she became to the United States. Her dream is to become a famous actress one day. Having achieved that, she now wants to empower other people to fulfill their dreams and do the same. Dascha Polanco explains that it was because of her education that she is doing this. Ever since she was in kindergarten, she knew that education is valuable. According to her, education is something that no one can take away. Because of school, she has degrees and is now a learned woman who can do well in a social environment. To be recognized as DREAMer of the Year in 2016's The Dream Project Annual New York City Benefit is not a big deal for the actress. She is doing it solely because she wants to and not because it is for publicity. Her goal is to enable kids to achieve their dreams. And her partnership with DREAM Project can do that. Her new theater and arts program is an outlet for kids in DR to get creative. Her only concern is that kids can reach their full potential. And education makes it possible to achieve their dreams. When asked about her message to kids when it comes to school, the actress says that reading is an important validation. /> java.io.FileNotFoundException: /web/unodc/content/en/frontpage/2016/november/bolstering-anti-corruption-and-independence-among-the-judiciary_-the-global-judicial-integrity-network.html (No such file or directory) java.io.FileInputStream.open0(Native Method) java.io.FileInputStream.open(FileInputStream.java:195) java.io.FileInputStream.(FileInputStream.java:138) java.io.FileInputStream.(FileInputStream.java:93) org.apache.jsp.WEB_002dINF.dyncontent.util_005fsupport.cms3_005fredirect_jsp._jspService(cms3_005fredirect_jsp.java:166) org.apache.jasper.runtime.HttpJspBase.service(HttpJspBase.java:70) javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:764) org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServletWrapper.service(JspServletWrapper.java:466) org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServlet.serviceJspFile(JspServlet.java:379) org.apache.jasper.servlet.JspServlet.service(JspServlet.java:327) javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet.service(HttpServlet.java:764) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:228) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:163) org.apache.logging.log4j.web.Log4jServletFilter.doFilter(Log4jServletFilter.java:64) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:190) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:163) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.invoke(ApplicationDispatcher.java:711) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.doInclude(ApplicationDispatcher.java:578) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationDispatcher.include(ApplicationDispatcher.java:517) org.undcp.common.WebResourceHandler.processDynamicContent(WebResourceHandler.java:347) org.undcp.common.WebResourceHandler.doFilter(WebResourceHandler.java:142) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:190) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:163) org.undcp.common.EntryPoint.doFilter(EntryPoint.java:710) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:190) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:163) org.apache.logging.log4j.web.Log4jServletFilter.doFilter(Log4jServletFilter.java:71) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:190) org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:163) org.apache.catalina.core.StandardWrapperValve.invoke(StandardWrapperValve.java:188) org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContextValve.invoke(StandardContextValve.java:97) org.keycloak.adapters.tomcat.AbstractAuthenticatedActionsValve.invoke(AbstractAuthenticatedActionsValve.java:67) org.apache.catalina.authenticator.AuthenticatorBase.invoke(AuthenticatorBase.java:542) org.keycloak.adapters.tomcat.AbstractKeycloakAuthenticatorValve.invoke(AbstractKeycloakAuthenticatorValve.java:181) org.apache.catalina.core.StandardHostValve.invoke(StandardHostValve.java:143) psiprobe.Tomcat90AgentValve.invoke(Tomcat90AgentValve.java:38) org.apache.catalina.valves.ErrorReportValve.invoke(ErrorReportValve.java:92) org.apache.catalina.valves.AbstractAccessLogValve.invoke(AbstractAccessLogValve.java:687) org.apache.catalina.core.StandardEngineValve.invoke(StandardEngineValve.java:78) org.apache.catalina.connector.CoyoteAdapter.service(CoyoteAdapter.java:357) org.apache.coyote.ajp.AjpProcessor.service(AjpProcessor.java:433) org.apache.coyote.AbstractProcessorLight.process(AbstractProcessorLight.java:65) org.apache.coyote.AbstractProtocol$ConnectionHandler.process(AbstractProtocol.java:893) org.apache.tomcat.util.net.NioEndpoint$SocketProcessor.doRun(NioEndpoint.java:1723) org.apache.tomcat.util.net.SocketProcessorBase.run(SocketProcessorBase.java:49) java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:1149) java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:624) org.apache.tomcat.util.threads.TaskThread$WrappingRunnable.run(TaskThread.java:61) java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:748) For information only - not an official document UNIS/MA/153 16 November 2016 MEDIA ADVISORY Media representatives are invited to the United Nations/United Arab Emirates High Level Forum: "Space as a Driver for Socio-economic Development" 20 - 24 November 2016 Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates VIENNA, 16 November (UN Information Service) - More than 100 participants from all parts of the international space community will gather in Dubai from 20 to 24 November to identify ways to harness space technology and applications for socio-economic development. The first United Nations/United Arab Emirates High Level Forum on Space as a Driver for Socio-Economic Development is organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The Forum will bring together stakeholders from across the broader space community at a time when the sector is growing ever more complex and the number of space actors is increasing. Speakers will include heads of space agencies, astronauts, representatives of governments, United Nations entities and inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, academics and the private sector in what will be a unique opportunity for exchanging ideas and experiences. Discussions and outcomes will be based around four pillars: space economy: the full range of activities and use of resources that create and provide value and benefits to human beings in the course of exploring, understanding and utilizing space the full range of activities and use of resources that create and provide value and benefits to human beings in the course of exploring, understanding and utilizing space space society: a society that carries out its core functions while making the best use of space technologies and space-based services and applications; a society that carries out its core functions while making the best use of space technologies and space-based services and applications; space accessibility: all user communities and decision-makers being able, on an equal basis, to benefit from and use space technologies and space-based data; all user communities and decision-makers being able, on an equal basis, to benefit from and use space technologies and space-based data; space diplomacy: cooperation among nations in using space technologies and applications to address common challenges facing humanity and to build constructive, knowledge-based partnerships. The Forum will deliver concrete recommendations in the form of the "Dubai Declaration", which will contribute to "UNISPACE+50", a special segment in June 2018 of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) session to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE) and set the future course of global space cooperation. The Forum is co-sponsored by the Secure World Foundation, Sierra Nevada Corporation's Space Systems, and the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems. *** For further information about the Forum, including the agenda, visit: http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/hlf/first-hlf-meeting.html *** Follow @UNOOSA on Twitter for updates. * *** * Media representatives who would like to attend or request interviews should contact: Daria Brankin United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Telephone: +43 699 1459 8718 Email: daria.brankin[at]unoosa.org DECATUR A concerted gasp went through the middle school students at Hope Academy on Wednesday when Jane Seitz, executive director of the Illinois Raptor Center, emerged with Kenny, a bald eagle, on her arm. Program director Jacques Nuzzo introduced Kenny and reminded the students that the bald eagle is a symbol of the United States, found on everything from the Presidential Seal to paper money. This is our bird, he said. And as everyone's bird, Kenny helped teach the Hope students about Ameren's Avian Protection Program. Utility poles, even though a lot of people call them telephone poles, are actually there to hold up power lines. Smaller birds can sit on the crosspieces without harm, even if they stretch. Big ones, such as bald eagles, have been electrocuted when one wing touches one wire and the other touches another wire. Ameren has partnered with Illinois Raptor Center, said Paula Heinkel, community relations coordinator with Ameren. It's part of our Avian Protection Program. We want to teach and educate these middle-schoolers about these magnificent birds so they can form an appreciation for them and if they ever see a bird that is in jeopardy, they can help that bird. Thanks to Ameren's engineers, the utility has retrofitted poles with rubber covers over the fuses to protect large birds, and new poles have longer crosspieces to prevent bird electrocutions. Ameren has developed standards for its equipment, but with a million poles in its service territory, the first priority has been to retrofit poles in areas where such birds congregate. Eventually, all the poles will meet the standards. They've also installed reflective devices on power lines to help birds avoid collisions with the lines, work with government agencies when nests must be removed from equipment for safety reasons and trained employees and contractors in the installation and use of the avian-safe equipment. Kenny wasn't the only bird at Hope on Wednesday. Nuzzo and Seitz presented a full program on birds of prey, with live birds including Banshee, a barn owl who ate a dead mouse while students watched; Solo, a red-tailed hawk; and Sam, a peregrine falcon. Nuzzo explained that the center's hospital takes in a lot of injured wild birds, and the goal is always to help them heal and release them back into the wild, but sometimes their injuries are such that they can't be released. Those birds become part of the center's programs. If you want to learn more about these birds, what can you do to get more knowledge? And I don't want any answers that include the word 'internet,' Nuzzo said. A couple of students suggested books, and Nuzzo agreed that books are a good source, but that's not the answer he was looking for. The greatest thing you can do is just spend more time outdoors, he said. November 16 2016 Morgan Sindall have commenced delivery of a 15.3m schools campus in Balloch which will merge three existing schools within one 53,280sq/ft building, replacing the former St Kessogs Primary.With capacity for 747 pupils the Holmes Miller penned campus will host pupils from Jamestown, St Kessogs and Haldane Primaries as well as a pre-school facility.Councillor Michelle McGinty, convener of educational services at West Dunbartonshire Council, remarked: Its fantastic to see work underway on this development which will deliver a first-class education campus for pupils in Balloch.This project will move pupils from ageing buildings into brand new schools, purpose-built for modern day learning in which they will be supported to learn and achieve.Works ought to complete during 2018. UW President Plans Listening Sessions Around State UW President Laurie Nichols University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols and other UW leaders will visit 10 communities across the state beginning Wednesday, Nov. 30, to solicit statewide input on a strategic plan to guide the university for the next five years. All Wyoming citizens are invited to participate in the strategic planning listening sessions with the president in Cody, Jackson, Torrington, Rock Springs, Riverton, Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie, Sheridan and Gillette. These sessions are for us to hear from the people of Wyoming about their land-grant university, Nichols says. Creating a strong five-year plan is so important as it sets priorities and indicates areas of focus. I want to be there personally to listen to peoples hopes and dreams for Wyomings university, as well as the obstacles to achieving those dreams and ideas on how those challenges can be overcome. Here is the schedule: Jackson -- Wednesday, Nov. 30, 12:15-1:45 p.m., Teton County Agriculture Building, Upper Level Conference Room, 255 W. Deloney Ave. Cody -- Wednesday, Nov. 30, 4:15-5:45 p.m., Park County Library, Grizzly Room, 1500 Heart Mountain St. Torrington -- Friday, Dec. 2, 8:30-10 a.m., Eastern Wyoming College Tebbet Building, Fine Arts Lecture Hall, 3200 W. C St. Rock Springs -- Friday, Dec. 2, 12:15-1:45 p.m., Western Wyoming Community College, Room 3060, 2500 College Drive. Riverton -- Monday, Dec. 5, 12:15-1:45 p.m., Central Wyoming College Intertribal Education and Community Center, Room 116, 2660 Peck Ave. Casper -- Monday, Dec. 5, 4:15-5:45 p.m., Casper College Union/University Building, Room 417, 125 College Ave. Cheyenne -- Tuesday, Dec. 6, 4:15-5:45 p.m., Laramie County Community College Health Sciences Building, Room 113, 1400 E. College Drive. Laramie -- Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4:30-6 p.m., Albany County Public Library, 310 S. Eighth St. Gillette -- Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:15-8:45 a.m., UW offices at Gillette College, Main Building, Room 167, 300 W. Sinclair St. Sheridan -- Thursday, Dec. 8, 12:15-1:45 p.m., UW Watt Building, Room 131-132, Sheridan College campus, 3401 Coffeen Ave. The statewide listening sessions are in addition to an extensive series of discussions on campus focused on developing a roadmap for UW for the next five years. With that input, UWs Strategic Planning Leadership Council is scheduled to begin drafting the strategic plan in January, with presentation of a draft to the campus community and stakeholders in March. The revised plan then will be presented at a town-hall meeting for consideration by the governing bodies of Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and the Associated Students of UW. Following approval by the Board of Trustees, the plan will be implemented at the start of the 2017-18 fiscal year, with college and unit plans finalized in fall 2017. A website, www.uwyo.edu/president/strategic-plans/, has been established to inform the public throughout the strategic planning process. DECATUR -- A potential partnership between Richland Community College and Western Illinois University could open up career choices for criminal justice students. The transfer agreement for students in the criminal justice/law enforcement study was presented to the Richland board of trustees during its Tuesday meeting as an opportunity for students to facilitate further education at one of best law enforcement universities. Westerns criminal justice program is one of the best ones out there, said Andy Hynds, Richlands mathematics, science and business dean. Under the agreement, students at Richland would be able to complete an associate degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. Those with a GPA of at least 2.5 would then be admitted to Western's program, where they can complete a four-year bachelors degree in Law Enforcement. It is not necessary for those interested in law enforcement to receive a four-year degree, as some departments require no higher education or accept those who have an associate degree with internship experience. But administrative positions and those at agencies such as the Illinois State Police do ask for a higher education. The partnership will formally be brought to the board at its next meeting, and Hynds said said it should help to increase student interest in enrolling at Richland. It should help our enrollment and increase our net of those who want to start in the criminal justice field, he said. Administrators hope that the partnership can help to raise the profile of the region for law enforcement, as it comes weeks after the announcement of a $15 million police training center being built on the city's south side, which is expected to be completed next fall. Im really hoping that this picks up the interest in this area to pick up the law enforcement career in the region, said Amy Cleary, criminal justice coordinator at Richland. In other business, the board received its first monitoring report on enrollment from Vice President of Student Success Marcus Brown. The presentation is part of an effort to educate the board on enrollment trends, said Richland President Cristobal "Cris" Valdez. The signing of Financial Cooperation Agreement at the Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Tuesday was graced by Jurgen Borsch, Germany's Ambassador to Malawi. According to Borsch, the financial aid is connected to the commitments that were agreed upon during the bilateral negations held last October 2016. Borsch furthered that the Republic of Germany is in the same page with Malawi in terms of putting much importance in the improvement of education and health systems and also, emphasizes the formation of improved jobs and revenue in the rural areas. He said, "Today we have laid a cornerstone for our further cooperation in the areas of basic education, primary health services, social protection of the ultra poor and private sector development in rural areas." Based on Germany's bilateral agreement with Malawi, the former devoted to provide its support to Malawi with 101 million Euros (equivalent to Mk78.6 Billion). Hence, the 45 million Euros granted on Tuesday was already part of the deal. Aside from the said support for the health and basic sectors, the Republic of Germany has also given the country 4 million Euros to respond and solve the emerging problem of hunger the country is recently battling with. "Malawi also benefits from Germany's one world - no hunger initiative and under this programme, money amounting to 16 million Euros were set aside for Malawi. But looking at the situation facing the country as a result of el Nino, we have decided to add another 4 Million Euros making the total to 20 Million Euros," Bosch added. In an interview, Goodall Gondwe, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, said that the support given by the Republic of Germany to Malawi is timely. He even added that with the funds provided by Germany, the improvement in both education and health sectors can already be foreseen. Gondwe said, "We are grateful to the Germany government for the financial assistance particularly the social cash transfer programme which has seen more rural Malawians being economically transformed. Comedy Daredevil celebrated its grand opening last night at Hooters Casino Hotel Las Vegas (Pictured: AmberLynn, Corey Feldman, Courtney Anne Mitchell, Ryan Stock Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography / Sin City Shooter). Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. Comedy Daredevil are Americas Got Talent stars AmberLynn and Ryan Stock. There is truly no show in town like this chainsaws, sledgehammers, power drills and a lawn mower this danger-packed sideshow spectacular has been the brainchild of Stock and AmberLynn since they met over a decade ago. Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. In attendance was actor and musician Corey Feldman, with his Angel in tow, legendary comedian and magician Amazing Johnathan, BMX pro Ricardo Laguna, WWE legend Marty Jannetty and magicians Xavier Mortimer, Dan Sperry, Rudy Coby and Bizarro. Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. Photo credit: Julie Bergonz Photography/Sin City Shooter. The Gallery of Music & Art, Las Vegass premier Fine Art Gallery, is honored to present an exhibition and a series of in-gallery Artist Appearances by world-renowned Prodigy Artist Autumn de Forest. Autumn de Forest Bio Video httpvh://youtu.be/lkGkEcJrqUo The exhibition entitled Art Miami 2016: The Collection runs through December 1, 2016, premiering the gallerys selection of works that will then travel to Red Dot 2016. A brief encounter with the Pope allowed de Forest to present him with Resurrection, a painting de Forest had created just for him. De Forest says the Popes spirit of love and tolerance inspired her to create the work. Upon viewing the painting, Pope Francis blessed de Forestas well as her canvas. This is Autumns first Las Vegas exhibition. The Artist, who travels the globe exhibiting her works and is an ambassador for the Presidents Council on the Arts & Humanities is also a resident of Las Vegas. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Vietnams digital economy has seen significant growth over the last decade and is expected to be valued at US$57 billion by 2025. The countrys digital... illustration photo This week, Nguyen Van Minh, deputy director of locally-owned farm produce exporter Clean Food Co., Ltd., will visit Thailand and Indonesia for the fourth time seeking opportunities to export, in a strategy to expand the companys regional markets. Minh told VIR that he has been trying to expand exports in regional markets, such as Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, and Indonesia. However, it is difficult. Though the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) offers tax cuts, these nations have their own technical barriers to protect their local production bases. Since January, Minhs firm has only been exporting fruit products to Myanmar and the Philippines, with the turnover rising 15 per cent year-on-year. These two nations are importing 22 per cent of his firms export volume from the over 15 markets in Asia. Nguyen Ton Quyen, chairman of Timber and Forest Product Association of Vietnam, also claimed local wood product exporters find it challenging to enter the ASEAN markets. Despite AEC tax cuts, firms cannot increase exports to these markets due to their low demand for Vietnamese products. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that even though the AEC has been effective for ten months, local enterprises still encounter difficulties when trying to expand exports and have yet to reap the benefits of the community. Over the past ten months since the establishment of the AEC, Vietnam suffered from a trade deficit of over $4.9 billion towards other ASEAN nations, higher than the $4.2 billion in the same period last year. In the first ten months of this year, Vietnams intra-ASEAN export turnover hit $14.2 billion, down 7.6 per cent on-year, when the figure reached over $15.4 billion (down 3.1 per cent against 2014). According to the General Statistics Office, since early this year, in addition to technical barriers erected in ASEAN markets, the price of many key Vietnamese items in these markets have also been reduced by low demand. This brought down the export turnover of many items, such as mobile phones and spare parts (5 per cent), transportation equipment (27.2 per cent), vegetable and fruits (17.9 per cent), and steel (27.7 per cent). Local products are often less competitive than those from regional markets in terms of prices and samples, and even quality. This is why local firms are finding it difficult to boost exports to these markets, Dung said. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, since early this year, Vietnam has enjoyed on-year export growth in only three ASEAN markets, Myanmar (up 21.1 per cent), the Philippines (up 13.8 per cent), and Thailand (up 11.6 per cent). Meanwhile, Vietnams ten-month export turnover reduced in other regional markets, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei. Nguyen Vu Loc, CEO of locally-owned farm produce exporter WestFood, said that while firms from other ASEAN nations are supported by their governments in expanding export markets, it is not the case in Vietnam. For example, if Thai firms export fruit products to the EU, they enjoy a preferential import tariff of 0 per cent, as agreed by both sides. Meanwhile, the rate on the same products can reach up to 17 per cent for Vietnam. The northern part of Myanmar's Rakhine state has been under military lockdown for almost a month after deadly raids on three police border posts. (Photo: AFP) Bangladeshi border guards pushed back the Rohingya - mostly women and children - to the Myanmar side on Monday, community leaders told AFP. "We heard they are 200 in number. They are mostly women and children who were only seeking a safe place to stay. They have no homes to go back," one of the Rohingya leaders told AFP from a refugee camp in Bangladesh's Teknaf border town. A border guard spokesman put the figure at closer to 80. Nearly 70 people have died in clashes with security forces since the Myanmar army swooped into Rakhine state, an area along the border with Bangladesh that is home to the Muslim Rohingya minority. Violence escalated over the weekend, with troops killing more than 30 people in two days of fighting, according to the Myanmar army. Activists say the actual toll could be much higher, accusing troops of killing civilians, raping women and torching homes - allegations the army denies. Authorities have heavily restricted access to the area, making it difficult to independently verify government reports or accusations of army abuse. The stranded Rohingya crossed the Naf River - which divides the two countries - by boats in the early hours of Monday and were immediately sent back by Bangladeshi border guards. "We have stopped and pushed back around 80 Rohingya people yesterday (Monday)," border guard spokesman, Major Abu Russell Siddique, told AFP. He said the Rohingya who were pushed back were economic migrants "looking for work and treatment", and denied the community leaders' claim that they were victims of recent violence in Rakhine. Another border guard commander told AFP that Monday's group was the largest number of Rohingya pushed back since violence erupted in early October. Nineteen-year-old Mohammad Towhid told AFP by phone that he also crossed in the early hours of Monday, but managed to avoid the border guards. "They (Myanmar army) shot dead my sister before my eyes. I hid underneath heaps of cow dung during the attack. As the night fell, I rushed to the border," Towhid said, speaking from a Teknaf refugee camp. "I left my mother alone at home. I don't know whether she survived or not," he said, adding that troops had torched hundreds of Rohingya homes. The UN has labelled the Rohingya as one of the world's most persecuted peoples. They are branded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by Myanmar's majority Buddhist population despite their long roots in the country, where they face apartheid-like restrictions on movement and are denied citizenship. But the Bangladeshi government also refuses to register the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees living on its side of the border. Under the scope of the new three-year agreement, Maybank Kim Eng and SSC will collaborate to develop Vietnams securities market to elevate its status to an MSCI Emerging Market. This includes the sharing of best practices and standards on areas of risk management and controls, corporate governance and compliance, product development, standard accounting and reporting system. We are honoured to collaborate with SSC again. Vietnam, with its attractive demographics and rising economy, is not only an important market for us, but also an attractive one for global investors looking to tap into the ASEAN opportunity, Maybank Kim Engs chief executive officer, Dato John Chong said. With six local branches, Maybank Kim Eng is deeply entrenched and invested in the Vietnamese market. We are keen to share our regional expertise and experience gleaned from our operations in six ASEAN countries, to help contribute to the development of Vietnams securities market. The new agreement strengthens the existing alliance forged in 2013 where a similar agreement was signed by the two parties. The joint efforts for the past three years have made significant inroads in the development of Vietnams securities market but the new agreement symbolises our intent to intensify that collaboration to further strengthen the infrastructure, efficiency and liquidity of the capital market to enhance its attractiveness to investors, said vice chairwoman of SSC, Nguyen Thi Lien Hoa. Maybank Kim Eng is the first 100 per cent foreign-owned brokerage firm approved by SCC. Operating in Vietnam since 2008, Maybank Kim Eng offers a full range of financial services including brokerage, internet and mobile trading and research, investment banking and corporate finance advisory services. Russia's Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev, charged by the Investigative Committee with bribe-taking, is escorted before a hearing at the Basmanny district court in Moscow. (AFP/Vasily Maximov) Ulyukayev is the highest ranking official detained over suspected corruption since Putin took power in 2000, and his arrest unleashed speculation as to whether the probe was linked to an internal power struggle. News agencies quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying that President Vladimir Putin had "published a decree relieving Ulyukayev of his functions", adding that the president had "lost confidence" in the minister. Before his dismissal was announced, police had ushered Ulyukayev, without handcuffs and wearing a suit and tie, into a Moscow courtroom, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. His lawyer Timofei Gridnev said Ulyukayev protested his innocence and denounced the charges as a "provocation". "He is going to work with the investigation, because to him it is a matter of honour to restore his good name," Gridnev told journalists at the court. STING OPERATION Judge Artur Karpov ordered 60-year-old Ulyukayev confined to his residence in the southwest of the capital until January 15 as the investigation continues. The FSB security service, the KGB's successor, detained him after a sting operation on Monday as he was receiving an alleged bribe, Russia's Investigative Committee said. It said he had "illegally demanded" payment to greenlight Rosneft's move to acquire a majority state in Russian oil company Bashneft. The deal, worth US$5.2 billion, was completed last month. The committee did not indicate who handed the alleged bribe to Ulyukayev, but described him as "threatening (and) using his ministerial powers to create obstacles to the company's activities in the future". At least two people have given testimony to investigators incriminating him, local media reported. Ulyukayev had headed the ministry of economic development since 2013. The large-scale bribe-taking charge could see him face a jail term of between eight and 15 years. 'INTERNAL FIGHT FOR INFLUENCE' Ulyukayev's detention sent shockwaves through the Russian elite, which had appeared immune to criminal prosecution. Former MP Gennady Gudkov, a staunch Kremlin critic who once served in the KGB, said the move was the result of a high-level internal power struggle. "What we are seeing today is not a fight against corruption," Gudkov wrote in an op-ed published on the website of Ekho Moskvy radio station. "It is a fierce internal fight for influence, financial flows and positions." Putin's critics insist the Russian leader oversees widespread corruption as his close allies have amassed vast fortunes during his time in power. Rosneft's move to acquire the 50.07 per cent stake in Bashneft, Russia's sixth-largest oil producer, came after months of wrangling. Its boss Igor Sechin, a powerful Putin ally, faced some government opposition. Ulyukayev originally opposed the sale but later endorsed it after Putin said it could help fill state coffers. Investigators have said that the acquisition itself was not subject to a criminal probe. A Rosneft spokesman declined comment but said that it acquired the Bashneft stake "in accordance with Russian law on the basis of the best commercial offer made to the operating bank". 'VERY SERIOUS ACCUSATION' As minister of economic development, Ulyukayev was tasked with pulling Russia out of the protracted economic crisis sparked in late 2014 by falling oil prices and Western sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine. RIA Novosti agency cited a law enforcement source as saying he had been detained in a "sting operation" after investigators received "serious evidence" from "tapping his conversations and the conversations of his associates". Kremlin spokesman Peskov said Putin had been informed of the start of the operation. "This is a very serious accusation that requires very serious proof. In any case only a court can decide," Peskov told Interfax news agency. He later told reporters that Russia's fight against corruption was "systematic and not selective". In another recent high-profile corruption case, the acting head of an anti-graft agency at the interior ministry was arrested in September for taking bribes after police found more than US$120 million in cash during a raid of his Moscow flat. Ulyukayev's detention is "a shock for the whole establishment," sociologist Olga Kryshtanovskaya, who studies Russian elites, told AFP. "A person of that level has never been arrested here on suspicion of a criminal offence," she said. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to boost the oil and gas sector and bring back coal. (Photo: AFP/George Frey) But analysts say Trump's policies could serve to worsen the global energy glut, which would reduce prices while doing little to revive the fortunes of "Big Coal." Trump has made no secret of his support for fossil fuels. His policy advisers include top oil industry lobbyists, fracking king Harold Hamm, and oil-rich North Dakota's congressman Kevin Cramer. Trump has promised to eliminate regulations restricting fracking; support oil and gas pipeline construction, including the Keystone XL project blocked by the Obama administration; open now-restricted federal lands and offshore areas, for exploration, including Alaska; and end Obama's 2015 Clean Power Plan, which aimed to cut back coal-fired power generation. "Producing more American energy is a central part of my plan to making America wealthy again," Trump told a fracking conference in September. "I'm going to lift the restrictions on American energy and allow this wealth to pour into our communities." ADDING TO THE OIL GLUT But analysts say his plans could exacerbate the global oversupply. Oil prices collapsed in 2014 principally due to the rapid build in US output that came from the revolution in fracking technology, which allowed drillers to tap difficult-to-access shale-based reserves. US crude output shot up to 9.6 million barrels a day by July 2015, nearly doubling from 5.5 million in 2010. This allowed the country to sharply cut back oil imports, and global prices sank. Since then US output has fallen by about one million barrels, but prices remain depressed due to higher production from Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Opening up more areas to exploration would add to that supply. Though there are benefits to maintaining US production capacity for the long run, any added capacity in the short- and medium-term would hurt prices. That leaves analysts dubious Trump can achieve his goal of energy independence. "Most of the big factors impacting the energy industry have really been market-driven. The shale oil boom put an incredible amount of new oil in the market," said Sam Ori, executive director of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. "The big challenge facing the oil industry is oil prices." Oil analyst Carl Larry of Frost & Sullivan said the only way to increase domestic production would be to cut back imports by taxing them. "Unless you find a way to stop imports, American oil production doesn't have a great future," he said. Reviving the coal industry, meanwhile, faces a similar dynamic: fracking also opened up huge supplies of cleaner, easier-to-transport natural gas, making coal less desirable. Independent from Obama's policies, coal has fallen from more than one-half to just one-third of US power generation. Cleaner natural gas is preferred not only by federal but also by state and local policies. US coal production actually remains quite high, to supply existing coal-fired power plants. The 100,000 lost mining jobs Trump promises to restore are almost all in the eastern Appalachian coal region, where mining costs are 10 times those of Wyoming, which has cleaner, more easily mined coal, and where the industry is highly mechanised. At best, said Ori, you can only slow the coal industry's decline. "Nothing a Trump administration does is going to change that," he said. WIND, SOLAR UNDER THREAT? Trump's stance has worried many over the plight of energy renewables like wind and solar, which have for years benefitted from substantial subsidies. But experts say that equipment prices have fallen so much that renewables are now competitive on their own. For example, without particular support, Texas, the capital of the US oil industry, now relies heavily on wind and solar energy for electricity. "The renewables sector is really competing on a cost basis and doing so effectively, said Greg Wetstone, president of the American Council on Renewable Energy. "None of that changes with the election." The threat, he cautions, is a further fall in natural gas prices which would make it more competitive against renewable sources. But the Trump administration needs to understand that the renewables industry employs 300,000 people. "This is mainstream business and there's no reason to undermine growth and jobs." 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. Washington is accusing Beijing of unfairly tinkering with the price of corn, wheat, and rice in ways that hurt U.S. exports and farmers. Tuesday, President Obama said his administration filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization and will push hard to give U.S. farmers a fair chance to sell their goods on global markets. As VOA's Jim Randle reports, hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars are at stake. VOA Khmer's Chhim Sumedh narrates. Four people, including a child, died when an overloaded tourist boat sank in Kampot province on Monday, local officials said. While on a firefly-watching trip, the boat ran aground on a submerged sandbar at about 9 pm. The bodies of three women and a young child were recovered from the river by Tuesday afternoon, according to Mao Chanmathurith, provincial police chief. He added that the boat was built to carry up to 60 people but was carrying as many as 80 when it sank. The boat smashed into a mound of sand at the bottom of the river, which caused it to keel over and crack, he said. When the tourists realised that the boat was sinking, they began to freak out and jump into the water. He added that the authorities had detained the owner of the boat for questioning and suspended all tourist boat operations in the area. Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, said lax enforcement of waterway regulations had caused the tragedy. The authorities should not only advise, but also place restrictions on the boat owners, he said. Such incidents should never happen because it will affect tourism. Chanmathurith said that police often reminded boat operators to limit the number of passengers allowed on board and promised to more firmly enforce the rules in future. The incident followed another sinking, in Phnom Penh on Friday, in which two people died. The Khmer Rouge tribunals highest court will issue a final verdict against former regime leaders Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan on Wednesday after they appealed a life sentence handed down in 2014. The case, Case 002/01, is the first of at least two against Chea, then deputy leader of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, and Samphan, who was the regimes head of state. They were found guilty of crimes against humanity during the forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975 and subsequent forced transfer from other urban areas to the countryside, as well as ordering the execution of Khmer Republic soldiers. Lawyers representing civil parties at the court, such as Hong Kim Suon, urged the court to apply the sentence. The goal of the victims is to see a serious conviction which is appropriate to the actions of top leaders of the Khmer Rouge era and their associates, Kim Suon said. It should be appropriate to the suffering of millions of people. He added that the victims also wanted to hear the convicts go further than expressing regret to explaining why they had denied the atrocities that caused Cambodia to fall into hell. Latt Ky of local rights group Adhoc, echoed Kim Suons remarks. They must repay the damage. That is the demand of the victims that we work with, he said. Kong Sam On, Samphans lawyer, said the court was likely to uphold the guilty verdict, adding that the trial in the next case against his client, 002/02, would not be meaningful if he had already been sentenced for another crime by the court. He claimed that the defense had faced a litany of problems, including being blocked from calling witnesses because they were members of the current government. So where is the justice? Because if we seek justice, we have to look everywhere, he added. Neth Pheaktra, tribunal spokesman, said all parties have an equal right in front of the law. The tribunal has so far spent about $260 million on cases against the Khmer Rouges top leaders since 2006. However, thus far only one official, Kaing Kek Eav, who oversaw the deaths of more than 12,000 people as the head of the S-21 security center in Phnom Penh, received a life sentence for his crimes. At least 32 civilians have been killed in Aleppo in the past 24 hours as Syrian government warplanes and artillery hit rebel-held districts of the city for a second day. The renewed bombardment has damaged two hospitals, a blood bank, and residential buildings in the city's eastern neighborhoods. The attack, the first Russian strike from the Mediterranean-based carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, was described Tuesday by the Kremlin as targeting extremists in Idlib and Homs provinces, but it also sparked criticism from Washington and the United Nations. The Britain-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said six children were among the 32 people killed. A medical organization, the Independent Doctors Association, reported barrel bomb attacks damaged the children's hospital and the only blood bank in eastern Aleppo. Medical facilities have regularly been hit, and sometimes completely destroyed, in the government's fight against rebels, though Damascus and Moscow deny they have targeted hospitals. Idlib The Russian Defense Ministry said a navy frigate also launched long-range cruise missiles at targets in northern Idlib, an area about 60 kilometers southeast of Aleppo. But the ministry insisted the Russian strikes were limited to Islamic State and other extremist targets, and ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov rejected media reports alleging that Russian warplanes were involved in strikes on a hospital in Aleppo. "Aircraft of the Russian Aerospace forces have delivered no airstrikes in Aleppo for the past 28 days," he said. Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview broadcast Tuesday with Portugal's state-run RTP television channel that government troops are fighting to free civilians from terrorists, even though most of the rebels in Aleppo, around 8,000 according to the U.N., are Syrians who have been fighting to overthrow Assad. In Washington, the State Department blasted Moscow for the new attacks. "We strongly condemn the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians," spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. She also accused Russia of blocking shipments of food and other aid to Aleppo during the bombing lull, a move she said led residents to "starve while [Moscow sought] praise from the international community for halting indiscriminate strikes." White Helmets, a local civil defense rescue group, said Wednesday 11 civilians were killed in the Sukkari neighborhood. "We worked through the night to lift the debris and remove the martyrs and surviving civilians, and now we're trying to remove the rubble blocking the roads," Yahya Arja, a White Helmets volunteer, said. The renewed violence in Aleppo comes after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Syrian government's strongest ally in the five-and-a-half-year civil war. Putin said Monday that he and Trump agreed to "combine efforts to tackle international terrorism." But it remains unclear whether the two governments can agree on a formula for easing the conflict, which the United Nations says has claimed more than 400,000 lives since 2011. Moscow and Damascus categorize all rebels seeking to oust the Assad government as terrorists, a definition both governments use to justify the deadly and apparently indiscriminate bombings in eastern Aleppo. Washington has supported the rebels fighting against Assads government. But this support could change under the Trumps administration, as Assad told Portugal's RTP that he welcomes Trump's campaign comments that Washington's involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. Western governments and the United Nations have framed the Aleppo onslaught as a vast humanitarian crisis, with diplomats and human rights organizations arguing that both Damascus and Moscow could face future war crimes inquiries for their roles in the destruction of eastern Aleppo. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is denying press reports his transition team is in turmoil over arguments over who will get top national security appointments in his administration. Things are "going so smoothly," Trump wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are." The comment followed U.S. news media accounts that his transition was in turmoil after his aides pushed out two of his national security advisers from the transition group. Trump singled out The New York Times for its report on his transition efforts, saying that one of the world's leading newspapers "is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me." He said the newspaper's "story is so totally wrong on transition." The Times also reported that the State and Justice departments, as well as the Pentagon, have yet to hear from anyone from the Trump team, more than a week after the election. WATCH: Newt Gingrich on transition turmoil Vital contacts Such contacts during the transition period are not just routine, they are vital so that officials can hand off detailed briefing packages to their successors in time for the new government to take power on January 20. Trump also tweeted that reports he is trying to get "top-level security clearances" for three of his adult children Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, and possibly her husband, Jared Kushner is "a typically false news story." All four, who helped advise Trump during the campaign, have also been helping the president-elect with key appointments. Some of the transition talks have centered on whether to name former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as secretary of state. The 72-year-old Giuliani has little foreign policy experience. However, he was a staunch advocate for Trump throughout his campaign, often appearing on television news shows to defend him. There are questions about Giuliani's overseas investments, particularly in Venezuela and Qatar, that might prove to be conflicts of interest. "Rudy Giuliani fixed New York City, said U.S. Congressman Blake Farenthold from Texas. If he can fix our foreign relations, that would be great. If you disqualified anybody who had business dealings abroad from a cabinet post, that's a pretty long list of people you would disqualify." Trump aides have described Giuliani as the narrow choice as secretary of state, with former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as other possibilities. Other news reports say Trump is considering Steven Mnuchin, a Wall Street financier and Trump's campaign finance chief, as treasury secretary. As he arrived Wednesday at Trump Tower in New York, Mnuchin said Trump's economic priorities include tax and trade reform and plans to boost job growth by fixing the country's deteriorating infrastructure. "You got the Republican Party coming together, you got Trump going through the list of people that are coming to visit Trump Tower and the folks that they've announced already are pretty popular, Farenthold said. Obviously, nobody likes everybody." Appointments Trump has made two White House appointments so far. He named Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, as his chief of staff, a selection applauded by many Republicans. Trump's choice of Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist has drawn widespread criticism from Democrats, some Republicans, and civil rights groups. Bannon was the Trump campaign's chief executive. He formerly led Breitbart News, a website that has printed white nationalist and anti-Semitic vitriol. But some of those who know Bannon deny he is an anti-Semite. WATCH: De Blasio on his meeting with Trump Current New York Mayor Democrat Bill de Blasio, often a Trump critic during the campaign, said he met with Trump for an hour Wednesday, telling the president-elect "why people [in New York] are so deeply concerned" about this election. De Blasio said he told Trump that New Yorkers, who voted overwhelmingly for rival Hillary Clinton, oppose his plans to deport up to 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records and to rescind controls on Wall Street that were enacted in the aftermath of the country's steep recession in 2008 and 2009. The mayor said he had "respectful, candid" talks with Trump, but declined to characterize Trump's reaction to his comments. Biden-Pence meeting Meanwhile in Washington on Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, hosted incoming Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, for lunch at their official home on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Biden said he hopes the Pence family will enjoy the house as much as he does. When a reporter asked him if he thinks the Trump administration will be ready on day one, Biden said, "No administration is ready on day one. We weren't ready on day one. I've never met one that's been ready on day one. But I'm confident on day one everything will be in good hands and they'll be able to handle everything that comes before them." Katherine Gypson on Capitol Hill contributed to this report. Who Is in Trump's Inner Circle? Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian discussed bilateral cooperation today in Yerevan with visiting Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur. The two ministers discussed steps to give incentivize trade and economic cooperation as well as collaboration in the education and science sectors. The officials signed four agreements, one of which will lift visa requirements for citizen travel between the two countries. Photo (from left): Andrei Galbur, Edward Nalbandian VOA senate correspondent Michael Bowman spoke Tuesday with Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. Here is an edited transcript of that interview. Q: Confirmation hearing soon for your new Cabinet position? Bob Corker: I know my name is in the mix. Some people that have been very centrally involved and been out there, they are more likely perused for that kind of job. Q: Name two or three things in global affairs that you think Donald Trump could do a better job [at] than President Obama has done. BC: There's a greater likelihood, as it relates to NATO, that there is a fuller partnership that is established on a quicker timetable. Everyone has concerns. I remember years ago [former U.S. Secretary of State] Madeline Albright being concerned that partners of NATO [were] not carrying their full load. With President Trump, there is a likelihood [we] get to a place we should have gotten to before much more quickly. I hope the alliance will be strong, maybe even stronger. It's been frustrating that we only have a few partners that are spending what they should be spending on defense. We've already seen, our counterparts I don't say this to be pejorative, just an observation people on both sides of the aisle would agree that President Obama was not feared. The uncertainties people have relative to Mr. Trump, the fact that he does have a very strong personality, could lead to us resolving our differences with China and other places more readily. People are guessing what the future is going to be. Having a degree of uncertainty is not bad when you've had perplexing issues, difficult to deal with, and you start afresh. Q: What about the Iran nuclear deal? We spoke at length about that, and you have not been a fan of that deal from the beginning. BC: What you're going to see on a bipartisan basis [is] Congress playing a bigger role and pushing back. My Democratic colleagues felt strong on Iran, and they had an administration that they knew was going to veto or push back against their activities that were outside of what was agreed upon. That's an area where there will be a lot of bipartisanship pushing back against missile testing, the buying of conventional weapons they are not supposed to be purchasing. I see that as an area of bipartisanship that will be good for our country. Q: But ripping it up as opposed to taking a fresh look at it? BC: I remember he said, when a number of people said they were going to rip it up and he said, 'Well, we will see where we are at the time.' ... We haven't been able to push back because of pushback from the administration. You're going to see much stronger efforts there. What the next secretary of state will realize is: Look, what we want to do is build consensus with our partners. And Iran, if we continue to push back as we should be doing, which we are not now doing, Iran will create, just because of their nature, the opportunity for a renegotiation of where we are. Q: Finally, so much has been made of Donald Trump's statements on Vladimir Putin and speculation on U.S.-Russian relations under the incoming administration. What are you expecting out of those two remarks? BC: You really don't know those things. It's always good when leaders of two important countries start off on a good foot. There have been some things said between the two of them that have been unique throughout the course of this campaign. Who's playing who? I don't know. If you look at efforts made in last six months, the outcome was something that all that the experts did not predict. The same thing could be true in foreign policy, from the standpoint of it benefiting our national interest. I hope that is the case. Boeing Co. plans to move about 2,500 positions to other sites, cut 500 jobs and close two facilities by the end of 2020 in an effort to make its Defense, Space & Security business more efficient, the company said Tuesday. About 1,600 positions currently in Huntington Beach, California, will move to plants in three other Southern California locations -- El Segundo, Long Beach and Seal Beach. About 500 positions will move to St. Louis County in Missouri, and 400 will shift to Huntsville, Alabama. Chicago-based Boeing will close a plant that employs 290 people in in El Paso, Texas, and another that employs 70 people in Newington, Virginia. The company said the moves will reduce facility space by about 4.5 million square feet. The Huntington Beach plant will remain open. Boeing spokesman Ken Smith declined to say how many workers will remain there. The company will move an unspecified number of jobs from Kent, Washington, to Tukwila, Washington. The two towns are just 16 miles apart. "In order to push ourselves farther and win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent," Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement. "These steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide." The company said it also will align Boeing Defence Australia, Boeing Defense Saudi Arabia, and Boeing Defence United Kingdom into a new global operations group, led by David Pitchforth, managing director of Boeing Defence U.K. Bulgaria's parliament approved on Wednesday the resignation of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov's center-right minority government, opening the way to months of political uncertainty and a likely snap election in early 2017. Borisov had tied his government's fate to the outcome of Bulgaria's presidential election and he quit after the victory, in Sunday's second round of voting, of political novice Rumen Radev, who favors improved ties with Russia and had the backing of the opposition Socialists. The country is now facing several months of political turmoil with a caretaker government that will not undertake major policy reforms in the meantime, said Andrius Tursa of Teneo Intelligence. The results of the presidential elections on Sunday made it clear that society wants a change, Borisov told parliament. The vote requires a change in the political situation. Corruption major concern Borisov's move underscores politicians' failure to persuade voters they are serious about fighting rampant corruption after the prime minister's GERB party beat the Socialists in 2014 on a tough anti-graft ticket. Many Bulgarians also appear increasingly disappointed with their political elite as well as with the European Union, which is struggling to deal with various challenges including the migrant crisis and Britain's decision to leave the bloc. All parties in parliament backed the government's resignation. If, as expected, no party accepts the mandate to attempt to form a new government out of the current legislature, outgoing President Rosen Plevneliev will begin consultations to appoint an interim administration to steer Bulgaria towards an early parliamentary election, most likely in the spring. Radev a former air force commander Plevneliev, a center-right former minister in a Borisov-led government, has said he will also consult with his successor, Radev, in any talks on forming an interim government. Radev, a former air force commander who says Bulgaria must revive strained ties with Russia while remaining anchored in NATO and the European Union, will become president in January. Analysts say Bulgaria's political turmoil could prove prolonged as another parliamentary election seems unlikely to produce a stable majority government able to implement the economic and other reforms the country needs. Bulgaria, a Black Sea nation of 7.2 million, joined the EU in 2007 but still depends almost entirely on Russia for its energy supplies and military kit, while Russian tourists are an important source of revenue. A fivefold surge in Burundians fleeing to Tanzania to escape political violence in their troubled central African homeland is creating one of Africa's biggest refugee crises, a charity said Wednesday, amid warnings from activists of genocide threats. Some 10,000 Burundians have arrived in neighboring Tanzania each month since August, increasing the population in three overcrowded northwestern camps to almost 250,000 people, said Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials, MSF. "This is rapidly becoming one of Africa's biggest refugee crises," David Nash, MSF's Tanzanian head of mission, said in a statement. "Unrest in Burundi [is] showing no signs of abating." Almost 325,000 Burundians 3 percent of the population have fled since the crisis began in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015. Half of those fleeing Burundi have gone to Tanzania and others to Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The refugees say they are fleeing harassment, worsening hunger and an uncertain future, Nash told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview. Crimes against humanity are being committed in Burundi, with the risk of intensifying to genocide, the International Federation for Human Rights and Burundian Human Rights League said Tuesday charges the government has repeatedly denied. Burundi intends to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after the ICC announced plans in April to investigate reports of killings, disappearances and torture in the country. Steady influx With 462 Burundians and 42 Congolese arriving in Tanzania each day in November, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) predicts the refugee population will reach 280,000 by the end of 2016. "It has become necessary and urgent that additional camps be identified to enable dignified reception of new arrivals, many of whom are women and children," UNHCR's country representative Chansa Kapaya said in emailed comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "UNHCR is confident that the repeated appeal to the government of Tanzania to identify additional camp sites will be successful." A fourth site, Karago, has been approved, but it does not have enough water, Nash said, so new arrivals are being taken to the Nduta camp, which has already exceeded its 50,000 capacity. The Tanzanian government has to displace and compensate its own people each time it makes space for a new camp, Nash said. Until then, refugees risk being held in mass shelters for up to 200 people, he said, as happened at the start of the crisis. "It's a disaster for health," he said, as malaria is a major problem during the current rainy season. "Malaria spreads far quicker [in mass shelters] than when people are housed in family tents." Signs of the long, divisive presidential contest that nearly tore the Republican Party apart were nowhere to be seen Tuesday on Capitol Hill. Republican members of the House of Representatives easily renominated Paul Ryan to be their leader. In January, the new Congress will confirm him as speaker for his first full term. "This entire conference is unified and we are so eager to get to work with the president-elect," Ryan told reporters following the closed-door Republican conference. But the elated postelection mood for Republicans on the Hill showed cracks as nearly 1,000 Washington high school students marched to the Capitol, protesting Donald Trump's election, and criticism of his appointment of Steve Bannon, former executive chairman of the far-right-leaning Breitbart News, intensified. In an open letter to Trump, Democratic Representative David Cicilline of Rhode Island wrote that the "appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the white nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country." As of midday Tuesday, the letter had 137 House Democrats as co-signers, but no House Republican supporters. U.S. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid stood on the Senate floor Tuesday and demanded that Trump rescind Bannon's appointment, saying Bannon was someone who had been praised by white supremacists and had made anti-Semitic remarks. Reid said many Americans believed it was now OK to physically assault blacks, Muslims and Hispanics because of Trump's "bullying and aggressive" behavior during the campaign. "Our president is supposed to make people feel safe," Reid said. "Healing the wounds he's inflicted will take more than words." In an interview with CBS's 60 Minutes Sunday, Trump said he was saddened to learn of attacks carried out in his name and had two words for the perpetrators: "Stop it." WATCH: Ryan on Working with Trump on Ambitious Republican Agenda Looking forward Ryan brushed off Bannon's past criticism in an earlier media availability Tuesday, saying he was not looking backward but forward. House Republicans said little about Bannon or the letter, focusing instead on a prospect that seemed unlikely just seven days ago: control of the White House and all of Congress. "This is as unified as I've seen the party," Representative Peter King of New York told reporters after the leadership nominations, saying the Never Trump movement no longer existed. "I don't think there's any of them around anymore there's Always Trumpers. I didn't support Donald Trump in the beginning either, but I think those who came along in stages were all impressed by the campaign he ran." King said he didn't have any opinions about Bannon and would wait until the whole story about Trump's choice for chief White House strategist came out. Republican Representative Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania told reporters he had braced for much bigger losses on election night, expecting House Republicans to lose as many as 20 seats or more. Instead, Republicans only lost six seats, swept up in Trump's victory. Dent, who said he did not know Bannon, told reporters Trump's transition team would need to focus on "getting good, strong, quality people to fill those national security spots. I think that's the biggest challenge. The opportunities for him right now on are transportation, infrastructure, tax reform." New signs of unity The unified mood began early in the day as House Republicans convening for their first postelection weekly conference found a familiar sight on each seat: a red-and-white "Make America Great Again" hat. Many members left the meeting wearing the Trump campaign's signature hat, demonstrating a solidarity that had been in doubt until the Republican nominee's historic surprise win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last week. "Welcome to the dawn of a new, unified Republican government," Ryan told reporters after the morning meeting. Ryan's position as speaker was widely assumed to be in jeopardy if Trump lost the presidential election, following a chaotic campaign season in which the Republican from Wisconsin walked a fine line between endorsing the nominee of his party and distancing himself from Trump's more controversial statements. Those days seemed forgotten, though, as Ryan greeted reporters for his first postelection press availability on Capitol Hill. "If we're going to put our country back on the right track, we have to go bold, and we have to go big," said Ryan, who unveiled "A Better Way" back in June a six-point legislative road map that tackles poverty, health care and tax reform, among other issues. "There are going to be a lot more things made in America," said Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, holding up one of the hats, as he told reporters the first 100 days of a Trump administration would be crucial in getting the economy back on track. Republican dissent There was one major Republican voice of dissent Tuesday, and it came from one of the most influential members of the GOP: Arizona Senator John McCain. The powerful head of the Armed Services Committee criticized Trump's stated desire for another reset of U.S. relations with Russia. McCain called Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has also called for a reset with the U.S., someone who has rejoined Syria's Bashar al-Assad in his "barbaric war" against the Syrian people. Putin has "plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened America's allies and attempted to undermine America's elections," McCain said. A reset of relations with Russia would leave the U.S. complicit in Putin's and Assad's butchery of the Syrian people, McCain said. He called it an unacceptable price for a great nation like the United States. Trump made no secret during the campaign of his admiration of Putin as a strong leader. Funding government One of the immediate concerns moving forward will be funding the government after a continuing resolution expires December 9. "Those are decisions that are being made with the transition team; none of those have been made yet. We are now sitting down with the Trump administration-in-waiting, along with our colleagues, to come up with a game plan," Ryan said. As Republicans presented a unified front, House Democrats met just down the hallway for a much more introspective meeting. Representative Tim Ryan, a seven-term congressman from Ohio, confirmed Monday that he was interested in challenging current leader Nancy Pelosi of California for the top Democratic leadership spot. "We've been through hell," Pelosi told members, who ended up delaying their own leadership vote until November 30, after Congress returns from a Thanksgiving holiday break. Carrie Fisher has revealed that Princess Leia's romance with Han Solo in "Star Wars'' extended off-screen, as well. Fisher tells People magazine that she enjoyed an "intense'' affair with co-star Harrison Ford during the filming of the 1977 blockbuster. Fisher was 19 and Ford was 33 and married at the time of what she says was a three-month affair. The actress tells People, "It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend.'' She says the romance ended when shooting on the film did. Fisher writes about the fling in her new book "The Princess Diarist," which recounts her experiences on the "Star Wars'' set. She says that she gave Ford a heads-up about the book and he received a draft. The companies behind the Dakota Access Pipeline asked a U.S. court to intervene in the fight over its completion as demonstrators fanned out across North America on Tuesday to protest the controversial project. In what were expected to be the largest demonstrations to date against the pipeline, people across North America rallied outside Army Corps of Engineers offices, banks and energy companies, a day after the U.S. government delayed granting an easement for the pipeline's construction in North Dakota. Fumi Tosu, 38, said he saw police use mace and arrest several other protesters in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, near the path of the pipeline, and the site of ongoing protests since the summer. "Their job is to protect us, but instead they're protecting corporate interests and profits and money," said Tosu of San Jose, California. Energy Transfer Partners, the main company behind the pipeline, and its subsidiary, Sunoco Logistics Partners , filed papers Monday night in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking declaratory relief to "end the administration's political interference in the Dakota Access Pipeline review process." They noted that the delays have already cost them more than $100 million. Water supplies, historic sites The $3.7 billion Dakota Access project has drawn steady opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe as well as environmental activists who say it could pollute nearby water supplies and destroy sacred historic tribal sites. More than 200 protests were called by indigenous leaders in support of the tribe and to get the U.S. government to stop the pipeline, according to Dallas Goldtooth, a spokesman for Indigenous Environmental Network, one of the organizers. "There's a lot of bad things happening in the world and people feel like they have no control, but this is a very direct example of how people can fight injustice," said Austin Patrie, 20, who rode a motorcycle over 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) from his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to take part in the Cannon Ball protest. The companies are seeking an easement to tunnel under Lake Oahe, the water source at the heart of the protests. On Monday, the Army Corps delayed that approval, which was seen as a partial victory for the protesters. The Army Corps said it plans to get more input from the Standing Rock Sioux in light of the tribe repeatedly being "dispossessed" from its lands in the past. Government officials have not said how long the process would take, according to a source familiar with the matter. Construction of the 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline is nearly done. The only work left in North Dakota is the segment to run under the lake, Energy Transfer said last week. The company has been moving drilling equipment to the site in anticipation of being able to start tunneling later this month. Energy Transfer has said the pipeline would be a more efficient and safer way to transport oil from the Bakken shale of North Dakota to the Midwest and onto the U.S. Gulf Coast. "To propose, as the Corps now does, to further delay this pipeline and to engage in what can only be described as a sham process sends a frightening message about the rule of law," said Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfer's chief executive officer. Startup date in question Analysts said they still expected the pipeline to be completed. "What is less clear is the startup date, and the exact routes," said Afolabi Ogunnaike, senior analyst at Wood MacKensie, a commodities consultancy. Between 650 and 700 people gathered in Chicago at the Army Corps offices there. Charlie Ryan, 73, who volunteers with the Sierra Club, said they were there to demand that the Army Corps "revisit the permitting process." Police arrested two at a Houston demonstration outside ETP's offices after a shouting match erupted, according to a Reuters witness. About five horse-mounted police officers arrived, creating a barrier around the arrest scene and ordering some of the more than 250 demonstrators to leave. Chanting "water is life" as a jazz band played, protestor Bridget Lois Jensen, a 53-year-old Houston resident, said Americans needed to wean themselves off fossil fuels. She was not hopeful the pipeline could be stopped. "Maybe the Army Corps will look at this, but this city and much of our economy are built on oil and gas," she said. The protests come as Dakota Access is expected to win the support of President-elect Donald Trump. He has expressed strong support for development of energy infrastructure projects. Warren donated more than $100,000 to the Trump presidential campaign. The election of Republican businessman Donald Trump as the next U.S. president is casting a cloud over the conference of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) and also will overshadow the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting later in the week. "I know the American people support this overwhelmingly," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said of the Paris Agreement on climate change that President-elect Donald Trump during the campaign vowed to rip up. Kerry is to deliver a speech at COP22 in Morocco about the importance of mitigating climate change globally. "The president-elect is going to have to make his decision," Kerry said during a brief joint interview with VOA and Reuters at Abu Dhabi airport before his departure for Marrakech. "What I will do is speak to the assembly about our efforts and what we're engaged in and why we're engaged in it, and our deep commitment as the American people to this effort." Kerry this week flew to the Arabian peninsula after a sojourn in Antarctica meant to underscore the Obama administration's serious concern about environmental change. COP22 was intended to be a celebration, including for Kerry, and a discussion about implementation following the conclusion of negotiations at earlier conferences. What Kerry says in Marrakech will now be more closely parsed than it would have been if his like-minded predecessor, Hillary Clinton, had prevailed in the presidential election. Shift to skepticism There is anticipation that the new president will shift the U.S. government's official stance to skepticism about climate change, putting it at odds with other leading nations and jeopardizing the global pact that just entered into force on November 4. "I hope he will really hear and understand the severity and urgency of addressing climate change," U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday at COP22. "As president of the United States, I hope he understands this, listens and evaluates his campaign remarks." Possible actions by the Trump administration include withdrawing under Article 28 of the Paris Agreement (which has been ratified by 110 member states), ignoring America's voluntary commitments under the pact and halting international funding for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Following the climate conference, Kerry crosses the Atlantic to attend the annual ministerial meeting of the 21-member APEC forum in Lima, Peru. There, too, the American statesman will confront anxious counterparts, especially those who signed on to the U.S.-led Trans Pacific Partnership. But Congress will not approve the TPP before the start of the next administration. Some critics have declared it doomed. Kerry disagrees. A so-called "lame duck" session of Congress which occurs after an election but before members of a new administration or new Congress are sworn in "always presents complications," Kerry said. "I think the TPP is going to be thoroughly and well debated. It deserves its full hearing before the United States Senate." Candidates critical Trump strongly opposed the trade pact on the campaign trail, and Clinton also said she was against it. President Barack Obama and his top envoy have been enthusiastic proponents. "I think the business community overwhelmingly will see its passage as critical to their own prospects in the region, the fastest-growing region in the world," Kerry added. Leaders of the 12 TPP nations are to meet on the APEC sidelines to ponder their next move in the wake of Trump's election. Asked by VOA what he would tell them, Kerry responded that he would ask his counterpart TPP ministers to "stay at it, we're not finished at all," because in the United States, those "who support this are not suddenly going to vanish because there's a momentary lull in terms of a lame-duck session of Congress." The trade agreement enters into force only after it has been ratified by six countries, but the list must include Japan and the United States. A failure at this juncture by the United States to ratify TPP would clear the way for a bolder push by China for regional trade pacts that it leads. "If China has a good idea, we should look at China's good idea and see whether or not it makes sense for us, too," said Kerry, an acknowledgment that at least for now, the Americans on this particular bumpy road might have to hand the steering wheel to the Chinese. Egypt's parliament on Tuesday approved a bill to regulate non-governmental organizations in a move human rights groups say effectively bans their work. Egyptian rights activists say they are facing the worst crackdown in their history amid a wider campaign under President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to erase freedoms won in a 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. The bill, which is subject to a final vote, bans any civil society work that does not fall under its regulation, restricts NGO activity to developmental and social work and introduces jail terms of up to five years for non-compliance. It also bans NGOs from conducting fieldwork or polls without permission or "from cooperating in any way with any international body without the necessary approval" which human rights groups say includes the United Nations. Foreign funding The bill stipulates that foreign NGOs be overseen by a regulating agency that includes representatives of the military, general intelligence and the Interior Ministry. "This law is unprecedented in its repression and is the state's way of declaring war on human rights organizations," said Mohamed Zaree, Egypt program manager at the Cairo Institute of Human Rights Studies. Egypt has accused some NGOs of receiving foreign funding to sow chaos. Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Waly, whose ministry regulates the NGO sector, said: "The government will submit official comments on the law." She did not elaborate further. Parliament approved all 89 articles of the bill on Tuesday but sent it to the State Council for review and will hold a final vote on it later. Insult to constitution The government had been working on a similar bill for the past two years, but 204 lawmakers drafted their own version, which parliament began debating on Monday. Legal Affairs Minister Magdi al-Agaty had asked MPs to consider the government draft, but was shouted down by several members of parliament. Agaty later said the government would submit notes on parliament's bill but there was no "conflict" with parliament and Speaker Ali Abdelaal welcomed the government's amendments. Rights groups have repeatedly criticized leaked drafts of the government's bill but say parliament's version is much more stringent, including penalties of up to five years in jail and fines of up to 1 million Egyptian pounds ($65,573). "The government bill is liberal compared to this bill," said Zaree. "It is an insult to the constitution." Americans flee Egypt Egypt's constitution guarantees the right to form NGOs without prior approval but the bill allows authorities to dissolve groups within a month of their creation if found to practice "banned activities" and introduces a 10,000 Egyptian pound license fee. NGOs have felt exposed since late 2011, when authorities raided 17 pro-democracy and rights groups, accusing them of joining a foreign conspiracy against Egypt. In 2013, a court ordered the closure of several foreign pro-democracy groups, including U.S.-based Freedom House, and gave jail sentences to 43 NGO staff including 15 Americans who had fled the country. A case against dozens of Egyptian NGOs and lawyers was never closed but remained largely dormant until this year when a court in September approved a freeze on the assets of five human rights activists and three NGOs accused of receiving foreign funds. Hawaii's land board is urging the state Supreme Court to quickly dismiss an appeal by opponents of a proposed telescope on a dormant Big Island volcano that is viewed as sacred by some Native Hawaiians. The appeal filed last week is premature because no final decision has been made on whether the Thirty Meter Telescope will receive a construction permit, state lawyers say in a motion. The opponents are appealing various decisions that have been made during an ongoing contested-case hearing process, including time limits for parties to question witnesses. Because of the statewide importance of the underlying contested-case hearing, the board requests that this court act as soon as possible,'' the motion said. Permit in question In 2011, telescope opponents requested so-called contested-case hearings before the land board approved a permit to build on conservation land. The hearings were held, and the permit was upheld. Opponents then sued. In December 2015, the state Supreme Court revoked the permit, ruling the land board's approval process was flawed. That meant the application process needed to be redone, requiring a new hearing. Permit applicant University of Hawaii at Hilo also wants the appeal dismissed. Their motion suggests the court appoint a special master who would oversee the case. TMT International Observatory LLC, the nonprofit organization that wants to build the telescope, filed documents with the court Monday to join the motion. The opponents appealed directly to the state Supreme Court because of a law that took in effect in August that allows certain contested-case hearing decisions to bypass the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Lawyers of concern The motions to dismiss argue the appeal would create piecemeal litigation. Indeed, allowing appeals such as this would open the door to interlocutory appeals of nearly any decision made during the course of a fact-finding proceeding, and ultimately undermine the entire proceeding,'' the university's motion said. One of the reasons for the appeal is concern that the same lawyers from the state attorney general's office who argued unsuccessfully before the state Supreme Court continue to advise the land board and the hearing officer in what is now supposed to be a fair and impartial process, Richard Wurdeman, the attorney who filed the appeal, said in an email Tuesday. Backup location in Spain Lanny Sinkin, who is representing the traditional Native Hawaiian faith known as Temple of Lono, filed a similar appeal to the state Supreme Court on Monday. Temple of Lono, which is one of the parties in the contested-case hearings, claims violations of due process. The hearings began last month, and they are scheduled to last into next month, possibly January. Telescope officials have said they want a permit in place by the end of the year or early next year in order to resume construction in 2018. They recently announced that a mountain in the Canary Islands, Spain, is the primary alternative in case the telescope can't be built in Hawaii. As I shoved extra paper towels in my pocket and reached for the familiar feel of the show halter, I could not help but think, This is it. One last lap. With my family by my side and my favorite homebred cow on the halter, I stood, waiting to enter the ring for my last show as a junior. As stated in the subtitle, I was never good at sports, but the showring was my playing field. For 12 years I had walked countless miles around a judge and learned valuable life lessons from family, friends, and mentors who had helped me exhibit my animals. Over the years, I had stood at the top, the bottom, and everywhere in between, but I could always count on words of encouragement and advice from my mother and father who anxiously stood ringside. Anyone who has ever shown at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., has experienced the long walk from the cattle barns to the showring. I had made that walk many times during my career as a junior, but the journey to the ring this time had a much different feeling. I reflected on how lucky I was to have such amazing friends and family support me and my passion. I pictured my mother helping lace my boots and fix my hair when I was first getting started. I remembered days of frustration, where it felt like it wasnt worth it, and the moments of success when I felt on top of the world. I talked with God for a bit during our walk and thanked Him for all the opportunities that I had been blessed with during my time as a junior. My mind was racing a million miles a minute before I hit the ring. But as I entered, everything was calm. I could not help but tear up as I admired Austin, my 4-year-old Holstein, on our last lap during the Supreme Champion parade. I reached up to hug and kiss her neck as they announced our name as the overall winner. And just like that, my junior career was over. I was sad to see this part of my life come to an end, but I felt nothing but excitement for what lies ahead. With two younger sisters, I look forward to watching them share the same love for showing cattle as I did during my junior career. Though I may now only show in the open division, I am forever thankful for those 12 years spent as a junior. The United States and Peru have agreed to step up efforts to fight illegal logging and bolster environmental protection in the South American country. U.S. trade officials held their first talks last week with officials from the government of Peru's new president, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said Tuesday he is encouraged by the concrete actions Peru has announced to make sure its timber exports are harvested legally, but said significant challenges are ahead. For the sake of our forests, our global environment, and our shared future, we will continue to closely monitor the situation in Peru and work closely with them to advance environmental progress, Froman said. Peruvian authorities also say other environmental priorities include protecting biological diversity and creating and expanding protected marine areas. President Barack Obama visits Peru this week as part of his final scheduled official foreign trip. The Kenyan government is delaying its decision to close the huge Dadaab refugee camp, which houses nearly 300,000 people, most of them Somalis. But Kenya's interior minister insists the process to repatriate the Somalis will continue. Kenyan Interior minister Joseph Nkaisserry said his country had postponed the closure of Dadaab camp, currently home to more than 280,000 Somali refugees. Nkaisserry told reporters in Nairobi Wednesday the Kenyan government was responding to a request by the United Nation refugee agency UNHCR and Somali government not to close the camp. I wish to announce the government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of the repatriation of Somali refugees and eventual closure of Dadaab refugee complex by six months. However, the ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted, he said. The minister was joined by UNHCR officials and Somali government representatives. In May, Kenya's government announced it would shut down Dadaab by November 30. The camp was opened in 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war after the fall of the Mohamed Siad Barre regime. At one point, the sprawling camp held some 400,000 refugees. Kenyan security agencies repeatedly said the camp was a security threat, citing activity in the camp by the Somali militant group al-Shabab. In recent months, tens of thousands of Somali refugee have returned home. However, most of the returnees say basic needs, such as getting basic needs like food, shelter, clean water and schools, are not being met. Nkaisserry said the political and security situation in Somalia has led Kenya to reconsider their earlier decision. The request for the extension was due to the delicate situation in Somalia. The Somali government is undergoing election period and quite a number of areas that has not been secured, he said. Al-Shabab still controls many parts of south and central Somalia and continues to fight forces of the government and the African Union force AMISOM, of which Kenya is a part. Somali ambassador to Kenya Jamal Mohamed Hassan said his country lacks the capacity to take back its citizens. On the Somali side, we would like to tell the world we are willing and ready to receive our people. All we are trying to do and make sure is that the reception capacity on the other side is increased and we prepare the ground for them to come back, he said. When the new deadline to close Dadaab comes in May of next year, Nkaisserry said Somalis who have not returned home will be sent to other refugee camps. The closure of Dadaab camp does not mean Kenya is not taking refugees anymore. We still have Kakuma. [The] United Nations High Commission for Refugees has other refugee camps spread all over the world. That will be a program which will be considered, he said. Amnesty International released a statement that it welcomes the announcement to suspend the closure of the camp but calls on the Kenyan government to end what it called the forceful repatriation. In the coming weeks, Kenya will host a special summit of the regional bloc IGAD to discuss the Somali refugee crisis and regional security. Secretary of State John Kerry is trying to ease the minds of those who are concerned the next U.S. president will gut the historic global accord to mitigate climate change. I cant stand here and speculate about what policies our President-elect will pursue, said Kerry, speaking at the COP22 U.N. climate conference. In the time Ive spent in public life, one of the things Ive learned is that some issues look a bit different when youre actually in office compared to when youre on the campaign trail. Trump, on the campaign trail as the Republican nominee, spoke of ripping up the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gasses. Shortly after his surprise victory Trump appointed climate change skeptic Myron Ebell to lead his Environmental Protection Agency transition team. Climate change shouldnt be a partisan issue in the first place, Kerry said and explained it is not such an issue for leaders at the Pentagon, the U.S. intelligence community, corporate executives and local politicians. In the audience at Kerrys speech were representatives of the U.N., officials of numerous countries, members of U.S. congressional committees, and environmentalists who spoke among themselves about the uncertainly of American leadership on environmental issues under a President Trump. I hope the president-elect will listen to [Kerrys] advice," Greenpeace International executive director Jennifer Morgan told VOA. Morgan said, I have not felt fear among the international community attending COP22 that the climate change mitigation goals in the Paris Agreement are jeopardized by the impending change of administration in Washington. But Greenpeace and other environmental groups are applauding indications by China it is committed to the agreement. One of the countrys high level diplomats has assured us that climate actions will continue in China regardless of the U.S. political situation, said Li Shuo, the climate policy advisor for Greenpeace China. In response to reassuring comments made at the COP22 news conference by the Chinese delegation Li remarked, Inside every crisis is an opportunity. China has seized this. Kerry, in his speech which received a standing ovation, said despite the international consensus there is still no guarantee that the critical goals set will be met, even holding temperature increases to two degrees warming, which many scientists say is a tipping point. And if we fall short, it will be the greatest instance in modern history of a generation in a time of crisis, abdicating responsibility for the future, Kerry asserted. And it wont just be a policy failure; because of the nature of this challenge, it will be a moral failure, a betrayal of devastating consequence. Kerry, who has long championed action on climate change, spoke at the conference after an "awe-inspiring" trip to Antarctica, where he took a helicopter ride to view the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. COP22, attended by 25,000 delegates, was intended to be a celebration of sorts, with the focus on implementation after years of negotiation, in which the United States played a key leadership role. Three opposition lawmakers at the center of a dispute between Venezuela's congress and its top court stepped down on Tuesday following an agreement meant to ease a political standoff between the opposition and President Nicolas Maduro. Lawmakers Julio Ygarza, Nirma Guarulla and Romel submitted their resignations in writing to congress on Tuesday. The lawmakers, two from the Amazonas jungle state and one who represents indigenous groups, were key to handing the opposition a super majority in December 2015's legislative elections. But a Supreme Court order banned them on allegations of fraud in January. The National Assembly defied the government by reinstating them in July, leading authorities to declare congress illegitimate and setting up a power clash with the socialist government. In Vatican-backed talks between the opposition and the government over the weekend, the two sides agreed the lawmakers would resign to trigger fresh elections for the three seats. "This is a vote of confidence in the dialogue," opposition lawmaker Angel Alvarado told Reuters during Tuesday's congressional session. "Now [the government] has to call elections." Hardline opposition party Popular Will and some opposition activists are angry over the deal, fearing the promise of elections will not be kept and that dialogue gives unpopular Maduro a respite. Maduro, whom the opposition has been seeking to remove in a recall referendum, cheered the removal of the lawmakers. "The process begins for the National Assembly to respect the Supreme Court, respect the Constitution, meaning that there will be elections in Amazonas [state] very soon," he said during his salsa radio show. The opposition took a major hit last month when the country's electoral board all but ended hopes for a recall referendum against Maduro. A Syrian Kurdish militia withdrew its forces Wednesday from the strategic northern Syrian town of Manbij, three months after helping to free it from Islamic State control. U.S. officials and commanders from the Kurdish People's Protection Units, known as the YPG, said the Kurdish force would head south to help in the fight for Raqqa, IS's de facto capital in Syria. The move satisfies Turkish demands that YPG fighters move east of the Euphrates River. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organization and an extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. Ankara fears that a strong Kurdish entity in northern Syria will empower Kurdish rebels in Turkey who are engaged in a bloody conflict with Turkish forces. The YPG said it was turning control of Manbij over to a local military council trained by the Kurds with U.S military assistance. "These forces now have military and security institutions and they can protect the people of Manbij from all dangers," the YPG said in a statement. IS driven out in August Manbij is an Arab-majority town in Syria's Aleppo province that had been under IS rule since 2014. Backed by U.S. air support, Kurdish forces drove IS from the town in August. Since then, U.S. officials have worked toward a peaceful transition that satisfied Turkish demands and left Manbij under local Arab control. On Twitter, U.S. envoy Brett McGurk on Wednesday hailed the transition as a "milestone." "All YPG units to depart Manbij and return east of Euphrates after local units complete training to maintain security after ISIL," said McGurk, the special presidential envoy for the U.S.-backed coalition to counter IS. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters Wednesday before heading to Pakistan that he was sure the U.S would make good on plans to transition Manbij from Kurdish control. "They said they would keep that promise. And we expect and hope that they will do so," he added. Turkey has begun a separate operation against IS fighters in Syria. Turkey-backed Syrian rebels have closed in on IS fighters in the town of al-Bab in Aleppo province. The anti-IS rebels cleared the border town of Jarablus from IS fighters in September. Part of U.S. strategy Giving control back to Manbij locals was as much a part the U.S. strategy as mollifying Ankara's objections to the YPG, analysts said. "The YPG withdrawal from Manbij was mandated by the U.S. mainly to keep with the schedule of building up local security forces from Manbij to hold the city and its surrounding areas," said Nicholas A. Heras, a Middle East researcher at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. "Turkey's opposition to the YPG is built into the U.S. strategy, but it does not guide the U.S. strategy," he said. The withdrawal from Manbij was made "in order to allow the YPG to continue to be a leading component of the SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces] displacement force to remove [IS] from areas closer to Raqqa," Heras said. The Kurdish-led offensive on Raqqa was launched two weeks ago. With the U.S. air support, the forces have made significant advances, pushing IS from much of the northern countryside of Raqqa. They are reportedly 35 kilometers from Raqqa city's limits. VOA's Uzay Bulut contributed to this report from Washington. Mexico will need to show "enormous pragmatism" in its dealings with Donald Trump's government, President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Tuesday, as his administration prepares to seek common ground on trade and immigration issues. Mexico is on tenterhooks awaiting the accession of Trump to the U.S. presidency because of his repeated threats on the campaign trail to impose tariffs on Mexican-made goods and seal the country off behind a massive border wall. Acknowledging that Trump's victory had generated some uncertainty, Pena Nieto reiterated his government would pursue dialogue with the next U.S. government to reach agreements. "We'll have to work with enormous pragmatism to agree what's useful and convenient for Mexico and for the whole of North America," he told a business summit in the central city of Puebla, Mexican headquarters of German carmaker Volkswagen. The Mexican president added that his government was committed to providing macroeconomic stability for investors, listing a flexible exchange rate, central bank independence and a solid banking system among the key planks of his pledge. Concern has been widespread among business leaders and officials in Mexico that Trump could follow through on threats to abandon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) if he cannot renegotiate it in the United States' interests. Struck between the United States, Mexico and Canada, NAFTA took effect in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of Mexican international trade policy. Mexico sends four-fifths of its goods exports to the United States. Still, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo believes Trump will not back out of NAFTA, and has said Mexico could add new chapters to the deal to update it. Natural disasters push 26 million people into poverty and cost the world about $520 billion every year which is about 60 percent lower than is usually reported, according to a new World Bank study. The report says the numbers are expected to increase in coming decades as climate change intensifies the power of droughts, cyclones, flooding and hurricanes. The 190-page report, entitled "Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters," also proposes new measures that countries can enact to better protect the poor from natural catastrophes. "Poor people need social and financial protection from disasters that cannot be avoided, said Stephane Hallegatte, the reports lead author. With risk policies in place that we know to be effective, we have the opportunity to prevent millions of people from falling into poverty." Resilience policy Included is a "resilience policy" package for 117 nations comprised of early warning systems, improved access to personal banking, insurance policies, and social protection systems such as cash transfers and social programs to help people recover from the trauma caused by natural developments. Rural farmers in places like Ethiopia, a country hit by severe drought, were protected by a productive Safety Net Program and suffered 25 percent fewer losses. Insurance policies are helping farmers increase their investments in assets and boost their productivity in Mexico's CADENA program, along with the World Food Program's R4 Rural Resilience Initiative. The study said an "innovative insurance program" helped Haiti, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which received $29 million to support recovery efforts after Hurricane Matthew. Climate change, food security But whenever disaster strikes, a trail of devastation comes with it, which U.N. officials say puts one of the basic human rights at risk: food. World Food Program Director Ertharin Cousin told VOA that in 2016, more than 90 percent of the natural disasters were climate-related, adding that humanitarian agencies and nations have a responsibility to move beyond disaster relief. "The planet's most vulnerable people are demanding and depending on us to get this right, Cousin said. Our shared commitment to achieving zero hunger depends on us getting this right. Climate change is already stretching the humanitarian system financially and operationally." Cousin says without "concerned action," hard-won development gains will be reversed and "millions more will know the misery of hunger." "Climate change, food security and economic development are not separate challenges, [but] different facets of the same challenge," she added. The new study further "breaks down" the link between natural disaster and the urgency for climate-smart policies that promotes a stronger social safety net to protect the most vulnerable. "Unbreakable is a road map to help countries better adapt to climate change, and boost the resilience and prosperity of their most vulnerable citizens," the report said. New Yorkers can be expressive people, particularly when they are upset. Following last week's presidential election, residents of the city that voted strongly for Hillary Clinton could be seen across subway platforms, in cafe windows, and on city benches wearing variations of the same look: grief, disbelief, despair at the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency. But throughout Manhattan, chin-on-palm pondering quickly evolved into conversation and action: massive protests on the streets and beneath the city's surface, an outpouring of words and emotions on sticky notes. "Subway Therapy," a concept coined by Brooklyn-native Matthew Chavez, came alive on November 9 the day after the U.S. election inside New York's bustling Union Square station. The idea was simple: Chavez handed out blank sticky notes, and New Yorkers jotted their thoughts, individually posting them on the station's square tiles. One week and many hundreds of notes later, the wall had taken on its own life. "We stand for peace," read one. "We will overcome." "Love is love is love." Others were more directly aimed at the city's diverse community: "Protect each other from hate." "We're all New Yorkers. We GOT your back!" "IMMIGRANTS MAKE AMERICA GREAT." 'Third worst day' David Johnson, who moved to the United States from England 40 years ago, asked me to read him some of the notes, citing his bad eyes. Hunched forward on his walking cane, Johnson listened close. "We [heart] immigrants," I read. "#NotMyPresident" "Good, good," he interrupted, nodding. Johnson told me that last week's election was the third worst day of his life. "The Kennedy assassination, the falling of the twin towers, and him. "It affected my psyche, my health, everything," he paused, emphatically. "I don't know how Obama was so civil toward him. I want to hit him with my stick, man! God " Too young to vote, Maritai Evans added a yellow note to the mix. "I love my baby so much," she had written, a post dedicated to her boyfriend. "It makes me feel like people actually have a voice and it's coming out," said Evans, of the city's outpouring of emotion. "One day it will fully come out, and when it does, it will be a big blast. And we won't be able to shut it down." On Staten Island, an alternate reaction While Manhattan and much of New York City was a presidential stronghold for Democrat Hillary Clinton, Staten Island the city's least populous borough awarded Donald Trump approximately 57 percent of its vote, according to the city's Board of Elections. Twenty-five kilometers southwest of Manhattan, a Jewish congregation called "Toras Emes," sits near the edge of the island. At a Sunday morning gathering of predominantly Russian men, politics is tricky territory, but they lean toward Trump. Rabbi and spiritual leader Yochanan Ivry admits he often plays referee. "There's a famous expression, 'Two Jews, three opinions,'" Ivry said. "They say, 'Is God a democrat? Is God a Republican?' And I say, 'God is both.'" His hope for his congregation and the country is to have the ability to talk about politics in a civilized manner, especially in moments of upheaval and uncertainty. Herman Herskovic, who was born in the Soviet Union, came to the United States during President Richard Nixon's administration. His values can be summed up by the golden rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He believes the 45th president will be good for Israel and human issues. Just as importantly, he trusts Trump. "I have listened to his children, and they impressed me very much," Herskovic said. "I think they have some kind of influence on their father, or vice versa." Herskovic has concerns about some of Trump's rhetoric, along with cases of xenophobia and racism that have played out in communities across the nation, but believes it will be "straightened out." He places his trust in the U.S. constitution and its system of checks and balances. "I don't think that everything he said is going to materialize, especially those outrageous things that he said," Herskovic said. "And what if they do?" I asked. "No, they won't," he replied, assuredly. "I just don't see it." Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega's party strengthened its majority in the country's Congress after his landslide re-election earlier this month, the country's electoral authority said on Tuesday. Ortega, a former Marxist guerilla and the head of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party, won his third consecutive term in the election on Nov. 6, as voters cheered years of solid economic growth and overlooked criticism he is installing a family dynasty. The electoral authority, which needed more than a week to tally results from across the country including isolated communities, said Ortega's Sandinistas won 71 of the 92 seats in Congress, up from the 63 seats they won in the 2011 election. The party of Ortega's main opponent, the center-right Liberal Constitutionalist Party's (PLC) Maximino Rodriguez, will have 13 seats, with one more guaranteed by the constitution for Rodriguez. Fusing his militant past with a more business-friendly approach, the 71-year-old Ortega stands in stark contrast to many once-dominant Latin American leaders, whose popularity has plummeted in recent years after failing to guarantee gains in economic prosperity. U.S. President Barack Obama chose, Athens, the cradle of Western-style democracy to deliver his likely final, landmark foreign policy speech on what is his last overseas trip in office, saying the democracy that America upholds and promotes in the world is imperfect, but better than the alternatives. Reflecting on his eight-year presidency, the U.S. leader said his travels around the globe have shown him that while every country travels its own path, there is fundamental desire for dignity and self-determination. These flames are universal. They burn in every heart, Obama said. The outgoing American leader bids farewell to Washingtons foreign partners at a time when there are big questions on the future of U.S. relations with Europe, its new role in the world, and the image the United States, forever seen as a symbol of Western liberalism, is projecting. The bitterness and anger displayed by candidates and demonstrators during the U.S. presidential campaign and in the days since have shocked many in Europe. In his speech Wednesday, Obama sought to reassure the world that American-style democracy is alive, and he emphasized the importance of a peaceful transition. We compete hard in campaigns. But even after elections, democracy depends on a peaceful transition of power, Obama said, without mentioning President-elect Donald Trump by name. The next American president and I could not be more different ... But American democracy is bigger than any one person. Topping every conversation of the U.S. leader on this trip are his efforts to reassure Europe the United States has no choice but to remain engaged with the region and committed to its longstanding security partnerships. He said the history of the last two centuries shows democracies are less likely to fight wars among themselves, Our closest friends are democracies. NATO, he said, is an alliance of democracy. WATCH: Obama praises NATO allies Obama is using his last foreign tour to reassure U.S. NATO partners who are nervous after President-elect Donald Trumps campaign remarks in which he called the alliance obsolete and suggested the United States might not automatically defend members who are not making their minimum contributions to the alliance and spend the required two percent of their GDP on defense. I believe it is practical for the United States to support democracy, Obama said as he was interrupted by applause. History, he said, shows countries with democratic governance tend to be more just and more stable, and more successful and deliver more prosperity. Obama gave the speech after touring Athens ancient Acropolis, a symbol of the origins of democracy, which the president described as the most precious of gifts for which America is indebted to Greece. Close eye on Obama Observers across Europe are following the visit closely, as E.U. governments await clarification on what the state of the U.S.-partnership will be after Inauguration Day. While President Obama has said on this trip that he is neither defending Donald Trumps campaign statements nor taking responsibility for what the President-elect says or does, he hopes to reassure partners that core American principles remain unchanged. In Athens, the American president poses himself as the defender of the Union, said a commentary in the Paris newspaper Le Figaro. Obama wants to reassure Europe on the future of its relations with the United States ... It was therefore appropriate to travel to Greece, the birthplace of democracy, for his farewell tour, it said. Obamas next stop is Germany. In the largest influx of refugees returning to Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, more than 1 million Afghans have returned home one-fifth of them involuntarily from neighboring Pakistan and Iran this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Wednesday. While more than 390,000 Afghan refugees voluntarily returned under a United Nations repatriation initiative, nearly 620,000 undocumented Afghans came from Pakistan and Iran, and more than 6,000 rejected asylum seekers returned from Europe. Nearly one-fifth of the returnees were deported, mostly by Iran. Afghan refugees and migrants have been returning home all year, but their number swelled in recent months as authorities in Pakistan and Iran stepped up a campaign of harassment and deportation of millions of undocumented Afghan refugees while the U.N. and the government of Afghanistan enticed Afghan exiles with cash grants and offers of land. As recently as last week, IOM and U.N. data indicated a little over 800,000 Afghan refugees had returned to Afghanistan through early November, but on Wednesday an IOM spokesman in Kabul said that figure has now topped 1 million. "This is the highest level since 2002," said Matthew Graydon, a spokesman for IOM's Afghanistan office. In 2002, nearly 2 million Afghan refugees, encouraged by the fall of the Taliban in late 2001, returned home from Pakistan and Iran where many had lived for two decades. Nearly 4 million others followed over the course of the next 12 years. As security deteriorated last year, more than 200,000 Afghans fled the country, mostly to head to Europe, marking the largest post-Taliban mass migration out of the country. While many Afghans continue to leave the country, the returnees are coming home at a time when fighting between the Taliban and government forces has internally displaced more than 1 million Afghans this year. With no signs of a letup in the flow of returning refugees, migration advocates are warning about a growing humanitarian crisis. The influx "makes a very large figure for a country which is in a volatile situation when it comes to security and also in terms of economic opportunities for those to be reabsorbed in a very short time," Laurence Hart, IOM's chief of mission in Kabul, said during a visit to Washington last week. After four decades of conflict in their country, Afghans remain one of the largest and most protracted refugee groups in the world, with more than 5 million living in Iran and Pakistan. Of an estimated 2.3 million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, 1 million are undocumented. Iran hosts an additional 2 million undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants, in addition to about 1 million legal refugees. Of the more than 620,000 undocumented Afghan refugees that returned to Afghanistan this year, most came from Iran. IOM data shows that Iran has deported 174,000 Afghans so far this year, while Pakistan has sent back 22,000. Pakistan had set a November 15 deadline for the 1 million undocumented Afghan refugees and migrants living in Pakistan to either register or face deportation. Islamabad, however, appears to have allowed the deadline to pass in the face of calls for an extension through the winter from refugee advocacy organizations. Pakistan's Ministry of States and Frontier regions has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to begin the registration of all undocumented Afghans living in Pakistan, Graydon said. A Pakistani decision not to enforce the deadline will allow refugee organizations "to look at a better and more orderly return over a longer period of time," Hart said. Hart said political and economic factors have contributed to the mass return of Afghan refugees. "Economic uncertainty which is affecting the whole world has also brought that decision," he said. But another reason is political. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the May killing of the Taliban leader in Pakistan have grown. "The political factor is, indeed, one that also plays an important role," Hart said. "We're talking about a different relationship which Afghanistan is engaging, and that has probably created some problems in terms of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In addition, Hart said, there are so-called "pull factors" at play. The U.N.'s decision earlier this year to double its cash grant to repatriating refugees to $400 and the Afghan government's offer of land and other assistance have all served to encourage repatriation. With few links to Afghanistan, second- and third-generation refugees returning to Afghanistan have no place to go. While 90 percent of the refugees returning from Pakistan are settling in the eastern province of Nangarhar, many others have moved to Kabul, straining services and contributing to an increase in housing costs. "A lot of people think being in a large urban context might offer them better opportunities than a rural context," Hart said. Pakistans military has conducted a major exercise of ground and air power near the border with India, showcasing combat-readiness of the armed forces amid heightened tensions and fears of another war between the rival nations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with his military Chief General Raheel Sharif inspected the exercises, with foreign ambassadors also in attendance Wednesday in the central Khairpur Tamiwali region. The drill, called Thunder Lightening (Raad ul Barq), involved combat aircraft, tanks, artillery, mobile missile launchers and other heavy weapons. WATCH: Video footage of military drills It came just days after clashes with Indian forces across the disputed Kashmir frontier, known as Line of Control, left seven Pakistani soldiers dead. At the exercise, Sharif warned the Kashmir border situation remains sensitive and blamed India for committing grave violations of a mutually agreed ceasefire there. He was referring to a 2003 ceasefire truce that has been rendered ineffective in recent months. He said the military exercise shows "Pakistan is ready to confront any ambitious and reckless move by its enemies." Sharif reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India. Killing of our innocent civilians and soldiers along the Line of Control (the disputed Kashmir border) is another act of aggression which warrants international attention. Pakistan says that at least 26 civilians have also died in recent clashes with India in Kashmir while thousands of villagers fled to safer areas. Both countries blame each other for starting the conflict that India says has caused civilian and army casualties on its side. India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in its entirety and have fought almost three of the four wars over the divided Himalayan region since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. The two countries have since equipped their militaries with nuclear arsenal, raising fears another war could escalate into nuclear exchanges. A bilateral wide-ranging dialogue to normalize ties and find ways to address Kashmir as well as other disputes remains suspended. Mutual allegations of sponsoring terrorist attacks on each others soil have exacerbated diplomatic tensions in recent years, diminishing hopes for an early revival of peace talks between India and Pakistan. A Latino police officer who shot and killed a black motorist in in the midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter, prosecutors said. St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez shot 32-year-old Philando Castile during a traffic stop on July 6 in the community of Falcon Heights. After the shooting, the victim's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, broadcast live images on Facebook of the bleeding victim, slumped in the driver's seat. The girlfriend is heard on the video saying that Castile told police he had a pistol on him and carried a permit for it, and was told to stop reaching for his wallet by the officer. As the man was putting his hands up he was shot "four or five times," according to the woman. According to reports, Yanez's attorney, Tom Kelly, said his client reacted to the presence of a gun. Kelly said the officer pulled Castile over because he thought the victim looked like a suspect in an armed robbery case. Castile's family said he was racially profiled. Victim was armed Ramsey County Attorney John Choi told reporters during a news conference that Yanez' use of deadly force was unjustified and noted that while Castile was armed he never removed or tried to remove the gun that he allegedly had in his pocket. At the time of the shooting, the St. Anthony Minnesota Police Department, which covers the community of Falcon Heights, released a statement saying that the officer in question were put on "standard" paid leave, but did not elaborate on the incident. Interim police chief Jon Mangseth read the brief statement at a press briefing and did not take any questions. Maximum sentence of 10 years Second degree manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter, carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years in Minnesota. Just one day before Castile's death, Alton Sterling, a black man, was fatally shot by police in the southern state of Louisiana. Video of the incident has circulated online and sparked nationwide outrage and protests and vigils in the city of Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Wednesday's announcement also came a day after the one-year anniversary of Jamar Clark's killing another high-profile police killing in Minnesota. No charges were filed in that case. Russias announcement Wednesday that it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court is a symbolic blow to international justice, but it will have no practical effect on the court, experts said. The Rome Statute created the court in 1998. Two years later, Moscow signed on to it, but never ratified the statute to become a full member. Membership of the Rome Statute, is a voluntary and sovereign decision, which is the prerogative of all states, ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah told VOA in an email. [The] ICC is respectful of each states sovereignty, he added. As Russia had not ratified the Rome Statute little will change in practice; however, the decision is an alarming indication of Russias unwillingness to cooperate with international justice systems, said Amnesty Internationals Russia Director Sergei Nikitin. Moscows foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday that The Hague-based court is not a truly independent and authoritative judicial body and dismissed its work as one-sided and inefficient. The move comes a day after the courts chief prosecutor issued a report stating that the situation in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol factually amounts to an on-going state of occupation of Ukrainian territory by Russia. Russia annexed the Ukrainian Black Sea Peninsula in March 2014 after a widely criticized referendum. Courts future The move comes as the International Criminal Court faces defections from some African members. South Africa, Burundi and Gambia have all notified the United Nations that they are leaving the ICC. African states have complained they feel the courts work is overly focused on their nations. While the court is pursuing several cases related to African countries, it also is conducting investigations and cases into Afghanistan, Colombia, Cambodia and other states. If the state parties, who apparently have been masquerading in recent years as countries devoted to criminal accountability, want to leave, then they should leave, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein told the courts annual gathering Wednesday at The Hague. He said he was not convinced their positions are based entirely on principle. Quite the opposite; it appears to aim more at protecting their leaders from prosecution, the high commissioner said. 'Key moment' The court has an arrest warrant out for Sudans president, Omar al-Bashir, for crimes committed in Darfur. It also dropped a case against Kenyas President Uhuru Kenyatta for post-election violence in 2007 and 2008. We are at a really key moment, Human Rights Watchs Associate Director of International Justice Elizabeth Evenson told VOA from The Hague, speaking about the courts future. Because there is a risk that because we have seen a couple of countries leave the ICC, that could become some kind of a bargaining chip for concessions that would undermine the work of the ICC, said Evenson. She pointed to the push by some African countries to eliminate the courts authority to prosecute sitting heads of state, worrying that some countries might be willing to bargain over that to keep others from leaving the court. But what is needed now is not concession, Evenson said. What is needed now is for all ICC member countries to stand firm, to stand behind the court, to stand on the side of victims. The Central American nations of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador on Tuesday launched a joint security system to combat gangs and drug smuggling, as well as curtail migration and lower murders in one of the world's most violent regions. The initiative will allow police and soldiers from each country to undertake coordinated actions to attack gangs, drug trafficking and people smuggling, officials said. The three impoverished countries have each contributed to a sharp rise in the number of Central American migrants heading north to the United States in recent years, a flow U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to stop. "What we are installing is the perfecting of shields along our borders," Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said at an event in the western city of Nueva Ocotepeque, accompanied by Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. "We're conscious of the fact that this war against crime, which we're winning, has, and is going to have, effects and repercussions, but we can't go backwards." The joint security force is part of the so-called "Alliance for Prosperity" plan, which aims to regenerate the region with support from Washington, creating jobs and infrastructure. That plan, whose fate is unclear after Trump's surprise election last week, was hatched after a sharp rise in Central American child migrants bound for the United States sparked a crisis for outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014. Last year, as part of the plan, the U.S. Congress approved a first payment of $750 million for the three countries, but it has so far yet to materialize, Guatemala's foreign minister, Carlos Raul Morales, told Reuters. Trump has said he will deport up to 3 million people living illegally in the United States, and crack down on immigration by building a border wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. Morales said he had spoken with migrants in the United States and understood their "logical fears," but added it was too early to fully gauge what Trump will do as president. Honduran president Hernandez said he would meet U.S. lawmakers from both parties to defend the Alliance for Prosperity. "In the case of President-elect Trump, I think he has identified a clear objective: they don't want migrants there, just as we don't want our people to go," Hernandez said. For much of his early life on Bhola, an island in south-central Bangladesh, Mohammed Abul Kalam battled poverty and a hostile river that twice engulfed his homestead. Now, as a resident of a "bastee," or private slum on the western edge of the capital, Dhaka, he faces new challenges: the trade-offs he has made on the family's health, education and security in exchange for being near a source of work. "I came here because I found no other way," Kalam said, sitting on the floor of his tin shack. The story of how he swapped rural farming for survival in one of Dhaka's burgeoning slums on privately-owned land reflects the precarious situation of up to half a million Bangladeshis estimated to migrate to the capital each year. Kalam's journey began when the Meghna River wiped out his home for the second time, sending the family deep into debt after he borrowed $765 from moneylenders to build a new house. His neighbors told him, "Go to Dhaka", suggesting that in order to pay to marry off two teenage daughters, he would have to leave his home in Madras, on Bhola, home to more than two million people, a third of whom live below the poverty line. With empty pockets, he and his family set off on the 18-hour trip by river to the capital, where he was taken on by a garment washing factory to carry clothes in a role that was a far cry from his old life paddy farming in his village. Earning just $76 a month, Kalam struggled to make ends meet and, four months into the job, he left to take up other work demolishing buildings with a hammer and a shovel, he said. This paid a little over $6 a day but the work was irregular and eventually he had no alternative but to find work for his two eldest daughters with a garment producer in Mirpur district. There, his teenage daughters cut sewing threads and checked clothes for alterations for $51 a month - less than the industry minimum wage of $68. Rural exodus Kalam and his family are not alone. According to the World Bank, each year up to half a million rural migrants stream into Dhaka for work, swelling the ranks of the urban poor. Experts say more than three-quarters of new arrivals end up living in a bastee - owned by private landlords who provide some services - as squatter settlements on public land have disappeared amid demolitions and evictions by authorities. Since Bangladesh declared independence in 1971, the city's population has quadrupled to around 20 million. By 2050, it is projected to reach more than 35 million. Three years on, life for Kalam and his family is far from comfortable. He and his wife sleep on the concrete floor of their one-room shack to leave space for four children who share a bed. The family shares a toilet with 10 households and risk fire by cooking with an electric stove as they have no gas. Even a brief burst of rain sends water into the bastee, which is spread out over five acres of low-lying land. "[My] sorrows have a beginning but no end. I have lost everything, but the greatest loss is my daughters' education," said Kalam, reflecting on his life in the city. Private slums The family rents their room for $32 a month and the landlord takes care of some services, including electricity and water - important in a city where slum-dwellers on public land often have to pay "mastaans", powerful local figures, for utilities. Experts say the failure to re-house inhabitants evicted from homes in public settlements that have been demolished partly accounts for the boom in privately-owned slums. "Slums are being cleared, but slum dwellers stay behind - they are not leaving Dhaka," Khondker Rebaca Sun-Yat, executive director at advocacy group the Coalition for the Urban Poor (CUP), told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. A 2014 census found that nearly 60 percent of slums in the north and south of Dhaka are built on private land, but urban experts and rights groups estimate the figure at 80-90 percent. Sun-Yat blamed centralized development that focuses services and industries in urban areas for the rise in private slums. "Cities have sources of income. You build infrastructure in cities; how can you expect rural people not to come to cities?" she said. "If rural areas had income sources and mills and factories, people wouldn't have come to Dhaka," she said. Nevertheless, she warned that cities would "become paralyzed" if slum-dwellers returned to their place of origin. The development of Dhaka reflects a wider rise in the numbers of urban poor and what economists call the "non-monetary" conditions of poverty, such as overcrowding, vulnerability, poor security and poor sanitation, experts say. In comparison to rural poverty, urban poverty is surging. The number of urban poor in Bangladesh rose to 8 million from 6 million between 1991 and 2010, the latest period for which data is available. In contrast, the number of rural poor went down in the same period, to 46 million from 55 million. Nine in 10 slum-dwellers in Dhaka were born outside the capital, while one-fifth are poor, according to initial results of a 2016 urban slum survey conducted by the World Bank. Tenure in privately-owned slums is no more secure than in public squatter settlements, according to Salma A. Shafi, treasurer of the Centre for Urban Studies, a think tank in Dhaka. "The tenants (in private slums) have no security as rents are raised according to the owner-developers' whims," she said. "Without any contractual agreement or legal support, tenants have no power." Sub-human conditions Mosharraf Hossain, Minister of Housing and Public Works, is among those who believe migration to urban areas of Bangladesh is now "unnecessary" as wages have risen in rural areas. He said the city was not in a position to absorb more rural migrants given the poor state of its sewerage network, which covers just two-fifths of the city's population. "It's better not to have slums," Hossain told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his ministerial office in central Dhaka. "Slum people are living in sub-human conditions, near the rail lines. This is unnecessary." The government was piloting a low-cost housing project in Mirpur, which would be scaled up if successful, he said. Kalam said he was prepared to move to another private slum nearby - even for more rent - if he had to, but he did not want to leave Mirpur, where he and his daughters earn their living. "I never expected my daughters to support me," he said. "Instead, I dreamed they would continue their education." Peru has started talks with China about joining a Beijing-backed trade pact for the Asia Pacific region even as it holds out hopes that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump might renege on his vow to scrap a rival U.S.-led deal, the government said on Tuesday. Trade Minister Eduardo Ferreyros said he hopes Peru will someday be part of both proposed tariff-slashing deals - the Trans Pacific Partnership with the United States and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with China. Peru, which signed the TPP along with 11 other countries early this year, told Beijing in September that it is interested in joining RCEP, which includes India and a dozen more members. "The problem is that negotiations are well under way," Ferreyros told reporters of talks on RCEP with Chinese officials. "The signal we got was 'let us finish and then we'll see how to incorporate new members.'" If trade-liberalization proponent Peru joined a final RCEP pact, it would be the only country in the Americas in a free trade area spanning India to New Zealand, possibly encouraging other TPP signatories in Latin America to follow suit. The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama has warned that RCEP would give China a foothold in fast-growing export markets and allow Beijing to write trade rules unless the TPP were also in force. "We'll have to see how ambitious the pact is," Ferreyros said of RCEP. "Even if it's not as deep as other agreements, we'll still participate." Trump's surprise victory last week appeared to jettison years of TPP negotiations during Obama's administration. Trump called the TPP a "death blow" for U.S. manufacturing jobs and a "rape of our country" as a candidate, and Republican congressional leaders said last week that they would defer to him on trade. But Ferreyros said he was optimistic Trump might give the TPP a chance, urging the world not to "box in" Trump on his campaign rhetoric. "Let's let him take office and take a look at what's on the table," Ferreyros said. The TPP was written so it cannot be implemented without the United States, and Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said last week that it could be replaced with a new deal that would instead include U.S. rivals China and Russia. "Peru has a very open policy with everyone," Ferreyros said. "China is our friend, the United States is our friend and everyone is our friend." Some 600,000 people are short of food in Burundi due to drought and flooding in the past year and the number could rise to 700,000 by next year, a World Food Program official said. Most of those affected are in five provinces in the north and east of the central African country where around 65,000 people are reported to have fled their villages. It adds to the challenges experienced by the country of 11 million people that has been in a political crisis and witnessed sporadic violence for more than a year. The crisis was sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015. "The situation is alarming in the north of the country except that we cannot technically talk of famine ... we speak of situation with high food insecurity; what is called 'red phase' but not famine," Charles Vincent, WFP Burundi country representative, told Reuters late on Monday. Vincent made the comments after a visit to affected areas by officials from WFP, Food and Agriculture Organization, U.N. children's agency UNICEF and the government between November 1 and 3. Between September 2015 and May, Burundi suffered flooding caused by El Nino, and thereafter experienced drought due to La Nina. "Currently WFP is carrying out a general distribution to about 13,000 families (about 65,000 people); a distribution which is currently taking place in response to the situation. Is it sufficient? No," Vincent said. The U.N. Refugee agency UNHCR said in September that since then some 300,000 people had fled the political crisis and the violence to neighboring countries, mostly to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As Russian and Syrian government forces resume air attacks on Aleppo, there are growing fears among Syrian rebels they may lose U.S. support once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Across the Middle East, rival powers are trying to digest the implications of Trumps election victory. Russian jets take off from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to launch airstrikes on rebel-held Aleppo, Syria. Moscow said it was the first time in Russian naval history that its single aircraft carrier has been involved in combat actions. The United States accuses Russia and its Syrian government allies of causing mass civilian deaths; but, President-elect Donald Trump signaled a softened tone during his election campaign, and that could herald a change of policy, says Jane Kinninmont of London policy institute Chatham House. Trump has been relatively positive about Russia under Vladimir Putin, and Russias role in Syria as a supposed force against ISIS, said Kinninmont. That has raised fears the Trump administration may withdraw support for Sunni rebel fighters, handing a big advantage to the Syrian government and its Shiite backers in Iran. Conversely, Trumps pledge to tear up the nuclear deal struck between Iran and the West, which saw sanctions dropped in return for limits on nuclear activity, has gained him some support among Sunni regional powers. Trump has described the agreement as "disastrous" and the "worst deal ever negotiated." [U.S. President Barack] Obama has been really disliked by Gulf elites most of all because of the deal with Iran. They regard him as having been soft and naive on Iran. And the more hawkish language that Donald Trump has used has gone down well; but, there is complete uncertainty about what it means in practice, said Kinninmont. Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande warned Trump against reneging on the nuclear deal with Iran. He said the deal gives guarantees, and that the absence of an agreement would be very serious. There are as yet few guarantees over the direction of Trumps future foreign policy. Researcher Jane Kinninmont of Chatham House predicts his approach will mark a sharp contrast to that of Barack Obama. Trump has for years given the impression that he respects the strongman model of government, whether that is in China or in Russia, and that he has seen dictators in the Middle East as at least a force against terrorism, said Kinninmont. With conflicts raging from Yemen to Libya, analysts say the Middle East will likely provide the first test for Trumps promised strategic reset of U.S. foreign policy. Overwrite earlier story "Russia's ICC Withdrawal Called Bad Sign for Justice, " Note new headline, teaser, addition of contributing lines, enable update time to current Human rights groups around the world have condemned Russia's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court as an alarming signal of Moscow's "retreat" from international justice and institutions, and an unhappy portent for ordinary Russians worried about their human rights protections. The Kremlin decree issued Wednesday will have little to no effect on ICC operations, international jurists said. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Rome Statute two years after it created the court in 1998, but Moscow's parliament never ratified the pact. However, Russia's action also follows several African nations' recent decisions to leave the court. "We are at a really key moment," said Elizabeth Evenson, Human Rights Watch's associate director of international justice. She spoke to VOA from The Hague. Crimea ruling enraged Kremlin The ICC, the first international legal body with jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, enraged the Kremlin this week by issuing a report concluding that Russia carried out a military conflict against Ukraine in early 2014, and that the resulting annexation by Moscow of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula was an "occupation." Russian state media said the ICC's verdict on what happened in Crimea was "absolutely contradicting reality," but the court's report was endorsed by the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee. Putin acted the very next day, declaring that Russia would not remain a member of the Rome Statute because almost all ICC decisions were either politicized or biased against Moscow. An ICC spokesman, Fadi El Abdallah, gave a neutral reaction to Russia's decision. "Membership of the Rome Statute is a voluntary and sovereign decision which is the prerogative of all states," Abdallah told VOA by email. Amnesty International's Russia director, Sergei Nikitin, said even though Moscow's declaration would scarcely affect the ICC, "the decision is an alarming indication of Russia's unwillingness to cooperate with international justice systems." Moscow's cooperation 'unraveling' Tanya Lokshina, the Russia program director for Human Rights Watch in Moscow, agreed with the Amnesty official. Withdrawing from the ICC is symbolically important, she said, signaling the dramatic unraveling of Russia's cooperation with international justice and international institutions. In signing the Rome Statute 16 years ago, "Russia demonstrated its good will to consider ratification," Lokshina said. " ... Now the Kremlin says, loud and clear, 'We don't like what the ICC is doing and we reject international justice.' It says much more about Russia's retreat from international justice and institutions, and the harm it will do to the human rights of its own citizens." Rights groups have condemned Russia's repeated blocking of U.N. Security Council efforts to have the ICC investigate the Syrian conflict for possible war crimes committed by Syrian and Russian forces. The ICC "is far from perfect," Amnesty's Nikitin said, but he derided Moscow's statements as "nothing more than a hypocritical attempt by Russia to withdraw from responsibility for some of their own failures." 'Court of last resort' The ICC is "a court of last resort," spokesman Abdallah said, "designed not to replace national judicial systems but to intervene and complement them only when national authorities are not willing or not capable to bring justice to victims." Russia's nonratification of the Rome Statute and now its withdrawal from the ICC will not have any significant effect, according to Kirill Koroteyev, legal director at the Memorial Human Rights Center in Moscow, since Russia and Russian nationals can face prosecution by the ICC under the jurisdiction granted to it. Russia's renunciation of the court follows similar moves by South Africa, Burundi and Gambia. They contend the ICC is excessively focused on African states. While the court is pursuing several cases related to African countries, it is also conducting investigations into and cases involving Afghanistan, Colombia, Cambodia and other states. ICC defectors 'avoid prosecution' Some states "apparently have been masquerading in recent years as countries devoted to criminal accountability," the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said Wednesday in The Hague. "If they want to leave, then they should leave." The U.N. official said he was not convinced that complaints about the court are based entirely on principle. "Quite the opposite," he added. Such objections appear "to aim more at protecting their leaders from prosecution." The court has an arrest warrant out for Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, for crimes committed in Darfur. It also dropped a case against Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta for postelection violence in 2007 and 2008. Without Russia, the International Criminal Court still has 124 member states. The United States withdrew its participation in 2002, during the George W. Bush administration, but re-established some cooperation under President Barack Obama. China and India also are among those nations that have declined to ratify the Rome Statute. VOA's Margaret Besheer and Lisa Bryant contributed to this report. "The Spark," an 8-story building proposed for Madison's near east side, would house StartingBlock. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is using his anti-corruption campaign to mask efforts to target political opponents, some observers contend, as one of those foes appeared in court Wednesday on money-laundering charges. Colonel Sambo Dasuki has been charged with mismanaging more than $2 billion meant for purchasing military equipment for the fight against Boko Haram. Despite rulings from several courts granting him bail, Dasuki is being held by the Nigerian state security services. Dasuki served under Buharis predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, and is just one of several high-profile Nigerians arrested but not indicted in the past year. High-profile arrests Last month, Jonathans media adviser, Reuben Abati, was arrested by an anti-graft agency. The former journalist was later granted bail. Many people are being accused of money laundering and other forms of political corruption, but no one has been indicted. And people are beginning to wonder why. Salaudeen Hashim, who works for a local nonprofit that partners with Transparency International to track government corruption, cites problems with the way corruption cases are handled in Nigeria, including a lack of coordination between investigators and prosecutors. "What we have seen is some level of judicial conspiracy in the entire process, people going to court and getting bail, finding a way to maneuver the official process," said Hashim. Bribery is a problem, he said. In Nigeria, "the highest bidder will always get the most comfortable side of justice." About a dozen high-level Nigerian judges have now been accused of fraud and accepting bribes. State security officers have raided some of their homes in the past few weeks. Public sentiment Some people say judges have hampered the countrys fight against corruption, but others think it is nothing more than a smear campaign targeting the presidents own political opponents. A report this week from the Washington-based Pew Research Center shows that most Nigerians believe only a small number of elite citizens benefit from the government. It also said that 60 percent of Nigerians are optimistic that there will be less corruption in the future. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said it is distributing life-saving items to more than 6,000 vulnerable families trapped by fighting in Yei River state over the last six months. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) say they welcome the relief aid but want to be allowed to safely return to their home villages so they can harvest the crops they planted. The food rations they are receiving are not enough to survive on. UNHCR officials said more than 10,000 families were displaced from their homes in Yei County after fighting broke out between government forces and armed opposition groups aligned to former First Vice President Riek Machar. U.N. agencies say humanitarian conditions deteriorated quickly because aid workers were not able to access the area due to rampant insecurity. Aid is welcomed Ana Roba and her seven children are some of the displaced villagers receiving food assistance from UNHCR. The Roba family was displaced two months ago from Day Star, an area about two kilometers from Yei town. Roba and her children now stay with relatives near the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan offices in Yei. Roba said she welcomes the food aid provided by UNHCR, but worries about others still hiding in the bush. I have a suggestion: If they are distributing these items, let's receive them because they help other colleagues be happy. It's not only you who received food that will be happy. They [also] need [to reach our] brothers and sisters, too. If everybody receives, I think there will be nothing bad. We don't want it [to be] that others are sad when we are happy," Roba said. Food rotting in fields Mawa Fredrick was displaced from Lopapa village near Yei along with nine members of his family. He said the food being provided to the IDPs is not enough. He said all he wants is access to his land so he can harvest the crops he has been growing. We have food which is rotting in the field whether being cassava, sweet potatoes, G-nuts and so on, but the difficulty is how to access it to bring it home. When this food has come, it has helped us, Fredrick said. Fredrick said South Sudan's leaders should restore peace so he can return to his village where he can lead a normal life without the sound of guns. We need peace in our country so that we can also build our country, not always going to neighbors as if we are orphans depending on uncles to [bring] us up, like now our children are going to get education outside," Fredrick said. UNHCR is distributing blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, soap and other items to IDPs. Call for peace Richard Ruati is UNHCR's Assistant External Relations Officer for South Sudan. He is calling on the warring parties in Yei to cease hostilities and ensure a stable environment for humanitarian actors to reach vulnerable people in remote villages. We are all appealing to the government and the armed groups who are operating in some of the areas we are supposed to deliver services in, to give corridor to humanitarian actors and the displaced persons to move freely, Ruati said. Aid workers and local leaders say thousands of Yei residents have been forced to flee to neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the rampant insecurity. The U.N. also said at least 100,000 Yei residents have been stranded within the town, with no means of escape. College students across the United States marched and rallied Wednesday, urging administrators to protect students and employees against immigration action under a Donald Trump presidency. The protesters are calling for their campuses to be named sanctuary campuses, safe spaces for students here illegally, barring authorities from asking for documentation or turning over such students to federal authorities. Rallying supporters on social media with the hashtag #SanctuaryCampus, organizers said actions were planned at more than 80 universities, including Princeton, New York University, Duke in North Carolina, and the University of California in Los Angeles. Nearly 3,000 high school students in Washington, D.C., walked out of their classes Tuesday and marched across the city, making stops at Trump International Hotel, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Students chanted, We reject the president-elect and held signs that read, Please do not cut my education funding and Ban Bannon, not Muslims. Stephen Bannon, the president-elects top strategist, headed the Breitbart News website, which he once described as the platform of the alt-right, an anti-establishment platform that occasionally has been home to white nationalist and anti-Semitic vitriol. Other anti-Trump protests have been held in recent days throughout the United States. Activist groups are looking ahead to a march the day after Inauguration Day in late January, with many people on Facebook indicating their intent to fly to Washington to take part. Murder by firearms in Mexico have hit record levels under the government of President Enrique Pena Nieto as the death toll from gang violence worsens, a study showed on Tuesday. The months of July to September have seen the highest murder tolls since Pena Nieto took office in December 2012 pledging to curb gang violence that rose sharply under his predecessor. August and September, the latest months for which data are available, were also the worst two months for deaths by firearm ever registered, according to the National Citizen Observatory (ONC), a civil group monitoring justice and security in Mexico. All told, there were 1,238 murders by firearm in August and 1,228 in September, the ONC noted, basing its findings on official data. Detailed statistics published by Mexican authorities on security stretch back to 1997. "The main thing we want to underline is that 10 years after starting a so-called war on drugs, there's still no strategy," ONC Director Francisco Rivas told a news conference. Almost 2,000 people were murdered in both the month of August and in September in Mexico, official data show. Mexico has been convulsed by violence since former President Felipe Calderon sent in the armed forces to take on the drug cartels after he took office in December 2006. Well over 100,000 people have died in cartel-related violence since then. The most violent year on record in Mexico was 2011, and this year is on track to be the worst since at least 2012. In the fall of 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed off on sending more U.S. military aid to Vietnam just a few hundred soldiers to train South Vietnamese soldiers. Kennedy would not be the first or the last American president to confront the conundrum of the so-called "domino theory" that the Soviet Union (and Communist China) were seeking to expand their influence in Southeast Asia, first in Vietnam and then, later, its neighbors. President Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed the "domino" metaphor in a speech in 1954 as it related to U.S. policy in Vietnam and wider concerns regarding Soviet expansion. "Finally, you have broader considerations that might follow what you would call the "falling domino" principle. You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly. So you could have a beginning of a disintegration that would have the most profound influences." From 1954 to 1975, four American presidents would have to contend with whether or not to deepen U.S. involvement in Vietnam's war over what turned out to be misguided fears of Soviet expansion. By the time the United States withdrew in 1975, 2.5 million Americans had fought one the side of the South Vietnamese, who battled the Communist North. 58,000 American military personnel died in Vietnam. Kennedy's decision 56 years ago Wednesday, the 16th of November 2016, ultimately was one of many, made over many years culminating in a war that spawned widespread opposition and protests, deeply damaged the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson and was deemed a costly and losing proposition for the United States. The U.S. and South Korea are continuing to prioritize efforts to prosecute North Korea for alleged widespread human rights violations, despite shifting political landscapes in both countries that could minimize support for the issue. On Wednesday Tomas Ojea Quintana, the new United Nations Special Rapporteur for North Korean human rights, met with South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se in Seoul to consult on plans to again bring a resolution before the United Nations Security Council next month to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The resolution was first passed in 2014 by the General Assembly but has stalled in the Security Council, where the Norths allies China and Russia would likely veto the measure if brought to a vote. Earlier in 2014, a U.N. Commission of Inquiry issued a report comparing ongoing atrocities in North Korea to those committed by Nazi Germany, and documenting a network of political prisons in the country incarcerating nearly 120,000 men, women and children, as well as widespread and systematic abuses that include torture, enslavement, rape and murder. Robert King, the U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights, is also in Seoul, where he talked about the importance of continuing to pressure Pyongyang to institute basic civil liberties and protection reforms, and bring to justice those responsible for the atrocities committed. The North Koreans are going to have to deal with this problem of their human rights record, how they are recognized, how they are seen by the international community and also how their own people are becoming aware of what is being said about North Korea, he said. Little impact North Korea has for the most part ignored or contested international condemnation over its human rights situation. On Tuesday, North Korean Counselor Ri Song Chol voiced his countrys opposition to another U.N. measure encouraging the Security Council to take action against the Kim government. Chol said the resolution was "full of lies, fabrications," and he called it "an illegal and unlawful document, a plot, which is not worth ... consideration." Trump The recent election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president has raised questions over whether his administration will prioritize support for human rights abroad. As a candidate, Trump downplayed allegations of abuses by Russias Vladimir Putin, Syrias Bashar al-Assad and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On North Korea, Trump said he would be willing to meet informally with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without any pre-conditions. He also said he might disengage and pull American troops from South Korea unless the South Korean government agreed to pay more for defense costs. As President-elect, Trump has reassured South Korean President Park Geun-hye of the U.S. commitment to defend allies in Asia. Rights advocates are concerned the President-elect will be willing to overlook the Norths human rights violations and drop calls for further U.N. rebukes in exchange for stronger support from China and Russia to halt Pyongyangs nuclear program. The policy on human rights in North Korea has gone a far way down the road at the United Nations and the international community. And so it is our hope that no one political leader anywhere in the world can just walk that consensus back, said Phil Robertson, the deputy Asia director of the advocacy group Human Rights Watch. Choi-gate In South Korea, President Park is facing massive protests, plummeting approval ratings, and investigations into her potential involvement in impeachable offenses over an alleged influence peddling scandal involving her close friend, Choi Soon-sil. Under pressure, Park has agreed to hand over much of her power to a new prime minister to be selected by opposition parties that hold the majority in the National Assembly. Last year, some opposition leaders objected to a North Korean human rights bill on the basis that it will only further alienate the North, and make it more difficult in the future to find any common ground for compromise and cooperation. That measure was ultimately approved in parliament. With Parks isolation growing in South Korea and Trumps rise to power in the U.S., North Korea analyst Van Jackson says the close alliance between Washington and Seoul could be in for some major changes. I mean completely a 180 degree policy shift on the peninsula is possible, said Jackson, who is an associate professor at the U.S. Defense Departments Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, but his views do not represent the positions of the U.S. government. The U.N. sanctions imposed on North Korea this year refer only to its nuclear and missile test violations and not to human rights. The U.S. however had cited human rights abuses as a cause for imposing additional unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang. President-elect Donald Trump emerged from his New York skyscraper Tuesday night for the first time in days, moving about the nation's largest city without a pool of journalists on hand to ensure the public has knowledge of his whereabouts. The president-elect spent about two hours dining with family at the 21 Club, a restaurant a few blocks from his Trump Tower residence. Journalists were only aware that Trump was leaving home when they spotted a large motorcade pulling away from the building, including an ambulance with lights flashing. The movement was a surprise given that Trump's campaign had already called a "lid" - a signal to journalists that he would not be venturing out for the rest of the day. The practice is meant to ensure that journalists are on hand to witness, on behalf of the public, the activities of the president or president-elect, rather than relying on secondhand accounts. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks issued the lid at 6:14 p.m. But just over an hour later, Trump's motorcade left his residence. His whereabouts became clear only after a fellow diner tweeted a picture of the president-elect arriving at the restaurant. Hicks said she was unaware that Trump planned to leave his home and had not intended to leave the press in the dark. She said the Trump team was working toward setting up a protective pool in the near future. Trump traveled from New York to Washington last week without a pool of journalists. He has since spent most of his time inside his New York building, with his transition team offering few details about his schedule. Every president and president-elect in recent memory has traveled with a pool of journalists when leaving the White House grounds. News organizations take turns serving in the small group, paying their way and sharing the material collected in the pool with the larger press corps. The White House depends on having journalists nearby at all times to relay the president's first comments on breaking news. A pool of reporters and photographers was in the motorcade when President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. The pool was just steps away from President Ronald Reagan when he was shot outside a hotel in the District of Columbia, and was stationed outside his hospital as he recovered. The pool also travels on vacation and foreign trips and at times captures personal, historic moments of the presidency. Trump departed the 21 Club around 9:30 p.m. His daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, were seen getting into a vehicle in the motorcade. In a little more than two months, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States. One of Trump's key challenges will be balancing supporters' demands that he deliver on his numerous campaign promises while at the same time taking steps to heal the nation in the wake of the divisive and, at times, nasty presidential campaign. Trump is now immersed in forming a new government, ticking off the various boxes of putting together a Cabinet and making thousands of appointments to the senior ranks of the federal government. Following his victory in the early morning hours of November 9, Trump did sound a note of conciliation in his first remarks as president-elect. "I say it is time for us to come together as one united people." Delivering the goods One of Trump's first objectives is to push economic measures through Congress that address what his supporters call "the forgotten man and woman": working-class Americans trying to deal with the effects of globalization. White working-class voters turned out for Trump in big numbers in key states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, most of which have voted Democratic in recent years. Those voters will be expecting change, said Daniel Hamilton, executive director for the Center for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. "You see still lingering effects of the great recession, the financial crisis in the United States where the numbers show the United States growth is back, but it hasn't affected lots of people. And those people have basically staged a revolution to upend the system," Hamilton said. Ongoing unrest In the days that followed Trump's election, protests in many cities around the country have marred the euphoria experienced by many Trump supporters. Protesters have turned out in cities across the country, from New York and Massachusetts in the east to Oregon and California in the west. Trump has said the protests were partly the work of professional organizers; but many of the demonstrators say they are driven by fear and worries about what Trump will do as president on immigration and refugee issues, among others. A protest leader in Massachusetts said their concerns go beyond the usual feelings of loss after a bitter election campaign. "I get disappointed, but this one scares me," she said as protesters marched behind her. There also have been post-election incidents of intimidation targeting minorities and Muslims, and Trump was asked about that in a "60 Minutes" interview on CBS television. "I am so saddened to hear that, and I say stop it, if it helps," he said. Balancing competing goals The dual desire to heed the election results and try to bind the wounds of a divisive election campaign was also on President Barack Obama's mind when he met with reporters at the White House on Monday before heading to Greece. "It's really important to try to send some signals of unity and to reach out to minority groups or women or others that were concerned about the tenor of the campaign," he said. The political unrest comes as Trump begins to name his incoming government, including Republican Party chair Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and highly controversial journalist Stephen Bannon as his top political adviser. Bannon was an executive with Breitbart News, a site favored by right-wing ultra-nationalists that has drawn fire from organizations tracking hate groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, which said Trump should withdraw the appointment. The transition challenge Trump's first major test in the weeks ahead is staffing the government, and his status as a political outsider looking to "drain the swamp" of Washington insiders and establishment figures makes that a special challenge. "The process of staffing a government is a big one in America, and as an outsider candidate, he does not have the traditional connections, the traditional people that an administration would have," said John Fortier, with the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington. Trump's ability to both deliver on his campaign promises and encourage a process of national healing could depend on how much he is willing to moderate his rhetoric, which often became a flashpoint during the campaign. "We have the sense of Trump that we've seen on the campaign trail, and then we have a slightly more muted version of Trump that we have seen come out from time to time," said Molly Reynolds, a fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. "And the question of whether that latter form, that pivot that we often anticipated, but never quite saw during the presidential campaign, will that come out when he gets to the White House? We just don't know." Trump is expected to announce members of his Cabinet in the weeks ahead, and those appointments will send a message about the tone and direction of the incoming administration and where it wants to take the country. Preventing the disintegration of Syria and Iraq is the priority of Turkey, says the Turkish president's chief of international relations. I think there is still hope for the Middle East; we can still create unity of these countries, said Ayse Sozen Usluer in an exclusive interview with VOA. With Iraq and Syria wracked by the conflict against Islamic State and Syria's civil war, Ankara sees the key to their unity in defusing regional and sectarian rivalries, primarily between Iran and Saudi Arabia. We have good relations with Saudi Arabia; we have good relations with Iran, Usluer said, stressing Turkeys unique position. Each time we meet and sit with them, we always talk about protecting unity. The threat to Iraqs Turkmen, ethnic Turks, and the wider Sunni minority posed by those rivalries is cited by Ankara as a reason it has massed military forces on the Iraqi border. Baghdad has accused Ankara of seeking to retake Iraqi territory that was once part of the Ottoman Empire, but Usluer insists Turkey's military presence is only a precaution. As long we protect the territorial integrity of Iraq, there is not going to be any ambition to enter Iraq ... And Turkey should be in the operations and also at the table, because Turkey has very strong ties with Iraq. This is because of Turkeys interest, this is about protecting the interests of small groups in the region, said Usluer. Iraq's suspicions of Turkey meddling in Baghdad's affairs are being further exacerbated with Turkey increasingly extending its influence in Iraq through a deepening relationship with Masoud Barzani, president of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government. Usluer says Barzani is seen as playing an increasingly important role in Turkeys battle against Kurdish rebel group the PKK, which is fighting the Turkish state for greater minority rights. Barzani has become the first Kurdish leader to understand the problem of the PKK and the Kurdish problem in Turkey and he is able to divide these problems. He accepted the PKK as a terrorist organization. He knows about the Kurdish problem in Turkey, said Usluer. The PKK military command is based in neighboring northern Iraq. Despite intense lobbying by Ankara, Barzani had refrained from directly confronting the separatist group, but Usluer suggests a change may be in the offing. He [Barzani] knows who is spoiling the peace of his region," she said. "I am sure he can take measures against these provocateurs and groups. The PKK has been extending its influence across Iraq and Syria. Much of that success is due to taking up arms against Islamic State. PKK's affiliate, the YPG in Syria, enjoys military support from the United States, European countries and Russia. To counter that threat, Turkey has reached out to Russia. An early benefit of that policy was Moscow offering tacit support to Ankara's military incursion into Syria against Islamic State and the YPG. Moscow, Usluer says, won't stand in the way of Ankaras key goal of creating a haven in Syria. That goal is expected to be part of discussions next month when Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim visits Moscow for talks about Syria and deepening bilateral relations. Deepening ties with Moscow is leading to some of Turkeys NATO allies starting to question where Ankaras loyalties lie. This is not a big choice between the West and Russia; it's not an either or choice, Usluer said, dismissing such concerns. Turkey can diversify its foreign policy choices, because we are not living in the Cold War anymore. The world is more independent, all powers, even small powers, are open to cooperate with different counties and establish relations with different countries. Ankaras diversifying of its relations coincides with severe, if not unprecedented, strains with its Western allies. Ankara remains at loggerheads with Washington over the latter's support of Syrian Kurdish forces and Turkeys demand for the extradition of U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has been blamed for Julys failed coup in Turkey. Those ties could be further strained over rising speculation that Gulen could be allowed to leave the United States for a third country. This is also one of our primary concerns, warns Usluer. He [Gulen] should be detained at the moment, at least in his home, in order not to let him go to another country. Another key anchor with the West, Turkeys decades-long bid to join the European Union, is on the verge of being severed, with its effort facing collapse, amid mutual recriminations. Usluer says membership remains a strategic goal, but adds, It will not be the end of history, if it ends, citing Brexit, Britain's decision to leave the European Union, as an example. A United Nations committee approved a draft resolution Tuesday condemning Russia's occupation of Crimea and reiterating that it does not accept Russian annexation from Ukraine. The measure passed by a vote of 73-23 with 76 abstentions. It is expected to pass in the full U.N. General Assembly next month. The text calls on Russia to uphold its international obligations as an occupying power, to take all steps necessary to immediately end abuses against residents in Crimea, to immediately release all those who were unlawfully detained, and ensure unimpeded access for human rights monitoring missions and workers. Russian Foreign Ministry official Anatoly Viktorov rejected the draft as one-sided and politically motivated. "It completely ignores the negative impact that the actions of Ukrainian authorities have had on the residents of Crimea," he said. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said the rights abuses in Crimea "have been truly shameless." "Since the beginning of the Russian occupation, human rights abuses on the peninsula have risen steeply, including the severe curtailment of the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion or belief. Unsurprisingly, many who have seen their universal rights so significantly abused have been those daring to speak out against the Russian occupation," she said in a statement after the vote. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after protesters overthrew Kiev's pro-Moscow president. The conflict in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and government troops has claimed the lives of more than 9,500 people. Despite peace accords signed in the capital of Belarus, Minsk, in 2015, which initially helped to halt the fighting and then lower its intensity, clashes have persisted. A sense of uncertainty has gripped the Philippines following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president last week. Analysts and Philippine officials say a Trump presidency could bring about changes in relations between the two traditional allies, including bilateral economic and security ties. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has drawn closer to China in recent months, while openly feuding with President Barack Obama. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Manila soured after Duterte lashed out at the U.S. for criticizing his bloody anti-narcotic crackdown, which has left more than 4,000 dead since the campaign was launched in July. But Duterte this week said he hoped he would get along well with Trump. Oh Im sure. We dont have a fight. I can always be a friend to anybody, especially to a president, chief executive of another country, he said. However, he said the election of Trump would not change his pursuit of an independent foreign policy, saying the former U.S. colony is determined to step out of the shadows of America and even boost diplomatic relations with China and Russia. I will pursue what Ive started. Im not into the habit of reneging on my word, he recently told a news conference. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described current U.S.-Philippine relations as very fluid at this point. We need to know the foreign policy of President Trump who takes office on January 20. Well see what happens and we can react from there, Lorenzana said. I think we will have to look in the first 100 days, said Jaime FlorCruz, a visiting professor at Peking University. He said that Duterte is trying "to disabuse the big powers that (the Philippines) is not dependent or just extensions" of larger countries. I think thats a good position to take. I think that as long as we make sure that all the deals that we sign up with the Chinese or Americans have no strings attached then we should be able to proudly say that we have an independent foreign policy, FlorCruz said. Earl Parreno of the Institute of Political and Electoral Reforms said he expects Trumps global perspective to change when he officially takes office. Wait till he hears the briefs of the Central Intelligence Agency and other security agencies. I think his perspective will change. The foreign policy under Trump is still unpredictable at the moment, he said. A Philippine diplomat, who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media, said, "I am concerned about the dispute in the South China Sea. Economics can bury us in the context of U.S.-China relations. This was not possible with Clinton, but very possible with Trump because its all about dollars and cents. Its too early to tell though. Maybe there will be a thawing in the U.S.-China relations at our expense. I may be wrong though, the diplomat added. The widely circulated Philippine Daily Inquirer ran an editorial Monday on what it calls the negative impact of a Trump presidency on business outsourcing, trade protectionism and immigration. "The biggest concern is in the booming business process outsourcing industry, which now employs 1.2 million Filipinos and generates more than $20 billion in revenues a year, reads the editorial, headlined 'Trump and PH economy. It warns that Trumps protectionist stand on U.S. outsourcing could imperil the growth momentum of the Philippine BPO industry. But Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia is unfazed, telling a recent news conference that Duterte prepared for a Trump presidency with his pivot to China. We have a safety net which was foreseen by (Duterte). He foresaw, hes a clairvoyant. He decided to pivot to China. Instead of depending on the U.S., to a great extent, we are now diversifying our friends. So you dont crash when the country you depend on is in trouble, Pernia said. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said it is too early to judge the long term effect of a Trump presidency on the Philippines. Candidates and presidents are two different people. We will see what policies a Trump presidency will implement. I think the stock market people are a little worried. Personally Im not sure what the effect will be, Dominguez said. Political analyst Ramon Casiple said both leaders "think out of the box, adding that they could probably get along better than Duterte has with Obama. He predicted that Trumps victory could probably usher in a new beginning in U.S.-Philippines relations. A top U.S. military officer says the resolve to maintain peace and security in the Asia Pacific region will not change under the new U.S. administration. Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command sought to reassure U.S. allies that the Asia-Pacific region is vital to the prosperity and security of the United States. America never has a lame duck commander-in-chief, Harris said, indicating that U.S. President Barack Obama will remain engaged in the region until his term ends in mid January. Speaking during the annual Defense One summit Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Harris added that while he could not predict potential policy initiatives of the incoming Donald Trump administration, he had no doubt well continue our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. Harris said he would continue to serve President Obama until January 20 and after that, President Trump. Harris said he is concerned about security threats by North Korea and China, but he also is encouraged by robust alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines. He also said that although some of the Philippine leader's remarks made him uneasy, the U.S.-Philippine military alliance remains strong, and his personal relations with senior Philippine military officials are very close. Philippine President Duterte has said the Philippine military will cancel some joint military exercises with the U.S. military and seek to develop friendly relations with China. However, Admiral Harris said that pre-arranged interactions are continuing as normal. Next week, he will go to Manila to arrange for next year's activities. The admiral said he is troubled by China's efforts to build islands and military bases in the South China Sea, and he talked about setting up separate air defense identification zones in the East China Sea. On the other hand, the U.S.-China military relationship is actually good, he said. U.S. and Chinese military are holding a joint disaster relief exercise in China this week. Harris said the U.S. military will try to cooperate with China, but will prepare for confrontation when necessary. U.S. Senate leadership positions are being filled for the new session that will start in early January, reflecting the balance of power determined in elections held across the country last week. Veteran New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer was unanimously elected minority leader Wednesday. He will succeed Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who is retiring. Saying he was "humbled and honored" by the position, and pointing out the diversity of the Democratic Senate class, Schumer said the party was ready to work with Republican Donald Trump but also "go toe to toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we've made is under assault." In addition to Schumer's election, Democrats re-elected Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois as the minority whip, the party's No. 2 position in the Senate. Washington Senator Patty Murray will serve as the third-ranking Democrat, forgoing a challenge to Durbin but assuming a new title of assistant Democratic leader. In a gesture to his party's progressive wing, Schumer added Senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts to his newly expanded leadership team. Warren will be a vice chair of the conference and Sanders will serve as the chair of outreach. Sanders is an independent who caucuses with the Democrats and challenged former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the party's presidential nomination. Sanders described his position as being responsible for "bringing millions of working people together, young people together, showing that government works for all of us." On the Republican side, Kentucky's Mitch McConnell will continue in his leadership position. Republicans will control the White House, House and Senate in the coming year, but a potential stumbling block exists in the Senate, which they will dominate 52-48. Assuming Republicans don't eliminate the rule allowing filibusters, Schumer should be able to keep the GOP from reaching the 60 votes they'd need on some issues to break procedural delays. Illustrating a GOP openness toward Trump, Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer said, "Mr. Trump is ready to get to work and we're there with him.'' Jeff Flake of Arizona, one of Trump's most outspoken congressional critics, said he'd back Trump's efforts to repeal President Barack Obama's health care law but added, "I'll oppose him when it's warranted.'' The congressional leadership positions take effect prior to the January 20 inauguration of Trump as the 45th president of the United States. An International Criminal Court investigation of possible war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan is not "warranted or appropriate," the U.S. State Department said Tuesday after prosecutors in The Hague found initial grounds for such a probe. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States was not a party to the Rome Statute that created the International Criminal Court in The Hague and had not consented to ICC jurisdiction. She also said Washington had a robust justice system able to deal with such complaints. "The United States is deeply committed to complying with the law of war," Trudeau told reporters at a news briefing. "We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to actions of U.S. personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate." Her comments came a day after prosecutors at the International Criminal Court said in a report that there was a "reasonable basis to believe" that U.S. forces had tortured at least 61 prisoners in Afghanistan and another 27 at CIA detention facilities elsewhere in 2003 and 2004. The prosecutors' office, headed by Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, said it would decide soon whether to pursue a full investigation. The results could lead to charges being brought against individuals and the issuing of arrest warrants. The United States occupied Afghanistan in 2001 as it went after al-Qaida leaders behind the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Crimes also may have been committed at U.S. Central Intelligence Agency facilities in Poland, Lithuania and Romania, where some people captured in Afghanistan were taken, prosecutors said. The U.S. Justice Department between 2009 and 2012 investigated CIA mistreatment of detainees, including a full criminal investigation into two deaths in U.S. custody, but ultimately decided against prosecuting anyone. Some U.S. military personnel have been prosecuted for murder and other crimes in Afghanistan. The ICC was established in 1998 to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Trudeau noted the United States has "engaged with the ICC and we've supported ICC investigations and prosecution of cases that we believe advance our values in accordance with U.S. law." But she said the U.S. military was held to "the highest possible standards" and the United States had systems of accountability capable of dealing with war crimes allegations. "We do an extraordinary job of investigating ... credible allegations, holding ourselves accountable, holding our personnel accountable and closing investigations in a manner that serves justice," she said. As a small West Virginia community tries to move past the backlash of a racist Facebook post that targeted first lady Michelle Obama, a council member had some inviting words for outsiders who look down on her town. "Come see us," Joyce Gibson said. "Spend a day with us. If I knew you would come, I would bake a cake. We're very decent people." Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling resigned Tuesday and the Town Council later met to accept it. The resignation came after another woman whose post Whaling responded to was placed on leave as director of the nonprofit Clay County Development Corp. The council meeting was brief, with councilman Jason Hubbard reading a statement condemning the "horrible and indecent" post. He apologized on behalf of the town to Michelle Obama and anyone who was offended. "Please don't judge the entire community for one or two individual acts," Hubbard said. The council plans to act quickly to name a replacement for the remaining three years of Whaling's term. "She was a good mayor, I thought, and she knew how to get things done," Gibson said. "It's just a shame that this has happened. But, you know, there could be good things come out of it." She doesn't know what that will be or how the town will repair itself "unless we just go day by day to live like we have lived," Gibson said. Clay County Development director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Republican Donald Trump's election as president, saying of incoming first lady Melania Trump: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam." Whaling later issued a written apology to news media outlets, saying her comment wasn't intended to be racist. "I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not in any way racist!" Taylor, who told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she was put on leave, did not return a call seeking comment. Gibson said the post gave the town of about 500 residents a label it didn't want. After news of the post circled the globe, the small office's voicemail system quickly filled to capacity with irate callers. An online campaign calling for Taylor and Whaling to resign drew tens of thousands of responses. The nonpartisan town council has five members, plus the town recorder and mayor. Whaling's seat was empty during Tuesday's meeting in a small office attended by a few local residents along with several journalists and some people from outside the area who said they wanted to see justice served. Annie Thacker of Barrackville drove 117 miles to the meeting. "I saw what was happening in small town West Virginia," she said. "I'm from small town West Virginia. I wanted to see hate put down in West Virginia, especially after this election cycle. Everyone's watching." Lish Greiner of Belpre, Ohio, said she had volunteered during flood cleanup in West Virginia over the summer and returned for the town council meeting because "I will not tolerate hate in my home and in my area." Clay County Development, which provides services to elderly and low-income residents in the county, is funded through state and federal grants and local fees. It is not affiliated with the town of Clay, which is about 50 miles east of Charleston. The uproar occurred as the town is still trying to recover from severe flooding in late June along the nearby Elk River. Clay County also has been hit by hundreds of layoffs in the coal industry this decade. Gibson was asked what was worse, the flood or the attention from the Facebook post. "I'll have to think about that," she said. "This (backlash) will go away." The White House Correspondents' Association says it was "unacceptable" for President-elect Donald Trump to travel without a pool of journalists after he left his New York residence Tuesday night to have dinner at a restaurant. Trumps transition team had told members of the media that he would not be in public for the rest of the day. It declared a "lid" on the incoming presidents day, so reporters were not expecting an event. Trump traveled a short distance from his high rise home to Manhattans 21 Club to dine with his family. The WHCA said in a statement that, "One week after the election, it is unacceptable for the next president of the United States to travel without a regular pool to record his movements and inform the public about his whereabouts." CNN reported that a Bloomberg staffer, who was also dining at the restaurant, tweeted a picture and that is how journalists found out. In an open letter to Trump, a group of journalism associations urged the new leader to ensure longstanding traditions, adding, This isn't about access for the press itself; it's about access for Americans in diverse communities across the country. Your constituents receive information from a variety of platforms to learn about what our president is doing. Organizations such as National Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of LGBTQ Journalists, Native American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, among others respectfully called on Trump to commit to a protective press pool from now until the final day" of his presidency. We also call for access to you via regular press conferences and pool sprays and to your key decision-makers. You have an opportunity as incoming president to set the tone for your staff speaking on the record for the sake of transparency. We also hope your administration will improve response rates to FOIA requests as a way to show the American people, and the world, that the republic belongs to the people, the letter said. Trumps spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, reassured reporters that the transition team will respect the tradition of press access at the White House. Presidential whereabouts It is customary for a protective pool of journalists to join a president or president-elect's motorcade to document their whereabouts and events and cover stories in case of breaking news. The Associated Press reported that before dinner in Manhattan, Trump left the press behind and met with Vice President-elect and transition team head Mike Pence without any official announcement. Critical component WHCA President Jeff Mason said in a statement that he "is pleased to hear reassurances by the Trump transition team that it will respect long-held traditions of press access" but added "the time to act on that promise is now. Pool reporters are in place in New York to cover the president-elect as he assembles his new administration. It is critical that they be allowed to do their jobs." 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. Upon instruction from my Government, I would like to draw your kind attention to the following important information: During the last week of October 2016, armed terrorist groups bombed residential neighbourhoods and civilians in the city of Aleppo with hundreds of Katyusha and Grad rockets, resulting in the deaths of 99 civilians and wounding more than 500 others, until yesterday, 7 November 2016. In this context, the broadcast media organ of the terrorist organization Jaish al-Fatah Army of Conquest, the disguised name of the Nusrah Front, broadcasted an interview with the Saudi terrorist Abdullah al-Mhaisni, the forensic mufti (clerk) of this terrorist organization, who conducted this interview at the time and place from where the rockets were launched on civilians in the city of Aleppo. In this interview, al-Mhaisni praised some of the donors who financed the purchase of these 100 rockets and other hundreds which will arrive later and who are nationals of some Gulf countries, including Abu Mohammad from Al-Qassim Region and the Group of Islam Brothers from Saudi Arabia, Abu-Eljud from Qatar and Abu-Ahmad from Kuwait. He clearly stated that these people and group had paid the money to buy these rockets. He also praised Turkey and said that the descendants of the Ottomans were the leading supporters of the Syrians and their jihad. At the same time, the Saudi terrorist Abdullah al-Mhaisni blamed the Syrian men and youths for their failure in jihad by staying at home, while hundreds of fighters from all around the world are fighting in Syria for them. This broadcast is still available on YouTube at the following link: Based on the previous information and facts, I would like to conclude the following: Despite the numerous resolutions of the Security Council related to the fight against terrorism, and to stop the infiltration of terrorist foreign fighters into Syria and to cut off funding and ban the supply of arms to these terrorists, some well-known Governments, which the terrorist al-Mhaisni talked about by name, still support terrorism and fund and facilitate the passage of terrorist foreign fighters into Syria or condone the illegitimate activities of their own citizens and so-called charitable institutions and organizations, which are financing the purchase of lethal rockets to kill civilians in Syria, under the pretext of humanitarian activities. The delivery of these lethal rockets to the terrorist armed groups in Syria underlines the lack of will of these Governments and other Governments, some of which are members of the Security Council, in the fight against terrorism. It also reflects the fact that these Governments will continue in their reckless policies, which are based on the use of terrorism as a political tool to achieve the goal of undermining the State in Syria and sabotaging its infrastructure, whatever the heavy price is and whatever the number of civilian victims is. The Saudi terrorist Abdullah al-Mhaisni admitted publicly that most of the fighters on the Syrian territory are foreigners and he even blamed Syrians for their failure in jihad. This confirms again the fact, of which the Syrian Government has kept informing the Security Council, and which is perceived by the world public opinion, that Syria is suffering a global terrorist war in which these well-known Governments are involved through funding and fuelling until today. It has become a critical time for the Security Council to transparently and impartially uphold its responsibilities, away from double standards, and to recognize that bogus terms like moderate armed opposition, non-State armed groups or jihadists will not repeal the crucial fact that all these fighters are just terrorists who adopt the same extremist ideology based on hatred, murder and destruction. It would be highly appreciated if the present letter could be circulated as a document of the Security Council. A few months ago, I was sitting in the balcony at the Apollo Theater at the funeral of A Tribe Called Quest co-founder Malik Phife Dawg Taylor when I realized something Id known all along but never bothered to utter: Tribe was a land bridge between raps old school, golden era, underground, and possible future. Q-Tip and Phifes love of line-for-line rhyme schemes and Afrocentric lyrical themes reached back into the b-boy crew routines of the early 80s for form and lived on in the substance of subsequent conscious wordsmiths like Mos Def and Common. Q-Tips mystical ear for offbeat sample loops built on advances in production spearheaded by Juice Crew maestro Marley Marl while inspiring future friends and admirers J. Dilla and Kanye West. They were a summation of what had come before and the seed for what was to come later. At the Apollo, it helped to have a visual aid: Phifes service united legends like KRS-One and Chuck D with contemporaries and successors including Busta Rhymes, the Roots, DAngelo, Andre 3000, Kanye West, and more. At one point, I heard someone onstage shout out LL Cool J. Later, Id peer over the balconys edge to catch Kanye hugging Queen Latifah, and whispers at nights end suggested Lauryn Hill had quietly shown up, too. I spent the evening equally awestruck that four decades worth of hip-hop royalty shared the same reverence for Tribe as me Low End Theory and Peoples Instinctive Travels figured as prominently into my Manhattan adolescence as Midnight Marauders would on idle college nights in and around Boston and sad that I would never get to hear Tip and Phife rap together again. Truth be told, A Tribe Called Quest had been put to bed a few times before: There was the groups initial 1998 split, rocky reunions documented in Michael Rapaports heartbreaking Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, a pair of Brooklyn slots on Kanye Wests 2013 Yeezus tour touted as a live farewell, and a late-night performance commemorating last falls reissue of Peoples Instinctive Travels. The abrupt unveiling of a secret final Tribe album this fall isnt so much a surprise as a molten ball of star junk crashed straight into a darkening discourse, out of time and yet right on time, familiar but not quite like anything else in todays musical landscape. We Got It From Here Thank You 4 Your Service is neither a cynical trip back to the groups early 90s comfort zone nor a cash-grab brush with modernity; its more like a newly discovered piece of a galaxy of Tribes creation. The question of what A Tribe Called Quest should sound like nearly two decades after the last studio album gets resolved in a gang of exquisite productions that toy with conventions that they also sneakily subvert. Whateva Will Be runs a dizzying sampling workout using the shiftless, slithering bass from the Nairobi Sisters 1975 reggae nugget Promised Land. Solid Walls of Sound uses a line looped from Elton Johns Benny and the Jets as a lure, then floats in a reggae groove so subtle its easy to miss that its being played live with help on vocals and piano from the actual Elton, not diced and rearranged out of the source material. Live bass makes Black Spasmodic pop under Phifes reggae toasts, and a chunky guitar-bass-drums-loop setup awards Movin Backwards a hefty stomp reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. The live stuff on the new album at times recalls the Ron Carter bass assists on 1991s Low End Theory along with the big-band thump of Q-Tips once-shelved, underrated 2002 solo album, Kamaal/The Abstract, which reimagined Tribes jazz vinyl nerd approach as swinging guitar rock and sexy adult contemporary R&B. Here, though, samples and live instrumentation collude to beef up arrangements and pull us through sneaky changes not so easily managed electronically. You can hear these ideas coming together in recent Q-Tip productions like Pusha Ts skulking F.I.F.A. and John Legends sultry Tomorrow; We Got It From Here is an unexpected return for A Tribe Called Quest as a group, but its also the biggest batch of Q-Tip beats weve received since 2008s The Renaissance and a reminder that hes a beast behind the boards. We Got It From Here restores Q-Tip and Phifes verbal interplay to near-peak form, too, and loops in frequent studio guest Busta Rhymes, Peoples Instinctive Travels, and Beats, Rhymes & Lifes respective fourth members Jarobi White and Consequence, along with a few key outside voices. Dis Generation is a fleet game of pass-the-mic between Tip, Phife, Jarobi, and Busta; Solid Wall of Sound trades bread-and-butter boom bap for dancehall and patois. The Killing Season is a 2004 post-backpack dream-team summit between Q-Tip, Jarobi, Consequence, Talib Kweli, and Kanye West. Andre 3000 brings Southern charm to Kids, while New West luminaries Anderson .Paak and Kendrick Lamar pay respects in the albums back half. The only other time A Tribe Called Quest dislodged itself this freely from its New York jazz rap bearings was 1998, when Detroit beatsmith J. Dilla was invited into the fold for The Love Movement, but what separates We Got It From Here from the previous final Tribe album is a rejuvenated chemistry and unified message in place of its predecessors frayed perseverance. A Tribe Called Quest has come back this year like grizzled uncles to acknowledge that, yeah, it feels like everythings gone to shit right now, but 2016 isnt black Americas first rodeo, and it wont be the last. They cut through the perils of Trumpism with a resolve that can only have been won in outlasting the drug, crime, and mass incarceration that riddled the New York City of the Reagan years. Every song on the new album provides pointed advice for life in similar hard times: After opener The Space Program suggests unity, since there aint no space program for niggas yeah you stuck here, the album passes through oldhead advice sessions in Kids and the stop-and-frisk tale Movin Backwards before closing on a cut chillingly titled The Donald. Its a care package full of tough-love missives we didnt know wed need, in a moment when we need them most. The timeliness of the message coupled with the gift of hearing Phife one last time in all his larger-than-life glory on an album worthy of his legacy are a closure we should all be honored to enjoy. Its hard to parse whether Phifes album title, We Got It From Here Thank You 4 Your Service, was a message for fans or himself at this point. Perhaps we carried each other all along. Amy Adams as Louise Banks in Arrival. Paramount Pictures. CR: Jan Thijs. Photo: Jan Thijs/Paramount Pictures Over the course of Arrival, Amy Adamss character, Earths best linguist Dr. Louise Banks, learns a whole bunch of lessons about the universe. But at the beginning of the movie, shes just a linguistics professor trying to give a lecture to a bunch of coeds who are all very distracted. Why? Aliens! As a student explains whats going on, Arrival delivers a classic sci-fi shot: Banks stares at a glimmering TV screen and realizes the worlds a lot bigger than she thought. But Amy Adams modulates the moment slightly, furrowing her brow and registering a frustration of her character: Underneath the awe at the presence of extraterrestrial life, shes also a little mad shes not going to finish her lecture. There are many things to love about Arrival: beautiful cinematography, a solid twist, Jeremy Renner saying the words Do you want to go make a baby? and giant aliens who believe in love. But the films greatest strength is Adams, who gives a layered and precise performance in the midst of material that could easily dissolve into mumbo jumbo. This shouldnt be much of a surprise Amy Adams has five Oscar nominations! Shes on red carpets and magazine covers constantly! and yet, it can seem like one. Thats largely thanks to fact that Adams is eternally cast an as an approachable girl next door, thanks to her sunny onscreen disposition and youthful expression. Its a characterization thats fitting, but which belies the fact she uses those very surface qualities to reach remarkable depths. In her breakout turn in 2005s Junebug, Adams played a pregnant North Carolina busybody, who starts out as a caricature but slowly pulls the films center of gravity into her grasp. The character embodies the two essential parts of Adamss onscreen persona. On the surface, shes bubbly and adorable, which can make her characters flighty see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, The Muppets, or Leap Year. But, given her firm brow, and the stern angles around her face, Adams can also turn flinty and serious, producing characters who are off-putting and distant see Julie & Julia or Sunshine Cleaning. With the right script and direction, as in Junebug, those two sides of her persona combine: Adams is by turns expressive and overwhelming, dogged and sad. Her cheerfulness can harden into a core of cold steel. For a good use of that cheerfulness, see Disneys Enchanted, which cemented Adams as star. In Enchanted, the actress had to play a cartoon princess, the embodiment of goodness itself. Naivete is hard to pull off, but Adamss advantage lies in the fact that she doesnt wink at the audience, even amid a giant production number. Instead, with her big, bright eyes and musical-theater grin, she makes her exuberance the very totality of her character. Shes so basic its jarring, like a pumpkin-spice latte laced with speed. As for the steel underneath: Look no further than Paul Thomas-Andersons The Master, where Adams plays the wife of a cult leader and a true devotee to the cause. Here, Adamss typical sweetness turns to curdled treacle. She intimidates Joaquin Phoenix and gives a hand job to Philip Seymour Hoffman, all while wearing some immaculate frocks. The Master doesnt subvert whats essential about Adams as much as it reveals how her signature expressions wide eyes, a resolved forehead, bubbling nervous energy can impart menace just as well as joy. Adams has many advantages as a performer, but her streak of films before Arrival didnt always know how to capitalize on them. In American Hustle, she played wildly against type, but made the mistake of going big and nasty alongside Jennifer Lawrence, who will do anything bigger, better, and nastier than her scene partner. In Zack Snyders Superman films, she retreated to what might have seemed a trademark role, Lois Lane, but the movies all but forgot about her. (If only someone realized Amy Adams would make a great comic-book villain.) Big Eyes was a calculated awards play that didnt even amount to an Oscar nomination. The less said about Big Eyes, the better, except to point out that the Tim Burton film helped give Adams a second star image: the perpetual nominee willing to go to great lengths to earn that long-dreamed-of Oscar. Despite her five nominations, Adams doesnt conjure the same sympathy in awards season that swirled around, say, Leonardo DiCaprio, who had fewer acting nominations than Adams going into his big win for The Revenant. Leo resorted to eating bison liver to get his Oscar, a kind of stunt thats probably out of reach for Adams, who works in a more deceptively simple vein. Despite her turns in Arrival and Tom Fords noir thriller Nocturnal Animals, which opens in New York and L.A. on Friday, this year probably wont be hers either. Thats a pity, because Adamss real strength isnt simply that shes approachable, but that she can use that the perception of approachability to do deep and specific work. Not to spoil the twist, but thanks to the films flashbacks Adams has to play two versions of her character at the same time one of which only makes sense at the end of the film. Its a conceptual magic trick that works, for the most part, because Amy Adams knows how to ground a movie, how to use her preternatural normalcy in the service of character. She makes Jeremy Renner seem bumbling and sweet; she delivers a disarming deadpan; heck, at one point, she even speaks Mandarin. Through it all, she manages her greatest feat: staying human. Photo: Michael Putland/Getty Images Well, at least Bob Dylans tug-of-war with our hopes and dreams is finally over. Dylan won a Nobel Prize in Literature last month, and he largely ducked the Nobel Academy, give or take a few cruel teases. Well, after a long month, he has finally acknowledged his benefactors, reaching out with a personal letter to let them know that he will not be present at the ceremony to accept the award. According to the Academy, Dylan wrote that though he feels very honored indeed by the designation, he wont be making the trip to Stockholm in December due to pre-existing commitments. The Academy backed up Dylans assurances that he would have liked to attend the ceremony if possible (sure). Uh, fellas, we have a little thing called Skype now, just if youre interested. Anyway, Dylan now joins the likes of Doris Lessing, Harold Pinter, and Elfriede Jelinek, all Nobel recipients who didnt collect their winnings in the flesh. Dylan will still have to fulfill the Academys sole requirement giving a Nobel Lecture within six months of December 10 so the earnest, clear-eyed wait for that begins shortly. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Proving once again that the Obamas throw the best parties with the most desirable guests, the White House just released the list of this years Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, and its a delight. The 21 people set to receive the nations highest civilian honor include Ellen DeGeneres, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Michael Jordan, Lorne Michaels, Diana Ross, Robert Redford, and other luminaries from fields of sport, law, and the STEM sector. The biographical entry for DeGeneres in the White House release notes that, In her work and in her life, she has been a passionate advocate for equality and fairness, and it also gives a specific shout-out to her Pixar voice-over work. In 2003 Ellen lent her voice to a forgetful but unforgettable little fish named Dory in Finding Nemo. She reprised her role again in 2016 with the hugely successful Finding Dory. So dream big, Pixar voice actors. It could be your turn as a forgetful fish or talking rock that tips the scales in your favor and someday earns you one of our countrys highest honors. You can watch a livestream of the event on November 22 at whitehouse.gov/live. Photo: Samir Hussein/Getty Images Though Frank Ocean doesnt exactly give up that enigmatic, mysterious persona in his recent in-depth interview with the New York Times, he does shed some light on his more recent whereabouts. Its no secret that Ocean appreciates privacy when working even one of his main collaborators on Endless, Wolfgang Tillmans, was in the dark for 15 months before the visual albums release and he felt the need to pack up and work halfway across the world from his former Los Angeles home in a sparsely furnished flat in London. Within my circle, there was a lot of places I thought I could turn that I felt like I couldnt turn to anymore, Ocean explained about his decision to leave. When asked if he had run away or made a sane escape, the artist answered, I always thought about it like, if your house is on fire, you need to get out of the house. According to the Times, Ocean spent his time in London riding around on an electric bike and working in various recording studios. Then, once Endless and Blonde dropped last summer, instead of hanging around to bask in the accolades, he jumped on a plane to travel to China, Japan, Oceania, France, just around. Before you buy your one-way ticket to London, stopping everyone riding on an electric bike just so you can see Ocean in the flesh, there is some good news to be had stateside. Ocean admitted that he looks closely at the numbers on his album sales, not only because he always wants to do better, but because seeing where he has more listeners helps me in conversations about where were gonna be playing shows, or where I might open a retail location, like a pop-up store or something. So how about giving us all an early holiday present and going on tour? Wed appreciate if youd play at least a weeks worth of shows here in New York. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Tom Hanks wants to strangle Michael Moore for suggesting him as a potential Democratic candidate to run against Trump in 2020, but the actor certainly stepped up to a leadership role on Tuesday night. During a tribute to his career at the Museum of Modern Art presented by Chanel, Hanks diverted from the usual acceptance speech rhetoric to reassure everyone in the audience that we are going to be all right, with a civics lesson inspired in part by Schoolhouse Rock. Still, Hanks told Vulture he doesnt think hes qualified enough for a run. Just because Im an actor, I can give a good speech, I agree with that, he said. But the concept of actually voting for someone just because they can do that? Then Monty Hall could have been president of the United States! I get what hes saying, I understand, but I dont buy my participation. (Although for fun, if he did run, hed like Happy Days star Anson Williams Potsie to be his VP, because everybody loves him. Sorry, Ron Howard). For those who could use a little reassurance, heres an excerpt of Hankss speech, which uses the power of the constitution, a song, and Bruce Springsteen to convince everyone wondering what the hell just happened that well move forward: Photo: DISNEY If youre vacationing in Milan or Florence in the coming weeks and have an urge to see the new Disney Polynesian princess film Moana, dont be alarmed if the local cinema is screening an animated romp called Oceania instead. You see, in Italy there was a famous pornographic actress named Moana Pozzi, and according to Cartoon Brew although not confirmed by Disney that X-rated coincidence was enough for the media conglomerate to rename the film the more family-friendly Oceania to avoid a potential confusion among different fan communities. (The story has been prominent in Italian media since last year.) Pozzi, who died in 1994, appeared in over 100 adult films in Italy throughout her career, ran unsuccessfully to become the mayor of Rome, and also co-founded the now-dissolved political party the Love Party, which sought to legalize brothels and provide better sex education to young adults. She also starred in a politically charged animated short film titled Moanaland, and to this day remains what the New York Times describes as Italys most revered porn star. Interestingly, in an update to their original story, Cartoon Brew was contacted by a reader who said Moana directors John Musker and Ron Clements were asked about the name change at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France earlier this year, and they confirmed that Pozzi indeed played a big part in the decision to call the film Oceania instead. The geographic region has a nice ring to it, no? Update 4:55 p.m.: When reached for comment, Disney told Vulture theyve changed the names of movies internationally for a variety of reasons, which they did not specify. Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images Prepare to add this to your British comedy arsenal. David Mitchell and Robert Webb whom you most likely know from their equally popular sketch series The Mitchell and Webb Look or sitcom Peep Show are returning to television next year with a new odd couple sitcom for Channel 4 in the U.K. The as-yet-untitled series will follow the divorced Stephen (Mitchell), who inherits his familys pub after the death of his local legend father. Seeing the pub as an opportunity to finally achieve something substantial in his disappointing life, his plans are soon thwarted when the charming and globe-trotting Andrew (Webb), who was fostered as a teenager by Stephens parents, returns home because he wants his family back. The polar-opposite men proceed to constantly butt heads and bicker, with Stephen believing Andrew to be a glib, dangerous sociopath whos about to steal his family, his business, and his life. The series has yet to receive a U.S. home. Looking at you, BBC America. From The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World AKA the Negro Book of the Dead, by Suzan-Lori Parks. Photo: Joan Marcus Sometimes, with a good-enough playwright, its good to have no idea whats going on. That was the case for me with Suzan-Lori Parkss The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World, which opened Sunday night in a stupendous staging at the Signature. First produced in 1990, the play operates on a kind of dream logic; Parks says its title in fact came to her in a dream. The characters do not act like regular people, even regular people in plays; they are archetypes, with names like Black Man with Watermelon and Black Woman With Fried Drumstick. They speak in an exaggerated dialect that represents, in the manner of dream symbols or cubism, several viewpoints at once. Black Woman, mourning the death of Black Man, says things that border on minstrelsy like Why dieded he huh? Where he gonna go now that he done dieded? But Parks also uses the dialect to get to a kind of transcendence through poetry. Likewise the watermelons there are so many! eventually move from the realm of racist iconography to art. Other characters take on the attitude or dialect of centuries worth of stereotypes, from the Eartha Kitt haughtiness of Queen-Then-Pharaoh Hatshepsut to a little girl who is called Prunes and Prisms and says that odd phrase, with perfect white diction, over and over. It is, we eventually learn, an elocution exercise to cure your big lips. One way to make sense of the play is as a pageant of black history; Prunes and Prisms is costumed like Ruby Bridges integrating William Frantz Elementary School in 1960. You could also look at it as a deliberately alienating Brechtian exercise. (Titles are projected between scenes, bells ring to start and stop the action.) But perhaps its most useful to approach it as jazz; Parks says she was listening to Ornette Coleman while writing it. Phrases repeat and transmogrify over the course of 70 minutes, creating the odd feeling of development without clarity; you never even settle into a location or time. (Dialogue suggests everything from 1317 to the antebellum South to some interplanetary future.) But gradually a shadow of a story centering on Black Man (Daniel J. Watts, terrific) and Black Woman (Roslyn Ruff, indispensably moving) emerges. Black Man, who may be a freed slave, returns home to Black Woman after being executed, or perhaps lynched, or perhaps both, for a crime. In any case he is dead, or almost dead, or undead; in a sequence of powerful scenes that are somehow both specifically black and untethered from any specific reality, Black Woman tries to accept the truth and also to forestall it by feeding him hen feathers. Wrung thuh necks of them hens and they still give eggs, she says, mournfully and wonderingly. Huh: like you. Still sproutin feathers even after they fried. History continues, Parks seems to be saying, as long as theres someone to record it and someone to remember it. In more recent plays, like the brilliant, unfinished nine-part Father Comes Home From the Wars, Parks has rendered that history more literally, putting a frame around her improvisation. In Death of the Last Black Man (which is subtitled The Negro Book of the Dead) you see how she invented her voice years ago by applying enough pressure to words to crack them. At times I was reminded less of Colemans free jazz than of the bewildering, incandescent, and dogged poetry of Gertrude Stein. Like her, Parks wants to see whats on the other side of language, and of history. On the evidence of this production, superbly directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz and designed by Riccardo Hernandez (sets), Montana Blanco (costumes), and Yi Zhao (lights), it may not be pretty, or even coherent, but its beautiful. * * * In the past month Ive seen seven major productions of plays by black playwrights, or about black lives, or both, at important Off Broadway theaters. Aside from The Death of the Last Black Man there have been Master Harold and the boys (also at the Signature), Notes From the Field (at Second Stage), Sell/Buy/Date (at Manhattan Theater Club), Nat Turner in Jerusalem (at New York Theater Workshop), Sweat (at the Public), and, opening tonight, Party People (again at the Public). I could have doubled that number if Id had time. Is there a correlation between this efflorescence and the political moment? Probably not; most of these productions, and some of the plays, have been in the works for years. Nevertheless, they mean something important and possibly a bit hopeful, coming at us all at once as Barack Obama gets ready to leave office. Party People was always going to be a 2016 production, I guess: It coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panthers in 1966. Their history, along with that of the Young Lords, a Hispanic group patterned on the Panthers, constitutes the main action. Most of that action is retrospective, as fictional but representative characters recall today what they did then. The framing device, however, is a bit more bizarre: Two young men, the literal and spiritual offspring of Panthers and Lords, are introduced in the process of putting together an evening of poetry, video, spoken word, and performance art to explore the ways in which the activism of their forebears might be carried out in the present. This apparently includes gassy monologues, mad overacting, and a mortifying clown show. As a result, the older generations stories, filled with ambivalence, pride, and a forthright admission of mistakes, blows the kids paltry art-activism to pieces in one scene almost literally. The production should come with a trigger warning for those people, like me, who cant tolerate having guns pointed directly at them and then discharged, repeatedly, for about 30 seconds. The point, presumably, is to force us to experience the kind of brutality that motivated the groups to action. (Fred Hampton, head of the Illinois Panthers, was executed by Chicago police and the FBI in much the same manner in 1969.) But another scene is brutal for a completely different reason: It depicts the torture of a suspected mole. Im sorry to say that however much this history needs to be explored, and however valuable the work of the Universes ensemble that created the play and composed the music, merely relating facts and demonstrating atrocities does very little to elucidate the matter. Brutality comes to seem not just the cause of action but a motive in itself. The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World is at the Signature Center through December 11. Party People is at the Public Theater through December 11. When Saroo Brierley was a small child growing up in rural India, he fell asleep on a train platform while waiting for his brother to come back from an errand. When he awoke, his brother had yet to return. So an uncertain Saroo stepped on a train to look for him and wasnt able to get off until it stopped in Kolkata, nearly 1,000 miles from his home. Unable to tell authorities where he came from, Brierley was, for all intents and purposes, an orphan. Eventually, he was adopted by the Australian couple John and Sue Brierley, and as he reached adulthood, became obsessed with trying to find his birth family by searching obsessively for his hometown on Google Earth. His story, as told in his memoir, A Long Way Home, serves as the basis of the new film Lion, directed by Garth Davis and starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. I didnt really know what I was getting into in agreeing to having my life portrayed in a movie, says the 35-year-old Brierley. You just hope to god that your story is done justice. But, you know, Im a pretty resilient guy, so I was optimistic. In this exclusive scene from Lion, the young Saroo (played by Sunny Pawar) is taking etiquette lessons with other new adoptees in advance of meeting his new parents for the first time. We were being prepped on Western culture, explains Brierley about this scene. The norm for us was eating with our hands, so we had this strange experience of learning the names of things like pepper and the different cutlery. Its a story with a lot of hardship in it, but there were a lot of comical moments, too. Lion is in theaters November 25. With a planned route of more than 2,000 miles in front of him, U.S. Army veteran Chance Huffman will start his trek on foot to Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday morning, hoping to raise money for his fellow veterans along the way. It is super difficult for veterans (coming home), especially if you have been in an active role, Huffman said. You can almost become an adrenaline junkie, and . . . I hope I can raise money to help other veterans, my brothers and sisters. Huffman, 31, a former Army specialist and a Lorena High School graduate, returned from combat and transitioned into a volunteer role with Iraqi Kurdistans Peshmerga military force and returned home about four weeks ago. While deployed and on his volunteer assignment, he promoted his efforts on Instagram and gained supporters. Before I came back from Iraq, I started thinking of ways that I could help out veterans, Huffman said. One of my battle buddies lived here in Waco and he just moved back to his original home in Portland, so I did the drive with him and I kept thinking this would be the perfect route. He divided his perfect route into a 40-to-50-day backpacking hike through New Mexico, Utah and Nevada to meet up with his combat friend in Portland, Huffman said. Early Wednesday morning, Huffman will start his hike from downtown Waco at Indian Spring Park and trek more than 2,000 miles to Portland. He said he hopes his mission will raise awareness and funds for veterans needs and support charities that benefit all veterans. I hope this will inspire people to donate, get involved with the veteran community or inspire them to get involved in something they are passionate about, Huffman said. I really just want people to care as much for veterans as I do. Huffman said online research plotted a 27-day travel itinerary, but he plans on taking breaks for meals and sleep. During the weekend, Huffman launched GoFundMe and PayPal accounts to collect donations and said the response has been inspiring. Since I started the fund-raising efforts, I have gotten more than $1,000, he said. People have even written me messages, offering me places to stay or a shower and even offering to walk with me for part of the way. To follow Huffmans trek to Oregon, visit his Instagram account at www.instagram.com/soter.legion. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/cross-country-walk-for-vets ?ssid=805605311&pos=1. Plain Talk: Will the country go the way of Wisconsin? The three University High School administrators who resigned last week officially deny all wrongdoing in resignation settlement agreements with the district. The administrators had been on leave since the start of an independent investigation that found graduation credits were awarded to some students who had not properly earned them. The district announced resignations from Principal Kendra Strange, dean of instruction Ronald Massey and senior class counselor Mindy Place on Friday. Stranges last day was Nov. 4, according to a statement by the district. She served one full school year, plus her time on administrative leave, Waco ISD spokesperson Bruce Gietzen said. The last day for Massey and Place is Jan. 27, 2017, according to the statement. All three signed the agreements the week of Oct. 24, the same week the district released 16 pages of findings from the external investigation. The partial investigation report does not specify which officials were involved or address a motive behind the wrongdoing. The parties each deny any fault or wrongdoing and have agreed to enter into this agreement in order to reduce further expenses, inconveniences and distractions of potential litigation, the resignation agreements state. Neutral references For Massey and Place, the district has agreed to provide a neutral reference for any future employment inquiries, which would not mention any adverse employment actions taken or proposed to be taken against the two, the documents state. Both will continue to be paid and receive benefits through their last day, and the district will not prohibit willing individual employees from writing recommendations for Massey or Place, the documents state. Masseys attorney, Jay Brim, who has 40 years of experience and represents dozens of professionals in the education field, said the district threatened to fire Massey and the others, and the settlement agreements were a financial decision more than anything. Brim spoke on behalf of Massey on Tuesday night and said if the administrators had decided to fight any allegations, the battle would have resulted in what amounts to a costly minitrial at the state level with the education commissioner. Brim estimated that route would have cost Massey about $25,000 out-of-pocket. The individuals have to pay somebody to defend them. Its not cheap. Thats what they were facing, Brim said. There would never be any way they could get that money back if they won. They were each having to make a financial decision no matter how much they disagreed with what this silly report said. Strange will receive full salary and benefits through the date of her resignation and will be paid what she would have earned if she worked through Jan. 31. Stranges agreement differs from the others on her references. She will be able to receive only a mutually acceptable reference letter from her immediate supervisor, Robin McDurham, an assistant superintendent. All prospective employer inquiries also would be directed to McDurham. Gietzen said Strange requested the letter, and McDurham agreed. The district did not tell McDurham what to write, and the letter represents her position, not the districts, Gietzen said. With a record of success as a teacher, consultant, district- and campus-level administrator, Dr. Strange provided leadership in delivering campus-based professional development, McDurham stated in part of her letter. Stranges contract would have ended June 30, 2017. McDurham provides specific praise throughout the letter and goes on to state that Stranges top priority during the 2015-16 academic year was ensuring teachers in the lowest-performing content areas, English I and English II, understood Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and how to teach them. The district also agreed to seal all negative documents in Stranges personnel file to the extent allowed by the law, the agreement states. Staff at the office for Stranges attorney said he was out of the office Tuesday afternoon and would not be returning, and calls made earlier in the day for comment on the matter were not returned by press time. The investigation report identifies several issues relating directly to the schools English department. University High did not have an English I and English II department chair on individual graduation committees overseeing the awarding of English credits, as required by state law. The report also states a University High School teacher signed off on the English individual graduation committee decisions, but the teacher later stated she did not know the students personally and taught sophomores during the 2015-16 school year, not seniors seeking the credits. At least eight students under the age of 18 did not have a parent or guardian participate in the committee, as required by law, and virtually none of the U.S. history individual graduation committees had an individual teacher assigned, as required by law, the report states. Standards changed Students graduating through the committee process also must complete a project related to the subject area or prepare a portfolio of work samples in the subject area of the course, demonstrating course proficiency, according to state law. University High employees changed the standards for passing for English projects related to the committee. The law does not address whether redoing or rescoring projects is acceptable. Gietzen said Tuesday afternoon he didnt have an answer for whether the issues with the English department were connected to what Strange accomplished as principal. I dont have an answer as to whether there was a connection, Gietzen said. The facts of the external investigation speak for themselves. Until a replacement for Strange is found, Bill Shepard will serve as University Highs interim principal. Masseys position has since been eliminated, and Place has been replaced with someone internally, Gietzen said last week. No one answered at the office for Places attorney. All three administrators agreed to release the district of any legal claims related to their employment with Waco ISD. Less than a week after several other states approved measures weakening marijuana restrictions, some Texas lawmakers are looking to do the same. On Monday, the first day of bill filing for the 2017 legislative session, Lone Star State legislators submitted several proposals to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. Among the bills are those that would create a specialty court for certain first-time marijuana possession offenders, reduce criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and re-classify convictions for possession of small amounts of marijuana. On Nov. 8, voters in California, Maine, Nevada and Massachusetts approved recreational marijuana initiatives, adding them to a growing list of states including Colorado and Washington that have already approved the drug for recreational use. Voters in Florida, North Dakota and Arkansas also approved medicinal marijuana initiatives. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 28 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico now allow comprehensive public medical marijuana and cannabis programs. In 2015, Texas lawmakers proposed a number of unsuccessful bills to decriminalize marijuana, including one by Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, that would have legalized possessing or using marijuana. In March 2015, Gov. Greg Abbott said during a press conference that lawmakers would not approve legislation that would legalize marijuana. However, Abbotts office did not respond to an immediate request for comment Monday on his thoughts on the outlook for such legislation in 2017. Despite reservations from Texas lawmakers regarding legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana use, one bill gained traction and was signed into law by Abbott last year. Authored by Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, Senate Bill 339 the Compassionate Use Act legalized oils containing CBD, a non-euphoric component of marijuana known to treat epilepsy and other chronic medical conditions. And Texas lawmakers across the state say they want leniency in how the state prosecutes marijuana crimes. In an interview with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith Monday, State Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, said he thinks the Legislature could decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana next year, especially after several states did so on Election Day. Were spending our tax dollars on incarcerating [people that dont deserve to be incarcerated] because they got caught with a small amount of marijuana, said Isaac, whose district encompasses Texas State University. These are people that we probably subsidize their public education, we probably subsidize where they went to a state school, and now theyre branded as a criminal when they go to do a background check. Isaac added that last session he was approached by state Rep. Joseph "Joe" Moody, D-El Paso, who asked Isaac to sign on to a decriminalization bill but didnt because he didnt feel like it was the time. During the interview Monday, however, Isaac said it is the time now and publicly pledged to sign on and work to get a bill passed that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. Among the Texas proposals that have been filed thus far: House Bill 58 by state Rep. James White, R-Woodville, would create a specialty court for certain first-time marijuana possession offenders based on the principle that first-time defendants are often self-correcting. The measure is intended to conserve law enforcement and corrections resources, White said in a news release. State Rep. Joseph "Joe" Moody, D-El Paso, filed House Bill 81, which aims to replace criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of up to $250. The bill also allows Texans to avoid arrest and possible jail time for possessing a small amount of marijuana. Moody authored a similar bill during the previous legislative session; it did not pass. State Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., D-Houston, filed House Bill 82, which aims to classify a conviction for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana as a Class C misdemeanor instead of Class B. However, if a person is convicted three times, it would revert back to a Class B misdemeanor. Dutton co-authored a similar bill last session with Moody. State Sen. Jose Rodriguez filed Senate Joint Resolution 17 , which would allow voters to decide whether marijuana should be legalized in Texas, following the pattern of a number of states. Jose Rodriguez Senate Joint Resolution 17 Senate Joint Resolution 18, also authored by Rodriguez, would allow voters to decide whether to legalize marijuana for medical use if recommended by a health care provider. "It is long past time we allow the people to decide," Rodriguez said in a statement. Rodriguez also filed Senate Bill 170, which would change possession of one ounce or less of marijuana from a criminal offense to a civil one. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2016/11/14/texas-legislators-file-marijuana-bills/. Never have we seen two candidates demonized so much. Many good people insulted Donald Trump. They called him liar, moron, pathological narcissist, con man, phony, carnival barker, clown, tax evader, fraud, demagogue, fascist, Nazi, sociopath, racist, bigot, xenophobe, friend of the KKK, Muslim-hater. They called him Hitler. They also called him a tone-deaf, sexist, homophobic, misogynist, adulterer, and rapist who tried to normalize sexual aggression. He was despised as deranged, reckless, foul-mouthed, angry, rude, a friend of mobsters and a tool of Russia. They complained that he mocked people with disabilities and wants to kill innocent babies of terrorists. Similarly, many people insulted Hillary Clinton. They called her a sickly, compulsive criminal liar, corrupt and a dangerously secretive socialist. They also called her a rapist-enabler, slanderer of sexually assaulted women, an adulterer and killer of unborn babies. They said she was an imperialist war hawk, a weapons dealer for terrorists, that she also sold uranium to Russia and caused the deaths of countless Muslims in the Middle East. They called her Hitlery. They said she stole millions in donations meant for the poorest people of Haiti and that she was a friend of the Gambino Mafia family. They complained she was a Wal-Mart board member, a puppet of large corporations and Big Oil, a member of the evil oligarchy and a shill of Wall Street and Goldman Sachs. Many of these awful stories were agitated by the media. Accusations lacking evidence were sold under the principle of interpreting Clintons words, and especially Trumps words, in the worst possible ways. Claims that had not been decided in courts of law were treated as gruesome facts. Now that Trump has won, I feel sorry to see many people, my friends, literally suffering. One of my closest friends keeps posting his worries on Facebook: that trains and boxcars will deport Hispanics like us to concentration camps. As a history professor, I wish I could do something to convince people that Trump is not Hitler, just as Clinton isnt so bad either. In truth, Republicans and Democrats are more similar than the press usually admits. Example: Just a few years ago Trump was pro-choice, lavished praise on Hillary Clinton, donated five times to her campaign for Senate and insisted that the economy does better under the Democrats. In 2008, President George W. Bush approved a $700 billion bailout for banks involved in the financial crisis. Sens. Clinton and Barack Obama supported it. Campaigning for president, Obama shamed Bush for doubling the national debt: irresponsible and unpatriotic. But years later, Obama also doubled it. Obama complained about the wars in the Middle East. Eight years later, Obama still presides over wars in the Middle East. Liberals are horrified that Trump wants to build a wall along the Southern border. Yet I never saw a single newscaster say the simple truth: Donald Trump wants to improve the fence and walls that were constructed during Obamas administration, a barrier that already spans almost 700 miles and for which both Clinton and Obama voted. Trump wants to extend it by 300 miles while leaving the remaining 1,000 miles along the Mexico border with no wall. One of my students tells me that to graduate from high school in France, students are required to draw the wall that already exists between Mexico and the U.S. and even show that it goes into the ocean. Like Bernie Sanders, Trump wanted to repeal the law that enables corporations to donate staggering sums to political campaigns. Both of them rejected super PACs during the primaries. Like Sanders, Trump wants to stop wasting so much money in wars in the Middle East. Because people believed many horrible accusations against Trump, they suffer by thinking that millions of people voted in favor of racism, xenophobia, sexism, etc. Imagine if Hillary Clinton had won. We need patience and empathy when we hear our political opponents. Theyve got valid concerns. Theyre not as bad as we think they are. Alberto A. Martinez is a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. A native of Puerto Rico, he is the author of The Cult of Pythagoras and Science Secrets: The Truth About Darwins Finches, Einsteins Wife and Other Myths. What was lost in the election last week? Decency. Humanity. Morality. All the way around. From protesters destroying property in Portland, Oregon, to racists destroying a sense of safety in Silver Spring, Maryland, too many people are undermining the foundation of our country in the aftermath of a polarizing election. And our first order of business is to fix it. Because this is about democracy, really. Donald Trump is going to be our president. And saying #notmypresident is the same as saying #notmyconstitution or #notmycountry or #notmyAmerica. It is our America. All of us. Yes, Hillary Clinton won the popular vote. And a majority of Americans voted last week and a totally shameful 43 percent of yall stayed home, and you better not have been at those protests if you did. But the same Constitution that gives protesters the right to peaceful assembly also created the Electoral College that gave Trump the White House. This is what democracy looks like. And smashing windows in cities or burning flags on college campuses or staging walkouts at high schools wont change that. And shouldnt. Decent Americans have somehow lost their ability to control all the wrong impulses. Sore losers protesting the democratic process are just as useless as hate-filled winners sneaking around towns painting swastikas and racist graffiti. I want to say that the only difference between the two is that one is ridiculous while the other is dangerous. But thats not totally true, either. The Whites Only graffiti scrawled on an Episcopalian church in Silver Spring and the swastikas drawn in a Bethesda, Maryland, middle-school bathroom are references to real and bloody horrors in history. So was the swastika used to deface a church in Indiana and the #Whitesonly written on a door in Minnesota. The connective tissue between all the hated? The word Trump, which accompanied most of the vandalism. There were the fifth-graders in Ventura, California, chanting Build a wall! and walls in Durham, North Carolina, defaced with Black lives dont matter and neither does your vote. Confederate flags fluttered at a Veterans Day parade in Petaluma, California. Women in hijabs reported having them yanked off in public, and a disturbing note to a Muslim elementary school teacher in Georgia told her to go hang herself with her head scarf. A student at the University of Michigan was told she would be set on fire if she didnt remove her hijab. These are the deplorable acts that are intended to terrify religious and racial minorities. They must be condemned and not with a dispassionate, timid Stop it, which is what Trump said during a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday night. When young people respond to the outcome of this election by burning flags and walking out of class, they might be making themselves feel better. But remember when President Obama was elected in 2008 and 2012, and it wasnt all rainbows and unicorns? When black families found burning crosses on their lawns, protesters carried signs with nooses and racist caricature, and mobs burned him in effigy? They were protesting his victory. They probably made themselves feel better in their fellowship of hatred, but they did nothing to change the Obama familys address for eight years. Protest Trumps actions and policies. Pressure members of Congress. Work like mad to get rid of the Electoral College if youve had it with the system. Support candidates in the 2018 elections who can make real change. That is what democracy looks like. Petula Dvorak is a columnist for The Washington Post. ASHLAND The popular Ashland Art Walk series returns this month with a holiday flair. The art galleries and shops in downtown Ashland plan to take part in the next installment of the Ashland Art Walk, planned for Saturday, Nov. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors stroll leisurely between the participating businesses, where the art is on display along with refreshments and live music. There is an incentive for visitors to stop at each participating venue, where they will have a card stamped. Once they have filled out that card, the customer is eligible for a free prize. They can also turn in their filled out card to be entered into a drawing for gift certificates donated by Art Walk participants as well as other local businesses. Prizes will be announced at The Market on Silver Street at the end of the evening. Artist Natasha Greenwade from Ashland Tattoo Shop has joined the Art Walk lineup for the first time. Im excited to be participating in the Ashland Art Walk, Greenwade said. In addition to creating body art, Greenwade is an artist who works in ceramics as well as mixed media, where she combines things others may throw out to form what she calls trash art. I will be debuting a few new pieces of trash art available for purchase, she said. I also will be selling one of a kind trash Christmas ornaments at the event as well. Greenwade will also have other art for sale at her shop, along with pieces from other artists. A number of the other artists will also be debuting new art during the Art Walk. Kim Cooper of Cooper Studio and Gallery is working hard to prepare several new paintings for the show. Many of the other artists he hosts at his gallery will also have new pieces, he said. The Art Walk coincides with Coopers annual holiday event, which he calls A Gathering in Ashland. Coopers event features homemade treats baked by his wife, Lynn, and will also be held on Sunday. This marks the beginning of our 16th year in Ashland, Cooper added. Willow Point Gallery was the first art gallery in downtown Ashland, opened by artist Gene Roncka and his wife Mary in 1995. The gallery has extended the celebration marking their 20 years in business and is offering two special deals for shoppers during the Art Walk. For anyone who spends over $20, they will receive a free print of a Roncka painting as a gift. Shoppers who purchase more than $100 worth of items at Willow Point will be given the Sandhills Rendezvous collectible ornament. Designed by Roncka, the 24-karat gold over brass ornament depicts the famous Sandhill cranes that visit central Nebraska each year. Laura Capp will announce the winners of her Instagrams of Ashland contest at her shop, Postscript, during the Art Walk. Capp received 45 entries Instagram photos of Ashland marked with the hashtag #ashlandnebraska for the contest. First, second and third place will be announced that night, Capp said. Capp will also display the entries at Postscript starting on the day of the Art Walk. Postscript will also display many new items for the holidays, as well as prints, handmade books, calligraphy and more that she and other artists create. There will be art and more at Blush Boutique. Photo Art by Kim will display many of the pieces by artist Kim Shaw, who prints photographs on canvas and then adds paints and other materials to create a dimensional effect. Also at Blush Boutique, artist Duane Pieper will display his Biblical-themed artwork made out of refined beeswax. The Market on Silver Street will create a festive holiday mood with live music, according to owner Lynn Spackman. The unique shop, which has not yet had its official grand opening, will have various artwork, photographs and other items on display. At Glacial Till Tasting Room, Art Walk participants can enjoy their choice of one free sample of wine or $1 off of the price of a glass of wine as they sip one of the winerys award-winning selections and enjoy the many pieces of art on display. At each stop on the Art Walk tour, there will be refreshments to enjoy. The first Ashland Art Walk was held in 2015 and was so successful that they have been held every few months. The Nov. 19 event will be the fourth one that has been organized and dates are set for the next two April 15 and Aug. 26. WAHOO The votes have been cast, but election results are all but official. Saunders County Election Commissioner Patti Lindgren said Monday there was still work to be done before getting the Nov. 8 election results certified and to the Secretary of States office. One of the biggest tasks at hand is working with this elections provisional ballots. Lindgren said there has been an average of 30 provisional ballots for past elections. This was a record year with 136 provisional ballots. These must be verified and counted the Nov. 15 Secretary of States deadline. But overall, Lindgren reported an election that went fairly smooth last week. There were just some minor things that came up, but nothing major, she said. An error message about 11:30 p.m. on election night slowed the last ballots to be counted. But, when the problem was solved and the ballots were run through, a 74 percent voter turnout was recorded unofficially in Saunders County. Lindgren said that was about what she expected. Turnout at the polls last Tuesday was a little lighter than she anticipated. Thats who did it, Lindgren said, pointing to the 1,606 early voter ballots returned. Her office had issued 1,651 early ballots. At the polls themselves, voter turnout Nov. 8 was below 70 percent. The lowest voter turnouts at the polls came in Wahoo Ward I and Ashland Ward 1, both at 57 percent. The highest voter turnout at the polls came in District 4, with 68 percent. The unofficial vote count stood at 14,811 on Monday. Statewide, voter turnout was 69 percent, according to the Secretary of State John Gale. The unofficial number of voters statewide was 831,438, which surpassed the number of voters in 2008. Gale reported was it the highest number for any statewide election. Counties now have seven days to complete the tabulation process that includes provisional ballots, said Secretary of State John Gale. Lindgrens office will continue to work with provisional ballots, as well as write-in candidates. This could change the outcome in several races, Lindgren said about several races with narrow margins between candidates. Provisional ballots were given to voters that did not make sure their registration was current and accurate to meet the voter registration deadline, Lindgren said. Hiccups like this do on prevent people from voting, but the qualifications for a provisional ballot are complicated. Provisional ballots are given in instances of changes that would require a ballot type change, Lindgren said. For example, moving across a city and changing wards would require a provisional ballot, she said. Even if the voter was provided a provisional ballot, the election commissioner has to look through several sources for a voter history to find whether they are truly a resident of Saunders County in order for the vote to count. If the information is not verified, then the envelope that ballot is in is never opened and the votes cast are never known, Lindgren said. Once all the legitimate votes are counted, if the races are within a certain percentage of each other, an automatic recount will be triggered, Lindgren said. By law, in order to qualify for an automatic recount, the margin of difference must be less than one percent of the number of votes garnered by the highest vote getter. If a candidate requests a recount, then that candidate pays for the cost, Lindgren added. This week, Lindgrens staff was tabulating write-ins, provisional ballots and any ballot the automatic counting machine kicked out. Anything the counting machine kicks out has to be assessed. The machine is sensitive and picks up anything marked on the ballots, Lindgren said. Some ballots have marks that do are not in the bubbles at all, some have names written in, but no bubble marked and some marked with no write-in name, she added. We even had some people using red ink. Somehow they got a pen from a poll worker and the machine wont read red ink, Lindgren said. All results from Tuesdays election remain unofficial at this time. The deadline for the election commissioner to certify with the Secretary of Sates office is Nov. 28. The state canvassing board then meets on Dec. 5, Lindgren said. Check The Ashland Gazette website at www.ashland-gazette.com for updated information regarding 2016 General Election results. WAHOO The votes have been cast, but election results are all but official. Saunders County Election Commissioner Patti Lindgren said Monday there was still work to be done before getting the Nov. 8 election results certified and to the Secretary of States office. One of the biggest tasks at hand is working with this elections provisional ballots. Lindgren said there has been an average of 30 provisional ballots for past elections. This was a record year with 136 provisional ballots. These had to be verified and counted by the Nov. 15 Secretary of States deadline. But overall, Lindgren reported an election that went fairly smooth last week. There were just some minor things that came up, but nothing major, she said. An error message at about 11:30 p.m. on election night slowed the last ballots to be counted. But, when the problem was solved and the ballots were run through, a 74 percent voter turnout was recorded unofficially in Saunders County. Lindgren said that was about what she expected. Turnout at the polls last Tuesday was a little lighter than she anticipated. Thats who did it, Lindgren said, pointing to the 1,606 early voter ballots returned. Her office had issued 1,651 early ballots. At the polls themselves, voter turnout Nov. 8 was below 70 percent. The lowest voter turnouts at the polls came in Wahoo Ward I and Ashland Ward 1, both at 57 percent. The highest voter turnout at the polls came in District 4, with 68 percent. The unofficial vote count stood at 14,811 on Monday. Statewide, voter turnout was 69 percent, according to the Secretary of State John Gale. The unofficial number of voters statewide was 831,438, which surpassed the number of voters in 2008. Gale reported was it the highest number for any statewide election. Counties now have seven days to complete the tabulation process that includes provisional ballots. Lindgrens office continued to work with provisional ballots, as well as write-in candidates. This could change the outcome in several races, Lindgren said about several races with narrow margins between candidates. Provisional ballots were given to voters that did not make sure their registration was current and accurate to meet the voter registration deadline, Lindgren said. Hiccups like this do on prevent people from voting, but the qualifications for a provisional ballot are complicated. Provisional ballots are given in instances of changes that would require a ballot type change, Lindgren said. For example, moving across a city and changing wards would require a provisional ballot, she said. Even if the voter was provided a provisional ballot, the election commissioner has to look through several sources for a voter history to find whether they are truly a resident of Saunders County in order for the vote to count. If the information is not verified, then the envelope that ballot is in is never opened and the votes cast are never known, Lindgren said. Once all the legitimate votes are counted, if the races are within a certain percentage of each other, an automatic recount will be triggered, Lindgren said. By law, in order to qualify for an automatic recount, the margin of difference must be less than one percent of the number of votes garnered by the highest vote getter. If a candidate requests a recount, then that candidate pays for the cost, Lindgren added. This week, Lindgrens staff was tabulating write-ins, provisional ballots and any ballot the automatic counting machine kicked out. Anything the counting machine kicks out has to be assessed. The machine is sensitive and picks up anything marked on the ballots, Lindgren said. Some ballots have marks that are not in the bubbles at all, some have names written in, but no bubble marked and some marked with no write-in name, she added. We even had some people using red ink. Somehow they got a pen from a poll worker and the machine wont read red ink, Lindgren said. All results from Tuesdays election remain unofficial at this time. The deadline for the election commissioner to certify with the Secretary of Sates office is Nov. 28. The state canvassing board then meets on Dec. 5, Lindgren said. Check the Wahoo Newspaper website at www.wahoonewspaper.com for updated information regarding 2016 General Election results. Protesters outside the Capitol building during an anti-Trump rally on Nov. 10, 2016, in Madison. PHOTO BY SAIYNA BASHIR President-elect Donald Trump, shown here meeting Nov. 10 with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, will become president even though Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by a substantial margin a total that could reach 2 million votes. PHOTO BY ALEX BRANDON/ASSOCIATED PRESS With all ballots counted, state Sen. Jennifer Shilling retained a 56-vote lead over Republican challenger Dan Kapanke. Each candidate picked up one vote when Vernon County election officials tallied two ballots of voters who needed extra time to bring in valid identification cards. Officials in La Crosse County last week counted 10 provisional ballots six for Kapanke and four for the incumbent. That brings Shillings total to 43,570 to Kapankes 43,514 in a race that pitted the Senate minority leader against the man she unseated in a 2011 recall. Independent Chip DeNure finished third with 2,087 vote. The 32nd District includes La Crosse, Crawford and parts of Vernon and Monroe counties. The Wisconsin Elections Commission is preparing for a recount in the race, which Kapanke would have to ask for. Kapanke has three days to request one after all counties in the district file their canvass results with the commission. County clerks said they are hoping no recount will be ordered until after the Thanksgiving holiday, as officials are only allowed one day off once the recount begins. La Crosse County Clerk Ginny Dankmeyer said she expects it will take seven to eight days to count the more than 64,000 ballots cast. Dankmeyer estimates it could cost upwards of $5,000. It would be the first county-wide recount since the 2011 Supreme Court race, which Justice David Prosser won by just 7,316 votes. That recount involved about 30,000 La Crosse County ballots and took nine days. Based on previous recounts, Dankemeyer said she doesnt expect any dramatic changes to the totals. But the process is tedious and labor intensive for clerks, canvassers and poll workers. You cant just rush through it, said Vernon County Clerk Ron Hoff. Everybody wants it perfect. ... but you will need to show proof of jab get into bars STUDENTS heading to college in September will not have to be vaccinated... Another card skimmer has been found inside a gas pump at a Madison gas station, the eighth such discovery in the city and the first since city leaders passed a measure to get station owners to install better locks on pumps. The new skimmer was found on Tuesday inside a gas pump at Genin's Mobil, 3505 University Avenue, Madison police said. A city of Madison inspector from Weights and Measures found the credit card skimmer attached to the internal workings of the gas pump. "He was conducting a random inspection when he made the finding on pump five," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. "The skimmer was seized by police and turned over to the FBI." Employees of the station told police they checked the gas pumps Friday and no skimmers were found at that time. Valentines Day is a time to reflect and appreciate the relationships in our lives. However, it can also be a time to reflect on... THIS June, Waterford will see its first Pride march in over a decade as part of the Pride of the Deise festival. Taking place over... ITS hard to believe the much-loved Waterford Greenway has been open just five years, as many locals feel they have been living with the... FOLLOWING his clubs relegation, Waterford FC owner Richard Forrest has reassured fans he is here to stay, and that plans are in place for... A Garda sergeant, who was seen assaulting a member of the Traveller community, was not prosecuted or disciplined over the incident, it has emerged. The... THE average rent in Waterford has now soared to 1,148, up 102% from its lowest point. The increase in rents around the country reflects an... DESPITE the pressing need to do so, over half of all Irish people say they could not afford an average cost of 56,000 to... There will be many things to look forward to in the next four years of Donald Trump's presidency, especially if you are a member of that segment of the population commonly known as "The Joker from The Dark Knight". But probably the most exciting thing about the Age of Trump will be the return of good old-fashioned glamour to geopolitics. The glamorisation of the White House has already begun, with Trump's first wife Ivana nominating herself as prime candidate for the post of Ambassador to the Czech Republic. This is an outstanding idea, as Ivana possesses the two most important attributes for this position: a) she's originally from the Czech Republic; and b) she's met Donald Trump at least once. But Ivana will bring a bit extra to the diplomatic realm that dash of pizazz, of glitz, of shameless big-haired ostentation. Because that's what the Trump White House is going to be all about: inspiring Americans and indeed citizens of all countries with conspicuous displays of overwhelming privilege. Washington will become Xanadu, and Trump himself will be, if not exactly Kubla Khan, at least Zsa Zsa Gabor. He'll start by appointing Ivana ambassador to Prague, but there are plenty more diplomatic postings to be doled out and plenty more Trumps to accept them. If his first wife can go to the Czechs, it seems logical to make his second wife, Marla, ambassador to Georgia, where she's from. Not necessarily the same Georgia, mind you, but it'd be petty to expect anyone in the Trump administration to know the difference. Then there are the children. I'd say Ivanka to France for the shopping, Tiffany to New Zealand so her father can more effectively forget that she exists, and Donald jnr and Eric to African nations of their choice where they can kill large numbers of exotic animals. So will the world be infused with the Trump ethos: have a good time, all the time, and take what you want when you want it. A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed a year ago on behalf of a girl who claimed that she was sexually abused by a staff person at Whitehorse Middle School. U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb wrote that she found no evidence that then-principal Deb Ptak was aware or had been informed of any sexual abuse when it allegedly occurred, or that Ptak saw or was told of behavior that would lead her to conclude that sexual abuse would occur. The girl and her parents sued the school district in September 2015, claiming that a Whitehorse staff person had groomed the girl starting when she was in sixth grade and then sexually abused her while she was in eighth grade. The Dane County Sheriffs Office investigated the allegations in 2014 and 2015, after which Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne declined to file charges. The State Journal is not naming the staff person because he was not charged with a crime and is not a defendant in the lawsuit. Crabb wrote that neither side in the case asserted that Ptak was aware of any sexual abuse as it occurred, but the girls lawyers argued that Ptak should be held liable for the abuse because she knew of frequent hugs and other excessive touching between the girl and the staff person, and was aware that the girl had a crush on him. These facts might allow a reasonable jury to find that (Ptak) was aware of inappropriate conduct and acted unwisely by failing to take more aggressive steps to stop it, Crabb wrote. However, not all inappropriate conduct violates the law. The girls claims, Crabb wrote, required proof that Ptak knew about the sexual abuse or at least was aware of facts that would make it obvious that such abuse would occur. Because I conclude that no reasonable jury could make that finding, even if it viewed the evidence in the light most favorable to (the girl), she cannot prevail on her claims, Crabb wrote. The girls lawyers did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. School staff who suspect sexual harassment or abuse are required to report it to the principal or other school officials. Ptak saw some physical contact between the girl and the staff person, such as hugging, and other staff also saw that occur. But they said that the girl was not the only recipient of hugs from the staff person, Crabb noted, and that most of those hugs were initiated by students, including both boys and girls. The girl reported sexual abuse by the staff person in August 2014, saying that it occurred while she was in eighth grade and stopped when she finished school that year. School officials placed him on administrative leave in September 2014. He still works for the district, but in another job. A former NASA astronaut who spent six months on the International Space Station plans to pilot the first commercial journey to the edge of space in a high-altitude balloon. Ron Garan was so transformed by his experience viewing Earth from orbit he wants as many people as possible to experience a vision of the world from space. It'll cost you $US75,000 ($99,000) and the first trips are planned for 2018. "Looking out from the space station, I didn't see an economy, I saw an iridescent biosphere teeming with life," he said. "At the moment our primary focus is on the economy, but we need to shift from thinking economy-society-planet ... Beirut: Air strikes battered neighbourhoods around a children's hospital and a blood bank in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in a second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 32 people. The air raids formed part of a wider military escalation by the Syrian government and allies including Russia, which fired coordinated volleys of missiles at rebels on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the air strikes on eastern Aleppo on Wednesday alone killed at least 21 people, including five children and an emergency worker. They were carried out by either Russian or Syrian planes, it said. The Observatory said districts struck included al-Shaar, al-Sukkari, al-Sakhour and Karam al-Beik. Patrick Norman Pat Chapman is a 34-year-old, Caucasian male who was last known to be in Piedmont which is near the area of Greenville, Missouri on May 10, 2020. Pat had stayed the night with a friend and his wife at their home. In the early morning when the friend woke to go to work. Pat was gone in his own Burgundy color 1995 Ford Escort. That is the last anyone was known to have seen him. The vehicle was later recovered on May 29, 2020 in Mill Spring, Missouri. A Madison man seen driving out of his lane of traffic early Wednesday morning was stopped and arrested for his alleged fifth drunken driving offense. Anthony Harrison, 35, was taken to Dane County Jail on the felony charge, the Dane County Sheriff's Office said. A deputy made a traffic stop on Harrison at about 3 a.m. on Highway 51 near Siggelkow Road in the village of McFarland. The deputy saw Harrison's Camaro deviate from the lane of traffic as both went south on Highway 51. Menomonie Police say they are interested in speaking with two women who they say may have information about the death of a UW-Stout student from Saudi Arabia last month. Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, died Halloween weekend after he was assaulted around bar closing time in downtown Menomonie. No one has been arrested in connection with the altercation that occurred about 2 a.m. Oct. 30 outside Toppers Pizza on the 400 block of Main Street E. On Monday, police released photos of two women who they say may know something about the case. The investigation of Hussain Alnahdis death is progressing and we are still interviewing people that may have information, Menomonie Police Chief Eric Atkinson said Monday. Meanwhile, after consulting with the Dunn County Medical Examiner, police on Monday said Alnahdi died of a traumatic brain injury, according to a preliminary autopsy. The final autopsy report will be finished after investigators determine results of toxicology testing, police said. The death of Alnahdi, who was from Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, and was a junior majoring in business administration, has shaken the campus. His death last week was a tragedy, not only for his family and friends but also for our communities, UW-Stout Chancellor Bob Meyer wrote on his campus blog on Nov. 10. By all accounts, this young man from Saudi Arabia was an enthusiastic, well-liked and a valued member of the UW-Stout campus community, and it is clear he will be missed and remembered. I take heart in the strong message coming from both the campus and Menomonie community recognizing that so much more draws us together as people than divides us. As many have said, This is not us. Earlier this month, Meyer and Atkinson announced a $15,000 reward. It is absolutely essential that we use all of our resources to find the person responsible for Hussains death, Meyer said when he announced the reward, adding that the reward is being funded by private donations and the UW-Stout Foundation. Separately, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it was putting up $5,000 for information leading to the assailant who killed Alnahdi. Alnahdi enrolled at Stout in 2015. Enrollment in fall 2015 at UW-Stout totaled 9,535, with 4 percent of those being from outside the United States. Anyone with information about Alnahdis death is asked to call police investigator Kelly Pollock at 715-231-8511. Anonymous information can be submitted at 855-847-3866 and at dunncocrimestoppers.com. A fuel tank on a semi ruptured Tuesday afternoon, with some diesel fuel entering the Madison sewer system before the fuel was contained. The incident happened at about 1:10 p.m. on East Washington Avenue at South Patterson Street, the Madison Fire Department said. The truck had driven over a raised road construction area when the tank was ruptured, spilling about 20 gallons of diesel fuel over a 100 yard area. Police at the scene called for fire department help. "Engine 3 applied two 40-pound bags of absorbent powder near the storm sewer to prevent more fuel from reaching the sewer grates," said MFD spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster. The Madison Streets Division helped clean up the spill at the intersection, and the Engineering Division worked on removing the fuel inside the storm sewer. The scene was cleared at about 3:10 p.m. Calling it a very good budget that protects taxpayers while making needed investments in the environment and human services, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi on Tuesday said he will make no vetoes to spending plans for 2017 approved Monday by the County Board. Total spending in the budget, at $587 million for operations and about $50 million for capital expenses, differs little from the plan Parisi had proposed, though individual items may reflect compromises. An allocation of $3 million for a 2 percent cost-of-living increase for human services contractors, for example, started as a 0.7 percent raise in Parisi's proposal; the county board nearly tripled that to arrive at 2 percent, in one of its more significant budget changes. County Board Chairwoman Sharon Corrigan said the board felt the larger increase for contractors was more appropriate in light of the 3 percent pay raise the budget provides for regular county employees. I really hope people will take this budget and look at what weve accomplished together and see it as a sign of hope despite divisiveness nationally over the presidential election, Parisi said. This is county government, a place where people can still work together and do whats in the best interests of the people we represent. Parisi announced his proposal for next years operating and capital budget plans at the City-County Building on Sept. 29. The County Board signed off on the budgets Monday, adding less than a half-percentage point in additional operating expenditures for areas including criminal justice reform, community-supported agriculture and environmental initiatives. The budget will raise the countys portion of the tax bill on the average $254,593 Madison home by $21.94, or 2.8 percent. Based on the countys tax rate of $3.13 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, the county portion of the average Madison property tax bill will be just under $800. Parisis proposed budget, prior to the County Board increases, would have increased the average Madison residents bill by slightly less: $19.61, or 2.5 percent. Overall, county taxes represent about 15 percent of a persons total tax bill, county officials said. Major items proposed by Parisi and approved by the County Board in the new budget include $19.2 million for highway and public works projects, $12 million to remove phosphorus deposits from county waterways, $3 million for affordable housing and $18 million for landfill infrastructure improvements that will allow the county to process methane and sell it for use in vehicles through a connection to TransCanada Corp.s ANR Pipeline. A consultant said the county could earn $5 million to $8 million annually that way, a step up from the $3 million the county currently earns selling landfill gas to Madison Gas & Electric in a contract set to expire soon. It is possible to protect the environment and protect the taxpayer, Parisi said. Corrigan said the board agreed the landfill improvements to sell gas for cars was an important thing, and also strongly backed Parisis plan to spend $12 million over four years to clean phosphorus deposits from county waterways. On the environment, the board added only two relatively small programs doubling a fund for storm water drain improvement grants for municipalities to $1.5 million, and adding $20,000 for a study to assess the impact of street salt and salt from water softeners on drinking water. Corrigan said the board was most proud of criminal justice reforms that supervisors added to the budget. While again not big dollar amounts, the programs could have an outsized impact in helping reduce or avoid entirely the amount of time county residents spend in jail, she said. The programs and expenditures include $61,000 to expand a community restorative justice court serving young adults from Madisons South Side to countywide; $22,500 to start a similar program for juveniles; and $60,000 for a mentoring program to help ensure defendants dont miss their court dates, which can trigger harsher sentences. Missing an appointment for something like that can be life-altering for them, Corrigan said. The board also approved $15,000 in added funding for low-income residents to participate in community-supported agriculture programs and $3,000 for a pilot project to encourage more certified organic farming. [Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect a correction. The original misstated the extent to which the county board changed one item in Dane County Executive Joe Parisi's proposed operating budget for 2017 before approving the spending plan Monday. While total spending in the board-approved budget differed little from Parisi's proposal -- by less than a half-percent, at $587.1 million compared to $584.6 million -- the board's change to a cost of living increase for human services contractors was significant. Parisi proposed a 0.7 percent increase for the contractors, but the board approved a 2.0 percent hike, which represents an increase of 185 percent for that item.] S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Buy Alert For $2 Coin (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Buy Alert For $2 Coin (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Power Up Your Portfolio (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Buy Alert For $2 Coin (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West Dear Editor, Am I the only one who is waiting for a response from the Christian community or its leaders on the remarks made by the Honourable Alfred Virginias Gray; when he expressed our need of the Chinese investors in language that surprised many of us. This outburst could be expected of many other sitting M.P.s, but Mr.Gray has a particular qualification as a supposedly card-carrying Christian who hails from a Family Island where people know it means to express their need of God and not man. He added fuel to the fire because the Chinese Government and its leaders have shown an historical disinterest in the things of God. They worship many deities unlike us who worship just One; and even this fact brings up the issue of why the Bahamas is so closely tied to China if we claim to be who we say we are. Perhaps we should be demanding some answers or at least a response from the current leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party who seem reluctant to question their own involvement with the Peoples Republic of China. Why do I say question? When we shout PLP all the way, not too many Bahamians know where the All the way slogan comes from. It is lifted from Deuteronomy 8:2. The larger part of the verse states that, All the way the Lord shall lead us. Has the Lord led this nation or the current leadership into such an intimate relationship with a nation that has set up restrictions on its own people serving the One true God? Maybe we need a statement from the Bahamas Christian Council in this regard also. It seems like our politicians have forgotten who God is. They give Him lip service by going to Churches, concerts, funerals, speaking at conventions and giving Crown land to Pastors, and, many Pastors are not far behind with their tendency to speak to their Members of Parliament before they speak to God, but they may just be exercising their faith in the object of their belief. Their political leaders have told them that they have to come through them anyway. The late Paul Adderley once warned the man of God to be careful about how he went about doing his duty in the country when it comes into the political arena, but we forget that if it was not for the man of God, the PLP would have never come to prominence. The fact that the party turned its back on these Church leaders seems to have been forgotten by some the present Church leadership. Maybe the spokesman was right during the Carlton Elijah Francis saga when he reminded the then Prime Minister that Francis was speaking for himself, when Francis stood alone on the Gambling issue. The PLP had promised to let the current licenses expire as we went into nationhood after 1973. My concern right now is how is God going to respond? Is He going to show up or is He just going to let this all slide? I have had some strange thoughts of Bahamar sliding into the sea or the new Republican administration taking exception to such a large entity owned by the Peoples Republic of China just off their eastern seaboard; but regardless of what happens it is safe to say that we are really in it now. Sincerely, Edward Hutcheson November 14, 2016 LEESVILLE -- Army Sgt. James Edward Martin made his way home Tuesday amid rows of American flags on U.S. 171 and as the evening light faded. It's been 66 years, but this community has not forgotten. Growls of motorcycles from riders with the Louisiana Patriot Guard sounded that a hero was coming. People turned out to pay their respect in DeRidder, Rosepine, Pickering and Leesville. Click here to see a photo slideshow. Martin, 19, of Anacoco, will be buried later this week, in the place where his family rests, in Mitchell Cemetery. His final farewell will be with full military honors. Services are under the direction of Jeane's Funeral Service. Read the obituary HERE. According to the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), 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 were able to provide any information concerning Martin as a prisoner of war. Due to the prolonged lack of evidence, 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 the excavation, the recovery team recovered possible human remains of at least seven individuals. To identify Martins remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used circumstantial and anthropological evidence, including dental and chest radiograph comparison, as well as DNA analysis, including mitochondrial DNA, which matched two sisters. Today, 7,783 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War. Using advances in technology, identifications continue to be made from remains that were previously turned over by North Korean officials or recovered by American teams. Watch a video of the Louisiana Patriot Guard Riders escorting Martin home on Tuesday here: If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit A man was killed Sunday in a workplace accident in the town of Oregon when a tractor rolled and trapped him, according to the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office. James O'Brien, 70, of Oregon, died at the scene, the Medical Examiner's Office said. The incident occurred in the 5900 block of Highway D. It was reported to authorities around noon Sunday. Preliminary results of an autopsy performed Monday confirm O'Brien's death was due to injuries inflicted by the tractor, but the death remains under investigation, the Medical Examiner's Office said. Advertisement By Tim Brockwell Nov. 16, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY By Tim Brockwell Nov. 16, 2016 | 03:02 PM | PADUCAH, KY Ballard County Judge Executive Vickie Viniard and Former Ballard County Treasurer Belinda Foster are facing decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines for their alleged roles in a bank fraud scheme. During a press conference at the U.S. District Court office in Paducah Wednesday, United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., joined by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Amy S. Hess, announced charges against Viniard and Foster for allegedly taking out bank loans illegally to obtain operating funds for Ballard County. A grand jury returned an indictment against Viniard and Foster on Tuesday on counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and making false statements on a loan application. According to the indictment, Viniard and Foster took out around $450,000 in bank loans in total, pledging a $500,000 Ballard County Certificate of Deposit as collateral, all without authorization from the Ballard County Fiscal Court. The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2014 Viniard was granted a $300,000 loan from First Community Bank in Wickliffe. As collateral for the loan, Viniard allegedly pledged a $504,038.54 Certificate of Deposit belonging to the Ballard County Fiscal Court that was also held by First Community Bank. Authorities say that upon approval of the loan, $300,000 was deposited into the Ballard County Fiscal Courts account with the bank. The indictment goes on to say that on June 12, 2014 Viniard and Foster applied for and were granted a $150,000 loan from First Community Bank. They allegedly pledged the same CD which had also been used as collateral for the $300,000 loan to secure the second loan. Upon approval of the $150,000 loan, $50,000 was deposited into the Ballard County Fiscal Courts account with First Community Bank and $100,000 was wired to Huntington National Bank in Columbus, OH as partial satisfaction of a Ballard County bond obligation. On April 17, 2014, Viniard allegedly executed documents authorizing herself to borrow money. The Ballard County Fiscal Court reportedly gave Viniard no such authorization, and was unaware of the loans or the Countys CD being used as collateral for the loans. The indictment says Viniard directed Foster to intentionally conceal the loan proceeds, which Foster did by labeling the loans as payroll tax receipts instead of income from loan proceeds. Foster also did not account for the $100,000 that was wired to Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Foster allegedly obtained at least $27,000 in fraudulent medical reimbursement payments. Bank fraud and making false statements on a loan application carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison per count, and wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count. The defendants could also face fines of up to $2,000,000 for fraud charges and $250,000 for each count of wire fraud. "These are very serious charges," Kuhn said. "Our public institutions depend upon the integrity and honesty of our public officials in the performance of their official duties. In some countries, often in third world countries and developing nations, public corruption is so rampant that it almost seems the norm. Government officials in these countries sometimes use their power and influence to enrich themselves and secure their positions. In the United States we are committed to the principle that our public servants do in fact serve the public, and not themselves." "Kentuckians put their faith in their public officials to do the right thing, so when public officials abuse those positions for their own profit, when they break the law, when they exploit constituents trust, they put our very democracy at risk." Beshear said. Viniard said in a statement that she did not intend to do anything illegal, and that she will not resign from office. "This matter pertains to a bank loan obtained for Ballard County to pay county bills and payroll," Viniard said. "I did not intend to do anything unlawful in obtaining the loan. I will not resign my position as Ballard County Judge Executive while I defend these charges." Calls to Foster's attorney for comment have not yet been returned. Ballot proposal asks Kentucky voters whether there's a right to an abortion By The Associated Press Nov. 16, 2016 | 05:01 AM | SMITHLAND, KY The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security says the latest sale of confiscated weapons has generated $104,392 in grants for law enforcement supplies. The money will be used to buy body armor, service weapons, ammunition and stun guns for Kentucky departments on tight budgets. One of the 26 grants awarded this cycle will be used to purchase 14 body armor vests for the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. A release from homeland security says the county could not afford the equipment and would have had to reduce daily patrols to make the purchase. The grant total for the county is $9,310. Weapons confiscated by law enforcement are sold by state police to firearms dealers at public auction. The sale proceeds are awarded to city, county, public university, sheriff's and school district law enforcement officers. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2016 | SMITHLAND, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2016 | 09:20 PM | SMITHLAND, KY Plans are progressing to replace the aging US 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public meeting Tuesday at its Smithland office to discuss the new bridge to be built about 100 feet downstream of the existing crossing. The proposed bridge replacement will have two 12-foot wide driving lanes, with 10-foot shoulders. The project will also include improvements to the approaches to the bridge on each end. The cost of the project is estimated to be $40 million. The final design for the new bridge should be complete in 2017-2018. Initial designs resemble the new Tennessee River bridge at Ledbetter. Construction of the new bridge is expected to begin in 2018, and take about two years. The existing bridge will remain open while the new bridge and approaches are being constructed. In 2013 KYTC completed a study which showed the existing structure to be functionally obsolete due to the narrow lane widths and shoulder widths. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration says the current bridge has a sufficiency rating of 32.7 on a scale of 100. Officials said the project will impact seven adjacent properties. The current bridge opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,200 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2016 | FLORENCE, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 15, 2016 | 05:49 PM | FLORENCE, KY Kentucky Baptists have chosen their leader for the next year. Bill Langley, senior pastor of an Elizabethtown church with a strong reputation for supporting missions, has been elected president of the 750,000-member Kentucky Baptist Convention. Langley ran unopposed to lead the state's largest religious organization, and is well known within Baptist circles as a champion of the Cooperative Program, which covers the cost of missionaries stationed in countries around the world. Kentucky Baptist messengers met at Florence Baptist Church Tuesday to elect Langley as president. The position is voluntary and unpaid, and carries the responsibility of appointing chairpersons of KBC committees and leading KBC Mission Board meetings. "I am incredibly burdened by what I observe on the national landscape," he told Kentucky Today, the KBC news website, before the election. "Tides are turning; momentum is shifting; and it seems as though our nation is, literally, sprinting away from God." Langley said his primary goal as president would be to encourage Kentucky congregations to concentrate on evangelism and discipleship in a time of great challenges and great opportunities. "This is not a time to 'hold the fort,'" he said. "This is a time to advance and enlarge the kingdom." During Langley's seven years as senior pastor at Severns Valley, more than 500 new believers have been baptized and the church has given more than $2.1 million through the Cooperative Program. Severns Valley has historically been a huge supporter of the Cooperative Program, having given more than $12 million dating back to 1928. Dan Summerlin, pastor of Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah and a past KBC president, nominated Langley for the position. "We have witnessed his dedication to the KBC for years as he helped in many ways throughout our convention," Summerlin said. "From serving on various committees to hosting many KBC events, we have profited from his servant's heart and his leadership skills." After receiving his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kentucky, Langley went on to earn a master's of divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and a doctorate in biblical studies from Louisiana Baptist University. Langley said he will do all he can to help educate pastors and church leaders about what can be done to fortify the biblical stands their churches take. "Our nation is in a moral freefall," he said. "We are seeing conservative, Bible-believing Christians and churches under attack like never before." By The Associated Press Nov. 16, 2016 | 05:09 AM | FRANKFORT, KY Attorney General Andy Beshear is urging Kentuckians to be on guard against a "jury duty" telephone scam. The U.S. Marshals Service recently warned the scam was sweeping the country. Beshear's office says it has received reports about the scam. Beshear's office says the scam consists of a caller pretending to be a U.S. marshal, court worker or other law enforcement official. The caller claims the person on the line failed to appear for jury duty and must pay a fine over the phone or risk arrest. Beshear says anyone receiving such calls should hang up. He says similar scams have been reported this year. That includes a scam in which callers claim to be deputy sheriffs who can help people resolve a federal warrant issued against them for a fee. WASHINGTON If youd never heard of Steve Bannon before Tuesday, you have now. All the world is suddenly abuzz with news that President-elect Donald Trump has named Bannon, formerly executive chairman at the right-wing website Breitbart News, as his chief White House strategist and senior counselor. Alt-right conservatives and white supremacists are jubilant. The rest of the world, including many Republicans, is nearly apoplectic. Even Glenn Beck, who seems finally to have found the right meds, says Bannon is a nightmare and once compared him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. Suffice it to say, theres no love lost between Beck and the Breitbart Boys. Between such virulent reactions and selective quotes from Bannons body of work, including a Sirius XM radio show that immediately preceded Becks, a Bannon narrative has emerged: Hes a racist, xenophobic, misogynist, anti-Semitic nationalist very much, in other words, like his boss, the soon-to-be president of the United States. If true. Already, some reporters seem to be backing away from such specific and explicit characterizations, noting that its unclear whether Bannon himself is all of these things or whether his association with those who are via Breitbart postings inferentially makes him so. Its an interesting difference with a possible distinction. Ive never met Bannon. If hes charming, his apparent efforts to conceal it are effective. Photos of him show a disheveled, shaggy-haired man in need of a shave who appears to have slept in his clothes, possibly on a sidewalk grate. Not that we should judge people by their looks, but we do until theres reason not to. So far, except for a few narrative-affirming anecdotes by people who claim bad experiences with him and resume items that provoke cognitive dissonance Bannon is inscrutable. The operative question for any thinking person is: If Bannon is any of those things mentioned above, what would it mean for the country, our policies, the nations temperament and that most sacred of American pursuits unity? As children walk out of schools and protesters stage daily rallies, while women plot to march on Washington the day after Inauguration Day, unity seems an improbable goal. But what if Bannon isnt all those things? Are we even allowed to wonder? Once a narrative is launched, its nearly heretical to question it. Im not defending. Im just asking. Is it possible to allow white supremacists and woman-haters to traffic on your website and still be considered something less awful? I asked a few people who have known him well for some time if theres more to Bannon than meets the eye. There usually is, isnt there? A few words used to describe him, irrespective of his websites fan club or the virtual company he keeps, include: gentleman, strategist, always polite, brilliant, fighter, activist, articulate, as well as I dont trust him. One person who has known and worked with him the past 15 years said that when she reads about Bannon in the newspaper, she thinks she must be reading about someone else. He was never like that with me. I only knew him to be a passionate fighter. Hes all about freedom. Constitutionally speaking, according to original intent, she clarified. In the resume column, Bannon is a former Goldman Sachs banker who holds an MBA from Harvard. Hes also a documentarian with eight films some would say right-wing propaganda movies to his credit, including one about Ronald Reagan confronting communism, In the Face of Evil, that highlights the markers of totalitarian states, chiefly the repression of free speech (he should know?) and religion. Another was produced in partnership with its subject, Sarah Palin, to rebrand her following her tragic experience in the national spotlight. Bannon, who is Catholic, is ardent about religious liberty, as Trump has promised to be. But Trump has also promised to clamp down on the media, which would have to include Breitbart, which invites the worst sorts of expression. One recent headline that has women ripping their hair out: Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy. They should probably have read the story, which was a cheeky dissertation by British journalist Milo Yiannopoulos, who is never to be taken seriously. Bannon may or may not be like Breitbart people, but he has been willing to strategically encourage peoples hate as a way of inciting them to action. How these methods will manifest themselves in the White House remains to be seen. But we can uncomfortably imagine that Trump under Bannons direction will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Good luck, everybody. Advertisement By The Associated Press Nov. 16, 2016 | WASHINGTON, D.C. By The Associated Press Nov. 16, 2016 | 11:21 AM | WASHINGTON, D.C. Senate Republicans have re-elected Kentucky's Mitch McConnell to be majority leader when the new Congress convenes in January and starts working on Donald Trump's agenda. McConnell is widely popular among Republicans and his election was by acclimation on Wednesday. The 74-year-old is considered a clever tactician who mixes conservative leanings with a willingness to cut bipartisan deals when necessary. McConnell was Senate minority leader for eight years before becoming majority leader when the GOP took control in 2015. Its an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader, said Sen. McConnell. I know I speak for each of my Republican colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for. McConnell enraged Democrats by refusing to let the Senate consider President Barack Obama's nomination of federal judge Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy last February. That paid dividends when Trump was elected president. McConnell distanced himself from Trump during the campaign, but says he's ready to work with him. In addition to McConnell's selection, the Republican conference also chose John Cornyn of Texas as Senate Republican whip, John Thune of South Dakota as Senate Republican Conference chairman, John Barrasso of Wyoming as Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman, Roy Blunt of Missouri as Senate Republican Conference vice chairman, and Cory Gardner of Colorado as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman. Loading... Sarah Crompton, WhatsOnStage "If you were asked to guess the composer of School Of Rock I think you'd think for a long time before you came up with the name Andrew Lloyd Webber." "There is nothing like a large quantity of cute kids on stage to bring the house down...well-nigh irresistible." "David Fynn plays Dewey with a kind of shambolic warm-heartedness, but it is the cast of children - all uniformly excellent - who are the stars." "You'd need a heart of stone not to melt at its sheer joy." Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph "A stonking hit on Broadway, School of Rock has now landed with an almighty kerrang of confidence in the West End." "'Team' Lloyd Webber have improved on this vaguely preposterous but resonant fairytale of salvation through disobedience and primal playfulness. What was funny becomes doubly so. Where there were a handful of original songs, now there's an album's worth, busting with rare freshness and vitality." "David Fynn is terrific as the chaotic-charismatic man-child. Florence Andrews, A-star." "The most enjoyable few hours money can buy." Andrzej Lukowski, Time Out "It is the ultimate musical about male privilege, a show about an under-qualified, over-entitled white guy who shambles his way to public adoration by blithely inflicting bankrupt baby boomer values upon a bunch of impressionable people who don't know any better." "School Of Rock is a baby boomer fantasy, with an underlying earnestness to its suggestion that if we only listened to successful white men of a certain vintage our happiness would be assured. It is, in a certain light, the musical version of Donald Trump." "But here's the thing: the kids are really cute. And really talented. You would have to be an absolute monster to not be charmed and impressed by the little pipsqueaks. There are three child casts, which I'm happy to assume are equally precocious as they pluckily howl and strum their way through Lloyd Webber's undeniably toe-tappin' song list." Paul Taylor, The Independent "The kids are more than alright in fact, they're an absolute joy in this ridiculously entertaining new show with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes." " The show, directed by Laurence Connor, is a quirky hoot with a heart, a fable about the empowering force of music that crackles with mischief and sly irreverence and it's clear that the material strikes some deep chord within Lloyd Webber who has here composed his happiest and most confident score in a long while." "David Fynn is bliss as Dewey. In a performance of explosive energy and scapegrace charm, he shows you a shaggy free-loading slob who turns into a man possessed when promulgating the gospel of rock, replete with frenzied flourishes of guitar-shredding zeal." Henry Hitchings, Evening Standard " Loud and cheeky, a feelgood experience with a hint of anarchic wildness." "Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame may not seem the obvious choice to write about pre-teens learning in the words of the catchiest number to stick it to the man'. Yet his book is warmly amusing, and there's plenty of knowing cleverness in Glenn Slater's lyrics." "Lloyd Webber's score is buoyant and bassy, with moments of guitar-shredding frenzy and a keen ear for pastiche." "Laurence Connor's production roars into life the moment the students start to fall under Dewey's spell. With an exuberant silliness that feels like a seasonal tonic, this is a big-hearted, family-friendly show." School of Rock - The Musical is booking at the New London Theatre until 12 February 2017 The Badgers (24-3) moved up two spots from last week, passing Texas and Nebraska, which are second and third this week. Hundreds of thousands of deer hunters heading to the woods Saturday shouldn't have to dodge orange barrels on the journey. Most road construction projects in Wisconsin have finished for the year, but there could still be some areas of lane restrictions, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said. Traffic on Wisconsin highways is expected to be heavy on Friday, the day before the nine-day gun deer season starts. Traffic will also be heavy next Wednesday and Thursday, as families travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, then again on Sunday, Nov. 17 when people return home from the hunt or from grandma's house. The DOT said drivers should also be cautious this time of year for changing weather conditions, decreased daylight and deer moving across highways. Several road construction projects in Wisconsin will still be active or have equipment present, including the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee and I-39/90 between Illinois and Madison. For the latest information on road conditions, work zones and crashes, go online to the DOT website or call 511. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2016 (2178 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. STEINBACH Everyone deserves Gods blessings U.S. president-elect Donald Trump included. That was the overarching sentiment Tuesday evening of some constituents of Provencher MP Ted Falk after he used his members statement in the House of Commons earlier in the day to praise Canada-U.S. relations and bestow blessing on Trump saying, May God continue to bless America, God bless Donald Trump. Its fine, he needs it, said Joelle Neufeld of La Broquerie who was stopped at a gas station with her husband Murray in their new truck. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "You might not agree with him but It doesnt matter. Were all humans and we need to treat each other like humans," said Murray Neufeld, shown with his wife Joelle. Murray agreed, saying Trump, like anyone, should have Gods blessing, no matter what has been said or done. You might not agree with him but It doesnt matter. Were all humans and we need to treat each other like humans. In a telephone interview from Ottawa, Falk, a Conservative MP, said he wished Gods blessings on Trump, just as he did Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he was elected last year, even though Falk himself would have preferred a Tory prime minister. Even Mrs. Clinton in her concession speech the following day said that Donald Trump needed to succeed. In order for America to succeed, Donald Trump needs to succeed and I absolutely believe that as well, Falk said. Falk said it is customary to congratulate people that are successful in seeking election, whether or not we agree with them, and we wish them well. The God bless sentiments raised the ire of some people via social media but found support in Falks riding. I think its OK to pray for people you dont necessarily agree with and I think for myself, being a Christian, thats what you can do, pray for others, pray for the States and just praying that God will have His hand in there, said Zach Verrier of Steinbach, who works at the Shell gas station on Highway 12. He (God) has the plan and He can do good with bad. You cant change how their country voted so his (Falks) whole idea is staying positive. Chad Penner of Landmark said he had no problem with Falk asking for blessings for America and Trump. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chad Penner said he had no problem with Falk asking for blessings for America and Trump. Sure he (Trump) should (receive Gods blessing). He (Falk) was just being neighbourly. The U.S. is an important neighbour, theyre right close by. You dont have to agree with everything. Sure he (Trump) should (receive Gods blessing), Penner said. He (Falk) was just being neighbourly. The U.S. is an important neighbour, theyre right close by. You dont have to agree with everything. Falk said he was being mindful of the fact that just as Trudeau serves all of Canada, not just the Liberals, so Trump will serve all of the U.S. and not just the Republicans. If he succeeds, America succeeds and I think history has shown that when America succeeds, it trickles north of the border, too. I certainly dont condone everything that he said. I couldnt. But at some point we have to come to the recognition or realization that he is going to be the president and we need to move forward. If we can do it in as positive a way as possible, its going to serve everyone the best. It doesnt mean to say that everyone will agree with his policies and that they should capitulate to whatever direction he wants to go. I think thats why we have democracies. Falk said in his speech in the House that elections can bring out the worst in people. Sometimes, theres time required to heal some of the things that were said. And in some cases, some of the things that are said need to be retracted and a change in direction. He declined to give an example saying, Im going to let the Americans sort that one out. Falk said his speech in the House was taking advantage of a good opportunity to recognize a successful candidate. Falk noted Canada-U.S. relations are really important. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS I think its OK to pray for people you dont necessarily agree with and I think for myself, being a Christian, thats what you can do, pray for others, pray for the States and just praying that God will have His hand in there, said Zach Verrier of Steinbach. Theres many, many people in my riding that frequently cross the border for vacation and shopping purposes and I know many of my constituants, especially in the agriculture community, do business back and forth across the border so I think maintaining good relationships is very, very important. Asked about the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) something Trump voiced opposition to and expressed a desire to renegotiate Falk said Trudeau and the federal government have also indicated a willingness to renegotiate NAFTA. I dont know if I have a lot of faith in his negotiating ability. We havent really seen it demonstrated yet but the agreement has worked well for us thus far, Falk said. He pointed out Trumps stance on deporting illegal immigrants who have criminal records is something the Obama administration has done in the past. Falk said he believes Canadas immigration rules are actually pretty good. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2016 (2178 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The University of Manitoba Graduate Students Association has joined the 21,000-strong University of Manitoba Students Union in supporting striking U of M faculty members. The executive of the 3,000-member association held an emergency vote Tuesday, endorsing the faculty associations demands on workload protection, performance metrics and job security for librarians and instructors. Nineteen members voted in favour of the endorsement, five were against and six abstained, UMGSA said in a letter to graduate students. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS University of Manitoba Faculty Association members and supporters on the picket line at the Pembina Hwy. entrance in the fog Monday morning. As the strike hit Day 15, faculty association president Mark Hudson welcomed the extra support. Despite the disruptions this labour dispute is causing them, despite the anxiety this produces, they understand what is at stake. They understand this is a strike that fundamentally goes to their learning conditions and their experiences as students, Hudson said. So to come out at this late stage in particular, with an endorsement of our position, is a testament we have some informed and engaged students. Monday, the faculty association rejected the administrations request to hold a membership vote on the universitys most recent contract offer. John Kearsey, vice-president of external relations for the U of M, said the contract would give the 1,200 striking faculty members a contract until March and allow students to return to class as both parties continued to bargain. One way we can resolve this is by having UMFAs executive take this to their members and let their members consider whether or not this is a proposal that they could live with for a new collective bargaining agreement, Kearsey said Tuesday. It gives us the opportunity to talk about a new contract everything is on the table in the contract for post-2017 but the nice thing is if we sign this one, the students are back in the classroom. Hudson rejected the idea that signing a new agreement into March would be a favourable outcome for students, calling it a stall tactic that would likely lead to a second strike in March. We have no reason to believe the administration will be more accommodating or more willing to grapple with these issues next March than they are now, Hudson said. Professors and other staff have been on strike since Nov. 1. Their contract expired March 31. It was announced Sunday conciliation between the two parties had failed largely over workload issues. The faculty association has called for the administration to follow other universities and negotiate workload protections into their collective bargaining agreement. Kearsey countered that the term workload protection is a complex issue in a collective agreement. You have to look at how it pertains to the entire agreement, he said, adding some universities tie workload protection to a pay for performance model, which the U of M has not adopted. So that would be a very different collective agreement. So if we want to have a conversation like that, lets stop the strike, and let the students get back into the classroom and talk about that issue. Hudson said the faculty association will soon present a new proposal on workload protection to the administration. If the strike doesnt end soon, the university says it will have to look at pushing final exams into January and possibly eliminating the February break. Students have been told to check the university website for updates (www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo). Posted there and on the U of M Students Union website is a Strike FAQ that outlines possible timelines if the strike continues three or more weeks and information about voluntary withdrawals, exam dates and the holiday break. kristin.annable@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. An average of 13 Canadians are treated daily in hospitals for opioid overdoses, says the first national report in Canada to examine the countrys growing epidemic around synthetic narcotics such as fentanyl. The sobering data, drawn from a single year, 2014-15, was released in a joint report Wednesday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. The report is the first to gauge the scope of the crisis, and the first to measure its impact on the health care system, documenting emergency room visits as well as hospital admissions from 2007 to 2015 for a wide range of prescription use and illegal drug use around the category of opioids. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg paramedic and union president Ryan Woiden says fentanyl and carfentanil calls in Winnipeg are increasing. He says partygoers are using the drugs without realizing they are deadly. For the first time we have national figures that speak to the harms associated with opioid poisoning, said Rho Martin, the deputy CEO at the substance abuse association. These figures are alarming (but) they are also likely an underestimate, Martin said in a statement that accompanied the reports release online. Overdoses that did not receive treatment in a hospital or emergency setting are not represented, Overdose hospitalization rates varied by province, from a high of 21 per 100,000 people in Saskatchewan to a low of 10 per 100,000 in Quebec. Manitoba saw a rate of 10.8 per cent per 100,000. You see the higher trends in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan and then in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec they seem to drop off, CIHI director Michael Gaucher said in a phone interview. Its hard to know exactly whats happening but we think first it could be prescribing practices, it could be fewer higher dose opioids. We dont really know whats happening on the street, Gaucher said. In Winnipeg, paramedics say calls to house parties for overdoses are shocking even for veterans with years on the job. From a front-line paramedic side, the calls with fentanyl and carfentanil, you dont know who your patients are. You have to assess everyone, said Ryan Woiden, local 911 union president. You walk into a house party and everyone has sunken eyes. Theyre all very pale, theyre all nodding off, walking slowly, talking slowly and you dont know how many patients there are. Before, when I started, or even a year ago, youd walk into a house party and thered be boozing, loud music, someone getting sick in a corner and youd know who your patient was, Woiden said. Woiden said hes taken calls to suburban house parties, including ones with young adults headed out for at night of clubbing. They start off with drugs like fentanyl or carfentanil, to get a buzz on, not realizing the dangers and in many cases, not knowing what the drugs are. The stronger the buzz, the more deadly it is, Woiden warned. This is no party drug. This drug will kill you. This drug is going to depress your breathing until you stop breathing, Woiden said. Opioid poisoning is an umbrella phrase used in the study to describe overdoses from prescription drug use and illegal street drugs for a wide range of narcotics including fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, hydromorphone, methadone and heroin. The rate of hospitalizations due to opioid poisoning jumped 30 per cent over the eight-year period. By 2015, opioids accounted for seven emergency visits a day in Ontario and another three in Alberta. In those two provinces alone, the rate of ER visits between 2010 and 2015 soared 53 per cent in Alberta and 22 per cent in Ontario. The study comes as alarm grows over carfentanil, a synthetic opioid designed for large animals thats 100 times stronger that the highly addictive fentanyl. Fentanyl and carfentanil are the subjects of a national summit called by federal Health Minister Jane Philpott later this week in Ottawa. From what Ive learned, each grain of carfentanil is the size of a grain of salt and it only takes three grains to kill you, just absorbed through the skin, said Roxanne Shuttleworth, an indigenous fashion designer in Winnipeg whose daughter, 31, landed in the ER a week ago after an accidental overdose of carfentanil. She said her daughter was on the brink of death, and paramedics were able to revive her. It was touch and go for days. Shuttleworth said her daughter told her that she and a friend took a drug together but they didnt know it was carfentanil. He tested it first, tasting it on the end of his finger and she did the same. Almost instantly he slumped and turned blue. Shuttleworth said her daughter managed to dial 911 before she also collapsed. Shuttleworth said daughter is now recovering but her daughters friend died. Shuttleworth said her daughter only survived because doctors delivered doses of naxolone, the fentanyl antidote, every two hours for two days. Thats what were talking about. This is a killer drug, Shuttleworth said. The report found young people aged 15 to 24 were hospitalized in ever greater numbers year over year, the highest rates among all ages. Over the course of the study, hospital rates in that age group rose 62 per cent. And over half, 52 per cent, overdosed as a result of street use, a category the study referred to as intentional self-inflicted harm. The report found seniors aged 65 and older, accounted for nearly a quarter of the hospitalizations, reflecting prescription habits. Canadians may be surprised to learn that seniors accounted for the highest rate of hospitalizations over the last eight years, said Brent Diverty, a senior executive with the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Although there are many reasons for (this), the report shows that Canadas seniors are particularly vulnerable, Diverty said. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2016 (2178 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Under the light of a not-quite supermoon, Arlea Ashcroft clambered up the swell of Facebook Hill and tapped into her phone. It was Saturday night on the south edge of North Dakota, on a 9,200-square-kilometre parcel of land that was once indivisible with a vast and unbroken Great Sioux Nation. Today, it remains Lakota and Dakota territory: the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The horses run free here, Ashcroft wrote in a post to her 1,600 Facebook friends. And so do the spirits of the people. Beneath the hill where the Winnipeg artist was sitting dubbed Facebook Hill in honour of its data reception the Oceti Sakowin prayer camp sprawled along the banks where the Cannonball River flows into the Missouri. The November wind smelled like sage and cedar branches and like smoke from the sacred fire that burns day and night at the camps centre. Its musk would linger on Ashcrofts clothes days after she left North Dakota. That night in the camp, founded to resist the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, Neil Young wandered past teepees and tents with his guitar. People followed as he walked, like a Pied Piper thing Ashcroft thought. She, too, followed for a while. Then she split off from Young and joined the hundreds walking to Turtle Island, where the National Indigenous Youth Council was holding a candlelight vigil. It was a surreal moment. I was like, as much as I love that Neil Young is here, I gotta go to the vigil, she laughed. Media organizations prize photos of tense standoffs with police. This is the rest of the scene at the heart of the movement: it is gentle, vivid and peaceful. Ashcrofts post about horses was literal. Outside the tent where she slept for the weekend, horses grazed. Everything is approached with love, Ashcroft said on Sunday, her last day at Standing Rock. Its almost shocking. You think of all the wrongs that have been done, and yet theres this massive band of people that come together to just pray. JEAN DU TOIT Winnipeg artist Arlea Ashcroft travelled to Standing Rock to join protesters in peaceful demonstration against the Dakota Access Pipeline. That is what she came to Standing Rock to discover, though she did not quite know that until she was there. At first, she felt the pull mostly as an aching. She just wanted to be there. She wanted, she told her friends, to go stand with her people. This is a story about circles and healing. Ashcroft was born in 1967, and adopted as an infant. She grew up in Transcona, in a time where everyones dad worked for the railway. Almost every family she knew looked like hers; few were indigenous. In 1982, Ashcroft received a letter about her birth parents. That was when she learned that her biological father was French and Sioux. Her mom bought her a Hawaiian-style Barbie, because it had long dark hair. It was a way of showing love. Over the years, Ashcroft sought out ways to connect with her heritage. She began to explore indigeneity in her art. She built a community of friends, many of them Metis and First Nations. Yet it wasnt until a few months ago, on a summer road trip across America, that she felt the call. In the Dakotas, she looked out over the hills and the plains, onto the land that was once pledged to the Great Sioux Nation. It felt, she said, like home. On the side of the road, she saw signs in protest of the pipeline. She wondered what it was and then she went out and learned. Fast-forward to November, and Ashcroft was ready. She packed a car for Oceti Sakowin, a tent city of 3,000 to 5,000 people. It sprung up in April to oppose a pipeline that would burrow through sacred Sioux sites and under the Missouri. The camps rhythms embraced her. There were prayers and ceremonies in the morning; direct actions to face down pipeline machinery by the day. The whole time, she heard the sound of chainsaws as people cut firewood to dig in for the winter. She was there on a Saturday morning in Mandan, near where the trucks are held. Her group was on its way to a prayer ceremony when a man slowly drove a vehicle through their ranks, raised a handgun and fired several shots in the air. Video of the encounter would later spread around the world. After the truck left, the ceremony continued without incident. Its energizing and its terrifying, Ashcroft said, but there was something else she noticed: the group stayed calm. The thing that surprises me constantly is the amount of love and peace and prayer and compassion, and the lack of hate thats here, she said. Its just people trying to live their lives on the land. Its simple. Arlea Ashcroft photo Standing Rock On the rise of Facebook Hill, she thought a little of Winnipeg. The first night Ashcroft arrived at the camp, she made a beeline for the art tent: paint and canvas are what she understands. She made a sign. It read, Winnipeg Stands With Standing Rock. When she left on Monday, she tied the sign to a fence, where it can be seen from the highway. She thought about healing and about the solidarity flags that flutter over the camp. She thought about what happens when people stand together. I wish everyone who is having a hard time in Winnipeg could go there, she said. There is power in peace. There is so much power in peaceful protest and that the indigenous way of life can be done. Its a beautiful thing. This is what stands between Winnipeg and Standing Rock: about 700 kilometres, a border and some cultural detritus. What links our city and the tent city in the hills: history, land and the unalterable facts of what happened on these territories. This isnt just a protest, Ashcroft said, as the Dakota winds whipped past her nose. This is not just protesting a pipeline. This is protesting the treatment of people and their way of life and their treatment for centuries. Its really humbling. melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca Arlea Ashcroft photo Ashcroft tied her sign, which reads 'Winnipeg Stands With Standing Rock,' to a fence on the grounds that is visible from the nearby highway. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. One of the priorities in Winnipeg next year should be to put David Northcott out of work. The amiable executive director of Winnipeg Harvest has been the face of this citys food bank for more than three decades, in what at the time was viewed as a temporary solution to policy shifts at both the federal and provincial levels. Unfortunately, his work is not over and wont be anytime soon. A new report suggests the use of food banks in this province, while down slightly from last year, is still the second highest in the country. Food banks were supposed to be a quick fix. The first food bank opened in 1981 in Edmonton, at that time dealing with high unemployment rates as a result of a bust in an oil and gas reliant economy. Now, in 2016 reliance on food banks in that province has grown 17 per cent, partially because of the slow down in the oilfield and partially due to the devastating forest fire in Fort McMurray that led to the evacuation of 90,000 people. In Manitoba, food bank usage is down slightly from last year, but theres been a steady upwards creep of reliance on food banks in the past eight years. Close to five per cent of the provinces population is using the service as a way of making ends meet. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg Harvests David Northcott The problem is food banks are reactionary. They address a symptom without taking care of the disease. In doing so, they allow the state to ignore the growing problem of food insecurity and create an illusion of action. They are now the second tier of social assistance in most provinces. In other words, welfare is no longer expected to be enough. Food banks fill a gap the state used to address. In the statistical snapshot of food bank usage released Tuesday by Food Banks Canada, the bulk of the users are reliant on social assistance or disability income support close to 60 per cent. However, perhaps more frightening is the statistic 2.3 per cent of users are post-secondary students. Almost 15 per cent are working. Close to 10 per cent are relying on a pension. Food Banks Canada calls on Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister of Social Development, to present a national poverty reduction strategy by next year. Manitoba passed its own poverty strategy act in 2011 and in 2013, Brian Pallister, then the opposition leader, supported the request by Make Poverty History Manitoba to raise the rental portion of welfare rates to 75 per cent of median market rent. The NDP implemented that in its 2015 budget and Mr. Pallister kept it in the 2016 budget, along with the commitment to a cost-of-living increase in July. A positive first step for those having to make the terrible decision of paying rent or putting food on the table. As any activist and politician knows, reducing poverty requires more than the band-aid response of a food bank. There is a moral responsibility to put folks like David Northcott out of work. Unfortunately, hes likely to have employment for many years to come. Winonans with disabilities had a chance Tuesday to show off their works of art. Dozens of students and community members packed Winona State Universitys Art Tye Lounge to view nearly three dozen paintings completed this fall by local students and adults with disabilities a community project led by a Winona State professor and his students. Disability shouldnt be looked at as a bad thing or swept under the rug, said Molly Sarbacker, a freshman in professor Kelly Herolds disability communication and culture class. Its fun that so many people from the community are coming and celebrating people with disabilities, she said. This is a celebration of all abilities. The class reached out to students at Winona Middle School and adults at the Winona Occupational Rehabilitation Center, recruiting a group of 26 to paint whatever it is they wanted. Some opted for mountain landscapes, others for flowers. Some painted seasonal pieces showing a jack-o-lantern and a big, pointy star. And some used their brushes to explore the abstract, creating bursts of frenzied color: purple, red and green. I like the blue flower with the orange background, and the purple one with the red splotch, said Drew Steinquist, a senior studying literature and communication. Steinquist enjoyed the project because it shows the human experience, he said. Seeing the art, it shows their human experience and lets them express themselves in that way. The project was also a chance for Winona State students to spend time with the artists. After the class primed and painted the canvases a nice, blank white, some of the students helped the artists handle their brushes and sign their names. Herold, who taught a class last year that did the same thing, said he would like to expand the project to Winona elementary schools next year with the hope that the Minnesota Arts Institute, Kendell Lumber and Sherwin-Williams will continue to support and donate to the project. Among the 50 or so people who attended Tuesdays art show, it is likely that Lydia Dawley traveled the farthest to be there. Dawley, a sophomore studying communication sciences and disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was born with cerebral palsy. She delivered the main speech at the art show, using a computer to put her thoughts into words. If someone doesnt speak or doesnt seem to understand, realize they do understand, she said. People with disabilities dont want sympathy we want friendship. I feel its important to have disabled people do art, because its another way to express themselves, she said. I feel people listen to art. Disability shouldnt be looked at as a bad thing or swept under the rug. Its fun that so many people from the community are coming and celebrating people with disabilities. This is a celebration of all abilities. Molly Sarbacke Hundreds attended a protest march in Winona on Tuesday, in solidarity with Dakota Access Pipeline protesters in North Dakota. The protest was one of hundreds of rallies protesting the oil pipeline Tuesday across the state and country, including at locations like U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offices and facilities, federal buildings, and banks that have helped finance the project. Other area protests included gatherings at Lock and Dam 5A in Fountain City, and at an Army Corps office in La Crescent. The crowd, which walked from the Winona City Hall to the top of the new interstate bridge, included people from Winona and surrounding cities in Minnesota and Wisconsin along with members and representatives of area environmental and Native American groups, including the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance, Land Stewardship Project and the Winona Green Party. The protesters stood on the bridge with signs as traffic passed and honked. Aaron Camacho, chair of the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance, said the protesters were there as the first step of support for the Standing Rock Sioux and other tribes and environmental groups currently blocking the pipelines progress, and encouraged people to contact their state and national representatives along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to speak out against the pipeline. Were here to show our community that water is life, Camacho said. This is not a political issue, this is a human issue. The pipeline is being constructed by Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners obtained federal permits for the $3.8 billion pipeline in July, two years after it was first announced. The pipeline would carry a half-million barrels of crude oil daily from western North Dakotas oil fields through South Dakota and Iowa to an existing pipeline in Patoka, Illinois, where shippers can access Midwest and Gulf Coast markets. Supporters say the pipeline would create more markets and reduce truck and oil train traffic. Protesters say that the pipeline could threaten water supplies for millions, since it will cross the Missouri River, as well as harm sacred Native American sites and artifacts. Since April, protests have grown considerably at the confluence of the Cannonball and Missouri rivers, with nearly 500 arrested. Shelly Vander Linden, a Winona Green Party member, said they support the struggle for clean water along with the other protesters. Were here to defend the rights of nature, Vander Linden told the assembled protesters. We stand with Standing Rock. The Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border, is at the core of the protest and are suing federal regulators for approving the oil pipeline. They have challenged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision to grant permits at more than 200 water crossings and argue that the pipeline would be placed less than a mile upstream of the reservation, potentially affecting drinking water for more than 8,000 tribal members and millions downstream. A federal judge in September denied its request to block construction of the entire pipeline and an appeal is pending in federal court. Jim Gurley, one of the attendees, said the protesters and those attempting to stop the pipeline from moving forward were doing so in spite of arrests and militarized police and security forces using dogs, rubber bullets and mace. Its for all of us theyre fighting, Gurley said. These people are courageous. They need our solidarity. The Army Corps of Engineers on Monday said it has finished a review of the disputed Dakota Access pipeline but wants more study and tribal input before deciding whether to give permission to construct the pipeline adjacent to and underneath Lake Oahe one of six reservoirs on the Missouri River. Energy Transfer Partners said it will finish the pipeline by Dec. 1 except for the disputed section in North Dakota, and expects it to begin moving crude in the first quarter next year if the government clears the final obstacle. At the La Crescent protest, Chuck Davis, an Oglala Lakota member and speaker at the protest, said the recent protests are an example of the seventh generation principle. The Native American ethic exhorts the current generation to make sustainable choices for the sake of those who come after, up to seven generations. Standing Rock camp is sparked by our youth, the seventh generation, Davis said. This is the seeds of our prophecy: The seventh generation brings us back to the center of the circle. When they say Standing Rock is evolving, it will bring all peoples of the world to the center of the circle. This is solidarity. We hear their cries water is life. Protestors held homemade signs, such as dirty money will destroy clean water. Davis burned sage and led the group in a sun dance. Liz Rog of Decorah, Iowa, who will travel to Standing Rock next week, sang a song she wrote about the protest. Children ran through the crowd. Koob Hmoovyaj, a student at UW-La Crosse, held two signs at the protest; he is a member of the La Crosse community group Hmong United for Justice. We are standing in solidarity, he said. Were here to show our community that water is life. This is not a political issue, this is a human issue. Aaron Camacho, chair of the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance ITProPortal 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. Sauk Prairie will get a glimpse of one of the two eclipses that will occur over the next thirty days. The total solar eclipse is only visible over the Atlantic Ocean ending toward the North Pole on March 20, and the total lunar eclipse is best seen in western North America on April 4. However, the partial phase of the lunar eclipse will greet those who rise before the sun on the morning of April 4. The Full Moon occurs on April 4 at 7:05 a.m., but the moon sets just before this, around 6:40 a.m., as the partial eclipse is ongoing. The partial phase begins around 5:17 a.m., as the moon slips into the deeper part of Earths shadow and begins to turn a bit red. The moon will become close to completely eclipsed around 6:34 a.m., just as it is setting. This will make for a strange and wondrous view for those awaking to the day to find a blood red moon setting in the west. At the same time that the moon is setting, the sun is rising in the east. Sunrise will continue to arrive earlier every morning and sunset later every evening from the spring equinox on March 20 through June. Spring arrives precisely on March 20 at 5:45 p.m. Spring planets and constellations On March 21, a day after the new moon and eclipse graces the far north, a crescent moon returns to the sky just after sunset. The moon will be right beside Mars, and the next night the moon rises a bit higher to float beside Venus. On March 29 the moon will be high in the sky and not far from Jupiter. The moon and Saturn keep close quarters around April 8, but they dont rise until after midnight. Back in the west, Venus draws attention as it shines at magnitude -4 and stays above the horizon for three hours. In early April, Venus closes in on the star cluster the Pleiades in the constellation Taurus. This grouping of stars is setting in the west while the spring constellations rise in the east. Leo, Virgo, and Libra rise up from the horizon, carrying along a slew of distant galaxies that can be viewed through large telescopes. Ursa Major, the Big Dipper, is taking on its spring look, with the bowl of the dipper turning upside down as it sends spring showers to Earth. Terese Allen says one of the best ways to discover a countrys history and culture is through its cuisine. The food columnist and author has traveled the world while writing scores of books and articles on culinary topics, and will demonstrate her knowledge of all things edible during a lecture at the University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County on Thursday. The presentation is part of the universitys Fall 2016 Distinguished Lecture Series, which invites prominent speakers from various professions to address students and community members on a range of issues. UW Colleges Director of Continuing Education Jessica Laeseke said the university seeks out experts to speak about topics of local interest for the lecture series, and Allens talk fit the criteria. Were looking at people and things that might be interesting to the public, she said. Community members let us know what theyre interested in, and we try to meet those needs. Allen said her lecture will examine her travel experiences through the lens of food. Typically when people travel and they want to learn about the region, theyll go to museums, monuments and historical places, she said. But when I travel I learn about the region from the food. Rather than dining at prominent restaurants, Allen prefers to search farmers markets, bakeries, butcher shops and other local favorites for what she calls real food. Allen made one such discovery at a tapas bar in Andalusia, Spain. She said Spanish people often get together after work to enjoy a glass of beer or wine together and share tapas, which are a traditional Spanish appetizer. Allen said the social aspect of the meal is what she remembers most from the experience. They would all sort of nibble and talk, she said. What I understood then was that it wasnt so much about going out and drinking, or going out to eat, but it was about going out to see people. It reflected the social nature of Spain the food reflects the culture. Allen plans to speak about other experiences in Scotland and Peru as well, but the Green Bay native is quick to point out that the Badger State can hold its own when it comes to cuisine. Wisconsin has an amazing food culture, she said. Even though Im from here, every time I travel around the state Im looking for other local specialties. Allen said her fascination with food, cooking and culture began as a child when she helped can homemade peaches with her family, make sausages with her grandmother and other home-style favorites. She attended culinary school in Philadelphia and later returned to Wisconsin, where she worked as a chef through the 1980s. But her interest in where ingredients came from, along with why cultures cook differently, led Allen to leave the restaurant business to pursue a career in culinary writing. Allen hopes her lecture will inspire listeners to go out and discover new cuisines while exploring the world. Food tends to taste the best when you go to it, as opposed to when it comes to you, she said. Go out and investigate and enjoy the markets and the cheese factories and the church supper clubs. Republicans have ridden a giant wave of liberal rejection. Now its time for the GOP to perform or become irrelevant. Its time to put up or shut up. Or as House Speaker Paul Ryan more appropriately said, Go big, go bold. The shocking victory of Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton should have the GOP elated. Despite some very serious concerns about the president-elect, conservatives have a hold on not just the White House, but also the Senate, the House of Representatives, and a majority of state house governments. Even the conservative balance of the Supreme Court will remain in their favor. Seriously, even the establishment should have a glimmer of hope with this kind of lineup. Republican control of the White House, along with the two chambers of Congress, has been extremely rare in the past 84 years. This kind of GOP control, holding all three, only has been in place six of those 84 years. Dwight D. Eisenhower and George W. Bush are the only two Republican presidents to have this luxury. Before you scream about the economic damage allegedly caused by Bush, remember the 2007 Great Recession occurred when Democrats controlled both chambers. The elected members of the GOP also should pay close attention and learn from the failures of the 2009-10 Democrats. Given a similar mandate, the politicos within the liberal movement accomplished absolutely nothing until the pending train wreck known as Obamacare was passed. The Democrats had been so ineffective they had to rush the Affordable Care Act through without even reading it to garner support from their own caucus. For now, the GOP has to demonstrate it can govern and its opportunities are endless. A generation of young people, who only can remember President Barack Obama, have had an economy that is generally hopeless. If Republicans move swiftly, they can teach that same generation how to build a robust economy. The first thing Republicans should do is to lower the corporate tax rate so American companies stop shipping their money and their jobs overseas. They should provide incentives to those corporations so they return the trillions of dollars being held offshore and pump it back into to the American economy. Those dollars can go back to work by creating additional incentives for spending those same dollars, restoring the thousands of empty factories that lay dormant across this country. This reinvestment into the American economy will stop turning our former factories into undeveloped inner city parks and green space. These reinvestments in America not only will begin turning our economy around, they will restore jobs where we need the most help in getting people off of government handouts and back into real jobs. Republicans also need to repeal and replace Obamacare. It needs to be a better plan that protects insurability while giving each of us authority over our own health care choices. Our health care plans and their coverage should not be mandated, these plans should be flexible based upon individual needs. Insurance also should be portable so people arent afraid to lose their health care simply because they moved across state lines. People with good insurance from their employer shouldnt be penalized with a Cadillac tax because they work for a responsible company offering excellent coverage. And we need an enforceable immigration plan. We can cringe, or defend, Trumps call for a wall along the Mexican border, but a good plan means we would not need one. We need to get illegal immigration under control and come up with a plan that deals with the people who already are here. We cant ship them all home, but we can start by developing a plan that doesnt reward illegal immigrants with food stamps and free health care. We need to get these millions of illegal immigrants identified and processed. If they are criminals, ship them back home. If they are not, help them become legal residents and start paying into our tax system. Only citizens should get benefits, but you can become a citizen by earning the right. Citizenship should come from staying out of trouble and getting a job that pays into the system, rather than protects an unspoken slave trade that banishes illegals to cash jobs earning less than minimum wage. The GOP can go big and it can go bold, but most importantly, it needs to deliver results. Put these problems to bed early and there will be no reason to vote Democrat in 2018. The annual Veterans Day assembly at St. Jerome School took place on Friday, Nov. 11. The 4K through eighth grade students welcomed the community by creating a collaborative handprint flag art installation. The school was honored to have several veterans attend the celebration. The program began with the drum cadence led by Leah Jakusz and presentation of flags by Luke Lobner, Micaela Zittel, William Cotter and Trace Kirchberg. The 4K through eighth grade students began the concert by singing the National Anthem followed by Yankee Doodle, My Country Tis of Thee, I Love America and closed with America the Beautiful. Retired Army Lt. Colonel Mr. Gregerson spoke about the experiences of veterans and paid homage to their sacrifices. The program ended with Taps by Sydney Olson and a moment of silence for those that have served the country. Madison city officials said Wednesday they will not change policies related to police interactions with immigrants in response to President-elect Donald Trumps campaign pledge to cancel federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities. Mayor Paul Soglin and Police Chief Mike Koval also decried reports across the nation in the wake of Trumps victory last week of an uptick in hate-related incidents, including an anonymous letter a Fitchburg woman provided to police that gloated about Trumps victory, called a family with 11 adopted minority children race traitors, told the woman to go home and declared race wars are on. Soglin said Madison will continue its present policies and wont waver from a commitment to protecting the respect and dignity of all people within the community. This is a battle for every one of us, Soglin said. We have to speak out, we have to acknowledge when discrimination and hate take place. The Fitchburg Police Department is investigating a hate-filled handwritten letter, which Becky Ketarkus, a Madison resident with 11 adopted children, posted on her Facebook page. Lt. Todd Stetzer said the letter was hand-delivered to a Fitchburg woman who turned it over to police at their request. He said its unclear if the person who wrote the letter can be identified or whether the person can be charged with a crime. Its abhorrent, Koval said of the letter. Its shocking in its profound nature of incivility and hostility. Ketarkus didnt respond to a request for comment. Stetzer said Ketarkus and the woman who received the letter belong to the West Side Swim Club, which the letter writer appears to warn them to stay away from. Sharon Hartung, president of the All-City Swim and Dive League, said in a statement Wednesday that two West Side Pool families had hate mail, which included derogatory and racist references, directed at them. The All-City Swim and Dive League condemns these hateful acts. There is no place in the League for hateful words or actions directed at swimmers, families, or anyone else, Hartung said. The League is dedicated to promoting a swimming and diving environment where all swimmers and families feel valued, safe, and able to thrive. The League welcomes anyone to our pools, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability or sexual orientation, she said. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate crimes, said it tracked 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment since the Nov. 8 election. Many referenced Trumps victory, though some have been debunked. City Attorney Mike May said the city has not seen the kind of uptick in incidents of people being verbally attacked for their race or religion that is being reported in other parts of the country. Madison Police spokesman Joel DeSpain said he is aware of two police reports filed in the past week with election-related undertones, neither of which resulted in a police investigation. In one case a 23-year-old woman reported she was walking home from church Sunday night on University Avenue when a white middle-aged man looked at her aggressively and declared, Trump won the election, I could be sexist. In another, a 37-year-old Hispanic man reported his 17-year-old son received an obscenity-laced social media message from someone in Texas saying, cant wait to see your kind get deported. Trump said during his campaign that as part of his first 100 days in office, he plans to cancel all federal funding to sanctuary cities and begin removing more than 2 million criminal illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that wont take them back. May said he is reviewing what that could mean for Madison, which receives tens of millions of dollars in federal aid for roads, health care, community development projects and police services. There is no legal definition of sanctuary city, a label that some conservative groups have applied to places that dont check the immigration status of those who interact with law enforcement. In February, Republicans passed a bill in the Assembly that would have penalized cities that adopt policies that prevent them from assisting the federal government in deporting immigrants living in the country illegally. Madison would have had to change some of its policies to comply with that bill, but it never came up in the Senate. Koval said in order for the citys model for community policing to work, the city needs to be inclusive and accessible to everyone. If any groups feel marginalized or disenfranchised they will be less likely to report crimes, he said. We are certainly never going to use our police authorities as a mechanism for using lawful means to stop people in traffic, to contact people who are walking in and about our community owing to the basis of some suspected immigration issue, Koval said. Koval said he has told Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in the past that his department will not be coerced, co-opted, cajoled or threatened into assisting them with those sort of benign offenses, low-level offenses or just mere immigration issues. Koval said his department would assist in apprehending an immigrant suspected of more serious crimes, but he said the city has never been asked to assist in such a case. He said he recently attended an election-related candlelight vigil at Centro Hispano where the apprehension, the concern, the worry was palpable. Ald. Samba Baldeh, an African Muslim immigrant, said he has talked to many immigrants, both citizens and non-citizens, who are concerned about what will happen under a Trump presidency. He said he is organizing a forum so that all groups can meet with city officials to learn more about their legal rights and city policies on providing services to immigrants. I have been asked, Am I going to be deported? by people who are immigrants, but they are citizens of this country, Baldeh said. They dont even know, despite being a citizen, that they cant be deported. This is the kind of fear that is out there. The election is over and America has chosen its 45th president, Donald J. Trump. The contentious campaigns, the worst I can remember in my lifetime, have left us exhausted, sick of watching it on TV, weary of defending our candidate and probably minus a couple handfuls of hair from tearing it out. The blessing is that its really truly over. Yes, at this writing, we still have protesters marching in several of our big cities, but the world pays less and less attention as time marches on. Ninety-nine point nine percent of us have accepted the results of the election. That means its time for us to stop talking about it and perhaps look for ways to get our hair to grow back, a subject about as far from politics as possible. Americans spend billions on hair care services and products every year. Keeping hair on American heads is big business, but there are still many who suffer from hair loss. Thinking about all of this made me harken back to the way we took care of our hair when I was growing up in a family of four girls. My sisters and I got our hair washed once a week as part of our Saturday night bath ritual. Hair washing during the week only happened on special occasions. Looking back even further, let me tell you about my mother and her twin sister and what they did with their hair during cold weather. The twins were raised on a farm on the plains of South Dakota. There were seven children in the family. Water needed to be heated on an old wood stove and heating enough to bathe and wash their hair was difficult and time consuming. So, the girls just stopped washing their hair in late November and didnt resume until spring. Shocked by this revelation, I asked Mother how they kept their hair from being oily and smelling bad. She said they brushed their hair thoroughly every evening keeping their scalps clean and growth stimulated. They also had occasional dry shampoos by brushing cornstarch through their hair. That took care of the oiliness and any odor and mom and her twin had lovely, full heads of hair all of their lives Now young people shampoo their hair every day or every other day, usually in the shower. Yet there seems to be more baldness and thinning hair than ever in memory. The remedy is said to be found in the many products sold in stores, salons, on TV and on the internet. Dr. Oz advises folks to keep two or three different shampoos on-hand and change off every three or four times they wash their hair. An article in Womans World magazine this month offers several tips for keeping your hair healthy and full. Part of the article deals with research at the University of California-Los Angeles that suggests if you suffer from an inflamed or itchy, flaky scalp, Listerine might be the solution for your problem. The researchers recommend using cup of it on damp hair, massaging it into your scalp and leaving it on for five minutes before rinsing. You might want to consult with your dermatologist before adding Listerine to your regimen and of course avoid getting it in your eyes. Hair, skin and nail supplements contain biotin, zinc, copper and vitamins and are sold over the counter in drugstores. Many find the supplements helpful. Again, consult your doctor before using. From the beginning of time, hair has been a womans crowning glory and that remains true today. So, if politics has made you tear yours out, maybe its time to take a look at new growth and healing, in more ways than one. Reframing the Africa-China conversation: Journalists speak The Africa China Reporting Project hosted a forum on November 10 for African and Chinese media to share perspectives on Africa-China reporting. In his opening remarks Dr Bob Wekesa, postdoctoral fellow in Wits Journalism said that the Wits Africa China Reporting Project (the project) began in 2009 the same year China surpassed USA as South Africas top trading partner. But the journalism wasnt measuring up politically, socially or economically. There were challenges originally reaching out to China and bringing journalists to South Africa. We were worlds apart with such different journalistic backgrounds we couldnt work on one piece together, says Wekesa. The Wits Africa China Reporting Project Fast-forward to 2015 and the project has successfully annually hosted Chinese media at the African Investigative Journalism Conference and taken African journalists to Beijing. The project now runs honours, Masters and PhD programmes. The projects new branding, launched at the forum, now leads with Africa and reflects African ubuntu rather than the perception of China as a dragon coming to eat Africa for lunch, says Wekesa. In 2016 the project hosted the inaugural Africa-China Journalists Forum, the first of its kind in Africa. Africa-China is a global story that cant be ignored. Its critical, says Wekesa. The Africa- China Journalists Forum The forums programme comprised four presentations each within four panels: Panel 1: Framing the debate on African reporting perspectives Panel 2: Africa-China reporting and investigations on ground level Panel 3: Perspectives on Africa-China as reported in the media Panel 4: New opportunities and challenges in Africa-China reporting Dr Cobus van Staden, a senior lecturer in Wits Media Studies and co-host of the weekly China in Africa podcast presented on: The Africa-shaped gap in Africa-China reporting: How can journalists increase African voices? Phillip De Wet, Associate Editor of the Mail & Guardian pointed out that Busisiwe Mkhwebane, South Africas new Public Protector was formerly an immigration officer at the South African embassy in China. Perspectives that emerged from some of the presentations include: CHICAGO State worker pensions now cost Illinois taxpayers more than 25 percent of the state's annual budget, but still, it's just not enough. A new report from the Commission on Government Forecasting Accountability found that in the past year, Illinois pension debt grew to $130 billion, up 17 percent from 2015. And if that debt explosion isn't troubling enough, the report also found that the states five pensions funds now have less than 38 cents on hand for every dollar needed today to pay out future benefits. According to Fitch Ratings, Illinois pension plans are the worst-off in the nation. David Cimarrusti, Commander of Lake Bluffs American Legion Post 510, welcomed all gathered to Veterans Day 2016 in Lake Bluff and also presented a short history of Veteran's Day. Commander Cimarrusti and Tom Tincher, a Korean War veteran and a member of Lake Bluff Post 510, organized the event. Every year it is sad to observe that the number of Lake Bluff veterans to be honored have decreased. Missed this year through death were Rudy Iberle and Carl Schultz. The weather was uncertain on Veteran's Day morning in the Village of Lake Bluff, located in northern Lake County, just south of Great Lakes Naval Base. Would rain cause the event to be held inside? As I walked from my home in Lake Bluff to the site of Lake Bluff's Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Gazebo on the Village Green, I felt intermittent raindrops along the way. This concern turned to delight, for when reaching the ceremony site the Lake Forest High School Band, under the direction of Brian O'Connor, was seated in place, and several hundred people were gathered to participate in the event, including students from Lake Bluff's Middle School who had walked the short distance from their school to the village green. It was fitting for the National Anthem to open the program. The Lake Forest High School Band accompanied vocalist Will Johnson, a LFHS student. Later in the program Will Johnson sang America the Beautiful, once again accompanied by the LFHS Band. Following in its wake was a Flag Raising Ceremony performed this year by LBSA Troop 42; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kathy O'Hara, President of the Lake Bluff Village Board, who indicated this was Lake Bluff's 150th year of honoring and supporting veterans, and the Invocation by Reverend Michael Nacius, Pastor, The Parish of St. Mary's, Lake Forest. An unexpected addition to this year's program came from Cathy McKechney, President Lake Bluff History Museum. Cathy read an excerpt from a relative's diary she recently discovered that was written on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the guns fell silent over Europe and the "Great War" was over. Her great Uncle Ed Anderson had passed away when Cathy was only four. She fondly remembers him for passing out Cracker Jacks. A wonderful drawing of the shoreline of France appeared above her great uncle's diary entry, which told of the war being over, how bells rang, and of the great enthusiasm that existed for the first time since the beginning of WW I. He predicted his army division would be one of the first ones to be sent back home. It was. Cathy's Great Uncle Ed returned home in March of 1919. Guest Speaker, Colonel Donovan Phillips Lake Bluff was fortunate to have as its Guest Speaker for the second year in a row, Col. Donovan Phillips, Director, MEPCOM at Great Lake Naval Base. Col. Phillips, U.S. Army, spent twenty seven years in service to this nation, having enlisted in the army in 1989. He is a graduate of West Point. In reference to the unpredictable weather conditions earlier in the morning, Col. Phillips, obviously thinking about the veterans seated on the Village Green in front on him, said: "Sunshine is always here, even in its liquid form." When honoring all who participated in Lake Bluff's Veteran's Day Ceremony, Phillips praised the music presented as "keeping in the long tradition of the importance of music in enriching the military." Col. Phillips honored fallen veterans when he read In Flander's Fields, considered by many the world's most famous war memorial poem. It was composed by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae at the battlefront on May 3, 1915, during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium. Continuing, Col. Phillips related how in many countries the end of WW I is known as Remembrance Day. Here in the U.S. Armistice Day was established first in 1918 at the end of WW I. After WW II, when honoring vets became the focus, Armistice Day became Veterans Day under President Eisenhower in 1954. Its purpose was to solemnly remember our sacrifices in previous wars and preserve our heritage of freedom. When making the proclamation, Eisenhower must have recalled Normandy when serving as the Allied Commander during WW II. Col. Phillips spoke of the 17 million living war veterans. All with scars and some with visible scars. Some who were drafted, and some who were not drafted. Some who were welcomed home, others who received only scorn. 1.3 million paid the ultimate price. Their lives were cut short in their prime. They didn't live to celebrate milestones or to be able to contribute to society. What could possibly merit the sacrifice to serve their country, both the living and the dead? Col. Phillips used these words by Thomas Jefferson from the Declaration of Independence to clarify why men are willing to serve and even die. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Unalienable rights are given to all human beings by their Creator, which governments are created to protect. In the words of Patrick Henry: "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death." -- Patrick Henry, speech to the Virginia Convention, Richmond, Virginia, March 23, 1775 When we pledge allegiance to the flag, we also pledge allegiance to our Constitution by promising to uphold Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, which Jefferson deemed important to protect and keep this nation from inside and outside forces that seek to destroy it. Col. Phillips spoke of those who went to war wanting to protect the home front, believing that it would be better for war to be fought over there, rather than over here. It was President Kennedy who said: "Let every nation know that we will pay any price to ensure the survival and defense of liberty." Hear also the words of Winston Churchill: It's no use saying, "We are doing our best. You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. Speaking about veterans and our debt to veterans Veterans are called upon to do what is necessary. Freedom is not a birthright. Every peaceful transition of government ought to be a miracle. Today's veterans have passed the baton on to the next generation, but what debts do we owe our veterans? Gratitude: 160,000 veterans have been able to travel to Washington, D.C. to stand in front of the War Memorials through the operation of Honor Flights. Its a simple yet profound way of saying thank you. Of the 16 million who served in WW II, only half a million survive today. Give of self: Sacrifice and serve in your own communities to honor the sacrifice and service of veterans. Remember the fallen: Give meaning to their lives by how we live our lives. All of us have a hand in honoring our vets, their families, and their service. We also have a duty to honor this nation's Constitution so that the ideals of this nation will stand every test and be passed on to future generations. Following Col. Phillips inspiring address, Tayor Brinker, Lake Bluff Middle Student and Student Council Representative, read the Gettysburg Address. In the reading of the Necrology, it was good to hear there were no war casualties listed for 2013 through 2016. A Salute to Fallen Comrades by Marine Air Control Group 48 Firing Detail, Commanded by NCOIC SSgt. Mark D. Gaglio, USMC, was followed by Taps and Echo by LFHS Buglers Alex Habjan and Jay Grieve. A brief announcement by Sally Steine, LB Women Club Vets Committee Chair requesting donations to present another PTSD Service Dog to a needy veteran, ended the official program and ushered in the Wreath Ceremony. A wreath was placed at the Lake Bluff Veterans Memorial on the Village Green that honors men who left Lake Bluff to serve in wars as far back as the Civil War. S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West 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 A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took Couple having sex while pressed against hotel window By: Tanya Malhotra Hundreds of office workers in the United Kingdom, ran to the windows of their building to watch a shameless couple having sex in the hotel across the street, according to a video that was uploaded to the Internet. The incident unfolded last Monday, at the Hotel London Tower-Hill Motel One, which is located across the street of a large office building. When the office workers noticed the couple press against the hotel window, they quickly pulled out their cellphone to record videos. For 20 minutes, the shameless couple had sex in broad daylight and in full view of the laughing office workers. Witnesses at the scene said that the man and the woman, who were not identified, noticed that they were being watched and recorded, and they seemed to have enjoyed the attention. After 20 minutes, the naked couple retreated back to their room. The video of the sex session was uploaded to the Internet, where it quickly went viral. On the video, the office workers can be heard laughing and calling their colleagues to watch the couple having sex. Several workers said that although they never saw a couple having sex while pressed against the window, they did see people having sex on the hotelas beds when the window shades were open. Major Concerns Over Dee Valley Water Takeover Say Local MPs This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Nov 16th, 2016 The Dee Valley Water takeover will raise major concerns for its employees and its customers say local MPs Ian Lucas and Susan Elan Jones. Earlier today we reported how Dee Valley Group PLC is to be acquired by Severn Trent PLC for 78.5 million. A month ago the company had agreed a 71m deal with Ancala Fornia Limited, however today it has been announced that the company is being sold elsewhere in a precisely 10% better deal with Severn Trent. Wrexhams MP Ian Lucas and Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones, who have said they have strong reservations about the takeover of Dee Valley Water by Severn Trent Water in a 78.5 million takeover. Note that takeover of Dee Valley Water happens just before possible devolution of powers on water to Welsh Government. Ian Lucas (@IanCLucas) November 16, 2016 Mr Lucas discussed the proposals with Dee Valley Water staff after the announcement this afternoon and made clear his concerns about the impact the proposals could have. He said: I am very concerned at these proposals and have made my concern quite clear to Dee Valley Water. Dee Valley Water has been a small and quietly efficient company, which has gone about its business serving our area well in the past few years. It is now facing a takeover by a multinational company, and I am concerned that profits, rather than service, will be put first. This announcement came in the week that the UK Government announced it would devolve some powers over water in Wales to the Welsh Government in what was described as a symbolic act. Yet todays announcement will have real implications for my constituents, both those who work for the company and those who use its services. The privatisation of utility companies in past decades has brought about a situation in which major changes like this can happen without the people affected having a say. Susan Elan Jones MP said: These proposals will mean major changes to a key company in my constituency, which serves homes across North East Wales and beyond. It is vital that reassurances are given about peoples jobs and that local peoples concerns are listened to and acted upon. Overwhelming Response to new Town Centre Music Venue & Cafe This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Nov 16th, 2016 A new venue offering everything from live music, great food and classic rock and roll has opened in Wrexham town centre. Take a step through the doors of the Rock Suite on Hill Street in the town centre and youll be taken to a world of classic rock music. Offering a combination of food and live music The Rock Suite is the latest venue to open from the owners of the popular Soul Suite on Pen Y Bryn. Created by Carl Blythen and Julie Ellis, the venue opened its doors for the first time at the start of November. Described as dark with feminine touches the Rock Suite plays homage to some of the greatest names in music, including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Blondie, The Beatles and Motorhead. Speaking to Wrexham.com Carl told us the response so far from the public has been overwhelming. He added: The location became available and we were contacted about it in September. Its taken about three and a half weeks to sort out the decor, it has all happened very fast. The response so far has been overwhelming. We have excellent feedback and reviews from the public so far. Five days a week (excluding Wednesday and Sunday!) the Rock Suite offers a Hard Rock Cafe style menu, serving everything from speciality burgers, paninis and homemade curries and lasagne. Carl told us that there is already a busy lunch time trade since opening, with the people of Wrexham supporting the new venture. During the weekends the venue lives up to its name with live music taking place throughout Friday and Saturday nights. The venue also offers provides local bands and musicians somewhere to showcase their talents, with Friday evenings providing a platform for up and coming talent from the local area. Saturday nights are again dedicated to music, with either bands or disco themed evenings taking place. Already the Rock Suite has played host to tribute act the UK Bee Gees taking to the stage earlier this month. On December 17th the Rolling Stoned will also be performing. Speaking about the music nights Carl said the UK Bee Gees night was chocka block and that so far the night time offering has gone very well and been busy. Looking ahead to the weeks leading up to Christmas the Rock Suite has already started taking party bookings and has more music nights on the horizon courtesy of local band Salty Hog, The Mersey Beatles and The Ultimate 80s Experience. For the second time in less than four months, Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan has travelled to West Africa with a view to finalizing plans for Canadas participation in French and US-led counter-insurgency warfare on the continent. As part of his latest fact-finding mission, Sajjan visited Mali and Senegal, countries that could see the deployment of some of the 600 soldiers and 150 police officers the Trudeau Liberal government is to send to Africa as part of what it is touting as a renewed commitment to UN peacekeeping missions. Other options include Central African countries such as the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo or the Central African Republic. While not confirming the countries where Canadian soldiers will be deployed, Sajjan told the Toronto Star upon his return that Canada has committed to operate in several countries and with an engagement of at least three years in each case. Sajjans trip to Mali took place only weeks after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met French Premier Manuel Valls and pledged Canada would dramatically expand its partnership with Paris in military interventions in former French colonies in West and Central Africa. Speaking at a town hall session before 300 high school students last week to mark the Liberals first year in office, Trudeau and Sajjan used a mixture of humanitarian and anti-terror demagogy to promote the soon-to-be-announced African military interventions and obscure the real imperialist goals that lie behind them. Trudeau declared it was necessary to tackle the root cause of the problems in the region. Canada, he said, has an awful lot to offer other than just stopping people from shooting at each other, though doing so is important and one of the first things that we want to do. Sajjan said Canada will strive to empower African youth, instead of them being radicalized and going into other groups. In reality, Canadas mission in Africa has nothing to do with the well-being of the African people. Quite the contrary. Canadas ruling elite is determined to join French and American imperialisms drive to dominate the resource-rich continent through violent means because it has developed extensive economic and financial interests in West and Central Africa, most of all in exploiting these regions abundant mineral wealth. During the Star interview, Sajjan once again made clear that peacekeeping is only a subterfuge and that Canada is effectively preparing to wage all-out war. This is not the peacekeeping of the past, said the Defence Minster. [W]e need to look at what the challenges are of today and develop the peace operations for todays challenges. Senator Daniel Lang, chair of the Senate committee on national security and defence, shed more light on the real character of Canadas impending humanitarian military intervention in Africa. Following discussions at UN headquarters, Lang said, It was clearly put to us that these countries and these regionsare undergoing such terrible devastation and political turmoil and violence, [that it will require] a 10- to 20-year commitment. Lang added that Canada was asked to provide significant military equipment, including armored vehicles, helicopters and other airlift capabilities. The missions Trudeau pledged to join are all counter-insurgency operations aimed at propping up pro-Western governments that are facing armed rebellion by Islamist forces or regionally based militants. Mali is a case in point. Following the destruction of Libya by the Western powers in 2011, Tuareg militias, supported by Islamists who had been armed by NATO to oust the Gaddafi regime, were able to seize large quantities of Libyan weaponry and launch an uprising in northern Mali against the central government in Bamako. France responded by deploying troops at the beginning of 2013 to reconquer Malis resource-rich north. The intervention was sold to the public as a counter-terrorist mission. In truth, it is part of a new scramble for Africa, through which all the major powers are seeking to gain control over resources, markets and strategic countries. As part of its two-year-old Operation Barkhane, France now has more than 3,000 troops stationed in Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad. Canadian defence officials recently confirmed that planning is well underway for Canada to send military transport aircraft to move French troops in those five countries. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has become increasingly involved in West Africa. Since 2011, Canadian soldiers have joined US forces in Operation Flintlock, a US Africa Command-led mission to train Special Forces from West and Central African states. Last year, Canadian heavy-lift Globemaster military aircraft carried nearly 40 tons of French military equipment between France and Africa. Not long ago, the Globe and Mail expressed concern that the Liberals decision to send peacekeeping troops to Africa could take away from Canadas supportive role in various US military-strategic offensives. But Canadas newspaper of record recently published an editorial voicing support for a deployment to Senegal as a first step to greater Canadian involvement in Africa. Among other things, Sengal is seen as providing a valuable base for supporting interventions elsewhere, including in Mali. Apart from Mali and Senegal, the Liberals are considering increasing Canadas military presence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a small contingent of nine Canadian servicemen is already operating. Canadian mining companies have invested about C$3 billion in DRCs mining sector in recent years and have garnered huge profits from the impoverished country. Canadian companies seized on the chaos provoked by the war that engulfed the Congo and much of the region between 1998 and 2003 to rake in millions. The Toronto Star, which reviewed nearly 1,000 pages of heavily redacted documents, published an article last month that provided an unusually frank admission of the lucrative economic interests in DRC that lie behind Ottawas interest in mounting a peacekeeping mission there. The article revealed some of the discussions that took place at the highest levels of the Harper Conservative government in 2010, when the UN requested Canada to take leadership of its Congo peacekeeping mission. The article cited Andrew Leslie, then the commander of Canadas army and now the Liberal Whip in the House of Commons. Leslie told the Star that key arguments in favor of Canada intervening militarily in the Congo were the extensive business interests of the Canadian mining industry, and the fact that China was increasingly influential in the country. Leslie added that another factor was concern that instability in the region could help recruiting by al-Qaida. The Canadian military was eager to take charge of the UNs DRC force, believing it had sufficient resources to conduct a mission and seeing it as means of putting to use the skills it had developed through its leading role in the neo-colonial, Afghan counter-insurgency war. Deepak Obhrai, who was at that time parliamentary secretary to Harpers minister of foreign affairs, said the government finally chose not to send troops to the Congo because supporting government forces guilty of widespread human rights abuses would have been politically disastrous for the Conservatives. The government decided instead to offer logistical support to African Union Forces, which did the dirty work. Remarks by an official who spoke to the Star on condition of anonymity further revealed the imperialist ambitions of Canada in Africa when he said that the missions in the impoverished continent would be similar to the recent deployments to Iraq and Ukraine, where the CAF is providing arms and training local forces. Those two missions are part of the broader US drive to impose its hegemony on the entire Eurasian landmass and thwart and subjugate its main rivals, above all Russia and China. Canada, which over the past quarter-century has joined one US-led war after another, is playing a leading role in both NATOs military mobilization on Russias borders and Washingtons anti-China Pivot to Asia. Chinas ruling elite has initially responded to Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election with a combination of appeals for dialogue, warnings of global instability and nationalist rhetoric. On the one hand, the Beijing regime is clearly anxious to reach an accommodation with Trump and his aggressive America First agenda, arguing there could be a mutual win, win outcome for both ruling elites. At the same time, it is preparing for an historic collision. Trumps campaign threats to name China a currency manipulator from day one of his presidency and to impose punitive 45 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, and his plans to boost US military spending, especially on the navy, have generated calls in state-run media outlets for China to be ready for all-out trade war and military confrontation. Publicly, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Trump and told him the worlds two largest economies shared responsibility for promoting global development and prosperity. I place great importance on the China-US relationship, and look forward to working with you to uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, Xi told Trump by phone. But the Peoples Daily, the main official mouthpiece of the Beijing regime, ran editorials that sent different messages, depicting the United States as dysfunctional and crippled. A November 8 editorial described the election as the most dark, chaotic and negative one in the past two centuries, with the candidates smearing each other in the most despicable and uncivilised ways. It concluded: Such chaos and disorder tells the world that the US is sick when it comes to the nations own economy, society and politics. A November 11 editorial said Trumps rise had plunged the world into a period of deep uncertainty, compounded by his contradictory statements and lack of details. It held out hope that Trump would recognise the critically important need to strengthen the relationship because Americas strength depends on Chinas strength. Yet the same editorial warned that Washingtons pivot to Asiaa concerted drive to militarily and economically dominate over Chinawas unlikely to fade under Trump. Instead, it would have a harder edge. The newspaper noted that the Pentagon had been pushing for a stronger military presence in the region, and could get its way with Trump in office. Trump has already stated his intention to increase defense spending, and his vision for national security includes adding 350 ships to the US Navy, it said. Editorials and commentary in Global Times, a more openly nationalist state-controlled media outlet, were more belligerent. A November 11 article declared that China should stand ready to fight back if Trump rolled out protectionist measures. Trump regularly railed against China during the campaign, blaming the country for US job losses and proposing a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports, the article commented. Although campaign rhetoric is not necessarily consistent with policy after a candidate assumes office, China should be ready for any possible scenario when it comes to its bilateral ties with the US, including a trade war. The article insisted China would not hesitate to retaliate. China is now a vital overseas market for American firms like Apple Inc., and in 2015 Chinas imports of goods from the US reaching $149 billion, based on Chinese customs data. There is no doubt that the American economy would suffer a severe blow if China were in turn to impose a 45 percent tariff on US-made goods. A November 10 Global Times editorial asserted that, regardless of Trumps own tendencies, the US was not powerful enough to maintain its global hegemony. However, in the initial stage of Trumps presidency, he might bash China to establish authority as a new commander-in-chief, so Beijing should be prepared for Trumps blows and respond decisively and fearlessly. One feature of Trumps victory has been hailed in Beijingthe killing off of the Trans-Pacific Partnership that the Obama administration had pursued as the economic spearhead of its anti-China pivot. The TPP, which excluded China, was designed to establish a US-led trade and investment bloc, battering down all national barriers to the domination of Asia-Pacific markets by American financial, technology, pharmaceutical and media corporations. China will now step up its efforts to win support for a Beijing-led Asia-Pacific free trade area at this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, to be held in Peru on November 19-20. Briefing journalists ahead of President Xis departure for the summit and a Latin American visit, Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong warned that trade and investment protectionism is rearing its head. He said a trade pact was therefore essential at an early date. For more than six years, China has proposed a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) and a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), but the Obama administration repeatedly pushed these plans aside in favour of the TPP. Li said Xis attendance at the summit showed Chinas confidence in promoting its alternatives. The FTAAP would cover all 21 members of APEC, while the RCEP would group the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, but not the United States. A November 11 Global Times article further drummed up Chinese nationalism, provocatively predicting the triumph of a China-led Asia. It proclaimed that Chinas economic clout had geographically fractured the US pivot. The commentary asserted that Philippines President Rodrigo Dutertes recent declaration that he was separating from Washington, followed by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razaks purchase of navy vessels from China, had put holes in Washingtons net around the Middle Kingdom. Its simple: US allies are being overwhelmed by Chinas sheer industrial production, and infrastructure investment is more attractive than US foreign military base construction Japan and South Korea may become isolated if the ASEAN countries continue to turn towards Beijing, and will have to decide what is more beneficial: US-led containment or collaborating with a China-led Asia. This bravado is designed to whip up nationalist sentiment, pitting Chinese workers against their fellow workers in America, throughout the region and internationally. While the Beijing bureaucrats and oligarchs will no doubt still seek to cut deals with Washington, Trumps victory has spurred the rise of bellicose nationalist elements on both sides of the Pacific, intensifying the dangers of war between nuclear powers. Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has unleashed a series of tweets calling for a state of emergency to be declared and for the ongoing anti-Trump protests to be violently quelled by the military. On Friday, Clarke wrote on Twitter: How to stop riots. 1) Declare state of emergency. 2) Impose early curfew. 3) Mobilize Nat Guard. 4) Authorize ALL non lethal force. 5) Tear gas [sic]. The significance of this rant is relatively plain. This is a proposal for the imposition of martial law and the complete lockdown of American cities in which anti-Trump protests continue to take place. Clarkes language recalls the extraordinary Boston lockdown of 2013, in which the population was ordered to shelter in place while militarized police units conducted house-to-house searches. Curfews were also used as part of efforts to suppress the protests against police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014, following the killing of Michael Brown. The phrase ALL non-lethal force (and the capitalization for emphasis) signifies a bloodthirsty eagerness to inflict violence against anti-Trump protests: rubber bullets, pepper spray, tear gas, sound cannons, tasers, punches, kicks, and baton strikes. Clarke is a celebrity sheriff known for taking provocative far-right positions while posturing, strutting, and preening for the cameras in his police uniform. He is one of two candidates being considered for the post of director of the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump administration, according to Politico. The post is currently occupied by Jeh Johnson. The other candidate named by Politico is also a celebrity sheriff: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who made a name for himself through the flagrantly racist and discriminatory treatment of immigrants and provocative defiance of court orders to stop. Many people in the US were introduced to Clarke for the first time when he delivered a fascistic rantin a black uniform, decorated with various badges and ribbonsat Trumps Republican National Convention in July. This speech featured Clarke shouting Blue lives matter in America into the microphone, while the audience chanted U-S-A, U-S-A. Clarke went on to define Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street protests as illegal and illegitimate, describing them as anarchy. On November 9, Clarke wrote on Twitter: These temper tantrums from these radical anarchists must be quelled. There is no legitimate reason to protest the will of the people. The irony of the phrase the will of the people is lost on Clarke, under conditions where Trump received roughly a quarter of the votes of eligible voters and lost the popular vote. On November 11, Clarke wrote: These riots are not protest [sic] and should be quelled quickly. These goon anarchists do not believe in the US Constitution or the rule of law. This drivel is coming from the supposed chief law enforcement officer of an entire county, who is being considered for a senior position in the Trump administration. It provides a glimpse of the pseudo-legal categories that will be invoked to suppress opposition once president-elect Donald Trump takes office. Demonstrations are labeled riots. Protesters are labeled goon anarchists. The rule of law is redefined as the majesty of Trump, such that anyone who does not believe in it is not entitled to democratic rights. One hesitates to engage in any serious legal analysis of the positions of celebrity provocateurs like Clarke, but it must be said all the same that Clarkes conception of the rule of law turns the classical idea into its opposite. From a democratic legal standpoint, protests are entirely consistent with the rule of law and are protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which expressly prohibits any restriction on 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. If anything, it is figures like Clarke that do not believe in the US Constitution or the rule of law. The use of a unilaterally declared state of emergency to suppress protests is a tactic familiar to anyone who has studied the history of the 20th centurys most authoritarian regimes. The essential formulation of this doctrine was provided by Nazi crown jurist Carl Schmitt (1888-1985). Under Schmitts infamous state of exception (Ausnahmezustand) doctrine, the government can invoke a national emergency to override all democratic rights and disregard the rule of law. More recently, this formula has been invoked in France to crack down on all expressions of oppositional political sentiment. (See: The state of emergency and the collapse of French democracy) With respect to Clarkes proposal to call in the National Guard, as a historical and legal matter, the use of the national military to suppress domestic protests is illegal. While examples can be provided of its violation by a long line presidents, this principle dates back to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 and nominally remains in effect. It is worth noting that in 2007, the federal legislature attempted to legalize the suppression of protests using the military. Section 1076 of the 2007 Defense Authorization Bill, titled "Use of the Armed Forces in major public emergencies," included the following language: The President may employ the armed forces ... to... restore public order and enforce the laws of the United States when ... the President determines that ... domestic violence has occurred to such an extent that the constituted authorities of the State or possession are incapable of maintaining public order... or [to] suppress, in a State, any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy if such ... a condition ... so hinders the execution of the laws ... that any part or class of its people is deprived of a right, privilege, immunity, or protection named in the Constitution and secured by law ... or opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. This language was repealed in 2008, to be replaced in 2011 with the Obama administrations vague and equally ominous formulation that the military can be used domestically to target any person who was a part of or substantially supported al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces that are engaged in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners, including any person who has committed a belligerent act or has directly supported such hostilities in aid of such enemy forces. Clarkes Twitter rants are so full of legal non-sequiturs that one does not know where to begin or end. Under existing law, the police are only authorized to use force in self-defense or when it is reasonably necessary under the circumstances to overcome resistance to lawful objectives. Therefore, it makes no sense to employ the phrase, Authorize ALL non lethal force. Even within the existing American legal systemwhich is already weighted dramatically in favor of the policea government official cannot authorize a violent attack on a protest. While Clarke rants now about the goons who have no respect for the rule of law, he struck a different tone when Trump appeared to be down in the polls. On October 15, three weeks before the election, he wrote: It's incredible that our institutions of gov, WH, Congress, DOJ, and big media are corrupt & all we do is bitch. Pitchforks and torches time [sic]. So much for the rule of law! Clarkes response to the election of Trump was an effusive series of tweets like the following: God truly does love America to not have allowed evil to triumph over good. Our prayers have been answered! And: Ding, dong the witch DEAD! President elect Donald Trump has prevailed! Clarkes twitter feed is a relentless parade of right-wing nostrums, amalgams, and provocations. In one tweet, he wrote, Black Lies [sic] Matter will join forces with ISIS to being [sic] down our legal constituted republic [sic]. In another, he described the protests against police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri as vultures on a rotting carcass. One wonders how much time Clarke actually spends on his official duties versus on his Twitter account. It is a scandal that he has been permitted to collect a sheriffs salary for so long while basically functioning as a professional internet troll. In the final analysis, Clarkes eagerness to inflict violence on anti-Trump protestersand the fact that he is nevertheless being considered for a post in the Trump administrationreflects the homicidal class hostility with which the political establishment views any form of opposition to its policies or its rule. It confirms the analysis made by the World Socialist Web Site that the so-called war on terror, together with the militarization of the police, were never about protecting the American population from harm. Instead, these policiesimplemented relentlessly through both the Bush and Obama administrationswere designed to build up the framework of a police state and abrogate democratic obstacles to authoritarian rule. These are tools the incoming Trump regime is now itching to deploy against any opposition to its unpopular policies. On Monday, after weeks of behind-the-scenes wrangling, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) decided to support the candidacy of Social Democrat Frank-Walter Steinmeier for the office of federal president. Nothing should now stand in the way of the current foreign minister being elected to Germany's highest public office. The Social Democratic Party (SPD), CDU and CSU control nearly three quarters of the votes in the Federal Assembly, which will elect the president on February 12, 2017. The Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) will probably also support Steinmeier. Only the Left Party has announced that it would stand its own candidate. The agreement on Steinmeier took place a few days following the US presidential election, and was obviously influenced by the result. The victory of Donald Trump has triggered a shock in Germany. Big business is preparing for turbulent times ahead, when a protectionist course prevails in Washington and this sets a global precedent. German industry is dependent on exports, second only to the Chinese. Germany's current account surplus will reach a historic record of 8.8 percent of GDP this year. In foreign policy, the German government is reckoning with sharp international tensions and an increased in military conflicts if Trump implements just a fraction of his campaign announcements. Both the crisis in the export industries and the increase in military operations will exacerbate social and political tensions within Germany and accelerate the alienation of broad sections of the population from the political elites. Against this background, the agreement on Steinmeier, justified by the CDU chairman and Chancellor Angela Merkel as a rational decision, sends out a dual signal. Firstly, Steinmeier, like no other German politician, embodies the policy of welfare cuts and militarism with which the German ruling class is reacting to the global crisis of capitalism. As head of the chancellery of Chancellor Gerhard Schroder (SPD), he drafted the Agenda 2010 welfare and labour reforms, and thus bears primary responsibility for the exponential growth in precarious forms of work and the related decline of wages and benefits. In the meantime, just half of all those working in Germany are in full-time jobs with social insurance. As foreign minister of the present grand coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD, Steinmeier tirelessly argues for German great power politics and the return of German militarism. A milestone in this respect was the speech he delivered on February 1, 2014 at the Munich Security Conference. A culture of German military restraint, Steinmeier said, should not become a culture of standing aside. Germany is too large to comment on world politics only from the sideline. Steinmeier did not stop at words. The same month, he played a leading role in the coup in Ukraine, which, resting on fascist militias, replaced a pro-Russian regime with a pro-Western one headed by a billionaire oligarch. Second, with the selection of Steinmeier, the grand coalition is closing ranks. The agreement on a common candidate is a clear signal for a continuation of the governing coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD after the federal elections in autumn 2017. The election of the president, who has largely ceremonial duties, has always served to set the course for future government coalitions in Germany. For example, the election of the SPD politician Gustav Heinemann with the votes of the FDP prepared the election of Willy Brandt as the first Social Democratic chancellor in the Federal Republic of Germany. Based on his supposed independence, the president also fulfils the task of providing support for official politics beyond the immediate government camp. The so-called people's partiesCDU, CSU and SPDhave dramatically lost voters in recent years. In some state elections, even their combined votes are insufficient to form a majority. For this reason, there have been numerous scenarios outlined for a new coalition government at the federal level. Sections of the CDU and the Greens, who already govern jointly in some states, are looking to form a so-called black-green coalition. According to media reports, Chancellor Angela Merkel had even proposed Winfried Kretschmann, the Green state premier of Baden-Wurttemberg, as a candidate for president. Kretschmann responded to the offer by praising Merkel to the skies, declaring that she was irreplaceable as chancellor. But Merkels initiative failed due to opposition from the CDUs Bavarian sister party, the CSU. At last weekends Green Party conference, delegates rebuked Kretschmann and other prominent advocates of a black-green coalition by voting down their resolutions. Under these circumstances, the CDU/CSU intend to renew their proven alliance with the SPD in preparation for the coming period of social upheaval, following Trumps election as US president. The Greens, who have no fundamental differences with the governments policies, remain in reserve to step into a future coalition in a period of crisis. The same is true for the Left Party. In recent months, leading representatives of the Left Party, the Greens and the SPD, supported by SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel, had brought an alliance of these three parties at federal level into discussion. This met with enthusiasm in the Left Party, above all, which is ready to do anything as long as it is rewarded with ministerial posts at the Berlin cabinet table. But such a project appears too uncertain for the ruling elites at the moment. To counter the expected social and political convulsionsat least momentarilythey are relying on proven mechanisms. As early as 1968, a grand coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD had adopted emergency laws when confronted with massive protests. And in 2003, when Chancellor Schroder prematurely ended the red-green coalition in face of massive discontent with Agenda 2010, the grand coalition took over the implementation of these anti-working-class policies. In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the CDU and SPD worked closely together to save the banks and shift the burden onto the population. The nomination of Steinmeier has been met with enthusiasm by sections of the liberal, formerly democratic, petty bourgeoisie, who, given Trump's election victory and the rise of right-wing parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), yearn for order and a strong state. For example, Heribert Prantl, domestic policy editor of the Suddeutsche Zeitung, has been gushing in his praise of the SPD politician. Prantl described the president as a defender of the social and constitutional republic and emphasized, This was rarely as necessary in West German history as it is today. Steinmeier's nomination for this office, Prantl continues, is a demonstration of the community of democrats and a victory for reasons of state. The SPD politician was prepared in domestic policy terms and well versed in foreign policy. He had the talent of an honest broker, which cannot be valued highly enough today. He was anti-Trump and an anchor of experience. Prantl concludes, The hopes that are linked to a Federal President Steinmeier are not small. However, many other media outlets have expressed skepticism. The pro-union Frankfurter Rundschau fears that a president who feels so committed to the poorly regarded consensus of the so-called middle, would widen the gap between the establishment parties and the general public. What Germany needed, was a sort of a democratic anti-Trump, writes Stephan Hebel. Not in the sense that he simply defends the establishment against the right-wing populists. Rather, it would be better to have [some]one who, given the anger at the failure of the establishment parties, which is not entirely without reason, can give a voice and even better, a democratic direction. The pro-Green Party taz makes a similar argument. While large sections of society no longer feel represented by the political class, someone would become president who, like no other, is a typical professional politician, writes Martin Kaul. The conservative press attacks the CDU/CSU for not standing its own candidate with a clear right-wing profile. This 'lack of an alternative' does no good to Germany's political system, which like never before is being challenged by populists of all kinds, Berthold Kohler wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. In this respect too, it would have been better if the Union [CDU/CSU] had sent its own candidate into the race. And Ulf Poschardt rages in Die Welt, The elite achievers have no political representation in the federal government, the chattering elitesthe warning sign of Trump or notare continuing as usual. They have understood nothing. In the end, this includes the charming President-to-be ... It is becoming dark in Germany. One thing is clear from all the commentaries: The establishment parties are joining forces behind Steinmeier because they are preparing for fierce social and political conflicts. Thousands took to the streets of Athens to protest against Barack Obama as he arrived on his last overseas tour as US president, aiming to reassure the European ruling classes that the election of Donald Trump would not undermine relations with Washington. Obama will wrap up his two-day visit today, just before the 43rd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising in Athens against Greeces military dictatorship. This uprising was brutally suppressed by the US-backed junta of the colonels, which collapsed the following year. While hundreds of US Secret Service operatives were brought in to protect Obama, the Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left) government deployed a massive force of 5,000 riot police to assault protesters and seal off much of central Athens, as well as areas around the resort where Obama is staying. Clashes spread around downtown Athens, with riot police firing tear gas as protesters tried to enter the zone Syriza had declared off limits. Demonstrations also took place in other cities across the country, with protesters burning a US flag in Thessaloniki, Greeces second city. With tens of thousands of refugees fleeing US-led wars in the Middle East and Africa forced to stay in shelters in Greece, refugees also spoke out to criticize Obama. We want Obama to come and see us here, how we are living, said Hatzi Naser, an Afghan refugee who fled the US-led NATO occupation of his country. He is the reason we are here, because of his armys war. We want him to come and see the filth we are living in. The White House tried to portray the lame-duck presidents visit as a crowning moment of a career committed to democracy. US officials told the right-wing daily Kathimerini that he would give a speech on globalization and democracy in Athens today that would be his legacy speech, before traveling on to Germany and then an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru. Obama apparently cited Pericles, the orator and statesman of Greek antiquity, in his discussions with Greek officials. The reality is that both American and Greek democracy are on the verge of collapse, undermined by a world capitalist crisis and the unpopular policies of war and austerity pursued both by the Democratic Party in the United States and Syriza and similar parties across Europe. Obama left the United States as protests erupted against Trumps election, and president-elect Trump named Stephen Bannon, a fascistic white supremacist, as his top political counselor. Obama declined to criticize the decision, saying instead: It would not be appropriate for me to comment on every appointment that the president-elect starts making if I want to be consistent with the notion that we are going to try to facilitate a smooth transition. As for Syriza, it has been discredited by its repudiation of multiple votes by the Greek people to end European Union (EU) austerity, to which it responded by imposing wave after wave of pension cuts, privatizations and other austerity measures on impoverished Greek workers. Obamas remarks were noteworthy, in fact, for the contempt they expressed toward the popular sentiments of the Greek and American people. While offering empty assurances to the European bourgeoisie that Trump would not abandon the NATO military alliance, even though Trump denounced it during the election campaign, Obama went on to praise Syriza for aiding unpopular US wars and spending massively on the Greek army, even as it bleeds the Greek people white. Before leaving Washington, Obama gave an interview to Kathimerini, denouncing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and hailing Syrizas role in providing bases for Washingtons Middle East wars, such as the naval base at Souda Bay. He declared, Americans continue to place enormous importance on our alliance with Greece. Despite facing extraordinary economic hardships, Greece is one of five NATO allies that spend 2 percent of GDP on defense. We thank our Greek allies for our close cooperation at Souda Bay. He also endorsed Syrizas austerity agenda, pledging to reaffirm US support for reforms that improve the business climate. Obama assured European officials that they could simply dismiss Trumps campaign rhetoric denouncing NATO and pledging to withdraw US troops from Europe as irrelevant. In their joint discussions, Obama said Trump expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships, and so one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the trans-Atlantic alliance. In Athens yesterday, Obama again told Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos that NATO is of utmost importance for both Democratic and Republican presidents, promising that US policy would see significant continuity even as we see a transition in government. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Obama praised Greece under Syriza for maintaining Greeces very high military spending despite difficult times. There were also reports in the Russian media that Obama is preparing to demand that Greece close its ports to all Russian warships, amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Russia in the war in nearby Syria. Tsipras, for his part, made clear that Syriza would try to work with Trump, blandly predicting that despite Trumps aggressive manner, the new US president would act differently once in office. Despite fears in Greece about what a Trump presidency would mean, Tsipras said, We should build bridges, not walls. The assurances of Obama and Tsipras that US-European relations will avoid a catastrophic collapse are, to be blunt, as worthless as Tsipras pledges to end austerity in Greece. In fact, it is completely unclear what Trumps policies will be, or what precisely he hoped to obtain from the European powers by threatening to leave NATO. What is clear, however, is that Tsipras intends to continue providing aid and assistance to the Pentagon, even as an unpopular, far-right government takes power in Washington. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at Humboldt University in Berlin issued the following letter protesting against attempts to suppress justified criticism of the right-wing historian Jorg Baberowski, a professor at the university. The letter documents how Baberowski is relativizing the crimes of the Nazis, agitating against refugees and promoting dictatorship and war. It has been issued in response to a public letter by Professor Thomas Sandkuhler, who holds the chair of History Didactics at Humboldt, attacking the IYSSE. Dear Professor Sandkuhler, As members of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, members of the student parliament, and students of history at Humboldt University (HU), we strongly protest against the statement you published on the official study platform for the seminar Introduction to History Didactics, which is clearly directed against the IYSSE. In the statement, you defend extreme right-wing positions and attack our democratic right to freedom of speech. You denounce us in the letter as rat-catchers and assert that an anti-war leaflet we distributed at the beginning of the semester was a collection of outrages, allegations and distortions all aimed at silencing Professor Baberowski. You go on to accuse us of a campaign of character assassination. You provide no evidence for these slanders, but instead seek to use your authority as a professor to intimidate and threaten students who dare raise criticisms. The IYSSE leaflet you denounce is entitled Scholarship, not war propaganda. [1] It opposes the transformation of universities into agencies of the German governments war preparations, and in this context it deals with the role of the chair for Eastern European History at Humboldt, Jorg Baberowski. You are well aware that the IYSSE has proven every point of its critique by carefully citing sources and providing detailed explanations. [2] In recent years, Baberowski has emerged as a central political figure of the new right. He agitates against refugees and campaigns in favour of militarism and authoritarian forms of rule. In this process, he uses diverse media outlets to attack the chancellor from the right, denouncing her alleged welcoming culture for refugees. Anyone who criticises the professor and his right-wing positions is, in your opinion, seeking to silence him. By describing our well-founded critique as allegations and distortions, you are solidarising yourself with Baberowskis odious views. What are the real issues involved? Baberowskis far-right agenda Our leaflet states, Since last summer, Baberowski has used his position at HU to advance far-right positions in newspaper articles, interviews and public appearances. He agitates against the acceptance of refugees, calls for the closure of Germanys borders and claims that illegal migrants from foreign cultures are destroying the fundamentals of society. His crude theses on the origins of violence are well suited to his calls for a strong state and more police, and his justifications for dictatorial forms of rule. Here is a very brief summary of a long series of statements made by Baberowski on this subject. As he stated in response to the rising number of violent, xenophobic attacks against refugees last September, I think, given the problems we currently have with immigration in Germany, this is rather harmless. [3] In what political camp would you place such a statement, Mr. Sandkuhler? Baberowskis statements on the war on terror show even more clearly the reactionary content of his notion of violence. On this point, the IYSSE leaflet states: In October 2014, Baberowski appealed for methods to be used in the struggle against Jihadi terrorism that violate all norms of international law. He stated, And if one is not prepared to take hostages, burn down villages and hang people and spread fear and terror like the terrorists do, if one is not prepared to do that, then such a struggle cannot be won, then it is better to stay out of it. In the panel discussion at the German Historical Museum where Baberowski made this statement, he made unmistakably clear that he is in favour of such a struggle against terrorists. He said that one had to be clear that it will cost a lot of money and that one has to send soldiers and weapons into a power vacuum for that, one needs the political will and the political strategy, and above all, one must say, in order for this to work, we have to go in there. And it has to be worthwhile for us. It costs money. We have to send troops in. These countries like Iraq, Syria and Libya are no longer capable of solving this problem themselves. [4] Baberowski has repeatedly expressed similar views. The claim that violence can be combatted only with more brutal violence runs like a thread through all of his public statements. On 25 November 2015, he called in the Elinger Zeitung for the same methods to be used against terrorists as they themselves use: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. He said of the terrorist attacks in France: I think it was fatal for Mrs. Merkel to say to the French, We are crying along with you. Whoever responds like this will be dismissed by the terrorists as a weakling. [5] Baberowskis relativising of the Nazis crimes These are all positions associated with the extreme right. The most disturbing factor, however, is Baberowskis relativising of the crimes of the Nazis. In our leaflet we wrote: Baberowski downplays the historic crimes of National Socialism. In Der Spiegel in early 2014, he indicated his support for the now deceased Hitler apologist Ernst Nolte and claimed Hitler was no psychopath and was not vicious. In his books, he presents the war of annihilation in the east as a reaction to the violence of the Bolsheviks and denies any responsibility on the part of National Socialist ideology. You are well acquainted with the type of apologetic viewpoints Baberowski represents because they are directly relevant to your own academic field of research. This makes your denunciation of our statements of fact as allegations and distortions especially deplorable. In Der Sp iegel, Baberowski compared Hitler positively to the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. He said, Hitler was no psychopath, and he wasnt vicious. He didnt want people to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table. [6] Such a downplaying of Hitlers crimes is repugnant and historically absurd. In your new Hitler biography for young people [7], you repeatedly describe the vicious manner with which Hitler dealt with the disabled, political opponents and Jews. You write correctly on page 253, It was above all older people, women and children who fell victim to the Holocaust in the Soviet Union. This crime was therefore not only vicious, but also utterly cowardly. Do you, in all seriousness, believe that Baberowskis remarks represent legitimate contributions to academic discourse? His many other statements relativising the crimes of the Nazi dictatorship make clear that Baberowskis downplaying of Hitler is no accident. Baberowski has stated that the Nazis war of annihilation was the response to spaces of violence opened up by the Soviet Union. He wrote in 2007, Stalin and his generals imposed a new kind of war on the Wehrmacht that no longer spared the civilian population. [8] Nazi apologists have repeatedly sought to justify the Nazis war of annihilation as a response to the partisan war. In your book, you correctly reject such claims and place cause and effect in their appropriate relationship to each other: Hitler welcomed Stalins call for a partisan war. This gave the Germans in the Soviet Union a welcome opportunity to exterminate what stands in our way. The dictator consequently ordered increased shootings. (p. 254) You also acknowledge that the outlines of the war of plunder and annihilation had already been determined in early 1941. (p. 200) Baberowskis downplaying of the war of annihilation has also been sharply criticised by other historians. Benno Ennker, who teaches in Tubingen and St. Gallen, charged that Baberowskis book Scorched Earth constituted an implicit exoneration of the Wehrmacht. Responding to Baberowskis assertion that the National Socialists could no longer bring [the war of annihilation] under control, he wrote, Such an exculpationunsupported by evidenceof the ideologically planned extermination policy in the East by situation and circumstances had up to now been associated only with the scandalous Polish historian Bogdan Musial. [9] Christoph Dieckmann from the Fritz Bauer Institute for the History and Impact of the Holocaust accused Baberowski of ignoring the wealth of research proving the broad consensus among German leaders and the Wehrmacht leadership prior to the invasion of the Soviet Union to expose many millions of Soviet citizens to starvation within a few months. Given the wealth of research, Dieckmann wrote, Baberowskis statements appear apologetic. [10] Even in the right-wing Springer newspaper Die Welt, Alan Posener surmised after reading Baberowskis latest book, Spaces of Violence, There was a time when such a diminution of the role of anti-Semitism in the Holocaust would have been a scandal in Germany. The country has reached such a point of degeneration that Baberowski is celebrated. [11] This is a remarkable statement that must be underscored, precisely because of the reaction of yourself and others in your academic field. There can be no doubt that Baberowski is seeking to relativise Nazi crimes. When Ernst Nolte described the Holocaust in the 1980s as an understandable reaction to the violence of Stalinism, he provoked a wave of outrage and the Historikerstreit (Historians Dispute). Academically and politically, Nolte was rebuffed. Not long after, his only public was the far right. You yourself published an article in 2000 critical of Ernst Nolte. At that time, you accused Horst Moller, who gave a laudatory speech on Nolte, of attempting to make it seem as though the Historikerstreit with all of its consequences never happened and thereby restore Ernst Nolte to a position of political innocence. You correctly objected to this: But it ought first of all to be pointed out it was not that Nolte was disqualified, but rather that he disqualified himself by continuing to support positions relativising National Socialism devoid of any empirical basis. [12] Today, Baberowski puts forward positions that go far beyond what Nolte wrote in 1986. This is why he has vehemently defended Nolte against his critics. In the previously cited Spiegel article, he is quoted as saying, Nolte was done an injustice. Historically speaking, he was right. If you are of the opinion that Nolte excluded himself from academic discourse with his relativising statements, how can you attack critics of Baberowski so aggressively today? In contrast to Nolte in his earlier period, Baberowski has not produced a single study of academic value. None of his books has yet been published in the English language. In the Anglo-American world, Baberowski is known above all for his rants against refugees that have been celebrated in far-right publications such as the Daily Stormer and Breitbart News. On 8 December 2015, the fascistic and anti-Semitic Daily Stormer prominently featured Baberowski, welcoming his assertion that migration was destroying Germanys identity. [13] The German neo-fascist NPD and other far-right web sites have also applauded the professors remarks. Baberowski is no academic, but rather a right-wing ideologue. Attack on democratic rights Instead of protesting against his right-wing rants, falsification of history and relativising of the Nazis crimes, you attack students who oppose the ideological preparations being made for new wars. This is academically dishonest and morally reprehensible. Your claim that the IYSSEs criticism is based on allegations and distortions is not new. Right-wing extremists also seek to intimidate their opponents in this way. The most important line of argument used by Nolte and his defenders consisted in accusing his critics of slander. Accusations included sloppy research and quotes taken out of context (Michael Stormer) to fabricated citations (Klaus Hildebrand). (14) For his part, Nolte insisted that he had not been interpreted correctly. When Deborah Lipstadt cited the Holocaust denier David Irving in her book Denying the Holocaust and referred to his defence of Hitler, Irving first sought to prevent the publisher selling the book and then initiated a libel lawsuit, which he subsequently lost. You are now using similar methods to intimidate critical students. Again, although you know better, you assert that the IYSSE is not a student organisation, and complain that it organises meetings in universitys rooms. Mr. Sandkuhler, you know very well that the IYSSE received more than 6 percent of the vote at the last student parliament elections and thus four seats. Two of its representatives study at your own institute. The IYSSE holds weekly meetings, conducts public meetings and participates in student initiatives. Your assertion is simply untrue. It is utterly absurd to declare after your attacks, Scholarly criticism of the academic and political positions of Mr. Baberowski is of course permissible; no professor at this university is immune from such criticism. But this is precisely the issue. Mr. Baberowski has attempted from the outset to silence the IYSSE by employing undemocratic and authoritarian measures. After he invited the Trotsky biographer Robert Service to Humboldt University for a public meeting, the IYSSE announced its intention to pose questions to the author about his book, which had been described by 14 German-speaking historians, amongst others, as a hack work. (15) Baberowski blocked any discussion by shifting the event to a secret location and excluded anyone he suspected of holding critical positions, including professors and students of Humboldt University. When the IYSSE pointed out how Baberowski was seeking to downplay Nazi crimes in leaflets and at meetings, he contacted the university management to prevent the IYSSE from using rooms at the university. He later declared IYSSE members to be crazies and demanded that they be banned from the university. (16) It is therefore absurd for you now to accuse students of attempting to silence the professor. Your disingenuous attacks are not new, Mr. Sandkuhler. The Institute of History and university management at the HU gave their support to Baberowski in 2014 in statements that also slandered the IYSSE. IYSSE protest letters to the HU management disproving these slanders point by point were ignored. The student parliaments at HU and the Free University of Berlin subsequently passed resolutions by overwhelming majorities defending the IYSSE. Student representative bodies have since also protested against lectures by Baberowski in Bremen and Hamburg. The Institute of History and HU management ultimately felt compelled to remove the statements against the IYSSE from their websites. But you are evidently intent on continuing to put students under pressure. You did not issue your statement as a private individual, but in your capacity as a professor on the learning platform for an introductory event. You are attempting to use your position to intimidate critical students. That you are seriously seeking to package your attempt at intimidation as a defence of freedom of opinion is derisible. You yourself have written how the readiness to adapt, and unquestioning obedience made the Third Reich possible. This is certainly true of the many German academics who compliantly supported the Nazis. Fritz K. Ringer developed the concept of the Mandarins in his book The Decline of the German Mandarins: The German Academic Community 1890-1933 . The issue at stake is not a personal conflict with Baberowski, or, as you insinuate, to campaign for the Partei fur Soziale Gleichheit (Socialist Equality Party, PSG). At issue are central questions of German history, which once again assume great relevance in the face of growing nationalism and xenophobia. It is about the attempt to re-evaluate and downplay the greatest crimes in the history of humanity. Nobody is proposing you share the IYSSEs political perspective, but your shameful attack on the IYSSE is clearly aimed at suppressing criticism of academics who downplay and relativise the crimes of the Nazi. We therefore urgently call upon you to reconsider your position and immediately remove the letter attacking the IYSSE from the website. Yours sincerely, Humboldt University group of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality ** Notes: [1] Scholarship, not war propaganda, World Socialist Web Site, 18 October, 2016 [2] A detailed presentation of our criticism can be found in: Vandreier, Christoph: Jorg Baberowskis Geschichtsfalschung, in Schwarz, Peter (Ed): Wissenschaft oder Kriegspropaganda, Essen 2015, pp. 95-132 [3] Kritik an Fluchtlingspolitik (Criticism of refugee policy), 3Sat Kulturradio, 24 September, 2015 [4] Interventionsmacht Deutschland? (Germany: an interventionist power?), Schluterhof debates at the German Historical Museum, 1 October, 2014 [5] Das Versagen der deutschen Politik ist dramatisch (The failure of German policy is dramatic), interview with Jorg Baberowski, in Elinger Zeitung, 25 November, 2015 [6] Dirk Kurbjuweit, Culpability Question Divides Historians Today, Spiegel Online, 14 February, 2014 [7] Sandkuhler, Thomas: Adolf H: Lebensweg eines Diktators, (Adolf H. Life of a Dictator), Hanser Literaturverlage, 2015 [8] Baberowski, Jorg, Kriege in staatsfernen Raumen. Russland und die Sowjetunion 19051950, (Wars in spaces without states. Russia and the Soviet Union 1905-1950), in D. Beyrau, M. Hochgeschwender, D. Langewiesche (Eds), Formen des Krieges. Von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart, (Forms of War from Antiquity to the Present), Paderborn, 2007, p. 305 [9] Ennker, Benno, (2012) Ohne Ideologie, ohne Staat, ohne Alternative?Fragen an Jorg Baberowski, (Without an ideology, without a state, without an alternative? Questions for Jorg Baberowski) in Osteuropa, Vol. 62, issue 4, April 2012, p. 112 [10] Dieckmann, Christoph (2012), Die Suche geht weiterStalin, der Stalinismus und das Ratsel der Gewalt, (The search continues: Stalin, Stalinism and the riddle of violence), in Osteuropa, Vol. 62, issue 4, April 2012, p. 131 [11] Alan Posener, Der Raum unter der Schadeldecke, Die Welt, 10 January, 2016 [12] Sandkuhler, Thomas, Der falsche Weg, (The false path), Deutsche Allgemeine Sonntagsblatt [13] German professor says German identity will be totally destroyed by mass immigration, Daily Stormer, 8 December, 2015 [14] Cited according to Kuhnl, Reinhard (Ed) Streit ums Geschichtsbild, Cologne, 1987 (Sturmer P63, Hildebrand P56) [15] Letter from historians to German publisher Surkamp on Robert Services biography of Trotsky, World Socialist Web Site, 23 November, 2011 [16] Munklerwatch at HU Berlin: Herfried Munkler accuses bloggers of anti-Semitic pattern, (Herfried Munkler wirft Bloggern antisemitische Muster vor), Tagespiegel, 20 May, 2015 Seizing on the Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump as US President elect, prominent journalist Paul Mason has utilised his column in the Guardian to argue for a broad political realignment of the Labour Party and Britains pseudo-left groups behind what he refers to as the globalist section of the elite. The linking of these two issues reflects the strategic thinking of a broad layer of the ruling class in Britain and throughout Europe. Think-tanks and commentators across the continent understand that Trumps election, coming after Britains exit from the European Union (EU), marks the definitive end of the post-war order and especially of the monopolar domination of US imperialism proclaimed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991and poses an existential threat for the European bourgeoisie. After noting Trumps statement made only days after the Brexit vote, I think the EU is going to break up... the people are fed up, the European Council on Foreign Relations warned prior to the presidential election, If Trump wins he will launch a revolutionary presidencypulling back from NATO and other security guarantees, undermining key parts of the global free trade regime and building closer relations with strong-man leaders than allies. The think-tank concludes, Trump represents only an extreme version of a growing feeling in the United States that, in a time of relative decline, the country is getting a raw deal from its allies Given the current direction of US politics, Europeans would be wise to take more proactive measures to visibly increase the burdens they bear within the alliance and their capacity for independent and cooperative action under the next US presidentno matter who he or she is. On November 2, the Carnegie Europe think tank asked a number of key policy figures, Is America Still the Guardian of Transatlanticism? Their predominant view was it is not. They then urged the European imperialist powers to pursue a more independent and especially militarily assertive role in the face of Americas own more unilateral assertion of its own interests. Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer of the German Marshall Fund of the United States wrote, European leaders will have to demonstrate that beyond transactional burden sharing, the transatlantic partnership matters when it translates into real co-leadership, based on credible capabilities and unity in action. Heather Conley, senior vice president for Europe, Eurasia and the Arctic, and director of the Europe Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, urged that it is essential that Europe view itself as a co-guardian of transatlanticism and be increasingly prepared to sacrificeeconomically, politically, and militarilyto defend the international liberal order. What is being argued for is a European response to Trumps America First doctrine, which threatens to provoke an accelerated trade war and the possible fracturing of NATO. Such a response will necessitate European protectionism, stepped up austerity against the working class and the possible creation of a European Army. President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, has already insisted, The idea that the Americans will eternally see to... European security is not true... We have to do it ourselves. And this is why we need a new approach to the European community of defence, including a European army. However, this leaves the problem for the ruling elite as to who would support such a perspective for trade and military war if it were laid out honestly? The role played by Mason and others within Britains pseudo-left and liberal commentariat is to dress up this strategic reorientation of imperialist policy in a progressive cloak, in an attempt to build a popular political base of support. This appeal is pitched above all to upper middle class layers who see both Brexit and Trumps election as a threat to the comfortable and economically privileged position they enjoy. In return, they have serviced the economic needs of big business in a managerial role, or in various cultural and academic fields that have benefited from access to the Single Market and EU subventions. However, the appeal is also directed at students and other young people fearful for their own future and that of the UK. Utilising the racism, xenophobia and nationalism espoused by Nigel Farage of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and by Trump in America, they urge the formation of an alliance with supposedly progressive sections of the British bourgeoisie. In the process, one attack upon another is levelled against the supposedly white, male and, more often than not, supposedly working class constituency of an emerging neo-fascist movement. It would be possible to cite extensively from numerous such pieces published in the Guardian, considered the voice of British liberalism. Misogyny won the US electionlets stop indulging angry white men, writes Hadley Freeman, for example. She proclaims that those who voted for Trump and Brexit did so to turn time back for their personal benefit, those who voted for remain or Hillary Clinton did so because they know time only moves forward, and this benefits society. Masons specific political use value is that he is embraced as one of their own by the pseudo-left in a way that Freeman, Polly Toynbee and other Blairite hacks are not. Moreover, he seeks to root his call for a new movement in defence of capitalism by alluding to the history of the British labour movementabove all the mass mobilisation to block a march by the British Union of Fascists (BUF) along Cable Street in London in 1936. Mason published two articles on the same theme in quick succession. The first came after the High Court ruled that Parliament must agree to invoking Article 50 beginning two years of negotiations over Brexit. The government is seeking to overturn this ruling and proceed on the basis of Royal Prerogative. In response, on November 7 in a Guardian piece entitled Bond traders, Trots and Mumsnetters [UK parenting web site] must unite against Farages mob, Mason urged a counter-protest against the UKIP leaders pledge to mobilise what Mason describes as 100,000 racists and xenophobes to march on the supreme court. He declares that political conflict is no longer about leave versus remain, still less Corbynistas versus the rest. We should include everybody who wants this country to be run by parliament, with the judiciary guaranteeing the rule of law, to remain engaged with the multilateral, global institutions and be tolerant to migrants and foreign visitors. Mason calls for a rhetorical break (!) with neoliberalism, austerity, inequality, privatisation, financial corruption and asset bubblesonly then to insist, It is entirely possible to construct a humane pro-business version of capitalism without these things. Based on such a commitment to humane capitalism, he appeals for an alliance of the left and the radical centre on the streets. That means bond traders from Canary Wharf, arm in arm with placard-carrying Trots. Masked-up Kurdish radicals alongside Mumsnet posters. Two days later, on November 9, following Trumps victory, Mason was beside himself. Globalisation is dead, and white supremacy has triumphed, he proclaimed. He describes the result as a victory brought about by racism and misogynyan attempt by men to preserve 40,000 years of biologically rigged social control in an act of gender betrayal. On top of such supposedly near-universal misogyny was, he adds, a desire by Trump voters to reimpose segregation on black America through the now-unleashed fury of white supremacism. Mason, in an American context, adapts his earlier appeal to one based upon re-forming the political coalition that won both the New Deal and the second world war, by which he means, The left, the unions, the ethnic minorities; the liberal middle class; and that section of Wall Street and the US boardroom that is unprepared to lie supine as wannabe-Trumps put their locker room talk into practice. The praise heaped on bond traders from Canary Wharf, Wall Street and the description of the US Boardroom as a haven of progressive political thought is extraordinarily blunt--and cannot be concealed by any number of historical references. However, it would be wrong to dismiss as political window dressing Masons reference to Cable Street. His purpose in making a comparison between Leave supporters and Oswald Mosleys British Union of Fascists is the same as his depiction of millions of Trump voters as white supremaciststo stampede his readers into the camp of the progressive bourgeoisie. Masons political prescriptions heighten rather than lessen the dangers posed by the growth of right-wing movements such as UKIP. For him to attack those Farage seeks to mobilise as equivalent to the Blackshirts, especially while urging an alliance with the political and business establishment, only lends credence to Farages demagogic portrayal of himself as an anti-establishment voice of the peopleand will help solidify dangerous divisions in the working class. Though UKIP makes an appeal to a far right and racist layer, it is not a fascist party and has a voter base made up of disparate social forces, including layers of workers angry at a political establishment that is entirely beholden to big business and indifferent to the hardships they suffer. This does not mean there is no real content to Masons reference to the Cable Street events of October 4, 1936. That day Mosley planned a BUF march through Londons East End, home to the largest proportion of Britains Jews. The fascists were forced to retreat by the determined resistance of anywhere between 100,000 and 300,000 overwhelmingly working class protesters. But this is not what attracts Mason. He closes his column with the cynical statement, Eighty years on from Cable Street, we dont have many dockers and miners around, to help face down right-wing intimidation. Rather, his is a political endorsement of the popular front perspective of the Communist Party of Great Britain with which Cable Street is most often, and somewhat falsely, associated. The CPGB opposed the demonstration against the BUF until the last moment. It had initially urged attendance at a Young Communist League rally, in solidarity with the Spanish Republic in Trafalgar Square, on the same afternoon as the fascist march. The counter-demonstration was also opposed by the Labour Party, with George Lansbury, MP for Londons East End Poplar constituency and former party leader, speaking for the majority of the party when he declared, What I want is to maintain peace and order and I advise those people who are opposed to Fascism to keep away from the demonstration. The CPGB subsequently hailed Cable Street as the Popular Front in practiceproof that the police, the state and progressive forces within the ruling class were the natural allies of the working class in the struggle against fascism, citing as evidence the passage of the 1936 Public Order Act outlawing demonstrations in uniform. In reality Cable Street was a battle between the police and anti-fascists, rather than with the fascists themselves. Police outnumbered the 3,000 fascists they were protecting by two to one and it was they whom the workers defeated that day. And once passed, the Public Order Act was employed far more often against the left than the right. The Stalinist Popular Front perspective of class collaboration in defence of democracy was disastrous wherever it was employed. It led to the disarming of the revolutionary working class in Spain, the terrible defeat of the Spanish Revolution and the victory of General Francos Falange in 1938--paving the way for the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. After first endorsing the Hitler/Stalin pact, following the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union by Germany the CPGB dutifully came out in support of the waropposed all strike action and even defended Conservative Party candidates when they were challenged by the centrist Independent Labour Party, declaring, A vote for [ILP leader Fenner] Brockway is a vote for Hitler. Mason, who spent his formative political years in Workers Power, a group fond of citing Trotsky to legitimise its anti-Trotskyist politics, knows all this very well and is in full agreement with the political trajectory implied by his analogy. The full implications of his politics are made clear in an October 7 edition of the pro-Labour New Statesman, in an article entitled, How the left should respond to Brexit. Its strapline declares, Its up to the labour movement to rescue the elite from the self-inflicted wound of Brexit. Masons appeal is directed at the Labour Party and its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, whom he declares to be a man who, for the first time in the partys history, cannot be relied on to do the elites bidding to adopt a strategy to salvage 30 years of engagement with the biggest market in the world, Europe. He is explicit in his ambition for Labour to replace the Conservatives as the main party of big business. And his enthusiasm for the prospect knows no bounds. For the first time in a generation there is a tangible split between the Tory leadership and the business elite, he writes, describing the most important thing to emerge since the Tory conference as a deep revulsion, among wide sections of normally Conservative voters, at the xenophobia, nationalism and economic recklessness on display. Brexit, on its own, need not have caused a great shift in British politics. It is the new, visceral split between Tory xenophobia and the implicitly liberal and globalist culture in most boardrooms that makes this a turning point, he declares. The crisis consists of the perils of hard Brexit combined with a tangible split between the old party of capital and capital itself. The elitethe bankers, senior managers, the super-rich and the upper middle classdo not want Brexit. Nor does a significant proportion of Middle Britains managerial and investing classes. Therefore, The first aim should be: not just oppose hard Brexit, but prevent it... Labour needs to leadintellectually, morally and practicallythe fight for a coherent, pro-globalist form of Brexit. To finally bury any claim that his agenda has any progressive content, Mason takes pains to insist that this pro-globalist Brexit refers only to an orientation to international capitalist concerns and not workers. Making clear that his bombastic moralising over UKIP is without any genuine content, he stresses that any deal supported or struck by Labour with the EU must include a significant, temporary retreat from freedom of movement. That meansand my colleagues on the left need to accept thisthat the British people, in effect, will have changed Labours position on immigration from below, by plebiscite. Mason ends with an appeal to confront the ultimate demon: Labour must show willing to make an alliance with the globalist section of the elite... We, the labour movement, will dig the British ruling class out of a self-made hole, just as we did in May 1940. This final reference is the key to Masons anti-working class, pro-imperialist political agenda. It is to the formation of the wartime alliance, so beloved of the CPGB, between Labour and the Conservative government of Winston Churchill in which Labour and its Minister for Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton was charged with policing the working class, preventing strikes and ensuring that nothing interfered with the war effort. Earlier this month, Mason appeared on the same platform as Corbyn at the annual conference of the trade union-funded think tank CLASS (The Centre for Labour and Social Studies) where he reiterated his appeal for Labour to preserve globalisation, the multilateral system, the IMF, WTO, Paris Climate Change Treaty, exchangeable currencies. He declared, Thats what Labour Party is. It is the desire for a capitalism that is more humane... And thats all it is. The working class, whether in Britain, the US or globally, must reject all calls for progressive alliances with any section of big business by political bankrupts such as Mason. Responsibility for the emergence of Trump and Farage rests with Masons globalist heroes on Wall Street and in The City, which demanded, and got, the imposition by the Democrats in America and Labour in the UK of savage austerity and escalating militarism. Political independence from these parties is the prerequisite for the socialist unification of workers and youth in a struggle against capitalism, which is the only basis for combating the growth of right-wing reaction. The October 14 death of Helen Kelly, who led the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (CTU) from 2007 to 2015, has been followed by glowing tributes from the entire political establishment, the corporate media, and business organisations such as the Employers and Manufacturers Association. Prime Minister John Key told TV3 on October 31 that Kelly would have been one of the most worthy candidates for the New Zealander of the Year award, had she survived. Several members of the opposition Labour Party noted that she was seen as a future party leader. Kellys death at the age of 52 was a personal tragedy, but this fact must not be allowed to obscure an objective appraisal of her record. For more than a year, her protracted struggle with lung cancer was exploited in the media, with countless interviews and articles portraying Kelly as a champion for workers rights and as a national icon. In fact, Kelly is being glorified because she was a highly-valued servant of the ruling elite. She led the CTU as it collaborated with major attacks on the jobs and living standards of the working class. In the light of the numerous accolades, the reaction of the pseudo-left International Socialist Organisation (ISO) to Kellys death was highly revealing. It published a three-paragraph statement on October 16 describing Kelly as a brave leader who rejected the dominant narrative of bosses as societys benefactors, and workers as beneficiaries, properly grateful for the bosss largesse, insisting that workers contribution be acknowledged and rewarded and that their interests both in and out of the workplace be promoted. The statement completely falsified the role played by Kelly, whose career illustrates how unions have worked hand-in-hand with employers and the government to defend capitalism and suppress and betray the working class. Kelly first became a union official in 1993 in the Early Childhood Union, which later merged with the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), the primary schoolteachers union. She then served as national secretary of the Association of University Staff (AUS) for five years before becoming CTU president in 2007. The NZEI and the AUS played critical roles in subordinating teachers and university staff to the pro-business agenda of the 1999-2008 Labour Party government of Prime Minister Helen Clark. Its education minister Trevor Mallard oversaw the closure of approximately 200 schools, mainly in rural areas. The NZEI never organised any political and industrial campaign against the closures. As AUS leader, Kelly developed a close working relationship with Mallard and other government ministers. Under Labour, universities were systematically starved of funds and became increasingly reliant on private sponsorship and constant increases in student fees. In real terms, government funding per student fell from $10,932 in 1991 to $9,098 in 2006, according to the Vice-Chancellors Committee. Total student debt ballooned under Labour from $3 billion in 2000 to $10 billion in 2008. The role of the AUS was to contain the growing anger among academics and other staff, and enforce the Labour governments pro-market restructuring. When 79 percent of union members voted for a nationwide strike in April 2004 for better wages and more government funding, the AUS cancelled the industrial action and negotiated minimal pay rises, of about 4 percent, that were acceptable to the universities and the government. By 2006-2007, NZ academics salaries were still 44 percent lower than those in Australia and 14 percent below their British counterparts. The AUS took no action from 2006 to 2008 as job and course cutting began in response to the funding crisis at a number of universities. After becoming CTU president, Kelly supported the Labour government against workers who opposed its austerity measures in response to the 2008 global financial crisis and recession. In April 2008 she denounced a 48-hour strike by junior doctors for giving unions a bad name. In July, the CTU refused to support a mass protest by 4,400 truck drivers against Labours increase to road user charges. After the National Party won the 2008 election, Kelly and the CTU collaborated with the new governments anti-working class agenda. Kelly had strongly supported Labours draconian Employment Relations Act 2000, which had been drawn up with input from the CTU. The National government retained the legislation, which enshrined the union bureaucracy as enforcers of productivity and outlawed strikes except during contract negotiations overseen by the unions. The CTU accepted job and wage cuts as a necessary sacrifice to keep businesses profitable. In February 2009 a dozen union leaders joined a Jobs Summit with the new National government and corporate representatives to discuss how to impose the burden of the economic crisis on the working class. Kelly declared that workers and businesses had a mutual interest in each others survival and assured the ruling elite that the unions were willing to make some hard decisions and dedicating significant resources to working with employers, the Government and members to generate solutions. In their tributes to Kelly in parliament on October 18, Prime Minister Key and Labour leader Andrew Little both praised her role in negotiating a nine-day working fortnight scheme to cut costs for several businesses. This was falsely promoted as a means to prevent redundancies. Little also took part in the Jobs Summit as then-leader of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU). As tens of thousands of jobs were destroyed by the government and private sector, the unions suppressed industrial action by the working class. Work stoppages fell to record lows of 18 in 2010, 12 in 2011, and just 6 in 2013, compared with more than 200 in 1986. The government also privatised power companies and introduced laws making it easier to sack workers during a 90-day trial period. By the end of 2012, unemployment had nearly doubled since 2007 to 170,000 people or 7.3 percent. Most workers see no reason to join the unions, which have ceased to function as workers organisations in any meaningful sense of the term. In New Zealand, as in every country, the trade unions responded to the globalisation of production by ditching any reformist pretences. They have evolved into the open instruments of big business. Under Kellys leadership, union membership declined from 376,769 in 2007 to 357,120 in March 2015, just 17.7 percent of the workforce. Membership has almost halved since 1985 as a result of the CTUs acceptance of job cuts, pro-market restructuring and austerity under successive Labour and National governments. The ISOs statement made no reference to Kellys record of collaboration with the business elite. Instead, it hailed her involvement in prosecuting forestry businesses for workplace deaths and the ongoing case against Pike River Coal CEO Peter Whittall for his role in the 2010 mine disaster that killed 29 men. According to the ISO, Kelly fought employers who put profits above the lives of workers and shined a light onto failed business practices which made these deaths inevitable and demanded and worked for change. This falsifies the role of the unions in both cases. In response to 10 deaths in the forestry industry in 2013, union officials appealed to the government for better regulation and joined a business-led Forest Industry Safety Council, whose main activity is distributing safety advice to businesses. The CTUs strategy was hailed as a success when in 2015 there was just one death in the industry. As the WSWS explained, however, the decline in deaths coincided with a downturn in logging and the closure of dozens of small contractors. This year, following an upswing in the sector, there have been five more deaths. The tragedy at Pike River mine occurred because the EPMU took no action to stop work at the site, despite numerous warnings about flagrant safety violations. Even after several workers walked out of the mine to protest the lack of safety equipment just months before the explosion, the union refused to call any strikes or even criticise the company. Following the disaster, then-EPMU leader Little immediately defended Pike River Coal, praising its health and safety practices and telling the New Zealand Herald there was nothing unusual about Pike River or this mine that weve been particularly concerned about. One further falsehood should be noted. The ISO claims that Kelly fought for new migrant workers. In reality, the unions, along with the Labour Party and its allies, have sought to divide the working class and divert attention from their own role in job cutting by scapegoating immigrants and promoting nationalism. While mouthing concern for exploited migrants, Kelly repeatedly demanded cuts to foreign worker visas and attacked what she falsely labelled an open door migration policy. The ISO whitewashes the CTUs betrayals because it represents the same comfortable middle class layer as the union bureaucracy, which benefits at the expense of the working class. The pseudo-left organisation is hostile to the independent political mobilisation of the working class based on a socialist program. As workers and youth move to the left in response to surging social inequality and the build-up to war, the ISO seeks to chain them to pro-capitalist organisations including the unions, the Labour Party and the Maori nationalist Mana Party. The glorification of Helen Kelly by the pseudo-lefts is aimed at preventing workers from drawing decisive lessons from decades of bitter experience with the unions. To fight against austerity and militarism, workers must carry out a rebellion against these organisations by establishing new rank-and-file committees that workers themselves control. These must forge links with workers in Australia, Asia and throughout the world, who are facing similar attacks, on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program. The author also recommends: New Zealand Order of Merit for trade union head [12 January 1999] Push for harsher anti-immigrant measures in New Zealand [31 October 2016] New Zealands first Labour Party leader was no socialist: A reply to the pseudo-left ISO [4 February 2016] Anti-Trump protests in the United States continued into their seventh day on Tuesday, including further walkouts at high schools and protests at campuses in cities throughout the US. The protests are motivated by a broad hostility to the racism and bigotry of Trump, concern over the right-wing policies he is pledged to implement and opposition to plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. They follow the announcement over the weekend that Trump was appointing as his chief strategist Stephen Bannon, the head of Breitbart News who has direct ties to fascistic and white nationalist organizations. The sentiment of the protesters stands in sharp contrast to the response of leading Democrats to the election of Trump. In a press conference on Monday, President Barack Obama praised his cordial discussion with Trump and called on Americans to reconcile themselves with a Trump presidency. (See, Obama defends Trump at White House press conference) In Washington D.C., more than 2,000 high school and middle school students left class Tuesday afternoon and marched from one of Trumps hotels to the US Capitol and the Supreme Court. The protest was initiated by students at the Woodrow Wilson Senior High School, the largest comprehensive public high school in the nations capital. Students from others schools joined in. The principal of Wilson High, Kimberly Martin, released a statement saying that school or district administrators were not involved in or consulted with during the planning of this event and students are expected to be in school throughout the day In nearby Beltsville, Maryland, students walked out of High Point High School and blocked area roads for about half an hour. In New York City, several hundred high school and college students marched down Fifth Avenue in the afternoon. Among the slogans chanted were, Education not deportation and We reject the president-elect. Across the country in Northern California, about 200 high school students walked out of class at 1:50 pm and staged a demonstration in Palo Alto. Several hundred college students at Stanford University, located in Palo Alto, also walked out of class at noon to participate in a demonstration against Trump. Protests were also organized at various college campuses throughout the country as part of a say no to Trump national day of action. A similar nationally coordinated series of protests is scheduled for today. In Chicago, Illinois, several hundred students walked out of classes at both the University of Illinois at Chicago, a public university, and the University of Chicago, a private university. The protests on Tuesday followed a series of high school walkouts on Monday, including 800 students at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland; 5,000 students at several high schools in the region in and around Seattle, Washington; more than 1,000 students in Los Angeles, California; and hundreds of students in Denver, Colorado. In two open letters last Friday, one addressed to its staff and another directed to its readers, the New York Times apologized for its coverage of the US presidential election and promised to approach the Donald Trump administration with impartiality and fairness. The letters represent a white flag of surrender to Trump and the extreme right unfurled by an important element of the American liberal establishment. In his letter to colleagues, Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. referred to one of the most momentous weeks in our nations recent history and urged his staff to recall the instructions of Adolph Ochs (1858-1935), onetime owner and publisher of the Times, to cover the news without fear or favor. It is, one might say, a little late in the day for that. The Times has been one of the principal voices of the American ruling elite for more than a century and a half, encouraging or approving countless crimes and injustices. In recent years, it has consistently served as a propaganda arm of the CIA and Pentagon, promoting US wars of aggression from Serbia to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria and leading the media campaign of war-mongering against Russia. Sulzberger went on to claim that fearless, hard-fought journalism will always stand as the backbone of the Times, no matter the president. Getting to the crux of the matter, the newspapers publisher declared that we also approach the incoming Trump administration without bias. He continued: We will cover his policies and his agenda fairly. We will bring expert analysis and thoughtful commentary to the changes we see in government, and to their ramifications on the ground. If the character of the incoming Trump administration remains an open question, then, first of all, how does Sulzberger explain the panic-stricken, self-deluded and blatantly pro-Clinton character of the Times coverage prior to November 8? The newspaper was at the head of the pack proclaiming that Trumps bigotry and sexism made him unfit to occupy the White House, and, even worse, he was a political stooge of Russian President Putin. The newspaper insisted, moreover, that Hillary Clinton had a virtually unassailable lead. If there was nothing to fear from Trump, why was the Times so fearful? Every step Trump has taken since Election Daythe threat to deport millions of criminal immigrants, the attack on abortion rights, the appointment of fascist-racist Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist, the bruiting about of Rudolph Giuliani and John Bolton as cabinet membersunderscores the far-right character of the new administration. No one with any courage or principle would or could respond to this foul, illegitimate president-elect, the loser in the popular vote, who won the ballots of barely a quarter of eligible voters, without bias. Sulzberger promised that the Times will look within and beyond Washington to explore the roots of the anger that has roiled red and blue America. He added, If many Americans no longer seem to understand each other, lets make it our job to interpret and explain. Our predecessors founded our singular newspaper for just this momentto serve as a watchdog to the powerful; and to hold mighty institutions accountable, without fear or favor. This is doubletalk, intended to conceal the Timess prostration, and that of the entire liberal and left-liberal media. The newspapers editors were not aware of the anger that has roiled red and blue America for definite political and class reasons, not because they experienced a temporary and mysterious failure of their sensory powers. Wealthy, self-absorbed and pleased with the world, Sulzberger and his colleagues were distant from the widespread hostility toward Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and the Democrats, prompted by the assault on jobs, wages, pensions and health care, yawning social inequality and endless war. They self-servingly wished away the widespread mood of anger and protest. Nor are they any more capable of taking an accurate measurement of popular feeling in the aftermath of the elections. The notion that the New York Times might hold mighty institutions accountable, without fear or favor can only evoke bitter laughter. In November 2010, summing up the Times attitude to the powerful and the mighty, then-Executive Editor Bill Keller, in response to WikiLeaks exposures of US government criminality, defended the war on terror and infamously acknowledged, We agree wholeheartedly that transparency is not an absolute good. Freedom of the press includes freedom not to publish, and that is a freedom we exercise with some regularity. Later on Friday, Sulzberger and executive editor Dean Baquet addressed an open letter to Times readers. Its message seems to suggest disorientation and bewilderment as much as anything else. After such an erratic and unpredictable election, they wrote, there are inevitable questions: Did Donald Trumps sheer unconventionality lead us and other news outlets to underestimate his support among American voters? What forces and strains in America drove this divisive election and outcome? Most important, how will a president who remains a largely enigmatic figure actually govern when he takes office? No, it was not Trumps sheer unconventionality that led the Times to get things wrong. How would that superficial concept explain anything? Again, the Times and other media outlets underestimated opposition to the status quo because they themselves were terribly pleased with the status quo and they chose to assume that wide layers of the American population were too. Whether or not they were genuinely convinced of that, or were merely feverishly trying to convince themselves and others, is a secondary point. The unwarranted assertion that Trump is an enigmatic figure whose actions presumably need to be deciphered and presented impartially and unflinchingly, as Sulzberger and Baquet go on to say, seems to be an offer on the part of the newspaper to act as the new presidents interpreter and liaison with the public. They then pledge to report America and the world honestly, without fear or favor, striving always to understand and reflect all political perspectives and life experiences in the stories that we bring to you. Words mean something. All political perspectives and experiences, including those of white supremacists, fascists, warmongers? To what and to whom is the Times, in fact, proposing to open its pages and columns? Trump responded to the Times statement of repentance with more bluster and bullying. The right-wing media gloated about the newspaper eating crow. On November 14, the Times apparently began implementing its new policy of fairness and impartiality toward Trump with an article by Julie Hirschfeld Davis headlined Donald Trump Appears to Soften Stance on Immigration, but Not on Abortion. The article, covering Trumps appearance on CBSs 60 Minutes, was semi-friendly, semi-conciliatory, giving the benefit of the doubt to the president-elect wherever it could. Trump had softened some of his hardest-line campaign positions, it stated. In the 60 Minutes segment, he appeared to inch toward the political center. Furthermore, Trump now promised to be very restrained in his Twitter posts, and he had worked since his election to project an air of seriousness and self-discipline, first in a victory speech early Wednesday and then in an Oval Office meeting the next day with Mr. Obama, whom he called a good man for whom he had great respect. Peculiarly, in the middle of her article, Davis suddenly veered off into a defense of the Times against various criticisms of the newspaper Trump had posted on Twitter. She countered his claims that the Times had issued an apology to readers (which it had), had been losing of thousands subscribers over its campaign coverage and had falsely reported that he believed additional nations should acquire nuclear arms. This bizarre detour, taking up several paragraphs, suggests extreme nervousness and defensiveness, and perhaps fears that a Trump-Bannon administration will retaliate against the Times. Davis piece concluded by asserting that the television interview showed a side of the president-elect that he did not display during the campaigna man awed and somewhat intimidated by the significance of the office to which he had just laid claim. Ive done a lot of big things; Ive never done anything like this, Mr. Trump said. It isit is so big, it is soits so enormous, its so amazing. Mr. Trump said he had been inaccurately portrayed as a little bit of a wild man during the campaign, and he promised that he would be able to tamp down some of his more heated speech as president. This is how the New York Times proposes to respond to the coming to power of the most right-wing government in American history, with cowardice, appeasement and conciliation. Sulzberger, Baquet and company are a thousand times more frightened of the American working class knowing the truth and mobilizing itself than they are of any of Trumps virulently right-wing policies and fascist cronies. The question of questions for the working class in the coming period is breaking with every illusion in miserable, decomposing liberalism and organizing on an independent, socialist basis. Multiple media reports that former New York City Republican Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is president-elect Donald Trumps top choice for secretary of state have provided further indication of the extreme right-wing and militarily bellicose character of the incoming US administration. A senior Trump campaign official told the Associated Press Tuesday that Giuliani was the favorite for the post, while indicating that the equally right-wing and militaristic former US ambassador to the United Nations under the administration of George W. Bush, John Bolton, was also in the running. The fact that these twoboth adamant supporters of every US war over the past quarter centuryare the front-runners for the top foreign policy position in the incoming Republican administration gives the lie to Trumps pretensions on the campaign trail that he was somehow opposed to recent US military interventions and nation building. Trumps phony claims that he had been against the Iraq war were meant to appeal to popular hostility to the endless US military interventions with which his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton was so clearly identified. At the same time, however, he repeatedly advocated a major increase in US military spending and a modernization of Washingtons nuclear arsenal. His America First rhetoric and promotion of economic nationalism go hand-in-hand with a further escalation of a US campaign of global military aggression that has brought the planet ever closer to a third world war. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the former New York mayor is openly pushing for his own appointment. Giuliani, the newspaper said, suggested several times that he would be interested in the [secretary of state] post during remarks delivered Monday to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council in Washington, a gathering billed as an unparalleled opportunity for business leaders to learn the myriad implications of the biggest change in Washington in many years. In his remarks, Giuliani insisted that the so-called war on ISIS would be the administrations first priority, making clear that the global war on terror that has been used to justify wars throughout the Middle East and Central Asia will continue. The former New York mayor, who has never tired of waving the bloody shirt of 9/11 to promote his own political and personal fortune and to obscure the rampant corruption that characterized his administration, is heavily invested in this policy, though he has played no role in its implementation. Asked about Trumps demands for ripping up the nuclear deal with Iran, Giuliani replied, You have to set priorities. So if the priority is, lets eliminate ISIS, maybe you put that off a little bit. And you get rid of ISIS and then get back to that. In other words, a new US war with Iran remains on the agenda of the incoming administration. During his run for the presidency in 2008, Giuliani said that the use of tactical nuclear weapons against Irans nuclear program could not be taken off the table. And, while Trump has spoken in vague terms of a rapprochement with Russiaand was repeatedly denounced from the right by the Democrats as a puppet of Vladimir PutinGiuliani sounded a more threatening tone toward Moscow, suggesting military confrontation as a means of shifting relations with Moscow. Russia thinks its a military competitor, it really isnt, Giuliani said. Its our unwillingness under Obama to even threaten the use of our military that makes Russia so powerful. While Giuliani has no foreign policy experience whatsoever, he is a prominent Trump loyalist and a longtime proponent of police state methods of rule. During his tenure as mayor, he was identified with a repressive stop and frisk programlater ruled unconstitutionalthat turned virtually every minority and working class youth in the city into a suspect and resulted in a series of egregious police murders of innocent victims like Amadou Diallo and Patrick Dorismond that he vehemently defended. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, he proposed that mayoral elections in New York be called off and that he be granted a new unelected term as the only man capable of confronting terrorism. More recently, he has suggested that the anti-Trump demonstrations that have swept the country should be met with police repression. His apparent principal rival for the secretary of state post, John Bolton, is every bit as reactionary and a pathological supporter of unilateral US military aggression. Barely a year and a half ago, Bolton penned an opinion piece for the New York Times titled To Stop Irans Bomb, Bomb Iran. His prescription was for intensive bombing followed by regime change. Bolton rose to prominence in Republican circles after serving as a lawyer in the George W. Bush campaigns successful operation to steal the 2000 election by halting the vote count in Florida. He was an advocate of a US war for regime change in Iraq at least since 1998. In 2002, he was the State Departments undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security, playing a key role in preparing the war of aggression against Iraq the following year by promoting the lies that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction and preparing to hand them over to Al Qaeda. Bolton, described by one of his former colleagues at the State Department as the quintessential kiss up, kick down kind of guy, was named ambassador to the United Nations in an August 2005 recess appointment by the Bush administration that was meant to serve as a deliberate provocation toward the UN, for which Bolton had repeatedly and publicly declared his contempt. Both Giuliani and Boltonlike president-elect Trumphave defended the use of torture by the Pentagon and the CIA at Guantanamo, Bagram Air Base and black sites around the world. The discussion of a possible appointment of either Giuliani or Bolton as the face of US foreign policy is every bit as revealing as the naming Sunday of the outright fascist Steve Bannon as Trumps chief White House strategist. While not indulging in the open politics of white supremacy and anti-Semitism that has characterized Bannons stewardship of Breitbart News, these are unquestionably among the most reactionary and discredited figures in American politics. When an appointment would be announced was far from clear late Tuesday, with reports of the Trump transition team in a state of utter disarray and beset by bitter internecine conflicts. Former Michigan Republican congressman Mike Rogers, who was brought in to advise Trump on national security and was thought to be a possible nominee for CIA director, has been pushed out of the transition process, following the earlier purge of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was hastily replaced by vice president-elect Mike Pence as head of the overall transition operation. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the expulsion of Christie and his allies was carried out in apparent retaliation for Christies role as a US prosecutor in sending [Trumps son-in-law Jared] Kushners father to prison when he was a federal prosecutor. Christies ouster effectively placed the transition on hold as far as the Obama administration is concerned as the New Jersey governor was the signatory of a document establishing the framework for the process. The chaos and divisions within the Trump camp were also spelled out in an about-face by a former Republican national security official, Eliot Cohen, who had previously led similar figures in denouncing Trump as unfit for the presidency. In an open letter published last week in the American Interest, he argued that a Trump presidency may be better than we think, and that checks and balances and bureaucratic inertia would restrain the incoming administration. In a tweet early Tuesday, Cohen wrote: After exchange w Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. Theyre angry, arrogant, screaming you LOST! Will be ugly. This disarray within the Trump camp stands in stark contrast to the obsequious bowing of President Obama and leading Democrats, including purported progressives Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, to the billionaire president-elect. Under conditions of continuing nationwide protests, they have effectively renounced any opposition to what is shaping up to be the most right-wing administration in US history, brought to power against the expressed will of the majority of the electorate. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - After a re-accreditation assessment, the Florida Highway Patrol has announced that it received top marks and achieved the gold standard accreditation. The prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) reviewed and evaluated FHP's records to see if they were in compliance with all mandatory national law enforcement standards. This is the first time FHP pursued and achieved the gold standard accreditation, which officials said, distinguishes FHP as a leading law enforcement agency in the nation. The FHP works tirelessly each and every day to ensure the safety of Floridians and visitors, and I am very proud of FHPs continued professionalism, said Terry L. Rhodes, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). FHP members have a very demanding job, and the gold standard accreditation recognizes the high standard in which they perform their duties. With this seventh award, FHP has maintained its accredited status with CALEA continuously since 1996. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - More than 60 newly elected lawmakers were in the Capitol on Tuesday, comparing their recent political campaigns and learning basics of the state House and Senate. And like the first day of school, members of the freshman class expressed a fresh and shiny outlook toward the 2017 session. "Everyone is really excited," said Plantation Democrat Lauren Book, who was elected without opposition in Broward County's Senate District 32. "Everyone has their binders out and ready to take notes and filling out their forms. We're not there yet, but I have no doubt that we'll be able to work together to move everybody forward." Hudson Republican Amber Mariano, who unseated Democratic incumbent Amanda Murphy in Pasco County's House District 36, said the experience filling out employment and benefits paperwork and learning the rules of the $29,000-a-year job "is a little bit better" than the start of college. "I was a (legislative) page back in middle school, and ever since then I've known that I wanted to serve in the Florida House," said Mariano, who is also a senior at the University of Central Florida. "It's surreal that it's happened so quickly in my life." Mariano, who recently turned 21, is a political-science major 12 credit hours from graduating. During the 2016 legislative session, she served as an intern through the UCF Legislative Scholars program for Rep. Rene Plasencia, an Orlando Republican who she said has given her advice on the new job. Technically, the new members took office upon their election. But the House and Senate will hold an organization session next Tuesday that will include formal swearing-in ceremonies. The 120-member House will have 46 new members this year, comprised of at least 21 Democrats and 24 Republicans. A recount is being held in Miami-Dade County's House District 118, where Democrat Robert Asencio holds a slim lead over Republican David Rivera. Half of the 40-member Senate turned over this year, due to term limits, redrawn district lines and pursuit of other offices. Among those senators who left: Orlando Democrat Darren Soto was elected to Congress; Umatilla Republican Alan Hays was elected Lake County supervisor of elections; and Boynton Beach Democrat Joseph Abruzzo and Rockledge Republican Thad Altman were elected to House seats. Speaking to the new senators, incoming Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, relayed advice that he said was given to him by former Florida House Speaker Allan Bense. That advice was, "the most important character trait is keeping your word." "Time will come where somebody asks for your vote on an amendment my view is if something changes, you can always go to the person and say, 'I had a chance to read the amendment and I have an issue,' " Negron said. "But this process relies on goodwill, on integrity, on keeping your word. That doesn't mean there can't be a robust difference of opinion on issues, in fact there should be and we welcome that." Negron said he intends to meet with all of the new members before next Tuesday's organization session, with committee assignments coming a week later. While the Senate held its orientation Tuesday, the new House members are in Tallahassee for two days. They are learning about issues such as the committee process, the bill-filing process, Florida's open-records law, proposed House rules and how to set up district offices. Incoming House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O' Lakes, told reporters after addressing the freshman class that he decided to expand the orientation for his members to two days so "there is a clear understanding of where we are as a Legislature, what our principles are, and what is expected of them as a sitting legislator." Corcoran said that with the added knowledge provided to lawmakers, "the less power for the special interests, the less distracting the outside noise or circus is." The learning curve is a little lower in the Senate. "Not only do we know what we're doing, but we also know one another," said Orlando Democrat Linda Stewart who was elected last week in Orange County's Senate District 13 and who served in the House from 2012 to 2014. "We've served on committees before together, we've socialized with them over on the House side." The Senate's incoming freshman class, featuring 11 Democrats and nine Republicans, is predominately made up of former state representatives. Only three of the freshman class are first-time state lawmakers: Democrats Book and Gary Farmer of Fort Lauderdale and Republican George Gainer of Panama City. Farmer, a prominent trial attorney, has been president of the Florida Justice Association, a group that lobbies heavily in Tallahassee. Gainer, who owns eight auto dealerships across the Panhandle, was a longtime Bay County commissioner. Book's father is powerful lobbyist Ron Book. Also for the past seven years, she has conducted the "Walk in My Shoes" trek that ends at the Old Capitol to raise awareness about sexual abuse. Book's non-profit group, Lauren's Kids, an offshoot of her own experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a nanny, has received praise from members of both sides of the political aisle. "I'm not new to Tallahassee, but I'm new to this process in this way," Book said as orientation kicked off. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- An assembly of local meteorologists and government officials gathered Tuesday night to examine how various agencies and organizations operated before, during, and following the landfall of Hurricane Hermine in the Big Bend last September. WTXL ABC 27 chief meteorologist Casanova Nurse was part of a three-person panel discussing operational effects of Hermine, along with National Weather Service Tallahassee Office warning coordination meteorologist Mark Wool and state meteorologist Amy Godsey with the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Aspects of storm preparedness, message distribution and delivery, inter-agency communication and planning, public safety, and response to the hurricane's aftermath were among the topics the panel talked about interactively with the audience. The joint North Florida Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association hosted the discussion, with approximately 30 people in attendance in the meteorology building at Florida State University. This color-coded map shows results in the presidential race for Yakima County election precincts. In precincts shaded red, a majority of voters supported Donald Trump, in precincts shaded blue, a majority of voters supported Hillary Clinton -- the darker the shade the larger the majority. Hover over a precinct to see the total vote count and percentage. Votes are aggregated at the precinct level, and are the latest results available from the Yakima County elections office. Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form When did the world change so much? Where were we when the United States of America became this country, whose new president is a rude thug, a sexual harasser who deceived the tax authorities. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter This election could be dismissed by simply saying that the American people had no alternative. That former secretary of state Hillary Clinton was a weak, hated candidate, who represented bureaucracy and the moldy establishment and didnt really have anything to offer. But all that is not enough. To vote for a candidate like Donald Trump, one has to shut ones eyes and completely ignore things that wisdom will not let one ignore. Its impossible to be a woman, a mother, a black person, a Hispanic, a Muslim or just a decent person, and vote Trump. At least thats what we thought until last week. But hey, its apparently possible. Or as one of his campaign surrogates said inarticulately: Trump is a Mazel Tov cocktail hurled at the heart of the establishment. Netanyahu knows that he doesnt know a thing about the new presidents stand regarding Israel (Photo: Kobi Gideon, GPO) Women, black people, Hispanics and Muslims voted Trump. The racism, the chauvinism, the testimonies about sexual harassment from the victims and from his own blatant recordings , his bragging about how he made his fortuneall that was not enough for voters to shake off the most controversial presidential candidate in Americas history. Step by step, Trump climbed the highest ladder possible, reaching the top of the American dream, the most important position in the world. If I could, I would ask the American citizen not who should be the one to answer the phone at 3am. I would ask a different question: Would you leave your 13-year-old daughter alone in a room with the new president? When did the world change so much? And how is it that the vulgar, extrovert man, the reality star who boasts about his gold-coated homes, became the man who will receive the keys to the White House from the most elegant, cool and cultured person who redefined the image of the American president for us? The school of Berlusconi has taken over Washington. We Israelis, it seems, should not be surprised. We also went to the polls a year and a half ago, and chose to vote for the fourth time for a person who made a racist comment against Israels Arab citizens on the very same day. A man whose opinions regarding the media and the Arab minority we are well aware of, and whose motto is divide and rule. Creating conflicts between his ministers, between his party members and between parts of the public. Here too, the Israeli publics hand did not tremble when it favored Benjamin Netanyahu over Isaac Herzog, who was perceived as weak, moderate, conservative and unexciting. The US elections simply prove what we should have already known, that there is no room for gray candidates in the world. The more blatant, rude, arrogant and uninhibited by political correctness a candidate is, the higher are his chances of reaching the top. People like Herzog, Tzipi Livni, Amir Peretz and Shelly Yachimovich, who are seeking to run for leadership next time, are out. There is no room today for people with political correctness. There is no room today for elegance. Lies, insults, manipulations, racism are no longer bad words. When you come to the people, take a whip with you thats the conclusion from the US election results. An honest, fair race is the old world. The more control the candidate has over the medias agenda, the more secure is his victory. And any way of getting there is legitimate. We should already start preparing ourselves for the next elections. They wont look any better than the US elections. Netanyahu is not the only one who knows what the people want. Other candidates are learning the formula as well. In the next elections, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett will no longer let the prime minister rob him of his voters. He will put on a cruel fight. In the next elections, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon will implement the lessons as well. Former Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak is already doing that, either on Twitter or on his occasional appearances on the Israeli media. Blatant, direct, insulting his interviewers the way the public likes to see, and shooting sharpened arrows at the prime minister this is the profile of the next alternative to Netanyahu. And whoever is incapable of doing that should leave the jungle right now. Racing trains For Israel, America turned into a completely different world overnight. All the influence mechanisms it nurtured with the US disappeared at once. While Hillary Clinton obeyed the politics whose rules we are familiar with and know how to play nothing can stop Trump. If we take the president-elects campaign declarations about Israel seriously, its a joke. No one knows his real opinions. No one knows if he even has any. What we can know is that if he decides to take a stand, nothing will stop him neither Congress speeches, nor interviews and media appearances, nor AIPAC or the Jewish lobby. All that will not exist. Trump is not committed in any way to the rules we knew. The new president is basically the first alien. Upon his emergence in the American political sky, all conventional medicine must be restarted. If anyone explains to him, for example, that Americas unconditional support for Israel created a rift between the US and the Arab and Muslim world, and that its time to be tougher and definitely not give Israel the largest security aid ever given to a foreign country Israel may discover that it has no resistance to Trumps decisions, because he derides everything. One things for sure, and it has already been proven during the elections: The best way to get on his nerves is by outsmarting him, which is something Israel has done often in the past. If Israel tries to take advantage of this period to create facts on the ground, the redhead from the White House will bite our head off. With him it wont be the polite game we've come to expect from the Obama administration. Today, the US is behind everything. Wherever Israel is unhappy with an international initiative, America is there to crush it. But if the new president thinks the warm support is unreasonable and not always right, there could be a dramatic change here. Bennett. 'There is a historical opportunity here' (Photo: Gil Yohanan) Contrary to what Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely think, Trump is not going to be a friend of the settlements . I doubt he even knew where Israel was before the elections. Unlike Clinton, he will find it difficult to locate Ofra and Beit El on the map. If it is explained to him in an internal discussion why the settlements are an obstacle to peace and how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict became the first shock factor, his stance may be very different from what the Right expects. Netanyahu knows that. He knows that he doesnt know: He doesnt know a thing about the new presidents stand regarding Israel. If Trump's stand turns out to match the governments stand in other words, doing nothing and continuing with the current situation it will be excellent for Netanyahu. But if it turns out that the president thinks differently, Israel will face difficult times. Despite the concerns, nothing significant will happen in the short time Obama has left in the White House. There may be declarative moves, like the two-state vision, but the outgoing president will not make any significant play. First of all, because its impolite and Obama is a civilized person. He wont impose any moves on his successor. But its possible that if a French initiative is submitted to the United Nations, the outgoing president won't make an effort to block it. Israel should be concerned about a European initiative right now, not an American one. So the Rights joy over Trumps election is slightly premature. And Naftali Bennetts response is a bit too enthusiastic. There is a historical opportunity here, Bennett told me a day after Trumps victory. The fate of Judea and Samaria for the past 50 years, he explained, is subject to a paradigm of the Palestinian state, and even more so since the Oslo Agreements. There are now almost half a million Jews in Judea and Samaria. A third generation has already been born there. Until now, they have been second-class citizens. Yes, yes, second-class citizens compared to me and you. We tried the Oslo path for 23 years. Its not working. But the world is pressuring us. There is now an opportunity of a new American president, whose platform and speeches include no support for a Palestinian state. And there is another rule, Education Minister Bennett says: An American president will never be more hawkish than we are. So in the window of time that has been created until the administrations policy is sharply renewed, we must voice our stance and discontinue the line of Netanyahu's Bar-Ilan speech , and the construction freeze in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria. This is our opportunity to pull the president-elect in our direction as much as we can. Bennett is not stagnating. On Sunday, he submitted the "Regulation Bill" to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation the normalization bill, as he calls it. Many ministers will support it, he says, and he expects it to pass a second and third reading. The normalization bill, according to the Bayit Yehudi leader, is supposed to clear the status of residents living on unregulated lands. Until now, they were unable to open a balcony or receive a mortgage. The law will make sure that the set of rules which apply to Israels land laws will apply there as well. The idea behind this law is that if the state encouraged the establishment of a community and it turns out that these were unregulated privately-owned lands, the residents would be able to keep living there with all rights, and the lands owner would receive compensation through alternative land or money. The Amona clause is being added to this bill, so although there is a peremptory High Court ruling that the outpost must be evacuated, the "Regulation Bill" would apply there as well. It should be noted that the "Regulation Bill" was initially created as a leverage for the regulation of Amona. Bennett wanted to stimulate the system, so he advanced a legislation proposal that the prime minister didnt like so that Netanyahu would find other solutions for settlements which have areas that were built on privately-owned Palestinian lands. But due to foot-dragging, the bill which was just a way to pressure Netanyahu turned into the objective, as far as Bennett is concerned. The education minister believes it will pass. Almost all Likud and Bayit Yehudi ministers support it. There is a deep perceptual change here, Bennett says. A move from the Oslo paradigm to a paradigm of an autonomy for the Palestinians and applying Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. The bill would move half a million Israelis and 70,000 Palestinians into the State of Israel. You take a controversial place like Maale Adumimwith tens of thousands of settlersGush Etzion, Ofra and Ariel and apply bill to them. If we dont do it, says Bennett, it wont happen. Well be stuck in the same places we've been stuck in. This is an opportunity for a big change. We must regulate the Judea and Samaria settlement enterprise, normalize it. We have in a window of time during which the policy of the new American administration would be shaped, he says. We must not be passive. We must say once and for all what we want. And he has a vision: An autonomy for the Palestinians in their territoriesfor them to run their livesand Israeli sovereignty in Areas C. What Prime Minister Menachem Begin did in the Golan Heights and Prime Minister Levi Eshkol did in Jerusalem, he will do in Judea and Samaria. Its time to move on, not to be passive and not to continue on the same old tracks. So there is no wonder that Netanyahu asked Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked to postpone the vote on the "Regulation Bill." The Bayit Yehudi leader is forgetting just one thing: That on those old tracks, there is another train racing towards us: on board are the Palestinians, Arab states, Iran. Im not sure Trump will want to be on a collision course with that train. The Israel Police arrested a former senior member of the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) Tuesday after National Fraud Investigation Unit teams searched the suspect's home, who was slated to soon be appointed to a senior security-related position. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The suspect was arrested for alleged offenses of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust. Another suspecta womanwas also detained on suspicion of her involvement in the matter. The NSC suspect allegedly used his position to advance the business of a German tycoon in return for bribestransferred to him or members of his familyvia personal favors and money, all of this without proper disclosure of their relationship by the NSC man. The official in question The affair was first treated as a disciplinary matter, but a criminal investigation was initiated once Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit concluded that the NSC official's alleged actions could constitute felonies. The AG informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the matter, and advised him to avoid appointing the suspect to his intended position. Shortly thereafter, the man in question agreed to remove himself from consideration for the marked post. The official, who served as an officer in the IDF, was considered to be a person of esteem and held many key roles in the public sector. As a result of him being appointed to a sensitive position in public service, he underwent an extensive background check, where concerns about existing contacts with businessmen were raised. As a result, the official's appointment was delayed, promting a more meticulous background check which ultimately led to the removal of his candidacy for the position. The investigations department of Ynet's sister publication Yedioth Ahronoth uncovered ties between the official, a German businessman and their influence on the gas market. Among other things, it was revealed that the German businessman flew the former NSC official's daughter to Berlin aboard a luxury private jet. At the time of the flight, it was discovered that the official was involved in formulating Israel government policy in the natural gas sector. The investigation also revealed how he exploited "security reasons" as an pretext to build a facility that cost billions of dollars and was connected to the businesses owned by the same German businessman. The investigation raised concerns about government policy regarding gas and future economic decisions being related to contacts with foreign interests. The official has denied all allegations and said that he "acted to protect citizens of the country and their security," and that "there is no basis for the claim that my official position had anything to do with the individual mentioned in the article. I am proud of my position." After the Yedioth Ahronoth investigation, the official announced his decision to remove himself from the candidacy for the position. The German businessman claimed that he merely provided the suspect's daughter a ride and that she joined him for the flight by coincidence. The businessman also denied other claims that he provided favors to the official. As for their relationship, the businessman insisted that other than the short meeting they had, he has never met the official. The Muezzin Bill, which aims to prevent mosques from using loudspeakers to announce prayer times, is raising a great deal of opposition, with Arab MKs and activists protesting Tuesday in the Arab city of Sakhnin and planning additional protests on Wednesday in Jaffa and the Arab city of Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A surprising bit of opposition, though, has emerged from among the ultra-Orthodox community, with Health Minister Yakov Litzman filing an appeal on Tuesday to prevent the Knesset from voting on the Muezzin Bill, thereby sending it back to the government for further review. This will also force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has already voiced his support of the bill, to weigh in on the matter. Health Minister Yakov Litzman (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) In his appeal, Litzman referred to the similarities between the muezzin calls and the call announcing the beginning of Shabbat. For thousands of years, different instruments have been used for this purpose, including the shofar and trumpet. With the advancement of technology, loudspeakers are now used to announce the beginning of Shabbat while respecting the allowed volume and in accordance to the law. The appeal continued by saying, The bill in its current phrasing and following the discussions that it will bring on may harm the status quo, and so in accordance to governmental protocol, this appeal is hereby submitted for further review. Prtestors in Sakhnin opposing te bill While Litzmans concern is mainly over breaking the status quo, the bill has angered both Arab MKs, Arab activists and the country of Jordan . The Jordanian Head of Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Endowments, Abdullah Al Awadi, expressed his objection by saying, In accordance with international law, the occupier cannot make any historic changes in the city that it occupies and it is required to leave things as they are, he continued. This proves that any Israeli decision on Jerusalem is null and void. MK Hanin Zoabi (Joint List) objected to the bill, as well. This is a law against Palestinian presence in our homeland. It isnt the noise that is harmful, but the outspoken presence of the Arab language that emphasizes the places identity, along with a certain level of controlling the space. It is a fight over it and control of it. If the will pass, we wont respect it. We wont lower our voice in our own space. MK Hanin Zoabi (Photo: Reuters) Another MK to raise his voice was Jamal Zahalka (Joint List), who targeted Netanyahu in his objection. Netanyahu has shown clear signs of chronic Islamophobia and needs immediate help, because his episodes are beginning to become dangerously combustible. He added that This isnt Europe. This is where the muezzin has been making his voice heard for over a thousand years, and where Muslims will go on living Whomever cant stand the sound of the muezzin is welcome to go back to where they wont hear such sounds. The Palestinian Authority also criticized the bill. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbass office warned against the ramifications of voting the bill into law and threatened to turn to the UN Security Council and other international organizations if this were to happen. MINNEAPOLIS -- Three men were sentenced to prison Tuesday for plotting to travel to Syria to join ISIS, as a federal judge concluded the second day of sentencings in a case that shined a light on terror recruiting in the state. Adnan Farah, 20, and Hanad Musse, 21, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Hamza Ahmed, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for that count and another count of financial aid fraud. All three were also given at least 20 years of supervised release. They are among nine men in Minnesota's large Somali community who prosecutors say were part of a group of friends who inspired and recruited each other to join the militant group. Some of their friends made it to Syria, but the nine who were prosecuted did not. After winning a primary election that effectively clinched the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump paused to laud a boyish-looking 35-year-old who ultimately proved to be an indispensable figure on the path to the White House. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "Honestly, Jared is a very successful real estate person. But I actually think he likes politics more than he likes real estate," Trump said of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, standing to his right during a victory speech after the Indiana party primary election in May. "But he's very good at politics." Jared Kushner and Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters) Kushner, the slender, clean-cut New Jersey real estate scion who married Trump's daughter Ivanka in 2009, helped guide the Republican Trump to victory last week over Democrat Hillary Clinton and is poised to remain an influential adviser during his presidency. Kushner became a major player in real estate in his mid-20s, after his father's conviction. At 26, he orchestrated what was the most-expensive single-building purchase in US history in 2006 with the $1.8 billion acquisition of a 41-story skyscraper at 666 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. During the election, Kushner emerged as an important voice early in Trump's campaign, launched in June 2015. He was involved in almost every aspect of Trump's campaign, offering advice on key personnel decisions, strategy, speeches, fundraising and other areas. Photo: AFP Late in the campaign, he began laying the groundwork for a possible Trump-run television network, in the event his father-in-law lost, according to a person familiar with the matter. Kushner spearheads his family's real estate development company, Kushner Companies, and is the publisher of the New York Observer weekly newspaper, which he acquired at age 25. While a federal anti-nepotism law prohibits a president from hiring family members to serve in his administration, Kushner is set to remain a key insider and trusted confidant. Reince Priebus, appointed Trump's White House chief of staff on Sunday, told NBC's "Today" show on Monday that Kushner "obviously" will be very involved in decision-making. Kushner serves on Trump's transition executive committee. Following father's footsteps Kushner is a Harvard graduate with a New York University law degree and a master's in business administration. Like Trump, Kushner followed in the footsteps of a real estate powerhouse father. His father, Charles Kushner, is a real estate developer, philanthropist and major Democratic donor whose reputation was left in tatters after a lurid criminal case. He was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations. Photo: AFP During the case, he admitted to smearing his brother-in-law, who had cooperated with prosecutors, by hiring a prostitute to have sex with him in a motel room, then sending a secretly recorded video of the encounter to the man's wife, Charles Kushner's own sister. In an unusual twist, the man who prosecuted Charles Kushner was Chris Christie, now the governor of New Jersey, who also has served as an adviser to Trump. Kushner is an Orthodox Jew whose wife, Ivanka, converted to Judaism before they married. The family keeps kosher, observes the Sabbath and attends an upscale synagogue on New York's Upper East Side. Anti-Semitism Controversy Steve Bannon, former head of the right-wing Breitbart News website, took a leadership post in the campaign in August after it became clear that Trump, his children and Kushner trusted his advice and analysis, a source said at the time. Breitbart News is closely associated with the "alt-right" movement, a loose online group of white supremacists, anti-Semites and others opposed to multiculturalism. Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, named Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor on Sunday. Dana Schwartz, a Jewish reporter for Kushner's newspaper, in July criticized Trump for his Twitter post accusing Clinton of corruption using a Star of David image and a background of $100 bills. Schwartz then wrote an open letter to Kushner after being deluged with anti-Semitic tweets. Kusher and Bannon (Photo: Reuters) Schwartz asked Kushner, "How do you allow this? Because, Mr. Kushner, you are allowing this. ... When you stand silent and smiling in the background, his Jewish son-in-law, you're giving his most hateful supporters tacit approval." Kushner responded by writing in the Observer, "In my opinion, accusations like 'racist' and 'anti-Semite' are being thrown around with a carelessness that risks rendering these words meaningless." He went on to write that his grandmother and grandfather survived the Nazi Holocaust while other relatives did not. "I know the difference between actual, dangerous intolerance versus these labels that get tossed around in an effort to score political points," Kushner wrote. Tensions are running high in the coalition on Wednesday morning as ministers prepare to bring the Regulation Billwhich seeks to legalize Israeli outposts in the West Bankto a vote on a preliminary reading in the Knesset. The coalition has stated its intention to secure a majority vote for the bill, which was approved on Sunday night in the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, in order to prevent the evacuation of Amona and other West Bank settlements in the future. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a statement, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Kulanu party Moshe Kahlon made it clear that he will not support a law that harms the High Court of Justice, which rejected a request submitted by the government to extend the deadline for the evacuation of Amona on Monday. This message was emphasized further by Kulanu members who declared their intention to be absent from the vote. Kahlon and Netanyahu (Photo: Miriam Alster/Flash90) Bayit Yehudi officials clarified that the party and Naftali Bennett have no intention of backing down on the initiaitive. "The law will pass," said party officials Wednesday morning. One of the chief sponsors of the legislation, MK Shuli Mualem of Bayit Yehudi, told Ynet that if the law does not pass, the party considers itself free of any coalition obligations. "The law passed a ministerial committee and I think that if we're to disregarding decisions made in a ministerial committee and by coalition partners, then that right extends to everyone, certainly Bayit Yehudi MKs," said Mualem. "It is absolutely clear that for us, the Regulation Bill needs to pass today. As far as we're concerned, the moment the regulation bill doesn't pass, we're free of other coalition obligations, such as the Arrangements Law and the budget." As part of the discussions on the bill and the required majority for the Knesset bill, Chairman of the Coalition David Bitan, convened a meeting in his office with coalition representatives in order to find a solution that would allow for Kulanu members to attend the vote and support it. Officials present at the meeting said that within minutes, intense arguments erupted over the request by Kulanu to remove the section related to Amona on the basis that it sets a dangerous precedent against the authority of the High Court by circumventing a previous ruling. Bayit Yehudi reportedly refused all compromises offered. Shortly after the developments with Kulanu, Haredi parties also entered what is escalating into an all-out political brawl by announcing that their vote cannot be automatically guaranteed unless certain preconditions to meet their own demands are met. According to the most informed opinions, three possible scenarios could arise from the vote. The first, and least likely, is that Kahlon will appeal the law and bring the discussion to the government, where Netanyahu is in charge of the agenda. Netanyahu himself voted against the bill during Sunday's ministerial committee meeting. The second scenario is that the coalition will succeed in striking a balance with the opposition while appeasing the Haredi factions and thus securing a majority. Amona protest outside the Knesset (Photo: Gil Yohanan) The third scenario is that the section seeking to apply the new legal situation on Amona be removed from the proposal thereby enabling Kahlon to vote in favor of the law without him being required to bypass the High Court. Either way, it would appear that the efforts to find a solution will continue until the last moment. On Wednesday, Amona residents called an emergency meeting in which they appealed directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu. "The lives of Amona residents, 42 families, are in your hands. The hand that will evacuate Amona on the first day of Hannukah is yours," said Avichai Boaron, head of the campaign against the evacuation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Kemal Okem as the countrys ambassador to Israel on Wednesday. The nomination comes just 24 hours after Israel appointed 53-year-old Eitan Na'eh as the ambassador to Turkey, the first appointment since the reconciliation agreement was signed in June. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Photo: AFP) Erdogans declared his new appointment shortly before taking off for a state visit to Pakistan and Uzbekistan. "We are appointing as ambassador to Israel Kemal Okem, our prime minister's foreign affairs adviser," Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara before leaving for Pakistan. Na'eh has specialized in Turkish affairs during his career and served in Ankara in 1991 as second and then first secretary for political affairs. Currently he serves as deputy ambassador to Britain and has also served as ambassador to Azerbaijan and as a policy advisor in the Prime Minister's Office. ISTANBUL/BEIRUT -- The Kurdish YPG militia will pull its forces from the Syrian city of Manbij and withdraw east of the Euphrates River in order to participate in the campaign to liberate the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, it said in a statement. US special envoy Brett McGurk described the move as a "milestone", saying on Twitter that all YPG units would depart Manbij after training local units to maintain the city's security against ISIS. Turkey has repeatedly called for the YPG to withdraw east of the Euphrates. Ankara views the militia as a hostile force with deep links to Kurdish militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency on Turkish soil. Ankara has also said YPG fighters should not be involved in the planned Raqqa offensive. BELGRADE -- Serbian police have arrested 10 people suspected of arms-trafficking and confiscated a large quantity of weapons, including rocket launchers and automatic guns. Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said Wednesday that the arrests took place in northern Serbia. He said an investigation is taking place to determine whether the weapons were to be sold, and if so where. Stefanovic says the cache included explosives, more than 100 hand grenades, anti-tank mines, two rocket-launchers, a machine gun, automatic and semi-automatic guns, as well as ammunition. When President Obama leaves office, yet another US administration will depart without resolution of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter As with all incoming administrations, a Trump presidency ushers in the opportunity to review, retain, or revise the terms of long-standing policies, including those relating to the Middle East. The two state solution, as broadly defined, is a policy that must be reviewed and revised. No proposed solution to the conflict need be perfect; all must be possible, however. The two-state solution is neither. The insipid one state solution is even less so. Both ideas have gained too much traction. Neither is understood by the vast majority of those by whom they are championed. The saving grace of these notions seems primarily to be their alliterative, easily retained titles. A further state for the Palestinian Arabs can be established. That state must be viable though. It must augur in a future of promise, security, liberty, sovereignty, self determination and opportunity for its inhabitants. Citizens of this Palestinian state must be granted every possible chance to positively thrive. It must be a state whose people not only dare to dream, but who actually realize the dreams they conceive. This state must not come into being at the expense of Israel either now or in the future. Neither Israel the people, nor Israel the country must be existentially compromised in order to facilitate its creation. Israel and Egypt from space at night (Photo: NASA) Any solution must be characterized by the reconciliation of practicability, possibility and imagination. With the above in mind, I introduce what I term THE NEW STATE SOLUTION. ON CONTIGUITY The least practical aspect of the two-state scenario results from the geographical positioning of the Gaza Strip in relation to Judea and Samaria (West Bank). Unlike in other proposals, The New State Solution would front-load this most intractable geographical challenge rather than defer it to a nebulous future date. The New State Solution would thus be anchored first and foremost in the Gaza Strip, with territorial expansion into a section of the Sinai Peninsula. This state could be larger than anything that could be accommodated by the minute area of Judea and Samaria, thus granting geographical viability. It also redefines the Gaza Strip as a central part of the solution, rather than an insurmountable problem. ON THE ARAB STATES The boundaries of the New State would be brokered and ratified by several other parties beside Israel; most notably Egypt. Egypt is a prime mover within the Arab world. Having their imprimatur would grant legitimacy among several Arab nations and non-western nations. Egypt also has a history of going alone in the Arab world where necessary, so long as its own best interests are assured. ON FRATERNAL RELATIONS The New State would enjoy clearly defined, secured borders. Good fences make good neighbors. To the south, Egypt would positively amend the current arrangements it has with the Gaza strip in line with the contours of The New State and the opportunities that spring forth. To the north, Israel would extend its arm even further and open its hand even wider to partner with its new, peace-seeking neighbor. The New State would have cultural affinity with its Egyptian neighbors and there is far closer cultural familiarity between Israelis and Palestinian Arabs than many fully appreciate. That affinity could be built upon and expanded, creating triangulated, regional cooperation. ON DOMESTIC SECURITY AND DEMILITARIZATION There would be no IDF presence within the borders of the New State. None. Independent states do not want foreign troops within their land. The New State would thus be both demilitarized and have a highly effective security apparatus. Contrary to the perception of many, demilitarization does not mean no weapons. Nor does it mean no security. It means no military. For example, The New State would have APCs but not tanks. It would have light air ordinance such as helicopters but no fighter jets. It would have speed boats and patrol boats, but no battleships or submarines. It would have a police force but not an army. The security and police forces of the state would maintain superior fire power and logistical capabilities. These are the same tools by which democratic states maintain daily, domestic security after all. Gaza Strip (Photo: Southern Network) ON PREVENTING ENDOGENOUS SPILLOVER AND INFILTRATION Any Palestinian Arab state established in Judea and Samaria requires that both Israel and Jordan stand fast as military guarantors. No state in the region enjoys absolute, total security but Israel is a comparative super power in the Middle East. The long term security of Jordan is far more precarious. The establishment of a Palestinian Arab state in Judea and Samaria means that in the event of a collapsing or collapsed Jordan, an unimpeded corridor of potentially pernicious states would be established to Israels east, extending from Afghanistan and Pakistan, into Iran, through Iraq, via Jordan, across Judea and Samaria, and onto what would be the divided city of Jerusalem in the two state formula. Israel would stand alone as the final bulwark against such threats. Advocates of the two state solution must not shut their eyes to this very stark possibility. The New State Solution offers far more reasoned security guarantees. To the south, south-west and south-east of the New State, the Egyptian military would be present only on the Egyptian side of the shared border. Israel would maintain its security presence on the border with the New State on the Israeli side only. Israeli and Egyptian forces manning the borders would not only offer reassurance to their own countries, but also to the New State. Both would closely assist and cooperate so as to prevent spillover beyond, and unwanted infiltration within, the borders of The New State. ON COMMERCE A state established in Judea and Samaria will be close to landlocked with very few natural resources. That may beget a culture of tremendous entrepreneurialism among its citizens, but it may not. It may beget despair. Nobody can be certain. A failing economy will yield only a failed or client state and will be a manifestation of a problem unresolved. By contrast, The New State Solution, established as proposed, offers miles of beautiful, Mediterranean coastline. With a shoreline no less inviting than that of Tel-Aviv, The New State would boast rich opportunity for trade, commerce, tourism, hotels, resorts, casinos (on or off-shore), import, export and both an open, commercial air-port and an open commercial sea-port. Both would be toward the western most section of the country. Favorable security coordination would be agreed between Israel, Egypt and The New State.Massive economic investment within The New State would come from all international parties who have pledged their commitment to resolving the conflict. Actors would include the United States, the E.U., Great Britain and both Israel and Egypt; at a minimum. ON DEMOGRAPHICS Financial and commercial assistance would be granted to any residents of Judea and Samaria wishing to relocate to The New State. Consider that today, as in the past, Jews immigrate to Israel with the belief that a better life awaits them here. Their reasons for doing so are varied. Significantly, however, Jews come to Israel voluntarily. They are neither forcibly transferred into Israel as individuals, nor as whole communities. So too should it be for the Palestinian Arabs of Judea and Samaria. Like many in the Jewish Diaspora, some will wish to remain where they currently reside. Others will sense and seize upon the gleaming opportunity offered by The New State. The Palestinian Arabs are no more monolithic than are the Jewish People. Some may wish to constitute their futures in Judea and Samaria, others will prefer the option of opening a hotel along the shores of their own state or the prospect of building a home overlooking the Mediterranean, or they will move seeking employment and the opportunity to build up a state in which they have agency. They ought to be allowed to choose. Successful repatriation to The New State would significantly further reduce Israels demographic considerations regarding Judea and Samaria while those residents already in the Gaza Strip would be part of The New State, resolving that demographic concern. For those not wishing to relocate from Judea and Samaria, the more favorable demographic realities enjoyed by Israel would engender the confidence needed to annex Judea and Samaria with full and equal rights being extended to all, regardless of race, religion or creed. This would take place only once a 50% immigration threshold to The New State is achieved. Israel would continue the policy of the right of return and would control immigration policy within Israel. It would thus maintain its democratic and Jewish character by far more than the two-thirds majority advocated by some proponents of the one state solution. Those Palestinian Arabs claiming citizenship overseas would have an open channel to immigration into The New State, with The New State affixing immigration policy for itself. ON GOVERNANCE AND GOVERNMENT Any future massive attack launched against the State of Israel from the Gaza Strip should serve as a prelude for the total and final toppling and dismantling of Hamas and their oppressive regime. The destruction of Hamas should be undertaken with the aim of facilitating and incubating the legitimate emergence of a new, pragmatic, though not necessarily westernized, government that will administer a free, viable, secure, burgeoning New State that is secured, supported and championed by Israel, Egypt and the international community. The first footstep into Gaza by IDF soldiers as part of the next defensive operation in response to rocket or tunnel attacks should set in motion The New State Solution as strategy. The diplomatic groundwork should begin immediately however, in advance of any unwanted, but likely, future conflict. THE CASE FOR THE NEW STATE SOLUTION In December, 2015, Secretary of State John Kerry stated: "The United States is deeply committed to securing Israel's future as a Jewish and Democratic state. We are also committed to an independent, viable Palestinian state, where Palestinians live with freedom and dignity. The only way to achieve that is through a negotiated solution that creates two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security."The New State Solution adheres precisely to Kerrys own spoken definition of the sole way forward, though not to his vision. It offers a negotiated solution resulting in two states for two peoples living side by side in peace and security. The definition endures therefore. It is the vision that must change. For too long, calls have come for a two state solution incorporating Judea and Samaria as the basis of a Palestinian state. At its core, such a plan requires the mass, likely enforced displacement of at least many tens of thousands of Jewish people in order to build a home for another people. Past experience within Israel does not bode well for any such notion, nor should it. I do not want to see the people of Israel go through such a process. I do not wish to see the Palestinian Arabs go through such a process. There should be no forced transfers of populations. Hamas terrorists inside their attack tunnels (Photo: Reuters) Politicians and communal figureheads frequently declare that the two-state solution is the only solution. This tone of finality is both inaccurate and unhelpful. It places far too much faith in a plan that is demonstrably flawed and it blunts legitimate discussion and debate about alternatives. There are alternative solutions to every problem including to this problem. I am presenting my plan as one such alternative. It can be refined; but it is an alternative. When assessing opportunities for peace, it is my hope that President-elect Trump brings with him a new attitude, where Presidents turn their gaze away from Israels east, and affix it instead upon Israels west when reviewing the peace process. He, Israels Prime Minister and the President of Egypt could yet realize a new, fresh and viable vision by so doing. I hear Mr. Trump has an eye for the development of gleaming, shining and bold new projects. This would be the boldest of all. The two-state solution is defunct. Long live the New State Solution. BEIRUT -- Syrian President Bashar Assad says US President-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" to the Damascus government in its grinding civil war. In an interview published Tuesday with the Portuguese RTP news agency, Assad said his government would need to see if the incoming administration is "genuine" about fighting "terrorists" in Syria. A military parade staged by Hezbollah in the Syrian city of Al-Qusayr has caused a stir in the Arab world. According to Hezbollah Deputy Secretary General, Naim Qassem, "This military parade is a clear and visible message to everyone and there is no need for clarification or interpretation of the meaning of that message." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Qassem's comments are the first reference made by a senior Hezbollah official on the parade, which depicted photos showing hundreds of men carrying military equipment, including Russian-made hardware. Hezbollah military parade in Syria Russian-made Kornet anti-tank missiles Additionally, diplomatic officials told Asharq al-Awsat that the matter of how Hezbollah came to possess American-made M-118 armored vehicles is under investigation. Some believe that the equipment was taken from the Lebanese Army. Qassem went on to say, "Cooperation between us and the Syria regime is at an all-time high. This military parade is a part of field operations. We have a trained army. The Resistance is not based on gang warfare. We are armed, well trained and more capable. This is all to protect Lebanon and Lebanon's interests. Everyone needs to read this message exactly as it is." Hezbollah armored vehicles The Hezbollah Deputy Secretary further added that, "We are in Syria and there is no need for interpretation or justification. We stand beside the Syrian army and the Syrian state. If we weren't involved in Syria, terrorists would enter into every sector of Lebanon. Our intervention in Syria is no longer a subject of discussion among the Lebanese." Hezbollah's show of force comes at a time when there is political order in Lebanon, following the election of Michel Aoun, an ally of the Shiite organization, as President. Aoun is now working with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on forming a government with the participation of Hezbollah. Hezbollah tanks The parade included self-propelled, Russian-made artillery pieces, Kornet anti-tank missiles and light tanks and armored vehicles. Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri of the March 14 Alliance, which opposes Hezbollah, officially condemned the rally, saying the parade shows that Hezbollah prefers Iranian interests over those of Lebanese interests. "This shows that the organization does not care about the new era after the election of Michel Aoun as President. This era is supposed to restore the role, presence and dignity of the Lebanese state." BEIRUT -- Air strikes hit near a children's hospital and a school in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in the second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 20 people, a war monitor, medics, and emergency workers said. The air strikes are part of a wider escalation by the Syrian government and its allies including Russia, which launched coordinated missile strikes against rebels in Syria on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the air strikes on eastern Aleppo had killed at least five children and an emergency worker. They were carried out by either Russian or Syrian jets, it said. BAGHDAD -- An Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitary group said on Wednesday it is about to storm the Tal Afar airbase, west of Mosul, as part of the military campaign to retake the last major city under control of ISIS. Some ISIS fighters have already pulled out from the base and moved to the town of Tal Afar, Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, told Reuters. "The battle will be finished today," he added. Kata'ib Hezbollah is a main component of the Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Shi'ite militias that joined the US-backed campaign on Mosul end of October. Capturing Tal Afar would help cut ISIS's supply lines between Mosul and the territory under control of the Sunni hardline group in Syria. In discussions of the Conference of European Rabbis in Minsk, Belarus, rabbis expressed concern at the reduction of American involvement in the foreign affairs of various countries as well as "tailwind" ring-wing parties that hold anti-Semitic views. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter While many in Israel are celebrating the election of Donald Trump, thinking that his administration will be more responsive regarding policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many in European Jewish communities are concerned. Soldiers stand guard outside a Jewish school in Paris (Photo: Getty Images) Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, the President of the Conference of European Rabbis and Chief Rabbi of Moscow, points out that one of the first to congratulate Trump was Marine Le Pen, of the National Fronta far right French partywho is known for calling to outlaw the skullcap and cut funding for municipal Kosher meals for students. "Trump's rise has helped push right-wing forces in Europe," said Goldschmidt. "They are against foreigners and they are intolerant of minorities. Even though Trump has Jewish family members, I don't see the same thing in France, Germany or Austria. They repeatedly express anti-Semitic attitudes and have maintained ties to the Nazi traditions." According to Goldschmidt, new American foreign policy by Trump could adversely affect Jews in Europe. "I'm not referring to election speeches, but 'the day after,'" said Goldschmidt. "Trump has mentioned that under him, the United States will no longer be the 'police of the world.'" Goldschmidt also discussed the turnaround in foreign policy of the superpower, noting that the US provides security for allies and protection for minorities. "Removing the American umbrella will cause every community to be completely dependent upon the local government, which is not always pro-minority without a powerful external actor, which protects minority rights. With Britain leaving the European Union and Trump's victory, Jews are at a significant crossroads. We don't know what the changes will be, but we must be prepared." TOKYO - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak asked his Japanese counterpart on Wednesday to try to convince US President-elect Donald Trump to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement when they meet in New York this week. Najib told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Malaysia has cleared the way to ratify the agreement. Japan, also part of the 12-nation deal, is in the final stages of getting parliamentary approval for the necessary legislation. But US ratification is unlikely before President Barack Obama leaves office, and Trump has expressed strong opposition to the pact. Najib urged Abe to explain the significance of the agreement to Trump when they meet Thursday. "We hope that the TPP agreement will come into force," Najib told a joint news conference after their talks, adding that Abe's meeting with Trump is "very much awaited" by the rest of TPP participants. "Hopefully the strategic importance of TPP will be recognized by the incoming (Trump) administration as well as by all the participating countries." Over 300 US businesses have signed a statement calling on President-elect Donald Trump to support the Paris Agreement on climate change -- including General Mills, eBay, Intel, Unilever, and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies. Their statement reads "implementing the Paris Agreement will enable and encourage businesses and investors to turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy and prosperity to all." The statement is addressed to Trump, President Barack Obama and members of Congress. It calls on elected US officials to maintain the country's policy and financial commitments to lower carbon emissions. Lara Birkes, chief sustainability officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, says "the Paris Agreement was a vital step forward, but its power is in our collective action." Senate Democrats have elected Chuck Schumer to be their new minority leader when Congress convenes in January. The New Yorker will be Washington's most powerful Democrat as the party confronts an all-Republican government led by Donald Trump. Democrats unanimously picked Schumer at a closed-door meeting Wednesday. He will succeed Harry Reid, the combative Nevada Democrat who is retiring in January after 30 years in the Senate. A group of Israeli researchers said Wednesday that Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel's gift to a visiting Russian delegation has undermined groundbreaking agricultural research. Researchers from the Volcani Center for farming research said Ariel was unauthorized to hand over one of their research drones to Russian Prime Minster Dmitry Medvedev during a recent visit. One of the researchers, Moshe Reuveni, said that Ariel violated protocol by giving away technology worth about $100,000 and severely damaging their research. Reuveni added they will hand over a separate operating system if ordered to, but that it would sabotage their entire drone program. Critics of Ariel's spontaneous gesture said the drone in question could also contain sensitive security information. Ariel's office says the move posed no security risk. Czech President Milos Zeman has called US President-elect Donald Trump's former wife, Ivana, to thank her for her "courage" and interest to become the new US ambassador to Prague. Ivana Trump is of Czech origin. Zeman was among several European leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who endorsed Trump during the campaign. In a Wednesday statement, Zeman said he's pleased with the possibilty of Ivana Trump's appointment to ambassador because "the US cannot send a better ambassador to Prague" than Trump's first wife. Zeman said he shared Trump's views of migration and the fight against the Islamic terrorism. Air strikes battered neighborhoods around a children's hospital and a blood bank in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in a second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 32 people, a war monitor, medics and emergency workers all said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The air raids formed part of a wider military escalation by the Syrian government and allies that include Russia, which fired coordinated volleys of missiles at rebels on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier. A hospital bombed near the Syrian city of Aleppo (Photo: Reuters) The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said that Wednesdays air strikes on eastern Aleppo alone killed at least 21 people, including five children and an emergency worker. It added that they were carried out by either Russian or Syrian warplanes. The hospital post-bombardment (Photo:Reuters) The local Civil Defense rescue group, also known as White Helmets, reported that 11 civilians were killed in the Sukkari neighborhood on Wednesday alone. Survivors described the horrific assault and videos posted on social media showed rescuers working through the afternoon to pull victims from the rubble of bombed buildings. Photo: Reuters The Observatory said districts struck included al-Shaar, al-Sukkari, al-Sakhour and Karam al-Beik. Moscow has denied reports that its jets hit the city in the renewed wave of bombardment, and said it was sticking to a moratorium on air strikes in Aleppo. Tuesday's bombing run on eastern Aleppo appeared to mark the end of a pause inside the city declared by Russia on October 18, which Syria's military had also largely observed. The Observatory and residents said the city's east was hit by rockets fired from jets, barrel bombs dropped from helicopters and artillery from government forces. "The helicopters won't stop for a single moment," Bebars Mishal, a civil defense worker in rebel-held Aleppo, told Reuters. "Right now, the bombing won't let up." The Civil Defense is a volunteer rescue service that operates in rebel-controlled areas of Syria, including Aleppo, the country's largest city and commercial hub before the war. Wednesday's bombing struck next to a children's hospital and blood bank in the Shaar district, and near a school in the Salah al-Din district, residents and the Observatory said. Two ambulances were also destroyed, said an advocacy officer at the Syrian American Medical Society aid group, citing reports from colleagues in Aleppo. Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports several hospitals in opposition areas in Syria, said it appeared the government was focusing its fire on Aleppo's medical infrastructure. There are only five functioning trauma facilities left in eastern Aleppo, he said. The Independent Doctors Association, which supports several facilities in Syria, said eastern Aleppo's central blood bank was struck in Wednesday's attacks, as well as a children's hospital supported by the association. "Me and my staff and all the patients are sitting in one room in the basement right now," a pediatrician who identified himself only as Dr. Hatem posted in a note that was cited by the association. "We will try to get out when the airstrikes leave our sky. Pray for us please." The UN estimates that pro-government forces have trapped some 275,000 people in Aleppo's eastern quarters in a strict blockade enforced since August, as ground and air forces meanwhile pound the area's hospitals. The UN warned last week that food rations inside Aleppo's rebel-held districts could be depleted this week. "We woke up to the bombing and until now, the warplanes and helicopters are running," said Modar Shekho, a nurse in eastern Aleppo. "The Shaar neighborhood was burned down between yesterday and today." A video posted by Shekho on a social networking site, which he said was taken on Wednesday, showed a building with large holes and burn marks next to a large heap of rubble and twisted metal, which he said was all that remained of another structure. Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defense official, said there were more than 40 air strikes on the Shaar area. "Today the bombardment is very, very fierce," he said. On Monday and early Tuesday, there were air strikes on hospitals in three rebel-held towns to the west of Aleppo, knocking them all out of service. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals. The World Health Organization said there had been heavy attacks on five hospitals in Aleppo and Idlib provinces since Sunday, severely reducing access to health services for people in northern Syria. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the Damascus government's air force took part in strikes against what it called terrorist strongholds in Aleppo's Old City. Russia said it had struck ISIS and former Nusra Front militant sites elsewhere in Syria, without mentioning Aleppo. On Tuesday evening, state-owned Ikhabariyah television reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in the Aleppo theatre in preparation for a major ground offensive that it said was imminent and awaiting "zero hour" to begin. Aleppo has become the pivotal front in Syria's 5-1/2-year war pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Muslim militias, against mostly Sunni Muslim rebels including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies. Aleppo has for years been divided between the government-held western sector and rebel-held east, which the Syrian army and its allies besieged during the summer. Its allied forces include Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi'ite militias. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview broadcast Tuesday with Portugal's state-run RTP television channel that his forces were fighting to liberate civilians from "terrorists," while most of the rebels in Aleppo, numbering around 8,000 according to the UN, are Syrians who have been fighting to overthrow Assad. Assad also identified US President-elect Donald Trump as a possible "natural ally," if he turned out to be "genuine" about his commitment to fight terror in Syria. Trump has indicated he would prioritize defeating ISIS in Syria over regime change, saying the rebels could be "worse" than the sitting president. Elsewhere in Syria's north, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces inched closer to taking the town of al-Bab, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Aleppo, from ISIS, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo gan told reporters on Wednesday. He said the opposition fighters were about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from al-Bab. "The siege is going according to plan," Erdo gan said. "There is a resistance there at the moment but I don't think it will last long." Ankara sent ground forces into northern Syria in August, vowing to clear the border area of both ISIS and Syrian Kurdish militias. Erdo gan also said that US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighterswhom Turkey views as terrorists, claiming they are an extension of an outlawed Kurdish insurgent group in Turkey would soon leave the town of Manbij, in keeping with a purported US promise to Turkey. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria's civil war, now in its sixth year. US President Barack Obama arrived in Berlin on Wednesday to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he has forged a close transatlantic alliance during eight years in office that President-elect Donald Trump may now call into question. Obama, who described Merkel ahead of the visit as his "closest international partner", will dine with the chancellor at Berlin's famous Adlon hotel directly next to the landmark Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday evening. The two leaders, who together tackled the global financial crisis, promoted free trade and forged an international accord to fight climate change, stressed their shared values in a joint guest piece for German magazine Wirtschaftswoche. "There will be no return to a world before globalization," they wrote, stressing the benefits of a free trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States. An Iraqi Shi'ite militia said on Wednesday it was on the verge of driving ISIS fighters from an air base west of Mosul, a victory which would threaten the Sunni group's supply route from Syria to its last major stronghold in Iraq. Some ISIS fighters have already pulled out of the Tal Afar base and moved to the town of the same name, said Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group. "The battle will be finished today," he said. Should Kata'ib Hezbollah succeed, it would be a significant development in the campaign to recapture Mosul, ISIS's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014 and set up a self-declared caliphate in a swathe of Syria and northern Iraq. The base lies about 60 km (38 miles) west of Mosul on the main road to Syria and its recapture would endanger ISIS's supply route for Mosul. But the development could also alarm Turkey, which is wary of Shi'ite involvement in the civil war in Syria. Kata'ib Hezbollah is a main component of the Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Shi'ite militias taking part in the battle for Mosul. While the Shi'ite coalition is fighting Islamic State west of Mosul, regular army and police units are trying to advance from the other sides, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters deployed in the north and the east. Settler leaders on Wednesday evening rejected Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's assertion that Israel should only build in the major settlements , warning that "a government that tries to freeze settlement constructionwill fall." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a briefing with reporters earlier in the day, Lieberman said Israel should reach an agreement concerning the settlements with US President-elect Donald Trump's administration that would be based on an understanding reached between former US President George W. Bush and the late Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon. An exchange of letter between Bush and Sharon in 2005 led to an agreement in principle that the US would recognize existing settlement blocs. Lieberman and Dagan (Photo: Eli Mendelbaum, Yair Sagi) It is an intermediary agreement, said Lieberman. If we receive further confirmation from the new administration in accordance with the Bush-Sharon agreement, we should wholeheartedly take it on and not build outside the blocs. We should take it step by step, in accordance with the correspondence, not exacerbate matters, not take more on and not diminish from it, either. Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria regional council, spoke to senior officials in Lieberman's office, demanding clarifications about the matter. "Such a miserable statement at this sensitive timing, a moment before US President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House, sends a bad message to the new, supportive administration," Dagan said. "I demand both Defense Minister Lieberman and Prime Minister Netanyahu to renounce this statement." "A government that tries to freeze construction and certainly a government that tries to draw a line to withdraw to in Judea and Samaria (the 'settlement blocs')such a government will fall," Dagan added and warned Lieberman of "making reckless statements to the new American administration." Officials in the Yesha Council noted that "the statements attributed to Lieberman are grave. The government must resume construction in Jerusalem and all across Judea and Samaria. We expect clarifications from the defense minister on this issue." Liebermans remarks also drew mitigated criticism from Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud), who wished to put some distance between his stated positions and those of the Israeli government. The defense ministers statements on a deal made with President-elect Trump are his alone and do not reflect the position of the government, she said. As is the custom, the new administration and the Israeli government will begin a communication process upon Trumps entry to the White House. Currently, any limitation on Israels right to build hinders Israeli interests. Bayit Yehudi MK Shuli Mualem also criticized Lieberman's comments, saying that his "statement on implementing a leftist policy vis-a-vis Amona and the settlements is simply outrageous. Before becoming defense minister, he declared that his policy would be to fight against terrorism, not against the settlements. I expect Lieberman to take back his statement and keep his promises to the right-wing voters." The Prime Minister's Office did not directly address Lieberman's statements, and instead said in response: "Prime Minister Netanyahu will listen to the ministers and then put together a governmental position in response to the new US administration." The opposition, meanwhile, welcomed Lieberman's comments. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid wrote on Twitter that "We should listen to Lieberman on Amona and the construction in the (settlement) blocs. These are the only responsible statements coming out of the coalition today." Zionist Union MK Tzipi Livni added "Lieberman is right. Instead of going wild in Amona, Israel should cement with the Americans the commitments achieved during the Sharon-Bush timeagainst the right of return and in favor of keeping the blocs." European leaders and US President Barack Obama on Friday will discuss extending sanctions imposed on Russia for its intervention in Ukraine, and possible new sanctions for its bombing in Syria, sources familiar with the plans said. The meeting in Berlin, hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and including the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain, comes a little over a week after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election. A German official said the plan was to agree a rollover of EU sanctions against Russia, which are due to expire at the end of January, in the coming weeks. Trump has indicated that he will seek a rapprochement with Russia, raising doubts in Europe about the future of the sanctions regime introduced by Washington and Brussels in 2014 following Russia's intervention in eastern Ukraine. There is concern that Trump might move in the opposite direction after his inauguration on Jan. 20. European leaders will therefore be seeking clarity from Obama, who met Trump last week and said afterwards the president-elect would maintain core relationships around the world, including with NATO. A spokesman for the US-led coalition fighting the ISIS says Syrian Kurdish forces are leaving the town of Manbij after training local fighters to defend it. Air Force Col. John Dorrian said Wednesday that the trainers were in the process of leaving after assisting the Manbij Military Council. Kurdish-led forces drove IS from the town earlier this year. Turkey, which sent troops into Syria this summer, had threatened to move into Manbij if the US-backed Kurdish forces didn't leave. Turkey views the Kurdish forces as an extension of the insurgency raging in its southeast. A local Manbij commander, Shervan Darwish, said the last 100 elite fighters from the Kurdish People's Protection Units left the town Tuesday. Two months before leaving office, US President Barack Obama is considering a last minute move vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a White House official told American Jewish reporters in a briefing on Tuesday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Obama is considering several options suggested by his advisors at the National Security Council. One option would be giving the US's support to a UN Security Council resolution against Israeli settlements or on the two-state solution. Alternatively, the outgoing president could settle for only a declarative act, like a speech presenting the main points of his administration's stance on the conflict. A third option would be to do nothing. The White House official said Obama would inform President-elect Donald Trump before making any such move. "You don't want to present something and a month later see a different president doing the exact opposite," the official said. Outgoing US President Obama (Photo: AFP) According to the official, the Obama administration is concerned with the situation on the ground. "The two-state solution is dying, this trend is not good. There's a de facto annexation. We, the Americans, can only rebuke the sides. We've searched in the dictionary for a thousand different ways to condemn the settlement construction, and it's not helping. A condemnation has no bite, and the Israelis know this. It was actually the Palestinians who listened to us on incitement and hatred." The official dismissed Trump's promise to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. "Every four years, we hear this promise," he said. "The new administration will learn the reality on the ground. We'll see if he keeps making that promise even after entering office. We'll see what happens after the king of Jordan calls him about it." The official also addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, saying "we are facing a humanitarian crisis. Unlike what happened after past wars, we're not convinced that this time the donating countries will help." Earlier this week, the Obama administration expressed "deep concern" over the "Regulation Bill," which would retroactively legalize Israeli outposts in the West Bank built on privately-owned Palestinian land. If the law were enacted, it could pave the way for the legalization of dozens of illegal outposts deep in the West Bank, said State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau, adding: "This would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that's inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also break longstanding policy of not building on private Palestinian land." As an Immigration Services Officer in Orlando, Air Force Reservist Tech. Sgt. Angela Borders, 920th Force Support Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, led a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ceremony November 8, 2016, as the Mistress of Ceremony. As a tribute to her service to the nation, she donned her service dress uniform during the ceremony. Many reservists within the wing took part in a variety of different Veteran's Day events throughout Central Florida to celebrate the contributions of veterans to this nation throughout its history. 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 One of the emerging pathways Aussies may increasingly turn to in the future to finance homeownership is staircasing. The scheme works this way: instead of buying their homes outright, homebuyers opt to purchase a share in the property and gradually increase their stake as their savings grow effectively allowing them to staircase their way up to full homeownership. Classified as a type of shared ownership arrangement, staircasing was originally announced as part of the UK governments Help to Buy Initiative in 2013. Other Help to Buy schemes include government-backed equity loans, home savings accounts, and mortgage guarantees. UK households are eligible for the shared ownership staircasing scheme if they earn 80,000 a year or less (or 90,000 a year or less in London). Generally, homebuyers start by purchasing at least 25% of the equity in the property (without exceeding 75%) through a mortgage, while renting the remainder of the balance from a housing association. Shared ownership isnt as well-developed in Australia as it is in the UK. At the moment, the dominant focus in our country is on equity loans. Equity loans are low-interest loans that are subsidised by the government. Most states offer a type of shared ownership equity loan scheme, but the level of subsidy varies among the states and territories. Many expertsincluding John Flavell, CEO of Mortgage Choicethink staircasing could work well in the Australian mortgage market, as it could significantly benefit Aussies struggling to purchase homes. Anything that helps Australians into the property market should be applauded. While staircasing is a home ownership technique that is not currently employed in Australia, there is nothing to suggest a scheme like that couldnt work here, he said. At the end of the day, I believe the time has come for the government to rethink the schemes and grants they currently have in place to help and support first home buyers. This market is increasingly struggling to get a foot on the property ladder, and they will continue to struggle unless something is done. As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More New York/Washington: President-elect Donald Trump shuffled his transition team again on Tuesday, jettisoning a national security expert and lobbyists from his inner circle as he closed in on naming two loyal Wall Street backers to key economic positions. Trump, a Republican outsider who won a surprise election victory last week, also cleared a paperwork snag that had temporarily stalled his transition after he put his Vice President-elect Mike Pence in charge of the process. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," Trump said on Twitter after taking his family to dinner at 21 Club, a Manhattan restaurant, his motorcade slipping away from reporters gathered at his apartment building. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Trump said. At the top of his list for senior economic positions are campaign finance chair and Wall Street veteran Steve Mnuchin as treasury secretary, and long-time backer and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to Trump ally and activist investor Carl Icahn. However, a well-known Republican moderate was pushed out of transition planning. Mike Rogers, a former US representative from Michigan who had been mentioned as a possible pick for CIA director, suddenly left the transition team. Rogers had worked with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who on Friday was abruptly replaced by Pence as head of the transition team. That overhaul had put the brakes on transition talks with the White House. Pence needed to sign a memorandum of understanding, which the White House received on Tuesday evening. The Trump team still needs to provide more paperwork before detailed agency-by-agency briefings can take place, a White House spokeswoman said. The team will need to provide a code of conduct and certify that its transition team members do not have conflicts of interest. Additional changes are likely. Pence and Rick Dearborn, the executive director of the transition team, are "removing any lobbyists," a transition aide said. "This is to ensure President-elect Trump`s commitment to ban lobbyist involvement is being upheld at all levels of the transition," the aide said. Trump, who had pilloried opponents for being beholden to industry interests during his campaign, came under fire from his frequent sparring partner, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, for including lobbyists on his transition team. "Based on public reports, your transition team and your potential cabinet include over twenty Wall Street elites, industry insiders, and lobbyists making decisions that could have huge implications for their clients or employers," Warren wrote in a letter. Trump has fewer than 70 days until his Jan. 20 inauguration to settle on Cabinet members and other senior appointees. He will eventually need to fill roughly 4,000 open positions. Wall Street is closely watching who Trump picks for treasury chief because Republicans have majorities in both chambers of Congress, giving Trump a clearer shot at tax and financial regulatory reforms. Mnuchin declined to comment to reporters at Trump Tower about Cabinet picks, but said the team was "making sure we get the biggest tax bill passed, the biggest tax changes since Reagan." A parade of advisers had been seen going in and out of Trump`s building on Tuesday, including US Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, touted as a possible secretary of defense or attorney general. US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, also dropped by for a meeting, telling reporters he was "looking forward to fighting hard to actually accomplish and deliver the promises we made" during the election. Bloomberg later reported that Trump was considering nominating Cruz as attorney general. Rogers was pushed off the team in part because Trump`s advisers believed he did not pursue Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton aggressively enough when he headed the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, a source familiar with the decision said. Rogers led an investigation into the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks by militants on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya. The probe dismissed many of the conspiracy theories that had been circulated by critics of Clinton, who was then secretary of state. Trump`s team viewed the investigation as a whitewash, according to one source familiar with the operation. Some current US intelligence officials worried that Rogers` departure would mean Trump was leaning toward more confrontational hardliners to lead his foreign policy team. Two national security officials said Trump`s operation had been slow to get up to speed and had not yet engaged deeply with security and intelligence agency personnel who were ready to start helping them. Loyalists such as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton were being considered for secretary of state, according to sources close to Trump. Giuliani, New York`s mayor at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by Islamist al Qaeda militants, is known as a hardliner on national security matters. Bolton is also a foreign policy hawk who said last year the United States should bomb Iran to halt its nuclear program. Retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, a leading candidate for Trump`s national security adviser, has called for the United States to pull back from protecting long-time allies such as South Korea and Japan. Trump has filled two positions so far. His choice of Republican Party insider Reince Priebus to be White House chief of staff was heralded by Republican leaders as an indication he wanted to work with Congress. Republicans maintained their majority in both the Senate and House in the election, but a number of Republicans in Congress opposed Trump`s candidacy. However, Trump`s appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategist was criticized by Democrats, civil rights organizations and some Republicans. They denounced the former Breitbart News chief, whose website is a forum for the "alt-right," a loose grouping of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. Neither Priebus nor Bannon need Senate confirmation for their posts, but Cabinet posts do, and some of Trump`s possible picks could face a difficult time winning approval. Republican US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said on CNN he could not vote to confirm Bolton unless he repudiated his support for the Iraq war and bombing of Iran. Paul, who also ran for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said he was concerned by Giuliani`s work on behalf of foreign governments. One loyalist who will not be playing a role in Trump`s Cabinet is retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who advised Trump after dropping his own presidential bid earlier this year. "His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary," said Armstrong Williams, Carson`s business manager. Athens: President Barack Obama has issued a warning against "crude nationalism" in the wake of Donald Trump's victory, saying the New York billionaire had tapped into a "troubling" strain of rhetoric playing on Americans' fears of globalisation to win the presidency. Speaking in Athens, Obama on Tuesday said he recognised an "anger and fear in the American population" over threats of mechanisation and globalisation, but that Republican officials did not use facts when making their case about the US economy, CNN reported. "You've seen some of the rhetoric among Republican elected officials and activists. Some of it is pretty troubling and not necessarily connected to facts, but being used effectively to mobilise people," Obama said at a news conference alongside Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "And obviously, Trump tapped into that particular strain within the Republican Party and then was able to broaden that enough and get enough votes to win the election." Obama said countries across Europe, as well as the US, were confronting populist movements based on a fear of intruding global forces, arguing people "are less certain of their national identities or their place in the world". He said leaders should heed lessons from results in the US and in Britain, which in June voted to exit the European Union. "It starts looking different and disorienting. And there is no doubt that has produced populist movements, both from the left and the right," Obama said. "That sometimes gets wrapped up in issues of ethnic identity or religious identity or cultural identity. And that can be a volatile mix." The outgoing President said Americans must guard against those trends during Trump's presidency, and insisted he, too, would speak out against divisive language even after he leaves office. Obama is on a week-long, three-stop foreign swing that has taken new urgency following Trump's election. Obama is the first US president to visit Greece in 17 years, and he focused intently on the debt situation and the influx of refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. Washington: Four Indian-Americans, including two women, elected to House of Representatives and the Senate in the historic US general elections are here for their first official Congressional orientation meeting to find out how they can work collectively to achieve their common goals. Three of them, Pramila Jayapal from Washington State, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Ro Khanna from California elected to the House of Representatives have spent the last two days together. They are not only learning the tricks of the trade at the Capitol Hill, but also figuring out how they can work collectively to achieve their common goals. The fact that they are all from the same Democratic Party makes their job easier in this regard. But a tougher one given that they are all pitted against a Republican majority in the House. "We have been together for the past 24 hours," Jayapal told PTI in an interview here. Even the group picture that the first-time lawmakers took outside the Capitol, Jayapal and Khanna are seen standing together. "I Ro and Raja are all together in orientation," Jayapal said. Ami Bera, whose counting of votes is still going on, is expected to join them soon, thus increasing the strength of Indian-Americans in the House to four and the Congress to five, adding Kamala Harris from the Senate side. If re-elected, Bera would become the longest serving Indian-American in the Congress after Dalip Singh Saund, who was elected to the House of Representative thrice in 1956, 1958 and 1960. "I have not met Kamala Harris. We look forward to that. The Senate does very different orientations. And I understand that there may be some distant relationship between Kamala's Indian family side and my. So I have to figure out what that is," Jayapal said. "It is a great honour. Raja, Ami, Ro and I are talking about how we have our own little South Asian Caucus/India Caucus (in the House), because we are four of us now. So that's also very exciting. I am thrilled to be serving with all three of them, and thrilled to be the first Indian-American women to be elected to the House of Representatives," Jayapal said in response to a question. Krishnamoorthi said the newcomers are "intrigued" as they try to figure out what issues Trump will champion, The Chicago Tribune reported. Baton Rouge (US): Baton Rouge police say a 2-year-old shot a 1-year-old sibling in the face inside a parked car in north Baton Rouge, leaving the infant in serious condition. Police spokesman Sgt L'Jean McKneely says the shooting was called in to EMS at 7:23 pm (local time) and occurred at a parking lot near a strip mall. McKneely told The Advocate that there were two adults around but he's not sure how the 2-year-old got a hold of the gun. He says the family drove the injured child to the hospital rather than wait on EMS. McKneely says the shooting is still under investigation. Washington: Thousands of students marched in Washington DC in protest against US President-elect Donald Trump. The crowd gathered in front of the iconic Trump International Hotel at noon on Tuesday and then proceeded to the US Congress, the Supreme Court and the Washington Monument before finally stopping at the White House, Xinhua news agency reported. Chants broke out among the students as they marched, and many held up self-made placards to demonstrate their discontent. "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here," one placard read. "Everyone is equal, no one deserves to be mistreated because of something that they can't choose, like their race or their gender," an ninth-grade girl said. "Because we weren't old enough to vote, we chose to use this way to be heard," another student said. At one point a student climbed onto a statue in front of the Trump hotel, receiving wild cheers from fellow students. The protest was initiated last Thursday by several student groups at the Woodrow Wilson High School, and as word spread on social media, students from other schools also joined the event, leading to a turnout that surprised many. The protest ended peacefully without major incidents. Trump incurred strong controversy with many of his statements considered discriminated and protests have erupted across the country since his election. Washington: Republicans in the US House of Representatives nominated Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday for re-election to his post next year, as lawmakers giddy with election success smoothed over their differences and pledged to unite behind Republican President-elect Donald Trump. Ryan, who faced no challengers from Republican ranks, was nominated in a unanimous voice vote in a closed-door meeting of all Republican lawmakers in the House. He will face an election in January, when all members of the new House, both majority Republicans and minority Democrats, vote on a new speaker. While January`s outcome is not guaranteed, Republicans who had been feuding with each other and Trump before the election said Tuesday they thought Ryan was in a solid position to be re-elected speaker now that intra-party tensions have dramatically lessened with the Republican election victory. "Politics is politics, but this is as unified as I`ve ever seen it," said New York Republican Representative Peter King, who has been in Congress since 1993. Republicans kept their majorities in both the House and Senate in the Nov. 8 elections in which voters elected Trump to the White House over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Ryan, 46, had criticized Trump numerous times during the campaign, which angered some of Trump`s supporters in the Republican caucus. Had Trump lost the election, these Republicans and some conservatives who already had doubts about Ryan might have sought to blame him and block his re-election. But lawmakers said Trump`s election, along with a stronger-than-expected performance at the polls by House Republicans, changed the outlook. "To suggest that President-elect Trump`s victory didn`t weigh as a factor in terms of the speaker`s race would be disingenuous, " said Representative Mark Meadows, a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus. However, one conservative lawmaker, Representative Raul Labrador, continued to express skepticism about Ryan ahead of Tuesday`s vote and said he would not consider Tuesday`s outcome binding on his vote in January. "I havent heard from him what he wants to change whats going to be different the next two years than the last two years?" Labrador asked reporters. Ryan, for his part, said House Republicans would be working "hand in glove" with Trump. "We`re going to do everything we can to help him be as successful as he can," Ryan told reporters ahead of Tuesday`s vote. Republicans also re-elected three other lawmakers to leadership positions: House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and the chairwoman of the Republican conference, Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Jakarta: Jakarta`s Christian governor was formally named a suspect in a blasphemy investigation Wednesday, after allegations that he insulted Islam sparked a violent mass protest by Muslim hardliners in the Indonesian capital. After a lengthy preliminary probe, police said that the allegations against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is also a member of Indonesia`s ethnic Chinese minority, should go to trial and ordered him not to leave the country. The case is being viewed as a test of religious tolerance in the world`s most populous Muslim-majority country, where a spike in attacks on minorities has eroded a reputation for pluralism, and analysts said the decision was a "setback". Religious groups had demanded that Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, be prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Koran while campaigning in elections for the Jakarta governorship. The governor -- who is favourite to win the polls -- had accused his opponents of using a Koranic verse, which suggests Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in order to trick people into voting against him. The blasphemy allegations sparked much anger among Muslims -- both moderate and hardline -- and more than 100,000 protesters took to the streets in Jakarta on November 4 demanding that Purnama be prosecuted, with the protest turning violent. After a weeks-long investigation that involved questioning scores of witnesses, national police chief detective Ari Dono told reporters: "Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has been named a suspect." National police chief Tito Karnavian conceded there were "sharply dissenting opinions" and the decision was not unanimous. However investigators eventually agreed a crime had been committed and the case should go to trial, he said. Naming someone a suspect is a formal step in the Indonesian legal system that means authorities believe they have enough preliminary evidence to consider filing charges against someone. Commenting after the decision, Purnama pledged not to pull out of the Jakarta election in February, telling reporters: "This is not the end, there will be a court process which we hope will be open. "We will still take part in the election -- our supporters who back us come should still come to polling booths to help us win." Observers expressed surprise at the decision -- police had been widely expected not to pursue the case as the evidence was viewed as weak -- and said it could be a compromise aimed at avoiding further violent protests. A decision to drop the case would likely have sparked anger from hardline groups, who were already planning another mass rally later this month. "This is a calculated move by the government and police," Tobias Basuki, a political analyst from Jakarta-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. However he added the decision marked a "huge setback for Indonesia". The protest earlier this month, which was the biggest in recent years in Indonesia, was peaceful during the day but as night fell descended into chaos, with protesters torching police cars and hurling rocks in the heart of Jakarta. Scores of police officers were injured and one man died in the clashes close to the presidential palace. Purnama has apologised for his remarks made in September, saying he was criticising his political rivals who were using the verse rather than the Koran itself. But this has done little to appease his opponents. He faces a tough fight to win the Jakarta governor poll -- he is running against the son of an ex-president and a former cabinet minister -- and his rivals have been accused of seizing on his comments to whip up popular anger. The governor won huge popularity with his no-nonsense style and determination to clean up Jakarta, a crowded, polluted metropolis of 10 million notorious for its monster traffic jams. But his once enormous poll lead has dwindled to a few percentage points since the blasphemy scandal broke. New Delhi: Pakistan is conducting military exercise named 'Raad Ul Barq' in a strategically located area bordering India. Pakistan Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif today witnessed ongoing military exercises in Khairpur Tamiwali in Bhawalpur, Punjab province, which is near the border with India. 'Raad Ul Barq' is aimed at checking the operational preparedness of the military. Tanks, planes, artillery and other heavy weapons are taking part in the ongoing military exercises. Helicopter gunships and ground troops will take part in the exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the Line of Control. Prime Minister Sharif said yesterday that Pakistan cannot be bullied by Indian "tactics" and its restraint should not be "misunderstood" as weakness, warning that his country was fully capable of defending against "any belligerence". While chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's House, Sharif said Pakistan was exercising "maximum restraint" in the face of "Indian violence", and it should not be "misunderstood as our weakness", a statement said. The relations between New Delhi and Islamabad have been simmering ever since the India Army conducted surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads along the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In a first, India carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Uri attack would not go unpunished. Seven terror launch pads across the LoC were targeted by the Army in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heliborne and ground forces were deployed. Kabul: A suicide bomber on a motorbike killed at least four people and wounded several in an attack on a vehicle carrying national security officials in Kabul on Wednesday, a security official at the scene in the Afghan capital told Reuters. An interior ministry official confirmed the attack but could not say immediately how many people had been killed or wounded. "The suicide bomber was on a motorbike and detonated himself in the Pul Mahmood Khan area (in Kabul). The target is unclear but there were casualties," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the interior ministry. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Jorhat: An adult male rhino was killed by poachers today in Kaziranga National Park in Assam taking the toll to 15 this year, a forest department official said. The rhino was shot at and critically injured by poachers near Tunikati forest camp under Burapahar Range of the World Heritage Site along NH-37, said Divisional Forest Officer of KNP, Suvashish Das. Forest guards of the Park heard gun shots around 1 AM and launched a search operation in the area leading to the recovery of the injured rhino, Das said. They rushed a team of veterinary doctors to treat the pachyderm but it succumbed to bullet injuries, the DFO said. On October 19, another rhino was killed and its horn taken away in Kaziranga near Balipukhuri forest camp in Agratoli Range of the Park. On June 18, another rhino was killed on the day when the state DGP was there to hold meetings in the Park's Kohora Range office with KNP officials and security personnel, Forest Department officials, Village Defence Party (VDP) personnel and police officers, on ensuring security and safety animals there. On June 6, a female adult rhino was killed by poachers and its horn taken away at Agratoli Range on the day state's Forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma and two other ministers, accompanied by top Forest Department officials, were on a tour of the KNP in the wake of frequent killings of rhinos. In April, during British Royal couple William and Kate's visit to the Park, a male rhino was shot dead by poachers using AK-47 assault rifles. On May 1, poachers had killed an adult male rhino in the Park and took away its horn. New Delhi: Pakistan has violated the ceasefire 369 times in Jammu and Kashmir in the first ten months of this year, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2, 2016. He said 159 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control in the state. In the year 2015, there were 253 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border and 152 such incidents along the LoC, the minister added in reply to a written question. New Delhi: Delhi Police has raised the reward from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing information that could help locate JNU student Najeed Ahmed, who has been missing from the university for over a month now. The force had initially announced that it will give Rs 50,000 to anyone providing information about Najeeb and had later increased the amount to Rs 1 lakh and then to Rs 2 lakh. A senior police officer said the amount has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. The case was last week transferred from South District to the Crime Branch to have a "fresh look" into it. The team probing it has started from scratch and is re-looking at all clues and evidence. Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student following an instruction from the Union Home Minister to the Delhi Police chief. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II (South) Manishi Chandra, however, failed to gain any actionable clues in the matter. The SIT was focusing on psychiatric angle in the probe after it was learnt that Najeeb was suffering from OCD with depression. The team was also mulling seeking help from psychiatrists from AIIMS or RML to chalk out a plan for probe in the case. The Crime Branch is probing all angles, sources said. New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday accepted notices to discuss demonetisation as the winter session of Parliament started. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said: "We have received notices for discussion on demoentisation. We can have the discussion till 6 p.m." Kurien also conceded to the demands from the members to continue the discussions on Thursday. The notices were given by members of the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left parties and JD(U). Opposition parties had on Tuesday decided to raise the issue of demonetisation in both houses of Parliament, signalling disruptions during the winter session. New Delhi: With opposition seeking to rake up the issue of demonetisation in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the government is ready to discuss all issues and hoped parties will contribute in completing the legislative agenda in the Winter session. Addressing the media outside Parliament House on day one of the month-long Winter session, he hoped a "very good" discussion will take place on all issues which are based on the political ideologies of parties, the hopes and aspirations of the common man, and the thinking of the government. "I feel a very good debate will take place in this session too. All parties will have the best of contribution. Best of efforts will be made to take all parties along in completing the government business," he said. The Prime Minister said the government is ready for discussion on all issues. "We are ready for an open debate which will lead to good and important decisions," he said. He recalled that in the last session, taking an important decision on GST, Parliament took an important step towards the dream of one country, one tax. "That day too, I had thanked all parties. When all parties work together for national interest, good decisions are taken and they are taken fast. It also give good results," he said. He said to take the GST issue forward, all state governments and parties they represent are holding regular meetings. Discussions on the issue have been on even before the commencement of the session, he pointed out. Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday decided against contesting the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC) election to be held on December 18. In a press statement, observer of party's Chandigarh unit Harjot Singh Bains said, "The party high command has decided to stay away from contesting the election or supporting any political party or independent candidate". However, he did not give any reason for the decision. The CMC has 26 wards and presently BJP holds the majority. Besides, there are nine nominated councillors. New Delhi: Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, a suspected senior operative of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), was forced to leave his job as a driver at a Dubai company due to his "radical mentality", according to the NIA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a supplementary chargesheet, along with the statement of Mohammad Ubaid Kola, the owner of Kola Enterprises -- a toy company in Dubai that had hired Siddibapa, and other employees of the company. Kola, whose business is to import toys from China and India and distribute in the local market at Oman, Dubai and other places, in his statement said his father in 2009 offered Siddibapa a job as driver with a salary of 2,500 Dirham. "During my conversation with Siddibapa, it appeared to me that he was a radicalised person, as he used to quote certain verses of the holy Quran, which were related to the Jihad in Islam," Kola said in his statement. "He used to keep certain persons like Anwar Hussain alias Noor, who was associated with the IM organisation, and ... he used to quote me certain occurrences like Babri Masjid demolition incident, Gujrat riots, etc., and would instigate me that being a Muslim, I should do something to avenge the atrocities which were committed on the Muslim community in India," he stated. Kola said he had tried to persuade Siddibapa to not adopt such mentality or thinking. Kola also took the initiative of keeping him in the company of Islamic scholars, but all in vain, as Siddibapa did not change his attitude. Since despite "my repeated instructions to change his (Siddibapa) attitude, he did not oblige me, so I sacked him from the job of driver around 2010", the statement said. The Kola Enterprises owner also told NIA that Noor used to visit him frequently and used to address Siddibapa as 'Khan'. Noor, a wanted accused, is on the run. Similar accounts were also given by other employees of the company. They also said that in 2013, they came to know through open sources that Siddibapa was an IM cadre. The NIA has chargesheeted Siddibapa for various offences under sections 121A (waging war against the Government of India) and 123 (concealing facts with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The fresh supplementary chargesheet was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit, who on Wednesday took cognizance of the chargesheet and posted the matter for December 6 for further hearing. The NIA chargesheet says that Siddibapa conspired to stage terror attacks at various places in India, recruited Indian youth for the IM and funded their activities. Described as the financial brain of the terror outfit, Siddibapa lived in Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He was arrested here in May following his deportation from Dubai. The NIA alleged that Siddibapa had been in touch with other IM operatives through electronic communication. A Red Corner notice was issued against him in December 2013. Siddibapa was also wanted for his alleged involvement in the July 2006 Mumbai serial blasts, 2008 Delhi blasts and the 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bengaluru. He allegedly routed the money using both banking channels and Western Union Money Transfer. He left for Dubai much before the crackdown on the IM started in 2008. He was detained in the United Arab Emirates and arrested in January 2014. Pune: Opening ceremony of the sixth India-China Joint Training Exercise, Exercise Hand in Hand 2016 was held on Wednesday at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, here. The joint exercise was held in the presence of Major General Y K Joshi, ADGMO of Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang of the People's Liberation Army and other senior Army officers of both the countries, said a defence release. Maha: Opening ceremony of sixth India-China Joint Training Exercise 'Hand-in-Hand 2016' held at parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, Pune. pic.twitter.com/Uzkdyq1r3k ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 The parade was commanded by Lt Col Li Guanghua, Commanding Officer of People's Liberation Army. "Both the senior military officers of the Indian Army addressed the contingents before Major General Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the Joint Exercise open. The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies with each other's operating procedures in the backdrop of counter-terrorism environment," it added. "The opening ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment. The ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu, Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent. The exercise will terminate on November 27," the statement said. Earlier on November 15, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China. The statement said the 13-day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, firing of various weapons, handling & neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon & search operations in insurgency and terrorism environment. Islamabad: Pakistans foreign policy chief, Sartaj Aziz, has said that he plans to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in India on December 3 and suggested the visit could be used to "defuse the tension" between the nuclear-armed neighbours. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged Saarc summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in Amritsar, India, on December 3," confirmed Aziz to PTV news on Tuesday. The adviser said he himself will participate in the conference. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. "Despite the fact that Indian forces killed our seven soldiers along Line of Control on Monday, Pakistan will not boycott the conference," Aziz maintained. Azizs trip to India would be the first by a senior Pakistani official since gunmen raided an army base in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir and killed 19 soldiers in September, an attack New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. The Heart of Asia conference focusing on Afghanistan is due to be held in Amritsar, close to the Pakistani border. The conference will seek ways to help improve security and bring peace to Afghanistan, which has been mired in conflict since a US-led coalition toppled the hardline Taliban government in 2001. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have also been strained over the past year, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of harbouring the leaders of Taliban and seeking to meddle in Afghan affairs. Pakistan denies the charge. "Heart of Asia is for Afghanistan and Afghanistan is our priority," said Aziz. New Delhi: A 23-year-old man, alleged to be a member of notorious Shakti gang and wanted in a number of sensational armed robberies including loot of Rs 8 lakh cash and 2.5 Kg gold from a jewellery shop in Rohini in July, has been arrested, police said on Wednesday. Karambeer, an active member of Shakti gang which operates from south-west Delhi, was arrested on a tip off from a wine shop at Shyam Vihar in Najafgarh on November 11, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Yadav said. The gang, including its leader Shakti, Karambeer and others, had looted 2.5 kg of gold, Rs 8 lakh in cash and a licenced revolver from a jewellery shop owner and his staff in Rohini after firing at them in July. Karambeer was also involved in a case of carjacking, in which he along with other gang members had robbed a car, mobile phone and purse containing cash and documents at gunpoint from a Gurgaon-resident Ved Prakash and his son Dayanand near Sultanpur lake in September. Shakti and other gang members Kimmi, Deepak Pandya and Pradeep were arrested by Gurgaon police, while Karambeer was absconding and Crime Branch was making efforts to nab him. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up some states and Union territories (UTs) for not filing the status report with regard to implementation of its verdict and the legal scheme to grant of reservation to differently abled people and asked them to furnish the same within two weeks. "Let the response be filed with two weeks failing which this court will be compelled to direct presence of secretaries of the departments concerned," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said and posted the matter for December 1. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation which has sought direction to the Centre and the states to file reports on the status of the implementation of provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. The court had on August 31 noted that states like Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttarakhand and some others have not filed their status report and had asked them to do the same in two weeks. At the outset of the hearing today, the counsel appearing for the foundation told the bench that states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha and UTs like Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu are yet to file their response. Irked over the non-compliance, the bench then said, "Let the secretaries come and explain. We have directed you to file a response to the chart (given by the foundation) and you have not filed it." While advocates representing many of these states and UTs told the court that they filed it, some of the lawyers said that they would furnish it soon. The foundation had filed a detailed chart with respect to the steps taken by the states and UTs and what more was required to be done by them in implementation of the verdict and the provisions of the Act to grant three per cent quota in jobs to differently abled persons. The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act provides for separate one per cent reservation for each of the three categories of persons with disabilities -- persons suffering from blindness and low vision, those suffering from hearing disability and those suffering from locomotor disability or cerebral palsy. Mumbai: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, demanding action against his friends and those who are hoarding black money. Gandhi today charged that no action was being taken against the "real black marketeers" and the "industrialist friends" of the Prime Minister. Rahul was addressing a huge crowd of Congress activists after a magistrate's court in Bhiwandi granted bail to him in a criminal defamation case filed against him for claiming, at a 2014 election rally, that the RSS had killed Mahatma Gandhi. The next hearing in the case, filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist, Rajesh Kunte, was fixed for January 28, 2017. Talking outside the Bhiwandi court in adjoining Thane district, Rahul Gandhi said: "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10-20000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken. "The masses are standing in a queue. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in queue," Rahul sought to know. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," Gandhi told his supporters. He alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a handful of 15 industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. He predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, would go back to the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others "within one year". "Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens' pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends no action has been taken against them we demand action against Modi's friends and those who have hoarded black money." He asked the large gathering of Congress activists from Mumbai and Thane - "Did you get your Rs 4,000? Have you got the indelible ink mark?" to which they disapprovingly roared "No". Gandhi pointed out how each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation and have been put to immense hardships. "But Modi is laughing and crying laughing and crying," although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes," he said. After being granted bail, Gandhi said that he had come "to fight" the ideological war against the RSS. Addressing a rally in the run-up to the 2014 General Elections on the outskirts of Mumbai, Rahul Gandhi had claimed, "The RSS people had killed (Mahatma) Gandhi." "On one hand it's a fight for independence versus slavery. They want everybody to bend before them as they want to rule. But they cannot enslave this country as the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are enshrined in our hearts," Gandhi said. En route to Mumbai after the court hearing, Gandhi stopped at a bank near a toll tax point on the outskirts of Bhiwandi, interacted with people and shared their grievances. Meanwhile, Maharashtra PCC president Ashok Chavan, in his address to the supporters, said people of Maharashtra are with Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the struggle against BJP government's anti-people policies. In a stinging attack on Modi on the demonetisation issue, Rahul had last night said the prime minister was "laughing" while people were dying in queues outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money and the move will turn out to be a "big scam". The government did not seem to be going after the "big players" in black money like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, he had said. He also claimed that BJP members were alerted beforehand about the demonetisation. (With Agency inputs) Chandigarh: Amid an escalating water row between Punjab and Haryana, BJP legislators from Haryana on Wednesday met Punjab Governor V.P. Singh Badnore to seek blocking of a move by the Punjab government to de-notify land acquired nearly four decades ago for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday de-notified nearly 5,000 acres of land acquired for construction of the SYL canal nearly four decades ago. Led by Haryana BJP President Subhash Barala, the Haryana BJP legislators demanded that the governor should not give his assent to the move by the Punjab government to de-notify the land. They pointed out that the Punjab government's move was in contempt of the Supreme Court verdict in the matter. Haryana claims to be a water deficit state and has stated that it has been deprived of more than half of its legitimate share of 3.50 million acre feet (MAF) of surplus Ravi-Beas water, which has led to reduction in agriculture production. The Supreme Court had earlier accepted its petition for early hearing on the issue of the SYL canal, on which the Presidential Reference is pending for the past 11 years. The Supreme Court verdict has given a clear opinion to the President in favour of Haryana. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has categorically said that his government will not accept the recent Supreme Court verdict which said termination of water agreements done unilaterally by Punjab in 2004 through a bill passed by the state assembly was illegal. "The Punjab Council of Ministers today (Tuesday) decided in public interest that the land acquired for SYL Canal Project, which is presently vested in the Punjab government, free from all encumbrances, stands de-notified with immediate effect and shall forthwith vest in the original land owners or their lineal descendants/legal representatives, free of cost," said the decision of the cabinet, taken at a meeting here. Both states are in the midst of a political and legal war over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana through the SYL canal, which has remained at the centre of controversy for four decades without a drop of water actually flowing in the canal. In March this year, the Punjab assembly had "unanimously" passed a bill to return the land acquired for construction of the SYL canal. Within hours, the Haryana assembly, passed a "unanimous resolution" condemning the passage of the Bill by the Punjab Assembly. It had described the move as "unilateral, unconstitutional and denying the authority of the Supreme Court." The Congress government in Punjab had, in 2004, scrapped the water sharing agreements with neighbouring states and refused to give any water to other states, especially Haryana. The presidential reference was sought after this move by Punjab which nullified all agreements on water sharing. The Punjab assembly, in 2004, passed the controversial "Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Bill" on water sharing with other states. The SYL Canal, that was to link two major rivers (Sutlej and Yamuna) in Punjab and Haryana, was planned and major portions of it were even completed in the 1990s at a cost of over Rs 750 crore at that time. It is entangled in a political and legal quagmire with Punjab and Haryana unwilling to give up their respective stands. New Delhi: In an announcement which may start a political debate, government on Wednesday said that around two crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants are staying in India. "As per available inputs, there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha replying a written question. Rijiju said there are reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid travel documents. Since entry of such Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such Bangladeshi nationals living in various parts of the country, he said. Rijiju said deportation of illegal staying foreign national is continuous process. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that "Bangladeshis" will be deported if he comes to power. "They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed," Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation between 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for many students, social and political organisations in the Northeast. The 2014 election manifesto of BJP said that the party will review and improve the border management and "punitive measures will be introduced to check illegal immigration". The BJP said it will address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this will include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometer long international border. Mumbai: Following the Centre`s ban on Zakir Naik`s NGO, the Islamic Research Foundation, for five years, the counsel of the controversial Islamist preacher, has asserted that it is an `illegal and unjustified` ban and added that they will move the tribunal against the order. Naik`s lawyer, Mubin Solkar, told ANI, "So far, we have not been served with any such kind of notification under Section 3 of the UAPA. We are clear that this ban is not justified at all and is an illegal ban, because, the provision of the UAPA has been wrongly invoked in this case. According to us, it is a clear misuse of the provisions of UAPA." He further said that in order to declare an organisation as unlawful, it has to reveal, highlight and promote the offence under Section 153A, ie promoting enmity on grounds of religion which the Islamic Research Foundation has not done. "The IRF since its inception has promoted peace and harmony, charitable, sociable and humanitarian activities. This ban is wholly unjustified. So, even if this notification is issued, it does not normally take effect unless it is confirmed by the tribunal," he added. A confident Solkar said he is sure that the tribunal would cancel the ban. On Tuesday, the Centre banned the IRF for five years and asked law enforcement agencies to maintain a strict surveillance on activities of all establishments of the organisation. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security after Naik was found to deliver provocative speeches. The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a show cause notice to Naik`s NGO thereby initiating the process for cancellation of its FCRA licence. MHA sources stated that the process for putting Zakir Naik`s educational trust in prior permission category has also been initiated. The Centre had time and again asserted that Naik`s IRF is maligning India and, therefore, on several occasions insisted that there is a need for it to be banned. Naik came under the scanner after the Bangladeshi newspaper `Daily Star` revealed that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, was inspired by Naik. He is banned in both the United Kingdom and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions. He is also among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia and is accused of radicalizing and attracting youth for terror acts and has come under the scanner of the security agencies. Srinagar: Hitting out at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that if he thinks the demonetisation move and the board exams would end the unrest in Kashmir Valley, it was a misconception and the "storm" would rise again. Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, Abdullah said if India became a Hindu Rashtra, Kashmir would not remain a part of the country. Speaking to reporters after a party function at NC headquarters Nawai Subh, he said, "If the Defence Minister thinks that by examination and change in currency (demonetisation), the storm, which has erupted here, will die down, then he has a misconception. This storm will not die down. Whatever they do, this storm is there and after exams, they will see that the storm will rise once again." Parrikar on Monday had said since the high-currency notes were demonetised, terror funding has come down to zero and there hasn't been stone-pelting on security forces. "I regret that he has given a very wrong statement. There is no doubt that children appeared in the examinations because they got a concession of 50 per cent (in the syllabus). Who gives 50 per cent concession? They thought they will pass because of the concession," Abdullah added. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also slammed the Narendra Modi dispensation over the demonetisation move, saying the Prime Minister's aim was to bury fake currency but the government did not think about problems to the poor who have to stand in queues for 24 hours and even then they don't get money. "They (government) should have thought over it before taking such a step and taken those measures so that people did not have to face these difficulties. They have created a tsunami in front of people and you are seeing the result of that. I'm hopeful that its result will be bad for them (government) in the coming elections," Abdullah said. Referring to Bhagwat's statement, he said government should take action against him for speaking against the Constitution. "According to the Constitution, India is a secular nation and not a Hindu Rashtra. If he says that it is a Hindu Rashtra, then he is speaking against the Constitution of India and the Centre should take action against him because every religion has an equal opportunity according to the Constitution. "If they want to keep saying this, then unfortunately, those people who were against the two-nation theory of Ali Mohammad Jinnah, this will breed doubts in people that perhaps Quaid-i-Azam (founder of Pakistan) was right and others were wrong," the NC president said. "If Bhagwat says that India is a Hindu Rashtra, then I want to tell Bhagwat that Kashmir will not remain a part of that India. Kashmir was with such India where every religion has equal rights," he said. He asked national leaders to speak against RSS in unison and "say the RSS propaganda is not acceptable to any party". "As long as India respects every religion in accordance with the Constitution, gives equal right to every person of every religion how small he may be, he has every right under that Constitution and if it is eroded, then be ready for a revolution which you will not be able to control. Srinagar: A policeman was killed on Wednesday in an encounter with militants in the forest area of Baramulla district of Kashmir, police said here. Security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in Marbal village of Zaloora area in Baramulla district in the wee hours following information about the presence of ultras there, a police official said. He said one policeman was critically injured in the gunfight with militants and taken to a military hospital in nearby Kupwara district. However, the injured cop succumbed later on. The operation was going on till reports last came in, the official added. Latehar: In a bid to evade scrutiny, Naxals in Jharkhand are forcing elderly people to exchange their unaccounted money after demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. In Latehar district, one of the most Naxal-affected areas in Jharkhand, the left-wing extremists, who have extorted crores of rupees by levying "tax" and through ransom, are forcing elderly people to deposit the cash into their accounts, using the cap of Rs 2.5 lakh deposit in one go. "It is correct. We have received information that Naxals are using villagers to deposit their extortion money into bank accounts so that it can be converted into legal currency. Not only elderly people, but young people could also be involved in the practice," Latehar Superintendent of Police (SP) Anoop Birtharay told PTI. Birtharay said that for the last two days, police have been conducting searches in several places to nab those involved in the illegal practice. "We suspect that some locals, who could be Naxal sympathisers providing logistical support to Naxals, are behind it," the SP said. Birtharay said police are keeping a close vigil and conducting raids upon receiving tip-offs to nab those involved in the practice. Vehicle checking is also being conducted. "We got information that some Naxals from Bihar were scheduled to hold a meeting with their Jharkhand counterparts here but panicked upon learning that police have been conducting raids to nab them," he said. Jaipur: The anti-terrorist squad of Rajasthan has arrested an alleged Islamic State operative in Sikar district who was involved in collecting and transferring funds for the terror organisation from Dubai. "The accused identified as Jamil Ahemad (41) works in Dubai. He is a sympathiser and operative of ISIS. He had been raising funds from India, Bangladesh and UAE and transferring to the ISIS for the last two years through hawala," ADG-ATS Umesh Mishra said. "He was on our radar for some time. He came to India recently and visited his ancestral house in Fatehpur eight days back. He was picked up by us interrogation and was placed under arrest yesterday," he told PTI. Ahemad was in touch with other ISIS operatives on social media platform. An MBA graduate, Ahemad was working as the Assistant Financial Manager at a reputed firm in Dubai since 2003. He has a house in Mumbai where his wife and children live, Mishra said. "Our one team is in Mumbai and conducted searches at his house with the help of Mumbai ATS," he said today. Mishra said that the accused, who has been arrested under prevention of unlawful activities act, has revealed his connections in the ISIS and says that he has no regret. "He is completely remorseless and supports the organisation. He said that those (terrorists) are fighting for a cause," the officer said, adding, that he is being interrogated. Chennai: Days after Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa appealed to people to vote for her party in three constituencies in Tamil Nadu and a lone seat in Puducherry, top Ministers and ruling party men are now banking on her appeal by distributing copies of it to woo voters. Led by Finance Minister and AIADMK treasurer O Panneerselvam, AIADMK functionaries are distributing photocopies of Jayalalithaa's November 13 statement to people in the poll-bound constituencies to seek votes for their party as campaign draws to a close tomorrow. Polls to Thanjavur, Aravakkurichi and bypoll for Thiruparrankundram and Nellithope (Puducherry) constituencies are slated to be held on November 19. Jayalalithaa, for the first time since she was admitted to hospital on September 22, had urged people to "give your love and support to AIADMK in the present polls as well, remembering such innumerable schemes to enhance the people's standard of living." While campaigning at Thirupparankundram, Panneerselvam, distributing copies of Jayalalithaa's appeal, said people overwhelmingly supported the AIADMK chief and "because of Amma's influence, DMK's (poll) camps are going empty." Listing the welfare schemes, he said a whopping Rs 68,211 crore was set apart for welfare schemes and subsidies alone in the State's tax free budget. "All over India, no other government has allocated so much funds for the people (their welfare)," he claimed. A total of 1.91 crore families get 20 kg rice for free ensuring food security in Tamil Nadu. Annually, 1.67 crore women and 1.65 crore men get free sarees or dhotis, he said. Panneerselvam, now incharge of portfolios previously held by Jayalalithaa, spoke on the 8 gram free gold for women beneficiaries under 'Thallikku Thangam (Mangalsutra) scheme, saying in the past five years, 7,72,643 women have benefited. Besides Panneerselvam, all ministers and senior functionaries are actively campaigning in the constituencies. In her appeal, the AIADMK supremo had also said "I have taken rebirth because of your prayers and worship. I would like to share this happy news with you in the first place." Stating that she does not have any grievances in view of people's "great love" for her, she said, "by God's grace, very soon, by recovering fully, I am waiting to resume work." DMK's campaign is steered by party top leader M K Stalin, who is targeting the ruling party on every issue, including Cauvery and does not fail to hurl the "this government is non-functional and is not bothered about the travails of the people," taunt every time. Meerut: Tapeshwar Singh, the 40-year-old migrant from Bihar, left no stone unturned in finding his missing wife. Babita had gone missing in March. On a bicycle with Babita's posters at both the ends of his vehicle, Singh rode to places to find his beloved wife. The duo got married three years ago after Babita was abandoned by her relatives because of her infirmities at a dharamshala in Brajghat in which Singh had been staying. However, Singh's life shattered the day Babita went missing. The man from Bihar started looking for his wife despite invincible difficulties. According to The Times of India, Singh used to ride on his bicycle for hours without having money in his pocket and eating anything. Earlier this year, Singh was told by some of his acquaintances that a pimp of Meerut had taken Babita to a red light area to be trafficked. Eventually, Singh came to know that the pimp had brought Babita to be sold but could not due to his wife's mental condition. The Uttar Pradesh Police lodged an FIR and promised help to Singh, However, it could not find Babita. Months passed by, and Singh's belief that he would find his wife one day got firmer. On November 2016, Singh found Babita sitting alone by the wayside in Haldwani. Talking to the daily, Singh said: "I first rubbed my eyes in disbelief...she was covered just in tatters, but it was her. Her sight almost paralysed me. For eight months I had searched for her day and night. I spent every penny I had saved in the last decade on a journey that sometimes seemed futile. But there she was. Babita told the TOI that said she didn't really know how she ended up in Haldwani. "I know she has a weak mental makeup and understand that it makes her more vulnerable to abuse," Singh told the daily. "That made me anxious, but also determined to find her. On Sunday, a man at Brajghat contacted me and said he thought he saw Babita begging in Haldwani. I immediately set out for Uttarakhand. I searched for her the entire day in Haldwani, but with little success. Quite late in the evening as I was wondering what to do next, I spotted her. We are going home now." Baghdad: An Iraqi Shiite paramilitary group said on Wednesday it is about to storm the Tal Afar airbase, west of Mosul, as part of the military campaign to retake the last major city under control of Islamic State in Iraq. Some Islamic State fighters have already pulled out from the base and moved to the town of Tal Afar, Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for Kata`ib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, told Reuters. "The battle will be finished today," he added. Kata`ib Hezbollah is a main component of the Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Shiite militias that joined the U.S.-backed campaign on Mosul end of October. Capturing Tal Afar would help cut Islamic State`s supply lines between Mosul and the territory under control of the Sunni hardline group in Syria. Athens: Outgoing US President Barack Obama has used his final trip to Europe to call for action to put Greece on a path to "durable" economic recovery, including the possibility of debt relief. Making his first stop in Athens in a farewell tour aimed at safeguarding his legacy, Obama made the strongest case yet for the debt-stricken country to be given some slack, The Guardian reported on Tuesday. He said: "To the rest of Europe I will continue to emphasise our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity." Acknowledging the "painful and difficult time" Greeks had endured as a result of being bailed out to avoid economic collapse, the US president called for a growth strategy that included debt relief formulas. A prosperous Greece would not only be good for the Greeks but good for Europe and ultimately the world, he said. "I will continue to urge creditors to put Greece on a path of a durable economic recovery," he told a press conference after talks with the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "Our argument has always been that when the economy contracts this fast, when unemployment is this high, that there also has to be a growth agenda to go with it and it is very difficult to imagine the kind of growth strategy that`s needed without some debt relief mechanism." But Obama insisted that, like all countries, Greece also had to undergo structural changes and acknowledged that in an arena of multiple players, such as the EU, consensus was hard to come by. "I know the politics of this are not easy," he said, adding that EU member states had their own institutions and constituencies to take into account. Greece has suffered a depression-era downturn since its debt crisis began in late 2009. Biting austerity, in the form of numerous rounds of budget cuts, has left a third of the population living in poverty and one in four out of work. With the US President heading next to Germany, the biggest champion of tough fiscal policies in the EU, the Greek government has set much store by the visit. Tsipras, who has called for a debt deal to be reached by the end of the year, described Obama`s support as crucial. Province: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday reassured his hosts in Havana that the election of Donald Trump as US president "won`t change" his country`s close ties to the Caribbean island. "Canada has always been a friend to Cuba, and we`ve never found any contradiction... between being strong friends to Cuba and good friends and partners with the US," Trudeau said. "For me, election results in the US won`t change the strong relationship," he said in a discussion with Cuban students, adding: "We make our own choices." A historic thaw in Cuba-US relations was begun by US President Barack Obama, with Canada hosting secret talks between the two sides to get the ball rolling in 2014. The US and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in July 2015, after severing them in 1961 during the Cold War. But Trump`s November 8 election has raised questions about that rapprochement. The Republican billionaire at first appeared to warm to the thaw, saying "50 years is enough." But he then vowed to reverse the new policies unless Cuban President Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Pressed about the US embargo imposed on Cuba in 1962 but opposed by Trudeau`s father, then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau, Trudeau said Canada "disagrees with the approach the US has taken with Cuba." "We think that our approach is much better, of a partnership, collaboration, of engagement," he said, while adding that "it`s not our job to tell our friend and allies what they should do or shouldn`t do." Justin Trudeau is the first Canadian leader to visit Cuba in 18 years. He met Tuesday with President Raul Castro, and was scheduled to leave Wednesday for Argentina before traveling to an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru. In Cuba, Trudeau also met with Cuban civil society representatives, religious leaders, environmental activists and free press proponents. Reporters were told there was also a chance he might meet with Fidel Castro, Cuba`s ailing former president who turned over power to his brother Raul. His father formed a lifelong friendship with Fidel Castro during his 1976 visit to Cuba. Canada is Cuba`s fourth-largest trading partner and the largest source of foreign tourists, with 1.3 million Canadian visitors last year making up nearly 40 percent of Cuba`s total tourist visits. Moscow: The surprise arrest of Russia`s economy minister over a two-million-dollar bribe on Wednesday sparked shock and bewilderment in the liberal wing of the Russian government, increasingly worried about political survival. Alexei Ulyukayev`s dismissal after being slapped with bribe-taking charges on Tuesday marks the first time in Russia`s post-Soviet history that an active minister is detained and charged with a criminal offence. Ulyukayev, 60, was put under house arrest Tuesday in a move that unleashed speculation as to whether the case against him was tied to an internal power struggle. An uncharismatic official who had served as economy minister since 2013, he had been charged with the daunting task of pulling Russia out of a crippling economic crisis that has seen its currency collapse over Western sanctions and depressed energy prices. His sudden fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the highest echelons of the Russian elite, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev saying Tuesday it was "beyond comprehension." Investigators said that Ulyukayev was caught red-handed as he was accepting a two-million-dollar bribe to greenlight state oil giant Rosneft`s acquisition of state-owned majority stake in Russian oil company Bashneft for $5.2 billion. The committee did not indicate who handed the alleged bribe to Ulyukayev, but described him as "threatening to create obstacles to the company`s activities in the future by using his official powers". Ulyukayev had originally opposed the sale but later endorsed it after President Vladimir Putin said it could help fill state coffers. Vedomosti business daily reported that several high-ranking government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, had also caught investigators` attention during the probe. RIA Novosti quoted unnamed sources as saying that other top bureaucrats could be caught up in the scandal, but the investigative committee said Wednesday the case currently had only one suspect. The executive branch`s influence on the justice system has led independent observers to question the allegations against Ulyukayev. To think that the minister could extort money from Rosneft chief Igor Sechin, a powerful Putin ally, would be like "a sparrow extorting a lion", wrote Yulia Latynina, a columnist for Novaya Gazeta newspaper. - A `big catch` - Different theories about Ulyukayev`s demise have rapidly emerged among Russian pundits. One theory suggests his arrest could be the result of infighting between security figures known as the "siloviki", such as Sechin, and the clan of liberal members of the Russian government. Others have said it represents an attack on Russia`s harshly-criticised economic policies that have seen Russians` purchasing power shrink dramatically over the past two years. Political analyst Konstantin Kalachev said the case against Ulyukayev was "surprising". "Sechin is a main character in the plot but his interests could have coincided with that of the FSB (security service) that is fighting corruption and wanted to bring Putin a big catch," he said. "The only consequence is that Russia`s liberal economists are demoralised," he added, stressing that economic stagnation would persevere and that proposed liberal reforms would not be carried out. - Siloviki dominate - Recognised as a member of the government`s liberal wing, Ulyukayev had worked with Yegor Gaidar, a former liberal prime minister who masterminded the "shock therapy" economic reforms of the early 1990s blamed by Russians for wiping out their savings. He had called for reforms including lifting the age of retirement and liberalising the labour market. "For those who have known Alexei Ulyukayev for 30 years, what happened was a shock," Anatoly Chubais, the economist who oversaw market reforms in the 1990s, wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday. Economists from Russia`s Alfa Bank said Wednesday that the Ulyukayev case was a "litmus test" for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, often associated with the government`s liberal wing. Political analyst Ekaterina Shulmann said the conflict was likely tied to the process of privatisation launched by Medvedev, as there are powerful people interested in state property who may be "negotiating in such original manner". The arrest is symbolic of the security clan dominating over liberal economists, which isn`t new, said Shulmann. "But that the siloviki are allowed to put away people as powerful as ministers -- that is news." Jakarta: Indonesian police said on Wednesday they will proceed with an investigation into a blasphemy complaint brought by Muslim groups against the Christian and ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta and banned him from leaving the country. The complaint against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, nicknamed "Ahok" and the first ethnic Chinese and Christian governor of the sprawling Indonesian capital, comes as President Joko Widodo tries to keep a lid on security and simmering religious tensions in the world`s biggest Muslim-majority nation. Ari Dono Sukmanto, chief of the National Police criminal investigation department, told reporters that, although there had not been consensus after an initial investigation, "the dominant opinion is that this case should be settled in court". Purnama would not be allowed to leave Indonesia during the investigation, police said. A decision to drop the case could have sparked mass protests led by hardline Muslims against not just Purnama but also Widodo, who is seen as a key backer of the governor. The blasphemy allegations centre on a speech Purnama made in September in which he said his opponents had deceived voters by attacking him using a verse from the Koran. Purnama has apologised for the comments but hardline Muslim groups have demanded that he resign, claiming that he insulted the Koran. More than 100,000 Muslims marched against him this month, urging voters not to re-elect him in February. Presidential spokesman Johan Budi called for all sides to respect the decision by police to proceed with the case. "From the beginning, the president has said he would not intervene," Budi said. Support for Purnama, a Protestant once hugely popular for his tough, reformist approach to running the city of 10 million people, has plummeted during the controversy. Marrakech: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday mentioned India thrice in his speech at a global climate meet -- highlighting its growing investments in renewable technologies, draughts and growing pollution. Speaking at the UN Climate Conference here, Kerry said: "Now, significantly the renewable energy boom isn`t limited to industrialized countries, and that`s important to note." "In fact, emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil invested even more in renewable technologies last year than the developed world," he said in his 45-minute address to the media, where scientists and international delegates were also present. "China alone invested more than $100 billion. Ultimately, clean energy is expected to be a multitrillion dollar market - the largest market the world has ever known." Expressing concern over global climatic conditions, Kerry, who has attended every major United Nations climate change summit since 1992, said: "We have seen record-breaking droughts everywhere -- from India to Brazil to the west coast of the US." "Storms that used to happen once every 500 years are becoming relatively normal. In recent years, an average of 22.5 million people have been displaced by extreme weather events annually. We never saw that in the 20th century," said the Secretary of State. Sounding an alarming note, he said there are nearly 20 million new asthma cases a year in India linked to coal-related air pollution. "In the US, asthma costs taxpayers more than $55 billion annually. The greatest cause of children being hospitalised in the summer in the US is environmentally induced asthma," said Kerry, who also talked abo ut his last week`s trip to Antarctica where scientists alarmed at the fast-changing climatic trends. He also blamed coal-fired power plants in China for pollution. In 2014, a study found that up to six million people in China have black lung because they lived and worked so close to coal-fired power plants, Kerry added. Beirut: Lebanon's powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah on Wednesday denied quotes in a Lebanese newspaper attributed to its second-in-command Sheikh Naim Qassem saying it had become "an army". "Hezbollah's press bureau wishes to clarify that what was published Wednesday in the As-Safir newspaper did not appear in the text delivered by the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah," the group said in a statement. The denial came after the newspaper quoted Qassem as saying in an address: "We now have a trained army and the Resistance (Hezbollah) does not need to rely on guerrilla tactics." As-Safir's article came after images shared widely on social media showed Hezbollah conducting a military parade in Syria, where it is fighting to bolster President Bashar al-Assad's forces. The images provoked controversy in Lebanon, where the Shiite movement is a divisive force, as well as concern from Washington, which deems Hezbollah a "terrorist" group. The group said its denial also invalidated a previous "clarification" in which its press office told AFP that Qassem's quote was in fact: "We have become more than a guerrilla movement but less than an army." Hezbollah staged the military parade in the town of Qusayr, which it retook the town from Syrian rebels in 2013 in its first major victory after it intervened in support of Assad's regime earlier that year. Photos of tanks, armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft batteries displaying the Shiite movement's yellow flag have appeared on social media in recent days. Hezbollah's militia never disarmed after Lebanon's devastating 1975-90 civil war and is the country's most powerful armed force. Detractors accuse it of being a "state within a state" and Washington has designated it a "terrorist" group since 1995, accusing it of a long list of attacks including the bombing of the US embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983. Washington supplies equipment to Lebanon's army and a State Department spokeswoman said this week that the US would be "gravely concerned" if it ended up in Hezbollah's hands. Washington: India's new ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, who arrived in the city a few days before the general elections, has kicked off his engagements with a meeting with powerful Democratic Senator Jack Reed. "Enjoyed meeting with Ambassador Navtej Sarna to discuss the strong relationship between US and India," Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a tweet after meeting the top Indian diplomat at the Capitol Hill yesterday. A 1980 batch foreign service official, Sarna also met Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress, who is also co-Chair of the powerful House India Caucus. Sarna presented his credentials to Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol, State Department on November 9. He is expected to present his formal diplomatic credentials to outgoing US President Barack Obama later. Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs until 2008, Sarna has previously been India's ambassador to Israel and the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. New York: The Democratic mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, said he today met with President-elect Donald Trump and warned him that he would work to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. "I reiterated to him that this city and so many cities around the country will do all we can to protect our residents and to make sure that families are not torn apart," de Blasio told reporters after the meeting at Trump Tower. Trump has vowed to deport or incarcerate as many as three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records after he takes office on January 20. De Blasio said Trump's stance "flew in the face of all that was great about New York City, the ultimate city of immigrants." "The place that has succeeded because it was open for everyone, the place built of generation after generation of immigrants," he said. In the wake of Trump's November 8 election victory, de Blasio said the city would delete from its data base by year-end the names of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who have received a city ID card, so they cannot be identified or deported by the incoming administration. The mayor and Trump are known to have strained relations. De Blasio said he stressed to Trump "that I would be open-minded as we continue substantive discussions but also vigilant." Like de Blasio, the mayors of other major US cities with high numbers of immigrants have vowed to protect them from deportation, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and the US capital Washington. Lahore: Pakistan has ordered more than 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by November 20, in an apparent move to "please" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who starts his two-day visit to Islamabad. According to the interior ministry, the teachers of Pak-Turk schools have been asked to leave the country along with their family members within three days. Some 108 Turkish teachers have been serving in the Pak-Turk Schools in the country. They along with their family members have been denied extension to their visas on the request of the Erdogan administration as these schools were run by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen whom Erdogan blamed for July's failed military coup. The Pak-Turk Schools administration has expressed shock over the government's decision which it believes has been taken under pressure. "Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges are extremely concerned over the abrupt decision of the government," said Pak-Turk Education Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Alamgir Khan. "Since we have removed all Turkish principals with the Pakistanis and publicly announced that it has no connection with Gulen movement there has been no justification of this decision," an official of the Pak-Turk Schools told PTI. He said now these schools have been operating under a local NGO registered with the Pakistani government. "However, these schools will remain functional under the Pakistani administration," he said. In August, Pakistan had promised Turkey's visiting Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that it would investigate the network of schools Ankara wanted shut for its alleged links with Gulen. "It is not secret that Gulen's organisation has institutions or their presence in Pakistan and in many other countries. I am sure the necessary measures will be taken. We have to be very careful with such organisations and their causing risk and threat for the security and stability of every country that they have presence," Cavusoglu had said. The network of Pak-Turk schools and colleges was launched in 1995 under the international NGO registered with the Turkish government. "Initially funding was made from Turkey to establish state of art campuses in Pakistan. But for the last 15 years or so it is generating its own funds here, offering free education and boarding facilities to 35 per cent of the students besides awarding foreign scholarships to them," the official said. The chain of 28 schools and colleges is functioning in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Jamshoro and Quetta. Some 11,000 students from pre-school to 'A' levels are studying there. Moscow: Russia on Wednesday overturned a criminal conviction against opposition politician Alexei Navalny following a European court decision, but ruled he must face a fresh trial. The high-profile anti-corruption blogger and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin was convicted of embezzlement in 2013 along with a businessman associate in a trial he and his supporters see as politically motivated. Navalny received a five-year suspended sentence after a lengthy trial in the central Russian city of Kirov. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled in February that the men were deprived of a fair trial and convicted over "acts indistinguishable from regular commercial activities." It told Russia to pay damages of 8,000 euros ($8,600) to each defendant and cover legal costs. Russia`s Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the earlier convictions but sent their case back for retrial, meaning Navalny, who has declared his intention to run for president in 2018, could face a lengthy new trial and possibly another conviction. "After the Supreme Court decision, Navalny could go to a penal colony," wrote pro-Kremlin site Life News.On his website Navalny said he was "categorically not satisfied" with the ruling, and that the court "should have closed the case since no crime was committed." "Instead, they sent the case for a new hearing," he said, suggesting this was done "so I can`t do political activities." "Now I am not convicted on serious charges and have the right to take part in elections," Navalny wrote. The firebrand politician has declared his intention to stand for president in 2018 polls that Putin is expected to contest. Asked to comment, Putin`s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists: "It`s a long time till the elections. This issue is not on our agenda." Navalny was the star leader of mass protests in 2011 and 2012 over Putin`s return to the Kremlin as president, and coined the slogan "Putin is a thief." He came second in Moscow`s mayor race in 2013. In the same year, he was first sentenced to five years in a penal colony but the verdict was changed to a suspended sentence on appeal. He has been targeted in a number of legal probes and spent months under house arrest. He has another less serious conviction from 2014 from a controversial trial which he faced with his brother Oleg, involving French cosmetics company Yves Rocher. His brother is currently serving a prison sentence. After being convicted in Kirov, Navalny was forced to step back from politics but he and his associates publish widely-discussed investigative reports exposing and ridiculing the secret luxurious lifestyles of top Russian officials. Navalny said he would appeal Wednesday`s Supreme Court decision to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which looks into failures to carry out ECHR decisions. Navalny`s lawyer Vadim Kobzev told AFP: "The meaning of today`s decision is that there will be a repeat trial, everything will start again from a court in Kirov." Navalny now is "formally not convicted over this case," Kobzev confirmed, attributing the Supreme Court`s decision to the absence of clear procedures on European rulings. There is now a possibility that "in a new trial, they will be cleared," he said. "If they convict them again and find them guilty, this will be ignoring the European Court of Human Rights." Russia in 2015 passed a law that allows it to reject decisions made by international rights courts, allowing it to snub the European Court of Human Rights. Aleppo: Syrian government and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held parts of northern Syria Wednesday, including battered second city Aleppo, where food aid rations were all-but-exhausted after months of regime siege. The renewed bombardment killed at least 32 people in Aleppo city in 24 hours, and sparked anger from Washington and the United Nations. It came as President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview that US president-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fights "terrorists". Damascus considers all those who oppose Assad`s government to be "terrorists" like the Islamic State jihadist group, which Trump has said should be the focus of US involvement in Syria. The regime and its ally Russia launched a wide-ranging assault on rebels on Tuesday, shattering a month of relative calm in the rebel-held east of devastated Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said six children were among the 32 killed in government strikes and artillery fire on besieged opposition-held districts since Tuesday. The Independent Doctors Association, a medical group, said barrel bomb attacks had damaged two facilities it supports in eastern Aleppo -- the children`s hospital and the only bloodbank in the area. Medical facilities have regularly been hit, and sometimes completely destroyed, in the government`s fight against rebels, though Damascus and Moscow deny they target hospitals. The Observatory also reported 19 people had been killed in Batabo, a village on the border between Aleppo and Idlib province, where Russia and Syria were carrying out strikes. The monitor said it was not immediately clear if the strikes on Batabo were carried out by Russian or Syrian planes.The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires. The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, expressing fear of moving into government-held territory. Food aid stockpiled in the east is all-but-exhausted, with international organisations and their local partners saying they were distributing the final rations in recent days. No aid has entered the eastern neighbourhoods since government troops surrounded the sector in mid-July. Once Syria`s economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people across the country since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Russia intervened in September last year in a bid to bolster the government, and on Tuesday said its forces were launching a "major operation" in Idlib and central Homs province, targeting IS and former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front with air strikes from a carrier in the eastern Mediterranean. But the bombardment has been criticised by both the UN and Washington, with the General Assembly`s human rights committee voting overwhelmingly on Tuesday to condemn escalating attacks on civilians. Washington said it had received reports that the latest bombing raids had damaged civilian infrastructure in rebel areas. "We strongly condemn the resumption of air strikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters. "The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it`s a violation of international law."Washington was an early backer of the uprising against Assad, and has supported the rebels fighting his government. But that could change under the next administration, with Assad telling Portugal`s RTP state television on Tuesday that he welcomed Trump`s campaign comments suggesting Washington`s involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he`s going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad said. Washington already leads an international coalition carrying out strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, but it does not coordinate with Damascus and Assad`s government has condemned it as ineffective. The coalition is supporting an operation by the Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture the IS bastion of Raqa. "We are advancing even though IS is mining the villages as they flee," SDF commander Rodi Derik told AFP on Wednesday in the village of Tuwaylaa, recently captured from IS. Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that the US President-elect Donald Trump would be a "natural ally" if he fulfilled his campaign pledge to fight terrorism. However, Assad said it was "dubious" whether Trump could "live up to his promises", Xinhua news reported on Wednesday. The Syrian President said this in an interview on Tuesday. He said he was skeptical about Trump`s ability to fulfil his previous promises on the need to fight terrorism in cooperation with Russia. Assad said he was being extremely cautious about judging Trump`s stance, particularly as "he hasn`t occupied any political position before,... we cannot say anything about what he is going to do." His skepticism emanates from the fact that Trump was not alone in control of the US. "What about the dominant forces within the US administration? What about the mainstream media against him? How would he handle it? And thus we remain skeptic on whether he can fulfil his promises or not," Assad said. Before winning the elections, Trump had expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in the war on terrorism, and thus a possible cooperation with the government of Assad. "When you think about it, wouldn`t it be nice if we got along with Russia?" Trump said in July. "Wouldn`t it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of IS (the Islamic State)?" he added. In the interview, Assad said that if Trump is going to fight the terrorists, then "we will naturally be allies to him alongside the Russians, Iranians and others that want to defeat the terrorists." Assad stressed that he would cooperate with the Americans in the war against the terrorist groups, as "we have suffered more than any other... from terrorism... If they have the will and ability, then of course." He said his government was ready to cooperate with any party in the world "unconditionally" in the war on terror. However, Assad made it clear that any international effort against the terrorists without coordinating with the Syrian government, would be considered illegal. He said: "if it`s illegal, we will not accept or acknowledge it." United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns that there is a real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, following a sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement. In a report to the Security Council released yesterday, Ban said that UN peacekeepers in South Sudan lack the manpower and capability to stop mass atrocities should they occur. "There is a very real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, in particular following the sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement in recent weeks," the report states. "While the secretariat will continue to make every effort to implement the mandated task of protecting civilians through the use of 'all necessary means,' it must be clearly understood that United Nations peacekeeping operations do not have the appropriate reach, manpower or capabilities to stop mass atrocities." In the report, Ban repeated earlier calls on the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on the country which he said is "inundated with weaponry." He also said that government restrictions on the peacekeepers movements have led to mission paralysis and are undermining humanitarian operations in the world's youngest nation. South Sudan has been riven by ethnic violence since shortly after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. In 2013, the country was plunged into civil war broke when government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, battled rebels led by his former vice president Machar, who is a Nuer. A peace agreement was signed in August 2015, but fighting continues. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 2 million displaced. Ban's report recommended that the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force first deployed in 2011 be renewed for another year. District of Columbia: A mayor from West Virginia has resigned amid a furor over a racist Facebook post that described First Lady Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels," US media said. Beverly Whaling, the mayor of the tiny town of Clay, had appeared to applaud the incendiary comment and stepped down Tuesday amid the ensuing firestorm, according to a town official, Joe Coleman. Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey had reportedly posted after Donald Trump`s election: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. "I`m tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Mayor Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam." The comments were later deleted and both women`s Facebook pages were eventually taken offline, The Washington Post reported citing local media. Ramsey was also reportedly fired. Barack Obama`s eight years in office have been marred by racial slurs against the nation`s first African American president and his family. Clay has a population of less than 500, according to the 2010 census, and is the seat of Clay County in West Virginia, part of the South where the legacy of slavery still runs deep. The furor over the racist comment, and the mayor`s seemingly agreeable response, prompted an online petition drive to have the two women ousted. The text on www.thepetitionsite.com gathered nearly 160,000 signatures from across the country. Whaling had apologized in a statement to Monday to The Washington Post, writing: "My comment was not intended to be racist at all." Michelle Obama emerged as a hugely popular surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail. Trump, a billionaire businessman, won West Virginia`s five electoral votes, helping him to his unexpected triumph over Clinton. All the country`s votes have not yet been counted. The two leading candidates in this years US presidential election had very little in common during their campaign. What they did have in common, however, was saying very little about their policies for the agriculture industry. While agriculture comments from the President-elect are few and far between even this Q&A with Farm Futures features some sparse answers Donald Trump did spend a lot of time campaigning in rural regions, which clearly paid off in the result. Bloomberg reports that during his Iowa caucus campaign he announced his support of the ethanol subsidies that are favored by corn farmers, for example. He also appointed a 64-member agricultural advisory committee in August to curry favor with rural voters. The Bloomberg article reads: With rural voters a key component of his victory, Trump is likely to look favorably upon those who helped him win, said Gary Blumenthal, chief executive officer of World Perspectives, a Washington D.C.-based consulting firm. The farm groups dont agree with everything he says, but he has that get-government-out-of-peoples-lives appeal that they support, Blumenthal said. Meanwhile, food companies have mixed feelings about what a Trump presidency will mean for business. Indications that he will restrict foreign trade caused a sell-off in some large food company stocks such as Kellogg and PepsiCo, while restaurant chains traded up on the promise of fewer regulations, The Wall Street Journal reports. Using reports from a range of analysts and media outlets that covered the election and Trumps policy announcements closely, we have found four main policy areas that could have an impact on the agtech market, both positively and negatively. Although, as a Rabobank analyst recently noted: Trumps policies are not clearly defined, but statements made during the campaign suggest they could be very different from current policies. The only certainty in the market at this point is uncertainty. 1) Secretary of Agriculture appointment Politico reports that there are several current and former farm-state governors on a working short list for agriculture secretary, according to Arabella Advisors, a consultancy firm that advises leading foundations and is tracking the transition. With no experience in the food and agriculture sector, Trump will need to rely on the advisors he selects, which makes their appointment even more crucial. Names on the list range from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to Sid Miller, the current secretary of agriculture in Texas. Interestingly, Kip Tom, a farmer we interviewed earlier this year, is also on the shortlist, according to the article. Tom is an early adopter of agtech and has engaged with several startups in the space, so his appointment could spell good news for the agtech industry if he implements favorable policies and support for the ecosystem. There are various ways the government could support agtech startups with more funding for early stage startups or investment groups in the space an obvious start. The USDA could also help to improve communication between farming groups and innovators to ensure technologies are answering farmers needs. Promoting agriculture as an interesting and profitable sector in tech innovator circles, is another role the USDA could play. 2) Tightening immigration I dont think theres a voter in America that is not aware of Trumps view on immigration and plans to build a wall between the US and Mexico. Whether the wall goes up or not, the issue was so central to his campaign that it seems very likely that tightening immigration policies will be high on Trumps agenda. This will have a clear impact on the agriculture sector, which employs 2 million undocumented workers, according to Farm Futures, and far more legal workers that have immigrated to the US. The agriculture industry is already experiencing a labor shortage, particularly on the West Coast, and the impact that has on farm businesses was exacerbated by a recent bill in California introducing overtime pay for farmworkers as well as an annually increasing minimum wage in the state. The additional labor squeeze that immigration restrictions would bring will make technologies that can enhance and even replace workers increasingly important and in demand. Robotics and automation are clear examples and are being used by some startups on the farm already, such as Blue River Technology and Naio Technologies. But, while the costs of robotics will go down, the costs of building these tools are largely too high to be adopted at scale on the farm yet. We believe it will take another three years before there are any number of commercially-viable options available to farmers. Until then, the automation of existing equipment will continue to gather pace aided by big data analytics and precision agriculture and hopefully help stretched farming groups. 3) Relaxing regulation Most of Trumps rhetoric about agriculture has been the need to loosen regulations and restrictions, and this has been popular in farming communities and among some food companies. At Iowa Senator Joni Ernsts annual Roast and Ride fundraiser in Des Moines at the end of August, Trump said that as well as protecting corn-based ethanol through the Renewable Fuel Standard, he was going to get rid of job-killing regulations like the Waters of the United States rule and provide tax relief by lowering tax on family farms to 15% and cutting the so-called death tax. Incidentally, this was his first and only substantial foray into agriculture on the campaign trail, according to Politico. At the same event, he criticized the Environmental Protection Agency and is now reported to have appointed Myron Ebell, director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute and a well-known climate change skeptic, to lead reform at the institution. We are going to end the EPA intrusion into your family homes and into your family farms for no reason, he said in Des Moines, according to Politico. What they are doing to you is a disgrace. We are going to get rid of a lot of those regulations that dont mean anything except cost you a lot of money and a lot of time and, in many cases, you lose your farms over the regulations. Loosening environmental restrictions on the farm could make farmers lives easier in the short term, but it could also lessen the incentive for farmers to adopt precision ag technologies, which typically help them to apply environmentally-impactful inputs such as water and chemicals more precisely and sparingly; and to generally measure their impact on the surrounding environment. The CEO of a water management tech startup was not worried and pointed out that most water regulations take place at the state level meaning the new leader could have little impact on the direction of statewide regulations. The biotechnology sector and food companies selling GMO products might also be happy with Trumps election, according to the Wall Street Journal: Mr. Trump has supported the biotechnology industry, and farmers and experts say he is unlikely to impose further rules governing the use or labeling of GMOsa benefit to food makers who feel such labels vilify science that helps lower the cost of food. The Grocery Manufacturers Association said in a statement it is hoping for the Trump administration to support science-based law, regulations and policies, around food. Eater and Salon report that Trump has also indicated plans to limit the scope of the FDA, which could mean loosening food safety regulations. This is unlikely to have an impact on the growth in food safety and traceability technologies, which are largely led by consumer demand and are ahead of regulation. 4) Renegotiating trade deals The US is the worlds number one agricultural exporter, followed by Brazil and China, but existing and proposed trade agreements were under fire during Trumps campaign. Criticism of trade deals was a cornerstone of Trumps campaign, and he has threatened retaliatory tariffs against China, which he accuses of currency manipulation, writes Bloomberg. The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump could also impose trade restrictions with Mexico given comments he made opposing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Rabobank believes the TPP is unlikely to go through under Trump. Limiting these agreements will have an impact on farmers and food companies in the US, according to analysts. Duties on imports from Mexico could affect several food companies that have built plants in Mexico such as Hersheys and Mondelez International, says Susquehanna analyst Pablo Zuanic in a Wall Street Journal article. Delegates at the recent Sustainable Ag Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, said that trade was their biggest concern and, as Rabobank analysts write, any change to US agricultural trade agreements will not only affect global prices and trade dynamics, but also US farmer margins. Wesley Spurlock, National Corn Growers Association president, agrees in an AgWeb article: TPP is the one thing Congress can do right now to increase farm income, generate economic activity and promote job growth. Campaign rhetoric has set Americas trade agenda back years. Lets take a big step back in the right direction and pass TPP. Falling farm incomes will mean farmers have less cash to invest in new technologies. On the flipside, it could make technology even more important for farming groups to squeeze every last bit of yield and profitability out of their land. As with all of the above, time will tell. Despite a level of continuity on some of the policies above, Trump contradicted himself on various occasions throughout the campaign. One example was criticizing Iowans for eating too much GMO corn on Twitter, while later supporting ag biotech. Its still too early to really know what actions Trump will take that will impact the food and ag sector and what will pass Congress, but we could be in for a lot of change over the next four years if we are to believe his rhetoric until now. What do you think? Email Media@AgFunderNews.com People pedal bikes to produce energy to keep a ball on in Marrakesh on November 11, 2016 Nations, businesses and Washington's top diplomat urged president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday not to withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris Agreement and its commitments to preserve Earth for future generations. US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined the perils that await the world if leaders drag their feet on cutting planet-warming greenhouse gases, while poor nations and small-island states highlighted their own vulnerability to the predicted climate catastrophe. "At some point even the strongest sceptic has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening," Kerry said at a UN climate conference in Marrakesh, just a week after Trump's election to the White House. Before his election, the business tycoon called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming. The Marrakesh meeting has started to draft a roadmap for putting the agreement's goals into action, but many fear a Trump administration would destroy political momentum built up over years of tough negotiations, imperilling the very goals of the global pact. Kerry stressed Wednesday that "climate change should not be a partisan issue". "No one has the right to make decisions affecting billions of people based solely on ideology without proper input," he added. Major companies joined the chorus, calling for "continuation of low-carbon policies" and investment in a low-carbon economy. "We call on our elected US leaders to strongly support... continued US participation in the Paris Agreement," said an open letter signed by more than 360 companies and investors, mainly American, including a dozen Fortune 500 firms. The Paris pact sets the goal of limiting average global warming to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Countries, including the United States, have pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources. Story continues But Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal. "Time is not on our side," warned Kerry, who has made the fight against global warming a hallmark of his tenure. - Increasingly alarming - "The world is already changing at an increasingly alarming rate with increasingly alarming consequences." Thoriq Ibrahim, environment minister of the Maldives, said the time for action was running out "especially for small island states whose very existence is threatened by powerful storms, poisoned oceans, and rising seas". "And now politics has entered the discussion in a way that has again put our ultimate success in doubt," he said. "Indeed, we can understand the concern and frustration expressed by so many here and around the world that worry what the future may hold." Frederick Mitchell, foreign minister of The Bahamas, compared climate scepticism to the church's persecution of 17th century Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei for stating that the Earth revolved around the Sun. For those doubting climate scientists today, "there will be no comfort in 2050 if the scientists are then proven right," he said. "It will be too late for the sceptics to say sorry." Analysts say that on current emissions-curbing pledges, the world is headed for warming of about 3 C -- with land-gobbling sea level rise, worsening storms and droughts, disease spread, and conflict over ever-scarcer resources the result. While waiting for the new president to make his climate position clear, many now look to the rest of the world to bolster the Paris Agreement. At a ministerial-level gathering Wednesday, speaker after speaker, from Africa, South America, Russia, Asia and Europe, recommitted their nations to the pact. "We must honour commitments and consolidate mutual trust," said China's climate envoy Xie Zhenhua. Kerry said Washington was well on its way to meeting targets under the Paris pact, and "I do not believe that that can or will be reversed." Market forces, not politics, will dictate the world's energy future, the diplomat added. "That's why I'm confident for the future regardless of what policy might be chosen, because of the marketplace." While Trump's ascension to the US presidency has been uppermost on the minds of delegates in Marrakesh, diplomats have been pushing on with the nuts-and-bolts work of designing rules and procedures for the Paris Agreement's execution. And ministers met on Wednesday to discuss the hot-button issue of finance for staving off dangerous climate change. By Mariya Gordeyeva and Katya Golubkova ALMATY/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Kazakhstan's two biggest lenders, Kazkommertsbank (KKB) and Halyk Bank , are discussing a merger to create a bank with assets of $27 billion that would dwarf its competitors, two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. The two lenders, which both have links to President Nursultan Nazarbayev, account for 37 percent of Kazakhstan's banking system assets. The new bank would be four times the size of the No. 3 lender by current assets but the merger could involve the write-down of bad assets belonging to Kazkommertsbank, one source who is close to Halyk bank said. This could involve some help from the state, the source said without giving further details. Halyk, listed both in London and Almaty, has a market capitalization of $1.7 billion, while domestically-listed KKB's market capitalization is about $540 million. Halyk Bank declined to comment on the matter, while KKB's press office said it was unaware of any merger discussions. The deal, if agreed, could only take place after May 2017 when Halyk is set to redeem a $638 million Eurobond. The bond's covenants would stand in the way of the merger, the source close to Halyk said. The idea of the merger, according to that source, has come from within the family of Nazarbayev, whose daughter Dinara together with her husband Timur Kulibayev has a controlling stake in Halyk. Kulibayev could not be reached for comments. KKB is controlled by local businessman Kenges Rakishev, a son-in-law of Nazarbayev's long-time confidant, Deputy Prime Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov. Rakishev, who could not be reached for comments on the merger talks, has built his stake up over the last two years. Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund Samruk Kazyna also has a minority stake in KKB. The second source, a banker familiar with the talks, said he had first heard about the potential deal a month ago. He also said that the outstanding bond issue was an obstacle. Story continues The owners of the two banks want to consolidate their market shares through the deal, the banker said. ASSET CLEAN-UP If the deal goes through, the bank would be four times larger than No. 3 lender Tsesnabank, and six times as big as the local subsidiary of Russian Sberbank, the No.4 Kazakh lender. But the deal might require an asset clean-up first. Half of KKB's assets are tied up in a single loan to BTA, a former bank that is now an asset management company which has twice defaulted on its debt. BTA, once the biggest Kazakh lender, was taken over by Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund in 2009 shortly before the first default. The government said at the time that BTA would have collapsed completely if it had not had a $2 billion cash injection from the fund which then sold it to KKB in 2014 in a deal valuing BTA at $1 billion. KKB then turned BTA into a distressed asset management company - transferring some of its own bad loans to it - and sold it to Rakishev and another local businessman for just $16,000. BTA still owes KKB about $7.5 billion and has so far missed no repayments on that debt, but the outlook for them is uncertain. "Although this loan is classified as performing and KKB's shareholder is involved in overseeing BTA as its ultimate shareholder, BTA's ability to service the much higher repayments from 2019 remains uncertain," rating agency Standard & Poor's said last month as it raised KKB's rating to 'B-' from 'CCC+' but maintained a negative outlook. Kazakh banks went through a stage of rapid growth in the early 2000s but were among the first victims of the global financial crisis, struggling to repay debt and collect loans. (Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; editing by Anna Willard) CardUp is on a mission to help people get rewards faster as well as take advantage of the nature of credit Team CardUp at the Singapore Fintech Festival Credit Cards are important for buying lifes necessities (and indulgences) without the constant fear of dropping below zero in the personal net worth metric. But they are also popular because of the rewards system. Crotchety old financial advisors telling people they need to build up credit to buy a home is much less effective than, if you use this card and pay it off, one day you will get a free trip to the Maldives. Over half of all Singaporeans use their primary credit card in order to reap the benefit of cashback rewards, said a J.D. Power Singapore Credit Card Satisfaction Study released at the end of October. However, these people are less satisfied with their provider and 20 per cent of cardholders said rewards systems are unattractive. One problem with cashback and rewards systems is how people use credit cards. The average person uses their card to buy groceries, nights out and clothes for their children. A large purchase might be a family vacation that takes a year of saving. This can make credit card rewards seem far away or nearly impossible to obtain. This reason for this usage pattern is in part because of restrictions about what people can buy via credit. Rent, mortgages, school fees and car payments traditionally existed in the realm of bank transfer or cash payments, which eliminates a host of large payments that could help people rack up credit card rewards more quickly. Also Read: This wellness startup wants Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong to go Om In Singapore, a young startup named CardUp is on a mission to solve this problem, allowing people to pay for large bills through their credit card. Basically our vision is to get people rewards and benefits for all their expenses they make today. So if you think about the fact that the majority of our big monthly expenses are paid by cheque or bank transferso we are forking-out over half our spending value on these big payments and getting absolutely nothing back in return, said Nicki Ramsey, the Founder and CEO of CardUp in an interview with e27. Story continues CardUp makes money by taking a percentage from each transaction and Ramsey said it is structured so the rewards always outweigh the fees. Selected as one of the 20 companies participating in the Hackcelerator at this years Singapore Fintech Festival, CardUp just recently launched the full product to the public. It also is an alumni of the FinLab accelerator programme that concluded this summer. Ramsey points to participation in the Hackcelerator and the FinLab as validation that the community seems to understand the value CardUp brings to the landscape. CardUp, which has six employees, has raised a pre-seed round of financing and plans to pursue a seed round in 2017. At the moment, the company is focussed on getting its roots down in Singapore, but Ramsey did say the company has set its sights on expanding into two regional markets in the future. The advantage of credit Additionally, the startup lets people take advantage of the nature of credit, which ideally can help alleviate one the pains of massive annual or bi-annual payments. Instead of parting with a few thousand dollars before the next paycheck, CardUp would let people pay it off through their credit card bill allowing people to wait a week or two until pay day. Also Read: ayondo acquires Singapore investor education app TradeHero Ramsey pointed to this particular feature being especially useful for school payments as they can sometimes require payments of S$20,000 (US$14,000) per semester. The disadvantage of credit While credit and rewards are nice, for many people, credit cards create serious problems with personal debt. Would paying for these large installments lead to large credit card bills that the person may struggle to pay off? We definitely are not encouraging that behaviour and we do not touch the credit piece. The credit limit that is assigned by the banks to that customer is enforced. The banks make that assessment and assign the credit, said Ramsey when asked about that risk. Ultimately, people can not put the transaction through if they do not have the credit limit or have other bills that are lowering the available credit on the card. But what about the people getting paid? Unless the user tells them they were using CardUp, people like landlords, school officials or car dealers would not be able to tell the difference as CardUp pays out the fees using bank transfers. Whereas with other payment gateways, both the recipients need to have an account. With us, we dont require the school or landlord to have a CardUp account. From that perspective, they just get the money into the bank and there is a payment reference against that transaction, Ramsey explained. The result is CardUp needs to put effort into developing partnerships with banks and it uses Singapores GIRO network (a way for locals to pay for bills) to facilitate the process. Anand Nirgudkar, the CTO of CardUP, explained the consumer will engage with a typical e-commerce payment portal, it is the necessity to work with banks that lead to some interesting tech on the back end. We are pushing in data, we are going through payment processors, we are going through banks to ensure that all the payments are passed through, so thats where all of our magic happens on the back-end, he said. While CardUp works with the banks, bringing them along was an initial challenge the startup faced. It is a unique business model without any precedent in Singapore, Ramsey said educating banks about the benefits for them was a major hurdle to clear in the beginning. Security Besides getting people to use the service, security is absolutely crucial for the success of CardUp moving forward. It uses a VISA credit card processing company called Cybersource to take in the information, which has bank-level security and SSL encryption. CardUp uses a one-time password to make sure, when the credit card is being entered, it is the real cardholder on the other end. The company does not store credit card information and everything is tokenised on the backend. So, if the company got hacked, there would not be any data to grab. Also Read: Startup that lets customers withdraw cash at stores gets grant from Singapores central bank Looking ahead, CardUp is planning on opening more channels for people to use the service. While rent is used to explain how the service works, Ramsey said they are looking into mortgages, income tax payments, insurance premiums and other sectors that hopefully will be live in the coming year. Ramsey is also looking towards new benefits for customers in the loyalty and consumer lending space to provide diversity for customers who do not care as much about the rewards system. The post This Singapore startup lets you pay for big ticket items, like rent, with credit cards appeared first on e27. Reuters The dollar's retreat in foreign exchange markets is temporary, according to a Reuters poll of currency strategists, who said the greenback still had enough strength left to reclaim or surpass its recent highs and resume its relentless rise. Up around 16.0% for the year, the dollar has come off an over-two-decade peak it hit in September, as the U.S. Federal Reserve, which powered the currency's rally, was expected to be nearing the end of its interest rate tightening cycle. The Fed is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate by 75 basis points on Wednesday, its fourth jumbo increase in a row. Student Success Historically Black Institutions Pursue Higher College Completion Rates with Complete College America Two organizations working to increase the number of people who earn a college education have teamed up to boost graduation rates particularly from the nation's black colleges. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), named for the first African-American Justice on the Supreme Court, and Complete College America (CCA) will work together to make CCA's resources and technical help available to those institutions known as "Historically Black Colleges and Universities" and "Predominately Black Institutions." The first endeavor will be to collect "completion data" from participating schools, following recommendations laid out in a technical guide released by CCA in 2014. The 30-page "Common College Completion Metrics" is a set of concepts, data elements and definitions intended to increase the consistency and commonality across states in reporting benchmark data. The data is intended to act as a baseline against which to measure progress and will include graduation rates, credit accumulation, time to degree and remediation rates, among other information. The College Fund will also kick off a "Fifteen to Finish" program with its member institutions. This CCA best practice encourages students to take 15 or more credits each semester to help ensure they graduate within four years. The problem traditionally has been that federal financial aid policies have only required students to be enrolled in 12 credits each semester to be eligible for assistance, thereby evolving that number of credits into an informal standard regarding the number of courses required to be considered a full-time student. The two organizations will be hitting up its philanthropic partners to fund implementation of the CCA initiatives within the minority-serving institutions. As a result of its commitment, the College Fund will be joining CCA as a member of its Alliance a network of states and various institutional consortia that have committed to increase the number of students successfully completing college. "It's no secret that black college graduation rates could be higher. TMCF is committed to be a part of the solution to educate, empower and encourage students on our campuses to stay the course, finish the race and graduate," said Johnny Taylor Jr., president and CEO, in a prepared statement. "The strategic alliance with CCA is timely and I have no doubt will lead to positive outcomes for our students and member-schools. This is a new day for black colleges." Assessment How to Select the Right E-Portfolio Platform Electronic portfolio experts from colleges and universities across the country offer their key considerations for choosing a campuswide e-portfolio system. In recent years, electronic portfolios have gained momentum as tools to help students manage their digital identity, make connections between their learning experiences in and out of the classroom, and present their achievements to potential employers or graduate schools. And increasingly, colleges and universities are using e-portfolios as an alternative assessment tool at the class and program level. "Students are documenting a lot of their work, and they know what they're proud of, and faculty members are being encouraged to look more at having outcomes that can be measured outside of the classroom," said John Ittelson, professor emeritus at California State University, Monterey Bay and co-author of Documenting Learning with ePortfolios: A Guide for College Instructors. As e-portfolios become a more formal part of assessment, many institutions are looking to standardize on one platform campuswide. We asked the experts at colleges and universities across the country to identify their key considerations for e-portfolio technology selection. Identifying the Purpose of the E-portfolio Initiative Before beginning the process of selecting an e-portfolio platform, it's important to determine the primary purpose of the institution's e-portfolio program and begin to establish a portfolio culture. "Get very clear with yourselves about the primary purpose of your e-portfolio initiative: Is it student learning? Career preparation? Institutional assessment?" said Lesley Bartlett, assistant director of University Writing, ePortfolio Project at Auburn University (AL). "While e-portfolio initiatives often serve multiple purposes, it's important to know which purpose is the priority. Your top priority should guide your platform selection process." Many inexpensive or free e-portfolio tools are readily available and can provide a low-risk opportunity for educational institutions to explore and refine the purpose of their e-portfolio program while beginning to establish an e-portfolio culture on campus. "Use whatever technology you have to for a couple of years to figure out what you really want to do with an e-portfolio," said Susan Kahn, director of the ePortfolio Initiative at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, which uses Taskstream as its e-portfolio platform. "Figure out what you need and how you're really going to use it before you start looking at platforms." Some learning management systems have built-in e-portfolio tools that educational institutions can use as a starting point. Other inexpensive or free tools that can function as e-portfolios include Wix, Weebly, WordPress and Google Sites. After a year or two of using low-commitment software, the decision-makers at the institution should have gained enough experience to conduct an informed and focused selection process. "The more work that you do understanding the goals and objectives of portfolio and implementation on your campus, the easier it will be for you to make a selection from the various vendors who are making proposals to you," said Ittelson. "The clearer your understanding of how you're going to use it and what you're going to use as your rollout plan, probably the closer you're going to be to picking the right tool the first time." LIMA (Reuters) - At least four people died in a fire in a movie theatre at a popular seaside mall in Lima on Wednesday, authorities said, ahead of a global summit bringing together presidents from the United States, Russia, China and Japan this week. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said the fire at the Larcomar shopping centre appears to have been started by a short circuit. The victims appeared to be two men and two women, but the bodies were so charred that it would be hard to determine their sex and identities with certainty, Police General Hugo Begazo said on local broadcaster RPP. Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said on RPP that sound-proof walls in the mall's movie theatre appeared to be made of flammable materials that allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Kuczynski said on Twitter that he lamented the tragedy and said the incident merited a thorough investigation. Larcomar, managed by Chilean company Parque Arauco SA, said it was cooperating fully with authorities and would close the mall for two days. At least one firefighter was carried away on a stretcher as smoke billowed from the open air mall that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, a Reuters witness said. U.S. President Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at a hotel in front of the mall during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, local media reported. The White House declined to comment. The British embassy in Lima, less than a block from the mall, closed due to a fire in its vicinity, the British government said in a statement. Obama and other world leaders were scheduled to arrive in Peru between Thursday and Friday to attend APEC, an annual gathering of heads of state aimed at promoting trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region. (Reporting by Lima Newsroom; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Bernard Orr) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cameo Resources Corp. (TSX-V:CRU) (OTCPK:SIDNF) (the Company) is pleased to announce that the company has signed a Letter of Intent with iWeedz.com of Henderson, Nevada. iWeedz.com is a technology platform that connects consumers with cannabis vendors and promotes local marijuana commerce. The Company will operate its technology platform through its website located at www.iWeedz.com and through its mobile application for Apple iPhone operating system (iOS) and Android operating systems. Consumers wishing to use iWeedz must create an account with iWeedz. Once an account is created, the member will be able to use iWeedz to locate local cannabis dispensaries to shop for cannabis products and to communicate with the dispensaries. As the member uses the iWeedz Website and application, the iWeedz technology will gather specific information about the member by tracking accessed content, liked items, purchased items and the member's profile. iWeedz will then use this information to match the member with the right cannabis vendor or to find deals that may be of interest to the member. The signed letter of intent is for exchange of information with iWeedz.com. There is no definitive agreement signed and no compensation terms are stated in the letter. The letter is to ensure that confidentiality is maintained as Cameo continues to discuss future business opportunities with iWeedz.com. Recreational marijuana is now legal in California and thats a game changer for public health. Though 25 other states have already legalized weed for medicinal purposes and four for recreational purposes, the size and population of California puts its decision in a different league and it could lead the way to figuring out policy around the drug. Current projections have Maine, Nevada, and Massachusetts voting to legalize recreational marijuana, while Arizona voted against legalizing recreational pot. Medical marijuana was also on the ballot for several states. Current projections have North Dakota, Montana, Arkansas and Florida all expected to approve medical marijuana. The Verge http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/8/13520486/marijuana-legalization-california-election-2016 Akash Patel, president of Cameo, remarks that: "Signing of this LOI does not shift the companys focus on its ongoing commitment to mineral exploration. However, we expect to complete our due diligence within the next 45 days and update our shareholders along the way." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Akash Patel, President For further information contact: Email: akashp006@gmail.com www.cameoresources.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. 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 Malegaon blast victim Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, who was injured in the blast, had filed an intervention application in sessions court as well. By Vidya : Advocate Avinash Gupta, appearing for Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, told the Bombay High Court that she has been unwell for years and needs medical treatment on an urgent basis. "She has been behind bars for the last eight years and she needs to be provided with good healthcare," Gupta told the court while arguing for her to be given bail. advertisement Additional Solicitor General, Anil Singh, representing the National Investigating Agency (NIA) told the court that the agency had "no objections" to Sadhvi being granted bail. However the division bench of Justice Ranjit More and Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi wanted to know if there are any intervention applications filed in the case. Advocate Naima Sheikh from advocate Wahab Khan's office told the court that 2008 Malegaon blast victim Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, who was injured in the blast, wanted to file an intervention. Bilal had filed an intervention application in sessions court as well where Sadhvi's bail application was rejected. Court decided to hold the hearing for the case on November 29 when all parties would have filed their say. Sadhvi has been languishing in an Ayurveda hospital in Bhopal in judicial custody where she was shifted from Byculla jail for treatment. However her family has alleged that her health has only deteriorated in confinement. Six persons had died and over 100 were injured in the bomb blast that had ripped Malegaon, a predominantly Muslim town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. ALSO READ: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur's family claims she was repeatedly tortured in custody --- ENDS --- Gautham Menon's Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada is in theatres, but the film is a disappointment for a Gautham fan. We tell you why. By Srivatsan: With 15 years of experience and 16 films in his filmography, Gautham doesn't have a 'bad' one. He ran into a lot of controversy when the experimental film Nadunisi Naaygal (2011) hit the screens. Though it had telltale traits of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), the film failed to impress the critics and audience. His Neethanane En Ponvasantham (2012) too faced lukewarm response from the audience. However, the aforementioned films are not bad films per se. advertisement Amid all controversies, Gautham Menon's Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada is finally in theatres and has opened to great response from critics and audience. Having said that, the film comes as a disappointment for the traditional Gautham Menon fans (ones who wear Kada/Kappu). MOVIE REVIEW: Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada ALSO READ | Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada collection: Gautham-Simbu's film rakes in Rs 12 crore If you smiled seeing the scene in Kaakha Kaakha (2004) where Maya tells Anbuselvan, "It's a girl thing. Ungaluku puriyadhu (sic) (You won't get it)," then AYM will come across as a disappointment to you. If the scene in Vaaranam Aayiram (2008), in which Surya says, "I'll come into your life and sweep you off your feet," made you blush, then AYM will make you scowl. If you laughed during that sly scene in Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu where Raghavan says, "Naan Telunga irundhalum kaapathirupen (sic) (I would've rescued even if you were a Telugu)" AYM is definitely not your cup of tea. In an alternate perspective, cinema is powerful for an emotionally weak person. The dark room makes you laugh, weep, smile and relive those moments in life that one dearly misses. Ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam has been lauded enough for effortlessly bringing back the nostalgia for the '80s people. But for a '90s kid, it is Gautham Vasudev Menon who has done that. One common streak in Gautham Menon's films are these indescribable moments. Be it your first love or the last text from your ex, Gautham's oeuvre is defined by these phases of life. He doesn't necessarily tell the same old Rama-killed-Ravana story, but say, the journey of Surpanakha, who served as a catalyst between Rama and Ravana. Also, Gautham has been vehemently criticised for following a set template, his signature, in films. His characters are all typecast, the film will have a track about first love, the father character in prominence, and invariably a heroine who will succumb to her injuries. Despite knowing the familiarity of his characters, we (fans) flocked to the theatres mainly to relive those days; those moments and conversations. Gautham's debut film Minnale (2001) was a huge success when it released. (Un)Arguably, the Tamil film and the Hindi version Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein both enjoy a cult following. However, Gautham broke out of his mould and established a niche with his cop thriller Kaakha Kaakha (2004). advertisement About 10 minutes into Kaakha Kaakha, the film had the audience half-raise their eyebrows. It not only introduced the hero Anbuselvan lying in a pool of blood, but also used voice-over as a narrative device throughout the film. In some ways, it was also the dawn of a stylish filmmaker. Right from Kaakha Kaakha to Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, Gautham has never ceased to use voice-overs as a powerful tool for narration. He was criticised for this inventive bit also. But isn't that how the human mind works? What's more baffling about Gautham Menon is that none of his films, apart from Minnale, Kaakha Kaakha and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, were an out-and-out money spinner at the box office. He gets a thumbs up from critics, he wins the hearts of the audience, however, fails to mint money at the box office. Without those hard-hitting moments, Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada was disheartening for a Gautham Menon film. For instance, in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, Karthik's agony was relatable when he says, "Ava fronta vida ava backa thaan athigama paathen (sic) (I mostly saw her back)." In fact, I was hoping AYM would have something of the sort, but it didn't. One could sense how much Gautham has compromised himself when the lead actors Simbu and Manjima Mohan take a U-turn to take on a gang headed by Baba Sehgal. We're pretty sure that Gautham must have laughed out loud when he wrote the film's climax. The bizarre climax seemed like he was taking a dig at commercial cinema. advertisement The thing about Gautham Menon is that most of his films do to you what a breeze does. Even his cop trilogy - Kaakha Kaakha, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu and Yennai Arindhaal are written so poetically that they make you forget the film's genre. Gautham's films end even before the first half sinks in. AYM, despite having a run-time much shorter than his earlier films, didn't even seem like a Gautham Menon work. ( The writer tweets as LoneWolf_7126 ) --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Alia Bhatt's upcoming film Dear Zindagi has been cleared by the Censor Board without any cuts, and given a U/A certificate. ALSO READ: Ranbir as Tiger Pataudi, Alia as Sharmila in Mansoor Ali Khan biopic? ALSO READ: Sidharth says his relationship with Alia is too serious to be discussed in public After her last release Udta Punjab was the centre of a grim battle between the makers and the board, Alia is relieved that her next with Shah Rukh Khan is facing no such issues. At a press meet for the launch of Twinkle Khanna's book The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, the 23-year-old actor told reporters, "I am very excited. Censor board has been very kind, very generous, very sweet with their words. My film is getting released and I just want to see the audiences reaction." advertisement The Student Of The Year actor showered praise on Twinkle for her sense of humour. "Her sense of humour is at some other level. You can watch Koffee with Karan to know that. I am a huge admirer of the human being that Twinkle is. I am honoured to be here at her book launch," Alia said. Alia is gearing up for the release of Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi on November 25. The film, which will see her starring with Shah Rukh Khan, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Apart from SRK and Alia, the film will also feature Angad Bedi, Kunal Kapoor and Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Gopeshwar (Ukhand), Nov 16 (PTI) The sacred portals of Badrinath were closed for the winters todayafter elaborate rituals marking the conclusion of the annual chardham yatra. The other three Himalayan shrines on the circuit - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - were closed earlier this month. A large number of pilgrims from across the country and abroad braved the winter chill and thronged the high-altitude shrine to witness the closing ceremony presided over by Rawal (chief priest) Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri. advertisement Decorated with marigold flowers on the occasion, the gates of the temple were closed at 3.45 PM amid traditional prayers in the presence of Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Namboodiri and a host of administrative and Mandir Samiti officials, CEO, Badrinath-Kedarnath Mandir Samiti, V D Singh said. The chants of Jai Badrivishal rent the air as the idol of lord Vishnu was taken out of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Ensconsed in a colourful palanquin, the idol of lord Vishnu, to whom the temple is dedicated, would be taken to Joshimath tomorrow where he will be worshipped during the six-month long winter break. The four Himalayan shrines of the state, also known as chardham, are closed annually for winters when they are snowbound. PTI ALM AQS AQS --- ENDS --- Israir Airlines launches flights between Tel Aviv, Yerevan Armenia envoy briefs UK House of Commons defense committee chair on impact of recent Azerbaijan attack Seoul, Pyongyang launch missiles Newspaper: Armenia ruling political team is in favor of western version of peace treaty with Azerbaijan State Department: US will contribute to Armenia-Azerbaijan talks Turkey parliament approves extending mandate of countrys military in occupied Aghdam of Karabakh Sweden to reach NATO's defense spending goal of 2% of GDP by 2026 Lebanon raises electricity price for first time since 1990s Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss situation over 'grain deal' Turkey not satisfied with Sweden's promises Azerbaijan claims to have 'exposed' Azerbaijanis who acted 'under control of Iranian secret service' Taliban sets up female Interior Ministry unit in Afghanistan to disperse protests U.S. concerned about Iran's 'threats' against Saudi Arabia Lebanon is facing a power vacuum, left without a president Gas exports from Iran to Armenia to double In first 9 months about $1.7 billion is transferred to Armenia Baerbock and Scholz disagree on China Delegations of Ukraine, Turkey and UN temporarily suspend movement of ships in framework of Black Sea grain deal Qatar Energy Minister calls EU proposal to limit gas prices hypocritical Jamshidi: Any capturing of further territories is occupation Putin: Kiev must give real guarantees of strict compliance with the Istanbul agreements Putin and Erdogan discuss results of meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Sochi Blinken goes to Germany to meet with G-7 colleagues Iranist: Cooperation between Yerevan and Tehran will prevent further Turkish activism U.S. military conducts field weapons inspections in Ukraine Defense Ministers of Russia and Turkey once again discuss suspension of 'grain deal' Armenian President and ICRC representatives discuss Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan Aliyev's aide visits Nakhchivan Berlin urges Serbia to choose between EU and Russia Armenian Deputy Prime Minister and USAID representatives discuss bilateral cooperation Erdogan: Turkey continues to make necessary initiatives on grain deal Macron promises Ukraine to survive winter and strengthen air defense The Collins British Dictionary chooses main word of 2022 Medvedev: Western countries are pushing the world into a global war Deputy Minister: 50,5 bln AMD will be allocated to North-South transport corridor construction in 2023 Georgia begins preparations for multinational exercise Agile Spirit 2023 Armenia and Iran discuss bilateral energy cooperation Paruyr Hovhannisyan receives Erin Elizabeth McKee Dollar, euro drop in Armenia Erdogan plans talks with Putin and Zelenskyy in coming days Head of Armenian State Revenue Committee: In 2022, the state budget will lack about AMD 84.8 billion Russia's richest billionaires will become $83.4 billion richer in 2022 Expert: expansion of relations between Tehran, Yerevan may prevent corridor creation Governor of Armenias Gegharkunik briefs EU mission on condition of settlements affected by Azerbaijan shelling (PHOTOS) Russia and Iran to sign deal on free trade zone with EEU Armenia National Assembly opposition factions representatives meet with visiting European Parliament members Hearings on South Caucasus to be held in US Senate Central Bank chief: High activity in Armenia economy is maintained in third quarter of 2022 OPEC Secretary General: Europe and U.S. are heading for economic recession Pashinyan briefs Raisi about talks in Sochi and their results Ardshinbank and Mastercard offer to pay with Apple Pay and get cashback Nine people arrested in India after mass deaths in bridge collapse CSTO meeting on Armenia-Azerbaijan border situation to be held on November 23 in Yerevan Zas: CSTO working towards proposals regarding situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector Clinton sues Trump to recover $1 million from him Lukashenko: Armenia turned down proposed settlement plan Raisi: Iran-Armenia trade can be increased to $3bn Zas discusses Baku-Yerevan conflict in Minsk Raisi: Foreigners interference will deepen problems of Caucasus State Security Service conducts operation in Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture Iran expands sanctions on U.S. Cavusoglu discusses relations with Azerbaijan with his Iranian counterpart European gas price falls to $1,246 per 1,000 cubic meters in October Legislature vice-speaker thanks visiting European Parliament lawmakers for supporting Armenia Armenia revenue committee chief: No initiative to ban import of Turkish goods Economy minister: Authorities plan to increase number of tourists in Armenia to 2.5mn annually by 2026 Armenia official: Our border checkpoints are ready to receive Azerbaijanis Flight restrictions extended at 11 airports in south and center of Russia until November 9 Sergey Kopirkin: Unblocking of communications must be based on respect for countries sovereignty Storm Nalgae in the Philippines leaves 110 people killed Lukashenko on Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict: Why did they engage EU? Why are they engaging CSTO there? Ambassador: Russia justifies itself as Armenias ally Kopirkin: September battles between Armenia, Azerbaijan were stopped by Russia militarys efforts Gold price remains stable Death toll in Seoul stampede rises to 156 Armenian PM and Iranian President hold talks in Tehran Kopirkin: Karabakh status issue should be left to next generations 14 people injured in Chicago Halloween night shooting Armenias Pashinyan arrives in Iran Armenia economy minister: Government predicts 7% economic growth in 2023 Turkish and Ukraine defense ministers discuss situation with grain deal Copper prices are rising Russia envoy to Armenia: Many common paradigms being broken in South Caucasus Israel holds fifth parliamentary elections since 2019 Lavrov: Over past decades we managed to lay solid foundations for strategic partnership, alliance with Armenia Oil goes up in price Primakov Readings international forum kicks off in Yerevan One person killed in Toronto shooting Armenias Pashinyan heads for Iran Newspaper: Armenia premier sends intelligence to Artsakh on day of rally Putin on choosing Turkey as Russia natural gas supply junction: Erdogan is man of his word Russia, Turkey FMs discuss South Caucasus Kremlin: Armenia, Azerbaijan confirmed their interest in Russia mediation Armenia PM concludes visit to Russias Sochi Putin: Europe will not be able to exclude Russia from Yerevan-Baku relations normalization process Putin on extending mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh: It will depend on other matters Putin: No Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty yet IMF forecasts $1 trillion unforeseen profit for oil exporter Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss recent developments in Caucasus YEREVAN. The Minister of Defense of Armenia, Vigen Sargsyan, will become a member of the ruling party in the coming days. Sargsyan himself informed about this at a talk with members of the media, on Tuesday. He stressed that even though he has never been a member of a political party, he soon will petition with a request to join the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA). Considering the constitutional amendments that were made in Armenia, I believe non-partisan activities shall be impossible from now on, the defense minister said. I have made this decision for myself, and I will petition in the coming days to become a member of the RPA. And he said the reason why he was not a party member until now is because his former duty as head of the Presidential Administration was not a political, but a discretionary position. STEPANAKERT. The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces 85 times, from late Tuesday night to early Wednesday morning. During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired around 1,100 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and by way of various caliber weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In addition, the adversary fired 20 shells from mortars, one shell from a rocket-propelled grenade, and one shell from a grenade launcher, on the NKR Defense Army combat positions that are located in a northerly direction of the line of contact. But the Artsakh defense army vanguard units are in full control over the frontline, and they take the necessary steps to reliably maintain their combat positions. Contestants will heave a sigh of relief after the completion of Lock Down task. But two contestants will be deprived of the luxury budget. Who will they be? By India Today Web Desk: Things will be back to normal today, as Bigg Boss will announce the completion of the Lock Down task. While most of the contestants performed well, there will be two contestants who will be punished for not giving their best to the task. Here's all that will happen on Day 31. Rohan and Mona's fight will affect a task Things will get bitter between the two captains--Rohan Mehra and Mona Lisa, as Lopa and Gaurav are pitched against each other in the karela juice task. While Lopa and Gaurav are holding their glasses, waiting for their respective captains to pour the juice in their glasses, Rohan and Mona's arguments seem never-ending. He will end it by saying--nominations mein dekh lenge. Gaurav and Bani will later discuss about Rohan's tendency to pick fights over unnecessary issues. advertisement Also read: Bigg Boss 10 Day 30: Contestants give up essentials for task; Om Swami plays his own game Manveer threatens to leave the Bigg Boss house Manveer and Rohan got into a spat yesterday. The fight will get so ugly that the two will be summoned by the Bigg Boss in the confession room. Manveer will put his foot down, remove his mic, saying he wants to get out of the house. He will once again be called to the confession room alone, but he will refuse to go inside. Will Manveer really leave the house? Om Swami irks Mona again Om Swami will point fingers at Mona's character saying that even though she is engaged, her closeness to Manu and Manveer is questionable. Lopa, Rahul and Rohan will stand up for her and tell Swami that he does not have any right to raise fingers on anyone's character. Captain Bani on a punishment spree On noticing that Manveer is fast asleep, Captain Bani will command him to do 20 push-ups as a part of his punishment. But, he refuses to comply. Gaurav will attempt to defend Manveer but Bani will ask him to stay away from the discussion. Two contestants to get punished Bigg Boss will ask the contestants to nominate two contestants who contributed the least to the task and will be deprived of the luxury budget or the delicious meal sent by Bigg Boss. Who will be the two contestants? Stay tuned. Bigg Boss airs Mon-Fri at 10:30pm and Sat-Sun at 9pm on Colors TV --- ENDS --- Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with representatives of the Armenian community in Paris on Monday, reported Nouvelles dArmenie. Co-chairmen of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations in France Ara Toranian presented to Sarkozy issues of concern for the Armenian community such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Asbarez reported. He relayed that the security of Karabakh is of key importance not only for Armenia, but for the entire European civilization. Toranian also spoke about the negative impact it Turkeys membership in the EU would have on the Armenian community. The meeting discussed the issue of Sarkozys circle having close ties with Azerbaijan. Sarkozy responded that during political decision-making, he is the leader; not the representatives within his circle. He said he supported the criminalization of the denial of the Armenian Genocide during his presidency. Sarkozy also affirmed that he is against Turkeys membership in the EU, contrary to current President Hollandes position. Regarding the topic of genocides, Sarkozy underlined the four genocides of the 20th century the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the genocide of Cambodians and the Tutsi genocide. He highlighted that the Armenian struggle raises issues to combat genocide universally. According to him, denial is not an expression of opinion, but it is a crime. Sarkozy also had a meeting with the Armenian community at the National Center for Armenian Remembrance Decines, France on November 9, reported Nouvelles DArmenia. The word genocide must not be trivialized. Its negation is a crime against intelligence and morality. The situation for Christians in the East is genocide, Sarkozy said, speaking about Christians in the Middle East. Regarding the possibly of Turkeys entrance to the European Union, Sarkozy said I went to Ankara to say on the spot that Turkey is certainly a great civilization, but that its place is not in Europe, and also that a great country must recognize the glorious hours as the dark hours in its history. Two big columns of people gathered near the central post office of KIev on Wednesday, Ukrainskaya Pravda reported. Another large crowd was across the street, In total, three were over 2,000 people, mainly elderly and students. Asked why they gathered, a woman from the crowed answered that they were heading to the National Bank. She said that they did not want dollar to rise in price. Meanwhile, the situation was quiet near the National Bank, Institutskaya Street was blocked by metal detectors. BB10 contestant Bani Judge might be seeing someone. Sorry, Gaurav Chopra! By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 10 contestant Bani Judge has been in the news lately, thanks to her dating rumours with fellow contestant and TV personality Gaurav Chopra. But looks like bindaas Bani is already seeing someone. Also read:Kanchi Singh has THIS to say about boyfriend Rohan Mehra and BB10 contestant Lokesh Sharma's growing friendship Yep, you read that right. advertisement According to media reports, Bani Judge is dating a television actor called Yuvraj Thakur. Yuvraj Thakur has previously been on shows like Best Friends Forever, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan. TV actor Yuvraj Thakur. Picture courtesy: YouTube Apparently, the two celebs first met each other in a gym, and started hanging out together on a regular basis. Bani Judge and Gaurav Chopra. Picture courtesy: Instagram/bigg.boss_10 Bani Judge and Gaurav Chopra. Picture courtesy: Instagram/bigg.boss_10 The rumours first started when it was disclosed that Bani was seen discussing the name of her partner during a game on the show (Bigg Boss 10), but the part where Bani had revealed the initials of her boyfriend's name was not shown on television, according to a report in The Times of India. So, what about Gaurav Chopra? Are Bani and Gaurav really just 'good friends'? --- ENDS --- The Security Council Secretaries of Armenia and Russia, Yuri Khachaturov and Nikolay Patrushev, met in Moscow Wednesday. A wide scope of issues related to the bilateral and multilateral cooperation was discussed at the meeting, the press-service of the Armenian Security Council reports. The sides touched on the situation in the South Caucasus, the process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and implementation of the decisions adopted at the session of the CSTO Security Council secretaries. The interlocutors underscored the importance of expanding the military and technical cooperation between Armenia and Russia, as well as the implementation of joint programs. The sides signed a cooperation plan of Armenian and Russian Security Council Secretariats for 2017. On the same day, expert consultations were held between the representatives of the Security Council staffs of two countries. The Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to have Russia withdrawn from the International Criminal Court in Hague. Vladimir Putin has instructed the UN Secretary General to announce about Russias intention of pulling out membership form the ICC Rome status. The statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry reads: " the International Criminal Court has not justified hopes placed upon it and did not become a truly independent and authoritative judicial body." The ministry adds, that it is a fact that the ICC has issued only 4 verdicts in 14 years, whereas spending billions of dollars, reports the RIA Novosti. The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the International Criminal Court for being biased regarding August 2008 events and insists, that it was Georgia that attacked the peaceful city of Tskhinvali. The already-existing Bihta Defence Airbase will be expanded to facilitate the operation of commercial flights. The Jai Prakash International airport in Patna has been termed "unsafe" and will be replaced by a new terminal. By Rohit Kumar Singh: In what is welcome news for the people of Patna, the Bihar capital is all set to get another civil airport apart from the existing Jai Prakash Narayan International airport in the heart of the city. The new airstrip is set to come up in Bihta, 35 kms from Patna. According to the agreement reached between the Bihar government and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, the already-existing Bihta Defence Airbase will be expanded to facilitate the operation of commercial flights. advertisement Also read: Parking made free at airports across India till November 21 The state cabinet, on Tuesday, approved a budget of Rs 260 crore for the acquisition of 126 acres of land near the Bihta Defence Airbase for construction of the proposed new airport terminal building. The State govt is likely to provide 126 acres of land for expansion of the Bihta defence airbase free of cost to the Airport Authority of India. 108 ACRES FOR EXPANSION OF BIHTA AIRBASE "The Bihar government will hand over 108 acres of land out of 126 acres acquired from the Airport Authority of India for the expansion of the Bihta airbase and on the remaining piece of land, a terminal and hotel will be constructed for passengers", informed Cabinet Secretary Brajesh Malhotra. It is expected that after the existing airport in Patna is modernised and a new airbase comes up in Bihta, the number of fliers will rise to 15 lakh annually at each of these two airports. Also read: After demonetisation, 1,000 per cent rise in rail ticket bookings; airport counter sales also soar Once the expansion of the Bihta airbase is complete, which is likely by October 2019, the same will be operational for both defence as well as commercial flights, as in seen in Gaya and Varanasi. According to the agreement, the existing Patna airport will also be razed and a new terminal will be built by the Airport Authority of India. AAI TERMS EXISTING PATNA AIRPORT 'UNSAFE' It may be noted that the Civil Aviation Ministry on several occasions has termed the Jai Prakash International airport in Patna "unsafe" for big jets and threatened to shut down operations there. The length of the runway is 2072 meters, 2300 meters less than the ideal requirement for the landing of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320s. This is why there was an urgent need to relocate the airport. --- ENDS --- Azerbaijani officials and several media outlets have informed on that Baku is working on a deal with Israel for obtaining an Iron Dome air defense system. However according to eurasianet.org expert, Joshua Kucera, despite various news on the deal, it is very unlikely for Azerbaijan to actually obtain the expensive system, which cannot technically satisfy Bakus needs. In his words, dissemination of such information is rather indicative of Azerbaijans concern about Armenias being ahead of the arms race. Last month Azerbaijani MP Yedva Abramov talked about the supplies, noting that the deal may bring to naught the efficiency of the Iskanders, which Armenia purchased from Russia. As reported, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu plans to visit Baku in December, while the Israeli media outlets citing unknown sources - confirmed Abramovs claims on that the deal on Iron Domes will be on the agenda. According to the author, the news was taken up by a number of solid media outlets, including Times of Israel, Russian Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade and American Defense Industry Daily. Why is the deal unlikely then? On the one hand, the cost [should be taken into account]: one squadron (consisting of two launchers, radar and control center) is assessed at $50 million. Israel, whose space is equal to the quarter of that of Azerbaijan, has installed about ten [such] squadrons. One rocket for this system costs $100,000, while the oil prices have dropped, Azerbaijan reducing its budget, including through zeroing out the expense points for the purchase of arms. Azerbaijan may afford this, but this would be an extravagance, which would require many other budgetary sacrifices. Secondly, Iron Dome cannot resist Armenias Iskanders. The maximal range of Dome is 70 km, which is absolutely suitable for rocket launchers such as Katyusha, by means of which the Palestine combatants are shelling Israel. But the range of Iskanders is 300 km, Kucera writes. Expert from British analytical center Chatham House, Zaur Shiriyev, agrees with him. In his words, the system is useless for Azerbaijan. The expert ascribes the rumors on the Iron Dome to the concern about Iskanders: since the news on Armenias acquisition became known, the Azerbaijani media and public have been craving for such news. Azerbaijan is definitely looking for ways to improve the capacities of its air defense in light of the purchase of Iskanders, regardless of whether that is in France or some other place. But the acquisition of Iron Dome is quite unlikely, Kucera concluded. E-commerce giant Amazon (AMZN) is expanding its service that allows customers to find local handymen and professionals, a move which could threaten the already troubled Angie's List (ANGI) . Amazon announced Monday that Amazon Home Services will be available in 20 more cities, bring the total to more 50 metropolitan areas across the U.S. including Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Cleveland, San Antonio, Raleigh, NC. The Seattle-based e-commerce company first rolled out the service in 2015. Since its initial launch, the number of providers on Amazon Home Services has grown by over 1,500%, according to a company statement, offering more than 1,200 services such as lawn care, plumbing, electric work, home cleaning and more. Amazon has undertaken a bevy of ambitious projects outside its core of e-commerce in recent years, including its Echo home speakers and Alexa digital assistant, Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service (and rumored upcoming physical grocery store locations) and several brick-and-mortar bookstores. With the expansion of its Home Services program, Amazon is taking on Angie's List, an online marketplace and review site that allows users to post comments about local service providers and businesses. Last year, the company rejected a $512 million takeover offer from IAC (IAC) , the parent company of HomeAdvisor, because it felt the bid was too low. Now Angie's List is in turmoil. CEO Scott Durchslag said during the company's third-quarter conference call on Nov. 1 that Angie's List would begin exploring strategic alternatives, and the company has reportedly begun laying off employees in an effort to save an additional $15 million to $20 million in costs this year. Amazonis held in the Growth Seeker portfolio. See all of the holdings with a free trial. Amazon has already been a part of the home services market for more than a year. Maxim Group analyst Tom Forte said that if the company is looking to grow this service, it's a good sign. "When Amazon expands an offering, it's either wildly important from a strategic standpoint or they're seeing something that they like," Forte said. Forrester analyst James McQuivey noted recently that Amazon is hyper-focused on building its relationship with its "passionate" customer base by investing in more and better services -- and it seems to be working. "People who sign up for three or more Amazon services (Prime, etc.) are the web's best possible customers," McQuivey said. "They spend more, they have robust digital lives, and Amazon... has them neatly connected to the company, probably for life." While the expansion in its home services business could enhance the customer experience, Forte said Amazon could face additional snags on the supplier end. "If you're a well-established local service provider you may hesitate to join Amazon's platform either because they'll take too big of a cut or you're getting enough business on your own," Forte noted. "But considering that they're expanding, [Amazon is] seeing data points that they like." Forte added he isn't convinced yet that the company has hit a home run with Home Services. "But I do see the potential to drive sales of products," Forte said. How To Tap Into Future Singles Day Sales Theres a Mothers Day, a Fathers Day, a Family Day (in Canada and South Africa) and now theres Singles Day (celebrated last week), a Chinese holiday dedicated to the joy of singlehood. But like everything else in this globalized Internet-centered world, fun events, holidays, and commemorations are taking on an international flavor. And that goes for Singles Day as well; created by Chinese university students and promoted by Alibaba, Singles Day has turned into the biggest Internet shopping day, netting $18 billion this year alone thats bigger than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined, or any of the top December pre-Christmas dates. And while Singles Day has yet to make it across the Pacific, American and European companies are all in, offering clothing, electronics, and much more to consumers in China. On November 11th, American e-tailers like Costco, American Eagle Outfitters, Calvin Klein, Uniqlo, Nike, Adidas and New Balance competed with e-commerce sites from around the world for a slice of the $18 billion in sales that Alibaba handles, as it processed $1 billion worth of orders in the first 5 minutes. If past performance is any indication of future results, next years Singles Day could see even more astronomical numbers. Alibaba has turned Singles Day into the biggest web sales phenomenon on the strength of Chinese sales alone and naturally, the company wants to export it to the rest of the world. Like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, one of the charms of Singles Day for consumers is the low pricing for everything offered and as the phenomenon expands to encompass more retailers and more countries, smaller e-commerce sites may find themselves boxed out of the big business taking place on that day. Thats because they wont be able to match the discounts offered by bigger sites that can afford to offer loss leaders to attract customers and perhaps get them to buy higher-priced goods. So what can e-tailers do to compete? It turns out that there is a winning strategy. A recent study indicates that even more than low prices, customers prefer to buy from sites that offer interest-free card-based installment payments. In fact, when credit card users are offered interest-free payments on their existing credit cards with no credit check or application process required, more than half (54%) of credit card users prefer installments over free shipping. Similarly, 53% of credit card users favored installments over a 10% discount. In a card-based installment payment scenario, customers buy whatever they want and pay for it over time. For example, a customer who makes a $500 purchase can opt to pay it off over ten months, with each payment being $50. The purchase is secured by the customers credit card, but the card is charged the agreed upon amount each month, without interest. The system is very popular in half a dozen countries around the world, and affords consumers an easy way to understand and control their finances. Instead of making just the minimum payments on credit cards with interest piling up consumers know how much they have to pay, when they have to pay, and when they will be finished paying off their purchase. Even among high-income consumers, who earn as much as $150,000, interest-free payments trump incentives like low prices and free shipping as a reason to patronize a site, with over 60% saying that payments were a more important feature for them. In addition, the survey revealed that 40% of credit card users would increase the size of their purchase by at least 10% if offered interest-free installment payments. Such is the power of interest-free card-based installments, that they are preferred even over discounts and other offers, among shoppers of all kinds, and certainly shoppers who will be buying on Singles Day. For e-commerce sites that adopt this strategy, the path to success on Singles Day or any other day could be a lot smoother. About the author Gil Don is CEO and Co-founder of Splitit, a payment tool that offers credit-card based installments. Gil has extensive experience in sales and management. He is highly skilled in business analysis and negotiating and is customer driven. He serves as the Regional Manager for one of EMCs product divisions, responsible for driving sales, building customer relationships and establishing additional channel partners. Prior to EMC, Gil was VP Marketing and Sales for leading technology system integrators like Ankor systems and We! More Point of sale articles: Sad about demonetisation? These 10 countries are running on an almost cashless economy. And they are doing fine. By India Today Web Desk: Since PM Modi's demonetisation drive hit us last week, we have been nudged into taking up the cashless lifestyle. From filling up Ola money and PayTM accounts, to paying rents via internet banking, we are going the extra mile digitally to compensate for the lack of cash in our pockets. But here's the thing. There are a few countries out there where going cashless is the way of life. So much so, in some of these countries, policies have been made that encouraged the public to opt for cashless transactions. advertisement Also read: Demonetisation rumours still on: Beware of these 5 false information on social media Here's a list of such countries which could inspire you to deal with your cashless crisis: SWEDEN Sweden is one country where cash transactions have decreased to just three per cent in the national economy. Be it riding the public bus or donating money at the church, you will have to use your card or online banking. This actually put a dent on bank robberies in the country, which dropped from 110 in 2008 to 16 in 2011 as most Swedish banks didn't have cash anymore. Also read: Who said what on PM Modi's demonetisation drive NORWAY Norway is said to be already leading the global race of going completely pro-electronic banking. Here, you can buy even street food and newspapers via mobile banking. DNB, the largest bank in Norway, called for the public to stop using cash earlier this year. The bank proposed that the elimination of cash usage would put a dent on black money and crimes like money laundering In Norway, several banks don't even give out cash to customers. Also read: Demonetisation takes Modi's mother to the bank, Twitter loses its mind DENMARK Almost one-third of the population in Denmark use cellphone app MobilePay to do their monetary transactions. In fact, businesses such as clothing retailers, restaurants and petrol pumps are actually legally free to refuse cash payments from customers. This, however, doesn't apply to services like hospitals, post offices, etc. Reports have it that the Danish government has "set a 2030 deadline to completely do away with paper money." Also read: As cash crunch hits, mobile ATMs take the roads in Bengaluru and Delhi BELGIUM An average of 93 per cent of the population opt for cashless transactions in Belgium, with 86 per cent owning a debit card. Moreover, the Belgian government has imposed a limit of 3000 euros on cash payments in the country, hence coaxing people to opt for digital transaction. Here, mobile app Sixdots is used widely for transactions, which is supported by Belgian banks. advertisement FRANCE The French haven't stopped at mobile payments, they even use contact-less cards and m-POS to carry out their daily transactions. Following Belgium, France has an average of 92 per cent of population going cashless with transactions. UNITED KINGDOM Cash is a sole mode of payment in only a handful of places in UK. An average of 89 per cent of the population uses digital banking for transportation and other transactions here. Paym, UK's most popular mobile payment system, has crossed 26 million pounds in transaction volume, as two-thirds of the population opt for mobile payments here. SOMALILAND Despite being one of Africa's poorest countries, more people in Somaliland opt for electronic banking than in most developed countries in the world. Liquid cash is rapidly decreasing in the market here, as even street vendors accept mobile payments. So much so that even the cards are becoming a rudimentary mode of payment. A 2012 survey showed an average customer makes some 34 online transactions per month, which is higher than almost anywhere in the world. KENYA In Kenya, some 15 million users are subscribed to M-Pesa, a cellphone-based money transfer app. All from sending money to rural areas, paying bills, to school fees is done through M-Pesa. People even receive their salaries via this app. advertisement The usage of cash is becoming more and more obsolete in Kenya. CANADA In Canada, 90 per cent of the population opt for cashless transactions, while an average of 70 per cent of payments is conducted by cards. Report has it that new currency has been printed in Canada since January 1, 2013. And this step was taken mostly because of the lack of demand of new money in the market. A survey held by PayPal Canada showed that 56 per cent of the public here preferred online wallet to carrying cash. SOUTH KOREA South Korea is one of the few Asian countries that is slipping towards a cashless economy. The government even practices a preferential VAT treatment for consumers who pay with cards, as compared to those using cash. AND THEN, THERE ARE COUNTRIES WHICH ARE GOING THE OPPOSITE WAY Germany is one such place where the usage of cash is still very popular. Places like cafes and small restaurants actually refuse to accept cards. "The idea of abolishing cash is an abomination," wrote a 52-year-old activist against the proposal of a cashless society in Germany, after a member of the German government's council of advisers suggested it last year. advertisement A USA report says Germany "is a nation that prides itself on thriftiness, paying its bills, avoiding debts and even shunning credit cards." So, if you are feeling too low about dry ATMs and long queues outside banks, draw a little inspiration from these many countries. --- ENDS --- Paris Attacks: Security Efforts One Year Later It was only a year ago when a series of coordinated terrorist attacks rocked the city of Paris, killing 130 people and injuring many more. Since then, government officials and security experts have been implementing security measures and procedures to ensure other attacks are thwarted. The security measures are directly coordinated with the attacks that happened on Nov. 13, 2015. Parisians have seen an uptick in uniformed officers and security procedures throughout the streets near busy nightlife hot spots, at theaters and concert halls as well as at stadiums near the city. These popular places have also used security guards, bag checks and metal detectors to deter attacks. Bag screenings and metal detectors have become everyday occurrences for those hoping to enter into a sporting event or attend a concert in the city. Officials believe these security measures help to deter attacks if they are consistent with screenings in popular places. The Bataclan, where the most people died in the attacks, has finally opened up for its first show since that tragic day. Sting performed the first concert at the music venue along with heavy security for all who wanted to attend. The theater was rebuilt from scratch exactly as it had been before 90 people lost their lives during an Eagles of Death Metal concert when three gunmen entered the building and open fired into the crowd. Hundreds of yards of barricades, extensive body searches and scores of uniformed police greeted concertgoers, which included families of those killed a year earlier. Perhaps the biggest security measure to come out of the attacks was the new National Guard. France approved a decree that created a National Guard. In addition to the military and police reserve, which currently has 63,000 people, the country expects to grow the National Guard to 84,000 people by 2018. Authorities believe theyll be able to deploy around 9,000 guard members each day in 2018, through a rotation system. France remains in mourning as they remember the lives lost in the November 2015 attacks. It seems that many are still unsettled and scared that another attack may be on the horizon, but President Hollande says hes doing everything possible to deter any credible threats. And here's why SGD is depreciating against USD Singapore and Malaysia are set to ink a bilateral agreement next month for the development of a high-speed rail which will connect the two countries. The draft agreement will set out the projects detailed costs, and revenue-sharing aspects. It will also touch on whether a tunnel or bridge will be built across the Johor Strait in order to link the HSR. Read more here. Point27 Asset Management plans further recruits in Singapore following the hiring of nine people as it expands in a region where rivals have pulled back. This years additions helped boost Point72s Singapore employees to 27, from 14 in March 2015, Chris Coward, chief of the office and head of risk for the firms international business, said on Monday. The Stamford, Connecticut-based family office, which oversees $11 billion, employs fund managers, analysts, quantitative developers and risk researchers in Singapore, he added on the sidelines of a ceremony to mark the relocation to a new office that can house 60 employees, double the previous capacity. Click here to check out their plans. The popular sentiment was that the USD would be in trouble after Trump was elected President. It was assumed to be similar to Brexit earlier this year, when the UK Pound depreciated against most major currencies following the unexpected result of the Brexit vote. In actual fact however, Trumps victory in the election didnt mean that the USD would decline. Check out why here. More From Singapore Business Review Malaysian leader Najib Razak expressed hope Wednesday that Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe can persuade US President-elect Donald Trump of the merits of a languishing Pacific free trade deal. The plea from Najib came a day before Abe is set to meet Trump in New York and as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also reiterated to Japan's leader the economic and strategic importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Asian leaders are scrambling to save the TPP, championed by US President Barack Obama but which Trump has vowed to scrap, claiming that the 12-nation deal would harm the US economy and costs jobs. Najib and Abe, after their summit in Tokyo, told reporters that their nations are moving ahead toward ratifying the TPP. Besides Australia, Japan, Malaysia and the United States, the accord also includes Brunei, Canada, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The group accounts for an enormous 40 percent of the global economy, and was envisaged as a counterweight to Asian giant China's expanding economic influence. "We hope that the TPP agreement will come into force," Najib told reporters with Abe by his side. "That is why I told Prime Minister Abe that his meeting... with President-elect Donald Trump is very much awaited by all TPP countries." Najib added that he hopes the "strategic importance of the TPP will be recognised by the incoming administration as well as by all participating countries". Abe's office announced that he separately spoke with Australia's Turnbull by phone to discuss the TPP. Turnbull highlighted his shared resolve with Japan to work with the incoming US administration, Abe's office said in a statement. "TPP's significance goes beyond setting economic rules for the Asia-Pacific region, but also has strategic significance of securing peace and stability of the region by countries that share basic values," Abe told Turnbull. Abe and other leaders of TPP countries will caucus on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru that begins this week. A West Virginia official who called First Lady Michelle Obama an ape in heels has been placed on leave after the racist remark prompted intense backlash and calls for her termination. Pamela Ramsey Taylor, the director of Clay County Development Corp., came under fire after she wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post: It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. Im tired of seeing a (sic) Ape in heels, according to the Associated Press. Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling chimed in, writing in a comment: Just made my day Pam. Both landed in hot water for the comments, which came after Republican Donald Trump was elected president. More than 103,000 people have signed an online petition calling for both Taylor and Whaling to be fired. The petition says the post was hateful and racially motivated. Every grant and piece of paper Mrs. Taylor and Ms. Whaling have to fill out and sign promises equal opportunities and a racism free workplace, it reads. Taylor, who runs a nonprofit that provides services to elderly and low-income residents in the county, told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she was put on leave. She apologized on Facebook but subsequently deleted her page, the station reports. Whaling apologized for her role in the firestorm and said in a statement to WCHS that she was not racist. I would like to apologize for any unintentional harm caused by my comment, Whaling said. My comment was not intended to be racist at all. I was referring to my day being made for the change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me, know that I am not in any way racist! Again, I would like to apologize for this getting out of hand! There are so many different ways for people to make money. But you dont have to choose just one source of income on which to focus. In fact, some of the most successful, wealthy smart business people have made their millions by specifically not putting all of their eggs into one income basket. Thomas C. Corley recently wrote about this subject for Business Insider. He said that his father learned this lesson the hard way while running his own business. The businesss main warehouse burned down one night and he went from being the owner of a successful business worth about $3 million (roughly $20 million in todays economy), to struggling to keep his familys home. Corley wrote: Our family struggled financially for the next 15 years, trying to recover from that nightmare; struggling almost daily to prevent foreclosure on our home. My dad told me later in life that he wished he had his eggs in more than one basket. That would have been the smart thing to do, he told me. Upon further research, Corley actually found that the vast majority of self-made millionaires took the opposite route opting for multiple income streams. His research found that 65 percent of self-made millionaires had three streams of income. 45 percent had four streams of income. And 29 percent had five or more income streams. The research, along with the concept of multiple income streams, doesnt apply exclusively to entrepreneurs and business owners. But businesses and side ventures can certainly help vary your income streams. And the concept can also be applied to businesses themselves. If you want your business to bring in more profits, you should consider varying how it makes money. If you rely solely on online sales from your website, for instance, you could consider also starting a sponsorship program for your website or blog or designing products to be sold in local retail stores. By varying your sources of income, youre able to not only minimize risk, but also to try out different methods that might bring you more success in the future. That doesnt mean that you should fully focus on other methods if selling products online is what you have built your business around, it may very well continue to be your main source of income. But during slow sales seasons, it might be nice to have some commission checks coming in from local stores or sponsorship money from other brands paying for visibility on your blog. When you think about employee benefits, your mind probably goes right to medical coverage. But there are actually a lot of other valuable added employee benefits to consider, from retirement plans and disability to vision and dental coverage. If you dont consider these added benefits to be a priority for your business, you might want to rethink that. Employee benefits are actually more important now than they ever have been before. Below are some of the reasons you should consider value added employee benefits beyond medical for your small business, along with tips for implementing those benefits. Why You Should Offer Value Added Employee Benefits They Help You Attract the Best Employees According to a 2015 CareerBuilder study, 55 percent of employees consider affordable benefits to be more important than salary when job hunting. That means that more than half of potential workers out there would rather work for a company that offers comprehensive benefits than one that offers a slightly higher salary but limited benefits. So if you dont offer any valued added benefits to your employees, you could really be missing out on some great potential team members. If more than half of people would pass on the opportunity to work for your company just because of the benefits, that greatly reduces the talent pool for your organization. And that means youll have less of a chance to actually find the best people for each job. They Help Your Team Stay Focused on Work Even if you do manage to hire a great team, its more difficult for employees to stay focused and engaged at work if theyre worried about money or experiencing financial issues, which is more likely if comprehensive benefits packages arent offered. According to MetLifes 14th Annual Employee Benefit Trends Study, 46 percent of employees who are financially distressed believe that their money worries have a negative impact on their productivity. And employers tend to agree. In addition, since two-thirds of Americans report that they would have trouble coming up with $1,000 to cover an unexpected medical emergency or other crisis, insurance can have a big impact on whether or not many workers have to actually experience those financial burdens. They Convince Your Team to Stick Around Longer If youre able to attract the right employees to your business and compensate them enough so that they can actually be productive and focused at work, then you likely want to get them to stick around as long as possible. Luckily, value added employee benefits can also help in that area. Fair compensation, which often includes added benefits, can make employees feel that they are fairly compensated for their work. And if theyre satisfied and stable in their jobs, theyre more likely to stick around instead of looking for opportunities with better compensation elsewhere. This not only allows your business to hold onto the best possible employees, but also potentially saves you money on training and HR expenses. How to Offer Value Added Employee Benefits Talk to Your Employees There are many different types of employee benefits out there. Generally, more than half of employees tend to see retirement plans, dental coverage and life insurance options as must-haves, according to MetLifes Employee Benefit Trends Study. And vision care insurance and disability insurance are also considered to be important. But as a small business owner, you have access to even more specific information about what your employees want if youre willing to just talk to them. If you know exactly what kinds of benefits they consider to be important, you can prioritize those over others. Talk to Your Broker On the other end of that, you also need to be sure that any benefits plan will work with your budget. But it is possible to get creative and pay for some benefits while offering others as self-pay options. And if you know what options are most important to your team already, you can find a way to work those into your benefits plan while still staying within a realistic budget. Keep Looking Forward Youll also want to be sure that your benefits plans will work for the future of your business as well. Dont spend so much in the short term that youll potentially harm your chances of affording great options in the future. But you also need to consider how added employee benefits might help your business going forward they help your team grow and stay productive. Re-evaluate Regularly As your team changes and evolves, so should your benefits. Youll need to constantly re-consider different types of benefits so that you can make sure your plan is always whats best for your team. In addition, as your budget grows or fluctuates, you can make adjustments that fit within what you can afford while still offering the best possible plans to employees. Canada has always been a natural choice for Americans keen on doing business abroad. And after this years contentious election cycle, there may be U.S. citizens open to the idea of picking up and starting fresh in the great white north. Although there are plenty of rules, regulations and logistical hurdles you would need to overcome in order to set up a business in Canada, the process itself is typically pretty straight-forward. To help you get started, here are a few basic tips and tricks that youll need to sort out before crossing the border. Starting a Small Business in Canada as an American Registering Your Company Assuming youve already got a business idea in mind, your first step will be to ensure youve got all of your legal boxes ticked. First and foremost, youll need to legally incorporate your business. As part of this process, you will need to use the Canadian Governments Business Registration Online (BRO) service to register for a business number. This unique number will be used in all future communications or transactions between your company and federal, provincial or municipal governments in Canada, and it lays the foundation for all future accounts processes like payroll deductions and corporation income tax. After registering for your business number, Americans wanting to start a company in Canada will then need to finish registering their business online with a regional online registry service. From there, each provincial service may differ slightly in its registration requirements. The type of company you choose to incorporate will also dictate which requirements you must fill. For example, in British Columbia, you will need a Canadian address in order to enjoy the tax benefits of a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation but that doesnt mean you need to be a permanent resident. There are plenty of ways around this, including forming a business partnership with a Canadian living in Canada and using his or her address to start the business. But when in doubt, seek legal advice on this one. Immigration and Visas In addition to registering for tax purposes and legally incorporating your company, youll also have to think about your own legal status as an individual. In most scenarios in most provinces, you are not required to be a Canadian resident in order to run a Canadian business. But U.S. business owners planning to work at their place of business will need to obtain working status from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Even if you are not planning to work at your new business, chances are youll still need to obtain some sort of temporary work visa in order to conduct business when youre visiting your Canadian business. For advice on your own particular scenario, you should contact the CICs Temporary Workers Unit. Never make any assumptions when it comes to crossing the border. Licensing and Permits After incorporating your company and ensuring youre allowed to work in Canada, you will need to obtain a license from the municipal authority that is responsible for the region where youre setting up your business. In Toronto, for example, you must apply to the citys Municipal Licensing and Standards Division outlining what type of business youre planning to open, and then provide documents like photo identification and proof of work status, proof of your business registration and any other forms that may be needed to show you owns your business. As with a business in America, Canadian municipal authorities will then most likely have permits for various industries that you will need to obtain before youre allowed to start trading to the public. If youre unsure where to start, Industry Canadas BizPal service offers a free tool that helps you figure out what permits you may need for opening various types of businesses in different parts of the country. Financing Just like America, Canada offers plenty of special funding opportunities and wage subsidies that small business owners from all over the globe are free to take advantage of. The governments Canada Small Business Financing Program offers generous loans for small businesses or start-ups with gross annual revenues of under $10 million. These loans can be used to purchase or improve land or existing buildings, buy necessary equipment or make necessary improvements to any equipment you may already own. The government has also launched a wage subsidies system for certain industries that gives small business owners huge rebates to help and meet payroll obligations. These incentives vary depending upon the type of worker, type of business and where youre located. The Bottom Line Opening up a business in Canada is generally a quick and painless process especially if youre a U.S. citizen. But there are plenty of rules, regulations and choices you will need to think long and hard about before deciding to take the plunge. Remember: when in doubt, always seek legal advice before making an international business move. It could save you a whole lot of time and money. Admit it. When trying to pitch your startup, youve been guilty of falling back on this phrase: Were the Uber of XYZ. Investors cringe when they hear this phrase. Why? Yes, its human nature to compare your startup idea (especially if its complex) with other successful companies. Doing so instantly communicates who and what youre about and how youll be revolutionizing the industry. But using Uber as a crutch to explain your business can also pigeonhole your vision. Rather than being an innovator and a disruptor, youre following the model set by another business. And its one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a startup founder. Is your startup struggling to find the right words to convey the energy and enthusiasm behind your vision? If so, dedicating some extra time and resources to brand language development for your pitch deck can help. But what if its your investors or the media thats reducing your brand to be the Uber of XYZ how can your startup continue to differentiate itself? To answer this question, I recently sat down with Malik Zakaria, the founder of Field Engineer. Field Engineer connects a global talent pool of field engineers with businesses. Nicknamed the Uber of the Telecom Industry, Field Engineer is turning the telecom industry upside down by revolutionizing the contracting process for telecom maintenance and installation. Startup founders are often inundated with well-intentioned marketing advice on everything from how to pick the right name to how to master social media. Malik understands the value in these tactics. But hes refreshingly focused on the basics that matter most, too: identifying a problem and building a solution with the best possible team. Tips for Entrepreneurs Malik recently shared some key insights hes learned since founding Field Engineer including how to successfully handle being compared with startup giants like Uber. Brian: What exactly is Field Engineer? The first thing that comes to mind for me is a job description or title. Malik: The concept is simple. Ive worked for several years in the telecom industry, and Ive witnessed first-hand how projects get sidelined or delayed because the people with the expertise to get the job done arent available, or geographically too far away to respond promptly. We launched a platform where the Field Engineers that have spare time or might be in between jobs, can pick up contracts available in their local community. When a line fails, or a new installation order is placed, telecom companies submit a work order to us. We then alert our network of Field Techs that a job is available. The project is awarded, and the issue is resolved within hours, instead of days or weeks. Brian: Forgive me, but isnt this just the Uber of the telecom industry? Malik: Youre certainly not the first to ask. And there are similarities, but were dealing with a highly-skilled labor force. Where Uber matches drivers with individuals that need a ride, were matching a skilled labor-force with contracts. That adds a level of complexity that requires us to audit our contract workforce, provide ongoing training and ensure customer satisfaction. With Uber, for example, every driver has the same general mission. Get the fare from point A to point B. In what our contract labor-force offers, were dealing with literally thousands of variables. What equipment will be required? What stipulations or procedures does the job provider expect the technician to comply with? Troubleshooting connection issues in a corporate office environment is significantly more complex than driving an individual from point A to B. Brian: For the college student or aspiring entrepreneur sitting on the sidelines and watching your business grow, what is the most valuable advice you can share that will help them kick start their ideas? Malik: Quite simply, start looking for problems. The problem I witnessed centered around dissatisfied telecom subscribers having to wait for installation or troubleshooting of their technology. I realized that telecoms were struggling to move qualified technicians around the country to keep up with the demand for Fiber and other technology. Brian: Whats the next step an entrepreneur should take? How do they go from problem to solution? Malik: Once youve identified a problem, assemble the best possible team to solve it. Dont try to solve the problem on your own! Bring together a team with a variety of perspectives and skill sets. If you have a team of co-founders with diverse skill sets, your venture will become more dynamic and efficient. The quality of your solution will improve dramatically. Brian: How do you take your idea to market? Malik: When youre ready to take your solution to the market, start small with a local test market. Find potential clients and offer to work with them for free or at a discounted rate. Test-drive every aspect of your business and work out the bugs before scaling. Walking back a problem with a few customers is far easier than fixing a problem when there are thousands of Work Orders in process. Try to identify systemic issues quickly and focus all of your energy on fixing them. Your business might solve someone elses problem, but dont let that distract you from focusing on operational efficiency within your organization. Bottom Line If youre an entrepreneur or college student looking at a line of code and wondering how you can turn your dream into a business, Malik has a simple formula for success: identify a problem and assemble the best possible team to build the best possible solution. Finally, dont discount the benefit of industry experience and knowledge. If youre intent on creating your company, gain some industry experience. Learn the ropes on someone elses dime. You might just stumble across a problem that you can solve by breaking out of the corporate bureaucracy and building a solution-centered startup just like Malik did. See Also: Build a Successful Business Team With These 5 Tips A majority of small business owners favored Donald Trump in the Presidential election. Thats according to data from pollster Richard Baris, senior editor and analyst at Peoples Pundit Daily (PPD). PPD is a polling organization which claims to have been the most accurate 2016 election poll. Going into Election Day, the PPD U.S. Presidential Election Daily Tracking Poll found small business owners heavily favored Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, 61 percent to 36 percent. Thats far higher than the 52 to 47 percent split Mitt Romney enjoyed over President Barack Obama during the month of September before Election 2012, Baris told Small Business Trends in an email interview. This, combined with strong working class support, helped Trump hold Clintons margin down in key Democratic counties such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oakland County in Michigan, and Palm Beach County in Florida, he added. In 2012, largely because of his own record in Massachusetts, Gov. Romney could not make a credible argument against the presidents signature health care law, Baris said. But Mr. Trump was handed a political gift a few weeks before the election when it was announced premiums would increase across the country. Growth and regulations also were top of mind with business owners. Jack Yoest, clinical assistant professor of management at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and an expert on business policy affairs, added, The President-elect made job creation a centerpiece of his campaign. Trump knows that some two-thirds of all new jobs are created by small businesses and that burdensome regulations slow growth. Yoest added that business owners know that time is the most valuable commodity they have. Compliance drains the owners limited management attention, he added. For example, Obamacare forces the owners to manage the number of employees to keep the head count under 50 rather than manage the business. Yoest noted that President-elect Trump made a campaign promise to ask Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare. One of Trumps top priorities will be how to stimulate growth, said Rohit Arora, CEO of Biz2Credit, an online funding resource. Trumps policies will be of particular interest to the countrys 28 million small business owners, Arora said. They will watch keenly what he does with regards to Obamacare, trade agreement, regulations, tax policies and the flow of capital to entrepreneurs. Arora suggests three ways that Trump can help small business owners, solidifying their support moving forward: Lighten regulation across the banking industry, which will open lending spigots; Reduce the tax burden on small business owners by slashing taxes and simplifying the tax code; Replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) with something less costly for small business owners. Trumps election comes at a time when loan approval rates at big banks ($10 billion+ in assets) and institutional lenders in October reached new highs. With that in mind, Arora said, President-elect Trumps policies are beneficial to the banking sector as he prefers more lenient regulation standards for financial institutions. His presidency should give a boost to banks, all of which will benefit small business owners who are seeking capital to grow their businesses. Trump and Small Businesses: Position on Key Issues Trumps position on small businesses has been consistent during the campaign. He has paid particular attention to three issues: tax reform, healthcare and burdensome regulations. Taxes: Trump said in a position statement on his website he will lower the business tax rate from 35 percent to 15 percent. He also wants to eliminate the corporate alternative minimum tax. This rate is available to all businesses, both small and large, that want to retain the profits within the business, Trumps statement reads. (Related: How Trumps tax plan would impact average Americans) See Also: President Trump Proclaims Start of National Small Business Week Healthcare: Trump said that he would ask Congress for a full repeal of Obamacare. At the same time he said he would replace it with a plan that includes the use of Health Savings Accounts and the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines. He would also allow states to manage Medicaid funds. In recent days, however, Trump has softened his stance. After meeting with President Obama, he now says he favors trying to keep two Obamacare provisions. They include the provision prohibiting insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, and the provision allowing children to stay on their parents plan until age 26. Both provisions are popular with the public, unlike other provisions. Government regulation: Trump stated his stance toward government regulation in no uncertain terms on his campaign website: Businesses are being stifled by over the top regulation and reporting requirements. No industry seems to have been saved from this issue over the last seven years. The burden in cost and time alone can put a Small Business out of business. Thats music to the ears of small business owners, especially main street small businesses. Last month Donald Trump appointed a small business advisory council, signalling his intention to listen to small businesses. How it will all play out remains to be seen. But with an agenda that includes cutting taxes, replacing (or reforming) Obamacare and getting rid of burdensome regulations, small business owners are hoping for positive economic change from President-elect Trump. The rush of visitors to the RBI office in Chennai was so huge that it ran out of cash after a point, leaving visitors who had been standing for hours disappointed. By Pramod Madhav: Scores of people have been queuing up at RBI's Chennai office in the last one week to get 500 and 1000 rupee notes exchanged before the Dec 30 deadline expires. The rush of visitors to the bank has been so huge that office ran out of cash after a point, leaving visitors who'd been standing for hours disappointed. advertisement People standing in long queues for hours under the sun were critical of the inconvenience that they had been subjected to and the way in which their business had been hampered for a week, even as they welcomed the Government's intention to act against black money. Also read: Demonetisation: AAP urges President Pranab Mukherjee to launch Supreme Court probe The Reserve Bank of India's Chennai office was moved to the present complex at the mighty and beautiful Fort Glacis in 1960. Since then, the building had seen very less visitors. But since November 8, it has witnessed a huge rush. INSTANCES OF INCONVENIENCE Amir, who owns a garment shop in Chennai, was standing in the line since 7 am yesterday. It was his second day in the queue. "I was here on Monday but I made a mistake to come by 10 am. I waited for three hours and since I didn't see the queue move faster, I had to leave to go back to my shop", he said. Amir was worried as banks were distributing 2000 rupee notes, and he actually needed change to return his customers their money. Benji, an electrician from Moolakadai, was lucky to get his notes exchanged after waiting for 3 hours at the RBI office. But by then, the bank had run out of cash and was distributing the 'reserve' coins in denominations as a 2000 rupee note, two packets of 10 rupee coins worth 2000 rupees and one packet of 5 rupee coins worth 500 hundred rupees. Also read: Demonetisation effect: IT department using opportunity to nab tax evaders It clearly showed that even the Reserve Bank was out of notes. "These coins altogether would weigh nearly 2.5 kilos. Now I'll have to carry them all the way to Moolakadai. I have only changed 4,500 rupees now. My contractor still pays me in demonetised 500 and 1000 rupee notes. It is very sad that I have to run my family with these coins now," he said. It was unfortunate to see mothers with babies standing in long queues. Although senior citizens were allowed to get in earlier than others, they too had to wait for at least an hour. advertisement WHAT ELSE EXPLAINS LONG QUEUES Another reason for the long queues in Chennai could be the fact that some people, who want to avoid having to stand in queues, hire the poor living on streets on a 10 - 20 per cent commission to get their money exchanged. Yesterday, a man had hired six different people to get his currency exchanged. He was holding their ID cards as ransom. When the police was informed, those hired immediately called the money theirs. Finding no ground to take action in such a situation, the cops let the person go. Meanwhile, Economic Advisor Shakti Kanda Das informed that indelible ink would be used to mark a person who had exchanged money. Until yesterday, banks had informed people that they could exchange money once a week. Now this new decision has irked more people as many in Tamil Nadu used bank accounts to withdraw salary and pay bills. They generally kept a safety amount at home to use for quick transactions. Also read: Centre's demonetisation move gets booster shot by Supreme Court Although this move by the government could definitely be beneficial, it has caused more stress than done good to the commoner, who is now left with no option but to deposit this money in the bank against his wishes. advertisement FAKE CURRENCY CASE The government hopes that with the introduction of the new 500 rupee notes, this crunch would end. But in general, the time taken for people to accept the notes should also be considered as already a case of fake currency came to the fore near Thiruvannamalai. In Thiruvannamalai, under the pretext of a power-cut situation, miscreants exchanged 'photo copied' 2000 rupee note at a government-run liquor shop. The news spread as wildfire and petty shops are now blatantly refusing the new notes, causing more trouble to the public. People are grappling with these uncertainties as they hope life will return to normalcy by December. --- ENDS --- Team building is an important consideration for any business. But it can be difficult for some entrepreneurs, trainers and facilitators to even figure out where to start. Thats where WorkshopBank comes in. WorkshopBank is an online community that provides information, techniques and resources for trainers and businesses that need help with things like team building. You can read more about the business below in this weeks Small Business Spotlight. What the Business Does Shares training and event tools for businesses. Founder Nick Martin told Small Business Trends, WorkshopBank is an online community started in 2009 for trainers, event designers and facilitators. Through sharing tools, resources, and educational materials, we aim to save our members time, emotion, and energy in their work so they can focus on what matters: creating impact. Business Niche Offering an engaged community. Martin says, WorkshopBank is different from other business websites because we are an active & engaged community of more than 10,000 people from all over the world who help and learn from each other. Its not just about creating events, anyone can create an event. Its about creating spaces that are positive, meaningful, and inspirational for the participants that experience them. Biggest Win Getting laid off. Martin got laid off from his job at a ski company early in 2016. This allowed him to dedicate more time to the site and its members. He says, Without that opportunity wed still just be a blog. Biggest Risk Developing a new service. Martin explains, Were testing the waters to see if we can match companies looking for trainers to our members. Weve invested a lot of time, effort and money into setting this service up but were fairly confident its needed as we get a lot of ad hoc enquiries already. Lesson Learned Quality content is important. Martin says, Wed spend a lot more time creating content at the start. Now that we have a few more plates spinning its difficult to find the time to add new tools on to the site that our members kindly send in. How Theyd Spend an Extra $100,000 Hiring more writers to add tools and techniques to the website. Martin says, Currently our members send more in that we can handle. Favorite Tool Post-Its. Martin says, Youre probably not surprised to hear that we use a lot of our own tools & techniques. As a result we use a lot of post-it notes (one of our core tools as facilitators). Last year we worked out that if each of our members used the same amount of post-its we use in a year and we piled them all on top of each other we could build a tower the height of Mount Everest. Every single year! * * * * * Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program STEM AT&T Gives $25,000 to MDBio Foundation to Boost STEM Education in Maryland AT&T is contributing $25,000 to the Maryland-based MdBio Foundation to boost science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the Old Line State. The contribution will support MdBio programs for underserved high school and rising middle school students, including the MdBioLab, a mobile laboratory that travels across the state providing students with hands-on STEM experiences. Brian Gaines, CEO of the MdBio Foundation, made the announcement during Tuesdays Advancing Tomorrows Leaders in STEM (ATLAS) event at the University of Maryland BioPark in Baltimore. ATLAS is a college and career readiness symposium that offers students underrepresented in STEM an opportunity to connect with business leaders, colleges, government agencies and potential employers. More than 100 students from the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy, a Baltimore City public STEM school, participated in the symposium, according to a news release. MdBioLab is designed to increase student interest in science and make them aware of career opportunities in the biosciences field. Each week during the school year, MdBioLab visits high schools across Maryland and enables students to explore the life sciences through hands-on experiments ranging from crime scene forensics to the diagnosis of diseases. Since its launch in 2003, MdBioLab has served more than 130,000 students and 2,000 teachers across all of Marylands school districts, according to a news release. Its very important for students across Maryland to have strong STEM skills, said LaTara Harris, AT&Ts regional director for external affairs, in a statement. Employers, like AT&T and many others, need candidates with these skills. The work of the MdBio Foundation, including the mobile lab visits across the state, help students gain the skills and expertise they will need for success. For more information about MdBioLab, including school visits planned for the 2016-2017 school year, visit mdbiofoundation.org. Grants El Paso School District Receives $8 Million to Provide Students with Tech Tools, STEM Education Five middle schools in the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) have joined the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative and are receiving a grant of $8 million $1.6 million each to provide all students and teachers with access to technology tools, service, STEM education programs and training over a two-year period. The Verizon Foundation is funding the grant, which will benefit Armendariz, Bassett, Charles, Henderson and Morehead middle schools. All students and teachers in these schools will receive a personal mobile device and a two-year Verizon Wireless 4G LTE data plan for 24/7 internet access at school and at home. Teachers will also receive comprehensive, continuous professional development, provided by nonprofit Digital Promise, on how to effectively integrate mobile technology into their lessons. Verizon is investing in the future by equipping students with devices, data plans, leadership skills training and more to empower them to explore the possibility of STEM careers, said Verizon South Central Market President Krista Bourne in a statement. Were providing students with the resources and confidence they need to become tomorrows creators. Over the past couple of weeks, students across the five schools received their tablets at device distribution events with interactive learning experiences, including: Science: Virtual Reality Universe , where students used VR headsets to learn about physical and life sciences through different immersive worlds; , where students used VR headsets to learn about physical and life sciences through different immersive worlds; Engineering: The Great BB-8 Race, in which students used their tablets to control BB-8 droids, discovering how robotics engineering brings their favorite Star Wars characters to life. This program is a huge opportunity for EPISD students to gain valuable exposure to technology that can truly impact their lives, EPISD Superintendent Juan Cabrera said in a statement. Our students, teachers and parents are all very excited for the experience they are beginning. To date, 46 schools, including the five EPISD middle schools, are part of the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative, which has reached nearly 27,000 students and 2,100 teachers across the country, according to a news release. According to Pew Research, about one-third (31.4 percent) of households whose annual incomes are below $50,000 and with children ages 6-17 do not have a high-speed internet connection at home. With the rapid dissemination of technology in the schools, this lack of access is believed to place low-income students at a learning disadvantage. To learn more about the Verizon Learning Initiative, visit weneedmore.com. Reuters BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany will introduce a price cap on electricity for households and industrial consumers as part of measures to help Europe's largest economy weather an energy crisis, according to a draft document from the chancellery seen by Reuters on Tuesday. For industrial consumers, electricity will be limited to 13 euro cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) applied for 70% of the previous year's consumption, according to the document. For households, prices will be capped at 40 cents per kWh for 80% of basic consumption, it added. By PTI: London, Nov 16 (PTI) A rare Chinese vase, bought for 10 pounds at a Hampshire car boot sale, has been sold for a whopping 61,000 pounds. The enamel "two quails" vase, is thought to have been made at Beijings Imperial Palace at least 220 years ago. Auctioneers Woolley & Wallis said the owner only realised its true value after he put it on eBay. advertisement It had been estimated as being worth up to 30,000, pounds but sold at auction in Salisbury for 61,000 pounds, including the buyers premium, the BBC reported. The seller, who did not wish to be identified, picked up the vase at a car boot sale near Lymington. When eBay bidding reached 10,000 pounds he withdrew it and took it for a valuation. Woolley & Wallis Asian art expert John Axford confirmed the vase bore the four-character Qianlong mark - the sixth emperor of the Qing dynasty - and would have been made by Imperial command in the palace workshop between 1736 and 1795. He said it had turned out to be an "excellent investment". PTI AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- By Anastasia Moloney BOGOTA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A year after Guatemala passed a law banning child marriage, poor families who regard girls as a financial burden are still marrying them off as prolonged drought plunges many into deeper poverty, campaigners say. Guatemala has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Latin America, long driven by poverty and cultural acceptance especially among the country's Maya indigenous communities, with around one third of girls married by 18. Each year more than 15 million girls worldwide are married before they turn 18, campaign group Girls Not Brides says. Under the new law, the minimum age for marriage in Guatemala was raised to 18 but children can still get married at 16 with a judge's permission. Since the ban on child marriage, judges have approved 12 of 37 requests for marriage for children aged 16 or 17. In one petition for marriage that was overturned by a judge, a 16-year-old girl told the judge her father was forcing her to marry a man more than double her age so he could pay off a debt. "The girl told the judge she wanted to have nothing to do with the man and that she was getting married because her father needed to pay a debt," said Debora Cobar, head of charity Plan International in Guatemala and a former children's state prosecutor. In some rural communities, girls are still sold off in exchange for cattle, cash and or plots of land, Cobar said. Others are living with older men, pushed into marriage as families struggle to put food on the table or break with long-held traditions, she said. "Girls are exploited. They become a servant, a sex slave," Cobar told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by telephone. Two consecutive years of drought in Guatemala and other parts of Central America has exacerbated poverty and hunger in the agriculture-dependent country since mid-2014. "The drought means girls face an increased risk of getting married or living with an older man because the drought affects a household's income and people are worse off," said Marilis Barrientos, advocacy director for World Vision in Guatemala. "This puts more pressure on girls to have to find a man to live with and leave home," she said. Child marriage deprives girls of education, keeps them in poverty, and puts them at greater risk of domestic and sexual violence, according to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA). One key way to prevent child marriage is to educate girls about their rights and ensure they go to school. "The law is important but it's not enough," said Aida Siman, UNFPA's representative in Guatemala. "When girls aren't in school, they are more likely to get married early and get pregnant." CHAINS Local government youth community liaison officer Alida Maczchen says spreading the message about the marriage ban and ensuring girls know about their rights remains a challenge. Travelling to rural areas to try to persuade parents against marrying off their girls, she says some communities remain unaware of the ban. "Around 10 percent of the communities I've visited have opposed the law because of machismo and because of their economic situation," said Maczchen, who was 12 when her mother's cousin tried to married her off to an older man. Given Guatemala's patriarchal and macho culture that tends to view women as child-bearers, Maczchen said most people are surprised she is still unmarried at the age of 21. "I would have had several children by now and dropped out of school. I broke away from those chains," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview. (Reporting by Anastasia Moloney, editing by Katie Nguyen.; 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) Houseboat Ballyglass Locals in a tiny Irish fishing village are baffled over the mysterious appearance of a solar-powered houseboat that has washed up on their shore. The boat, that is about the size of a caravan, arrived in Ballyglass, County Mayo, Ireland, on Sunday but had no one on board. All that was found was a note that suggests it drifted all the way from CANADA. Journey: The boat apparently drifted across the Atlantic Ocean (Google) The message said the boat belonged to Canadian adventurer Rick Small, who last year cycled across the country on a solar-powered bike. His note referenced Newfoundland, an island off the east Canadian coast. It read: I, Rick Small, donate this structure to a homeless youth to give them a better life that Newfoundlanders choose not to do! No rent, no mortgage, no hydro. Note: The boat came with a message from adventurer Rick Small (PA) Mystery: The boat was originally spotted in Canada (Facebook/Ballyglass Coat Guard Unit) Residents in Canada said they saw the boat in Newfoundland last year after the photos of it in Ballyglass were posted on Facebook. Newfoundland resident Timothy Legrow sent a photo of the houseboat stationed off the island in September last year. He said he had spoken to Small on the day he saw the boat, telling ABC News: He told me his plan was to take the boat and prove that solar power could sail it across the Atlantic. I never saw him again after that. Adventurer: Small seemingly abandoned the boat so homeless people could live in it (CBC) However, Ballyglass Coast Guard officer Michael Hurst doesnt believe Small attempted the Atlantic crossing. He added: From the message inside, he likely abandoned that idea and just left the boat on a dock for homeless people. It probably broke off and somehow made its way across the ocean to here. Top pic: Facebook/Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit A retired Navy captain who also served as the U.S. naval attache in the Philippines pleaded guilty to corruption in federal court Tuesday, admitting that he secretly worked as an agent for an Asian defense contractor in exchange for gifts, travel and prostitutes. Michael George Brooks, 57, of Fairfax Station, Va., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in San Diego to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. He faces a sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In his plea agreement, Brooks acknowledged that he and his family members accepted fine wines, hotel rooms, electronics, luxury watches and prostitutes on dozens of occasions from Leonard Glenn Francis, a Singapore-based contractor known as Fat Leonard in Navy circles. Franciss firm, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, held contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to resupply and refuel U.S. Navy ships at ports throughout Asia. Francis pleaded guilty to bribery charges last year in the case, which has erupted into the worst corruption case in the history of the U.S. Navy. Seventeen people have been charged with crimes in federal court, including an admiral and eight other officers. Another defendant has been charged in Singapore. About two thirds of those facing charges have pleaded guilty. Brooks served as the U.S. naval attache in Manila from 2006 to 2008. According to court documents, he acted secretly on behalf of Francis and Glenn Defense by feeding them confidential Navy correspondence and contracting documents. He illicitly secured diplomatic clearance for Glenn Defense so that the firm could bring cargo and personnel into Philippines without being subject to inspections and customs duties. In 2007, Brooks also allowed Glenn Defense to ghostwrite its own official Navy performance evaluation in a bid to win more business, according to his plea agreement. Brookss attorney, Nicole Sprinzen of Washington, did not immediately return a phone call or email seeking comment. According to court papers, Francis exploited the Navy captains strong sexual appetite by supplying him with prostitutes on demand. Brooks used code words when sending emails to Francis or other Glenn Defense executives, referring to prostitutes as shakes, chocolate shakes, and mocha shakes or indicating his desire for high tea. Brooks retired from the Navy in November 2011. Until recently, he had been employed as a contractor for the Pentagons Defense Threat Reduction Agency. navy WASHINGTON The House laid down two markers Tuesday as to how it will try to shape foreign policy going into the new administration by passing two sanctions bills: one targeting Iran, the other Syria. The House overwhelmingly passed a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act, or ISA, by vote of 419 to 1. The ISA forms the basis for energy, banking and defense sanctions against Irans nuclear and missile activities, and is set to expire at the end of the year. The House also passed by voice vote a measure imposing new sanctions on anyone who provides the Syrian government with financial, material or technological support, in an effort to halt the wholesale slaughter of the Syrian people a category that includes Russia and Iran. The Obama administration had previously sought to delay both measures, though the president never threatened a veto, and the president-elect has yet to weigh in on either proposal with direct criticism or words of support. But the bills are a message from the House that they favor a strict approach to dealing with Tehran and international powers helping Syrias government target civilians in that countrys civil war even if the White House would rather be left to its own devices. Though the United States and other parties agreed last year to eventually lift certain sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran scrapping its nuclear program, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long argued that an extension of the ISA is necessary to ensure that there are punitive measures to snap back to if Iran violates its obligations under the nuclear deal. Since then, the Obama White House has indicated that they believe the ISA is unnecessary, asserting that the president already has the authority to sanction Tehran if it violates the deal, as well as over recent ballistic missile activity and other aggressive moves. Congressional leaders dont accept this argument. The original understanding was that we would extend it so we would have snap-back sanctions if we needed them, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said Monday. That was the agreement, that we would have these in abeyance, we would have these in place and thus be able to assure enforcement. The ISA renewal does not change its terms a choice that is expected to influence debate in the Senate, where there are three competing proposals to extend the same law. In addition to the clean ISA renewal, there is a proposal from Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., to supplement the ISA extension with new sanctions related to ballistic missile tests, cyberthreats and espionage, and the activities of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, and another from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to tie the ISA extension to $1.5 billion in aid for Israel. But it will likely be difficult for either to gain a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, where most Democrats favor an unchanged ISA renewal akin to the Houses measure. The House vote will also be a signal to Trump, who campaigned on a promise that he would rip up the Iran deal when he took office, at one point even calling that his No. 1 priority as president. But in the week since his election, Trump has been backing away from that threat. Last week, Trump foreign policy adviser Walid Phares indicated that Trump would demand changes to the deal, but would not scrap it entirely. President Obama, who recently met with Trump about the transition, said Monday that he doubted Trump would make changes to the deal, calling Iran a good example of the gap I think between some of the rhetoric in this town not unique to the president-elect and the reality. My suspicion is, is that when the president-elect comes in, and hes consulting with his Republican colleagues on the Hill, that they will look at the facts, Obama told reporters Monday. When you are responsible for the deal and preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, youre more likely to look at the facts. Despite the GOPs criticism of the Iran deal, which not a single Republican in Congress supported, Republicans arent sounding too eager for Trump to keep his promise to rip up the nuclear agreement. Instead, leaders are hoping that Trump takes cues from Congress about how to further squeeze Tehran. An alternative way is to ratchet up this pressure outside of the agreement . . . it doesnt allow the world to say the United States ripped up this deal, said one Republican congressional aide, who added that the GOP hoped Trump would lean into Iran with more sanctions and efforts to clamp down on cash payments. The GOP has argued that about $1.7 billion the Obama administration sent Iran to settle an outstanding tribunal judgment was ransom because it was timed to coincide with the release of American prisoners being held in Tehran. The House has already passed measures to restrain Iran in all of those areas, and on Wednesday, will likely add one more to the mix, when it votes on a bill to prevent Boeing from sending planes to Iran. Obama has already promised to veto that measure. But first, House lawmakers will also vote on a measure to impose new sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and anyone who supports his governments efforts to acquire weapons that are being used in Syrias civil war a category that includes Russia and Iran. The purpose of the measure is to compel an international response to the targeting of civilians, documented by a defector who took tens of thousands of pictures depicting the mass murder of civilians, and torture practices. But by looping Russia into the category of regimes that would be targeted by the new sanctions, the House risks running afoul of the incoming Trump administration, which has advanced a friendlier posture toward Russia and espoused a more hands-off strategy vis-a-vis Syria. Trump has not weighed in on the bill. House GOP leaders were adamant this week that any differences between them and their president-elect over their approach to Russia would not create discord over this bill. Regardless of peoples perception about a given regime, or how we approach the conundrum of Syria, theres going to be consensus on the books to call to account those who committed the war crimes of this magnitude, Royce said Monday. Regardless of perspectives on Syria, theres some unanimity of opinion in sending a message on this kind of conduct. House Speaker Paul Ryan added in a statement Tuesday that he was glad the White House has stopped blocking these critical sanctions, which are a necessary response to Assads crimes against humanity. iran-syria-policy Police in Virginia say they have apprehended an emu on the lam. At around 9 a.m., Prince William County police received calls about an emu that escaped from a farm in Haymarket, Va., a spokesman for the department said. The jailbird was apprehended without incident, authorities said, and was not a danger to the arresting officers. Though these birds can be aggressive, police said, this one was on its best behavior. It was pretty docile, said Jonathan Perok, spokesman for Prince William County police. emu WASHINGTON Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state whose hard-line immigration stance has caught the attention of President-elect Donald Trump, could be a candidate for attorney general. Kobach, already a member of Trumps transition team, advised Trump on immigration policy, one of the Republicans top priorities, throughout the campaign and added Trumps promise to build a wall along the southern border to the Republican Partys national platform. Other candidates who may be considered for the position include Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani told a gathering of CEOs Monday that he wont be attorney general and on Tuesday, it was reported that Giuliani was a favorite to head the State Department. Kobachs spokeswoman, Desiree Taliaferro, initially dismissed the rumors as just chatter, saying that Kobach had not had any conversations with Trumps team about a possible appointment as attorney general. However, in a second phone conversation late Tuesday afternoon she appeared to treat it as a more serious possibility. I cant confirm or deny at this time, she said. Kobach was the architect of one of the toughest immigration laws in the country, which he drafted when he was a professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas. Arizonas controversial 2010 SB 1070 law most notably requires law enforcement officers to demand to see the papers of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally, and has been denounced for encouraging racial profiling. SB 1070 has faced legal challenges since it was signed into law, and many of its provisions have been struck down. Kobach has been criticized for his legal work for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, or FAIR, an organization that says it is working to reduce the harmful impact of uncontrolled immigration. In 2014, his Democratic opponent, Jean Schodorf, called him an extremist and accused him of having ties to white nationalist groups, which he called an outrageous accusation. Kobach has served as attorney for a group of 10 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents suing the Obama administration since 2012. When Kobach joined Trump at a rally in Wichita, Kan., in March, he told the crowd that electing Trump would improve the morale of ICE agents. The outspoken conservative has served as Kansas secretary of state since 2011, championing stricter voting laws and gaining the power to prosecute election crimes last year. At Kobachs urging, the state adopted a requirement that voters must provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when they register to vote. Supporters say the policy prevents non-citizens from voting, but opponents say it actually makes it more difficult for citizens to become registered. The requirement blocked about 20,000 potential voters from casting ballots in 2014 when Republican Gov. Sam Brownback narrowly won re-election. The law has faced multiple challenges in federal and state courts. Kobach represented the state in those cases and suffered a series of defeats this year when judges ruled that he could not require proof of citizenship from people who use the federal form or register at the DMV. Kobach has been embroiled in several other controversies during his tenure as secretary of state. He tried unsuccessfully to force a Democratic candidate for Senate to remain on the ballot in 2014 after he submitted his letter of withdrawal, a move that some political observers saw as intended to help incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Roberts against an independent challenger. His office faces a still-pending federal lawsuit from a former employee who alleges she was fired for refusing to attend a prayer service, an allegation Kobach calls ridiculous. Kobach hosts a weekly talk radio show in Kansas City, Mo. In 2014, a caller asked Kobach if he thought that President Barack Obamas executive action to halt the deportation of 5 million immigrants living illegally in the United States would result in ethnic cleansing of whites. He said he did not think ethnic cleansing would happen, but he did not rule out the possibility, telling the man that things are strange and they are happening. On Monday, Kobach told Fox News that the Trump administration will likely move to deport immigrants here illegally upon arrest instead of the current policy of deporting those who have been convicted. The most extreme criminals are deported while criminal arrestees not yet convicted are turned loose, Kobach said. (Under the new proposal) criminal arrestees will be deported, there will be immediate improvement in safety for all Americans. Trump has said he will immediately begin to deport or incarcerate 2 million or 3 million immigrants in the country illegally who have criminal records. What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers. We are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate, Trump told CBS 60 Minutes Sunday in his first television interview since Tuesdays election. Trump spent Tuesday at Trump Tower in New York City working to choose people to serve in his administration. He was joined by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who is heading up his transition team. (EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE) Theres a lot of things. This is such an exciting time, Ive got to tell you, Sessions said before he joined the meeting. Steven Mnuchin, who is considered a possible pick for treasury secretary, declined to comment Tuesday on whether he had been offered a job in the administration as he arrived at Trump Tower. Were working on the economic plan with the transition, making sure we get the biggest tax bill passed, the biggest tax changes since Reagan, so a lot of exciting things in the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, he said. Also seen: son Donald Trump Jr.; tech billionaire Peter Thiel; Boris Epshteyn, surrogate and Facebook Live host; financier Anthony Scaramucci; Arizonas treasurer Jeff DeWit; and Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Some news outlets reported earlier in the day that neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate Ben Carson was offered the job of secretary of health and human services but turned it down. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, one of Trumps foreign policy advisers, declined to talk about any deliberations but said anyone who is asked to serve should do so. If the president of the United States, or the president-elect of the United States, offers you a position to include walking his dogs, you have to seriously think about it, he said. I mean, its only appropriate, its good for the nation regardless of who it is. (Lowry writes for the Wichita Eagle and reported from Topeka, Kan.) 2016 McClatchy Washington Bureau Visit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In a race where results werent immediately available on election night, Tim Crone of Espanola won the District 10 position on the state Public Education Commission, easily defeating Santa Fe attorney and lobbyist Anthony Justin Trujillo in a battle between write-in candidates. Crone, 69, a retired anthropology and sociology instructor at Northern New Mexico College, garnered better than 96 percent of the votes 2,134 votes, compared to 83 for Trujillo. The write-in votes were tallied from four counties. District 10 consists of all of Colfax and Taos and much of Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties. The position was left vacant after Jeff Carr decided to instead run for Colfax County Commission, a race he lost. Both Democrats, Crone and Trujillo filed to run as write-in candidates after the primary election. The 10-member Public Education Commission continues to be made up entirely of Democrats. Crone is one of three new members of the commission, with Richard Carlos Caballero and Trish Ruiz winning seats in districts 1 and 9, respectively, running unopposed. District 4 incumbent Karyl Ann Armbruster also ran unopposed. Members of the PEC serve four-year terms. The Commission serves an advisory role to the state Secretary of Public Education. Its main function is to approve or deny applications for state charter schools, though Secretary Hanna Skandera has the authority to overturn those decisions and has done so four times in the past six years. ORLANDO, Fla. They had been hiding from the shooter in a Pulse nightclub bathroom for about two hours. One guys about to pass away, a man told an emergency dispatcher. We gave him a cup of water to drink out of the sink. We have a number of people. No one saw the shooter. We dont know who the shooter is. The dispatcher, who said his name was Joe, promised again and again during a 90-minute call with the man that help was on the way, but they needed to make sure everything was safe. So the caller kept waiting. Im serious, the caller said 20 minutes after being promised help, but help still hadnt arrived. Im not playing. Its life or death. The latest batch of 911 calls released Tuesday are some of the most haunting and compelling accounts from witnesses inside the club during the three-hour ordeal. The June 12 attack left 49 people dead and at least 68 injured. The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed in a shootout with Orlando police and Orange County deputies after a three-hour standoff inside the club. The city of Orlando is releasing the calls, little by little, in response to a public records lawsuit from the Orlando Sentinel and about two dozen other media companies. At 2:18 a.m., dispatchers called a woman who had dialed 911 from inside a Pulse bathroom. Please come to Pulse P-U-L-S-E in Orlando for a shooting, the woman said. Im in the bathroom, and he was shooting at us and everybody is bleeding everywhere. Breathing heavily, the woman told the dispatcher she thought there may have been two shooters when her voice dropped suddenly. Oh my God, she said. Hes in here. Then, the line dropped. The dispatcher redialed the woman, who whispered into the phone that she did not know which gender bathroom she was in. Hes here, she said. Downstairs. The woman panted into the phone that she was watching the shooter reload his gun. Hurry up, she said about 2:23 a.m. Hes loading up! Hes loading up! The man in the 90-minute call the most detailed account called from the mens bathroom at 3:49 a.m. He said they needed help. Some were hurt and bleeding. Others were dead. The man, who was not identified, checked on others in the bathroom with him. He told a person who couldnt talk to blink if he could hear him. He implored Joe the dispatcher to get them help as quickly as possible. Hes shaking, you need to hurry up, the man said when Joe asked him about someone who was shot in the stomach. And the other guy, whos shot in the chest, he cant talk so we tell him to blink. Hes not blinking at the moment. His body, hes going through a reaction. Joe asked the man whether he knew everyone in the bathroom with him. No, but Im learning as I go, he said. I dont know names but I do remember faces, I will never forget for as long as I live. About 50 minutes into the call, the man said his phones battery was at 2 percent. He borrowed a phone from another person trapped with him and had the 911 call transferred back to Joe. Another person in the bathroom then took the phone. We have been on the phone, or actually several phones what is going on? the second man said. Can somebody come in here? Did they apprehend anything? Do we need anything to know, anything that we need to do, so we dont keep talking while were listening to you guys asking us how many people are shot, how many people are here, the same questions over and over? We need action. Just before 5 a.m., Joe had an update for the caller. Our officers are gonna set off a charge. Youre gonna hear a small boom, Joe said. Just let everyone know. The officers were going to try to get into the club. If they got into the bathroom, Joe said, the people inside should follow their orders and do whatever they instructed them to do. The boom came about four minutes later. No officers entered. Another minute passed, and Joe told the man that a second charge was coming. The second charge came at about 5:06 a.m. We gonn make it, we gonn make it, we gonn make it, the man said, trying to reassure someone next to him. Then another boom sounded, louder than the others. They had hit the bathroom wall. Joe told them to stay calm, stay put and wait for instructions. Someone was screaming and crying. Shortly afterward, officers entered, shouting, Hands up! (Staff Writer Caitlin Doornbos contributed to this report.) 2016 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): ORLANDO-SHOOTING _____ WELLINGTON, New Zealand New Zealand military leaders said Wednesday they had almost completed the evacuation of more than 700 tourists and residents from a small coastal town, two days after a powerful earthquake cut off train and vehicle access. The magnitude 7.8 quake left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami, and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways. Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the acting commander of New Zealands Joint Forces, told The Associated Press that crews were loading about 380 people and three dogs onto a navy ship. He said the ship was due to leave Wednesday evening for a six-hour trip to a port near Christchurch. Webb said it had evacuated another 340 people by helicopter since Tuesday. Other tourists have left by chartering their own helicopters or having air transport provided by their embassy. Some have chosen to stay until an inland road reopens. I think its gone really well, Webb said. We were fortunate to have a reasonable break in the weather today. Webb said warships from Australia, Canada and the U.S. were due to arrive soon and would help restock the town with water, fuel and other supplies as well as transport needed equipment. Australian honeymooners Kurt and Kailah Sapwell were among the tourists stuck in Kaikoura but they didnt seem too bothered by their ordeal. They said they had all the essentials they needed: a place to stay, food and water. Its been a shaky experience, all good though, Kurt Sapwell said when Prime Minister John Key paid a visit to the town. His wife added that their honeymoon had been memorable. Flying over a large landslide in a helicopter, Key expressed surprise at the amount of debris. Look at this road here, this is really stuffed and theres thousands of meters (yards) of it, Key said. I just dont see how you can ever repair that bit of road. The whole mountain has moved over. Home to about 2,000 residents, Kaikoura was a popular destination for travelers wanting to go on whale-watching expeditions before the quake hit. On Wednesday, Key promised business owners the government would provide financial assistance for them through what was going to be a tough summer. President-elect Donald Trump called Key on Wednesday to pass on his sympathies over the quake. Keys office described the conversation as very warm and cordial. Trump had tried to get in touch earlier in the week but Key had missed the call in the confusion after the quake. Authorities on Wednesday also managed to clear an emergency inland road to Kaikoura, although it was only open for military vehicles. Neil Walker, the highways manager for the New Zealand Transport Agency, said the road remains high-risk and unsuitable for cars, although crews were working to open it to the public by the weekend. In the capital, Wellington, several streets remained cordoned off after engineers determined that a nine-story office building was in danger of collapsing. Brendan Nally, the regional commander for the New Zealand Fire Service, said engineers were completing an inspection of the building Tuesday when they found a major vertical beam had failed above the fifth floor. Wellington Mayor Justin Lester told the AP that the building would likely have to be demolished. He said he didnt believe it posed a risk to public safety because of the precautions authorities had taken in evacuating the area around it. By PTI: info raised New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Delhi Police today claimed to have traced the auto driver who ferried Najeeb Ahmed from JNU the day he went missing, even as it raised the reward from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing information that could help locate the missing student. The Delhi Polices Crime Branch team investigating the case said that the auto driver told them he had dropped Najeeb to Jamia Millia Islamia. advertisement "We have been able to trace the movement of Najeeb on October 15, the day he went missing. He took an auto from JNU and reached Jamia Millia Islamia campus. He had taken the auto himslef and wasnt accompanied by anyone," said a senior police officer. The police is now trying to find out whether Najeeb had any friend in Jamia whom he had gone to meet, sources said. The Crime Branch also spoke with Najeebs family today and apprised them of the status of investigation. Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma approved the increase in the reward amount from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Initially, the reward amount was Rs 50,000 but later on, it was increased to Rs 1 lakh and subsequently to Rs 2 lakh last month. Verma today raised the amount to Rs 5 lakh, said a senior police officer. The team, which is investigating the matter, has started from scratch and is re-looking at all the clues and evidence, the officer said. Najeeb has gone missing on October 15 following an on- campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student following an instruction from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to the Delhi Police Commissioner. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, could not to gain any actionable clue in the matter. The SIT was focusing on psychiatric angle in the probe after it was learnt that Najeeb was suffering from OCD with depression. The team was also mulling to seek help of psychiatrists from AIIMS or RML to chalk out a plan for investigation. However, the Crime Branch is now investigating all probable angles rather than focusing on any one perspective, sources said. While the case was being investigated by the SIT, teams were sent to Darbhanga in Bihar and Nepal after they got leads hinting that Najeeb might be there, but they could not find him. PTI SLB TIR --- ENDS --- SANTA FE Mayor Javier Gonzales went national with his defense of immigrant sanctuary cities like Santa Fe on Megyn Kellys Fox News show on Tuesday night. Gonzales rejected false realities portraying sanctuary cities as having more crime. He said his city has experienced no crime increase since adopting immigrant-friendly policies including that police dont ask about immigration status when making an arrest or otherwise dealing with the public in 1999. The interview on The Kelly File got off to an awkward start when the host introduced Gonzales as mayor of Santa Fe, California. Gonzales quickly corrected Kelly, and she said it had been a busy day. The sanctuary city issue has returned as a hot topic since election day because president-elect Donald J. Trump previously released a governance vision that called for canceling all federal funding for sanctuary cities. On Monday, Gonzales issued a statement affirming that Santa Fe wont back down from its immigrant-friendly stance. Santa Fe gets about $6.1 million, or 2 percent of its budget, from the feds, a city spokesman said Tuesday. Asked by Kelly about the potential loss of funds, Gonzales said the broken immigration system needs to be fixed, and that its wrong to penalize cities that have been welcoming in creating opportunities for all citizens regardless of where they come from. Kelly said the beef is that in far too many cases undocumented immigrants commit violent crimes in sanctuary cities. Gonzales responded that Santa Fe goes after people who commit violent crimes, irregardless of their status, and that the number one priority is keeping the community safe. What about the argument that sanctuary policies make cities a magnet for undocumented criminals, Kelly asked. Thats an argument in false realities, Gonzales responded, saying study after study has shown the policies dont lead to more crime. People who are living in our communities peacefully, lawfully want to do so to achieve the American dream, he said. Gonzales took the same position when asked about high-profile murders committed by undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities. People are coming out of the shadows, theyre participating in our community, theyre sharing information with law enforcement because these families want to make sure theyre living in a safe environment, he said. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. A man who was shot and killed by a Grand Junction police officer had fled a traffic stop several days earlier and had two active warrants for his arrest. The Daily Sentinel reports (https://goo.gl/hMmxJy ) 24-year-old Brian Gaither fled after he was seen with a gun in his car Nov. 7. A warrant was issued for his arrest on suspicion of a weapons charge, obstructing a peace officer and reckless driving. He was already wanted for a parole violation. Gaither was stopped again shortly after midnight Friday, and an officer shot him in the chest and abdomen during the confrontation. Police havent said what led to the shooting, but they say a handgun was found in Gaithers car. One of the officers legs was injured when he was trapped between Gaithers vehicle and a building. ___ Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com Thomas Frank, described by state officials as one of New Mexicos most wanted DWI fugitives, has been captured by Farmington police. Frank, 51, who has a mailing address in Farmington, was paroled after his seventh DWI conviction. It was the second time he had skipped out of his supervision. On Nov. 7 shortly after 9 p.m., police were called for a welfare check on a man who was passed out under a tree in the 700 block of East 20th Street, a police spokeswoman said. Officers identified Frank and arrested him on an outstanding warrant and an open container charge. The Farmington Police Department remains dedicated to working with surrounding law enforcement agencies to keep DWI offenders off our roads and maintain the safety of our citizens, the department said in a statement. Gov. Susana Martinez said the arrest was part of a statewide effort to capture repeat DWI offenders who skip out on parole or probation. This repeat drunk driver is too dangerous to be on our roads, Acting Corrections Secretary David Jablonski said. Even when he was arrested, he was intoxicated a clear sign that he skipped out of supervision to continue breaking the rules. We are extremely grateful to our law enforcement partners for getting him off the streets. 2016 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. _____ SANTA FE Short on cash but flush with cases, the New Mexico judicial branch is preparing to delay payments to jurors for four months or more and enact employee furloughs in appellate courts unless it gets emergency funding. The cost-saving measures, which would take effect next spring, are being considered after the Legislature cut funding for the judiciary by 3 percent or slightly more than $4.8 million during a recent special session called to address a massive state budget shortfall. Other state agencies and programs also face spending reductions under the special session solvency plan. Already, the judicial system has trimmed funding for drug courts and reduced its mileage reimbursement rate for judges and employees. In addition, about 40 percent of the magistrate courts around the state are closing for at least a few hours per week during regular business hours to allow court clerks to catch up with their work. We are now basically on life support through the end of this fiscal year, Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Daniels told members of a legislative budget panel Tuesday. I think we can make it, but its not something we can do long term. In hopes of avoiding furloughs and having to halt payments to jurors, court officials said they plan to ask the Legislature for $4.2 million in short-term funding during the 60-day session that starts in January. Theyre also planning to make a pitch to the state Board of Finance next month. However, leading lawmakers said during a Tuesday hearing at the state Capitol that providing more dollars might not be possible, given the states precarious financial footing. At this point in time, we have no reserves and theres a good chance we have no supplemental funding, said Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, chairman of the Legislative Finance Committee. Currently, New Mexicans are compensated $6.25 per hour less than the state minimum wage for time spent serving on juries. The hourly rate was lowered by 50 cents in August due to budget constraints. If additional funding isnt provided in the coming weeks, payments to jurors will be halted around the beginning of March 2017, said Administrative Office of the Courts Director Artie Pepin. Trials would continue to be held, but jurors would have to wait for their payments until the start of the states next fiscal year July 1, 2017, courts spokesman Barry Massey said. Thats happened before, including earlier this year, as payments to jurors were halted in April and restarted in July under the appropriation for the new budget year. However, that backfill approach has compounded the current budget crunch, as a jury and witness fund maintained by the judicial branch now faces a total shortfall of roughly $1.6 million. Meanwhile, court officials also testified Tuesday that they need $150,000 in emergency funding to avoid employee furloughs in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. More than 90 percent of both courts budgets are spent on salaries and benefits, leaving little wiggle room for cost savings. If implemented, the furloughs would likely mean at least a weeks worth of unpaid time off for appellate court employees, Daniels said. Judges would not be subject to furlough, but the action could still affect court functions. The University of New Mexico Board of Regents on Tuesday refrained for now from changing the schools official seal, the imagery of which some students say is racist. The board did vote to create a process to design a new seal and gauge the cost of adopting a new image to represent the university. Regents raised concerns about costs and what appears to be a small group of people supporting the change to the seal. Board President Rob Doughty said he was surprised that only roughly 300 people weighed in on the seal, despite the tens of thousands of people in the UNM community. The seven-member board of regents did not vote on a portion of administrator Jozi De Leons report that called for ditching the conquistador and frontiersmen, the figures some say glorify European violence against Native Americans, from the seal. On Tuesday, four students spoke at the meeting urging the board to change the seal. We have heard them. Were doing something, said regent Jack Fortner. Students, many of them Native Americans, said they were not pleased with the regents decision. The regents vote comes after De Leons office, the division of equity and inclusion, had spent about six months hosting forums and soliciting emails on the seal and if it should be changed. That work generated the 300 response figure. Provost Chaouki Abdallah said he didnt see a point in additional outreach efforts as UNM has already used extensive resources to reach people. De Leon said she didnt hear regents say no to changing the seal. What I heard was, Lets wait and see what the cost is going to be, De Leon said. I am hopeful in that we didnt hear a no. Jennifer Marley, vice president for the Native American student group Kiva Club, said the decision shows regents are more concerned about money than they are in listening to students. Marley, who is from the San Ildefonso and Zia pueblos, said the decision feels like another postponement, but she added the issue is not over. Were not going to hold back at all, she said. Work began this week on a solution to a situation that has been a pain in the nose for some West Side residents and business owners for four decades. And its expected to cause its fair share of disruptions to homes and businesses before its done next September. The $6.5 million Yucca Sewer Project is intended to reduce sewer odors and improve sewer flow in an area bordered on the north by Avalon NW, on the south by Churchill SW, on the west by 58th and 59th streets and on the east by Old Coors Drive. The project gets its name from a street in the project area. Odor problems have been caused by an old and poorly aligned sewer main that allows sewer gases to escape to the surface and circulate in the community. Weve been fighting the sewer smell since before I can remember, said Van Barber, who started doing business motels, an RV park on West Central in 1971. We started the (now-defunct) West Central Merchants Association because of the smell. Larry Nelson, who owns Nelsons Meats and other property at 929 Old Coors SW, said four to five businesses had moved out of the area over the years because of the smell. They tried to fix it 20 years ago and it just didnt work, he said. Barber and Nelson were among those attending a Tuesday news conference announcing the launch of the sewer project, which will include the realignment of a major sewer collector line and the replacement of sewer lines. It will also include the installation of technology five special vortex manholes designed to keep sewer gases underground that is expected to accomplish what previous efforts to control odors have failed to do. City councilors Ken Sanchez and Klarissa Pena and Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz also attended the news conference at Glass Crafters, 209 55th St. SW, a business in the heart of the project area. Sanchez and De La Cruz also are members of the governing board of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, which is funding the project out of its capital fund. While trumpeting the start of the sewer project, Sanchez did not minimize the difficulties involved with doing the sewer work while the citys Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) project is ripping up Central Avenue in the same area. We have two major projects going on at the same time, and its going to be a challenge, Sanchez said. We are going to work to do the best we can to keep traffic moving on the West Side. Im going to ask the people in the West Side community to have patience. Anticipated problems range from disruption of mail delivery and trash pickup in the project area to interference with school bus routes and obstruction of access to residences. Officials said that in each case, the project contractor, AUI, will work with the appropriate authorities and residents to circumvent the difficulty. For example, a fenced and guarded lot at 59th and Avalon will be available to area residents who wish to park their cars there. AUI will provide transportation between the lot and private homes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. David Morris, water authority public affairs manager, said it may be weeks, even months, before the parking/shuttle system will be needed. In any event, we will inform affected residents ahead of time to remind them that the service will be available for their use, Morris said. Residents and businesses will also be notified ahead of time of water shutoffs. Yucca Sewer Project Phase 1: Now-February 2017 Churchill Road from Old Coors to 59th Street. Phase 2: January-April 2017 59th Street from Churchill to Central Avenue. Phase 3: April-May 2017 Jack and bore work beneath Central. Phase 4: May-September 2017 58th Street to Avalon Road. For more information, contact Patti Watson, project community liaison, at 505-245-3134, office; 505-269-9691, cell; or at pattiw@cwastrategic.com. Project information may also be found at www.abcwua.org. The Albuquerque Journal is right to decry the influence of super PACs and dark money on New Mexico elections as it did in Fridays editorial. The huge amounts of special-interest cash from PACs $17.5 million in two years leading up to the election pouring into our state during this election cycle did little to inform voters. State budgets and local issues are not the major concern of super PACs, which are nationalizing every election down to district attorney based on larger wedge issues. But it is incorrect to blame the limits on campaign contributions to candidates set by the legislature in 2009 for the explosion in super PAC spending. The real culprit was the Citizens United case that opened the flood gates to unlimited PAC spending. There are 11 states that do not have any caps on contributions to candidates, yet PAC spending has increased in those states as well. If contribution caps are lifted here, even more money will be injected into the system. That is the last thing that New Mexico needs. Almost two-thirds of New Mexico voters support contribution limits, according to our latest poll. Respondents saw limits not just as a way to reduce money in politics overall, but as a way to limit perceived influence on elected officials by big donors. Common Cause New Mexico believes that the most effective way to fix our ailing electoral system is to require as much transparency as legally possible, tighten restrictions on coordination between independent PACs and candidates, and maintain contribution limits. Currently our contribution limits to legislative candidates are high in comparison to most Western states in fact, they are the same as Congress! Removing them would be a step in the wrong direction, leading to more money in politics and reduced influence for ordinary citizens, who already feel their voices are overwhelmed by bigger contributors. For the past several years, Common Cause has supported a bill in the New Mexico Legislature to update our Campaign Reporting Act by restoring the enforceability of the act and adapting it to modern methods of campaigning. Since the act was enacted, the courts have developed an extensive body of restrictions on the authority of governments to regulate campaign speech. Under these rules, several key provisions of the act have recently been invalidated by the courts, including most of its reporting requirement for PACs and other independent groups. The bill would amend the Campaign Reporting Act to conform to current constitutional rules. Additionally, when the act was enacted, candidates and political parties were virtually the only campaign participants. There are now numerous national and local independent groups participating in state elections in a variety of ways, ranging from campaign ads coordinated with candidates to an occasional ad mentioning a public official. The bill would expand the Campaign Reporting Act to cover all these kinds of campaign activities in a constitutionally permissible way. Transparency is one of the few issues on which there is agreement across party lines. Weve established a sunshine portal for state information and posted more campaign information on the secretary of states website. But the disclosure bill has never made it across the finish line, despite passing the Senate five times, four of them unanimously. Now is the time for a bill that will require disclosure of donors who contribute anonymously to some of these independent spenders and the targets of their expenditures. And these unleashed groups should be held accountable when they conspire with candidates to influence voters. We are hopeful that this year, the bill will finally pass. We must never forget that the foundation of democracy is knowledge. The public deserves to know who is funding whom in order to cast their vote intelligently and make their decisions based on fact, and not fiction. CHICAGO When Kirn Kim was 16, he was part of a group of four teens who killed an honors student who attended their high school in Fullerton, Calif. Kim had been along for a ride with a pal who was known for his big talk and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was convicted and sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison for having been a lookout in the murder. Today, 23 years later, Kim is one of an emerging class of individuals the formerly incarcerated who are struggling to make a life for themselves after theyve paid their debt to society. What happened was a tragedy, Kim told me. But I was determined to make the best of a bad situation and be that one exception, if I ever managed to get out of prison. To that end, Kim used his time behind bars to earn a bachelors degree in business and became active in rehabilitative programs where he could counsel and help struggling inmates. After 20 years and two tries, Kim was finally granted parole. He moved back home with his parents and, taking back up with a childhood love of computers, delved into coding and computer programming courses at a local college. But he hit a brick wall when it was time to find work. One of Kims professors, who had been impressed with his work ethic and high grades, put him in touch with a STEM industry recruiter who told him to just forget it. He said, Im sorry, but, look the big companies arent going to hire you. With your record, your best bet is going to a startup,' Kim recounted. So he did. Kim found a job with a video game startup. It came to an abrupt end, however, when the company made a move to get licensing for a game they had been developing and were told that if they had someone like Kim on staff, there would be no deal. From there Kim tried for temp work but no one would even interview him. I signed up at temp agencies but obviously because of the box to check, I couldnt get anywhere, said Kim, referring to the question on most hiring applications that asks if applicants have a criminal record. Checking these boxes almost always leads to an ex-offenders employment application being tossed away. At one temp agency, the interviewer refused to talk to me so I came back the next day and I just sat there for eight hours waiting, hoping he would give me an interview, Kim said. But my case was pretty high-profile and, being back home, some people actually remembered my case and flat-out told me, I will not hire you.' Frustrated, but undeterred, Kim started volunteering at organizations seeking to serve others facing the same challenges and found that he was a powerful role model for both those still incarcerated and those who were back on the outside and looking for ways to not get themselves back in jail. Luckily for Kim, the Ban the Box campaign, which started in 2004 and has since persuaded government agencies in more than 45 cities and counties to remove the question regarding conviction history from employment applications, is making gains. A year ago, the California Endowment, a private foundation focused on health, hired Kim as a communications coordinator. The Ban the Box Philanthropy Challenge is now an official campaign sponsored by the Executives Alliance for Boys and Men of Color and calls on nonprofits to implement hiring policies that dont automatically disqualify applicants because of a conviction or arrest. So far, 47 foundations including the Ford Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others have joined corporations like Starbucks, Facebook and Target in giving ex-cons a better chance at making something of their lives after prison. Im really appreciative about the fact that the endowment and other organizations are recognizing we do have a place in their organizations and have value to contribute, Kim said about his happy ending. This movement has opened peoples eyes to workers who want to give you their blood and sweat to prove they want something better in life. Ban the Box estimates that one out of four adults in the U.S. has a conviction history. Heres hoping the new Philanthropy Challenge can enable happy endings for them, too. E-mail: estherjcepeda@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group. SANTA FE Gov. Susana Martinez met with Vice President-elect Mike Pence in Florida this week and sounded an upbeat tone after the meeting about New Mexicos fortunes under President-elect Donald Trumps administration. A Martinez spokesman described the meeting between Pence and Martinez as great and productive, and said Tuesday that the two discussed a wide range of policy issues, though no specific details were provided. Gov. Martinez is confident that the concerns of the people of New Mexico will be heard and addressed by the new administration, Martinez spokesman Michael Lonergan told the Journal about Mondays meeting. Pence, who is also the outgoing governor of Indiana, is leading Trumps transition team to put together a Cabinet and decide on other high-level appointments. Martinez and Pence are in Orlando, Fla., this week to attend meetings of the Republican Governors Association. They have worked together for several years as members of the RGA, a deep-pocketed national group thats been led by Martinez since November 2015. The group helps elect GOP candidates for governor, and after last weeks election, the number of GOP governors increased to at least 33 the highest since 1922. Although Martinez criticized some of Trumps controversial comments in the run-up to Election Day and decided not to endorse the GOP presidential nominee, her relationship with Pence could give New Mexico at least some inroads to the White House. During an August campaign rally in Albuquerque, Pence described Martinez as having done a great job for New Mexico. That came after Trump criticized her job performance during a May rally. Martinez, the nations only Latina governor, traveled to Florida on Monday and is scheduled to return to New Mexico on Thursday, according to the Governors Office. The RGA is covering her travel expenses. Thirty governors and newly elected governors were expected to attend this weeks gathering at a resort near Disney World, including incoming RGA chairman Scott Walker of Wisconsin. Florida Gov. Rick Scott told some of his peers Monday that Trumps victory gives them a chance to push wish lists for disruptive change. Some GOP leaders want to alter Medicaid, the safety net health care program for the poor, into a federal block grant program that gives states more control. Martinez has not addressed the issue. New Mexico residents have flocked to Medicaid since Martinez agreed to an expansion in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. The state is grappling with how to pay its $1 billion share of annual Medicaid funding amid a budget crisis linked to an oil industry downturn. The federal government funds most of the states $6.1 billion Medicaid program. Perhaps no leaking toilet has caused so much drama. Thats how, according to volumes of court documents, this wild ride through the judicial system begins: An unattended plumbing mishap in a Santa Fe rental house leads to an eviction notice. That leads to months of lawsuits, countersuits and other legal actions, including a federal racketeering complaint filed by the former tenants. They alleged dirty deeds done by what they call a Santa Fe court-centered crime syndicate rivaling those portrayed in The Godfather and Goodfellas movies but with the added zest of a legion of powerful lesbians and a cast of characters that includes New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, seven state district judges, three Santa Fe Magistrate Court judges, two court staff members, numerous law enforcement officers, officials with legal disciplinary boards, an insurance company, private citizens and a masked marauder on a Kawasaki motorcycle who steals hearing aids. All but the marauder are named as defendants in the federal case. It is, the complaint claims, a scandal as big as Watergate. I am not making this up. But it will be up to a judge perhaps several judges to determine whether somebody is. The federal judge U.S. District Judge James O. Browning, for the moment also will have to decide whether plaintiffs and former tenants Susan Gerard and Andrew Ross should be awarded the $1.776 billion they seek in compensatory and consequential damages, the suggested sum a nod to 1776 and freedom, of which the federal complaint reminds us there is no price. It would be impossible to detail all the twists and turns this case has taken since its lowly beginnings in March, when Gerard and Ross were evicted from a three-bedroom home on Camino Piedra Lumbre in south Santa Fe over a number of alleged violations, chief among them failure to immediately report maintenance problems before the damage became severe. In this case, the eviction notices say, a long-leaking upstairs toilet had sent its contents seeping into the floor and the ceiling below, causing the ceiling to crack. Gerard, a 70-year-old mental health therapist, and her significant other, Ross, 69, a lawyer disbarred in 1988, according to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners, argued that the eviction was a way for the property owner to find new tenants willing to shell out a higher rent than they had been paying since signing the lease in September 2014. The couple lost the eviction case in May, and thus ensued a series of salvos between the warring factions that included angry emails, dueling restraining orders, complaints to professional boards, complaints to law enforcement and complaints and appeals filed in Santa Fe Magistrate Court, then dismissed, then filed again in a different court with a different judge, including Chief Judge Nan Nash in Albuquerque. And then came the 89-page federal lawsuit filed Oct. 12 by the couple against 30 defendants everybody who had crossed the couples path in one way or another, from AG Balderas to a next-door neighbor. The lawsuit claims the couple were discriminated against and ignored because of the sinister collusions perpetrated within the judicial system parallel to the 1973 Watergate scandal. The lawsuit alleges the existence of a mafia-style Nuestra Familia whose acting consigliere is Balderas. It alleges that bribes and misdeeds are commonly orchestrated in the Santa Fe judicial system by a group of lesbian judges and other court officials known as the Sisterhood. The Attorney Generals Office has called the lawsuit completely frivolous and a waste of taxpayer dollars and resources and is seeking to be dismissed from the case. Other defendants are also seeking to be dismissed. So far, none has been. And the cases continue to roll in. On Saturday, Robert Richards, a Santa Fe lawyer representing the property owner, was served with a motion for a temporary restraining order filed on behalf of Gerard that accuses him of, among other things, hiring a masked marauder on a motorcycle to steal Gerards hearing aids from her car to impair her ability to listen to her lawyer. In his response filed Monday, Richards denied any knowledge of the theft, calling it paranoid conjecture. He condemned Ross as a coward, convicted criminal and thief, called for sanctions against Arash Kashanian, an Albuquerque attorney representing the couple, and Gerard. Richards also requested that the court order a psychiatric evaluation for Gerard to determine whether she is competent. In the same filing, he described what he believes to be the motive behind the sensational case. Ross and Gerard are not worried about losing. They want to run up attorney fees for everyone else and then declare bankruptcy, Richards wrote. Gerard and Ross have made it clear they want revenge or money and are using the legal system to harass and extort. All of which is perfectly legal up to a point. Kashanian said in a brief telephone interview that he did not want to comment until consulting with his clients, then never called again. He dismissed the notion that the lawsuit is reminiscent of a bad James Grisham novel. Is it so hard to believe that Santa Fe officials are being corrupt? he said. It just might be. UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. By PTI: In continued defiance of the Supreme Court ruling, the Parkash Singh Badal government today got passed a resolution by the state assembly against handing over land for construction of the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal. The state assembly unanimously adopted a resolution "directing" the SAD-BJP government not to "hand over land to any agency" and also "not to allow anyone to work for the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal." advertisement Going a step further, the state assembly, which met for a special session within a week of the Supreme Courts November 10 ruling declaring as "unconstitutional" a Punjab law of 2004 terminating a water sharing agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh, also adopted another resolution asking the state government to take up with Centre and neighbouring states the issue of levying "cost and royalty" for the water released. A five-judge bench of the apex court had, on a Presidential reference, held that Punjab could not have unilaterally terminated the agreement. The Supreme Courts ruling favouring Haryana on the contentious SYL canal issue has set political temperature soaring in Punjab, with the state Congress chief Amarinder Singh quitting as MP. All 42 Congress MLAs have also resigned even as Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has repeatedly asserted "not a drop of water" will be allowed to be taken out of the state. Though the resignation letters of the MLAs are yet to be accepted, they were not present in the House today. The Badal government had yesterday announced denotification of land acquired for the project and decided to return it to the original owners at no cost. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal moved the resolution seeking a direction from the House to "the Punjab government, Cabinet and all government officers and officials not to hand over the land of Punjab for the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal, neither allow anybody to work on it, nor to cooperate for the said purpose". Another resolution was moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal seeking a direction from the assembly to the state government to take up the matter with the Centre, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi to levy "cost and royalty" on water being supplied to these states. In his speech, Badal reaffirmed that the state has not even a single drop of river water to spare and that no water would be allowed to flow to Haryana. He accused the successive Congress governments at the Centre of meting out step-motherly treatment to the state. The resolutions were passed unanimously. The resolution moved by Mittal was amended to substitute the word "recommendation" with "direction" and incorporate "cost" besides "royalty" as the bill initially provided for. advertisement The amended resolution passed by the House read: "It is a historical truth that before Independence whatever water was released by one state to another state, which had no right as per riparian principle, the cost and royalty was given to the riparian state for the same." --- ENDS --- Authorities have issued a missing and endangered alert for two children who may have been taken by their non-custodial parent. New Mexico State Police said Skylar Lee and Kayson Kendan Lee were last seen with their biological mother, Kaylen Johnson, Tuesday afternoon near Mariano Lake, northeast of Gallup. They were traveling in a navy blue Nissan Sentra with Arizona license plate BHB1592. Johnson, 32 is a Native American female. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall and has brown eyes. Skylar is 3 feet tall, weighs 30 pounds, and has brown eyes and hair. She was last seen wearing a grey shirt with a pink heart in the middle on it and blue jeans. Kayson is 2 feet tall, weighs 25 pounds, and has brown eyes and a shaved head. He was last seen wearing a beige shirt and beige pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Navajo Public Safety Crownpoint Police Department at (505) 786-2050. ATHENS, Greece The Latest on President Barack Obamas final foreign tour as president (all times local): 6:45 p.m. President Barack Obama is having dinner with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after arriving in Berlin on Wednesday. The White House says its an informal and private dinner at Obamas hotel. Journalists traveling with Obama arent being permitted to witness the event. The two leaders plan a more formal meeting on Thursday, and will also hold a joint press conference while Obama is in Germany. ____ 6 p.m. President Barack Obama has arrived in Germany, the second stop on his final foreign tour as president. Air Force One touched down Wednesday evening in Berlin after a short flight from Greece. While in Germany, Obama plans to meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Obama has called Merkel one of his closest partners as president. Obama will hold a joint news conference with Merkel on Thursday. He also plans to meet with leaders of key European countries including the U.K. and France. After Germany, Obama will travel to Peru for the last stop on his trip. ___ 4:05 p.m. President Barack Obama has completed the first leg of his final foreign trip with Air Force One departing from the airport in Athens in route to Berlin. Obamas three-nation visit began in Greece and included a press conference, state dinner, tour of the Acropolis and speech to the Greek people. He has emphasized a message that pushes back against the forces of isolationism and calls for the benefits of technology and globalization to be more broadly shared. ___ 2:55 p.m. President Barack Obama is delivering a message to his fellow world leaders: People have to know that theyre being heard. Obama says increasingly people feel disconnected from their government and institutions. He says globalization is feeding a rising tribalism and nationalism that breeds suspicion of institutions. Obama is also defending the European Union, calling it one of the great achievements of human history. But, as he wraps up his visit to Greece, Obama warns that world leaders must do more to make governments more effective and fight corruption in order to restore citizens trust. ____ 2:45 p.m. President Barak Obama says that part of the effect of globalization and improving innovation has been an increase in feelings of inequality. Speaking in Athens at the end of the first leg of his final foreign tour, Obama says the trend of improving technology had also led to enormous disruptions for many countries and communities, as technology and innovation lead to smaller workforces being used to produce goods. Obama says the sight of some seemingly living by a different set of rules feeds a profound sense of injustice and a feeling that our economies are increasingly unfair. He says the ease of access to information globally can increase the sense of injustice and this impulse to pull back from a globalized world is understandable. ___ 2:35 p.m. President Barack Obama says he and President-elect Donald Trump could not be more different. But he says American democracy is bigger than any one person. Obama is offering reassurances during a speech in Athens that our future will be OK. He says thats as long as people retain faith in democracy and dont waver from democratic principles. Obama assures that hell work with Trumps team in the coming weeks on a smooth handover of power. He says thats how democracy has to work. Obama says free elections are critical because citizens need to choose their own leaders. He adds, Even if your candidate doesnt always win. ___ 2:30 p.m. President Barack Obama says Greeces acceptance of refugees has inspired the world but it cannot handle Europes migration problems alone. Speaking in Athens, Obama says only a truly collective response by Europe and the world can handle the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing violence in the Middle East. A reluctance by many other European Union countries to host refugees has left more than 60,000 people stranded in Greece, many living in overcrowded camps dotted across the country. Obama says Greece cannot be expected to bear the burden alone. ___ 2:25 p.m. President Barack Obama says hes confident the U.S. commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance will continue. He says that includes the U.S. pledge to defend all its NATO treaty allies. Obama isnt mentioning President-elect Donald Trump by name but is alluding to his campaign comments suggesting the U.S. might not defend NATO allies who dont pay enough of the alliances costs. Obama says in a speech in Athens, Greece, that the alliance has been supported consistently by both Republican and Democratic administrations in the U.S. He says NATO is as ready as it has ever been to ensure collective security. Greece is a member of NATO. ___ 2:15 p.m. President Barack Obama is opening a speech in Athens with a tribute to the birthplace of democracy. Obama is citing a long list of ancient Greek statesmen and philosophers who crafted the notion that we are citizens, not servants and a belief in equality before the law. Obama is delivering what is likely his last major address abroad as president. He says over his eight years in office he still believe that people of all country share a desire to control their own lives and communities. He says, these yearnings are universal. ___ 1: 20 p.m. President Barack Obama is getting a crash course in Greek mythology and antiquity at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Obama is touring the museum after descending from the hilltop complex where he had lingered at the base of the Parthenon and glanced around at the panoramic view of Athens. Obama is being escorted through the museum by its president, Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis. He says the marble busts and statues are beautiful. ___ 11:50 a.m. President Barack Obama is getting an up-close look at the Acropolis, the famed ancient citadel in Athens. Obama entered the complex through the Propylaea and walked along the Parthenon. The whole site is closed just for his visit. The hilltop complex is considered a monument to free thoughts, artistic expression and architectural prowess. The 5th Century B.C. Parthenon temple built by Ictinus is surrounded these days by scaffolding. From the hilltop, Obama could look out in nearly every direction at sprawling Athens. A guide from Greeces Ministry of Culture is accompanying Obama on his tour. ___ 11:30 a.m. President Barack Obama is starting his final day in Greece with a tour of the Acropolis, the nations most famous ancient monument. The ancient site will remain closed to the public for the day to accommodate the presidents visit. Obama will also deliver a speech to the Greek people as he winds up the first leg of his final foreign tour as president and heads from Greece to Germany. The president is expected to touch on both the countrys efforts to emerge from its financial crisis, and on its role in dealing with hundreds of thousands of refugees who have crossed Greeces borders on their way to more prosperous European countries. Obamas visit to Greece is the first official visit by a sitting U.S. president since Bill Clinton. 9 APD IDs teen, man killed in recent homicides ABQnews Seeker The uprising inside the House Democratic caucus is about much more than last weeks election results. Yes, Nancy Pelosi poorly managed expectations. At one point, she said that her party could pick up the 30 seats necessary to win the House majority. Even during the home stretch, she mulled a gain of more than 20 seats. She wound up getting only six. But the blow-up that caused the postponement of leadership elections from this Thursday to Nov. 30 a decision made at the end of a tumultuous, two-hour meeting is really about young lawmakers who are frustrated by a seniority system that limits their influence, African-Americans who dont feel like they have enough sway over Pelosis strategy and members from the heartland who feel that the dominance of coastal elites in the caucus has made it harder for them to connect with their constituents. For years now, there has been a problematic lack of upward mobility for younger Democrats. Consider: The top three Democrats in leadership are 76 (Pelosi), 77 (Steny Hoyer) and 76 (Jim Clyburn). The top three Republican leaders, in contrast, are 46 (Paul Ryan), 51 (Kevin McCarthy) and 51 (Steve Scalise). Pelosi and Hoyer have together led the House Democrats for 14 years now. Ryan, of course, replaced John Boehner just last year after an open election process. (And while rank-and-file Republicans get to vote on who will chair the NRCC, Pelosi picks the leader of the DCCC.) House Democrats do not have term limits for their committee chairs, as Republicans do. The average age of the Democratic ranking members on the 22 House committees this Congress is 68. The average age of the Republican chairmen is 60. On only four of the 22 committees is the top Republican older than the top Democrat. The seniority rules mean that the most important committees are led by the oldest members. The ranking Democrat on the Judiciary, John Conyers, is 87. Ways and Means ranking member Sander Levin is 85. Nita Lowey, ranking on Appropriations, is 79. Maxine Waters, ranking on Financial Services, is 78. For context, the Republicans who lead those crucial committees are 78, 64, 61 and 59. There is palpable concern among Democratic elites around town that too many of these ranking members in the House are not pit bull types who can effectively argue for Democratic principles on television and during floor debates. Its a refrain you hear constantly: Do Democrats really want the 85-year-old Levin running point against the GOPs drive to repeal Obamacare and negotiating what could be the most significant rewrite of the tax code in a generation? Do they want the 87-year-old Conyers being the tip of the spear against a Trump Justice Department and all the scandals that could potentially bring? There is broad angst in the Democratic caucus, said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., speaking of no one in particular. To stick with the same message over four bad election cycles is a mistake. I think part of it is that the messengers have to change. This is a stark contrast to the Senate, where Democrats have several proven fighters who are ready to rumble with the Trump administration. Pelosis team will complain that the aforementioned sentiment is ageist, but its really about more than age. Its about temperament and drive. Bernie Sanders is 75 and Elizabeth Warren is 67, but no one doubts their willingness or ability to go toe-to-toe with the right. Junior House Democrats chock full of potential and ambition grumble constantly about how suffocated they feel. The reality, which no wants to grouse about publicly, is that toiling away on the back bench in the minority party is a pretty horrible existence. You think youre important when you get elected, but then once you arrive it turns out youre almost totally irrelevant. Only people in your home district actually care about you, and even there your name ID is probably embarrassingly low. Unlike the Senate, the lower chamber is a purely majoritarian institution. There is no filibuster. There are no earmarks. Unless youre a crazy firebrand, or have an especially impressive resume (e.g. youre a war hero), your press secretary probably cannot even get you booked on the three major cable news channels. You get fewer staffers than you assume when you arrive, and many of your employees are basically fresh out of college. They dont really know anything about legislating, but it doesnt really matter because leadership calls all the shots. The young members who do get lavished with attention are the ones in competitive districts that make them vulnerable. But those are the members who have to spend almost all of their time dialing for dollars, begging rich people they dont know for money from a windowless call center. You may wear the members pin proudly, but really it is a life of indignity after indignity. The young generation of Democrats does not want to wait for God knows how long to be heard. Two whippersnappers illustrate this tension perfectly: Ruben Gallego, 36, is from Phoenix and Seth Moulton, 38, is from Boston. Both graduated from Harvard. Both saw combat as Marine infantrymen in Iraq. Both won a second term last week. Both envision themselves doing much bigger things. And both agitated publicly to delay the leadership elections. We dont want to rush to a leadership vote for them to think everything is business as usual, said Gallego. Everything is not good. Business as usual is not going to work. Delaying the vote on leadership positions is the necessary first step to have that conversation, said Moulton, who defeated Democratic incumbent John Tierney in a 2014 primary. The American people cried out last week, and weve got to listen. On Monday night, to prepare for the contentious caucus meeting, Moulton convened a strategy dinner of about 20 fellow insurgents at Acqua Al 2, the fancy Italian restaurant in Eastern Market. He declined Tuesday to say whether he will back Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi is both beloved and feared by her members. Even many of the young bucks who want to rise through the ranks faster recognize what an incredibly shrewd deal-maker she is. Shes often out-foxed Republican leaders and has capitalized on the unruly and undisciplined House Freedom to extract big concessions at key moments. Shes typecast as a limousine liberal, but the much better way to understand Pelosi is that her dad was the mayor of Baltimore. She learned machine politics in a big city. Pelosi knows how to keep her caucus in line, or at least the majority, and thats why she remains VERY HEAVILY FAVORED to stay on as minority leader even with the postponed election. A smaller Democratic caucus even works to her advantage in some ways. With all but a handful of Blue Dogs gone, shes got California locked up. The female members adore her (More than 40 of the 54 have signed a letter offering support). And the bleeding-heart liberals, who dominate the Democratic caucus to a greater degree than at any point in U.S. history, see her as a fellow traveler. Shes also one of the best fundraisers in political history. Tim Ryan is the likeliest challenger to Pelosi, but even he may still decide not to go through with it. He told The Washington Posts Paul Kane during an interview this morning that he has not made a final decision. This is not fun anymore. This is not fun to wallow in the minority, he said about the morale of rank-and-file Democrats. Asked about the partys standing, he deadpanned: You cant fall off the floor. The Ohioan must consider what happened to Heath Shuler, a moderate from North Carolina, when he challenged Pelosi in 2010 after the party lost 63 seats: She crushed him like a bug, 150-43, and he subsequently left Congress. Some of the rambunctious youngsters are playing more of the inside game, recognizing the clear risks of crossing Pelosi. Joe Kennedy III, who like Moulton is a member of the Massachusetts delegation in his 30s, expressed support Tuesday for retaining her as minority leader. Not only is he a member of the Kennedy clan, which guarantees a national profile, but he is considered the favorite to succeed Warren whenever his former Harvard law school professor decides to give up her Senate seat. (Moulton, if his bid to shake up the House fails, might feel compelled to, hypothetically, run against someone like Ed Markey in a primary.) The key issue going forward now is whether the Pelosi dissidents stay unified or they break up into competing factions. As the trite but true Will Rogers aphorism goes, Im not a member of any organized party. Im a Democrat. Some people just want to force the old guys at the top of the committee dais to be more politically and legislative active, which is altogether different than those who want to oust the top leaders. The Congressional Black Caucus privately would like to depose Pelosi, if she could be taken out.But, but, but: The CBC is also the leading opponent to creating term limits for committee chairs and steadfastly opposes other reforms that the younger, mostly white, members want. It was a CBC member, 72-year-old Emanuel Cleaver, who formally made the motion to postpone the leadership elections. We just got a shellacking last Tuesday, CBC chairman G.K. Butterfield said after the meeting. We got an unexpected defeat and weve got to recalibrate and decide how we go forward. (For what its worth, Cleaver and Butterfield claimed that this was not the first step in a coup detat.) Another flashpoint: Coastal elites really have a vice grip on the House Democratic caucus. In the current Congress, 121 of the 186 Democrats come from states on the Left Coast or the Eastern seaboard. Thats two thirds, and the number will actually tick higher next year. Even more starkly, more than one-third of House Democrats hail from just three states: California (39), New York (18) and Massachusetts (9). Meanwhile, Democrats have gotten totally throttled in the Rust Belt: Pennsylvanias delegation has 13 Republicans and five Democrats. Ohios delegation has 13 Republicans and five Democrats. Michigan has nine Republicans and five Democrats. Wisconsin has five Republicans and three Democrats. The fact that the GOP won big in the 2010 midterms and then controlled the redistricting process is a very important factor here, but its a red herring to pretend that it is the only one. Democrats will never control the House again until they figure out how to flip those numbers. Thats partly what animates Ryans potential challenge. To be sure, Republicans have their own problems. Namely diversity. Seven of the top eight House Republican leaders are men. Just one is a woman. In fact, there are only 21 Republican women in the House. . . With Breanne Deppisch dems-202 WASHINGTON Radio journalist Joshua Johnson will succeed Diane Rehm as the host of the daily public-affairs discussion program that Rehm turned into one of NPRs most durable franchises over its 37-year run. Rehm introduced Johnson during her broadcast Wednesday morning from WAMU-FM, the Washington public station that has produced her program since 1979. Johnson will host a new program, called 1A, that will have roughly the same format as The Diane Rehm Show interviews, panel discussions and listener phone calls about politics, government, science, the arts and other topics spread over a two-hour bloc. Johnson said he will tweak the long-running format somewhat, sometimes exploring multiple topics within an hour and occasionally delving into pop culture. The appointment, by WAMUs managers and with Rehms support, instantly makes Johnson, 36, one of the most prominent figures in public radio. Rehms program, which is distributed by NPR, has a passionate and loyal following, with a weekly audience of about 2.6 million. It is carried on some 198 stations nationwide. Im humbled, grateful and excited, but mostly humbled, Jackson said in an interview this week. He called his appointment a gift, a treasure, and Ill treat it as such. Johnson, an anchor and host at public radio and TV station KQED in San Francisco, was something of a surprise choice. He was among the lesser-known of the 30 or so candidates whom WAMU interviewed after Rehm said last December that she intended to retire at the end of this year. (Her last live broadcast will be Dec. 23.) WAMU General Manager J.J. Yore said Johnson wasnt on the stations initial list of candidates. But his stock rose after his on-air tryout over two days in late September. He brought an openness to his sound, a kind of curiosity He was at ease and put his guests at ease, Yore said. Johnson was the morning newscaster at KQED for five years, and he stepped down in February to produce and host a series about race called Truth Be Told. He was also a substitute host on Forum, the stations nationally syndicated news-discussion program. A Florida native, Johnson graduated from the University of Miami and worked as an anchor and reporter for TV and radio stations in the state. He joined KQED in 2010. As a younger African-American man, Johnson may help NPR expand its appeal among the younger, male and racially diverse listeners that public radio has struggled to attract throughout its history. Public radio and TV audiences are largely white and aging, a development that has concerned industry leaders for some time. Yore acknowledged that diversity was an important factor in creating this new show. Its not lost on any of us that having a young, African-American male leading the conversation on public radio on a national stage is very important. Rehm, 80, said her decision to leave her program was 1,000 percent the right decision for me and the station at this time. But, she added, Im feeling somewhat guilty about leaving in this moment following Donald Trumps surprising presidential victory. We need more discussion about what has happened and why this has happened. She elaborated on this in a speech she gave last week at a gala in Washington honoring her show. Were all going to have to learn to listen in new and different ways, better and harder to those with whom we may not agree, those who are different from us, who may not even be aware of public radio, those who feel they have not been heard, she said. We whove been in public radio for all these years thought we were being broad and bold. But now we know weve been speaking with only a small portion of the electorate and the population at large. We have to do better. Rehm said in an interview she wasnt speaking about Trump supporters specifically, but about people who are comfortable in their own factual universe and not open to different points of view. They want to construct a universe that is within the confines of the way theyre living. Public radio hasnt reached them. Johnson declined to discuss his political views, but he said he was as committed as Rehm to presenting a balanced show. I see a lot of similarities in how I like to represent myself on the air in the way she presents herself on the air the same style and ethic of conversation. At the same time, he added, I wont be the next Diane Rehm. Im the first Joshua Johnson. rehm-replace WASHINGTON Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., on Wednesday endorsed the bid of Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, adding to the congressmans early momentum in the race to lead the party. In a statement, Warren praised Ellisons work in Congress try to hold Wall Street accountable and praised his leadership as a co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. I admire Keiths values, his grit, and his dedication to making this country work not just for some of our kids but for all of them, Warren said in a statement. Meanwhile, former Maryland governor Martin OMalley took himself out of the running for the post Wednesday after announcing five days ago that he was taking a hard look at it. While Im grateful to the friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC Chair, I will not be seeking our Partys Chairmanship, OMalley said in a statement. Ellison and OMalley, who ended a 2016 presidential bid following a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses, are among several people who have publicly expressed interest in the job since Hillary Clintons stunning defeat to President-elect Donald Trump last week. Others eyeing the job include former Vermont governor Howard Dean, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison and the DNCs national finance chairman Henry Munoz III. The candidacy of Ellison, D-Minn., who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vt., over Clinton in the Democratic primaries, has generated the most buzz. Warrens support adds to a list of liberal lawmakers, including Sanders, who have coalesced around Ellison. He has also picked up the support of several others in the partys establishment, including outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., his likely successor. The next chairman is scheduled to be picked early next year by DNC members across the country, who may or may not take their cue from elected officials. The partys bylaws call for a chairman to be chosen by March 1 to succeed interim chairwoman Donna Brazile, a longtime Democratic operative who stepped in after Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Fla., announced her resignation in July. dems-ellison Benjamin Franklin said that taxes, like death, are one of lifes few certainties. But due to a glitch in the technical language of Californias successful marijuana legalization initiative, the states pot smokers may prove him wrong. Californias marijuana legalization initiative is designed to raise significant tax revenue for the state. When legal recreational marijuana sales commence on Jan. 1, 2018, the initiative applies a 15 percent excise tax on recreational and medical marijuana, as well as some taxes on marijuana producers based on the weight of each plant grown. The states 7.5 percent sales tax is tacked on top of that for recreational marijuana, but the ballot proposition repeals that tax for medical marijuana. The idea was to give medical marijuana users a tax break relative to recreational users once the initiatives new taxes begin in 2018. But because the Jan. 1, 2018, target date was omitted in the relevant subsection of the 62-page initiative, the medical marijuana sales tax elimination instead became effective this week when the measure passed. As a result, tax-free medical marijuana sales will occur in California from now through the end of 2017. With recreational sales not set to begin until 2018, tax-free medical sales leave California facing a disappointing near-term marijuana tax revenue picture. The creators of the initiative have stated publicly that providing a 14-month tax holiday for marijuana was not their intention, but the states Board of Equalization ruled otherwise. Tax revenue could continue to fall short of projections even after 2018 if new recreational users become regular customers in the tax-free medical market, where they would have every incentive to stay. Why endure what economists call switching costs finding a new dispensary and favored types of weed for example for the privilege of paying higher taxes in the recreational market come 2018? We have seen what could happen, in Washington state. The unwillingness of many recreational users to leave the lightly taxed, loosely regulated medical market so hampered the establishment of an explicitly recreational market that Washington state legislators shut the medical system down. But because the medical and recreational systems in California were both created by ballot initiative, the states elected officials do not have the same option. Medical marijuana users must have a state-issued patient ID card to legally buy tax-free, and many users presumably will not endure the administrative hassle and $100 fee to obtain one. The ID requirement could therefore limit the bleeding from the states coffers to millions rather than tens of millions of dollars. Such an optimistic scenario depends on marijuana dispensary staff consistently checking whether customers have such a card and are therefore entitled to tax-free sales. The relevant historical record is not encouraging: Board of Equalization chair Fiona Ma recently noted that about two-thirds of dispensaries have not been fully compliant with sales tax requirements up to now. The incentive for dispensaries would be to keep customers happy by letting the ID requirement slide, secure in the knowledge that getting caught evading sales taxes is unlikely. Because the marijuana industry lacks access to banks, it generally works on a cash-only basis, making tax auditing by the state difficult. Close monitoring of tax compliance also costs the state money from its medical marijuana tax revenues, which are about to endure a lean year. There are precedents for ignoring legal provisions that were clearly clerical errors, but Californias Board of Equalization did not invoke them in interpreting the initiatives implications for taxation. The drafting snafu thus becomes legally binding, meaning that the first year after the initiatives approval could easily be a net financial loser for California. Marijuana tax policy expert Pat Oglesby of the Center for New Revenue is sympathetic to the initiatives drafters, acknowledging I made a more expensive mistake as a staffer on the Joint Congressional Committee on Taxation. Its very easy to get a detail wrong in a long, complex document. Whether voters are as forgiving as Oglesby will likely depend on whether marijuana tax revenue declines steeply in 2017 and how rapidly it rises thereafter. Keith Humphreys is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University. pot-calif The Interior Department on Wednesday announced a settlement with Devon Energy for the cancellation of leases in Montana for oil and gas drilling on lands considered sacred by the Blackfeet Tribe. This is the right action to take on behalf of current and future generations, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said on the departments Web site. She said it would protect the regions rich cultural and natural resources and recognizes the irreparable impacts that oil and gas development would have on them. The settlement comes as the Obama administration seeks to wrap up outstanding issues and as Native Americans in nearby North Dakota are protesting to block the construction of an oil pipeline just north of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation. The exploration leases in Montana covered parts of the Badger-Two Medicine area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in northwest Montana, an expanse that covers a 130,000 acres surrounded by Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Blackfeet Indian reservation. There arent many places like this left in the lower 48, said Michael Jamison, a senior program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, noting that the area is home to grizzly bears, elk, wolves and an array of other wildlife. It is a tremendously important ecosystem. The area also is home to the creation story of the Blackfeet, said Chase Huntley, senior director of energy and climate at The Wilderness Society. Huntley said many of the leases were sold for less than $1 an acre, and he alleged there was no effort to reach out to the tribe. Under the terms of the cancellation, Devon is entitled to a refund for all bids and other payments totaling $206,058. Half of that amount will come from a Treasury Department account that receives royalties from onshore oil and gas development and half will come from the state of Montana, which also receives royalty payments. Because the land was never developed and the area remains undisturbed, Devon does not need to pay for any reclamation. Harry Barnes, chairman of the Blackfeet Nation Tribal Business Council, said in an interview that area has been long been a sacred spot for the tribe. A lot of our creation stories emanate from this area. Its a significant area, it always has been for thousands of years, Barnes said. While were not opposed to oil and gas exploration, we are opposed to oil and gas exploration in that area. He called Wednesdays settlement a victory for not only the Blackfeet people, but for all of America. Its such a beautiful area. Its Mother Earth, and it needs to be enjoyed by everybody. In March, Jewell announced the cancellation of a lease held by Solonex. Solonex, a Louisiana company, sued for permission to drill on land tied to the leases, which date back to 1982. The department said the lease was improperly issued in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historical Preservation Act. The Interior Department under President Reagan issued 47 oil and gas drilling leases in Badger-Two Medicine. Later, nearly two thirds of the original leaseholders, including BP and Occidental Petroleum, took advantage of tax incentives established by Congress in exchange for relinquishing the leases in the area. By early this year, only 17 remained. Devon Energy owned 15 of the remaining leases. Devon, based in Oklahoma City, has more than doubled its oil production since 2011. It is also a major natural gas producer. Leaders of the Blackfeet Tribe including chairman Barnes and Blackfeet Chief Earl Old Person are scheduled to attend a screening on Thursday of a film about the controversy over the leases. oil-leases-2ndld-writethru CHEYENNE, Wyo. Divers unsuccessfully searched a pond Wednesday on the outskirts of Cheyenne for the body of a missing 13-month old boy, authorities said. The effort followed an exhaustive police search of a landfill in northern Colorado that concluded last week with no sign of the remains of Silas Anthony Ojeda. Detectives had developed leads in the past few days that prompted them to bring cadaver-sniffing dogs to the pond on the campus of Laramie County Community College, Lt. Don Hollingshead of the Laramie County Sheriffs Office said. Divers also searched the waters of the pond. Hollingshead said the dogs had alerted to the presence of human remains at a spot at the ponds shore and also at a nearby manure pile. Detectives used earth-moving equipment on Wednesday to spread the manure and search the pile but found nothing. Logan Hunter Rogers, 23, of Cheyenne, faces charges involuntary manslaughter and child endangering with a controlled substance in the death of the boy in Cheyenne. Rogers is scheduled for arraignment Friday in district court. Rogers was the boyfriend of Ojedas mother, Rhiannon Ojeda, according to law enforcement statements filed in court. Rogers told investigators that the boy had died after falling from a counter at home in late October and that Rogers had put his body in a trash container at the community college, investigators stated. The child endangering charge against Rogers alleged the boy was with Rogers at a house where people were smoking methamphetamine and the boy showed signs of exposure. Rogers denied he smoked the drug near the child, according to a detectives statement. Trash from the community college is trucked to a landfill near Ault, Colorado. Authorities searched for Ojedas body at the landfill for more than a week before halting the effort late last week. The search at the pond was difficult for three members of a Cheyenne-area dive team, with two members in the water and the third serving as a spotter on the shore. The visibility is zero, and theyre on their bellies, arm-in-arm, kind of going across the bottom of the muck, Hollingshead said. Investigators will continue to search for Silas body as long as they receive information they believe would lead them to it, Hollingshead said. AUSTIN, Texas The Texas Board of Education has unanimously rejected a Mexican-American studies textbook that experts say is rife with factual errors and anti-Hispanic bias. Wednesdays 14-0 preliminary move must still be affirmed by a final vote Friday. But it likely dooms a textbook that has long been disputed. Two years ago, the Republican-controlled board defeated a proposal to create a full Mexican-American studies course in Texas. Instead, it asked publishers to submit proposed ethnic studies textbooks. But only one Mexican-American studies book was offered. Academics and activists then spent months highlighting dozens of inaccuracies and stereotypes, including suggestions that Mexican immigrants were lazy. The head of the textbooks publishing company, conservative ex-board member Cynthia Dunbar, says theres no legal basis for its rejection. She says doing so could spark legal action. The petition also questioned if the 15 days stipulated for the pilot project for installing 100 rupee notes in given number of banks was over. By Vidya : Bombay High Court refused to entertain a writ petition that had been filed by lawyers pertaining to demonetisation. Advocate Rajesh Khobragade questioned the procedures laid down for de-notification of currency notes. The petition also questioned if the 15 days stipulated for the pilot project for installing 100 rupee notes in given number of banks was over. On November 2, a notification by Reserve Bank of India to all nationalised banks, said that as part of a pilot project, all banks must ensure that within the next 15 days??, at least 10 per cent of their authorised ATM machines should dispense currency notes of Rs 100 denomination. According to petitioner, government should have come out with an ordinance and then an act before such a move. advertisement The petitioner said that on such a short notice, ones right to life and right to conduct business were severely affected. However, the division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Abuja Prabhu Desai refused to hear the petition saying, "Supreme Court is already hearing the case, so file your application there." Also read: PM Modi's demonetisation drive already modified 10 times in 7 days In another court of Bombay High Court, Dr KS Pillai, who runs an NGO in Dharavi, mentioned the public interest litigation that he had filed on the same issue. He wanted the division bench of Justice Mridula Chellur and Justice MS Sonam to hear the case on an urgent basis. However, when chief justice asked him whether he wanted a stay on the issue, he said in the negative and with that the case was kept for hearing on a later stage. Also read:Currency ban: Government sets cash deposit limit on Jan-Dhan accounts at Rs 50,000 Meanwhile, on the monetisation issue, Mumbai district central Cooperative Bank has approached Bombay High Court against the circular of November 14, issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). RBI circular banned exchange of notes against the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes at the District Cooperative Banks (DCB). Also read: Demonetisation: PM appeals people to tolerate inconvenience for 50 days, says his fight is for honesty The Cooperative Bank has alleged that the notification is arbitrary and with the issuance of the circular, their legal right to conduct work is being hindered. This bank has alleged that since November 8, when Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were discontinued, all banks were asked to deposit these discontinued currencies and were to be given new notes in exchange. Also read:Leading by example: PM's mother Heeraben Modi visits Gandhinagar bank to exchange old notes They did this work till Sunday when the banks were open over the weekend. According to the banks, this circular is just not discriminatory but is also putting many of their customers into trouble. With this the petitioner has prayed for setting aside of this circular by RBI. The division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Abuja Prabhu Desai, while hearing the matter, asked the petitioners to issue notice to the RBI by Thursday and has kept the case for hearing on Monday. advertisement Also read:Indelible ink to stop people from hoarding cash, creating panic --- ENDS --- TUCSON, Ariz. A federal judge in Tucson said he plans to tell the U.S. Border Patrol not to deprive detainees of sleep at the agencys detention centers in Arizona. The agency was sued over the conditions of immigrants at its detention locations, including allegations that they are forced to sleep on concrete floors in cramped, frigid holding cells. Advocates say the conditions are so poor that its impossible to sleep. I think the deprivation of sleep, at the very least, in this case is a violation of the civil rights of a civil detainee and that needs to be fixed, U.S. District Judge David C. Bury said at a hearing Tuesday. Bury said he would not issue a formal order, but he would tell Border Patrol to change its practices while a lawsuit filed on behalf of three former detainees works its way through court, The Arizona Daily Star reported (http://bit.ly/2fhhTGW ). The civil case, which begins next summer, also deals with complaints about low-quality food, cold temperatures and a lack of access to medical care. Bury said he hasnt heard enough testimony on those other issues to make a decision on them. The judge said he will consult with Border Patrol lawyers and the Morrison and Foerster law firm that filed the lawsuit and see if they can find a solution to the sleeping conditions that works for everyone. While he acknowledged that Border Patrol has a really tough job, Bury decided that the complexity of government operations cannot trump civil rights. Neither can budgetary constraints. Border Patrol officials argued that being ordered to improve sleeping conditions could complicate their ability to do their job. The agencys detention stations operate 24 hours a day, and agents are constantly processing new detainees, Tucson Sector assistant chief patrol agent George Allen sad. The recently arrived detainees frequently interrupt the sleep those already at the station, Allen said. If agents didnt process new arrivals at night, it would lead to a bottleneck and further delay the processing of everyone, he added. Border Patrol also argued that the changes could force detainees to spend more time in detention centers. ___ Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.tucson.com EASTON, Pa. A man who drunkenly assaulted his fiancee last year and now cant find a job because of his conviction and prison sentence has no one to blame but himself, a judge said Wednesday in throwing out his lawsuit against a casino he accused of serving him too many free drinks. Northampton County Judge Paula Roscioli ruled midway through the civil trial that 31-year-old Nicholas Mullins was the only one responsible for his actions in January 2002 inside his hotel room at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, The (Allentown) Morning Call (http://bit.ly/2fY0FC3) reported. Mullins, who downed 17 drinks, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was sentenced to two to four years in prison. Defense attorney Stuart Niemtzow said his client was also injured and now cant find employment. Niemtzow vowed to appeal the ruling. Mullins, a Navy veteran, cited the Dram Shop Act, a law on the books in Pennsylvania and 37 other states that says businesses selling alcohol to visibly intoxicated people can be held liable for injuries they suffer as a result. Mullins told police that his fiancee attacked him after he lost $800 and contends he only slapped her in self-defense. A doctor concluded that her injuries were consistent with being punched repeatedly. Casino attorney Kevin Ruane said the attack occurred well after Mullins finished drinking. Hotel records showed that the couple entered their room at about 1:30 a.m., three hours before the assault was reported, he said. The judge decided to throw out the lawsuit after the defense rested its case. She said the casino could not have reasonably foreseen Mullins actions. Mullins said Wednesday he had anticipated that his suit would fail but believed it was worthwhile anyway. I wanted to bring attention to the fact that Sands casino overserves people without care of the consequences, Mullins said. Maybe in the long run, it saves some lives. ___ Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com WASHINGTON An inmate has been accused of sexually assaulting a fellow prisoner in a court cell while both were waiting to be taken back to jail. Citing documents, The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/2fWiVZ1) reports that 36-year-old Jerome M. Holliway is charged with first-degree sexual abuse after the assault was captured Friday on security cameras at D.C. Superior Court. Holliway and the victim had both appeared before a judge on separate charges and were inside the cell when a witness told officers Holliway choked and punched his cellmate before sexually assaulting him. The Associated Press does not identify sexual-assault victims. U.S. Marshals Service spokesman David Neumann says the agency is conducting an internal review. District police are also investigating. The Post said no one returned a call seeking comment from the D.C. Public Defender Service, which represents Holliway. ___ Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com INDIANAPOLIS The University of Notre Dames police department doesnt have to release crime reports about student athletes to ESPN, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The court said in unanimous ruling that the private universitys police department isnt a public agency that falls under the state open records law. The states highest court reversed a state appeals court decision from March that said the law applied because the department has legal authority from the state to make arrests and has jurisdiction beyond the universitys campus. The Supreme Court justices found the public records law didnt apply to Notre Dame police because the department isnt part of any level of government. A grant of arrest powers enabling university police departments to keep order on their private campuses does not transform those officers or the trustees who oversee them into public officials and employees, Justice Mark Massa wrote. Bristol, Connecticut-based ESPN said in a brief statement that it was extremely disappointed by the ruling and what it represents for public transparency. An ESPN attorney told the Indiana justices in September that the ability of Notre Dame police officers to arrest and apprehend represented the core powers of the state. ESPN sued Notre Dame in January 2015, asking a judge in South Bend to order the school to release campus police records detailing allegations against athletes. That St. Joseph County judge ruled in Notre Dames favor three months later, finding that Indianas private schools arent subject to its open records law. Peter Rusthoven, an attorney for Notre Dame, had argued that Indianas law includes the wording such as in describing which law enforcement entities are subject, but lists only public agencies, not private entities. He said that if Notre Dames police department had to comply with Indianas records law, other aspects of the universitys functions would be forced to as well. Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne said Wednesday that the university follows federal requirements on disclosing campus crimes and that it was pleased with the Supreme Courts decision. An ESPN reporter initially sought any campus police reports involving any of 275 Notre Dame athletes as a victim, suspect, witness or person who reported the incident, according to court records. The ESPN request was so broad that even if we were a municipality we think that it wouldve been lawfully denied, Browne said. Hoosier State Press Association Executive Director Steve Key, whose group filed legal briefs supporting ESPN, said he was disappointed the court didnt see the Notre Dame police as operating the same as a city or public university police department. I think most people would agree that the public should have the same understanding of what crime is being reported and how its being handled whether its being done by a private universitys police department or any other police department, Key said. Indiana legislators approved a bill earlier this year specifically sheltering the police departments at Notre Dame and 10 other Indiana private colleges from the state access laws. Republican Gov. Mike Pence, now vice president-elect, vetoed that measure in March, saying those college departments performed a government function and that limiting disclosure was a disservice to the public and an unnecessary barrier to transparency. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Navajo Nation lawmakers are proposing tribal legislation to fund an Amber Alert system and expand an emergency 911 system on the vast reservation. About $850,000 of the multimillion appropriation bill would go specifically toward developing an Amber Alert system a move that comes in response to a kidnapping this year that raised concerns over the fact that the U.S. largest American Indian reservation does not have its own system to issue alerts about child abductions. The proposal for the funding is being sponsored by Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, who has said its imperative to get an Amber Alert system in place to speed emergency response times. Her proposal was approved Tuesday by the Counsels Law and Order committee. In May, 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike was lured into a mans van near her school bus stop and found dead the next day in the desert south of Shiprock, New Mexico, officials said. Tom Begaye Jr. of Waterflow, New Mexico, has been charged in federal court in her death. An Amber Alert wasnt issued in New Mexico until around 2 a.m. on the morning after her disappearance, leading to outcry that the public hadnt received notice that a child was in danger during the crucial hours of authorities search for her. Amber Alert systems work best within the first five hours of a child going missing. In most cases, state authorities coordinate with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to send word about abductions of children in danger of serious injury or death. On the Navajo Nation, an Amber Alert system for the Navajos 27,000-square-mile reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah had been proposed years ago. But it was never implemented, despite the tribe having been awarded $330,000 in federal funding as part of a U.S. Department of Justice pilot project announced in 2007 to expand Amber Alerts on tribal lands. Half the money was used to buy equipment such as megaphones and pop-up tents, but the rest went unspent. Lawmakers and tribal officials have struggled to find the best solution for implementing and funding an Amber alert system that would allow for their own law enforcement officials to send out alerts reservation-wide rather than navigate extra steps during a crisis to notify state authorities that an alert is needed. WASHINGTON The twins were OK. LaKira Johnson could hear a doctor confirm that as she slid a wand over her bulging belly during an ultrasound. They were kicking. Their heartbeats were strong. LaKira imagined them in there playing, oblivious to the senseless shooting that had left her bleeding that night on the dirty tile floor of a carryout place. Shed just wanted a sandwich. Five months pregnant and craving a cheesesteak, LaKira had walked from her home in Northeast Washington to Jerry Chans restaurant on an August night. Then she heard gunfire, felt her body jerk and knew a bullet had pierced her back and burrowed through her stomach. She doesnt remember feeling pain, only fear. I dont want to die, the 21-year-old Wal-Mart cashier thought again and again. And then, worrying about the two girls she was carrying, I dont want them to die. Now she lay in the hospital feeling relieved as doctors assured her that the bullet missed her uterus. She would lose her kidney and part of her intestines, but the twins would be OK. Then three days into her hospital stay, LaKira went to the bathroom, saw blood and knew that was no longer true. Gun violence is such a constant in Washington, D.C., that it is not measured in bullets fired but in lives claimed. Normally that is a clear-cut number. But what happened to LaKiras pregnancy raises a complicated set of legal and moral questions about what constitutes a life when taken by a stranger. Does it begin when a newborn can survive on its own? Does it start with a first breath? Does it matter that the twins were already loved? LaKira knew it was too early for her daughters to be born, but there was no stopping what had already started. With her boyfriend and mother by her side, and a medical staff instructing her, she pushed once, and the girls came out together, wiggling in the amniotic sac they had shared their entire existence. She had already decided to name them Heaven and Nevaeh (Heaven spelled backward), even before she had to trust thats where they were going. LaKira is not sure how long they survived, but she held them for hours. She held them as they breathed and after they stopped breathing. She held them naked and dressed in little white gowns and matching hats that the hospital provided. She held them as her mother took pictures of them with her cellphone, capturing images LaKira would later scroll through many nights, sobbing. I love you, and I will miss you, she told them both. Finally, after about 12 hours, she was told it was time to let them go. Detectives had arrived to take their tiny bodies to the medical examiners office, which would have to address a crucial question: Were their deaths a homicide? Ive been shot! LaKira had almost asked her 7-year-old daughter, Raniyah, to walk with her to the carryout place Aug. 30. It was only a few blocks away, nestled between a Papa Johns and a lot with a barbed wire fence. Then she looked at the time and realized it was after 9:30 p.m. She told Raniyah to get ready for bed since she had school in the morning. LaKira was never an eager student, dropping out in 11th grade. But she is proud that the second-grader loves school. She is so eager to practice writing that she will pen a poem for a stranger. LaKira was 13 when she learned she was pregnant with Raniyah and 18 when she gave birth to her second daughter, Kali. When she found out she was having twins, she was scared and then excited. So were her daughters. Already, Kali had started putting aside toys and declaring them for my baby sisters. LaKira said she knew what the autopsy would find: There was nothing wrong with the twins. She had seen them. Each fit in her hand, and neither weighed more than a pound, but, otherwise, they were perfect. It wasnt the babies fault, LaKira said. It was me and my body. It was going through so much trauma. Because the bullet never touched the twins and because they were too young to survive outside her womb, LaKira knew her case presented a unique legal question. Not only would the medical examiners office have to make a determination, so, too, would police and prosecutors if someone were arrested. Washington does not have a fetal homicide law and the twins, at 22 weeks gestational age, were not at a stage normally considered viable. A majority of states set limits on abortion at 24 weeks and later, generally considered the beginning of viability for newborns to survive outside the womb. The District of Columbia, along with seven states, does not have a law prohibiting abortion after a specific point in pregnancy. But this loss was not her choice, LaKira said, making it different from an abortion. My babies were murdered, she said. Police describe her as an innocent bystander caught in a series of retaliatory shootings. A day before she was shot, a 24-year-old man from Southeast was killed just before midnight a few blocks from the carryout place. And four days after that, a 28-year-old man was found shot to death between two vehicles in the area. Surveillance video from the night of Johnsons shooting shows a man opening fire indiscriminately into a crowd. People can be seen scattering. Two figures tumble to the ground. One was a man police have not identified but who was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The other was LaKira, who ran back into the restaurant she had just left and called her sister. Ive been shot! she shouted into the phone. Her sister Ebony Johnson and their mother, Cassandra Johnson, rushed to their car. When a light on the corner turned red, Cassandra, a 42-year-old school bus attendant for children with special needs, jumped out and started running. She later recalled passing the other victim. He lay on the ground as a woman stood over him screaming, No! No! No! When they reached LaKira, there was so much blood that her sister couldnt believe she had been shot only once. They waited together for the ambulance, and when it finally swept LaKira away, her mother went with her. She remained by her side almost every day for the three weeks she was in the hospital. She was there, almost brought to her knees, when doctors told her that her daughter now had one kidney. She was there Sept. 3 when her grandchildren came into the world and left it on the same day. And she was there when her daughter, on the afternoon she was discharged, decided she couldnt tell Raniyah and Kali they werent going to be big sisters. Cassandra had been her daughters voice for weeks, speaking for her to doctors, detectives and the media. And so she agreed to be it once more. When I said Your sisters are up in heaven; they died, [Kalis] little heart was really broken, she said. They were both so heartbroken. The tiniest victims It was 4 a.m., and Cassandra couldnt find her daughter anywhere downstairs. She wasnt on the air mattress that had turned the living room into a makeshift bedroom. She wasnt in the kitchen. Then she looked in the darkened front room. There, she found LaKira sleeping on a teal-colored couch, with two tiny white gowns draped over her shoulder. Cassandra had watched her daughter grow physically stronger daily. The hospital sent her home with a walker, and within weeks, with the help of a physical therapist, she was slowly making her way unaided up and down the block. But emotionally, her healing had been harder to gauge. After the shooting, her family noticed her reading the Bible more and distancing herself from her living daughters as she mourned her lost ones. Some nights, she stayed up late crying and then napped when Raniyah and Kali came home from school. The white gowns were normally in a mint green box with the few other mementos she had of the twins: two hats, two birth certificates and two white knit blankets, one distinguishable from the other by a small stain Heaven left when she defecated. On difficult days, LaKira held that smudge up to her face and found comfort in breathing in that remaining biological piece of her babies proof that they had lived. I dont think it ever will get easier, she said. LaKira had decided she didnt want to bury them. She wanted something even if it was only their ashes to hold. Some days, Cassandra felt shed lost three family members to the shooting. But maybe once the twins were cremated, her daughter could start to heal, she said. Maybe then, she could look at a newborn without breaking down. Already, more than a month and a half had passed since their deaths, and the family, to their frustration, was no closer to retrieving their bodies. They couldnt afford to cremate them on their own, and the financial help they were entitled to as crime victims had not come through. The D.C. Crime Victims Compensation Program, run by the Superior Court, provides up to $6,000 for funeral and burial costs for homicide victims but for the family to qualify, the twins deaths had to be declared homicides. Cassandra added that concern to the list of questions she planned to ask interim D.C. police chief Peter Newsham when he visited. He had gone to the hospital to check on her daughter and had promised to come by the house. On the day he was expected, she decided to make a lasagna dinner in his honor. For hours, she stood in the kitchen cooking as her daughter lay down in the next room, sinking slightly into the air mattress she had patched the day before with a piece of bubble gum. She remained there, curled on her side, for much of the afternoon. She lay there when the girls came home from school and when two detectives showed up at the house. She lay there still when Newsham arrived. She had been swiping through the twins photos and crying quietly when he walked in and sat beside her. He placed a hand on her knee and then her shoulder. You OK? he asked. Were doing OK, she said. Newsham stayed for about 10 minutes. He didnt have time for the lasagna. He was on a panel with other city officials that night to discuss violent crime in Washington. But before he left, he assured LaKira he would do what he could to help move along the money for the cremation. He also expressed outrage at what had happened to her. The fact that she lost two of her babies is obviously tragic, and it shouldnt have happened, he said, not in this city, not in the District of Columbia. What he didnt tell her was that the city had recorded 121 homicides this year and that the police department would be adding two more to that number. Heaven and Nevaehs deaths would be counted as homicides, making them the youngest victims of gun violence in the city this year and possibly ever. If the police make an arrest in the shooting, Newsham said, the person will be charged with the twins deaths. But prosecutors would decide whether to pursue those charges. Bill Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office, said his office does not comment on pending investigations or charging decisions. So far, no one has been arrested. Theyre with me now Five days after Newshams visit, LaKira sat next to her mother in a funeral home, looking at pictures of infant urns. One resembled a teddy bear. Another, baby booties. A third was in the shape of a stack of toy blocks. How are you doing? mortician Rhonda McIntyre asked. Shes coming around, Cassandra answered for her. We just have to get through this and then the rest of her life. The medical examiners office had finally made a ruling: The cause of death was prematurity complicating maternal gunshot wound and the manner of death homicide. The money from the crime victims program had come through, and the family could now pay for a memorial service and a funeral if they chose. But LaKira had another plan one that would feel more like a celebration of her daughters brief lives. They were due Jan. 7. But on Nov. 4, she walked back into the funeral home and was handed a cardboard box. In it was the urn she had picked out a wooden base with three alphabet blocks on top. One featured the letter H. Another, the letter N. For the first time since she gave birth to them, LaKira held her daughters. Thats all I wanted, she said. Theyre with me now. Two days later, the urn sat in the center of a white fold-out table in the familys living room, along with the mint green box and three enlarged photos of the twins. The air mattress was now gone, and the room was filled with people and laughter and the smell of comfort food cooking. This was how LaKira wanted to say goodbye. At dusk, she walked outside with more than two dozen friends and relatives and passed out 22 pink balloons and 22 purples balloons one for each week she was given with each girl. As her great uncle prayed aloud, speaking about good coming from evil, everyone stood on the sidewalk, hand in hand. Amen! they shouted in unison. And then, all at once, they released the balloons, making the night sky, for at least a moment, a little brighter. Peter Hermann also contributed to this report. twinsmurder Election Day was over a week ago, but we still dont know who won in several big down-ballot races across the nation. In a San Diego-area House race, Democrats are trying to unseat one of the richest and well-known members of Congress. In a North Carolina governors race, the Democratic challenger is claiming victory while the Republican governor is not conceding. In another California House race, the Democrat whose father is going to jail is hanging on by a thread. And there are a few state legislative chambers where partisan control has yet to be decided. Heres a rundown of the six biggest outstanding races of 2016. 1. The wealthy GOP congressman Since he came to Congress in 2000, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has never won reelection in his San Diego/Orange County district with less than 58 percent of the vote. But Issa is now leading his Democratic challenger, retired Marine colonel Doug Applegate, by 51 percent to 49 percent. As of mid-day Tuesday, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Issa was ahead by 4,630 votes, and the race isnt being called until tens of thousands of provisional ballots from the Orange County area are counted. If Issa loses, it will be a shock to official Washington. Issa is one of the most well-known members of Congress. As chair of the highly political House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he was one of President Barack Obamas main antagonists in Congress. Issa led the investigation into the IRS scrutiny of conservative nonprofits and once said Obama should be impeached. Hes also one of the richest members of Congress; in 2015 CQ Roll Call ranked him the richest member for the third consecutive year, with a net worth of somewhere between $350 and $250 million. But money cant buy everything. As the nonpartisan Cook Political Report wrote, its possible to be the wealthiest member of Congress and still run a very poor campaign. Issa embraced Donald Trump despite the fact his district is more than a quarter Hispanic or Latino, and he didnt start running ads until late. Toward the end of the campaign, Issa tried to move to the center and got blasted by President Obama for it. In late October, Issa sent out a mailer with a picture of President Obama signing one of his bills. Obama called Issa the definition of chutzpah, and shameless, given the congressman spent much of the past eight years as one of the highest-profile critics of the president, even calling for his impeachment. 2. The Democratic congressman whose dad is going to jail This race probably would have been close even if Rep. Ami Beras, D-Calif., 83-year-old father hadnt been sentenced to a year in jail just three months before the election. Its a competitive Sacramento-area swing district that Bera a two-term congressman won in 2014 with just 50.4 percent of the vote. Babulal Bera got sentenced to prison in August for illegally funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars to his sons congressional campaigns (investigators say it happened without his sons knowledge). But Ami Beras Republican challenger, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, had his own legal troubles when a deputy accused him of unwanted sexual advances. The result was an expensive and negative race. And now Bera leads his Republican challenger, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, by just 2,583 votes out of more than 205,000 cast. There should be a update this week as officials scramble to count 195,000 outstanding ballots. (A Sacramento County elections official told Roll Call the turnout was huge.) Apparently Republicans think they have a shot to net this one: Jones showed up to new-member orientation in Washington, D.C., this week. 3. North Carolinas governor race On election night, Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper declared victory in one of the most hotly contested races of 2016. But Gov. Pat McCrory, R, isnt giving up. He is waiting on thousands of provisional ballots to be counted, and his team is suggesting there may have been mistakes even voter fraud in a key Democratic county. A lawyer for the North Carolina Republican Party filed a formal protest Friday alleging the Durham County Board of Elections engaged in malfeasance when it had to count some 94,000 votes by hand after its machines broke on Election Day. The countys vote tally was pivotal in pushing Cooper into the lead by 5,000 votes out of 4.6 million cast. Elections officials appointed by McCrory maintain theres nothing they did wrong. But McCrorys camp isnt letting up the pressure. To say we are a bit suspicious is an understatement, McCrory strategist Chris La Civita told The Post. After the state certifies each countys results, if the race is still within 10,000 votes, McCrorys camp can request a recount. But that likely wouldnt happen until after Thanksgiving. If McCrory loses, hell be the only incumbent governor to lose this year and one of just a handful of governors to lose in modern times. The News & Observer reported hes carrying on; he showed up at an annual Republican Governors Association meeting in Orlando earlier this week. 4, 5, 6: Arizona, New York and California state Senates It looks like Republicans will hang onto their pre-2016 election dominance at the state legislative level. Even though Democrats picked up four chambers, Republicans will control both chambers in 33 states. But votes are still being counted in three state legislative chambers that could sway which party controls it, and by how much. Republicans turned the Connecticut state Senate into a tie. Democrats were hoping to reciprocate in Arizona, turning the 30-member state Senate from an 18-12 Republican majority to a 15-15 tie. After Election Day, there were four races too close to call there, and Democrats needed to win three of the four to tie the state Senate. (Republicans have a solid majority in the state House.) But odds of a tie in Arizona is looking dimmer by the day: A Republican won one of those close races, and GOP candidates are leading in two others. Control of the New York state Senate is another nail biter. After Election Day, the perennially close chambers makeup is now 31 Republicans, 30 Democrats. There are two outstanding Long Island-area races that could tip the balance of the power or not. A Republican leads in one and a Democrat in another. If those cancel each other out, all eyes will be on Brooklyn-area senator Simcha Felder. Felder was first elected as a Democrat in 2012 but has since voted with Republicans. He has yet to announce which party hell caucus with in 2017. Im not a loyal Democrat, he told The New York Post recently. I never was. Republicans are also optimistic about the California state Senate. No, they dont think they can come close to controlling a chamber in such a blue state, but they are a few thousand votes away from blocking Democrats from having a supermajority. The race that could decide whether Democrats have virtually unobstructed power is the still-contested open state Senate seat in the Santa Ana Valley. There, Republican Ling Ling Chang leads Democrat Josh Newman by two points of all the votes tallied, but the contest remains too close to call. Republicans say this is a particularly crucial race for them, since California requires a two-thirds majority to raise taxes, and Chang would be the key vote to stop it. It would also be a symbolic victory for Republicans, since after Nov. 8, California is one of just five states completely controlled by Democrats. elect Students at colleges across the country planned and held demonstrations to pressure their universities to protect undocumented students when Donald Trump becomes president. Enforcement of immigration laws was a cornerstone of Trumps campaign, an issue many voters strongly endorsed but that has created considerable concern on many campuses for undocumented students who have been promised an education. At many schools, while some students celebrated Trumps win, others were in tears, worried about the threat of deportation for themselves or their families. Students, faculty and others at many colleges this week called on administrators to designate their schools sanctuary campuses, in some cases pushing the idea with walkouts or other demonstrations, and in others, meeting with administrators to talk about it. A student at Pomona College, Xavier Maciel, collected petitions from dozens of colleges. At Harvard, faculty members wrote a letter published in the Harvard Crimson, asking the administration to take certain steps, including denouncing hate speech, responding concretely to a student petition asking for more support for undocumented students, declaring the university a sanctuary campus, reaffirming current admission and financial-aid policies regarding those students, protecting student privacy by refusing to release information about citizenship status, and making it clear that Harvard will use all legal and practical means at our disposal to protect all members of our community in the months and years to come. In about 24 hours, more than 35o faculty members had added their support; Henry Louis Gates Jr. was one of the first to add his name. Harvard President Drew Faust also issued a letter to the campus community Tuesday afternoon, which included these thoughts: We must condemn and resist hatred, intimidation, and intolerance in every form. Working together, we have an obligation to provide all members of our community with an environment in which they can live in safety and dignity. Trump said this weekend that he would immediately deport 2 million to 3 million illegal immigrants, targeting people who have been convicted of crimes. The Obama administration focused removal efforts on criminals as well, deporting a record number of people from 2009 to 2014. Its not known how many undocumented immigrants nationally are college students. Some of those students are protected from deportation through Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, frequently referred to as DACA, but some are not. People in the DACA database do not have criminal records but the existence of a database has made many students and families anxious about how the federal government, under a new administration, might use that personally identifying information. There are more than 700,000 names in the database. At Princeton, students have organized a walkout Thursday afternoon to call on the administration to make it a sanctuary campus. Princeton must take a stand against the hate and violence that Trump has incited, they wrote in a social media post promoting the event. . . . We cannot let Princeton be neutral in a time of such danger and urgency to our communities. A spokesman for the university said the administration has been discussing the issue with students, but no decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, protests were underway elsewhere, such as at the University of Notre Dame, New York University, Amherst College, UW-Madison, Rutgers University and more. The demonstrations generated intense opposition, as well, on social media, from people frustrated about illegal immigration. college-sanctuaries As Donald Trump prepares to take office in January, climate scientists and activists have begun to speculate about how his presidency could affect the success of the Paris climate agreement. And in fact, just one week in, Trumps election has already begun to make waves in the dialogue surrounding the international communitys climate efforts. On Monday, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy suggested that Europe impose economic repercussions on the United States should Trump actually withdraw from the Paris agreement as hes promised. Donald Trump has said that he would not respect it will be seen whether he sticks to this commitment the conclusions of the Paris accord on climate, Sarkozy told the French television station TF1. And so I ask that Europe construct a carbon tax at Europes borders, a tax of one to three percent for all the products that come from the United States, if the United States exempts itself from the environmental regulations that we ourselves have imposed on our businesses. Such a move could be a major blow to American exporters and the suggestion isnt without teeth. Sarkozy, who was president of France from 2007 to 2012, is currently considered a front-runner to become the center-right Les Republicains party candidate in next years election. The comments came as representatives from around the world entered into their second week of meetings at the UN climate change conference in Marrakech, Morocco. There, attendees are now considering the potential future of the Paris accord minus U.S. involvement. Climate experts have expressed doubts about the international communitys ability to meet its global climate goals namely, keeping global warming within at least a 2-degree temperature threshold if the United States fails to follow through on its national commitments. And some are also concerned that a U.S. withdrawal could weaken other nations resolve to stick to their own climate pledges. In fact, ripples from Trumps election have already made themselves apparent a little closer to home. In Canada, the election results have caused a renewed conservative push-back against Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus plan for a nationwide carbon price. Last month, Trudeau announced he would allow Canadian provinces two years to come up with their own carbon pricing schemes, before moving to have the federal government impose one upon them. Trudeau has proposed a minimum price tag of $10 per metric ton of carbon dioxide starting in 2018, gradually increasing to $50 per ton by 2022. Currently, Alberta and British Columbia already have set prices on carbon, and Ontario and Quebec are in the process of moving forward with their own carbon pricing schemes. The proposal was met with immediate backlash at the time from conservatives, who argued that the plan was too heavy-handed. And now, critics are pointing to the impending Trump administration as another reason to abandon the plan. Theyre arguing that the extra costs imposed by the carbon price will make Canadian businesses less competitive with U.S. firms operating under an administration that promises corporate tax reductions and vows to eliminate federal spending on climate change policies. That criticism hasnt been all that new, said Werner Antweiler , an expert in international trade and environmental economics at the University of British Columbia. But what has changed is that the opponents of any form of carbon pricing feel emboldened by the fact that there will probably be no carbon policy at the federal level in the U.S. for the next number of years. For his part, Trudeau has pledged to stick to his carbon pricing plans, despite the outcome of the U.S. elections. But as the aftershock of Trumps election continues to reverberate, some experts are arguing that more action is needed to bolster the Paris agreement against a possible U.S. drop-out. In a recent paper published in the journal Climate Policy, environmental policy expert Luke Kemp of Australian National University outlined a number of ways that participants in the accord could attempt to U.S.-proof the agreement. One strategy could be to implement penalties, such as trade restrictions, for parties who drop out. In fact, Kemp said, Sarkozys idea of a one to three percent carbon tax on U.S. imports was exactly the kind of idea I had in mind. But he added that this idea is something of a nuclear option, and may not be all that politically feasible for the time being, especially if it came down to getting other nations like China on board. Another, perhaps less politically sensitive, move he suggested is making a place for subnational players that is, cities and states in the accord. Even under the Trump administration, its likely that climate-conscious states and municipalities will continue writing their own carbon-cutting policies, and there are ways that the Paris accord could take those into account, Kemp said. The weakest way would be to simply set up a framework to recognize and review subnational actors, Kemp told The Washington Post. And that could be a way to not just encourage subnational action in the U.S., but also identify where theres areas for investment and areas for encouragement. Even this framework could potentially promote greater action at the federal level, Kemp suggested. Theres a precedent for national environmental policies being inspired by state-level action: Federal fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, developed under the Obama administration, were largely the product of clean car standards first enacted in California, for instance. A more stringent framework would be to actually facilitate a linkage in carbon markets between U.S. subnational actors and other countries. But theres little precedent for this kind of action and it would likely be more difficult to accomplish. Another idea, Kemp suggested, would be for the worlds biggest carbon emitters China and the European Union, for instance to forge their own separate climate agreement without U.S. participation. It could exist alongside the Paris deal, but would also help safeguard the worlds climate goals against a possible collapse of the accord in the event of a U.S. withdrawal. Any of these actions would take time and extensive negotiations to implement, and its unclear whether the international community would be open to restructuring the existing agreement at this time. But Kemp argues that its important for the global community not to take Trumps threats lightly when the accord, in its current form, includes no concrete ways of addressing non-compliance. And even now, world leaders are already vowing to hold the U.S. accountable for its future actions. The United States, the largest economic power in the world, the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, must respect the commitments they have undertaken, said French President Francois Hollande during the ongoing climate conference in Marrakech. France, I can assure you this here, will lead this dialogue with the United States and its new president in openness, in respect, but with demands and determination, on behalf of the 100 states who have already ratified the Paris Agreement. trump-climate-fallout WASHINGTON Sen. Dianne Feinstein who has taken on the gun industry, the CIA and civil-liberties advocates in her own party during her long tenure in the Senate will lead Democrats scrutiny of President-elect Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominees for at least the next two years. Feinstein, D-Calif., was named ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee by incoming Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday, and she immediately made clear in a statement that Trumps judicial nominations will go under a microscope. After the unprecedented and disrespectful treatment of Merrick Garland a moderate judge who should have been quickly confirmed the committee will pay very close attention to proposed nominees to ensure the fundamental constitutional rights of Americans are protected, Feinstein said in a statement. President Barack Obama nominated Garland, a U.S. Court of Appeals judge, to fill the vacancy created when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February. But Senate Republicans did not act on the nomination, betting that the next president would be a Republican who would nominate a conservative in Scalias mold. With Trumps election, the bet paid off. Now Democrats have to determine how to handle Trumps nominee, which is almost certain to be among the top items on his presidential agenda. While Democrats opted to change Senate rules in 2013 to allow a simple-majority vote on executive appointments and lower-court judges, Supreme Court nominees remain subject to the filibuster, requiring 60 votes to clear. Feinstein takes over as ranking member from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who opted to assume the top Democratic slot on the Senate Appropriations Committee. She was the first woman to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now the first woman to serve as chairman or ranking member of the panel, a premier role for any senator due to the high profile of Supreme Court confirmation hearings. When President-elect Trump is willing to support responsible policies and nominees, Ill hear him out, but this committee has a vital role to protect the Constitution and scrutinize policies, senior officials and judges very carefully, and thats what we intend to do, she said in the statement. We simply wont stand aside and watch the tremendous successes achieved over the past eight years be swept away or allow our nations most vulnerable populations to be targeted. Feinstein is a veteran of tough policy fights on Capitol Hill, starting with her successful fight early in her tenure to impose a federal assault weapons ban. Since 2009, she has served as the chairman or vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which has placed her at the center of vital national security debates. She launched a major review of the CIAs use of torture during the George W. Bush administration, a move that led to serious clashes with the agency brass and ultimately led to the issuance of a 6,000-page report that unearthed new information about the extent of the torture and concluded that it did not meaningfully improve national security. Feinstein, however, has clashed with civil libertarians and digital security activists due to her push for back doors in computer encryption alongside Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., her Republican counterpart atop the Intelligence panel, as well as for her sharp criticism of Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who disclosed major U.S. national security secrets. Taking over for Feinstein as vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee will be Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., who has taken a more careful approach on digital encryption. He has called for the creation of a bipartisan commission to study the intersection of encryption and national security and recommend possible legislation. Feinstein, 83, has yet to indicate whether she intends to seek a fifth Senate term in 2018. Her fellow senator from California, Barbara Boxer, also elected in 1992, did not seek reelection this year. scotus-dems Decision to field Anand Sharma instead of P Chidambaram as opening speaker on demonetisation debate has caused some resentment in Congress party. By Javed M. Ansari : The Congress party's decision to field Anand Sharma, its deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha as its opening speaker has taken political circles by surprise. This despite the fact that it has former finance minister P Chidambaram in its ranks. The party had in fact fielded the former finance minister the very next day after the prime minister's decision to announce his government's demonetisation move. advertisement There has been considerable resentment in the congress party in the manner in which the deputy leader of the party in the upper house has taken it upon himself to speak on almost every issue at the expense of his senior colleagues in the party. Senior party sources have told India Today that the former finance minister and Kapil Sibal are unlikely to feature on the demonetisation debate currently underway in the Rajya Sabha. DEMAND PROBE ON SELECTIVE LEAKAGE Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move of the government. Also read: Parliament Highlight of the Day: The Anand Sharma-Piyush Goyal spat on note ban Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a selected few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. Also read: PM Modi should tell Parliament who wants to kill him: Congress's Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," said Sharma, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." Sharma also said that SBI knew about the demonetisation move in March, and asked why the government didn't take proper steps to implement it properly. WHAT LAW IMPOSES LIMIT ON MONEY WITHDRAWAL He also sought to know from the government which law gave them the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from people's own account. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. Also read: We have Modi Antoinette who says 'If you don't have paper, use plastic', says Yechury "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. advertisement Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss bank. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. Also read: Amit Shah: All queries from Opposition on demonetisation will be answered in Parliament --- ENDS --- BEIRUT As Syrian government airstrikes pounded eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, people huddled around incubators in the basement of the citys last remaining childrens hospital, waiting in silence as they counted the bombs. By midday, they said, the tally had passed 20, shaking the ground and shattering equipment in the rooms above. Speaking from their underground refuge, the hospitals director said he and his staffers were trapped. The attacks continued as night fell, marking the second day of a major offensive to retake Aleppos eastern districts from armed opposition groups. Defeat in Aleppo, once Syrias economic powerhouse, would be a major blow to the rebels. It could also hasten the fall of their remaining strongholds across the country. The offensive came a day after government forces and their Russian allies resumed attacks across northern Syria, including Russian cruise missile strikes from a warship in the Mediterranean. Monitoring groups said at least 60 people have been killed in two days in Aleppo province. The number is expected to rise significantly as attacks intensify and underequipped medical facilities struggle to cope. The planes are up above. We cant get out, said the director of the childrens hospital, who gave his name only as Hatem. Weve been hit before, but this isnt like the other times. Every mother is holding her child. We cant control things anymore. The parents want to protect their children by themselves. Residents said eastern Aleppos central blood bank, located close by, also was hit. Video footage showed the aftermath of the fierce bombardment. Fires licked the edges of cars and buildings, and the air was filled with dust. The Independent Doctors Association, a nonprofit group that supports the childrens hospital, said it was badly damaged. When they finally left the basement under cover of darkness, staff at the childrens hospital found that the bombing had given way to shelling. And as nurses ushered patients back to their beds, the doctors prepared for a long night ahead. Were safe, but we have to tidy up now. This will only happen again, said Hatem, the director. It was the sixth such attack on a medical facility in opposition-held areas nationwide in three days. The United States on Tuesday condemned the previous attacks, calling them violations of international humanitarian law. The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted airstrikes on Oct. 18 ahead of brief cease-fires. Although residents were ordered to leave for their own safety, few did so. Many expressed fears about what awaited them outside. Russia said Tuesday that it had launched a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Idlib and Homs provinces, but it denied involvement in the new attacks on Aleppo. In Moscow, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russian warplanes have carried out no strikes against the city of Aleppo for 29 days now, according to the Interfax news agency. The city of Aleppo has been split into the government-held west and the rebel-held east since 2012 along one of the most intractable front lines of the war. Eastern Aleppo is surrounded by an array of government-allied forces including Syrian troops and Iran-backed militias and supply routes have been cut. The United Nations said last week that aid workers in the area had handed out the last of their food supplies. Few families manage three meals a day, and many go to bed hungry. Were suffering from the most basic needs. Theres not even fuel for ambulances, said Najmaldin Khaled, 30, a student. Russia has given the green light to attack Aleppo again, and theres no solution for us on the horizon. On Wednesday, the state-owned television channel Ikhabariyah reported large troop deployments along several fronts in Aleppo. It claimed that an assault was imminent and that zero hour would soon begin. The Syrian and Russian governments have framed the fight against the armed opposition groups as a war on terrorism. In an interview with Portuguese television that aired Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could be a natural ally of the Damascus government if he is genuine about fighting terrorists in Syria. But the government attacks have repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure, often areas where moderate rebel factions operate. Assads troops have also laid siege to dozens of towns and villages, adopting a policy toward civilians that the United Nations has labeled surrender or starve. Syrias conflict has killed an estimated half-million people and touched off the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Syrias rebellion began in 2011 with peaceful protests, but it is increasingly dominated by extremist factions, including al-Qaida-linked Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said Wednesday that Russian airstrikes have resumed in Idlib, a province where Jabhat Fatah al-Sham operates among civilians and other rebel groups. Sherif al-Khalaf, a journalist from the area, said the bombing had struck 34 areas since Tuesday, killing six and wounding dozens. The damage is immense, and people are frightened, he said. Heba Habib in Stockholm and David Filipov in Moscow contributed to this report. syria-2ndld-writethru An army of trucks descended on Los Lunas High School Tuesday, filled with subcontractors and vendors eager to contribute to the new Facebook data center. About 250 people attended the meet-and-greet, which was hosted by Fortis Construction, the projects Portland, Ore.-based general contractor. Fortis preconstruction manager Matt Norman said during the event that his company has high standards for its subcontractors because of the scale of the project. He pointed to the Facebook data center currently being built in Forth Worth, Texas, where Norman said there are often 1,000 workers on site in a single day. The project is going to move quickly, and there will be lots of moving parts, said Norman. We want everyone to be set up for success. Norman said Fortis will look specifically for subcontractors who will have no more than 20 percent of their annual revenue committed to the project. Furthermore, these businesses will need to have an experience modification ratea number used by insurance companies to quantify an organizations safety record and claims historyof 0.8 or less for the past three years. Finding subcontractors who fit that criteria may be difficult in New Mexico. Miles Gossett, regional manager for the construction staffing agency Skilled Trades, said an EMR under one is considered to be very good. Theyre talking about a very exclusive group, between the EMR and the revenue requirements, said Gossett. There hasnt been enough going on construction-wise in the New Mexico economy for most companies to have a backlog that would allow them to hit that 20 percent mark. Gossett predicted Fortis major bid packages would be awarded to the few New Mexico companies that can meet the stringent requirements, and those companies will bring in sub-tier contractors who can help complete the work. Norman also disclosed that earthwork on the project will begin next week and that Fortis plans to hold a job fair in the first quarter of 2017. Were not really building a data center, were building a community, he said. Donald Trump vilified and condemned reporters when he was a candidate. As president-elect for the past week, he seems to have moved on to simply ignoring them. Defying the usual presidential press protocols, Trump has twice in the past week ditched the pool of reporters who follow him in public. The latest incident occurred Tuesday night, when reporters were led to believe by his staff that he had retired for the night only to learn that he was at dinner with his family at a restaurant in New York. Trump has not held a news conference since the election and has not designated a surrogate to brief reporters on his transition. This has left journalists in the dark about key appointments and other developments with his new administration. The cold shoulder has renewed a nagging question for reporters: Will President-elect Trumps behavior be a preview of his approach, or perhaps non-approach, to his relations with the news media when he takes office? The pool consists of a small group of reporters who follow the president and president-elect to all public appearances and act as proxies for hundreds of other reporters. This protective pool which is cleared by the Secret Service then shares its observations with fellow journalists. The arrangement enables reporters to know the presidents whereabouts at all times and to report anything newsworthy, from the mundane to an attack on his life. But Trump has blown off the pool as president-elect twice in the past eight days, the first time in Washington last Thursday when he met with President Barack Obama at the White House and later with Republican leaders. That elicited a worried statement Monday from the White House Correspondents Association, which represents reporters in negotiations about press access to the president. The organization said it was deeply concerned by Trumps decision to reject a protective pool. This is all about the public having information, Julie Pace, the Associated Presss White House reporter, said Wednesday. If there were an emergency or a crisis, would people want to know where the president is? I think most people would say yes. Tuesdays episode particularly exasperated reporters because Trumps spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, had told them around 6:15 p.m. that Trump had returned to Trump Tower for the night, placing whats known in pool parlance as a lid on further activities. Trumps subsequent appearance for dinner at a midtown Manhattan steakhouse set off a Keystone Kops-style scramble by reporters to get to the scene. One group set off in a cab but wound up at the wrong restaurant, thanks to an errant report by another journalist. Once they arrived at the proper location, the 21 Club, they found it barricaded by police. Several journalists those without New York City press passes were ordered by police to stand a block away from the restaurant, where their view of the restaurant was blocked by a dumpster. Hicks said Tuesday night that she was unaware of Trumps dinner and that she didnt intend to leave the press in the dark. She said in an email Wednesday, We are still in the process of formalizing a protective pool structure and look forward to implementing that as soon as possible. Once that is set up, she told pool reporters Tuesday, journalists will have all of the access that they have ever had under any president. However, the signs have not been promising. In addition to repeatedly disparaging reporters at his rallies, Trump has shown few signs of transparency. He declined to release his tax returns during the campaign, making him the first major presidential candidate in 40 years to withhold them. He banned about a dozen news organizations, including The Washington Post, from his rallies and events, and threatened to sue others, including the New York Times. At one point, he traveled to Mexico City without telling the media. He has also refused to fly on the same plane as his campaign pool. Since Election Day, Trumps staff has declined to answer even basic questions about how he is building his new administration. The news blackout has led to much speculation. Perhaps responding to the confusion, Trump sent a tweet Tuesday night reading: Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Trump is not required to speak to the news media, but he has dispensed with generations-old traditions and formalities that have framed the relationship between the news media and presidential politicians. His combative approach to press relations is not helpful, said Jeffrey McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University who studies the news media. He clearly doesnt respect the media, which he is certainly allowed to do, but at a certain point he has to find a way to work with them. When he decided to run for president, he stepped into a much higher degree of scrutiny than what he had as a reality-TV star and businessman. Now that he is president-elect, that press attention necessarily grows. He doesnt owe it so much to the press to be accessible as he owes it to the citizens who are represented by their press surrogates, McCall added. His prospects for a successful presidency hinge in large part on his ability to keep his message in front of the public. Whether he likes it or not, those messages will go through the filter of the press. Jenna Johnson contributed to this report. trump-presspool Federal Department of Finance Bern, 16.11.2016 - On 16 November 2016, Switzerland and Argentina signed a joint declaration on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters on a reciprocal basis. Both countries intend to start collecting data in accordance with the global AEOI standard in 2018 and to exchange it from 2019 onwards. Aside from the signing of the AEOI by State Secretary Jorg Gasser for Switzerland, both countries also conducted negotiations on the framework conditions for investments and market access for financial services and the basic principles of Swiss financial market policy. The signing of the joint declaration with Argentina, in the presence of the Argentinian Finance Minister Alfonso Prat-Gay, confirms Switzerland's international commitment to implementing the AEOI standard. Switzerland is thus strengthening its network of AEOI partner states. Argentina meets in particular the high demands in terms of adherence to the principle of speciality and the safeguarding of confidentiality for the data delivered, which are prerequisites for the introduction of the AEOI. From a legal viewpoint, the automatic exchange of information with Argentina will be implemented based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (MCAA). The MCAA is based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the OECD. The Federal Council has authorised the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to conduct a consultation for the introduction of the AEOI with Argentina and other countries. It will be initiated soon. Thereafter, the corresponding federal decrees will be submitted to Parliament for approval. On his working visit to Argentina, State Secretary Jorg Gasser from the State Secretariat for international Finance Matters (SIF) will also discuss the framework conditions for investments and structural reforms in Argentina, market access for financial service providers, the positions in international financial bodies and the possibilities for structural reforms. Argentina will take over the G20 presidency in 2018. Switzerland is a regular participant in the work of the G20 in the Finance Track. Address for enquiries Beat Werder, Head of Communications, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF Tel. +41 58 469 79 47, beat.werder@sif.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Finance https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. Tech and government investment specialist Veritas Capital has made another deal in the wake of its weighty $10.65bn Fund VIII close from earlier this month with the buyout of analytics provider Verisk's energy business. The modifications in the demonetisation step have been brought about keeping in mind two objectives - ameliorating the difficulties being faced by the people and plugging the loopholes being exploited by some dishonest people. By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Several changes have been made in the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to crack down on corruption and counterfeit currency. Several amendments have been made in the original announcement since then. The modifications in the demonetisation step have been brought about keeping in mind two objectives - ameliorating the difficulties being faced by the people and plugging the loopholes being exploited by some dishonest people. advertisement Initially, there was no limit on depositing old notes from November 10 till December 30. Withdrawals from banks were limited at Rs 10,000 per day and Rs 20,000 per week. But these caps were increased and so were the other provisions. Even the last dates for exemptions have been revised twice. Some may allege that it clearly indicates that the Narendra Modi Government was ill-prepared. However, others would counter by asserting that it proves that the Centre is open to recalibrating its original move as per the feedback and need of the hour. 1. EXCHANGE LIMIT Initially, the exchange limit for Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes was capped at Rs 4,000 and withdrawals were restricted to Rs 2,000 per card per day, and later to Rs 4,000 per card per day. However, the withdrawal limit was increased to Rs 2500 and exchange limit over the counter increased to Rs 4500 from 4000. The withdrawal limit from ATMs was increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 2000 and weekly withdrawal limit to Rs 24000 from Rs 20000. The daily withdrawal limit of Rs 10000 has been removed. Also read:Currency ban: Government sets cash deposit limit on Jan-Dhan accounts at Rs 50,000 Besides, business entities having current accounts and which are operational for last three months or more have been allowed to draw Rs 50,000. This can be done in a single transaction or multiple transactions. This will enable the small business entities to pay wages to their workers and make other petty payments. 2. EXEMPTION DATES Initially, the last date for exemptions for acceptance of old Rs 500 and Rs1000 notes for certain types of transactions was November 11. However, it has been extended twice - first till November 14 and now the last date for availing existing exemptions has been extended up to November 24. Also read: Demonetisation: PM appeals people to tolerate inconvenience for 50 days, says his fight is for honesty The last date for submission of the annual life certificate for pensioners has also been extended up to January 15, 2017. Originally, the certificate was required to be submitted in November 2016. advertisement 3. EXEMPTION CATEGORIES Till November 11, government-authorised places, institutions and services such as hospitals, Railways, airline, bus ticket booking counters, petrol, diesel and gas stations authorised by public sector oil companies, consumer co-operative stores, milk booths, crematoriums, burial grounds, toll plazas, pharmacies, onboard rail catering and LPG cylinder supplies were authorised to accept old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes for payment. However, on November 12, the Government extended the exemption on notes in certain other categories like metro rail tickets among others till November 14. 4. QUEUES FOR WITHDRAWALS Long and serpentine queues of people were witnessed outside the ATMs throughout the country from November 10. About two dozen people reportedly died standing in these queues. Keeping this in view, the Government asked the banks to arrange for separate queues for senior citizens and Divyang (differently-abled) persons. Also read:Leading by example: PM's mother Heeraben Modi visits Gandhinagar bank to exchange old notes Also, for public convenience, banks remained open on Saturday and Sunday (November 12 and 13). 5. INDELIBLE INK Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held two review meetings on demonetisation with officials of the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) so far. In the second one too, the persistent issue of long queues at banks came up for discussion. According to Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, it was found that in many places same set of people were visiting to get cash. They went from one branch to another branch. The unscrupulous elements were trying to convert their black money into white by going to different banks branches several times over in a day. advertisement Also read:Indelible ink to stop people from hoarding cash, creating panic As a result, the benefit of withdrawal was getting restricted to a few people. To prevent this, the idea of using indelible ink marks, like in elections, at the cash counters was mooted. 6. JAN DHAN ACCOUNT DEPOSIT LIMIT While reviewing the demonetisation process, the Narendra Modi Government also received reports that Jan Dhan accounts were being used by other people to deposit their unaccounted cash. As a result, the Government set an upper limit of Rs 50,000 for deposits into these accounts. The source of deposits of above Rs 50,000 into these accounts will now be verified. advertisement 7. CCTV FOOTAGE OF JEWELLERY SHOPS Minutes after PM Narendra Modi made the historic announcement in his 8 pm address to the nation on November 8, the Government learnt that some people rushed to jewellery shops to buy golden ornaments with a view to converting their unaccounted cash. While there was no bar on spending the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, several jewellery shops remained open throughout the intervening night of November 8 and 9 as well as the next day. Also read:Looking for cash? Here is easy way to find working ATMs near you However, the Government has reportedly demanded the CCTV footage of the shops during this period and also the PAN numbers of the buyers. This is sure to catch those who had sought to convert their unaccounted cash. 8. CANCELLATION OF AIR AND TRAIN TICKETS In the course of reviews, the Government also got the feedback that several people had booked railway and international air tickets only to get them cancelled shortly afterwards to get refunds. This was another loophole found by some. The Government immediately announced that the money from cancellation of air tickets would not be refunded. Also, it started asking for bank details of those cancelling multiple railway tickets in order to transfer the refund amount in their account. 9. BAN ON COOPERATIVE BANKS The RBI on November 14 banned the district central cooperative banks (DCCB) from providing any exchange facility against Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. However, four states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu - have strongly opposed the RBI circular stating that the DCCBs are the backbone of rural economy and the only banking apparatus available to farmers and farm labourers. Also read: Modi: The rich need pills to go to sleep after demonetisation move 10. DEPOSITS ABOVE RS 2.5 LAKH The Narendra Modi Government did not put any cap on the maximum amount of cash to be deposited in banks. However, it was only a day after the announcement of the demonetisation process that the Centre warned that those depositing cash above Rs 2.50 lakh under the 50-day window till December 30 could attract tax plus a 200 per cent penalty in case of income mismatch. Any mismatch with income declared by the account holder will be treated as a case of tax evasion and the tax amount plus a penalty of 200 per cent of the tax payable would be levied as per the Section 270(A) of the Income Tax Act. --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Over Rs 5 crore of cash and gold have been intercepted by agencies at countrys few major civil airports post the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes by the government last week. Officials said a special surveillance was launched by the CISF and the air intelligence units of the Income Tax department and the interceptions have been made at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Guwahati airports from November 10. advertisement "The total cash and gold intercepted since November 10 is about Rs 5 crore. While the currency is all in the scrapped denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the gold detected as suspicious is about 15.62 kilogramme," they said. They added that while the interceptions were largely made by the officials of the Central Industrial Security Force, the cases were later handed over to the I-T department for further investigations. "These figures and instances are under investigation and we are looking if there is a tax evasion angle to it," a senior tax department official said. The Finance Ministry had recently written to police and paramilitary forces to check the movement of huge cash, particularly of the demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes at civil airports, Delhi Metro, railway stations and bus stations and hence the special vigil has been launched. The CISF, tasked with security of 59 civil airports and Delhi Metro, has also enhanced vigil after the Finance Ministry directive. PTI NES RG --- ENDS --- Modified On Nov 17, 2016 12:53 PM By Alshaar Countrys leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India announced on Tuesday that it will set up a unique Industrial Training Institute in Mehsana, Gujarat. Having christened it as the Japan-India Institute of Manufacturing, Suzuki will inaugurate the facility by August 2017 and aims to impart training to around 300 youths annually in technical trades and Japanese shop-floor practices. The JIM will mark the start of a collaboration between the Governments of Japan and India to create a pool of skilled manpower for manufacturing in India, said a press release from the manufacturer. This follows from a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed in Tokyo on November 11, 2016, between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Government of Japan (METI) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India (MSDE), for a Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme to train 30,000 youths in India over 10 years, it added. The JIM will be run and managed by Maruti Suzuki India Limited as a corporate social responsibility initiative. Maruti Suzuki has committed an initial investment of Rs 3.2 crores towards setting up the JIM. Key areas of intervention by Maruti Suzuki would include upkeep of the facility as per industry norms, hiring and training of faculty and staff, finalizing curriculum, and end to end execution from admissions to placement of students. Courses to be offered at the JIM: Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Mechanic Diesel, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Mechanic Auto Body Repair and Mechanic Auto Body Painting. All the trades would be certified and approved by NCVT (National Council of Vocational Training). Modified On Nov 16, 2016 12:34 PM By Raunak for Volkswagen Vento 2015-2019 Volkswagen India has been known to launch several special editions of its popular offerings the Polo and the Vento. Continuing the tradition, the automaker has launched another edition of the Vento the Vento Preferred edition. It is based on the mid-variant of the sedan Comfortline and comes with additional features over the standard ones available in the trim. The company claims in its official release that the Vento Preferred edition is available across all dealerships and is attractively priced. The Vento Preferred can be had in all drivetrain options since the Comfortline variant is available with all 1.6 MPI, 1.2 TSI (seven-speed dual-clutch auto), 1.5 TDI and 1.5 TDI DSG (seven-speed dual-clutch auto). Speaking of the additional features, it comes with alloy wheels, contrasting roof, side mouldings, leather seat upholstery and a portable navigation device with a wireless rear camera. Announcing the launch of the Vento Preferred, Mr Michael Mayer, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, The Vento has been one of our best-selling vehicles since its launch in the Indian market and we are delighted to announce the introduction of Vento Preferred. The vehicle will offer features that are premium and ensure seamless navigation in a single click, we are sure that our customers will find value in the Preferred experience. We continue to increase our offerings on our existing product line ensuring that we cater to our customer requirements. Recommended Read: VW Vento Gets Ameos 110PS Diesel Engine Read More on : Vento india After Masthigudi tragedy, Duniya Vijay got into fresh set of problems when the Kannada actor was held for assault. By India Today Web Desk: Kannada actor Duniya Vijay was detained by the police on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting Jayaram, father-in-law of Shivshanker Gowda, who is the brother of Masthigudi producer Sundar Gowda. ALSO READ: Masthigudi helicopter tragedy: Bodies of both Anil and Uday found ALSO READ: Masthigudi helicopter tragedy: Absconding director and 2 others arrested Speaking about the incident, SD Sharanappa, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bengaluru was quoted by The Times Of India as saying, "Duniya Vijay was arrested on the basis of a complaint of assault and intimidation filed at CK Achukattu Police Station.The complainant has stated that the actor had a heated argument and suddenly turned against him." advertisement According to reports, Jayaram had gone to meet his daughter, who's married to Shivshankar Gowda. After an altercation broke between Jayaram and Shivshankar, Vijay had allegedly attacked Jayaram. Duniya Vijay was detained by the police for assault and later release on bail. Earlier to this, the Kannada superstar was in headlines after a stunt on the sets of Kannada film Masthigudi went terribly wrong when three actors Duniya Vijay, Uday and Anil jumped into a lake from a helicopter. Duniya Vijay survived as he was wearing a life jacket, but the other two drowned during the shooting of the film. Meanwhile, Masthigudi producer Sundar Gowda is in judicial custody for the helicopter mishap. WATCH HERE: Masthigudi tragedy leaves Shiva Rajkumar shocked and ashamed --- ENDS --- Oxfam has appointed Caroline Thomson as its next chair to take over from Karen Brown, whose term of office comes to an end next year. Thomson will become a trustee in March 2017 and take up the chair role in October, once Browns stint comes to an end. She was the chief executive of the English National Ballet between 2013 and 2016. Before that she had a long career at the BBC she was head of the BBC World Service and later the corporations director of policy and strategy. When she left the BBC she was its chief operating officer. She holds a number of non-executive roles including being the chair of Digital UK, the body which is responsible for digital terrestrial television, and is deputy chair of the National Gallery and a trustee of Tullie House Gallery in Cumbria. Thomson said: As a lifelong Oxfam supporter, I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed its Chair. I am passionate about ending poverty and excited about making a contribution to Oxfams work" "From Syria to South Sudan, it is clear that Oxfams work helping people to escape poverty and survive humanitarian emergencies and its campaigns to tackle the root cause that keep people poor are needed as much as ever. Mark Goldring, chief executive of Oxfam, said: Caroline brings a wealth of skills and experience that will be of great value to Oxfam and the strategic leadership of the organisation. Were very pleased to have her on board." Id like to thank Karen for her significant contribution to Oxfam, which I am sure shell add to further during the coming year. The RSPCA has vowed to continue to bring prosecutions, despite a report by a Commons committee calling for them to pass on responsibility to the Crown Prosecution Service. The report into the welfare of domestic pets, by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, is not legally binding. However it adds to pressure on the charity, which has faced criticism over its prosecutions in the national news media. The Committee does not believe that the current model in England and Wales where the RSPCA brings private prosecutions alongside its investigative, campaigning and fundraising functions provides the necessary separation to ensure that there is no conflict of interest, the report said. The Committee recommends that the RSPCA should continue its important work investigating animal welfare cases and working closely with the police and statutory authorities. It should, however, withdraw from acting as a prosecutor of first resort where there are statutory bodies with a duty to carry out this role. We are not convinced by its arguments that it is in a better position than the CPS to prosecute animal welfare cases. RSPCA: we will not follow the recommendations Jeremy Cooper, chief executive of the RSPCA, said his charity did not intend to follow the reports recommendations. Overall this is a very sensible report with lots of progressive measures to improve animal welfare, he said. We do not agree with the recommendation that the RSPCA should no longer prosecute. We are extremely proud of our near 200 years of experience investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and our 92 per cent success rate - which is currently a higher percentage than the CPS. Our research shows that 89 per cent of the general public back our prosecutions work and they will be confused why a small number of MPs would suggest stopping the RSPCA carrying out a role which we are very good at and which is paid for by public donations rather than out of taxes. This recommendation is not supported by the Government, vets, other major animal welfare charities, and local authorities, and flies in the face of the majority of evidence put before the committee. We will consider this report carefully while we will continue prosecute those who starve, beat, stab, burn and abuse animals. For us the key test will be if the recommendation improves animal welfare and we suspect the answer in this case would probably be no. Backed by other charities The RSPCA statement was backed by other major animal charities, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, PDSA, the Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and the Blue Cross, who issued a joint statement. "As the UKs leading animal welfare organisations, we believe that the removal of the RSPCAs ability to prosecute animal cruelty offences would be hugely detrimental to the welfare of the thousands of animals that are victims of cruelty in England and Wales every year," the statement said. "We would strongly question whether any other body currently exists that would have the resources to provide a service similar to the RSPCAs considerable expertise, experience and credibility in this area. We would further fear that without the RSPCA carrying out this vital work, many cases of unacceptable animal abuse would go unprosecuted. "Animal welfare organisations see terrible examples of animal cruelty on a depressingly frequent basis and, as a result, we place great value on the work that the RSPCA undertakes to secure prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act. We would reject any move to reduce the charitys powers to bring the perpetrators of this cruelty to justice." The RSPCA has previously conducted a review of its prosecutions, and has said it will conduct less in the future. The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan. Read More A 67-year-old widow and grandmother was sentenced to six and a half years in prison Tuesday for a nearly $2.5 million embezzlement, which led to the collapse of an Iowa credit union where she worked as a bookkeeper. Since the time she was hired at the $2.1 million SCICAP Credit Union in 1978, Linda Lee Clark began stealing from the cooperative in the small rural town of Chariton. By the time her theft finally surfaced in August 2015, she embezzled $2,494,809. Clarks lawyer, F. Montgomery Brown of West De Moines, Iowa, said his client was also ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to serve five years of supervised release after her prison term and to pay $2.4 million in restitution. She pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a credit union employee in July in U.S. District Court in Des Moines. Ill be honest, Im not a big social media guy. I dont use Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. Twitter is the only site I use, and its quite sparingly. But, Im apparently not the norm. According to Google, 78% of Americans have social media profiles. The current number of users worldwide is 1.96 billion, with growth expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2018. All of this is to say that social media is extremely popular. It is also easily accessible and highly visible. However, the use of social media for marketing strategies can present compliance concerns for credit unions. First and foremost, is the fact that there are no regulatory exceptions for social media advertising, as compared to more traditional methods such as newspaper, television, or radio ads. Even if regulators wanted to issue regulations for social media advertising, they would likely be out-of-date by the time they were finalized. Technology simply advances more quickly than the regulatory process. From a young age, Rachel Butler has travelled a path marked by rich and diverse cultural experiences. So it was only natural that the fourth-year combined honours student in International Development Studies and Spanish would jump at the opportunity to study abroad. Born in Calgary, Rachel spent seven years of her childhood in Mexico City before attending high school in Ontario. Earlier this year, she spent five months in Seville, Spain as part of an exchange program, studying at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide and taking some time to explore Europe. I was lucky enough to travel and be exposed to different cultures since I was young, says Rachel, who became fluent in Spanish while growing up in Mexico. I think thats continued to shape what Im studying academically and what I want to do as a career. Dance demonstration The exchange experience has also shaped Rachels contribution to the Dalhousie community. In October, she and several students from Dalhousie and the University of Kings College who spent time together in Seville along with visiting Spanish students hosted a workshop that introduced attendees to the Sevillanas, a form of flamenco dancing that is popular in southern Spain. It was basically a workshop to show off some of the southern Spanish culture, says Rachel. This dance is a style of flamenco and they dance it specifically in fairs across southern Spain. Along with Kings student Caora McKenna, Rachel took classes while on exchange to learn about the Sevillanas and the costumes and cultures that surround it. At the workshop, they demonstrated the dance in its entirety before offering instruction to the roughly 50 attendees. Rachel says the event, which was promoted by the International Centre, Dalhousies Spanish society and the universitys Spanish program, was a hit. We were kind of worried because the weather was bad and sometimes people commit to stuff and dont follow through, but Spanish faculty showed up and a lot of international students showed up. An enriching experience Rachel would like to use her experience in Spain as inspiration to organize more events with the Spanish society, for which she is an executive. More generally, she says the exchange program has enriched her education. The exchange program was with students from Australia, Germany and the U.S. mostly, but because I spoke Spanish I had the opportunity to integrate with Spanish students, she says. Spending time in classrooms with students who havent had the same educational background and learning from that was an awesome opportunity. Rachel also visited northern Europe and Morocco during her time abroad and made friends with students from several countries. You kind of build a second family when you go on exchange and its nice to have those connections across the globe. The Central Drug Supervision Control Organisation (CDSCO) has taken note of the situation and submitted its report to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), with some amendments, on whether e-pharmacy should be allowed or not. By Priyanka Sharma: It's been a normal practice for many among us to purchase medicines online. But are we sure that these medicines are not fake? It now appears that online sale and purchase has resulted in massive misuse of the drugs and not all drugs sold online are genuine. Besides, there are question marks on the authenticity of the prescriptions that are submitted online for purchase of the medicine. Now, the Central Drug Supervision Control Organisation (CDSCO) has taken note of the situation and submitted its report to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), with some amendments, on whether e-pharmacy should be allowed or not. advertisement Delhi's drug controller Dr Mrinalini Darswal told Mail Today: "As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Drug and Cosmetics Rules 1945, online sale of drugs is prohibited in India. In our country, drugs are supposed to be sold over the counter with a prescription and the chemist selling the medicine should hold a pharmacy degree". ILLEGAL SALE OF MEDICINES ONLINE "In this regard, the drug consultative committee has submitted its report to the DCGI, with some recommendations over the illegal sale of medicines online. CDSCO has suggested more stringent laws and rules for e-pharmacy in India as we have received several complaints on fake drugs being sold," said Darswal. Also read: Chemists call for strike on Nov 23 against E-pharmacy Officials with the drug controller's office are also not too sure about the credibility and authenticity of pharmacists on eplatforms. "We do not know how many times the same prescription is being used for buying medicine on different e-medicine sites. We are not aware about the qualification of the pharmacists selling the medicines to the costumers and what kind of medicines a pharmacist has stored," Darswal said. PEOPLE HAVE HABIT OF SELF MEDICATION According to an official, people have the habit of self-medication but they often follow the wrong treatment, putting their lives at risk. They use wrong medicines that is affecting public health in general, the official added. "Since the consumer is not meeting the pharmacist in person, there are chances that the costumer would be cheated. There is no regulation and registration of e-pharmacies at present and this has been suggested by the committee," he said. GOVT ASKED DRUG REGULATORS TO FORMULATE STRICT GUIDELINE Officials said that last year the government had asked the drug regulators to formulate a guideline with strict provisions to scrutinise the sale of medicines online, which regular chemist opposed across the country. Several suggestions were put forward by the officers from Delhi, Goa, Odisha, Maharashtra and Karnataka, who participated in the high-level drug consultative committee meeting over the ban on e-pharmacy. The reports will be send the Union health ministry soon, informed another senior drug controller official. Also read: 300 AMRIT pharmacy outlets soon across country: Centre "It has also been suggested to form an inter-ministerial committee to deal with legal issues," said the official. reflected on the CDSCO website if a particular prescription was used more than once for buying medicines from a particular echemist, said the official, adding that all e-pharmacists would be centrally linked to CDSCO. DRUG DEPT CLOSE WATCH ON E PHARMACY, REGULAR CHEMISTS advertisement In India people buy medicines from several e-pharmacy websites such as Netmed.com, MeraPharmcay. com, mChemist.com, pharmeasy.in among others. Besides the e-pharmacists, the drug department is also keeping a close eye on regular chemists too, because there are complaints recently that they sell spurious medicines and store psychotropic substances. Recently, the drug department raided 21 chemists in the national Capital for selling narcotics and habit forming substances. "We also found spurious Shelcal tablets, with zero per cent of calcium in it at Delhi's Bhagirath Palace and licences of these chemists have been cancelled," an official said. --- ENDS --- As Morocco's King Mohammed VI joined UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa yesterday to welcome dignitaries to Bab Ighli a modest tent city created in Marrakesh to host the COP22 UN climate talks the tone was firmly one of collective effort to sustain the 'Spirit of Paris', regardless of who is poised to move into the White House next January. While Obama has confirmed he won't attend COP22, John Kerry is expected to show. His colleagues at the US State Department are also out in strength seeking to drive or participate in various dialogues focused on how to unlock investment for climate adaptation, mitigation and low-carbon development pathways for emerging and developing economies. Discussion at various side events has covered everything from financial instruments for energy utility companies to the blending of private sector investment with carbon market mechanisms, the private financing of adaptation, and the need for technical and legal guidance on climate-related lending within developing economies. So while it's true that the conversation in the corridors is still substantially about when, rather than whether, Trump will move to reinforce any one or more of the climate-hostile pledges he made on the campaign trail, the broader mood in Marrakesh is one of determined effort to deprive the President-elect of the practical ability to derail the Paris Agreement. Playing their part, IIGCC members, IIGCC staff and institutional investors from the US continue to stress that addressing climate risk is critical for sustainable economic growth, and that technology and demand dynamics will continue to move in favour of a low-carbon transition. One immediate, if somewhat ironic, impact of the US election result was to make the IIGCC-sponsored side event (one of only 10 business-led official UNFCCC COP22 side events taking place inside the negotiators' 'zone' at COP22, which IIGCC put on with the other investor networks) not just more topical but also very well attended. This week, as ministers join the so-called 'high-level segment' of the two week summit, IIGCC will argue vocally for the importance of public- and private-sector collaboration to support finance flows that will help to drive the low-carbon transition including investment in clean energy, green infrastructure and climate resilience. Bringing long-term institutional capital the majority of which resides in OECD countries into developing and emerging economies is essential for climate-resilient development as most climate mitigation investment will be into capital-intensive, long-term infrastructure. IIGCC issued a paper on climate finance in September 2015 (http://www.iigcc.org/files/publication-files/IIGCC_2015_Climate_Finance_v25_WEB.pdf) that discusses how governments and international financial institutions could work to scale up the potential availability of institutional capital to implement the intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) that form the backbone of the Paris Agreement. This week, Donald MacDonald, IIGCC's chair, will represent the investor voice in a key discussion about "scaling up climate finance and widening the field" that takes place during the High-level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance today (16 November). This event is intended to help ministers agree a clear vision on how to mobilise, deploy and utilise substantial climate finance (upwards of $100 billion per year by 2020 and well beyond). Outputs from this dialogue will go forward for formal consideration at COP23 in 2017. So the messages that investors, and indeed all 'non-state participants', convey to this gathering have the potential to be particularly influential. Stephanie Pfeifer is CEO of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, a European forum for 128 investors with more than 13 trillion of assets But new and improved mosquito control tools urgently needed to sustain gains in malaria control and accelerate towards elimination ATLANTA (16 November 2016) Bed nets treated with a safe chemical killer still provide significant protection from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, despite the rise in insecticide resistance, according to a major study released today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). The five-year, five-country investigation, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the most comprehensive evaluation ever to assess the impact of insecticide resistance on essential control tools targeted against malaria-carrying mosquitoesprimarily long-lasting insecticidal nets, or LLINs, which have played a central role in cutting malaria cases and deaths worldwide since 2000. Researchers found that people who slept under LLINs in 340 locations across five countriesBenin, Cameroon, India, Kenya and Sudanhad significantly lower rates of malaria infection than those who did not use a net, even though mosquitoes showed resistance to insecticides at all locations. The key finding of this study is that treated nets continue to be a highly effective tool in the malaria fight, said Dr. Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. The study supports WHOs continued call for achieving universal coverage of LLINs for all populations at risk of malaria. In recent years, LLINs have been the cornerstone of malaria control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, which shoulders an estimated 90% of the global malaria burden. Between 2000 and 2015, access to a treated net among populations in this region rose from less than 2% to 53%. WHO estimates that 663 million malaria infections were prevented in sub-Saharan Africa through malaria interventions between 2001 and 2015; treated nets accounted for most cases prevented (69%), followed by artemisinin-based combination therapies (21%) and indoor residual spraying (10%). Researchers attributed the continued efficacy of LLINs to the combined effect of the barrier provided by the nets and the insecticides themselves. They noted that, even in areas where mosquitoes have developed resistance to the insecticide class used in LLINs (pyrethroids), treated nets can still kill the mosquitoes. A resistant mosquito may not die immediately after landing on a net, but it could continue to absorb insecticide as it seeks a way to get through and bite a person beneath the net, said Dr. Tessa Knox, a WHO scientist involved in the evaluation. This may eventually kill the mosquito and stop onward transmission of malaria parasites, she added. The fact that LLINs remain effective is an indication that resistance is not an all-or-nothing proposition and that pyrethroids are likely retaining some level of impact in many areas, said Dr. Knox. The findings of this WHO study are consistent with recent research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC study, published in the Malaria Journal in 2015, showed that treated nets provided significant protection among children in an area of Malawi with considerable malaria transmission and moderate levels of mosquito resistance to pyrethroids. New tools urgently needed While these findings are encouraging, WHO continues to highlight the urgent need for new and improved malaria-fighting tools to accelerate progress towards global elimination goals. WHO is calling for greater investments in vector control interventions, such as LLINs and indoor residual spraying, improved diagnostics and more effective medicines. A promising pipeline of new anti-mosquito tools is currently under development. WHO is revising its process for reviewing and recommending new malaria vector interventions in order to fast-track their route to the field. Resistance still a key concern Mosquito resistance to insecticides remains a growing concern. According to WHO estimates, 60 countries have reported mosquito resistance to at least one of the four insecticides used in LLINs and indoor residual spraying since 2010; of these, 49 countries have reported resistance to two or more insecticide classes. If resistance continues to intensify, the mosquito-killing capacity of LLINs and indoor residual spraying may steadily weaken. To prevent an erosion of the impact of these core vector control tools, WHO officials highlight the need for all countries with ongoing malaria transmission to develop and apply effective insecticide resistance management strategies. Information should be leveraged to inform timely decisions on which tools to apply where, and when. For example, at one study site in Sudan, researchers found that spraying the walls of homes with an insecticide that is different from what is used in bed nets reduced malaria infections by an additional 50 percent, compared with LLINs alone. Encouragingly, mosquito resistance to pyrethroids was slowed, showing that careful use of available options can help counter resistance. This study provides encouraging news that we have not yet run out of time in battling insecticide resistance, said Stephen Higgs, PhD, president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. However, we must take advantage of the time we now have to invest in research and generate new tools that will allow us to finally defeat this complex and challenging disease. Dr. Alonso noted that a global strategy for comprehensive control of disease-carrying insects should be high on the agenda for the 2017 World Health Assembly. He said there is a growing need for sustainable approaches supported by enhanced expertise to aid the fight against malaria and a variety of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya and also yellow fever, which is now resurgent in parts of Africa. ### About the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, founded in 1903, is the largest international scientific organization of experts dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health. It accomplishes this through generating and sharing scientific evidence, informing health policies and practices, fostering career development, recognizing excellence, and advocating for investment in tropical medicine/global health research. For more information, visit astmh.org. To treat an aneurysm, gastrointestinal bleeding or other forms of uncontrolled hemorrhaging, clinicians often use tiny metallic coils, which can be permanently inserted into a blood vessel to prevent further bleeding. But such coils come with limitations. Patients on blood thinning medications or who cannot form blood clots for other reasons can experience dangerous break-through bleeding, with rebleeding occurring in as many as 47 percent of patients. To find a better solution, bioengineers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, led by Ali Khademhosseini, PhD, collaborated with Rahmi Oklu MD, PhD, FSIR, a clinician who is an interventional radiologist (previously at Massachusetts General Hospital, now at Mayo Clinic). Khademhosseini and Oklu's team develop a rapidly deployable hydrogel that can hold its shape within a blood vessel to prevent bleeding, even in those who cannot form blood clots. The newly developed agent is described in a paper published in Science Translational Medicine Nov. 16. "This work is an example of how bioengineering can help address the challenges that clinicians and patients face," said Khademhosseini. "Our work thus far has been in the lab, but we are on a translational path to bring this new biomaterial for embolization to the clinic to improve patient care." The new agent, known as a shear-thinning biomaterial (STB), has a consistency similar to toothpaste and is made up of both gelatin - which gives it gel like properties - and nanoparticles. Using a catheter, the material can be flowed into a blood vessel but is able to maintain its shape once inside the vessel, obstructing the vessel or aneurysm without relying on the formation of a blood clot. Mechanical testing in the lab was initially performed and monitored the STB's changes over time to optimize the material's properties in animal models. The team then tested the STB in both rodent and porcine models, the latter of which have blood vessels of similar dimensions to human blood vessels. Some of the beneficial properties of the STB include its ability to withstand pressure within the blood vessel, remain at the site of injection and naturally degrade over time. In addition, the team found that the material attracted cells to migrate and deposit themselves at the site of the STB, helping to block the vessel. The individual component materials that make up the STB have been previously used in humans making their subsequent regulatory process and clinical use easier. As a next step, the team hopes to begin clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the STB for use in humans. ### This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Army Research Office, National Science Foundation, Sloan Foundation and Mayo Clinic. Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a 793-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare. BWH has more than 4.2 million annual patient visits and nearly 46,000 inpatient stays, is the largest birthing center in Massachusetts and employs nearly 16,000 people. The Brigham's medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and today that rich history in clinical care is coupled with its national leadership in patient care, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and its dedication to research, innovation, community engagement and educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. Through investigation and discovery conducted at its Brigham Research Institute (BRI), BWH is an international leader in basic, clinical and translational research on human diseases, more than 3,000 researchers, including physician-investigators and renowned biomedical scientists and faculty supported by nearly $666 million in funding. For the last 25 years, BWH ranked second in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among independent hospitals. BWH is also home to major landmark epidemiologic population studies, including the Nurses' and Physicians' Health Studies and the Women's Health Initiative as well as the TIMI Study Group, one of the premier cardiovascular clinical trials groups. For more information, resources and to follow us on social media, please visit BWH's online newsroom. Research team led by Cedars-Sinai and partnering with five California life sciences companies will use remote monitoring to predict major cardiovascular events earlier LOS ANGELES (Nov. 15, 2016) -- Cedars-Sinai health investigators will use a $1.2 million grant from a state precision medicine initiative to design a system using remote monitoring to predict heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. In this study, the research team will look for the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease by monitoring patients remotely with a specialized watch that measures activity, sleep, heart rate and stress levels. Participants also will report their levels of anxiety, depression and quality of life using a smartphone or computer. Additionally, patients will send researchers finger prick blood samples by mail, allowing doctors to assess a variety of biomarkers and measure more than 500 blood proteins. By combining these different types of data and integrating them into patients' medical records, the researchers will seek a "signal in the noise" that can predict who may be about to have a heart attack or stroke, empowering patients to better manage their conditions. The team also will measure the cost-effectiveness of this approach and whether it could be covered by insurance companies and other payers. The Cedars-Sinai study aims to address a major national health issue: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, disproportionately impacting younger women and ethnic minorities. Health experts say that early signs of a heart attack or stroke can be missed because people typically have limited interaction with doctors or hospitals, making it challenging to monitor symptoms. "The Governor's precision medicine initiative creates an amazing opportunity to confront this leading health threat by leveraging team science and advanced data analytics in ways never before possible," said Brennan M. Spiegel, MD, director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai, who will lead the study. "For us, that means trying to stay one step ahead of cardiovascular disease by predicting who may have a heart attack or stroke before it happens." Funding for the study comes from the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, launched by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015 to expand the capabilities of precision medicine within California. Cedars-Sinai, one of six demonstration projects selected by the state precision medicine initiative, will receive the $1.2 million grant over two years. The research reflects a broad national push to combine emerging technology and medicine for the benefit of patients. Precision medicine aims to use data driven tools and analysis to develop new diagnostics, therapies and insights into disease. The teams in the California initiative will join forces to utilize data across research, clinical, environmental and population health settings to better diagnosis, treat, manage and prevent disease. "Despite effective medical therapies and lifestyle interventions, many heart disease patients still progress due to under-treatment, poor adherence to treatment or failure to recognize clinical or biochemical clues that warn of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure," said C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, and a co-principal investigator in the study. The key is identifying new predictive blood biomarkers earlier, said another co-principal investigator Jennifer Van Eyk, PhD, director of the Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute and of Basic Science Research in the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center. "Then impending cardiovascular death and disability may be prevented through treatment intensification and efforts to enhance compliance with life-saving therapy," Van Eyk said. The Cedars-Sinai team also includes researchers Corey Arnold, PhD, and Peipei Ping, PhD, from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The team will partner with five California life science companies: HealthLoop, Neoteryx, Beckman Coulter, SCIEX and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The study also has received funding from Cedars-Sinai Precision Health, a campaign to transform the institution's practice of medicine by harnessing advanced data on individuals' specific genes, proteins, microbiome (bacterial communities) and other body chemistry. The goal is to tailor therapies and medications for specific patients. "This study, across medical disciplines and in partnership with industry, addressing a critical clinical question, is an example of the outstanding projects that Precision Health at Cedars-Sinai is brilliantly positioned to address," said Dermot McGovern, MD, PhD, professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and director of the campaign. "Using big data and near-patient technologies together with outstanding clinical care to address a significant clinical problem is at the core of Cedars-Sinai Precision Health." ### About Cedars-Sinai Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents. About California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine The California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine was launched by the Governor in 2015 and received additional funding in FY2016-2017. UC Health and UCSF host the initiative with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. For more information, visit http://www.CIAPM.org/ Black African women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with late stage breast cancer as white women in England according to new analysis* from Cancer Research UK and Public Health England released today (Wednesday). Twenty five per cent of Black African women and 22 per cent of Black Caribbean women diagnosed with breast cancer are picked up at stage three and four. This compares to thirteen per cent of white British women. This is the first time data on more specific ethnic groups and their stage at diagnosis from across England has been routinely released, helping to build a clearer picture of who is diagnosed at an early or late stage. Ethnicity and stage at diagnosis was collected for women diagnosed with breast cancer in England in 2012 and 2013**. Dr Jodie Moffat, Cancer Research UK's head of early diagnosis, said: "Information about the stage when cancers are diagnosed in the UK has greatly improved in recent years, and it's vital the data continues to be collected and analysed. While there are still gaps, this information provides a useful insight into which ethnic groups are more likely to be diagnosed with late stage cancer. It's difficult to know exactly what would be behind any differences, but there are likely to be a range of reasons, including possible differences in tumour biology, awareness of symptoms, barriers to seeking help, attitudes to cancer and breast screening attendance. Dr Jem Rashbass, PHE Cancer Lead, said: "This analysis will help improve awareness and target treatments. It also shows how vital it is that we collect data is on every person with cancer England, as findings like these are only possible due to the world leading cancer data we have in this country. "It is hugely important to catch all cancers, but particularly breast cancer, early. Lumps are not the only sign and women should tell their GP if they notice any changes to their breasts such as nipple discharge or changes to the skin of the breast. Breast screening is offered to women aged 50-70 and can help detect cancer earlier and improve survival." Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information, said: "Reducing late stage diagnosis of cancer is a key part of our work to achieve better results for patients, and we want to be sure that any activity is reaching those most in need. Because of the data gaps, we'll need further work to know how accurate the picture is that these results paint. But we are clear that finding cancer at an earlier stage can make a real difference as it means treatment is more likely to be successful. If you notice something that isn't normal for you, or you've a symptom that's not gone away or has got worse, getting it checked out promptly could save your life." ### Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, Dayton Air Force Research Laboratory and China have developed a new dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures--a quality that could make the product ideal for space exploration and beyond. The gecko-inspired adhesive loses no traction in temperatures as cold as liquid nitrogen or as hot as molten silver, and actually gets stickier as heat increases, the researchers report. The research, which builds on earlier development of a single-sided dry adhesive tape based on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, is published in the journal Nature Communications. As far as the researchers know, no other dry adhesive is capable of working at such temperature extremes. Liming Dai, professor of macromolecular science and engineering at Case Western Reserve and an author of the study teamed with Ming Xu, a senior research associate at Case School of Engineering and visiting scholar from Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Feng Du, senior research associate in Case Western Reserve's Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering; and Sabyasachi Ganguli and Ajit Roy, of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with tops bundled into nodes replicate the microscopic hairs on the foot of the wall-walking reptile and remain stable from -320 degrees Fahrenheit to 1,832 degrees, the scientists say. "When you have aligned nanotubes with bundled tops penetrating into the cavities of the surface, you generate sufficient van der Waal's forces to hold," Xu said. "The dry adhesive doesn't lose adhesion as it cools because the surface doesn't change. But when you heat the surface, the surface becomes rougher, physically locking the nanotubes in place, leading to stronger adhesion as temperatures increase." Because of the adhesive remains useful over such a wide range of temperatures, the inventors say it is ideally suited for use in space, where the shade can be frigid and exposure to the sun blazing hot. In addition to range, the bonding agent offers properties that could add to its utility. The adhesive conducts heat and electricity, and these properties also increase with temperature. "When applied as a double-sided sticky tape, the adhesive can be used to link electrical components together and also for electrical and thermal management," Roy said. "This adhesive can thus be used as connecting materials to enhance the performance of electronics at high temperatures," Dai said. "At room temperature, the double-sided carbon nanotube tape held as strongly as commercial tape on various rough surfaces, including paper, wood, plastic films and painted walls, showing potential use as conducting adhesives in home appliances and wall-climbing robots." Holding strength In testing, a double-sided tape made with the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applied between two layers of copper foil had an adhesive strength of about 37 newtons per cm-2 at room temperature, about the same as a commercial double-sided sticky tape. Unlike the commercial tape, which loses adhesion as it freezes or is heated, the CNT adhesive maintained its strength down to -320 degrees Fahrenheit. The adhesive strength more than doubled at 785 degrees Fahrenheit and was about six times as strong at 1891 degrees. Surprised by the increasing adhesive strength, the researchers used a scanning electron microscope to search for the cause. They found that, as the bundled nodes penetrate the surface cavities, the flexible nanotubes no longer remain vertically aligned but collapse into web-like structures. The action appears to enhance the van der Waal's forces due to an increased contact surface area with the collapsed nanotubes. Looking further, the researchers found that as the temperature increased above 392 degrees Fahrenheit, the surface of the copper foil became increasingly rough. The bundled ends and collapsed nanotubes appear to penetrate deeper into the heat-induced irregularities in the surface, increasing adhesion. The researchers dub this adhesion mechanism "nano-interlocking." The adhesive held strong during hundreds of temperature transition cycles between ambient temperature and -320 degrees then up to 1891 degrees and between the cold extreme and ambient temperature. Copper foil, which was used for many of the tests to demonstrate the potential for thermal management, is not unique. The surface of many other materials, including polymer films and other metal foils, roughen when heat is applied, making them good targets for this kind of adhesive, the team suggests. ### This work is mainly supported by the Department of Defense Air Force Office of Scientific Research Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative and the National Science Foundation. Developing nations may soon be in a better position to finally conquer malaria, thanks to a team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Malaria has killed more people than any disease caused by a single organism, including small pox and the plague. Symptoms include high fever, copious sweating, nausea and vomiting, and shaking chills. While the industrialized world has been essentially malaria-free for more than half a century, the mosquito-borne malady continues to harm health and jeopardize lives in nearly one hundred largely tropical and subtropical nations worldwide. One of the biggest barriers to eradication has been the absence of a quick, inexpensive, and accurate test. Now, thanks to a team of Case Western Reserve University researchers, developing nations will soon be in a better position to finally conquer malaria. The secret: a portable, battery-operated device that uses magnets and lasers to quickly and inexpensively detect the presence of the disease in the bloodstream. The invention - the Magneto-Optical Detector (MOD) - earned a Patent for Humanity award last month from the U. S. Commerce Department's United States Patent and Trademark Office and will be recognized in a formal ceremony in Washington DC this month. "With MOD, we wanted to close a big gap in identifying people with malaria," said Brian Grimberg, PhD, assistant professor of international health at the CWRU School of Medicine and co-leader of the development team. "It is hard to diagnose malaria accurately using current technology. The standard microscope test can generate up to 36 percent false positives and 18 percent false negatives. This means that many infected people are untreated and can die. Many others who don't have the disease get anti-malarial drugs unnecessarily, which wastes tight resources and contributes to drug resistance." MOD is significantly more accurate than current point-of-care tests and can diagnose all forms of malaria at even very low concentrations. The cost is about $1 per test and results are reported in around a minute. (The current rapid malaria test takes 20 minutes. Microscopic tests take about an hour when conducted by a trained laboratory technician or pathologist.) Malaria: An Ongoing International Plague Although preventable and treatable, malaria is now actively transmitted within 97 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Half of the world's population, an estimated 3.4 billion people, is at risk. Of these, 1.2 billion are at high risk. According to the latest WHO estimates, there were 214 million reported cases worldwide in 2015 and 438,000 reported deaths. Pregnant women are at special risk and fetal development may be compromised. About one in four child survivors of a severe brain-based form of malaria suffers long-term cognitive impairment. The CWRU MOD team is led by Dr. Grimberg and Robert Brown, PhD, distinguished university professor in physics, with key research and development by senior research scientist Robert Deissler, PhD, mechanical designer/machinist Richard Bihary, visiting scientist William Condit, and undergraduate/technician Jason Jones, a CWRU alumnus. Except for Dr. Grimberg, all are members of the CWRU Department of Physics. When malaria parasites consume red blood cells, they release iron-containing crystals called hemozoin - which possess magnetic properties - into the bloodstream. Magnets in MOD are placed near the blood sample, causing the randomly oriented crystals to align, reducing the amount of laser light that can slide through. The resulting laser change allows MOD to determine if someone is infected as well as establish the level of infection. And it only needs a single drop of blood. "The Department of Physics at CWRU regularly conducts advanced research in fields ranging from dark matter to MRI," said Dr. Brown. "My colleagues on the malaria team and I work extensively in magnetic field research and fluid dynamics of magnetic and partially magnetic particles, making it a natural fit to become involved with this project. It is truly rewarding to be addressing fundamental physics problems and developing applications for improved human health." Dr. Grimberg estimates that MOD can save anti-malaria organizations $1.2 billion annually on direct diagnostic savings, increased workforce productivity, and more efficient allocation of prevention and treatment resources. Also, MOD testing is easily administered outside of laboratory facilities, including in community and remote settings. As a result, care workers can bring accurate testing and diagnosis to towns and villages, instead of requiring patients to travel as many as 30 hours each way to a health clinic. Currently a MOD prototype is in use in rural locations in Peru and Kenya, with scaled-up screenings starting in January in Kenya. Collaboration with CWRU's Office of Research and Technology Management and Hemex Health Dr. Grimberg and his colleagues are collaborating with Portland, Oregon-based Hemex Health, which provided funding and licensed MOD for commercialization and wider use. Next steps include shrinking the current shoe-box sized device further and equipping it to operate on solar power. Some of Dr. Grimberg's earliest funding came from the school's Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative, which contributed almost $50,000 to his efforts. Most recently, the Case Western Reserve University Office of Research and Technology Management helped in securing patent protection and connected the MOD team with Hemex Health, which plans to have the final version in trials in 2017 and released with regulatory approvals in late 2018. "This has been a true collaboration," said Dr. Grimberg. "That includes developing MOD with the Physics Department team, enlisting the invaluable support of the CWRU Office of Research and Technology Management, and taking advantage of the roll-out expertise of Hemex Health." The result is an interlocked team poised to dramatically alter how malaria is detected, paving the way for ultimate worldwide eradication. ### LEARN MORE: https://youtu.be/MUUeRo5BQMw For more information about Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, please visit: http://case.edu/medicine. Steven Farmer, M.D., Ph.D., and co-authors encourage cardiologists to learn about new payment reforms so that they can adapt to the emerging payment environment WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2016) -- As conventional fee-for-service models become less viable, cardiologists will need to participate in emerging payment models, according to a review published by George Washington University (GW) researcher Steven Farmer, M.D., Ph.D., in the Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology. "Our health care system features high costs and further spending growth is unsustainable," said Farmer, associate director of the Center for Healthcare Policy and Research and associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Our review explores existing and emerging payment and delivery reforms that will affect cardiologists and their practices." The U.S. has the highest per capita health expenditures in the world, but ranks last among developed nations in care quality, efficiency, and equity. Recent payment reforms aim to improve value, leading the system away from the escalating health care expenditures and inconsistent quality associated with the fee-for-service payment mode. Along with Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., director, and Meghan George, M.P.P., former research associate, both at the Margolis Center for Health Policy at Duke University, and researchers from the Center for Health Policy at the Brookings Institution, the American College of Cardiology, and Columbia University/New York-Presbyterian, Farmer calls for cardiologists to develop expertise in new care pathways during a period of relatively lower risk. Physicians have hesitated to participate, since many of these models require large upfront investments and impose significant administrative burdens. "Cardiologists who are 'early adopters' of new payment reforms will have a great advantage," said Farmer, who is also a senior policy advisor at the Robert J. Margolis Center for Health Policy at Duke University. "Efforts to adapt to reforms now will lead to improved quality and reduced costs in the long term." In reviewing payment reforms, Farmer and his co-authors describe four examples, including a commercial incentive program, an episode payment model, a physician-led accountable care organization, and a health system participating in multiple models. ### "Existing and Emerging Payment and Delivery Reforms in Cardiology," published in JAMA Cardiology, is available at http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2584720. Media: To interview Dr. Farmer, please contact Lisa Anderson at lisama2@gwu.edu or 202-994-3121. About the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences: Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was the first medical school in the nation's capital and is the 11th oldest in the country. Working together in our nation's capital, with integrity and resolve, the GW SMHS is committed to improving the health and well-being of our local, national and global communities. smhs.gwu.edu A study finds that smoking or being overweight makes it more difficult for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to achieve optimal control of inflammation and symptoms, despite standard of care treatment. American and Canadian researchers, who collected data on more than 1,100 patients at multiple sites, presented their findings at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 15 in Washington, DC. "Early, aggressive treatment to achieve remission is the primary goal of therapy and can be best achieved early on when treating patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, as early disease control is associated with improved long-term outcomes," said Vivian Bykerk, MD, senior investigator and director of the Inflammatory Arthritis Center of Excellence at Hospital for Special Surgery. "We have previously shown that individuals with excess weight are less likely to achieve sustained remission in the first three years after diagnosis. Here we explore the impact of smoking and being overweight or obese on the ability to achieve good control of symptoms and inflammation in men and women with rheumatoid arthritis." Data were collected at 19 sites across Canada as part of the CATCH (Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort) Study. The multicenter study included rheumatoid arthritis patients diagnosed within 12 months of symptom onset. Researchers looked at the patient's disease activity score, known as the DAS, when they entered the study and at follow-up visits. The DAS is based on the number of swollen and tender joints, a blood test that reflects inflammation, and the patient's own description of their arthritis symptoms over the prior week. After the initial enrollment, patients were seen by their rheumatologist as part of their usual care for follow up every three months in the first year, every six months in the second year, and annually thereafter. Data about their arthritis were collected at each visit. The researchers analyzed how gender, excess weight and smoking (current/former/never) affected symptoms when patients entered the study and over time. The study included 1,109 patients with a mean age of 54 at study onset. Almost all of them were being treated with methotrexate and/or another conventional oral medication when they enrolled. Most of the participants (72%) were female. Among the women, 31% were overweight, 32% were obese, and 15% currently smoked. Among the males, 44% were overweight, 35% were obese and 22% currently smoked. Sex, excess weight and smoking were not significantly associated with symptom severity early on, when patients entered the study. However, all three factors influenced how much symptoms improved over time. The average rate of improvement in the disease activity score was lower in women compared to men. Less symptom improvement was also seen in patients who were overweight or obese compared with those of a healthy weight. Current smokers also saw less symptom relief compared to nonsmokers over time. Former smokers, however, did not do worse than those who had never smoked. The most dramatic differences in symptoms were seen in patients who were overweight or obese and smoked. These patients had considerably worse outcomes over time compared to nonsmoking patients with a healthy weight. "These results contribute to growing evidence of how lifestyle impacts how well patients may respond to treatment and the potential value of referring them to proven community-based smoking cessation and weight management programs," Dr. Bykerk concluded. ### Study Title: "Smoking and Excess Weight Attenuate Rate of Improvement over First 3 Years in Early RA" Authors: Susan J. Bartlett1,2, Orit Schieir3, Kathleen Andersen4, Gilles Boire5, Boulos Haraoui6, Carol Hitchon7, Edward Keystone8, Janet E. Pope9, J Carter Thorne10, Diane Tin11, Vivian P. Bykerk12 and Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) Investigators, 1Department of Medicine, Division of ClinEpi, Rheumatology, Respirology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, 2Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 3University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, 4Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, 5Rheumatology Division, CHUS - Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, 61551, Ontario Street East, Institut de Recherche en Rhumatologie de Montreal (IRRM), Montreal, QC, Canada, 7University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, 8Mt. Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, 9University of Western Ontario, St Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada, 10Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada, 11The Arthritis Program, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada, 12Divison of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY About Hospital for Special Surgery Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is the world's largest academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics and No. 2 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2016-2017), and is the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center four consecutive times. HSS has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. HSS is an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and as such all Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are faculty of Weill Cornell. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City and online at http://www.hss.edu. Philadelphia, November 16, 2016 - Psoriatic Arthritis In America 2016, is a new national survey by Health Union of over 500 individuals suffering from psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The results reveal that the diagnosis process is often frustrating and lengthy, and that most patients experience multiple symptoms before leading to a diagnosis. In addition, respondents reported difficulty explaining often invisible symptoms that progress and become more debilitating over time. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition closely related to and most often co-occurring with psoriasis. Both are chronic life-long autoimmune conditions. While psoriasis affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches that are often painful and itchy; PsA has highly variable symptoms that present in different patterns with different patients. Some of the most common symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints; inflammation and pain of ligaments and tendons at attachment points; and fatigue. In the majority of cases psoriasis precedes psoriatic arthritis, with PsA often developing within five to ten years after the onset of psoriasis. However, in about 10 to 15 percent of patients, PsA will develop before psoriasis. Almost two-thirds of survey respondents were also diagnosed with psoriasis, with 71% of these diagnosed with psoriasis first. Forty-four percent of respondents went more than 10 years between diagnoses. Psoriatic arthritis is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. There is no definitive test for PsA, instead patients are evaluated most often with Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (or CASPAR). On average, survey respondents went 6.6 years from symptom onset prior to diagnosis and underwent an average of 4.9 diagnostic tests. Forty-one percent visited four or more healthcare professionals. This difficulty in diagnosis is made even more problematic because early diagnosis is critical. Treatment not only helps manage painful symptoms, but also can slow the potentially disfiguring progression of the disease. The story of Diane Talbert, a Psoriatic-Arthritis.com community advocate, is representative of the diagnostic difficulty. "I have had psoriasis for 50 years and psoriatic arthritis for 25. The problem is that I have always seen a doctor over this time, but nobody ever put two and two together that I had psoriatic arthritis. It was extremely hard to get a diagnosis. The doctors knew my medical history and did plenty of blood tests over the years. I had MRI's and x-rays done. I had the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, but it was only 10 years ago that a doctor finally said I had psoriatic arthritis. It was quite a long hard road." On average, survey participants experienced a combination of six different symptoms that led them to being diagnosed with PsA. Some of the initial symptoms reported were joint involvement (83%), musculoskeletal lesions (76%), and nail involvement (37%), with 28% reporting all three of these symptoms. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, there is currently no cure for PsA. In addition, over time symptoms progress and can cause permanent, irreversible joint damage. The most common symptoms are also the most difficult to manage. When asked to identify the most difficult symptoms to manage, 82% note fatigue; 80% painful, swollen, or stiff joints; and 61% lower back and/or neck pain. "But you don't look sick - I hear this often. It's hard to explain that you go to bed in pain and wake up in pain. Having inflammation in your joints is hard to explain," said Talbert. "I take care of myself, so I look the picture of health. My symptoms have been achy joints to swelling of the fingers and toes and inflammation in the joints. Sometimes this pain can last 24 hours a day or more. Anyone living with this disease knows that you can have your good days and your bad days. Other people often don't understand." Most PsA symptoms are largely hidden. This invisibility can lead to feelings of isolation. As well, the physical limitations and impact on their life are often misunderstood and underestimated. When survey participants were asked which aspects of PsA where most difficult to explain to others, 82% cited that PsA can cause serious fatigue, 71% that it causes different types of pain, 66% that there are other symptoms not related to joints, and 55% that PsA is different from osteoarthritis. "The fact that so many people with PsA feel misunderstood and isolated shows the value of a site like Psoriatic-Arthritis.com. This online community provides a place for people with similar experiences to come together for much needed support," says Tim Armand, President and co-founder of Health Union. "In addition, there is a lot of great, new research out there and Psoriatic-Arthritis.com serves as an invaluable outlet for the PsA community to learn from each other and find information on the latest treatments." The Psoriatic Arthritis in America 2016 survey was conducted online between June 20 and July 27, 2016. More details about the survey are available upon request. ### About Health Union, LLC and Psoriatic-Arthritis.com Health Union inspires people to live better with challenging health conditions - combining new, original content every day with digital, social and mobile technologies to cultivate active online health communities. Health Union platforms are unique ecosystems dedicated to illuminating the voices and experiences of people with type two diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, and more. Its services and offerings foster open and honest interactions about these health conditions between and among patients, caregivers, professionals, providers and industry partners to help all stakeholders make more informed decisions about healthcare. Psoriatic-Arthritis.com is Health Union's online community dedicated to people living with psoriatic arthritis, where patients and supporters of people living with this condition can connect, share experiences and learn about managing the condition. The makers of superstar Rajinikanth's much-awaited 2.0 have released the first look of actor Akshay Kumar from the film. By India Today Web Desk: While the first look posters of the much-anticipated Enthiran 2.0 will be unveiled in few hours, the makers of the film have revealed Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar's look from the film. An excited Akshay Kumar took to Twitter and shared poster. What awaits, no one knows!! Sit tight...just 4 days to go. Experience the #2Point0FirstLook on 20th Nov. at 5 pm ?????Are you ready? pic.twitter.com/pUCa2ukaZe Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 16, 2016 advertisement Going by the poster, it looks like Khiladi Kumar is playing an ornithologist in the sequel. According to reports, it usually takes 6 hours for Akshay Kumar to get into the evil makeover. ALSO READ: Rajinikanth's 2.0- Karan Johar to unveil first look on November 20 ALSO READ: Visaranai to be screened for Oscars, Golden Globes jury on November 17-28 The event, which will have eminent personalities from the industry will be hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, who will also release the first look poster. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth was recently spotted at Sholinganallur in Chennai, shooting for 2.0. Directed by Shankar, the film also stars Akshay Kumar as the antagonist, apart from Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles. Two-thirds of the film has been completed so far, in a span of 150 days. Unlike its predecessor, 2.0 will feature only one song. Being made on a lavish budget of Rs 350 crore, the film will be simultaneously released in Hindi and Telugu, apart from Tamil. The film has music by Academy Award winner AR Rahman and the film will release on Diwali 2017. --- ENDS --- Researchers in Japan and Russia have found some snail species that counterattack predators by swinging their shells, suggesting the importance of predator-prey interactions in animal evolution Until now, snails were thought to protectively withdraw into their shells when attacked. However, an international research team has found a pair of snail species that use their shells like a club to hit predators and knock them over. Evolutionary scientists have been questioning how predator-prey interactions affect the evolution of the prey. However, they are yet to resolve whether this interaction induces the diversification of the prey species and its morphological features and behaviours, and if so, why? Researchers from Japan's Hokkaido University and Tohoku University collaborated with colleagues at the Russian Academy of Sciences to closely study snail species from the genus Karaftohelix in both countries. They observed each species' defensive behaviours against their predator, the carabid beetle, and conducted shell measurements and species comparisons. The team used DNA sequencing to analyse how closely related the species were to each other. They found that two snail species--Karaftohelix (Ezohelix) gainesi in Hokkaido, Japan and Karaftohelix selskii in the Far East region of Russia--swing their shells to hit the carabid beetles, demonstrating a very unique, active defence strategy; while other closely related snail species withdraw their soft bodies into their shells and wait until the opponent stops attacking. "The difference in their defensive behaviours is also reflected in their shell morphology, indicating that their behaviours and shell shapes are interrelated to optimize the preferred defence strategy," says Yuta Morii, the study's lead author. By analysing DNA sequences of each species, the team also discovered that the two active-or-passive defensive methods evolved independently in the Japanese and Russian species. Their findings suggest that the selection of each method has led to the diversification of the behaviours, shapes and species of the snails. This study, published in the Journal Scientific Reports, is one of only a few to report on land snails using their shells for active defence by swinging them against a predator. "Our study showcases the importance of predator-prey interactions along with resource competition as major selective forces affecting the evolution of morphological and behavioural traits in organisms," Morii adds. ### Monday, November 14, 2016, Baltimore, MD - Today, Insilico Medicine, Inc., a company applying latest advances in deep learning to biomarker development, drug discovery and aging research, launched Aging.AI 2.0, the blood biochemistry predictor of human age. Capitalizing on the success of Aging.AI 1.0 platform, using just 41 blood biochemistry biomarkers launched in January 2016 and tested by thousands of people, the Aging.AI 2.0 allows users to use just 33 parameters from their recent blood test to guess their chronological age. The system is available for beta testing via http://www.Aging.AI . The Aging.AI 2.0 has slightly higher mean absolute error than the previous version; however, it covers more population groups and works slightly better on the long tail of the older population. The research study behind the Aging.AI system was published in a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of aging: Putin, et al, "Deep biomarkers of human aging: Application of deep neural networks to biomarker development." Aging 8, no. 5 (2016): 1-021 and recent studies demonstrated that these markers are population-specific. At the recent "3rd International Aging Research for Drug Discovery" conference in Basel, Switzerland, Dr. Mun Yew Wong, the CEO of Asia Genomics presented the first insights into a study demonstrating that certain population groups in Asia are guessed younger in older age by the deep neural networks trained on Eastern European population and the mean absolute error is higher. "Deep Learning with no doubt has a huge potential in healthcare, but unfortunately, very few groups are applying it to aging research. Aging is one of the most complex and multifactorial processes killing millions every year and causing more suffering than any other known disease. We are developing deep integrated biomarkers of aging that incorporate blood biochemistry, transcriptomics and even imaging data to be able to track the effectiveness of the various interventions we are developing", said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, CEO of Insilico Medicine. Insilico Medicine also sees the applications of deep learned biomarkers of aging in multiple applications including clinical trials enrollment, clinical practice and regular health checkups. "Old-school physicians were trained to guess the age of the patient the moment he or she walked into the office and if the patient looked significantly older than the chronological age, more extensive testing was advised. This may be the case with Aging.AI, since what we are really looking for when training the DNNs to guess the age of reasonably healthy people is the biomarker of health status. And even though the system may guess your age with significant error when you first use it, what we want to study is the differential changes for each individual patient so people could monitor their health and adjust their lifestyle", said Alex Aliper, president of European operations at Insilico Medicine. Aging.AI 2.0 was trained on more samples from North America, and Central Europe and may demonstrate lower error rates on across population groups than Aging.AI 1.0. Insilico Medicine is constantly looking for collaborators with large data sets to develop better biomarkers of aging and disease. Please contact Insilico Medicine for collaboration opportunities. "Our research team is primarily focused on developing transcriptomic blood-derived and tissue-specific deep learned biomarkers of aging and disease trained on a large number of gene expression datasets and blood biochemistry data is not our primary focus. However, encouraged by the success of the first version of Aging.AI, we decided to improve our algorithm and change the interface of the web-version to made it more user-friendly. The system is easy to use I hope that this would stimulate more people to participate in aging research and to pay more attention to their own health. We are working on integrating the blood biochemistry data with gene expression data in order to build a comprehensive, biologically-relevant biomarker of aging" - said Polina Mamoshina, a Research Scientist of Pharmaceutical Artificial Intelligence division of Insilico Medicine. ### About Insilico Medicine Insilico Medicine, Inc. is a bioinformatics company located at the Emerging Technology Centers at the Johns Hopkins University Eastern campus in Baltimore with R&D resources in Belgium, Russia and Poland hiring talent through hackathons and competitions. It utilizes advances in genomics, big data analysis and deep learning for in silico drug discovery and drug repurposing for aging and age-related diseases. The company pursues internal drug discovery programs in cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, sarcopenia and geroprotector discovery. Through its Pharma.AI division the company provides advanced machine learning services to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and skin care companies. Brief company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l62jlwgL3v8 One of the most highly endowed German research awards funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will be used to establish a junior research group to study dark matter at Mainz University Together with six other award winners, particle physicist Dr. William Shepherd received the highly endowed Sofja Kovalevskaja Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Berlin yesterday. The award was presented by Georg Schutte, the State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and Enno Aufderheide, the Secretary General of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. With the prize money of almost EUR 1.5 million Shepherd will be able to set up a junior research group at the Institute of Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz (JGU). The US-American physicist works on theoretical research into dark matter and was formerly based at the Niels Bohr International Academy at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Dark matter is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of our universe. Its nature has still to be established although we know it exists because of the indirect evidence provided by the structural forms assumed in the early universe. Its presence can be experimentally demonstrated in part by the way it distorts the light that reaches us from distant galaxies. "The search for dark matter is so exciting because it is one of the few research fields that provide tangible evidence that the Standard Model of particle physics does not adequately describe our universe," explained William Shepherd. "So our endeavor to understand the fundamental nature of this new particle should also help us to better understand the universe." The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award is granted to young exceptionally promising researchers and enables them to embark on academic careers by establishing their own junior research groups at research institutions in Germany. The award funds are placed at the award winner's disposal for a period of five years to carry out the approved research project of his or her own choice in Germany. Dr. William Shepherd joined the THEP -Theoretical High Energy Physics group headed by Professor Matthias Neubert at Mainz University in September 2016. "In Mainz there is an outstanding group of scientists working in areas closely related with my own particular field of research. There are many theoretical particle physicists here whose expertise I can call on to complement my own work. This is in addition to the large group of experimental physicists who are also working on this research problem, ranging from the ATLAS Group to the CASPER Group. It is really helpful that I can put questions arising from my theoretical work to the researchers who are closely involved in the experiments," said Shepherd of his new host institute. With the funds from the Sofja Kovalevskaja Prize, the physicist can set up his own junior research group consisting of two postdoctoral researchers and up to three doctoral students. "Dr. Shepherd's work enhances our profile in the area of Dark Matter exploration significantly," said Professor Matthias Neubert. "His research is based on a new innovative approach and is highly regarded internationally. His presence in Mainz will make it possible for students and postdocs in particular to contribute to the solution of one of the most profound puzzles of modern physics." The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award is the most highly endowed research prize in Germany for early-career scientists. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The work of the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award winner Dr. William Shepherd also forms part of the Mainz-based Cluster of Excellence "Precision Physics, Fundamental Interactions and Structure of Matter" (PRISMA). This program is funded to the tune of EUR 35 million through the current Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments. ### New Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-led research suggests that some workers at industrial hog production facilities are not only carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses, but may also be developing skin infections from these bacteria. The findings are published Nov. 16 in PLOS ONE. "Before this study, we knew that many hog workers were carrying livestock-associated and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in their noses, but we didn't know what that meant in terms of worker health," says study leader Christopher D. Heaney, PhD, an assistant professor at the Bloomberg School's departments of Environmental Health and Engineering, and Epidemiology. "It wasn't clear whether hog workers carrying these bacteria might be at increased risk of infection. This study suggests that carrying these bacteria may not always be harmless to humans." Because the study was small, the researchers say there is a need to confirm the findings, but the results highlight the need to identify ways to protect workers from being exposed to these bacteria on the job, and to take a fresh look at antibiotic use and resistance in food animal production. Hogs are given antibiotics in order to grow them more quickly for sale, and the overuse of antibiotics has been linked to the development of bacteria that are resistant to many of the drugs used to treat staph infections. The researchers, involving collaborators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help in Warsaw, NC, and the Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, enrolled 103 hog workers in North Carolina and 80 members of their households (either children or other adults) to have their noses swabbed to determine whether they were carrying strains of S. aureus in their nasal passages. Each person was also shown pictures of skin and soft tissue infections caused by S. aureus and asked if they had developed those symptoms in the previous three months. The researchers found that 45 of 103 hog workers (44 percent) and 31 of 80 household members (39 percent) carried S. aureus in their noses. Nearly half of the S. aureus strains being carried by hog workers were mutidrug-resistant and nearly a third of S. aureus strains being carried by household members were. Six percent of the hog workers and 11 percent of the children who lived with them reported a recent skin and soft tissue infection (no adult household members reported such infections). Those hog workers who carried livestock-associated S. aureus in their noses were five times as likely to have reported a recent skin or soft tissue infection as those who didn't carry those bacteria in their noses. The association was stronger among hog workers who carried multidrug-resistant S. aureus in their noses, who were nearly nine times as likely to have reported a recent skin or soft tissue infection. Multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections can be difficult to treat because the antibiotic drugs that doctors typically prescribe don't work. Researchers are concerned about what might happen if these bacteria develop the capacity to spread more broadly between animals and humans. While the study is small, Heaney says the findings suggest that more work is needed to figure out how to mitigate S. aureus exposure and the risk of infection among workers and to track the extent to which these livestock-associated bacteria may spread into the community at large. Since the study found that those hog workers who never wore protective masks over their nose and mouth were more likely to be carriers of the bacteria than those who did, Heaney says recommendations about wearing personal protective equipment might be prudent. Heaney says 89 percent of the hog workers in the study were Hispanic and that many are likely without health insurance. Studies like this, he says, can help focus on risks to a population that is vulnerable and may otherwise fall through the cracks. According to a Duke University analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, roughly 327,350 people were employed in hog farming in the United States in 2012. Most evidence about the burden of human infections associated with drug-resistant S. aureus nasal colonization comes from studying strains that circulate in hospital settings, where patients are often tested upon admission so that medical staff can take precautions. Less is known about whether generally healthy people in the community, such as hog workers, are at increased risk of developing S. aureus infections. The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria - often called superbugs - is a global crisis according to the World Health Organization and the use of antibiotics in food animal production has been highlighted as an important contributor. Roughly 80 percent of antibiotics sold in the United States are used in animals, with heavy nontherapeutic uses in food animal production. "This issue isn't going away and there are many more research questions that need to be answered," he says. ### "Livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and recent skin and soft tissue infection among industrial hog operation workers" was written by Maya Nadimpalli, Jill R. Stewart, Elizabeth Pierce, Nora Pisanic, David C. Love, Devon Hall, Jesper Larsen, Karen C. Carroll, Tsigereda Tekle, Trish M. Perl and Christopher D. Heaney. Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1K01OH010193-01A1), the Johns Hopkins NIOSH Education and Research Center, the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, the Sherrilyn and Ken Fisher Center for Environmental Infectious Diseases Discovery Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (018HEA2013), the National Science Foundation (1316318), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (5T32ES007141-30), the Royster Society fellowship, an Environmental Protection Agency Science to Achieve Results fellowship the GRACE Communications Foundation and the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1R01AI101371-01A1). PHOENIX -- Researchers at Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing a biomaterial that has potential to protect patients at high risk for bleeding in surgery. The Nov. 16 cover article, "An Injectable Shear-Thinning Biomaterial for Endovascular Embolization," in the journal Science Translational Medicine reports on a universal shear-thinning biomaterial that may provide an alternative for treating vascular bleeding. Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that treats abnormal blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body beginning with a pinhole puncture in the femoral artery. This procedure is accomplished by inserting metallic coils through a catheter into a vessel, which induces clotting to prevent further bleeding. For patients unable to form a clot within the coiled artery or patients on high doses of blood thinners for their mechanical valves or cardiac assist devices, coil embolization could lead to complications, such as breakthrough bleeding, according to the study. Despite its improvement over open surgical procedures, rebleeding after coil embolization is common and can be life-threatening, states the study. The study's lead co-author Rahmi Oklu, M.D., Ph.D., a vascular interventional radiologist at Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus, explains shear-thinning biomaterial offers many advantages over metallic coils, the current gold standard. "Coils require your body's ability to create a clot in order to create that occlusion. Our shear-thinning biomaterial, regardless of how anticoagulated the patient may be, will still create that occlusion," says Dr. Oklu, who began researching the shear-thinning biomaterial three years ago while working at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in collaboration with his colleague, Ali Khademhosseini, Ph.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Dr. Oklu says the shear-thinning biomaterial, which can be injected through an endovascular catheter, creates an impenetrable cast of the vessel, preventing further bleeding. This shear-thinning biomaterial is easier to deliver and see on a CT and on MRI, enabling physicians to better assess the outcomes of the procedure, says Dr. Oklu. Research on the shear-thinning biomaterial continues at Mayo Clinic. The goal is to address unmet patient needs, including possible treatment of vascular malformations, varicose veins, aneurysms and traumatic vascular injuries, as well as a drug delivery device in cancer treatment. ### The study's other co-authors are: Hassan Albadawi, Division of Interventional Radiology, Mayo Clinic; Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Reginald Avery, Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University Yu Shrike Zhang, Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, and Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michael Duggan, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Dushyant Sahani, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School Bradley Olsen, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ali Khademhosseini, Biomaterials Innovation Research Center, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Harvard- Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Sloan Foundation. Dr. Oklu has a financial interest related to the technology referenced in this news release. About Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/. After Hurricane Sandy rocked the U.S. East Coast in 2012, the New York City government set out to repair the city -- and asked for NASA's help. The mayor's office didn't want NASA scientists out there with hammers or hard hats. Instead, they asked for information to include in their blueprints on how climate change, specifically increased risk of flooding, will affect the nation's most populous city. "The city is not only repairing the city to the current risks of coastal flooding, but also reflecting future projections of coastal flooding due to rising global sea levels," said Cynthia Rosenzweig, head of the Climate Impacts Group at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City. "Our projections from NASA's and other climate models and data are actually used in the city's guidelines for renovations and rebuilding after the hurricane." It isn't just New York City that's interested in these questions about the local impacts of climate change. More than 4,000 miles away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the city's leaders were looking to address a similar climate question: How can they prepare for the effects of climate change on their city? Now, researchers and city officials from two of the world's major metropolises, New York City and Rio de Janeiro, are coming together to share their insights and solutions to mitigate against specific climate risks afflicting both their cities -- sea level rise, increased temperatures and changes in water quality. The gathering will be an in-depth training workshop where researchers can share the utility of NASA satellite data and climate models as well as how they are working with various city governments. The workshop takes place this week at GISS with participants from GISS, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; the Urban Climate Change Research Network at Columbia University, New York; Rio de Janeiro City Hall; and the NYC Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency. A public educational webinar discussing how the city of Rio de Janeiro is responding to the challenge of monitoring water quality and addressing sea-level rise will take place on Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. EST. Similar Risks in Similar Cities "Cities are stepping up to be the first responders to climate change risks around the world," said Rosenzweig, who currently serves as the co-chair for the New York City Panel on Climate Change convened by the city's mayor. Rosenzweig studies the effect of climate change in cities and urban areas and also helps lead the Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN). Based at the Columbia University Earth Institute in New York City, the UCCRN consists of more than 750 researchers and practitioners around the world, with regional hubs across the world including a hub in Rio de Janeiro. The UCCRN team hopes to replicate these collaborative workshops with other cities in the network such as Paris; Canberra, Australia; Philadelphia; and Shanghai. Across the globe, many cities are facing similar climate risks. Coastal cities like New York City and Rio de Janeiro are most susceptible to sea level rise. Sea level rise is influenced by several factors: the melting of ice, thermal expansion of ocean water, and the movement of local ocean currents and melting of glaciers in the polar regions, to name a few. "It's a big science challenge to project sea level rise for any given city because we have to take all of those factors into account," Rosenzweig said. "It will be helpful to exchange methods on how we do sea level rise projections and how the scientists in Rio project sea level." Cities are also urban heat islands, a phenomenon in which the center of the city is warmer than the surrounding regions, placing stressful conditions on people who live there. Cities tend to be warmer because city infrastructure, such as buildings, tends to absorb more radiation. They also have less vegetation for evapotranspiration and emit more heat. Researchers will show how the heat content in cities can be monitored through tools such as the joint NASA and U.S. Geological Survey's Landsat 8 satellite. Lastly, municipalities also need to maintain acceptable water quality for their inhabitants. Runoff from agriculture and urban sewage can result in elevated nutrients in rivers and streams. An excess of nutrients can cause enhanced phytoplankton growth, known as eutrophication. Localized changes in phytoplankton populations can drastically affect the food chain, water clarity and human health. Human-induced eutrophication can have tremendous impact on fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. For many water quality improvement programs, scientists need to be able to monitor the aquatic conditions such as water clarity, how much sediment is present and phytoplankton amounts. At the workshop, scientists will share how these important parameters can be observed by satellite instruments such as NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and sensors on the Aqua satellite and the Operational Land Imager (OLI) aboard the Landsat 8 satellite. "For Rio de Janeiro, this partnership is very important because it will bring us new knowledge about the city and add new techniques and methodologies. It is also gratifying to be recognized as a partner by such an important scientific agency," said Luiz Roberto Arueira, director of city information at Pereira Passos Institute in the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and a key player in developing a relationship between NASA and the city of Rio de Janeiro. Back in December 2015, NASA entered into a formal partnership with the City of Rio de Janeiro for sharing Earth-observing data and methods, but this will be the first larger in-person gathering. Several researchers from Pereira Passos Institute from Rio City Hall will be attending the workshop. The Pereira Passos Institute is responsible for strategic planning, public policy integration and mapping. Additionally, New York City officials will participate in a roundtable discussion to talk about what science information is useful when they are making city policies. The workshop is co-led by the Urban Climate Change Research Network (UCCRN), whose hub in Rio will help to spread the knowledge gained to other cities in Brazil and Latin America. "This is science in action. It connects researchers in NASA and Rio de Janeiro working on these challenging environmental issues with the people who are in the city's government and actually involved in making guidelines and rules," said Dalia Kirschbaum, a scientist at NASA Goddard who is helping lead the Rio de Janeiro partnership. ### Charter schools - particularly middle and high schools - enroll a larger share of girls than do traditional public schools, in part because boys are more likely to exit charter schools, finds a new study by New York University researchers. The study, published in the journal Educational Policy, is the first to examine gender differences in charter school enrollment. "As the charter school sector has grown, so has the gender gap with traditional public schools," said study author Sean Corcoran, associate professor of economics and education policy at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and co-interim director of the NYU Institute for Education and Social Policy. "This gap seems to be a function of both more girls choosing to enroll in charter schools and boys being less likely to stay in these schools." Research has examined whether students in charter schools differ from those in traditional public schools with respect to prior achievement, special education, or English learner status, but until now, it has overlooked gender differences. In order to study the gender gap in enrollment between charters and non-charter schools, Corcoran and NYU's Jennifer Jennings looked at more than a decade of data for all public schools in the U.S., including charters (from the 1999-2000 school year to 2010-2011). The researchers found that charter schools enroll a modestly larger share of girls than do traditional public schools serving the same communities - approximately 1.9 percentage points more (50.7 percent in charters versus 48.8 percent in traditional public schools, in 2010-2011). This gap was largest in high school, peaking at 3.1 percentage points in 11th grade. The gender gap also widened over the period studied, more than doubling from 1999-2000 to 2010-2011. While these gaps appear small, Corcoran noted that they are only slightly smaller than the gaps in English learner and special education status, which have commanded far greater attention from policymakers. The researchers were unable to fully explain why the gender gap existed between charter and traditional public schools, but highlighted a number of reasons why charter schools might enroll more girls than boys. "Girls may be more likely to apply to charter schools because of differences in curriculum and program offerings. The finding of larger gaps in middle and high school suggests a student's own interest in attending charter schools may be an important factor," Corcoran said. "Gender differences in educational needs and behavior may also play a role," said Jennings, associate professor of sociology at NYU and the study's coauthor. Jennings and Corcoran found the gender gap in charter enrollment was larger in KIPP charter schools, which tend to adhere to strict "no excuses" academic and behavioral expectations, which may present a greater challenge for boys. The gender gap in KIPP schools was nearly 50 percent larger than other charter schools (2.9 versus 1.9 percent). The researchers also examined whether rates of retention differed between boys and girls and whether this could explain the gender gaps they saw in the national data. In order to do this, they looked at data for all students in grades 3 through 12 who attended North Carolina public and charter schools between 2005-2006 and 2010-2011. This statewide dataset followed students across grades and between schools, allowing the researchers to get a better sense of attrition patterns. Both boys and girls were both more likely to leave charter schools than traditional public schools. However, boys were more likely than girls to exit charters at every grade level, by as much as 1 to 3 percentage points more per year, with larger gaps in the upper grades. The researchers concluded that the higher attrition among boys was not enough to explain the full gender gap between charter and traditional schools in North Carolina, suggesting that the gap begins when students - more girls - initially enroll in charter schools. "Our study suggests that preferences for certain education environments, combined with the ability to succeed in these environments, may drive gender gaps in charter school enrollment," said Jennings. ### About the Institute for Education and Social Policy The Institute for Education and Social Policy at NYU conducts non-partisan scientific research about U.S. education and related social policy issues to help inform educational institutions and policymakers. The Institute, a part of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, was founded in 1995 as a partnership between Steinhardt, the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. About the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, media, and psychology. Since its founding in 1890, the Steinhardt School's mission has been to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. To learn more about NYU Steinhardt, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu. Environmental DNA in seawater samples may provide accurate information about deepwater fish populations, according to a study published November 16, 2016 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Philip Francis Thomsen from the Centre for GeoGenetics at the Danish Natural History Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues. Fish in remote polar and deepwater habitats are threatened by climate change and increased fishing efforts, making it important to monitor populations. However, monitoring can be logistically difficult and currently depends on invasive techniques such as bottom trawling and unreliable reports of catches. Less invasive, more reliable monitoring techniques are therefore needed. To address this need, Thomsen and colleagues assessed an alternative monitoring technique which relies on sequencing environmental DNA (eDNA) in seawater samples. They collected seawater samples at sites off Southwest Greenland, at varying depths between 188 and 918 meters, sequencing the DNA in these samples to determine the fish species present. They compared these results to catch data obtained by simultaneous trawling at each site. Thomsen and colleagues found that data on fish biomass and abundance was correlated with eDNA sequence abundance. Twenty-six families of fish, including rays and halibut, were identified by both trawling and environmental DNA techniques, compared to just two families found only in trawling and three found only in eDNA. Environmental DNA sampling also detected a higher abundance of the Greenland Shark than trawling did, which may indicate that the technique can effectively detect large fish which may evade trawling nets. Environmental DNA sampling will need to undergo further testing to determine its effectiveness as a monitoring technique. Nonetheless, the authors state their study demonstrates how eDNA could be used in non-invasive monitoring, for commercial fishing as well as to assess the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of these remote ecosystems. ### In your coverage please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0165252 Citation: Thomsen PF, Mller PR, Sigsgaard EE, Knudsen SW, Jrgensen OA, Willerslev E (2016) Environmental DNA from Seawater Samples Correlate with Trawl Catches of Subarctic, Deepwater Fishes. PLoS ONE 11(11): e0165252. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0165252 Funding: Danish National Research Foundation funded the work. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland Self-government, Department for education and research funded the work. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Seattle, November 16, 2016 --Self-injection of the contraceptive Sayana Press is both feasible and highly acceptable among women participating in the first such research study conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, according to results published online by the journal Contraception. Sayana Press is an all-in-one injectable contraceptive that puts control of women's health in their hands. It is a subcutaneous formulation of the widely used injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) delivered in the PATH-developed Uniject injection system. "This pioneering research is important not only for the women of Uganda, but for all women," says Professor Dr. Anthony K. Mbonye, Acting Director General, Health Services, Ministry of Health, and co-investigator of the study. "The evidence that women can self-inject safely and successfully can help inform family planning program decision-making in countries around the world." In low- and middle-income regions of the world, nearly 225 million women want to plan their pregnancies but don't have access to a method that meets the reality of their lives. Expanding access to new contraceptive options such as Sayana Press can improve health and save lives by allowing women to delay or space their births. "Many women don't have the power to plan their families, because health centers are far away or partners refuse to support them to use contraceptives," explains Fiona Walugembe, PATH's Sayana Press coordinator in Uganda. "Self-injection gives women an additional option that increases both convenience and privacy." Sayana Press combines one dose of the contraceptive and a single-use needle in the Uniject device. Its streamlined design makes it small, light, and easy to use. It requires minimal training to use, making it especially suitable for community-based distribution--and for women to administer themselves through self-injection. Provider-administered Sayana Press is being offered as a family planning option in several countries around the world, including Uganda. Sayana Press is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. and Uniject is manufactured by BD. PATH first developed the Uniject injection system in the 1980s to make injections simpler and safer in low-resource settings. PATH and the Uganda Ministry of Health collected the newly published results to determine if Ugandan women liked the option and could inject themselves successfully, remember their reinjection dates, and safely store and dispose of the device--evidence critical for family planning decision-makers in low-income countries considering integration of self-injection in their programs. In the Uganda study, 380 women between the ages of 18 and 45 were trained by licensed nurses to self-inject Sayana Press, guided by a client instruction booklet. Those considered to be competent (98 percent) were given a Sayana Press device, instruction booklet, and reinjection calendar for self-injection at home three months later. Shortly after the participants' scheduled reinjection dates, nurses visited participants at home to learn whether they had reinjected on time and to observe their self-injection technique on a model. At this follow-up, 88 percent of participants demonstrated injection competence and 98 percent of those who self-injected expressed the desire to continue self-injecting. A similar study in Senegal was just completed. The studies build on previous self-injection research conducted in the United States and Europe. Self-injection of Sayana Press has been approved by the United Kingdom Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and is under regulatory review in several other countries. While these approvals open the door for introduction of self-injection, further evidence is needed to guide family planning program decisions. Dr. Jane Cover, PATH Sayana Press Research Manager, puts the new Uganda study results in context: "Regulatory approval is necessary but not sufficient to make a new product or practice available to people in communities," she explains. "We have heard clearly from ministries of health in several African countries that they want more evidence on whether and how self-injection would work in their contexts. That evidence is starting to emerge with these first promising results from Uganda." Sayana Press injections are already widely available from family planning providers in many countries. For example, since 2014, nearly 500,000 doses of Sayana Press have been provided by health workers through country-led pilot introductions in Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Uganda, coordinated by PATH. These four countries are now moving forward with scale-up of provider-administered Sayana Press in their national family planning programs. Given the successful introduction of Sayana Press administered by community health workers and these promising self-injection research results, the Uganda Ministry of Health has begun offering Sayana Press self-injection as an option for women in Uganda's Mubende District--the first time the practice has been available in sub-Saharan Africa outside of a research setting. This month, PATH and the Mubende District Health Team trained approximately 100 health care providers at public-sector facilities to teach clients how to self-inject. The providers will offer Sayana Press as one family planning option, either by administering the injection or supporting clients to self-inject, according to their preference. The Uganda Ministry of Health and PATH hope to expand self-injection in the country in 2017. Sayana Press and Depo-Provera are registered trademarks of Pfizer Inc. Uniject is a trademark of BD. ### About PATH PATH is the leader in global health innovation. An international nonprofit organization, PATH saves lives and improves health, especially among women and children. PATH accelerates innovation across five platforms--vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations--that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, PATH takes innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. With these key partners, PATH delivers measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health. Learn more at http://www.path.org. Patients with chronic lung disease living in deprived areas are more likely to be malnourished than those from wealthier postcodes, a QUT study has found. The study, published in the Clinical Nutrition journal, assessed 424 outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung conditions including persistent bronchitis and emphysema that make it difficult to empty air out of the lungs because airways have been damaged. The patients, from a large city hospital and smaller rural hospital in the UK, were screened for malnutrition risk and their level of deprivation was assessed according to the UK Government's index of multiple deprivation. Released on World COPD Day (NOVEMBER 16), the study found 22 per cent of COPD patients were at risk of malnutrition, with those from more deprived areas significantly more likely to be at risk. . Dr Peter Collins, from QUT's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, led the research with colleagues from the University of Southampton in the UK. "Deprivation was greater among the COPD outpatients at the larger city hospital and 28 per cent of those patients were malnourished, compared to 17 per cent at the smaller hospital in a more affluent area," Dr Collins said. "This study suggests for the first time that deprivation is one of the strongest predictors of malnutrition risk in COPD outpatients." COPD is incurable and affects more than 1.45 million Australians. The direct cost of COPD to the Australian healthcare system is estimated to be $900 million and previous research by the QUT group found malnutrition in Australian COPD patients was associated with longer hospital stays and increased hospital costs. Dr Collins said poor nutrition is a key driver for poor outcomes for patients with COPD. "We already know people in deprived areas are more likely to get COPD. But now we know those people with COPD living in more deprived areas are also more likely to suffer malnutrition," he said. "Social inequality in health has been an area of interest for governments around the world for decades. It is of course unfair for people to be more susceptible to illness because of their postcode and this research indicates where they live also predicts their risk of malnutrition". "Clinicians must consider social deprivation when devising nutritional management plans for COPD patients." ### By India Today Web Desk: 10 modifications in PM Modi's demonetisation move to help the needy Several changes have been made in the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to crack down on corruption and counterfeit currency. Catches win matches, Kohli reminds fielders ahead of Vizag Test Alastair Cook was dropped twice in the first two overs while 19-year-old debutant opener Haseeb Hameed also got a reprieve, all three chances going down in the first hour of the Rajkot Test. advertisement How Modi, Putin saved a $13 billion deal Essar signed with Russian oil giant Involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have salvaged a deal between Essar and Rosneft after Saudi Arabia firm weighed in. How Aaradhya's birth was the beginning of our obsession with star kids Even as Aaradhya's aunt Shweta Nanda complains that her daughter Navya Naveli Nanda's private life is splashed all over tabloids, we cannot help but go back to Aaradhya's birth, the event which triggered the media craze around star kids. --- ENDS --- New research has found that nurse-led medicines' monitoring can prevent serious adverse side effects of medicines prescribed to people with mental health problems and previously unnoticed health problems in patients can also be recognized and treated, which can help save lives and improve quality of life. The research published in the Nursing Standard found that people with mental health problems benefitted from medicines' monitoring by nurses using Profiles developed in Swansea University and rolling out such monitoring to the National Health Service (NHS) could benefit patient health and wellbeing. Professor Sue Jordan of Swansea University and Richard Jones of the Hywel Dda University Health Board reported on their study involving people supported at home by mental health crisis teams. They found that Profile-driven, nurse-led monitoring helped in the earlier identification of serious, potentially life-threatening, side effects or Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) to mental health medicines, including heart problems and abdominal pain (pancreatitis). Over a period of a month the Profiles found previously unreported potentially life-threatening problems in 2 of 20 patients and unmet needs in all patients. They also found: three needed to be referred to consultant psychiatrists, three needed to be referred to general practitioners, One patient needed an ECG, urgently One patient needed to be referred to a dentist four participants needed medicines to be discontinued Previously neglected health promotion issues were highlighted in all patients Now the researchers are calling for introduction of medicines' monitoring Profiles throughout Health Boards and Trusts. Professor Sue Jordan who led the study and earlier research in care homes said: "The reason why we want Health Boards and Trusts to adopt medicines monitoring, and what really matters to us, is that that when our Profiles were used, fewer care home residents experienced pain and sedation, and problems with balance, confusion, restlessness, nausea and eating were addressed. Our monitoring Profiles also identify early signs of heart problems and allow nurses to work with prescribers to get the best doses of the best medicines for patients in community mental health. Rolling out this monitoring in the NHS would be an obvious benefit to patients." Existing research has found that people suffering from severe and enduring mental health problems are at increased risk of physical illnesses such as strokes, diabetes and coronary heart disease and have a lower life expectancy than the general population. Research has also found that know that Adverse Drug Reactions, or ADRs, are responsible for 5-8% of unplanned UK hospital admissions and annually costs the NHS 1-2.5 billion. Professor Jordan said "It is clear that the poor reporting of common ADRs results in needless human and financial cost. This study, and previous studies, show that nurse-led medicines' monitoring is an under-researched area of healthcare, but has improved patient outcomes and embedding this into routine practice would improve patient safety." Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) Affect 7.8% patients in the community (Hakkarainen et al 2013) 3.7% of admissions are drug-related and, with monitoring, preventable (international systematic review of 13 studies) (Howard et al. 2007) Of 10 cases, 9 fatal, of substandard care, 2 relate to failure to monitor prescribed olanzapine and NSAIDs (Health Service Commissioner 2011) 4% of UK hospital bed capacity and 6.5% admissions are due to ADRs (1223/18820), 72% avoidable (Pirmohamed et al. 2004) 10 years later the position has not changed and 5-8% unplanned hospital admissions are due to preventable ADRs (NICE 2015) ADR Costs 1-2.5bn annually to NHS [Frontier economics 2014] ### White identity had virtually no meaning for a group of white males in a new study by a University of Arizona researcher, and such individuals largely ignored or downplayed issues of race and instances of reported racism. Nolan L. Cabrera, an associate professor in the UA's Center for the Study of Higher Education, also found that the men rarely had meaningful moments or experiences that would contribute to positive racial perspective during their undergraduate years. Cabrera presented his research findings in a paper, "An Unexamined Life: White Male College Students on What It Means to Be White," during the 41st annual Association for the Study of Higher Education conference, which was held Nov. 9-12 in Columbus, Ohio. His project received funding from the Spencer Foundation and National Academy of Education. For the study, Cabrera interviewed 62 politically diverse college-age males, asking them questions about what it means to be white, and how they defined and experienced white culture. "During these conversations with white men, 'white' was a relatively meaningless social category," said Cabrera, who is teaching "Whiteness in Education" during the spring semester. "The time that 'white' had a substantive meaning to them was when they felt racially marginalized, or when they experienced 'reverse racism,' which is largely a myth." Reverse racism omits the interplay of privilege and power, Cabrera said. "Racial privilege does not make white people bad. Rather, it's reflective of the systemic realities of contemporary racism," Cabrera said. Yet, the men he interviewed either did not understand this or could not conceptualize it. "The biggest problem is that we tend to individualize race and racism and turn the discussion into 'good/bad' or 'racist/non-racist' dichotomies," Cabrera said. "Rather, the study of whiteness in this instance focuses on actions, beliefs and experiences, and contextualizing them within the larger systemic reality of contemporary racism." Thus, the men were overwhelmingly dismissive of evidence that race and gender shaped people's lived experiences, Cabrera said. They also tended to report that other people who had negative, racially based experiences were likely unable to acculturate or overstated the prevalence of racism, he found. This led Cabrera to the concept that these men were leading an "unexamined life," one in which they had not developed a critical self-awareness. In an earlier study, Cabrera and his collaborators found that a level of racial discomfort can actually be beneficial in aiding a person in personal growth, but white men are effectively able to avoid such discomfort. "Racial ignorance does not just create a lack of self-awareness, but it also leads to a number of racist behaviors," Cabrera said. In a different study, Cabrera found that 90 percent of the white men interviewed either used or heard the N-word regularly. "They tended not to think there was anything wrong with it because, in their views, 'the meaning had changed.' That is, the N-word was no longer seen as being racist," Cabrera said. "But the bulk of people who supported that view were other white men." This example points to a sort of coupling effect - conversations about racism and racial marginalization cannot occur without critical discussion about racial privilege, Cabrera said. "However, in higher education, we tend to only focus on the minority side of the coin. Racial minorities cannot be experiencing a hostile campus climate if there is not a group doing the marginalizing in the first place," Cabrera said. "If we only focus on minority communities, we have an effect, which is racial marginalization, without a cause, which is white privilege," he said. "We need to understand both sides to paint a more holistic picture of the nature of contemporary racism." ### Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a UBC study has found. "Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce the use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication," says the study's lead investigator Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at UBC's Okanagan campus. This comprehensive systematic review of research on the medical cannabis use and mental health also found some evidence that cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis. "In reviewing the limited evidence on medical cannabis, it appears that patients and others who have advocated for cannabis as a tool for harm reduction and mental health have some valid points," says Walsh. Walsh and his team systematically reviewed all studies of medical cannabis and mental health, as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use--making the review one of the most comprehensive reports to date on the effects of medical cannabis on mental health. With legalization of marijuana possible as early as next year in Canada, its important to identify ways to help mental health professional move beyond stigma to better understand the risk and benefits of cannabis is increasingly important, adds Walsh. "There is not currently a lot of clear guidance on how mental health professionals can best work with people who are using cannabis for medical purposes," says Walsh. "With the end of prohibition, telling people to simply stop using may no longer be as feasible an option. Knowing how to consider cannabis in the treatment equation will become a necessity." ### Walsh's research was conducted with UBC's Michelle Thiessen, Kim Crosby and Chris Carroll, Raul Gonzalez from Florida State University, and Marcel Bonn-Miller from the National Centre for PTSD and Center for Innovation and Implementation in California. The study was recently published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review. A synthetic version of a rare toxin produced by a sea creature appears to hold promise for treating many different types of cancer while minimizing the harmful side effects of widely used chemotherapy drugs. A study published today in the journal Science Translational Medicine describes research on a substance called diazonamide, which prevents cell division, and was isolated from a marine animal called Diazona angulata. Led by Patrick Harran, UCLA's Donald J. and Jane M. Cram Professor of Organic Chemistry, researchers produced a synthetic form of diazonamide that, in rodents, appears to be effective in fighting breast cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. The compound the scientists synthesized, DZ-2384, is more potent and lasts longer in the bloodstream than natural diazonamide. And, when combined with a chemotherapy drug called gemcitabine (which is marketed under the brand name Gemzar), the compound is effective in rodents for combating advanced pancreatic cancer. DZ-2384 works by disrupting a molecular machine called the mitotic spindle, which the cell uses to pull replicated chromosomes apart during division. There are numerous compounds that affect spindle function, including several FDA-approved cancer drugs. These agents, which are called anti-mitotics, have a typical pattern of toxicity associated with their use. DZ-2384 is an anti-mitotic that behaves differently. In the study, researchers implanted or grew tumors in hundreds of rodents as models for various types of human cancer. They found that in animals receiving DZ-2384, tumors shrank as much as or more than when a conventional anti-mitotic was used, but with much less toxicity at effective doses. Animals receiving DZ-2384 also had markedly less peripheral neuropathy -- a type of debilitating nerve pain that often affects humans who take anti-mitotic drugs -- than those that received docetaxel, a conventional anti-mitotic. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the chief side effects of anti-mitotic chemotherapy, and it's often severe enough that doctors decide to stop administering chemotherapy, at least temporarily, in order to reduce patients' pain. But that's problematic as well, because once treatment is suspended, tumors tend to return, and often in forms that are resistant to drugs. Harran said understanding the unique way DZ-2384 functions in animals wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation of specialists from several fields over the past 15 years. "One piece of the puzzle after another came into place over time," Harran said. "Now, we have the chemistry, the biochemistry, the structural biology, the pharmacology and toxicology. We have a deep understanding of what this drug is doing." Harran believes the research could ultimately help large numbers of people with cancer, and he expects human clinical trials to begin within two years. "We have good reason to expect that human clinical trials of DZ-2384 will show that, at doses effective for treating a person's cancer, there will be much less risk of the peripheral neuropathy that can force clinicians to stop treatment," he said. How the study began Harran began his work with diazonamides as a fundamental chemistry research problem. In 1991, a study by other researchers described the toxin, which they had isolated from Diazona angulata. But when Harran and his team synthesized the chemical structure described in the published report, they discovered that it was not actually diazonamide. In 2001, Harran and colleagues published a study that corrected the chemical structure of diazonamide, and two years later they had synthesized the true structure in their lab. Next, they began studying what the molecule might be doing to block cells from dividing, and in 2007, they discovered that the synthetic diazonamides they had produced minimized undesirable toxic effects that are commonly associated with chemotherapy. Specifically, the synthetic forms of diazonamide had an unusually large "therapeutic window" -- the dosage range that would produce a desirable effect while minimizing undesirable side effects. In experiment after experiment, Harran said, the researchers found that synthetic diazonamides' therapeutic window was at least 10 times larger than that of traditional anti-mitotic drugs. A key finding In 2015, UCLA senior research associate Hui Ding prepared a special form of DZ-2384 that was engineered with a molecular-scale "tracking device" so scientists could monitor its activity and better understand how it worked. That helped colleagues at Montreal's McGill University -- Anne Roulston, Gordon Shore and Gary Brouhard -- confirm what they had come to suspect, and what others had looked for and failed to find earlier: that the compound binds to a protein called tubulin, which is a building block of mitotic spindles and a common target of anti-mitotic drugs. Armed with this information, researchers at Villigen, Switzerland's Laboratory of Biomolecular Research used a technique called X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the DZ-2384 bound to tubulin. Their work offers a possible explanation for how DZ-2384 could disrupt dynamic tubulin polymers during cell division but spare those polymers in resting cells like neurons in the peripheral nervous system. And that, Harran said, is what appears to allow the compound to attack growing cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells, which can lead to the painful side effects of conventional chemotherapy. "Patrick Harran is one of the most outstanding and creative synthetic organic chemists in the world," said Miguel Garcia-Garibay, dean of the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences and professor of chemistry and biochemistry. "He bridges chemistry and biochemistry by using elegant synthetic chemical strategies to create and study compounds with important biological activity." Those who contributed to the research represent a wide range of expertise, from chemistry, biology and cancer research to neuroscience and pharmacology. Among them are Thomas Wilkie and Rolf Brekkenof UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas; and Michel Steinmetz of the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research. ### The research was partly funded by a sponsored research agreement between UCLA and Diazon Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Montreal-based company that owns the relevant intellectual property and was co-founded by Harran in 2013. Scientists have warned that high hopes for the success of the Paris Agreement could be dashed if lessons aren't learnt from the challenges and experiences of climate monitoring in Europe. The long term success of the Agreement depends on the availability of well-designed and functioning monitoring and review mechanisms, according to a study published today (16 November) in the journal Climate Policy. As the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech draws to a close, researchers from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) stress that, without strong, credible monitoring and transparency procedures, national pledges to address climate change in the spirit of the 2015 Paris Agreement will not build sufficient global trust. The study looks closely at the EU's experience with monitoring national climate policies in order to understand what challenges may arise in ensuring transparency. The EU has one of the most advanced monitoring systems in the world - but it still encounters persistent challenges that, crucially, could jeopardize the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The international community should therefore draw on the EU's valuable experiences and also difficulties in monitoring climate policies in order to develop the practice further. The research identified that the EU's current approach to monitoring climate policies - largely borrowed from monitoring greenhouse gases, which is a vastly different task - has not supported in depth learning and debate on the performance of individual policies. Other important obstacles include political concerns over the costs of reporting, control, and the perceived usefulness of the information produced. Jonas Schoenefeld, the lead author, said: "An important part of the implementation of the Paris Agreement will hinge on whether political actors can muster the leadership in order to successfully navigate monitoring challenges at the international level. The EU's experience shows that incorporating policies into NDCs should be seen as one step in a long journey to better knowledge of climate policies." The 2015 Paris Agreement marked a shift towards countries making emission reduction pledges known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and a new Transparency Framework (Article 13) requiring regular progress reports on pledges to address climate change. While the quick ratification of the Paris Agreement is a sign that the international community is eager to make progress, setting up a strong and effective transparency framework requires hard work for years to come. Mr Schoenefeld stressed that the willingness of countries to remain engaged is vital: "A key strength of the Paris Agreement is that so many countries are part of it and are willing to engage. Disengagement or even withdrawal could therefore imperil the whole Agreement and have grave ramifications for the set-up of a strong monitoring system." Prof Mikael Hilden from the Finnish Environment Institute, who co-authored the study, said: "Monitoring is probably the most underestimated challenge in implementing the Paris Agreement. In the past, it has been seen as a technical, data gathering task. We show that it is anything but a mere reporting exercise." Prof Andrew Jordan from the Tyndall Centre, co-author, said: "Implementing more advanced monitoring at the international level will require substantial political efforts, resources, and leadership. In order to justify such investments to the public, care needs to be taken to ensure that monitoring information is used effectively to improve policy, rather than as a weapon to lay blame when things slip." 'The challenges of monitoring national climate policy: learning lessons from the EU' will be published in the journal Climate Policy, on 16 November 2017. ### Experts are warning of a significant increase in the number of people in the UK who are living with invasive and serious fungal diseases that affect the lungs, bloodstream and brain and can sometimes lead to death. While invasive fungal infections were estimated by the Health Protection Agency in 2006 a new report is the first comprehensive attempt to capture how many people in the UK suffer from fungal asthma. Asthma in adults is common in the UK with over 4 million reported cases, and researchers in Manchester believe as many as 300,000 of them are affected by fungal asthma. The research from the National Aspergillosis Centre based at The University of Manchester - is published by the British Infection Association. Fungal asthma is such a big problem because the UK has one of the highest rates of asthma internationally. The range of estimate reflects uncertainty as no community study has ever been done, despite the large number affected. Asthmatics allergic to and exposed to higher amounts of fungi that they breathe in usually have poor asthma control and require steroid boosters. Antifungal therapy benefits these people, and may prevent deaths from asthma, doctors believe. Invasive aspergillosis is the commonest missed infectious diagnosis in intensive care in the UK. It is always fatal without therapy and affects from 3,288 to 4,257 patients each year, most undiagnosed. Treated invasive aspergillosis has a 30-85 per cent mortality depending on the patient group. Dr Bradford Winters in 2012 analysed deaths in intensive care, and invasive aspergillosis was the commonest missed infectious diagnosis. Pneumocystis pneumonia has been increasing, especially in the non-HIV group, and probably affects over 500 annually. 15-50 per cent of these patients die, even if treated. Although 1,700 cases of Candida bloodstream infections are reported annually, the actual estimate of tissue invasive cases in hospitalised and critically ill people is 5,124. This carries a ~45% mortality, if diagnosed and treated. A Health Protection Agency report from 2006 estimated that ~66 per cent of those who die of fungal infection could have been saved with faster recognition and rapid diagnosis. Experts believe rarer infections and antifungal resistant infections are probably on the increase, including Candida auris and multi-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus derived from the environment. The University of Manchester's Professor David Denning Director of the National Aspergillosis Centre, explained: "While the UK is rich in data sources, there is a remarkable poverty of contemporary studies of fungal diseases. An accurate estimate of total burden will ultimately rely on improved diagnostic testing and laboratory reporting. "This report gets us closer to true burden of fungal diseases in the UK - necessary for improved diagnosis and reducing death. The scale of the 'fungal asthma' problem is staggering, and potentially remediable with antifungal therapy, as I know from treating hundreds of affected patients," he added. The paper, 'Estimating the burden of invasive and Q13 serious fungal disease in the United Kingdom' M. Pegorie, D.W. Denning, W. Welfare will be published in the Journal of Infection. ### ANN ARBOR, Mich. - No patient who just got out of the hospital wants to end up there again soon. Whoever's paying their hospital bills doesn't want that either. That's why the Medicare system has started penalizing hospitals with the highest readmission rates for certain conditions. But a new study suggests that unlike hospital gowns, such penalties should not be one-size-fits-all. In fact, the study shows, certain social, economic, disability and personal-care factors can make a major difference in the readmission risk of people who were recently hospitalized for heart failure, pneumonia or a heart attack. And the factors that make the most difference vary greatly from condition to condition, and are largely not something a hospital can change through treatment. For instance, pneumonia patients who already had trouble with multiple tasks like getting dressed or cooking food, or who needed paid help at home, before their hospital stay were the most likely of all pneumonia patients to be readmitted in the first 30 days after a hospitalization, the study shows. But for patients with heart failure, that kind of functional difficulty didn't matter as much as money, family and race. Those who had a higher wealth level or adult children had a much lower chance of readmission -- while simply being African American increased the risk of another hospital stay. And for heart attack survivors, the most important factors boosting their chance of readmission were whether they had been in a nursing home before their hospital stay, and whether their hospital cared for a high percentage of minority patients. The results, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, come from a team from the University of Michigan Medical School and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. They used data from the Health and Retirement Study, based at the U-M Institute for Social Research, and from Medicare, and looked at 10 measures of disability and what are called "social determinants of health". A model to inform change The resulting model of readmission risk they developed could be used to predict a patient's chances of readmission, and prompt hospitals to offer extra support such as transportation and home visits. At the same time, it could give the agency that runs Medicare a new tool for determining which hospitals truly have high readmission rates given the patients they treat. Currently, Medicare adjusts its penalties based only on how sick a hospital's patients are; the more severely ill, the lower the penalty. The research team started with the existing Medicare adjustments and then added the patient's social determinants of health to assess their incremental value. But the new study looks at factors that the hospital can't control, such as patients' race, education, income, social and family support, difficulty taking care of themselves, and what environment they return to after a hospital stay. Such factors have emerged in other research as crucial to a patient's overall chance of a good outcome. But they've never been studied for how their impact upon readmission risk may vary among people with the same reason for their initial hospitalization. "The relationship between socioeconomic status, functional status and use of health care is not a simple or straightforward as people might think," says Jennifer Meddings, M.D., M.Sc., first author of the new paper and an assistant professor of internal medicine at U-M. "The impact is different depending on condition. We hope these findings will inform future adjustments in the models for readmission." Penalize or reward? Meddings notes that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs Medicare and pays for the care of tens of millions of seniors and seriously disabled people, has opened the door for socioeconomic status to be considered in its programs. The National Academy of Sciences has convened a committee to evaluate evidence on the topic, and present it to CMS. "In many ways, hospitals these days are being held accountable for the failures of the social safety net, as policies have been developed and implemented to evaluate the performance of hospitals and tie payment to that," says Meddings. "As these programs are refined, understanding the impact of social determinants of health will be crucial." Accounting for the social determinants of health that could be helping or hurting a hospital's specific patient population could go two ways, she notes. Factoring these issues in to reduce or increase penalties is one way. But another would be to provide additional payment for the services that hospitals don't typically get paid for, such as hiring social workers to connect patients with social services and resources that can help them avoid another hospital stay. Patients who are "dual eligible" - old or disabled enough for Medicare, and poor enough for Medicaid - present a special challenge. The new study looked at Medicaid status but the sample size wasn't large enough to determine if it played a role in readmission risk. Meddings sees hope for using social determinants of health and disability level in health care payment, based on the fact that many of these measures are now captured in electronic medical records when a person arrives at a hospital or when they're being prepared to leave. CMS has traditionally used Medicare claims data - how much the hospital billed the system - but mining EHR data could prove fruitful if it can be done in a standard way, Meddings says. But, she notes, just knowing that a patient has a spouse or adult children doesn't show how helpful those family members will be to the patient. Meddings and her colleagues have started studying this same issue in Medicare patients who have had a joint replacement, since CMS has begun penalizing hospitals for high readmissions after a hip or knee replacement operation. ### In addition to Meddings, the study's authors are Heidi Reichert, M.A., Shawna N. Smith, Ph.D., Theodore Iwashyna, M.D., Ph.D., Kenneth Langa, M.D., Ph.D., Timothy Hofer, M.D., M.Sc., and senior author Laurence McMahon, Jr., M.D., MPH, the chief of the Division of General Medicine in the U-M Department of Internal Medicine who also holds an appointment in the Department of Health Management and Policy in the School of Public Health. Meddings also holds an appointment in the U-M Department of Pediatrics, and Smith, Iwashyna and Langa hold appointments at ISR. The study was funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ( HS018334, HS019767) and the HRS is funded by the National Institute on Aging (AG009740). Reference: J. Gen Internal Med DOI: 10.1007/s11606-016-3869-x http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11606-016-3869-x PITTSBURGH--The University of Pittsburgh and biopharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. have announced a partnership to develop a computational model that will help identify the drivers of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and related brain diseases and enable researchers to better understand and treat the diseases. Kayhan Batmanghelich, assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Pitt's School of Medicine, will be the principal investigator in the one-year study. The goal of the study is to develop a statistical model that relates abnormal anatomical variations of brain structure to the underlying genetic markers of the diseases in order to develop an algorithm that explains causal relationships between such heterogeneous data, and to be able to use the method in similar settings for precision medicine. In addition to the genotype data, measurements from magnetic resonance brain images will be used to characterize abnormal brain variations. "By studying brain images and relating the variations of each brain region to the genetics and clinical observations of patients, we provide deeper insight about the underlying biology of the diseases," said Batmanghelich. The study will use the publicly available datasets of ADNI (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative) and private datasets of the GENUS (Genetics of Endophenotypes of Neurofunction to Understand Schizophrenia) Consortium, both of which contain images, genetic information, biological information, and clinical observations of patients, to develop software that can be used to associate the images with gene patterns. "The exciting thing about this type of translational research with Pfizer is that it expands the research impact of what we do at Pitt, inclusively involves participation across our campus, and meets the core missions of both our University and industry partner," said Donald Taylor, assistant vice chancellor for commercial translation in the health sciences at Pitt. "Discovering the relationship between the disease status and the results of imaging and genetic positions to search for undiscovered variables in images and DNA also leverages our core commercial translation themes in precision medicine, brain health, and digital health. We wouldn't be able to do this specific research without an industry partner, and we're thrilled to have Pfizer's collaboration." ### New York (November 16, 2016) - An acoustic buoy recently deployed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and WCS's (Wildlife Conservation Society) New York Aquarium is making its first near real-time detections of two rare great whale species in the New York Bight, including the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. On November 14th, the hi-tech buoy named "Melville" detected the telltale "up call" of the North Atlantic right whale, one of the world's highly endangered whale species that numbers only 500 individual animals. It is the second detection of a North Atlantic right whale made by the buoy since October 26th. The acoustic buoy made another rare find on October 31st with the detection of a sei whale, a species that grows up to 65 feet in length and is rarely observed in New York waters. North Atlantic right whales are particularly vulnerable to getting hit by ships, so any information on the whereabouts of these animals along the coast is important. Researchers from WCS and WHOI report that the North Atlantic right whale detected on October 26th was outside of the New York Harbor Seasonal Management Area (SMA), one of a series of zones along the eastern seaboard established to protect the slow-swimming whales with boat speed restrictions during their migration periods. Vessel speed restrictions for the mid-Atlantic seasonal management areas--including the SMA in New York Bight--runs between November 1st and April 30th. "Having the ability to detect North Atlantic right whales and other species rarely seen in New York waters is extremely important given their endangered status," said Dr. Howard Rosenbaum of WCS's Ocean Giants Program and co-lead of the WCS New York Aquarium-WHOI project. "In particular, our ability to detect North Atlantic right whales in this area near the shipping lanes but outside these seasonal management areas will hopefully help with efforts to safeguard this highly endangered species in the New York Bight." "Ships are a significant hazard to whales in the New York region; the highest incidence of ship struck whales on the U.S. east coast occurs between the New York Bight and Chesapeake Bay. This new technology can help ships avoid lethal encounters with whales by alerting ship captains to the presence of the whales," said WHOI scientist Dr. Mark Baumgartner, developer of the whale detection software for the acoustic buoy and co-lead of the acoustic buoy project. The North Atlantic right whale grows up to nearly 60 feet in length and is called the "right" whale because the first commercial whalers deemed it the best species to hunt. Consequently, this coastal whale was nearly wiped out by whaling fleets before receiving international protection in the 1930s. Recent research indicates that, despite modest population growth during the 2000's, the species is now in decline and its existence remains threatened by ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Sei whales are currently listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN's Red List and were also heavily exploited by commercial whaling fleets before becoming protected by federal and international laws. Little is known about this elusive giant, so any data on its presence in New York's coastal waters can help in management decisions. The WCS-New York Aquarium/WHOI research effort has now detected three whale species in New York Bight: the North Atlantic right whale, the sei whale, and the second largest animal on the planet, the fin whale. The acoustic buoy's most recent detection (made today--November 16th) was a fin whale, one of several detections of fin whales made since the buoy was deployed to its current location 22 miles south of Fire Island on June 23rd. Information about sounds detected by the buoy, including whale vocalizations, are transmitted by satellite to computers in Baumgartner's laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The data are analyzed by Julianne Gurnee of the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, a partner in the buoy project, and posted on a public website as well as through WCS's New York Aquarium as part of its Blue York Campaign. The acoustic work by the WCS-New York Aquarium/WHOI complements previous acoustic research conducted by the Cornells Bioacoustics Research Program, efforts by New Yorks Department of Environmental Conservation, along with collaborations with local NGOs such as the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), Gotham Whale, and the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. "WCS is known for working to save elephants, tigers, and other threatened species around the world," said Jon Forrest Dohlin, Vice President and Director of WCS's New York Aquarium. "We're also doing important science right here in New York Bight by learning more about the North Atlantic right whale, one of the most endangered whales on the earth." ### The acoustic buoy project is supported by the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation. To speak with Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, please contact John Delaney at 718-220-3275 (jdelaney@wcs.org). To speak with Dr. Mark Baumgartner, please contact the WHOI Media Office, 508-289-3340 (media@whoi.edu). WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world's oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: 347-840-1242. Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium is open every day of the year. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Tickets are $11.95 per person (ages 3 & up), and include Aquarium admission plus one admission to the new 4-D Theater; children age 2 and under are admitted free. Fridays after 4 p.m. in the summer and after 3 p.m. in the fall, Aquarium admission is by pay-what-you-wish donation. The aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. The New York Aquarium is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the WCS New York Aquarium, a beloved part of Brooklyn and all of the City of New York. Due to Hurricane Sandy we are partially opened. Check our website for more information. http://www.nyaquarium.com. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930 on a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate a basic understanding of the ocean's role in the changing global environment. For more information, please visit http://www.whoi.edu. The G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation was established in 1955. The Foundation provides support in the Earth sciences for institutions of excellence. It also awards the Vetlesen Prize, recognizing scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history and its relation to the Universe. For more information, please visit http://www.vetlesenfoundation.org. Special Note to the Media: If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a Web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to wcs.org. It is a great honor and pleasure for me to receive this high academic distinction from the Catholic University of Leuven today. By receiving this recognition, I am very touched to become a part of the almost 600-year-old history of your excellent and important university, said Prof. Neugebauer in his acceptance speech. Rik Torfs, Rector of the KU Leuven, distinguished the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for his contribution to the reconstruction of the Saxon manufacturing industry following the German reunification, for his contributions in questions of energy, resource efficiency and sustainability in modern manufacturing, the establishment of international research networks as well as his leading role as a research manager in the manufacturing industry. Cooperation in research and teaching Through research projects in mechanical engineering and production engineering, Fraunhofer is closely associated with the Belgian city of Leuven. Together with the KU Leuven, Europes largest applied research organization is, for example, one of the drivers of the European research project Added Value in Manufacturing. Organized as a knowledge and innovation community (KIC), the project is one of the five planned KICs of the current European Commission for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020. A deepening of the cooperation with the traditional Belgian university is also planned for new production processes, such as ECDM (Electrochemical Discharge Machining) and generative manufacturing. KU Leuven and Fraunhofer go hand in hand with the training of young professionals: In the Erasmus Mundus program Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (EMM-Nano), the Belgian university, together with Fraunhofer Institutes in Dresden, is setting up a multidisciplinary approach in theory and practice for young scientists. Fraunhofer is working closely with the Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC) in Leuven, one of the largest research centers for nanotechnology and microelectronics in Europe. Both organizations are currently cooperating in 17 Horizon 2020 projects. One of the most important of these projects is PRIME (Ultra-Low PoweR technologIes and MEmory architectures for the Internet of Things). In this context, 18 project partners are working on cost-effective and energy-efficient applications for the Internet of Things. Belgiums largest university with a long tradition The Catholic University of Leuven (in Dutch: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, KU Leuven) is Belgiums largest university and one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its history dates back to the year 1425. As a leading European research university, it now offers a wide range of academic programs in Dutch and English and conducts high-quality, interdisciplinary research. More than 6,000 researchers from over 120 countries are involved. Is there anything Gul Panag cannot do? By Ojaswini Srivastava: Gul Panag has always been a 'badass' woman and given us all major life goals. Once again she is trending on Facebook, and for all the right reasons. She has now acquired a pilot license and she is literally flying high! Here are 5 reasons why all the women love Gul Panag - Her Wedding pictures The typical 'happily married couple' picture is too mainstream. Gul Panag went the unconventional way and gave the 'perfect wedding picture' a modern day twist. Cheers to that advertisement Her Baraat She rode a bike to her own wedding, breaking all stereotypes and becoming a part of the baraat. Role in Dor She may not have had a tremendous acting career but she has played some really powerful roles. For instance, her role as Zeenat in Dor which was the journey of a Muslim girl who takes the responsibility of proving her husband (accused of murder in a foreign country) innocent was much ahead of its times. It established the image of a modern day woman in Indian cinema in the early 2000s. The road trip Breaking the 'ladki hai" notion she took a trip to northeast where her sister too joined her and had a blast. The bikers' gang As a part of her political campaign for AAP she rode a bike with a gang of women, again going the unconventional way. Finally now she is a Certified Pilot Apart from being an actor, voice artist, politicians, fitness enthusiast now Gul Panag has added another feather to her cap and become a certified pilot. More power to her! --- ENDS --- To save the face of Sheikh Hasina from the charges of brutal attack on Hindus in Bangladesh, Awami League took a plea of Taqiyya as Islam will not be the State Religion in BD in some days. Atul Brahmachari | HENB | Dhaka | Nov 12, 2016: Only history can judge the reality of this fact that Bangladesh Govt is trying now to remove the status of Islam as State Religion. The Hindu persecution in Islamic Bangladesh is all time high. But, as the recent Jihadi attacks on Hindu people, households, shops temple in Brahmanbaria hit the news headlines and the neighboring country India has vehemently opposed such mayhem against minorities, the ruling Awami League has taken a subtle plea of Taqiyya to prove the party is too secular. Some Awami League operators were hatched the conspiracy to attack some Brahmanbaria Hindus for the political gain of the perpetrators. Abdur Razzak, Awami League presidium member, has said that the provision in the Constitution which makes Islam Bangladeshs state religion should be dropped from the statute. We fought for the country and a million lives were lost in 1971 in a bid to build a secular state. People of different religions live here together peacefully. Bangladesh is a secular state and a state of communal harmony. Therefore, I personally think that Islam cannot be the state religion of this nation, he said. Abdur Razzak, former food minister, was addressing a conference on Unity is needed among the people of Bangladesh and India to resist terrorism. The meeting was organised on Bharat-Bangladesh joint venture to fight against Terrorism by the SAARC Cultural Society at the National Press Club in the city on Saturday. I have said several times at different programmes, including one of the BBC, that Islam cannot be the state religion of Bangladesh. The Awami League-led government kept Islam as the state religion in the Constitution for strategic reasons. We will drop it from the Constitution at a congenial time, he said. When contacted, Abdur Razzak told The Independent that this was his personal view. The senior AL leader alleged that military rulers tried to destroy communal harmony after the Liberation War. Bangladeshs 1971 Constitution had declared that all religions were equal in the eyes of the state. However, military ruler Hussain Mohammad Ershad amended it in 1988 and made Islam the state religion. Ershads action led a group of 12 citizens to file a writ petition before the High Court to overturn the amendment. On March 28, 2016, Bangladeshs High Court rejected the 28-year-old petition calling for removal of the constitutional provision recognizing Islam as the official religion of Bangladesh. The Awami League-led government again amended the Constitution. The new amendment reinstated the principle of secularism, but also reaffirmed that Islam was the state religion. As a matter of fact, the recent Brahmanbaraia mayhem in Diwali and Kalipuja forced at least 10 Hindu families to leave Islamic Bangladesh. The Gulshan Bakery attack in Dhaka also showed the Jihadi stronghold in Bangladesh. Two dozen writers, intellectuals, rights activists, priests were killed by the members of Jihadi outfits to reign a terror in Bangladesh to establish the superiority of Islam in Bangladesh. The Hindu population of Bangladesh has come down to 8% now a days from the high of 23% in around 1971. Hindus in Bangladesh is decreasing day by day within the Islamic indulgence of kill the kafirs, instil fear on them, take them as jimmi. In such a context, the fake proclamation by an Awami leader regarding BD Govts initiative to declare Bangladesh as a secular state and not an Islamic one is ridiculous and unreal. If Bangladesh can declare itself not an Islamic one and can go back to its original secular constitution of 1971, it will be the rarest of the rarest incident in any Islamic country in this millennium. Source: Struggle for Hindu Existence Berlin : Police launched dawn raids across Germany on Tuesday on about 190 mosques, flats and offices linked to an Islamist group after the government banned the organization, accusing it of radicalizing youngsters. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the DWR True Religion group had persuaded about 140 people to join militants in Iraq and Syria. DWR, also known as READ! made no reference to the raids on its website and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. De Maiziere said it had several hundred members. Pictures showed masked police officers carrying away computers and files from properties. Chancellor Angela Merkel has come under pressure to harden her line on security after several attacks claimed by Islamic State across Europe, including a bombing and a knifing in Germany that wounded some 20 people in July. She is also under fire for letting in about 900,000 migrants, mostly Muslims, last year. Some Syrians in Germany say many mosques here are more conservative than those at home, and that they are confronted by Muslims who insist on a literal interpretation of the Koran. Last month, a Syrian committed suicide in prison after he was arrested on suspicion of planning to bomb an airport. His brother and friends have said he was brainwashed by ultra-conservatives imams in Berlin. The Bundesverfassungsschutz domestic intelligence agency estimates that there are about 40,000 Islamists in Germany, including 9,200 ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists, Hans-Georg Maassen, who leads the agency, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday. There are about 500 people that the police consider dangerous, he said. We remain a target of Islamic terrorism and we have to assume that Islamic State or other terrorist organizations will carry out an attack in Germany if they can. De Maiziere said Tuesdays raids in 10 German states were the biggest crackdown on any group since the government shut down a movement known as Kalifatstaat (Caliphate State) in 2001, accusing it of extremist activities. He said DWR had distributed Korans and other religious material especially to young people, but this was not the reason for the ban. Todays ban is rather directed against the abuse of religion by people propagating extremist ideologies and supporting terrorist organizations under the pretext of Islam. Maassen said the ban which had been carefully prepared to ensure it could not be overturned by the courts could prompt large numbers of people to withdraw from the Salafist scene, or at least reduce their missionary work. The decisive issue now is that the evidence has to be examined to understand how the organization funded itself and who else was behind it as supporters and financiers, so that we can take additional measures, he told Reuters. He said there was evidence that a foundation in Bahrain had paid for Korans used by the group, but did not name the foundation and gave no further details. DWR members have tried to hand out material in German town centers to passers-by, often holding banners or wearing garments with the word READ! emblazoned in gold. The ban means they are now prohibited from running such campaigns. Fears about the number of migrants entering the country have boosted support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), a populist party that says Islam is incompatible with the constitution and has siphoned off support from Merkels conservatives. A spokeswoman for the interior ministry said there was no indication that DWR was planning attacks itself. Overall, some 820 people have left Germany for war zones in Syria and Iraq, and officials fear they may pose a security threat on their return. Source : Reuters Virgin Media Limited has announced today that is has received regulatory and competition approval to acquire UTV Ireland. Virgin Media offers four services across Ireland and the UK including broadband, TV, mobile phone and landline. Tony Hanway, CEO of Virgin Media in Ireland, said: Were delighted to have received regulatory approval to acquire UTV Ireland. This follows our acquisition of TV3 last year and we look forward to playing an even bigger role in the Irish broadcasting sector. Pat Kiely, MD of TV3, said: The purchase of UTV Ireland is good news for viewers and will support TV3 to further compete against significant local and international competition. The agreement also includes a comprehensive 10 year output deal in Ireland for ITV produced programming. The purchase price is expected to be funded through existing liquidity. Virgin Media is the owner of TV3 - Irelands leading commercial broadcaster operating two free-to-air channels (TV3 and 3e) and a digital platform with a major emphasis on home produced programming. TV3 recently secured exclusive rights to Six Nations Rugby for four years from 2018 and 22 Euro 2016 matches. Virgin Media is part of Liberty Global, the worlds largest international cable company, with operations in more than 30 countries. Introducing mobile post offices would spell the death of communities across the country rural TDs have warned writes Elaine Loughlin. A group of rural TDs believe hundreds of post offices will close if they are not allowed to provide additional services such as banking and the issuing of driving licences. The government will accept the motion being put forward by rural TDs technical group which aims to safeguard the network of around 1,150 offices across the country. The group is giving the Government three months to implement a new action plan and want a model of community banking - similar to New Zealand - introduced which they believe could draw 1million customers to post offices in the coming years. Cork South West TD Michael Collins said he was very worried about details of a leaked report which recommends mobile offices be introduced. "That will lead to the demise of rural post offices, so we are totally opposed to that," he said. Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said post offices are not looking for hand outs but instead are looking for a way to keep their doors open. "We want to ensure that in 10 years time and 20 years time that we will have the same amount of post offices that we have now. "Right now if we do nothing we will loose 300 to 400 post offices over the next two to three years. He added: "This is rural Ireland fighting back and also urban Ireland because there are post offices in urban Ireland that are also under threat. Mr Healy-Rae added: "We will fight for them all and work to save as many as possible." Tipperary Independent Mattie McGrath said post offices offer a connectivity in communities and said postmasters "know the people and that is the difference". The motion which will come before the Dail this evening will also call on the Government establish a working group to identify the potential for local post offices to act as hubs to facilitate other services and to act as a one-stop-shop for Government services. The two companies who are operating the project on a 50-50 joint venture basis yesterday announced financial closure on the 33.1 megawatt Castlepook Wind Farm, near Doneraile, where construction began in April. When Castlepook which was granted planning approval by An Bord Pleanala three years ago is fully operational, it will generate enough power for around 17,000 homes per year. The 14-turbine project will be financed by long-term debt from Bank of Ireland and will connect to the electricity distribution system at Charleville via an underground cable that will be installed as part of the works. ESB chief executive Pat ODoherty said such investments should deliver long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits. This project represents ESBs commitment to investing and innovating in low carbon and renewable technologies, including wind energy, he said. Castlepook wind farm will add to ESBs existing portfolio of 15 wind farms on the island of Ireland and will help us achieve our target of 1,600 megawatts of wind generation capacity by 2025. For Coillte, Castlepook marks a fourth wind farm project in the last 12 months, involving a combined total investment of 400m. We are well on our way to completing our ambition of having 350 megawatts of installed capacity in the coming years providing power for over 300,000 homes, said Coillte chief executive Fergal Leamy. Meanwhile, Irish renewable energy firm Gaelectric has unveiled the largest roof-mounted solar power project in the country at the Dublin headquarters of Butlers Chocolates. The installation covers around 30,660sq ft of the Butlers factory in Clonshaugh and will generate over 350,000-kilowatt hours (kWh) worth of electricity using over 1,500 PV panels. Butlers Chocolates are taking a leading position in the Irish food industry in showing how increasing sustainability in a manufacturing process makes both commercial and operational sense, said Gaelectric Solar Energy managing director Joe OCarroll. That is the scenario for Irish Rail if there is no extra State bailout to plug the 600m funding gap over the next five years. A joint National Transport Authority/Irish Rail report has identified the least performing routes, giving the government a fresh headache. Without a decision, passenger lives could be put at risk, Irish Rail chief executive David Franks suggested yesterday. Continued under-investment will ultimately impact on safety and on service quality and this is at complete odds with our ambition, which is to improve both, said Mr Franks as he launched the review. The 316-page report examines options to address the finance issue. These include increasing funding, closing routes, or a combination of both. One option considered, without state help, would see the shutting of the network in rural areas. The review notes: Assuming no extra Government funding is provided, the operational funding gap would have to be eliminated through large rail network reductions. This would require the closure of the majority of the rail network, leaving only Dart lines, Dublin and Cork commuter services, and intercity services from Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Limerick, it says. Furthermore, such closures would require a costly redundancy scheme. Note: Subvention means expenditure less receipts from fares and advertising. Cost includes expenditure on fixed cost (eg, central overheads, buildings, etc), semi-variable costs (eg, maintenance), and variable costs (eg, fuel). However it excludes non-cash items such as depreciation, a mortizsation and capitalisation. The table shows the subvention that would be paid to break even in 2015. However it does not reflect the figure that is needed to maintain the infrastructure in steady-state condition (Aecom 2016 figures). A failure to increase State funding would see a dramatic jump in fares, warned Mr Franks. There is a huge variance in the subsidies for routes. Subsidising a Dart passenger journey costs 0.70, compared to 5.10 for a Dublin commuter trip, and 12.20 for a Cork commuter journey. The worst-performing route, Limerick to Ballybrophy, requires a subsidy of 550 per passenger. The busiest station on the day of a survey was Connolly in Dublin, with 29,755 boardings, while Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary had just one. Several stations had fewer than 20 users on the day, including Fota, Cloughjordan, Attymon, Foxford, Ardrahan, Cahir, and Roscrea. The review has prioritised closing four routes, including Limerick-Ballybrophy, Limerick-Waterford, Ennis-Athenry, and Gorey- Rosslare, but this will only save 17m a year. A rise in subsidies for 800,000 people under the free travel scheme is also needed. Other options could boost passenger usage, including improving the frequency of services or reducing fares. Transport Minister Shane Ross is expected to hold off on any decision about Irish Rails financing until public consultation on the review is concluded next year. News: 2 A man came to deposit Rs 50 lakh in a bank but was looted by miscreants on his way back. By Ashish Pandey: A person who was trying to convert his 50 lakh cash was duped by burglars near Rajendera Nagar police station of Cyberabad. According to the officials, the man approached the police this morning and informed about the cheating. READ | Operation Black Money: Here is the inside story of Modi's bold move READ | Rupee revamp: AIIMS exempts out-patient clinical charges below Rs 500 HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED advertisement According to the complaint, the person reached the ICICI branch of Rajendera Nagar to deposit Rs 50 lakhs but on reaching there, he found it was not open. On his way back, few men came on bikes and overtook his vehicle. They asked him to hand over the money, threatening him of involving police and media. They successfully escaped after forcible taking the money. READ | New Rs 500, Rs 2000 notes: All you need to know READ | What the FAQ just happened! All your questions about Rs 500-1000 notes answered ACP Rajendera Nagar K Ganga Reddy told India Today, "As per the complainant, somebody approached him saying that they will help him deposit the money and get him new Rs 2000 notes from the ICICI bank. On his way back, he was stopped by burglars at a deserted place where after threatening him, they fled with the money." Police has booked a case and are trying to identify the culprits. The Cyberabad police has also requested people to not fall in the trap as for a middle man, there are enough legal provisions which they can use for their money. READ | Rs 1000 note to return with more security features, new colour, says government --- ENDS --- Almost 400,000 Irish people have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), better known as bronchitis or emphysema, but many cases go undiagnosed. COPD Support Ireland said the country has the highest rate of COPD hospitalisation among OECD members and called for testing to be made available in primary care. Forty years after he was wrongly convicted of manslaughter, he received an apology from the State. Mr Conmey was convicted in 1973 of killing 19-year-old Una Lynskey, who had been a friend and neighbour in a tight-knit community outside Ratoath, Co Meath. In the High Court yesterday, the State unreservedly apologised for the wrong done to him in what it accepts was a miscarriage of justice. The State regrets the pain and loss experienced by Mr Conmey as a result of his imprisonment and has taken steps to pay appropriate compensation to him, States counsel Shane Murphy told the High Court. Speaking to the Irish Examiner afterwards, Mr Conmey said he resolved to clear his name after seeing the Guildford Four released in the Old Bailey in 1989 after their convictions for IRA bombings were overturned. Ill never forget that evening, he said. My son was only six months old and after seeing Gerry Conlon outside the Old Bailey I went into the kitchen crying, and Anne [his wife] asked me what was wrong. I said Id clear my name, if not for me, then for my son. Ms Lynskeys body was found in the Dublin Mountains six weeks after she disappeared in October 1971. Three locals, including Mr Conmey, became the focus of a Garda investigation. MICHAEL CLIFFORD: Martin Comney walks the long, hard road to justice Nine days after Ms Lynskeys body was found, one of the three, Martin Kerrigan, was abducted by two of Ms Lynskeys brothers. His body was found the next day near the same spot where their sisters body had been found. Mr Conmey and the third suspect, Dick Donnolly, were convicted of her manslaughter months after the Lynskeys and their cousin were convicted of Mr Kerrigans manslaughter. The verdict against Mr Donnolly was overturned on appeal, but Mr Conmey spent three years in prison. After the apology, Mr Conmey said some of his faith in the justice system had been restored. The wounds of 40 years take a long time to heal, but it hasnt sunk it yet, he said. I dont feel how I often imagined I would when I thought about this day coming, but it might just take time. Apart from his wife and son, he was accompanied in court yesterday by many of the friends and family, including Mr Donnolly, who stuck by him over the last 45 years. Originally from Westmeath, Ferdi spent time living near the famous San Jose Convention centre in California. Next March, when up to 20,000 people attend GamerCon in Dublin, Roberts is hoping to summon the same spirit of community and celebration that San Jose has seen over the years. Before we had even announced details, over a quarter of the tickets had been sold, Roberts says. The Irish games community is so passionate, but theres been nothing like GamerCon in place to bring them together. Its no surprise that tickets are in such high demand one of the event sponsors is GameStop, who have an extraordinary numbers of active gamers on their registered lists. Ireland has the largest percentage of its population under the age of 35 in Europe, something like 1.6m people between the age of 15-35, Roberts says. GameStops registered user list of people who buy games on a reasonable active level, every couple of months or so, is at 500,000. We estimate there are about a million gamers in Ireland. Now that details have officially been announced (you can find them at Gamer-con.com) Roberts can expect those tickets to go even faster. GamerCon is aiming to hit every gaming demographic possible, bringing the diverse Irish community together under one roof, from younger mini-Minecrafters to people interested in pro-gaming and eSports, to older gamers with a dedicated interested in retro gaming. Ferdi Roberts There are expected to be over 800 player positions in the GamerZone with a chance to play the latest games before they are released, while people are being highly encouraged to cosplay. To top it all off, on the main stage Roberts is bringing some of the biggest names in YouTube and Twitch gaming to engage with the fans, including Uberdanger and JeromoseASF, with more in the works. What has really impressed Roberts so far, however, is the communal spirit of the community here in Ireland. Before we had even put out the call for help, over 200 people had signed up to help organise the event, he said. Now that were officially putting out the call for volunteers, we expect to get a lot of interest from the community. People can get involved in different ways, Roberts says. If youre a builder and prefer to engage on the tech side, then you could help out with technical setup and floor space, he says. Or if you have a particular genre or game you like, maybe you could become a guide for that area of the convention. Its a good chance for people to really get involved and earn some experience in the industry. A big event like this doesnt happen without sponsors and GamerCon has already nailed down some of the biggest names in gaming. GameStop, Sony, Microsoft and Alienware are all on board, as are peripheral kings Razer. The Irish eSports scene will also be well represented, but this is one area where Roberts think there is plenty of room for growth. There are some eSport teams in Ireland but the scene is still very nascent, he says. Long term, our goal is to establish an eSports league in Europe. And thats not the only European expansion Irish-born GamerCon will be looking to enact. Next month, details are expected to be announced for a London GamerCon too meaning Ireland has a chance to start something really big in the European gaming community and lead the way for the larger community. The number of 20,000 we are expecting for this is partly modelled on sales figures, but that expectation is reinforced by the enthusiasm weve met with since announcing GamerCon, says Roberts. The success of this is in the communitys hands. Knowing the Irish gaming community, Roberts and GamerCon have nothing to worry about. Ireland has long been overdue a proper celebration of gaming culture and passion. On March 18 and 19, expect the Irish fans to turn up in force and make the event a proper party. Gearhart Mafazy Receives Exemplary Teacher Award Rebecca Gearhart Mafazy Nov. 16, 2016 BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Illinois Wesleyan Universitys Rebecca Gearhart Mafazy has received the Exemplary Teacher Award for the 2016-2017 academic year. The award is given through the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Illinois Wesleyan Provost and Dean of the Faculty Jonathan Green presented Gearhart Mafazy with the award. Recipients of the Exemplary Teaching Award exemplify excellence in teaching; civility and concern for students and colleagues; commitment to values-centered education; and service to students, the institution, and the community. Gearhart Mafazy is a professor of anthropology at Illinois Wesleyan. She was also named the 2017 recipient of the Kemp Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. This Illinois Wesleyan award honors one faculty member who brings spirit, passion, and scholarship to the art of teaching. She received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Florida and joined the faculty at Illinois Wesleyan in 1999. Gearhart Mafazy takes an interdisciplinary approach (visual anthropology, history and performance studies) to her research on non-Western music and dance performance traditions. Her area of interest is East Africa, which she first visited as an undergraduate student in 1987. She has frequently lived in East Africa, primarily among the Swahili people of the Kenyan coast. She is co-editor of the book Contesting Identities: The Mijikenda and Their Neighbors in Kenyan Coastal Society (Africa World Press, 2013) and the author of numerous scholarly papers. By Reilly Kasprak 17 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 16, 2016) - American Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:LI) (FRANKFURT:5LA) (OTCQB:LIACF) ("American Lithium" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Edward Bruner as the Company's Chairman. Mr. Bruner is based in Denver, Colorado and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the natural resource sector both from an operational and a financial capacity. Mr. Bruner will deploy his experience to work with management to develop the Company's existing properties and the properties it recently announced it intends to acquire, as well as expand the Company's investor base. Mr. Bruner commented: "I am very excited to be joining the American Lithium team at this stage of development where I can apply my experience and my relationships both financially and operationally in the development of the Company's land position in Nevada. With the team and assets the Company has put together, American Lithium is positioned to become a leader in the Lithium exploration and development in Nevada. I am also excited to have the opportunity to personally invest in the Company, as I am confident our team will be able to unlock significant value from the properties it has been able to put together." Mr. Bruner intends to participate in the private placement for a minimum of 1,000,000 units ($300.000). Mr. Bruner has served as President of GeoSands Energy Advisors LLC from 2013 to the present, advising clients as an independent energy consultant on domestic energy acquisition and divesture transactions in both the upstream and the oil service sectors. From 2009- 2013, Mr. Bruner also advised and assisted clients as an independent energy consultant on structuring finance for international and domestic energy transactions. From 2002-2009, Mr. Bruner served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Denver-based Galaxy Energy Corporation, a Powder River Basin coalbed methane producer that was a publicly-traded company on the American Stock Exchange. He also led exploratory operations in the Piceance Basin. Prior to founding Galaxy Energy Corp., from 1996-2002, Mr. Bruner worked as a Series 7 registered representative as well as a financial consultant to the energy sector. Mr. Bruner holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. Private Placement The Company also announces that it will offer a minimum of 10,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") in the Financing, at a price of $0.30 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Each "Unit" will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant, exercisable to acquire a further common share at a price of $0.60 for a period of twenty-four months. The warrants will be subject to accelerated expiry in the event the twenty-day volume weighted average closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange exceeds $1.00. The Company expects to pay finders' fees to certain eligible persons who have introduced qualified investors to the Company. Mike Kobler, American Lithium's Chief Operating Officer, commented: "We look forward to Marc joining our team. His experience and relationships will be an enormous asset to the company as we build out, what we believe, is one of the most exciting Lithium Exploration and Development opportunities in North America. American Lithium Corp. American Lithium Corp. is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium deposits within mining-friendly jurisdictions throughout the Americas. American Lithium holds options to acquire Nevada lithium brine claims totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 ha), including 18,552 contiguous acres (7,508 ha) in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County; 2,240 acre (907 ha) San Emidio Project in Washoe County; and the 1,540 acre (623 ha) Clayton-Valley-1 Project. The Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38 kilometers from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium operation in the U.S. American Lithium is listed on the TSX Venture under the trading symbol "Li". For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com or call 1-604-689-7422. On behalf of the Board, American Lithium Corp. - Michael Kobler, Executive Director, COO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Statements in this release that are forward-looking information are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here. 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 American Lithium 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 American Lithium's most recently filed MD&A. 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. TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - November 15, 2016) - Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) ("Wesdome" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update of drilling progress at its 100% owned Kiena Mine Complex located in Val d'Or, Quebec. The new drilling continues to intersect high-grade gold values near the Kiena Deep drill results announced on August 24 and September 15, 2016. Highlights from the recent phase of drilling are listed below: HIGHLIGHTS (uncut and cut assay averages over core lengths*) 49.68 g/t gold over 2.10 m uncut (18.74 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 71.42 g/t gold over 1.50 m uncut (34.28 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 38.89 g/t gold over 1.2 m uncut (18.06 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 30.34 g/t gold over 2.17 m uncut (30.34 g/t cut) in hole 6130A 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m uncut (7.69 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 28.97 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (28.97 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m uncut (7.69 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 749.96 g/t gold over 0.60 m uncut (34.28 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 9.17 g/t gold over 6.80 m uncut (6.28 g/t cut) in hole 6152 20.22 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (20.22 g/t cut) in hole 6152 30.43 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (30.43 g/t cut) in hole 6149 32.21 g/t gold over 1.50 m uncut (19.17 g/t cut) in hole 6124B 20.22 g/t gold over 1.10 m uncut (16.35 g/t cut) in hole 6124B *Assay intervals include values cut to an arbitrary, historic 1 oz/ton or 34.28 g/t. **The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood. Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. Compilation of the new drilling combined with previous results support the presence of at least two multi zone centres of mineralization that remain open to depth and along strike. 1) High-grade quartz veins in basalt centred at 1,100 metres depth (Upper Quartz Vein Zone), and 2) High-grade albitized stockwork vein-breccia systems centred at 1,200-1,300 metre depths (Lower Stockwork Zone) Mr. Duncan Middlemiss, President and CEO, commented, "The high-grade nature of these recent results have brought a renewed focus to this asset, especially in view of the property's substantial resource base. The Kiena Complex is fully permitted, with a 930 metre shaft, a ramp system that accesses the 1000m Level, and a 2,000 tonne per day mill all in excellent condition. The potential for relatively low capital expenditure and a reduced development timeline is evident. We are concentrating efforts to advance this asset and are adding a fourth drill to expedite this exciting program." RESULTS New results are tabulated in the attached Table 1. Assay intervals in the detailed table include values cut to an arbitrary, historic 1 oz/ton or 34.28 g/t. Locations of the drill holes are shown in Figure 1, an isometric view looking northwest. Figure 2 provides the current wireframe interpretation of the Kiena Deep discovery. Figure 3 shows the ore outline of the S50 Zone on the 330 m level along with the location of the current drilling. We are testing a model that this S50 geometry potentially repeats at depth. PAST WORK - CURRENT INTERPRETATION The first exploration drilling to depth was conducted in the period of 2010 - 2012. Approximately 20 holes were completed with the purpose of tracing a southeast plunging trend projected as a potential extension of the S50 Zone. Pre-2016 drill results are tabulated in the attached Table 2. The results of this work were described in Press Releases dated March 29, 2010, and September 4, 2012, available in the Press Release archive at www.wesdome.com. Drilling was eventually abandoned due to slower than expected progress due to blocky ground conditions in the upper halves of holes drilled from the 910 m level. These conditions continue to slow the generation of drill results. This early work supported the interpretation of three southeast trending zones occurring below the 1,000 metre level. They support an Indicated Resource estimate(1) prior to 2016 drilling, and are being targeted now in the current drilling program. Zone Cut Grade Tonnes Ounces (cut to 34.28 g/t) S50 Deep A 10.87 173,111 60,511 S50 Deep AH 8.53 68,722 18,855 S50 Deep B 3.21 514,100 53,100 (1) Reference: Technical Report for the Quebec Wesdome Project (according to National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1) dated December 16, 2015 prepared by Bruno Turcotte, P.Geo., Denis Gourde, Eng., Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo. of InnovExplo Inc. The 2016 drill program commenced in June and generated exceptional early results (Press Releases dated August 24 and September 15, 2016). The program was predicated on the model that mineralization may be much more extensive and replicate the characteristic Z-fold geometry observed in the S50 Zone which supported the bulk of historic production at Kiena from 1981 - 2013 (Figure 3). Early results support this thesis and have also identified a new high-grade quartz vein system at shallower depths (Upper Quartz Vein Zone). Compilation of Upper Quartz Vein Zone Drill Results (uncut assay averages over core lengths) 30.43 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6149 (2016 new) 32.21 g/t gold over 1.50 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 48.68 g/t gold over 2.00 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 38.89 g/t gold over 1.20 m in hole 6124C (2016 new) 71.42 g/t gold over 1.50 m in hole 6124C (2016 new) 20.22 g/t gold over 1.10 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 3.44 g/t gold over 8.30 m in hole 6124 (2016 new) 94.35 g/t gold over 17.40 m in hole 6124 (2016 previously released) 80.24 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 5172 (Pre-2016) 17.42 g/t gold over 6.60 m in hole 4809 (Pre-2016) 13.95 g/t gold over 1.15 m in hole 4808 (Pre-2016) 11.46 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 4929 (Pre-2016) Compilation of Lower Stockwork Zone Drill Results (uncut assay averages over core lengths) 9.17 g/t gold over 6.80 m in hole 6152 (2016 new) 20.22 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6152 (2016 new) 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 7.95 g/t gold over 3.80 m in hole 6125 (2016 new) 28.97 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 749.96 g/t gold over 0.60 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 30.34 g/t gold over 2.17 m in hole 6130A (2016 new) 192.95 g/t gold over 16.95 m in hole 6125 (2016 previously released) 238.81 g/t gold over 5.00 m in hole 6125 (2016 previously released) 8.43 g/t gold over 8.20 m in hole 6130A (2016 previously released) 112.12 g/t gold over 6.00 m in hole 5974 (Pre-2016) 16.72 g/t gold over 5.40 m in hole 5974 (Pre-2016) 12.31 g/t gold over 12.80 m in hole 4928 (Pre-2016) 20.66 g/t gold over 10.50 m in hole 4929 (Pre-2016) 51.86 g/t gold over 7.50 m in hole 5966 (Pre-2016) 4.64 g/t gold over 4.55 m in hole 4724 (Pre-2016) 30.57 g/t gold over 1.60 m in hole 5971 (Pre-2016) 72.37 g/t gold over 0.30 m in hole 4810A (Pre-2016) 28.23 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 4320 (Pre-2016) 11.86 g/t gold over 4.50 m in hole 4830 (Pre-2016) 12.22 g/t gold over 3.70 m in hole 5965B (Pre-2016) 7.29 g/t gold over 9.50 m in hole 5967 (Pre-2016) 10.17 g/t gold over 5.40 m in hole 5967 (Pre-2016) 41.74 g/t gold over 3.20 m in hole 5965B (Pre-2016) 4.17 g/t gold over 14.70 m in hole 4566 (Pre-2016) 3.09 g/t gold over 12.00 m in hole 5972 (Pre-2016) 3.92 g/t gold over 13.00 m in hole 4317 (Pre-2016) 3.20 g/t gold over 8.00 m in hole 4568 (Pre-2016) **The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood. Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. THE PATH FORWARD Figure 1 illustrates the steeply inclined, deep nature of drilling to date. We have mobilized a third drill to the 770 m level and will soon add a fourth to the 960 m level. Drilling continues northeast through massive basalts targeting the controlling basalt-komatiite contact area alteration and deformation zone that hosts at least four zones of mineralization interpreted to date. More drills, better attack angles, and shorter holes coupled with our evolving technical and practical experience with these conditions are expected to accelerate results. Our goal is to generate reasonable confidence in a critical mass to justify progressive development of a ramp system to better position drills and eventually access both known centres of mineralization. KIENA COMPLEX The Company's wholly owned, contiguous Val d'Or properties cover approximately 7,000 hectares and encompass four former producers, eight shafts and a network of underground workings. A NI43-101 mineral resource report dated December 16, 2015 was prepared by independent consulting firm InnovExplo Inc. (www.sedar). Based on economic parameters, InnovExplo established that Wesdome's Quebec Properties contain: Measured Resources of: 63,700 tonnes grading 4.05 g/ton gold (8,300 ounces) Indicated Resources of: 2,439,000 tonnes grading 5.62 g/t gold (441,000 ounces) Total Measured and Indicated Resources of: 2,500,600 tonnes grading 5.59 g/t gold (449,300 ounces) Inferred Resources of: 1,563,300 tonnes grading 7.97 g/t gold (400,400 ounces) The Kiena Mine Complex is a fully permitted, integrated mining and milling infrastructure which includes a 930 metre production shaft and 2,000 tonne per day capacity mill. From 1981 to 2013 the mine produced 1.75 million ounces of gold from 12.5 million tonnes at a grade of 4.5 g/t. The bulk of this production came from the S-50 Zone between depths of 100 and 1,000 metres. In 2013, operations were suspended due to a combination of declining gold prices and lack of developed reserves. The infrastructure has been well preserved on care and maintenance status. TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE The technical and scientific disclosure in this press release has been prepared and approved by Marc Ducharme, P. Geo., Chief Exploration Geologist of Wesdome and "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 disclosure standards. Analytical work was performed by Techni-Lab (ActLabs) of Ste-Germaine-Boule (Quebec), a certified commercial laboratory (SCC Accredited Lab #707). Sample preparation was done at Techni-Lab (ActLabs) in Val d'Or (Quebec) and assaying was done by fire assay methods at Techni-Lab (ActLabs) laboratory in Ste-Germaine-Boule (Quebec). In addition to laboratory internal duplicates, standards and blanks, the geology department inserts blind duplicates, standards and blanks into the sample stream at a frequency of one in twenty to monitor quality control. Assaying from the period 2010 - 2012 was determined by fire assay methods at the Kiena Mine assay office. This work involved internal duplicates, standards and blanks. Additionally, the geology department inserted blind standards and blanks at a frequency of one in twenty. The qualified person monitoring quality control at this time was also Marc Ducharme, P.Geo., OGQ and Chief Exploration Geologist, Kiena Mine, Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. ABOUT WESDOME Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. is in its 29th year of continuous gold mining operations in Canada. The Company is currently producing gold at the Eagle River Complex located near Wawa, Ontario from the Eagle River and Mishi gold mines. Wesdome's goal is to expand current operations at both mines. Wesdome has significant upside through ownership of its two other properties, the Kiena Mine Complex in Val d'Or, Quebec and the Moss Lake gold deposit located 100 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. These assets are being explored and evaluated to be developed in the appropriate gold price environment. The Company has approximately 130 million shares issued and outstanding and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WDO". This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial 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 press release 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. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has included in this news release certain non-IFRS performance measures, including, but not limited to, mine operating profit, mining and processing costs and cash costs. Cash costs per ounce reflect actual mine operating costs incurred during the fiscal period divided by the number of ounces produced. These measures are not defined under IFRS and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or cash flow from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity. 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. Table 1: Kiena Deep 2016 Highlights Hole No. From (m) To (m) Corelength (m)** Grade (g/t Au) Cut Grade* (g/t Au) Index of Highlights (Fig 1) 6124 440.70 449.00 8.30 3.44 3.44 3 6124 491.50 508.90 17.40 94.35 18.03 7 6124B 438.40 439.90 1.50 32.21 19.17 2 6124B 457.80 458.90 1.10 20.22 16.35 5 6124C 456.70 458.80 2.10 48.68 18.74 4 6124C 468.70 469.90 1.20 38.89 18.06 6 6124C 510.00 511.50 1.50 71.42 34.28 8 6125 695.05 712.00 16.95 192.95 18.80 11 6125 714.50 718.30 3.80 7.95 7.95 13 6125 740.00 745.00 5.00 238.81 15.71 15 6130A 604.00 612.20 8.20 8.43 3.82 17 6130A 670.20 672.37 2.17 30.34 30.34 18 6131A 422.10 424.50 2.40 27.80 7.69 12 6131A 449.50 450.50 1.00 28.97 28.97 14 6131A 478.90 479.50 0.60 749.96 34.28 16 6134 797.45 797.75 0.30 VG VG 19 6149 276.80 277.80 1.00 30.43 30.43 1 6152 358.50 365.30 6.80 9.17 6.28 9 6152 373.00 374.00 1.00 20.22 20.22 10 6155 402.10 402.60 0.50 VG VG 20 6155 422.00 423.20 1.20 VG VG 21 Note: * High assays arbitrarily cut to 34.28 g/t Au (1.0 oz/ton) ** The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. The true widths for the Lower Zones vary between 50 to 100% of core lengths. VG Visible Gold Assays pending Previously released August 24th 2016 Previously released September 15th 2016 Table 2: Kiena Deep Pre-2016 Highlights Hole No. From (m) To (m) Corelength (m)** Grade (g/t Au) Cut Grade* (g/t Au) Index of Highlights (Fig 1) 3491 162.00 170.80 8.80 2.17 2.17 E 3500A 986.40 993.40 7.00 2.97 2.97 G 4317 432.40 445.40 13.00 3.92 3.92 U 4320 379.00 380.00 1.00 28.23 28.23 H 4566 400.00 414.70 14.70 4.17 3.74 S 4568 462.00 470.00 8.00 3.20 3.20 V 4724 456.00 460.55 4.55 4.64 4.64 W 4808 160.50 161.65 1.15 13.95 13.95 D 4809 160.00 166.60 6.60 17.42 10.61 C 4810A 602.95 603.25 0.30 72.37 34.28 Y 4830 366.00 370.50 4.50 11.86 8.64 K 4928 387.80 400.60 12.80 12.31 8.42 N 4929 155.00 156.00 1.00 11.46 11.46 B 4929 417.00 427.50 10.50 20.66 12.11 P 5169 244.50 247.50 3.00 7.41 7.41 F 5172 156.00 157.00 1.00 80.24 34.28 A 5965B 387.30 391.00 3.70 12.22 9.29 L 5965B 456.00 459.20 3.20 41.74 6.90 Q 5966 466.90 474.40 7.50 51.86 21.49 R 5967 426.00 435.50 9.50 7.29 2.72 M 5967 440.80 446.20 5.40 10.17 8.20 O 5971 557.50 559.10 1.60 30.57 23.61 X 5972 473.20 485.20 12.00 3.09 3.09 T 5974 378.10 384.10 6.00 112.12 13.95 I 5974 393.60 399.00 5.40 16.72 7.04 J Senior military officers from both the countries addressed the contingents before Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the joint exercise open. By Manjeet Negi: The India-China Joint Training Exercise 'Hand in Hand 2016' has begun at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, in Pune today. Major General YK Joshi, Additional Director General of Military Operations of Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and other senior army officers of both the countries were present. advertisement The parade was commanded by Lt Col Li Guanghua, Commanding Officer of PLA. Both the senior military officers addressed the contingents before Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the joint exercise open. The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies with each other's operating procedures, in the backdrop of counter-terrorism environment. The training would also help in enhancing confidence and trust between the two armies which may be called upon to grapple with anti-terrorism operations under the UN mandate. Also read: Some Chinese phones caught sending personal data to Chinese servers Conducting the Joint Military Exercises is also an important step to uphold the values of peace, prosperity and stability in the region. WEAPONS DISPLAYED Earlier on November 15, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China. The 13-day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heli-borne operations, firing of various weapons, handling and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices, and conduct of cordon & search operations in insurgency and terrorism environment. The opening ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment. Also read: 'Bold' demonetising alone won't stop corruption, says Chinese media The ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu, Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent. The exercise will end on November 27, 2016. --- ENDS --- LifeStyle The best LifeStyle shows are right here, from Australia and around the world. Catch up with the experts on home design and interiors, food and cooking, the property market, and get fresh ideas with the savviest of renovators. Whether you need inspiration for cooking up a storm, to refresh a tired room, or tips to sell your property, Foxtel LifeStyle will always something new for you to watch. Enjoy your favourite experts like Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker, or Deb Hutton and Jamie Oliver live or On Demand. Get Foxtel Popular gospel musicians such as Minister Francis Amo, Evangelist Diana Asamoah, Matilda Agyeman Prempah and a host of others will be at the Koforidua Jackson Park today to perform at the candlelight prayer vigil to be organised by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The event will see thousands of NPP sympathisers on a mammoth candlelight parade through the principal streets of Koforidua before converging at the Jackson Park for a special prayer service to be officiated by Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah, head of the Glorious Way Ministries International. The NPP's presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, the Eastern regional leadership of the NPP and several big manes from the party have been confirmed to be at tonight's prayer service dubbed Battle Is The Lords: Declaration Towards Peace & Victory In Ghana. The coordinator of the event, Jeff Konadu, has said that all the arrangements for the programme, several pastors and gospel musicians from the Eastern Region will be joining the service tonight. We are doing our part as humans and it is our solid belief that Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP shall win the December 7 polls; but we believe in God and it is important to pray to God. Indeed, we are very proud that we would be embarking on this physical exercise that has spiritual implications, Mr Konadu said. He continuedOur Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, Kingston Kissi, and his executives are putting this together and after the grand event this Wednesday, the daily night prayer shall continue simultaneously at every single NPP office throughout the region. After Wednesday, other regions would also be praying for the party simultaneously all across the country until December 7 and the Lord shall win the battle for us and for Ghana, Jeff Konadu, the coordinator of the event, explained. The Hope Generation Ministry International (HGMI) will from November 23 to 25 host a peace concert and crusade dubbed 'Kumasi For Christ' at the Kumasi Cultural Centre (Apata Kese Ase). The crusade and peace concert which will be telecast live on some selected television and radio networks will feature gospel music giants like SP Kofi Sarpong, Sam Cooper, Patience Nyarko, Obaapa Christy, Nicholas Omani Acheampong and a host of others. There will also be peace messages from some selected men of God, politicians and selected individuals. Themed 'Show Us Thy Mercy O' Lord', the event is being organised to bring Ghanaians close to Christ before, during and after the election and educate them to be law abiding citizens during and after the election period. The event which will witness live musical performances from some selected seasoned gospel music giants is expected to attract people from all walks of life, including politicians from the entire political divides. Throwing more light on the event, the leader and founder of the Hope Generation Ministry International, Prophet Eric Akwasi Amponsah, also known as Computer Man, mentioned that anytime there is a general election in the country, Ghana's peace is endangered. He said as part of his ministry's social responsibility, the ministry has decided to expend huge sums of money to organise gospel song ministration and crusade in Kumasi and some part of the country, all aimed at educating the people to embrace peace and the word of God. Computer Man disclosed that his ministry was collaborating with some selected gospel artistes to make the event a great success, stressing, All we want is a violence free election in Ghana this year.' He appealed to all political leaders and their supporters to engage in peaceful campaigns, adding, Ghana's destiny is more important than the interest of any individual or political party. A magistrate judge has released a report recommending that a suit against Justin Bieber and Usher be dismissed. The suit claims that the two committed copyright infringement in their hit song, 'Somebody to Love.' The song is part of Bieber's 2010 album 'My World 2.0.' The suit was brought by Devin Copeland. Initially, it was dismissed by the courts but was allowed to move forward when appeals court judges listened to the song and decided that the choruses were similar. The magistrate judge Douglas Millers says that Copeland failed to show that the defendants had access to his work before creating 'Somebody to Love.' He [Copeland] has also been unable to show where the similarities between the two works are. Copeland said that his work, which also titled 'Somebody to Love,' was played on various showcases and also in the hands of some music executives. By: Jeffrey Owuraku Sarpong/citifmonline.com/Ghana Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. By PTI: Pune, Nov 16 (PTI) Opening ceremony of the sixth India China Joint Training Exercise, Exercise Hand?in?Hand 2016 was held today at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, here. The joint exercise was held in the presence of Major General Y K Joshi, ADGMO of Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang of the Peoples Liberation Army and other senior Army officers of both the countries, said a defence release. advertisement The parade was commanded by Lt Col Li Guanghua, Commanding Officer of Peoples Liberation Army. "Both the senior military officers of the Indian Army addressed the contingents before Major General Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the Joint Exercise open. The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies with each others operating procedures in the backdrop of counter terrorism environment," it added. "The opening ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment. The ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu, Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent. The exercise will terminate on November 27," the statement said. Earlier on November 15, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China. The statement said the 13-day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, firing of various weapons, handling & neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon & search operations in insurgency and terrorism environment. PTI SPK NRB UZM SRE --- ENDS --- A Somali refugee woman with her child at Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp. By Tony Karumba (AFP/File) 16.11.2016 LISTEN Nairobi (AFP) - Kenya on Wednesday agreed to suspend the closure of Dabaab refugee camp, the world's largest, for six months after coming under fire over the fate of its 280,000 inhabitants, most of them Somalis. The decision to push the deadline back to May 2017 comes just two weeks before the camp was scheduled to close and follows mounting concern that Somali refugees, some of whom have lived in the camp for 25 years, were being forced to return against their will. Interior minister Joseph Nkaissery said the move also followed a request to delay dismantlement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The sprawling Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya hosts more than 280,000 people who have fled the conflict in neighbouring Somalia "I wish to announce that the government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of the repatriation of Somali refugees and the eventual closure of Dadaab refugee complex by six months," he told a news conference. Nkaissery said a comprehensive repatriation programme would be rolled out next month at the sprawling camp, home to Somali refugees since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. "The repatriation will continue to be carried out in a humane, safe and dignified manner," he said. The government announced in May that the vast Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya near the Somali border would be shut down, citing security concerns. Since sending troops into neighbouring Somalia in 2011, Kenya has come under repeated attack from Shabaab, East Africa's long-time branch of Al-Qaeda. 'Forcible returns are illegal' Nairobi has taken a hardline position, claiming Dadaab acts as a terrorist training ground for Shabaab Islamists and that both the 2013 attack against Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall and the 2015 attack at Garissa university were planned at Dabaab. The Kenyan government announced in May that the vast Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya would be shut down, citing security concerns On Wednesday, Nkaissery pledged to abide by international law during the six-month resettlement of refugees to Somalia or to a third country while sticking to plans to close the camp. "Delaying the closure of the camp by six months is certainly better than deporting the refugees in two weeks. But with the new date... the refugees will continue to feel that they must leave," said Gerry Simpson, a researcher at rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW). "Such coerced returns are illegal. Kenya should end its threats to close the Dadaab camps and the UN refugee agency and donors should press Kenya to publicly reassure Somalia refugees they are welcome in Kenya until it safe for them to return." In September, HRW warned in a report that the repatriation of Somalis from the sprawling Dadaab camp violated international standards and that refugees were returning home involuntarily only to face persecution and hunger. The Kenyan government dismissed the report. Refugees will be returning to a country that already has over one million people displaced from their homes, where five million lack enough food and where African and Somali forces are still fighting Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militants. An estimated 18,000 have returned this year -- 10,000 since the announcement of the camp's closure. Amnesty International said that a verification exercise carried out by the Kenyan government and UNHCR in July and August had concluded that only 25 percent of refugees were willing to return. Refugees said the authorities had threatened they would be forced to leave if they did not go and would miss out on a UNHCR repatriation allowance if they refused to leave, Amnesty said. Kinshasa (AFP) - The Democratic Republic of Congo's state mining firm has signed away the royalties from the country's most lucrative mining project to a company owned by a close friend of President Joseph Kabila, Global Witness said on Tuesday. The NGO, which fights corruption and environmental and rights abuses, said Gecamines signed away royalties from Swiss mining giant Glencore for a copper project in the country's southeast to an anonymous Cayman Islands company called Africa Horizons Investment Limited. It said the January 2015 contract "does not explain what, if anything, Congo's state mining company received in compensation for handing over these rights" from the Kamoto mines. "The royalties could generate as much as $880 million (820 million euros) -- more than Congo's annual health spending," Global Witness said. Africa Horizons is owned by Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler, who Global Witness said was involved in murky mining deals in DR Congo and was Kabila's close friend. "It's troubling that the state miner Gecamines has signed away rights to potentially huge flows of cash that should go towards building Congo's future," Global Witness campaigner Pete Jones said. "It's even worse that it has handed them to this unknown, anonymous company belonging to an individual with a track record of suspicious deals," he added. Jones said the contract "provides no reason for Gecamines giving away these royalties". "It is imperative that Gecamines and Gertler explain what is behind this agreement. If they can't show that this is a good deal for Congo, there should be an investigation into what's really behind the agreement," he said. Gertler's Fleurette group has denied the accusations and Gecamines director general Deogratias Ngele Masudi told AFP that the firm "does not comment on statements by NGOs even if they are international ones". Glencore, in an e-mail to AFP, simply said it was "not involved in the negotiations between Gecamines and Africa Horizons". DR Congo, a former Belgian territory, has one of Africa's richest mineral reserves but has been wracked by unrest, misrule and corruption since independence. Kabila took power in 2001, 10 days after the assassination of his father, the then-president, Laurent Kabila. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed surprise over the claim by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the Electoral Commission (EC) is printing the Form Eight popularly known as Pink Sheets without its consent. NDC Director of Elections, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo said all the political parties were duly informed by the Commission that the supplementary Pink Sheets that would be made available to the various constituencies for use in the event of a shortage of the original document would not have serial numbers. He added that it was explained that spaces would be provided on them for the polling station and constituency codes to be entered on them. According to him, this decision by the Commission was agreed by the NDC, NPP and other smaller political parties who are stakeholders in the December 7 polls. He is therefore baffled why the largest opposition party would come out crying wolf in public. I have checked with my people [and] they have expressed surprise with the claim of the NPP, Mr Ofosu Ampofo said. The NPP has expressed its disappointment in the EC for directing the printing of Form Eight (Pink Sheet) for both the presidential and parliamentary elections. NPP Director of Elections, Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah told Joy News they were told of the Commissions directive when they paid a visit to the premises of Aero Vote, the company printing the Statement of Poll, Declaration of Results Forms (Form Eight), and other results-related carbonized election forms. He could not believe the EC would do that considering the decision in itself contradicts the position of the C.I.94, the law governing the 2016 polls. The law states that the Pink Sheet and other auxiliary documents must have serial numbers of both the constituency and polling stations embossed on them. Mr Mensah Korsah said the NPP has written to the EC to organize emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to have the issue addressed. But Mr Ofosu Ampofo said the NPPs claim smacks of double standard especially when its representatives were involved in the decision-making process. He said the printed Pink Sheets in question are the supplementary one, adding the original form with the serial numbers would be printed on Wednesday. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected] The Electoral Commission (EC) has described as false claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it is printing pink sheets without serial numbers for the 2016 elections. Describing the allegations as regrettable, the Commission said the NPP would have been better served raising concerns with it rather than rush to the media with unfounded claims of non-existent plans to manipulate election results. In a statement released on Tuesday, the NPP requested an emergency meeting of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee over the alleged illegality; the printing of pink sheets without serial numbers. The NPP said it identified the anomaly when it visited Aero Vote, the company contracted to print the pink sheets for this year's elections. The party in a statement copied to citifmonline.com said it was surprised the company said it had been directed to print the sheets without the serial numbers. Aero Vote did not speak to NPP on the matter But in a statement responding to the allegations, the EC said no staff of Aero Vote had made such communications with the NPP. We have been informed that no management staff of Aero Vote told officials of the NPP 'that they have been told not to emboss serial numbers on the pink sheets. This is an untrue statement. The contract terms and security features on the Pink Sheets as agreed between the Electoral Commission and Aero Vote are clear to the contractual parties. The EC also noted that the NPP had no privity of contract with Aero Vote, and thus has no legal basis for engaging directly with the company (which is a vendor of the EC), on their contractual obligations to the EC. Furthermore the printing of the pink sheets is yet to start, according to the Commission. The NPP says in its Press Release, that today [November 15], Aero Vote .started the printing of the said forms. Again, this claim is false. Printing of the Forms will start on Thursday, 17 November, 2016, the statement revealed. Find the full statement here By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana CDH Financial Holdings Limited has invested GHa20,000 into Project Efiase the flagship fundraising programme of the Ghana Prisons Council to support the implementation of the ten-year strategic development plan to transform the Ghana Prisons Service and the prisons system. The gesture formed part of CDHs efforts at implementing the Prisons Empowerment Programme (PEP) a corporate social investment towards helping to transform Ghana prisons and prisoners. The Group CEO of CDH, Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodie handed over the cheque to Reverend Dr Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the Chairman of the Ghana Prisons Service Council, when members of the Council paid a courtesy visit to CDH. CDH has a heart for alleviating pain and making life worth living for all prisoners. We have seen the deplorable state of Ghanaians prisons, having visited two prisons: Akuse and the Gambaga Local Prison. It was quite an eyesore. I call on corporate institutions to help assuage the situation, Mr Adu-Sarkodee lamented. He said "We all must realise that the health of a nation is defined by how well or bad it treats its people including prison inmates. Ex-convicts should turn out as some of the most reformed people in every country. Regrettably, in our part of the world, we are yet to commit fully to the course of transforming our prisons system." Mr Adu-Sarkodie recounted situations when organisations like CDH could not invest in the prisons service because there were no structures in the Prisons Service to ensure effective and judicious use and management of funds. Hitherto, there were no formalised ways of receiving support from organisations like ours, so we couldnt show our commitment toward society this way. Now, we can confidently invest, knowing that our investment will not be in vain, the CDH boss said. While pledging the organisations support for the ten-year development plan, the business leader tasked the Ghana Prisons Service Council to be very transparent and accountable to the people of Ghana, in respect of the funds it receives. The Chairman of the Council, Rev. Dr Wengam while expressing gratitude to CDH, promised to account for every dime given to Project Efiase by CDH and any other company. According to him, the Council has been reporting on contributions and will continue to find more effective and efficient ways of accounting to all donors. The two institutions also started exploring ways of creating a financially-secure and prosperous future for prisons officers and inmates. A day's seminar has been organized for stakeholders in the export and import industry on how they could use the export monitoring software which will ensure the automation of exports documentation and proceeds repatriation procedures. The purpose of the sensitization programme which was under the auspices of Stanbic Bank Ghana with support from GCNET is to enable them use Letter of Commitment (LOC) and eMDA introduced by the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet). It is also to reduce time in processing permits to make it much easier for the exporting firms as well as elimination bottlenecks inherent in the old system of processing export documentation. Head of Public Sector Banking at Stanbic Ghana, Stanislaus Deh said the seminar is to scale up marketing training programmes for exporters to enhance capacity to minimize or eliminate malpractices in the export and import industry. He indicated that exporters will also have the luxury of submitting export permit applications at the comfort of their offices using the internet. The workshop, Mr. Deh said if for exporters, importers, clearing agents and key stakeholders in the industry in the Southern sector; another one for the Northern sector will be help in the northern region. Also, Eben Tawiah Engman, a senior Product Specialist of the GCNet who took participants through the sensitization workshop said the electronic processing of documents would enable them to easily access data from the GCNet data base for a much quicker and decision making. He said Ghana-eMDA Portal enables the electronic processing of documents needed within the trade industry. The system enables online submission, approval, and distribution of permits and licenses to Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies. These documents are requested by Importers, Exporters, and other Service Providers within the trading community. Mr. Deh also mentioned that the LOC to the export community and also to the Central Bank to help with the reconciliation of export proceeds. He said the new product has come to ease the burden of the central bank in trying to trace and reconcile the proceeds of exporters through a system which used to be done manually. The LOC system is also linked with the system of the customs division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), enabling them to verify and confirm that the exporter has not under declared his or her goods. The new system, Mr. Deh stated, is being used by Exporters, The Central Bank, Commercial Banks and Customs. The system became operational from 1st July and has been active since. Exporters only need to log on to the GCNet system and apply for an LOC and fill the forms online and submit accordingly. Without the LOC exporters cannot do business he stressed. He however promised the system will be reviewed quarterly in order to build more features that will make it user friendly and robust for exporters. Some of the exporters who spoke to Myjoyonline.com said the system had ensured the speedy processing and clearing of goods at the port, thereby reducing cost of clearing. They added that, although there were challenges concerning internet connectivity, about 85 per cent of our worries have been addressed. Story by Ghana/Nhyira FM/ Akosua Addai MARRAKECH, November 15, 2016 The World Bank Group announced today a new plan to ramp up support for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to confront the multiple threats of climate change. Over the next four years, the MENA Climate Action Plan aims to nearly double the portion of Bank financing dedicated to climate action, taking it to around US$1.5 billion per year by 2020. Speaking at a press conference at the COP 22 global climate summit in Marrakech, World Bank MENA Vice President Hafez Ghanem said the plan would focus on the four priorities of food and water security, sustainable cities adapted to new climate conditions, the transition to low-carbon energy, and the protection of the poorest who are most exposed to the impacts of climate change. Climate change will make a difficult situation much worse, and will affect millions of people in the Middle East and North Africa region said Ghanem, this is especially true of the impact on scarce water resources, already the lowest in the world, which will become even scarcer, threatening critical industries such as agriculture, on which millions in poorer, rural areas depend for their livelihoods. Nearly two-thirds of agriculture in the MENA region relies solely on rainfall, which makes it especially vulnerable to changes in temperature and precipitation. As global temperatures rise, they will rise even faster in MENA, causing more frequent and severe droughts. The 2015 drought in Morocco destroyed over half the wheat harvest and led to a 1.5 percent drop in the countrys Gross Domestic Output. About one quarter of the regions workforce is employed in agriculture, in Morocco it is as high as 40 percent, but as climate change impacts the sectors ability to support livelihoods, more people will move to cities looking for work. Apart from increased pollution and overcrowding, stepped up migration to the regions large coastal cities exposes people to another risk: a rise in sea levels. If global temperatures get 1.5 degrees centigrade hotter, the Mediterranean is expected to rise between 0.2 and 0.5 meters, which could affect up to 25 million people between Algiers and Beirut. Countries in the region are aware of the challenges, and have begun taking action, said Ghanem. Morocco has taken steps to adapt its agriculture, with better water management and more climate-resistant crops, while also lowering its emissions by eliminating most energy subsidies and with the construction of the large solar plant at Ouarzazate. This is the kind of comprehensive climate action we will support across the region, with a special focus on the poorest and most vulnerable. The MENA Climate Action Plan is based on a set of five commitments that draw on the Banks strengths in climate financing, global experience and building partnerships. The first is to shift more of Bank financing to climate action, and the second complementary commitment is to almost double the support for adaptation to the new climate reality. This will include support for social safety nets that protect the most vulnerable to climate change, urban design and disaster preparedness that protect people and property from extreme weather and its consequences, as well as better management of natural resources, especially in vulnerable eco-systems. The third commitment is to support the policy reforms that will lay the foundations for a green future, such as lifting costly fossil fuel subsidies that encourage inefficient use of energy, and creating the right regulations to encourage private investments in renewable energy. The fourth is to meet the costs of transitioning to green growth by using Bank programs to attract private finance, and guarantees to lower the risk for private investors. The fifth and final commitment is to build regional partnerships to develop common solutions for common challenges such as water scarcity and access to energy. HM Mohammed VI on Tuesday greeted Heads of State, Government and representatives from countries participating in COP22/CMP12/CMA at the Bab Ighli village in Marrakech. His Majesty delivered a speech to delegations and observers, in a packed plenary room, in attendance for the opening of the High-Level Segment and the first meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1). In his speech, his Majesty welcomed delegates to the Kingdom of Morocco the land of dialogue and coexistence and the crossroads of civilizations, and emphasized that this conference in Africa is an incentive for us to give priority to tackling the adverse repercussions of climate change, which are growing worse and worse in the countries of the South and in insular states whose very existence is in jeopardy. He also urged all parties to work on translating our commitment to the values of justice and solidarity into actions. COP22 President Salaheddine Mezouar officially opened the High-Level Segment and the first meeting of Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1). UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa, UN General Assembly President, Peter Thomson and French President Francois Hollande also made remarks. A young Moroccan 16 year old representative from civil society, named Mariame Mouhoub spoke and reminded leaders that we can act together for our childrens dreams to come true if you give this summit the necessary momentum. A short film The Sustainable Kingdom produced by Yann Arthus-Bertrand was shown, tracing the commitment and speed with which Morocco is embracing sustainable development. The opening ceremony was rounded-out by a performance by the Moroccan group Fnaire accompanied by a group of children. Moderator: Good afternoon. Welcome. Thank you for joining us today with this press briefing with the U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change Dr. Jonathan Pershing. At the outset, Dr. Pershing will give a few opening remarks. Then we will open it up to questions. In the interest of trying to get as many questions heard as we can, we will take rounds of three, which Dr. Pershing will then answer. We have roving mics. When you ask a question, we ask that you please wait until you receive a mic, stand, and identify yourself and your outlet. We're only taking questions from the press today at this briefing. And we... there's a potential possibility that we will have another briefing later in the week so stay tuned for that. I will now turn it over to Dr. Pershing. Thank you. Dr. Pershing: Thanks very much Emily. And thank you all for joining. As you know President Obama and our Administration have made climate change a top priority, and we have made significant strides to cut carbon pollution at home, to help bolster our resilience to the impacts of climate change, and lead international efforts to combat this global challenge. The continued global momentum we have seen since Paris has been reflected in the successes of the last several weeks, including most particularly the Paris Agreement passing the thresholds needed to enter into force. This context and momentum are hugely consequential, and their importance should not be ignored. It reflects global demand for action, and movement to follow through. Here, in the context of the climate talks, weve begun the transition away from negotiation and toward implementation. Our Moroccan hosts have really been excellent throughout, and we look forward to working with them going forward. The U.S. team has spent the last week in a series of consultations and informal meetings to determine the shape of various working groups and initiatives launched by the Paris Agreement. Weve made real progress in many of them, although some dialogues and contact groups are expected to continue this week before concluding. We've been focused in particular here on the work to flesh out the transparency system, which is the bedrock of this agreement. Further, discussions on adaptation communications have helpfully focused on the guidance that will build on the extensive work of the adaptation committee. Conversations on the global stock-take have also been very productive. Parties have shared a range of views, but all are converging on a process grounded in robust scientific inputs from the IPCC. We're also tremendously excited this week to launch the first CMA under the Paris Agreement namely, the first meeting of parties who have joined the Agreement. As you're also likely aware, we have a high-level delegation from the U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz has been here on the ground doing work on clean energy deployment and our Mission Innovation initiative. Secretary Kerry will join us tomorrow and Wednesday to hold a series of bilateral meetings and will deliver a speech that highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of continued ambitious climate action around the world. Furthermore, as we all know, soon we will see a transition to a new presidential administration in the United States. In the coming weeks, we expect personnel from the transition team to arrive at the State Department and begin planning the shape and thrust of American diplomacy for the next four years. At this time, I do not have information about when that process will start or who will play a role in it, and I cannot speak for President-elects team, or to their outlook on international climate policy. What I do know, however, is the power of the movement and the enormous momentum created in Paris and built throughout the year since. Parties are deeply invested in seeing this work bear real fruit. With the Agreement having entered into force, it is no longer a question of whether to accelerate the Agreements implementation but rather a question of when and how. The Paris Agreement protects economic growth and the environment all while providing nationally-determined flexibility to accommodate differing circumstances. It is durable. It is inclusive. It is ambitious. I also know that markets are moving, and countries are following. Prices for renewable energy are continuing their dramatic fall, as several recent auctions for clean electrical power have shown in Latin America and elsewhere. Banks and finance agencies are doing the needed work to allow private finance to move to meet growing demand for low-carbon solutions. Major economies like China have begun the substantial work of translating their pre-Paris climate goals into operational policy on the ground. In the U.S., utility-scale solar costs have fallen by almost 65% since 2008, they have declined 65% from 2015 through 2008. We're installing for economic reasons, not policies that favor one source over another but economically driven programs. I also want to note we need new action going forward. We need to find strategies that protect our economic development while decarbonizing our system. We will release our strategy on Wednesday to suggest some sense of the trajectories that address this goal. I will finish by noting that it was a global effort that made the Agreement possible. And the passion and the dedication that drove it is in evidence throughout COP22. Heads of state can and will change, but I am confident that we can and we will sustain a durable international effort to counter climate change. I look forward to your questions. Thank you. Question: Thank you very much, sir. My name is Wardarif. I'm Bureau Chief of the Moroccan News Wire based in Washington. As you know sir, there are numerous press reports according to which President-elect Trump is seeking quick ways to withdraw the United States from a global agreement regarding the combat against climate change. What credence can we give to these reports and what should be the international community be expecting? Question: Dean Scott. Hi, Jonathan. Dean Scott, Bloomberg BNA. My question is somewhat relevant in terms of what targeting the UNFCCC would do in terms of the U.S. continuing to maintain a seat at the table for a myriad of issues that go well beyond climate, more than two decades after the UNFCCC was agreed to. Question: Hi, this is Crystal Sun working for Phoenix New Media, which is a news website in China. Mr. Pershing, you've only been on this job for seven months, do you think you can lose this job in the following two months? Dr. Pershing: Thank you so much. The last one is actually the easiest one to answer. So thank you very much. As many of you may not know, the U.S. process is one in which the President appoints a series of individuals who serve in his administration or her administration. I was appointed by the President and my term, in any event, independent of the outcome of the election would end on January 20. So it's independent of the outcome here. So yes, I will end then. With regard to the first question, I don't really have any good insight for you. We are not yet in touch with the transition team. As I noted, they have not yet been named for our agency. We're waiting to talk with them. I anticipate that will happen soon after I return to Washington. But in the absence of that, we don't have any information to offer about our expectations for them. They haven't been in touch with us. With regard to the second question on the outcome of the finance -- the UNFCCC. Are there issues beyond climate? Of course there are. This is deeply tied in a broad way, climate deeply tied in a broad way to the issues of sustainable development. And as we think about what that means, if we don't avoid some of the damages and some of the risks, there are consequences to our economies. If we see them in every part of our system. If I look only at the United States, there's now substantially increased likelihood, because of climate change, that we will see flooding such as that that affected Louisiana only a couple of months ago. We see an increased likelihood that a storm like Superstorm Sandy, which came through New York, will be more significant and more frequent. We see in the American Southwest and in California an increase in drought. That also seems increasingly tied to the change in climate. So for me it's not so much the individual institutions, it's the question of the damages that we're trying to avoid. It's a question of how we collectively, as a global community, take these next steps. And I believe the U.S. economic community, the business community, state and local government communities, civil society will move in this direction. And I think that's going to be an imperative for all of us as we take this next years and next decade of action. Question: Thanks very much. Jessica Shankleman from Bloomberg News. Theres a high level meeting on climate and finance on Wednesday. Oxfam says the G77 wants adaptation finance quadrupled. Theres a lot of talk about the 100 billion dollar roadmap. Can these climate finance targets be met if the U.S. withdraws its climate finance funding as the President-elect has said he will do and if so, how? Question: Thank you. Karl Ritter from AP. I am wondering if you can talk a little bit about what kind of concerns you are encountering from partner countries in these negotiations in relation to the change of administration in the United States. And also, if you could comment on what withdrawal from the Paris Agreement would mean for the special relationship that the Obama administration developed with China on climate change. Question: Pilita Clark, Financial Times. Just following on from Carls question, Nicholas Sarkozy said on the weekend that he believed that if Trump did actually pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement then the EU should offer and should look at a carbon border tax. I wonder if youve picked up any similar comments was youve been talking to other countries at this meeting. And also, theres obviously been a huge amount of speculation on how the U.S. could actually withdraw from the agreement. You probably know more than anyone else in the room about the mechanics of that. I just wonder if you could go through how quickly this could indeed occur if you were, for example, to withdraw from the Convention or if it goes to a House vote or perhaps another option. Dr. Pershing: So thank you very much. With regard to the first question on finance, my thinking has been that the U.S. has historically managed to pay its interests and commitments in these activities. I'm struck in that sense by the Bush Administration which agreed on a financial fund for technology, which we took a little longer to pay off but did in fact pay off. That was the Bush Administration moving forward. My personal view around this is that we will continue to meet our commitments. But I note that perhaps more important than that is the need to leverage private sector investment. The U.S. contribution to the Green Climate Fund over the years that we have pledged is about $3 billion dollars. If we come a little short of that, it will have only a marginal effect on the $100 billion. What I do know is that the leverage that we need has to increase. And the leverage that's already in this system is much smaller than what we think we can achieve. If we look at our effective financial institutions, they tend to leverage risk on the order of five or ten times for every dollar spent. The current structure leverages less than one dollar for every dollar spent. We can do better. And to me, we are very close already. We're close to the $100 billion already. The expectation we can exceed that easily with additional leverage is very high. The second comment. With regard to the negotiation and the election and what the relationship with China will be. Ive had the chance to meet with the senior representative here from China and he has indicated as he has in the press (and you have seen his comments) that China intends to move forward. It doesnt surprise me. Frankly, the deal, the agreement was struck on the basis of national circumstances and agreements by nations of activities in their interest. Of course, theyre going to move forward. These are things you would do because they are part of your development trajectory. Im hearing the same from the Europeans. Im hearing the same from the Brazilians. Im hearing the same from Mexico and from Canada and from smaller nations like Costa Rica and from Colombia. I dont think the U.S. change here is going to affect the development pathway. I think people take the issue, as they ought to, as a serious problem. And, they are moving. With regard to the last question as to what the mechanics are, its actually quite variable, unclear. I dont really want to speculate on what the new guys would do, but in every agreement there are provisions for how a person or a country might withdraw from it. And there are the same in this one. It takes a fair amount of time under the Paris Agreement. The process requires first a three-year waiting period and then a year between notification and action. Thats the Paris Agreement process. But, I also note that theres flexibility for a country. And the new administration may decide to take advantage of some of that flexibility in its action. But its premature to speculate. The new administration may look at the commitment globally, at the interest globally in the issue and may decide to move forward that are consistent with its own polities. Well have to wait and see. Question: This is Lucia Graves with Pacific Standard Magazine. You mentioned that are some areas of flexibility with regard to the agreement. In general were transitioning away from negotiation to implementation, as you said, are there any areas, where with the new administration possibly being less accepting of the Accord, you might have room for flexibility to negotiate? My name is Lucia Graves. Im with Pacific Standard Magazine. Question: Alex Carlin from PR Watch. Addressing the transition, when the new guys come in and youre in a meeting with those people, we have a new situation that is unprecedented. Their policy is not an adult rational policy based on math or science, its something else. Dealing with an existential problem for the planet, you have two questions: can you appeal to them on a basic, rational level, in other words, educate them, number one. Can you set up any kind of symposiums where you educate them that two plus two is four and not five. And second, can you demonstrate to them that if they continue with this childish position, we, America, will lose our status, we will become a pariah state, we will be humiliated. Can you appeal to these people in your unique situation where you are going to be in a one-on-one meeting with the new team? We need people like you to do that. I just have a question on whether you have thoughts on that transition. Question: Vanya Walker-Leigh, Malta Business Weekly. Apologies for the cold. The UNEP gap report issued a few days ago once again urged the importance of not only post 2020 emission reductions on a much larger scale than is on the table now, but pre-2020 reductions. Do you think the COP22 should come out with a formal decision to review and increase the cap pledges and the set the commitment period commitments. Dr. Pershing: Thank you very much for these questions. With regard to the first one, the flexibility that exists in the Agreement is fairly broad around nationally determined contributions and countries are able to turn those indicative, intended NDCs into NDCs. Theres also flexibility about how a country implements it. We did not choose, in the Paris Agreement, to say what policies you had to adopt. Instead, we asked each country to identify its approach, and to act accordingly. So theres a lot of flexibility available to nations in their determinations. With regard to the second question, we look forward to talking to the transition community. They havent been named yet. We dont know who they are. We dont know their backgrounds. We will certainly work to convey the importance that we find in this issue to them as they move forward. With regard to the third question on the UNEP gap report, we recognize the urgency of additional aggressive action. And if you come on Wednesday you will have a chance to hear a presentation where we will relay some of our own insights on trajectories and opportunities for the long term goal that may include activities that we begin immediately and some that might wait for new technology, that may include programs at a state and local level as well as things that might be done nationally and that might be in collaboration with others. Question: Hello sir. My name is Claus Hecking. I work for Die Zeit, Germanys biggest weekly magazine. One question about the renewables. Are they economically competitive already in all parts of the U.S. or do they still need the support of the government such as the tax credits Mr. Trump wants to abolish? Question: Marlow Hood, with Agence France-Presse. Can you imagine a political argument that might be convincing to Mr. Trump as to why he should stay in the Paris Agreement and adhere to its terms? Question: Elaine Mills from Argus Media. Mr. Pershing, just a follow up to a previous question. What do you think the likelihood that if the Trump administration pulls out of the Paris deal that countries like China and the EU could introduce a carbon border tax and how is the U.S. likely to react do you think? Thank you. Dr. Pershing: Thank you very much. With regard to the cost of renewables, it depends a little bit on the circumstances in which they are being installed. We have a number of cases where you are not connected as easily to the grid or the grid capacity is more constrained, in those cases it is already commercially and economically cost effective. However, we also note that it is a Republican Congress that chose to undertake the tax credits and I would assume that they will continue. In that context, with those in the next five years I think that the price will continue to come down. And if we look at the market, the market is betting that will happen because the value of stocks goes up in the expectation of increasing returns on the investment. As I look forward this past year for economic reasons, well have more investment in renewables than we did in carbon based fuels. On the AFP question, with regard to the political argument for Mr. Trump, I really cant speculate. I dont have a sense of how the transition team will play out or what things he will find persuasive. In regards to the Argus question on the institutions and the response in terms of a European border tax, I dont know there as well. In my discussions so far, I think people are holding judgement about what the future will hold and will make some decisions following further information from the new Administration on to actions they will take. What I do know in addition is that they have also cited and stressed the importance of the issue and I think that importance will drive their actions both domestically and with respect to the new Administration. Moderator: Thank you very much. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Though elected early this year, Central Africa's new president has no army to command or civil service to call on. He still fills in as a university maths lecturer due to lack of teaching staff. But this week could offer Faustin-Archange Touadera a lifeline, as donors come together in Brussels to plot a future for a country strategically positioned at the heart of Africa, but ravaged by three years of intense inter-religious strife. He hopes Thursday's donor conference generates a massive financial shot-in-the-arm for the around five million residents of one of the world's poorest nations. "We have come a long way and the country needs to be rebuilt," 59-year-old Touadera told AFP in an interview. "We're working in favour of peace but our situation remains extremely fragile." That will be the message that the academic will want to send to prospective donors including the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, France and the United States. Despite the presence of a 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping force -- MINUSCA -- Touadera's Bangui-based government has failed to establish control over the entire country. Efforts to disarm the pro-Muslim and pro-Christian militia groups responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of half a million people -- one in 10 Central Africans -- have failed, with bloodshed once again making a resurgence. Recent weeks have seen fresh flare-ups of the militia violence that began with the 2013 ouster of Christian president Francois Bozize by a largely Muslim rebel group, triggering revenge attacks and a spiral of atrocities between the two communities. 'Regional stability is at stake' French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (C) flanked by President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera (L), speaks with French soldiers in Bangui French troops who deployed in late 2013 amid fears of a sectarian bloodbath left earlier this month. The plight of those displaced by the three-year conflict remains all too visible, with many still clustered in squalid conditions along the tarmac of Bangui's M'poko airport, despite the end of all-out fighting. In the absence of a competent national security force, UN peacekeepers watch over security at the airport as well as at the presidential palace. Touadera, who continues to teach at the university between meetings, will on Thursday set out his priorities to donors. Disarmament, restructuring the armed forces, national reconciliation, the launch of a special warcrimes court and providing basic social needs will be top of his list. French troops who deployed in the Central African Republic in late 2013 amid fears of a sectarian bloodbath left earlier in November Touadera said he hoped to secure pledges worth "$1.6 billion (1.5 billion euros) over three years and three billion over five years". Touadera told AFP he had been asked to pledge to use the funds appropriately. "Fighting corruption is a key element," he said. But opposition leader Anicet-Georges Dologuele warned that it might prove difficult for the country "to absorb an enormous amount in five years. We will need a lot of professionalism". France, the former colonial power, is maintaining a couple of hundred troops in the country because "regional stability is at stake" as Boko Haram jihadists shore up their bases in Nigeria and northern Cameroon, according to a French source who asked not to ne named. The US too is maintaining around 100 special forces in eastern Central Africa near the border with South Sudan to ward off trouble from Ugandan rebels. By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Nov 16 (PTI) Describing India as "incredibly important", Pramila Jayapal, the first ever Indian-American woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives feels there is a lot to be done to make sure the US continues to support India on everything from poverty to clean energy. Jayapal, 51, was elected to the US House of Representatives from the Seventh Congressional District of Washington State. She is the first Indian-American woman to be ever elected to the House. advertisement "I think India is not only incredibly important to me not only because I was actually born in India. Iam very deeply tied with India. My parents still live in India. They live in Bangalore. My son was born in India. For me the relationship between the US and India is not only a political relationship, but also a personal relationship. It is actually what I live every day," Jayapal told PTI. Born in Chennai, she left India at the age of five for Indonesia, Singapore and then came to the US at the age of 16. Currently in Washington DC to attend reorientation for the new elected members of the Congress, Jayapal said she believes there is still work to be done to make sure the US continues to support the forward movement of India on everything from poverty to clean energy. "That is going to require that we put resources to it. It is going to require that we strengthen our diplomatic relationship. And it is going to mean that we continue to advocate for democracy in the bigger sense of the word that includes religious freedom and tolerance in both India and the US," Jayapal said. "I come from the land of Gandhi. Believe that war should be our last option and not our first. Both the US and India have some work to do where we go on that front," she said. She also said it would be difficult for any kind of bipartisan support the agenda of the Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, if the president-elect tries to implement some of his campaign rhetoric including those against religious minorities and undocumented immigrants. "The priorities that I ran on and that I remain deeply committed to includes free college, really making college affordable, raising the minimum wage and providing economic opportunities to working people," she said, adding that, it includes working on climate, environment and expanding social security. "But all of those feel a little bit distant at this time because of the (incoming) Trump Administration. We are waiting to see what happens," Jayapal said. advertisement "We have to be absolutely ready to take on any behaviour, rhetoric or legislation that attacks our constitution and civil rights that is against Muslim Americans, whether it is against undocumented immigrants or whether it is against the LGBTQ movement. I feel my first priority is to make sure I never back down from a necessary fight," she said. PTI LKJ AJR AKJ AJR --- ENDS --- 16.11.2016 LISTEN Dear Youth Employment Recruits, I'm reliably informed that the national boss of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) had a secret meeting with you in Tumu on Tuesday, the 15th of November, 2016. He, together with his local appointees commanded you to vote for president Mahama and the NDC parliamentary candidates. They also told you that in an event that you vote against the NDC or Ghanaians vote out the incompetent and corrupt NDC come the 7th of December, 2016, In sha Allah, the NPP under the able and caring leadership of Nana Addo and Dr Bawumia will sack you all. They then promised you better conditions from next year. Based on this, I wish to state some irrefutable propaganda free facts to you and give you a golden advice. 1. It's a fact that the NPP brought the national youth employment programme (NYEP) when they were in government. 2. It's a fact that by the time the NPP was leaving government in 2009, 110,000 youth were employed under the programme. 3. It's a fact that president Mahama and the NDC criticised the NYEP when they were in opposition. 4. It's a fact that the NDC government changed the NYEP to GYEEDA. 5. It's a fact that the NDC collapsed GYEEDA through corruption and thievery. 6. It's a fact that president Mahama didn't prosecute the corrupt Kofi Humado and others who were implicated in the GYEEDA stealing spree. 7. It's a fact that the NDC for 8yrs can only employ a little over 60,000 youth in the youth employment programme. This is about half of the number the NPP employed. 8. It's a fact that the NDC government under president Mahama abandoned the youth employment programme until when it's some very few months to elections before he restarted it. 9. It's a fact that all those of you currently employed are not yet paid. 10. It's a fact that you the current employees are planned to be paid some monies when it's some few days to elections. 11. It's a fact that you people are employed due to political expediency and are going to be sacked by the president Mahama led NDC government immediately after the 2016 elections, if they win, God forbid. 12. It's a fact that there's a freeze on employing new people and some of the already existing workers are going to be laid off due to the killer IMF conditions. 13. It's a fact that president Mahama and the NDC consider you as youth with very short memories and very gullible. I will kindly plead with you to ignore the propaganda and lies from the bosses of the Youth Employment Agency that the government of Nana Addo and Dr Bawumia will sack you from January 2017. Know that voting for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP is a vote for your future. Don't let anyone deceive you. The NYEP is the brainchild of the NPP. We won't throw it away and we won't collapse it. The NPP is a caring mother and Nana Addo is a competent, incorruptible, honest, humble, patriotic and decisive leader. I shall, In sha Allah, be back... Fuseini Abdul-Fatawu In this Era characterized by the rejection of the global elites, one must be careful not to draw universal lessons from the recent US elections. After all, in most other countries, Mrs. Clinton would have won. Despite that caveat, there are lessons, not just for the US but for other political systems. The first lesson, obviously, is that for some reason, polls have become increasingly unreliable. Except for 1948, when pollsters had uniformly predicted a Dewey victory only for Truman to win a surprise victory, US Presidential election polls have been generally accurate. This year's polling malfunction, together with the miss on Brexit means that for the foreseeable future, there will be less reliance on polls. The second lesson, which is a reaffirmation of an old lesson, is that turnout matters. While Trump got nearly half a million votes less than Romney did in 2012, Hillary got about 5 million votes less than Obama did 4 years earlier!. To add insult to injury, 4 million more voters supported third party candidates than they had 4 years earlier. And she lost them in places where it hurt. I guess the celebrities could not increase the turnout after all. This was similar to the role that turnout played in Nigeria in 2015 and Ghana in 2008. In Nigeria's 2015 election, there was a 25% drop in total votes. The governing PDP lost a whopping 43% of its votes, dropping from 22 to nearly13 million while the APC increased from 12 to 15 million. Thus the main factor in the APC victory, was the collapse in support of the PDP. In Ghana in 2008, during the first round, the opposition Presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, missed a first round victory by a hundred thousand votes. Later analysis showed that due to low enthusiasm, over half a million voters from the opposition NPP stronghold of Ashanti had not bothered to vote. 4 out of every 5 of those half a million votes would have made the opposition candidate President. The moral here is to get your supporters to vote. If Hillary's supporters had bothered to vote in the same numbers as they did for Obama, they would be celebrating instead of protesting Trump's victory. The third lesson is that personal attacks are no substitute for cogent policy positions. While Trump made immigration, trade, corruption and change his signature issues, the Democrats made Trump's perceived character flaws and his suitability for office their main issue. In the end, the voters decided that Trump's issues trumped Trump's character flaws. This was similar to the Nigerian election of 2015 when the PDP focused on Buhari's character flaws and previous human rights abuses while he focused on change. Change won. Finally, we learned that one must tempered in his remarks about opponents. Both Hillary and President Obama openly asserted that Trump was "unfit to be President". It must have stuck in President Obama's craw when he had to welcome Trump to the oval office and call him, the President-elect! These lessons must be learned. They are universal and they will be bourne out, again, in Ghana this year, Nigeria in 2019 and the US in 2020. Those who ignore history, the sages say, are condemned to repeat its tragedies. Arthur K Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android As part of activities to mark the International Day of Tolerance, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on the police to quickly deal with any electoral violence in the lead up to the December polls. The NCCE is asking Ghanaians to tolerate divergent views and protect the image of Ghana as a beacon of democracy in Africa. The NCCE has also urged political parties, especially the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to show exemplary leadership by rallying their supporters to uphold the values of democracy. The International Day of Tolerance message follows electoral-related violence between NDC and NPP recently. NDC supporters clashed with security men at the residence of the NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo on Sunday. Before Sundays incident, there were clashes at Ododoiodoo between NPP and NDC supporters. In both instances that were gunshots. The UN-adopted Day is marked on November 16 every year and affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognises the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe, the UN says about the Day on its website. The NCCEs statement to mark the Day also condemned the violence that has characterised the electoral process. The NCCE wants the police to bring perpetrators of the violence to book. Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com Thousands of Odumase Krobo residents in the Eastern Region on Tuesday poured onto the streets to welcome the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. It took the NPP campaign team close to an hour to get to the venue of the campaign as human and vehicular traffic, described as unprecedented in the political history of Odumase Krobo, impeded their movement. Amidst chants of Nana oo Nana, Wama chake mi (We will effect a change), We need change, among others, market women abandoned their wares, business owners came out of their shops, whilst commercial drivers parked their vehicles to catch a glimpse of the NPP flag bearer As the shouts reverberated across the Odumase Krobo township, thousands of onlookers rushed towards the principal streets to hail the arrival of the NPP presidential candidate and his team. Visibly excited and overwhelmed by the massive support for his candidature, Nana Akufo-Addo told the residents he was confident that Krobos had joined in the chorus for change. Nana Addo reiterated the implementation of the one district, one factory and one village one dam policies, the diversification of the country's agriculture, the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme, effective implementation of Free SHS, setting up of an Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), restoration of teacher and nursing training allowances, amongst others, when the NPP is voted into power. The NPP flag bearer further assured residents of Krobo that he was committed to fulfilling each and every one of the promises, when, God-willing, he wins this year's election. I am not going to tell the Ghanaian people that I am going to do something when I know I cannot do it. I will never, ever lie to the people of Ghana. I will never do that. I have too much respect and love for Ghanaians to do that to them. We will build mango and cement factories for the teeming youth of Krobo to get jobs to do, he stressed. At Adukrom too, thousands of residents besieged the principal streets to welcome the NPP leader when he visited the area to exchange pleasantries with Nana Opese Konadu II, the acting Nifahene of Akropong and his elders. Nana Opese Konadu II appealed to Nana Addo to make the area a district and build a senior high school for them to develop the constituency if Ghanaians give him the mandate. Addressing the large crowd at the Okere Constituency, Nana Addo underscored, I was coming to make an appeal to the people of Okere to join this chorus of 'change,' but I can see from this massive crowd that you have joined this chorus for change already. The change the NPP is assuring Ghanaians, he indicated, will mean that the years of stagnation and recession under John Dramani Mahama will be coming to an end, for the years of progress and prosperity under Nana Akufo-Addo to begin. FROM Daniel Bampoe, Odumase Krobo Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice under the Mills-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Martin A.B.K. Amidu, has finally joined the campaign for a change of government. Looking at the performance of President Mahama's government, he said, We need to put Ghana first and work tirelessly for change of governance at this year's presidential election. In a statement issued Monday in which he sought to expose what he thought to be tricks being employed by the Electoral Commission (EC) to rig the upcoming general election slated for December 7, Mr Amidu, who prides himself as Citizen Vigilante, raised concerns about the attitude of the Chairperson of the elections organizing body, Charlotte Osei. Even though he claims, It is too late in the month to advocate in defence of the Constitution for a reorganization of the commission before the elections, or for the impeachment of the Commissioner, he insisted, This should be the task immediately after the 2016 elections conducted by responsible members of the media, civil society and civil society organizations who love the Republic of Ghana's constitutional and democratic dispensation of free, fair and transparent political representation for elections and referenda. Before then, the former Attorney General advised, Let us watch the rigging agenda of the Commissioner and her mentors during the remaining election period. He believes she has already engineered the elections in such a way that a good six weeks have been lost for the campaign period of the NDP, PPP and the PNC. That is in view of the initial disqualification of the presidential candidates of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Progressive People's Party (PPP) and the People's National Convention (PNC) from contesting the upcoming elections on their party's tickets until a Supreme Court ruling which went in their favour and were added on the ballot papers. Mr Amidu said in the remaining period before the impeachment process, there's the need for the political parties to remain vigilant and follow every step of the Electoral Commissioner and her mentors. Fellow citizens, be alert to the Commissioner's other tricks. The Commissioner cannot be trusted to fairly implement her mandate under the 1992 Constitution without vigilance on our part. We must defend the Constitution! he charged. According to Mr. Amidu, it is wrong for political parties properly registered, to be denied by the EC from taking part in the elections and said that had been done because the Commissioner, in pursuit of her rigging agenda on behalf of her mentors, will not engage in alternative dispute resolution. He said however, that The eyes of every citizen have been opened to the arbitrary conduct and impunity exhibited by the Commissioner, adding, And now particularly the political parties are fully aware as to how the power of the Commissioner can be wantonly abused. Mr Amidu is convinced, The Commissioner cannot be trusted to fairly implement her mandate under the 1992 Constitution without vigilance on our part. We must defend the Constitution! Touching on what he described as her arbitrary, unfair and lack of transparent approval process, the Citizen Vigilante said, The Commissioner knew that once she met the timetable laid down by the Supreme Court ruling of 7th November, 2016 and of the balloting for the presidential polls on 10th November 2016, the eight disqualified candidates would have no hearing at the Supreme Court for interpretation, nor would they have the ability to mount a new action in any other court. Power! By Charles Takyi-Boadu & William Yaw Owusu An Accra-based businessman and three others have filed a motion on notice for mandamus at the High Court seeking to compel the Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, to arrest and investigate Abdulai Naba, brother of Collins Dauda, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. The three other applicants are Zac Rahman, Sulemana Aliu and Joseph K. Manu. Naba recently boasted on live radio that he would deal with Kennedy Agyapong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, should the latter come to Asutifi South in the Brong-Ahafo Region. According to the junior brother of the Local Government Minister, Kennedy had threatened to let the NPP's Invisible Forces attack him (Naba) on 7th December voting day. Naba was emphatic that he and his gang would beat Mr Kennedy Agyapong mercilessly, arrest and kill him, should he dare come to the area, describing him (Kennedy) as a mad man who only rants unnecessarily. But days after the utterances, the applicant, Mohammed Bashiru, is skeptical that the police will on its own volition effect the arrest of Naba. Parties He wants the court to order the respondents to do a public duty by arresting the self-confessed murderer and put the fear of God in all such persons to refrain from further killings. Joined to the suit are the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID); Director, Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) and the Attorney General (AG). In an affidavit in support of the motion, lawyers for the businessman said in line with the battle readiness of the police, I was happy when I heard in the news that the Northern Regional Chairman of our great party, Daniel Bugri Naabu, has been arrested to come and explain to you the police what he meant by demanding that all NPP voters should stand by the ballot boxes after voting on December 7, 2016. The affidavit said the applicant was totally shocked and greatly surprised when another Ghanaian citizen like Naba could boldly, fearlessly and arrogantly speak the said words on open airways and yet be walking a freeman when he had confessed to the world that he and some people kill every day. Confessions Bashiru noted that the words, spoken in Twi literally meant: The bragging of Kennedy Agyapong walahi, if he comes to make rough we shall arrest him, we shall beat him, we shall kill him, we will not joke with him when he stands at radio stations he talks excuse me to say like a madman He continued: Walahi, we will first beat him up; he should go to his constituency and teach them how to fire a gun and how to kill. As for us we kill every day. Relief The applicants are asking the court to force the state agencies in charge of criminal prosecution, crime control and justice delivery to arrest the self-confessed criminal, investigate him and bring him to justice. They say all the respondents have a duty to protect the peace before, during and after the elections. By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson [email protected] President John Mahama yesterday blamed the police for the attack on the Nima private residence of the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, by NDC hoodlums on Sunday. The president put the blame squarely at the doorsteps of the police for waiting for the violence to erupt, when he met agitating labour unions at the presidency. I think that the police at Nima should have been better briefed, knowing that this group was passing through and then we should have taken the appropriate safeguards so that there would have been no opportunity for that to happen, he said. His comment was coming at the time the United States government had accused the NDC administration of perpetrating the unprovoked attack. Only last Saturday we almost had a clash which was unfortunate. If any of those firearms had been fired and someone had dropped dead, it would have been a completely different story. I think we should be preventive enough in our actions to prevent such things. , he claimed. President Mahama said, By my nature, I'm not a person who encourages violence and I'll never encourage violence. If any such thing will happen, it will not be because I have provoked it. We will avoid the flashpoints that create that kind of situation. He charged the country's law enforcers to be proactive in preventing any violence or misconduct from party supporters in the build-up to the December 7 polls, adding, When we (politicians) ratchet up the political rhetoric, you should feel free and confident to call us to order. US Govt Concern The government of the United States on Monday officially commented on the upsurge of political violence in Ghana, specifically condemning the ruling NDC supporters for attacking the NPP flag bearer, Nana Akufo-Addo's private residence in Accra on Sunday. A White House spokeswoman at the weekly press briefing, expressed concern about the upsurge in violence in Ghana saying, The United States is deeply disappointed by the targeting of the home and family of the primary opposition presidential candidate (Nana Akufo-Addo). The condemnation is coming at a time when the US Embassy and the British High Commission both in Accra, are threatening to refuse or cancel already issued visas for politicians in Ghana who are inciting violence as the country goes to the polls on December 7. The White House Spokeswoman said on Monday that We condemn all violence in Ghana including political violence in the period leading to, during and immediately following Ghana's elections scheduled for December 7. She said, Ghanaians from across the political spectrum have worked hard to build one of the leading democracies in Africa. We call on all Ghanaians to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. We specifically call on candidates, their parties and their supporters to re-affirm their pledges to renounce violence and settle any dispute through the judicial process. Premeditated Attack The NPP has said utterances and actions of the NDC as a party showed clearly that the attack on Nana Akufo-Addo's residence was premeditated. For instance, when the NDC issued a statement to condemn the attack, it created the impression that it was Nana Akufo-Addo's bodyguards who started the melee. Hurling Bottles It was in the process that hundreds of the NDC T-shirt-clad youth started hurling bottles of alcoholic beverages and stones into the house without any provocation. Their bid to invade the house was said to have been aborted by two private security men at the gate who reportedly fired warning shots into the air. Nana Akufo-Addo was in the Brong-Ahafo Region campaigning towards the December 7 polls at the time of the incident. Needless Attack In their own announcement released by the Greater Accra Regional NDC ahead of the walk dubbed 'Greater Accra NDC Walk for Victory' scheduled for November 13 at 5:30 am, the party said they were starting from La T-Junction through La township to Osu Oxford Street, Danquah Circle, Police Headquarters, Nima Traffic Light through the Nima township to Kawukudi Park, with President John Mahama as the special guest of honour. The president indeed attended the event at Kawukudi where he said nobody could force power sharing on him, with some Ghanaians wondering where that one was coming from. It however, came as a surprise when the NDC said they were using the Nima Police Station area, where Nana Akufo-Addo's residence is located, as a converging point, according to the NPP. By William Yaw Owusu What would a peacock have to show if it loses her striking feathers. She would be like an automobile without fuel. Or like a bike running on a deflated tyre. Its value becomes insignificant the moment it loses its luster and beauty. One of the critical ways by which individuals can influence governmental decision-making is through voting. It is the fundamental human right of every individual. In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which recognises the integral role that transparent and open elections play in ensuring the fundamental right to participatory government. In fact Article 21 of the UDHR in part states: Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his/her country, directly or through chosen representatives. Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his/her country. And that the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government: This will, shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot or by equivalent free voting procedures. Indeed as a registered voter youve the power to influence any election, be it mayoral, legislative or parliamentary and presidential. Not only that but also the voters one vote counts immensely and it surely can make a difference in a grand scheme of things. So, if voters have this right and power to impact on governmental decision making, why do they choose to sell such bona fide or genuine right? The answer may seem simple but its so convoluted. It can be attributed to two major reasons abject poverty and ignorance. The third but perhaps more troubling cause of this problem is the undue pressure politicians bring to bear on voters before and during elections. Vote-buying and vote-selling is a common phenomenon in most developing countries. My country of origin Ghana like many African countries where vote-selling and vote-buying is prevalent there have been series of campaigns and educational programmes by National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to sensitise the voting public. The NCCE is a government agency responsible for the education of Ghanaians on civic matters. It was established by Act 452 of the Parliament of Ghana in 1993. And since its establishment it has been working vigorously in the midst of financial and logistic limitations. Another body that strives to ensure theres sanity in all public elections held--- are free, fair and transparent is the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC). Its a seven member panel and its independence is guaranteed by the 1992 constitution. The current commission was established by the Electoral Commission Act (Act 451) 1993. However, the problem rather seems to be getting more traction during electioneering season. The reason, politicians like foxes will go anywhere they can hunt for votes. But as this writer notes what has fueled the enigma is perhaps monetisation by politicians. They entice voters with money and other incentives, which range from buckets to pans, cooking utensils and roofing sheets/bags of cement, machetes, foods (rice and edible oils), sardines and mackerels, outboard motors, laptops to working gears like boots and many more. They target typically deprived communities, slum kingdoms and battleground areas viewed as the hotbed for the trade. Consequently, the seller faced with these goodies time and again forgets about the future and the power he/she possesses. And as money being doled out left and right by politicians its often the ones with higher bids that win. For instance, Accra the capital city which is in the Greater Accra region---- suburban areas such as Sodom and Gomorrah, Nima, Maamobi, Chorkor, Madina, Sakaman, Ayikai Doblo, Ashaiman etc. the trade becomes intense during parliamentary and presidential elections. The situation even wells up in district assembly elections (though less competitive) where voters elect local assembly members known as Assemblymen/women. Nowadays politicians appear to have widened the scope of operation to include even areas considered their bastion. They will do it in Alavanyo in the Volta Region. And they will do it in Bantama, Kumasi in the Ashanti region regardless. The former is the stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the latter is the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) fortress. Apparently they arent taking anything for granted. The two major political parties the ruling-NDC and the NPP which is the largest opposition party are the chieftains in this unholy trade. It used to be like batter trade done behind closed doors but not anymore. At political campaigns and rallies party leaders including presidents are seen engaging in the practice. That suggests how fast and how far weve gone with this canker. In less than a month (22days to go) ahead of the general poll which comes off in December 7-- are images of these items being flaunted at every quarter and gown. Where is the beauty of the peacock? The voter has power but hes been rendered powerless by way of vote-selling. A few years ago, Researchers asked voters in the Philippines to make a simple unenforceable promise not to accept money from politicians or to promise to vote according to their conscience even if they do accept money. The purpose of the study was to test the impact of promises on voters behaviour, It turned out a majority of respondents made promises not to sell their votes. Again, the researchers found out that the promise significantly reduced vote-selling, cutting the number of people who sold their votes by 11 percentage points in the smallest points in the smallest-stakes election, but was not effective in the mayoral election with higher pay-outs. So the study concluded that simply asking voters to promise not to sell votes can help reduce vote-selling in elections where vote-buying payments are typically small. Interestingly the menace isnt peculiar to developing nations. It happens even in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. A Washington Post writer David A. Fahrenthold in an article titled: Selling votes is common type of election fraud which featured in October 2012, wrote that the practice seem to be widespread in the US Mr. Fahrenthold noted: It may still be possible to steal an American election, if you know the right way to go about it. Making reference to the 2012 election he said court cases from Appalachia to the Miami suburbs had revealed the tricks of an underground trade. Conspirators allegedly bought off absentee voters, faked absentee ballots and bribed people heading to the polls to vote one way or another. He added that in West Virginia over the past decade the cost was as low as$10, whereas in West Memphis, Ark, a statehouse candidate used $2 half-pint of vodka to buy vote. In Ghana C.I. 91 (Constitutional Instrument 91) passed by parliament and legislation makes electoral fraud a serious issue. And like many other democracies elsewhere, electoral fraud such as vote-buying, vote-selling, faked ballots and buying of absentee voters are considered election offences. Fact is anytime a voter sells his/her vote it basically means ones pursuit of happiness has been mortgaged for four years, it means perpetuity of mediocrity, it means assassination of ones conscience, it means blatant endorsement of systemic corruption and its a mutiny against democracy. In summation, an act of vote -selling and vote-buying has the potential to paralyse free and fair democratic process. Nonetheless they still remain unescapable in many developing democracies. And it appears to be a bane that has left many rural Africa impoverished. Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - "We're not jihadists, we're not bandits, we're defending our community," insisted the leader of a militia group in a powder keg Muslim district of the Central African Republic's capital Bangui. Outside the group's improvised base, a short distance from the mosques and shops of Bangui's flashpoint PK5 district, a youth from the so-called "50/50" self-defence group guarded the headquarters with an M16 assault rifle. Another man concealed a weapon under a red blanket. Three years of conflict and massacres that pitted Muslims against Christians and displaced hundreds of thousands have spawned several of the so-called "50/50" armed groups. They take their name from demands by Muslims, who make up as much as 20 percent of the country's population of 4.5 million, to be guaranteed the same rights as Christians. The militias are adamant that they will not sign up to the disarmament process pushed by the weak central government and the United Nations until their equal rights are guaranteed. And this week's donor conference in Brussels could throw Central Africa a crucial lifeline but will likely throw up criticism of the embattled central government's effort to neutralise armed groups like the 50/50 militias. Back in PK5, six men -- the general staff of the militia group -- sat on a carpet inside a house to plot the future of their movement after its chief was killed in violence that left about 10 dead at the end of October. French soldiers of the Sangaris operation, the military intervention in Central African Republic, patrol the PK5 Muslim district in Bangui The shootout was one of the latest episodes of recent violence to strike the country as it struggles to shrug off the shadow of the civil war between mainly Muslim rebels of the "Seleka" coalition and the militias known as "anti-balaka" (anti-machete) that emerged in Christian communities. Massacres were carried out by Seleka forces who overthrew then president Francois Bozize in March 2013 and took power for 10 months. The atrocities led to the creation of anti-balaka militias and both sides slaughtered civilians, with the worst mass killings witnessed during the first year of the chaos. "We're not Boko Haram," said Abdoulaye Mabo Koudoukou, the self-proclaimed "deputy chief of staff" of the Muslim militia, referring to the Islamists active in northern Nigeria and beyond. "We're not bandits. We are demanding freedom of movement for all Muslims throughout the Central African Republic." The country's flag hangs on the wall, alongside the movement's mottos: "Equality, justice, brotherhood" -- and "No to Violence". The armed Muslim groups formed following the attempted Seleka takeover are "a necessary evil" according to the general secretary of the Traders' Association of PK5, Hassan Ben Seid. 'We're trapped' A soldier from the Central African Republic army stands guard as Muslims gather at the PK5 Mosque in Bangui "We (Muslims) are abandoned to ourselves. The state doesn't exist. You don't see the police, nor the gendarmerie (paramilitary police)," said the owner of a hardware store at the edge of PK5, beside a road leading to other parts of the capital. PK5 gets its name from its location -- five kilometres (three miles) from the centre of Bangui. Many Muslims no longer feel safe to make that short journey by foot for fear of being attacked if they leave their enclave. Some residents even abandoned other districts to take refuge in PK5. "We're trapped. MINUSCA (the UN mission in the Central African Republic) encircles us, but does not protect us. For a month, we've no longer had access to the Muslim cemetery on the far side of the airport," Ben Seid told AFP. "The students no longer go to the university." Yet his Christian clients can still come to PK5, he says. The best-known Christian in Bangui, Roman Catholic archbishop and future cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga, regularly joins the Muslim imam in organising peace marches in the troubled district. PK5, the powder keg Muslim district of the Central African Republic's capital Bangui, gets its name from its location, 5kms from the city centre And despite patrols by UN peacekeepers and streets that are deserted after nightfall, PK5 looks like any other commercial neighbourhood, with shops stocking everything from mattresses to mechanical spare parts, and stock spilling out onto the roadside. Pedestrians still make their way down wide streets of beaten earth, weaving between cars, delivery vans, motorcycle taxis and small vegetable stalls. But normality grinds to a halt every time there is a fresh outbreak of violence. "Before, it took one gunshot for the market to empty in a split second. Then we had to wait for weeks for activity to resume. When people were killed (in late October), the market was open again 48 hours later," said Lazare Ndjadder, a Christian customs agent. "Kilometre 5 is a small republic in Central Africa, with Muslims, Christians and atheists," said Ndjadder, who was a losing candidate in legislative elections held alongside last February's presidential vote. "It's not difficult to be a Christian in PK5, when you have done nothing wrong, like me." The Secretary-General hosted today a signing ceremony on the margins of the COP-22 in Marrakesh, Kingdom of Morocco, with the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, and the President of the Gabonese Republic, His Excellency Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba. The ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the United Nations mediation, which started in 2008, that aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution of the border dispute between the two countries for submission to the International Court of Justice. The Secretary-General commended the two parties for demonstrating political leadership, courage and wisdom in reaching this historic agreement, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the United Nations Charter. He also thanked the parties for the excellent cooperation extended to his lead official for the dispute, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, as well as to his predecessor, Mr. Nicolas Michel. The Secretary-General expressed hope that the settlement of this longstanding border dispute would be a source of inspiration for other countries facing similar challenges, by demonstrating that a peaceful settlement. The Secretary-General encouraged President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and President Bongo Ondimba to continue to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to assist in the promotion of regional peace and stability, notably through the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in Libreville. By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) India is looking forward to intensify partnership with Israel for "mutual benefit" and both the countries should work collectively to respond to global challenges, President Pranab Mukherjee has said. He also said that India needs to develop several sectors including homeland and cyber security in which Israel has "proven capabilities". Speaking at a banquet hosted in the honour of visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here yesterday, Mukherjee said challenges of 21st century call for a coordinated response from the global community. advertisement Terming as "historic" the visit of Israel President, as it came after a gap of 20 years, Mukherjee said Rivlin represents the people who Indians admire, with whom Indians feel a strong and unique bond as both are ancient civilizations that have made significant contributions to humanity. "To effectively respond to global challenges, including climate change, we will need to collectively work for efficient solutions. We must leave our children a world that is better, cleaner and healthier. A world that is at peace, where diverse people live and flourish side-by-side in peace, respectful of each others beliefs and in total harmony with each other. I am confident that together, India and Israel can realise this important goal," Mukherjee said. He said as the two nation celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations next year, India looks forward to further intensifying partnership for mutual benefit and the good of the world. Lauding Israels accomplishment, Mukherjee said, "Your leadership, past and present, has inspired your people to overcome unspeakable tribulations and emerge stronger. Through sheer hard work and determination, you have built a highly progressive, confident and self-reliant nation. Your passion for innovation and your entrepreneurial spirit has earned you the title of a Start Up Nation." He said both the governments have jointly identified areas to be prioritised, in which both have tremendous synergies. "India needs to develop its capabilities in water resource management, agriculture, defense, renewable energy, academic exchanges, science and technology as well as homeland and cyber security. Israel has advanced technologies and proven capabilities in these key sectors," he said. Mukherjee said "Both our peoples gained independence after the second World War. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, had believed that the Jews people had a legitimate claim for Israel. Pandit Nehru, too, believed in this. He had said, in 1950 and I quote, Israel is a fact." The President said recent bilateral exchanges reflect the high level of trust and mutual understanding. "They underline our shared desire to intensify multi- faceted bilateral co-operation. Indias economy is presently on a positive trajectory," he said. PTI ABS SMJ --- ENDS --- advertisement 16.11.2016 LISTEN In early 2011, as the Arab Spring was moving across North Africa and the Middle East, small groups of nonviolent activists in Syria, which has been under martial law since 1963, started protesting against the brutal dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad and demanding democratic reforms, the release of political prisoners, an increase in freedoms, abolition of the emergency law and an end to corruption. By mid-March these protests, particularly in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo and Daraa, had escalated and the Day of Rage protest on 15 March 2011 is considered by many to mark the start of the nationwide uprising against the Assad dictatorship. The dictatorships reaction to the protests became violent on 16 March and on 18 March, after Friday prayers, activists gathered at the al-Omari Mosque in Daraa were attacked by security forces with water cannons and tear gas, followed by live fire; four nonviolent activists were killed. Within months, as the nonviolent protests expanded and spread, the regime had killed hundreds of activists and arbitrarily arrested thousands, subjecting many of them to brutal torture in detention. This pattern has continued unchecked. For the earliest of a succession of reports that document this regime violence against nonviolent activists, see the Human Rights Watch report We've Never Seen Such Horror Crimes against Humanity by Syrian Security Forces. https://www.hrw.org/report/2011/06/01/weve-never-seen-such-horror/crimes-against-humanity-syrian-security-forces For the most recent report, see the UN Human Rights Council report Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Deaths in Detention in the Syrian Arab Republic. http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A-HRC-31-CRP1_en.pdf In recent commentaries on the war in Syria, both long-time solidarity activist Terry Burke see U.S. Peace Activists Should Start Listening to Progressive Syrian Voices http://inthesetimes.com/article/19388/u.s.-peace-activists-arent-listening-to-progressive-syrian-voices and long-term Middle East scholar Professor Stephen Zunes have encouraged the anti-war movement to listen to Syrian voices in framing their response, particularly given the tendency within some sections of it to support the extraordinarily brutal Assad regime a family dictatorship rooted in the anti-leftist military wing of the Baath Party. See Anti-war movement must listen to voices within Syrias civil war. https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/anti-war-movement-must-listen-voices-within-syrias-civil-war One such Syrian voice is that of scholar and nonviolent activist Professor Mohja Kahf. In her account of the Syrian uprising against the Assad dictatorship see Then and Now: The Syrian Revolution to Date. A young nonviolent resistance and the ensuing armed struggle http://www.fnvw.org/vertical/Sites/%7B8182BD6D-7C3B-4C35-B7F8-F4FD486C7CBD%7D/uploads/Syria_Special_Report-web.pdf Professor Kahf offers the following introductory paragraphs: The Syrian uprising sprang from the countrys grassroots, especially from youth in their teens, and adults in their twenties and thirties. They, not seasoned oppositionists, began the uprising, and are its core population. They share, rather than a particular ideology, a generational experience of disenfranchisement and brutalization by a corrupt, repressive, and massively armed ruling elite in Syria. The uprising began nonviolently and the vast majority of its populace maintained nonviolence as its path to pursue regime change and a democratic Syria, until an armed flank emerged in August 2011. The Syrian Revolution has morphed. From midsummer to autumn 2011, armed resistance developed, political bodies formed to represent the revolution outside Syria, and political Islamists of various sorts entered the uprising scene. Since then, armed resistance has overshadowed nonviolent resistance in Syria. ...political bodies and support groups for the revolutions militarized wing, have become venues for internal power struggles among opposition factions and individuals, and entry-points for foreign powers attempting to push their own agendas into a revolution sprung from Syrian grievances, grown from the spilling of Syrian blood on Syrian soil. Many in the global peace community can no longer discern the Syrian uprisings grassroots population through the smoke of armed conflict and the troubling new actors on the scene. Further, some in the global left or anti-imperialist camp understand the Syrian revolution only through the endgame of geopolitics. In such a narrative, the uprising population is nothing but the proxy of U.S. imperialism. Such critics may acknowledge that the Assad regime is brutal, but maintain from their armchairs that Syrians must bear this cost, because this regime has its finger in the dike of U.S. imperialism, Zionism, and Islamism. Or, perhaps they agree that a revolution against a brutal dictator is not a bad idea, but wish for a nicer revolution, with better players. Eyes riveted to their pencils and rulers and idees fixes, such critics abandon a grassroots population of disenfranchised human beings demanding basic human freedoms in Syria. This is a stunning and cruel failure of vision. The voices of the original grassroots revolution of Syria are nonviolent, nonsectarian, noninterventionist, for the fall of the Assad regime, and for the rise of a democratic, human rights upholding Syria that is bound by the rule of law. They are still present in this revolution. Who will hear them now, after so much dear blood has been spilled, so much tender flesh crushed under blasted blocks of cement, so much rightful anger unleashed? Other Syrian voices offer a similar account. See, for example, the recent book by Robin Yassin-Kassab and Leila al-Shami titled Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War https://plutopress.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/burning-country-syrians-in-revolution-and-war/ reviewed in Book Review: Burning Country. http://www.middleeasteye.net/in-depth/reviews/review-burning-country-287752950 If Syrians and their solidarity allies are to develop and implement a successful nonviolent grassroots strategy to end the war in/on Syria and remove the Assad dictatorship, then we need a sound strategic framework that guides the comprehensive planning of our strategy. Obviously, there is no point designing a strategy that is incomplete or cannot be successful. A sound strategic framework simply enables us to think and plan strategically so that once our strategy has been elaborated, it can be widely shared and clearly understood by everyone involved. It also means that nonviolent actions can then be implemented because they are known to have strategic utility and that precise utility is understood in advance. There is little point taking action at random, especially if our opponent is powerful and committed (even if that commitment is insane, which is frequently the case). There is a simple diagram presenting a 12-point strategic framework illustrated here in the form of the Nonviolent Strategy Wheel. https://nonviolentliberationstrategy.wordpress.com/strategywheel/ In order to think strategically about nonviolently resolving a violent conflict, a clearly defined political purpose is needed; that is, a simple summary statement of what you want. However, given the complexity of the multifaceted conflict in the case of Syria, it is strategically simpler to identify two political purposes. These might be stated thus: 1. To end the war in/on Syria, and 2. To establish a democratic form of government in Syria (which, obviously, requires removal of the dictatorship). Once the political purpose has been defined, the two strategic aims (how you get what you want) of the strategy acquire their meaning. These two strategic aims (which are always the same whatever the political purpose) are as follows: 1. To increase support for your campaign by developing a network of groups who can assist you. 2. To alter the will and undermine the power of those groups who support the war/dictatorship. While the two strategic aims are always the same, they are achieved via a series of intermediate strategic goals which are always specific to each struggle. To keep this article reasonably straightforward, I have only identified a set of strategic goals that would be appropriate in the context of ending the war in/on Syria below. For a basic set of strategic goals appropriate for ending the dictatorship, see Strategic Aims. https://nonviolentliberationstrategy.wordpress.com/strategywheel/strategic-aims/ Before listing the strategic goals for ending the war, I wish to emphasise that I have only briefly discussed two aspects of a comprehensive strategy to end the war in/on Syria: its political purpose and its two strategic aims (with its many subsidiary strategic goals). For the strategy to be effective, all twelve components of the strategic framework should be planned (and then implemented). See Nonviolent Defense/Liberation Strategy. https://nonviolentliberationstrategy.wordpress.com/ This will require, for example, that tactics that will achieve the strategic goals must be carefully chosen and implemented bearing in mind the vital distinction between the political objective and strategic goal of any such tactic. See The Political Objective and Strategic Goal of Nonviolent Actions. https://nonviolentliberationstrategy.wordpress.com/articles/political-objective-strategic-goal/ Strategic goals to end the war in/on Syria I have outlined a basic list of strategic goals below although, it should be noted, the list would be considerably longer as individual organizations should be specified separately. Many of these strategic goals would usually be tackled by action groups working in solidarity with Syria campaigning within their own country. Ideally they would be undertaken by activist groups with existing expertise in the relevant area (for example, experience in campaigning against a weapons corporation) but this is not essential. Of course, individual activist groups would usually accept responsibility for focusing their work on achieving just one or a few of the strategic goals (which is why any single campaign within the overall strategy is readily manageable). It is the responsibility of the struggles strategic leadership to ensure that each of the strategic goals, which should be identified and prioritized according to their precise understanding of the circumstances in Syria, (so, not necessarily precisely as identified below) is being addressed (or to prioritize if resource limitations require this). So here is a set of strategic goals to end the war in/on Syria: (1) To cause the women in [womens organizations WO1, WO2, WO] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. For example, simple nonviolent actions would be to wear a national symbol (such as a badge of the national flag and/or ribbons in the national colors) and/or to boycott all media outlets supporting the war. For this item and many items hereafter, see the list of possible actions that can be taken here: 198 Tactics of Nonviolent Action. https://nonviolentliberationstrategy.wordpress.com/strategywheel/tactics-and-peacekeeping/198-tactics-of-nonviolent-action/ (2) To cause the workers in [trade unions T1, T2, T] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. For example, this might include withdrawing their labor from occupations that support the Syrian military forces. (3) To cause young people in Syria to resist conscription into the Syrian military forces. (4) To cause young people in Syria to refuse recruitment into the Free Syrian Army, al-Qaeda and its affiliates/allies, the Islamic State (Daesh) and its allies. (5) To cause the members of [religious denominations R1, R2, R] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. (6) To cause the members of [ethnic communities EC1, EC2, EC] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. (7) To cause the activists, artists, musicians, intellectuals and other key social groups in [organizations O1, O2, O] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. (8) To cause the students in [student organizations S1, S2, S] in Syria to join the liberation strategy by participating in [your nominated nonviolent action(s)/campaign(s) and/or constructive program activities]. (9) To cause the soldiers in [military units M1, M2, M] to refuse to obey orders from the dictatorship to arrest, assault, torture and shoot nonviolent activists and the other citizens of Syria. (10) To cause the police in [police units P1, P2, P] to refuse to obey orders from the dictatorship to arrest, assault, torture and shoot nonviolent activists and the other citizens of Syria. (11) To cause young people in [the US, NATO countries, Russia and other countries fighting in Syria] to refuse recruitment into their respective military forces. (12) To cause conscripts into the military forces of [NATO countries, Russia and other countries fighting in Syria] that still use conscription to conscientiously refuse to perform military duties. (13) To cause military personnel in the military forces of [the US, NATO countries, Russia and other countries fighting in Syria] to refuse deployment to the war in/on Syria. (14) To cause young people in [your country] to refuse recruitment into the Free Syrian Army, al-Qaeda and its affiliates/allies, the Islamic State (Daesh) and its allies. (15) To cause former soldiers in [your country] to refuse recruitment as mercenaries by corporations that supply military contractors to fight in Syria. (16) To cause the activists in [peace groups P1, P2, P] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. For example, this might include boycotting all commercial flights that use Boeing and Airbus passenger aircraft given the heavy involvement of these corporations in the production of military aircraft. (17) To cause the activists in [environment groups E1, E2, E] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. For example, this might including boycotting all commercial products of General Electric given the heavy involvement of this corporation in the production of military engines, systems and services. (18) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T1, T2, T.] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (19) To cause the women in [womens organizations WO1, WO2, WO] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (20) To cause the members of [religious denominations R1, R2, R] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (21) To cause the members of [ethnic communities EC4, EC5, EC] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (22) To cause the artists, musicians, intellectuals and other key social groups in [organizations O4, O5, O] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (23) To cause the students in [student organizations S1, S2, S] in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by encouraging their members to boycott [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (24) To cause the consumers in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by boycotting [all/specified nonmilitary products] of [weapons corporations W1, W2, W]. (25) To cause more individuals in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by conscientiously resisting paying [part/all] of their taxes for war. (26) To cause more organizations in [your town/city/country] to resist the war on Syria by conscientiously resisting paying [part/all] of their taxes for war. (27) To cause [weapons corporations W4, W5, W] to convert from the manufacture of military weapons to [the specified/negotiated socially/environmentally beneficial products]. (28) To cause [banks B1, B2, B] to cease financing the weapons industry. (29) To cause bank customers to shift their deposits to ethical banks and credit unions that do not finance (or are otherwise involved in) the weapons industry. (30) To cause [religious organizations R4, R5, R] to divest from the weapons industry. (31) To cause [superannuation funds S1, S2, S] to divest from the weapons industry. (32) To cause superannuation fund customers to shift their money to ethical funds that do not finance (or are otherwise involved in) the weapons industry. (33) To cause [insurance companies I1, I2, I] to divest from the weapons industry. (34) To cause insurance customers to shift their policies to ethical insurance companies that do not finance (or are otherwise involved in) the weapons industry. (35) To cause [corporations C1, C2, C] that provide [services/components] for [weapons corporations W1, W2, W] to cease doing so. (36) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T4, T5, T] to withdraw their labor from [weapons corporations W1, W2, W] [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (37) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T7, T8, T] to withdraw their labor from [corporations C1, C2, C] [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (38) To cause [corporations C4, C5, C] that provides [services/supplies] to [military bases MB1, MB2, MB] to cease doing so. (39) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T10, T11, T] who work in/supply [military bases MB1, MB2, MB] to withdraw their labor [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (40) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T13, T14, T] to withdraw their labor from [corporations C4, C5, C] [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (41) To cause [corporations C7, C8, C] that manufacture and supply spy satellites for military purposes to cease doing so. (42) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T16, T17, T] to withdraw their labor from [corporations C7, C8, C] [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (43) To cause [corporations C10, C11, C] that provide [services/components] for the militarization of space to cease doing so. (44) To cause the workers in [trade unions or labor organizations T19, T20, T] to withdraw their labor from [corporations C10, C11, C] [partially/wholly], [temporarily/permanently]. (45) To cause [corporations C13, C14, C] that provide private military contractors (mercenaries) to fight in wars to cease doing so. (46) To cause the private military contractors (mercenaries) who fight in wars to withdraw their labor from [corporations C13, C14, C]. (47) To cause the soldiers in [military units M1, M2, M] in [your town/city/country] to refuse to obey orders to [arrest, assault, torture and shoot, depending on your local circumstances] nonviolent activists campaigning against the war. (48) To cause the police in [police units P1, P2, P] in [your town/city/country] to refuse to obey orders to [arrest, assault, torture and shoot, depending on your local circumstances] nonviolent activists campaigning against the war. (49) To cause individual members of the military forces at [Military Base MB1/Drone Base DB1/Navy Ship NS1/Air Force Base AFB1/Army unit AU1/Marines unit MU1] in [your town/city/country] to resign. (50) To cause individual members of those corporations that employ/supply private military contractors (mercenaries) to resign. As you can see, the two strategic aims are achieved via a series of intermediate strategic goals. Not all of the strategic goals will need to be achieved for the strategy to be successful but each goal is focused in such a way that its achievement functionally undermines the power of those conducting the war. The difference between success and failure in any struggle is the soundness of the strategy. Biodata: Robert J. Burrowes has a lifetime commitment to understanding and ending human violence. He has done extensive research since 1966 in an effort to understand why human beings are violent and has been a nonviolent activist since 1981. He is the author of Why Violence? http://tinyurl.com/whyviolence His email address is [email protected] and his website is here. http://robertjburrowes.wordpress.com Several months ago nobody contemplated Donald Trumps election victory. Coming out of a bruised Republican (GOP) primary following which some GOP big wigs distanced themselves from candidate Trump, least was expected of this victory as many were skeptical of his prospects of winning. Republicans assumed he would be a drag on the partys hopes of winning in this election campaign. Now, he wasnt at all. His campaign began and endured amidst vitriol, animosity and some dangerous rhetoric and he would have the unpleasant situation of changing two of his campaign managers and ultimately winning with the third one. On election night, Americans spoke and voters swept Republicans into power, handing the GOP the White House, the Senate and the House in a wave that no one saw coming. Trumps victory does not mean the sun will not continue to rise in the morning. Indeed, it did rise and will continue to set in the evening every day. The World freaked out at Trumps victory because one could not stand the heck of Trumps presidency against the campaign vitriol. But, on a soberer note, lets intone from what Governor Cuomo once said that you campaign in poetry and govern in prose (1985) and trust the President-elect, Mr. Donald Trump will just do well. There surely are reasons why Donald Trump won the elections irrespective of all the polls in favor of Hillary Clinton. Like it or not, Hillarys email scandal, the Benghazi issue, the silent majority which embodied voters from the rust belt, FBI Directors announcement of a new inquiry into her use of email while secretary of state shortly before election day, all of these contributed to stop Hillarys campaigns momentum. Indeed, as Hillary indicated as quoted: but our analysis is that Comey's letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless, proven to be, stopped our momentum. We dropped, and we had to keep really pushing ahead to regain our advantage (2016). In all of this mix, it is imperative for Democrats (DNC) to get back to the drawing board, put their act together, and plan towards 2020 elections. Now, what are the parallels to draw from this US election? In otherwise, what lessons are there for Ghana on the cusp of a presidential election? If Ghanaian political parties officials think because Donald Trump won it might translate into a winning spree for opposition parties in Ghana, we probably have to consider these parallels: First of all, it can be argued that Hillarys email scandal and the Benghazi issue could be viewed as Ghanas massive corruption and the numerous deals. These two issues were a drag on the campaign and did not bode well for Hillarys campaign. The email scandal took center stage in the US elections as it bordered on trustworthiness and to a large extent on honesty and transparency. Ostensibly, some voters voted based on trust, honesty and transparency. The parallel in the Ghanaian elections could be encapsulated in the massive corruption and the numerous deals to boot a savoir the Armajaro and Embraer deals, the SADA and Gyeeda deals, Waterville, STX Housing, Smarttys, Insofoton and other corruption scandals under both Kufour and Mahamas administration. This paper has neither statistics nor evidence to present, but suffice to state that common knowledge indicates corruption to be presided over in both regimes. What happened and Parliament rose without passing the RTI bill? This lack will linger on as a justification for corruption in Ghana and I bet voters are probably bracing up for a jolt in the upcoming elections. And, on the blind side, we have government officials who do not declare their assets and within the space of limited time, they are erecting or have erected mansions, we have public officials who are paying for tuition abroad for relatives, we have government officials who have bought houses in the US and in some other countries. Then, we have the relevant question to ask about where the funds are coming from? The second parallel to draw is based on the campaign message that is focused on the creation of jobs. Trump campaigned on a message of creating jobs, bringing back jobs and making America great again. On a parallel note, the unemployment situation in Ghana is really thought provoking and very troubling. Therefore, any campaign message to stem the graduate unemployment, reduce utility tariffs, reinvigorate the private sector, stabilize the currency and arrest the fall in GDP is likely to woo voters. This is true, because, we know that jobs are the livewire of every economy. But, if the economy is reeling and a selected few are double-dipping, dealing, diming, dicing and nickeling the economy, dont you believe that voters have eyes to perceive what the hell is going on? Expressly put, any candidate campaigning to rid the nation of economic saboteurs, thieves and to instill discipline; a candidate campaigning to restore rule of law and transparency, given the mix of corruption bedeviling our economy, that candidate, to my mind, might spring a surprise in our elections. Thirdly, the silent majority carried Trump to victory. Given that silent votes are prevalent in any election cycle; it remains to be seen how this parallel will play out in the impending Ghanaian elections. Next, media is the fourth realm in any democratic dispensation. The United States has a very vibrant media landscape and the way a candidate uses it will always play to the advantage. Trump, a shrewd business mogul, a TV personality, spent less on TV ads and yet remained a constant presence on TV during the campaign cycle. Ghana in the same dimension has a vibrant media landscape and it will be interesting to see how the parallel will hem out. Lastly, social media was heavily used by both Trump and Hillary. It is hoped that the candidates in Ghana will take advantage of the social media peak and use it appropriately to their advantage. Political parties strategists in Ghana have to work hard to turn out the silent majority and I wish all of them Good luck! Cletus D Kuunifaa TMC Group Can be contacted at [email protected] , [email protected] or follow him on twitter @ckuunifaa Kofi Amoabeng almost sounded like a clergy man when he spoke to the issue of relationship with God . He underscored that, for one to achieve any magnificent feat of success in life, it is important to first understand that God brought us on earth for a purpose. Comparing human beings to other natural creatures, he intimated that, trees and animals serve as of food for man, sun provides us with energy, and clouds give us rain and so on; therefore by extension, man must also identify his reason for being here. Even though he disclosed that he seldom goes to church, he maintained that a relationship with a God is the best way of identifying ones purpose and it is indeed one of the relationships that matter most in life. 2. Relationship with Family At the age of 45, I remember I closed from work one day got home, and sat in my sofa very discouraged and frustrated with life, Amoabeng revealed. What had happened? the host asked. I had lost my entire family. They had packed and left the house because they were angry with me. It was a very difficult moment for me because I realized that I had given my family the attention they deserved. Families are a blessing from God and we must all try and cultivate a healthy relationship with our various families, he explained. I am grateful today, I have been able to turn things around and enjoy a very fruitful relationship with my family. 3. Relationship with Friends I started UT Bank with the support of my friends. That is how important friends are to us all. At that time, I did not have enough money, but I had friends who believed in the dream and also had money to assist me. I remember I lost their monies on few occasions but each time, I returned and told them the truth and they believed me and trusted me. We must always build very healthy friendships that are based on trust, respect and forgiveness. We all cannot do without friends in this life, Amoabeng explained. 4. Relationship with yourself You must be able to develop a private relationship with yourself. By this I mean you should have time when you can reason with yourself as to how your life is really going on, Amoabeng stated. Before I left the military for instance, I had to debate with myself first. I had to ask myself, why I joined the military in the first place? When I realized my answer was not a reflection of what was going on in the military I decided to leave. The times we all spend alone to make important decisions about life are very crucial and must not be downplayed under any circumstance. About the Author, G.K. Sarpong G. K. Sarpong is an author and founder of Christian Thinkers Community (CTC), a multidimensional organisation headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Sarpong also writes for several media firms across the continent of Africa and a guest writer and editor for various international journals and newsletters including Light Magazine Africa, The Revolution Journal and Christian Thinkers Journal. Sarpong has authored over seven books and hundreds of articles, some of which include Entrepreneurship Africa, Develop the Master in You, Building Success and Answers to Lifes Foundational Questions. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah (http://www.FMITI.gov.ng) will be having a press conference Thursday November 17 at 11am at the Ministry Headquarters at Block H, in Area 1, Old Secretariat, Garki. He will give a Status Report on the Implementation of the Growth and Diversification plan and take questions. Venue: Minister's Conference room Only registered journalists will be allowed to attend the press conference. REGISTER: http://APO.af/E3iNxZ Former President John Agyekum Kufour has appealed to members and sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Eastern Region not to vote 'skirt and blouse' during the December 7 elections. Addressing a mammoth rally at the campaign launch of Nana Ama Dokua, the NPP parliamentary candidate of Akropong, the ex-President Kufour said constituents would do themselves a great disservice if they fail to vote massively for their son, Nana Akufo-Addo, NPP's flagbearer as President and Nana Yaa Dokua as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, as well as other NPP parliamentary candidates in the country. Akuapem North Constituency is one of the strongholds of the largest opposition party in the Eastern Region, but in the past few months, both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP, have suspended their members for supporting independent parliamentary candidates. Ex-President Kufour further urged the electorate to vote for NPP to bring development to the area. Someone has drawn the map of Ghana indicating with pictures that since independence all regions except the Eastern Region has produced presidents of Ghana. This is the year for Akropong, Okuapeman and the Eastern Region to push to the highest office of the land your son who has offered himself to the service of Ghana. If you fail to support him, then you'll have yourself to blame. Be firm in your minds, and don't allow anyone to deceive you to vote 'skirt and blouse' in this constituency. Vote for Nana Akufo-Addo as president and Nana Dokua as your Member of Parliament, he indicated. Nana Ama Dokua, on her part, said the NPP has worked tirelessly to draw up a fully integrated plan to industrialize the country. She indicated that the next NPP government would fully restore the allowances of teacher and nursing trainees in the first quarter to enable the students of Akropong Presby College of Education to freely study hard. My outfit would ensure the refurbishment of Mampong Hospital, the Cocoa Tourist Center at Mampong needs to be functional, Larteh needs a vocational center, Kwamoso Palm Plantation needs to be fixed, she added. She, however, urged the constituents to vote massively for Nana Akufo-Addo to implement the one district, one factory policy to reduce unemployment in the country. From Daniel Bampoe, Akropong Ghana would have been managing a security challenge of disturbing consequence had the senseless assemblage by elements of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in front of the residence of the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party last Sunday gone beyond the stone-throwing which accompanied the provocative congregation. For the first time, two foreign missions have commented on a pre-election security occurrence and warned about consequences should trouble-making politicians persist in their crooked ways. The US State Department has added its voice to that of its mission in Accra, and this underscores the fact that the radar of the international community is already on Ghana. Need the President and his team, especially his security apparatus, be reminded about keeping the peace and to avoid provocative actions that can derail the forthcoming polls? Ghana has come a long way from 6th March 1957, the date it severed its umbilical cord from her colonial masters. Politicians at the helm of affairs should know better that violence and attempts at circumventing the will of the people do not attract positive dividends. The international community, especially the US and EU, pick bills for peacekeeping missions and the hosting of conferences towards the restoration of order and so their concern about the senseless action is justifiable. We have heard the President querying the Nima Police and for that matter the Police administration by extension, for not acting early enough to nip the emerging trouble in the bud. We do not find sincerity in his reaction but rather detect a ploy to dissociate himself from the disorder in the eyes of the international community, especially the US and UK. The missions know better the political situation and who is seeking to breach security with a view to garnering undue advantage at the polls. We understand why some politicians would prefer a breakdown of law and order and why the inappropriate situation would inure to their interest even if the country suffers from the tendentious breach. The President's query should have come before the international backlash. Then we would have seen in him as a President who can apportion blame without fear or favour. He should have condemned the party hoodlums and the provocation, which was what assembling at the gate of Nana Addo's house entailed, instead of using the Police as the scapegoat even if they too have been unprofessional anyway. For the information of the President, the Nima Police were obviously confused as to what to do, realizing that NDC supporters at the centre of the storm are largely above the law. There is an unwritten convention now in the system that such aberrations should not be dealt with if they are committed by NDC supporters, especially when they don their party colours. That is exactly how come no arrest was neither made nor would be made. We hear the Police are demanding of the media to report the truth. If only they could learn to speak the truth too and deal with all with the same standard, it would go a long way in winning the trust of the people. We would continue to report the unprofessional conduct of the police always. The man in Asutifi South, who boasted of killing always, is still walking about a free man. That is what we are talking about. Are we lying? The President should go beyond remarking about the inaction of the Police and how this nearly brought national security to the brink by giving the law enforcement agency the free hand to discharge their mandate. The acting Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has indicated that there is clear evidence that the NPP will record its highest votes ever in the Volta Region in the December 7 parliamentary and presidential elections. According to him, the hard work of parliamentary candidates, regional, constituency and branch executives was very impressive, adding that Change is coming to the Volta Region. He said enthusiasm for change in the region is so evident that we can smell it, feel it and see it. The enthusiasm, reception, participation and attendances to meetings are very impressive, a development which was none-existent in the past. He said it was no wonder that Nana Akufo-Addo's tour of the region received unprecedented reception and audience an occurrence which is causing fear and panic in the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr. Freddie Blay made the observation in Ho when he was briefing the media at the regional office of the NPP last Monday. He had been in the region for three days, touring and meeting key members of the party and stakeholders in the election process. He also met about 15 volunteer groups of the NPP operating in the region to ensure that the 'change' message was well communicated to the citizens. Chairman Blay (as he is affectionately called) was optimistic that the party in the region was effectively neutralising the propaganda of the governing NDC. He said as a result of the hard work of all stakeholders of the party, I can confidently say that the situation where we got zero and single votes in some polling stations will be a thing of the past. Mr Blay added that the party is fielding sharp and diligent polling station agents to ensure vigilance and accurate records of events at the polling stations. More so, the party is committed to ensuring adequate resource mobilisation to facilitate their operations in the region. He further observed that although the NPP could not win all the seats in the region, he was optimistic that under the regional chairmanship of John Peter Amewu, the five parliamentary seats and 50% votes would be realised by the party in the December elections. He also described as irresponsible comments and condemned alleged schemes by the governing NDC to get Togolese and other foreigners to vote in Ghana's elections. Referring to comments made by the General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, to the effect that the party was going to campaign in the Republic of Togo, Mr Blay said, Such acts are irresponsible. Mr. Blay was particularly excited that people in the region have become so increasingly discerning that the propaganda of the NDC was no more working. Furthermore, he noted, A party that claims to be founded on the tenets of probity and accountability is no more having its founder campaigning for it. The founder, Jerry John Rawlings, has continuously accused the government of corruption. From Fred Duodu, Ho ([email protected]) Marrakesh (Morocco) (AFP) - Morocco is to host an African summit later Wednesday as the kingdom presses a bid to rejoin the continental bloc 32 years after walking out in protest at its position on the Western Sahara. Some 30 leaders are due to take part, including those of English-speaking states like Kenya and Nigeria as well as Morocco's traditional allies among French-speaking West African nations. The summit is being held on the sidelines of annual climate change talks and the calls of African leaders for more funding from developed nations to cut fossil fuel emissions and take contingency measures will also loom large. It will be an opportunity for African leaders to "coordinate their positions and speak with one voice to defend them," a senior Moroccan diplomat told AFP. "Developed countries must shoulder their historical responsibility for emissions," Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh told the climate change talks on Tuesday. The UN, too, called for more money, especially for "adaptation" -- shoring up defences against global warming's effects. This could mean building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems and growing climate change-resistant crops. French President Francois Hollande is due to address the African leaders. Controversially, they include Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide during the 13-year-old conflict in Darfur. He has always denied the charges. ICC boycott grows The summit comes amid growing opposition to the ICC among African leaders, who accuse the court of prosecuting alleged crimes in Africa while ignoring those elsewhere in the world. Burundi, South Africa and the Gambia have all pulled out of the court's founding treaty, the Rome statute, in recent weeks. Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have indicated they may follow suit. Hosting the summit is a diplomatic coup for Morocco as it seeks to reassert its influence in Africa. In July, the kingdom announced it wanted to join the African Union and in September it lodged a formal application. King Mohamed VI has since toured east Africa in a bid to woo support and after the Marrakesh talks he is due to visit Addis Ababa where the AU is based. Morocco pulled out of what was then called the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 in protest at its admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic declared by the pro-independence Polisario Front in the Western Sahara. The move came at the height of the armed conflict between the Polisario and Morocco over the former Spanish colony. A UN-supervised ceasefire has been in effect since 1991 but a quarter of a century of efforts for a lasting peace have led nowhere. Morocco controls all the main towns with the Polisario confined to a narrow strip in the desert interior. Tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees still live in camps in neighbouring Algeria. Algeria has long backed the Polisario and Morocco's bid for AU membership has set off what is likely to be dogged diplomatic battle for influence between the North African rivals. The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP, will visit the community of Meloding in Virginia, Free State province on Thursday, 17 November 2016, on a Higher Education and Skills Development door-to-door programme. The main purpose of the visit is to promote post-school opportunities to out of school youth, as well as engage the community in a bid to address and resolve complaints that are related to higher education and skills development. Members of the media are invited to the visit scheduled as follows: Date: Thursday, 17 November 2016 Time: 08h00 Venue: Meloding Township, Virginia, Free State RSVP and Enquires: Busiswa Gqangeni, Cell: 061 351 2695 / 079 547 5299 / [email protected] Following the passing of Seychelles' Mr Phillippe de Baets, Seychelles' Honorary Consul based in Brussels and Walloon region in the Kingdom of Belgium, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conveyed its deepest sympathies to Mrs Monique Hubene and his children. Mr De Baets was a true friend of Seychelles who discharged his duties to the highest order and has played a key role in ensuring the that both the Republic of Seychelles and the Kingdom of Belgium deepen their close ties. In a separate message, President Danny Faure expressed his condolences following the demise of a man who he described as a "great man who selflessly contributed to enhance the diplomatic image of Seychelles in Belgium and the fostering of the excellent relations between his native Belgium and his country of adoption, Seychelles." By India Today Web Desk: "Dancing is a womanly profession," we've heard innumerable Indian parents say N number of times. Now, imagine having to fight that convention, that too for the most graceful form of dance known to mankind--ballet. Ballet is not the most preferring form of dancing among Indians, especially for boys. Try telling your dad that you or your brother want to learn the ballet, and face the wrath of generalisations, if you don't believe us! advertisement Manish Chauhan, 21, and Aamiruddin Shah, 15, are two of Mumbai's most gifted ballerinos. Like most young boys, Manish spent most of his childhood shying away from dance. His journey to become a ballet dancer has not been without struggle. Aamir used to start his training at 4 am, before heading off to school at 7. Manish has spent nights at the railway station to make it in time for his classes, according to YouTube channel 101India. The two honed their skills under the guidance of renowned ballet master Yehuda Maor, at Danceworx Academy. The two have caught the eye of heads of prestigious ballet schools, including the Joffrey Ballet School, New York, as well as the Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland. The pair have now been granted a full year's scholarship to the Oregon Ballet Theatre. They will join the theatre in January 2017. --- ENDS --- The family and friends of the late Aliu Mahama are marking the fourth anniversary of his death today in Tamale. Alhaji Aliu Mahama who died on 16th November 2012 and had been engaged in New Patriotic Party (NPP) activities when he took ill and eventually died. A lot of activities have since been done and continued to be done by the family through 'The Aliu Mahama Foundation' towards sustaining his legacy. The Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Nana Addo and his running mate Alhaji Bawumia have on other anniversaries in memory of the late Aliu Mahama, delivered lectures in his remembrance. President J.A Kufour under whom he served as Vice President of Ghana for eight years has also played key roles in the various activities of the Aliu Mahama Foundation. The late Aliu Mahama was a highly disciplined man, lover of peace and development, philanthropist of high repute and conducted himself creditably as both Vice President and even as a private citizen. The death of the former Vice President nearly four (4) years ago has created a huge political vacuum up North yet to be filled. He was the rallying point of the NPP in the Northern sector and Dr Bawumia once spoke of the crucial role he played in his political life. The family led by Farouk Aliu Mahama must be hailed for pledging to protect the legacy and memory of the late Vice President through the Aliu Mahama Foundation, said one of his many admirers. As the first Northerner to be Vice President of Ghana for eight years in the political history of Ghana, his name will forever be remembered in the political history of Ghana. A number of activities have been unveiled by the family to keep his memory alive on the occasion of the 4th Anniversary of his death which comes off on November 16. It must be stated that the Foundation in the past had donated hospital equipment to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, made donations to some Orphanages and also helped needy but brilliant students. Strategic Communications Africa Ltd. (Stratcomm Africa) has won the United Nations (UN) Award for Public Relations and Sustainable Development at this year's International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards for Excellence in Public Relations. The ceremony took place on 5th November, 2016 in Doha, Qatar. The prestigious UN Award, one of the two top Golden World Awards, is for outstanding achievement in Public Relations, giving recognition to PR programmes that address priority issues of the UN. It was awarded to Stratcomm Africa for a PR campaign, Colour me W, that promotes the UN Goal of Gender Equality (UN Sustainable Development Goal 5). Bart de Vries, President of the IPRA, presented the award. The Colour Me W communication campaign was developed by Stratcomm Africa in support of Access Bank Ghana's goal to promote economic empowerment among Ghanaian women through the introduction of banking products that meet their needs. Other awards, under various categories of public relations practice, were won by various PR agencies from different parts of the world, including Japan, Korea, Angola, Nigeria, Netherlands, UK, Turkey, China, France, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Spain, Bulgaria and Russia. The event was hosted by the IPRA Chapter in the Gulf Region and was attended by IPRA members from all over the world. Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, His Excellency. Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event. Stratcomm Africa's Chief Executive Officer, Esther A. N. Cobbah, who, along with some members of staff of the company, received the award said: We are encouraged by this recognition from the UN and the International Public Relations Association. At Stratcomm Africa, we see public relations as an important tool for Africa's development. We are, therefore, delighted that this is an award related to the objectives of the UN for development. We are grateful to Access Bank Ghana for the opportunity to develop this campaign. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stratcomm Africa, Rev. Professor Samuel K. Adjepong, also noted: This UN IPRA Award to Stratcomm Africa, a Ghanaian company with world-class professional capabilities, not only shines the light on Ghana, but on Africa in general. It reinforces the fact that Ghana has a strong human resource base that is able to attain the heights of the international public relations industry, as well as other fields of endeavour. We congratulate management and staff of Stratcomm Africa on the hard work that has earned this prestigious award. This is the second time an African company has won the UN IPRA award since it was established in 1990. Stratcomm Africa is the first Ghanaian company to win an IPRA award. It is also the first company in the West African sub-region to win the UN IPRA award. Strategic Communications Africa Ltd (Stratcomm Africa) is an international total communication, reputation management and research agency dedicated to using communication as a means of enhancing performance in various contexts. Stratcomm Africa specializes in evolving and implementing systematic and comprehensive communication strategies (PR, Marketing, Advertising) for individuals, organizations, public and private, in both national and international settings. Background to the IPRA The annual IPRA Golden World Awards (GWA) initiative, established in 1990, recognizes excellence in public relations practice worldwide in a variety of categories. Recipients of the awards take particular pride in the recognition granted to their entry as meeting international standards of excellence in public relations. An overall IPRA Grand Prix for Excellence is presented each year to the entry judged as representing the highest standards that year. While there are many national and regional PR awards, there is only one truly global scheme: the GWA. Government is working to reduce the wage bill from the current 51 percent to 40 percent in 2017 in order to invest in social and economic services. President John Mahama disclosed this at the 21st breakfast meeting with the Ghanaian business community organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) in Accra on Monday. One of the intractable problems the NDC government faced was the wage bill, the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS), which the government implemented, spiraled out of control to the extent that remuneration of public sector workers was consuming more than 70 percent of total tax revenue. But we have managed to bring it down. It is now hovering around 51 percent, and we are hoping we can bring it down to 49 percent by end of this year. We are hoping that next year we will be able to bring it further down to 40 percent. But the ideal percentage recommended by ECOWAS is 35 percent. We hope that we should be able to achieve that in the next couple of years, the president said. He said wage negotiations for 2017 were concluded about two months ago and we know exactly how much it is going to cost us when we present the budget to Parliament. I am happy to say that wages and salaries have been put under control. By Cephas Larbi [email protected] Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), George Atta-Boateng Players in the public sector have been advised to fully incorporate technology into their operations. According to the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), George Atta-Boateng, the incorporation of technology into business activities would require moving beyond the simple application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to existing processes and turning already digitized resources into sources of operational results and growth. Mr. Atta-Boateng further noted that public sector organizations should consider the opportunities that digital services provide to reinvent their operations and business models. By understanding the digital capabilities and opportunities, the public sector can better be positioned to deliver positive outcomes that impact citizens, business, society and the economy at large, he added. Mr. Atta-Boateng noted that some public-sector organizations are already applying technology to existing business process and workflows to boost efficiency. He disclosed this while speaking at the opening of a two-day workshop to foster the implementation of e-government in the country. The workshop themed, 'Achieving Digital Excellence in Public Service Delivery through Innovative Strategies, Processes and Technologies' was also to foster collaboration, raise national awareness and understanding of stakeholder responsibilities in the implementation of e-government. William Tevie, Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), in a statement, said statistics indicate that the telecommunications sector in the country is one of the biggest and fastest growing industries. He said NCA intends to improve communications in Ghana, hence the adoption of the e-online and web customer portals that assist customers applying for licenses online. Several key projects to digitize governance, as well as improve the ICT infrastructure of the country include e-governance platform that connects all districts to the president for easy governance and national data centre which has added massively to the ICT infrastructure, he said. Minister of Communications, Edward Omane-Boamah, opening the workshop, said government, in demonstrating its commitment in the use of ITC, has created the information infrastructure within the public sector nationwide. In Accra, a 10Gb Metro fiber network, has been laid to support operations within the ministerial enclave to facilitate government business and programme. On the software side, we have developed online services and payment platform to enhance electronic commerce, an e-workspace platform, which Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would use for correspondence, messaging, meeting and storing, he added. He urged NITA to intensify efforts to create awareness on the infrastructure and its capacity to support public service delivery. I urge participants to fully interact and brainstorm and come out with innovative strategies to help develop the industry and our country at large, he stated. By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri 16.11.2016 LISTEN The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, His Eminence Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III has just celebrated the 10th year anniversary of his ascendance to the revered 200-year-old throne of his ancestor, Usman Dan Fodio. Amidst praises and pomp, (former) heads of states, traditional rulers, dignitaries, well-wishers, admirers and ordinary citizens trooped en-mass to the historic city of Sokoto from Thursday, November 3, 2016 to celebrate the 10th year of the glorious reign of the 20thSultan of a vast Caliphate. The Sokoto Caliphate, an independent Islamic Caliphate that stretched from present-day Burkina Faso in the west, to Cameroon in the east, was the most important empire in 19thcentury Africa and, at its height, it linked over 30 different emirates of over 10 million people. The cheer number of those who attended the events, their diverse background, the caliber of the dignitaries, their personal testimonies and candid opinions of the Sultan and that of his illustrious family are all eloquent testimonies to the fact that the Sultan has truly succeeded in building an enduring legacy on the trail of his forefathers and has established a successful brand as a builder of strong bridges of understanding and brotherhood across Nigeria in just one decade. Another testimony to his legacy in the making is that the Sultan has consistently used his exalted position as the spiritual leader of the Nigerian Muslims to send show to the non-Muslim community that with him, leadership of one faith and true friendship with the other can go hand in hand. It is important to understand the significance of the achievements that the Sultan has recorded especially at a time of raging and often polarizing debate on religion in the country. In 2012 when the Boko Haram terror group was having a free rein and expanding their devilish enclave, the Sultan of Sokoto together with Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan were nominated for Nobel Peace Prize for their joint efforts to prevent a religious civil war and for ultimately bringing about interfaith dialogue against all odds. The nomination recognized their staunch stand against the predatory Boko Haram group and their courageous and critical roles championing the cause of national unity, and working assiduously to prevent the misuse of religion to spread hate, violence and vengeful attacks. The Sultan started many initiatives to counter and reduce the influence of Boko Haram, including inviting an international joint Muslim-Christian Delegation to visit Nigeria between 22 and 26 May 2012. His hard earned reputation as an inspirational, strong and visionary leader; as a relentless bridge builder and a missionary for hope and his constant message of peace, love and harmony have endeared him to the hearts of all Nigerians and won him many national and international awards and nominations. Within the Islamic world, His Eminence Sultan Muhammadu Saad Abubakar is considered an icon of our time. He is adjudged to be the 22ndmost influential Muslim in the world in The 500 Most Influential Muslims. The important annual publication, first published in 2009, ranks the most influential Muslims in the world on the basis of the influence that particular Muslims have had within the Muslim community and the manner in which their influence has benefited the Muslim community, both within the Islamic world and in terms of representing Islam to non-Muslims. The publication is compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan and the Sultan has been ranked amongst the overall top 50most influential Muslims for the last 7 consecutive years. For Muslim and non Muslim Nigerians, up and down the country, the Sultan is a royal and authority icon who represents an epitome of humility and wisdom. He had stayed at the forefront protecting the unity and integrity of the nation as an accomplished solider and as a fine example decorated for participating in foreign peace keeping missions. Now, he is using his exulted position to move the country back on the track of peace, spirituality and prosperity. He has used the Sultanate Council and other resources at his disposal to mobilise other traditional rulers to lead campaigns against the scourges of polio, infant mortality and other ills in the society and his most noticeable works have been in the areas of building peace, religious and interfaith harmony, philanthropy, charity and development. The sterling achievements of His Eminence, his exceptional qualities and standing amongst world leaders demonstrate convincingly that he does not only have the nobility to lead, very importantly, he also has the credibility. May the Almighty bless His Eminence, our great and magnanimous Sultan and grant him long and successful reign. I join other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate the 10th radiant year of the reign of the great icon of our time, and a royal father of the nation. I do this with a good memory of his past achievements, great joy in the good stories of today and soaring hope in the years to come. Thanks and ma'a salaam. Nairobi (AFP) - The Kenyan government announced Wednesday that it has agreed to extend the deadline for the closure of Dadaab refugee camp -- the world's largest -- by six months, having originally planned it for November. Interior minister Joseph Nkaissery said the move follows a request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. "I wish to announce that the government has accepted the request," he told a news conference. The Hague (AFP) - "Don't go!" That was the heartfelt appeal to African nations as the International Criminal Court opened its annual meeting Wednesday under the cloud of a wave of unprecedented defections. Gambia on Monday formally notified the United Nations that it was withdrawing from the court, following in the wake of South Africa and Burundi. "Don't go," pleaded Senegalese politician Sidiki Kaba, the president of the ICC's Assembly of State Parties meeting in The Hague. "In a world criss-crossed by violent extremism... it is urgent and necessary to defend the ideal of justice for all," he said. The tribunal opened in 2002 in The Hague as a court of last resort to try the world's worst crimes. But in his passionate plea, Kaba admitted it was going through a "difficult moment". He acknowledged some had seen "injustice" in the investigations brought before the court so far, but he offered reassurances, saying: "You have been heard." The court had to redouble its efforts to convince countries to return, and to ensure that there was truly universal justice for all, Kaba said. Amid accusations of bias against Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have also indicated they are considering pulling out of the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty. 'Do not betray the victims' "Though the powerful may seek to leave the court, the victims everywhere plead for its involvement," UN human rights commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said. He insisted "there is no substitute for the ICC" and in the long term "these states will boomerang back as the court is accepted by more and more states". "By withdrawing from the Rome Statute, leaders may shield themselves, but it would be at the cost of depriving their people of a unique form of protection." Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda seats in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on September 27, 2016 He warned "a new trend of isolationism" sweeping the world would trigger more attacks on the court. "Now is not the time to abandon the post, now is the time of resolve and strength," Zeid said. "Do not betray the victims, nor your own people... stand by the court... it is the best that we have." The defections will take a year to come into force. Currently nine out of the 10 ICC investigations are in African countries. The other is in Georgia. But on the eve of the meeting, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda revealed there was a "reasonable basis" to believe US troops as well as the Taliban and Afghan forces may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan. In her annual report, she said she would decide "imminently" whether to ask to launch a full-blown investigation in Afghanistan. If the investigation goes ahead, the tribunal would be taking on its most complex and politically controversial investigation to date. Spokesperson for the John Mahama campaign Joyce Bawa Mogtari has appealed to the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party Nana Akufo-Addo to give way for a much younger person to lead the party. According to her, the former attorney general has contributed his bit to the growth of the country and must bow out now for other people in the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition to continue. Speaking on the Morning Starr Wednesday, the deputy transport minister said Nana Addo will be retired from politics in December when Ghana goes to the polls. I think it is time for a change over in the type of politics the NPP runs. I think it is time for Akufo-Addo to give way to a younger version of himself. It's time for the President to retire Nana Addo so we can congratulate him for the good fight fought. I think Nana Addos time was with Kufuor, she said. She added that even though the President faced severe challenges in the initial part of his administration, he handled them with finesse. Though the NDC has faced some challenges Mahama has handled them professionally and it shows he is a leader. Anyone who has encountered the President and his vice President will tell you about their quality and the kind of ideas they espouse. Commenting further on the NDCs boycott of the IEAs debate, Mrs. Mogtari said the IEA has a history of bias against the ruling party and they will not allow it to continue. We raised concerns about bias and certain past conduct of the IEA and those issues are serious to us. There are issues we raised that they have not been able to respond to. Our participation in the IEA will give the IEA some credibility...in future, we might participate in the IEA debate but not now, she said. The National Democratic Congress campaign spokesperson for the 2016 elections, Joyce Bawa-Mogtari has stated president John Mahama will not respond to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias 170 points he raised in his public lecture dubbed: "the True State of the Economy." This also goes to his vice president, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, she added. Bawumia dared the presidency to officially respond to the 170 facts pointed out at a public lecture he gave in September on the state of the economy. His challenge to the presidency was in reaction to Mr. Amissah-Arthurs debunking of such claims as lies. According to the former governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Bawumias presentation on the economy was shallow, lacking detailed analysis. Speaking on Starr 103.5 FMs Morning Starr on Wednesday, Mrs. Bawa-Mogtari said neither the president nor his vice will respond to Bawumias "nuisance". When Nii Arday Clegg Snr. host of the Morning Starr posited that Oh! Its a nuisance? she replied absolutely, I think so. And especially when you keep repeating that mantra. She continued: I mean, he held everybody spellbound for two hours, delivered a very ranting, Trump-like rhetoric of issues that I think he should actually be explaining and answering. According to her, the challenge thrown at the presidency by Dr Bawumia is a bit of a distraction and totally needless. She also stated that she does not see Amissah-Arthur debating Bawumia, submitting that I dont think it is necessary especially if it is to do with his ranting and ravings all this while. I think it is needless. I think he should be telling Ghanaians what they intend to do thatll be better than what is being done. Bawumia, she added, lacks the moral right to dare the presidency to respond to his 170 so called factual statements from his public lecture on the true statement of the economy after being part of the team that nearly collapsed the countrys economy. President Mahama has shown a lot of compassion. President Mahama has demonstrated his ability to manage this economy despite the challenges, said Mrs. Bawa-Mogtari The Supreme Court has granted the application by former Attorney General Martin Amidu to examine businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome on how he utilized the GH51.2 million judgment debt paid him by the state. The Supreme Court presided by Justice Anim Yeboah ordered that Mr. Woyome appears in Court on oath on Thursday, November 24, 2016 to be examined by Mr. Amidu. Mr Amidu took the action after a move by the Attorney General to discontinue oral examination of Mr. Woyome. Mr. Woyome recently refunded GH4 million to state coffers, representing part payment of the GH51.2 million he owes the state. He has, through his lawyers, promised to pay the outstanding balance by quarterly installments of GH5 million, commencing April 1, 2017. Giving reasons why her outfit had filed an application at the Supreme Court to discontinue the request for oral examination of Woyome, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, said her outfit had so far issued a receipt for the GH4 million. -Starrfmonline Dismissing the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the restoration of Jallikattu during Pongal festival, the bench brushed aside the state government's argument that the 3,500-year-old tradition was rooted in religion. By Indo-Asian News Service: In a blow to Tamil Nadu government's efforts to get top court's nod for 'Jallikattu', the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the state's plea seeking recall of its 2014 verdict banning the bull-fights, holding that the practice amounted to cruelty to the animals. Dismissing the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the restoration of Jallikattu during Pongal festival, the bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman brushed aside the state government's argument that the 3,500-year-old tradition was rooted in religion. advertisement "NO CONNECTION OF JALLIKATTU WITH RELIGION" Rejecting the argument, the bench, in its orders dismissing the review petition, said that there was no connection or connectivity of Jallikattu with religion. "Such a concept is alien to the concept of freedom of religion" guaranteed under Article 25 of the constitution, the bench said in its order. As senior counsel Shekhar Naphade appearing for Tamil Nadu told the court that Jallikattu was a "socio-cultural religious event associated with the harvesting of the crop", the bench said: "It is not a religious practice. It has nothing to do with religion... (By saying that it was religious) we are defaming the framers of the constitution." Holding that the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 was repugnant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960, the top court by its May 7, 2014 verdict had banned the bull-fighting, saying bulls could not be used as performing animals, either for the Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races. The court by its 2014 verdict had also urged the Union government to accord constitutional status to animal rights. Also read: Jallikattu row: Jayalalithaa writes to PM, wants ordinance in favour of bull taming sport The court also rejected the Tamil Nadu's position that the state law on Jallikattu was not repugnant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, as the law covered a "very very narrow space" not occupied by the central law. Having dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's plea seeking the recall of the May 7, 2014, judgment, the bench said that the hearing on the batch of petitions challenging the January 7, 2016, notification would take place on December 1. Taking away the very basis of 2014 judgment, January 7 notification permitted the use of bulls for Jallikattu and cart races. In the last hearing of the matter on November 9, the court had said that though animals may not have rights but they can't be subjected to cruelty by the people and observed that what is embedded in the Constitution and the statute could not be taken away by a notification. --- ENDS --- Middelburg (South Africa) (AFP) - Two white South African farmers briefly appeared in court on Wednesday on assault charges after an online video emerged showing them pushing a black man into a coffin and threatening to burn him alive. Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson, both 28, were remanded in custody after their lawyer decided not to apply for bail. Magistrate Jongilizwe Dumehleli said the pair should return for another court hearing on January 25. The men face charges of kidnapping and assaulting 27-year-old Victor Mlotshwa over an incident that occurred in August at a farm near the town of Middelburg in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. They were arrested on Monday after the video, apparently shot on a mobile phone by one of the two white men involved, went viral last week. Victor Mlotshwa -- who was filmed being pushed into a coffin -- listens to evidence at the Middleburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 The 20-second clip shows one of the assailants shoving a black man, clearly in distress, into the wooden coffin and trying to force down the lid. "Come, come. We want to throw the petrol on," said one of the men, speaking Afrikaans, according to the News24 website. They are also accused of threatening to put a snake in the coffin. Mlotshwa told ENCA television he was walking to the town of Middelburg and decided to use a short cut when the two men spotted him. "I was in a hurry I had to use some path, a footpath, that was the shortest to go to Middelburg," he said. "They accused me of trespassing. Then they beat me up and I had to run away," he said, adding he tried to flee but they caught him. "They tied me with cable tie and took me to the nearest farm. They beat me up and forced me into the coffin." South African activists protest outside the Middelburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party and the ruling African National Congress held separate rallies outside the court to protest at the alleged assault and racism in South Africa. Racial controversies have erupted regularly on social media in recent years in South Africa, which is still beset by deep-rooted inequality 22 years after the end of white-minority apartheid rule. 16.11.2016 LISTEN When personalities from different political divides meet on any media or public platform, they mostly argue vehemently and project their party, their policies and their candidate(s) above each others or in some cases, one anothers. Sometimes the tension goes high, they may even lose their temper and speak with fury, and in most cases the host manages to calm them down. You hardly hear them shifting from the issues and insulting one another, It is mostly an educating and revealing encounter that keeps knowledge-loving audience stimulated intellectually. But you know something? this banter ends at the studios! When the show ends they dont go about arguing everywhere they meet and throwing insults at one another here and there. Away from the camera or the console, they chat heartily, they laugh and crack jokes, they eat together, they help one another., they build friendships, some of them are the best of friends, and they respect and care for one another. And so they grow together. People who are close to them would agree to this, even your friends at the parliament house. Unfortunately the media doesnt capture much of these, lets say it is of no interest to them, and to us as well. We see just one side, but that side is not even the side we have adopted. Leave the politicians, Parliamentarians and party leaders and come down to the supporters. What do we see? They are mostly on each others throat! As if they are paid to denigrate and insult one another, wherein their victory lies. Even on WhatsApp groups, they make enemies of each other, insult one another and build up rivalry. It is as though winning a WhatsApp insult contest means winning the general elections. The sad thing about this encounters is the fact that it transforms strangers or sometimes friends into enemies simply due to differences in their political stance. There are many of us today who harbour dislike and disdain towards people theyve not seen or met before, simply o. The basis of politics This is an unprofitable venture. You dont benefit from the insults. Your readers dont. Your political party doesnt. No one does! Not only does insults and abusive language lack the capacity to win elections, insults cannot build our nation. Our politics must be decorous and progressive, and this is our decision to make. I write with a bleeding heart, our generation must get it right. We have to uphold mutual respect and treat one another with utmost dignity. Politics is about choice, and Ghana is a multiparty democracy. We must respect everyones choice and act wisely at all times. Change starts from you and I, yes change starts from us. Even if some of our leaders are not leaving us with good examples to follow, we must chart a new course and set new standards for our generation and generations yet to come. Your language, most often, tells the kind of person you are. We need to be mindful of this. Brothers and sisters, things must get better, but not by insulting one another over political issues. It is said that when a mad man makes away with your towel and clothes whites youre bathing, chasing him for it only shows there are two mad people. Of course, no one jumps into insulting another without provocation. Notwithstanding, we need to learn to keep our cool and not descend into the gutters on the least provocation. Lets make a difference. Like Martin Luther King Jr said, We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools. Dont forget that all men are brothers, and our Ghana deserves better from us. #ThingsMustGetBetter Reports Reaching the Daily Heritage from the Central Regional capital, Cape Coast, indicate that more than 200 cases of cholera have been recorded in the various health facilities in the region, depicting an increase from the initial figure of 157 cases. The most recent cases have been attributed to infected persons transmitting the disease to others. In an interview with various media houses in the country, the Deputy Regional Director of Health in charge of public health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Kweku Karikari, said combating the epidemic requires joint responsibility of the assembly and the general public. As we speak now, we have recorded over 200 cases with no death; the only challenge now is the attitudinal change of people on how to practice hand-washing habit every day. The only good thing is that it has not spread to the other districts unlike two years ago, where there were too many deaths in the whole country, Dr Karikari said. He noted that until Ghanaians change their attitude, the disease will continue to claim lives every year and urged the assemblies to increase their effort in enforcing environmental laws. When people fail to do what they are supposed to do and end up at the hospitals, we, the health professionals, are the ones who have to talk about it, but the issues are clear. The various assemblies must monitor the sanitation situation in their districts to avoid further spread of diseases. People who sell food and other consumables must have routine screening, as well as the environment in which they prepare their food, he added. Dr. Karikari said when there are no epidemic, people just relax and go back to their old habits. -peacefmonline Middelburg (South Africa) (AFP) - Two white South African farmers briefly appeared in court on Wednesday on assault charges after an online video emerged showing them pushing a black man into a coffin and threatening to burn him alive. Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson, both 28, were remanded in custody after their lawyer decided not to apply for bail. Magistrate Jongilizwe Dumehleli said the pair should return for another court hearing on January 25. The men face charges of kidnapping and assaulting 27-year-old Victor Mlotshwa over an incident that occurred in August at a farm near the town of Middelburg in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. They were arrested on Monday after the video, apparently shot on a mobile phone by one of the two white men involved, went viral last week. The 20-second clip shows one of the assailants shoving a black man, clearly in distress, into the wooden coffin and trying to force down the lid. "Come, come. We want to throw the petrol on," said one of the men, speaking Afrikaans, according to the News24 website. They are also accused of threatening to put a snake in the coffin. Mlotshwa told ENCA television he was walking to the town of Middelburg and decided to use a short cut when the two men spotted him. Victor Mlotshwa -- who was filmed being pushed into a coffin -- listens to evidence at the Middleburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 "I was in a hurry I had to use some path, a footpath, that was the shortest to go to Middelburg," he said. "They accused me of trespassing. Then they beat me up and I had to run away," he said, adding he tried to flee but they caught him. "They tied me with cable tie and took me to the nearest farm. They beat me up and forced me into the coffin." Political fury The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party and the ruling African National Congress held separate rallies outside the court to protest at the alleged assault and racism in South Africa. "We will make sure that those who are still racist, especially white people who are still racist, we will drive them to the sea so that they go back to where they come from," ANC's youth league deputy president, Desmond Moela, said during the rally attended by Mlotshwa. "They want to torture our people when they are on our land." At another rally, the spokesman of the radical EFF Mbuyiseni Ndlozi told party members that it is "impossible" for white South Africans to see blacks as fellow human beings or as equals. "This country has a very painful past which still seems to be our present, in which black people continue to be treated like animals." "We are still in the same position we were under apartheid," said Ndlozi. Racial humiliation South African activists protest outside the Middelburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 Despite its long history of institutionalised racism under the apartheid regime, South Africa does not have legislation that criminalises racism though it remains beset by deep-rooted inequality 22 years after the end of white-minority rule. Cases of racism have erupted regularly on social media in recent years. A South African realtor was in June fined for labelling blacks as monkeys littering the beaches, after a Facebook post she put up in January. In August, a previously whites-only girls school was ordered to suspend allegedly racist hairstyle regulations after black pupils said they had been called monkeys by teachers for wearing banned 'afros'. The Electoral Commission has created a special office to address complaints by political parties and independent candidates taking part is in this year's election. This comes on the back of complaints by some political parties in Ghana about the ECs performance and decisions. A statement signed by Head of Communications at the EC, Eric Kofi Dzakpasu said the new office will afford representatives and independent candidates the opportunity to meet members and key officers of the Commission (without prior appointment) to get their questions about the elections answered or concerns addressed. The special walk-in-service according to the commission will operate on Tuesday's and Thursdays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Bashing from political parties The commission has come under barrage of attacks from political parties who accuse it of scheming to rig the election in favour of another party in Ghana. Some including the Progressive People's Party, (PPP), National Democratic Party (NDP) among others also sued the commission for disqualifying their flagbearer from the 2016 presidential race. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also recently raised issues about the printing of pink sheets in the country as well as omission of the party's initials on some ballot papers to be used for the upcoming general elections. Meanwhile, the commission is hopeful that its new special-walk-in-service will help address issues bothering stakeholders in the election. The Walk-In Service will take place at the same time simultaneously in all Regional and District Offices of the Commission across the country. The Walk-in Service, the first of its kind, is in line with the Commission's determination to increase its engagement with the key stakeholders of the electoral process. It will complement other initiatives being implemented by the Commission to increase access and transparency of the electoral process. It is our expectation that the parties and independent candidates will make good use of this unique opportunity, the statement added. By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The justice system in the Central African Republic (CAR) must be urgently strengthened if the country is to achieve lasting peace, a United Nations human rights expert has said. Truth and reconciliation are also critical, Marie-Therese Keita-Bocoum told ahead of a major donors conference in Brussels on 17 November, which aims to raise funds in support of a national peace-building plan. The policies set out in the plan represent the only way to ensure lasting peace in the conflict-wracked country, said the Independent Expert designated by the Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the situation of human rights in CAR. They include plans to disarm, demobilise and reintegrate armed groups, repatriate people and reform the security sector. The National Plan for Recovery and Peace-Building was drawn up by the CAR Government in cooperation with the United Nations, European Union and World Bank and its success depends on financial pledges given by donors during the conference. The Brussels conference provides a unique opportunity for the international community to increase its support for the consolidation of peace and reconstruction in the Central African Republic, said Ms. Keita-Bocoum. Without justice, there cannot be a durable reconciliation, she added. She said a Special Criminal Court should become operational as of 2017 and national consultations should be launched on setting up non-judicial mechanisms of truth and reconciliation. Ms. Keita-Bocoum hailed the progress that had been made, but warned that any gains would be lost if further action was not taken. The institutional progress made in the last few months, such as the ratification of seven human rights treaties and the adoption by the Legislative Assembly of the law on parity, confirm the will of the authorities to advance on the path of peace and reconstruction, she said. But the persistence of human rights violations and the outbreaks of violence since September show how critical it is to support the efforts of the population and government in the field of human rights and development, the expert noted. She highlighted events in the PK5 neighbourhood of Bangui, Kaga Bandoro and Haute Kotto as among those causing concern. Despite significant progress and successful elections, the CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest since a civil war erupted in 2013. More than 13,000 UN staff are currently based there as part of the MINUSCA stabilization mission. Ms. Keita-Bocoum will attend the Brussels donors conference organized jointly by the European Union, the government of the Central African Republic, the United Nations and the World Bank to gain strengthened political and financial support to efforts deployed in the Central African for peace, security, reconciliation and reconstruction. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation, Mr Sergey Donskoy, will co-chair the 14th Session of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) between South Africa and the Russia on Friday, 18 November 2016, in Pretoria. The ITEC Agreement was signed in 1999. ITEC has proven to be an effective instrument in contributing directly to improved two-way trade and investment, as well as critical skills development and technology exchanges, and has given practical substance to the political commitment on the part of the two countries to work together, as also expressed in the Treaty of Friendship and Partnership signed during H.E President Vladimir Putins visit to South Africa in September 2006 and the more recent Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed by the respective Presidents in March 2013. The 14th Session of the ITEC will review progress made since the last session and is expected to agree on specific plans of action to expedite implementation of existing commitments within all the sectors of ITEC, including trade, investment and banking; mineral resources; energy; agriculture, forestry and fisheries; transport; science, technology and space; water resources; and education and justice. The ITEC also includes the South Africa Russia Business Council, which brings together private sector representatives from both countries in various sectors to discuss ways of accelerating bilateral trade and investment opportunities. The Business Council will meet on 17 November 2016 in Pretoria and its outcomes will be included in the final ITEC outcome document. South Africa will continue to promote its key priorities in the ITEC discussions, which include domestic, regional and global issues such as education and skills development, especially in nuclear science, physics and mathematics; technology transfer; mineral resource beneficiation; diversification of structure of trade to high value-added products; and tourism cooperation. In addition, it is expected that the mainstreaming of Africas regional economic integration priorities and the BRICS objectives will also form part of discussions. It is common knowledge that President Mahama has referred to Ghanaians as a people who have short memories. Perhaps, the president is right about a certain category of Ghanaians but not academics. The nature and scope of the academic profession does not predispose them to the short memory symptom. Academics have an active memory because of their penchant for teaching and research. Consequently, I want to revisit an important aspect of President Mahamas address to the UN General Assembly and (re)open a debate on its implications for Ghanas election 2016, national security, and foreign policy. On 21st September 2016, President Mahama addressed the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. His 14-page address touched on a variety of issues from international security to free trade and eulogizing Dr. Kwame Nkrumah whose birthday fell on the same day of his address to the General Assembly. On page 6 of the address, President Mahama opined, Human progress is not seamless movement forward. It encompasses periods of reversal, mistakes, fumbling and falling. All parts of the world have been through this, learnt from their mistakes, picked themselves up after a fall and continued moving. Africa must be allowed the same latitude. There must be room for us to make our mistakes and learn from them. At first glance, the president is right about the different paths that have been taken by several societies around the world to reach economic, political and social development. Yes, indeed, the road to human progress is not one size fit all. Therefore, not all forms of foreign interventions are necessary in Africa. Nevertheless, a careful reading of the presidents address raises pertinent questions given the fact that he gave the address less than three months to a crucial election in Ghana. In fact, the pockets of elections-related violence in recent weeks further legitimize the need to ask these questions. Moreover, critically analytical minds would agree that by calling on the international community to allow African states to commit mistakes and learn from them suggest that these mistakes may be premeditated acts by African leaders. In other words African-made-mistakes may not just be accidents. In that light, what kind of mistakes was President Mahama talking about in his address to the General Assembly? What are the human and material costs of those mistakes? What lessons have African leaders, including president Mahama, learnt from past mistakes? Why should Africa be given the latitude to commit more mistakes when it is apparent that it has not learned enough from previous mistakes? Specifically on Ghana, why should the international community allow President Mahamas government for example to commit more mistakes when these powers have invested so much financial, material, and political resources in the Ghanaian economy? In spite of the constraints of Ghanas sovereignty on external actors, is it not detrimental to the enlightened interest of major powers and the UN to sit idly by and allow Ghana to commit its own share of African-made-mistakes? What are the implications of President Mahamas statement for Ghanas image in the comity of states? Throughout his address, President Mahama neither defines nor explains what he means by mistakes. However, as an African and academic it is not difficult to read meaning into President Mahamas concept of mistakes made in Africa. To be sure, some these so-called mistakes are extremely costly and the impact could transcend the lifetime of several generations. Readers may agree that beyond the impact of colonialism, the lack of democracy and the rule of law, poor governance and rampant human rights violations in post-colonial African societies have been the catalyst for violent conflicts and in turn the bane of Africas underdevelopment and prevalent poverty across the continent. The growing threat of terrorism in Africa has given some African leaders new justification to stifle legitimate opposition and undermine human rights. The African continent has already had its fair share of human suffering and destruction of property. The Genocide in Rwanda in 1994 is still very fresh in the memories of millions of people across the African region. It is therefore unconscionable for the UN and Africans to allow their fellow Africans, especially leaders, to commit mistakes that would perpetuate the suffering of the masses. Africa does not need more mistakes. It needs political and economic healing, it needs respect for human rights, it needs the rule of law, and it needs democracy that would guarantee national and human security. To that end African leaders and peoples should demonstrate their commitment to building sustainable economies that works for all and not rely on massive borrowing, for example, that places unjustified burden on current future generations. Africa needs peace and economic prosperity. That is the vision of the AU Agenda 2063 and that should guide the behavior of African leaders! In fact I expected President Mahama to emphasize these ideals in his address to the General Assembly. It may interest readers to note that President Mahama made the above statement at the height of the electoral dispute in Gabon in which Jean Ping, the former AU Commission Chair and a presidential candidate, alleged the rigging of the presidential vote in that country by President Ali Bongo. Jean Ping who sought to end the Bongo familys 50-year rule of Gabon disputed the 99 percent voter turnout in the Bongo family's Haut-Ogooue stronghold. President Bongo won 95 percent of the votes there. Indeed, common sense suggest that a voter turnout of 99 percent is impossible and for it to occur in Mr. Bongos stronghold makes it even more strange. The AU Election Observers in the country were prevented from observing the court proceedings to settle the dispute. This is an African mistake! In fact, similar African-made-mistakes on governance is rife in Burundi where third termism (changing the constitution and running for a third term) has become the norm. Beyond these examples, we could cite the gruesome murder of Africans in Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan on daily basis as a result of civil violence. As the UN and the African Union are working to resolve these conflicts, African states should not be allowed to commit more mistakes. We have lives and properties to protect. On the score sheet, therefore, President Mahamas diplomatic sermon on allowing Africa to make mistakes and learn from them has the tendency of undermining Ghanas influence in the international arena. As a current member of the 47-member UN Human Rights Council, President Mahama should have used the UN General Assembly platform to champion the course of African democracy and rally conflict-ridden African states to join the course of human freedom, economic prosperity, and peace and security and not seek to rationalize African mistakes in relation to human progress elsewhere. To be sure, democratic governance is no longer a choice of African leaders. It is an international legal obligation! At least in Africa, the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance obliges African states to establish democratic governments, respect human rights and the rule of law, and promote sustainable development and human security. To a large extent, the Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance reaffirms the African Unions resolve to prevent the mistakes and the impact thereof of unconstitutional changes of government. Indeed, the Constitutive Act of the AU makes democratic governance a central pillar of Africas regional governance. It is very sad to note that since President Mahamas delivery of the UN address, South Africa, Africas largest economy and a bulwark of the African Union and African renaissance, has announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) which was set up to prosecute crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The Gambia and Burundi are following the lead of South Africa. But it is important for African leaders to note that the withdrawal of their states from the ICC cannot not in any way shield them from facing international justice should they commit crimes of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. They know too well that the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC mandates the UN Security Council to refer cases to the prosecutor for investigation and subsequent prosecution. In other words, the Security Council option would always be available to the international community to subject nationals of non-ICC member states to international criminal prosecution. For example the Sudan is not a member of the ICC yet through a Security Council referral, President Omar al-Bashir is facing an ICC arrest warrant for the alleged crimes he has committed in the Darfur region of the Sudan. In spite of African leaders accusation of the ICC as a neocolonial instrument and its unfair targeting of Africans, it will not only continue to serve as a deterrent against African mistakes , but as well, it would bite those who commit atrocious crimes against their fellow human beings. In a nutshell, President Mahama upheld Ghanas international obligation by attending and addressing the UN General Assembly. Although the president made important calls for example on the need to reform the Security Council, he appears to have raised the eyebrows of major powers and the UN when he called on them to grant Africa a free pass to commit mistakes and learn from them. Given the pockets of violent acts in the run-up to the December 7, 2016 elections, it is therefore not surprising that the United States and the United Kingdom who have vested interest in the Ghanaian economy have issued warnings on the revocation of visas and sanctioning of political leaders who would foment violent acts. Let other major powers like France, Germany, Japan and China follow the lead of the USA and UK by deterring those political leaders whose actions could jeopardize the security of Ghana in the run-up to the elections. Mistakes are just too costly in African societies! Edward Akuffo is an associate professor of international security and international relations at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. A 30-year old man, David Asante, has been arrested for posing as one of the President's security detail during the commissioning of a school project, which the President was expected to attend. He was seen lurking around the area with a gun, when the President visited the Adenta constituency a few days ago for the event. Narrating the incident to the media today [Wednesday], the Deputy Regional Commander of the Accra Regional Police Command, ACP Paul Ayittey, said : The Police have arrested one David Mensah for posing as a National Security to the presidency. On 11th November 2016, the Adenta Police together with other Police personnel arrested a 30 year old imposter possessing a pair of pistol and a pair of handcuffs. According to him, the suspect was arrested while preparations were ongoing to prepare the grounds for the commissioning of a community senior high School at Adenta Frahaha. He indicated that, the suspect arrived at the event venue early enough, and carried himself about as a security detail to the Flagstaff House. He said after a careful observation by security persons around, he was questioned further; but luck eluded him as he displayed gross ignorance in the work he claims to do therefore warranting his arrest. ACP Ayittey further revealed that during interrogation, he admitted he was not a security detail at the presidency. The Police found on him handcuffs, security communication gadgets. A further search conducted on him led the Police retrieving a number of military apparel and two digital cameras in his possession, he added. By: Marian Ansah & Franklin Badu Jnr/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @EfeAnsah Last week, billionaire real estate tycoon and reality television personality Donald Trump was elected as the new President of the United States of America. Born in 1946 in New York, the 70-year old real estate developer had been strategically involved in hugely profitable building projects in Manhattan before he began to nurse political ambitions. Trump systematically measured his way into politics and in 2015 announced his intention to run for the presidency of the United States under the umbrella of the Republican Party. After winning the primaries, Trump became the official Republican candidate for the presidency on July 19, 2016. After a very tightly contested election campaign, he was voted in as the 45th President of the United States when he defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. His victory was hailed in many countries across the globe. But even then, not many people could explain why they were happy that Trump won the election. In some areas, especially in the United States, some people protested against the Trump victory. And again, they too could not explain why they were unhappy with the declaration of Trumps victory into the White House. So, in a sense, Trumps mysterious victory was something of an enigma. Indeed, there were some things about the election in America that baffled pundits. Throughout the campaign period, many political observers had hoped that Hillary Clinton was going to win. She had clear advantages. She was more eloquent in speech. Her body language was superb in comparison with her opponent when both of them addressed an audience. She had been in government for a fairly long time and possibly mastered the ropes. She had held several important public positions. So, naturally one would expect that Americans would count on her experience and give her a chance to try her hand on the plum job. The Democrats were, after all, the ones who produced the first black President for America. In doing so, they made history. It was then projected by some observers that the Democrats could seal their fate with the history of America, if in the same vein they were able to give America its first woman President. It was also projected that if most, if not all of the women in America were to vote for their fellow woman, voting in the spirit of the suffragette movement across the political divide so that for the first time in American history a woman can lead the nation, the Democrats would have made their point that nothing could be impossible with them. The fact that American women voters did not see their fellow woman occupying the number one position in the country as their priority was again as baffling as it was revealing. During those campaign months before the elections, Donald Trump was known to have made some rather derogatory remarks about Moslems and about South Americans. Yet, a good number of them voted for him. Could it be because they were afraid of Trump or perhaps that they wanted to dare him to live up to his words if he became the President? One very important challenge that will face the new administration, though, will be the Christian background of both Donald Trump and his running mate and Vice President-elect, Governor Mike Pence. Are they likely to use that background to turn around the madness that has held the world hostage since the 1960s when the concept of openness swept across nations like a hurricane wind in the harmattan season? Their initial reactions after the elections seem to suggest they are likely to do so. Over the years, the values of traditional families have been under serious attack by the misconceptions of the so-called modern families which range from gay families to live-in partnerships. Most traditional family heads, like my poor self, thought we were losing it. And it was quite painful to even consider how anyone who had come from so far a place as Africa could possibly lose his family values to a society that is bent on destroying itself by instalments. When I watched how Trumps family members all came out at the victory of their father and brother, how they stood up to be counted among their own, I was moved to tears. Inside of me then I knew that there was still hope that at some point, some day, sanity would return to the world because science does not have a reason to conflict with nature. Look at all the animals that Nature created for example. It is impossible to find a he-goat coupling another he-goat or any other male or female specie coupling its kind. But in his wild understanding that nature can be conquered man poked his dirty fingers into the eyes of God, doing unnatural things and claiming it is development. I do not want to criticise President Obama because for me he is a great idol, an African-American man who did what literally Napoleon could not do. But if there is anything I disliked about his administration, it was the quickness with which he was ready to defend the indefensible in the sex relationships of Americans and by implication, the world. President Obama played host to President Buhari of Nigeria on July 21. Africans generally expected that the two gentlemen would discuss political, economic, social and security issues which impacted on the relationships between their nations. And Nigerians in the Diaspora believed that Obama would raise the point concerning Nigerias laws on gay relationships and lobby President Buhari to join hands with America, Canada, England and some other countries which had endorsed same-sex relationships. At the high point in the Obama administration, the Supreme Court in America had officially secured a judgment which legalized same-sex marriages in all of the nations 50 states. Before that judgment, only 37 states endorsed same-sex marriages in America. The argument as to the moral and social propriety of gay relationships had raged on like harmattan fire, even in the media in the United States and beyond. Many thought, and still think, that the idea is demonic. Others argued that it was all about human rights. Whatever it was, America had legalized gay relationships across its territory under President Obamas watch. In the White House, Obama had hailed the ruling as a milestone which arrived like a thunderbolt in American justice system. Obama was the first sitting US President to support gay relationships. This ruling is a victory for America. This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts. When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all freer, he was quoted as saying after the verdict was delivered to Americans from the Supreme Court. Even as the clouds darkened that day, and night approached, the White House was lit up with the colours of the rainbow symbolizing gay pride to mark the courts decision. Obamas open support for gay relationships became somewhat legendary. During Nelson Mandelas Memorial Service in 2013 he spoke glowingly in support of gay communities around the world still struggling for equality. He said: around the world today, men and women are still imprisoned for their political beliefs and are still persecuted for what they look like and how they worship and who they love. He argued that because Africa had suffered marginalization, racism and discrimination, the continent should be at the forefront of the campaign for gay rights. It is not news any more that in the course of this century, the traditional family, as it has always been known, had continued to be incredibly disfigured by such seemingly sweeping influences in our society that President Obama readily endorsed. Perhaps, what is news is that most people still havent found it necessary to appreciate the fact that these influences, though they seemed torrential, were by no means compelling. Not in any sense. I am not so sure now if it was financial or emotional security that drove people into this trend of finding happiness in the so-called new family system. But I am sure there must be a way to get around it without destroying the original values of traditional families. And I have great hope that when eventually Trump is sworn in as President of America, he will find the need to revisit some of the points being made here and how they relate to his African allies. Now that the new Pharaoh who never knew Joseph will soon mount the throne of the United States of America, what should we be expecting? Can Trump return the world to the path of sanity and brotherly love and care? The world is watching. The much-talked about Janardhan Reddy daughter's wedding could be a political move than just being a show of money. By Rohini Swamy: Gali Janardhan reddy, the mining baron's daughter Brahmani's lavish wedding was solemnised with larger than life settings and rituals which are as elaborate as it used to be during the rule of the kings and queens of the Vijayanagara empire. 1. Mining baron Janardhan Reddy, has made his point loud and clear with his daughter Brahmani's wedding by inviting people from the political spectrum, that he, despite spending 40 months in jail is even today alive and kicking when it comes to politics. advertisement 2. Janardhan Reddy has tried to wash off his immediate past and send a clear signal to the central leadership that he is ready to enter politics again. 3. Through the lavish wedding which Reddy family officially pegs at Rs 50-60 crores, Janardhan Reddy is making a point that he still continues to be a money bag who can finance political parties during elections, despite the fact that the law enforcement agencies seized close to 70 crores which includes his movable and immovable properties. 4. Janardhan Reddy is trying to wash away his corruption charges by inviting the high and mighty politicians from various parties. For example, Karnataka BJP president, BS Yeddyurappa along with senior leaders attended the wedding, raising questions whether Janardhan Reddy would be taken into the BJP fold again. Reddy was formerly with the BJP before he was arrested under corruption charges. The Bellary brothers, still command a big percentage of the vote bank of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. 5. The Big fat Reddy wedding, also showcases Gali Janardhan Reddy's gumption to continue to showcase his wealth to the world. Brahmani Reddy. Photo by Rohini Swamy Brahmani Reddy. Photo by Rohini Swamy Photo by Rohini Swamy --- ENDS --- Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Running Mate to Nana Akufo-Addo, has observed that President Mahama, through his actions and inactions, has soiled the Northern brand, which was known to be one of integrity and honesty, with corruption. Speaking at Balungu in the Bongo constituency yesterday, Dr Bawumia urged the people of the North not to vote for Mr Mahama and the NDC because doing that will mean a continuation of the massive corruption and stealing that had been witnessed in the last 8 years. John Mahama's government is the most corrupt government in the history of Ghana. Dollar for dollar, cedi for cedi, this government is the most corrupt in our history. And yet he tells the people of the North to vote for him because he is our brother. Why does your government steal from Northerners if you care for Northerners and why do you want us to give you another opportunity to steal more from the people you say you are trying to protect?, he asked. Nana Akufo-Addo's Running Mate observed that as a result of the actions and inaction of the President, and the people close to him, he had damaged the long-held view that Northerners abhor corruption and are honest people. He recalled Northerners of yesteryear and noted the diligence and integrity with which they selflessly and proudly served their people and worked in various capacities without any thought whatsoever about personal gains. He expressed sadness at how the current government, led by someone who proudly describes himself as a Northern President, has thrown all these principles away. Let us face it; John Mahama's government is a disgrace to Northerners. Northerners were always a proud people. We value our integrity. We don't have money but we have pride. We are seen as honest people. This is the way our fathers worked; honesty was the guiding principle of Northerners. We are honest and value our integrity. But today thanks to John Mahama, the people of Ghana are viewing us very differently, he stated. He added: Therefore it is time to restore the pride of Northerners and the way we are going to restore that pride is to get rid of this John Mahama's corrupt government. It is not doing Northerners any good and this is why we have to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo. Dr Bawumia is on campaign tour of the Upper East Region that comes on the back of a month long tour of the Northern Region which saw him visit 27 constituencies in the Region. -Peacefmonline You have been planning this weekend getaway with your lover in Calabar for months. You have made it a secret because you want to achieve the wow effect. However, dont be surprised if she doesnt give you the awwwwwwww especially if it is a surprise. But wait a second, do you really want to create a big impression on her and get the desired response? If yes, Jumia Travel gathers 5 things you should always do when you want to travel with your spouse or lover. Speak about money Money can make or mar any relationship whether you are traveling or not. So, before you start any travel plans, both of you should talk about your finances. This is because people dont have similar budgets. This is essential because Nigeria is presently in a recession and you dont want to spend money indiscriminately. Plan the trip together For a smooth and exciting trip to any Nigerian destination of your choice, you should always plan the trip together. This is because one of you may be unhappy with the decision your lover makes on your behalf. Planning the trip can also effectively help check expectations. Communicate Any relationship boils down to communication. Telling your partner what you want before, during and after the trip can help you avoid any disagreement. If one of you is spending outside the budget, you should be able to caution them. Everything can't be perfect Nothing is perfect because unforeseen incidences happen when traveling. This is because you cannot avoid stressful situations. The way both of you react to them may ruin your trip or enjoy it. So, you should be able to accommodate these frustrations. Don't Explore alone Imagine when you wake up and you didnt find your partner. Where is he? You later find a note that he has gone to explore alone without informing you. You will be infuriated for leaving you at the transcorp hotel in Calabar without waking you. It is better for both of you to explore together. H.M. Letsie III, King of the Kingdom of Lesotho and H.M. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso will visit Japan from Sunday, November 20 to Monday, November 28, 2016. The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of Their Majesties as it will further deepen the friendly relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Lesotho. Their Majesties will visit various regions including disaster-affected areas in Tohoku during their stay. Statement attributable to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP: Today I announce the Governments intention to open an Australian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, with the agreement from the Moroccan Government, as part of our commitment to expanding Australias diplomatic network. An embassy in Morocco is an important addition to Australias diplomatic network in Africa, a region of considerable commercial interest to Australia. Morocco is a rapidly industrialising economy and there is significant opportunity to expand Australias trade and investment links, including in food and agriculture, infrastructure planning and sustainable development, mining, oil and gas, and health. The new Embassy will also facilitate enhanced collaboration on counter-terrorism and other security issues. Australia values Moroccos significant role in international efforts to fight international terrorism and extremism. The two countries enjoy strong people-to-people links, with many thousands of Australians visiting Morocco each year. The Australian Government hopes to open the Embassy in the 2017/2018 financial year contingent upon identifying a suitable location and office fit-out. 16.11.2016 LISTEN ....Report developed by Machina Research on behalf of Nokia examines the strategies of 22 cities as they become smart, safe and sustainable .....Report distils three different smart city approaches and highlights key developments in technology and business models which have helped cities become smarter Espoo, Finland Nokia today announced the availability of The Smart City Playbook, a strategy report that documents best practices for smart cities. The playbook provides concrete guidance to city leaders on successful strategies used by other municipalities to make their cities smarter, safer and more sustainable. Commissioned by Nokia and developed by Machina Research, a leading provider of strategic market intelligence on the Internet of Things (IoT), the playbook was developed through primary research into the strategies and progress of 22 cities around the world including Cape Town, Dubai and Jeddah. The study uncovered significant diversity in the smart city strategies of different cities, but identified three distinct routes that cities are taking to make themselves smarter. The anchor route involves a city deploying a single application to address a pressing problem such as traffic congestion, and then adding other applications over time. The platform route involves building the underlying infrastructure needed to support a wide variety of smart applications and services. Beta Cities, by contrast, try out multiple applications as pilots to see how they perform before making long-term deployment decisions. While the study found significant differences between cities, even amongst those cities following the same route, it also concluded that there are several particular practices used by successful smart cities that would appear to be of universal benefit, including: Successful cities have established open and transparent rules for the use of data (on which all smart cities are dependent) by government departments and third parties, whether shared freely or monetized to cover data management costs. Many cities that are advanced in their smart city journeys have committed to making both information and communications technology (ICT) and IoT infrastructure accessible to users both inside and outside of government, and have avoided the creation of silos between government departments. Governments (and their third-party partners) that have worked to actively engage residents in smart city initiatives have been particularly effective, most notably those where the benefits are highly visible such as smart lighting and smart parking. Smart city infrastructure needs to be scalable so it can grow and evolve to meet future needs, and secure to provide certainty that both government and private data are protected. Cities that select technology partners that can provide the innovation capacity, ability to invest and real-world experience, along with technology platforms that are open to avoid vendor lock-in, will be at an advantage. The study also offers myriad, real-world examples of how various cities are managing challenges including those identified above. Key Findings from Dubai, Jeddah, and Cape Town: Dubai: Funding: Tying smart projects to key infrastructure sites with its own funding makes it easier to unlock capital for investment in smart infrastructure. Expo 2020 site is a good example for this. Tying smart projects to key infrastructure sites with its own funding makes it easier to unlock capital for investment in smart infrastructure. Expo 2020 site is a good example for this. Dedicated testbeds: Through setting up the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) as a dedicated test site for smart applications, the city is able to trial projects in a controlled environment before full-scale rollouts. Communications: From the beginning Dubai realized the importance of communicating the benefits of its initiatives to its citizens and getting feedback from them, for example through its happiness meter. Jeddah: Jeddah is not a smart city yet. The concept of smart city in Jeddah is much broader than elsewhere and includes regeneration projects, such as improving the waterfront, the citys roads and how it copes with storms. The concept of smart city in Jeddah is much broader than elsewhere and includes regeneration projects, such as improving the waterfront, the citys roads and how it copes with storms. Ambitious city. Jeddah has the appetite to develop its digital infrastructure. By exploiting the potential offered for broadband connectivity, cloud and IoT will improve services for citizens. Cape Town: The city is very early on in its smart city programmes. Nonetheless, two key lessons may be identified. Locality: Cape Town is adopting an approach suitable to its local context. Rather than pursuing grand projects that its citizens cannot benefit from, it is tailoring its efforts to what it perceives are their needs. Cape Town is adopting an approach suitable to its local context. Rather than pursuing grand projects that its citizens cannot benefit from, it is tailoring its efforts to what it perceives are their needs. Training. The city has made strong efforts in investing in the less glamorous, but necessary work of providing basic training to ensure that people in the city are equipped to make use of digital services as they are introduced. It is expected that 66 percent of the worlds population will live in urban centers by 2050, making it critical for governments and other stakeholders to put strategies in place to more effectively meet the needs of their growing populations. Intelligent ICT and IoT platforms have essential roles to play in the evolution of smart cities. The study concluded that many cities are already leveraging these technologies to optimize services and infrastructure, make better-informed decisions, boost economic development, encourage social interactions and make their communities safer and eco-friendly while improving the delivery of a range of public services. Joachim Wuilmet, head of customer marketing and communications at Nokia, said: The process of making a city smart is extremely complex, and there are so many different strategies being put forward in the market that choosing the right path for your city can be an enormous challenge. Our goal in commissioning this report by Machina Research was to cut through the clutter and identify strategies that are clearly working for cities. As a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things, Nokia clearly has a great interest in helping bring clarity to the market, and to identify important focus areas. We look forward to helping cities develop the shared, secure and scalable networks and platforms needed to enable the human possibilities of smart, safe and sustainable cities. Jeremy Green, Principal Analyst at Machina Research and authoer of the Smart City Playbook, said: No one said becoming a smart city would be easy. There are lots of choices to be made. The technology and the business models are evolving rapidly, so there are many degrees of uncertainty. Standards are emerging but are by no means finalised. So there is no royal road to smartness. But there is a right way to travel with your eyes open, with realistic expectations, and with a willingness to learn from others. That includes other cities that might face the same problems as you, even if in a different context. It includes the suppliers, who may have learned from their experiences elsewhere, including in other verticals. It includes start-ups, who can be great innovators; and most of all, it includes the citys own inhabitants, who are your real partners for the journey. * Note: Cities profiled in the study include Auckland, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Bogota, Bristol, Cape Town, Cleveland, Delhi, Dubai, Jeddah, Mexico City, New York City, Paris, Pune, San Francisco, Sao Paolo, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Vienna and Wuxi For city-by-city findings and the complete set of smart city best practices and recommendations, read the full Machina Research Smart City Playbook at nokia.ly/smartcityplaybook About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives. With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. http://nokia.com A crowd made up of people old enough to be his father have burnt alive a young boy of seven years in one of the most astonishing act of barbarism ever carried out in any part of the world. The incidence took place this morning in Lagos, Nigerias commercial hub. The 7 year old was accused of stealing. There was no trial not to talk of conviction. Stones were hauled at him. A stream of blood flow from his head and mouth. The callous crowd was not done. They put a used tire on him and set him on fire. Nearby, a police man watched helplessly even as the barbaric crowd hailed and jeered. Though, there were a few emphatic individuals that sought for mercy but that became a fleeting illusion. The boy stole. He was caught and the angry crowd set him on fire, an eye witness told Irohinoodua today. The witness said he was shocked that at least one uniformed policeman watched the incidence without making any effort to stop the crowd or at least call for reinforcement. This is callous. It is wicked and inhuman, Mr Mathew Olorunhan, whose house is not far from the scene of the bizarre incidence told Irohinoodua. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Human Rights Community, (NHRC) has asked the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to full justice. If this had happened in Ghana, the whole country will morn. We want to see how elected leaders will respond to this grim images of the little boy,Olorunhan said. Lagos must not tolerate the height of animal instinct. How can a 7 year old boy be burnt to death by a mad crowd? It is no longer the boy that is a criminal, but the animals that set him ablaze. At 7 years, a child is not in control of his world. He does not even know what committing crime is. We cannot talk of building a city that is respected by the local and international community when a 7 year old is set ablaze by a set of idiots. The governor must stem the slide into anarchy in the state, the NHRC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Wuraola Akinwunmi told Irohinoodua. She said the present governor Ambode has been doing a lot to make Lagos a city of beauty where honour rules. But there have been instances of cult violence and killings which now put the state on a red light alert of danger and barbarism. The National 1st Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ,H. E Alhaji Said Sinare. has predicted that the flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings would not cross 1% of votes cast in the 2016 general elections. According to him, Nana Konadu had betrayed the NDC and there is the need for Ghanaians to punish' her accordingly in the forthcoming general elections. " Nana Konadu has betrayed the NDC. She is ungrateful being who should not be taken serious. NDC made her what she is now and instead of being appreciative, she has stapled the party in the back. She need to be taught political lessons. I therefore call on Ghanaians to vote against her and the NDP in the December 7, general elections " His Excellency Alhaji Said Sinare made this known when addressing the Chiefs and opinion leaders at Old Zongo community at Agona Swedru in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region on Friday. He noted that President John Dramani Mahama has performed creditably thus deserves to be given the nod to complete his transformation agenda. "It is only Nana Addo and the NPP who does not want to appreciate the performance of President Manama and the NDC government, but thanks to Allah, majority of Ghanaians have decided to vote massively for President Mahama and the NDC.I would like to appeal to all the Moslem communities across the length. and breadth of Ghana to vote for NDC" Ambassador Alhaji Said Sinare donated 100 bags of cement towards the completion of an English and Arabic basic school being constructed by the community to offer Islamic education to children of school going age in the vicinity.. The Agona East constituency chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Ibrahim Jabiru thanked Ambassador Sinare for the visit and motivation adding that Moslem communities in the Agona East and West constituencies have already decided to vote for President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC come December 7, 2016. "The only person we know is H. E John Dramani Mahama. Nobody can convince us to change our voting pattern in all the Zongo communities in the two constituencies"On behalf of the people therein, I wish to assure you and President Mahama of our fullest support " A 30-year old man, David Asante, has been arrested for posing as one of the President's security detail during the commissioning of a school project, which the President was expected to attend. He was seen lurking around the area with a gun, when the President visited the Adenta constituency a few days ago for the event. Narrating the incident to the media today [Wednesday], the Deputy Regional Commander of the Accra Regional Police Command, ACP Paul Ayittey, said: The Police have arrested one David Mensah for posing as a National Security to the presidency. On 11th November 2016, the Adenta Police together with other Police personnel arrested a 30 year old imposter possessing a pair of pistol and a pair of handcuffs. According to him, the suspect was arrested while preparations were ongoing to prepare the grounds for the commissioning of a community senior high School at Adenta Frahaha. He indicated that, the suspect arrived at the event venue early enough, and carried himself about as a security detail to the Flagstaff House. He said after a careful observation by security persons around, he was questioned further; but luck eluded him as he displayed gross ignorance in the work he claims to do therefore warranting his arrest. ACP Ayittey further revealed that during interrogation, he admitted he was not a security detail at the presidency. The Police found on him handcuffs, security communication gadgets. A further search conducted on him led the Police retrieving a number of military apparel and two digital cameras in his possession, he added. Gunman in Mahama's church jailed 10 years In July 2015, one Charles Antwi was arrested for wielding a loaded pistol at the Ringway Gospel Centre branch of the Assemblies of God Church in Accra, where President John Mahama worships. He was hurriedly sentenced to ten years imprisonment in a trial that was largely condemned by human right lawyers. He was subsequently released after a renowned Human Rights Lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu, came to his rescue. An Accra High Court ordered his referral to the psychiatric hospital for treatment after it quashed a judgment by a Circuit Court sentencing him to ten years in prison. It was eventually proven that he was mentally ill. -Citifmonline 16.11.2016 LISTEN President John Dramani Mahama has said government would continue to take tough and bold decisions to help stabilize the economy and to create a better environment for businesses to thrive. Addressing the quarterly Ghana Investment Promotion Centre breakfast meeting of Chief Executive Officers of various companies, President Mahama said a strong and resilient economy was key to the success of businesses. The Presidential Breakfast Meeting with the Ghanaian Business Community afforded both parties the opportunity to have intimate dialogue and to discuss pertinent issues relating to the private sector. He said an unstable economy and business atmosphere was dangerous for the private sector as the uncertainty made planning and decision-making difficult, and this did not augur well for the sustainable growth of businesses. In a speech that touched on areas of government's focus such as electricity supply, macro-economic stability and socio-economic development, President Mahama said efforts to stabilise the economy was showing all the right signals. He said government was working to bring down the deficit, halt the depreciation of the cedi to make it more predictable for the business community to plan and to reduce the debt to GDP ratio, which is on the decline. President Mahama said government target is to bring the public debt to GDP ratio to 40 per cent by 2021 from the current level of about 67 per cent while the wage bill would be brought down to about 49 per cent of total revenue. In this direction, he said, government had put a cap on commercial and non-concessionary borrowing in line with the debt management strategy. On the power crisis, President Mahama said he understood the impact of the crisis on the business community and their contributions to the country's revenue as far as the payment of taxes was concerned. He said while the power situation had improved considerably in line with the investments into the sector, the adjustment in the power sector would soon launch Ghana into an era of over generation, necessitating the need to sell to neighbouring countries or to expand local demand to absorb the increased capacity. President Mahama said government would continue to explore various off-grid options for communities to boost generation capacity. Mr Carl Nelson, Chief Operation Officer GIPC, in his welcome address, said the quarterly Breakfast seminar series are organized to develop dynamic and innovative solutions for the challenges encountered to further enhance government policies. He said the event has been a great platform for business leaders to network with their peers and at the same time it was geared towards influencing government policy formulation at the highest level. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN World Bank President Jim Yong Kim listens to a question during a news conference in New Delhi July 23, 2014. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi The impact of extreme natural disasters is equivalent to a global $520 billion loss in annual consumption, and forces some 26 million people into poverty each year, a new report from the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) reveals. Severe climate shocks threaten to roll back decades of progress against poverty, said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim. Storms, floods, and droughts have dire human and economic consequences, with poor people often paying the heaviest price. Building resilience to disasters not only makes economic sense, it is a moral imperative. The report, 'Unbreakable: Building the Resilience of the Poor in the Face of Natural Disasters', warns that the combined human and economic impacts of extreme weather on poverty are far more devastating than previously understood. In Sub-Saharan Africa, disaster damages are double traditional estimates, averaging $14 billion per year. In all of the 117 countries studied, the effect on well-being, measured in terms of lost consumption, is found to be larger than asset losses. Because disaster losses disproportionately affect poor people, who have a limited ability to cope with them, the report estimates that impact on well-being in these countries is equivalent to consumption losses of about $520 billion a year. This outstrips all other estimates by as much as 60 per cent. With the climate summit, COP22 underway, the report's findings underscore the urgency for climate-smart policies that better protect the most vulnerable. Poor people are typically more exposed to natural hazards, losing more as a share of their wealth and are often unable to draw on support from family, friends, financial systems, or governments. Unbreakable uses a new method of measuring disaster damages, factoring in the unequal burden of natural disasters on the poor. Between 2006 and 2011, for example, Senegalese households affected by a natural disaster were 25% more likely to slide into poverty. The report assesses, for the first time, the benefits of resilience-building interventions in the countries studied. These include early warning systems, improved access to personal banking, insurance policies, and social protection systems (like cash transfers and public works programs) that could help people better respond to and recover from shocks. It finds that these measures combined would help countries and communities save $100 billion a year and reduce the overall impact of disasters on well-being by 20 percent. Countries are enduring a growing number of unexpected shocks as a result of climate change, said Stephane Hallegatte, a GFDRR lead economist, who led preparation of the report. Poor people need social and financial protection from disasters that cannot be avoided. With risk policies in place that we know to be effective, we have the opportunity to prevent millions of people from falling into poverty. Efforts to build poor people's resilience are already gaining ground, the report shows. For example, Kenya's social protection system provided additional resources to vulnerable farmers well before the 2015 drought, helping them prepare for and mitigate its impacts. And in Ethiopia, the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) is supporting individuals in chronically food-insecure areas with food, cash or both in exchange for their help to build more resilient communities. To date, millions of Ethiopians have benefited from the program Kareena Kapoor Khan revealed that her husband sleeps too much, and hoped that her baby does not inherit that trait. By India Today Web Desk: Kareena Kapoor Khan's to-be-born baby is already the talk of the town. The actor will welcome her first baby with hubby Saif Ali Khan this December. ALSO READ: When Kareena Kapoor rejected Saif Ali Khan's proposal twice! ALSO READ: Saif Ali Khan to take paternity leave for Kareena Kapoor Khan's delivery? SEE PICS: Kareena Kapoor Khan is pure royalty as she flaunts her baby bump on the red carpet advertisement Kareena, who has been proudly flaunting her baby bump on red carpets and photoshoots and setting an example for pregnant women all over, was a guest on today's episode of Neha Dhupia's podcast #NoFilterNeha. When Neha asked Bebo what traits she does not want her baby to get from her parents, Kareena said that the only "bechaara" thing her hubby did was sleeping too much. "He can be like Kumbhkaran. He can just sleep for 18 hours a day and not wake up," Kareena revealed about Saif's "disturbing" habit. About herself, she said that she worries about the minutest things. Bebo said that she wants a "chilled out" baby, like hubby Saif. After Saif recently dismissed rumours that the couple would name their child Saifeena, Kareena talked about the probable name of the baby. Kareena revealed that Saif is "traditional and old-school" while she is more up-to-date with fashion. When Neha joked that their baby might just be named "Zeus Chanel," Kareena laughed, "You never know!" On the work front, Kareena will be next seen in Rhea Kapoor's Veere Di Wedding, and is already in the process of reading scripts. --- ENDS --- 16.11.2016 LISTEN By Joyce Danso.. The Electoral Commission (EC) has apologized to the Supreme Court over the absence of any of the Commission members in court on November 9, when the writ to compel the EC to declare results on Special Voting commenced. Mr AmaduSulley, EC Deputy Chairman in Charge of Operations, who rendered the apology said: it was not intentional. We are sorry. My Lords, this would not happen again. Mr Sulley said this after the highest court of the land had dismissed the suit over Special Voting in Accra on Monday. He said he had spoken to the Commissions lawyer, Mr Sean Poku to apologize for the absence of the Commission's members in court. On November 9, this year, a seven member panel of the Supreme Court registered their displeasure over the absence of the seven Commission members in court. The Court noted that the commission member's non-appearance connoted a share gross disrespect to the Court, adding that if any of them were present, they would have assisted the Court with answers relating to the matter. You must give respect to the judiciary by making your presence felt in court, we know you have been busy but you can assign any of the Directors to represent you in court, Justice Jones Dotse said. The Court, presided over by Justice William Atuguba, wanted to know whether there were countries that had practiced earlier, special or advance voting and whether or not the counting had been done the same day votes were cast or suspended until polls were closed. Other members on the panel were Justice Anin Yeboah, Justice Jones Victor Dotse, Justice Ampah Benin, Justice Yaw Appau and Justice Gabriel Pwamang. They also wanted to know how and where these ballots were kept adding the Attorney General did not conduct elections and would, therefore, not know all issues relating to elections. According to the court, in the case of Abu Ramadan versus the EC, some of the Commission members were in court and when they needed clarification, Mr Thaddeus Sory, who represented the EC, consulted them and the matters were resolved. The Supreme Court also sought for clarity as to whether the venues for the Special Voting were part of the 29,000 voting centres and whether ballots cast at these centres were added to those in the various constituencies that voting took place. Dr Kwame Amoako-Tuffuor, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and two others proceeded to the highest court of the land to seek an order to compel the Commission to announce results of special voting on the same day it was held. Dr Amoako-Tuffuor and the other plaintiffs, Benjamin Arthur and Adreba Abrefa Damoa contended that security operatives and persons who would usually be working on the Election Day partake in the special voting.GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN Accra, November 2016, Algeria's bid to foster new commercial links across West Africa and take advantage of the opportunities emerging in key markets, including Ghana, is expected to be a topic of discussion at a transcontinental forum to be held in Algiers at the beginning of December. The global publishing firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) will be a key partner at the African Investments and Business Forum, which takes place from December 3rd 5th at the International Conference Centre. The event, which is supported by the Algerian government and the Algerian Business Leaders Forum (FCE), will bring together more than 2000 industry and public sector representatives from across the continent, including several government leaders. Ali Haddad, the president of the Forum of Business Leaders, Algeria, will be among the speakers at the conference. Brahim Benabdeslem, vice-president of the FCE, said the forum would provide an important platform for collective sharing and co-development. He also welcomed the meeting's location. Algeria wishes to play a central role in building adhesion among countries across the continent and will strive to push the African continent toward being a global economic powerhouse, he said. Algeria has already begun the process of diversifying its economy and moving up the value chain, in a bid to reduce the country's financial dependence on oil and gas. The country has also managed to counter a drop in revenues by rationalising its fiscal and monetary policies, while maintaining its plans for investing in both infrastructure, and social and human development. The country's long-term strategy for broadening the economic base includes driving up investment from countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa and building on trade partnerships. Africa's future will be, in part, determined by the pace of economic and social development within each individual country, including the rate of technological progress. The African Investments and Business Forum will provide business leaders and public sector representatives with an unparalleled opportunity to explore and reflect on the key issues currently affecting economic development throughout the continent. It will also provide a platform for participants to discuss the African Union's strategies for boosting intra-African trade. The conference will focus on the five areas that have been identified as pivotal for producing a lasting collective dynamic, namely: agriculture; energy; finance; digital development; and human capital. These are the key elements that will shape the programme of this event and drive the new inter-African dynamic, as well as an economic vision that is balanced, coherent and inclusive, Toufik Lerari, president of JilFCE said. With a focus on seeking out African solutions to African problems, the Algiers event is a significant step towards collective autonomy. It will provide business leaders keen to contribute to the continent's economic development with the means to learn more about the opportunities available to them. Many of the themes explored at the forum will be analysed in detail in The Report: Algeria 2016, OBG's forthcoming report on the country. OBG's publication will highlight the need to pivot towards Sub-Saharan Africa. It will also chart the diversification of the Algerian economy; the shift towards the development of industry and value-added activities; agriculture's key role; and the growing emphasis on exports, including the recognition of Algerian products abroad. The publication will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. About Oxford Business Group Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms. OBG's critically acclaimed economic and business reports have become the leading source of business intelligence on developing countries in the regions they cover. Its online economic briefings provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide. OBGs consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms currently operating in these markets and those looking to enter them. 16.11.2016 LISTEN Stories by Emmanuel Akli. President John Dramani Mahama has distanced himself from the violence that occurred at the residence of the opposition leader, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, 48 hours after the incident happened. The President is instead blaming the police, especially those at the Nima Police Station, for failing to take appropriate safeguard measures. Nana Addo's Nima residence was attacked on Sunday morning by some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) who had embarked on health walk through some principal streets in Accra. Nana Addo's security men were compelled to fire warning shots in self defence. Both the American and British embassies in Accra were compelled to issue a press statement to condemn the act perpetrated by the NPP supporters. The British Government expresses its concern at recent incidents of political violence in Ghana in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections on 7 December. We condemn all violent acts by the supporters of any political party, including any occurring as a result of holding electoral campaign events close to the private homes of rival candidates, British High Commission's statement noted. The United States is deeply disappointed by the targeting of the home and family of the primary opposition presidential candidate. We condemn all violence in Ghana, including political violence in the period leading to, during, and immediately following Ghanas elections scheduled for December 7th, the US embassy also noted in their statement. Earlier Nana Addo himself had issued a statement condemning the conduct of the NDC supporters. One would, ordinarily, have treated it as a one-off spectacle, in spite of the nature of the attack. However, my 4-day tour of the Brong Ahafo Region has revealed a rather disturbing trend, leading up to this year's elections. In Sankore, on Thursday, October 10, I witnessed at firsthand, the open brutalization of NPP members. Prior to my visit, two NPP members had been brutally murdered by NDC thugs. The scars of intimidation and assault by thugs recruited by Eric Opoku, MP for the constituency and Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, are still evident. In Asutifi South, a few kilometres away, another Minister in President Mahama's government, Alhaji Collins Dauda, MP, is also perpetrating violence against his own constituents. Ghanaians heard on the radio comments made by the brother of Alhaji Collins Dauda to the effect that he kills people on a daily basis, Nana noted. But speaking to labour union executives in Accra yesterday, President Mahama said he is not a violent person and that what happened was unfortunate. Only last Saturday we almost had a clash which was unfortunate, if any of those firearms had been fired and someone had dropped dead, it would have been a completely different story. I think we should be preventive enough in our actions to prevent such things. I think that the police at Nima should have been better briefed knowing that this group was passing through and then we should have taken appropriate safeguards to ensure that such a thing doesn't happen, he said. By my nature, I'm not a person who encourages violence and I'll never encourage violence. If any such thing will happen, it will not be because I have provoked it. We will avoid the flashpoints that create that kind of situation. It was an unusual spectacle at the Accra International Conference Centre Wednesday when the MC of a program had to use his phone to provide light for no less a person than Jon Benjamin to address an audience of eminent personalities after the whole auditorium was plunged into darkness. Barely had John Benjamin begun his address when power outage popularly called 'dumsor' struck, leaving the whole auditorium in complete darkness. After waiting for several minutes for power to be restored but without success, the MC Samson Lardy Anyenini had to use his phone to provide light for Jon Benjamin to address the audience which include the Chief Justice Georgina Wood, EC Chair Charlotte Osei and several other eminent personalities. More soon Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah A little over 114,000 voters are expected to cast their ballot during the special voting on December 1; and not 65,000 as announced earlier. According to the Deputy Director of Communications of the Electoral Commission (EC), Yussif Ayuba, the earlier list and figure put out by the Commission was not the final list. He has explained that, the Commission has now finalised the recruitment process for its officials, who will be working on the Election Day, and they have been added to the list. When we gave out the figure initially, we didnt capture all the central staff who we have recruited to undertake election work during the election day; and we were able to finish entering most of their details. Currently, we have 114,813 officials going to vote in the special voting come December 1 , he said. Charlotte Osei, EC Chairperson Madam (Charlotte Osei), was going to speak at a forum and she needed a figure so as at that time, that was the official figure at the time she was making her presentation, he said in clarifying the earlier figure. Mr. Ayuba also revealed that the EC has on record over 500 proxy voters, noting that, at the end of the completing of the applications, we have 534 people who would be voting by proxy come December 7. Registered voters comprising security operatives and the media, will be expected to cast their ballot in this year's special voting on December 1. The special voting will start at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm at designated polling stations across the country. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana A little over 114,000 voters are expected to cast their ballot during the special voting on December 1; and not 65,000 as announced earlier. According to the Deputy Director of Communications of the Electoral Commission (EC), Yussif Ayuba, the earlier list and figure put out by the Commission was not the final list. He has explained that, the Commission has now finalised the recruitment process for its officials, who will be working on the Election Day, and they have been added to the list. When we gave out the figure initially, we did'nt capture all the central staff who we have recruited to undertake election work during the election day; and we were able to finish entering most of their details. Currently, we have 114,813 officials going to vote in the special voting come December 1, he said. Madam (Charlotte Osei), was going to speak at a forum and she needed a figure so as at that time, that was the official figure at the time she was making her presentation, he said in clarifying the earlier figure. Mr. Ayuba also revealed that the EC has on record over 500 proxy voters, noting that, at the end of the completing of the applications, we have 534 people who would be voting by proxy come December 7. Registered voters comprising security operatives and the media, will be expected to cast their ballot in this year's special voting on December 1. The special voting will start at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm at designated polling stations across the country. -Citifmonline 16.11.2016 LISTEN By Morkporkpor Anku., The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has signed a multiple destination agreement concept with South Africa. The concept is aimed at promoting the tourism drive between the two countries, which would enable tourists to tour major cities in the two countries. Mrs Nancy O. Sam, the President of TOUGHA, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the just ended Akwaaba Travel Market event in Lagos, said the Union for the past two years has been sensitising countries in Africa to do the multiple destination concepts. She said: It also for promoting each other that when you go to South Africa information desk they will not sell only South Africa but will also showcase Ghana. We are encouraging this destination whereby the monies that come to Africa stays in Africa, she said. She said: We all know that Ghana is the gate way to West Africa and if you a serious tour operator or tourism personnel or a country that really want to penetrate into West Africa, Ghana is the country to look at which South Africa has identified. Mrs Sam said South Africa has identified the potential of flying from Washington to Accra which makes their market very big. She said South Africa has started with Ghana and other countries come on board. The President of TOUGHA said Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana have embraced the concept and believe it was a very good concept for Africans to sell Africa. In recent years, South African Tourism has been consistently engaging with travel agencies and tour operators in both countries with the aim of forging a closer working relationship. This consistent marketing drive and engagements with the trade partners has been made possible through regular road shows and trade workshops in cities like Accra, Kumasi, Port-Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. GNA By Alex O. Agyekum, GNA Teachermate (E/R), Nov 16, GNA - The Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, has rallied supporters of the party to reach out to everybody - knock on doors, to get them out to vote. He said it was important to recognize that every vote could make a difference. He was addressing a political rally at Teachermate in the Ayensuano constituency as part of his election campaign tour of the Eastern Region to woo voters. This comes barely three weeks to the presidential and parliamentary polls. Nana Akufo-Addo assured the people that if voted in, he would lead the nation to economic prosperity - efficiently and transparently manage its resources to make things better. He told the cheering crowd that his government would not disappoint adding that, it would deliver on every election promise made. He could not deceive Ghanaians by making any promise, he knew he could deliver, he stated. Nana Akufo-Addo, who had earlier made whistle stops at Asuboi and Amanase, assured the people that the implementation of his 'one district, one factory policy' was going to create job opportunities. He said steps would also be taken to salvage the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which had been struggling, to enhance access to quality healthcare. . Mr. Samuel Ayeh-Paye, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, appealed to the people to vote massively to bring the NPP back to power to end, what he termed the un-paralleled economic suffering. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - Ex workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), have described as unfortunate media reports attributed to the Port authorities that they do not owe the more than 3000 former employees compensation. According to Stephen Ashitey Adjei, Leader of the ex workers, he was aware that GHa 20 billion was released as compensation to them and they were demanding it. He told the Ghana News Agency in Accra that so far only five of the workers retrenched in 2002 have been given their severance awards He described as false the report, which described them as casual labourers. 'According to Article 19 (ii) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement non permanent employee who has worked continuously for 154 days within a calendar year shall be confirmed in the permanent establishment of the Authority," Mr Adjei said. He said after a number of attempts to get the GPHA to pay up had failed, the ex workers petitioned Parliament, the former and late President John Evans Mills and President John Dramani Mahama. He warned that the ex workers would use every legitimate means to get their monies paid. GNA Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - The Victorious Zongo Elephants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called on political party activists to maintain peace order in their campaign activities. A statement in Accra signed by Ibrahim Isshaq Tahir, Chairman of the Association and copied to the Ghana News Agency expressed concern about the recent clashes between the supporters of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the Nima residence of the Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo and said the action was a menace to the integrity and democracy of the country. The statement asked the Ghana Police Service to exercise its mandate by arresting people who are determined to pollute the political atmosphere and disturb the peace in the country. On Sunday, November 13, some NDC supporters allegedly went to the residence of Nana Akufo Addo but were stopped from entering the premises by security guards. The action resulted in a scuffle that was later controlled by the Police. GNA Vishwas Utagi, vice president of All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), has termed Modi's decision of demonetisation as "historical" and "revolutionary". By Kiran Tare: At a time when all opposition parties as well as a partner in ruling alliance, Shiv Sena, have upped their ante against the union government over the issue of demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an unexpected support from one of the prominent Left leaders, Vishwas Utagi. Utagi, vice president of All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), has termed the decision of demonetisation as "historical" and "revolutionary". advertisement Utagi, known as a voice of the Left in baking sector, claimed that Modi had to announce the decision of demonetisation to prevent large scale counterfeit currency notes from pouring into India by Pakistan. He claimed that "an enemy country" had planned to inject fake currency notes worth of Rs 25 lakh crore into Indian banking system till March 2017. Also read: Bombay High Court refuses to entertain plea filed by lawyers over demonetisation "Modi's decision was based on the inputs provided by security agencies who had smelled the enemy's plot at a right time. If the fake currency notes had come into circulation, the Indian economy would have received a big jolt," Utagi said. "Modi bhakts are calling it a masterstroke. Indeed, it is a historical and revolutionary decision," he said. Also read: PM Modi's demonetisation drive already modified 10 times in 7 days Utgi argued that demonetisation will lead to opening of crores of new bank accounts. "There are 40 crore bank accounts in operation till date. Around Rs 70,000 crore have been deposited in these accounts across the country. The figure will cross Rs 1 lakh crore in next couple of days. If this trend continues, more than Rs 25 lakh crore will be deposited in private and government banks in near future," he said. Also read:Currency ban: Government sets cash deposit limit on Jan-Dhan accounts at Rs 50,000 He predicted that black money will not come into market till January. "Those who have black money will wait for a new announcement and probably union government will bring new amnesty scheme for them." Also read: Demonetisation: PM appeals people to tolerate inconvenience for 50 days, says his fight is for honesty Indelible ink to stop people from hoarding cash, creating panic --- ENDS --- 16.11.2016 LISTEN Binduri (U/E), Nov.16, GNA - Parliamentary candidates in the Bawku conurbation have participated in an interparty dialogue committee debate organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with the Ghana News Agency. It was aimed at bringing the electorate and the candidates together to ensure a peaceful election. The debate also gave the candidates a chance to sell their ideas and policies to the electorate and how they would implement them to develop their constituencies when they were given the nod to represent their people in parliament. The debate took place in the Bawku Central, Pusiga, Binduri, Zebilla, Garu and the Tempane constituencies of the Bawku area. It was conducted in the various constituencies to allow the candidates answer questions from the electorate on agriculture, health, education and employment concerns affecting them. Five political parties including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Convention People's Party (CPP), Progressive People's Party (PPP), and an independent candidate participated in the maiden debate. Mr Gomez Adongo, the Upper East Regional NCCE programmes officer, who addressed the participants at the debate at Binduri , described the deliberations as a step in the right direction, saying it would go a long way to bring unity among the people and the country as a whole. He urged the electorate to vote based on ideas and good policies and not on personalities so that they could get the right person to articulate their views well in parliament. Mr Daniel Baya Laar, the NCCE Director in charge of the Binduri District, commended both the electorate and the candidates for their sense of maturity and called on them to create an enabling environment for peace and development. Mr Laar urged all in the Bawku area to use the election period to prove to the rest of the country that they were a peaceful and friendly society. He commended the European Union for its support in funding the programme saying it would help hold duty bearers accountable. GNA By Jerry Azanduna, GNA Bawku (U/E), Nov. 16, GNA - The Bawku Presbyterian Hospital in the Upper East Region is to be upgraded to a teaching hospital to serve the growing needs of the society. Dr Robert Baba Kuganab-Lem, the Upper East Deputy Regional Minister, said government would liaise with the Presbyterian Mission to upgrade the hospital to serve as a teaching hospital that would focus on training health professionals to feed other health facilities in the region. This, he said, would also alleviate the burden on young students who had to travel to Kumasi or Accra to be trained as medical officers. Dr Kuganab-Lem said this when he commissioned a modern labour ward in the hospital, built at a cost of GH600,000.00. He said government was committed to providing medical facilities and the needed incentives for health personnel to ensure effective and efficient health services delivery. Dr Kuganab-Lem commended the Presbyterian Mission and said government was committed to creating an enabling environment for all religious institutions to operate and contribute to developing the health sector in the country. Mr Fred Effa-Yeboah, the General Manager of the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, said the ward has been built at the right time as it would contribute to reducing maternal deaths in the area. He said the facility was equipped with the needed modern equipment to help make health delivery faster and easier. He commended Friends of Bawku (FOB), a group in Holland, who supported the hospital to build and equip the ward and called on other stakeholders to help the Hospital reduce maternal deaths in the area. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN Wa, Nov. 16, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has organized a one-day sensitization forum for three women parliamentary candidates contesting the 2016 elections in the Upper West Region. The purpose is to build the capacity of the female candidates to understand the Constitutional Instrument (C.I. 94) which governs the conduct of the 2016 elections so that they could effectively participate in the electoral process. The sensitization of the women parliamentary candidates on the electoral process is part of the EC/European Union (EU) Election Project 2016. Hajia Sa-Adatu Maida, the EC Commissioner in charge of the Upper West Region, who took the candidates through the provisions in the C.I. 94, urged them to get copies and make it a habit to read it regularly to be better informed. She said the C.I. 94 clearly explains all the rules, regulations and offences about the elections and that a candidate who was quite acquainted with it would be able to make good use of it when faced with any challenge. On the elections, Hajia Sa-Adatu said the notice of poll for the parliamentary was out and that very soon the Presidential one would also be out. She said the Commission would make available in each polling station two biometric devices to forestall some of the challenges that come with breakdown of the devices. The EC Commissioner for Upper West Region expressed disappointment at the low number of women contesting this year's election in the region. She said gradually, Ghana was trying to give women a space in governance and that it is evident within the EC which has five women out of the seven members of the Commission. Hajia Sa-Adatu called on women to build their capacity in order that they position themselves properly to take advantage of the opportunity. She said the Commission was ready to deliver a free, fair and transparent elections come December 7 and called for the support of all Ghanaians to enable the Commission achieve that. Hajia Alijata Sulemana, incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Sissala East Constituency and candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Madam Abiba Fidelia Mohammed, candidate for the Convention People's Party (CPP) are contesting the Sissala East Constituency Parliamentary seat. The other is Madam Jacqueline Paalee, All People's Congress (APC) Parliamentary candidate for the Jirapa Constituency. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA Ho, Nov. 16, GNA - Mr Koku Anyidoho, a Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged that the Party would not allow the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to cause mayhem in the Volta Region. He said the Party had spotted a document allegedly developed by the NPP to create confusion in the Region ahead of the December 7 general election and said the NDC 'will not sit down for a few traitors to destroy our Region'. Addressing a press conference in Ho on Tuesday, Mr Anyidoho alleged that the said document, titled: 'Bridging the Volta and the NPP gap-working document in perspective; The Past, Present and Future,' had plans by the NPP to 'bribe' some radio presenters along the borders of Ghana and Togo to preach fear and discourage the electorate from exercising their franchise on December 7. He also alleged that the NPP planned to engage 'macho men' at some polling stations and cause 'street boys to fire some bamboo guns' on Election Day to scare electorate away from voting. Mr Anyidoho described the document as 'damning and diabolical' and said the NDC would not allow people in the Region to be intimidated ahead of the polls. He said the document exposed NPP's tacit admission that it had no chance of getting significant votes in the Region and urged the media not allow the Party to use money to influence the quality of their work. Meanwhile, Mr Enoch Amegbletor, Deputy Regional Communication Director, NPP, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency described the allegations by NDC as panic reaction and that the NPP had no such document. He said the NPP was aware of rules governing elections in the country and had gone by them in the past elections and committed to peaceful polls in the December. GNA Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakech, Morocco. Mr Amissah-Arthur is expected to return to Accra on Wednesday afternoon. Below are some photographs of the event. 16.11.2016 LISTEN Introduction In his book Political Culture and Political Development, Lucian Pye distinguishes the developments in democratic political systems using the theory of political culture. He sought to know if there were certain cultures that promote political development and democratic values. He observes that political culture is simply a combination of sociological factors and views the political system as consisting of two distinct tendencies which are: individual orientations and structural rules. Although Pye sees culture as innate at the individual level, his research observed the patterns at the aggregate level which make up culture. Based on the observed distinctness in and among cultures, Pye suggests that there is no single pattern in political culture that is universal. He then stresses that all political systems have distinct culture consisting of norms, values and beliefs (p.7). In this study, we see Elite political culture as having a different category of norms and expectations which are orderly, structured and rule-compliant upon which Elites will act in compliance with the expectation of the masses. In doing this, the Elite will be expected to display tacitly in behavior about what the masses expect of them at every time as their supposed representatives. The Ondo 2016 Governorship election reflects Pyes elitist patterns. In 2008, there was a major shit Ondo political landscape- Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was declared winner of the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election. This judgement will redefine politics in the state as Governor Mimiko will defy his godfathers to win a re-election in 2012. The 2016 governorship election is unique for many reasons: First, the main political gladiators are or were part of the states elite at one point in their lives. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Eyitayo Jegede(SAN) is the states immediate past Attorney-General. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is also a former Attorney-General in the state in addition to been the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president. The Alliance for Democracy (AD) candidate, Olusola Oke is the former PDP National Legal Adviser and has worked closely with the partys administration in the state. Second, each bloc has influential backers among the elites either within or without the state. While Governor Mimiko is seen to be the pillar of support behind Jegede, and is touted to be running in the election by proxy, other forces mostly from outside the state appear to be battling hard to stop the governor. Oke is widely reported to be supported by the APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whose anointed candidate, Olusegun Abraham, lost the party primary in September. Akeredolu on his part is reported to be backed by forces from Abuja especially the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who may have axe to grind with some influential party leaders. Third, the three leading candidates reflect the geo-political spread in the state. Oke is from the states south senatorial zone; Jegede is of the Central zone and Akeredolu is of the northern geo-political area of the state. This makes the contest a sort of competition among the senatorial zones with varying voting strengths. The Unresolved Issues in 2016 election Party Unity For this election, political analysts are unanimous in their views that the last has not been heard of the many objections raised in some quarters, to the candidature of both Rotimi Akeredolu and Eyitayo Jegede, due largely to inconclusive party primaries of the APC and PDP respectively. While the crisis in the APC led Olusola Oke to move with his supporters to the AD, seeming unending litigations have led the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate. Apart from Oke leading his supporters to another party, at least three other top aspirants of the APC are yet to accept Akeredolus nomination by the partys national chairman as its governorship candidate. This is just as the partys National Working Committee (NWC) remained polarized over the submission of Akeredolus name to INEC by the national chairman, Odigie Oyegun. Is Zoning still a factor? This analysis is based on the assumption that Eyitayo Jegede will be PDPs candidate; Rotimi Akeredolu will APC candidate and Olusola Oke will fly the flag of AD in the November 26, election. With the main political parties having settled for their candidates, the question of the earlier clamor for the tickets to be zoned to certain parts of the state appears unanswered. We think this will still play very significant role in deciding the outcome of the election. As things stands presently, the PDP fielded someone from Ondo Central, (the same zone the present Governor hails from) and the APC settled for an Ondo North candidate (which has historically produced governors) shows the two parties have will be having many questions to answer over the zoning issue when the electorates go to the polls on the 26th of November. The AD chose someone from Ondo south which has the lowest voting strength in the state. While it may look good on the surface to argue that the APC may have satisfied the yearnings of the Owo people of Ondo North for the coveted governorship seat, the PDP, following its decision to pick its candidate from the same Central senatorial district as the outgoing governor, may have difficulty in getting the support of voters in Akokoland and other parts of the northern zone of the state. Logically, the calculation in picking Jegede, who hails from Ondo Central Senatorial District, which already produced Mimiko for two terms, may be because of the districts voting strength. Incumbency factor Going by the patterns witnessed since 2015, it could still be argued that incumbency is still a strong factor in deciding the outcome of election as it was the case in neighbouring Edo when the incumbent partys candidate, Godwin Obaseki (APC) won. Yet there is the factor of the characters involved in the impending match in Ondo. Some of the candidates also featured in the 2012 governorship election in the state, which Mr. Mimiko, then of the Labour Party, won. Messrs. Oke and Akeredolu were candidates in that election. If the figures of the 2012 election were anything to go by, the combination of Messrs. Akeredolu and Oke may barely bring them victory. The combined total votes of both men would have defeated Mimiko. The situation is not exactly the same this time but the incumbency factor is certain to play a role in the November 26 poll. It is assumed in some quarters that Mr. Mimiko is running the election by proxy. As a man extensively knowledgeable in Ondo politics, Mr. Mimoko is sure to deploy his political machinery and goodwill to help Mr. Jegede garner votes. A Third Force? In 2007, Mr. Mimiko left the PDP for the then unpopular LP to contest against the incumbent, Olusegun Agagu, and emerged winner, even though he only assumed office more than a year later through the courts. This breaking of the bipolarization of the states politics by Mimiko with his Labour Party (LP) appears to be the source of optimism Mr. Okes supporters. Will history be repeating itself? Deciding Factors The deciding factors (barring any last minute changes) that will shape the outcome of November 26 election appears very complicating. There are several of them, but for constraints of time and space, we will be limited to: First, the choice of deputy governorship candidates is one of those factors that will boost the chances of the candidates. The zone a partys deputy governorship candidate hails from will influence the outcome of election. The three main contenders have so far been tactical in exercising this choice For instance, Mr. Olusola Oke of AD who hails from Ondo South has picked, Hon. Gani Dauda an Akoko man from Ondo North as his running mate to pacify voters in the zone. Hon. Dauda is also a member of the House of Representatives. On the other hand, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede of the PDP who is from Ondo Senatorial District, has picked former Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Prince John Ola Mafo, an Ilaje man from from Ondo South as running mate. One his part, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu of the APC who is from Ondo North has picked a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, an Eso-Odo man from Ondo south as running mate. So far, PDPs Jegede may be interested in deflating the ADs Okes political base in Ilaje by his selection of an Ilaje man as running mate. At the same time, Oke may have weakened Akeredolus political base in Akoko (the largest voting unit in the north) by his selection of his running mate. There seems to be no challenge to Jegedes political base at the central zone since there are no strong deputy governorship candidates from the zone. But, the majority of the votes are from Akure South, considered as a melting pot of various ethnic groups in the State. Second, we must not leave out the financial strengths of the parties/candidates as a factor in Ondo Politics. All the camps in the election appear have their campaigns well financed by some elites within and without the state. Financial inducements will play a critical role in the election. Vote buying, bribery of election officials and security agencies and the likes will affect the outcome of the election; it is just a question of who the highest bidder is. Observations The PDP candidate seems to enjoy the support of the party and governmental elite in the state. He also enjoys the advantage of hailing from the zone (Ondo central) which has the largest voting strength in the state. His biggest challenge will be how his party handles the deep crisis over who the party candidate should be given INECs recognition of Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate. This may finally play out in the outcome of the election. But will he be able to cage the AD candidate whose profile is rising especially in Akure and its environs? The AD candidate on his part enjoys a well-funded and highly motivated campaign structure. Electorally speaking, he hails from the zone with the least voting strength in the state. The fact that he also enjoys some in-house unity in his party whose popularity is growing fast may be another boost to his chances. He is reported to be enjoying the tacit support of a faction of PDP in the state. His greatest weakness may be his reported endorsement from an APC chieftain outside the state which hunted a candidate during the 2012 election. The APC candidate enjoys the confidence of the national leadership of his party which controls power at the Federal level. He seems to have a well-funded campaign structure as he did in 2012. There are also recent reports that he may end up benefitting from a major re-alignment with a PDP in the state. His greatest undoing may be the disunity in his party as fallout of the party primary in September. Conclusion On November 26, if the present trend continues, there is the possibility of a stalemate which may end in a possible re-run of the election. The three main parties ADs Olusola Oke, PDPs Eyitayo Jegede and APCs Rotimi Akeredolu will battle to share the spoils in this election and will battle to change the political landscape in the state. In the event of a re-run, unpredictable factors like the possibility of realignments between the three main parties may decide who will ultimately emerge. In all mathematical probability, the AD and PDP candidates have nearly equal chances of getting elected with the PDP having slight advantage with its support from the incumbent governor. Otherwise, the AD candidate stands a good chance of getting elected on November 26. The APC candidate may spring a last minute reported alignments with a PDP faction, but the mathematical possibility of this scenario is very low as at the time of this analysis going by the reports from credible polls in the state. Reference Pye, L (1965) Political Culture and Political Development, (New Jersey: Princeton University Press) Olalekan Waheed ADIGUN is a political analyst and independent political strategist for wide range of individuals, organisations and campaigns. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria. His write-ups can be viewed on his website http://olalekanadigun.com/ Tel: +2348136502040, +2347081901080 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Follow me on Twitter @adgorwell Recently, INEC recognized Jimoh Ibrahim who won that Sherriffs factional primary held in Ibadan the authentic party candidate. This analysis is based on the premise that Jegede is the partys governorship candidate. Even Jimoh Ibrahim is a well-known business man and financial mogul. CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 16 November 2016,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- IOX CABLE Ltd, a subsidiary of INDOI LTD, has signed a MOU with Mauritius Telecom to build a state of the art undersea cable system - IOX Cable System. This US$ 150 M cable project will allow Mauritius to have a third independent undersea cable connectivity to Africa and the rest of the world and in turn reinforce Mauritius, as an emerging innovation giant in Sub-Saharan Africa. The IOX cable system will be the first open access cable system in the region and offer the opportunity for any licensed operators to benefit from the latest technology and seamless access, throughout the life cycle of the cable system. The IOX undersea cable system design will also allow it to connect to existing and future undersea cable projects off the East coast of Africa. The IOX cable system will be the first open access cable system in the region This third undersea cable initiative will also act as a hotbed, to accelerate the development of technology-enabled business and innovation. It will permit the African and Indian business community to connect seamlessly, by leveraging on fast and reliable digital infrastructure, ranging from undersea cable to data centers and cloud platforms. Furthermore, this will significantly enhance and improve the development of the broadband infrastructure in Mauritius to support and drive new economic models centered around the new digital economy. The IOX Cable is expected to be ready for commercial service by the first quarter of 2019. In a quest to widen the tax bracket as a way of raking in more revenues for infrastructure development, several Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions over a number of these new policies in the country. By January next year, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced it will begin rolling out a new policy which will see Ghanaian tax evaders denied access to passports, drivers licenses and visas. The introduction of the new policy follows the implementation of the revised tax law 2015 tax Act. Ghanaians are therefore advised to get a tax-payer identification number (TIN) so as to be able to renew or acquire new passports, drivers licenses or even secure visas. The announcement of this new tax policy has angered many citizens. Some taxpayers have described the move as a misplaced one. Sammy Papa, a trader at Accra said in an interview that, actually I am not aware of it, if there is anything they want to put in place or implement by next year, there should have been publicity about it so people will know whats happening, otherwise as some of us are not aware we might not be able to do anything next year. Ismail Ahmed, a civil servant at the ministries also said to the paper when interviewed, honestly Im not aware of anything and I honestly dont agree to that, I dont agree to that at all. But, rather encouraging, a Kumasi based trader, Yaw Barimah admitted having knowledge of the new tax policy, he said, yes I am aware, the GRA tax commissioners came to Kumasi to educate us about it, so I have my Tax Identification Number now. Since time in memorial, Governments have been battling to deal with tax evasion as well as pull in the informal sector into Ghanas tax net but has been unsuccessful. It is believed that about 80% of businesses and people in the informal sector of the economy are not paying taxes due to lack of a historical database to track them. There have been calls for government to enforce the right laws and put in place structures to get workers in the informal sector to pay the appropriate taxes. Meanwhile, the players of industries and commerce are on the neck of government to relief them of tax burdens. According to the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the multiplicity of taxes continues to negatively affect the quality of lives of workers and impact business operations. The myriad of taxes that the Ghanaian worker is paying without the commensurate benefit is suffocating us; in fact, there is too much pressure on workers, General Secretary of the ICU, Solomon Kotei have said. He argued that, even overtime is taxed; everything you buy on the market has got the VAT on it and we are paying the National Insurance Levy on almost every item on the market; when your money goes to the bank there are SMS charges which are deducted, all of which make life very unbearable for the Ghanaian worker. Mr. Kotei warned that the Union would continue to mount pressure on government and Parliament to withdraw some of the taxes while reducing others drastically. The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) has been given a tax relief of up to a sum of US$180 million for new construction works taking place at almost all airports in the country. This relief comes to reduce the initial projects cost, as it reduces the expenditures of the construction companies. The tax waiver was granted last week when Parliamentary Select Committee on Finance in a report tendered before the House recommending for the House to "approve a waiver of US$185million for a period of five years for the Ghana Airports Company Limited." Subsequently, the Committee explained that the approval of the request is necessary to improve GACLs ability to develop the required infrastructure for the countrys airports. Additionally, the Committee further explained that, the request is necessary to allow GACL pay for loans already contracted for infrastructural works at various airports across the country," the report said. A number of construction companies are expected to benefit from the proposed tax waiver when approved by Parliament. These include; M/S Mapa Insaat Ve Ticaret (Contractor), M/S Constutora Queiroz Galvao S.A(acting through its branch, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A Sucursal Gana), PW Ghana (Mourne Ghana) Amandi Holding Company Limited, Amalgamated Designs and Bans Consults among others who have project agreement with the GACL, Before the amendment of the Act, 60 percent of all airport taxes went directly to the Ghana Revenue Authority to support the national budget while GACL retained just 40 percent. The Ghana aviation industry has witnessed tremendous growth in passenger output due to a number of factors such as; increasing number of French-speaking West Africans in Ghana, and the relatively peaceful nature of the country. This has resulted in the need for massive expansion and upgrading of the countrys airports. According to available statistics, the domestic transit passenger volumes increased from 14,000 in July 2015 to over 22, 000 in July this year. International passenger output also hit 1.6million this year. The management of GACL, following the promulgation of the Airport Tax Amendment Act in 2013 which allows the GACL to retain 100 percent of its revenues, turned to private capital to improve aviation infrastructure in the country. As part of the expansion projects, the GACL secured a loan of US$250 million to undertake the construction of a new terminal known as Terminal 3, at the Kotoka International Airport from a consortium of banks led by Ecobank Capital. The company later also secured another US$150 million in funds on the strength of its own balance sheet to fund the Ho Airport project, as well as the rehabilitation of Kumasi Airport. Part of the said amount is also being used on rehabilitation of the Sunyani and Wa Airports. The repayment projections for the loans were made on the assumption that GACL will not pay tax for the duration of the facility. The Committee, therefore, held that there was the need to exempt GACL from payment of all applicable taxes to free resources for the repayment of the loan. The much awaited for the start of commercial production of gas from the countrys largest gas well being operated by ENI Gas Ghana is to receive the Floating, Production, Storage, Offloading (FPSO) vessel in March 2017. The Sankofa Gye Nyame Oil and Gas project, is the largest gas well which will soon produce natural gas for onwards refinery by the Ghana Gas Company at Atuabo for both industrial and domestic use. The expected arrival of the FPSO will mark a great milestone in the countrys history of oil and gas production. The Managing Director of ENI Ghana, Fabio Cavanna announced this last week. According to him, construction works have advanced steadily and the vessel is set to arrive in the country for commercial production to commence in August 2017, as scheduled. I can say that we are in the advanced stage of the project; the FPSO is coming to Ghana in March 2017 and then it has to be installed and all the facilities installed, so the first storage is confirmed in August, Fabio Cavanna observed. The ENI Ghana boss however explained that gas from the oil fields is expected to start in the first half of 2018. We are also working hard for the gas portion and the first gas is planned in the first half of 2018 and we are going to deliver at least one hundred and seventy one million standard cubic feet a day from 2018 to 2036, he added. In addition, Fabio Cavanna said is confident the project will enable Ghana grow its energy supplies. ENI, the operator for the Sankofa Gye Nyame Oil& Gas Project, holds a 47.2 percent participating interest in the block while Vitol holds 37.8 percent. GNPC holds a 15 percent carried interest and 5 percent additional participating interest. Ghana took another major step towards the attainment of energy and power security with the signing of an agreement for the development of the Offshore Cape Three Points ( OCTP) integrated oil and gas project. The $7 billion project, being undertaken by Italy's largest oil company, Eni Spa, in collaboration with Vitol Energy, will see the development of the Sankofa and Gye Nyame fields that will provide substantial gas to operate Ghanas thermal power plants for 20 years. President John Dramani Mahama, who said the project was probably the biggest single foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa this year, and the Vice-President, Mr K.B. Amissah-Arthur, witnessed the signing ceremony at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region earlier this year. The Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Alex Mould and the Minister of Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, signed for Ghana, while the Executive Vice-President of Eni Spa in charge of Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Ciro Antonio Pagano, and the President and CEO of Vitol, Mr Tan Taylor, signed for Eni and Vitol respectively. Oil production from the OCTP is estimated at 80,000 barrels per day and will start in 2017, while gas comes on board in 2018. The project will deliver 170 million cubic feet of gas per day and it is expected to generate an additional 1,100 megawatts of power for Ghana. Gas will be processed and transported via a dedicated pipeline to onshore gas-receiving facilities located near Sanzule, a coastal village in the Western Region. The gas will also be compressed and injected into the Western Corridor Gas Pipeline for transportation to industrial customers in Ghana. Crude oil will also be stored in the FPSO and offloaded to tankers for sale on the international market. Ghana is represented on the project by the GNPC. Ahead of the Winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the government is ready to debate every issue. By India Today Web Desk: As the Opposition braced up to challenge the government on demonetisation issue, PM Narendra Modi today reached out to them in the Lok Sabha on the first day of Winter session and exchanged greetings with various leaders, including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. The prime minister today said that the government is ready to debate every issue. advertisement Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has been adjourned for a day after obituary references. Here are the LIVE updates: Congress, please come out of dilemma; are you in favour of smugglers or some strong steps?: Venkaiah Naidu in RS If you stop Rs 500/1000 notes, do you think corruption will stop? Now corruption will double with Rs 2000 notes: Sitaram Yechury in RS pic.twitter.com/Rdx70GLvsK&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Now we have Modi Antoinette, "If you don't have paper, use plastic"; what is the coverage of your plastic money, asks Sitaram Yechury in Rajya Sabha. There was no planning, this is like the Tughlaq regime, says Mamata Banerjee. - Our party will move adjournment motion in Lok Sabha Initially ATM meant "All time Money" now it is "Aayega tab milega": WEst Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/Yukd84U49M&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 - This is hurting the economy of the country. ALSO READ | Demonetisation: All queries from Opposition will be answered in Parliament, says Amit Shah The Upper House of the Parliament has been adjourned till 2 pm. Delhi: Mamata Banerjee leads the protest march to the President's House, other Opposition parties also participate #demonetisation pic.twitter.com/DlnSgrrQiV&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 For the first time, the honest have been honoured and the dishonest have been troubled, says Piyush Goyal in Rajya Sabha. - There are no curbs on the common man today, it is only on criminals. - Today a festival of honesty is being celebrated across the country. - There are no curbs on the common man today, it is only on criminals. - Today a festival of honesty is being celebrated across the country. It's a sensitive issue, we want the prime minister to come to the Rajya Sabha and take part in this discussion, says BSP chief Mayawati. "We have received notices for discussion on demoentisation. We can have the discussion till 6 p.m," Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said. An atmosphere has been created where questioning the government has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism, says Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha. - Government has list of those holding black money in Swiss Bank, we demand that the prime minister must tell who all are there in the list, says Anand Sharma. advertisement -The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a selected few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it. - This is a surgical strike on common man, says Anand Sharma. Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress workers outside court. Highlights: -Modi is running a government of 15 people. -Modi is running a government of 15 people. - No rich people in queues before banks. There is no investigation or action taken against Modi ji's industrialists friends: Rahul Gandhi on #demonetisation pic.twitter.com/rKzsdzN35u&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 - Modi will take your money, give it to the rich. Our party is not against the demonetisation decision but the way it has been implemented, says BSP chief Mayawati. We are not going for this march: Majeed Memon,NCP on Mamata Banerjee's march to President House #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/bnfDhAcVVz&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Lok Sabha adjourned till Thursday after giving obituary to the former members who have passed away. PM Narendra Modi met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the Lok Sabha and enquired about her health; also met other Opposition leaders.&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 We are ready for discussion on any issue, we are doing good work so we have no problems in discussing anything, says Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu. Delhi: TMC protests at Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/KHzpJdM97O&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 In the Winter session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties, says PM Modi. Sabhi parties se sahyog ki ummeed hai: PM Modi ahead of winter session of Parliament pic.twitter.com/4Y0dnGPadE&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 PM Modi appeals to Opposition for unity ahead of the Winter session, says we are out to reform the tax system. The Opposition also has a string of other issues like the surgical strikes across LoC, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, OROP and the plight of farmers to rake up during the session that will last a month. A demand for the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) over the demonetisation issue is also on the agenda of the Opposition. advertisement --- ENDS --- 19 banks owed under the legacy debt received second payment in the first quarter of September. This was part of schedule of payment as agreed between the banks and government. The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana (BoG), and the Ghana Bankers Association in August announced a roadmap aimed at clearing the Volta River Authoritys (VRA) legacy debt of GHS4.4 billion, after an initial payment of GHS250 million. The President of the Ghana Bankers Association, Alhassan Andani told journalists in Accra at the sidelines of a BoG and IFC Partnership launch, We have concluded everything after September, so the down payment came through. We have GHS250 million upfront payment and weve also gotten the September first quarterly payment, he said. Mr. Andani was optimistic that the banking system will begin to reclassify the non- performing assets that were captured under the debt. He stated that the discussion also addressed the the FX differential issues raised by the Bulk Oil Distribution companies(BDCs). The BDCs have raised concerns over differences in the exchange rate as the time the loans were acquired to purchase crude oil for the VRA to power thermal plants in the country. So government conducted an audit of what the exchange differentials were with the BDCs, the banks, and the external auditor. We clearly understand what is now due the banks, and we are in the process of getting that money paid, Mr. Andani explained. Everything has been firmly agreed that before the end of the year the payment due from government on the FX differential will be made. That will bring down any non-performing assets, he added. As at August 2016, the VRA was indebted (legacy debt) to about 19 commercial banks to the tune of US$ 300 million. Finance Minister, Seth Terkper announced in that government has made an initial GHS250 million to the banks after which a road map was designed to pay the rest of the debt. Mr. Andani commenting on the banking industry performance has indicated that Non-Performing Loans (NPL) of banks should reduce significantly before the end of this year. Alhassan Andanis assurance follows a substantial increase in Impairment Charge on loans and Advances by some listed banks, like Ecobank, CAL, SG and Standard Chartered Bank. The third quarter earnings revealed a rising Non-Performing Loans despite the payment of a fraction of energy sector debts, which had contributed to these rising NPLs. Ecobank's NPL for the nine months ending September 2016 went up to GHC44 million from GHC40 million for the same period in 2015. Standard Chartered Bank also saw its impairment charge on loan advances increase to GHC61 million for the first 9 months of this year from GHC38 million in 2015. The development was interesting, due to the fact that, government recently announced the payment of some energy sector debts, with an initial payment of some GHC250 million. This industry players say should have impacted on the numbers positively but Mr Andani says these payments should reflect in the last quarter results. In a related development, the much talked about Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) debts, can be put at $300 million dollars, accounting firm, Ernst and Yong has said. The firm was commissioned to audit the debts of the BDCs and Mr Andani says this should pave the way for the payment of these debts very soon. 16.11.2016 LISTEN Story from Isaac Akwetey-Okunor ([email protected]).. As I Grow (AIG), a Larteh-Akuapim-based nonprofit organisation, has passionately called on philanthropists, government institutions and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to financially support Madam Mary Dogbe, a 35 year old lady suffering from an eye tumor. Mary, who hails from Abena Awia, a farming community in the Akuapem North Municipality, peels cassava for gari producers for a paltry daily wage of GH4 to take care of her three children, with the eldest being 16 years. The hard working lady, whose marriage has seen a nosedive, is financially strapped and currently not working, following her untimely situation, and can hardly buy food, let alone, pain killers. Mary, who contacted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIG, Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe, for financial aid to undergo successful medical care, said it all started like a headache and migraine, and later pain in the right eye. The eye later developed this tumor. Shes been to the hospital five times. She has visited hospitals such as the Nsawam Government Hospital twice, Emmanuel Eye Clinic and Korle-Bu. At Korle-Bu, a test was run and she was asked to consult her family and get some money for the eye to be operated upon, but, unfortunately, nobody was there to help. Marys issue is so sad that she borrows medicine from drug retailers to ease her pains. Currently, Mary doesnt go to hospital, because she has no money, work, or even insurance. She uses the GH4 she sometimes earns to fend for herself and her 16 years child. The NGO has been able to take her for the first screening at Korle-Bu on September 6, this year. Due to financial constraints, we are yet to go for the next medical screening to book an appointment for the surgery. We hereby seek public support to help Mary Dogbe, who cannot even sleep. In a related development, residents of Traio, a farming community near Suhum, are being reduced to what could be described as survival of the fittest, forming a long queue, amidst fighting, in an effort to access a public toilet facility in the community. The residents, both young and old, according to information, have to battle it out with one another every morning when they have to respond to natures call. As if that is not enough, members of the small farming community also battle with animals over the only source of drinking water, a situation that raises serious health concerns. They are however, taking a sigh of relief, following the costing almost GH25,000. In an interview with the Eastern File, the CEO, Mr. Bekoe, indicated that he was motivated to embark on the kind gesture, following divine direction in a dream. On his part, Opanin K.Wayo, acting Odikro of the area, showered praises on Nana Debrah and his outfit for assisting them with the aforesaid items. Notwithstanding, the Odikro passionately appealed to the government, other NGOs and philanthropists to come and assist the community. CONTACTS FOR DONATIONS AND ENQUIRIES: +233553901708(FOR CALLS AND MOBILE MONEY)/ 0553902755(FOR CALLS ALONE). DIRECTORS CONTACT: +233246319523/+233240250774/+233205372639. 16.11.2016 LISTEN The One district, One factory refrain has caught on well with assembly members caucus in the Ashanti Region, resulting in a declared support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) standard bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the December polls. The position of both current and former members, declared at a press conference at the Georgia Hotel in Kumasi recently, is explained in two significant commitments in the NPP manifesto, which are geared towards accelerated development. The assembly members described the NPP manifesto as workable and the magic wand to catapult the country to a future of anti-corrupt leadership of hope and economic independence, for total the transformation of the infrastructural landscape of Ghana. The Secretary of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Asuah Dadzie, on behalf of the caucus, said the NPP manifesto had identified three flagship industrial initiatives aimed at transforming Ghana to become an industrial hub of the sub-region. He mentioned the One District, One factory initiative, and the growth of seven major economic initiatives which promise to ensure even and spatial spread of industries across the country. The assembly members noted that committing resources under the District Industrialisation Programme would create employment for the teeming unemployed youth. Mr. Asuah Dadzie said it is only a visionary leader who could dream about such an initiative for agricultural products such as carrots in Ashanti Mampong, tomatoes at Kumawu and Akomadan, and ginger in Atwima Kwanwoma to improve food security for local consumption and reserve for export. The representatives of the various constituencies also observed that the seven major economic initiatives, under Growing Together in Chapter 5 of the NPP manifesto, would transform Ghana, particularly, the rural and deprived communities. They also lauded the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), which is designed to re-orient National Capital Expenditure to focus on specific needs of constituencies, for which an equivalent of US$1 million would be allocated for infrastructural improvement and the development of new facilities. They believed that the implementation of the proposed initiatives by Nana Akufo-Addo, who is described variously as committed, incorruptible and competent, would help create more jobs, improve the socio-economic life of the people, make social amenities accessible, improve the revenue base of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and make the ordinary Ghanaian financially independent. They have, therefore, called on Ghanaians to support the campaign of Nana Akufo-Addo for a resounding victory for the NPP in the December general elections, and vote out the highly corrupt Mahama-led administration, stressing that this incompetence cannot continue for another four years. 16.11.2016 LISTEN From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi .. The Ashanti Region officially started the micro processes for the elections yesterday, amidst controversies over the late arrival and design of the ballot papers. All the representatives of the various political parties from the 47 constituencies in the region gathered at the Ashanti Regional Police Depot to monitor the certification and subsequent distribution of the papers for the parliamentary polls. However, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, is calling for a total overhaul of the process, after identifying what he said were intentional errors in the printing of the ballot papers. The party also expressed initial agitations about the transporting of the electoral materials to the region, after there were reports of a breakdown of the vehicle transporting the items. VEHICLE BREAKDOWN Anxiety heightened on Sunday, after the various party representatives were made to wait for several hours for the arrival of the materials for certification. As the information vacuum thickened, and there was no official statement from the EC explaining the rather unusual delay, the political parties, particularly the NPP, started raising suspicions, expressing fears about what must have gone amiss. However, later information indicated that the delay was a result of the breakdown of the vehicle carting the materials to the region. Reports indicated that the van got damaged and had to be replaced with another, hence the delay. It was not until 7 p.m. that the vehicle finally arrived in Kumasi and was quickly escorted to the Ashanti Regional Police Depot for safe keeping. INCONSISTENCIES ON THE BALLOT PAPER When it seemed everything was going on smoothly, and the representatives were cooperating with the processes involved in the certification of the ballot materials, NPP representatives from Offinso South detected one anomaly and brought it to the attention of the regional party executives, led by its Chairman, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi. The NPP representatives detected that all the political parties had their logos, as well as their initials on the ballot papers, except that of the NPP, which had only the party logo. This raised an alarm, temporarily bringing the otherwise smooth process to a halt. The NPP was concerned that the situation could seriously affect the voting pattern of its supporters. The NPP Regional Chairman said the party would not accept the ballot materials in its current state, and are demanding the total ratification of the anomaly. 16.11.2016 LISTEN By Maxwell Ofori [email protected] The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Nana Kwasi Gyan-Appenteng, has urged users of social media to be more cautious before and during the December polls, because any irresponsibility on their part could cost the nation. He said the use of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp among others, would play a vital role as far as reporting of election matters is concerned, but it must not be used to enlighten the public. He was addressing journalists in Accra yesterday to officially announce a communique issued after a public forum on 'Free and Responsible' use of Social Media. The meeting was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, journalists, telecommunications network operators and citizens. In the communique, the group (Attendees) took cognisance of the fact that a concerted and collective framework for engagement was required from all actors to engage and ensure free and responsible use of social media. Citizens on social media must recognise their (Social Media) responsibility, and ensure that their use is consistent with public expectations of decency, morality and respect for public order, it said, and called on regulators [of social media] to ensure that the appropriate framework is put in place to facilitate the use of social media, which is also used for the exchange of ideas. Network operators should deliberate or otherwise prevent interferences in the internet connectivity that may hinder access to social media. Security agencies should position themselves to utilise social media enhance their work and interact with the public more, and restrain themselves from acts that may undermine the use of social media. Government should ensure that public institutions and agencies with responsibility to intervene within the sphere of telecommunications act within democratically acceptable limits. We also call on government to take steps to promote digital literacy among citizens, it added. Recently, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. John Kudalor, hinted of a possible ban on social media in this year's elections. His intention was to ensure people did not use that medium to create fear and panic, which could generate into chaos during the polls. However, the motive of the IGP met opposing views, with some people arguing that banning the use of social media on Election Day would not bring total sanctity, as people would use an alternative measure for their 'planned evil agenda'. Meanwhile, at the press briefing, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Appenteng said there should be some mechanisms in place to regulate how people use social media, adding that the NMC, together with stakeholders, would start campaigning on the responsible use of social media before, during and after the elections. Rome (AFP) - More than 240 people have died in migrant boat sinkings in the Mediterranean this week, officials said Wednesday as horrifying new testimony emerged from survivors of another tragedy. Departures from Libya are continuing unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with over 3,200 people rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies since Saturday. The total is the same as for the whole month of November 2015. The new death toll was based on information gathered by the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or lost when a dinghy sank on Monday. Some 95 others are presumed dead after another dinghy sank on Tuesday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Italy's coastguard said 580 people had been brought to safety Wednesday in five separate rescue operations, with one body recovered. Fleeing across the Mediterranean The deaths were not limited to the perilous crossing between Libya and Italy. On Wednesday the bodies of four male migrants, aged between 20 and 40, were found in a boat that ran into trouble off Greece. The Greek coastguard said it had spotted the boat some 15 nautical miles off the island of Thassos "with a total of 19 people on board, four of whom had lost consciousness", probably due to hypothermia. Death toll likely 'much higher' The survivors of Monday's shipwreck off Libya -- overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa -- arrived Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. They had set off from Libya on Sunday night with about 150 people on board, "so there would be about 135 missing," UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP. A rescuer takes a migrant baby aboard the ship Topaz Responder off the Libyan coast on November 5, 2016 "Their dinghy, which was already in a poor state, began taking on water several hours after they set off. It then overturned, tipping all 150 into the sea. Only 15 managed to survive by clinging to a part of the vessel which floated," he said. "They stayed like that several hours before help arrived," he added. The latest deaths lift the total number of migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said the true toll is higher "as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported". 'Departures organised in waves' The charity blamed "the changing approach of smuggling networks" which it said showed "an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers". "Whereas in past years, crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves," it said in a statement. Migrants and refugees fall in the water during a rescue operation off the Libyan on November 3, 2016 "Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies... search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever," it added. Over 167,000 people have been brought to safety in Italy since the start of the year, according to the interior ministry. The figure has already passed the 153,000 number recorded in 2015 and is closing in on the 170,000 figure recorded in 2014. Accra- 16th November, 2016- AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited has become aware of the use of its logo on the campaign billboards of the Member of Parliament for Obuasi East. We have registered our concerns over the matter with the Member of Parliament, and have been assured that immediate steps are being taken to remove the companys logo from these billboards. We wish to reiterate that AGA Ghana remains neutral in the electoral process. The company was neither consulted nor did we give approval for the use of the companys logo for this campaign, Managing Director of AGA Ghana Obuasi Mine, Eric Asubonteng said. The company trusts that remedial action will be taken in the shortest possible time, as it has been assured of. Karaga, GHANA On November 9, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Ghana Mission Director, Andrew Karas, visited the Ishadia kindergarten and primary school in Ghanas Northern Region during a five-day trip to the north. During his visit, Karas handed over equipment including hearing aids, wheel chairs, and Braille materials to Ishadia school staff. The school is one of a number of sites where USAID works in partnership with UNICEF to support inclusive education in Ghana. The aim is to enhance the educational quality outcomes for disadvantaged populations, as well as encourage the inclusion of school children with disabilities in Ghanas education development. Leveraging inclusive education is part of USAIDs goal of promoting quality education in the early grades of kindergarten and primary school. To achieve this goal, teachers at the Ishadia School are trained to identify and care for children with disabilities in their classrooms. Additionally, teachers receive training in curriculum development and techniques for introducing mother-tongue instruction to strengthen literacy in English and other Ghanaian languages. USAID is committed to working with the Government of Ghana and its partners to ensure the investment of inclusive education and improve the learning outcomes of all children, remarked Mr. Karas. The goal of USAID/Ghanas education program is to ensure that children are given the foundational skills to read with understanding in the early grades of primary school. USAIDs activities in Ghana improve the quality of reading instruction, strengthen the management of educational institutions, improve accountability and transparency between parents, schools and local government, and help communities contribute to student and teacher performance. Embattled businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, has accused Ghana's Supreme Court of persecuting him in the controversial GHc51 million judgment debt case. I am speaking as a citizen, and I feel that the Supreme Court is persecuting me, he lamented. His comment comes on the back of the Supreme Court's approval for him to be orally examined by former Attorney General, Martin Amidu. Mr. Amidu filed an application at the apex court, after the Attorney General (AG) discontinued the process to examine Mr. Woyome, despite serving an earlier notice to do same. The Supreme Court however upheld Mr. Amidu's application, but Mr. Woyme while speaking to the media after the ruling, said I disagree with the Supreme Court's judgment today. Mr. Woyome further made his case on why he thinks the Supreme Court is pursuing him, saying that, after an earlier judgment served on him to pay the GHc 51 million, the Supreme Court rejected his mode of payment. According to him, he had wanted to pay GHc8 million, and spread the rest over a period of time; but his appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court. I proposed to pay 8 million cedis and pay the rest in the following monthsbut the Supreme Court denied and threw it out, he said. Mr. Woyome complained that, after the rejection of his mode of payment, the Supreme Court further ordered the Attorney General to valuate his properties saying such a move was to disgrace me. He also cited a number of cases which to him shows that the court was against him. Background Alfred Woyome was paid 51 million after he claimed that he helped Ghana to raise funds to construct stadia for purposes of hosting the CAN 2008 Nations Cup. However an Auditor General's report released in 2010, said the amount was paid illegally to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) financier. The Supreme Court in 2014 ordered Mr. Woyome to pay back the amount, after Mr. Martin Amidu challenged the legality of the judgment debt paid the businessman, Waterville, and Isofoton. Following delays in retrieving the money, the Supreme Court judges unanimously granted the Attorney-General clearance to execute the court's judgment ordering Mr. Woyome to refund the cash to the state. Woyome prevents officials from valuing residence Mr. Woyome in April 2016, prevented officials of the Attorney General's Department and the Lands Commission from having access to his Kpehe residence for valuation. The move was part of a directive from the Supreme Court to retrieve monies illegally paid to him. But Woyome resisted the move, saying the planned valuation was illegal. Mr. Woyome had earlier won the criminal prosecution that sought to imprison him for the offence. By:Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @AlloteyGodwin The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused government of creating a corrupt scheme worth over GH 448 million as payment to Zoomlion Ghana, for the management of some Youth Employment Modules. According to the NPP, the payments are being made even although Zoomlion's contract with the government has been canceled. The Policy Advisor to the NPPs 2016 campaign, Boakye Agyarko at a press conference on Wednesday, said the government's initial payment of GH 62 million to the company shows that the government has no intentions of fighting corruption as it claims. He alleged that government has authorized the diversion of 10 per cent of allocations from the District Assembly Common Fund meant for the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to make the payments to Zoomlion. And to make matters worse, Cabinet has given go-ahead for the use of the 10 per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund allocated to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to make this illegal paymentThis amount is meant to pay for 45,000 workers who are actually on the payroll of the various District Assemblies. So, the Assemblies are responsible for paying the wages of the 45,000 and not the service provider, he said. In effect, the public was told after the ministerial committee report on GYEEDA in 2013 that the contract had been terminated. However, this pre-election decision to pay off GH448m, demonstrates that the associated presidential directives were a lie. Why should Ghanaians be saddled with a debt to the tune of GH448m when both the government and Zoomlion admit that there was no contract to that effect? The NPP sees this clearly as just another creative means of resurrecting a scheme created in the mode of bogus judgment debts, he added. Read the full statement here By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana The decision to lift ban on construction was taken in a meeting chaired by Jung to review the condition of air pollution in Delhi. Jung also instructed strict observation on the ban on firecrackers during the marriage season. Photo: PTI By Indo-Asian News Service: In view of loss of income to daily wage labourers, Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Tuesday lifted the ban on construction activities in Delhi, imposed earlier this month to tackle severe air pollution levels. The decision to lift ban on construction was taken in a meeting chaired by Jung to review the condition of air pollution in Delhi. advertisement This was a follow up meeting to the one held on November 7 in which several strong measures were taken to check pollution in Delhi. Also read: NGT prescribes 'environment emergency' measures to control air pollution in Delhi Also read: Delhi smog: Supreme Court to hear plea on alarming air pollution LOSS OF INCOME TO LABOURERS "In view of the loss of income to daily wage labourers and the labouring class, Lt Governor directed that the ban on construction/demolition activities be lifted forthwith," a statement from the LG office said. "It was directed that the DPCC guidelines for minimizing dust in construction sites shall be adhered to strictly," the statement said. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in the meeting informed that it has recorded one third fall in PM 10 levels in the last two weeks and one fourth in PM 2.5 levels in the last two weeks. PM 2.5 pollutants can travel deeply into the respiratory tract down to the lungs and cause serious health hazards. Environmental expert Sunita Narain, who was also present in the meeting, said, "cumulative action by all has had significant impact and pollution has come down considerably." Also read: Delhi smog: Is Pollution Board waiting for people to die, asks Supreme Court Also read: Delhi smog: Govt bans firecrackers during weddings, garbage burning to be penalised NO CRACKERS Jung instructed strict observation on the ban on firecrackers during the marriage season. He also said the ban on Diesel Generating sets, including in marriages, shall continue. In compliance with the ban on construction, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) issued 716 challans to violators, whereas East DMC issued 383 challans and generated a revenue of Rs 30 lakh. North DMC suspended one Junior Engineer for wrong reporting and issued 19 challans to violators and generated Rs 11.5 lakh revenue. During the same period DPCC issued 289 challans for violating environmental norms and earned revenue of Rs 85 lakh. During the meeting Special Commissioner Police (traffic) said that construction has been stopped at 539 sites and 29 cases have been registered. Also read: Delhi government commence de-registration of 15-year-old diesel vehicles advertisement In addition, Revenue department also issued 115 challans at 179 sites and collected a revenue of Rs 42.9 lakh. Over Rs 1.5 crore revenue was generated from violators of construction/demolition activity in the last one week. Both the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court are monitoring the situation of air pollution in Delhi and their suggestions were taken up for discussion and implementation in the meeting. The Lt. Governor asked all concerned to keep up their efforts, and advised the departments to work out a plan to secure a long term solution to the issue of deteriorating air quality in Delhi. --- ENDS --- The Progressive People's Partys (PPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) Constituency in the Central Region, John Sterlin, has urged his constituents to vote for the PPP Flagbearer, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom in the 2016 elections. He was speaking at rally held at the town's lorry station which was attended by Dr. Nduom, the PPP National Chairman Nii Allotey Brew-Hammond, Central Region Chairman Sefa Andrews, and the Atwima Kwawonma constituency parliamentary candidate and Kumawood star, Abraham Kofi Davis, AKA Salinko. Addressing the people, Mr. Sterlin, pleaded with them to vote massively for Dr. Nduom, in order for them to address the many challenges affecting them. He added that, when elected, he will ensure that solutions are found to make the Komenda Sugar Factory operational to give jobs to the youth and also improve the lives of farmers. He disclosed to the people that, a hospital will be sited soon near the Nduom University to attend to their health needs. Vote for me to go to parliament and advocate for you. It has been two years since KEEA became a municipality; yet we cannot boast of a hospital let alone a polyclinic. I will ensure all the four major towns get at least a polyclinic, he said. For his part, Dr. Nduom expressed his gratitude to the people for their support and prayers during the legal battle with the Electoral Commission (EC), and urged them to vote for jobs and for themselves in the upcoming December polls by voting for the PPP. He added that, the Central Region is very poor now number four in Ghana, but sometime ago; the region used to lead in everything. Dr. Nduom promised to restore the region's dignity when elected president. There is new hope for farmers and fishermen. What happened in America, not expected by many, is a sign of my victory right here in Ghana. I have sent jobs to every district in Ghana; but Nana Addo and Mahama have nothing to show for in those areas. This makes me a doer unlike they who are promisers! I can turn Ghana around in just four years. The business mogul told the crowd that, the party is national in character and violence-free. He urged the supporters to continue to campaign peacefully for Ghanaians to see the difference between the PPP and the other political parties. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 16, granted former Attorney General, Martin Amidu, the permission to orally examine businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, in the controversial GHc51 million judgment debt case. This was because Mr. Amidu, had prayed the court to give him the chance to examine Woyome, after the Attorney Generals office, which had earlier asked the court to offer them the same opportunity, discontinued the case. Woyome, who has not been happy with the Supreme Courts decision, has been speaking to the media. He among other things accused the Supreme Court of persecuting him, and also said although he will pay the money, he will seek justice to clear his name. 16.11.2016 LISTEN When the brakes of the old banger screeched to a halt at the Dzorwulu traffic lights on the George Walker Bush Highway, in Accra, scores of street vendors swarmed the vehicle. I was getting a bit uncomfortable, as the sheer numbers made breathing a bit difficult. I asked for space and called for a bottle of water. But the numbers of vendors rather increased; each trying his or her luck, and coming out with every imaginable item. One came close to the passenger window and drew a sword in a round container with the American flag embodied on it. Naturally, I was frightened and nearly screamed. Calmly, he walked away as if nothing had happened, mimicking words to the effect that it was meant for protection. I looked out with the intention of calling the police. But there was nobody in uniform near. Before I could say jack, the man who drew the sword had disappeared with his offensive weapon. It was when the man with the sword had left that the frail-looking young lady, hawking what she called bread cake, made her entrance. Please buy some for me. I have been here for a long time, but business is bad, she pleaded. I replied that I had just had my breakfast, and that I was on my way to a funeral in the Krobo area. In that case, give me money to go to the hospital. I am not well at all. But I have no money for the hospital, she complained. When I told her that she could get treatment on the National Health Insurance Scheme, she became even more morose. I have not had any proper treatment on the NHIS. Anytime, I go to the hospital, they want money. A nurse told me that my disease is not covered by the health insurance. I am dying slowly. Unfortunately, I could not offer any help when the green light came on, and our vehicle had to move before overzealous drivers turned their anger on us. The rest of the journey to Agomeda, was not that eventful. It was on the way back that what turned out to be an opinion poll was conducted right before my nose on the same street. On the other side of the same Dzorwulu Junction, a hawker approached with a large table cloth in New Patriotic Party colours. Feigning interest in the ruling National Democratic Congress, I asked the vendor why he was not displaying my party's colours. 'Sorry sir, he intoned. I would have to run and bring it to you. I have one in NDC colours: But people would even want to assault you if you display it openly. It is a problem. But we have to live with it. Asked whether he would vote in the December elections, he replied enthusiastically. I would vote. Most of us here, would vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP. Mahama has been a disappointment and a joke. He has taken all of us for granted, he said. At Abeka Lapaz, another vendor virtually thrust a packet of tissue in NPP colours at me and said: Boss, this is your winning formula. I was a bit taken aback. It was not the tissue offered that brought me to my feet. The way the vendor, wearing an old T-shirt and fading canvas shoes, talked of a winning formula was what brought me on to my feet. This man could be learned, I told myself. I engaged him in a short conversation. He is a teacher by profession, he told me. But he has to take to street hawking at the weekend to earn something. For nearly two years that he has been teaching, he has never ever been paid. I had a bit of time on my hand with the traffic moving at a snail pace. The young man teaches at a location in the Central Region. But without his salary, he comes to Accra to hawk every weekend. He told me point blank that getting President Mahama and his NDC out of the Jubilee House, was not only an option. It was the project work of this part-time vendor and a number of his teaching colleagues. We are all rooting for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his NPP. He will bring dignity to the teaching profession. You see, I have to earn a few bobs here to take me through the week. And I am a teacher. This cannot continue, he complained. He took my telephone number and promised to get in touch with me regularly. I have narrated these incidents to buttress my assertion that President John Dramani Mahama is on the last leg of his romance with the people of Ghana. The British would tell you that a few swans do not translate into a summer. In other words, the few examples I have narrated, could not constitute an opinion poll, but the ground swell of popular resentment for the President, and the way he has conducted affairs of state, speaks volumes. Yesterday, the electronic media in Accra were awash with the news that a number of ill-tempered NDC activists, on a supposed health walk, threw stones and other missiles into the Nima residence of the New Patriotic Party presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The interesting scenario is that the attackers were led by Mr. Ako Gunn, alias Montie Mugabe. This is a person who should have been behind bars by now, following his conviction by the Supreme Court in Accra. The fact that President Mahama misused his powers to order his release, tells everything about how the Head of State has divided this society. For me, the attack on the residence of the NPP flagbearer is a clear manifestation of frustration in the rank and file of the NDC. The ruling party has run out of ideas and is staring defeat at the polls. As Nana Akomea, NPP Communications Director, stated in the party's statement on the issue, the attack was deliberately staged to bait the NPP into responding. Some of us hope and pray that NPP activists would not buy into that kind of ugly politics. It is of importance though, that the National Peace Council and civil society organisations take note of the wanton attack on the residence of the next President of the Republic of Ghana. Lest I forget, what has happened to the police investigations into the attack on the headquarters of the NPP at Asylum Down in Accra, when deadly weapons were allegedly retrieved? Have Mr. John Kudalor and his charges at the Police Headquarters in Accra lost interest in the case, because the incriminating evidence they were looking for from the party in opposition did not materialise? While we are at it, it is pertinent to demand of the police, under the command of the current Inspector General of Police, the right, as a people, to know the outcome of the investigation they conducted into the firing of arms from the car of Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, the current Minister of Defence. Once upon a time, when the chain-smoking Cabinet Minister was holding the portfolio for the Interior, he reported an attack on his person by some unknown assailants, who allegedly fired live pellets into a vehicle he was driving. It was one report that caused a lot of stir? Who are those who attacked the Minister? What were their motives? The police got to work and issued a preliminary report suggesting that the pellet that damaged the windscreen of the then Minister of Defence, was, indeed, fired from the inside of his own vehicle. A number of months down the line, the police have not told the good people of Ghana the outcome of the lead they have followed. Meanwhile, the man who might have fired the gun from his own car has moved from the Interior to Defence, where guns are even easier to come by. That is how the Mahama administration looks after its own. On the national front, the President and all his men have abandoned their briefs at the Jubilee House, for which the State of Ghana funds their rather comfortable lifestyles, and are on the campaign trail, using state resources in a gargantuan display of gerrymandering, in the hope that the people of Ghana would tolerate four more years of disaster. As you read this peace, the Mahamean Economic Theory, with its Terkpernomics of borrowing to fix every available problem, has plunged this nation into a quagmire of huge loans. In January 2009, when President John Agyekum Kufuor and his NPP were exiting power, this nation owed GH9.5 billion to internal and external creditors. Now our debts have ballooned to nearly GH150 billion. Almost all social interventionists policies bequeathed to the NDC have collapsed. And they say, they want four more years. Walahi! Eremba so! It is in President Mahama's own interest to exit, rather than to overstay his welcome and continue to pile on the debts and misery for the average Ghanaian. JM TWA SO! Ebo Quansah in Accra SAA is bleeding from the intense competition on the domestic market, with rivals gouging out R1bn revenue in the second quarter of the 2016-17 financial year, acting chief financial officer Phumeza Nhantsi told Parliaments finance committee Wednesday. The state-owned airline carried 159,000 fewer passengers 4% decline compared with its budget, due to the entry into the market of two new low-cost carriers and the fact that foreign airlines such as Emirates, Ethiopian and Qatar are flying direct to Durban and Cape Town, which had neutralized domestic fares. However, Nhantsi said the loss in revenue was compensated for by R1bn in cost savings, particularly on fuel. All in all SAA was pleased with the performance in the second quarter compared with the performance of the second quarter of 2015, Nhantsi said. Revenue in the second quarter rose by 5%, with average fares 16% higher than the same period in 2015, though interest costs of R288m were 41% higher. A bottom line loss of R765m was suffered compared with a budgeted R61m loss. Foreign exchange losses for the period amounted to R592m, Nhantsi noted. Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation of R206m was achieved, lower than the budgeted R221m but a better performance than the same period in 2015. In the year to end-March SAA made a R1.5bn loss, an improvement on the prior years R5.6bn. Acting SAA CEO Musa Zwane also highlighted the problem of oversupply in the domestic market. He told MPs that SAA was pursuing a strategy of creating a hub in West Africa and planned to launch flights from Ghana to New York and London. He also raised the issue of the loss of skills from SAA, which he said had to be addressed seriously as it could affect the bottom online. In addition he mentioned "serious difficulties" in getting SAA's money repatriated from Nigeria and Angola. Tempane (U/E) Nov. 16, GNA - Mr Joseph Dindiok Kpemka, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Tempane Constituency in the Upper East Region, has said his tenure would see an improvement in the eradication of illiteracy, diseases and poverty. He said he would do that through education, agriculture and quality health delivery which would then address the unemployment problem in the area. Mr Kpemka said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Tempane in the Garu-Tempane District. He said the area was the leading producer of onion in the region and an onion processing factory would be established to add value to the product. Mr Kpemka said he would also encourage group farming in maize and cowpea to facilitate access to loans foster the development in the area. He said he would use half of his common fund to establish an educational endowment fund to sponsor students who would wish to pursue higher education. Mr Kpemka said the area would also be provided with a modern educational infrastructure and teaching and learning materials to help promote quality education in the constituency. He said he would lobby with partners in health development to provide health facilities such as Community Health Based Planning Services (CHPS) compounds across the constituency to help bring quality health services to the door steps of the people. Mr Kpemka called on the people to vote for him to represent them in parliament as this would lead to the improvement and progress in the society. GNA By Theophania Dzadza, GNA Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) has affirmed that polls will open at all polling stations on 0700 hours and close at 1700 hours on December 7. 'Before voting begins in the morning of the poll, the Presiding Officer (PO) should bring together his/her polling assistants, security officer and any available polling agents and open each of the ballot boxes in their presence. 'Take out the election materials enclosed and ascertain that all items are available,' the EC has stated in Election 2016 Presidential and Parliamentary manual tagged: 'A Guide to Voters,' made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. The publication is captured under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project', being funded by GOIL, the foremost indigenous oil marketing company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year. The EC said the Presiding Officer was mandated to ensure particularly that the voters register and other lists as well as the Biometric Verification Device (BVD) were received. The PO is also mandated to show the empty ballot boxes to all present before using them for polling. 'Show the sealed packets of ballot papers to the polling assistants, polling agents, voters and the security officer and open them in their presence,' the EC stated. According to the EC the PO is mandated to complete sections A (1-2) and B (1-5) of the statement of Poll Forms EL. 21A and EL 21B for the parliamentary and presidential elections respectively. The PO is also to string the rope provided across the polling station such that there would be orderly flow of voters through the polling stations and place the two ballot boxes Presidential and Parliamentary on two tables in plain view of the public for the receipt of ballot papers. The PO is also to place all necessary materials including the BVD, voters' register, other lists, the electoral stain, (indelible ink) the ballot papers at the appropriate tables to serve the voters. The PO is mandated to place a thumbprint pad in each voting screen to enable voters' thumbprint their ballot paper and: 'Ensure that the placement of the screens allows for the secrecy of the vote,' the EC stated. The GNA tracks Election 2016 project also seeks to sensitise 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. GNA By Stephen Asante, GNA Kumasi, Nov 16, GNA - The government has outlined measures to grow and ensure efficient operation of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff, said they would be provided with access to credit to expand and add-value to their products to become more competitive on both the local and international market. An agreement to this effect had been signed with the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of Ghana, he added. He was speaking at a media briefing in Kumasi at the start of his four-day election campaign tour of the Ashanti Region to woo voters ahead of the next month's presidential and parliamentary polls. Mr. Debrah said the government was determined to go to every length to make the private sector more vibrant - to create jobs and wealth for the people. He said it had the firm conviction that this was vital to lift many out of poverty. He identified the region as 'the entrepreneurial paradise of the nation', and pledged continued development of the necessary infrastructure to reduce the cost of doing business. Mr. Debrah hinted of plans to transform the Suame Magazine and the Kumasi Central Market with state-of-the-art facilities to boost the local economy. He indicated that achieving sustainable industrial growth was a major priority on their development agenda. It was for this reason that over the last four years they had undertaken a number of socio-economic projects to improve the value chain of production - roads and market construction. Added to these, he said was the deliberate effort to build the capacity of the SMEs. Mr. Debrah would hold discussions with the traditional authorities, identifiable youth and women groups, the business community, religious bodies and address political rallies during the four days. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN Accra , Nov 16, GNA - Thirty-five tax specialists, practitioners and researchers have participated in a three-day workshop on 'Gender and Tax in Africa' to discuss ways to use the tax system to make things better for women. The workshop, organised by International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) in collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority was also to develop a research agenda on gender and taxation in Africa. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Alex Kombat, a Tax Policy and Research Official, explained that the GRA is considering allowing women to take front line in tax administration and collection. This, he said, would help deepen compliance and transparency whiles boosting confidence in revenue mobilization system. The Accra workshop drew lessons from the revenue collection agencies of participating countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal and Nigeria. Mr Kombat said there were proposals for a tax relief in favour of women in small businesses just as was being done in Kenya, saying its implementation would ensure that female taxpayers in the Ghana may soon enjoy some tax incentives in order to promote equity and improve their livelihoods. He said the proposal comes on the back of a research commissioned by the ICTD in partnership with the GRA and the Ministry of Finance and other international tax related agencies. He stated that when more women were in managerial position and at the frontline tax administration, they tended to influence decision and helps reduce corruption. According to Dr Kombat, the workshop was critical in that, it identified the gaps that women who were in frontline tax administration could play towards a more successful tax collection. Mick Moore, CEO, ICTD explained that women's employment was largely in the informal economy, in underpaid, precarious and frequently risky jobs, adding that in sub-Sahara Africa, only 11 percent of women in the labour force were part of formal sector, as compared to 17 percent of men. 'Thus policies for taxation of the informal economy are important to understand gender effects,' he said. Capacity Building Manager at ICTD, Dr. Jalia Kangave explained that there was the need for governments to reconsider policies affecting women and taxation as it disproportionately represented those in the lower economic status ladder. 'Because at the end of the day, in most societies, women are the ones that hold the society together in terms of childcare and other related responsibilities and duties but in most cases, women are disproportionately represented in the lower income levels, so we are looking at what ways we can use tax system to make things better for women,' Dr. Kangave remarked. GNA By Hafsa Obeng, GNA Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - Dr Rabiatu Armah Konney, a member of the Counsel of State has urged Ghanaians to invest in peace at all times to ensure that the country stays on the path of development. 'We must all work towards the attainment of peace, on which sustainable development hinges and is so desired by all. Development is not necessarily about the tangibles and the big things. It is equally about the intangibles like peace, justice equity, brotherhood, tolerance and love among other values. The absence of these intangibles derails development and dehumanises people'. Dr Konney gave the advice when he addressed the 58th Annual National Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM) in Kumasi. The conference was on the theme: 'Peace in election 2016, a shared responsibility for national development.' The conference was to conscientise members on the need to maintain peace before, during and after the upcoming elections and also to raise funds for the construction of the GMM University project at Esereso in Kumasi. Dr Konney, who is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, said the theme for the conference could not have been better, considering the fact that the election to choose a President and representatives in parliament was only a few weeks away. She said Ghana as a nation at independence consciously decided to follow the constitutional democratic principles of governance and had since worked gradually towards harnessing all the needed resources and elements to achieve same. 'We are aware that our democratisation process has had its challenges and ups and downs: but all these have grown and entrenched the system, institutions and the rule of law. 'Our Democracy is a participatory one and all of us are therefore involved. We as human beings make the democracy and we normally say that: Democracy is for the people and by the people. It is also about the institutions we put in place and our ability to make then strong and workable.' Dr Konney said democracy was a shared responsibility and so were elections, that formed part of the democratisation process. He said it was important for all to actively participate and have a say in who led the country as a democratic right. 'Ghanaians must make conscious efforts and put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure the peace that we so need to propel development. 'And we must always remember that Islam preaches peace and true Islamic peace should inure to social stability, mutual respect and non-aggression.' Dr Konney congratulated the Muslim community for comporting itself so far, as well as the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharbutu and all other Muslim groups and organisations who have educated their community since 2012 on the need for peaceful elections and for the youth to refrain from been used. 'I would like to appeal to all Muslims to blatantly refuse and shy away from politicians who hitherto had used them to achieve their objectives and later dump them. 'They should remember that these politicians have the resources to go outside the country in the event of crisis. They will be left to suffer the consequences.' The Counsel of State Member said: 'Muslims and everybody must understand that elections and choosing leaders is not about war. We may argue and debate issues. 'But after the leader has been chosen we must all rally behind him or her and work hard for progress and development.' Mr Ishaq Kyei-Brobbey, Head of Finance GMM, Ashanti Region said in Islam, peace was an important attribute of the Almighty Allah. Islam also means peaceful submission to the will of Allah, Peace with oneself, neighbours, mankind, with creations and with all. He said peace exemplified the ideal state of non-existence of discord, conflict or aggression or more positively, the harmonious state of existence of life where the rights, responsibilities, dignity and honour of each individual and group was recognised, guaranteed and respected in the social context. He appealed to all political parties to ensure peace, before, during and after the December Presidential and Parliamentary elections. He said the Electoral Commission (EC) must also endeavour to play a neutral role without fear or favour in order to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Dr Mohammed Duah, Deputy National Vice Chairman of GMM said the mission which was nonpartisan, but multi-ethnic has set out to propagate Islam through proper education of the cardinal principles and to contribute positively to the national development agenda. He said the construction of the GMM University was meant to augment government's effort to make tertiary education accessible to more senior high school graduates and other professionals and appealed to government and stakeholders to collaborate with the GMM to ensure the success of the project for the benefit of the nation as a whole. Dr Duah called on political leaders, the EC, Imams, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, the security services, the media and all Ghanaians to ensure 'we maintain peace before, during and after the general election'. The GMM was founded in 1957 as a religious organisation to foster peace and unity among Muslims and other religions in Ghana, to formulate and pursue policies and programmes to propagate the true teachings of Islam to Muslims and Non-Muslims, and mobilise resources for the establishment of both Islamic and secular educational institutions at all levels. GNA By Iddi Yire, GNA Accra, Nov 16, GNA - With barely 21-days to the December 7 polls, the European Union (EU) has expressed concern over violent clashes between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). It would be recalled that on Sunday, November 13, supporters of the two-leading parties; the governing NDC and the opposition NPP, during a keep fit exercise by the NDC in Accra clashed at the Nima residence of NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Mr William Hanna, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, has, therefore, urged the leadership of political parties in the country to publicly declare that violence by their supporters was unacceptable. 'This includes provocation, intimidation or incitement, and hate speech,' Mr Hanna stated, in Accra, on Wednesday at the official launch of National Media Commission's (NMC) Media Monitoring Report on the 2016 Elections. 'We expect party leaders to make a public commitment to peace, just as they did together four years ago in the Kumasi Declaration. 'Violence has no place in the electoral process. We look to the forces of order to do their job impartially and prevent violence wherever it comes from and arrest those responsible for it.' Mr Hanna said the EU hoped to see Ghana living up to its reputation for credible and peaceful elections; and they also look forward to more public debates about issues on concern to the voters. 'Above all we look forward to observing millions of Ghanaians on Election Day freely and peacefully exercising their democratic right to elect the next Government of Ghana,' he said. He said the EU does not support any particular party, but rather democracy in Ghana, which would be strengthened through an inclusive, transparent and credible electoral process. 'That's why we are supporting the work of the three independent commissions - the Electoral Commission, the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Commission on Civic Education,' he said. Mr Hanna said the three institutions played a key role in Ghana's democratic dispensation; and they already had a good track record, hence, the EU was giving them the tools to do even better in the future. 'We also support the efforts of the National Peace Council and other actors to create the conditions for peaceful and violent-free elections,' the Ambassador said. He lauded the NCCE for being very instrumental in promoting voter education towards the December 7 General Election. He said over the years the EU had supported the transformation of the NMC into an efficient democratic regulator of the media sector in Ghana, especially during elections. 'Under the two previous grants, we helped the NMC to acquire a state-of-the-art media monitoring equipment and a mobile unit to monitor the media to ensure high journalistic standards in accordance with the Constitution,' he said. He explained that this was, particularly, useful in the run up to the 2012 General Election and the 2015 District Level Elections. He said the support also helped the Commission to reform laws in the media sector to bring them into conformity with the Constitution. He said under the current project, in addition to regulatory work, the grant would assist the NMC to monitor the media in order to track professional deficits, including hate speeches. Mr Hanna formally presented a media monitoring van to the Commission, which was received by Mr Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, the NMC Chairman. Mr Gyan-Apenteng lauded the EU for the gesture towards the Commission, and promised that the van would be put to good use. He urged the state-owned media houses to as part of their constitutional mandate give equal coverage to all political parties. The NMC Media Monitoring Report 2016, which was conducted from September to November, covering 56 radio stations and eight television stations, indicates that the governing NDC had 47 per cent, while the opposition NPP had 31 per cent, with the remaining to the other minority parties. Mr George Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of the NMC, who presented the report findings, explained that the high percentage points scored by the NDC would be attributed to the fact that it had to respond to issues raised by the other political parties on how it was governing the nation. Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, in his contribution, urged development partners to extend their support to state-owned media organisations, in order to assist them to fulfill their constitutional mandates towards all political parties in the country. GNA By PTI: Panaji, Nov 16 (PTI)Prime Minister of the Republic of MaritiusAnirood Jugnauth today inaugurated AYUR Herbarium project in North Goa, an initiative by the pharmaceutical major in association with Union AYUSH Ministry. Jugnauth inaugurated the project at the property of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd at Saligao village, 10 kms away from here. The Mauritian Prime Minister along with his delegation is on a tour of India to reciprocate the cordial invitation of delegates of Goa government, who visited the island country in the recent past, a government spokesperson said. advertisement "The Goa government and Government of Mauritius are actively collaborating on various projects related to healthcare, Ayurveda, medical tourism and tourism. It is an interesting fact that apart from our cultural similarities, both countries have similitude in the wealth of medicinal flora and fauna," the official said. The project was part of this bonding, he added. Union AYUSH Minister Sripad Naik was also present on the occasion. The visit of Jugnauth will provide yet another dimension for both the countries to strengthen their special brotherly ties between the two countries, he said. Goas deputy chief minister and Health minister of Goa Francis DSouza, directors of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd Shashank Sandu and Umesh Sandu were also present on the occasion. The medicinal herbarium is a fascinating collection of various Ayurvedic medicinal plants exhibited with informative details of medicinal properties and uses of each herb. PTI RPS ARS ARK --- ENDS --- 16.11.2016 LISTEN By Patience A. Gbeze, GNA Tema, Nov. 16, GNA - The Health Services Workers' Union (HSWU) has called on the Fair Wages and Salary Commission (FWSC) and government to review the Single Spine Pay Policy to include 'emotional effort' to boost enthusiasm in the placement of health workers. The Union said 'emotional effort' is a vital factor which was part of the Health Sector Salary Structure (HSSS) but was not included in the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS). Mr Reynolds O. Tenkorang, General Secretary of HSWU, who said this at a press conference, said the removal of that item has negatively affected the placement of health workers. He said: 'in the Union's view, a labourer in the health sector, if the above factor is included, would be placed higher on the SSSS. 'Again, the situation where a Health Sector Workforce has been divided into so-called Clinical and non-Clinical should be abolished since it is a disincentive and is causing staff disenchantment,' he said. The General Secretary also called for a return to the payment of annual increments, provided there is no adverse report against the worker. Mr Tenkorang said since 2006 when the Health Sector Salary Structure came into effect, health workers have not benefitted from annual salary increments due them and this was affecting their income. The press conference coincided with the closing of the second Trainers-of-Trainers Seminar for Union members across the country. In all, 40 members were trained to propagate the activities of the Union and also send the message down to the structures at the various levels. Mr Tenkorang urged the participants to share the experience they have acquired with the structures to eliminate rumours, ignorance and suspicion among members. On payment of salary arrears, the General Secretary, called on the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and all Public Health Sector Employers to ensure that the salary arrears payments correspond with the effective date of promotions. Touching on unemployment of Graduate Health Workers, he said a look at health worker-patient ratio indicates that more health workers are needed to render quality health services to the citizenry. He said every year, the health training institutions churn out thousands of graduates to meet societal needs, 'but in recent times what has become the norm is that these graduates remain unemployed for several years without knowing when they will enter the job market to bridge the yawning unemployment gap'. 'The HSWU wishes to lend its support to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association and other concerned citizens in calling for the immediate employment of all affected graduates, since their state of unemployment, is unreasonable,' he said. The HSWU membership includes all paramedics in the health sector, excluding doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists. The membership is covered by the Collective Agreement between the health agencies and facilities under the Ministry of Health and the Health Services Workers' Union of TUC (Ghana). GNA Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - Counsel for Daniel Aseidu, one of the suspects in the murder of J. B Danquah, MP for Abuakwa North, says his client is a young offender and should be accorded special treatment as set out by the law. Mr Augustine Obuor also held that the District court should also compel the state to furnish him with Aseidu's bone testing report in their custody. According to Mr Obuor, Aseidu was currently being kept at the Kotobabi Police Cells which was meant for adults and that should not be. Defence counsel made those points when Asiedu and his accomplice Vincent Bosso appeared before the District Court on Wednesday. Asiedu aka Sexy Dondon and Vincent Bosso are being held for murder of the late MP in an incident which occurred on February 9 this year, at his Shaishie residence. Bosso has been charged with abetment of crime to wit murder and both pleas had not been taken. Defence counsel said if they were furnished with the report then it would afford Aseidu the opportunity to prepare adequately for his defence, noting that 'defence does not come with age'. Mr Obuor, however said if Asiedu was found to be a minor, then there would be no reason for them to appear before the court. Mr Obuor argued that Asiedu, was a young offender and as a matter of fact 18 years old when he was arrested and the Police went ahead to conduct a bone test on him (Aseidu) to ascertain his age. Mr Obour said the bone test was conducted on Aseidu as such the report must not be kept away from him. Counsel alleged that the report could be forged or manufactured by the Police. Superintendent of Police Mr Francis Baah acknowledged that it was only the court that could compel prosecution to furnish them with bone testing report. He denied that they had forged the report. According to Mr Baah in trial by indictment, they were guided by time to make certain disclosures, adding, those disclosures were spelt out by the law. 'We would furnish defence with relevant documents as the court directs and as the law states.' Supt. Baah said the accused person gave his age as 19 when he was arrested hence he was an adult. According to him the Police had conducted a lot of checks aside the bone testing, adding the bone testing report indicated that Asiedu was 19 years and above. The District Court presided over by Mr. Stephen Owusu after hearing the arguments adjourned the matter to November 29 for ruling. The facts as presented by Mr Baah were that on February 8, at about 2340 hours the deceased came home in his private vehicle driven by his driver Samuel Berko Sarkodie. Prosecution said the driver having brought his master home handed over the ignition keys to him and left for his residence at Kasoa, while the deceased then retired to his bedroom upstairs. He said at about 0100 hrs, Asiedu and Bosso, both armed, went to the house of the deceased, Asiedu after entering the house picked up a ladder and climbed to the porch of the top floor and entered the bedroom of the deceased through the window while the deceased was asleep. 'Asiedu began to search the room and the noise woke up the deceased who held him. Asiedu resisted and stabbed the deceased on the right chest above the breast'. The prosecution said the deceased held the knife and Asiedu pulled the knife through the deceased hands creating a deep cut in his palm. Prosecution said the deceased who was bleeding profusely fell by his bed helpless and Asiedu stabbed him several times on the right chest and neck. Realizing that the deceased was almost dead, Asiedu left him and took away his three iphones. The prosecutor said the struggle that ensued between the deceased drew the attention of the security man who alerted other security men within the vicinity. Mr Baah said Bosso realising danger took to his heels leaving Asiedu behind. Asiedu, however, managed to descend from deceased room to the back house, climbed one of the poly tanks in the house and jumped over the electric fence into the adjoining house and escaped. He said the security man then called the police emergency line and informed them of the situation. When the Police arrived the victim was already dead and his body was conveyed to the Police Hospital mortuary. On February 15, an autopsy was performed on the deceased body by a Pathologist from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital who gave the cause of death as '' Exsanguination and multiple stab injuries on anterior and chest.' Prosecution said Police investigations led to the arrest of accused persons who stated that their aim of going to the deceased house was to steal. The Prosecutor said Asiedu explained that the deceased struggled with him when he entered the room and this compelled him to use the knife on him. GNA Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the most dynamic hotel companies in the world and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, has announced their very first resort on the Cape Verde island of Sal. A statement from the Group said the Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Sal will feature 240 guest rooms and open its doors in the third quarter of 2019. The five-star beach resort is located on Santa Maria, the number one beach location in the country. The resort will be designed by DSA Architects with a modern minimalistic design, first of its kind in Cape Verde. 'We are delighted to sign this landmark hotel beach resort under our upper-upscale Radisson Blu brand, known for contemporary design, innovative service concepts and unique service philosophy. The Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Sal will further strengthen our resort portfolio across EMEA. Rezidor operates and develops some 60 resorts with 14,000 rooms. We are equally delighted to partner with East-West SA, a high profile multi-hotel construction and management company, established in France and CapeVerde and look forward to successful partnership based on trust, responsibility and delivering results,' said Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer of Carlson Rezidor. The Radisson Blu Beach Resort Sal will also offer two restaurants, four bars, including a unique roof-top destination outlet, 800m2 wellness spa and an iconic swimming pool design with various pools and lounges leading onto a spectacular white sandy beach and ocean. The beach resort will also offer the largest conference centre in Cape Verde Islands with more than 1,500m2 of dedicated meeting and event space. Cape Verde is a country spanning an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, economic growth is averaging 6 per cent as well as major infrastructure improvements, including the construction of three international airports. The island is expected to have received more than 650,000 tourists in 2016, according to the Central Tourist Authority. Speaking at the opening day of the 2017 West African Property Investment Summit, Andrew McLachlan, SVP Business Development at Carlson Rezidor added: 'We have a clear Radisson Blu resort development strategy for Africa. In 2015, two Radisson Blu Resorts in Mauritius were added to our portfolio: Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa, Mauritius and Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa, Mauritius. The addition of the Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Sal will greatly complement our growing resort portfolio in the best beach locations in the fastest growing resort destination in Africa. Radisson Blu is the largest upper upscale hotel brand in Europe, which is the main feeding market of Cape Verde. GNA 16.11.2016 LISTEN Accra Nov. 16, GNA - Osman Yakubu, a Burkinabe security man who allegedly murdered his 72 year old mistress in cold blood at Abelemkpe in Accra, has appeared before an Adjabeng District Court in Accra. Yakubu, 26 is being held for murder and attempted murder of three other persons. Ben Semabia, a 65 year old caretaker, has been charged with abetment of crime. Their pleas were not taken and have been remanded into lawful custody to reappear on November 30 by the court presided over by Mr Isaac Addo. Chief Inspector Gregory Yeboah said the accused persons worked for the deceased Madam Lucy Tawiah Peprah a retired educationist and former headmistress of Saint Monica's Training College in the Ashanti Region. Chief Inspector Yeboah said on November 12 this year, Yakubu alleged that Semabia informed him that the deceased had sold him to be killed. According to the prosecutor Semabia has however denied that allegation. He said as a result of that information, Yakubu armed himself with two cutlasses and at about 10:00 pm went into the room of his mistress and inflicted wounds on her leading to her death. Prosecution said other house helps who went to rescue the deceased were also butchered by Yakubu. According to prosecution Yakubu after the act locked himself up and telephoned Semabia with his mistress phone that he had killed Madam Lucy who was also the proprietress of Solid Foundation school also at Abelemkpe and that he should come. Prosecution said the other victims who sustained various degree of injuries were receiving treatment at the Police Hospital. GNA Ekene Chizoba is a young girl of 14 years old who is from abia state, ohafia LGA, born on the 14 February 2002, she is a student of Kayode Memorial Schools, Ajangbadi, Lagos and she is in ss2, she dreams of becoming a journalist in future. Chizoba was born to the family of Mr and Mrs EKene, and she is the first child and the only girl with two younger siblings. She is inspired by happenings around her, that is her environment.Chizoba Ekene is a young girl that has the enthusiasm toward anything that has to do with writing, though she is a shy girl but loves writing. She can be said to be a young girl with the Midas touch Chizoba is a young girl that is very passionate about being a writer and a journalist and this has inspired her to write her first book and she wrote it basically because she wants to start putting it in practice so that she wont lose sight of her dreams and career path and also, because the book passes a message of focus and determination, so she wrote it mainly to remind her that she must be focused and determined no matter the situation. Her environment inspired her to write the book. WHAT LED TO THE BIRTH OF THE BOOK LIFE Her Pastor laid emphasis on talent and also her school encouraged and supported her dream. Her hobbies are writing, singing, but basically, because of her shy attitude, she opted for writing, since it is just her, her pen and her book. Her Role Models are Professor Wole Shoyinka, Chimamanda adichie who she dreams of seeing. She is currently a member of Young Scholars Club which aims at developing young minds and making them prepared to be good ambassadors of Nigeria She dreams of becoming a journalist and a writer In future by studying mass communication in a good University By PTI: Panaji, Nov 16 (PTI)Prime Minister of the Republic of MaritiusAnirood Jugnauth today inaugurated AYUR Herbarium project in North Goa, an initiative by the pharmaceutical major in association with Union AYUSH Ministry. Jugnauth inaugurated the project at the property of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd at Saligao village, 10 kms away from here. The Mauritian Prime Minister along with his delegation is on a tour of India to reciprocate the cordial invitation of delegates of Goa government, who visited the island country in the recent past, a government spokesperson said. advertisement "The Goa government and Government of Mauritius are actively collaborating on various projects related to healthcare, Ayurveda, medical tourism and tourism. It is an interesting fact that apart from our cultural similarities, both countries have similitude in the wealth of medicinal flora and fauna," the official said. The project was part of this bonding, he added. Union AYUSH Minister Sripad Naik was also present on the occasion. The visit of Jugnauth will provide yet another dimension for both the countries to strengthen their special brotherly ties between the two countries, he said. Goas deputy chief minister and Health minister of Goa Francis DSouza, directors of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd Shashank Sandu and Umesh Sandu were also present on the occasion. The medicinal herbarium is a fascinating collection of various Ayurvedic medicinal plants exhibited with informative details of medicinal properties and uses of each herb. PTI RPS ARS ARK RYS --- ENDS --- - President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has described the planned nationwide strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as unconstitutional. - The union had last Monday issued an ultimatum to the federal government to fulfill the agreement it reached with it in 2009 or face a one-week warning strike ASUU strike Cartoon The President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has described the planned nationwide strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as unconstitutional. The union had last Monday issued an ultimatum to the federal government to fulfill the agreement it reached with it in 2009 or face a one-week warning strike FG said ASUU must exhaust all the necessary mechanisms required before a strike could be embarked upon. In a statement released the minister of labour and employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said to rescind its decision on the strike so as to give the government an opportunity to discuss the all contending issues arising from the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) it reached with government. READ ALSO: Why we killed protesting Shiites in Kano - Police In view of the prevailing circumstances, the issuance of warning strike by ASUU was unconstitutional as the body was yet to exhaust the conflict resolution mechanisms clearly mapped out in the labour laws. The claims of nationwide consultations by ASUU cannot be true as the Ministry of Labour and Employment which is the chief conciliator of industrial relations disputes is yet to receive a direct petition from ASUU against the federal government who is the jurisdictional employer, the minister stated The minister appealed to ASUU to give the present administration the opportunity to fully address its grievances which stemmed from the inactions of the past administration. But the Nigerian Senate has waded into the rift between the federal government and ASUU. Senate Committee Chairman on Tertiary Education, Senator Jibril Barau, drew the attention of the parliament to the threat of warning strike by ASUU. He argued that fulfilling the agreement it reached with ASUU in 2009 was necessary for the well being and development of the Nigerian public universities and warned of the consequences of failing to respond to ASUU threat. The ASUU is insisting that if the Federal Government of Nigeria continues to fail to implement their aforesaid agreements as well as made certain key necessities, the public shall continue to be incapacitated in carrying out their functions as centre for knowledge acquisition, research and community service in citadel of learning. The Senate further notes that there are six vital issues whose continued pendency before the federal government and ASUU are creating discontent among members of the union and they have therefore been calling for the intervention of stakeholders to prevent the breakdown in the university system nationwide. The Senate is further concerned that one of the six issues in contention is the introduction of the single treasury account (TSA) system in the universities which is believed by ASUU to be hampering the smooth running operations of public universities, Jibril said. The Senate therefore called on the executive arm of government to engage the ASUU in first talks to proffer solutions on how best to implement all the agreements that both bodies entered into since 2009 and implementation of key necessities that are vital for the well-being and development of our universities as canvassed by ASUU. The parliament also resolved that whatever was agreed to be paid by lecturers and other actions to be taken as a result of prayer one above should be captured in the 2017 budget for prompt implementation. READ ALSO: Ondo Election: APC sharing poisoned bread It also commended ASUU for choosing the path of dialogue rather than confrontation as a means of resolving all the outstanding issues between it and the federal government and to urge the union not to relent in its approach of dialogue." In his remark, Saraki said preventing the strike was imperative in the interest of the people that we represent and to ensure that we must find a way of seeing the implementation of this agreement, which is over eight years now promising urging the relevant parties to quickly come to the table so that we can find a way of moving forward and report back to us. Source: Legit.ng What did you do on the 3rd of November? If you cannot quite remember, we can tell your our story. The 3rd of November is the day, when the first Jiji conference was held. The event took place in Westown Hotel a 4-star hotel, always ready to offer the world class facilities and real 5-star services. Excellent service of premium level was the best beginning of the day, and then it became even better. The conference was held in Lagos the city, where Jiji appeared in 2014 Over 200 companies attended the event. The most active sellers of Jiji got an opportunity to communicate face-to-face, share tips and experiences, meet rivals, find new business partners and simply have a good time with people sharing the same interests. It was a day of amazing testimonies and unbelievable stories about how the ordinary people managed to gain millions by posting ads for free, growing their businesses from N50,000 to millions. Each of these stories is unique and impressive, but there is something everyone finds in common: Jiji is the best place for starting business in Nigeria. It was admitted many times that Jiji is a reliable service, used for free or with the help of low cost but effective boost plans, high conversion rates, the least side interference and formality, simplified and convenient. But the main advantage is probably forgetting about the gap, which sometimes appears between sellers and buyers, businesses and consumers. Potential sellers could also attend the conference and quite many of them didnt miss a chance to listen to the stories of another side of the service. Besides sharing business stories, attendees could talk about their experiences, putting an emphasis on difficulties and inconveniences in order to make the service better after analyzing the situation. Tasty food, drinks and pleasant souvenirs completed the atmosphere of a perfect day The conference has reminded us once more why Jiji has become one of the most successful classified sites in Nigeria. Today, it is the choice of over 4.6 million people all over the country. 5 new ads appear on the website every minute, in total creating the huge selection of things represented by 600,000 ads. A dozen of diverse categories with numerous subcategories let buyers find literally anything and guarantee sellers that any of their adverts will fit in. Jiji offers both new and used things in a good keep. Here you can always be sure to find the lowest prices in the market. Jiji doesnt recognize any unexpected fees or mediators, so extra charges are absent, and users get a possibility to communicate with each other directly. Sellers are easily reachable and are always ready to specify details about an item. Every item comes with a detailed description and photo. Sellers always know what they buy. There is no reason to be worried about safety or privacy. The security system is organized according to the latest technologies, concealing confidential data and protecting from spam and scammers. It is really easy to become a seller, for you can post ads for free. In addition, it is possible to use special boost plans and packages for promoting your offers. Being a buyer brings even more advantages. Shopping becomes much easier. There is no need to spend your weekend in a mall or department store. With Jiji, you can find and order everything without leaving the cozy place you are staying at the moment. Such opportunity also saves your precious time, which you can spend with friends and family What is more, the service offers a specially developed app convenient, easy to install, with the same huge selection, numerous filters for more effective search, low space requirements, minimal commercials and data use, and no interference with general functioning. If you ask any of Jijis users about the experience they had, all you are going to hear are positive things. Maybe it is time for you to discover the best of Jiji? Source: Legit.ng The CJI TS Thakur-headed bench, however, asked the Centre to take urgent additional measures to alleviate the inconvenience faced by people PM Modi at an allparty meet ahead of winter session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. By Harish V Nair: Modi government's economic masterstroke, the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, got the ultimate boost on Tuesday when the Supreme Court, amidst high drama and gripping hour-long hearing, gave its stamp of approval to the controversial measure which has raised the hackles of the Opposition parties. The CJI TS Thakur-headed bench, however, asked the Centre to take urgent additional measures to alleviate the inconvenience faced by people forced into long queues at ATMs for withdrawing cash and banks for exchanging old currency, saying, "You cannot have a surgical strike against them." advertisement The big legal victory did not come easy though. Veteran lawyer and senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, whom the four anti-demonetisation petitioners roped in, vigorously argued challenging its legality and sought its quashing. Questioning the manner of implementation, Sibal drew the court's attention to the severe inconvenience people has been put to. DEALING WITH BIGGER ENEMY But Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi won the day for the government as he convinced the court about the need for such a step to deal with the 'bigger enemy' - terror funding, black money, counterfeit notes and corruption - and told the court, "It was a surgical strike against these menaces and during a surgery there will be some pain. No pain... no gain." MORE MEASURES TO REDUCE INCONVENIENCE The government finally won it when Thakur said: "We are not granting any stay. We are not going to interfere (with the policy). The purpose behind the move seems to be laudable... to prevent hoarding. We all know that black money is being used for terrorism. Some collateral damage is being faced by people. But come out with more measures to reduce inconvenience to them. There is a general feeling it is causing a lot of problem. The AG had a strong rebuttal for each argument put forth by Sibal . Rohatgi's focus of argument was that there was no legal basis for opposing the Centre's move to demonetise higher denomination notes aimed at catching the big fish, and the common man in this country "have waited for 50 years for his Fiat car, phone and gas connection". ONLY ARGUMENT IS INCONVENIENCE "After demonetisation, black money hoarders do not even have the money they once used to have in their pyjamas," Rohatgi submitted. The AG said that Rs 3.25 lakh crore in Rs 500/1,000 notes was deposited out of Rs 15-16 lakh crore in circulation. "Every day, we will add Rs 10,000 crore," he submitted. He argued that the only argument raised against demonetisation is 'inconvenience'. Rohatgi defended the Centre's decision, saying it was in complete compliance of section 26(2) of the RBI Act. Sibal had contended that the Centre did not have power under the rule for blanket removal of currency notes of certain denomination but only to cancel a particular series. Also Read: Largest ATM maker says will take 45 days to physically recalibrate all machines URGENT REMEDIAL MEASURES NEED TO BE TAKEN There is complete chaos in the country. Poor are unable to buy ration, people unable to undergo kidney operation. Eleven people have already died. There are long queues at ATMs and banks. In remote areas there are no ATMs, no banks," Sibal said, which resulted in the bench observing that "some urgent remedial measures needed to be taken". advertisement The bench has sought an affidavit from the Centre by November 25 on the additional measures taken to alleviate people's suffering. Sibal pointed out that demonetisation was done in 1956 and 1978 too but with a proper notice giving sufficient time for preparedness. "But now 86 per cent notes were withdrawn suddenly without any proper plan for replenishment," he argued. The AG countered saying that when the government is dealing with terror funding, black money and corruption, such sudden steps are required. "If we had calibrated ATM machines or printed the new notes in advance, the cat would have been out of the bag. Rules permit such steps," he said. PLEA SOUGHT QUASHING OR DEFERRED FOR SOME TIME Out of the four PILs, two were filed by Delhi-based lawyers Vivek Narayan Sharma and Sangam Lal Pandey, while two others were filed by individuals S Muthukumar and Adil Alvi. The petitioners alleged that the sudden decision created chaos and harassment to the people and the notification of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, be either quashed or deferred for some time. advertisement The pleas had also sought either quashing of the notification or a direction to the Centre for grant of reasonable timeframe to citizens to exchange the demonetised currency notes to avoid difficulties being faced by the people. Also Read: Modi government's demonetisation move hits Delhi's popular Janpath market --- ENDS --- By PTI: Panaji, Nov 16 (PTI) Prime Minister of Mauritius, Anerood Jugnauth, today hailed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modis decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes saying the move would benefit the countrys economy in the long run. "What I personally think as a Prime Minister is that Modi has done a right thing for the country," Jugnauth told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Saligao village in North Goa today. advertisement "People will have some problem and some difficulties, but in the long run they will realise that Modi has saved the economy of this country," he said. Jugnauth said his country has good relationship with many countries, but it shares a special bond with India as there are many Indian origin people who are settled in Mauritius. "I always say it is a blood relation. India has been helping us all through. India is still helping us today and we are thankful," he added. PTI RPS NP RCJ --- ENDS --- Earlier, the reward amount on whoever informed about Ahmed was Rs 2 lakh. By Chirag Gothi, Tanseem Haider: Delhi Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar Verma has increased the reward to Rs 5 lakh to whoever informs about the whereabouts of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed. Earlier, the reward amount on whoever informed about Ahmed was Rs 2 lakh. AHMED AN MSc. STUDENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY Ahmed, who has been missing from JNU since October 15, was an 27-year-old M. Sc student of School of Biotechnology at the varsity. A night before he went missing, Ahmed allegedly had an on-campus clash with members of ABVP. advertisement Also read: Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed reportedly seen in Darbhanga today, says Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung The probe was transferred to the Crime branch from local police. #Correction Delhi police increases the reward from Rs 2,00,000 to 5,00,000 for person who provides info on missing JNU student #najeebahmed ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the instructions of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Alok Kumar Verma. Also read: JNU student missing case: CPI(M) demands immediate action against Delhi Police CASE TRANSFERRED TO CRIME BRANCH The case was last week transferred from south Delhi district to the Crime Branch to have a fresh look at the case. The team, which is investigating the matter, has started retracing sequence of events from scratch and is re-looking at all the clues and evidence. Also read: Delhi police to share with media details of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed --- ENDS --- Ambassador Jochem Wiers took up his duties as Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the OECD on 30 August 2022. Mr. Wiers has over 15 years of management experience in international environments, foresight and strategy, European Union (EU), geopolitics, trade, climate, and energy. He studied Dutch law, international law and Spanish at the University of Amsterdam. He specialized in European law at the College of Europe in Bruges (LL.M.). He was a Ph.D. researcher at the European University Institute in Florence and a research fellow and lecturer at the University of Amsterdam. Mr. Wiers has published in a number of international legal journals, contributed to several legal textbooks and was associate editor of Legal Issues and Economic Integration. He has participated as a speaker in several international conferences and has taught at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Mr. Wiers was a professor by special appointment in international relations at the University of Groningen from 2016 to 2021. Mr. Wiers started his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands in 2002 as a Senior Policy Adviser at the European Integration Department. He then moved to the Netherlands Embassy in Paris as Deputy Head of Economic Department (2006-2009) before returning to the Hague to become Head of Coordination of the Climate, Energy, Environment and Water Department (2009-2012) ; Director of Strategy Advisory Unit (2013-2016) ; Head of Interministerial Task Force Brexit (2016-2021) ; Economic Resilience and Security Coordinator (2021-22) and Project Director for Russia Sanctions Implementation (April-July 2022). Mr. Wiers and his partner Eveline Mulckhuyse have three children. Writer Aubrey Sitterson saw two major hurdles when he took the reigns of G.I. Joe Revolution, the crown jewel of IDWs Hasbro shared-universe launch: how do you write a military comic in 2016 without over-glorifying the horrors of armed conflictand how do you get anyone outside of hardcore franchise fans to even care about a comic based on an action figure line? Overcoming the first concern is a matter of nuanced, aware execution, which is also helped by the solution to the second challengerecruiting former Prophet artist Giannis Milonogiannis to elevate the art with bold line work and intricate world-building. Buoyed by Lovern Kindzierskis colors, Milonogiannis is an off-the-wall artistic choice for the franchise, whose unique melange of European and Japanese influences is unlike anything the Joes have seen before. In advance of the Revolution one-shot that kicks off the new ongoing series, Sitterson chatted with Paste about rethinking G.I. Joe from the ground up in a modern context, working within the larger Hasbro shared universe and Milonogiannis unmistakable impact on where the property is headed. Weve also got an exclusive first look at issue ones retailer-exclusive variant cover line-up, including brand-new art from Sonny Liew, Jae Lee, and Andrew Griffith with Josh Perez. Paste: Lets start with the art: Giannis Milonogiannis is likely to be a huge draw for a lot of readers after his runs on Prophet and his own Old City Blues. His work on the book is giving major 80s action anime vibes, which is a striking new look for the franchise. How did the two of you come together for G.I. Joe and how much did you discuss the visual identity of the story, versus just trusting Milonogiannis to tear it up? Aubrey Sitterson: Im so glad you started with Giannis because, frankly, hes crucial to this book, as is our phenomenal color artist, Lovern Kindzierski. The simple fact of the matter is that the art in a comic book is far more important than the writingI dont care how exquisite someones dialogue is if its on top of lousy, uninspired art. Going into G.I. Joea franchise that most comics readers made their mind up about years agoI knew that we were going to need something shocking and amazing to absolutely force people to pick up the book. Enter our genius editor Carlos Guzman. Wed had a bunch of talks about how it was important not just to get someone good on the book, but someone who could bring with them a specific visual identity. Carlos came back to me with How about Giannis? which knocked me on my ass because a) Id been mispronouncing that guys name for years, and b) I didnt even know that he was an option. Turns out, hed spent the last couple years doing his compulsory military service in Greece, which only makes him a better fit for a book like G.I. Joe. As for discuss vs. trustits a lot of both, actually. While I have absolute faith in Giannis to execute things, Im also in constant contact with the dude. Not because Im worried about giving him something he cant draw, but because I want to make sure Im always playing not just to his strengths, but to what he actually wants to be drawing. G.I. Joe is meant to be an aspirational, fun concept, and as folks will see from the finished product, an artists tangible enthusiasm is a large component of imparting that tone. Before Giannis even got started on pages, I sent him a big, massive documentnot so much a planning document, but a list of concepts, ideas and inspirations. At the top of it, though, I had a very important note, and that was that they should all be taken as starting pointsnot end goals. Id much rather we go with the best idea, as opposed to my idea, you know? That document had not only thoughts on the look and tone of the book overall, but also some visual touchstones for individual characters, especially the ones benefitting from those amazing Giannis redesigns. Paste: Without totally sidelining the conversation into politics, how do you approach a military comic (even one with aliens and robots) in 2016 without over-glorifying armed conflict, especially at a time in which theres growing concern over the militarization of police here on American soil and the indiscriminate use of drone warfare abroad? Sitterson: So, to give some context: IDW first reached out to me about the G.I. Joe ongoing back in February. They were really excited about my take on the characters in Street Fighter x G.I. Joe, and they wanted a similar feel for the new book they were planning to launch. The reason I bring this up is that back in February, everyone seemed to think it would be outright impossible for Donald Trump to become president. Obviouslywe were all wrong about that and were currently looking at a future that isvery different from what many of us had envisioned for our country. Even then, though, the very concept of G.I. Joewhich, in a very real way, can be used to glamorize war, combat and death for its young audienceit gave me pause. Listen: These days, Im as big city, coastal liberal as they come, but I grew up in the south. I went to a fundamentalist Methodist church. Im an Eagle Scout. So Im keenly aware of the difficult duality of something like G.I. Joe. The hard truth of the matter is that its impossible to depict war in fiction without making it look, at least at times, totally badass and awesome. So, my solution was to lean into the more outrageous science fiction and, for lack of a better term, cartoonier aspects of the concept. Its what informed my approach on Street Fighter x G.I. Joe; sure, Roadblock has a giant gun that he shoots, but no one ends up with a sucking chest wound or anything, right? This was also the impetus behind my decision to bring back something that, to me, is a crucial visual and conceptual touchstone for the entire concept of G.I. Joe: lasers. It might seem like a small thing, but by giving our Joes lasers, we further abstract the violence and death that comes with war, so that we can lean fully into the more aspirational aspects of the concept. Namely, people from vastly different backgrounds working together to combat evil and oppression worldwide. And thats another extremely important part of the new G.I. Joe status quo. Weve said it in the solicits, but I dont think people have really picked up on its significance yet. For the first time, G.I. Joe is not going to be an American organizationits a global organization. Instead of being used to prop up American interests over everything else, the Joe team is tasked with defending the entire planet. And they arent defending it from real-world issues and conflictsI think Joe has gone quite far enough in that direction over the years. Instead, theyll be defending it from weird aliens, transforming robots, miniature astronauts and any number of other weird science fiction threats. Honestly, this past week Ive been doing a lot of thinking aboutwell, everything, really. Especially how weird and difficult it feels to be promoting a G.I. Joe book in the wake of the 2016 presidential election. For a while, I considered kind ofshifting the focus. Maybe trying to use G.I. Joe to explore the current political landscape? Should there be a nationalist, xenophobic Cobra Commander? I quickly thought better of it though. Reason being is that Ive had enough of it. Ive had enough of serious, complex, real-world issues being filtered, dumbed down and normalized through genre fiction, and its something thats been done to death with G.I. Joe. Genre fiction can and should be used to explore big issues, but its best done at the abstract and thematic level, not at the specific and nitty-gritty. That long thought process actually left me more excited about the crown jewel of the Hasbro Universe than ever, because G.I. Joe, in leaning into whats best about the concept, its going to be the aspirational, hopeful, fun action adventure book that we all need right now. Its pure, cathartic escapism. G.I. Joe Revolution #1 Retailer Incentive Cover B Art by Sonny Lieu Paste: As a franchise, G.I. Joe has had major ups and downs over the decades, and fans of different ages are likely to point to different iterations as fundamental building blocks of the characters. Which cartoons, comics or action figures most impact your take on Scarlett and crew? Sitterson: This is one of the toughest things with any long-running character or concept, right? While Ive read and loved the [Larry] Hama stuff (which is truly foundational G.I. Joe workthe franchise wouldnt be what it is today without him), and I reread the entire IDW run while pitching (its the continuity were building off of, after all), the absolute biggest influence on this new G.I. Joe series is the Sunbow cartoon. In fact, Im all but positive that, as the latest-born dudes to ever work on the comic, Giannis and I are the first Joe creative team to have been more influenced by the animated series than by Hamas groundbreaking work on the comic. I didnt actually get exposed to Hamas stuff until years later. Its phenomenal stuff, but its not what forms my bedrock idea of what Joe should be. Ive actually been rewatching the Sunbow stuff and while its very much dated in the syndicated-kids-cartoon style of the period, theres a lot that contemporary writers can and should learn from it. First, is its relentless optimism and aspirational naturethe Joes arent just heroes, theyre actually good people and, beyond that, friends. Second, is the shows frenetic pacingits all plot and big action set pieces, with a constant flow of fun, quippy dialogue. And third, of course, is its willingness to get weird and wacky in pursuit of awesome visuals, whether that means lasers, weird temples, giant robots, monsters, snake-people or anything else. Our goal with the G.I. Joe ongoing series is to take all of those aspects and filter them through a very 2016 aesthetica book thats smart and dense enough for an adult audience, but one that doesnt sacrifice the fun-loving optimism that made us all fall in love with the concept and characters in the first place. Paste: Speaking of Scarlettshes thrust into a leadership role as soon as Revolution kicks off, without Duke, Flint, Hawk or other past team leaders in sight. What do you want to tell readers about Scarletts new role? Sitterson: Its time, right? Its well past time for Scarlett to be in charge. Scarlett has always been, not just a strong female character, but a strong character period, full-stop. And that was one of the Joe concepts great strengths: the creators insistence on a level of both gender and racial diversity and representation that wasnt just progressive for the time, but practically unheard of. But still, looking back on the Scarlett of the pastshes always left me wanting more. While it was great to have her up in the mix, showing that shes just as competent as her male colleaguesif not more soat the end of the day, a distressing amount of Scarletts stories had to do with her being the center of one love triangle or another. Not to get all gender theory on you, but thats troubling, as it turns her from an actor in her own right to a kind of damsel or prize to be won by the men in the storyline. Also: she did it all while wearing what amounts to a furry bathing suit. No more of that. In our G.I. Joe, Scarlett is the boss. The buck stops with her. Shes not running things on behalf of someone elseshes the leader. And shell be confronted by all of the challenges and difficulties that any leader would face in her position. And whats more? Shes ditched the furry bathing suit. The crossbow aint going anywhere, though. I love that on a team with a dude lugging a humongous cannon around, Scarlett is such a badass that all she needs is a medieval weapon. Paste: Without spoiling anything, the squad we meet in the Revolution issue gets shaken up pretty quickly. How fixed is your cast going forward? Are you going to pull from the full roster as needed on a mission-by-mission basis? Sitterson: The Joes you see in the Revolution one-shot, with the addition of Snake Eyes and Helix, are going to comprise our core cast. But seeing as one of the best things about G.I. Joe is how absurdly deep its bench is, and how absolutely every Joe is someones favoritewere definitely going to be availing ourselves of the rest of the roster. One of my favorite things about working on the book is that I can say Hey, is there a Joe thats particularly good at ______? and nine times out of ten, there are at least two or three that fit the bill. I always pick the one that looks the coolest. Weve already got big plans in place for Scarlett, Roadblock, Shipwreck, Rock n Roll, Quick Kick, Lady Jaye, Cover Girl, Gung-Ho, Spirit and both versions of Doc, as well as many others that I dont quite want to give away just yet. G.I. Joe Revolution #1 Subscription Variant B Cover Art by Andrew Griffith & Josh Perez Paste: How much leeway has Hasbro and IDW given you to reinterpret or even kill off the characters? Based on your first issue, no ones just wildly firing lasers into the sky anymore, and there seem to be some immediate casualties. Sitterson: The simple answer is: a lot. Theres this stigma attached to working on licensed books, which is a term that I absolutely hate. The general consensus seems to be that licensed books have a low ceiling because of the involvement of the companies that own the license. But Ill tell you this: If you think that people working on the Justice League or the Avengers have more freedom than I do on G.I. Joeyoure out of your mind. Both Hasbro and IDW recognize that we need something new and different from G.I. Joe, so theyve been extremely easy to work with and open to all of Giannis and my crazy ideas. A big part of that, though, is because Giannis and I have a genuine love for the property. Our ideas are new and weird and different, but they respect and honor the concept and the charactersit all feels true and real to the book that Joe is meant to be. Were not trying to do things just to be different or shockingthat never leads anywhere good or worthwhile, and its an approach that too often throws the baby out with the bathwater. In the past, a lot of folks have tried to crack G.I. Joe by making it more realistic, trying to up the stakes by having people die on every other page as they deal with heavy, serious, real-world issues. We have no desire in pursuing that pathits been fully explored alreadyso theres no need for us to try and push the envelope with Hasbro or IDW. They appreciate, understand and respect what were doing, so theyve been happy to get out of the way and let us go to work. Paste: Youre playing with toys from other parts of the Hasbro catalog for G.I. Joehow integrated will the shared universe be going forward? Can we expect to see Robots in Disguise popping up as often as Cobra soldiers and warring ninja clans? Sitterson: Early on, Carlos and [IDW editor] John Barber gave me a call to talk G.I. Joe, and I had a list of questions for them. First though, they wanted to run an idea by me, and John asked how Id feel about putting a Transformer on the team. My response? Are you HIGH!? That was going to be my FIRST question! So yeah, dude. Youll have to wait to see who it is, but theres an actual Transformer on the G.I. Joe team. A TRANSFORMER IS ON THE G.I. JOE TEAM. One of the coolest things about these Revolution books is that all of the creative teams are working together to build this universe from scratch. This isnt a situation like Marvel or DC, where youre trying to retrofit decades worth of continuity in a way that makes some kind of sense. Weve designed things from the ground up so that there will be overlap not just in G.I. Joe, but in all of the titles, without actually requiring everyone to read every book just to know whats going on. Paste: Any final teasers for what you and Milonogiannis are cooking up in future arcs? Any chance of Nemesis Enforcer or othermore colorfulcharacters swooping into action any time soon? Sitterson: Ive got a big running list of all the coolest looking characters that I want to incorporate into the series and guess what? Nemesis Enforcer just made the list! Ive got a ton of wacky, weird concepts and characters that were going to be tweaking and adjusting to fit into this brave new Hasbro Universe world. As for teasers though, Id warn people to beware what lurks beneath the earth G.I. Joe Revolution #1 KwanChang.com Retailer Exclusive Cover Art by Jae Lee Theres an old myth about the cognitive abilities of the goldfish: that they can only remember three seconds at a time. Its not truegoldfish are exceptionally intelligent little fish. But the goldfish myth is a good way to explain the Democratic Party in 2016. Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. His campaign for the office was brutal, ugly, and vile. He fed the fires of hate and bigotry at every rally, speech, debate, and media interview he attended. His presidential possibilities are hard to predict. If we use his statements as indicators of his future plans, the next four years look bleak. Even if he is constrained and made impotent by the institutional realities of the office and the federal government, his white nationalist base is lethal and emboldened. In the run-up to Election Day, the Democratic Partys leadership made the argument that Trump was singularly unfit for the office. President Obama said Trump was a man who doesnt have the judgment, the temperament, the understanding, to occupy the most powerful position in the world. Trumps rival Hillary Clinton called him temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be commander in chief. Campaign trail attack dog Elizabeth Warren called Trump, among other things, a small, insecure money-grubber who doesnt care about anyone or anything that doesnt have the Trump name splashed all over it. Every day it becomes clearer that he is a thin-skinned, racist, sexist bully. And Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, said Trumps lewd comments about women captured on tape in 2005 were unacceptable: You cant forget about what he said about women, the degrading, really vile statements about women. But five seconds later, after Trump became the next president, these arguments were forgotten. They never existed. Now, the man who was singularly unfit for office, unqualified, racist, sexist, and an existential threat to democracy became a statesman and someone whom the loyal opposition could work with. What happened? Trumps policy plans include unilaterally withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accords an action that will result in catastrophic climate change. But President Obama told Trump on Thursday that We now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed the country succeeds. On multiple occasions, and in his official plan for his first 100 days, Trump has promised mass deportations, a wall on the southern border, and to turn away refugees from war torn regions of the world where the population is majority-Muslim. Yet Clinton, in her concession speech on Wednesday, said that we owe him an open mind and the chance to lead. Trump plans to cut taxes on the wealthy to such an extent that it would add trillions of dollars to the deficit, and, according to some economists, lead to a worldwide recession. Now, Elizabeth Warren says he promised to rebuild our economy for working people, and I offer to put aside our differences and work with him. Only a year ago, Trump signalled he was in favor of a registry for Muslim-Americans. Late last week, Andrew Cuomo said, I think Donald Trump being from New York is a bonus not just for this state, but for other states also. Do they not remember what they said before the election? Are they incapable of understanding Trumps behavior and statements over the past eighteen months? And its not only the partys DC power brokers who have no memory and no adherence to any principles other than power.. Its their toadies in the media and the entire party establishment. As an example of the first; Nicholas Kristof, the earnest liberal columnist for The New York Times, wrote an article Wednesday night entitled Gritting Our Teeth and Giving President Trump a Chance. Kristofwho has jerked many a tear off the face of a liberal reader with his stories of womens struggles across the worldtells readers that maybe Trump will reverse course now that his hateful rhetoric has made him the most powerful person in the world: Trump has surprised us in many ways this year, and lets hope and pray that he will stun us once again by repairing the tears he made in our social fabric. Lets give him a chance for those are our democratic values. Its not just Kristof. Rachel Maddow and Paul Krugman have blamed the anemic Green Party campaign of Jill Stein for Clintons loss, ignoring the easily verifiable concepts of addition and subtraction that prove Steins absence from the race would not have delivered the race to Clinton. Amanda Marcotte at Salon argues that the only reason white women voted for Trump was their self-hatred and fear of men, ignoring the long and storied tradition of white feminist racism and the realities of white backlash to a changing world. And those whose careers are built not on pontificating and prognosticating but deal-making and politicking are no better. Look no further than this Politico article detailing how the Clinton campaign refuses to accept any responsibility for the loss. The article details how Clintons team ignored every single suggestion they should broaden her appeal to working class white voters; how they rejected appeals to address her email scandal; and how now, as the country sits in the rubble they created, they are blaming the media, the FBI, the leftanything but themselves. The Democratic Party as it has existed for the past 24 years is over. The echo chamber of Clintonism and the Obama coalition argues about who to blame for its failures without ever looking within. Even when faced with a national, existential threat like a Trump presidency, the party is incapable of thinking about or learning from the wholesale rejection of their warmed over Republican policies and inability to stand for anything. The Democratic Party is the goldfish. Incapable of considering anything other than their own institutional short term survival, completely devoid of any principle other than their immediate gratification, and unable to remember their actions on a second-to-second basis. The longer we, the American people, allow this farce of a political party to be a part of defining our future, the longer we will be waiting for substantive changethe kind that wont be cast aside in a heartbeat because of the changing winds of political fortune. President Barack Obama is currently in the midst of his final foreign tour as head of state and yesterday, during his visit to Athens, anti-American violence broke out between protestors and riot police, according to The Telegraph. The Greek government had more than 5,000 police in Athens in preparation for Obamas visit. A crowd of roughly 3,000 protesters, some armed with clubs and Molotov cocktails, were marching towards the American embassy when they attempted to enter an off-limits area near Greek President Procopis Pavlopoulos residence, where he was hosting a dinner with Obama. The riot police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd, and, after the initial skirmish, rioters retreated to the Athens Polytechnic campus. While fights with police continued to happen, no injuries or arrests have been reported. Obamas visit came two days before the 43rd anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising, a pro-democracy demonstration in 1973 that turned violent when Greeces U.S.-backed military government stormed the university with a tank. The United States support of that military regime is a major factor in the strong anti-American sentiment in Greeces left wing. Panayiotis Lafazanis, a party leader for the Popular Unity party and one of the groups that took part in the riots, said that Obamas visit was a provocation, much more as it comes during the commemoration of the heroic Polytechnic revolt, where the U.S.-driven dictatorship squashed the students with tanks. Lafazanis also blamed the United States for Greeces economic troubles and the ongoing refugee crisis, saying, American imperialism has not changed. The U.S. presidents and administrations have playedand still playa leading part in the bailout-linked plundering of our country and their interventions are drowning our part of the world in blood and creating refugee waves. A peaceful protest of Obamas visit by 5,000 Communist Party supporters was also taking place at the same time in Athens. This group of protesters did not attempt to enter the off-limits area of the city. Now that its been a week since the election of arguably the most polarizing figure in U.S. political history, everybody around the world, from journalists to arm chair politicians to bartenders in Cologne, Germany, has an opinion. Locals in the city of Nogales, Mexicoa border townhave greeted Trumps triumph with a collection of shock, defiance, and a lot of laughter, according to a report by The Guardian. Germans have also been laughing at the many Trumpisms. Jan Bohmermann, the German version of Jon Stewart, parodied The Donald movement in an hour-long documentary on ZDF. In a similar vein, a French hotel expert we spoke to, laughed, I dont feel threatened as a Frenchman, and I dont link my political views to my traveling plans unless the country is ran by a totalitarian state or is at war on its land. That said, some people see similarities between Trumps nationalistic, right-wing bravado and totalitarianism. One Turkish woman, who wants to remain anonymous, said she wasnt expecting the results, but expressed worry because of a similar right-wing uprising in Turkey. She compares the situation in the U.S. to that in Turkey and blames the media coverageor lack thereoffor ignoring issues that really matterlike health care solutions and infrastructure. Though shes uneasy with the results, she said, Trump would not affect my decision to go to U.S.unless the visa restrictions really change for us, since Turkey is a Muslim country. Then I would not want to bother. A Canadian from British Columbia says Trump isnt a problem as much as Republican ideology. My honest thoughts on Trump is that hes a complete asshole and he scares me, but the other Republicans are what really scare me. Im mostly worried about the Supreme Court nominations. U.S. politics has such a huge effect on the world, so its scary. That said, Trump does have his share of supporters abroad. Putinist Russians love the man. A survey of Israelis revealed slight support for Trump over Clinton. This is most likely because of Trumps claims that the U.S. and Israel share an unbreakable bond. In Serbia, both Nationalists and leftist supporters of Slavoj Zizek celebrated the results. Serbs see the Trumps victory as an opportunity to get a better deal from U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Well, thats at least part of the reason, another reason is many nationalistic Serbs blame Hillary as the mastermind behind the 1999 NATO bombings. What the world sees in the future, well just have to wait and see. Tom is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and hes currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? but with more sunscreen and jorts. Arena Centar in Zagreb, the largest shopping centre in Zagreb, was sold for 235 million, the largest single asset transaction in the region to date. JLL advised the owners, a joint venture between Granit Polus of Hungary and Heitman of the USA. For the purchaser, New Europe Property Investors (NEPI) [] Whether the common man is suffering due to the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes or not, whether the public is angry or not, politicians had a lot to say about prime minister Narendra Modi's apparent surgical strike on black money. By India Today Web Desk: A lot has been said about prime minister Modi's move of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Since November 8, people hoarding black money have been running from pillar to post to convert unaccounted money to white money, and others, with no stash of currency, have been standing in queues outside banks and ATMs across India. advertisement There have been reports about deaths of people who were standing in queues, of many people blaming the prime minister for this sudden move and some of his comments that they thought were insensitive, and reports of many people who are doing their best to support the move for the greater good they hope this would bring about. Also read: As cash crunch hits, mobile ATMs take the roads in Bengaluru and Delhi Amid all this, there are politicians trying to use the situation to slam Modi, his party and the Reserve Bank of India. Here's what some of them have said about the demonetisation of currency notes. 1. Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first politician to lash out at the prime minister for the demonetisation move. She said it's an "ill-conceived decision" and that the demonetisation drive will be a "blow to the common people and the middle class". 2. Rahul Gandhi Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is of the opinion that PM Modi's demonetisation drive is just a "knee-jerk" decision and that it is a decision taken based on one person's (Modi) thinking. He also told the media, "The big black money players have been allowed to go scot-free by PM. Mallaya and Lalit Modi are sitting abroad." 3. Arvind Kejriwal The most vocal politician about almost all the issues, especially when it comes to PM Modi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said the prime minister should shed his 'arrogance', 'apologise' for mocking the common man struggling to get some cash to meet their daily needs, and withdraw the drive before the law and order situation deteriorates in the country. 4. Mayawati BSP chief Mayawati said prime minister's decision to demonetise the currency notes is a bit selfish. "To hide their (government's) inefficiency, economic emergency like situation has been created," she said. 5. Akhilesh Yadav Taking the prize for the most bizarre comment on the issue, Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav said that many economists are of the opinion that black money saves the Indian economy in times of global recession. Akhilesh told the media, "I am opposed to black money. I do not want it. But many economists say one reason why India is able to withstand frequent global crises in economy is because of the huge parallel economy of black money." advertisement 6. Sitaram Yechury Communist Party of Inida (Marxist) senior leader Yechury wasn't convinced that the demonetisation drive would be able to curb black money. Quoting PM statement in 2014, Yechury said 90% of black money is stashed abroad and asked "what is the use of this new currency when nobody is accepting it?" --- ENDS --- Jeep CJ series is one of the most iconic car model the world as seen - It was on sale in India as well, thanks to Mahindra Rudy Boonstra has been doing field research in Canada's north for more than 40 years. Working mostly out of the Arctic Institute's Kluane Lake Research Station in Yukon, the U of T Scarborough Biology Professor has become intimately familiar with Canada's vast and unique boreal forest ecosystem. But it was during a trip to Finland in the mid-1990s to help a colleague with field research that he began to think long and hard about why the boreal forest there differed so dramatically from its Canadian cousin. This difference was crystallized by follow-up trips to Norway. "Superficially they look the same. Both are dominated by coniferous trees with similar low density deciduous trees like aspen. But that's where the similarities end," he says. The real differences are most obvious on the ground, notes Boonstra. In Canada, the ground is dominated by tall shrubs like willow and birch but in the Northwestern European forests found in Norway, Finland and Sweden the ground is dominated by dwarf shrubs like bilberry. "The reason for the difference comes down to different climates," he says. advertisement It also goes without saying that global warming will have an effect on vegetation and the species that rely on the boreal forest, adds Boonstra. "The data is still coming in but there are indications that this ecosystem is shifting and it could potentially be a massive shift," he says, pointing to changes in the global carbon cycle and the predator/prey dynamics. Boreal forest covers an incredible 50 per cent of Canada's land mass and has evolved quite differently from the boreal forests of Northwestern Europe say Boonstra, who co-authored a book on Canada's boreal forest ecosystem. The winters in the Canadian boreal forest are drier and 15 to 20C colder, with snow that is soft and shallow. In Northwestern Europe the winter is more mild and wet by comparison with deep snow that packs harder. The milder European winters are driven mainly by westerly winds from North America that dip into the Caribbean and carry warm air across the Atlantic. The difference in climate means the plant and animal species in both forests have evolved along two very different paths. The Canadian system is dominated by the extreme cold tolerant tall shrubs and the 10-year snowshoe hare and Canadian lynx cycle On the other hand, the forests in Northwestern Europe are dominated by cold intolerant dwarf shrubs and a three to four-year cycle of small rodent and weasels that live below the snow. It also has a higher density of larger animals like Moose. advertisement "Predators have evolved to the prey, and the prey have evolved to the vegetation in both places," adds Boonstra. Boonstra and his colleagues looked at a host of other potential factors to explain the differences between these forests including human activity, density of large mammals and other predators, but the deciding factor came down to climate. The research, which included collaboration from researchers across Canada and Norway, was published in the journal BioScience and received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Norwegian Science Council. Boreal forests are important ecological zones because they cover 11 per cent of Earth's total land surface and make up 25 per cent of Earth's closed canopy forests, which are continuous, uninterrupted forest systems. These forests play a key role in the global carbon cycle that allows Earth to be capable of sustaining life. "There's no question that a shift in snow consistency and temperature will impact this immense ecosystem," adds Boonstra. Mosquitoes are capable of carrying Zika and chikungunya viruses simultaneously and can secrete enough in their saliva to potentially infect humans with both viruses in a single bite, according to new research presented today at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). The work by scientists from Colorado State University is one of several new Zika-related studies being presented at the world's largest gathering of tropical medicine experts, including probing the implications of having three mosquito-borne viruses -- dengue, Zika and chikungunya -- circulating in the Americas and parts of Asia at the same time. They include a new study from researchers in northeastern Brazil who documented an intriguing -- and troubling -- mix of neurological problems in patients treated during a rare and unprecedented outbreak of all three diseases in 2015. Scientists are investigating whether antibodies to dengue can either intensify or, conversely, neutralize a Zika virus infection. Zika and dengue are closely related and come from the same family of viruses, known as flaviviruses. Very little is known about Zika's possible interactions with chikungunya, however, in humans or mosquitoes. That's why researchers at a laboratory headed by Greg Ebel, ScD, at Colorado State University, are testing what happens in the Aedes variety of mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the viruses when they encounter more than one virus at a time. In a contained experiment, the scientists allowed mosquitoes to feed on blood that contained dengue, chikungunya or Zika, either alone or in combination. The tests so far show strong evidence that mosquitoes can pick up and transmit Zika and chikungunya simultaneously -- something that had not been confirmed before, given the recent arrival of Zika in the Americas. "Their saliva is clearly testing positive for both, which could mean that people bitten by this type of mosquito could be infected by both viruses at once," said Claudia Ruckert, PhD who is presenting the results at the ASTMH meeting. It's not clear if mosquitoes can carry all three viruses at the same time. But a previous study, also conducted in a laboratory setting, found that Aedes mosquitoes can carry dengue and chikungunya simultaneously, an observation that was confirmed by the Colorado State research team. And the real-world opportunities for mosquitoes to encounter more than one of these viruses appear to be increasing. A recent study in Nicaragua revealed that about one in five patients who tested positive for dengue, chikungunya or Zika also had a co-infection with at least one of the other two diseases. Some even tested positive for all three. advertisement "We need to understand more about what happens in both mosquitoes and people when all of these viruses are circulating in close proximity," Ruckert said. She said the study also suggests that co-infection with chikungunya inhibits infection of Zika virus in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, meaning that one virus may outcompete another in mosquitoes, which could have an impact on the epidemiology of two mosquito-borne viruses circulating at the same time. Sorting Out Neurological Problems When Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya Hit at Once In a second study released at the annual meeting, researchers in Brazil presented new insights from their efforts to work in real-time to untangle a web of neurological complications encountered in a group of 21 patients at the Roberto Santos General Hospital in the northeastern city of Salvador-Bahia over a four-month period in 2015 during an "unprecedented and concurrent" outbreak of Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Thus far, their evidence indicates that each disease may be linked to severe neurological problems, including a rare disorder seen in two patients called Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome or OMS. It's sometimes referred to as "dancing eyes-dancing feet syndrome" for the chaotic eye movements and muscle contractions it causes. One of those patients tested positive for Zika and dengue. But the other patient tested positive for chikungunya and dengue, though it's been difficult to determine whether this "co-infection" was to blame. advertisement "Our analysis shows that each of these viruses may have the potential to cause a range of neurological complications, some very severe, and patients should be monitored for symptoms," said Isadora Siqueira, MD, PhD, a scientist with Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. "What's very difficult to determine is whether having a co-infection with two of these viruses increases the risk of neurological problems. We are still looking closely at the case of the patient who was infected with both chikungunya and dengue." She and her colleagues were particularly surprised to encounter OMS, which globally occurs in about one in a million people. Seeing it around the same time in two unrelated patients in the same hospital is considered unusual. Dr. Siqueira said she and her colleagues are now investigating whether the problem was the result of an auto-immune disorder sparked by one of the viruses that caused the immune system to attack nerve cells, similar to what occurs in Zika patients who develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Zika already is known to occasionally cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which prompts the immune system to attack nerve cells and can cause paralysis and even death. But Dr. Siqueira said they also saw GBS in patients who did not have Zika -- but tested positive for either chikungunya or dengue. Dr. Siqueira said there is also interest in learning more about how the presence of dengue antibodies might affect the course of a Zika infection in patients, given that the viruses share many similarities. She said a large majority of people in the region of Brazil where Zika exploded have been infected with dengue in the past and carry antibodies to the disease. "This kind of clinical research is essential so that we can better understand the true public health threat of these mosquito-borne viruses," said Stephen Higgs, PhD, president of ASTMH. "Tropical medicine scientists must continue to be vigilant on the front-lines of these outbreaks and provide new and beneficial insights for physicians around the world. It is great to have so many of our members involved, and to see the impact of their work." University of Tubingen researchers have found evidence that common descent of human populations is reflected both in their cranial features and their linguistic affiliations over vast geographic distances. The formation of different languages and language groupings appears to have happened in the same broad period and geographical locations as the development of facial features in various human populations, according to linguistics professor, Gerhard Jager, and paleoanthropologists, Professor Katerina Harvati and Dr. Hugo Reyes-Centeno. In their study, the researchers examined 265 skulls from Africa, Asia, and Oceania and the vocabularies of more than 800 languages and dialects from those regions. Their findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports. If these findings are confirmed in further investigations, it would give researchers a characteristic which would help them to follow the development of various language families as far back as the early development of humankind. The linguists developed a method to measure the degree of similarity between two languages in a completely automatic way by comparing the words those languages use in their core vocabulary. Likewise, the anthropologists found ways to quantify the similarity between the phenotypic characteristics of humans using the cranial measurements of skulls just a few centuries old. "We can assume that the language does not change significantly in such a relatively short time," says Jager. They reasoned that on average, the similarity between populations should decrease with geographical distance, both with respect to their linguistic and their biological characteristics. They also postulated that, on average, populations that are linguistically similar should also be biologically similar and vice versa. If these correlations also hold between populations that split up more than 10,000 years ago, this would provide evidence that language preserves a deeper historical signal than commonly thought. In their study, the authors demonstrate that both expectations are met, and that they also hold across the boundaries of language families. They also found that linguistic distances correlate more strongly with the facial features of the cranium than with the neurocranium, which may reflect different rates of evolution of the traits regarded, where language and facial features change faster than neurocranial features. According to the prevailing wisdom in historical linguistics, it is only possible to demonstrate languages to be related if their latest common ancestor was spoken up to 10,000 years ago. Individual researchers have tried to push this boundary further back in time, but their efforts have generally been met with skepticism by the experts. Jager, Harvati and Reyes-Centeno may now have succeeded in opening a door on our distant past by tackling this issue with statistical techniques relying on linguistic and anthropological data. The three researchers are at the core of Tubingen University's Humanities Centre of Advanced Studies "Words, Bones, Genes, Tools. Tracking Linguistic, Cultural and Biological Trajectories of the Human Past" established last year, thanks to German Research Foundation funding. "We expect our future work to shed more light on the processes through which languages evolved," they say. Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a UBC study has found. "Research suggests that people may be using cannabis as an exit drug to reduce use of substances that are potentially more harmful, such as opioid pain medication," said the study's lead investigator Zach Walsh, associate professor of psychology at UBC's Okanagan campus. This comprehensive review of research on medical cannabis use and mental health also found some evidence that cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis. "In reviewing the limited evidence on medical cannabis, it appears that patients and others who have advocated for cannabis as a tool for harm reduction and mental health have some valid points," said Walsh. Walsh and his team reviewed all studies of medical cannabis and mental health, as well as reviews on non-medical cannabis use -- making the review one of the most comprehensive on the topic to date. With legalization of marijuana possible as early as next year in Canada, it's important to identify ways to help mental health professionals move beyond stigma to better understand the risk and benefits of cannabis, added Walsh. "There is currently not a lot of clear guidance on how mental health professionals can best work with people who are using cannabis for medical purposes," said Walsh. "With the end of prohibition, telling people to simply stop using may no longer be as feasible an option, so knowing how to consider cannabis in the treatment equation will become a necessity." Walsh's research was conducted with UBC's Michelle Thiessen, Kim Crosby and Chris Carroll, Raul Gonzalez from Florida State University, and Marcel Bonn-Miller from the National Centre for PTSD and Center for Innovation and Implementation in California. The study was recently published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review. The committee has told the NGT that the national highways authority of India (NHAI) be allowed to construct the bridge as delay in project was causing inconvenience to commuters on NH-58 between Delhi and Meerut. By Mail Today Bureau: SEEKING to put the widening of Delhi-Meerut highway on fast track, an expert committee has urged the National Green Tribunal to allow the Centre to carry out the construction work that includes a bridge and its approach roads across River Yamuna. The committee has told the NGT that the national highways authority of India (NHAI) be allowed to construct the bridge as delay in project was causing inconvenience to commuters on NH-58 between Delhi and Meerut. advertisement The Principal Committee, headed by Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources, told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar that the project may be allowed, subject to fulfilling of certain conditions including increasing the cost of monitoring during construction phase of bridge by nearly `2.5 crore. The committee, constituted by the NGT for implementation of 'Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project 2017', has recommended that project proponent should save as many trees as possible and no wetland area on the floodplains should be disturbed during the construction phase. A senior transport ministry official said the pending case before the NGT was one of the reasons for delay in the project over which PM Narendra Modi has also expressed his displeasure. Modi had pulled up the NHAI officials for delay in the project despite the fact that he had laid the foundation stone for it in December last year. The project has been presented by the NHAI as a solution to daily traffic woes of lakhs of commuters who travel between Delhi and areas like Indirapuram, Ghaziabad and some sectors of Noida. NHAI and highways ministry reportedly claimed that shifting of utilities and a pending nod of the NGT for building bridges on Yamuna delayed work. --- ENDS ---

John Hwang

The medical building at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter can get spooky enough without phantom limbs reaching out to you. Not many members of the public see this part of the busy California shelter, where animals sit in stacked kennels, awaiting checkups or treatment. "It's a separate building that most of the public doesn't really know about," John Hwang tells The Dodo. "It's kind of in the back and there's no obvious entry to the building. Nobody really goes in there." Hwang, a photographer who often visits the shelter to take pictures of its residents, was there last week to see a a sick dog. He was hoping his pictures might help the dog find a forever home. But someone else at the shelter snatched his attention. Literally. While half-crouched near the stacked kennels, Hwang felt a ghostly brush against his hair. Dodo Shows Soulmates Dog Goes Everywhere In His Dad's Kangaroo Pouch John Hwang "I felt this little something," he recalls. "Like a little paw, kind of swiping my hair. I was like, 'What the ... ' "I looked up and I see this paw completely stretched out toward me. And she keeps on trying to touch me. She's stretching her paw out as far out as she could." Hwang's first thought? "Are you serious, cat?" But the cat, whose name is Meow Meow, wasn't giving up easily. "She kept sticking her paw out to to say hi. And I thought, 'OK, maybe I'm here for you.' I was like, 'OK you deserve a picture.'" And Meow Meow was certainly ready for her closeup. John Hwang "She's just really friendly," Hwang adds. "She'd just lay there and look at me." Maybe Meow Meow knew the competition among animals for a forever home is intense at the bustling Baldwin Park shelter. You do whatever it takes to stand out - and seize the moment. John Hwang Or maybe the 2-year-old cat, in the cold confines of her kennel, just needed to make a connection. She was, after all, dropped off at the shelter by her owner. She knows what it's like to be loved. "She definitely had someone in her life," Hwang says. "She wasn't a stray. I thought, 'This cat has probably been with people her whole life. So to be in a kennel probably makes her sad.'" And for that tenderest of moments, Hwang was there for her - reminding Meow Meow of what's it's like to know the warmth of human contact. John Hwang Thanksgiving: so synonymous with the turkey that many of us simply call it "turkey day." From turkey decorations to turkey scented candles (yes, they really exist!), Thanksgiving doesn't seem complete without turkey... but it's time to take turkey off the table, because the death of an animal is no way to celebrate thankfulness. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are unaware of the plight of turkeys and the incredible beings they are capable of becoming when given the chance to thrive. But, this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful to live in a time where I can share that information with all of you. So, please, before you head to the grocery store this Thanksgiving, get to know the beautiful bird with these 5 facts: 1. Turkeys form friendships At Catskill Animal Sanctuary, we have seen first hand that turkeys form deep friendships. And not just with other turkeys! Henrietta the turkey and Atlas the goat, pictured below, shared a special bond. Henrietta and Atlas often snuggled up in a bed of straw, unphased by their species difference. Also, many visitors to Catskill Animal Sanctuary are shocked to learn that turkeys have human friends! Turkeys are often in the center of every CAS tour, following visitors around and sometimes, if you let them, they'll even plop into your lap! Dodo Shows Little But Fierce Pocket-Sized Kitten Grows Up To Be A Wild Woman 2. Turkeys are great moms Unlike baby songbirds and other tree-dwelling birds whose mothers are gone from the nest for long periods of time, turkeys rely on constant watch from their moms. In fact, young turkeys freak out if they get separated from mom! But, thankfully, baby turkeys have a special "lost call," and turkey moms will come running to their rescue. Perhaps even more amazing, turkey babies and moms communicate to each other while babies are still in their eggs! Unfortunately, turkey babies on factory farms never get to meet their moms. Turkey eggs are hatched in giant incubators, with no mom in sight. 3. Turkeys are musical Those of us who work at animal sanctuaries know how musical turkeys can be. Catskill Animal Sanctuary Founder and Executive Director, Kathy Stevens, recalls a story of a turkey named Ethel who entertained dozens of visitors when she sang along with musician Marc Black at our annual Shindig event. "It was so interesting!" says Stevens, "First Ethel hurried out of the barn as soon as she heard the music, then positioned herself in front of Marc, who was standing at the mic with a guitar. Marc would sing a line, then he would pause, and with every pause Ethel would chime in with an enthusiastic gobble gobble gobble!' Marc laughed, I laughed, and our guests were amazed and delighted. It was a wonderful teaching moment." Below, CAS Camp Kindness kids sing "You Are My Sunshine" with Ethel and her friend Blue. 4. Turkeys suffer To meet the demand for their meat - with 46 million birds slaughtered for Thanksgiving alone - growers house turkeys in cramped warehouses. To keep the birds from killing each other (something they would not do under normal circumstances), parts of the turkeys' toes and beaks are cut off without pain relief. Imagine having the tips of your fingers cut off with a pair of scissors. Despite the cruel measures taken to prevent the turkeys from killing each other, many turkeys on factory farms die before slaughter. To make extra profit, turkeys have been bred to grow as large as possible. How large? The average turkey raised for meat now weighs up to 28 pounds, far larger than the average 17-pound turkey in 1970. To put this into context, it's like an 18-week-old infant weighing 1,500 pounds! Sadly, the extreme weight of their bodies causes turkeys to become lame and even causes heart attacks. 5. Slaughter is inhumane No matter how you look at slaughter, death is always inhumane. But, despite this fact, slaughter for birds in the United States is especially cruel. How so? Turkeys and other birds are not protected by the Humane Slaughter Act, which means they do not need to be rendered senseless before slaughter. Typically, birds necks are sliced by a blade, killing them, and they are then sent to a defeathering tank - a scalding hot tank of water that removes their feathers. Many times, however, turkeys' necks will miss the blade at the slaughterhouse, sending them fully conscious into the water meant to defeather the bird. In layman's terms, the birds are boiled alive. Every year, hundreds of dolphins and whales are killed in the annual dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan. But as this recent video shows, the few who survive the hunt have it just as bad. While most of the dolphins rounded up by the hunters are slaughtered for meat in front of their families, the few dolphins deemed "pretty" enough to save are rounded up to be sold into captivity. They can end up at marine parks around the world, but many of them remain at the Taiji Whale Museum - a local "museum" run by the city that features dolphin attractions in addition to a collection of whaling paraphernalia such as harpoons. The conditions at the Taiji Whale Museum are tragic - photos released last month show several dolphins swimming in tanks so dirty they're nearly black. And a new video shows that things just keep getting worse. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society On Tuesday night, The Dolphin Project posted a live video taken by a volunteer visiting the Taiji Whale Museum. The clip shows several dolphins trying to swim in just a few feet of water, as their tanks have apparently been drained. "One has just been beaching itself on that all day and crying," the volunteer says, noting that the water in the tanks is only waist-deep. "They're just so hungry. And distressed. And bored." Dodo Shows Foster Diaries Scared Pittie Gets So Happy When He Meets This Guy And His Pack Of Dogs At some points, the dolphins can be seen raising their heads above the water, calling out frantically - at others, they float, seemingly depressed, bobbing against the walls of their tiny tanks. "There is nothing in this but neglect and cruelty," she adds. "[They're] in basically the world's worst bathtub." Unfortunately, this abuse isn't limited to Taiji. The annual hunt supplies many of the captive dolphins who are held in marine parks across the world, selling them for as much as $154,000. The infamous red waters during the annual dolphin hunt | The Dolphin Project Erikas Plucas came home one day to the most unexpected sight - a baby moose lying all alone just outside his gate. She couldn't have been more than 2 weeks old. "The first sight of her was heartbreaking," Plucas, who lives in Lithuania, told The Dodo. "She was starved, dirty, sad, her fur was infested with flies, and she was so terrified of me when she first saw me but was too weak to run away, to even get up." Erikas Plucas Plucas assumed the baby moose's mother had probably been shot by hunters and that she'd run off in search of someone who could help her. He quickly carried the skinny, sick moose inside to figure out what he could do. After contacting animal services, Plucas called some of his friends to ask for advice, but everyone told him he should just stay out of it. "I was met with hostility and contempt," Plucas said. "'It is illegal, you should not do it, let nature take care of it' was all I heard." Erikas Plucas But he refused to listen to them. He knew he had to help her. While he waited for animal services to arrive, he collected every kind of leaf he could find and got her some milk, and tried desperately to get her to eat. He knew if she didn't, then she would likely die, and he just couldn't let that happen. Dodo Shows Adopt Me! Scared Little Dog Is So Full Of Joy Now And Looking For A Family Erikas Plucas When animal services officers arrived the next day, there unfortunately wasn't very much they could do. "Since here in Lithuania we do not have a special institution who would take care of wild orphan animals, they called local hunters and asked if they can take her," Plucas said. "I knew it meant certain death for her, so I insisted I should keep the baby, and they agreed." Plucas named the little moose Emma, and just like that, she was his. Erikas Plucas The first few weeks of caring for Emma were definitely a challenge. She had to be fed every four hours and would cry every time Plucas tried to go inside - and so often he slept next to her, sometimes outside and sometimes in his barn, just so she would always feel safe. "She was afraid of everything but me," Plucas said. Erikas Plucas As Emma got bigger, Plucas began taking her for frequent walks in the forest in hopes of reintroducing her to the wild. He tried to teach her what was dangerous and what was safe, and helped her find food so that one day she could do it on her own. Emma was terrified of going into the forest at first, but she loved Plucas and followed him everywhere he went, and so she did it for him. Erikas Plucas The older Emma got, the more comfortable she became with going into the forest, and soon she even started going there on her own. Soon enough, it was finally time for her to live there full-time. She was ready. Erikas Plucas "I remember those first nights that she didn't come home," Plucas said. "Oh, I barely slept. But she grew up, I had to get over it. After all, it was my goal from the very beginning." Even though Emma is all grown up and living back in the wild now, she still comes back to visit her dad and spend time with him every single day. They go swimming together and he gives her treats, and she shows how grateful she is to him for saving her life. Erikas Plucas Emma never really warmed up to any other humans except her dad, and it's clear just how much she loves him. Erikas Plucas "To me she is gentle and loving," Plucas said. "She is very careful when we are playing, so she would not hurt me." Erikas Plucas Plucas still worries that Emma might fall victim to some of the hunters in the area, just like her mother likely did, and so he spoke to all the hunters he could find to beg them not to hurt her. "I had some hunters over for them to see her as not just a nice, warm steak with potatoes and vegetables on the table, but as a very intelligent and loving animal," Plucas said. "Some claimed they will put down hunting rifles for good, and some promised never to shoot a moose again." Erikas Plucas Emma is thriving in her new home in the wild, and will hopefully be happy and protected for a long time thanks to her dad. She'll still always come home to see him, and soon she might have even more reason to visit - Plucas thinks she might be pregnant. Erikas Plucas More has been written of Star Wars than there are moons of Yavin, but one story has remained hidden in the tangled brush of time. Everyone knows Princess Leia and Han Solo ended up being a whole lot more than friends the existence of a shared child in Kylo Ren in last years franchise reboot proved as much. Even before this physical proof was presented, we had that iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back in which Carrie Fishers Leia shouted I love you, and Harrison Fords Han Solo smoothly responded, I know. And, of course, the kiss they share. But now we know the actors who played these iconic characters had a little heat off-screen as well. Fisher exposed as much in her new book The Princess Diarist, an upcoming memoir culled together from journals that she kept during the filming of A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie. In addition, Fisher spoke briefly with People about her three-month affair with Ford. At the time, she was 19 years old, and he was 33. I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind, Fisher said of the then-married father of two. Ford and his wife at the time, Mary Marquardt, filed for divorce in 1979, two years after A New Hope hit theatres. Ford did not respond to Peoples request for comment. Describing the affair as intense, Fisher joked, It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend. The two spent their first evening together after a birthday party for George Lucas, the films director. Even after that, though, Fisher claimed to be filled with doubt about the relationship. I looked over at Harrison. A heros face a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow, she writes. How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? According to Radar, Fisher wrote in the book (which will be released on Nov. 22) that she couldnt remember many details of the affair thanks to the brutal strength of Harrisons preferred strain of pot. As the Star Wars universe returned to the big screens with last years The Force Awakens, which included the original trilogys three stars Fisher, Ford and Mark Hamill much of the conversation centred on Fisher, particularly the studios treatment of her. Fisher told Good Housekeeping that she was asked to lose 35 pounds. They dont want to hire all of me only about three-quarters! she told the magazine. Nothing changes, its an appearance-driven thing. Im in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up. They might as well say get younger, because thats how easy it is. The conversation around her appearance only increased after the film came out. As Yanan Wang reported in The Washington Post, Some longtime fans were stuck on a detail that shouldnt have come as a surprise to anyone: The actors have aged. Or, to zone in on the preoccupation, Fisher has aged and allegedly not well. Twitter filled with vitriol toward Fisher, who was 59 years old when the film was released. Not being one to hold her tongue, Fisher fired back. Twitter users were kinder with Fishers recent reveal. Some simply claimed to have always known. Some seemed excited by the news. Others were displeased. Most, though, seemed only to want more details to which Fisher made clear she doesnt kiss and tell ... too much: I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise, she tweeted. Read more about: SHARE: VANCOUVERA British man bearing a striking resemblance to Vincent van Gogh is the muse for a new work of art by Douglas Coupland. The Vancouver-based writer and artist embarked on a worldwide search for individuals resembling the famed Dutch painter. Daniel Baker of the southern England town of Christchurch emerged as the top doppelganger out of 1,250 entrants from 37 countries. Baker travelled to Vancouver where he underwent a 3D scanning process using hundreds of cameras to generate facial data that Coupland will use as source material to create a large 3D bronze sculpture. The completed piece will be revealed on April 22, 2017, at a special preconference event for attendees of the TED Conference in Vancouver. The piece was commissioned by Anthony von Mandl, who will install the sculpture at his winery in B.C.s Okanagan Valley. It will be the first in an ongoing series of commissioned monumental outdoor works titled Redheads. Meeting Dan was a very strange experience because Id spent months looking at Vincent look-alikes on a computer screen and then suddenly there was this man my Vincent van Gogh hopping out of a taxi looking like hed just stepped out of the year 1889, said Coupland. SHARE: OTTAWAMore Canadians are relying on food banks to feed themselves, a report released Tuesday suggests. The report by Food Banks Canada says last March some 863,492 people turned to a food bank, a 1.3-per-cent increase over March 2015 and a 28-per-cent rise over 2008. More than 300,000 of those helped were children, said Shawn Pegg, the organizations director of policy and research. Thats enough kids to fill 6,000 school buses. The report found that food banks in eight of 10 provinces saw increased traffic with the biggest jumps in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and the three territories. Only Manitoba and Ontario didnt see increased usage compared to last year. Nova Scotia food banks saw a 20.9-per-cent increase in users from 2015, while Alberta and Saskatchewan both saw 17-per-cent increases. The economic shocks weve seen in western Canada have added to the long-term decline in well-paying jobs across the country, jobs that are being replaced by low-paying, precarious work, Pegg said. Food Banks Canada says the higher usage is also driven by the lack of government support for people who face uncertain prospects. Governments are failing to provide adequate supports to people who have fallen on hard times, Pegg said. It shows we need to break from the past in our approach to solving the problems of poverty, food and security and hunger. The report recommends the Liberal government, among other things, fast-track a poverty-reduction strategy and revamp the welfare system. Social assistance traps Canadians in poverty rather than helping them to escape it, the report says. It is based in a culture of suspicion and distrust rather than one of support and mutual aid. The report recommends that the bar be lowered in terms of the value of liquid assets a household is allowed to have while getting welfare, and that benefits not be reduced if welfare recipients are able to earn extra cash through work. For the longer term, it calls for creation of a basic income for Canadians that would be administered through the tax system, allowing governments to dismantle existing provincial/territorial social assistance bureaucracies. It also recommends the government strengthen an existing program to ensure northerners in isolated communities have access to nutritious food. Peggs organization represents 10 provincial associations and more than 500 affiliated food banks. The report is based on reports from food banks about the number of people who received groceries during March. Food Banks Canada has picked March as the period for its study because it is a routine month without any predictable high or low use patterns. However, Pegg said, the survey was conducted before the wildfires that ravaged northern Alberta. We are almost certain that food bank use is even higher than it was during the study period. SHARE: MONTREALPlans to build a housing development marketed to Muslim families in Quebec exist only on paper and in the mind of its promoter, but the project has already cast a long shadow over the province. The proposed 100-home Muslim community, to be located south of Montreal, has provoked fierce reactions among Quebecers, including Premier Philippe Couillard, who said Tuesday that it would undermine the social fabric and diversity of the province. Discrimination goes in both directions. Inclusion goes in both directions, he said. We prefer housing diversity as much for cultural communities as for religions. Its fundamental. But the man behind the project a 68-year-old accountant who was born a Christian in Egypt, voted Yes in Quebecs 1980 independence referendum, and converted to Islam at age 40 said his only goals were to help the cash-strapped become homeowners and to construct a happy place with neighbours and greenery for his own retirement. If I can create something where people because I created it feel closer to me and I have better relations with them, then Im making my 10 next years of life on this planet more enjoyable, Nabil Warda said in an interview. The Oct. 13 written proposal for the project that sparked the controversy was sent by Warda to members of the Islamic Community Centre in Brossard, south of Montreal. A formal meeting for interested families will be held this week, although the community centre issued a statement saying that it has no involvement in the project. We promote full integration within Quebec society, and we are proud Quebecers and Canadians, the statement said. The project aims to buy 100 hectares of land in the vicinity of Brossard. It says some organizers of the project are already inquiring about obtaining halal financing, so that individuals are not obliged to pay interest on a bank loan, which is against some interpretations of Islamic law. A lot of Muslims have hang-ups about interest. A lot of Muslims interpret bank interest as usury and consider it a very, very, very bad sin, Warda said. So a lot of people have $30,000, $40,000, $50,000, but if they need to buy a house at $150,000 they have to wait another 20 years. The written proposal also includes building common spaces for cooking, meeting and prayers, as well as lodging reserved for visitors. Nowhere is it written: Listen guys, we dont want any nasty Quebecois or Canadians in this place. We never said that. We never intended that. It is not even my way of thinking, Warda said. Raised as a Christian in Egypt, Warda came to Canada when he was 20 with the understanding that it was a country where human rights were respected. In the first referendum on Quebec sovereignty, in 1980, Warda voted in favour of independence. I wanted to leave, he said. I think that indicates a certain degree of integration, I guess. Coalition Avenir Quebec Leader Francois Legault, who is a critic of the project and who recently suggested that immigrants to the province should undergo a values test, urged Municipal Affairs Minister Martin Coiteux to give municipalities clear rules to ensure faith-based community housing projects cannot proceed. Adil Charkaoui, the Montreal-based co-ordinator of a group that draws attention to discrimination against Muslims, wrote on the groups Facebook page that there is a double standard when people accept the existence of Chinatown, Little Italy or predominately Jewish neighbourhoods, but demonize a project where Muslims would live together. Personally I dont support ghettoization, but I think that any community has the right to live where they wish so long as they dont discriminate against others, he wrote. Foudil Selmoune, the imam of the Al-Quba mosque in Brossard, said the backlash risks serving as fuel for religious extremists seeking to bolster their argument that Islam and Muslims have no place in western society. Warda said that he was naive to not anticipate the criticism that has emerged of his project in a province that has spent a decade debating reasonable accommodations for religious minorities and, just a few years ago, considered banning religious symbols for public sector workers. But he also believes that he has been swept up in a political storm that is swirling around the issues of Quebecois identity and the place of religion in modern society. Had I known that I would have had this reaction, I wouldnt have said Muslim but rather humanistic and then nobody would have cared and nobody would have cringed, he said. Read more about: SHARE: By PTI: misconception: Farooq Srinagar, Nov 16 (PTI) Hitting out at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today said that if he thinks the demonetisation move and the board exams would end the unrest in Kashmir Valley, it was a misconception and the "storm" would rise again. Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats remarks, Abdullah said if India became a Hindu Rashtra, Kashmir would not remain a part of the country. advertisement Speaking to reporters after a party function at NC headquarters Nawai Subh, he said, "If the Defence Minister thinks that by examination and change in currency (demonetisation), the storm, which has erupted here, will die down, then he has a misconception. This storm will not die down. Whatever they do, this storm is there and after exams, they will see that the storm will rise once again." Parrikar on Monday had said since the high-currency notes were demonetised, terror funding has come down to zero and there hasnt been stone-pelting on security forces. "I regret that he has given a very wrong statement. There is no doubt that children appeared in the examinations because they got a concession of 50 per cent (in the syllabus). Who gives 50 per cent concession? They thought they will pass because of the concession," Abdullah added. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also slammed the Narendra Modi dispensation over the demonetisation move, saying the Prime Ministers aim was to bury fake currency but the government did not think about problems to the poor who have to stand in queues for 24 hours and even then they dont get money. "They (government) should have thought over it before taking such a step and taken those measures so that people did not have to face these difficulties. They have created a tsunami in front of people and you are seeing the result of that. Im hopeful that its result will be bad for them (government) in the coming elections," Abdullah said. Referring to Bhagwats statement, he said government should take action against him for speaking against the Constitution. "According to the Constitution, India is a secular nation and not a Hindu Rashtra. If he says that it is a Hindu Rashtra, then he is speaking against the Constitution of India and the Centre should take action against him because every religion has an equal opportunity according to the Constitution. "If they want to keep saying this, then unfortunately, those people who were against the two-nation theory of Ali Mohammad Jinnah, this will breed doubts in people that perhaps Quaid-i-Azam (founder of Pakistan) was right and others were wrong," the NC president said. advertisement "If Bhagwat says that India is a Hindu Rashtra, then I want to tell Bhagwat that Kashmir will not remain a part of that India. Kashmir was with such India where every religion has equal rights," he said. He asked national leaders to speak against RSS in unison and "say the RSS propaganda is not acceptable to any party". "As long as India respects every religion in accordance with the Constitution, gives equal right to every person of every religion how small he may be, he has every right under that Constitution and if it is eroded, then be ready for a revolution which you will not be able to control. PTI SSB MIJ AAR --- ENDS --- OTTAWA Canadas electronic spies were asked to brief the Federal Court on their intelligence-gathering activities, the Star has learned. But the Communications Security Establishment declined to meet with federal judges earlier this year, saying an ongoing constitutional challenge prevented them from doing so. The request came from the same judge that found CSEs partner agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, illegally kept information on innocent people for almost a decade. In a strongly worded ruling released this month, Justice Simon Noel found CSIS kept the court in the dark about a program to retain and analyze data about innocent people between 2006 and 2016. The ruling gave an unprecedented look at CSISs Operational Data Analysis Centre, which for years had been storing data about non-threat individuals. While the information was intercepted legally, the court ruled it was illegal for CSIS to keep and analyze it indefinitely. The ruling came out of a briefing on the program by Noel for judges who approve CSIS warrants. In documents obtained by the Star, CSE chief Greta Bossenmaier was told that Noel requested a general educational briefing from her agency around the same time. But because of a constitutional challenge launched by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association against CSEs intelligence activities, currently before the court, the agency declined Noels invitation. A briefing to the Federal Court could have reasonably led to the perception from the public and the BCCLA that CSE may be attempting to influence the (courts) judgment or opinion as it related to this ongoing case, Lauri Sullivan, a spokesperson for the agency, said an email to the Star. It is important to note that CSE has provided briefings to Federal Court designated judges in the past, and would consider doing so again in the future (provided any conflict concerns are addressed as they relate to the ongoing BCCLA case). That case, launched in 2013 after U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowdens disclosures about mass surveillance programs, challenged CSEs bulk collection of metadata commonly described as data about data, such as mobile phone numbers, IP addresses, duration and locations of phone calls and unique identifiers of mobile devices. The BCCLA contends the very nature of bulk collection puts Canadians privacy rights at risk, according to the advocacy groups policy director Micheal Vonn. The case is proceeding behind closed doors, while a judge determines how much information about CSEs methods and techniques can be made public. But Vonn expects that process to wrap up this year, meaning public arguments could be heard in early 2017. A spokesperson for the Federal Court, Andrew Baumberg, said Justice Noels request to CSE was for a general educational briefing about their operations. Baumberg said there are no plans for future briefings, whether general in nature or specifically related to metadata collection. The Star requested comment from Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, the minister responsible for CSE, including whether he had any concerns about the agency declining to brief the judges, or any indication CSE data could have ended up in CSISs illegal database. In an email, a spokesperson for Sajjan said the minister is in regular communication with Bossenmaier about the agencys operations. The minister has regular conversations with the CSE chief and stays informed of CSE activities through these discussions, as well as through departmental briefings, and updates from the CSE Commissioner, wrote Jordan Owens. I am sure you understand that CSE cant get into specifics on operations, including data sharing. However, CSEs mandate allows for information sharing with Government of Canada partners under (those partners) lawful authority. SHARE: WASHINGTONCanada and Mexico reached out to each other while preparing similar public messages last week about being willing to engage U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in discussing amendments to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Sources say the two governments spoke by phone before Canada made its sudden announcement about NAFTA the day after the U.S. election comments later followed by a similar statement from Mexico. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto also spoke later in the week, after representatives of their respective governments kept each other abreast of their intentions. I had a nice conversation a number of days ago with President Pena Nieto, Trudeau confirmed during a news conference Wednesday. Our citizens expect us to work constructively together to advance our interests and thats exactly what were going to do. The day after Trumps election stunner, the Canadian government said it was ready to talk trade. U.S. ambassador David MacNaughton said every agreement can be improved, so Canada is ready to come to the table with ideas. He even suggested a possible change: adding softwood lumber to the agreement, so that the countries dont continue re-litigating the issue every few years. Softwood is on the list of things Trump might want adjusted in NAFTA, according to a purported transition memo obtained by CNN. Other issues on the list include currency manipulation, country-of-origin labelling and environmental and safety standards, the memo reportedly says. It also says that on Day 1 of his presidency, according to CNN, Trump will inform Canada and Mexico of his intention to change NAFTA or have it cancelled. The day after Canadas announcement, Mexicos foreign minister said her government was also ready to sit down and discuss NAFTA, its merits, and possible ways to modernize it, without renegotiating it entirely. The snap announcement caught some off-guard. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose suggested that with a self-styled killer negotiator as commander-in-chief, Canada had weakened its leverage by rushing to the table. Wow. That is some tough negotiating, Ambrose said sarcastically Wednesday, speaking to the Tory caucus. She alluded to Trumps reputation for taking a merciless, no-holds-barred approach to business deals. When it came to defending NAFTA, the most important trade agreement in Canadas history, before even being asked, Prime Minister Trudeau offered to open up and renegotiate NAFTA. But Canadian officials speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation said the move was carefully considered. First, it removes some of the drama from an early conversation. One official pointed out that NAFTA has been adjusted multiple times over the years with little suspense, tension, or even any public attention. Canada has been hoping for years to modernize NAFTAs visa rules considered out-of-date and cumbersome by companies that operate in both countries. NAFTA allows easy access to visas for a list of professions, but that list is more than two decades old and barely references jobs related to the digital economy. The idea that we would say, No, were not going to talk is unrealistic, one official said. Were always looking to improve agreements ... (Were always asking): How do you make trade work for regular people? He said Canada wanted to avoid an unnecessary first fight why antagonize, he said, the most important foreign partner without even sitting down to consider improvements that might benefit workers? All three panellists at a recent Canada-U.S. event at Johns Hopkins University said it was wise to get out early. The right thing to do is exactly what the prime minister has done that is to initiate discussion, to engage, right at the beginning, said Charles Doran, director of Canadian studies at the school. Its very important for Canada to get started with that conversation early. I think that was very smart. Dan Restrepo, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, said its important for Canada to maintain productive ties with the next president, even if it doesnt yet know what Trump wants. I think both governments have been wise in saying that they are open to (talking NAFTA), said Restrepo, the former principal adviser to Obama for Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. I think there is value in sitting down and even seeing what that conversation looks like. He offered Canada three pieces of advice in dealing with Trump: Engaging, engaging, engaging. Canada can exercise more international clout if it works constructively with Trump, added Christopher Sands of the universitys Center for Canadian Studies. Every negotiator knows the good-cop, bad-cop strategy, he said. I think theres a lot of room for Canada to play that role carefully. Read more about: SHARE: HIV/AIDS organizations that had project funding proposals rejected or scaled back by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) earlier this year breathed a temporary, cautious sigh of relief last week after learning they will receive transitional project funding until March 2018. But some say its just a Band-Aid solution. As the Star reported last month, several HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C community organizations historically funded by the federal government were told their proposals had been rejected or cut back just six months before their funding was to run out. For some of these organizations, the loss of project funding for next year was disappointing. For others, this represents the loss of an important source of funding which could impact the sustainability of the organizations and their work, Minister of Health Jane Philpott acknowledged in a statement released last Wednesday. At my direction, the agency has investigated options for helping these organizations . . . . As a result, currently funded organizations that were unsuccessful in the recent competition will have transitional project funding for another year, ending Mar. 31, 2018. All 42 organizations currently funded that had their funding proposals rejected, and the 15 or so that had their funding reduced, are eligible for transitional funding and have been contacted by PHAC, agency spokesperson Rebecca Gilman said in an email. The agency had already previously set aside $600,000 of its $26.4 million Community Action Fund as contingency funding, and PHAC is looking internally at (its) priorities for 2017-18 to determine what can be delayed in order to temporarily reallocate funding to the transition funding, Gilman said. PHAC will be asking the organizations to submit work plans and budgets that align with PHAC priorities and target populations, and will also be helping to facilitate or identify potential collaborations, partnerships and funding sources. The announcement is good news, said Terry Santoni, spokeperson for the Toronto-based Canadian Treatment Action Council (CTAC), but is only delaying what appears to be the inevitable. CTAC focuses on accessible, affordable treatment for people with HIV and Hepatitis C and was completely defunded. It looks like, at this point, well be looking at the same deficiencies in the prevention and treatment (community) after Mar. 31, 2018, probably for the two most burdensome infectious diseases in our country, Santoni said. The council, which focuses on accessible, affordable treatment for people with HIV and Hepatitis C, had its original funding proposal rejected. Its good news, but its not comprehensive, Santoni said. It doesnt help the patients or the people living with HIV or Hepatitis C on a long-term basis. The transitional funding is just a Band-Aid solution, Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) chief executive officer Ken Clement said. The network, which represents 26 member and associate member organizations that provide support for indigenous Canadians with HIV/AIDS, had its funding proposal reduced by two-thirds. My concern is: what happens after a year? Will we be in the same position? Thats the unanswered question right now, Clement told the Star from CAAN headquarters in Vancouver. Its great to have that commitment, but what happens after a year, and whats the long-term plan here? All Nations Hope Network CEO Margaret Poitras agreed. The network, the only indigenous AIDS organization in Saskatchewan, had its entire funding proposal was rejected. Saskatchewan has an infection rate comparable to countries in the developing world, and where indigenous people make up the majority of new cases. The fact that we want to go with some of the deep-rooted issues that are surfacing for (indigenous) people who are living with HIV/AIDS . . . . Its time, now, that we dont Band-Aid the solutions, Poitras said on the phone from Regina. We (can no longer) put Band-Aids on indigenous people, because the people are dying. Theyre not making it to the doors of care treatment and support to be on HIV medications to live. Theyre dying. While the Canadian AIDS Society is relieved by the announcement, the fight for us is not over, director Gary Lacasse said. CAS represents 85 community-based organizations. Were happy . . . that, at least, the minimum guarantee (is) that the government offered us one extra year of financing to get our ducks in a row, Lacasse said on the phone from Ottawa, . . . but, after 2018, or even from here to 2018, if we dont have the capacity to continue (working with at-risk populations), whos going to be serving those populations? Im just hoping were going to be able to serve the people we were serving prior to this whole kerfuffle. SHARE: OTTAWAThe federal Liberals are providing $25 million to a UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees that had its funding redirected by the previous Conservative government amid allegations of ties to Hamas. International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau made the announcement at a news conference and also during question period in the House of Commons news that was greeted by cries of shame from the opposition benches. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also known as UNRWA, lost its ongoing Canadian funding in 2010 amid allegations it was tied too closely to Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by Canada and others. Vic Toews, who was president of the federal Treasury Board at the time, reportedly said in 2010 that federal funding for the Palestinian Authority was not being reduced, but rather redirected in accordance with Canadian values. The government did provide $14 million in emergency food support to UNRWA in 2012. Bibeau said $20 million will go support education, health and social services for millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees, as well as urgent humanitarian assistance. An additional $5 million is being provided in response to the agencys appeal for help for those impacted by the crisis in Syria and its environs. Im horrified, said Conservative foreign affairs critic Peter Kent, who said there is ample proof that massive amounts of UN aid have been redirected to support Palestinian military efforts against Israel. We have abundant evidence that UNRWA is part of the problem. The government says the money will be accompanied by enhanced due diligence, including a very robust oversight and reporting framework that includes regular site visits and anti-terrorism provisions. Millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East have the right to receive basic services such as health care and to send their children to school, Bibeau said in a statement. We want to see Palestinian refugee children in classrooms where they can learn universal values of tolerance and respect. Vulnerable Palestinians deserve all the opportunities they can to contribute positively to their communities and Canadas funding will help to better the lives of millions of refugees. Conservative MP Andrew Scheer, one of several caucus members seeking to become the partys full-time leader, said humanitarian money should go to groups which focus on aid, not politics. UNRWA is an obstacle to achieving peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Scheer said in a statement. Bibeaus announcement touched off a flood of reaction from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide. David Cape, chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said his group respects the need to provide humanitarian aid to the region, but nonetheless has serious reservations about the UN agency in question and its alleged Hamas ties. Hamas is notorious for diverting funds and materials provided by the international community intended for humanitarian aid to terrorist purposes, Cape said in a statement. We have communicated our concerns about UNRWAs accountability and neutrality to the government and we appreciate both the governments acknowledgment of these concerns and the measures Canada has now put into place to ensure meaningful accountability and oversight. Refael Barak, Israeli ambassador to Canada, said his country is reassured that Canada is promising to keep an eye on how its money is used. He said UNRWA schools have been used to hide missiles and weapons for Hamas and other terrorist groups. Independent Jewish Voices Canada, which promotes a solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict through respect for international law and human rights, also welcomed Bibeaus announcement. After numerous years of Canada withholding funding, we are delighted to see that the Liberal government is committed to the well-being of millions of vulnerable Palestinian refugees through the restoration of funding to UNRWA, said spokesperson Tyler Levitan. Thomas Woodley, president of Montreal-based Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, said the decision indicates the Trudeau government has finally differentiated itself from the Harper government in regards to the Middle East. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version suggested that funding was cut as a result of alleged ties to Hamas, and did not mention that UNRWA received some aid from the federal government in 2012. Note on Nov. 18, 2016: This is a corrected article. A previously published version suggested that funding to the United Nations agency was cut as a result of alleged ties to Hamas, and did not mention that UNRWA received some aid from the federal government in 2012. SHARE: MARRAKECH, MOROCCO Quebecs premier is opposed to a developers controversial proposal to build a Muslim housing community on Montreals south shore. Philippe Couillard says the concept of segregated neighbourhoods runs counter to Quebec values of diversity and inclusiveness. The developer has faced a backlash since details emerged of his plan to build dozens of homes for Muslim families near Brossard, south of Montreal. Couillards health minister, who had previously said he had no problem with the idea, changed his tune on Tuesday. Gaetan Barrette, who represents the riding, told Radio-Canada he opposes any home sales based on religious affiliation. The developer, Nabil Warda, told Radio-Canada earlier this week that the thinking behind his project was not to build a Muslim ghetto but to offer low-cost housing to Muslim families, some of whom consider paying interest to be a sin. Warda, an accountant, said hes also not opposed to others living in the community. An actual area for the development has not been decided on just yet. If we listen to the critics, we never do anything, Warda told the CBCs French-language network. As long as Im criticized from the left and the right, I know Im on the right track. He is expected to present his plan to the local Islamic community centre on Friday. Speaking in Morocco, where he was attending an international conference on climate change, Couillard said it is important to oppose discrimination in all its forms. Discrimination can work in many ways, and inclusion can work in many ways, he said. We are in favour of mixed housing for cultural communities as well as for religious groups. Its fundamental for us. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAThe RCMP is lobbying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for more powers including access to digital information without warrants to investigate suspects who are hiding behind uncrackable encryption on their digital devices, a Toronto Star/CBC investigation has found. I can safely say that theres criminal activity going on every day thats facilitated by technology that we arent acting on, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson told the Toronto Star and CBC News in an exclusive interview. Were losing our ability, if we havent lost it entirely, to bring the traditional investigative response to technologically facilitated crime because of the misunderstanding, in my view, of the privacy threat. The RCMP has reached a point, Paulson said, that Canadians should think about where you go with that complaint because I dont know that we can help you. And thats a terrible thing for a person whos in charge of a police force to say when citizens, when companies, when corporate Canada, or indeed when the government comes to us and says, hey, weve been victimized on the Internet. An RCMP briefing document sent June 23 to Trudeaus national security adviser compares Canadian law enforcements digital investigative capabilities with four western countries and Canada stands alone. The country lacks police powers in six categories, including legal remedies for cracking encryption, intercepting communications and accessing suspects identities. The other countries Australia, the U.K., the U.S. and New Zealand are, with Canada, members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. When we come up against impediments to getting evidence . . . thats demoralizing, Paulson said. The Star/CBC investigation comes as the federal government is engaging in public consultation on Canadas anti-terror act, including a problem police call going dark the gradual disappearance of evidence behind digital brick walls. Its a deeply polarized debate. Police are calling for laws that would force suspects to provide access to their encrypted devices and compel telecommunications companies to create interception and data retention capabilities to assist investigations. Privacy advocates call these demands an evidence-free infringement of basic privacy rights. If we plan every law around a hypothetical ticking time bomb, it will be used in a lot of non-time-bomb scenarios, says Christopher Parsons, a technology and privacy researcher at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto. We know powers that are passed, often under the auspices of terror or something of that nature, are immediately used for potentially serious but far less serious crimes. The most controversial item on Paulsons wish list would allow police to collect basic subscriber information such as names and addresses from telecommunications companies without having to go to court for a warrant. Police view such searches as a basic investigative tool the first step in launching investigations into suspected terrorists, pedophiles or organized crime figures. Id like to see the ability of the police to call an Internet Service Provider or communications provider . . . and get the basic subscriber information, he said. Paulson concedes that such requests are dismissed by privacy advocates who cast him as a troglodyte who doesnt understand peoples privacy. Paulsons argument for warrantless access to basic subscriber information has already been heard and rejected. A 2014 Supreme Court ruling found Canadians have a reasonable expectation of online privacy in their basic subscriber information such as their names, addresses and IP addresses. In the absence of a law to the contrary, the ruling concludes, police should have to obtain a warrant. Police, who were previously able to get the information almost immediately, call that ruling a game-changer. Many officers say obtaining a warrant is a bureaucratic process that is so time-consuming it can undermine investigations. I dont think the consequences of that decision on policing and security (are) completely understood, Paulson said. The consequences are delayed, and sometimes, abandoned investigative efforts because we havent been able to meet a threshold. He points to what happens when police run licence plate numbers and get the owners name and address. Police want the same kind of ease searching ISP records. We keep records of all that and were accountable for that. I dont think its unreasonable. Privacy advocates reject the comparison. Basic subscriber information, which is connected to an IP address, reveals an incredible amount of information about the things that you do online, said Brenda McPhail, director of the Privacy and Technology Surveillance Project at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. It is not a trivial ask to say we just want warrantless access without any sort of supervision to this information which we have already shown in court to be sensitive and personal. Any powers handed to police come with the risk of abuse, said Citizen Labs Parsons. The solution is not to say, Its very hard for police, just trust us and let us sign off on our own warrants, he said. We know that police will over-exercise that power. In recent weeks, two cases of law enforcement overreaching their powers made scandalous headlines. Two weeks ago, a Federal Court judge denounced the national spy agencys monitoring and retention of information on thousands of Canadians and in Quebec, police forces admitted to intercepting and tracking cellphones belonging to at least 10 journalists. I cant sit here and say that its going to be a perfect, Paulson said. But when abuses occur, those responsible are held accountable, he said. Canadians can be persuaded that there is a reasonable, reliable administrative oversight mechanism, that it can be seen externally. Paulson is more cautious than many of his policing colleagues on the idea of compelling suspects to open up their phones or computers for police review a proposal tabled by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Its fraught, he said. Im not a lawyer, but I do know the dangers of conscripted evidence . . . . Given the current state of concerns and misunderstanding around privacy, I think were likely not to win too many arguments there. Yesterday, the Star and the CBC, which were given unprecedented access, reported the details of investigations that the RCMP say have been stonewalled by encrypted devices. Those disclosures and Paulsons rare interview are part of the forces attempt to get its message to Canadians about what he calls a high stakes debate. I feel I need to be educating folks to a fair understanding of what the challenge is, Paulson said. But more importantly, I feel responsible for the safety and security of Canadians in the face of this challenge. Robert Cribb can be reached at rcribb@thestar.ca SHARE: WINNIPEG First responders are dealing with overdoses every day in what has become a fentanyl crisis in Manitobas capital, the head of the citys firefighters union said Wednesday. Where before a paramedic would go to one or two overdoses a year, now were seeing firefighter-paramedics attending to overdoses every single day, Alex Forrest of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg said. Our guys and girls are going out to these calls and going to these events, and sometimes we have two or three individuals that were reviving that are on the verge of cardiac arrest because of the fentanyl use. Forrests remarks came hours after two women and one man were found dead inside a home in a residential neighbourhood in the citys northwest. A white powder was found inside the home. Police said they suspected the powder might be fentanyl a synthetic opioid or its much more powerful cousin carfentanil. Lab tests on the powder are expected to take a few weeks. Police and health officials across North America say fentanyl poses a serious threat to public safety. The opioid is used as a painkiller for terminally ill cancer patients and is 100 times more powerful than heroin. The British Columbia government declared a public health emergency in April because of a dramatic increase in overdose deaths in the province, much of them caused by fentanyl. A new liquid form of the drug turned up this year in Hamilton, Ont. Carfentanil a drug so strong that a dose the size of a few grains can be fatal was first found in Winnipeg in the summer when police raided a hotel room and found 1,477 doses. Last month, a nine-month-old boy was rushed to hospital after being exposed to it. Police say carfentanil can be mixed in with other drugs such as cocaine or crystal meth, so users may not even be aware they are ingesting it. This type of incident is on everyones minds, Const. Rob Carver said. Its changing the landscape of how we work and how first responders work. Winnipeg police warned drug users in September to have a naloxone overdose prevention kit on hand when using carfentanil, fentanyl or heroin. The kits can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies, and opioid users can get them for free through a program run by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The Bear Clan Patrol, a volunteer group that walks inner-city streets in Winnipeg and keeps an eye on some of the citys most vulnerable citizens, recently had its members trained on how to administer naloxone. Sheri Fandrey, who has a PhD in pharmacology and works at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, said some drug users, especially younger ones, are not likely to heed the many warnings about the dangers of fentanyl and carfentanil. When were talking about younger people, theyre probably still under that illusion of invincibility, or the (belief that) Oh, Im only going to try it once, and they never get a chance to try it a second or third time. Forrest, whose union is planning to launch a public awareness campaign about the drug this week, said fentanyl and carfentanil are not just inner-city drugs. The deaths Wednesday occurred in a suburban area of single-family homes. We are seeing this in all areas of the city. Read more about: SHARE: Publish and be damned, Julian Assange declared from diplomatic asylum on Election Day in America. So damn you, Julian Assange. Darling of the left, Assange has transformed himself into a hero of the alt-right. Theyve been singing his hosannas since the drip-drip-drip release of hacked emails and internal memos that served to vilify Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party, most harmfully in the final weeks leading up to November 8. WikiLeaks, the raw data site of which Assange is founder and executive editor, purports to be a cipher for truth and transparency, ideologically neutral. But the mission has been warped irredeemably, as evidenced by the glee heaped upon its un-filtered disclosures by Team Donald Trump and his coalition of the haters. In the annals of overt political interference, Assange has forever secured himself a place amongst rogues and reprobates, mutilating citizen activism into partisan pitch-forking, more concerned with influencing the electorate against Clinton than neutral enlightenment. I love WikiLeaks, Trump proclaimed at an October rally in Pennsylvania. And why would he not champion this cannon of loose fodder who conservative commentators had earlier demanded be prosecuted for treason? A berserk ally now in the change-lobsters-and-dance internet wars that fostered demonization of Clinton on social media masquerading as journalism. On the morning after Trumps victory, trending on Twitter was an email allegedly released by WikiLeaks hashmarked #SpiritCooking. While spirit cooking apparently refers to performance artist Marina Abramovics cookbook of recipes to promote thoughts and ideas, WikiLeaks tweeted that it involved blood, sperm and breastmilk, with many on Twitter pouncing on the definition to accuse Clinton of devil worship. Thats how kooky this election has been. Nothing goes out on WikiLeaks without Assanges approval. He has shown his colours. One of Trumps key unofficial advisors, Roger Stone, admitted to NBC News a month ago that he had advance warning about the last tranche of emails through back-channel communications with WikiLeaks via an Assange mutual friend. This is the same Stone who claimed Ted Cruz father was involved in the Kennedy assassination and said Bernie Sanders should be shot for treason. While cleaving to the high road of a whistle-blowing Robin Hood, Assange himself made no secret of his anti-secrecy organizations strong tilt against Clinton, making it abundantly clear in a June interview with Britains ITV network that he hoped to damage the Democratic candidates chances of winning the presidency. Australian-born Assange, engaged in a long-running battle with the Obama administration, described the then-pending email splash (Part I) just before the Democratic convention, as great stuff, strongly suggested he opposed Clintons candidacy on policy grounds and, further, viewed her as a personal foe. He accused Clinton, specifically, as being among those who connived to indict him after WikiLeaks spewed out a quarter- million diplomatic cables while she was secretary of state. (Those were the cables leaked by Pvt. Chelsea Manning, then known as Bradley Manning, who is now serving a 35-year sentence for Espionage Act violations.) But Assange while not physically setting foot outside the Ecuador Embassy in London where he was granted asylum more than four years ago after breaking the house-arrest conditions attached to an international warrant for alleged sexual assault in Sweden has traveled a long road from the paragon of virtue he once espoused to be, just as WikiLeaks has strayed far from its founding principles. The last batch of hackery installments were emails some 58,000 in all -- stolen from the accounts of John Podesta, Clintons campaign chair. Though the documents disclosed some of the nastiness inside the campaign only political naifs would be shocked -- and were cringe-inducing in their exposure of fawning by journalists to gain insider access, there was in fact no bombshell as Assange had advertised. Embarrassing and candid, yes, at their worst confirming that Clinton had been lucratively paid for private speeches delivered to banks and other Wall Street institutions. But no malfeasance, no corruption and certainly nothing criminal. They did feed into Trumps false narratives, however, which many are convinced was Assanges core intent, unloaded without fact-checking, nuance or context to sway voters. What should have boomeranged more damagingly, but didnt, was the likelihood that the material arrived at WikiLeaks courtesy of sinister forces. U.S. authorities have concluded that the digital files were taken by hackers affiliated and associated with Russian intelligence and security agencies. That puts Assange and WikiLeaks in collusion with a foreign government to influence the American election. On election eve, Assange felt the need to defend himself, claiming hed come under enormous pressure to stop publishing the Clinton campaign documents. Millions of Americans have pored over the leaks and passed on their citations to each other and to us, he wrote. It is an open model of journalism that gatekeepers are uncomfortable with, but which is perfectly harmonious with the First Amendment. He has denied any links to Russia in obtaining the material but hasnt said where or how WikiLeaks came into possession. In his jaw-dropping megalomania, Assange has cast himself, instead, as the gatekeeper. Not one word about Trump on WikiLeaks. Never once has Assange taken ownerships of the sites grievous misdeeds. As U.S.-based scholar Zeynep Tufekci wrote in the New York Times last week, WikiLeaks has fueled viral misinformation on social media. Data dumps by WikiLeaks have outed rape victims and gay people in Saudi Arabia, private citizen emails and personal information in Turkey, and the voicemail messages of Democratic National Committee staff members. Mass data releases, like the Podesta emails, conflate things that the public has a right to know with things we have no business knowing. Ecuador was so concerned by what its government saw as a blatant attempt to impact the election that the embassy shut off Assanges internet access a month ago. The Government of Ecuador respects the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states, it said in an Oct. 18 statement. It does not interfere in external electoral process, nor does it favor any particular candidate. A little late and a whole lot short. But the Ecuadorans are palpably sick of the Assange deadlock; probably rue giving him sanctuary at the embassy. For the past two days, it was an Ecuadoran prosecutor putting questions to Assange at his bolt-hole, queries pre-submitted by Swedish deputy chief prosecutor Ingrid Isgren. Its been six years since Assange was accused of rape by a woman in Stockholm (a second alleged sexual assault was dropped because of delay deadline.) This is the format Assange demanded. Isgren, according to agreements between the two countries, was permitted to ask for clarification of answers but could not put fresh questions to the accused. Assange has not been formally charged with any offense and has claimed his innocence throughout. Taking refuge in the embassy was his way of avoiding what he feared would be extradition from Sweden to the U.S. over the WikiLeaks dissemination of classified documents. It is for the Swedes to decide whether the fugitive should stand trial on the sexual assault charge, should the embassy ever jettison their guest. But in the world of misinformation manipulation, Julian Assange is manifestly no innocent. Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Read more about: SHARE: A 35-year-old man died after sustaining injuries caused by an elevator at the One King West Hotel in downtown Toronto on Tuesday evening, police and paramedics said. Toronto Police Services responded after receiving a call around 7:30 p.m. that someone had been injured at King St. and Yonge St. Police Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook said that the injuries were caused by an elevator. Police described it as an industrial accident. Toronto Paramedic Services pronounced the man dead on the scene. The circumstances of the death are under police investigation. The Ministry of Labour was contacted, police said. Police did not confirm whether the man was a guest or an employee of the hotel. A representative of the One King West Hotel declined to comment. SHARE: There is no silver bullet for families separated on the basis of flawed hair drug and alcohol tests at the Hospital for Sick Childrens Motherisk laboratory. As the ongoing review of thousands of child protection cases identifies a growing number of cases where a decision to remove a child relied too heavily on the faulty hair tests, each family is being faced with its own, inherently fraught, set of choices. These are going to be very difficult cases, said Lorne Glass, lead counsel for the Motherisk Commission of Inquiry. Youre moving to set aside (court) orders that are old, where a child . . . might not have ever known a parent. The remedies, although in many cases are available, are going to be hard to obtain. After reviewing roughly a quarter of the estimated 2,000 cases it expects to receive, Glass said the commission has so far identified 17 where Motherisk tests played a significant role. The early outcome of those cases shows the limited nature of the solutions available to Motherisk victims, and the challenges facing the commission tasked with setting these victims on a path to justice. Although in all 17 cases, the commission believes there is a legal remedy the family could seek, only one has so far successfully petitioned for reunification. In that case, a mother whose child was the subject of a closed adoption went to court with the Catholic Childrens Aid Society and won an openness order, granting her some degree of access to her child, Glass said. In another case, the mother is now engaged in mediation with the adoptive parents and the Childrens Aid Society. Theres co-operation for all the parties, and hopefully that will get a good result for that child, Glass said. In one case, legal action isnt necessary because the children are now in their mid-20s, and have already reconnected with their mother. The families in two other cases have contacted lawyers, he said. But not every parent is willing or able to reignite old battles. There is a case where the mother has died. And there are two other cases where the parents have chosen not to take any steps, Glass said. In one of those cases, the mother is well aware of how well her children are doing, and she doesnt want to disrupt them, he said. In the other . . . the mother is not doing that well, and she believed she was not in the position where she could parent. In the nine remaining cases, the commission has not yet made contact with the affected families, because addresses in old Childrens Aid Society files are often outdated, he said, adding that the commission continues to reach out through other means, including Facebook. Weve had a lot of trouble finding people, he said. Until it was shut down last year, Motherisk was heavily relied upon by child welfare agencies across Canada as a trusted provider of hair drug and alcohol tests. In Ontario alone, the results were used in thousands of child protection cases as evidence of parental substance abuse, and typically went unchallenged. That changed in late 2014, when a court of appeal decision questioned the reliability of Motherisks results in a criminal case, and a Star investigation revealed that prior to 2010, the lab had been using a test that fell short of the gold standard. The province established the commission on the recommendation of a damning independent review, which analyzed a decades worth of Motherisk hair tests, and found the results to be inadequate and unreliable. Led by retired judge Judith Beaman, the commission has so far reviewed more than 500 cases involving Motherisk testing it considers to be high priority, such as cases where a closed adoption is currently being contemplated or has recently been ordered. Cases come before the commission in a variety of ways, including via Childrens Aid Societies and at the request of individual families. Relying primarily on the court file, the commission determines whether Motherisk results played a significant role in the decision. In such cases, the family is informed and offered a variety of resources, including counselling and legal aid funding to pursue the case in court. It is a process that has frustrated some affected families. On Monday, a Toronto Divisional Court dismissed the applications of three mothers who were seeking a judicial review of the commissions work in their cases. Their lawyer, Julie Kirkpatrick, argued in court that the mothers feel shut out of the review of their cases, having been denied notice by the commission and the opportunity to participate. The commission argued the applications were premature or moot, because, among other reasons, the women had not yet exercised their right to ask the commission to reconsider its decision in their cases. According to Kirkpatrick, however, the right to request reconsideration, as well as other important details about the commissions processes, were not made public until after she filed the application for judicial review this summer. It shouldnt have taken that, Kirkpatrick said in an interview. My clients know that there is no quick fix. They know the Motherisk issues are really a disaster, and that the issues are very hard to untangle. Thats why you have to go back to the process, so that people who are already suffering know what to expect. In court on Monday, Kirkpatrick said the commission should inform every family whose case is reviewed, regardless of the outcome. Questioned by the panel of judges on this point, the lawyer for the commission, William McDowell, explained the policy as a matter of resource allocation. However, Glass offers a different rationale: Many of these people dont want to relive the awful circumstances they were living in at that time. They dont want to have that brought home to them yet again. Read more about: SHARE: By PTI: Jammu, Nov 16 (PTI) Asserting that Kashmiri children should take part in development of India, veteran actor Nana Patekar said they must focus on education. "I want to tell the children of Kashmir that they should read, write and learn and come to the mainstream," Patekar said while pointing towards the unrest in the Valley which has witnessed a series of incidents in which the educational institutes were set ablaze and pelted. advertisement Patekar, who was on a visit to a BSF school interacted with the students and asked them to "shun violence". On being asked about school children involved in stone pelting incidents, he said, "By doing this, you cannot build your career. They should learn. Come to the mainstream and contribute in nation building." "They (Kashmir students) should first understand that this (India) is their own country and then everything will be resolved," he said. PTI AB AYP SHD --- ENDS --- Striking Peel Childrens Aid Society workers are in their ninth week on the picket line with no resolution in sight after the agency rejected the unions call to send outstanding issues to binding arbitration. Peel CASs refusal to consider what we believe is the best solution to this impasse calls into question both their motivation for prolonging this strike, as well as their commitment to the families we serve, said intake worker Sonia Yung, president of CUPE local 4914. The union, which represents 435 members in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, requested binding arbitration on Monday. The workers walked out Sept. 18 over issues of personal safety and workload. In an open letter to employees, Peel Childrens Aid Society CEO Rav Bains said the agency would not agree to arbitration at this time because it would force a resolution on unionized staff. We believe it is important that those who actually work at our agency come to an agreement on the terms and conditions of employment, rather than having a third-party impose them, he said in the letter posted on the agencys website Monday. Arbitration removes your opportunity to have a say on your own collective agreement. But CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn dismissed Bains concern for workers. If Peel CAS feels so strongly that their position on the outstanding issues is the right one, then they shouldnt be afraid to put that position before a neutral third party for arbitration, Hahn said in a statement. At a membership meeting Wednesday, workers overwhelmingly rejected a motion to vote on the agencys final offer mailed to workers on Oct. 26. Of 325 members at the meeting, 95 per cent voted against the motion, Jung said. As a result of the strike, the agencys 120 non-unionized supervisors and managers, along with about 80 replacement workers from other agencies, have been handling only essential services, including investigations involving children at risk of abuse or neglect, court appearances and supporting families with open files. A 2014 study on workplace safety by the Ontario Association of Childrens Aid Societies found that 27 per cent of child protection workers had experienced assault while 45 per cent reported a threat to themselves or their families. The union wanted their agency to accept the report and agree to implement its 46 recommendations to reduce workers exposure to physical and emotional harm. However Peel CAS said it couldnt agree to the unions demand because the Ontario association is still working with the ministry on final recommendations for the field. The issue was resolved last month when both sides agreed to wait for the Ontario associations final recommendations and allow the Peel agencys joint health and safety committee to advise senior management on implementation. The issue of legal support for front-line staff involved in civil and criminal cases has also been settled. However workload issues remain. Yung said most childrens aid societies set a caseload cap. But in Peel, caseloads range from between 14 to 17 new cases per month with no cap. I have seen my colleagues having to juggle as many as 30 (cases) when new cases are added to the ongoing case files, Yung said in an interview. By contrast, the Childrens Aid Society of Toronto sets a range of between nine and 12 new cases per month with a cap of no more than 16 active cases at any time, Yung said. The union wants Peel to reduce the number of new cases to 16 in any 30-day period in addition to any ongoing cases. We believe our proposal is quite reasonable, she said. The agency has rejected it as unmanageable. In an earlier online statement, Bains said the unions proposal would mean the agency would have to hire more staff at a cost of between $1 million and $2 million annually at a time when the agencys annual operating costs are already $1 million more than it receives in provincial funding. Concern over variances in worker caseloads and the resulting consistency in care in the provinces 47 privately-run childrens aid societies was raised in last years provincial auditors report. Setting benchmarks for how many cases child protection workers can effectively handle was also a recommendation of the Katelynn Sampson inquest earlier this year. The 7-year-old Toronto girl was beaten to death by her guardians in 2008. As the strike drags on, families and children are suffering, Yung said. Our workers have been receiving calls, emails and texts from clients and school board staff, Yung said. We know (agency supervisors and replacement workers) are not able to keep up. Several former children in the care of the Peel society have written open letters urging the sides to settle. One youth noted that regular meetings with case workers are often the only. . . opportunity they get to let someone know if things are not alright. A current child in foster care with mental health issues and expressing suicidal thoughts emailed a worker on the picket line pleading for counselling services that were promised but never provided. An agency spokeswoman acknowledged replacement staff are not able to provide the same level of service as unionized workers. But Lucie Baistrocchi said the care and safety of children and youth remain a priority. If any of our striking workers hear from a youth who needs urgent services it is their obligation to contact the agency immediately, she said in a statement. If any of our youth are in need of urgent services they are encouraged to contact the agency. The two sides havent met since Oct. 26 when the agency submitted its final offer. On Nov. 9, a provincially-appointed mediator refused the unions call for a resumption of talks due to the unions refusal to accept the agencys final offer. The union called for binding arbitration on Monday. With files from Sammy Hudes SHARE: Jordan Peterson, a professor at the University of Toronto who gained national attention last month when he refused to use gender neutral pronouns, will take part in a debate on Saturday to discuss Bill C-16 and the gender provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Peterson previously took issue with the Ontario Human Rights Commissions definition of gender identity, which is described as a persons sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum, and Bill C-16, federal legislation that would change the Canadian Human Rights Code and Criminal Code, making discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression illegal. He argued that it was a matter of free speech. I dont believe that its intelligent and appropriate for the government to mandate the words that its citizens should speak, Peterson told the Star. The debate, which will deal with these issues, has already led to some backlash on the University of Toronto campus. The Queer Caucus of CUPE 3902, which is the trade union that represents 7,000 sessionals, TAs (teaching assistants), and other contract instructional staff at the U of T, according to their website, wrote an open letter urging members of the University community to boycott the event. The letter stated that human rights are not up for debate. It is clear to us that Professor Peterson is attempting to cloak his fear of transgender people under the guise of scholarly expertise, protected under the aegis of academic freedom, yet his academic work is not the study of gender, the letter read. In the debate, Peterson will be joined by Mary Bryson, a professor of education at the University of British Columbia and Brenda Cossman, a professor of law at the University of Toronto. The debate will be moderated by Mayo Moran, another professor of law at the University of Toronto. It will run from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. and take place in the Sandford Fleming Building on the University of Toronto campus. Tickets are free and available to members of the University community. But a live webcast will be broadcast on the Universitys website. Peterson tweeted that there will be a live stream of the debate on his personal YouTube channel. Media relations director Althea Blackburn-Evans previously told the Star that academic freedom is [the University of Torontos] reason for being in many ways. She added: The universitys mandate is to foster discussion and debate around topics that can often be very controversial. SHARE: Democracy is coming to regional government in Ontario. The chairs of regional councils, in places such as Peel, York, and Niagara, will be directly elected in 2018 under new legislation introduced at Queens Park on Wednesday. Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro said the change will help strengthen local governments and enhance their ability to serve the residents of their communities. While the regional chairs of Durham, Halton, and Waterloo are already elected by voters, those at the helm of Peel, York, Niagara and Muskoka are appointed by local councillors. That has led to controversy in the past. In Peel Region two years ago, regional chair Frank Dale cast the tie-breaking vote for himself over rival John Sanderson to win a job that came with a salary of $184,898. The mayors of the second and third largest cities in the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga and Brampton, respectively, were divided on Wednesdays changes. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie blasted the new law, saying it was neither wanted nor needed. This is a solution to a problem we do not have, said Crombie, questioning the expense of the new system. We need to know whether or not there will be increased costs to taxpayers to administer the election process for a directly elected regional chair and how much staffing and administrative costs will increase to support someone representing well over 1 million people at Peel council, she said, suggesting the new law may affect Mississaugas decision to remain in Peel. But Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey welcomed the legislation. The Region of Peel currently chooses our chair through a flawed and undemocratic process, said Jeffrey, noting for years she has been calling for an open and democratic vote for our chair in the same way we elect other political representatives. York Region Chair Wayne Emmerson, an appointee, said he is ready to put his name on a ballot in 2018. It is my intention to run for regional chair in the next municipal election if the legislation passes, said Emmerson. The only exception to the new law will be Oxford County. Thats because, unlike other regional municipalities, its head is chosen by elected councillors from their own ranks, so there is no separate seat that could be directly elected. As part of Wednesdays legislative changes, the government will incorporate Liberal MPP Daiene Verniles private members bill that would mean municipal councillors who give birth or adopt a child will no longer need councils approval for parental leave. Under the existing law, councillors who miss meetings for three months can lose their seats unless they seek permission for time off from their colleagues. Im pleased to be working to help more parents, and especially women, get involved in politics, said Vernile (Kitchener-Centre). Accommodating parents at the local level sends a strong message that municipal politics can be family-friendly. Also in the new legislation will be a requirement for all municipalities to have a code of conduct for council members and local boards. SHARE: HANOI, VIETNAMBritains Prince William has arrived on his first visit to Vietnam where he will take part in an international conference on illegal wildlife trade in the fight to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered species from extinction. The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of United for Wildlife, will meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vice-President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on Wednesday before attending the two-day conference starting Thursday in Hanoi. He knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation, the Princes office said in a statement Tuesday. On Saturday, Vietnamese authorities destroyed 2,253 kilograms of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns, sending a message that the government wants illegal wildlife trafficking stopped. Vietnam is one of the worlds major transit points and consumers of trafficked ivory and rhino horns. The Hanoi conference on illegal wildlife trade will bring together leaders and senior officials from more than 40 countries as well as experts from international wildlife conservation groups. The conference is the third of its kind after the one held in London in 2014 and another in Botswana last year. SHARE: NEW YORKHidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with vice-president-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced she was quitting the transition effort. And an apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump teams ability to co-ordinate with President Barack Obamas White House. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. With no public statements from Trump on the transition itself, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nations top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trumps transition team was reviewing Giulianis paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the countrys nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch has slowed Trumps ability to co-ordinate with the White House. Pence has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pences promotion makes it invalid. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trumps team are fighting for power. Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centres in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them equal partners. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. That organization right now is not designed to work, according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trumps team on Twitter, calling them angry, arrogant. Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trumps team, he had changed my recommendation. Meanwhile, Trump made time to call New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to pass on his sympathies for the powerful earthquake there that killed two people. In the call, which was announced not by Trumps office but by Keys, the two also discussed New Zealands economy and trade issues. With Trumps team divided, emboldened Republicans on Capitol Hill moved forward with a united front. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter during the campaign, unanimously won his GOP colleagues votes for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had Trumps support, and heralded the dawn of a new, unified Republican government. Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trumps efforts to heal the nation seriously. Trumps team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trumps selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take U.S. foreign policy. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, a loyal Trump ally and immigration hard-liner, is said to be a contender for defence secretary. Trump also is considering Richard Grenell as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, which would bring some experience and diversity to his nascent administration. Grenell, who served as U.S. spokesman at the UN under President George W. Bush, would be the first openly gay person to fill a Cabinet-level foreign policy post. Read more about: SHARE: A key UN committee approved a resolution Tuesday condemning Russias temporary occupation of Crimea and reaffirming the United Nations commitment to Ukraines sovereignty over the Black Sea peninsula. Russia urged the General Assemblys Human Rights Committee to vote against the resolution, but it was approved by a vote of 73-23 with 76 abstentions. The resolution is virtually certain to be adopted by a similar vote when it comes before the 193-member assembly next month. The draft resolution condemns abuses and discrimination against the residents of the temporarily occupied Crimea, including the Crimean Tatars. The Crimean Tatars are a Turkic ethnic group that formed in the Crimean Peninsula in the 13th-17th centuries. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 following the ouster of Ukraines former Moscow-friendly president after months of protests a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A pro-Russia insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month. A February 2015 agreement has helped reduce fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces, but frequent clashes have erupted and efforts to reach a political settlement have stalled. The draft resolution urges Russia to immediately end all abuses against Crimea residents including arbitrary detentions, torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, and to revoke all discriminatory legislation. It calls on Russia to release Ukrainians who were illegally detained, and to allow cultural and religious institutions to reopen. And it urges Russia to immediately revoke the Supreme Courts Sept. 29 decision declaring the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, the self-governing body of the Crimean Tatars, an extremist organization and banning it. Ukraines Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya told the committee before the vote that the resolutions main goal is to ensure that Russia fully complies with its obligations as an occupying power. After Russia occupied Crimea, the human rights situation has deteriorated sharply with extra judicial killings, intimidation, arbitrary detentions, torture and abuses to the freedom of expression, Kyslytsya said. Anatoly Viktorov, who heads the Russian Foreign Ministry department dealing with human rights, called the resolution politically motivated, saying the people of Crimea chose to vote in a historic referendum to reunite with Russia. The draft is one-sided, he said. It completely ignores the negative impact that the actions of Ukrainian authorities have had on the residents of Crimea. Viktorov said Crimean residents have all the means of judicial protection that are accorded to Russian citizens and the same human rights. But rights groups have raised concerns over freedom of speech and association in Crimea. Local authorities have banned at least two Crimean Tatar leaders from entering the peninsula, shut down Crimean Tatar media outlets, and prohibited peaceful gatherings. U.S. deputy ambassador Sarah Mendelson said Russia wants to make sure only one voice is heard in Crimea Russias. States should not have to fear that a neighbour, however powerful, will seize their territory, she said. Read more about: SHARE: WASHINGTONIn the days following the election, university campuses across the U.S. erupted in rallies and marches. College counsellors offered healing spaces and meditation sessions to help students cope with postelection trauma. Some professors even cancelled classes or allowed students to opt out of tests. One lawmaker in Iowa says he finds this whole hysteria to be incredibly annoying. Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican, plans to introduce a bill that echoes the eye-rolling frustration expressed by many who think colleges are coddling their students, or so-called snowflakes. Hes referring to the piece of legislation as the suck it up, buttercup bill, and he hopes to introduce it when the legislature resumes in January, the Des Moines Register reported. The bill would take aim at state universities that offer election-related sit-ins and grief counselling beyond the resources normally available to students. Those colleges that use taxpayer dollars to fund these extra programs would be subject to a budget cut for double the amount they spend. Kaufmann said he had heard of four or five schools in other states that were staffing grief counsellors in zones where kids can come cry out their sensitivity. People have the right to be hysterical, Kaufmann said. On their own time. The legislation would also create new criminal penalties for protesters who shut down highways, Kaufmann told the Des Moines Register. Kaufmann, who is serving in his second term in the Iowa House, is a crop and livestock farmer who works on his familys eight-generation farm. He operates a steel-hauling, construction and demolition business, and is a member of the Farm Bureau and National Rifle Association, among other groups, according to a biography on the Iowa House Republicans website. A number of public colleges in Iowa held events to help students discuss and deal with the election results. But at least three of those Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa confirmed they are not spending any additional state resources to run the programs, the Des Moines Register reported. I think universities are the perfect place to have these types of conversations, said Scott Ketelsen, director of university relations at the University of Northern Iowa. Its where people learn. Its where they share ideas. I dont consider it coddling. The Iowa lawmakers idea for the bill received mixed reactions on Twitter: On Tuesday, a day after the Des Moines Register reported on Kaufmanns plans, the University of Iowa took to Twitter to encourage students to call counselling services if they were seeking any sort of help: We are a caring community that values compassion, inclusion, respect, and dignity. #uiowa Kaufmanns plans followed a debate over the extent to which college campuses should provide additional resources or exemptions to help students cope with what some see as emotional postelection trauma. At the University of Michigan Flint, students were informed of counselling services in three separate emails over a span of five hours. At the University of California San Diego, a three-hour Talk It Out event gave students the opportunity to hash out their feelings with a doctor with Counselling and Psychological Services, the College Fix reported. And a note posted on Facebook and Twitter the morning after the election by Purdue Universitys student government president incited a slew of negative comments. The Purdue Student Gov account tweeted a template note that grieving students could send to a professor to request an extension, cancellation or excused absence for that days assignment. This is an instance in which I feel I need to take time for myself to heal after what was a traumatic evening last night, the note template wrote. The president later apologized. A sophomore at Duke University posted a similar draft email in the All Duke Facebook page. Responses to the note from Purdues Student Government called it intensely pathetic and told students to grow up. Poor little snowflakes. Run to your safespaces. Life didnt go your way, one comment wrote. In light of this dialogue, and of an article in The Washington Post about postelection shock among Yale University students, one economics professor at Yale retorted that his students dont melt. The professor, Steven Berry said the day after the election, he allowed his students to choose to opt out of the second midterm for personal reasons and transfer the weight of the exam entirely onto the final exam. While some of his students did email him expressing fear of personal consequences as a result of the election, almost all of the students showed up for the test the following day. It was hard and most students took the full 75 minutes, Berry wrote. No crying, no whining, no excuses. The Iowa lawmaker also criticized some of the protests and rallies that took place across the state and country in the days after the election. He called out protesters who closed Interstate Highway 80 in Iowa City during a rally against President-elect Donald Trump last week. Kaufmann said he plans to establish a law enforcement task force to consider options on how to address the issue and create tougher criminal penalties for those who disturb traffic. Officers now could potentially charge protesters with certain violations, but Kaufmann said many have told him theyd like clarity on the issue, the Des Moines Register reported. I have no issue with protesting, he said. In fact, I would go to political war for anyone who wanted to protest or dissent and they couldnt. But you cant exercise your constitutional right by trampling on someone elses. SHARE: The appointment of Stephen Bannon, the former executive director of the Breitbart News Network, as chief White House strategist and senior counsel in the incoming administration of its still hard to say it Donald J. Trump is a gift to some and a frightening threat to a great many others. David Duke, former imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, for instance, is quite pleased. He declared Bannon an excellent choice. The chairman of the American Nazi Party says the installation of the far-right ideologue so close to the Oval Office shows that Trump is for real. White nationalists and neo-Nazis the nation over rejoiced. For Bannon, who ran Trumps campaign, these bedfellows are far from strange. As the head of Breitbart, he oversaw the flagship publication of the so-called alt-right movement, a loose network of mostly white men who see civil rights as a zero-sum game and feel oppressed by the advances made in recent decades by women, people of colour and the LGBT community. The movements members promote white supremacy and misogyny, harassing people of colour and women in the darkest corners of the internet. And few corners are darker than Bannons former website Breitbart News, a troll-inhabited hellscape of ignorance, misinformation and hate. Yet this purveyor of bigotry, a man who has called on the Republicans to turn on the hate, who has been slammed for holding anti-Semitic views, who has seemed to insinuate that black people are naturally aggressive and violent, who has been accused of multiple domestic assaults, will wield enormous influence in the White House. For those who wanted to believe Trump when he said he will be president for all Americans, Bannons appointment is a terrible blow. The move is a tacit endorsement of the race-baiting rhetoric that helped propel Trump to the White House and which has contributed to a surge in hate crimes and racially motivated harassment since election night. The message Trump is sending has implications beyond the United States. The bigotry let loose by his campaign knows no borders. Several posters popped up in Toronto this week calling on white people sick of being blamed for all the worlds problems to join the alt-right movement. On Monday, an Ottawa rabbi woke up to find an anti-Semitic slur and a swastika spray-painted on her front door. In another part of the city, a school was defaced with the Nazi insignia and the letters KKK. People feel emboldened right now to promote their white supremacist view, Marilyn Mayo, a research fellow at the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism, told the Star. They feel that the movement has been embraced and is getting into the mainstream. Thats the dangerous result of Trumps campaign, which unleashed and legitimized racism, misogyny, homophobia and anti-Semitism south of the border and, to some still-unknown extent, here, too. By offering Bannon a prominent post in his administration the president-elect has sent a clear signal that hate will remain on the agenda. Its the alt-rights dream come true. For the rest of us, its a nightmare. Read more about: SHARE: Re: If Trump kills NAFTA, Canada could benefit, Nov. 11 If Trump kills NAFTA, Canada could benefit, Nov. 11 Thomas Walkoms column was spot on. As the world comes to terms with regime change in Washington, the Trudeau government must chart a new economic course. Canada has an outstanding opportunity to move forward in a bold, new direction. Here are some things to ponder: 1. Admit that the neo-liberal experiment is dead. Even the IMF concedes the ideology is oversold. We need a new mindset. Its time to try new economic approaches that support technological innovation, continuous education, and an ageless workforce. (Hint: you wont find them in mainstream economics). 2. Get us out of NAFTA. Donald Trump is right the trade treaty has been a disaster but far more so for Canada than for our trading partners. The U.S. has repeatedly demonstrated its unwilling to play by the rules, even rules it sets. Too many Canadian jobs have been lost to the U.S. and Mexico. 3. Ratify CETA. The European Union is the worlds single biggest consumer market. The Canadian economy is dangerously dependent on a single trading partner. We have an opportunity to diversify our portfolio; lets do it. 4. Encourage London to breathe new life into the Commonwealth. Canadas shared values and history with the family of nations that call Queen Elizabeth II head of state are far deeper and stronger than with our southern neighbour. The British Empire was the greatest free trade zone in history. 5. Canada is a respected leader in La Francophonie. This group of nations sharing Francophone heritage is a common market waiting to take flight. 6. Get Albertas oil to tide water so the province is no longer held hostage to a single, underpaying customer. Better still, build refineries in Alberta, creating jobs, and producing higher value outputs for export. Keep up the good work at the Star. The quality of your editorialists and investigative journalists is why I have subscription. Tracey White, Toronto SHARE: The head of equity for the York Region school board has written a scathing letter to senior staff, blasting the board for refusing to properly deal with complaints of racism and also contradicting the directors claims about how an investigation into a principals anti-Muslim social media postings was handled. Cecil Roach, an award-winning educator, also hinted at whats been called a culture of fear at the board, saying he has been treated with hostility for raising concerns and was worried about speaking out as I strongly feared reprisal. He said he only wrote the letter after consulting with a lawyer who advised him he had a legal obligation to speak up under both the human rights and education acts. Despite his role as head of equity and suggestions by the board he was involved Roach said he played no role in the probe of Markham principal Ghada Sadakas offensive Facebook posts. At two senior team meetings, I raised concerns about the manner in which this issue was handled and about the detrimental impact on our boards corporate image and the feeling of inclusion or lack thereof of our students, parents and staff who are racialized Muslims. In fact I stated in no uncertain terms that as a board, we appear complicit with Islamophobia. Roachs letter comes just days after Education Minister Mitzie Hunter summoned York officials to a rare meeting to discuss the discriminatory incidents, as well as openness about trustee travel, later telling the Star the board has work to do on all fronts. In an emailed statement to the Star, Director of Education J. Philip Parappally said hed spoken to Roach, who was the first superintendent in the province of Ontario to be appointed to an equity portfolio that he promoted shortly after taking the helm at the board. Measures and procedures have to be and are undertaken to mitigate or remediate the issue of discrimination, including anti-black racism and Islamophobia, in our learning and working environments, Parappally wrote. We all share a goal to create learning environments that are safe and welcoming for all students and staff... Roachs letter references the important work that has already been done to support equity and also acknowledges that there is more to be done. We take the concerns of this letter seriously and will continue our commitment to equity. Over the past year, the Star has detailed numerous controversies at the York Region District School Board, including racist incidents at schools that parents say went ignored, as well as a growing discontent among staff and community members who fear equity work and policies are being dismantled. Charles Pascal, a former Ontario deputy minister of education who is now an education professor at the University of Toronto, said Yorks situation, and the ministers intervention, is unprecedented. My guess is that the minister felt compelled to do this because the context is already one of dysfunction at the board, he said, adding this latest letter is extremely serious. Last week, Sadaka issued an apology on the boards website, acknowledging her social media posts were discriminatory and pledging to learn from the experience. An accompanying note from Parappally suggested the superintendent of equity was working on the file when that was never the case, Roach said. Unfortunately, my counsel has not been sought, my opinion has not been solicited, and I have had no input into (the) decision regarding what is clearly an equity issue, he said in his four-page letter. Roach also said that when he tried to discuss incidents where black students were subjected to offensive racial slurs, calling it racism, he was met with anger and loud accusations of me raising unsubstantiated claims of racism. That, he said, hurt me to the core it was an issue affecting a core constituency. Roach did not respond to a request for comment for this story. His lawyer, Selwyn Pieters, declined to comment, saying the letter speaks for itself. The Vaughan African Canadian Association said Roachs letter confirms everything our community has been saying for the past 10 years. That concerns with anti-black racism have fallen on deaf ears. We no longer have any faith in the chair of the board, or in the director of education. We stand in solidarity with all communities in saying we will not accept schools that treat our children as second-class citizens and a board which fails to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, said Executive Director Shernett Martin. Some parents are urging the education minister to do more. Naeem Siddiqi said Roachs letter confirms our worst fears I dont think any parent can have confidence now that the board is capable of dealing with such issues involving their children. The education minister needs to step in and investigate. The provincial NDPs education critic Lisa Gretzky said parents and students expect the government to uphold these shared values (of equity) in all Ontario schools. Well be closely monitoring the ministers response to this issue to ensure that every student feels welcome and is in an environment conducive to learning. SHARE: By Reuters: A multi-billion-dollar Russian deal to buy Indian refiner Essar was nearly sunk at the eleventh hour by a rival bid from Saudi Arabia as the two oil superpowers vie for supremacy across the world. The deal between Essar and a consortium led by Kremlin oil giant Rosneft appeared dead in the water two months ago after Saudi state energy firm Aramco weighed in, according to seven Russia, India and Saudi-based industry sources familiar with or involved in the negotiations. It was salvaged due to the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who were keen for it go through, and after the consortium agreed to pay $13 billion - more than double what Rosneft had initially valued Essar at, sources told Reuters. This made the refiner the biggest-ever foreign acquisition in India and Russia's largest outbound deal. The tussle for Essar - a state-of-the-art plant in the world's fastest-growing fuel market - illustrates the growing battle for oil markets between Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world's two largest crude exporters. advertisement Also read: We are a friend, an ally who stood by India in darkest hours: Top Russian defense official It also sheds light on the challenges OPEC member Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia - which are also fighting a proxy conflict in Syria's civil war - will face in trying to clinch a global agreement to limit output growth to prop up oil prices. The full details of how the Essar deal was struck remain unclear. Two industry sources said it was rescued thanks to the involvement of Putin and Modi while three other sources said Rosneft had simply outbid Saudi Aramco. Officials in Modi's office declined to comment while Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied there was any Kremlin intervention in the deal. "Naturally, we defend the interests of our companies. Of course we lobby for them, especially on such large deals," said Peskov, but added that in the case of Essar "there were no orders from the Kremlin". Also read: Russia asks Pakistan to take steps to contain terror groups "It was a corporate decision by Rosneft to gain synergies via cooperation with India," he said. Rosneft and Saudi Aramco declined to comment. Essar said it had held discussions with several potential buyers but had gone with the Rosneft consortium because their offer was considered the most attractive. It denied there was any intervention from Putin or Modi. SHOWDOWN Rosneft boss Igor Sechin is keen to buy refining assets around the world to guarantee outlets for Russian oil. He had been negotiating since 2014 to buy 49 percent of Essar from its owners, Indian brothers Ravi and Shashi Ruia, and the two parties had been in exclusive talks since July 2015 when a preliminary deal was signed. While the exact amount Rosneft was prepared to offer for the stake at that stage is unclear, Russian and Indian industry sources said it valued the whole of Essar at about $5.7 billion. Also read: Modi, Putin to sign $1 billion Kamov chopper deal during Goa BRICS summit However it became apparent that there were problems with the deal in early September, when Sechin travelled to India to meet the Ruia brothers, flying from Hangzhou, China, where he had been part of Putin's G20 summit delegation. Sechin walked into the meeting with the Ruia brothers soon after landing in India at 1 a.m., determined to close the deal, according to sources briefed on the discussions. As the meeting started, one of the brothers told Sechin the deal process had been going on for too long, the exclusivity period had expired in July and Essar was now talking to other parties. Those other parties included Saudi Aramco, he said. According to the sources familiar with how the meeting unfolded, Sechin responded by saying that if Essar walked away from the deal it risked losing Russian financial and oil-supply support. advertisement Also read: India to acquire second Akula-class nuclear submarine from Russia for $2 billion The Ruia brothers then said the talks with Rosneft were over and called an abrupt end to the meeting. "People started leaving the room, embarrassed," one of the sources said. Another source said the Essar management had drafted a statement to say the deal with Rosneft was off. Rosneft and Essar declined to comment on what transpired at the meeting, or on whether such a statement had existed. Sechin and the Ruia brothers could not be reached for comment. Three Saudi-based sources familiar with details of talks between Essar and Saudi Aramco said the firm was seriously considering buying Essar. One of the sources said Aramco was prepared to pay up to $9 billion for all or most of the refiner. Aramco declined to comment on whether it had made a bid. TOO BIG TO FAIL In the end, however, the Rosneft-Essar deal proved to be too big to fail. For India, a deal collapse or a delay because of talks with another party would set back Modi's drive to clean up India's $140 billion mountain of bad debt given Essar's multi-billion-dollar debts to local and foreign banks after years of rapid expansion. For Russia, the deal in the huge Indian market represented an important milestone in building a global oil empire despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. advertisement Also read: Russia says recent US actions threaten its national security Facing the Saudi competition, Rosneft formed a consortium that bought 98 per cent of the refiner plus a fuel terminal for $13 billion. The Kremlin oil firm bought 49 percent - below the 50 percent level that would have fallen foul of Western sanctions - with Swiss trading house Trafigura and Russian private investment group UCP buying the other 49 percent. According to the Indian and Russian industry sources, Rosneft and Essar returned to the negotiating table within days of the spat in early September, and the deal was finally struck. One of the sources said there was a fierce battle between Essar and Rosneft over the terms. They said the Russian-led consortium was forced to outbid the Saudi offer, which they said comprised a combination of cash, long-term low interest credit and oil supplies. advertisement Also read: India unhappy over Russia's military exercise with terror-sponsor Pakistan Trafigura declined to comment on how the deal came together, while UCP did not reply to a written request asking for comment. Washington said the deal did not violate sanctions. The deal was signed in Mauritius on Oct. 14, a day before a formal announcement on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Goa where Putin and Modi met. The leaders also oversaw the signing of a raft of other transactions including India agreeing to pay $5 billion for Russian long-range air defence missile systems. Two industry sources said the Essar deal had first been discussed by Putin and Modi as far back as May 2014 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia's main investor show. It was unclear what form - if any - high-level government intervention might have taken after the September dispute. But the two sources said that without political will in Moscow and New Delhi, an agreement could not have been struck. "Putin and Modi saved that deal," said one. Also read: Putin calls up Trump, agrees to work together to mend Russia-US ties --- ENDS --- 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. 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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 By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court today pulled up some states and Union territories (UTs) for not filing the status report with regard to implementation of its verdict and the legal scheme to grant of reservation to differently abled people and asked them to furnish the same within two weeks. "Let the response be filed with two weeks failing which this court will be compelled to direct presence of secretaries of the departments concerned," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said and posted the matter for December 1. advertisement The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation which has sought direction to the Centre and the states to file reports on the status of the implementation of provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. The court had on August 31 noted that states like Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttarakhand and some others have not filed their status report and had asked them to do the same in two weeks. At the outset of the hearing today, the counsel appearing for the foundation told the bench that states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha and UTs like Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu are yet to file their response. Irked over the non-compliance, the bench then said, "Let the secretaries come and explain. We have directed you to file a response to the chart (given by the foundation) and you have not filed it." While advocates representing many of these states and UTs told the court that they filed it, some of the lawyers said that they would furnish it soon. The foundation had filed a detailed chart with respect to the steps taken by the states and UTs and what more was required to be done by them in implementation of the verdict and the provisions of the Act to grant three per cent quota in jobs to differently abled persons. The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act provides for separate one per cent reservation for each of the three categories of persons with disabilities -- persons suffering from blindness and low vision, those suffering from hearing disability and those suffering from locomotor disability or cerebral palsy. PTI ABA SJK RKS SC --- ENDS --- The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of PPG Industries: AIPCF V Texstars Blocker Inc., AkzoNobel, Alpha Coating Technologies LLC, Alpha Coatings Inc., Broad Range Development Limited, CG Holdings Manufacturing Co., Centro de Investigacion en Polimeros S.A. de C.V., Chemfil Canada Limited, Chorlton Trade Paints Limited, Comercial Mexicana de Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Comex, Comex Industrial Coatings S.A. de C.V., Consorcio Comex S.A. de C.V., Cristacol S.A., Cuming Microwave Corporation, Deutek SA, Dexmet Corporation, Dexmet Holding Corporation, Distribuidora Kroma S.A. de C.V., EPIC Insurance Co. Ltd., Eberle Design Inc., Empresa Aga S.A. de C.V., Ennis Canadian Holding Company, Ennis Paint Canada ULC, Ennis Paint Netherlands Holdings LLC, Ennis Paint U.K. Holding Company Limited, Ennis Traffic Safety Solutions Pty Ltd, Ennis-Flint, Ennis-Flint Inc., Foshan Bairun Chemicals Co. Ltd., Fpu Industrial S.A. de C.V., Grupo Comex S.A. de C.V., Hemmelrath Automotive Coatings (Jilin) Co. Ltd., Hemmelrath International Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hodij Coatings B.V., Homax Products, Industria Chimica Reggiana I.C.R. SPA, Johnstones Paints Limited, Kalon Investment Company Limited, Kalon South Africa Proprietary Limited, Karl Woerwag Lack-und Farbenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Masterwork Paint, MetoKote Corporation, MetoKote Mexico Holdings Inc., MetoKote UK Limited, MetoKote de Mexico S. de RL de CV, Milamar Coatings LLC, OOO Tikkurila, PPG A P Resinas S.A. de C.V., PPG AC - France SA, PPG ALESCO Automotive Finishes Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PPG Aerospace Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Architectural Coatings (Puerto Rico) Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Canada Inc./PPG Revetements Architecturaux Canada Inc., PPG Architectural Coatings Ireland Limited, PPG Architectural Coatings Italy S.r.l, PPG Architectural Coatings UK Limited, PPG Architectural Finishes Inc., PPG Asian Paints Private Ltd., PPG Business Services S.A. de C.V., PPG COATINGS SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., PPG Canada Inc., PPG Cetelon Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Cieszyn S.A., PPG Coatings (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, PPG Coatings (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., PPG Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Thailand) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings (Wuhu) Company Ltd., PPG Coatings (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., PPG Coatings B.V., PPG Coatings Belgium BV, PPG Coatings Danmark A/S, PPG Coatings Deutschland GmbH, PPG Coatings Europe B.V., PPG Coatings Nederland BV, PPG Coatings S.A., PPG Coatings South Africa (Pty) Ltd., PPG DYRUP S.A., PPG Deco Czech a.s., PPG Deco Polska sp. z.o.o., PPG Deco Slovakia s.r.o., PPG Deutschland Business Support GmbH, PPG Deutschland Sales & Services GmbH, PPG Distribution S.A.S., PPG Europe B.V., PPG Finance B.V., PPG Finland Oy, PPG France Business Support S.A.S., PPG France Manufacturing S.A.S., PPG Guadeloupe SAS, PPG Hemmelrath Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Holdco SAS, PPG Holdings (U.K.) Limited, PPG Holdings Argentina USA LLC, PPG Holdings Latin America USA LLC, PPG Iberica S.A., PPG Iberica Sales & Services S.L., PPG Industrial Coatings B.V., PPG Industrial do Brasil - Tintas E. Vernizes - Ltda., PPG Industries (Korea) Ltd., PPG Industries (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Industries (UK) Ltd, PPG Industries Argentina S.R.L., PPG Industries Australia PTY Limited A.C.N. 055 500 939, PPG Industries Colombia Ltda., PPG Industries Delfzijl B.V., PPG Industries Europe Sarl, PPG Industries France S.A.S., PPG Industries International Inc., PPG Industries Italia S.r.l., PPG Industries Kimya a Sanayi VE Ticaret AS, PPG Industries LLC, PPG Industries Lackfabrik GmbH, PPG Industries Lipetsk LLC, PPG Industries Middle East FZE, PPG Industries Netherlands B.V., PPG Industries New Zealand Limited, PPG Industries Ohio Inc., PPG Industries Poland Sp. Z.o.o., PPG Industries Securities LLC, PPG Industries de Mexico S.A. de C.V., PPG Investment (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PPG Italia Business Support S.r.l., PPG Italia Sales & Services S.r.l., PPG Japan Ltd., PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes Canada LP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.K. LLP, PPG Kansai Automotive Finishes U.S. LLC, PPG Luxembourg Finance S.aR.L., PPG Luxembourg Holdings S.aR.L., PPG Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Packaging Coatings (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., PPG Paints Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Performance Coatings (Hong Kong) Limited, PPG Powder Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PPG Refinish Distribution Limited, PPG Romania S.A., PPG Reunion SAS, PPG SSC Co. Ltd., PPG Switzerland GmbH, PPG Trilak Korlatolt FelelosseguTarasasag (PPG Trilak Kft.), PPG Vietnam Co. Ltd., PRC-DeSoto Australia Pty Ltd., PRC-DeSoto International Inc., PT. PPG Coatings Indonesia, Painter's Supply, Paintzen, Peintures de Paris SAS, Plasticos Envolventes S.A. de C.V., Polymeric Systems Inc., ProCoatings B.V., ProCoatings BV, Protec Pty Ltd, Reno A&E LLC, Revocoat France SAS, Revocoat Holding SAS, Revocoat Iberica SLU, Revocoat S.A.S, Road Infrastructure Investment Holdings Inc., SEM Products Inc., Sealants Europe SAS, Sierracin Corporation, Sierracin/Sylmar Corporation, Sigma Marine & Protective Coatings Holding B.V., SigmaKalon (BC) UK Limited, SigmaKalon Group, Sikar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Spraylat International Ltd, Texstars LLC, The Crown Group Co., The Crown Group Inc, The Homax Group, Tikkurila Group, Tikkurila Oyj, Tikkurila Sverige AB, Traffic Safety Intermediate LLC, Traffic Safety Parent LLC, VF Specialty Products LLC, Vanex Inc., Vernisol S.p.A., VersaFlex Acquisition Corp., VersaFlex Inc., VersaFlex Intermediate Holdings LLC, Versaflex, Viasa S.A. de C.V., Whitford, Whitford B.V., Whitford Corporation, Whitford Jiangmen Ltd., Whitford Ltd. (HK), Whitford Ltd. (UK), Whitford Pte. Ltd., Whitford S.r.l., Whitford Worldwide Company LLC, and Worwag Coatings. Read More Rahul Gandhi had claimed at an election rally in 2014 that the RSS had killed Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. By Mayuresh Ganapatye, Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: In the defamation case filed by the RSS over his remarks that the right-wing organisation had killed Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi was granted bail today by a Bhiwandi court. The bail was given to the Congress vice-president on a personal surety paid by his party's Shivraj Patil. The case will be heard next on January 30, the day Gandhi was killed by Nathuram Godse in 1948. advertisement Amid heavy security, Rahul had appeared before the magistrate court in the Maharashtra town. It was jam packed court room where senior Congress leaders like Shivaraj Patil, Sanjay Nirupam, Ashok Chavan were with Rahul Gandhi. Petitioner Kunte's lawyer argued that "If Rahul Gandhi is ready to apologise then my client is also ready to take back the case." A local RSS functionary, Rajesh Kunte, had filed the case against Rahul for claiming that the RSS had killed Mahatma Gandhi. The Congress leader had made the statement at an election rally on March 6, 2014. In July this year, Rahul had appeared before the same court for the first time in connection with the case. In September, the 46-year-old leader had withdrawn his petition filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the case and said that he would face the trial. Rahul had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. Also read: Rahul Gandhi takes U-turn, says did not blame RSS for Mahatma Gandhi's assassination He had moved the apex court challenging the order of the Bombay High Court refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. After the withdrawal of the case, the court had summoned Gandhi for further proceedings. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is the BJP's ideological fountainhead. --- ENDS --- The following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California Inc., AHN Accountable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASC Operators-East Bay LLC, ASC Operators-San Francisco LLC, ASC Operators-San Luis Obispo LLC, ASC Operators-Santa Rosa LLC, ASC Operators-South Bay LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Cornerstone LLC, ASV-HOPCo-SCA Florida LLC, AbleTo Behavioral Health Services P.C., AbleTo Inc., Accurate Rx Pharmacy Consulting LLC, Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A.S., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Center LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Allina Health Heart and Vascular Surgery Center LLC, Allina Health Surgery Center-Brooklyn Park LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Holdings Inc., AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Kentucky LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, American Physicians Inc., Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Angiografia e Hemodinamica Madre Theodora Ltda., Anne Arundel-SCA Holdings LLC, Anne Arundel-SCA Surgicenter LLC, Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arcadia JV Holdings LLC, Arcadia Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., ArchWell Health LLC, ArchWell Health MSO LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services Holding Co., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Alabama LLC, ArchWell Health Professional Services of North Carolina P.C., ArchWell Health Professional Services of Oklahoma LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Arizona LLC, Archwell Health Professional Services of Nebraska LLC, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., Arlington Surgery Center LLC, Aspectus Inc., Associacao Lusiadas Knowledge Center Health Education and Research, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Aurora Hospitalist P.C., Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Aventura Medical Tower Surgery Center LLC, Avery Parent Holdings Inc., Aveta Inc., AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, BOSC Holdings LLC, BSC Holdings LLC, Ball Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Banmedica Colombia S.A.S., Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Barranca Surgery Center LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings II LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Beach Surgical Holdings LLC, Beaver Medical Group P.C., Bedford Physicians Risk Retention Group Inc., Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Beltway Surgery Centers L.L.C., Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Bergan Mercy Surgery Center LLC, Bergen-Passaic Cataract Laser and Surgery Center LLC, Bessler MD PLLC, Bind Benefits Inc., Bind LH Holdings Inc., Bind Re Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Bloomfield ASC LLC, Blue Ridge Day Surgery Center L.P., Blue Ridge GP LLC, Blue Ridge Properties LLC, Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery & Laser Center LTD., Bordeaux Barbados Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux Barbados Holdings II SRL, 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Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A.S., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Cobranzas Banmedica SpA, Cogent Healthcare IPA of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare Inc., Cogent Healthcare Management of New York Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Arizona P.C., Cogent Healthcare of California Prof. Corp., Cogent Healthcare of Georgia P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Illinois LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Iowa P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Jackson MS LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Jacksonville LLC, Cogent Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Missouri Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Montana P.C., Cogent Healthcare of New Jersey P.C., Cogent Healthcare of North Carolina P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Oregon P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Pensacola L.L.C., Cogent Healthcare of Tennessee P.C., Cogent Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Cogent Healthcare of Washington P.C., Cogent Medical Care P.C., Cogent Patient Safety Organization Inc., Cogent/Endion Medical Care of New York P.C., Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada S.A., Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Comprehensive Hospital Physicians of Florida Inc., ConnectYourCare Inc., ConnectYourCare LLC, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Consorcio Regenero S.A., Constructora Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Continuum Physicians Group Inc., Continuum Physicians Group of Washington PLLC, Cornell Surgicenter LLC, Cornerstone Surgery Center LLC, Cornerstone Surgicare LLC, Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center L.L.P., Country Scan Ltda., Critical Care Physician of New York P.C., Critical Care Physicians of Illinois LLC, Critical Care Physicians of New 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Lauderdale LLC, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy of Los Angeles County LLC, Distance Learning Network Inc., Divisadero Holdings LLC, DocASAP Inc., DocASAP India Technologies Private Limited, DocASAP US LLC, Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duluth Surgical Suites LLC, Durable Medical Equipment Inc., E Street Endoscopy LLC, EM Orange Tree LLC, EP Campus I LLC, EPIC Health Plan, EPIC Management Services LLC, East Bay Endoscopy Center L.P., East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Echo Locum Tenens Inc., Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Emerald Coast Surgery Center L.P., Emisar Pharma Services LLC, Emmaus Holdings LLC, Emmaus Surgical Center LLC, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Empremedica S. A., Endion Hospitalist North P.C., Endion Hospitalist of Western New York P.C., Endion Medical Healthcare P.C., Endion Medical Services P.C., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Everett MSO Inc., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center L.L.C., Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., Eye Specialists Surgery Centers LLC, FMG Holdings LLC, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice Inc., Ferrell Physician Services P.C., Fideicomiso Clinica Barranquilla Portoazul FA-517, First Coast Orthopedic Center LLC, First Family Insurance LLC, Florence Surgery Center L.P., For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fort Sutter Medical Building a California Limited Partnership, Fort Worth Endoscopy Centers LLC, Fortified Provider Network Inc., Foundation Surgery Affiliate General of Huntingdon Valley LLC, Foundation Surgery Affiliate of Huntingdon Valley L.P., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GLBESC LLC, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology Canada Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Gladiolus Surgery Center L.L.C., Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Global One Ventures LLC, Golden Gate Endoscopy Center LLC, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grandview Surgery Center LTD., Greater New Haven ASC LLC, Greensboro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Greenville Surgery Center LLC, Greenway Surgical Suites LLC, Grossmont Surgery Center L.P., Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., H&W Indemnity SPC Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HFHS-SCA Holdings LLC, HMG Holding Corporation, HMG Holdings LLC, HMP of Baltimore USH P.C., Harken Health Insurance Company, Harrison Endo Surgical Center LLC, Hawthorn Place Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hays JV Partners LLC, Hays Surgery Center LLC, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Affiliates Medical Group, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthEast Surgery Center-Maplewood LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Healthplex America LLC, Healthplex Dental Services Inc., Healthplex I.P.A. Inc., Healthplex Inc., Healthplex Insurance Company, Healthplex of CT Inc., Healthplex of DC Inc., Healthplex of MD Inc., Healthplex of ME Inc., Healthplex of NC Inc., Healthplex of NJ Inc., Healthplex of TX Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help Seguros de Vida S.A., Help Service S.A., Help SpA, Hemonefro Hemodialise e Nefrologia Ltda, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Medical S.A., Honodav SpA, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of Broome County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Binghamton P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Buffalo P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Newburgh P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Nyack P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physician of New York - Patchogue P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alabama TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Alaska TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Goodyear Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Nogales Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Phoenix Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Sierra Vista Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson II Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona - Tucson Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arizona TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Arkansas TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Buncombe County PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Apple Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Bakersfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Camarillo PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Crescent City PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fairfield PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Fremont PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Grass Valley PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Jackson PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oceanside PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Oxnard PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Salinas PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Bernardino PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - San Leandro PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Sonoma PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton II PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Stockton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Thousand Oaks PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California - Vacaville PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of California TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Brighton PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado - Denver PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Colorado TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Manchester LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Rockville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut - Wallingford LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Connecticut TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of DC TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Delaware TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville II LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Jacksonville LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida - Palm Coast LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Florida TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Fredericksburg LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Atlanta PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - East Point PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Lavonia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia - Savannah PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Georgia TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii - Kealakekua Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii TCG Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Hawaii TCS Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho - Nampa PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Idaho TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Illinois - 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Enumclaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Federal Way PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Gig Harbor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Lakewood PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Mount Vernon PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Puyallup PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Vancouver PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington County LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia Martinsburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia South Charleston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia Wheeling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wisconsin Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming - Casper LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming TCS LLC, Hospitalists Management Group LLC, Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation Ontario, IEC Holdings LLC, IHD Holdings LLC, INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, Illinois Independent Care Network LLC, Imagen Technologies Inc., Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., InTouch Pharmacy LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Indiana Endoscopy Centers LLC, Inland Surgery Center L.P., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inpatient Services P.C., Inpatient Specialists of California P.C., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Instituto Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, Inter-Hospital Physicians Association Inc., International Healthcare Services Inc., Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria SpA, Ironman Holdco Inc., Ironman Intermediate Holdco LLC, Isapre Banmedica S.A., JPM Healthcare LLC, Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Jordan Ridge Family Medicine LLC, Joyable Inc., Kansal Inc. A Professional Corporation, Knox Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Kokomo Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, LDI Holding Company LLC, LDI Management Services LLC, LGH-A/Golf ASTC L.L.C., LHC Group, La Esperanza del Peru S.A., Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Landmark Group Holdings LLC, Landmark Health Holdings LLC, Landmark Health LLC, Landmark Health NY IPA LLC, Landmark Health NY PO LLC, Landmark Health Technologies Private Limited, Landmark Health of California LLC, Landmark Health of Massachusetts LLC, Landmark Health of North Carolina LLC, Landmark Health of Oregon LLC, Landmark Health of Pennsylvania LLC, Landmark Health of Washington LLC, Landmark India LLC, Landmark Intermediate Holdings LLC, Landmark MSO LLC, Landmark Medical of Idaho PC, Landmark Medical of Massachusetts PLLC, Landmark Medical of Tennessee PC, Landmark Primary Care LLC, Laser Acquisition Holdings III LLC, Leehar Distributors LLC, Lemhi Ventures Fund I LP, Lemhi Ventures Fund II LP, Level2 Medical Services P.C. Alaska, Lexington Surgery Center Ltd., Liberty Anesthesia Services LLC, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeWell. Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Limestone Medical Center LLC, Litomedica S.A., Logan Surgical Suites LLC, Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook L.P., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas Algarve S.A., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., Lutheran Campus ASC LLC, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MCNA Health Care Holdings LLC, MCNA Insurance Company, MCNA Systems Corp., MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, Main Line Spine Surgery Center LLC, Managed Care of North America Inc., Managed Physical Network Inc., Mansfield Endoscopy Center LLC, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care IPA Inc., March Vision Care Inc., March Vision Care of Texas Inc., Marin Health Ventures LLC, Marin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Marlin Holding Company LLC, Maryland Ambulatory Centers LLC, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, McKenzie Surgery Center L.P., MedExpress Primary Care West Virginia Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services LLC, Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memorial Houston Surgery Center LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Orange Coast LLC, MemorialCare Surgical Center at Saddleback LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management Ltd., Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midlands Orthopaedics Surgery Center LLC, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Medical Plaza L.C., Mobile Medical Services of New Jersey PC, Mobile-SC LTD., Modality Accountable Care Organisation Limited, Moen M.D. P.C., Mohawk Surgery Center LLC, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Monument Health LLC, Moore Orthopaedic Clinic Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Morris County Surgical Center LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Murrells Inlet ASC LLC, Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings Inc., NPN IPA Washington PLLC, NSC Channel Islands LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Greensboro West LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Naperville Surgical Centre LLC, National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Navigator Health Inc., Nebraska Spine Hospital LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., New York Proton Management LLC, Newton Holdings LLC, Niagara Hospitalist P.C., Nomad Buyer Inc., North American Medical Management California Inc., North Coast Surgery Center Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, North Dallas Surgical Center LLC, North Kitsap Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgery Center L.P., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northern Utah Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Hills JV Partners LLC, Northwest Medical Group Alliance LLC, Northwest Spine and Laser Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OCC MSO LLC, OSB Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Lda., Omesa SpA, OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., One World Surgery, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas LLC, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Networks Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Care of New York Management Inc., Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Compounding Services LLC, Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Direct To Consumer Inc., Optum Financial Inc., Optum Frontier Therapies Holdings LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies II LLC, Optum Frontier Therapies LLC, Optum Genomics Inc., Optum Global Solutions Colombia S.A.S., Optum Global Solutions India Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Global Solutions Philippines Inc., Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners Holdings Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings US Inc., Optum Health & Technology Hong Kong Limited, Optum Health & Technology India Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health & Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology US LLC, Optum Health Plan of California, Optum Health Services Canada Ltd., Optum Health Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions UK Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 200 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 204 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 209 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 305 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 402 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 500 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 550 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 551 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 553 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 554 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs LLC, Optum Life Sciences Canada Inc., Optum Management Consulting Shanghai Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Operations Ireland Unlimited Company, Optum Oregon MSO LLC, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharma Services Holdings Inc., Optum Pharmacy 601 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 700 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 704 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 706 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 707 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 800 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 803 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 805 Inc., Optum Pharmacy 806 Inc., Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket LLC, Optum SCA CS JV Holdings LLC, Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Services Ireland Limited, Optum Services Puerto Rico LLC, Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Venture Global Partners II LP, Optum Venture Global Partners LP, Optum Venture Partners II LP, Optum Venture Partners III LP, Optum Venture Partners LP, Optum Washington Network LLC, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare ACO West LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare Portland LLC, OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumCare Specialty Practices LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Oregon Healthcare Resources LLC, Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the South Inc., OrthoWest MSO LLC, Orthology Inc., Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopedic Surgery Center of Palm Beach County LLC, Orthopro Management LLC, Ovations Inc., Owensboro Ambulatory Surgical Facility Ltd., Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans CT Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, Oxford Health Plans NJ Inc., Oxford Health Plans NY Inc., P2P Link LLC, PCCCV Inc., PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PPH Management Company L.L.C., PPH-Columbia Inc., PPH-Gardendale Inc., PS Center LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., Pacific Cardiovascular Associates Medical Group Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Panama City Surgery Center LLC, Park Hill Surgery Center LLC, Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Patient Care Associates L.L.C., PatientsLikeMe, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peninsula Eye Surgery Center LLC, Penzo Enterprises LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Perham Physical Therapy LTD, Perimeter Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Pharmaceutical Technologies LLC, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians' Surgery Center of Downey LLC, Pinnacle III LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings Inc., Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center Limited, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Post-Acute Care Center for Research LLC, Practice Partners in Healthcare LLC, Preferred Care Network Inc., Preferred Care Network of Florida Inc., Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., PreferredOne, PreferredOne Administrative Services Inc., PreferredOne Insurance Company, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Premiere Medical Resources LLC, Presidio Surgery Center LLC, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., PrimeDoc St. Francis P.C., PrimeDoc of Richmond P.C., ProHEALTH Care Associates L.L.P., ProHEALTH Care Associates of New Jersey LLP, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, ProHealth/CareMount Dental Management LLC, Procura Management Inc., Professional Coverage Services PLLC, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical LLC, Promotora Country S.A., Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Benefits Management LLC, Prospero Care Management LLC, Prospero Management Services LLC, Providence & SCA Development LLC, Providence & SCA Off-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA On-Campus Holdings LLC, Providence & SCA Outreach Markets Holdings LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., R Cubed Inc., RABessler M.D. P.C., ROC Surgery LLC, ROCS Holdings LLC, RX Ricardo Campos Ltda., Rally Health Inc., ReMedics LLC, Real Appeal Inc., Redding Surgery Center LLC, Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Reliant Medical Group Inc., Reliant Medical Group The Endoscopy Center LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, Resonancia Magnetica de Colombia Ltda., Resonancia Magnetica del Country S.A., RightCare Solutions Inc., River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Corporate Wellness LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Robert A. Bessler MD PLLC, Rockville Eye Surgery Center LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rush Oak Brook Surgery Center LLC, SC Affiliates LLC, SCA AHN JV Holdings LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA Austin Medical Center Holdings LLC, SCA Aventura Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA Bloomfield Holdings LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Colorado Springs Holdings LLC, SCA Community Service Foundation, SCA Cottonwood Holdings LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Denver Holdings LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA Duluth Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville Holdings LLC, SCA Duncanville MSO LLC, SCA ESSC Holdings LLC, SCA Englewood Holdings LLC, SCA Global One Holdings LLC, SCA Greenway Holdings LLC, SCA Grove Creek Holdings LLC, SCA Guilford Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Health Value Enterprise LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA High Point Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Lutheran Holdings LLC, SCA Maple Grove Holdings LLC, SCA Mohawk Holdings LLC, SCA Murrells Inlet LLC, SCA Northern Utah Holdings LLC, SCA Northwest Holdings LLC, SCA Outside New Jersey LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pacific Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Palisades Holdings LLC, SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Pinnacle Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA Providence Holdings LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA Rush Oak Brook Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA San Diego Holdings LLC, SCA Skyway Holdings LLC, SCA South Ogden Holdings LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Specialty Holdings of Connecticut LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA West Health Holdings LLC, SCA Westgreen Holdings LLC, SCA Woodbury Holdings LLC, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colonial Partners LLC, SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Glenwood Holdings LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Memorial LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Morris Avenue LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. Pleasant LLC, SCA-Naperville LLC, SCA-Naples LLC, SCA-New Jersey LLC, SCA-Newport Beach LLC, SCA-Northeast Georgia Health LLC, SCA-PORTLAND LLC, SCA-Palm Beach LLC, SCA-Palm Beach MSO Holdings LLC, SCA-Panama City Holdings LLC, SCA-Paoli LLC, SCA-Phoenix LLC, SCA-Pocono LLC, SCA-Practice Partners Holdings LLC, SCA-River Valley LLC, SCA-Riverside LLC, SCA-Riverside Partners LLC, SCA-Rockville LLC, SCA-Sacred Heart Holdings LLC, SCA-San Diego Inc., SCA-San Luis Obispo LLC, SCA-Sand Lake LLC, SCA-Santa Rosa Inc., SCA-Somerset LLC, SCA-South Jersey LLC, SCA-Sparta LLC, SCA-Spartanburg Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis Holdings LLC, SCA-St. Louis LLC, SCA-St. Lucie LLC, SCA-SurgiCare LLC, SCA-Swiftpath LLC, SCA-VERTA LLC, SCA-VLR Holdings Company LLC, SCA-Wake Forest LLC, SCA-Western Connecticut LLC, SCA-Westover Hills LLC, SCA-Winchester LLC, SCA-Winter Park Inc., SCA-Woodlands Holdings LLC, SCAI Holdings LLC, SCLHS-SCA Holdings LLC, SCP Specialty Infusion LLC, SHC Atlanta LLC, SHC Austin Inc., SHC Hawthorn Inc., SHC Melbourne Inc., SJ East Campus ASC LLC, SRPS LLC, SSSC Holdings LLC, SVHS-SCA Florida JV LLC, Sacred Heart ASC LLC, Saden S.A., Sage Medical Prof. LLC, Salem JV Holdings LLC, Salem Surgery Center LLC, Salveo Specialty Pharmacy Inc., San Diego Endoscopy Center, San Diego Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center LLC, San Francisco Endoscopy Center LLC, San Luis Obispo Surgery Center a California Limited Partnership, Sand Lake SurgiCenter LLC, Santa Barbara Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Cruz Endoscopy Center LLC, Santa Helena Assistencia Medica S.A., Santa Rosa Surgery Center L.P., Santos Administracao e Participacoes S.A., Sanvello Health Holdings LLC, Sanvello Health Inc., Sanvello Health Limited, Scanner Centromed S.A., Seashore Surgical Institute L.L.C., Seisa Servicos Integrados de Saude Ltda., Senate Street Surgery Center LLC, Senior Benefits L.L.C., Serquinox Holdings LLC, Servicios Integrados de Salud Ltda., Servicios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., Servicios Medicos Bio Bio Ltda., Servicios Medicos Ciudad del Mar Ltda., Servicios Medicos Santa Maria Ltda., Servicios Medicos Vespucio Ltda., Servicios de Entrenamiento en Competencias Clinicas Ltda., Serviclinica Inmobiliaria S.A., Serviclinica S.A. Ex Los Leones La Calera, Servisalud Inmobiliaria S.A., Servisalud S.A. Ex Los Carrera Quilpue, Shark Holdings P.C., Sierra Dental Plan Inc., Sierra Health Services Inc, Sierra Health Services Inc., Sierra Health and Life Insurance Company Inc., Sierra Health-Care Options Inc., Sierra Home Medical Products Inc., Sierra Nevada Administrators Inc., Sistema de Administracion Hospitalaria S.A.C., Small Business Insurance Advisors Inc., Sobam Centro Medico Hospitalar S.A., Sociedad de Inversiones Santa Maria SpA, Solstice Administration Services Inc., Solstice Administrators Inc., Solstice Administrators of Alabama Inc., Solstice Administrators of Arizona Inc., Solstice Administrators of Missouri Inc., Solstice Administrators of North Carolina Inc., Solstice Administrators of Texas Inc., Solstice Benefit Services Inc., Solstice Benefits Inc., Solstice Health Insurance Company, Solstice Healthplans Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Arizona Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Colorado Inc., Solstice Healthplans of New Jersey Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Ohio Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Tennessee Inc., Solstice Healthplans of Texas Inc., Solstice of Illinois Inc., Solstice of Minnesota Inc., Solstice of New York Inc., Solutran LLC, Somerset Outpatient Surgery L.L.C., Sound Inpatient Physicians Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians Medical Group Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians of Ohio LLC, Sound Inpatient Physicians of Texas I Inc., Sound Inpatient Physicians Michigan PLLC, Sound Intensivists of Nevada RBessler M.D. PLLC, Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati Inc., Sound Kenwood Hospitalists of Cincinnati LLC, Sound Physicians Advisory Services Inc., Sound Physicians Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, Sound Physicians Anesthesiology of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Georgia P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kansas LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Kentucky PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Louisiana Inc., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Michigan PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Nevada Bessler PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Southern California P.C., Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Texas PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of West Virginia PLLC, Sound Physicians Holdings LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Arizona Inc., Sound Physicians Intensivists of Georgia PC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Virginia LLC, Sound Physicians Intensivists of Washington PLLC, Sound Physicians Palliative Care of Maryland P.C., Sound Physicians Telemedicine Inc., Sound Physicians of Florida IV LLC, Sound Physicians of Georgia III P.C., Sound Physicians of Hawaii Inc., Sound Physicians of Idaho PLLC, Sound Physicians of Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Indiana LLC, Sound Physicians of Iowa PLLC, Sound Physicians of Kankakee Illinois LLC, Sound Physicians of Massachusetts II P.C., Sound Physicians of Massachusetts Inc., Sound Physicians of New Jersey LLC, Sound Physicians of New York PLLC, Sound Physicians of North Carolina PLLC, Sound Physicians of South Carolina LLC, Sound Physicians of Wyoming LLC, South Arlington Surgical Providers LLC, South County Surgical Center LLC, South Sound Inpatient Physicians PLLC, Southern California Medical Practice Concepts LLC, Southland Hospitalists P.C., Southwest Medical Associates Inc., Southwest Michigan Health Network Inc., Southwest Surgery Center LLC, Southwest Surgical Center LLC, Space Coast Surgical Center Ltd., Spartanburg Surgery Center LLC, Specialists in Urology Surgery Center LLC, Specialized Pharmaceuticals Inc., Specialty Benefits LLC, Specialty Billing Solutions LLC, Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Spectera Inc., Spectera of New York IPA Inc., Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy Inc., St. Cloud Outpatient Surgery Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, St. Cloud Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Cardiovascular Institute LLC, St. Louis Specialty Surgical Center LLC, Stonegate JV Partners LLC, Stonegate Surgery Center L.P., Summer Street ASC LLC, SunSurgery LLC, Surgery Center Holding LLC, Surgery Center at Cherry Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Cottonwood LLC, Surgery Center at Grove Creek LLC, Surgery Center at Kissing Camels LLC, Surgery Center at South Ogden LLC, Surgery Center at St. Vincent LLC, Surgery Center of Boca Raton Inc., Surgery Center of Colorado Springs LLC, Surgery Center of Des Moines LLC, Surgery Center of Easton LLC, Surgery Center of Ellicott City Inc., Surgery Center of Fairfield County LLC, Surgery Center of Fort Collins LLC, Surgery Center of Lexington LLC, Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, Surgery Center of Maui LLC, Surgery Center of Mt. Scott LLC, Surgery Center of Muskogee LLC, Surgery Center of Rockville L.L.C., Surgery Center of Southern Pines LLC, Surgery Center of The Woodlands LLC, Surgery Centers of Des Moines Ltd. an Iowa Limited Partnership, Surgery Centers-West Holdings LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates, Surgical Care Affiliates LLC, Surgical Care Affiliates Political Action Committee, Surgical Care Partners of Melbourne LLC, Surgical Caregivers of Fort Worth LLC, Surgical Center of Greensboro LLC, Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, Surgical Center of South Jersey Limited Partnership, Surgical Center of Tuscaloosa Holdings LLC, Surgical Eye Experts LLC, Surgical Health LLC, Surgical Health of Orlando LLC, Surgical Hospital Holdings of Oklahoma LLC, Surgical Management Solutions LLC, Surgicare LLC, Surgicare of Central Jersey LLC, Surgicare of Jackson LLC, Surgicare of Jackson Ltd. a Mississippi Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Joliet Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Inc., Surgicare of La Veta Ltd. a California Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Minneapolis LLC, Surgicare of Minneapolis Ltd. a Minnesota Limited Partnership, Surgicare of Mobile LLC, Surgicare of Mobile Ltd., Surgicare of Oceanside Inc., Surgicare of Owensboro LLC, Surgicare of Salem LLC, Surgicenters of Southern California Inc., Symphonix Health Holdings LLC, T.M. Carr M.D. P.C., THE SURGICAL CENTER OF THE TREASURE COAST L.L.C., THR-SCA Holdings LLC, TeamMD Holdings Inc., TeamMD Iowa Inc., TeamMD Physicians of Texas Inc., TeamUP Insurance Services Inc., Tecnologia de Informacion en Salud S.A., Texas Health Craig Ranch Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Flower Mound Orthopedic Surgery Center LLC, Texas Health Orthopedic Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Alliance LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Bedford LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Chisholm Trail LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Irving LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Preston Plaza LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Rockwall LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Southwest Fort Worth LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Waxahachie LLC, Texas Health Surgery Center Willow Park LLC, The Advisory Board Company, The Alaska Hospitalist Group LLC, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company, The Eye Surgery Center of the Carolinas L.P., The Intensivist Group of Langhorne LLC, The Lewin Group Inc., The Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head LLC, The Polyclinic MSO LLC, The Surgery Center of Easton L.P., The Surgical Center of Connecticut LLC, Thomas Johnson Surgery Center LLC, Three Rivers Holdings Inc., Three Rivers Surgical Care L.P., Tmesys LLC, Topimagem Diagnostico por Imagem Ltda., Touchpoint Health Plan, Trails Edge Surgery Center LLC, Trauma Surgery Affiliates LLC, Travel Express Incorporated, Treasure Valley Emerald Properties LLC, Treasure Valley Hospital Limited Partnership, Tri-City Medical Center ASC Operators LLC, Tri-County Surgery Center LLC, Trinity Cardiovascular Care PLLC, Tufts Health Freedom Insurance Company, Tufts Health Freedom Plans Inc., Tuscaloosa Surgical Center L.P., U.S. Behavioral Health Plan California, UCSD Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, UCSD Center for Surgery of Encinitas L.P., UCSD Surgical Center of San Diego LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings I LLC, UCSD-SCA Holdings II LLC, UHC Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UHC International Services Inc., UHC of California, UHCG Holdings Ireland Limited, UHCG Services Ireland Limited, UHCG FZE, UHG Brasil Participacoes S.A., UHG Holdings UK IV Limited, UHG Holdings UK V Limited, UHG Holdings UK VI Limited, UHIC Holdings Inc., UMR Inc., UPHT-SCA Holdings LLC, USHEALTH Academy Inc., USHEALTH Administrators LLC, USHEALTH Advisors LLC, USHEALTH Career Agency Inc., USHEALTH Funding Inc., USHEALTH Group Inc., USMD ASC IV1 LLC, USMD ASC IV2 LLC, USMD Administrative Services L.L.C., USMD Affiliated Services, USMD Holdings Inc., USMD Hospital at Arlington L.P., USMD Hospital at Fort Worth L.P., USMD Inc., USMD PPM LLC, Unidad Medica Diagnostico S.A., Unimerica Insurance Company, Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, Unison Health Plan of Delaware Inc., United Behavioral Health, United Behavioral Health of New York I.P.A. Inc., United Group Reinsurance Inc., United Health Foundation, United HealthCare Services Inc., United Medical Park ASC LLC, United Resource Networks IPA of New York Inc., United in Advancing Health Equity Foundation, UnitedHealth Advisors LLC, UnitedHealth Group Employee Assistance Fund, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UnitedHealth Group International Finance Ireland Unlimited Company, UnitedHealth International Inc., UnitedHealth Military & Veterans Services LLC, UnitedHealthcare Benefits Plan of California, UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Georgia Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Ohio Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas L.L.C., UnitedHealthcare Consulting & Assistance Service Beijing Co. 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Read More A group of young men who had been students at the University of Mosul told me that in the last two years life in the city had stopped. There was no work, no study. We buried our cell phones in the ground, Riad said, bringing out his phone and patting it protectively. If wed been found with them, wed have been decapitated. The convoy was parked on one of the main routes out of town, so all day, as the unloading continued, families passed by; the lucky ones crammed into dilapidated cars with sagging tyres, the less fortunate on foot. Children staggered under heavy backpacks. Others pushed strollers laden with belongings. One father, who declined to be named, was leaving with his 20-member family, including two elderly parents in wheelchairs. We endured eight days of shelling before we decided to leave; we were too frightened to step outside, he said. Thank God we left the house when we did. It was bombed soon afterwards. He didnt know how hed make it to his destination but it was likely hed rely on the kindness of strangers. And small acts of kindness were evident: when two women walked by the convoy, and it was clear that they didnt have proper shoes for their journey, one young man working with our partner, Muslim Aid, took off his sneakers and offered them. The women politely declined, so he put his shoes back on. The bombing got closer as the afternoon went on. Two bombs went off; to our left and then to our right. Our security officer advised me to stay close to the car in case we needed to evacuate. The Apache helicopters continued high above. So did the jets. Maryam remained oblivious to the noise as she collected a baby kit, a hygiene kit and high-energy biscuits vital supplies for her family. We need this, Mohammed said as he strapped the boxes to the carrier rack on his bike. This is important for us. Maryam didnt seem in a hurry to leave, so I asked her whether she could ride a bicycle. She said she could, but she didnt have one. Maybe one day, her brother said. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg took to the social networks website over the weekend to dispute allegations that fake news had tilted the election for Republican Donald Trump. More than 99% of what people see is authentic, he wrote, adding it was extremely unlikely hoaxes changed the outcome of this election. But such reassurances have buckled under mounting criticism. On late Monday, Zuckerberg acted, joining Google in taking the most serious steps yet to crack down on purveyors of phony stories by cutting off a critical source of funding the ads that online platforms have long funneled to creators of popular content. [No, this video does not show Obama urging undocumented people to vote] The move has raised new questions about long-standing claims by Facebook, Google and other online platforms that they have little responsibility to exert editorial control over the news they deliver to billions of people, even when it includes outright lies, falsehoods or propaganda that could tilt elections. Such claims became increasingly unsustainable amid reports that News Feed and Trending Topics, two core Facebook products, had promoted a number of false, misleading and fantastical political stories, such as an article saying Pope Francis had endorsed Donald Trump, which was shared by over 100,000 users. There were vote online memes that assured Democrats in Pennsylvania that they could cast their ballots from home and a widely shared news release claiming Hillary Clintons health disqualified her from serving as president. Over the weekend, the No. 1 Google hit for the search final election count was an article from a little-known site claiming that Donald Trump had won the popular vote by 700,000 votes. (Clinton won the popular vote). Facebook, Google and other Web companies have sought to walk a fine line: They dont want to get into the practice of hiring human editors, which they believe would make them vulnerable to criticisms of partisan bias and stray from their core business of building software. Yet outsiders, as well as some within Silicon Valley, are increasingly clamoring for technology giants to take a more active role in policing the spread of deceptive information. It is very difficult for Facebook to say they are not a gatekeeper when they drive such an enormous share of the attention of most news consumers across the world, said Joshua Benton, director of the Nieman Journalism Lab at Harvard University. They need to figure out some editorial mechanism; with their scale comes responsibility. [Facebook has repeatedly trended fake news since firing its human editors] When Facebook detects that more people than usual are clicking on any given story, the companys software algorithms instantaneously spread and promote that story to many other users in the network enabling articles to go viral in a short period of time and making it harder to catch false news before it spreads widely. The moves by Google and Facebook this week take aim at false stories but dont impact Facebooks News Feed or Google Search rankings, the places where fake news has actually spread. Instead, the tech giants are seeking to exert financial leverage that could prompt sites to clean up their act. Publishers make money when Google and Facebook help place ads on their websites, and they share that revenue with the technology giants. Companies found to be in violation of the policy risk losing a major source of ad dollars. Nearly 1.2 billion people log on to Facebook every day; almost half of Americans rely on the social network as a source of news, according to the Pew Research Center. Google accounts for roughly 40 percent of traffic to news sites, according to Parse.ly, a start-up that analyzes Web traffic data for news publishers. Google spokeswoman Andrea Faville declined to detail how the company would determine the difference between false and accurate information going forward. We use a combination of automated systems and human review, she said Facebook spokesman Tom Channick emailed a statement about the new policy: In accordance with the Audience Network policy, we do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news. While implied, we have updated the policy to explicitly clarify that this applies to fake news. Our team will continue to closely vet all prospective publishers and monitor existing ones to ensure compliance. Facebook, Google and other sites have struggled to find automated solutions to clamp down on fake news, because there is not always a clear line between true and false news online, said a former Facebook employee who worked on the News Feed product and spoke on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to burn bridges with company. The most influential sources of political misinformation on Facebook are not Macedonian fake-news sites or satirical pages but the thousands of partisan news outlets, pages and blogs that derive their traffic from News Feed, the employee said. Because those stories arent strictly true or false, its difficult to design a software algorithm that can distinguish among them. Some civil-liberties experts said it was dangerous to push Facebook to take on a greater editorial role. If we wouldnt trust the government to curate all of what we read, why would we ever think that Facebook or any one company should do it? said Jonathan Zittrain, faculty director at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard. Over the past year, Facebook has struggled to strike a balance. In May, the company was accused by former employees of suppressing news stories that had a conservative bent in its trending-news section, which appears on the upper right corner of a users Facebook page. In an effort to quell the criticism, Zuckerberg met with conservative leaders and launched an internal investigation into bias at the social network. (The investigation, conducted by Facebook and not by an outside firm, found no evidence of anti-conservative bias.) The company also published a set of editorial guidelines that detail how human editors and algorithms work together to pick what stories should appear in the Trending Topics. The controversy over trending news reflects Facebooks challenges in curating content on the medium. Facebook had quietly used a handful of journalists, hired as freelance contractors, to help the curate the Trending section. Those contractors were replaced in late August by a team of engineers who defer most editorial decisions to the Trending sections algorithms. The social network still has an editorial team that manages trending news, and it also allows users to flag hoaxes or fake stories in its News Feed product. In recent months, Zuckerberg has repeatedly emphasized that Facebook is a technology company, not a media company. Still, there is more we can do here, he said in his weekend blog post. He said he was proud of Facebooks role in the election and hoped to have more to share soon. The challenge, he wrote, is that any major changes run the risk of introducing unintended side effects or biases. This is an area where I believe we must proceed very carefully, he wrote, adding, Identifying the truth is complicated. Abby Ohlheiser contributed to this report. By PTI: Rewari, Nov 16 (PTI) Union Home minister Rajnath Singh today said an Army recruitment sub-centre will be opened in Rewari to increase employment opportunities for youths and Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalion will be deployed in Mewat to ensure communal harmony in the region. Addressing Shaheed Samman Rally organised by Union Minister of State for Urban Housing, Planning and Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh, at local HUDA grounds here, Singh said countrymen should contribute to make a strong, proud and independent India. advertisement Apart from Rajnath and Inderjit Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also attended the function. The speakers paid rich tributes to the martyrs right from the freedom struggle to present times, including Rao Raja Tula Ram and the 5,000 martyrs who laid their lives on November 16, 1857 at village Nasirpur, near Narnaul in Mahendergarh district. Stressing that owing to the sacrifice of martyrs, India got independence politically in 1947 but social and economic freedom remained dreams to be attained, Rajnath said, the present BJP government at the Centre was making all efforts to achieve both the freedoms, for which the people will have to shun their differences on grounds of religion, caste, untouchability or region. Economic freedom can be achieved by providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth, for which the government has started number of programme to make the youth "able", he said. The Union Home minister said the gap of economic disparity should be minimised, for which the government has demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. "This could cause problems for the people for some time, may be for a month, but it will be helpful in bringing purity (Pavitrata) in politics," he said. Criticising the practice of distribution of money and liquor during elections, Singh said "this practice should go and if any political party collected donations, it should also be accounted for." "We are here to provide the type of governance, the people want. There will be no place for corruption. Government is working on it and this will have effect on the working of government machinery, they will also refrain from adopting corrupt practices." He said real India lives in villages and the country could not progress till our farmers progress. The government introduced Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna so that loss caused to farmers due to natural calamities can be reimbursed, he added. Rajnath said the government was working with an aim to double the income of farmers by 2022. MORE PTI VJ SMJ --- ENDS --- The following review appears in The Washington Posts 2017 Fall Dining Guide. A mezze of spicy salami and accompaniments at Ambar. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) Ambar (Good/Excellent) Beef kebab or lamb kebab? Let me be honest, says my server. This is the Balkan Experience. Get them both. Hes referring not just to the cuisine being served, but the deal being offered, at one of the most welcoming restaurants around: $35 buys unlimited small plates. Cover your table with stuffed cabbage, pork sausage, rainbow trout but not the flatbreads, gummy of late. The original Ambar sits on Capitol Hill. My preference is for the Arlington spinoff, distinguished with overhead planters that lend the dining room the feel of a garden and old photos of Belgrade that bring the past to Clarendon. One of the few drawbacks remains the clamor. At full tilt, Ambar is the sound equivalent of a snowblower. The cooking deserves softer. 2 1/2 stars Ambar: 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. 703-875-9663. ambarrestaurant.com. Prices: Small plates $6-$13. Sound check: 90 decibels / Extremely loud Previous: Alta Strada | Next: Arroz --- This review appeared in The Washington Posts 2017 Spring Dining Guide as No. 5 on a list of the years 10 best new restaurants. A platter of spreads includes beet tzatziki, lamb pate and cheese with peppers. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) Alone, the Balkan food makes me a cheerleader for Ambar, the Arlington spinoff of the Washington original. Jewish penicillin has a rival in veal soup, its golden broth rich with shreds of meat, sweet carrots and a drift of creme fraiche. And the tangy stuffed sour cabbage would be compelling even if the waiter didnt share the story of how his grandmother made the dish for the whole neighborhood back in Serbia. But Ambar nails other fine points, too. The dining room, dressed with blowups of vintage photographs from Belgrade and sea-green banquettes, is a looker, and the service couldnt be more accommodating. Waiters tell you the best way to order is to ask for the $35 Balkan Experience, unlimited small plates that let you explore the range of the menu. Really, my only problem here is a sound check that cancels out conversation. Ambar, are you listening? -- This review was originally published Nov. 16, 2016. Ambar review: Food and service worth shouting about. And youll have to. Before I even crack the menu at Ambar, the Arlington spinoff of the same-named Balkan restaurant on Capitol Hill, I turn into a cheerleader for the place. The seduction begins at the door, when I show up a few minutes ahead of the rest of my party. Instead of being told to wait in the bar until everyone is present, a host asks, Would you like to sit down now? Its such a rare invitation, I figure Ive misheard her. On the contrary, she shows me to my table in an airy but crowded dining room (formerly Boulevard WoodGrill) and tells me not to worry if my party is late. Friends show up a few minutes later, wondering if their car will be safe from towing in a nearby lot. Their fears are alleviated when a manager slips outside to put a business card on the vehicle, marking it untouchable. Score another point for hospitality! Next, a waiter arrives to go over the menu. His smile signals great enthusiasm for the food, but we can hear only a third of what hes saying. The roar of the crowd and an overhead speaker make conversation difficult. Could someone please turn down the music, we ask? The waiter nods his head and excuses himself to deliver the request to a manager who, to his credit and our relief, lowers the volume. Is that better? the waiter asks when he returns. Natalie Brito delivers a platter of stuffed sour cabbage. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) See what I mean? Ambar endears you to it without the assistance of so much as a crumb of food. But then the server starts introducing the dishes, with influences from Greece, Turkey, Austria and Hungary, and you wonder why Balkan food doesnt have better representation in this country. Because for sheer comfort, veal soup rivals Jewish penicillin with its golden broth rich with shreds of meat, sweet carrots and a steaming surface dappled with creme fraiche. Also because tangy stuffed sour cabbage comes with a story by a Serbian waiter, who shares that his grandmother used to make the dish for the whole neighborhood. We want to know how his employers version compares. Ninety-nine percent, he replied, suggesting that it was as close to home cooking as a restaurant could get without his grandmother hovering over the stove. The soft cabbage leaves contain a soothing combination of rice and pork belly. Even the introductory bread warm pita, puffed up like flying saucers is impressive when the spread is cows milk cheese mixed with ajvar, the condiment of red peppers, eggplant and garlic thats as common there as ketchup here. The new Ambar shares some characteristics with the venue in Washington, but they are far from mirror images. Their common bonds include cevapi (juicy beef-and-veal kebabs) and stellar service. To that end, founder Ivan Iricanin brought Dejan Pilovic and Jovan Prvulovic over from Serbia to serve as executive chef and general manager, respectively. Pilovic previously cooked at the Ambar overseas, opened last year; Prvulovic is responsible for training and operations at all of Iricanins eateries. (There are six more in Serbia, including a fast-casual brand similar to Chipotle.) Live plants hanging from the ceiling bring a little bit of nature into the dining room. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post) Diners have Nya Gill to thank for the cosmopolitan look of the place. Shes the owners wife and the recent recipient of a masters degree in interior architecture and design from George Washington University. Her debut restaurant opens with a raised bar whose ceiling draws attention with blowups of vintage postcards and photographs from Belgrade, images that also run along the sea-green banquettes in the dining room. Live plants hang from the ceiling: a touch of nature, inside. In the back is an open kitchen, framed in ceramic white tiles and outfitted with a charcoal grill. The heat source, another detail distinguishing new from old, lends smokiness to the fine house-made sausages and a lunchtime hit: sliced grilled shrimp garnished with fried pancetta and served with tartar sauce on a ruffle of lettuce and sliced pita. Back to the menu. A waiter is quick to point out that the best approach is to forgo ordering a la carte and subscribe to the $35 Balkan Experience, or unlimited small plates that allow you to pick from the entire menu. The owner thinks the deal encourages exploration and may account for the high number of boar burgers that leave the kitchen. Even if you are moderately hungry, the open-ended strategy makes the most sense. Besides, what dont you want to try? The spreads are great conversation starters. The chefs tasting, presented on a slate slab, is three scoops in pink (roasted beet tzatziki), orange (ajvar with aged cow cheese and chilies) and gray (shredded lamb bound with cream cheese and finished with horseradish dressing). The dips are eaten with corn bread and greasy-but-delicious fried sourdough. Iricanin buys quality meat from Amish farmers in Pennsylvania. Ambars pork, chicken and lamb dont need much more than some time on the rotisserie, and some tangy potatoes and horseradish, to impress me. The potatoes, cooked in vegetable stock and red with paprika, are especially easy to make disappear. Regardless of the time of day, Ambar is priced to make regulars of its neighbors, with lunch deals that amount to feasts. The primer for Balkan fare is the traditional platter for $19. The noontime fun starts with a bowl of the aforementioned veal soup and continues with a board arranged with yogurt-striped stuffed cabbage; a salad colorful with chopped peppers and Bulgarian feta cheese; a trio of springy cevapi on a puddle of kaymak, or clotted cream; plus a wedge of cheese pie, its many layers crisp with phyllo. Those who prefer surf at lunch can graze on the seafood platter for a dollar more. The extravaganza brings together an earthy mushroom puree and a board outfitted with crisp catfish on a dollop of bright tartar sauce; moist trout; a little heap of tender mussels flavored with rakia (fruit brandy), garlic and lemon; and a salad that shows the care the kitchen takes with all its food. The last isnt just greens, but also shaved zucchini, asparagus and peas. Unless you are from Macedonia, say, or Bulgaria or Croatia, there are wines that may be unfamiliar to you. Trust your server to point you to something youll enjoy, maybe a crisp Stobi rose, hinting of strawberries, from Macedonia. This rib-sticking food rarely leaves me with space for dessert. Should you splurge, anything involving fruit and swaddled in phyllo is your best bet. Ambar tests my loyalty in only one way: Evenings in particular, its as loud as a snowblower. The restaurant caters to a diverse mix of clients, just as the owner intended; my hunch is, most people dont want to suspend conversation for the duration of a meal because they can barely hear their own thoughts, let alone the voices of others. The addition of drapes might take away from the people-watching, but I can imagine soundproofing for the pressed-tin ceiling. Surely the same folks who dispense so much goodwill and satisfying food can solve a problem like disquiet. Until the issue is resolved, Ill be bringing earplugs along with my appetite. Radio journalist Joshua Johnson will succeed Diane Rehm as the host of the daily public-affairs discussion program that Rehm turned into one of NPRs most durable franchises over its 37-year run. Rehm introduced Johnson during her broadcast Wednesday morning from WAMU-FM, the Washington public station that has produced her program since 1979. Johnson will host a new program, called 1A, that will have roughly the same format as The Diane Rehm Show interviews, panel discussions and listener phone calls about politics, government, science, the arts and other topics spread over a two-hour block. Johnson said he will tweak the long-running format somewhat, sometimes exploring multiple topics within an hour and occasionally delving into pop culture. The appointment, by WAMUs managers and with Rehms support, instantly makes Johnson, 36, one of the most prominent figures in public radio. Rehms program, which is distributed by NPR, has a passionate and loyal following, with a weekly audience of about 2.6 million. It is carried on some 198 stations nationwide. Im humbled, grateful and excited, but mostly humbled, Johnson said in an interview this week. He called his appointment a gift, a treasure, and Ill treat it as such. Johnson, an anchor and host at public radio and TV station KQED in San Francisco, was something of a surprise choice. He was among the lesser-known of the 30 or so candidates whom WAMU interviewed after Rehm said last December that she intended to retire at the end of this year. (Her last live broadcast will be Dec. 23.) WAMU General Manager J.J. Yore said Johnson wasnt on the stations initial list of candidates. But his stock rose after his on-air tryout over two days in late September. He brought an openness to his sound, a kind of curiosity . . . He was at ease and put his guests at ease, Yore said. Johnson was the morning newscaster at KQED for five years, and he stepped down in February to produce and host a series about race called Truth Be Told. He was also a substitute host on Forum, the stations nationally syndicated news-discussion program. A Florida native, Johnson graduated from the University of Miami and worked as an anchor and reporter for TV and radio stations in the state. He joined KQED in 2010. As a younger African American man, Johnson may help NPR expand its appeal among the younger, male and racially diverse listeners that public radio has struggled to attract throughout its history. Public radio and TV audiences are largely white and aging, a development that has concerned industry leaders for some time. Yore acknowledged that diversity was an important factor in creating this new show. Its not lost on any of us that having a young, African American male leading the conversation on public radio on a national stage is very important. Rehm, 80, said her decision to leave her program was 1,000 percent the right decision for me and the station at this time. But, she added, Im feeling somewhat guilty about leaving in this moment following Donald Trumps surprising presidential victory. We need more discussion about what has happened and why this has happened. She elaborated on this in a speech she gave last week at a gala in Washington honoring her show. Were all going to have to learn to listen in new and different ways, better and harder to those with whom we may not agree, those who are different from us, who may not even be aware of public radio, those who feel they have not been heard, she said. We whove been in public radio for all these years thought we were being broad and bold. But now we know weve been speaking with only a small portion of the electorate and the population at large. We have to do better. Rehm said in an interview she wasnt speaking about Trump supporters specifically, but about people who are comfortable in their own factual universe and not open to different points of view. They want to construct a universe that is within the confines of the way theyre living. Public radio hasnt reached them. Johnson declined to discuss his political views, but he said he was as committed as Rehm to presenting a balanced show. I see a lot of similarities in how I like to represent myself on the air in the way she presents herself on the air the same style and ethic of conversation. At the same time, he added, I wont be the next Diane Rehm. Im the first Joshua Johnson. Donald Trump vilified and condemned reporters when he was a candidate. As president-elect for the past week, he seems to have moved on to simply ignoring them. Defying the usual presidential press protocols, Trump has twice in the past week ditched the pool of reporters who follow him in public. The latest incident occurred Tuesday night, when reporters were led to believe by his staff that he had retired for the night only to learn that he was at dinner with his family at a restaurant in New York. Trump has not held a news conference since the election and has not designated a surrogate to brief reporters on his transition. This has left journalists in the dark about key appointments and other developments with his new administration. The cold shoulder has renewed a nagging question for reporters: Will President-elect Trumps behavior be a preview of his approach, or perhaps non-approach, to his relations with the news media when he takes office? [Donald Trump ditched the media] Members of the press await the arrival of President-elect Donald Trump for a meeting with President Obama at the White House on Nov. 10. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) The pool consists of a small group of reporters who follow the president and president-elect to all public appearances and act as proxies for hundreds of other reporters. This protective pool which is cleared by the Secret Service then shares its observations with fellow journalists. The arrangement enables reporters to know the presidents whereabouts at all times and to report anything newsworthy, from the mundane to an attempt on his life. But Trump has blown off the pool as president-elect twice in the past eight days, the first time in Washington last Thursday when he met with President Obama at the White House and later with Republican leaders. That elicited a worried statement Monday from the White House Correspondents Association, which represents reporters in negotiations about press access to the president. The organization said it was deeply concerned by Trumps decision to reject a protective pool. This is all about the public having information, Julie Pace, the Associated Presss White House reporter, said Wednesday. If there were an emergency or a crisis, would people want to know where the president is? I think most people would say yes. Tuesdays episode particularly exasperated reporters because Trumps spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, had told them around 6:15 p.m. that Trump had returned to Trump Tower for the night, placing whats known in pool parlance as a lid on further activities. Trumps subsequent appearance for dinner at a midtown Manhattan steakhouse set off a Keystone Kops-style scramble by reporters to get to the scene. One group set off in a cab but wound up at the wrong restaurant, thanks to an errant report by another journalist. Once they arrived at the proper location, the 21 Club, they found it barricaded by police. Several journalists those without New York City press passes were ordered by police to stand a block away from the restaurant, where their view of the restaurant was blocked by a dumpster. Donald Trump has had an up-and-down relationship with the media for a long time. He spent much of the campaign calling the press "crooked" and "rigged." The Fix's Peter Stevenson explains what the president-elects relationship with the press might look like going forward. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Hicks said Tuesday night that she was unaware of Trumps dinner and that she didnt intend to leave the press in the dark. She said in an email Wednesday, We are still in the process of formalizing a protective pool structure and look forward to implementing that as soon as possible. Once that is set up, she told pool reporters Tuesday, journalists will have all of the access that they have ever had under any president. However, the signs have not been promising. In addition to repeatedly disparaging reporters at his rallies, Trump has shown few signs of transparency. He declined to release his tax returns during the campaign, making him the first major presidential candidate in 40 years to withhold them. He banned about a dozen news organizations, including The Washington Post, from his rallies and events, and threatened to sue others, including the New York Times. At one point, he traveled to Mexico City without a pool in tow. He has also refused to fly on the same plane as his campaign pool. Since Election Day, Trumps staff has declined to answer even basic questions about how he is building his new administration. The news blackout has led to much speculation. Perhaps responding to the confusion, Trump sent a tweet Tuesday night reading: Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Trump is not required to speak to the news media, but he has dispensed with generations-old traditions and formalities that have framed the relationship between the news media and presidential politicians. His combative approach to press relations is not helpful, said Jeffrey McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University who studies the news media. He clearly doesnt respect the media, which he is certainly allowed to do, but at a certain point he has to find a way to work with them. When he decided to run for president, he stepped into a much higher degree of scrutiny than what he had as a reality-TV star and businessman. Now that he is president-elect, that press attention necessarily grows. He doesnt owe it so much to the press to be accessible as he owes it to the citizens who are represented by their press surrogates, McCall added. His prospects for a successful presidency hinge in large part on his ability to keep his message in front of the public. Whether he likes it or not, those messages will go through the filter of the press. Jenna Johnson contributed to this report. Correction: An earlier version of this article said Trump had traveled to Scotland as a candidate without telling the media. It was actually a trip to Mexico City, which he embarked on without formally telling his press pool. Several givens occur over Thanksgiving: You will go up a belt notch, and, unless you plan to eat a Swanson turkey dinner for one, you will join the millions of other feast-bound celebrants on the roads and rails and in the air. The November holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, when Americans bombard the major modes of transportation over a five-day stretch. To prepare for the onslaught, we asked industry experts for their long weekend forecast plus some tips to reduce the stress beyond the dining room table. Planes According to estimates by the Airlines for America, an industry trade organization, 27.3 million passengers will fly globally during the holiday, a 2.5 percent bump from last year. In head-count terms, that means 55,000 more people will occupy plane seats each day. Passenger volumes will range from 1.51 million to 2.81 million, with the busiest travel days occurring from highest to high-ish on Nov. 27, Nov. 28 and Nov. 23. The lightest travel day: Thanksgiving itself. More passengers means busier airports. A recent Orbitz report ranked the most-crowded airports over the holiday. Chicago OHare took the top spot, followed by Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson and Los Angeles International. On the bright side, the slowest airports include Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, John Wayne International in Orange County, Calif., and Sacramento International. [2016 holiday travel guide: When to drive, how to book and where to save] Travelers planning to park at the airport should anticipate full garages and lots. Check availability in advance. Find real-time parking information for Washington Dulles and Reagan National at www.mwaa.com. At BWI Marshall, use Smart Park technology (electronic signage, green lights) to find a spot in the daily and hourly garages. You can also reserve a space with an online booking site or app such as SpotHero or AirportParkingReservations.com. For example, SpotHero listed a five-day holiday rate of $35 at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Self-Park Garage. For Reagan National, you can also reserve through ePark. The Post's Christopher Elliott shares some travel tips to get you through the busy Thanksgiving holiday season. (Erin Patrick O'Connor,Danielle Kunitz/The Washington Post) To save time at the airport, print out your boarding pass at home or download the electronic boarding pass on your smartphone. Check the airports website for live security wait times; for PreCheck lines, go to apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_home.aspx. To breeze through the queue, unwrap all presents packed in your carry-on. Also check TSAs Can I bring my . . . tool to see if, say, your pumpkin pie is permitted onboard. (It is.) For international flights landing at Dulles or BWI, download the free Mobile Passport App and speed through customs. Also, if you applied for Global Entry, the Trusted Traveler program, use it; if you dont have it, get it. Follow the airlines, airports and TSA on Twitter and Facebook for travel updates. If you have any flight issues, such as delays or lost baggage, reach out to the carrier through social media. The virtual help desk can often resolve a problem faster than the phone agent or beleaguered gate employee can. Trains Amtrak expects the same number of train riders as last year: 751,066 passengers during the Thanksgiving period. The busiest days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and the Sunday after the feast. With the exception of Thanksgiving Day, morning trains will typically have more open seats than afternoon and evening trains. Brace yourself for crowded stations and snaking boarding lines. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time. Use the Amtrak app to check the status of departing and arriving trains. Passengers can bring two bags and two carry-ons weighing up to 150 pounds for free. If you have extra luggage or require special assistance, use the free Red Cap service, which is available at a dozen stations, including Washingtons Union Station, New Yorks Penn Station and Philadelphias 30th Street Station. [Celebrity, Disney and Crystal take top spots on best cruise line rankings] Automobiles Crank up the Enya on the car stereo because AAA expects 89 percent of travelers will slide behind the wheel this holiday. The organization anticipates 43.5 million roadsters countrywide, including more than a million from the Washington area, a six percent increase from last year. A pardoned turkey smiles on the platform in Washington before catching the train to New York. (Chuck Gomez/Amtrak ) AAA says many merrymakers will start their drive 48 hours before the Thursday meal. The worst time to travel is between 5 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The Transportation Planning Board noticed the sharpest drop in average speed about 20 miles per hour slower than free flowspeed during this period. Mid-Atlantic travelers should beware of chokepoints on the Capital Beltway between I-270 and I-95, U.S. Route 29 near Centreville, I-95 south and I-66. In Virginia, the heaviest traffic occurs after 11 a.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. When choosing between cars, you might want to take the hybrid instead of the SUV: Based on figures from Nov. 14, gas costs $2.17 per gallon, a 12-cent leap from last year. Diners can wax nostalgic about 2008, when the national gas average was $1.85. Rely on apps for guidance and support. Some of the top road-related ones include AAA, Google Maps, Waze, GasBuddy, RoadTrippers, Beat the Traffic and Calm, a meditation app that claims to bring peace of mind into your life. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Amtraks carry-on allowance. The story has been updated. More from Travel: Enrolling in Global Entry involves time, money and personal information. Its worth it. Dont mind the wet nose: TSA enlists more dogs to screen passengers Still finding kicks on Route 66 The strange afterlife of banned TSA items D.C. Council members voted on Nov. 15 to approve legislation that allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with the help of a doctor. D.C. is the first predominantly black community to legalize "death with dignity." (D.C. Council) D.C. Council members voted on Nov. 15 to approve legislation that allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with the help of a doctor. D.C. is the first predominantly black community to legalize "death with dignity." (D.C. Council) The D.C. Council on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation that would allow physicians to prescribe fatal drugs to terminally ill residents in the city, making the District the seventh jurisdiction nationwide to allow the practice. The council voted 11 to 2 in favor of the bill, with members Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1) and Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) casting the dissenting votes. The vote, which took a matter of minutes and involved no discussion, capped more than a year of intense discussion and lobbying on the part of lawmakers, advocates and opponents. D.C. is the first predominantly black community to legalize what is called death with dignity, overcoming objections from some African American residents and others who worried that ill patients could be coerced into an early death. [Right to die legislation faces skepticism from African Americans in nations capital] Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has said she will not veto the bill but has not indicated whether she will sign it. If she does nothing after 10 days, the legislation automatically becomes an act. It is sent to Congress for a 30-day review period; if Congress takes no action, it becomes law. Compassion & Choices, which has lobbied for right-to-die bills across the country, hailed the passage of legislation in the nations capital as a significant victory for its movement. Colorado voters last week approved a ballot measure authorizing medical aid in dying. The fact that we have now gotten three states with diverse populations across the country, from the West Coast to the Midwest to the East Coast, is a huge sign of momentum and support for the issue across political, racial and demographic grounds, said Sean Crowley, a Compassion and Choices spokesman. The D.C. Catholic Conference, one of the groups opposed to the legislation, vowed to press Bowser to veto the legislation, despite her public statements that she would not. This bill imperils residents, particularly those who are sick, elderly, disabled and the uninsured, said Michael Scott, director of the conference. It allows for coercion and abuse, including third parties administering the lethal drugs to patients who may or may not be incapacitated or requesting assisted suicide. The Death with Dignity Act, sponsored by council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), is modeled after Oregons 1997 first-in-the-nation law. The bill would allow terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request fatal drugs from a physician after consulting a doctor over two weeks, with two witnesses attesting that the decision is voluntary. Patients must ingest the medication themselves without the assistance of doctors or family members, and physicians can refer them to counseling if they think their judgment is impaired. An analysis by the Districts chief financial officer estimated that fewer than 10 people a year would exercise the option. Advocates say the measure would allow terminally ill patients to choose the timing and manner of their deaths and to avoid prolonged suffering. But the practice is opposed by many who say it violates their religious beliefs. Advocates for the disabled say they fear people will be steered to premature death, and medical professionals say it violates the Hippocratic oath. It has faced particular opposition from African Americans, who make up nearly half of the Districts population. Some say they are unsettled by the practice because of historical abuse by the medical establishment and concerns that they may be steered to early deaths. Physician-assisted death has been authorized in Oregon, Washington state, Montana and Vermont states with mostly white populations. In June, a right-to-die law took effect in California, despite opposition from Latinos and Catholics. Colorado voters passed a similar law Nov. 8. This is the meeting schedule for the D.C. Council and its committees for the coming week. All meetings are in the Council Chamber of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, unless otherwise noted. The agenda is subject to change. For updates and information, go to dccouncil.us. Thursday Local Business Development and Utilities subcommittee public hearing, 10 a.m. Room 412. Agenda: Snow Removal Agreement Authorization Amendment Act of 2016. Committee of the Whole public hearing, 1 p.m. Agenda: Sense of the Council Regarding Federal Immigration Raids Resolution of 2016. Local Business Development and Utilities subcommittee public roundtable, 2 p.m. Steadfast Supply Co., 1331 Fourth St. SE. Agenda: Small Business Saturday, Made in D.C. implementation and other support for small businesses. Wednesday Education committee meeting, 2 p.m. Room 123. Kaya Henderson talks about her time as the District of Columbia's School Chancellor in an interivew in June. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) Former D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson violated the citys ethics rules when she solicited a donation from a major food service contractor shortly after a whistleblower lawsuit accused the company of swindling millions of dollars from the school system, according to a ruling from the D.C.s Board of Ethics and Government Accountability. The ethics board decided to censure the former chancellor issuing a formal statement of disapproval but did not fine Henderson for the missteps. Henderson left her job in October. [D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson to step down, leaving legacy of progress.] Henderson said she was unaware that she was breaking any rules at the time, noting that her predecessor also solicited donations from contractors, according to case documents the ethics board released. Nonetheless, Respondent now acknowledges that her conduct violated the District Code of Conduct, according to the documents. D.C. Public Schools officials declined to comment on the ruling, and Henderson did not respond to request for comment Wednesday. City ethics rules restrict District employees from soliciting donations from any organization seeking business, or doing business with, the agency for which that employee works. The board did not conclude that Henderson was seeking donations in an attempt to influence her decision to do business with the contractor. The board launched an investigation into Hendersons actions earlier this year after the Associated Press first obtained emails showing that Henderson had solicited a donation from the schools systems food contractor, Chartwells-Thompson Hospitality. Henderson often seeks donations on behalf of The DC Public Education Fund a nonprofit group that is separate from D.C. Public Schools. [D.C. Schools chancellor asked a major contractor for big money] But the timing of the request raised concerns: The vendors contract with the school was set to lapse and a whistleblower had filed a lawsuit against the food provider in 2013, alleging the company overcharged the city and mismanaged the schools meals programs, with food often arriving late, spoiled, or in short supply. The emails between Henderson and the school systems food contractor revealed that the companys president emailed the chancellor asking her to send sponsorship information in September 2013 for an upcoming teacher gala. The DC Public Education Fund hosted the annual Standing Ovation for D.C. Teachers gala at the Kennedy Center. Henderson connected the companys president, Warren Thompson, with someone who provided him with information about how to donate. She then asked Thompson to donate at the $100,000 level. The emails indicate that the two had met in person the week before; the school system has not said what that meeting entailed. Warren, were hoping you come in at A Round of Applause, as wed love to have a dozen of your team members able to share in celebrating the teachers they support every day, Henderson wrote, referencing a level of donations at or above $100,000. Thompson ultimately donated $25,000, and the email exchange ended with Henderson writing: You Rock! Mervat Alwan of Annandale, Va., is a former client of Homestretch. An immigrant from Jordan, she was abused by her husband before divorcing him and found herself on the brink of homelessness before being helped by Homestretch, a partner in The Washington Post Helping Hand. (John Kelly/TWP) My favorite mental image of Mervat Alwan is her crisscrossing Northern Virginia in a car, delivering auto parts to BMW dealers while keeping her eyes peeled for dentists offices. Mervat described the scene: I have my resume ready, and any dentist place I see, I just park my car, give them my resume and I leave. A shy, mousy woman she is not. But she was once a troubled one, an escapee from an abusive marriage, an immigrant in an unfamiliar land, a mother worried about how she would provide for her children. And then she found Homestretch, one of the partners in The Washington Post Helping Hand fundraising campaign. Anything that helps Homestretch, Id be happy to do, Mervat said to me before sharing her story. I can tell how they change peoples lives for the better. Mervat was 24 in 1999, when she married an American citizen who was visiting her native Jordan. The couple moved to Northern Virginia. Mervat said her businessman husband was a good provider a nice house, a new car every few years. When I came to this country, I never worked, she said, because he doesnt want me to. She stayed home and cared for their children. When her husband started to become violent when Mervat felt it necessary to tell her then-4-year-old twins that if they ever found Mommy on the floor, they should dial 911 she realized that she had to leave. It was a big surprise, she said of the abuse. I thought he might change. Just give him time. But when you decide, you just go and do it. You dont waste time anymore . . . I didnt want my kids to grow up seeing me always beaten and him hitting me. Mervat divorced her husband. She moved out of the house with the children the twins (a boy and a girl) and an 11-month-old boy. She stayed with a cousin for a while, then paid for an apartment for a few months by slowly selling off the one asset she had: her gold jewelry. When that ran out, she fell behind on her rent. Mervat had become a U.S. citizen in 2007 but didnt realize that she was eligible for such benefits as food stamps and health care for her children. A neighbor explained that Mervat could go to Fairfax County for help. As she was on the brink of homelessness, about to be evicted, the county matched Mervat with Homestretch. Without Homestretch, I dont know what Im going to do, she said. Homestretch is a charity that works with homeless families in Fairfax. Clients such as Mervat are provided with an apartment for two to three years and a slew of support services. They helped me a lot, Mervat said. They gave me the trust and the love and the power, also. Mervat took English classes at Homestretchs Falls Church, Va., offices, the charity providing day care for her children. She attended mandatory life-skills classes to learn everything from how to do a family budget to how to prepare a resume. She applied for a job at Macys and got it. I worked in human resources. Can you believe that? Mervat said. She laughed, finding it humorous that her very first job was to help other people apply for jobs. She then moved to the stores seasonal gift-wrapping department. Homestretch requires that clients work or be in school learning a trade. Mervat tried her hand at an accounting class but decided it wasnt right for her. She switched to dental-assistant training. She delivered auto parts for the eight months it took her to land a position at a Fairfax dental practice. It was one of those over-the-transom resumes that got Mervat the job. She still works there and lives with her kids in Annandale. When things were at their bleakest, Mervats parents told her she should return to Jordan with her American-born children. Mervat didnt even consider it. Its not a good life for my children or me, she said. Job prospects are poor, and women are hired there based on their looks, she said. The twins are 14 now, and their younger brother is 10. My daughter, she wants to be a lawyer, my boy, a mechanic, said Mervat, 41. The little one is going to be a doctor. If we could go back in time and talk to our forebears, the ones who left their countries to try their luck in America, I wonder if wed hear similar stories: hardship mixed with fortitude. I wonder what sort of help a meal, a loan, a place to stay tipped the balance toward the future we live in now. Your gift to Homestretch can help tip the balance to families in need today. To give online, visit posthelpinghand.com. To donate by mail, make a check payable to Homestretch and mail it to: Homestretch, 303 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, Va. 22046, Attn: Nan Monday. Twitter: @johnkelly For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly. Material possessions don't give you half the sense of fulfillment as new experiences. By India Today Web Desk: It's not every day that you can feel so not-guilty while spending on things you don't need. In case you haven't come across the news yet, the government has allowed the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1000's old notes at government hospitals, railway ticketing, public transport, airline ticketing at airports, milk booths, crematoria/burial grounds, petrol pumps, for metro rail tickets, highway and road toll, purchase of medicines on doctor prescription from government and private pharmacies, LPG gas cylinders, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets, till November 24. advertisement So, if you've been wanting to get rid of old cash, here's the most effective way to do it. According to a new research, experience, instead of material possession, gives individuals a greater sense of gratitude, making them more generous towards one another. Our deeds clearly mean more to us. "We feel more gratitude for what we've done than for what we have," said Thomas Gilovich, Professor of Psychology at the Cornell University. "Think about how you feel when you come home from buying something new," Gilovich said in the study published in the journal, Emotion. "You might say: this new couch is cool, however, you're less likely to say: I'm so grateful for that set of shelves. "But when you come home from a vacation, you are likely to say: I feel so blessed I got to go," he said. "People say positive things about the stuff they buy, but they don't usually express gratitude for it, or they don't express it as often as they do for their experiences," Gilovich added. So, if you've been wanting to take that vacation, now is a brilliant time, be it by air or train. The researchers looked at 1,200 customer reviews, half for experiential purchases like restaurant meals and hotel stays and half for material purchases like furniture and clothing. Reviewers were more likely to spontaneously mention feeling grateful for experiential purchases than material ones, the study suggested. "One of the reason for this increased gratitude may be because experiences trigger fewer social comparisons than material possessions. "Consequently, experiences are more likely to foster a greater appreciation of one's own circumstances," said Jesse Walker, Researcher at the Cornell University. The researchers also looked at how gratitude for experiences versus material purchases affected pro-social behaviour. In a study involving an economic game, they found that thinking about a meaningful experiential purchase caused participants to behave more generously toward others than when they thought about a material purchase. "This link between gratitude and altruistic behaviour is intriguing," said Amit Kumar, Researcher at the University of Chicago. advertisement "It suggests that the benefits of experiential consumption apply not only to the consumers of those purchases themselves, but to others in their orbit as well," Kumar said. With inputs from IANS --- ENDS --- THE DISTRICT Man is found guilty in 2014 fatal stabbing A District man was found guilty late Tuesday in the 2014 fatal stabbing of a co-worker after an argument over the use of tools on a construction site. A D.C. Superior Court jury found Malik Bilal, 40, guilty of second-degree murder while armed in the July 6, 2014, fatal stabbing of Alonzo G. Beasley, 52. Beasley was stabbed seven times in the chest, back and neck in front of co-workers in Northeast Washington. Beasley, who was unarmed, according to witnesses, pleaded, Dont do this. Bilal is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 27 by Judge Milton C. Lee. Keith L. Alexander MARYLAND Store robber is sentenced to 16 years Parris Xavier Allen, 23, of Landover, was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years in prison for the Sept. 8, 2015, robbery of a Shell gas station convenience store near the Westfield Montgomery mall in Bethesda. Allen and another man entered the store armed with a gun, and stole cash and packs of Newport cigarettes. Montgomery County Police later found several packs of cigarettes in a parking lot and tested them for fingerprints. One came back as a match for Allen, who had convictions for burglary and property destruction, according to court records. Dan Morse Missing U-Md. student is found in Houston A University of Maryland student who had been reported missing has been found, according to authorities. Kaitlyn George, 21, was found about 8 a.m. Wednesday in Houston. The University of Maryland at College Park said in a statement that it received confirmation from Houston police that they found George in that city. Authorities said on Twitter that George was okay. She was reporting missing Nov. 10. VIRGINIA Congressional staffer says he didnt file taxes A top congressional staffer admitted Wednesday that he failed to file taxes in 2009. Isaac Lanier Avant, chief of staff to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Democratic staff director for the Homeland Security Committee, pleaded guilty in Alexandria federal court. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges accusing him of failing to file taxes between 2010 and 2013. The charge is a misdemeanor; Avant could at most serve a year in prison and pay a fine of $100,000 when sentenced Jan. 17. Rachel Weiner Rep. Andy Harris celebrates his election victory during a party held by the Maryland Republican Party on Nov. 8 in Linthicum, Md. (Steve Ruark/AP) Marylands sole GOP member of Congress says he is determined to make sure that House Republicans stay faithful to conservative policies, even as they welcome the populist presidency of Donald Trump. Rep. Andy Harris is running for chairman of the House Republicans think tank, a caucus known as the Republican Study Committee, which considers itself the last line of defense for those who worry that Trump could compromise conservative values. The election on Thursday comes as Republicans strategize about how to leverage their White House victory as well as majorities in the House and Senate, and Trump supporters such as Harris, 59, jockey for a seat at the table. Harris, a member of both the RSC and the more hard-line conservative Freedom Caucus, said the relationships he has formed over three terms representing the rural Eastern Shore in Congress make him the right person to unite House Republicans. The fact of the matter is for years the RSC was the conservative voice on the Hill, he said in an interview. Under the best circumstances, two years from now, no one perceives the need for the Freedom Caucus. Six past chairmen of the RSC and the current chairman, Rep. Bill Flores (Tex.), are backing Harris for the two-year post over freshman Rep. Mark Walker (N.C.) a show of support that might be more reassuring had the nation not just elected a president backed by virtually none of the political establishment. Harris, an anesthesiologist who specializes in obstetrics, was the first member of Congress to endorse retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson during the Republican primaries. Both men are social conservatives who spent part of their careers at Johns Hopkins University. Both eventually embraced Trump. A military veteran, father of five and grandfather of four, Harris spent 12 years as a conservative contrarian in the Democratic-controlled Maryland legislature before he was elected to represent the states rural, conservative Eastern Shore in Congress. He planned to run for RSC chair two years ago but withdrew from consideration when his wife died suddenly. Harris was one of the last holdouts during the 2013 government shutdown, continuing to vote against a proposed spending plan even as federal workers in Maryland and elsewhere endured a 16-day furlough. He had a high-profile spat with the District over marijuana in 2014, when he led the opposition to legal pot shops in the nations capital. He has likened the proliferation of medical pot to telling patients to chew on mold instead of taking penicillin. Im sorry that in contradiction to the best new medical evidence that states decide to go ahead and approve recreational marijuana which has proven to be incredibly detrimental to developing brains, he said of votes in California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine last week to approve recreational marijuana. I think we should very, very carefully consider the expansion of what has to be considered a dangerous drug. The congressman is also determined to fight D.C. efforts to achieve statehood even though voters in the city overwhelmingly approved a statehood referendum last week. I still think founders got it right in making a federal enclave that is not a state, Harris said. Go back and read the Federalist Papers that deal with it. . . . People have a choice. They can move to any of the other 50 states. During the interview, Harris displayed the type of loyalty that he would bring to the RSC when asked to weigh in on criticism that Trumps new chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, is a racist, an anti-Semite and a white nationalist. In his answer, Harris invoked the debate over mandated insurance coverage of birth control, which he has compared with the government burning churches in his mothers native Ukraine. The postelection rhetoric has been pretty hot, he said. Its very interesting that the same people who would be very willing to deny religious freedom to people who hold deeply held religious beliefs on certain issues all the sudden want to criticize others with very little evidence. Thats pretty hypocritical, if you ask me. Turning to the economy, Harris said his top priority is reducing the deficit, which debt hawks say could be a challenge if Trump pushes a big infrastructure bill at the same time he tries to cut taxes. Harris said that he sees no conflict and that he expects Trumps plan to rely on private funding and tax credits, unlike what he describes as the Democrats deficit-busting stimulus bill. He noted that the president-elect is emphasizing expanding military installations and creating jobs, focuses that are popular on the Eastern Shore. Large parts of my district really do look like the parts of America that supported Donald Trump and gave him his electoral college victory, Harris said. His message of Make America Great Again resonated with large portions of this country. Thursday, Nov. 17 Woodbridge Toastmasters Club An open-house meeting. Learn effective communication and leadership skills. 7:30 p.m. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 13020 Telegraph Rd., Woodbridge. 703-898-7171. woodbridge.toastmastersclubs.org. $68 membership fee. Manassas Remembers 9/11 First-person accounts of the terrorist attacks from community members, first responders, eyewitnesses and victims. Through Nov. 27. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-257-8452. manassasmuseum.org. Free. Not for Glory: Manassas Veterans and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan This exhibit, produced in partnership with the Freedom Museum, uses first-person narratives to tell the stories of local veterans who served in the countrys most recent conflicts. Through Feb. 19. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-368-1873. manassasmuseum.org. Free. Twists and Turns An exhibit of mixed media by Lauren Jacobs of Woodbridge and fused glass by David and Dale Barnes of Sterling. Through Dec. 5, Artists Undertaking, 309 Mill St., Occoquan. 703-494-0584. theartistsundertaking.com. Free. Paintings by Debra Keirce The Ashburn resident paints miniature realistic pieces, smaller than 25 square inches. Through Dec. 21. Northern Virginia Community College, 6901 Sudley Rd., Manassas. 703-323-3000. nvcc.edu. Free. Friday, Nov. 18 Library used book sale Sponsored by the Friends of Potomac Library. Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Potomac Community Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge. 703-792-8330. Free. Occoquan holiday open house Sponsored by the Business Guild of Occoquan, the evening features refreshments, giveaways and shopping throughout the historic town. 4-8 p.m. Mill Street, Occoquan. 703-201-8499. historicoccoquan.com. Free. American Legion dinner The public is invited to dinner with a different special every week. Proceeds support local veterans and the community. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Woodbridge American Legion, 3640 Friendly Post Lane, Woodbridge. 703-494-4304. vapost364.org. $5-$15. Saturday, Nov. 19 Financial Aid Super Saturday The event, sponsored by Stonewall Jackson High School and the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, includes financial aid workshops and one-on-one assistance with completing forms. 9 a.m.-noon, Stonewall Jackson Senior High School, 8820 Rixlew Lane, Manassas. 571-598-3003. vasfaa.org. Free. Home buyer seminar Presented by local real estate broker Bob Hummer. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Strayer University, 13385 Minnieville Rd., Woodbridge. 703-878-4866. military-realestate.com. Free. Water-quality monitoring Collect water-quality data and learn about the quality of the stream, sponsored by the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District. 10 a.m. Deweys Creek, 17119 Waterway Dr., Dumfries. waterquality@pwswcd.org. pwswcd.org. Free. Weems-Botts silent auction fundraiser Sponsored by Historic Dumfries and the Weems-Botts Museum, the celebration includes Jeremiahs Barbeque and a silent auction to benefit the museum. 6:30 p.m. Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad, 3800 Graham Park Rd., Dumfries. 703-221-2218. weemsbotts@msn.com. $15. Sunday, Nov. 20 Author Joseph R. Haynes A discussion of his book Virginia Barbecue: A History. 1:30 p.m. Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William St., Manassas. 703-368-1873. manassasmuseum.org. Free. Bingo Proceeds support local veterans. Doors open at noon Sundays with games beginning at 2 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Mondays with games beginning at 7:15 p.m. Woodbridge American Legion, 3640 Friendly Post Lane, Woodbridge. 703-494-4304. $15 minimum. Monday, Nov. 21 Job search network group Plus discussion of various topics related to the search process. 1-3 p.m. House of Mercy, 8170 Flannery Ct., Manassas. 703-659-1636. Free. Bingo Proceeds support Dale City Knights of Columbus activities and charities. Doors open at 6 p.m. with games beginning at 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-491-2378. $9 minimum. Lake Jackson Mid County Lions Club meeting 6:30 p.m. Great American Steak and Buffet, 8365 Sudley Rd., Manassas. 703-369-6791. Free. Neighborhood Watch meeting Training session for anyone interested in starting a program; refresher for Neighborhood Watch coordinators and members. Followed by discussion of community issues. 7 p.m. Western District Station, auditorium, 8900 Freedom Center Blvd., Manassas. 703-792-7270. jalicie@pwcgov.org. pwcgov.org/police. Free, registration required. Prince William Wildflower Society Featured speaker is native plant landscape designer John Magee. 7:30 p.m. Bethel Lutheran Church, 8712 Plantation Lane, Manassas. 703-368-2898. Free. Wednesday, Nov. 23 Lake Ridge Toastmasters Club Members 18 and older develop their public speaking and leadership skills. 7:30-9:15 p.m. Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Dr., Lake Ridge. 703-491-3020. contact-8913@toastmastersclubs.org. lakeridge.toastmastersclubs.org. $34-$64 membership fee. Compiled by Sarah Lane To submit an event Email: pwliving@washpost.com Fax: 703-392-1406 Details: Announcements are accepted on a space-available basis from public and nonprofit organizations only and must be received at least 14 days before the Thursday publication date. Include event name, dates, times, exact address, prices and a publishable contact phone number. Prince William County These were among incidents reported by Prince William County police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-792-5123. BRISTOW AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Acadia Park Dr., 9000 block, 1 to 8 a.m. Nov. 2. A computer and a cellphone were stolen from a residence entered by damaging a rear door. Falling Water Dr., 9200 block, 7 p.m. Nov. 4 to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6. A screened porch of a residence was entered by damaging a door. Nothing was reported stolen. Industrial Park Ct., 8000 block, 6:15 p.m. Nov. 4 to 7:30 a.m. Nov. 5. Several keys were stolen from a business entered by damaging a window. DUMFRIES AREA ASSAULTS Dumfries Shopping Plaza, 18000 block, 1:56 a.m. Nov. 6. During an argument in a vehicle, a man cut a male acquaintance with a knife. The acquaintance was treated for injuries. A Stafford man, 46, was arrested. Victoria Falls Dr., 17500 block, 3:22 p.m. Nov. 2. During an argument, a female juvenile assaulted a female juvenile relative and cut her arm with a pair of scissors. A Dumfries girl, 13, was arrested. WEAPON Jefferson Davis Hwy., 16700 block, 8:45 p.m. Nov. 4. Two men reportedly shot at each other. No one was reported injured. ROBBERY McClellan Ct., 2300 block, 12:07 a.m. Nov. 3. A man hit a juvenile male in the face and robbed him of a pair of headphones. GAINESVILLE AREA HOMICIDE Atlas Walk Way, 7300 block, 5:35 p.m. Nov. 6. A man shot a female acquaintance. Linh Thi Pham, 26, of Bristow was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An Ashburn man, 33, was arrested. ASSAULT Rothbury Dr., 8600 block, 5:16 p.m. Nov. 5. During an argument, a woman stabbed a male acquaintance with a knife. The man was treated for injuries. A Gainesville woman, 25, was arrested. MANASSAS AREA ASSAULTS Camfield Ct., 11000 block, 5:45 a.m. Nov. 5. During an argument, a man assaulted a female acquaintance. A Manassas man, 34, was arrested. Heather Green Dr., 9600 block, 10:56 a.m. Nov. 6. During an argument, a woman threw a beer bottle at a female relative, hitting her in the head. The relative was treated for injuries. A Manassas woman, 46, was arrested. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Centreville Rd., 8300 block, 10:55 a.m. Nov. 4. A man broke into a business. An 18-year-old man was arrested. Festival Lane, 10300 block, 7:57 a.m. Nov. 1. Cash was stolen from a business entered by forcing a rear door. Kurt Kahn Trail, 7300 block, 5:40 to 8:45 p.m. Nov. 6. Jewelry was stolen from a residence entered through an unlocked window. NOKESVILLE AREA ROBBERY Free St., 12900 block, 7:33 a.m. Nov. 2. Four masked gunmen entered a residence, restrained a male occupant and assaulted another male occupant. They fled with cash and a video game. During an investigation, police found narcotics inside the residence. A Nokesville man, 22, and a King George man, 23, were arrested. TRIANGLE AREA THEFT/BREAK-IN Quantico Terrace Dr., 3600 block, 2:45 to 6:50 p.m. Nov. 2. A car key was stolen from a residence entered through an unlocked front door. WOODBRIDGE AREA WEAPONS Black Forest Lane, 12700 block, 1:43 a.m. Nov. 5. During a large fight, a man fired a weapon into the air. No one was reported injured. Westminster Lane and Westmont Dr., 11:36 a.m. Nov. 7. During an argument, a man fired a weapon at another man. They fled in separate vehicles. CHILD NEGLECT Eisenhower Cir., 1400 block, 4:43 p.m. Nov. 4. Three children were left unattended and locked out of their residence. A Woodbridge woman, 31, was arrested. ROBBERY Worth Ave., 14000 block, 9:13 p.m. Nov. 2. A man arranged to sell a cellphone to an unknown man in a parking lot. The two argued, and the man robbed the second man of cash and a wallet at gunpoint. THEFTS/BREAK-INS Chase Eagle Ct., 16200 block, 6:10 to 6:40 p.m. Nov. 4. Prescription medicine was stolen from a residence entered through an unlocked garage door. Pinon Ct., 14600 block, 3:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Nov. 1. A residence was entered by damaging a rear window. Nothing was reported stolen. VEHICLE THEFT Cloverdale Rd. 14000 block, 7:22 a.m. Nov. 2. A vehicle left with the engine running in front of a store was stolen. The vehicle was later found damaged and unoccupied. It was determined that the vehicle hit another unoccupied vehicle before being abandoned. A second vehicle left with the engine running in front of a residence in the 14200 block of Birchdale Avenue was stolen. The stolen vehicle was found. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver hit an occupied vehicle, then fled on foot. A Woodbridge man, 18, was arrested. Manassas No reports were received from Manassas police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-257-8000. Manassas Park No reports were received from Manassas Park police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-361-1136. A top congressional staffer admitted Wednesday that he failed to file taxes in 2009. Isaac Lanier Avant, chief of staff to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Democratic staff director for the Homeland Security Committee, pleaded guilty in Alexandria federal court. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges accusing him of failing to file taxes between 2010 and 2013. The charge is a misdemeanor; Avant could at most serve a year in prison and pay a fine of $100,000. He will face sentencing Jan. 17. In interviews with IRS and FBI agents last year, Avant admitted to knowing that he was required to file tax returns and pay income taxes, according to court documents. As a staffer in congressional leadership, records show he makes annual wages of more than $170,000. However, authorities said he had filed a form falsely claiming he was exempt from federal income taxes. Avant also acknowledged that he had dramatically overstated the deductions he could receive for charitable giving and medical expenses in 2006 and 2007. As part of his plea agreement, Avant agreed to pay $153,522 in restitution to the IRS. Avant declined to comment after his plea. A District man was found guilty late Tuesday in the 2014 fatal stabbing of a co-worker after an argument over the use of tools on a construction site. A D.C. Superior Court jury found Malik Bilal, 40, guilty of second-degree murder while armed in the July 6, 2014, fatal stabbing of Alonzo G. Beasley, 52. [Malik Bilal charged in fatal stabbing after argument at construction site] Bilal and Beasley worked together on a construction crew in Northeast Washington. At one point in the afternoon, according to prosecutors Glenn Kirschner and Katherine Earnest, Beasley walked to Bilals truck and grabbed a beverage from the truck bed. Bilal, who was sitting in the truck, jumped out, yelled at Beasley, then produced a knife and began stabbing him. Beasley, who was unarmed, according to witnesses, repeatedly apologized and began pleading, Dont do this. Beasley was stabbed seven times in the chest, back and neck in front of co-workers. The knife was never found. Bilal was arrested two days later and has been in custody at the D.C. jail. During the trial, Bilal argued that he was acting in self-defense and that Beasley had threatened him with a gun. Bilal is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 27 by Judge Milton C. Lee. He faces a maximum of 45 years in prison. How much is the life of a loved one worth? $1,000? $2,000? $5,000? Scam artists have been demanding those ransoms from some people in Prince Georges County, claiming it is the only way to get the safe return of a kidnapped family member except that the relative never was snatched. The ruse, which has hit at least a dozen victims in the Maryland suburb just outside the nations capital, is part of a growing wave of similar extortion schemes reported by law enforcement around the country. Police said the callers in the county are skimming information about victims and their families by looking for connections through social media. The scheme is particularly sophisticated, said Officer Tyler Hunter, a Prince Georges County Police spokesman, because the scammers often will call multiple members of a family and record the exchanges. The scammers then replay snippets of calls including the reactions of a loved one being told that a family member has been kidnapped to other relatives on the line, creating the illusion someone truly is in danger. [How to avoid becoming a victim of a virtual kidnapping scam] What is unique is when they call you, they would also call your mom, your dad, your cousin and your sister, and they would be making demands simultaneously for ransom, Hunter said. While it is frightening to receive such a call, authorities want residents to be vigilant in case they become a target of the virtual kidnapping ploy, he said. Try to be as guarded as you can with social media, Hunter said. When you put things on social media, people can still find them. And if family members do get this unfortunate phone call, they can take a second and realize that something may not seem right, Hunter said. Think through it and make proper notification to law enforcement. [We have your daughter: A virtual kidnapping and a mothers five hours of hell] In Prince Georges, targets have been receiving phone calls from a 240 area code, Hunter said. The caller has been demanding anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 for a safe return, warning their targets that an attempt to call police or to contact their loved one personally would result in harm, Hunter said. So far, the scam artists have collected thousands of dollars from victims in Prince Georges, with callers directing that funds be wired to a bank account in Puerto Rico, police investigators said. Hunter added, When in doubt, call us. Geneice Petty drove a Lincoln Town Car hearse. It was the personal car she parked outside her Greenbelt apartment. It was the car she used to drive her husband to work. And it was the car in which she stored the body of her 2-month-old son for more than 24 hours before helping bury him in woods behind a Maryland high school, police and prosecutors said. Why the couple owned a hearse was not clear, but the description of the vehicle emerged Wednesday at a hearing for Geneice Petty, 24, on charges related to the death of her son. Prosecutors said the hearse held the body of Antoine Flemons for a full day after his Sept. 21 death, until about 2 a.m. the following morning, when the babys mother stripped the boy of his clothes and wrapped him in a black blanket before his father placed him in a shallow grave. Antoine Flemons was fatally beaten before he was buried in the woods, police say. ( Prince George's County Police Department) The body was buried for a month, police said, before investigators unearthed the childs remains. Geneice Petty appeared in Prince Georges County court for a preliminary hearing, where a judge determined Wednesday there was enough evidence for her case to go to trial. [The baby had been missing for a month. Detectives found him buried in the woods.] It was her second court appearance since she was charged last month with being an accessory to murder after the fact. Petty told authorities that she helped her husband who is accused of fatally punching and burying the child hide his crimes from police, according to prosecutors. Her husband, Antoine Petty, 32, was indicted Tuesday on charges of murder, child abuse resulting in death, and assault. Although the child has a different last name, the Pettys are his biological parents. Police and prosecutors said the boy was killed after Antoine Petty became agitated with the crying child and took him to the balcony of the couples apartment. Geneice Petty then heard her husband strike the child at least five times, a Prince Georges police homicide detective, Joshua Malinowski, testified at her hearing. The childs breathing grew faint before he became unresponsive, Malinowski said. [Infant was punched, left in car for 24 hours before parents buried him, police say.] After the babys death, the couple offered varying explanations for the childs whereabouts when outsiders inquired about him, said police. The child was dead for a month before the couples relatives reported the boy missing to authorities, police said. When police spoke to Geneice Petty, she initially informed detectives that her husband had told her the baby was with other family members, Malinowski said in court. Geneice Pettys attorney, Anthony D. Mayo, said in court that there was not enough probable cause for his clients case to move forward, arguing that she did not witness the alleged beating and was not a medical professional who could judge whether anything was wrong with the child after he was taken to the balcony. We dont know what happened when they went outside of the apartment, Mayo said of the father and child. When she came into contact with the child, she didnt have knowledge of murder. Assistant States Attorney Rebecca Cordero argued that the case should go to trial because there was evidence Geneice Petty had not called police to report the death and lied about the whereabouts of baby Antoine. Alejandro Avelar allegedly made online threats to bring guns and explosives to High Point High School in Beltsville, Md. (Courtesy of Prince George's County Police) Authorities have charged a 20-year-old man accused of using his Twitter account to threaten to bring explosives and guns to a Prince Georges County high school. Alejandro Avelar, an alumnus of the school he threatened High Point High in Beltsville faces charges of threat of mass violence and other charges. Prince Georges County Police said they investigated and found that Avelar, of Adelphi, does not have access to firearms or explosives. [At the 10th largest school system, a violent threat comes every other day] It was not immediately clear when Avelar had made the threats to the school. This incident comes as schools across the country deal with increasing social media threats of violence at facilities Police and school officials often have to deal with how and when to respond to threats in a way to protect students and staff while also not creating unneeded worry. Some threats come online and others are made using computer-generated robo-calls. How to deal with them can vary by each situation. [Police investigate threats against schools in six states] In a statement, police in Prince Georges said they take seriously all threats against targets in the county and will work aggressively to arrest whoever is responsible for sending those threats. The police also encouraged the public to report threats of violence they see on social media. By PTI: Salbboni (WB), Nov 16 (PTI) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has seized Rs two crore in cash from Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes. The money seized by CRPF personnel from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh were mainly hoarded by Maoists operating in the region. They were traced while trying to transfer or deposit them to others bank accounts," CRPF Director General K Durga Prasad said while inaugurating an administrative building of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) unit. advertisement "Rs 1.10 crore was seized from Jharkhand, Rs 80 lakh from Bihar and Rs 10 lakh from Chhattisgarh since the demonetisation process started. We are making full use of the Centres move in flushing out the cash hoarded by Maoists," the CRPF DG said. He said that the Maoists are active in the border areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar and the COBRA unit of the force would continue to operate in combating the red ultras. A special squad of women COBRA troops was also initiated by the CRPF DG here and he said they would be stationed at Lalgarh, Jhargram and Siliguri in West Bengal. India has become one of the few countries to deploy women personnel at combat situations in the most violent areas, including forests for operations against Maoists. PTI COR DKB AYP --- ENDS --- Three employees of a food truck selling falafel were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle caught fire on the campus of George Washington University in Northwest Washington, according to the D.C. fire department. One man and two women were rushed to the burn unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. A fire department spokesman said at least one patient was in critical condition. He said all three are expected to survive. The fire erupted about 2 p.m. aboard the Falafel Bus, owned by the House of Falafel, a catering company specializing in Tunisian Mediterranean cuisine. It was parked in a line of other food trucks on H Street NW between 21st and 22nd streets, in front of the Gelman Library and a new university residence hall that opened this fall on the Foggy Bottom campus. Flames could be seen rising above the back of the orange-and-yellow truck, and smoke could be seen for blocks. Fire officials said it appeared the fire started in the back of the vehicle, near the generator. Fire officials did not rule out an explosion but said they were still investigating the cause late Wednesday afternoon. Ahmed Raouf, who was working on the Kabob food truck parked behind the Falafel Bus, said he heard three whooshing sounds, like air or wind getting sucked out, and then saw the fire. He saw rescue workers carry the woman outside, her arms and face burned. Aftermath of a food truck that caught fire in the Foggy Bottom area. (Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department) She was frantic and crying, Raouf said. I was freaked out. Doug Buchanan, a spokesman for D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, said firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. No students were hurt, according to Buchanan and a university spokeswoman. The Falafel Bus was parked on a street normally occupied by as many as eight food trucks a day. The House of Falafel owns several trucks, according to its Internet site, all with different names. A company representative, reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, declined to comment. Calvert County These were among reports received by the Calvert County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 410-535-2800 or 301-855-1194, the Crime Solvers line at 410-535-2880 or the state police Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400. CHESAPEAKE BEACH AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Summer City Blvd., Nov. 2. License plates were stolen from a vehicle. OWINGS AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS North Side Dr., 9:19 a.m. Nov. 4. Someone in a blond costume wig tried to break into a garage at a residence but fled when confronted. PRINCE FREDERICK AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Hallowing Point Rd., Nov. 1. Copper wire jumpers were stolen from an electrical meter box. Route 231, 12:55 p.m. Nov. 1. A man stole a spy drone from a business. A Prince Frederick man, 43, was charged with theft. Valley Lee Ct., Nov. 2. A cellphone was stolen from a vehicle. SOLOMONS AREA VANDALISM Charles St., and Farren Ave., 8:20 a.m. Nov. 3. Someone drove a vehicle at a high rate of speed around a memorial, leaving large skid marks. Charles County These were among reports received by the Charles County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. For information, call 301-932-2222 or 301-870-3232. The website ccso.us has crime statistics and information on crime prevention programs. REWARDS FOR INFORMATION Crime Solvers will pay a reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment. The 24-hour hotline is 866-411-8477. Callers may remain anonymous. INDIAN HEAD AREA ROBBERIES Indian Head Hwy., 4600 block, 1:02 a.m. Nov. 2. A male broke into a liquor store and stole cigarettes and liquor. A Temple Hills man, 49, was charged with burglary and theft. Matthews Rd., 8000 block, 8:55 p.m. Nov. 3. An armed masked man stole cash from a business and fled. VANDALISM Stone Ave., Nov. 3 to Nov. 5. Two homes were spray-painted with graffiti. LA PLATA AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Austin Dr., 4400 block, Nov. 6. A pressure washer, circular saw and power tools were stolen from a shed. WALDORF AREA ROBBERIES Crain Hwy., 2100 block, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 5. A male, who appeared to have a gun, stole cash from a clerk at a sandwich shop, and fled. WHITE PLAINS AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Kingsview, Nov. 4. Items were stolen from several vehicles. St. Marys County These w ere among reports received by the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. For information, call 301-475-8008. To submit a tip, call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. The Leonardtown Barrack of the state police has an anonymous tip line at 301-475-2936. CALIFORNIA AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Woodland Acres Rd., Nov. 3. Property was stolen from a home. CHARLOTTE HALL AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Charlotte Hall, Nov. 5. A wallet was stolen from a purse at a grocery store. LEONARDTOWN AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Academy Hills, Nov. 3. Multiple vehicles were entered in the area. Hanover Dr., Nov. 4. A vehicle was broken into; nothing was reported stolen. Tomey Ct., Nov. 3. Property was stolen from a garage. LEXINGTON PARK AREA THEFTS/BREAK-INS Devin Cir., Nov. 5. Property was stolen from a vehicle. Developers in Montgomery County will pay a higher tax to build in farther-out, auto-dependent areas and contribute more to expand sidewalks, bike lanes and transit as part of a new growth policy aimed at curbing the suburbs car-centric sprawl. Under new rules approved Tuesday, the council also will require residential developers countywide to pay more toward building new or expanded schools to ease crowding. The changes come as part of an updated and simplified Subdivision Staging Policy intended to ensure that public infrastructure keeps pace with private development. The policy specifies how developers must estimate, and pay for, the impacts of their projects. Crippling congestion and crowded schools have become growing concerns as the Washington suburb of 1 million people has continued to develop. With another 200,000 residents anticipated over the next 30 years, county officials say, Montgomerys transportation network and school system can keep up only if the county continues to focus growth around transit and requires developers to pay more to help expand schools and build new ones. I think its smart to continue to prioritize smart growth and transit-oriented development over sprawl, said Council member Tom Hucker (D-Silver Spring). [Why an auto-centric suburb wants developers to pay for transit, walking] Among the biggest changes approved Tuesday is a higher transportation impact tax for building in rural areas and farther-out suburbs, such as Damascus and Colesville, where planners say data shows people are more likely to drive and to travel farther, both for commuting and errands. The different tax rates are designed to encourage development near job centers and Metro stations, where the tax is lower. Someone building a new single-family home in North Potomac, for example, will pay a transportation impact tax of almost $22,000, compared with about $7,000 for a new single-family home near a Metro station, such as in downtown Silver Spring or Rockville Town Center. The new policy also adds financial incentives for developers to limit the amount of parking they build, which is considered key to limiting new traffic. How developers help offset the impacts of their projects will vary in different parts of the county. A developer proposing a high-rise apartment building in downtown Bethesda might be required to contribute money toward new bike lanes or sidewalks, while those in farther-out areas such as Olney or Potomac might have to pay for an additional turn lane at a nearby intersection. Densely developed areas such as Bethesda, Silver Spring and Friendship Heights dont have room to build new roads or widen existing ones, officials say. We all recognize that the improvements we need [in urban areas] arent intersection improvements for the most part, Council member Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda) said during a recent work session on the policy. [Suburbs are rethinking car-centric office parks to court millennials] Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large) cast the lone vote against the policy, saying it wont do enough to prevent already horrendous traffic from worsening, particularly near rapidly growing areas such as downtown Bethesda. You basically have no protections for communities for how congested traffic can get, and theres no requirement to fix things, Elrich said after the vote. This is just a green light to developers. The council rejected an idea by county planners to scrap traffic tests for new buildings proposed near Metro stations. Planners had said the tests werent helpful because individual building proposals rarely were found to generate enough additional traffic to violate local limits. The county generally permits more traffic congestion in areas that are well-served by Metro and other transit. Council members said they heard from residents who said it didnt make sense to forgo intersection studies when approving additional growth in areas already swamped with traffic. The council also voted to require developers to conduct more sophisticated traffic analysis in more urban and heavily developed areas. Montgomery planning officials rejected criticisms from some longtime residents who have said the changing focus is unfair to people who want to live in farther-out suburbs where there can be few reliable transit options. Its your choice where you live, but not all development has the same impact on the use of roads and other transportation services, and you should pay for what you use, said Casey Anderson, chair of the Montgomery planning board. Why would people living next to Metro who dont own a car have to subsidize people who are using the roads? . . . You can make whatever choice you want and pay accordingly. The higher school impact tax, which will be the same across the county, is based on 120 percent of the cost to build a new seat, up from the current tax based on 90 percent of that cost. Parent advocates also celebrated the councils decision to impose a building moratorium in any area where the local elementary or middle school is overcapacity by 20 percent and a certain number of seats. The current policy applies only to an entire high school cluster, leading to building bans only when the clusters elementary or middle schools collectively are 20 percent over capacity. A vigil was held in for Deeniquia Dodds on July 16 2016 a few blocks from her home. (Petula Dvorak/TWP) On the morning of July 4, just before 3 a.m., Deeniquia Dodds lay unconscious and bleeding in the 200 block of Division Avenue NE, a 9 mm bullet lodged in her neck. Hours earlier, Dodds, a 22-year-old transgender woman, had grabbed her silver purse and some extra condoms and headed out to work as a prostitute, her family said. Be sure to tell them who you are. What you are, Joeann Lewis, Doddss aunt, has recalled telling her. [We just want to be accepted. At a vigil, transgender people mourn one of their own. ] Police discovered Dodds known to her friends and neighbors as Dee Dee near the intersection of Division Avenue and Clay Street. She died nine days later when she was removed from life support. Two suspects are charged with murder in her killing, Shareem Hall, 22, of District Heights, and Jolonta Little, 26, of Southeast in the District, and are due in D.C. Superior Court Friday for a preliminary hearing. Authorities allege the defendants set out to rob transgender women, and Dodds was among their targets. The court case will push Doddss death and the dangers she faced in her final hours before a wider public. But her story, and other accounts of violence and obstacles confronted by many transgender sex workers, are already familiar to those in the D.C. transgender community. [Suspects charged in slaying targeted transgender women for robberies, police say] Dodds is one of at least 20 transgender people slain in the United States this year, a Human Rights Campaign tally found, which also said more than one-third of the 53 victims in recorded transgender homicides from 2013 to 2015 were engaged in survival sex work subsisting on money from prostitution. Yet homicide figures do not fully capture how pervasive violence is among the Districts transgender prostitution community, according to sex workers at the D.C.-based nonprofit Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (HIPS). A slaying creates a momentary stir, as Doddss death did in July, and may again as the case goes to court, but that fleeting focus misses the recurring incidents, said Shareese Mone, a 47-year-old transgender woman. Court documents filed in Doddss case describe a June 28 robbery in which a transgender woman was ordered to take off her clothes and run across the street, and an attack on the same night as Dodds was shot in which armed suspects forced three people to the ground. [Maryland man arrested in transgender womans killing in D.C. ] The threat of violence remains in the back of many minds, said Destiny, a veteran worker who asked to be identified by her street name because her work is illegal. You always think about it, she said. Im always going to be on the lookout for the free hand thats not on the steering wheel. Central to the risk and a major barrier for trans people, said Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan of the National LGBTQ Task Force, is that prostitution remains treated as a crime. Once theyre on the streets, theyre much more vulnerable, she said. You cant go to the police, because youre worried that youll be profiled as a sex worker or risk being arrested on prostitution charges. Hailey Flynn, the Georgetown University womens law and public policy fellow at HIPS, agreed that treating prostitution as a crime leads to more violence against transgender sex workers, though she acknowledged that a more lenient form of punishment would not eliminate every risk. Sharing information, about major clients or certain spaces, is one way of banding together for safety, Rodriguez-Roldan said. At HIPS, veteran sex workers said it is important to teach younger workers how to avoid potential trouble, particularly those prone to deceiving clients by not disclosing they are transgender, which puts them in jeopardy if a client feels duped, ashamed or embarrassed and lashes out. For the young girls, you can lead by example, Destiny said. You can sit in a group and tell them and tell them and tell them, but you have to show, not tell, with those girls. Mone said many young transgender girls are enticed by the glitz and the glamour when they see a sex worker wearing jewelry and nice clothes with styled hair and nails. The first thing they say is, she has no struggle, so shes prostituting to look good, Mone said. But they dont know the whole struggle that youre trying to pay rent and keep your apartment. They dont see all that. For others, the work can help them transition and get to know yourself, Mone said. Youre a trans girl, youre going from male to female, so youre practicing your walk, your talk, she said and youre going places where its comfortable for you to be known as a trans person. Working on the streets may also provide a needed social setting, especially for people unaccepted at home or elsewhere, and may even hold out hope for a pathway to love, said transgender advocate Ruby Corado. Destiny, now 45, said she began sex work at 14 because she thought it was fun. It offered acceptance, too. But once she got a car and an apartment, it became a job. A DC Trans Coalition survey of transgender people in the Washington area released in November 2015 found that 60 percent of respondents who make less than $10,000 a year had engaged in sex work. More than one-third of those surveyed reported exchanging sex acts for money, housing, drugs or a combination of the three. The survey found, too, that 36 percent of the transgender population in Washington remains unemployed, nearly six times the D.C. unemployment rate in November 2015, when the survey came out. Many turn to sex work, Rodriguez-Roldan said, because of a vicious cycle where they face discrimination and harassment that makes finding employment difficult. Your only recourse is the more informal underground forms, including those that are criminalized, like drug-selling, like sex work and whatnot, she said. And then we give you criminal records, and youre trapped. A male sex worker at HIPS said he has walked a middle course. He has worked at Pricewaterhouse, Lockheed Martin and the Library of Congress, he said, while also working as an escort for an agency to cut down on the risk of violence although, he said, stuff still happens. To improve job prospects, Rodriguez-Roldans organization encourages employers who require background checks to ask for only the relevant information which excludes an applicants gender, she said. Like some other advocates, she argued that transgender people shouldnt feel compelled to reveal their gender to stay safe, whether they are sex workers or not. Truth be told, people arent under obligation to disclose their sexual history or their identities to anyone, Rodriguez-Roldan said. Its a problem beyond just sex work and dating violence. As the discussions of gender identities evolve, Jazmin Sutherlin, a health-impact coordinator at the DC Center for the LGBT Community, said there are two different transgender communities emerging: one made up of people engaged in sex work and one where people work normal jobs but may still be stigmatized and demonized. Some, including 65-year-old transgender woman Jeri Hughes, think transgender people no longer have to rely on sex work. Hughes says she has witnessed changes over her lifetime that opened other paths. Because for all the discrimination that persists, she said, there are still people who do not discriminate and will not hold it against you and will offer assistance. . . . We need to get that message to the kids to get them off the streets and get them into productive lives. The most mundane of municipal meetings, in which 18 local elected officials listened to reports on transportation planning, 911 service and residential rentals, somehow felt notable Tuesday night, as if three Northern Virginia communities were out to prove that cooperation in government can work. Members of the Alexandria and Falls Church city councils and Arlington County Board officials met jointly to discuss how to collaborate on transit and land use, an enhanced 911 system and regulations governing short-term rentals such as Airbnb and to consider whether working together can save taxpayers money. No major agreements emerged from the 2 -hour session at Alexandrias Durant Recreation Center. But the officials encouraged their city and county employees to keep sharing information and coordinating plans, which they were quick to point out has been happening informally for years. [Metroway, regions first bus rapid transit, to debut in Northern Virginia] With all the negativity going on at the national level, its good to see these three groups can come together, said Alexandria council member Willie Bailey (D). I hope this is not a one-off, said Falls Church council member David Snyder (R). We need to tighten our relationship and exchange information and see where it takes us in the future. Other officials, who noted that those present had not all met before Tuesday, suggested working together on legislative requests to the General Assembly, focusing on housing affordability and joining to address airport noise. The three relatively small jurisdictions have a lot in common, said Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey (D), who added that the discussion was better than I expected. Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg (D) urged colleagues to borrow each others ideas and share what works. The populations of the communities Arlington has 225,000 residents, Alexandria has 149,000 and Falls Church has 13,500 are dwarfed by those of their neighbors, starting with Fairfax County, with 1.1 million residents. Across the Potomac River, Prince Georges County in Maryland has 890,000 residents, and the District has about 659,000. The smaller and the larger jurisdictions participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. But the officials from the three smaller, inside-the-Beltway Virginia communities said they shared enough similarities to make their own annual meeting worthwhile. The session began with Alexandrias official town crier, Ben Fiore-Walker, in his Colonial uniform, reading an original poem welcoming the officials. Falls Church Mayor P. David Tarter offered to host the next meeting, but he had a request. I want a town crier, he said. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 9. (Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images) A tense public meeting between the men who ran the Virginia campaigns for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton illuminated their differences and helped explain what happened on Election Day. On one side of the stage at George Mason University sat Mark Kevin Lloyd, a tea party activist and Trumps man in Virginia. The folksy Lloyd lives outside Lynchburg what he calls gods country and relied on anecdotes to explain the Trump movement. Next to him sat his counterpart on the Clinton campaign, Brian Zuzenak. Before managing the former secretary of states Virginia operation, he worked for her friend Gov. Terry McAuliffe and ran a string of congressional races around the country. He loves data. The pair answered questions on stage in an annual election postmortem organized by the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. The questions came from Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at the university, and the audience. Clinton won Virginia, pulling 49.9 percent of the vote to Trumps 45 percent. It was the only Southern state to land in the Democrats column. Usually, the post-election analysis is a jovial conversation between two professionals who seem like they could sit down for beers after the political warfare. This wasnt that. Here are some key moments: Its no secret Trump was unhappy with some press coverage of the campaign. The Clinton camp wasnt thrilled either. My beef with the coverage of the race is the concept of false equivalency, Zuzenak said. Emails do not equate to sexual assault and thats as simple as that. A testy exchange about sexual assault hinted at Trumps feeling he was falsely accused of groping women. The release of a 2005 Access Hollywood video in which he spoke about women in lewd terms prompted many Republicans, including Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.) to denounce him. Lloyd defended his boss. Accusation is not adjudication. I got that from my boss. He was accused by a lot of people of a lot of things and well just leave it at that. He also bragged about a lot of things so... Zuzenak said. Well, well discuss that off line, Lloyd shot back. They both hate public opinion polls. Zuzenak: Public polling should be banned. It serves no purpose other than to create an artificial horserace and to get people to click, to get people to buy newspapers. Lloyd: Im with him on that. Zuzenak: In a span of one week you had two polls that were 20 points different... In what world are those two polls both accurate? Minority groups dont vote with one voice. Although Trump announced his campaign with a speech calling Mexican immigrants rapists and criminals, Lloyd said there were Latino volunteers for Trump in Virginia. They favored Trumps plan to build a wall on the southern border because they spent tens of thousands of dollars to immigrate to the United States legally, he said. A similar phenomenon played out with African Americans, he said. Some of my best volunteers were African American, he said. Basically they said the Democratic Party has been taking advantage of us for 50 years and were still where we were. Give the guy a chance and that worked. We won. Clinton called Trump supporters a basket of deplorables and they wore the label proudly. Zuzenak said he was glad Clinton apologized for the comment. And then he also took a jab at Trump. I think thats a big difference between her and other folks in the race, he said. She was willing to admit when she misspoke even if there was some truth in it. Lloyd said Trump benefitted from Clintons blunder. Well they just started sending me T-shirt designs calling themselves deplorable, he said. They wore it as a badge of honor. Yeah, it motivated em. Neither side figured out how to inspire young voters. Lloyd, a father and grandfather, said when he was growing up in the 1960s and 70s, his own parents were baffled by him in the same way that he is puzzled by young people today. That goes doubly, he said, for millenials out storming the streets in protest over Trump. Thats a problem, Lloyd said. That probably began to be generated at home with baby boomers when they spoiled a bunch of kids. Theyre out there overreacting, throwing their temper tantrums. Asked to shed light on how the election could benefit women, the campaigns were lightyears apart. Lloyd said job growth, limited government and the return on sanity under Trump would help all Americans, regardless of gender. A raising tide is going to raise all boats, he said. Zuzenak did not agree. They may have a job but they wont control their own body, he said. The temple currently doesn't allow girls and women of menstruating age, between 10 and 50 years, to enter the sanctum sanctorum. By Revathi Rajeevan: As Sabarimala temple opened to yet another pilgrim season, it is still a long wait for women before they could be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum and offer their prayers. The temple currently doesn't allow girls and women of menstruating age, between 10 and 50 years, to enter the sanctum sanctorum. While the debate on allowing women entry to the temple continues in the apex court, for many, especially those have reached menopause but are not 50 yet, the refusal is frustrating. advertisement WANTED TO VISIT SHRINE WITH HUSBAND Rajeshwari was married off at the age of 15. Since then, every time her husband went to Sabarimala, she wished to join him. Today, 47-year-old Rajeshwari is ready to enter Sannidhanam (the main temple at Sabarimala) but without her husband, who died eight years ago. Given the size of the crowd that visits the shrine, security guards don't check the id proofs of everyone. Rajeshwari feels she can try to slip inside. ALSO WATCH ALSO READ: Sabarimala issue: Need full support of govt, cannot comment on women's entry, says Travancore Devaswom Board president ALSO READ: On Sabarimala, Kerala government makes a U-turn in Supreme Court "I will be very happy if the court allows women of all ages to enter. For god, what's the difference between a man and a woman? I have a 22-year-old daughter. She wants to come to the temple too," says Rajeshwari, who has with nine others including three women from Villupuram in Tamil Nadu. I AM 49, WHAT IS MY FAULT A few meters away, Narasamma's eyes have welled up. She has travelled from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, to visit the temple. She is a few months shy of turning 50, and therefore not eligible to enter the Sannidhanam. Other women in her group have managed to get inside the temple, she says. ALSO READ: While actIvists fight for women's entry into Sabarimala, these women say they are #ReadyToWait "Several women try sneaking in. Some come dressed as men but we can spot them just by looking at their face. We can tell what their age could be. It doesn't matter if they have reached menopause or not, what matters is their age," says Pankajakshiamma, a security guard at the temple entrance. The Kerala High Court in 1991 banned the entry of women between ages 10 and 50 to the Sabarimala shrine during any time of the year. The Supreme Court has now accepted petitions to review the judgement. The Kerala government recently said that it supported women's entry to the temple. ALSO READ: Kerala government to stop VIP darshan in Sabarimala temple ALSO READ: Sabarimala entry case: Kerala govt not supporting us, will seek Amma's help, says activist Rahul Easwar --- ENDS --- advertisement An unprecedented flood of donations is pouring into many progressive and civil rights groups amid fears that a unified Republican government in Washington could block their agenda or turn back hard-won achievements, including expanded rights for gay and transgender people and a legal reprieve for some undocumented immigrants. The American Civil Liberties Union said 120,000 donations totaling more than $7 million have poured in over the past week, the largest show of support in the organizations nearly 100-year history. The Anti-Defamation League has seen contributions jump 50-fold, with the majority of the contributions coming from first-time donors. The Southern Poverty Law Center saw its Twitter following jump by 9,000 as the organization racked up a list of more than 400 reported incidents it labeled hateful harassment or intimidation, such as swastikas scrawled on church walls and women in headscarves being accosted. And groups that advocate for Muslims, women, immigrants, racial minorities and gays say they have received a similar deluge of support. The contributions are a silver lining for the groups, who say the election of businessman Donald Trump has inspired fear in the communities they were formed to protect. People are flocking to the Human Rights Campaign website to learn what the outcome might mean for gay and lesbian couples seeking to adopt, or for transgender people who, feeling a sense of security because of executive orders issued under the Obama administration, came out about their gender identities at the workplace. What happens, they ask, if those executive orders are rescinded? These are devastating questions to be asking, said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, which had worked closely with the Obama administration over the years. Folks are scared. They heard what Trump and others said time and time again and they dont know what it might mean for them. Voto Latino, an advocacy group that typically focuses on issues such as climate change and immigration, found itself giving out suicide hotline numbers and anti-bullying literature. Weve become a de facto support group, said the organizations president, Maria-Teresa Kumar. Similar fears gripped supporters of Planned Parenthood, the womens health nonprofit whose political action arm vigorously campaigned for Trumps Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. The organization will again be in the crosshairs as the Republican Congress seeks to cut off its federal funding, which Trump has said he would support. However, the group received an unprecedented 128,000 donations in the wake of the election, President Cecile Richards said in a statement. She pledged to stay open, no matter what. The Human Rights Campaign, Voto Latino and Planned Parenthood were among several groups, including organized labor and immigrant rights groups, that met this week in Washington to plot a strategy going forward. Left-leaning organizations say they are being forced to regroup in the wake of an election that gave Republicans control of both the White House and Congress for the first time in a decade. Trump has pledged to step up deportations of undocumented immigrants in the country and roll back environmental regulations, and he has surrounded himself with advisers who oppose abortion and gay rights. The consternation is intensified by the uniquely divisive nature of Trumps candidacy. His rhetoric shook some more centrist groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, which slammed Trumps campaign for its anti-Semitic echoes. His candidacy was embraced by avowed white supremacists and neo-Nazis, though in a recent interview with CBSs 60 Minutes he asked any of his supporters who might be harassing minorities to stop it. One positive for these groups is the outpouring of support from citizens who are using their wallets to do what their votes could not. I think its very reassuring that even though weve seen this surge in hate, if you will, weve seen a very compelling and countervailing surge of good, said Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, which opposes anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry. Greenblatts group is planning to take an approach of optimistic engagement with a Trump administration, he said. The ADL sometimes clashed with the Obama administration too; for example, it opposed the Iran nuclear deal. Less optimistic is the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a group that vociferously advocates for the rights of Muslims and has been a favorite target of conservatives. Prior to the election, the organization had hoped to push for stronger legislation banning racial profiling, but that seems off the table now, said Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for CAIR. The organization blames Trump and others for inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment; in a report this week, the FBI said anti-Muslim hate crimes reached levels last year not seen since 2001. For many groups, Trumps surprise victory at the polls has instantly changed their priorities. Earlier this week, seven groups devoted to issues affecting racial minorities including the NAACP and the National Urban League held a conference call with reporters pledging to immediately make voter suppression a top issue. Strict new laws requiring voters to present identification and the shuttering of some polling places led to lower voter turnout among African Americans and young people, they alleged. The ACLU this week announced that it was refocusing its efforts to protect protesters and analyzing the civil liberties records of potential appointees. In addition, it will seek to block efforts by Trump and a Republican Congress to defund Planned Parenthood; deport immigrants brought to this country by their parents, known as Dreamers; and ban Muslim refugees. The ACLU was among the first organizations to adopt an adversarial tone in the immediate wake of the election, promising to be a thorn in Trumps side if he executed all his campaign promises. See you in court, the organization said in news release. Mark Potok, senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, said the election results have hastened what has been a shift in recent years on the part of his organization, which tracks hate groups. Increasingly, he said, his center has watched fringe figures and ideas infiltrate mainstream politics for example, conspiracy theories about President Obamas birthplace. That particular conspiracy theory years ago got a boost from Trump, who then was not a candidate for president. Now that Trump has won, Potok said, his eyes will be trained on the highest office in the land. Were increasingly looking at politicians because so much hatred was seeping into the mainstream, Potok said. Now, its the same phenomenon but worse. As of Tuesday night, the organization had collected 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment, though not all had been verified. The largest number of incidents were directed at immigrants, but about 90 targeted African Americans. OKLAHOMA Southwest employee killed at airport A Southwest Airlines employee was fatally shot at Oklahoma Citys main airport on Tuesday, prompting authorities to halt flights and impose a shelter-in-place order, and the suspect was later found dead in his pickup from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot to the head, police said. The shooting victim, Michael Winchester, 52, was the father of football player James Winchester, a long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs. The shooting appeared to have been premeditated, Oklahoma City police Capt. Paco Balderrama told a news conference, but authorities did not disclose a motive and said the suspect had not yet been positively identified. The shooting occurred in a parking lot at Will Rogers World Airport around 1 p.m., Balderrama said. He said the suspect was found dead inside his truck in an airport parking garage. Ken Sarnoff, the agent for James Winchester, announced the death of the players father in a Twitter posting. Airport officials said on Twitter that the airport was slowly resuming operations. Spokeswoman Karen Carney said about 25 flights were canceled on Tuesday. Most of the cancellations were from Southwest, which said it had canceled all inbound and outbound flights for the remainder of the day, Carney said. Reuters UTAH Five are stabbed at high school Five students were stabbed inside the boys locker room of their Utah high school Tuesday and a 16-year-old student was taken into custody after school workers risked their lives to box him into a corner, police said. The suspect, a straight-A student with no record of disciplinary problems, stabbed himself in the neck at Mountain View High School before he was subdued with a Taser by an officer working at the school, said Gary Giles, the police chief in the small city of Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. The suspect used a knife with a 3-inch blade to attack the five male victims, Giles said. The school staffers managed to contain him for several minutes and prevent more bloodshed until police arrived, he said. He said police were investigating why the student attacked his classmates at about 8 a.m. as they were getting ready for the morning physical education class at the start of the school day. Police did not release names of the suspect or the victims, citing their ages. School district spokeswoman Kimberly Bird said the suspect was a new student at the high school who had previously been home-schooled. All of the victims were stabbed at least once and were being treated for neck and torso injuries at hospitals. Their conditions ranged from critical to fair, Orem police Lt. Craig Martinez told reporters. The suspect was also hospitalized. Associated Press MINNESOTA Sentencings in Islamic State recruitment case Three men were sentenced to prison Tuesday for plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State, as a federal judge concluded the second day of sentencings in a case that shined a light on terrorist recruiting in the state. Adnan Farah, 20, and Hanad Musse, 21, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Hamza Ahmed, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for that count and another count of financial aid fraud. All three were also given at least 20 years of supervised release. They are among nine men in Minnesotas large Somali community who prosecutors say were part of a group of friends who inspired and recruited one another to join the militant group. Some of their friends made it to Syria, but the nine who were prosecuted did not. Their sentencings come a day after three of their co-defendants were sentenced, including two who cooperated with authorities and were given lighter penalties. Farah, Musse and Ahmed pleaded guilty but did not cooperate with prosecutors. Three men who went to trial and were convicted on a more serious charge of conspiracy to commit murder outside the United States will be sentenced Wednesday. Associated Press NORTH CAROLINA Lesbian couple win birth certificate suit A married couple in North Carolina will finally get birth certificates listing both of them as parents of their two sons, more than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that everyone has a fundamental right to the legal recognition that marriage provides to families and children. Lambda Legal said Melissa and Meredith Weiss secured court orders recognizing them both as parents of their boys in October 2014, but the state Department of Health and Human Services refused to amend their birth certificate accordingly. They sued in December 2015, nearly six months after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage rights nationwide. Lambda Legal announced Tuesday that the state has agreed to add both parents names to the boys documents. Associated Press The court today directed the Centre to form a nodal agency to look into such complaints. The Supreme Court had ordered 43 keywords to be blocked. (Photo: PTI) By Anusha Soni: Cracking down on online advertisements on pre-natal sex determination tests, the Supreme Court today directed the Centre to form a nodal agency to address complaints pertaining to sex-determination kits being sold online. The Supreme Court's order came on a public interest litigation filed against leading search engines Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Once brought to the attention of the nodal agency, the request to remove content will be forwarded to the search engines, who will now have to act within 36 hours. advertisement ALSO READ: SC accuses Google, Microsoft, Yahoo for posting foetal-sex test ads WE ARE JUST AGGREGATORS Earlier the apex court had directed the companies running these search engines to hold rounds of consultation with the government on how such advertisements can be controlled online. Google, Yahoo and others told the top court that they were mere aggregators and it was difficult for them to monitor all online content. The government was earlier directed by the Supreme Court to block nearly 43 keywords related to the subject. The Supreme Court has asked the government to advertise widely on television, radio and other forms of communication, telling people that selling sex determination kits or products is illegal. ALSO READ: Government readies 'keywords' to abort sex test advertisements ALSO READ: Pre-natal sex test case: Man and family let off by court ALSO READ: Doctor arrested for sex test on foetuses in Delhi --- ENDS --- BRITAIN Leaked memo claims chaos over Brexit plans The British government on Tuesday strongly rejected claims in a leaked report that it is divided over leaving the European Union and has no coherent plan to extricate the United Kingdom from the 28-nation bloc. Opponents said the document revealed the chaos behind the governments frequent assurances that Brexit means Brexit. The Times of London published a memo, written by a staffer at the accountancy firm Deloitte, claiming that rifts within Prime Minister Theresa Mays team have delayed development of a negotiating strategy with the E.U. The government says it will trigger two years of formal exit talks by March 31. But the memo says that it may be six months before there is a view on priorities/negotiation strategy as the political situation in the U.K. and the EU evolves. The prime ministers office responded, This is not a government report and we dont recognize the claims made in it. Deloitte said the note was written without access to No. 10 [Downing St.] or input from any other government departments. The memo says that Mays government has little understanding of Brexits implications for industry and that its priority remains its political survival, not the economy. May took office in July, after Britons voted to leave the E.U. She had campaigned to stay in but has promised she will deliver on voters decision to leave the bloc. Associated Press YEMEN Government rejects Kerrys peace initiative U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Tuesday that Yemens Shiite rebels have agreed to a cease-fire for their war-torn country on the condition that their adversaries also agree to it. The announcement drew an immediate backlash from the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Kerry told reporters that the rebels, known as Houthis, have told him that they will abide by a cessation of hostilities, starting Thursday, providing the government does the same, and that they are willing to participate in a unity government. President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadis government rejected the cease-fire initiative. Hadis government is supported by a Saudi-led coalition that has been waging an air campaign in Yemen. The government has opposed a road map to peace that Kerry said has the support of Houthis. The document, drafted last month, sidelines Hadi by stipulating the formation of a unity government. It also transfers the presidents powers to a vice president and a new prime minister. The document says the formation of the unity government would come hand-in-hand with preparations for the Houthis to withdraw from cities they have seized and hand over their weapons to a third party. Associated Press EGYPT Court strikes down Morsis death sentence A court in Egypt on Tuesday struck down the death sentence passed by a lower tribunal against an ousted Islamist president for his part in a mass prison break during the nations 2011 uprising. The ruling means that Mohamed Morsi would be given a new trial, along with five other leaders of his now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group, whose death sentences in the same case also were quashed. The court also struck down life sentences passed against 21 Brotherhood members. Morsi is implicated in four trials pertaining to different cases, including the 2011 prison break. Last month, a court upheld a 20-year sentence for Morsi on charges related to the killing of protesters in late 2012. It was the first final verdict against Morsi, who was ousted by the military in 2013 after a year in office. Morsi is also appealing life sentences he received in the two remaining cases against him. Associated Press Senior Libyan al-Qaeda leader reported slain: A senior al-Qaeda leader was reportedly killed in a drone strike in southern Libya, a Libyan news agency said. The strike was suspected to be the work of a Western military, but a Pentagon spokesman denied any U.S. role. The news agency said Abu Talha al-Hassnawi, a key figure in al-Qaedas North Africa affiliate, was killed in his house in Sabha. Hong Kong court bars pro-independence lawmakers: Two Hong Kong separatist lawmakers were disqualified by a judge from taking office because they altered their oaths by adding anti-China insults. The judge ruled that Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching had violated a section of the semiautonomous Chinese citys mini-constitution as well as laws covering oaths taken by officials. The lawmakers said they will appeal. From news services The White House sent a secret hotline-style message to Russia on Oct. 31 to warn against any further cyber-meddling in the U.S. election process. Russia didnt escalate its tactics as Election Day approached, but U.S. officials arent ready to say deterrence worked. The previously undisclosed message was part of the high-stakes game of cyber-brinkmanship that has been going on this year between Moscow and Washington. How to stabilize this relationship without appearing to capitulate to Russian pressure tactics is among the biggest challenges facing President-elect Donald Trump. The message was sent on a special channel created in 2013 as part of the Nuclear Risk Reduction Center, using a template designed for crisis communication. It was a very clear statement to the Russians and asked them to stop their activity, a senior administration official said, adding: The fact that we used this channel was part of the messaging. According to several other high-level sources, President Obama also personally contacted Russian President Vladimir Putin last month to caution him about the disruptive cyberattacks. The senior administration official wouldnt comment on these reports. The private warnings followed a public statement Oct. 7 by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson charging that Russias senior-most officials had authorized cyberattacks that were intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. The senior administration official said Russia gave a noncommittal response to the Oct. 31 message, neither acknowledging the U.S. charges nor denying them. But the official confirmed reports by other high-level sources that after the public and private warnings, Russia did not increase its cyber-activity and may have reduced it. We did not see an escalation of Russian cyber-activity aimed at either trying to disrupt the election process or trying to influence the process, in the month leading up to the election, said one senior official. A second senior official cautioned, however, that it was too early to say whether the Russians were deterred from additional activity. The White House feared a last-minute Russian cyber-onslaught right up to Nov. 8, but it apparently never came. We saw no evidence of any systematic attempt to disrupt the election on Election Day, the first official said. These disclosures about secret U.S.-Russia contacts are the latest chapter in the story of heightened confrontation between the two countries a process that Putin and Trump say they are seeking to reverse. Putin phoned Trump on Monday to discuss ways to improve current unsatisfactory relations after Trump takes office and seek a partner-like dialogue, according to a Kremlin statement. The Obama administration has grappled with how to establish norms of deterrence in cyberspace that check destabilizing actions by an aggressive, risk-taking Russia. The White House thought it was making progress with a joint statement at the November 2015 G-20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, which affirmed that international law applies to state behavior in cyberspace. The United States argues that this commitment includes observing laws of armed conflict that require proportionality and limited collateral impact in whatever battlespace. But the Obama administration fears Russia is ignoring these limits. The Obama administration is ready to explore these issues further with Russia through a little-known working group created under a defunct presidential bilateral commission. The working group last met in April in Geneva. At that meeting, according to the White House, both sides discussed the possibility of expanding the quantity and scope of information sharing about malicious activity occurring on the networks of both countries. Those words ring hollow now, in light of alleged Russian activities this year. Russia experts in the Obama administration caution their successors: It will be very difficult for the next administration . . . to know what Russias intentions are and whether you can have confidence that they will live up to their commitments, said the second official. Russia has shown increasing willingness to take risky actions, and old assumptions about the careful, calculating, risk-averse nature of Russian leadership . . . seem to be shifting. Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), a longtime critic of Russia, issued a similar warning Tuesday about Putins professed desire for partner-like relations. We should place as much faith in such statements as any other made by a former KGB agent who has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened Americas allies and attempted to undermine Americas elections, he said. A new Cold War has begun in cyberspace. Trump seems to want detente. But first he should think carefully about how to establish clear norms of deterrence in this new domain. Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. ON MONDAY, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump spoke by phone about Syria and agreed on the need to work together in the struggle against the No. 1 common enemy international terrorism and extremism, according to a Kremlin statement. Hours later, Russia and its Syrian allies launched a massive new bombing campaign against eastern Aleppo and other rebel-held territories. Just a coincidence? Not likely, given what we know about Mr. Putin. There are no Islamic State forces in Aleppo, though Mr. Trump does not appear to be aware of that fact. There are an estimated 250,000 civilians who, according to the United Nations, received the last available food rations last week. There are also rebel forces that until now have been trained and supplied by the United States and its allies, as well as groups linked to al-Qaeda. Surrounded by Syrian, Iranian and Shiite militia forces since July, all face the same brutal ultimatum President Bashar al-Assad has delivered to other rebel-held areas: Surrender, or die through bombing or starvation. Mr. Putins evident aim is to support the Assad regime in a campaign to overrun the city, and perhaps other rebel-held areas, during the 2 months of the U.S. presidential transition. If so, the result will likely be the worst humanitarian catastrophe yet in a war that has already seen more than 400,000 people killed by bombing, chemical weapons, torture and other depravities. Yet neither the outgoing nor the incoming U.S. president appears willing to do anything to prevent this calamity. President Obama was asked about Aleppo at his news conference Monday by a journalist who pointed out that the United States had intervened to prevent a similar assault on the Libyan city of Benghazi. We dont have that option easily available to us, said Mr. Obama, who recently set aside several such options, such as grounding the Syrian air force. He added that the administration would continue to press for humanitarian safe spaces and cease-fires before conceding, I recognize that that has not worked. While the honesty was welcome, Mr. Obamas apparent willingness to watch fecklessly as hundreds of thousands of people are starved and bombed during his final weeks in office is morally abject. It will deepen the ineradicable stain Syria will leave on his legacy. Mr. Trump, for his part, has all but given Mr. Putin the green light for atrocities. While we dont know the specifics of what was said in his conversation with the Russian ruler, the president-elect in an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Friday repeated that Syria is fighting ISIS and you have to get rid of ISIS. Russia is now totally aligned with Syria. Again, the Syrian regime is not fighting the Islamic State in Aleppo. It is bombing and besieging its own citizens, with Russian and Iranian help. In refusing to allow aid deliveries and in targeting hospitals, it is willfully committing crimes against humanity. I dont think anybody wants a quarter of a million people to be starving in east Aleppo, said Jan Egeland, the head of a U.N.-backed humanitarian task force. Tragically, he is wrong. The Assad regime and Mr. Putin want it. Mr. Obama is unwilling to prevent it. And Mr. Trump is, at best, indifferent. Here's what you need to know about the man who went from Breitbart News chairman to Donald Trump's campaign CEO before his appointment as chief White House strategist and senior counselor. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) Here's what you need to know about the man who went from Breitbart News chairman to Donald Trump's campaign CEO before his appointment as chief White House strategist and senior counselor. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) If youd never heard of Stephen K. Bannon before Tuesday, you have now. All the world is suddenly abuzz with news that President-elect Donald Trump has named Bannon, formerly executive chairman at the right-wing website Breitbart News, as his chief White House strategist and senior counselor. Alt-right conservatives and white supremacists are jubilant; the rest of the world, including many Republicans, is nearly apoplectic. Even Glenn Beck, who seems finally to have found the right meds, says Bannon is a nightmare and once compared him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. Suffice it to say, theres no love lost between Beck and the Breitbart Boys. Between such virulent reactions and selective quotes from Bannons body of work, including a Sirius XM radio show that immediately preceded Becks, a Bannon narrative has emerged: Hes a racist, xenophobic, misogynist, anti-Semitic nationalist very much, in other words, like his boss, the soon-to-be president of the United States. President-elect Donald Trumps chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, attends a Trump campaign rally in Reno, Nev., on Nov. 5. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) If true. [Trumps campaign made it safe to hate again. Will he turn that around?] Already, some reporters seem to be backing away from such specific and explicit characterizations, noting that its unclear whether Bannon himself is all of these things or whether his association with those who are, via Breitbart postings, inferentially makes him so. Its an interesting difference with a possible distinction. Ive never met Bannon. If hes charming, his apparent efforts to conceal it are effective. Photos of him show a disheveled, shaggy-haired man in need of a shave who appears to have slept in his clothes, possibly on a sidewalk grate. Not that we should judge people by their looks, but we do until theres reason not to. Thus far, except for a few narrative-affirming anecdotes by people who claim bad experiences with him and resume items that provoke cognitive dissonance Bannon is inscrutable. The operative question for any thinking person is: If Bannon is any of those things mentioned above, what would it mean for the country, our policies, the nations temperament and that most sacred of American pursuits unity? 1 of 74 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Heres what president-elect Donald Trump has been doing after the election View Photos He has been holding interviews and meeting with Congress and the president as he prepares to transition into the White House. Caption He has been holding interviews and meetings as he prepares to enter the White House. Jan. 19, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, visit the Lincoln Memorial before the Make America Great Again concert. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. As children walk out of schools and protesters stage daily rallies, while women plot to march on Washington the day after Inauguration Day, unity seems an improbable goal. But what if Bannon isnt all those things? Are we even allowed to wonder? Once a narrative is launched, its nearly heretical to question it. Im not defending; Im just asking. Is it possible to allow white supremacists and woman-haters to traffic on your website and still be considered something less awful? I asked a few people who have known him well for some time if theres more to Bannon than meets the eye. There usually is, isnt there? [I told conservatives to work for Trump. One talk with his team changed my mind.] A few words used to describe him, irrespective of his websites fan club or the virtual company he keeps, include: gentleman, strategist, always polite, brilliant, fighter, activist, articulate, as well as I dont trust him. One person who has known and worked with him the past 15 years said that when she reads about Bannon in the newspaper, she thinks she must be reading about someone else. He was never like that with me. I only knew him to be a passionate fighter. Hes all about freedom. Constitutionally speaking, according to original intent, she clarified. In the resume column, Bannon is a former Goldman Sachs banker who holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Hes also a documentarian with eight films some would say right-wing propaganda movies to his credit, including one about Ronald Reagan confronting communism, In the Face of Evil, that highlights the markers of totalitarian states, chiefly the repression of free speech (he should know?) and religion. Another was produced in partnership with its subject, Sarah Palin, to rebrand her following her tragic experience in the national spotlight. Bannon, who is Catholic, is ardent about religious liberty, as Trump has promised to be. But Trump has also promised to clamp down on the media, which would have to include Breitbart, which invites the worst sorts of expression. One recent headline that has women ripping their hair out: Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy. They should probably have read the story, which was a cheeky dissertation by British journalist Milo Yiannopoulos, a self-proclaimed dangerous faggot, who, among other things, is never to be taken seriously. Bannon may or may not be like Breitbart people, but he has been willing to strategically encourage peoples hate as a way of inciting them to action. How these methods will manifest themselves in the White House remains to be seen. But we can uncomfortably imagine that Trump under Bannons direction will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Good luck, everybody. Read more from Kathleen Parkers archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook. Norman J. Ornstein is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. How does a divided United States, gripped with a combination of angry populism and partisan tribalism, govern with a president who lost the popular vote but a Congress that is primed to implement swaths of his agenda and expects the president to bow to some of its policy preferences along the way? How can this dynamic play out in a way that respects the fact that Republicans control the executive and legislative branches but more than half the country does not embrace a sharply ideological or radical agenda? How do we keep extreme policies at bay? Donald Trumps choice of alt-right leader Stephen K. Bannon as top White House strategist suggests that the worst instincts of the president-elect remain intact. The hopes for governance hewing closer to the center, and respecting all those living in the United States, rest with the Senate, and with the behavior and outlook of senators in both parties. For Senate Republicans, this is a critical moment to heed a call their colleague Lindsey Graham (S.C.) made earlier in the campaign there is a time to put country ahead of party. Reflexive party loyalty now, including blindly confirming all of Trumps executive and judicial nominees, would violate that maxim. Republicans need to vet thoroughly and firmly all nominees, but especially those who violate basic standards of moderation, civility and respect for constitutional norms. That means racially divisive and bombastic figures such as Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, who stunningly called on his allies during the campaign to ready their pitchforks and torches, and who has been rumored to be Trumps top choice for homeland security secretary, should be rejected. Should the equally divisive Rudy Giuliani be nominated for a position in Trumps Cabinet, he should be subject by Republicans as well as Democrats to probing confirmation hearings, including his highly questionable relationship during the campaign with the New York office of the FBI, the over-the-top accusations he directed at Hillary Clinton and his enrichment from a range of autocratic regimes. And whatever figures are eventually confirmed, it is vital that Senate Republicans provide oversight with vigor and integrity to make sure that offices are not abused. Similarly, vigorous oversight is needed to keep the country from becoming a kleptocracy, where policies that serve the holdings of officeholders, including the president, prevail over the needs of the country. Senate Republicans should also make sure that destructive policies, whether to increase the debt with unpaid-for tax cuts, blow up agencies, make mindless cuts in regulations, pursue trade wars, accept torture, move us closer to an all-out war with Islam or curtail civil liberties, do not get jammed through Congress. They cannot succumb to the pressure sure to come from the radical right to kill the filibuster not just for nominations but also for legislative actions. Not every Senate Republican will heed this call. But from a group including Graham, Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), Bob Corker (Tenn.), John McCain (Ariz.), Johnny Isakson (Ga.) and Ben Sasse (Neb.), among others, there should be sufficient numbers to provide a check and balance against authoritarian and divisive rule. What about Senate Democrats? They will be tempted to adopt the Republican playbook from 2009, when Democrats controlled Washington: Vote in unison against everything, filibuster everything, even those things you like, to obstruct action and make it look ugly, allow damage to the country in the short term to reap political rewards in the next election. That would be a mistake. Democrats have a chance to use their filibuster power not just to obstruct but also to improve. The first opportunity to do that will likely be on an infrastructure bill. Financing a good portion of the package through repatriated corporate profits invested in long-term, low-interest infrastructure bonds is one key. Making sure that a significant share of the program goes to green energy, broadband, cybersecurity and the electrical grid should be strong demands. So should a guarantee that any corporate tax reform that is a part of the deal not be simply another giant tax cut and giveaway. The second chance may come on health policy. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) has pledged to repeal Obamacare as an early priority now contradicted by the president-elect. Democrats can bargain for a revision of Obamacare call it Trumpcare that keeps exchanges and the individual mandate to preserve a meaningful protection for preexisting conditions and prevents a new lifetime coverage limit, and also strengthens risk corridors to prevent huge premium fluctuations. In return, they can drop the employer mandate, strengthen markets and reform malpractice insurance. Filibustering an extreme Supreme Court nominee, and blocking legislation to privatize Medicare or Social Security, to eliminate or eviscerate the Environmental Protection Agency or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or to give more giant tax cuts to the super-rich all these make sense for Democrats and for the country. But embracing the McConnell tactic of mindless obstruction does not. Right now, our hopes of having the better angels in our system prevail over our worst forces and instincts rest with the Senate. Lets hope its members respond. J. Bennett Johnston Jr., a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. Senate from Louisiana from 1972 to 1997, is president of the lobbying firm Johnston & Associates, which represents the American Petroleum Institute. Daryl Owen is president of Owen Associates and represents Energy Transfer Partners, the company building the Dakota Access Pipeline. Several weeks ago environmental activists broke into the pumping facilities for four operational oil pipelines and began closing valves, recklessly endangering themselves, the integrity of the pipelines and the very environment they profess to protect. These actions represent a dangerous escalation of the tone and tactics in the climate-change debate and can only be described as domestic terrorism. The perpetrators claimed their actions were in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and its opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. That may be true in a narrow sense, but any notion that they were motivated by concerns over tribal rights is pure fiction. Rather, tribal rights and the historic indignities visited upon Native Americans are just one more set of tools in the box of those hostile to fossil fuels. The result, in the case of the Dakota Access Pipeline, is a rapidly escalating debate that has become largely unmoored from the facts. This circus has been fueled by social media, where any intersection with the truth is brief and accidental, and food-chain journalism that repeats ungrounded claims. It has attracted the support of everyone from musicians to politicians whose understanding of the project is, at best, selective, and has prompted editorials from otherwise serious publications that have both the ability and responsibility to know better. Those who sympathize with the protest movement have an incomplete if not distorted view of its nature. A number of the self-proclaimed peaceful protesters have perpetrated violence against pipeline crews, done millions of dollars of damage to construction equipment and set up a semi-permanent encampment on federal lands in violation of trespass laws. They have hacked the website of the project developer and issued vile and profane threats, including death threats, against company employees. State and local law-enforcement leaders have repeatedly called for the assistance of federal law enforcement personnel requests that have been summarily rejected by the Justice Department. How did it come to this? This is, after all, a pipeline project. Fourteen other pipelines cross the Missouri River, including nine that carry oil or petroleum product. The proposed crossing for the Dakota Access project was chosen because it already hosts a natural gas pipeline and a high-voltage electric transmission line. The oil that would be transported in this line is currently finding its way to market (and across the Missouri River) by rail and truck modes that are far less safe than pipeline transport. At no point in its 1,172-mile path does the pipeline cross a single inch of tribal reservation land. Indeed, 99.98 percent of the project is on private lands, and all the rights of way for those lands have been secured. The Sioux argue that the pipelines route would disturb lands that, while not on their reservation, remain sacred. In response, the developers have made 141 route changes to avoid disturbance of identified sites on private lands. Nevertheless, the tribe went to federal court seeking to block completion of the project, arguing that it had not been properly consulted during the more than two-year permitting process. These claims were rejected in a thorough 58-page opinion rendered by an Obama-appointed federal judge. That opinion documents dozens of efforts by the developer and the Army Corps of Engineers to engage the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the consultation process and concluded that the Standing Rock Sioux largely refused to engage in consultations. Within minutes of this ruling, however, the Justice Department, joined by two other federal agencies, released a letter indicating that it nonetheless was withholding an Army Corps easement, the last of more than 200 federal permits needed to complete the project. Two months later the department continues to do so. Both the authority of the government to withhold the easement, and its reasons for doing so, remain unclear. What is clear is that the government has sent a chilling message to the private sector about the rule of law as it relates to infrastructure development. The easement being withheld is part and parcel of a river-crossing permit the pipeline has already received. It is a simple ministerial action authorizing the pipeline to cross beneath federal lands and, for want of a simple signature by an Army Corps bureaucrat, would finalize the process. By arbitrarily refusing to follow the law, the Justice Department has placed a lawfully permitted, vital $4 billion infrastructure project into suspended animation. What is also clear is that by refusing to enforce the law, the Justice Department has countenanced, if not encouraged, behavior at the crossing site that borders on armed insurrection. In a recent letter to Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Jonathan F. Thompson, head of the National Sheriffs Association, stated From our perspective, the federal governments inaction is tantamount to supporting (and encouraging) dangerous behavior. . . . When 2,500 protesters are threatening, intimidating, and using guerrilla tactics to stop a legal commercial initiative, something is terribly wrong with our civilization. To be sure there is much to be discussed and much to be regretted about the past 150 years of U.S.-tribal relations. But a real estate document for a pipeline river crossing seems hardly the pretext to do so. The entire situation has been blown far out of proportion and in the absence of firm, clear, expeditious federal action, may continue to escalate. Thus far federal officials have abjectly failed to live up to this responsibility, and in so doing they have almost certainly contributed to the publics rapidly eroding trust in its government. Being called a nut cake by Newt Gingrich is like being called ugly by the proverbial toad, but perhaps I should be flattered that the Donald Trump lieutenant singled out a column of mine condemning Trumps enabling of the alt-right. When John Dickerson asked the former House speaker Sunday on CBSs Face the Nation about what Trump should do about the racists and anti-Semites who rose with him, Gingrich dismissed the notion as garbage and hysterical, citing my column as crazy. I had never heard of the alt-right until the nut cakes started writing about it, he said. It was a breathtaking denial, from a man representing the president-elect, of one of the most visible byproducts of Trumps ascent. The denial of the obvious by Trumpworld suggests grim times ahead. If Trump wants, as he claims he does, to unify the country, hell disavow these white supremacists in unmistakable terms. But so far hes doing just the opposite, naming as his top White House strategist Stephen K. Bannon, a man who bragged that the publication he ran was the platform for the alt-right. Here's what you need to know about the man who went from Breitbart News chairman to Donald Trump's campaign CEO before his appointment as chief White House strategist and senior counselor. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post) As The Posts Dave Weigel reported, there has been a celebration of the Bannon appointment on Stormfront, the neo-Nazi website, while the white-nationalist writer Richard Spencer exulted that Bannon will chart Trumps macro trajectory. Trump has been emboldening the hateful for some time. The FBI just reported a 67 percent increase in hate crimes against Muslims last year, part of a 7 percent overall rise in hate crimes. Since the election, the Anti-Defamation League has seen a proliferation of racist and anti-Semitic vandalism, and the Southern Poverty Law Center has received allegations of more than 400 instances of hate-based intimidation and harassment. The white supremacists have generally celebrated Trumps triumph, with David Duke boasting that our people have played a HUGE role in electing Trump! and the head of the neo-Nazi site Daily Stormer bragged that we did this. This is a time of self-flagellation in the media, as we scold ourselves for being out of touch with the anger in the country and failing to hear the beleaguered white working class. But this is both misleading and potentially harmful. Yes, most journalists expected a Hillary Clinton victory Tuesday, based on polls showing her with a three-point edge. (At current count, shes about one point ahead in the popular vote.) Theres much to criticize in the failure of battleground-state polls, but its absurd to say the media was blind to the Trump phenomenon. I dont speak for the media, but I wrote on March 4: Trumps bigotry and xenophobia are a disgrace to the party. But Democrats would be foolish to think this guarantees victory for Clinton in November, because, for all his faults, Trump has an advantage: He connects with Americans feeling economic anxiety. I said the weakness with disaffected white working-class voters could doom Clinton, and I suggested she put Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on the ticket and embrace her populist themes. The out-of-touch criticism is dangerous because it suggests that the solution is to give more voice to Trump and show more respect for his supporters than we have. Thats fine if it means amplifying their grievances about economic reversals. But it would be tragic if the media, cowed by Trump and Gingrich, were to turn away from the crucial task of calling out the smaller number of Trump supporters (and advisers) who flirt with totalitarian ideas and racist sentiment. No economic grievance justifies the lock her up mentality that political opponents are not just to be defeated but imprisoned. After Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) made intemperate remarks about Trump, adviser Kellyanne Conway threatened the Senate minority leader, saying he should be very careful . . . in a legal sense. Neither does any fear of globalism justify the sort of racist attacks seen in this campaign, such as the slurs my colleague Michelle Ye Hee Lee, an Asian American woman, wrote about last week: Chinese massage parlors, cheek injections and rolling egg rolls. Trump, while claiming he was very surprised to learn of violence and racial threats being made in his name, made a helpful gesture when he told 60 Minutes that if it helps, I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it. Alas, that was contradicted when the Wall Street Journal asked if any of his campaign rhetoric had gone too far. No, he said. I won. Latent racism has long been common in the United States and perhaps always will be. But for a small number of overt racists, Trumps campaign made it safe to hate again. Now the president-elect can mitigate the damage. He can stop the denials, disavow the white supremacists and send them back to their dark corners. But will he? Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. WHILE WASHINGTON-AREA leaders duck, dodge and squabble about how to fix and fund Metro, localities elsewhere that rely on transit have taken matters into their own hands. In cities and regions across the country, voters last week approved about three dozen ballot measures to increase their own taxes to raise a staggering $170 billion for an array of train, subway, light-rail and bus projects. Alone among major American transit systems, Metro lacks just such an earmarked funding source, depending instead on the kindness of its governing jurisdictions, the District, Maryland and Virginia. Leaders in those places may be fickle, or politically evasive, or, in the case of the two states, less beholden to Metros ridership than they are to exurban and rural residents far from the Washington suburbs. Forward-thinking officials have pressed for an earmarked, ongoing funding source to undergird Metro for decades, to no avail. Every year, Metro must go to its funders, hat in hand, and hope for the best. Unshockingly, the result has not been the best; Metro is in bad shape. The region, having failed even to provide effective safety oversight, has ceded that role for the time being to the feds. It would be nice to think that Washington-area leaders might learn from voters and responsible local officials nationally. From liberal states such as California, New Jersey and Oregon to conservative ones such as Indiana, South Carolina and Georgia, they proposed and passed higher sales taxes, income taxes and property taxes, in addition to the usual bond issues earmarked for transit projects. Many of the taxes-for-transit ballot measures passed by overwhelming margins, often in the range of 2-to-1. In the case of California, which requires a two-thirds majority to approve such proposals, even the proposals that failed still gained clear majorities. But while Metro badly needs long-term, reliable funding, the political obstacles are overwhelming. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowsers (D) proposal this fall for a sales tax surcharge, dedicated to funding Metro in the District and surrounding localities, fell on deaf ears. In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) gave the idea the brushoff before softening slightly. In Virginia, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) let it be known that the timing was not right, especially given what would probably be blanket opposition from Republicans who control the legislature in Richmond. Even projections that Metros continued deterioration will cost area governments as much as $2 billion annually in lost revenue have failed to focus leaders on the magnitude of the threat. Metro plans to improve safety and reliability first, then ask for more funding. That strategy may also be doomed in the absence of more sweeping structural reforms within Metro specifically, a better governing structure than the existing, highly political board, and more flexibility to implement reforms than current labor contracts allow. In the end, it may take the credible threat of a federal takeover to shake regional leaders from their lethargy and get this regions passengers the transit service they need and deserve. The Posts Abby Phillip explores some of the questions Democrats are facing after Hillary Clintons defeat against Donald Trump in the presidential election. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) The Posts Abby Phillip explores some of the questions Democrats are facing after Hillary Clintons defeat against Donald Trump in the presidential election. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) Democrats are shifting to a more aggressive stance against the incoming Donald Trump administration in Washington, vowing to fight what they say are alarming signs that the president-elect will carry over the most divisive aspects of his campaign into the White House. A growing chorus of Democrats is seeking to rally those within the party to unite around a common goal of resisting Trump, while pressuring moderate Republicans to reject the most controversial appointments to Trumps administration. Immediately after Hillary Clintons surprise loss to Trump a week ago, some suggested that they might aim to work with Trump on shared policy goals. But Democrats have taken the appointment of former Breitbart News head Stephen K. Bannon as chief White House strategist and the emergence of Wall Street figures and lobbyists as candidates for top jobs as a strong indication of Trumps plans to veer sharply right and stray from the economic populist message that he championed as a candidate. Congressional Democrats say they have not ruled out working with Trump on areas of common ground, especially on infrastructure and populist economic policies, according to a senior Senate Democratic aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly discuss party strategy. But they plan to train their attention on the immediate challenge of contesting Trumps appointments to key roles, especially those that require Senate confirmation. [Obama warns against a crude sort of nationalism taking root in the U.S.] Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator-elect Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) denounce the acts of hatred that have arose since Donald Trumps election, and urge Trump to rescind Stephen Bannon's appointment. (Reuters) There is not a lot of leverage there, the aide said, acknowledging that the party holds no authority to halt the hiring of aides such as Bannon who do not require Senate confirmation and has limited power to stop those appointments that do. The rub on a lot of the appointments will probably be those more moderate Republicans. Organized labor leaders, who represent a key constituency of Democrats, have long said that their members agree with Trump on some economic issues, especially their shared opposition to free trade agreements that they say hurt American workers. But according to one senior labor official who spoke on the condition anonymity to talk candidly, the ascension of such figures as Bannon must be addressed before cooperation is put on the table. Critics say Bannon is a supporter of racist, anti-Semitic and misogynist views. We cant do business with this guy as long as hes in the business of hate, the official said. Why is that? Because were Americans. Nearly a week after extending an olive branch to the president-elect, suggesting that he and Democrats might find common ground on economic issues, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) on Tuesday significantly escalated her criticism of Trumps plans for his presidency. This just keeps going back to, what is Donald Trump going to do? Warren, a leading liberal voice within the party, said at a Wall Street Journal CEO Council event. And hes now giving us at least the first tangible sign of his vision of how to run a Trump presidency and a big part of that are lobbyists and Washington insiders and the other part of it is to bring someone who is a white supremacist into the White House to be a senior strategist. In an impassioned speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), the outgoing minority leader, denounced Trumps decision to name Bannon to a senior role, citing his ties to the alt-right movement, which is associated with white nationalism. If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon, Reid said. Rescind it, dont do it. 1 of 75 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Protests swell across U.S. in wake of Trump victory View Photos Vigils and protests flare up as opponents of President-elect Donald Trump express dismay with the election results, underscoring the difficult task he faces in uniting a fractured country. Caption Vigils and protests flare up among opponents of the president-elect. Nov. 20. 2016 People participate in an anti-hate rally at a Brooklyn park named in memory of Beastie Boys band member Adam Yauch after it was defaced with swastikas. Spencer Platt/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. As long as a proponent of racial division a step away from the Oval Office, it will be impossible to take Trumps efforts to heal the nation seriously. But there is little appetite among Democrats to launch a campaign of total resistance against Trump, especially on some issues where he may need Democratic support to overcome Republican opposition to proposals such as infrastructure. If hes going to be deporting millions of people, if hes going to continue sexist decisions that take away a womans right to choose or, you know, support racist programs, I will do everything I can to make sure those policies are defeated, said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). On the other hand, if he brings forward an infrastructure program, which is something Ive advocated for years, along with many others it creates millions of jobs will I be supportive? Yeah. The politics of total resistance is also viewed by some Democrats as a political miscalculation made by Republicans that they are unwilling to repeat. We have to do what we think is right depending on what issue hes pushing, said former Vermont governor Howard Dean, who is one of several candidates running for chair of the Democratic National Committee. If its a decent bipartisan tax bill, thats great. Should we resist the way Republicans resisted Obama? Of course not, he added. Its not good for the country. The emerging strategy comes as forces within the party are vying for influence over who will lead Democrats both in Congress and outside it. A group of more recently elected congressional Democrats and those who represent Midwestern districts won a major victory on Tuesday when they successfully postponed the election of the House minority leader, a position that Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is seeking to hold onto. Those Democrats are clamoring for change, urging the party to make its leadership more representative of the partys younger and racially diverse coalition. Rank-and-file members also blame the Democratic leadership for failing to respond to the concerns of their constituents in parts of the country, such as the industrial Midwest, where Trump won surprise victories or beat expectations. There is broad angst in the Democratic caucus, Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.), who supported the decision to delay the elections, told reporters. To stick with the same message over four bad election cycles is a mistake. I think part of it is that the messengers have to change. A leading contender to challenge Pelosi is Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio), an eastern Ohio lawmaker who would give voice to a desire for greater attention to job creation and working-class issues. Dean, who has previously served as DNC chair, is on a growing list of figures in the party seeking the DNC chairmanship. The Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Jaime Harrison, has also put his name in the running and others, including former Maryland governor Martin OMalley and Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, are considering runs. Another top candidate, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) also announced his candidacy this week. Some Democrats quietly worry that Ellison, a prominent black and Muslim lawmaker, would signal that the party is doubling down on social and cultural issues over addressing economic anxiety. Democrats such as Dean have also argued that the DNC job should go to a candidate who can commit to it full-time. Yet Ellison, who has been endorsed for the DNC job by several top congressional Democrats, was also an early supporter of Sanders in his primary run against Clinton and has focused on jobs and economic populism in his pitch for the job. My view is that progressives need to have a stronger sharper message on the economic anxiety that all people are facing, not just white working class voters, but all working-class voters, said Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank. But I also think there was a sharp anti-Washington message and that is something we need a political reform agenda to address as well. Anguished Democrats are taking stock of the depth of their losses and trying to identify slivers of political openings in the Trump era. Debate about the best way forward consumed a group of top donors, such as billionaire investor George Soros, who gathered for a three-day meeting this week at a luxury hotel in Washington. Soros told fellow liberal donors on Tuesday that he believes Trump is a would-be dictator, adding that he was confident that Americas institutions would serve as a check on the new presidents power as long as a vigorous opposition is in place to push back against his policies, according to someone familiar with his remarks. In a question-and-answer session with Democracy Alliance President Gara LaMarche, the billionaire investor ticked off a list of urgent priorities for the left, including protecting Muslims and refugees who could be targeted by the new administration and strengthening groups that could challenge Trump on constitutional issues. I think once people see the agenda that they looked past in action abortion rights under threat, the cost to communities of deportations, the embodiment of bigotry and rise of hate crimes I think there will be buyers remorse, perhaps even by Inauguration Day, that will give us an opportunity for a hearing, LaMarche said in an interview. Wagner reported from New York. Matea Gold, Paul Kane and Kelsey Snell in Washington contributed to this report. By Vidya : Justice N W Sambre today rejected the bail application of television head honcho Peter Mukerjea stating. The court has stated that the reasons for the decision will be given on Thursday. Justice Sambre had told Peter's lawyers yesterday that since the bail was rejected by Special CBI court earlier after which the supplementary chargesheet was filed, so in the light of new evidence Peter's bail application should be filed before the lower court again. advertisement However, Peter's lawyer Abaad Ponda had argued emphasising that the lower court is bound to reject it. He had told the court yesterday that "when there was only A (second chargesheet) he rejected it. Now there is A and B (second and third chargesheet), he is bound to reject it." Also read: Sheena Bora: Indrani kept Peter Mukerjea posted about murder plot, says CBI chargesheet Justice Sambre had decided to hear it with a rider that after hearing the application, Peter's lawyers cannot plead to withdraw it. PETER AGREED WITH INDRANI ON EVERYTHING On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, Ponda argued again with CBI briefly reiterating that Peter Mukerjea was against Sheena Bora's relation with his son Rahul. Additional solicitor general Anil Singh told a packed court room that Peter used to agree with everything that his wife Indrani said. As a rejoinder when Ponda started arguing he reiterated that CBI does not have the conversations recorded between husband and wife but by mere high number of calls between Indrani and Peter they were casting aspersions on Peter. Also read: Rahul Mukerjea 'misses' Sheena Bora 'this Diwali', blames Indrani for murder He said, "I can show it to you that there are many number of calls even earlier. There is a 32-minute long call in the previous trip when she was visiting Italy and Rome." She has a habit of having lengthy conversations. What can be done about it," he reiterated that earlier accused and now pardoned driver Shyamvar Rais' statement exonerates peter. "There is nothing in his statement before magistrate against Peter," he added. Casting aspersions on the quality of investigation done by the investigating agency, Ponda pointed out that Joint Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti contradicts himself in his statements. JOINT COMMISSIONER SLAMMED "He changes his statement after November 19 with Peter's statement. First he says that the mobile was found and the matter was closed. Later he says, in his statement recorded after Peter's arrest, that they were told not to look into it.'" He added that that much noise is being made about calls between Peter and Indrani but in this meantime she made number of calls and messages to various people so why did the CBI not do anything about it. advertisement Also read: Sheena Bora murder: Bombay High Court asks CBI why it can't reveal witness 11 Ponda said that Indrani had messaged Deven Bharti at least eight time but nobody questioned that. Indrani's secretary Kajal Sharma is the one who obliges Indrani with all the work for murder and the cover up later but she is not made an accused." With all this Ponda reiterated that every second of Peter's life is being spent behind bars was injustice to him and he should be granted bail. Also read: Sheena Bora case: CBI to file supplementary charge sheet on --- ENDS --- Americans emerged from President-elect Donald Trumps surprise victory in last weeks election with passionate and polarized reactions, overall expressing tempered optimism about his presidency but unconvinced that he has a mandate to enact a sweeping new policy agenda, according to a Washington Post-Schar School national poll. The poll finds Americans still reeling from Trumps long battle against Hillary Clinton, with more than 7 in 10 saying the campaign made them angry and more than half feeling stressed out by campaign news. Trumps supporters are largely ebullient when asked how they feel about the result, while Clinton backers range from disappointed to fearful to apoplectic. Nationally, just 3 in 10 Americans 29 percent say he has a mandate to carry out the agenda he presented during the campaign, while 59 percent say he should compromise with Democrats when they strongly disagree with the specifics of his policy proposals. That 29 percent figure is sharply lower than the 50 percent who said the same for President Obama after his first election in 2008 and the 41 percent for former president George W. Bush after the 2000 election and the contentious recount that followed. Beneath those findings are sharp partisan divisions in how supporters of Trump and Clinton now see the road ahead. What that means in terms of overall support for major policy changes such as repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act or reversing many of Obamas executive orders is less clear. Not withstanding views of Trumps mandate, over 6 in 10 Americans expect to see major changes in Washington during his presidency. Almost as many say they are somewhat or very confident that the economy will improve on his watch, while 52 percent say they think living standards will increase. On other matters, Americans are more worried. Slender majorities say they are not confident he will show respect for people with whom he disagrees or make wise decisions about war and peace. The Post-Schar School poll was conducted Friday through Monday among 1,002 adults and included over 400 Clinton and 400 Trump voters. More than half of all Americans say they have been dissatisfied with the way things have been going in the country and almost half, 47 percent, say they want to see large-scale changes in Washington. A 54 percent majority also say they are optimistic about the coming year. The survey finds Trumps supporters want the president-elect to take decisive action to address the nations problems. Nearly 9 in 10 say they are dissatisfied with the country in recent years, and about 8 in 10 say large-scale changes are necessary to correct the nations course. A 56 percent majority of Trump voters say he should carry out his agenda rather than compromise with Democrats, and 63 percent say they share his views on most issues. These findings are set against the fact that Obamas overall approval rating stands at 56 percent a level he has maintained consistently for months and the 28 percent who strongly disapprove is the lowest level in more than five years. Also, neither Trump nor the two parties in Congress are trusted on the issues. The poll finds fewer than 3 in 10 saying they agree with Trump, Democrats or Republicans in Congress on most issues. Majorities say they agree with each group on at least some issues. Trump said during the campaign that he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clintons use of a private email account as secretary of state. The issue is one where Trumps supporters and the broader public are sharply at odds. The poll finds that, overall, 57 percent of Americans say he should not do so, while 69 percent of Trumps supporters say he should. Americans are not widely concerned about overreach at this point, with 30 percent expecting Trump to go too far while 48 percent think he will handle things about right. But the overall numbers read as a warning sign to Justin Gest, a professor of George Mason Universitys Schar School of Policy and Government, which collaborated on the survey. The polling numbers are telling him he should be acting more carefully, he said, That is statistically significantly lower than when Bush won despite losing the popular vote in 2000. The acrimonious 2016 campaign appears to have taken a substantial toll on voters, particularly Clinton supporters looking back on her unsuccessful campaign. Overall, 55 percent of all Americans say they felt stressed during the campaign, with women far likelier than men to express that feeling 64 percent compared with 45 percent. When asked to describe their reaction to Trumps victory in a few words, disappointed tops the list, followed by a slew of other downbeat emotions. Clinton voters also offered words such as shocked, scared, sad, disgusted, devastated and terrible to describe their reactions. While the tone of the 2016 election has been unprecedented in many ways, Clinton supporters top-of-mind reactions this year are strikingly similar to laments of Mitt Romneys supporters in a Pew Research Center poll four years ago. One indication of the divisions that remain after the campaign came on the question of whether the country is now basically okay or whether the campaign did real damage. The results showed the country split almost evenly with 45 percent choosing each option. Eight in 10 Trump voters say the country is okay, while over three-quarters of Clinton backers detect real damage. This Washington Post-Schar School of Policy and Government poll was conducted by telephone Nov. 11 to 14 among a random national sample of 1,002 adults and included landline and cellphone respondents as well as an oversample of respondents who supported Clinton or Trump in pre-election surveys. In total, the survey interviewed 423 Trump voters and 409 Clinton voters. Overall results have a four-point margin of sampling error. Sampling, data collection and tabulation by Abt-SRBI of New York. Emily Guskin contributed to this report. Republican governors, including some who feuded with Donald Trump during the bitter presidential campaign, say they are bullish on his prospects to deliver what he has promised but warn that he must maintain his discipline and move quickly. Gathering for the first time since last weeks upset election, members of the Republican Governors Association (RGA) said that Trumps win will be a boon for them as well. Were headed in the right direction, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday at the closing public session of the two-day conference. I think theres a road map. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recalled in an interview that, as his states attorney general, he had filed 31 lawsuits against the current administration over policies including President Obamas signature health-care law, greenhouse-gas rules and the Dodd-Frank financial regulations. The Trump administration is going in there and doing exactly what the states have been calling for, Abbott said of the president-elects promises to dismantle all of those measures starting on Inauguration Day. Florida Gov. Rick Scott answers questions during a news conference at the Republican Governors Association conference Nov. 15 in Orlando. (John Raoux/AP) South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley once said that Trump represented everything a governor doesnt want in a president and jabbed at him in her response to Obamas State of the Union address this year as the siren call of the angriest voices. But on Tuesday, she told reporters she is just giddy about what lies ahead in a Trump administration. Ive never known what its like to have a Republican president, she said. I can tell you, the last six years, Washington was the hardest part of my job. [Key figures purged from Trump transition team] She and other state chief executives also noted frequently that Trump has chosen one of their own Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to be his vice president and run his transition. Pence spoke to the group in a private session Monday. The governors here are well aware that the collective fate of their party at the statehouse level could hinge on whether Trump succeeds in the early years of his presidency. The GOP holds 33 governorships, its highest level since 1922, when Warren G. Harding was president. But the map for them will be challenging in the 2018 midterm elections. Of the 36 states where governorships will be on the ballot, at least 15 will be open seats now held by Republicans. Only three of the gubernatorial offices that will be vacated because of term limits are in the hands of Democrats. The celebratory atmosphere here at the conference, heavily attended by lobbyists and donors, was a decided contrast from the RGAs meeting four years ago in the wake of GOP nominee Mitt Romneys defeat. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, left, speaks alongside Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson at the Republican Governors Association conference Nov. 15 in Orlando. (John Raoux/AP) At that meeting, Louisianas then-governor, Bobby Jindal then the incoming RGA chairman and considered among his partys brightest presidential prospects had admonished Republicans that we need to stop being a dumb party and become more inclusive. Jindal turned out to be one of 16 Republican contenders vanquished by the outsider Trump in the GOP primary. He folded his campaign even before the Iowa caucuses, saying, This is not my time. Four years ago, former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour spoke to the RGA of the need to give our political organization a very serious proctology exam. In an interview Wednesday, he said: People here are upbeat. They want Trump to succeed. They want governors to be part of helping him to succeed. [President Obama warns of a crude sort of nationalism in the U.S.] If Trump does follow through on some of his biggest promises, however, there will also be challenges for Republican governors among other things, what to do about health coverage for the estimated 20 million people who have gained it under the Affordable Care Act. Abbott argued that the problems of the revamped health-care system, including higher premiums and fewer choices for some who purchase policies, will put pressure on Democrats in Congress to work with Republicans in fashioning something to replace it. Obamacare was subject to the death penalty already. The question was when it was going to die, Abbott said. It will atrophy and die within two years, regardless of the hissy fit the Democrats in Congress are going to throw. The governors here said they have been largely impressed by the discipline Trump has shown most of the time since the election and the moderate tone of his public comments. I hope he can continue to be that same person, using that same tone, South Carolinas Haley said Tuesday. But she added that Trump must also convince the country that real change is occurring on his watch. The key is communication, communication, communication, she said. Communicate what is being done. His goal should be to do something every day. Communicate every day to the American people on what youve changed today. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker another failed GOP primary candidate said it would be a good use for his Twitter feed. Thus far, governors said, they have not been concerned about Trump comments such as when he indicated he would amend Obamacare, which sounded less ambitious than his pledge to repeal and replace it. But Florida Gov. Rick Scott cautioned that as president, Trump will have to choose his words more carefully. If youre going to work with your legislature, youre going to have to be precise, Scott said in an interview. He will. He has to. Some also called for more clarity in Trumps dealings internationally. In the first 100 days, hes got to give assurance to our allies and confidence in his leadership, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said during a panel discussion. He needs to provide clarity on immigration and border security. Those are expectations of the American people, and during the campaign it was opaque. In an interview afterward, Hutchinson said, hopefully, I think we will be reassured in the coming weeks. President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday to push back against news coverage describing a chaotic transition to power, saying the process of selecting Cabinet secretaries and working with the Obama administration is going so smoothly. As Trump met with senior advisers to discuss potential Cabinet candidates, there were further signs that power in his transition effort was consolidating within an ever-smaller group of loyalists generally not aligned with Republican members of the Washington establishment. [The latest news on the Trump presidential transition] Among them is Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a top Trump adviser known for his hard-line views on immigration. His former staff director at the Senate Judiciary Committee, Brian Benczkowski, is now helping to manage the Justice Department transition for Trumps team, according to two prominent Republican lawyers with knowledge of the matter. Benczkowski replaced Kevin OConnor, a former U.S. attorney and associate attorney general who had been managing the Justice Department transition, the lawyers said. A white-collar defense attorney at Kirkland & Ellis, Benczkowski previously worked in a number of senior Justice Department jobs and is a respected lawyer. 1 of 74 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Heres what president-elect Donald Trump has been doing after the election View Photos He has been holding interviews and meeting with Congress and the president as he prepares to transition into the White House. Caption He has been holding interviews and meetings as he prepares to enter the White House. Jan. 19, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, visit the Lincoln Memorial before the Make America Great Again concert. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. His elevation is likely another indication that power has shifted away from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who was recently replaced as head of the transition team by Vice President-elect Mike Pence and who had been considered an emissary to more mainstream Republicans. Benczkowski declined to comment. Pence is scheduled to meet with Congressional leaders in Washington on Thursday, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). The new developments came as Sessions himself emerged as a top candidate for defense secretary, along with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). Both would bring hawkish views and military experience, but neither has executive experience running a massive bureaucracy such as the Pentagon. Trump was also visited Wednesday by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who emerged from a meeting with the president-elect saying that he told Trump that so many New Yorkers are fearful of what he plans to do as president. De Blasio, a liberal Democrat, has clashed with Trump in the past. And like mayors in many of the nations major cities with diverse cultures, he has said New York City authorities would not assist federal immigration officials with the deportations of immigrants who are here illegally, providing them sanctuary. Despite such differences, De Blasio said the hour-long session was respectful and added that Trump loves this city. From the lobby of Trump tower, reporters spotted a coterie of guests entering the building, including New York Jets owner and Republican megadonor Woody Johnson, Trump's children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and his wife Lara Trump and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is considered a potential Cabinet nominee. Transition turmoil On his Twitter account, Trump took particular aim at a favorite target, the New York Times, which reported Wednesday that the transition has been marked by firings and infighting, and that U.S. allies were having trouble reaching Trump at New Yorks Trump Tower as he plans his government. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. . . . I have received and taken calls from many foreign leaders, Trump wrote in a series of posts on the microblogging site. He also denied reports that his transition team has sought security clearances for his children. In his tweets, Trump falsely implies the Times reported that he had not spoken with foreign leaders and never points out exactly what the Times had in error. The Times did report that American allies were blindly dialing in to Trump Tower in an attempt to reach the president-elect and that key members of the transition team had been fired. The paper reported that even key U.S. allies such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Theresa May had been patched through to Trump with little warning, citing a Western diplomat. Later in the day, the transition team released a list of foreign leaders that Trump and Pence have spoked with. [Trumps gripes about the Times are usually about stories that prove accurate] The Washington Post has also reported about turbulence in Trumps transition. But Peter Hoekstra, a Republican former congressman from Michigan, defended Trump in an interview Wednesday, saying the president-elects team has a monumental job to do and a short time to do it. Im just watching all the sniping coming in. Theyre not doing this right. Theyre not doing that right, said Hoekstra, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman who is reportedly under consideration for CIA director. This is what any transition team would do. You start with the people who brought you. I think the Trump team is going to expand its outreach, absolutely. But theyre going to do it in a methodical way. The reported bloodletting in Trumps transition team that began with last weeks ouster of Christie had escalated Tuesday with new departures, particularly in the area of national security. Former congressman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) announced that he had left his position as the transitions senior national security adviser. Rogers, a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the leading candidate for CIA director, was among at least four transition officials purged this week, apparently because of perceived connections to Christie. As turbulence within the team grew, some key members of Trumps party began to question his views and the remaining candidates for top positions. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Trumps efforts to work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin amounted to complicity in [the] butchery of the Syrian people and an unacceptable price for a great nation. Trump met Tuesday with Pence, who replaced Christie at the head of the transition Friday, to discuss Cabinet and White House personnel choices. Little to no information was released by the transition office, leaving a clutch of reporters gathered in the lobby of Trump Tower to hustle after team members passing between the front doors and the elevators. Trump posted a message Tuesday night on Twitter saying that a very organized process [is] taking place as he decides on Cabinet and other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! As he had during the campaign, Trump appeared to be increasingly uncomfortable with outsiders and suspicious of those considered part of what one insider called the bicoastal elite, who are perceived as trying to insinuate themselves into positions of power. Those in the inner circle reportedly were winnowed to loyalists who had stuck with Trump throughout the campaign and helped devise his winning strategy. They include Sessions, former Breitbart News head Stephen K. Bannon, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, and members of Trumps family, including son-in-law Jared Kushner. This is a very insular, pretty closely held circle of people, said Philip D. Zelikow, a former director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia and a senior figure in the George W. Bush transition. Confusion is the norm for transitions, he said, but there are some unusual features here, because theyre trying to make some statements. They feel like their election was a lot of the American people wanting to throw a brick through a window, Zelikow said. They want to make appointments that make it sound like glass is being broken. [President Obama warns against a crude sort of nationalism in the U.S.] Increasingly, among the shards are more mainline Republicans in the national security field. In an angry Twitter post Tuesday, Eliot A. Cohen, a leading voice of opposition to Trump during the campaign who had advised those interested in administration jobs to take them, abruptly changed his mind, saying the transition will be ugly. After responding to a transition insider seeking names of possible appointees, Cohen said, he received what he described as an unhinged email from the same person saying YOU LOST and accusing Trump critics of trying to infiltrate the administrations ranks. It became clear to me that they view jobs as lollipops, things you give out to good boys and girls, instead of the sense that actually what youre trying to do is recruit the best possible talent to fill the most important, demanding, lowest-paying executive jobs in the world, Cohen said. Rogerss departure coincided with word from Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose possible selection as secretary of state comforted more mainline Republicans, that he was unlikely to be chosen. Has my name been in the mix? Im pretty sure, yeah. Have I been having intimate conversations? No, Corker said in an interview. Do I understand that its likely that people whove been involved in the center of this for some time, and have been surrogating on television, are likely front-runners? I would say thats likely, yes. The two people whose names are mentioned most often for the diplomatic job Giuliani and John R. Bolton, an undersecretary of state and one-year ambassador to the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration are Trump loyalists. But both could be problematic, even among Republicans who would have to confirm them. Giuliani, thought to be an early choice for attorney general, was said by a person close to the transition team to have personally appealed to Trump for the diplomatic job. He has virtually no diplomatic experience or knowledge of the State Department bureaucracy. Bolton, a national security hawk who got his U.N. job through a recess appointment after the Senate refused to confirm him, was a leading advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, contradicting Trumps campaign position opposing it. Congress voices concern Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that Bolton would be a disaster and that he would actively oppose his nomination. Others were more supportive. If he picks John Bolton, then Ill support John Bolton. If he picks Rudy, Ill support Rudy, said Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.). The shortlist for defense secretary is said to include Sessions, Flynn and Cotton. Although Sessions serves on the Armed Services Committee, his main issue there has been immigration. Cotton is a Harvard Law School graduate who just seven years ago was a first lieutenant in the Army. Senate confirmation of Flynn, who also has voiced interest in serving as director of national intelligence, could be difficult, said the person close to the transition team. He was forced out as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency after two years over concerns about his leadership, and he has potentially problematic connections to foreign governments. Ellen Nakashima, Philip Rucker, Robert Costa, Missy Ryan, Adam Entous and Julie Tate contributed to this report. Jan. 16, 2017 Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., exits an elevator at Trump Tower in New York with President-elect Donald Trump. Mark Abramson/for The Washington Post In Manhattan, the setting for Donald Trumps reality-TV show and campaign headquarters now serves as the president-elects base of operations. The setting for Donald Trumps reality TV show and campaign headquarters now serves as the president-elects base of operations. The setting for Donald Trumps reality TV show and campaign headquarters now serves as the president-elects base of operations. Happy hour had just started in the Trump Bar, just off the lobby of Trump Tower, and nearly every seat was filled in the formerly sleepy establishment. A couple sipped $10 martinis as a red campaign hat sat on the bar next to them. A group of guys with $5 beers filled a table, all of their bodies turned toward the four gold elevators in the lobby. Hours earlier on Tuesday, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, walked through the bar en route to a meeting with the soon-to-be president upstairs, leaving a motorcade waiting just outside the bar door. Throughout the day, there was a parade of men in suits who looked important, creating a never-ending game of Guess Who? for the gawking media and actual gawkers. Just then, there was a commotion by the elevators as Trumps second of three wives Marla Maples emerged, rushed past reporters and left through the Trump Bar. Trump Tower is where Donald Trump lives and works. It was the setting for his reality television show and the headquarters of his presidential campaign. And now, as he prepares to become president, this is where Trump is building his administration. Unlike a private office building, the lobby of Trump Tower was legally designated as a public space as part of a deal that Trump struck with the city in the late 1970s and must be accessible to members of the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. That has forced the Secret Service and the New York City Police Department to devise an elaborate protection plan for at least the next two months. [After purge, Trump claims transition going smoothly] There is a no-fly zone over Trump Tower, and the police have barricaded sidewalks near the building, creating a maze for those wanting to enter. Inside there are security checkpoints where bags are scanned, and visitors are wanded. Although Trump says he wants to get rid of gun-free zones on his first day in office, weapons are banned in his tower. Trump has a history of using this public space for his own financial gain, and he was fined in 2006 and 2015 for setting up kiosks to sell his own merchandise, according to the Associated Press. Months into Trumps campaign for president, he continued to operate two kiosks in the lobby, where he sold campaign merchandise alongside Trump-branded gear. Those pop-up shops vanished by the spring, and in late May, New York City officials investigated whether Trump was blocking members of the public from the atrium when he held news conferences and primary-night celebrations. As soon as that happened, Trump stopped hosting formal events here. Now the Trump Tower atrium is busier than ever. When the doors open to the public at 8 a.m., there is usually a swarm of reporters waiting to get inside. They spend the day sitting on a row of metal benches set up across from the elevators, watching who is coming and going, interviewing possible Cabinet members and trying to keep tabs on the president-elect, who rarely leaves. There are rules of decorum: no sitting on the ground, and no putting your feet on the benches or standing on them to take a photograph. Most reporters were on their feet all of Tuesday, trying to determine who was attending Trumps casting call. First came the campaign workers turned transition staffers. Trumps oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., arrived holding a pair of athletic shoes. Deputy campaign manager Michael Glassner rolled in with a suitcase. Beyond pleasantries, none wanted to talk to reporters. Vice President-elect Mike Pence arrived at Trump Tower for talks about the transition from President Obamas administration to President-elect Donald Trumps administration on Nov. 15 in New York. (The Washington Post) [Trump dumps his press pool again, raising flags about future access] Then came the potential Cabinet members. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), who has advised Trump for months, strolled in and chatted with a few reporters about how this is such an exciting time. He jumped into a packed elevator when the questions turned to his possible role in the administration. Steven Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs Group partner who is advising Trump, walked up to reporters and said he is helping the president-elect prepare to get the biggest tax bill passed, the biggest tax changes since Reagan. But he demurred when asked about rumors that he is in the running for treasury secretary: Im not going to comment. Whenever there was a lull in the traffic, a janitor wearing a bow tie and dinner jacket would rush in to mop the marble floors, which were especially difficult to keep clean that day as rain poured. At one point, security personnel put up a red velvet rope to better corral the ever-growing group of reporters. As the day wore on, more and more tourists arrived, taking photos of the media and asking who famous might be there that day. Two tourists from Belgium hung around for nearly an hour but left when told the media had not laid eyes on Trump since late last week. Two other tourists from Italy provided unsolicited political punditry. At 11:28 a.m., Pences motorcade pulled up outside the Trump Bar long after its expected arrival time. Out came the vice president-elect, his wife and an entourage of aides and security. Pence waved but did not say anything. When he left more than six hours later, he said just four words: Great day! Great day! [Here are the people the rumor mill says Trump might pick for Cabinet spots] At lunchtime, the food court in the buildings basement reached using the famous escalator that once carried Trump down to his announcement speech in June 2015 was packed with police officers, journalists, tourists and a few people who actually work in the building. As the afternoon progressed, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg stopped by to let reporters know that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the transition process or anything happening upstairs but that everything is going great, great. Hes going to be a great president, Kellogg said. Hes got a great team. Hes got great people. As Kellogg listed everything that is great, Peter Thiel a libertarian Silicon Valley billionaire who leads a venture capital firm sneaked into the lobby and quietly got on an elevator without the media noticing. Soon there was another lull, and a bow-tied man vacuumed the carpet, while a mother from Alabama and her two daughters asked reporters for directions. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger was spotted, although he has an office in the building and was probably headed there. Then, just before 4 p.m., Maples Trumps second wife who barely seems to have aged since they divorced in 1999 was spotted at the Starbucks on the second floor, taking photos with people who recognized her. Soon, she was in the elevator, presumably headed to see Trump. Less than 30 minutes later, she was back in the lobby and walking quickly toward the Trump Bar. The scene this week in Afghanistans majestic new Parliament was one of bickering and bedlam. Legislators shouted to be heard and argued over points of procedure. They were fired up and in no mood to stop. By the end of four days, they had impeached seven cabinet ministers. The foreign minister was gone, and the finance minister had barely survived a vote of confidence. Technically, the process was about under-spent budgets, but ethnic politics and opportunism were at its core. Once again, political melodrama has taken over the national conversation. The spectacle of renewed discord in a government that underwent a wave of defections last spring is dominating the news and shifting focus from pressing issues that include a spate of attacks by Taliban insurgents, record-high unemployment and a mass influx of returning refugees. The revolt in the parliament is only one symptom of the disarray. In recent weeks, several aides to President Ashraf Ghani have publicly criticized his administration, while opposition leaders are plotting to divide it from the outside. Long-promised elections are still far off, and public confidence is weakening. [Four Americans die in suicide blast at U.S. base in Afghanistan; 17 others wounded] Afghan President Ashraf Ghani speaks during a news conference in Kabul in July. (Omar Sobhani /Reuters) The tensions have resurfaced just as the United States, a mainstay of Afghan defense and economic aid for years, has elected a new president with different priorities and no investment in Afghanistans success. Many Afghans fear President-elect Donald Trump may withdraw the 10,000 U.S. troops that President Obama kept here to help Afghan security forces take over the anti-insurgent fight. Everyone in Afghanistan is worried about what Trump will do. We are so dependent on American aid, and the government needs to be sending a positive message to Washington. Instead, it is sending a message of political dysfunction, said Haroun Mir, an analyst in Kabul. Just six weeks ago, Ghani and his governing partner, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, managed to present a united front and an ambitious agenda at a crucial donors conference in Europe, even though the two men were on frosty personal terms and the legitimacy of their two-year-old arrangement was being widely questioned. Since then Ghani and Abdullah have had numerous meetings, and aides say they now have a good working relationship. But defections by ethnic opposition leaders who once backed Abdullah have left his future in doubt, while others who joined Ghanis team have publicly criticized him as autocratic. First Vice President Abdurrashid Dostum, a former ethnic Uzbek warlord, accused the president of controlling too much power, then threatened to lead an uprising and accused members of Ghanis National Security Council of plotting to kill him. The rift was mended through negotiations, but the northern strongman remains a political wild card. [Latest Afghan attack raises perplexing questions on security] The other powerful figure who could make or break the national unity government is Atta Mohammad Noor, an ethnic Tajik and wealthy northern governor from Abdullahs Jamiat-i-Islami party. Noor bankrolled Abdullahs run for president, but he recently has been negotiating with Ghani on his own, seeking a larger share of power for Jamiat. Governor Noor doesnt want a job for himself. He wants the full implementation of the national unity agreement and our rights in it, which Dr. Abdullah has not been able to get, said an adviser to Noor. That means 50 percent of power, a bigger role in policy and appointments. While such maneuvering goes on behind closed doors, another ethnic power play was televised live all week in Parliament. The first group of three ministers scheduled to appear included two Tajiks, but after opposition legislators cried foul, the lineup was switched to one Pashtun, one Hazara and one Tajik. It was Ghani, a reformist technocrat and ethnic Pashtun, who unwittingly triggered the melodrama when he warned that he might dismiss any minister who failed to spend 65 percent of the budget. But legislators, seizing what analysts called an opportunity for influence and profit, turned his cleanup effort into something else. This is muscle flexing by politicians who see their fortunes dwindling under Ghani and are trying to squeeze as much patronage from the situation as they can, said a Western expert in Kabul, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Noting that ministers regularly pay bribes to win or keep their jobs, he called the impeachment process a gold mine. Aides to several impeached ministers said the hearings were biased, with few questions asked before votes were taken. Mujib Mehrdad, an aide to the dismissed education minister, said that his boss tried to explain his under-spending but that the legislators didnt listen. That means they had another agenda. Its not fair. [Afghanistan has many problems. Its president may be one of them.] Ghanis response has been an awkward mix of conciliation and confrontation. He refused to let several ministers appear before parliament, then called a group of lawmakers to his palace late one night and asked them to delay the process. Finally, he referred the issue to the Supreme Court. We were not trying to start a fire in the jungle. Our main purpose was to benefit the country, said Fawzia Koofi, a Tajik legislator. But Ghani reacted very strongly. When we went to meet him, he left without saying goodbye. He takes everything too personally. He needs to have broad, welcoming shoulders, like a traditional leader. Aides to the president acknowledged he had been taken aback by the impeachment fever, but they said that the internal conflicts with Abdullah, Dostum and others had been resolved, and that Ghani has been reaching out to all political groups for support. Our democracy is in the process of maturing. This is a power struggle between branches of government, driven by political and financial interests, but it will not affect long-term issues, said Nader Nadery, a senior adviser to Ghani. This is not a major setback. It is a temporary distraction. Still, international observers said the growing political uncertainty, including a potentially nasty fight over refilling the cabinet and the shifting loyalties among powerful ethnic figures such as Dostum and Noor, could be a bigger worry. Things are changing every day. No one knows who is in or out, friend or enemy, said the Western expert, who is not authorized to speak publicly. That makes it more likely that Ghani will survive, but it could functionally bring the government to a standstill. Read more Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai denounces deadly NATO airstrikes Donors pledge billions to Afghanistan but seek push for peace Taliban explosives are becoming more powerful. Afghan soldiers are paying the price. Afghan refugees have settled in Pakistan for decades. Now theyre being ordered to leave. Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Protesters in Seoul hold up placards during a rally Wednesday calling for South Korean President Park Geun-hye to step down. (Ahn Young-Joon/AP) When Kim Young-sam became South Koreas first democratically elected civilian president in 1993, he vowed to cure the country of the Korean disease, the political corruption that had become endemic. Kim oversaw an ambitious drive to clean up the country, even authorizing the arrest of his two immediate predecessors on corruption-related charges, although he eventually became infected by the disease himself when his son was arrested on corruption and bribery charges. Corruption, bribery, embezzlement and the abuse of power have been modulated over the past generation but remain indisputable components of official South Korea, as the scandal now engulfing President Park Geun-hye shows. Park is set to be questioned by prosecutors as soon as Thursday about her role in an influence-peddling scandal revolving around a friend of 40 years. Although every South Korean president since democratization in 1987 has become ensnared by corruption in one way or another, Park will become the first incumbent to be grilled by prosecutors. She cannot be charged while in office but could be indicted after she leaves, which may happen sooner than expected. South Koreas president is engulfed in a political scandal with plotlines straight out of a soap opera: rumors of secret advisers, nepotism and ill-gotten gains. (Anna Fifield, Yoonjung Seo, Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) Most analysts had thought Park would try to ride out the storm until the next election, in December 2017. But after a third week of huge protests hundreds of thousands gathered in central Seoul on Saturday, drawing comparisons to the demonstrations that ended military rule almost 30 years ago the chances of her being forced out of office have increased. Eurasia Group, a consulting firm that assesses risk, now puts the probability at 70 percent. [South Koreans gather en masse to protest against president] The situation has reached a point of no return, Moon Jae-in, an opposition politician and presidential hopeful, said Tuesday. Up to then, he had demanded that she hand over day-to-day running of the country to the prime minister, chosen by parliament. But now, he said, that was no longer sufficient. I, along with the citizens, will carry out a nationwide campaign for Parks resignation until she declares she will unconditionally step aside, he said. The scandal flared last month when it emerged that Park, widely considered a distant figure, was being secretly advised by a friend of 40 years, a woman with no policy background but with ties to a religious cult. The woman, Choi Soon-sil, is accused of receiving classified information and of using her ties to Park to raise up to $70 million from big business groups for two foundations most of which she is said to have siphoned off and to get her daughter into a prestigious university. She is in custody and is expected to be indicted this week. Parks attempts at quelling the public fury over this shadow president have amounted to nothing, as shown by the increasingly large protests against her. 1 of 18 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Photos of South Koreans rallying to demand presidents ouster View Photos Hundreds of thousands of people flooded Seouls streets demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye amid an explosive political scandal, in what may be South Koreas largest protest since it shook off dictatorship three decades ago. Caption Hundreds of thousands of people flooded Seouls streets demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye amid an explosive political scandal, in what may be South Koreas largest protest since it shook off dictatorship three decades ago. Nov. 12, 2016 A mass of South Koreans gather to demand President Park Geun-Hyes resignation in Seoul after she issued a rare public apology in the midst of a corruption scandal. Jeon Heon-Kyun/AFP/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. The scandal has highlighted just how prevalent the Korean disease remains. It encompasses the presidential Blue House, with some of Parks aides suspected of helping Choi raise money, and big business, with Samsung alone said to have given $20 million directly to Choi or to her foundations. Senior officials from big conglomerates including Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have been called in for questioning. This adds to the woes at Samsung, already reeling from the withdrawal of one its flagship products, the Galaxy Note 7 phone. It also involves the powerful prosecutors office, which is accused of being too political. A prominent former prosecutor who served as a senior presidential secretary to Park is now under investigation on suspicion of helping Choi and tipping off big businesses to pending raids. And hard-charging prosecutors often end up working in the Blue House or at the big conglomerates, further cementing personal links between institutions. [South Korean president offers to withdraw her prime-minister nominee] Stephan Haggard, professor of Korea-Pacific studies at the University of California at San Diego, said the scandal is bigger than Watergate. Its the scope of the violations that are in play, he said. Theres the classified information, the foundations, the university. There are half a dozen discrete things that are likely to be illegal. Ra Jong-yil, a former deputy director of South Korean intelligence, also sees echoes of the Watergate scandal. The easiest way to fix this is for the president to resign, just like Nixon did, Ra said. The kind of corruption seen in South Korea is partly the result of government-sponsored industrialization. It was Parks father, authoritarian president Park Chung-hee, who supported the creation of corporate giants such as Samsung and Hyundai, encouraging links between government and business in the 1960s and 1970s that remain strong today. Park learned about the coalition of business and politics from her father, said Kim Dong-choon, a professor of social sciences at Sungkonghoe University. Parks watch stopped in the 1970s, he said. This homogeneous nation also pits friendship and loyalty against following the law. This is a very communitarian society, and theres an expectation that youre going to go with the flow, said Scott Snyder, a Korea specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations. In America, friendships are run as contractual relationships and people know the boundaries, operate within social rules of etiquette that generate a little more distance, Snyder said. But in South Korea, creating this kind of distance is contrary to the bond of friendship. The concept of butak literally favor, but with a deep sense of obligation and expectation attached means that it is hard to say no when a friend asks you for something. [As a bizarre scandal unfolds, South Koreas president depicts herself as lonely] This concept makes it difficult to create checks and balances that can overcome personal networks, Snyder said. Institutions end up being compromised by the fact that Mr. Kim at the Blue House went to elementary school with Mr. Lee at the prosecutors office, he said. Thats the classic struggle that makes corruption endemic. This scandal comes just after South Korea enacted a new law designed to root out bribery and corruption, prohibiting people from spending more than $27 on a meal for public officials, employees of state-run companies or journalists. But that law was designed to target corruption at the lower end of the scale, doing little to address the kinds of issues raised in Choi-gate, as it is known here. Almost two-thirds of people surveyed by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission in 2014 said they thought South Korean society was corrupt. Tackling this problem will not be easy, said Lee Tae-ho of Peoples Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, an activist organization. We are calling for Parks resignation, but because there are many structural problems, we are calling for citizens to help solve this problem, he said. The solutions should come from the political sphere, but the political sphere also has problems. Lee noted that some left-wing parties had been banned. Kim Dong-choon, the social scientist, said, This is not just about Parks and Chois misdeeds but other forces the prosecutorial system, the bureaucratic system and the shortcomings that have made this incident possible. This is a great opportunity for Koreans to rebuild our society and our politics, Kim said, to overcome old ways of thinking. Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report. Read more The South Korean political scandal started with a card game in Macau South Korean president says shes willing to be investigated Here is everything you need to know about South Koreas extraordinary scandal Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news India is known for its temples as much as it is known for the cultural diversity. We have always heard about how much wealth these temples possess. So here's a list of India's wealthiest temples. By India Today Web Desk: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes from the financial system of India on November 8, people who were hoarding black money were sent into a frenzy. These people, who have been doing all they can to convert their black money to white, were found making donations to temples across the nation. advertisement Let's see which temple has got how much. PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE - KERALA It's the richest temple our country has got and possesses wealth of around 20 billion dollars (Rs 13,60,99,90,00,000). Photo: Twitter - @TheLuxeWorld TIRUMALA TIRUPATI VENKATESWARA TEMPLE - ANDHRA PRADESH Tirupati temple gets an annual donation of Rs 650 crore, and alone makes 11 million dollars (Rs 75,00,00,000) from selling laddus. Photo: Twitter - @maalaimalar SHIRDI SAI BABA SHRINE - MUMBAI The third richest temple in India has gold and silver worth Rs 32 crore and coins worth more than Rs 6 lakh. The annual donation of the temple is around Rs 360 crore. Photo: Twitter - @RohitBehal VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE - JAMMU The second most visited temple in India earns Rs 500 crore annually. Photo: Twitter - @U4U_Voice SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE - MUMBAI This temple's average annual income ranges from Rs 48 crore to Rs 125 crore. Photo: Twitter - @eclectictweets GOLDEN TEMPLE - AMRITSAR The temple's canopy is made of gold and the altar on which the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib is placed is studded with diamonds and other precious stones. Photo: Twitter - @airnewsalerts MEENAKSHI TEMPLE - MADURAI With more than 30,000 people visiting the temple, it earns a revenue of Rs 6,00,00,000 every year. Photo: Twitter - @SomuMccullum JAGANNATH TEMPLE - PURI The exact evaluation of the temple is still a mystery, but the temple is believed to have gold articles weighing nearly 130 kg and silver articles weighing more than 220 kg. Once, a European devotee even donated Rs 1.72 crore. Photo: Twitter - @todaytoptrendz KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE - VARANASI The temple has three domes and two of them are gold plated. The annual donation of the temple is around Rs 4-5 crore. Photo: Twitter - @U4U_Voice SOMNATH TEMPLE - GUJARAT The richest temple in Gujarat has an annual revenue of Rs 33 crore. Photo: Twitter - @epictripindia --- ENDS --- Yang Xiuzhu arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport on Nov. 16, 2016. The former municipal official and Chinas most-wanted corruption suspect was repatriated from the United States. (Yin Gang/Xinhua via AP) Chinas most-wanted corruption suspect was repatriated from the United States on Wednesday, making a dramatic televised surrender after 13 years on the run. Yang Xiuzhu is accused of siphoning off vast riches from Chinas massive building boom, stealing $39 million while working as deputy director of the construction bureau in the eastern city of Wenzhou before becoming the citys vice mayor. She had applied for political asylum in France, the Netherlands and, finally, the United States, but in the end, she appeared to recognize there was nowhere left to run. On Wednesday, two guards led her off an American Airlines plane and escorted her through immigration, as state-run China Central Television broadcast the scene. Bespectacled and wearing a gray puffy jacket, she was taken into a room where a prosecutor read out the charges against her and she signed a charge sheet. We are all Chinese. Our home is China, she said, urging other corruption suspects also to give themselves up. Please come back soon. [Unswayed by extraordinary public outcry, China executes nail-gun killer] Yang ranked at the top of a list of the 100 most-wanted corruption suspects whom China had sought to apprehend with Interpols help. Many are living in the United States, Canada and Australia. The ruling Communist Partys anti-corruption wing, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said Yang had surrendered to authorities, abandoning her resistance after she was promised lenient treatment in accordance with the law. The CCDI said Yang had decided herself to withdraw her application for asylum in the United States. In July, her attorney was quoted as saying that the 70-year-olds health had started to deteriorate and that she wanted to return to China for medical treatment. She was the 37th fugitive to return so far under what China initially dubbed Operation Fox Hunt, which expanded into Operation Skynet. The search for corrupt officials and business people who have fled abroad is part of President Xi Jinpings signature campaign against corruption. [Chinas president consolidates power at key meeting] Yangs brother, regional official Yang Jinjun, was the first suspect on the list to be sent home from the United States, repatriated in September 2015 for U.S. immigration violations. After Chinese authorities began investigations against her, Yang fled first to Hong Kong in 2003, before heading to Singapore, France, the Netherlands and Italy, the CCDI said in a statement. News reports say she jumped bail in the Netherlands and flew to Canada just before Dutch officials were due to repatriate her in 2014. Last year, she told Reuters that the most-wanted fugitives list was a political document targeting enemies of the Xi administration rather than a roster of true criminals. She claimed to have been arrested when she tried to enter the United States using a false passport, although China said she was placed in custody when Chinese officials gave U.S. law enforcement officials evidence of her crimes. Concern about the Chinese legal system, where torture is thought to be widespread and where trials directed by the Communist Party are lacking in due process, is partly why China does not have an extradition treaty with the United States. But U.S. officials, under considerable pressure from China, have said they would consider Chinese requests to repatriate suspects if they received credible evidence against them. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Yangs surrender had been secured under the U.S.-China Joint Liaison Group on Law Enforcement Cooperation. Her return is an important achievement of China-U.S. law enforcement cooperation on fighting corruption, he said at a regular news conference. China appreciates and thanks the assistance and cooperation offered by the United States and other countries. A Chinese police official was elected president of Interpol last week, alarming rights advocates who worry that the global police organization could be used to attack Xis political opponents. Read more: China vows to tackle family corruption but even state media cant hide its skepticism Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A New York police officer stands guard among hordes of curious tourists outside the entrance to Trump Tower, where President-elect Donald Trump held meetings Tuesday on his transition. (Kathy Willens/AP) The bloodletting in President-elect Donald Trumps transition team that began with last weeks ouster of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie escalated Tuesday with new departures, particularly in the area of national security, as power consolidated within an ever-smaller group of top Trump loyalists. Former congressman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) announced that he had left his position as the transitions senior national security adviser. Rogers, a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the leading candidate for CIA director, was among at least four transition officials purged this week, apparently because of perceived ties to Christie. As turbulence within the team grew, some key members of Trumps party began to question his views and the remaining candidates for top positions. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) said Trumps efforts to work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin amounted to complicity in [the] butchery of the Syrian people and an unacceptable price for a great nation. Trump met Tuesday with incoming vice president Mike Pence, who replaced Christie at the head of the transition Friday, to discuss Cabinet and White House personnel choices. Little to no information was released by the transition office, leaving a clutch of reporters gathered in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York to hustle after team members passing between the front doors and the elevators. Trump posted a message on Twitter Tuesday night, saying a very organized process [is] taking place as he decides on Cabinet and other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! The Posts Robert Costa and Paul Farhi discuss the appointments by President-elect Donald Trump of Stephen K. Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor and Reince Priebus as chief of staff. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) As he had during the campaign, Trump appeared to be increasingly uncomfortable with outsiders and suspicious of those considered part of what one insider called the bicoastal elite, who are perceived as trying to insinuate themselves into positions of power. Those in the inner circle reportedly were winnowed to loyalists who had stuck with Trump throughout the campaign and helped devise his winning strategy. They include Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), former Breitbart News head Stephen K. Bannon, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and members of Trumps family, including son-in-law Jared Kushner. This is a very insular, pretty closely held circle of people, said Philip D. Zelikow, a former director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia and a senior figure in the George W. Bush transition. Confusion is the norm for transitions, he said, but there are some unusual features here, because theyre trying to make some statements. They feel like their election was a lot of the American people wanting to throw a brick through a window, Zelikow said. They want to make appointments that make it sound like glass is being broken. [President Obama warns against a crude sort of nationalism in the U.S.] Increasingly, among the shards are more mainline Republicans in the national security field. In an angry Twitter post Tuesday, Eliot Cohen, a leading voice of opposition to Trump during the campaign who had advised those interested in administration jobs to take them, abruptly changed his mind, saying the transition will be ugly. After responding to a transition insider seeking names of possible appointees, Cohen said, he received what he described as an unhinged email from the same person saying YOU LOST and accusing Trump critics of trying to infiltrate the administrations ranks. 1 of 74 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Heres what president-elect Donald Trump has been doing after the election View Photos He has been holding interviews and meeting with Congress and the president as he prepares to transition into the White House. Caption He has been holding interviews and meetings as he prepares to enter the White House. Jan. 19, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, visit the Lincoln Memorial before the Make America Great Again concert. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. It became clear to me that they view jobs as lollipops, things you give out to good boys and girls, instead of the sense that actually what youre trying to do is recruit the best possible talent to fill the most important, demanding, lowest-paying executive jobs in the world, Cohen said. Rogerss departure coincided with word from Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, whose possible selection as secretary of state comforted more mainline Republicans, that he was unlikely to be chosen. Has my name been in the mix? Im pretty sure, yeah. Have I been having intimate conversations? No, Corker said in an interview. Do I understand that its likely that people whove been involved in the center of this for some time, and have been surrogating on television, are likely front-runners? I would say thats likely, yes. The two names most prominently mentioned for the diplomatic job former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and John R. Bolton, an undersecretary of state and one-year ambassador to the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration are both Trump loyalists. But both could be problematic, even among Republicans who would have to confirm them. Giuliani, thought to be an early choice for attorney general, was said by a person close to the transition team to have personally appealed to Trump for the diplomatic job. He has virtually no diplomatic experience or knowledge of the State Department bureaucracy. Bolton, a national security hawk who got his U.N. job through a recess appointment after the Senate refused to confirm him, was a leading advocate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, contradicting Trumps campaign position opposing it. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that Bolton would be a disaster and that he would actively oppose his nomination. Others were more supportive. If he picks John Bolton, then Ill support John Bolton. If he picks Rudy, Ill support Rudy, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said. The shortlist for defense secretary is said to include Sessions, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Flynn. Although Sessions serves on the Armed Services Committee, his main issue there has been immigration. Cotton is a Harvard Law graduate who just seven years ago was a first lieutenant in the Army. Senate confirmation of Flynn, who has also voiced interest in serving as director of national intelligence, could be difficult, said the person close to the transition team. He was forced out as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency after two years over concerns about his leadership, and he has potentially problematic connections to foreign governments. [A profile of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a key Trump national security adviser] Flynn has admitted that he accepted money for appearing at a lavish gala with Putin in Moscow last year. He recently criticized the Obama administrations treatment of Turkey in an opinion column, without disclosing to the Trump campaign that his consulting firm has financial ties to that country, said the person close to the transition, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions. Another possible barrier for Flynn, who retired as a three-star general after leaving the DIA in 2014, is the statutory requirement that the defense secretary be at least seven years removed from active duty. Flynn has told members of the transition that getting a waiver to this requirement would be no big deal, said the person involved with the team. But that assertion has been met with at least some internal skepticism, including from Trumps daughter Ivanka, who asked at meetings whether such a waiver has ever been done before. The Senate waived the provision, part of the 1947 National Security Act, when President Harry Truman appointed retired Gen. George C. Marshall to the post in 1950. The person with ties to the transition said support for Flynn has waned as it has become evident that he has some confirmation-type problems. But Flynns influence in the transition remains high, and several sources inside the transition or with ties to Christie said Flynn and Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, had seized control of the national security posts in the new administration and engineered the purges in what they described as a troubling episode of political score-settling. Former New Jersey governor Thomas Kean Sr., a longtime mentor to Christie, said in an interview that Kushner was widely seen as unhappy with Christies handling of the transition. There was some shock within Christies circle at their abrupt dismissal from the transition ranks, Kean said. Tensions between Christie and Kushner date back more than a decade. In 2005, Christie, then the U.S. attorney in New Jersey, led the successful prosecution of Kushners father, Charles, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, who was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion and witness tampering. Christie also has been beset by scandal of his own making. After a month-long trial that put his gubernatorial administration in a negative light, two of his former top aides were found guilty Nov. 4 for their roles in disruptive 2013 lane closures on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. In addition, Christie is believed by some Trump intimates to have been insufficiently loyal in the final weeks of the campaign. Those who have been ousted along with or following Christie include Richard H. Bagger, the former Christie chief of staff who had been executive director of the transition, and William J. Palatucci, a New Jersey Republican who served as the transitions general counsel. Most recent departures, a transition official said, include Kevin OConnor, a former Justice Department official who was in charge of that agency in the transition. The New York Times also reported the exit of Matthew Freedman, a protege of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who headed the National Security Council transition team. Earlier, Freedman privately told associates that the Trump team would be very punitive toward Republicans who signed letters opposing him during the campaign and was looking to put true loyalists in top jobs. None responded to repeated efforts to contact them. The person close to the transition said it was made clear to Rogers when he received a call from Trump adviser Rick Dearborn that he was being moved aside because of ties to Christie. In an interview after announcing his departure from the team, Rogers said: I still want them to be successful. I want them to be able to get a handle on the national security infrastructure of the United States and get it in the right direction. I still think it can happen. Jerry Markon, Philip Rucker, Robert Costa, Missy Ryan, Adam Entous and Julie Tate contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting to discuss the Ukrainian peace process at the German federal chancellery on Oct. 19 in Berlin. (Adam Berry/Getty Images) Russia appeared on course Wednesday to become the latest nation to snub the International Criminal Court, sending a signal of defiance after a U.N. panel cited rights abuses and other complaints linked to Russias annexation of Crimea more than two years ago. The decree to formally withdraw from the ICC, signed by President Vladimir Putin, also could be a preemptive move to buffer Russia against future claims of war crimes related to its military intervention in Syria. The move marked the latest defection from the international court, which prosecutes cases involving genocide and crimes against humanity, and raised further questions about the tribunals role as a forum of global conscience. In recent months, South Africa and two other African nations, Burundi and Gambia, have announced plans to leave the court, which is based in The Hague, amid widening complaints in Africa that the court has disproportionately focused on the continent and its leaders. The United States is among a handful of nations that remain outside the court, with U.S. leaders fearing membership could open the door to prosecutions against American military personnel and others. [NATO, Europe warns Trump against warming to Russia] Putins decree, published on the Kremlins website, followed the approval of a report by a U.N. human rights committee that condemned Russias temporary occupation of Crimea and accused Moscow of rights abuses and discrimination in the peninsula, formerly controlled by Ukraine. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, claiming it was acting on behalf of pro-Russian residents wanting to break with Ukraine. The move brought a wave of international sanctions and sent relations between the West and Moscow into a tailspin. A month later, a separatist rebellion by pro-Moscow militias broke out in eastern Ukraine against the Western-allied government in Kiev. On Monday, the ICC issued a preliminary report that described Crimea as an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Russia has signed the treaty that established the international court but never formally ratified it. A Putin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the withdrawal aimed to protect national interests, the Associated Press reported. [Analysis: Can the International Criminal Court survive?] Peskov also rejected the ICCs accusations of an armed conflict in Crimea, saying Crimea opted to join Russia after a referendum a vote whose legitimacy was widely questioned in the West. The problem with Russias attack on the ICC is one of timing. Russia has been no great supporter of the ICC, and this is clearly posturing, said Leslie Vinjamuri, director of the Center on Conflict, Rights and Justice at the University of Londons School of Oriental and African Studies. Vinjamuri also predicted further pressures on the court by the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Putin has been emboldened by Trumps election. . . . The fact that the [ICC] prosecutors office is making noises about investigating U.S. soldiers for torture in Afghanistan makes this a perfect storm for attacks on the International Criminal Court by two permanent members of the Security Council, she said, referring to Russia and the United States. Russias rejection may not spare its citizens from ICC prosecution, however, because Ukraine is a member of the court, said David Bosco, an associate professor at Indiana University and author of a book on the ICC, Rough Justice. The main upshot of this is that were heading for a potential confrontation between the court and some nonmember states, Bosco said. Russias move is part of a broader dynamic in which the court is moving toward more ambitious investigations and generating tension with powerful nonmember states. The Russian break with the court also could encourage other nations to follow suit, including some African states such as Uganda and Congo, which have already expressed deep reservations about the tribunal. The courts four convictions so far have been against African warlords or political figures, while war crimes prosecutions in other conflicts, such as the Balkan wars of the 1990s, were conducted in separate tribunals. South Africa turned its back on the ICC after criticism that it ignored an order by the tribunal to arrest Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir during a visit last year. Adam Taylor 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 Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev leaves a memorial ceremony at the Hall of Remembrance during his visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, in Jerusalem on Nov. 11. (Pool photo by Gali Tibbon/AFP via European Pressphoto Agency) Is the liberal wing of President Vladimir Putins cabinet under attack? Russias state-run news agency reported Wednesday that more officials could be targeted in the corruption probe that has already led to the arrest of the countrys economic development minister. Other news reports went so far as to name names, all of them of officials close to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, leader of the so-called liberals, who tend to favor a smaller state role in society and greater international outreach. Medvedevs faction is seen to be in an eternal struggle against the Kremlins siloviki a force that includes officials from the military, law enforcement and security services in Putins inner circles. At the center of the current tug of war is the privatization of major oil assets. On Tuesday, Alexei Ulyukayev, the economic development minister, was charged with demanding and receiving a $2 million bribe allegedly for approving the $5 billion purchase of a 50 percent stake in the Bashneft oil company by the state-run oil giant Rosneft. [Putin backs Russian withdrawal from International Criminal Court] Russian Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev was charged with demanding and receiving a $2 million bribe allegedly for approving the $5 billion purchase of a 50 percent stake in the Bashneft oil company by the state-run oil giant Rosneft. (Maxim Shipenkov/European Pressphoto Agency) Ulyukayev initially opposed the deal, which eventually went through in October. Rosneft is led by Igor Sechin, seen as a close Putin lieutenant and one of the leaders of the siloviki. The arrest of Ulyukayev served as another proof that Igor Sechin is a very powerful figure, Andrei Kolesnikov of the Moscow Carnegie Center wrote in a commentary. In the hierarchy of the elites he occupies one of the prized positions for influencing the economy, the political landscape, and the administrative system of weights and measures. Everyone has understood that. The influential business daily Vedomosti named four officials who are seen as part of Medvedevs team and have come under investigation by the security services, which have had Ulyukayev under surveillance since last year. Medvedev presided over a government meeting Wednesday that was at first reported as an emergency session, although state-run Russia 24 television said later that it was just an ordinary meeting. Medvedev said the case against Ulyukayev showed that everyone is equal before the law, and he also expressed hope that the investigation would get to the bottom of the allegations. Whats happened should be investigated in the most thorough manner and assessed in strict compliance with the law, Medvedev said. [Russias establishment basks in Trump victory] Russias former finance minister, Alexei Kudrin, expressed the doubts of many observers here about the Ulyukayev case. Even in the work of law enforcement agencies there are sometimes mistakes; we don't have complete confidence in certain steps, Kudrin told Russia 24. I know from the experience of other officials who were released after being arrested and all charges against them were dropped. We have such a practice in Russia. Alpha Bank, one of the leading Russian financial companies, issued its own opinion of the case, saying that the explanation for his arrest is questionable. The current situation is, thus, a litmus test for the prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, and as to whether he is able to defend the innocence of one his cabinet members, the bank said. We see this as very negative development for the governments credibility. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny went further, saying that the government lacks any credibility. The authorities consist of thieves and crooks and anyone can be put in jail, Navalny wrote. When someone gets a black mark, someone else benefits from it. So in this case probably it was Sechin who benefited. But whats the difference: all of them are toads and vipers. Navalnys political aspirations received a boost Wednesday, when Russias Supreme Court reversed a criminal conviction against him in a corruption case and ordered a retrial, opening the door for a potential run for office. Navalny, who helped lead large street protests against Putin in 2011 and 2012 and ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Moscow, was seen as a rising political star and a possible challenger to Putin. But he was convicted in 2013 of embezzling timber worth $500,000 at the time from a state-owned company in the provincial city of Kirov in a trial that was largely perceived as a vendetta against him. He has remained free from prison but was barred from running for office. Read more: Kremlin intrigue suspected in bribery case against top Putin aide An interview with Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Rescuers and civilians search the rubble of a destroyed building in the Syrian village of Kfar Jales, on the outskirts of Idlib, following airstrikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes on Nov. 16. (Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images) As Syrian government airstrikes pounded eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, people huddled around incubators in the basement of the citys only remaining childrens hospital, waiting in silence as they counted the bombs. By midday, they said, the tally had passed 20, shaking the ground and shattering equipment in the rooms above. Speaking from their underground refuge, the hospitals director said he and his staffers were trapped. The attacks continued as night fell, marking the second day of a major offensive to retake Aleppos eastern districts from armed opposition groups. Defeat in Aleppo, once Syrias economic powerhouse, would be a major blow to the rebels. It could also hasten the fall of their remaining strongholds across the country. [Russian warships join the Syrian battles] The offensive came a day after government forces and their Russian allies resumed attacks across northern Syria, including Russian cruise missile strikes from a warship in the Mediterranean. The White Helmets rescue group said at least 87 people were killed Wednesday in Aleppo province. The number is expected to rise significantly as attacks intensify and underequipped medical facilities struggle to cope. The planes are up above. We cant get out, said the childrens hospital director, who gave his name as Hatem. Weve been hit before, but this isnt like the other times. Every mother is holding her child. We cant control things anymore. The parents want to protect their children by themselves. Residents said eastern Aleppos central blood bank, located close by, also was hit. Video footage showed the aftermath of the fierce bombardment. Fires licked the edges of cars and buildings, and the air was filled with dust. The Independent Doctors Association, a nonprofit group that supports the childrens hospital, said it was badly damaged. When they finally left the basement under cover of darkness, staff members at the childrens hospital found that the bombing had given way to shelling. And as nurses ushered patients back to their beds, the doctors prepared for a long night ahead. Were safe, but we have to tidy up now. This will only happen again, said Hatem, the director. It was at least the ninth such attack on a medical facility in opposition-held areas nationwide in three days. The United States on Tuesday condemned the previous attacks, calling them violations of international humanitarian law. [Trumps administration could upend the Middle East] The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted airstrikes on Oct. 18 ahead of brief cease-fires. Although residents were ordered to leave for their own safety, few did so. Many expressed fears about what awaited them outside. Russia said Tuesday that it had launched a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Idlib and Homs provinces, but it denied involvement in the new attacks on Aleppo. In Moscow, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russian warplanes have carried out no strikes against the city of Aleppo for 29 days now, according to the Interfax news agency. The city of Aleppo has been split into the government-held west and the rebel-held east since 2012 along one of the most intractable front lines of the war. Eastern Aleppo is surrounded by an array of government-allied forces including Syrian troops and Iran-backed militias and supply routes have been cut. The United Nations said last week that aid workers in the area had handed out the last of their food supplies. Few families manage three meals a day, and many go to bed hungry. Were suffering from the most basic needs. Theres not even fuel for ambulances, said Najmaldin Khaled, 30, a student. Russia has given the green light to attack Aleppo again, and theres no solution for us on the horizon. On Wednesday, the state-owned TV channel Ikhabariyah reported large troop deployments along several fronts in Aleppo. It claimed an assault was imminent and zero hour would soon begin. The Syrian and Russian governments have framed the fight against the armed opposition groups as a war on terrorism. In an interview with Portuguese television that aired Tuesday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could be a natural ally of the Damascus government if he is genuine about fighting terrorists in Syria. But the government attacks have repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure, often areas where moderate rebel factions operate. Assads troops have also laid siege to dozens of towns and villages, adopting a policy toward civilians that the United Nations has labeled surrender or starve. Syrias conflict has killed an estimated half-million people and touched off the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Syrias rebellion began in 2011 with peaceful protests, but it is increasingly dominated by extremist factions, including al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said Wednesday that Russian airstrikes have resumed in Idlib, a province where the faction, formerly called Jabhat al-Nusra, operates among civilians and other rebel groups. Sherif al-Khalaf, a journalist from the region, said the bombing had struck 34 areas since Tuesday, killing six and wounding dozens. The damage is immense, and people are frightened, he said. Heba Habib in Stockholm and David Filipov in Moscow contributed to this report. Read more: Russian warplanes from Mediterranean carrier join Syria attacks Aleppos elders fear they will die alone Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news By PTI: Shimla, Nov 15 (PTI) Former Himachal Pradesh minister and six-time BJP MLA I D Dhiman passed away today at his native village Dialri, 25 km from from Hamirpur, due to age-related ailments. He was 82. Dhiman was not keeping well for the past few days, family sources said. A former headmaster and popularly known as "guruji", Dhiman was elected to Himachal Pradesh Assembly for the first time from Mewa constituency in 1990 and won from the seat six times in a row in 1993, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2012. advertisement Known for his simplicity and honesty, Dhiman served as a state minister in Dhumal government from 1998 to 2003 and 2007 to 2012, holding the education portfolio. He is survived by his wife Satya Dhiman, son Anil Dhiman and two daughters. Hundreds of people including supporters, political figures social activists, government officials bid a tearful adieu at the village as a massive crowed turned-up to participate in his funeral procession. Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, once a student of Dhiman, BJYM chief and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, state BJP chief Satpal satti and other party and Congress MLAs attended the funeral. With his demise, the strength of BJP has been reduced to 27 in the 68-member legislative Assembly. "Deputy Commissioner of Hamirpur has sent a communication to the Vidhan sabha informing about demise of I D Dhiman, which will now be notified," Assembly Secretary S S Verma said. PTI PCL ASV --- ENDS --- The New South Wales (NSW) Liberal government has recently announced new policies aimed at ramping up the toxic effects of the National Assessment ProgramLiteracy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) standardised testing on the public education system in Australias most populous state. The first of these policies, launched as Premier Mike Bairds Priority in Education, and called Bump It Up, aims at an 8 percent increase in the number of students in the top two bands of NAPLAN reading and numeracy skills by 2019. Another, Stronger HSC Standards, requires Year 9 students (14-year-olds) to achieve a high level NAPLAN Band 8 in order to qualify to sit the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination in Year 12, a requirement for university entry. From 2020, students who have not reached Band 8 will be disqualified from sitting for the HSC, which will drastically limit their future educational options. NAPLAN was introduced in Australia in 2009 by the Rudd Labor government, as part of a conscious agenda to push through a cost-cutting restructuring of public education. Borrowed from the US and the UK, standardised testing has been the mechanism in those countries for handing over low-performing public schools to private management. The damage this has wreaked upon public education is particularly visible in the UK where, in April this year, the conservative governments White Paper on education demanded that all public schools be converted into academies, that is, into state-funded but privately-run schools, by 2022. The Bump It Up plan will initially be imposed on 137 primary and secondary schools in NSW at the commencement of the 2017 school year, but will undoubtedly be introduced more widely. It is targeted at students whose performance lies somewhere in the mid-range NAPLAN bands. The education departments Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) will statistically calibrate reasonable expectations for each schools required improvement. While expecting higher test results, the government will provide no additional funding for resources or for teachers professional development. Students from Grade 3 (8-year-olds in primary school) until Grade 9 (14-year-olds in high school) will sit an initial standardised assessment in Term 1 of the school year, then a second one in Term 3. In addition, those students in the NAPLAN testing years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will also undergo a NAPLAN assessment in Term 2. Where students test results have not improved, teachers will be obligated to adjust their lesson plans. Every five weeks of the school year, until 2019, principals in the 137 Bump It Up schools will monitor and report to their directors on the progress and initiatives and impact of student achievement. In other words, schools will become virtual testing factories, with every lesson over several years being directed to improving students test results. Teachers will be forced to teach to the test, meaning that preparing for these tests will constitute the students entire learning experience. Other subjects, such as music and art, will be cut back. All in all, it is already clear that the Bump It Up measure will do immense damage, escalating stress and anxiety levels among teachers, students and parents in the targeted schools. The second reform, Stronger HSC Standards has predictably been hailed by the NSW Business Chamber as a victory for young people and their employability. This measure will introduce changes, including to the curriculum, for the HSC qualification. It requires students in Year 9 to achieve a Band 8 standard in the literacy and numeracy NAPLAN tests, in order to be eligible to take HSC courses. NAPLAN assessments range from Bands 110. Many students are expected to fail. The Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) has already predicted that up to 50 percent of students are unlikely to reach the required Band. It declared, Based on an analysis of NAPLAN results, BOSTES forecasts that at least 50 percent of HSC students will pre-qualify for the minimum standard in Year 9, by achieving a Band 8 in their NAPLAN reading, writing and numeracy tests. Unquestionably, students in schools in the most socio-economically disadvantaged areas of the state will be less likely to pre-qualify and will therefore be ineligible to study at university. Decades of funding cuts to public education have already resulted in a staggering three-year gap in the average level of achievement between students in rich and poor schools. The stark inequities in Australias education system have been documented in a number of studies. According to the Grattan Institutea corporate think tankeven if disadvantaged students do well in their Year 3 NAPLAN test, the learning gaps grow larger every year. A 2016 OECD report found that the percentage of low performing students had increased significantly from a decade earlier. It concluded that low achievement was strongly associated with low-socioeconomic status and that a disadvantaged student was six times more likely to be a low performer than his or her advantaged counterpart. Increasingly, evidence is emerging that the testing regime itself is exacerbating the achievement gap between rich and poor schools. An article published in Educational Leadership this month concluded that data-driven instruction can distort the way reading is taught, harming students who need high-quality instruction the most. It argues that struggling students need meaningful, content-rich education such as developing background knowledge, applying it to a text and predicting what comes next. Students at the lowest level are being relentlessly measured and consigned to learning the lowest level of decontextualized skills. Moreover, unsurprisingly, the report found that students stamped as failures, disengaged from the learning process, were identifying themselves as losers. While Gillard claimed that NAPLAN would assist students who were struggling with literacy and numeracy skills by measuring their performance, these students are now being abandoned. Bump It Up targets those in the middle Bands, while Stronger HSC Standards excludes those in the lower Bands from any hope of qualifying for tertiary education. The Baird government, in other words, is deliberately marginalising the states most disadvantaged youth. Its measures will rapidly escalate the tendency towards a two-tier education system in NSW, where parents will feel increasingly pressured to enrol their children in high-performing NAPLAN schools. School education will become even more socially stratified. OECD data already demonstrate that the proportion of Australian students attending socially-mixed schools is even lower than that of students in the UK and essentially the same as students in the US. For working-class students, attending a university will become even rarer, while skyrocketing vocational training course fees will preclude them from trade and technical courses. At the same time, the number of available apprenticeships continues to decline. The ever-increasing demands for continuous improvement in schools only deepens the educational divide. The Productivity Commission reported that from 200910 to 201314, spending per public school fell by 2.8 percent while spending per private school rose by 9.9 percent. The key role in the implementation of this deeply unpopular and reactionary Labor/Liberal agenda has been played by the teacher unions, who have worked very, very hard, since the introduction of NAPLAN, to silence and sabotage teacher opposition. In 2010, the Australian Education Union (AEU) and its NSW affiliate, the NSW Teachers Federation (NSWTF), announced a boycott of NAPLAN testing, due to the hostility expressed towards it by teachers and students. But the boycott was a sham from start to finish, and was chiefly designed to exert pressure on the Gillard Labor government to provide the unions with a place at the negotiating table. As soon as the unions reached their own deal with the government, they called the teacher boycott off. Moreover, the NSWTF has worked closely with BOSTES to develop Bump It Up. BOSTES has gone out of its way to emphasise its extensive consultation over the past three years with key stakeholders, including the Teachers Federation. And the reward? The NSWTF now has a core seat on the six-member NSW Education Standards Authority, which will replace BOSTES in 2017. The conception of education as the great equaliser has long been abandoned, not only by business, but by the entire political establishment and the teachers unions alike. The first step in mounting a defence of free, high-quality public education for all is to make a definitive political break with the unions and to build independent rank and file committees in every school, led by teachers themselves, which will seek to mobilise teachers, parents and students across the state and around the country, along with other sections of the working class, in a unified political struggle, based on a socialist perspective, against job cuts, low wages, and deteriorating conditions and social services. Formed as a result of the deepening crisis in British ruling circles following Junes unexpected referendum vote to leave the European Union (EU), the Conservative government of Prime Minister Theresa May is looking to secure its global interests through developing the closest possible relations with US President-elect Donald Trump. In response to the November 8 election, May issued a statement effusively welcoming Trumps victory, as opposed to the more cautious statement issued by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise, she wrote. We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence. I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump. In remarks that left no room for a misinterpretation of the trajectory of the British government toward a transatlantic alliance with Trumpat the expense of Europelast Thursday Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson aimed his fire at Merkel and other EU leaders who expressed concern and even opposition to Trumps election. Its time that we were overwhelmingly positive about the possibilities here and I may respectfully say to some of my beloved European friends and colleagues that I think its time we snapped out of the doom and gloom about the result of this election and the collective whinge-orama that seems to be going on in some places, Johnson said. In our country, I think we should recognise that this is an opportunity. I think we should take what the president-elect has had to say about his feelings for our country at face value. Johnson followed up his attack on other EU states by boycotting an emergency meeting of European Foreign Ministers Sunday, called at the instigation of Berlin. The meeting was also snubbed by the French foreign minister. May government sources dismissed the meeting as huffing and puffing designed to allow EU officials to posture as opponents of Trump. In rushing to endorse Trump, Johnson and the anti-EU wing of the Tories have amplified Trumps statementsmade during the US election campaignsupporting Brexit and pledging that under his presidency the UK would receive a favourable trade agreement with the US. This is contrasted to the statement by outgoing Democratic President Barack Obama, who said, during his trip to the UK last April, that if the UK voted to leave the EU it would go to the back of the queue in terms of trade agreements. Placing its fortunes in the hands of a reviled and unstable figure such as Trump is a measure of the governments political desperation. It does so under conditions of ongoing protests in the US against the validity of his victory and an unprecedented political and constitutional crisis in the UK, with the government forced to appeal to the Supreme Court in an attempt to reverse a High Court ruling that May cannot trigger Article 50the formal means to exit the EUwithout Parliament voting on it first. The court case and the judicial decision was shaped by powerful sections of Britains ruling elite who have demanded above all a soft-Brexit deal preserving access to the Single European Market. May and Johnson might calculate that Trumps backing will strengthen their negotiating position, but it is a high-risk strategy. Even former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, while slavishly backing the US to the hilt as the junior partner in the illegal wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on terror, portrayed himself as a bridge between the US and Europe due to the importance of continental trade with Europe. Moreover, even as May mortgages her future to the Eurosceptic wing of her party, she undermines her own dwindling authority. This week Nigel Farage, the interim leader of the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP), along with the partys financial backer Aaron Banks, became the first leaders of a European political party to meet Trump at his Trump Tower penthouse in New York. As leader of UKIP, Farage spearheaded the successful Leave campaign in the referendum, focusing on anti-immigrant xenophobia. The then Tory Prime Minister David Cameron was forced to call the referendum to assuage his party, which was split on the issue of remaining in the EU. Much of the Tories wider base was supportive of UKIPs anti-EU stance, with Cameron haemorrhaging support to Farages party. Farage has since developed close ties with his fascistic co-thinker Trump, who invited Farage to speak alongside him at an election campaign rally in Mississippi in August. Mays government was thrown onto the back foot by Farages latest meeting with Trump. Her official spokeswoman stated, We have established routes of engagement with the president-elect and his team. Our diplomatic staff have been building those contacts and links in the run-up to the election. The spokeswoman claimed, The president-elect talked [to May] about enjoying the same relationship Reagan and Thatcher did, adding in a pointed reference to Farage, I dont remember there being any third person in that relationship. The Guardian reported Monday, There have been reports of a cabinet split in which some ministers urged May to use Farages links to Trump. In reality, while May bends over backwards to insist that the much vaunted special relationship between the US and the UK remains intact, there is no indication that Trump views the UK as a critical ally. According to media reports, May was forced to wait until Trump had called a host of other countries before he deigned to speak to the British prime minister following his election victory. Trump spoke to the leaders of India, Japan, Australia, Egypt, South Korea, Mexico, Israel and Turkey first. Irelands leader Enda Kenny also received a 10-minute call before May. In her speech to the annual Guildhall banquet Monday night, May glowingly referred to the new president-elect in the US who defied the polls and the pundits all the way up to election day itself. She added that the UKs departure from the EU would not see Britain stepping back from the world, but an example of how a free, flexible, ambitious country can step up to a new global role in which, alongside the traditional trading blocs, agile nation states like Britain can trade freely with others according to whats in their own best interests. We will also use the strength and size of our economy to lead the way in getting out into the world and doing new business with old allies and new partners alike, she added. In reality, the Brexit vote has severely undermined the UKs use-value to Washington and therefore its continued ability to punch above its weight on the world arena. That is why May sought to portray Britains role within the US-led NATO military alliance as the pivotal issue. Britain, said May, is the only country in the G20 to meet its commitment to spend 2 percent of GDP on defence and 0.7 percent of gross national income on overseas development The UK is a leading member of the coalition supporting Iraq to defeat the scourge of Daesh [ISIS]; that has agreed to send 800 troops to Estonia as part of NATOs presence in eastern Europe. The UK is also involved in Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram; and reinforcing its commitment to peacekeeping forces in South Sudan, Somalia and Kosovo. The UK has pitched itself as the main opponent of German plans for the creation of a European Army and guarantor of the hegemony of NATO. Alongside its trailing after Trump, it is a stance that will only sharpen political antagonisms with the EUs economic and political powerhouse, Berlin. Late last month in Brazil a group of labor unions and human rights activists associated with the National Truth Commission (Comissao Nacional de Verdade (CNV) presented a charge to the Ministerio Publico Federal (the Public Prosecutors Office) denouncing the Volkswagen corporation for having collaborated with the military in the persecution and torture of their own workers during the 21-year US-backed dictatorship (1964-1985). The CNV was created by a 2012 law to investigate human rights abuses in the country. The April 1964 coup launched by the Brazilian military, with the help and direction of the US embassy, the CIA and the Johnson administration, overthrew the democratically elected government of the nationalist-reformist Joao Goulart and set the model for the US-backed reign of terror in Chile (1973), Argentina (1976) and elsewhere in the hemisphere. Under Argentinas military junta, Ford Motor Company was similarly charged with having fingered militant workers in its factories, which were run like a police state and provided facilities for the secret police to interrogate and torture autoworkers. The trigger for the charges against VW in Brazil were the documents collected by the CNV workgroup Dictatorship and Repression of Workers and the Union Movement, which establish that Volkswagen Brasil elaborated so-called dirty lists of militant workers in their factories for the Department of Social and Political Order (Departamento de Ordem Politica e Social, DOPS), the countrys feared secret police. These lists, according to the charges, included workers full names, their addresses and the departments in which they worked. There are almost 200 occurrence reports made by the [VW] security and sent to the DOPS, according to a report in the Brazilian daily Estadao. In these, there are reports of workers being surprised by the Military Police (MP) while picketing and instead of being sent to a Police Station, being taken to an MP office or to a VW factory in Sao Bernardo do Campo [in the State of Sao Paulo] in order to be identified and interrogated. There are reports of beatings and torture of workers linked to the communist parties inside the factory. Sao Bernardo do Campo is, along with Santo Andre and Sao Caetano do Sul, an industrial region known as the ABC Paulista where auto companies like VW, Ford, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz have operated since the late 1950s. The region eventually became the birthplace of the Workers Party and the platform for future president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who was a prominent union leader in the early 1980s during the last years of the dictatorship. The region in recent years has been an epicenter of the countrys deep economic crisis, reflected in mass layoffs and wage cuts. In 1980, when Lula led a 41-day strike for a 15 percent wage rise, the DOPS received a list of 436 workers from plants that belonged to VW, Mercedes-Benz and the steelmaker Villares. While there are also reports that these latter two companies (and others) collaborated with the regime, VW is the first one to be charged, to officially accept the charges and to negotiate for judicial reparations. The journal Carta Capital recounts the fate of the now retired worker Lucio Antonio Bellantini, who in 1972 at the age of 28 was detained and delivered to VWs security chief, Adhemar Rudge, an ex-army colonel. At the time, I distributed the journal Workers Voice and discussed politics with people with the intention of taking them to the union and to fight against the dictatorship and for democracy. That was my crime, he declared. He was tortured for over a month by the DOPS, who were trying to force him to identify people he knew in the labor movement and the PCB (Communist Party of Brazil). What I want now is that VW build a memorial and tell the role it played in this period of repression. The struggle is for history to be recorded and taught to children, so it can never be repeated, declared Bellantini. The CNV report states that Rudge was brought in as VW Brasils head of security in order to replace a former Nazi: the Austrian Franz Paul Stangel, who was deported in 1967 after three extradition requests for him to face charges for his role in the Nazi concentration camps of Sobibor and Treblinka in Poland. Rudge remained at the post until 1991. The Volkswagen headquarters in Germany made a statement that in response to the charges it would select an independent German historian to review its own history in Brazil, as it has done in Europe itself in relation to the companys collaboration with the Nazi regime. However, predictably, there have never been any substantive consequences stemming from charges brought before the Workers Party-created CNV. Thousands of former assassins and torturers of the dictatorship remain free thanks to an impunity law maintained by every government since the end of military rule in the mid-1980s. What is more, the current government of President Michel Temer (brought to power through the impeachment of the Workers Party president Dilma Rousseff) is even less likely to disrupt friendly ties with foreign transnationals over crimes committed under the dictatorship as it seeks to do the bidding of both the national bourgeoisie and international finance capital in making the working class pay for the capitalist crisis. Connecticut police are looking for a man they suspect may have abandoned his 5-year-old daughter in a New York bus terminal after killing the childs mother, according to multiple reports. Police found the girl on the second-floor concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal Monday morning and took her to the police station where they determined that her father allegedly left her in the station, NBC New York reports. Officials are now looking for 32-year-old Elmer Gomez Ruono, who Stamford police say is seen on surveillance video leaving the bus terminal at 8:30 a.m. 90 minutes before the girl was found at around 10 a.m., NBC reports. 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. The little girl pointed investigators to her Courtland Avenue home in Stamford, where police arrived to find the childs mother dead, Stamford Police Capt. Richard Conklin told the Stamford Advocate. Officials told reporters that the girl was unharmed and is now in the custody of New York Citys children services. Conklin said Ruono was seen on the surveillance footage entering the terminal with the little girl; Lt. Tom Barcello told the publication that Ruono is a person of interest in the investigation. Barcello added that the situation is being considered a murder investigation although the womans death has not yet been officially ruled a homicide. Now, as investigators search for the man, officials are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the womans death, according to the Advocate. We know very, very little because they only moved here within the last day or two from New Jersey, Conklin told the publication. We are struggling to come up to speed on this very rapidly. The girl and her mother had recently moved to Stamford from Flemington, New Jersey, over the weekend, both NBC and WREG reports. Police said the girls parents had recently separated and Ruono is believed to be the girls father. Police said, Ruono is about five-foot-eight, 140lbs with long black hair, and a medium build and complexion, WREG reports. One-year-old conjoined twins, Miracle and Testimony, were successfully separated last week in an 18-hour surgery in Tennessee. The twins parents, Samuel Olusegun Ayeni and Mary Abiodun Ayeni, traveled from Nigeria with their babies in June to Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis in hopes of finding a way to separate the girls. Read: Twins Conjoined at the Heart Are Separated in Miracle Surgery: 'The Outlook Is Extremely Optimistic' After five months of preparation at the hospital, the girls, who were connected at the lower half of their bodies, were ready for surgery. "This is a rare condition," said surgical team leader Dr. Max Langham. "This particular variation of conjoining occurs maybe in one of every 5 million births." Langham also said it's very uncommon in this type of conjoining that both twins are healthy. The twins shared a colon, their kidneys were hooked, and their pelvises were fused and open, causing their legs to splay out at 90-degree angles. In January 2016, a Nigerian-based organization, Linking Hands Foundation (LHF), which focuses on childrens health and education, was notified of the twins situation and began soliciting for help. It was then that they connected with Le Bonheur whose entire surgical team donated their time pro-bono for the girls. "We only ask one question is it right for the kids? And if it's right for the kids, then we do it," said hospital CEO Meri Armour. The twins parents said it was religion that got them through the whole ordeal. Without faith things wouldnt have worked out, said Sam Ayeni, the father of the girls. When you give everything to God and believe, he will give you peace. I have the faith that He is helping us, and we are giving all of this to Him. Read: Youngest Ever Conjoined Twins Are Successfully Separated at Just 8 Days Old And doctors said they hope for the best in the girls' future. Story continues "We hope they'll be able to [walk and play and run]" orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Warner said. The Ayeni twins remain at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital, where they continue to recover and receive rehabilitation therapy before returning to Nigeria. Watch: See How These Conjoined Twins Are Now Thriving After Being Separated 2 Years Ago Related Articles: Yahoo Celebrity With the final season of "Dead to Me" dropping on Netflix on Nov. 17, Applegate said, "This is the first time anyones going to see me the way I am. I put on 40 pounds; I cant walk without a cane. I want people to know that I am very aware of all of that." Among the vaunted gainers from the Trump victory, energy stocks received a boost as soon as news of his win trickled in. The President elects promises to revive the coal industry and provide policy-related assistance to the oil and gas industry have come as a breather for the beleaguered sector. In contrast, Trumps stance on sustainable energy options, such as solar power, has been interpreted as a body blow to companies from the sector by several market watchers. However, evidence on the ground tells a different tale and picking stocks from the sector may still be a smart investment option. Reviving Conventional Energy Trumps proposals on energy are among his most contentious campaign promises but they have managed to boost the sector, at least for now. Among other proposed actions is the headline making pledge to save the U.S. coal sector. The President elect has also promised to help the oil and gas industry by reducing regulation and encouraging more exploration and production activities. These pronouncements helped the likes of Peabody Energy Corporation BTUUQ and Arch Coal Inc. ARCH soar as soon as his victory was announced. Other, more profitable coal producers such as Cloud Peak Energy Inc. CLD also experienced gains. Stocks from the oil and gas sector also moved northward on Nov 9 and afterward. Renewable Energy Slumps In sharp contrast, solar power company SunPower Corporation SPWR suffered its sharpest decline in three months on Nov 9, slumping 14%. The worlds largest supplier of turbines, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, declined 8.5% in Copenhagen. Investor concerns heightened since Trump has promised to reverse Obamas clean energy proposals. He has promised to roll back the investment tax credit for solar power and the Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan. Also, Trump has spoken about withdrawing U.S. support for the Paris Agreement. However, all these actions seem quite unrealistic at this moment. First, the investment tax credit was passed with bipartisan support from a Republican dominated Congress in Dec 2015 and Trump may not receive Congressional support on this count. Also, if Trump does indeed step back from the Paris Agreement, it would help the coal industry only notionally. In fact, the agreement could only help to create an international market for clean energy and transportation technology, an area in which the U.S. is a world leader. Story continues Green Options Remain Bright The only real worry for alternative energy from a Trump administration is the elimination of the Clean Power Plan. Such a move could delay the process of the retirement of coal-fired plants and a reduction in the emphasis for greater solar power usage. But even if this does happen, the number of coal fired plants is expected to fall nearly 30% by 2030. In contrast with a sector beleaguered by debt and several other problems, the outlook for alternative energy is bright. Currently, the sector holds a significant advantage even in terms of government policy. According to renewable portfolio standards mandated by 29 states and the District of Columbia, electricity retail companies are required to provide an increasingly higher percentage of power from renewable energy sources. More importantly, costs are falling for wind and solar power, increasing their competiveness. These advantages remain in place across several markets even without the aid of subsidies. Also, the sector is boosting job growth and increasing exports, economic benefits which Trump cannot fail to recognize. The President elect is likely to focus on results and in doing so he is likely to notice the opportunity renewable energy represents. Our Choices Sustainable and renewable energy options are facing a temporary downslide in the wake of Trumps election victory. But given their long-term advantages, such a phase can only be short-lived and they could return to their winning ways soon. Adding such stocks to your portfolio remains a prudent option. We have narrowed down our search to the following stocks based on a good Zacks Rank and other relevant metrics. Sunrun Inc. RUN develops, owns, manages and sells residential solar energy systems in the U.S. Sunrun has expected earnings growth of 36.2% for the current year. Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 82.1% over the last 30 days. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Vivint Solar, Inc. VSLR is a provider of residential, commercial and industrial solar energy systems in the U.S. Vivint Solar has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company has expected earnings growth of 30.9% for the current year. Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 19% over the last 30 days. Ballard Power Systems Inc. BLDP focuses on developing and bringing to market proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems for transportation, stationary, and portable applications. Ballard Power Systems has a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 20% for the current year. Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 7.9% over the last 30 days. Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. HASI is a REIT which is a provider of debt and equity financing for infrastructure projects related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Hannon Armstrong has a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 38.8% for the current year. Its earnings estimate for the current year has improved by 6.4% over the last 30 days. 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 CLOUD PEAK EGY (CLD): Free Stock Analysis Report BALLARD PWR SYS (BLDP): Free Stock Analysis Report HANNON ARMSTRNG (HASI): Free Stock Analysis Report VIVINT SOLAR (VSLR): Free Stock Analysis Report SUNPOWER CORP-A (SPWR): Free Stock Analysis Report SUNRUN INC (RUN): Free Stock Analysis Report PEABODY ENERGY (BTUUQ): Free Stock Analysis Report ARCH COAL INC (ARCH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The encounter is going on in the forest area of Zaloora in Sopore. Terrorists are believed to be hiding in Marwal forests. By India Today Web Desk: A policeman has been killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists near Sopore town in Baramulla district of north Kashmir. The encounter took place in the forest area of Zaloora in Sopore. Terrorists are believed to be hiding in Marwal forests. "Following specific information, about a group of militants hiding in the forest area of Zaloora near Sopore town, security forces launched an operation," a senior police officer told IANS. advertisement POLICE CONSTABLE BELONGED TO SOG The victim has been identified as Muhammad Shafi, a police constable belonging to the Special Operations Group (SOG). Also read: Army chief asks border troops to be alert in wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions "As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing Shafi," he said. J&K: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Sopore, 1 policeman has lost his life ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Security forces have cordoned off the area. The officer said the operation against the militants was still on. Also read: Army pays tribute to martyred General Harsit Bhadouria --- ENDS --- Getting dressed for a job interview? Let team Zoe help you land your dream gig by following these easy styling tips. Comment with your questions! Posted by The Zoe Report on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 A 16-year-old Utah high school sophomore allegedly stabbed five of his classmates in a brief, brutal attack at his schools locker room Tuesday morning, PEOPLE confirms. The suspect then allegedly stabbed himself in the neck before being Tasered by police. Authorities say the stabbings occurred just before classes were about to start at Mountain View High School in the city of Orem, Utah, about 45 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Authorities have yet to discover a motive, with one school official describing the violence as upsetting and possibly unforeseeable. The victims, all male students, were stabbed in the neck and torso, Orem Police Chief Gary Giles said at a news conference. Their injuries ranged from critical to fair, he said. Giles said the suspect, who has not been identified, allegedly stabbed the other students using a knife with a three-inch blade before staff members confronted him and boxed him into the bathroom area of the boys locker room. The schools resource officer, who was already at the school preparing to teach a law enforcement class, used a Taser to subdue the suspect, Giles said. (It was not immediately clear if he has been charged in the attack, though he has reportedly been released from the hospital.) Giles said investigators are still trying to figure out why the suspect, a straight-A student with excellent grades, would allegedly wage such a violent assault. Everyones scared, one student told the Salt Lake Tribune. Theres lots of girls crying. 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. In a letter released via the Orem police, the suspects parents shared their sorrow with the victims. We express our deepest condolences to the five boys who were harmed at Mountain View High School this morning and to their families, the parents said. None of the victims had done anything to hurt him. This was in no way racially or ethnically motivated. Story continues We are at a loss to express how deeply sorry we are for the pain and injury caused. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the boys and their families. There are a lot of different things we need to look at for a motive, Giles said at the news conference. Was it a fight, is it somebody upset with somebody, is there more to it? And I dont know the answer to that. Kimberly Bird, assistant to the Alpine School Districts superintendent, said the suspect had been home-schooled and was new to the high school. There were no prior disciplinary issues with him, she said at the news conference. This is very upsetting, she said. As we look as a school district on things, what could we do in these type of situations or how could we have had more support, could we have seen something in this particular student? I want to share with you that some times these things are things that are unseen. Giles said the incident was over at 7:53 a.m. six minutes after dispatchers received the first 911 call. (Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.) Mountain View High School, which has around 1,300 students, was put on lockdown for about an hour after the attack. By Katy Migiro NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When Ikponwosa Ero was five years old, she couldn't walk down the street in Nigeria without being abused for having albinism -- a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. "(In) five minutes, almost 50 people have said something, pulled your skin, pulled your hair or sung (abusive songs) to you," the United Nations' first independent expert on albinism said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "I was wondering why was I born? ... How will I get to my adult years and survive this? I don't think I can make it." People with albinism are frequently shunned, attacked and even killed across Africa. In many countries, their body parts are believed to bring wealth and good luck and are prized in witchcraft for use in charms and magical potions. Ero's mother comforted her, telling her that God does not make mistakes, and fought for her to attend school, despite her poor eyesight, a common problem for people with the condition. "I was often beaten in class when I said I couldn't see because they (teachers) thought I was lying," she told a Nairobi news conference, following a meeting with albinism activists from 15 countries across Africa. Ero got through school by getting another student to copy the exam questions down from the chalkboard for her in exchange for the answers. She went on to become a lawyer in Canada and, in 2015, the United Nations' first expert on albinism, a congenital disorder affecting up to one in 15,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa. ATTACKS Ero's priority is to end the brutal machete attacks on people with albinism by assailants seeking to use their body parts in witchcraft. More than 600 attacks have taken place in 26 African countries since 2007, with almost two-thirds of the victims being children, she said. "There is the witchcraft belief that if the attacks are happening to people while they are alive, then the potion is more powerful," Ero said. "They want the person to scream because it's believed that the scream adds to the potency of the medicines." Ero is drawing up an action plan which will use online fundraising to buy iron bars and sturdy locks for the doors of impoverished rural families at risk of attack. "If this partnership works, give us 20 years and a lot of the attacks will be history," she said, adding that Malawi recently received funding from the British government for such community protection measures. Reducing stigma is also key, she said, as many fathers walk out when their wives give birth to a child with albinism. "My black mother and father were so shocked when I came out," she said. "They actually had a fight as to who caused this child to look like this." Fathers, uncles, aunts and stepmothers are often involved in attacks on children with albinism, she said, leading to underreporting of such crimes. Ero was accompanied by Isaac Mwaura, Kenya's first member of parliament with albinism, who organized in October a beauty pageant for people with albinism in Kenya to reduce stigma. One person with albinism was killed in Kenya last year. Before his nomination to parliament in 2013, Mwaura successfully lobbied Kenya's parliament to allocate $1 million to provide people with albinism with sunscreen, hats, long sleeved clothes, eye care and cancer treatment. Cancer kills most people with albinism before they are 40 years old, Ero said. Mwaura plans to stand for an elected position in Kenya's 2017 elections. "You keep on breaking the glass ceiling," he said. "We will not relent." (Reporting by Katy Migiro @katymigiro; Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories.) President-elect Donald Trump has been enlisting the help of some of his billionaire friends for his upcoming inauguration. Casino moguls Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn have joined the committee for Trump's event, scheduled for Jan. 20, reported USA Today Tuesday night. Wynn and Adelson are listed as finance vice chairs. Wynn is the chairman of casino resorts bearing his name, while Adelson is the chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Trump, meanwhile, ran casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas. Well we got our first casino owner in the White House, said Ron Reese, a spokesman for Adelson told Bloomberg. Adelson and Wynn are joined on the committee by a handful of other notable names, including New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, gambling magnate Phil Ruffin and Gail Icahn, the wife of famed investor Carl Icahn. Thomas Barrack is heading up the inauguration committee. Barrack is the founder of the investment firm Colony Capital and helped set up a super PAC for Trump's campaign. There was not yet a budget for the inauguration, but the team in charge of gathering funds for President Barack Obama's 2009 event raised $53 million, USA Today reported. Adelson, who also owns the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was a major supporter for Trump and was lauded by the president-elect during the campaign. "Did you read that this morning in your good paper?" Trump said, referencing a Review-Journal article on Obamacare during an October rally in Nevada. "Good paper, owned by a great guy Sheldon, Sheldon, Sheldon Adelson." He later added that the billionaire was a "great supporter of Israel." Wynn, who has regularly backed Republicans, was initially unsure about supporting Trump but has seemingly come around. While the group planning Trump's January party seems to be coming together, the team charged with transitioning the president-elect into the White House is in apparent disarray. There have been a series of defections and ousters as Vice-President-elect Mike Pence took power over the transition team from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Story continues There has been particular concern from experts on both sides of the aisle about Trump's national security team. Eliot Cohen, a conservative who served a counselor of the State Department from 2007-2009, wrote in the Washington Post that "the president-elect is surrounding himself with mediocrities whose chief qualification seems to be unquestioning loyalty." Meanwhile, there remains anger over Trump's selection of Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist. Bannon is the former executive chairman of the Breitbart News Network, which he called the platform for the alt-right, a group with a strong population of white nationalists and neo-Nazis. The Southern Poverty Law Center called Breitbart a "white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill." Related Articles By Ellen Francis and Angus McDowall BEIRUT (Reuters) - Intense air strikes resumed in rebel-held districts of eastern Aleppo after a weeks-long pause on Tuesday, killing at least three people, residents and a war monitor said. Syrian state television said the Damascus government's air force took part in strikes against "terrorist strongholds" in Aleppo's Old City while Russia said it had struck Islamic State and former Nusra Front sites elsewhere in Syria, without mentioning Aleppo. The bombardment appeared to mark the end of a pause in strikes on targets inside the city declared by Syria's government and Russia on Oct. 18. "Our houses are shaking from the pressure. Planes are soaring above us and the bombardment is around us," said Modar Shekho, a resident of eastern Aleppo. Both rocket strikes by jets and barrel bombs dropped by helicopters were used, residents and a war monitor said. State-owned Ikhabariyah television reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in the Aleppo theatre in preparation for a major ground offensive that it said was imminent and awaiting "zero hour" to begin. The renewed violence in Aleppo will be closely followed in Washington where President-elect Donald Trump has signalled he intends to take a different approach to Syria from that of President Barack Obama, who has backed some rebel groups. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose approach in Syria has been praised by the U.S. president-elect, spoke by phone on Monday and agreed to "combine efforts to tackle international terrorism and extremism", the Kremlin said. Aleppo has become the fiercest front in Syria's five-and-a-half-year war, pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite militias against Sunni rebels including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies. Damascus describes all the rebels fighting to oust Assad, which include both nationalist groups and jihadist factions banned by Western countries, as terrorists. Islamic State does not operate in rebel-held areas, including eastern Aleppo, but the former Nusra Front, now known as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, does. Aleppo has for years been divided into government-held western and rebel-held eastern sectors but the Syrian army and its allies managed to isolate and besiege the insurgent districts during the summer. Its allies include Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi'ite militias. OFFENSIVE A government offensive to retake eastern districts raged from late September to late October, backed by an intense aerial bombardment that the United Nations said killed hundreds and drew condemnation from Western countries and rights groups. However, after Damascus and Moscow announced their pause in strikes last month, a move they said was to let those who wished to quit besieged areas, rebels launched their own assault that killed dozens of civilians in west Aleppo, according to the U.N. Syria's army and its allies reversed all the gains made by the rebels, who had attacked Aleppo's government-held western fringes from outside the city, and then intensified their bombardment in insurgent-held areas nearby, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said. On Monday and early Tuesday, air strikes hit hospitals in three towns and villages in rebel-held areas to the west of Aleppo, putting them all out of action. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals. Other strikes, including some by suspected Russian cruise missiles, hit Saraqeb in Idlib, a province near Aleppo where many of the rebel factions have a large presence. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday Russia had launched attacks in Idlib and Homs provinces using missiles and jets from the country's only aircraft carrier, which recently arrived in the eastern Mediterranean. "We carried out exhaustive advance research on all targets," said Shoigu. "We are talking about warehouses with ammunition, terrorist training centres ... and factories," said Shoigu, adding that the strikes would continue. Rebels and residents in eastern Aleppo have said for more than a week that they expected a resumption in air strikes and a new assault by the army and its allies after the aircraft carrier arrived near Syria and Moscow said the pause would end. Strikes hit the Haidariya, Hanano and Sakhour neighbourhoods, according to civil defence official Ibrahim Abu al-Laith. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes also hit the Sheikh Faris, Bab al-Nairab, Qadi Askar and Qaterji districts. The Observatory and the Civil Defence rescue organisation both reported that three people had been killed and others wounded in the air strikes. "It's all air strikes and parachute bombs. Today, the bombing is violent ... There hasn't been this kind of attack in more than 15 days," said Abu al-Laith in Aleppo. (Reporting By Ellen Francis; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f286601%2f2852b0694b9846ae8f9ddf126a6f4648 New Zealand is a place that's best known for Lord of the Rings and being really good at rugby, but they can sure cobble together a world-class airline too. Air New Zealand has been named the world's best airline by airlineratings.com at the site's Airline Excellence Awards. It's the fourth time in row the Kiwis have taken out the prize. SEE ALSO: Richard Branson is bringing us the next supersonic passenger aircraft The website awarded the airline thanks to its strong financial performance, in-flight innovations, operational safety, its stance on the environment and motivation of its staff. An Air New Zealand 787-9 Dreamliner. Image: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images "In our objective analysis Air New Zealand came out number one in virtually all of our audit criteria, which is an exceptional performance," according to airlineratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas in a statement online. While the Air New Zealand leads the pack, the website also announced its top ten airlines. Qantas came in number two, followed by Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Australia/Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways, Eva Air and Lufthansa. While there have been many of us who've never flown with the airline, you've likely been introduced to it throught its unconventional safety videos. Like the one laden with The Hobbit references, or its take on the Men in Black theme. It's like it knows what the people want. The suicide bomber on a motorbike attacked a vehicle carrying national security officials in Kabul. The count of those killed or injured can't be confirmed yet. By Reuters: A suicide bomber on a motorbike killed at least four people and injured several others in an attack on a vehicle carrying national security officials in Kabul on Wednesday, a security official at the scene in the Afghan capital told Reuters. An interior ministry official confirmed the attack, but could not say immediately how many people had been killed or wounded. advertisement Also read: Afghanistan: Militant in police uniform opens fire in Kabul shrine, 18 killed SUICIDE BOMBER WAS ON A MOTORBIKE "The suicide bomber was on a motorbike and detonated himself in the Pul Mahmood Khan area (in Kabul). The target of the attack is unclear but there were casualties," said Najib Danish, an Interior Ministry spokesman. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Also read: Kabul: 4 injured in explosion targeted at government officials --- ENDS --- Alex Wagner, the popular one-time MSNBC host, will join CBS This Morning as co-host of its Saturday edition, while also serving as a correspondent for CBS News. She will appear alongside co-host Anthony Mason on the Saturday morning program starting November 19. Vinita Nair, the current co-host, is leaving CBS News. Wagner has been serving as a contributor to both CBS News and its broadband service, CBSN, for the past several months. Wagner joins CBS News from The Atlantic, where she was a senior editor reporting on politics, culture and social trends. She will continue to work with the outlet as a contributing editor, writing for the magazine and moderating live events. She has also served as a guest correspondent on The Circus: The Greatest Political Show on Earth, which is presented on Showtime, a division of CBS. Wagner was the host of the Emmy-nominated Now with Alex Wagner, a daily news program on MSNBC. She joined MSNBC in 2010 as an analyst and frequent guest on the cable networks programs. I couldnt be more honored or more excited to join the CBS family, said Wagner, in a prepared statement. Im greatly looking forward to covering stories from every corner of the news universe, and cant wait to get started on Saturday. Wagner is a gifted journalist who brings an energy and passion to her work. She will thrive on this program where we cover everything from breaking news to the latest societal and cultural trends, said Ryan Kadro, executive producer of CBS This Morning. Earlier, Wagner was a reporter with the Huffington Post, where she covered innovation and the American economy. She also served as the White House Correspondent for AOLs Politics Daily, covering issues ranging from the BP oil spill to the Egyptian revolution. Wagner was the Executive Director of Not on Our Watch, a grant-making and advocacy non-profit created to stop mass atrocities. As part of Not on Our Watch she traveled to hotspots in Burma, Sudan and Zimbabwe. Before that, she spent four years as the editor-in-chief of the award-winning Fader magazine, covering music and culture around the world. She attended Brown University and lives in New York City Story continues Related stories Inside Epic Election Night With Anchors on the Front Lines at CBS News, Fox News After Election, TV News Will Fight to Keep Bonanza of Audience, Ad Dollars Scott Pelley to Anchor 'CBS Evening News' Live From Cleveland on Tuesday It may seem hard to believe now but when the idea was first floated for a potential Gilmore Girls revival, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel were unsure whether fans would be interested. "[Amy] kind of talked about a few different ideas and we thought maybe, you know, around the time of the Austin Television Festival reunion, it might be interesting to see if there was any interest out there at that time, just to see if there was an appetite for it," star Alexis Bledel told reporters earlier this summer. The answer was a definitive yes. Fans lined the blocks of downtown Austin for hours in June 2015 to fit into the 1200-seat Paramount Theatre to celebrate the show's 15th anniversary. "It was really exciting," Bledel recalled. Netflix proved to be Gilmore Girls' saving grace in more ways than one. The streaming giant first began streaming all seven seasons of the series in October 2014, a month before a cast reunion at the ATX Television Festival was officially announced. The easy accessibility to all 153 episodes not only encouraged old fans to revisit Stars Hollow, but also brought a whole new generation of eyeballs to the series. Read more: Lauren Graham Previews "Emotional" and "Gratifying" 'Gilmore Girls' Revival News of revival talks between Warner Bros., which produced the original series, and Netflix first came to light in October. The series was officially ordered in late January. Unlike the original series, which ran the network standard 22 episodes, the six-hour revival has been split into four 90-minute installments covering the four seasons, beginning with "Winter" and ending with "Fall." In addition to allowing viewers to pick up with the residents of Stars Hollow nearly a decade later, the revival offered the show a second chance at a goodbye. During the original series run, Sherman-Palladino and her husband, exec producer, writer and director Dan Palladino, abruptly exited the series as showrunners at the end of season six over a contract dispute with Warner Bros. Story continues After writing or co-writing a large number of the episodes, 87 out of 131, David S. Rosenthal, who had joined the show as a writer/executive producer the previous season, took over as showrunner for season seven. However, the subsequent episodes failed to capture the unique voice and tone of the series and season seven was critically panned. Ratings fell and The CW and the WB pulled the plug after the last episode of the series - what would (temporarily) serve as the series finale - had already been written and filmed. Because she wasn't in the room, or anywhere near the building, to help craft the final episode of the original series, Sherman-Palladino was able to save her dream ending - those famed final four words - for the revival. In stark contrast to the original final season, she and her husband got to call all the shots on the Netflix installments. The couple served as the sole writers, directors and executive producers. "When [Amy] went through all the major points of what she wanted to do - which she said just kind of spilled out of her, and she really felt that [was] a real indication that this was the right time and the right thing and the right way to tell the story - I liked it," Bledel said. "I just thought it was great and I was excited to get started." Read more: 'Gilmore Girls': The 16 Episodes to (Re)Watch Before Netflix's Revival But first, Bledel wanted to make sure she and Sherman-Palladino were on the same page when it came to Rory specifically. After all, she was just 18 when she signed on for Gilmore Girls, her first major acting role, in 2000. By the time talks for the revival heated up, Bledel was 30 and had diverse credits to her name that included TV (Mad Men) film (Sin City) and theater roles (Love, Loss and What I Wore). "This is really Amy's vision so it really had a lot to do with what she wanted for the characters," the actress recalled. "I wanted to hear it ahead of time before signing on and it was great to get to do that this time around, to be a part of that process and to voice my opinions and hear all her reasons for why she wanted to craft it the way that she did." Like her determined and hyper-focused alter-ego, Bledel was mainly concerned with Rory's professional standing as opposed to her romantic future. "I felt really strongly about making sure that all my character's hard work somehow had paid off," Bledel said. "That she had lived a life that was some indication that we got to see where she went from there, what the reward from all that work was." Judging from the official trailer for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, the new installments focus heavily on that aspect of Rory's life as she carves a path for herself far from the comforts of Stars Hollow and those closest to her. Read more: 'Gilmore Girls' Team Open Up About Netflix Revival and "Journey" to Those Final Four Words "My character's been working hard as per usual but she's on her own so she's just more focused on what she is trying to accomplish. She started her career in journalism at a time when the industry was changing quite a bit so newspapers were going away and she has kind of been chasing stories and crashing on people's couches in the process," Bledel said. "So she's not really rooted anywhere." When the series picks up, Rory "hasn't been home in a long time" and returns to Stars Hollow seemingly at a crossroads. "It's really a catalyst for her to experience change," Bledel said. That change even extends to her relationship with her mother. "I think anyone who has a bond as close as theirs, a relationship that's that closely knit together and you do have a lot of time apart, coming back together can put you through...a roller coaster of emotions, some transitions possibly, depending on how long it's been," Bledel said. "So in a way it's a great place to start because there might be things to work through, there might be things to celebrate, we don't know yet." Although Rory's future may be murky in the new episodes, Bledel says that the opposite was true behind the scenes on the new installments. "Coming back was an incredible opportunity to approach our work with intention," Bledel said. "Rather than being sort of reactionary to everything around me, I could just focus on the scenes and what I wanted to do and that was just a great thing to get to do. It's almost like getting a do over. It doesn't happen very often." Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life premieres Friday, Nov. 25, on Netflix. The handgun authorities allege a man used to injure an Alaska police officer this weekend has been linked to five unsolved homicides potentially revealing the identity of a suspected serial killer, police announced Tuesday. James Dale Ritchie, 40, was killed in a shootout with police in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday after allegedly shooting officer Arn Salao several times, NBC News reports. Now, police say they have linked Ritchies weapon to five killings in the city, whose residents have reportedly been on edge for months about a possible serial killer. The gun was unloaded on this officer, Anchorage Police Chief Chris Tolley said at a news conference on Tuesday, calling the situation heartbreaking. We know from our investigation in the last 78 hours that the gun used to attempt to kill officer Salao was the same gun used in five other homicides here in Anchorage in 2016, Tolley said. He added, We still have not linked the suspect to these cases, so we still have more work to do. Tolley said Salao, a fighter, remained hospitalized Tuesday and is recovering after two emergency operations, NBC reports. 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. Ritchie allegedly ambushed Salao early Saturday morning, when the officer responded to a report that Ritchie refused to pay cab fare after a ride, the Associated Press reports. He allegedly shot Salao repeatedly, but the officer returned fire and another officer arrived and joined the shootout. Ritchie died at the scene, according to the AP. Authorities later learned that the Colt Python .357 he allegedly used to shoot Salao was also used in the July 3 slayings of Jason Netter Sr., 41 and 20-year-old Brianna Foisy as well as the July 29 killings of 21-year-old Treyveonkindell Thompson and the Aug. 28 killings of Kevin Turner, 34, and 25-year-old Bryant DeHusson, the Alaska Dispatch News reports. Story continues In September, more than 100 concerned residents met with Tolley and Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz as rumors of a serial killer spread throughout the city, according to KTUU. Are we actually safe? one resident asked then. It doesnt feel safe. Police said recently that although Ritchie has not yet been linked to the previous shooting deaths, his drivers license photo resembles a composite sketch of the suspect in at least one of the killings. One thing I can tell you: This murderer, its the worst possible thing, Chief Tolley said Tuesday. Because of the heroic actions of these Anchorage police officers, they have made sure that this individual will not hurt any one of you or any one of the citizens in Anchorage. While the revelations brought new breaks in months-old cases, some of the victims relatives hope for more answers. As Kevin Turners brother told the Dispatch News, I want to know where was he shot, how long was he alive, did he suffer? These are the things Id like to know. The Killing alumna Kristin Lehman is returning to Netflix with a co-staring role opposite Joel Kinnaman and James Purefoy in Altered Carbon, Netflixs futuristic drama series conceived, written and executive produced by Laeta Kalogridis. Based on Richard Morgans award-winning 2002 cyberpunk sci-fi novel, Altered Carbon is set in the 25th century when the human mind has been digitized and the soul is transferable from one body to the next. Takeshi Kovacs (Kinnaman), a former elite interstellar warrior known as an Envoy who has been imprisoned for 500 years, is downloaded into a future hed tried to stop. If he can solve a single murder in a world where technology has made death nearly obsolete, hell get a chance at a new life on Earth. Lehman will play Miriam Bancroft, the wife of the wealthy, over-500-year-old Laurens Bancroft (Purefoy) who is not just the striking beautiful trophy wife she appears to be. Miriam, having lived for 250 years, will do anything including playing to peoples desires in order to survive another 1,000 years. Miguel Sapochnik will direct the first episode. Skydances David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross executive produce alongside Steve Blackman, Brad Fischer and James Vanderbilt. Skydance is the studio. Lehman, repped by Domain, manager Perry Zimel and attorney Diane Golden, toplined crime series The Motive and is shooting Rogue for AT&Ts Audience Network. Related stories 'Frequency' & 'No Tomorrow' Not Getting CW Back Orders As They Head To Netflix Ike Barinholtz Reunites With David Ayer & Will Smith On Netflix Film 'Bright' Gad Elmaleh's 'Gad Gone Wild' Goes To Netflix; English Comedy Special On Deck Amal Clooney has worked closely with many influential people, not the least of which being her philanthropist/award-winning actor husband George Clooney. But when asked whom she admires most as a role model, the human rights attorney answered from the heart. I think growing up my mother was definitely a role model, she was always a working woman and someone who is independent and cared about her career and cared about being independent but also had balance, she said during a Q&A at the Texas Conference for Women, where she was the keynote speaker on Tuesday. She never lost her femininity and she believed the balance was important and that is something that stuck with me, added Clooney, who looked elegant in a grey pinstripe dress. Her mother, Baria, is a prominent journalist. WATCH: Second Anniversary! How George and Amal Clooney Keep Their Marriage Happy and Healthy Clooney also mentioned associate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as one of her biggest inspirations. When I was a junior lawyer she was incredible to watch in action in court, how she had so many cases in her head and firing questions at these lawyers standing before her, she explained, adding, But then also on the personal side, was just lovely and I was the most junior and irrelevant person in her chamber and she was very charming and very balanced. During her keynote speech, the attorney discussed womens rights around the world, and spoke at length about her 23-year-old Yazidi client Nadia Murad, who is now a political refugee in Germany after living in captivity as an ISIS sex slave. Since her escape, Murad has stood up to her former captors by becoming a womens rights activist and by speaking out against the Islamic State. She has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize for her efforts. I am advocating for the United Nations Security Council to do more to prosecute . I am addressing the security council next month, Clooney promised. In closing, she reminded the audience, As women, there is a bond that we all share. Its a bond of shared experience. Experiences that only women go through and struggles that only women face. The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other. And this is something that we can practice everyday no matter where we are or what we do. Because if we are united, there is no limit to what we can do. Reporting by KRISTEN OBRIEN BARCELONA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Mexican telecoms operator America Movil is highly likely to pay a higher dividend for the current year than for 2015, as the telecoms operator does not expect to make large acquisitions, Chief Financial Officer Carlos Garcia Moreno said. "If we don't do a large acquisition ... that means we'll have to do something extra in the distribution," Garcia Moreno said at the Morgan Stanley annual Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT)conference in Barcelona on Wednesday. "Our net result has been increasing over the past couple of years and what we have promised is also improvement versus 2015," he added. Garcia Moreno said the company could make some acquisitions but he did not expect large takeovers of telecom companies outside its home region. "There continues to be some medium-sized acquisition ... for us in our home market for telecoms and also in some cases for our new businesses. Acquisitions are not ruled out. I see nice momentum for some acquisitions here and there but not large telco acquisitions outside our footprint," he said. America Movil has paid out two regular dividends this year of 0.14 pesos each, up from two payments of 0.13 pesos each, paid in 2015. In 2015, it also paid an extraordinary dividend of 0.30 pesos. America Movil, controlled by the family of billionaire Carlos Slim, reported a third-quarter profit of 2.1 billion pesos last month, compared with a loss of 2.9 billion pesos in the same period last year. The company is still feeling the effects of a 2013 sector reform designed to curb its dominance at home, which prompted a price war in the market. (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; Additional reporting by Christine Murray in Mexico City; Editing by Adrian Croft) By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 16 (PTI) Switzerland Tourism is eyeing over 10 per cent growth in footfalls from India this year as there is an increase in interest for its winter offerings. "Traditionally, Indians have been attracted to experience Switzerland as a European destination, especially during the springs and summers. But we are seeing increasing interest by Indians to experience the country in the winters as well, especially since we launched our Winter Campaign last year," Switzerland Tourism India Deputy Director Ritu Sharma told PTI here. advertisement Switzerland hosted over 8,47,000 visitors from India in 2015. "Although Indians love to go on a vacation during the summers, we do hope for a change after this campaign. Switzerland is also a complete package for families and honeymooners who are not only looking at a relaxing vacation but also crave some adventure," she added. For summers, Switzerland targets new as well as well travelled people, while for winter the country looking at well travelled people looking to expand their experience, she added. Switzerland Tourism Director, India, Claudio Zemp said: "In India, we see people getting more adventurous these days. They do not only want to take a cable car up a mountain and take pictures but also want that thrill and rush which one gets while doing adventure sports." "With a versatile and energetic personality like (actor) Ranveer Singh, who has been appointed as the brand ambassador, we would like to showcase that Switzerland is not only about scenic beauty but also has many activities and adventures to offer to the more experiential Indian traveller," Zemp added. PTI SM NRB SAI --- ENDS --- He asked the tough questions in a presidential debate and tangled with talking heads on CNN, but with the election behind him, anchor Anderson Cooper says he is looking forward to the next chapter. Its been a fascinating election and I think its going to be a really interesting four to eight years, Cooper, 49, told PEOPLE of controversial GOP candidates Donald Trumps unexpected ascension to the highest office in the land. I look forward to being part of it and covering it. Speaking at Tuesdays Hope for Depression Research Foundations Tenth Annual Luncheon in Manhattan, where he was honored with the Hope Award for Depression Advocacy, the newsman called the election extraordinary and noted how involved people have been. A lot of new people joined the process and thats exciting to see. Cooper, whose brother Carter Cooper killed himself in 1988, was honored for speaking out about depression and suicide, most especially in his recent book, The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love and Loss, which he wrote with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, and their HBO documentary, Nothing Left Unsaid. According to Audrey Gruss who founded HDRF in 2006 in honor of her late mother, Hope, who suffered for decades from clinical depression Cooper has spent much of his professional career speaking openly about his struggle to grieve and to move on from this incomprehensible tragedy. The public discussion of such a private death shows a combination of both the strength and the compassion to help others facing similar kinds of grief. Addressing the packed audience at the Plaza Hotel, Cooper said, As many of you know, my brother Carter, died when I was a senior in college. He jumped off a balcony in front of my mother while she was begging him not to. After his brothers shocking death, Cooper says he spent his senior year at Yale University struggling with grief trying to figure out how to move forward with my life and understand what happened. Story continues Suicide, he said, is something we dont speak much about in our society. As an aspiring reporter, he purposefully traveled to places like Somalia where the language of loss was spoken, he says, and not something whispered about. In a strange way, I knew I had discovered my bliss, he says. I knew that I couldnt stop the starvation and I couldnt save peoples lives, but I could bear witness to their struggles. I could tell their stories. Years later he says he realized that I needed to do those stories for my own survival. Anderson Cooper (left) with Shane Boylan and Audrey Gruss Victor Hugo/PMC In one of the luncheons most touching moments, when Cooper took the stage, he thanked 11-year-old Shane Boylan, who was lauded for raising $4,000 from a 10-mile fundraising bike ride he organized in June for the HDRF after his father committed suicide earlier this year. Nobody told me I was going to be following an 11-year-old, Cooper initially joked. Not an easy task. Growing more serious, Cooper said, My dad passed away when I was 10 years old and my brother when I was 21 and I know when I was 11 I could not have stood on this stage and talked about my father the way he did. Saying that even at 21, when his brother died, he could not have spoken to an audience about the deaths of his brother and father, he commended Boylan for his remarks about his dad and wanting to help battle depression, saying simply:Thank you, Shane. In a case of shifting parts, Guy Pearce has joined Fred Schepisis romantic thriller Andorra in the lead role of Alexander Fox, a bookseller who leaves the U.S. after a personal tragedy to begin a new life abroad. During run-up to production, Clive Owen had been set in the role, but is now taking the supporting part of Mr Dent who shares a volatile secret with his wife, played by Toni Collette. Im told the casting switch is due to scheduling. Owens commitments no longer allow him to spend three months on the film, and he suggested stepping into a supporting role. Oz-based Jump Street Films is producing and has confirmed production investment from Screen Australia with shooting to begin in Italy next April. Also joining the cast are Vanessa Redgrave and Eamon Farren (Lion, Twin Peaks). Previously announced cast further includes Gillian Anderson, Joanna Lumley and Riccardo Scamarcio. Based on Peter Camerons eponymous novel, Andorra is set against a decadent dreamscape where nothing is as it appears. When Fox arrives in search of the chance to reinvent himself, he quickly becomes entangled with the ancient Mrs Reinhardt (Redgrave) as well as the Australian Dents and Mrs Quay (Lumley), the kayaking matriarch of an Andorran dynasty who seems to recall Fox from long ago. As he finds comfort in the company of Miss Quay (Anderson), the mystery of his origin deepens. When a womans body is found, the local lieutenant, Afgroni (Scamarcio) becomes strangely convinced that Fox is responsible. With an emissary from his past (Farren) threatening his newfound paradise, Fox finds himself in a crisis of conscience and identity. The screenplay is adapted by Cameron and Jump Streets Jamie Bialkower. Bialkower is producing for Jump Street alongside Schepisi, Lizzette Atkins and executive producers James Ivory, Natalie Miller and Hengameh Panahi whose Celluloid Dreams is handling international sales. Pearce is next up in ABC miniseries When We Rise and is also in Ridley Scotts Alien: Covenant. Hes repped by CAA, Shanahan Management and Independent. Redgrave is next in Paul McGuigans Film Stars Dont Die In Liverpool. Shes repped by CAA and Gavin Barker Associates. Farren will be seen in Showtimes Twin Peaks reboot. Hes with United Management. Story continues Related stories 'Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets' Trailer: See What All The Fuss Is About Western Pic 'Brimstone' With Dakota Fanning, Guy Pearce & Kit Harington Gains Momentum Toni Collette, Gillian Anderson, Joanna Lumley Headed To 'Andorra' With Clive Owen NORTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) - A rare discovery of 81 Anglo-Saxon coffins made from the hollowed-out trunks of oak trees may provide new insights into how people lived in the early days of Christianity in Britain, archaeologists said on Wednesday. The coffins, which date back to the 7th-9th centuries, were uncovered at a previously unknown Anglo-Saxon cemetery on a site called Great Ryburgh in Norfolk, eastern England, where six rare plank-lined graves were also found. Evidence suggesting the cemetery served a community of early Christians includes a timber structure thought to be a church or chapel, wooden grave markers and a lack of grave goods that would have been expected at pagan burial sites. "This find is a dramatic example of how new evidence is helping to refine our knowledge of this fascinating period when Christianity and the Church were still developing on the ground," said Tim Pestell, curator at Norwich Castle Museum in Norfolk, where the finds from the dig will be kept. Few Anglo-Saxon coffins survive because wood normally decays over time, and evidence usually consists of staining in the ground from rotten wood. The site at Great Ryburgh had a combination of acidic sand and alkaline water that allowed the skeletons and wooden graves to survive. Coffins made from hollowed-out tree trunks were first seen in Europe in the early Bronze Age and reappeared in the early Middle Ages. This is the first time examples of this type of coffin have been properly excavated and recorded by modern archaeologists in Britain. The plank-lined graves are believed to be the earliest known examples in Britain. Examination of the bones and wood is taking place at the Northampton offices of the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). "This find is absolutely unique in this country," said MOLA project manager Mark Holmes. "Finding wooden coffins of this period hasnt happened before - its going to fill in an enormous amount of our knowledge of this period." Lead researcher on the dig Jim Fairclough said he hoped further analysis of the bones would reveal more of the individuals themselves, such as what their lifestyle was like and whether they had any family groups in the same cemetery. "There are earlier Saxon cemeteries where theres evidence wood was used in burials but all that remains is basically soil marks and staining where the wood has decayed," he said. "So this is the first time, especially in an early Christian context, where the wood coffins have been preserved. The excavation on private land at Great Ryburgh was launched to check for archaeological remains ahead of building work to create a lake and flood-defence system to boost biodiversity, alleviate flooding and create a new spot for anglers to fish. (Reporting by Stuart McDill, writing by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison) By Gina Cherelus (Reuters) - An Atlanta man shot and killed his brother while on a hunting trip in South Carolina after mistaking him for an animal, media reported. Brian Pickle, 30, and his brother Scott Pickle, also from Atlanta, were with their father in a heavily wooded area, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution said. Scott's age was not given. Union County Sheriff David Taylor told the newspaper the incident happened shortly before dusk on Saturday and that Scott Pickle had been eager to hunt before nightfall. Mistaking his brother for a small deer or coyote, Scott took aim and fired, striking Brian in the head, the newspaper quoted the sheriff as saying. "We see these types of accidents all too frequently," Taylor said. The Union County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are investigating the incident, media reports said. Neither immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment. It was not immediately clear if Pickle will face criminal charges. (Reporting by Gina Cherelus in New York; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Bill Trott) Last weekend, Audrina Patridge got married to her longtime partner of 8 years, Corey Bohan. The nuptials come after the birth of their first daughter, Kirra Max, back in June. And of course, the outdoor Hawaiian ceremony perfectly matched this couples laid-back bohemian vibe, getting married outdoors by the seaside with lots of flowers and some easy, breezy matrimonial fashion. But it seems the whole affair wasnt quite as carefree as it appeared in all those professional photographs; as Audrina confessed on her website, she actually suffered a minor wardrobe malfunction on her big day. In a blog post on her site titled My Magical Hawaiian Wedding, Partridge described the inspiration behind the ceremony, writing, I wanted my wedding to be magical with a hint of romance and Boho glam I have Pinterest to thank for the inspiration that slowly brought my vision to life! But unfortunately, as anyone whos ever attempted to DIY something from Pinterest can attest, things dont always turn out so well as they do on the vision board website. The former reality star continued, The morning of the wedding was a little hectic not going to lie. My nerves were all over the place, and it didnt help that we had tons of people coming in and out, saying hello, and finalizing last-minute details. RELATED PHOTOS: The Hills Are Alive with Love! She did all of her wedding makeup in 30 minutes flat, a monumental feat in and of itself, then joined her father for that big walk down the aisle. I was fighting back tears as we made our way closer to Corey, but as this was happening I could feel my train and veil catching on the wooden poles that lined the aisle, causing it to pull my head back, she said. I kept moving forward with a smile on my face until it came off!!! I continued walking until some very generous friends ran up behind me to secure it back on my head. LOL sometimes you have to roll with the punches! An attitude any newlywed would be wise to adopt. What do you think of Audrinas wedding day malfunction? Sound off below! * Bravura shares down as much as 21 pct on debut * Car dealer Autosports rises up to 11 pct * Australia 2016 IPOs down one-third on 2015 so far * Caution over PE-backed listings (Adds Bravura CEO quote in final graf) By Byron Kaye SYDNEY, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Australian financial services software maker Bravura Solutions Ltd tumbled on its sharemarket debut on Wednesday, underscoring the mounting scepticism which has greeted private equity listings in Australia this year. After opening down 6 percent from their issue price, shares in the private equity-owned company fell to a fifth below their issue price by mid-afternoon, in a flat overall market. Meanwhile Australian luxury car dealer Autosports Group Ltd , which is owned by its managers, jumped as much as 11 percent over its issue price in a A$160 million ($120.88 million) listing. While the companies behind the two listings serve different markets, the split in levels of investor enthusiasm suggests that a string of weak performances from high-profile private equity listings has added a layer of caution to the sector. "The fact that its business is coming out of private equity means you've got to take it with a grain of salt with respect to the numbers," said Lonsec Stockbroking equity strategist Danial Moradi. In Australia, money raised in IPOs has fallen to $3.4 billion from $5.1 billion at the same time last year, down a third, according to Thomson Reuters data, and offerings led by private equity firms have been greeted with caution. Shares of chicken producer Inghams Group Ltd are trading 0.6 percent over their issue price since listing on Nov. 7. Its owner, private equity firm TPG Capital Management LP , nearly halved the listing's size in the weeks before. Scottish Pacific Group Ltd, a financial services company listed by a private equity owner in July, issued a profit warning this week, sending its shares 15 percent below their issue price. In July, Dick Smith Electronics, sold in an IPO by another private equity firm in 2013, entered administration. Story continues Bravura's financial forecasts are upbeat. After turning its first annual net profit in 2016, the Sydney-based company said in its prospectus that it expects to more than triple net profit in 2017 on a pro forma basis. It expects to start paying dividends in its first year as a listed company. Private equity firm Ironbridge Capital Pty Ltd sold 48 percent of Bravura for A$148 million, giving it a market capitalisation of A$311 million, or 14.8 times 2017 net profit. Ironbridge lowered the size of the offer a month earlier, media reported. The managers of Autosports meanwhile sold a third of the company for A$160 million, giving it a market capitalisation of A$482 million, or 17.2 times 2017 profit. Bravura CEO Tony Klim said in a statement that "there's no doubt that the market has experienced recent volatility but we are focused on the things we can control, which means delivering on our growth strategy and our prospectus forecasts". ($1 = 1.3236 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Jamie Freed and Byron Kaye; Editing by Stephen Coates) In a crowded market, baby blankets from Roxie's House of Joy stand out with designs that meet babies' developmental needs SWEETWATER, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2016 / New Baby Blankets Designed Using Scientific Principles of Brain Development. Roxie's House of Joy Launches Blankets and Swaddle Sets on Amazon. The simple baby blanket can be optimized to support a baby's development; at least Carol Vandiver Stein, CEO of Roxie's House of Joy, believes that it can be. She launched Roxie's House of Joy in January to prove her theory that baby products can be a pleasure for both parents and babies to use. "When I looked at the baby blanket market, I found pale pastels and designs that look like upholstery fabric. I assumed the babies were as bored with the whole thing as I was, so I knew I had found an area where I could make a big difference." Supporting Visual Development in Infants Blankets designed to appeal to parents often use traditional pastels, but eye doctors and pediatricians know that a baby's vision isn't developed enough to detect those subtle shades before five months of age. Before that, babies are more attuned to high-contrast designs, which is why Stein's first baby blanket featured a simple black pattern on a white background. "The black flower was always my favorite, and I knew that newborns were attracted to black because it was easy for them to focus on. The Flower of Life pattern is especially appealing because it's always attracted great minds. It was found in the notebooks of Da Vinci and Galileo." Selecting designs for Roxie's House of Joy is a detailed process. All patterns need to pass muster with a baby's visual development and be of genuine interest to children. In addition to graphic designs, other blankets feature faces to attract babies' attention. "When I saw the Emotional Marshmallows I knew they fit right into our philosophy of creating blankets that babies will love. Learning how to read people is so important, and babies are just drawn to faces." Story continues Other Areas of Sensory Development Roxie's House of Joy baby products also keep other senses in mind. Because touch is a crucial part of developing healthy attachments, Stein knew she wanted to produce a blanket that would be comfortable all year long. "I live in Texas and will only sleep with cotton sheets and blankets myself year round. Only cotton doesn't overheat." "100 percent cotton muslin fabric wears well with age, becoming softer with repeated washing and fits into the pleasure-to-use philosophy." The natural cotton also absorbs scent and provides olfactory stimulation for babies, who are calmed by the scent of their parents and familiar surroundings. Can a baby blanket really make such an impact on a young family? Stein says yes. "The colors and designs provide visual stimulation helping to develop and grow their brain cells. We have chosen designs that are engaging and educating them in art, science, astronomy, philosophy and their own feelings. Baby brain development and education are things loved by new parents." "But what I mostly want," she says, "is for our baby blankets to be loved by babies and toddlers." About Roxie's House of Joy Roxie's House of Joy is a startup dedicated to producing high-quality baby products that support brain development while looking beautiful and performing even better. Their signature baby blankets and swaddling sets are made of 100 percent cotton muslin and feature designs meant to appeal to baby's developing mind and parents' discerning tastes. Roxie's House of Joy's blankets and gifts sets are available exclusively on Amazon.com; see their website for news and special offers. For more information, please visit https://roxieshouseofjoy.com Contact Info: Name: Carol Vandiver Stein Email: contact@roxieshouseofjoy.com Organization: Roxie's House of Joy Address: 3 Temple Court Phone: 3256278027 Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoghcLt6NFc SOURCE: Roxie's House of Joy The resolution passed by the special assembly session said Jind, Patiala, Nabha and Bikaner also paid royalty to Punjab for sharing its water during the British rule. By Manjeet Sehgal: The special assembly session summoned by the Punjab governor today to discuss the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue concluded with a resolution asking neighbouring states Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan to pay Punjab royalty for using its water. The resolution said the states of Jind, Patiala, Nabha and Bikaner paid royalty to Punjab for sharing its water during the British rule. advertisement WON'T SHARE WATER Refusing to share the water with neighbouring states, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Badal said that his government would ask Haryana, Rajasthan and New Delhi to pay royalty from November 11, 1966. ALSO READ: SC ruling on SYL canal sets Punjab political pot boiling ALSO WATCH Badal also maintained that his government did not do or say anything that can be termed contempt of court as the case is not pending in a court. Earlier, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha also passed a resolution issuing instructions to all government departments and officials to not give permission to any agency for construction of the SYL canal. ALSO READ: 42 Punjab Cong MLAs submit resignation over SC ruling on SYL The Supreme Court on November 10 termed the Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004 invalid. It ruled that Punjab's law scrapping water-sharing agreements with neighbouring Haryana and other states is unconstitutional. The court also said that the Sutlej Yamuna Canal or SYL canal, which is at the centre of a row between Punjab and Haryana, has to be completed. The court said Punjab cannot unilaterally move out of an agreement involving other states. ALSO READ: SC ruling on SYL Canal: SAD-BJP ruled Punjab decides not to give a drop of water to Haryana ALSO READ: 3-member legal team to advise Punjab govt on SYL ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Belgrade (AFP) - A year after jihadists used weapons manufactured in Serbia to gun down victims in Paris, Balkan countries are struggling to end the scourge of illegal arms trafficking. The killers who opened fire at the Bataclan theatre, cafes and restaurants in the French capital last November used Yugoslav-era assault rifles produced by Serbia's Zastava Arms. Months earlier the Kouachi brothers, behind the deadly assault on the Charlie Hebdo magazine offices, carried a rocket launcher from the Balkans, a region littered with weapons since the wars of the 1990s. According to a top French magistrate, Robert Gelli, Serbian citizens come up in nearly a third of international arms trafficking probes carried out in France. "The weapons getting through to western Europe and the effects they have is still a major problem," said Ivan Zverzhanovski, who leads a UN Development Programme project in the Balkans to help combat illegal arms trafficking. The international monitoring project Small Arms Survey said in late 2014 that an estimated 3.6 million to 6.2 million firearms were in the hands of civilians in the Western Balkans, a region home to less than 25 million people. In Serbia alone there are between 200,000 and 900,000 unregistered weapons, according to authoritiesdespite various amnesty campaigns launched since the assassination of reformist prime minister Zoran Djindjic in 2003. On Wednesday, the interior ministry announced its biggest weapons haul in at least 16 years, which led to the arrests of 10 people. Police in Serbia's northwest seized arms including 111 hand grenades, 12 anti-tank grenades, two rocket launchers, 10 rifle grenades, 10 automatic or semi-automatic rifles, six pistols, 6,000 bullets and dozens of kilos of explosives. In neighbouring Bosnia, "it is a fact that... there are weapons that are not under control and traffickers buy these weapons," Security Minister Dragan Mektic told news portal Klix.ba recently, stressing that the problem existed across the region. Story continues - Micro-trafficking - Zverzhanovski told AFP that, based on information from law enforcement agencies, a gun bought for 250 to 500 euros on the Balkan black market could sell for 3,000 to 5,000 euros in a country such as Sweden. The weapons are rarely transported by the truck-load but a few at a time, in private cars or the countless buses that link the Balkans with western Europe. Some are sent in pieces to be reassembled later and some are even sent by post, experts say. Smuggling on this micro-scale makes the problem difficult to tackle. "Until now, no serious groups of arms traffickers have been dismantled in Bosnia," said Jasmin Ahic, an analyst from Sarajevo's faculty of criminology. The arms have their roots in communist Yugoslavia, where large stockpiles were kept across the federation for use by civilian-staffed "territorial defence" units, designed to defend against a surprise foreign attack. They ended up deployed in inter-ethnic civil war as the federation collapsed, while more weapons were smuggled into the region to build up armies in the face of international sanctions. - 'Turning point' - Such arms went untracked in the chaos of conflict until resurfacing again on the streets of Aachen, Stockholm or Paris, where 130 people were killed in the attacks on November 13, 2015. "The Paris attacks were a turning point on many levels," said Zverzhanovski, referring to growing cooperation within the EU and between Balkan law enforcement agencies Serbian and French officials signed an accord in October to form joint teams to investigate arms smuggling, and Belgrade's prosecutor for organised crime Mladen Nenadic said "determination and clarity" were needed to tackle the problem. In April, 5,000 police officers were mobilised in all former Yugoslav republics in a 48-hour Interpol-led operation -- but it resulted in the seizure of just 40 firearms and six kilos of explosives, along with 22 arrests, according to Bosnian police. According to Zverzhanovski, efforts are "still relatively ad hoc, case-based," and the EU needs to help to build the capacity of Balkan police forces, along with plying political pressure on the region to deal with illegal possession. "This is the moment to tackle it, before these countries come into the EU," he said, noting that Croatia's efforts on firearms dropped off significantly once it joined the bloc. By Bill Trott WASHINGTON (Reuters) - White supremacists and neo-Nazis have rarely, if ever, in recent history been so enthusiastic about a presidential appointment as Donald Trump's choice of Steve Bannon to be his chief White House strategist. Before he took over as chief executive of Trump's campaign in August and led it to victory last week, Bannon headed Breitbart News, a website and voice for the alt-right movement, a loose right-wing confederation that includes hardcore nationalists, neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. Five days after Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump rewarded Bannon, 62, a former Goldman Sachs banker and a Navy veteran, by appointing him senior counselor and chief strategist - jobs not subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. Democrats, rights activists and minority groups were outraged and said Trump, himself accused of racism and misogyny during the campaign, had just flung open the White House doors to hatemongers. Many urged him to reconsider. "Bringing Steve Bannon into the White House is an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement on Monday. "There must be no sugar-coating the reality that a white nationalist has been named chief strategist for the Trump administration," Pelosi said. The Southern Poverty Law Center, the Anti-Defamation League and the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) also denounced Bannon. NAZI, KKK SUPPORT Bannon, who grew up in a Democratic family, has a reputation of trying to tear down a Republican Party establishment that he deemed too soft and too entrenched. As a senior adviser to the Republican Trump, Bannon will be expected by far-right groups to champion their views and make sure that Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, keeps such campaign promises as building a wall on the southern U.S. border, cracking down on Muslims entering the country and restricting the influx of Syrian war refugees. "Perhaps 'The Donald' is for real, Rocky Suhayda, chairman of the American Nazi Party, told CNN. David Duke, a longtime leader of Ku Klux Klan movements, and Richard Spencer, a white nationalist who runs the National Policy Institute, were among the leading alt-right figures to praise Bannon's appointment. In remarks published in the New York Times on Tuesday, Bannon ascribed his interest in populism and American nationalism to a desire to curb what he views as the corrosive effects of globalization. He rejected what he called the "ethno-nationalist" tendencies of some in the movement. "It's not that some people on the margins, as in any movement, aren't bad guys - racists, anti-Semites. But that's irrelevant," he told the Times. Political commentator Armstrong Willliams, a close associate of former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson, said Bannon was "one of the finest and most honorable people I've ever met" and not bigoted in any way. The Trump campaign had been struggling to manage Trump's unconventional candidacy when Bannon took over. He stayed behind the scenes and devised the strategy for the final days of the campaign that kept Trump on message and enabled him to upset Clinton in crucial states such as Michigan. It was Bannon and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, who invited three women who accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault to attend a presidential debate in hopes of unnerving Hillary Clinton. Bannon, looking typically unkempt with mussed hair and stubbly chin, grinned from the back of the room as Trump and the women held their pre-debate news conference. "Bannon is a legitimately sinister figure," Ben Shapiro, who had been editor-in-chief of Breitbart under Bannon, wrote in August on the dailywire.com conservative news website which he founded. "He is a vindictive, nasty figure ... He will attempt to ruin anyone who impedes his unending ambition and he will use anyone bigger than he is - for example, Donald Trump - to get where he wants to go," Shapiro wrote. ANTI-SEMITISM ACCUSATIONS While Bannon was at Breitbart, it had stories with headlines such as "Birth control makes women unattractive and crazy," "Political correctness protects Muslim rape culture" and "Hoist it high and proud: The Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage." The site's pro-Trump agenda featured speculative stories questioning Hillary Clinton's health and accusing her close aide Huma Abedin of being a Saudi spy. Bannon was charged with domestic violence and battery in 1996 after his then-wife, Mary Louise Piccard, said he grabbed her by the throat and arm during an argument. The case was dropped when she did not appear in court. In 2007 Piccard said in court documents Bannon did not like the school the girls attended because it had too many "whiny brat" Jewish students. Bannon had a varied and profitable career before joining Breitbart. He earned degrees from Virginia Tech, Georgetown University and Harvard Business School and served four years in the Navy. It was his Navy experience, he said, that led him to shed his family's Democratic allegiance and become an admirer of Republican Ronald Reagan. He was at Goldman Sachs before starting his own investment firm, which specialized in media. Through negotiating a studio sale, he obtained a stake in the royalties for the popular television show "Seinfeld," a money-making powerhouse in syndication. He was an executive producer of the feature movies "Titus" and "The Indian Runner" before producing, directing or writing conservative-oriented documentaries such as "Clinton Cash" about the Clinton Foundation, "Generation Zero" about the global economic crisis of 2008-2009 and "The Undefeated" on former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. (Reporting by Bill Trott; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Howard Goller) On what is his last tour of Europe this week, and what is likely to be his last major tour abroad, outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama has reserved a full two days for Berlin. This unusually long visit to the German capital is not a coincidence. It is here that he first became a figure of global importance when, in July 2008, the then-candidate mesmerized a crowd of 200,000 Berliners. It is here that he developed his strongest rapport with any world leader: German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Most importantly, however, it is here that his foreign-policy legacy now has its strongest, if not last, line of defense. That Obama would develop this level of political and personal intimacy with the country was hardly obvious eight years ago. In character alone, Obama and Merkel made for something of an odd couple. The charismatic orator met understatement personified. The public intellectual outshined the reclusive scientist. His biography spans the globe; she hails from provincial East Germany. The one roused sky-high expectations; the other was eternally underestimated. And if Obamas attention was drawn to the rising powers of Asia, Merkel was focused on keeping the Old Continent afloat. It seemed improbable back then that the two leaders would form any bond beyond the polite and professional. Politically, Obama and Merkel also inherited a U.S.-German relationship that was at a historic low. Both their predecessors in office had clashed openly and bitterly over intervention in Iraq. American views of Europes largest power had soured; German confidence in U.S. leadership was shot. America saw Germany as the epitome of Old Europe, ailing politically, economically, and militarily. Germans felt the worlds policeman had become a loose cannon and saw its economy as a trailblazer for casino capitalism. With alienation and suspicion running deep, hopes were naturally high especially on the German side that Obamas ascent to the presidency would make the relationship more cordial and cooperative again. Story continues This, however, proved harder than expected. An Obama quick fix to what many considered the excesses of the U.S. war on terror did not materialize; his failure to close the prison at Guantanamo has been particularly disappointing. U.S.-German relations were also not spared new strains. Berlins refusal to support a NATO-led intervention in Libya was as incomprehensible to the United States as it was to the countrys other allies (even if history has since offered some vindication for that reluctance). Germanys handling of the eurozone crisis was openly criticized by Washington, which feared a new downturn for a global economy that was barely in recovery. In turn, revelations of extensive National Security Agency surveillance of international organizations and Western governments, including of Merkel herself, left Germans perplexed and angered at the United States. Relations between the United States and Germany, and between their two leaders, remained reserved throughout Obamas first term, and even well into his second. To their credit, the two governments handled their various conflicts with care and avoided open clashes. But the new momentum that so many in Germany had hoped for did not materialize, and Obama, who had made such a splashy debut in 2008, avoided visiting Berlin for five whole years, as if in fear of confronting those hed disappointed. By the time he returned to the capital, however, in June 2013, global forces were aligning in ways that would bring the United States and Germany together instead of pushing them apart. What finally brought Obama and Merkel closer what has helped them forge a still-growing bond was a succession of direct assaults on the liberal international order, and, with it, peace and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. First came Russias aggressive campaign to challenge the international status quo. Moscow made claims to an exclusive sphere of influence in Ukraine and elsewhere. It demanded a seat at the table in conflicts like Syria. It interfered in the domestic politics of Western countries, and sought to test the limits of NATO, all as part of an effort to seek a systemic confrontation with the West. In response, neither European nor transatlantic unity faltered, as Russian President Vladimir Putin may have expected. The surprising resolve on the part of the West owes, in no small measure, to the Obama-Merkel team. It was the German chancellor who became the key interlocutor with the Kremlin and rallied reluctant Europeans behind sanctions against Russia. The U.S. president, in turn, added transatlantic coherence by making sure that American responses and sanctions were in lockstep with those of the European Union. Next came heightened pressures to prevent the territorial advances and consolidation of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq and, with it, the further spread of international terrorism. Despite its traditional reluctance to engage in military actions abroad, Germany joined the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State as early as September 2014, swiftly provided arms and equipment to Kurdish fighters and, a year later, authorized the deployment of a Bundeswehr contingent to Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. This German contribution stood in marked contrast to Merkels earlier refusals to support Western interventions in Libya and Syria. What made the difference was shock over a mounting wave of terrorist attacks, not least those in Paris in November 2015. Then, the refugee crisis. By the summer of 2015, hundreds of thousands had embarked on the dangerous passage from war-torn Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan to seek asylum in Europe. While more and more European countries along their route sealed off their borders, Merkel made the decision courageous to many, catastrophic to others to keep Germany open to refugees. The chancellors decision to defend this as a moral obligation and constitutional right is reported to have made a deep impression on Obama, not least because in his own country, the U.S. president was facing stiff Republican opposition to accepting Syrian refugees. Finally, the groundswell of rabid populism across Europe and the United States has left Obama and Merkel equally troubled, and caught them equally flat-footed. Both understand that ever-more aggressive nationalist politics threaten to roll back decades of democratic expansion, to replace law with violence, both inside countries and among them, and to destroy the very foundations of justice, welfare, and peace. Merkel has felt this mounting pressure across Europe for years, and she is now confronted by rising populism in Germany, not least in response to her own refugee policy. Across the Atlantic, Obama has had to learn that the United States is not immune, as the recent election of Donald Trump as his successor shows. For the American and the German alike, this tribalism and turning inward in response to globalization is clearly wrong. They have both had to learn, however, that their instinctive appeals for openness are not as persuasive as they would like and may even trigger backlashes. Other events and issues could be added to this story of cooperation, from the Iran nuclear deal to the Paris agreement on global warming, to the now-stalled Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. But it also seems that beyond substance, the bond between Obama and Merkel has gradually developed on a deeper level. They have increasingly emerged as a surprising set of kindred spirits: leaders who, for all their differences, have found common ground in a shared willingness to run against the current of popular opinion and, perhaps, a shared sense that their kind are increasingly outnumbered. This willingness means both leaders have weathered their share of public outrage at times. Obamas decision to refrain from bombing Syria as Bashar al-Assad was gassing civilians in 2013, or his refusal to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine as it faced a Russian war, contradicted nearly the entire U.S. foreign-policy establishment and political class. Merkels exit from nuclear energy had German business up in arms, her support for sanctions against Russia defied widespread accommodationist positions, and her decision to keep Germany open to refugees earned her angry accusations from many Europeans of moral imperialism. None of these decisions make Obama and Merkel political idealists; both would rather define themselves as realist internationalists. But perhaps they are, most accurately, long-termists. If, in these cases, Obama and Merkel radically departed from majority opinion and political inertia, it was because they were driven by a commitment to realistic, sustainable, incremental change. This long game, as one Obama-watcher has labeled it, seeks to shed the impulsiveness that comes with news cycles and terms of office, to set a longer-term horizon for political action, and to reinvest in strategic patience. Merkel shaped as she was, personally, by the Iron Curtain and its sudden crumbling and, politically, by her mentor, the historian-turned-politician Helmut Kohl is similarly convinced that day-to-day politics must be informed by principle and stamina if it is to make a difference in the long run. As Obama comes to the end of his presidency, his relationship with Merkel has developed into a political symbiosis that few would have expected during his early years in office. It is now fully on the German chancellor to nurture the spirit that Obama and she have created in the U.S.-German relationship, but also in global affairs writ large. Photo credit: Alexander Koerner/Getty Images A British newsreader looks composed as water breaks shortly after her news segment. Victoria Fritz, who presents Business news for BBC Breakfast, was rushed to a hospital in Manchester on Tuesday. Fellow newsreader, Sally Nugent, stepped in as birthing partner while hubby was stuck in traffic. Photo: Twitter/@BBCBreakfast When Sally heard that shed gone into labour she offered to be there until Victorias husband got there. But her husband never arrived so she found herself at the birth, a BBC spokesperson said. Victoria, who welcomed a baby boy just moments after going off-air, tweeted that the delivery was A BBC Breakfast team effort. Photo: Twitter/@VFritzNews Its going to make a brilliant story for his 21st birthday! What an incredible day xx, Nugent replied before sharing this moment this morning: Photo: Twitter/@sallynugent The newborn, who was due to arrive early December, is still waiting to be named. A big congratulations to Victoria and Dan Fritz! Screen Shot 2016-11-16 at 10.53.44 AM Let us know what you think by tweeting @YahooStyleCA. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is scheduled to deliver a speech Wednesday evening on behalf of Our Revolution, a political action organization that was created by supporters to carry on the work of Sanders. Sanders is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. EST from Washington, D.C. Find instructions for how to watch a free live stream of the speech at the bottom of this news article. The former Democratic presidential candidate is expected to speak on the topic of the future of our country under a Donald Trump presidency, according to a statement issued by Executive Director Shannon Jackson of Our Revolution. The address will come on the heels of Sanders new book, also named Our Revolution, which was released Tuesday. We need to do all we can to protect the most vulnerable people in our country from Donald Trumps administration, Jackson wrote in her statement. In what is sure to highlight Sanders' messages in the Our Revolution campaign, the statement urged viewers to find out how best to continue our political revolution. Sanders was also named chair of outreach for Senate Democrats as well as a ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, according to a separate news release Wednesday. Serving as a ranking member of the Budget Committee is a heavy responsibility, Sanders said in a statement. It helps shape the priorities of the United States government and I am going to do everything I can to make sure the budget that leaves the United States Congress is a budget that represents the needs of working families and a shrinking middle class, not billionaires. Following the presidential election, Sanders has been actively been encouraging supporters to take more action in campaigning for policies and becoming more involved in the political process. He used a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times to speak of his hopes for the Democratic Party and the challenges it faces following the election of Trump. Story continues Sanders has led by example by actively campaigning on behalf of working families and environmental initiatives. He made a surprise appearance outside of the White House Tuesday evening to speak on behalf of the Dakota Access pipeline on a global day of action that saw demonstrators turn out to protest the pipelines construction in hundreds of cities. To watch a live stream of Sanders' speech on behalf of Our Revolution, viewers can visit Unity Feed to RSVP for a working link. Related Articles Photo credit: Touchstone Pictures From Harper's BAZAAR Indulge in some retail therapy (or get a head-start on your holiday shopping) with the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales of the year. From the sales of fashion girls' dreams to beauty deals you can't deny, here's what to shop Thanksgiving weekend. 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Shu Uemura Art of Hair: 15% off site-wide, free limited-edition Murakami pouch and shipping over $125 from 11/24 - 11/29 at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com. Shu Uemura Art of Beauty: 20% off purchases $50 or more, 25% off purchases over $100 using code 'SHUBF' from 11/24 - 11/27 at shuuemura-usa.com. Cyber Monday: 20% off site-wide using code 'CYBERSHU' from 11/28 - 11/29 at shuuemura-usa.com. You Might Also Like MOD Pizza In the last year, MOD Pizza has nearly doubled in size and its not slowing down now. On Wednesday, the fast-casual pizza chain told Business Insider that it had raised another $42 million of equity, led by Fidelity Management and Research Company and PWP Growth Equity. That brings the total capital raised this year by MOD Pizza to $77 million more than half of the almost $150 million the chain has raised. "Its an overnight success success 10 years in the making," cofounder and CEO Scott Svenson told Business Insider. The last few years have been explosive for the pizza company. In 2015, Technomic named MOD Pizza the fastest growing the restaurant business, as it grew a whopping 220% in the year. In 2016, the growth continues, with Svenson saying the chain will go from 92 locations to an estimated 195 by years end. Who wouldn't want to fall into this mini? #Repost @breckalove we love your seasonal MOD! #pizza #modpizza #modtober A photo posted by MOD Pizza (@modpizza) on Oct 18, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT on Oct 18, 2016 at 4:20pm PDT Svenson and his wife, Ally Svenson, founded MOD Pizza in 2008. When the pair opened the first location in Seattle, the idea of a fast-casual pizza company was still mostly uncharted territory. MOD Pizza was intended to be a classier and healthier option, in opposition to take out-centric chains like Dominos or Pizza Hut. MOD Pizza 5 The chain serves up made-to-order, thin crust pies. Similar to Chipotles groundbreaking fast-casual system, customers can pick ingredients and see the pizzas being made in front of their eyes, with the entire process taking about 15 minutes. While the chain has options like sausage and just plain cheese on the menu, it also has more creative options like the "Calexico," a take of buffalo chicken, and pizza salad on a warm asiago crust. The menu also includes salads, cinnamon and garlic strips, and shakes. Story continues "You get a really high quality hand produced individualized product made super fast, at a great value, individualized just the way you want it," said Svenson. "Its healthy and its delivered in a really cool aspirational environment." MOD Pizza MOD Pizza isnt the only fast-casual pizza chain that has attempted to take on the pizza delivery giants in the last decade. Chipotle has opened seven locations of its own fast-casual pizza chain, Pizzeria Locale. Another competitor, Blaze Pizza, is on track to hit $300 million in revenue in 2017. However, according to Svenson, what sets MOD Pizza apart from the competition is its culture and focus on employees. The chain emphasizes acceptance in its hiring, recruiting people who have spent time in jail and dealt with drug addiction. MOD Pizza attempts to pay employees at living wage, with company minimum wage starting at $10.50. MOD Pizza 4 In addition to other benefits, including paid time off and healthcare, the company offers an emergency fund that employees can tap into in times of need, such as unexpected accidents. "By virtue of doing that, and by doing that the right way, were going to build a better business than we would have otherwise," said Svenson. "You dont need to focus just on the profit or just on the business performance. You can also focus on the impact youre making." I was trying to make a Pac-man pizza... #MODpizza #hungry #pizzatime A photo posted by MOD Pizza (@modpizza) on Nov 9, 2016 at 3:31pm PST on Nov 9, 2016 at 3:31pm PST The company has no plans to slow down following 2016's explosive growth. With the new round of funding, Svenson says that the chain wants to continue to expand, throughout the US and internationally (MOD Pizza currently has three locations in the UK). While MOD Pizza has no plans to go public at this point, Svenson says its something that the company would only consider as a means to reach more people and share the companys values. "We think theres an opportunity to make a difference in a lot of peoples lives," said Svenson. "We're having so much fun, and we're so grateful for the fact that we're able to make the impact that we are We're going to take it as far as we can." NOW WATCH: An LA pop-up shop is offering a pizza churro More From Business Insider The final leg of shooting for Ajith Kumar's yet-untitled film will be wrapped up in 45 days, say reports. By India Today Web Desk: Actor Ajith Kumar, who was last seen in the hit film Vedalam (2015), is teaming up once again with the director 'Siruthai' Siva in a yet-untitled film. According to reports, the makers of the film have left for Bulgaria to wrap up the final leg of shooting. ALSO READ: Vijay on demonetisation: 80 per cent people suffer because of 20 per cent SEE PIC: Chiranjeevi, Kajal Aggarwal shoot for Khaidi No 150 in Croatia advertisement Speaking about the film, a source close to the unit said, "The team left for Bulgaria over the weekend. This is the final schedule of the film and it will last for about 45 days. They will be shooting some major action episodes apart from regular scenes." Tipped to be a spy thriller, the film will see Ajith Kumar as an Interpol officer, who investigates a murder in Chennai, that leads him to different parts of the world. Actor Vivek Oberoi, who plays the antagonist in the film, will join the sets in Bulgaria. "Key portions between Ajith and Vivek will be shot in this schedule and it involves two action stretches," the source added. Directed by Siva, the film co-stars Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan in pivotal roles. Anirudh Ravichander is collaborating with Ajith Kumar for the second time after the commercial success of Vedalam. Meanwhile, Tollywood powerstar Pawan Kalyan, who is remaking Ajith Kumar's Veeram, will also remake his blockbuster film Vedalam. --- ENDS --- Over 300 major businesses and investors have called on President Barack Obama, President-elect Donald Trump, members of Congress and world leaders to "strongly support" and stick with low-carbon policies, investment in the low-carbon economy, and U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement. In the open letter signed by Gap Inc., NIKE, Mars Incorporated, Unilever, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Starbucks, among others the companies said that they wanted "the U.S. economy to be energy-efficient and powered by low-carbon energy," before adding that failure to build a low-carbon economy "puts American prosperity at risk." "We pledge to do our part, in our own operations and beyond, to realize the Paris Agreement's commitment of a global economy that limits global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius," the letter continued. President-elect Donald Trump's views on climate change and the environment have sparked concerns among environmental organizations, researchers, charities and governments around the world. In 2012, he tweeted that the concept of global warming "was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." He has also threatened to pull the U.S. out of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement, which came into force just this month. Under the agreement, world leaders have agreed to make sure global warming stays "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and to "pursue efforts" to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. "It is vital that the business community demonstrates its ongoing commitment to tackling climate change," Barry Parkin, Mars Incorporated's chief sustainability and health and wellbeing officer, said in a statement. "This is an important moment in global political and economic history, and we absolutely must come together to solve the immense challenges facing the planet," Parkin added. "Climate change, water scarcity and deforestation are serious threats to society. It is imperative that global businesses, like Mars, do their part to face down those threats." Story continues The letter was released during the COP22 environmental summit taking place in Marrakech, Morocco. "The Paris Agreement was a vital step forward, but its power is in our collective action," Lara Birkes, chief sustainability officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, added. "Business and government leaders must urgently work together to drive a thriving, low-carbon economy." More From CNBC By Guy Faulconbridge and Estelle Shirbon LONDON (Reuters) - The BBC said on Wednesday that its World Service will begin broadcasting in 11 additional languages in a drive to reach millions more people, including in places like North Korea where impartial news is hard to get. The World Service started out in 1932 as a radio channel for English-speakers in the British empire but has morphed over time into a highly respected provider of news to global audiences. It already broadcasts in 29 languages, reaching an estimated 246 million people around the world every week. The expansion is a result of a funding injection of 289 million pounds ($360 million) until 2020 announced by the government last year. The boost reversed a previous decision to cut World Service funding and was part of a broader strategy to increase Britain's 'soft power'. "This is a historic day for the BBC, as we announce the biggest expansion of the World Service since the 1940s," said BBC Director General Tony Hall. "The BBC World Service is a jewel in the crown - for the BBC and for Britain." Fran Unsworth, director of the World Service, said the new funding from government would have no impact on the service's independence. "Where the money comes from is irrelevant," she said in an interview on BBC Radio 4. "The World Service is going to do what it's always done, go over the heads of government providing a service directly to citizens of the world," she said. The additional African languages will be Afaan Oromo and Amharic, spoken in Ethiopia and other countries, Tigrinya, the main language of Eritrea, and Nigerian languages Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin, also spoken in other West African countries. The World Service will also add Indian languages Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu, as well as Punjabi which is widely spoken in Pakistan and parts of India, and Korean, spoken in both North and South Korea. The expansion will mean more journalists on the ground in locations around the world. Story continues The BBC will also extend its news bulletins in Russian, with regionalised versions for surrounding countries, and add regional programming in Arabic and short-wave and medium-wave radio programs aimed at audiences in the Korean peninsula. "We do believe that there is an opportunity for North Koreans to have access to free and independent and impartial information," said Unsworth. She said BBC Monitoring, a service that keeps track of stories published or broadcast by other media around the world, had reported this week that most North Koreans did not know Donald Trump had won the U.S. presidential election. The BBC as a whole reaches a weekly global audience of 348 million people. Hall has set a target for it to reach 500 million people worldwide by its centenary in 2022. The stock market rally since Donald Trump 's election represents a "huge psychological difference" about the prospects for the economy, fellow real estate billionaire Sam Zell told CNBC on Wednesday. There's been a shift on Wall Street from "extreme pessimism to possible optimism," said Zell, who refused to say whether or not he voted for Trump. "I don't think there's any reason why this country can't go back to [an economic] growth rate of 3 percent." On "Squawk Box," Zell said the economy has been held back "under the tyranny" of President Barack Obama 's environmental regulations. "I think this country needs someone like Trump to encourage us and lead us in an optimistic fashion," Zell said. "That's a great deal of what's been missing over the last eight years." Trump has a "unique opportunity" to affect change in the United States, and Americans are ready for a leader who can break the gridlock in Washington, Zell added. Zell also said Trump is "significantly more disciplined" now than he was a year ago. He added the real estate mogul has evolved as the reality of the presidency has set in. In October 2015 on CNBC , Zell warned that Trump should not be underestimated, but he also said at the time that the then-GOP frontrunner did not have the right personality for the White House. On Wednesday, Zell also dicussed reports that his Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) real estate business is taking Trump's name off three large apartment buildings in New York. He said the process began a year ago, because Equity Residential did not want to express any political views. He said the decision to remove Trump's name had nothing to do with resident protests, as suggested in media reports. In a statement to CNBC, Zell wrote: "This was a change planned for some time to coincide with the expiration of a contract. We chose to wait until after the election so we would not be inadvertently making a political statement." More From CNBC Marc Benioff In 2015, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stepped into the political spotlight big time. It began in Indiana, where Mike Pence was governor. Salesforce is a major employer in the state. Pence signed a law that allowed businesses to cite religious beliefs when refusing to serve people, such as gay people. Benioff, flanked by other business leaders, went to war against the law and got the law changed. He then went on to fight against similar laws in other states, and to tackle other issues, such as equal pay for women, and to just plain encourage CEO social activism. It's now been a week since the presidential election that will send Donald Trump to the White House, along with Benioff's former foe Pence as vice president. People who were put off by president-elect Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric, as well as his policies, remain worried about a Trump administration as he makes one controversial decision after another during this transition time. Positivity and action Like many Silicon Valley executives, Benioff publicly backed Hillary Clinton and knew President Obama personally. He even hosted Obama at his home for fund raisers and discussions. Benioff talked at length about his views on the new president to Recode's Kara Swisher on stage at the Code Enterprise event in San Francisco on Monday. And it all comes down to this. Wait-and-see what Trump actually does, keep an open mind and remain positive. Benioff said (emphasis ours) "We have to pull together. And we have to have an open mind. I listened to the President [Obama's] news conference and I agree with him. We have a new president elect, we need to give him our support and give him the benefit of the doubt and lets see what can happen. Ive said this before, I believe in all things you have to have a beginners mind. ... I think we have to have a beginners mind, a reset. Let go of our fears and project positivity, project action. On '60 Minutes' I heard were not going to have a wall, were going to have a fence now. Story continues With the Affordable Care Act, I heard there are things that are good, including folks with pre-existing conditions will be able to get health care which is great. I think theres a narrative, a rhetoric of a campaign and now all of a sudden theres an adjustment." That pragmatic and cautiously optimistic attitude may owe to the fact that the CEO of a major corporation realizes there's no upside in picking a fight with the president of the country. But Benioff may also be making another point: While it's reasonable and justified to maintain careful watch and to voice opinions as the new administration forms, there comes a time when fear, worry and anger, especially against a not-yet-arrived future, can be counter-productive. For those who opposed Trump, taking the "beginner's mind" might be a better way. Instead of digging-in and wishing the past was different, you may be presented with new opportunities to get involved with everything from volunteering for a civic organization, to learning how to get your congressman to listen to you to running for office yourself, or even to fighting against a specific law ... and winning. NOW WATCH: The Apple of China just unveiled a phone thats more powerful and better looking than the iPhone More From Business Insider In its first official statement since Donald Trumps election as president, the Black Lives Matter Global Network said Tuesday the social justice group would continue its efforts to end police brutality and fight for greater racial equality for black Americans despite the election of a white supremacist to the highest office in American government. The group said the results of the election left its leaders and members collectively feeling more than disappointed or angrywe feel betrayed. Donald Trump has promised more death, disenfranchisement and deportations. We believe him, the statement said. "The violence he will inflict in office, and the permission he gives for others to commit violence, is just beginning to emerge." The Black Lives Matters statement said the group needed to form an elaborate strategy to eradicate both white supremacy and implicit bias towards it, and to fight against the anti-blackness of Americans history of that let to Trumps political movement. It said the Black Lives Matter movement planned to advance its beliefs over the next four years by utilizing more civic engagement strategies. Civic engagement is one way to engage democracy, and our lives dont revolve around election cycles. We are obliged to earn the trust of future generations to defend economic, social and political power for all people. We are confident that we have the commitment, the people power and the vision to organize our country into a safe place for black people one that leads with inclusivity and a commitment to justice, not intimidation and fear, the statement said. Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, said at a speech to tech conference Summit at Sea attendees last week that the groups goal was to build real political power to combat the racially motivated remarks Trump made on the campaign train, such as promising to ban all Muslims from entering the country and calling for a Black Lives Matter protester to be roughed up at a Nov. 22, 2015, rally in Birmingham, Alabama. Trump's presidency was endorsed by the KKK. Story continues Cullors said while she cannot speak for the Black Lives Matter Group in its entirety, she said her plan was to install 300 black leaders into every branch of the government, including school boards and neighborhood councils across the country, Quartz News reported. There are several different tactics in our toolbox to fight for our autonomy and self determination. Our current work in this movement is a peaceful one, Cullors said. Roughly four in 10 Americans support Black Lives Matter, while about one third of Americans who say they are familiar with the movement say they dont understand its goals, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted between Feb. 29 and May 8. The movement was created in 2013 and rose to national prominence in the wake of the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown. About 59 percent of black Americans believe that Black Lives Matter will ultimately be effective in bringing racial equality, while only 39 percent of white Americans said it would not inspire change. A petition created in July asks the White House to formally recognize Black Lives Matter as a terrorist organization. It has collected 141,444 signatures. Related Articles A UPenn police officer claims he had to maintain facial hair because of a medical condition that mostly affects black men. (Photo: Getty Images) Wearing facial hair isnt exactly a choice for Joseph Lewis, a former campus police officer at the University of Pennsylvania. He suffers from a skin condition that leads to ingrown hairs and facial bumps caused by shaving, so he maintains a quarter-inch beard for comfort. But Lewis claims that officials at the university were unsympathetic to his skin issue, and he alleges they fired him for the scruff, according to the Daily Pennsylvanian. Now Lewis is now suing UPenn for racial discrimination, as the affliction called pseudofolliculitis barbae primarily affects black males, like himself. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), about 60 percent of black men are plagued with it. The problem results when highly curved hairs grow back into the skin, causing inflammation and a foreign body reaction, claims AOCD, which adds that its not only an unsightly condition, but can lead to scarring and many patients simply cannot avoid outbreaks, no matter what treatments they try. Though the publication says that beards do violate policy for UPenn officers, Lewis already tried to plead his case with his superiors, and even offered a compromise before his dismissal. According to the Daily Pennsylvanian, last August, Lewis applied for a waiver that would permit him to keep the beard as long as he kept it trimmed to a quarter inch. Related: Bella Thorne Dyed Her Natural Hair a Bright, Crayola Red Shade It was then that his employers began pushing him around, according to the lawsuit, which claims Lewis was denied overtime requests and singled out among his colleagues. Lewis doesnt feel that the timing of his unfair treatment was a coincidence. Though the Department of Public Safety for the university claims he was fired over family leave and a failure to update his personal information, according to the article, Lewis is positing that it all comes down to his refusal to arrive to work clean-shaven. Story continues Lewiss lawyer, Timothy Creech, points out that Lewis had been [working for UPenn] for years, and then they piled onto him with all these things they came up with, one after the other. But Lewis cites a merit condemnation that he received a year ago, as well as a sergeants threat that he shave or go home, as evidence that he was fired due to discrimination, according to local publication Billy Penn. Lewis might have a case. Follicle-based discrimination has been making headlines lately, from people whove claimed to have been dismissed for having dreadlocks to Muslims losing their jobs over their own beards, which they wear for religious reasons. In some cases, employers have changed their stance on hair-based discrimination, but in most cases, victims are left with little recourse. Related: Madonna Has Been Age-Shamed Again. Can We Cut the Singer a Break? According to Business Management Daily, employers can only require workers who suffer from medical conditions like pseudofolliculitis barbae to shave their beards if they can show that its necessary to maintain workplace safety (such as needing to wear a respirator that fits snuggly around the employees mouth and nose), which is clearly not the case for a campus police officer. The nonprofit Workplace Fairness confirms that several individuals have successfully challenged companies that have required them to shave their beards but doesnt cite how many and under what circumstances they claimed victory. A spokesperson for UPenn, vice president for university communications Stephen MacCarthy, told the Daily Pennsylvanian that the university does not comment on pending litigation. The amount of money Lewis is asking for in his lawsuit has not been disclosed. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Its official: Bob Dylan will not be traveling to Sweden to accept his Nobel Prize for Literature. The Swedish Academy confirmed Dylans non-attendance to the press Wednesday, noting that they had received a letter from the enigmatic musical icon saying he was unable to attend the December ceremony due to pre-existing commitments. Softening the blow, however, he wrote that he felt very honored and expressed his wishes to receive the prize personally. Dylan, 75, is hardly the first Nobel Prize recipient to not attend his awards ceremony. Harold Pinter and Doris Lessing are among the other luminaries who declined the trip to Sweden. (Theres an anecdote about William Faulkner being told hed have to travel to Sweden to collect his Nobel Prize; he allegedly responded, Thats a little far to go for supper.) Dylan is, however, constrained to at least one commitment that been slightly overlooked in the grand saga of his win: he has to give a Nobel lecture within six months of the award ceremony. The Academy seems to be holding firm on this point: We look forward to Bob Dylans Nobel lecture, which he must give it is the only requirement within six months counting from December 10, 2016. Six months seems like a reasonable timeline for him to draft a speech! Guess well find out. Stockholm (AFP) - Music icon Bob Dylan will not attend the Nobel ceremony in December to accept his literature prize because he has "other commitments", the Swedish Academy said on Wednesday. "The Swedish Academy received a personal letter from Bob Dylan yesterday where he explained that he could not make himself available in December...," it said in a statement. "He wishes that he could accept the award personally, but other commitments make it unfortunately impossible. He underlined that he feels incredibly honoured by the Nobel prize," it added. The Swedish Academy said it respected Dylan's decision, but that it was "unusual" for a Nobel laureate not to come to Stockholm to accept the award in person. Nobel laureates are honoured every year on December 10 -- the death anniversary of the prize's founder Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist, inventor and philanthropist. Several other literature prize winners have skipped the Nobel ceremony in the past for various reasons -- Doris on grounds of ill health, Harold Pinter because he was hospitalised and Elfriede Jelinek due to social phobia. "We look forward to Bob Dylan's Nobel lecture, which he must carry out -- it is the only requirement -- within six months starting from December 10, 2016," the academy said. - 'Not disappointed' - But Sara Danius, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, who received the news about Dylan not attending, told TT news agency that she didn't know how or when he would deliver the lecture. The 75-year-old, whose lyrics have influenced generations of fans, is the first songwriter to win the literature prize, although literature experts bet on writers such as Salman Rushdie, Adonis or Ngugi wa Thiong'o. Dylan's decision not to attend the ceremony does not come as a surprise. The singer didn't say a word about his prize on the day it was announced on October 13 when he was performing in Las Vegas. Story continues The American writer of "Blowing In The Wind", "Like A Rolling Stone", and "Mr. Tambourine Man" confined himself to his songs. Danius said she was "not disappointed" over Dylan skipping the ceremony. "The prize is not (given) so that one will travel to Stockholm, but it is an award for a life's work," she said, adding that Dylan did not tell her what his "other commitments" were. Asked on October 28 by Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper if he would attend the Nobel prize winners' banquet, Dylan said: "Absolutely. If it's at all possible." Academy member Swedish writer Per Wastberg accused Dylan of being "impolite and arrogant", and said it was "unprecedented" that the academy did not know if Dylan intended to pick up his award. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre rejected the Nobel prize in literature in 1964, but his name is still on the list. The value of the prestigious award amounts to 8 million kronor ($870,000) in 2016. watermelon smash squash crush US Treasurys are back in the red after Tuesday's gains ended their five-day skid. The early selling comes following comments from St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who suggested at a UBS conference in London, "A single policy-rate increase, possibly in December, may be sufficient to move monetary policy to a neutral setting." Currently, fed fund futures data compiled by Bloomberg shows a 94.0% probability of a 25 basis point rate hike in December. Wednesday's weakness has yields up nearly 7 bps in the belly of the curve and contending with their highest levels since the weeks following the last Fed rate hike in December 2015. Here's a look at the scoreboard as of 7:24 a.m. ET: 2-year +2.5 bps at 1.017% 3-year +4.0 bps at 1.310% 5-year +5.7 bps at 1.716% 7-year +6.7 bps at 2.071% 10-year +5.7 bps at 2.276% 30-year +3.6 bps at 2.992% 10Y And the selling hasn't been limited to the US. Bonds all over the world are under pressure. Overnight, Japan's 10-year yield climbed 1.7 bps to 1 bp, climbing into positive territory for the first time since Febraury. In Europe, selling is taking place across the continent with the periphery under the most pressure. Portugal's 10-year yield is higher by 16 bps at 3.63%. NOW WATCH: Its surreal to watch this 2011 video of Obama and Seth Meyers taunting Trump about a presidential run More From Business Insider By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 16 (PTI) Losses on account of toll exemptions in the wake of banning of higher denomination notes are expected to be about Rs 460 crore for ten days period, ICRA said today. "Loss of toll revenues for around 115 toll projects of NHAI operated by private players is estimated to be in the range of Rs 460 crore for the ten days period," ICRA said in a statement. To avoid traffic snarls, NHAI had exempted tolling on its stretches initially till November 11, 2016, which has been extended to November 18. advertisement "The loss of toll revenue for the 10-day period is expected to result in significant liquidity stress for most of the rated road projects, except the ones with a sizeable accumulated surplus and/or structural features like availability of Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA)," the statement said. These projects constitute a very small percentage of the operational projects and hence the credit impact on the sector can be substantial. Shubham Jain, Vice-President, ICRA, said: "Loss of at least one-third of the monthly toll revenues is likely to result in inadequate cash flows to service the debt commitments for November and December 2016. Moreover, even post commencement of the tolling, the traffic levels are expected to remain lower initially on account of the overall low economic activity." With average daily collection ranging between Rs 40 lakh, the loss of toll revenues for around 115 toll projects of NHAI operated by private players is estimated to be in the range of Rs 460 crore for the ten-day period. The Concession Agreement (CA) provides adequate safeguard against such losses and the developers are likely to apply for compensation under the Change in Law provision (compensation if aggregate financial impact exceeds the higher of Rs 1 crore and 0.5% of realisable fee) and the Force Majeure clause (extending the concession by the number of days the force majeure was prevalent), it said. It stated that NHAI may opt for cash compensation, instead of extension of concession, considering the developers financial stress. PTI NAM MR --- ENDS --- BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Islamic State militants summarily killed 21 civilians in Mosul in the last three days, most of them accused of collaborating with the Iraqi forces who are attacking the city, a medical source in Mosul said. The city's forensic medical department was notified of the killings, the source said. No bodies have emerged, unlike last week when 20 corpses were strung up across Mosul in a public warning against cooperating with the army. Human Rights Watch meanwhile said that Iraqi soldiers, militiamen and civilians had mutilated the bodies of Islamic State militants south of Mosul. A 100,000-strong alliance of troops, security forces, Kurdish peshmerga and Shi'ite militias, backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes, has almost surrounded Mosul, Islamic State's last major stronghold in Iraq. The ultra-hardline Islamic State, which has ruled Mosul since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014, has imposed a ruthless authority across the city, crushing dissent, killing opponents and forcing people to follow their strict interpretation of Islamic law. Residents say most of their victims are dumped in mass graves outside Mosul because the militants deem their opponents apostates unworthy of religious funeral. Families only learn the fate of relatives from lists delivered to medics at the morgue. The medical source said a new list of 21 names was handed over in recent days. "As usual there were no bodies, just names of people executed by the organization for a variety of reasons," the source said. "Now most of the killings are on charges of collaboration with the Iraqi security services". Before the military campaign started on Oct. 17, people were detained and investigated for months. Now they were held for as little as two weeks before being released or killed - either shot, their throats slit or other methods, the source said. The accelerated killings took place as Iraqi counter terrorism forces battle to expand their foothold in the city's eastern neighborhoods. Officers say their progress has been slowed by the presence of more than a million civilians still living in Mosul. But they say some of their operations have been assisted by information provided by residents about Islamic State military positions. KILLED FOR A PHONE For families of missing people, waiting for news is almost unbearable. Discovering their fate can be immeasurably worse. One Mosul resident told Reuters how he helped his neighbors try to trace their 24-year-old son after he was arrested by Islamic State militants outside his house three weeks ago. "We heard that they'd found a mobile phone on him," he said. The jihadis have cracked down on communications with the outside world, banning the use of mobile phones and confiscating satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by Iraqi forces. "Ten days ago, all news of him was cut off," said the resident. Then yesterday we were shocked to see his name on the list of those killed." "There was no body, and his family couldn't hold a mourning ceremony for him - his mother is suffering from great shock and was taken to hospital." Last week, at least 20 bodies of people killed by Islamic State were hung up across the city - five crucified at a traffic junction - in a public warning to residents against any cooperation with the Iraqi military. Residents said the militants' Hisba force, a police unit that enforces strict Islamic law, was also seen on the streets. Civilians are also caught up in the fighting. One resident who accompanied a relative to the Salam hospital, on the eastern bank of the Tigris River which divides the city, said 10 people were admitted in 24 hours, three of whom died from wounds. Another resident said Islamic State fighters fired rockets from sites close to his 17 July district of western Mosul towards the east where special forces and an army division are pushing into the city. "The rockets pass over us," he said. "We hear the sound of them being launched and we see smoke in the sky". MUTILATED On the other side of the battle, Human Rights Watch said the bodies of at least five Islamic State fighters were mutilated and one militant had been executed after surrendering on Oct. 3 when the military and Sunni Muslim tribal fighters repelled an attack on Qayyara, 60 km (40 miles) south of Mosul. "The Iraqi government should control its own forces and hold them accountable if it hopes to claim the moral upper hand in its fight against ISIS," said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director of the New York-based organization. "The failure to hold commanders and abusers to account does not bode well for the looming battle inside Mosul." Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said any abuses were isolated cases of revenge. "Maybe some crimes happen here and there, but I consider it as homicide when some people take revenge against Daesh (Islamic State) by themselves," he told reporters. Footage filmed by a local fighter and verified by Human Rights Watch show tribal fighters kicking and spitting on the corpses of Islamic State fighters, HRW said in a report. One video depicts men in military and civilian attire encircling an Islamic State fighter and shooting him at close range. Corpses in other videos are dragged behind pickup trucks, while photos examined by Human Rights Watch show bodies of Islamic State fighters stripped naked, strung up by the leg or covered in blood with internal organs removed. Mutilating corpses and killing captured combatants or civilians are war crimes, Fakih said. Reuters could not independently confirm the actions. An Iraqi military spokesman did not respond to a request for comment and a government spokesman was not available. Amnesty International last week accused Iraqi forces of killing and torturing civilians suspected of ties to Islamic State south of Mosul. The authorities denied the report, saying local residents, not government forces, were responsible. (Editing by Angus MacSwan) * Bouygues keeps financial outlook * Operating profit rises in Q3, beating forecasts * Eyes growth from U.S., Canada infrastructure plans * Shares up nearly 5 pct, leading CAc-40 gainers (Recasts with deputy CEO comments, shares) By Dominique Vidalon and Gilles Guillaume PARIS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Bouygues said its construction business would benefit next year from President-elect Donald Trump's plans to raise spending on infrastructure in the United States while its telecom arm would boost profit margins as promised. For this year, the family-controlled group, which also builds roads and owns France's biggest private broadcaster TF1 , stuck to its pledge to improve profitability after it delivered a forecast-beating rise in third quarter operating profit, helped by an improving performance at Bouygues Telecom. Trump, who last week unexpectedly defeated Democrat rival Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential race, is planning $1 trillion of infrastructure spending to boost the economy, relying entirely on investment from the private sector. Trump's plan comes as the Canadian government is also seeking billions of infrastructure investments. "We anticipate good news for the future in the United States and Canada. Now we have to see how they implement that," deputy chief executive Philippe Marien told a conference call. North America makes up some 21 percent of Bouygues's construction business abroad. Trump's plan would start benefiting Bouygues' road building unit Colas in 2017 with a stronger effect seen in 2018 and 2019, he said. FORECAST-BEATING PROFIT Bouygues said third quarter current operating profit rose by 6 percent to 508 million euros while revenue eased 3 percent to 8.44 billion euros ($9.1 billion). Analysts had expected an operating profit of 430 million euros and sales of 8.604 billion euros, based on the median estimates in a Thomson Reuters poll of nine analysts. By 1034 GMT Bouygues shares gained 4.84 percent, outperforming a 0.2 percent decline in the French CAC-40 index of blue chips. Story continues Bouygues reported improving profitability at its telecoms unit, France's third-biggest mobile operator, which it tried but failed to merge with market leader Orange in April. France's telecoms sector, hit by a price war following the entrance of low-cost player Iliad in 2012, has been awash with takeover speculation since then. But Bouygues Telecom has said it can prosper on its own and has responded with a turnaround plan including job cuts and a focus on the rollout of its 4G network and fixed-line broadband. "Now the market is clearly made of four operators... we think we are in line with our strategy and delivering what we have promised," Marien said. In the nine-months to September 30, Bouygues Telecom's operating earnings reached 124 million euros compared with a loss of 9 million euros in the same period last year. The telecoms division added 93,000 fixed-line phone customers and 227,000 mobile customers in the third quarter. The group kept an EBITDA margin target of 25 percent for Bouygues Telecom in 2017, having achieved 23.1 percent in the first nine months of 2016. The goal also remains for a gradual year on year increase in the free cash flow of Bouygues Telecom. ($1 = 0.9305 euros) (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Alexandra Hudson) "Brad! Brad! Brad! the crowd chanted as Mr. Pitt himself posed for selfies. At a November 9 red carpet fan event for his drama Allied, Brad Pitt basked in the adoration of the hundreds who had swarmed L.A.s Regency Village Theatre. It was his second public appearance since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce and requested sole physical custody of their six children September 19, but the actor, 52, betrayed no hint of pain. He was sweet, attendee Avery Black tells Us. He said he was thankful for the support. PHOTOS: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The Way They Were He could use it. An insider reveals in the new issue of Us Weekly that Pitt has only seen kids Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and 8-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne three times in the past eight weeks. Hes crushed, says the insider of the man who once said he was aiming for a dozen offspring. His luck, however, may be changing. On November 9, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services closed its investigation into a September incident (Pitt allegedly got physical with one of his kids aboard a private plane) and cleared him of wrongdoing. (An FBI file remains open.) Still, for the time being, Pitt has agreed to let the children continue to live with Jolie, 41. A Pitt insider explains he doesnt want a battle with the Maleficent actress: He wants to limit the fighting. Prioritizing the kids during this transition is also key. Brad has been deferential on whats best for them and limits their stress, says a Pitt insider. To that end, hes not ready to see them shuttled between households. Says a source, You dont just immediately create a new world. PHOTOS: Hollywood's Ugliest Divorces As it is, the Jolie-Pitts have struggled with their new normal. Pitt waited three weeks to see his children while they attended therapy. But as Us previously reported, during the few brief visits, claims the Jolie source, the kids didnt warm up to him. Story continues PHOTOS: Celebrity Splits of 2016 Thats painful for the hands-on dad. Despite the familys nomadic lifestyle presplit, Pitt strived to make each house, well, a home. At their L.A.-area pad, he built a skate park for his homeschooled kids and would get out and ride bikes with them, says a source who worked with the family. For a move to London last spring, Pitt and Jolie picked a superkid-friendly mansion with a pool and playground, says a source. Life with them was total chaos, Pitt said in 2015, but so much fun. For more on Jolie and Pitt, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now. Related Content: Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Rio de Janeiro riot police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades Wednesday into an angry crowd protesting proposed austerity measures. More than 2,000 people, ranging from teachers to off duty police officers, faced off against elite Shock Battalion police outside the state legislature in the center of Rio. They blew whistles and chanted calls for the resignation of Rio state Governor Luiz Fernando Pezao who is pushing budget cuts in response to nearly empty public coffers. "Public servants won't pay for the crisis!" read banners. A handful of protesters threw stones at the ranks of police who were protected by shields, while others brandishing red and blue smoke flares taunted the officers. Police stood behind two metal barriers protecting the steps of the legislature but retreated when a group of demonstrators managed to break down the first fence. The skirmish triggered more than an hour of unsuccessful attempts by police to disperse the growing number of protesters in the avenue outside. Officers fired dozens of stun grenades and tear gas canisters at the generally peaceful demonstration, on occasion aiming horizontally into the crowd. "That went right past my head!" shouted one man as he fled along with hundreds of other people from the clouds of tear gas swirling down the palm-lined street in the business district. "Shame, shame," chanted the crowd as police reinforcements arrived -- first a water cannon truck, then about 20 riot police on horseback. The water cannon was also brought into action, prompting chants of "cowards!" Each time the police firepower died down, however, the crowd reconverged on the legislature. AFP reporters saw at least three people injured, including one who appeared to be unconscious and was receiving CPR treatment. An AFP video journalist suffered light injuries in a leg after a stun grenade explosion. - Police fighting police - Story continues Among the austerity measures under examination is an increase in the 11 percent withholdings from public servants' pensions to 14 percent. An increase of as much as 30 percent has previously been considered. The state government, which has barely enough money to pay many public employees or keep hospitals functioning, could also raise transport and utilities costs, as well as cutting subsidies for the poor. The state has been in crisis all year and required a huge federal bailout just before hosting the Olympic Games in August. The irony of government employees clashing with police who are also struggling to get their full salaries and even basic funding for police stations was not lost on demonstrators. "It's police attacking police," said one off-duty officer in disbelief as he retreated from another tear gas attack. "There arent any criminals here, only policemen, firefighters, teachers, working class people, fathers of households -- people who have bills to pay," said first responder Francisco Gabriel Cordoba. "No one here is a criminal, whereas these politicians, they dont work. They want to rob us even more, they want to take more and more from us to pay the states debts." Brazilian media reported that two riot police officers left their posts and joined the demonstrators, prompting cheers. RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Police on Wednesday arrested a controversial former governor in Rio de Janeiro as part of an ongoing investigation into voter fraud during recent municipal elections. The arrest of former Governor Anthony Garotinho came just hours before demonstrators, in an unrelated event, stormed barricades around the Rio state assembly house, calling on legislators to reject an austerity package meant to restore order to the state's troubled finances. The demonstration was far smaller than the mass protests that have rocked Brazil in recent years as a near-decade long economic boom fizzled. But the unrest, coupled with the former governor's detention, are a reminder of ongoing problems, from rising crime to overdrawn state finances, that are roiling Brazil's second-biggest city and the surrounding state of the same name less than three months after hosting the Olympics. Garotinho has been serving as municipal secretary in Campos dos Goytacazes, a city north of Rio where his wife, Rosinha Matheus, another former governor, is serving as mayor. Both, despite repeated denials of wrongdoing by each, have been frequent targets of corruption allegations. Brazil's federal police, which arrested Garotinho at his home in the Flamengo neighborhood of Rio, confirmed his detention in a brief statement. In a separate statement, Garotinho's office criticized the arrest, saying it was "arbitrary" and "based on facts that did not occur." Although Garotinho and Matheus are no longer as prominent as they were in recent decades in Brazilian politics, the couple once enjoyed strong support in the sprawling suburbs of Rio state and many other blue-collar areas across the country, particularly among some Evangelical Christians. Garotinho in 2002 surprised many when he made a strong showing in the first round of Brazil's presidential elections. One of their nine children, Clarissa, now serves in Congress. In recent years, however, Garotinho and Matheus, each as governor and as municipal officials in Campos, have been known as much for controversy and investigations into corruption and voter fraud as for their past electoral success. An electoral court recently found fraud related to Matheus' 2012 election as mayor of Campos. It ordered her to step down, but she remains in the office, pending an appeal, according to a spokesman at Campos city hall. Garotinho's arrest followed detentions of a handful of other suspects in the more recent fraud investigation, related to municipal elections carried out last month. (Reporting by Paulo Prada; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Alan Crosby) By John Geddie LONDON (Reuters) - Negotiations over Britain's departure from the European Union are very complex and are going to take longer than the scheduled two years, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Wednesday. Britain has said it will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of March next year, starting a 24-month countdown to its departure from the bloc. But with the British government's stance towards Brexit starting to show signs of splintering, and Europe eager to pull together and prevent a populist backlash that could fracture the EU further, talks are likely to be strained and drawn out. "Negotiations are hugely complex... They are going to take a lot longer than two years," Dijsselbloem, the Dutch head of the group of euro zone finance ministers, said at an event in London. "Since the outcome of the British referendum, the UK and the continent are regarding each other with some suspicion ... It is a lose-lose situation which we can only manage as well as possible." A leaked memo published by British media this week said that the UK government has no overall strategy for leaving the European Union and splits in Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet could delay a clear negotiating position for six months. The government dismissed the memo as having no credibility. Dijsselbloem said many in Europe were also unprepared for Britain's vote in June to leave the bloc, which was not predicted by pollsters. "People make jokes about the UK not having a Brexit plan, but many Europeans didn't have a plan either," said Dijsselbloem. He said his "preferred" option would be for Britain not to trigger Article 50, but if this was not possible he would want to maintain as much free trade between his home country, the Netherlands, and the UK as possible. Immigration, a major driver behind Britain's vote to leave the EU, has also been driving Dutch voters towards the far-right party of populist Geert Wilders ahead of elections in the Netherlands next year. Story continues Wilders, who is campaigning on a platform that would have the Netherlands close its borders to Muslim immigrants and quit the euro and European Union, is polling higher than Prime Minister Mark Rutte's conservative VVD Party and Dijsselbloem's Labour party. But Dijsselbloem said Dutch law would not currently allow for a referendum on EU membership similar to Britain's and that the people wouldn't want it anyway. "The Netherlands will stay in the EU, the public support (for the EU) has increased dramatically after Brexit," he said. (Reporting by John Geddie; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Andrew Heavens) London (AFP) - Britain on Wednesday ruled out resettling inhabitants of the British-controlled Chagos Islands in their homeland, promising A40 million (47 million euros, $50 million) for the exiled communities instead. The announcement marks the latest twist in a dispute following the expulsion of the Indian Ocean islands' residents in 1973 and the establishment of a vital US military base on one of its atolls, Diego Garcia. The government also said it was renewing the agreement with the United States to host the base, which would have run out this year, until 2036. "I am today announcing that the government has decided against resettlement of the Chagossian people to the British Indian Ocean Territory on the grounds of feasibility, defence and security interests, and cost to the British taxpayer," junior foreign minister Joyce Anelay told parliament. "In coming to this decision the government has considered carefully the practicalities of setting up a small remote community on low-lying islands and the challenges that any community would face. "The government has also considered the interaction of any potential community with the US naval support facility -- a vital part of our defence relationship," Anelay said in a statement. The funding for exiled Chagossians, who live mainly in Britain, Mauritius and the Seychelles, will be available over a 10-year period and will be used to fund health and social care, education and jobs. Anelay said the fund would also be used for a "significantly expanded programme" of visits to the Chagos Islands for the former residents. But supporters of the Chagossians' campaign to return to their islands voiced their disappointment. Adventurer and television presenter Ben Fogle, patron of the UK Chagos Support Association, said: "It's another heartbreaking day for the Chagossian community, who have repeatedly been betrayed and abused by their own government. Story continues "That even now, with so many reasons to support their return, the government has failed to do the right thing, makes this a dark day in our country's history." Poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, also a patron of the association, added: "Once again, the people of the Chagos Islands are met with injustice". As its colonial empire collapsed, Britain purchased the Chagos Islands from Mauritius in 1965. A year later Britain leased the Chagos Islands to the US for 50 years -- until December 2016. Between 1968 and 1973 around 2,000 Chagos Islanders were uprooted, a process blithely described in a British diplomatic cable of the time as the removal of "some few Tarzans and Man Fridays". Most were shipped to Mauritius and the Seychelles. The strategic nature of the remote and isolated Diego Garcia base became increasingly important through the 1970s as the fall of Saigon, the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia and an assertive Soviet navy extended communist influence in the Indian Ocean. Later, it became a staging ground for the US bombing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, there are estimated to be around 10,000 Chagossians and their descendants. Ben Hooper is determined to swim across the Atlantic Ocean. The 38-year-old British man left Senegal on Sunday to swim all the way to the coast of Brazil. From Dakar, Senegal, Hooper will swim 1,635 nautical milesnearly 2,000 land milesuntil he reaches Natal, Brazil. Hooper will (most likely) not step foot on land again until March. He will swim for about eight hours and burn approximately 12,000 calories every day. Hooper trained for three years before setting off to brave 30-foot waves and sharks. The ex-policeman said that the swim is inspired by his eight-year-old daughter. After suffering from depression three years ago, Hooper found solace in swimming. The epic transatlantic swim is representative of his choice to turn his life around for his daughter. The swimmer has an interesting relationship with water. I nearly drowned when I was 5 in a swimming pool in Belgium, Hooper told the Associated Press. Ever since...I've had this affinity with water. It was the calmest I've ever felt. Hooper will be accompanied to Brazil by two ships and a full crew, including a paramedic. During the swim, he will wear camouflage gear to stealthily swim past sharks, earphones pumping motivation music (Eminem and eurotrash) and a tracking device so people can track his five-month journey. The journey will also be filmed for a television documentary that will air if/when Hooper completes the journey. The swimmer hopes to raise 1 million ($1.25 million) for charities through sponsors and motivate people, especially children, to start swimming. Hooper follows in the footsteps of British explorer Ranulph Fiennes who described swimming the Atlantic as one of the last true feats of endurance. The only other person to swim across the Atlantic was Benot Lecomte in 1998. However the Frenchmans journey was never verified by Guinness World Records. Related Articles Shortly before Brooke Mueller and her twin sons were reported missing in Utah on Wednesday, the ex-wife of Charlie Sheen seemed content and was casually dating, a source tells PEOPLE. On Tuesday night, Mueller, 39, walked into a Salt Lake City bar barefoot, with her kids Bob and Max, 7 and the family nanny, TMZ reported. While in the bar, Mueller and the nanny got into an altercation, causing someone to call the police. Early Wednesday morning, the Salt Lake City Police Department attempted to locate Mueller before a source told PEOPLE that the boys are fine and with their nanny after Brooke went off of her medications. But prior to the incident, the mother of two, who wed Sheen in 2008 and filed separate divorce petitions in 2010, started seeing skin care creator Peter Thomas Roth, the source says. He met Brooke in L.A. They had lunch. He went to the Hearst Castle Benefit with her, which was the last time he saw her. The last time he spoke to her was around 11 yesterday morning, the source tells PEOPLE. They were dating, not exclusively. He was newly single after almost 20 years . Its like anyone who is going through divorce you just kind of go out. According to the source, skin care line founder Roth, who is friends with Muellers parents, met her this past summer in Los Angeles. It has not been that long. They were casually dating. Theyd gone to a few things together It was not super serious, at all. He went out with her a handful of times, the source says, adding that if the pair who dont live in the same city called it quits, I dont think this was at the point where anyone would be getting dumped. It wasnt that serious. In response to the situation, Sheen told TMZ, Im just trying to get my kids home safe. I have no other details that relate to the ongoing event. Earlier this year, a source told PEOPLE that Mueller had checked herself into rehab, and it was not the first time that Mueller had sought help in December 2011, she entered herself into a long-term, in-patient treatment center following an arrest for alleged cocaine possession and assault. Though Sheen, 51, issued a brief comment on Tuesdays incident (he is just trying to get kids home safe), Mueller has yet to address the reports as of publication time. Although the LG has lifted a ban on construction and demolition activity imposed last week, the ban on firecrackers and diesel generating sets will continue in the city By Mail Today Bureau: Lt Governor Najeeb Jung on Tuesday ordered that trucks coming from other states will be allowed to enter Delhi only after midnight till January 31 next year. Although the LG has lifted a ban on construction and demolition activity imposed last week, the ban on firecrackers and diesel generating sets will continue in the city. DE-REGISTER DIESEL VEHICLES OLDER THAN 15 YEARS advertisement Jung held a review meeting on condition of air pollution which was attended by PWD minister Satyendar Jain, Environment minister Imran Hussain and others. The last meeting had been chaired by him on November 7, where he had ordered to de-register diesel vehicles older than 15 years "The L-G has ordered Transport Department to allow entry of trucks in Delhi only after midnight till January 31, 2017 to bring down air pollution level," an official said. At present, trucks coming from other states are allowed in the national capital from 11pm onwards. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPPC) said in the meeting that it has recorded a fall of nearly 30 per cent in PM 10 levels and 25 per cent in PM 2.5 level in the last week. Also read: Delhi smog: World's most polluted city's tourism might take a backseat, experts say RS 1.5 CRORE REVENUE FROM CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY VIOLATORS Officials said that the the ban imposed in construction and demolition activity was lifted in view of loss of income to daily wage labourers. However, ban will continue on firecrackers and diesel generators sets. Jung has instructed to take action against violators of ban on firecrackers, particularly during marriage season, the LG office said in a statement. Also read: This is what Delhi's polluted air can do to your lungs The Lt Governor was informed that over Rs 1.5 crore revenue was generated from violators of construction/demolition activity in the last one week. The Special Commissioner (traffic) informed that construction has been stopped at 539 sites and 29 cases have been registered. On de-registration of diesel vehicles older than 15 years, Jung was apprised that 763 vehicles have been deregistered and 1,795 challans issued. In view of impounding of large number of vehicles, he has directed DDA will loan space/pits to Traffic Police to temporarily park these vehicles. Also read: NGT poses 5 questions on pollution, Delhi government draws a blank SCRAP IMPOUNDED VEHICLES Jung directed the Transport Department to submit a comprehensive proposal in the next meeting to scrap the impounded vehicles. advertisement The Special CP traffic informed 3,033 visibly polluting vehicles and vehicles not carrying PUC certificate have been challaned. Also read: Delhi government launches app to register garbage and pollution complaints --- ENDS --- By Nina Chestney MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - More than 360 businesses and investors called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and world leaders on Wednesday to continue to support agreed curbs on global warming and to speed up efforts to move to a low-carbon economy. In a statement addressed to Trump, U.S. President Barack Obama, members of the U.S. Congress and global leaders, the group, called 360+, reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. The 360+ group includes companies such as DuPont, Gap , General Mills , Hewlett Packard , Hilton , Kellogg , Levi Strauss & Co., L'Oreal USA, Nike , Mars Incorporated, Schneider Electric, Starbucks and Unilever . The Paris Agreement, aiming to phase out net greenhouse gas emissions this century, came into force on Nov. 4 and now has backing from 110 nations including the United States. The Nov. 7-18 meeting in Marrakesh is where U.N. officials and government representatives are trying to work out the details of the pact. However, Trump's victory in the U.S. election last week has overshadowed the event. Trump has threatened to tear up the U.S. commitment to the accord. The 360+ group called on U.S. leaders to continue to participate in the Paris Agreement, support the continuation of U.S. commitments on climate change and continue to invest in low-carbon solutions at home and abroad. "Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk. But the right action now will create jobs and boost U.S. competitiveness," the group said, in the statement presented at U.N. climate talks being held this week in Marrakesh, Morocco. "Implementing the Paris Climate Agreement will enable and encourage businesses and investors to turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy prosperity to all," the group added. (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.) The British Virgin Islands has hit law firm Mossack Fonseca with the biggest fine in the territorys history following an investigation into Panama Papers revelations. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) imposed the $440,000 administrative penalty against Mossack Fonsecas BVI operation on Friday, citing eight breaches of BVIs Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing codes and its Regulatory Code including failures in risk assessment, due diligence and identification procedures at the law firm. The Panama Papers investigation, based on a trove of 11.5 million leaked files from inside Mossack Fonseca, exposed the inner workings of a secretive financial system used by world leaders, wealthy individuals, drug lords, fraudsters and more. More than half of the offshore companies in the leaked files were incorporated in the BVI. The penalty is the largest ever levied by BVI authorities and followed a six-month investigation, which included on-site compliance inspections and the appointment of an officer to monitor Mossack Fonsecas operations in the jurisdiction. Premier and Finance Minister Orlando Smith said the investigation and fine against Mossack Fonseca was evidence of the governments commitment to regulating the financial industry in the BVI and to working with other international authorities to ensure transparency in the system. Achieving this outcome in the face of intense international scrutiny is testament to the FSCs conviction, dedication and willingness to conduct such a thorough investigation whilst holding to account those who fail to comply with the territorys structure and regulations, he said. But anti-corruption activists Transparency International said the penalty against Mossack Fonseca was too little, too late compared to the scale of the revelations in the Panama Papers and the harm caused by offshore financial secrecy. It is at least welcome that the BVI has finally recognised inadequacies in the anti-money laundering controls at Mossack Fonseca, but given that it took a leak for its regulator to work out what was happening in its own backyard, the BVIs own abilities as a regulator are inevitably called into question, Robert Barrington, Executive Director Transparency International UK said in a statement. Story continues [The $440,000 fine] is a token gesture from a discredited and secretive regulatory regime that is neither a proportionate punishment for the damage caused nor a deterrent for future non-compliance. It was the fourth time Mossack Fonseca had been penalized by the BVI authority since 2012. This story is part of The Panama Papers. Click here to read more stories in this series. Don't miss another Accountability investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. Previously, the BVIs biggest fines had been for the two offshore service providers at the center of ICIJs 2013 Offshore Leaks investigation, Commonwealth Trust Limited (fined $335,000 in 2014 and $100,000 in 2013) and Portcullis TrustNet (BVI) Limited (fined $205,500 in 2013). In other news linked to ICIJs Panama Papers investigation: In the United Kingdom, three bank employees have been arrested as part of an investigation into insider trading linked to the Panama Papers. Separately, 22 individuals face tax evasion investigations and a further 43 wealthy individuals tax affairs are under review as U.K. authorities continue to probe the Panama Papers findings and data. The Canada Revenue Agency is investigating 85 Canadians, and has executed search warrants and launched criminal probes as a result of information revealed in the Panama Papers. Indian authorities are reportedly undertaking the largest offshore financial inquiry ever in the country in response to the Panama Papers, and are currently reviewing the finances of 415 Indians. In Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue announced that it has so far identified 20 individuals who were named as directors of offshore companies in the Panama Papers and Bahamas Leaks data who had reportedly not filed income tax returns over a five year period. Separately, the Supreme Court hearing and investigation into the offshore connections of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs family members continues. Members of European Parliament had a chance to question Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz on tax evasion and financial secrecy, as part of an ongoing investigation by a specially-convened committee tasked with probing financial secrecy in the wake of the Panama Papers. Stiglitzs appearance before the committee came a day after he and anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth released their own report on the state of offshore finance and potential reform measures aimed at boosting transparency in the industry. This story is part of The Panama Papers. Click here to read more stories in this series. Related stories Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C. LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Canada expects Britain to be part of the CETA trade deal between Canada and the European Union, and stands ready to work with Britain on how the system will function after Brexit, Finance Minister Bill Morneau told BBC radio on Wednesday. Britain has voted to leave the EU but remains a member for now. Negotiations on the terms of its exit and of its future relationship with the EU are expected to start next year. "Our expectation is that Britain will ratify the CETA deal and be part of that deal with Canada," Morneau said. Asked whether the CETA deal would automatically result in a Canada-Britain free trade deal on the same terms after Brexit, he said: "We're going to respect the agreement that the UK has with Europe ... and stand ready to work together after that's concluded." As an EU member, Britain is not supposed to negotiate separate trade deals with third parties. Morneau also said the NAFTA trade agreement with the United States and Mexico had been very positive for Canada, and his country would work to show its benefits to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has been critical of NAFTA. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon, editing by Andy Bruce) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Although Canada is taking a tough line with Russia in public, a senior Canadian diplomat quietly visited Moscow for talks on Ukraine and Syria earlier this month, prompting opposition concerns Ottawa might move to ease its sanctions. Mark Gwozdecky, the foreign ministry's political director, met Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov on Nov 1 for talks on issues such as arms control as well as Ukraine and the war in Syria, according to the Russian foreign ministry. The visit was the first of its kind by a top Canadian official since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals took power a year ago from the Conservatives, who imposed punitive measures over the actions of Russian-backed militants in Ukraine. The Liberals also condemn Moscow's intervention. Foreign Minister Stephane Dion on Friday urged all countries to remain firm about upholding sanctions. But they also say they want to discuss matters of mutual interest. The twin messages have Canada's foreign partners watching for any shift in policy at a time when U.S. President elect Donald Trump has indicated he will seek a rapprochement with Russia. "There are too many important issues for us, from the Arctic to the devastating situation in Syria, not to be raising those directly with them," said Joe Pickerill, chief spokesman for Dion. "Canada does not need interlocutors to raise its concerns, nor will we shout them from the sidelines. This government will raise the issues directly." Gwozdecky visited Moscow shortly before Trump's election victory. If Trump follows through on his promise to forge closer ties with Putin, the transatlantic and European front against Russia could crumble. Other nations, such as Japan and Germany, have sent diplomats to Moscow in recent months. Peter Kent, foreign affairs critic for the opposition Conservatives, said Dion was giving more priority to normalizing relations with Russia "than any new sanctions or even maintaining some of them." Canada has a large and influential Ukrainian community which wholeheartedly supported the Conservative sanctions. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday told reporters that on some issues, such as the Arctic and counter terrorism, there was a chance to "at least have constructive dialogue with Russia in which our desired outcomes are more closely aligned." (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Andrew Hay) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian military trainers in Iraq have clashed several dozen times with Islamic State militants over the last month as a campaign against the group intensifies, defense officials said on Wednesday. On three occasions, the troops were forced to use anti-armor rockets to destroy suspected car bombs at a distance, said Major-General Michael Rouleau, commander of Canada's special forces. The revelation could be awkward for Canada's Liberal government, which promised that the 200-strong training force would not take part in active combat. The trainers - who are operating with Kurdish forces in northern Iraq - occasionally opened fire first, but always acted to protect themselves or civilians, Rouleau said. Since last month the Kurdish troops have been taking part in a major offensive to recapture Mosul, the Islamic State's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014. "The number of use-of-force engagements in the past several weeks has been substantial. When (Canadian) troops do engage with force, these are clearly localized combat conditions," Rouleau told a news conference. Rouleau said the troops had engaged Islamic State several dozen times over the last month compared with just 11 clashes from February to the start of the Mosul operation on Oct 17. "We have used our anti-armor weapons systems on three different vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices that were charging at high speed at the Kurdish defensive line," he said. The clashes also involved the use of small arms and mortars. Rouleau insisted the troops had never taken in front-line offensive operations. Canada's previous Conservative government initially committed 70 trainers as well as six jets to bomb Islamic State targets. The Liberals pulled the planes out earlier this year, saying they were not contributing much to the military effort, and instead boosted the number of trainers to 200. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Bernard Orr and Leslie Adler) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian military trainers in Iraq have clashed several dozen times with Islamic State militants over the last month as a campaign against the group intensifies, defence officials said on Wednesday. On three occasions, the troops were forced to use anti-armour rockets to destroy suspected car bombs at a distance, said Major-General Michael Rouleau, commander of Canada's special forces. The revelation could be awkward for Canada's Liberal government, which promised that the 200-strong training force would not take part in active combat. The trainers - who are operating with Kurdish forces in northern Iraq - occasionally opened fire first, but always acted to protect themselves or civilians, Rouleau said. Since last month the Kurdish troops have been taking part in a major offensive to recapture Mosul, the Islamic State's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014. "The number of use-of-force engagements in the past several weeks has been substantial. When (Canadian) troops do engage with force, these are clearly localized combat conditions," Rouleau told a news conference. Rouleau said the troops had engaged Islamic State several dozen times over the last month compared with just 11 clashes from February to the start of the Mosul operation on Oct 17. "We have used our anti-armour weapons systems on three different vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices that were charging at high speed at the Kurdish defensive line," he said. The clashes also involved the use of small arms and mortars. Rouleau insisted the troops had never taken in front-line offensive operations. Canada's previous Conservative government initially committed 70 trainers as well as six jets to bomb Islamic State targets. The Liberals pulled the planes out earlier this year, saying they were not contributing much to the military effort, and instead boosted the number of trainers to 200. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Bernard Orr and Leslie Adler) Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian special forces training Kurdish militia have directly engaged Islamic State fighters "a few dozen" times in the last month, sometimes shooting first, a general said Wednesday. The situation on the ground in Iraq has become politically awkward for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has shown a preference for supporting the Iraqis in their fight, over direct military intervention. The government has repeatedly insisted it is not carrying out a "combat mission" since pulling its fighter jets from the US-led coalition challenging IS last year. Opposition parties, however, accused Trudeau's administration of waging a secret war without parliament's nod. Major-General Michael Rouleau told a press conference that Canadian special forces used sniper, small arms, mortar and anti-tank rockets against IS over the past month in response to threats to either themselves, Kurdish allies or civilians. "There have been a substantial number of engagements," he said, adding: "When we shoot first, there are emerging threats." In the case of the three rocket attacks, Canadian troops fired on IS fighters charging Kurdish positions on the battlefield, Rouleau explained. Firefights involving the Canadians is up sharply from fewer than a dozen during the previous year, as the Kurds ramp up their offensive. Canada has more than 200 special forces in Iraq training Kurdish fighters. One Canadian has died during the mission, in a friendly fire incident that took place during the administration of previous prime minister Stephen Harper. German carmaker Volkswagen has launched a 'Preferred' edition of the Vento which gets more features in it, over the regular Vento. By India Today Web Desk: Volkswagen India has launched the 'Preferred' edition of the Vento aimed at meeting the requirements of corporate executives who seek more from the car. Also Read: Volkswagen Polo AllStar edition launched in India at Rs 7.51 lakh The new Vento will get alloy wheels, roof foil, side moulding, high quality leather seat covers and a portable navigation device equipped with a wireless rear view camera. advertisement Also Read: Volkswagen Polo GTI launched in India at Rs 25.65 lakh The Preferred edition will be available on all Comfortline variants of the Vento, MPI, TSI, TDI and TDI DSG. The new car will be available at all Volkswagen dealerships across the country and the price of the car has not been revealed yet. Also Read: Volkswagen Polo GTI teased ahead of launch Announcing the launch of the Vento Preferred, Mr. Michael Mayer - Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said, "The Vento has been one of our best-selling vehicles since its launch in the Indian market and we are delighted to announce the introduction of 'Vento Preferred'. The vehicle will offer features that are premium and ensure seamless navigation in a single click, we are sure that our customers will find value in the Preferred experience. We continue to increase our offerings on our existing product line ensuring that we cater to our customer requirements." Also Read: EXPLAINED: Now what for Volkswagen owners? --- ENDS --- Havana (AFP) - Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Cuba Tuesday to boost ties as a breakthrough in the communist island's US relations hung in the balance following Donald Trump's presidential election win. After arriving at Havana airport, Trudeau headed straight to the city's iconic Revolution Square and laid a wreath, an AFP photographer saw. He was scheduled later to meet with Cuba's President Raul Castro, officials said. The two-day visit is the first stop on a tour that will also take Trudeau to Argentina and to Peru for the APEC Asia-Pacific trade summit. It comes 40 years after Trudeau's father Pierre Elliott Trudeau committed to a lifelong friendship with Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro during a similar visit. According to Trudeau's office, the goal is to "renew and strengthen" the bilateral relationship. The visit will also provide an opportunity to "collaborate more closely on sustainable economic growth, inclusive governance, security, climate change, and gender equality," a statement said. - Trump factor - Trump, who won the US presidential election a week ago, has sent mixed messages about the thaw in US-Cuba relations which was started two years ago by current US President Barack Obama. Trump gave it a lukewarm welcome at first, before vowing to reverse the new policies unless Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Because Obama used executive authority to enact the rapprochement, Trump could change course just as easily to reinstate financial, trade and travel restrictions. While observers note that Cuba will probably not be a priority for Trump, it remains unclear how he would view a Trudeau-Castro photo opportunity. The visit is primarily "symbolic," John Kirk, a politics professor and Cuba expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told AFP. Canada maintained diplomatic ties with Havana after the revolution "despite significant pressure from Washington" over the years, Kirk said. Story continues Ottawa also remained steadfastly opposed to the American trade embargo on Cuba, which has not been revoked by Congress. - Meeting with Fidel? - Officially, no meeting is planned with Fidel Castro, but "there's a chance" they will see each other, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, Julio Garmendia Pena, told Canadian media. The visit is the first by a Canadian leader to Cuba since Jean Chretien in 1998. Over the past decade, bilateral ties reached a historic low with former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper often siding with Washington in seeking to isolate Cuba on the international scene. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. By Rod Nickel WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Canadian cattle producers will urge Ottawa to retaliate against the United States if the incoming Trump administration imposes a meat labeling program it views as discriminatory, restarting a six-year trade battle, an industry group said on Wednesday. U.S. news network CNN reported on Tuesday that a memo drafted by President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, which it obtained, said the new administration would immediately initiate changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico. Those changes could include measures on country of origin labeling, CNN reported. The U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) program required as of 2009 that retail outlets label food according to its origin. Canada and Mexico argued that COOL, repealed in December, led to fewer of their cattle and pigs being slaughtered in the United States. "We're watching ... and if we think it discriminates against our cattle, our recommendation is going to be that tariffs go into place immediately" on U.S. products, said John Masswohl, director of government and international relations for the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, which represents Canada's 68,500 beef farms and feedlots. The World Trade Organization last year authorized Canada to retaliate against the United States over COOL, setting the annual level at C$1.055 billion ($786.78 million). The previous Canadian Conservative government listed in 2013 three dozen U.S. product categories that could be subject to a 100 percent surtax, including pork, beef, cherries, appliance parts, chocolate, wine and office furniture, but none were imposed. Alex Lawrence, spokesman for Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, would not say if Canada is inclined to retaliate, adding that Ottawa looks forward "to working very closely with the new administration and with the United States Congress, including on trade and investment." Until it's clear how Trump might approach COOL, no action is necessary, Masswohl said. "I don't go around chasing ghosts," Masswohl said. "If anything starts to become real, we'll know well in advance." The Canadian Pork Council, which represents the country's hog farmers, is taking a wait and see approach until it knows what changes, if any, the next U.S. government will make, said executive director John Ross. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by David Gregorio) By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's political elite and hundreds of well-wishers paid final respects to former Finance Minister Jim Flaherty at a state funeral on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper depicting Flaherty as a man who put his own needs aside in the service of his country. Flaherty's death of a heart attack last week shocked Canadians, coming less than a month after the 64-year-old stepped down after eight years running the country's finances. Well-wishers packed St. James Cathedral in downtown Toronto, wearing green scarves in tribute to Flaherty's Irish heritage, which he often referenced. He typically wore a green tie for big announcements. "He was a man who was highly principled and ruthlessly pragmatic, combative but engaging, smart, very smart, and educated, while never assuming that he knew it all," Harper, wearing a green tie, told the crowd. Flags at government buildings in Ottawa and at the Toronto headquarters of the country's banks flew at half-staff in tribute to a man credited with shepherding Canada's economy and banking system through the financial crisis of the last decade. In a humor-filled eulogy, Harper noted Flaherty's own self-deprecating sense of humor, which often focused on the finance minister's diminutive stature. "But short as he was, upon the world stage, he often strode like a giant," Harper said. The third longest serving finance minister in Canadian history, Flaherty assumed the job when Harper's Conservative Party took power in February 2006. At the time of his resignation, he was the only cabinet minister that Harper had never moved, and was one of the few Conservatives who appeared to have license to speak his mind in a government known for its tight communications controls. Many well-wishers arrived at the cathedral early in unseasonably cold April weather to get a seat in the sanctuary, while police closed off roads around the church to vehicular traffic. Along with Harper and dozens of current and former Canadian politicians, the mourners included former prime ministers Brian Mulroney, John Turner, and Kim Campbell, as well as business leaders and Mark Carney, the Bank of England chief who worked closely with Flaherty at the Canadian finance ministry and later when Carney was governor of the Bank of Canada. The state funeral, typically reserved for heads of government and state and sitting cabinet ministers, was the first in Canada since opposition New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton's in 2011. As a former cabinet minister, Flaherty's state funeral was not mandated by protocol, but like Layton's, conferred at Harper's discretion. The father of triplet sons and husband of Ontario politician Christine Elliott, Flaherty left the government on track to balance its books by 2015 after running up the largest deficit in history in nominal terms in the fight against the 2008-09 recession. Initially criticized as being slow to react to the crisis, he then shrugged off his conservative instincts and introduced massive government stimulus measures to soften the blow on the economy. Harper revealed that Flaherty had told him he wanted to step down in 2010, but that he would stay on for one year to get the country closer to a balanced budget. He put off his departure three more times after that, despite suffering in the past two years from a rare autoimmune disease called bullous pemphigoid, which Harper said made Flaherty's job harder to do and sometimes hard to watch. "He deliberately put aside his own plans and put off his goals for his family, because in his heart Jim wasn't in this, as is the stereotype, for money and for power," Harper said. "He was driven by conviction, of loyalty to the cause, and of duty to the country." (Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson; and Peter Galloway) Candid and lush never-before-seen photos of Kim Kardashian just popped up on her site Kim Kardashian has been taking a much-deserved break from the spotlight following her robbery in Paris last month, and while weve been sorely missing her on social media, her friends and family are giving us updates on how shes doing. Now we have new never-before-seen photos of Kim. Kims longtime friend and assistant, Stephanie Sheppard (aka Steph Shep to Kardashian fans!), has taken over Kims app a few times, recently sharing adorable Halloween photos of Kim as a belly dancer, and now Steph is sharing some gorgeous, never-before-seen photos of Kim from the Kardashian familys 2014 trip to Thailand, and OMG. Steph shared the candids in a post on Kims app, explaining that the trip is such a special memory for her because it was the first time she went on vacation with Kim and her family. Kim took many of the photos (including the cover!) for her selfie book, called Selfish, on the trip, and Steph has shared with us some absolutely jaw-dropping and beautiful Polaroid shots she took of Kim in Thailand. Of course, Kim is no stranger to the camera lens, but we always love seeing her in candid moments like these. Check out some of the gorgeous shots of Kim on the beach, relaxing on a yacht, and in front of a house of worship in Phuket, Thailand. We are swooning over these photos we loved seeing the familys trip chronicled on Keeping Up with the Kardashians (including Kims infamous selfie with an elephant!) but were always happy to see more. The post Candid and lush never-before-seen photos of Kim Kardashian just popped up on her site appeared first on HelloGiggles. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Medical electrocardiogram ("EKG") software and device manufacturer CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (EKG.V) (OUGA.SG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), has released its Q3 2016 financials, which reflect revenue-positive performance and the best fiscal performance for any nine-month period in the Company's 17-year history. A summary of the financials shows Q3 2016 revenue increased 18% as compared to Q3 2015, with net earnings of $15,829 as compared to a loss of $184,879 in Q3 2015. Year to date, CardioComm Solutions has recorded a net loss of only $21,483, compared to a net loss of $440,571 for the same period ending September 30, 2015. Revenue for Q1-Q3 2016 is $1,176,514. Since 2013, the CardioComm's management has worked to successfully reduce expenses while maintaining revenue generation through a series of consolidation and cost-containment efforts. These undertakings have included relocation of the Company's primary office from Victoria, BC, to Toronto, ON, and a complete restructuring of its IT infrastructure that now utilizes the latest Tier III managed cloud and co-location technology resources. This improved fiscal performance was achieved over a period of time when multiple new device integrations were announced with the execution of corresponding co-marketing agreements with the device manufacturers. 2016 product disclosures involve the planned integration of new Smartphone-connected ECG monitoring devices with the Company's medically cleared ECG software technologies. Product introductions are intended to target the well-developed health, wellness, sports, and medical self-monitoring, tele-med and remote medical monitoring markets. How did the Company manage to accomplish all of this during a time of tight fiscal controls? Between 2011 and 2013, an extensive effort was undertaken to develop technologies that formed the base systems for the commercial launch of the HeartCheck ECG PEN and establishment of the associated SMART Monitoring ECG reading service. The HeartCheck ECG PEN is a portable handheld ECG recorder cleared as a medical device for over-the-counter (OTC) sales. SMART Monitoring ECG reading service provides a fee-for-service ECG reading delivery system for owners of the HeartCheck devices. During this time, the Company also started work on the 2014 release of GEMS WIN, a Windows-compatible version of their GEMS (Global ECG Management Solution) to meet system requirements associated with Microsoft termination of the XP operating system. GEMS WIN software is licensed by hospitals, physicians, and ECG reading services in North America, Australia, and the UK. Story continues The carry forward benefits from the Company's 2011 to 2013 technology development expenditures have provided CardioComm with a technology pipeline that will readily support the addition of new ECG monitoring devices to both the SMART Monitoring and GEMS WIN software. Specifically, this will enable CardioComm to source new HeartCheck brandable devices and develop connectivity with the SMART Monitoring and GEMS WIN software systems, so that these devices and software can be brought to regulatory clearance quickly without the need for expensive development costs. All CardioComm software technologies are already FDA and Health Canada cleared, which further streamlines regulatory review procedures with the potential for shorter review cycle times. All of this leads to faster go-to-market strategies when introducing new devices and technologies to consumer and medical markets. CardioComm has earned the ISO 13485 certification, is HPB approved, HIPAA compliant, and holds clearances for the sale of its HeartCheck technologies from the European Union (CE Mark), Australia (TGA), the USA (FDA), China (CFDA) and Canada (Health Canada). To learn more about the CardioComm's products, please see the Company's websites www.theheartcheck.com and www.cardiocommsolutions.com . About CardioComm Solutions CardioComm's patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing, and storing electrocardiograms for the diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer 1-877-977-9425 x 227 investor.relations@cardiocommsolutions.com www.cardiocommsolutions.com Forward-looking statements This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations). 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. SOURCE: CardioComm Solutions, Inc. Share price of St Paul, MN-based Cardiovascular Systems Inc. CSII reached a new 52-week high of $26.45 on Nov 15, eventually closing a tad lower at $26.34. The company gained 84.32% over the past year, much better than the S&P 500s 6.34% over the same period. It has added roughly 74.21% year to date compared to the S&P 500s 6.68%. Meanwhile, we note that Cardiovascular Systems carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The stock has a market cap of $870.88 million. The company is an attractive growth stock with an impressive one-year projected earnings growth rate of 90.60% as compared to the industrys average of 7.80%. CARDIOVASCLR SY Price and Consensus CARDIOVASCLR SY Price and Consensus | CARDIOVASCLR SY Quote Estimate revision trend for the company also looks pretty favorable at the moment. In the past 60 days, four estimates have gone up with no downward revision. The trend has been quite favorable with estimates improving from a loss of 15 cents a share to a loss of 6 cents in the past 60 days. The companys current year figures also hold promise, with five estimates moving higher over the past two months with no downward revision. The consensus estimate trend has also been encouraging over the same time period, narrowing from a loss of 56 cents per share to a loss of 16 cents over the last 60 days. We note that in the last reported first quarter 2017, Cardiovascular Systems reported a loss of 6 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 18 cents. The four-quarter average earning surprise is a positive 31.81%. The company also has an impressive Growth Style Score of A. Our Growth Style Score highlights all the vital metrics of the companys financials to obtain a true picture of the quality and sustainability of its growth. Our research shows that stocks with Style Scores of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) offer the best investment opportunities. Story continues Growth Catalysts Cardiovascular Systems continues to grow strongly on the back of providing medical evidence to the physician community. Recently, it presented the 30-day favorable results from its LIBERTY 360 study in a late-breaking presentation at the 2016 Amputation Prevention Symposium (AMP) in Chicago. The results demonstrated high rates of procedural lesion treatment success and freedom from MAE, as well as quality of life improvements, across all Rutherford classes. Also, Cardiovascular Systems initiates largest randomized trial to study Coronary Atherectomy for calcified coronary lesions at Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Conference. All these can be considered to be important milestones delivered by the company. The market is also upbeat since the companys release of impressive first-quarter 2017 results. Revenues rose 14% to $49.8 million from the prior-year quarter, also coming in above the companys guided range. The upside in revenues can also be attributed to the strength in the coronary and peripheral segments.The quarterly net loss of $1.9 million was also better than estimated, driven by strong revenue, improved gross margin and lower operating expenses. As per management, the results marked the third consecutive quarter of financial improvement, demonstrating significant progress toward its goal of driving revenues. Zacks Rank & Key Picks Cardiovascular Systems currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Better-ranked medical stocks are Nxstage Medical Inc. NXTM, Baxter International Inc. BAX and Bovie Medical Corp. BVX. Nxstage Medical and Baxter sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) while Bovie Medical carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Nxstage Medical surged 35.4% over one year compared to the S&P 500s 6.3% over the same period. The company has a four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 50.00%. Baxter International rallied 21.9% in the past one year, comparing favorably with the S&P 500s 6.3%. It has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 27%. Bovie Medical recorded a 124.2% gain in the past one year, way better than the S&P 500s 6.3%. The company has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 28.7%. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these 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 BAXTER INTL (BAX): Free Stock Analysis Report NXSTAGE MEDICAL (NXTM): Free Stock Analysis Report CARDIOVASCLR SY (CSII): Free Stock Analysis Report BOVIE MEDICAL (BVX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research ExxonMobil Corp. XOM and Chevron Corp. CVX with their massive market capitalizations of $360 billion and $206 billion, respectively dominate and define the U.S. energy industry. Both these companies are engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing of petroleum products, manufacturing of chemicals, and other energy-related businesses. But how do you choose between the two supermajors? Heres a look at ExxonMobil and Chevron stocks performance in 2016. Stock Performance Despite all commodity-related headwinds, both ExxonMobil and Chevron have handily outperformed the S&P 500 in the current year, with Exxon Mobil stock rising 11% to Chevrons 21%, compared to the S&P 500s gain of just 7%. Of course, these are numbers at a time when oil prices recovered from a 12-year low of $26.21 a barrel in February to $50/barrel mark in early June, slipped again to under $40 only to rally toward $50 once more. EXXON MOBIL CRP Price EXXON MOBIL CRP Price | EXXON MOBIL CRP Quote ExxonMobil stock now trades at about 40 times trailing twelve months earnings and 39 times forward earnings for 2016, while Chevron stock is valued at 232 times trailing twelve months earnings and about 88 times forward earnings. Being much more expensive, Chevron shares are primed for a fall. CHEVRON CORP Price CHEVRON CORP Price | CHEVRON CORP Quote Recent Earnings In an indication of the industrys adaptability to low commodity prices, ExxonMobil and Chevron reported earnings beats for the three months ended Sep 30, although profits deteriorated from the year-ago quarter. Moreover, the two largest U.S. energy companies by market value are experiencing signs of weakness in the refining business, suggesting that the units which had saved them when crude prices plunged could now be a drag. In fact, ExxonMobil and Chevrons downstream unit profits dived 40% and 50%, respectively, from the comparable period of 2015. Story continues The deteriorating downstream results could be attributed to a fall in refining margins as the cost of gasoline, heating oil and other refined products catches up on the beaten down crude price. Following a prolonged period of high differentials, crack spreads have weakened, which lead to deteriorating earnings and cash flows. As it is, the companies are struggling with faltering sales of their exploration and production businesses amid plunging commodity prices. Production & Capital Expenditure Exxon Mobil and Chevron are suffering from marginal or falling returns, reflecting their struggle to replace reserves, as access to new energy resources becomes more difficult. Given their large base, achieving growth in oil and natural gas production is anyways a challenge for these companies over the last many years. During the Jan-Sep period, the Irving, TX-based oil and natural gas powerhouse ExxonMobils production averaged 4,030 thousand oil-equivalent barrels per day (MBOE/d), essentially unchanged from the first nine months of 2015. For another domestic behemoth Chevron, total volume of crude oil and natural gas was down 1.4% from the year-earlier level at 2,569 MBOE/d. Despite broadly similar production profiles, Chevrons attractive growth prospects set it apart. Chevrons existing oil and gas development project pipeline is among the best in the industry targeting volume growth from the current 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalents per day (MMBOE/d) to 2.9-3.0 MMBOE/d by 2017 driven by the big Australian LNG projects (Gorgon and Wheatstone), as well as deepwater developments in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. At $14.5 billion, ExxonMobils capital and exploration expenditure for the first three quarters of this year has run 39% lower than in the equivalent period of 2015. Chevron managed to reduce its outlay by 32% to $17.2 billion. Shareholder Value Despite the bloodbath, both ExxonMobil and Chevron have continued to reward shareholders with large annual dividends of $3.00 and $4.32 per share currently yielding 3.5% and 4.0%, respectively. In Apr, ExxonMobil boosted its quarterly payout for the 34th consecutive year, while Chevron raised its dividend last month for the 29th straight year. With a superior dividend yield, Chevron is more attractive on this front. However, in a move designed to conserve cash amid the energy price rout, the companies have stopped pouring money into their once-vigorous stock buyback programs. It can be safely inferred that the most notable victim of the commodity meltdown has been share buybacks gone for not only ExxonMobil and Chevron but also for European biggies Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A and BP plc BP. Cash Flow from Operations Leaving aside dividends, ExxonMobils cash flow from operations and asset sales came in at $16.9 billion in the first nine months of the year. Importantly, this was enough to take care of its capital spending, a testament to the companys solid operations and cost discipline. In contrast, Chevrons cash from operations was $9.0 billion, more than $8 billion short of its capital spending. While ExxonMobil has remained free cash flow-positive throughout the commodity price collapse as opposed to Chevron, the advantage is slipping rapidly. Investors should note that ExxonMobils free cash flow of $4 billion (year-to-date) are down to a sixth of $24 billion five years ago. Moreover, with Chevron being one of the most oil-weighted majors, it might actually become free cash flow-positive very quickly in case of the commodity's rebound as per our expectations. Bottom Line ExxonMobil and Chevron are two of the best-run companies among the global oil majors, consistently producing industry-leading financial returns. Both are still sound financially. In fact, their financial flexibility and strong balance sheets are real assets in this highly uncertain period for the economy. Both remain in excellent financial health, with enough in cash on hand and a very manageable debt-to-capitalization ratio. ExxonMobil, though, with a lower ratio of 14% scores over Chevrons 21%. Nevertheless, neither ExxonMobil nor Chevron both carrying Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) has been spared the effects of the rout in crude prices. But going by their performance thus far in 2016, Chevron seems to be in relatively better shape. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Its true that ExxonMobils business, being roughly twice the size of Chevrons, gives it the gargantuan scale to stand up a bit better to industry headwinds. However, the latters attractive production growth profile, medium-term project start-ups and crude leverage tilts the balance in its favor. Not only Chevron offers a higher dividend but If you are expecting oil prices to rebound, one might go with Chevron to reap more rewards. 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 BP PLC (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report ROYAL DTCH SH-A (RDS.A): Free Stock Analysis Report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Karen Pierog and Renita D. Young CHICAGO (Reuters) - The Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved Mayor Rahm Emanuel's fiscal 2017 budget which calls for a tax on plastic bags and the first phase of hiring more than 900 police officers. The council voted 48-0 for the budget which begins on Jan. 1. Emanuel last month unveiled his $9.8 billion all-funds spending plan, which includes $3.7 billion for operations. The budget relies on $82.3 million in revenue growth, savings from efficiencies, and a few one-time measures - but no big tax hike. "To think that we're on the verge today of passing a budget with almost unanimity is remarkable," Alderman Ed Burke said just before the vote. Emanuel last year pushed through a $543 million phased-in property tax increase for police and firefighter retirement systems. The city enacted a new tax on water and sewer usage in September to rescue its largest pension fund for municipal workers from insolvency. The council previously increased a telephone surcharge for laborers' pensions. Credit ratings for the nation's third-largest city have been deteriorating due largely to an unfunded pension liability that stood at $33.8 billion at the end of fiscal 2015 for Chicago's four retirement systems. The new budget includes a 7-cent fee on store bags and parking rate hikes. It also accommodates the initial phase of the mayor's two-year plan to add 970 police positions to address the city's sharp spike in violence. "This is the first year in recent memory that we've made investments in public safety with the addition of 1,000 police officers," said Alderman Jason Earvin. "And we can direct investment in some of the most challenged communities ... and with our youth in some of the most troubled parts of the city." After the vote, Emanuel noted record-high summer job creation for youth, record-high project starts in commercial and residential real estate and the city using reforms to place pensions on the path to solvency. "Chicago's employment is at a 15-year high that we haven't seen since 2000 since the tech bubble," Emanuel said. "What we have done, not just today, but over the last five years is give people confidence in the city that we are going to take care of our business, get our fiscal house in order." (Editing by Matthew Lewis) A Chinese official refuted U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps claim that climate change is a hoax perpetrated by China at an international conference to address the issue in Marrakesh. Liu Zhenmin, Chinas vice foreign minister, joined a growing chorus of international leaders to condemn Trumps denial of climate change science. Liu noted in his comments Wednesday that George H.W. Bush played an influential role in establishing a United Nations body to oversee climate change negotiations during his presidency, known as the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, according to a Bloomberg report. If you look at the history of climate change negotiations, actually it was initiated by the IPCC with the support of the Republicans during the Reagan and senior Bush administration during the late 1980s, Liu said, using an acronym for the U.N. body charged with researching the topic. Diplomats from more than 190 countries are gathered in Marrakesh to discuss implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The international deal, which took effect earlier this month, sets a path for the world to address climate change but now faces an uncertain future after Trumps election. The President-elect has promised to cancel the deal and, while formal withdraw is complicated, he could easily ignore its provisions during his presidency. Climate change emerged as a key area of cooperation for the U.S. and China in the last four years and many international climate experts say the partnership was crucial to securing the Paris Agreement. Without U.S. cooperation, many other signatories may feel little incentive to comply. The comment is not the first from a Chinese official to condemn Trumps stance on climate change. French President Francois Hollande, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Brazilian Environment Minister Sarney Filho and others have also expressed concern over Trumps climate change policy. The United States, the most powerful economy in the world, the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, must respect the commitments that were made, said Hollande, according to an Associated Press report. Its not simply their duty, its in their interest. By PTI: Chandigarh, Nov 16 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said his government will "do everything possible" to stop the states water from flowing into Haryana, as he moved a resolution in the Assembly against the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal. Badal moved a resolution saying in the interest of the people of Punjab, the House unanimously directs the state government, Cabinet and all government officials not to hand over the states land for the construction of SYL canal and neither allow anybody to work on it, nor to cooperate for the purpose. advertisement "The House takes a serious view of the fact that Punjab is already short of its water needs and farmers of the state are facing serious water crisis," he said. The resolution was moved amid empty opposition benches as all 42 Congress MLAs had resigned from the state Assembly after the Supreme Court last week held the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, passed by Punjab to terminate water sharing pacts with neighbouring states as "unconstitutional". Addressing the special session of Punjab Assembly on SYL issue, the Chief Minister said the entire Congress leadership had been accusing him and SAD of changing stand on the issue. "It is SAD which opposed this anti-Punjab decision tooth and nail whereas Congressmen accepted the verdict of their high command and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi thereby marginalising the very interests of the state and its people," he alleged. Recalling his statement in 2002, as then chief minister, after the Supreme Court directed the state to complete the canal, he said, "At that time I had said ...We will not implement the court order at any cost. Not a drop of water will be given to anyone even if we have to go to jail." Badal claimed that he, his party and the government stand firmly on this even today. "Any decision to rob Punjab of its legitimate rights on river waters is, was and will never be accepted by me or by the SAD-BJP alliance government. "Likewise, there is and was no need to construct the SYL canal and there is no possibility for its construction, nor will it be allowed under any circumstance," he said. Taking strong exception to the absence of Congress MLAs at the Session, Badal blamed them for their "doubles speak", alleging that on one hand they are "shedding crocodile tears" over the Supreme Courts SYL verdict and on the other they "ran away" (not attending the session). They did it "deliberately" because they are "guilty conscious for betraying" Punjab and its people on territorial issues including river waters, several times, he claimed. advertisement Claiming that the state had been frequently meted out "discrimination, excesses and injustice", the Chief Minister said, "We have to struggle to secure our rights since inception and even supreme sacrifices were made." PTI CHS ANB NSD --- ENDS --- China announced Tuesday that the country's first aircraft carrier was ready to engage in combat. The progress comes as a milestone for Beijing as it is working toward expanding its ability to project power far from China's shores. The state-run Global Times said the aircraft carrier Liaoning, named after its Chinese home province, has formally been described as having a real combat capacity. Li Dongyou, the Liaonings political commissar, was quoted as saying that the ship is "constantly prepared for war." "As a military force, we are always prepared for war and our combat capacity also needs to be tested by war ... At this moment, we are doing our best to promote our strength and use it to prevent war, and are prepared for actual combat at any time," Li reportedly said. Liaoning, a 60,000-ton vessel, was purchased from Ukraine in 1998 as an incomplete Soviet Navy hull. The vessel was formally commissioned to be completed in 2012. "Although its overall capability is hindered by its comparatively inefficient power plant and underpowered aircraft-launching system, the Liaoning represents an important step in advancing Chinas ability to project naval power," China Power, the blog for the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, explained while analyzing the vessel. While it's unclear as to how China intends to use the Liaoning, it is seen as helping reinforce Beijing's increasingly assertive claims in the South China Sea in the face of challenges from the U.S. Navy and others. Li said Liaoning's combat capabilities are still behind U.S. carriers, but its training and maintenance operations have been praised by senior Pentagon officials. U.S. officials had reportedly visited the vessel during military exchanges. Related Articles Chinese websites are censoring a phrase that translates as Kim Fatty the Third, a nickname referring to the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Un. As reported by the Guardian, the Chinese phrase Jin San Pang, which translates into the comment on Kims weight, is widely used across the countrys search engines and social media site Weibo. Searches for the phrase on Chinese search engine Baidu, as well as Weibo, returned no results earlier this week. Reports in the Hong Kong press suggested that the censorship of the phrase followed a complaint lodged by North Korean officials to the Chinese government about the derogatory nickname. However, according to the Guardian, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Wednesday that reports of the prohibition of the phrase did not comply with facts. Kim Jong Un is the third member of his family to leader the notoriously secretive and totalitarian North Korean state. The relationship between the country and China is a delicate one, particularly following the nuclear tests carried out by the Kim regime earlier this year. In March, China appeared to have unblocked internet searches that referred to Kim as a third-generation pig. The Guardian reported that other Chinese nicknames for the North Korean leader, such as Kim Fat Fat Fat, are still accessible on search engine Baidu. [The Guardian] BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese websites have again blocked searches for "Fatty Kim the Third", as many Chinese mockingly call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with China's foreign ministry saying it did not approve of ridiculing foreign leaders. Chinese internet users began reporting last week that searches on the Twitter-like microblogging site Weibo and search engine Baidu for the expression returned no results, the normal sign that something is being blocked despite its wide usage. The term - which refers to the weight of Kim, his father and grandfather - was last blocked in September after neighbouring North Korea's latest nuclear test. Kim is unpopular in China because of his country's repeated nuclear and missile tests. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said reports the government had banned the search term "did not accord with the facts". "What I want to stress is that China has always dedicated itself to constructing a rational, cultured and healthy environment for public opinion," Geng told a daily news briefing. China "does not approve of insulting or ridiculing language to address any country's leader", he added, without elaborating. Both Baidu Inc and Sina Corp, which owns Weibo, declined to comment. China's internet regulator did not respond to a request for comment. Many Chinese, however, took to Weibo to suggest multiple other terms which sound similar to "Fatty Kim the Third" and which are not blocked. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by Nick Macfie) By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce said on Thursday that Chief Executive Gerry McCaughey will retire in two years, the latest in a series of leadership changes at Canada's top lenders. Toronto-based CIBC, Canada's fifth-largest bank, said McCaughey, 57, will step down on April 30, 2016. The bank did not name a replacement, and said the actual date of McCaughey's retirement could change upon the completion of a succession plan that is currently under way. McCaughey became CEO in 2005, when the bank was licking its wounds from a series of disastrous investments during the dot-com bust and dealing with the fallout of its ties to collapsed energy trader Enron Corp. The bank ultimately agreed to pay $2.4 billion to investors to settle a lawsuit accusing the bank of helping Enron hide its debts before it collapsed in 2001. McCaughey embarked on a plan to de-risk the bank, sharply downsizing CIBC's once-mighty Wall Street presence, and shifting its focus away from wholesale and investment banking and toward domestic retail lending and wealth management. McCaughey "made significant contributions to the bank, leading the firm through the financial crisis, and returning CIBC to consistent, sustainable, and profitable growth," Barclays Capital analyst John Aiken said in a note. While CIBC is now the least internationally exposed of Canada's top five banks, it has in recent years made some modest acquisitions in the U.S. wealth management space, such as its 2011 purchase of 41 percent of Missouri-based American Century Investments for C$848 million ($769.06 million). Earlier this week Reuters reported the bank and two private equity consortia are exploring offers for global asset management Russell Investments. CHANGING OF THE GUARD The announcement extends a generational changing of the guard at Canada's top five banks, which together dominate the country's domestic banking sector. Brian Porter replaced Rick Waugh as CEO of Bank of Nova Scotia last fall, while Dave McKay will take the reins of Royal Bank of Canada in August, replacing longtime CEO Gord Nixon. Bharat Masrani will take on the top job at Toronto-Dominion Bank in November, replacing Ed Clark. RBC, TD, and Scotiabank are the country's top banks by assets. Unlike its rivals, who indicated likely successors well ahead of their CEO retirement announcements, CIBC has not hinted who might replace McCaughey. The bank said last month that Richard Nesbitt, CIBC's chief operating officer and group head of wholesale banking, would retire in October. CIBC's other group heads are Victor Dodig, who runs wealth management, and David Williamson, who runs the bank's biggest division, retail and business banking. Shareholders seemed unconcerned by the announcement, with CIBC's stock trading up 20 Canadian cents at C$95.85 at mid-afternoon, and Aiken said he expected minimal impact to the bank's operations. "Although no immediate replacement has been announced, given the long runway to Mr. McCaughey's retirement, we believe it will be a smooth transition for his replacement," he said. ($1 = 1.1027 Canadian Dollars) (Additional reporting by Euan Rocha; Editing by Andrea Ricci and Chris Reese) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. (CSE: CMC) ("Cielo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a Commercial Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with XR Resources Inc. ("XR") to purchase a property (the "Property") located in High River, Alberta, on which there is an existing bio-diesel refinery (the "Refinery"). This multi-feedstock processing plant was built in 2009 for an approximate capex cost of $10.2 million and was capable of producing 16 million liters/year of bio-diesel. The aggregate purchase price is $2,300,000 (the "Purchase Price"), consisting of both share and cash consideration. The initial installment of the Purchase Price (the "Deposit"), to be paid by Cielo to XR in consideration for the rights granted in the Agreement, will be paid in the form of 5,000,000 common shares (the "Shares") in the capital stock of Cielo at a price of $0.06 per share, which Shares will be held in trust by legal counsel until the transaction is completed. The balance of the Purchase Price is comprised of a cash payment of $2,000,000, to be paid upon satisfaction of the Conditions (as defined below), along with the release of the Shares to XR. The purchase of the Property and the Refinery is subject to certain conditions (the "Conditions"), including a financing condition, Cielo's ability to acquire required permits, and due diligence being completed by Cielo to its satisfaction on or before February 7, 2017. Once the Conditions have been fulfilled or waived, and the Purchase Price paid, Cielo will acquire all right, title and interest in and to the Property and the Refinery. The anticipated closing date is February 28, 2017. Don Allan, President of Cielo, stated, "This is a game changer for Cielo. Not only will this fast track Cielo into commercialization and revenue, but the existing infrastructure that we can use will lower our capex costs by approximately 40%." For more information, the Agreement will be available on www.SEDAR.com. Story continues About Cielo Waste Solutions Corp.: Cielo specializes in environmentally advanced technologies focused on materials recovery, renewable diesel and landfill reduction through responsible diversion practices. By incorporating the latest material recovery technologies, Cielo is able to achieve significant diversion from landfills while creating a feedstock specifically for renewable diesel. Cielo provides solutions for responsible waste management while also providing value added opportunities. For more information on the Company, please contact Don Allan, President, at (403) 348-2972 ext 222, or visit the Company's website at www.cielows.com Further information regarding the Company can be found on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com or by visiting our profile on www.CSE.ca. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Don Allan" Chief Executive Officer Tel: 403.348-2972 Ext. 222 Email: donallan@cielows.com Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forwardlooking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company, the Property, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. These securities have not and will not be registered under United States federal or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person unless so registered, or an exemption from registration is relied upon. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. SOURCE: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. From Esquire Donald Trump's position on his own flagship campaign issue, immigration, has, shall we say shifted over the past 18 months. Throughout the Republican primary, Trump pledged to deport all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. He promised to build a big, beautiful wall to keep all the bad people out. Since last week's victory, however, he's remixed the track. He said he now plans to deport between 2 and 3 million "criminals" in a 60 Minutes interview Sunday, and last week campaign surrogate Newt Gingrich suggested The Wall was actually a "campaign device." That must be the term people who will #DrainTheSwamp use for "lie." Anyway, even Trump's softened immigration plan is unacceptable to many. (It is also questionably feasible: Both his deportation and wall plans would require incredible resources, and FiveThirtyEight indicates there aren't even 2 or 3 million undocumented immigrants who have committed the kind of crimes to which Trump was referring.) A number of cities and their mayors have now come forward to declare they will resist Trump's plan even in its milder iteration. Here's a rundown. Los Angeles According to the L.A. Times, the LAPD has a longstanding policy of distancing itself from federal immigration mandates. Since a special order in 1979, the department has prohibited officers from "initiating contact with someone solely to determine whether he or she is in the country legally." It also stopped turning low-level offenders over to federal agents to be deported, and resisted federal requests to detain inmates past their jail terms who might be deportable. Photo credit: Marcus Yam Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Monday he had no plans to change the department's approach: "I don't intend on doing anything different. We are not going to engage in law enforcement activities solely based on somebody's immigration status. We are not going to work in conjunction with Homeland Security on deportation efforts. That is not our job, nor will I make it our job." Story continues Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement the city will continue its policy of shielding undocumented immigrants from deportation: Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka says he wont comply with Trump's immigration plans: pic.twitter.com/SpFFPWHPa4 - Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) November 14, 2016 New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also pledged to defend undocumented city residents. "We are not going to sacrifice a half million people who live among us, who are part of our community," he said. "We are not going to tear families apart." He called Trump's threat to punish so-called "sanctuary cities" by withholding federal funding "dangerous." Seattle Mayor Ed Murray also indicated his city would resist. "Seattle has always been a welcoming city," he said Monday. "The last thing I want is for us to start turning on our neighbors." Chicago The midwest giant will continue to be a sanctuary city, according to reports. Providence The mayor of Rhode Island's capital, Jorge Elorza, indicated the city would, according to The Seattle Times, continue its "longstanding city policy of refusing to hold people charged with civil infractions for federal immigration officials." Elorza is himself the son of Guatemalan immigrants. Denver According to Denver Police spokesman Doug Schepman, that department will also decline to participate in Trump's immigration plan: "Immigration enforcement is handled at the federal level, not by local law enforcement," Schepman said in a statement. "The Denver Police Department has not participated in those enforcement efforts in the past and will not be involved in the future." Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signaled Philly will continue to be a "sanctuary city" last week, although he preferred to use a different term: "First of all, we've changed the name from sanctuary city to the Fourth Amendment city," he said. "We respect and live up to the Fourth Amendment, which means you can't be held against your will without a warrant from the court signed by a judge. So yeah, we will continue to be a Fourth Amendment city abiding by the Constitution." He was a bit cryptic, however, when asked if it would change the situation if Trump were to follow through on his threat to pull funding from non-compliant cities: "Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it and we'll see how it goes and we'll try to figure something out," he said. This post has been updated. You Might Also Like Marrakesh (Morocco) (AFP) - No country is shifting from dirty to clean energy fast enough to hold global warming below two degrees Celsius, a ranking of 58 nations responsible for 90 percent of energy-related CO2 emissions showed Wednesday. Despite a boom in renewables, especially solar and wind, "the necessary energy revolution is still happening too slowly," the Climate Change Performance Index 2017 reported on the margins of UN climate talks in Marrakesh. The annual assessment of national policies and actions to curb global warming found that the European Union has gone from leader to laggard, with the exception of some of its member states. France took top honours, in part due to its role in ushering in the landmark Paris Agreement, signed in the French capital last December. Sweden and Britain took the silver and bronze, mainly for policies put in place by governments no longer in power. Canada, Australia and Japan filled out the bottom of the ranking, though recent changes of government in Canberra and Ottawa may bode well for future improvements. The United States, the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world after China, got a "poor" rating, losing ground across all categories, the report found. If president-elect Donald Trump carries through with threats to pull out of the Paris pact, the US ranking would certainly fall further. Even China -- which has drastically slowed its consumption of CO2-intense coal even as it builds out solar and wind energy capacity -- got a poor mark, coming in 48th among nations. Nonetheless, China's CO2 emissions are on track to peak ahead of the announced goal of 2030, experts said. "National governments have no more excuses not to enshrine the Paris Agreement into national law," said Jan Burck of Germanwatch, lead author of the report. The fact that the growth of renewables continues apace despite depressed oil prices is a positive sign, he added. "So far, falling oil prices did not cause an increase in demand for the energy source, while a growing number of countries are starting to turn their back on coal." The 196-nation Paris Agreement calls for curbing global warming at well below 2.0C (3.6F), and 1.5C (2.7F) if possible. The election may be over and president-elect Donald Trump may be wavering on whether he wants a special prosecutor to investigate former rival Hillary Clinton, but that hasnt cooled the ardor of congressional Republicans who want to investigate her private email server. Five House and Senate panels may be planning to continue probing Clintons use of a private server during her tenure as secretary of state even though the FBI concluded her actions didnt rise to the level of criminal conduct. The House Judiciary Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee reportedly will continue to press for answers though no hearings have yet been scheduled, the Hill reported. The House Science Committee and the Senate Homeland Security Committee previously have investigated the issue and were expected to press ahead. The email issue dogged Clinton throughout the campaign and resurfaced in the closing days after emails from her server were found on a computer belonging to disgraced former New York Rep. Anthony Weiner, who is under FBI investigation for allegedly sexting an underage girl in North Carolina. Weiner is the estranged husband of Huma Abedin, Clintons top aide. Abedin shared the computer with Weiner. FBI Director James Comey announced in July the FBI would not recommend Clinton be prosecuted but called her handling of email extremely careless. After the emails were found on Weiners computer, Comey announced Oct. 28 the Clinton investigation would be reopened. He then announced two days before the Nov. 8 election the investigation would be closed again without any new action. Clinton blamed Comey for her defeat. clinton Photo: Brian Snyder/Reuters Story continues During one of their debates, Trump said Clinton should be in jail for her use of the server and promised to ask his Justice Department to appoint a special prosecutor to look into the matter if he was elected. On the campaign trail, his supporters regularly chanted, Lock her up. But on 60 Minutes Sunday, Trump appeared to back off that promise, saying he would think about it but had other, more pressing issues on which to focus. Congressional Democrats have called the congressional investigations a witch hunt. After everything our country has just been through and particularly given that Donald Trump and Paul Ryan have both called for healing our nations divisions I think the American people deserve more from Congress than to continue squandering taxpayer dollars on these baseless Republican accusations and partisan attacks, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., told the Hill. Cummings suggested the GOP should consider investigating Trumps finances instead. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who ran for the GOP presidential nomination and then refused to support Trump, Tuesday called for an investigation of Russias misadventures including the hacking of the Democratic National Committees emails, the Los Angeles Times reported. "Were they involved in cyberattacks that had a political component to it in our elections?" Graham asked. If so, Graham said, "Putin should be punished." Related Articles Havana (AFP) - Six weeks after Colombians shocked the world by rejecting a historic peace accord with the FARC rebels, negotiators have come back with a new deal. Will it work this time? "Implement this now," the government's chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, urged the country Tuesday, a day after version 2.0 was published. After four years of talks and a last-ditch return to the drawing board, "there's really no more room to negotiate," said De la Calle. But President Juan Manuel Santos, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, still faces a potentially huge obstacle in the form of his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe. The right-wing senator led the opposition to the first deal, arguing it was too soft on the Marxist guerrillas. He has yet to give his verdict on the revisions. Here are some points on how the new deal stacks up against the old one -- and whether it stands a better chance of ending a half-century conflict that has claimed more than 260,000 lives. - New referendum? - The defeat of the original deal in an October 2 referendum defied opinion polls, flew in the face of international backing and jeopardized Santos's legacy. Will he risk it all again? That's unclear. The new deal does not specify how it is to be ratified. That leaves open any number of possibilities, including another referendum or simply a vote in Congress, where Santos has a majority. - More justice? - Critics attacked the first deal as granting impunity to war criminals. The revisions seek to fend off that claim. But there will still be no jail time for those who confess. Special courts to try crimes linked to the conflict -- and give lenient alternative sentences -- originally had no expiration date. Now they will have jurisdiction for 10 years, with possible extensions to 15. A bill on reduced sentences will be sent to Congress, with a special section on leniency for soldiers and police -- a key opposition demand. Story continues For the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, crimes such as drug trafficking will only receive amnesty if the perpetrators "did not personally profit." - FARC concessions? - The FARC has agreed to publish its assets -- a sort of financial statement on the guerrilla enterprise funded by drug trafficking, illegal mining and ransom kidnappings. The money will be used to pay reparations to victims. The FARC will also list all its members, including allied militias. Rebels involved in drug trafficking are ordered to submit a report on their activities to help police investigate remaining cartels. - Other changes? - Whereas the original deal was to be written into the constitution, the revised version will simply hold sway for three presidential terms: 12 years. In another change, the government will use both carrots and sticks to tackle coca farming, which has fueled the conflict in the world's largest cocaine producer. Farmers will still be encouraged to switch to legal crops, but the government will not end US-backed aerial herbicide spraying -- despite dire health warnings. The edits also deleted explicit mention of "gender equality" and special treatment for sexual minorities, after an outcry from conservative religious groups. - Will it work? - The new 310-page deal revisits all but one of the 57 points that Uribe's camp had criticized. But the changes may not be sweeping enough for opponents. And the untouched item is a big one: rebels' right to run for elected office. The FARC will still get 10 automatic seats in Congress from 2018. "The changes are unlikely to please the opposition," said Maria Luisa Puig, an analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy. She predicted Santos would skip a potentially fatal second referendum. But that "will raise doubts about (the deal's) political viability and the implementation process," she said in a note. Some experts sounded more optimistic. "There will be criticism, but not enough to block implementation," said Angelika Rettberg of Los Andes University in Bogota. A united Opposition will seek to corner the Government over the demonetisation issue calling it a "currency scam" that needs to be probed. Opposition is likely to corner the Government on issues of surgical strikes, OROP too in the Parliament. By Press Trust of India: Government has braced itself for a stormy Winter Session of Parliament starting today with the Opposition presenting a united front in seeking to corner it over the demonetisation issue calling it a "currency scam" that needs to be probed. The Opposition also has a string of other issues like the surgical strikes across LoC, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, OROP and the plight of farmers to rake up during the session that will last a month. A demand for the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) over the demonetisation issue is also on the agenda of the Opposition. advertisement PM SEEKS OPPOSITION'S COOPERATION Ahead of the Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Opposition leaders and sought their cooperation in the fight against black money and corruption for which, he said, the demonetisation exercise was undertaken. Also read: AAP urges President Pranab Mukherjee to launch Supreme Court probe in demonetisation scheme In his concluding remarks at an all-party meeting on the eve of the Winter Session, Modi spoke in support of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. He pitched for state-funding of elections and asked parties to debate the issue. The government is willing to discuss all issues and answer questions raised by the Opposition, Modi said, hoping for a fruitful session as he recalled the passage of the GST Bill in the last session with the cooperation of all parties. CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION LAUNCHED "We have launched a crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency, which is also behind cross-border terrorism. All parties should come together on this issue of national interest," he said. However, an unrelenting Opposition decided to step up its fight against the government during the session. Presenting a united face, arch rivals TMC and Left parties and SP and BSP, got together at a meeting convened by the main opposition Congress to formulate a joint strategy. Also read: Demonetisation effect: IT department using opportunity to nab tax evaders There were some reservations in the Opposition over TMC's proposal for a march to the Rashtrapati Bhawan today to petition the President against demonetisation. WATCH VIDEO A majority of the parties did not want to exhaust the option of going to the President on the very first day of the session and instead wanted to keep it for a later stage. MAMATA TO MARCH TOWARDS RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN An unfazed TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, asserted that she would go ahead with around 40 of her MPs to the President. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that the decision to invalidate Rs 1000/500 currency notes was leaked in advance to some people, including BJP leaders, and called it probably the "biggest scam". advertisement He, however, added that his party is not for a rollback of the drive. Also read: Rahul Gandhi on demonetisation: Modi let big tax evaders flee, while common man suffers --- ENDS --- (Corrects date to Nov. 16) * Pink and blue diamonds fetch strong prices * Sotheby's sale in Geneva nets $136 million * Russian crown jewels stranded on auction block By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Coloured diamonds fetched strong prices on Wednesday, with rare and large pink and blue stones finding new owners who paid in the double-digit millions for "rare treasures", Sotheby's said. A step-cut fancy intense pink diamond weighing 17.07 carats, set in a ring between triangular diamonds, netted 20.8 million Swiss francs ($20.75 million), far exceeding its pre-sale estimate of 11.8-14.7 million francs, to become the top lot. The "Sky Blue Diamond", a rare large blue stone set in a ring by Cartier, sold for 17.1 million Swiss francs ($17.06 million), the auction house said. The emerald-cut blue diamond weighing 8.01 carats, from a private collection, had been estimated at $15-25 million. The buyers were not immediately identified. "Coloured diamonds are very much in demand still, and very healthy," David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby's International Jewellery Division, told reporters after conducting the semi-annual sale at a Geneva lakeside hotel. "People who want the rarest and the most beautiful are seeking out these rare treasures," he said. The stone was graded fancy vivid blue, the highest possible colour grading, awarded to barely one percent of blue diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), according to Sotheby's catalogue. At Christie's on Tuesday, a pear-shaped pink diamond sold for 18.127 million Swiss francs ($18.11 million) to an Asian collector bidding by telephone. The sale, which fetched 97 million francs, was marked by "healthy prices", it said. In all, the Sotheby's sale netted 136.7 million Swiss francs ($136.39 million), with 87.4 percent of the 341 lots sold. Four pieces brought more than $10 million each. But a diamond necklace from the Russian crown jewels, commissioned by Catherine the Great (1729-1796), failed to sell, stranded on the block after failing to meet a secret reserve price set by the owner. Its pre-sale estimate was $3-5 million. Story continues The royal piece, with a diamond bowknot clasp, was kept in a strong room of the Kremlin during World War One and sold by the Bolshevik government as part of a 1927 auction. A 19th-Century Russian historical piece, a parure of white and coloured diamonds estimated at $3-5 million, also stalled. Catherine I of Russia, second wife of Peter the Great, may have given it to the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III as part of a "ransom" to help negotiate the end of the siege of Pruth in 1711, Sotheby's said. ($1 = 1.0023 Swiss francs) (Additional reporting by Marina Depetris; editing by Andrew Roche) Colts The Indianapolis Colts claimed rookie linebacker Deon King off of waivers today. We have claimed linebacker Deon King off waivers. We also waived wide receiver Marcus Leak. https://t.co/cCjI1wV0n8 Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 15, 2016 To make room for King, the Colts waived Marcus Leak. Leak was promoted from the practice squad last week. It will be interesting to see if the Colts will be able to put Leak back on the practice squad. King was originally an undrafted free agent signed by the Dallas Cowboys. After being cut in August, the San Diego Chargers signed him on October 4th. AROUND COVER32 Sink or Swim: Which NFL coaches will survive the hot seat? Draft Preview:: Breaking down the best linebackers in this years class QB Rankings:: A shakeup in the top five Colts News: Getting healthy at the right time Tall Task: Colts defensive front needs to step up He spent the last two games on their active roster and recorded just one tackle in those games. King (61, 230 pounds) had am impressive college career at Norfolk State. In four seasons he recorded 372 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He lead all of Division 1 last season with 163 tackles. Simply put, King was a tackling machine. It will be interesting to see if what the Colts can do with the rookie linebacker. We should expect primarily special teams work from King. However with the lack of depth at linebacker you might see him in certain packages this Sunday against the Titans. Who have one of the best running attacks in the league. The post Colts add depth at linebacker with Deon King appeared first on Cover32. Rudy Giuliani, vice chairman of the Trump Presidential Transition Team, speaks at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council in Washington, U.S., November 14, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts Rudy Giuliani, who is being considered for a position in President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet, has ties to Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. According to The New York Times, Giuliani "used his clout with the Justice Department to press the federal authorities to offer a less onerous punishment to the company after allegations that security problems at its warehouses might have contributed to black market sales." In 2007, Purdue pleaded guilty to "charges it misled doctors and patients about the addiction risks of the powerful narcotic painkiller OxyContin," ABC News reported at the time. The company's tactics have been blamed by many for triggering the opioid-addiction epidemic in the United States. As the American Journal of Public Health put it in 2009: "Purdue pursued an aggressive campaign to promote the use of opioids in general and OxyContin in particular." The Times, in its own 2007 story, detailed how, in 2002, Purdue hired "Mr. Giuliani and his consulting firm, Giuliani Partners, to help stem the controversy about OxyContin." "Among Mr. Giuliani's missions," The Times said, "was the job of convincing public officials that they could trust Purdue because they could trust him." Giuliani spoke with The Times for an article published Tuesday, but the Purdue relationship wasn't addressed; the article focuses on Giuliani's relationships with foreign governments because Giuliani is being considered for secretary of state. He has also reportedly been considered for attorney general. Back in 2007, he reportedly told the Associated Press that Giuliani Partners acted ethically and legally. The US is suffering from a deadly opioid epidemic, especially in rural areas, thanks to the widespread use of drugs like OxyContin as painkillers. For example, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioid drugs in America in 2012, according to the American Society for Medicine, more than enough to give every adult in the country a bottle. Half a million Americans have died from opioid overdoses from 2000 to 2014. Story continues Sen. Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, called for the Justice Department and other government agencies to investigate the company. That was after a Los Angeles Times report found that OxyContin wears out early in a lot of patients, making them more vulnerable to addiction. STAT News also recently published a chilling report describing how Purdue used aggressive tactics to ensure that health officials in West Virginia could not limit the prescription of the drug. From STAT: "'We were screaming at the wall,' said Tom Susman, who headed the state's public employee insurance agency in the early 2000s and led the push to limit OxyContin prescribing in West Virginia. "'We saw it coming,' he said of the opioid epidemic, which today causes 28,000 overdose deaths a year in the United States. "Now to see the aftermath is the most frustrating thing I have ever seen.'" For more on this, head to The New York Times>> NOW WATCH: JAMES ALTUCHER: This is why owning a home is financial suicide More From Business Insider By Steve Bittenbender LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Reuters) - A Louisville, Kentucky, monument honoring Confederate soldiers will be moved to a nearby town, city officials said on Tuesday, the latest move to take down or relocate memorials to those who fought for the slaveholding Southern Confederacy during the American Civil War. Workers in Kentucky's most populous city will next week begin dismantling the 121-year-old memorial from its location adjacent to the University of Louisville. Later this month, work will start on restoring the 70-foot-tall structure in the town of Brandenburg, officials said. Brandenburg, about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Louisville, is where Confederate General John Hunt Morgan crossed the Ohio River into Indiana in 1863 as part of his raid into northern territory during the Civil War. Louisville officials chose to move the monument there because Brandenburg, which hosts a biennial Civil War re-enactment, plans to place it in a prominent spot along the river. This new location provides an opportunity to remember and respect our history in a more proper context, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement. And its close enough that Louisvillians can visit. The move will come about seven months after Fischer and then-University of Louisville President James Ramsey announced their intention to take down the monument, which had long been considered controversial at the school. In recent years, students and staff raised concerns that the memorial condoned slavery. The announcement also came during a period when other communities were considering removing Confederate symbols as critics considered the displays as fostering racism. Kentucky, the birthplace of both U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was a slave state but did not join the Confederacy. But many Kentucky residents fought for the south. The monument was given to the city of Louisville in 1895 to commemorate the Kentuckians who fought and died in the 1861-1865 war. Story continues Earlier this year, a Louisville judge rejected a bid by opponents of the monument's relocation to keep it in its current location. Louisvilles Commission on Public Art then began holding public meetings to determine a more appropriate location for the memorial, which is when Brandenburg officials expressed interest. Fischer said Brandenburg officials were expected to approve the move in a vote on Wednesday. (Editing by Sharon Bernstein and Peter Cooney) By Aaron Ross KINSHASA (Reuters) - Congo state miner Gecamines signed over its royalty rights at one of the country's largest copper mines in January last year to an offshore company owned by Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler, according to a copy of the contract obtained by Global Witness and reviewed by Reuters. The London-based advocacy group said in a statement on Tuesday that the lost royalties from the Kamoto Copper Co (KCC) project could cost heavily indebted Gecamines up to $880 million by 2030, about a fifth of Congo's annual budget. "It's troubling that the state miner Gecamines has signed away rights to potentially huge flows of cash that should go towards building Congo's future," Global Witness said. Gertler's Fleurette Group, which holds a minority stake in KCC alongside its majority shareholder, Glencore, and Gecamines, confirmed in a statement that Africa Horizons Investment Ltd (AHIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fleurette, bought the rights from Gecamines but did not say for how much. However, its statement called Global Witness's report "damaging and defamatory", saying Fleurette stands to lose money from the transaction owing to a fall in copper prices and KCC's suspension of production in September 2015, both unforeseen events that occurred after the deal was signed in January. "Global Witness is showing either a total lack of understanding of even the most basic business and valuation principles, or a brazen attempt to manipulate data to suit a pre-determined narrative," a Fleurette spokesman said. The Fleurette spokesman said the royalty rights acquired by AHIL expire in early 2019 - not in 2030, as Global Witness assumes in its calculation - pointing to a provision in the original 2008 accord between KCC, Gecamines and a Glencore subsidiary under which KCC's payments of the royalties owed to Gecamines could stop in March 2019. Global Witness said Fleurette "has not been able to show that the agreement will definitely end by 2019," and called on it to publish the full terms of the deal with Gecamines. Gecamines' chairman and interim director-general, who both signed the deal, did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement on the AHIL transaction, Glencore said: "KCC acted in accordance with the instructions it received from Gecamines and was not involved in the discussions between AHIL and Gecamines." Campaign groups have repeatedly accused Gertler of exploiting his friendship with Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila to acquire mining assets at bargain rates before selling them at a mark-up - charges he denies. Reuters was unable to determine if Gertler's friendship with Kabila has played a role in his ability to procure mining rights in Congo. The minister of mines said only that he was unaware of the Global Witness report. The Congolese government has repeatedly denied that their relationship gives Gertler privileged access. CONTROVERSIAL DEALS It was not clear in the contract whether Gecamines received any compensation for ceding the royalty rights to AHIL, whose address in the contract is listed in the Cayman Islands, although Fleurette said it did pay an unspecified amount. Glencore suspended production at KCC, the third-largest copper mine in Africa's largest producer of the metal, in response to a global downturn in prices. It says it expects to resume production in early 2018. As a result, Fleurette said, it expects to lose a significant amount of money on the deal. Global Witness stood by its calculation of the value of the deal, saying it was based on information on the website of the Toronto Stock Exchange, where KCC is listed. "This shows projected potential royalty payments for the life of the mine as totalling $1.596bn. Royalties are paid to the state at a rate of 2 per cent and to Gecamines at a rate of 2.5 per cent. Gecamines share of the total royalties amounts to approximately 55.6 per cent of $1.596bn, or $887m," it said. Gertler has been at the centre of several controversial Gecamines sales before. According to the Africa Progress Panel, headed by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Congo lost out on $1.36 billion in potential revenue between 2010 and 2012 in five mining deals involving Gertler. He denied any wrongdoing in those deals. U.S. authorities, which reached a $412 million settlement in September with the hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management LLC for its role in bribing African officials, said in the case that "an infamous Israeli businessman with close ties to government officials" paid over $100 million in bribes to Congolese officials from 2005 to 2012. A source close to the case at the time identified him as Gertler. Fleurette group declined to comment on the case. Gertler has long denied paying bribes and says his investments have contributed to Congo's economic development. (Editing by Tim Cocks/Ruth Pitchford) Nigerian conjoined twin girls were successfully separated after an 18-hour operation at a Tennessee hospital months after their parents brought them from Africa to the U.S. for the procedure. Miracle and Testimony Ayeni were separated at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, after the lengthy operation that began on Nov. 7 and ended Nov. 8, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. The hospital announced the success of the landmark procedure Wednesday morning. The twins, who celebrated their first birthday Wednesday, had been born with their pelvises joined, a rare condition that Dr. Max Langham, who led the surgical team, said only occurs in one of about every 5 million births. "Without separation, their future wasn't very good," Langham said at a news conference Tuesday. "They would grow up incontinent, unable to walk, totally dependent for all of their care and unable to participate in the world fully." A Le Bonheur Children's Hospital spokeswoman told the Associated Press that both girls were both doing very well. Though the twins face additional surgeries and subsequent rehabilitation efforts, doctors are hopeful about their long-term health. The girls had been in the Tennessee hospital since they arrived in the U.S. June 28 with their parents Samuel Olusegun Ayeni and Mary Abiodun Ayeni, their older sister and their pastor after being offered free flights from a Nigerian airline. It was their only hope at separating their baby girls after failing to find a hospital nearby that could perform the operation. Miracle and Testimony were born at a hospital close to their parents home in Enugu, Nigeria, which is an eight-hour drive east from the coastal capitol city Lagos. After local doctors failed to combat the rare condition, the twins were flown to several specialist hospitals around the country before being admitted to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where they remained until June. Story continues Following months of research, the Ayeni parents were referred to Le Bonheur in Tennessee, where hospital surgeons said they would conduct the life-saving operation free of charge. The most common complication for women bearing twins include preterm labor and birth (born before 37 weeks,) anemia and miscarriage, according to a University of Rochester Medical Center report. This is the second time that a set of conjoined twins was separated at Le Bonheur hospital, according to its website. Twin boys who had been born joined at the back and pelvis were separated in 2011 after a 13-hour surgery featuring a 35-member team and four surgical specialties: general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery. Related Articles UFC Conor McGregor did what many thought was impossible over the weekend, taking the lightweight belt off Eddie Alvarez to become the first simultaneous two belt champion in UFC history. Whats crazy, though, is that it didnt even look hard for McGregor. He knocked Alvarez down three times in the first round before icing him in the second with a flurry that landed, shot after shot. He even took the time to play with Alvarez, holding both hands behind his back and holding his chin out. Theres more to that story though than just a spur of the moment taunt. It turns out McGregor spent a decent amount of time during his camp training in that very position. Related Links: This was out of action for the whole camp, he said after the event, holding up his right hand. Thats why I developed that putting the hand behind my back. I would be doing it in sparring, then Id jar it or hit it and it would be swelling up in the middle of the rounds I just figured out ways to fight around it. To be honest, I was icing it up until today but its actually alright now. Im brand new. Theres not a f**king scratch on me. Moments after McGregors victory on Saturday, his training partner Artem Lobov posted a pretty relevant photo to his Twitter account showing Conor training with both hands behind his back: Just another unique skill the Irish fighter holds. He may not want to try it all that often, though. For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Corey Feldman is engaged! The former child actor and mainstay of beloved 80s movies like The Goonies and Stand by Me proposed to his longtime girlfriend Courtney Anne on last weekend as they celebrated their 4th anniversary, Feldman reveals exclusively to PEOPLE. The pair were in Palm Springs at Two Bunch Palms Resort when Feldman popped the question with a middle school-style adorable note. The 45-year-old shares the exciting news with PEOPLE saying, I was of course a bit nervous, as any man will admit, you never truly know what a woman is thinking. So as much as I assumed she would be happy and say yes, theres always that insecure part of my brain that regresses immediately to my childhood and thought maybe not. So I kinda chickened out and did a written proposal by writing a note with two check boxes, one for yes and the other for no, he continued. Of course there was a ring in there with the note. Luckily she said yes! As for his 27-year-old fiancees reaction, She was very surprised, excited and started crying. She was surprised because we had both been so anti-marriage since we met. But seeing as shes Canadian and with Trump coming in, we didnt want to risk being separated by new immigration laws. The musician and actor went on to add, We both know that we make a good team, and dont want to be separated for any reason. So this is the best decision to protect our relationship. Feldman also revealed a few wedding details surrounding his upcoming nuptials. We are planning a small, secret wedding just for family, very soon, he says. We will likely have a big public wedding for friends and media to attend within a year. HEY @madison.pagedavis HERE IS UR INSTA PIC!! IF U WANT ANOTHER OR WOULD LIKE 2 PURCHASE 1 4 A FRIEND U BETTER HURRY, CAMPAIGN ENDS TOM AT MIDNIGHT! HERES THE LINK: http://igg.me/at/Elev8or2/x/13579994 #ELEV8OR2ASCENSION2 #ANGELIC2THECORE #GO4IT #INSTA Story continues A photo posted by Corey Feldman (@cdogg22) on May 24, 2016 at 8:41pm PDT Feldman, who is a proud father to his son Zen, 12, with ex-wife Susie Sprague, admits that adding more kids into his family is a distant thought. RELATED VIDEO: Corey Feldman Insists Hes Not Back on Drugs and Has to Stay Strong for His Son I have always said I wanna make sure I get it right the first time, and Zen comes out perfectly, well balanced, before I even think about taking on any more responsibility, the 80s teen heartthrob says. Courtney is young and she has a career in modeling and music, she would rather keep her body in good shape for now, Feldman adds. Shes getting good practice with Zen. If we ever were to choose that option it would be much further down the road. Paul McCartney style. Sonam Gupta's jilted lover isn't the first one, the habit of scribbling things on currency notes has been around for a long time. Question is whether it is illegal to do so in India, and whether it's a punishable offence. By Shreya Biswas: Sonam Gupta is famous, thanks to her jilted lover. While most people are concerned about whether the girl was indeed a 'bewafa' or not, a smaller crowd is mulling over something else: is it even legal to scribble on banknotes? Is it fair that the jilted lover might get away with defacing a 10-rupee note? Also read: Sonam Gupta bewafa hai: Is it true? Here's her story advertisement Here's what you got to know first: this guy isn't the first one, and he probably won't be the last. The tradition of scribbling on currency notes, especially lovers' names, has been around for quite some time. In fact, even Emraan Hashmi promoted this in his movie 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha: A Love Story' where he proclaims his love for Dia Mirza on a banknote. This is yet another proof that you shouldn't take lessons from movies, because writing things on currency notes is not at all a cool thing to do, no matter much in love you are or how betrayed you feel. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH SCRIBBLED NOTES? Last year in December, a message started circling the social media which said the RBI will no longer let any bank accept currency note that comes with writings on them. The claim was that the government is losing some Rs 2,638 crore each year because of scribbled notes. But the message was false. As it turned out, it was, like most declarations on social media, a false alert. The RBI soon confirmed this on its website that no such step has been taken by the government. Though scribbling on notes is discouraged, the RBI said scribbled notes in the market are still legal for transaction. Source: RBI website SO, IS IT STILL A PUNISHABLE OFFENCE TO WRITE ON BANKNOTES? No. If writing on currency notes had been unlawful, we wouldn't have had Sonam Gupta's jilted lover on the loose. There is no such law that calls it a punishable offence, though it is strongly discouraged. Since the Clean Note Policy was issued in 1999, the RBI has taken several steps to keep an eye out for the of currency notes in the market. The Clean Note Policy urged the public to not write on the banknotes and instructed banks exchange soiled and mutilated notes without any restriction. The RBI also ordered the banks to give out to public only good quality banknotes and coins. From November 2001, banks were instructed to "do away with stapling of note packets and to introduce banding the packets with paper/polythene bands so that the life of the currency notes is increased." advertisement WHAT IS THE RBI DOING TO PUT A CHECK ON IT? The RBI has put into action many campaigns to raise awareness to discourage writing on currency notes, especially on its watermark window as it bears a security feature which helps differentiate a banknote from a fake one. Nonetheless, banks are note allowed to turn away scribbled banknotes. There are reports from 2013 which say that banks are instructed to refuse such notes "if anyone writes anything on the currency note in front of a banker." SO, IS IT OKAY TO WRITE ON NOTES? Absolutely not. Not to sound patronising here, but defacing a currency note is as smart as dumping edible food. You not valuing it at a personal level cannot be a reason for it to be misuses. Art papers and colouring books are not that expensive; fetch them if you like scribbling so much. Social media is at your disposal, use that if you want to send some message out to the world. Spare the banknotes. Peace. --- ENDS --- VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Cruz Capital Corp (CUZ.V) (OTC Pink: BKTPF) (BRO2.F) Shares of Cruz are now trading on a post-split basis. Common shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 18, 2016, will be mailed additional certificates. The new certificates will be mailed on or about on Nov. 23, 2016. The push-out method will be used to affect the split. The Cusip No.: 22888P105 remains unchanged. James Nelson, President of the Company states, "We are looking forward to the added liquidity this split should provide. Cruz is focused on the Cobalt sector, which management feels will be a strong mover in 2017 as the battery demand from Electric Vehicles continues and of which cobalt is a significant component. Cruz has established itself as the one of the earliest movers in this space and was able to acquire 8 separate high quality cobalt prospects. We are fully funded for the first phase of operations and look forward to very active 2017." Cruz is actively engaged in acquiring and developing Cobalt assets globally. Cruz has acquired numerous high grade cobalt assets located in North America. Seven cobalt projects are in Canada and one in Idaho. The goal of the company is to make Cruz the foremost cobalt project generator and developer on the TSX Venture Exchange. Management feels that cobalt is at the early stages of a significant bull market and we are pleased to be positioning Cruz at the forefront of this cycle. If you would like to be added to Cruz's email list please send an email to info@cruzcapitalcorp.com or twitter @CruzCapitalCorp James Nelson President 604.899.9150 www.cruzcapitalcorp.com twitter @CruzCapitalCorp This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of Cruz. Story continues 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 SOURCE: Cruz Capital Corp (Adds statement from Standing Rock Sioux, details from protests) By Liz Hampton HOUSTON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Demonstrators fanned out across North America on Tuesday to demand the U.S. government halt or reroute the Dakota Access pipeline as the companies behind the controversial project asked a federal court for permission to complete it. In what organizers said were the largest demonstrations to date against the pipeline, thousands of people rallied outside Army Corps of Engineers offices, banks and energy companies, a day after the Obama administration delayed granting a permit needed to finish the project. The $3.7 billion Dakota Access project has drawn opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe as well as environmental activists who say it could pollute water supplies and destroy sacred historic tribal sites. Police used mace and arrested several protesters in Cannon Ball, North Dakota on Tuesday near the path of the pipeline, according to demonstrator Fumi Tosu. "Their job is to protect us, but instead they're protecting corporate interests and profits and money," said Tosu, 38, of San Jose, California. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, founder and president of Waterkeeper Alliance, said the project was an "environmental crime." "There's real victims," Kennedy told reporters at the Cannon Ball protest. Morton County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that there were 25 arrests at the Cannon Ball protest and demonstrators tried to block a railroad with a pickup truck. Energy Transfer Partners, the main company behind the pipeline, is seeking an easement to tunnel under Lake Oahe, the North Dakota water source at the heart of the protests. On Monday the Army Corps delayed that approval, which was seen as a partial victory for protesters. Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Sunoco Logistics Partners, filed papers in U.S. district court in Washington, D.C., seeking to "end the Administration's political interference in the Dakota Access Pipeline review process." Story continues Energy Transfer asked the court to declare that the project had the legal right to proceed and needed no further government approvals. "To propose, as the Corps now does, to further delay this pipeline and to engage in what can only be described as a sham process sends a frightening message about the rule of law," said Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfer's chief executive officer. Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II said the companies were wrong and their legal action would not succeed. "Dakota Access is so desperate to get this project in the ground that it is now suing the federal government on the novel theory that it doesn't need an easement to cross federal lands," he said in a statement. The Army Corps said it plans to get more input from the Standing Rock Sioux in light of the tribe repeatedly being "dispossessed" from its lands in the past. Energy Transfer has said 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline, which is nearly finished, would be a more efficient and safer means to transport oil from the Bakken shale of North Dakota. The only work left in North Dakota is the segment to run under Lake Oahe. Analysts said they still expected the pipeline to be completed. "What is less clear is the startup date, and the exact routes," said Afolabi Ogunnaike, senior analyst at Wood MacKenzie, a commodities consultancy. The protests came as Dakota Access was expected to win the support of President-elect Donald Trump, who has given strong backing for energy infrastructure projects. Warren donated more than $100,000 to the Trump presidential campaign. Between 650 and 700 people gathered in Chicago at the Army Corps offices. Over 250 people were at a Houston protest outside ETP's offices and police handcuffed two demonstrators and put them in a police car, according to a Reuters witness. A Houston police spokesperson was not immediately able to confirm whether demonstrators were arrested. Chanting "water is life" as a jazz band played, protester Bridget Lois Jensen, a 53-year-old Houston resident, said Americans needed to wean themselves off fossil fuels. She was not hopeful the pipeline could be stopped. "Maybe the Army Corps will look at this, but this city and much of our economy are built on oil and gas," she said. At Cannon Ball, Cindy Montanez, said she was disappointed the Army Corps delayed its ruling on the final permit. "It continues to push the decision into the hands of the next president, who has very clear interests in and support from the oil industry," said Montanez, who travelled from Los Angeles with her mother Margarita to join the protest. (Additional reporting from Stephanie Keith and Andrew Cullen in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, Timothy McLaughlin in Chicago, and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; editing by Andrew Hay and Jeffrey Benkoe) (Adds police comment on Cannon Ball protest in paragraph 4) By Liz Hampton HOUSTON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Demonstrators fanned out across North America on Tuesday to demand the U.S. government halt or reroute the Dakota Access pipeline as the companies behind the controversial project asked a federal court for permission to complete it. In what organizers said were the largest demonstrations to date against the pipeline, thousands of people rallied outside Army Corps of Engineers offices, banks and energy companies, a day after the Obama administration delayed granting a permit needed to finish the project. There were arrests in North Dakota, where the most heated protests took place. The $3.7 billion Dakota Access project has drawn opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe as well as environmental activists who say it could pollute water supplies and destroy sacred historic tribal sites. Morton County Sheriff's Department reported 26 arrests in Cannon Ball, North Dakota near the path of the pipeline, and said demonstrators attempted to block a railroad with a pickup truck then tried to set the vehicle on fire. "Their job is to protect us, but instead they're protecting corporate interests and profits and money," said Cannon Ball protester Fumi Tosu, 38, of San Jose, California, adding that police used mace on demonstrators. Robert F. Kennedy Jr, founder and president of Waterkeeper Alliance, said the Dakota Access pipeline was an "environmental crime." "There's real victims," Kennedy told reporters at the Cannon Ball protest. Energy Transfer Partners, the main company behind the pipeline, is seeking an easement to tunnel under Lake Oahe, the North Dakota water source at the heart of the protests. On Monday the Army Corps delayed that approval, which was seen as a partial victory for protesters. Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Sunoco Logistics Partners, filed papers in U.S. district court in Washington, D.C., seeking to "end the Administration's political interference in the Dakota Access Pipeline review process." Story continues Energy Transfer asked the court to declare that the project had the legal right to proceed and needed no further government approvals. "To propose, as the Corps now does, to further delay this pipeline and to engage in what can only be described as a sham process sends a frightening message about the rule of law," said Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfer's chief executive officer. TRUMP ON THE HORIZON Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II said the companies were wrong and their legal action would not succeed. "Dakota Access is so desperate to get this project in the ground that it is now suing the federal government on the novel theory that it doesn't need an easement to cross federal lands," he said in a statement. The Army Corps said it plans to get more input from the Standing Rock Sioux in light of the tribe repeatedly being "dispossessed" from its lands in the past. Energy Transfer has said the 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline, which is nearly finished, would be a more efficient and safer means to transport oil from the Bakken shale of North Dakota. The only work left in North Dakota is the segment to run under Lake Oahe. Analysts said they still expected the pipeline to be completed. "What is less clear is the startup date, and the exact routes," said Afolabi Ogunnaike, senior analyst at Wood MacKenzie, a commodities consultancy. The protests came as Dakota Access was expected to win the support of President-elect Donald Trump, who has given strong backing for energy infrastructure projects. Warren donated more than $100,000 to the Trump presidential campaign. Between 650 and 700 people gathered in Chicago at the Army Corps offices. Over 250 people were at a Houston protest outside ETP's offices where police handcuffed two demonstrators and put them in a police car, according to a Reuters witness. A Houston police spokesperson was not immediately able to confirm whether demonstrators were arrested. Chanting "water is life" as a jazz band played, protester Bridget Lois Jensen, a 53-year-old Houston resident, said Americans needed to wean themselves off fossil fuels. She was not hopeful the pipeline could be stopped. "Maybe the Army Corps will look at this, but this city and much of our economy are built on oil and gas," she said. At Cannon Ball, Cindy Montanez, said she was disappointed the Army Corps delayed its ruling on the final permit. "It continues to push the decision into the hands of the next president, who has very clear interests in and support from the oil industry," said Montanez, who travelled from Los Angeles with her mother Margarita to join the protest. (Additional reporting from Stephanie Keith and Andrew Cullen in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, Timothy McLaughlin in Chicago, and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; editing by Andrew Hay and Jeffrey Benkoe) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f28138%2fscreen_shot_2016-11-16_at_4.27.08_pm Nigel Williamson of Nigel's Animal Rescue in Victoria, Australia is the saviour of injured and trapped wildlife, offering a helping hand wherever he's needed. One such rescue he uploaded to Facebook Wednesday is so lovely it might make you cry. After several unanswered calls to "wildlife people" for help, he posted, Williamson was called in to free a trapped magpie. As Williamson approaches the bird, which appears to be jammed in the guttering of a house, he reflects with an inimitable Australian twang, "That's not a good place for you to be matey, no it's not." In another video, Williamson rescues a score of baby ducks from a drainage system. And all because he is the greatest human to ever roam this big blue spec suspended in space. Come all ye weary Hufflepuffs, Eddie Redmayne has inspiring words for you Quik-E-Mart owner casually fights off thief with baseball bat I'm gonna push through: Teacher's chant is inspiring tomorrow's leaders Brush up on your 'Harry Potter' trivia before 'Fantastic Beasts' A team of environmental activists crossed the Dead Sea on Tuesday, swimming from the Jordanian to the Israeli shore, to highlight the ecological threats facing the salt lake. The 28 swimmers braved water that is around 10 times saltier than sea water and can be fatal if drunk. The swimmers, who wore snorkels and face masks, completed the 9 mile-swim in around seven hours. EcoPeace Middle East organized the event to draw attention to the impact of Israeli and Jordanian agriculture and industry on the Dead Sea, where water levels have fallen by around 80 feet in the last 30 years, according to Reuters. This drone video captures an aerial view of the historic swim. Credit: YouTube/Stuart Thompson via Storyful By Ellen Francis BEIRUT (Reuters) - Air strikes pounded neighborhoods around a children's hospital and a blood bank in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in a second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 32 people, a war monitor, medics and emergency workers said. The air raids formed part of a wider military escalation by the Syrian government and allies including Russia, which fired coordinated volleys of missiles at rebels on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the air strikes on eastern Aleppo on Wednesday alone killed at least 21 people, including five children and an emergency worker. They were carried out by either Russian or Syrian warplanes, it said. The Observatory said districts struck included al-Shaar, al-Sukkari, al-Sakhour and Karam al-Beik. Air raids also continued in the countryside west of Aleppo from which rebels have launched assaults on government-held areas. An attack on the village of Batbo killed at least 19 people including three children, the Observatory said. Moscow has denied reports that its jets have hit Aleppo in the renewed wave of bombardment, and said it was sticking to a moratorium on air strikes in the city. Tuesday's bombing run on eastern Aleppo appeared to mark the end of a pause inside the city declared by Russia on Oct. 18 which Syria's military had also largely observed. The Observatory and residents said the city's east was hit by rocket fired from jets, barrel bombs dropped from helicopters and artillery from government forces. "The helicopters won't stop for a single moment," Bebars Mishal, a civil defense worker in rebel-held Aleppo, told Reuters. "Right now, the bombing won't let up." The Civil Defence is a volunteer rescue service that operates in rebel-controlled areas of Syria, including Aleppo, the country's largest city and commercial hub before the war. NEIGHBORHOODS BOMBED Wednesday's bombing struck next to a children's hospital and blood bank in the Shaar district, and near a school in the Salah al-Din district, residents and the Observatory said. Two ambulances were also destroyed, said an advocacy officer at the Syrian American Medical Society aid group, citing reports from colleagues in Aleppo. "We woke up to the bombing and until now, the warplanes and helicopters are running," said Modar Shekho, a nurse in eastern Aleppo. "The Shaar neighborhood was burned down between yesterday and today." A video posted by Shekho on a social networking site, which he said was taken on Wednesday, showed a building with large holes and burn marks next to a large heap of rubble and twisted metal which he said was all that remained of another structure. Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official, said there were more than 40 air strikes on the Shaar area. "Today the bombardment is very, very fierce," he said. On Monday and early Tuesday, there were air strikes on hospitals in three rebel-held towns to the west of Aleppo, knocking them all out of service. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals. The World Health Organization said there had been heavy attacks on five hospitals in Aleppo and Idlib provinces since Sunday, severely reducing access to health services for people in northern Syria. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the Damascus government's air force took part in strikes against what it called terrorist strongholds in Aleppo's Old City. Russia said it had struck Islamic State and former Nusra Front militant sites elsewhere in Syria, without mentioning Aleppo. On Tuesday evening, state-owned Ikhabariyah television reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in the Aleppo theater in preparation for a major ground offensive that it said was imminent and awaiting "zero hour" to begin. Aleppo has become the pivotal front in Syria's 5-1/2-year war pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Muslim militias, against mostly Sunni Muslim rebels including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies. Aleppo has for years been divided between the government-held western sector and rebel-held east, which the Syrian army and its allies besieged during the summer. Its allied forces include Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi'ite militias. (Reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut and Jack Stubbs in Moscow; editing by Mark Heinrich) ash Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Monday pushed back against President-elect Donald Trump's repeated assertion that the offensive against Mosul is a "total disaster" because US and Iraqi forces didn't keep the operation a total secret beforehand. "It's actually important that the enemy know that and that ISIL [knows] that we intend and will destroy them," Carter said at a forum hosted by The Atlantic Magazine and the venture capital firm 1776, according to the Washington Examiner. "There are secret tactics involved there, but the fact that we're going to Mosul and Raqqa is clear because they're the two biggest cities." Throughout the campaign, Trump has cited Gens. Patton and MacArthur while calling for the "element of surprise" to be used in battlefield operations. "Why can't they win first and talk later?" he told ABC News. "Why do they have to say three months before the attack, we're going in?" But as Carter and many military strategists have pointed out, it's quite obvious to ISIS that their two biggest cities of Mosul and Raqqa will need to be defended against Iraqi, Syrian, or US forces at some point. The defense secretary's comments also bring to mind the importance of "information operations," where forces attempt to psychologically torment an enemy before an attack. The US military uses tactics like blasting Arabic messages over loudspeakers urging ISIS fighters to surrender, or drops leaflets saying much the same thing. This is the kind of thing every military does before large battles, since it often works pretty well to get at least some enemy fighters to surrender and those fighters turn over intelligence. "The information campaign was very effective and as important to this operation as the actual combat offensive to liberate the city," retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Sattler and Col. Daniel H. Wilson wrote in a historical analysis of the campaign to retake the Iraqi city of Fallujah in 2004. "We stole the strategic communications initiative from the enemy and never gave it back." Story continues Iraqi soldiers celebrate as they pose with the Islamic State flag along a street of the town of al-Shura, which was recaptured from Islamic State (IS) on Saturday, south of Mosul, Iraq October 30, 2016. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra It's even instructive to look back on how ISIS took Mosul in the first place. It wasn't a sneak attack at all. While logistical and political concerns contributed to the defeat of Iraqi security forces, the terrorist group was incredibly effective in using social media to "strike fear into the hearts of their enemies." President-elect Trump again refused to give any plan for defeating the terrorist group in an interview with "60 Minutes" on Sunday, insisting that he needed to keep the element of surprise. For months, he has repeatedly refused to provide even general themes on how he would defeat ISIS, using the need for surprise as cover to avoid the fact he doesn't really have a plan, according to numerous national security experts. "Theres a lot of policy yet to be written in the Trump administration," Dr. Peter Mansoor, a retired Army colonel who served as the right-hand-man to Gen. David Petraeus, told Business Insider. "I have no idea how the fight against ISIS is going to play out. He hasnt indicated that he has a plan. I doubt that he does." NOW WATCH: A Navy SEAL told us why we should 'do something that sucks' every day More From Business Insider The Democratic Party is slowly getting back on its feet after days of shell shock following the 2016 presidential election. As the party determines how to win back voters who flocked to the GOP's message of immediate change in Washington, its transitions in leadership may not yield the political shakeup some were hoping for. Officials announced Wednesday New York Sen. Chuck Schumer would replace Harry Reid, who chose to retire instead of seeking re-election, as the senate minority leader. A lifelong politician, Schumer has served in the Senate for 18 years, and is seen by the partys tenured officials as the appropriate Democratic leader to negotiate with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Schumer has promised to deliver a new economic message to working-class Americans, similar to what resonated with former Democratic primary candidate Bernie Sanders base during the presidential campaign. Democrats also moved this week to delay the House Democratic Caucus election, effectively postponing a potential re-election of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. What this means for Pelosi, one of the last-standing female figures in a leadership position for the party, remains unclear. Most Democratic officials dont foresee major changes to the partys leadership. However, the move is being seen as a much-needed intervention for Democrats to come together and map out a future for the party. House Democrats spurred by the partys upset in the national election have debated whether Pelosi can connect with minorities and Americas white working class population. Some officials have suggested the party needs new leadership to better resonate with Middle America, instead of re-electing the California Democrat and career politician. Pelosi initially called for the partys election to be delayed until after the Thanksgiving holiday and, after a contentious, 90-minute closed-door meeting, officials agreed to put the process on hold. Story continues "I think its healthy," Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told Politico of the session. "I think were going to talk. I think thats appropriate. I dont think its going to make any substantial difference on the [leadership] elections but I think that it is absolutely important for members to feel theyve got an opportunity to express their opinions." RTS9HBI Photo: Reuters In contrast, the GOPs House leadership election process went off without a hitch, with House Speaker Paul Ryan being re-elected to his leadership post in a unanimous vote. Beyond Congress, Democrats are looking to stand out to voters in future elections, including the 2020 presidential contest. Democrats want someone able to appeal to the core message of change and immediate reform in D.C. that the GOP harnessed in 2016. Sanders, who took on Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and was once believed to have a potential landslide victory over Trump, has already said he won't take another run for the White House off the table just yet. "Four years is a long time from now," Sanders told the Associated Press. We'll take one thing at a time, but I'm not ruling out anything It is an embarrassment, I think, to the entire of Democratic Party that millions of white working-class people decided to vote for Mr. Trump, which suggests that the Democratic message of standing up for working people no longer holds much sway among workers in this country." RTSJMIW Photo: Reuters And then theres Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts firebrand once seen as a top-pick for joining Clinton on the Democratic ticket. Her appeal to middle-class Americans and liberals and effervescent campaign stumps for has been lauded as the enthusiasm and determination the Democratic party needs moving forward. Both Sanders and Warren were seen as instrumental figures in igniting the Democratic Partys base for Clinton during the campaign. Warren took on Trump during several high-profile speeches, where she baited the GOP nominee for attacking minorities and the working class. Sanders was announced the Democratic Party's chairman of Democratic outreach Thursday, while Warren seems to be positioning herself to continue her fight against Trump's policies. "We will stand up to bigotry. No compromises ever on this one. We will fight back against attacks on Latinos, on African Americans, on women's, on Muslims, on immigrants, on disabled Americans, on anyone," Warren said after the GOPs Election Day victory. "Whether Donald Trump sits in a glass tower or sits in the White House, we will not give an inch on this, not now, not ever." Related Articles From ELLE When Ava DuVernay's new television series Queen Sugar premiered on the OWN network, I wrote that I want to live in Ava's world, where my beloved South is rendered in its complex beauty, black people are granted full humanity, and every single person is capable of clear-sighted intersectional analysis. This past week I clicked my heels and wished again to be transported to the land of Ava DuVernay's Bordelon family. You're probably thinking it's because in Ava's world Donald Trump would never have been elected president. You're wrong. I yearn for Ava's world because there we would have known Mr. Trump was likely to be elected and would have braced for impact months earlier. I have no doubt Donald Trump would be elected president in the post-Katrina, Southern Louisiana of the Bordelon family, just as I had little doubt he would be elected to the U.S. presidency. DuVernay is uninterested in utopia. Her series, like Trump's election, is rooted in our history. Queen Sugar engages with multiple layers of historic and contemporary oppression without descending into self-righteousness polemic. It accomplishes this remarkable feat with a single intellectual and artistic commitment-the same commitment that makes me want to live there so badly, even though it is a world infected with all the problems of the real world, the same commitment that would have allowed us to predict the outcome of the 2016 election. It puts black women firmly at the center. Always. Always. Always. Photo credit: Photo by Skip Bolen 2016 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc / Courtesy of OWN. If the American media had bothered to follow DuVernay's lead and put the history, expertise, and experience of African American women firmly at the center of their political analysis, they too would have accurately predicted the outcome of the 2016 election. Instead, the utterly ordinary and exhausting devaluation of black women's knowledge and experience was the centerpiece of the election and mostly continues to dominate our post-election analysis. Story continues I believe the Democrats lost on October 21, 2015. That's the day Vice President Biden decided not to seek the presidency. I have no idea if the vice president could have won against Donald Trump. I don't even know if he could have won the nomination against Hillary Clinton. But I am certain that by choosing not to compete, the vice president ensured no Democrat would offer a meaningful challenge to Hillary Clinton. He effectively decided the only competition would come from outside the party, in the person of Bernie Sanders, sending a message to leadership and voters that 2016 was Hillary Clinton's turn. There are no turns in a democracy, and by allowing Hillary Clinton to step into the nomination without an internal challenge from within the party, Democrats lost the opportunities inherent in a robust primary season that could have showcased a diverse generation of up and coming Democratic talent. They also lost the chance-first seized upon by Jesse Jackson in 1984-to use a competitive primary to increase black voter registration and turnout. There are no turns in a democracy. The DNC should have been knocking on the doors of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Former State Senator Nina Turner, immediately after the massive losses the party suffered 2014. While Republicans had robust arguments in Spanish during their debates; the Democratic Party hosted a contest between two white people in their seventies. Donald Trump won more primary votes than any Republican in history. His victory is not surprising. Only his defeat would have been. Photo credit: Bill Clark And yet, during the past week I have read many white women express genuine shock that a majority of white women chose to vote for Trump. This is ridiculous. In 2004, George W. Bush won a majority of white women's votes (55 percent). In 2008, John McCain won a majority of white women's votes (53 percent). In the last presidential election, Mitt Romney, secured 56 percent of white women's votes. When Democratic candidates have enjoyed an advantage among female voters, it has been the result of overwhelming support from women of color, especially black women voters. In 2012, black women voted at a higher rate than any other group and gave more than 96 percent of our votes to President Obama. This should not be understood as an uncritical endorsement of his entire policy agenda, but in part, as black women acknowledging the power of representational democracy. In a world of imperfect policy choices, this President offered opportunities for crucial representations of blackness on the global stage-and that has value. The Clinton campaign saw the data. Black women were the key to victory. Yes, policy mattered, but black women had to be able to look through the shattered glass ceiling and see a Hillary that matters to them. She had to mean something. Perhaps if this had been taken seriously, the Clinton campaign would have chosen a woman of color as the vice presidential candidate instead of an uninspiring white man. What have you been telling your children? What did you tell them after 12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed in Cleveland? Only a refusal to take black women seriously could have lead to the ignoring of black women as we were ignored in this cycle. Hillary needed little black girls in box braids and Afro puffs to light up when she walked in the room. She needed their moms to brave November winds, to overcome voter ID laws, to push past apathy, to get excited and be "with her." She needed them to believe she represents the futures of their own black daughters and sons. And there was no particular reason for black women to believe this. In recent days, there have been a number of pieces that have asked how parents should speak with their children about the election. The question infuriates me. What have you been telling your children? What did you tell them after 12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed in Cleveland? What did you say after Dylann Roof murdered nine people in Charleston? What was the conversation after the police officer sat on the back of a black teen dressed in nothing but a bikini, while pulling a gun on her friends? Is Tuesday the first time you seriously considered the reality of your child growing up next to people whose open bigotry may cause harm and psychological damage? This is an ordinary daily reality of black parenting in America. What do you think we have told our children about the fact that more than half of white Americans agreed with the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of unarmed Trayvon Martin? What do you think our mothers told us when Mamie Bradley was told no one would be held responsible for the murder of her son Emmett Till? Black mothers know that no appeal to common womanhood mattered to Emmett Till's accuser, Carolyn Bryant, when she sent her 240-pound husband to murder a 14-year-old boy on her behalf. These, of course, are rhetorical questions. The wisdom of black women is rarely seen beyond pancake boxes and white-girl coming-of-age novels. It is not taken seriously as political information that might guide our understanding of election outcomes. We looked instead to pundits and pollsters who asked all the wrong questions and came to all the wrong conclusions while earning historically high television ratings for their laughably inaccurate coverage of a circus of a presidential campaign. And despite it all, somehow Democrats have convinced themselves that white voters will save them yet. Monday's New York Times reports that Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have just the populist message to bring white working class voters back to the Democrats. Never mind the empirical reality that Trump primary supporters were more affluent than Clinton primary supporters, they simply were living in more racially isolated spaces. And when the New York Times asserts "the near-extinction in much of the South" of the Democratic Party, it is utterly ridiculous. We aren't extinct. We are just Black women. Black women are actually the solution for the Democratic Party. Investing in our leadership, our voting, our issues, our concerns, and our enthusiasm would pay dividends for decades. I don't expect the partisan or media echo chambers where we really are extinct to notice. That is why I just keep looking for a way to escape into Ava's world, to locate the secret door in the back of the wardrobe and find my way to her land where black women are at the center. Tune in to Queen Sugar next week and to ELLE's Facebook Live between Melissa Harris-Perry and Tracy Clayton later today to continue this conversation. You Might Also Like Since he was announced the victor of the 2016 election, Donald Trump has said he would immediately deport 3 million undocumented immigrants as president. But for many Democrats, that kind of mass deportation would be inhumane and harmful to communities across the nation. School board officials and Democratic mayors from major U.S. cities have vowed in recent days to fight any federal plans to deport undocumented immigrants, despite Trumps vow to withhold millions of dollars in taxpayer money if they do not cooperate. New York Citys Bill de Blasio, Chicagos Rahm Emanuel and Seattles Ed Murray are among several Democratic leaders of so-called sanctuary cities attempting to ease the qualms of millions of immigrants left in the dark about their futures under a Trump presidency, NBC News reported Wednesday. "Since the presidential election, there has been a sense of uncertainty among many immigrant communities in Chicago and across the nation," Emanuel said at a news conference Monday, according to CNN. "I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a sanctuary city." Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said he would not change the LAPDs decade-long stance to not uphold federal immigration laws, the Los Angeles Times reported. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti agreed with the policy, explaining that crime victims and witnesses might be deterred from talking to law enforcement authorities if they have fears they might be deported. The Los Angeles Board of Education also voted Tuesday to maintain two current polices aimed at keeping local public schools a safe zones for immigrants and their children. One policy barred Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials from entering school campuses without the prior consent of the superintendent and the districts lawyers. The other policy protected the immigration information and identities of students, family members and school staff. Board members wrote a joint letter to Trump, affirming the American ideals that are celebrated in Los Angeles. Story continues Mayor Jorge Elosa of Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Guatemalan immigrants, also said he wouldn't halt the citys policy of refusing to hold people charged with civil infractions for federal immigration officials. There is no legal definition for the term sanctuary city. But it is generally regarded as a place where local police don't coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials working to deport undocumented workers, according to the Washington Post. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City had been viewed historically as a safe havens for immigrates. They all have implemented extensive programs on providing resources to immigrants, such as issuing local ID cards allowing them access to government or other municipal services. Philadelphia Mayor Kim Kenny restored sanctuary status when he took office in January and said last week the city would act against federal attempts to deport its residents. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement Monday Washington would remain a "sanctuary city" and would do what it could to protect immigrants once Trump takes office, according to local reports. During a campaign speech in Phoenix in September, Trump promised his supporters that he would end the sanctuary cities by blocking federal funds to whichever city chose not to cooperate with his deportation plans. Related Articles Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f287683%2fap_791523675802 Colorado was the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana (though Washington voted it in the same year), and now its capital city is pushing the bar once again. Basically, cannabis consumers will no longer have to hide in their own home when they want to get high. The people of Denver passed ballot initiative 300, which would let businesses apply for permits that would allow the consumption of marijuana within their premises. According to the Denver Post the initiative will create a four-year pilot program whereby certain business could apply. However, applicants will need backing from a registered neighborhood group, such as a business improvement district. Those groups will be able to set up their own conditions for their support, such as limiting hours and other restrictions. SEE ALSO: Which type of weed is right for you? Now, before you start to image a dive bar filled with ash trays and plumes of skunky pot smoke filling the air, the initiative will only allow people to vape and consume edibles indoors, while smoking will only be allowed outdoors under certain conditions. Vaping and dabbing concentrates as well as pot edibles have become increasingly popular since legalization, so banning smoking indoors isn't a total buzzkill to stoners looking to smoke in a social setting. Image: APAP Photo/Ed Andrieski But don't just think of this new initiative as a cannabis club, it will also give places like yoga studios the ability to hold a cannabis class, or let a comedy club have a cannabis night. So why do cannabis enthusiasts want this? Although weed is legal in the state of Colorado, actually consuming it can be quite the challenge for some, especially tourists. Visitors looking to test out some of the local green are basically forced to stay in a pro-marijuana hotel or Airbnb because public consumption is illegal. Additionally, some condo associations and landlord-controlled buildings have banned the smoking the sticky icky inside their buildings. If you don't own your property, you're not allowed to even smoke outside your residence. Story continues "This is a groundbreaking law that reflects the shift taking place in the public attitudes toward marijuana," Mason Tvert, Director of Communications for the Marijuana Policy Project, told Mashable. "By allowing adults to use marijuana in certain private establishments, we can reduce the chances that they are going to use it in public, like on the street or in the park. This is a community-focused measure that ensures neighborhoods will have the final say over what is and is not allowed," Tvert said. Why is the opposition against it? Protect Denvers Atmosphere, one of the groups opposing the initiative conceded Tuesday, but not without a message from campaign manager Rachel OBryan, urging officials to to tread carefully. Back in 2012, marijuana legalization passed with a strong majority in Denver. Four years later, Initiative 300 has passed by a much slimmer margin, she said in a statement. It appears that many Denver voters who originally supported marijuana legalization do not want to see marijuana consumption everywhere in Denver." According to the group's website, they believe the initiative will expand public consumption, endanger the health of the public and sends the wrong message to children. Additionally, the group warns of the dangers of allowing people to mix marijuana and alcohol, which is pretty fair considering that marijuana-related hospital visits for Colorado tourists are up since legalization. So when is this all going down? "City officials will need to create some rules and I think they'll do that quickly. It's really something the city has a lot of experience with with alcohol," Tvert told Mashable. Tvert is hopeful that the city will start to roll out permits in the beginning of next year, but no there is no official date yet. While it's unclear how smoothly this will all go down, the city of Denver and Colorado has handled marijuana issues on a trial basis and they'll continue to do that for Initiative 300. See what works, change what doesn't. "We believe this will allow communities and businesses to test the waters to see what works, then move forward with the best plans possible. We are hopeful this will produce a system that can serve as a model for other cities and towns in Colorado and throughout the nation," Tvert told Mashable. Aleppo (Syria) (AFP) - In two districts of the besieged eastern side of Syria's battleground city of Aleppo, local volunteers distributed meagre bags containing the last food aid left in their depots. "Our depots are empty, we have nothing else to distribute," said Ammar Qadah, director of Al-Sham Humanitarian Foundation, a Syrian charity in the rebel-held side of the battered city. No aid has entered eastern Aleppo since mid-July when government forces surrounded the rebel-held east, sealing off more than 250,000 residents from the outside world. "Today we finished distributing food aid to the roughly 2,000 families that we support," said Qadah, speaking Tuesday at a warehouse in the Maadi neighbourhood. "This month, we've only been able to distribute rations a quarter of the usual size because of the dwindling supplies," he told AFP. Outside the warehouse, volunteers oversaw a truck full of boxes of food. Ordinarily, each family would receive two large boxes with enough aid to last for a month. But this time, each received only a single bag, containing two bottles of oil, two kilos (4.5 pounds) of rice, two kilos of lentils, two kilos of sugar and a box of mortadella. A family of five will struggle to stretch those supplies longer than a week. - Final aid distributions - In the Marjeh neighbourhood, residents at a distribution point waited their turn for a bag, as children sat on the pavement nearby. Last week, the United Nations said the last of the food aid it had delivered to east Aleppo before the siege began was being distributed. "The last food rations are being distributed as we speak," the head of a UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, Jan Egeland, told journalists on November 10. He urged all sides to the conflict to grant humanitarian access to the besieged eastern neighbourhoods. "I don't think anybody wants a quarter of a million people to be starving in east Aleppo." Story continues A World Food Programme spokeswoman, Bettina Luescher, told AFP that the UN agency's partners had delivered the last of their aid over the weekend. "The last distributions of WFP food through our partners took place on Sunday, 13 November," she said. An AFP journalist in Aleppo said most NGOs distributing food aid were reliant on WFP rations that had now run out. But others, like Al-Sham, have purchased food to distribute from the declining stocks available in local markets, where prices have spiralled as the siege goes on. - 'Catastrophic consequences' - Even as the last food aid was being distributed, Syria's government and its ally Russia on Tuesday renewed their bombardment of rebel strongholds across the country, with heavy government fire on east Aleppo. Moscow said it had paused its air strikes in Syria in October, as it organised a series of brief "humanitarian pauses" in east Aleppo intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave. But few did, and the UN said it was unable to obtain sufficient security guarantees to allow the evacuation of wounded civilians or delivery of fresh aid. Moscow last week rejected a UN call for longer ceasefires, despite Egeland's warning that "the consequences of no help and no supplies will be so catastrophic I cannot even see that scenario". In Maadi district, a small crowd gathered Tuesday behind a truck half-full of boxes and cartons of aid. "They told us that this is the last distribution because there is no more aid," said Abu Ahmed, 32, his face tired as he waited for food. The Maadi resident confirmed that this month he was receiving just a quarter of the aid he would normally get to feed his wife and three children. "These rations won't last more than a week. We have nothing to rely on but them and God," he said. doctor patient You ok? How does your back feel? How's your energy? How's your mood? There are plenty of people out there with chronic pain and low energy and who walk around feeling terrible all the time. But it never occurs to them that they might be depressed. And our healthcare system doesn't do a good job of connecting them with the screening or treatment that could help them feel better. At any given moment, about 8% of adults in the US have symptoms of depression. That's far more common than cancer, heart disease, or other major illnesses. And it can lop years off of people's lives. But only about a quarter of those people ever get mental health treatment. So where do the missing three quarters of depressed people end up? "Typically where they are is primary care," Joseph Gallo, who researches depression in the elderly at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Business Insider. Depressed people turn up in waiting rooms for doctors who've geared their careers toward diagnosing and treating physical symptoms. That's a recipe for misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Lloyd Sederer, the chief medical officer at the New York state Office of Mental Health, told Business Insider that tha poses a challenge to these physicians. "They go to their primary care doctor not saying, 'I'm depressed,' but saying, 'I don't have any energy,' or, 'My pain doesn't go away.' Or they have diabetes or heart disease and they don't take care of themselves [and the doctors can't figure out why]," he said. They go to their primary care doctor not saying, 'I'm depressed,' but saying, 'I don't have any energy,' or, 'My pain doesn't go away.' Or they have diabetes or heart disease and they don't take care of themselves [and the doctors can't figure out why.] Doctors might misunderstand the symptoms, or not take them seriously, which leads to worse outcomes for patients down the road. "Depression is sort of like a hidden factor in heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions." Gallo said. "Because people don't take care of themselves. They don't adhere to the treatments the way they should. So they have more medical complications. That's a huge issue." Story continues There are programs underway designed to get primary care doctors to screen for depression. Sederer pioneered one such screening program when he worked for the New York City government, which he has since taken statewide. But both doctors agree that getting physicians to take the time to look for depression, and getting patients to report it, poses a significant challenge. Primary care doctors are often overwhelmed by their patient loads, and don't feel they have enough time to sit down and ask about someone's feelings. "Imagine a primary care doctor with 30 people in her waiting room," Sederer said. "She goes into a examining room, and starts to ask somebody questions about their mood, their concentration, whether they want to live. And somebody starts crying. And what does the doctor think? 'Oh my god! I'm not familiar with this. I don't know what to do with this. And my afternoon is ruined because I'm now stuck with this patient.'" The result? "There's a culture over time we've come to call 'Don't ask, don't tell' primary care," Sederer said. Gallo adds that a big problem is that many patients with depression don't recognize their own symptoms. "When you talk to older people and you ask them, 'What do you think the doctor means when they say depression?' they say different things than what the doctor means," Gallo said. A doctor might think of a diagnosis in terms of a list of symptoms: aches and pains, mood, energy. But patients might not draw the same conclusions. And if they have a mental image of a depressed person, there's a good chance they don't think they match it. "It doesn't describe how the person thinks of themselves. So to take [on a depression diagnosis] is to take on the identity of the depressed person," he said. Both doctors believe that a major key to improving treatment access and outcomes for depressed people is to train primary care doctors to recognize it. Sederer's screening system breaks mental health down to a numerical score, which physicians can measure over time and try to improve with treatment. He says about 80% of patients could be treated that way, without ever seeing a psychiatrist. But both also agree that there's a long road ahead for changing the way the health care system deals with depression. Have you struggled to get treatment for depression? Have you lived with depression without knowing you were sick or getting diagnosed? Are you a doctor who's met challenges treating depression in your patients? I want to hear about it. Shoot me an email at rletzter@businessinsider.com or Tweet at me at @RafiLetzter. Thanks! NOW WATCH: Obama says the Affordable Care Act double-digit premium increases are 'growing pains' More From Business Insider Fans of Doc McStuffins, the extremely popular animated African-American girl who fixes broken toys on the Disney Junior cable network, can breathe a sigh of relief. Her series has been renewed for a fifth season. The renewal is likely to assuage fans who took to social media this past summer wondering why a fifth season for the program had not been announced, even though the series at the time was in the middle of its fourth cycle. W. Kamau Bell, the comedian, activist and CNN host, helped intensify speculation about the fate of the program when he took to Twitter and asked similar questions, sparking a grateful reaction from Chris Nee, the programs creator. The characters clinic, in which she helps fix broken toys (and, more recently, toy pets) will remain open. Doc McStuffins is an unmistakable example of our commitment to powerful storytelling that enriches and enlightens kids. I can think of no other childrens television show in recent history that has touched as many lives and made the kind of impact around the world that Doc has, said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, in a prepared statement. Our viewers have forged a deep connection with this series and are very vocal about how strongly they believe in these characters. The fifth season will begin airing in 2018. Viewers are likely to presume Docs supporting cast, which includes Lambie, Stuffy, Chillie and Hallie, will return. Since the series debuted in 2012, it has won much admiration, particularly because it is difficult to find a female African-American protagonist who aspires to be a doctor in many mainstream cartoons. A group of African-American female physic ans, inspired by the program, formed the Artemis Medical Society, an organization which has a membership of over 4700 women physicians of color from around the world. First Lady Michelle Obama guest-starred as herself in an episode. Doc McStuffins won a Peabody Award in 2015 and NAACP Image Awards in 2015 and 2016 in the Outstanding Childrens Program category Story continues Disney says the series averages 16 million views on the Disney Junior app, VOD and Hulu, and reaches 150 million viewers worldwide each quarter, and in the past year was ordered over 20 million times via set-top-box VOD. Related stories 'Muppet Babies' Reboot Begins Production at Disney Junior Disney's 'Elena of Avalor' Renewed for Season 2 Disney Sees 20% Gain in Volume for Kids' Upfront LITTLETON, CO / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / LOI TO ACQUIRE BRIDGECREEK RESOURCES, LLC: Diversified Resources, Inc. (DDRI) has executed a Letter of Intent to acquire Bridgecreek Resources, LLC. This acquisition includes all mineral interest, production and proprietary data on approximately 16,000 acres on the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation located in San Juan County, New Mexico. Bridgecreek's acreage is contiguous to the Company's existing 10,000 acre holdings with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Terms were not disclosed and closing is dependent on the parties reaching a mutually acceptable Purchase and Sale Agreement by December 15, 2016, completion of due diligence, financing and regulatory approval. DREXEL HAMILTON ENGAGEMENT: Diversified Resources also announces the engagement of Drexel Hamilton as its exclusive financial advisor and placement agent. Drexel Hamilton, with offices throughout the country, has experience in corporate finance, financial advising, and leveraged finance, and maintains deep industry relationships and an extensive distribution network. ABOUT DIVERSIFIED RESOURCES Diversified Resources is an emerging independent oil and gas exploration, production and oilfield services company focused on the Denver-Julesburg Basin in Colorado and the San Juan Basin in New Mexico. In its upstream business, the Company has identified a balanced pipeline of low risk, high return, and proven undeveloped drilling locations that are direct offsets to existing production which should immediately accelerate the Company's production levels and operating cash flow. Earlier this year Diversified Resources acquired three oilfield services companies operating in the same regions as its existing oil and gas properties. Diversified's oilfield services businesses, Ultra Energy Solutions, Vinco Logistics and Champion Oilfield Services, offer well site services, pipeline construction, pressure testing, custom fabrications, environmental remediation, as well as various equipment rental and repair services. Story continues ABOUT DREXEL HAMILTON Drexel Hamilton, LLC is a New York-based full-service institutional broker-dealer focused on investment banking, capital markets, equities, corporate debt, government agencies, mortgages, and municipals. The firm was founded in 2007 on the principle of offering meaningful employment opportunities to disabled veterans desiring a career in financial services. With more than 100 professionals, including 43 military veterans, 23 of whom are service disabled, Drexel Hamilton has offices in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Jacksonville, Houston, Boston, Milwaukee, Lincoln, San Francisco and Detroit. For more information, please visit Drexel Hamilton's website at www.drexelhamilton.com. SAFE HARBOR This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our financial position, business strategy, and plans and objectives of management for future operations and industry conditions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning events. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. CONTACTS Paul Laird, President & CEO Roger May, Investor Relations 303-797-5417 and 303-829-2888 plaird@diversifiedresourcesinc.com and rmay@diversifiedresourcesinc.com SOURCE: Diversified Resources, Inc. Doc McStuffins will be back to take care of more toys in need. Disney Junior has ordered a fifth season of its animated series about a young girl who aspires to be a doctor like her mom. The show, which airs daily on Disney Channel and its sister network Disney Junior, aims to teach compassion and good health for kids age 2-7. Season 5 is set to premiere in 2018. "Doc McStuffins is an unmistakable example of our commitment to powerful storytelling that enriches and enlightens kids," said Nancy Kanter, executive vp and general manager at Disney Junior Worldwide. "I can think of no other children's television show in recent history that has touched as many lives and made the kind of impact around the world that Doc has. Our viewers have forged a deep connection with this series and are very vocal about how strongly they believe in these characters." Read more: 'Muppet Babies' Revived at Disney Junior The show has been in the top 10 preschool cable TV series in key demographics since its premiere in March 2012. It has been honored with a Peabody and two NAACP Image Awards. The show also inspired a group of female African-American physicians to start a "movement" they coined "We Are Doc McStuffins" that resulted in the formation of the Artemis Medical Society, an organization of 4,700 women physicians of color from around the world. The character also is featured prominently at Disney Parks as well as in a numerous books, DVDs and product line. Guest stars have included Michelle Obama (who also hosted a special White House screening for military families), Anthony Anderson, Audra McDonald, Geena Davis, David Copperfield, Taye Diggs, Patton Oswalt and Carson Daly. Chris Nee is the creator and executive producer of Doc McStuffins, which is produced by Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Channel. From Esquire Today's installment of our continuing series, People With Whom I Empathize But Do Not Understand, comes to us from the small town of Mexico, in Maine, courtesy of The Portland Press-Herald. In conversations with voters here last week, most said they were willing to overlook Trump's unpolished way of speaking, his frequent caustic comments about women and minorities, and even his lack of specific ideas. They didn't care about Clinton's emails or where Trump likes to grab women. They cared about their jobs. The economy. Their safety in the world. They know Trump alone can't save the mill from closure, if that is its fate, just as it has been the fate of so many of the state's paper mills in recent years. Bucksport. Millinocket. Madison. Jay. But voters were willing to give the New York businessman a chance. So were all those other mill towns. In some ways, Trump's lack of specifics helped. Whatever he does, it's sure to be different. Here's where I get lost. There are thousands of Americans who feel the way that these people do, but few of them are willing to sign on to a philosophy of desperation by which any change is bound to be an improvement. Many of those people are black and/or Hispanic, because they know from collective memory that change for change's sake is an uncontrollable process, or at least that it's beyond their control. Leo Grassette gave 41 years to the Rumford mill. He's 80 now and still works part time at the Mexico Trading Post. He doesn't have a career to worry about. If the mill closes and takes with it all the jobs, it won't affect him. His pension is safe. But Grassette and his wife of 57 years have children and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. In the 15 presidential elections held since he began voting, Grassette had never voted for a Republican. That changed last week. Like many, he felt Clinton was dishonest but it was more than that. She talked more about why Trump was bad than about why she was good. "Democrats used to be for the working class," Grassette said. "I don't feel that anymore." Story continues There is one party that wants to privatize Leo's Social Security and one that does not. There is one party that wants to hand him a worthless voucher and call it Medicare and one that does not. There is one party that at least tepidly supports organized labor through which Leo got his pension, and there is one party that does not. There is one party that wants to keep Leo's pension out of the hands of hedge fund cowboys and Wall Street thieves, and one that wants to hijack Leo's pension into the casino economy. How, I wonder, are the Democrats no longer "for the working class," and why doesn't Leo feel that anymore? Welfare was a big source of frustration among Mexico voters, and it's a topic that Republicans have done better seizing upon. Many said the town, along with neighboring Rumford, has been too generous with benefits. For blue-collar workers, one of the hardest things to reconcile is the idea that someone may be getting something he or she didn't work for. Grassette, the longtime Democrat, said it this way: "I'm not against helping people, but you've got to help yourself." There no longer is a federal welfare program, at least not the way there once was. There hasn't been since 1996. Ever since it persisted in electing and re-electing human bowling jacket Paul LePage as its governor, Maine has slashed its own safety net institutions. Fewer than 6,000 people now receive payments from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. The state's food stamp program has been cut severely; 6,500 people were dropped from the program last winter. LePage refused to accept the FREE MONEY! available from the Affordable Care Act because Obama, that's why. Further, LePage spent $700,000 on a welfare-fraud force that produced a few dozen prosecutions. [contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="GOP%20Plans%20to%20Gut%20Medicare%20and%20Blame%20Obama%20for%20It" customimages="" content="article.50589"] The facts seem to indicate that no poor person is luxuriating on public assistance in the state of Maine. Who are these people about whom Leo is talking? My guess is that it's the people he's been told about on his favorite radio and cable television shows. Those people do not exist, but Leo feels that they do, and that's all that matters. Here's what I think. In January of 1981, I stood on the lawn of the Capitol and I heard the newly inaugurated President Ronald Reagan tell the country that government was not a solution to the problem, that government was the problem. This basic political heresy, contrary to the first three words of the Constitution that Reagan had just sworn to preserve and protect, is the root philosophy of every bit of conservative politics that came afterwards. The people of the country were told that "government" was something alien to them. That sold very well. It was an intellectual frame within which a political strategy of crippling "government" in order to prove that "government" could do nothing confirmed in the minds of the people at which it was directed both ends of that equation. You make "government," that alien beast, incapable of working in order to prove that it cannot work. Photo credit: Sarah Rice What a lot of us missed, though, was that the real goal was not just to convert voters to conservative policies that were otherwise unpopular, it also was to frustrate people into apathy and non-participation. The question of why people voted against their own interests was the wrong question. The real question was why people didn't vote at all, which had been the point of this whole strategy in the first place. What caught everyone by surprise this year was that, somehow, in the exercise of the only real political talent that he has, Donald Trump managed to weaponize the people who otherwise wouldn't vote to the point at which action swamped apathy. The establishment Republicans were as wrongfooted as anyone else; the other 16 Republican candidates, operating within the old paradigm, were comfortable with a large segment of voters not voting at all. Trump beat them at that game, too. And here we are. The people in this story from Maine are not stupid. They know very well that there's nothing Donald Trump can do to bring back the paper industry that was their town's lifeblood. Most of them were quite clear about that in the interviews they gave to the reporters. And more than that, they seemed to care about preserving the last remaining shards of their town, their state and their country. "I used to walk the streets and I'd know everyone," Shardlow said. I can empathize. Truly, I can. I'll never understand how that pain brings this woman to someone like Donald Trump, who absolutely can do nothing about any of the problems that brought these people to him. He can't bring the people she knew back to the streets she still walks. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. You Might Also Like President-elect Donald Trump fired back at The New York Times on Wednesday in a series of early-morning tweets, calling the newspaper "fools" for their "" story on his transition team troubles. Beginning around 6:30 a.m. ET, Trump took to Twitter to shoot down details of the New York paper's Tuesday story, titled "Firings and Discord Put Trump Transition Team in a State of Disarray." The Times cited two firings within the transition team - in addition to Gov. Chris Christie's replacement with Vice President-elect Mike Pence - as a "purge" orchestrated by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The story detailed infighting and problems with Trump's diplomatic communications, quoting an anonymous American ally. "This was a typicallynews story," Trump tweeted, adding that he is not pushing for top-level security clearance for his children. About the "failing" story, he said his transition is going "so smoothly" and that he has spoken to many foreign leaders. He then said the Times "looked like fools" in their coverage. I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typicallynews story. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The Times story noted that Trump's advisers said the issues were not unusual for an incoming president. Story continues The Washington Post also posted a report Tuesday night, further detailing the "bloodletting" and growing turbulence within the team. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," Trump first tweeted Tuesday night as criticism began to bubble. Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Trump has been widely critical of the media and his tweeting has become a major focus throughout his run. On Tuesday morning, as Hillary Clinton continued to lead in the popular vote, Trump also used the social media site to praise the Electoral College, something he had previously described as a "disaster for democracy." During his first interview as president-elect with 60 Minutes on Sunday, he said he plans to continue to share his thoughts to his collective 28 million followers on social media. "It's a modern form of communication," he said, noting that it's his way of fighting back against inaccurate reports. He did, however, add that after he is sworn in his social media behavior will be "very restrained." Also Tuesday night, Trump again bucked media protocol when he left his Trump Tower for a family dinner. His campaign had already called a "lid" - a practice telling journalists if the president or president-elect will no longer be venturing out, as they are on hand to report first-hand accounts - when he met his family at the nearby restaurant 21 Club. The president-elect had also traveled from New York to Washington last week without the usual pool of journalists. Read more: Michael Wolff on Trump, the Anti-Media President (Who's Obsessed With the Media) Forging friendships. A Donald Trump presidency might push Africa in the direction of China. While China is a newer partner to Africa than the United States, it plays a powerful role as a counterexample. Many African governments see China as an model of a country that managed to develop without adopting American-style political systems. Until China came along, African countries were, (and still are,) prodded to follow Western ideas of democracy and civil society, as a gateway to modernity and development. Chinese development presents a different narrative, one that some African governments interested in building centralized power, have eagerly embraced. The idea of the United States as the guardian of liberal values against powers like China, a story with echoes in the Cold War, might now be upended by the election of Trump to the US presidency. Chinas counter-narrative of booming development guided by a strong centralized state is likely to become that much more appealing to politicians who want to believe in state power anyway. The idea of the US as the guardian of liberal values against powers like China might now be upended. We still dont know what a Trump presidency will actually look like, especially as it relates to Africa. However, the president elects outspoken antipathy to traditional human rights principlesincluding his threats to prosecute his opponent Hillary Clinton after the election, his plan to build a wall between the US and Mexico, and his gleeful promises to bomb the shit out of ISIS dont fit the picture US public diplomacy has so far liked to present in Africa. In this sense, the Trump presidency could herald the end of the binary pull between the US and China that we have seen in Africa over the last 15 years. The traditional narrative about the US and Chinas role in Africa, presented by the US government, has been a choice between US-style development via liberal human rights and China-style authoritarianism. Story continues In 2011, Clinton warned the continent against new colonialism in a not-so-veiled jab at China. Speaking in Ethiopia last year, President Obama said, Economic relationships cant simply be about building countries infrastructure with foreign labor or extracting Africas natural resources. These coded statements werent only aimed at throwing shade at China. They were also meant to position the US as Africas only trustworthy partner. U.S. President Barack Obama applauds the assembly at the end of his remarks to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia July 28, 2015. Obama toured a U.S.-supported food factory in Ethiopia on Tuesday on the last leg of an Africa trip, before winding up his visit at the African Union where he will become the first U.S. president to address the 54-nation body. Obama after remarks to the African Union in Addis Ababa in 2015. Yet, Americas model of development and democracy has already suffered some setbacks on the continent, even before the election. When the US government talks about the US as a human rights champion in Africa, officials only seem to take into account official diplomatic messaging. Other realities, like the rapid militarization of the US presence in Africa, go unmentioned. US diplomats also dont seem to realize that Africans have access to the internet. When presenting itself as a human rights paragon, they dont completely grasp how images of black Americans being targeted by the police play in Africa. Africans are keen consumers of African-American media, and they are well aware of debates about racism and what it means to be black in America. While Trump might alienate Africans, American citizens reaction to his actions might draw them back in. As part of a recent class on national image, I asked my students, all young black women, where they would take an all-expenses paid vacation. Not one out of the group of 10 said the US. When I asked why no one wanted to go to New York or Los Angeles, they all said that when they imagine themselves in the United States, they think of being hassled by racist American cops. America just isnt for us, one said. If president Trump follows through on some of the promises made during his campaign, Africans will find the ideal of American democracy a lot harder to share. This would further muddy the idea that in terms of both an ally and a development model, Africa has to choose between a democratic superpower and an authoritarian one. If both superpowers come to seem equally iffy on human rights, governance and civil society, then Africas choice of a development model will be more driven by these powers recent track records on economic development. On these terms China is far more appealing. Chinas growth still outstrips that of the US, and it has been funding infrastructure left and right in Africa. Meanwhile, the Obama administrations Africa initiatives have been few and far between. It remains unclear how much of his biggest projects, such as Power Africa, have actually been implemented. However, much of Americas global power lies in its grip on our collective imagination. This means that while president Trump might alienate Africans, American citizens reaction to his actions might draw them back in. Popular resistance in America against racism and mis-administration wont go unnoticed in Africa. Remember, Africans know a thing or two about living under corrupt leaders. How Americans resist, or not, will be keenly watched. This article was written as part of the China Africa Project, a multimedia online resource dedicated to exploring Chinas growing engagement with Africa. Sign up for the Quartz Africa Weekly Brief the most important and interesting news from across the continent, in your inbox. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: TMZs Harvey Levin is heading to Fox News Channel for a one-hour special called OBJECTified: Donald Trump that will feature an interview with the president-elect. Trump will offer an inside look at his home and showcase mementos that are important to him. The special aims to profile the personal side of the president-elect that is rarely seen in public. The interview was recorded last September, before Trump knew he would occupy the White House. He recounted stories behind photos, letters, trophies and other cherished keepsakes hes acquired throughout his lifetime. Also Read: Trump Name Dropped From 3 NYC Buildings After Tenants Revolt The special will examine Trumps life from age 3, growing up in Queens, to receiving advice from a former president that planted the seeds for his own White House bid. Trump also discussed an unfulfilled dream of becoming a Hollywood movie mogul. The reality TV star shocked the world last week and defeated Hillary Clinton to become president-elect of the Unites States. Levin is a Hollywood lawyer, reporter and legal analyst who founded celebrity news site TMZ and hosts TMZ Live, the websites televised counterpart. OBJECTified: Donald Trump airs Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. ET on Fox News Channel. Related stories from TheWrap: Fox News Names Meghan McCain Permanent Co-Host of 'Outnumbered' Cable Ratings: Fox News Heads Into Election Topping Total Viewers for 12th Straight Week Fox News Names Tucker Carlson to Replace Greta Van Susteren Making a list, and checking it twice. Donald Trumps presidential campaign traded heavily on a proposal to ban Muslims traveling to the US. The president-elect is now considering a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries, according to a rumored contender for attorney general. Kansas secretary of state Kobach, reportedly a part of Trumps transition team, told Reuters in an interview that he and other immigration policy advisers to Trump were considering drafting a proposal that would address Trumps campaign promise of extreme vetting of Muslims entering the US. Trumps transition team has not confirmed whether Kobach is actually part of the team or being considered for attorney general, nor has it commented on Kobachs policy proposals. Kobach, known for his hardline stance on immigration, said Trumps immigration policy group is considering a recommendation to reinstate the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, a program he helped design and implement in President George W. Bushs justice department shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Before it was discarded in 2011, NSEERS required people from 25 higher risk countriesall Muslim-majority, with the exception of North Koreato register their arrival, departure, and length of stay with the US government. Members of the registry typically had to undergo additional interrogations and fingerprinting. Men over the age of 16 were subject to additional scrutiny that required regular check-ins with the government. The program faced criticism from civil rights groups and was eventually deemed redundant by the Department of Homeland Security. Some 93,000 people were registered during the time the NSEERS program was active, ThinkProgress reports, while 13,740 of those immigrants underwent deportation proceedings. No one registered in the program was ever prosecuted on terrorism charges. The Bush-era program is one of the most shameful chapters of American history, Chris Rickerd, policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, told the Daily Dot in December 2015, shortly after Trump first suggested Muslims should carry special ID cards in the US. Story continues Kobach also told Reuters that the Trump administration had discussed expeditious plans to construct a wall between the US and Mexico border without congressional approval. Trump was to review draft executive orders that would allow him and the Department of Homeland Security to hit the ground running, according to Kobach. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: The Hague (AFP) - "Don't go!" That was the heartfelt appeal to African nations as the International Criminal Court opened its annual meeting Wednesday under the cloud of a wave of unprecedented defections. Gambia on Monday formally notified the United Nations that it was withdrawing from the court, following in the wake of South Africa and Burundi. "Don't go," pleaded Senegalese politician Sidiki Kaba, the president of the ICC's Assembly of State Parties meeting in The Hague. "In a world criss-crossed by violent extremism... it is urgent and necessary to defend the ideal of justice for all," he said. The tribunal opened in 2002 in The Hague as a court of last resort to try the world's worst crimes. But in his passionate plea, Kaba admitted it was going through a "difficult moment". He acknowledged some had seen "injustice" in the investigations brought before the court so far, but he offered reassurances, saying: "You have been heard." The court had to redouble its efforts to convince countries to return, and to ensure that there was truly universal justice for all, Kaba said. Amid accusations of bias against Africa, Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have also indicated they are considering pulling out of the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty. - 'Do not betray the victims' - "Though the powerful may seek to leave the court, the victims everywhere plead for its involvement," UN human rights commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said. He insisted "there is no substitute for the ICC" and in the long term "these states will boomerang back as the court is accepted by more and more states". "By withdrawing from the Rome Statute, leaders may shield themselves, but it would be at the cost of depriving their people of a unique form of protection." He warned "a new trend of isolationism" sweeping the world would trigger more attacks on the court. Story continues "Now is not the time to abandon the post, now is the time of resolve and strength," Zeid said. "Do not betray the victims, nor your own people... stand by the court... it is the best that we have." The defections will take a year to come into force. Currently nine out of the 10 ICC investigations are in African countries. The other is in Georgia. But on the eve of the meeting, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda revealed there was a "reasonable basis" to believe US troops as well as the Taliban and Afghan forces may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan. In her annual report, she said she would decide "imminently" whether to ask to launch a full-blown investigation in Afghanistan. If the investigation goes ahead, the tribunal would be taking on its most complex and politically controversial investigation to date. Black Eyed Peas member Taboo, revealed in a Doctors exclusive that hes now cancer-free following a just-revealed testicular cancer battle, is now using his celebrity to help others. He has partnered with the American Cancer Society to create an anthem for those battling cancer and those who have survived the horrible disease. The proceeds from his new song, The Fight, will go to the American Cancer Society, which works to end the disease through numerous research programs and initiatives. More With Taboo: The Black Eyed Peas Member Opens Up About Health Struggle Were not going to curl up in a ball and be like, Oh, I got cancer. This is it, No, were warriors, were fighters, we can get through anything, he passionately says of his message behind his new song. ER physician Dr. Travis Stork says that the American Cancer Society is currently helping to fund over 800 researchers who are fighting cancer. Dr. Stork notes that 50 years ago, 90 percent of men with testicular cancer died, but now 90 percent have a chance to be cured. With more work from organizations like the American Cancer Society and artists like Taboo, this number could eventually reach 100 percent. More With Taboo: The Black Eyes Peas Send Him Their Love Check out Taboos new song The Fight, available for download on iTunes or at www.cancer.org. In another Doctors exclusive, Taboo performs The Fight on our stage. See the performance in the video below! DigitalGlobe, Inc. DGI provides earth-imagery products and services that could be an interesting play for investors. That is because, not only does the stock have decent short-term momentum, but it is seeing solid activity on the earnings estimate revision front as well. These positive earnings estimate revisions suggest that analysts are becoming more optimistic on DGIs earnings for the coming quarter and year. In fact, consensus estimates have moved sharply higher for both of these time frames over the past four weeks, suggesting that DigitalGlobe could be a solid choice for investors. Current Quarter Estimates for DGI In the past 30 days, 3 estimates have gone higher for DigitalGlobe while 1 has gone lower in the same time period. The trend has been pretty favorable too, with estimates increasing from 6 cents a share 30 days ago, to 9 cents today, a move of 50%. Current Year Estimates for DGI Meanwhile, DigitalGlobes current year figures are also looking quite promising, with 3 estimates moving higher in the past month, compared to none lower. The consensus estimate trend has also seen a boost for this time frame, increasing from 41 cents per share 30 days ago to 59 cents per share today, an increase of 43.9%. DIGITALGLOBE Price and Consensus DIGITALGLOBE Price and Consensus | DIGITALGLOBE Quote Bottom Line The stock has also started to move higher lately, adding 13.5% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are starting to take note of this impressive story. So investors may definitely want to consider this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock to profit in the near future. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these 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 DIGITALGLOBE (DGI): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Moscow (AFP) - The surprise arrest of Russia's economy minister over a two-million-dollar bribe on Wednesday sparked shock and bewilderment in the liberal wing of the Russian government, increasingly worried about political survival. Alexei Ulyukayev's dismissal after being slapped with bribe-taking charges on Tuesday marks the first time in Russia's post-Soviet history that an active minister is detained and charged with a criminal offence. Ulyukayev, 60, was put under house arrest Tuesday in a move that unleashed speculation as to whether the case against him was tied to an internal power struggle. An uncharismatic official who had served as economy minister since 2013, he had been charged with the daunting task of pulling Russia out of a crippling economic crisis that has seen its currency collapse over Western sanctions and depressed energy prices. His sudden fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the highest echelons of the Russian elite, with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev saying Tuesday it was "beyond comprehension." Investigators said that Ulyukayev was caught red-handed as he was accepting a two-million-dollar bribe to greenlight state oil giant Rosneft's acquisition of state-owned majority stake in Russian oil company Bashneft for $5.2 billion. The committee did not indicate who handed the alleged bribe to Ulyukayev, but described him as "threatening to create obstacles to the company's activities in the future by using his official powers". Ulyukayev had originally opposed the sale but later endorsed it after President Vladimir Putin said it could help fill state coffers. Vedomosti business daily reported that several high-ranking government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, had also caught investigators' attention during the probe. RIA Novosti quoted unnamed sources as saying that other top bureaucrats could be caught up in the scandal, but the investigative committee said Wednesday the case currently had only one suspect. Story continues The executive branch's influence on the justice system has led independent observers to question the allegations against Ulyukayev. To think that the minister could extort money from Rosneft chief Igor Sechin, a powerful Putin ally, would be like "a sparrow extorting a lion", wrote Yulia Latynina, a columnist for Novaya Gazeta newspaper. - A 'big catch' - Different theories about Ulyukayev's demise have rapidly emerged among Russian pundits. One theory suggests his arrest could be the result of infighting between security figures known as the "siloviki", such as Sechin, and the clan of liberal members of the Russian government. Others have said it represents an attack on Russia's harshly-criticised economic policies that have seen Russians' purchasing power shrink dramatically over the past two years. Political analyst Konstantin Kalachev said the case against Ulyukayev was "surprising". "Sechin is a main character in the plot but his interests could have coincided with that of the FSB (security service) that is fighting corruption and wanted to bring Putin a big catch," he said. "The only consequence is that Russia's liberal economists are demoralised," he added, stressing that economic stagnation would persevere and that proposed liberal reforms would not be carried out. - Siloviki dominate - Recognised as a member of the government's liberal wing, Ulyukayev had worked with Yegor Gaidar, a former liberal prime minister who masterminded the "shock therapy" economic reforms of the early 1990s blamed by Russians for wiping out their savings. He had called for reforms including lifting the age of retirement and liberalising the labour market. "For those who have known Alexei Ulyukayev for 30 years, what happened was a shock," Anatoly Chubais, the economist who oversaw market reforms in the 1990s, wrote on his Facebook page Wednesday. Economists from Russia's Alfa Bank said Wednesday that the Ulyukayev case was a "litmus test" for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, often associated with the government's liberal wing. Political analyst Ekaterina Shulmann said the conflict was likely tied to the process of privatisation launched by Medvedev, as there are powerful people interested in state property who may be "negotiating in such original manner". The arrest is symbolic of the security clan dominating over liberal economists, which isn't new, said Shulmann. "But that the siloviki are allowed to put away people as powerful as ministers -- that is news." CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian court sentenced a policeman who killed a man over the price of a cup of tea to life in prison on Wednesday, a rare lengthy punishment for police violence in a country that rights activists say has a culture of impunity. Public anger over allegations of police brutality has been bubbling over the past year, with several incidents spilling over into skirmishes and protests, five years after an uprising in which police officers were a major focus of discontent. The policeman sentenced on Wednesday shot three people in a Cairo suburb after an argument over the price of a cup of tea, killing one of them and causing a riot. The sentence, issued after he was convicted of murder, can be appealed. Life sentences in Egypt normally run for 25 years. Activists say police brutality is widespread in Egypt, enabled by a culture of impunity. The Interior Ministry says abuses are isolated and incidents are investigated. Anger over perceived police excesses helped fuel the 2011 uprising that began on a Police Day holiday and ended the 30-year rule of autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. Since then, police have regained considerable powers and human rights groups say they have returned to their old ways. In February, a policeman shot dead a driver in the street in an argument over a fare, prompting hundreds of people to protest outside the Cairo security directorate. There were also riots in the northern, Suez Canal city of Ismailia and southern Nile city of Luxor over the authorities' handling of at least three deaths in police custody in a single week in November last year. Egyptian security forces have faced further scrutiny over the killing of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni in Cairo this year. Human rights groups say his death bore the hallmarks of torture by Egyptian security services. They deny involvement. (Reporting by Haitham Ahmed; writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; editing by Mark Heinrich) Black velvet if you please, indeed! Emma Watson and Emma Stone both rocked stunning dresses in the on-trend, luxe fabric at two separate events Tuesday night. EXCLUSIVE: 'Beauty and the Beast' Director on Seeing Emma Watson in Belle's Yellow Gown Watson, 26, gave off gothic vibes in the chicest way possible while attending the Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit honoring Tom Hanks in New York City. The Beauty and the Beast star owned the room in a sleeveless draped KITX dress with an asymmetrical hem, which she paired with strappy black sandals and another trendy piece -- the '90s-inspired black choker. Her updo also helped take the look from punk to pretty, as the perfectly loose tendrils allowed the dress to stand out on its own. Bold brows and a nude lip completed her natural beauty look. Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images As for Stone, she showed just how versatile velvet can be when she stepped out on the opposite coast for the AFI Fest Centerpiece Gala screening of her new movie, La La Land, in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old actress showed off her fun satorial sense in a Giorgio Armani Prive top and center-slit skirt that featured blue-and-black embellished silk jacquard detailing at the shoulders and peplum waist. She accessorized with Jimmy Choo heels that looked very similar to Watson's and Anita Ko earrings, finishing her look with a low ponytail, black eyeliner, and a peachy lip. Getty Images for Audi ET's Carly Steel spoke with Stone on the red carpet, who was happy to be premiering the movie at such an iconic L.A. location as the TCL Chinese Theatre. "It's pretty wonderful," she admitted. "It's very exciting." WATCH: Emma Stone Brings Jennifer Lawrence as Her Date to 'La La Land' Screening: See the Cute Pics! She also noted that working with Ryan Gosling again was lovely -- even if it meant bringing one of his worst auditioning experiences to life on the big screen. "It was wonderful. I hesitate to say that, because it's a pretty brutal experience, but it was nice to know he'd been through something maybe productive in some way," she told ET. "Cathartic." Story continues The first La La Land trailer dropped earlier this month, and it showcases just what a dreamy duo Stone and Gosling are on the silver screen. Check it out in the video below. Related Articles By Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey-backed rebels are just 2 km (1.25 miles) from the northern Syrian city of al Bab and are expected to take it from Islamic State quickly despite some resistance, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. The rebels said on Tuesday they had taken Qabasin, several km (miles) northeast of al Bab, setting the stage for an assault on the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in the northern Aleppo countryside. Al Bab is of particular strategic importance to Turkey because Kurdish-dominated militias have also been pursuing a drive to seize it. Ankara is determined to prevent Kurdish forces from joining up cantons they control along the Turkish border, for fear it will stoke Kurdish separatism at home. "The Free Syrian Army (rebels), with the support of our special forces, is about two kilometers away and the siege is continuing as planned," Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara before departing on an official visit to Pakistan. "There is resistance now, but I don't think it will last much longer," he said. In Washington, a U.S. military spokesman said the U.S.-led coalition was not providing support for the operation. "We did have forces partnered with Turkey and their partnered forces for quite some time through a lot of the operations in northern Syria. They are not a part of the advance on al Bab," Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the coalition, told Pentagon reporters through video link on Wednesday. He said the coalition was not providing air strikes in support of the operation. Erdogan also said he was confident that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia would withdraw east of the Euphrates River from the city of Manbij on Wednesday or Thursday, fulfilling a long-standing Turkish demand. Turkey sent warplanes, tanks and artillery into Syria in August in support of mostly Arab and Turkmen rebels, an operation dubbed "Euphrates Shield" and meant to drive both Islamic State and Kurdish militia forces away from its border. But Manbij was recently liberated from Islamic State by Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States. Ankara regards the YPG as a hostile force with deep ties to Kurdish militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. The YPG said it was pulling out of Manbij and withdrawing east of the Euphrates, but was doing so in order to participate in the campaign to liberate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, which is likely to further antagonize Ankara. Turkey has repeatedly said that YPG fighters should not be involved in the planned Raqqa operation, arguing that the city is predominantly Arab. U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk described the YPG withdrawal from Manbij as a "milestone", saying on Twitter that all YPG units would depart after training local units to maintain the city's security against Islamic State. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and David Dolan in Istanbul, Ellen Francis in Beirut and Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by David Dolan and James Dalgleish) Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ) ERIC, in conjunction with SK Telecom and BMW, successfully conducted an advanced 5G outdoor mobility trial, which included the first multi-vehicular 5G trials. The trial was carried out on a 5G test network installed at the advanced BMW car test track in South Korea. Ericsson and SK Telecom have deployed network slicing and 5G radio network infrastructure to cover an entire track in the BMW driving center. The trial of 5G-based connected cars demonstrated that 5G performance will support V2X (Vehicular Connectivity) services that call for consistent high bi-directional throughput and low latency. The test environment leveraged on Ericssons 5G field trial network, and comprised multiple radio transmission points and one-user equipment installed in every car. The trial opens the possibilities of multiple connected car use cases, such as augmented and virtual reality, obstacle control and vehicle to vehicle communication. The trial demonstrates new key 5G capabilities with multi-site, multi-transmission point, MU-MIMO and with multiple devices operating in the millimeter wave frequency band. It implemented beam tracking and beam mobility at high mobility between different 5G access points. Touted as the next generation of mobile technology, 5G has achieved rapid momentum over the past year. 5G networks have the capability to radically lessen latency, accelerate download and upload speeds, enhance network reliability and spectral efficiency. Also, they have the potential to support IoT development by considerably escalating the number of devices that can connect to the network simultaneously. ERICSSON LM ADR Price and Consensus ERICSSON LM ADR Price and Consensus | ERICSSON LM ADR Quote According to a research by Ovum, global 5G subscriptions are projected to reach 24 million by 2021, with Asia-Pacific having a 40% share and Europe accounting for 10%. Ericsson continues to aggressively drive progress in 5G technology and is engaged in multiple trial engagements with different operators across the world. Story continues Ericsson has already signed significant 5G agreements with telecom biggies like Vodafone Group VOD, Telefonica and Qualcomm Inc. QCOM to bank upon the commercialization of 5G technology. We believe that strategic partnerships, dominant market share and favorable industry trends will help the company benefit significantly from the impending commercialization of the networks. However, Ericsson faces stiff competition from Huawei Technologies Co. and Nokia Corporation. Slumping demand in Russia and Brazil, and accelerating negative industry trends have further compounded its problems. Whether the growth and cost-streamlining efforts of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company will help it beat industry-wide demand blues, remains to be seen. Stocks to Consider A better-ranked stock in the same space is Harris Corporation HRS, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Harris Corporation is an international company focused on communications equipment for voice, data and video applications. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history for the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through for an average of 4.2%. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these 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 ERICSSON LM ADR (ERIC): Free Stock Analysis Report HARRIS CORP (HRS): Free Stock Analysis Report QUALCOMM INC (QCOM): Free Stock Analysis Report VODAFONE GP PLC (VOD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - An Eskom board member implicated in a probe over influence-peddling in the South African government has left his post, the public enterprises department said, days after the state-owned power utility's chief executive resigned. A report by the Public Protector, a constitutionally mandated watchdog, has raised questions over coal deals between Eskom and a company controlled by the wealthy Gupta family, who are friends with President Jacob Zuma. The report called for a judicial inquiry into the allegations of corruption in Zuma's government. Zuma himself denies granting undue influence to the Gupta brothers who run a business empire ranging from media to mining. A statement posted in the public enterprises department's website and seen by Reuters on Wednesday did not give reasons for the departure of the Eskom board member, Mark Pamensky. Pamensky is also a director of the energy unit of Oakbay Investments, which is owned by the Gupta family. Oakbay holds interests of the three Indian-born brothers, which include mines that won coal supply contracts with Eskom. Pamensky could not be reached for comment at Oakbay Resources and Energy, where he is listed as a non-executive director. Public Enterprises Minister Lynn Brown, who oversees Eskom, said she would be submitting her recommendations to cabinet to replace the vacancies on the board of the power firm. Eskom CEO Brian Molefe said last Friday he would step down in January after being implicated in the investigation, but denied any wrongdoing. The main opposition Democratic Alliance party said it would press for criminal charges against Molefe on Thursday. "We cannot stand by as those in positions of power are allowed to abuse state institutions for their own selfish gain and to the detriment of South Africans," it said in a brief statement. The investigation on whether the Gupta family had an influence over Zuma's appointment of ministers and the awarding of contracts to government departments and state firms stopped short of saying crimes had been committed. (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng and Stella Mapenzauswa; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union institutions have agreed on new rules for money market funds that will eliminate some kinds of funds and create others, EU officials said on Wednesday. Money market funds (MMFs) provide short-term financing to investors and companies. The 1 trillion-euro ($1.07 trillion) industry is an important source of funding for the real economy, but the funds also pose risks to financial stability. The EU talks on stricter rules for MMFs - which have lasted more than three years - came after the 2007-08 global financial crisis, which showed the funds may spread and amplify risks. The risks are particularly acute with those guaranteeing fixed returns even when markets fall. Those funds, called constant net asset value or CNAV funds, create a risk because their share price does not change even when markets fall, exposing them to failure risks during crisis. Under an agreement struck by the European Parliament and representatives of EU states, only funds dealing with public debt will be allowed to maintain a fixed-return policy, although details are still being negotiated. The original plan envisaged phasing CNAVs out over two years. Variable net asset value (VNAV) funds would be maintained - their share price changes in line with market fluctuations, making them safer. A new category of funds, low-volatility net-asset value or LVNAV funds, has been created to increase the financial safety of the industry. After pressure from states with the largest fund industries in the EU - particularly Luxembourg, Ireland and Britain - the Parliament agreed to scrap a "sunset clause" meant to shut down the new category of funds five years after the new rules come into effect. The initial plan was to set up LVNAVs as a transition while CNAVs were phased out. "The key objectives of preventing the future systemic risks and runs on the funds have been addressed," Neena Gill, the British lawmaker in charge of the issue, said in a statement. Story continues "We regard the agreement on MMFs as extremely good news," Olivier Guersent, the European Commission's director general for financial services, told a conference on Wednesday in Brussels. The agreement requires final adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of EU states, and some technical details will need to be clarified, a European Parliament note said. The Council said the deal reached covers the "core issues" including liquidity and diversification requirements and assets in which MMFs can invest, including the role of government debt. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio, editing by Larry King) BRUSSELS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The European Commission decided on Wednesday not to suspend EU funds for Spain and Portugal next year following their breach of EU budget rules, in a new sign of a more accommodating fiscal policy. "The event that required a proposal by the Commission to suspend parts of the European Structural and Investment Funds is no longer present and there will be no such proposal," the EU executive said in a note, adding that the sanction procedure will be "held in abeyance". Over the summer, the EU had also decided not to impose fines on Spain and Portugal as part of the same sanction procedure triggered by their excessive deficits and the lack of timely corrections to the fiscal gaps. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Philip Blenkinsop) Brussels (AFP) - Top EU lawmakers on Wednesday cancelled a visit to Turkey after Ankara refused to see one of the MEPs because of her criticism of Ankara's massive crackdown following July's failed coup, a parliament source said. "The Turks agreed to meet Brok but they did not want to meet Piri" because of the positions she has taken, the source said, asking not to be named. Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee and Kati Piri, the assembly's rapporteur on Turkey, had been due to "hold high-level meetings with Turkish authorities and representatives of the opposition and civil society with a view to restore political dialogue", a separate statement said. The EU has long been critical of Turkey's rights record and the coup purge, with tens of thousands of people detained, has strained relations to breaking point as many MEPs back calls for already difficult membership talks with Ankara to be halted. A spokesman for Piri told AFP that she had recently come to the conclusion it would be best to suspend the negotiations given the situation in Turkey. The statement said European Parliament head Martin Schulz had talked to the two MEPs and decided "to postpone the visit until Parliament's prerogatives are respected". "Brok and Piri represent the European Parliament and we cannot allow (them) to have a pick-and-choose approach on who speaks to whom," Schulz said in the statement. Schulz had previously contacted Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and on Tuesday met EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik to keep channels open, the statement said. "The European Union remains committed to dialogue. Dialogue however requires the two sides to be willing to talk to each other. I continue to hope that the European Parliament will be able to visit Turkey soon," Schulz said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly rejected EU criticism of the coup crackdown and on Monday warned the bloc it should decide by the end of the year whether the membership talks should go ahead. Formal talks began in 2005 but they have made painfully slow progress despite the two sides agreeing to speed up the process in March as part of an accord on curbing migrant flows into Greece. Brussels (AFP) - The EU unveiled plans Wednesday to charge travellers five euros ($5.30) for security checks to get visa-free travel to Europe's borderless Schengen area, and confirmed the fee would apply to post-Brexit Britain. The proposal is based on a US system and will allow EU countries to quickly cross check identity documents and other details from visa-exempt travellers with a host of data bases. Nationals from nearly 60 countries are exempt from having visas to the Schengen zone, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Argentina as well as neighbours like Albania and Bosnia. Under the proposed new system, citizens from those countries would still be allowed visa-free travel, but would have to pay the five-euro fee and submit to the checks. "This is a big and smart step to securing our borders and protecting our citizens," European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans told a press conference in Brussels. "Travellers from visa-exempt third countries can do it at home online. It will be cheap -- five euros -- easy and last for five years. "For 95 percent of applications it will be just a matter of minutes to get a green light." Britain has criticised the proposal amid fears that Britons will have to pay the charge, but the EU was unrepentant. "If the UK is not a member of the European Union, sorry to say it is still to be treated as a third country on this issue" and so have to pay, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told the press conference. The EU is trying to clamp down on security after several European cities were hit by terror attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, while the bloc has also been overwhelmed by the arrival of more than one million migrants. Under the plan, applicants to travel to the 26-country Schengen zone --which includes 22 EU countries as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein -- will electronically pay a fee of five euros ($5.30) for multiple entries over five years. All those above 18 years old must pay. The commission hopes the system can enter force as early as 2020 but its proposal must first clear the 28 member states and the European Parliament. DailyFX.com - Talking Points - European Commission argues for more positive fiscal stance for the Euro area - EC says Spain and Portugal 2017 budgets are at risk of non-compliance - Euro falls further against the US Dollar, in at fresh 2016 yearly lows today. The European Commission has again called on European Union member states to boost the sluggish EU economy through fiscal policy: the use of government spending and income, largely from taxes and borrowing, to lift economic growth. In the latest assessment of the EU budget and the budgets of member states, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker writes that: The 2017 European Semester we start today will be decisive for Europe to manage its economic and social turn-around. He added: I believe we can do it. This is why today the Commission is recommending a positive fiscal stance to support the recovery and the monetary policy of the European Central Bank, which should not bear the burden alone. Every member state should play its part: those that can afford it need to invest more, while those which have less fiscal space should pursue reforms and growth-friendly fiscal consolidation. The ECs argument has similarities to the plans put forward by US President-Elect Donald Trump, who has proposed swinging tax cuts, while also saying that health and retirement programs should be protected. Meanwhile, the Commission has described the draft budget plans of Spain and Portugal as at risk of non-compliance with the requirements for 2017 under the EUs stability and growth pact. While, theoretically, looser fiscal policy makes tighter monetary policy more likely, and is therefore positive for the Euro, the currency fell further in Europe on Wednesday, with EUR/USD dropping to just under 1.07 to record its eighth successive daily loss against the US Dollar, which just hit a 13-year high (via DXY). Chart 1: EUR/USD 5-minute Chart (November 15 to 16 Intraday) European Commission Calls for Boost to Investment, Euro Falls Further Read more: Dollar Index Breaking Range at 13-year Highs as Yields Run Up Story continues --- Written by Martin Essex, DailyFX Research To contact Martin, email him at martin.essex@ig.com 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. Portugal has been named Travel + Leisure magazine's 2016 Destination of the Year, for exhibiting a dynamism that feels fresh and distinctive. Editors of the US travel magazine declared the European country their pick for the most exciting destination of 2016, citing its admirable bounce back from an economic crisis and its robust tourism landscape as leading reasons for bestowing Portugal with the lofty title. And they have the numbers to prove it. Between 2015 and 2016, US travel to the country spiked 22 percent. International travel also grew 10 percent. The number of nonstop flights to Portugal from the US has also increased, with travelers now able to find direct flights from eight US cities. More than 40 new hotels, many of them high-end, opened in 2016, while Portuguese airline TAP achieved its best performance in 60 years in October thanks to a 119 percent growth in North American bookings. All this after hitting bottom a few years ago, when the country found itself on the brink of bankruptcy at the height of Europe's economic crisis. Advantages include climate and affordability Editors also made a laundry list of reasons for Portugal's growing allure: year-round temperate weather means there's no such thing as a bad time to visit. Compared to its neighbors, Portugal remains relatively affordable. And for US and Canadian travelers on the Eastern seaboard, the country is just seven hours away. The country's rich and varied landscape is also said to offer something for everyone. For beachcombers, there's the seaside town of Comporta. For wine lovers, there's Douro Valley, and for adrenaline junkies there's sailing, hiking, rock climbing, surfing and wildlife spotting in the Azores. The full story appears in the December issue of Travel + Leisure. You? Get kicked out of your apartment? Never. But no matter how unlikely that scenario may seem, all renters should have a firm understanding of eviction laws, just in case. Because even if you are a model tenant, you just might end up with a despotic landlord or vengeful subtenant whos determined to see you and your belongings out on the street. Heres what to expect if you end up the target of eviction proceedingsand how to fight back. You cant be evicted for no reason In most cases, landlords cant evict their tenants just because they dont get along. They must provide proof that a tenant broke terms of the lease. In other words, they must have photos of property damage, paperwork proving your rent has gone unpaid, or documented warnings against having unpermitted pets on the premises, which were then disregarded. The landlord then submits these documents to housing court, which will assess whether eviction is warranted. Your landlord cant just change the locks and throw you out As much as landlords may fancy themselves all-powerful, they cant take matters into their own hands. In other words: No, they cant change the locks. No, they cant throw your stuff on the sidewalk. All that amounts to an illegal eviction. Tenants who believe their landlord has evicted them illegally can initiate their own court case, and potentially receive damages. Evictions cant be retaliatory While this restriction does depend on your state, most prevent landlords from using eviction as a retaliatory act. In other words, landlords cant evict you because youre complaining about the lack of heat in your apartment or a cockroach infestation. This allows tenants to safely complain about health issues, safety concerns, or discrimination. You can check your states laws here. Youll receive a warning in writing Landlords must notify tenants of an impending eviction by serving a notice, typically sent by certified mail and taped to the front door. There are four common types of notices: Story continues Pay or vacate: This typically gives tenants late on rent three days to get current on their payments or leave the rental before eviction proceedings begin. Comply or vacate: Tenants in violation of the lease (say, by having a cat despite a no-pet lease provision) typically get 10 days to correct the problem or move out. Waste or nuisance notice: Drug dealers, hoarders, or generally reckless tenants might receive this notice. Once notified, tenants have three days to leavetheres no option to correct the problem. No-cause notice: While this is not legal in every city or state, in most of the U.S., landlords can give month-to-month tenants an order to vacate within 20 days (the exact number may vary based on location). No reason or explanation is necessary. Tenants must abide by the notice. If it says rent must be received in three days, theres no wiggle room, unless the landlord feels generous. If you are issued a three-day notice to pay and you come in on Day 4 with the rent, your landlord doesnt have to accept it and can evict you, says Reid Breitman, a California lawyer. You dont have to leave immediately After the grace period is up on your written warning, you will receive an official eviction noticealso typically delivered by certified mail and taped to your door by the landlord. But that doesnt mean you have to leave just yet. You can stay put until your court hearing, although you should continue to pay rent. (Not doing so might be a show of bad faith, meaning youll be less likely to win in court.) How to fight an eviction Just because your landlord has filed for an eviction doesnt mean you have to go. You can, and should, fight back. To do that, gather all of the documentation you can. Did your landlord claim you failed to pay rent? Bring copies of canceled checks. Does he claim youre a nuisance to your neighbors? Certified statements from Nancy who lives downstairs saying youve never so much as stomped on your floor will be helpful. This process can often be lengthy and drawn out; expect several months before a decision is made, with much of that time simply spent waiting for a court hearing. Tenants that lose will be expected to vacate the premises immediately (with a marshal or sheriff as escort), but if you have a case, you can take a standand win. The post Evade Eviction With These Tips on Tenant Law appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com. Washington (AFP) - While his advisors have played down some of President-elect Donald Trump's most extreme trade threats as negotiating tactics, economists remain worried about the potential to inflict real damage. The Republican billionaire has said that on his first day he will label China a currency manipulator, has threatened to pull out of free trade agreements like NAFTA and slap punitive tariffs of up to 45 percent on China and Mexico. And there is no question the US president has the power to take those actions unilaterally, without the consent of Congress, economists say. In a campaign season drenched in hyperbolic rhetoric, those protectionist threats have pushed economists to issue truly apocalyptic projections, warning of job losses of four million or more, and a deep and damaging recession in 2018, with negative spillovers to the global economy. - Using threats to negotiate - Since his surprise election win November 8, Trump's advisors have suggested his threats were designed simply to push trading partners to agree to a better deal for the US. Even so, economists say Trump's stance already has done damage, although it is hard to quantify what might happen until he provides specifics. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which comprised 12 economies and would have been the biggest US trade deal, is widely considered dead following Trump's election. US Trade Representative Michael Froman said the deal "is in purgatory." "We've seen a rise of populism, not just in this country... politics that did not always permit a full debate on the facts," he said at a forum late Monday. It could be that Trump's threats have worked to some extent, since Canada and Mexico each announced last week that they are willing to sit down with the new administration to reexamine NAFTA. But not factored in to the Trump team calculation is the reaction of US trading partners to Trump's protectionist policies. Story continues Marcus Noland, executive vice president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, points out about US trading partners: "They've got complaints too" about NAFTA. Under the rules of the US free trade agreements like NAFTA, the president can pull out simply by notifying the other members. Notification triggers a 180-day clock for new negotiations, but absent a new agreement -- which must be ratified by all member legislatures -- the accord would disappear. If that occurs, Noland warns that Trump's most famous promise to build a wall may become necessary quickly. As the Mexican economy takes a huge hit from lost trade, many more immigrants may try to come to the United States in search of work. "That is potentially a very risky move," Noland told AFP. "There is a high degree of trade integration between the US and Mexico. In Texas a lot of people make a lot of money off trade from Mexico, so he could get resistance." - Unknown unknowns - Edward Alden, trade specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, said it is hard to predict what could happen in hypothetical trade wars, but the uncertainty around Trump policies is concerning, what he calls the "unknown unknowns." "His goal here is leverage. He doesn't just want to tear up NAFTA, he wants to use the threat to negotiate something better," Alden told AFP. "The problem is we don't know what his vision is of something better." Part of the reason Trump's protectionist rhetoric resonated with voters is that the US has trade deficits with each of its top three trading partners, Canada, Mexico and China, with China amounting to over $30 billion a month. But China, the economists warn, will react to any US moves, with direct and indirect retaliation. "China has a long history of tit-for-tat retaliations to any trade restrictions. While the media terribly overuses the specter of a 'trade war' in which countries reciprocally escalate tariffs, that is a real possibility if Trump makes good on his threats," Alden wrote in a recent blog. - Repeat of the Reagan era? - The economists say Trump seems to be modeling his trade policy on Ronald Reagan, who sharply cut taxes, deregulated and pushed through enormous increases in spending (in his case on the military, while Trump is focused on infrastructure). This created huge fiscal and trade deficits, which then created a protectionist backlash. In that Cold War era, Japan was seen as the trade villain, and Reagan pressured Tokyo to voluntarily restrict some exports and increase imports. But the economists agree Washington does not have that kind of leverage with China in a multilateral trading system. With $2 trillion a year in exports, and 14 million Americans who owe their jobs to trade, "cutting off trade is the wrong remedy," Froman said. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two former Chinese diplomats working at a construction company face U.S. charges that they schemed to force employees who received visas to perform work only at China's U.N. mission and other facilities to instead provide private contracting work. A criminal complaint against Dan Zhong and Landong Wang made public on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court said the sites that received private contracting work included a Long Island residence matching the description of one tied to a U.N. bribery case. That $10-million mansion was owned by a Chinese associate of Ng Lap Seng, a Macau billionaire accused of bribing a U.N. diplomat who was questioned by the FBI about the homeowner's intelligence ties, according to court records. Zhong, 46, was ordered held without bail at a court hearing on Saturday. It was unclear whether Landong Wang was in custody. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn declined comment. Zhong's lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. The complaint said Zhong was the principal of a Chinese construction company's U.S. operations, while Wang was a manager. Both were former diplomats of China, it said. The complaint said their company hired Chinese workers who received visas solely to perform construction work at China's U.N. mission or other diplomatic facilities. Instead, they were forced by physical restraint, threats and abuse to perform contracting work at private sites, the complaint said, including the Long Island residence and a home owned by a Chinese-born airline worker. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters the two men were employees of a construction firm sent to work in the United States. Building projects for China's U.N. mission and other bodies in the United States respect pacts between the two countries, and China has always protected the rights and safety of citizens overseas, Geng added. Story continues Prosecutors did not name the airline employee or the owner of the Long Island residence. But their descriptions matched those of Ying Lin, an ex-Air China Ltd employee, and Qin Fei, who, Ng has said, was a consultant to his real estate company. FBI agents last year interrogated Ng about Qin, asking if he was connected to foreign intelligence, court records show. Prosecutors have accused Lin of assisting military personnel at China's U.N. mission to smuggle packages out of the United States and helping Qin flee to China amid an FBI investigation. Lin has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer did not respond to requests for comment. Qin, who has not been charged, did not respond to requests for comment. Ng is set to face trial in January on charges that he bribed a former U.N. General Assembly president to support a Macau-based conference center his company would develop. He has pleaded not guilty. (Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by G Crosse and Clarence Fernandez) A disgraced Ohio divorce attorney who authorities say hypnotized several of his female clients for his own sexual gratification was sentenced Monday to 12 years in prison, PEOPLE confirms. According to court records, Michael Fine, 59, received his sentence two months after pleading guilty to kidnapping and attempted kidnapping charges involving six women. (Each charge had a sexual motivation specification.) He will also have to register as a sex offender upon his release. Since his 2014 arrest, Fine has surrendered his law license, court records show. Police started investigating Fine when one of his clients came forward with strong suspicions that she was being hypnotized whenever meeting with her attorney to discuss her impending divorce. The woman made audio recordings of two of her telephone conversations with Fine, and investigators say the lawyer began using sexually explicit language with his client before ending the calls. Court records obtained by PEOPLE indicate that several other women who had hired Fine then came forward to police after the initial media reports about his arrest exposing a pattern of behavior. 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. One of the victims told police she believed Fine had hypnotized her numerous times, both over the phone and during meetings in his office and at conference rooms at the Lorain County Justice Center in Elyria, Ohio. The victim said shed hired Fine in February 2013 to settle a custody dispute. She told police she decided to record her phone conversations with him after having trouble recollecting their interactions in his office. She brought the tapes to detectives, who asked her to wear audio and video recording devices to her next meeting in Fines law offices in Sheffield, Ohio. Authorities were listening as Fine hypnotized the woman and started discussing sex acts with her. They then raided his offices, searching for evidence. Story continues Another woman whod hired Fine to represent her in a divorce told detectives the lawyer discussed relaxation and meditation techniques during their first meeting and that she suspected he was trying to hypnotize her. Court documents show she told police that her next three meetings with Fine included similar talk, and that after these encounters, she had a hard time remembering everything that had happened. While Fines family and friends (and even his pastor) spoke up in support of him, according to the Chronicle-Telegram, his victims described the opposite. One woman read her impact statement aloud at his sentencing: I have come to realize it was not my vulnerability that caused this to happen, she said. I went to Michael Fine with help in getting out of a terrible and abusive situation. I paid him to help me. He used my trust and his position as my attorney to gain information about my vulnerabilities. He then used that information not only to protect and defend me, but also to manipulate, hurt and take advantage of me. Calls to Fines lawyer were not immediately returned. By Sofia Menchu and Nelson Renteria GUATEMALA CITY/SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador have agreed to join forces and seek support from Mexico to forge a joint strategy in response to Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidency, El Salvador's foreign minister told Reuters on Wednesday. Trump's election upset has sent shockwaves through Mexico and Central America, which rely heavily on U.S. remittances and bilateral trade. President-elect Trump romped to victory in the Nov. 8 election by winning over voters with vows to end illegal immigration and re-examine trade treaties that he said have led U.S. firms to ship jobs south to lower-wage economies. Many of the migrants bound for the United States hail from the poor nations of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, and there are concerns that Trump's promise to deport millions of immigrants would have grave repercussions in Central American countries with few jobs and shaky security. On Wednesday, the day after a regional meeting in Honduras, the three countries released a joint statement asking their respective foreign ministries to join forces and formulate positions on jobs, investment and migration to deal with the new U.S. administration together, though the statement did not refer to Mexico. But Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Guatemala's Jimmy Morales and El Salvador's leader Salvador Sanchez Ceren, have agreed to seek support from Mexico, said Hugo Martinez, El Salvador's foreign minister, confirming what another government source told Reuters earlier. "What the presidents told us was that aside from this group ... we could expand to look for contact with Mexico, at first, and then also with the other Latin American countries," Martinez said. Mexico's Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. In an interview last week, Humberto Roque Villanueva, Mexico's deputy interior minister for migration, said he expected deportations of undocumented Mexican migrants in the United States to start rising when Trump takes office Jan. 20 but the process will not begin soon. Trump has repeatedly said he plans to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, insisting that Mexico will pay for it. PLAN IN ACTION The first meeting between the Central American foreign ministers will take place on Thursday in San Salvador, sources said, adding that there is no date yet for when Mexico might join. The Central American foreign ministries said they were already looking to strengthen their consular services in the United States and preparing a network of activists, lawyers, non-profits and church leaders to help safeguard against any possible deportation wave. Maria Andrea Matamoros, Honduras' deputy foreign minister, told Reuters she expected the number of migrants bound for the United States to rise before Trump takes office in January. "(The wall) is the perfect advertising campaign for a human trafficker, and now, with the election of Trump, that has magnified, and we're already seeing - incredibly - a rise in the flow of migrants," she said. On Tuesday, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador launched a joint security system to combat gangs and drug smuggling, as well as curtail migration and lower murders in one of the world's most violent regions. The joint security force is part of the so-called "Alliance for Prosperity" plan, which aims to regenerate the region with support from Washington, creating jobs and infrastructure. That plan was hatched after a sharp rise in Central American child migrants bound for the United States sparked a crisis for outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014. Speaking at the event in the western Honduran city of Nueva Ocotepeque on Tuesday, President Hernandez said he would meet U.S. lawmakers from both parties to defend the Alliance for Prosperity. (Additional reporting by Gustavo Palencia in Honduras and Gabriel Stargardter in Mexico, Writing by Enrique Pretel; Editing by Gabriel Stargardter, Christian Plumb and Lisa Shumaker) By Dmitry Zhdannikov, Nidhi Verma and Katya Golubkova LONDON/NEW DELHI/MOSCOW (Reuters) - A multi-billion-dollar Russian deal to buy Indian refiner Essar was nearly sunk at the eleventh hour by a rival bid from Saudi Arabia as the two oil superpowers vie for supremacy across the world. The deal between Essar and a consortium led by Kremlin oil giant Rosneft appeared dead in the water two months ago after Saudi state energy firm Aramco weighed in, according to seven Russia, India and Saudi-based industry sources familiar with or involved in the negotiations. It was salvaged due to the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who were keen for it go through, and after the consortium agreed to pay $13 billion - more than double what Rosneft had initially valued Essar at, sources told Reuters. This made the refiner the biggest-ever foreign acquisition in India and Russia's largest outbound deal. The tussle for Essar - a state-of-the-art plant in the world's fastest-growing fuel market - illustrates the growing battle for oil markets between Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world's two largest crude exporters. It also sheds light on the challenges OPEC member Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia - which are also fighting a proxy conflict in Syria's civil war - will face in trying to clinch a global agreement to limit output growth to prop up oil prices. The full details of how the Essar deal was struck remain unclear. Two industry sources said it was rescued thanks to the involvement of Putin and Modi while three other sources said Rosneft had simply outbid Saudi Aramco. Officials in Modi's office declined to comment while Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied there was any Kremlin intervention in the deal. "Naturally, we defend the interests of our companies. Of course we lobby for them, especially on such large deals," said Peskov, but added that in the case of Essar "there were no orders from the Kremlin". Story continues "It was a corporate decision by Rosneft to gain synergies via cooperation with India," he said. Rosneft and Saudi Aramco declined to comment. Essar said it had held discussions with several potential buyers but had gone with the Rosneft consortium because their offer was considered the most attractive. It denied there was any intervention from Putin or Modi. SHOWDOWN Rosneft boss Igor Sechin is keen to buy refining assets around the world to guarantee outlets for Russian oil. He had been negotiating since 2014 to buy 49 percent of Essar from its owners, Indian brothers Ravi and Shashi Ruia, and the two parties had been in exclusive talks since July 2015 when a preliminary deal was signed. While the exact amount Rosneft was prepared to offer for the stake at that stage is unclear, Russian and Indian industry sources said it valued the whole of Essar at about $5.7 billion. However it became apparent that there were problems with the deal in early September, when Sechin traveled to India to meet the Ruia brothers, flying from Hangzhou, China, where he had been part of Putin's G20 summit delegation. Sechin walked into the meeting with the Ruia brothers soon after landing in India at 1 a.m., determined to close the deal, according to sources briefed on the discussions. As the meeting started, one of the brothers told Sechin the deal process had been going on for too long, the exclusivity period had expired in July and Essar was now talking to other parties. Those other parties included Saudi Aramco, he said. According to the sources familiar with how the meeting unfolded, Sechin responded by saying that if Essar walked away from the deal it risked losing Russian financial and oil-supply support. The Ruia brothers then said the talks with Rosneft were over and called an abrupt end to the meeting. "People started leaving the room, embarrassed," one of the sources said. Another source said the Essar management had drafted a statement to say the deal with Rosneft was off. Rosneft and Essar declined to comment on what transpired at the meeting, or on whether such a statement had existed. Sechin and the Ruia brothers could not be reached for comment. Three Saudi-based sources familiar with details of talks between Essar and Saudi Aramco said the firm was seriously considering buying Essar. One of the sources said Aramco was prepared to pay up to $9 billion for all or most of the refiner. Aramco declined to comment on whether it had made a bid. TOO BIG TO FAIL In the end, however, the Rosneft-Essar deal proved to be too big to fail. For India, a deal collapse or a delay because of talks with another party would set back Modi's drive to clean up India's $140 billion mountain of bad debt given Essar's multi-billion-dollar debts to local and foreign banks after years of rapid expansion. For Russia, the deal in the huge Indian market represented an important milestone in building a global oil empire despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Facing the Saudi competition, Rosneft formed a consortium that bought 98 per cent of the refiner plus a fuel terminal for $13 billion. The Kremlin oil firm bought 49 percent - below the 50 percent level that would have fallen foul of Western sanctions - with Swiss trading house Trafigura and Russian private investment group UCP buying the other 49 percent. According to the Indian and Russian industry sources, Rosneft and Essar returned to the negotiating table within days of the spat in early September, and the deal was finally struck. One of the sources said there was a fierce battle between Essar and Rosneft over the terms. They said the Russian-led consortium was forced to outbid the Saudi offer, which they said comprised a combination of cash, long-term low interest credit and oil supplies. Trafigura declined to comment on how the deal came together, while UCP did not reply to a written request asking for comment. Washington said the deal did not violate sanctions. The deal was signed in Mauritius on Oct. 14, a day before a formal announcement on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Goa where Putin and Modi met. The leaders also oversaw the signing of a raft of other transactions including India agreeing to pay $5 billion for Russian long-range air defense missile systems. Two industry sources said the Essar deal had first been discussed by Putin and Modi as far back as May 2014 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia's main investor show. It was unclear what form - if any - high-level government intervention might have taken after the September dispute. But the two sources said that without political will in Moscow and New Delhi, an agreement could not have been struck. "Putin and Modi saved that deal," said one. (Additional reporting by Rania el Gamal; Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Pravin Char) During the holidays, divorced couples who share kids have a tricky balancing act when it comes to co-parenting. But for Ryan Phillippe and his ex-wife, Reese Witherspoon, it seems the former couple are on the same page. "As a divorced dad we trade off, so last year my kids and I went to my parents in Delaware, this year they will be with their mom and I am shooting a movie up in Toronto," Phillippe told ET of his Thanksgiving plans at the Innocence Project Benefit gala in New York City on Tuesday. "I am going to fly down to Philly and just have a Thanksgiving with my parents and the kids get to be with Reese." NEWS: Ryan Phillippe Reveals the Hilarious Thing That 'Repulses' His Teenage Daughter Phillippe, who got divorced from Witherspoon in November 2008, shares two children with the Oscar winner -- 17-year-old daughter Ava and 13-year-old son Deacon. While the two don't double up for Thanksgiving, Phillippe said it's actually better for their kids, and praised his ex for being "healthy about how we do things." "You have to get to that point as a divorced parent, as any parent, where you're not putting yourself first," he said. "You want the kids' experience to be its own and not like, 'Well, I need to have my time!' We have been very good about that." PHOTOS: Adorable Celebrity Dads When he does get to spend time with his kids, Phillippe says he's taken to flying drones. The actor and filmmaker -- who recently starred in a short film shot entirely on a remote-operated drone -- marveled at his son's prowess at flying. "My son is arguably probably even better at operating and piloting than I am, because that is just the way it is [with] children and technology they take to it like a fish in water. We over a certain age have to really concentrate," Phillippe, 42, joked. While he won't be spending time with his kids over Thanksgiving, the actor will be shooting a new film and working on some side ventures. However, one project fans have been dying to see for years is a Cruel Intentions reunion or sequel, and Phillippe said he'd be "way into it." Story continues NEWS: Ryan Phillippe Slams His Own Acting Career: I've Only Made 5 Good Movies "I am still in touch with Roger [Kumble], the director of Cruel Intentions. I would love to find another piece where I could be that light, comedic, flippant master of the character again," he explained. "I would like to do something like that. I just enjoyed shooting that, every day." While Phillippe doesn't seem himself getting involved in a future sequel or TV reboot and wasn't involved with the Cruel Intentions pilot that was recently in development at NBC -- he said he'd "love to find something with the same creative team that had a similar vibe." Currently, the actor is starring in the TV reboot of the 2007 action thriller Shooter, airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. PT on USA. WATCH: Ryan Phillippe Shows Off His Insane Non-Dad Bod Related Articles By Andreas Cremer BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen is pushing for a cost-cutting deal with workers at its core brand by Friday to help fund investment in electric and self-drive cars, but accounts of discussions in just one area show how difficult it is. The need for a turnaround plan at the VW brand has been amplified by the billions of costs it is facing for its diesel emissions scandal but union leaders do not want workers to carry the can for what they see as the mistakes of managers. The main sticking point of the talks is how to ensure the future of its German factories as it seeks to cut some traditional roles making combustion engines in favour of new positions producing batteries and electric engines. Neither VW nor its powerful labour unions would comment on the progress of the talks but details from three company sources of discussions over the assembly of plastic parts shed light on their complexity. VW brand chief Herbert Diess, a former executive at BMW, which is less vertically integrated than VW, has sought to end production of some plastic parts including fuel tanks and bumpers at the Wolfsburg base, the three sources said. In a sign of the scale of the challenge, a new 1,500-square meter hall with blow-molding technology to make more plastic tanks went on stream only in September, the sources said. Unions have so far blocked Diess's plan, which would involve cutting several hundred of the 3,000 jobs involved in making plastic parts, an area competitors have long since outsourced. Management and labour are also discussing the outsourcing of some production of plastic parts at Braunschweig near Wolfsburg, one of the sources said. Those talks involve compensating staff by assigning more orders for chassis and steering assembly which will become more relevant with self-driving cars. Two VW factories in particular are hoping to benefit from the post-dieselgate expansion into zero-emission technology: Salzgitter, which now makes combustion engines and Kassel, VWs biggest component plant making gearboxes, engines and emission systems. Story continues One company source indicated an overarching deal could be reached by Friday, but others did not confirm the prediction. BOARD MEETING The supervisory board of VW, part owned by the state of Lower Saxony and Qatari Investment Authority, is due to meet on Friday to approve spending on plants, equipment and models across the multi-brand group until the end of the decade, but needs prior agreement with the works council on restructuring and jobs. Managers want to cut annual costs at the core brand by 3.7 billion euros ($3.99 billion) through 2021 to help fund VW's transformation while facing billions of euros in costs from its emissions scandal. But labour leaders, who occupy almost half the seats on the group's 20 member supervisory board, have said they will not approve any cutbacks without management committing to fixed targets and quotas for product, output and investment. That could have an impact on the share price. "They urgently need to bring about change and not settle for a shaky compromise," said Bankhaus Metzler analyst Juergen Pieper who last week lowered his recommendation on the stock to "Hold" from "Buy" because of the reported discovery of cheat software at luxury brand Audi. Toyota built slightly more vehicles than VW last year with 40 percent fewer workers, the Center of Automotive Research said. First-half earnings per car were 395 euros at VW brand, 715 euros at Renault and 844 euros at PSA Peugeot Citroen. Pieper argued that the group should be able to shed a third of its global 610,000-workforce and shut about 10 of its 120 plants. VW has ruled out forced layoffs but may cut up to 25,000 staff by waiting for people to retire. Sources have said it plans to double this year's expected operating of 2 percent by 2020 and lift it to 6 percent by 2025. That is below current profitability benchmarks at rivals Ford, PSA and Toyota. Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst who has a "Buy" recommendation on VW, said that may not last. "It goes without saying that a 4 percent target by 2020 would jeopardize what we believe could be a credible turnaround story," he said. (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) is negotiating with Chad over a record $74 billion fine the U.S. oil company was told to pay by a court in the central African nation over unpaid royalties, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. Exxon has appealed the Oct. 5 court ruling, but the appeals court hearing has been delayed because of the talks, Bloomberg reported, citing a lawyer for Exxon. (http://bloom.bg/2fRpf5n) Exxon declined to comment. The court decision fined a consortium led by Exxon over 44 trillion CFA francs ($73.44 billion) - nearly four times BP's Deepwater Horizon settlement and roughly seven times Chad's annual gross domestic product. The consortium, which includes Malaysian state oil firm Petronas (PETRA.UL) and Chadian oil company SNT, were found to owe the country nearly 484 billion CFA francs ($808 million) in royalties, according to the court judgement. It did not explain why the penalty amounted to more than 90 times that amount. The unpaid royalties stem from a dispute over fees, sources in the Chadian Finance Ministry have told Reuters. The Finance Ministry, they said, is seeking a 2 percent royalty fee from the consortium, a rate the defendants have said is higher than the agreed level. Petronas and SNT could not immediately be reached for comment. ($1 = 599.1400 CFA francs) (Reporting by Vishaka George in Bengaluru and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar and Sandra Maler) The Flash star Ezra Miller and Harry Potter alum Emma Watson really bonded while working on the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower, so when Miller nabbed the role of Credence Barebone in the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, he immediately contacted Watson. Emma was the first person I called, Miller said during a recent New York press conference, according to UPI. I think, usually, if you know someone who has worked with anyone who you are about to work with, it seems rational to check in and find out what you are plunging into. And, fortunately, when I called Emma, I was given good news. She told me what a magical experience it was for her. Miller said Watson even gave him advice on how to best deal with director David Yates. Unlike other filmmakers, Watson revealed that Yates is unflappable. But, particularly, she tried to prepare me for the wonder of David Yates and help me understand, he continued. I asked her.... I was like, Yeah, I met him and he seems so kind and calm, but when you start shooting that must all fall apart and hes yelling at department heads to get the job done, right? And she was like, Actually, Ezra, no, he will remain that calm through the entire production. Which is true and an amazing thing. Miller is such a huge fan of J.K. Rowlings works, so being a part of Fantastic Beasts and having the chance to work with actors such as Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander) and Colin Farrell (Percival Graves) really meant a lot to him. I admire both of their work immensely. I think theyre both really brilliant, brilliant artists and yeah, its been really, really, fruitful, he told Collider, adding that he is super grateful to work with great actors. It makes it possible to slip deep into a world of illuminated fantasy. Meanwhile, the movies producer, David Heyman, promised that the film will still evoke the same level of awe and wonder as the first eight Harry Potter films. The Potter films and this film all emanate from a place of character. Newt is an outsider, a bit like all of [J.K.s] characters, he told The New York Times. Story continues Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be released on Nov. 18. Ezra Miller Photo: Getty Related Articles An Alabama man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for murdering his daughters sexual abuser. Jay Maynor, 43, pleaded guilty to the shooting death of Raymond Earl Brooks, 59, two years ago in Cullman, about 50 miles north of Birmingham. Read: Pastor Calls Sex Assault Center to Report He Molested a 12-Year-Old Girl: Cops Thirteen years earlier, Brooks had pleaded guilty to sexually abusing Maynors 8-year-old daughter, who was also Brooks adopted granddaughter. Brooks served 27 months for that crime before he was released on parole. He was a registered sex offender. Maynors daughter, who is now 24 and the mother of three, said her dad snapped that day in 2014 after she argued with him over Brooks, AL.com reported. Her dad got on his motorcycle and drove to a convenience store, where he fired several rounds inside while trying to hit a man who had been dating his stepdaughter and allegedly had been abusing the woman, she said. Maynor didnt hit anyone, and took off for Brooks home, where he shot the man twice, killing him as he stood in his front yard, authorities said. Maynors daughter said he pleaded guilty so she wouldnt have to testify about being abused by Brooks over several years, until she finally told someone about it at age 8. My father was protecting me, like a father should do, she told the news site. He is an amazing father, actually the best. He loves us so much. Read: High School Tennis Star Accused of Sexually Assaulting Mentally Ill Woman He'd Met Online May Avoid Jail InsideEdition.com does not identify sexual abuse victims. Her father also pleaded guilty to attempted murder in the store shooting and was sentenced to 20 years, to be served concurrently with his murder sentence. The daughter says her fathers punishment is too harsh. Im going through hell, she said. Watch: Teacher Charged with Child Sex After Being Impregnated by Student Related Articles: The Supreme Courts expressed hope that lawyers on both sides of the controversy over the birth-control mandate in the new federal health care law would come to an agreement is no nearer realization after six months. courtfreize535 The two sides are facing a series of deadlines to file new reports in eight separate federal appeals courts on the status of their talks if, in fact, the talks are ongoing. Their most recent such reports only sought more time to explore potential ways out of what seems like an impasse. And now, the arrival of the new Trump administration in Washington, D.C., may bring a major change on where the federal government stands on the issue a key part of the Affordable Care Act (popularly known as Obamacare) That could delay a final resolution, one way or the other, for several months. In the meantime, some women who work for religious organizations of attend religious colleges that object to birth control as a matter of faith may actually begin to get free access to pregnancy-related drugs and devices while the controversy persists. It was exactly six months ago that the Supreme Court, without deciding any of the legal issues surrounding the controversy, told attorneys for the government and for non-profit religious employers to make an effort to find common ground. The court itself offered an idea that would assure that women employees of religious hospitals of charities or students at religious colleges could have access to birth control methods, without involving their employers of college administrators directly. One group gathering of lawyers was held at the Justice Department in Washington on June 20, but it is unclear whether there have been any other joint discussions. In fact, a New York City lawyer for a group of Roman Catholic charities protested to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in August that the government had not set up a further meeting and had not consulted with the other side before deciding to seek public input on potential revisions of the mandate. Story continues A formal request for information was published on July 22, inviting comments on a series of ideas to alter the regulations on how religious employers would be treated under the mandate. Some 54,000 comments came in before the comment period ended on September 20. Eight separate federal appeals courts now have a total of 20 cases that are awaiting word on whether the two sides can come to an agreement. In the federal governments status reports in recent months, it has told appeals courts that it is processing the public comments on possible changes in the mandate. No partys status reports mentioned any further talks. At this point, lawyers on both sides are facing new reporting dates in the appeals courts ranging from November 30 to various days in December and, in at least one appeals court, not until January 25. The government at one point had indicated it was seeking a common reporting date set at November 30, but that has not become uniform. Hanging over the future of the mandate, of course, is the uncertainty about where President-elect Donald Trump and his new administration will settle in his expressed desire to get rid of Obamacare entirely. Although he has said since his election that he now wants to keep some of the more popular parts of the new health care law, it is uncertain what ambitions he and the Republican-controlled Congress have for the birth-control mandate after the new Congress assembles on January 3 and the new president is sworn in on January 20. In any event, the new government cannot simply scuttle that mandate by using a presidential order. Thats because binding regulations are in place that determine when a religious employer is exempt from having to provide contraceptives to its employees or to attending students in the case of colleges. Thus, if there is to be a change, new regulations will have to be drawn up in draft form, and then submitted to the public for comment for 60 days or more. The Supreme Court, in ordering the lawyers on May 16 to engage in talks about composing their differences, indicated that in the meantime religious employers who object to providing contraceptives will not be penalized for not providing such access, but the government will not be barred from arranging with insurance companies running employer benefit plans to begin providing access at no cost to female workers or students of child-bearing age. Technically, each of the 20 cases now pending in the appeals courts could move up to the Supreme Court, because it had not decided in a final form the seven specific cases it had heard on the mandate. (Not all of the 20 cases now in the appeals courts were appealed to the Supreme Court at its last term.) The appeals courts would probably be the first ones to react to any change that the Trump administration might seek to make in the mandate. Although the Supreme Court was unanimous in sending the cases back to lawyers to talk about potential solutions, there is no assurance that it would again be unanimous if the issue does reach the Justices again in the future. That could depend on who becomes the ninth Justice to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Recent Stories on Constitution Daily When the Supreme Court ruled to allow American flag burning Close election causes another Electoral College debate Explaining how recounts and contested presidential elections work By Dan Freed Nov 16 (Reuters) - Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari unveiled a plan on Wednesday to prevent future government bailouts by forcing the largest U.S. banks to hold so much capital that they would probably decide to break themselves up. Kashkari's plan would also penalize large asset managers, with the idea that so-called "shadow banks" can create systemic risks similar to that of big banks. "We expect that institutions whose size doesn't meaningfully benefit their customers will be forced to break themselves up," the Minneapolis Fed said in a summary of its plan. The plan, which would double the amount of loss-absorbing equity capital for large U.S. banks and impose a new tax on hedge funds and other asset managers, is sure to face fierce opposition from Wall Street. It may also be a tough sell for policymakers who have already imposed rules intended to eliminate the notion that some banks are "too big to fail," or TBTF. However, its prospects may be better under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump and the new Congress. Trump has been critical of Wall Street, and indicated he would support dismantling 2010 financial crisis legislation known as Dodd-Frank, but it is not clear whether he would support Kashkari's approach. However, lawmakers such as Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, who runs the House Financial Services Committee, have also argued for ratcheting up capital requirements to a level that would prompt big banks to split apart. Senate Banking Committee members Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and David Vitter, a Republican, have also introduced legislation seeking to raise capital requirements. "I believe the biggest banks are still TBTF and continue to pose a significant, ongoing risk to our economy," Kashkari said in planned remarks he was to deliver at the Economic Club of New York on Wednesday. Kashkari has made "too big to fail" his signature issue since being appointed head of the Minneapolis Fed in January. He has held symposiums on the topic to get views from policymakers, academics and industry leaders about the best way to prevent future bailouts. Story continues A former Goldman Sachs banker who administered the U.S. Treasury Department's bailout program during the financial crisis that erupted in 2008, Kashkari has positioned himself as a reformed Wall Street banker who knows best how to fix the problem. He also ran for governor in California in 2014, but has declined to comment on future political ambitions. Kashkari's initial comments about breaking up big banks earlier this year drew praise from then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont. Dodd-Frank advocates have argued that it will prevent future bank bailouts. But the Minneapolis Fed proposal argues there is still a 67 percent chance of one over the next 100 years. Kashkari's plan would reduce the likelihood of a future financial crisis over the next 100 years to roughly 9 percent, according to the proposal. The increased equity requirement for banks would replace an existing requirement that allows banks to use equity and long-term debt. The plan would also require the Treasury Secretary to certify that the banks subject to the rule are not "systemically important." Otherwise, they would face even tougher capital requirements. Banks subject to the rule will have $250 billion in assets, a group that would include Bank of America Corp, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Wells Fargo & CO and Citigroup, among others. A group of so-called "shadow banks," with more than $50 billion in assets, like Blackrock Inc would face a tax of at least 1.2 percent on their debt. If the Treasury indicates any of those firms are systemically important, the tax would rise to 2.2 percent. "The tax would effectively make the cost of funds roughly equivalent between large banks and nonbanks," according to the plan, which was released Wednesday. Banks with less than $10 billion in assets would see looser regulations, since they do not pose a threat to the U.S. economy, Kashkari said. Insurers would also escape the rule, because their funding model is different. (Reporting by Dan Freed in New York; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Diane Craft) Helsinki (AFP) - Finnish utility TVO said Wednesday it was "alarmed" by the French nuclear industry's restructuring plans after France's Areva, which is building its troubled nuclear reactor, confirmed the sale of its reactor business. French power giant EDF and Areva said earlier Wednesday they had signed "binding agreements" for the sale of Areva's struggling reactor business to EDF for 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion). EDF is to continue the reactor business under a company called New NP. A source familiar with the case told AFP on Tuesday that the new company will not bear any financial liabilities related to the Olkiluoto 3 reactor that Areva has been building for TVO in Finland since 2005 with German engineering group Siemens. "TVO is alarmed about the evolution of the restructuring of the French nuclear industry, and considers that the separation of project ownership from the resources needed for the completion and commissioning of OL3 (reactor) is not appropriate behaviour from a nuclear technology vendor," its senior vice president Anna Lehtiranta told AFP by email. The Olkiluoto 3 reactor in western Finland was supposed to be the world's first European Pressurised Reactor (EPR), with a start date initially planned in 2009 but now delayed to 2018. TVO and Areva are locked in a bitter arbitration case over the costs of the delay. Areva has claimed damages of 3.4 billion euros, and TVO 2.6 billion euros via the International Chamber of Commerce. Lehtiranta said TVO is "extremely concerned" that Areva, stripped of its reactor operations, would not be adequately funded and resourced to complete the Finnish reactor, "when technical expertise and vital human resources are being transferred to the so-called 'New Areva NP.'" EDF and Areva have negotiated the sales deal for more than a year, and in September, TVO resorted to legal action against Areva in a French commercial court to seek assurances that the Olkiluoto 3 project would not be delayed again. Areva has assured this will not happen, saying the plant's cold tests, without nuclear fuel, are due to begin in 2017. Nov 16 (Reuters) - First Solar Inc, the largest U.S. solar equipment maker, said it would slash about 1,600 jobs, or 27 percent of its global workforce, to cut costs as it transitions to production of Series 6 modules. The company also forecast on Wednesday 2017 net sales of $2.5 billion-$2.6 billion, well below analysts' average estimate of $2.98 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. First Solar said the restructuring is expected to result in pretax charges of between $500 million-$700 million, anticipated primarily in 2016. (http://bit.ly/2givx1p) The company warned earlier this month of significant challenges next year due to a 30 percent slide in prices, driven by lower demand in China and the resulting oversupply of panels globally. (Reporting by Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) Finding the perfect property can be a challenge for any first-time homebuyer. But in Boston, where the city's rich history and thriving job market help make it one of the most competitive housing markets on the East Coast, the real estate landscape can be particularly intimidating. According to two of Boston's top real estate agents as identified by OpenHouse Realty, a real estate technology company (and a U.S. News partner), a solid team and a little bit of trust will get you exactly where you need to be. Here are these agents' top tips for first-time homebuyers in Boston. [Read: 8 Must-Haves That Are Limiting Your Home Search.] Shop around before you shop around. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself as a first-time homebuyer is to invest time and thought into selecting a real estate agent and mortgage broker you can trust. In a market as competitive as Boston's, having a team on your side who will represent your best interests will make the homebuying process more efficient. "Buyers need to find someone that is going to advocate for them -- someone who will have no responsibility to the seller," says real estate agent Ellen Grubert of Ellen, Janis and Josh Real Estate Team and RE/MAX Destiny. Frank Celeste, a real estate agent with Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, agrees that the best brokers will know the comparable sales data inside and out, helping you navigate a fast-paced and highly competitive market. "It's a tough time to be a buyer," he says. "There are many dynamics that first-time buyers aren't privy to, but a knowledgeable broker can make all the difference." Imagine multiple versions of your wish list. Boston's inventory is limited, so you likely won't have the luxury of shopping around too much or leisurely weighing your options. According to Grubert, Boston homebuyers should be prepared to make an offer on a property within 24 to 48 hours. The longer and more rigid your wish list, the more challenging it is to snag that perfect property. "Know the areas in which you're willing to be flexible," Grubert says. Story continues Many wish list negotiations come down to lifestyle choices. Be honest with yourself about your transportation preferences or how important access to urban amenities like shops and restaurants is to you. If the amenities of the home are more important than location, know that ahead of time. If location is nonnegotiable, understand you may need to be willing to make some sacrifices on other aspects of the home. [Read: 20 Best Places to Live in the USA.] "At the end of the process, I believe everyone ends up in exactly the home they're meant to be in," Celeste says. Assess the rental rates. According to Celeste, many of Boston's prospective buyers have already been renting in the city. "With the prospective career opportunities, a lot of people are looking to stay close to where they are currently living," he says. Whether or not you are already living and renting in Boston, assess the rental rates. This information can help you justify the purchase: On average, rental rates for a one- or two-bedroom apartment priced somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 a month are on par with -- if not higher than -- a monthly mortgage payment, according to Grubert. For a comparable price, home ownership grants you complete control over a property. Don't be caught by surprise when the end is in sight. Grubert and Celeste most often see first-time homebuyers get caught off guard by closing costs and inspection processes. "A good mortgage lender will inform you of things like whether you should expect to pay two weeks of additional taxes because you closed in the middle of a month," Grubert says. "These are the sorts of things that can add up and surprise homebuyers." [Read: 4 Real Estate Trends to Know Before Selling Your Boston Home.] The closing step is perhaps when it is most critical to have a team of real estate agents and mortgage brokers you trust, according to Grubert. "It can be an emotional and complicated process," Grubert says. "But if you inform yourself and surround yourself with a team you trust, you will have a positive experience." Looking for a real estate agent in Boston? U.S. News' Find an Agent tool can match you with the person who's most qualified for the job. Lauren Liebhaber is a freelance writer based in Boston. Photo credit: Getty From Seventeen A 16-year-old student stabbed five boys in the locker room of a Utah high school on Tuesday morning before stabbing himself, police officials announced in a news conference shortly after the incident. The attack occurred around 8 a.m. at Mountain View High School in Orem, as the students were preparing for gym class. The suspect, a sophomore, used a knife with a 3-inch blade to wound the victims in the neck and torso regions. School staff members near the scene were able to corner the suspect until a school security officer arrived and subdued the student with a Taser. Photo credit: Getty Names of the victims and suspect are not being released because the teens are minors, police said. In a statement on its Facebook page, Alpine School District did disclose that the students are in fair to critical condition, and all are expected to survive. Right now the reason for the attack is unclear. "There are a lot of different things we need to look at for a motive," Orem police chief Gary Giles explained at the briefing. "Was it a fight? Is it somebody upset with somebody? Is there more to it? I don't know the answer to that." Photo credit: Getty The suspect is a straight-A student who was new to the school this fall and had no prior disciplinary issues, district spokeswoman Kimberly Bird added. Counselors will be available in the coming days to any students in the community who have been adversely affected by the attack. Hannah Orenstein is a writer at Seventeen.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. You Might Also Like A Florida woman has been charged with first-degree murder and child neglect after allegedly strangling her 1-year-old daughter to death with a string of Halloween lights. At first, Kristen Marie DePasquale reportedly blamed the girls death on her other child. But as the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered there were multiple inconsistencies in DePasquales statements, according to a news release from police in Oveido, Florida. DePasquale was arrested Monday. She has pleaded not guilty and is very sad, her attorney says. A motive remains unclear. Days earlier, on Thursday, DePasquale told police she left her daughter, Mia Rice, in the living room with her 2-year-old son while she took a five-minute shower, according to the release. DePasquale claimed that she left the shower when she heard her son saying he was sorry for hurting his sister and thats when she found her daughter partially hanging from a string of pumpkin-shaped lights that were around her neck, police said in the release. She called 911, and responding officers attempted to revive the little girl, the Orlando Sentinel reports. (Oviedo police did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for further comment.) DePasquale blamed her son for the crime, and Mia was later pronounced dead at a hospital. 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. But investigators say inconsistencies were soon revealed. Oviedo police detective Christopher George said in the arrest report that those inconsistencies included that the shower was dry, and that DePasquale was wearing makeup and jewelry, according to the Sentinel. The towel she had claimed to use after exiting the shower was also dry. Further, detectives concluded that the marks on Mias neck showed more force than a 2-year-old child could presumably use, the Sentinel reports. Story continues The medical examiner ultimately ruled the girls cause of death was homicide by strangulation and said it would have taken several minutes for her to be killed. On Tuesday, DePasquale was ordered held without bond at the Seminole County Jail in Florida, her public defender, Timothy Caudill, confirms to PEOPLE. DePasquale has pleaded not guilty, Caudill says. Were very sad about this tragedy, he tells PEOPLE, and shes very sad about the loss of her child. Caudill says that DePasquales 2-year-old son is in the care of family. The childrens father is in jail on unrelated charges, Click Orlando reports. Audi A5 Sportback The Audi A5 Sportback is forbidden fruit for US car buyers. In the automotive universe, the Sportback isn't forbidden fruit in the Biblical sense, but rather, is one of the cars enthusiasts want, but aren't available in specific markets. As globalization takes over the automotive industry, there are fewer and fewer pieces of "forbidden fruit" left for US car buyers to pine after. Past members of the club such as the Nissan GT-R and Subaru WRX STI have all gone global. For a decade, one of those cars has been the Audi A5 Sportback compact four-door coupe. As the little brother of the Audi's highly successful A7, the A5 Sportback has been available in most major markets around the world except the US and Canada. But that's all about to change. Audi S5 Sportback On Wednesday, Audi finally confirmed ahead of the 2016 LA Auto Show that the Sportback will finally be sold in the US alongside the two-door A5 coupe. In the US, the A5 Sportback will be powered by a 2.0 liter, 252 horsepower, turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder shared with the A4 sedan as well as the Q5 and Porsche Macan crossovers. A sportier S5 variant will also be available. It will be powered by a 3.0 liter, TFSI V6 unit pushing out 354 horsepower. Both versions of the Sportback will be top-notch performers with the standard A5 capable of sprinting to 60mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds while the more powerful S5 can make the same sprint in just 4.5 seconds. The A5 is equipped with Audi's stellar 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the S5 will be available with a new 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Both versions will feature Audi's world-famous Quattro-branded all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the Sportback's interior will bear a heavy resemblance to the A5 coupe and the A4 sedan on which it is based. This means Audi's fantastic virtual cockpit and infotainment system will be available. Audi A5 Sportback The Audi A5/S5 Sportback made its world debut in September. Until Wednesday's announcement, no press material for the models were available on Audi's US media site. At the same time, Audi of America's official stance for past couple of months on the Sportback's arrival in the US has been "unconfirmed". Story continues Even though, Car and Driver, citing Audi sources in Germany, reported that the A5 was indeed heading to America. Regardless, the long-awaited arrival of the A5 Sportback is now upon us. Which brings us to the next member of the "forbidden" club The Audi RS6 Avant superwagon. Your move, Audi! The A5/S5 Sportback will arrive in US dealerships next spring as a 2018 model. Audi has not announced official pricing for the Sportback. NOW WATCH: This $183,000 Audi R8 is the perfect supercar for Tony Stark wannabes More From Business Insider Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - A former governor of Rio de Janeiro state was detained Wednesday in an alleged vote-buying scheme, police said, in the latest flare up of Brazil's battle against corruption. Anthony Garotinho, who served from 1998 to 2002 before mounting an unsuccessful run for the presidency, "was taken into preventative detention as part of a police operation probing electoral fraud," a spokesman for the federal police in the town of Campos told AFP. Police were investigating an alleged vote-buying scheme in Campos, in the north of Rio state, during October nationwide municipal elections. Garotinho was accused of "extremely serious criminal actions which defrauded the municipal elections with the aim of aiding... preferred candidates," the judge's order for the detention said. Garotinho, a member of the Brazilian right's increasingly powerful evangelical wing, is currently serving as number two to the outgoing mayor of Campos -- his wife Rosinho Garotinho. His wife is also an ex-governor of Rio state, winning election to one term to replace her husband. However she lost in the October elections and will stepdown as mayor. Brazil is in the midst of major political upheaval sparked by a probe into high-ranking bribery and embezzlement centered on state oil giant Petrobras. The scandal, known as Operation Car Wash, has seen former presidents, ministers and other top officials charged with bribery and other crimes. Former UN chief Kofi Annan has expressed "deep concern" over violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state where the military killed dozens of people over the weekend, sending hundreds of Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh. The military has locked down a strip of land along the border, an area largely home to the oppressed Muslim minority, since deadly raids on police posts last month. The army says troops have killed nearly 70 people as they hunt the attackers, who they say are radicalised Rohingya militants with links to overseas Islamists. Activists say the toll could be much higher, accusing troops of shooting unarmed civilians, raping women and torching homes, but the army has stopped independent observers from investigating the claims. Annan called for an end to the bloodshed in a statement released as seven members of a commission he heads on Rakhine held talks with local officials in state capital Sittwe. "I wish to express my deep concern over the recent violence in northern Rakhine State, which is plunging the state into renewed instability and creating new displacement," he said in a statement late Tuesday. "All communities must renounce violence and I urge the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law." On Wednesday the commission members will head to villages hit by the unrest. The US is also "concerned by reports of a spike in violence" in Rakhine, US State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said in Washington, urging the government to allow a "credible and independent investigation". Days of apparent calm were shattered over the weekend when troops killed more than 30 people in two days of fighting that saw the military bring in helicopter gunships for the first time. The surge in fighting sent around 200 Rohingya fleeing to the Bangladesh border, according to community leaders, who said they have been left stranded after border guards pushed them back. Story continues One commander said the group, which arrived on Monday, was the largest number of Rohingya pushed back since violence erupted in Rakhine in early October. Some 15,000 people have been displaced by the unrest and 150,000 from the deeply impoverished area have been without humanitarian aid for more than a month, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The resurgence of violence in Rakhine has deepened a crisis that has already threatened to derail to the new administration led by democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. The democracy champion appointed fellow Nobel laureate Annan to oversee a commission charged with finding ways to heal wounds in the poor western state. Rakhine has sizzled with religious tension ever since waves of violence between the majority Buddhist population and the Muslim Rohingya left more than 100 dead in 2012. EXCLUSIVE: Fox has put in development The Building, a drama series from fantasy novelist Neil Gaiman and Angry Films. 20th Century Fox TV is the studio. The Building is based on a digital film called Parallels which has had great success on Netflix. The original film was written and directed by Chris Leone (story by Leone and Laura Harkom). Parallels came out of Fox Digital Studios a division of 20th Century Fox where it was shepherded by head of department David Worthen who has been supervising a number of ultra low-budgeted productions for Fox since the departments founding. Written by Albert Kim and Leone, The Building involves a large skyscraper that moves between alternate realities and a group of young urban explorers who are in the building and suddenly find themselves on an Earth wherein Reagan was not elected and Russia dropped the bomb. They then figure out they have a limited amount of time to figure out where they are and rescue members of their team before the building shifts again to another reality. They soon realize that this Earth is also different from where they started and getting back may be impossible. The series will explore the origin of the building, who built it and why, what happens on each floor and how, if at all possible, do they get back to their original Earth. The Building aims to continue Foxs tradition in the sci-fi/fantasy genre with such shows as Gotham, from WBTV, and The X-Files and Sleepy Hollow, from 20th TV. Gaiman and Leone, who worked together on the development of The Building, will executive produce alongside Kim, who will serve as showrunner, as well as Angry Films Don Murphy and Susan Montford, who have had a long relationship with Gaiman. For Kim, the project falls under his overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV. Gaiman is the award winning New York Times bestselling author of numerous works of fantasy including the The Sandman graphic novels (which are in development at New Line Cinema) the Matthew Vaughan film Stardust, the upcoming Starz TV series American Gods and Neverwhere (a TV series from Mark Gordon Studios). Gaiman is repped by CAA and Writers House. Leone is repped by Circle of Confusion, Brant Rose Agency and James M. Feldman at Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman. Story continues Related stories 'Walking Dead' Season 7 Debut Up 34% Internationally 'American Gods' Trailer: Starz Series Asks Where Did You Sleep Last Night? 'American Gods' Reveals Kristin Chenoweth Cast As Easter - Comic-Con Fox News will air an interview special with Donald Trump focusing not on politics, but on memorabilia in his home. OBJECTified: Donald Trump, hosted by TMZ founder Harvey Levin, will premiere Nov. 18 on Fox News Channel. The interview, conducted on Sept. 15 before Trumps election as president, explains the stories behind various objects in his home trophies, photographs, and other keepsakes and their significance to his life. Fox News promises the special will feature a side of Trump that isnt usually seen. The surprise election of Trump as president has driven big ratings for Fox News and other news organizations. The week of the election, from Monday through Sunday, was the most-watched in the networks history. Fox News is also not alone in putting forth softer focus coverage of the soon-to-be Commander-in-Chief: OBJECTified: Donald Trump follows close on the heels of other portraits of the president-elect that critics have denounced as overly soft, including People magazines Nov. 21 cover story. Trump has also come under fire for naming former Breitbart News chief Stephen Bannon his chief strategist. Bannon oversaw Breitbart News as it became a destination for white nationalist and misogynist readers. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) denounced the move this week in both a scathing statement and speech and warned against normalizing such appointments. Every news piece that breathlessly obsesses over inauguration preparations compounds their fear by normalizing a man who has threatened to tear families apart, who has bragged about sexually assaulting women and who has directed crowds of thousands to intimidate reporters and assault African Americans, Reids statement read. Their fear is legitimate and we must refuse to let it fall through the cracks between the fluff pieces. Related stories Michael Shannon Slams Trump Voters, Admits He Fell Asleep Watching 'Batman v Superman' Antonio Sabato Jr. Wants to Be 'Fitness Czar' in Trump White House (EXCLUSIVE) Can Hollywood Help Bridge the Cultural Gap Through Storytelling? By Matthias Blamont PARIS (Reuters) - France is setting up a fund to meet compensation claims from people affected by an epilepsy treatment made by Sanofi that is believed to cause birth malfunctions and slow neurological development. The French parliament voted to create a nationwide compensation fund and amended the 2017 budget bill late on Tuesday to set aside an initial 10 million euros ($10.7 million) for claims relating to Depakine, a brand name for valproate, which is also used to treat bipolar disorder. Parents of those affected say the French state and Sanofi were too slow to warn of the side effects of the drug, which has been used to successfully treat epilepsy since 1967, after the risks to fetuses became clear by the early 1980s.. More than 14,000 women were prescribed Depakine despite the potential risks in pregnant women, authorities say, while an association representing victims says it could have affected more than 50,000 people in France over the years. "The 10 million euros are a starting point," Health Minister Marisol Touraine told lawmakers in the lower house of parliament. "In future years, the sums should be much higher." Touraine told parliament later on Wednesday that compensation would ultimately be paid by "those deemed responsible" without giving details. "I regret that Sanofi didn't seek an amicable settlement as a matter of principle. I hope (Sanofi) will change its position," she said. A Sanofi spokeswoman had no comment on the minister's remarks and referred to a statement earlier on Wednesday in response to the vote to set up the fund. "The text of the amendment adopted by the National Assembly does not draw any conclusions ... as to the responsibilities of the various actors that may be involved," the Sanofi spokeswoman said in the emailed statement. In an October interview with Reuters, Sanofi said it would accept any blame attributed by a court over the harmful effects of the treatment and the company had so far made no financial provisions for compensating victims. French social affairs inspection agency IGAS estimated earlier this year that between 2006 - when the medicine started carrying a health warning - and 2014 - when prescription rules were further tightened - some 425 to 450 babies suffered congenital birth defects or were still-born due to the drug. A judicial investigation was launched last year after a group of families lodged a legal complaint, but no trial has been announced. Depakine is also prescribed under other brand names and in more than 100 other countries. It lost its patent in 1998. The Sanofi spokeswoman said there has been single claims in three other countries, without giving further details. ($1 = 0.9350 euros) (Editing by Alexander Smith, Leigh Thomas and Jane Merriman) By Nina Chestney and Alister Doyle MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - France and the United Nations on Tuesday stepped up warnings to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about the risks of quitting a 2015 global plan to combat climate change, saying a historic shift from fossil fuels is unstoppable. French President Francois Hollande, addressing almost 200 nations meeting in Morocco on ways to slow global warming, said that inaction would be "disastrous for future generations and it would be dangerous for peace". Both he and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Trump, who has called man-made global warming a hoax, to drop a campaign pledge to cancel the global 2015 Paris Agreement that aims to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energies. "The United States, the largest economic power in the world, the second largest greenhouse gas emitter, must respect the commitments it has undertaken," Hollande said to applause. The agreement was "irreversible", he said. In such U.N. meetings, it is very rare for leaders to single out others for even veiled criticism. Both Hollande and Ban were among the architects of the Paris Agreement. "What was once unthinkable has become unstoppable," Ban said at a news conference of the Paris deal, agreed by almost 200 governments last year after two decades of tortuous negotiations. The accord formally entered into force on Nov. 4 after a record swift ratification. Ban said Trump, as a "very successful business person", would understand that market forces were driving the world economy towards cleaner energies such as wind and solar power, which are becoming cheaper, and away from fossil fuels. "I am sure he will make a fast and wise decision" on the Paris Agreement, Ban said, saying he had spoken to Trump by telephone after his victory and planned to meet him. Ban, who has made climate change a core part of his 10-year U.N. stewardship ending this year, said climate change was having severe impacts from the Arctic to Antarctica and that 2016 is on track to be the warmest year on record. Trump has said he wants to boost the U.S. coal, oil and shale industries, abandoning President Barack Obama's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. KERRY TO SPEAK The Paris accord, aiming to phase out net greenhouse gas emissions this century, was driven by increased scientific certainty that man-made emissions drive heat waves, floods and rising sea levels. Ban said that companies including General Mills and Kellogg , states such as California and cities such as Nashville and Las Vegas were working to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Trump's victory has overshadowed the Nov. 7-18 Marrakesh meeting, which had opened with congratulations after the entry into force of the agreement on Nov. 4. It now has formal backing from 110 nations including the United States. Dozens of nations, from Chile to Liberia, reaffirmed support for the Paris Agreement at the talks, with many saying they were already suffering from rising temperatures. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that OPEC's biggest producer was "committed to meeting the worlds energy needs via the gradual transition towards a more environmentally sustainable future." "It's a matter of life and death," Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said of tackling climate change, accusing rich nations of often ignoring the needs of the poor. "Let's not squander the Paris Agreement through old bad habits," he said. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will be among those addressing the conference on Wednesday. Trump's victory has lifted shares in coal producers, while knocking renewable energies. Shares in coal producer Peabody, in bankruptcy proceedings,[BTUUQ.PK] have surged 63 percent since the election, and shares in Arch Coal in the United States were up 19 percent. By contrast, the S&P Global Clean Energy Index has fallen to around its lowest level since June. Shares in Denmark's Vestas, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, are down 6 percent from the U.S. election day on Nov. 8. Benjamin Sporton, chief executive of the World Coal Association, told Reuters that although Trump would "make life a little bit better for coal in the United States" it would not solve many underlying problems. "The fundamental pressure is from the low prices of shale gas and that means that there will be a lot of challenges to the expansion of coal," he said. A source on Trump's transition team said the president-elect is seeking ways of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement within a year, by-passing a theoretical four-year wait. Delegates in Marrakesh say that U.S. withdrawal could dent other nations' willingness to work with Trump on other issues he cares about, such as immigration, trade or terrorism. (Reporting By Aziz El Yaakoubi, Nina Chestney and Megan Rowling; Writing by Alister Doyle; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Robin Pomeroy) A man with extreme views on Islam who once claimed President Barack Obama was a secret Muslim may, or may not, be advising President-elect Donald Trump during his transition into the presidency, according to differing reports. Frank Gaffney was brought on by Trump to "assist on national security issues" after officials who were brought on by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were ousted, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. But that report was denied by Trump officials the same day. Gaffney was in fact not on the team, a transition official reportedly told NBC News' Kristen Welker. It could all be a matter of semantics. "The story did NOT say he was officially on the transition team," wrote the New York Times' Maggie Haberman on Twitter, imploring people to not fall for the report that he wasn't on the team. Gaffney served in the Reagan administration with the Department of Defense, but was eventually forced out and started a think tank called the Center for Security Policy. His views have grown more extreme since. Perhaps most notably, he claimed Obama was actually a Muslim and not a Christian as the president claimed. "After his five months in office, and most especially after his just-concluded visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, however, a stunning conclusion seems increasingly plausible: The man now happy to have his Islamic-rooted middle name featured prominently has engaged in the most consequential bait-and-switch since Adolf Hitler duped Neville Chamberlain over Czechoslovakia at Munich," Gaffney wrote in a 2009 opinion article. He cited as evidence Obama referencing the "Holy Koran" as well as the president using the phrase "peace be upon them." Story continues He also suggested that Muslims were infiltrating the U.S.'s government for nefarious ends and that the group called the Muslim Brotherhood had worked to gather influence in Washington politics, the Washington Post reported. Gaffney accused Huma Abedin, aide to Hillary Clinton, of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood as well as conservative advocate Grover Norquist. There's a long list of claims Gaffney has made that have led to many calling him an Islamophobe. To name a few, he said Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan had supported Islam's Sharia Law, claimed Gen. David Petraeus submitted to Sharia when he condemned a pastor burning the Koran and tied Saddam Hussein, then Iraq's President, to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Gaffney's work has already been tied to Trump's divisive policy stances. The now president-elect cited a questionable poll from the Center for Security Policy during his speech calling for a ban on Muslims entering the United States. Trump's campaign is now apparently considering forcing Muslim immigrants to sign a registry. Related Articles By Atul Prakash LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top share index fell on Wednesday after gaining in the previous two sessions, with companies such as jet engine maker Rolls-Royce and the country's biggest housebuilder Barratt slipping after their updates. The blue-chip FTSE 100 index ended down 0.6 percent after gaining 0.6 percent on Tuesday and 0.3 percent on Monday. The benchmark index is up more than 8 percent so far this year. Britain's mid-cap index fell by the same amount. Rolls-Royce fell 2.1 percent. The maker of engines for military jets, ships and nuclear-powered submarines said demand for its engines for extra-wide-body civil aircraft was strong, but business aviation had weakened further. Britain's pre-eminent engineering company, which is recovering from a string of profit warnings, also said offshore oil and gas markets showed no signs of recovering and an accounting change will cut into its profit until 2020-25. "The new accounting policies mean that last years profits will be restated, and adjusted down by 900 million pounds," said George Salmon, an equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Operationally, the group is undergoing some major restructures. Investors will hope that it emerges as a leaner and more transparent company. However, the road ahead could be a long one." Barratt also saw some selling pressure and fell 2.8 percent. It said it was having to cut the price of some of its most expensive London homes by up to 10 percent, the latest sign that the market is cooling after property tax increases and Britain's vote in June to leave the European Union. Water utility Severn Trent, which recommended on Wednesday the acquisition of Dee Valley Group, rose 2.2 percent after Citigroup upgraded its rating on the stock to "neutral". Prudential rose as much as 2.5 percent to hit a 11-month high after reporting a 19 percent rise in new-business profit for the first nine months of the year, driven mainly by strong performance in Asia. The life insurer also said it planned to increase its dividend. Story continues "Prudential has reported another good new-business performance .. with a continuation of the trends evident in H1 2016. The highlight for us was the strength of the outcome in Asia," said Eamonn Flanagan, analyst at Shore Capital. The stock, however, pared its gains to end broadly flat. (Reporting by Atul Prakash, Editing by Mark Trevelyan) From Popular Mechanics If you've been thinking the holidays could afford to get a little nerdier, how about replacing your traditional tree topper with this Death Star from ThinkGeek? This Death Star tree topper is no moon, and it's no ordinary tree topper either. It comes with a wireless remote which can program the festive space station to light up in either red or blue, to show your support for either the Rebels or the Empire. It can also play either the Star Wars theme or the Imperial March in case you get sick of Christmas carols. Photo credit: ThinkGeek The Death Star tree topper is currently on sale for $100, which might be a little pricey for some. But given all the extra functionality it contains, it might be worth it to bring a little more Star Wars into your holidays. It's certainly a better option than anything from the Star Wars Holiday Special. Source: ThinkGeek via io9 You Might Also Like Frances answer to Jerry Seinfeld, Gad Elmaleh, is getting a double showcase on Netflix. His latest one-man show, Gad Gone Wild, will be available for subscribers globally beginning January 24. That one is mostly in French, and will be followed by an English-language special exclusively for Netflix later in 2017. The Moroccan-born Elmaleh is a household name in France, known equally for his stand-up and feature film work. His credits include 1998s Train Of Life; smash comedy sequel Would I Lie To You? 2; Priceless with Audrey Tautou; Francis Vebers The Valet; and Coco which he also directed in 2009. U.S. credits include Steven Spielbergs The Adventures Of Tintin; Woody Allens Midnight In Paris and Adam Sandlers Jack And Jill. He first met Seinfeld after voicing the actors lead character in the French version of Bee Movie. A few years later, the duo teamed up for an episode of Seinfelds Crackle shorts Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee. Elmaleh made the U.S. talk show rounds earlier this year including stops on Late Night With Seth Meyers and Conan (see video below). In Gad Gone Wild, Elmaleh uses personal experiences as a Frenchman in the U.S. to highlight cultural differences with his very singular humor. Built upon the jokes that made him famous when he started to perform overseas, Gad mixes English, French and Arab, talking about absurd situations he experiences in his daily life in New York and Los Angeles. Says Elmaleh, For a long time Ive seen my favorite humorists on Netflix. Today this is a true honor to know that Ill soon be among them. Netflixs vision totally fits with mine when it comes to humor and creation crossing borders. Heres Elmaleh on Conan: Related stories 'Frequency' & 'No Tomorrow' Not Getting Back Orders From the CW As They Look For Lifeline On Netflix Ike Barinholtz Reunites With David Ayer & Will Smith On Netflix Film 'Bright' 'Altered Carbon': Kristin Lehman Cast In Netflix Sci-Fi Series NEW YORK (Reuters) - A long time ago, and in a galaxy far, far away, actress Carrie Fisher had an affair with her "Star Wars" co-star Harrison Ford, she said. Fisher spilled her 40-year secret to People magazine this week while promoting her memoir, "The Princess Diarist," which goes on sale on Tuesday. The book is based on Fisher's diaries from the time and is billed as telling behind-the-scene stories of the first "Star Wars" movie. Fisher said the three-month affair started, and ended, during the filming in 1976 of "Star Wars: A New Hope," in which she played Princess Leia to Ford's romantic, maverick hero Han Solo. "It was so intense," Fisher, now 60, told People on Tuesday. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend." Harrison, who at the time was married to his first wife, Mary Marquadt, did not respond to requests for comment. Fisher said the "Indiana Jones" actor, who is known for guarding his personal life, had received an advance draft of her book. Fisher and Ford reprised their roles last year for the new blockbuster movie "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Back in 1976, Fisher said the pair spent their first night together following a birthday party for "Star Wars" creator and director George Lucas. She was 19, and Ford was 33. "I looked over at Harrison," she wrote in the memoir, according to excerpts published by People. "A heros face a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. "How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind." Fisher said she had never spoken of the affair for 40 years but felt the time for secrecy was over. "Harrisons very private, but I think I waited an appropriate amount of time," she told People. "How much longer could I wait?" (Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambian President Yahya Jammeh urged his supporters to abstain from violence Wednesday, as rights groups raised concerns over the arrest of journalists at the outset of a presidential election campaign. The call came as one of the three detained members of the press -- photojournalist Alagie Manka, who was arrested last week for taking pictures of the president's supporters -- was released late Wednesday, officials said. Human Rights Watch has expressed alarm over the detention of Momodou Sabally, the director-general of Gambia's state television and radio broadcaster, and his colleague Bakary Fatty. "Intimidation and threats against the media need to stop for voters to be able to make informed decisions," said Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. A two-week campaign period began Wednesday with canvassing in rural areas, as electoral favourite Jammeh seeks his fifth term in power. "Our campaign is focusing on peace and security and not for violence. Violence is like bushfire. You can know where it starts but you won't know where it will end," Jammeh told activists in a speech broadcast over state-owned Gambian radio and television. "Therefore let us campaign peacefully, vote peacefully and then celebrate our victory," he added. Jammeh, 51, took power in a bloodless coup in 1994 and has run the tiny west African country with an iron fist ever since, surviving successive coup attempts. His regime is regularly accused by rights groups of arranging the forcible disappearance and arbitrary arrest of opponents. The three journalists had all been arrested by the Gambia's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) -- Sabally and Fatty for broadcasting images of the opposition when Jammeh's wife was due to appear. "Alagie Manka has been released from our custody. We have not proffered any charges against him. He has not been maltreated by any of our agents," a senior NIA official told AFP late Wednesday. Story continues Opposition parties have decided to join forces to field a single candidate, Adama Barrow, to take on Jammeh on December 1. The only other candidate is a former ruling party MP, Mama Kandeh, who has been accused of being used to split opposition votes. In a report released on November 2, Human Rights Watch said that intimidation of opposition parties, media repression and politicised security forces have "all but extinguished" any chance of a free and fair election in the Gambia. George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic announced their "Mardi Gras Madness" U.S. tour on Wednesday. The funk legends will kick off the 10-date trek February 16th in Pittsburgh and conclude March 4th at Florida's Okeechobee Festival. On Mardi Gras, February 28th, the band will host a special "Fat Tuesday" celebration at New York's B.B. King Blues Club. Tickets for all dates go on sale Friday, November 18th at 10 a.m. EST via the bandleader-producer's website. In 2014, Clinton and Funkadelic released the 33-track LP First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate, their first under that moniker in over three decades. Kendrick Lamar and Ice Cube joined the group for a remix of single "Ain't That Funkin' Hard on You?" Clinton's innovative style continues to influence a new generation of funk, rap and electronic artists. Last year, the songwriter added vocals to "The Lavishments of Light Looking," the first collaboration by Flying Lotus, Thundercat and Shabazz Palaces as WOKE. Clinton also co-wrote and sang on Kendrick Lamar's electro-funk odyssey "Wesley's Theory," which opens 2015's To Pimp a Butterfly. In August, Clinton co-headlined the AfroPunk NYC Festival alongside Tyler, the Creator and Ice Cube. The following month, he joined Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces and Thundercat at the eclectic Brainfeeder at the Bowl event in Los Angeles. George Clinton "Mardi Gras Madness" 2017 Tour Dates February 16 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE February 17 - Morgantown, WV @ Mainstage Morgantown February 18 - Columbus, OH @ Express Live! February 23 - Washington, DC @ Howard Theater February 24 - Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater February 25 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues February 28 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club March 2 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre March 3 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House of Blues March 4 - Okeechobee, FL @ Okeechobee Festival Related Content: BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of Germany's deployment of up to 980 soldiers to Afghanistan through the end of 2017, a government spokesman said. The decision, which must still be approved by parliament, came less than a week after armed Taliban militants stormed the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif and killed at least four Afghans and wounded more than 100 people. "With up to 980 soldiers, the German army will in future advise, support and train Afghan security services," said the government in a statement. Germany, which heads the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in northern Afghanistan, has its soldiers stationed on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif, and another 150 soldiers in Kabul. The NATO mission includes a total of 13,000 foreign troops from Germany, Italy, the United States and others. The NATO forces are focused on training the Afghan army and police, not combat operations. Germany is also slated to provide up to 1.7 billion euros in civilian aid to Afghanistan through 2020. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Toby Chopra) By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - Europe needs to think about developing its own nuclear deterrent strategy given concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump could scale back U.S. military commitments in Europe, a senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives said. Roderich Kiesewetter, foreign policy spokesman for the conservative bloc in parliament, told Reuters that Germany could play an important role in convincing nuclear powers France and Britain to provide security guarantees for all of Europe. "The U.S. nuclear shield and nuclear security guarantees are imperative for Europe," he said in an interview. "If the United States no longer wants to provide this guarantee, Europe still needs nuclear protection for deterrent purposes." Kiesewetter's comments reflect grave and growing concerns across Europe about what Trump's election will mean for the United States' commitment to NATO and to providing a strategic nuclear deterrent against a potential attack by Russia. In his campaign speeches, Trump repeatedly called for Europe to do more for its own defence and said Washington might not defend a NATO member that had not shouldered its fair financial share of the costs of the alliance. He also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin despite his annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and his intervention in Syria, where Russian air strikes have killed many civilians as well as insurgents. Kiesewetter said he was not reassured by President Barack Obama's comments on Monday that Trump would maintain core strategic relationships, including with NATO. "That's all fine and good, but we have to measure Trump by his actions," Kiesewetter said. "Europe must start planning for its own security in case the Americans sharply raise the cost of defending the continent, or if they decide to leave completely." EXPENSIVE UMBRELLA Kiesewetter said a Franco-British nuclear umbrella for Europe would be costly, but could be financed through a joint European military budget that is due to begin in 2019, along with joint European medical, transportation and reconnaissance commands. He said he had proposed development of a European nuclear deterrent within security circles before the U.S. election, with little result, but believed the suggestion would be taken more seriously after Trump's win. Kiesewetter said Germany should not aim to become a nuclear power itself, so as to discourage any proliferation moves by other European countries. "We have to plan ahead and cannot let ourselves be surprised," he said. German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and other senior government officials have said it is clear that Trump's victory means Germany and Europe will have to take on more responsibility for their own defence. Rainer Arnold, defence spokesman for the Social Democrats in parliament, dismissed Kiesewetter's suggestion as "off base," saying Trump's own U.S. Republican Party would never accept a weakening of NATO and would be sceptical about any plans to boost European nuclear capabilities. (Editing by Mark Trevelyan) BERLIN, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Germany said on Wednesday it would try to ensure a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and the United States, Europe and Russia reached last year would remain in place under a new U.S. administration led by President-elect Donald Trump. "You can be sure that we will try to convince this (Trump) administration that what we agreed one and a half years ago and have since implemented, both in words and deeds, remains, from our point of view, the right policy," a foreign ministry spokesman told a regular government news conference. Earlier, an Iranian central bank official said he expected no longer-term negative effects from the election of Trump despite the anti-Iranian stance he showed in the U.S. election campaign. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers and Joseph Nasr; Editing by Paul Carrel) BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to announce on Sunday whether she will run for a fourth term in next year's federal election, the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland media group said on Wednesday. The report cited sources in the executive board of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU). A spokesman for the chancellery declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. At a regular government news conference earlier on Wednesday Steffen Seibert, Merkel's spokesman, said the chancellor would make her intentions clear "at the appropriate time". (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Andrea Shalal) The Stars Hollow musical goes on about 2 minutes too long. And thats pretty much my sole criticism of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Ive seen all four 90-minute episodes of Netflixs revival (which begins streaming on Friday, Nov. 25) and Im here to assure you one Gilmore acolyte to another that it delivers. Holy hell, does it ever deliver. VIDEOSLauren Graham and Alexis Bledel Contemplate a Second Gilmore Revival Save for the aforementioned, somewhat bloated Stars Hollow: The Musical interlude in the third chapter, Summer, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and executive producer Daniel Palladino have given this grateful, longtime fan the satisfying conclusion hes been waiting nearly a decade for. Im sure youre thinking: Well, of course youre going to say that. Not only are you in the thing, but you have the entire cast and crew on speed dial! And to that I say, Youre wrong. I do not have Sally Struthers telephone number. (But I have a pending Facebook friend request I feel really good about.) But I get why one might call my journalistic objectivity into question. Its one of the reasons I assigned TVLines formal revival review to my colleague Dave Nemetz. (You can read that by clicking here.) Heres the thing: I went into A Year in the Life with tempered expectations. After being burned by a number of recent revivals that shouldve been slam-dunks (The X-Files, Arrested Development), I was ready to have my heart shattered. And if that happened, I would find a way to break the news to you gently. But it didnt. My expectations were wildly exceeded. And I believe yours will be, too. If its mildly spoilery, semi-specifics youre looking for, activate the gallery above or click here for direct access to read my breakdown of the 10 ways Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life delivered the proverbial goods. Story continues Launch Gallery: Gilmore Revival: Ausiello's Take Related stories Gilmore Girls Revival: Scott Patterson Teases 'Different But Same' Luke Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events: NPH Wigs Out in First Official Trailer Gilmore Girls: Amy Sherman-Palladino Still 'Angry' About Ed Hermann's Death ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Braves may not be finished with the dramatic overhaul of their rotation. General manager John Coppolella told The Associated Press on Wednesday he hopes to add another starting pitcher, even after agreeing to deals with veteran right-handers R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon last week. Chicago White Sox ace left-hander Chris Sale might be available in a trade. The Braves apparently would make top prospects available for Sale, an All-Star in each of the last five seasons who could be a trade target of many teams. The Braves have focused on young pitchers while trading such stars as Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons, Justin Upton, Evan Gattis and Craig Kimbrel in recent years. Coppolella said he's considering all options, including a trade involving prospects, in his search for another starter. ''We would like to add another starter if possible, but that will be more a function of market factors than any other factor,'' Coppolella said in a text message. Sale, 27, would be the new top name for a rotation that includes Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz and Josh Collmenter as the team moves into new SunTrust Park in suburban Cobb County next year. Sale was 17-10 with a 3.34 ERA for the White Sox in 2016. He will earn $12 million in 2017. His contract includes club options at $12.5 million for 2018 and $15 million for 2019. Dickey, 42, and Colon, 43, are short-term links to such young starters as Sean Newcomb, Kolby Allard, Max Fried and Touki Toussaint. Some other young starters, including Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair and Tyrell Jenkins, already have made their Atlanta debuts. The Braves' one-year, $12.5 million deal with Colon and one-year contract with an $8 million guarantee with Dickey won't be official until the players pass physicals. The deal with Dickey, the first of the 158 free agents to switch teams this offseason, was reached last Thursday. The agreement with Colon came one day later. Story continues Sale has five straight seasons with double-digit wins. The Braves had no starter with as many as 10 wins last season. The hard-throwing Foltynewicz led the team with a 9-5 record. Teheran, a two-time All-Star, is the leader of the rotation. The search for other proven starters has been the top offseason priority for Coppolella. The Braves finished last in the NL East in 2016 but won 50 of their last 97 games, leading Coppolella to say the rebuilding effort was ahead of schedule. The promotion of rookie shortstop Dansby Swanson helped the team win 20 of its last 30 games, earning interim manager Brian Snitker the full-time job. BERLIN, Nov 16 (Reuters) - General Motors' European division Opel is struggling to reach profitability this year because of the effects of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, Chief Executive Karl-Thomas Neumann said. "The exit from Russia was really painful. Brexit is yet another issue to deal with and that is why the path towards breakeven is difficult for us," Neumann said at a conference in Berlin on Wednesday. Opel, which includes British brand Vauxhall, last year shut its Russian factory in response to the country's slumping auto market. GM reported its first quarterly profit in Europe in five years in the April-to-June period, but has warned that currency and market disruptions caused by Brexit could slash $400 million from second-half results in Europe. (Reporting by Andreas Cremer) Gold Rush star Todd Hoffman took a break from mining for gold to weigh in on the election and President-elect Donald Trumps potential impact on the mining industry. Hoffman first explained his decision to move his mining business from Canada back to his home state of Oregon. Weve been mining in Canada all these years, and I thought to myself, Im an American, I want to come back to the United States. I want to either live or die on my own soil, Hoffman told the FOX Business Networks Ashley Webster. When told his style was a bit Trump-like, he reacted, Is that good or bad? But, Hoffman actually took the comparisons as a positive, responding, I take that as a compliment because, you know what, I voted for Trump, and I actually sent Trump some money. Im not saying that [Trump] is perfect. Im not saying that hes going to solve all our problems, but as a gold miner, why Im gold mining is Im watching our country print money and get into debt all these years. I believe in gold because Im worried. Im afraid for my kids. Hoffman hopes Trump will follow through on his campaign promises, particularly pertaining to the debt and immingration. Im hoping that he lives up to his promises and Im hoping that we can reduce the debt, and we can close down the borders a little bit. At least know whos coming into our country, that scares me, Hoffman said. Hoffman raised concerns over the impact of the current regulatory environment on small mining companies. In fact, he may have an opportunity to influence the Trump administrations position on mining industry regulations. My hat is in the ring for one appointed position that has to do with mining, he revealed. So I dont know what will happen and I dont know if I can actually work a regular job anymore. Related Articles It's no secret that Adam F. Goldberg loves the 1980s. After all, he didn't just grow up in the era of Cabbage Patch dolls and Members Only jackets. He also created a series about it: The Goldbergs. And now that his show is in its third season on ABC, he's decided to collect a few new mementos from his adolescence. Namely Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) and Joanna Kerns (Growing Pains). He loved their work back in the day, and now he's hired them as Goldbergs. "Make no mistake, I hired them for their directing skills," Goldberg tells THR. "I've always believed actors make for good directors, and these women were two of my favorites growing up. I was thrilled when I found out they might both be able to do our show. Although I admit it wasn't easy to keep from harassing them with questions about their shows and movies." Read more: 'The Goldbergs' Spinoff, Set in the 1990s, in the Works at ABC (Exclusive) Kerns already had more than 50 directing credits, stretching back to the days when she says Growing Pains producers "gave me a shot to squeeze one out, in our second to last episode, I think. Not many others would have done that at the time." She's already directed two Goldbergs episodes, including the show's holiday episode, airing Dec. 14. She offers equivalent praise for Goldberg's showrunning skills. "Adam has such a strong point of view with his work, it makes the process enjoyable for a director. It's hard to work on a show where nobody knows where it's going, but The Goldbergs already has this beautiful world that's so vivid." ABC Meanwhile, Thompson has starred in Switched at Birth and is marking her first broadcast directorial debut following multiple episodes of her Freeform series as well as a pair of Hallmark TV movies. She first spoke with Goldberg a year ago, when The Goldbergs did an episode involving her '80s film Space Camp and he wanted to quiz her about what that experience was like. The conversation led to Goldberg inviting Thompson to direct the upcoming Thanksgiving episode, airing Nov. 16. Story continues Read more: 'The Goldbergs' Goes '80s Behind the Camera With Directors Lea Thompson, Joanna Kerns (Exclusive) "When you hire directors, you're most concerned about whether or not someone from the outside will get the jokes," says Goldberg. "That might be why I think actors can make for the best directors, like Lea and Joanna. When I first started talking to Lea, I knew she'd done both multicam and single-cam shows in the past, and acted in every comedy format there is. So I realized right away she'd have the jokes play out the way we want to. And JoannaI saw her name on a list of available directors and the truth is, I grew up with her show and I wanted to meet someone I watched as a kid." Luckily, both women were just as enthusiastic about The Goldbergs. Kerns explains that "you can't be an actress from the '80s and not see the humor of the show. Watching it reminds me of an innocent time, and makes people feel good abut themselves." Meanwhile, Thompson says that she has "a super affection for Philadelphia, having been a dancer there years ago. Plus, being married to a New York Jew, I have learned how healthy it is for people to be honest and express emotions. Which is what The Goldbergs is all about." It didn't hurt that Goldberg was not only looking for directors with a comedic bent, but also for women directors, period. "ABC has heavily encouraged me to hire female directors," he explains. "And you want people who come with experience, which I knew both Lea and Joanna had because I grew up watching both of them. That's important because my job is to create and write. I have nothing to do with the actual filming of the show. I just let the directors loose on the set and only get involved if the actors aren't happy. And the way I knew Lea and Joanna had done a great job was that I never heard from any actors the entire weeks they were working." Despite his and ABC's willingness to seek out more women involved as directors, though, men still tend to get the vast majority of TV gigs. Kerns and Thompson are happy for the directing work they are able to get, but they also admit it isn't easy. "I was so grateful when the Growing Pains producers let me direct because there weren't many getting a chance at the time," explains Kerns. "I had no idea this would be such a climb. There have been times when I'll get in for meetings and be told, 'We already have our woman.' But things do seem to be improving as crews get younger. The directors of photography aren't just the old guys who only want to work with men." Adds Thompson, "I've worked with a lot of female directors as an actor. They're great, and they're trying to represent. And I do think that sometimes it's just nice for a cast to have variation in who they work with. I think having been an actress is an advantage too. You can feel certain things that represent women and actresses' vulnerability. And I agree. I've seen the real difference in the 10 years I've been directing." In watching the work of his two new directors, Goldberg says he "realized right away I didn't have to worry because they will have the actors do the joke the way they'd want to if they were in the role. In fact, the director's cut of Joanna's first episode was so great, I had to move the airdate up." He's eager to do more episodes with Kerns and Thompson, something that the women both agree is slowly being replicated all around Hollywood. Kerns cites the success of fellow female directors like Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) and Pam Fryman (How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men) as proof. She figures "the pressure had been put on the studios to open up to hire more female directors has been good and worthwhile. I'm always meeting a lot of women who can do the job." "This is the best time ever for us," Thompson continues. "There are a million film schools out there, with something like 32,000 graduates with degrees. Nobody has to give us jobs anymore. We earn them. That wasn't really possible when Joanna and I started." The Goldbergs airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Thompson's episode of The Goldbergs airs Nov. 16; Kerns' installment is set for Dec. 14. By Foo Yun Chee and Julia Love (Reuters) - The chief executive of Alphabet Inc's Google and the European Union's antitrust chief will meet on Friday, following the U.S. technology group's formal rejection this month of a spate of charges, including blocking rivals in online search advertising. Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai will meet in Brussels with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager and Guenther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, as the final stop in a short tour of the continent, spokespeople for Google and the EU confirmed. Last week, Google General Counsel Kent Walker argued that the company's Android operating system helps competition, rebutting charges that the firm uses the platform to crush rivals. The Mountain View, Calif., company also rejected charges that it unfairly promoted its shopping service and blocked rivals in online search advertising. EU regulators are expected to rule next year on those issues, potentially ordering Google to change its business practices and levying huge fines. The case has hung over Google since the European Commission opened its investigation six years ago, following complaints from Microsoft Corp and other rivals. The Android case poses a keen risk to Google as the operating system has yielded about $22 billion in profit for the company since its release in 2008, an Oracle Corp lawyer told a U.S. court in January. Pichai last met with Vestager and Oettinger in February, shortly after he was named chief executive of Google. During a visit to London earlier this week, Pichai announced an expansion of Google's presence in the city, saying he was optimistic about Britain's future as a tech hub, despite the uncertainty caused by the nation's vote to leave the European Union in June. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee and Julia Love; Editing by Marguerita Choy) By Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) - Google delivered a vote of confidence in London's future as a technological hub after the Brexit vote on Tuesday by announcing plans for a new building in the King's Cross area of the city that will house thousands of extra engineers. Google's Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said computer science had a great future in Britain, citing the talent pool, educational institutions, and passion for innovation present in the country. "That's why we are investing in London in both engineering talent and infrastructure," he said. The 10-storey building, Google's first wholly owned and designed outside the United States, will increase its presence in King's Cross to more than 1 million square feet, enough for more than 7,000 employees in total, the company said. Google has 5,700 employees and contractors in the UK, including about 2,000 engineers housed in the recently opened building in King's Cross where Pichai announced the expansion. Pichai, who became CEO in October 2015 when parent company Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) was created, said he was optimistic about Britain's future, despite the uncertainty caused by June's vote to leave the European Union. "Historically, the UK has been an open and connected economy, and like a lot of businesses we are proud of and rely on the fact that we recruit the best talent from around world," he said. "We are optimistic that this situation will continue." "We understand there is uncertainty and even concerns about topics like Brexit and the pace of technological change in our times, but we know for certain that web and digital technology will be an engine of growth for the UK for years to come." British Finance Minister Philip Hammond said the investment showed leading firms were still choosing to invest in Britain, while the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said inflows remain "robust" post-Brexit. "London isn't just the tech capital of Europe, we are on the shoulder of New York and we are catching up with Silicon Valley," Khan said at the event. Story continues "Investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google's expansion will further strengthen our city's reputation as a global leader in digital technology." Pichai made reference in his speech to another event that exposed a division in a western society: the U.S. election. "Recent events, including the election in the U.S., have clearly surfaced challenges with inequality and people feeling marginalized," he said. These were "long-term and difficult" problems to solve, he said, but it was his hope that Google would play a constructive role in addressing some of these challenges. The company, along with Facebook (FB.O), on Monday announced measures aimed at halting the spread of "fake news" on the internet by targeting how some purveyors of phony content make money: advertising. The shifts comes as Google, Facebook and Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) face a backlash over the role they played in the U.S. presidential election by allowing the spread of false and often malicious information that might have swayed voters toward Republican candidate Donald Trump, who won the Nov. 8 vote. (Additional reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by Stephen Addison and Alan Crosby) The New Coloring Book for Adults Features Beautiful Drawings that Remind People of the Word of God While Giving them a Chance to Unwind while Coloring LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Arree Chung, a children's book author and illustrator based in San Francisco, California, is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of The Gospel Coloring Book: Color Words of God. To check out the beautiful new coloring book for grownups and watch a short video that shows some of its many pages, please visit https://goo.gl/AViIHw. Adult coloring books have been steadily gaining popularity over the past few years. Being able to forget the stresses of the day while enjoying meditative and relaxing artistic expression helps to make these books a delightful way to pass time. Now, as a spokesperson for the project noted, people can enjoy the same relaxation coupled with inspiring affirmations through the Gospel Coloring Book. This beautifully illustrated book was created by artist Kathy Kong. It features stunning and detailed scrolls and calligraphy accompanied by short and sweet excerpts from the Bible. The Christian community will be enchanted by the fun and whimsical drawings that complement the word of God," noted the spokesperson, adding that after a long and frustrating day, the teachings they already hold in their heart will be emphasized with a format that really allows them to meditate on the message. "The images are printed on one side only with perforations so you can easily tear the pages out and post it on the wall to have a constant reminder of the message. With the Gospel Coloring Book, people will enjoy a revitalizing experience in which they can let go of stresses, remember God's words, and express their creative side." In order to help pay for the costs associated with printing and marketing the new coloring book, Chung and his team recently launched a fundraiser on Kickstarter. There, they hope to raise $10,000 through crowdfunding, and help get the beautiful and inspiring new coloring book into the hands of as many eager adult fans of coloring as possible. Story continues About The Gospel Coloring Book: The Gospel Coloring Book is a coloring book for adults that will spark their creativity and help them remember God's words. People can literally color the words of the Bible while being reminded of their faith in Jesus and the word of God. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/AViIHw. Contact: Oscar Andrews admin@rocketfactor.com (949) 555-2861 SOURCE: The Gospel Coloring Book Gotham, Bruce Wayne, Court of Owls, Penguin, Edward Nygma Warning: This article may contain spoilers for Gotham. Events on Gotham have taken an unexpected twist in several of the current story arcs. First up, theres the gay romance that wasnt meant to be with Gotham showrunners taking an easy out, rather than pursue the romance fans had been led to believe was sure to develop. While Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) was jilted by Edward Nygma (Corey Michael Smith), the disappointment fans felt was soon diminished by feelings of suspense, when that story arc took a darker turn in a way that only Gotham can do. Elsewhere on Gotham, a simple theft gone wrong in this weeks episode ultimately leads Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) into another conflict with The Court of Owls, so soon after the younger version of Batman agreed to cease his investigations into their activities. There may be no title more appropriate for next weeks episode than Time Bomb, as it seems Bruce has been set up for this ultimate complication from the very beginning of this season of Gotham. Gotham Teases A Tense Confrontation In Their Time Bomb Sneak Peek The kids are alright. Watch an all-new #Gotham tonight at 8/7c on @foxtv. A photo posted by Gotham (@gothamonfox) on Nov 14, 2016 at 9:09am PST Coming Soon shares the first look at next weeks episode of Gotham and reveals that much of the episode will revolve around the night of the wedding rehearsal dinner for Mario (James Carpinello) and Lee (Morena Baccarin). The new Gotham couple will face a threat at the dinner, but with Nathaniel Barnes (Michael Chiklis) out of commission, that leaves Falcone with only one option. The father of the groom goes to James Gordon (Ben McKenzie) for help. While Gordon and his partner (Donal Logue) are busy dealing with that threat on Gotham, Bruce Wayne is again facing The Court of Owls, a confrontation that was cleverly set up and planned from the seemingly innocuous Poison Ivy story arc. While many Gotham fans objected to the change of Ivys character, now played by the older Maggie Geha, there now seems to be a method to that particular madness. Story continues A younger Ivy couldnt have been running about Gotham City in search of wealthy men to seduce and rob, a practice which ultimately leads her into the kind of trouble that only her best friend, Seline (Camren Bicondova), and Bruce Wayne can fix. A dead body, a league of killers, and a mysterious key later leads Bruce back toward a conspiracy he seems doomed to face, once and for all. A look back at the Penguin/Nygma story arc Gotham Stars Dish On The Odd Coupling Of Penguin And Riddler Is Gotham Going Gay? A Penguin/Riddler Romance May Be On The Way Gotham Star Robin Lord Taylor Fires Back At Fan Criticism Of Penguin/Riddler Love Story Will Penguin reveal his feelings? Find out tomorrow on an all-new #Gotham at 8/7c on @foxtv. A photo posted by Gotham (@gothamonfox) on Nov 6, 2016 at 10:08am PST From the very beginning of their relationship on Gotham, Penguin and Nygma have had a friendship riddled with complexities, but, as the two characters grew closer together, one portion of Gotham fans latched onto the idea of a gay romance developing between them. While Gotham showrunners seemed to be delivering on their promise, Inverse reports that another faction of fans flooded social media accounts and Gotham panels at Comic-Con with harsh criticism over the possible love story. Protests were launched against Gotham producers, but also at the series stars. Robin Lord Taylor was understandably upset by the hateful complaints, as he was recently bashed by online haters when he revealed that he was gay and celebrating a five-year wedding anniversary with his husband. At Rhode Island Comic-Con, fans charged Gotham with altering the DC Comics canonical story by suggesting that either of the Batman characters are gay. I have to say, that thats a bunch of horse sh, Gotham star Robin Lord Taylor responded. You cant tell me that unless you were just as upset that in our own show, we have Batman and Catwoman growing up together, running around Gotham City growing up together. If you werent as equally upset about that which is changing canon characters. But you come to me and you say to me, Im okay with you being queer but Im upset youre changing a character, what youre saying to me is, I am homophobic, and I am afraid of gay people and queer people.' While Taylor may have a valid point, it seems Gotham has been listening to its fans in regards to those complaints. The series brought in Chelsea Spack to play Isabella, a dead ringer for Kristen Kringle and a new love interest for Edward Nygma. Unable to control his jealousy, Penguin arranged for the brake lines on Isabellas car to be severed, causing the accident that had her killed. Now, Nygma is devastated and hunting for the killer of his lover on the streets of Gotham, a hunt that can only lead him to find that Penguin committed the greatest act of betrayal a friend can ever commit. The next episode of Gotham, Time Bomb, airs on Monday, November 21 on Fox. [Featured Image by Fox] Gotham Sneak Peek Pits Bruce Wayne Against The Court Of Owls [Video] is an article from: The Inquisitr News baby panda curious peeking I'm an only child. And I'm probably a lot like you think I am. I'm organized and responsible and punctual. I like my space and my privacy and I'm generally cool hanging out alone for long periods at a time. Hopefully, I'm not as obnoxious or self-centered as you might suspect, but writing an essay on the internet that starts with "I" means my chances aren't great. Anyway, especially now that I'm watching my friends become parents and dodge the "When are you having another?" question, there seems to be a certain amount of fascination about only children. (Freaks.) If you have fantastic siblings, being an only child probably sounds like a nightmare. If your siblings are the bane of your existence, it sounds like a dream. If your siblings are ... fine, you probably haven't even clicked into this article. Research tends to come down on the only-children-rock side of things. In JSTOR Daily, Joanna Pocock, mother of an only, writes that 23% of Americans have one child. Sociologist Judith Blake found that only children tend to have better grades and higher IQs than those from large families. Fellow only Rebecca Harrington of Business Insider points out that research has consistently disproved the myth that only children are selfish and spoiled, and that they tend to have better relationships with their parents. And I can tell you, based on my purely anecdotal experience of my own family and the half-dozen only children with older parents who made up my closest friend group as a kid, it's generally a pretty sweet deal. You get all the resources and the attention and the privacy. You never have to fight anyone for anything, and if you do end up battling a foe, you can leave them at school or a playdate and retreat. Sure, I would have liked a sibling during a family vacation when I was without anyone to build the other half of the sandcastle, or ... well, actually that's the only time. But as I've gotten older, there is only one reason I've truly, actually wanted a sibling: to have someone else on my team. Story continues Here is my theory (it's a hit with other onlies at the parties where we refuse to share snacks and insist on talking only about ourselves): When you have two or more kids, you build them their own team: them versus the parent(s). Assuming they aren't mortal enemies, they can cover for each other and pawn off blame on each other and generally represent the kid coalition and the argument for an entire hour of TV after dinner. When you have one kid, you're adding them to the parental team: the three of you or two of you, if you're a single parent are a team. Clueless This is no big deal while your kids are little. In fact, it's pretty cool. It's great! It's you guys against the world. But there's a major problem with a team whose members have a 20-plus year age difference: one day, inevitably, the youngest team member will be all alone. It's not just that your youngest team member will have to care for the older in the most heartbreaking, difficult way. There will be no one to reminisce about Sunday morning pancakes or how Mom always listened to the same three songs in the car. No one will have witnessed the time Dad lost his cool and his face turned that really alarming shade of red and everyone stayed the heck away from the remote control for the next month. No one will laugh at how Mom cried from joy when you got into college or roll their eyes remembering that 12-hour layover in frozen Duluth on the way home from Grandma's after Thanksgiving. There's no one else who was there for the day-to-day minutiae that makes up family life. No one knows a family like the people who are in it. This theory comes with a few assumptions. First, it assumes your childhood was a happy one and one you want to remember, which is a privilege, not a given. It assumes you and your siblings can be in a room together for enough time to swap stories, and even choose to be there semi-regularly. Again, not a given. It assumes you didn't have another kid filling the sibling space, like a cousin who lived with you starting at age five or step-siblings who witnessed Dad putting chia seeds on his pancakes. What a nut, that Dad. But, with those assumptions in place, the theory holds true. It's great being on a team, until the rest of your team is gone. And that's the best argument I've ever encountered against being, or having, an only child. NOW WATCH: FORMER WALL STREET EXEC: Trump's presidency 'may be one of the best things that's ever happened for feminists' More From Business Insider Hamilton star, Leslie Odom, Jr., was one of many celebrities who went to the White House to bid farewell to President Barack Obama. Movie stars like Samuel L. Jackson and Bradley Cooper spoke briefly about President Obama before introducing musical acts like Common, Jill Scott, The Roots, Usher, and even Bel Biv Devoe. But the performance of the night was from Leslie Odom, Jr., who sang an original Hamilton-inspired song about the Obamas. Leslie rapped about Obamas rise to the White House with lyrics like, Organizer to senator, he went through door, and whoa, its that great speech 2004, and whoa, world began to really pay attention, to the top spot could be his, the people started to listen. Of course, Leslie couldnt leave out the woman behind the man, saying this about the First Lady, Then there's Michelle, shes ride or die, an amazing woman, right there by his side. Leslie ended the the song by saying, Im still working on it, Im gonna get Lin to punch it up, I promise, referring to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created Hamilton. Today marks the 15th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. The first film in the Harry Potter franchise based on the novels by J.K. Rowling became a smash hit overnight. The big-screen adaptations chronicled the life of the young wizards who captivated millions across the globe. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, and see what your favorite characters have been up to since the final film was released in 2011. Daniel Radcliffes world was turned upside down when he landed the main role at the young age of 11. And when he wasnt filming Harry Potter movies, Radcliffe was busy displaying his acting chops in stage plays in Londons West End and on Broadway. This year, the 27-year-old starred in the indie film Swiss Army Man. Meanwhile, Emma Watson rose to fame as Hermione Granger. The role also happened to be her first professional acting gig. In 2014, she was appointed a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador. Watson is dedicated to empowering young women through education and fair trade. Look for the now 26-year-old actress next as Belle in Disneys live-action movie Beauty and the Beast in 2017. Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potters best friend, Ron Weasley, has taken a more low-key approach to his acting career. Grint, 28, has appeared in independent films like Driving Lessons and Cherrybomb. He is set to star in and executive-produce Snatch, a TV series based on Guy Ritchies movie of the same name. So what happened to the rest of the cast? Watch the video above to find out! Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, 2001 By Oliver Lyttelton Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone debuted in U.S. theaters on Nov. 16, 2001, launching a wildly successful, much beloved eight-movie franchise. And yet, in retrospect, the common wisdom holds that the series had nowhere to go but up from the Chris Columbus-directed screen adaptation of the first J.K. Rowling book. Sorcerers Stone has a lower Metacritic rating than any subsequent Potter film except the second Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, also directed by Columbus and regularly lands at or near the bottom of many critics ranked lists of the franchise. Accordingly, Columbuss efforts commonly get minimized. But while its hard to argue Sorcerers Stone is a great movie, lets give credit where its due: Columbus planted seeds that would bear fruit in the series future, and for that he deserves gratitude that hes too often denied. Related: Emma Watson Had to Wear Fake Teeth in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone for One Scene Columbus wasnt the first choice to direct Sorcerers Stone, in which the young orphan of the title learns hes a wizard, travels to magic school Hogwarts, befriends classmates Hermione and Ron, and discovers an evil plot. Steven Spielberg flirted with the project before ultimately passing on it. Columbus landed the job with a track record of very popular family films: He wrote Gremlins and The Goonies, and directed the Home Alone films and Mrs. Doubtfire, among others. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone: Watch the Fluffy Scene: Echoes of Columbuss big hit movies reverberate in Sorcerers Stone, but unfortunately thats not always for the best. The films worst moments come when it veers into the broad, shrill slapstick that Columbus deployed so well in Home Alone, for example, particularly in the opening scenes at the Dursleys house. It sometimes feels like Columbus isnt quite giving his young audience enough credit later, more complex films in the series would show that as a miscalculation. Story continues Beyond that, the action sequences lack thrills (think about the dull wizard chess game late in the third act); the pace is sort of turgid; the script is faithful to the book to a fault, and thus leans too heavily on exposition; the effects can seem rubbery even when compared to other blockbusters of the time; and some of the performances are mannered and uneven, perhaps understandably given the young, inexperienced cast. Related: J.K. Rowling Reveals the Dursleys Backstory in New Harry Potter Stories And yet theres also so much that Columbus did right. Start with the casting: The first faces we see on screen are as good as it gets Richard Harris as Dumbledore, Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagal, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid and from there we add Julie Walters, Richard Griffiths, John Hurt, and John Cleese all putting their considerable talents on display. These pros lend gravitas to the film, and to the series going forward; many of them would have much meatier material in future movies. Meanwhile, Columbus oversaw the crucial casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, as well as the other young actors. If the top-line trio are a little stiff in the first movie, they all grew and grew as performers across the series, and have done impressive work since, whether its Radcliffe in Swiss Army Man, or Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Columbuss instincts have been more than vindicated. Columbus also did a beautiful job establishing the world of the stories on screen. Rowling had insisted that the books U.K. setting be maintained for the films, and though Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves are American, they capture the quintessential British eccentricity of Rowlings work, with a sprinkle of wit, a sense of Arthurian magic, and an almost Dickensian feel to the characters. Columbus was particularly inspired by David Leans Dickens adaptations Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, and it shows. That the surroundings feel cohesive and well thought out speaks volumes for the incredibly detailed and gorgeously realized production design from Stuart Craig. The look of the film Columbus pursued with director of photography John Seale a drab, muted reality before the colors explode and pop in the more magical elements proved to be something that was sustained across the franchise. And it sounds as good as it looks: John Williamss Harry Potter theme is as indelible and iconic as anything he composed in his signature scores for Star Wars, Superman, E.T., Indiana Jones, and others. Related: How Rupert Grint Is Moving On From Harry Potter (And What He Thinks of Ron and Hermione) Much of the crew that Columbus assembled, as well as the cast, stayed for the entire series. Craig, for instance, designed all eight Potter movies, and now returns for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the extension of the Potter universe arriving in U.S. theaters this weekend. Columbus himself has acknowledged the flaws in his films while defending the decisions. If we werent that faithful, there wouldnt have been an eighth movie, he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2011. You could have added cheerleaders to Hogwarts and all the nonsense that was talked about and we would be sitting here talking about remaking the first movie, as opposed to the series, so I think faithfulness is a really important thing. Theres no question the series would achieve its greatest highs after its original director handed over the reins the tightly woven plot and sense of wonder of The Prisoner of Azkaban, the blockbuster satisfaction and teen movie heart of Goblet of Fire, the moving and powerful conclusion of Deathly Hallows Part 2. You certainly dont have to love Sorcerers Stone to give the film, and its director, respect for how well he set up what was to come (though maybe not in Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets ). Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone: Go back in time for a peek behind the scenes: Actor Jeff Bridges speaks on stage at the 8th Annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles. (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni) Jeff Bridges is speaking quietly to his publicist. Hes Googled something that he wants her to print out before our interview at a swank West Hollywood hotel. What this could possibly be has us in suspense much like Hell or High Water, the acclaimed film the 66-year-old actor is promoting. The taut yet blisteringly funny thriller puts Bridgess grizzled Texas sheriff Marcus Hamilton, three weeks from retirement, on the trail of a pair of fraternal bank robbers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner Howard (Ben Foster) methodically hitting one branch at a time. Spoiler: Bridgess print request turns out to be a passage from anti-Communist Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn about the impossibility of drawing a clear line between good and evil. Bridges intended the quote to sum up the struggle at the heart of his film, which makes it nearly impossible for audiences to choose a side. But the passage serendipitously arrived just as our conversation veered into the presidential election that has sharply divided America. You get the feeling that this stuff happens all the time when youre The Dude. Witness the happy coincidence that the Big Lebowski alums most recent film takes place in the same tiny Texas town where he shot his big breakout, 1971s The Last Picture Show. Bridges earned his first of six Oscar nominations for that film (he won one, for Crazy Heart), and could very well land a seventh for Hell. Read on to find out how Bridges feels about retirement, President Trump, and if and when well see The Dude again, be it in a Big Lebowski sequel or elsewhere. Warning: Hell or High Water spoiler ahead. I have to assume you get a constant barrage of job offers, but Hell or High Water is a clear diamond in the rough. What factors do you look for when deciding what to do next? One thing that comes to mind is if its the kind of movie that Id like to see. And those are movies where the filmmaker is ahead of you as an audience, and you cant quite figure out whats gonna happen. Or a movie that seems authentic. This movie in particular had that feeling. Taylor Sheridan wrote a script that just reeked of authenticity. You knew that this guy really knew this world. And turns out Taylors a Texan and his cousin, Parnell McNamara, was a marshal. And also I was drawn to the ambiguity of it, whos right and whos wrong? Story continues Jeff Bridges in Hell or High Water (CBS Films) Do you have a soft spot for stories set in the dusty South? Youve done films like True Grit and Crazy Heart, or even going all the way back to one of your very first, The Last Picture Show. Well, I love Westerns for one thing. My father, Lloyd Bridges, he was in a bunch of Westerns so whenever he would come home dressed up like a cowboy Id get all excited and put all that stuff up And like you mentioned, Last Picture Show. Its interesting that the first bank that these guys rob [in Hell or High Water] was in Archer City, which is where we shot Last Picture Show. And when we shot the sequel to Last Picture Show, 20 years later, called Texasville, the town looked just the same except there was a big black glass bank that looked like it was just dropped right into the middle of the town. But I think the success of Last Picture Show is what kind of set this ball rolling of playing characters from that part of the country. Are you more of a city guy or more of a country guy? Well, Ive got a place in Montana. Thats where I met my wife [Susan Geston] and Ive done a few movies there. So I can kind of straddle the two. Even though Hell or High Water is, on the surface, a shoot-em-up bank robber tale, it addresses all these social issues, too, like the mortgage crisis, bank greed, disenfranchisement, even concealed carry laws. Was that also appealing? No, not really. The success of the movie is wonderful and a lot of people that you talk to say that part of that success is due to the fact that its kind of a movie of these times. I think thats true, but I dont think its particular to these times. In my experience and also just looking back through history, thats how we have rolled as a species forever. Very selfish, putting the other guy down or in his place, looking out for ourselves. How are you feeling in light of the presidential election? What times were living in, man. God. As The Dude might say, New st has come to light. I mean, God! Here we are. I dont know quite what to think. Its totally new turf. I mean, I voted for Hillary. But looking at Donalds acceptance speech, it was very heartening to hear him to say, First, I want to thank Hillary for all her great work. And, All you people who didnt vote for me, I want you to know that Im looking for your guidance. If you took that out of context, thats wonderful. I love what Elizabeth Warren said. She was on Rachel Maddow saying that there are some things that Trump is talking about that Im for, and Im going to really help him work on, and there are other things that Im not. And when I heard her say that, that kind of struck a chord with me. I would definitely work with him on making America a great place. I see more interconnectivity, that the world is America and America is the world. [Starts singing We Are the World.] [Bridgess publicist arrives with the printout he requested. Good timing, dear, he says.] What do you have here? This is a quote that kind of goes into context of our conversation, and I think its a good thing to say at this time. This is from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. [Reading] If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart? Its a challenge for us. In the end of this movie [where Bridges and Pines characters threaten to bring each other peace], what is this peace that were looking for? And are we capable of achieving this living together? Not achieve some kind of utopia, but you know, work with each other. Have some empathy. Try to understand what it means to be a human being and this need we have to not only serve ourselves and our families, but the greater whole. In the film, Marcus is struggling with pending retirement and the end of his life as he knows it. Do you ever think about if and when youll ever hang it up? Its kind of an interesting thing because with actors, you could act on your deathbed. Retirement is sort of attractive to me. Not stopping altogether. My buddy Bernie Glassman [co-founder of the Zen Peacemakers] says, Retiring is just putting on a new set of tires. Re-tire. Going off-road. I have a lot of different interests. Music and photography, art, all kinds of things, and just being with my family. Making movies kind of takes you away from that. So I dont know what Ill personally do with retirement. Well, youve done Westerns, youve done the superhero thing, youve done sci-fi. Is there anything you havent done yet in the acting realm that you still want to explore? Yeah, probably. I dont know if its a different genre or anything. But Im sort of a counter-puncher that way Its not like, I want to play George Washington. Projects are presented to me and most of my energy is spent in trying to resist them. Because I know what it means to go to work. Other projects might be coming down the line that you cant do because youre already obligated to do something thats taken me away from my family and from other things that Id like to do. So my process is I really try not to engage, and then the ones that I just cant resist, theyre just too well written or the character or the director, the actors are just too cool Thats what I end up doing. You quoted The Dude earlier. Is there any chance were ever going to see The Dude again? You never know. I mean, its all set up. The Stranger said Maudes got that bun in the oven, the little Dude. Well see if the Coen brothers say, Look whats happening. Im there. So youre saying theres a chance? Always. Well, John Turturro is working on his own Lebowksi spinoff, Going Places. Have you followed that? Yeah, though with The Big Lebowski you dont know if thats a rumor or if thats real. It sounds pretty real. Its been cast. I know, but Ive heard those things that sound real with other things about Lebowski. I know for a fact that Johns wanted to do that for so long. I hope it does come down, it would be wonderful. Hell or High Water is available now on Digital HD and releases on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 22. The HMNZS Canterbury was one of a fleet of war ships dispatched to Kaikoura, New Zealand, on Tuesday, November 15, where tourists and locals were left stranded after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake destroyed roads leading to the South Island town. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee told the New Zealand Herald the Canterbury would be joined by the HMNZS Wellington, HMNZS Te Kaha, and tanker HMNZS Endeavour in bringing supplies to Kaikoura. The ships will also assist with the evacuation effort, after a massive landslip blocked State Highway 1. The Canterbury headed at a speed of 18 knots overnight on Tuesday, the maximum speed in the weather conditions. Id say the situation on the ground has been fairly dire, and the weather has not been the kindest to them, so thats why were in a hurry to get down and get people out so we can get as many people out as we can, Captain Simon Rooke said. Credit: Facebook/NZ Defence Force via Storyful Some Hollywood psychologists are recommending deep breathing exercises. Others are suggesting just stepping away from political news for a while. But all the mental health experts The Hollywood Reporter consulted after Donald Trump was elected agree that the population of this blue city is suffering from mood indigo and anxiety. "One woman told me, 'I just keep pulling over to the side of the road and bursting into tears,' " says Larry Shaw, an L.A. psychotherapist who treats producers, screenwriters and other professionals. The reactions people are having go beyond the usual disappointment and upset felt by their candidate losing an election. "Trump is such an unknown factor and is so inconsistent. Nobody knows where the ground is; they can't find footing." Read more: Michael Wolff on Trump, the Anti-Media President (Who's Obsessed With the Media) Clinical psychologist Philip Pierce says he was swamped with complaints from patients after Trump won. "It's a traumatic experience," he says. "The level of threat - or perceived threat - has gone up. I think you'll see an increase in panic attacks." Beyond general dissociative anxiety, some therapists say that the election also has been a trigger for patients with authority issues going back to their childhoods. "[Trump] has triggered certain responses of inadequacy from patients, and a lot of times the people that I see have had very authoritarian fathers," explains Shaw. "Trump can be seen as this really intense father figure." To battle anxiety, Pierce suggests diaphragmatic breathing - breaths from your stomach rather than your chest - and increased social contact. If you find yourself obsessing, "note the thoughts and refocus the thoughts on other activities that are compelling," he said. Historically disenfranchised groups may feel even more vulnerable, given Trump's rhetoric and campaign promises. Muslims, African Americans, Latinos and LGBTQ people have reported hundreds of hate crimes and incidents of harassment following Trump's win. Shaw said his LGBTQ clients are "scared" not necessarily that Trump is going to enact legislation against them, but that he will inspire negative feelings about LGBTQ people to spread across the country. Pierce said one of his clients, a successful black gay man, felt threatened for the first time since his childhood. Story continues National suicide hotlines also have seen an uptick in calls since the election. The LGBT-focused Trevor Project reported a "huge increase" in calls following the election. The Crisis Text Line also saw an increase in volume, reporting that the words "election" and "scared" were the top two mentioned by texters Nov. 9. The most common association with "scared" was "LGBTQ." Sexual assault survivors may also be triggered given the language Trump has used and the long list of women who have accused him of sexual assault. Therapists mentioned that their Latino and black clients were worried about what to tell their children, some of who are concerned they or their parents will be deported or "sent back to Africa." Psychotherapist Mari Murao said some of her clients have seen Trump's win as a challenge to their sense of safety. However, she was surprised by how well her long-term clients handled their fear. She said that in her experience, minority women, class-disadvantaged people, LGBT people, were successfully implementing the tactics she has taught them. "All of these people have already been dealing with this kind of discrimination," said Murao. She said marginalized groups long have had to work on overcoming racism, sexism, classism and homophobia in everyday life. "These things that Trump is saying, there has been an undercurrent and a place for these ideas in American culture already. He's just brought these things to light." Murao said many of her clients pointed out that "giving in to fear is what brought this election to this conclusion" so they are looking toward socially constructive action to make the country better. She said some of them are glad these issues have been brought to light, so they can work on enacting change. Seeing this election as a call to action can be helpful. "After the shock, it's really: How can these individuals and this country come together to change and connect?" says Shaw. "I have faith in the process of resilience and humanity." A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. YAOUNDE (Reuters) - Twenty-one people died and six remain in hospital in eastern Cameroon after drinking what is believed to have been a toxic batch of locally distilled alcohol, regional officials said on Wednesday. People began falling ill after consuming odontol, a strong spirit distilled from either palm wine or corn or sugar cane, at a party on Sunday in the town of Mindourou in East Region. "Some experienced gastric problems, loss of vision and loss of consciousness. Fourteen people died there on the spot," said Robert Mathurin Bidjang, a regional health official. Unconscious victims were taken to the local hospital, where seven people died, the most recent victim on Tuesday. Six others remained under observation on Wednesday. Regional governor Gregoire Mvongo confirmed the death toll and local authorities were warning of the risks of consuming odontol. The spirit is popular due to its high alcohol content and low cost, but its production is largely unregulated and deaths in Cameroon are regularly attributed to its consumption. (Reporting by Sylvain Andzongo; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Janet Lawrence) The Central American nations of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador convened a joint security meeting on November 15. The summit was held in order to combat gangs, reduce migration and lower rates of murder in the region. What we are installing is the perfecting of shields along our borders, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said at an event in Nueva Ocotepeque, accompanied by Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. The proposed joint security force is part of the Alliance for Prosperity plan, which seeks to create jobs and build infrastructure in the member countries with support from the US government. This plan was announced almost one week after Donald Trump became president-elect of the United States. In the case of President-elect Trump, I think he has identified a clear objective: They dont want migrants there, just as we dont want our people to go, the Honduran president said. Juan Orlando Hernandez said he would be meeting with US lawmakers in order to defend the Alliance for Prosperity. Credit: Facebook/Juan Orlando Hernandez via Storyful Photo: @MaddoLuu Twitter/Elite_amsterdam_boys Instagram You know how it goes in fashion: one day a construction worker, the next day a supermodel. Nicky Libert, 26, was working as a construction worker in Amsterdam when a photography student visiting from London spotted him. Danika, 21, took one look at Libert and thought he was simply beautiful. She asked to take a few pictures and subsequently posted them online. So I randomly stopped this construction worker in Amsterdam and asked him for a photo because he was beautiful af. #someonesignhim pic.twitter.com/06Dj0krEl6 YG Siri (@MaddoLuu) November 5, 2016 The post, which now has more than 75,000 retweets and 230,000 likes, prompted users worldwide to hunt down the beautiful man and figure out his identity. Photo: @MaddoLuu Twitter Once the Libert-ites discovered who Nicky was, they began following him on Instagram he gained 6,000 followers in just a day, and more than 38,000 within a week. Credit: @MaddoLuu Twitter They even showed up at his job. People recognized Libert from social media and continuously asked if he was a model. Je zal maar zomaar de beroemde bouwvakker tegen het lijf lopen .. ???????? A photo posted by Chrissy Grace, 19 (@xchrissygrace) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:41am PST Shortly after, Libert signed with Elite Amsterdam, considered to be one the worlds leading model management companies. Welcome to @nicky_libert by @miloudouze // #elite #elitemodels #eliteamsterdam #elitearmy #beelite #eliteboysdoitbetter #soproud #loveourboys A photo posted by Elite Amsterdam Boys (@elite_amsterdam_boys) on Nov 9, 2016 at 8:17am PST Throwback wednesday ???? @elite_amsterdam_boys A video posted by Nicky Libert (@nicky_libert) on Nov 13, 2016 at 1:23pm PST So he clearly has the smile and the hand-running-through-my-luscious-hair motif down pat! Still, Libert is super humble by his sudden success, and is thanking those who have also believed in him. Story continues In a recent tweet, he said: Crazy past few days.. I want to thank everyone for the wonderful reactions much love before closing with a heart emoji and #appreciated. What do you think of Nicky Liberts success story? Let us know by tweeting @YahooStyleCA! By Emma Thomasson BERLIN (Reuters) - The new chief executive of Hugo Boss said a plan to revive the struggling German fashion house by cutting brands and seeking to appeal to fashion-conscious younger customers will only bear fruit from 2018, sending its shares lower on Wednesday. Mark Langer is returning Hugo Boss to its roots selling premium men's clothing, reversing the course of his predecessor Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, who sought to make the label more of a luxury brand and invested heavily in womenswear. Langer told an investor day the company will now focus on two main brands, one higher-priced premium line and another at lower prices for younger consumers, seeking to complement its smart business suits with more casual and sports outfits. "We have placed a too-strong focus on a push into luxury price points," he said. "We have to make sure we are perceived as a lifestyle brand beyond our suiting capabilities." Lahrs quit in February after a severe slowdown in luxury demand led to a steep fall in Boss sales in the United States and China. Lahrs was appointed head of Kering's Italian luxury leather goods maker Bottega Veneta in September. Langer said 2017 will be a year of stabilization after an expected fall of up to 3 percent in currency-adjusted sales this year, predicting a return to growth in 2018. Analysts had on average forecast 1 percent growth in sales for 2017 and 2.5 percent for 2018. Shares in Hugo Boss, which have narrowed their discount to luxury peers since Langer took over, were down 6.4 percent by 1023 GMT, making them the biggest fallers among German mid-cap stocks <.MDAXI>. Shares in rivals LVMH and Burberry , which have rallied in the past month on signs of a recovery in mainland China, also fell. Boss said it will continue to bring the prices of its goods in different regions in line, leading to further cuts in Asia and a slight rise in Europe, while prices should stay stable in North America. The firm will ditch the BOSS Orange and BOSS Green labels, the former more fashion-focused and the latter inspired by sports, integrating them into its main BOSS line. It will revamp its HUGO line aimed at a younger, more fashion-conscious customer, pricing it at roughly a third less than the BOSS brand by the time of its Spring 2018 collection. Langer said he would seek to speed up decision making at a business he said was hurt by "organizational inertia", including making its supply chain more agile so it can restock best-selling items within the season and adapt to short-term trends. Earlier this month, Burberry said it is cutting 15-20 percent of its product lines to focus on its newest ranges. Boss said that womenswear would remain an important part of the business, and is continuing its collaboration with designer Jason Wu. However, the group will only present its menswear collection at the New York fashion week next year. Boss reiterated that it would slow down the store openings, moving more of its business to online. It also plans to lift productivity in its retail business by around 20 percent over the next few years. (Reporting by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Victoria Bryan and Louise Heavens) Figuring out the best way to manage others, and be managed, is a common concern of working life. What makes a good managerand what happens when theyre absenthas been dissected by endless studies, articles, conferences, and books. Lots of factors determine whether any employer-employee relationship is a good one, but some argue that responsive human-resources departments can set the tone for the whole office. Jeni Strand is the vice president of human resources at AgCountry Farm Credit, a company that provides financial services to agricultural communities, in Fargo, North Dakota. For The Atlantics ongoing series of interviews with American workers, I spoke with Strand about the importance of good managers, how to retain talent in changing office cultures, and why some people are uncomfortable going to their HR managers for help. The interview that follows has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Recommended: Progress Isn't Natural Adrienne Green: How did you become human-resources manager? Jeni Strand, a human-resources executive in Fargo, North Dakota (Jeni Strand) Jeni Strand: Ive been in this gig for 25 years. I started out as a legal assistant, and when I was going on to law school I decided that I really like the people side of it. If you combine the legal side with the people side, what you get is HR. Ive been in my current role at AgCounty Farm Credit for nine years. I love agriculture, and the environment I'm in today is agriculture finance. Prior to that, I worked for a laundry list of different types of industries: in a manufacturing environment at John Deere; in technology with Great Plains Software, which was acquired by Microsoft; and in the public sector, for the city of Fargo. The one thing that's the common thread through the whole thing is that people are people. It doesn't matter where you work, the bedrock is the fact that you need to take care of people. Recommended: The Dollar-a-Year Man Green: It seems like you've worked with lots of different types of people and workers. Have you noticed any particular commonalities among North Dakotans? Story continues Strand: The one thing that comes to my mind instantaneously is a phenomenal work ethic. The commitment that people have to their work, to their professions, and frankly, to their employers, is almost nostalgic of the 1950s. It's really kind of strange. I hear often from family across the country that if you're from North Dakota and you're looking for a job, you're going to get hired, because people understand that the work ethic is legendary. I think that that is truly what sets apart the people of North Dakota. I think that reputation is steeped in the agriculture roots of the state: The number of hours it takes, the physical labor, the mental commitment, the adversity, is the bedrock of the whole state. The industry has grown from that over the last 150 years or so, and I think that bloodline is still running pretty strong. Green: What exactly do you do as a human-resource manager? Strand: I'm responsible for everybody's relationship with their employer. All of the programs and processes that we put in place are intended to make sure that nobody has to worry about anything other than doing their job. They shouldn't have to worry about health coverage, or a paycheck, or whether or not their work environment is going to be negative. It always has to be positive and uplifting, and for people who love [working in human resources] that's really what they want to do. They want to balance the needs of the individual with the organization, so that the organization can run, and grow, and change, and so that the people are allowed to grow and change with their roles, and with their company. Recommended: The Case for Reparations We say around here that if 95 percent of our population is happy, that still means that some people arent. Youre constantly trying to find ways to make sure that everybody's needs are met. The biggest challenge in today's environment is work-life balance. That line between home and work is being blurred continually, and that genie's out of the bottle. It's not going away, so the next level in HR leadership is really trying to figure out, how do we get the organization stuff done, and still let people not be chained to their desks like in the past? People will demand that. They'll demand to be able to come and go as they please if the industry can allow for that. It's going to be a big challenge for organizations that haven't gotten past the 8-to-5, if I can't see the whites of your eyes, then you're not working mentality. That line between home and work is being blurred continually, and that genie's out of the bottle.Green: You said that a big part of your job is balancing the needs of employers with the needs of employees. Are there times when you cant match those needs? Strand: Right now, we're really being challenged, particularly, with younger employees and new parents, who want to be able to work at a branch location if they live farther out from our corporate headquarters. We have a job that's based here in Fargo, but somebody might live in an outlying community 35 or 40 miles away. If we have a branch office there, our challenge is to get the leadership that's been around for a while to allow employees to work remotely. We have had to say, "Okay, managers. You've got to think about this differently. We're going to lose this person if we don't get creative and allow them to work, and maybe there's a sweet spot here, and we say, 'Three days a week at the branch closest to their home, and two days a week in Fargo. Slowly, we're getting some of the thinking that's been steeped in the past moving forward. I'm a qualified mediator, so Ive received 40 hours of training, and that has given me the skills to be able to sit down and have two people talk about where's this gap in expectations, and how are we going to bridge that. The ability to sit down and allow people to give the other person their perspective, if you just would open up and listen [is really important]. Green: That sounds like great advice for life, not just in the workplace. Strand: Work is life. We don't leave ourselves at the door when we start our workday. That's, I think, one of the things that's evolving, to my delight, in the workplace. Were getting more and more understanding about the fact that we're employing a whole being. We're employing their families, their history, what's happening in their life, and we better get really good at accepting that nobody just leaves everything else at the door. If we don't hire and promote leaders who can be agile enough to change their thinking, then we're going to fail, and we're going to have turnover. It's the old definition of insanity, to keep doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. You can't just warm a seat and be really good at what you do. You have to have innate leadership skills, the stuff that you can't teach. If it's not there, the problems you have with people are almost insurmountable. You almost can't recover if you've got a bad manager. Green: At most companies, human-resources departments are central to hiring new staff. What does that process entail? Strand: For us, it really starts long before we have any position that we want to advertise. We start with our relationship-building at the three fantastic universities in town, and the most notable is an agricultural school called North Dakota State University. The most brilliant agricultural minds are here in Fargo, and the people that are coming in from their small communities, and from their farms, to learn about the science that is agriculture, we have a very strong relationship with that school in particular. We're very much active in trying to help people understand that women in agriculture is a really important thing, the financing in particular. The history has been, it's a white guys game, and we want to change that. We also have relationships with local groups that are focused on helping disabled people and veterans find work. That's where we start our relationships, and then well advertise a position, and most of it is electronic. I can't remember the last time I had a hard-copy resume in my hand. We look at the resume as an invitation to a first date. If we like what we see, we'll come on in. We do talk about benefits and compensation that very first meeting, because we think it's important. Everybody's thinking about it anyway. We put our cards out there. We have our hiring managers look for the skill sets, and our HR team is in every interview looking for the emotional and cultural fit. One of the really cool things here is that once we make the hire, we send a welcome basket to their home before they even start working, and it's full of North Dakota products that are made here. People just go crazy. That's where we hook them, and if we've made a good choice, that person really appreciates the effort we put into them. Green: How does it make you feel when people lack trust in their human-resources department? Strand: There are times when people just don't want to talk to HR for some reason. It's almost hilarious. We have 27 different branches, and if one of us from HR goes out to visit a branch, and just say hi to folks, the instantaneous response is, "Oh my god, what are you doing here? Who's in trouble?" Why do people think that? We're here to say hi. We're here to have fun. We're here to buy lunch. We are rule enforcers to a certain extent, so that's probably where that comes from, and every now and then, if you've got a mandatory training that hasn't been done, we have to open up a can of you-know-what and say, "Get this done. It's part of your job. We know you're busy, but you need to do it." I guess weve got that good cop, bad cop thing going. The best thing you can do is make sure that you have created a culture where theres enough transparency and openness to at least be able to come forward without fear. Thats absolutely critical. Green: There are some people that believe that, for example, if something bad happens in the workplace, their HR department is not going to be effective in helping to solve those problems. How do you overcome that skepticism? Strand: We have 27 different locations between North Dakota and Minnesota, and I try to take a good chunk of the summer, get in my car, and go to every single branch. If they see me, and we sit down as a group over lunch, I can say, I want you to be able to bring anything to me. You can ask me anything, and if I can't share it, I'll tell you I can't share it, and why. That relationship builds over time, and that trust builds over time. I think there's an inherent hesitation for anybody in a position of power in an organization to say, Yeah, well they're just management. They don't care. One person said to me one time, "I don't think you hear this very often, but things are better since you've been here." That will stay with me forever. I think you just have to keep trying. This interview is a part of an ongoing project on work and identity in America. You may find other pieces here, including interviews with a fast-food restaurant manager, an exotic dancer, and a train conductor. If you are currently employed in this industry and would like to contribute your perspective on working in America to our special series, please email hello@theatlantic.com.Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Serajul Quadir and Wa Lone DHAKA/SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) - Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims are fleeing a military crackdown in western Myanmar to Bangladesh, trying to escape an upsurge of violence that has brought the total number of dead confirmed by the army to more than 130. Some of the Rohingya were gunned down as they tried to cross the Naaf river that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh, while others arriving by boat were pushed away by Bangladeshi border guards and may be stranded at sea, residents said. The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the lack of oversight of the military by the seven-month-old administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya, shutting out aid workers and independent observers. The army has intensified its operation in the last seven days and has used choppers to reinforce, with dozens reported killed. Aid workers, camp residents and authorities in Bangladesh estimated at least 500 Rohingya had fled Myanmar since the October attacks. The refugees are now staying in four Rohingya camps on the Bangladeshi side of the border, they say. But on Tuesday, Bangladeshi border guards pushed back a large group of Rohingya trying to cross. "Early Tuesday, 86 Rohingya including 40 women and 25 children were pushed back by the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) from the Teknaf border point," said Lt. Col. Anwarul Azim, commanding officer of the Cox's Bazar sector in eastern Bangladesh. "All of them tried to enter Bangladesh and came by two engine-operated boats. Now we have beefed up our patrolling and additional forces have been engaged to ensure security in the border area," he said. Reuters sources said the Rohingya group was unlikely to have gone back to the villages in Myanmar and might be stranded at sea. The stateless Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Col. Htain Lin, Border Affairs Minister of the Rakhine state government, refused to comment on the situation. Police Major Kyaw Mya Win, from the Maungdaw police, said the people were trying to escape because they tried to attack the military. "The villagers have become insurgents, including women in the village," said Kyaw Mya Win. The recent upsurge in violence has brought the number of suspected militants killed to 102 since Oct. 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 32, according to a Reuters tally based on state media releases. MANY DEAD BODIES Four Rohingya from northern Rakhine contacted by Reuters by telephone on Wednesday confirmed that hundreds were trying to escape and cross the river to Bangladesh. They said some were gunned down. "The residents told me nearly 72 people were killed near the riverbank, that the military shot into the crowd on the river bank," said a Rohingya community leader who declined to be identified. Another man from Maungdaw said women and children from around 10 villages were trying to flee to Bangladesh and some were killed as they were trying to get into the boats. "A lot of dead bodies were floating in the sea," said the man. He added that these people were not traveling together, but that they had separated into groups of 20 or 50 to get on to the boats. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes in the recent violence. The government and army reject the accusations. Diplomats have also appealed for an independent and credible investigation, but the government has not announced any plans to carry it out, instead cautioning against a "misinformation campaign" by a "violent group based in Rakhine". "They are using our country, our region as a base...with the intention of disrupting the area, causing unrest, chaos in the area, they are doing this to get international attention, to pressure Myanmar," said Aye Aye Soe, director general of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, run by Suu Kyi. She said the group was doing this to get financial support with the intention of "getting their political agenda through". The "extremist group" did not want peace in Rakhine, she said. The suspected Rohingya militants have identified themselves as the previously unknown Al-Yakin Mujahidin in videos posted online. In a fresh clip, a man who has appeared in previous videos stands in front of several men prostrated on the ground with wounds on their back and bloodied legs. "We are Rohingya and we want to restore our usurped rights," the man shouts to the camera. "We deserve our rights and we are not terrorists." Authorities have denied independent journalists access to the area, so Reuters has been unable to independently verify either the military accounts or the accounts of the residents. (Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Myanmar and Mohammad Nurul Islam in Bangladesh; Writing by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alex Richardson) This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City After discovering Zimbabwes beloved black-maned lion Cecil had been shot and killed by Minnesota dentist Walter Palmer, Zimbabwe officials called for Palmer to be extradited and said others involved in the hunt would be made accountable for their illegal actions. More than a year later, Palmer has been cleared, and now a Zimbabwe court has agreed to drop charges against Theo Bronkhorstthe professional hunter who is said to have charged Palmer $50,000 to hunt Cecil in July 2015. Bronkhorsts lawyer Perpetua Dube told South African news site News24 that the charges against his client were too vague to enable the defense to properly mount a defense. There was no full trial, but the [high court] judge has decided that the charges as they were brought at that time were not properly constituted, Dube said. Hes agreed with us on that point, and that is all there is to it. Bronkhorst arranged the hunt for Palmer, who shot Cecil with a bow in a field just outside the Hwange National Park boundaries. The team tracked the wounded lion for another 11 hours before killing him. RELATED: African Park Complains the Cecil Effect Is Leaving Too Many Lions Alive Zimbabwe environment minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri initially called for Palmer to be extradited to Zimbabwe and brought charges against Bronkhorst for not obtaining the right permits to hunt in the country. The death of one of the countrys most popular tourist attractions drew the ire of the international conservation community and sparked a backlash against the big game hunting industry in Africa. While Cecils killers may avoid legal punishment, the lions death has had huge consequences on the big game trophy hunting industry. Prior to Cecil, hundreds of lions had been killed in Zimbabwe and across Africa through big game hunting, but most of the killings had gone unnoticed. An estimated 20,000 lions remain in all of Africadown from half a million that roamed 200 years agoand research suggests the number could be halved in another 20 years. Story continues But Cecils unique story and his controversial death galvanized the conservation community into action. Ive never seen any sort of animal issue resonate like this before, Beth Allgood, campaigns director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, told TakePart last year. Over the past year, U.S. federal officials have put lions under stricter conservation protections, multiple airlines have banned the transport of lion trophies aboard their planes, and several countries have restricted the import of lion trophies. Take the Pledge: Keep the Iraq and Syria Regional Crises in the News! Related stories on TakePart: One Year After Cecils Death, Lions Face Bigger Threats Than Hunting On the Anniversary of Cecils Death, House Democrats Target Trophy Hunting Theres a Cecil the Lion Halloween Costume, and Yes, the Head Is Chopped Off Original article from TakePart The Hague (AFP) - Children don't start wars, and yet millions around the world are caught up in conflicts -- conscripted into militias, turned into sex slaves, felled by deadly bombing raids, robbed of their homes and families. Now the International Criminal Court has pledged to place a special focus on prosecuting crimes against children, unveiling a new policy on Wednesday. The aim is "to more robustly address the scourge of crimes against children," said ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. Her office also wants to "put the spotlight firmly on the 230 million children around the world today who suffer or are subjected to the crimes of war and conflict". "It is unforgivable that children are assaulted, violated and murdered and yet our conscience is not revolted," Bensouda said. At a gala event in The Hague to unveil the policy, Bensouda recalled the first case prosecuted by the tribunal after it opened in 2002 in The Hague. Former Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga was found guilty of press-ganging child soldiers -- all under the age of 15 -- into his militia. He was jailed for 14 years. The policy has taken two years to draw up and involved consulting many child victims of war and conflict from around the world. "Children are rarely given visibility or voice in matters that affect their wellbeing," said Romeo Dallaire, founder of the Child Soldiers Initiative, welcoming the initiative. Special attention will now be paid to how children are questioned in the courtroom to "prevent harassment or intimidation". Prosecutors will "adopt a child-sensitive approach in all aspects of its work involving children" and court workers will be trained in how to handle child witnesses. The former Dutch ombudsman for children, Marc Dullaert, revealed that "every five minutes, a child is killed by violence". "Children are among the principal victims of war. We are failing to take care of them," Dullaert told the special event held on the sidelines of the annual assembly of ICC member nations. He also urged the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the tribunal "without further delays". "Immediate prosecution of war crimes against children in Syria is necessary. Children's lives and futures are at stake," he warned. Reykjavik (AFP) - Size doesn't matter at the Icelandic Phallological Museum, home to the world's largest collection of penises which has an eye-watering array of specimens carefully collected from hundreds of different animals. "I came to see if it was true, that there really was a penis museum in Reykjavik," American tourist Jerry Anderson told AFP, smiling as he stared at the phallus of a sperm whale, the largest specimen in the museum. Preserved in formaldehyde inside a huge plexiglass case at the museum's entrance, it is 1.70 metres tall (five feet six inches) and weighs 75 kilogrammes (165 pounds). Inside the museum's large illuminated rooms, there are penises and penile parts of all shapes and sizes from a huge array of mammals, from whales to bears, seals to cats, and even mice. It also houses a wide range of genital-themed artefacts, among them trays, totem poles and a telephone. "Who could resist coming to a penis museum?" said 62-year-old Kim, a tourist from Canada who did not reveal her last name. "We thought it will be hilarious and it is," she said, bursting out laughing as she and her friend look at a tube supposedly containing the invisible penis of an "elf". - 'Started as a joke' - The Phallological Museum is anything but quiet as visitors giggle while observing the 286 exhibited biological specimens. "It's a good plateau for jokes and having a good time. You can get educated and at the same time have some fun," said Hjortur Sigurdsson, 52, a former logistics manager who runs the museum. His father Sigurdur Hjartarson, a historian who worked as a teacher for 37 years, opened the museum in 1997, starting with just 62 specimens. "It all started as a joke," he told AFP. "My father had fun just collecting, doing something no one has done before. He always said 'somebody had to do it'." Back in 1980, Hjartarson had already gathered 13 specimens, nine from land mammals and four from whales. Story continues Within a decade, that number had grown to 34. - A human phallus - But it was years before the museum got its hands on a human specimen, sent in by a 96-year-old Icelandic donor who was worried his manhood would shrink as he got older, Sigurdsson says. Asked if he too would be willing to contribute to the museum's unique collection, visitor Jerry Andersson was nonplussed. "Sure. I'm donating my organs, I guess I can donate one more." Sigurdsson said the purpose of the penis museum is education and not eroticism. "It's been a bit taboo, especially (with) the human organ, but if you say 'penis', it attracts people," he says. "And, of course, we're the only museum in the world that has been collecting biological organs." - Not afraid to ask - School children are among his favourite visitors because of their willingness to learn about the field of phallology, the scientific study of the penis. "A lot of school kids come here especially during school hours and have a lot of fun," Sigurdsson said, noting that visitors can compare the colour, size and shape of a tiny mouse's penis to that of a whale. "They are some of our favourite guests because they are asking all the time... why the shape? Why the size?" he said. "They aren't afraid to ask." Over the years interest in the museum has grown and in 2011 it had 12,000 visitors in an island nation better known for its breathtaking landscapes. It also has a shop which sells everything from penile-shaped pasta to designer condoms and hand-knitted willy warmers. Most of the visitors are foreign nationals and more than 60 percent are women. Reykjavik (AFP) - The head of Iceland's Left-Green movement was tasked Wednesday with forming a new government, nearly three weeks after snap elections triggered by the Panama Papers scandal left the country in political deadlock. "We are looking at forming a multi-party government from the centre to the left," Katrin Jakobsdottir, the head of the country's second largest party, told reporters in Reykjavik after meeting with President Gudni Johannesson. Since its independence in 1944, Iceland has only seen one centre-left government, which emerged from the 2009 election after the 2008 financial collapse. Allied with the anti-establishment Pirate Party, Social Democrats and Bright Future party, the Left-Green faces an uphill task of forging a governing coalition with the centre-right Reform party, analysts say. Just on Tuesday, Pirate deputy Asta Helgadottir poured cold water on the idea, saying such a coalition would be a "jigsaw". Led by the largest election winner Independence Party (21 seats), the centre-right coalition failed to find common ground over a range of divisive issues -- relations with the European Union (EU), institutional reform and fishing. The October 29 snap vote, prompted by a massive tax scandal ensnaring several Icelandic officials, saw the anti-establishment Pirate Party become the third largest party with 10 seats. By Dave McKinney CHICAGO (Reuters) - The financial condition of Illinois five state pension systems worsened during 2016 with unfunded liabilities growing to a record-setting $129.8 billion, a new report showed on Wednesday. The nearly 17 percent surge was the result of lowered long-range investment return assumptions by four of the five pension systems and poor investment returns during 2016, the state Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) reported. The combined funded ratio of the five pension systems dropped from 41 percent in fiscal 2015, a level that put Illinois in a tie with Kentucky for the lowest-funded state pension system in the country. Illinois new funded ratio now stands at 37.6 percent, said the agency, which is the nonpartisan fiscal research arm of the state legislature. In a state that is already a national symbol of fiscal dysfunction, the declining pension numbers represent another indicator of how 17 months of budgetary feuding between Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled legislature is inflicting serious fiscal harm to Illinois. During fiscal 2016, the largest state pension fund, the Teachers Retirement System, and the State Employees Retirement System lowered their assumed rates of return to 7 percent from 7.5 percent and 7.25 percent, respectively. The Judges Retirement System and General Assembly Retirement System reduced their assumed rates of return to 6.75 percent from 7 percent. The State Universities Retirement System did not alter its long-range investment return estimation. Combined, those moves led to an increase of more than $9.6 billion in overall accrued liabilities for all five pension systems, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the overall increase in unfunded liabilities from $111 billion in fiscal 2015, CGFA reported. The other driving force was poor investment returns during fiscal 2016, ranging from a 1 percent drop for the General Assembly Retirement System to a 0.2 percent increase for the State Universities Retirement System, which was the best-performing state fund, CGFA said. (Editing by Matthew Lewis) Indian Motorcycle Gears Up for IMS Indian Motorcycle rolls into this weekends International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, with big plans. The show marks the first display of the new Ride Command infotainment system. Long Beach riders are also invited to test ride the new 2017 Indian lineup, including a selection of accessorized models. Demos will be offered on Saturday and Sunday from 9am 5pm in the Long Beach Convention Center parking lot. The Indian Motorcycle booth will feature the new Ride Command infotainment system, featuring what it claims is the industrys largest, fastest, and most customizable display. The Scout FTR750 flat track race bike will be on display, and fans can meet team racer Bryan Smith from 6-7 pm on Friday, November 18. Indian Scout FTR750 Indian Motorcycle will also support the Beautiful Bikers Conference a celebration of women who love to ride which takes place at the Courtyard Marriott Long Beach on Friday November 18. Registration runs 12-4 pm. That will be followed by The Ground Pounders Block Party, from 58 pm on Saturday November 19. Attendees will break out into sessions Long Distance Riding, Adventure Riding, Beginning Riding, and Accessorizing Your Ride from 9 am 12 pm. ("Adventure Riding?" On an Indian? That would be an adventure! Ed) Finally, from 9 am 1 pm on Sunday November 20, attendees may participate in the Beautiful Bikers Ride, picnic and photoshoot. ALGIERS (Reuters) - A number of energy ministers from OPEC oil-producing countries are likely to meet informally in Doha on Friday to try to build consensus over decisions taken by the full group in September in Algiers, an Algerian energy source said. At the September meeting, OPEC agreed on modest, preliminary, oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars and sanctions. Doha this week is hosting a meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Industry sources said on Tuesday that the Saudi Arabian and Russian energy ministers might meet on the sidelines of the forum. The GECF unites 12 countries including Russia and OPEC members Algeria and Iran. Saudi Arabia is not a member but Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih was due to travel to Doha this week for meetings with peers. The agreement made in Algiers is expected to be finalised at the next meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Nov. 30 in Vienna, but disagreements persist among OPEC members and non-OPEC Russia on the details of the deal. Iran, which remains one of the main stumbling blocks to a final deal, has refused to cap production below 4 million barrels per day as it seeks to regain market share lost under sanctions. Russia has said it prefers to freeze output while OPEC wants Moscow to contribute to cuts. (Reporting by Lamine Chikhi; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Patrick Markey and Dale Hudson) Bruce Bozzi is adding a major menu item at his Beverly Hills power lunch spot The Palm. The restaurateur and husband of CAA partner Bryan Lourd has launched his own SiriusXM radio program, Lunch With Bruce. Bozzi, executive vp of Palm Restaurant Group, tells The Hollywood Reporter that the idea for the show came up after he and his best friend of 25 years Andy Cohen sat down for a chat on the latter's Sirius show, Deep & Shallow. They recorded it at The Palm and had a lively conversation, which included the hum of the restaurant, dish about who was there (Bob Daly and Goldie Hawn at that moment), what they were eating and a general feel for what it's like to be in one of the industry's most prominent power lunch spots at peak dining time. "It was so easy and there was no agenda. That prompted Andy to suggest this show, Lunch With Bruce." So they booked it on Cohen's radio channel and the project officially got underway in August, kick-started with a roster of high-profile industry names, many of whom are close friends. Bozzi has already sat down with Brian Grazer, Matt Bomer, Ryan Murphy, jeweler Neil Lane, Brad Falchuk, Glenn Powell and, most recently, Kyle Richards. "It's us having a true lunch. You can hear us chew and talk about who is in the room. People have really responded - it's fun to listen to." When asked about his dream guests, Bozzi answers that he'd love to sit down with a diverse roster of names, everyone from moguls to actors and even real estate stars including Ted Sarandos, Sherry Lansing, Brad Grey, Amy Pascal, Linda Gray, Gwyneth Paltrow, publicist Simon Halls, Rick Hilton, Jeff Hyland and lawyer Steve Warren. Read more: Flo & Eddie Settle With SiriusXM on Eve of California Trial "The beautiful thing about this show is that I approach people cautiously. I don't want anyone to feel compelled to do it because there's no agenda. I'm not going to put anyone in an uncomfortable spot. It's fun chit-chat over great food in a fun environment," he explains. "I'm a restaurateur in the hospitality business. I want them to feel comfortable. And it should feel organic to the room, which mixes industry and the glamour of Beverly Hills, while hearing a really good story about someone's life that I can learn from." One person's story he's eager to hear is WME's Ari Emanuel, even if that seems surprising to those who closely follow Hollywood's agency wars. "I'd love to sit down with him and hear his side of the agency business." Bozzi says he hopes to do as many episodes as possible. "It's really about my availability and ambitions." A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-02. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. Stella An Iowa restaurant is under fire for reportedly discriminating against Trump voters. Stella restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa is accused of charging a $10 entry fee to Trump supporters this weekend, while charging a $5 fee to Clinton supporters, CBS2 reports. Now Stella is getting slammed with dozens of negative reviews on Yelp and Google, calling it "disgusting," "unprofessional," and a "disaster." The restaurant appears to have removed its Facebook page as a result. Customer Eric Stelter wrote about the incident in a Google review. He said he visited the restaurant with his wife this weekend and saw a sign on the door that read: "Yes this is discrimination but you voted for it." Then a bouncer asked who Stelter and his wife voted for, according to his review. "By far one of my favorite restaurants in Iowa City that's why it's painful to write this review," Stelter wrote. "He proceeds to tell us that we need to state who we voted for before we can come in, if we voted for Trump our cover was $10.00 if we voted for Hillary the cover was $5.00," Stelter write. "My wife and I laughed it off but after 5 minutes of this completely drunk bouncer going off on Trump voters we decided this is not the type of establishment we want to support." Stella Stelter said it was "painful" for him to write the negative review because Stella is "by far" one of his favorite restaurants in Iowa City. "It's very confusing that Stella's would make such a stand against President Elect Trump for their beliefs that he is discriminatory but yet have their own staff do the same thing that supposedly they're against," Stelter wrote. "It's very sad to say but I will not be giving my business to Stella's nor their partner restaurants." Business Insider was unable to reach Stella for comment. Related: For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Story continues NOW WATCH: We put the most popular frozen pizzas to the test the winner was clear More From Business Insider * Rational approach to replace campaign talk - Iran official * Iran expects to attract more companies, banks (Adds Schaeuble, Kazimir) By Arno Schuetze FRANKFURT, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Iran expects to see "more rationality" on the part of Donald Trump once he assumes the role of U.S. president and leaves behind what was merely campaign rhetoric, an Iranian central bank official said. At a conference in Frankfurt, other Iranian bankers also said they did not expect long-term adverse effects from Trump's win, even though he ran for president opposing a landmark nuclear deal the United States signed last year with Iran. "What has been said during the election (campaign) was for the election competition. We expect to see more rationality on the position that Trump is going to take after becoming president," Iranian Central Bank Vice Governor Peyman Ghorbani told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference. "The (U.S.) administration will come to the point that they have to honour the (agreement) and that's the only right way forward," he said. Vali Zarrabieh, chairman of Tehran-based Saman Bank, agreed and said he expected Trump to decide on a pragmatic Iran policy, beneficial to the American people. "Trump is at the end of the day a businessman ... I don't see major issues coming up." The remarks were echoed by German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble in a panel discussion with his Slovakian counterpart Peter Kazimir in Berlin. "Many people say that the office of the president of the United States of America shapes the person more strongly than the person (shapes) the office," Schaeuble said when asked about his expectations regarding Trump. Kazimir said more clarity was needed about Trump's policy and Europe should be better prepared for different scenarios. Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20, has made contradictory statements on Iran, making it unclear how he will act. The 2015 deal allowed sanctions imposed on Iran by the West over its nuclear programme to be lifted, but European banks are still reluctant to finance deals out of fear they could run foul of existing U.S. sanctions and incur massive penalties down the line. Story continues Ghorbani said the central bank saw no reason for companies to be afraid of coming to Iran and that sooner or later banks would thaw towards doing business again. "Sooner or later the big European banks will come to the understanding that they have to break the ice and start to work with Iran," he said, lauding Total's "smart" decision to return to the country in a deal signed earlier this month. Lenders such as BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank have paid billions of dollars to settle allegations of breaching Western sanctions, putting off other big financial institutions from renewing ties with Iran. The Frankfurt conference was attended by plenty of representatives of the Iranian financial services groups and advisers, but hardly any German bankers. Saman Bank's Zarrabieh said that he was talking to all large European banks about possibly doing business. "... but it is very difficult for them to ringfence their Iran business, to create Chinese walls in order not to touch U.S. dollars or a U.S. person and that makes it very difficult for very large banks to run these operations," he said. Bank Hekmat Iranian, a medium-sized Iranian commercial bank, has tried to get in touch with the large European lenders. "But we have had no response," said vice president Nader Hasanpour. Instead, Iranian banks have started doing business - in areas like trade finance or payment processing - with a slew of medium-sized European banks, said Mansour Tafazoli, vice president at bigger Parsian Bank. "Most of the trades are done in euros, some in Indian rupees, Korean won or Chinese renminbi. Not too much in pounds," he said. (Additional reporting by Andreas Kroner, Georgina Prodhan and Carolyn Cohn in Frankfurt, Michael Nienaber in Berlin; Editing by Victoria Bryan and Richard Balmforth) By Ahmed Rasheed, John Davison and Dominic Evans BAGHDAD/BASHIQA, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi Shi'ite militias said on Wednesday they had driven Islamic State fighters from an air base west of Mosul, a victory which would threaten the Sunni group's supply route from Syria to its last major stronghold in Iraq. "The airport of Tal Afar has been liberated," Yusif al-Kallabi, a spokesman for Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Iranian-backed militias, told Iraqi state TV. The capture of the base, if confirmed, could be a significant development in the campaign to recapture Mosul, Islamic State's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014 and set up a self-declared caliphate in a swathe of Syria and northern Iraq. Tal Afar lies about 60 km (38 miles) west of Mosul on the main road to Syria. Its seizure could also alarm Turkey, which is wary of Iraqi Shi'ite involvement in the civil war in Syria. "Tal Afar will be the starting block for the liberation of all the area...to the Syrian border and beyond the Syria border," said Hadi al-Amiri, head of Badr Organization, Popular Mobilisation's largest component, in a video clip. While the Shi'ite coalition is fighting Islamic State west of Mosul, regular army and police units are trying to advance from the other sides, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters deployed in the north and the east. Iraqi counter-terrorism forces breached Islamic State defenses in east Mosul two weeks ago but have faced resistance from the militants, who have fought back with suicide car bombs, snipers and waves of counter-attacks. The campaign that began on Oct. 17 with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition is the biggest military operation in Iraq in more than a decade of turmoil unleashed by the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Popular Mobilisation, known locally by its Arabic name Hashid Shaabi, has said it plans to use Tal Afar base to take the battle against Islamic State into Syria, fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran. Although it officially reports to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, it is mainly trained and equipped by Iran. Popular Mobilisation's advance towards Tal Afar, which had a mixed population of mainly Shi'ite and Sunni Turkmen before Islamic State captured it in 2014, has raised the prospect of sectarian strife and alarmed neighboring Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said last month that Turkey was reinforcing its troops on the border with Iraq and would respond if the militias "cause terror" in Tal Afar. Iraq's Abadi has sought to calm fears that the operation to recapture Tal Afar would ignite sectarian tension or escalate problems with Turkey, saying the attacking force that would enter the town will reflect its religious and ethnic make-up. The Nineveh region surrounding Mosul is a mosaic of ethnic and religious communities - Arabs, Turkmen, Kurds, Yazidis, Christians, Sunnis, Shi'ites - though Sunni Arabs comprise the overwhelming majority. KURDS MAY KEEP TERRITORY The autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) suggested on Wednesday it would try to expand the area it rules in northern Iraq to include surrounding villages and towns captured by Kurdish fighters from Islamic State. Kurdish Peshmerga forces "will not retreat from areas retaken" from Islamic State militants in Iraq, Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani said, according to Rudaw TV station. Barzani's comment could rile the central government in Baghdad, which opposes his plans to expand the autonomous area, even though the two sides have been fighting together against Islamic State in Mosul. The collapse of the Iraqi army two years ago in the face of Islamic State allowed the KRG to extend its rule over the oil-rich region of Kirkuk. The government forces have been fighting in a dozen of the roughly 60 neighbourhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River. They have yet to enter from the northern and the southern sides. Iraqi officials say the militants have used the city's more than one million remaining residents as human shields, firing from rooftops of inhabited houses and using a network of tunnels to launch ambushes in the midst of residential areas. While the presence of civilians has slowed the advance, Iraqi officials say some of their operations have been assisted by information provided by residents about Islamic State military positions. Trying to stop the flow of any information out of Mosul, the militants have cracked down on communications, banning the use of mobile phones and also confiscating satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by Iraqi forces. The group has also killed civilians suspected of helping the attacking forces, sometime putting their bodies on display around the city. Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in the city at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units. Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the campaign overall - either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted hundreds of casualties in enemy ranks. Nearly 57,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to U.N. estimates. The figure does not include the tens of thousands of people rounded up in villages around Mosul and forced to accompany Islamic State fighters to cover their retreat towards the city. (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Aussies like to say that Perth, the capital of Western Australia and a five-hour flight from Sydney, is the most isolated major city in the world. Which means that the Margaret River wine region, which is set on a tab-shaped peninsula jutting into the Indian Oceanand a three-hour drive south of Perthmust be as remote as it gets. A grueling 24 hours of travel from New York City, Margaret River was the farthest Id ever been from home. But flying wasnt the stressful part of this trip. Driving on the left side of the road was what really made me anxious. I stuck a Post-it note on the steering wheel of my rental car: stay left, it read, with an arrow for emphasis. The agent chuckled as I pulled out of the lot. Margaret River Australia I made the trek to Margs, as locals call the area, primarily for the wine. The case can be made that its Australias best wine region because of the sophisticated restraint that vintners pour into its top bottles. (Cabernet Sauvignon is the star grape here, followed closely by Chardonnay.) There are nearly 100 wineries open for tastings, many of which are located north of the town of Margaret River along a 10-mile stretch of Caves Road, where dense patches of forest alternate with honey-colored pastures. Fees are nonexistentthe winemakers are just thrilled you made it to see them. But Margs has a lot to offer beyond the wine. Its one of the most free-spirited places Ive ever visited, and the people here have struck an enviable work-life balance. Because much of the coastline falls inside 145-square-mile Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Parka constantly shifting landscape of granite cliffs, scrubby forests, and golden sandsthe beaches are pristine. Surf culture runs deep here, said Will Berliner, when we met at his winery, Cloudburst. If theres a big swell that day, your plumber might be late to fix your sink. Margaret River Australia An expat who fled New York and his film-industry job in 2003 to become a winemaker, Berliner now makes three exquisite bottlings using biodynamic farming practices. (You can find his wines in top U.S. restaurants like Alinea and the French Laundry.) As Berliner drove me in a pickup truck around his 250-acre property, he sent gangs of kangaroos scattering. Theres a real wildness here, he said. On cue, Australian ringnecks yakked above us in a karri tree. Theres really no industryexcept wine and tourism. Story continues That evening, Berliner and I shared a bottle of his 2013 Chardonnay, which had incredible apple and lemon blossom flavors, at Morries, his favorite restaurant in the town of Margaret River. The co-owners, Anthony Janssen, Alex Brooks, and Tony Howell (who is also the executive chef) have that singularly Australian knack for creating a familiar, casual atmosphere while quietly delivering major sophisticationhere in the form of dishes like beet gnocchi with citrus ricotta and almond-garlic pure. After dinner, I drove half an hour on Caves Road to the serene Injidup Spa Retreat, which is perched high on a bluff overlooking the cobalt Indian Ocean. (Most of the top hotels are just to the north of the wineries.) When I first checked in and had trouble connecting to the wonky Wi-Fi, manager Lisa Maclaren smiled and said: Good luck with that. But I soon discovered that youre not here to troll Instagram (though I did manage to post a few photos). Youre here to stare at the coast from your private plunge pool. Injidups romantic, isolated setting soon made the rest of the world seem irrelevant. Margaret River Australia Leeuwin Estate, which is Margaret Rivers most famous winery and is renowned for its rich and complex Art Series Chardonnays, also feels worlds away from reality. Set on a former cattle ranch, the wood-and-adobe building with a corrugated-metal roof appears a bit dated at first. The modernized interior, however, has both a farm-to-table restaurant and a gallery showing paintings by Aussie artists. People like an adventurethey like to find you at the end of the road, says Tricia Horgan, who founded Leeuwin in 1974 with her husband, Denis. And we have more than a hundred thousand visitors a year, so they figure it out. Many of these guests come for the summer outdoor concert series, which takes place on the lush lawn every year. The two chipper septuagenarians dont make wine anymore, but are never far away from whatevers going on at Leeuwin. When I stopped by for a tasting, the Horgans told me that back in the early days, they enlisted the help of a knowledgeable friend. Neither of us knew anything before we met Bob Mondavi, recalled Tricia, of the man who put Napa Valley wine on the map. He told us what to plant and where to plant it. Those decisions were made easier by the climate. Were a warm region with an air conditioner, Virginia Willcock, the chief vintner at the well-regarded Vasse Felix, explained to me over a lunch of roasted root vegetables topped with toasted barley and dill at the winerys restaurant. She was referring to the ocean that provides balance to the warm grape-growing season. Willcocks Cabernets have what she calls a savory, floral, earthy quality, which she attributes to the cool, dry breezes. Vasse Felix was Margaret Rivers first-ever winery, established in 1967and it still delivers one of the areas most elegant experiences. The two-story tasting room has walls clad in reclaimed timber, and its concrete floors are painted to a dark gloss. At the restaurant, chef Aaron Carrs cuisine far surpasses typical winery fare; he offers a $73, Asian-influenced tasting menu that might include kingfish, served alongside eel and wasabi, or a banana dessert with miso, yuzu, and peanuts. Margaret River Australia If Vasse Felix is the regions established heavyweight, then Si Vintners is its brash upstart. Run by Iwo Jakimowicz, who founded the 30-acre, all-natural winery along with his wife, Sarah Morris, in 2010, Si has a bare-bones, by-appointment-only tasting room. Were constantly broke, but at least we have passion, Jakimowicz joked when I met him one afternoon. The dynamic wine-making couple, who honed their craft while living in Spain, make an exquisite Chardonnay, a standout ros, and a wonderful blend of Cab, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Surprisingly, I didnt see many tourists during my winery visits, which added to Margaret Rivers off-the-beaten-path charm. But that vibe could change when a $46 million airport expansion wraps up in Busselton, a city on the edge of Margaret River, in 2018. Some locals feel that an influx of visitors will change the areas quiet, quirky character. For now, though, Margaret River is still a peaceable kingdomone with an outdoorsy, Australian edge. On my last night at Injidup, Maclaren hosted a barbecue for me. The guests included Berliner as well as Brad and Jodee Adams, the founders of Ocean Grown Abalone. When the couple arent at the beach, theyre eco-farming the mollusk on artificial reefs set at the bottom of Flinders Bay, some 45 miles away. Maclaren put some of their fresh abalone on the grill, and we chatted on the wooden deck outside my villa. As the sun set in an orange blaze and the night air turned cool, Berliner uncorked his Chardonnay. I had never traveled this far from home, but I was already thinking about how soon I could get myself back. Related Articles Jerusalem (AFP) - The Israeli parliament gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill to legalise thousands of West Bank settler homes, a measure drawing international anger and posing the government's biggest test since 2015 polls. The measure, which would apply to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank, requires three more full parliamentary votes to become law. There have been reports that a behind-the-scenes compromise could see the bill now stall. The vote in the Knesset, or parliament, was 58-50. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially opposed the bill, fearing an international backlash and legal implications, but voted in favour on Wednesday. Netanyahu faces pressure to hold his right-wing coalition together and not be seen as moving against the powerful settler movement. There has been speculation that the bill could even cause the government to collapse -- though a number of analysts caution that a compromise seems more likely for now. The bill has been pushed by hardline members of Netanyahu's coalition who defied his pleas not to move forward, while the country's attorney general says it will never hold up in court. But those who support it say the move is urgently needed to protect a Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank called Amona. The outpost, where some 40 families live, is under a high court order to be demolished by December 25 because it was built on private Palestinian land. The bill however goes far beyond legalising Amona and would allow an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the West Bank built on Palestinian land to be legalised. Palestinian landowners would be offered compensation in exchange, but Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit says the move would undermine private property laws. US President Barack Obama's administration says it is "deeply concerned." "This would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that's inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also break longstanding Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. Story continues The international community considers all Israeli settlements in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the West Bank to be illegal, whether they are authorised by the government or not. The Israeli government differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not. The progress of the bill, approved earlier by a committee of ministers on behalf of the government, has demonstrated the power of the settler movement. Netanyahu's government is seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, and key members of his coalition advocate annexing most of the West Bank while openly opposing the idea of a Palestinian state. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog, who heads the Labour party, said the bill contravened Israeli and international law while justifying "theft." - Hardliner 'dictated agenda' - Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the hardline Jewish Home party and has been the driving force behind the bill, has made no secret of his position. Last week after the election of Donald Trump as president in the United States, he called for the end of the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the basis of years of negotiations. He said "the era of a Palestinian state is over." Netanyahu's government currently controls 66 of the 120 seats in parliament. Finance minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, has been key and had initially threatened not to vote. In the end, he voted for Wednesday's initial backing but said he would withdraw support in the future if it "harms" the country's high court. The statement was a reference to Amona and the high court ruling against it -- signalling that the bill could stall in the future if the outpost is not removed from it. Some Israeli analysts have spoken of the outsized power Bennett has accumulated with the help of the settler movement, saying it could seem Netanyahu was serving in his cabinet rather than the other way around. Bennett's party has only eight seats in parliament. But both men have little interest in new elections for now, a number of analysts said. "Bennett knows that it will be difficult to have a government more right-wing than the current one," a government official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Jerusalem (AFP) - A government-backed Israeli bill to limit the volume of calls to prayer at mosques has been blocked by an unlikely source -- the country's ultra-Orthodox Jews. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had backed the controversial bill, which government watchdogs had called a threat to religious freedom. It had been due to get its first reading in parliament this week until Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, a member of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, stepped in. Litzman appealed the bill Tuesday night, saying it could affect similarly loud Jewish prayers, Israeli media reported. The bill, proposed by members of the far-right Jewish Home party, was adopted by a ministerial committee on Sunday and was due to go through three readings in parliament before becoming law. The bill will now be put on hold until a ministerial committee holds a second vote. The bill was drafted in response to noise from mosques, but would in theory apply to all religious institutions -- including synagogues. "For thousands of years, the Jewish tradition has used various tools, including shofars (a ram's horn) and trumpets" for Jewish holidays, the minister said in his appeal letter, cited by the media. "Since the technology developed, loudspeakers have been used to announce the onset of the Sabbath, at the permitted volume level, and in compliance with every law," he added, referring to the weekly Jewish day of rest. He added that the proposed law constitutes an interference with religious practice and the status quo between religious authorities and the state. In protest against the bill, Arab-Israeli lawmaker Talab Abu Arar chanted the Muslim call to prayer in parliament earlier this week, provoking furious protests from some Jewish members. According to media reports, Arab MPs opposed to the bill pressured Litzman to use his power as a minister to block it, arguing a common right to religious practice for Jews and Muslims. Story continues Around 17.5 percent of Israelis are Arab, the vast majority of them Muslim, but they complain of discrimination and are underrepresented in high-level jobs. Israeli Arabs are the descendants of Palestinians who remained on their lands during the war that led to the creation of Israel in 1948. The draft law would also apply to east Jerusalem, occupied and later annexed by Israel and where more than 300,000 Palestinians live. Israeli Jews living in settlements in the east of the city had protested against the volume of prayer calls, Israeli media reported. The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal and called it an unnecessary provocation. From Cosmopolitan When she appeared on 60 Minutes on Sunday along with her father, President-elect Donald Trump, and other members of her family, Ivanka Trump wore a bracelet from her jewelry line. After the interview aired, a "style alert" email from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry's vice president of sales, Monica Marder, went out to members of the media. "Ivanka Trump wearing her favorite bangle from the Metropolis Collection on 60 Minutes," the email read, according to screenshots from reporters who posted it on Twitter. The 18K gold bracelet is ringed with diamonds and retails for $10,800. White House as QVC. It has started. pic.twitter.com/jk0DeQJ9vV - Eric Lipton (@EricLiptonNYT) November 15, 2016 Email sent to journalists by an @IvankaTrump employee, hawking the goods she wore on @60Minutes. pic.twitter.com/aCpNbBBArg - katie rosman (@katierosman) November 15, 2016 The email was met with criticism for highlighting again the many conflicts of interest in a Trump presidency where three of his adult children will potentially receive security clearances and serve as political advisers, all while running the day-to-day operations of the Trump business enterprises. Pointing out that Marker urged the email's recipients to "share this with your clients" - that is, stores like Neiman Marcus - Vanessa Friedman of the New York Times wrote that "it used Ms. Trump's appearance by her father's side to directly promote the selling of her products." Let's be entirely clear: The Trump family has begun the process of stripping this country for parts. There is no bottom here. https://t.co/J3XajxCmDF - Susan Hennessey (@Susan_Hennessey) November 15, 2016 @EricLiptonNYT this could be fun. "Get your 2-pack of the Trump Steaks served @ the state dinner for just 4 easy payments of $19.99..." - Joel Cohen (@Joel__DC) November 15, 2016 Many also recalled that this was not the first time Ivanka found an opportunity to capitalize on her role in the election. In July, the @IvankaTrump Twitter account provided a shopping link to the Ivanka Trump brand sheath she wore at the Republican National Convention. Story continues Ivanka's heightened profile has been extraordinarily beneficial to her brand and her bottom line. Fast Company reported in October that Ivanka Trump clothing sales went up $11.8 million in the first half of 2016 compared to the first six months of 2015. But some consumers are boycotting Ivanka's brand and participating in a #GrabYourWallet campaign instead. By Tuesday, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry was having to explain itself. The company's president, Abigail Klem, told NBC News in a statement that "a well-intentioned marketing employee at one of our companies" had sent the email. Klem said that Marker "was following customary protocol" and was "still making adjustments post-election. We are proactively discussing new policies and procedures with all of our partners going forward." Follow Helin on Instagram. You Might Also Like ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast will allow cocoa exporters to roll over last season's unexecuted export contracts into the current 2016/17 season, according to a document from the marketing board, the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), seen by Reuters. Exporters said the measure was intended to help companies avoid defaulting on contracts and could involve between 60,000 and 120,000 tonnes of beans. The world's top cocoa grower sells forward the bulk of its anticipated crop and uses the average sale price to fix a guaranteed minimum price for farmers. However, cocoa arrivals at Ivory Coast's two ports dropped by nearly 13 percent in 2015/16 compared to the previous season, and the lower output, caused by poor weather, left many exporters struggling to find beans to fill contracts. [nL8N1CK1E8] The 2016/17 season opened at the start of October. "Contracts from the 15/16 main crop and mid-crop not executed by Sept. 30 and not covered by physical stocks ... are delayed to the 16/17 main crop with no financial prejudice," said a note from the CCC to exporters seen by Reuters. The Ivorian main crop runs from October to March and the mid-crop from April to September. The CCC is also seeking to help exporters who are currently holding stocks but have not yet executed their contracts from last season. They will have until the end of next month to export their beans while still benefiting from last season's tax regime, the note said. Exporters said this measure was aimed at companies that purchased beans and failed to hedge, speculating that world prices would rise. Global cocoa prices have, however, fallen steadily for much of this year. "The CCC wants to help companies avoid defaulting, but I don't know if that is going to be possible because the market is so low right now," said a representative from one international exporter. "An exporter came to us with some of these contracts to sell them, but we refused because it's not profitable." (Reporting by Ange Aboa; Editing by Joe Bavier and David Evans) Indonesian police have named the governor of the countrys capital Jakarta a suspect in a blasphemy case, just as he was campaigning to seek a second term. This development comes just days after hard-line Muslim protestors called for his indictment in a rally. The police announced the move against Basuki T. Purnama, more commonly known by his Chinese nickname Ahok, on Wednesday. The Jakarta Post reports that it follows a long investigation and 10 hours of closed-door testimonies on Tuesday. Basuki has been accused of insulting the Islamic faith by bringing up a Quran verse in a campaign speech a speech for which he subsequently apologized, while maintaining that he never intended to insult Islam or the Quran. He has been the target of intense protests by hard-line and ultraconservative Muslims, who dont believe a non-Muslim should be in a leadership post. Tens of thousands descended upon Jakarta on Nov. 4 for a march from the citys biggest mosque to the presidential palace. The protest, which saw the President occasionally targeted alongside Basuki, led to clashes between police and protesters as night fell, resulting in at least one fatality. After news of the case broke, the President urged the public to respect the investigation, reports the Post. What has been done by the police has met the necessary principles of transparency, fairness and professionalism, Joko Jokowi Widodo said through a spokesperson. A Christian of Chinese heritage, Basukis ascendence to Jakartas governorship in 2014 was seen as a milestone of tolerance in Indonesia, home to the worlds largest Muslim population. He had been the citys deputy governor before his then boss Jokowi became the countrys President. The BBC reports that Basuki is still allowed to seek re-election. This is not the end, there will be a court process which we hope will be open. We will still take part in the election, he told reporters. If convicted, blasphemy carries a maximum of five years in jail in Indonesia. Story continues Hours after the rally turned violent, Jokowi told reporters in Jakarta, Political actors are taking advantage of the situation. He also promised that legal actions would be taken against any such instigators if investigators turned up evidence of law-breaking. With reporting by Yenni Kwok Two suspects have been arrested in the robbery and assault of Deadliest Catch star Jake Harris last week. Police in Everett, Washington, said that the two arrests were made in Spokane, Washington, and will be booked on probable-cause charges for robbery. The police did not identify the suspects in the attack and robbery, which landed Harris in the intensive-care unit. Also Read: 'Deadliest Catch' Star Suffers 'Cracked Skull' During Beating Police responded to a call at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday saying that an injured man was on the side of the highway. Officers found Harris with injuries to the neck and head. While police did not identify the victim as Harris, the Facebook account of Harris ship, the F/V Cornelia Marie, confirmed the arrests, writing, Thank you to all the awesome messages and all the help from the fans and the police department for doing such a great job. Or family thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you again!!! According to police, Harris told them he had been at a casino in Marysville, Washington, and accepted a ride from a man and woman that hed befriended the day before. Harris said that they made a stop, after which the male suspect sat behind him and began to assault him as they drove. Harris said he blacked out and woke up on the side of the highway, with his wallet and $2,400 in cash missing. Also Read: 'Deadliest Catch' Star Tony Lara Died of Apparent Heart Attack, Authorities Say On Sunday, Harris brother Josh Harris informed fans of the attack in a Facebook live video, saying, My brother was jumped last night, and some individuals decided to beat him pretty good. He added that Jake suffered a cracked skull and some brain trauma during the attack. The Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch depicts the events aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea during the Alaskan king crab, snow crab and bairdi crab harvesting seasons. Related stories from TheWrap: 'Deadliest Catch' Star Suffers 'Cracked Skull' During Beating 'Deadliest Catch Dungeon Cove': Lady Law Captain Calls 'Game On' (Exclusive Video) Worried Faces Pack 'Deadliest Catch' Spinoff 'Dungeon Cove' Sneak Peak (Exclusive Video) TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday that Tokyo will give Malaysia two patrol boats, a move that visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak welcomed as an aid to promoting stability in the South China Sea. Najib arrived in Japan on Tuesday on a visit that comes just weeks after he was in China on a six-day visit in which he agreed to buy four Chinese patrol boats in his nation's first significant defense deal with China. "Today's agreement - Japan is willing to hand over two decommissioned patrol vessels to our maritime enforcement agency - shows the nature of our relationship is now broad-based," Najib said. Malaysia, along with three other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei - are among the countries contesting territorial claims with China over the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire body of water as its territory. Najib said talks with Abe touched on this issue, adding: "Malaysia continues to play its part to ensure the South China Sea will be an area of peace and stability, without which we cannot achieve prosperity." Discussions also included the planned high-speed rail link between Singapore and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, set to be built by 2026 and with the two neighbors set to finalize a bilateral agreement in December. Japan has expressed interest in the project, and Najib said he had assured Abe that the bidding process would be conducted in a fair and transparent way. (Reporting by Elaine Lies; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) From Popular Mechanics Last week, a giant sinkhole opened up in Fukuoka, Japan. What started as a few separate pits ultimately collapsed into a single yawning chasm some 100 feet long and 50 feet deep. The street's failure was captured at all angles by various amateur camera people, but if you were to visit now, you wouldn't be able to find a trace. Now, after health and safety checks, the road is back open for business one week later, though investigations into the cause of the incident will continue. The sinkhole may have been a jaw-dropping failure, but if you were looking for a great example of how to promptly fix crumbling infrastructure, look no further. That is, assuming it doesn't collapse again. Source: The Guardian You Might Also Like Unlike his Big Bang Theory character Dr. Sheldon Cooper, Jim Parsons loves being affectionate. The actor gushed about his boyfriend Todd Spiewak on Instagram Tuesday to celebrate the couples 14th anniversary. I met this guy (the one with the mic) 14 years ago today and it was the best thing that ever happened to me, no contest, Parsons, 43, captioned a throwback selfie of him and Spiewak from a memorable karaoke session. Adding, One of his greatest gifts to me is that he no longer takes me to sing karaoke. Also, I believe this was a selfie with an actual camera, as our phones couldnt do that back then hahaha! #todd #anniversary. In May 2012, Parsons quietly came out of the closet after a profile in the New York Times matter-of-factly described him as gay and in a 10-year relationship. Then in the years to follow, the TV star began to open up about his relationship with graphic designer Spiewak both in interviews and on social media. During Parsons 2013 Emmy Awards acceptance speech, he concluded by saying, To my favorite person on the planet, Todd Spiewak. And when asked about marriage by Ellen DeGeneres, Parsons revealed that theres no rush to tie the knot. I feel like I havent been enthusiastic enough about it and now I feel like Im a loser for the cause, he told the Ellen show host in May 2014. For more highlights and full episodes from the Tonight Show visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Jimmy Fallon is only on season four of Gilmore Girls, but he's already very worried about Rory. On Tuesday's Tonight Show, Fallon shared that he's trying to finish watching the Amy Sherman-Palladino show before the Netflix revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life drops on Nov. 25. He just finished season four (out of seven), so he wanted to discuss his five favorite characters on air and talk about his concerns. "Rory's back, she's in college but she came back home, and I can't even talk about it," Fallon said of where he left off watching. "It went down ... major." Read more: Lauren Graham Previews "Emotional" and "Gratifying" 'Gilmore Girls' Revival Fallon, who has three seasons left to watch and less than two weeks to watch them, spoke with Steve Higgins about his favorite characters (so far). First of all, he's Team Jess. Other than Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, his favorite characters include: "Five is the mayor dude [Taylor Doose]," then Luke ("he's got a big heart") and Kirk ("unbelievably funny, one of the best actors out there"). "Number one, obvious: My girl Paris Geller," he said to cheers from the audience. "Paris is smart, she's got the brains, but she's having a tough time right now, and I'm a little concerned." He also asked his fans to share their favorite character with #GilmoreGirlsTop4. Fallon almost forgot Melissa McCarthy's character Sookie, but she eventually made the list too ("she's the invisible five"). Read more: 'Gilmore Girls': 9 Big Takeaways From the Netflix Revival Trailer Vice President Joe Biden had nothing but positive things to say about his meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Wednesday. In their second meeting since Donald Trump was elected president last week, Pence and Biden had lunch at the Naval Observatory, the vice presidents official residence, along with their spouses, Karen Pence and Dr. Jill Biden. Taking questions from the press later, Biden flanked by the vice president-elect, Karen and Jill said the meeting went very, very well, adding of the Pences, I hope they enjoy this home as much as Jill and I have. Bidens hospitality doesnt end there. I told Mike the vice president elect that Im available to him 24-7, Biden told reporters. I plan on being available to Mike as a senior staff for him as he moves He could be smart and reject most of my ideas, but I think hell listen to some of it. Asked whether he believed the Trump administration would be ready to govern after the president-elect officially takes office in January, the vice president said, No administration is ready for Day 1. We werent ready on Day 1. Ive never met one thats ever been ready on Day 1. But Im confident on Day 1 everything will be in good hands and theyll be able to handle everything. Biden added that he wasnt worried that Trumps presidency would undo the Obama administrations accomplishments, saying, Look, they ran on a platform theyre gonna try to move. I think theres a lot of things that were done where we can reach some accommodation. Pence said he and his wife were very grateful for the hospitality and that they had an enjoyable time, noting that they got a cooks tour of the residence. Pence and Biden first met briefly last Wednesday in the vice presidents White House office, shortly after Trump and President Obamas first meeting that same day. RELATED VIDEO: Planned Parenthood Confirms It Has Received 20,000 Donations in Mike Pences Name Since the Election The vice presidents office said the two men discussed their time working together in Congress and their friendship dating back many years. The vice president talked with the vice president-elect about the key duties of the vice president, and discussed a number of specific policy portfolios that have been a critical focus for him during his time in office, including NATO and eastern Europe and expanding access to the middle class. By Noeleen Walder (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) will pay more than $250 million (200.71 million pounds) to settle allegations by the U.S. government that it had hired children of Chinese decision makers to win business, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The bank will pay roughly $200 million combined to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department and more than $50 million to the Federal Reserve, the source said. There will not be any individual prosecution at this time, the source said. The SEC opened an investigation into JPMorgan in 2013 over the hiring. The Justice Department opened a parallel investigation around the same time. Investment banks have a long history of employing the children of China's politically connected. While close ties to top government officials are a boon to any banking franchise across the world, they are especially beneficial in China, where relationships and personal connections play a critical role in business decisions. The SEC, JPMorgan and the Justice Department all declined to comment. The settlement was first reported by Bloomberg. It will end a probe into whether the bank's hires violated U.S. anti-bribery laws, Bloomberg said. (Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru and Noeleen Walder in New York; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Leslie Adler) By Noeleen Walder (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) will pay more than $250 million to settle allegations by the U.S. government that it had hired children of Chinese decision makers to win business, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The bank will pay roughly $200 million combined to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department and more than $50 million to the Federal Reserve, the source said. There will not be any individual prosecution at this time, the source said. The SEC opened an investigation into JPMorgan in 2013 over the hiring. The Justice Department opened a parallel investigation around the same time. Investment banks have a long history of employing the children of China's politically connected. While close ties to top government officials are a boon to any banking franchise across the world, they are especially beneficial in China, where relationships and personal connections play a critical role in business decisions. The SEC, JPMorgan and the Justice Department all declined to comment. The settlement was first reported by Bloomberg. It will end a probe into whether the bank's hires violated U.S. anti-bribery laws, Bloomberg said. (Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru and Noeleen Walder in New York; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Leslie Adler) By Noeleen Walder (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co will pay more than $250 million to settle allegations by the U.S. government that it had hired children of Chinese decision makers to win business, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The bank will pay roughly $200 million combined to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department and more than $50 million to the Federal Reserve, the source said. There will not be any individual prosecution at this time, the source said. The SEC opened an investigation into JPMorgan in 2013 over the hiring. The Justice Department opened a parallel investigation around the same time. Investment banks have a long history of employing the children of China's politically connected. While close ties to top government officials are a boon to any banking franchise across the world, they are especially beneficial in China, where relationships and personal connections play a critical role in business decisions. The SEC, JPMorgan and the Justice Department all declined to comment. The settlement was first reported by Bloomberg. It will end a probe into whether the bank's hires violated U.S. anti-bribery laws, Bloomberg said. (Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru and Noeleen Walder in New York; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Leslie Adler) By Harriet McLeod CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - A U.S. judge said on Wednesday he will hold a closed-door hearing next week on whether accused white supremacist Dylann Roof is mentally competent to stand trial for the shooting deaths of nine black parishioners in South Carolina last year. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel scheduled for Monday a hearing on competency concerns raised by defense attorneys earlier this month for the first time. The question arose as final jury selection was due to begin in a federal case against 22-year-old Roof, who faces 33 counts of hate crimes, obstruction of religion and firearms charges in the shooting deaths of nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Final jury selection, which has been on hold, will resume on Nov. 28, if Roof is found competent to stand trial. The judge has ordered an evaluation into whether Roof has the capacity to understand the legal proceedings and help attorneys defend him. Gergel closed the hearing on the matter over the objections of prosecutors and media outlets. "The Court finds it wholly impractical to conduct a proper competency hearing in this matter without running the substantial risk of disclosing information that would prejudice Defendant's right to a fair trial and an impartial jury," he said in a ruling on Wednesday. Federal prosecutors have said Roof planned the attack for months, singling out victims who were black and elderly. They are seeking the death penalty. Roof, who has said he would plead guilty if that potential punishment was dropped, also faces the death sentence in a state murder trial scheduled for next year. Gergel did not say when he would rule on Roof's competency. (Editing by Letitia Stein and Matthew Lewis) Sealight Studios Actress Julia Roberts has sold her unrenovated Hawaii beachfront home for $16.2 million, nearly 50% less than its original asking price in 2015, according to listing agentNeal Norman of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers. On Kauais North Shore, the home listed for $29.85 million in the spring of 2015 with Mr. Norman, then saw its price cut several times. Its last listing price was $19.5 million. Mr. Norman, who represented both sides of the transaction, declined to identify the buyers but said they are a family with children who plan to live full-time on the property. The 2-acre property is one of the largest on Hanalei Bay, with about 215 feet of beachfront as well as mountain views. Modest by movie-star standards, the home was built around 1917 and remains largely in its original condition, Mr. Norman said. The five-bedroom main house measures about 3,790 square feet and has a covered patio overlooking the bay. The grounds also contain a two-bedroom guest cottage. Mr. Norman said high-end properties are often slow to sell on sleepy Kauai, with its lack of nightlife. Kauai is not a fast-moving market, he said, adding that the pace of transactions has still not returned to the levels seen during the peak of the mid-2000s. When it comes to Ms. Robertss house, the buyers got a very good value. Ms. Roberts bought the home in 2011 for $13.4 million, according to public records. The Oscar-winning actress and her husband, Danny Moder, decided to sell because they are just not using the property as much as they have in the past, according to Mr. Norman. Ms. Roberts couldnt be reached for comment. The post Julia Roberts Sells Home in Hanalei Bay for Nearly 50% Off appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2016 / At first glance, charity and philanthropy may seem cut of the same cloth, but the difference is more significant than it appears. Clearly illustrated by the philosophy of Julius Numavicius on the importance of philanthropy, the latter emerges as preferable to this contemporary entrepreneur. A Lithuanian born entrepreneur, creator, and philanthropist, Julius Numavicius overcame the poverty of his youth under Communist rule, emerging successful through hard work and perseverance. Earning the title of global entrepreneur through his work in finance, real estate, grocery operations, energy, retail, and pharmaceutical sectors, Numavicius is intent on sharing the abundant resources accumulated by his efforts through philanthropic action. In comparison, charity delivers immediate assistance to those in dire need, while philanthropy represents long term dedication to finding and implementing solutions to problems suffered by impoverished populations. Through a number of philanthropic organizations, Julius Numavicius assists with donation and participation in cancer research, education, and victims of extremist activities, making long term impacts on the lives of many. As Melissa Berman, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors notes in an interview with The Wharton School, "there is a growing sense that solutions to social problems are going to come from active engagement with nonprofits -- from contributing expertise, knowledge, and networking." Julius Numavicius, supporting that assessment, acts accordingly. Participating in the activities of organizations like the American Cancer Society and The Benjamin School, as posted on his website, Numavicius promotes cancer research, ensures high educational standards, and assists those whose lives have been disrupted. Sharing his extensive business expertise, families, heirs, and affiliates are provided with financial and tax strategies that further their best interests. Story continues Bobby Turner, CEO of Turner Impact Capital, illustrates the importance of the new breed of philanthropists like Julius Numavicius who are intent on doing good works while making a profit. On the Turner Impact website, Turner addresses the mission of seeking profit with a purpose, turning investments from income-focused operations to companies that solve society's most critical issues. Walking a similar path as Turner, Numavicius is interested in expanding U.S. operations with a focus on investing in new businesses, providing jobs, and working with children to mentor young talent. Offering advice to start up organizations along with providing tools and guidance that reinforce successful strategies, those who show initiative stand to benefit most from his generous efforts. Julius Numavicius approaches his philanthropic role with twenty years of experience. A founding member of the private equity and investment VP Group in Lithuania, he was instrumental in expanding the Maxima grocery chain to 500 retail stores, making it one of the top 100 companies in Central Europe. During Mr. Numavicius' time at VP Group he also opened 350 pharmacies and a range of retail and restaurant chains. Moving his family to Florida in 2010, he is privileged to serve on the boards of more than 10 US companies. Additionally, he formed the private investment management fund Mart Management, overseeing investments in commercial real estate, semiconductors, healthcare, FMCG, and retail. He is currently developing the SPIN express car wash portfolio to become a nationally recognized brand. Julius Numavicius - Established Entrepreneur and Avid Philanthropist: http://juliusnumaviciusnews.com Julius Numavicius - crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/person/julius-numavicius#/entity Julius Numavicius - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julius.numavicius Contact Information: JuliusNumaviciusNews.com www.JuliusNumaviciusNews.com contact@juliusnumaviciusnews.com SOURCE: Julius Numavicius By Philip Scipio NEW YORK, Nov 16 (IFR) - Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank president Neel Kashkari unveiled a plan to end systemic risk posed by US banks - by forcing them to hold a massive amount of capital, as much as 38%. Kashkari released the Minneapolis Plan Wednesday, a proposal to end the threat to the financial system posed by the potential failure of "too big to fail" banks, including JP Morgan, Citigroup and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. The report comes as a newly elected president, Donald Trump, is considering ways to pare back the massive 2010 Dodd Frank financial reform legislation. Legislation to allow banks to avoid many of the most restrictive Dodd-Frank regulations by meeting higher capital thresholds has already been drafted. Kashkari's report could add support to that legislative effort. Under what he called the Minneapolis plan, bank holding companies larger than US$250bn would be forced to hold common equity of 23.5% of risk-weighted assets excluding long-term debt. Under Kashkari's plan to reign in the largest banks, the US Treasury Secretary would also be called on to certify that individual large banks are not too big to fail. If the Secretary refuses to certify a large bank, that bank will be subject to an additional 5% capital charge per year, maxing out at 38%. The cost of forcing banks to hold massive amounts of capital are substantial, Kashkari admits, up to 41% of GDP. For the US with a GDP of US$28trn, the cure may be worse than the disease. Kashkari argues that the cost, while much higher than current regulations, is still lower than the cost of another financial crisis. He put the cost of a full blown banking crisis at 158% of GDP. "Regulations can make the financial system safer, but they come with costs of potentially slower economic growth," Kashkari said speaking at the Economic Club of New York. "Ultimately, the public has to decide how much safety they want in order to protect society from future financial crises and what price they are willing to pay for that safety." Story continues To prevent risk from simply migrating from highly regulated banks to so-called shadow banking, Kashkari recommends a 1.2%-2.2% tax on the debt of shadow banks, including hedge funds, mutual funds, and finance companies larger than US$50bn depending on whether they are deemed systemically risky. If the plan were adopted there will be fewer mega banks and less concentration overall, Kashkari said. "If there are any TBTF banks left, they will be so well-capitalized that their risk of failure will truly have been minimized." (Reporting by Philip Scipio; editing by Jack Doran and Shankar Ramakrishnan) Its safe to say Dream Kardashian is definitely daddys little girl. During an appearance on Wednesdays Ellen DeGeneres Show, Kendall Jenner took a moment to gush about her niece and the special bond she shares with dad Rob Kardashian. Shes a dream shes so beautiful, says Jenner, 21. I went and met her the day . While Jenner says 6-day-old Dream looks just like Robs late father Robert Kardashian, host Ellen DeGeneres point out she also shares a striking similarity to Rob himself. Yeah! I mean, its crazy, says Jenner. Hes so happy and it makes me so happy I could literally cry. Hes like, the cutest. I love it. Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter. RELATED VIDEO: Shes a Kardashian All Right! Insider Says Rob Loves That Baby Dream Is His Spitting Image Dream arrived via c-section at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday. Proud parents Rob and his fiancee Blac Chyna havent been shy about showing off their little girl, regularly snapping pictures and videos of her and even signing her up for her very own Twitter and Instagram accounts. And according to an insider, Rob can hardly contain his happiness. Rob was so emotional. He started crying when he saw his daughter, a source told PEOPLE last week. Hes been waiting for this moment for such a long time! She already has him wrapped around her finger. Jenners Ellen appearance airs Wednesday (check local listings), and Keeping Up with the Kardashians airs Sundays (9 p.m. ET) on E! Nairobi (AFP) - Kenya on Wednesday agreed to suspend the closure of Dabaab refugee camp, the world's largest, for six months after coming under fire over the fate of its 280,000 inhabitants, most of them Somalis. The decision to push the deadline back to May 2017 comes just two weeks before the camp was scheduled to close and follows mounting concern that Somali refugees, some of whom have lived in the camp for 25 years, were being forced to return against their will. Interior minister Joseph Nkaissery said the move also followed a request to delay dismantlement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "I wish to announce that the government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of the repatriation of Somali refugees and the eventual closure of Dadaab refugee complex by six months," he told a news conference. Nkaissery said a comprehensive repatriation programme would be rolled out next month at the sprawling camp, home to Somali refugees since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. "The repatriation will continue to be carried out in a humane, safe and dignified manner," he said. The government announced in May that the vast Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya near the Somali border would be shut down, citing security concerns. Since sending troops into neighbouring Somalia in 2011, Kenya has come under repeated attack from Shabaab, East Africa's long-time branch of Al-Qaeda. - 'Forcible returns are illegal' - Nairobi has taken a hardline position, claiming Dadaab acts as a terrorist training ground for Shabaab Islamists and that both the 2013 attack against Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall and the 2015 attack at Garissa university were planned at Dabaab. On Wednesday, Nkaissery pledged to abide by international law during the six-month resettlement of refugees to Somalia or to a third country while sticking to plans to close the camp. "Delaying the closure of the camp by six months is certainly better than deporting the refugees in two weeks. But with the new date... the refugees will continue to feel that they must leave," said Gerry Simpson, a researcher at rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW). Story continues "Such coerced returns are illegal. Kenya should end its threats to close the Dadaab camps and the UN refugee agency and donors should press Kenya to publicly reassure Somalia refugees they are welcome in Kenya until it safe for them to return." In September, HRW warned in a report that the repatriation of Somalis from the sprawling Dadaab camp violated international standards and that refugees were returning home involuntarily only to face persecution and hunger. The Kenyan government dismissed the report. Refugees will be returning to a country that already has over one million people displaced from their homes, where five million lack enough food and where African and Somali forces are still fighting Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militants. An estimated 18,000 have returned this year -- 10,000 since the announcement of the camp's closure. Amnesty International said that a verification exercise carried out by the Kenyan government and UNHCR in July and August had concluded that only 25 percent of refugees were willing to return. Refugees said the authorities had threatened they would be forced to leave if they did not go and would miss out on a UNHCR repatriation allowance if they refused to leave, Amnesty said. Kenya burned thousands of guns Tuesday in an effort to curb the use of illegal firearms plaguing the country. Deputy President William Ruto oversaw the destruction of 5,250 guns that had been confiscated over the past nine years. All of the ills in our society, from terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, are promoted in a big way by firearms in the wrong hands, said Ruto. The burned guns were collected from criminals or voluntary surrendered by Kenyans and assembled in three 15 foot piles. Firearms in the hands of violent extremists and criminals pose a significant threat to Kenya. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security ranks Kenyas crime rating as critical, urging American tourists to be aware of street crime, political violence, terrorism and religious and ethnic violence while traveling in the country. Between 2012 and 2014, Kenyan police recorded 312 deaths and 779 people wounded as a result of extremist attacks, with Somalia-based Islamist group al-Shabab responsible for 173 deaths in 2014 alone. Al-Shabab perpetrated its second largest attack in Kenya in September 2013, killing 67 people at Nairobis Westgate shopping mall. In its largest attack, the group killed 148 people at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya in April 2015. Members of the separatist group Mombasa Republican Council, which urges the city of Mombasas succession from the rest of Kenya, have been arrested for plotting violent attacks throughout the country. RTX2TRFA Photo: Reuters Kenyas gun laws are restrictive. Any citizen who wants to purchase a gun must submit an ample reason for needing a gun. Once a gun license is issued, a person must reapply and requalify every year to maintain it. Anyone found with an illegal firearm faces up to 15 years in prison. Despite such stringent laws, illicit guns are often smuggled through the countrys borders. Firearms in the hands of the wrong people continue to violate our peace and stability and became a threat to the security of our country, said Ruto. Armed violence, community conflict, cattle rustling, poaching violent crime is what makes this illicit firearm dangerous for our country. Related Articles By Humphrey Malalo NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya destroyed some 5,250 illegal firearms by fire on Tuesday as part of efforts to fight crimes like cattle rustling, carjackings and to eliminate threats from terrorism. The burning destroyed weapons confiscated by law enforcement officials or voluntarily surrendered to agents collecting illegal small arms and light weapons. "Here in Kenya, small arms are implicated in many deaths, in acts of armed violence, among them inter community conflicts, cattle rustling, violent crimes and poaching," Deputy President William Ruto said before the weapons were set ablaze. "Their presence has also intensified the threats posed by transnational crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, piracy and drug trafficking," he said in a speech. Somalia's al Shabaab, which seeks to overthrow the country's Western-backed government and impose a strict version of sharia law, has carried out regular assaults in neighbouring Kenya in recent years as retaliation for Kenya contributing troops to an African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia. Kenya last burnt a similar collection of illegal weapons in 2003, 2005 and 2010. (Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Khloe Kardashian worked hard for her revenge body, and now shes helping others transform their physiques on her upcoming reality show. I was always overweight as a kid, the Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian star, 32, says in a preview released by E! If I was stressed out or sad, I would eat. So I had to learn how to put all my energy into something positive for me, which is how I fell in love with working out. And I really feel like this journey will do the same for you. But it wont be easy! The series teaser shows people who have decided to transform their lives working with some of the top trainers in Hollywood including Simone De La Rue, Gunnar Peterson and Harley Pasternak and showing lots of anger, frustration and sadness along the way. The first two or three weeks youre working out so hard, youre busting your ass. Sometimes youre not losing weight, youre gaining weight because youre gaining muscle, Kardashian advises in the promo. WATCH: How Khloe Kardashian Dropped 35 Lbs. Despite the struggles, Kardashian promises the hard work will be worth it in the end. Its not about a weight number, its about how you feel, she says. Its personal, for you and your journey. Youre going to start to transform your body and youre going to have this revenge on this life that you once had that you wont even want anymore. Lets make the haters our biggest motivators. Revenge Body With Khloe Kardashian premieres Jan. 12 on E! New Kids on the Block are back almost thirty years after the release of their first album with their The Total Package tour, also featuring Boyz II Men and Paula Abdul. The band announced its massive North American summer tour Tuesday, which will mark Abduls first tour in 25 years. Boyz II Men had joined New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) for their Package tour in 2013. Our fans know we love to bring them a party, and this tour is no exception, NKOTB member Donnie Wahlberg said in a statement. Its not just a show, its an experience. Paula Abdul is such a pop icon and Boyz II Men are one of the best R&B acts of all time. Its going to be a night of hit after hit, and we cant wait to deliver the Total Package to our fans! The tour is set to kick off May 12 in Columbus, Ohio, and cover over 40 cities. One of the destinations will be NKOTBs hometown of Boston, where they will perform at Fenway Park. While tickets will go on sale for the public on Nov. 19, if you are a part of the Block Nation the NKOTB fan membership that costs $69.99 you will get an exclusive early access to the tickets on Wednesday. Ticket prices will range from $29.95 to $199.95. Check out the full list of dates below: May 12 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center May 13 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena May 16 - Cincinnati, OH - U.S. Bank Arena May 17 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena May 19 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center May 20 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center May 21 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center May 23 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center May 24 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center May 26 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Arena May 28 - Las Vegas, NV - T-Mobile Arena May 31 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center June 1 - San Diego, CA - Viejas Arena June 2 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl June 3 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center June 4 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center June 6 - Portland, OR - Moda Center June 7 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena June 9 - Salt Lake City, UT - Maverik Center Story continues June 10 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center June 11 - Omaha, NE - CenturyLink Center June 12 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center June 14 - St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center June 15 - Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena June 17 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center June 20 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre June 23 - Buffalo, NY - KeyBank Center June 24 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center June 25 - Washington D.C. - Verizon Center June 27 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center June 29 - Detroit, MI - Palace at Auburn Hills June 30 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena July 1 - Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena July 2 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center July 5 - Allentown, PA - PPL Center July 6 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena July 7 - Uniondale , NY - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum July 8 - Boston, MA - Fenway Park July 9 - Albany, NY - Times Union Center July 11 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena July 13 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center July 14 - Atlanta, GA - Infinite Energy Center July 15 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena Related Articles Forget Instagram. The best way to do a selfie is an old-school Polaroid. Kim Kardashian Wests assistant, Stephanie Sheppard, took over the KUWTK stars app to share some unseen Polaroids from her induction into the Kardashian family vacation album. Going to Thailand is such a special memory for me, because it was the first time I went on vacation with Kim and her family, Sheppard writes in the post. We had the best time on this trip, so I wanted to share some never before seen Polaroids I took while we were there! RELATED: All the Celebs Who Airbnb: See Where Justin, Kim, Gwyneth, Beyonce and More Have Stayed On her own Instagram, Sheppard captions the above shot of Kardashian West looking gorgeous (and practically glowing), at a temple in Thailand. The next pic shows the star looking carefree in a bikini. Sheppard appropriately captions it muse on her social account. The trip to Thailand is one of many the Kardashian-Jenner clan has embarked on. Twenty-one year old Kendall Jenner might as well be a tour guide; shes shared her recommendations for hotspots from New York to Rome. She and sister Kylie also recently visited Turks and Caicos for the latters 19th birthday celebration. Kourtney Kardashian is the latest to enjoy a tropical vaca when ex Scott Disick swept her and their three children off to Mexico for the weekend. WATCH THIS: Scott Disick Wants to Try and Make Things Work Again With Kourtney Kardashian: Source RELATED: For more celeb vacations, real estate news and exclusive home tours, follow PEOPLE Home and Travel on Facebook! Kardashian West continues to lay low, however. Earlier this week, Sheppard took to Kardashians app to share an update on the stars wellbeing after she was robbed at gunpoint during a visit to Paris. Hey group, so you may have noticed we havent updated the app in a couple weeks, Sheppard wrote. Keeks is taking some much needed time off. Kim Kardashian West hints that she might be making a major career change. In a promo clip for Sunday's finale of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which was taped prior to Kim's robbery in Paris, the 36-year-old reality star helps her mother, Kris Jenner, plan a work trip for Kylie Jenner to Australia, and appears quite good at lining everything up. WATCH: Kris Jenner Calls Kim Kardashian a 'F**king Traitor' in Explosive KUWTK Teaser "I've joked a lot that I could be my sisters' manager better than my mom could be," Kim admits. "I think I do give a lot of creative input, and I know they, like, listen." It's clear that the mother of two has thought a lot about becoming a manager. "I feel like could totally handle this," she adds. WATCH: Kim Kardashian Wants to Get a Law Degree So She'll Have 'Something to Do' in Her Older Age These new professional aspirations come months after Kim told the Editorialist that she was the one responsible for her family's success and not her 61-year-old mother. "It's so funny, because I'll hear stories like, 'Kris Jenner is the puppet master, having all of her kids do this and that,' and I'm like, 'If they only knew,'" she said. "I'm the one that will be like, 'Kylie, do this. Kendall, you should do this.'" Kim added, "I love when I get the chance to talk about the business side of my life, because it plays a HUGE role in what I do every day." WATCH: Kim Kardashian Takes Halloween Pics With North and Saint in First Major Update Since Paris Robbery Since the robbery last month, fans have only been able to keep up with Kim on her family's reality show, with the exception of a few website and social media posts shared by her friends and siblings. However, a source close to the Kardashians tells ET that Kim is "definitely ready to start getting back to her normal life, little by little," though she's not exactly "craving the spotlight." Story continues "She's taking it day by day and isn't pushing it," the source adds. "She went through a very traumatic experience and it definitely put a lot of things in perspective for her." EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian Still Considering How to Address Robbery for First Time -- 'She Doesn't Want to Relive It' Related Articles the US presidency, Donald Trump had described that agreement as the worst in American history. And although his promises were inconsistent regarding the future of that agreement under his presidency, they sometimes went as far as declaring that it would be torn up in its entirety. Since his election last Tuesday, Trump seems to have walked those promises back slightly, coming down on the side of his more measured position in favor of renegotiating the deal. Still, the reaction of the European Union seems to reflect nervousness among the defenders of the nuclear deal, and a preemptive commitment to pushing back against its cancellation or weakening through renegotiation. For whatever it is worth, the foreign ministers statement did not merely express that commitment through the airing of a grievance with the incoming Trump administration. Instead, the statement highlighted the European Unions intentions to continue promoting trade and investment with the Islamic Republic, so as to demonstrate the value of the JCPOA to the West. This is nothing new, but the statement does also appear to have included an evolution in the tone that the European countries maintain toward Iran itself. Since the implementation of the JCPOA in January, various Iranian officials have taken the position that the United States is not abiding by the spirit of the agreement, insofar as Washington continues to enforce banking restrictions that make it more difficult for European countries to financing their investments in Iran. In their excitement for such investments, some of the deals supporters have effectively endorsed this position and have taken to urging the US to expand upon its implementation measures. Critics, on the other hand, have been quick to point out that the JCPOA did not entail the removal of non-nuclear sanctions, and that the Islamic Republic had taken no concrete steps to justify Washingtons lifting of banking restrictions. These steps might include an end to Iranian financing of international terrorism and the implementation of policies and procedures to demonstrate to international banks that the Iranian financial system is no longer a high-risk source of money laundering activities. Recommendations to this effect have apparently received less attention in recent months than American efforts to encourage European investment in Iran. But Reuters indicated on Monday that this might have begun to change with the foreign ministers statement, which specifically pointed out that Iranian banks required deep reform in order to make ongoing European investments a realistic possibility. It is certainly possible to interpret this move as another aspect of the international reaction to Donald Trumps election. Recognizing the risk that he poses to the long-term survival of the JCPOA, the European Union may be undertaking a strategy of encouraging Iran to better demonstrate the deals value to the West, thereby making it more difficult for President Trump to justify cancelation or radical renegotiation after he takes office in January. But even if this does accurately describe the changing European and American strategies, it remains to be seen how the Islamic Republic of Iran will react to both. Some analysts speculate that, notwithstanding Irans desperate need for ongoing sanctions relief, the countrys hardline establishment will not be sufficiently motivated by the threat of renegotiation. More to the point, much of that establishment wont even see renegotiation as a threat at all. This was the conclusion drawn by Eurasia Review in an article that it published on Monday about Irans new hopes after Trumps election. That article notes that the JCPOA has numerous domestic critics in Iran, including the whole of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Many of these critics see renegotiation as a desirable option. Of course, the IRGC and the incoming Trump administration are advocating for alternative deals that would look very different from each other, but it remains to be determined for certain whether they can arrive at an agreement that somehow looks like a victory to both sides. This seems doubtful if one focuses only on the Iranian and American criticisms that portray the deal as an act of capitulation by one side or the other. But the chances of a new compromise may be somewhat better if the terms of the theoretical agreement are broadened to include issues outside of the nuclear sphere. Last week, IranWire featured commentary from an Iranian political scientists who believed that the Iranian regime favored Donald Trump over his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, in part because Trump might be expected to express less interest in human rights and to leave channels open for back-room favor trading, akin to the agreement underlying the Iran-Contra affair. The Eurasia Review article roughly agreed with this assessment, pointing out that Trump might be viewed as less friendly to Irans traditional enemies in the region. The article pointed out that Trump has been quoted as saying that Saudi Arabia will have to pay the price for the continued friendship and protection of the United States. It also pointed out that at least one Israeli news source described Trumps election as the biggest victory for anti-Semitism since 1941. To these observations it might be added that the American presidential campaign brought forth numerous accusations about the nature of Donald Trumps relationship with the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In fact, in the immediate aftermath of the election, the Russians announced that they had been consistently in contact with the Trump campaign. Trump and Putin also spoke over the phone on Monday, before Trump ever reached out in a similar fashion to the leaders of established US allies. All of this is significant to the future of US policy toward Iran because Iran and Russia have been growing increasingly close, especially against the backdrop of the Syrian Civil War, wherein both countries support Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. The US has been tentatively backing moderate rebel groups opposed to Assads continued rule. But in the second presidential debate, Mr. Trump spoke favorably of Assad, Moscow, and Tehran for killing ISIS. On the other hand, Al Arabiya News General Manager Abdulrahman al-Rashed acknowledges Trumps former statements about improving relations with Putins Russia, but does not take these assurances very seriously. Rashed notes that the future of US-Russian relations has significant bearing on the whole world and certainly the Middle East, but that Trumps commitments may yet be deeply influenced by his Republican colleagues. Rashed writes that much hinges on Trumps White House appointments, especially to the position of Secretary of State. A sufficiently hawkish White House would likely push the new president toward greater confrontation with both Russia and Iran. But if Trumps advisors do not overcome his affinity for Putin, then Russia could become a facilitator for agreements perhaps even back-channel agreements between Iran and the US. Some possible focal points for these agreements are apparent. They include the prospect of Iran purchasing weapons from the Russians, with the blessing of the White House, and by extension the United Nations. A report by The Diplomat pointed out on Monday that Iran is currently pursuing negotiations with Russia over the purchase of 10 billion dollars worth of military hardware, possibly including battle tanks. Any such purchases would require UN licenses until 2020, at which time the embargo on arms sales to the Islamic Republic expires under the JCPOA. A short term licenses for such sales may be viewed as a substantial victory by the IRGC, which routinely smuggles arms to international terrorist groups; but it may be viewed as a comparatively small price to pay for the Trump administration, if it results in a stronger nuclear agreement, to last for upwards of 10 years. Even if this is not the direction that US policy takes, it is clear that there is widespread uncertainty about what will happen after January. And as Rashed sees it, this period of uncertainty provides Iran with time to tilt the balance in its favor throughout the region, particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Iraq. Toward that end, the Islamic Republic is taking steps to portray itself and its regional proxies as forces to be reckoned with. This was the conclusion of a report in National Yemen, which pointed out that Iranian state media and the media of the Houthi rebels in Yemen were very closely aligned in content and tone. One indicator of this is their simultaneous claims that the Houthi had made serious incursions into Saudi territory. National Yemen denies that there have been any such incursions apart from missile strikes, although it bears noting that Tehran has been credited with providing the Houthi with the weapons necessary to reach more and more distant targets. The perception of Iranian strength in the region could help to provide Iran with greater leverage in future negotiations, and this image is bolstered by Irans burgeoning partnerships with much larger and stronger countries, including not just Russia but also China. On Monday, the Associated Press reported that the Iranian and Chinese defense ministers had met and signed agreements establishing joint military drills as the two countries work together to combat terrorism. Irans growing incursions into other countries throughout the Middle East are indicative of a longstanding policy of exporting the Iranian revolution and creating a wide perimeter for the Islamic Republics national defense. Iranian officials have boasted of controlling four Arab capitals and of extending Iranian power to the shores of the Mediterranean. On Monday, Defense World effectively confirmed that this is not a new strategy, when it pointed out that Tehran had formally acknowledged that an Iranian missile factory had been transferred to Aleppo, Syria in 2002, to produce missiles that were used by Hezbollah in its July 2006 war with Israel. There is no doubt that many Republicans in America expect their victorious presidential candidate to take strong action to stop this spread of Iranian power and military influence. But there are a great many uncertainties surrounding the Trump presidency, and it will remain unclear for some time whether he will constrain all of Irans illicit behaviors, and by what means. By Nicole Mordant and John Tilak Nov 16 (Reuters) - Some Kirkland Lake Gold Inc shareholders want the Canadian miner to open talks with Gold Fields Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc, arguing that Kirkland was too hasty in rejecting their joint takeover offers. Kirkland Lake on Friday confirmed a Reuters report that the two firms had made three joint bids for the mid-sized gold miner and recently sweetened their offer to about C$1.4 billion ($1.03 billion). The bidders' names and deal value were not previously disclosed. Shareholders want the company to disclose more details of the offer so they can weigh it against Kirkland's planned acquisition of Newmarket Gold. Results of a shareholder vote on the Kirkland Lake-Newmarket deal are due Nov. 25. "Your shareholders deserve the opportunity to vote on the best offer for the company, and the board has a fiduciary duty to find it," Kirkland Lake shareholder John Tumazos, Chief Executive of New Jersey-based John Tumazos Very Independent Research, wrote in a Nov. 14 letter to the miner's board. Tumazos has voted his 215,950 Kirkland Lake shares against the Newmarket deal, he said in the letter seen by Reuters. Kirkland Lake CEO Tony Makuch said the only firm offer on the table was Kirkland's planned takeover of Newmarket. "What was presented was a non-binding, conditional proposal based on some yet to be determined mix of cash and shares," Makuch said in an emailed statement, referring to the Gold Fields-Silver Standard offer. Makuch said financial and legal advisors to Kirkland's board had found the proposals "financially inferior" to the Newmarket deal. "In terms of ensuring that shareholders are treated well, it would be good to have a sense for the basis on which the board decided not to go down that road," said a fund manager at one of Kirkland Lake's 10 biggest shareholders. "As much information as possible is best in the situation," added the manager, who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Story continues Daniel Oliver, founder and managing member of New York-based hedge fund Myrmikan Capital LLC, said he would vote his Kirkland Lake shares against the Newmarket deal, describing it as a "mad drive for growth." Harry Dobson, Kirkland Lake's former chairman and a current shareholder, also said last week he plans to vote against the Newmarket transaction. At least two-thirds of Kirkland Lake shareholders and more than half of Newmarket investors must back the C$1 billion all-share transaction by a Nov. 23 voting deadline. To be sure, there may be adequate support for the Kirkland Lake-Newmarket deal, especially after influential advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis recommended shareholders back it. Glass Lewis, while remaining supportive of the Kirkland Lake-Newmarket transaction, said after news the other bids came out that its "ability to evaluate the alternative acquisition proposal remains somewhat limited." The proxy firm cited the lack of details about the exchange ratio and the cash-stock split between the suitors. Kirkland Lake, which has mines and mills in Ontario, said on Monday the majority of shareholders it has talked to support the transaction with Newmarket, which has mines and projects in Australia. Joseph Foster, a portfolio manager at New York-based Van Eck, Kirkland Lake's biggest shareholder, declined to comment. He told Reuters on Nov. 5 there was not much synergy in the Newmarket deal but it did create a niche, high-grade underground miner. Kirkland Lake Chairman Eric Sprott was not available for comment. Sprott declared a conflict of interest in the Newmarket takeover as he owns around 13.45 percent of Newmarket. He also owns 6.7 percent of Kirkland Lake. An Oct. 28 Kirkland Lake circular states that Sprott recused himself from all Kirkland Lake board deliberations, discussions or voting on the Newmarket offer. Silver Standard declined to comment on the Kirkland shareholders wanting to open talks, while Gold Fields did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ($1 = 1.3536 Canadian dollars) (Additional reporting by Susan Taylor in Toronto; Editing by Chris Reese) Paris (AFP) - The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and two renowned experts on the Dutch artist are at loggerheads over whether a "lost" sketchbook from his legendary stay in the French city of Arles is genuine. We examine the key facts behind the controversy: - Discovery of the notebook - Monaco art dealer Franck Baille said he first heard of the ledger -- which allegedly came from the Cafe de la Gare in Arles where the artist often stayed -- while out hunting in 2008. After being entrusted with it by a member of the family who owned it, he called in the Canadian Van Gogh expert Bogomila Welsh-Ovcharov. The ledger had apparently been sitting in a cupboard since 1964 when the mother of the present owner had given it to her for her 20th birthday. She had found it after the Allied bombing of Arles in 1944 when the "Yellow House" where Van Gogh and the painter Paul Gauguin had lived together was destroyed. Welsh-Ovcharov believes the ledger was given to the often penniless Van Gogh by his friends Pierre and Marie Ginoux, who owned the cafe, for him to sketch with. Dr Felix Rey, who had treated Van Gogh's severed ear, later returned it to the Ginoux, she said. The Van Gogh Museum said it was "highly improbable" that the notebook could have sat for six decades without anyone making the link with the artist. It also argued that Dr Rey was "probably not even living in Arles" by the time he is supposed to have visited the troubled artist in the asylum in Saint-Remy to pick up the book. - The paper and ink - Welsh-Ovcharov's French publisher Le Seuil said the ledger's paper was of a pale blue colour while admitting that up to now it is thought that "Van Gogh only used yellow paper and never blue" in Arles. However, he sometimes did use "grey blueish" paper, it argued, and that the ledger's high-quality handmade paper which "absorbed ink well" would have made it attractive to him. Story continues The sketches were done in a "brown, sepia-based ink" which the museum said "has never been found in Van Gogh's drawings from 1888-1890." The artist unusually drew in black and occasionally in purple. Of the paper, the museum scathing. "The paper is greenish-blue in colour and approximately 200 years old, and paper of that colour and age loses its original hue when exposed to light. Yet the paper is not discoloured." French conservation expert Anne-Laurence Dupont told AFP that it is "very difficult to determine the exact date of paper" used in the 1880s because at the time handmade, artisanal and industrial and semi-industrial paper was being used simultaneously. - His style - The sketches "bring a new light to (Van Gogh's) creative practice in Arles and Saint-Remy and a previously unseen and intimate peak at his artistic vision," the publisher said. However, the experts in Amsterdam said "'The Lost Arles Sketchbook' is monotonous, clumsy, and spiritless. Van Gogh's characteristic refinement -- which includes his ability to draw swiftly without sacrificing precision -- is not in evidence in these drawings." They added that a "number of scenes in the album contain striking topographical errors" including a "bridgeman's house (next to an Arles drawbridge) on the wrong side of the canal. "Topographical errors of this kind do not occur in Van Gogh's oeuvre," they insisted. Although not a Von Gogh specialist, Stephen Farthing, Professor of Drawing at the University of the Arts London, said based on what little he had seen of the drawings, "if it is a Van Gogh it has a very light touch, a much lighter touch than what I would normally associate with him." Paris (AFP) - The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and two renowned experts on the Dutch artist are at loggerheads over whether a "lost" sketchbook from his legendary stay in the French city of Arles is genuine. We examine the key facts behind the controversy: - Discovery of the notebook - Monaco art dealer Franck Baille said he first heard of the ledger -- which allegedly came from the Cafe de la Gare in Arles where the artist often stayed -- while out hunting in 2008. After being entrusted with it by a member of the family who owned it, he called in the Canadian Van Gogh expert Bogomila Welsh-Ovcharov. The ledger had apparently been sitting in a cupboard since 1964 when the mother of the present owner had given it to her for her 20th birthday. She had found it after the Allied bombing of Arles in 1944 when the "Yellow House" where Van Gogh and the painter Paul Gauguin had lived together was destroyed. Welsh-Ovcharov believes the ledger was given to the often penniless Van Gogh by his friends Pierre and Marie Ginoux, who owned the cafe, for him to sketch with. Dr Felix Rey, who had treated Van Gogh's severed ear, later returned it to the Ginoux, she said. The Van Gogh Museum said it was "highly improbable" that the notebook could have sat for six decades without anyone making the link with the artist. It also argued that Dr Rey was "probably not even living in Arles" by the time he is supposed to have visited the troubled artist in the asylum in Saint-Remy to pick up the book. - The paper and ink - Welsh-Ovcharov's French publisher Le Seuil said the ledger's paper was of a pale blue colour while admitting that up to now it is thought that "Van Gogh only used yellow paper and never blue" in Arles. However, he sometimes did use "grey blueish" paper, it argued, and that the ledger's high-quality handmade paper which "absorbed ink well" would have made it attractive to him. Story continues The sketches were done in a "brown, sepia-based ink" which the museum said "has never been found in Van Gogh's drawings from 1888-1890." The artist unusually drew in black and occasionally in purple. Of the paper, the museum was scathing. "The paper is greenish-blue in colour and approximately 200 years old, and paper of that colour and age loses its original hue when exposed to light. Yet the paper is not discoloured." The museum's senior research Dr Louis van Tilborgh told AFP that had "Van Gogh had used blue paper but here it is blue-green." French conservation expert Anne-Laurence Dupont said it is "very difficult to determine the exact date of paper" used in the 1880s because at the time handmade, artisanal and industrial and semi-industrial paper was being used simultaneously. - His style - The sketches "bring a new light to (Van Gogh's) creative practice in Arles and Saint-Remy and a previously unseen and intimate peak at his artistic vision," the publisher said. However, the experts in Amsterdam said "'The Lost Arles Sketchbook' is monotonous, clumsy, and spiritless. Van Gogh's characteristic refinement -- which includes his ability to draw swiftly without sacrificing precision -- is not in evidence in these drawings." They added that a "number of scenes in the album contain striking topographical errors" including a "bridgeman's house (next to an Arles drawbridge) on the wrong side of the canal. "Topographical errors of this kind do not occur in Van Gogh's oeuvre," they insisted. Although not a Von Gogh specialist, Stephen Farthing, Professor of Drawing at the University of the Arts London, said based on what little he had seen of the drawings, "if it is a Van Gogh it has a very light touch, a much lighter touch than what I would normally associate with him." By Liana B. Baker SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The investment arm of Koch Industries, the industrial conglomerate of the billionaire Koch brothers, is spending more than $2 billion to take a significant stake in enterprise software provider Infor, the companies said on Wednesday. The transaction marks the largest investment for Koch Equity Development LLC, the subsidiary that invests excess cash from its parent company, and also represents its biggest push yet into the technology sector. Reuters exclusively reported last week that the Koch investment arm was in talks with Infor to acquire a stake that was a mix of preferred and common equity valuing the private company at roughly $10 billion. Koch Industries, with annual revenue of about $100 billion, owns brands such as Brawny paper towels, Dixie Cups and Lycra, and is controlled by Charles and David Koch, two of the world's richest men. Charles Koch was personally involved in the decision to invest in Infor, a New York-based firm that helps companies automate business processes, according to Infor's chief executive Charles Phillips. Phillips said in an interview that he visited Wichita, Kansas three times to discuss the investment with the billionaire. "(Charles Koch) was looking to do more in technology and realizes he needs to transform his own companies," Phillips said. "He's been looking for the right platform to help modernize his companies." Pulp and paper company Georgia-Pacific is already an Infor customer, and Koch Industries' swath of companies that could lead to future business for Infor helped it prevail over other interested parties, Phillips said. About half a dozen private equity firms had been vying to buy either a minority or majority stake in the company, Reuters previously reported. Brett Watson, senior managing direction at Koch Equity Development, said in a statement that Infor's capabilities were relevant to its portfolio and that it hoped to explore new innovations together. Story continues Infor offers specialized software licenses to specific sectors, as opposed to selling one product to all its customers across industries. It competes with Phillips' former employer Oracle, as well as SAP SE and IBM Corp. Koch Equity Development will be an active investor and will receive four board seats as part of the deal while the other five seats will go to the existing owners of Infor, Golden Gate Capital and Summit Partners, and Phillips, the CEO. The deal is expected to close in early 2017. With the new investment, Infor plans to continue spending on acquisitions and on shifting its business model to software subscriptions delivered over the cloud, Phillips said. Its existing owners will also be able to cash in on a portion of their long-held investments. Golden Gate has owned Infor since 2002, when it acquired one of its predecessor companies, Agilisys. The company changed its name to Infor in 2004, when Agilisys acquired German firm Infor Business Solutions AG. Koch Equity Development's exclusive adviser was Rothschild Inc and its legal adviser was Jones Day. Infor was advised by Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Credit Suisse. Gibson Dunn was Infor's legal adviser while Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised its owners. (Reporting by Liana B. Baker in San Francisco; Editing by Stephen Coates) Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are living together again, a source confirms to PEOPLE. According to the insider, the two exes are getting along great and Kardashian seems very happy with Disick. The source also says Kardashian has expressed that she would love to have another baby, and another insider confirms to PEOPLE that the star definitely wants four kids. Though Kardashian, 37, and Disick, 33, ended their nine-year relationship last July, they have remained committed to co-parenting their three kids: Mason, 6, Penelope, 4, and Reign, who will turn 2 in December. In recent months, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians stars have been spending plenty of time together with the kids. Disick has often spent the night at Kardashians house to be with the children, though according to the source, they are now officially living together as a family again. The former couple spent last weekend in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with their kids. At the time, a source told PEOPLE Disick set it all up in an attempt to try and make things work again with Kourtney. RELATED VIDEO: Kourtney Kardashian Hangs Out with Ex Scott Disick: People That Have 3 Kids Together Spend Time Together He surprised her and whisked her away on this trip, said the insider, while another source added the two seem very close and happy. Most recently, Kardashian spoke publicly about the relationship during an interview with Cosmopolitan for her October cover story. The idea of having my family together is amazing, but its not the way things ended up. They may end up there. Im not sure, she said. To me, its in Gods hands. If its meant to be, then things will line up. We definitely tried for a long time. But relationships are exhausting! she added. Being able to focus on the kids and me right now is good. We say to each other all the time, Im the coolest ex-girlfriend/baby mama you could ever ask for! Keeping Up with the Kardashians airs Sundays (9 p.m. ET) on E! Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disicks sexy vacation photos have everyone convinced theyre an item again So, are they or arent they? That is the question floating around the internet after Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick shared some sexy vacation photos on Instagram, Cosmo reports. Yep, we are shamelessly all up in their biz (clearly, were not the only ones) but Kardashians tiny white bikini wasnt the only thing that sparked our interest in the former couples family vacation in Mexico. Apparently, the co-parenting duo are working on rekindling their romantic relationship, according to a mysterious source who told People that Kardashian and Disick appeared very close and happy during the trip to Cabo San Lucas, where they were joined by their three children Mason, Penelope, and Reign. Obviously that claim must be taken with a grain of salt, but these steamy bikini pics Kardashian and Disick both shared on Instagram have us considering these renewed relationship suspicions with raised brows. Heres Kardashians photo: Views. A photo posted by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash) on Nov 13, 2016 at 9:21pm PST And Disicks closeup of the same shot, which he also captioned Views. Views A photo posted by Scott Disick (@letthelordbewithyou) on Nov 13, 2016 at 4:20pm PST Honestly, who knows whats really going on between these two? Were just relieved to see that despite going through a rough breakup, their bond appears to have remained intact and theyre happily putting family first. The post Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disicks sexy vacation photos have everyone convinced theyre an item again appeared first on HelloGiggles. ISTANBUL/BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Kurdish YPG militia will pull its forces from the Syrian city of Manbij and withdraw east of the Euphrates River in order to participate in the campaign to liberate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, it said in a statement. U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk described the move as a "milestone", saying on Twitter that all YPG units would depart Manbij after training local units to maintain the city's security against Islamic State. Turkey has repeatedly called for the YPG to withdraw east of the Euphrates. Ankara views the militia as a hostile force with deep links to Kurdish militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency on Turkish soil. Ankara has also said YPG fighters should not be involved in the planned Raqqa offensive. (Reporting by Nick Tattersall in Istanbul and Ellen Francis in Beirut; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by David Dolan) Larry Ellison REDWOOD SHORES, California Oracle executive chairman Larry Ellison told his shareholders that cloud computing will cause Oracle "to be a much larger company, growing double-digits and more profitably than we were before." Ellison made the remarks Wednesday during Oracle's annual shareholder's meeting at the company's headquarters in Redwood Shores, California. Specifically, Ellison said (emphasis ours): As more and more people are choosing to rent, rather than buy, overall, after several years, we actually get more money but in the very beginning of the transition from selling to renting, it looks like our business is slowing down or getting smaller. It's not the case. ... So it looks like our hardware business is slowing down, when in fact, it's really not. We're just going from selling hardware to renting hardware, and getting more money rateably over a long period of time. The business of selling hardware, that should stay flat-ish or get smaller as people move to the cloud. Software, that should stay flat-ish or get smaller as people move to the cloud. But our overall business, especially once we get through this transition, our overall business will grow very rapidly. And we're going to be a much larger company, growing double-digits and more profitably than we were before. That is certainly what Oracle hopes will happen, and the vision it has for its shareholders. The truth is, such growth is far from a given, particularly for the hardware business. Oracle is doing well selling cloud versions of its software. It's particularly proud of selling cloud enterprise resource management software (ERP) competing with Workday. A whole different animal But its competition with Amazon for the hardware business is a whole different animal. While it's true that Oracle has a massive number of database customers and that these customers will likely evaluate Oracle's cloud, Amazon is far and away the bigger player, in every way. It already has more cloud revenue and more features in its cloud than any other player. Story continues cloud computing And as Amazon's scale grows, it's able to continually cut prices. Just this week, Amazon cut prices again (its 53rd price reduction.) Every time it cuts prices, it forces all the other players to follow suit, regardless if they have the scale to absorb the price cuts or not. Every time that Amazon wins an enterprise customer to its cloud, it's got a chance to knock Oracle out of that customer's life. Amazon offers its own database, and a tool that lets a company move from an Oracle database to an Amazon database. Ellison is quick to point out that Amazon's databases aren't as fast and as powerful as Oracle's. That's probably true. But one company Business Insider recently talked to told us that what Amazon is offering is often good enough. "It's not impossible to move to a different database. We are doing it, using AWS for some of that, instead of Oracle," a CIO of a large midwestern tech company told us. While this company isn't ditching Oracle for Amazon completely yet, it postponed upgrading some of its software specifically to test out Amazon's database as an alternative. NOW WATCH: NASAs Chief Scientist explains how the first humans on Mars will breathe More From Business Insider On December 7, 1972, NASA launched Apollo 17, a lunar mission crewed by Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans and Harrison Schmitt. It would be the last time humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit, the last time man landed on another celestial body, and the last time man went to the moon. The Last Steps uses rare, heart-pounding footage and audio to retrace the record-setting mission. A film by Todd Douglas Miller. This Really Great Big Story was made in collaboration with our friends at CNN Films. It is one of 12 short films that we will be releasing throughout the year. Stay tuned for more! Schools and kindergartens were closed on Monday and remained shut on Tuesday, for extra health precautions, but the smog is expected to last until Wednesday. Ambulance cars were told to stay on hold at some of the most polluted areas, in case children, elderly or people suffering from existing health problems, needed immediate medical attention. It was even worse in Isfahan where the Air Quality Index reached 167, causing Iranian officials to publicly apologise to foreign tourists for these conditions. Rajab Ali Khosroabadi, Tehrans official in relation to tourism affairs, released the following statement on the ISNA news agency. We hope our peoples hospitality wipes the grey image of Tehrans beautiful attractions from their minds. Sadly, this kind of health hazard is not unique this year. When the temperature cools outside with the onset of autumn, Tehran is always hit by the temperature inversion effect. As reported by Phys.org, this phenomenon creates a layer of warm air above the city that traps pollution from some 10 million cars and motorbikes. While measures have been taken to deal with this crisis situation (bans on traffic, the mayor of Tehran riding to work in a metro in order to encourage people to make more use of public transport), the problem is not addressed by the Iranian regime to find a long-term solution. A sociology student from Tehran expressed his views to AFP: Since no one does anything, every year the problem gets worse. The government should block old cars. We must improve public transport. Pollution and environmental issues in Tehran remain a political concern, with many parties and officials passing the buck of blame around while failing to find a solution. Massoumeh Ebtekar, the reformist vice-president, in charge of the environmental protection agency, has often been accused of not doing enough. His response on an Instagram post stated that measures have been put in place, leading to major improvements, such as reduced factory pollution and use of cleaner petrol. However, the newspaper Vatane Emrooz claimed that 70% of deaths in Tehran are due to pollution. In 2014 alone, 1,500 people required treatment and almost 400 were admitted to hospital due to respiratory and heart problems, linked to pollution. According to estimations by the Ministry of Health, the levels of pollution in 2012 were linked to 4,500 premature deaths in Tehran, and almost 80,000 in Iran in total. The traffic restriction zones that were put in place in 1979 and 2005 have had little or no effect on the problem of pollution. And despite Mr. Ebtekars claims, people have been unwilling to use cleaner engines. Foreign investors and companies have been denied access to Irans trade market due to sanctions. The problem of pollution in Iran should remain high on the regimes agenda, but the reluctance of the officials to find long-term solutions is contributing to deaths and deteriorating health for the citizens of Iran today. (Adds comment from government officials on possible cause, context) LIMA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - At least four people died in a fire in a movie theater at a popular seaside mall in Lima on Wednesday, authorities said, ahead of a global summit bringing together presidents from the United States, Russia, China and Japan this week. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said the fire at the Larcomar shopping center appears to have been started by a short circuit. The victims appeared to be two men and two women, but the bodies were so charred that it would be hard to determine their sex and identities with certainty, Police General Hugo Begazo said on local broadcaster RPP. Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said on RPP that sound-proof walls in the mall's movie theater appeared to be made of flammable materials that allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Kuczynski said on Twitter that he lamented the tragedy and said the incident merited a thorough investigation. Larcomar, managed by Chilean company Parque Arauco SA , said it was cooperating fully with authorities and would close the mall for two days. At least one firefighter was carried away on a stretcher as smoke billowed from the open air mall that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, a Reuters witness said. U.S. President Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at a hotel in front of the mall during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, local media reported. The White House declined to comment. The British embassy in Lima, less than a block from the mall, closed due to a fire in its vicinity, the British government said in a statement. Obama and other world leaders were scheduled to arrive in Peru between Thursday and Friday to attend APEC, an annual gathering of heads of state aimed at promoting trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region. (Reporting by Lima Newsroom; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Bernard Orr) LIMA (Reuters) - At least four people died in a fire in a movie theatre at a popular seaside mall in Lima on Wednesday, authorities said, ahead of a global summit bringing together presidents from the United States, Russia, China and Japan this week. The government of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said the fire at the Larcomar shopping centre appears to have been started by a short circuit. The victims appeared to be two men and two women, but the bodies were so charred that it would be hard to determine their sex and identities with certainty, Police General Hugo Begazo said on local broadcaster RPP. Interior Minister Carlos Basombrio said on RPP that sound-proof walls in the mall's movie theatre appeared to be made of flammable materials that allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Kuczynski said on Twitter that he lamented the tragedy and said the incident merited a thorough investigation. Larcomar, managed by Chilean company Parque Arauco SA , said it was cooperating fully with authorities and would close the mall for two days. At least one firefighter was carried away on a stretcher as smoke billowed from the open air mall that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, a Reuters witness said. U.S. President Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at a hotel in front of the mall during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, local media reported. The White House declined to comment. The British embassy in Lima, less than a block from the mall, closed due to a fire in its vicinity, the British government said in a statement. Obama and other world leaders were scheduled to arrive in Peru between Thursday and Friday to attend APEC, an annual gathering of heads of state aimed at promoting trade liberalisation in the Asia-Pacific region. (Reporting by Lima Newsroom; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Bernard Orr) Donald Trump and his family emerged from Trump Tower Tuesday night for dinner a few blocks away at the 21 Club without a caravan of journalists letting the public know about the president-elects whereabouts. Read: County Worker Loses Job, Mayor Resigns, After Calling Michelle Obama 'an Ape in Heels' on Facebook The family dinner was Trump's first public outing since the patriarch won the election last week. The departure was a big break from traditional presidential protocol, because Trump ditched his press entourage. His press secretary had even thrown off reporters about an hour earlier, saying that the future president would be staying at Trump Tower for the rest of the evening. The lid was issued to the press after 6 p.m. At 7, the family departed to the opulent 21 Club. Trump was cheered by a ritzy crowd as he entered the Manhattan establishment for the surprise dinner Tuesday night. When he walked in, he told the wealthy crowd: "We will get your taxes down, don't you worry." The president-elect and his family arrived at the famous restaurant just four blocks from Trump Tower in a long motorcade that featured 12 vehicles. The press discovered his whereabouts after some followed the motorcade and patrons inside posted photos of the Trumps on social media. Standing ovation and cheers at Keene's steakhouse for @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/zJsA1t00Sk Taylor Riggs (@RiggsReport) November 16, 2016 Taylor Riggs, who was inside the venue at the time, erroneously reported that Trump was at Keens Steakhouse. She later clarified her mistake. Story continues twitter--clarifying it wasn't Keens. location mistake. it was a private dinner with coworkers! https://t.co/au7rrmvNfP Taylor Riggs (@RiggsReport) November 16, 2016 The press took photos as he left the venue but were not allowed inside. Michele Sherman was having dinner at the restaurant when in walked the Trumps. She told Inside Edition: "The tipoff should have been the security. When we walked up to the restaurant it was unbelievable. They made us open our coats, they had to check my handbag and I thought, gee, I wonder who is here? The soon-to-be 45th president enjoyed the $36 "21 burger, served with fries. He washed it down with a virgin bloody mary. Read: Ivanka Trump Raises Conflict of Interest Questions Over Sale of Bracelet She Wore on '60 Minutes' Earlier in the night, Trump took to his favorite social media platform and tweeted that only he knows who his cabinet will be, following reports of names like Rudy Giuliani, John Bolton and Laura Ingraham thrown in the mix. Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 On Wednesday morning, he did not comment on the 21 Club situation. However, he did lash out at The New York Times for reporting his transition team is in disarray. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Watch: Trump Begins to Assemble Squad as Giuliani, John Bolton, Laura Ingraham Being Considered for Cabinet Roles Related Articles: From Harper's BAZAAR Andy Warhol's pop art subjects included the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, but even Yves Saint Laurent was one of them too. In the early '70s, rumors spread that the designer didn't like Warhol's multicolored portraits of him. To prove the gossip was untrue, Saint Laurent penned a handwritten letter to the artist explaining how he really felt about the four silkscreen portraits, since he knew the chatter was upsetting Warhol. The letter explained that the gossip was "stupid rumors" and that he was in fact fond of Warhol's paintings. "I love them; I admire you; I am your friend," Saint Laurent wrote in the message, mailed from Paris on July 31, 1974. This message, as well as others including a letter from Mick Jagger, will be displayed in an exhibition called "Letters to Andy Warhol" that will run at Cadillac House in New York until December 26. See a preview of the letter here. You Might Also Like Paris (AFP) - The flying hat aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh wore when he became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic failed to take flight Wednesday when it went up for auction in the French capital. The leather and sheepskin cap, which Lindbergh managed to lose while performing loop-the-loops over Paris in May 1927, failed to make the 60,000 to 80,000-euro ($88,000) estimate when it went under the hammer, the Hotel Drouot auction house said. The "Lone Eagle" had lost the same hat a week earlier after he landed the Spirit of St Louis at Bourget airstrip outside the city after completing the record-breaking flight. But a mechanic handed the hat in to the US embassy that evening only for Lindbergh to lose it again seven days later when he was given special permission to perform aerobatic feats over the city in a borrowed French fighter. The next morning a woman found it in her vegetable patch. By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Paul Ryan, the top Republican in the U.S. Congress, says he talks to Donald Trump often, but the president-elect has tapped a little-known lawmaker from western New York to be his eyes and ears among congressional Republicans. In the latest example of how much Trump values personal loyalty, the billionaire businessman has effectively designated Representative Chris Collins to be the White House transition team's congressional liaison. Collins, 66, has been in Congress less than four years. He has no House leadership role. He chairs no committees. He was previously county executive for Erie County, New York. But Collins was the first lawmaker on Capitol Hill to endorse Trump's presidential bid. He co-chaired Trump's U.S. House Leadership Committee during the campaign. Collins said Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, announced the news about his role to fellow Republicans at a Tuesday caucus meeting. Ryan's office had no immediate comment. Collins said he suggested the role to Trump the day after the Nov. 8 elections. "I said I'm going to stay in Congress. But I think I can be a bit of a liaison, if you will, of members, kind of making sure the administration knows exactly what's going on, he told reporters. Trump later mentioned the idea to Ryan, who asked Collins to do the job, according to Collins. Collins seconded Ryan's renomination to the speakership on Tuesday, calling the gesture "a sign of Trump's support for Mr. Ryan". Analysts called the move unusual. "A new president generally relies on the leadership," said Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute. "But it's not a role with a great deal of power and it's not the same as being a conduit once Trump is president and working on policy." Collins' official role is to serve as a conduit to the transition team for lawmakers who want to convey concerns or ideas for legislation and staffing. An aide said Collins has not participated in legislative discussions between House and Senate Republican leaders and the Trump team. Ryan told reporters on Tuesday that he and Trump are "on the same page, we're working hand in glove. But the two have not always seen eye to eye. Ryan was slow to endorse Trump for president and once described his comments about a judge of Mexican heritage as "the textbook definition of racism". Trump has slammed Ryan as "a very weak and ineffective leader." (Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and David Gregorio) By Allison Lampert OTTAWA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The operator of Lockheed Martin Corp's blimp-like hybrid airships on Wednesday announced its first customer, a Canadian mining company that expects to lease seven of the heavy-lift cargo aircraft for a decade starting in 2019. Quest Rare Minerals Ltd will lease the airships from operator Straightline Aviation in the first commercial use deal for the airships, which are filled mostly with helium, said Hybrid Enterprises LLC, which sells the aircraft for Lockheed. Quest signed a memorandum of understanding with Straightline on the sidelines of a Canadian aerospace conference. The deal between Straightline and Quest is valued at US$850 million, including fuel costs, over the 10-year period. Lockheed, the U.S. Defense Department's No. 1 supplier, has said the airships will revolutionize the way oil and mining companies haul equipment to the Arctic and other remote areas without roads. They can move 20 tons of cargo and set down on nearly any flat surface, including sand, snow and water, the company said. Quest is in the early stages of developing a rare earth metal project in northern Quebec and does not yet have an operating mine. The airship is still awaiting certification from Transport Canada. Lockheed has long been trying to secure a customer for the airships. Lockheed is working with Hybrid to target a commercial market for the slow-moving airships. The airships would be used by Quest to provide dedicated air services between the company's Strange Lake complex mine site in Northern Quebec and Schefferville, which has a rail link to the Port of Sept-Iles. Straightline, the only announced operator of the airships, expects to convert a letter of intent into a firm order for 12 of the aircraft in early 2017, chief operating officer Mark Dorey said on Wednesday. (Reporting By Allison Lampert; Editing by Bill Trott) By Allison Lampert OTTAWA (Reuters) - The operator of Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) blimp-like hybrid airships on Wednesday announced its first customer, a Canadian mining company that expects to lease seven of the heavy-lift cargo aircraft for a decade starting in 2019. Quest Rare Minerals Ltd (QRM.TO) will lease the airships from operator Straightline Aviation in the first commercial use deal for the airships, which are filled mostly with helium, said Hybrid Enterprises LLC, which sells the aircraft for Lockheed. Quest signed a memorandum of understanding with Straightline on the sidelines of a Canadian aerospace conference. The deal between Straightline and Quest is valued at US$850 million, including fuel costs, over the 10-year period. Lockheed, the U.S. Defense Department's No. 1 supplier, has said the airships will revolutionize the way oil and mining companies haul equipment to the Arctic and other remote areas without roads. They can move 20 tons of cargo and set down on nearly any flat surface, including sand, snow and water, the company said. Quest is in the early stages of developing a rare earth metal project in northern Quebec and does not yet have an operating mine. The airship is still awaiting certification from Transport Canada. Lockheed has long been trying to secure a customer for the airships. Lockheed is working with Hybrid to target a commercial market for the slow-moving airships. The airships would be used by Quest to provide dedicated air services between the company's Strange Lake complex mine site in Northern Quebec and Schefferville, which has a rail link to the Port of Sept-Iles. Straightline, the only announced operator of the airships, expects to convert a letter of intent into a firm order for 12 of the aircraft in early 2017, chief operating officer Mark Dorey said on Wednesday. (Reporting By Allison Lampert; Editing by Bill Trott) The markets inability to stabilize this situation is largely a consequence of the failure of multiple meetings of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, of which Iran is a member. Saudi Arabia has attempted to lead the way in negotiating output reductions by the 14-member cartel, but rivalries between the Saudi and Iranian governments have made a unanimous agreement virtually impossible. Prior to an early output-freeze meeting in April, Saudi Arabia had insisted that Iran and all other OPEC members participate in any agreement. At the same time, Iran indicated that it had no intention of so doing, at least until such time as the Iranian oil economy reached output levels in line with Tehrans calculation of pre-sanctions levels. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was implemented in January, bringing large-scale relief from those sanctions and allowing Iran to increase output at a rate that has been surprising to many analysts. By some accounts even among Iranian officials, Iran has already achieved its desired pre-sanctions output. In fact, on Monday EA WorldView even quoted Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as saying the oil industrys rapid return to pre-sanctions conditions has amazed the world and has led the way in tapping post-JCPOA nuclear deal opportunities and potentials. But these claims have had little to no impact on Irans response to OPEC requests for cooperation. As such, the recent decline in prices has been partly attributed to skepticism about the prospect for any significant new developments in the next OPEC meeting, scheduled for November 30. There were greater levels of optimism ahead of previous meetings, as Iran had seemingly indicated willingness to freeze its output figures at a time when its OPEC partners would be reducing theirs. But now even this seems to be off the table, and it is doubtful that Saudi Arabia will proceed with price stabilization plans while its regional adversary remains unconstrained in its efforts to increase Iranian market share. Indeed, the Saudi reaction to Iranian intransigence may be even further motivated by the apparent fact that Tehran intends to exploit this situation to attract newfound infrastructural investments from the foreign partners with which Iran is expanding its oil trade. EA WorldView notes that Rouhani, after praising the recovery of the Iranian oil economy, said that his government would continue to pursue 18 billion dollars worth of investment for plans to modernize and expand the countrys oil extraction operations. Ironically, though, the same article suggests that one of the most hardline influences on Iranian foreign policy may also interfere with Rouhanis plans to keep expanding the oil trade in defiance of OPEC. That is to say, EA WorldView points out that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is fearful that their extensive holdings in the oil and gas sector will be affected by the growth of foreign partnerships. To whatever extent this interferes with the ongoing growth of Irans export prospects, it may also diminish the risk that Saudi Arabia perceives in charging ahead with an output reduction agreement. On the other hand, an ascendant IRGC can be expected to find other ways to confront and antagonize Irans traditional adversaries, including Saudi Arabia. But it may also be inclined to return to business as usual for the Iranian oil economy. This is one potential consequence of the forthcoming Iranian presidential elections, in which Rouhani will be competing against hardline critics in a bid to extend his presidency into a second term. On Monday, the BBC reported that hardline media outlets had already intensified pressure on Rouhani and would continue to do so in the run-up to the elections, scheduled for May 2017. Even if this does not oust his administration in the long term, it will encourage it to continue defying Saudi Arabia over the short term while also working against the trade policies that make that have characterized that defiance in recent months. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images Got a lucky number? Like, a really lucky, Powerball-deciding, superstition-fueling, wedding datedetermining number you evoke like an enchanted incantation? For surprisingly large numbers of Americans, that magic number is 7. But thats not the case with the Chinese. In Chinese culture, 8, or ba, is considered the luckiest number because its pronunciation is similar to fa, which means to make a fortune. With the surge of Chinese buyers in the U.S. property marketthe National Association of Realtors estimates that Chinese buyers will purchase $27.3 billion in residential properties by the end of 2016weve seen increasing numbers of homes priced at $888,888 to lure buyers. But could the pursuit of good luck really be driving unusual real estate sales? We asked our numerology-loving data team to help us find out. 8 is the luckiest So far this year, there have been 178 homes on realtor.com priced at either $888,888 or $8,888,888. Those homes are concentrated in New York City (34), San Francisco (27), Los Angeles (25), and San Jose (23). The first three cities are among the top markets viewed by Chinese buyers, according to Juwai.com, a website for Chinese people searching for real estate properties abroad. Its an eye-catching strategy. [Chinese] buyers would see the price and be like, why not check out the home?' says Hao Yuan, an LG Fairmont real estate salesperson based in New York. The important thing is that it makes them feel lucky. We compared those lucky homes with nearby homes of similar size, and found that on average, they sell only 0.32% fastera difference so small, its negligible. Its not so much that a lucky number helps sell your home, explains Tina Ying, a broker with New Century Real Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Buyers can always counteroffer, so the final price is hardly ever the original list price. But many sellers set such a price in hopes of getting a smooth sale, she adds. Story continues The real luck (and price premium) lies in the street number. A street number is gold among the Chinese if its crammed with as many 8s as possible, and especially if it ends with an 8. A Bel Air, CA, home with the address of 10888 Chalon Road was recently sold for $4,175,000which was 36% higher than similar-size homes in the same neighborhood. We couldnt confirm whether the deep-pocketed buyer was indeed of Chinese descent, because the home was bought by a limited liability companya common practice for buyers to hide their identities. 4 is unlucky Chinese people often have a visceral negative reaction to the numeral 4, which is pronounced the same as death in Chinese. For properties with a 4 in the street number, a Chinese home buyer might ask for a discount of 5% or even 10% on the asking price, according to Ying. Ying cites a Fremont, CA, home that has not only one, but two 4s in its street number. The seller slashed $200,000 off its $2 million asking price before the buyer finally agreed to the sale. Both the seller and the buyer were Chinese. One apartment building in Long Island City, NY, doesnt have a fourth floor. The building developer even went out of the way to hire a feng shui consultant to certify the building. Rearranging a home according to feng shui Its more than just a numbers gameother superstitions come into play, too. So far this year, 355 homes on the market tout feng shui in their listing description, a 57% increase in just three years. Feng shui is the ancient practice of placing things within a living environment to affect the flow of energy, and therefore to influence the fortune of the people who live there. The most frequently mentioned feng shui attribute is south-facing, which is thought to maximize luck. Kevin Zheng, a Re/Max Realtor in Los Angeles, says that in his experience, its the one thing Chinese buyers simply wont compromise on. (South-facing homes also get the advantage of all-day sunlight without too much glare or heat, so they have a practical appeal as well.) Other common practices include mindfully positioning a fountain in the yard (which is supposed to bring fortune) and designing the entryway to prevent fortune from flowing out the front door. Depending on the buyer, the importance of feng shui ranges from high to extremely high. Zheng says he had a client who walked away from a deal because of bad feng shui. The client took great interest in a $1 millionplus home in Orange County, but wanted to know the direction rainwater flows on the ground. The sellers agent confirmed that water flows from left to rightunfortunately, thats the so-called backward water, an ominous sign. The most dreaded 13 But Chinese people are not the only superstitious onesmany buildings dont have a 13th floor because in much of the Western world, 13 is associated with bad luck. In Manhattan, out of 629 buildings high enough to have more than 13 floors, 91% of them relabeled the floor as 14, 12A, 12B, or M (the 13th letter in the English alphabet), according to CityRealtys data released last year. The post The Lucky Numbers That Can Drive Up Your Homes Value appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com. By Nicole Mordant (Reuters) - Canada's Lundin Mining Corp is hopeful that the sale of its stake in the Tenke Fungurume copper-cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo will not be challenged by the country's state-owned miner, Lundin's chief executive said on Tuesday. Lundin announced earlier it had agreed to sell its 24 percent interest in Tenke, one of the world's largest copper mines, to Chinese private equity firm BHR Partners for about $1.14 billion in cash. The deal comes after Tenke's majority owner, U.S. copper miner Freeport-McMoRan Inc, agreed in May to sell its 56 percent stake to China Molybdenum Co Ltd (CMOC) for $2.65 billion. Congo state miner Gecamines, which owns 20 percent of Tenke, has objected to the Freeport sale, saying it was not informed beforehand and that it has a right to make an offer first for Freeport's stake if it is to be sold. Freeport denies that Gecamines has such a right. Contrary to the Freeport announcement, which came as a surprise to Gecamines, Lundin had "ample communications with them months ago," Lundin CEO Paul Conibear said. As a minority shareholder in Tenke, Lundin's sale of its stake is also "not the big event," he said in an interview. The closing of the Freeport sale has been held up for months while Lundin, which had a right of first offer on Freeport's stake, weighed its options. With the sale of its stake, Lundin has now waived that right. "We anticipate that the sale to CMOC will be completed before the end of 2016," Freeport spokesman Eric Kinneberg said in an email. The Lundin sale is expected to close in the first half of 2017. Conibear said Lundin, which also mines zinc and nickel, plans to use the proceeds from the sale to expand production at its Neves-Corvo zinc mine in Portugal and for a small expansion at its Swedish zinc and copper mine. The Toronto-based miner was also keen to start paying shareholders a dividend and would make a decision on doing so soon. Acquisitions are on the back burner as the company focuses on existing assets, Conibear said. "The cupboard's bare right now. It's the first time in five years that we haven't actively been studying or negotiating an asset," he said. Lundin's shares were up 0.79 percent at C$6.40 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. (Additional reporting by Gaurika Juneja in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier and Meredith Mazzilli) Takht-Ravanchi said, during an interview with ILNA, a state news agency affiliated with Rouhani, We shall not abandon our red lines in human rights negotiations. We have told them too that we have redlines in some aspects. When the issue of executions are discussed, I will say that we do execute capital punishment in the context of our laws, and this is not something that we could leave aside this is clear both to us and to them. Aside from this, there are issues that through interaction we can bring views closer together of course, in some areas that we have the explicit command of the Quran, like Qesas (retaliation), they are not issues that diplomats could bring their views together through different methods. He said further, Iran-phobia has gained a foothold in the West over years. This is partly due to the issue of human rights. By interaction we can defeat the attempts our enemies have made for Iran-phobia. Regarding the negotiation, Takht-Ravanchi stated, according to ILNA on November 12, is a lengthy process for both parties to reach a mutual understanding Im not of course estimating the length of the negotiations. Our move might take two, three or even four years. The Iranian Resistance responded, emphasizing that its been three decades of executions, torture, and killing under this regime, and demanded sanctions and punishments for its crimes against humanity. The letter, circulated Monday to the U.N. General Assembly, cited Irans support for Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen and the Shiite Hezbollah group in Lebanon which has sent fighters to support the Syrian government, as well as Irans support of terrorist groups and cells in Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and elsewhere. The Arab nations reiterated a statement by Bahrains foreign minister in September that the only way forward is for Iran to comprehensively change its foreign policies and end hostilities. The letter was organized by the United Arab Emirates, and signed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Morocco, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Yemen. The 11 countries condemned Tehran for sponsoring terrorism, especially in Yemen, where they say Iran supports the Houthis both financially and militarily. Yemen, on the southern edge of the Arab Peninsula, has been fighting a civil war since September 2014 when Houthi rebels overtook the capital Sanaa and overthrew the government. A Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries began a military campaign against the Houthi forces in March 2015, which was meant to serve as a counterbalance to Irans influence with the Houthis following its nuclear deal. The letter was a response to Iranian diplomat Abbas Yazdanis statement at the end of the General Assemblys annual ministerial meeting on September 26. He dismissed as accusations by the UAEs foreign minister that Tehran was supporting the Houthis when UAE jet fighters were bombing innocent civilians in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led coalition, as absurd and hypocritical. Yazdani accused the UAE and their accomplices of trying to impede the nuclear deal. Although the 11 countries reaffirmed support of the nuclear agreement, which caps Irans nuclear activities and lifts international nuclear-related sanctions, they said, Unfortunately, we have seen nothing but increased Iranian aggression in the region and the continuation of support for terrorist groups since the deal was signed last year. We remain firm in our resolve, the Arab nations said, that any interference by the Islamic Republic of Iran in the domestic affairs of Arab states is unacceptable and must be confronted. The letter to the 193-member General Assembly was meant to warn them about Irans nefarious behavior, and to pressure Iran to stop funding and arming militias that destabilize our region. Another article, published in the National World on November 15, also talks about accusations from the Middle East and North African countries saying Iran sponsors terrorism and interferes with the internal affairs of Arab nations, causing tension and instability in the region and refers to the letter to the UN General Assembly circulated on Monday. They roundly condemned Iran for sponsoring terrorism in the region. The UAEs UN ambassador Lana Nusseibeh accused Iran of fueling the violence in Yemen, and in other parts of the Middle East. Fox News, as well, wrote in a article on November 14, about the letter from the eleven Middle East and North African countries, that accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism and constantly interfering in the internal affairs of Arab nations, sparking tension and instability in the region, saying that it was organized by the United Arab Emirates, which was signed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, among others. Making a Murderer subject Brendan Dassey will be home for Thanksgiving after the judge in his case rejected the states latest motion, TheWrap has learned. According to a Wisconsin Department of Justice release obtained by TheWrap, Dassey will be discharged from prison no later than Friday at 8 p.m. Attorney General Brad Schimel plans to file an emergency motion on Wednesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit seeking a stay of this release order. On Monday, a judge ordered Dasseys supervised release, pending possible retrial. Also Read: 'Making a Murderer': Judge Orders Brendan Dassey's Release Pending Retrial According to court documents obtained by TheWrap, U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Duffin granted Dasseys motion for release conditional upon his supervision by the U.S. Probation Office. Dassey will not be allowed to obtain a passport and can only travel in the courts Eastern District of Wisconsin. He is not allowed to possess a weapon or any controlled substances. On Tuesday, Schimel filed an emergency motion to stay Dasseys release. The saga surrounding Teresa Halbachs killing in Wisconsin around Halloween 2005 and whether Dasseys uncle Steven Avery committed the brutal act was the focus of Netflixs hit docuseries Making a Murderer, which gained wide acclaim and interest after it was released in December 2015. Also Read: 'Making a Murderer': Brendan Dassey's Lawyers Make New Bid for His Release Dassey, who is now 26, was convicted in 2007 of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilation of a corpse in Halbachs murder. His lawyers filed this writ of habeas corpus in 2014. In August, Dasseys conviction was overturned. Judge Duffin granted Dasseys writ for a petition of habeas corpus, finding that Dasseys imprisonment was unlawful because his confession to the murder of Halbach was involuntary. Related stories from TheWrap: 'Making a Murderer': Wisconsin to Appeal Brendan Dassey's Overturned Conviction 'Making a Murderer': Steven Avery Legal Team Gets Shake-Up 'Making a Murderer': Steven Avery's Lawyer Files Motion for New DNA Tests (Reuters) - A man who opened fire with a shotgun at a small Christian college in Seattle in 2014, killing a student and wounding two other people, was found guilty of murder on Wednesday. Jurors deliberated for just over a day before returning guilty verdicts against Aaron Ybarra, 29, on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder and assault, King County Prosecuting Attorney's spokesman Dan Donohoe said. Ybarra, whose attorneys argued that he suffered from significant mental issues, faces up to 111 years in prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 26. On June 5, 2014, Ybarra opened fire with a double-barreled shotgun on a group of people outside an academic building at the campus of Seattle Pacific University, killing student Paul Lee with a blast to the back of his head and wounding a second man. Reloading his weapon after the lower barrel of the gun malfunctioned, Ybarra then entered the building, where he shot and wounded a female student who was coming down the stairs, according to prosecutors. He was tackled by a student safety monitor and restrained with the help of several other people. In court documents, prosecutors say Ybarra, then 26, confessed to police detectives that he had been planning a mass shooting in which he wanted to kill as many people as possible before committing suicide. They said entries in a journal he kept expressed admiration for the massacres committed at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999 and Virginia Tech in 2007. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis) A Texas official who recently made headlines for sharing a tweet that called Hillary Clinton a "c***" might be tapped for the Trump Cabinet. The state's agriculture commissioner, Sid Miller, is up for the Secretary of Agriculture position under the president-elect, according to multiple reports. Read: Donald Trump Asks His Supporters Not to Attack Minorities: 'Stop It' Miller is the same man who initially claimed to have been hacked before blaming a low-level staffer on the tweet that hailed a one-point lead given to Trump in a November poll in Pennsylvania. The post listed Trump above Democratic rival, "C***," followed by the words: "Go Trump Go!" About 10 minutes later, the tweet was deleted. "@MillerForTexas has been HACKED. The disgusting re-tweet has been removed and we have changed all account passwords. Be advised," the initial response read. However, Miller soon changed his tune. "We weren't hacked," Miller soon told MySanAntonio. "You can tell by reading it it's not something I sent out. I hadn't read it," he said. Miller later announced that the responsible party had been fired and wrote a letter apologizing to colleagues. "I have the utmost respect for my fellow man, men and women alike. I do not, nor have I ever engaged in this type of undignified behavior. I am embarrassed and saddened that it happened," the letter said. "As a God fearing Christian, a man of faith, and a proud Texas gentleman I would never do anything to dishonor our great state or the Texas Department of Agriculture." Sid Miller is not the only potential or finalized Trump appointment that has raised eyebrows. Donald Trumps appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief strategist a position that, unlike Cabinet members, does not need Senate approval has drawn outrage with civil rights groups, Democratic leaders, and some Republicans. Story continues Bannon once headed up Breitbart, an already right-wing news organization he's widely considered to have remade into an outlet for the so-called "alt-right," and whose articles have often been derided as anti-Semitic, misogynistic, racist and homophobic. Read: Trump Campaign CEO Stephen Bannon Once Faced Domestic Violence Charge Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 As names like Bannon's cause widespread outrage, Donald Trump's transition team is reportedly in the middle of a major shakeup as the inauguration looms. In what reports have called a "Stalinesque purge," Chris Christie was recently demoted as those closest to the New Jersey governor were removed from the transition team. In response to those reports, has said that everything is A-okay and that the winners will be announced soon. Watch: Megyn Kelly's New Book Suggests She Might Have Been Poisoned Before First Republican Debate Related Articles: In May, Rolando Espinosa Sr. ran his mayoral-election campaign on a promise to take on the drug trade in his town, Albuera, on the Philippine island of Leyte. But, on Nov. 5, less than six months after he was elected and three months after President Rodrigo Duterte read out his name on live national television along with the names of 158 other public officials the President accused of being involved in narcotics Espinosa was shot dead inside a jail cell by police. The list of names read out by Duterte was riddled with errors. Only four of the seven judges it named were still on the bench one had been dismissed, another had died eight years previously. Neither did the President present any evidence linking the individuals he named to the drug trade. Many protested their innocence, and one, the former mayor of Cebu Michael Rama, tells TIME that he believes he was named as part of a settling of political scores. But for the people who appeared on the list, evidence, or the lack of it, must have seemed like an abstract diversion. Many were in immediate fear of their lives. Espinosa surrendered to police to beat a 24-hour deadline on a shoot on sight order issued by the President. The following day, cops entered his family compound, killed six of his bodyguards, and claimed to find a massive haul of methamphetamine worth, they said, $2 million. The mayor denied knowledge of it and vigorously declared his innocence. The authorities are using me to pressure my son, Kerwin, to surrender, he said in a statement soon after. (Kerwin Espinosa was also accused by police of drug trafficking.) Rolando Espinosa pleaded to Duterte to call off the local authorities who were harassing his family. Albueras police chief, he said, had publicly threatened to hang his head on the flagpole of the municipality. I still believe in the justice system that eventually will uphold my innocence, Espinosa added. Story continues The mayors faith was misplaced. After being initially released and then arrested again, and while in jail awaiting trial, a police team unloaded four bullets into his body and one into his head. They said he had been resisting the officers who had come to search his cell. Before he was killed, Espinosa signed a highly questionable affidavit that supposedly connected 226 police and government officials, including Leila de Lima, and even members of the media, to his sons alleged drug trade. The mayors affidavit signed without a lawyer present was supposed to guarantee his safety. But, soon after, he was arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and drugs and transferred to the subprovincial jail where he died. In the context of the Philippines drug war, his death seems to be a picayune stat: more than 4,000 people have been killed since Duterte came to office on June 30, many at the hands of shadowy vigilante groups. But the slaying of a mayor in custody has reopened a junked senatorial inquiry into the extrajudicial killings and marks a sinister terra nova in the war on drugs, Phelim Kine, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia Division, tells TIME. The focus is expanding from the marginalized poor in urban slums to higher value targets, Kine says. He added that prominent members of the public, and politicians that had previously gone along with the drug war, were having second thoughts now that it threatened people close to them. Espinosa was the second mayor killed in a fortnight. The first, Samsudin Dimaukom, mayor of the southern town of Saudi Ampatuan, was also accused of involvement in drugs by Duterte and was killed in a shootout with nine of his men on Oct. 28. They were not the first high-profile targets in the drug war. On Sept. 10, the body of Maria Aurora Moynihan, daughter of a late British peer, was found under a cardboard sign that read, Drug Pusher to the Celebrities, Youre Next. Back in August, with the death toll soaring through the hundreds, Senator Leila de Lima Secretary of Justice under the previous Administration opened a Senate probe into extrajudicial killings under Duterte. Witnesses in hoodies, face masks and sunglasses testified against police officers they accused of killing their family members. One witness, saying he had nothing left to lose, claimed to have been a hit man during Dutertes mayoral tenure in the southern city of Davao; he told tales of feeding enemies of the President-to-be to crocodiles. But Senators punched holes in the supposed hit mans story and soon after de Lima was ousted from the committee chair, the target of a Duterte smear campaign. She was succeeded by an ardent Duterte supporter, Senator Richard Gordon, who called for Philippine police to be allowed to make arrests without warrants. Under him, the inquiry stalled, and then ground to a halt altogether over fears it might deter police momentum. When the panel on extrajudicial killings reconvened last week, after the death of Espinosa, Senators quizzed the police on why a warrant was required to search his jail cell, why 18 officers had delivered it, how Espinosa and the inmate of the adjacent cell Raul Yap also shot and killed came to have guns, why the hard drive from the jails CCTV had been removed, and why scene-of-crime operatives were sent for almost an hour before the raiding team entered the jail. (An internal police inquiry is also taking place.) Senator Panfilo Lacson a former PNP chief who had helped spike the original probe called the killing a blatant execution and pointed out that two other associates of Espinosa had been killed after supposedly resisting policemen in separate jail facilities on Leyte. In a televised interview Monday, Lacson suggested some police were overeager to comply with the instructions of the President, who is in a hurry to meet a self-imposed deadline to suppress the drug trade. They got emboldened by the Presidents statement, he added. Meanwhile, police have petitioned for the extradition of Kerwin Espinosa, who was arrested in Abu Dhabi after he fled Dutertes shoot-on sight order. He is expected to arrive in Manila on Thursday. He will not die. I guarantee that, Philippine National Police director general Ronald dela Rosa claimed to reporters on Monday. In response to a challenge from Dutertes chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo, the U.N. special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard will be visiting the Philippines investigate extrajudicial killings. Her aim is to hold state actors responsible. The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, has also released a statement saying she would be closely following developments in the Philippines. Some have suggested that the Espinosa case could provoke her intervention if it is not properly resolved. Sam Zarifi, regional director for Asia and the Pacific at the International Commission of Jurists, tells TIME, Depending on how credible [the Espinosa] investigation is, we can see whether the Philippine government is actually fulfilling its obligation to investigate extrajudicial killings, and particularly deaths in custody, seriously. He adds: The Espinosa case will go a long way to showing whether there is need for international attention, including the ICC. Speaking at a televised press conference on Friday, Duterte seemed unconcerned. I believe in the version of the police. [If] they have evidence to prove otherwise, then a case should be filed against the police, Duterte told reporters. He also expressed plans to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to strengthen his antidrug campaign and suppress rebellion in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the street slaying of alleged drug pushers and users continues unabated. Most nights, crime reporters gather outside the concrete press corps building in the courtyard of the Manila Police District headquarters. There they sip energy drinks, smoke, scroll smartphone screens and wait for cases to be called in. Rica Concepcion, a veteran reporter, has been tracking police shootings on the drug beat since July. Now, she says, she is getting tired. For a moment after the holidays, we somehow expected a change, Concepcion told TIME last Tuesday. But yesterday night till early morning, we went to seven drug shootings and decided not to go to five others. While the killing of Mayor Espinosa has kicked up a stink in the Senate, and may provoke international scrutiny of the Presidents drug war, Concepcion said that for people in the streets, where most of the killings are taking place, it would not make much difference. Now they shout for justice is for the rich, she said. There is no justice for the poor. By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Manulife Financial Corp said on Thursday its first-quarter profit surged more than 50 percent as a stronger investment performance and higher wealth management fees more than offset weaker insurance sales. Manulife, Canada's biggest life insurer, said net income attributed to shareholders was C$818 million ($745.36 million), or 42 Canadian cents per share, compared with C$540 million, or 28 Canadian cents a share, a year earlier. Core profit, which excludes one-time items and market-related gains and losses, rose to 37 Canadian cents a share from 32 Canadian cents. Analysts' average estimate was 39 Canadian cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. "It was pretty much an in-line quarter," said Peter Routledge, an analyst at National Bank Financial. "We like their momentum in wealth management, particularly in North America (and) they have just very, very high capital. And we think that will persist," he said. Insurance sales in the quarter fell 15 percent to C$537 million. Wealth sales climbed 5 percent to C$13.8 billion, Manulife said, with gains in Canada and the United States well exceeding declines in Asia. Besides its Canadian operations, Manulife owns U.S. insurer John Hancock and is growing in Asia, where it has a presence in about a dozen countries. The company has spent the last few years reducing its exposure in financial markets after taking billions in losses during the financial crisis. It has also been slowly shifting its business away from life insurance and toward wealth management, which has lower capital requirements, predictable fee-based income and the promise of more clients as baby boomers approach retirement and increasingly need money management. While Canada and the United States are the main drivers of the company's profit, Manulife has targeted Asia as a key growth area, and continues to eye acquisition opportunities on the continent, including potential bancassurance deals, said Steve Roder, the company's chief financial officer. "We continue to be particularly interested in opportunities where we can do deals quietly without some big grandiose auction process. And if you look at our history, the best deals we've done have been where we've done some quiet bilateral deal," he said in an interview. Investment-related profit, excluding amounts included in core earnings, was C$225 million, up from C$97 million a year earlier. Manulife stock, which fell more than 75 percent between 2007 and 2012, rebounded 55 percent last year. The shares, which have fallen slightly so far this year, were up 0.8 percent at C$20.74 on Thursday. ($1 = 1.0975 Canadian dollars) (Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Bernadette Baum) DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / An expert Texas property developer, Marcus Hiles knows what renters are looking for in a new home. Yet one important feature probably remains off of most people's checklists of must-have amenities: walking trails. Hiles advises apartment hunters to be on the lookout for a clear presence of recreational pathways throughout the site of the unit. As the Chairman and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, a company that has designed and currently manages more than 15,000 rentals in cities across Texas, Hiles knows personally about the many benefits multi-use walkways hold for residents. In the interest of showcasing Texas' countryside's beauty, Western Rim's luxury townhomes and loft-style apartments are built within the state's expansive green spaces, yet they are located within easy reach of urban centers. Marcus Hiles upholds eco-friendly construction practices that maintain the serenity of the environmentand in many cases, bettering it by establishing walkways and parks. He notes that an abundance of trees and vegetation surrounding these natural areas offer tremendous benefits, as they remove air pollutants while storing and sequestering carbon dioxide. He explains that they assist with the effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy demand: "According to the USDA Forest Service, 'Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent.'" Marcus Hiles encourages renters to pick locations with footpaths, explaining that tenants who take advantage of even mild exercising on the paths enjoy healthier lives. A 2008 study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine gives further proof, suggesting that people who live near park areas tend to have a lower risk of obesity; while a 2010 study by the journal Social Science and Medicine found that people who reside near larger amounts of green space were more relaxed as compared to others who spent less time outdoors. Hiles, a strong believer in community building, says that beyond their ability to help lower energy costs and foster active lifestyles, trails also promote a sense of closeness among neighbors, with pathways encouraging spontaneous meetings and interactions. Environmental, practical and fun, shared public meeting places: a series of walking trails are an amenity no housing development should be without. The Chairman and CEO of Western Rim Property Services and Newport Classic Homes, Marcus Hiles, Dallas news regular is a respected property development authority and philanthropist who has spent more than three decades creating properties that embody his vision of luxury living. Having successfully planted a total of 30,000 trees in the last 10 years, Hiles' environmentally minded goal of continuing to plant 2,500 trees annually is part of Western Rim's long-term objectives. While developing and building contemporary residential communities, Marcus Hiles remains devoted to giving back to the state of Texas; he has personally donated over 59 acres of parkland to the general public to preserve wildlife habitats and offer residents accessible green spaces. Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/ Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles Marcus Hiles - A Magnanimous and Big Hearted Person - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWgsmiPe7-4 Contact Information MarcusHiles-News.com www.MarcusHiles-News.com contact@marcushiles-news.com SOURCE: Marcus Hiles Legal access to marijuana, medicinal or otherwise, is growing. In 2016, four states approved recreational use of the drug and four states passed laws related to medical-cannabis access, bringing the total number of states that allow some form of legal marijuana use to 28. Scientists know that marijuana contains more than 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, that have biological effects on the body. Mdically, cannabis can be prescribed for physical ailments like arthritis and cancer symptoms as well as mental health issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety. Still, the role marijuana can play in medicine remains murky. The dearth of research is in large part due to the fact that most studies have focused on illicit use of marijuana rather than its therapeutic potential, and because its classified as a schedule 1 drug, making it nearly impossible to study. Looking for answers about marijuanas potential mental health benefits, a team of researchers in Canada and the U.S. recently conducted a review of the science. In their report, published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review, researchers found evidence that cannabis can likely benefit people dealing with depression, social anxiety and PTSD, though it may not be ideal for people with bipolar disorder, for instance, for which there appears to be more negative side effects than positive ones. This is a substance that has potential use for mental health, says Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. We should be looking at it in the same way [as other drugs] and be holding it up to the same standard. Though more research is needed, studies also suggested that cannabis may have a place in dealing with addiction. We are really excited about the potential substitution effect, says study author Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. If people use cannabis as a replacement for opioid medications, or to get off of opioids or cut back, we could see some pretty dramatic public health benefits. The level of opioid overdoses is so high right now. Story continues Theres evidence to support that potential. Another unrelated study suggested that pot may even have a place in curbing the opioid epidemic. And yet marijuana can be notoriously hard to study in the U.S. because its classified as a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has a high potential for abuse. Many scientists and medical professionals think the classification hampers research, and that marijuanas medical potential merits further exploration. More studies, research advocates argue, would also help eliminate stigma associated with the drug, paving the way for more and better studies. I think people will derive more benefit if they can speak more openly with providers about whether they are using cannabis and why, says Walsh. Walsh is a lead investigator on a clinical trial of cannabis that is being funded by a medical cannabis producer called Tilray. Another researcher on the study has been a consultant for other medical cannabis producers. When asked if this represents a conflict of interest, Walsh points out that funding for marijuana-related research is hard to come by. I think we are entering a different world, he says, but for now a lot of the research, at least in Canada, is funded by the producers. Like any drug, pot can have side effects, and Walsh and other researchers argue that for now, all aspects of cannabis need to be further explored, both benefits and potential harms. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White, after nearly four years as the agencys head, recently announced that she intends to leave at the end of the Obama administration. Under Whites leadership, the agency strengthened protections for investors and the markets through transformative rulemakings that addressed major issues highlighted by the financial crisis. The SEC also instituted a new approach to enforcement that has resulted in greater accountability and record actions through, among other things, the use of admissions of wrongdoing and enhanced data analytics and technology. White, who became the 31st chair of the SEC in April 2013, will go down as one of the SECs longest-serving chairpersons. In addition to completing the vast majority of the agencys mandates under the Dodd-Frank Act and all of its mandates under the JOBS Act, Whites leadership has advanced the agencys mission through other critical rulemakings and built robust and effective frameworks for the SECs regulatory regimes going forward. ALSO READ: The Worst Companies to Work For White commented: It has been a tremendous honor to work alongside the incredibly talented and dedicated SEC staff members who do so much every day to protect investors and our markets. I am very proud of our three consecutive years of record enforcement actions, dozens of fundamental reforms through our rulemakings that have strengthened investor protections and market stability, and that the job satisfaction of our phenomenal staff has climbed in each of the last three years. I also want to express my appreciation for the engagement and dedication of my fellow Commissioners and my financial regulator colleagues, past and present. Related Articles Michael Platt Billionaire Michael Platt decided to close his hedge fund firm, BlueCrest Capital Management, to outside money last year as investors pulled out. BlueCrest now focuses on managing Platt's and employees' money and has had a huge year, returning 40%, according to a Bloomberg News report. The firm decided to trade with high levels of leverage, or borrowed money, Bloomberg reported. Last year, the then $9 billion firm received a wave of redemptions from big investors, like pensions and endowments, as performance wavered. From January 2012 through January 2015, the flagship fund "performed poorly with an annualized return of 0.65% net of fees," according to a consultant report for the Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island. "It is no longer a particularly profitable business to run a multi-manager hedge fund on 2 and 20% fees," Platt told the Financial Times last year. "Instead we are happy to be our own client and run our own amount of leverage. We are going from earning 2 and 20 on clients' money to earning 0 and 100 on our own." The firm had also drawn criticism for an internal fund that managed employees' money and produced higher returns than the fund for outside investors. That arrangement was said to be under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission as of earlier this year, Bloomberg reported. NOW WATCH: Richard Branson: Entrepreneurs need to fill the gap where government is lacking More From Business Insider Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f286755%2fap_01083002236 An Indian state education minister has come clean after accusations last week that he might have been watching porn on his phone at a public event. Cops say the minister was only checking out Melania Trump's photos. SEE ALSO: Melania Trump threatens to sue 'People' over sexual misconduct story Karnataka education minister, Tanveer Sait, was accused last week of staring at what many could summon as pornographic photographs at Tipu Jayanti event in Raichur on Nov. 10. It turns out, Sait was only checking out pictures of to be First Lady of the United States. Footage of Sait staring at his screen were broadcast on national TV. The assertion comes from police officers who were able to check the footage of Sait and get to the bottom of the situation. In a statement to ToI, they said, "The photographs the minister was allegedly watching were of Melania Trump." "Her pictures taken more than 15 years ago gained new traction in the run-up to the US presidential election and after Trump's shock victory last week. Among the many messages sent to the ministers WhatsApp account, Melania photographs, too, popped up on the screen." The decade old photos were from the time when Donald Trumps third wife was a top model. Sait has lodged a complaint with the cybercrime cell against the cameraman and reporters of the TV channel. He believes that the complainants were trying to defame him. The guys from Linkin Park like Mercedes-Benz cars. The company helped invent the automobile back in the late 19th century and has made a practice of becoming an exemplar of vehicular luxury, technology and speed ever since. But these guys really like Mercedes -- enough to loan the use of their song "Papercut" to the international ad campaign for the brand's outrageous AMG GT-R super-sport coupe and enough to join forces with the brand at the legendary Belgian 24 Hours of Spa endurance race and help them design an arresting, Linkin Park-branded red, black and silver livery for Mercedes' GT3 race car. Also enough to invite 100 or so people over to a $20 million Brentwood spec mansion on Monday night in the leadup to the Los Angeles Auto Show for a fundraiser gala for the band's disaster relief and climate change impact-fighting Music for Relief foundation, at which Mercedes-AMG -- the marque's sporty sub-brand -- was a core sponsor. While guests slurped freshly shucked oysters in the massive kitchen, drank sweet signature cocktails around the manicured pool, and perused the solar-powered light arrays, which could be donated to benefit a third-world hospital, bassist Dave Farrell and lyricist Mike Shinoda were eager to talk cars at the property's outdoor bar. "Tobias [Moers, head of Mercedes-AMG] was in the studio talking about craftsmanship and what a lost art craftsmanship can be. Of course, we were in the middle of writing an album and you can't be anymore concerned with getting every detail right. He was fascinated by that," Shinoda told Billboard of the brand and band's common ground. "And we were interested in their one man-one engine concept, where one guy literally builds each engine and signs his name on a little plaque on the motor," Farrell adds. "They're obsessed with performance, with craftsmanship, to the point that they say, 'I made the thing.' That was a mind-blowing idea for me. You lose a lot of personal touch with mass-market things. But AMG is built on that." His first splurge after finding success as a musician was a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG super sedan and he recently ordered a brand-new, 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63S super sedan. The band, which has been working off and on a new album since 2014's The Hunting Party, says, "For the first time, the lyrics [have] led the whole process." But as for what they might be centered on? "There's a song [about being] in a relationship where you're bashing against each other and you know why you're doing it but you keep doing it," Shinoda says. "I actually listened back to one track the other day, and if I looked at it through the eyes of the election, it was very appropriate." San Juan (Argentina) (AFP) - Lionel Messi announced a press boycott here Tuesday to protest against a journalist who alleged team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi had used marijuana at Argentina's training base. Standing in front of the entire Argentina squad at a post-match news conference following his team's 3-0 win over Colombia, Messi said the players would no longer speak to press following the controversy. "We have made the decision not to talk to the press anymore, obviously you know why," the Argentina captain said. "There were a lot of accusations, a lot of disrespect, and the accusations they made against 'Pocho' (Lavezzi) are very serious," the Barcelona superstar said. Messi, who scored a stunning free-kick goal and set up two others in Argentina's convincing win, said the team were happy to take genuine criticism of their performances as he explained the boycott. "We know that most of you guys don't play that game of disrespect. We can be criticised if we lose, or win, or if we play well or badly. But this is getting into personal lives," Messi said. "If we don't put a stop to it now, we'll never stop it." Lavezzi, who plays for Chinese side Hebei Fortune, was accused by an Argentine radio journalist on Twitter of smoking marijuana in the team's training camp. Lavezzi has denied the claim and vowed to take legal action against the journalist involved for "false statements against me and the serious damage that have generated to my family and in my work." The 31-year-old played no part in last Thursday's 3-0 loss to Brazil and was left off the substitutes bench for Tuesday's match against Colombia. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's foreign ministry announced fresh steps on Wednesday to provide support to Mexican citizens living in the United States following the victory in last week's U.S. presidential election by Donald Trump, who has promised to crack down on immigrants in the country illegally. The ministry said it was acting to help Mexicans avoid fraud and abuses in the United States. It said it would expand the availability of mobile consulate services to reach more migrants in their communities, establish a 24-hour telephone line for questions about immigration, and provide more appointments for migrants to get passports, birth certificates and consular identification cards. The ministry also said Mexico will "strengthen dialogue" with U.S. state and local authorities to protect its citizens, and added that migrants in the United States should "avoid any conflict situation" and stay out of trouble with the law. Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, said in an interview with the CBS program "60 Minutes" that aired on Sunday that his administration would focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records. Trump said during the campaign he would deport the estimated 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally. During the campaign, Trump also promised to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border with Mexico paying for it, accused Mexico of sending rapists and drug runners into the United States and threatened to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump's surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8 has shaken Mexico, pushing the beleaguered peso to record lows and forcing the government into crisis mode as it seeks to protect bilateral trade. (Reporting by Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein and Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Will Dunham) [November 15, 2016] FogHorn Returns to GE Minds+Machines MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FogHorn Systems, a leading developer of edge intelligence software for industrial and commercial Internet of Things (IoT) applications, announced its return to GE Minds+Machines conference in San Francisco as an exhibitor/partner. During the event, the company will demonstrate its Lightning intelligent edge software that it introduced earlier this year. The demonstrations will take place in the events exhibition hall. GE has been tremendously supportive in our efforts to drive the kinds of breakthroughs that edge intelligence is bringing to Industrial IoT, said FogHorn CEO David C. King. Our efforts now span a broad cross section of GEs industrial sectors including locomotives, wind turbines and their Brilliant Factory for manufacturing. Our goal is to bring large scale analytics and decision making as close as possible to the actual machinery and operations to increase efficiency and to accelerate machine learning and automated decision making. During Mnds+Machines 2016, FogHorn will showcase live demonstrations related to industrial grade capacitor manufacturing including a data characterization use case for a coil winding machine and an oil filling station use case for detecting anomalies such as the filling of the wrong type of oil. Visitors to the FogHorn booth can also see live demos of the companys Lightning intelligent edge software platform and user interface for industrial IoT solutions. For additional information or a product demonstration Visit the FogHorn at GE Minds+Machines or, if you are unable to attend, send an email to [email protected] for an individual demonstration. About FogHorn Systems FogHorn is a leading developer of edge intelligence software for industrial and commercial IoT application solutions. FogHorns software platform brings the power of advanced analytics and machine learning to the on-premise edge environment enabling a new class of applications for advanced monitoring and diagnostics, machine performance optimization, proactive maintenance and operational intelligence use cases. FogHorns technology is ideally suited for OEMs, systems integrators and end customers in manufacturing, power and water, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, transportation, healthcare, retail, as well as Smart Grid, Smart City, Smart Building and connected vehicle applications. FogHorn Energy Forecasting Demo FogHorn and Lightning are trademarks of FogHorn Systems. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Media Contact Mike Downes [email protected] +1 808-387-2181 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Mexico City (AFP) - Days after Donald Trump vowed to deport undocumented migrants with criminal records, Mexico's government told its citizens in the United States to "stay calm" and launched a hotline to report "incidents." In the wake of Trump's presidential election last week, the foreign ministry unveiled 11 actions that it will undertake through its embassy and 50 consulates in the United States so Mexicans can "avoid being victims of abuses and fraud." "Fellow citizens, these are uncertain times. Stay calm. Don't fall into provocations and don't let yourself be fooled," Foreign Minister Claudia Ruiz Massieu said in a video message posted on Twitter. The program, she said, aims to give information about the "possible immigration actions" that could take place "from February." While Ruiz Massieu did not mention US President-elect Trump, the Republican billionaire will take office on January 20 following his surprise victory in the November 8 election. Trump said in an interview with CBS television's "60 Minutes" program broadcast Sunday that as many as three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records would be deported or incarcerated. Ruiz Massieu later told El Universal that while it remains to be seen what will happen when Trump takes office, for now his plan "does not appear very different" from President Barack Obama's policy of prioritizing deportations of criminals. The United States has an estimated 11-12 million undocumented migrants, mostly of Mexican origin. Trump infuriated Mexicans calling migrants from their country "rapists" and drug runners when he launched his campaign last year, vowing to build a border wall to keep them out. The Mexican foreign ministry said it would activate a free 1-800 hotline, open 24 hours per day, "to deal with any doubts about immigration measures or report incidents." Story continues The ministry said its program includes urging Mexicans "to avoid any situation of conflict and not commit actions that can lead to administrative or criminal sanctions." The government is also deploying more mobile "consulates on wheels" and increasing appointments for passports. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Carlos Manuel Sada, told reporters in Mexico City that the government has immigration lawyers in the neighboring country who can help. "We will be closer to you than ever to keep you informed, accompany you and defend you," Ruiz Massieu said. "You are not alone, we are with you," she said. President Enrique Pena Nieto plans to meet with Trump, possibly before the president-elect's inauguration in January. Pena Nieto's spokesman, Eduardo Sanchez, said the government wants to discuss Trump's deportation plan with the incoming administration. Enrique Morones, director of the California-based immigrant rights group Border Angels, told AFP that the Mexican government's measures "won't be enough, though they help." Immigrants could be more vulnerable to fraud schemes from fake immigration lawyers who promise to help them legalize their situations for $8,000, he said. Morones said it was important for Mexico's government to act because "hate incidents have increased since the Trump campaign began." VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Mezzi Holdings Inc. ("MEZZI","MEZZI BRAND GROUP" or the "Company") (TSX-V: MZI, FRA: 0MZ) is pleased to provide a corporate update for its MEZZI Smart Luxury brand of tech-integrated accessories. Sales results for the month of October including pre-orders and fulfilled transactions exceeded $204,000. During the month of October, the Company sold out of its existing MEZZI inventories and has now begun pre-selling its next production run. These new inventories will be available for deliveries prior to the end of November. Based on existing distribution agreements, the Company has reoccurring orders for nearly 500 bags per month. The Company is also pleased to announce that it will be opening a retail space for December and January at Tsawwassen Mills, the newest premium shopping centre in Greater Vancouver and the largest built in Canada since 2009. "We're thrilled with the progress of the Company, the brand building and dedication to only the best quality products are paying off. We are excited to restock our most popular styles in time for the holidays while continuing to launch all-new styles along with further technology innovation," commented Keir Reynolds, chief executive officer. About MEZZI BRAND GROUP MEZZI Brand Group is a Vancouver-based consumer accessory brand management company. We believe that great brands are built one great product and one valued customer at a time. We have gathered a group of young talented experts ranging from accessory design, product development, marketing, branding, e-commerce, digital media and PR to build and scale our millennial-customer focused brands. A well-defined, strategic philosophy and clear mission statement promotes and protects MEZZI Brand Group's most valuable assets our brands MEZZI Smart Luxury, Capital Eyewear and MLine Cases. For further information, please contact: Mr. Keir Reynolds CEO Tel: (778) 998-9242 Email: keir@mezzi.com Story continues ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Keir Reynolds Chief Executive Officer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Mezzi Holdings Inc. Not since John F. Kennedy, whose father, Joseph P. Kennedy, had once owned a major movie studio, and Ronald Reagan, movie star and California governor, has a president-elect been on such familiar terms with the leaders of the American media business. And to add to all the other Donald Trump paradoxes - rich man but populist leader, social liberal but head of the Republican Party, libertine but beloved by evangelicals - he's a mogul buddy but at war with the media. CBS Corp. chairman Leslie Moonves, Disney chairman Bob Iger, 21st Century Fox and News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch, WME-IMG co-CEO Ari Emanuel, CNN Worldwide chief Jeff Zucker, former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes and Viacom and CBS controlling shareholder Sumner Redstone (and his daughter, Shari, now running her father's interests) are all people Trump includes, some perhaps to their surprise, in his friendship circle. For his part, many of these relationships represent years of courtship by Trump and stroking for access to red-carpet events and, not least of all, to advancing his own media profile. Getty Images Throughout his public life, media has been as much his home as the real estate business. Indeed, Trump owns a prime show business residence in Beverly Hills on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Sunset Boulevard. But it's now a relationship that shifts suddenly and dramatically from courtier, supplicant and hanger-on - a constant presence knocking at the media door - to him having not just significant and possibly frightening power over the media business but to being the literal center of attention of the world and hence the media's prime subject. Read more: Jeffrey Katzenberg Pens Open Letter to Hollywood After Trump Victory If, as might fairly be assumed, his becomes an especially stage-managed presidency - a 24/7 media opportunity - the symbiotic relationship becomes even more intense. The Kennedy presidency may be the helpful model here, one in which the political and media side each recognized its unique usefulness to the other. Trump, ever buoyed by the media, is a can't-look-away, moneymaking media sensation - the ultimate star. Of course, Kennedy represented a new high-glamour, whereas Trump is rather reverse-glamour - reality-show stuff befitting his ascension to national stardom via NBC's The Apprentice. Story continues The media establishment, all except Murdoch and Ailes, officially supported Hillary Clinton and the progressive, globalist politics of the Democrats. As much as Trump tried to suggest a special relationship during the campaign with various media moguls, most tried to distance themselves from his candidacy and its vitriol. (Moonves' cheerful assessment that while Trump may not be good for America, he was "good for CBS" continued to cause the executive minor grief throughout the campaign.) While the media, in its better self, might see its values as represented by the multicultural and feminist politics of late-night comedy shows, it has, as an industry, never encountered a zeitgeist and power shift that it has not enthusiastically embraced. Newscom Every programming executive now is wrestling with the sudden rediscovery and triumph of a white America that, while once media's bread-and-butter subject, has, for a generation, been pushed to media's dustheap. At Fox News, where Ailes, arguably the architect of the new American populism, was ousted this summer over many of the same accusations leveled against the new president, there is a sense, reportedly shared by Rupert Murdoch himself, that social currents might have been seriously misread. In the wreckage of political assumptions, and following embarrassingly premature jockeying for influence at the would-be Clinton White House, and now, amid ominous utterances about the administration's low media regard, the media more than ever needs to remind Trump of its usefulness and friendship. Zucker, who commissioned The Apprentice when he ran NBC, and then, as head of CNN, focused on near nonstop coverage of Trump during the primary season, seemed to have fallen out of Trump's favor as CNN became a bete noire of the candidate's anti-media campaign. But Trump - add another paradox - continues to like Zucker personally and value his advice. During the campaign, Trump flatly opposed the merger plan of AT&T and Time Warner, CNN's parent. Some view Zucker as a key figure in helping to get the deal through regulatory hurdles during a Trump presidency - and thereby helping himself to the job of Time Warner's next CEO as a reward. Read more: Megyn Kelly Gets Candid: "Dangerous" Roger Ailes, Her Trump Saga, That Offer and Why She Won't Call Herself a Feminist WME's Emanuel, who once represented Trump, has been identified by the president-elect as a close confidant in the media as well as a late-night telephone pal. Emanuel could be a bridge to the media industry and - given his brother, former Obama chief of staff and current Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, has close connections with Democrats - to the Clinton-Obama world. It is curiously the Murdoch family, the standard-bearers of conservative-leaning media, who may be out. Not only did Murdoch himself oppose Trump from early in the campaign, the Murdoch sons were the prime movers in the ouster of Trump's friend Ailes. But even more personally, Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, two of Trump's most important advisers, remain close to Murdoch's former wife Wendi, effectively choosing her in the divorce. She, presumably, will be the Murdoch with the closest White House ties. Likewise, Ailes, officially or not, is expected to be an important voice in the Trump White House. Getty Images Even though Trump might promise a battle with the media - his elevation of Breitbart chief Steve Bannon to high status in the new administration additionally pits alternative media against mainstream - he nevertheless sees the world through a media lens. Like the Kennedy and Reagan White Houses, Trump's promises to be character-driven rather than policy-driven. Governing will be a form of theater, its effectiveness measured by audience response. In this, the media becomes his partner, willingly or not. This story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. BRUSSELS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Microsoft has offered concessions to EU antitrust regulators over its $26 billion bid for social network LinkedIn, the European Commission said on Wednesday. The move came after the EU competition enforcer expressed concerns about the deal at a meeting with Microsoft executives. The Commission, which will rule on the deal by Dec. 6, did not provide details. It is expected to seek feedback from rivals and customers before deciding whether to accept the concessions, demand more or open a full investigation. The U.S. software company is making its largest ever acquisition, which will allow it to add a suite of sales, marketing and recruiting services to its core business products as it gears up for next-generation computing. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop) By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Microsoft has offered concessions to EU antitrust regulators over its $26 billion bid for social network LinkedIn, the European Commission said on Wednesday, as the U.S. software company seeks to allay concerns over its largest ever deal. The move came after the EU competition enforcer expressed concerns about the deal at a meeting with Microsoft executives last week. The Commission, which will rule on the deal by Dec. 6, did not provide details. It is expected to seek feedback from rivals and customers before deciding whether to accept the concessions, demand more or open a full investigation. Microsoft declined to comment. The LinkedIn acquisition will allow it to add a suite of sales, marketing and recruiting services to its core business products as it gears up for next-generation computing. LinkedIn makes most of its $3 billion annual revenue from job hunters and recruiters who pay a monthly fee to post resumes and connect with people. U.S. rival Salesforce, which lost out on the bidding for LinkedIn, has warned of the threat to innovation and competition and urged regulators to examine the antitrust and data privacy issues thoroughly before clearing the deal. Microsoft however sees competition from social network Facebook and wants regulators to take that into account, people familiar with the matter said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Alexandra Hudson) Rome (AFP) - More than 240 people have died in migrant boat sinkings in the Mediterranean this week, officials said Wednesday as horrifying new testimony emerged from survivors of another tragedy. Departures from Libya are continuing unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with over 3,200 people rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies since Saturday. The total is the same as for the whole month of November 2015. The new death toll was based on information gathered by the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or lost when a dinghy sank on Monday. Some 95 others are presumed dead after another dinghy sank on Tuesday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Italy's coastguard said 580 people had been brought to safety Wednesday in five separate rescue operations, with one body recovered. The deaths were not limited to the perilous crossing between Libya and Italy. On Wednesday the bodies of four male migrants, aged between 20 and 40, were found in a boat that ran into trouble off Greece. The Greek coastguard said it had spotted the boat some 15 nautical miles off the island of Thassos "with a total of 19 people on board, four of whom had lost consciousness", probably due to hypothermia. - Death toll likely 'much higher' - The survivors of Monday's shipwreck off Libya -- overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa -- arrived Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. They had set off from Libya on Sunday night with about 150 people on board, "so there would be about 135 missing," UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP. "Their dinghy, which was already in a poor state, began taking on water several hours after they set off. It then overturned, tipping all 150 into the sea. Only 15 managed to survive by clinging to a part of the vessel which floated," he said. Story continues "They stayed like that several hours before help arrived," he added. The latest deaths lift the total number of migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said the true toll is higher "as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported". - 'Departures organised in waves' - The charity blamed "the changing approach of smuggling networks" which it said showed "an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers". "Whereas in past years, crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves," it said in a statement. "Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies... search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever," it added. Over 167,000 people have been brought to safety in Italy since the start of the year, according to the interior ministry. The figure has already passed the 153,000 number recorded in 2015 and is closing in on the 170,000 figure recorded in 2014. Rome (AFP) - Fresh testimony Wednesday from survivors of a deadly shipwreck in the Mediterranean raised the likely death toll for the past 48 hours to 240 people, confirming fears of rescuers who had warned dozens probably died. The new tally is based on information gathered by the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or lost when a dinghy sank on Monday. Some 95 others were feared dead after another dinghy sank on Tuesday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Monday's survivors arrived early Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. "The survivors told us that there were about 150 people on board, so there would be about 135 missing," UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP. The migrants are overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa. The latest deaths will lift the total number of migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said Wednesday that "it is almost certain that the true death toll is much higher than the recorded figure as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported". The rate of departures from the North African coast continues unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with over 2,700 people having been rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies off Libya since SatuAlso - srday. Video footage released by MOAS showed survivors on board one of its rescue vessels howling with grief as the body of a victim is carried on board, wrapped in a white sheet. The charity blamed "the changing approach of smuggling networks" which it said showed "an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers". Story continues "Whereas in past years, crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves," it said in a statement. "Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies... search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever," it added. Over 167,000 people have been brought to safety in Italy since the start of the year, according to the interior ministry. The figure has already passed the 153,000 number recorded in 2015 and is closing in on the 170,000 figure recorded in 2014. By Steve Gorman (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has offered to pay $132 million to settle hundreds of child sex abuse claims against its clergy under a revised bankruptcy reorganization plan filed in court on Tuesday. The archdiocese, one of 15 U.S. Catholic districts and religious orders driven to seek Chapter 11 protection by the church's sex abuse scandal, said its plan would mark the second-largest such bankruptcy settlement of pedophile priest claims in America. The sum is more than double the $65 million previously offered by the archdiocese and rejected by plaintiffs. But lawyers representing the bulk of nearly 450 claims at stake in St. Paul-Minneapolis denounced the latest proposal as still far too small and accused church officials of trying to conceal their ability to pay much more. The San Diego diocese settled sex abuse claims in 2007 for a total of $198 million after filing for Chapter 11. The Los Angeles archdiocese, the nation's largest, reached a $660 million civil settlement the same year, though that was not part of a bankruptcy proceeding. Those agreements amounted to about $825,000 and $780,000 per victim, respectively, according to the watchdog website BishopAccountability.org. Spread evenly across the Twin Cities claims, each victim there stands to gain less than $300,000 under the archdiocese's amended plan, plaintiffs attorney Mike Finnegan said. The bankruptcy there stems from child sexual abuse complaints lodged against dozens of priests dating from the 1950s to 2011, Finnegan said. The archdiocese, serving some 800,000 Catholics in 187 parishes and 90 schools, has identified more than 60 priests - none of them still in the clergy - for whom credible evidence of sexual abuse has been unearthed. The former archbishop and one of his deputies resigned last June over their links to a former priest who pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct with minors and pornography and was sentenced to five years in prison. Story continues Finnegan said Tuesday's settlement offer was structured to minimize the church's financial hit. The archdiocese would contribute $13 million of its own money, equivalent to just 1 percent of total assets if all parish and school properties were counted, he said. Finnegan also said the archdiocese and its three largest insurers cut deals without input from the victims, resulting in insurance contributions that let those companies "off the hook." Archdiocese attorney Charles Rogers countered that the proposal would rank as the largest reported insurance settlement of any U.S. Catholic sex abuse case to date, even though one insurer involved was itself undergoing bankruptcy. Two more insurers had yet to settle with the archdiocese, he said. Rogers noted that a bankruptcy judge has dismissed the plaintiffs' bid to include the parish, school and foundation assets of the archdiocese in the reorganization, ruling that those entities were incorporated separately. That decision is under appeal. Finnegan said the reorganization plan, while omitting parish assets from the settlement, would wipe their liabilities clean, thus sparing them from more than 300 separate sex abuse civil claims pending against the parishes. The next hearing on the matter, focused on financial disclosure, is set for Dec. 15. (Reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Rory Carroll (Reuters) - A Minnesota police officer was charged with second-degree manslaughter on Wednesday for the fatal shooting of a black motorist that sparked outrage when the moments that followed were broadcast on social media. St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez broke the law when he shot and killed Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, a St. Paul suburb, during a traffic stop, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said. Yanez's attorney could not be reached for comment but Dennis Flaherty, head of the Minnesota police union, said the police community was disappointed and expected Yanez to plead not guilty. Choi said Yanez feared Castile was reaching for a gun he had just calmly said he had in his possession, moments before being shot seven times by the officer. A moaning Castile's final words after being shot were, "I wasn't reaching for it," according to Choi, who said the conversation was picked up by a microphone Yanez was wearing. Starting about 40 seconds after the shooting, Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was sitting in the vehicle's passenger seat, streamed images of a bloody Castile on Facebook live, and the recording went viral on social media. The incident began shortly after 9 p.m. local time on July 6, when Yanez pulled Castile over on suspicion of involvement of a robbery, Choi said. Castile had no involvement in the robbery, he added. Castile, in a non-threatening manner, told the officer about the firearm he was carrying, Choi said. Yanez interrupted and replied, "OK," placed his hand on his gun, and then said, "OK, don't reach for it then." Castile tried to respond but was interrupted by Yanez, who said, "Don't pull it out." Castile and Reynolds both responded he was not. Yanez then screamed, "Don't pull it out," drew his own gun, and fired. Another officer standing on the car's passenger side said he did not see Castile make any sudden movements and was surprised by the shots, Choi said. Story continues When officers and paramedics were moving Castile, they found a 40-caliber semiautomatic handgun in his right front pocket that had a loaded magazine but no round in chamber. At the hospital, Castile's wallet contained a driver's license and his permit to carry a pistol. "I cannot allow the death of a motorist who was lawfully carrying a firearm under these facts and circumstances to go unaccounted for," Choi said. Before Yanez, no officer had been charged in more than 150 police-involved deaths in Minnesota since 2000, according to the Star Tribune newspaper. If convicted of the manslaughter charge, Yanez could serve almost 5 years in prison. Yanez was also charged with two felony counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm that endangered the safety of Reynolds and her four-year-old daughter, who was also in the car. Asked why he did not charge Yanez with more serious offense, Choi said this was the "highest, most provable offense." Choi said he met with Castile's family on Tuesday night and informed them of the charges. "The family is pleased with that recommendation because we know what type of charges could be brought about by the statutes of Minnesota laws," Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, told reporters. "We're here in solidarity, my family and I, to support that decision." She also called for peace as the legal process continues. Castile was remembered as a gentle man who was so smart he was considered over-qualified for his cafeteria supervisor job at a Minnesota public school, where kids loved him, according to friends, family and others. Because the case is ongoing, Choi said he would not release the police car's video and audio. Yanez will make his first appearance in criminal court on Friday. (Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Alan Crosby, Steve Orlofsky and Ben Klayman) [November 15, 2016] 365 Data Centers Partners with Zayo to Expand Connectivity to the Cloud in Tier 2 Cities EMERYVILLE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 365 Data Centers, a leading edge colocation provider in tier two markets, today announced a strategic alliance with Zayo (NYSE: ZAYO), the global leader in communications infrastructure. Zayo will provide 365 Data Centers' customers with secure, high-performance connectivity to 11 of its 13 data centers across the country. Together, Zayo and 365 Data Centers are ensuring customers get the service and connectivity they need to public and private clouds. Zayo's cloud and data center connectivity solutions provide dedicated, high-capacity transport over its fiber backbone. Private network configurations assure predictable performance and a high level of security vs. public internet-based connections. Zayo provides connectivity to 11 out of 13 of 365 Data Centers' carrier neutral facilities in Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Emeryville, Indianapolis, Nashville, New York, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Jose. All of 365 Data Centers' facilities are HIPAA, PCI DSS, SSAE 16, SOC 2 and ISAE 3402 compliant and feature redundant power, cooling, connectiity and 7x24x365 security. 365 Data Centers has a ten-year record of 100 percent uptime across all of its facilities. "The alliance with Zayo is beneficial for customers of both 365 and Zayo," said John Scanlon, CEO of 365 Data Centers. "Many of today's enterprise IT architectures are designed to leverage the advantages of professionally-managed data centers combined with direct, Layer 2 access to the cloud. This is exactly what customers get with Zayo and 365." "Zayo enables our customers private access to the cloud from more tier two markets at the edge," said Sandi Mays, CIO at Zayo. "This relationship with 365 Data Centers is an excellent option for our existing customers and makes our network and services available to more 365 Data Centers' customers." About 365 Data Centers 365 Data Centers is the leading data center solutions provider for cloud, content, carriers and enterprises in tier 2 markets. We operate 13 U.S. data centers and help hundreds of businesses to improve user experience, reduce cost and speed innovation by leveraging our secure, carrier-neutral and reliable edge colocation services. With 100% uptime and industry compliance, 365 ensures that mission-critical application infrastructure is highly available and conveniently accessible. 365 is a privately held company based in Emeryville, California. For more information, visit http://365datacenters.com. About Zayo Group Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ZAYO) provides communications infrastructure services, including fiber and bandwidth connectivity, colocation and cloud services to the world's leading businesses. Customers include wireless and wireline carriers, media and content companies and finance, healthcare and other large enterprises. Zayo's 112,600-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. In addition to high-capacity dark fiber, wavelength, Ethernet and other connectivity solutions, Zayo offers colocation and cloud services in its carrier-neutral data centers. Zayo provides clients with flexible, customized solutions and self-service through Tranzact, an innovative online platform for managing and purchasing bandwidth and services. For more information, visit zayo.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160105/319353LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/365-data-centers-partners-with-zayo-to-expand-connectivity-to-the-cloud-in-tier-2-cities-300363473.html SOURCE 365 Data Centers [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] It doesnt look like theres much to celebrate, in Celebration, Florida. The Walt Disney Co.built town, which opened in 1996 and sits in an 11-square-mile enclave near the Magic Kingdom, was designed to be a modern-day suburban Utopia. But a new report in The Wall Street Journal paints a picture far less colorful. Condominium owners there tell the paper that 20 years after its opening, their properties in Celebration are plagued with problems, including leaky roofs, moldy walls, and balconies that have separated from the sides of their buildings. Gone are the perfect pastel-colored, picket-fenced homes. Now, columns holding up some of the buildings are rotting, blue tarps cover leaky structures, and temporary beams support broken balconies. Residents say their homes are so dilapidated, they havent been able to sell them. We bought cabins on the Titanic, 73-year-old resident Cookie Kelly to the Journal. In April, the condo owners association reportedly opened a civil suit against private-equity firm Lexin Capital, which bought the town center from Disney in 2004, and is being asked to pay between $15 million and $20 million in repairs. RELATED: Heres How Much It Would Cost to Live Like a Gilmore Girls Character The town has a population of about 10,000 people spread across 105 condo units and about 4,000 single-family homes, the Journal reports. Metin Negrin, Lexin Capital president, told the paper that many of the problems the town is experiencing stem from Disneys development. While the company hired world-famous architects to design many of the buildings, those architects had made basic mistakes including not taking Floridas humid climate into consideration. In some buildings walls are lined with nylon which traps water and causes rotting. Others have balconies that slope toward the building, instead of away from them, Negrin explains. The town does have wear and tear Im not going to dispute that, he told the Journal. no amount of maintenance could have avoided these kinds of issues because it wasnt built properly. We feel we are victims here too. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: California Grandpa Builds Disneyland-Themed Backyard Park to Give Grandkids a Reason to Come Over to My House! Negrin estimates repairs would be closer to $5 million including the $1 already spent. He also said the condo association has avoided paying its dues for upkeep of the buildings throughout the years instead the association has expressed they feel Lexin Capital should cover the cost. RELATED: Everything You Need for Your Home from Oprahs Favorite Things A Disney spokesperson told the Journal that none of the buildings in Celebration had structural problems during the tenure of their ownership. While Disney is no longer responsible for maintenance since the sale, some property owners told the Journal that theyd like to see Disney step in to help. Theres nothing more insulting with the 20th anniversary . . . than to parade people through, whitewash the front of the buildings, put lipstick on a pig, said condo board president Laurel Rousseau. Meanwhile we have condos we cant sell. Baghdad (AFP) - Iraqi forces have broken into jihadist-held Mosul and recaptured neighbourhoods inside the city, but a month into their offensive, there are still weeks or more of potentially heavy fighting ahead. Iraq launched the massive operation to recapture Mosul, which has been held by the Islamic State group since 2014, on October 17, advancing on the city from the north, east and south. Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service and regular army soldiers have retaken areas on its eastern side from IS, but forces on other fronts have yet to enter the city. "Fighting inside of the city is likely to grow increasingly more difficult as the (Iraqi forces) progress through Mosul's more modern eastern neighbourhoods towards its older, denser centre," said Patrick Martin, an Iraq analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. The jihadists' "use of tunnels, human shields, suicide car bombs, and other attack capabilities will become harder to counter as fighters are forced into closer quarters by the nature of the city's geography," Martin said. But Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy cautioned that the nature of IS defences deeper in the city remains unclear. "We don't know if the current fighting represents the most heavily fortified (and) defended neighbourhoods or a precursor to the toughest fighting" in the old city, Knights said. "We could be fighting through a hard crust with a soft inside, or it could be all hard," he said. - Third of eastern Mosul retaken - The United States has said that hundreds of IS fighters have been killed since the offensive began, but those figures cannot be independently confirmed. Iraqi forces have not released information about their casualties. Interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan has said that more than a third of eastern Mosul has been retaken, but that would still leave a significant part of the east and all of the west -- which is expected to put up the toughest resistance -- in IS hands. Story continues Iraqi Kurdish forces played a role in the early days of the Mosul operation, but said after recapturing the town of Bashiqa to the city's east that their offensive participation in the battle is over. Interior ministry forces, including the elite Rapid Response Division, as well as soldiers on the southern front have had the longest way to go to reach Mosul, but they are now nearing the airport on its southern outskirts. A US-led coalition is carrying out air and artillery strikes in support of Iraqi forces, and said it has targeted the jihadists with thousands of bombs, missiles, rockets and shells. The Popular Mobilisation forces, an umbrella group for pro-government paramilitaries that is dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias, began an operation to retake the town of Tal Afar, on the western approach to Mosul, at the end of last month. They have since retaken a series of villages as they push west toward Tal Afar, which was seized by IS along with swathes of other territory north and west of Baghdad in 2014. Inside Mosul, Iraqi forces "still must advance towards the Tigris River that bisects Mosul as well as clear the entire western half of the city," Martin said. Knights said the level of IS resistance in Mosul "is much higher" than that faced in the battles for Tikrit and Fallujah, two cities that Iraqi forces recaptured from the jihadists. - Danger for civilians - Civilians are already in danger of being caught in the crossfire and used as human shields by IS, a risk that may grow as Iraqi forces push deeper into Mosul. Mosul residents told AFP that IS had sought to forcibly gather civilians for apparent use as human shields, while the UN rights office said it had received reports of the jihadists seizing thousands of people and executing scores. Aid workers have warned that up to a million people could be displaced by the Mosul operation. While those numbers have yet to materialise, more than 56,000 people have been displaced since the operation began, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Some people have remained in Mosul after areas have been recaptured from IS, but civilians, especially children who go out to play, are still at risk even after the jihadists are gone from the immediate area. One boy was killed and another had his leg ripped open by mortar fire in east Mosul earlier this week, while a field clinic in the area also recently treated a young girl whose leg was hit by shrapnel. "Families from Mosul are in perilous situations, both those who are still in their homes and those fleeing amidst heavy fighting," said IOM Iraq chief of mission Thomas Lothar Weiss. "They have witnessed extreme violence and continue to be at risk." Aden (AFP) - Heavy fighting between government forces and rebels in north and west Yemen has left 51 dead, as a new peace efforts appeared to stumble, military officials said Wednesday. They said forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have clashed since Tuesday with Shiite Huthi rebels and allied renegade troops in the country's northwest, near the border with Saudi Arabia. The fighting as loyalists launched an attack on three fronts to recapture the coastal town of Midi and nearby Haradh, the officials said. Fifteen loyalists and 23 rebels were killed in the fighting, the officials said. "Our military operations will continue until we push them out," said army Colonel Abdul Ghani al-Shubaili, whose forces had air support from a Saudi-led Arab coalition. Elsewhere, nine rebels and four soldiers were killed in fighting on the outskirts of the flashpoint city of Taez, in southwest Yemen, military officials said. Pro-Hadi forces have advanced towards the city's presidential residence and police headquarters, both under rebel control, witnesses said, reporting heavy fighting and loud explosions that shook the city. Fighting in Taez and its surroundings on Tuesday killed 39 people, including five civilians, 20 soldiers and 14 rebels, military officials said. The UN says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded in Yemen since the Arab coalition launched a military campaign in March 2015 in support of the government against the Iran-backed rebels. Millions are in need of food aid, and another 21 million people urgently need health services, according to the United Nations. US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday that rebels were ready to observe a ceasefire plan taking effect this week, but the government swiftly dismissed the proposal. Kerry spoke a day after meeting Huthi negotiators in Oman, but Hadi's government said it was not aware of any new peace initiative. Six attempts to clinch a ceasefire in Yemen have foundered, including a three-day October truce that fell apart as soon as it went into force. It was designed to allow aid deliveries to millions of homeless and hungry Yemenis. By Davide Scigliuzzo NEW YORK, Nov 16 (IFR) - Energy bond trader Dennis Lu will join Credit Suisse in February as the Swiss bank seeks to capture opportunities in the volatile sector, according to an internal memo seen by IFR. Lu will join Credit Suisse's investment-grade trading desk in February, reporting to Steven Feinberg, the bank's head of investment-grade trading for the Americas. "While we are focused on optimizing and driving efficiencies throughout our division, we are also looking for areas of strategic investment so that we can continue to grow and take advantage of our pipeline," Credit Suisse said in the memo announcing Lu's hire on Wednesday. "Dennis is a well-known Energy trader who will strengthen our team in a segment of the market that has strong volumes and volatility which presents tremendous opportunity." Lu has 25 years of experience in the industry and spent the last five years at Deutsche Bank as a managing director. Prior to that, he held roles at Barclays and Lehman Brothers. (Reporting by Davide Scigliuzzo; Editing by Natalie Harrison and Shankar Ramakrishnan) From Esquire As we transition from stodgy old democracy to whatever it is that comes next, I plan to cling to Lily Tomlin's legendary rule for living-that no matter how cynical you are, you can never keep up. As near as I can tell, the Trump transition process is five-alarms in Shanghai. In the last two days, we have had reports that people are throwing things at each other in Trump Tower. Mike Rogers, who nobody ever confused with Howard Zinn, is talking about a "Stalinesque purge" of Trump supporters who were loyal to Chris Christie, which comes as a shock to those of us who can't believe anyone is still loyal to Big Chicken at all, what with half his New Jersey brain trust rolling like hoops on each other. Cabinet possibilities are being run through the gabble of a national media that really doesn't know a lot more than anyone else does. Secretary of Education? Ben Carson on Monday, Michelle Rhee on Monday night. Neither choice is less catastrophic than the other, but Carson dropped on Tuesday on the completely believable grounds that he doesn't know anything about any of the departments of the federal government. From The Daily Beast: Ultimately, Williams said, "Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, he's never run a federal agency. The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency." The Hill reported from a "Carson ally," however, that Carson was specifically offered a job as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Well, all right, then. Anybody else got a suggestion? Who does the cleaning guy want for HUD? Kindly Doc Maddow pointed out on her show Monday night that, so far, the president-elect and/or his staff have not yet returned calls from the Departments of State and Defense, as well as calls from the CIA and the NSA. This must make people in those minor federal agencies a little verklempt. Stories are leaking that the president had to point out to the president-elect that the job of being president is harder than it looks. And the president-elect wants to give some of his children, the ones who will be running his blind trust, which is neither, top-security clearance because there's nothing that can possibly go wrong with that. And that was just the last two days. Story continues Because I am not a member of any of his targeted groups-yet;he'll get around to scurvy bloggers eventually-I am less afraid of what might happen to me because of what the president-elect has promised than I am of the fact that the president-elect seems to know less about the job to which he was elected than do most of the inhabitants of the National Zoo. My internal organs began to liquefy on Sunday night when, under not-entirely-hostile questions from 60 Minutes' Lesley Stahl, the president-elect clearly didn't know how the Supreme Court works, nor did he know how its decisions operate on the country at large. "They'll be pro-life, they'll be - in terms of the whole gun situation, we know the Second Amendment and everybody's talking about the Second Amendment and they're trying to dice it up and change it, they're going to be very pro-Second Amendment. But having to do with abortion if it ever were overturned, it would go back to the states. So it would go back to the states and -" "Yeah, but then some women won't be able to get an abortion?" Stahl asked. "No, it'll go back to the states," Trump replied. And if some states ban it? "Yeah, well, they'll perhaps have to go - they'll have to go to another state," Trump said. OK, I don't agree. But it's not an unfamiliar position. But then they talked about marriage equality and I ended up pretty much being thrown from the vehicle. "Well, I guess the issue for them is marriage equality. Do you support marriage equality?" she asked. "It - it's irrelevant because it was already settled. It's law. It was settled in the Supreme Court. I mean it's done," Trump said. "So even if you appoint a judge that - " Stahl prodded. "It's done. It - you have - these cases have gone to the Supreme Court," Trump said. "They've been settled. And, I'm fine with that." Every president learns on the job. Even presidents who start out as vice-presidents learn on the job. There are vice presidents who have the job dropped on their heads who have to learn on the job, and they get up to speed in a couple of hours. The president-elect doesn't seem to have any clue at all what he's in for, and there doesn't seem to be anyone smart or well-versed enough in either his family or his entourage to sit him down and attach the training wheels except the guy he's replacing. I'm sorry, but this is a little crazy. Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page. You Might Also Like By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Murray trawled deep into his energy reserves to outlast Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-7(9) 6-4 6-4 on Wednesday in the longest match since the ATP World Tour Finals moved to London. The misfiring world number one looked in trouble when Nishikori edged a hair-raising tiebreak to win an 85-minute opening set but hit back to win in three hours and 20 minutes. It was revenge for the five-set defeat he suffered at the hands of Nishikori in the U.S. Open quarter-finals -- his last Tour level loss since embarking on a 21-match winning streak that allowed him to end Novak Djokovic's 122-week hold on power. "I just fought really hard. Kei was making me run and was dictating the points, but then I was starting to get a few free points on my serve and made him work hard on his return," Murray, battling to end the year at number one, said. "I eventually got over the line. These are the sort of matches you work so hard for." With two wins from two in the John McEnroe group, Murray will be assured of a semi-final spot if Marin Cilic beats Stan Wawrinka in the delayed evening session. Murray will want to claim a third group victory against Wawrinka on Friday, however, as that would earn him another 200 rankings points in his bid to stay ahead of Djokovic who is already guaranteed reaching the semis. "Hopefully there will be another three days to this season and I'll do my best to get through them," Murray said. Murray's game was out of kilter throughout a first set in which Nishikori's punchy groundstrokes led the Scot a merry dance. But he stubbornly kept his nose in front. VERBAL AIM He saved break points in the third, fifth and 11th games, took verbal aim at coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his crew and at one point the wedding ring he ties to a lace of his military style black shoes broke loose. Murray scolded himself for wasting a set point at 6-5 on the Nishikori serve and then found himself 6-3 down in a tiebreak that had the O2 Arena crowd on the edge of their seats. Nishikori missed with a running forehand on his first set point before Murray tucked away a forehand to save the second. The Scot saved a third in astonishing fashion as Nishikori, with acre of blue court gaping, swatted a volley that Murray some how clawed back and past him from almost the front row of the seats. A dumbfounded Nishikori then saved two set points -- at 6-7 and 8-9 -- the second when he needed two smashes to get the ball past a clambering Murray. He then converted his fifth set point when Murray yanked a forehand wide. The world number five's level dipped at the start of the second set and Murray broke, only to hand back the advantage as an inspired Nishikori levelled at 4-4 with a fizzing backhand. Murray was on the ropes and Nishikori looked favorite when he had a game point for 5-4 but came up second best in a lung-burning rally that stretched both to breaking point. The Scot duly broke and, with some difficulty, pocketed the second set after Nishikori squandered more break points. Even when Murray went 5-1 ahead in the decider there was still a twist as Nishikori reeled off three games before Murray eventually sealed victory. (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar) Paris (AFP) - It was, on the face of it, one of the biggest art world discoveries in years. Dozens of previously unknown drawings from Vincent Van Gogh's "lost" notebook suddenly surfacing in a cupboard of an old lady's home in southern France. The sketches from the tormented genius' furiously productive time in Arles -- where he cut off his ear after a fight with his friend the painter Paul Gauguin -- seemed to shine a new light on some of his greatest masterpieces. Except at the very moment the highly respected French publishing house Le Seuil was unveiling copies of the 65 sketches to reporters in Paris Tuesday, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam was calling them fakes. That despite the fact that two internationally renowned experts on the Dutch artist had pronounced them to be real. The doyen of the field, 85-year-old British art professor Ronald Pickvance had even called the sketches "the most revolutionary discovery in the entire history of Van Gogh's oeuvre". Within hours the academic disagreement had turned into "slanging match" in the media, with the museum accused of "jealousy" and the judgement of both sides being called into question. So how could specialist opinions be quite so divergent on one of the world's best known and most expensive artists? - Brilliant forgers - Quite easily, according to Stephen Farthing, Professor of Drawing at the University of the Arts London, and a member of the Royal Academy. "There is no absolute way of being certain that anybody made anything," he told AFP. With drawings, it all boils down to "connoisseurship", he argued, because forgers are often well aware of how to beat the science. "I met one very good forger and he went to quite a lot of trouble to get the right paper and ink... There is a methodology to forgery." Philippe Costamagna, one of France's leading curators, said the business of authenticating art was a minefield. Story continues "It is not an exact science and sometimes we make mistakes. That is the problem and the danger of this profession," said the director the Museum of Fine Arts in Ajaccio. With vast sums of money at stake -- seven paintings by Van Gogh have made the top 30 highest auction prices ever -- reputation is everything. Bogomila Welsh-Ovcharov, the Canadian scholar who has staked hers on the drawings being genuine, has already authenticated the so-called Yasuda Van Gogh "Sunflower" painting, which set a new world record when it was sold for $40 million in 1987. Her book, "Vincent Van Gogh, the fog of Arles: the rediscovered sketchbook" detailing the find, will be published in six countries on Thursday despite the controversy. It suggests that the drawings come from a ledger from the Cafe de la Gare in Arles that its owners gave to the artist while he was staying there in 1888. - 'Incontestably Van Gogh' - And on Wednesday Welsh-Ovcharov came out fighting the Van Gogh's Museum's damning description of the sketches as "imitations". She accused them of basing their decision on photographs of the drawings rather than the 10 originals she had brought to them in 2013. "I spent 50 minutes with two of their experts... there was no discussion, no dialogue," she told France Culture radio. "I left that particular conversation totally frustrated... I later discovered they had seen the drawings in 2008 and 2012 and they had made their decision based on photographs." Professor Farthing said that although the museum "obviously has a very good reason to dismiss them... I doubt whether studying even high resolution photographs is the best way to establish whether a drawing is genuine or not." "You need a long conversation with other experts and not go it alone," he said. Welsh-Ovcharov insisted the drawings were "incontestably" Van Gogh's. I am certain these are his drawings, and that they show we have to revise the way we think Van Gogh worked." She said she always knew "this sort of discovery was going to bring an awful lot of cynicism with it". Although not a Van Gogh expert, and having only seen one reproduction, Professor Farthing said that "if it is a Van Gogh it has a very light touch, a much lighter touch than what I would normally associate with him. "He puts a lot of pressure on the paper when he draws because he was a troubled man... Compared to Ingres for example, Van Gogh is a kind of mud wrestler." But forgeries of sketchbooks were rare, he said. "It is pretty unusual to go to all of the work of faking up a sketchbook. You may as well make up one drawing if you are in it for profit." While everyone loves the fun of the hunt for a forger, he said, it was not beyond the bounds of possibility that "someone could have made the book innocently as a kind of homage" to Van Gogh. That said, its supposed discovery in the ruins of "The Yellow House", where Van Gogh lived with Gauguin, after the Allies bombed Arles in 1944, "was almost too good to be true... It ties up questions about provenance rather too neatly," he said. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2016 / Clinical management of pain requires a careful assessment of its history, including frequency, intensity, duration and quality of pain, as well as the impact of pain on daily activities. The accuracy and reliability of a patient's recollection of pain are key in choosing treatment options, such as surgery, drug therapy or physical therapy. Unfortunately, clinicians have little choice but to rely almost entirely on their patients' self-report of pain, which some worry could be too subjective. Dr. Najib Babul, a prominent developer of medicines to treat pain, has studied the accuracy of patients' recall of the pain experience. His conclusion, as reported in peer-reviewed medical journals is that patient recollection of acute pain is generally quite reliable. Dr. Babul's study included 77 hospitalized patients who had undergone orthopedic surgery. After their surgery, under a nurse's supervision, patients were asked to record their pain levels every hour for 48 hours, and were also asked to retrospectively rank their worst, least, and typical pain intensity at the 24 and 48-hour mark. His research showed that their recollection of pain levels correlated accurately with the log of their immediate experience of pain in the same period. Dr. Najib Babul's publications assert that painful experiences, such as a shot at a doctor's office, create powerful memories and that such memories are reliably recalled by patients. Other clinical studies that have proven consistent with Dr. Babul's findings, include one by Dr. Marta Meana, Dean and Professor of Psychology at University of Nevada Las Vegas, who examined the accuracy of pain recall over a month in women with endometriosis. The study is of particular importance because endometriosis diagnosis and treatment decisions continue to be guided by pain level, despite the inconsistent relationship between pain intensity and verifiable organic pathology. Dr. Marta Meana observed that women with endometriosis were "generally quite accurate in their recall of pain experienced over the previous 30 days" and that "physicians may rest assured that the report of pain they are obtaining from the majority of patients is relatively accurate" Story continues "Even verbal stimuli lead to reactions in certain areas of the brain," claims Prof. Dr. Thomas Weiss, a psychologist from the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena in Germany. Dr. Weiss and colleagues were investigating the brain activation elicited by pain-related words. Using functional MRI neuroimaging, their research showed that pain-related words activated regions of the brain associated with the brain's "pain matrix," an extensive cortical network. "After such an experience it is enough to simply imagine a needle at the next vaccination appointment to activate our pain memory," said Dr. Weiss. One explanation is that humans are biologically engineered to remember threatening scenarios so that they can be avoided in the future, an evolutionary advantage. Dr. Najib Babul, PharmD, MBA, is an accomplished pharmaceutical scientist, drug developer, inventor, and biotech entrepreneur. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, the State University of New York, and the California Institute of Advanced Management, he has over two decades of experience in bringing new drugs to market. Dr. Babul is presently a drug development consultant to pharmaceutical companies, specializing in the areas of clinical pharmacology, dosage form design, clinical drug development for acute, chronic, cancer and neuropathic pain, rheumatology, and cancer supportive care. His services include assisting clients with licensing due diligence, orphan drug applications, scientific and regulatory support for FDA and EMA meetings, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), pediatric exclusivity, and obtaining FDA fast track and breakthrough therapy designation. His expertise also extends to dosage form design, drug development planning, clinical trial design, contract research organization (CRO) selection and management, protocol development and data analysis. Dr. Babul is the author of over 170 abstracts and manuscripts published by leading medical journals and scientific proceedings, including the Lancet, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Anesthesia & Analgesia. Najib Babul - Accomplished Pharmaceutical Scientist & Biotech Entrepreneur: http://najibbabulnews.com Najib Babul Relmada (@najibbabulrelma) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/najibbabulrelma Najib Babul - Founder, CEO and CSO @ Relmada Therapeutics - crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/person/najib-babul#/entity Contact Information: NajibBabulNews.com www.NajibBabulNews.com contact@najibbabulnews.com SOURCE: Najib Babul [November 15, 2016] illusive networks Wins Prestigious 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Award NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- illusive networks, the leader in Deceptions Everywhere cybersecurity, today announced that it was honored by American Security Today as a 2016 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Platinum Award winner. As Best Cyber Financial Institution Solution, illusive networks was recognized for its outstanding product development achievements and new technologies that address the growing homeland security threats. American Security Today's Homeland Security Awards Program was organized to recognize the most distinguished vendors of physical IT, port security, law enforcement, and first responders, in acknowledgement of their outstanding efforts to 'Keep our Nation Secure, One City at a Time.' illusive networks' Deceptions Everywhere cybersecurity blankets a company's entire network every endpoint, server and network component with information that deceives would-be attackers. When attackers act upon the false information, illusive neutralizes the attack and triggers a detailed breach report enabling security administrators to detect, track and contain the attack in its early stages. "illusive networks contnues to advance its Deceptions Everywhere cybersecurity technology to safeguard networks globally from cybercriminals," said Shlomo Touboul, CEO, illusive networks. "It's an honor to be recognized as a Homeland Security Award winner which further validates illusive networks' success pioneering deception-based cybersecurity solutions." illusive networks' delivers several cybersecurity industry firsts including: Attacker View, a sophisticated breakthrough technology that exposes hidden cyber attack paths, enabling IT professionals to adapt their security strategy to mitigate advanced attacker's lateral movement; Wire Transfer Guard, the first cyber deception technology to protect wire transfer banking systems against targeted Advanced Attacks; and Advanced Ransomware Guard blocks ransomware activity at the source host before it gains a foothold in the network. About illusive networks illusive networks is pioneering deception-based cybersecurity with its patent-pending Deceptions Everywhere technology that neutralizes targeted attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) by creating a deceptive layer across the entire network. By providing an endless source of false information, illusive networks disrupts and detects advanced attacks with real-time forensics and without disruption to business. For more information, please visit www.illusivenetworks.com or follow @illusivenw on Twitter. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illusive-networks-wins-prestigious-astors-homeland-security-award-300363522.html SOURCE illusive networks Donald Trumps ban on all Muslims entering the United States could prevent over three million American citizens from traveling freely to and from their home country. Thats because, as of the latest estimates in 2016, there are over 3.3 million Muslims already living throughout the nation and that figure could more than double by 2050. The Muslim faith has been an established religion in the U.S. since the birth of the nation. Historians suggest Portuguese Muslims helped Christopher Columbus navigate his journey to the New World, though the extent of which they guided the Italian colonizer remains debated. The growth and expansion of Arab communities flourished throughout the 1930s, as Middle Eastern immigrants built hundreds of mosques across the country. A relaxed attitude toward immigration in the early 1950s brought a new wave of new Muslim immigrants from overseas, including from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Christianity is the most popular religion in the country, with over 70 percent of those surveyed by the Pew Research Center identifying as a member of the worlds biggest religion. Meanwhile, Islam comprises 23 percent of the global population, and is the second-biggest religion throughout the world. Its also the fastest growing major religion, including in the U.S., where the share of Christians is in decline. The publics perception of Islam has shifted in recent decades, with surges in Islamophobia and an unprecedented rise in hate crimes being spurred across the country. Nine days after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, former President George W. Bush urged Americans to look past their faith and come together as one nation in a televised statement. "I also want to speak tonight directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith. It's practiced freely by many millions of Americans and by millions more in countries that America counts as friends," Bush said at the time. "Its teachings are good and peaceful, and those who commit evil in the name of Allah blaspheme the name of Allah. The terrorists are traitors to their own faith, trying, in effect, to hijack Islam itself. The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends. It is not our many Arab friends. Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them." Story continues RTR2HL0V Photo: Reuters The former presidents call for unity was seen as at the time as a progressive move from a Republican leader. But that rhetoric has starkly changed, with the next president calling on the campaign trail for a ban on all Muslims coming into the U.S., "until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on," Trump has said. The ban would include Muslim Americans from reentering the nation. Despite some flip-flopping on the issue from Trump and his campaign surrogates, the campaign promise was a corner-stone to his election, and remains on his website. It remains unclear how a Trump administration would enact such a policy. Today, with over 1,500 mosques and Islamic centers throughout America, many Muslims feel they are being targeted by Trump and some politicians for practicing their faith. "I've been a victim of racism since the 9/11 attacks, but I can honestly say that since Trump started his campaign, I've encountered discrimination at a much larger rate," Numa Rehmani, a Muslim American born in Pakistan, previously told International Business Times after the election. "The alarming number of his voters that support him for racist, sexist, xenophobic, and homophobic reasons, still needs to be addressed." Related Articles Netflix is in talks to acquire global rights to The Outsider, an action-crime drama with Jared Leto, Variety has learned. The deal has yet to close, but if it does, it would represent another showy acquisition for the streaming giant as it moves aggressively into the film space. Netflix already turned heads with acclaimed films such as Beasts of No Nation and the Ava DuVernay documentary 13th. It has lined up projects with the likes of Brad Pitt, Will Smith, and David Ayer. The Outsider follows a U.S. army deserter who joins the Yakuza while living in post-World War II Japan. Leto, who won an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club, is the big draw, but the cast also includes Rory Cochrane (Black Mass) and Tadanobu Asano (Thor). It is directed by Martin Zandvliet, whose previous film Land of Mine world premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2015, where it was picked up by Sony Pictures Classics. Land of Mine is Denmarks submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film Andrew Baldwin (The Take) wrote the screenplay for The Outsider. Filming is taking place in Tokyo. Leto appeared in last summers Suicide Squad and will next appear in Blade Runner 2049 opposite Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. Bloom is handling the sale of The Outsider and put the project together. It was sold out of AFM. Related stories Picture Tree International Clinches Sales Across its AFM Slate (EXCLUSIVE) Dany Boon-Starrer 'Penny Pincher!' Travels Abroad, Bolsters French Box Office (EXCLUSIVE) AFM: SF Studios Inks Further Deals on Shia LaBeouf-Starrer 'Borg/McEnroe,' 'Brning 2' (EXCLUSIVE) TOKYO Netflix and Japans public broadcaster NHK are partnering on a four-part historical drama to be broadcast next month. NHK will broadcast Tokyo Trials about the post-WWII court hearings of Japanese war criminals, on its terrestrial channel, while Netflix will stream it abroad. Then, after the NHK On-Demand VoD service has aired the series for a period, Netflix will also offer it to users in Japan. Both companies contributed to the production costs, with NHK concluding co-production deals with L.A.- and Toronto-based Don Carmody Television and Amsterdam-based FATT Productions. Pieter Verhoeff and Rob King are the dramas co-directors. After launching in Japan in the fall of 2015, Netflix has made shows with Japanese with broadcaster Fuji TV, talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo, and ad agency Dentsu. For NHK, however, this sort of production and broadcast arrangement with Netflix is a first. Related stories Tech Stocks' Donald Trump Hangover Continues Japan Box Office: 'Your Name' Stays Top in 12th Week, Beats 'Museum' Opening Hayao Miyazaki Hints at Return to Feature Filmmaking SAG-AFTRA will picket Insomniac Games in Burbank on Thursday, which will mark the end of the fourth week of the unions strike against selected video game companies. Four of the companys titles Edge Of Nowhere, Feral Rites, Song Of The Deep and The Unspoken are being struck. The job action will be the third since the strike began October 21 following pickets at Electronic Arts, WB Games and VoiceWorks Productions. More than 700 members, including our brothers and sisters from allied unions, have joined us on the line for our first two pickets, the union said in a statement today. That solidarity has sent a powerful message to the video game corporations: SAG-AFTRA is tough to fight. But this struggle isnt over. We need to keep the momentum going until the video game corporations return to the bargaining table. The main strike issue is residuals for successful games, but the companies have steadfastly refused to establish any back-end residuals formula. Both sides proposals would have given actors a bonus on top of their regular pay when they work on more than one session per game, topping out at $950 for eight sessions. The union, however, wanted to give the companies the option of paying the upfront bonus or paying residuals for successful games. The SAG-AFTRA proposal has two options for game producers, the companies say on their website. The unions first proposal for an optional contingent fees structure is so onerous that no one would elect to use it. The unions second option is virtually identical in money to the companies proposal. The companies want the union to allow its members to vote on its last, best and final contract offer which includes a 9% pay raise effective immediately if the contract is ratified by the members by December 1. That date now appears to be highly unlikely. This is what unions do when they are on strike, Scott Witlin, the companies chief negotiator, told Deadline. It is not surprising that they would picket, but Thursday will be the end of the fourth week of the strike and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. You would think that the talented performers SAG-AFTRA represents would be better served by having their union leaders allow them to vote on the offer on the table that would provide for an immediate increase of 9% and additional compensation that brings the increase to up to 23% or more. Story continues Related stories SAG-AFTRA Shamed By 'The Americans' Alum Annet Mahendru Over Canceled Health Insurance IMDb Sues California To Overturn Actors Age Law 'Being Mary Jane' Case: BET Slams Gabrielle Union & SAG-AFTRA For "Playing This Out In The Media" - Update MANAGUA (Reuters) - Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega's party strengthened its majority in the country's Congress after his landslide re-election earlier this month, the country's electoral authority said on Tuesday. Ortega, a former Marxist guerilla and the head of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) party, won his third consecutive term in the election on Nov. 6, as voters cheered years of solid economic growth and overlooked criticism he is installing a family dynasty. The electoral authority, which needed more than a week to tally results from across the country including isolated communities, said Ortega's Sandinistas won 71 of the 92 seats in Congress, up from the 63 seats they won in the 2011 election. The party of Ortega's main opponent, the center-right Liberal Constitutionalist Party's (PLC) Maximino Rodriguez, will have 13 seats, with one more guaranteed by the constitution for Rodriguez. Fusing his militant past with a more business-friendly approach, the 71-year-old Ortega stands in stark contrast to many once-dominant Latin American leaders, whose popularity has plummeted in recent years after failing to guarantee gains in economic prosperity. (Reporting by Ivan Castro; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) From ELLE One week after the election, Nicki Minaj is not having it. The Pinkprint rapper released her remix of Rae Sremmurd's #1 hit "Black Beatles" this morning. "Black Barbies" is full of Minaj's typical thrilling swagger ("Pretty face, perfect body / Pink seats in the 'Rari") and features cultural references galore. But the Trinidad-born artist also calls out Donald Trump's anti-immigrant bile on the track. "Island girl, Donald Trump want me go home," she spits. "Now I'm prayin' all my foreigns don't get deported." Listen to the track below. Fans are thrilled about the release, especially since it's been a relatively quiet year for Minaj on the music front-and some are letting her know they appreciate the Trump line in particular. "Island gal, Donald Trump want me go home" BITCH I LOVE YOU OMFG pic.twitter.com/EkIlyFW7ra - fudida (@gabrielhenriqes) November 15, 2016 Nicki Minaj + current #1 hit song + Donald Trump takedown = something to be excited about. You Might Also Like By Stephen Kalin NIMRUD, Iraq (Reuters) - In a field outside an ancient palace in the Assyrian city of Nimrud, shattered remains of intricate carvings lie broken in the dust. Remnants of elaborate wall panels and colossal statues of winged bulls, they stood at the site for nearly three millennia, reminders of a mighty empire which stretched across the Middle East. At the northern edge of the old city, a ziggurat - or terraced pyramid - towered over the palace and nearby temples. Until two years ago, when Islamic State militants swept through northern Iraq, ransacking ancient cities, religious sites and palaces which the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim zealots deem idolatrous. The ziggurat has been reduced to a pile of dirt, with tyre tracks all over it, apparently flattened by bulldozers in the last two months before Islamic State fighters were driven out of the site by Iraqi forces on Sunday. Palace walls have been stripped of the carved facades which adorned them. Just a few pieces remain in place, while fragments of the winged bulls - or lamassus - which stood at one of the palace entrances lie in a pile outside. Carefully engraved feathers can still be seen on one of them, lying close to what appears to be a foot of one of the mythical carved creatures. Several tablet fragments seem to contain symbols from cuneiform, an ancient Semitic language. "There were about 200 ancient panels. Daesh (Islamic State) stole some of them and destroyed the rest," Major-General Dhiya Kadhim al-Saidi told Reuters on a visit to the site on Wednesday, three days after it was recaptured. A tribal fighter from the area said the ziggurat had been destroyed by the militants in the last two months as the Iraqi army advanced towards Nimrud, confirming evidence from satellite pictures which showed its steady destruction since September. Video released by Islamic State supporters in 2014, purporting to show them at work in Nimrud, included footage of the militants using bulldozers and electric drills to tear down murals and statues. They also rigged up barrels full of explosives which they appeared to detonate at the site. Saidi said Islamic State had been driven about 3.5 km (two miles) northwest of Nimrud, but the area had not yet been cleared of possible bombs and booby traps. PATH OF DESTRUCTION Nimrud lies on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, 30 km (20 miles) south of Mosul where Iraqi soldiers are battling to crush Islamic State. Mosul is the largest city under the militants' control in Iraq and neighbouring Syria. The campaign to retake it, which began on Oct. 17, is the biggest military operation in Iraq in more than a decade of turmoil unleashed by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Counter-terrorism forces breached Islamic State defences in the east of Mosul two weeks ago but have faced resistance from the militants who have deployed suicide car bombs, snipers and waves of counter-attacks. Islamic State still controls other Assyrian landmarks including the ruins of Nineveh and Khorsabad, as well as the 2,000-year-old desert city of Hatra, famed for its pillared temple which blended Graeco-Roman and eastern architecture. The United Nations cultural agency UNESCO has condemned the destruction at Nimrud as a war crime and an attack on the world's shared heritage, pointing to ancient Mesopotamia's role as a cradle of civilisation where early urban centres flourished and cuneiform writing on clay was developed. In neighbouring Syria, Islamic State was driven out of the city of Palmyra eight months ago, after dynamiting monuments including two temples and Palmyra's imposing triumphal arch. The Iraqi army used drones earlier in the week to monitor the Nimrud site after retaking it from Islamic State. The antiquities authority says it is still working to set up field teams to assess the damage, but says it hopes some of the ruins can be salvaged. "Despite the massive destruction to the ancient city, and the loss of the architectural intricacies of the palaces and temples and the ziggurat, we trust that we can restore and renovate what was destroyed and bring back to life this outstanding archaeological site," deputy culture minister Qais Hussain Rasheed said. (Editing by Dominic Evans and Angus MacSwan) The No. 1 foreign policy threat that may be awaiting President-elect Trump is North Korea's nuclear capability and its close ties with Iran. It's a high-stakes game of brinkmanship, with a whole new layer of uncertainty as the U.S. administration changes guard in the weeks ahead. Time will tell if Trump will pull out of the nuclear pact the United States signed last year with Iran, potentially freeing the Mideastern power to act on its ambitions. According to military officials, the United States and South Korea remain on high alert after receiving reports that North Korea may test-fire an intermediate-range ballistic missile when Trump enters the White House in January. The missile test is said to be a warning that Pyongyang will not give up its nuclear- and missile-development programs. The Musudan, or BM-35 missile, has an estimated range of 3,500 kilometers, which is enough to allow it to target the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, an island with key strategic assets for U.S. forces. Though Western security analysts know very little for certain about the missile test expected, arms-control experts and North Korea watchers can agree one thing is likely: A small group of Iranian observers will be there to witness the latest demonstration of North Korean ballistic missile technology. The cozy military relationship between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Iran no longer receives the attention it did two decades ago, when the two countries actively exchanged ballistic missile technology and know-how. But the relationship may be pulled back into focus as the next U.S. presidential administration attempts to manage a tenuous rapprochement with Tehran at the same time North Korea dials up its nuclear and ballistic missile provocations. Little exists in the way of hard evidence suggesting the two countries are currently co-developing ballistic missiles or exchanging critical nuclear technologies, experts say. However, Iranian scientists and military officers have reportedly observed most of North Korea's major missile and nuclear tests over the past 20 years. Story continues Decades of previous cooperation between the two countries raises the specter that Iran its economy and government coffers on the mend after years of devastating sanctions could offer monetary assistance to the cash-strapped hermit kingdom in exchange for missile technology, or even assistance with its now-halted nuclear program at some point in the future. "There's no really good evidence that they cooperate on nuclear issues," said Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California. "But given the scale of the cooperation we've seen on the missile side, would it shock me? No, it would not shock me." Security ties between North Korea and Iran reach back at least as far as the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when North Korea supplied Iran with hundreds of Soviet-designed Scud-B and Scud-C ballistic missiles during the latter half of the decade and into the early 1990s. Iran renamed its Scuds Shahab-1 and Shahab-2, respectively, and its engineers began tinkering with the technology under an indigenous ballistic missile technology program. North Korea also supplied Iran with its own medium-range No-dong missile, a scaled-up adaptation of Scud technology with an estimated 1,500-kilometer or roughly 930-mile range first flown by North Korea in 1993. Iran dubbed its No-dong derivatives Shahab-3 and developed several variants that remain in Iran's arsenal, including one with a reported range of roughly 1,900 kilometers, or nearly 1,200 miles. (Pakistan also received Scud technology from North Korea around this time, renaming its missile variants Ghauri.) In the latter half of the 1990s, the concrete ties between the various Scud-based ballistic missile technology programs of North Korea, Pakistan and Iran become less clear. "In a historical sense, the North Koreans provided a lot of liquid fuel missile technology and missiles to a lot of folks, including the Pakistanis and the Iranians," said Tom Karako, a senior fellow and director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The early Shahab missiles and the Ghauris in Pakistan were basically North Korean Scuds with different paint jobs literally transferred from North Korea to those countries. Later these countries got their own liquid- and solid-fueled technologies up and running on their own," he said. In other words, from the late 1990s onward, Iran and North Korea continued to develop their ballistic missile technologies, though exactly how much co-development or technology exchange has occurred between the two remains unclear. "Pyongyang and Tehran may share test data on a limited basis and perhaps trade conceptual ideas," Michael Elleman, an expert on Iran's ballistic missile program and senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Middle East office, wrote in post 38 North, a North Korea analysis website hosted by the U.S. Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University, in September. "But there is little evidence to indicate the two regimes are engaged in deep missile-related collaboration, or pursuing joint-development programs." Not all experts agree strictly with that characterization, however. Lewis points to similarities not only between North Korean and Iranian Scud derivatives like the No-dong and Shahab but also similar design choices, incorporated into the two countries' space launch rockets and the migration of design concepts and components from one country to the other. One such instance of technology transfer allegedly came to light earlier this year when North Korea tested a new rocket engine incorporating Iranian technology. In response, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned individuals associated with Iran's ballistic missile program, Lewis notes. "We know that there's a pretty robust collaboration," he said. "We see the cooperation right up until this day." What exactly this means for the future of the U.S.-Iran nuclear accord and international efforts to curb North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile provocations is unclear. North Korea has conducted nine ballistic missile launches and two nuclear tests this year, but heightened tensions between the DPRK and its neighbors, as well as the United States, have taken a backseat to more outwardly visible national security issues, like the campaign against the Islamic State and Russian military provocations in Syria and Eastern Europe. One of those ballistic missile tests of an extended-range No-dong missile took place just prior to the final U.S. presidential debate in October, but neither the test nor North Korea registered within the debate as a pressing national security issue. "I think in the public consciousness, it has registered I think people are more aware now than they were in the past but in the political circles, it's not getting the attention it should," said Jenny Town, assistant director of the US-Korea Institute and managing editor of 38 North. "I think part of that is because there are no easy answers." More from Global Investing Hot Spots: The big free trade deal moving auto jobs to Mexico isn't NAFTA Is the 'Trump effect' behind the billion-dollar move into Canadian stocks? Apple's bullish China talk isn't impressing anyone anymore Nor is there an abundance of smoking guns. "I think these days anything that looks like sanctions violations when it comes to North Korea is going to cause some kind of crackdown," Town said. But while it's relatively easy to flag the transport and exchange of whole missile systems or dual-use technologies, both Iran and North Korea are independently far enough along in their respective missile and nuclear programs that such wholesale movement of technologies and systems isn't necessary. Instead, whatever transfers may be taking place are likely of knowledge and data or of components and parts pieces of the technology puzzle that are far more difficult to monitor. Nonetheless, North Korea is drawing closer to developing working long-range intercontinental ballistic missile technology that could potentially reach the mainland United States, and its nuclear program continues to progress toward a miniaturized device capable of launching aboard land- or submarine-based ballistic missiles. In August, North Korea tested just such a submarine-launched missile for the first time. It also successfully tested its intermediate-range Musudan missile in June, though two subsequent tests in October failed. Some analysts have floated the idea that one or both of those subsequent failures may not have been Musudan missiles at all, but tests of a North Korean ICBM known as the KN-08. Though North Korean long-range ICBM technology has yet to prove itself in tests, the technology continues to progress, raising the prospect that the isolated nation could offer the technology to one of its few friends in exchange for necessary missile expertise, nuclear know-how, cash or some combination of the three. "What confidence do we have that North Korea, for the right amount of cash, wouldn't sell just about anything?" Karako said. "The answer to that is: just about none. There's just about nothing that they won't sell. I don't think we have any reason to be confident about the North Koreans being self-constrained." That could push the Iran/North Korea military relationship back to the fore as Washington eases sanctions and economic constraints on one party while ratcheting up pressure on the other. While North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, proved by comparison a more predictable and measured leader, the younger Kim has demonstrated a stubborn resolve to push ahead with efforts to develop a North Korean intercontinental nuclear missile capability. "On the North Korean side, it's pretty disturbing, based just on their actions alone, on things we don't have to speculate about," Karako said. "This is something that could come to a head far sooner than anyone would like." By Clay Dillow, special to CNBC.com Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Though elected early this year, Central Africa's new president has no army to command or civil service to call on. He still fills in as a university maths lecturer due to lack of teaching staff. But this week could offer Faustin-Archange Touadera a lifeline, as donors come together in Brussels to plot a future for a country strategically positioned at the heart of Africa, but ravaged by three years of intense inter-religious strife. He hopes Thursday's donor conference generates a massive financial shot-in-the-arm for the around five million residents of one of the world's poorest nations. "We have come a long way and the country needs to be rebuilt," 59-year-old Touadera told AFP in an interview. "We're working in favour of peace but our situation remains extremely fragile." That will be the message that the academic will want to send to prospective donors including the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, France and the United States. Despite the presence of a 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping force -- MINUSCA -- Touadera's Bangui-based government has failed to establish control over the entire country. Efforts to disarm the pro-Muslim and pro-Christian militia groups responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of half a million people -- one in 10 Central Africans -- have failed, with bloodshed once again making a resurgence. Recent weeks have seen fresh flare-ups of the militia violence that began with the 2013 ouster of Christian president Francois Bozize by a largely Muslim rebel group, triggering revenge attacks and a spiral of atrocities between the two communities. - 'Regional stability is at stake' - French troops who deployed in late 2013 amid fears of a sectarian bloodbath left earlier this month. The plight of those displaced by the three-year conflict remains all too visible, with many still clustered in squalid conditions along the tarmac of Bangui's M'poko airport, despite the end of all-out fighting. Story continues In the absence of a competent national security force, UN peacekeepers watch over security at the airport as well as at the presidential palace. Touadera, who continues to teach at the university between meetings, will on Thursday set out his priorities to donors. Disarmament, restructuring the armed forces, national reconciliation, the launch of a special warcrimes court and providing basic social needs will be top of his list. Touadera said he hoped to secure pledges worth "$1.6 billion (1.5 billion euros) over three years and three billion over five years". Touadera told AFP he had been asked to pledge to use the funds appropriately. "Fighting corruption is a key element," he said. But opposition leader Anicet-Georges Dologuele warned that it might prove difficult for the country "to absorb an enormous amount in five years. We will need a lot of professionalism". France, the former colonial power, is maintaining a couple of hundred troops in the country because "regional stability is at stake" as Boko Haram jihadists shore up their bases in Nigeria and northern Cameroon, according to a French source who asked not to ne named. The US too is maintaining around 100 special forces in eastern Central Africa near the border with South Sudan to ward off trouble from Ugandan rebels. PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech President Milos Zeman has thrown his support behind a bid by Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, to become the next ambassador to the country of her birth. "They could not send a better U.S. ambassador to Prague," Zeman told her in a telephone call on Wednesday, the president's office said in a statement. Ivana Trump told the New York Post last week she would suggest to her ex-husband that she become ambassador to the Czech Republic. The 67-year-old socialite, born in Zlin in what was then Czechoslovakia, told the paper the country was "where I'm from and my language and everybody knows me". Her suggestion, reported by Czech media over the weekend, has been welcomed by other politicians but most enthusiastically by the president's office, whose spokesman said on Twitter it was a great choice. It was another sign of a sharp pro-American U-turn by the Czech presidential administration. Zeman was one of the few European politicians who vocally backed Trump in his campaign for the U.S. presidency. After the real estate billionaire won the election in a surprise victory a week ago, Zeman held a rare press briefing in which said he was "very happy" with Trump's victory and that the two shared opinions on immigration and terrorism. Like Trump, the outspoken Czech president has often railed against "elites" critical of his leadership and has warm views towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Unlike Trump, Zeman is very keen on deepening ties with China. Despite his country's NATO membership, Zeman has often repeated the Russian line on the conflict in Ukraine and was not invited to the White House under President Barack Obama. He has had an open feud with current U.S. ambassador to Prague, Andrew Schapiro. In 2015, he "closed the door" of Prague Castle to the envoy for a time, after he made comments perceived as critical of the Czech president's decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow. The president's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, tweeted last week that "a beautiful gift for my January birthday will be the exit" of the current ambassador. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; editing by Andrew Roche) [November 15, 2016] Compuverde Introduces Metro, the First Storage Solution for Dual Data Centers with No Added Complexity KARLSKRONA, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Compuverde announced the release of its Metro cluster, an enterprise-grade, high-availability solution that is designed to tolerate the loss of an entire data center with zero downtime. The solution has an industry-unique, unusually simple deployment, which requires a low-latency connection between the sites and eliminates the need for Fiber Channel, extra connectivity management, storage controllers or other types of added complexity. Compuverde customer Inprove IT Infrastructure Solutions has developed a bundle offering based on HGST and Mellanox hardware, powered with Compuverde software defined storage. Read more here: https://www.inprove.nl/compuverde-re-invents-metro-cluster/ Click to Tweet The Metro cluster solution is a resilient active-active setup that synchronizes data between two separated physical locations, providing complete protection not only for "simple" problems like disk, server or network failure, but also for "worst-case" scenarios such as complete data center failure. Simple to deploy and reduced costs: Set-up involves no special hardware and only requires a low-latency connection, up to 5ms, allowing two data centers to be placed over the same LAN while removing the traditional overhead of installing fiber channel and other management connectivity. Set-up involves no special hardware and only requires a low-latency connection, up to 5ms, allowing two data centers to be placed over the same LAN while removing the traditional overhead of installing fiber channel and other management connectivity. Redundancy and availability: Data is synchronously mirrored and distributed to two independent physical locations to prevent application downtme. Active-active nodes ensure that there is no central orchestration, no complex infrastructure to set up and maintain and no single point of failure. Data is synchronously mirrored and distributed to two independent physical locations to prevent application downtme. Active-active nodes ensure that there is no central orchestration, no complex infrastructure to set up and maintain and no single point of failure. Network synchronization: The cluster is interconnected through a private, high-speed, low-latency network. This network deals with synchronization between the nodes while the public network delivers access for clients through any of the major protocols: SMB, NFS, iSCSI, Amazon S3 and OpenStack Swift. The cluster is interconnected through a private, high-speed, low-latency network. This network deals with synchronization between the nodes while the public network delivers access for clients through any of the major protocols: SMB, NFS, iSCSI, Amazon S3 and OpenStack Swift. Easy scalability: Scaling is done simply by installing new nodes and adding them to the primary and secondary locations. Users will see a linear increase in capacity, performance and IOPS as new nodes are added. Koen de Jonge , CEO, Inprove IT Infrastructure Solutions, said: "As a supplier of IT infrastructure solutions based on open standards, our mission is to provide our customers with industry-leading technology that is flexible and doesn't require a lot of configuration or additional training. We have found that the Metro cluster from Compuverde is very easy to deploy. You can really feel the 'Swedish by design' philosophy. We appreciate the flexibility and freedom we have gained with this solution." Amit Katz, vice president, Worldwide Ethernet Switch Sales, Mellanox Technologies, said: "The Compuverde Metro Cluster is a great demonstration of the performance and cost efficiency of our 100G Ethernet networking solutions. The combination of the SN2100 100G Ethernet switch, ConnectX-4 Lx 25G adapter server connectivity and LinkX cabling achieves unmatched performance, reliability and robustness. This solution achieves high availability in 1U of Rackspace, with low power, and at an affordable price point." Stefan Bernbo, CEO and founder, Compuverde, said: "A Ponemon Institute study found that unplanned data center outages cost companies nearly $9,000 per minute not to mention damage to brand reputation. We have developed a solution that not only solves these challenges but also provides end users and MSPs alike with the reliability needed for protecting critical applications and data." About Compuverde Compuverde is an established provider of software-defined storage solutions, based in Sweden. Its energy-efficient, unified storage solution has made possible a hardware-agnostic storage platform that easily scales to hundreds of nodes, exabytes of data and trillions of files. Find out more at www.compuverde.com. Editorial Contact: Rebecca Parr Nadel Phelan, Inc. (831) 440-2404 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compuverde-introduces-metro-the-first-storage-solution-for-dual-data-centers-with-no-added-complexity-300363563.html SOURCE Compuverde [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Company Publishes CEO Letter To Shareholders Confirming Puration Dividend and Ongoing Spinoff and Dividend Business Model DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. (USMJ) today released a letter to shareholders from CEO Steven Rash that confirms the Company's commitment to the dividend of stock in Puration, Inc. (PURA) with a shareholder of record date of October 21, 2016. The letter includes the latest update on the process to issue the dividend. The letter also details how the current dividend process is a milestone event in the Company's long-term strategic plan. The letter is included in its entirety below. Dear Shareholders - The primary purpose of this letter is to confirm to all shareholders that North American Cannabis Holdings is serious about issuing the Puration dividend. This is not a gimmick or a trick. We didn't forget or put the issuance on a back burner. We are 100% committed to following through on this dividend issuance. Managing through the process in order to issue the Puration dividend is a top priority for two reasons. First, so that the dividend can be issued in a timely manner. Second, the Puration dividend is a model for North American Cannabis Holdings' strategic plan to pilot and spinoff future cannabis enterprise operations that include future Puration like dividends issued to North American Cannabis Holdings shareholders. You might recall we recently announced a second deal in the works intended to result in a second dividend: USMJ and Alternet Systems (ALYI) Enter LOI To Commercialize Cannabis Payment System In Deal To Include Dividend of ALYI Stock To USMJ Shareholders So where are we now in the process to get the dividend issued? On Friday, October 21, 2016 we formally set the Shareholder of Record Date for a dividend of stock in Puration, Inc. (PURA) to be issued to shareholders. The Record Date was appropriately registered as required with regulatory authorities. Shareholders as of close of business on Friday, October 21, 2016 are eligible to receive shares in PURA. Story continues The next step is to set the Dividend Payment Date. We are currently working with regulatory oversight authorities to finalize necessary details to execute the issuance of PURA stock to North American Cannabis Holdings shareholders. What does this mean? We have submitted a prerequisite application to issue the dividend and we are now managing through the follow up process. After submitting the application, it is routine for the applicant to receive a number of questions regarding the subject dividend. The response to the questions typically requires a narrative response and the submission of supporting documentation. It is not unusual for the response to the regulatory authority to generate additional questions from the regulatory authority. The second response similarly requires a narrative response accompanied by supporting documentation. The question and response process can go through multiple iterations to reach completion. We are currently a couple of iterations into this process. We anticipate that this process can reasonably be completed in approximately 30 days from the time of application. We are still less than 30 days since submitting the application. For even more detail on the process regarding Shareholder of Record Dates, Payment Dates and Ex Dividend Dates, see our website at the following link: North American Cannabis Holdings Shareholder Record Date, Payment Date, And Ex-Dividend Date Once the Payment Date is set, North American Cannabis Holdings shareholders that acquired stock on or before the Record date will receive stock in PURA based on the yet to be set Payment Date. Those shareholders eligible to receive stock on the payment date will actually be determined three days after the Payment Date. It takes three days for the stock to 'settle' within the electronic trading system. Distribution of the stock will be initiated by the Transfer Agent. From the Transfer Agent the stock will disseminated to shareholders' brokers. Shareholders should be contacted by their brokers once the stock is received by the brokers. This is not an electronic process. Physical certificates will be issued and distributed. We will of course issue further updates as the process advances so you know when to be looking for a something from your broker. PURA Stock Dividend Strategic Milestone North American Cannabis Holdings business model is to pilot various cannabis sector enterprises and spin successful pilots off into standalone public companies to further develop the pilot projects into fully commercial applications. We are a cannabis business launch pad. Our business didn't happen overnight and we have more work yet to do. We entered the cannabis sector in 2013. Last year, in the summer of 2015, we executed our first spinoff in a transaction where our cannabis extract pilot moved under Puration, Inc. (PURA). We're now working on the dividend of PURA stock to North American Cannabis Holdings Shareholders. We are learning and improving upon the pilot to spinoff to dividend process as we go. We have more spinoffs in the works. This letter includes a link above to the Altnernet spinoff and dividend anticipated next. We anticipate yet a third spinoff to be initiated as part of a very strategic step forward to be announced before the end of this year. I appreciate the emails and calls we have received about the dividend process. We've tried to be proactive in communicating to shareholders about the process with our previous website posts and press releases, but from the emails and calls, it appears we may have left a gap or two in our previous communications. I do hope this letter has closed those gaps. Keep checking back. We're still within our initial 30-day anticipated time frame to set a Payment Date and doing all we can to keep it within that 30-day time frame. We'd love nothing more than to get the date announced prior to Thanksgiving, but holiday schedules have been known to slow progress from time to time. We're going to do everything we can to get the Payment Date finalized as soon as possible. Sincerely, Steven Rash CEO North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. Review North American Cannabis Holdings recent CEO update to learn more about the Company's strategy going forward and performance to date having recently reported 23% annual revenue growth North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. CEO Update To learn more about North American Cannabis Holdings: www.growusmj.com Follow the Company on Twitter: twitter.com/US_HEMP 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 (the "Exchange Act"), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward looking statements relate to, amongst other things, current expectation of the business environment in which the company operates, potential future performance, projections of future performance and the perceived opportunities in the market. The company's actual performance, results and achievements may differ materially from the expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements as a result of a wide range of factors. USMJ Contact: Steven Rash Phone: +1-972-528-0162 SOURCE: North American Cannabis Holdings, Inc. OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's $860 billion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has bought a London property for 276.5 million pounds ($345.51 million) from Great Portland Estates (GPOR.L), the fund said on Wednesday. The 73-89 Oxford Street building complex comprises both office and shopping space, it added. The Norwegian fund aims to invest up to five percent of its assets in real estate. ($1 = 0.8003 pounds) (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Camilla Knudsen) Frank Gaffney, founder and president of the Center for Security Policy, testifies during a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Yet another controversial name has been tossed into the mix of possible advisers for President-elect Donald Trump as he prepares for his move to the White House: noted anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, and the New York Times reported Tuesday that Gaffney, who runs an Islamophobic think tank, would play an advisory role to the Trump transition team as it selects national security personnel. Gaffney has since denied those reports, stating he has not been contacted by the Trump camp, but made clear he would be open to an invitation. An unattributed quote appeared in the press yesterday indicating I had been appointed to the Trump transition. In fact, I had not been contacted by anyone from the team, he said in a statement to Bloomberg View. But he noted he would look forward to helping the president-elect and the national security-minded team he is assembling in whatever way I can. Last part of Gaffney: "I look forward to helping President-elect & the national security-minded team he is assembling in whatever way I can" Eli Lake (@EliLake) November 16, 2016 For those not familiar with Gaffneys past, or why the mention of his name sparked outrage, Yahoo News has put together a brief history of his career. Gaffneys long history of making racist, fabulist statements earned him the label one of Americas most notorious Islamophobes from the Southern Poverty Law Center. He served in the Defense Department during the Reagan administration before founding the Center for Security Policy, whose website contains numerous op-eds by Gaffney warning of the dangers of Muslims and encroaching Sharia law. Despite decades of controversial statements, Gaffney became a national security adviser for Ted Cruzs primary campaign earlier this year. The following are just a few other examples of the comments and writing that have earned him the reputation of being a hard-line voice for Islamophobia: Story continues He accused President Obama of potentially being a secret Muslim in a 2009 Washington Times column. He stepped forward as an early supporter of Trumps proposed banning of all Muslims entering the United States. In 2011, Gaffney accused New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie of corruption and misprision of treason for appointing a Muslim American lawyer to a state court. He was banned from speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference for insisting that the organization was being infiltrated by the Muslim Brotherhood. Noted antitax, pro-vaping advocate Grover Norquist was one of the CPAC regulars Gaffney targeted. Gaffney advocated that Muslim American Rep. Andre Carson should lose his spot on the House Intelligence Committee because it was likely hed leak classified information to the Muslim Brotherhood. Gaffney stated that Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin had longstanding ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and was in place to run Islamist influence operations on the former secretary of state. Gaffney posited that Saddam Hussein and Iraq were behind the 1995 Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing. He claimed that President Obama had reduced Americas missile defense system to help submit the United States to Islam. Gaffney cited a logo change for the system that included the star and crescent as code-breaking evidence of the shift. He called Pope Francis theology rabidly anti-American after the pontiff criticized Trumps plan for a border wall. Gaffney has accused Gen. David Petraeus of being complicit in Sharia law for saying Qurans, the Muslim holy books, should not be desecrated. He has also echoed claims that Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan was a champion of Sharia law in her time as dean of Harvard Law School. Quarterly Report Show Increase Revenues and Improved Balance Sheet Key Business Milestones Achieved in Coverage and Marketing Well Positioned for Growth in 2017 MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Novus Acquisition and Development, Corp. (OTC Markets: NDEV), the nation's first healthcare insurance carrier/aggregator in the medical cannabis sector, today announced its third quarter results for the period ended September 30, 2016. The culmination of five years of hard work, laying the groundwork and $7 million of paid-in capital has fortified the company's infrastructure and positioning and has led to many milestones being achieved in the quarter. Novus through its wholly owned subsidiary WCIG Insurance Service, Inc., is a California insurance brokerage entity. Novus initiated its insurance business model within the medical marijuana space where it can render risk and non-risk insurance models in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, California, Washington, and Vermont to sell benefits packages in addition to medical marijuana CBD concentrate, dental, vision, diabetic supplies, prescriptions, hearing, and other integrative medicines. The Novus provider network has taken some time to build out in having either contracted or contracts pending with over 100+ dispensaries to participate in our insurance network. Chief Executive Officer Frank Labrozzi, stated, "It has taken a year to build the insurance regulatory and technological infrastructure to operate as a medical marijuana health plan. Since we entered into this space, we have had difficulties in getting our branding out through traditional advertising segments. However, we now have approvals to allow our marketing and advertising to be disseminated through digital ad exchanges, unabated. Therefore, we can launch aggressive marketing campaigns. Despite the impediments that are inherent to the cannabis space, we are still achieving our goals." Key Milestones Achieved in Q3 2016 Revenues increased 35% with net profit of 54% Improved balance sheet; increased cash balance to $60,000 and NAV to $1.25 million Increased coverage included the entire states of California and Arizona Introduction of worker compensation package to capture market share in the recreational space Success in social networking Identified digital marketing breakthroughs with a strategy to execute going forward Financial Overview: Revenue increased by 35% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, from the second quarter of 2016. The balance sheet improved with the cash balance increasing to $60,000 and the Net Asset Value increasing by 25% from $1,052,594 to $1,252,585. The company is starting to see that banks are more willing to take deposits on companies that do not handle the cannabis plant as opposed to 2015 and earlier in 2016. And, we are beginning to see our cash flow improve by 100% simply due to implementing in-house marketing program. Coverage: Completion of covering the entire states of California and Arizona, equating to 57% of the entire cannabis market. Worker Compensation Package: We have begun a Worker's Comp package in California to allow us to give cannabis related products to injured workers, allowing Novus to capture a portion of recreational users. Overcoming Marketing and Advertising Impediments: Each state has their own rules and regulations on marketing and advertising relating to cannabis related meds and products. To make matters more difficult medians such radio, television and digital advertising (Social Networking, Google Adwords, Pay Per Click, Pay Per Acquisition) have rejected by these Internet giants. The company has utilized many third party marketers to brand and patient procurement, only resulting in high Return on Investment (ROI) or lack of performance all together by the third party vendors. This prompted to bring our marketing initiatives in-house and hire the right assets to implement them. A direct result in our 100% increase of cash flow. Social Networking Success: Digital ad dissemination on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn has given us much needed branding and lead generation. Since August the company has gone from 10,000 impressions to 400,000 impressions per month with a 1% engagement rate to our sales funnel, an increase of over 4,000% at a fraction of the cost for third party marketers. Our projected estimate by year-end is that we will be able to triple that by getting approximately 1,000,000 monthly unique views to our digital ads. Digital Ad Dissemination with Ad Exchanges: Ad exchanges with their technology platforms facilitate the buying and selling of media advertising inventory from multiple ad networks. The approach is algorithmic technology-driven as opposed to the historical approach of negotiating price on media. Data is produced in real time by Nielsen that geo targets consumers that have engaged in certain behavioral activities on the Internet. There are 50 notable digital ad exchanges of which we have identified 10 exchanges that will allow advertising that contain the word "marijuana" and/or "cannabis." It is our determination that this will be a game changer not only for Novus but also for the medical cannabis industry as a whole. Programmatic Marketing Proximity Targeting: This technology helps our marketing efforts reach demographic audiences down to the proximity of our target consumer. This is the best utilization of quality data that can identify our target audience down to every storefront, venue within our target audience. For example, since we can target consumers via categories like if they visit pain clinics and capture their information on either mobile or desktop devices, or reach consumers when they are at a dispensary and send an opt-in advertisement about Novus. This precision targeting is done by gathering accurate data from Factual, similar to Google Maps but allows closer proximity than Google Maps and a customizable location based, geo-fencing, and consumer activity via app on mobile devices down to 1 meter. This quick video proximity marketing will surely convince you that Novus is taking the right route towards their marketing effort: https://vimeo.com/120834432. NDEV 3rd Quarter Financial Filing: http://www.otcmarkets.com/financialReportViewer?symbol=NDEV&id=162770 About Novus Novus Acquisition & Development Corp. (NDEV), through its subsidiary WCIG Insurance, provides health insurance and related insurance solutions within the wellness and medical marijuana industries in states where legal programs exist. Novus has positioned itself to gain market share within many lines of insurance business within and outside of the MMJ sector. Novus will work as outside developers and will not cultivate, handle, transport grow, extract, dispense, put up for sale, put on the market, vend, deliver, supply, circulate, or trade cannabis or any substances that violate the United States law or the Controlled Substances Act, nor does it intend to do so in the future and will continue to follow state and federal laws. The statements made about specific products have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on these press releases or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Once a push notification is competed the transaction is solely between the state-licensed dispensary and the registered patient. The state laws are in conflict with the federal Controlled Substances Act. The current administration has effectively stated that it is not an efficient use of resources to direct federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those lawfully abiding by state designated laws, allowing the use and distribution of medical marijuana. However, there is no guarantee that the current administration, nor any future administration, will not change this policy and decide to enforce the federal laws strongly. Any such change in the federal government's enforcement of current federal laws could cause significant financial changes to Novus Medical Group. While we do not intend to harvest, distribute or sell cannabis or cannabis related products, we may be harmed by a change in enforcement by federal or state governments. For more information, check out: http://www.getnovusnow.com For NDEV 3rd Quarter Financial Filing: http://www.otcmarkets.com/financialReportViewer?symbol=NDEV&id=162770 Learn How Insurance Companies Are Evaluated: http://bit.ly/2ddIYva Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. 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. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, includes codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. Novus Medical Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact Information Corporate: Chairman and CEO Frank Labrozzi frank@ndev.biz 855-228-7355 Investors: Hayden IR hart@haydenir.com 917-658-7878 SOURCE: Novus Acquisition and Development, Corp. NSA Director Adm. Michael Rogers The leader of the National Security Agency says there shouldn't be "any doubt in anybody's mind" that there was "a conscious effort by a nation-state" to sway the result of the 2016 presidential election. Adm. Michael Rogers, who leads both the NSA and US Cyber Command, made the comments during a conference presented by The Wall Street Journal in response to a question about WikiLeaks' release of nearly 20,000 internal emails from the Democratic National Committee. "There shouldn't be any doubt in anybody's mind," Rogers said. "This was not something that was done casually. This was not something that was done by chance. This was not a target that was selected purely arbitrarily. This was a conscious effort by a nation-state to attempt to achieve a specific effect." Rogers did not specify the nation-state or the specific effect, though US intelligence officials say they suspect Russia provided the emails to WikiLeaks after hackers stole them from DNC servers and the personal email account of Hillary Clinton's campaign manager, John Podesta. At least two different hacker groups associated with the Russian government were found inside the networks of the DNC over the past year reading emails, chats, and downloading private documents. Many of those files were later released by WikiLeaks. The hack, which was investigated by the FBI and the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, was linked to Russia through a lengthy technical analysis, which was detailed on the firm's blog. Former NSA research scientist Dave Aitel, who now leads another cybersecurity firm, has called the analysis "pretty dead on." The hack of Podesta's private Gmail address was traced by cybersecurity researchers to hackers with Russia's foreign intelligence service, the GRU, because the group made an error during its campaign of "spear phishing" targets tricking them into clicking on malicious links or give up their passwords. The researchers found that the group had targeted more than 100 email addresses that were associated with the Clinton campaign, according to The New York Times. Story continues The Obama administration in October publicly accused Russia of being behind the hacks. "The US intelligence community is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of emails," reads a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. "These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process." Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said on Tuesday that he wants the Senate to open an investigation into whether the Russian government meddled in the US election. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied his country was behind the hacks. NOW WATCH: Russia just introduced a new missile nicknamed 'Satan 2' here's a look at their other formidable weapon systems More From Business Insider Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f286199%2f29a1bcf48b2740b4b7faeb15ac47eb77 Ah, New York City taxi drivers. They're our best friends when we're drunk, and our worst enemies when we're sitting in traffic running late for work. Because Uber is creating less of a demand for yellow taxi drivers, a group of them have turned to a side job: modeling. That's right the 2017 NYC Taxi Drivers Calendar is here, featuring photos of real New York cab drivers satirizing pin-up photoshoots. SEE ALSO: Super hot Pakistani tea vendor now has a modeling sponsorship "The original idea came from a tongue-in-cheek calendar we made of my oldest brother as a Christmas gift to his wife/our sister-in-law back in 2012," Philip Kirkman, one half of the power couple who created the calendar, wrote in an email to Mashable. The other half is his wife Shannon Kirkman. "The calendar was well received by family and friends and being that I recently left my career in finance to pursue the creative/comedic path, Shannon and I brainstormed on how we could expand the idea for a larger audience," he said. "We considered other groups (e.g. sanitation workers), but ultimately landed on yellow cab drivers due to their iconic status, yet relative lack of visibility (or appreciation)." The cover. Image: Shannon Kirkman The set is "always a fun environment," Kirkman told Mashable. "Each shoot definitely begins with nerves on both ends, but once we get settled in theres a lot of back and forth in terms of what faces to make, poses, their comfort level with showing some skin, etc." An inset in the calendar. Image: Shannon Kirkman This year's calendar only features male taxi drivers, but Kirkman explained that they've photographed female drivers before. He wanted to include them in this year's calendar, but unfortunately it didn't work out. "Weve had female drivers before (2015 and 2016) and would have liked to have them represented in 2017. We had preliminary discussions with two female drivers, but they decided not to partake," Kirkman told Mashable. "Unfortunately since we're not backed by a larger organization... we're unable to coordinate an open casting call so we go with the first 12 drivers who respond to our online ad or are referred from other drivers." Story continues And without further ado, here are some of the fresh faces ready to greet you in 2017: February - Luis Image: Shannon Kirkman March - Ali Image: Shannon Kirkman June - Joe Joe posed with Lucy the puppet and actress Elizabeth Ann Berg from the Tony Award winning musical Avenue Q. Image: Shannon Kirkman July - Sid Image: Shannon Kirkman September - Rae Image: Shannon Kirkman December - Hassan Image: Shannon Kirkman The calendar is available for $14.99 at www.nyctaxicalendar.com. A portion of each calendar sale will go to the non-profit University Settlement, Americas oldest settlement house, which serves over 30,000 immigrant and working individuals and families in NYC every year. BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Berlin on Wednesday to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he has forged a close transatlantic alliance during eight years in office that President-elect Donald Trump may now call into question. Obama, who described Merkel ahead of the visit as his "closest international partner", will dine with the chancellor at Berlin's famous Adlon hotel directly next to the landmark Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday evening. The two leaders, who together tackled the global financial crisis, promoted free trade and forged an international accord to fight climate change, stressed their shared values in a joint guest piece for German magazine Wirtschaftswoche. "There will be no return to a world before globalisation," they wrote, stressing the benefits of a free trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States. Trump, a billionaire businessman with no previous experience of public office, made attacks on international trade deals a cornerstone of his election campaign, saying they have cost U.S. jobs. His election win heralds a hard break in a relationship that grew extremely close during and immediately after the Cold War. It wobbled when Berlin refused to go along with U.S. President George W. Bush's Iraq war in 2003 and Germany and France were derided by his Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as "old Europe". But the relationship has again flourished in recent years, with Obama and Merkel also leading an international push for economic sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. Trump by contrast has spoken warmly of Putin. Last week Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader, offered to work with Trump on the basis of their countries' shared democratic values. Merkel and Obama will hold bilateral talks on Thursday before they are joined on Friday by the leaders of France, Britain, Spain and Italy. It is Obama's last trip to Europe as president before he hands over to Trump in January. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Michelle Martin; Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Gareth Jones) [November 15, 2016] Fitch Rates University of Texas System's Series 2016J Rev Financing System Bonds 'AAA' Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'AAA' rating to the approximately $300 million Board of Regents of The University of Texas System (UTS) revenue financing system (RFS) bonds, series 2016J (the bonds). The bonds are expected to sell via negotiation the week of Nov. 28. Bond proceeds will finance the university's remaining authorized $352 million tuition revenue bond projects and pay issuance expenses. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY RFS debt is secured by a lien on and pledge of all legally available revenues and fund balances of the UTS system. Specifically excluded from the pledge are state appropriations, the Available University Fund (related to Permanent University Fund [PUF] income), and the income or corpus of the Permanent Health Fund. KEY RATING DRIVERS STABLE CREDIT CHARACTERISTICS: The 'AAA' RFS rating is supported by the system's substantial resource base, positive operating history and coverage, revenue diversity, stable enrollment and program demand, and an experienced management team. MANAGEABLE CAPITAL PLANS: UTS maintains adequate capacity to issue additional debt associated with its substantial capital improvement plan. The plan entails approximately $2.5 billion of PUF and RFS debt, much of which has already been issued, over the next six years. Post issuance, the system's fiscal 2015 debt burden remains moderate at 4.6% of operating revenue. Fiscal 2015 operations provided ample coverage of pro forma maximum annual debt service (MADS) at about 2.6x. Financial statements for the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2016 are not yet available. EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCE BASE: UTS benefits from substantial endowments, including a two-thirds share in the PUF. These endowments are not generally pledged to RFS bonds and are not included in balance sheet ratios. However, they provide significant university financial flexibility and balance sheet strength. Market value of all UTS endowments at Aug. 31, 2016, including the PUF at $17.9 billion, was $26.6 billion. RATING SENSITIVITIES MATERIAL CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE: Deterioration of The University of Texas System's operating performance, debt service coverage, or performance of its substantial healthcare operations, combined with a significantly weakened balance sheet, could pressure the RFS rating. Fitch views such changes as unlikely at this time. CREDIT PROFILE UTS was established under the 1876 Texas Constitution. Its current eight academic institutions and six health care institutions are geographically dispersed throughout the state. The system enjoys strong and stable enrollment. System headcount is 228,539 in fall 2016 (preliminary) - about 3% more than the prior year. Most UTS growth occurs outside of the flagship Austin campus, which has been at capacity for many years. UTS' growing medical schools and healthcare operations represented 31% of fiscal 2015 operating revenues. Additionally, UTS benefits from a two-thirds share of the state-constitution established PUF, as well as other endowments. The market value is significant compared to most public universities; market value of all UTS endowments was $26.1 billion as of Aug. 31, 2015. At Aug. 31, 2016, the audited value was $26.6 billion. SOLID OPERATING PERFORMANCE The system consistently produces positive operating results, a solid balance sheet and stable enrollment, factors that Fitch considers consistent with its 'AAA' rating. UTS' fiscal 2015 operating surplus, as adjusted by Fitch, was a positive $596 million, an operating margin of 3.5%. Excluding $625 million of non-cash other post-employment benefit (OPEB) accruals, the margin would increase to about 7.2%. UTS management reports that the system expects to continue pay-as-you-go OPEB payments. Financial statements for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2016 are not yet available. The system benefits from broad revenue diversity. Fiscal 2015 operating revenues included healthcare (31.2%); grants and contracts (19.2%); net student revenues (12.5%); state appropriations (12.3%); and investment income (7.8%, as adjusted by Fitch). State operating appropriations increased in the 2014/2015 biennium, and increased another 11% for the current 2016/2017 biennium. State appropriations may be reduced in the next biennium, as the state has directed its agencies to reduce their budget requests by 4% for the 2018/2019 biennium. Tuition increases have been modest system-wide for several years, including fall 2015, with a continued focus on student affordability. For fall 2016, the board approved modest increases that varied by system campus; UT-Austin's tuition increased by about 3%. UTS' research presence remained strong in fiscal 2015 with $2.08 billion of related expenses, similar to fiscal 2013 even with federal sequestration constraining growth in research awards. Additionally, the system's sizable healthcare operations, as a whole, generate positive cash flow. LOW DEBT BURDEN; SOLID COVERAGE Post issuance MADS on UTS' combined RFS, PUF and various lease obligations is about $731 million (due in 2018), equal to a moderate 4.6% of fiscal 2015 operating revenues. The system's sizeable operating base contributes to a relatively low debt burden. Post issuance, about 35% of RFS debt service is eligible for TRB debt service reimbursement from the state. Texas recently approved state capital funding in the form of TRB project authorizations, including a substantial $922 million for UTS. These series 2016J bonds will fund the unissued balance of $352 million. TRBs are issued as parity RFS debt, with related debt service reimbursed (but not pledged) by the state. At this time, system management does not expect to issue additional RFS or PUF long-term debt in fiscal 2017. Management expects to continue issuing certainRFS debt to support its extensive capital improvement plan in the form of commercial paper (CP) and then permanently finance it as long-term debt. The UTS board reduced its RFS CP authorization to $1.25 billion from $1.75 billion in August 2016. The plan calls for $5.9 billion of capital projects between 2017 and 2022, of which 59% has or will be debt funded; of that amount, almost half will be supported by state TRB payments or separately secured PUF bonds. UTS' self-supporting healthcare operations also support a large component of RFS debt service. UTS produces solid annual operating cash flow, resulting in strong institutional debt service coverage. Net income available from operations in fiscal 2015 was 2.6x on pro forma MADS of $776 million. When adjusted for non-cash OPEB accruals, MADS coverage would increase to about 3.4x. BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH Available funds (AF), defined by Fitch as cash and investments less certain restricted net assets, were $13.3 billion at Aug. 31, 2015. AF equaled 82% of operating expenses ($16.2 billion) and a stronger 123% of pro forma debt (about $10.8 billion). The liquidity-to-debt ratio is conservative, as it includes authorized but unissued CP. Fitch considers these ratios comparable to recent years, and consistent with the rating category. The AF calculation excludes significant restricted endowments, including the PUF, which had a combined market value of $26.6 billion at Aug. 31, 2016. The system's strong balance sheet cushion and revenue diversity support the 'AAA' rating. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria Rating U.S. Public Finance Short-Term Debt (pub. 17 Nov 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/873508 Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012 U.S. College and University Rating Criteria (pub. 12 May 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/748013 Additional Disclosures Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1014819 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/20161115006675/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Berlin (AFP) - US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel argued Wednesday for a transatlantic trade deal and stressed that there will be "no return to a world before globalisation". Their joint article comes as Obama's successor Donald Trump has pledged to rip up existing trade deals and assume a more protectionist course for the world's top economy. Obama, on his European farewell tour, was visiting Merkel from late Wednesday to Friday, when they will also meet the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain in Berlin. In business magazine Wirtschaftswoche, Obama and Merkel stated their case for a socially responsible market economy, worldwide free trade and ever closer ties between the United States and Europe's top economy. "There will be no return to a world before globalisation," they wrote in the German-language article to be printed in full in Friday's edition of the weekly. Germans and Americans should grasp the opportunity "to shape globalisation according to our values and ideas," they wrote. "We owe it to our companies and our citizens, indeed to the entire world community, to broaden and deepen our cooperation." Both leaders argued that the EU and US must sign the controversial trade deal called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which has been the target of protests especially in Europe. They argued that "trade and investment raise living standards" and that "both German and American employers and employees, consumers and farmers would benefit from TTIP". "We are stronger when we work together," they wrote. "Now that the global economy is developing faster than ever and global challenges are greater than ever, this cooperation is more important than ever before." Obama, speaking in Greece earlier Wednesday, argued that globalisation needs a "course correction" to address growing inequality which "feeds a profound sense of injustice". But the outgoing president added that "I firmly believe that the best hope for human progress remains open markets, combined with democracy and human rights". Berlin (AFP) - US President Barack Obama arrived in Berlin Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a European tour aimed at reassuring key allies about transatlantic ties under his successor Donald Trump. On the final leg of a European farewell tour, Obama touched down in the German capital from Athens where he delivered a sweeping speech warning of the dangers to modern democracy. The US leader acknowledged that globalisation had fuelled a "sense of injustice" and needed a "course correction" to address growing inequality. "The global path of globalisation demands a course correction," Obama, 55, said in Athens. "When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes... this feeds a profound sense of injustice," he added. However, his remarks also contained a ringing defence of democracy, open markets and social inclusiveness. "I firmly believe that the best hope for human progress remains open markets, combined with democracy and human rights," the outgoing president said. Trump welcomed Britain's shock vote in June to leave the European Union (EU) and has been a critic of global free trade agreements. But Obama argued that "when people have opportunity and they feel confidence in the future, they are less likely to turn on each other and less likely to appeal to some of the darker forces that exist in all our societies, those that can tear us apart". European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russia's orbit, have been shaken after Trump appeared to call into question Washington's near 70-year security guarantee by saying he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way. In comments Tuesday, Obama cautioned the world must guard against "a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an 'us' and a 'them'". - 'My closest partner' - Obama has been at pains to stress that Europe -- and NATO -- would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. Story continues "Today more than ever, the world needs a Europe that is strong and prosperous and democratic," he said. The US-led NATO grouping is "absolutely vital" to US interests and a strong, unified Europe was good for America and the world, the president said in comments aimed at calming old partners' fears. "We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up... the 20th century was a bloodbath," he said pointedly on Tuesday. Obama has described Merkel as "probably... my closest international partner these last eight years." During his time in Berlin, he will also meet the leaders of Britain, France, Spain and Italy, as Europe desperately seeks clues to future US policy in a Trump world. While Obama was generally been welcomed in Greece, his visit was also met with street protests. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. Around 2,500 people brandishing banners denouncing US "imperialism" and calling Obama a "persona non grata" were pushed back on Tuesday as they tried to breach barriers and reach the city centre, with police firing tear gas and stun grenades. But elsewhere Athenians young and old waited patiently in line to catch a glimpse of the leader on his last foreign trip as president. "It's fantastic to be here," said 17-year-old pupil Anais Karayanis. "He has plenty of things to teach us, advice to give. I would have come to see Trump as well, but only out of pure curiosity because I don't support him." Betty Kazakopoulos, a PR consultant in her 60s, said Obama was "a man I admire. Perhaps the last of the great American leaders." - Greece's 'extraordinary compassion' - During his visit to the cradle of democracy, Obama has also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society -- a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis. He lauded Greek islanders' "extraordinary compassion" for the hundreds of thousands of people who have landed on their shores since the start of Europe's worst migrant crisis since World War II. And he pledged support for its economy, as Greek leaders seek a fresh US pledge to help alleviate the country's enormous public debt, a measure actively sought by the International Monetary Fund but opposed by leading European lender Germany. "In my message to the rest of Europe, I will continue to emphasise our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity," Obama told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Heres what Obama wants people who didnt vote in the presidential election to know This presidential election was a doozy, to say the least. We thought that the election stress would end with the end of the election, but it just keeps going. But our president wants us to remain hopeful. At President Obamas first press conference since Trump was elected, he encouraged us to remain active participants in our political system. How? By voting. Though there are many ways to get involved and do your civic duty, Obama reminded us that voting is important, and that, even if you didnt vote in the presidential election, you can still make a difference in your community. If you didnt vote in the presidential election, heres what Obama wants you to know. At the press conference, Obama explained, Whenever youve got an incoming president on the other side, particularly in a bitter election like this, it takes a while for people to reconcile themselves with that new reality. Hopefully its a reminder that elections matter and voting counts. I dont know how many times we have to re-learn this lesson, because we ended up having 43% of country not voting who are eligible to vote, but it makes a difference. Were hearing him out. While not everyone is on board with voting, we think that those who didnt vote in the presidential election should still find ways to participate in politics. Even if you dont think voting is the answer, it doesnt hurt to give it a try. After all, you can still support your community in other ways! His message is a reminder of his immediately classic call to action at the Democratic National Convention. As President Obama said: Dont boo, vote. Something to keep in mind as we move forward. Weve got a lot more voting to do, people. Dont give up. The post Heres what Obama wants people who didnt vote in the presidential election to know appeared first on HelloGiggles. Photo credit: Jessica Alexander From ELLE DECOR "Romantic, soft and pretty." It's exactly how Jenny Cipoletti, founder of fashion, beauty and travel blog Margo & Me, describes what meets her eyes when she strolls into a cafe in her favorite city - Paris. It's also the design theme that inspired her when she turned an extra room in her West Hollywood home into an office-slash-Francophile's dream come true. The office is decidedly Parisian with its blush tones, statement chandelier and gilded accents, but is also brushed with indisputable evidence of Old Hollywood glamour. This, Cipoletti says, was meant to celebrate the historic Art Deco building the apartment is located in, The Hayworth. "The bones of the building are just so beautiful, from the crown molding to the details on the doors and doorknobs," says Cipoletti. "It feels so appropriate to have a nod to Hollywood in the 1920s in one of Hollywood's historic buildings." Photo credit: Jessica Alexander The nods to Old Hollywood, however, are simply gestures in comparison to the foundation of French inspiration Cipoletti brought home with her from her many trips to the City of Lights. She worked with Havenly designer Linlee Elbert to incorporate fabrics and furniture that could sweep her to the city across the world without leaving Southern California. "My inspiration is from Paris, from the architecture, to people watching, to how there's never a single detail that's overlooked in Parisian design," says Cipoletti. "I like interpreting that, along with neo-classical nuances, through different elements in the office like the bookshelves and the chandelier." Photo credit: Jessica Alexander The bookshelves - which, really, resemble large etageres - flank a white-and-gold dresser from Pottery Barn in mesmerizing symmetry. The framed photo above the dresser was taken by Cipoletti's husband, photographer Freddie Cipoletti, of the couple's favorite building in Paris, the Grand Palais. Meanwhile, a chandelier by Paul Ferrante anchors the room with true French glamour. A sheepskin throw adds a plush softness to that corner of the office. Story continues Photo credit: Jessica Alexander On the other side of the office is the element that inspired the entire room makeover: vintage wallpaper. Once Cipoletti decided to create an accent wall in the metallic floral design, she knew it was the right time to do an entire overhaul of the space. Against the wall is an Old Hollywood mirror from Impressions Vanity Company ("It's every little girl's dream to have lighting like that," says Cipoletti), which hangs above a desk from Neiman Marcus. Photo credit: Jessica Alexander It all comes together to evoke Cipoletti's favorite travel memories. "Just like when you walk into a cafe in Paris, and you see all the details and the golds, silvers and light blush tones, all of these elements in this space really sing to me," says Cipoletti. We couldn't agree more: Beautiful design is music to the ears and eyes. Scroll down to see the rest of the space. Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander Photo credit: Jessica Alexander You Might Also Like A Minnesota police officer has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, an African-American cafeteria worker whose death this summer sparked protests after its immediate aftermath was live-streamed on Facebook. St. Anthony, Minnesota, police officer Jeronimo Yanez, who shot Castile during a traffic stop on July 6, will appear in court on Friday on the manslaughter charge, where he will enter a plea. He faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted. He has also been charged with two felony counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm, according to authorities. He did not immediately return PEOPLEs call for comment. To those of you may say this incident was Philando Castiles fault, I would submit that no reasonable officer knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time would have used deadly force under these circumstances, Ramsey County, Minnesota, attorney John J. Choi told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was with him and her daughter in the car during the shooting, has said he was shot after being asked to provide his drivers license and after he announced he had a gun, for which he had a permit. Yanez has said he feared for his life and thought Castile was reaching for a gun to shoot him. Authorities dismissed that defense in announcing the charges against him. Unreasonable fear cannot justify the use of deadly force, Choi said Wednesday. Philando Castile was not resisting or fleeing, Choi said. There was absolutely no criminal intent exhibited by him throughout this encounter. He was respectful and compliant based upon the instructions and orders he was given. He volunteered in good faith that he had a firearm, beyond what the law requires. He empathically stated that he wasnt pulling it out. His movement was restricted by his own seat belt. I have given officer Yanez every benefit of the doubt on his use of deadly force, Choi said, but I cannot allow the death of a motorist who was lawfully carrying a firearm under these facts and circumstances to go unaccounted for. Story continues In a statement of probable cause obtained by PEOPLE, prosecutors also alleged that Yanez put other lives in danger when he opened fire one minute after initiating the stop: Yanezs discharge of his firearm seven times into a vehicle in very close proximity to and towards Reynolds and her 4-year-old daughter endangered their safety. 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. Castiles uncle, Clarence Castile, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that his family is emphatically happy about the decision to charge Yanez. Without a doubt, were pleased, he told the newspaper, declining to elaborate. The family also held their own news conference Wednesday, where attorney Judge Glenda Hatchett said, We see this as a stake in the ground that we are sending a clear message that things must change in this country. (The Castile family could not immediately be reached.) RELATED VIDEO: Police Shooting Sparks Protests as Minnesota Man is Fatally Wounded Castiles shooting went viral after Reynolds documented what happened afterward live on Facebook, including showing Castile bleeding next to her in the car. Reynolds has steadfastly maintained that Castile did everything one is supposed to do during a police traffic stop. Her 4-year-old daughter was sitting in the back seat when he was killed. Yanezs attorney has previously said, This has nothing to do with race and everything to do with the presence of a gun. Deadly force would not have been used if not for the presence of a gun. Yanez is the first officer charged in a police-involved death in Minnesota in more than 15 years, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. After a freefall since the U.S. presidential election last week, oil price bounced back strongly, jumping nearly 6% in Tuesdays trading session, the biggest one-day gain in six months. This is primarily attributable to renewed hopes of a cut in production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and reports of falling U.S. shale production. In September, the 14-member cartel proposed to cap its oil production for the first time in eight years. It is looking to reduce output by about a million barrels per day to 32.533 million barrels per day from the current 33.2 million barrels per day. The agreement is expected to be finalized in the meeting slated for November 30 in Vienna (read: OPEC Surprises With Production Cut: Energy ETFs Soar). Most OPEC members are expected to engage in a last minute effort to bring the worlds top producers together to restraint production that has contributed to a rally in oil price. With regard to these efforts, some positive developments have started taking place. Saudi Arabia is ready to cut its production while Iran is looking to cap at the current level of nearly 4 million barrels a day. Iraq is also thinking of limiting production. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects oil production from the seven shale regions Bakken, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Niobrara, Permian and Utica to fall by 20,000 barrels a day in December to 4.498 million barrels a day, the lowest level since April 2014. Further, militant attack on three oil pipelines in southern Nigeria provided an additional boost to the oil price. This is because the violence will likely disrupt production of 300,000 barrels per day in the nation. ETF Impact The solid trading in oil sent the oil ETFs space in deep green on the day. iPath S&P GSCI Crude Oil Index ETN (OIL) was the topper, gaining 5.5%, followed by United States Brent Oil Fund (BNO), United States Oil Fund (USO) and PowerShares DB Oil Fund (DBO). While the returns of these funds are tied to the oil price, they are different in some way or the other. This is especially true as OIL delivers returns through an unleveraged investment in the WTI crude oil futures contract while BNO provides direct exposure to the spot price of Brent crude oil on a daily basis through future contracts. USO seeks to match the performance of the spot price of light sweet crude oil WTI while DBO provides exposure to crude oil through WTI futures contracts and follows the DBIQ Optimum Yield Crude Oil Index Excess Return (see: all the energy ETFs here). Meanwhile, leveraged oil ETFs also shot up with VelocityShares 3x Long Crude Oil ETN (UWTI) and ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF (UCO) rising 14.2% and 9.3%, respectively. The former seeks to deliver thrice the returns of the daily performance of WTI crude oil while the latter tracks the two times daily performance of futures contracts on WTI crude oil. Coming to energy ETFs, VanEck Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (FRAK), SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP), and PowerShares DWA Energy Momentum Portfolio (PXI) gained the most, about 4%, on the day. Will the Trend Continue? The outlook for the oil market largely hinges on the historic OPEC deal. As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), the oil market will regain its balance earlier than expected should deal be finalized. The deal would be a huge boon to the energy sector, as it will end the two-year crude-oil rout and stabilize the oil market. It will revitalize growth in the battered energy sector and lift the economies of the oil-rich countries like Russia and Saudi Arabia (read: How to Trade the Oil Rush with ETFs). On the contrary, IEA warned that the global oil market will remained flooded and will enter the third consecutive year of supply glut in 2017 without a deal. This is because production from the OPEC increased 230,000 barrels a day to a record high of 33.83 million barrels a day in October and is expected to remain high in November as well. Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get 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 US-OIL FUND LP (USO): ETF Research Reports PWRSH-DB OIL FD (DBO): ETF Research Reports IPATH-GS CRUDE (OIL): ETF Research Reports US BRENT OIL FD (BNO): ETF Research Reports SPDR-SP O&G EXP (XOP): ETF Research Reports PWRSH-DW EGY MO (PXI): ETF Research Reports PRO-ULT BB CRUD (UCO): ETF Research Reports VANECK-UNC O&G (FRAK): ETF Research Reports VEL-3X LNG CRD (UWTI): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 The surprise victory of Donald Trump in the U.S presidential election might add to the woes of the already beleaguered energy sector. The billionaire real estate developer, who never held elected office before, proposed a few changes for the oil and gas sector. According to Trump, the nation needs to augment crude production in order to reduce its dependence on imports. However, increasing crude output in an already oversupplied market would actually be a recipe for disaster. Trumps Proposal for Energy Sector The 45th President of the U.S had announced his intention to support to increase the production of oil and natural gas during his campaign. Lets take a look at some of the other proposals tabled by Trump. No Restrictions on Exploration and Production of Oil & Gas: Trump had announced his plans to lift restrictions on the exploration and production of crude and natural gas, upon election, to boost production. In the U.S., activities of all energy players are strictly regulated both at federal and state levels. If an upstream energy player intends to engage in exploration and production activities, it should get a development permit, a drilling permit as well as an operating permit. This apart, the firm has to undergo a public review. Failure to comply with these regulations might result in penalties both legal and financial not to mention delays. On the other hand, companies from the gas drilling industry need to abide by the Clean Air Act that targets reduction in greenhouse gas emissions while drilling. (For details please read: How does government regulation impact the oil & gas drilling sector?) More Federal Acres for Oil & Gas Drilling: Trump also promised to integrate more federal acres of land for oil and gas drilling operations. More land for drilling purposes will significantly improve the oil and gas production. Support Keystone XL Pipeline Development: Trump also proposed the extension of the Keystone XL pipeline to carry oil from Alberta, Canada to the U.S refineries. The initial phase of the pipeline project was finished in 2011. The proposed extension of the pipeline line will add another 1100 miles to the over 2100 miles it already covers. Story continues However, the proposed extension development has not been supported by environmental groups and politicians. This is because bitumen that might be transported by the pipeline system along with crude to the U.S might emit greenhouse gas. Impact on Oil Price It is a well-documented fact that oil price primarily determines the fate of energy players. Since mid-2014, the energy sector has been witnessing persistent oil prices weakness due to supply glut. In such a scenario, Trumps proposals undoubtedly raise concern as increased production will worsen the situation. This will not only impact the commodity price but will also raise environmental risks by increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This is definitely unfavorable for most energy players. This is because lesser the price of oil, lower will be the revenues for upstream energy players after selling the commodity. The upstream businesses of oil integrated majors like Chevron Corp. CVX, Exxon Mobil Corp. XOM, BP plc BP and Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A are likely to be the worst hit. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 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 BP PLC (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report ROYAL DTCH SH-A (RDS.A): Free Stock Analysis Report EXXON MOBIL CRP (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research [November 15, 2016] Fitch Rates Pfizer's Notes Offering 'A+(exp)'; Outlook Stable Fitch Ratings has assigned an 'A+(EXP)' rating to Pfizer's senior unsecured notes offering. The net proceeds of the issuance will be used to fund the purchase of the company's 6.2% notes due March 15, 2019. The ratings apply to roughly $42.3 billion of debt outstanding at July 3, 2016. A full list of ratings follows at the end of this release. KEY RATING DRIVERS Little Leverage Flexibility: Despite Fitch's expectation that Pfizer will continue to generate stable operating performance and significant free cash flow (FCF), leverage remains strained, stemming from acquisitions and share repurchases during the past two years. The company's net cash outlays for acquisitions and share repurchases were roughly $30.5 billion during the period (excluding the subsequent $14 billion acquisition of Medivation), while FCF was $7 billion. As a result, Pfizer currently has little-to-no flexibility to increase leverage further within the 'A+' rating category. Strategic Uncertainty Removed: Pfizer will retain its Global Established Pharmaceuticals (GEP) business for the time being. Fitch would view a divestiture as strategically positive for Pfizer, as it would narrow the company's focus on its higher margin, innovative portfolio. However, the company's business model would be more reliant on its innovative drug discovery efforts. Regardless, the decision removes the uncertainty regarding whether it would decrease debt subsequent to the spin. Manageable Patent Expiries: The company's intermediate-term patent cliff is manageable. Over the next three years, roughly 18% of standalone Pfizer's drug portfolio is at risk of losing market exclusivity, including two of its five best-selling medicines - Lyrica (approximately 10% of total firm sales) and Enbrel (approximately 7%). The base patent for Enbrel expired internationally beginning in 2015. Pfizer does not have rights to Enbrel in the U.S. and Canada, but does receive modest royalty income from Amgen for sales in those regions. Lyrica's U.S. patent expires in late 2018. Fitch does not expect that Enbrel will face as serious a competitive threat from generic alternatives as with traditional small molecules such as Lyrica. Enbrel is a biologic, and a generic biologic that is automatically interchangeable with Enbrel will not likely emerge. Therefore, Fitch expects competitive challengers will require significant research and marketing investments, making steep price discounts and drastic market share gains by competitors less likely. Pipeline Successes: Helping to mitigate the anticipated revenue challenges from patent expiries, Pfizer has added new revenue sources over the past two years, including Ibrance/palbociclib (breast cancer), Trumenba (Neisseria meningitis vaccine), (Duavee (vasomotor symptoms of menopause), Adult Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal vaccine expanded use), Xeljanz (arthritis) and Bosulif (cancer). The company is making progress with late-stage pipeline candidates, such as tafamidis (polyneuropathy), dacomitinib (lung cancer), inotuzumab (leukemia), tanezumab (pain) and avelumab (various cancers). Pfizer is conducting clinical trials that could expand the market of its marketed products by gaining approvals for their broader clinical use. Pfizer is also pursuing external pipeline projects through collaborations and acquisitions, such as its recent acquisition of Medivation. KEY ASSUMPTIONS Fitch's key assumptions for Pfizer include: --Mid-single-digit organic revenue growth during 2016-2017 supported by newer product sales and manageable patent expiries; --Incrementally improving margins driven by new product sales mix and the achievement of $800 million in Hospira acquisition related cost savings; --Annual FCF (cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures minus dividends) of $6 billion to $7 billion during 2016-2017; --Leverage to decline to below 1.7x by 2017 through increased operational EBITDA or a combination of debt reduction and increased EBITDA. RATING SENSITIVITIES Positive: While Fitch does not anticipate a positive rating action in the near term, future developments that may individually or collectively, lead to such an action include: --If Pfizer maintains gross debt leverage in the range of 1.0x to 1.3x; --If the company sustains strong operational performance through the current patent cliff period, including relatively stable-to-positive trends in revenues, margins and FCF. Negative: Future developments that may individually or collectively, lead to a negative rating action include: --If Pfizer does not return to a sustainable gross debt leverage of 1.7x or lower. This could stem from marketplace pressures, adverse actions from regulatory bodies, unfavorable clinical developments or an aggressive capital deployment strategy; --If Pfizer pursues transactions (another large acquisition and/or significant share repurchases) that place pressure on gross leverage without the expectation of deleveraging in a timely manner. LIQUIDITY Adequate Liquidity: Fitch looks for Pfizer to maintain solid liquidity through strong FCF generation and ample access to the credit markets. FCF for the latest 12 months (LTM) ending July 3, 2016 was $6.2 billion. At the end of the period, Pfizer had approximately $20.9billion in cash/short-term investments and full availability on its $7 billion revolver, maturing in November 2020. Fitch views Pfizer's debt maturity schedule as manageable and expects the company to refinance the vast majority of its upcoming maturities with additional borrowings. Pfizer has approximately $3.7 billion of long-term debt maturing in 2016, $4.3 billion in 2017 and $2.3 billion in 2018. FULL LIST OF RATINGS Fitch currently rates Pfizer as follows: Pfizer Inc. --Short-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) 'F1'; --Commercial paper 'F1'; --Long-Term IDR 'A+'; --Credit facility 'A+'; --Senior unsecured notes 'A+'; The Rating Outlook is Stable. Wyeth LLC --Long-Term IDR 'A+'; --Senior unsecured notes 'A+'. Pharmacia Corp. --Long-Term IDR 'A+'; --Senior unsecured notes 'A+'. Date of Relevant Committee: April 6, 2016 Summary of Financial Statement Adjustments - Financial statement adjustments that depart materially from those contained in the published financial statements of the relevant rated entity or obligor are disclosed below: --Historical and projected EBITDA are adjusted to add back non-cash stock based compensation. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Corporate Rating Methodology - Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage - Effective from 17 August 2015 to 27 September 2016 (pub. 17 Aug 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/869362 Additional Disclosures Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1014825 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. 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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/20161115006726/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) - The man suspected in the fatal shooting of a Southwest Airlines employee at Oklahoma City's main airport on Tuesday was found dead in his red pickup truck of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head, police said. The shooting victim, Michael Winchester, 52, was the father of football player James Winchester, a long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs. The shooting appeared to have been premeditated, Oklahoma City Police Captain Paco Balderrama told a news conference, but authorities did not disclose a motive and said the suspect has not yet been positively identified. The shooting occurred in a parking lot at Will Rogers World Airport around 1 p.m., Balderrama said. He said the suspect was found dead inside his truck in an airport parking garage. Ken Sarnoff, the agent for James Winchester, announced the death of the player's father in a Twitter posting. "Our love and support is with James and the entire Winchester family," the Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement released later. Will Rogers World Airport officials said on Twitter that the airport was "slowly resuming" operations. Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said about 25 flights were canceled on Tuesday. Most of the cancellations were from Southwest, which said it had canceled all inbound and outbound flights for the remainder of the day, Carney said. Police armed with rifles swept through the airport parking lot in their search. Police said they expected the airport to be fully operational by Wednesday. Balderrama said travelers who had to remain on airport property as police searched the area were being allowed to leave by Tuesday evening. The airport is the main commercial air hub for Oklahoma City and services an average of 150 flights a day, the airport said. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his family and Southwest co-workers at this time," Southwest said in a statement. (Reporting by Heide Brandes in Oklahoma City; Additional reporting by Jon Herskovitz and Curtis Skinner; Editing by Leslie Adler) OMG, Steve Carell might be in the new Minecraft movie, which would make it even more amazing Weve been really excited about the upcoming Minecraft movie since we learned that Rob McElhenney (yes, Mac from Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia) was writing and directing it. But now we have better news Steve Carell is thinking of starring in Minecraft, which would definitely make it a must-see. Seriously, we just love Steve Carell in every project hes in obviously we laughed along with him in The Office, and we felt his pain and heartbreak in Crazy, Stupid, Love. This film would be the perfect match for him. Carell would be providing a voice-over, which hes already proven to be amazing at. Were looking at you, Gru. Carell is also the first big actor possibly attached to the movie, which is scheduled to come out in 2019. While it might seem weird to base a whole movie around a game, thats kinda-sorta what creators are doing these days. See: The Angry Birds Movie. Also? Assassins Creed, coming out this December. It was announced that McElhenney would be directing Minecraft back in 2015. Hes directed a few episodes of Always Sunny, so while this is a big project, we think hell do an incredible job with it. Were keeping our eyes out for more Minecraft movie news (and an official Carell confirmation!) The post OMG, Steve Carell might be in the new Minecraft movie, which would make it even more amazing appeared first on HelloGiggles. By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - The Ontario government said on Friday it plans to sell its stake in General Motors Co over the next year or so and will consider other options to raise funds, including the sale of real estate and government-owned assets. The announcement, unveiled by Finance Minister Charles Sousa at a Toronto business luncheon, comes as Ontario's minority Liberal government prepares to unveil a budget that could throw the Canadian province into a summer election. Sousa said the government will act when the market permits it to unload the GM stake. It announced plans in September to sell some of its stock, which it said then would leave it with about 36.7 million common shares and about 5.4 million preferred shares. The stock was acquired when the Canadian and Ontario governments contributed more than C$10 billion ($9.13 billion) to a bailout to keep GM afloat. The province will also sell the headquarters of provincial liquor monopoly LCBO and will consider selling other real estate assets, including the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) building. Both buildings are on valuable real estate in downtown Toronto. "We are going to evaluate the best use of these assets as well as the maximum potential of the respective crown business," Sousa said. Proceeds will go into a fund to pay for infrastructure projects across the province. TD CEO TO HEAD COMMITTEE Looking farther out, Sousa said the province has appointed a committee led by Chief Executive Ed Clark of Toronto-Dominion Bank to examine other ways to wring money out of government-owned assets such as the LCBO, OPG and Hydro One, the operator of the province's electricity grid. Sousa said the group will consider options that could include corporate reorganization, acquisitions, mergers and public-private partnerships. Sousa did not rule out outright sales, but said the council will give preference to owning rather than selling core assets. "We are going to determine what business the government should be owning and what it shouldn't," he said. Sousa said options could include bringing Ontario's pension system in to take ownership positions in government-owned assets. The plan will be part of the 2014-15 budget, which Sousa plans to unveil over the next few weeks. The center-left Liberals have been in power for 10 years in Canada's most populous province, home to most of its banks and a large part of its manufacturing sector. But with only 48 of the 107 seats in the Ontario legislature, the party needs support from at least one other party to pass the budget and avoid triggering an election. The left-leaning New Democratic Party supported last year's budget and will be key to this year's version passing, as the right-leaning Progressive Conservatives are unlikely to support it. Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Peter Tabuns, an NDP member of the provincial legislature, said he believed Sousa was setting the stage for privatization of provincial assets. "We will not support privatization; not part of our program," he said. The provincial government is looking to fund expanded subway and other rail transit in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as highway construction, among other initiatives. TD's Clark said last year that he will step down from his post in November. TD is Canada's second-largest bank by market capitalization. ($1 = 1.0954 Canadian Dollars) (Additional reporting by Solarina Ho; Editing by Jeffrey Hodgson and Dan Grebler) Pakistan has ordered the deportation of 130 teachers affiliated with the alleged mastermind of an attempted coup in Turkey, officials said Wednesday, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in the South Asian country. The teachers from the private PakTurk International Schools and Colleges, backed by US-based Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen's Hizmet group, will have to leave Pakistan along with other school staff and their families by November 20, school and government officials confirmed. The decision -- hailed by Erdogan as "pleasing" -- affects up to 450 people in total and will be a blow to thousands of students in Pakistan, where government figures say a staggering 24 million children remain out of school. The deportations "show how much importance Pakistan attaches to this effort", Erdogan told reporters at the airport before departing for Islamabad Wednesday for a two-day visit. In a rare gesture, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was at the Nur Khan airbase in the garrison town of Rawalpindi neighbouring Islamabad to receive the Turkish president. President Erdogan will hold talks with Prime Minister Sharif and address a joint session of parliament Thursday, officials said. Turkey accuses Gulen of ordering a failed coup in July, during which a rogue military faction tried to oust Erdogan from power. The country's justice minister has compared the cleric to slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. Gulen strongly denies the accusations. Ankara has called for the US to extradite him and expressed impatience as American authorities study the evidence provided by Turkey before arriving at a decision. In a statement posted on the official PakTurk International Schools and Colleges website, the administration expressed deep concern over the "abrupt decision". The statement said requests to extend visas for the teachers, school management and their families had been denied. "We want to ensure the students and their parents that educational activities at all branches of PakTurk educational institutions across Pakistan are continuously operational," the statement said. Story continues A PakTurk official in Islamabad told AFP the decision would affect around 10,000 students in 28 schools and colleges around the country. The school management have already been replaced by local staff, the official said, speaking anonymously. A senior government official in Islamabad confirmed the deportation of Turkish staff by November 20. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim thanked "brotherly country Pakistan" for the decision. Pakistan's foreign ministry said Erdogan will be accompanied by a high-level entourage, including ministers and senior officials, as well as a large business delegation. By Syed Raza Hassan KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan has ordered Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to a Turkish cleric opposed to President Tayyip Erdogan to leave the country, as it prepares to host the Turkish leader on Wednesday. The teachers and their families, totaling about 450 people, were given three days notice to leave, PakTurk International Schools and Colleges said in a statement late on Tuesday. PakTurk educates more than 10,000 students in Pakistan and denies any affiliation with the cleric Fethullah Gulen, or his "Hizmet" movement. Erdogan has accused Gulen, a former political ally, of being behind a coup attempt in July, and Turkey has previously asked Pakistan to shut down any groups in the country with links to the cleric. "PakTurk International Schools and Colleges are deeply concerned over the abrupt decision of the government requiring the Turkish teachers, management and their family members...to leave the country within three days," the school said. It added that staff were asked to leave because of "non-approval of their requests for extension of visa". The Islamabad High Court has set a hearing for Thursday on a petition by the school management challenging the decision, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported. The Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Before his departure from Ankara, Erdogan praised Pakistan's actions against what his government calls the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO). "Pakistan's decision to have people linked to FETO leave the country by Nov. 20 is very pleasing," Erdogan said. "Just like Turkey, Pakistan is carrying out a relentless fight against terror. Turkey supports Pakistans battle until the end." Erdogan will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday and address its parliament on Thursday. Turkey and Pakistan have traditionally had close ties, which have warmed further under the leadership of Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, preaches Sunni Islam together with a message of interfaith dialogue. He denies any involvement in the failed coup in which more than 230 people were killed. Turkey has applied pressure to other countries that are home to institutions backed by Gulen, whose "Hizmet" movement runs about 2,000 educational establishments in about 160 countries. PakTurk said the schools would continue operating and told students and their family members it was opposed to "ingress of some other organization into the teachers and staff of the schools". Dawn, citing sources, said Turkey's government had suggested that management of the schools be transferred to an international non-government body with links to Erdogan's administration. The Dawn report could not be independently confirmed. (Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Clarence Fernandez) * Japan pays premium over domestic buyers for chilled pork * Pigs' reduced-stress lifestyle helps avoid dry meat * Trendy Tokyo eatery features Canadian pulled pork salad By Rod Nickel and Yuka Obayashi WINNIPEG, Manitoba/TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) - On select Canadian farms, thousands of pigs bound for Japan are getting five-star treatment. Japan's growing appetite for pricey pork cuts is driving Canadian and U.S. fresh pork exports to record levels, spurring producers to use every advantage to gain market share. While most of Canadian meatpacker Olymel L.P.'s pigs gobble pedestrian wheat and barley fare, others dine on rations spiced with mint and ginger on a Saskatchewan farm dedicated to fattening hogs bound for Japan, the world's second-biggest importer of the meat. Some Canadian hogs are indulged with 12 times more rest before slaughter than pigs destined for other markets, to ensure stress does not turn the meat dry. Meanwhile, another hog producer has opened an eatery in a trendy Tokyo district to show off its pork. "The Japanese consumer is probably the most powerful consumer of pork in the world, and they understand the difference in quality," said Claude Vielfaure, president of the hog-processing company HyLife. Rich premiums paid by Japanese consumers have fueled intense competition and led to cross-Pacific partnerships between North American hog producer Smithfield Foods and Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp, as well as processor HyLife with trader Itochu Corp. Tyson Foods Inc and Maple Leaf Foods Inc also rank among North America's biggest pork suppliers, while processors NH Foods Ltd and Itoham Yonekyu Holdings , and meat wholesaler Starzen Co Ltd import large volumes of North American chilled pork. U.S. exporters shipped 147,000 tonnes of chilled pork to Japan from January through August, setting a record-brisk pace, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Canada sold C$679 million ($507 million) worth of pork to Japan for the period, its fastest pace in 11 years as measured by value. Story continues The shipments show trade growth is possible based on consumer tastes and favorable prices, due partly to the yen's strength against the greenback and Canadian dollar, even as broad trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership suffer setbacks. Pork is the second-most consumed meat in Japan after fish, according to USMEF. PAYING UP Japanese buyers pay about C$1.20 per kilogram more than domestic buyers, factoring in the exporter's premium, freight and tariffs, said Ray Price, president of Alberta processor Sunterra Group. For a large high-quality loin, that works out to a bump of C$5.40 to the wholesale price. In September, Manitoba-based HyLife opened a restaurant in a Tokyo business district to enhance its reputation, serving back ribs and pulled pork salad. HyLife, which is 49 percent owned by Japan's Itochu, is spending up to C$125 million to expand processing and boost Asian sales. At Lucyporc's Quebec plant, pigs rest in a quiet barn for 16 to 24 hours before slaughter to reduce stress, compared with the industry standard of 2 to 5 hours. The result is juicier, better-tasting tenderloins, said general manager Denis Levasseur. Olymel, which gives its pigs the ginger- and mint- infused feed, acknowledges the spices do not change the taste of the meat. But it gives the company a marketing edge, said Richard Davies, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. In the United States, packers Rantoul Foods and Smithfield process hogs that are specially bred for Japan, distributed by Sumitomo and sold as Silky Pork brand. AGING FARMERS, HIGHER COST Japan produces just over half of the pork it consumes, limited by farmers' advancing age and the more than double production cost compared with North America, said Takashi Koiso, managing director of the Japan Pork Producers Association. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government aims to raise that to 58 percent to satisfy Japan's appetite for dishes such as fried or gingered pork. The United States and Canada, Japan's two largest offshore chilled pork suppliers, take advantage of shorter shipping times than European competitors, who sell mainly cheaper frozen pork, said Erin Borror, USMEF economist. Japanese trading house Itoham has doubled chilled pork imports from Canada during the past five years and plans a further boost of 20 percent this year over last year, said spokeswoman Aiko Komeda. To be sure, Japan is not within everyone's reach. J.H. Routh Packing Company, a family-owned Ohio processor, sticks to serving U.S. buyers, avoiding the high cost of Japan's specifications. "We found our niche," said sales manager Tony Stearns. "Trying to go and develop another market, (for which) we would have to buy equipment that costs millions - there's no real value in doing that." While premiums can be lucrative, Japanese buyers often pay less than domestic buyers in spring, when prices rise, said Dave Bulgarelli, vice-president of sales at Rantoul. "You have to make what they want, not what you want to sell," he said. ($1 = 1.3389 Canadian dollars) (Editing by Matthew Lewis) [November 15, 2016] Robbins Arroyo LLP: Acquisition of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (HAR) by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (005930) May Not Be in Shareholders' Best Interests Shareholder rights attorneys at Robbins Arroyo LLP are investigating the proposed acquisition of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR) by Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co., Ltd. (Korea SE: 005930). On November 14, 2016, the two companies announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Samsung Electronics will acquire Harman International. Under the terms of the agreement, Harman International shareholders will receive $112 for each share of Harman International common stock. View this information on the law firm's Shareholder Rights Blog: www.robbinsarroyo.com/shareholders-rights-blog/harman-international-industries Is the Proposed Acquisition Best for Harman International and Its Shareholders? Robbins Arroyo LLP's investigation focuses on whether the board of directors at Harman International is undertaking a fair process to obtain maximum value and adequately compensate its shareholders. As an initial matter, the $112 merger consideration represents a premium of only 38.10% based on Harman International's thirty-day average closing price for the eriod ending November 14, 2016. This premium is significantly below the average one month premium of nearly 63.85% for comparable transactions within the past year. In the last three years, Harman International traded as high as $149.12 on April 23, 2015, and most recently traded above the merger consideration - at $112.68 - on October 29, 2015. On November 3, 2016, Harman International reported strong earnings results for its first quarter 2017. Harman International reported net sales of $1.8 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an 8% increase from the same period of the prior year. Harman International also reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.45, a 20% increase from the same period of the prior year. Additionally, Harman International has beaten analyst estimates for adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share for three of the past four quarters. In commenting on these results, Harman International Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board Dinesh C. Paliwal remarked, "HARMAN delivered a solid first quarter, with strong revenue growth and outstanding EBITDA and EPS performance. We secured $2 billion in new automotive awards in the quarter, demonstrating increasing demand from automakers and their drivers for a rich in-car experience, including embedded infotainment, cloud connectivity and sound management solutions. With cyber security an underlying and fundamental component of the connected car and autonomous driving, I am proud to add that NHTSA and the University of Michigan rated HARMAN's suite of intrusion detection and mitigation technologies as the best performing solution." In light of these facts, Robbins Arroyo LLP is examining Harman International's board of directors' decision to sell the company now rather than allow shareholders to continue to participate in the company's continued success and future growth prospects. Harman International shareholders have the option to file a class action lawsuit to ensure the board of directors obtains the best possible price for shareholders and the disclosure of material information. Harman International shareholders interested in information about their rights and potential remedies can contact attorney Darnell R. Donahue at (800) 350-6003, [email protected], or via the shareholder information form on the firm's website. Robbins Arroyo LLP is a nationally recognized leader in securities litigation and shareholder rights law. The law firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits, and has helped its clients realize more than $1 billion of value for themselves and the companies in which they have invested. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006855/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Michael Georgy MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Emboldened by machinegun fire on Islamic State snipers along Mosul's frontlines, a few residents are emerging from their homes in pockets of the city where Iraqi forces have dislodged the jihadists. In al-Zahraa in eastern Mosul, shopkeepers swept away broken glass and neighbors were starting to interact again, days after Islamic State fighters were ousted from the neighborhood. Two rabbits hopped along a sand lot as gunfire crackled nearby. But there is still an overwhelming sense of uncertainty as parts of the sprawling city slowly come to life and Iraqi special forces press ahead with their offensive on Islamic State's last big stronghold in Iraq. Many residents fear that even if the entire city falls, the world's most dangerous militant group will return one day to impose its ultra-hardline version of Islam. "We need the army to stay here for 10 years to protect us," sewing shop owner Omar Sibawee said as special forces on a nearby rooftop opened fire at buildings where jihadists were holed up. "We are afraid they have sleeper cells in Mosul." About 800 Islamic State militants swept through northern Iraq in 2014, seizing Mosul and nearby towns and villages. Cigarettes were banned and anyone caught smoking was whipped. Women were forced to cover from head to toe. Suspected adulterers were stoned to death in public. Iraqi forces have captured several areas of eastern Mosul during the offensive, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Just beyond Sibawee's home is one of the spots where Islamic State beheaded people. The militants insisted the entire neighborhood -- adults and children alike -- gather to watch. "They used to always slaughter the former soldiers and policemen. It was horrible to watch," Sibawee said. "As they sliced their heads they would tell us 'liberate yourself from the apostates'," he said as some his eight children played, oblivious to the sound of sniper rifles and mortar bombs. IS POSES CONSTANT DANGER Iraqi security forces put down their weapons and fled in the face of the Islamic State onslaught in 2014, but have made progress against the jihadists this year. After clearing Islamic State out of the cities of Ramadi and Falluja in the west, they have pushed into Mosul and seized nearby towns and villages with the help of Kurdish peshmerga fighters and Shi'ite militias. The battle could drag on for months. Western Mosul is expected to witness much tougher urban warfare, with many narrow streets and alleyways preventing movement by tanks and armored vehicles that would give Iraqi forces an edge. Improvised explosive devices, snipers and suicide bombers are still a constant danger across much of Mosul, capital of Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate. Iraqi special forces officers positioned along an abandoned market said the militants regularly attack them. A grenade recently landed on a metal rooftop above them, making dozens of holes. "A few days ago five suicide bombers with grenades and AK-47 rifles charged us," said Mohamed Abdel Rahman. "We shot dead four of them and one blew himself up and wounded one of us. They hit us and we hit them." One of the failed suicide bombers lay in the street under a thick blanket, about 50 meters (55 yards) from an Iraqi tank. "I cut off his head," said a special forces officer, smiling proudly. He pointed to the man's green suicide belt placed on a table a few feet away. A government forces' sniper was stationed at a nearby mosque, staring across the front line at another neighborhood where special forces believe Islamic State militants are holding Iraqis as human shields. "Every morning people try to escape and Daesh snipers shoot at them," said one officer. Daesh is an Arabic acronym used by opponents of Islamic State to describe the group. Every 30 minutes or so, a hidden Islamic State sniper opened fire, inviting retaliation. Mortar bombs crashed down on other parts of the city. The clashes have devastated businesses in Mosul, once a thriving trading center. Rayan Haithem wondered how he would ever make a living again. "A car bomb blew up near my bakery a few days ago. It was destroyed," he said. "We need the army to stay here and protect us so that they don't come back." Mosul residents are starting to pick up the pieces. One man tried to fix some items in his automobile repair shop, now scattered across a sand lot. An army bulldozer had pushed some of his customers' cars beneath an earth berm to fortify frontline positions. Children have grown numb to the violence. A young girl named Aisha entertained herself by throwing bullet casings along an alleyway. Minutes later the exchange of fire resumed. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) Patton Oswalt will host the Writers Guild Awards for the second year in a row. Hugh Fink will be back for his third consecutive year as executive producer of the ceremonies, to be held in Los Angeles on Feb. 19 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Writing is the goodest thing for movies when you watch the movies the writing is what makes the actors go I like writing, Oswalt joked. Despite Patton Oswalts brilliant performance hosting last years awards, FiveThirtyEight predicted there was a less than 20% chance that he would agree to host this years show, Fink teased. Fortunately, Patton has proved all the pundits wrong and will make the Writers Guild Awards Great Again. Oswalt won a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding writing for a variety special for his Netflix one-man comedy, Talking for Clapping. He also received a WGA nomination for co-writing the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards show, which he hosted. Oswalts feature credits include Young Adult, Big Fan, and the upcoming The Circle, opposite Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. His television acting credits include Veep, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Drunk History, Inside Amy Schumer, Justified, Modern Family, Two and a Half Men, Portlandia, and Seinfeld. Finks recent writing credits include this falls Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe. He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002 for Saturday Night Live, and received three WGA nominations as part of the SNL writing staff in 2003, 2002, and 2001. The production team includes producers Tara Power and Joselyn Allen; co-producer Kelly Brock; and head writer Joe OBrien. Related stories Fusion Staff Unionizes With Writers Guild of America East Seen and Heard Backstage at the Primetime Emmys Awards Hollywood Screenwriters' Earnings Rise 1.9%, TV Scribes' Slide 2% Patton Oswalt will return to host the Writers Guild of America's L.A. awards show. "Writing is the goodest thing for movies when you watch the movies the writing is what makes the actors go I like writing," said the Emmy-winning comedian in an intentionally convoluted statement. Hugh Fink will be back for his third consecutive year as executive producer of the awards. The former SNL writer added: "Despite Patton Oswalt's brilliant performance hosting last year's Awards, FiveThirtyEight predicted there was a less than 20 percent chance that he would agree to host this year's show. Fortunately, Patton has proved all the pundits wrong and will make the Writers Guild Awards Great Again." As last year's host, Oswalt opened the ceremony by welcoming the audience to "four hours of cringing" and went on to make political jokes including his notable statement, "I'm not making any jokes about the worst Supreme Court Justice in America. . Anton Scalia was born in 1936 and stayed there. No word from the Game of Thrones table who is going to replace him." Oswalt, whose TV credits include Veep, Agents of SHIELD, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, released a stand-up special, Talking for Clapping, with Netflix in April and was recently seen in the big-screen comedy Keeping Up With the Joneses. Oswalt is a previous WGA Awards nominee, for co-writing (and hosting) the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Most recently, the comedian took home the 2016 Emmy for writing for a variety special for his Netflix special Talking for Clapping. During his time writing for SNL, Fink received one Emmy nomination, one Emmy win for writing for a variety, music or comedy program and three WGA nominations. His portfolio of work includes writing and producing work on fall's Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe, Comedy Central's The Showbiz Show With David Spade, NickMom's Parental Discretion, The Drew Carey Show, A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa and The ESPY Awards. Each year, the awards honor outstanding writing in film, television, new media, videogames, news, radio, promotional and graphic animation and are presented at simultaneously occurring ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles. The WGA Awards' L.A. ceremony will take place Feb 19, 2017, in at the Beverly Hilton, while the New York City ceremony will take place concurrently at the Edison Ballroom. The Peabody Awards will branch out into scholarly research and digital media production through the creation of The Media Center at Peabody. Peabody executive director Jeffrey Jones announced the launch of the new center at an event in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the awards and celebrated the lifetime achievements of Norman Lear, a Peabody Award honoree. The event featured a conversation between the iconic All in the Family creator and producer Judd Apatow. Jones said that the media center will provide a platform for elevating the currency, conversation around, and impact of each years best stories in television, radio and digital media. It furthers our goal of becoming a year-round organization that demonstrates how and why Peabody-winning stories are influencing the national dialogue about pressing social issues, he added. The Media Center will have three areas of focus: Peabody Programs, which aim to engage with the changing media industry landscape; the Peabody Archive, the third largest archive of audiovisual materials in the United States; and the Peabody Academy, which helps connect Peabody winners with future award-winning storytellers. Jones will direct The Media Centers work and will be joined by a distinguished group of television and media studies scholars from across the country. This years Peabody honorees included David Letterman, Jon Stewart and the showrunners of Mr. Robot, Unreal, Transparent, Marvels Jessica Jones, who accepted their awards at the ceremony in New York in May. The Media Center at Peabody is based at the University of Georgias Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Related stories Peabody Awards Live Blog: 'Mr. Robot,' 'Black-ish,' 'Transparent,' David Letterman Receive Honors Why the Peabody Awards at 75 Still Matter to the Winners Peabody Awards and Facebook Partner for New Digital Media Award By Amantha Perera MAHAVELITHANNE, Sri Lanka (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - In the last quarter century, Mohamed Azur fled his home three times as civil war raged around him, returning when the fighting subsided for a time. Life was not hard, if you knew how to avoid the guns and the bullets. There was enough land, water and everything else for everyone here, said the 62-year-old, standing on the doorstep of his small mud hut covered with tin-sheet roofing. But since Sri Lankas long civil war ended in 2009, this remote hamlet in north-central Polonnaruwa District finds itself facing vexing new worries: more extreme weather linked to climate change, and shortages of both land and water. Like many isolated villages in Sri Lanka, Mahavelithanne, about 300 km from the capital Colombo, relies on agriculture and little else. From the mid-1960s, successive governments brought in poor families from outside areas, gave them free land to farm, and provided irrigated water through a system of reservoirs and canals, under a national development program. The plan worked until the mid-1990s, when the raging civil war in the region put a halt to development. Many people like Azur spent years displaced. Since 2009, however, after the end of the war, families forced to flee by the conflict have been returning and in turn raising children of their own. That is putting pressure on local resources, Azur said. Because families are becoming larger, there is more demand for land, (and) because people are staying on and cultivating the land, there is more demand for water, he said. FLOODS AND DROUGHT Equally troubling, returned farmers have discovered that, in the three decades they were away, rainfall patterns have changed. There will be floods and then there will be long bouts of dry weather. Right now we have gone without any substantial rain for over six months, Harsha Bandara, the top government official for Welikanda Division, under which Mahavelithanne falls, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in October. The regions water distribution network and agriculture management were not keeping step with the shifting climate patterns, he said. For example, we need people to be much more careful in ground water extraction - even consider what time of the day is optimal to use the pumps, he said. That knowledge is lacking. Instead what we have is people using industrial-level pumps to dig deeper and deeper, even down to the bedrock. Though rain late last month broke the long dry spell, over 35,000 people in Welikanda struggled with the drought, many surviving on water trucked in from outside. Bandara also said that since the end of the war, large numbers of cattle have also been brought into the region by dairy companies, increasing the demands on resources. And there are large herds of elephants in the jungles in this region and now they keep coming into villages more often, looking for water and food, he said. On top of that, when the soil is dry, the electric fence set up to prevent such incursions malfunctions. The governments Disaster Management Centre said that more than 870,000 people had been hit by the drought island-wide. CROWDED TOWN The struggle for water and land is far more chronic in Kattankudi, a small town about 100 km east of Mahavelithanne but more urbanized because it straddles the main road. M.M. Shafi, secretary of the Kattankudi Urban Council, said that at least 500 families had returned to the town since 2009. Today, over 53,000 residents live packed into an area of under 4 square kilometers, at a population density 20 times the national average. We have big problems when it comes to water, flood protection and even garbage disposal, Shafi said. During the conflict, concerns were manageable since the population did not grow and demands were minimal, he said. Now we have businesses coming up all the time, farmers looking for more land and water, and there is no way we can provide that, he said. Paddy rice farmer Wickrama Rajapaksa, who chairs the Sinhapura village farmers association village in Welikanda, said the new challenges are a disappointment for those who had hoped to return after the war and build a good life. During the war, most of us who were here just wanted survive. Now, we want to prosper, be rich. But to do that, first we need to deal with all these natural changes in rain, temperature and river water, he said. That is harder than running away from bullets. (Reporting by Amantha Perera; editing by Laurie Goering and Megan Rowling :; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate) Former People reporter Natasha Stoynoff has opened up about her feelings following Donald Trump's win. Stoynoff accused Trump of forcibly kissing her in 2005 while she was writing a feature on him and then-pregnant Melania Trump. Her story made headlines and she was one of 12 women who came forward with allegations that Trump sexually harassed or assaulted them. Trump threatened to sue her and the other women who accused him of groping them. In a story for People, Stoynoff said she was "heartbroken" as she watched the election results at her friend author John Irving's home in Canada. "Mostly at what the results said about so many Americans and what they were thinking, feeling and believing," Stoynoff told People. She said she's "sad but staying hopeful," adding, "I have faith in myself to move forward - and in my fellow Americans to band together and aggressively ensure that our laws protecting diversity and human rights not only stay intact but flourish." Stoynoff' received a mountain of support following her essay detailing Trump's alleged assault. "The hundreds of emails and social media notes and phone calls of support tell me that most Americans want a president who is an honest human being with integrity," she said. "And that gives me great optimism for the future of our country." Going forward, she said she will continue to write stories "about brave women who find their voices and fight injustice." People faced a slew of criticism and calls to boycott the magazine last week when it published a glowing cover of the president-elect and his family. Judd Apatow called the publication "disgusting" and accused editors of "selling their soul" for posting such a positive piece on Trump. "If I didn't love you guys so much, I wouldn't feel so sick. So much for that writer, eh?" said Chrissy Teigen. A spokesperson for the magazine defended the decision saying, "Donald Trump's win is a history-making news event that warranted the cover of the magazine. The story is not a celebration or an endorsement and we continue to stand by Natasha Stoynoff, whose account of being attacked by Trump in 2005 is recounted in this week's cover story." Read more: Celebrities Call for People Boycott After Glowing Trump Cover Is Unveiled Several organizations have launched petitions calling for President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointment of Breitbart News chairman Steve Bannon. These pleas for Trump to reconsider his Sunday decision to select Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counselor focus largely on Bannons prominent role in the so-called alt-right movement, which critics call a mere rebranding of white nationalism. Bannons defenders say the left is trying to smear both him and Trump after losing the election. But his detractors accuse him of transforming Breitbart News into an online news destination for racism, sexism, xenophobia, conspiracy theories and hate. They consider it unacceptable that a man responsible for fanning the flames of racial division is on track to be one of the countrys most powerful and influential men. MoveOn.org, a liberal political action committee, launched a petition urging members of Congress to vehemently oppose Trumps appointment of Bannon and use any tools at their disposal to keep this from happening. It had more than 187,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning. But its not clear how much Congress could intervene. Unlike Cabinet secretaries and those in other high-profile positions, advisers like Bannon are not subject to Senate approval. Jo Comerford, a campaign director for MoveOn.org, told Yahoo News that Bannons unabashed white supremacist, misogynist, anti-Semitic leanings and the bigoted vein of Trumps campaign have no place in the White House. Steve Bannon looks on during a national security meeting with advisers at Trump Tower in October 2016, in New York. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) There are countless examples [of Bannons racism] offered to us by many media reports. The news service that he oversees is known for its white supremacist undergirding. Theres not really anywhere you can go that you dont see Steve Bannon as the poster child for white supremacism or white nationalists, she said in a phone interview. And the thought that he would be a senior counsel in the White House, just down the hall, if you will, from our next president, is extraordinarily alarming. Story continues Comerford mentioned a MoveOn.org campaign called United Against Hate that has been encouraging people to take a stand against Trumps rhetoric and policy proposals for months. Early on, she said, the campaign argued that Trumps statements about marginalized communities had poisoned the election and were no laughing matter. Im proud that we rang that alarm bell, she said. I wish we had been successful in keeping him out of the White House, but Im proud we sounded the alarm, and I do think history will tell us that it would have been best if more and more Americans had been awake to the kind of nightmarish reality our nation now faces. The MoveOn.org petition notes that former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard David Duke and American Nazi Party chairman Rocky Suhayda have praised the Bannon appointment. The civil rights-focused Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) whose similar petition had gathered more than 345,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning has called Bannon the main driver for Breitbart News transforming into a white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill. Park ranger Caitlin Kostic, center, gives a tour near the high-water mark of the Confederacy at Gettysburg National Military Park to Donald Trump, left, and Steve Bannon, in October 2016. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) The SPLC petition cites several Breitbart News reports that illustrate why the group considers Bannon a propagandist for racist and xenophobic ideologies. One Breitbart article called for readers to hoist the Confederate flag up high and [to] fly it with pride, just two weeks after a white supremacist murdered nine people at a prayer service at a historically African-American church in downtown Charleston, S.C. The right-wing news site also published an article arguing that rape culture is integral to Islam. Mr. Trump, during your victory speech, you pledged to be a president for all Americans and to bind the wounds of division in our country, the SPLC petition reads. If you mean what you say, you must rescind your appointment of Bannon. Shaindel Beers, a professor of English at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore., also launched a Change.org petition, which has more than 80,000 supporters as of Wednesday morning, titled Steve Bannons racist, anti-semitic, misogynistic views dont belong in the White House. Some Democrats on Capitol Hill, such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, have already spoken out forcefully against Bannon. Meanwhile, President Obama refused to criticize the hire, maintaining his postelection olive branch with his successor. Amid the firestorm over Bannon, Breitbart senior editor-at-large Josh Pollack is pushing back against the accusation that Bannon is prejudiced or that their website promotes a racist agenda. Hes also very open to debate and challenge as long as you bring facts and data to the table, Pollack told NPR Wednesday. And he has no prejudices, he treats people equally, and, in fact, during my time working closely with him at Breitbart for five years, he sought out people from diverse backgrounds and gave them a voice at Breitbart. [November 16, 2016] PowerVision Announces PowerEgg Consumer Drone Availability on Amazon.com SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PowerVision Technology Group, a worldwide leader in UAV, robotics and big data technologies, announced today that its PowerEgg consumer drone and PowerEgg custom designed backpack are now available for pre-order on Amazon.com at (https://www.amazon.com/PowerVision-PowerEgg-Panoramic-Camera-3-axis/dp/B01LPVM6AO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479152455&sr=8-1&keywords=poweregg) as well as at the PowerVision Online Store (https://store.powervision.me), with shipping scheduled to start in December 2016. PowerEgg is available for $1,288 USD. "Having developed the most compelling consumer drone ever, it made sense to expand our distribution to include the most trusted and significant consumer online retail site," said Chih-Che Tsai, CEO of PowerVision Robot Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of PowerVision Technology Group. "We are very excited to be partnering with Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce retailer by annual sales." About PowerEgg PowerEgg takes the consumer drone market to the next level with the world's first gesture-based one-handed drone controller, allowing PwerEgg to take off and land with the push of a button so that anyone can fly PowerEgg right out of the box. PowerEgg's sleek and innovative design addresses user demand for easy drone portability with its pack-and-go features. It delivers long distance real-time video transmission up to five kilometers (approximately 3.1 miles), is equipped with HD video transmission and has a maximum flight time of approximately 23 minutes. With its optical positioning system, PowerEgg can fly indoors, low to the ground and in GPS-free areas. PowerEgg's visual and ultrasonic sensors scan the ground beneath it for patterns, enabling it to identify its position and move accurately. PowerEgg's integrated 4K UHD camera can produce professional-grade photographs and videos with panoramic 360 degree views on a 3-axis gimbal, delivering stabilized aerial views with an immersive "spherical" experience. In addition, PowerEgg's flight software includes multiple automated flight modes that let the user easily frame their shots while the PowerEgg automatically manages its flight path. These PowerModes include Follow Me, Orbit, WayPoint, and Selfie mode, and are easily accessed through the iOS or Android user interface. About PowerVision PowerVision Technology Group is a worldwide leader in UAV technologies, products, and services with a corporate mission to innovate the future. PowerVision's lineup ranges from smart drones and robots, data visualization and forecasting, and virtual reality. Founded in 2009, PowerVision Technology Group comprises nearly 500 employees in China, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Germany, and Finland. PowerVision Robot Corporation, based in San Mateo, Calif., is the U.S. subsidiary of PowerVision Technology Group. To learn more about PowerVision Technology Group or PowerVision Robot Corporation, please visit www.powervision.me. You may also connect with PowerVision Robot Corporation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/powervisionme/) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/PowerVisionRobot). Media Contact Vivian Yang 650.435.5982 [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/powervision-announces-poweregg-consumer-drone-availability-on-amazoncom-300363611.html SOURCE PowerVision Robot Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte thinks he will get along with Donald Trump as the U.S. president-elect "has not meddled in human rights" issues, and he trusted Trump's judgment to deal fairly with the undocumented workers he plans to kick out. Duterte's hostility towards traditional ally the United States has defined his presidency so far, but he has changed his tune since Trump's surprise election win last week. "It was a well-deserved victory. You (Trump) are the chosen leader of the most powerful country," Duterte told reporters at a function at the presidential palace late on Tuesday. He acknowledged Trump's intent to crackdown on illegal migrants. Large numbers of Filipinos are believed to be working illegally in the United States and remittances from all U.S.-based Filipinos is equivalent to 3 percent of the country's GDP. "I trust in his judgment that he would be fair in the matter of the treatment of illegal immigrants. I cannot talk for the illegals because, whether President Trump or anybody else for that matter, an illegal is always an illegal." Duterte's volatility and willingness to castigate anyone he disagrees with earned him the nickname "Trump of the East" when he was campaigning as the alternative candidate in a presidential election he won in May by a big margin. His warm words for Trump contrasts starkly with the abuse he poured on incumbent Barack Obama, who he told repeatedly to "go to hell" and called a "son of a bitch" for daring to voice concern about the death toll in Duterte's drugs war. When asked if he thought he would get along with Trump, he said he could be friends with anyone and noted the incoming president had not said anything about human rights - a no-go topic for Duterte and a trigger for his rage. "We don't have any quarrels. I can always be a friend to anybody especially to a president, a chief executive of another country," he said. "He has not meddled in the human rights." Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said Trump's migration policy would have little impact on the Philippines. He declined during a regular briefing to give an estimate of the number of Filipinos working illegally in the United States. Abella said there were mechanisms in place to provide them with business and employment opportunities and the government encouraged them to return home before Trump takes office. (Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Pigs are more than just a source for delicious meat; they have innate personalities and moods that are affected by their living conditions, and further, they can even be categorized as optimists or pessimists. Research has shown that porcines, just like humans, form judgments by incorporating aspects of stable personality traits and more transient mood states. Published Wednesday in the journal Biology Letters, the study is titled Mood and personality interact to determine cognitive biases in pigs and it tests the hypothesis that mood and personality interact to influence cognitive bias in the domestic pig. For that purpose, 36 pigs (24 males and 12 females) were divided into two groups and housed in one of two set-ups that were known to affect their moods. Both the housing environments were similar but the more comfortable digs had deeper straw and larger space. The animals personalities were ranked as proactive or reactive based on how they approached novel items placed in front of them. Optimistic pigs were found to approach new objects more often, while the pessimistic ones were more cautious. After testing, 27 (17 male, 10 female) of the 36 pigs were used for the study. But the difference between the two groups really came out in another test that involved bowls containing either chocolate sweets or coffee beans, both coated with sugar to mask their smell. The bowls were kept in opposite corners of a room and the pigs were habituated to their locations. But when the locations were changed, swine from more comfortable living conditions were seen to approach the bowl with sweets even when it was placed in the middle of the room, or even close to the bowl with coffee beans. On the contrary, pigs from the shabbier housing were reluctant to investigate the bowl with sweets if it was not in its usual corner. Conducted by researchers from the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom, the study concludes: Personality and mood jointly influencing an individuals behavior allows longer-term consistency with shorter-term flexibility for responses to dynamic conditions. Story continues Remarkably similar to how we humans work, as co-author Lisa Collins said: These results suggest that judgment in non-human animals is similar to humans, incorporating aspects of stable personality traits and more transient mood states. However, the study raises another question: Do optimistic pigs make for tastier bacon? Related Articles Dominos Pizza delivered two pizzas by drone on Wednesday, November 16, to a customers home in Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland in New Zealand, in what the company called the first commercial delivery of food by drone to a customer in the world. While Dominos is one of the first major chains to deliver food by drone, other food shops pulled off the drone delivery scheme a year ago. Dominos trialled the delivery in August. Credit: Facebook/Dominos Australia via Storyful Over the last week, Snapchat's Spectacles vending machine has been cropping up in new places throughout the US. Called the Snapbot, the machine has been dispensing the glasses for lucky buyers in three locations so far. While the first two locations were somewhat obvious choices, the third has left people scratching their heads. So where has Snapbot been so far, and where is it headed next? Here's the breakdown. 1. Venice Beach, California Snapchat #spectacles now on sale in Venice in vending machine. Huge line to buy pic.twitter.com/iPDedZYbU5 jeffersongraham (@jeffersongraham) November 10, 2016 Venice was the site of Snapbot's first touch-down. The bright yellow vending machine with balloons attached was placed on a sidewalk outside a blue house that served as Snapchat's now known as Snap Inc. first office. The machine is designed to look like a smiling face and "wakes up" and opens its eye as people pass by. The big eye on the front uses the same face lens technology that's in the app, so you can get a preview of what you'd look like with the glasses on. There are three buttons on the front for the three colors available: coral, teal, and black. Each pair costs $130 and while people in Venice could initially buy two pairs per person, but people used multiple credit cards to buy more than two pairs. Now, you can only buy one per person. According to TechCrunch, people in line estimated the Snapbot has about 200 pairs inside. 2. Big Sur, California After its first stop in Venice Beach, the Snapbot moved to Loma Vista, California, a settlement in sparsely populated part of the coastline known as Big Sur. Story continues This was the second location significant to Snap's history. A piece by the Wall Street Journal's Seth Stevenson chronicles Snap CEO Evan Spiegel's trip to the area with his fiancee Miranda Kerr. "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two," Spiegel told the Journal. "We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes it was unbelievable. Its one thing to see images of an experience you had, but its another thing to have an experience of the experience. It was the closest Id ever come to feeling like I was there again." 3. Catoosa, Oklahoma The line for @Spectacles isn't as long as I feared. pic.twitter.com/EZrbYahrZW Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM) November 15, 2016 Snapbot ended up in Catoosa, Oklahoma, on Tuesday morning. The vending machine was placed right next to a huge sculpture of a blue whale in a pond, a popular roadside attraction in Oklahoma. The third location seems to break the convention of the first two a place significant to Snap's history and made it clear that the company isn't targeting major urban centers for the bots. Where will Spectacles go next? Snapchat There are a lot of theories about the location of future Spectacles drops based on important company history, where the company has seller's permits, and places Spiegel has visited in the past. One thing is very likely though: the Spectacles are coming East. It's unlikely at this point that the company would backtrack to other West Coast states, and it seems like Snapchat is trying to avoid a typical tech launch or cater to the Silicon Valley crowd. In all likelihood, Snapchat will continue its tour of the Midwest, possibly heading North to a new latitude (Catoosa and Venice are on the same latitudinal line). VRScout confirmed Snap has valid re-sale permits for Snapchats Bot in the states of Nevada, Texas, Washington and Hawaii. Business Insider later independently confirmed that Snap has a permit for New York as well. But Snap is probably lining up permits in all 50 states if it hasn't already. Our best guess for where it's headed next? A location that's not just about buying camera-enabled glasses. Snap is focused on something else besides sales here it seems intent on creating an experience around getting to the bots, as well as having an experience while you're there. All three locations have a lot more to offer than a vending machine selling a tech product. Which, after all, jibes with the goal of Spectacles in the first place: to capture experiences and share them with the world. NOW WATCH: Here's how Donald Trump can function on barely any sleep and why you shouldn't copy him More From Business Insider Warsaw (AFP) - Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski on Wednesday demanded that Russia hand over the wreckage of a 2010 presidential plane crash that has stoked friction with Moscow and caused divisions at home. President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria were among the 96 people who died in the crash in Smolensk, western Russia, on April 10, 2010. "If Russia wants respect and pragmatism from us, then we expect the same from them," Waszczykowski told the Polish news agency PAP. Russian President Vladimir "Putin says he's ready to do everything (to restore dialogue). Here's my response: no need to do everything, just start by returning the Tupolev 154 wreckage and lifting economic sanctions against Poland." Bilateral ties have been strained since the crash as well as Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, which prompted the EU to impose sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin responded with tit-for-tat sanctions notably targeting Polish agricultural products. Warsaw has repeatedly asked Moscow to hand over the wreckage and black boxes, but each time Russia has said it will only do so when its own inquiry is finished. The Polish delegation was heading to a ceremony in Russia's Katyn forest in memory of thousands of Polish army officers killed by Soviet secret police in 1940 -- a massacre the Kremlin denied until 1990. The wreckage has symbolic value for Warsaw but it is also a major piece of evidence that could shed light on what caused the crash. Poland's previous liberal government blamed bad weather and errors by the Polish pilots and Russian air traffic controllers. But the current governing Law and Justice (PiS) party, whose leader is the late president's identical twin, rejected those conclusions as a cover-up and launched its own investigation. This week Polish justice officials began exhuming the remains of the victims to test for traces of explosives or combustion, as the PiS believes a fire may have erupted onboard before the crash. A Minnesota police officer was charged Wednesday in the shooting death of Philando Castile, the 32-year-old black man who was fatally wounded in a confrontation with police earlier this summer and was shown bleeding in a Facebook Live video taken by his girlfriend. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced that St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez was charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter and two felony counts for the dangerous discharge of a firearm. At a news conference Wednesday morning, Choi said the use of deadly force by Officer Yanez was not justified, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The deadly incident occurred July 6 when Yanez pulled Castile, a school cafeteria employee, over for a broken tail light in Falcon Heights, Minn., a suburb of St. Paul. The officer also said that Castile matched the description of a robbery suspect. Castile reportedly told Yanez that he was carrying a concealed weapon. The aftermath of the shooting was live-streamed on Facebook by Castiles girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who said Castile was reaching for his ID when he was shot. Castiles death led to a series of protests in the St. Paul area and dozens of arrests following a demonstration along a nearby interstate. On Wednesday afternoon, Valerie Castile, Philandos mother, said the family was pleased with the charges. We are here in solidarity, my family and I, to support that decision, she said at a press conference. We all hope and pray the right thing is done. Glenda Hatchett, the familys lawyer, said she believes the charges against Yanez are the first to be brought against a Minnesota police officer involving the fatal shooting of a citizen. We are intending for this case to send a loud message that things must change in this country, and I do believe with all my heart that this case has the potential of being a landmark decision that could have benefits for not only Minnesota but throughout the nation, Hatchett said. She added that the family would also eventually file a civil case involving the shooting. Story continues Few officers are criminally charged after fatal confrontations. One officer currently on trial is Michael Slager, who was charged with murder for the fatal shooting of Walter Scott, a 50-year-old unarmed black man who ran from Slager following a traffic stop. Read more: What to Know About Philando Castiles Police Shooting Death in Minnesota Yanez, who is Latino, has been on paid administrative leave and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if hes convicted of second-degree manslaughter. [November 16, 2016] Azul Systems Re-elected to the Java Community Process Executive Committee Azul Systems (Azul) the award-winning leader in Java runtime solutions, today announced that it has been re-elected to serve on the Java Community Process (JCP) Executive Committee (EC) for a 2-year term. Gil Tene, Azul co-founder and CTO, will continue to serve as Azul's primary representative. Azul joins other elected members including the Eclipse Foundation, the London Java Community, Twitter (News - Alert), Tomitribe, and Hazelcast. Complete results were published November 15th on the JCP website at https://jcp.org/aboutJava/communityprocess/elections/2016.html. Established in 1998, the JCP is an open process that fosters the evolution of the Java platform in cooperation with the global Java community. The JCP is the mechanism for developing standard technical specifications for Java technology. Anyone can register for the site and participate in reviewing and providing feedback for the Java Specification Requests (JSRs). A long-time member of the Java community, Azul has been a member of the JCP EC since 2011. "We are honored and thankful to have been re-elected by Java Community members to serve onthe JCP Executive Committee for an additional term," said Azul Systems (News - Alert) CTO Gil Tene. "Since first being elected to the JCP Executive Committee in 2011, Azul has taken strong positions on protecting community rights, access to technology, and the role of individual Java developers and JCP members, and we have specifically taken the position that the Java community process should be largely influenced by the developers that consume and use the technology standards produced. We look forward to working with the other members of the EC to evolve Java and continue to ensure broad community participation and rights." About the Java Community Process Executive Committee The JCP was designed to represent a combination of major stakeholders in the Java platform as well as a strong cross-section of community representatives. Additional details about the JCP EC are available on the organization's website at https://www.jcp.org/en/participation/committee. About Azul Systems @azulsystems Azul Systems, the industry's only company exclusively focused on Java and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), builds fully supported, certified standards-compliant Java runtime solutions that bring the power of Java to the enterprise, the embedded community and the IoT. Zing is a JVM designed for enterprise Java applications and workloads that require any combination of low latency, high transaction rates, large working memory, and/or consistent response times. Zulu is Azul's certified, freely available open source build of OpenJDK. Cost-effective Zulu Enterprise subscriptions extend OpenJDK support to Java-based businesses who prefer open source solutions. Zulu Embedded is Azul's 100% open source build of OpenJDK for Intel (News - Alert), ARM, and PowerPC -based designs that require custom configurations and long support life cycles. For additional information, visit www.azul.com. Azul Systems, the Azul Systems logo, Zulu, Zing and ReadyNow! are registered trademarks of Azul Systems. Java and OpenJDK are trademarks of Oracle (News - Alert) Corporation and/or its affiliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005923/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Warsaw (AFP) - Polish lawmakers on Wednesday voted to reinstate a lower retirement age of 65 for men and 60 for women starting in 2018, despite questions over its effect on public finances. The governing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party promised the measure during its 2015 election campaign, after the previous liberal administration gradually raised the retirement age to 67. "Funding for all the reforms, including that of the pension system, is guaranteed in the budget," Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told parliament, quoted by the Polish news agency PAP. But the opposition fears the lower retirement age will have costly consequences, as the state already subsidises pensions in part. "When you tell Poles there'll be earlier retirement, that means a starving retirement -- already today. For future generations, it means no pension at all," said lawmaker Paulina Hennig-Kloski from the Nowoczesna opposition party. The PiS government already adopted its flagship project, a child allowance programme that gives families a monthly 500 zlotys ($120, 110 euros) for every child after the first. The programme will cost 17 billion zlotys ($4.0 billion, 3.8 billion euros) this year and 24 billion zlotys next year. The government also passed a law making some medications free for residents over the age of 75. Kiev (AFP) - Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko asked Donald Trump for support against "Russian aggression" during a congratulatory telephone conversation with the US president-elect on Tuesday. Trump's shock election victory has been met with trepidation in Kiev because of the outspoken reality TV star's praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his apparent indifference to the Western coalition against Moscow. The billionaire businessman suggested earlier this year the US could accept Russia's annexation of Crimea if it led to improved relations between the two nations, which are bitterly at odds over Syria. Poroshenko congratulated Trump on his victory and said he wished "to work together with his administration to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States", according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency. He also "underlined the necessity of strong support from Washington in the fight against Russian aggression and the implementation of crucial reforms" in Ukraine. The two men agreed to organise "a bilateral meeting", the statement said, without giving further details. The US election outcome had sparked fears in the ex-Soviet republic after Trump was accused several times by his Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton of being Putin's "puppet". Earlier this week, Poroshenko said he had "no doubt" that Trump would refuse to recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea. Putin and Trump spoke on the phone on Monday evening for the first time since the US vote, agreeing on the need to normalise ties between Washington and Moscow, the Kremlin said. After Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014, which saw US-Russia relations dip to their worst since the Cold War, Washington imposed heavy economic sanctions on Russia. Russia also has been accused by Washington of supporting pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, which the Kremlin denies. LONDON (Reuters) - "Post-truth" was proclaimed international word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries on Wednesday after beating off "alt-right" and "Brexiteer", a choice the publisher said reflected a year defined by emotive political discourse. The compound adjective post-truth was defined as "relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief." Oxford Dictionaries said use of the word post-truth had increased in 2016 by about 2,000 percent compared with its usage in 2015, linking the spike in frequency to Britain's referendum on EU membership and the U.S. presidential election. "It's not surprising that our choice reflects a year dominated by highly-charged political and social discourse," said Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Dictionaries, which publishes the authoritative Oxford English Dictionary and other works. The publisher says its word of the year process aims to select a word that "captures the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year". The shortlist for the 2016 title also included alt-right, defined as "an ideological grouping associated with extreme conservative or reactionary viewpoints, characterized by a rejection of mainstream politics and by the use of online media to disseminate deliberately controversial content". Other shortlisted words related to political or social events included Brexiteer, a person in favor of Britain withdrawing from the EU, and "woke", an adjective defined as "alert to injustice in society, especially racism". Oxford Dictionaries said woke had been in use by African-American communities for decades but had been introduced to a broader audience in 2016 through the use of the phrase "stay woke" by supporters of the U.S. Black Lives Matter movement. In 2015, the word of the year was a pictograph for the first time, the "Face With Tears of Joy" emoji. The previous year, the title went to "vape", the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette. (Reporting by Adela Suliman, editing by Estelle Shirbon) In an interview with Portuguese broadcaster Radio e Televisao de Portugal (RTP), aired on Tuesday, November 15, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad questioned if president-elect Donald Trump could deliver on his campaign promises. In an interview at the presidential palace in Damascus, journalist Paulo Dentinho asks for Assads reaction to Trumps victory, to which Assad tells him: We always say we have wishful thinking that the Unites States would be unbiased, respect the international law, doesnt interfere in other countries around the world, and of course to stop supporting terrorists in Syria." When asked whether he was ready to work with Trump against the Islamic State, Assad said: This is promising, but can he deliver?Thats why for us its still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. Thats why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasnt in a political position before. So, we cannot tell anything about what hes going to do, but if, lets say if he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries who wanted to defeat the terrorists. This is Dentinhos second interview with Assad. Dentinhos first interview aired on RTP in March 2015. A full transcript of the interview was provided by Syrian state media SANA and RTP (in Portuguese). Credit: YouTube/Syrian Presidency via Storyful Among President-elect Donald Trump's primary policy objectives once he officially assumes the nation's highest office is a crackdown on crime and illegal immigration, and investors in the private prison industry, which benefits substantially from such laws, are taking note. In the days after Trump's electoral victory, share prices for the nation's largest for-profit prison companies spiked. The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO), which has donated to Trump's campaign, saw its shares jump to $31.77 as of market open on Tuesday from $23.88 at market close on Nov. 8. Corrections Corporation of Americas (CXW) share price closed at $14.19 on Nov. 8 before reaching $21.36 as of Tuesday market open. "It's certainly true that for-profit prison stocks are soaring on hopes that Trump will incarcerate more people," Bob Libal, executive director of the advocacy group Grassroots Leadership, told International Business Times in a phone interview. Two months remain before Trump takes office and begins rolling out his policies, many of which he outlined during his campaign. At the end of October, Trump promised, if elected, to almost immediately enact a law that reduces surging crime, drugs and violence by creating a Task Force On Violent Crime and boosts funding for police and federal law enforcement agencies. He also pledged to, within his first 100 days, imprison undocumented immigrants returning to the U.S. after a previous deportation for a minimum of two years. Such policies point to a future of growth for the private prison industry and the incarceration statea term for the vast U.S. prison population, which is the world's largest, per capita. Federal and state governments have increasingly used taxpayers' money in recent decades to buy contracts with firms providing private prison facilities, including GEO Group and Corrections Corp. Proponents of private prisons argue that the detention centers save taxpayers money and because private prisons are focused on making a profit, they are run with more efficiency than government-funded detention centers. Story continues For-profit detention facilities are reviled among critics, however, who point to their lack of adequate medical care, understaffing and crowding, as well as their tendency to incentivize imprisonment and recidivism. In August, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its decision to reduce and ultimately end its use of private prisons for federal inmates, citing a fall in the total number of federal prison inmates that allowed it to gradually ease off of the private option. There were 195,000 federal inmates in 2016, down from 220,000 in 2013. "This decline in the prison population means that we can better allocate our resources to ensure that inmates are in the safest facilities and receiving the best rehabilitative servicesservices that increase their chances of becoming contributing members of their communities when they return from prison," the DOJ said in a press release. Trump's proposals represent a complete turnaround from those of former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who was widely seen as the election's likely victor and planned to carry out the DOJ policy change to completion. Clinton sent GEO Group and Corrections Corp. share prices plummeting when she endorsed the DOJs decision during a presidential debate. RTSPKNO Photo: Reuters Im glad that were ending private prisons in the federal system, Clinton said at the Sept. 26 debate at Hofstra University in New York. I want to see them ended in the state system. You shouldnt have a profit motivation to fill prison cells with young Americans. As president, Trump has the authority to roll back the Justice Departments phasing-out of for-profit prisons, and could easily do so "with the stroke of a pen," according to Jeremy Mohler, a communications specialist for In the Public Interest, a research and policy group based in Washington, D.C. Mohler noted that, because the DOJ's policy change was intended for a gradual, five-year rollout, the federal government's use of private prisons would require years to take full effect. Its barely even been enacted, he told IBTimes in a phone interview. Dismantling the DOJ's check on federal use of private prisons, would be an enormously bad decisionwe would be keeping prisons open that we dont need, or seeking to fill them," Libal, the Grassroots Leadership director, said. He added that Companies like GEO Group are betting heavily that Trump is going to be the savior of the for-profit prison industry." A day after the DOJ announced its decision, industry leader GEO Group donated $100,000 to pro-Trump super PAC Rebuilding America Now. The Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint accusing the company of violating a Federal Election Commission law banning government contractors from making political contributions. In a statement emailed to IBTimes, GEO Group denied the allegations on the basis that the specific entity that donated to the Trump campaign, one of GEO Group's 60 subsidiaries, is not a government contractor. "Contrary to these frivolous and baseless claims, this contribution was made by GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc., a non-contracting legal entity, and is therefore fully compliant with all applicable federal election laws," a GEO Group spokesperson wrote. But while the subsidiary GEO Corrections Holdings may not have done business with the federal government, the conglomerate GEO Group made more than $689 million in revenue from the U.S. federal government between the start of 2016 and the end of its third quarter on Sept. 30, according to its most recent earnings release. About 19 percent of federal inmates, or just over 40,000, are held in private prisons, while 6.8 percent of state inmates, or more than 91,000, are held in private prisons, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons most recent data. Those numbers dont include non-citizens. Undocumented immigrants apprehended by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Securitys agency responsible for enforcing U.S. immigration laws, account for 62 percent of for-profit prison inmates. Corrections Corp., which, unlike GEO Group, doesnt list the government-sourced portion of its revenues in its quarterly earnings releases, attributed much of its most recent quarterly revenue increases to higher average daily populations from ICE across multiple facilities in our owned and managed portfolio." The increased demand for inmate beds by ICE is a likely consequence of its ballooning average daily undocumented inmate population, which grew by more than 50 percent between 2001 and 2011. The detentions have particularly affected undocumented women, children and families. And theyre about to become even more vulnerable. Trumps proposed minimum sentence for people who come into the country illegally, Libal said, would create an artificial increase in the prison population in the form of undocumented immigrants." Mohler put it in blunter terms: Its going to be like whats been happeningbut on steroids. Related Articles Nov 16 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. - Sen. Elizabeth Warren warned President-elect Donald Trump against choosing "Wall Street insiders" for top financial posts, likely previewing the confirmation battles to come in the Senate. http://on.wsj.com/2fvScpk - Snap Inc has confidentially filed paperwork for an initial public offering that may value the popular messaging platform at as much as $25 billion, a major step toward what would be one of the highest-profile stock debuts in recent years. http://on.wsj.com/2gezeEA - Theranos Inc allegedly voided 11.3 percent of all blood-test reports that the Silicon Valley laboratory firm provided to customers of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc stores through a years-long partnership between the two companies, according to legal papers the drugstore chain filed Tuesday. http://on.wsj.com/2gfpZUz - Facebook Inc, Twitter Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google are under increased pressure to police what news content can be posted on their platforms, making them reluctant judges of what is misleading, hateful or true. Such moves could alienate users, hurt advertising revenue and fuel a bigger debate on how much influence they should have over news content on their sites. http://on.wsj.com/2fUt1cG - Wal Mart Stores Inc is discouraging store workers from downloading a smartphone app designed by OUR Walmart, an organization that advocates higher pay and other benefits, as the battle between employers and labor groups increasingly shifts to social media. http://on.wsj.com/2fQYYnL (Compiled by Rama Venkat Raman in Bengaluru) Nov 16 (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. - Congressional Republicans, donning "Make America Great Again" hats on Tuesday, celebrated their impending control of government. http://nyti.ms/2fXAHwK - Security contractors recently discovered preinstalled software of China's Shanghai Adups Technology Company in some Android phones that monitors where users go, whom they talk to and what they write in text messages. http://nyti.ms/2fXEKJf - Rudolph Giuliani, facing a flood of questions about whether his business dealings should disqualify him from being named President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state, on Tuesday defended his lucrative 15 years in the private sector as a credential for the job. http://nyti.ms/2fXEVEp - John Weinberg, a former corporate adviser at Goldman Sachs , is joining Evercore Partners as its executive chairman and chairman of its board. http://nyti.ms/2fXF6Q5 - Trump's transition was in disarray on Tuesday, marked by firings, infighting and revelations that American allies were blindly dialing in to Trump Tower to try to reach the soon-to-be-leader of the free world. http://nyti.ms/2fXzR2H - The N.F.L. agreed not to push its teams to set minimum ticket prices on online ticket exchanges as part of a settlement with several state attorneys general. http://nyti.ms/2fXzwNF - Office Depot, Mall of America and the electronics store HHGregg have all announced they will be closed on Thanksgiving. Other retailers like Sears will open fewer stores, and of the locations that do open, many will have shorter hours. http://nyti.ms/2fXCTnI (Compiled by Gaurika Juneja in Bengaluru) Ottawa (AFP) - Canada's largest union and the third party in the Commons ramped up pressure Wednesday on the government to make good on a promise to ban asbestos. The New Democrats presented a bill in the Commons that would completely ban the heat-resistent fibrous mineral that is woven into building and other materials, but has been found to cause deadly lung disease. At the same time, the Canadian Labour Congress launched a public information campaign, pointing out that asbestos exposure is the number one cause of occupational death in Canada, responsible for about one third of all workplace deaths. "Thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with cancer annually due to exposure to asbestos," said New Democrat MP Sheri Benson. "Five months ago, the Prime Minister pledged to ban asbestos. Every day action is delayed, more lives are put at risk. The Liberal government must impose a complete ban on asbestos immediately." Canada once dominated world production of asbestos but the closure of two mines in 2012 marked the suspension of its production for the first time in 130 years. It continues to be imported in some goods. Pressed on the issue, Science Minister Kirsty Duncan said the health and safety of Canadians is "a top priority" for the government. "When it comes to asbestos, the science is clear," she said. "That's why we've committed to a ban on asbestos and right now I'm leading an internal process across departments," she said. Duncan pledged to announce the government's plans soon, adding that it had already moved to ban asbestos in new government construction and has created a "national asbestos inventory" -- a calculation of how much asbestos there is in Canada. "We all have the same goal, this is not a partisan issue," she said. Nearly 60 countries have banned asbestos, but not China, Russia, India, Brazil or Canada. The United States has a partial ban in place. Big bro approves! Meghan Markle had already met Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, when news of their romance went public. But on her most recent visit to London, she got acquainted with another member of the royal family Prince William. Find out more in the video above, and detailed below! Sources reveal in the new issue of Us Weekly that Prince Harry introduced his older brother to the Suits star and philanthropist while she was staying at Kensington Palace last week. PHOTOS: Prince Harry's Hottest Moments! "William met Meghan," one insider tells Us. "They got on fabulously. I'm sure Harry had been looking forward to introducing his girlfriend." Adds another source, "Naturally, William is very happy for his brother." Markle, 35, spent much of her London visit with Harry at Kensington Palace in his Nottingham Cottage abode after Suits which she films in Toronto went on hiatus until early January. "It was a low-key visit," says the source. There were rumors that the couple would make their first public appearance at an England vs. South Africa rugby match on November 12, but Us exclusively reported that Markle returned to Toronto on Thursday, November 10, and no such plans were made. PHOTOS: Princes William and Harry: How They've Grown For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. However it won't be long until they're reunited. Sources tell Us that after Harry completes his 14-day official tour of the Caribbean on December 4, the prince has plans to take Markle away on a romantic trip. (Us is keeping the location private for security reasons.) "It will be a one-week trip, says the source. "There are just a few details left to finalize." Last week Kensington Palace confirmed that the pair are in a serious relationship after Prince Harry requested they release a statement condemning social media trolls and numerous British media outlets for racist and sexist treatment of Markle. "Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markles safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her," communications secretary Jason Knauf wrote. "It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm." Story continues PHOTOS: 15 Charming Throwback Photos of the Royal Family And it seems that Harrys valor is making Markle feel like, well, a princess. "It may not seem like they have been together for long, but its been very intense, says a friend of the actress and U.N. Women advocate. "Theyre super serious and can see a long future together." For more on the couple, including details on Markle's stealth-like arrival to the U.K. last week and why she has yet to meet Duchess Kate, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly on newsstands now. Related Content: [November 16, 2016] Octo Awarded Contract to Support General Services Administration Integrated Award Environment Platform Modernization Efforts Octo Consulting Group (Octo), an award-winning provider of technology and digital services to the federal government, today announced that it has been awarded a multi-million dollar Task Order on the General Service Administration's (GSA) Alliant Small Business (ASB (News - Alert)) contract in support of the GSA Integrated Award Environment (IAE) modernization effort. The IAE is a Presidential E-Government initiative managed by GSA (News - Alert) that melds the cloud, open source technologies, security, agile programming, and a DevOps deployment model to create the award management platform of the future. IAE uses innovative processes and technologies to improve systems and operations for those who award, administer, or receive federal financial assistance (i.e. grants, loans), contracts, and intergovernmental transactions. As part of GSA's Federal Acquisition Services (FAS), the IAE is helping the government move toward a more data driven, common services platform that provides a more technically efficient, secure, and improved user experience. "This contract continues to showcase Octo's digital services capabilities in helping GSA IAE to modernize the entry point that joins up anyone seeking to do business with, or on behalf of, the federal government," said Mehul Sanghani, CEO, Octo Consulting Group. "We are confident in our ability to build out this new solution, and provide a first-class user experience that seamlessly connects to the business of government and serves as a 'one-stop shop' for all stakeholders participaing in the federal awards process. We are excited and honored to advance IAE's modernization effort." Octo's contract scope is to design and develop the key functionalities of Federal Business Opportunities (FBO), the Electronic Subcontractor Reporting System (eSRS), and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) for the future SAM.gov environment. FBO serves as the single Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE) for federal agencies and contractors for federal procurement opportunities, while eSRS and FSRS serve as important data collection tools for GSA. Octo will provide rapid development, testing, information security, training, and user support activities for all FBO/eSRS/fSRS modernization efforts. This work includes utilizing a DevOps approach to expedite the automated testing and promotion of code including user experience wireframes/mock ups, user interface development, microservices and API development, and reporting enhancements for the IAE. The contract has a five-year period of performance, with a 10-month base period and four option periods. About Octo Consulting Group Octo is an industry-leading, award-winning provider of digital services for the Federal Government. Octo specializes in providing agile software development, user experience design, and cloud engineering services that address the government's most pressing missions and modernization challenges. Octo is one of only 11 private companies in the United States to have been appraised at CMMI Level 4 for Software Development Maturity (CMMI-DEV constellation). In addition, Octo also maintains ISO 9001:2008, ISO 20000:2013, and ISO 27001:2013 certifications and is one of only seven government contractors that is a Scaled Agile (News - Alert) Framework (SAFe) Gold Partner: an industry-accepted framework for developing software applications using Agile development principles. Headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, Octo has additional offices in Alexandria, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006329/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Tidal has been streaming much of Prince's digital catalog without permission, according to a new lawsuit filed by the Purple Rain icon's estate and reviewed by Billboard. Prince's label (NPG Records) and publishing arm (NPG Music Publishing) filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. district court in Minnesota on Tuesday against Roc Nation that alleges Tidal is committing copyright infringement by continuing to host the late artist's back catalog, including 15 albums of rare material posted to the service in June. The StarTribune first reported the story. The lawsuit asserts that on Aug. 1, 2015, NPG and Roc Nation entered an agreement to allow Tidal to exclusively stream (and sell) Prince's "next newly recorded" studio album, which turned out to be HitNRun: Phase 1, released Sept. 7, 2015, for 90 days from the date of the agreement. According to the claim, Tidal misinterpreted that language and began "exploiting many copyrighted Prince works in addition" to the new album in early June -- effectively, those 15 albums posted on Prince's birthday. As Billboard previously reported, Roc Nation and Tidal believe that an arrangement with NPG dated Aug. 1, 2015 gave it the right to "exclusively stream [Prince's] entire catalog of music, with limited exceptions," according to paperwork filed Nov. 11 in Minnesota district court. In those documents, Roc Nation says it asserted its rights to the catalog in three claims filed across May and October of this year. The two competing claims agree on one central fact: that Roc Nation and Tidal had an exclusive agreement to stream and sell HitNRun: Phase 1 for 90 days. But on almost every other point the two sides are opposed. Roc Nation asserted a second agreement, signed in July 2015, which gave Tidal the exclusive digital rights to Prince's music for a period of five years in exchange for an advance and subsequent royalties; it also said the Aug. 1 agreement allowed it exclusive streaming rights to Prince's "entire catalog of music, with certain limited exceptions, on the Tidal streaming service." Prince's own statements and actions from the time period seem to support that some relationship was in place by July 2015; at the beginning of that month, the iconic artist pulled his music down from every streaming service except Tidal, and on Aug. 7 announced his agreement with Jay Z's company to release his next album through the service. "TIDAL have honored Us with a non-restrictive arrangement that once again allows Us to continue making art in the fashion We've grown accustomed 2 and We're Extremely grateful 4 their generous support," he said at the time. NPG stated in its filing this week, however, that "Roc Nation and Tidal have not provided any documentation substantiating Roc Nation's claim that it has rights to exploit any Prince Copyrighted Works in addition to the works that comprise the HitNRun: Phase 1 album." The trust representing the estate, however, without admitting that any documentation was valid, then terminated "any such license that might have existed." The estate is suing for damages on copyright infringement grounds and demanding that Tidal stop exploiting the catalog. Roc Nation requested its agreements be allowed to stand and for access to the Bremer Trust's business dealings on behalf of the estate in order to protect its interests. Earlier this month, the fate of Prince's catalog on streaming services appeared to be put to bed after it was announced Universal Music Publishing Group had won the job to become exclusive worldwide publishing administrator for the artist's entire catalog -- both released and unreleased. Tidal's claim to exclusive streaming rights -- which Prince's estate is now disputing in court -- has apparently put that on hold for now. Taxi drivers in Recife, Brazil, blocked a main thoroughfare in the city the morning of November 16 to protest against the ride app Uber. The taxi drivers blocked traffic with a barricade of fire and held banners saying, Taxi drivers wronged by the prevarication of the public power, in protest of the governments response to Uber in the city. They also called out Paulo Camara, governor of the state of Pernambuco, and Geraldo Julio, the mayor of Recife, with signs saying, You abandoned the families of the taxi drivers. Uber has caused violent contention with taxi drivers in Brazil since emerging on the scene in 2014, as government officials try to figure out how to regulate and tax the international company. Credit: Instagram/Renata Dantas via Storyful Brasilia (AFP) - Dozens of rightwing protesters burst into Brazil's legislative chamber on Wednesday to demand a military coup. The approximately 40 people swept past security guards and broke a glass door to get in the lower house of Congress chamber, interrupting the start of the session. Taking over the podium they chanted "general here, general here," in reference to support for a takeover by the army. Brazil was ruled by a military government from 1964 to 1985 and a small minority of Brazilians support the idea of a new takeover in response to widespread corruption and a floundering economy. The chamber was mostly empty at the time, but the scenes of shouting protesters were played on national television. All the demonstrators were detained by police for questioning. "It's worrying and serves as a warning. We are returning to an era of extremes," said one congressional deputy, Betinho Gomes. By Nick Brown and Jessica DiNapoli NEW YORK, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The federal board tasked with overseeing a major financial overhaul in Puerto Rico has held interviews with a handful of candidates for its counsel from a wide list of applicants, people familiar with the talks said on Tuesday. The board has interviewed candidates including Chadbourne & Parke LLP, Proskauer Rose LLP, Morrison & Foerster LLP, Sidley Austin LLP and O'Melveny & Myers LLP, the people said. A full list of law firms that the board has interviewed could not be immediately determined, and it is possible the board hires a law firm not identified by Reuters. The chosen law firm will advise the board as it seeks to help Puerto Rico right its economic ship after a decade of contraction. The commonwealth is facing $70 billion in bond debt, $45 billion in pension debt and a shrinking population, Created under the federal Puerto Rico rescue law known as PROMESA, the seven-member, bipartisan board will oversee debt restructuring talks with the U.S. territory's bondholders and must sign off on annual budgets. The board last month asked law firms and strategic consultants to submit applications for the job. The people asked not to be named because the talks are confidential. O'Melveny declined to comment. The other law firms did not immediately return requests for comment. Morrison & Foerster recently represented Puerto Rico creditors, and Proskauer previously advised Puerto Rico on a local debt restructuring law that was later invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court. The board is controversial in Puerto Rico. Some locals see it as a necessary answer to financial mismanagement by the island's government, but many others revile it as an extension of U.S. imperial control. The board's first public meeting, held Sept. 30 in New York, featured heavy protests, as well as hecklers who interrupted the meeting, calling the board's presence akin to "slavery." Island leaders have committed to working with the board, which will hold its next meeting on Friday in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. (Reporting by Nick Brown and Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler) - By Tiziano Frateschi Ray Dalio (Trades, Portfolio) founded Greenwich, Connecticut-based hedge fund Bridgewater Associates in 1975. Now it has more than $165 billion under management. During the third quarter the guru's largest trades were as follows: He closed his stake in Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) with an impact of -0.57% on the portfolio. Barrick produces and sells gold and copper. The company's business activities also include exploration and mine development, and it holds interests in oil and gas properties in Canada. Third-quarter net earnings attributable to equity holders of Barrick were 15 cents per share, and adjusted net earnings were $278 million, or 24 cents per share. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 6 out of 10 with ROE of -31.95% is underperforming and ROA of -9.20% that is outperforming 50% of the companies in the Global Gold industry. Financial strength has a rating of 4 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.31 that is below the industry median of 16.04. The largest shareholder among the gurus is First Eagle Investment (Trades, Portfolio) with 3% of outstanding shares followed by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.97%, Caxton Associates (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.48%, George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.24%, Stanley Druckenmiller (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.16%, John Hussman (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.08%, Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.03% and John Rogers (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.03%. The investor raised his stake in Apple Inc . ( AAPL ) by 185.97% with an impact of 0.25% on the portfolio. The company designs, manufactures and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers and portable digital music players and sells a variety of related software, services, accessories, networking solutions and third-party digital content. Story continues During the third quarter revenue was $42.4 billion and quarterly net income was $7.8 billion, or $1.42 per diluted share, compared to revenue of $49.6 billion and net income of $10.7 billion, or $1.85 per diluted share, in the same quarter of a year before. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 8 out of 10 with ROE of 36.10% and ROA of 15.07% that are outperforming 95% of the companies in the Global Consumer Electronics industry. Financial strength has a rating of 6 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.77 that is below the industry median of 1.50. Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) is the largest shareholder with 0.29% of outstanding shares followed by Ken Fisher (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.21%, Pioneer Investments (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.17%, Spiros Segalas (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.16%, Jeremy Grantham (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.11% and David Einhorn (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.1%. The guru reduced his stake in Goldcorp Inc. (GG) by 58.76 % with an impact of - 0.24 % on the portfolio. Goldcorp is a gold producer. The company is engaged in the operation, exploration, development and acquisition of precious metal properties in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Central and South America. Third-quarter net earnings were 7 cents per share compared to a net loss of 23 cents per share in the same quarter of 2015. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 6 out of 10 with ROE of -31.58% and ROA of -19.33% that are underperforming 68% of the companies in the Global Gold industry. Financial strength has a rating of 4 out of 10, with cash to debt of 0.13 that is below the industry median of 16.04%. The largest shareholder of the company among the gurus is First Eagle Investment with 3.91% of outstanding shares followed by RS Investment Management (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.05%, Caxton Associates with 0.04% and Hussman with 0.03%. The investor exited AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC) with an impact of -0.57% on the portfolio. It is a pharmaceutical services company. It provides drug distribution and related health care services and solutions to pharmacy, physician and manufacturer customers based in the U.S. and Canada. During the third quarter the company reported a 5.9% increase in revenue, and adjusted diluted earnings per shares grew 12.1%. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 7 out of 10 with ROE of 87.78% and ROA 4.56% that are outperforming 65% of the companies in the Global Medical Distribution industry. Financial strength has a rating of 6 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.76 that is a few above the industry median of 0.67. The largest shareholder among the gurus is Joel Greenblatt (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.13% of outstanding shares followed by Simons with 0.08%, First Pacific Advisors (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.08%, Arnold Van Den Berg (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.04% and Fisher with 0.04%. The guru exited his position in MetLife Inc. (MET) with an impact of -0.21% on the portfolio. The company is a provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs in the U.S., Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It offers life insurance, annuities, property and casualty insurance and other financial services. Third-quarter net income increased 52% year over year, and operating earnings increased 102% from the same quarter of a year before. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 6 out of 10 with ROE of 4.86% and ROA of 0.41% that are underperforming 71% of the companies in the Global Insurance - Life industry. Financial strength has a rating of 6 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.80 that is below the industry median of 8.95. Dodge & Cox is the largest shareholder among the gurus with 3.73% of outstanding shares followed by T Rowe Price Equity Income Fund (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.68%, Diamond Hill Capital (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.64%, Richard Pzena (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.54%, Andreas Halvorsen (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.15%, NWQ Managers (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.14% and Richard Snow (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.12%. The guru reduced his stake in Alliance Data Systems Corp. (ADS) by 49.14% with an impact of -0.2% on the portfolio. The company is a provider of transaction-based, data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based businesses in a variety of industries. During the third quarter the company reported a 19% increase for revenue and 59% growth for net income. Diluted shares outstanding decreased 5%. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 9 out of 10 with ROE of 30.73% and ROA of 3.05% that are outperforming 60% of the companies in the Global Credit Services industry. Financial strength has a rating of 4 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.13 that is below the industry median of 6.28. The largest shareholder among the gurus is Jeff Ubben (Trades, Portfolio) with 8.66% of outstanding shares followed by Paul Tudor Jones (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.28%, Ronald Muhlenkamp (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.21%, Jerome Dodson (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.14% and Van Den Berg with 0.05%. The guru increased his stake in Intel Corp. (INTC) by 54.15% with an impact of 0.2% on the portfolio. The company is a semiconductor chip-maker. It develops integrated digital technology products like integrated circuits for industries such as computing and communications. GuruFocus gives the stock a profitability and growth rating of 7 out of 10 with ROE of 17.06% and ROA of 9.83% that are outperforming 84% of the companies in the Global Semiconductors industry. Financial strength has a rating of 6 out of 10 with cash to debt of 0.64 that is below the industry median of 1.64. PRIMECAP Management (Trades, Portfolio) is the largest shareholder among the gurus with 0.66% of outstanding shares followed by Fisher with 0.42%, Bill Nygren (Trades, Portfolio) with 0.23%, Pzena with 0.18% and Grantham with 0.08%. Disclosure: I do not own any shares of any stocks mentioned in this article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion Bank topped second-quarter estimates on the back of low loan-loss provisions and stronger retail lending and wealth management income, spurring shares of Canada's top two banks to all-time highs on Thursday. Profit at RBC and TD's core domestic retail banks rose 7 percent and 13 percent, respectively, in spite of slowing growth in mortgage lending over the past few years. "Despite calls on my end for a slowdown in personal and commercial banking, they just keep finding ways to deliver some pretty attractive results," said Tom Lewandowski, an analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis. At TD, acquisitions of assets such as the Aeroplan credit card portfolio helped make up for 4 percent growth in secured real estate lending. The bank in September said it would buy about half of the Aeroplan portfolio from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and became the primary issuer of the card. TD estimated at the time the new business would add 10 Canadian cents a share to its results in 2014. "We're very pleased with the take-up on new accounts," TD Chief Financial Officer Colleen Johnston said in an interview. "I think for this year it's safe to say that Aeroplan will definitely exceed our expectations." Acquisitions also helped drive up profit from TD's U.S. retail bank, where income rose 15 percent to US$495 million. Last year, TD bought asset manager Epoch Investments and retailer Target Corp's U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio for the U.S. unit. With Canada's housing market cooling, TD has sought to expand into higher-growth areas, such as credit cards, auto lending and wealth management. At RBC, the bank's post-crisis initiatives to grow its wealth management and capital markets divisions helped make up for more moderate retail lending growth. The bank has bulked up through organic means and by acquisitions, including the 2011 purchase of UK wealth manager BlueBay Asset Management. Wealth management income rose 25 percent to C$278 million, while capital markets income rose 32 percent to C$507 million, which the bank said was in part due to strong trading results. Provisions for bad loans declined at both banks. The banks are the first Canadian lenders to report second-quarter results. Rivals Bank of Nova Scotia , Bank of Montreal , and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will release results next week. Shares of TD rose 2.1 percent to C$53.01, while RBC gained 1.7 percent to C$75.52, with both banks hitting record highs. (Reporting by Cameron French; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) Many actors success at playing real-life characters has much to do with a passion for homework. By all possible means, they aim to achieve communion with the actual human being they propose to impersonate. Andrew Garfield says he obsessed over all possible evidence of Medal of Honor winner and pacifist Desmond Doss for Hacksaw Ridge in order to capture his external qualities but maybe, most importantly, to attempt to know his essence, his insides, that deepest part of himself. The goal was to do justice and honor to this amazing man that walked humbly among us. Thesps usually turn first to whatever images they can get their hands on. Garfield and David Oyelowo playing Ugandan humanitarian Robert Katende in Queen of Katwe studied 12-minute documentaries on their subjects. Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga had the full-length The Loving Story, plus outtakes, to use in absorbing details about Richard and Mildred Loving, the persecuted interracial couple of Loving. It was an actors handbook, Negga says. A 360-degree look at Mildred, so helpful to create body language and dialect. And most importantly, that space between them, the relationship between people. Edgerton professes to be terrified about an out-of-place accent, but there it was, all perfectly laid out for me. Candid snapshots brought insight into the couples relaxed intimacy when newsreel cameras werent turning. A rich visual trove was available for Jackie. Natalie Portman, portraying first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, studied the televised 1962 White House tour led by Kennedy hundreds of times, to get the voice, the rhythms and the pauses. Millions have a clear sense of Kennedy, and those who dont can readily check out the real thing. Portmans convinced you have to have a threshold of believability thats more specific. The accent, the movement, the gestures all of that becomes very exact. First-hand interviews are eagerly sought. For Hidden Figures, Taraji P. Henson sped to Virginia for quality time with the woman she portrays, Katherine Johnson, whos now 97. Henson found her poised and lovely and an amazing conversationalist talking about her years as a NASA computer. Dev Patel attended an Australian family barbecue with Saroo Brierley, whose quest to find his Indian birth mother is dramatized in Lion. Story continues Oyelowo, who clocked his man on Kampala streets, chuckles, Youre having to do a bit of an acting job. Yes, youre interested in what hes saying, but youre also watching what he does and how he says it, looking for clues to tell the truth of the character in a nuanced, interesting way. And clues do emerge. Henson notes that Johnson never used the word I. It was always we, and she thinks of her contributions as a shared endeavor. Watching this team player who doesnt easily call attention to herself informed Hensons steely modesty in the role. Patel remembers a scary ride with Brierley at the wheel. Hes a total Aussie was the first thing I thought of. I was searching for the Indian inside him, but theres something so confident and Australian about him. Then again, youve really got to sit down with Saroo and peel the onion to get down to his sensitive place. We needed that too. The actors ultimate impression? Such an impressive human being. I said to myself Ive really got to step this up a gear, because I dont want to let this man down. Every source is critical when time or circumstance places obstacles to research. Few recall St. Clair Bayfield, the husband of dotty diva Florence Foster Jenkins, and records are scanty. So Hugh Grant hunkered down in a Lincoln Center reading room to pore over Bayfields diaries and letters. He was this lost soul, the illegitimate grandson of a British aristocrat, who loved acting but wasnt very brilliant at it. To me that was the amusing and tragic heart of the character. Underneath his polished exterior, he was just a failed and not very talented actor. At the same time, the documents revealed Bayfields feelings for Florence as very, very profound, and heartbreaking. On the day she dies, he writes something like, The heavens wept and, My darling is gone. Honestly, it brought a tear to my eye. Visits to actual story locales promise what Patel calls real memories to draw upon, to create these big beats of emotion. Henson was only one of several who found their way to Virginia, home of the Lovings as well as of Cpl. Doss, whose old stomping grounds brought Garfield a deeper connection with Desmonds spirit than I could have imagined. His energy was left profoundly on the place. Negga and Edgerton visited the authentic jailhouse and courthouse, winding up at the Lovings side-by-side gravesite. Incredibly moving, Negga recalls, and incredibly useful. Watching his co-stars grief, Edgerton says, I could totally see how Richard could fall in love with Mildred. She was a princess, shy but incredibly eloquent, and willing to take steps because, as she said, it was going to help a lot of people. Eventually, research ends and the actor assumes the role in full. Does one work from the outside in (the right nose or walk) or inside out (the old Method thing)? Its both, Portman says. Youre looking at the way the character moves and speaks. But she was so concerned with presentation, how she presented herself to the world, it was sort of a preoccupation with her. So thats key to the inside as well. Sometimes, Negga points out, the way they move or speak can crack a character and it opens up, while sometimes its a reference to your emotional self that you just turn the volume up on. Edgerton warns of the danger of focusing too much on appearance. Energetically, its really got to come alive. Otherwise its just a costume and a walk just trickery. While trickery is to be avoided in the search for authenticity, nevertheless youre looking for magic, according to Oyelowo. There is something alchemic that goes on that is pretty difficult to express. Its a combination of the work youve done, the place itself, and the likelihood that there are people who have experienced what youre experiencing, or whose parents have. Even with cameras in your eyeline and a crew looking on, you cant help but feel youre somehow being held by something more than your ability, when you have all those things working for you at the same time. Related stories TV Latecomers to Season Still Have a Shot at SAG Awards Mel Gibson on the 'Hacksaw Ridge' Artisans Who Brought WWII to Life 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'Allied' Secure China Release Dates For all the change Americans voted for when they sent Donald Trump to the White House, they called for strikingly little change in the makeup of Congress. A net total of just six seats in the House and two in the Senate flipped parties last week. And in response to that forceful endorsement of legislative continuity, House Republicans on Tuesday reelected their entire senior leadership team without so much as a roll-call vote. Paul Ryan, the speaker whose job was thought to be in jeopardy as recently as a week ago, won the unanimous support of the 240-member House Republican conference. So did Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, and Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers of Washington state, the only woman among the eight GOP leadership positions. Unity is the word of the day, proclaimed Representative Bill Johnson of Ohio as he left a party meeting in the Capitol. Ironically, the man who Ryan and his team had to thank for this outpouring of support was the candidate who divided Republicans like few others have in modern history. The shock of Trumps victory instantly defused the rising tensions within the House GOPs ranks, as the conservatives who were planning to blame Ryan in the event of his defeat fell in line instead. Trumps imprint on the Capitol was immediately apparent as Republicans returned to Washington for the first time in two months. Entering the basement caucus room where they have their weekly meetings, GOP lawmakers found red Make America Great Again hats sitting on their chairs. After the meeting began, Ryan made clear that he and his leadership had the support of the incoming Trump-Pence administration. If the speaker is good enough for Donald Trump, I think he should be good enough for the Republican conference, Representative Mark Sanford of South Carolina said afterward. Recommended: The Trump Takeover Story continues In a further demonstration of unity, the three members who formally nominated Ryan before the afternoon leadership vote included a leading member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Representative Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina, and Representative Chris Collins of New York, a strong Trump supporter who will serve as the House GOPs liaison to the incoming administration. While Republicans moved swiftly to a vote of confidence in their leaders, Democrats decided they needed more time to determine if they were going to keep theirs. Nancy Pelosi, the 76-year-old Californian who has run the Democratic caucus for more than a decade, reluctantly agreed to delay leadership leadership elections until November 30. Younger Democrats have chafed at the tight grip that Pelosi and fellow septuagenarian Representatives Steny Hoyer of Maryland and James Clyburn of South Carolina have kept on power. Pelosi remains the favorite to stay on, but the two-week delay could help generate momentum for Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, a 43 year old who is considering a challenge as Democrats seek ways to reconnect with the working-class, Midwestern voters who deserted them this fall. Ryan was a picture of optimism as he vowed to work hand-in-glove with Trump, forgiving both the slights and the outright denunciations the president-elect slung his way for months. Welcome to the dawn of a new unified Republican government, the speaker told reporters triumphantly. Recommended: Why Hillary Clinton Lost Yet although he now has the support of his conference, Ryan is not completely in the clear. To stay on as speaker, he must limit defections by Republicans to win 218 votes on the House floor in January. And between now and then, he must steer lawmakers toward passage of appropriations bills to fund the government into the new year, achieve consensus on priorities for 2017, and avoid fights with the incoming Trump administration that could erode his standing with the president-elects loyalists in Congress. The newfound unity that carried the day on Tuesday, in other words, may not last long. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Some patients with bacterial respiratory infections may be able to skip antibiotics, a recent study suggests. That's because most lower respiratory infections caused by bacteria are not much more severe than infections with other causes, researchers say. Physicians fear missing lower respiratory tract infection with a bacterial cause, because they generally assume that disease course is more severe and prolonged in these patients and prescribe antibiotics as a defensive strategy, lead study author Dr. Jolien Teepe of University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands told Reuters Health by email. Our results show that the illness course of bacterial lower respiratory tract infection is generally mild, uncomplicated, and similar to that of nonbacterial lower respiratory tract infection and does not warrant the immediate prescribing of antibiotics, Teepe added. Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections, not viruses like colds, flu and most sore throats. For the current study, researchers examined data on 834 adults who visited primary care providers with an acute cough and were diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections. Most of the participants had viral infections that wouldnt respond to antibiotics, while 162 had bacterial infections. Patients with bacterial infections were more likely to be smokers and to have lived with the cough a little longer before seeing a doctor, compared to people with viral infections. Doctors generally assessed symptoms as a bit more severe in patients with bacterial infections. None of them even patients with bacterial infections received antibiotics. All of them kept symptom diaries for four weeks. In the first two to four days after the initial check-up for the cough, patients with bacterial infections reported worse symptoms than people with viral infections, researchers report in the Annals of Family Medicine. With bacterial infections, 27 percent of patients felt bad enough to return to the doctor at least once during the study, compared to 17 percent with viral infections. But by the end of four weeks, patients with different types of infections didnt report clinically meaningful differences in how much their worst symptoms had improved. One limitation of the study is that more severely ill patients were referred to a hospital and excluded from the analysis, leaving only people with milder symptoms, the authors note. Researchers also were not able to follow the full course of the illness for 7 percent of patients who still reported moderately bad or severe symptoms at the end of the four-week study. Even so, the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that antibiotics may not benefit people with respiratory infections, particularly when pneumonia isnt suspected, said Dr. Louise Vaz, an infectious disease researcher at Oregon Health and Science Universitys Doernbecher Childrens Hospital in Portland. Antibiotics will be needed if there is concern for pneumonia, Vaz, who wasnt involved in the study, said by email. However, for the majority of patients presenting to their doctor for cough, antibiotics may not be needed. Each time patients take antibiotics they dont need, they also contribute to the development of superbugs that are resistant to treatment with these medicines, noted Dr. Sharon Meropol, a researcher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. The bigger picture is that the more antibiotics we use for society as a whole, the faster antibiotic resistance will develop, and future bacterial infections for all of our patients will become increasingly difficult to treat, Meropol said by email. Thats why judicious antibiotic use, using them only when they are likely to be of benefit, will preserve antibiotics usefulness as long as possible for each of us individually, as well as for society as a whole, Meropol added. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2fXSdTw Annals of Family Medicine, online November 14, 2016. LA MIRADA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / The holidays are rapidly approaching and this is the time that families will gather to celebrate. This offers an excellent opportunity for baby boomers to think about taking care of their aging parents. This is why Retirement Planning Advisors, Inc. in La Mirada, California, has released vital information that baby boomers can use. Each year thousands of people are thrust into care crisis when a family member or loved one needs long-term care. The challenge is not about finding the right facility but figuring out how to pay for the care and how to minimize possible damage to the rest of the family. "Every boomer needs to plan now for this possibility," says Karl Kim, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Retirement Planning Advisors. He adds, "It starts with a discussion about these three essential topics." Kim says that the first topic is on estate planning documents. One question to ask is whether they have a will, living trust, durable powers of attorney for asset management (financial) and an Advanced Healthcare Directive (living will and healthcare power of attorney). If there are, the next questions to ask include where the documents are located, and whether these can be readily accessed in an emergency. If no, then these have to be remedied as soon as possible. Secondly, boomers should consider bank and credit union accounts. In the event of incapacity, the question is who is able to access the accounts to pay the bills. If the accounts are at a bank, a Power of Attorney should be in the computer at the bank. If the account is at a credit union, then the attorney drafted Power of Attorney will be accepted. Finally, personal information should be considered. If a government program like Medi-Cal is needed to help pay for nursing home care, access to a variety of different documents will be required. For example a valid California driver's license or Senior identification card, Medicare card, Social Security card, birth certificate, health insurance card and premium statements, and most recent four months bank, investment and retirement account statements. Story continues "As the turkeys get prepped and the trees get trimmed, the holidays are the perfect time for baby boomers to discuss these 3 essential topics with their aging parents," says Kim. "Having this discussion is a good start and could save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars and heartache." Kim is adamant about who should handle these matters: "Work only with Certified Financial Planners, particularly those that specialize in senior care," he advises. "That's the soundest way to achieve the best results." Karl Kim is a specialist in long-term care and retirement planning. He is the author of "Don't Go Broke Paying the Nursing Home." Over the past 20 years, he has submitted over 1,500 Medi-Cal applications and saved families hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since 1987, thousands have attended his workshops in Los Angeles and Orange counties and have benefited from his unique knowledge on Medi-Cal qualification, long-term care and retirement planning. More about the company can be seen at www.RetirementCrisisPlanning.com. Contact Retirement Planning Advisors Inc.: Karl Kim 1-800-414-6722 rpa_karl@hotmail.com 16700 Valley View Ave Suite 160 La Mirada, CA 90638 SOURCE: Retirement Planning Advisors Inc. People go to Lukes Diner for reassuring takes on classics like grilled cheese, pie, and coffee, not for foodie creations that look and taste unfamiliar. Most of the viewers who dive into Netflixs new incarnation of Gilmore Girls are probably operating from a similar impulse: They want their TV comfort food, and they want it now. Breathe a sigh of relief: The Gilmore Girls we knew and loved is back, and at its best, its the equivalent of a platter of powdered donuts and extra-crispy french fries. Maybe its a little too much at times and rapid consumption of the four 90-minute episodes Netflix commissioned is not advised but when it relies on the notable strengths of its core ensemble, it is television at its most warm and reassuring. The early sections of the first episode dwell heavily on cameos from returning characters and spend a lot of time recapturing the vibe in the small Connecticut town of Stars Hollow, where grumpy diner owner Luke (Scott Patterson) sighs at freeloaders who want his wifi password, and where the sweetly wayward Kirk (Sean Gunn) is excited about yet another preposterous money-making scheme. But for those who want a retreat from reality in order to spend time in this beautiful little Brigadoon of a town, where a scheme to install a new sewer system is one of the most pressing issues on the local agenda, these Gilmore Girls episodes will feel like a warm blanket on a cold winter night. At times, the fan service threatens to take over the storytelling, and there are signs of the drift that afflicts other Netflix series: Sub-plots that would have gotten a scene or two in the WB version of the show receive extensive and sometimes indulgent amounts of room in the four installments of A Year in the Life, each of which depicts a season in Stars Hollow. It takes a while for various story threads to kick into gear, but Gilmore Girls was always more interested in spending time with its eccentric array of characters than in powering through various tightly disciplined plot points. Story continues The good news is, despite some structural wobbles, its singular combination of screwball patter, self-aware whimsy and barbed WASP drama remains more or less intact, and 16 years after the show debuted on the WB, Gilmore Girls continues to owe a great deal of its success to Lauren Graham. She slips back into creator Amy Sherman-Palladinos rat-a-tat dialogue without missing a beat, and her nuanced performance as Lorelai Gilmore supplies the shows beating heart. The girls in this narrative Lorelai, Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Emily (Kelly Bishop) can sometimes be monstrously selfish or annoyingly oblivious, and its not always clear that the show is aware of how grating the Gilmores can be at their most narcissistic or even cruel. But Graham and Bishop in particular are masters of imbuing their evasive characters with layers of pain, yearning and compassion, and Grahams chemistry with Bledel remains charming. For this program to work, the love these women have for each other must remain palpable, and it is, certainly in some scenes near the end that are likely to bring a tear to the eye. As was often the case with the earlier incarnation of the show at its most potent, what gives A Year in the Life its spine is something thorny and painful. The three Gilmore women are mourning the loss of Emilys husband, Richard, and given his importance to the clan, its entirely appropriate that the show spends this much time on the fallout from that death. The focus on grief is also a tribute to actor Edward Herrmann, who played the preppy Richard with such versatile bonhomie for so many years. A death in any family kicks off a reshuffling of relationships and priorities that can be difficult to navigate in the best of circumstances, and given how prickly Emily and Lorelais relationship was to begin with, their post-Richard year is often an emotional minefield. But Bishop and Graham play their scenes of conflict and commiseration with such verbally dextrous facility that many of them are simply enthralling. Theres one Lorelai speech in the final episode which is by far the strongest of the four that easily matches Grahams most memorable moments from the previous seven seasons. Like Graham and Bishop, Patterson knocks his monologues out of the park. The terse Luke gets fewer big moments, but the way he has always lovingly and exasperatedly held his own with Lorelai has always been one of the shows chief draws. Speaking of other men in the orbits of the Gilmore women, A Year in the Life might serve as something of a referendum among fans: How much Logan (Matt Czuchry) did anyone really want? That particular subplot tends to go in circles without acquiring much in the way of depth or texture. Czuchrys performance is faultless, but the show goes to that well more than it should have. Gilmore Girls was never in the business of supplying gritty realism and hooray for that but sometimes its so unrealistic that it intrudes on ones enjoyment of the show. Rory is flailing in her early 30s, and her bank account is apparently on life support too, but during much of A Year in the Life, she goes on long, expensive flights without worrying too much about the cost. Theres also a Rory subplot involving a loopy British character that supplies few comic dividends. In its previous seasons, fans got used to putting up with the shows more tiresome excesses because the good stuff was so often worth waiting for, and thats the case here. Gilmore Girls distracts viewers with fun, silly tangents (and the supporting cast is uniformly good at supplying those kinds of moments). But there is darkness at the heart of all those layers of eccentricity and surreal flights of fancy, and those tougher elements are as necessary as Sam Phillips lilting music, the hilarious intensity of Paris (Liza Weil) or the withering put-downs of Lorelais employee, Michel (Yanic Truesdale). The hard kernel at the core of the series is that Lorelai usually feels rejected by Emily, who never understood her spirited daughter and who reacted badly when she became pregnant at 16 all those years ago. The very proper Emily, in turn, projects her fears on to Lorelai, and both women talk past each other in a lifelong battle to gain control of the family narrative. In this go-round, as she has always done, Rory tries to make peace between her elders as she attempts to carve out a place in the world that is not overly dominated by these two women, neither of whom likes coming out from behind her emotional defenses. Everything Gilmore Girls tries to pack in the wit, the whimsy, the pop-culture references, the family conflict, the perfectly calibrated insults, the set pieces that go on a bit too long can feel pretty pummeling at a 90-minute running time. The show is sometimes too overstuffed for its own good. So heres a recipe for enjoying this new edition of Gilmore Girls: Get a blanket and a mug of cocoa, and watch 30 or maybe 40 minutes at a time. Itll still be there, waiting for you, next time you need a distinctive and idiosyncratic blast from the past, one that makes the transition to the present fairly seamlessly. In other words, dont binge on this comfort food. In these difficult and uncertain times, why not make it last? Related stories 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' Trailer Offers First Look at the Return to Stars Hollow (Watch) 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' Gets Four Seasonally Appropriate Posters from Netflix From 'Supergirl' to 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' Women Are the Real Heroes of the CW Apple Book "This is a book with very few words," Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive writes in the foreword to "Designed by Apple in California," a new collectible coffee table book by Apple that went on sale on Wednesday. He's right. Besides the foreword, which is relatively short, the book's 300 or so pages are all dedicated to big, beautiful photos of Apple products that came out in the last 20 years, from 1998 to 2015, and of the tools that make them. It seems like a perfect gift for Apple fans this Christmas. The book comes in two sizes, a smaller version that costs $199, and a bigger book almost too big for a coffee table that costs $299. The books are likely to be in limited supply. An Apple Store worker in New York City told me that they only got "like eight" of each, and another employee said that it seems like Apple wants them to be limited. Only a few stores are selling them right now. So is it worth it for an Apple aficionado? After carefully perusing each page and every photo in the book on Wednesday, I decided not to buy it. I can spend the $200 on way more fun things like Snapchat's Spectacles, or a discounted Apple Watch. Here's why: Glossies Apple Book The main reason why you would buy Ive's vanity project is because you admire Apple's approach to industrial design and would like to look at pictures of some of the company's iconic products. Online photos don't do the book justice. In that case, the book won't disappoint. But my problem, as an Apple fan, is there is too much in the book that I've seen before. I think a lot of people who follow closely will agree. A large percentage of the photos in the book have been seen in one way or another usually distributed by Apple itself as promotional images when the product came out. There is an argument to be made that these are the definitive photos of these products. They were all shot by Andrew Zuckerman, a photographer who has worked closely with Apple in the past. Story continues But some of the coolest parts of the book are never-before seen process photos, like the drill bits used by Apple to shape its aluminum casings. There's one page that shows how an iPhone shell is drilled out. Apple Book There's also a few cool photos of Apple products after they've been well-used and loved. Apple Book Glass One photo shows how Apple tests the iPhone glass to see in what conditions it would break. It's a fascinating image, but there is no context, just an image. I was left wondering why Apple might do this, what it learned from the test, or what happens when the glass actually breaks. There also are not many photos of the hundreds of prototypes Ive's team legendarily creates before deciding on a final form. The book simply does not have enough of this fascinating content if you're buying it, you're buying it for photos that are very similar to photos that can be downloaded on Apple's press site. Design and form Apple Book Linen There is some precedent for a lush, image-focused book to cost $200 or $300. Louis Vuitton, for example, has a similar lookbook product that costs $845. Ferrari's book costs thousands of dollars. Ive's team did the design for the book, and given his focus on detail, his team picked the paper and developed custom inks. "Of course, many of these products are white, so the off-the-shelf printing processes really didn't do an adequate job in describing the colour and surface of those products. So, unsurprisingly we ended up developing custom forms of paper and custom inks," Ive told Wallpaper. The book is printed and bound in China, and uses "custom low ghost Epple inks" and 280 line screen printing, according to its appendix. Its paper is "Apple-specific" Heaven 42 paper made in Germany. James Cropper, a UK company, contributes "Color Plan, bespoke color." The linen on its cover comes from Bamberger Kaliko, in Germany, which is using "bespoke dye." However, the book itself is not that special. It's nice, sure, but it's not anything groundbreaking or particularly special, especially if you've seen art books before. It's a big book The book seems destined to become an item on a shelf at design academies and art schools, not something that individual Apple consumers would flock to. The book's two sizes are: small (10.20 x 12.75) and large (13 x 16.25). When I first encountered the book, I though the small version was the large version. The large version is big enough that it feels like a reference book. Here are photos, with a quarter for scale. Small: Apple Book Large: Apple Book The main way most people will encounter the large version is as a book in an art library. "Another key point is that the book is being sent to all the major design colleges in the world. We are keen to get it into the hands of young people who are studying design disciplines," Ive told Wallpaper. If anything, the book seems like Ive's victory lap, and his attempt at making sure his groundbreaking designs land in the design school canon not that the canonization of Apple design needed any help. "We attempt to develop forms that achieve an integrity between external surfaces and internal components," Ive wrote in the book's foreword. "Above all, I have come to feel sure that human beings sense care in the same way we sense carelessness. I do think we respond, maybe not consciously, to something much bigger than the object." "We hope that this archive is seen as intended: a gentle gathering of some of the products we have designed over the last few years. We hope it brings understanding to how and why they exist," Ive wrote. Not a complete catalog Apple book It's important to realize that not every Apple product from the last 20 years made it into the book. "We begin this archive with the translucent iMac of 1998, and we conclude with the Apple Pencil of 2015. We have not included all our work in the interm, only those products that seem significant, that demonstrate learning, or for which we simply have affection," Ive wrote. The book does not linger on any one product. It presents a few photos of the item, its internals, and its construction, and moves on to the next one. Of course, you might be wondering if your personal favorite Apple product is included. Here's a list of all the products photographed in the book, in chronological order and the order they are presented in the book: iMac iBook Apple Cinema Display Apple Cinema HD Display Power Mac G4 Cube Apple Cube Speakers Apple Pro Mouse iSub 2000 Subwoofer Power Mac G4 Titanium PowerBook G4 iPod iMac G4 eMac PowerBook G4 iSight Power Mac G5 Apple Wireless Keyboard iBook G4 45W Power Adapter iPod mini iPod mini Belt Clip iPod mini Lanyard iPod In-Ear Headphones Cinema Display iPod iMac G5 iMac G5 with iSight iPod Socks iPod shuffle iPod shuffle Sport Case iPod nano iPod Leather Case iPod iPod Hi-Fi MacBook iPod nano iPod shuffle In-Ear Headphones iPhone iPhone Headphones iMac Apple Keyboard iPod nano iPod touch iPod classic MacBook Air iPhone 3G iPod touch LED Cinema Display MacBook Pro iPod shuffle iMac Magic Mouse MacBook iPod nano iPad iPhone 4 iPhone 4 Bumpers Mac mini iPod nano iPod shuffle iPod touch Apple TV Apple Remote MacBook Air iPad 2 iPad 2 Smart Cover MacBook Pro MagSafe Power Adapter Apple EarPods iPod nano iPod touch iMac iPhone 5s iPhone 5s Leather Case iPhone 5c Case iPhone 5c iPad mini iPad mini Smart Cover iPad Air Smart Case Mac Pro iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus NOW WATCH: Here's how Donald Trump can function on barely any sleep and why you shouldn't copy him More From Business Insider SYDNEY (Reuters) - Rio Tinto (RIO.AX) (RIO.L) has axed two of its top 10 executives amid an investigation over payments of $10.5 million (8.44 million pounds) to a consultant who helped it secure rights to develop the world's largest untapped iron ore reserves in Guinea. Rio Tinto said on Thursday it had terminated the contracts of Energy and Minerals chief executive Alan Davies and Legal and Regulatory Affairs Group executive Debra Valentine after reviewing the findings to date of an internal investigation into 2011 contractual arrangements with the advisor. The scandal erupted last week after Rio Tinto said it had become aware of emails from 2011 that referred to payments to a consultant providing advisory services on its Simandou project in Guinea. The board concluded that Davies, who was in charge of the Simandou project at the time, and Valentine had failed to maintain the standards expected of them under its global code of conduct, though the decision did not pre-judge the course of any external inquiry into the matter, Rio Tinto said in a statement. It alerted U.S., UK and Australian regulators about the payments last week. Chief Executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said in an internal email that staff were "shell-shocked" by the discovery and any investigations could take several years. The leaked emails showed then-chief executive Tom Albanese, then-iron ore boss Sam Walsh, and Davies discussed a $10.5 million payment to Francois de Combret, a former Lazard investment banker with a long history operating in Guinea. Albanese was replaced by Walsh in 2013, and Walsh retired in July. Davies will be replaced by Bold Baatar, who will join the Executive Committee as Energy & Minerals chief executive. Baatar had been serving as the managing director of marine and vice president of Iron Ore Sales and Marketing. Chief Financial Officer Chris Lynch has temporarily stepped in to run the legal and regulatory affairs function while the company looks for a new chief legal counsel. Story continues A Rio Tinto spokesman was not immediately available to comment on what had been found between last week and now to result in Davies and Valentine being fired. Valentine had been due to retire in 2017 and had already stepped down. The company said they would not be paid any bonus for 2016 and it would cancel all their unvested awards from previous years. (Reporting by Wayne Cole, Jamie Freed and Sonali Paul; Editing by Gareth Jones and Chris Reese) 16 Nov - Actor Robin Padilla announced that wife Mariel Rodriguez has recently given birth to their baby daughter, Maria Isabella. As reported on Rappler, the actor shared the good news online, and wrote, "[Subhanallah Alhamdulillah Allahu Akbar]! Isabella was born [7.56 am] on [14 November 2016], 7.3 lbs and 20 inches. Exactly 21 hours of labor and normal delivery. "Thank you beloved God our creator for the gift of life and happiness. I thank everyone who guided us and took care of my wife in her difficult pregnancy until she gave birth," he added. Padilla also thanked all the hospital staff in the US for their assistance, as well as all the Filipino fans who have prayed for Rodriguez's safety and the safety of their baby. This is the first child for Rodriguez, although not for Padilla, who already has six children from his previous marriage. The actor, however, couldn't be by his wife's side during the birth after failing to get his visa due to a legal impediment. (Photo source: instagram.com/marieltpadilla) Are you guys excited for the Rockaway Festival this weekend? But hear this, festival organiser Livescape Group has announced two Rockaway Secret Parties which are set to take place before and after the 'Rockaway Fest: The Saga Continues' how exciting is that? The first Rockaway Secret Party is a special, by-invite only event which will be held at The Bee, Publika on 17 November, featuring a surprise guest performance by one of Malaysia's most legendary rock bands. Meanwhile, after the Rockaway Fest on the 19th, American rock band Taking Back Sunday will be hosting an intimate Sunday barbeque affair at The Bee, Publika on 20 November. The special event is also by-invite only and will see Taking Back Sunday performing all 12 tracks from their new album "Tidal Wave", with local bands Oh Chentaku and One Buck Short performing alongside the popular alternative rock band at the event. To join the first secret party, all you have to do is RSVP your attendance by filling in your details here: http://bit.ly/RockawayRSVP, by today, 16 November. Do note that the party tomorrow is only open for Rockaway Festival's 19 November ticket holders and is limited to the first 400 RSVPs. The mechanics for the Rockaway BBQ party with Taking Back Sunday is yet to be announced, but it is assumed to be the same process as the pre-party. Stay tuned on rockawayfest.com or Rockaway Festival Facebook for more info on how to attend the post-event party. 'Rockaway Fest: The Saga Continues' takes place this Saturday, on 19 November at Extreme Park, Bukit Jalil featuring local rock legends, Alleycats, Zainal Abidin, Butterfingers alongside international bands Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday and The Get Up Kids. Getty Image Former Atlanta Falcons wideout Roddy White hopes reporting the officer who pulled him over will save the next black mans life that gets stopped in Dekalb County, Georgia. White sent out a series of tweets on Wednesday after getting pulled over by an officer who ticketed him for his expired license plate tags and speeding. The free agent wide receiver said he wasnt upset about the tickets, but rather that he was worried the officer went to his gun before approaching his vehicle. So I just got pulled over for speeding and my tag expired so I got 2 tickets which I wasn't complaining about I gladly excepted them Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 But what I had a problem with is officer Kirby of the dekalb county police department bag #1970 I'm going to have to report this man Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 In particular, White questioned why the officer needed to unbutton his weapon from its holster before he approached Whites car. This officer got out his car and immediately unbutton his his strap on his gun and put his hand on his gun and came to my car wit his hand Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 On his gun like I was going to do something to him so I asked him why he had his hand on his gun the man said it was police procedure Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 So I said really and he said no it's my procedure I than asked him why do u think I want to hurt you and he had no response I than said Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 Given the increased attention that police violence against people of color has received in recent years, its understandable that White is worried about his safety during what should be a routine traffic stop. White said he couldve died if he didnt have his identification ready and reacted differently during the stop. It's cops like you that makes this world a very ugly place its a good thing I already had all my information to give him or I could've died Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 On a routine traffic stop cause if u stopping me for speeding I don't see a reason to grab your gun Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 Im definitely not an expert in police procedure, but the looming threat of a gun pulled on you during a traffic stop is scary. White was clearly unnerved by the incident and said he will report the officer in the hopes it will save the next black mans life that officer may encounter on patrol. But I am going to report officer Kirby for his action it may save the next black man's life Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) November 16, 2016 White joins the growing number of athletes who have been vocal about police violence against people of color in recent months. Having a close call with an officer like this is an unsettling reality for many people in America. Thankfully for White, it amounts to something he could tweet about and simply pay a fine. Francesco Patierno (The War of the Volcanoes) assembles an impressive amount of footage shot in Naples at the end of World War II to illustrate his affectionate tribute to Norman Lewis towering memoir Naples 44. Getting Benedict Cumberbatch on board as the narrator reading Lewis words is perhaps an even greater coup, yet the documentary is a weak, at times painfully misguided attempt to capture the great writers humane memoir of his year in Naples as a British soldier with the Intelligence Corps. Undoubtedly this movie will turn up on the History Channel or similar broadcast outlets, but the best outcome will be a spike in book sales rather than film rentals. Lewis was 35 when he was posted from North Africa to newly liberated Naples in September 1943; he arrived to witness a city on its knees, devastated physically and morally from Fascism, severe bombings, the Nazi occupation, and then the Allied takeover. Lewis was assigned to investigate all manner of misbehavior by a populace whose social fabric had been torn to shreds, and he did so with sensitivity and an affection inseparably mingled with melancholy reflections on the wars toll. Patierno chooses a large selection of passages from Lewis diary (which wasnt published until 1978), revealing the authors interactions with the locals and his shock at how a proud population had been scarred by years of battle fatigue. Yet despite Cumberbatchs warmly voiced intonations, the words often lose their beauty and power since the documentary has no sense of rhythm where a reader can linger on especially poignant passages, musing on Lewis profoundly shaken understanding of mans inhumanity to man, the film simply moves along, jumping from humbled aristocrats to middle class women prostituting themselves to Neapolitan kleptomania without the pauses necessary to take it all in. Equally problematic is that Patierno doesnt limit himself to using nonfiction footage but throws in clips from The Four Days of Naples, Catch-22 and Il re di Poggioreale, among others, throwing the viewer completely out of Lewis world and substituting his reality for Ernest Borgnine and Keenan Wynn. For Italian audiences, its especially injudicious to use clips from movies starring the great comedian Toto whenever Lewis talks of his friend and informer Lattarulo, as it needlessly conflates the memoirs dignified yet ambiguous figure with a clown. Curiously, Lewis not infrequent passages about massive corruption among the Allied officers are largely absent, and his gut-wrenching evocation of the female populations degradation is passed over far too quickly. Story continues Presumably to make the documentary more accessible, Patierno includes images of an actor walking through Naples, standing in for Lewis himself, who died in 2003. While certainly superior to the recreations that currently afflict nearly all TV documentaries, these serve little purpose. Related stories Rome Film Review: 'Faultless' Rome Film Review: 'Maria per Roma' Rome Film Review: '2night' From Road & Track Update: Dennis is officially out at McLaren Statement: Ron Dennis confirms he has today been required to relinquish duties as Chairman & Chief Executive of McLaren Technology Group - Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) November 15, 2016 Ron Dennis has been a constant figure at McLaren since the early 1980s when his Project Four team merged with McLaren. That merger created one of the most dominant teams of the modern era and made Dennis a legend in the F1 paddock. That time is apparently coming to an end. The BBC reports that Dennis will be told by shareholders today that he must give up his role as Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group, which includes the F1 team and McLaren Automotive, the company that builds everything from the 570S to the P1. Dennis owns 25 percent of McLaren along with Mansour Ojjeh, a longtime business partner who has 25 percent, and the Mumtalakat investment fund that owns the remaining 50 percent. Apparently, Ojjeh has fallen out with Dennis and disagreed with him vehemently in recent years, and has started working with the Bahraini Mumtalakat fund to oust his former friend. Dennis first came under fire when he began work to find an investor to take back majority control of McLaren, but the Chinese backers that he found have fallen through and Ojjeh and Mumtalakat have not wanted to give Dennis majority control of the company. If he is removed from his post, there have been no reports of Dennis selling his stake in the company. The removal of Dennis would be a huge change at the company, which has been molded after him and his famous obsession to every single detail and quest for absolute perfection in everything the company does. The BBC says that the leading candidate to replace Dennis at the helm is American Zak Brown, a motorsports marketing pro who has also been linked to a top role with Liberty Media's takeover of Formula One. The BBC says that at this point, Brown would be more likely to accept the offer from McLaren. Brown could help entice needed sponsorship for McLaren, which is yet to replace Vodafone as title sponsor. Story continues via Jalopnik You Might Also Like By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Royal Bank of Canada reported a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday and raised its dividend by 6 percent after surging capital markets income more than offset charges from a restructuring of Caribbean operations. Canada's largest bank earned C$2.09 billion ($1.89 billion), or C$1.38 a share, in the first quarter ended January 31, up from C$2.05 billion, or C$1.34 a share, a year earlier. Excluding charges of C$60 million from the sale of Jamaican operations and C$32 million for a restructuring in the Caribbean, the bank earned C$1.47 a share, topping analysts' expectations of C$1.43. The results build on slightly higher-than-expected profits this week by rivals Bank of Montreal and National Bank of Canada in a quarter that has shown steady growth in consumer lending volumes in spite of worries of a housing slowdown. "(Loan) volume growth in Canada continues to do well, even though we would think the volume growth would be down," said Ian Nakamoto, director of research at MacDougall, MacDougall and MacTier. "(The banks) are fairly well diversified among different loan categories," Nakamoto said. "I think they're quite cautious towards who they lend to." RBC's capital markets income rose 9 percent to C$505 million, while loan-loss provisions decreased by 16 percent to C$292 million from a year earlier. "The beat against expectations appears to be from lower provisions and better-than-anticipated capital markets revenues, largely trading," Barclays Capital analyst John Aiken said in a note. Income from investor and treasury services, which includes financial custodial and management for corporate clients, climbed 34 percent to C$106 million. Personal and commercial banking income slipped 3 percent to C$1.07 billion but would have risen 5 percent without the items from the Jamaican operations sale and Caribbean restructuring. The bank said in January that it would sell its Jamaican banking operations to Sagicore Group Jamaica Ltd, but it did not have any plans to divest other assets in the Caribbean. Personal and commercial income benefited from the acquisition of auto lender Ally Canada in early 2013, RBC said. Asked on a conference call about the bank's plans for further acquisitions, RBC Chief Executive Officer Gordon Nixon said the interest was there, but availability was lacking. "We've looked at a tremendous number of opportunities in the wealth management space over the last year or so," he said. "The ability to execute is more challenging than the stated opportunities; a combination of price levels and performance levels." Nixon will step down in August after 13 years as CEO. He will be replaced by Dave McKay, who heads RBC's personal and commercial banking business. The bank said it was raising its quarterly dividend by 4 Canadian cents per share to 71 Canadian cents, which Nakamoto said was more than he had expected. RBC shares were up 3 Canadian cents at C$72.73 in morning trading. The stock rose 19 percent in 2013, mirroring the strong performance of other Canadian banks, and is up slightly more than 2 percent so far in 2014. Toronto-Dominion Bank and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will release their quarterly results on Thursday. (Editing by Jason Neely and Lisa Von Ahn) As people close to the Donald Trump transition team continue to report that former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani is the leading candidate to be secretary of state in a Trump administration, objections are getting louder. Giuliani, they point out, has no experience as a diplomat, has a history of aggressive and combative rhetoric, and has complicated financial ties to many foreign governments and organizations. Giuliani, who made his name as a tough-on-crime U.S. attorney during the Reagan administration, became a national figure after the 9/11 attacks, when his response to the murder of thousands of his constituents was seen as unifying. He briefly ran for Senate in 2000, before withdrawing from the race in order to undergo treatment for prostate cancer. He also made an unsuccessful run for president in 2008. Related: Why Wall Street Should Be Worried About Steve Bannon In the wake of his mayoralty, Giuliani used his post-9/11 profile to position himself as an expert in national security and the fight against terrorism. However, his company, Giuliani Partners, was heavily criticized for hiring people with questionable connections, like former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who would later serve time in federal prison for, among other things, tax fraud. Giuliani is now a with the law firm Greenberg Traurig, where he chairs the Cybersecurity, Privacy and Crisis Management practice. He has served as a lobbyist for energy companies, and at one point represented Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, when the government was investigating whether the firm had misled regulators about the drugs addictiveness. The idea that Giuliani might become the nations chief diplomat has unsettled many people in the world of international relations because the person in the post is often on the front lines of extremely delicate discussions and negotiation. And delicacy is not one of Giulianis primary character traits. In fact, one of Giulianis most high-profile actions in the field of international relations was to stage a public insult of Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat in 1995. Arafat was in New York, attending a concert at Lincoln Center marking the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Giuliani had him publicly ejected from the hall, in an act the Clinton administration called an embarrassment to everyone associated with diplomacy. Story continues Related: Top GOP National Security Official Warns: Dont Go Work for Trump If he were to be nominated, Giuliani would also have to contend with questions about his extensive business ties to foreign companies and governments -- many of whom have paid him hundreds of thousands of dollars to deliver speeches overseas. That last detail is somewhat awkward, given that during the presidential campaign, Trump and his surrogates constantly harped on the fact that Democrat Hillary Clinton made a lot of money giving speeches after she left government service. Giuliani will also face questions about his connection to Mujahedeen Khalq, an Iranian opposition group that was for many years considered a terrorist organization by the State Department. (Giuliani worked to have the MEK removed from that list, and succeeded in 2012 when then-Secretary of State Clinton agreed.) There are also signals that Giuliani might not face a completely compliant GOP if he should progress to Senate confirmation hearings. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has promised to use every tool available to block Giuliani, saying that his bellicosity makes him unfit for the job. However, Giuliani was loyal to Trump through the very worst periods of the presidential campaign. In the days after a videotape showing Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women was made public, even his vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, refused to go on the talk show circuit to defend him. But Giuliani was there, gamely deflecting and minimizing Trumps admissions. Whether or not the former New York mayor gets the nod from Trump will likely be seen as one of the first tests of just how much Trump values personal loyalty over political expediency. UPDATE: This article originally reported that Giuliani is a name partner at Bracewell & Giuliani. He left that firm earlier this year, and it has been renamed. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Russian media reported Monday that Moscow and Tehran are negotiating an arms deal worth about $10 billion through which Russia would send a massive supply of military equipment to its Middle Eastern ally. The deal reportedly includes T-90 tanks, artillery systems, planes and helicopters. Talks regarding the agreement were taking place during a parliamentary visit, RIA News Agency reported Viktor Ozerov, defense and security committee chief in the upper house of the Russian parliament, as saying. The deal reportedly does not involve one single shipment, but a number of deliveries over the coming years. The report also noted that the content of the delivery necessitated permission from the U.N. Security Council in order to be carried out. The so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in July 2015 and effective January of this year, mandates that the sale of any offensive weapon systems to Iran before October 2020 must first be approved by the international body. Russia has not yet submitted a formal request, but officials have said they will respect the resolution if the U.S. or European nations block the move. Last month, Russia supplied Iran with missiles intended for an S-300 surface-to-air defense system. Russia had previously imposed a ban on the sale of military supplies to Iran in 2010, but lifted the restrictions in April 2015 following the international interim agreement that preceded last July's nuclear deal. Ozerov confirmed that the system would be operational by the end of the year. Russia and Iran often support one another to counter Western influence, especially from the U.S. The two nations' militaries are currently active in Syria where they support President Bashar al-Assad against Western-backed rebel organizations and the Islamic State group. Russia has collaborated extensively with the Iranian-supported, Lebanese-based Hezbollah, a powerful and influential paramilitary movement. In August, Iran allowed Russia to use its Shahid Nojeh Air Base, also known as Hamadan Air Base, to conduct operations in Syria. Story continues RTX2NHRT Photo: Reuters Related Articles Moscow (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday overturned a criminal conviction against opposition politician Alexei Navalny following a European court decision, but ruled he must face a fresh trial. The high-profile anti-corruption blogger and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin was convicted of embezzlement in 2013 along with a businessman associate in a trial he and his supporters see as politically motivated. Navalny received a five-year suspended sentence after a lengthy trial in the central Russian city of Kirov. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled in February that the men were deprived of a fair trial and convicted over "acts indistinguishable from regular commercial activities." It told Russia to pay damages of 8,000 euros ($8,600) to each defendant and cover legal costs. Russia's Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed the earlier convictions but sent their case back for retrial, meaning Navalny, who has declared his intention to run for president in 2018, could face a lengthy new trial and possibly another conviction. "After the Supreme Court decision, Navalny could go to a penal colony," wrote pro-Kremlin site Life News. - Right to stand for office - On his website Navalny said he was "categorically not satisfied" with the ruling, and that the court "should have closed the case since no crime was committed." "Instead, they sent the case for a new hearing," he said, suggesting this was done "so I can't do political activities." "Now I am not convicted on serious charges and have the right to take part in elections," Navalny wrote. The firebrand politician has declared his intention to stand for president in 2018 polls that Putin is expected to contest. Asked to comment, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists: "It's a long time till the elections. This issue is not on our agenda." Navalny was the star leader of mass protests in 2011 and 2012 over Putin's return to the Kremlin as president, and coined the slogan "Putin is a thief." He came second in Moscow's mayor race in 2013. Story continues In the same year, he was first sentenced to five years in a penal colony but the verdict was changed to a suspended sentence on appeal. He has been targeted in a number of legal probes and spent months under house arrest. He has another less serious conviction from 2014 from a controversial trial which he faced with his brother Oleg, involving French cosmetics company Yves Rocher. His brother is currently serving a prison sentence. After being convicted in Kirov, Navalny was forced to step back from politics but he and his associates publish widely-discussed investigative reports exposing and ridiculing the secret luxurious lifestyles of top Russian officials. Navalny said he would appeal Wednesday's Supreme Court decision to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which looks into failures to carry out ECHR decisions. Navalny's lawyer Vadim Kobzev told AFP: "The meaning of today's decision is that there will be a repeat trial, everything will start again from a court in Kirov." Navalny now is "formally not convicted over this case," Kobzev confirmed, attributing the Supreme Court's decision to the absence of clear procedures on European rulings. There is now a possibility that "in a new trial, they will be cleared," he said. "If they convict them again and find them guilty, this will be ignoring the European Court of Human Rights." Russia in 2015 passed a law that allows it to reject decisions made by international rights courts, allowing it to snub the European Court of Human Rights. Under Donald Trump's presidency, Moscow and the United States might restart talks to overturn the ban on American families adopting Russian children. Russia's children's ombudsman Anna Kuznetsova said at a presidential council meeting Tuesday that chances of returning to the negotiating table were significantly higher. A new trend towards resuming dialogue [with Washington] has already appeared. We are waiting for the new U.S. administration to be ready for a meeting, Kuznetsova said, adding that she recently discussed the issue with officials at Russia's Foreign Ministry. The Kremlin banned U.S. families from adopting Russian children in 2013. The move was largely seen as a response to the Magnitsky Act, which restricted a number of Russian officials allegedly involved in human rights abuses from entering the U.S. However, the Russian government said that the law was in response to the death of an adopted Russian child, Dima Yakovlev, while in the care of his American family in 2008. Trump has expressed hopes to better ties with Putin despite tensions between the two countries over Moscow's participation in the Syrian conflict. Related Articles U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's optimism to have better ties with Russia has raised concerns of a greater conflict with Moscow's rivals. The relationship between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has given rise to speculation of a war in Ukraine, according to reports. Last week, Ukrainian politician and former prisoner of war Nadiya Savchenko appealed to Trump to toughen sanctions against Moscow. Savchenko is a former fighter pilot in the Ukrainian ground forces who was captured by a pro-Russian militia in 2014 in eastern Ukraine and handed over to Russia. "Id like to attract your attention to the problem of international support and protection of territorial integrity of Ukraine inasmuch as the United States of America as a state is ahead of protecting Western-European Values in the world and always gave the support for the Ukrainian people in their aspiration to joint the family of the countries that stick to the democratic values, inviolability of frontiers, law supremacy," Savchenko wrote in a Facebook post. "Ukraine suffers from Russian Federation aggression, it has lost part of its territory, ten thousands of its soldiers, volunteers, civilians have been killed on the battle-field, a great number of Ukrainian hostages are illegally detained in the prisons and are subjected to tortures by the Russian Federation," she added. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also told Interfax news agency last week that there were contacts between Russia and "influential people" in Trump's circle prior to the U.S. presidential election. Viktor Kremeniuk , deputy director of the official Institute of USA-Canada Studies in Moscow, reportedly said: Everyone seems to be playing the Russian card these days, trying to boost their own internal unity by focusing blame on Russia, adding: They believe that we are causing problems for them, and theres no way we can disprove that we are doing it. These accusations have a life of their own, they drive tensions up and trust down, and it just gets worse and worse. Story continues While tensions between the U.S. and Russia remain, Putin was cautiously optimistic after Trump's win. We heard [Trumps] campaign rhetoric while still a candidate for the U.S. presidency, which was focused on restoring the relations between Russia and the United States, Putin said. We understand and are aware that it will be a difficult path in the light of the degradation in which, unfortunately, the relationship between Russia and the U.S. are at the moment. Related Articles MOSCOW, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The Russian government will hold an urgent meeting at midday on Wednesday, Valentina Matvienko, speaker of the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, told senators, the Interfax news agency reported. President Vladimir Putin dismissed Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev on Tuesday over allegations he extorted a $2 million bribe from top oil producer Rosneft in a case that could expose fault lines in the Russian leader's inner circle. The Russian government said in a statement cited by RIA news agency that Wednesday's meeting was routine and had been brought forward by one day from Thursday because of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's schedule. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Christian Lowe) Russian warships launched cruise missile strikes against Islamic State and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham targets on Tuesday, November 16. The frigate Admiral Grigorovich launched Kalibr cruise missiles at IS and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham positions in Idlib and Homs provinces, according to Russian News Agency TASS. Aircraft from the Admiral Kuznetsov, Moscows only aircraft carrier, and Bastion missile launchers deployed inside Syria were also involved in the operation. The Russian offensive came as the Syrian government resumed airstrikes in the rebel-held districts in eastern Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported tens of casualties on Tuesday. The Russia and Syrian government suspended airstrikes against Aleppo on October 18, to allow aid convoys to reach the besieged city. A Russian MiG-29 twin-engine fighter jet from the Admiral Kuznetsov crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in a failed test flight on Monday. This video shows cruise missiles being launched from a Russian frigate and missile launcher. Credit: YouTube/Russian Ministry of Defense via Storyful President-elect Donald Trump could be seeing a lot of Russian President Vladimir Putin during his time in the White House. The proportion of Russians who want Putin to continue leading their country beyond the 2018 presidential election has risen to a four-year high of 63 percent, according to a recent poll. The figure, attained by an opinion poll from the independent Levada Center and reported by Russia Today on Wednesday, is up from just 34 percent shortly after Putin won a third presidential term in 2012. The poll found 18 percent were not in favor of the 64-year-old going on to serve a fourth term when the presidential election is held in 16 months time. Russia Today, or RT, is part of the Russian state-owned RIA Novosti news agency. The surge in Putins popularity can in large part be attributed to what has been termed the Crimea effect, which is the positive reaction to Russias annexation of Crimea, Mikhail Vinogradov of the St. Petersburg told Russian media. The Ukrainian territory was seized by pro-Russian troops in 2014 shortly after the removal of then-Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych. On Wednesday, a United Nations committee approved a resolution condemning what it called Russias temporary occupation of Crimea. NATO struck a similar tone this week, stating that Crimea remains an obstacle to future talks. The message from NATO has been that we want dialogue with Russia," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. "Russia is our biggest neighbor, Russia is there to stay and especially when tensions run high and especially when we face many different security challenges, it is important to have dialogue. "[But] we will never respect or accept the violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine." However, comments on the campaign trail from Trump have provoked anxiety for European leaders. Trump has suggested that he may accept Russias authority over Crimea. In a phone call between Trump and Putin on Monday, the Kremlin said that they "agreed to assess the current very poor state of Russian-American relations." Putin purportedly pledged "dialogue with the new administration on the principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other." Story continues In the last Russian presidential election four years ago, Putin won with 63.6 percent of the vote. However, tens of thousands later took to the streets to protest at what they claimed was an unfair election. The Russian constitution prevents a president from serving more than two consecutive terms, a restriction Putin sidestepped in 2008 when being appointed to serve as prime minister. Related Articles Samantha Bee whose take-no-prisoners coverage of the election cycle on late-nights Full Frontal has endeared her to TV critics and political pundits alike, officially got her expected pick-up for 2017 and a new night. TBS announced this morning that weekly Full Frontal is moving from Mondays at 10:30 PM ET to same timeslot on Wednesday nights, starting January 11. Insider says the Wednesday move works better from a production and content perspective, but that was made pretty clear during Election Weeks Wednesday night episode. I am only sorry that this renewal leaves me unavailable for a cabinet position in the new administration, Bee said in todays announcement. I will, however, be available to host the White House Correspondents Dinner, seeing as I already bought the dress. Your move, White House Correspondents Association. Seriously. Full Frontal With Samantha Bee, which has been storming late night since its launch last February 8, is the fastest growing show in the daypart; this quarters delivery of adults 18-49 is outpacing Q3 by 37%. The weekly show reaches an average of 3.3 million viewers per episode across multiple platforms, which, TBS boasted, puts it among late-night Top 3 programs in the key adults 18-49 demo, quarter-to-date. Throughout its first season, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee has covered the Presidential election extensively, including a sit-down interview with President Obama, as well as interviews with several female leaders from around the world, by way of demonstrating how behind the trend is this country. Full Frontal has not confined itself to White House-race madness, though many of the shows other segments have shined a light on election-cycle hot-button issues. Full Frontal has, for instance, reported on untested rape kits in Georgia, abortion laws in Texas, and local state legislators across the country, as well as the mass shooting in Orlando. Among the ways Bees program has distinguished itself from the growing mob of late-night shows beside the female host thing it has ambitiously traveled to Jordan, Germany and, most recently, Russia, to bring an international perspective to important domestic issues. Story continues In less than a year, Sam has become one of the most talked-about personalities in all of televisionWere so lucky to have Sam and her Emmy-nominated team, led by the brilliant Jo Miller, as part of the TBS family. Xoxoxoxo, TBS SVP original programming Thom Hinkle raved in this mornings announcement. Related stories TBS & TNT Set Strategy and Innovation Unit Led By David Beck & Jesse Redniss Jon Stewart Closes 'Full Frontal' To Address Media Who Blame Him For Donald Trump Presidency Media Celebrates Election Results In Samantha Bee's Beautiful Faraway Dream Samsung Electronics announced Monday that it would purchase the U.S. auto-parts and high-end audio products manufacturer Harman International Industries for roughly $8 billion. The acquisition, which the Wall Street Journal reports is the biggest in Samsungs history, would pave the way for the South Korean companys expansion in the automotive technology market. The all-cash deal, which values Harman at $112 per share, is subject to approval by Harman shareholders and regulators, and is expected to close in mid-2017. The purchase price represents a nearly 28 percent premium over Harmans Friday closing price of $87.65 per share. HARMAN perfectly complements Samsung in terms of technologies, products and solutions, and joining forces is a natural extension of the automotive strategy we have been pursuing for some time, Oh-Hyun Kwon, Samsung vice chairman and CEO, said in a statement. As a Tier 1 automotive supplier with deep customer relationships, strong brands, leading technology and a recognized portfolio of best-in-class products, HARMAN immediately establishes a strong foundation for Samsung to grow our automotive platform. Harman, based in Stanford, Connecticut, has been aggressively expanding its car technologies business in recent years under its CEO Dinesh Paliwal. The company reported revenue of $7 billion in the fiscal year 2016, of which an estimated 65 percent came from car-related products. Samsung is an ideal partner for HARMAN and this transaction will provide tremendous benefits to our automotive customers and consumers around the world, Paliwal said in the statement. This transaction will bring HARMAN and Samsungs complementary strengths together to accelerate innovation in this space. In addition, the deal would allow Samsung to reduce its reliance on its smartphone business, which has, in recent months, been hit hard due to the withdrawal of roughly 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones. Last month, after announcing that it was permanently halting the production of the Note 7 smartphones, the company reported a 17 percent drop in its third-quarter profits. Story continues In total, the demise of the flagship smartphone is likely to cost Samsung over $5 billion. The deal size shows how desperate Samsung is for a new growth driver, Greg Roh, an analyst at HMC Investment & Securities, told Bloomberg. Samsung may have figured that it cant become a leader in the car component business by itself, so it needs a big brand to get into the market. Related Articles Scores of cities and counties that have refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in detaining or informing on illegal immigrants are bracing for what is likely to be a bitter battle with the incoming GOP administration over President-Elect Donald Trumps vow to arrest and deport as many as three million illegal immigrants with criminal records. Democratic mayors and police chiefs of major cities from Los Angeles to New York have long resisted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demands for cooperation in tracking and detaining illegal immigrants. Now they are vowing not to cooperate with Trumps plan to arrest and deport nearly a quarter of the 11 million illegal immigrants who have criminal records or are deemed most dangerous to society which some fear is just a prelude to more drastic action against undocumented immigrants. Related: Trump Will Deport Millions of Illegal Immigrants with Criminal Records New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio emerged from a meeting with Trump at Trump Tower Wednesday afternoon saying that while he would be open minded as we continue substantive discussions, he would be swift to react anytime an action is taken that would undermine the people of New York City. But he made no distinction between legal and illegal immigration when he said he said, I also know that New Yorkers will stand together and stand up for the needs of working people; were going to stand up for our immigrant brothers and sisters. The political stakes couldnt be higher. Trump made mass deportation of illegal immigrants and the building of a wall along the southern border the central theme of his presidential campaign in defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton. He renewed that pledge last weekend, in the wake of his surprising victory. But for the estimated 300 or more sanctuary cities and other jurisdictions that for years have provided relatively safe havens to illegal immigrants and their families, hundreds of millions of dollars of federal Justice Department grants and assistance are now in jeopardy as Trump and Republican leaders in Congress are threatening harsh economic retaliation. Story continues Related: Ryan Declares GOP Has a Mandate to Enact Sweeping Changes Cities that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities will not receive taxpayer dollars, and we will work with Congress to pass legislation to protect those jurisdictions that do assist federal authorities, Trump said this fall during a speech in Phoenix. We will end the sanctuary cities that have resulted in so many needless deaths. Sanctuary cities have been around since the 1980s, and they previously have come under fire from Republicans and even the Obama administration for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, or for adopting policies to assure that illegal immigrants and their families are provided with social services. Those cities were thrust into the limelight again this year after a 32-year-old San Francisco woman, Kathryn Steinle, was shot and killed by an undocumented immigrant with a felony record who had been deported five times. Critics of sanctuary cities, including Rep. John Culberson (R-TX), the chair of a House appropriations subcommittee on justice, charge that those jurisdictions are in violation of federal statute for not cooperating with ICE and should be deemed ineligible for some federal aid. The Department of Justice provides states with roughly $550 million a year in law enforcement and policing grants. About two thirds of that or $342 million goes to the ten largest sanctuary cities including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Miami, according to figures compiled by the Justice Departments Office of Inspector General. Related: 11 Huge Questions Americans Face Under President Trump A new Trump administration and a Republican controlled Congress could easily strip those cities of the law enforcement funding. Yet Trump might raise the ante even more by going after billions of dollars worth of other federal grants and assistance to states with active sanctuary cities, according to conservative immigration reform advocates. Related: Can Trump the Disruptor Become Trump the Uniter? Last July, in something of a surprise move, the Justice Department adopted new policies that deny federal law enforcement grants to some sanctuary cities. According to a memorandum issued by the departments Office of Justice Programs, cities that refuse to honor Section 1373 of the United States Code will no longer be eligible for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) and the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) grants. That provision of the law prohibits government entities and state officials from taking action to prohibit or in any way restrict the maintenance or intergovernmental exchange of [immigration status] information, including through written or unwritten policies or practices. The Obama administration has generally pursued an aggressive policy of deportation. And Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who oversees the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sharply criticized policies such as the one in San Francisco against non-cooperation with immigration officials, calling the stances counterproductive and unacceptable. If these sanctuary jurisdictions persist in obstructing enforcement, the potential is there to cut off even more federal funding, Jessica Vaughan, director of policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, said in an interview on Wednesday. And the potential is also there for other kinds of penalties. Related: Trumps New Plan for Illegal Immigrants: Like Obamas, but With More Energy For instance there may be grounds for the federal government to take legal action against them she said, noting that the Obama administration at one point threatened Cook County in Illinois with such action, but didnt follow through. Vaughan said that most sheriffs and police departments around the country are fully cooperative with ICE in tracking or apprehending illegal immigrants, and that a relatively small number of jurisdictions are resisting. But unfortunately for federal authorities, the sanctuary cities contain the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants. Roughly a quarter of the nations 11 million illegal immigrants reside in California, according to California state figures, with 500,000 alone living in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck declared on Monday that he has no intention of cooperating with the incoming president and his new government team. We dont make detentions or arrests based solely on status, whether thats immigration status or any other status, Beck said in an interview with KNX-AM. If the federal government takes a more aggressive role on deportation, then theyll have to do that on their own. Related: Anti-Hate Groups Erupt Over Trumps Latest Hire Bill de Blasio, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and Seattle's Ed Murray are among the other so called sanctuary cities officials who have signaled plans for mass resistance to Trump and have sought to ease the widespread concerns of the immigrant population. During his first lengthy post-election interview with Leslie Stahl of CBSs 60 Minutes that was aired last Sunday, Trump said he intended to deport two million to three million undocumented immigrants who have criminal records. What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers we have a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate them, Trump said. While Trumps guestimate of the criminal element among undocumented immigrants is far from precise, a Department of Homeland Security fiscal 2013 report stated that there were 1.9 million removable criminal aliens. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: By Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic U.S. senators elected Chuck Schumer of New York as minority leader on Wednesday, and he tapped former presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders to help Democrats woo blue-collar workers, many of whom voted for President-elect Donald Trump. Senate Republicans also met and voted to keep Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as the majority leader. Schumer, 65, replaces the retiring Harry Reid of Nevada as the top Democrat in the Senate as the party prepares to deal with Republican Trump and Republican majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Schumer said Democrats had learned from the Nov. 8 election that they needed "a sharper, bolder economic message about returning the economic system which so many feel is rigged against them to one that works for the people." "We're ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans, working with soon-to-be-President Trump on issues where we agree, but we will go toe-to-toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we've made is under assault," Schumer, who has been in the Senate since 1999, told reporters after the Democrats' closed-door election. In a move recognizing the influence of Sanders with many working-class voters, Schumer asked the independent senator from Vermont to be caucus head of outreach. Sanders, who lost the presidential primary to former senator and secretary of state Hillary Clinton, said his job was to reach out to "grassroots America." Another liberal, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was given the role of vice chair of the conference while yet another progressive voice, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, was made conference secretary. Senator Joe Manchin, a more conservative Democrat from West Virginia, was named vice chairman of the Democratic policy and communications committee. Schumer said he knew there would be differences of opinion on the new team, but that together the group could "speak to the blue-collar worker in West Virginia, and Michigan, as well as the people who live along the coast." Story continues Trump's economic populism helped him flip some once-reliably Democratic areas in blue-collar states while Democrats did better in large urban centers and coastal states. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois remained minority whip, the No. 2 spot, while Senator Patty Murray of Washington was chosen as assistant Democratic leader. In the House, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi announced she was running for minority leader again and said she already has the support of more than two-thirds of her caucus. Pelosi, who may face a challenger, agreed this week to delay leadership elections until Nov. 30 after her fellow Democrats called for more time to reassess why they fell short of their goals in the Nov. 8 election. (additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Rick Cowan and Mohammad Zargham; editing by Grant McCool) Scientists explain why high school should start later in the day Early school start times are, it turns out, really unhealthy for high school students. In addition to explaining why teenagers should start school later in the day, a new study published in Pediatrics says its not how long youre sleeping but when youre sleeping that really matters. Our bodies operate on internal clocks, and there are certain times during the night when our bodies reach deep sleep. For an adult, that time is around 2 a.m. to 3 a.m., the study says, so adults who want to stay healthy and well-rested should be fast asleep by that time. For teens, the time is much later: around 7 a.m. With most schools beginning before 8 a.m., American teens dont have the time to properly rest and heal their bodies. Its like requiring an adult to get up five days a week at 3 a.m., said Dr. Judith Owens, director of sleep medicine at Boston Childrens Hospital. Could you imagine getting up that early? The study argues that schools should start later than 8:30 a.m. Were in favor! The post Scientists explain why high school should start later in the day appeared first on HelloGiggles. We spoke with theoretical physicist Brian Greene about Einstein's theory of space-time. Many scientists believe space-time is a fundamental concept. But Greene thinks there might be something deeper to space-time than meets the eye. Greene is the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which has a new initiative called "City of Science" which is a 5-event series. All events will take place in one of New York City's five boroughs throughout this fall. "City of Science" is free and open to all New Yorkers of all ages. Learn more about where and when it will take place here. You can also follow the events on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow BI Video: On Twitter More From Business Insider By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Bank of Nova Scotia capped off Canada's bank earnings period with a higher quarterly profit and a dividend increase on the back of strong domestic lending volumes and wealth management income, but its international retail operations posted softer results. Still, Scotiabank Chief Executive Officer Brian Porter said the bank planned to keep looking for international acquisitions, particularly in its wealth management and insurance business. "The phone continues to ring, and there will continue to be opportunities within our footprint," Porter said on a conference call. The results from Scotiabank, Canada's No. 3 lender, follows a series of reports that showed the country's top banks had continued to earn solid returns from domestic lending despite signs that heavily indebted consumers were slowing their borrowing. Scotiabank's net income rose to C$1.71 billion ($1.54 billion), or C$1.32 a share, in the first quarter ended January 31 from C$1.61 billion, or C$1.24 a share, a year earlier. Excluding an amortization charge, the bank earned C$1.34 a share, meeting analysts' estimates. Most of the growth came from Scotiabank's global wealth management and insurance business, which benefited from recent acquisitions of pension assets in Colombia and Peru. The unit's profit increased 15 percent to C$327 million. Acquisitions also helped Canadian personal and commercial banking income, which rose 7 percent to C$575 million. The purchase of Dutch lender ING Groep's Canadian online bank in late 2012 helped stoke asset and deposit growth. This deal is among dozens that Scotiabank has completed since the financial crisis, with the bulk of them expanding the bank's presence in Latin America and Asia. But while analysts consider Scotiabank's international footprint a source of long-term strength, the international retail banking division has become a drag on earnings growth over the last two quarters, hurt by narrowing loan margins and higher expenses. Income from the unit slipped 2 percent to C$401 million during the quarter. Porter acknowledged rising concerns about emerging markets growth, but said business growth prospects remained strong in Scotiabank's four key Latin American markets: Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. "These countries have demonstrated sound economic management and discipline and have strong banking and regulatory frameworks," he said. "Each one has great potential, with a growing middle class as well as a young increasingly well-educated and underbanked population." However, National Bank Financial analyst Peter Routledge said Scotiabank's valuation had underperformed its competitors over the past several months due to worries about its exposure to emerging markets. "Scotiabank until quite recently traded at a premium to peers," he said. "That premium has largely disappeared and just given the intensified perceived risk in emerging markets, that premium probably stays away for a little while longer." The bank's shares were up 0.9 percent at C$63.62 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The global banking and markets division, Scotiabank's wholesale banking unit, earned C$339 million, down 13 percent. Scotiabank increased its quarterly dividend by 2 Canadian cents, or 3.2 percent, to 64 Canadian cents a share, making it the fourth Canadian bank to do so this quarter. The Canadian banks as a group are well capitalized after boosting levels to comply with stricter Basel III requirements. Aside from acquisitions and further dividend increases, Porter said share buybacks were "in the kit bag." ($1 = 1.1110 Canadian dollars) (Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Bank of Nova Scotia said on Wednesday it will explore options to divest itself of some or all of its 37 percent stake in asset manager CI Financial and redeploy the capital elsewhere. The bank, which acquired the CI stake from insurer Sun Life Financial Inc in late 2008, said in a statement it would pursue any divestitures "in one, or a series of transactions." Scotiabank , Canada's No. 3 bank, estimated the value of the CI stake at C$3.8 billion ($3.5 billion), and offered no assurances that any transaction will be completed. It said the capital associated with the investment will be redeployed to elsewhere in the bank. Toronto-based CI is a diversified wealth management firm and one of Canada's largest investment fund companies. It operates under banners such as CI Investments, United Financial, Assante Wealth Management and Stonegate Private Counsel and had C$97.3 billion ($89.2 billion) in assets under management as of April 30. CI, whose shares have risen 64 percent since Scotiabank agreed to buy the stake October 2008, said in a statement it "intends to review its capital structure and dividend policy to ensure that it has the appropriate resources available to respond to any monetization plan Scotiabank seeks to implement." The question of whether Scotiabank would eventually sell its investment in CI or buy the rest of the company has been a point of discussion among analysts and investors, with many leaning toward the divestment side in the wake of Scotiabank's acquisition of wealth manager DundeeWealth in 2011. "They don't need CI to be a major wealth manager in Canada. They already have that between their old asset management business and the one they got when they bought Dundee," said Peter Routledge, an analyst at National Bank Financial. "And what would be the premium to buy the whole thing out? It would probably have been pretty high." Scotiabank and CI have at times had a frosty relationship, including a 2011 dispute over a shareholder rights plan that restricted Scotiabank's ability to buy and sell CI shares. "We've had strong momentum in our wealth management platform and we've had a lot of success in our investment in Dundee ... so we are confident that we have built a solid wealth management platform," Scotiabank Chief Operating Officer Sabi Marwah said in an interview. Scotiabank shares ended down 1 Canadian cent at C$66.97 in Toronto, while those of CI declined 17 Canadian cents to C$36.13. The news was released after markets closed. Barclays Capital analyst John Aiken said in a note that the news could push CI shares higher because of speculation that another financial institution could move in to take the company private. Scotiabank is being advised by Goldman Sachs and also by its own capital markets subsidiary, Scotia Capital. ($1 = 1.0906 Canadian Dollars) (Reporting by Cameron French, additional reporting by Euan Rocha; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Diane Craft and Steve Orlofsky) After eight years of dating (and endless engagement speculation!), Prince William and Princess Kate made things official on November 16, 2010. Soon after they announced their engagement, the happy couple sat down for their first-ever joint interview and its still their longest to date. The interview, which served as an intimate look at the beginnings of their relationship and the proposal, aired on ITV on the day they announced their engagement to the public. Kate, of course, was wearing her now-famous royal blue Issa dress the ensemble that truly started the Kate effect. William popped the question a few weeks before the interview while the two were vacationing in Kenya with friends. While they had been discussing an impending engagement for a while, Kate was still surprised when the big moment arrived. It was a total shock when it came, Kate said. Theres a true romantic in there. William added, As every guy out there will know, it takes a certain amount of motivation to get yourself going. So I was planning it and then it just felt really right out in Africa. It was beautiful. The 18-carat sapphire ring on Kates hand made headlines on its own. The future royal showed off the sparkler, which once belonged to Williams late mother, Princess Diana, while William spoke of the sentimental value behind the ring. Obviously, shes not going be around to share in all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of keeping her close to it all, he says of his late mother. Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter. Will and Kate also discussed their relationships roots, starting with when they met as students at the University of St. Andrews. William said that they were friends for a year before they started dating, and after a laugh or two, things started to blossom. Kate admitted that when she first met Williams father, Prince Charles, she was really nervous, but that the Prince of Wales was welcoming and friendly from the start. Story continues It couldnt have gone easier for me, Kate said. Meeting the Queen at Peter and Autumn Phillipss 2008 wedding went just as smoothly, the couple shared. And Kates relatives, including mom Carole, dad Michael, sister Pippa and brother James, embraced William as part of the family early on. Mike and Carole have been really sort of loving and caring and really fun, William said. They have been really welcoming towards me, so Ive felt really a part of the family. The couple also discussed their 2007 split, and how they grew both together and as individuals during their time apart. At the time, I wasnt very happy about it, Kate admitted. But actually, it made me a stronger person. You find things about yourself that maybe you hadnt realized. I really valued that time for me. There was a bit of foreshadowing, too. Kate spoke of her desire to help others and engage in charity work (I really hope I can make a difference, even in the smallest way, she said), which shes done through her role as patron for organizations like Action on Addiction and the Art Room, in addition to her work to erasing the mental health stigma for children. The two also spoke of their desire for a family, which has now come to life through their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. And although the ring may be the same, William was adamant that there was no pressure on Kate to be the next Diana. No one is trying to fill my mothers shoes, William said. Its about carving your own future and your own destiny, and Kate will do a very good job at that. And for the past six years, shes more than lived up to her husbands pre-wedding prediction. Washington (AFP) - US Senate Democrats on Wednesday elected Chuck Schumer as their leader, a position from which he will head opposition to Republican President-elect Donald Trump beginning in January. Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent self-declared socialist from Vermont who challenged Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primaries, made his debut in party leadership, as chair of outreach, a sign that the bruised Democrats have learned from Clinton's defeat in last week's presidential election. In all, the 48 Democrats elected a team of 10 senators tasked with defining party strategy until the mid-term elections of November 2018. Liberal firebrand Senator Elizabeth Warren is also part of leadership, as vice chair of the Democratic conference. Senator Dick Durbin remains the number two Democrat, while Senator Patty Murray was promoted to the third slot. "We are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Republicans -- working with soon-to-be President Trump on issues where we agree," Schumer, who replaces retiring Senate minority leader Harry Reid, said in a statement after the internal elections. "But we will go toe to toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we've made is under assault." Despite Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Trump will need to deal with the Democrats in the Senate, where the chamber's rules grant strong powers of obstruction to the minority party. Most Senate legislation will require a 60-vote threshold in the 100 member chamber in order to overcome opposition, but Republicans will only have a maximum of 52 seats from January. A seat for a senator from Louisiana will be decided in a runoff election December 10. Schumer, a 65-year-old New Yorker known for his abrasive personality, is a shrewd political strategist capable of forging compromises with opponents but also able to launch harsh attacks to achieve his ends. Story continues Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he expected "the good, the bad and the ugly" out of Schumer. "The good: he's a dealmaker. The bad: he can throw a punch. When it comes to politics, he knows how to play it, he's from New York, he can get kind of ugly." Republicans re-elected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to head their caucus. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan congratulated McConnell, but also Schumer, saying: "We look forward to working with him constructively for the good of the country." - By James Li Seth Klarman (Trades, Portfolio), value investor and portfolio manager of the Baupost Group, invests in an eclectic variety of investments from traditional equities to more esoteric investments, including distressed debt, liquidations and bonds. Occasionally, the Baupost Group manager will abstain from investing and simply hold cash. During the third quarter, Klarman removed four positions from his portfolio: EMC Corp. (EMC), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), Avis Budget Group Inc. (CAR) and SunEdison Semiconductor Corp. (SEMI). EMC Klarman sold all 56,961,725 shares of EMC at an average price of $28.27 per share. With this transaction, the guru knocked off 21.12% of his portfolio. The Massachusetts computer hardware company has a fairly robust financial outlook with a financial strength rank of 6 and a predictability rank of 4.5 stars. Even though the company has modest Piotroski F-scores and Altman Z-scores, EMC's operating margin outperforms 84% of global data storage companies. 376277670.png On Sept. 7, Dell Technologies Inc. (DVMT) made the historic acquisition of EMC, creating "the world's largest privately controlled tech company" as mentioned in the press release. The acquisition enables Dell Technologies to compete in the vastly changing Internet of Things. 376277670.png As the company merged with Dell Technologies, gurus eliminated their positions in EMC, likely to avoid losing capital in the event of EMC being delisted. With the proceeds of the EMC trade, Klarman purchased 6,652,459 shares of Dell Technologies at an average price of $46.83. Citigroup The Baupost Group portfolio manager sold his 5.167 million-share stake of Citigroup at an average price of $45.49 per share, paring his portfolio by about 3%. 2e62572a19073d7722088148664bb753.png Citigroup has a financial strength rank of 5, suggesting a satisfactory business operation. The global bank has a cash-debt ratio of 0.65, which underperforms 70% of competitors. Based on its Beneish M-score of 3.31, Citigroup likely manipulated its earnings results. Story continues The global bank reported weaker earnings for the third quarter compared to the prior-year quarter. Revenues and diluted earnings per share decreased 4% and 5%, and net income decreased about $500 million. Citigroup's operating margin underperforms 53% of global banks, and its per-share revenue has declined 2% per year in the past five years. As the company has low growth potential, several gurus have trimmed or eliminated their Citigroup stakes. Louis Moore Bacon (Trades, Portfolio) and Leon Cooperman (Trades, Portfolio) sold about 1.5 million shares and 828,318 shares. Avis Budget Group Klarman sold his 1,787,227-share stake in Avis, a global car rental company. The stock price averaged $36.22 per share during the quarter. 262e799a790fa0a446fb34ca50a5778d.png Avis has a profitability rank of 8, implying high and sustainable profitability in the short term. The company reported strong third-quarter earnings performance, including a 3% increase in revenue and a 14% increase in net income from the prior-year third quarter. CEO Larry De Shon lauded the company's efforts to promote profitable driving initiatives, which resulted in the top quarterly adjusted EBITDA margin in the company's history. Although the company has high profitability, Avis has poor financial strength. The company's cash-debt ratio and interest coverage underperform over 75% of global rental and leasing services companies with the former near a 10-year low. Additionally, the company's interest coverage seldom climbed above Ben Graham's required threshold of 5 during the past 10 years. 962048651.png Among the gurus that own shares in Avis, Larry Robbins (Trades, Portfolio) and Diamond Hill Capital (Trades, Portfolio) have the largest two stakes in the company. The latter trimmed its Avis position by 11.41%. b4faef86178543f5edf37175d0498ec6.png SunEdison The Baupost Group manager eliminated his stake in SunEdison, selling 8,372,979 shares at an average price of $8.96 per share. The guru realized an estimated loss of 53% with SunEdison as the stock price steadily declined since the second quarter of 2015. 4af1ec4234a46da2f353af83a205aa39.png The silicon wafer manufacturing company has poor financial strength and profitability, the latter ranking just 3 out of 10. SunEdison reported weak third-quarter earnings. Although the company's operating losses slightly improved from the second quarter to the third quarter, SunEdison's adjusted EBITDA decreased about $3.3 million during the third quarter. Based on its low Piotroski F-score and Altman Z-score, SunEdison remains in financial distress. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in 2016. See also GuruFocus provides two types of guru picks: latest guru picks and real-time picks. Due to SEC regulations, the former is updated quarterly while the latter is reported within 10 business days. A real-time pick occurs when an investor owns more than 5% of a company and makes a transaction within that company. SEC requires the investor to report this trade in a Schedule 13D form. The standard 13F form reports the investor's quarterly portfolio holdings. Premium members have access to all real-time stock picks and over 150 guru portfolios. Additionally, the premium membership gives access to all value screeners, including the All-in-One Guru Screener that offers more than 150 filters. The premium plus membership gives further access, including backtesting for up to 10 years, the Manual of Stocks for all U.S. companies, and over 4,000 institutional 13F and 13D filings. Please refer to the membership levels page for all member benefits. If you are not a member, we invite you to a free seven-day trial. Disclosure: The author has no position in the stocks mentioned in this article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. HAMBURG (Reuters) - Several countries have placed import restrictions on German poultry following outbreaks of bird flu in the country, German authorities said on Wednesday. Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Bosnia and Herzegovina and South Africa have put import restrictions on German poultry and poultry products, the German state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern said in a statement. Eight European countries and Israel have found cases of the highly contagious H5N8 strain of bird flu in the past few weeks and some have ordered that poultry flocks be kept indoors to avoid the disease spreading. Most outbreaks have involved wild birds, but Germany, Hungary and Austria have also reported cases in domestic duck and turkey farms where all poultry had to be culled. More outbreaks in Europe are likely in the next few weeks as wild birds believed to transmit the virus migrate south, the deputy head of the world animal health body said on Tuesday. "An impact from the current bird flu incidents in Germany and other parts of Europe were to be expected," Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state agriculture minister Till Backhaus said in a statement. The restrictions underline the need for farmers to rigidly apply rules to restrict the spread of animal illnesses, he said. Bird flu cannot be transmitted through food, but trade restrictions can have a major impact on countries where the disease is present. The upcoming Christmas season is a critical time of sales for poultry farmers throughout Europe. (Reporting by Michael Hogan, Editing by Mark Potter) Vice Medias CEO and co-founder Shane Smith and filmmaker Spike Jonze unveiled the first slate of Vicelands French channel at a jam-packed news conference hosted at a hip Parisian club Tuesday evening. The presser, attended by Vicelands co-president Eddy Moretti, was followed by a big bash featuring chef-turned-rapper Action Bronson and a flurry of French and U.S. rappers, DJs and musicians late into the night. Launched in partnership with French pay TV giant Canal Plus Group, the inaugural slate of Frances Viceland will be headlined by three original shows, Franceland, Marseille and Census. Vicelands French channel, its first non-English language version, will kick off on Nov. 23 and will be available exclusively to Canal subscribers, repping an estimated 6 million households. On stage, Smith said the channels mantra was to be less shitty. People keep saying its the Golden Age of TV but theres so much crap on TV () We want to make stuff that doesnt suck, stuff that were proud of and stand behind. Smith said the Brexit vote and last weeks election of Donald Trump underscore the need for a counter-cultural voice aimed at the millennial generation. We need a bigger voice for this generation, said Smith, who sold 18% of Vice to Disney in August. In line with the channels brand, Vicelands first original French shows, Marseille and Franceland, will strive to engage audiences on social and political issues, turn the spotlight on urban culture and underdogs, and provide a no-filter snapshot of French society in the run up to the countrys presidential election. Like most Viceland programs, these thought-provoking shows will be character-driven travelogues. Census, meanwhile, will be a vox populi captured across France with no narrator. Vicelands French offer will also include many staple shows, including Noisey, Gaycation and Gloria Steinems Woman as well as State of Undress. These programs will be available in their original versions with subtitles or dubbed in French, suggesting Vicelands plan to reach a wider, older demo beyond generation Y audiences. Story continues Jean-Marc Juramie, head of content for Canal (Canal Pluss rebranded pay TV channels), said the idea behind the alliance with Viceland was to attract millennial audiences, most of which have never subscribed to the French paybox. The partnership with Viceland is also part of Canal Pluss initiatives to widen its scope and double the number of subscribers by 2018. Viceland currently operates in 34 countries and will next launch in South Asia, Africa and Belgium in the coming months, according to a company rep. Viceland launched in Australia and New Zealand yesterday. Related stories Viceland Launches Three New Series, Renews 'Kings of the Road,' 'Weediquette' Pay TV, Online Dominate Monaco's 2016 Sportel Convention Mipcom: 10 More Things We Now Know About 'Midnight Sun' Photo: Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle (Getty Images) The Duchess of Cambridge is said to be thrilled with Harrys new girlfriend, Meghan Markle. The Suits actress, who has reportedly been staying with Prince Harry in Kensington Palace, is likely to have met Kate during her visit to London over the weekend. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who live in Norfolk, also take up residence with in their former home of Kensington Palace when visiting London. Photo: Getty Images. Kate is thrilled that Harry has finally found a girlfriend who looks like being a keeper, a royal source has told New Zealands Women Day. The magazine adds that the Duchess is doing all she can to support Meghan as she is thrown into a unique relationship. Markle is no stranger to the camera, but this scale of publicity spans beyond the Hollywood norms. Photo: Getty Images. Lets not forget that Kate is no stranger to speculation, having grabbed relentless media attention for her own royal romance. Let us know what you think by tweeting @YahooStyleCA. SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union opens an opportunity for Singapore to recruit talent for its ambitious plans to become a leading financial technology hub, the chief FinTech officer of the city-state's central bank said. "First thing after Brexit happened, we talked about talent - talent coming out of the UK," said Sopnendu Mohanty of the Monetary Authority of Singapore at a panel discussion at Singapore's first FinTech festival. "I agree they have a huge pool of talent and it's good to have something like that so we can take some talent out." Simon Kirby, Britain's economic secretary to the treasury, told the audience that London will remain a leading financial center, though he acknowledged Singapore might be able to lure some of the talent. However, he later told Reuters: "I don't think it is already happening." He further defended his turf, noting "there are more FinTech businesses in Ireland and the UK than in the rest of Europe put together". Kirby promised to "do everything" to make sure access to European markets remains in place after Brexit occurs. Kirby would not go into details about how Britain will convince Europe to agree to that, adding "we are not ruling anything in or anything out." Mohanty said Singapore was making its own efforts to develop talent, building a research center dedicated to FinTech and retraining people from the financial industry. People needed to "wake up" to the need to learn new skills, Mohanty said, as "financial services in 5-10 years time will be called FinTech." Some 11,000 participants - including software giant Microsoft and global banks such as Citibank and Standard Chartered - from more than 50 countries gathered for the FinTech event. (Reporting by Marius Zaharia and Saeed Azhar; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Richard Borsuk) Big day. Tuesday was a quite a day in the transition effort of President-elect Donald Trump. The announcements of ousters and new faces came fast and with little notice, giving the impression that the inner circle ensconced inside Trump Tower is either in chaos, or making good on its promise to smash the entrenched system to pieces. First, former Republican congressman Mike Rogers was forced out from his role heading the national security transition team. A respected national security figure and former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rogers was considered a top pick for heading CIA, a nomination now unlikely. Several other lower-level staffers were also sent packing in a move widely seen as a cutting of ties with people associated with Chris Christie, who was demoted on Friday from his perch running the transition process. New faces on the team. Frank Gaffney, a prominent birther who has long questioned whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States, was brought in to assist on national security issues, as were GOP U.S. Reps. Pete Hoekstra and Devin Nunes. Gaffney has long railed against Muslim immigration and warned that the Muslim Brotherhood has its tentacles deep in the U.S. government. He once said the new logo for the Pentagons Missile Defense Agency was proof of Muslim infiltration. Waiting on the SecDef. The list of potential Defense Secretary nominees has narrowed considerably since the speculation last week that a wide variety of Republicans, including longtime national security officials Stephen Hadley and James Woosley were in the mix, along with people like Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and recently ousted Republican senator from New Hampshire, Kelly Ayotte. A source with knowledge of thinking inside the transition team played down those stories, telling SitRep that the team appears to be waiting for Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) to make a decision as to whether he wants the Pentagon job or not. The long-time Trump backer has his pick of several Cabinet positions. The source added that they expect an announcement on the SecDef nomination to come this week. Story continues Pentagon officials told SitRep Tuesday that the Trump team has yet to reach out to start the transition process, but that the department has office space set aside, and has materials prepped for the upcoming meetings. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has put his chief of staff, Eric Rosenbach, in charge of the process. Flynn in the mix. Retired U.S. Army three-star general Mike Flynn is still in the running for a top national security post, the Washington Posts Karen DeYoung and Greg Miller tell us, but hes beginning to experience some pushback. Any Senate confirmation hearing could be rough, given that he was forced out as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency by the Obama administration due to concerns over his leadership, and he has potentially problematic connections to foreign governments. More from the Post: Flynn has admitted that he accepted money for appearing at a lavish gala with Putin in Moscow last year. He recently criticized the Obama administrations treatment of Turkey in an opinion column, without disclosing to the Trump campaign that his consulting firm has financial ties to that country. Where are the Never Trumpers? Theres increasing speculation over what role, if any, the much-publicized Never Trump coalition of veteran national security hands might play in the Trump administration. While any incoming administration values loyalty and rewards allies, there arent enough people as it is, you cant just start eliminating people, one long-time Republican national security hand tells SitRep. The think tanker added that plenty of conservative analysts have been contacted by the transition team, but few have been interested in joining a Trump administration. State competition. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and John Bolton, former undersecretary of state and ambassador to the U.N. in the George W. Bush administration, are fighting it out for the nod to lead the State Department. But both face confirmation issues. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Tuesday that he would oppose both men for the job, given their vocal support for the war in Iraq, calls to bomb Iran, and other hawkish views. Republican policy hands worried. Politicos Michael Crowley and Shane Goldmacher have taken the temperature of several prominent Republican foreign policy leaders, and found them newly alarmed over the emerging shape of Donald Trumps national security team, after signs that Trump is passing over well-regarded establishment figures in favor of controversial and less experienced political allies. For how this is all playing out in the minds of some long-time Republican foreign policy hands, read this scathing take on the Trump team by Eliot Cohen, who had some contact with the transition team, but was repelled by what he saw. Business as usual. Trump sent out a Tweet late Tuesday night bragging that when it comes to his Cabinet nominations, I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Putin, Assad, Trump, McCain. Another thorny problem in the Senate for the Trump administration might be Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) who sent a shot across the President elects bow Tuesday on the issue of the incoming administrations desire for closer ties with Russia, and doubts about U.S. intervention in Syria. The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said in a statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened Americas allies, and attempted to undermine Americas elections. The price of another reset would be complicity in Putin and Assads butchery of the Syrian people. 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 North Korea The U.S. is still waiting on that next North Korean missile test. USA Today reports that American forces as well as those of Japan and South Korea are expecting yet another missile test from North Korea. Some observers thought that Pyongyang might conduct a test of its road-mobile Musudan ballistic missile to coincide with the U.S. election, but election day passed without a launch. The U.S. has moved its Sea-Based X-Band Radar off the coast of the Korean peninsula in a potential bid to collect intelligence on any new launches. Philippines With Asian countries watching and waiting with uncertainty about what a Trump administration will bring, Pacific Command commander Adm. Harry Harris is trying to send out soothing vibes, according to Breaking Defense. Harris said he wont comment on what a Trump foreign policy will look like but said he has no doubt well continue our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. On the Philippines and recent comments from President Rodrigo Duterte calling for a pivot away from the United States, Harris said the statements are concerning but that hes optimistic joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises will continue as usual despite Dutertes calls for a reduction. Meanwhile, theres at least one sign of normalcy in the military relationship between Washington and Manila. The AP reports that American and Philippine special operations troops will go ahead with the planned annual Balance Piston exercise in Palawan. Duterte has called for the ouster of U.S. special operations personnel from the Philippines as part of his turn towards China and Russia and away from the United States. In a nod to the slightly frostier relations, the exercises this year wont use live ammunition. Europe The European Union (EU) wants to be less dependent on the U.S. military, and now its ponying up a little more cash to make that happen. Reuters reports that EU members inched up the 2017 budget for the European Defence Agency by 1.7 percent or about $33 million. The moneys still a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of offsetting what European militaries would need to replicate American capabilities, but it is a signal of intent. Syria Russia renewed its air offensive against Aleppo on Tuesday. The opening salvo involved Kalibr NK cruise missiles launched from the Admiral Grigorovich in the eastern Mediterranean, K-300P Bastion-P coastal defense missiles converted into a land attack role as well as airstrikes from jets launched by the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. The strikes reportedly hit targets in Aleppo and Idlib. Iraq Canadians are more involved in the fight against the Islamic State than officials initially let on. CBC News reports that Canadian special operations troops have shot at Islamic State forces in order to defend nearby civilians and Peshmerga forces from imminent harm. Canadian commandos are in Iraq to train and advise Iraqi forces, but Canadian commanders say theyve opened up on the jihadist group while on the front lines when Iraqi forces arent able to respond to incoming suicide vehicles. Iran President-elect Trump campaigned on a promise to ditch the nuclear deal President Obama signed with Iran and renegotiate a new one. Nonetheless, a few of national security experts are hoping to convince the as yet unformed Trump administration to hold onto the agreement. The National Iranian American Council produced a report signed by 76 experts urging Trump to build on the agreement and seek cooperation with Iran in other areas, rather than blowing it up. Israel Israel has kept cordial if slightly wary relations with Russia as it intervenes on behalf of the Assad regime and, by extension, Israels sworn enemies, Iran and Hezbollah. But some in the Israeli government are starting to question whether that approach is sustainable. Reuters reports that Avi Dichter, chairman of Israels Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, warned that the gap between [Israel] and [Russia] is large and disturbing on Syria. Dichter said the Russians view Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah as stabilizing forces and underestimated the threat they pose to Israeli and regional security. Think tanked The Center for a New American Security releases a new report, Power and Order in the South China Sea, on the South China Sea. Photo Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images From Popular Mechanics More than a decade after the Concorde was retired, we finally seem poised to achieve commercial supersonic flight once again. Boom Technology, an aerospace company based out of the Denver area, just revealed the engineering design information for their XB-1 demonstrator aircraft-a two-seater supersonic jet that will serve as a one-third scale test aircraft to ultimately develop a 45- to 55-person passenger aircraft capable of achieving a cruise speed of Mach 2.2, or 1,450 mph. The XB-1 demonstrator design is the result of over 1,000 virtual wind tunnel tests to develop the flight controls and avionics. The airframe itself is currently under construction, and Boom hopes to achieve first flight by the end of 2017. The full-scale passenger aircraft that you could purchase a ticket on is slated to enter service by 2023. Photo credit: Boom Technology "60 years after the dawn of the jet age, we're still flying at 1960s speeds," said Blake Scholl, CEO and founder of Boom, in a press release. "Concorde's designers didn't have the technology for affordable supersonic travel, but now we do. Today, we're proud to unveil our first aircraft as we look forward to first flight late next year." [contentlinks align="left" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="The%20Second%20Era%20of%20Supersonic%20Passenger%20Flight" customtitles="The%20Race%20Is%20On%20to%20Build%20a%20Supersonic%20Airliner%7CNASA%20Wants%20to%20Build%20a%20Quiet%20Supersonic%20Jet%7CCould%20Boom%20Be%20the%20Next%20Concorde?" customimages="||" content="article.23382|article.21312|article.20089"] When the XB-1 takes to the skies, it will be the first independently-developed and privately-funded supersonic aircraft ever built. Boom has been able to make such large strides in a short period of time thanks to the extensive experience of their small engineering team, which includes aerospace and propulsion experts from NASA, SpaceX, Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman subsidiary Scaled Composites, among others. And in addition to a stellar team of engineers, Boom Technology has Richard Branson's Virgin Group backing them with both funding and engineering support. Story continues "Virgin Galactic's decision to work with Boom was an easy one. We're excited to have an option on Boom's first 10 airframes," said Branson. "Through Virgin Galactic's manufacturing arm, The Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions." Photo credit: Boom Technology The XB-1 will be powered by three General Electric J85-21 turbofans, the same engine in the T-38 Talon trainer aircraft used by the military to train fighter pilots. The demonstrator will have some similarities to a two-seater military trainer, though at 68 feet long, it will be more catered to stable cruise flight, rather than air maneuverability. The XB-1 frame will incorporate lightweight, heat-resistant composite materials that Boom is planning to use on the full-scale aircraft as well. The chine fuselage and delta-wing design will allow the XB-1 and the ultimate passenger plane to achieve supersonic speeds without the need for afterburning turbofans, resulting in more efficient flight. Photo credit: Boom Technology Subsonic test flights for the XB-1 will be conducted by Boom at airfields east of Denver, and supersonic testing will take place at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. If the XB-1 hits Mach 2.2 before 2017 is out, we will be well on our way to an honest-to-god three-hour flight from New York to London, cruising up at 60,000 feet. "You'll be able to see the curvature of the Earth. The sky is going to be a deeper blue," says Scholl. "And we're going to give you big windows so you can enjoy that." You Might Also Like By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health) - Smokers could be doubling their risk for a type of aneurysm that is usually fatal if it ruptures, researchers say. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the aorta, the main vessel supplying blood to the lower body, becomes enlarged or bulges due to weakening of its walls. The problem can be treated if its detected - but if a tear or rupture happens, only about one in five people will survive, according to the National Library of Medicine. We already knew that smoking is a very strong risk factor for AAA, said lead author Dr. Weihong Tang of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. This study adds to the literature by reporting AAA lifetime risk from a community-based cohort with long follow-up, Tang told Reuters Health by email. The researchers used data from more than 15,000 middle-aged people who were at risk of developing AAA based on an initial assessment between 1987 and 1989. The participants made three subsequent visits for exams and assessments through 1998. Nearly 6,000 people were still alive between 2011 and 2013 and underwent an ultrasound exam at a fifth assessment visit then. Over the 22-year follow-up period, there were 590 diagnosed, ruptured or repaired AAAs. In 2011, the ultrasound scans found 75 more cases that had gone undetected. Based on these results, researchers calculated that for participants who began the study, 1 in 17 would go on to develop an AAA, including 1 out of every 9 current smokers and 1 out of 12 former smokers. People who had quit smoking within eight years of the final assessment in 2001-2003 had higher risk of aneurysm than those who had quit earlier, according to the results in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. An AAA is a slow and gradually expanding process, and most commonly goes without any symptoms, said Dr. Otto Stackelberg of the Karolinska Institute in Solna, Sweden, who was not part of the new study. These results should not be interpreted as if it is OK to start smoking since the risk of AAA eventually decreases anyway if you quit, Stackelberg told Reuters Health by email. Nonetheless, results in the current study are encouraging in the sense that it is never too late to quit, given that those who ceased to smoke had, on average, 29 percent lower risk of developing AAA during their lifetime as compared with those who continued to smoke. There was a steep increase in risk for female smokers, as for male smokers, but the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force only recommends ultrasound screening for current or former male smokers between the ages of 65 and 75, the authors note. AAA affects about 5 to 9 percent of Americans who are 65 years or older, Tang said. Smoking may act through activation of chronic inflammation, which in turn activates enzymes that degrade elastin and collagen fibers of the aortic wall. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2fG9L3r Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, online November 10, 2016. Snap Inc. quietly filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) just before the U.S. election, sources close to the matter said Tuesday. Reuters reported that the California-based parent company of the Snapchat app filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Nov. 8, 2016, and opted to keep its filing confidential under the U.S. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, which allows companies with less than $1 billion in revenue to keep financials confidential. The company has chosen Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to lead its offering. The company is expected to raise $25 billion from its IPO. It seems as if the company is working to keep information about the IPO under wraps, especially since the timing of the filing coincided with the U.S. election. Sources have not been named and the company has declined to comment on the filing, the report added. Snapchat raised $1.81 billion in May, raising its total valuation to $20 billion. Current investors in the company include General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Lone Pine. The company has also diversified into hardware with its $130 Spectacles - video camera sunglasses that connect wirelessly to a smartphone and capture and send photos and video to the device from a human eyesight point of view. Google's investment arm, CapitalG, disclosed an investment in Snapchat on Nov. 3 and also showcased Snapchat logo on its page. The company is expected start offering shares as soon as March 2017, WallStreetJournal reported in October. Related Articles Wall Street looks set to hit the pause button following the Dow Industrials record-breaking streak. Stocks were mostly lower in early trading as the selling in bonds resumes and oil prices fell. Here are some of the other stories the Yahoo Finance team is covering for you today. Picture this: a Snapchat IPO Snap Inc., the company that owns the popular photo-messaging app Snapchat, has reportedly filed for an initial public offering that could value the business at about $25 billion. News reports say the company could offer shares as early as March in what could be the biggest IPO since Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA) went public two years ago. Is Snap really worth that much? Retail results Target (TGT) shares were sharply higher in early trading. The retailer raised its sales estimate for the holiday quarter and its earnings outlook for the year. This after the company delivered better-than-expected earnings and revenue for the third quarter. The company saw profit jump 11% from a year ago as more consumers visited its stores during the back-to-school shopping season. Lowes (LOW) shares fell in early trading. The home improvement retailer reported a miss on both its top and bottom lines for the three months that ended October 28th due to weaker-than-expected same-store sales growth. The company also lowered its earnings outlook for the year. This comes a day after rival Home Depot (HD) reported strong results. Related: Target soars on beat, Lowes falls on miss, Lululemon downgraded The SEC after White leaves Mary Jo White, the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, will leave office in January. Republican SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins is among Whites possible successors, and theres plenty of speculation about how financial regulation will change in a Trump administration. What will happen to Wall Street regulation under Donald Trump? Obama, Trump and trade President-elect Donald Trump rallied angry voters by blaming trade for the loss of high-quality jobs. That was hardly an original observation. In fact, Trumps predecessor in the White House, Barack Obama, made a similar case back in 2010. Obama essentially fingered the same problem as Trumpa shortfall of good blue-collar jobsseveral years earlier. Had Obama actually been able to create those two million jobs he promised, it might have dampened Trumps appeal. What happened? Many people think that social media has been a boon for grassroots social and political movements, and its easy to understand why. The rise of Facebook, Twitter, and other technologies since the mid-2000s has coincided with an explosive increase in popular uprisings during the same period. Whether its organizing revolutions in Egypt and Iran, tracking Russian troop movements in Ukraine, or providing real-time information to protesters in Sudan, social media is supposed to give activists an edge. Its a reasonable assumption and there are indeed many ways in which these new technologies can help. Perhaps most obviously, social media can lower the costs of communicating the crucial where, where, how, and why of protests to large numbers of people, as Twitter did during the 2014 Euromaidan revolution in Ukraine. Other platforms, such as YouTube, can help popularize basic knowledge about how to protest effectively, helping movements build organizational capacity. When physical gatherings are prohibited, digital venues such as Facebook or Reddit can create forums for new, virtual public spheres that are difficult to shut down. Internet optimists also argue that online venues create space for dialogue in the midst of conflict, presenting policy options to the public and to elites in spite of government censorship. And, of course, the internet allows activists to promote their own narrative, which is particularly important when the mainstream media is controlled by the government. Yet in spite of this optimism, what is sometimes known as liberation technology is not, in fact, making pro-democracy movements more effective. Its true that weve seen more episodes of mass mobilization since the rise of digital communications than we did before. But we should note that the stunning rise of nonviolent resistance came long before the Internet. The technique has enjoyed widespread use since Gandhi popularized the method in the 1930s and 1940s. And in fact, nonviolent resistance has actually become less successful compared to earlier, pre-internet times. Whereas nearly 70 percent of civil resistance campaigns succeeded during the 1990s, only 30 percent have succeeded since 2010. Why might this be? There are a few possible reasons. First, as political scientist Anita Gohdes has carefully documented, governments are simply better at manipulating social media than activists. Despite early promises of anonymity online, commercial and government surveillance has made internet privacy a thing of the past. The Russian government, for example, has successfully infiltrated activists communications to anticipate and crush even the smallest protests. These practices are common in democracies too. In the United States, the National Security Agencys warrantless wiretapping program, or Yahoos collaboration with the U.S. government in harvesting information from its users, are probably just the beginning. Recent reports indicate that local police departments (including in my own city of Denver) monitor social media to harvest data about their districts. While in the past, governments had to devote significant resources to detecting dissidents, todays digital climate encourages people to proudly announce their political, social, and religious beliefs and identities data that allows law enforcement and security services to target them that much more effectively. Of course, there are ways for people to protect their privacy, but few of these techniques will hold up against a dedicated adversary. Second, the turn to social media among popular movements has degraded the experience of participating. Activists and clicktivists might connect and pay attention to an issue for a short amount of time, but they often fail to engage fully in the struggle. Building trust in marginalized or oppressed communities takes time, effort, and sustained interactions, and this requires routine face-to-face contact over a long period. When movements mobilize without having earned this sense of trust and internal unity, they may be more likely to succumb under pressure. Participating in digital activism can give the impression that one is making a difference, but as internet skeptic Evgeny Morozov argues, creating real change requires far greater dedication and sacrifice. Third, social media can have a demobilizing effect by enabling armed actors to threaten or even coordinate direct violence against activists. For instance, in the midst of the Libyan uprising in 2011, Muammar Qaddafis regime coopted the countrys cell phone network, sending text messages that ordered people to go back to work. It was a chilling warning that the government was watching and that failing to comply would have consequences. Political scientists Florian Hollenbach and Jan Pierskalla have found that greater availability of cell phones in Africa is associated with an increase in violence. Conversely, if activists use social media to report violence by security forces, would-be protesters may not show up to the big demonstration the next day. Such reports can therefore carry unintended consequences. Instead of drawing outraged crowds, they may repel many risk-averse participants, leaving the movements hardliners and risk-takers on their own. This relates to a final important disadvantage: Misinformation can spread on social media just as fast (or faster) than reliable information. Reports of Russian trolls manipulating a polarized information environment to influence the recent U.S. elections are a case in point. And misinformation is only compounded by peoples tendency to select news sources that confirm their prior beliefs. The echo chambers so prevalent in the social media serve to further divide societies instead of uniting them behind a common cause. Even those who are well-intentioned and diligent about reading reliable and credentialed news sources can inadvertently cause problems. Seeing the downfall of a tyrant through social media can encourage dissidents in a neighboring country to rise up in identical fashion. In fact, they may try to prematurely import the tactics and methods they see used successfully elsewhere into their own situation with disastrous consequences. One need look no further than Libya or Syria to see the danger of this effect. It was easy for activists in those countries to watch the Arab Spring unfold in Tunisia and Egypt and conclude that, if they assembled masses of people in public squares, they too could topple their dictators in a matter of days. This conclusion neglected the years-long mobilizations that preceded the Tunisian and Egyptian uprisings and led Libyans and Syrians to be overconfident in the ability of improvised uprisings to succeed nonviolently. Kurt Weylands study of the 1848 revolutions found that dissidents have been learning the wrong lessons from yesterdays revolution for centuries. But social media almost certainly exacerbates this dilemma by encouraging the diffusion of simplistic snapshots in 140-character doses rather than through studied and methodical analysis. Where activists were once defined by their causes, they are now defined by their tools, wrote Malcolm Gladwell in 2010. And thats a bad thing when it comes to building and sustaining resilient popular campaigns. But instead of seeing the more recent failures as a failure of nonviolent mobilization per se, we should adopt a more complex and realistic understanding of the ways in which increased reliance on social media has undermined the success of mass mobilization. Its not the technique thats broken, necessarily. Its the tools. Photo credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's biggest cement maker, PPC Ltd, said on Wednesday its net debt had fallen by a third and commissioning of overseas projects to boost sales was on track, although higher finance costs helped depress half-year profit. The company, along with South African builders, is struggling to grow revenue and sales, partly due to a slow roll-out of the government's planned 870 billion rand ($55 billion) infrastructure investment package over the next three years. In response to slow sales, falling prices and a weak economic environment at home, PPC is building factories in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo to boost sales overseas. It has also suspended dividend payments since June. The company said it had cut its net debt to 5.9 billion rand by the end of September, from 9.2 billion rand at the end of March, following the receipt of proceeds from a rights issue in September, which raised 4 billion rand and was heavily oversubscribed. "With the unwinding of our broad-based black economic empowerment scheme we expect another one billion rand inflow into PPC which will probably also put us in a better cash and net debt position," Chief Executive Darryll Castle told Reuters over the phone. "Certainly at the centre we do expect some additional de-gearing." PPC said headline earnings per share (EPS) declined 66 percent from a year earlier to 14 cents in the six months to end-September, hurt by higher finance costs. Headline EPS, which strips out certain one-off items, is the main profit measure in South Africa. Shares in PPC were down 2.8 percent at 5.74 rand by 0748 GMT. Group cement sales volumes increased by 13 percent, reflecting the impact of double-digit volume growth in the coastal regions, while revenue rose 15 percent to 5.2 billion rand. "Mixed set of results with volumes strong, however prices have not yet recovered. Sequentially PPC has managed to post a stable operational performance, the key going forward will be whether the price increases put through by the industry hold," said Avior Capital Markets analyst Gareth Visser. PPC did not declare a dividend as it seeks to conserve capital to reduce debt and fund projects. ($1 = 14.1501 rand) ($1 = 14.2628 rand) (Reporting by Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Susan Fenton) Madrid (AFP) - Spain's top criminal court said Wednesday it was probing claims members of far-right party Vox were subjected to "torture" when they were arrested in Gibraltar after one of them unfurled a Spanish flag on the Rock. Nacho Minguez, head of Vox in Madrid, staged the event in June -- which was not the first time a giant Spanish flag was displayed in the overseas British territory, which Spain's government and nationalists want back from Britain. The tiny territory on Spain's southern tip, governed by Britain since the 18th century, is the subject of frequent squabbles between the two nations. According to court papers unveiled Wednesday, Minguez and Pedro Fernandez -- a lawyer in charge of legal matters at the group founded in 2013 by ex-members of Spain's ruling conservative Popular Party -- filed an official complaint for "alleged torture and crimes against moral integrity." Minguez, who was arrested in Gibraltar on June 20, alleges police kept him for more than seven hours, frisked him "in a disproportionate manner," stopped him from telling anyone where he was, denied him a lawyer and food, the court papers say. Fernandez, meanwhile, says that when Minguez was brought to trial several days later, "he had not been able to talk alone with his assigned lawyer." "This forced the suspension of the trial for several minutes in order for him (Minguez) to know what he was accused of," the court papers say, quoting the complaint. Fernandez, who had gone to court to help Minguez, was also detained after he took photos of the courtroom, was frisked twice and held incommunicado for nine hours. The complaint alleged that the police holding him "recognised that the treatment he and Mr. Minguez were being subjected to was due to political reasons and by direct order of the chief minister (head of Gibraltar)." The National Court said it had accepted the complaint, which triggers an official investigation into the case. Story continues Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo blasted the legal proceedings as "frivolous and vexatious." "I fully respect the Spanish courts and legal system and will therefore not lose a moment's sleep over this case," he said in a statement. "Lawyers will be instructed to deal with this clear abuse of process." * Opposition parties unite to paralyse education bill * Rajoy has weakest mandate in Spain's modern history * Opposition want to roll back economic reforms By Angus Berwick MADRID, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Spain's opposition parties have scored their first victory against newly reinstated Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, paralysing an education bill, in a taste of the challenges he will face in his second term. After two inconclusive elections, Rajoy now leads Spain's weakest minority government and will have to piece together support in a hostile and fragmented parliament to pass laws and, most pressingly, design a budget for 2017. The Socialists and smaller centrist party Ciudadanos enabled Rajoy to have a second term in a confidence vote last month but have said they will fight his policies and may form ad-hoc majorities to legislate against his conservative People's Party (PP). Lawmakers voted late on Tuesday to freeze the implementation of an education law Rajoy's party passed when it had an absolute majority in the previous legislature and which included an unpopular new exam regime. "Today we start to reverse the most damaging policies of the PP," Socialist politician Antonio Hernando told reporters before the vote in parliament. Rajoy has offered to sit down with rivals in the coming months to reach a cross-party agreement on education, but on Wednesday he cautioned them not to put an economic recovery at risk by overturning reforms such as a labour market overhaul. "They were good for Spain and what works should not be changed," he told a conference in Madrid. NEED TO NEGOTIATE Opposition lawmakers say Rajoy, who has led the PP since 2004, will have to make more of an effort to change his style, seen by many as aloof, to gain backing. "The PP still thinks it has an absolute majority, psychologically it has to leave that behind," said Pedro Azpiazu of the Basque National Party (PNV), whose support Rajoy hopes to gain for his budget. Story continues Overturning laws will not be all plain sailing for the opposition however. Rajoy's executive has the power to veto some motions before they progress through parliament if he can argue they affect the budget. Parties can try and chip away at existing legislation with amendments, but repealing bills entirely entails coming up with alternative laws which Rajoy's foes may struggle to agree on. None agree on how to fix unemployment, which stands at the second-highest rate in Europe after Greece. Aside from education, the PP's foes have also teamed up to try and overturn an unpopular "sun tax" introduced by the last PP government and seen as penalising households which produce their own solar energy. If parliament continues to throw up obstacles to his government, Rajoy can threaten to dissolve it in May and call a new election, but opposition politicians doubt this would be in line with his style of governing. "Rajoy is not known for making quick or dramatic decisions, but rather by favouring continuity," said Miguel Gutierrez, a senior Ciudadanos politician. (Additional reporting by Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Sarah White and Janet Lawrence) By Angus Berwick MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's opposition parties have scored their first victory against newly reinstated Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, paralyzing an education bill, in a taste of the challenges he will face in his second term. After two inconclusive elections, Rajoy now leads Spain's weakest minority government and will have to piece together support in a hostile and fragmented parliament to pass laws and, most pressingly, design a budget for 2017. The Socialists and smaller centrist party Ciudadanos enabled Rajoy to have a second term in a confidence vote last month but have said they will fight his policies and may form ad-hoc majorities to legislate against his conservative People's Party (PP). Lawmakers voted late on Tuesday to freeze the implementation of an education law Rajoy's party passed when it had an absolute majority in the previous legislature and which included an unpopular new exam regime. "Today we start to reverse the most damaging policies of the PP," Socialist politician Antonio Hernando told reporters before the vote in parliament. Rajoy has offered to sit down with rivals in the coming months to reach a cross-party agreement on education, but on Wednesday he cautioned them not to put an economic recovery at risk by overturning reforms such as a labor market overhaul. "They were good for Spain and what works should not be changed," he told a conference in Madrid. NEED TO NEGOTIATE Opposition lawmakers say Rajoy, who has led the PP since 2004, will have to make more of an effort to change his style, seen by many as aloof, to gain backing. "The PP still thinks it has an absolute majority, psychologically it has to leave that behind," said Pedro Azpiazu of the Basque National Party (PNV), whose support Rajoy hopes to gain for his budget. Overturning laws will not be all plain sailing for the opposition however. Rajoy's executive has the power to veto some motions before they progress through parliament if he can argue they affect the budget. Parties can try and chip away at existing legislation with amendments, but repealing bills entirely entails coming up with alternative laws which Rajoy's foes may struggle to agree on. None agree on how to fix unemployment, which stands at the second-highest rate in Europe after Greece. Aside from education, the PP's foes have also teamed up to try and overturn an unpopular "sun tax" introduced by the last PP government and seen as penalizing households which produce their own solar energy. If parliament continues to throw up obstacles to his government, Rajoy can threaten to dissolve it in May and call a new election, but opposition politicians doubt this would be in line with his style of governing. "Rajoy is not known for making quick or dramatic decisions, but rather by favoring continuity," said Miguel Gutierrez, a senior Ciudadanos politician. (Additional reporting by Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Sarah White and Janet Lawrence) CHARLESTON -- The Illinois Education Association has awarded a $1,000 grant to a member of the Charleston Education Association. Kaj Holm applied for the grant as part of the IEAs Schools and Community Outreach by Educators program, which is a grant program designed to give educators in the first 10 years of their career a chance to apply for money for a service project. Holm works as a fifth-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Charleston. He has been employed in this position for four years. The service program Holm chose to help support is the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program which provides children at risk of hunger with bags of food they can take home and easily prepare on their own. More than 45 grants were awarded to educators projects across the state. Educators ideas for projects were creative, varied and were based both inside and outside schools. All of them benefited students, students families and the community. Volunteer trips, food pantries, plans to get parents involved in schools, increased access to supplies and community service projects were just some of the ideas that were funded. Were thrilled another year of this wonderful program resulted in a range of ideas submitted by our members and we are so pleased with such creative effort, said IEA President Cinda Klickna. We know that our educators are in the schools every day giving 100 percent, but there are unmet needs as well. So many of them wanted to do more. Its in their nature. We were glad to help them make their ideas come to fruition. The IEA represents more than 130,000 members, including teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff, retired educators and students planning to become teachers. COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has awarded refined oil products term supply contracts to Singapore-based Petrochina International and India's Reliance Industries Ltd, official government documents showed on Wednesday. Petrochina International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is to supply state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation with 1.13 million barrels of gas oil in two parcels and around 3 million barrels of gasoline in three parcels. Reliance Industries Ltd is to supply 600,000 barrels of gas oil and 960,000 barrels of jet fuel. The contracts run from Dec. 1 to July 31, 2017. (Reporting by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Greg Mahlich) On Tuesday's Late Show, Stephen Colbert commented on news reports that Trump wants to live part-time in New York City, since he's used to his place in Trump Tower. "This is the first president who considers living in the White House slumming it," said Colbert. He had a message for Trump: "On behalf of 8 million people, please don't come back every week to New York. I am begging you. Please." He continued, pointing out how awful traffic is in the city in the one week every year when the president visits New York for the United Nations summit. "It's like the fall of Saigon meets Dante's Inferno meets World War Z around here," said Colbert. He found it even more distressing that the Secret Service said it's going to shut down parts of Fifth Avenue whenever Trump visits. "Traffic's going to be so backed up people in their cars will start drinking their own urine to survive," said the Late Show host. "Whole generations of New Yorkers will be born and die without ever leaving their Uber." He doesn't even understand why Trump would want to spend time in the city, given that 86 percent of Manhattan voted against him and his front door is blocked by thousands of people protesting him. "I mean, honest to God, Fifth Ave!" proclaimed Colbert. "That goes down the center of the island. That's like the doctor saying we're just going to take out your spine, everything else is going to stay." In his monologue, Colbert also talked about Ben Carson saying he doesn't want a job on Trump's administration since he has no government experience and discussed how fake Facebook news is created by Macedonian teens. He concluded his monologue by highlighting a new study that says blood from human teens can rejuvenate the body and brains of old mice. "If young people's blood can rejuvenate the elderly, I say we hook up Ariana Grande to Ruth Bader Ginsburg," joked Colbert. Read more: Stephen Colbert Jokes About Donald Trump Receiving Trojan Horse From Putin in Recut '60 Minutes' Interview Steve Harvey's decision to end his current talk show and launch a new one next fall isn't just a sign of an in-demand talent taking more control of his creative output. It's also a signal of his talent agency's expanding ambitions. WME-IMG will produce the new Harvey-hosted talker, which is said to be more celebrity-driven than the host's The Steve Harvey Show. That syndicated series will end in May after five hit seasons as his contract with Endemol Shine North America expires. Sources say Harvey, 59, was seeking more creative control, which IMG offered. The show will be overseen by IMG's Original Content team, headed by the recently promoted WME-IMG co-president Mark Shapiro. Read more: Steve Harvey to End Daytime Talker for New One With IMG, NBCUniversal The new deal gives both Harvey and WME-IMG substantial ownership stakes in the program, which may raise eyebrows in Hollywood because talent agencies traditionally have been prevented by California regulations from owning content. But IMG was producing sports-related shows for years before WME and its majority owner Silver Lake purchased the company for $2.3 billion in 2013, and in the past year, IMG Original Content has produced the documentaries Gleason and Michael Moore in TrumpLand, HBO's Gonzaga: The March to Madness docuseries, and the Miss Universe and Miss USA telecasts. WME-IMG, which maintains a big foothold in the fashion business, also teamed with Apple TV for the digital fashion network Made to Measure. A talent agency producing, particularly on a client's show, may raise concerns about agents pushing clients into their own productions and negotiating potentially unfair terms of employment. But WME-IMG sources say the company urges clients to seek outside counsel, as Harvey did, when it comes to any productions from IMG or its affiliates. In addition, insiders say WME-IMG is working to create a "firewall" between the agency and production sides of its business in order to avoid conflicts. Earlier this year, the company paid $4 billion for the UFC mixed martial arts league, making WME-IMG the owner of the league that employs a few of its clients, such as star fighter Ronda Rousey. Story continues Read more: Mark Shapiro, Ioris Francini Named Co-Presidents of WME-IMG "When there's a huge conflict with your core business and your new business, who do you look out for? It's a very hard thing to figure out," says one prominent television executive, who adds that deals can be "riddled with conflict" when a company is looking out for both sides of its business. "Somebody ends up with the good end of the package and somebody ends up at the bad end of the package." Sources say Harvey did, in fact, shop the show around before ultimately landing at IMG. He'd previously worked with the company when he hosted the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, which, despite his on-air blunder in misreading the winner's name, he's set to host for the next three years. The upcoming series will see Harvey relocate from Chicago to Los Angeles, where his other four shows - Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, Little Big Shots and the forthcoming Mark Burnett-produced Funderdome - are based. NBCUniversal Domestic Television, which distributes The Steve Harvey Show, is currently shopping the new daytime talker, which will launch in September, in hopes that many of the same NBC stations will scoop it up. Additional reporting by Rebecca Ford. A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Steve Harvey's decision to end his current talk show and launch a new one next fall isn't just a sign of an in-demand talent taking more control of his creative output. It's also a signal of his talent agency's expanding ambitions. WME-IMG will produce the new Harvey-hosted talker, which is said to be more celebrity-driven than the host's The Steve Harvey Show. That syndicated series will end in May after five hit seasons as his contract with Endemol Shine North America expires. Sources say Harvey, 59, was seeking more creative control, which IMG offered. The show will be overseen by IMG's Original Content team, headed by the recently promoted WME-IMG co-president Mark Shapiro. Read more: Steve Harvey to End Daytime Talker for New One With IMG, NBCUniversal The new deal gives both Harvey and WME-IMG substantial ownership stakes in the program, which may raise eyebrows in Hollywood because talent agencies traditionally have been prevented by California regulations from owning content. But IMG was producing sports-related shows for years before WME and its majority owner Silver Lake purchased the company for $2.3 billion in 2013, and in the past year, IMG Original Content has produced the documentaries Gleason and Michael Moore in TrumpLand, HBO's Gonzaga: The March to Madness docuseries, and the Miss Universe and Miss USA telecasts. WME-IMG, which maintains a big foothold in the fashion business, also teamed with Apple TV for the digital fashion network Made to Measure. A talent agency producing, particularly on a client's show, may raise concerns about agents pushing clients into their own productions and negotiating potentially unfair terms of employment. But WME-IMG sources say the company urges clients to seek outside counsel, as Harvey did, when it comes to any productions from IMG or its affiliates. In addition, insiders say WME-IMG is working to create a "firewall" between the agency and production sides of its business in order to avoid conflicts. Earlier this year, the company paid $4 billion for the UFC mixed martial arts league, making WME-IMG the owner of the league that features a few of its clients, such as star fighter Ronda Rousey. (WME-IMG doesn't negotiate Rousey's fighting deals.) Story continues Read more: Mark Shapiro, Ioris Francini Named Co-Presidents of WME-IMG "When there's a huge conflict with your core business and your new business, who do you look out for? It's a very hard thing to figure out," says one prominent television executive, who adds that deals can be "riddled with conflict" when a company is looking out for both sides of its business. "Somebody ends up with the good end of the package and somebody ends up at the bad end of the package." Sources say Harvey did, in fact, shop the show around before ultimately landing at IMG. He'd previously worked with the company when he hosted the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, which, despite his on-air blunder in misreading the winner's name, he's set to host for the next three years. The upcoming series will see Harvey relocate from Chicago to Los Angeles, where his other four shows - Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, Little Big Shots and the forthcoming Mark Burnett-produced Funderdome - are based. NBCUniversal Domestic Television, which distributes The Steve Harvey Show, is currently shopping the new daytime talker, which will launch in September, in hopes that many of the same NBC stations will scoop it up. Additional reporting by Rebecca Ford. A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. - By James Li Steve Mandel (Trades, Portfolio), a long-short equity money manager, founded Lone Pine Capital in 1997. The guru invests in companies with a fundamental analysis and bottom-up approach, which incorporates both value and growth methodologies. He expanded his consumer cyclical empire in the third quarter by investing in two travel companies and two online retail companies. eBay Mandel purchased 33,164,569 shares of eBay Inc. (EBAY) at an average price of $30.19, increasing his portfolio by 4.87%. Even though the California online retail company only has a profitability rank of 6, eBay has high profit margins and returns on equity. The company's operating margin outperforms 96% of global specialty retail companies, and its return on equity is near a 10-year high. CEO Devin Wenig lauded the company's strong third-quarter earnings. Revenues totaled $2.2 billion, an increase of 8% on a foreign-exchange neutral basis or 6% on an as-reported basis. EBay reported $418 million in net income based on generally accepted accounting principles, yielding a diluted earnings per share of 36 cents. Alibaba The Lone Pine Capital manager purchased 5,151,461 shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) , a well-known Chinese online retail company. Mandel paid an average price of $92.68 per share during the third quarter. Alibaba has a profitability rank of 8, suggesting high and sustainable profitability in the short term. The company has expanding operating margins, which currently rank higher than 97% of global specialty retail companies. Chief Financial Officer Maggie Wu discussed the company's strong September earnings, which include a 55% year-over-year revenue growth, over 450 million mobile users and increased numbers in paying customers of their cloud computing business. Story continues As the company also has strong financial strength and high value potential, other gurus invested in Alibaba. Chase Coleman (Trades, Portfolio), Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio) and Stanley Druckenmiller (Trades, Portfolio) purchased 5,373,553 shares, 2.6 million shares and 470,600 shares. Guru makes two buys in the travel industry As discussed in a previous article, Mandel purchased 7,143,331 shares of Expedia Inc. (EXPE) for an average price of $113.09. The transaction increased his portfolio by 3.72%. 439e6af4a0cd01bce561afbb7c0187a6.png The online travel company had a strong third quarter as implied by its earnings report. Gross bookings increased 21% year over year to $18.6 billion, resulting in a 33% revenue increase. The two acquisitions in 2015, Orbitz Worldwide and HomeAway, contributed to the increase in room bookings and flight reservations. Even though the company's operating margin underperforms 62% of global leisure companies, the company has above-average three-year revenue growth and three-year earnings per share growth. Likely due to the high revenue and EPS growth, Expedia has a profitability rank of 8. The Lone Pine Capital manager also purchased 19,597,829 shares of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT), a well-known lodging and hospitality company. The company has a strong Piotroski F-score of 7 albeit low Altman Z-scores and a modest profitability rank of 6. The company reported diluted EPS of $0.74 and adjusted EPS of $0.66 for the first nine months of 2016, both slightly outperforming respective values for the first nine months of 2015. Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta acclaims the company's accelerating capital-light growth, which is driven by "clearly defined brands" that represent about 22% of their rooms under construction globally. Richard Pzena (Trades, Portfolio) and Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio) also invested in Hilton in the recent quarter. The former purchased 9,804,419 shares while the latter bought a modest 838,300. See also GuruFocus provides two types of guru picks: latest guru picks and real-time picks. Due to SEC regulations, the former is updated quarterly while the latter is reported within 10 business days. A real-time pick occurs when an investor owns more than 5% of a company and makes a transaction within that company. SEC requires the investor to report this trade in a Schedule 13D form. The standard 13F form reports the investor's quarterly portfolio holdings. Premium members have access to all real-time stock picks and over 150 guru portfolios. Additionally, the premium membership gives access to all value screeners, including the All-in-One Guru Screener that offers over 150 filters. The premium plus membership gives further access, including backtesting for up to 10 years, the Manual of Stocks for all U.S. companies and over 4,000 institutional 13F and 13D filings. Please refer to the membership levels page for all member benefits. If you are not a member, we invite you to a free seven-day trial. Disclosure: No position in the stocks mentioned. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. - By James Li Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio), founder and CEO of Point72 Asset Management, generates "superior risk-adjusted returns" by investing in discretionary long/short equities using a fundamental bottom-up research process. During the third quarter, Cohen increased his weight in the technology sector by a net 7.5% to 13%. The guru invested in three online media companies, one consumer electronics company and one communication services company. Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) (GOOGL) Cohen purchased 419,288 shares of GOOGL and 111,491 shares of GOOG. Google's Class A stock averaged $782.19 per share while the Class C stock averaged $759.42 per share. The California-based online company has a financial strength rank of 8 and a profitability rank of 9, both suggesting a robust business operation. Even though the company has a predictability rank of just 3.5 stars, the company has consistent per-share revenue growth and strong returns on invested capital. Google's operating margin and return on assets outperform over 80% of global Internet content and information companies. Ruth Porat, chief financial officer of Google, acclaimed the company's strong core advertising business through mobile search and video in the company's third-quarter earnings report. Operating margin based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) increased 1% from third-quarter 2015 to third-quarter 2016 while GAAP net income increased over $1 billion. This resulted in a $2 increase in diluted earnings per share. As the company exhibited strong growth potential, several gurus invested in Google. Andreas Halvorsen (Trades, Portfolio), who currently has the second-largest stake of GOOGL, added 168,202 Class A shares while Chase Coleman (Trades, Portfolio) purchased 283,877 Class C shares. The latter expanded his portfolio by 3.18%. Story continues 86374308b77cf3495ed690115040180b.png 7858029531eff378f31c1ffd9fa00263.png Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) Cohen purchased 2,048,200 shares of Comcast, a Pennsylvania media and technology company. The price averaged $66.56 per share during the third quarter. e00963e62edff94c5ff689cb3e5ef574.png Even though the company has poor financial strength, the company's profitability ranks 10 out of 10, and its predictability ranks 4 out of 5. Comcast has a Piotroski F-score of 8, and its operating margin outperforms 86% of global pay TV companies. Comcast, which controls NBC, reported double-digit revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter, as mentioned in the company's earnings report. CEO Brian Roberts presented likely sources for the strong third-quarter revenue growth including the 2016 Rio Olympics, "The Secret Life of Pets" and continued growth at the company's theme parks. The number of video subscribers increased over 170,000 during the trailing 12 months. As the company presents high growth potential, Coleman added 2,635,039 Comcast shares to his portfolio. 88d1946459e47dab0f946f640ae65194.png Guru adds to three other online companies The Point72 hedge fund manager boosted his stakes in Facebook Inc. (FB) and Apple Inc. (AAPL), purchasing 2,024,308 shares of the former and 1,029,492 shares of the latter. The companies averaged $124.14 and $105.87 per share. bdd3ae189f3083684cab25c2dae3a55c.png c696fdf7ef9452299ea1f9228be587cb.png As discussed in a previous article, David Tepper (Trades, Portfolio) invested in both Facebook and Apple as the companies reported strong third-quarter earnings performance. Facebook increased its revenues and daily active users during the quarter while Apple had strong service revenue albeit declining iPhone sales. As both companies show high value potential, Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio) purchased 1.7 million shares of Facebook and 2.5 million shares of Apple. Cohen also added 2,481,947 shares of Yahoo Inc. (YHOO), a California-based online media company. The stock averaged $41.01 during the third quarter. 88fb9bf895f5b5393f9958235e6e0b8e.png See also GuruFocus provides two types of guru picks: latest guru picks and real-time picks. Generally, investors must report their quarterly portfolio to the Securities and Exchange Commission within 45 days after the end of the quarter in a Form 13F filing. However, if an investor makes a trade in a company in which he owns more than 5% of the total shares outstanding, the SEC requires him to file a Schedule 13D within 10 business days after the transaction takes place. Such guru picks are known as real-time picks, one of several features that we offer to premium members. Additionally, the premium membership gives access to all value screeners including the All-in-One Guru Screener that offers over 150 filters. The premium plus membership gives further access, including backtesting for up to 10 years, the Manual of Stocks for all U.S. companies and over 4,000 institutional 13F and 13D filings. Please refer to the membership levels page for all member benefits. If you are not a member, we invite you to a free seven-day trial. Disclosure: The author has no position in the stocks mentioned in this article. Start a free seven-day trial of Premium Membership to GuruFocus. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. CHARLESTON -- Math results were mostly what led Charleston students to score below the average on state tests last year. That will be part of the report school district Assistant Superintendent Todd Vilardo plans to present to the Charleston school board during its meeting today. Vilardo's report will cover student performance and other district information contained in the district's annual state report cards. The math scores show that the subject continues to "need focus" for the district's curriculum improvement plans, Vilardo said. "We've recognized this for the last couple of years," he said. "We think our math scores, over time, will improve." Overall, 29 percent of the district's students met or exceeded expectations in the two areas that were tested: reading and math. The state average was 34 percent. In math alone, the district's percentage for students deemed "ready for the next level" was 23 percent, while the average was 31 percent. The district's reading score of 35 percent was 1 percent below the average. The testing, which took place last school year, marked the second year that Illinois used the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, commonly called PARCC, for its state tests. Vilardo said the switch from paper tests to the computer-based testing the district used could also have affected scores because students aren't yet accustomed to the new format. "For many, many years they've been used to taking tests on paper," he said. The report cards also show results on the American College Test or ACT, commonly used for college applications. District students' average score was 21.1, while the state average was 20.8. The report cards also include other information such as high school graduation rates, student-teacher ratio and percentage of students from low-income families. The reports can be found online at illinoisreportcard.com or through a link on the school district's website, www.charleston.k12.il.us, under "district information." Other reports the board is set to receive today include information on the district's annual property tax levy, which the board is scheduled to adopt in December. Additional reports will cover school bus snow routes and related plans for the coming winter and a school sales tax that voters approved during last week's election. sanders cruz Income inequality and political polarization have both recently increased in the US, leading to questions about a possible correlation or causal link. And in a new working paper, economists David Autor, David Dorn, Gordon Hanson, and Kaveh Majlesi found empirical evidence linking the negative trade shock from China with an increase in electoral successes of non-centrist politicians and an increase in political polarization. They found that areas in the US hit the hardest by trade shocks were more likely to shift away from centrist politicians. Crucially, it wasn't so much that the politicians who were already in office shifted their views away from the center, but rather that the electorate voted in new representatives who espoused more left- or right-leaning ideas. The team looked at the years from the first midterm election during the George W. Bush administration in 2002 to the first midterm elections during the Barack Obama administration in 2010. They chose those endpoints because congressional districts are redrawn after every decennial census and they wanted the longest recent period for which the boundaries were unchanged. Also, neither 2002 nor 2010 was a presidential election year. It's also noteworthy that China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Its share of world manufacturing exports surged to 15.1% by 2010, up from 4.8% in 2000. Plus, the later years of the time frame include the rise of the Tea Party movement. Here's what the economists found, from their abstract (emphasis ours): "Exploiting the exogenous component of rising trade with China and classifying legislator ideologies by their congressional voting record, we find strong evidence that congressional districts exposed to larger increases in import competition disproportionately removed moderate representatives from office in the 2000s. Trade-exposed districts initially in Republican hands become substantially more likely to elect a conservative Republican, while trade-exposed districts initially in Democratic hands become more likely to elect either a liberal Democrat or a conservative Republican. Story continues "Polarization is also evident when breaking down districts by race: trade-exposed locations with a majority white population are disproportionately likely to replace moderate legislators with conservative Republicans, whereas locations with a majority non-white population tend to replace moderates with liberal Democrats." Screen Shot 2016 11 14 at 12.31.13 PM To measure regional trade shocks, the authors of the paper broke the US up into regional labor markets, defined as commuting zones, and measured the change in import penetration from China for different manufacturing industries, weighted by employment in each commuting zone. Those commuting zones don't match up exactly with congressional districts, so the authors divided the US into county-by-congressional district cells and mapped those to their corresponding commuting zones to get a sense of how elections went in districts with varying degrees of trade exposure. This study applies specifically to trade shocks, and not economic shocks in general. The authors also looked at what happened after the 2006 housing bust and found that the polarization effects were "considerably weaker" than for trade shocks. "Results on housing prices are broadly in line with our trade findings: local labor markets subject to larger post-2006 housing prices drops move away from moderate toward conservative legislators," they wrote. "However, these effects only hold for initially Republican districts." Moreover, the findings do not support the stereotypical line of thinking, which is that trade shocks makes "red states redder or blue states bluer" in the sense that a party gains greater regional dominance. Rather, the authors note that more trade exposure "leads to fewer lopsided electoral victories, higher voter turnout, and larger individual campaign contributions, all of which indicate tighter races." Although the authors of the paper looked at 2002 to 2010, trade was a huge issue in the 2016 US presidential election. We saw a similar pattern with the emergence of nontraditional candidates like Donald Trump and to a much lesser degree, but still espousing a shift away from the center Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. Both pointed a finger at trade with China. Even Hillary Clinton, more centrist than either Trump or Sanders, eventually abandoned support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal after previously calling it the "gold standard" of trade agreements ostensibly in an attempt to address voters' concerns. However, while voters in the US and other developed markets increasingly regard free trade with skepticism, mainstream economists still virtually agree that free trade is good for an economy in the long run even though within an economy there will be some people who benefit less, particularly in the short term while trade-restrictive measures hurt consumers. And this raises questions about not only how politicians will continue to respond during elections to voters' grievances amid a shifting socioeconomic landscape, but more importantly how they will respond when it comes to actually making policy. We should note that the trade shock is, of course, not the sole variable affecting voters' decisions. The relationship of economics, race, social trends, institutions, and politics in the United States is far too complex to be limited to a single study not to mention the fact that sometimes these factors are interconnected. Even just within economics, trade is not the whole story; automation also affects Americans' jobs. In short, trade is just one part of the big picture. The authors also cite other papers in their work, noting that a consensus on the origins of political polarization has not been reached. Among some of the political, economic, and social phenomena linked with polarization they bring up are immigration, banking crises/stock market crashes, and tax and regulatory policies. NOW WATCH: JACK DANIELS MASTER DISTILLER: This is the real difference between scotch, whiskey, and bourbon More From Business Insider London (AFP) - Brexit supporters hit out at a Supreme Court judge Wednesday after she raised the prospect that EU legislation may have to be entirely replaced before the process for Brexit could begin. In a speech in Kuala Lumpur, Brenda Hale, deputy president of Britain's supreme court, said judges could decide that only major new legislation could trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Such a decision could potentially severely delay the process of exiting the European Union. Hale is one of 11 judges due to start deliberations in early December to decide whether there must be a parliamentary vote before Brexit negotiations can begin. The court is expected to rule early next year. The government of Prime Minister Theresa May appealed a ruling in the High Court that it does not have the executive power alone to trigger Article 50. "The case raises difficult and delicate issues about the constitutional relationship between government and parliament," Hale told law students in the Malaysian capital on November 9, in a speech that has now been published online. Outlining the arguments of the case, she said one question was "whether it would be enough for a simple Act of Parliament to authorise the government to give notice, or whether it would have to be a comprehensive replacement for the 1972 (European Communities) Act." Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Brexit campaigner, said if judges chose the latter it would mean "a constitutional crisis", and warned that Hale held pro-EU views. The court's remit was only to decide on "whether or not the government can use its executive powers to trigger article 50," he told the Guardian newspaper. "It is not their job to tell parliament... how they should go about that business, thatas for parliament to decide." Hale's comments also sparked a backlash from the pro-Brexit camp on Twitter after she highlighted the fact that the referendum was "not legally binding on parliament". A spokesman for the Supreme Court said Hale was simply presenting the arguments of the case "in an impartial way" as part of a wider lecture on constitutional law. "It is entirely proper for serving judges to set out the arguments in high profile cases to help public understanding of the legal issues, as long as it is done in an even-handed way," the spokesman said. Geneva (AFP) - Swiss banks said Wednesday that another 300 names had been added to a list seeking heirs to accounts holding tens of millions of Swiss francs dormant for at least 60 years. The newly-added accounts hold assets of about eight million Swiss francs (7.4 million euros, $7.9 million), the Swiss Bankers Association said in a statement. They follow an initial listing in December 2015 of more than 2,600 accounts of individuals or companies without any movements on their Swiss bank accounts for the past 60 years. The dormant accounts are listed on a website www.dormantaccounts.ch to give their owners' heirs a chance to come forward and claim the funds. "The banks today published further names for which it has not been possible to establish contact since 1956," the association said in a statement. Claimants have a year to come forward before banks must hand the assets over to the Swiss state. For accounts that have been dormant for longer than 60 years, claimants have five years. In total, the list includes some 4,000 accounts holding tens of millions of Swiss francs and dozens of safety deposit boxes. Since the website was launched last December, Swiss banks have found heirs for about five percent of the accounts listed on the site, the banker association said. The vast majority of the accounts concern Swiss nationals who lived in Switzerland, but the list also includes American, Italians, Germans and French citizens. Some of the account holders on the list were born in the 19th century and include industrial groups. Certain accounts have no corresponding names or addresses and are identified only through an ID number found in a passbook which, in theory, should be in the possession of the account holder. Switzerland has previously published lists of dormant accounts, but only those with a direct link to victims of the Holocaust. A 1998 agreement that sought to resolve the controversy surrounding Holocaust-era accounts saw Swiss banking giants UBS and Credit Suisse pay out $1.24 billion to a victims fund managed by New York-based judge Edward Korman. Aleppo (Syria) (AFP) - Syrian government and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held parts of northern Syria Wednesday, including battered second city Aleppo, where food aid rations were near-depleted after months of regime siege. The renewed bombardment killed at least 35 people in Aleppo city in 24 hours, and sparked anger from Washington and the United Nations. It came as President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview that US president-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fights "terrorists". Damascus considers all those who oppose Assad's government to be "terrorists" like the Islamic State jihadist group, which Trump has said should be the focus of US involvement in Syria. The regime and its ally Russia launched a wide-ranging assault on rebels on Tuesday, shattering a month of relative calm in the rebel-held east of devastated Aleppo. But Moscow denied carrying out air strikes on east Aleppo. "Planes of the Russian air force have not been carrying out strikes on Aleppo for the past 29 days," said Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the defence ministry. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said six children were among the 35 killed in government strikes and artillery fire on besieged opposition-held districts since Tuesday. The Independent Doctors Association, a medical group, said barrel bomb attacks had damaged two facilities it supports in eastern Aleppo -- the children's hospital and the only blood bank in the area. Medical facilities have regularly been hit, and sometimes completely destroyed, in the government's fight against rebels, though Damascus and Moscow deny they target hospitals. - Food aid runs out in Aleppo - The Observatory also reported 21 people were killed in Batabo, a village on the border between Aleppo and Idlib province, where Russia and Syria were carrying out strikes. The monitor said it was not immediately clear if the strikes on Batabo were carried out by Russian or Syrian planes. Story continues The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires. The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, fearing moving into government-held territory. Food aid stockpiled in the east is all-but-exhausted, with international organisations and their local partners saying they have distributed final rations in recent days. No aid has entered the eastern neighbourhoods since government troops surrounded them in mid-July. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people nationwide since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Russia intervened in September 2015 in a bid to bolster the government, and Tuesday said its forces were launching a "major operation" in Idlib and central Homs province, targeting IS and former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front with air strikes from a carrier in the eastern Mediterranean. But the bombardment has been criticised by both the UN and Washington, with the General Assembly's human rights committee voting overwhelmingly Tuesday to condemn escalating attacks on civilians. - Assad open to Trump alliance - Washington said it had received reports that the latest bombing raids had damaged civilian infrastructure in rebel areas. "We strongly condemn the resumption of air strikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. "The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it's a violation of international law." Washington was an early backer of the uprising against Assad, and has supported the rebels fighting his government. But that could change under the next administration, with Assad telling Portugal's RTP state television Tuesday he welcomed Trump's campaign comments suggesting Washington's involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad said. Washington already leads an international coalition carrying out strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, but it does not coordinate with Damascus and Assad's government has condemned it as ineffective. The coalition is supporting an operation by the Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture the IS bastion of Raqa. "We are advancing even though IS is mining the villages as they flee," SDF commander Rodi Derik said Wednesday in the village of Tuwaylaa, recently captured from IS. Beirut (AFP) - Syrian and Russian warplanes bombed rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib province overnight, a monitor said, a day after Moscow announced a fresh offensive against opponents of its Damascus ally. "Russian military planes were seen all night until morning in several regions of Idlib" in northwestern Syria, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "The regime air force bombed eastern sectors of Aleppo," Syria's divided second city, Abdel Rahman told AFP. The Britain-based monitor says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved. Forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a wide-ranging assault on Tuesday, backed by Russian air strikes, on what they say are jihadist groups. Syrian government aircraft struck rebel-held areas of east Aleppo with air strikes and barrel bomb attacks, according to the Observatory and an AFP correspondent. It was the first government bombardment of Aleppo since October 18. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke of a "major operation" which saw the first missions carried out by warplanes taking off from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier that arrived off Syria last week. The offensive drew strong condemnation from the United States, which said it had received reports of hospitals and clinics being bombed. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people across the country since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Target (TGT) on Wednesday topped Wall Street's sales and earnings estimates, thanks to improved traffic and sales trends that helped power its profits. In response to the stronger-than-expected results, the discounter raised its fourth-quarter sales and full-year earnings forecast. The company's shares shot nearly 9 percent higher, to $77.51, in premarket trading. Target earned $1.04 per share, adjusted, in the fiscal third quarter, on sales of $16.44 billion. Analysts had expected the company to report earnings of 83 cents a share on $16.3 billion in revenue, according to Thomson Reuters. In the prior-year period, Target earned 86 cents a share on sales of $17.61 billion. The adjusted figure excludes a favorable resolution of income tax matters, losses on the early retirement of debt, and items related to the sale of its pharmacy business. The company also bought back $878 million in shares during the period. "We are very pleased with our third quarter financial results, which reflect meaningful improvement in our traffic and sales trends and much stronger-than-expected profitability," said Target CEO Brian Cornell. He added that "favorable gross margin mix and efficient execution" drove its third quarter earnings per share performance well beyond its guidance. "We also continued to gain market share in key signature categories (baby, style, kids and wellness) and saw unexpectedly strong sales in the back-to-school and back-to-college season." As a result, Target raised its expectations for its fiscal fourth-quarter comparable sales, and for its full-year earnings results. The retailer now expects its holiday quarter same-store sales to come in between -1 percent and 1 percent, compared with -2 percent to flat, previously. It predicts full-year adjusted earnings per share will come in between $5.10 and $5.30, compared with its prior forecast of $4.80 to $5.20. That forecast excludes early debt-retirement losses and a small benefit from the resolution of income tax matters. Story continues "As we move into the biggest quarter of the year, we are pleased with our inventory position and confident that our team will deliver a great guest experience as they bring our merchandising and marketing plans to life throughout the holiday season," Cornell said. Despite the better than expected results, the company's topline continued to take a hit, following the sale of its pharmacy business to CVS (London Stock Exchange: CVSG-GB) in December. Revenue declined 6.7 percent to $16.4 billion, in part because of that sale. But the company also experienced its second-straight quarterly drop in same-store sales, with that metric declining 0.2 percent. That was better than analysts were expecting, as a FactSet estimate forecasted a 1 percent drop. The company's same-store sales snapped a two-year winning streak in the prior three-month period, as it struggled to bring shoppers into its stores particularly on smaller "fill-in" trips that lead to repeat visits. Even as the company's traffic showed a modest improvement from the second quarter, the number of transactions often used as a proxy for store visits declined 1.2 percent. To correct this problem, the company has said it will focus more of its marketing and in-store displays on value. During the third quarter, that meant upping the amount of weekly ads that focused on grocery and essentials. Looking ahead, it includes a 20 percent increase in the amount of advertising that will focus on price this holiday season. "Target is moving very slowly in the right direction," Neil Saunders, CEO of Conlumino research firm, told investors. Target's digital sales posted another quarter of strong growth during the third quarter, with comparable online sales accelerating from the prior quarter and rising 26 percent. During the holiday period, Target will once again lean on its blanket free shipping offer to drive sales. This promotion eliminates the minimum spending threshold shoppers typically need to meet to receive their online orders for free. It will also ramp up its exclusive toy offerings by 15 percent, to 1,800. And to kick off its Black Friday sale, Target stores will once again open at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day . The retailer's management team has seen a number of changes over the past few months, including the exit of its chief digital officer and senior vice president of merchandising. A slow-going overhaul of its grocery department has also weighed on the retailer's results. More From CNBC Toronto rapper Tasha The Amazon caught our attention earlier this year when her single "Picasso Leaning" topped the local Spotify charts. After releasing a stellar follow-up to "Picasso Leaning" with "Prayer," Tasha now shares a new EP that's entirely self-produced alongside her partner Danthrax (together, they form the production duo Bass & Bakery). As with "Picasso Leaning" and "Prayer," Die Every Day is a relentless offering that perfectly encompasses Tasha The Amazon's no-holds-barred attitude and high energy, packed with fiery rhymes and raucous production. Deliciously rough around the edges, Die Every Day is the ultimate soundtrack for those days when you're feeling mischievously destructive. "[We're] out here every day making our own traditions," Tasha told us over email about "Prayer," and by the sounds of Die Every Day, the Toronto native is living by her own word. Tasha The Amazon will be joining YG on Novemeber 29 in Los Angeles as a part of Redbull's 30 Days in LA 2016. Listen to Die Every Day below. Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes More from PigeonsandPlanes Yes, Simon's Cat is between the covers again The new book is called Simon's Cat vs the World and you can win your own copy, acco... A beloved Florida teacher was serenaded by a sea of students dressed in pink as she returned to the school after beating breast cancer. Read: 100 Students Show Solidarity With Teacher Battling Cancer With Surprise Performance at Her Home When Jill Bass, a third grade teacher at the Rowlett Academy in Bradenton returned to school Monday after spending weeks of treatment for breast cancer, she was shocked by the surprise students had organized. "There's this pink archway of pink balloons to walk through, and I could see just this sea of pink behind the balloons," Bass told InsideEdition.com. "I was overwhelmed with tears in my eyes and I just couldn't believe it." She emerged to see students, faculty members, parents, family and friends waving pink pom poms, welcoming her back. Then, they began singing "Fight Song," by Rachel Platten. "Almost every time I was at chemo, I would listen to that song just to kind of get me through," she said. "I like the song anyway, and it has such a personal meaning now, even more so than it ever did before." Bass told InsideEdition.com she started noticing changes to her right breast early last year, but ignored it. "I was only 34 with no family history, just unfortunately didn't listen to my own body," she said. "It ended up being way more advanced than it could have been had I gone four months prior." Knowing she would miss the end of the previous school year and the beginning of the current school year for various treatments, Bass penned a letter to the parents of her students explaining the diagnosis. Read: Second Grade Students Start Morning With Classroom Adaptation of 'Juju on That Beat' Immediately, she received overwhelming support from parents, who made up some of the crowd welcoming her back to the school. Bass said that although she continues to get chemo treatments once a week to ward off the disease, she is hoping to be done by 2017 so she can have a fresh start to the new year. Story continues Watch: Cancer Patient, 10, Becomes Flower Girl at Camp Counselor's Wedding After She's Given 48 Hours to Live Related Articles: The Trump truck will be back at Homestead. (Getty) We have a sequel to the 2016 version of the Trump Truck. The No. 22 AM Racing team will run a Trump Victory truck during the Camping World Truck Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday night. The truck, driven by Austin Wayne Self, first had a Donald Trump for president paint scheme in October at Talladega. The teams release about the victory truck claims that Trump woke up America with his presidential election win. Maybe we should inform the team that Trump will likely receive more than a million fewer votes than his opponent Hillary Clinton? The No. 22 truck will likely need some serious NASCAR electoral college shenanigans if it wants to honor Trump appropriately with a win Friday night. Self has averaged a 20th-place finish in his 21 starts this season. We also may get a chance to hear NASCAR CEO Brian Frances thoughts on Trumps win Friday too. France, who endorsed Trump at a rally in February, is having his first media availability since January. Frances endorsement of Trump earlier this year came just months after NASCAR said it wouldnt host any season-ending celebrations at Trump properties following comments Trump made about Mexicans at the beginning of his candidacy. Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! President-elect Donald Trump is considering former Republican rival and Texas Senator Ted Cruz for the position of U.S. attorney general, according to a new report. Bloomberg cited a person familiar with the matter saying that Cruz is in the running for the job, which was initially discussed as a potential position for former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani, however, is now reportedly being considered for secretary of state. The 45-year-old Cruz was spotted at the Trump Tower in New York, the headquarters of the President-elects campaign, on Tuesday, but made no comment regarding the matter. Instead, the Texas Senator simply maintained that the election was a mandate for change. Sen. Cruz is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with President-elect Trump in New York today, Cruz spokeswoman Catherine Frazier told CBS News in a statement. The American people issued a clear mandate to drain the swamp in Washington, repeal Obamacare and start over with cost-effective, patient-centered health care reform, appoint constitutionalist judges to the Supreme Court, secure our southern border and enforce immigration laws, and enact policies that will create more good-paying jobs for the American people. ted cuz Photo: REUTERS/Carlo Allegri Trump and Cruz carried out a vicious campaign against each other for the GOP nomination, which Trump won. During his speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Cruz did not endorse Trump, causing him to be booed by the Republican crowd. In September, however, Cruz backtracked and declared that he will vote for the construction mogul in the Nov. 8 election, leading to a thaw in relations between the two. After the report of Cruzs consideration appeared, the President-elect went on Twitter to declare that no one except him had any knowledge of who will occupy what position under his administration, possibly attempting to avoid speculation. Story continues Related Articles The Palestinian Authority's failing economy has left Israel concerned about potential political and social unrest in the West Bank and Gaza, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The Palestinian Authority has received over $23 billion in international assistance since its foundation in 1994 following the signing of the Oslo Accords, making Palestinians one of the world's largest receivers per capita of international development aid. Much of this money comes from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The amounts have declined in recent years, however, causing economic woes for Palestine. Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority's most committed donor, has begun focusing on military efforts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates stopped giving altogether in 2015. The Palestinian economy, beset by Israeli occupation, relies on these funds to survive. A report issued by the World Bank in September details the crisis Palestinians face. The Palestinian economic outlook is worrying with serious consequences on income, opportunity, and well-being. Not only will it affect the Palestinian Authoritys capacity to deliver services to its citizens, it may also lead to wider economic problems and instability, the report quoted Marina Wes, Country Director for West Bank and Gaza, as saying. "Israeli restrictions remain the main constraint to Palestinian economic competitiveness and have pushed private investment levels to amongst the lowest in the world," the report added. Israel collects tax money on goods and services that enter Palestine and collects money for work benefits from Israeli businesses that hire Palestinians. Israel then transfers these funds to the Palestinian Authority in large, single payments after collecting a fee. Tel Aviv also generates revenue for the Palestinian Authority by issuing work permits for Palestinians to work in Israel. The Palestinian Authority's budget, a third of which goes to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, continues to face a $500 million shortfall. The dire situation has forced Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to cut wages, jobs and welfare in an already stagnant economic period. Israelis fear that financial grievance could lead to instability. Story continues A stable Palestinian Authority economy is in Israels interests economically, politically, and in terms of security, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon said September at the signing of a deal that restructured a massive debt owed by the Palestinian Authority to the state-run Israel Electric Corporation. Palestinian political infighting has exacerbated the issue. Palestine's two largest political parties, Fatah and Hamas, have continually failed to reach a substantial power-sharing agreement since a schism in 2007. Abbas, a member of Fatah, reportedly cut Wednesday the salaries of over 50 Palestinian Authority employees within his party who supported political rival Muhammed Dahlan. Dahlan and his followers are threatening to protest an upcoming party conference, attacking Abbas' legitimacy as president. Related Articles boko haram In 2015, worldwide deaths from terrorism fell 10% from the previous year, despite an increase in the impact of terrorism around the globe, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The 29,376 terrorism-related deaths recorded in 2015 were a 10% decrease over 2014, marking the end of a four-year upward trend. But terrorism-related violence spread, with 23 countries having their highest number of deaths from terrorism last year, over the previous high of 17 registered in 2014. Among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, deaths from terrorism increased 650%, with 21 of 34 member-states recording at least one terrorist attack. The majority of terrorism deaths among OECD countries took place in Turkey and France. Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria accounted for 72% of all terrorism deaths in 2015. The Islamic State group (ISIS), Boko Haram, the Taliban, and Al Qaeda operating within those five countries were responsible for 74% of all terrorism-related deaths. The spread of terrorism's influence was driven by the expanded activities of ISIS and Boko Haram, which has pledged allegiance to ISIS. Jakarta ISIS attack ISIS, with attacks in 252 cities resulting in 6,141 deaths, passed Boko Haram as the most lethal terrorist group last year. ISIS increased its activity from 13 countries in 2014 to 28 last year, many of which were in Europe. Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and Turkey all saw the most deaths from terrorism in a year since 2000, and more than half the 577 deaths were related to ISIS, which orchestrated deadly attacks in Paris, Brussels, and Ankara. Story continues Boko Haram, a terrorist group that originated in Nigeria, spread into Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, driving the number of people killed in those countries up by 157%. Both groups seemed to welcome the recent election of Donald Trump as US president. boko haram Abu Omar Khorasani, a top ISIS leader in Afghanistan, called the president-elect "a complete maniac," saying Trump's "utter hate towards Muslims will make our job much easier because we can recruit thousands." Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau exhorted followers to "not be overwhelmed by people like Donald Trump and the global coalition fighting our brethren in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and everywhere." Boko Haram's seven-year conflict against the Nigerian state has taken more than 20,000 lives. "We remain steadfast on our faith and we will not stop," Shekau said in the hour-long message. "To us, the war has just begun." "While on the one hand the reduction in deaths is positive, the continued intensification of terrorism in some countries and its spread to new ones is a cause for serious concern and underscores the fluid nature of modern terrorist activity," Steve Killelea, executive chairman of IEP, said in a release. ISIS attack ruins The GTI report found issues like youth unemployment, accessibility of weapons, and lack of trust in electoral processes as some of the "most statistically significant factors correlating with terrorism" in OECD countries, according to a release. In developing countries, the history of conflict, corruption levels, and inequality correlated most significantly to terrorism. Overall, the cost of terrorism rose to $89.6 billion in 2015, with Iraq suffering the highest economic impact, equal to 17% of its GDP. NOW WATCH: 'He's the founder of ISIS': Watch Trump and Obama trade insults throughout the years More From Business Insider London (AFP) - Terrorism deaths fell last year thanks to a weakening of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Boko Haram in Nigeria, but both groups expanded their geographic reach, a new index revealed Wednesday. Some 29,376 people died from terrorism in 2015, down 3,389 on the previous year and the first fall since 2010, according to the Global Terrorism Index published by the Institute for Economics and Peace. This fall was thanks largely to 5,556 fewer deaths in Iraq and Nigeria -- a reduction of one third since 2014 -- as military operations weakened IS and Boko Haram. However, both groups also expanded their geographical reach last year, with Boko Haram killing more people in Niger, Cameroon and Chad than in the previous year. IS affiliates meanwhile carried out attacks in 28 countries in 2015, 15 more than in 2014. Deaths in OECD countries increased from 77 in 2014 to 577 the following year, more than half of them connected to IS. "The attacks by IS in Paris, Brussels and in Turkey's capital Ankara were amongst the most devastating in the history of these countries and reflect a disturbing return of the transnational group-based terrorism more associated with al-Qaeda before and immediately after September 11," the report said. Six countries saw a significantly deteriorating situation in 2015 -- France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Tunisia and Burundi. Deaths from the Taliban in Afghanistan also increased significantly. However, Pakistan, India and Thailand recorded improvements. More than 90 percent of all terrorist deaths occurred in countries already engaged in some form of internal or international conflict. And just five countries -- Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria -- accounted for 72 percent of all terrorism-related deaths in 2015. Meanwhile four groups -- IS, Boko Haram, the Taliban and al-Qaeda -- were responsible for 74 percent of deaths, with IS and its affiliates alone killing 6,141 people. Terrorism cost an estimated $89.6 billion in 2015, down 15 percent on the previous year. A Thai court on Wednesday threw out defamation charges against a news agency for alleging environmental damage by a gold mine, a lawyer said, in a rare win for press freedom in the country. Criminal defamation is a go-to weapon for powerful business and political players in Thailand, where activists, journalists and online critics are routinely swept up in court cases that often end in jail time. The gold mine in northeastern Loei province has been the centre of a decade-long struggle between its Thai operator, Tungkum Ltd., and grassroots activists who say the mine has polluted the environment and harmed their health. The company has filed more than a dozen lawsuits, including a criminal defamation case against state-funded broadcaster Thai PBS over a news clip produced by a 15-year-old girl who lives near the mine. In the segment, which was part of the network's citizen journalist series, the teenaged narrator said six villages had been "environmentally affected by the gold mining industry". The mining firm hit back by charging Thai PBS and four of its staff with criminal defamation. It also demanded 50 million baht ($1.4 million) in compensation and a five-year suspension of the station's operating licence, according to rights groups. But the case was dropped Wednesday by a Bangkok court, said Thai PBS's lawyer Saengchai Rattanasereewong. Judges decided to exonerate the network because it reported "comments based on good faith", he said in an interview aired on Thai PBS. "Media who have a duty to report such comments are also (protected under the law)," he added. Watchdog Fortify Rights welcomed the ruling, hailing it as a crucial step towards protecting press freedoms in the junta-run country. "However, there's still a long way to go when it comes to ensuring fundamental freedoms in Thailand," the group's director Amy Smith told AFP. Earlier this month a prominent British migrant rights activist, Andy Hall, left Thailand after more than a decade under pressure from a mounting pile of lawsuits over his efforts to expose labour abuses in the fishing and poultry industries. The space for free expression has also narrowed significantly since Thailand's military grabbed power in a 2014 coup. The junta has banned political gatherings, detained its critics for "attitude adjustment" sessions and intimidated the press. BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai health officials on Wednesday said 33 new Zika virus cases have been detected in the country as officials step up screening for groups at high risk from the disease such as pregnant women. "We confirmed 33 new cases last week and have detected the virus in two further provinces," Ministry of Public Health spokesman Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai told Reuters. Suwannachai said health campaigns warning travelers about Zika have been increased as many Thais flock to the capital Bangkok to take part in national mourning activities for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died on Oct. 13. "This is a period of movement with people coming to the capital from the provinces to take part in various activities," he said. "We have to remind them that Zika is a silent disease and some people won't have symptoms." Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia in September to confirm Zika-linked microcephaly, a condition that results in babies being born with small heads, and has one of the highest number of Zika cases in the region. Other parts of Southeast Asia have reported dozens of cases of Zika, including city state Singapore where 450 cases have been reported in 2016. Thailand has reported more than 680 cases of Zika since January but its Department of Disease Control has said the virus is manageable. In neighboring Myanmar, a pregnant foreign woman was diagnosed with the mosquito-borne virus last month - the first case confirmed in the country. Zika infections in pregnant women have been shown to cause microcephaly - a severe birth defect in which the head and brain are undersized - as well as other brain abnormalities. The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light in Brazil, which has confirmed more than 1,900 cases of microcephaly. (Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by) Three shipwrecks dating from World War II have disappeared from the bottom of the sea bed off Indonesia, likely the work of illegal divers salvaging metal from the remains. The remains of the Dutch vessels are from the Battle of the Java Sea, which was fought in 1942 between Allied and Japanese forces. Discovered in 2002 on an amateur diving expedition, the site is recognised as a sacred war grave as over 2,000 people died in the battle. Parts of the wreckage site were discovered to have vanished by divers undertaking preparations for the 75th anniversary of the Battle, which will be commemorated next year. Dutch News reported that Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis told fellow MPs of the disappearance of the ships from the sea bed in a briefing on Tuesday. The Battle for Java Sea is part of our collective memory, the minister said. The wrecks bear silent witness to the the tragic events and form a backdrop to the many stories about the terrors of war and the comradeship between crew. According to the Guardian, Hennis confirmed that an international investigation will be launched into the disappearance, noting that the majority of two of the ships were missing, while parts of the third had also disappeared. It is not the first time that a mystery involving vanishing shipwrecks has occurred in the region, as illegal divers have previously stripped other shipwrecks in search for metal to salvage. [Guardian] Kiev (AFP) - It began as a trickle but turned into a flood: foreign technocrats are leaving Ukraine at the very moment the impoverished country needs them most to tackle endemic graft. The raft of Europeans and Americans appointed to top government positions were once the hope of the former Soviet republic and the protesters who ousted a detested Russian-backed leader in February 2014. Ukraine is not only waging a war against pro-Moscow insurgents in its separatist east but is also known as one of Europe's most mismanaged and corrupt states. Its gross domestic product has not grown since the Soviet era while that of its western neighbour Poland has increased more than five-fold and made the country a shining example for the rest of eastern Europe. Pro-Western President Petro Poroshenko was striving to turn things around when he handed out Ukrainian passports to three foreigners in December 2014 and gave them senior ministerial posts. All of them are now gone -- including the US-born investment banker and one-time finance minister Natalie Jaresko. - First wave of disenchantment - Jaresko's time as finance minister was both a successful and sorrowful story that mirrors the tribulations of modern Kiev. She managed to negotiate a massive commercial debt write-off that helped Ukraine stay financially afloat. But Jaresko lost out in a power struggle for the premiership post, when it became clear that the government in place could no longer withstand the weight of corruption charges against it. She resigned in April alongside Lithuanian-born economy minister Aivaras Abromavicius and brief-serving health minister Alexander Kvitashvili of Georgia. Jaresko, a former US State Department official, bowed out without criticising the system she had worked in. But Abromavicius declared upon quitting that he had no intention of "covering up open corruption". The new government is led by Poroshenko protege Volodymyr Groysman and includes the unheralded Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk. Story continues But its appointment appears to have done little to curb the insider-dealings and bribe-takings the new team had sworn to stamp out on its confirmation. - The Georgian revolt - Things began to get really messy when Georgia's former president Mikheil Saakashvili quit as governor of Ukraine's Odessa region last week. Saakashvili was a passionate supporter of Ukraine's 2014 pro-EU revolution that set Kiev on its westward course. The 48-year-old arch-foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was stepping down because he was being held back from fighting corruption by the tycoons in Poroshenko's inner circle. Saakashvili also vowed to form an opposition political movement that could oust Poroshenko and force early elections. Few analysts give the Georgian much of a chance at success. Soon many of Saakashvili's Georgian allies in top Ukrainian government positions -- stacked there by Poroshenko after admiring the job they had done cleaning up their own tiny Caucasus country -- also began to quit. One of the most prominent ones was Ukraine's national police chief Khatia Dekanoidze. "I will be honest and say that we never were able to root out corruption from our agency," she told reporters on Monday. - 'Handcuffed by bureaucracy' - Dekanoidze has been widely praised for introducing a new traffic police force that is friendly with the locals and famous for refusing bribes. She told reporters that "my will and powers were insufficient to implement change". Some analysts said the bureaucracy-laden system that Ukraine never managed to cut down to size in the post-Soviet era had been too much for the foreign technocrats to bear. "The international partners who were invited to work in Ukraine got ensnared in a bureaucratic state system -- they were handcuffed," Yaroslav Yurchyshyn of Ukraine's Transparency International anti-corruption coalition told AFP. "The state service system of Ukraine has changed very little since Soviet times," Yurchyshyn said. Maria Repko of the Kiev-based Centre for Economic Strategy said that part of the problem was Ukraine's "oligarch-driven economy" that fuels systemic political corruption. Yet some foreigners have remained. Economists are particularly encouraged that Leszek Balcerowicz -- the architect of Poland's post-Communist transformation -- still serves as Poroshenko's economic advisor. Yet Balcerowicz has rarely appeared in public and his influence in Kiev remains unknow to those outside the president's administration. Tom Hanks was a voice of calm on Tuesday evening as he reassured an audience at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art that we are going to be all right in the wake of a highly divisive presidential election. Hanks made the remarks during his speech at the museums ninth annual film benefit, dedicated to the actors life and works. Hanks, who previously criticized the now President-elect Donald Trump during the election campaign season, addressed the shock felt by many at last weeks result. However, actors speech had a positive tone, encouraging those listening to remember that We constantly get to define ourselves as Americans. We do have the greatest country in the world. Responding to a call for him to run as the Democratic presidential candidate in 2020 by documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, Hanks said Just because Im an actor, I can give a good speech, I agree with that, Vulture reports. But the concept of actually voting for someone just because they can do that? Then Monty Hall could have been President of the United States! Hanks referred to the American Constitution as well as the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen in his speech, before reassuring the audience that We are going to be all rightwe will move forward, because if we do not move forward, what is to be said about us? [Vulture] Net profit margin is what an entrepreneur ultimately strives toward. A higher profit margin implies that a company is more efficient at converting sales into actual profit. In fact, it can turn out to be an accurate point of reference to gauge the potential of a companys operations and cost-control measures. Net Profit Margin = Net profit /Sales * 100. In simple terms, net income is the residual of all revenues and gains over all expenses and losses during a particular period. It can also be defined as the net increase in shareholders equity, which the company can retain as earnings or distribute among shareholders as dividend. Moreover, the strength in the metric not only attracts new investors but also draws well-skilled employees who eventually add to the value of the business. Moreover, a higher net profit margin as compared to peers lends a competitive edge. Pros and Cons Net profit margin helps investors gain clarity on a companys business model in terms of pricing policy, cost structure and manufacturing efficiency. Hence, a strong net profit margin is preferred by all classes of investors. However, net profit margin as an investment criterion has its own share of pitfalls. The metric varies widely from industry to industry. While net income is a key metric for investment measurement in traditional industries, it is not that vital for technology companies. Moreover, the difference in accounting treatment of various items especially non-cash expenses like depreciation and stock-based compensation makes comparison a complex task. Further, for companies preferring to grow with debt, instead of equity funding, higher interest expenses usually weigh on the net profit. In such cases, the measure is rendered ineffective to analyze a companys performance. The Winning Strategy A healthy net profit margin and solid EPS growth are the two most sought-after elements in a business model. Apart from these, we have added a few other criteria to ensure maximum returns from this strategy. Screening Parameters Net Margin 12 months Most Recent (%) greater than equal to 0: High net profit margin indicates solid profitability. Percentage Change in EPS F(0)/(F-1) greater than equal to 0: It indicates earnings growth. Average Broker Rating (1-5) equal to 1: A rating of #1 indicates brokers extreme bullishness on the prospects of the stock. Zacks Rank equal to 1: In good markets or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) continue to outperform. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. VGM Score of A or B: Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of 'A' or 'B' when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 (Buy) offer the best upside potential. Here are five of the seven stocks that qualified the screen: East Rutherford, NJ-based Cambrex Corporation CBM provides products and services that accelerate and improve the development and commercialization of new and generic therapeutics. The stock has a VGM score of A. Moreover, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 earnings has increased by 9 cents (3.7%) to $2.55 per share over the last 30 days. Gibraltar Industries Inc. ROCK manufactures and distributes products to the industrial and buildings market. The company has its headquarters at Buffalo, NY. The stock has a VGM score of B. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 earnings has climbed 14 cents (9.7%) to $1.58 per share over the last 30 days. Southlake, TX-based Sabre Corporation SABR provides technology solutions to the global travel and tourism industry. Its software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by airlines hotel properties to manage critical operations, such as passenger and guest reservations, revenue management, and flight, network and crew management. The company has a VGM Score of B. Its earnings estimate for the current year has increased by 20 cents (19.4%) to $1.23 per share over the last 30 days. Bedford, TX-based State National Companies Inc. SNC is a leading specialty provider of property and casualty insurance in the U.S. The stock has a VGM score of B. Moreover, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 earnings has increased by a dime (10.5%) to $1.05 per share over the last 30 days. El Segundo, CA-based Stamps.com Inc STMP provides Internet-based services for mailing or shipping letters, packages or parcels anywhere in the U.S. The stock has a VGM score of B. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 earnings has risen by $1.08 (19.8%) to $6.53 per share over the last 30 days. Story continues Get the rest of the stocks on the list and start putting this and other ideas to the test. It can all be done with the Research Wizard stock picking and back testing software. 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 STAMPS.COM INC (STMP): Free Stock Analysis Report SABRE CORP (SABR): Free Stock Analysis Report CAMBREX CORP (CBM): Free Stock Analysis Report GIBRALTAR INDUS (ROCK): Free Stock Analysis Report STATE NATL COS (SNC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Michelle Nichols and Nathan Layne NEW YORK (Reuters) - Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is now the leading candidate to become President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state, but even some Republicans say his tough-guy personality and global business ties may be at odds with international diplomacy. Giuliani, 72, has been one of Trump's most vocal and high-profile supporters, and according to sources close to him and Trump, he is eager to become the top U.S. diplomat and expects a decision by Trump as early as next week. The other top candidate, the sources said, is former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton, a foreign policy hawk. New York mayor at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by al Qaeda militants, Giuliani is also considered a hard-liner on national security matters, but he has little diplomatic experience. Still, some prominent Republicans said he is qualified to take command of U.S. diplomacy at a time of chaos in the Middle East, rising nationalism in much of Europe, and growing challenges from Russia and China. Senator Lindsey Graham, a respected conservative voice on defense and foreign policy who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and who made a rather short-lived bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, on Tuesday called Giuliani "competent and capable" of being secretary of state. "Rudy is an internationally-known figure. He's a personal friend. He has dealt with the unimaginable, which was 9/11. He's a loyal supporter of President Trump. He should be rewarded in my view," Graham told reporters. Giuliani himself extolled his foreign policy credentials in an interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity on Tuesday. "I've been in 80 countries, 150 different foreign trips," Giuliani said. "A lot of it for different reasons. Speeches. Security consulting, where I helped bring down crime." Critics, however, said they are troubled not only by Giuliani's combative nature and lack of experience, but also by his international business ties and his lucrative speaking engagements for an Iranian exile group that was on the U.S. terrorism list until four years ago. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its consideration of Giuliani for secretary of state. FOREIGN ENTANGLEMENTS? After serving as New York mayor for eight years, Giuliani founded management and security consulting firm Giuliani Partners in 2002, which he left in 2007 when he campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination and questions were raised about his foreign business ties. The firm's clients have included Colombia and, reportedly, the government of Qatar. Giuliani appears to have resumed work with the firm after his 2007 failed presidential bid, and is listed as chairman and chief executive officer of Giuliani Partners on the Giuliani Security and Safety website. He joined a Texas law firm as a name partner in 2005. The firm did lobbying work for Citgo, a U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, which at the time was controlled by President Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's late socialist ruler. At the time, Giuliani's office said he was not personally involved in the lobbying and said Giuliani believed that "Chavez is not a friend of the United States." Giuliani's dealings in Russia may face scrutiny in Senate confirmation hearings. His ties to TriGlobal Strategic Ventures, a consulting firm that helps Western clients advance their business interests in emerging markets of the former Soviet Union, date back to 2004, when Giuliani visited Moscow to meet Russian businessmen and politicians, according to the company's website. The consulting firm's president, Vitaly Pruss, has "created and developed strategies" for companies including Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft and has "worked closely" with Giuliani Partners, according to his profile on TriGlobal's website. State-owned Transneft was among Russian oil companies targeted with sanctions by Western powers following Russia's annexation of Crimea under President Vladimir Putin. Giuliani also has spoken in support of the People's Mujahedin Organization of Iran, a group of Islamic leftists who opposed Iran's late shah, but fell out with the Shi'ite clerics who took power after the 1979 revolution and later aligned itself with Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. The U.S. government considered it a terrorist organization until 2012. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who also was a contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, told CNN on Tuesday he was worried about Giuliani's ties to foreign governments. "Whether or not you have divided loyalties obviously is very important," Paul said. "I hope Donald Trump will pick somebody consistent with what he said on the campaign trail - Iraq war was a mistake, regime change in the Middle East is a mistake. "You want to have a diplomat in charge of diplomacy," he said. Critics, however, say the bottom line is that Giuliani is no diplomat, either personally or professionally. "The challenge for Giuliani if he becomes secretary of state would be to move beyond the tough guy persona he cultivated as prosecutor and mayor and instead stand up for some of the basic principles of human rights, democratic accountability, and the rule of law that enhance rather than shrink America's influence abroad," said Ken Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, who worked for Giuliani when he was a federal prosecutor between 1983 and 1987. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Richard Cowan; Editing by John Walcott and Leslie Adler) By Cameron French TORONTO (Reuters) - Toronto Mayor Rob Ford launched his re-election campaign on Friday, acknowledging the crack-cocaine scandal that has made him a topic of water cooler talk across North America, but also happy to trade on his notoriety. Ford, whose authority was reduced last year by a city council fed up with his antics, took over a massive convention center in Toronto's west end for the event, hawking bobble-head dolls to raise funds ahead of the election on October 27. First elected mayor in 2010 on a cost-cutting platform, Ford has become indisputably the most famous leader in the city's history, and continues to poll relatively strongly in spite of a scandal that prompted staffers to desert him and has cost him nearly all of his allies on city council. "There have been some rocky moments over the past year. I have experienced how none of us go through life without making mistakes," he told a crowd of more than a thousand supporters, before launching into a speech trumpeting his efforts to "cut the gravy" at city hall. "Four years ago I stood before you with this pledge. I pledged to respect taxpayers. I pledged to stop the gravy train. I pledged to stop elites who would take money out of your pocket and put it in theirs," he said, surrounded on a stage by his wife, two children, siblings and mother. "I stand before you four years later and say I have kept those promises." At the front of the room a red fire truck was emblazoned with Ford's oft-repeated claim that he has saved taxpayers C$1 billion ($909.96 million). Ford first hit international headlines last May when the Toronto Star newspaper and website Gawker both reported the existence of a video of Ford smoking crack cocaine. In November, he admitted doing smoking the drug "while in a drunken stupor," while police revealed around that time they had been watching Ford for months after his name surfaced in a drug investigation. STRONG IN THE SUBURBS Police have not charged Ford with anything, but his public image has continued to take hits, as videos have surfaced of the mayor ranting drunkenly about various subjects, including the chief of police. He has also admitted to buying illegal drugs and driving after drinking, but has said he is not addicted to drugs or alcohol. He typically brushes off questions about the scandal as "old news." Despite the scandal and the measures council took to transfer much of his authority to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, recent poll numbers show Ford to be in a solid second place in the race for mayor. A Forum Research poll this week showed Ford with 27 percent support, trailing the 34 percent for left-leaning candidate Olivia Chow, and ahead of the 24 percent support for John Tory, who like Ford, is more right-leaning. Polls have shown Ford's support, while weak in central Toronto, is still strong in the suburban boroughs of Etobicoke and Scarborough. And while Ford has painted much of the media attention as attacks, he has also embraced the publicity, accepting interviews with U.S. networks in the wake of the scandal and appearing recently on late night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Despite facing ridicule for much of the interview, he later invited Kimmel on his YouTube "Ford Nation" show, and mentioned him in his speech. "Sorry Jimmy. Toronto is better than L.A.," he said. At the launch, hundreds lined up to purchase bobble head dolls in the mayor's likeness, priced at C$30 to C$100 and with the option of getting one in the black suit and red tie he wore on the Kimmel show, much to the amusement of the host. Frank Anane, 34, munching complimentary potato chips and holding a stack of "Ford Nation" bumper stickers, said he supported Ford because he keeps his promises. "Whatever he says he's going to do, he does. Most of them are liars. He's the only one of them that does what he says," he said. Asked about Ford's admitted drug use, Anane shrugged. "As long as he's not selling crack." ($1 = 1.0989 Canadian dollars) (Editing by Eric Walsh) LONDON (Reuters) - A tram that overturned in south London a week ago killing seven people and injuring more than 50 was going more than three times the prescribed speed limit, investigators said on Wednesday. The tram was travelling at around 70 km per hour in a 20 kph zone just ahead of a curve on the approach to Sandilands Junction in Croydon where it derailed, said the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch in an interim report. "The factors that led to the over-speeding are still under investigation," it added. The 42-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the crash and released on bail until next May. The derailment was the greatest loss of life in a British rail accident since seven people were killed and 70 injured when a high-speed train from London came off the tracks at Potters Bar station north of the capital in 2002. (Reporting by Adela Suliman; editing by Stephen Addison) It is no secret that Tokyo is a relatively expensive city to visit. However, the wide range of food available allows cheap gems that the Japanese embraces yet travellers miss out on. Curious about what you can try in Tokyo other than the mandatory sushi? Make the most out of your trip without feeling your wallet burn by having affordable and authentically Japanese food! 1. GYUDON CHAINS Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog Evident throughout Japan, gyudon chains stores are considered a type of Japanese fast food. Gyudon consists of a bowl of rice topped with beef cooked with onions, soy sauce and mirin. Yoshinoya (), Matsuya () and Sukiya () are the three large gyudon chains with restaurants typically open round-the-clock, 365 days a year. With normal-sized gyudon pricing as low as 250 yen (SGD $3.30), it is no doubt a choice for budget travellers who want a piping hot meal at a steal. Matsuya is the only chain that requires diners to pre-purchase their orders at the machine near the entrance, with Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean languages available. For both Sukiya and Yoshinoya, you will only order after being seated, and paying after you are done with the meal. English menus are also available in the restaurants when you request for it. Customizing your meals with additions such as soft-boiled egg, extra onions, and even natto is possible at a small price from 50 to 120 yen. Meals are also typically served with a free serving of miso soup. Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog While these stores are specialized in gyudon, they also offer meals served with chicken, pork or unagi, cooked in various methods and sauces. These meals cost 400 to 600 yen (SGD $5-$8) with a serving of miso soup and salad. Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog As rice is a staple food in Japan, even the breakfast served in gyudon chains comes with a serving of rice and is usually range from 300 to 450 yen (SGD $4-6). The meal is complete along with a serving of salad, miso soup, seaweed, as well as a choice of natto, salmon, beef and eggs, or sausages and eggs. Story continues 2. FUJI SOBA Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog Looking for soba or udon while in Japan? Famous for offering meals below one coin (500 yen/SGD $6.50), Fuji Soba () is your place to go. With nearly 100 branches in Tokyo, they are mostly located near subway stations, making it easy to spot. A typical bowl of kitsune udon cost 390 yen, and niku soba is only 470 yen. For the big eaters, a katsudon and udon/soba set will only set you back 720 yen (SGD $9.30). Despite their cheap pricing, Fuji Sobas serving of noodles and meat is big, making it popular among Japanese salaryman. Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog However, it is best noted that this is not the restaurant where you would hang out and chat after meal, as the stores are typically small. Diners come and go relatively quickly to leave space for the other diners waiting for seats. 3. HARAJUKU GYOZARO Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog Be prepare to wait in line (sometimes for an hour or more) if you visit Harajuku Gyozaro () during lunch or dinner times. Any other times, a bearable 15 to 20 minutes wait is a norm. A no-frills restaurant, the Harajuku Gyozaro offers a simple menu pan-fried or steamed gyoza, with or without garlic and chives. Priced at 290 yen (SGD $3.70) for six, the price is a steal for both the quantity and quality. The dumpling skin is thin and pan-fried to a light brown color. A bite into the dumpling yields the juice of the savory pork filling that will pleasantly surprise you. You can choose to have rice, pickled cabbage or beansprouts with meat sauce to go with your meal. Pan fried gyozas! A video posted by Wenting (@energywen) on May 4, 2015 at 3:23am PDT One of the best experiences that comes with dining at Harajuku Gyozaro is the view of the chefs pan-frying the dumplings in front of you. Watching the chefs at work is made possible with the open kitchen concept. Get the seats at the counter nearer to the back of the store for this treat. Opening hours are from 11:30 AM to 4:30 AM. Location: 624 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0001 TOTOYA UOSHIN (above $10) Cheap Meals Tokyo - Airfrov Blog credit: Totoya Uoshin official website Want something fancier? Though a meal here will cost above $10, its still a pretty good deal! Located in Akazaka, Totoya Uoshin () is one of the Michelin Star restaurants in Tokyo. Despite being the least affordable amongst the list, lunch in Totoya Uoshin is surprisingly within means. Well known for its fish delicacies, seasonal fish grilled, or cooked in soup is comparable to their sashimi offering here. Lunch course is priced at 1,800 yen (SGD $23) inclusive of appetizer, main meal (grilled seasonal fish with rice) and dessert. Lunch is served 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Dinner at Totoya Uoshin is, however, a different story. A dinner course with a fresh sashimi will set you back at least 10,000 yen (SGD $129) per person. Location: 5-1-34 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052 Having an authentically Japanese meal in Tokyo does not necessary cost a small fortune. There is no need to scrimp and save by having food from the convenience stores if you know where to go for your meals. (We are not saying the convenience store food are bad though! They are amazing enough for a standalone introduction.) Immerse yourself in the bustle and hustle of a meal with Japanese salaryman during lunch hours at the nearby gyudon chain, or relax and lunch at the Michelin Star restaurant! Help fulfill requests on Airfrov after you dine in these restaurants, especially since many are located in shopping districts such as Harajuku and Shibuya. The post Travel Tips: Hidden Cheap Meals in Tokyo below SGD $10! appeared first on Airfrov Blog. While other late-night hosts competed to come up with the best Steve Bannon joke, and former-POTUS-candidate-Ben-Carson-says-hes-not-qualified-for-cabinet-post gag, Trevor Noah took a different path last night, comparing our POTUS-Elect Donald Trump to populist South African leader Jacob Zuma. Among the similarities, Noah explained: financial conflicts of interest, threats to jail rivals, lashing out at media. Studying South Africa is, in fact, the best way to prepare for a Donald Trump presidency, the South African native warned The Daily Show viewers. Making his case, Noah said that, until a few years ago, South Africas economy was humming and the country was celebrating its first black president. In the last few years, he said, the economy has stalled, unemployment spiked and government corruption is rampant. Thats because South African voters decided to shake things up and elected a charismatic anti-establishment president, who turned the country from a rising power into a troubled state. Trump and Zuma seem like theyre brothers from another mother, he concluded. Related stories Bart & Fleming: Will Trump Presidency Evoke '70s Film Activism; Oscar Puts Voters On A Diet Donald Trump Breaks Protocol Again In New Attack On "Failing" New York Times Fox News Channel To Air Harvey Levin Tour Of Donald Trump's Home And Keepsakes By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will seek reassurances from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on U.S.-Japan ties on Thursday and a senior adviser to Abe said he had been told that campaign remarks calling the alliance into question should not be taken literally. Abe is due to meet Trump in New York on Thursday and is expected to be the first foreign leader to meet the president- elect since his election last week. Trump's transition team has not responded to requests for comment on the meeting, but an adviser to Trump, speaking anonymously, said this week that Trump would seek to reassure Abe and other Asian allies rattled by his campaign rhetoric. Trump had fanned worries in Tokyo and beyond with his comments on the possibility of Japan acquiring nuclear arms and demands that allies pay more for the upkeep of U.S. forces on their soil or face the possibility of their withdrawal. Katsuyuki Kawai, an adviser to Abe sent to set up the Trump meeting, said he had spoken to several Trump advisers since arriving in Washington on Monday. "I have been meeting with so many top aides to the president-elect and also I have been meeting with the very distinguished senators and congressmen and they unanimously told me that we dont have to take each word that Mr. Trump said publicly literally," he told Reuters. Kawai said that among the Trump advisers he had met were Representative Devin Nunes, Senator Tom Cotton, and the presidents of the conservative Heritage Foundation and Hudson Institute think tanks, Jim DeMint and Ken Weinstein. Kawai said the fact that Abe would be the first foreign leader Trump would meet since winning the presidency on Nov. 8 was "a meaningful signal" and Abe's aim was "to establish the highest level personal ties with the president-elect." "That meeting will be the first for building up the great personal relationship between two leaders," he said. "Prime Minister Abe will definitely talk about the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and that alliance is not only for Japan and the United States, but also for the entire Indo-Pacific region as well as world politics." SETTING THE TONE A Trump adviser, who did not want to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said he expected the meeting to "set the tone" for Trump's relations with Japan and the region. "I think the message ... is going to be extremely reassuring," the adviser said. "I expect he is going to reaffirm his commitments to the alliance and the American commitment to being in the Pacific long-term." The adviser said Japan's financial support for U.S. troops in Japan might come up but was unlikely to be a focus. Some diplomats say that until Trump makes key appointments, it will be hard to assess his policies on issues ranging from overseas deployments of U.S. troops, China's maritime aggressiveness in Asia and North Korea's nuclear threat. A day before the Trump-Abe meeting, Japanese officials said they had no idea exactly when the meeting would take place, where in New York it will happen, who will be invited or whom to call for answers. Japanese and U.S. officials said on Wednesday the State Department had not been involved in planning the meeting, which has left the logistical and protocol details that normally would be settled weeks in advance still to be determined. There has been a lot of confusion, said one Japanese official. Abe, a political blue blood and veteran lawmaker, and Trump, a brash outsider with no diplomatic or government experience, have sharp differences on policy issues such as free trade. But the two may find they have much in common, including pledges to restore their countries global stature and a desire to counter a rising China while improving relations with Russia. "Prime Minister Abe and Mr. Trump will have good chemistry," said Takashi Kawakami, a professor at Tokyo's Takushoku University. "Both tend to decide and act based on intuition. And both are pragmatists who put their countries' interests first." Kawai said Abe considered the U.S. relationship Japan's most important and that it was essential that it was built on trust. "That is why the prime minister wants to build the highest level personal ties with Mr. Trump," he said. Some of Trump's rhetoric suggests an image of Japan forged in the 1980s, when Tokyo was seen by many in the United States as a threat to jobs and a free-rider on defense. His election also has dashed hopes for U.S. approval of a 12-nation trade pact, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a linchpin of Washington's "pivot" to Asia and a pillar of Abe's economic reforms. But Abe's personal attitude about defense appears to be viewed more positively in the Trump camp, even if it would like Japan to do more. Since taking office in 2012 Abe has boosted Japan's overall defense spending while stretching the limits of its pacifist post-war constitution to allow the military to take a bigger global role. "Frankly, the prime minister has been more assertive and forthright in trying to make those changes to Japans global posture," the Trump adviser said. "I think hes going to get a very receptive audience there." Japan agreed last December to boost spending for U.S. forces in Japan by 1.4 percent for the next five years, at an average of 189.3 billion yen ($1.74 billion) per year. Defence Minister Tomomi Inada has said Tokyo was paying enough. However, defense spending still stands at just over 1 percent of GDP against over 3 percent in the United States. (Additional reporting by Nobuhiro Kubo and William Mallard in Tokyo and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Bill Trott) New York (AFP) - President-elect Donald Trump avoided reporters late Tuesday as he left Trump Tower for the first time in days to go to dinner with his family. A group of reporters is always present to cover the movements of the nation's leader, or in this case, the incoming leader. The information is "pooled," and shared with other media members that belong to the group. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks told reporters at Trump Towers, where the president-elect lives and has his company headquarters, around 6:15 pm (2315 GMT) that there would be no more news for the evening. More than an hour later a large motorcade, including an ambulance, left Trump Tower. Hicks did not immediately respond when asked if the president-elect had left the skyscraper. Soon after Bloomberg News reporter Taylor Riggs, who was dining at the nearby 21 Club restaurant, saw Trump come in with members of his transition team and tweeted a photo. The president-elect received a standing ovation at the restaurant, Riggs wrote in the caption of a picture posted on Twitter. The Trump entourage included his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, and sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, NBC reported. Hicks later confirmed that Trump was having dinner with his family at the restaurant. "I wasn't aware of this movement," Hicks told reporters, insisting that she would never do anything to "leave the press in the dark." Hicks said that once a pool of reporters is selected to travel with Trump, then they will have "all of the access that they have ever had under any president." Trump, who spent about two hours at the restaurant, has long expressed disdain for the news media, and the incident is likely to further sour this relationship. The president-elect also took to Twitter to deny reports of turmoil in his efforts to build a new cabinet. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" he tweeted. Trump credited his use of Twitter and other social media with helping him win the election, calling it a "great form of communication" in an interview Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes." Trump has yet to hold a press conference since winning the November 8 election. Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved From Cosmopolitan The Electoral College isn't exactly one of America's favorite institutions - and up until recently, it appeared Donald Trump wasn't its biggest fan, either. When President Barack Obama was re-elected for his second term back in 2012, Trump took to Twitter to express his outrage, tweeting out his belief that the Electoral College is "a disaster for a democracy." The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012 At the time, Obama had secured the necessary 270 electoral votes and been declared the winner of the election, while Mitt Romney was ahead in the popular vote - something Trump believed to be a "great and disgusting injustice." (Obama ultimately won both the popular vote and the majority of electoral votes.) We can't let this happen. We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012 Lets fight like hell and stop this great and disgusting injustice! The world is laughing at us. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012 This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012 But now that Trump has won the 2016 election because of the Electoral College, he seems to have changed his tune - first tentatively, then definitively. In his first televised sit-down interview since becoming the president-elect, Trump reiterated that he's in favor of ultimately switching elections over to the popular vote, despite losing it to Hillary Clinton. "Well, you know, Im not going to change my mind just because I won," he said. "But I would rather see it where you went with simple votes. You know, you get 100 million votes and somebody else gets 90 million votes and you win. Theres a reason for doing this because it brings all the states into play ... But this is a different system." But perhaps realizing that this "different system" was largely responsible for his victory, he took to Twitter on Tuesday to express his newfound belief that the Electoral College is "actually genius" - a complete 180 from his opinions just a few years ago. If the election were based on total popular vote I would have campaigned in N.Y. Florida and California and won even bigger and more easily - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 To put things into perspective, the Electoral College was originally put into place because the Founding Fathers were wary of a "true" democracy. As Fact Check explains, the Electoral College was meant to preserve "the sense of the people" while also acting as a safeguard to ensure that a qualified candidate would be elected into office. It's one of the oldest institutions in the U.S., and the reason why we don't pick our presidents based on popular vote. As Alexander Hamilton explains in the Federalist Papers, the president is instead chosen by a group of electors "most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station, and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice." There have only been a handful of times when the winner of the popular vote hasn't also won the majority of electoral votes - most recently, of course, when Clinton secured the majority of the popular vote despite Trump becoming the president-elect. In response, millions of people have since signed a petition asking state electors to vote Clinton into office instead of Trump, utilizing his 2012 logic that the Electoral College isn't very democratic and that the popular vote should decide the election. Trump has not yet released a statement in response to the petition. Follow Gina on Twitter. You Might Also Like If President-elect Donald Trump holds true to his campaign promise on rolling back key climate change agreements and environmental protections, the future may look bleak for his hometown of New York City. Philip Orton, an oceanography researcher at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, told New York City blog Gothamist Monday that abandoning commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a part of the Paris Climate Change Agreement would lead to as much as half a dozen feet of sea level rise. If we abandon those commitments and we don't do anything about climate change, then by 2100 we are going to have three to six feet of sea level rise and there will be doubts about the future viability for the city, Orton said. Sea level rise of that magnitude without mitigating efforts would lead to a doubling of the area that is in danger of a storm like Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the city with blackouts and home damages in 2012. Trump certainly hasnt been a friendly voice for climate change activists on the campaign trail and it doesnt appear that his administration will be any different. Soon after winning the election last week, Trump announced that Myron Ebell, a notorious climate change denier, would run his Environmental Protection Agency transition team. The Paris Climate Agreement is a United Nations effort to curb the emissions of greenhouse gases globally that was spearheaded at least in part by President Barack Obama and his administration. There are more than 100 countries out of 197 that have signed on, including the United States, China and most of Europe, where the majority of emissions come from. The agreement passed over the necessary threshold to go into full force internationally in October. Related Articles Trump Tower President-elect Donald Trump's presence in New York City is having a crippling effect on some of the biggest retail stores in the country. Since the election, the area surrounding Trump Tower on 5th Avenue and East 56th Street, where Trump maintains a residence, has become overrun with security personnel and protestors. At times, entire sections of 5th Avenue the most prominent shopping corridor in the country have been shut down to keep the president-elect safe. This poses a huge problem for retailers like Tiffany & Co., Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Henri Bendel, and Polo Ralph Lauren, which have some of their most highly trafficked stores in the world within close proximity to the Trump Tower. Retailers depend heavily on sales at their flagship 5th Avenue stores, which draw vast amounts of shoppers and tourists each year. Trump Tower Now the Trump-related street closures and congestion could weigh down on traffic at those stores for at least the next four years, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Tunick. "With consistent protests outside our president-elects residence, traffic, security, and congestion near Fifth Avenue and 56th Street has reached a fever pitch," Tunick wrote in a recent note to clients. "Wed highlight subsequent traffic risk at the nearby Tiffany & Co. New York flagship (~25% of 4Q sales) as well as Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister flagships. To the extent that the president-elect opts to split his time between New York and Washington, DC during the next four years, this could pose an ongoing traffic disruption." Trump Tower Trump's advisors have said that the president-elect plans to split his time between the White House in Washington during the week and his other residences on the weekend, including Trump Tower. A Tiffany & Co. store employee told Business Insider over the phone on Wednesday that the store's main entrance on 5th Avenue has been closed since the election as a result of security and protests, and customers must now enter through the 57th street entrance. She said she doesn't know when or if the 5th Avenue entrance will reopen. Story continues Tiffany's corporate office confirmed the entrance closure. Trump Tower "Tiffany is in frequent communication with the New York Police Department and US Secret Service regarding safety and security along the perimeter of our Fifth Avenue flagship," the company said. "We remain open for business with regular hours and welcome customers to enter the store via our 57th Street entrance while any barricades along Fifth Avenue are in place." The company declined to comment on the impact to sales and traffic at the store. Abercrombie & Fitch declined to comment. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS. NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where celebrities own fast food chains More From Business Insider Roughly 10 hours after tweeting that the process of picking his cabinet was very organized, President-elect Donald Trump railed against a New York Times report that his transition team was in a state of disarray and U.S. allies were struggling to reach him. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition, Trump tweeted early Wednesday morning. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 According to the Times report, Trumps transition has been marked by firings, infighting and revelations that American allies were blindly dialing in to Trump Tower to try to reach the soon-to-be-leader of the free world. But on Twitter, the president-elect asserted hes taken calls from many foreign leaders, including Russia, the U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 I am always available to them, Trump tweeted, suggesting that the Times is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of his candidacy and are now taking it out on him. On Sunday, Trump similarly criticized the papers very poor and highly inaccurate coverage of his stunning victory over Hillary Clinton in last Tuesdays presidential election, claiming the paper is losing thousands of subscribers as a result. Wow, the @nytimes is losing thousands of subscribers because of their very poor and highly inaccurate coverage of the "Trump phenomena" Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016 A spokeswoman for the Times said Trumps tweet was simply inaccurate. Story continues Weve seen a surge in new subscriptions, both print and digital, Eileen Murphy, senior vice president of communications for the Times, wrote in an email to Yahoo News. And the rate of growth post-Election Day has been four times better than normal. He then claimed that the Times sent a letter to their subscribers apologizing for their BAD coverage of me. But the letter sent by Times publisher Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr. and executive editor Dean Baquet to subscribers thanking them for their loyalty did not include an apology. The @nytimes sent a letter to their subscribers apologizing for their BAD coverage of me. I wonder if it will change doubt it? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016 Trump also took issue with the Times assertion that he has suggested that more countries should acquire nuclear weapons. The @nytimes states today that DJT believes "more countries should acquire nuclear weapons." How dishonest are they. I never said this! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2016 In an interview with the Times in March, however, Trump suggested exactly that. In his interview 60 Minutes which aired on CBS Sunday night, Trump said hes going to be very restrained in his use of Twitter as commander in chief. But he said he would reserve the right to use it as a method to combat what he perceives as negative stories about him. Im going to be very restrained, if I use it at all, Trump said. Im not saying I love it, but it does get the word out. Before his latest rant against the Times on Wednesday, Trump pushed back against reports that he had requested security clearances for three of his children. I am not trying to get top level security clearance for my children, he tweeted. This was a typically false news story. I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 But according to NBC News, Team Trump has asked that Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and top adviser, have top-secret clearance for the daily presidential briefing. By Emily Stephenson and Steve Holland NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump shuffled his transition team again on Tuesday, jettisoning a national security expert and lobbyists from his inner circle as he closed in on naming two loyal Wall Street backers to key economic positions. Trump, a Republican outsider who won a surprise election victory last week, also cleared a paperwork snag that had temporarily stalled his transition after he put his Vice President-elect Mike Pence in charge of the process. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," Trump said on Twitter after taking his family to dinner at 21 Club, a Manhattan restaurant, his motorcade slipping away from reporters gathered at his apartment building. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Trump said. At the top of his list for senior economic positions are campaign finance chair and Wall Street veteran Steve Mnuchin as treasury secretary, and long-time backer and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to Trump ally and activist investor Carl Icahn. However, a well-known Republican moderate was pushed out of transition planning. Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative from Michigan who had been mentioned as a possible pick for CIA director, suddenly left the transition team. Rogers had worked with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who on Friday was abruptly replaced by Pence as head of the transition team. That overhaul had put the brakes on transition talks with the White House. Pence needed to sign a memorandum of understanding, which the White House received on Tuesday evening. The Trump team still needs to provide more paperwork before detailed agency-by-agency briefings can take place, a White House spokeswoman said. The team will need to provide a code of conduct and certify that its transition team members do not have conflicts of interest. Story continues "HUGE IMPLICATIONS" Additional changes are likely. Pence and Rick Dearborn, the executive director of the transition team, are "removing any lobbyists," a transition aide said. "This is to ensure President-elect Trump's commitment to ban lobbyist involvement is being upheld at all levels of the transition," the aide said. Trump, who had pilloried opponents for being beholden to industry interests during his campaign, came under fire from his frequent sparring partner, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, for including lobbyists on his transition team. "Based on public reports, your transition team and your potential cabinet include over twenty Wall Street elites, industry insiders, and lobbyists making decisions that could have huge implications for their clients or employers," Warren wrote in a letter. Trump has fewer than 70 days until his Jan. 20 inauguration to settle on Cabinet members and other senior appointees. He will eventually need to fill roughly 4,000 open positions. Wall Street is closely watching who Trump picks for treasury chief because Republicans have majorities in both chambers of Congress, giving Trump a clearer shot at tax and financial regulatory reforms. Mnuchin declined to comment to reporters at Trump Tower about Cabinet picks, but said the team was "making sure we get the biggest tax bill passed, the biggest tax changes since Reagan." A parade of advisers had been seen going in and out of Trump's building on Tuesday, including U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, touted as a possible secretary of defense or attorney general. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, also dropped by for a meeting, telling reporters he was "looking forward to fighting hard to actually accomplish and deliver the promises we made" during the election. Bloomberg later reported that Trump was considering nominating Cruz as attorney general. NATIONAL SECURITY HARDLINERS? Rogers was pushed off the team in part because Trump's advisers believed he did not pursue Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton aggressively enough when he headed the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, a source familiar with the decision said. Rogers led an investigation into the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks by militants on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya. The probe dismissed many of the conspiracy theories that had been circulated by critics of Clinton, who was then secretary of state. Trump's team viewed the investigation as a whitewash, according to one source familiar with the operation. Some current U.S. intelligence officials worried that Rogers' departure would mean Trump was leaning toward more confrontational hardliners to lead his foreign policy team. Two national security officials said Trump's operation had been slow to get up to speed and had not yet engaged deeply with security and intelligence agency personnel who were ready to start helping them. Loyalists such as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton were being considered for secretary of state, according to sources close to Trump. Giuliani, New York's mayor at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by Islamist al Qaeda militants, is known as a hardliner on national security matters. Bolton is also a foreign policy hawk who said last year the United States should bomb Iran to halt its nuclear program. Retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, a leading candidate for Trump's national security adviser, has called for the United States to pull back from protecting long-time allies such as South Korea and Japan. Trump has filled two positions so far. His choice of Republican Party insider Reince Priebus to be White House chief of staff was heralded by Republican leaders as an indication he wanted to work with Congress. Republicans maintained their majority in both the Senate and House in the election, but a number of Republicans in Congress opposed Trump's candidacy. However, Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategist was criticized by Democrats, civil rights organizations and some Republicans. They denounced the former Breitbart News chief, whose website is a forum for the "alt-right," a loose grouping of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. Neither Priebus nor Bannon need Senate confirmation for their posts, but Cabinet posts do, and some of Trump's possible picks could face a difficult time winning approval. Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said on CNN he could not vote to confirm Bolton unless he repudiated his support for the Iraq war and bombing of Iran. Paul, who also ran for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said he was concerned by Giuliani's work on behalf of foreign governments. One loyalist who will not be playing a role in Trump's Cabinet is retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who advised Trump after dropping his own presidential bid earlier this year. "His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary," said Armstrong Williams, Carson's business manager. (Additional reporting by John Walcott, Mark Hosenball, Ayesha Rascoe, Patricia Zengerle and Warren Strobel; Writing by Andy Sullivan and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Will Dunham, Peter Cooney and Paul Tait) No special budget session is planned to deal with a $900 million projected shortfall in the state budget. But the Nebraska Legislature wants to be ready to move quickly on resolving budget issues when senators convene with 17 new members in January. The Legislature's five-member Tax Rate Review Committee heard recommendations Wednesday to begin now to plan for early action on the state's budget crunch. Executive Board Chairman Bob Krist and Appropriations Chairman Heath Mello said some are pushing to have a plan in place by Jan. 4, the first day of the 2017 session. State Tax Commissioner Tony Fulton said Gov. Pete Ricketts has taken some steps to deal with the projected shortfall, including a ban on nonessential out-of-state travel, a hiring freeze on all positions that are not critical to fill and restraining agency budget requests. Agencies also were asked to submit potential budget modifications of 8 percent, rather than the usual 5 percent, to give the governor and Legislature flexibility in looking at programs and operations. When the Legislature adjourned in April, the budget was balanced, Mello said. It was only after the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory Board met in July and October that senators saw tax revenue decline to the current level, based on the forecast. "It's the revenue volatility that's driving this more so than budget (decisions) that the Legislature has made," Mello said. A new Appropriations Committee chairman will be elected in January and at least two more senators appointed to the committee, due to term limits. Senators could speed up the process of ensuring agencies have enough money for the remainder of this fiscal year, if needed, using an emergency clause that would allow a bill to go into effect as soon as it is passed and signed by the governor. They could also look at cash funds and at any need to transfer those funds to agencies or between agencies. That would require recommendation by the Appropriations Committee, confirmation by the Legislature and a sign-off by the governor, Mello said. The state is sitting on a bigger rainy day fund, or cash reserve, than it was in 2009 when the previous recession peaked, he said. It's at $637.6 million and projected to be $630.5 million in the next two-year budget cycle. Fulton said the dip in the price of corn and other commodities is the primary reason for the change in revenue projections. People need to recognize the downturn in revenue that has been recorded is in respect to a projection by the forecasting board, he said. "The amount of taxes we collected last year actually is more than in the previous year and actually did have growth. It's just not as much growth as was projected," he said. Gross tax receipts in fiscal year 2016 were $5.343 billion compared with $5.258 billion in fiscal year 2015. A man was attacked by two other men while riding the New York City subway for his overt support of Donald Trump Friday. The attack happened in the Bronx while Corey Cataldo was wearing a Make American Great Again hat, a campaign staple for the president-elect, local news outlet WABC-TV reported. One of the attackers, a black man, noticed Cataldo's hat before approaching the 24-year-old and asked him if he was a Trump supporter. When Cataldo replied he was indeed a Trump supporter, the man proceeded to put his hands around his throat and began choking him. Cataldo told the NYPD that his attacker said, Great, another white Trump supporter before lunging at him, the New York Daily News reported. While trying to ward off the assailant, Cataldo told WABC-TV a second man joined in the skirmish and also started attacking him. It was not immediately clear what the race of the second assailant was. "I try to fight him off, and another gentleman comes over, pretends like he's going to help me and says 'get off of him.' He shoves me up against the wall, up against the window," Cataldo said. Cataldo, who is an electrician, said he owned alot of Make American Great Again hats and had oftentimes given them out to show his support for Trump. "He asked me if I'm a Trump supporter. I said 'yeah' and thought he'd say 'me too.' People have been doing that," said Cataldo. "But no. This man was not a Trump supporter." Cataldo said he reported the incident to the NYPD. There were no immediate reports of any related arrests. RTX261FG Photo: Reuters There were more than 400 cases of hateful harassment or intimidation in the U.S. since Trumps election, according to a Southern Poverty Law Center report Tuesday. Story continues Thousands of people in big cities across the country have taken their anger and frustration to the streets for mostly peaceful protests. Roughly 11,000 people attended the largest anti-Trump protest in Los Angeles Saturday, according to LAPD estimates. About 4,000 protesters stormed downtown Portland, Oregon last Thursday, predominately chanting, we reject the president-elect, Politico reported. Related Articles Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday said Donald Trump's aides were urging right-wing Israeli politicians to curb their public jubilation at his election as US president, Israeli media reported. Trump is seen as likely leading to a far more favourable policy toward Israel, though many analysts have cautioned his thinking remains unclear and he has proven himself to be unpredictable. "Israel has received messages from Trump transition team to 'tone down' their post-election enthusiasm & act with more humility," the English-language Jerusalem Post's Herb Keinon wrote on Twitter after Lieberman gave an off-camera briefing to Israeli diplomatic correspondents. "I hope that we have enough sense to stop the jubilation and public enthusiasm," Haaretz Daily quoted Lieberman, of the nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, as saying. "It is undoubtedly damaging." Local media said Lieberman proposed Israel should strike a deal with the US president-elect under which it would freeze building in the more isolated of its West Bank settlements while ramping up construction in the major settlement blocs. "If the new administration agrees to that we should grab it with both hands," Israeli army radio quoted him as saying. "It's maybe not electorally popular but it's the right thing to do." It was certainly not popular with deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, which leans heavily on settler support. "The defence minister's statement harms the Israeli interest and is not acceptable to the government," she said in comments broadcast on public radio. "It is important to form the teams for a discreet dialogue between ourselves and the United States and not to make public statements such as that we have heard from the minister." Netanyahu himself had on Sunday called for ministers to refrain from comment on Trump's presidency after some said his presidential election win put an end to a Palestinian aspirations for an independent state. Story continues Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the religious nationalist Jewish Home party, said last week "the era of a Palestinian state is over". Israel is concerned that President Barack Obama may seek a UN resolution on its conflict with the Palestinians that the Jewish state opposes, before he leaves office on January 20. Obama's administration has intensified its criticism of Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank. Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump's latest tweetstorm pushed back Wednesday against rumors his transition team is in disarray, and denied a news report that foreign leaders have struggled to reach him by phone. The New York Times wrote that the president-elect's inner circle were "improvising" as they went about the critical task of hiring top staff to replace the administration of outgoing President Barack Obama. The daily also wrote that foreign leaders were "blindly dialing" Trump Tower, the billionaire's opulent office, to try to speak to him -- a charge Trump strongly denied. "I have received and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said," the Republican tweeted to his 15 million followers. "Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them," he said. "@nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me." One week after Trump's shock election win, rumors have swirled of a messy presidential transition hampered by bickering and backstabbing as he prepares to take the reins of power in just nine weeks. However, Trump's frenzied flurry of tweets denied rumors of internal disorder among his team. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," he wrote late Tuesday, scoffing at media speculation about the frontrunners for key administration posts. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" he tweeted. Several US news outlets have reported that former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is tipped for secretary of state. Hawkish former UN ambassador John Bolton and retired general Michael Flynn reportedly are also among those shortlisted for top jobs. Other sightings at the iconic Trump-branded skyscraper included Ted Cruz -- the arch-conservative Texas senator who Trump belittled as "Lyin' Ted" during the Republican primaries. Story continues Trump also dismissed press reports that he was trying to get family members cleared to attend high-level briefings. "I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story," he tweeted on Wednesday. Media said Trump has requested top-secret clearance for his son-in-law Jared Kushner -- husband to his daughter Ivanka -- so he can join the daily presidential briefings. The Washington Post reported that Kushner purged several transition team members allegedly linked to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was demoted Friday when Trump reshuffled his transition team and placed Pence in charge. Kushner is a real estate developer with no political experience other than his role as a Trump confidant on the campaign trail. By Nelson Acosta HAVANA (Reuters) - Canada will maintain its strong relationship with Communist-led Cuba even if that puts it at odds with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday. Canada has long been one of Cuba's closest western allies, maintaining ties after its 1959 revolution. Trudeau was speaking during his first official visit to the island, aiming to reinforce those long-standing trade and cultural ties. The two-day trip was announced before Trump's Nov. 8 election victory. The president-elect has said he might reverse moves to normalize U.S. relations with Cuba and end decades of Cold War hostility. "For me, election results in the United States won't change the strong relationship that is a friendship and a partnership between Canada and Cuba," Trudeau said, answering questions from students at Havana University after delivering a lecture there. Seated in the front row of the lecture hall was Cuban President Raul Castro, who welcomed Trudeau to the island on Tuesday. "Open and respectful relationships serve our people," Trudeau said, adding that Canada and Cuba had been trading partners for many years. "Last year, trade between our two countries was worth more than a billion dollars, with much room to grow." Canadian companies have significant investments in mining, power, oil and gas, agribusiness and tourism in Cuba and Trump's election campaign threat to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement, under which the United States, Mexico and Canada trade, could open further trade possibilities with Cuba. The United States is by far Canada's largest trade partner. During the lecture, Trudeau reminisced about his family's long friendship with the Castros. His father visited the island as prime minister 40 years ago, becoming fast friends with then President Fidel Castro, Raul's elder brother. With him were his wife and baby Michel, Justin's brother, who later died in an avalanche. One of the enduring images of the trip is Fidel holding Michel. "I was four years old at the time... old enough to be jealous that my brother got to go and I didnt," Trudeau said. "I've had the chance, since then, to visit Cuba on my own a few times, and I learned firsthand why my parents always spoke so highly of this place and its people," he added. Canadians account for 40 percent of all visits to Cuba, he noted. Trudeau is visiting Cuba and then Argentina on his way to Peru to participate in the Nov. 17-18 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. (Additional reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Writing by Sarah Marsh; Editing by Alan Crosby) donald trump tower office desk Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his intention to crack down on undocumented immigrants living in the US. "What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers ... probably 2 million, it could be even 3 million we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate," he said during an interview with "60 Minutes." Trump has framed his deportation scheme as a way to restore to US citizens the jobs usurped by immigrants and as a means to secure the southern border, but demographics and recent history suggest that such a crackdown will only exacerbate the misery and instability that have driven the surge of migrants heading to the US in recent years. Data suggest that the number of unauthorized immigrants who've been convicted of crimes in the US is actually far fewer than the 2 million to 3 million number cited by Trump. So to hit that number would mean going beyond criminal immigrants or immigrants with criminal records to include those who've only been charged or who've only committed low-level offenses, which Trump transition team members have said they'd do. Trump has also said he'd roll back Obama's programs offering temporary legal status to immigrants who entered the country illegally as children. Mexico Central America migrant Honduras Such immediate mass deportations would in all likelihood violate due process and appeal rights, and to reach that number of people would mean ensnaring immigrants who are not serious criminals or who have no real ties to the country to which they'd be sent. Like previous groups of deportees who've been sent back to Central America and Mexico, with few roots in their new home and little in the way of support, there won't be much to prevent those people from slipping back into the stream of migrants who've headed to the US in recent years. Story continues "Over a decade ago, the US began sharing some information with its Salvadoran counterparts about the people that it was deporting to El Salvador. However, there were very few economic opportunities or programs to address the needs of the deportees," Mike Allison, a political science professor at the University of Scranton, told Business Insider. "There is a bit more emphasis on speaking with deportees today, but there is limited assistance for those deported. There are no jobs," Allison said. "Many of those deported simply want to return to the US where they might have lived for several years or where their family lives. While they might stay in El Salvador to reconnect with friends and family, many of them try to return to the US rather quickly." El Salvador police gangs Such vulnerable people would not only tax the resources of governments in Latin America, particularly in Central America. (Nearly one-third of immigrants in the US in 2015 were from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala.) These people would also fall prey to criminal groups transnational gangs like Barrio 18 or MS-13 that have turned northern Central America and parts of Mexico into war zones. This wouldn't be the first time such a dynamic had taken shape. In the 1990s, after the end of the civil wars in Central America particularly the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala US policy changed to expand the number of immigrants subject to deportation and made it harder for them to get relief from deportation. Gang member face tattoo central america The consequence of deporting many immigrants a number of whom were already criminals to countries emerging from a period of war with weak law enforcement and little economic development was the growth of groups like Barrio 18 and MS-13, both of which have their origins among immigrants in California who were deported. "Minor street gangs existed during the late 1980s and 1990s in El Salvador. From what I understand, they were just nuisances or kids messing around," Allison said. "However, the deportations of thousands of young men during the 1990s did transform these gangs into more violent, sophisticated groups." "Honduran and Guatemalan gangs were aided by deportations as well as the spread of gang influence from El Salvador," Allison added, noting that a variety of factors, including weak state institutions, lack of opportunities, and repressive policing strategies, fed a cycle of violence that continues in northern Central America now. "So, in a way, deportations were extremely important to the emergence and expansion of criminal groups like the MS-13 and Barrio 18," Allison told Business Insider. Homicides killings violence in Central America El Salvador Honduras Guatemala The US's deportation policy created "an era of expansion for these gangs," Mike Vigil, the former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told Business Insider. "And as a result of that, we have created a disaster in Central America ... where these gangs are fighting among each other, creating a massive migration of individuals into the United States," Vigil added. The rapid expansion and brutal violence of these gangs and other criminal groups operating in northern Central America have been driving forces for the wave of migrants who've headed to the US over the last few years. US border officials have reported an increase in migrants illegally entering the US this year (though current levels are still a far cry from the numbers apprehended at the border over the last several decades), and most of those people are Central Americans fleeing the conditions they face in their countries. Central American immigrants "In many poor and marginalized communities in all three countries, women and children are victims of extortion, abuse, rape, murder, and gang-related violence," the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) wrote in a report earlier this year. "In many of these communities, citizens face explicit threats on their lives for reasons that may include bearing witness to a crime, attempting to leave a gang, or failing to pay an extortion fee or war tax," the report continued. The hardline strategy Trump has proposed, unaccompanied by an effort to address the situation in Central America, would do little to improve and likely only worsen the conditions there. Nor would such a strategy keep people from fleeing those conditions, Maureen Meyer, senior associate for Mexico and migrant rights at WOLA, told Vice. "If you have people who are willing to cross the U.S. border and the desert at the risk of dying, the thought of trying to deter people doesnt really fit with reality," she said. central america child migrants A mass deportation of millions like Trump says he'll undertake would furnish Latin American criminal groups with more people to recruit, extort, or abuse. These criminal groups and gangs already have a presence in the US. (Some, like MS-13, are believed to act as retail-level distributors on US streets for drug traffickers like Mexico's Sinaloa cartel.) They may use recent deportees, convicted criminals or not, to augment their links to communities in the US. Trump's intention to send people back to Central America or Mexico would give rise to "a cause-and-effect situation, where it's going to increase violence," Vigil, author of of "Metal Coffins: The Blood Alliance Cartel," told Business Insider. "And these individuals, coming from the United States, already have a base here," Vigil added. "They already know individuals here that they can use to funnel drugs ... thereby increasing the amount of drugs coming into the United States, the amount of violence coming into the United States." Honduras The deportation scheme Trump has promised to pursue would be logistically difficult to carry out, given the immense number of people to be rounded up. And given the time it takes for cases to get through US immigration courts some states have average wait times of over 1,000 days it's unlikely that these removals would move at the pace Trump seems to suggest. But given the conditions in the areas many of these people will be returned to, as well as the limited resources they will have to support themselves and that local authorities will have to deal with them, such a scheme promises to only reproduce the problem it claims to address. "Trump, in essence, will deport 2 or 3 million individuals, and probably we will get 5 or 6 million undocumented immigrants coming into the United States," Vigil said. "So it's a strategy that has not been well laid out ... and all it's going to do is cause even more issues than we currently have in the United States." NOW WATCH: 1 YEAR LATER: Heres what may come next for 'El Chapo' Guzman More From Business Insider Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey has appointed a foreign policy advisor to the prime minister as ambassador to Israel, sealing the normalisation of diplomatic relations after a six-year partial rupture, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. The deadly 2010 storming by Israeli commandos of a Turkish ship trying to break the naval blockade of Gaza prompted Ankara to expel the Israeli envoy and cease all military cooperation with Israel. Israel and Turkey agreed in June to normalise ties after the Jewish state offered an apology over the raid, a payout of $20 million in compensation, and permission for Turkish aid to reach Gaza through Israeli ports. "We are appointing our Prime Minister's (Binali Yildirim) foreign affairs advisor Mr Kemal Okem as ambassador (to Israel)," Erdogan said before leaving on a trip to Pakistan. "I believe he started office yesterday (Tuesday)," he added. Israel also nominated a new ambassador to Turkey on Tuesday, with Eitan Naeh formally selected by an Israeli government committee. Contacted by AFP, an official for the Israeli embassy in Ankara said the new Israeli envoy has not yet started but he is expected to take up office soon once the approval process is finalised. Naeh is the current deputy head of mission at the Israeli embassy in London. The 2010 raid killed 10 Turkish activists, plunging relations to an all-time low with Erdogan on one occasion even accusing Israel of "keeping Hitler's spirit alive". But the two sides are already working to bring cooperation back to former levels and are holding talks for building an ambitious project for a pipeline to pump Israeli gas to Turkey and Europe. The state-run Anadolu news agency said on Tuesday that Israeli and Turkish energy officials held their first working meeting on the project last week. ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan named a new ambassador to Israel on Wednesday, reciprocating a move by the Israelis a day earlier - steps towards restoring diplomatic ties between the once-close allies that broke down in 2010. Israel and Turkey said in June they would normalize relations - a rapprochement driven by the prospect of lucrative Mediterranean gas deals as well as mutual fears over security risks in the Middle East. "We are appointing as ambassador to Israel Kemal Okem, our prime minister's foreign affairs adviser," Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara before leaving on an official visit to Pakistan. On Tuesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said Eitan Na'eh, currently deputy ambassador in London, had been appointed ambassador in Ankara. It was not immediately announced when he would take up his post. Israeli-Turkish relations broke down in 2010 when 10 Turkish pro-Palestinian activists were killed by Israeli commandos enforcing a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The soldiers had raided a ship, the Mavi Marmara, leading a flotilla to the Hamas Islamist-run Palestinian territory. Israel agreed to pay out $20 million to the families of those killed on the vessel, a crucial element in the restoration of ties. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan) Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey is seeking to recruit more than 30,000 new personnel to fill shortfalls after thousands were kicked out of the army in the wake of the failed July coup, state media reported Wednesday. Tens of thousands of people have been either detained or sacked in the wake of the July 15 putsch blamed by the government on rogue elements in the army led by Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Around 9,300 army personnel have been arrested, including 118 generals and admirals, while thousands more have been discharged dishonourably or suspended. But the dismissals came with the army facing challenges on all sides, fighting a conflict to destroy Kurdish militants in the southeast and also waging a cross-border operation inside Syria. The state-run Anadolu news agency said the armed forces are aiming to recruit 30,159 personnel in order to meet needs in the aftermath of the post-coup dismissals. This would include 1,322 officers, 3,547 non-commissoned officers, 7,159 trained soldiers, and 11,907 contracted soldiers, according to the news report. The Turkish authorities have repeatedly insisted that the purge in the army after the coup has not affected its operations, pointing to the launch of the Syria incursion just over a month after the failed putsch. But analysts have said that the effect on the military has been severe, with a shortage of pilots particularly acute. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in an interview in August that Turkey was in need of military pilots and this is "not something that can be done in a day". Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied that he was linked to the coup in any way. ISTANBUL -- At a textile shop in the working-class neighborhood of Zeytinburnu, Muhammad Samir Kassar reflects on his life today and the one he once had. The 16-year-old Syrian boy and his family fled Aleppo, eventually finding their way to Turkey's largest city and cultural and economic hub. When Muhammad left Syria he also left school, walking away from the ninth grade after midterm exams. With his family unable to pay for school, Muhammad went to work. Today he labors 12 or more hours a day at the shop, hemmed into a fluorescent-lit basement alongside other children who hunch over sewing machines and ironing boards. The odors of toxic chemicals hang in the air. "My dream was to become a doctor, but I became an ironer instead," the boy says in the shop's office. "If I had the chance [to go back to school] I would continue." While 330,000 Syrian children are enrolled in schools in Turkey, more than 500,000 others share Muhammad's plight. A lack of educational resources from the government, along with pressure to earn money for their cash-strapped families frequently push Syrian children into the workforce, often undocumented and at risk of violating Turkey's labor laws. Turkey, which hosts more Syrian refugees than any other country, is now offering the world's largest window into how the refugee crisis of today may transform into an even greater future peril: a lost generation of youth who fail to get adequate education for tomorrow's jobs. These children often arrive in Turkey suffering from nightmares, sadness, depression, anxiety and a lack of social skills, say activists. "Most of them are not going to school," says Leyla Akca, director of Project Lift, a group in Istanbul that works with Syrian families to treat the traumas of war and send the children back to school. "They're used to getting interruptions in their schooling and that really negatively affects them because that is where we learn social skills. That is where we learn community and sense of belonging." Story continues Turkey is home to slightly more than 2.7 million Syrian refugees, more than any other country in the world, according to UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency. Children comprise slightly more than half of that group. Muhammad and his family's experience is similar to other Syrians arriving in Turkey. His parents were unable to pay to send him and his brother to school. Living costs in Turkey were greater than anticipated says Abeer, Muhammad's mother. "I wanted him to continue his study but the situation didn't allow us," Abeer says. "He was very good [in school]. I'm sad he had to leave, but we had to. What can we do?" While there are no firm statistics on the number of children in Turkey's workforce -- most working children are undocumented -- UNICEF has been urging the Turkish government to develop programs to protect children and ensure their rights to go to school. [ READ: Where Does Erdogan Want to Take Turkey?] "In all circumstances, Syrian children also should be protected from child labor," Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF's representative for Turkey, said in a June news release. "They should be able to go to school to prepare better for their future and to rebuild their country as soon as it will be possible. Children must not be robbed of their childhood." Under Turkish law, employment of children under 15 is prohibited. Employment of children between 15 and 18 years of age is allowed under special conditions and cannot interfere with schooling. In any case, juvenile workers may not work more than 40 hours a week. Turkish law also prohibits discriminatory practices in the workplace, such as paying undocumented refugees a lower wage or providing unsafe workplace conditions. In July, the Turkish government said they spent more than $10 billion in helping refugees. The government also told the local newspaper, The Daily Hurriyet, that some Syrians might win Turkish citizenship. In a survey of 125 Syrian households conducted by Turkey's Support to Life foundation earlier this year, one in four households with children said one child could not go to school because the family depended on their pay. The reality at most textile shops in Zeytinburnu is bleak. Payment for Syrians and most Turks working in the textile industry is not a living wage, according to the Fair Wear Foundation, a European initiative aimed at improving workplace conditions in the textile industry. The organization says the minimum wage in Turkey is $280 a month, which Turkish state-run unions say, is not "sufficient for a decent life." Two Syrian girls, Alia, 15, and Zainab, 14, say they each get paid around $270 a month, while the boys they work with make around $580 a month for working the same hours. Zainab was going to a Turkish school for a while, but had to leave. "I was in fourth grade. Things came slowly to me," Zainab says. "I didn't finish the whole school year. When I had to take an exam I didn't understand everything, so I left." Both girls say that their families did not want them to go to school because they needed them to work instead. Meanwhile, Syrian families are finding difficulty learning where to turn for assistance; awareness of welfare programs is not widespread in Turkey. Various initiatives by UNICEF and nonprofit organizations are assisting Syrians integrate into Turkish society. Akca, the director of Project Lift, says she hopes that part of the 3 billion euros -- about $3.3 billion -- that the European Union intends to distribute this year in Turkey can come to her organization. She says she would like to hire qualified professionals who can extend the program to other cities across Turkey. [ MORE: Food as a Tool for Peace] Funding Turkey's social safety net is the European Union's largest humanitarian project to date, the EU's Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, recently told the media. While the EU is hoping to distribute the money on a project basis, Turkish officials say disbursement through nonprofit organizations is slowing the process, according to Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet Daily. The Turkish Ministry of National Education is allowing children to enroll in Turkish-language and skills-training courses, but overall the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees stated in a report that the biggest obstacle organizations and Syrians face is a lack of awareness of resources and "insufficient civil society capacity to meet demand." Akca warns that not caring for Syrian children now risks a greater future threat. "They are going to become the actual threat or the enemy in the future. Because they are going to be resentful, they are going to still be poor, they are going to be uneducated and they are not going to know the language." Muhammad Abunnassr provided reporting for this report. Dominique Bonessi is a freelance journalist and a fellow with the International Center for Journalists currently based in Istanbul. Willard F. Hunzeker, 95, passed away November 13, 2016. Willard was born on April 6, 1921, to Herbert and Margaret Hunzeker. He graduated from Humboldt High School and attended Peru State College. Willard was called to serve the Army Air Force in 1942. His record of service is noteworthy. He flew 33 missions in the European Theatre as a navigator on B-24 bombers and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the air medal with three clusters for his service. He was a member of the 93rd Bomb Group, one of the most famous World War II aviation units. Upon his release from active duty, Willard completed his degree in education and received his masters degree in school administration. Willard had a 36-year career in education. He taught in Falls City, DuBois, and Endicott, and served as superintendent of schools in Daykin, Fullerton and his last 14 years in Wahoo, retiring in 1985. Community service was important to Willard. He served on the Saunders County Hospital board, the Wahoo Public Library board, was an active member of First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Wahoo Lions Club. In recognition of his service and leadership, Willard received the Melvin James Fellow award from the Wahoo Lions Club and was recently awarded the Charlie Divis Distinguished Service Award by the Wahoo Public Schools Foundation. Willard was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie. He is survived by children, Mark (Pam) Hunzeker of Lincoln and Julie (Roger) Pelster of Mead; grandchildren, Dr. Christopher (Flora) Hunzeker, Dr. Shanna (Judah) Musick, Jake (Dr. Wendy) Rickard, Erik Rickard, and eight great-grandchildren. Celebration of life memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 21, at First Presbyterian Church, 981 W. 15th St., Wahoo. Visitation with family following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Wahoo Public Schools Foundation or Wahoo Lions Club. Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home,, is in charge of arrangements. www.prussnabity.com. By Ercan Gurses and Orhan Coskun ANKARA (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan could govern Turkey until 2029 with expanded executive powers under proposals the ruling AK Party hopes will go to a referendum next spring, officials who have seen the latest draft told Reuters on Wednesday. Erdogan and his supporters argue Turkey needs the strong leadership of an executive presidency, akin to the system in the United States or France, to avoid the fragile coalition governments that hampered its development in the past. Opponents see the proposed change as a vehicle for Erdogan's ambition, and fear it will bring increasing authoritarianism to a country already under fire from Western allies over its deteriorating record on rights and freedoms, especially after widespread purges in the wake of a failed military coup in July. The AKP, founded by Erdogan a decade and a half ago, is aiming to hold a referendum on the issue next spring and is seeking support from the nationalist MHP opposition order to win parliamentary approval for such a vote. Under the latest draft, presented to the MHP on Tuesday, Erdogan could assume the position of "acting" executive president immediately after the referendum if the changes are approved. A presidential election would then be held, as scheduled, when his term expires in 2019. Under the constitution's current two-term limit and provided he wins the 2019 election, Erdogan would be able to rule until 2024 only. But under the proposed executive presidency, the clock would reset, allowing him another two terms. "We have come to a conclusion in our work on constitutional changes and will bring it to the parliament in the coming days," Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told a conference of AKP provincial heads in Ankara on Wednesday, without giving details. "We will continue to seek a base for consensus with the other parties. After that, the decision lies with the people." According to two senior officials who have seen the draft, the president would be eligible to serve a maximum of two five-year terms and would be able to issue presidential decrees on most executive matters without the need to consult parliament. The president would have up to two deputies and would directly appoint the heads of the military and intelligence agencies, university rectors, senior bureaucrats, and some top judicial bodies, expanding the powers of the role, the officials said. WESTERN CONCERNS Such changes would likely alarm the European Union, which has been critical of the post-coup attempt crackdown. Turkey, which aspires to join the EU, has dismissed or detained more than 110,000 civil servants, members of the security forces and other officials in a crackdown it says is justified by the gravity of the threat from the July 15 putsch. Erdogan has ridden a wave of nationalist support since the abortive coup, vowing to crack down on Turkey's enemies at home and abroad, and support from the MHP will be vital for realizing his ambition of a stronger presidency. MHP leader Devlet Bahceli has indicated his party could support the reforms and said on Tuesday that party lawyers were assessing the AKP's latest draft. Any constitutional change needs the support of at least 367 deputies in the 550-seat assembly to pass directly, and of 330 to go to a referendum. The AKP has 317 seats, and the MHP 39. Other opposition parties oppose a stronger presidency. Erdogan, speaking at a press conference before leaving for an official visit to Pakistan on Wednesday, said the executive president should not have to cut ties to his political party. Under the current constitution, the head of state is supposed to be impartial and renounce party ties as part of a system of checks and balances. Erdogan's comments suggest he could seek to resume leadership of the AKP, by far Turkey's largest political movement, if elected in 2019. (Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Raissa Kasolowsky) ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's armed forces will recruit more than 30,000 new personnel over the next four years, a defense ministry official said on Wednesday, to help plug staff shortages after widespread purges following a failed coup. More than 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended in the military, civil service, judiciary and elsewhere in a security crackdown that followed the putsch in July. Some 20,000 people have been removed from the military system alone, among them 16,000 military students, the official told Reuters. Human rights groups and some of Turkey's Western allies have voiced concern at the scope of the purges, fearing President Tayyip Erdogan is using the abortive military coup as a pretext to curtail dissent. The 30,159 new personnel will be admitted into the armed forces through the naval and army military academies, while the rest will be employed as officials, sergeants and in other posts, the defense ministry official said. A Turkish military spokeswoman confirmed new personnel would be hired, though she could not confirm the number. The armed forces said in an e-mail that it currently employs nearly 360,000 military personnel. Ankara accuses the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen for orchestrating the July 15 coup bid, in which rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, fighter jets and helicopters to attack the parliament and attempt to overthrow the government. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied involvement and condemned the coup. The need to replenish military ranks comes at a time when Turkey is fighting, both inside and outside its borders, Islamic State militants and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is deemed a terrorist group by the European Union, United States and Ankara. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by David Dolan/Mark Heinrich) Twenty-first century peak TV has created a bounty of great new shows that have resonated with audiences and critics. While the past few years have seen critically acclaimed series such as Homeland, The Americans, Transparent, Veep, True Detective, Fargo, The Night Of and many more garnering praise and generating countless water-cooler conversations for a wide variety of achievements in all the creative categories, they all have one thing in common: an attribute that has driven the rise of TVs new golden age: mature, smart, boundary-thumping writing. For film fans, the bittersweet truth is that TVs rise has come largely at cinemas expense. Another thing thats countless is the number of articles lamenting the decline of adult filmmaking and noting that top-tier talents are fleeing moviemaking for the lucrative and creatively stimulating green pastures of the small screen. With the collapse of physical media sales, the unstoppable rise of marketing costs and the gotta-be-risk-free production mandates of the Hollywood studios and most members of the film production community, its easy to see why the demise of challenging, edgy moviemaking is widely reported. However, it only takes an awards season like the one in progress to make the case that reports of adult cinemas terminal condition are again exaggerated. There are very real challenges that daring filmmakers face in the 21th century are facing, but thankfully for film-lovers, theyre blowing past the blockbuster-fortified blockades, overcoming the marketplace obstacles. All the more reason to note multiplexes and art houses are currently brimming with vibrant, thought-provoking fare and the critics have plenty of urgent and accomplished screenwriting worthy of their hopefulness and celebrations. Black-ish and Atlanta meet Fences Newest contender for writing honors as well as kudos across the board is Fences. The august writing pedigree of this contender for adapted screenplay includes August Wilson, whose acclaimed 1983 play reaches the big screen decades late, but just in time to help put #OscarsSoWhite in the rearview mirror. Story continues Breaking Bad vs. Hell or High Water Breaking Bads impact on the peak TV period cant be overestimated. The gritty modern West setting, the crime genre tropes, the gripping portrait of an America grappling with job cuts, downturns and the shafting of the wage-earning class deservedly earned its fanbase and accolades. Ditto 2016 big screen original screenplay contender Hell or High Water. Even darker in its portrait of an American gone to seed for its rural citizens, 2015 Variety Screenwriter to Watch Taylor Sheridan followed the promise of his hit action drama with this powerful tale of banks that may be too big to fail, but not too tall to be taken down by the determined brothers at the center of the story. The People vs O.J. Simpson and Making a Murderer vs. Denial The small screen has provoked gasps of indignation from the effective storytelling of dramatic series O.J. and documentary series Making, but Loving ably proves the big screen and tight arc have no match when it comes to driving home the outrage of an up close and personal true story like Loving. Plus Jeff Nichols original screenplay has romance and hope to temper the vile reality of Americas once-rampant anti-miscegenation laws. Denials master dramatist-screenwriter David Hare takes the true story of Deborah Lipstadt into even more infuriating waters, with this tale of a journalist in a court battle that pivots on her ability to legally prove that the Holocaust actually happens. As with so many true stories, this ones both stranger than fiction and perhaps even more temperature raising than anything on the small screen this year. The Leftovers vs. Manchester by the Sea In HBOs dramatic series The Leftovers families grapple with losing loved ones, a challenge complicated by the fact that they still dont know how these people died, having departed mysteriously on one of the worlds darkest days. In Manchester by the Sea, Kenneth Lonergans lugubrious study of familial grief in a fishing village on Bostons North Shore, a father struggles with having lost his children in one of the most tragic ways possible while also coping with the recent death of his father. While the ways in which loved ones are taken from the world differs, both Manchester and Leftover rely primarily on dialogue and language to communicate deaths devastating toll. Girls and Insecure vs. 20th Century Women Lena Dunham is one of the biggest reasons theres a debate about small screen vs. big screen indie storytelling since she made her bones with indie film hit Tiny Furniture before Judd Apatow tapped her to create an HBO zeitgeist series with a vengeance. Which leads to the pleasures of urban black young-womanhood chronicled so effectively in Insecure. Mike Mills new film 20th Century Women turns the clock back to the 70s, but his celebration of American womens triumphs and tribulations matches feels as contemporary as anything on this years tube. Related stories Fantasy and Realism Jostle for Place in Original Screenplay Category Real Life Offers Best Research for Roles in Films Like 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'Loving' Macau Festival Unveils Inaugural Selection (Reuters) - Twitter has suspended several accounts linked to the alt-right movement, a loosely organized group that embraces far-right ideologies including white nationalism, USA Today reported. The accounts suspended by Twitter, which has been criticized for not stopping abusive behavior on its platform, include that of Richard Spencer, who has said he wants blacks, Asians, Hispanics and Jews removed from the United States, the newspaper reported on Wednesday. (http://usat.ly/2fXyXDo) The alt-right movement came to the fore during the U.S. presidential campaign, especially after Republican nominee Donald Trump added Steve Bannon to his campaign team. Bannon, who has since been named Trump's chief White House strategist, formerly headed Breitbart News, a website and voice for the alt-right movement. "I am alive physically but digitally speaking there has been execution squads across the alt-right," Spencer, who has a verified Twitter account, said in a YouTube video entitled "Knight of the Long Knives" responding to the suspension. The move by the microblogging service, which did not immediately respond for requests for comment, followed its announcement on Tuesday that it would upgrade some features to better combat cyber-bullying. USA Today said the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit organization that tracks what it sees as hate groups and other extremists, had asked Twitter to remove more than 100 accounts of white supremacists who violated Twitter's terms of service. Others whose accounts have been suspended include Pax Dickinson, founder of alt-right site Wesearchr; an alt-right internet personality who goes by the fake name Ricky Vaughn; and blogger Paul Town, who describes himself as "the leading thoughtleader of alt-right," CNN reported. (http://cnnmon.ie/2eGkAWe) (Reporting by Rishika Sadam in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr) (Rewrites throughout, adds details from CSX) By David Ingram Nov 16 (Reuters) - Two CSX Corp trains collided and derailed in central Florida early on Wednesday, injuring two crew members, the company said. One freight train carrying non-hazardous phosphate rock while the second train loaded with coal collided in Citra, Florida, about 4:15 a.m. (0915 GMT), CSX said. The cause of the collision was under investigation and the two CSX crew members were being treated for minor injuries, the company said. Twenty rail cars overturned, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said, though CSX was unable to confirm the number. The derailment caused a 4,000-gallon fuel leak from the trains, a CBS television affiliated station in Orlando reported. The phosphate train was traveling from Mulberry, Florida, to Chicago, with three locomotives and 100 loaded phosphate cars, CSX said. The coal train was traveling from Pembroke, Kentucky, to Tampa, with three locomotives and 110 carloads of coal, it said. The derailment happened at a rail crossing about 100 miles northwest of Orlando. (Reporting by David Ingram; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jeffrey Benkoe) Bogota (AFP) - Two suspected FARC fighters were killed in combat in northern Colombia on Wednesday, four days after the government announced a revised peace accord with the rebel group. "Fighting took place in the south of the Bolivar department, and guerrillas who claimed to belong to the FARC were killed," the government's chief peace negotiator Humberto de la Calle told Caracol television. "The Defense Ministry holds that there was an illegal operation there," he added. The army confirmed the report of fighting which comes in violation of a bilateral ceasefire in place since August. The army said in a statement that another suspected rebel who was detained said that he and the two killed were with the FARC's 37th Front. The military also said, however, that locals insisted the insurgents were with the smaller National Liberation Army (ELN), which is often involved in kidnapping and extortion. The government and the FARC had announced over the weekend a new peace deal to end more than half-a-century of violent civil strife. Colombian voters had unexpectedly rejected an earlier version of the government's peace deal with the FARC in an October 2 referendum, deeming it too soft on the country's largest rebel group. The government and the ELN, the second largest guerrilla group, had planned to launch public peace talks on October 27 in Quito. President Juan Manuel Santos cancelled the negotiations after the rebels failed to release hostage ex-congressman Otis Sanchez. The FARC and the ELN are the last two leftist guerrilla groups involved in a messy, multi-sided conflict in Colombia that has killed more than 260,000, left seven million displaced and 45,000 missing. Two elderly French tourists died on Wednesday while snorkelling at a popular tourist spot on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, authorities said. The man and woman aged in their 70s were spotted floating in the water at Michaelmas Cay, a reef-ringed sand island near Cairns, by staff working for dive company Passions of Paradise, chief executive Scotty Garden said. "The Passions of Paradise lookout on the beach noticed a man floating in the water and pulled him to the sand cay where he performed CPR. He was then assisted by a doctor on the sand cay," Garden said in a statement. "The Passions of Paradise lookout on the boat saw a woman floating in the water and pulled her on to the catamaran where CPR was performed. A third person was treated for shock by staff on board the boat." The pair who died -- among a French group of 21 people on board Passions of Paradise's catamaran -- had "pre-existing medical conditions and were accompanied by a guide when they were in the water", the chief executive said. Col Mckenzie of Queensland state's Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators said the trio were snorkelling, but could not confirm how they died. "Obviously something horrible has gone wrong. They were actually in the water with the dive guide," Mckenzie told AFP. "Because they indicated their medical conditions, what's gone wrong I don't know. It's what I am trying to find out right now." Queensland Police said in a statement that the circumstances surrounding the deaths "are believed to be non-suspicious". By Denny Thomas and David Lawder WASHINGTON/HONG KONG (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers should take action to ban China's state-owned firms from acquiring U.S. companies, a congressional panel charged with monitoring security and trade links between Washington and Beijing said on Wednesday. In its annual report to Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said the Chinese Communist Party has used state-backed enterprises as the primary economic tool to advance and achieve its national security objectives. The report recommended Congress prohibit U.S. acquisitions by such entities by changing the mandate of CFIUS, the U.S. government body that conducts security reviews of proposed acquisitions by foreign firms. "The Commission recommends Congress amend the statute authorizing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to bar Chinese state-owned enterprises from acquiring or otherwise gaining effective control of U.S. companies," the report said. CFIUS, led by the U.S. Treasury and with representatives from eight other agencies, including the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security, now has veto power over acquisitions from foreign private and state-controlled firms if it finds that a deal would threaten U.S. national security or critical infrastructure. If enacted, the panel's recommendation would essentially create a blanket ban on U.S. purchases by Chinese state-owned enterprises. The panel's report is purely advisory, but could carry extra weight this year because they come as President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is formulating its trade and foreign policy agenda and vetting candidates for key economic and security positions. Congress also could be more receptive, after U.S. voter sentiment against job losses to China and Mexico helped Republicans retain control of both the House and the Senate in last week's election. Trump strongly criticized China throughout the U.S. election campaign, grabbing headlines with his pledges to slap 45 percent tariffs on imported Chinese goods and to label the country a currency manipulator on his first day in office. Story continues "Chinese state owned enterprises are arms of the Chinese state," Dennis Shea, chairman of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, told a news conference. "We don't want the U.S. government purchasing companies in the United States, why would we want the Chinese Communist government purchasing companies in the United States?" The recommendation to change laws governing CFIUS was one of 20 proposals the panel made to Congress. On the military side, it called for a government investigation into how far outsourcing to China has weakened the U.S. defense industry. The 16-year-old panel also said Congress should pass legislation that would require its pre-approval of any move by the U.S. Commerce Department to declare China a "market economy" and limit anti-dumping tariffs against the country. The United States and U.S. businesses attracted a record $64.5 billion worth of deals involving buyers from mainland China this year, more than any other country targeted by Chinese buyers, according to Thomson Reuters data. The push into the United States is part of a global overseas buying spree by Chinese companies that this year has seen a record $200 billion worth of deals, nearly double last year's tally. CFIUS has shown a higher degree of activism against Chinese buyers this year, catching some by surprise. Prominent deals that fell victim to CFIUS include Tsinghua Holdings' $3.8 billion investment in Western Digital (WDC.O). Overall, data do not demonstrate CFIUS has been a significant obstacle for Chinese investment in the United States. In 2014, the latest year for which data is available, China topped the list of foreign countries in CFIUS review with 24 deals reviewed out of more than 100 scrutinized by CFIUS. Although the number of Chinese transactions reviewed rose in absolute terms, it fell as a share of overall Chinese acquisitions, the report noted, and the vast majority of deals reviewed by CFIUS were cleared. (Reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Denny Thomas in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Sue-Lin Wong in Beijing; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Tom Brown) By Denny Thomas and David Lawder WASHINGTON/HONG KONG (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers should take action to ban China's state-owned firms from acquiring U.S. companies, a congressional panel charged with monitoring security and trade links between Washington and Beijing said on Wednesday. In its annual report to Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said the Chinese Communist Party has used state-backed enterprises as the primary economic tool to advance and achieve its national security objectives. The report recommended Congress prohibit U.S. acquisitions by such entities by changing the mandate of CFIUS, the U.S. government body that conducts security reviews of proposed acquisitions by foreign firms. "The Commission recommends Congress amend the statute authorizing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to bar Chinese state-owned enterprises from acquiring or otherwise gaining effective control of U.S. companies," the report said. CFIUS, led by the U.S. Treasury and with representatives from eight other agencies, including the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security, now has veto power over acquisitions from foreign private and state-controlled firms if it finds that a deal would threaten U.S. national security or critical infrastructure. If enacted, the panel's recommendation would essentially create a blanket ban on U.S. purchases by Chinese state-owned enterprises. The panel's report is purely advisory, but could carry extra weight this year because they come as President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is formulating its trade and foreign policy agenda and vetting candidates for key economic and security positions. Congress also could be more receptive, after U.S. voter sentiment against job losses to China and Mexico helped Republicans retain control of both the House and the Senate in last week's election. Trump strongly criticized China throughout the U.S. election campaign, grabbing headlines with his pledges to slap 45 percent tariffs on imported Chinese goods and to label the country a currency manipulator on his first day in office. "Chinese state owned enterprises are arms of the Chinese state," Dennis Shea, chairman of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, told a news conference. "We don't want the U.S. government purchasing companies in the United States, why would we want the Chinese Communist government purchasing companies in the United States?" The recommendation to change laws governing CFIUS was one of 20 proposals the panel made to Congress. On the military side, it called for a government investigation into how far outsourcing to China has weakened the U.S. defense industry. The 16-year-old panel also said Congress should pass legislation that would require its pre-approval of any move by the U.S. Commerce Department to declare China a "market economy" and limit anti-dumping tariffs against the country. The United States and U.S. businesses attracted a record $64.5 billion worth of deals involving buyers from mainland China this year, more than any other country targeted by Chinese buyers, according to Thomson Reuters data. The push into the United States is part of a global overseas buying spree by Chinese companies that this year has seen a record $200 billion worth of deals, nearly double last year's tally. CFIUS has shown a higher degree of activism against Chinese buyers this year, catching some by surprise. Prominent deals that fell victim to CFIUS include Tsinghua Holdings' $3.8 billion investment in Western Digital . Overall, data do not demonstrate CFIUS has been a significant obstacle for Chinese investment in the United States. In 2014, the latest year for which data is available, China topped the list of foreign countries in CFIUS review with 24 deals reviewed out of more than 100 scrutinized by CFIUS. Although the number of Chinese transactions reviewed rose in absolute terms, it fell as a share of overall Chinese acquisitions, the report noted, and the vast majority of deals reviewed by CFIUS were cleared. (Reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Denny Thomas in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Sue-Lin Wong in Beijing; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Tom Brown) By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - America's manufacturers are urging President-elect Donald Trump to back off from his most threatening trade rhetoric and pursue a more nuanced approach to trade with China and Mexico, avoiding unilateral tariff actions and focusing on negotiations. Corporate lobbying groups, some chief executives and pro-trade lawmakers also say they eventually even hope to persuade Trump that free-trade agreements can help grow the U.S. economy and create jobs. For now, these groups are bracing for higher trade tensions with China and potential changes to the 22-year-old North American Free Trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. Trump has said he would quit NAFTA unless it is renegotiated to his satisfaction and that he would declare China a currency manipulator to force negotiations for better trade terms. His suggestions that his administration could impose 45 percent across-the-board tariffs on goods from China have drawn threats of retaliation by Chinese state media against U.S. soybeans and companies such as Boeing Co and Apple Inc . "I think it's easy to paint this is a trade war versus nothing," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, a group representing steel and other basic industries that has argued in favor of tougher trade remedies to combat Chinese imports. "I'm of the belief that there is a lot of space between our current policy and an all-out trade war," Paul said, adding that he would like to see Trump be more proactive on enforcing existing trade rules. While U.S. steelmakers have been successful in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases against Chinese competitors that have led to substantial U.S. duties, consumer products makers often are reluctant to pursue such cases due to the cost, complexity and potential retaliation. The Commerce Department under the Trump administration could launch more of investigations on its own of targeted U.S. industries, Paul said. Story continues Paul and Business Roundtable President John Engler, who represents chief executive officers of the largest U.S. companies, said they would like to see Trump take steps to boost U.S. growth by reforming taxes and embark on a negotiating effort similar to that of Ronald Reagan in the 1980s to stem the tide of imports. The 1985 Plaza Accord brought down the highflying dollar's value against currencies from Japan, Germany and other major trading partners, helping to quell protectionist sentiment in Congress and encouraging foreign producers to build more factories in the United States. In renegotiating NAFTA, manufacturing groups had a clear message to the Trump team: first, do no harm to American exports. "There are 2 million manufacturing jobs in this country that are dependent on our trade relationship with Canada and Mexico," said Linda Dempsey, vice president of international affairs for the National Association of Manufacturers. "And so as we go forward, we certainly don't want to put those jobs in jeopardy." Ford Motor Co CEO Mark Fields said on Tuesday that the automaker would proceed with plans to shift production of its Focus small car to Mexico, a move that drew fire from Trump during the campaign. "We've laid out our corporate strategy based on the trade agreements," Fields told CNBC, adding that a 35 percent tariff on imports from Mexico would hurt the entire U.S. auto industry. "Obviously Congress and the president could always look at everything, but they have to keep in mind both the production and the supply chains are deeply integrated into the three countries and that integration also supports a lot of American jobs," Fields said. In a message to employees after Trump's victory last week, General Electric Co CEO Jeff Immelt said: "We believe in the importance of globalization and investment." (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) When Jonathan and Marianella Jost, owners of the Cafe Con Amor coffee farm in Costa Rica, arrived in Seward earlier this month to visit Jonathans family, there was a gift waiting for them at the house -- their own coffee. Specifically, it was a bag of beans roasted at Cultiva Labs, 2510 Randolph St. Before this month, theyd never tasted Cultivas take on the honey-processed product theyd shipped to the states from Naranjo earlier this year. They were beyond pleased with the results. It was a lot of fun to see that bag at Jonathans parents house, Marianella Jost said. Its kind of an end of a circle for us. On Thursday, the couple visits Cultiva Labs at 6 p.m. to talk about that circle -- how the couple, who met while at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, moved to several college towns where Jonathan Jost led strength and conditioning programs before leaving Florida State University to move to Marianellas home country and grow not only coffee beans at Cafe Con Amor, but also as a collaborative effort with other farmers in the area and sell their product to coffee roasters in the U.S. Jonathan Jost said theyll show a short video filmed in Costa Rica and discuss the seed-to-cup process that begins on their farm and ends in places like Cultiva. Theyll also discuss Farmers Project, an initiative the couple started to share the best farming practices and experiences in the industry with other Costa Rican coffee producers and to export their goods together to the U.S. We started with three other farmers and (us), this first shipment, Marianella Jost said earlier this year during an interview about Cafe Con Amor for a story that ran in the Journal Star. I know for a fact that those three farmers now can vouch for us and have told other farmers: Hey, I was able to sell my coffee at a much better price and they did pay me. And they paid me on time, like they said they would. And I got to look at the pictures, look at the sacks with my farm logo. For them, you have no idea the pride to see their logo on those sacks. Along with the conversation, there will, of course, be coffee available to sample. By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed in volatile trading as the market weighed Russia's comments about a possible meeting with Saudi Arabia that renewed hopes for a production freeze deal against a bigger-than-expected U.S. crude inventory build. Brent futures (LCOc1) fell 2 cents to $46.93 a barrel by 12:52 p.m. EST (1752 GMT). U.S. crude (CLc1) rose 7 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $45.88 per barrel. That followed a near 6 percent price surge on Tuesday on news the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would renew efforts to limit production ahead of its official meeting in Vienna. Russia said it was ready to support OPEC's decision on an output freeze and sees big chances that the oil producers' group can agree on the terms of the freeze by Nov. 30, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said crude stocks increased for a third straight week and rose by a bigger-than-expected 5.3 million barrels last week, topping analysts' 1.5 million-barrel build in a Reuters poll. [EIA/S] "Fundamentals are weighing on oil prices following the release of the weekly oil inventory report from the U.S," said Abhishek Kumar, senior analyst at Interfax Energy's Global Gas Analytics in London. "Price volatility will increase as we approach the OPEC meeting scheduled for Nov. 30, but markets will not ignore fundamentals," Kumar said. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he will meet with OPEC secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo in Caracas on Wednesday to discuss the freeze. A number of energy ministers from OPEC countries are also likely to meet informally in Doha on Friday to try to build consensus over decisions taken by the full group in September in Algiers, an Algerian energy source said. Those informal meetings could include energy ministers from Saudi Arabia and Russia. But Iran's oil minister will not be attending, sending the country's OPEC governor instead, sources said. Story continues "We see enough cooperation between these two oil power houses to keep a significant amount of OPEC premium embedded in the market," Jim Ritterbusch, president of Chicago-based energy advisory Ritterbusch & Associates, said in a note. Dutch bank ABN Amro, meanwhile, lowered its oil price forecasts on Wednesday, expecting Brent and U.S. crude to average $50 a barrel in the fourth quarter. "We estimate the possibility of an actual OPEC production cut as 50-50," said Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN Amro. (Additional reporting by Karolin Schaps in London and Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Louise Heavens) By Scott DiSavino NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed in volatile trading as the market weighed Russia's comments about a possible meeting with Saudi Arabia that renewed hopes for a production freeze deal against a bigger-than-expected U.S. crude inventory build. Brent futures fell 2 cents to $46.93 a barrel by 12:52 p.m. EST (1752 GMT). U.S. crude rose 7 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $45.88 per barrel. That followed a near 6 percent price surge on Tuesday on news the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would renew efforts to limit production ahead of its official meeting in Vienna. Russia said it was ready to support OPEC's decision on an output freeze and sees big chances that the oil producers' group can agree on the terms of the freeze by Nov. 30, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said. Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said crude stocks increased for a third straight week and rose by a bigger-than-expected 5.3 million barrels last week, topping analysts' 1.5 million-barrel build in a Reuters poll. [EIA/S] "Fundamentals are weighing on oil prices following the release of the weekly oil inventory report from the U.S," said Abhishek Kumar, senior analyst at Interfax Energy's Global Gas Analytics in London. "Price volatility will increase as we approach the OPEC meeting scheduled for Nov. 30, but markets will not ignore fundamentals," Kumar said. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he will meet with OPEC secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo in Caracas on Wednesday to discuss the freeze. A number of energy ministers from OPEC countries are also likely to meet informally in Doha on Friday to try to build consensus over decisions taken by the full group in September in Algiers, an Algerian energy source said. Those informal meetings could include energy ministers from Saudi Arabia and Russia. But Iran's oil minister will not be attending, sending the country's OPEC governor instead, sources said. "We see enough cooperation between these two oil power houses to keep a significant amount of OPEC premium embedded in the market," Jim Ritterbusch, president of Chicago-based energy advisory Ritterbusch & Associates, said in a note. Dutch bank ABN Amro, meanwhile, lowered its oil price forecasts on Wednesday, expecting Brent and U.S. crude to average $50 a barrel in the fourth quarter. "We estimate the possibility of an actual OPEC production cut as 50-50," said Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN Amro. (Additional reporting by Karolin Schaps in London and Aaron Sheldrick in Tokyo; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Louise Heavens) * UKFI Chairman says market sees $5-12 bln RMBS fine for RBS * Williams & Glyn issue must be fixed before share sale resumes * RMBS settlement seen having impact on capital, shares (Adds share price, timing of share sale, comments on Williams & Glyn) By Lawrence White and Andrew MacAskill LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The head of the agency managing Britain's stakes in bailed out banks said market speculation that Royal Bank of Scotland faces a potential fine of between $5 to $12 billion from the U.S. is hindering the government's share sale plans. RBS, in common with other European lenders, faces a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) over its role in selling mortgage-backed securities in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. "It could be $5 billion, it could be $12 billion, and based on what happened to Deutsche Bank it could be more," James Leigh-Pemberton, Chairman of UK Financial Investments (UKFI), which manages the government's stake in RBS, told the Treasury Select Committee. RBS, 73 percent state-owned, has not made a profit since it was rescued with a 46 billion pound ($57 billion) government bailout during the financial crisis. Leigh-Pemberton told the Committee, which was quizzing UKFI on its management of the government's sale of its RBS stake, that reports on the size of RBS's potential settlement with the DoJ were "market speculation" and the final range is unknown. Deutsche Bank has said it will fight a $14 billion initial demand from the DoJ to settle claims it missold mortgage-backed securities, a shock bill that raised questions about the future of Germany's largest lender. Investors will be unlikely to want to buy RBS shares until the bank has resolved its DoJ settlement because of the likely impact on the bank's capital position. "The direct impact of the settlement number on the bank's book value and capital is an almost penny-for-penny impact on the share price," Leigh-Pemberton said. Leigh-Pemberton said that UKFI has raised the settlement with the government and that Britain's Treasury is "acutely conscious of the impact of this litigation" on RBS and the value of its shares. Story continues Aside from settling the U.S. case, RBS also needs to resolve its disposal of branches under the Williams & Glyn name before investors will be interested in buying the bank's shares, Leigh-Pemberton said. RBS has blamed the complexities of creating a standalone technology platform for delays in the sale of Williams & Glyn, which was a key European Union condition of its taxpayer-funded rescue at the peak of the global financial crisis. RBS shares have fallen 31 percent in the year to date, against an 8 percent rise in the benchmark FTSE 100 index . ($1 = 0.8037 pounds) (Reporting By Lawrence White and Andrew MacAskill, editing by Huw Jones and Elaine Hardcastle) By Suzanne Barlyn and Tim McLaughlin NEW YORK/BOSTON (Reuters) - State securities regulators said they may have to rely more heavily on local laws to police banks and finance companies if President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress roll back federal reforms introduced after the financial crisis. For example, New York has the Martin Act which gives prosecutors more leeway to bring charges. Several white collar defense attorneys said they expect this law and others to be used more often during the Trump presidency. Trump has pledged to dismantle Dodd-Frank, a sweeping Democrat-led reform of Wall Street designed to protect Main Street investors. On the campaign trail, Trump characterized Dodd-Frank, which became law in 2010, as sprawling, bureaucratic and an impediment to economic growth. [nL1N1DC1IB] "It sounds like were going to be under the same type of problems there were prior to the Great Recession, with securities and financial services being 'lightly regulated,'" said William Galvin, the top securities regulator in Massachusetts. "I think thats a problem." Regulatory powers can be uneven and limited from state to state, frustrating local authorities if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) becomes weaker during the Trump administration. Nevertheless, some state regulators have been first to ferret out major market abuses that later have been recognized as national problems. One example was the mutual fund industry's market timing scandal in 2003, when it was revealed some funds were involved in illegal after-hours trading. "We may be back to that," said Galvin, secretary of state for Massachusetts, who is credited with shining a light on late trading at mutual funds. Mary Jo White's plan to step down as head of the SEC in January will enable Trump to appoint a successor with huge influence over the regulation of Wall Street trading. "I think the biggest impact on state regulators will come from the choice of the leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission," said Jay Brown, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Story continues Brown said an SEC leadership that favors deregulation of Rule 506, for example, could make it more difficult for state regulators to investigate fraudulent private placements. New York has the Martin Act, the envy of securities regulators nationwide, including at the SEC. It allows an attorney general or the Manhattan District Attorney to bring civil and criminal cases without having to prove a defendant's intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Prosecutors need only to establish that a misrepresentation or omission of a material fact occurred when promoting a security, for example. Every time there has been a noticeable drop in SEC enforcement, New York prosecutors and regulators have used the Martin Act to great effect to police the securities market, said Michael Miller, a white collar defense lawyer for Steptoe & Johnson LLP in New York. Former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer became known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" using the Martin Act as a cudgel against investment banks. Ten of them agreed to pay more than $1 billion in 2003 to settle claims they misled investors with biased stock research. More recently, current New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Barclays Plc (BARC.L), accusing the bank of misleading investors about the presence of high-frequency traders on a stock trading platform. Only a few states - Alabama, Kansas and New Mexico - give their securities regulators the authority to bring criminal cases, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). But most state securities regulators work closely with state attorneys general, local prosecutors and law enforcement on criminal enforcement actions, NASAA spokesman Bob Webster said. State securities agencies throughout the United States collectively reported 253 formal criminal enforcement actions, according to NASAA's most recent enforcement report, based on 2015 data. Galvin said that while states can and have been a driving force on financial regulation, a strong national regulator is better. "You need a national regulator; and if they cant, the states need to do the job and should," he said. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin in Boston and Suzanne Barlyn in New York. Editing by Carmel Crimmins, David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) (Adds details on state criminal actions) By Suzanne Barlyn and Tim McLaughlin NEW YORK/BOSTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - State securities regulators said they may have to rely more heavily on local laws to police banks and finance companies if President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress roll back federal reforms introduced after the financial crisis. For example, New York has the Martin Act which gives prosecutors more leeway to bring charges. Several white collar defense attorneys said they expect this law and others to be used more often during the Trump presidency. Trump has pledged to dismantle Dodd-Frank, a sweeping Democrat-led reform of Wall Street designed to protect Main Street investors. On the campaign trail, Trump characterized Dodd-Frank, which became law in 2010, as sprawling, bureaucratic and an impediment to economic growth. "It sounds like we're going to be under the same type of problems there were prior to the Great Recession, with securities and financial services being 'lightly regulated,'" said William Galvin, the top securities regulator in Massachusetts. "I think that's a problem." Regulatory powers can be uneven and limited from state to state, frustrating local authorities if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) becomes weaker during the Trump administration. Nevertheless, some state regulators have been first to ferret out major market abuses that later have been recognized as national problems. One example was the mutual fund industry's market timing scandal in 2003, when it was revealed some funds were involved in illegal after-hours trading. "We may be back to that," said Galvin, secretary of state for Massachusetts, who is credited with shining a light on late trading at mutual funds. Mary Jo White's plan to step down as head of the SEC in January will enable Trump to appoint a successor with huge influence over the regulation of Wall Street trading. "I think the biggest impact on state regulators will come from the choice of the leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission," said Jay Brown, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Story continues Brown said an SEC leadership that favors deregulation of Rule 506, for example, could make it more difficult for state regulators to investigate fraudulent private placements. New York has the Martin Act, the envy of securities regulators nationwide, including at the SEC. It allows an attorney general or the Manhattan District Attorney to bring civil and criminal cases without having to prove a defendant's intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Prosecutors need only to establish that a misrepresentation or omission of a material fact occurred when promoting a security, for example. "Every time there has been a noticeable drop in SEC enforcement, New York prosecutors and regulators have used the Martin Act to great effect to police the securities market," said Michael Miller, a white collar defense lawyer for Steptoe & Johnson LLP in New York. Former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer became known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" using the Martin Act as a cudgel against investment banks. Ten of them agreed to pay more than $1 billion in 2003 to settle claims they misled investors with biased stock research. More recently, current New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Barclays Plc, accusing the bank of misleading investors about the presence of high-frequency traders on a stock trading platform. Only a few states - Alabama, Kansas and New Mexico - give their securities regulators the authority to bring criminal cases, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). But most state securities regulators work closely with state attorneys general, local prosecutors and law enforcement on criminal enforcement actions, NASAA spokesman Bob Webster said. State securities agencies throughout the United States collectively reported 253 formal criminal enforcement actions, according to NASAA's most recent enforcement report, based on 2015 data. Galvin said that while states can and have been a driving force on financial regulation, a strong national regulator is better. "You need a national regulator; and if they can't, the states need to do the job and should," he said. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin in Boston and Suzanne Barlyn in New York. Editing by Carmel Crimmins, David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) By Suzanne Barlyn and Tim McLaughlin NEW YORK/BOSTON (Reuters) - State securities regulators said they may have to rely more heavily on local laws to police banks and finance companies if President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress roll back federal reforms introduced after the financial crisis. For example, New York has the Martin Act which gives prosecutors more leeway to bring charges. Several white collar defense attorneys said they expect this law and others to be used more often during the Trump presidency. Trump has pledged to dismantle Dodd-Frank, a sweeping Democrat-led reform of Wall Street designed to protect Main Street investors. On the campaign trail, Trump characterized Dodd-Frank, which became law in 2010, as sprawling, bureaucratic and an impediment to economic growth. [nL1N1DC1IB] "It sounds like were going to be under the same type of problems there were prior to the Great Recession, with securities and financial services being 'lightly regulated,'" said William Galvin, the top securities regulator in Massachusetts. "I think thats a problem." Regulatory powers can be uneven and limited from state to state, frustrating local authorities if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) becomes weaker during the Trump administration. Nevertheless, some state regulators have been first to ferret out major market abuses that later have been recognized as national problems. One example was the mutual fund industry's market timing scandal in 2003, when it was revealed some funds were involved in illegal after-hours trading. "We may be back to that," said Galvin, secretary of state for Massachusetts, who is credited with shining a light on late trading at mutual funds. Mary Jo White's plan to step down as head of the SEC in January will enable Trump to appoint a successor with huge influence over the regulation of Wall Street trading. "I think the biggest impact on state regulators will come from the choice of the leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission," said Jay Brown, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Story continues Brown said an SEC leadership that favors deregulation of Rule 506, for example, could make it more difficult for state regulators to investigate fraudulent private placements. New York has the Martin Act, the envy of securities regulators nationwide, including at the SEC. It allows an attorney general or the Manhattan District Attorney to bring civil and criminal cases without having to prove a defendant's intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Prosecutors need only to establish that a misrepresentation or omission of a material fact occurred when promoting a security, for example. Every time there has been a noticeable drop in SEC enforcement, New York prosecutors and regulators have used the Martin Act to great effect to police the securities market, said Michael Miller, a white collar defense lawyer for Steptoe & Johnson LLP in New York. Former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer became known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" using the Martin Act as a cudgel against investment banks. Ten of them agreed to pay more than $1 billion in 2003 to settle claims they misled investors with biased stock research. More recently, current New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Barclays Plc , accusing the bank of misleading investors about the presence of high-frequency traders on a stock trading platform. Only a few states - Alabama, Kansas and New Mexico - give their securities regulators the authority to bring criminal cases, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). But most state securities regulators work closely with state attorneys general, local prosecutors and law enforcement on criminal enforcement actions, NASAA spokesman Bob Webster said. State securities agencies throughout the United States collectively reported 253 formal criminal enforcement actions, according to NASAA's most recent enforcement report, based on 2015 data. Galvin said that while states can and have been a driving force on financial regulation, a strong national regulator is better. "You need a national regulator; and if they cant, the states need to do the job and should," he said. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin in Boston and Suzanne Barlyn in New York. Editing by Carmel Crimmins, David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) By Sebastien Malo NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Transgender people in the United States are rushing to legally change their name and gender with the help of volunteer lawyers due to concerns the community's civil rights could be threatened under the administration of president-elect Donald Trump. In a race against the clock, transgender people have been connecting on Twitter using the hashtag #TransLawHelp with lawyers offering to help them make the changes free of charge before Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2017. Last week's victory for Trump has left many transgender advocates fearing a backlash against their community after the Republican candidate sent mixed messages on transgender rights during the campaign. Trump's choice for vice-president, Mike Pence, has rankled many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists who are wary of the current Indiana governor's years of opposition to gay rights. Transgender software engineer Riley, who asked to be identified by a first name only, created the #TransLawHelp hashtag after first finding legal assistance to change name with a Twitter message posted in the wake of Trump's victory. "I thought I might as well make it bigger," Riley said in a phone interview. Soon, Riley wrote on Twitter: "If you're a lawyer willing to offer pro-bono services for trans ppl to get their docs now, please use the HT #TransLawHelp." The 30-year-old New Yorker said that in the 24 hours following the post, the hashtag #TransLawHelp was used some 10,000 times according to a hashtag-tracking software. Riley acknowledged there was no clear indication that changing a name or gender on official ID cards would be made illegal under a Trump presidency, but added that distrust had prompted the initiative. Reports of slurs and attacks against people from minority groups, including gays, have been making the headlines since Trump won the Nov. 8 U.S. election. Story continues "I'm a little terrified after the election," Riley said. Cassandra Kirsch, a lawyer in Denver, Colorado, said she was immediately on board after hearing about the online movement. Though she has not gotten a referral yet, Kirsch said she has begun putting together a group of some 200 attorneys who also want to provide transgender people with name or gender change assistance for free. "Many attorneys like myself would not have known about the pressure for this need without the mobilization of individuals using the hashtag #TransLawHelp," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Her efforts will focus on helping transgender people change their gender marker on passports, a service that can usually cost a few thousand dollars in attorney fees, Kirsch said. (Reporting by Sebastien Malo, Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org) WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The first U.S. warship to visit New Zealand in more than 30 years was traveling toward a small coastal town on Wednesday to help in the evacuation of hundreds of stranded tourists and residents. The USS Sampson had been due in Auckland but changed course to help those stuck in Kaikoura after a powerful earthquake on Monday cut off train and vehicle access to the town. The magnitude 7.8 quake left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami, and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways. New Zealands military has been using large helicopters to evacuate about 200 people so far as part of a major rescue operation in Kaikoura. Theyve also been bringing in supplies of water, food and fuel. The American destroyer has two helicopters which it has offered to deploy. U.S. officials said they were not yet sure when the ship would arrive. Home to about 2,000 residents, Kaikoura is a popular destination for travelers taking part in whale-watching expeditions or wanting a stopover with mountain views. But the quake knocked out water supplies and sewer systems and left people with no easy way out. The visit by the U.S. ship is significant because it ends a three-decade-old military stalemate between the countries that was triggered when New Zealand banned nuclear warships. Although the U.S. has a policy of neither confirming nor denying if its military ships are nuclear powered or armed, New Zealands Prime Minister John Key has said hes satisfied the Sampson doesnt have nuclear capabilities. President-elect Donald Trump called Key on Wednesday to pass on his sympathies over the quake. Keys office described the conversation as very warm and cordial. Trump had tried to get in touch earlier in the week but Key had missed the call in the confusion after the quake. Key traveled by helicopter to Kaikoura on Wednesday. While hovering over a large landslide, he expressed surprise at the amount of debris. Story continues Look at this road here, this is really stuffed and theres thousands of meters (yards) of it, Key said. I just dont see how you can ever repair that bit of road. The whole mountain has moved over. New Zealand officials say that getting its highways repaired is likely to cost billions of dollars and take months to complete. In the capital, Wellington, several streets remained cordoned off after engineers determined that a nine-story office building was in danger of collapsing. Brendan Nally, the regional commander for the New Zealand Fire Service, said engineers were completing an inspection of the building Tuesday when they found a major vertical beam had failed above the fifth floor. Nally said the building was being renovated and was empty when the quake struck. Nearby buildings have been evacuated, including the national headquarters for the Red Cross, the Thai Embassy, the headquarters for New Zealand Rugby and an Anglican cathedral. And three cows were rescued after they had become stranded on a small island of grass in an area that was ripped apart by the quake. The predicament of the cows had attracted the interest of people around the world. Farmer Derrick Millton told the Newshub news service how he and other volunteers had rescued the cows. We cut a track with shovels and encouraged them down. Theyre very quiet cattle so it wasnt very hard to do, he said. By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's military said on Wednesday it was investigating an army officer who is an aide to President Yoweri Museveni's brother on charges that he was involved in securing a payment worth 500,000 euros from a foreign firm using a fake procurement contract. Businesses often complain about corruption in Uganda as a hindrance to doing business, while the opposition says graft also pervades the army. The government has vowed to crack down on corruption but top officials are rarely convicted. Military spokesman Paddy Ankuda told a news conference that Captain Ronald Mutebi Muhoozi, an aide to Museveni's brother Salim Saleh, had been detained alongside a civilian suspect for questioning over a corruption case. Salim is a retired senior officer who has an unofficial role as an adviser to President Museveni, who came to power in 1986 after leading a rebel group. Lawyers for Muhoozi and his civilian accomplice, named as Sam Ssimbwa, could not immediately be reached for comment. Ankunda said last year that the army captain and his civilian accomplice had colluded with others and posed as Defence Ministry representatives over a fake deal to procure body armor and armored vehicles. As part of the deal, the foreign firm was asked to pay an estimated 500,000 euros to "help in the processing of documentation," Ankunda said, adding the Ugandans behind the contract disappeared after that sum was paid. Ankunda said the purported procurement was "pure fraud" and that the military had never issued such a tender. "We're interested in finding out who pocketed this money," he said. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Edmund Blair) London (AFP) - Britain faced criticism Wednesday over strict criteria for children hoping to reach the UK after being evicted from France's "Jungle" migrant camp, with one prominent politician arguing London has broken its promise. The interior ministry published new guidelines on Monday which outlined how it would decide which children are eligible for a new life in Britain, after the notorious camp across the Channel at the port of Calais was cleared last month. If a child is Syrian or Sudanese, they are eligible up to the age of 15 under the guidelines -- but if they are any other nationality, this drops to age 12. Children may also be let in if they are identified as being at high risk of sexual exploitation, and they are eligible up to the age of 18 if they are accompanying a sibling who meets one of the other criteria. In addition, the interior ministry said those eligible must have arrived in Europe before March 20, have been present in the Calais camp on or before October 24, and their transfer to the UK must be determined to be in their best interests. Britain has accepted more than 300 children in recent weeks from the Jungle, including 19 girls who arrived in Scotland over the weekend. A further 1,600 unaccompanied minors from the camp were dispatched to shelters around France earlier this month, while they wait to hear whether they will be granted permission to go to Britain. - Children face 'uncertain future' - While some youngsters have been brought to Britain due to family ties in the country, others have had recourse to a government amendment passed in May which allows vulnerable minors to seek refuge in the country. The legislation was named after opposition Labour politician Alfred Dubs, who came to Britain under the "Kindertransport" scheme to help child refugees fleeing the Nazis. Responding to the interior ministry's new rules, Dubs said the new eligibility criteria "have breached both the letter and the spirit of the amendment". Story continues "I think they are trying to find a way of avoiding taking more than a handful of children, and what I fear is that while this applies to Calais, they will extend it to unaccompanied children in Greece and Italy as well," he said, referring to the two main entry points in Europe for refugees and migrants. More than 340,000 people have taken the sea route to Europe so far this year -- more than a quarter of them children, according to the UN refugee agency. Dubs' criticism of Britain's response to the situation was echoed by MPs within the Labour party and the British Red Cross. "Hundreds of children now face an uncertain future. We strongly urge the government to reconsider the criteria and to show compassion in this ongoing crisis," said Alex Fraser, the charity's director of refugee support. Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill defended the guidance, saying the Conservative government remained "absolutely committed" to bringing eligible children from France to Britain. Syrian and Sudanese 13- and 14-year-olds have been specified because they are more likely to qualify for asylum, Goodwill said, adding that he expected several hundred more children to be transferred from France in the future. A California man who fled Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies last year after they found meth in his car and was caught hiding in a train car near U.S. 77 and West O Street has been sentenced to federal prison. Adam Cervenka, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On Wednesday, Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf sentenced him to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release. On Aug. 29, 2015, deputies stopped Cervenka and Andraya Carroll in a 2015 Hyundai near Lincoln for following too closely and driving on the shoulder. Carroll admitted she had a marijuana chocolate in her purse, and deputies searched the vehicle and found more than 140 grams of meth in a Doritos can and inside a briefcase, according to an affidavit for arrest. The stop turned into a manhunt when Cervenka ran from the scene. After an extensive search that included a police dog and helicopter search, he was found about three hours later. Carroll was charged in state court with possession of a controlled substance and pleaded no contest. In March, she got 15 to 30 months in prison. Cervenka was later indicted on the meth charge. According to court records, Nebraska State Patrol troopers had stopped him that same day for going 21 mph over the speed limit in Cheyenne County and failing to stay in his lane, and in Hamilton County for going at least 16 mph over. KAMPALA (Reuters) - British private equity firm Actis has sold its remaining 14.3 percent stake in Uganda's sole power distributor, Umeme Limited (UMEME.UG), to investors including a local pension fund, allowing its shares to resume trading. Trading in Umeme shares was halted on Nov. 7 at the Uganda Stock Exchange (USE) and Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) after it announced that Actis was selling its stake. In a statement, Umeme said Actis had successfully sold the stake to institutional and retail investors, with Uganda's sole private sector pensions fund, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), buying a 7.5 percent stake. The purchase boosted NSSF's stake in Umeme to 23 percent, making it the utility's largest shareholder. "Actis' holding company for Umeme, divested its remaining 14.3 percent in the Company," Umeme said. The utility's healthy growth was "why credible investors are looking for an opportunity like this to invest in the company," the statement quoted Umeme Managing Director Selestino Babungi as saying. Umeme reported profit before tax of 161 billion Ugandan shillings ($45.38 million) last year, up from 102 billion in 2014. Umeme acquired a renewable 25-year power distribution concession in Uganda in 2005 and listed its shares on the two bourses in 2012. Actis was a founding shareholder but has gradually reduced its stake since the listing. ($1 = 3,548.0000 Ugandan shillings) (reporting by Elias Biryabarema; editing by Aaron Maasho and Jason Neely) By Matthias Williams and Gabriela Baczynska KIEV/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The Ukrainian parliament called on the European Union on Wednesday to grant the former Soviet republic visa-free travel, a day before the bloc is due to debate the matter, with sources pointing to hesitation on the side of Germany and France. Ukraine has been the heart of a dispute between the West and Russia since Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in the spring of 2014 and went on to back rebels in a war against government troops in the east of the country. The EU and United States have since imposed sanctions on Moscow and sought to build closer ties with Kiev, though they have also grown annoyed with Ukraine's slow progress on reforms and fighting corruption. Torn by growing eurosceptic and anti-migrant sentiment, the bloc has also gone cool on delivering a key reward to Kiev: dropping visa requirements for visiting Ukrainian citizens. "They have invited us to the large European building but tell us to wipe our feet. We wiped them once, we wiped them the second time, changed the shoes, put on slippers but are still standing in front of a closed door," said Leonid Yemets, a Ukrainian lawmaker with the People's Front group. "Now it's up to you dear EU staff and bureaucrats. If you are not able to deliver on your commitments then, excuse me, but neither you nor we... need such a Europe." Germany and France led the drive to hold off any new visa waivers before the EU beefs up an emergency mechanism to suspend free-travel agreements if needed. The bloc is wary of any repeat of a 2015 influx of some 1.3 million refugees and migrants, and leaders fear appearing soft on immigration following Britain's vote to leave the EU and the U.S. election of Donald Trump as president. Talks on this suspension mechanism would not be completed by Thursday, when 28 EU representatives meet on Ukraine, just a week before an EU-Ukraine summit is due in Brussels on Nov.24. Berlin is now seen as even more cautious ahead of elections in Germany next September in which an anti-immigrant party is seen performing well, diplomats in Brussels say. France also faces a presidential election in April next year, with an establishment candidate expected to face a run-off against anti-immigrant National Front leader Marine Le Pen in May. EU states may or may not take a formal decision on Ukraine on Thursday, depending on whether there is enough support. Any agreement would not take effect until the mechanism allowing it to be suspended is put in place, a condition also imposed when the bloc decided last month to waive visas for citizens of a smaller former Soviet state, Georgia. "We want the snap back mechanism, then it works," said a German government source. The Netherlands, where people voted last April against ratifying an agreement establishing closer ties between Ukraine and the EU, will also be in an awkward position on Thursday. The agreement, which aims to gradually free up trade between Ukraine and the bloc, is now being provisionally implemented after the other 27 EU members ratified it, despite Dutch voters rejecting it in a referendum. Feuds over that pact precipitated Ukraine's crisis in 2013, when a pro-Russian president in Kiev tried to abandon it for closer relations with Moscow only to trigger street protests that toppled him and led to Russia's seizure of Crimea. UKRAINIANS WORRIED Wednesday's Ukrainian parliamentary resolution urged the EU to grant Ukraine visa-free access by the end of the year. A failure to do so would frustrate pro-Western politicians in Ukraine, just days after two other former satellites of Moscow - EU member Bulgaria and ex-Soviet state Moldova - each elected presidents who favor closer ties with Russia. Ukrainians worry that the EU could link the visa liberalization with Kiev implementing its side of the Minsk peace agreement negotiated by Berlin and Paris for east Ukraine's Donbass region. The accord reduced fighting there considerably but delivering on further points of the peace plan has stalled for almost two years, with Kiev and Moscow trading blame. The Ukrainian parliament said relaxing travel rules to the EU should not include any additional criteria or conditions, "especially those beyond the responsibility" of Ukraine. The shock presidential election victory of Trump in the United States and his promises of improving ties with Russia only add to Ukraine's deep fear that Washington, Moscow and Berlin could now cut deals behind its back. "I was alarmed by talk of a link to Minsk agreements," Yemets told the parliament session in Kiev. Several diplomats in Brussels were skeptical that such a link would be imposed. They said that, while there has been speculation for some time about making the visa waiver conditional on the Minsk accord, Berlin has never presented such a stance officially. They said it would trigger a backlash from other EU states. "That's really not a road many want to follow," said one diplomat. "There could be delays but it's hard to imagine it (the visa waiver) would not happen eventually." (Additional reporting by Natalia Zinets in Kiev, Tom Koerkemeier in Brussels and Andreas Rinke in Berlin; editing by Peter Graff) United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is warning of a "very real risk of mass atrocities" in South Sudan and that peacekeepers deployed in the war-torn country will not be able to stop such a bloodbath. Ban told the Security Council in a report released Wednesday that the United Nations must clearly define what actions it is prepared to take in the event of mass killings. "There is a very real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, particularly following the sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement in recent weeks," Ban said. While UN peacekeepers will resort to "all necessary means" to protect civilians, "it must be clearly understood that United Nations peacekeeping operations do not have the appropriate manpower or capabilities to stop mass atrocities," he added. Nearly 14,000 soldiers and police are deployed in the UNMISS mission, but a recent report showed the peacekeepers failed to protect civilians during an outbreak of heavy fighting in the capital in July. "The limits on UNMISS ability to protect civilians in the current environment have been demonstrated clearly," he said in the report sent to the council last week. Ban plans to dispatch a delegation to the African Union in Addis Ababa to agree on a joint plan to confront a possible outbreak of mass violence in South Sudan. The plan could include the creation of an over-the-horizon force that would quickly deploy in a crisis. - Inundated with weaponry - The world's youngest nation, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and more than 2.5 million people displaced. The country won independence from Sudan in 2011, with strong support from the United States. A peace deal between President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar in August last year had raised hopes of peace, until clashes erupted in Juba four months ago. The UN Security Council agreed to deploy a regional force to Juba to improve security, but the government in Juba has balked at the deployment of the 4,000 troops. Story continues In a separate confidential letter to the council obtained by AFP, Ban said Kiir's government had shown "piecemeal and limited consent" for the proposed regional force while continuing to impede UNMISS in its work on the ground. The council, which will discuss South Sudan on Thursday, has threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan for its refusal to cooperate, but it has yet to take action. "South Sudan is inundated with weaponry, which is often turned on defenseless civilians," Ban said in his report, adding that "under the present circumstances, stopping the flow of additional arms into the country is critical for the protection of civilians." ABCs suspense-driven TV series How To Get Away With Murder Season 3 promises that the winter finale (episode 9) will finally reveal who is #UnderTheSheet. For weeks, we have been speculating the identity of the person who was in Annalise Keatings (Viola Davis) house when someone set it on fire. The list of the soon-to-be dead person dwindled when we learned that Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch) is the one who betrayed his surrogate mother and got her locked up. Episode 8 also axed Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee) from the list when we found out that he was busy pleasing Olivers crush, Thomas, while Annalises house burned down. Right now, the list of the possible unidentified male rotting at the morgue consists of two people Annalises former investigator Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber) and ex-boyfriend Nate Lahey (Billy Brown). So, who is it? 1. Frank It seems very obvious that Frank may be the man under the sheet. First of all, he was last seen pointing a gun to his chin in Annalises house. Secondly, he is willing to die in order be forgiven by the lawyer for killing her unborn child. Thirdly, he has no one to lose. After Bonnie (Liza Weil) told him to get out and he found out that Laurel (Karla Souza) loves Wes, why reason is there for him to stick around? However, if Frank is under the sheet, it wont be shocking at all. And HTGAWM is rarely predictable. 2. Nate The synopsis of the upcoming episode of How To Get Away With Murder reveals that Annalise will receive a tip about A.D.A Atwood (Milauna Jackson), Nates current girlfriend. This tip leads Annalise to have heated confrontation with Nate. Is this the reason why he dies? The second clue that supports the idea of Nate being under the sheet is that Viola Davis character was extremely upset when she found out who it was. It seems like only her ex-boyfriend, whom she still loves, could elicit such a reaction. But even Nate is a pretty obvious choice in this scenario which leads us to the idea of a possible third person. Story continues 3. A Third Person Remember Drake (Behzad Dabu)? He was the Middleton University student who defamed Annalises character by putting up photos of her with the words murder written on them. He could easily be the man under the sheet. The most important clue that supports this theory is that Wes readily produced evidence to the police to charge her with first degree murder. Wes could have Drakes laptop or lead the police to it which proves that he defamed Annalise and led to her suspension. In order to get back at him, she called him to her house and set it on fire. This seems like a very plausible explanation. However, it could be someone else entirely. Someone we never suspected. HTGAWM Season 3, episode 9, also the mid-season/winter finale, premieres Thursday, Nov. 17 at 10 p.m. EST on ABC. How To Get Away With Murder Photo: ABC/Craig Sjodin, Bob DAmico Related Articles LONDON (Reuters) - An unexploded World War Two bomb was found in Portsmouth Harbour on England's southern coast on Wednesday, halting traffic of cross-channel ferries at the port. The 500 lb bomb was discovered by a barge dredging the harbour ahead of the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth - the Royal Navy's new 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier. "This is the third piece of historic ordnance found in the harbour during the dredging works since September," said Bill Oliphant, Captain of Portsmouth Naval Base. The Royal Navy said disposal experts will tow the bomb out of the harbour and destroy it in open waters off the eastern Isle of Wight but the timing will depend on tides and weather conditions. (Reporting by Adela Suliman; editing by Stephen Addison) LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 16, 2016 / Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc. (UNIR), a leading global provider of vinyl-coated fabrics and soft trim technologies serving the automotive, recreational, industrial, contract, hospitality and healthcare markets, announced today that it will be presenting at the 9th Annual LD Micro Main Event on December 6th at 8AM PST/11AM EST. Howard Curd, President of Uniroyal Global, will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors during the event. Uniroyal's presentation will be webcast live and archived until December 6, 2017. Those wishing to access the presentation can do so by logging on to http://wsw.com/webcast/ldmicro11/unir or www.uniroyalglobal.com in the investor relations section. View Uniroyal Global's profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/UNIR News Compliments of Accesswire The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/microcap companies and will feature 240 presenting names. About Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc.: Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc. (UNIR) is a leading manufacturer of vinyl coated fabrics that are durable, stain resistant, cost-effective alternatives to leather, cloth and other synthetic fabric coverings. Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc.'s revenue in 2015 was derived 65% from the automotive industry and approximately 35% from the recreational, industrial, indoor and outdoor furnishings, hospitality and health care markets. Our primary brand names include Naugahyde, BeautyGard, Flameblocker, Spirit Millennium, Ambla, Amblon, Velbex, Cirroflex, Plastolene and Vynide. About LD Micro LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event). In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe. Story continues For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information. Uniroyal Contacts: Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc. Corporate Contact: Elizabeth Henson, 941-870-3950 LHenson@UniroyalGlobal.com or Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc. Public Relations: TTC Group, Inc. Vic Allgeier, 646-290-6400 vic@ttcominc.com SOURCE: Uniroyal Global Engineered Products, Inc. Marrakesh (Morocco) (AFP) - Nations, businesses and Washington's top diplomat urged president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday not to withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris Agreement and its commitments to preserve Earth for future generations. US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined the perils that await the world if leaders drag their feet on cutting planet-warming greenhouse gases, while poor nations and small-island states highlighted their own vulnerability to the predicted climate catastrophe. "At some point even the strongest sceptic has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening," Kerry said at a UN climate conference in Marrakesh, just a week after Trump's election to the White House. Before his election, the business tycoon called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming. The Marrakesh meeting has started to draft a roadmap for putting the agreement's goals into action, but many fear a Trump administration would destroy political momentum built up over years of tough negotiations, imperilling the very goals of the global pact. Kerry stressed Wednesday that "climate change should not be a partisan issue". "No one has the right to make decisions affecting billions of people based solely on ideology without proper input," he added. Major companies joined the chorus, calling for "continuation of low-carbon policies" and investment in a low-carbon economy. "We call on our elected US leaders to strongly support... continued US participation in the Paris Agreement," said an open letter signed by more than 360 companies and investors, mainly American, including a dozen Fortune 500 firms. The Paris pact sets the goal of limiting average global warming to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Story continues Countries, including the United States, have pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources. But Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal. "Time is not on our side," warned Kerry, who has made the fight against global warming a hallmark of his tenure. - Increasingly alarming - "The world is already changing at an increasingly alarming rate with increasingly alarming consequences." Thoriq Ibrahim, environment minister of the Maldives, said the time for action was running out "especially for small island states whose very existence is threatened by powerful storms, poisoned oceans, and rising seas". "And now politics has entered the discussion in a way that has again put our ultimate success in doubt," he said. "Indeed, we can understand the concern and frustration expressed by so many here and around the world that worry what the future may hold." Frederick Mitchell, foreign minister of The Bahamas, compared climate scepticism to the church's persecution of 17th century Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei for stating that the Earth revolved around the Sun. For those doubting climate scientists today, "there will be no comfort in 2050 if the scientists are then proven right," he said. "It will be too late for the sceptics to say sorry." Analysts say that on current emissions-curbing pledges, the world is headed for warming of about 3 C -- with land-gobbling sea level rise, worsening storms and droughts, disease spread, and conflict over ever-scarcer resources the result. While waiting for the new president to make his climate position clear, many now look to the rest of the world to bolster the Paris Agreement. At a ministerial-level gathering Wednesday, speaker after speaker, from Africa, South America, Russia, Asia and Europe, recommitted their nations to the pact. "We must honour commitments and consolidate mutual trust," said China's climate envoy Xie Zhenhua. Kerry said Washington was well on its way to meeting targets under the Paris pact, and "I do not believe that that can or will be reversed." Market forces, not politics, will dictate the world's energy future, the diplomat added. "That's why I'm confident for the future regardless of what policy might be chosen, because of the marketplace." While Trump's ascension to the US presidency has been uppermost on the minds of delegates in Marrakesh, diplomats have been pushing on with the nuts-and-bolts work of designing rules and procedures for the Paris Agreement's execution. And ministers met on Wednesday to discuss the hot-button issue of finance for staving off dangerous climate change. Washington (AFP) - A mayor from West Virginia has resigned amid a furor over a racist Facebook post that described First Lady Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels," US media said. Beverly Whaling, the mayor of the tiny town of Clay, had appeared to applaud the incendiary comment and stepped down Tuesday amid the ensuing firestorm. Local television news channel WSAZ confirmed that Whaling had resigned. According to WSAZ, Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey Taylor had posted after Donald Trump's election: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam." The comments were later deleted and both women's Facebook pages were eventually taken offline, The Washington Post reported citing local media. Staffers at the Clay County Development Corp. told WSAZ that Taylor had been removed from her position. Barack Obama's eight years in office have been marred by racial slurs against the nation's first African American president and his family. Clay has a population of less than 500, according to the 2010 census, and is the seat of Clay County in West Virginia. The furor over the racist comment, and the mayor's seemingly agreeable response, prompted an online petition drive to have the two women ousted. The text on www.thepetitionsite.com gathered nearly 160,000 signatures from across the country. Whaling had apologized in a statement Monday to The Washington Post, writing: "My comment was not intended to be racist at all." Michelle Obama emerged as a hugely popular surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail. Trump, a billionaire businessman, won West Virginia's five electoral votes, helping him to his unexpected triumph over Clinton. Axel Weber, UBS (Swiss Exchange: UBSG-CH) chairman and a former policymaker at the European Central Bank , told CNBC that he was bullish on the outlook for the U.S. but there would be little chance of a "full rollback" in banking and financial regulation. Weber, who was a member of the European Central Bank Governing Council from 2004 to 2011, told CNBC Wednesday that investors should not price in an overhaul of regulation. Investors have been keenly watching President-elect Donald Trump for any clue on what his financial policies might be - including a repeal of the Dodd-Frank act. "We are probably overshooting, at this point in time, the need for some of this re-regulation so there will be adjustment around the edges." "I don't expect a full rollback of regulation but I expect much less regulation to come," he added. The UBS chairman has spoken on numerous occasions of his belief that in comparison to the U.S., Europe is far too reliant on monetary policy to solve the continent's problems and should place much more of an emphasis on fiscal policy instead. The UBS chairman has spoken on several occasions of his belief that, in comparison to the U.S., Europe is far too reliant on monetary policy to solve the continent's problems and should place much more of an emphasis on fiscal policy instead. However, Weber argued that political uncertainties with volatile consequences in the financial markets are no longer a phenomenon for just emerging markets. The industrial world is now just as vulnerable to political events causing a lasting impact. "We have seen two sobering events (in Brexit and the U.S. elections) where we all need to be humbled about the use of projections and polls to predict the right outcomes of political events," said Weber at a conference hosted by UBS. "A lot of investors used to say 'it's the economy stupid'. I would now say we are in a world where 'it's politics stupid' because political events matter and they have very long-dated consequences on where economies go," he added. Story continues Weber concluded that due to the euro area being so vulnerable to political uncertainties both now and in years to come, the U.S. and Asia would would become more attractive for global investment. The ongoing Brexit saga, a fast-approaching constitutional referendum in Italy on December 4 and elections in Germany next year all contribute to investor interest in U.S. equities instead, the UBS chairman said. More From CNBC A row of towering pine trees that has lined a gravel stretch of North 27th Street for nearly four decades is at the center of a dollars and sense debate in Lancaster County. Gary Kuck of Lincoln owns 56 pines north of Arbor Road under the name Kuck Investment Partners and says Lancaster County is wasting taxpayer money buying up 120-foot rights of way to upgrade the rural portion of 27th Street to suburban standards. Kuck says the county should be using that money to repair other infrastructure, like the 11 bridges that have been closed because erosion made them unsafe. The county engineer's office has spent nearly $200,000 on rights of way and environmental certifications for North 27th Street. The owners of the 10 other properties affected by the project voluntarily sold their land to the county. Kuck is the only holdout. It just doesnt seem right to cut down trees to make a road wider than they really need, he said Tuesday. Cities need wide rights of way to make room for multi-lane paved streets flanked by underground utilities like water, sewer, fiber optics and electric transmission wires. But development is unlikely to happen where Kucks trees line North 27th Street, he said. Just behind the tree line is the flood-prone Salt Creek and saline marsh, habitat to the critically endangered tiger beetle. County Engineer Pam Dingman said the road needs to be fixed up, and the trees have to go. More than 250 cars a day travel the southern portion of the road, which needs to have stomach-lurching dips, line-of-sight and other issues corrected. Lancaster County commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday to begin eminent domain proceedings to take the land from Kuck. Dingman admits the county cant afford to build all potentially major streets within 3 miles of Lincoln to urban standards, and the county has many projects in need of funding. But in this case, she said, city plans and current standards demand the acquisition of 120 feet. The project stretches 1.8 miles from Arbor Road to Waverly Road and has been in the countys one- and six-year road and bridge plan since 2010 and is described in Lincoln's long-range transportation plan. Lincoln and Lancaster County have an agreement known as the Rural to Urban Transition for Streets that calls for major roads within the city's 3-mile zoning jurisdiction to be built to urban standards, including acquiring enough right of way so the roads can easily be expanded when they're annexed into the city. The idea behind the agreement is to make future expansion less painful and to make people who build aware of where the future right of way is likely to end. Standards for roads outside of the 3-mile zone call for 100-foot rights of way. Dingman, who supports transition agreement in principle, has said the county cant afford the program. When it was passed in 2006, commissioners rejected a proposed tax to pay for right-of-way acquisition, saying theyd figure the finances out later. Instead, the county has 93 miles of asphalt in need of overlay, 76 bridges ready for replacement and about 32 miles of gravel roads with traffic counts high enough to warrant paving. Dingman has said existing funding levels allow progress on about 10 percent of that need annually. Right of way within the 3-mile zone on the citys development fringe sells for $6,000 to $20,000 an acre. If the county waits until developers begin planning for an area, developers are required to donate right of way as part of the platting process for new subdivisions. Were paying for it at top dollar, when if we waited until development got up to the road it would be donated to us, Dingman said during an interview Monday. City officials have agreed to reopen the rural to urban transition agreement and hope to hash out a new one by spring. But the county needs right of way for the North 27th Street work now, Dingman said. Federal environmental permits that took years to procure expire in March 2018. Altering the project would mean starting from scratch, throwing away years of work and thousands of dollars, said County Commissioner Roma Amundson, who voted in favor of starting eminent domain proceedings, along with Commissioners Deb Schorr and Todd Wiltgen. The trees are beautiful trees, but there comes a point in time where you say, This is what the plan is. And you have to move forward with it, otherwise you have thrown $200,000 away, Amundson said. Until this very last moment, there have been no arguments brought up against it (improving North 27th Street). This should have been brought up a long time ago when we were approving the money for the right of ways, and when we were talking about going forward with the environmental impact study. Commissioner Larry Hudkins, who voted no, asked Dingman whether she could build the road with less right of way or compromise with Kuck to save the trees. No, she answered. There is 120 foot of right of way needed if you are going to look at that graded section. That is the standard. Commissioner Bill Avery also voted against using eminent domain, saying Dingman failed to prove a compelling public need for the project. If youre going to use such an extreme measure, then you have to have a compelling public interest to do so," he said. "And I have been unconvinced this project meets that particular criteria. The county took out all other trees within the project right of way before April 2015 in anticipation of being able to move forward with the project. Also Tuesday, commissioners approved the latest update to the countys one- and six-year road and bridges plan on a 3-2 vote. Hudkins, who leaves the board at the end of this year, voted no, saying the county should give higher priority to reopening closed bridges. Avery said he voted against it because it now includes the 27th Street project using eminent domain. Washington (AFP) - The United States insisted Tuesday its soldiers and spies in Afghanistan are not subject to prosecution by the International Criminal Court and any war crimes probe into their actions would be "unwarranted." On Monday, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she is considering whether to launch a full investigation into allegations that US troops and CIA operators tortured Afghan prisoners between 2003 and 2004. But Washington has not ratified the Hague-based court's founding Rome Statute, and State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States thoroughly investigates allegations against its personnel. "We have a robust national system of investigation and accountability that is as good as any country in the world," she said. "We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to the actions of US personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate," she added. "As we previously noted, the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and has not consented to ICC jurisdiction." While the US has been leading calls for those behind atrocities in the Syrian conflict to be brought to justice in The Hague, there is no chance of any US soldiers ending up in the dock. Last month, criticizing moves by some African countries to pull out of the court, State Department spokesman John Kirby said Washington thinks the "ICC has made valuable contributions in the service of accountability." But it has never been suggested that the United States itself, the world's superpower, would accept international accountability. The administration of former president George W. Bush authorized the use of so-called enhanced interrogation techniques -- including water boarding -- after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Those techniques were abolished by President Barack Obama when he took over the White House in January 2009, and he has since candidly admitted "We tortured some folks," but no CIA officer or political leader has been prosecuted. Washington (AFP) - A California senator introduced legislation Tuesday to rid the United States of its electoral college, the system that allowed Donald Trump to win the presidency despite Hillary Clinton's lead of nearly one million votes. The measure comes amid calls for reform following last Tuesday's presidential upset, but is a long-shot. "This is the only office in the land where you can get more votes and still lose the presidency," said Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer, who introduced the measure. The US Constitution specifies that the electoral college ultimately decides the presidential election, not the popular vote. Each US state is given a number of electors, which corresponds to the size of the state's population. In 48 of 50 states, rules require all of a state's electors to cast their votes for whichever candidate wins the popular vote there, in a winner-take-all system. Under these rules, the winner of the electoral college vote does not always correspond to the candidate who won the country's popular vote. "The electoral college is an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately. Every American should be guaranteed that their vote counts," Boxer said. Although Clinton received nearly 800,000 more votes than Trump, according to the latest partial results, she lost in the electoral college. The electoral vote is at 290 for Trump and 232 for Clinton, although one state has yet to be called. No matter its turnout, they do not have enough electors to bring Clinton a win. More than 4.3 million people have signed a petition on the change.org website asking the college's 538 electors to elect Clinton on December 19, when their votes will be officially counted. But because 26 states legally mandate that electors vote according to the rules and it is almost unprecedented for the remaining states' electors to disobey, there is little possibility of a Clinton presidency. Story continues Clinton's popular vote performance brings to mind the 2000 election, when Democrat Al Gore lost the White House despite taking 48.4 percent of the popular vote to George W. Bush's 47.9 percent. Hundreds of Constitutional amendments have been proposed over the decades concerning the electoral college, but none has succeeded. Amending the Constitution requires the agreement of two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states. Trump himself had strongly criticized the electoral college in 2012 calling it a "disaster." On Tuesday, however, he changed his tune. "The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different!" Trump tweeted. Washington (AFP) - The United States will not end up turning away from Asia in coming years, a top US military official said Tuesday, as Donald Trump's White House win kept regional allies fretting. The US president-elect sounded fairly isolationist on the campaign trail; in contrast, President Barack Obama, who grew up partly in Indonesia, made the region a priority. Trump annoyed Japan by saying it was not paying enough in the US-Japanese military relationship. He even suggested it might become a nuclear power in order to not rely on the United States to defend it. "It would be inappropriate for me to speculate on a potential policy initiative of the next administration or certainly for me to wade in politics," said Admiral Harry Harris, commander of US Pacific Command. "That said, I have no doubt that we will continue our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo Asia Pacific. "I want to ease any concerns from our partners and our potential adversaries: the Indo Asia Pacific is as important to America as it ever has been," Harris said. "I believe that our nation remain the security partner of choice in the region and will remain so well into the future," he added. US officials including Obama himself have rushed to reassure allies on the heels of Trump's November 8 election. Trump is due to take office on January 20. People are overwhelmingly signing up for encrypted emails after Donald Trumps Election Day victory, Swiss company ProtonMail announced. Between Nov. 8-9, the number of new account registrations more than doubled at ProtonMail, it said in a blog post titled Donald Trump will control the NSA what this means for your privacy, on Nov.11. The number of new registrations was still high days after the election. Although ProtonMail expressed concerns over privacy in a Trump administration, the company said it did not take any sides. We do not take any position for or against Trump, nor any position for or against any particular country or government, the company said. We believe privacy is an universal value, so we do not take any sides. ProtonMail said Trump will have big control over the NSA when he is president, and says he will be able to dictate how the agency operates through his power to appoint the NSA Director. The company says Trump will have no problem in getting confirmation on who he appoints, since Republicans have control of the Senate. President Trump will have complete freedom to appoint anyone he wants to carry out his orders, said ProtonMail. The company says it has received concerns from new users over privacy. Given Trumps campaign rhetoric against journalists, political enemies, immigrants, and Muslims, there is concern that Trump could use the new tools at his disposal to target certain groups, said the company. As the NSA currently operates completely out of the public eye with very little legal oversight, all of this could be done in secret, added ProtonMail. During his campaign, Trump spoke against Apple for failing to cooperate with the FBI in unlocking the iPhone of one of the San Bernardinos shooter. Trump also said NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has caused us tremendous problems. Other companies are also worried over Trumps presidency. Pinboard CEO Maciej Ceglowski voiced his concern after Trumps victory saying on Twitter, When Joe Arpaio is head of the FBI, the process for obtaining data from private industry will be streamlined, lets put it that way. Story continues If you work at Google or Facebook, please start a meaningful internal conversation about giving people tools to scrub their behavioral data, he added. Related Articles Photo credit: (AMRITA MARINO) From LennyLetter "What was your experience as a black woman in politics?" asked a student at Yale University during an event sponsored by the Yale Democrats and the Yale Black Women's Coalition. I shared my thoughts on the presidential election, my time with the Bernie Sanders campaign, the collective power of young people, and what it was like to be a young black woman in one of the craziest election cycles in recent memory. I told story after story of being the youngest, and oftentimes the only, woman with melanin in the room. I recounted to the students how I often was denied access to "staff only" entrances because individuals working the venue did not believe I was staff. I detailed an instance where a state trooper attempted to remove me from Senator Sanders's entourage for no other reason other than he thought I, a young, black, short-haired woman, did not belong there. I explained to the students that I experienced going to meetings or events where people would address my junior male colleagues assuming they were the senior and I would have to assert that I was in fact the decision-maker and lead point of contact. I had no idea my words, stories, and analysis would be so relevant due to the election of a candidate endorsed by the KKK. I had no idea my words, stories, and analysis would be so relevant due to the election of a candidate endorsed by the KKK. One of the best parts of the evening was the Q&A after where I got to meet the students, take pictures, and hear some of their takeaways and experiences. During this time, multiple young women of color thanked me for demonstrating that it was OK to be our "authentic selves." I held back tears as young African American, Latino, Native American, and Asian American women attending one of the most prestigious universities in the country told me how rare it was for someone, especially a black, twentysomething woman, to come to their campus and deliver a message that underscored one does not have to "put on" or use their "work voice" in order to fit in, be respected, or be successful. They told me it was refreshing to see me standing where I was, speaking my own truth. Story continues Until that cool October evening at Yale University, I had not realized that I no longer had a "work voice." We all know what the "work voice" is - the voice or tone many people of color or women may use in professional settings, but it differs from the actual way she or he normally sounds. The "work voice" is our way of being professional and not standing out in an unpleasant way. We're taught the "work voice" as early as our first intern training program, or honestly maybe earlier, from the television shows we watch. A change of tone or voice may seem like no big deal on the surface. But it can lead to women of color also stifling their thoughts, ideas, passions, and purpose to fit into someone else's box. A change of tone or voice may seem like no big deal on the surface. But it can lead to women of color also stifling their thoughts, ideas, passions, and purpose to fit into someone else's box. There was a time when one could have found my work voice on my voice mail, at the office, on a conference call, or whenever I answered a random number on my cell phone. Then, in 2014, I joined the progressive trade movement. I sat in meetings with people every day who did not look like me, and it appeared they never hesitated to be themselves. They never hesitated to give their opinion. There, I realized if I wanted to be effective in my work environment, my "work voice" would not be enough. I needed to get bold and assert myself as someone who was valuable to the team and had a perspective that mattered. Shedding my "work voice" was a process. It did not happen overnight. The day I glided onto the national stage, I left my work voice at home. It was with a loud, boisterous, commanding voice that I took the stage in August 2015 in front of 15,000 people in Seattle, Washington. There, I told the story of Michael Brown and the young people who took to the streets of St. Louis and all over America in the aftermath of his death, galvanizing a movement. It was with this voice I exclaimed, "Yes, Black Lives Matter," and it was with my voice, my authentic voice, that I proudly told the crowd I was joining the campaign as Bernie Sanders's national press secretary. The day I glided onto the national stage, I left my work voice at home. Every day since then, I have used my authentic voice. Whether it was on a conference call to note that what someone was suggesting was culturally insensitive, so "we aren't going to say that," or whether it was in an email asserting, "Respectfully, that is incorrect." Every single day, I rely upon my authentic voice to show up. It was my authentic voice that helped calm the waters during a rocky convention when I exclaimed, "No one stole the election from us." It is my authentic voice that regularly pushes the boundaries in mainstream newspapers about the need for young people to be heard and our role in this election. It is my authentic voice - despite people telling me, "You are only here because you are black," or that no one would "ever pay you to talk again," - that earned me a contract with CNN as a political commentator. The authenticity of my voice has allowed me to harness my political power and even more so, my power as a young woman of purpose. While speaking with these dynamic young women following my speech, I remembered a time not too long ago when I was uncomfortable with who I was. I expressed to the young women that we do ourselves a disservice when we have a "work voice," and that every single time we decide to show up as someone else or put on a facade, we are in fact losing. And not only do we lose, but the millions of lives we're all called to change and influence lose simultaneously. At that moment, in the hallowed halls of Yale University, two young ladies looked at each other and agreed: "Today, we are going to commit to being ourselves, and we have to hold each other accountable. It starts today." Make that three. I, too, refuse to have a work voice and am committed to holding myself and other women accountable in love and purpose. It's my hope that young women near and far will lean in to who they are and embrace their own authenticity. It is my hope that we won't shrink, but rise to the occasion. The truth is that not only do we not need to fit in others' boxes, but a life of authenticity gives us two choices: (1) create our own boxes, or (2) be boxless. It's my hope that young women near and far will lean in to who they are and embrace their own authenticity. On November 8, 56 million Americans voted for Donald Trump. Going forward, I am committed to using my voice to create change. It is honestly exhausting to wake up every single day and fight, but that is in fact what I intend to do. I know I stand on the shoulders of brilliant, beautiful women like Shirley Chisholm, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, Barbara Jordan, Carol Braun Mosely, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Donna Brazile, and so many others who never hesitated to use their authentic voices. They are whom I draw my strength from. That is how I intend to move forward. Ladies, now is the time to be exactly who we are. Symone D. Sanders is a champion of women and the former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign. When United Talent Agency opened UTA Artist Space in Boyle Heights last summer it was venturing where no agency had gone before - the Eastside, a beachhead in the heart of downtown's burgeoning arts district. But on Sept. 18, the morning after their successful inaugural opening featuring the photography of Larry Clark, they found an eviction notice on the door: "OCCUPANTS: UNITED TALENT AGENCY, LUHRING AUGUSTINE, JOSHUA ROTH, JIM BERKUS, LARRY CLARK, JOHNNY DEPP, WES ANDERSON, COEN BROTHERS, LENA DUNHAM and others of BEVERLY HILLS REASON: DISPLACEMENT OF WORKING CLASS AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED BY THE PEOPLE OF BOYLE HEIGHTS, who have fought for decades to preserve affordable housing for low-income families, reduced violence in the neighborhood, and have given their own labor and resources to make Boyle Heights a culturally vibrant community, that you must REMOVE YOUR BUSINESS from the neighborhood immediately. THE PEOPLE OF BOYLE HEIGHTS." It was placed there the previous night, after closing, by a protest march attended by longtime residents as well as a coalition of community groups such as Union de Vecinos, Defend Boyle Heights and the Los Angeles Tenants Union coming together in support of Boyle Heights Alliance Against Art-Washing and displacement (BHAAAD). Read more: UTA Inaugurates New Artist Space With Larry Clark Exhibit "These galleries aren't meant for the community," Joshua Hernandez of Defend Boyle Heights tells The Hollywood Reporter. "These galleries are targeted for more affluent, not necessarily white, but when you go to the galleries, there's a lot more white people and people with money." Art lawyer Joshua Roth established UTA Fine Arts in January 2015. Since then, they have brokered numerous deals such as getting client Kanye West's video, "All Day/I Feel Like That" shown as an exhibit at LACMA, as well as contributing to the documentary Sky Ladder about Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. Story continues UTA wouldn't comment on heightened tension in the neighborhood, but at the September opening, CEO Jeremy Zimmer told The Hollywood Reporter, "The way people tend to respond to new things is with a healthy degree of excitement and skepticism," adding, "the good news is we get to define it as we go along." Some redefinition might be in order. Many in a community rife with drug addiction and poverty view the decision to show Larry Clark's photos of teenagers hooking up and shooting up as insensitive to their plight. "We still struggle with addiction and gang violence," said Hernandez, who has lived in Boyle Heights for 30 years. "As far as I know none of my community members were included or invited to go see this. It was for an affluent group while our community still struggles with this. So this is kind of commodifying our own struggles." Read more: Christie's Fall Preview and L.A. Dance Project Take Over UTA Artist Space UTA Artist Space isn't the only one being targeted. Self-Help Graphics & Art, a community mainstay since the Chicano movement, was condemned for assisting Hopscotch, an avant-garde opera in cars staged in the neighborhood a year ago. And last week, police at the Hollenbeck Division brought hate crime charges against whoever spray-painted Nicodim Gallery with the words, "F - White Art." "This is not a hate crime. There are many white allies in our groups, artist themselves. This is a step toward fighting white supremacy," says Hernandez, whose group issued a statement charging police with the deaths of five in their community so far this year, including 14-year-old Jesse Romero. "We just witnessed Trump's election. Hate has been legitimized. We've been seeing it for a long time. So this is our political statement, it's our community expressing its anger." In recent years, gentrification has steadily encroached on traditionally Latino Eastside communities like Echo Park, Lincoln Heights and Highland Park. But Boyle Heights, the focal point of the Chicano identity movement of the '60s, is considered a culturally vital and quintessential working-class Latino community. There's no doubt that rapidly rising real estate prices will drastically change a neighborhood where 75 percent of the population rents. "We're not naive. We understand change is going to happen," says Hernandez. "What we want to do is guide that change. These buildings have been empty for a long time and they should be utilized for the community. We need housing, we need homeless shelters, we need work centers, we need youth centers." A version of this story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Val Kilmer has a lot of admiration for his Ghost in the Darkness co-star Michael Douglas. Last month, Douglas claimed at a Q&A in London, England, that Kilmer had been diagnosed with tongue cancer. Kilmer quickly denied such claims in a radio interview, and said while he has "love" for Douglas, the 72-year-old actor was "misinformed." EXCLUSIVE: Michael Douglas on Life After Cancer -- 'This Is My Third Act' On Tuesday night, Kilmer, an outspoken and lifelong Christian Scientist, shared on Facebook that Douglas wrote the 56-year-old actor "a nice note apologizing" for suggesting to the press overseas that he "wasn't doing too well." "[He] was grateful to hear I am doing well," Kilmer wrote. "He's a classy guy." The Kiss Kiss Bang Bang star also recounted how he first met Douglas. "[Director] Oliver Stone insisted I meet him, knowing what Michael would say about Oliver torturing him during Wall Street," Kilmer recalled. "It was hilarious and Oliver was relishing reliving Michael's pain. It all worked out and all was forgiven on Oscar night I believe." WATCH: Shannen Doherty Brings Chelsea Handler to Tears Talking About Her Battle With Cancer Last week, Kilmer made his first public appearance since denying he has cancer, and had trouble speaking as he admitted that he did have health issues that forced him to cancel a tour. "I went into rehearsals down in Florida and started having trouble with my speech," he explained. "Obviously, I'm still recovering. My tongue swelled up and I canceled the tour. As I'm recovering I'm showing this." Related Articles BARCELONA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Vodafone said regulators could look favourably on any wider tie-up between the mobile telecoms giant and cable company Liberty Global in Europe because it would counterbalance the power of former incumbents in Germany, Italy and Britain. "The European Commission has clearly indicated that they like the idea of stronger competitors to former incumbents," Vodafone Chief Executive Vittorio Colao told analysts and investors at a Morgan Stanley industry conference in Barcelona on Wednesday. "They see that in each country there is a KPN, a Telecom Italia (TLIT,MI), a Deutsche Telekom, a BT , that are at the end of the day still incredibly, I would not want to use the word dominant, but let's say influential. And you want a counter force, and we could be that counter force," he said. Vodafone and Liberty joined forces in the Dutch telecoms market in August, agreeing the local deal in February soon after talks on a wider European tie-up failed. Analysts, however, say Liberty and Vodafone remain natural partners in Europe as mobile and fixed line broadband markets converge. Colao said the Dutch joint venture had started off "very well", but when asked if it could be viewed as a trial leading to a wider deal he said, "not necessarily". "Each market is different, they have different objectives in other markets, we have different strengths in different markets, but of course it helps," he told the audience at Morgan Stanley's Telecoms, Media and Technology conference. "My sense is it depends on how their strategy evolves and how the markets evolve." (Reporting by Harro ten Wolde; Writing by Paul Sandle; Editing by Greg Mahlich) When Chinese voters go to the polls, it is only to pick local representatives to advise on mundane issues like rubbish collection and parking. But when Ye Jinghuan sought election in Beijing, she was treated like an enemy of the state. Plainclothes officers tailed the 64-year old retiree as she left her home on polling day Tuesday, and she faced constant harassment from police and government officials after announcing her run, she said. The nationwide contest for spots in local legislatures, held every five years, is the only direct election in the People's Republic of China. Authorities were eager to show off what they describe as democracy "with Chinese characteristics", with officials ushering dozens of reporters into a polling station in Xingfu, in central Beijing. Voters filled out their pink ballot papers in front of officials, ignoring a screened-off area labelled "Secret Balloting Place". Chinese law states that anyone over 18, who has not been stripped of their political rights, can stand for election and vote. "Ethnicity, gender, party, residence, economic situation, there are no limits," crowed Liu Xiancai, who heads the Xingfu election office. But Ye's experience was different. Candidates must be backed by 10 people or nominated by their workplace to stand. But official election committees ultimately decide who gets on the ballot. "The government can't let someone like me be a candidate," Ye said. "I would express my own thoughts. When the people's congress opens session, I would cast an opposition ballot." - Tightening control - Ye's platform was simple: better controls on traffic, more elder care facilities, and making it easier for constituents to contact their delegates. But her seemingly innocuous ideas provoked a strong reaction from local police, who closely monitored her behaviour and prevented her meeting foreign media. The authorities' response to Ye indicates how China is tightening controls on even anodyne political expression, said Yaxue Cao of Chinachange.org, a US-based website advocating for increased democracy. Story continues A key meeting of top Communist leadership in October called for increased ideological discipline and warned ruling party members against criticising the official line. In a pyramidal system, the elected local representatives choose municipal delegates, who choose provincial legislators, who in turn select members of the national parliament -- which is widely expected to hand Communist party General Secretary Xi Jinping a second term as president in 2018. Tuesday's election is "very low-level, grassroots", Cao said, adding "there really isn't much you can do to push for political reform". But "even on this useless grassroots level, simply by stating you're an independent candidate, you're challenging them". Almost all the 21,765 candidates on ballot papers across Beijing came from the ruling party, with a token few from China's eight other official parties, none of which oppose communist rule. Authorities had thwarted around 20 other independent campaigns in the capital, Ye told AFP by phone, adding it was "not safe" for anyone to put their name to her nomination. - Democracy a threat Red banners around Beijing proclaim that the local elections are the "foundation" of China's system of governance, but the weeks leading up to the polls saw no rallies, no eager candidates glad-handing voters or campaign posters. Last week around 50 mostly elderly voters gathered in a community centre basement in one of Beijing's ancient hutong neighbourhoods to meet the district's official candidates. The three competitors for two seats spoke briefly about their backgrounds, but spent almost no time discussing issues beyond a neighbourhood beautification campaign. Questions from the audience focused on practical aspects of daily life and there was little discussion of larger political questions, such as the government crackdown on corruption under Xi or the nation's widening income gap. Only one woman, a retiree in her 60s, expressed dissatisfaction with China's direction: "The government is failing to meet our needs at every level," she said to a smattering of applause. There is no room for such dissent on the ballot: the Communist party has described multi-party democracy as an existential threat, and state media have savaged the circus atmosphere of this years US presidential election. Earlier this month, plainclothes police broke up Ye's campaign event in western Beijing, turning away several supporters and two AFP reporters. China's elections are "not the same as the West", an elderly man proudly told reporters as he left the polling station in Xingfu Tuesday. "The government is under the leadership of the Communist Party." Turkey time means something entirely different in Leons house. Thats because Leon the turkey, who lives at the Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary in Stockton, California, isnt your average bird. Hes best described as a dog in a turkeys body, since he loves kisses, hugs and belly rubs, according to ABC 10, who reported the story. He just took to people immediately, sanctuary manager Christine Morrissey told the station, explaining that Leon was recently found wandering the streets in Ventura County. Leon was at an animal shelter before being taken in by Harvest Home, where hes shown himself to be quite the feathery love bug. He adores affection, likes being stroked and carried leading people to wonder whether he was ever someones pet. For an animal to immediately trust us and want companionship, that is, definitely I would say, an unusual trait, Morrissey said. Leon has a lot to be thankful for this year, since hes been granted a forever home at the sanctuary and potentially a job as a therapy turkey so, lucky is what this bird really is. He certainly is the age of a turkey that would be slaughtered for Thanksgiving dinner, Morrissey added. Nancy Hicks Reporter Nancy Hicks reports on Lincoln city government, but shes been following the leaders of local and state government for more than 40 years. Follow Nancy Hicks 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 Many of the people who live around Taylor Park dont want the city to move the playground that now sits in the northern quarter of the park, and several dozen showed up at a recent Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting to share their opinions. Every year the city sets aside money to replace playground equipment in two to four neighborhood parks (four, with help from grants). Taylor Park, located a few blocks west of CHI St. Elizabeth, is scheduled for a playground update in 2017. City staff have recommended moving the play area to the south, to get away from a stream that flows next to the current site and is considered a danger to children. Though generally the stream is quite shallow, it does fill the banks during major storms. It is also more difficult to get heavy construction equipment into the current site, which is not near a street and is surrounded by mature trees. The proposed site is closer to more of the homes served by the park and can be seen from a nearby street -- for better police patrolling. But many of the neighbors like where the park equipment is. They like the cool shade provided by those mature trees which ring the area. They like that many houses back onto that area and can keep watch over the little playground. They think putting a playground area next to the Eastridge Elementary School playground is duplication. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will make a decision on the location of the Taylor Park playground at next months meeting. In addition to specific issues related to the park, many neighbors really dont like the black rubber mat that often is substituted for gravel or sand in many new playgrounds. Its hot-hot ... too hot in the Nebraska summer, they say. The city has been hearing more complaints about the black rubber, made from recycled tires, and may have a solution, said J.J. Yost, with Parks and Rec. Lighter-colored matting material that used to be too expensive has come down in price, he said. The city uses the mat on a portion of all new playgrounds to make the area accessible to children with disabilities, Yost said. Brainstorm saves city money The city was about to sign a purchase agreement for more than $1 million for property near the south Home Depot for a combined police-fire station when Public Safety Director Tom Casady had a brainstorm. Casady was driving past the acreage of friends Kirby and Patty Poppert, which is very near the commercially zoned location the city wanted, and saw a hayrack sitting in front of the house. They had just mowed. Casady called up his friend. I learned an important life lesson -- everything is for sale, he joked, about the ensuing conversations with his friends. After some consideration, his friends decided it was time to sell the acreage at 6601 Pine Lake Road, which is zoned residential, and move somewhere easier to maintain. And the city is buying the acreage for $442,500, rather than what it had expected to spend on the other property -- $1.1 million to $1.7 million. So we are probably saving $600,000, on the low end," Casady said. The 10-acre parcel has five unusable acres, with the back five acres in the floodway, where Beal Slough comes through. So the construction will take place on the front five acres. Plus construction of the new station will have to be coordinated with the widening of Pine Lake Road. Casady said a few of the neighbors in nearby Country Meadows are not real jazzed about a fire station there, but he thinks the site is a nice parcel for the citys use. East Beltway a top desire Planners, getting input on the citys long-range transportation plan in the past few months, asked for feedback from the general public. The public -- at open houses and through survey forms -- said they want maintenance of current streets as top priority. That feedback supported the planners initial recommendation that more transportation money be set aside for rehabilitation and maintenance. But construction of the East Beltway also rose to the top in public sentiments. However, doing both -- prioritizing maintenance and saving up for the East Beltway -- is impossible with current funding. It would take all the street funds to even begin the East Beltway, planners said. Protecting Woods Park The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is recommending the city not add any parking spaces to the Health Department parking lot in Woods Park. City leaders want to add around 30 parking stalls to the lot that serves the Health Department, because the Parks and Recreation Department headquarters is moving into the third floor of the Health Department Building, 3140 N St. The board was concerned about granting the request to use more park land for parking, or anything, said Bob Ripley, the state Capitol administrator and a veteran member of the Parks and Recreation Board. The board was split, 7-6, and because its vote is advisory only it is unlikely to stop the City Council from approving the use of additional Woods Park land for parking. You may have noticed an uptick in Space Jam nostalgia on the interwebs today. Thats because Nov. 15 marks the 20th anniversary of the beloved Looney Tunes-Michael Jordan animated/live-action clash. Not only that, but Warner Bros. Home Video has released a shiny new steelbox commemorative Blu-ray to mark the occasion. Related: Space Jam Turns 20: How Michael Jordans Oddball Cartoon Mashup Became a Beloved 90s Time Capsule To celebrate, we had voice actors Bob Bergen and Bill Farmer join us for a live chat on Facebook, which you can watch above. Together, these two voiced a handful of the Looney characters that hit the hardwood with M.J. (and Bill Murray, of course) in the 1996 hit: Bergen is the man behind Marvin the Martian, Porky Pig, and Tweety, while Farmer did Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam, and Sylvester the Cat. Bergen and Farmer are actually two of the most prolific voice actors in the business. Farmer currently does Goofy and Pluto for Disney properties like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and together the pair have contributed voices for Toy Story 2, Inside Out, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Up, and Monsters, Inc., among many other hits. Some highlights from our chat: They never got to meet Michael Jordan. While its not surprising to hear they didnt work with the retired Chicago Bulls legend, given No. 23 shot live-action scenes and they recorded in sound booths, Bergens story about seeing the baller at the films world premiere was worthy of a Sad Jordan Face. He said he spotted Jordan at the event, but the athletes security detail wouldnt let anyone not even his costars approach him. Theyre still awaiting word on Space Jam 2. [You] know as much as we do, its been in the trades, its been rumored, Bergen said of the sequel, which LeBron James has been lobbying to make. Both agreed now would be the right time to do it, even if theyre still in the dark about its chances. A lot of people think we have a lot of inside information as actors, Farmer said. No, were kind of like the plumber. They call, we go and do a job, we voice it, and go home. Check out their voice-off. In a tradition we started with Zootopia voice actors Maurice LaMarche and John DiMaggio, we had Farmer and Bergen go back-and-forth firing off their many voices, with appearances from Porky, Goofy, Yosemite Sam, Tweety, George W. Bush, a gremlin, and more. Enjoy! The Space Jam 20th Anniversary Steelbook is now available. The Undertaker hasnt been seen on WWE television since WrestleMania 32, when he avoided a Shane McMahon elbow from the top of Hell in a Cell and ran his record at the biggest show of the year to 23-1. Since then, Undertaker terrified everyone by showing up around his native Texas using crutches (reportedly as part of rehab from a hip surgery). But then last month, he popped up in Cleveland to hang out with the Cavaliers before their season opener and looked fantastic, albeit slightly like a Madame Tussauds version of himself. Word got around that Undertaker would be making his grand return to WWE television on Tuesdays special 900th episode (not actually the 900th episode) of Smackdown, which is also the go-home show before Sundays massive Survivor Series pay-per-view. Rumor had it that Undertaker might start teasing a program for his next WrestleMania opponent, but this return ended up being a lot more than that. Not only was this Undertakers return to WWE, it was his first appearance on Smackdown in three and a half years, which is totally nuts. The big return happened right at the end of Tuesday nights episode of Smackdown. The team members of the mens Smackdown Survivor Series team were in the ring for a Cutting Edge interview and began arguing amongst themselves, when they were suddenly interrupted by the Undertakers gong and music, and The Dead Man made his customary long walk to the ring. Undertaker looked over the Survivor Series team, then turned to stare down Shane McMahon. Undertaker took the microphone and said Shane has no fear, so theres no better man to be commissioner of Smackdown. He said he was here tonight for two reasons. One, WrestleMania will no longer define who he is. Hes back, taking souls and digging holes. Survivor Series was where the Undertaker was born, and Smackdown has always been his home, which is why hes back now. His second reason for being there was to issue a warning to team Smackdown. He told them that if they fail at Survivor Series, they will have reason to fear the Dead Man. He demanded that team Raw rest in peace on Sunday. The fight for Mosul, ISIS' last stronghold in Iraq, has raged for nearly a month, and Iraqi forces and their allies have moved into the eastern side of the city. As the battle for Mosul rages, the US-led coalition assisting Iraqi efforts to destroy the terrorist group has continued to hit ISIS targets around the country. In the clip below, a US-led strike on November 5 takes out a factory in Tal Afar producing one of ISIS' favorite and most destructive weapons: vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. via GIPHY That Tal Afar strike took place about 50 miles west of Mosul, where four airstrikes that same day targeted ISIS positions, vehicles, weapons systems, and tunnels. Iraqi forces, fighting with Kurdish peshmerga forces and Shiite militias, have made considerable advances in and around Mosul's environs, but they have encountered stiffer resistance closer to and inside the city, and progress has slowed. While ISIS has a favorable position in terms of defending the city, its supply lines are much more tenuous, and resupply has become an issue for the terrorist group. A displaced Iraqi woman cries after she finds out that her 15-year-old son Maitham was killed by an Islamic State mortar in Samah neighborhood, Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah The pressure of the Iraqi-led offensive has also affected the psychology of the group, giving rise to more suspicion within its ranks. Reports indicate that executions have become more common, as ISIS leadership suspects its members and the people within its territory of plotting against it or of aiding the forces it is fighting. Iraqi civilians in particular the million or so still inside Mosul, some of whom are facing hunger have suffered especially harshly as the Mosul offensive wears on. Their presence in the city has put them in the line of fire between ISIS and Iraqi forces, sometimes by design of the terrorist group, which has executed dozens in recent days, sometimes for simply having a cellphone. In areas liberated from ISIS, Iraqi forces have been accused of abusing and executing civilians suspected of having ties to the terrorist group. Story continues Meanwhile, in the US, the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that it will appoint several advocates of the US's 2003 invasion of Iraq which in part led to the rise of ISIS years later to top national-security positions. NOW WATCH: Footage reveals ISIS' secret underground tunnels near Mosul More From Business Insider From aliens threatening the future of planet Earth in Denis Villeneuves ethereal sci-fi drama Arrival, to the emotional and physical aftermath of a womans brutal rape in Paul Verhoevens Elle, heady subjects abound in this seasons field of adapted screenplays. Arrival Paramount Written by: Eric Heisserer (screenplay) based on the short story: Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang A story about motherhood and loss in the guise of a suspenseful, sci-fi thriller is moody and lugubrious and wistful in all the right ways. While the films central character is a linguist, its most powerful moments lay in the silence between the words. Denial Bleecker Street Written by David Hare (screenplay) based on the book: History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier by Deborah Lipstadt This riveting courtroom drama recounts the legal battle between by acclaimed Jewish historian Deborah Lipstadt and infamous Holocaust denier David Irving, who sued Lipstadt for libel in his native England. Elle Sony Pictures Classics Written by: David Birke (screenplay) based on the book: Oh by Philippe Djian Complex emotions and conflicting desires bubble to the surface in Paul Verhoevens slow-burning thriller about a woman (Isabelle Huppert) dealing with the repercussions of rape. Outrageous and unpredictable in equal measure, Birkes screenplay never plays it safe and voters could respond to the French-language films audacious narrative choices and bold characterizations. Fences Paramount Written by: August Wilson (screenplay) based on his play The mark of a great script is one whose words and dialogue stick with you long after the movie ends, developing a life outside of the confines of the big screen. The screenplay should also provide material rich enough for its actors to turn in their best possible performances. Fences, about a black working-class family in 1950s Pittsburgh, is that script. Wilsons language is rhythmic, and it enables stars Viola Davis and Denzel Washington to turn in what are arguably the most dynamic performances of their careers. Story continues Hacksaw Ridge Lionsgate Written by: Andrew Knight and Robert Shenkkan (screenplay), inspired by the documentary: The Conscientious Objector The trick here is to get voters to see the film as an achievement of writing as much as directing. The brutal battlefield sequences may be viewed as the main event, but the movies power truly derives from the carefully constructed build-up exploring Desmond Doss commitment to never wielding a weapon. Hidden Figures Fox Written by: Allison Schroeder and Ted Melfi (screenplay), based on the book: by Margot Lee Shetterly A snappy script brings out the heart and the humanity of this true story about three African-American women who each played pivotal roles in the early days of NASAs triumphant efforts to send men into outer space. Crowd-pleasing dialogue exchanges and heart-tugging moments could land it a spot in the writing race. The Jungle Book Disney Written by: Justin Marks (screenplay) based on the books: The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling The classic story about a young boy named Mowgli raised by a family of wolves gets a modern facelift. The screenplay is signature Disney, punctuated with valuable life lessons as Mowgli embarks on a wild and fun adventure. Lion The Weinstein Co. Written by: Luke Davies (screenplay) based on the book: A Long Way Home: A Memoir by Saroo Brierley. A young Indian boy gets separated from his birth mother and family and finds himself halfway around the world in Australia in this heartbreaking tearjerker about adoption, ethnic identity, and discovering your true self. Nocturnal Animals Focus Features Written by: Tom Ford (screenplay), based on the book: Tony and Susan by Austin Wright A structural triumph, Fords stylish thriller unfolds in three overlapping storylines present, past, and a fictional meta-narrative and speaks directly to the deeply personal experience of reading (or watching) a story unfold. The films trippiest diversions may turn off conservative voters, but a nomination would be guaranteed to keep the race lively. Sully Warner Bros. Written by: Todd Komarnicki (screenplay) based on the book: Highest Duty by Capt. Chesley Sully Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow Komarnickis scripted re-creation of the day Capt. Chesley Sullenberger landed a damaged plane in the Hudson and saved everyone on board is at its best a sobering, nuanced character study about what its like to become an overnight international hero. ALSO: Two films that have not yet screened but could shake up the race: Live by Night, adapted by Ben Affleck from the Dennis Lehane novel, and Jay Cocks script for Martin Scorseses long-awaited Silence. Related stories Real Life Offers Best Research for Roles in Films Like 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'Loving' Mel Gibson on the 'Hacksaw Ridge' Artisans Who Brought WWII to Life 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'Allied' Secure China Release Dates Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump The Syrian government seems pleased with US President-elect Donald Trump's stunning victory last week. The government last week signaled its relief that Hillary Clinton lost, saying it was "happy" she did not win because "she's the one who considered all these terrorist, Islamist, jihadist groups as moderate rebels." And Syrian President Bashar Assad followed up Tuesday by saying Trump will be a "natural ally" if he keeps his promise to fight "terrorists" in Syria. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if ... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad told Portugal's RTP state television. Zakaria Malahifji, head of the political office of an Aleppo-based rebel group, told Reuters last week that he fears that things for Syria's opposition "will become difficult because of Trump's statements and his relationship with Putin and Russia." "I imagine this is not good for the Syrian issue," he added. A source close to the Syrian-American community, who wished to remain anonymous, put it bluntly. "This is the most dreadful turn of events imaginable, I think," the source, whose family is from Damascus, told Business Insider. "We're scared for our lives," he added. "But we're afraid if we criticize Trump he will be more likely to let Russia bomb the opposition into oblivion." Hmeymim base russia syria Trump has said he wants to try to work with Russia and Assad to fight the Islamic State, and he has indicated that he could pull back US support to Syrian rebels fighting the Assad regime. "I don't like Assad at all, but Assad is killing ISIS," Trump said during the second presidential debate. Story continues And in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last week, the president-elect said "we have no idea" who the rebels really are. Early ramifications On Monday, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone in their first postelection interaction. The day after, Putin ordered the first airstrikes on Syria in more than three weeks. In a heartening sign for the opposition, however, Congress on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to pass a bill titled the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act to place sanctions on the Assad regime, as well as Russian and Iranian actors close to it, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The bipartisan legislation was proposed by New York Rep. Eliot Engel, a ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He said Tuesday that "under this legislation, if you're acting as a lifeline to the Assad regime, you risk getting caught up in the net of our sanctions." afp assad says trump a natural ally if he fights terror Rep. Ed Royce, a Republican from California and chairman of the committee, said "America has been sitting back and watching these atrocities for far too long." "Vital US national security interests are at stake," he said. "For there to be peace in Syria, the parties must come together. And as long as Assad and his backers can slaughter the people of Syria with no consequences, there is no hope for peace." It is unclear what steps the president-elect would take with regard to Syria once he is inaugurated. He is reportedly considering a range of options for his secretary of state, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former UN Ambassador John Bolton, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Both Giuliani and Bolton are foreign policy hawks, and all three have little diplomatic experience. Giuliani has implied that he would support a no-fly zone in Syria to stem the flow of refugees trying to enter the US and Europe. "You pour them back into Syria, and you put them in a no-fly zone in Syria," Giuliani told MSNBC last year. "Send them back to Syria. That's where they belong." A civil defence member runs at a market hit by air strikes in Aleppo's rebel-held al-Fardous district, Syria October 12, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Bolton, meanwhile, has called for the US to take on a more aggressive role in challenging Assad's power, both with the creation of an independent Sunni state in northeastern Syria and western Iraq and by "moving beyond sanctions and diplomacy, and toward regime change" in Iran, an Assad ally. In any case, some rebels and opposition leaders frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of support from the US don't think Trump's Syria policy would differ dramatically from that of President Barack Obama. They remain steadfastly committed to ousting Assad. "We are like cockroaches nothing can kill us," one opposition leader said during a meeting in Stockholm last week as news broke of Trump's victory. Still, a European official told The Guardian that the EU expects Trump "will defer to Putin on many things." "This one is actually rather simple for him," the official said. "He will outsource it and concentrate on ISIS." NOW WATCH: 9 animated maps that will change how you see the world More From Business Insider * Wesfarmers looks at coal sale options * Comes as coal prices soar, asset values rise (Adds quotes, broadens context) By James Regan SYDNEY, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd is weighing a sale of its coal mines following an unexpected price surge that is turning coal into one of this year's hottest commodities. "Wesfarmers is continuing to consider a broad range of options, from operational to divestment initiatives, including recently seeking expressions of interest from external parties who may want to acquire the coal assets," it said in a statement. Wesfarmers hasn't put a price tag on the mines, but the division, producing steel-making grade coking coal and thermal coal for power generation, could fetch upwards of A$2 billion ($1.5 billion), according to sources in the sector. Coal mines, which sold for as little as $1 dollar in Australia recently and scorned by environmentalists as blights on the landscape destined to be replaced by windfarms and solar panels, have returned with a roar. "Coal mines are very much in demand again," said an attorney who has represented both buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions in mining. "If ever there was a time to sell a coal mine, now is it." Wesfarmers runs one of Australia's largest independent collieries, yielding annually 8.5 million tonnes of coking coal and 3 million tonnes of thermal coal. Driven by cuts in Chinese coal output and strong demand across Asia, Australian coal prices have more than doubled, making coal one 2016's fastest appreciating commodities. "We would always be interested in looking at high quality coking coal," Jason Chang, chief executive of private equity group EMR Capital told Reuters. His firm has raised $860 million to invest in mining, with Chang saying it would interested in looking at Wesfarmers' coking coal assets. RISING ASSET VALUES Chang said higher coal prices were leading sellers to hold back on sales, but EMR Capital had a 10- to 12-year timeframe for its fund and would be patient on acquiring assets. Story continues A deal for Anglo American to sell its Australian coal assets to investors led by private equity group Apollo Global Management was called off last week, with a source saying Anglo American's board was opposed to a sale. Anglo American never confirmed the deal was off, but other sources active in Australian mining mergers and acquisitions said BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Corp have stepped in jointly as interested parties. "It shouldn't come as a surprise BHP and Mitsubishi are back in now as serious buyers now that Apollo has stepped away," said a private equity fund manager specialising in Australian coal assets and familiar with the sale process. BHP and Anglo American declined comment. BHP and Mitsubishi already jointly operate the world's biggest coking coal exporting business from mines close to Anglo American's assets. Coal mines were among the first to go on the block when Australia's mining boom went bust a half-decade ago. And 16 months ago the fire sale was still in full swing, with Stanmore Coal paying Vale and Sumitomo Corp just A$1 for a coking coal mine. Since restarting the mine in May, though, Stanmore's stock has more than doubled. Wesfarmers, more known for its supermarket, hardware and retailing businesses, has long expressed interest in exiting the mining business. ($1 = 1.3261 Australian dollars) (Reporting by James Regan; Additional reporting by Sonali Paul in MELBOURNE; Editing by Michael Perry and Tom Hogue) Are androids really thinking? Thats the big-and-sexy question looming over HBOs new series Westworld the one that showrunners keep spoon-feeding viewers as the robot Maeve (Thandie Newton) realizes her perceived reality that is experienced within a western landscape is not reality at all. Its the question Dr. Robert Ford (Anthony Hopkins) comes close to answering when he claims that the androids are free under my control, and also the one raised when Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) is inspired to venture beyond her programmed loop after disturbing memories surface inside her robot mind. Also Read: HBO Renews 'Westworld,' 'Divorce' and 'Insecure' The show revolves around robots that exist inside a virtual world that caters to wealthy human customers who seek sex, adventure, and, well, more sex. Beyond satisfying customers every desire and serving up a grand interacitve adventure, audiences soon discover the worlds creator (Hopkins) has been tinkering with the android hosts, adding so called reveries to their code that make them seem more human. Westworld takes place in the near future and as the story unfolds, implies the automatons are, in fact, aware in a way that serves the requirements of human consciousness. However, the idea that these robots can think and perceive subjectively like humans is ridiculous, John Searle, University of California at Berkeley professor and leading philosopher of the mind, said. Also Read: Evan Rachel Wood Says 'Westworld' Finale Will Leave 'Your Heart Broken and Your Mind Blown' Computation is never sufficient for a thought, he told TheWrap. Of course, one of the most satisfying features of science fiction is just that its fiction. And by no means is Searle suggesting people stop watching the show due to its inapplicability in the real world. But his widely accepted arguments about consciousness are in direct conflict with the ones presented on the show, which makes references to thinker Julian Jaynes bicameral mind, a theory of consciousness which gained prominence in the mid-70s. On the show, Ford (Hopkins) has programmed a bicameral mind into the robots as a way to, in his words, bootstrap consciousness. Story continues Also Read: How 'Westworld' May Have Revealed the Entrance to the Maze TheWrap asked Searle, could this even be possible? In short: No. A computer program is defined purely in terms of symbol manipulations, he said, adding, They are not sufficient for mental human contents. Searle gave a recent TED Talk that further explains his position, saying that consciousness is a biological phenomenon, and compared it to photosynthesis and digestion. Also Read: 'Westworld' Fan Theories: Who Is the Man in Black? Consciousness arises from lower level brain functions, according to him. H2O is to water as the brain is to consciousness. Its a condition that the system is in, the Berkeley professor said. You can freeze water to turn it into ice (which is then no longer water). You can go from conscious to unconscious depending on the behavior of the molecules in your brain, he said. Like when a person dies, their brain molecules cease to function in a way that allows consciousness to arise. Searle does admit its conceivable that one day humans may be able to build a sentient machine. But, given the latest advances in neuroscience, we are no where close to getting there. Since we dont know how our brains do it, were not in a position, so far, to build a conscious machine, he argued in the Ted Talk. Also Read: Inside 'Westworld's' Elaborate, Monochromatic Opening Credit Sequence Conscious states by their nature are subjective, said Searle. Computation is defined as symbol manipulation. Thats purely syntactical. Thats symbolic. We know that human consciousness has something more than that. Its got a content in addition to the syntax. In his 2002 book Consciousness and Language, Searle argues the point further: Nobody supposes that the computational model of rainstorms in London will leave us all wet. But they make the mistake of supposing that the computational model of consciousness is somehow conscious. It is the same mistake in both cases. Therefore, a computer program, like the one dramatized in Westworld no matter how sophisticated and convincing to other humans it is cant be conscious. Its total hot air, Searle told TheWrap. Related stories from TheWrap: 'Westworld' Star Luke Hemsworth Exclusive StudioWrap Portraits (Photos) 'Westworld': How Episode 4 Debunks Popular Man in Black Fan Theories 'Westworld': Jimmi Simpson Talks About Playing A Good Man In A Bleak Virtual World 'Westworld' Star Jimmi Simpson Could Have Played a Different Character When a sorority at Tufts University advertised its fall recruitment activities as being open to all female-identifying women in September, one transgender woman heeded that call, rushing the Delta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi (APII) and quickly receiving a unanimous bid offer by all members. But the reaction from the AOII International organization, according to disillusioned Delta Chapter members who spoke with Yahoo Beauty, was one of clinging to tradition at the expense of expansive diversity something that has caused a shakeup, complete with many meetings, resignations, and near-disaffiliation from AOII. (Scott Fitchen / The Tufts Daily) Women, former and present, of the Delta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, stand for inclusivity, kindness and support, Tai Williams, a Tufts senior who self-suspended her Delta Chapter membership in response to the upheaval, tells Yahoo Beauty. We do not tolerate exclusivity and prejudice We had every intention of welcoming any female-identifying member into our sorority. The story began at the start of the school year on the Medford, Mass., campus, according to the accounts of several students, including Kristin Reeves, a junior double-majoring in drama and sociology. Until last month, she was also the president of the Delta Chapter of AOII. Reeves stepped down from her position and chose to self-suspend her membership from the sorority in the wake of what happened after the sorority elected to offer a bid to a female-identifying transgender peer. Reeves tells Yahoo Beauty that a representative from AOII International was present during Delta Chapters fall recruitment activities, which took place from Sept. 14 to 16. During this recruitment period, a young woman named Samantha (who has been given a pseudonym for the sake of privacy), visited the AOII house, participating in its rush activities. Samantha was friends with many members of Delta Chapter already so much so that Amanda Danielson, a senior who is the vice president of communications for Delta Chapter, tells Yahoo Beauty that Samantha noted during recruitment that many people thought she was in AOII already. Story continues (Photo: Getty Images) According to Reeves, the representative from AOII International expressed that she was unsure if the organization had a policy in place on extending bids to transgender women, and said that on Sept. 16 she had reached out to AOII headquarters for clarification. Reeves says that this was done without any prompting from any of the women in the chapter. That evening, Reeves says, she was told that AOII International had no official policy on allowing transgender women in the chapter and, because of this, Delta Chapter was asked to hold off on extending the bid to Samantha. The chapter unanimously decided to extend Samantha a bid anyway, Reeves says. The next day, Reeves recounts having had a conference call with Delta Chapters chapter advisor, an international vice president of the AOII organization, and a representative of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the umbrella organization for 26 womens sororities in the United States. She says she was told at this time that by extending a bid to a transgender woman, we would be putting NPC and AOII [headquarters] at risk of losing their Title IX status as a single-sex organization, which would prompt the possibility of lawsuits. Reeves says she told the officials on the call that Delta Chapter would still want to extend Samantha a bid. In reply, Reeves says, the VP from AOII told her that she hoped AOII would be able to continue at Tufts. Later that afternoon, Reeves called an emergency chapter meeting, at which point the members of Delta Chapter once again unanimously decided to extend a bid to Samantha. Reeves says that she informed AOII headquarters that the chapter would be moving forward in extending the bid, and that president of AOII International called her and communicated that the organization had reevaluated its previous decision and that Delta Chapter was allowed to extend the bid to Samantha. At this point, Reeves recalls, the membership of Delta Chapter began discussing the possibility of disaffiliating as a chapter. But AOII International will only accept disaffiliations if it is a unanimous decision of a chapters membership, Reeves explains, and the Delta Chapter was not able to reach a unanimous agreement. As a result, many women in the sorority began to discuss self-suspending their individual memberships from the organization. Ultimately, on Oct. 12, another representative from AOII International came to visit the Tufts chapter. Reeves says that during this meeting, Delta Chapter members were told that in the next 48 hours, they would each need to individually decide if they wanted to remain members of AOII or self-suspend, and that each member would need to meet individually with the AOII International representative to inform her of her personal decision. Ultimately, Reeves says, approximately 40 women of the 80-person chapter, herself included, decided to self-suspend. In a statement, Courtney West, a spokesperson for AOII International, tells Yahoo Beauty, While a number of collegiate members of Delta Chapter chose to leave Alpha Omicron Pi, it was our understanding that they wish to pursue the establishment of a local sorority on campus. The Fraternity wishes them well in that endeavor. There are still many women in Delta Chapter who are dedicated AOII members. The chapter will continue to recruit members who embrace diversity, are passionate about social action, and are dedicated to maintaining their high standards of excellence. The student in question [Samantha] was extended a bid from the Delta Chapter to join Alpha Omicron Pi (and chose to join) and at no time was the chapter threatened with disciplinary action or to be sued. Alpha Omicron Pi believes that all individuals are unique, with inherent worth and dignity, and should be treated with respect. When asked to confirm or deny the series of events described by Reeves, West referred back to her statement. Dani Weatherford, the Executive Director of the National Panhellenic Conference, tells Yahoo Beauty, As sovereign entities, the member organizations of NPC are free to set their own membership criteria and some have already made the decision to include transgender women. But NPC does not set membership criteria or policies for its member organizations. The only over-arching standard is that NPC members are all womens organizations. Weatherford adds, As societys understanding of gender identity evolves, all sorts of organizations including sororities will learn and respond. Right now, were seeing that process play out in real-time with sororities and with other organizations. Organizations of all types are wrestling with gender identity and what it means for their current members and their current policies. The NPC executive committee has also recently appointed a study group on gender identity comprised of campus officials, student advisors, and legal experts to serve as advisors to the NPC community as they thoughtfully consider membership policies and procedures, Weatherford says. Samantha did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo Beauty. Most women decided to leave because they no longer felt comfortable in the organization after they had been hesitant to change, Reeves says. I, personally, left because I knew I could not rationalize continuing to contribute my own time, energy, and money to an organization that was unwilling to change in the name of tradition. While Reeves stepped down from the board of Delta Chapter and self-suspended her membership, Danielson chose to stay, explaining to Yahoo Beauty that, as she understands the situation, the AOII International representative present at Delta Chapter during recruitment was not the first one who brought up legal concerns regarding offering a bid to a transgender woman, nor was this representative the one who contacted AOII International about the situation. Rather, she notes, the AOII International representative who had been on-campus was very upset by the delays in welcoming Samantha that emerged as the chapter awaited further instruction from AOII International in regards to the bid. Danielson recalls that during the emergency chapter meeting called by Reeves, Reeves shared with Delta Chapter members that AOII International had threatened to revoke our charter if the group extended a bid to Samantha. I was angry and upset at AOII upon hearing this, she says, as were my sisters. Many women wanted to vote to disaffiliate at that moment and it nearly happened. But other sisters, such as myself, wanted more detailed information about what AOII International had said and we also wanted to wait to see if they allowed Samantha to have a bid. However, Danielson adds, Every sister, myself included, agreed that we would leave the chapter if AOII didnt allow Samantha a bid because we felt that she embodied our values. The Social Action Chair of our chapter wrote a letter that we sent to AOII International with a list of women we voted to extend bids to, which included Samantha, saying that we would stick with Samantha and give her a bid no matter what. Danielson explains that Delta Chapter was later informed that AOII International had never threatened to revoke Deltas charter that the member of AOII International who had spoken with Reeves and had said We want to see AOII continue [at Tufts] had not meant this statement as a threat, but as a way of communicating that AOII International valued Delta Chapter within its organization. She adds that she and her sorority sisters were relieved that within 48 hours of this period of uncertainty, AOII International ultimately said that NPC had checked with its lawyers and Samantha could be extended a bid without risk to our Title IX exemption. Adaku Onyeka-Crawford, Counsel for Education at the National Womens Law Center (NWLC), says that some involved in this situation have missed the point. I feel like the International Chapter is missing a fundamental component, which is that transgender women are women, Onyeka-Crawford says. There isnt any conflict here [in regards to a sorority being able to operate as a single-sex organization]. She explains to Yahoo Beauty that, while Title IX exemptions are sometimes granted to universities with religious affiliations whose religious tenets dont allow for mixed-sex environments, the existence of Title IX does not prevent Greek organizations from operating as sex-separate organizations. She adds that while Title IX does allow for sex segregation in certain, limited capacities such as single-sex housing under the Department of Educations interpretation of Title IX, access to sex-segregated spaces must be consistent with trans studentss respective gender identities. She notes that the Department of Educations recently issued guidance on accommodations for transgender students doesnt apply to sororities and fraternities which are allowed to set their own policies regarding the gender specifications of its membership, and can admit trans students if they so choose. Because of this, she notes that there might be confusion around whether a chapter or an international organization has the right to restrict its membership on account of sex or gender, but that she would hope that the national and international organizations would be responsive to chapters that want to be more progressive and more inclusive. Furthermore, Oneyka-Crawford adds, Inclusivity is always the better option than exclusivity. Affirming the struggle for trans rights is part and parcel with the struggle for sex discrimination. Its all in the same spectrum. As cisgender women, extending that welcome to trans women would go a long way in making sure trans women and students feel safe [in educational environments] There is nothing that prohibits a sorority or fraternity from extending membership to someone trans and doing so should be encouraged. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. From ELLE Since the results of last week's election, almost a million young people in the United States want to know: What is a DREAMer supposed to do now? Thanks to one of President Obama's best-known measures on immigration, undocumented immigrants who were children when they arrived in the United States and have not committed any crimes have been able to get work permits and Social Security cards under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative (better known as DACA). The program has turned well over 800,000 undocumented immigrants into so-called DREAMers, recognizing that children who moved to America when they were six months or five years or even 14 years old know no other real home than the one they've created here. The term "DREAMers" refers to the DREAM Act, proposed legislation that would have given young undocumented immigrants an eventual pathway to permanent residency in the United States. Although it's been invoked several times, it's never passed in Congress. Instead, DREAMers have DACA, an imperfect, perhaps, but critical form of temporary relief. Since the start of his presidential bid, President-Elect Donald Trump has put his "zero-tolerance" anti-immigrant policies at the center of the race. Over the summer, he vowed to end DACA on Day One of his administration. Today, his website asserts he plans to "[i]mmediately terminate" it. "I know that it's not over yet," Ivy, 26, says. "I know that the sun still rises. But when I think about all the plans I've made, everything I intended for my future, it feels so insignificant now." Ivy, who asked that we only use her first name, was born in Macau, China, but has lived in the United States since she was seven. She's the only member of her immediate family who's undocumented. She's been open about her status for months, wanting to add a human perspective to a debate over immigration that can often feel "oddly impersonal." But now that Trump's been elected, she worries she made the wrong choice. "For a sense of where my head's at," she says, "I've spent this morning doing an Internet audit of my name." She's been cited in a few stories about DREAMers and can be, she feels, too easily tracked down on social media. In the current political climate, she'd rather disappear. "I'm scared to death I'm going to be deported," she says. Story continues "When I think about all the plans I've made, everything I intended for my future, it feels so insignificant now." Ivy knows that compared to some of Trump's more "ambitious" anti-immigration policies, this one would be relatively simple to implement. "We're realistic," says Sheila I. Velez Martinez, director of clinical programs and the Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law. "Trump has promised to end DACA and that is not difficult to do." Because President Obama kickstarted DACA with an executive action and Congress never voted on the initiative, Trump can use the same mechanism to undo it. "It can happen slowly, if he chooses not to extend the policy," Martinez explains. "Or it can happen quickly, if flat-out eliminates it." Either way, she adds, most DACA holders will see their DACA expire by 2018. She is not optimistic that Trump will invite them to renew it. Ivy was in the first wave of young people who applied for DACA, submitting to the program in October 2012. She was admitted in March 2013, months before she was due to graduate from City College in New York. "It was perfect timing," she says. Because her status had prevented her from getting real job experience, she'd gotten increasingly active in student activities at City. But even with a decent resume and good grades, she was worried about the kind of employment she'd be able to secure without papers. DACA meant that Ivy could be considered for high-paying jobs in competitive industries. She now works at a top-tier advertising firm. "Four years have passed, and DACA has given me so much. To know that all that could disappear in just a few months-it's crushing." Eliana Fernandez, 28, knew a different world from the United States. She's lived here since she was 14, following her parents to the U.S. from Ecuador. When she was still toddler, they left her in the care of her brother and sister until they could afford to send for her 11 years later. It's been over a decade since they were reunited, but when Fernandez talks about the period they spent apart, her voice breaks: "It still hurts, thinking about growing up without my parents, going to school without them, celebrating holidays without them. It was very, very difficult." Fernandez says her brother and sister did the best they could, but they weren't substitutes. "What's happening now, the way I feel now, it reminds me of those bad memories," she says. "Especially because I'm a mom, too." Fernandez has two young kids, both of whom were born in the United States and are citizens. It was with them in mind that she applied for DACA, thinking that a better job for her could mean more prosperous lives for them. She'd been wary of the initiative at first. She worried that announcing herself to the government would cause more problems that it would solve. "It was a real mix of emotions, but at the same time, I knew it could give me some real opportunities," she says. She could get better work, a driver's license, a sense of at least provisional calm. It took her a few months to compile her application, collecting the documents that prove how deeply embedded she is in the United States. Then she waited. In 2012, she was approved. "When I look back before DACA and where I am now and what I have become, it's a huge difference." Until last week, Fernandez admits, she had hopes it would eventually give her a pathway to citizenship. Looking back, it feels naive. If Trump makes good on his promise to end DACA, Fernandez will not only lose access to a legal work permit, but she'll be newly vulnerable to deportation. "When I was growing up, I always said that if I ever have kids, I will never leave them for any reason," she says. "I want to keep that promise. I don't want them to have to relive what happened to me because of an immigration system that doesn't work." "Particularly among young people, there's this uncertainty that now looms over their futures in a way that they might not have expected," Martinez says. "And I think in many ways that might be the worst part of it, not knowing where to turn and what the next steps are and really living in the dark about what this means for them." On top of whatever else is happening, this is a further level of stress. Yaslin, 17, still hasn't recovered from the news. "Honestly, I cried when the results came in," she says. She was born in Belize and now lives in Baltimore, where she goes to school and works. It's always been a tough balance. But it's even harder to stay focused now. "I feel like what's the point of trying to go to college, if he's going to take away DACA? What's the point in struggling to save money," she wonders, "if I'm just going to be deported or my parents are going to be deported?" Were it not for activist circles in Baltimore, Yaslin isn't sure she'd have made it even as far as she has. Latinos make up more than 40 percent of the not native-born population in Baltimore. And they've started to organize, realizing that their voices are louder together. Yaslin is a member of Somos, a Latino student group launched at Baltimore City College. And this week, she's realized how much she depends on it: "We can support each other because we understand, because we all know that we're valuable." "I feel like what's the point of trying to go to college, if he's going to take away DACA?" Unlike Yaslin, Claudia, 14, wasn't at all surprised to see Trump win. She realized months ago that his claims appealed to people who "just don't get immigrants." She's too young to be eligible for DACA. She'd planned to apply next year but, a realist, doubts she'll have the chance. Claudia was born in Honduras, but she and her mother moved to the U.S. when she was four. By the time they arrived, her father had been working, without papers, for two years to support them. "They see us as pests," she says of Trump supporters. "They think, 'Our lives are difficult.' They don't know what difficult means." Since the election, Ivy's gone to several rallies to protest a man who is, as she says, "not my president." On Thursday, her brother urged her not to go to a particularly large public demonstration. It seemed dangerous, given her status. "I just explained that I can't not go. I have to be there. I have nothing to lose. I told him I'd be as careful as I could be, but sitting at home and hiding in the corner-that's not going to keep me safe now. I don't feel safe now." Camille Mackler, the director of legal initiatives at the New York Immigration Coalition, has taken this week to remind undocumented immigrants that their fates have not yet been sealed. Even if Trump ends DACA, she's not sure he'll make hundreds of thousands of young people his first order of business. "You have to remember it's not that simple to send someone away," she says. If someone is undocumented and has never been targeted for deportation before, it takes quite a while to remove them, she says. Moreover, some DREAMers could discover that they're eligible for other forms of legal immigration-political asylum, certain kinds of visas, family connects that could help. But Mackler concedes that not everyone will be able to explore those avenues. Undocumented immigrants and DREAMers who have already been involved in a deportation process, she says, will be at "a more urgent risk." Over the past week, Martinez has fielded queries from several undocumented young people who don't have DACA about whether they should file for it now. "From my perspective, that's a risky proposition," she says. "Because, first, it's unlikely that any application filed now will be approved [before Trump takes office]. And second, it would expose that person who has not otherwise been exposed to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to USCIS." She doesn't want to think that the lists of DACA holders and applicants will be in any way weaponized, as Fernandez feared. Martinez will only say that "it might be counterproductive to do it right now." "We have a message to get across to anyone who is scared: We are going to accompany you. And there are more people than you might have expected who are willing to participate and to protect you." "We have a message to get across to anyone who is scared," Martinez says. "We are going to accompany you. And there are more people than you might have expected who are willing to participate and to protect you." She encourages citizens who want to get involved to "act locally." It's a cliche, she says, but while the national-based organizations do comprehensive work, it's the local organizations, "the local legal aid clinic, the local charities, the local churches" that need the most assistance: "This is the time to reach out to your local organization and say, 'I'm here.'" Fernandez, who volunteered to help mobilize the Latino vote in the election, has given herself a few days to wallow. But she's already had to put on a braver face for her kids. And now, she's recommitted to getting involved in the effort to protest whatever anti-immigration policies Trump has in mind. "We are committed to resistance," Fernandez says. "We won't allow his hate just to grow. To the communities that are scared, to Muslims and to minorities, we will stand with them. As a collective, we are better, we are more powerful. We hope for the best-and we fight back." You Might Also Like Photo credit: New Balance + Getty From Cosmopolitan Over the weekend, the white supremacist website the Daily Stormer declared New Balance the Official Shoes of White People after New Balances Vice President of Public Affairs Matt LeBretton told the Wall Street Journal that the election of Trump was a move in the right direction. In response to LeBrettons statement, some once-loyal New Balance customers threw away, burned, or impaled their sneakers on large knives. The company was added to the official #GrabYourWallet boycott list of companies that do business with or back the Trump family. On Monday, New Balance tried to undo some of the damage by telling the Associated Press that it "does not tolerate bigotry or hate in any form. One of our officials was recently asked to comment on a trade policy that was taken out of context. As a 110-year-old company with five factories in the U.S. and thousands of employees worldwide from all races, genders, cultures, and sexual orientations, New Balance is a values-driven organization and culture that believes in humanity, integrity, community, and mutual respect for people around the world. We have been and always will be committed to manufacturing in the United States. The company also posted the statement on their social media channels. The Daily Stormers founder, Andrew Anglin, told ABC News that he believes New Balances support of Trump could be a marketing scheme, but that he and his website will support the company and encouraged others to do the same. Anglin did not comment to ABC News on New Balances statement opposing bigotry and hate, but a new post on the Daily Stormers website this morning denounced the statement as a hack by Jews (the direct quote uses a slur that I will not repeat here). Yep. I kid you not. Story continues Obviously, the Daily Stormer does not speak for New Balance, and it would be irresponsible and downright immoral to imply otherwise. However, there is no escaping the fact that supporting Donald Trump means finding yourself on the same side of a national political discourse as anti-Semitic, homophobic, racist bigots like Anglin. Throughout his campaign, Trump never took any action to distance himself from the views and endorsements of the "alt-right." "Alt-right" being a euphemism designed to normalize the hateful, bigoted opinions of its followers. Trump even hired one of the "alt-right's" most prominent members, Breitbart's executive chairman Stephen Bannon, to be his campaign's CEO and, now, his chief strategist. Bannon's site is famous for hateful and bigoted headlines like Bill Kristol: Republican Spoiler, Renegade Jew, Trannies 49 Xs Higher HIV Rate, and Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy. A company and, indeed, a person, cannot support Trump without also implicitly supporting the views and actions of the people he has chosen to surround himself with. It's just not possible. You can say you're not a bigot, that you supported Trump for other reasons, but, at the end of the day, you're still throwing your support behind a man who counts unapologetically racist, misogynist, white nationalists among his closest and most trusted advisers. And until the day that Trump purges his Cabinet of such vile humans and publicly denounces them and their views, that's just the way it is. Sorry, New Balance. Follow Charles on Twitter and Instagram. You Might Also Like Crystal Wallace knows a thing or two about making older adults happy. As former director of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging's adult day program in Cleveland, it was part of her job to do just that. So when it was time for her mother-in-law to choose a long-term care facility, she knew to guide her to a place where, among other factors, she'd always have company. For the most part, the transition has been successful. "She still wishes she could be at home," Wallace says of her mother-in-law, "but she understands the need for the skilled care." [See: Beyond Bingo: Innovative Activities at Today's Nursing Homes.] Not all older adults are so content with their nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, nearly 16,000 of which U.S. News rates based on safety, health inspections, staffing and more. Family members notice. "They're concerned that [the older adults] don't seem happy or they don't seem as happy as they want them to be," says Holly Harmon, a registered nurse and senior director of clinical services at the American Health Care Association. "The question is, 'What's going on? Why don't they seem happy? Why aren't they out and about throughout the facility?'" The answer can be complicated, but here are a few possibilities -- and how family members can address them: 1. Mom is still adjusting. Whether you're headed to college or shacking up with a romantic partner, moving is stressful. Now consider moving reluctantly due to declining health, as many incoming long-term care residents do. "It's a big change, and it takes time to develop that sense of, 'This is my new home,'" Harmon says. One way to help ease the transition is to bring small reminders of the past -- such as a photo album or one of the person's favorite movies -- into his or her new residence to spark richer conversations with staff members. "There are things that seem so small that actually are often the most meaningful interactions that occur," Harmon says. Story continues You may also be able to bring items like plants, a favorite chair or even a pet; anything that makes the environment more homelike can be helpful, suggests research by Dr. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who created the Green House Project, an approach to long-term care that replaces traditional nursing homes with small, homey environments. Some facilities also aim to help residents take pride and ownership in the space by involving them in daily operations -- inviting them to join a committee tasked with planning the dining room renovation, for example; some residents even get satisfaction out of helping with chores like the laundry, Harmon says. "More and more," she says, "nursing homes are sort of structuring their activity programming to invite residents to participate in the day-to-day." [See: The Best Ways for Nursing Home Residents to Stay Active.] 2. Dad is lacking satisfying social interaction. Being the new kid is hard; being the new senior can be harder. "If they have cognitive changes, it makes it more difficult to develop a friendship network because those kinds of interactive skills ... may no longer be there," says Harvey Sterns, a psychologist who directs the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology at the University of Akron in Ohio. Subtract friends and spouses, and loneliness becomes a real health threat in long-term care facilities, research suggests. But well-run facilities will address that reality head on by, for example, assigning staff members to eat at dinner tables with residents to facilitate conversation or by working with "senior companion volunteers" who can get to know new residents on a more intimate level. "Sometimes someone who's not sociable will open up to someone one-on-one a lot quicker," Wallace says. The key is understanding the difference between real loneliness and someone who is content with more alone time -- a distinction adult children don't always make. "When we were just living at home, we had an opinion of what our parents liked or didn't like -- that changes, just like for us," Harmon says. "We all grow and develop and change." That's why it's important to talk to your loved one about what's most meaningful to them and ask the staff how he or she is behaving when you're not around. "Raise concerns and raise them right away," Harmon says. 3. Your loved one has untreated physical or mental health conditions. Declining physical or mental health, or both, is often the reason older adults enter long-term care. But a sudden or unexplained change in disposition may mean that those issues aren't being appropriately identified or treated. "It could be a sign of an infection brewing, an advancement to the next stage of dementia or Alzheimer's," says Harmon, adding that it could also be a change in medication, death of a close friend, change of staff or sentimental time of year. "The list is kind of endless." To get to the bottom of the problem, don't jump to conclusions, and instead talk to your loved one and his or her care team. "If staff aren't responding in a caring or concerned manner, or if there is a lack of follow-up or follow through, particularly repeatedly, that's a significant concern," Harmon says. [See: 7 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Nursing Home.] Sometimes, feelings of depression and powerlessness may be related to a lack of choices -- be it where and when to eat, which activities to participate in or simply reluctance to enter long-term care at all. "One of the things that's really important over the next decade is finding ways of keeping them in their homes longer, keeping them as independent as possible as long as possible and, when they do need assistance, providing it in ways that give them life satisfaction at the same time," says Sterns, adding that most people perceive themselves as five to 15 years younger than they are. "The idea of the 'sick old person' model needs to be replaced with an alternative; my emphasis is on choice-making." To an extent, older adults can make an empowering choice themselves by shifting their own view of aging. Research by Yale psychologist Becca Levy suggests that endorsing negative stereotypes of aging is actually linked to Alzheimer's risk, a lack of resilience after stressful events and other physical and cognitive declines. "It's actually a negative self-fulfilling prophecy," Sterns says. But by expecting the later years of your life to be among the best, you can create a positive self-fulfilling prophecy, too. The International Criminal Court has had a rough year, and Russia just made things worse. On Wednesday, Moscow announced it was cutting ties with the international tribunal, withdrawing its signature from the founding treaty. The court did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent, Russias foreign ministry explained, after President Vladimir Putin issued a decree announcing his countrys intentions to no longer be a party to the ICCs founding treaty, the Rome Statute. The timing is no coincidence. On Monday, the ICCs lead prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, issued a report saying for the first time that the conflict in Ukraine amounts to an armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The information available suggests that the situation within the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol amounts to an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the report said. It goes on to say that Russias annexation of Ukrainian peninsula Crimea factually amounts to an on-going state of occupation. Putin clearly wasnt too thrilled about that, as it throws cold water on his official narrative Russia has no troops in Ukraine and Crimea voluntarily joined Russia in a free and fair referendum a narrative pretty much everyone in the West and Kiev says is false. Russia first signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but never ratified the treaty for the Netherlands-based international court that investigates war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity when national courts fall short. Withdrawing from the ICCs treaty has become en vogue lately. In the past two months, Burundi, Gambia, and South Africa all withdrew from the Rome Statute, citing alleged bias against African countries. The ICC currently has 10 ongoing investigations, of which nine are in Africa and one in Georgia. Uganda, Kenya, and Namibia have also signaled they are considering pulling out of the ICC. Story continues The ICC withdrawals risk becoming a bargaining chip by countries looking to make the world safer for abusive dictators, said Elizabeth Evenson of Human Rights Watch. Opting out or crippling the ICCs ability to try sitting officials will only curtail justice for victims of the worst crimes, she added. Putin also couldve had Syria in mind when he issued his decree; Russia has been accused of war crimes and barbarism for its heavy-handed military intervention in Syria. And it just launched a new offensive in the war-torn country this week, which could have opened up to new ICC scrutiny. The ICC doesnt play favorites, however. As Foreign Policy first reported on Oct. 31, the court is also poised to investigate the United States for war crimes in Afghanistan. The United States first signed the ICC treaty under President Bill Clinton, but his successor George W. Bush revoked the signature over concerns that ICC prosecutions could turn political and unfairly target Americans. Photo credit: VINCENT JANNINK/AFP/Getty Images This editorial appeared in Tuesday's Washington Post: A long-standing practice of the modern White House is a division of labor between a chief of staff, who's in charge of making the administrative trains run on time, and a political adviser, who counsels the president on the electoral consequences of his policies. In that sense, there's nothing particularly new about President-elect Donald Trump's decision to set up two lines of authority beneath him, one headed by Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as chief of staff, the other by erstwhile campaign chief Stephen Bannon as "chief strategist and senior counselor." What is extraordinary, and not in a good way, is the nature of the latter choice. Bannon is a leading figure on the euphemistically titled alt-right, a previously obscure element on the far fringe of conservatism - until Trump's campaign energized and mainstreamed it. On its flagship website, Breitbart News, which Bannon dominates, the alt-right portrays itself as a middle-class uprising against a corrupt global elite. The movement can be more accurately described as deeply reactionary, rooted in a kind of white chauvinism, with disturbing overtones of anti-Semitism, visible in such Breitbart headlines as "Bill Kristol: Republican Spoiler, Renegade Jew," or articles such as a recent attack on Post columnist Anne Applebaum as a "Polish, Jewish, American elitist." Bannon's appointment sends a highly negative signal to all those Americans who did not support Trump for president but have been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in deference to the legitimacy of his election. That is to say, his response to the impulse toward unity of the disappointed half of the United States has been to rub their noses in defeat by elevating a figure they understandably consider threatening. Bannon may find himself unwelcome even in what remains of Republican establishment circles, given his extreme ideology and past attempts to foment GOP rebellions in the House of Representatives against Speaker Paul Ryan, Wis., and his predecessor, John Boehner, Ohio. Republican leaders have welcomed the appointment of Priebus on the assumption that he can steer Trump toward mainstream policies and help restrain Bannon. Perhaps he will. On the other hand, neither Priebus nor most leading Republicans have proved able to check Trump's worst impulses, to the extent they have been interested in doing so; over the past year, Priebus seemed more interested in playing an enabling, apologetic role for Trump. Greater strength than that will be needed to resist the forces of intolerance whose representatives are now moving into the White House. After Kala Brown was rescued from inside a storage container, police uncovered at least three more bodies nearby and her alleged captors chilling secrets. Subscribe now to PEOPLE, or pick up this weeks issue for much more on this case. The wife of Scott Ponder, who authorities say is a victim of suspected South Carolina serial killer Todd Kohlhepp, tells PEOPLE that she had made peace with not knowing who killed her husband in 2003. All that changed, however, when Melissa Brackman received a phone call on Nov. 5 from a South Carolina detective who had worked on her husbands murder 13 years earlier. just said, We got him, and I froze, Brackman tells PEOPLE in this weeks issue. She is still in disbelief: I know how to feel. Brackman says she had forged a new life for her and her son, Scott Jr., with whom she was seven weeks pregnant when Ponder was killed in a mass shooting at the motorcycle shop he owned in Chensee, South Carolina. A year after Ponders death, she and Scott Jr. moved to Arizona to be closer to her family. She remarried and had another son so the break in the case came as a surprise. I had just given up, she says. Brackman learned that her husbands killer was 45-year-old Todd Kohlhepp, who she had seen on the local news days earlier after he was arrested and accused of keeping 30-year-old Kala Brown bound and chained in a freight container on his property in Woodruff, South Carolina. She says she never imagined the man on TV was the same man who killed her husband; his mother, Beverly Guy; and his two employees, Paul Lucas and Chris Sherbert, at his Chesnee dealership on Nov. 6, 2003. But according to law enforcement, during questioning in Browns kidnapping, Kohlhepp confessed to the quadruple homicide, which had long since gone cold. He was a disgruntled customer who couldnt take a joke about a previously stolen bike, detectives told Brackman. 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. Kohlhepp has been charged with four counts of murder in the mass shooting of Ponder and the others. He has not entered a plea or retained an attorney, and he has said he plans to represent himself in court. Story continues But since his arrest, authorities say more bodies have been discovered on the realtors 96-acre property, including a local couple who were reported missing 11 months ago; and Browns boyfriend, Charlie Carver, who was allegedly shot in the head by Kohlhepp. Authorities say he will likely face more charges, including murder. And Brackman says that with the answers shes been searching for, she is finally able to heal. I am praying for the mother who lost her son and for this girl who went through hell, for her family and her boyfriend who died, she tells PEOPLE. Right now, I know just praying for other people will bring me peace. Even though he never knew his father, as Scott Jr. grows older, he reminds his mother of Ponder more and more. Hes a lot like , Brackman says. Hes definitely taking on his characteristics and even some of his funny little quirks: He loves a good cheeseburger, fries and a cuddle, just like his dad. Its funny, she continues. Hell makes certain faces or something will come out of his mouth and Ill go, Wow that was so your dad! Still, the truth of Ponders final moments is bittersweet for the mother of two. is hard to talk about, but its our life, Brackman says. So we have closure as far as knowing who and why. The closure part of losing somebody? I dont know if you ever have closure for that. Huge wildfires across several southern states have reportedly landed more than 200 people in the hospital and scorched about 80,000 acres this week. As of Wednesday morning, the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service listed 32 uncontained large fires nationwide, most of which were concentrated in states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. Droughts are to blame for many of the blazes, the Associated Press reported. "There are places getting ready to set records for most numbers of days in a row without rain," Alabama climatologist John Cristy told the wire service before the fires began. "Its a once-in-100-year kind of thing for this time of year." In other cases, people started the fires. In Tennesee, for example, half of all wildfires this year were linked to arson, according to ABC News. States are doing what they can to fight the blazes. Tennessee recently increased ites reward for information leading to arrest of arsonists, the Chattanoogan reported, and police have charged at least two people with setting fire to personal property or land. Alabama has issued an outdoor burn ban given that, "with these extremely dry conditions, any fire can quickly spread out of control," interim state forester Gary Cole told WSFA. In North Carolina, Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency and ordered evaucations in five counties. More than 1,100 firefighters are trying to stop the wildfires in the Tarheel State. "As eastern North Carolina was underwater due to flooding from Hurricane Matthew, the western part of the state has been suffering from a severe drought and now hundreds of acres are burning," McCrory said in a statement. "This is extremely dangerous work, and I especially want to thank the firefighters, first responders, sheriffs and other emergency personnel that have risked their own lives to protect our citizens and property." Story continues Related Articles As Michelle Kachins family watched her drop more than half of her 315-lb. body weight, they had no idea it was because of a dangerous, life-threatening addiction. But as she reveals to her mom on Thursdays episode of the syndicated daytime series The Doctors, Kachin lost 180 lbs. after developing bulimia. Ive had trouble with my weight my whole life, she explains. Age 16 I really was considered obese. At my heaviest, I weighed 315 lbs. I got tired of looking in the mirror and seeing myself, always disgusted. So I decided to do something about it. Over the last two years Ive lost over 180 lbs. The problem is, I lost the weight by binging and throwing up my food. Kachin explains that she also suffers from a form of body dysmorphia. I see the number on the scale, and it could say 140, it could say 130 Im just never happy with it, she says. I know Im not the 315 lb. girl I was two years ago, but some part of me feels like I still am. Psychotherapist Dr. Mike Dow wants Kachin realize the gravity of her addiction. Do you know some of the worst-case scenario outcomes of eating disorders? Death. Because its not just about you feeling better, its about your life, Dow tells her. With the help of Dr. Travis Stork, Kachin will work with Dr. Dow and an internist to help her safely recover from her eating disorder. Thats why youre here today, Dr. Stork says, because we need to get you better. For more on Kachins story, check your local listings and tune in to The Doctors on Thursday. On Nov 15, 2016, we issued an updated research report on WPX Energy WPX. The company continues to work on its strategy of ramping up oil production, which was evident from the rising share of liquid in its total production mix. However, the competitive energy space and ongoing volatility in crude oil prices are headwinds ahead of WPX Energy. Recently, WPX Energy reported a loss of 17 cents per share in the third quarter of 2016, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 18 cents. However, quarterly revenues of $251 million missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $268 million by 6.5%. WPX Energy is building up a strong portfolio of assets which will continue to boost its performance. Moreover, the companys focus on oil has started to yield results. The company now expects fourth-quarter oil production in the range of 4244 thousand barrels of oil per day (Mbb/d). With high oil production expectations, the total production guidance for 2016 has been raised to 8287 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (Mboe/d) from 7782 Mboe/d guided earlier. Meanwhile, WPX Energy has plans to invest nearly $800 million to $860 million in drilling and completion activities in 2017, out of which 50% will be directed toward the development of assets in the Delaware Basin. WPX Energy plans to fund an eight-rig program, with five in the Delaware Basin, two in the Williston Basin and one in the San Juan Basin. The company expects total production in 2017 in the range of 97107 Mboe/d, including 4953 Mbbl/d of oil. WPX ENERGY INC Price and EPS Surprise WPX ENERGY INC Price and EPS Surprise | WPX ENERGY INC Quote However, WPX Energy, like all other oil and gas players, has been affected by the ongoing softness in commodity prices. Despite 16% year-over-year growth in production levels, third-quarter 2016 total revenue tanked nearly 38.3%. Moreover, WPX Energy uses the hydraulic fracturing method to produce commercial quantities of natural gas and oil from many of its existing reservoirs. If legislations or regulations pertaining to the restricted use hydraulic fracturing are implemented, it could result in higher costs and lower margins. Zacks Rank & Key Picks WPX Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the same space include Noble Energy NBL, Matador Resources Company MTDR and SM Energy Company SM. All these stocks presently carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Noble Energy, Matador Resources Company and SM Energy have each surpassed earnings estimates by a respective 68.18%, 700.00% and 41.27% in the last reported quarter. The Best Place to Start Your Stock Search Today, you are invited to download the full list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buy" stocks absolutely free of charge. Since 1988, Zacks Rank #1 stocks have nearly tripled the market, with average gains of +26% per year. Plus, you can access the list of portfolio-killing Zacks Rank #5 "Strong Sells" and other private research. See these 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 NOBLE ENERGY (NBL): Free Stock Analysis Report SM ENERGY CO (SM): Free Stock Analysis Report WPX ENERGY INC (WPX): Free Stock Analysis Report MATADOR RESOURC (MTDR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A week after announcing a release date for upcoming third album "I See You," British band The xx has revealed major touring plans for 2017. The band has announced concerts from February 8 through March 17, beginning in Sweden and making their way to Denmark, Germany, Holland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany and Belgium. It will then head to the UK for a string of seven shows beginning on March 4 and including three shows in London. The band was already set to perform shows beginning at the end of November in Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Japan. It will also head to South America for shows in late March, wrapping up at Lollapalooza Chile on April 2. Tickets for the newly announced shows will be on pre-sale beginning November 22, followed by a general sale starting November 25. Due to release on January 13, "I See You" will feature 10 songs, including the first single "On Hold," which was revealed last week. thexx.info/tour - More aggressive sailing from Alex Thomson saw the Briton extend his lead in the unforgiving Vendee Globe round-the-world solo yacht race over Frenchman Armel Le Cleac'h. The leading pair crossed the Equator heading down into the South Atlantic with Vincent Riou in hot pursuit. Thomson, 42 and sailing his Hugo Boss, is seeking to improve on his third place in 2013 on this his fourth appearance. The pacesetters reached the Intertropical Convergence Zone which sailors dub "The Doldrums," where northeast and southeast trade winds converge. The conundrum now is how best to tackle an anti-cyclone around the island of Saint Helena. AFP Its appropriate that Gov. Pete Ricketts and Nebraska ag leaders celebrate the successes in their trade mission to China. Among the positive developments was the announcement that Preferred Popcorn LLC of Chapman signed a contract with its long-time Chinese partner. Nebraska officials said Tuesday that they also signed nine separate letters of intent with companies and organizations that have agreed to purchase Nebraska-made products. However, the long-term prospects for expanded international markets for Nebraska agricultural products are more problematic. The victory by Donald Trump has all but guaranteed that the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership is dead in Congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the agreement will not be considered in the lame duck session of Congress. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the pending new leader of Senate Democrats, also told labor leaders the agreement will not be approved. The TPP had huge support in Nebraska, with at least 20 different ag groups backing the agreement. The Nebraska Farm Bureau went to the unusual length of producing a county-by-county analysis of the TPPs benefits. The report showed Lancaster County would benefit to the tune of $1.9 million. Totals for other nearby counties included: Gage, $3.1 million; Seward, $4.3 million; Saunders, $4.8 million; Butler, $3.2 million and Otoe, $2.4 million. The complicated agreement would have reduced or eliminated about 18,000 tariffs that the other 11 countries have on imports with the United States. China was not included in the proposed agreement. During the campaign, however, Trump said he wanted to set a tariff as high as 45 percent on imports from China. During his trade mission to China and in other post-election remarks Ricketts and other Nebraska leaders have tried to stay positive about prospects for agricultural trade under Trump. Farm country went more than 2 to 1 for Trump. The most likely payoff for that support is a decreased regulatory burden. Trump has promised, for example, to kill the controversial new Waters of the United States rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. But prospects for more agricultural trade under Trump are dismal. Trump has also promised to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement that has benefited Nebraska agriculture. During a conference call from Shanghai, Ricketts told Nebraska news media he still hopes to get the message to the Trump administration about why trade is important. The editorial board wishes him success, but from our perspective the hope seems a forlorn one. By Mohammed Ghobari HODEIDAH, Yemen (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthi group said on Wednesday it was ready to stop fighting and join a national unity government, raising hopes of a resolution to a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people. The announcement appeared to confirm the details of a deal set out by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry a day earlier that he said included plans for a ceasefire starting on Thursday. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the political council of the Houthi's Ansarullah group, said Saudi Arabia had also agreed to end its involvement in the war - though there was no official confirmation from Riyadh. An Arab alliance led by Saudi Arabia intervened in the Yemen conflict in March last year in support of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Iran-aligned Houthis advanced on his interim capital in Aden and forced him into exile. "Ansarullah's position has been and still is with stopping the war and the establishment of a national unity government that incorporates all political components," Bukhaiti told Reuters, responding to a question on Kerry's announcement. "The new thing is in the position of Saudi (Arabia), which has agreed in principle to stop the war as one of the parties to the conflict," Bukhaiti added. After months of bombings and other attacks, no side has emerged as the dominant force in a war that has displaced more than three million people, left parts of the population on the edge of starvation and given room for a powerful branch of al Qaeda to expand its operations. CEASEFIRE Kerry, in what could be his last trip to the Gulf before President Barack Obama's term ends in January, said on Tuesday that officials from the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition meeting had agreed to a ceasefire starting on Thursday. Underlining the complexity of the situation, Hadi's government quickly rejected the move, complaining that it had been bypassed. Copies of a U.N. peace plan seen by Reuters in October suggested he would be sidelined in any future government. Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi said Kerry's announcement had not been coordinated with the government which, he said, was not interested in the plan. "I believe the current U.S. administration is incapable of providing any guarantees to any party and what Kerry has said is no more than a media bubble at our people's expense," Mekhlafi told Qatar-based Al Jazeera television. The frontline has changed little over the past few months despite repeated offensives by Hadi's supporters who operate under air cover from the Saudi-led alliance. Hadi's government says the Houthis have illegally seized power in a coup backed by Iran, and demands that they quit the cities they have seized and hand over heavy weapons before any political settlement starts. The Houthis say they seized power to end corruption and to get rid of Islamist militants they say had expanded their influence during Hadi's presidency. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari, writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Andrew Heavens) By Lincoln Feast and Charlotte Greenfield WOODEND/WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Helicopters ferried scores of residents and tourists out of a small New Zealand town on Wednesday as others boarded naval ships, three days after the region was completely cut off by landslides following a major earthquake. Prime Minister John Key pledged to push emergency laws through parliament if necessary to prop up businesses in Kaikoura, a seaside tourist town famed for its whale watching and seafood delicacies some 150 km (90 miles) north of Christchurch. "If we are helping pay the wages and we can get some of the tourists back ... then we can get through the worst of it and get you out the other side," Key told business leaders in Kaikoura after flying in by helicopter. International tourists contributed NZ$14.5 billion ($10.31 billion) to the New Zealand economy in the year to March, the private-sector Tourism Industry Association (TIA) estimates, up 20 percent on the previous year and overtaking the dairy industry as the country's biggest export earner. One tourist ferried out of Kaikoura by helicopter said he planned to continue his journey, despite describing the 7.8 magnitude quake that killed two people as "very frightening." "It was rocking around like there were 10 people who were outside pushing it," Chris Stewart, 62, a finance broker from Australia, said of his experience inside a campervan. Stewart landed with other evacuees in Woodend on Wednesday, a small town north of the South Island's largest city of Christchurch, where officials processed people in a community hall. Asked if he was concerned about staying in New Zealand, where he plans to hire another campervan to complete his two-week holiday, Stewart said: "Hell no, I've crossed it off the bucket list: lived through an earthquake." The quake that struck just after midnight on Monday rocked much of the country, waking people and stirring memories of the 6.3 magnitude Christchurch tremor that killed 182 people in 2011. A tsunami alert that followed Monday's quake sent many rushing for higher ground, before the threat was lowered. Local TV pictures showed huge landslides covering roads and rail routes, and crevasses in highways. Large sections of rocky coast were covered in seaweed and abalone, apparently lifted out of the sea by the force of the quake. Key on Wednesday rang U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, after missing his calls earlier in the week. Key said Trump expressed sympathies over the earthquake and the pair discussed the economy and trade. SAVING KAIKOURA Several ships were diverted from celebrations of the Royal New Zealand Navy's 75th anniversary to head to Kaikoura with supplies and emergency aid. Transport Minister Simon Bridges said officials were working night and day to clear an inland route. Key told local businesses he was considering "throwing some money" at an international online campaign to promote Kaikoura once road access had been restored to reassure tourists it was safe to visit as the peak summer season approached. The government would also put together a business package in the next few days to allow businesses to keep staff on the payroll until tourists returned, Key said. After the meeting, local resident Glenn Ormsby said businesses were still worried: "Summer's coming up, and what do we do? It should be our busiest period and what do we do?" In the capital, Wellington, large buildings rocked by the quake were shut off due to earthquake damage as aftershocks continued and strong winds were expected in the coming days. Authorities said they would have to bring down a multi-storey building near the country's Parliament due to structural damage. The Defence Force's damaged headquarters was closed to its 1,200 staff and a spokesman said he did not know when it would re-open. (Writing by Jane Wardell; Editing by Mark Heinrich, Toni Reinhold) Malia seriously chose the right time to take a gap year--it might not be the White House, but the Obamas' new pad is pretty fitting of the first family (aka FABULOUS). Come January 2017, Barack, Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and first dogs Bo and Sunny Obama, will move into a gorgeous 8,200-square-foot home in Washington D.C.'s upscale Kalorama neighborhood--a favorite post-presidency retreat for many former first families. Historically, though, a president hasn't chosen to stay in D.C. immediately following his term since Woodrow Wilson left office in 1921. Inside, the 9-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom home bears a striking resemblance to the White House, perhaps in name alone (there's a lot of white within those walls). It also happens to span three stories--pretty ideal setup to throw a house party or two. Zillow estimates that the picturesque home is worth about $5.9 million, and that the monthly rent would come in somewhere around $22,239. It's very possible that the first family is planning to leave the D.C. area after 15-year-old Sasha graduates from high school. After that ... who knows? We really can't imagine a happier post-White House home--this one's pretty perfect. VIDEO: Inside the Obama Family's Kalorama Home Scroll through the photos below for a closer look at the Obamas' new digs. We named Portugal the 2016 Destination of the Year. To celebrate, TAP is offering 17 percent off flights in 2017. Travel + Leisure has named Portugal the 2016 Destination of the Year. And to celebrate, the countrys leading airline TAP Portugal is offering North America-based travelers 17 percent off flights in 2017. Portugal has been called Europes best kept secret for years, TAP Portugals CEO Fernando Pinto said. It certainly sounds like the secret is out. There is a lot to love about Portugal: the consistently pleasant weather, the dynamic arts scene, the terraced vineyards of the countrys Douro Valley. And 2017 is an excellent year to visit. To get the discount, reservations must be made by Sunday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.. Travel can be on any day in 2017; no blackout dates apply. Visit flytap.com and use the promotional code PORTUGAL17 to score the 17 percent savings. This flight deal is good whether your destination is Portugal, or if youre only dropping in during the airlines popular stopover program. Whether youre headed to Marseille, Zurich, Stockholm, Vienna, Oslo, London, Barcelona, or any of TAPs other 45 European destinations, you can spend up to three nights in Lisbon or Porto for no additional cost. We look forward to welcoming even more first-time and repeat visitors throughout the year, said Pinto. Related Articles By James Davey LONDON (Reuters) - British supermarket Morrisons has launched a new service offering Amazon customers same-day deliveries of goods from its stores, deepening the relationship between the two firms but hitting shares in online grocer Ocado. Ocado has its own distribution agreement with Morrisons and its shares fell 5 percent on concerns the extension of the Amazon partnership will mean it faces more competition. The new "Morrisons at Amazon" service, launched on Wednesday, will allow Amazon Prime customers in and around London to order the full range of Morrisons' products online via the Prime Now app. It builds on a deal Morrisons struck with Amazon in February that saw it begin wholesale supply to the Internet firm from June. Morrisons said that arrangement had started well and been extended to thousands of products. The new service, which remains part of the wholesale agreement, will see orders from Amazon Prime subscribers picked by shop staff at a local Morrisons store and delivered the same day by Amazon either within one hour for 6.99 pounds or within a two-hour slot for free. As with the existing wholesale deal, Amazon is able to charge its own prices. The new service will launch in selected districts in London and Hertfordshire, north of the capital. It will run alongside the supermarket chain's existing online retail operation. Products ordered on the Morrisons.com website have been distributed by Ocado from its fulfillment centers around the country since 2014. OCADO RESPONDS Ocado said it was looking into the implications of the latest Morrisons-Amazon agreement. "Although we are not aware of the details, we have been assured by Morrisons that they acknowledge and respect the exclusivity provisions in our agreement, which oblige Morrisons to operate their online grocery business only through the Ocado arrangements," said a spokeswoman for Ocado. Amazon is promoting its Prime service heavily ahead of the launch on Nov.18 of motoring show "The Grand Tour" presented by former Top Gear front man Jeremy Clarkson. Shares in Morrisons, up 50 percent this year as a turnaround under new boss David Potts gains pace, were little changed. Morrisons is the smallest of Britain's "big four" supermarkets which have come under pressure from the rise of German discounters Aldi and Lidl. However, the online food market is expanding quickly and is expected to grow by 68 percent to 17.9 billion pounds in the five years to 2021, according to industry research group IGD. Morrisons said its partnership with Amazon will contribute to a 50-100 million pounds profit boost it has previously targeted. "For Morrisons this broadens the offer and gives them more ways to reach customers online where they are still in the early stages of development. For Amazon this is one of a vast number of things they are trialling," said Bernstein analyst Bruno Monteyne, who has a "market perform" rating on Morrisons. Morrisons renegotiated its deal with Ocado in August to extend home delivery to its customers across the country using its own stores to provide products. Morrisons has said it will commence that service next year. (Editing by Susan Fenton/Keith Weir) It might be all just a coincidence, but a Chinese consumer protection group started investigating Apples iPhone just days after a state-run newspaper said that China would respond in a tit-for-tat manner to any of Trumps actions that could affect trade between the two countries. Apples iPhone was even specifically mentioned as a potential collateral victim. On the other hand, if there are iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s users who are experiencing a strange issue, it should certainly be addressed. DONT MISS: Walmart will give you a chance to buy the NES Classic every day this week According to The Wall Street Journal, theres a problem affects both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s: some devices turn off spontaneously, and they wont turn back on without being plugged into a computer first. This happens even when the battery indicator shows that theres more than 50% battery left. The China Consumers Association is looking into the matter. Its interesting that the consumer advocacy group isnt an official regulator, even if its state-approved. The consumer group approached Apple about the issue, although there arent any more details available about the matter. Its unclear what causes the unexpected shutdown, whether it can be fixed, or how many users have been affected in the region. Apple has not commented on the matter. In view that Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s series cellphones in China have a considerable number of users, and the number of people whove reported this problem is rather many, China Consumer Association has already made a query with Apple, the agency wrote on its website, according to Reuters. The Journal notes that China sometimes uses state-run media and semiofficial sites to signal permissible, and impermissible, behavior to foreign companies. The connection with Trumps election in the US appears to be evident. Trump has often criticized trade with China, vowing to address it as president. Regardless of Trumps involvement, this isnt the first time China has taken action against Apple. Earlier this year, China shut down Apples online book and movie operations. In June, Apple was hit with an iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s sales injunction, though the company is appealing that decision. Story continues The Journal also notes other iPhone-related troubles from the past. State-run China Central Television accused Apple of skirting iPhone warranties in 2013, and of tracking user locations in 2014. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com First Look: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a Luxury SUV for Drivers Alfa Romeo finally has launched a high-performance, luxury-minded SUV and, thankfully, it promises to be a driving machine. Alfa Romeo finally has launched a high-performance, luxury-minded SUV and, thankfully, it promises to be a driving machine. Named for the Stelvio Pass a mountain road in northern Italy that, at 9,045 feet above sea level, is the second-highest paved pass in the Alps the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will launch with its top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio edition, which boasts a 2.9-liter bi-turbo intercooled V-6 engine that delivers a class-leading 505 horsepower, top speed of 177 mph and 060 time of 3.9 seconds. The Quadrifoglio edition looks to be the most driver-focused SUV on the market. It comes equipped with standard Q4 all-wheel-drive, four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector with Race mode, torque vectoring differential and Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension. As expected, all the bells and whistles are standard on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Inside, leather wraps Alcantara front seats, the steering wheel and instrument panel, next to the carbon fiber interior trim. Available in performance-enhancing options include an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shell, Sparco racing seats and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. The Stelvio will also be offered in base and Ti models. Both feature an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, Q4 all-wheel-drive, dual exhaust with bright tips, 18-inch aluminum wheels, leather seating, backup camera with rear park sensors, power lift gate, and Formula One-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push button start, for starters. To that the Stelvio Ti adds 19-inch wheels, genuine wood interior accents, and an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display. The driver-centric interior is focused and to-the-point. Located in the center console are two simple rotary dials. The first controls Alfas DNA Drive Mode system with three unique driver selectable modes (Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency) that can be used to fine tune the driving experience by adjusting throttle response, boost pressure, and suspension settings in Stelvio and Stelvio Ti. Stelvio Quadrifoglio adds the fourth mode Race with its exclusive DNA Pro Drive Mode system. All Stelvio models will be built at the Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy, and feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not to mention that classic Alfa Romeo grille, flanked by broad-mouth openings. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but look for the Stelvio to start at around $43,000 and top out at $70,000 for the Quadrifoglio edition. The whole point of virtual reality is to go somewhere youve never been, right? In a surprise launch today, Google is inviting VR early adopters to go virtually anywhere on the planet with a new app called Google Earth VR. Google Earth VR is exactly what youre imagining: Just strap on your headset and float freely to wherever you feel like going. The app uses the same 3D rendering technology that you see on Google Maps, so when you soar to a place like New York City, the skyscrapers come to life, and at the correct scale. MUST SEE: eBays Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals look tremendous You can go quite literally anywhere you want on the globe, but theres definitely a few drawbacks: For starters, not every location is lovingly recreated with the same care as, say the Eiffel Tower. If you find yourself in a remote corner of the Earth youll see that the ground and buildings are flat, and even in popular virtual tourist destinations there are things that sometimes dont look right. Trees, for instance, are oftentimes a jumbled mess. However, if youve ever wanted to sightsee in Europe, Japan, South America, or pretty much anywhere else, you can bet that Googles 360-degree cameras have been there, and youll be treated to a shockingly realistic virtual tour. Google Earth VR is completely free to download and use, and you can snatch it from Valves Steam marketplace right now. That said, the app only currently works with HTCs Vive VR headset, so if youre an early Oculus adopter, youve been left out of Googles plans, at least for the time being. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com The iPhone isnt cheap. Not even close. Apples phones have been setting the bar for high-end smartphone pricing for years, though. Apple has also been improving the iPhone without changing the price, which is a good thing. The simplest example concerns memory. In 2014, Apple upgraded its storage tiers without changing the iPhone 6s price. It did the same this year with the iPhone 7, though the iPhone 7 Plus did get a bit more expensive because of the new dual camera and the added RAM. Are you upset about the iPhone 7 Plus price hike despite the added benefits? If so, we have some bad news: Donald Trump may make the iPhone more expensive than ever if he moves forward with his trade plans for China. MUST SEE: The best leather cases for Apples iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus China already threatened Trumps America with an editorial in a state-run newspaper. The piece basically said that Trumps comments related to US-China trade did not go unnoticed. And that China will respond to any of Trumps future moves against China with actions that will hurt American businesses, including Apples iPhone. Trump said during his campaign that he would impose a 45% tariff on China imports. Business Insider reports that Barclays researchers expressed in a note that a Trump administration would likely settle on a 15% tariff on imports from China. That would mean the government would take 15% of the imported goods value in taxes. Such a tariff would force Apple to raise prices for the iPhone as well, making it a more expensive purchase for the American buyer. In general, if tariffs go up by 15%, we tend to find that prices go up, but not usually entirely by 15%, Columbia economics professor Amit Khandelwal said. But its reasonable to expect that prices would go up a sufficient amount. Tariffs are imposed on wholesale price, so if Ive got my $1,000 computer in front of me, it came in to the airport wholesaler valued at probably $500 or less, Stern economics professor Paul Wachtel said. Story continues Business Insider says the iPhones price could go up as much as $97 per phone, but $50 would be a more reasonable hike. Apple could always choose to pay the fee out of its own pocket, but thats unlikely. The same tariff would apply to other electronics including smartphones from other brands, not just the iPhone. Whether an iPhone is going to go up in price $10 or something is a small issue, Wachtel said. If President Trump starts putting tariffs on electronic goods, does that begin to wreak havoc on the global electronics industry? Now youre talking a real issue. That said, the iPhone 8 will be the first Apple smartphone released under Trump, so itll be interesting to see whether Trumps approach towards trade with China will have am impact on next years iPhone pricing. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com On the night of the election, I was able to attend both election result gatherings of the two major parties in Lancaster County. What struck me as the results came in is that neither party understood what they were seeing. The Democrats were shocked that their star candidate was losing. The Republicans were equally shocked that their candidate won. Democrats wondered what went wrong and many concluded that the majority of voters were racist and sexist. This is in spite of the fact that American voters had already elected a black president twice. Since last Tuesday night, we have further learned that a large percent of women voted for Trump. White backlash and sexism are doubtful reasons for the defeat of Hillary Clinton. As for Republicans, one young man bragged that it was the GOPs worst candidate that beat Clinton. This sentiment is contrary to the fact that Donald Trump destroyed 16 of the best GOP candidates in debates and primaries over the last year. If the GOP was so star-studded, then why was there such little shift in the representation they gained in the House and Senate? The real reason for the outcome in this election is obvious and is completely consistent with all three elections in the post-George W. Bush era. The American people have once again rebuked the neo-conservative candidate. We are fed up with regime change and aggressive foreign policy. Americans are war weary and, so, the perceived war-avoidance candidate won and the neo-con candidate lost, just like the neo-con candidates in 2008 and 2012 lost to the perceived war-avoidance candidate in those elections. It is a repudiation of post-Bush neo-con policies. A change candidate won in a change election. Dan Buhrdorf, Lincoln The logo of Microsoft is pictured in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, August 8, 2016. REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen (Reuters) By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Microsoft has offered concessions to EU antitrust regulators over its $26 billion bid for social network LinkedIn, the European Commission said on Wednesday, as the U.S. software company seeks to allay concerns over its largest ever deal. The move came after the EU competition enforcer expressed concerns about the deal at a meeting with Microsoft executives last week. The Commission, which will rule on the deal by Dec. 6, did not provide details. It is expected to seek feedback from rivals and customers before deciding whether to accept the concessions, demand more or open a full investigation. Microsoft declined to comment. The LinkedIn acquisition will allow it to add a suite of sales, marketing and recruiting services to its core business products as it gears up for next-generation computing. LinkedIn makes most of its $3 billion annual revenue from job hunters and recruiters who pay a monthly fee to post resumes and connect with people. U.S. rival Salesforce, which lost out on the bidding for LinkedIn, has warned of the threat to innovation and competition and urged regulators to examine the antitrust and data privacy issues thoroughly before clearing the deal. Microsoft however sees competition from social network Facebook and wants regulators to take that into account, people familiar with the matter said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop and Alexandra Hudson) MarketWatch After record-breaking sales of I-bonds in October, the U.S. Treasury is dangling another good deal in front of savers for the next six months. Starting Nov. 2, when I-bonds will be available again after site maintenance at TreasuryDirect.gov, the inflation-adjusted annualized rate will be 6.89%, down from 9.62%. The fixed rate at the time of purchase will stay with the bond as long as you hold it up to 30 years but the inflation adjustment resets every six months in November and May. TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan plans to ask Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to pull apps of Uber Technologies available in Taiwan on their app stores, a government official said, upping pressure on the ride-hailing firm that is locked in a dispute with the island. Uber [UBER.UL] operates in Taiwan as an internet-based technology platform rather than a transportation company, which Taiwanese authorities have said is a mis-representation of its service and has ordered it to pay back taxes. However, Uber has said it is communicating with Taiwan authorities and complies with local regulations. "Uber has not done what it says it will do, so we are looking at another way by requesting its apps be removed from Apple and Google (app stores)," Liang Guo-guo, a spokesman for Taiwan's Directorate General of Highways, which is handling the matter, told Reuters by phone on Wednesday. Liang said the request would include the removal of UberEATS app, which Uber launched in Taiwan on Tuesday as part of its effort to expand beyond its core taxi-hailing business around the world. It is unclear if the move would succeed in hampering Uber in Taiwan as removing the app would not prevent alternative ways to download it. It is also not clear how apps that have already been downloaded by users will be dealt with. Uber and Apple did not immediately respond with comments. A Google spokesperson pointed to policies on Google Play, its app store, which indicate that the company does not allow apps that facilitate or promote illegal activities, but declined to comment further. Taiwan transport authorities have begun penalizing UberEATS by fining motorcyclists who deliver the takeaways and suspending vehicle licenses for two to six months, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said in a statement issued on Tuesday. Uber has been facing similar legal scrutiny in markets across Asia. It entered the Taiwan market in 2013, and its growing popularity has triggered anger from domestic taxi drivers, who staged a massive protest against Uber earlier this year. (Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Popular dating app Tinder is rolling out a new update that allows people to choose their gender beyond just the binary options of male and female. In a blog post Tuesday, the company said: Starting today, no matter how you identify, you can express your authentic self on Tinder. Users who want to use this option can go do so by updating their profile, which now has a More button under the I Am option. Choosing More will allow you to type the descriptor that best fits your gender identity. You can also choose to display your gender in your profile as well as appear in searches specific to your gender identity. TinderMoreGenders Photo: Tinder In the past, Tinder has sometimes struggled with transgender users, who were forced to choose between male and female in their profile and were sometimes reported by other users for not being what their profiles stated. Such reports led to the accounts being removed from the dating app. Addressing such cases, the blog post added: We know that we havent been perfect in the past. If you believe you were ever wrongfully removed from Tinder because another user reported you unfairly due to your gender, we want to invite you back to our platform. Simply send an email to questions@gotinder.com with a link to your Facebook profile. Our team will review your request and work to grant you access to Tinder. The company said it is also educating its staff about issues specific to the transgender and non-gender conforming communities. Currently, the new feature is available only for users in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. Related Articles Twitter shares have doubled over the past year, but gave back some gains following a strong quarterly earnings report (AFP Photo/Leon NEAL) (AFP/File) San Francisco (AFP) - Twitter accounts of white supremacy advocates who cheered Donald Trump's election victory were mute on Wednesday, suspended as the social network battles hateful vitriol spewed by "trolls." Terminated Twitter accounts included that of Richard Spencer, a leader in an 'alt-right' white nationalist movement in the US, and accounts associated with his magazine and "think tank." "I think Twitter, Facebook and others are deeply triggered by this election and that social media helped elect Trump," Spencer said in a video posted on YouTube. Spencer compared the account suspensions to Adolf Hitler in 1934 wiping out opposition to his Nazi Party to consolidate power in Germany in what is referred to in history as the Night of the Long Knives. "Basically, my entire digital presence on Twitter has been suspended," he said in the video. "It is corporate Stalinism; there is a great purge going on." In response to an AFP inquiry, Twitter referred to its rules prohibiting "violent threats, harassment, hateful conduct," and its promise to take action on accounts violating those policies. - Bully bane - The account suspensions came after Twitter on Tuesday began rolling out a new weapon in the fight against harassment by "trolls" whose often abusive onslaughts can make the messaging service an unwelcoming place. Online social networks have been struggling to balance free speech with intimidation and aggression that make many fearful of speaking freely. Twitter in February suspended more than 125,000 accounts, most of them linked to the Islamic State group, as part of increased efforts to eradicate "terrorist content" on the popular messaging platform. "The amount of abuse, bullying, and harassment we've seen across the internet has risen sharply over the past few years," Twitter said as it announced an expanded "mute" feature that enables users to block accounts sending inappropriate messages. Story continues Twitter will let users eliminate, or mute, notifications based on keywords, phrases or entire conversations they are not interested in seeing, according to the San Francisco-based company. - Inciting harm - Twitter already prohibits hate speech based on race, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation. In its response to AFP, Twitter pointed out a section of its policy stating that it does not allow accounts "whose primary purpose is inciting harm towards others." Measures announced on Tuesday included providing a more direct way for people to report abusive behavior, even if they are a witness to it and not the target. Twitter support staff have been retrained on its policies and internal processes have been tuned to deal more effectively with reports of abusive behavior, with a goal of being faster and more transparent in handling situations, Twitter said. Reasoning included making Twitter a more welcoming platform, ideally ramping up the number of users and the amount of time they spend engaged on the platform. The moves come after a series of complaints and high-profile instances of abuse on the social network. In July, "Ghostbusters" star Leslie Jones briefly quit Twitter after what she said was a stream of abuse fueled by comments from an editor at the conservative news site Breitbart. Twitter said that it has seen a growing trend in people taking advantage of the openness of the service to abuse others. "We don't expect these announcements to suddenly remove abusive conduct from Twitter," its statement said. "Instead we commit to rapidly improving Twitter based on everything we observe and learn." Anyone who knows who poached a trophy-class bull elk and left it to rot last weekend in northwest Nebraska has an extra incentive to step forward. An eight-member group of Scottsbluff-area hunters has chipped in $1,000 in reward money, matching the bounty being offered by Nebraska Wildlife Crime Stoppers to whoever helps solve the case. The elk, which had a 7-by-6-foot set of antlers, was found in a wheat field southeast of Crawford after being shot, apparently overnight Saturday. Nebraska's firearm elk season ended Oct. 23. Out-of-season hunting isn't what bothers Doyal Lund, president of the Panhandle Conservation Club of Scottsbluff. It's the waste. "If somebody was trying to feed their family, I could kind of understand it," he said. "They shot these animals and let them lay. I have a real problem with that, and we all do. There's no reason for it." The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is also investigating illegal killings of a pronghorn and three mule deer, all females, which were recently found near Hemingford. Smaller rewards are offered in those cases. The Panhandle Conservation Club formed 10 years ago to help local game wardens. Its members have donated digital cameras and a tape recorder to help Game and Parks officers with their investigations. This is the first time the club has contributed to a reward fund. Anyone with information on the poaching cases can contact Wildlife Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-742-7627. Read more at outdoornebraska.gov/wildlifecrimestoppers. Kay Rockwell of Lincoln received the 2016 Humanitarian Award at the 2016 Friendship Force World Conference held in October in Marrakech, Morocco. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a Friendship Force member whose service exemplifies the highest ideals of selflessness and dedication to the welfare of communities. Rockwell's activities centered in the African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Over the past decade , she has focused on humanitarian efforts in Kitue, Kenya, where she and a local resident started the Goats for Voo Project. They have provided four goats (1 billy and 3 ewes) to the neediest HIV orphans in the Voo area. Goats thrive on brush in this semi-arid, harsh environment. As a herd develops, goat milk strengthens those living positively with HIV and provides money for school fees and uniforms. Over 80 orphans and their families have established herds of 15 goats or more. In Uganda, Rockwell worked to establish a community empowerment project to teach women to read and write so they could make money to send their children to school. The project expanded to address HIV orphans, abuse, and other issues limiting womens and children's rights. She supported an effort in Kamuli, Uganda, to build a rural K-14 public school. She also helped build the Chuluni Preschool and is working on building and stocking the library in Chuluni. She will be escorting a Friendship Force group to the area in February to bring childrens books to start the librarys collection. In addition, Rockwell established Friendship Force clubs in Kampala, Uganda, and Kitui, Kenya. February visitors will be hosted by those clubs. For additional information on visiting Kenya and Uganda with Kay, donating books for the Chuluni Library or donating funds for more goats, contact Kay Rockwell at (402) 484-5431. Under Nebraska law, recounts are automatically triggered after a race in which more than 500 ballots were cast and a candidate wins by a margin of less than 1 percent of votes received by the apparent winner. A story on Page A3 of Thursday's paper was incorrect. YORKVILLE County supervisors signaled Tuesday they back selling the county-run Ridgewood Care Center nursing home to a private operator. Supervisors at a committee meeting supported selling the facility by an 11-2 margin, making it likely the full 20-member County Board will give final approval next month. The county is proposing to sell the facility at 3205 Wood Road, Mount Pleasant, for $10.5 million to Illinois-based Villa Healthcare. Villa would have to own and operate Ridgewood for at least five years and take all reasonable steps to own and operate it for at least 10 years, according to a resolution to which two county committees gave preliminary approval Tuesday. Villa would also make $1.5 million in capital improvements within 24 months of the closing date, under the resolution. The County Board is expected to vote on the measure during its 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 meeting at the Ives Grove Office Complex, 14200 Washington Ave., Yorkville. Keep or sell? Citing rising costs and flat Medicaid reimbursements, the county has discussed transferring ownership of Ridgewood for much of the year. A task force studied the issue for several weeks and recommended in February the board hire a broker to facilitate the sale of Ridgewood; a broker was approved in May. Supervisor Janet Bernberg of Wind Point said the time to sell is now, saying the market is good and holding onto it could increase taxes. She dismissed the idea a private owner would not operate the facility as well as the county. The people (residents at Ridgewood) arent going to be abandoned, Bernberg said. Theyre going to be taken care of by an organization that has been doing it for a long time. Supervisors Bob Miller of Mount Pleasant and Donnie Snow of Racine cast the opposing votes. Miller said the county cannot ensure the facility would be well-run and felt the best option is to keep it in the countys hands. In an interview afterward, he said Ridgewoods financial challenges have been ongoing since it opened and the county has always worked through them. If we step up, if we are truly bold, as the county executive has called us to be, we can run Ridgewood with a reasonable reliance on the tax levy, Miller said. Several at a public hearing on the budget last month also called on the board to keep Ridgewood. County Executive Jonathan Delagrave has argued a larger, regional owner may be a better operator of the facility it can get better rates on supplies, for example, and lobby the federal government more effectively. Villa Healthcare already has a presence in Racine County with The Villa in Lincoln Park, a former Lincoln Lutheran facility at 1700 C.A. Becker Drive, Racine. It owns and operates 22 skilled nursing facilities and one assisted-living facility in four states. Ridgewood, which opened in 1986, provides nursing care and rehabilitation services to about 177 residents. It has roughly 300 employees, about 200 of whom are county workers. RACINE The suspect in the George Bray Neighborhood Center shooting case is facing a new charge after a letter to a witness was intercepted by Racine County Jail staff. Zerell A. Strong, 20, of the 1500 block of Park Avenue, was charged Wednesday with a felony count for attempted intimidation of a witness and a misdemeanor charge for contempt of court. According to the criminal complaint: Strong wrote to one of the witnesses in the Bray Center case asking them to contact another witness and get that person to contact police to change a story previously provided to investigators. The letter was intercepted Aug. 25. Part of the letter from Strong stated, Just tell the police it was a mistake, she made it up ... so could you get the word out for me, please, the sooner the better I would get (right) out (so) they dont know who did it, the complaint said. The letter also reportedly included instructions on how the witness could write back to Strong while evading detection by jail staff. Strong is not to have any contact with anyone other than his attorney, according to the complaint. Strong is currently on trial for three charges of first-degree reckless injury in connection with the shootings on March 11 inside the Bray Center, 924 Center St. Three people a 16-year-old girl, a 20-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were wounded when a gun was fired in the community center. Strong remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. RACINE A Racine man has been charged with theft for reportedly stealing items from cars located at a Douglas Avenue auto shop. According to a criminal complaint: Ryan T. Langdon, 28, of the 1500 block of Hayes Avenue, was caught on video stealing various items out of cars at El Guero Auto Sales, 2200 Douglas Ave., on Oct. 10. Items were taken from nine cars that Langdon allegedly entered. The items included car batteries, a gas can, a jacket and other unspecified items. Investigators estimated the value of the stolen items totaled approximately $1,000. Langdon told police he sold the items. Langdon faces a misdemeanor charge for theft and one felony charge for bail jumping. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 30 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Langdon remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed. RACINE A Mount Pleasant man has been charged for reportedly taking a friend's vehicle and crashing it while driving without a license. Zachary M. Waldron, 25, of the 2200 block of Racine Street,is accused of crashing a vehicle at the intersection of 16th Street and Grange Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. on July 24. The crash caused the victim's vehicle to be pushed into a porch in the 1500 block of Grange Avenue. After the crash, Waldron and two female passengers allegedly fled on foot. The suspect vehicle was found to be owned by a friend of Waldron. She told police that Waldron told her he had taken the car and had been in a crash, according to a criminal complaint. Waldron reportedly admitted to police at about 12:41 a.m. July 25 that he had crashed and ran because he was scared. Police discovered Waldron had never possessed a license before. According to court records, Waldron did not show up for a scheduled initial court appearance on Aug. 31. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Sept. 7 and he was finally in custody on Wednesday, when he was formally charged. Waldron faces two misdemeanor charges for hit-and-run and operating a vehicle without a license. He is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 3:15 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Waldron remained in custody as of Wednesday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed. YORKVILLE The Yorkville Elementary School District will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to inform residents about a possible operations referendum. The meeting will take place in the cafeteria of the Yorkville Elementary School, 18621 Washington Ave., and is designed to provide the community with information about the districts financial situation, District Administrator Dave Alexander explained Tuesday. If placed on the ballot, the referendum would ask voters whether the district should be allowed to exceed state-imposed revenue limits, he said. We have been facing financial challenges. Between the revenue caps and some declining enrollment, it has put a lot of pressure on our budget, Alexander said. He said the district has already put a lot of cost-savings measures in place to avoid going to a referendum, but now the district is up against a wall and facing a situation where it would have to cut programs. The district is still considering the scope and amount of the referendum, Alexander said, but at this point board members just want to get information into constituents hands so they understand where the district is at financially. If they are informed they will understand our situation, he said. The last time the school district asked voters for added revenue was in 2006, according to Journal Times archives. That year district voters approved a $5.9 million facilities referendum; part of which was used to pay for eight classrooms and a new cafeteria, kitchen, library and gymnasium. The district in 2015-16 had an enrollment of about 486 students in grades 4K-eight, according to the state Department of Public Instruction. Most graduates matriculate to Union Grove High School. Over the past several years, college tuition has been a hot topic. Millennials are living at home following graduation because they cannot pay off their student loans and they are putting off purchases such as homes. Through all of this discussion the main target for many has been college tuition. But, rightfully so, the University of Wisconsin as part of its strategic framework is shifting the discussion to a second problem: the amount of time it takes students to graduate. Time to graduate is one of the most important factors in college affordability. If students can graduate in a shorter amount of time, they pay less. It also avoids missed opportunity costs because they are out in the workforce and moving forward in their career, said Board of Regents President Regina Millner. We are laser focused on keeping college affordable for Wisconsin families. University officials also pointed out that if tuition increased $100 a semester, the increase would equal $800 over the four-year experience. Comparatively, it could cost a student approximately $5,000 more to stay an extra semester if they cannot graduate in a timely fashion. That is huge. By pointing this out, we are not giving the University of Wisconsin a green light to skyrocket tuition. Rather, we hope that families and students will take note of this figure. That $5,000 figure doesnt even include the amount of wages students could make after graduating early. If you figure that in, a student could make enough to pay off a significant amount of student loans just by graduating early. To achieve that savings, students and university officials need to work together. Students need to stay on track to graduate and the university needs to make sure that students can get into needed classes and are not put on long wait lists that put them behind. High schools also need to be a part of this and that is included in the University of Wisconsins plan. For one, universities need to work with high schools to expand college options which in some cases can mean a student starts college with the equivalent of a semester behind their belts. In addition, high schools have to do their part to make sure to graduate students who dont need remedial education which essentially could put a student behind a semester from the beginning and means a student will be paying for high school level classes while in college. The bottom line is that students are graduating with too much college debt and if there are easy ways to avoid it, students, families and schools should do everything they can to help. The goal is to get students trained and educated and out in the workforce sooner. President-elect Donald Trump will enter the White House under circumstances similar to what Gov. Scott Walker faced in Wisconsin six years ago with his party in control of the legislative branch and a big, bold to-do list. And with Walker and his allies taking on key national roles, its possible the 2011 Wisconsin Republican blueprint for upending the balance of political power will also be front-and-center in the new administration. However, there remains plenty of uncertainty about how Trump will govern and whether Republicans 52-48 majority in the U.S. Senate will be enough to push through some of the major changes Walker was able to advance in Wisconsin. Its also unclear whether Trump will pursue policies that inflame liberals, such as taking on labor unions, or stick to more populist fare, such as tax cuts and infrastructure projects. The Wisconsin blueprint included a range of aggressive policies that punished opponents and rewarded allies the dismantling of public-sector labor unions (a key funding source for Democrats), tax cuts for manufacturers and farmers, limits on liability lawsuits, a new voter ID requirement, concealed gun permits and funding cuts for abortion providers, among others. The law that blocked collective bargaining and made it harder for public sector unions to organize, known as Act 10, sparked massive state Capitol protests in spring 2011 and an attempted recall of Walker in June 2012. Republicans have since expanded their legislative majorities and for the first time since 1984 won Wisconsins 10 presidential electoral votes. Its the best model (the Trump administration) can have, said David Keene, a Wisconsin native and opinion editor for the conservative Washington Times. Once youve won those one or two big things, the other things arent as big in the minds of the people who are protesting. Shortly before the election, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said if Trump wins, Washington could become like Madison, referring to the 2011 conflict. Trumps victory has already sparked demonstrations in cities across the country. (Trump) has got a Supreme Court appointment and a couple of other things he can do very quickly thats going to get the attention of everybody, Keene said. In that sense Newt was probably right. Its going to get pretty ugly. Labor issues in play? So far Trump hasnt made labor a focus of his first-100-days agenda but Walker also didnt campaign on Act 10. He later said one of his mistakes was rushing to pass the law without clearly explaining his intentions. Grover Norquist, president of the conservative group Americans for Tax Reform, said the passage of Act 10 was directly linked to Republican success in Wisconsin as the number of union members here dropped by more than 100,000, draining tens of millions of dollars a year in dues from union coffers, which helped fund Democrats. The fight in Wisconsin drained resources from all around the nation, Norquist said. Norquist said he expects the labor issues to primarily play out at the state level as more states pass right-to-work laws and follow Wisconsins model on collective bargaining with public employees. But Trump might also effect change through appointments to the National Labor Relations Board, making it harder for unions to recruit new members. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said her members are very concerned that Trump could pursue an anti-union agenda in the mode of Walkers Wisconsin. But she said Trump ran on a platform of helping improve the economic situation for workers, and a national stagnation in wages has tracked with a decades-long decline in union membership. Donald Trump did not run for president against unions. Donald Trump ran for president trying to get working class folk to believe they were going to raise their wages, she said. At the end of the day, someone who wants to be a great president wants to actually deliver on that which they promised people. Priebus, Walker, Ryan Trump announced Sunday that former Republican Party of Wisconsin and current Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, of Kenosha, will serve as his chief of staff. On Tuesday, Paul Ryan, of Janesville, was re-elected by his party to serve as House speaker. And this week, Walker took the reins as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, where he is advocating for Washington to pass through more funding and control of that funding to the states. During his short-lived presidential campaign, Walker advocated for eliminating public-sector labor unions, dismantling the National Labor Relations Board, passing nationwide right-to-work legislation and repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, which would end prevailing wage laws for federal highway and other public works projects. Walker said such actions would drain the swamp in Washington, a rallying cry that Trump adopted near the end of his campaign. In a radio interview last week, Walker said just like in Wisconsin in 2011 its truly put up or shut up time. If they dont go big and bold, theyll be out on their heels two years from now, Walker said. If they do, this could be a lasting change in American politics. Ryan has called for Congress to take big and bold action through his Better Way agenda, which doesnt take on labor unions. He urges revamping Medicare and Social Security by moving toward privatization rather than government management. Priebus has said voters want Trump to take the country in a bold new direction, though there is some uncertainty as to which direction and how far Trump will go. Conservative groups such as Americans for Prosperity are hoping for tax cuts, the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act and the reduction of government regulations on business. Wed love to see Washington take a similar approach to Wisconsin and other states and take a big, bold approach toward reform, whether it be health care, taxes, regulation, said Sean Lansing, AFP chief operating officer. The opportunity is there for big and bold reform and were going to advocate for them to go for it. UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden is skeptical that Trump would work arm-in-arm with congressional Republicans in the same way that Walker was able to work with his Legislative majority in Wisconsin. Trump has less room to wiggle if he loses very many Republicans, Burden said. Theyre just not on the same page ideologically on a lot of issues. Julia Azari, a Marquette University political science professor, said the Wisconsin Republican anti-union agenda created a lot of polarization and rancor in the state. If theres a sense that Trump needs to build a broader coalition, then it wouldnt be smart to stir up that fight, she said. But its possible Wisconsin could be a model given how many Republicans from the state are involved and the way Trump won the election by using a Rust Belt strategy that focused on rural voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, she said. 52 parties fail to re-register As many as 52 political parties that failed to renew their registration at the Election Commission by Tuesday will be barred from the upcoming elections, the election body has said. Basnet likely Tarun Dal head The fourth general convention of Tarun Dal, the youth wing of the Nepali congress, approaches its conclusion with Jit Jung Basnet poised to lead the party wing. Beekeeping in Rukum: Some stings attached Beekeeper Om Prakash Khadka of Pokhara, Rukum takes home Rs460,000 annually by selling honey and bee colonies. Coffee production fulfils 5pc of export demand Nepals coffee production is enough to fulfil only 5 percent of export demand, signalling the presence of a big market abroad for the beverage. From clout to rout The Cabinets decision to grant Rs5 million to Sujata Koirala, perhaps one of the richest persons in Nepal, highlights the malaise in Nepali society: the role of pahunch (access) in subverting the principles of governance. India proposes resuming air service talks in Dec India has proposed resuming stalled air service talks with Nepal in the third week of December after Nepali officials abruptly postponed a meeting previously scheduled for October 20. Dispute over local entity restructuring: over a dozen injured in Sankhusabha clash Over a dozen people were injured in a brief scuffle between police and locals in Sankhuwasabha district following a dispute over proposed center of local Dharmadevi Municipality on Wednesday. Nepal-China transit talks to begin in Lhasa today A high-level Nepali delegation left for Lhasa, China on Tuesday for a meeting with the Chinese side on draft protocol on Transit Transport Agreement (TTA), the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. PM Dahal, Oli discuss statute amendment issue Talks were held between the top brass of the ruling CPN (Maoist Centre) and major opposition CPN-UML on Wednesday, focusing on the issue relating to the constitution amendment. Recruiting firms face a bleak future Scores of foreign employment recruitment agencies have run out of business and many other are making heavy layoffs due to recession in overseas employment, while a few big companies previously limited to hiring business are gradually exploring other avenues for investment. Registration process for EGCL initiated The Energy Ministry has begun the registration process for Electricity Generation Company Limited (EGCL), more than a month after getting the go-ahead from the Cabinet. It filed the registration application with the Office of the Company Registrar on Tuesday along with a registration fee of Rs6.1 million. Take note The Indian governments sudden announcement last week to demonetise Rs500 and Rs1,000 Indian currency (IC) notes has been hailed by many in India as a masterstroke against rampant corruption, terror financing and counterfeit currency. Two RPPs announce merger decision, again Three months after their failed merger bid, two right-wing forces Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal and RPP have agreed again to become one with an understanding to campaign for reinstating Nepal as a Hindu state, an issue abandoned by the latter earlier. Villagers threaten to give up citizenships The residents of Kanda VDC in Bajhang district have threatened to renounce their citizenships if the VDC is not given a separate village council status by the Local Level Restructuring Technical Assistance Committee (LLRTAC) of the Local Level Restructuring Commission. 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. City businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has accused the Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura and the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago of pocketing over 20 billion shillings from an irregular scheme to manage city abattoirs. Mr Basajjabalaba has been appearing before parliaments committee on Presidential Affairs where he said that despite acquiring a 49-year lease in June 2001, under the Basajjabalaba Hides and Skins (BHS) Company, the two conspired against his deal costing him over 19 billion shillings. Basajjabala also alleges that in 2011, a group loyal to Kaihura and Lukwago took over operations of money, and has for the last six years pocketed over 20 billion raised through daily collections at the Abattoirs without remitting the funds to Kampala Capital City Authority. The committee chaired by its vice, Susan Amero, the Amuru Woman MP has resolved to summon the two to respond to the allegations Former FDC presidential Candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye has put the Nakawa Magistrates court on notice that he will never report back for mention of the treason case against him beyond the next adjournment date of 25th/January 2016. This after state Prosecutor Carol Apiya informed the presiding magistrate Noah Ssajjabi that investigations into Besigyes treason are still on-going and that the DPP needs more time within which to conclude its work. This angered Besigye who attacked the DPP Mike Chibita for failing to find evidence against him for the last six months to enable his case be sent to the High court for trial. Besigye is accused of having sworn -in himself as president of Uganda maintaining that he won the February presidential polls. According to the DPP, this is against the legally prescribed processes through which one can ascend himself into the office of the president. Besigye was arrested on May/ 13th this year and charged in Moroto court before he was airlifted to Kampala to be freshly charged at Nakawa court. He then proceeded to the High court to appear before the criminal registrar Mary Khainza for extension of his bail. The economy is likely to stabilise from its current turbulence after about five months. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija last evening told parliament that the economy is facing huge challenges, adding that the government is working to ensure it stabilizes. He however downplayed fears of a recession following the cancellation of loans by the World Bank, election & post-election anxiety as well as geopolitical conditions as major constraints. The minister of state for Veteran Affairs Major Bright Rwamirama is seeking cabinet approval for a loan to clear the huge debt of the former service men stretching from colonial rule to date. According to Rwamirama, government requires 536 billion shillings to clear this long outstanding debt for the former army servicemen starting from the past regimes. While appearing in Human Rights committee, he explained that currently the ministry of defense does not have funds to offset this huge burden, thus parliament must authorize government to borrow, if this problem is to be solved. The executive director of Kampala capital city authority Jenipher Musisi has decried over limited funding from the government on infrastructure development in Kampala. Speaking will touring roads in Kampala city ,Jenipher says limited funding from the government has affected the progress of these roads construction because KCCA and government approves the budget for the roads but less is released. She notes that she has suspended 25 projects because there is no money asserting that contractor who had started the work are demanding over 16 billion threatening to pull off the contracts if this money is not given to them. She also explains that flooding in Kampala has persisted because the money the government is releasing is not enough. The public has been warned against eating meat from dead animals after an outbreak of a strange disease in Kagadi district kills three people. This follows an incidence where a family of 12 from Kisegu Village, Kikonda parish in Kagadi district slaughtered and ate a pig that had died from an unknown illness. Three people have died and the remaining nine have been subjected to isolation at Kagadi hospital as they monitor and review their cases. The Ministry of Health says, laboratory results from the Uganda Virus institute for the obtained blood specimen of the admitted patients are negative for Ebola, Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic fever, rift valley fever and Sosuga viruses. The Ministry has also called upon the public to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility as efforts to contain the outbreak continue. The strange disease presents symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, general body weakness and vomiting. The Speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga has asked president Museveni to ascend to the Uganda Cancer Institute bill lest parliament passes it without further hesitation. The bill was passed on 5th May 2015 by the ninth Parliament and sent to the President for ascent but he has but has since remained silent on the matter. According to Article 91 of the Constitution, the Speaker is allowed on to carry on and passes a bill into law if the president does not respond in 30 days. The Speaker has given government only today before she takes any further decision. Anne-Marie Sage, head of business development, JLL Asia / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk Global real estate firm JLL eyes rich Korean investors By Park Hyong-ki, Nam Hyun-woo London may not seem to be the very best place to invest at this time amid uncertainties following the UK's vote to exit the European Union last June. The pound has fallen to historic lows, and some analysts say market volatility may likely to increase as the UK negotiates its exit with the EU over the next two years. While the outlook for the general UK economy may look uncertain and complicated, there is one particular area that is worth looking into for potential investment from abroad London's residential property market, according to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a global real estate investment company headquartered in the US. "Beginning this year, we had a slowdown in transactions because of the Brexit. We estimate over the next two or three years while the government exits the EU there is going to be uncertainty," said Anne-Marie Sage, head of business development at JLL's international residential property services Asia in a recent interview. "But the fundamentals of the London property market remain the same. There is a huge shortage of supply. There always has been. So this shortage of supply will now get worse because the developers will start to hold and not build as many as previously was predicted as they want to see what will happen." Real estate transactions were down by about 35 percent early this year on Brexit concerns, but Sage pointed out that demand has started to pick up as the voter outcome has eased those concerns. "Since the vote, we all know now what will happen, so the market has steadied out again," she added. "Investors were bit slow to come back, but the weak pound is an opportunity." London's plan to become one of the world's technology centers will further fuel demand not only for commercial properties but also for residential housing as this will increase its population. "By 2020, there will be a million in London, and 80 percent of them will be people coming from outside of Europe. So we got that influx, and got an undersupply where are they all going to live?" Sage said. "Also, developers won't decrease the price because the fundamentals are still the same." An artist's sketch of Woodberry Down residential property / JLL London Portfolio Based on its in-house estimates that the UK housing sector will grow about 13 percent annually from 2017-2021, with annual rental growth at about 18 percent on the back of undersupply, JLL further notes that the time is ripe for investors to consider investing in London residential market. JLL forecast prime central London's housing market to grow 15.2 percent. Introducing its portfolio of London residential properties for the first time in Korea, JLL seeks to attract rich Korean investors or parents who want to send their children to prestigious universities in the UK. "Most of our investors are buying London property products generally for three reasons. They are looking for capital growth. They are looking for good rental yields, and for children's education," Sage said. "That is why we started expand in cities such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, where many Asians will go to schools and universities." JLL's three residential properties for potential Korean investors are: South Quay Plaza, south of Canary Wharf, a business district in London; and the city's new towns Royal Arsenal Riverside Waterfront and Woodberry Down. These are off-plan properties, which are in their second or third phase of development and two years away from completion, according to JLL. "They are not yet built properties. The majority of stocks (for sale) will be built by next year or 2018," Sage said. Sage, who is also the regional director of JLL Asia in Hong Kong, also noted London's simple investment process and transparency system. For instance, London does not restrict foreign investors from reselling their purchased houses, she noted, adding that London introduced stamp duties of 2 percent this year. JLL said that London's property market is considered a "safe haven for money" especially for wealthy investors. "Should the economy collapse and property prices come down, then that is an issue. But there are no indicators that will happen," Sage said. JLL started offering Japanese residential products to investors in Hong Kong and Singapore, and launched offices in Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam and Cambodia to introduce their products to global investors. An artist's sketch of Royal Arsenal Riverside Waterfront / JLL JLL Overview JLL is an investment management firm offering real estate services for clients seeking value by owning, occupying and investing in real estate. The company's global fee revenue stands at $5.2 billion and gross revenue amounts to $6 billion at the end of 2015. Its global sales, acquisitions and financial transactions totaled to $138 billion in the same year. The company has more than 280 corporate offices operating in 80 countries and has a global workforce of some 60,000. It set up a Korea office in April 2000 to become the first foreign real estate consulting firm to have real estate brokerage services in Korea. Since then, it has been providing services in capital markets, tenant representation, leasing, property management and other sectors. The firm so far has been offering move, tenant and management services to executives and businessmen of foreign firms in Korea. Also, it has re-modeled a luxury studio apartment in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and joined a consulting project for the construction of Lotte World Tower Residence. Executive Profile Anne-Marie began her career in property in 1994, concentrating on the residential leasing market in Hong Kong. She is currently the regional director and head of business development of JLL's international residential property services Asia. Based in Hong Kong, she is instrumental in developing the firm's extensive sales network and building the firm's presence in the international properties market throughout Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Thailand and Australia. Anne-Marie has expertise in leasing and relocation consultancy of expats and corporate clients, advisory services to landlords on large sole agency and marketing ventures. She now focuses on expanding her portfolio to develop and drive forward JLL's regional platform for international properties sales, focusing on the Asia Pacific markets. In her latest visit to Korea, she presented JLL's market perspective on the real estate market in London, the process of acquiring real estate properties in London and some quality residential properties in the city. CROMWELL New Cromwell Town Council member Travis Gow is ready to re-energize the town hes lived in all his life. With houses deteriorating and businesses closing or leaving, he wants to help bring new life to the community. Ive been turning junk into something useful my entire life, Gow said. My projects just getting a bit bigger. I want to help out the town in any way I can. His appointment to the board Nov. 10 after the resignation of former council member Shannon Ewell in October gives him the opportunity to do just that. Gow was absent from the councils Tuesday meeting due to a prior commitment. Gow, 31, works for White Oaks Construction during the day and plays fiddle with the Hubie Ashcraft Band in his spare time. Hes raising his three children Lydia, Natalie and Theodore with his wife, Tiffanie, in the place he loves a town where children can ride bikes without fear and people wave to each other. I love that small-town feel, having nice neighbors that will do anything for you, Gow said. Theres not very many towns like that anymore. Theyre getting largely developed, and hardly anyone knows anyone anymore. He currently is president of the Cromwell Plan Commission, but being a councilman will be a whole new experience. Hes attended council meetings as a resident, but now hell be responsible for helping to bring about change. That means looking at the future of the town for generations to come, not just a fix for those currently living there. While he doesnt have any specific goals after having just been sworn in, hes ready to focus on residents needs and become hands-on in improving the town, if thats what it takes. I want to make it a better place, Gow said. Theres not a lot of people thinking of Cromwell 20 years down the road. Id like to be one of those people that are. ANGOLA Kindergarten through high school students attending Metropolitan School District of Steuben County schools may have a chance to learn from home during snow days this school year. At Tuesday nights school board meeting at Hendry Park Elementary School, the board approved premeditated virtual learning days. The district applied for permission from the Indiana Department of Education to offer virtual learning days during the 2016-17 school year and was given the go-ahead, said Curriculum Director Cyndi Nusbaum. At this time, virtual learning days can only be called the day before an anticipated major weather event. At the elementary level, each student has an individual digital learning device, but it is left at school. MSD Director of Technology Chantell Manahan said eventually kindergarten through fifth-grade students may begin bringing Chromebooks home regularly in phases. One hold-up is ascertaining insurance for accidental damage that is palatable to the district and the parents. Virtual classes will be created through Google Classroom by the teachers, who will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for questions via email or Google Voice. Manahan said students and parents should try to reach out to teachers at any time, however, as some may be available occasionally after hours. Dont hesitate to reach out to the teachers because we want this to be a success, Manahan said. When a virtual learning day is announced, students who complete the days lessons within three days will be counted present for that school day. That helps avoid adding extra days at the end of the school year due to cancellations, said Superintendent Brent Wilson. If a storm closes school for more than one day, only one day could be made up under MSDs current virtual learning model. In response to feedback from a Feb. 19 pilot virtual learning day, Manahan said some changes have been made for this school year. Chargers will be available for every elementary device. Teachers will make sure the classes are a feasible amount of work and not assign extra homework on top of the virtual class. Parents will be able attend Family Tech Nights and learn about Google Classroom from both the students and the teachers point of view. Angola Middle School premiered Family Tech Night last school year. The nights will be offered at the elementary schools this school year, said Manahan. I would highly recommend any parent to go to that when its offered, said school board member Kim Hutchins, who attended the AMS event. It was very helpful. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results ALBION Noble County prosecutors dismissed child molesting charges levied against a Columbia City man late last month, after a judge suppressed a polygraph test and a key witness announced she would testify against the childs allegations. Noble County Prosecutor Eric Blackman classified the move as dismissing it to save it, after the late developments torpedoed the likelihood of winning at trial. Prosecutors dismissed the case against Joshua Julian, 26, without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled someday, even though Blackman admits its unlikely without new evidence. Its the fifth child molesting case prosecutors have dismissed since October 2015. Julian was charged in April 2015 with a Class A felony after a then-8-year-old girl reportedly told police he had touched her inappropriately in December 2012. She told police the incident had occurred at Julians home in southern Noble County, according to court documents. Police interviewed Julian, who allegedly said when he was alone with the girl that he had smoked spice and could not remember what had happened. Prosecutors were moving forward with the case and had results from a polygraph test that Julian had agreed to take and failed, Blackman said. But an issue arose with the test results because the test took place over two separate sittings, and Julian didnt give a clear stipulation that he agreed the results could be admissible in court, Blackman said. Noble Superior Court 1 Judge Robert Kirsch denied the prosecutors request to allow the polygraph results to be admitted as evidence on Sept. 2. Prosecutors were prepared to continue to trial, but the case was further derailed on Oct. 28 when they were notified that a family member of the victim was planning to testify in the case and cast doubt on the girls allegations, Blackman said. His office dismissed the charge that day. Basically we were put in a position where we had to dismiss the case in order to save it, filing a motion to dismiss without prejudice, to hope we could find ways around obstacles that were put up, Blackman said. He said its possible the victim could be re-interviewed by a forensic interviewer from the Fort Wayne-based Child Advocacy Center, although thats not typically done. The countys sex abuse response team also will meet to discuss whether there would be a way to work around the rejected polygraph test, since its unlikely the defendant is going to agree to third session, Blackman said. Hes not optimistic prosecutors will find a way to refile, but having the possibility is superior to forcing the case to trial and losing, he said. We only get one bite at the apple, and if were wrong, its done. At least this way, theres a chance I would say slim at this point unless we can find ways around these obstacles to increase the likelihood of a conviction, Blackman said. Blackman said it wouldnt be appropriate to roll the dice and take a case to trial without a reasonable expectation of winning for multiple reasons, including: protecting the young victim from having to recount the events in court; saving the time and money required to hold a trial; and maintaining an ethical duty to the public to not pursue defendants without reason above and beyond probable cause needed for police to make an arrest. In many sex crime cases, the prosecution may not have more to go on that the victims word against the defendants. Blackman said this case wasnt ideal to continue pursuing because of the victims young age and the fact that four years had passed since the alleged incident. Although another case was dismissed, Blackman said people should not hesitate to report allegations of child sex abuse. Even in cases when prosecutors cant get a criminal conviction, the Indiana Department of Child Services still will intervene to ensure a child is living in a safe environment. The burden of proof needed by DCS to conduct an investigation and take action is lower, compared to criminal prosecution. Since June, the last time a child molesting case was dismissed, prosecutors had successfully closed four sex crimes cases involving juveniles, earning convictions for molesting or sexual misconduct with a minor. Prosecutors also have filed child molesting charges against seven other men accused of inappropriate contact with minors since June, all of which are currently pending. Blackman said Noble County will continue to make sex crimes a priority, and his office is continuing to tweak procedures in an effort to avoid pitfalls that have sunk previous prosecutions, he said. FORT WAYNE Sgt 1st Class Travis Striggle is one of the lucky ones. In nine years of service with the Indiana Army National Guard, including a 9-month deployment to the Middle East, Striggle was never overseas for Veterans Day. Nor did he miss Thanksgiving or Christmas. He understands how truly fortunate he is, and for those who arent as lucky, Striggle always wanted to make sure he was an extension of someones family. I spent a birthday and an Easter (overseas), but never a major holiday, Striggle said. You spend all that time with the same group of guys and you become a family. It feels like you are with family, it just isnt your family back home. Striggle was the featured speaker at Oak View Elementary Schools Veterans Day celebration on Friday afternoon, where his daughter, Carly, is a first-grader. He was among the approximately 50 veterans who were individually recognized along with the student or faculty member that invited them. Being in the presence of all of these great veterans was truly an honor, Striggle said. This day may be about the veterans, but its also about these kids. All of us here served because we want to see the future of this country grow bright. These kids are the future of this country. They are the main reason we are all here. Striggle, a 1996 graduate of Carroll High School, joined the Army National Guard right out of high school, joining the 293rd Infantry Division in Fort Wayne. He wanted to serve, and also wanted to go to college, and this opportunity allowed him to do both. He has a degree in organizational leadership and supervision from IPFW. His infantry was deployed to the Middle East in January 2003. He worked as a security specialist, securing roads, bases and supply routes. Having supply routes open is your livelihood, Striggle said. To get ammunition, water and food up those highways, they have to be secure. Its a major part of a war operation. If a road is blocked off or shut down, people arent eating or getting the medical supplies they need. Its a very critical job. He spent four months in Iraq and five months in Kuwait before returning home in October. Today, he continues to work locally in the recruit sustainment program, helping new soldiers find their place in the military. While Striggle shared the day with his daughter, Oak View Principal Jamie Wilkins shared the day with his father, Tim, who served in the Army in the Vietnam War. You do this, not only in honor of all the men and women you served, but people you are related to, Wilkins said. We had a lot of kids who invited a lot of veterans here today. Its cool to see the kids stand up with their loved ones here that are representing them. Throughout the week, Oak View students collected supplies and money as part of the Treats for Troops program. Throughout the week, each day focused on a different item the school wished to send to American soldiers overseas. Items ranged from toiletries to food and candy and games and playing cards. On Friday, the school held a monetary drive to collect funds to ship the items. Wilkins said approximately 45 boxes were filled and will be sent to troops with ties to Oak View Elementary School. There are a lot of people who have come before them and served and done so much for our country, Wilkins said. We want to show them how much we appreciate them for what they have done for us. We also want them to understand what its like to be a veteran and what they go through. Our P.E. class had a boot camp set up in here. It was an obstacle course and the kids were running around with backpacks that were heavy, giving them an idea of what its like to be a veteran. Oak Views celebration included numerous songs, a short play and a flag display. While fifth-grader Maddy Knapke and fourth-grader Joshua McGrath put on a demonstration for proper folding of an American flag, Carroll High School senior Joel Bymna played taps on his trumpet. Each veteran was also presented with a hand-made craft as a show of thanks upon entry. Air travel is up 4 percent nationwide this year, and that could mean an even busier than usual holiday season locally. Not only were the numbers of passengers up, the miles they traveled rose as well, said Sarah Hubbard, an assistant professor in Purdue Universitys School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. More affordable airfares are driving the increase, said industry trade organization Airlines for America, which projected that 27.3 million passengers will travel globally on U.S. airlines during the Thanksgiving travel period. Thats up 2.5 percent, or an additional 55,000 passengers per day, over last years estimated 26.6 million passengers. Legislation passed by Congress during the summer has helped shorten long lines and reduce security wait times, Hubbard said. Airports and airlines have worked with the Transportation Security Administration to improve service, with new screening technologies and modernized security being tested at some major airports. Hopefully we wont see the dramatic wait times that we had late last spring, Hubbard noted. Delays can sometimes be airport-specific, and Indianapolis International Airport doesnt typically have the security delays experienced at larger airports such as Chicagos OHare International Airport, Hubbard noted. Technology also is aiding travelers with apps to help keep track of wait times at specific airports, as well as provide information about how to get through the airport terminal, and where to find specific food or other airport services, Hubbard said. Fort Wayne International Airport added daily service to and from Newark Liberty International Airport, one of three serving the New York City area, in September. The total number of passengers leaving or arriving from Fort Wayne rose 3 percent in September from the same month in 2015; and is up a cumulative 1 percent for the first nine months of this year, compared with last. Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly compared airfares available from Fort Wayne and Indianapolis to New York, Miami and Denver; and found, as expected, that next-day fares and fares for the rapidly approaching Thanksgiving period, booked Nov. 7, were fairly pricey. Fares for the Christmas period, also booked Nov. 7, were considerably lower. While Indianapolis fares are lower, they do not reflect travel expenses related to and from the Indianapolis airport. The lowest fares offered are often blacked out during holiday periods, the U.S. Department of Transportation noted. Most airlines set aside only a limited number of seats on many desirable flights at the lowest rates, so being flexible in travel planning and booking as far ahead as possible may help. Fans of Omar S. Castanedas Abuelas Weave will enjoy this lovely selection about perseverance, community, and the ancient Mayan art of weaving. In order to earn money at the market, the women in young Ixchels Guatemalan village weave thread into fabric as beautiful as a rainbow. The girl desperately wants to learn and participate in this traditional art, but her mother gently refuses. Mama tells her that the money she earns from the cloth will be used to purchase books and fund an education for Ixchel. The cloth must be eye-catching in order to earn a good price. Ixchel is disappointed but determined to help and soon comes up with a creative way to clean up her village and weave a unique type of cloth. Vibrant illustrations bring the story to life and provide readers with a glimpse of indigenous Guatemalan culture. The images could also be used during a discussion about facial expressions and how they communicate emotions. The English and Spanish texts are clearly delineated. The author incorporates several words in Kaqchikel, one of the Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala. A glossary and pronunciation guide are provided at the beginning of the volume. A detailed authors note at the narratives conclusion explains the inspiration for this tale. Pair this with a simple weaving project and some primary source photographs. VERDICT An uplifting offering that would be a wonderful addition to picture book collections and STEAM programs. In its fifth year, the first-time buyer license continues to provide an opportunity to explore Wisconsins outdoors and experience its hunting traditions at a reduced price. Wisconsin residents who have never purchased a deer hunting license or have not purchased a Wisconsin resident deer hunting license in any of the prior 10 years can do so for as little as $5. Other certain first-time resident hunting and fishing licenses are also available at a discount with the same eligibility requirements. Certain non-resident licenses are also discounted for first-time buyers. Successful first-time deer hunters are also reminded to fill out a first hunt certificate to commemorate time in the outdoors. Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased and printed online at GoWild.wi.gov or purchased at more than 1,100 license agents statewide who will provide a printout of the license and tags. A listing of agents arranged by county can be found at dnr.wi.gov, keywords sales locations. As a reminder, all hunters must: validate the tag by writing the date of harvest on the tag after killing the deer (you must have a writing utensil); and register your deer via phone or online and write the confirmation on the tag (if the deer is left unattended, the tag must remain with the deer). Customers may reach customer service at 1-888-WDNR INFo (1-888-936-7463) or by email at csweb@wisconsin.gov. For more information regarding the first-time license buyer program and first deer certificate, search keywords first time buyer and first certificates. MADISON The Wisconsin Hospital Association, the Wisconsin Medical Society and a dozen other health care stakeholder groups on Monday asked Gov. Scott Walker to consider how self-insuring state workers could impact the states health care market and economy. The potential repercussions for the state, for taxpayers, for state employees, for Wisconsin health care organizations, and for the Wisconsin economy are significant and could be far-reaching, the groups said in a memo to Walker. The Group Insurance Board, which oversees benefits for nearly 250,000 state and local government workers and their family members, is expected to vote Nov. 30 on whether to shift to self-insurance beginning in 2018. Currently, nearly all of the workers and dependents, almost 100,000 of whom are in Dane County, are covered by 17 HMOs that receive premiums and accept the risk for claims. Under insurance, the state would pay benefits directly and take on the risk. One or more companies might help administer the program. Its possible self insurance might be mixed with parts of the current program. Many of the HMOs are owned by regional health care systems around Wisconsin, which has one of the most competitive health insurance markets in the country. In Dane County, the HMOs include Dean Health Plan, part of SSM Health; Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin; Physicians Plus, part of UnityPoint Health; and Unity, part of UW Health. Consultants have said that moving to self insurance could cost $100 million a year or save $42 million, largely by avoiding $18 million in Affordable Care Act fees, cutting $11 million in administrative costs and eliminating $11 million in insurance company profits. Walker said any savings would be used on public education. The Walker administration has talked about the possibility of switching to self-insurance since at least 2013. This July, the Department of Employee Trust Funds sought bids from companies to run a self-insured, or self-funded program, starting in 2018. The Wisconsin Association of Health Plans has long opposed the move, saying it would hurt the states health insurance market. Some legislators have expressed concerns about the impact on regional health care systems. The memo sent to Walker Monday came from the states hospital and doctor associations, along with the health plans group, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, the Wisconsin Counties Association, the Cooperative Network and M3 Insurance. Associations representing chiropractors, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, emergency doctors, ophthalmologists and radiologists also supported it. As leading Wisconsin health care stakeholders, committed to reducing the per capita cost of health care while promoting a better patient experience and improving the health of Wisconsins citizens, we urge you to consider the impact a change to self-funding could have on Wisconsins health care and health insurance markets, the groups wrote. The current state worker health benefits program has been remarkably successful in using choice and competition to control costs, improve quality, and maintain financial stability and value for taxpayers, they said. Any alternative the state considers should be held to this high standard. Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said the governor appreciates this input and will take these concerns into consideration. I wish every daughter adored and admired her father as much as Minnesota author Kao Kalia Yang. Her new book, The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father, is, in brief, one of the most moving, disturbing and, ultimately, hopeful books Ive ever read. As with previous generations of immigrants, there is so much to learn from and honor about what Hmong in general, and this family in particular, have experienced and bring to Minnesota. This is Yangs second book. Her first book, The Latehomecomer, was about her grandmother. It won both statewide and national recognition. Song Poet begins with people at a Hmong New Year celebration in St. Paul asking her father, Bee Yang, to share one of his song poems. These are something like a Hmong version of blues music and poetry. Kao Kalia Yang had not realized how eloquent her father was. People asked him to make a recording, which he did. But the few thousand dollars that was generated from sales didnt go to help make a second recording, though many requested it. Instead, that money went toward food and clothing for the family. After this brief introduction, Yang uses her fathers words to describe his birth and difficult early years in Laos: Work was endless. Time was scarce and life was hard. The book then turns to Bee Yangs horrifying experiences during the Vietnam War and heartrending life in Thai refugee camps. He calls that era a time of fear and shame. Then Yang describes, through her fathers eyes and words, the familys move to and life in Minnesota. In a classic summary of how many first-generation refugees see themselves, her father says, I tell my children that my work in America is not important, but I work hard so that one day their work will be. The struggles didnt end when her family arrived in Minnesota. Her mother and father found difficult, low-paying jobs in factories (in, among other places, Brooklyn Center) where supervisors seemed to ignore extremely unhealthy working conditions. If there were one thing I wish Yang had included, it would be the names of the companies that treated her parents, and others, badly. On moving to Andover, the familys home was vandalized and one of their sons encountered continued bullying in high school. The book explores how different family members reacted to these challenges. Yang explained that she has written this book because she wants my father to understand that aside and apart from my mother and his children, he has offered the world a gift all his own. At one point her father, a modest man, wondered whether anyone would read about him, when there are so many famous people to study. I hope that thousands will read about him. This book made me think of Dr. Seuss wonderful On Beyond Zebra, which suggests possible new letters for the alphabet, past Z. My only frustration in writing about Song Poet is finding words beyond those I know to accurately show its beauty, passion and power. Yang believes her fathers experience and his words illustrate the beauty of endless hope. I agree. Song Poet deserves many readers and much discussion. Families can read it together. I think Song Poet will be read and praised for generations. The cling and clang of the Salvation Army bell ringers will soon fill the halls of local malls, supermarkets and speed stops around the region signaling the start of the holiday season and one of the organizations biggest fundraisers. Funds collected during the annual fundraiser, held between Nov. 25, and Dec. 24, supports almost everything the organization does, including the homeless shelter, meal program and legal services. Last year, the Salvation Army collected nearly $150 million nationwide. That money comes from donations in communities both big and large. Jackson County is no exception. Red Kettles will be found at Walmart and Gordys supermarket in Black River Falls, and the Express Stop in Melrose later this month. Last year, Jackson County collected nearly $19,000 in donations. This year, organizers hope to match that sum. Heading up the Red Kettle fundraiser in Jackson County is Chelsey Yeskie, who is taking on the challenge for the first time. Yeskie became involved with the fundraiser through her position at the Jackson County Heath and Human Services Department, where the Salvation Army vouchers are distributed. Hearing the call for help, she volunteered. As Red Kettle coordinator, her role is to promote the Salvation Army, find organizations willing to support the fundraiser and organize bell ringers. Anyone can ring bells if they want, she said. According to Salvation Army field representative Lori Peterson, matching last years fundraiser wont be an easy task for a first timer like Yeskie. To help reach the goal, Yeskie has already reached out to numerous organizations for help, including the Black River Falls Fire Department and Jackson County Sheriffs Department, plus several churches, including Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Hixton and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Yeskie said Black River Country Bank has also agreed to help support the cause. She said they have openings for bell rings from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Yeskie added that she would love to fill all the positions. Anyone invested in volunteering can sign up to ring a bell and support the Salvation Army at ringbells.org Yeskie will be ringing bells at several locations during the fundraiser. Republicans have gained at least one seat in the state Senate, and it came in the district that covers northern Monroe County. Pat Testin unseated long-time Democratic incumbent Julie Lassa in the 24th District to hand Republicans their 20th seat in the upper chamber. They still have a chance at 21-12 majority depending on the outcome of Democrat Jennifer Shillings race, which is very likely headed for a recount. Testin, who lives in Stevens Point, credited his victory to his door-to-door campaign in a sprawling district that covers parts of six counties. He estimated to have approached 15,000 residences. Since January, weve been going door to door, Testin said. When we went door to door, people were happy to have someone show up and listen to their concerns. He said voters wanted lawmakers to address tax reform, smaller government and more effective public schools. I want to do everything I can to make Wisconsin a more conducive place to do business, he said. He promised to head to Madison with an open mind and said no political party has a monopoly on good ideas. Testin won five of the six counties, losing only Portage County. The rural district was friendly territory for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, but Testin said he was unsure what impact Trumps victory nationally and in Wisconsin had on his race. It played a factor, but we got more votes in Portage County than Donald Trump, Testin said. Testin, 29, will be one of the youngest members of the state legislature. There are challenges facing veterans, small-business owners, and everyday hard-working taxpayers who just want the shot at a better life for their children and their families, Testin said. Were going to work together to make that happen, finding the best ideas to forge a smart path forward. Lassa was defeated after a long run in the legislature. She was elected to the Assembly in 1998 and won a special state Senate election in 2003. She won re-election in 2004 and 2008 before redistricting brought the cities of Tomah and Sparta into the 24th. She easily won the newly configured seat in 2012. Congratulations to Patrick Testin on being elected to the state senate, Lassa said in a press release. It is a great honor and responsibility to serve the people of the 24th District. I wish him the best in his new role. Despite our disappointment, Im proud that we ran the right way, focusing on real issues that matter to people and always telling the truth. It has been the great honor of my life to serve the people of central and west central Wisconsin in the state legislature. Im proud of the accomplishments I achieved to strengthen our economy, protect our natural resources, keep our children safe and make life better for all Wisconsin families. I believe deeply that public service is a high and noble calling, and as I have throughout my career, I will continue to speak out for and fight for the people of Wisconsin. THE VOTE County;Testin (R);Lassa (D) Portage;17,460;19,841 Wood;13,529;11,221 Monroe;7,568;5,566 Waushara;3,698;2,301 Adams;2,344;1,869 Jackson;537;285 TOTALS;45,136;41,083 This will be my final column as your state representative, and I want to take time to pause and reflect on the past eight years I have served the residents of the 92nd assembly district. When I entered politics, I did so because I was concerned about the well-being and future of our rural communities. Those feelings are still very present with me today. As a proud father of two, my first concern was for declining support for our rural schools. Unfortunately, this has continued and accelerated under Republican control of the legislature, both through substantial cuts in funding, as well as the expansion of the voucher school program funneling money to unaccountable private schools, often operated for profit. I was also concerned about maintaining the quality of life in our rural communities. Specifically, I wanted to see the state investing in things such as roads, libraries, parks and recreational areas, and high-speed internet. In order for our rural communities to thrive, they need to be attractive places to work, live and raise a family for the next generation. For the past six years, it has been a struggle to get the Republican led legislature to understand this and assist our communities in making these investments. As an avid outdoorsman, I also worked hard to preserve our environmental and sporting heritage. We are fortunate to live in one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world that offers a wealth of opportunities to fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors. The unparalleled beauty of this area truly provides us with a unique opportunity and asset. We are fortunate enough to support a diverse and vibrant agricultural economy. We are also blessed to be home to a strong manufacturing sector. We have the lowest unemployment rate in the state as a region due to our strong local economy. Even with this good news, we simply cannot neglect investing in the other things that make our communities great places to live. While advocating for our rural communities, I have always believed that we do not accomplish anything by resenting the citizens of other parts of the state. Far too often, I heard many people criticize Milwaukee and Madison, which is completely counter-productive, divisive and achieves nothing. In order for Wisconsin to thrive, all parts of the state need be successful and productive. Our larger and more urban cities are an important component of the fabric and well-being of the state. If I have one major disappointment, it is that too many people in the area seem to be fearful, angry and resentful towards many of our fellow citizens. This trend has only accelerated in the last few years and I fear our state has become too politically polarized. A political culture that encourages anger and resentment will not lead us towards the solutions we need in addressing the serious issues facing rural communities and the state or our nation. We need to live and work together as a community, and solve our problems as a community. I would also add that those of you who are critical of the political process remind yourselves that you, the voter, make the decisions and that elections have real consequences. It has been the greatest honor of my life to have represented you in the legislature. I am deeply disappointed I wont continue to represent you in Madison. I hope that you understand I always voted in what I believed were the best interests of the district, and I respected your opinions, whether we agreed or not. I offer my best wishes to my successor Treig Pronschinske. Finally, I offer my thanks to all of you, the good people of Buffalo, Jackson and Trempealeau counties. It has been a pleasure meeting so many of you and developing friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. This chapter of my life has ended and another begins. To all of you, good luck and best wishes as you continue on your course or as you begin new chapters in your own lives. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minnesota man told a judge on Tuesday that he was a terrorist then was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to join the Islamic State group in Syria. Hanad Musse, 21, is one of nine friends in Minnesota's large Somali community who are being sentenced this week for conspiring to join the militant group. Earlier Tuesday one of his co-defendants, Hamza Ahmed, received 15 years on charges connected to the plot. Before he was sentenced, Musse apologized for lying to his family and acknowledged that he committed a serious offense. The judge asked Musse directly whether he was a terrorist, and Musse replied: "I am a terrorist, your honor." Musse, Ahmed and two other men took a Greyhound bus from Minneapolis to New York in November 2014 and were stopped by federal agents as they tried to travel overseas from JFK Airport. Prosecutors said they were part of a group of friends who began inspiring and recruiting each other to join the Islamic State group in the spring of 2014. Some of their friends made it to Syria, but the nine who were prosecuted did not. Three men were sentenced Monday; two who cooperated were given lighter sentences, but another who didn't help prosecutors was sentenced to 10 years. Musse and Ahmed are among group members who pleaded guilty but did not cooperate with prosecutors. Four others await sentencing, include three who went to trial and were also convicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder outside the U.S., which carries a possible life sentence, though prosecutors are seeking sentences of 30 or 40 years. During his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Musse's attorney, Andy Birrell, said he wouldn't say his client is reformed, but he did think he could be saved. When the judge asked Musse why he didn't cooperate with the government, Musse replied that he felt he would have lost the support of the community. Before he was sentenced, Ahmed told the court he was grateful he was pulled off the airplane as he was about to head overseas, acknowledging it probably saved his life. He also acknowledged that he has some work to do. "I want you to understand I am not completely changed," Ahmed told U.S. District Judge Michael Davis. "I'm in the process, but nobody changes overnight. I'm trying every day. I want to reach that point." Davis, who has handled all of Minnesota's terror conspiracy cases, had the six defendants who pleaded guilty evaluated by a German expert on deradicalization and is taking those findings into consideration. The sentencings cap a long case that shined a light on terrorism recruitment in Minnesota, the state with the largest concentration of Somali immigrants in the U.S. The FBI has said about a dozen people have left Minnesota to join militant groups in Syria in recent years. Before that, more than 22 men were recruited to al-Shabab in Somalia since 2007. LA CRESCENT, Minn. The #NoDAPL movements national day of action Tuesday drew a crowd of more than 60 people outside the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office, united by their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Chuck Davis, an Oglala Lakota member and speaker at the protest, said the recent protests are an example of the seventh generation principle. The Native American ethic exhorts the current generation to make sustainable choices for the sake of those who come after, up to seven generations. Standing Rock camp is sparked by our youth, the seventh generation, Davis said. This is the seeds of our prophecy: The seventh generation brings us back to the center of the circle. When they say Standing Rock is evolving, it will bring all peoples of the world to the center of the circle. This is solidarity. We hear their cries: Water is life. The protesters on Oak Avenue drew energy from the Army Corps recent announcement it must consult with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe before further construction. Although happy about the news, protesters called for ending the of the use of all pipelines and the fossil fuels they carry. We are standing for all peoples. Eighteen million people have water access from the Missouri River these snake lords oil lords are illusionists, Davis said. David Blaine, David Copperfield have nothing on them. They say they will bring jobs. They say this will be the safest pipeline yet. Look in the news a pipeline in Pennsylvania broke. All pipelines break. It isnt a matter of if. Its a matter of when. An organizer of the protest, Roxy Anderson of La Crosse, encouraged protesters to take to social media, a theme that has become the main driving force behind #NoDAPL. Ive been following the protest on social media since September. It seems that the largest networks: NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, are not covering the story, Lori Schimke of Sparta, Wis., said. #NoDAPL began in the spring of 2016. The protests started in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline, which would go under the Missouri River and stretch 1,134 miles from North Dakota to Illinois. The Standing Rock Sioux, along with over 200 native tribes and others, oppose building the pipeline because of its environmental risks. The pipeline would also go through the tribes reservation and, according to nodaplsolidarity.org, the pipeline would engender a renewed fracking frenzy in North Dakotas Bakken shale region. This is the right of the people to dissent from policies that are genocidal and eco-cidal, said Al Gedicks, retired UW-La Crosse sociology professor and executive secretary of the Wisconsin Resources Protection Council. Security forces release attack dogs on protesters. We ought not to be witnessing human rights violations like these in 2016. What is significant here in La Crescent (is) we are far from the actual battlefield, we are greater than their force at Standing Rock. Protestors held homemade signs, such as dirty money will destroy clean water. Davis burned sage and led the group in a sun dance prayer and song that rendered the day's action in prayer and show alliance with the camps at Standing Rock. Liz Rog of Decorah, Iowa, who will travel to Standing Rock next week, sang a song she wrote about the protest. Children ran through the crowd. Its important to get them (children) involved in situations that affect people and their rights. You have to stand for something or youll fall for anything, Alyssia Lonetree of Lyndon Station, Wis., said. Lonetree was carrying her children during the protest; one on her back and one in front. Koob Hmoovyaj, a student at UW-La Crosse, held two signs at the protest; he is a member of the La Crosse community group Hmong United for Justice. We are standing in solidarity. We are organizing a group to go to Standing Rock soon, Hmoovyaj said. When asked about awareness of the North Dakota protests, Hmoovyaj said there was not as much awareness as he would hope at his school. Organizations are coming in and promoting it, but not as much as I would hope, he said. Logistics Health Inc. has landed up to $3 billion in contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that allow the La Crosse-based company to nearly double its employment, to 2,500 workers within a year, LHI founder and Chairman Don Weber announced Tuesday. The four contracts are to provide medical disability examinations to roughly 600,000 veterans and people leaving the armed forces in nearly 40 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, Weber said during a press conference. This is a great opportunity to be in on the early stages of transitioning care to our veterans, increasing accessibility and convenience for them, he said. The contracts, in the planning and negotiating process for two years, will result in LHIs hiring 1,200 employees in addition to the more than 1,200 it has now, Weber said, adding, By this time next year, LHI will have 2,500 employees. The jobs, nearly all of which will be full-time, will envelope a wide swath of positions in the health care field, including registered nurses, clinicians, data processors, IT workers and customer service employees, Weber said. LHI recently finalized a lease for office space for an operations center in Eau Claire, which will have about 120 employees and is targeted to open Feb. 1 as part of its expansion to provide the services. Almost 15 percent of LHI workers are veterans, and the company is striving to bump that to at least 20 percent, he said. About 80 percent of our employees are under 40, and a lot are in their 20s and 30s, with many being graduates of local colleges and universities who remain in the Coulee Region, he said. We have close to 40 babies and new moms, starting families in La Crosse, he said. About 300 of LHIs new employees will be on the payroll by the end of December, Weber said. Mayor Tim Kabat underscored Webers observation that the news is economically great for La Crosse. This is really a great day not only for La Crosse and Wisconsin but the entire country for expanding our services to veterans, Kabat said. As mayor of La Crosse, to say this is a great day is a wild understatement. We are sitting where there used to be a grain silo not that long ago, Kabat said after taking the podium in the banquet room of The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern in the first Riverside Center building that Webers development company built in the former industrial area along the Mississippi River in 2006. Noting that LHI is going from a handful of employees to 2,500, Kabat said, I can think of no better ambassadors for our city than Don and Roxanne Weber for providing jobs and serving veterans. Downtown La Crosse is experiencing a remarkable boon, he said, with the Webers providing catalysts with this and other projects, including Belle Square, the $68 million housing and business development rising on what had been a county parking lot downtown, and the $30 million Charmant boutique hotel that opened last fall. This is a remarkable achievement and a challenge for all of us, the mayor said. We have work to do to match-make (people to jobs) and to attract people. Riverside Center grew to three buildings, which Weber sold to UnitedHealth Group in 2014. OptumHealth Holdings Inc., a UnitedHealth subsidiary that bought LHI in 2011, will provide the services to another 600,000 veterans, he said. The VA initiative intends to provide the disability exams to 1.4 million veterans overall, Weber said, adding, We (LHI) will deliver services to up to 600,000. The VA intends to have all veterans receive such services from private providers within the next year, Weber said. We now are becoming the center for government services to veterans, Weber said. Our goal is to have licensed providers no more than 30 miles from all veterans and waits of no more than 30 days, he said, adding that longer wait times and travel distances for care are unacceptable. It is the largest contract ever for LHI, which Weber founded in 1999, he said an interview after the press conference. The largest previous deal was for $1.8 billion with the Department of Defense, he said. The veterans medical disability exams under the contract will fall into three main categories, Weber said: 35 percent will be for general health, 35 percent will be for hearing, and 25 percent will be for behavioral health, and that will be rising, he said. The remainder will be for vision evaluations, Weber said. About 4.2 million veterans out of roughly 21,681,000 vets in the country have service-related disabilities, he said. Less than 1 percent of the countrys nearly 320 million population volunteer to serve in the armed forces, and they dont do it for the pay, said Weber, a Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War. I ask people how often they thank God at night for their service to provide a great country in which to live, he said. We need to take care of these veterans better. This is really a great day not only for La Crosse and Wisconsin but the entire country for expanding our services to veterans. Mayor Tim Kabat A North Side staple is closing its doors after almost seven decades in La Crosse. Maid-Rite owner Dick Beilke said the diner at 1119 Caledonia St. would close for the last time at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Beilke bought the business 26 years ago from Bob Allen, who owned the La Crosse location, which first opened in 1947. Beilke informed his five employees of the decision to close on Monday. The word got out, and the small dining room was filled Tuesday afternoon with customers looking to grab one last sandwich. According to the companys website, there is no other Maid-Rite within more than 50 miles after an Onalaska location closed its doors in 2010 after only a short time in business. Almost all of the 30 or so seats were full Tuesday afternoon as Beilke, 84, spoke of his reasons for closing, which include his age, health reasons and some personal financial difficulties. A Chrysler employee for 25 years, Beilke moved to La Crosse and bought the local Maid-Rite after an early retirement from the auto manufacturer. A farm kid, Beilke said he grew up on Maid-Rite sandwiches in the 1930s, with Beilke and his father stopping to eat the famous loose-meat sandwiches during weekend trips from their farm to visit his grandmother in Rockford, Ill. This was during the Great Depression, when the luxury of going out to eat wasnt a reality for most Americans. You could get a Maid-Rite and a malt for a quarter, he said. That was pure living back then during the Depression. Beilke said he has worked hard to keep the La Crosse Maid-Rite authentic to its roots, leaving many of the old fixtures in place and refusing to touch the recipes even as the Maid-Rite franchise, which is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, has made changes to its menu. The La Crosse location still offered the classic Maid-Rite sandwiches, as well as breakfast and dinner options, such as chicken a la king. The North Side is a real meat-and-potatoes area, he said. You cant get too fancy, and weve stayed with the basics. A fan of the railroads, he personally selected local railway memorabilia to cover the walls of the cozy diner, which has a handful of booths and a counter surrounding the island where the special cut, grind and spice of meat is made and served to customers. The railroad anchored the North Side in the past, and he said many railroad company veterans are regulars at the diner. When customers heard of the Maid-Rite closing, many offered to help, Beilke said, but he didnt feel right being in their debt. The future of the business is uncertain, he said, and he didnt know whether he would sell or if it would remain a Maid-Rite due to the contractual obligations the parent company would have to a potential new owner. Beilke has worked with some of the restaurants employees for decades, and they have shared in each others triumphs and trials. Beilke hand-delivered a get-well card to one of his employees after heart surgery in 2007, and employees have worked there for decades, raising their kids on the North Side. My God, its like a great big family, he said. Its amazing. Angie LaFleur, a Holmen resident who grew up on the North Side, stopped Tuesday for one last lunch at the restaurant and to grab a five-pound takeout order of the Maid-Rite meat, which she would serve at Thanksgiving. It will be tough losing one of the historic anchors to the neighborhood, she said, as everyone visited the restaurant and its neighbor, the Sweet Shop. Its where everyone came together to chat, share news or read the paper. Lindsey Hartley, a French Island resident, and her friend Victoria Cunningham of Garnett, Kan., stopped by after they learned it was closing. Hartley grew up eating Maid-Rite sandwiches with her grandfather, who she had invited to come out one last time, while Cunningham was enjoying her first visit to one of the restaurants. Hartley went to school just down the street from the restaurant, which was always a special treat for the family to visit. Cunningham said she was sad her first visit would also be her last, as you just dont see places like it in America anymore. Government health inspectors found an average of 4.4 violations during inspections of 44 area dining establishments in October. There were 208 total violations reported at 40 locations in Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau and Vernon counties, according to records provided by state and county health departments. The Sunrise Family Restaurant in Sparta had the most overall violations with 22, six of them priority infractions. The AmericInn Riverfront in La Crosse had 10 priority violations and eight less serious problems during a routine inspection on Oct. 20 and a followup one week later. Seven restaurants had zero violations during regular inspections. Jacqlons in Holmen and The Pub in Arcadia were violation-free during follow-up inspections. The Perkins in La Crosse also got a clean bill during a third follow-up to inspections that found multiple violations in August and September. The most common infractions involved food labeling and the temperature of foods held in coolers and freezers. The records, obtained through open records requests, were added to the La Crosse Tribunes restaurant inspection database, which includes all inspection reports since 2013 at restaurants in Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau and Vernon counties. The database can be searched by establishment, location or the nature of violation. Restaurants are typically inspected once per year, though some with violations receive multiple visits. An inspection represents a snapshot in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot, if not before a follow-up inspection. Restaurant cleanliness is best measured over multiple inspections. MINNEAPOLIS Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced during a Wednesday morning press conference that officer Jeronimo Yanez will face three charges for shooting and killing Philando Castile on July 6. Choi said it was his conclusion that use of deadly force by Officer Yanez was not justified. Yanez was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter and two felony counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm. Castile, 32, was fatally shot July 6 by Yanez during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minn. A video recorded by Castiles girlfriend, showing him bleeding in the car while the officer stood nearby, touched off widespread outrage and protests. Chois office has been reviewing evidence in the shooting since Sept. 28, when the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension handed him its findings. Choi said Wednesday he chose to make the decision on charging himself, rather than turning the case over to a grand jury. In explaining how Yanezs actions did not meet the legal standard for justified use of deadly force, Choi said it is not enough to express subjective fear of death or great bodily harm. The charges come a year and a day after Minneapolis police fatally shot Jamar Clark, a case that Choi has used as guidance in his handling of the Castile shooting. Choi has noted that Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman reviewed evidence in the Clark case for seven weeks before deciding that the officers should not be criminally charged in Clarks death. Freeman did not take the Clark case to a grand jury, going against long-held practices in Minnesota. Castiles death further fueled activists call for reform in policing and for criminal charges against cops who kill. Activists said their numbers and movement have grown and strengthened in the year since Clark was killed, and hope that plays a role in changing the outcome of Castiles shooting. Several protesters rallied outside the Ramsey County Courthouse on Nov. 10 in support of Castiles cousin, Louis B. Hunter, who was scheduled to appear in court that day for protesting on Interstate 94. The sense of community certainly hasnt gone away, said Eli Lartey, a 19-year-old activist who has been arrested multiple times at demonstrations, and who spoke at Hunters rally. Protesters called for a dismissal of all felony charges against Hunter, who is accused of throwing rocks and construction debris at police officers during the July 9 protest that drew about 500 people on I-94. Dozens of other activists charged with lesser charges vowed not to settle their cases while Hunter remains charged. Hunter said that although he feels authorities have done nothing to improve their policing and use-of-force in the last year, solidarity has grown among activists. Im blessed to have people on the side with me, Hunter said after he pleaded not guilty at his hearing. Theyre there for me. But Lartey and Hunter said there hasnt been much trust built between activists and law enforcement. Theres almost this narrative of war between demonstrators and police, said Lartey, whose name was specifically called out over a police megaphone during a different demonstration outside the Ramsey County courthouse earlier in the year. Everything that happened with the Jamar Clark case seems to be happening with the Philando Castile case. I would say I have trust in the constituents ability to change (the criminal justice system) more than I did a year ago, but because of the way Ive been treated and targeted as an activist, I have less trust in the police themselves. Pastor Danny Givens Jr., a clergy liaison with Black Lives Matter, and who rallied for Hunter and attended a memorial for Clark Wednesday, said a decision in the Castile case is a turning point in the fight for justice. I wouldnt say (law enforcement and authorities) are listening more, Givens said. I would say theyre reacting more now. We hope the reactivity will create a platform where they listen and were forcing that after weeks and months of nonviolent demonstrations. The Castile decision is the bow of the boat of justice that were fighting for LA CRESCENT, Minn. The Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Committee and the City Planning Commission invite residents to a meeting Thursday at City Hall to envision the future of downtown La Crescent. People are invited to attend as little or as much of the meeting as they wish. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., Jason Valerius of MSA Consultants will lead participants on a walking tour of downtown. What works? What doesnt? What is good urban design? and what elements do we have to build on? will be among the discussion topics. The tour will be followed by warm beverages and light snacks from 5 to 5:30 p.m. The meeting from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at City Hall will include an introduction of project objectives and timeline, observations from the tour, discussion of study objections, The city of La Crescent has contracted with MSA Consultants to help create a vision of the downtown of our future. Business owners, building owners, shoppers, residents, people who were part of the comprehensive planning process anyone who cares about the future of La Crescent is encouraged to attend. 5 Utah students stabbed in locker room: OREM, Utah As a group of boys at a Utah high school changed Tuesday morning into gym clothes for physical education class, a straight-A student pulled out a knife in the locker room and stabbed five of his classmates, sending the injured running for their lives and covered in blood, police said. The 16-year-old suspect with no record of disciplinary trouble also stabbed himself in the neck and was cornered by school workers until a police officer assigned to Mountain View High School got to the locker room and subdued him with a Taser shot.The five victims are all expected to survive. Sanctuary cities vow to protect immigrants from Trump plan: SEATTLE Democratic mayors of major U.S. cities that have long had cool relationships with federal immigration officials say they will do all they can to protect residents from deportation, despite President-elect Donald Trumps vows to withhold potentially millions of dollars in taxpayer money if they do not cooperate. New York Citys Bill de Blasio, Chicagos Rahm Emanuel and Seattles Ed Murray are among those in sanctuary cities that have tried to soothe worried immigrant populations. During the campaign, Trump gave a speech in which he promised to end the sanctuary cities. Trump didnt elaborate on his plans for cracking down on the cities. Mayor resigns after racist Michelle Obama post: CLAY, W.Va. A West Virginia mayor resigned Tuesday following a backlash after she posted a response to a racist comment about first lady Michelle Obama on Facebook. The Clay Town Council accepted Mayor Beverly Whalings resignation in a meeting late Tuesday afternoon and said it would act quickly to name a replacement for the remaining three years of her term. The resignation came after another woman whose racist post Whaling responded to was placed on leave as director of the Clay County Development Corp. Anti-Obama protesters clash with Greek police: ATHENS, Greece Greek riot police used tear gas and stun grenades Tuesday in Athens to disperse about 3,000 left-wing marchers protesting a visit by President Barack Obama after they tried to enter an area off-limits to demonstrators. Police made at least four arrests and said one woman was slightly injured in the clashes, which took place far from Obamas meetings. About 5,000 Communist party supporters took part in a separate, peaceful protest in central Athens and 1,000 people protested in Greeces second-largest city, Thessaloniki, describing U.S. foreign policy as interventionist and imperialist. Russia announces major operation in Syria: BEIRUT Russian missiles pounded opposition targets in Syria on Tuesday, the start of a much-anticipated offensive, while activists reported the resumption of bombing in rebel-held neighborhoods of Aleppo for the first time in nearly a month, apparently by Syrian government warplanes. The Russian blitz began hours after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria in a phone call and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy international terrorism and extremism. UN committee votes to condemn Russian occupation of Crimea: UNITED NATIONS A key U.N. committee approved a resolution Tuesday condemning Russias temporary occupation of Crimea and reaffirming the United Nations commitment to Ukraines sovereignty over the Black Sea peninsula. Russia urged the General Assemblys human rights committee to vote against the resolution, but it was approved by a vote of 73-23 with 76 abstentions. The resolution is virtually certain to be adopted by a similar vote when it comes before the 193-member assembly next month. The draft resolution condemns abuses and discrimination against the residents of the temporarily occupied Crimea, including the Crimean Tatars. US warship diverts to help quake evacuation: WELLINGTON, New Zealand The first U.S. warship to visit New Zealand in more than 30 years was changing course Tuesday to help evacuate people stranded in a coastal town following a powerful earthquake. Hundreds of tourists and residents remained stranded in the town of Kaikoura and faced a third disrupted night after a powerful quake early Monday cut off train and vehicle access. New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee said that the USS Sampson was heading south to Kaikoura and would be able to deploy two helicopters to help in the evacuation. NEW YORK Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. And an apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump teams ability to coordinate with President Barack Obamas White House. With Trump out of sight for several days, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nations top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trumps transition team was reviewing Giulianis paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the countrys nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch has slowed Trumps ability to coordinate with the White House. Pence has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pences promotion makes it invalid. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trumps team are fighting for power. Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centers in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them equal partners. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. That organization right now is not designed to work, according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trumps team on Twitter, calling them angry, arrogant. Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trumps team, he had changed my recommendation. Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trumps efforts to heal the nation seriously. Trumps team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trumps selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take U.S. foreign policy. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, a loyal Trump ally and immigration hard-liner, is said to be a contender for defense secretary. Trump also is considering Richard Grenell as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, which would bring some experience and diversity to his nascent administration. Grenell, who served as U.S. spokesman at the U.N. under President George W. Bush, would be the first openly gay person to fill a Cabinet-level foreign policy post. Those of us awakening from the long nightmare of white supremacy, male supremacy and human supremacy collectively known as the American dream need not despair, no matter how dark this election cycle has been. Mourn, yes. If you cant cry, go honor someone elses tears. Go listen to any mother who understands the gravity of what half of voters, including people I love, just did to our children and our land. And then, through those tears, gaze toward a place more powerful and empowering than electoral politics: Standing Rock, where something new is being born. If Donald Trump expresses the ideological cancer in which white males dominate social, environmental, economic and sexual experience, then Standing Rock expresses the antidote to this disease. When I traveled there with my wife and daughter the week before the election, we encountered what so many centuries of white supremacy has failed to kill, convert or colonize out of existence, and which might yet save so many wretches like me. On the banks of the Missouri, in the land of the Lakota and Dakota, our indigenous brothers and sisters showed us how leaders can stand in circles with people instead of on pedestals above people; how resistance to violent power structures can be rooted in prayer, respect and responsibility, not hate; how everyone two-spirits, veterans, rainbow people, the oppressed, and the privileged can unite; how the leadership of women need not be an aberration or accomplishment, but a given. We will remain blind to all of this if we read about Standing Rock through the usual filters with which we consume news, for what is happening there is not one thing nor anything common. It is a fight to protect the waters, yes, but it is also a fight for climate justice, to honor treaties, to take responsibility for the lives of our descendants, to heal intertribal wounds, to heal wounds between tribal and non-tribal peoples, to model a renewable energy path, to display how decentralized collectives can be extremely organized and effective. Things that have never happened are happening there. Prayers are being shared that have never been shared. People are praying together who have never prayed together. People who have never put their bodies on the line are engaging in nonviolent direct action. Of course, there is the other side of the story. The Dakota Access Pipeline, originally routed near majority white communities, was rerouted toward the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation due to risks to those white communities drinking water. All five nights we slept among the water protectors, an airplane buzzed the camps and high-powered construction lights shone into tents, disrupting sleep and increasing stress. Private security and police have attacked unarmed protesters with dogs, pepper spray and rubber bullets. Then on Election Day, Energy Transfer Partners, in blatant defiance of the regulatory process, not to mention treaties and the health of millions whose waters are threatened, announced it would begin drilling beneath Lake Oahe in two weeks. Trump, not surprisingly, stands to profit. We whites unhappy with a Ku Klux Klan-endorsed president have some soul-searching to do. As the shock of Trump fades and the systems of white supremacy continue to make our lives relatively easy as they would have under Clinton as well will we retreat into the meaningless postures and institutions that maintain our status quo existences? Or, awakened to the fact that our culture has always been and still remains a destroyer of peoples and lands, will we finally join the prayers and resistance efforts of those who have been battling white supremacy for centuries? My 3-year-old daughter put these questions more directly. Walking along the Missouri, a helicopter circling overhead, she asked, What does peace mean, Daddy? I looked across the river where the pipeline was being laid, where a militarized force was securing the desecration of waters, where thousands were camped to protect those waters, and I hesitated. I didnt know what to say. Thats a good question, I told her, one we need to pray about. There were tears in my eyes then and they keep returning. In these mournful days, its her question that calls me back to Standing Rock. I would like to thank the La Crosse Tribune for the article Nov. 9 concerning the Department of Natural Resources' failure to protect La Crosse County residents from contaminated drinking water. I think it is time for DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp to step down and let someone else who is truly interested in environmental protection run the agency. In June, the state Legislative Audit Bureau released a 124-page report detailing the many failures of the Wisconsin DNR to enforce the Clean Water Act. The failures are so bad citizens petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to take back Wisconsins authority to run the program. Now many La Crosse County residents living west of Holmen must purchase bottled water to meet their needs, due to unsafe levels of nitrates and fecal coliform bacteria in their well water. Our situation in La Crosse County could approach the level of the public health emergency in Kewaunee County, where hundreds of wells have been contaminated. There, the most likely source is the poorly regulated proliferation of factory farms known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Republicans and Democrats alike should hold Stepp accountable, because all our lives depend on safe drinking water. La Crosse County residents who want their well water tested can contact the La Crosse County Health Department at 608-785-9872 and please contact your elected representatives. Dave Trapp, Both major party candidates in our recent election demonstrated that words have power. Secretary Hillary Clinton occasionally resorted to reckless rhetoric. She outraged many U.S. citizens with a deplorable remark and jeopardized future relations with the Russian government by echoing our current administrations premature accusation of attempted electoral influence. Mr. Donald Trump, on the other hand, frequently indulged in the vilification of some political opponents, specifically women and entire minorities. And since hes been elected, its his words that are reverberating through the minds of some of our most vulnerable populations. Mr. Trump used the power of his campaign podium to deliver demonizing diatribes against immigrants, refugees and a religious minority. Consequently, many children in this country are living in fear that their families will be cast out or torn apart. While various parties may be responsible for their plight, its Trump's hurtful hyperbole that has escalated their trepidation about their future. As a civic-minded American, I concede that Mr. Trump is my president-elect, with all of the respect that position merits. Yet I am also a civilly-minded American; I will refuse to unite behind any effort to harass or persecute any of the citizenry or residents of our great country. I wimped out before 10 oclock Friday morning. I actually started wimping out with a sky full of stars overhead when I stepped out of the Ranger and felt an icy, biting wind come racing out of the north up on our ridge. I drove back home and decided on spending what was left of the dawn napping in the tripod stand in the Mushroom Hole. The light came quickly enough. At least two deer crossed in the woods above me, quiet, hushed ghosts that is I heard them but did not see them. Crows called and then songbirds and squirrels started making their rounds. A confused tom turkey gobbled from across the coulee. I thought I heard a buck grunt over by a cornfield, but maybe it was just my imagination. Traffic picked up on the nearby road and I imagined a cup of coffee with one of Ellens cookies. The chill stealing into my midsection and neck was real enough, so I headed in to warm up. Ellen and our patient greeted me on the patio. They had just gone down to retrieve the paper. Scout usually is an outdoor dog. She wants to be again, but right now she is recuperating from surgery. Dr. Knight removed a softball-sized fatty tumor from between her front legs on Wednesday. Scout is wearing a blue, kid-size Star Wars T-shirt to hold bandages in place. Scout looks pretty sharp I might add, and she seems like her old self already; once when we werent looking, she even ran off to the neighbors for a few minutes. Drew and Pat came in for lunch. While I heard two deer, Drew had seen three, and Pat got a rock. They still scored a hot bowl of Ellens venison chili. After a strategy session, they were off to wait out the big bucks somewhere in the woods. Drew arrowed a nice fat doe. Last week Wednesday, Ben texted from the backcountry that he tagged out. He attached a picture of a dandy mule deer. The 3x3 buck was huge. I called him and congratulated him. I told him I wished I was there to help him get it out. He said, No you dont. He was on a steep, frosty mountainside looking at a long and gnarly drag and carry out. He was able to text a buddy who came and helped carry out the meat. Anyway, he (and we) were pretty pumped up for him. Speaking of pretty pumped, we have taken a few deer here this last week. Drew Rouse arrowed another nice doe to fill out his out-of-state antlerless tags. Pat Kolbe killed the buck we called Splitter 2, a dandy 12-pointer with high split G2s. I even got into the act, pulling the trigger on my crossbow with a deer in my sights. More on this next week. The weather has been fantastic for some things. Not for deer hunting maybe. Regardless, The Big One looms large. If you got fooled by the nice weather like a lot of us, you might not realize that the 2016 Wisconsin Gun Deer Season opens on Saturday morning and runs through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This Saturday, three-quarters of a million nimrods: old-timers, seasoned veterans, casual participants, newbies, men, women, boys and girls, along with camp cooks, card players, storytellers, bartenders and deer hunting-hangers-on will take to forests, woods, fields, swamps, deer camps, farms, bars, and/or just back to good old home for the whitetail hunt all over the Badger State. Tom and Steven Downs will be here from Iowa, staying at Grouse Hollow while Ellen and I head south to hunt with the Burton Deer Hunters. The long-range forecast (this is Sunday) is for wet on Friday with dropping temps on Saturday and dry, so it should be a good opener. After the foggy Sunday two years ago, and last years blizzard in the southern counties when we went out hunting in a foot of blown and drifted snow this sounds pretty good. Speaking of forecasts, the Wisconsin DNR forecasts a good deer season in 2016 because of the mild winter we had. You can also read about the new rules and other details suggested and/or required of deer hunters online at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/documents/deerfallforecast.pdf. El and I have had our deer hunting tubs on the dining room table for a week or more. Those plastic tubs hold shells, warm gloves, rubber gloves, hats, hand and toe heaters, suspenders, dry socks, neck gaiters, face masks, knives, binoculars, radios and more. Our licenses and stuff are in there too. I tossed my now unneeded back tag holder on the table now a relic of past hunts I may just stash up in the shop. Ellen has been talking strategy with her sister, Barb, not deer hunting necessarily, but kitchen strategy as they prepare to feed a hungry mob of hunters on opening weekend. El stocks up on stuff all fall and starts making stuff ahead. I have to get our trailer serviced with bearing grease and a tire pressure check and a tail light check so I can haul our four-wheeler and small trailer down to Grant County. Ill be pulling it with our new used Ford F150 pickup, as we donated the Ranger to Ben and Christines new home savings account cause. El and I shot our rifles on Friday last. They were on as well as ever; of course Ellen shot better than I did as always. If your freezer is full or not, consider donating a deer to the Wisconsin DNR Donation Program. Westby Meats is the Vernon County site but remember to call first. Perhaps your local church or a food pantry or shelter could use some venison, too. Also remember that the Wisconsin Lions deer hide collection profits all go toward the Rosholt Lions camp for children with visual, hearing or mild cognitive disabilities, and children with diabetes. Some of the many places you can drop off hides for the Lions are: Westby Rod and Gun Club, Charlies Inn, Norm Jambois Garage and Ace Sportsland in La Crosse; you can find donation info online. Until next time, get out good luck hunting and be safe. Last season was the deadliest deer gun season in a long time. Safety means not only in firearm control, but stand safety. Almost all tree stand hunters can relate a fall or close call story I bet. I have a couple for sure. Wear a safety harness when you hunt from a tree stand and use a rope to pull up and lower your unloaded firearm. Even a 12-foot fall can break your neck and dropping a loaded gun can kill. At least one study I read said that hunters who hunt from stands run risk as high as 1 in 20 to have a fall and/or other stand related accident. Anyway, again be safe and have a great hunt. Enjoy. Les Miserables is one of the worlds masterpieces in musical theater and a huge undertaking for groomed professionals, let alone a high school drama department. Yet, the drama department at Westby Area High School left the audience breathless more than once, with the vocal depth of all of the actors involved resonating throughout the gymnasium in opera style. Unlike other musicals, theres no spoken-word acting in the show. The actors vocal chords are tested to their limits in the three hour production, which involves constant set changes, heated battles during acts and emotional revelations throughout. True to Victor Hugos original novel, this grand production follows the tale of Jean Valjean as he encounters first the savage injustice of the law, and then the gentleness and grace of God turning this one time convicted thief into a changed man. More than 60 students were involved in the musical this year with 43 on stage and the rest playing key roles behind the scenes, working with lights and sound during the performance, along with students and adults performing in the pit band. Peter Holdorf was cast as Jean Valjean, a paroled convict, prisoner 24601, and the protagonist. Failing to find work with his yellow parole note and redeemed by the Bishop of Dignes mercy, he tears his passport up and conceals his identity (under the alias Monsieur Madeleine) in order to live his life again as an honest man. However, Valjean (Holdorf) quickly learns that escaping ones past is never easy. Holdorf performed his vocals flawlessly from start to finish. Owen Hellwig, who played Inspector Javert, a police inspector, originally a prison-guard, who becomes obsessed with hunting down Valjean to whom he refers as Prisoner 24601. Javert was in constantly pursuit of Valjean from the moment he left prison until the day Javert committed suicide later in the show. While imprisoned himself during the revolution, Javert was freed by Valjean, an act of kindness Javert could never accept or the fact that Valjean was really a changed man. Hellwig did an exceptional job and the strength of his deep vocals could have blown the doors out of the back of gym. Laura Dunnum played Fantine in Fridays production, a single mother who is forced into prostitution in order to pay for her childs well-being. The emotion on Dunnums face during her solos made me feel her pain, along with the sadness that was gripping her heart. Amy Teadt was cast as the younger version of Cosette (Fantines daughter) who was mistreated by Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, a crooked couple who own an inn and exploit their customers. Brady Wemette and Katelin Berklund were cast as the inn keepers...roles they shined at. Wemette even entertained the crowd by claiming the pit crew was off key and Berklunds facial expressions were priceless throughout. They were masters of their house. Taylor Hessler is clearly meant for the stage. She performed Eponine, the daughter of the sinister Thenardiers. She was pampered and spoiled as a child, yet no matter how hard she tried she could not make the love of her life (Marius-Cody Russell) want her, like she wanted him. Marius Pontmercy was played by Cody Russell at Fridays performance, a French student and revolutionary who falls in love with Cosette. Marius and Eponine become the best of friends, and Eponine secretly loved Marius until the day she died in his arms during the revolution...right after she delivered a love letter to Marius one true love, Cosette. Emma Lee was cast as the beautiful Cosette, Fantines daughter, who is abused and mistreated by the Thenardiers, until Valjean adopted and raised her as his own. Cosette would eventually marry Marius and the couple would be by Valjeans side when he died. Lees vocals have opera tones as did many of the understudy actors, including Sharice Elbert, Maddie Buros and Ryla Vatland, revealing a range of high notes that let could shatter glass and left the audience in awe with each song. Enjolras, the leader of the student revolutionaries who sought to free the oppressed lower class of France was played by Vougard Latoja. His vocals were strong and his facial expressions resembled that of a leader. Gavroche, a hotheaded young boy, who was played by an energetic female at Westby in Sydney Sherry, was adored by the people and aligned herself with their revolution as a true symbol of boldness until the day she died aiding the cause. Sherry loves the stage and performing on it might be in her future. Beyond the main characters outlined above everyone who had any part of this musical deserves a huge debt of gratitude and kudos for a job well done. The costumes were top notch, the acting was spot on and the interweaving of voices was superb. This show in itself is a masterpiece, but your performances were what made it such a success. I have been covering musicals at the high school since 2000 and I can honestly say the first performance of Les Miserable in 2004 was so good that I didnt think it could be topped. That is until 2016, when the all around acting, outstanding vocals, pit band performance, stage set, lighting and sound blew me away. This was a performance I would love to have attended in a true performing arts center, not a high school gymnasium. Music director Peter Engh said he has never in his career had this much vocal depth and drama director Julee Caspers Agar said it has been a whirlwind and the growth of everyone involved since day one has been inspirational. Congratulations to everyone involved in the Westby Area High School musical performance of Les Miserables on a job well done! Dear reader, we're asking for your help to keep local reporting available for all today during our fall fundraiser. Your financial support keeps stories like this one free to read, instead of hidden behind paywalls. We believe when reliable local reporting is widely available, the entire community benefits. Thank you for investing in your neighborhood. Start your day with LAist Sign up for How To LA, delivered weekday mornings. Subscribe Angelenos are really giving the First Amendment some exercise this week. After nearly a week of protests following the election of Donald Trump, denizens of our fair city are again demonstrating in the public square, albeit with more sage and minus all the "Nasty Woman" signs. Several hundred took to Pershing Square Tuesday afternoon to show their solidarity with those at Standing Rock, and to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. Chants of "water is life" echoed through the diverse crowd, and speakers urged attendees to get to North Dakota and join the fight. Elia Lucio and Kasan Rae, both 22, told LAist that they had just come back from Standing Rock for the second time. The women, who both have native backgrounds, said they had dropped out of school to protest the pipeline. "My mother is Native American," said Rae. "This is long overdue," she continued. "The oppression and rape of Mother Earth, and of women, it's got to stop." "We fear that if we don't get President Obama to rescind the permit for the Army Corps of Engineers now, we'll have no chance when the new administration comes in," actor Justin Long, 38, told LAist. "It's a symbolic show of force. If we can come out and make the case that corporations can't interfere with basic human rights, then that's a stand we have to take," Long said, underscoring the need to amplify the voices of the "historically and criminally marginalized people" who will be most affected by the pipeline. Actors Kendrick Sampson (How To Get Away With Murder) and Charlie Carver (Teen Wolf, Desperate Housewives) were also in attendance: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hosted today a signing ceremony in Morocco with President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and President Bongo Ondimba of the Gabonese Republic. He congratulated the two presidents "for demonstrating true political leadership, courage and wisdom in reaching this mutually acceptable agreement, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the United Nations Charter, Mr. Ban said in his opening remarks at the signing ceremony for an agreement that marked the successful conclusion of a UN mediation, which started in 2008, aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution of the border dispute between the two countries for submission to the International Court of Justice. Mr. Ban also thanked the leaders for coming to a mutually acceptable solution as well as for trust in the UN. Recalling the tireless efforts of the two countries, Secretary-General Ban expressed hope that the peaceful resolution of the dispute will be a source of inspiration for countries around the world facing similar challenges. The UN and the international community stand proud of your accomplishment, he said. The agreement resolves a longstanding dispute between the two countries regarding the Mbanie, Cocotiers and Congas islands, and common boundaries and which dated back to the early 1970s. (Adapted from a UN Press Release) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/international_law/2016/11/equatorial-guinea-and-the-gabonese-republic-sign-an-agreement.html The Internet became less free around the world between June 2015 and May of this year. That is a finding from a new report called, Freedom on the Net 2016. It comes from Freedom House, a pro-democracy research group based in Washington, DC. Freedom House says its measure of internet freedom fell for the sixth time over the past six years. The group reports that government surveillance of social media and messaging tools rose during the 12 months ending in June 2016. It says that in the past two years, governments have gone from secretly plotting to control the internet to openly doing so -- even arresting and beating some users. The group notes that some governments are taking steps to ban encryption technology and punish users for sharing information officials believe should be banned. The report says internet users in Estonia, Iceland, and Canada have the most freedom and protection of privacy. It says the most abuses of internet freedom took place in China, Syria, Iran, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan and Cuba. It estimates that more than two-thirds of all internet users live in countries that work to restrict online activity. About 40 percent of the worlds internet users live in just three countries: China, India and the United States. Adrian Shahbaz is the research manager for the report. What the likes of China and Iran have in common is an attempt to gain control over the online sphere within their own countries, and I think we see Russia going towards that direction, which is very troubling... Recently, Russia announced its first maximum prison sentence under the countrys anti-extremism laws for a non-violent, political speech. Shahbaz says Russia now has many laws that limit privacy and free speech. There was the passage of a data localization law in previous years, which was implemented in 2015, and that has a very negative effect both on businesses that have their operations in Russia, but also on user privacy in Russia, because all of (the) users data must be now stored within Russia... The new report found that internet freedom in Ukraine is no better than in Russia. In Ukraine, for example, we saw some of the first arrests and even prison sentences for users that are advocating for political causes in a very non-violent way and yet were sentenced based on extremism law. The group says China is at the bottom of the internet freedom list because it has made spreading rumors or endangering national security online as crimes. Freedom House notes that China has worked hard to stop the use of virtual private networks or VPNs, which people use to reach websites blocked by the government. The report says the highest-rated countries have a free and open internet, very high levels of availability of the internet and strong protections for free speech and privacy. Freedom House put the United States in fourth place in terms of protecting privacy. The group said internet freedom has improved in only 14 countries since June of last year. It noted a worsening of conditions in more than half of the 65 countries studied. The biggest declines were in Uganda, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Almost 90 percent of all internet users live in the 65 countries named in the report. Im Christopher Jones-Cruise. VOAs Doug Bernard and Zlatica Hoke reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted their reports for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story surveillance n. the act of carefully watching someone or something especially in order to prevent or detect a crime encrypt v. to electronically change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning online adj. done over the Internet the likes of expression a similar kind sphere n. an area of influence or activity maximum adj. the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed implement v. to begin to do or use (something, such as a plan); to make (something) active or effective advocate v. to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.) rumor n. information or a story that is passed from person to person but has not been proven to be true virtual private network n. a technology that permits internet users in some countries to gain access to websites that are blocked by their government Students have been protesting at universities across South Africa for several months. At some universities, protesters have clashed with police or security officers. The website Quartz Africa reports that more than 500 college students have been arrested since February. A number of schools have temporarily closed or suspended classes. The protesters have what sounds like a simple, straightforward demand: free and quality education for all. Some are also demanding what they call decolonized education: changes to the study program to make the classes less European-centered. The student movement is being called Fees Must Fall. Free education is an idea that many people around the world can respect, and that few people in South Africa seriously disagree with. Yet the protests are showing no sign of stopping since they began a year ago. In recent weeks, protests have spread to most of South Africas 26 universities, with clashes between students and police at some of them. In September, the government announced that universities may raise fees by as much as 8 percent. The announcement fueled the most recent wave of protests. The protests first began last year when the government announced it would increase school fees by 10 to 12 percent. But the government cancelled its decision as a result of the protests. A presidential spokesman believes there is no reason for students to be concerned about the rising costs. He says the government has promised to pay for the increase for poor students. That is about 75 percent of the student population. Promises unmet Twenty years have passed since the end of apartheid, South Africas former system of racial separation. Many studies, including a World Bank study in 2014, found that South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world. The World Bank study points to education as a means to reduce the differences between rich and poor. Students are angry that the ruling African National Congress has failed to act on a promise of free education it made in 1994. Just a few days ago, a report came out describing suspected corruption in the administration of President Jacob Zuma, which seems to further strengthen students cause. Fasiha Hassan is a protest leader at University of the Witwatersrand, also known as Wits, in Johannesburg. An American reporter from National Public Radio (NPR) recently asked her whether the closings at universities were helping the protesters. Nobodys getting an education. How is that in anybodys interest? the reporter asked. Hassan described the reasons that a free university education is so urgent to South African students. She said that many blacks are receiving a poor quality education compared to whites. Because of this, she said, they have trouble gaining acceptance into universities. Hassan told NPR that, even when a high school student is accepted into a university, the school is unlikely to pay for housing costs. These struggling students may sleep in libraries and computer centers, Hassan said. Some months, they dont have money for food. At her university, students launched a program to feed hungry students. Many students say that the rise in school fees would make it impossible to return to classes next year. The ends and the means Protesters have used a number of methods to get their message heard. For example, at some universities, they marched into classrooms, angering school administrators, teachers and students. In October, an official at the University of Cape Town said protesters broke windows, forced open doors, and threw waste products into the halls of a university building. Most of the protests have been peaceful. But students were shot at two months ago at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Security officers fired at the students during what appeared to be a peaceful demonstration. Police then used tear gas as they were deployed to student housing and across the campus grounds. That night, the campus law library was set on fire. Some reports say the fire was set to answer abuse by law enforcement, including the rape of a female student. On October 4, hundreds of student protesters marched through Wits singing a protest song, The Guardian newspaper reported. The police fired tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets at students. Some protesters threw stones at security guards. Yet, other students offered flowers to police. At the end of September, Universities South Africa estimated that $44 million in damages have been done to university property. Jo Seoka is an Anglican bishop. He marched in an earlier protest at Wits. He said that police officers militarized the campus. The religious leader also said he believed the police were purposely not wearing identification on their uniforms. The shape of things to come Presidential spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga believes that students are competing with one another to make bigger demands. He says the problem is that many of the protests are being led by students who are not members of student government. Filmmaker and social justice activist Rehad Desai is more sympathetic. He says that the student movement is still finding its direction and that the protesters are at the beginning stages of building this movement. And they want to do that on the basis of as much agreement as possible. Now that takes time, to hear all voices and so on, he said. The protesters can agree on one thing: None of the students that are protesting want to be repeating the year, said Thabo Boom, a law student and student council member at Wits. So how do they get out of this situation? Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa is the head of the South African Council of Churches. He says a neutral negotiator is needed. Siwa says the most important thing is to calm the situation, get the police out of there and then continue the negotiations. But, he adds that the students grievances started years before they were born -- when the government created a system to separate black and white, rich and poor. President Zuma has formed a ministerial team to help bring an end to the clashes. Im Alice Bryant. And Im Phil Dierking. Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Her story was based on reports from VOANews.com, National Public Radio, The Guardian and other media organizations. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. __________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story fee - n. an amount of money that must be paid library - n. a place where books, magazines, and other materials are available for people to use or borrow campus - n. the area and buildings around a university, college, school, etc. stun grenade - n. a non-lethal explosive device used to confuse a persons sense; it makes a loud sound and a blinding flash of light. uniform - n. a special kind of clothing that is worn by all the members of a group or organization, such as an army or team grievance - n. a feeling of having been treated unfairly Editor's note: The Clipper-Herald will do a story on each of the five Lexington Regional Health Center employees who were recently recognized by the hospital for reaching the 40-years of service milestone. LEXINGTON, Neb. - Growing up in Overton, Sherry Gehrt learned the importance of hard work. She did her share of farm work and milking cows. After attending and graduating from Overton Public Schools, she gravitated to the health care field. She gained experience at Good Samaritan before she started working at the old Lexington Community Hospital, located on the corner of 17th and Washington street. "I was a nurse aide, did cooking, and helped in physical therapy. I then went to work in the pharmacy part-time," Gehrt said. She also worked part-time at Park Avenue Estates, where she enjoyed working with and caring for seniors. As her career in healthcare progressed, her responsibilities and workload increased. Eight years ago she took a course to become a certified pharmacy technician. Gehrt also worked as a ward clerk, an invaluable position that helps coordinate care for patients amongst many different departments. "Everyone comes to the ward clerk to ask questions," she said. In the early 1990s, Gehrt said she was asked by Donna Soflin, Director of Pharmacy, at Lexington Regional Health Center, to work in the pharmacy full time. "I thought I could try it. I had experience taking (pharmacy) orders as a ward clerk," Gehrt said. She started working full-time in the pharmacy in 1992. Many years working in healthcare has inevitably allowed me to see many changes in how services are provided, Gehrt said. "There is a lot more technology. When I started, nurse aides did all of the work, such as doing IVs and all charting," she said. Whether its seeing familiar patients or working with supportive colleagues, Gehrt said LRHC has been a great place to work. "Different people come and go. But they (staff at LRHC) are my family away from home," she said. "It's enjoyable to see and talk to patients, sometimes even several generations of patients," Gehrt said. Gehrt's family includes three children and 12 grandchildren. When asked how it felt to be recognized by her employer and peers for 40 years of service Gehrt said, "It was a special moment." "I have worked with Sherry in the pharmacy department for 18 years. She is amazing to work with ... she is extremely reliable and very good at her job. Her laid back personality combined with her very strong work ethic enables her to do whatever needs done efficiently and with ease in high pressure situations," said Rael Woehrle, a pharmacist at Lexington Regional Health Center and a colleague of Gehrt. Woehrle said Gehrt has a great deal of experience in other areas of the hospital. She is caring and compassionate, which shows each day as she performs her job duties, Woehrle said. "Also, because of these qualities and experiences she possesses, Sherry often goes above and beyond her pharmacy duties by helping out wherever is needed, especially in nursing. Sherry interacts and gets along well with the patients and the staff. Sherry is unique in many ways, but what I appreciate the most is her positive outlook on each and every day," Woehrle said. She continued, "I am extremely honored and blessed to have been able to work side by side with Sherry Gehrt for the last 18 years." Donna Soflin, director of pharmacy at LRHC, has worked with Gehrt for 40 years. After having worked with Sherry in her capacities as a nurse aide, then ward clerk, Soflin said she was impressed with Gehrt's dedication, work ethic and congenial personality. Soflin then asked Gehrt if she would want to work full-time in the pharmacy department. "I was pleased she was willing to "try something new" when I recruited her to fill a vacant Pharmacy Technician position in 2002," Soflin said. Due to Sherry's congenial personality, hard work and longevity in the department, she adds much continuity and experience to the pharmacy team, Soflin said. "I am very proud of Sherry in that several years ago she also went above-and-beyond requirements to obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification in Nebraska, which requires completing coursework and passing a certification exam. Our department and hospital are fortunate to have her," Soflin said. LEXINGTON, Neb. The Lexington school board heard the annual audit report regarding the districts finances Monday. It was LPSs first year working with accounting firm Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway, and Luth. Auditor Joe Stump delivered the report to the board and said that it went well and there were few issues. Among the issues were outstanding checks that had been outstanding for more than one year. District finance director Erin Heineman reported that all checks older than one year were voided in response to the finding. The audit also found 13 organizations within the school district with negative activity fund cash balances, and Stump suggested working with the organizations to develop a plan to cover the cash deficits. Heineman noted a policy or procedure needed to be developed, or a larger transfer from the general fund was needed. Another issue was missing credit card receipts totaling $1,045.04. Stump noted that there are always some small issues like this in the first year of working with an entity, and after the first year most of the issues are resolved. All told, Stump reported few material issues in the schools budget of approximately $34 million, which Superintendent John Hakonson and board members credited to Heinemans hard work. One warning Stump had for the school board was potential pension liability. He said that the state pension fund, of which teachers are a part, is underfunded. At the projected eight-percent growth, the districts liability stands at $9.4 million. Of course, not everybody is going to retire tomorrow and youll owe all this money, he added, also noting that the projected rate of return also impacts the estimated liability for school districts. If the fund gets a seven-percent return, your liability could go up to $21 million, but if it gets a nine-percent return, youd have no liability at all, Stump said. He suggested the district consider having employees increase their contributions to help close any future gaps. After the meeting, Stump said there isnt much the school district can do, as the pension fund is state run. Every school has a similar liability, depending on size, he said. Its not that the school needs to take action, the plan needs to take action. The whole state is involved and the whole plan is underfunded. In other business: It was announced that recently re-elected Larry Steinberger will represent the board in this years negotiations between administration and the Lexington Education Association. It was a role Steinberger mentioned hed be interested in at a school board candidates forum prior to the election. The board approved the purchase of a 2018 30-passenger school bus from Truck Center Companies-Omaha in the amount of $97,890. The bus can be re-configured to accommodate up to four passengers who utilize wheelchairs. Newly-elected future board member Carlos Saiz was in attendance at the meeting. He will attend the Nebraska Association of School Boards next week. State Senator Matt Williams will attend the Legislative and Finance Committee meeting on Dec. 9, to give a preview of what schools might expect given the states large biennial shortfall. The board entered executive session to discuss negotiations. LEXINGTON,Neb. A Colorado mans quest to have his truck returned from the State of Nebraska via Dawson County District Court continues. Michael Schulz, 57, of Loveland, was arrested by Gothenburg police in April 2014 and charged with possession of burglars tools, a class-four felony, as well as trespassing and theft by taking. At the time of his arrest, Schulzs 2006 Dodge Ram pickup was impounded as evidence by Top Notch Towing Company of Gothenburg, acting as an agent of the Gothenburg Police Department. Schulz came under federal investigation at the time, suspected of being part of a copper-stealing ring in Colorado,Wyoming, and Kansas. In September 2014, the State of Nebraska dropped charges against Schulz with the expectation that the federal government would file charges against him. At the request of federal authorities, Schulzs truck continued to be held as evidence. No federal charges ever came, and a charge of possession of burglars tools was re-filed against Schulz in Dawson County. In June 2016, Schulz pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of attempted possession on burglars tools, a class-one misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 18-months of probation. In July 2016, Schulzs attorney Russ Jones of North Platte filed a motion to return seized property to get the truck back. Dawson County District Court Judge James Doyle granted the motion, and ordered that the truck be returned. The Dawson County Attorneys Office sent notice to the City of Gothenburg and Gothenburg Police Department notifying them of the judges order. Gothenburg Police Chief Randy Olson sent Schulz a letter, notifying him that he could retrieve his pickup provided he paid the towing and storage fees, which Top Notch said amounted to $19,152. Olson cited a state law which he interpreted as meaning that since Schulz was convicted of a crime, he was responsible for the costs. If Schulz did not pay the fee in 30 days, the truck would be liquidated and the money raised from the sale would be used to pay the storage fee, according to Olsons letter. Jones filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order preventing the sale of the truck, and sought to have the State of Nebraska found in contempt of court for ignoring the courts order. Such was the impasse the involved parties found themselves in at a hearing held Nov. 4. The State of Nebraska argued they satisfied their obligation by sending notice of the judges order. Jones argued that Top Notch was acting as an agent of the City of Gothenburg, which is an agent of the State of Nebraska, thereby making the state responsible for Top Notchs failure to return the pickup. Todd McBride of the County Attorneys Office said the state has no jurisdiction over Top Notch Towing, a private entity, or the City of Gothenburg. Gothenburg City Attorney Mike Bacon filed a sizeable brief and also said the city has no jurisdiction over Top Notch Towing, a private entity. Judge Doyle wondered if he even had jurisdiction over the matter, and wondered if a civil matter could be resolved as part of a criminal case. Jones said he thinks there is an avenue in a criminal case for the return of seized property. Ive never had a situation where the court ordered property returned and it wasnt returned, Jones said. He went on to say that his client was not convicted of the same crime he was charged with when the truck was seized. If they are holding the truck as evidence for possession of burglars tools, thats ridiculous, he said. Jones said the state should either return the property, or be held in contempt. How do I do that? Doyle asked. Throw the County Attorney in jail? That Schulz may need to pay the cost, then seek reimbursement from the state, was discussed. Jones said that wouldnt work for his client. If he has to pay, then Top Notch gets a vehicle and nobody gets held accountable for the silliness thats taken place here, Jones said. Theyve basically seized his vehicle. Doyle ordered the temporary restraining order remain in place, and gave Jones 10 days to respond to Bacons brief. I am not unmindful of the apparent inequity your client is facing, Doyle said, but added he wasnt sure the law provided the remedy Schulz sought. On Nov. 14, Jones submitted a brief that is easier seen than explained. The brief was handwritten in verse, and featured a hand-drawn picture of the parties to the case standing on the scales of justice, held by Doyle. The brief read as follows: A legal scholar, I am not, right from wrong, I do know. My client got convicted, of burglars tools, attempt, on the go. He came to me, asking for his truck back from the man. I said, what theyre doing, it seems wrong, Ill do what I do, if I can. I filed a motion, not unlike others, like others Ive filed before. The court it ruled, whats right is right, gave the truck back, nothing more. Much to our surprise, we go no truck, the state said, too bad judge. We cant get the agents agent to act, they just wont budge. Another motion, things got worse, the law is the law, my son. Heres a brief, it explains it all, read it til youre done. I read the brief, no I didnt, its content no matter to me. The jurisdiction , of the court, it does not come for free. I cant help but believe, had my client been ordered to turn something in to the state. If he refused, the state would step in, jail time, his certain fate. A day in jail for the agent and agents, in an hour, they may crave some scotch, within that same hour, they may do the right thing, make decision, top notch! Without any money, the hunt for due process, it frustrates me, quite a bit. Right is Right, wrong is wrong Sometimes the rules are unfair. As of this writing, Doyle has not ruled on the matter. KEARNEY For some, this years presidential election has led to more questions than answers. More than 30 people gathered Monday evening to discuss their thoughts, questions and concerns with University of Nebraska at Kearney political science professors Lorna Bracewell, Diane Duffin, Chuck Rowling and Joan Blauwkamp. For the last eight years Ive just been coasting, basking almost, in a political climate that I was really enjoying, Clint Jones of Kearney said. And it didnt occur to me that people might be suffering, feeling badly about Obama and Obamacare. I was insensitive to that. If I imagine that they were as uncomfortable then as I am now, it occurs to me that could have something to do with the split, which I think is so huge. Audience members posed questions that even the faculty admitted to having a hard time answering. Questions ranged from a more practical standpoint such as finding unbiased news sources to the more abstract such as creating unity among people after so much negative rhetoric was used. Rowling encouraged audience members not to shut themselves off from those differing in opinion. People learn more from talking face to face with people they disagree with, he said. Avoiding healthy conversations with those you disagree with only serves to amplify issues and contention. Blauwkamp asked students to remember that with a two-party system the extent of the publics choices make people seem more divisive than perhaps they are. To some extent, the perception of how polarized or how divided we really are might have more to do with our choices than our actual kind of ideal point positions, Blauwkamp said. I think we would probably do a disservice to people on both sides if we assume that everybody who casts those ballots was necessarily terrifically enthusiastic about or endorsing all of the policies of whomever it was that they chose. Overgeneralizing and making assumptions regarding others intelligence and values based on someones opinion only leads to further divisiveness professors warned. One student pointed out that some saw their concerns over Donald Trumps presidency as whiny. Marilyn Synek, a UNK junior, brought up Hillary Clintons comments referring to Trump supporters as deplorables. Thats very personally offensive to many people. I think a lot of people felt very offended by that, Synek said. The conversation took a more serious turn when participants admitted to feeling fearful or knew others experiencing severe anxiety over the election results. I think for me what is difficult is some doors were opened of hatred. And I think a lot of people who voted for Trump dont agree with those ideals, but he still won, and the KKK still threw a parade to honor that, said Monica Mueller, assistant director for the office of Multicultural Affairs at UNK. Last week I literally had dozens of students in my office crying because theyre scared. Theyre scared for their lives. Theyre scared for their families and theyre scared for their partners. One student shared that he had been told to go back to China. Its really hard for me to acknowledge something like all Muslim people should be deported or I dont like black people as a legitimate opinion, said Audrey Grant, a UNK grad student. To me an opinion is something like I dont like coffee, not I dont think people should have the same rights as me. I think thats why its so hard for people to engage. These kinds of views are becoming normalized. If you can win an election by saying these things, then that gives people permission to continue doing so. Socially Im not entirely sure what that means. Politically, I think its typically a bad thing, Duffin said. I dont know how we have a normal election again after this where candidates discuss issues and put forth competing policy alternatives and let the voters make a rational choice. Bracewell also highlighted the increase in bias-motivated attacks of threats and violence against minorities since election night. I hope, regardless of our party affiliation or the way in which we cast our ballot in this dichotomous choice we were all forced to make, I hope we all find that lamentable, Bracewell said. Were seeking unity? Perhaps this is some ground upon which we can form unity in strongly rebuking those sorts of attacks. That seems like a great place to start. 2016 Market Journal Roadshow: Market Journal in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Department of Agricultural Economics Cornhusker Outlook Series will be hosting several meetings across Nebraska from November 28th to December 2nd. The 2016 Market Journal Roadshow will be held at four separate locations where a panel of speakers will discuss topics including ag outlook, marketing decisions for 2017 in addition to management decisions for crop, livestock, policy, financial, weather, and climate outlooks. While there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required. The closest meeting to our part of the state is at KearneyNovember 28th from 1-4 p.m. (Holiday Inn, 110 Second Ave). Other dates and locations across Nebraska can be found online. For more information on dates, times, locations, or to pre-register, go to marketjournal.unl.edu/roadshow. Ag Land/Cash Rent Workshop: This is a reminder that there will be a Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease workshop on Tuesday, November 29th in Lexington at the Dawson County Extension Office from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Topics covered include land values, cash rent, lease communication, lease termination, legal issues related to land ownership, ownership transition, resources for beginning farmers/ranchers, irrigation systems, pasture rental agreements, and grain bin rental rates. This workshop is sponsored by the Northcentral Risk Management Education Center. RSVP is needed by Wednesday, November 23rd. For more information and to pre-register for this workshop, contact the Dawson County Extension Office at 308-324-5501 or sarah.schlund@unl.edu. If you cannot come to Lexington on this date but would still like to attend one of our workshops, you can find a listing of all workshops available across the state on UNLs CropWatch website by searching for Ag Land Lease Workshops. Unmanned Aircraft System Trainings: Thinking about adding drones into your operation for 2017? Or, perhaps you already have a drone and want to learn more? Introductory training sessions will be held across the state offered through Nebraska Extension. The closest location would be at Grand IslandDecember 16th from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (Hall County Extension Office, 3180 W. Hwy 34, RSVP by December 8th). A few of the training highlights include information on hobby flight, best practices for privacy concerns, Federal Part 107 rules for commercial flight and piloting. Class size is limited to 45 participants and CEUs are available. Register online at http://nuaire.unl.edu, or contact Bonita Delhay at 402-472-9390, bdelhay2@unl.edu. Financial Health Check Workshop: Are you ready to renew your farm or ranch operating note? Learn about preparing the information your lenders need and how to develop a solid financial record keeping system at a Financial Health Check workshop. This workshop is designed to help farmers and ranchers develop a financial plan for their operation during this period of low income. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make management decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners, and lenders. Topics covered include: Basics of balance sheet construction and analysis, cash flow and keeping farm-ranch financial records, and income statements for measuring profitability. Two meetings will be held in the central part of the state: KearneyDecember 20th from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Buffalo County Extension Office, RSVP by December 15th to Brent Plugge at 308-236-1235 or brent.plugge@unl.edu) and HoldregeDecember 21st from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Phelps County FairgroundsAg Center, RSVP by December 12th to Todd Whitney at 308-995-4222 or twhitney3@unl.edu). RSVP is requested for meal count and materials. For more information and to register, please contact each respective location. disclaimer I have received the books on this blog for review from the publisher or author or I have bought them. I have no financial interest in any book featured on this blog. It is often asserted that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 proved that HWA was right and he really did see the future. This of course is nonsense. Herbert W. Armstrong said that Christ would return within twenty years in his book Mystery of the Ages. (PCG has since deleted those words so someone in there knows HWA spoke nonsense.) How convenient for them to forget this. Also Herbert W. Armstrong never said the Soviet Union would collapse. He thought it would survive intact until a few years after Christ's return. It shows how biased some many in the COGs are that they never seem to notice this. This inconvenient truth is just tossed into the memory hole. It is true that HWA said that some Eastern European states would break away from Moscow's orbit and join the European Empire he said would arise at any moment. But he never talked of the Soviet Union collapsing. He did not teach that. Also he portrayed the rise of the European Empire to be far quicker then what has actually happened. In Mystery of the Ages Christ was supposed to return by 2005 at the most. So assertions that the fall of the Berlin Wall somehow prove that HWA was right is just complete nonsense spread by people who, for whatever reason, are still in denial that HWA was a false prophet who merely talked out of his own "human reasoning". The St. Petersburg sewage saga will continue Wednesday. Another meeting set for Wednesday on recent St. Petersburg sewage problems Millions of gallons of sewage dumped into Tampa Bay, other waterways in past year Sewer system's age, capacity, heavy rains, hurricanes causing the city's sewage woes Mayor Kriseman proposing 5-year, $300 million fix The Pinellas County Legislative Delegation is meeting today in St. Petersburg to discuss the city's recent wastewater problems and what can be done in the future to prevent problems. Since August 2015, St. Petersburg has dumped more than 190 million gallons of sewage into Tampa Bay and other local waterways. City officials were warned this could happen when they shut down the Albert Whitted water treatment facility, according to one whistleblower. A permanent fix to the problem is not likely until at least 2018, when major upgrades to the Southwest wastewater treatment plant may be completed. St. Petersburg resident Walter Donnelly, who heads the Alliance for Bayway Communities, said he hopes to hear more about funding today and less about politics. "It's right at our front door," Donnelly said of the sewage problem. "So that's why, other than the fact that we represent all our neighbors up and down the Pinellas Bayway, that we're paying such close attention to this." Additional sewage was released into the Bay during the torrential rains that came with Hurricane Hermine in August. Problems have been caused by a combination of an aged sewer system with low capacity and heavy rains. While the City of St. Petersburg is responsible for conducting tests in the immediate area of the sewage spill, Scott directed the Department of Health to begin additional testing at this site. Donnelly has attended all of the workshops on the sewage crisis, including one in September when Mayor Rick Kriseman laid out his plan to fix the entire sewage system. At today's workshop, Donnelly may hear more about the mayor's five-year, $300-million plan to expand the system. Today's meeting will take place at 9 a.m. at the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Education and Conference Center. "Getting everybody together to put their cards on the table is one way, another way is with funding," Donnelly said. "As I mentioned, the City of St. Petersburg is halfway there, certainly the state government and the federal government can help with that and down at this level, at the local level, people are very much inclined to fix this, to make it go away permanently." Kriseman has said the other half of funding for his plan could fall on taxpayers, who would have to renew the Penny for Pinellas tax. Donnelly said the residents he represents would likely be open to that. The mayor's plan to revamp the sewer system also calls for improving the lining of the sewer pipes and upgrading manhole covers. University of South Florida police are encouraging students to be alert while walking around campus. This reminder comes after a female student said she was robbed on campus Tuesday morning. USF police investigating an alleged robbery on campus Female students claimed to be robbed by to white men USF police remind students to follow safety tips when walking on campus USF police said a female student claimed that two white men in their early 20's stole her jewelry near the Interdisciplinary Science Building shortly after 9 a.m. A campus text went out to students, but at this time police officers don't have any suspects. The two white men are described with having blonde hair. One male has shoulder length hair and was wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts. The second male was wearing gray sweat pants and a dark blue shirt. The victim was not injured during the incident and the investigation is still ongoing. USF police are asking students to follow these safety tips: The new (Malayali) kid on the block who is making waves in Kollywood is 22-year-old Manjima Mohan. Manjima made a sensational debut in Gautham Menons bi-lingual Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (AYM) in Tamil opposite the popular star Simbu and Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo (SSS) in Telugu where she was cast alongside Naga Chaitanya. She played the lead Leela and impressed the critics and audiences with her performance. Of course, playing the heroine in a Gautham Menon film is always advantageous as his female leads are well-written, powerful characters; given as much footage as the hero. Manjima is already being talked about as the next big thing from Kerala from where Kollywood sources its heroines. Manjima is the daughter of veteran cameraman Vipin Mohan, while her mother Girija is a Bharatanatyam dancer. Manjima started as a child artiste in Malayalam films, before debuting as heroine opposite Nivin Pauly in the Vineeth Srinivasan-written Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015), a super hit. After Selfie, she was on Gauthams radar and he cast her as the heroine in AYM and SSS. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Manjima said, "It was a dream come true when Gautham Menon approached me to play the heroine opposite Simbu. Actually he had only seen the trailer of Selfie and he called me for an audition. Later, he convinced me to do the Telugu version as well. He is a director who motivates you and tries to bring the best out of you. Manjima says she signed the film without even hearing the script. For me, it was the kick of doing a GVM film more than anything else, as I grew up watching his films and his heroines like Jyothika in Kaakha Kaakha or Trisha in VTV . Like a schoolkid, initially I was very scared of him...but he made me so comfortable on the set. And I was not keen on doing the Telugu version, which was shot simultaneously with the Tamil, but he convinced me to do it. I even dubbed for AYM, which is a miracle of sorts as my Tamil is not as fluent as my Malayalam. The delay in the release of AYM due to various issues was sort of a setback for Manjima, who had to wait for more than a year before the film finally reached theatres. Manjima admitted: "Yes, it was a trying time waiting for my debut Tamil film to release. At the same time, I wasn't offered any Malayalam films either even though Oru Vadakkan Selfie was a super hit." Incidentally, the actress says she was trolled on social media for her performance in the final scene of Selfie; apparently, her fans felt she wasn't convincing enough in it. But AYM has got the actress a lot of accolades. "I think today, Facebook and Twitter are the best way to connect with fans," Manjima said. "I recently did a fun #AskManjima chat on Twitter which went viral. As of now, Manjima is working with Vikram Prabhu in Moodi Chooda Mannan and an untitled film with Udhay Stalin. I want to do a mixture of commercial films along with meaningful cinema," said Manjima. "At the moment, I want to establish myself as a heroine whose films work at the box-office. My role model is Nayanthara and I also like the way my good friend Keerthy Suresh is going about her career. "I'm a fiercely independent girl and take my own decisions," Manima added. "I believe hard work pays off and I take things as they come as nothing in life is permanent. Harry Potter has become a global sensation since the first book of the series released in 1997 and the first film in 2007. Since then Hogwarts and Dumbledore have taken front and center-stage in the lives of bibliophiles all over the world. After the eight Harry Potter films, Fantastic Beasts will mark the return of the Potter franchise on screen and will also mark Rowlings screenwriting debut. At first, the thought of making Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them into a film might have seemed like a ludicrous idea since it was released in 2001 as a textbook with footnotes from our favourite trio on the side. (Harry, Hermione and Ron), but the film's trailers don't cease to surprise us. Here is what we know about the film so far: What the film is about: Eddie Redmayne, who we know so well from Theory of Everything and Danish Girl, brings alive the character of Newt Scamander, an English wizard whos been traveling the world, collecting magical creatures for conservation in his seemingly ordinary suitcase. The Hufflepuff, who openly admits he annoys people, has only begun drafting the tome that will decades later be a Hogwarts requirement. We see him in his early twenties stuck in the bygone era of New York with undercurrents of Jazz Age glamour and underground crime. He teams up with disgraced Auror Porpetina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), her telepathic sister Queenie (Alison Sudol), and a muggle named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) to round up the beasts who have have snuck out of Scamander's suitcase and are creating chaos throughout the city. Watch out for the six magical creatures: The film will mark the debut of six extraordinary feats of VFX, the newly introduced fantastic beasts that escape from Scamander's suitcase. Also Read: Fantastic Beasts: Details of six creatures from Newt Scamander's briefcase revealed Guess who's back? Johnny Depp makes a guest appearance as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard that Dumbledore defeated famously. Depp will reprise his role in a larger part in the upcoming sequel releasing next year. The important subtext Rowling has long been a champion of outsiders facing intolerance, segregation and demonisation, which is obvious from her books which are an allegory of the racial and xenophobic intolerance she came across in her home country of Britain. This film too has a subtext that artfully mirrors the situation in America right now. With Trump becoming the presidential-elect, we have seen a rise in xenophobia and racial intolerance, and the film shows a world where outsiders (witches) and immigrants (the escaped beasts) are not welcome in America. The amazing super-villains Colin Farrell plays the main antagonist in the universe as Percival Graves, the head of Magical Security of the MACUSA ( Magical Congress of the United States of America) and a powerful Auror. Joining him is Ezra Miller or 'The Flash' to all the DC fans who have already tuned in to the Justice League trailer. Ezra Miller plays Credence Barebone, an ally to Percival Graves. If nothing else, the film seems to be worth a watch for Harry Potter fans who want to keep the nostalgia alive. Listening to Narendra Modi's speech to NRIs in Japan last week, many would have wondered if the prime minister is not in touch with what is happening back home. His joke about people not having money to conduct weddings in the family, coming across in particular as insensitive. Since his return, the NDA government has tried to get its act together. Micro ATMs have been deployed in semi-rural areas and the limits for withdrawal have been increased. To check on cash hoarding, incredible India is turning into indelible India, with the ink that is used to check voter fraud in elections being used on the fingers. A terrible move in terms of optics and messaging and is annoying citizens to no end. That the BJP is invested in this big ticket move is obvious from the manner in which Amit Shah is reportedly supervising the nuts and bolts of 'Operation Demonetisation'. If there is anyone in the political establishment who perhaps has an inkling of Modi's mind, it is Shah. Speaking in Goa on Sunday, Modi indicated that demonetisation is only the first step in the anti-black money conveyor belt. And that post 30 December, many more financial surgical strikes would continue. That will most likely be on jewellery and the benaami land deals, where most of the black money is parked. Aadhaar seeding of revenue data of agricultural lands and property tax data would be used to weed out the benaami holders, by linking their assets to their PAN card. All this is going to essentially line the exchequer and will filter down in terms of more social welfare benefits for the poor. But what is in it for you and me, the Form 16 salaried middle class, for who the queue in front of the bank and the ATM have become a home away from home in the last one week. Admittedly, things have not gone according to Modi's plan. The Finance Ministry and RBI have goofed up in estimating the scale of operations that were needed to roll out the new currency to the public. With most ATMs running dry and people suffering from 'withdrawal symptoms', India is looking like a state running helter-skelter. The immediate priority would be to get things under control, even as a parallel political slug fest plays out in Parliament. The reason Modi went for demonetisation first instead of say, scrutiny of land deals was to get public mood on his side. Nothing excites a human being and an Indian in particular, than to give him the feeling that Modi will get the rupee from the rich into your pocket. That job is not yet done and Modi has another 42 days to win his fellow Indians over. If demonetisation and the other measures that will follow can achieve the desired results of bringing in even one third of the black money into the legal system, Modi's purpose would be largely served. It is a tall order. The second step to follow would be to seen as visibly passing on the benefits to the common man. Depending on the results of the drive till 30 December, one of the very drastic options before Modi could be to scrap income tax from 2017-18 and replace it with Banking Transaction Tax (BTT) from 1 April, 2017. If done, this will be the biggest financial decision since 1991. In one stroke, it will excite the huge Indian middle class. On the face of it, there won't be an incentive to deal in cash any more and every transaction can be shown in the books. Dealing with corruption in the I-T department will also be a thing of the past. With BTT imposed, it will bring that many more people into a different kind of informal tax net. Revenue generated from income tax was Rs 2.86 lakh crore in 2015-16 and the BTT with a wider base could start replacing it. Besides, revenue can also be generated as they are now, through a more transparent auction of coal and spectrum. A win-win situation for both the government and the people. Yes, there will be that section of people who do not fall under the tax bracket now and will not like being subjected to a BTT. The poor who were encouraged to open bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojna too would resent having been trapped by a tax net. Modi will have to particularly look at how to ensure the poorest of the poor do not feel aggrieved. In terms of consumer behaviour, this will also lead to a reduction of high value consumption because there would be no more black money to splurge on unnecessary stuff. It will end up making the economy more honest. With no tax burden, there will be more savings by households, which would find its way into investments. But this comes with a huge risk baggage. If it does not work out, India's economy could simply collapse. A safer carrot for Arun Jaitley to offer would be to adjust the tax slabs and lower rates significantly in order to give more concessions to the salaried class and keep it happy. This financial year's Union Budget is going to be presented on a different date 1 February, 2017 instead of on the last day of February. It will be a much anticipated financial document. For full coverage of Union Budget 2017 click here. The Tata-Mistry tussle is seeing Tata Sons moving resolutions to remove directors including independent directors i.e Nusli Wadia and others from from boards of Tata group listed companies that form a part of the salt-to-steel conglomerate. What holds out for Tatas going forward ? This actions prompts an exploration of the removal of directors under the Companies Act. As the precedent for this under the new Act is very limited, an exposition on the old Act would be a more fruitful exercise. Section 284 of the Companies Act, 1956 follows Section 184 of the English Companies Act, 1948 and now corresponds to Sections 303 and 304 of the English Companies Act, 1985 and is adopted on the following recommendation of the Company Law Committee: In future, a director of the company, whether under an agreement or not and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in its articles would be removable by an ordinary resolution of which special notice has been given. The right proposed to be given to a director, who is likely to be affected by any such resolution, to make a representation to the company at the companys expense will ensure the consideration of the pros and cons of any such resolution by the general body of shareholders, before a decision is taken by them to remove him. In our opinion, the general body of shareholders should have greater powers to remove a director with whom they are dissatisfied whether such director is under a contract of service or not." Section 284 can be said to be the statutory recognition of shareholders democracy. The principle that in the management of the company shareholders should have the ultimate say is reflected by the provisions of this section. While the shareholders have no power, apart from that given to them by the statute or Articles- which, in practice, does not amount to much to intervene in the management of the companys affairs, this section was designed to enable them to control the directors by removing them. In Indian Company Law the balance of power is normally with the directors who by the articles and by virtue of Section 291 are authorised to exercise the general powers of the company and interference of the shareholders with the managerial activities of the directors is not encouraged by the articles or by statute. However Section 284 enables the shareholders to assert themselves against the directors, if need be, and makes it clear that ultimate control is in the hands of the members of the company. It was held in Tarlok Chand Khanna vs Raj Kumar Kapoor that Section 284 is designed to enable the shareholders to control the directors by their removal. The provisions of Section 284 are in addition to any other power that may exist for removal of a director. Moreover, any provision in the companys articles or any agreement between a director and the company by which the director is rendered irremovable by an ordinary resolution would be void as such provisions would be contrary to the Companies Act. Thus the Section intends to do away with arrangements by virtue of which directors are irremovable or removable only by extraordinary or special resolutions. Section 284 operates over an extensive field and applies to all directors subject to the following exceptions: It does not apply to a director appointed by the Central Government in pursuance of Section 408. It does not, in the case of a private company, authorise the removal of a director holding office for life on 1 April, 1952. It does apply to companies which have adopted the system of electing two-thirds of their directors by the principle of proportional representation. It was held in Major General Shanta Shamsher vs Kamani Brothers that Section 284 does not affect the power of the Board of Directors to revoke the appointment of a managing or other director made by the Board. Later it was held in S. Varadrajan vs V. Venkateswara Solvent Extraction Private Limited that Section 284 would not be attracted when the Board of Directors seeks to remove a director from his managerial position. Thus the judiciary has clearly laid down that Section 284 has nothing to do with the removal of a Director by the Board of Directors. However, under Section 283 a company can by its Articles vest the power of removal of a director in the Board of Directors and Section 284 would not adversely affect any such provision in the Articles. Grounds for removal of director The meaning and significance of the right of making representation against removal by the director concerned was explained in detail by the Bombay High Court in Escorts Ltd vs Union of India. The Court said that when a meeting is requisitioned by some shareholders for the purpose of removing a director, those particular shareholders must disclose the grounds on which they want to proceed against the director. This is necessary because the company has to inform the director beforehand of the resolution to remove him so as to enable him to exercise his statutory right of making a representation to the shareholders about the matter. The right of representation will be an empty formality if the proposed action does not inform the director concerned of the grounds on which he is sought to be removed since he will not know what representation he should make. The court held that a notice which did not specify the grounds failed its purpose and the company would not be compelled to call the meeting for the consideration of the resolution. Further, the notice of the meeting must be accompanied by a copy of the resolution and an explanatory statement. This is essential because without it the rest of the shareholders would be groping in the dark since they would not know why a director unanimously elected by them only some time ago and against whom there is no adverse report, is sought to be removed. When a combination of shareholders is going to change the very composition of the companys Board of Directors and thereby the future destiny of the company, the power of removal must be exercised in good faith in the interests of the company and not on account of other motivations. The court can if it finds the existence of improper motives refuse to compel the company to hold the requisitioned meeting. However, this decision of the Bombay High Court was reversed by the Supreme Court of India in Life Insurance Corporation of India vs Escorts Ltd. The Court relied on various authorities for holding that a statement of reasons is not necessary to support a resolution for removal. A notice read as follows: To remove (if deemed necessary) any of the present directors and to elect directors to fill any vacancy in the Board The Court held that notice to remove any of the present directors would justify the removal of all as any would include all directors. The court also refused to look into the conduct of the Life Insurance Corporation in requisitioning a meeting in order to remove directors. The institution being a major shareholder has every right to look to the safety of its investments and for that purpose to consider whether the management is in proper hands. For this purpose, the Life Insurance Corporation cannot be equated with the state under Article 12 of the Constitution, but has to be considered on par with individual shareholders. When a notice proposing the resolution for removing a director under Section 284 is not filled in good faith, it being printed and carried gaps which needed filling, it was held that such notice was an abuse of statutory power. The company was not bound to place the notice before the general meeting. Wadia, for instance, has been an independent director with the group since 1981. Tata will be hard-pressed to prove his incompetence before a court of law. Do we see better strategic handling or mere legalities as the Tata-Mistry tussle plays out going forward. (The writer is a founder of Hammurabi & Solomon and is a visiting fellow with the Observer Research Foundation) By Foo Yun Chee and Julia Love The chief executive of Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google and the European Union's antitrust chief will meet on Friday, following the U.S. technology group's formal rejection this month of a spate of charges, including blocking rivals in online search advertising.Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai will meet in Brussels with EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager and Guenther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, as the final stop in a short tour of the continent, spokespeople for Google and the EU confirmed. Last week, Google General Counsel Kent Walker argued that the company's Android operating system helps competition, rebutting charges that the firm uses the platform to crush rivals. The Mountain View, Calif., company also rejected charges that it unfairly promoted its shopping service and blocked rivals in online search advertising. EU regulators are expected to rule next year on those issues, potentially ordering Google to change its business practices and levying huge fines. The case has hung over Google since the European Commission opened its investigation six years ago, following complaints from Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) and other rivals. The Android case poses a keen risk to Google as the operating system has yielded about $22 billion in profit for the company since its release in 2008, an Oracle Corp lawyer told a U.S. court in January. Pichai last met with Vestager and Oettinger in February, shortly after he was named chief executive of Google. During a visit to London earlier this week, Pichai announced an expansion of Google's presence in the city, saying he was optimistic about Britain's future as a tech hub, despite the uncertainty caused by the nation's vote to leave the European Union in June. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee and Julia Love; Editing by Marguerita Choy) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Irene Klotz | HOUSTON HOUSTON Scientists have found evidence that tiny, distant Pluto harbors a hidden ocean beneath the frozen surface of its heart-shaped central plain containing as much water as all of Earth's seas.The finding, reported on Wednesday in two research papers published in the journal Nature, adds Pluto to a growing list of worlds in the solar system beyond Earth believed to have underground oceans, some of which potentially could be habitats for life.Pluto's ocean, which is likely slushy with ice, lies 93 to 124 miles (150 to 200 km) beneath the dwarf planet's icy surface and is about 62 miles (100 km) deep, planetary scientist Francis Nimmo of the University of California, Santa Cruz said in an interview.With its ocean covered by so much ice, Pluto is not a prime candidate for life, added Massachusetts Institute of Technology planetary scientist Richard Binzel, another of the researchers. But Binzel added that "one is careful to never say the word impossible."Liquid water is considered one of the essential ingredients for life. The discovery was made through an analysis of images and data collected by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which flew past Pluto and its entourage of moons in July 2015."It shows that nature is more creative than we are able to imagine, which is why we go and explore," Binzel said. "We see what nature is capable of doing."Despite being about 40 times farther from the sun than Earth, Pluto has enough radioactive heat left over from its formation 4.6 billion years ago to keep water liquid. "Pluto has enough rock that there's quite a lot of heat being generated, and an ice shell a few hundred kilometers thick is quite a good insulator," Nimmo said. "So a deep subsurface ocean is not too surprising, especially if the ocean contains ammonia, which acts like an antifreeze."Scientists made the discovery as they were trying to figure out why a 621-mile (1,000-km) wide impact basin known as Sputnik Planitia, which contains the curious heart-shaped region, was located in its present position near Pluto's equator. Computer models showed the basin likely filled with ice, which caused Pluto to roll over, cracking its crust. That could happen only if Pluto possessed a subsurface ocean, the analysis found.New Horizons is on its way to another frozen world in the Kuiper Belt region of the solar system about 1 billion miles (1.6 billion km) past Pluto. A flyby of the object, known as 2014 MU69, is scheduled on Jan. 1, 2019. (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Will Dunham) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. On 13 November, the under-development China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) became operational in the sense that the first convoy of trucks laden with Chinese goods traversing the CPECs 3,000-kilometre journey from Kashgar in China arrived at Gwadar and was further seen off in a Chinese ship from Gwadar to West Asia and Africa. Pakistans top civilian and military leaders were reportedly present at Gwadar to see off the Chinese ship. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated that Pakistan will provide the best possible security to foreign investors to enable them to use Gwadar for international trade. As per current plans, the CPEC is to absorb $46 billion of Chinese investment $11 billion from the Chinese government and the remaining $35 billion from private companies in China. Pakistan expects its GDP to rise because of the CPEC and for 700,000 jobs to be created for Pakistanis. There is no denying that Chinese infrastructure development is very quick, whether in terms of the railway line to Lhasa and to Hairatan on the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan border (inaugurated on 7 September), the One-Belt-One-Road system, communications in Tibet, multiple gas and oil pipelines or the CPEC itself. Gwadar Port has been developed in record time by a Chinese company with China bearing the complete cost for its development; gratis to Pakistan. The road link from Karachi to Gwadar too was developed speedily. No Pakistani can enter Gwadar Port (guarded by the PLA) without a valid ID card. Pakistan is responsible for the security of the CPEC with all costs to be borne by Islamabad. The country has in fact has raised additional forces specifically to guard the CPEC, with a major portion of this special security force deployed in Balochistan. There was commotion in Pakistan when then minister of Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan announced in 2011 that the US had been asked to vacate the Shamsi airbase even though the US had already ceased all operations from Shamsi three months earlier, after the Raymond Davis affair. Calls of national pride getting hurt were raised in letting a foreign power use Pakistani soil. But it finally emerged that Shamsi was built by Arab sheikhs for falcon-hunting in the early 1990s but had been occupied by the CIA since at least 2004, when Google Earth images showed Predator drones parked on the runway. Confirmation came during the 13 May, 2011 joint session of Pakistans Parliament (held in camera) that the Shamsi airbase was under the purview of the UAE and not under the control of the Pakistani Air Force. Obviously, the civil-military hierarchy received hefty sums for handing over Shamsi to the UAE, as would have Nawaz and Raheel Sharif for bartering Pakistans sovereignty to China in exchange for Gwadar and the CPEC. Interestingly, Nawaz was also Prime Minister of Pakistan in the early 1990s. According to analysts, economically it is 11 times cheaper to transport the same goods by sea even to and from China than through the CPEC, although the sea journey is longer. Of course, the CPEC is the alternative to China's Malacca Dilemma should the Straits of Malacca be choked. The question here is whether the Malacca Dilemma is created by China on purpose and hyped for consumption by the Chinese people? If Chinas intentions are peaceful as bandied about perpetually and the world is for freedom of navigation and global commons, under what circumstances would the Straits of Malacca, and even Sunda Straits, be blocked for Chinese commercial ships and its navy, and for what duration? Besides, how the blocking of these straits, especially the Straits of Malacca will adversely impact international trade of most countries of the world is another issue. A closer examination would indicate that such an eventuality is highly unlikely, even with the Indian Ocean veering towards becoming the centre of gravity for future conflict, given the lethality and reach of modern era weaponry. Under cover of economic activity for mutual benefit and good for the region, what China will never admit is that the CPEC is Chinas Strategic Highway to the Indian Ocean. The Chinese are masters at strategic deception: Talk peace, prepare for war and conceal true intentions. The CPEC became even more important when Myanmar denied China the use of its territory for a similar strategic purpose. China keeps harping for India to join the CPEC but on the question of land access for India to Afghanistan and Central Asia, Beijing responds that the CPEC is only a bilateral arrangement with Pakistan. The obvious intention is to keep India restrained, plus if the CPEC is only a bilateral arrangement then why the facade of asking India to join it? Clearly, Gwadar is a future Chinese ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) base, which together with the Pakistani naval bases of Karachi and Omari to which China has access, would challenge India at sea. But what should also be of most concern is the Chinese history of creating depth to whatever it considers vital in strategic terms. Immediately, on ousting the Kuomintang regime, Mao Tse Tung announced, Tibet is the palm of China and Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North East Frontier Agency are its fingers. Tibet was annexed by China also because it comprises 26 percent of China's land and is the country's water tower. Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia were captured to provide a buffer to the mainland. China captured 38,000 square kilometres of Jammu and Kashmir to give adequate depth to its Western Highway. Going by the same analogy, what would be the Chinese strategy for providing depth to the CPEC running through Pakistan (from North to South), which itself is obsessed about strategic depth? Moreover, the CPEC is running through Gilgit-Baltistan that is afflicted with public dissatisfaction and shifting it West is not possible because of the highly volatile FATA region. But most of the CPEC cant avoid Balochistan where insurgency simmers because of the Pakistani genocide. Under the circumstances, the CPEC can become the target of terror attacks. So what better strategy to provide depth to the CPEC but through sub-conventional operations (read terror attacks)? And precisely this appears to have been operationalised. China has deep links with Taliban even the membership based in Qatar, while Pakistan has a hold on both Talibans (through the Haqqani Network chief Sirajuddin Haqqani). The Islamic State in Afghanistan-Pakistan is the creation of Pakistan, and most importantly, all Pakistani proxies are also Chinese proxies. That is why with the strategic-yet-covert lodgment of the PLA in PoK and Pakistan, terror attacks in Afghanistan and violence in Jammu and Kashmir (including ceasefire violations by Pakistan) have shot up exponentially. The Pakistani objective of carving out more Afghan territory for strategic depth (implying influence at sub-conventional level) is in sync with Chinas strategic designs. Pakistans growing hostility towards India suits China similarly. Repeated terror attacks in Balochistan aids Pakistani designs to subdue the Balochi population and eliminate as many non-Sunnis as possible. Terror attacks against Balochis suit China very well too as it discourages Balochi insurgents from any feeble attempts to disrupt the CPEC which is guarded by the Pakistani Army. On balance, the CPEC has by default or design become a Highway of Terror more for exporting terror than being subjected to terror attacks. The author is a veteran Lieutenant-General of the Indian Army Since the government has already ordered bank staff to use indelible ink to mark those withdrawing money, here is another suggestion: Why not keep ballot boxes also at ATMs? We will know both the mood and hear the voice of the nation instead of believing what we all hear in our private echo chambers. A week after the government's surgical strike on currency notes, queues at banks and ATMs are getting longer and louder. What you hear in the queues is, a wag pointed out, a simple query: Aakhir queue? It is impossible to reproduce the wisecracks and quips heard in these queues verbatim. But, suffice it to say: Money isn't changing fast, the mood is. And, instead of laughing, most people have started crying. Those outside banks are complaining of hardships in daily lives. Small traders are worried that business has come to a standstill. Construction activity has stopped. Builders have stalled ongoing projects. Farmers are waiting to sell their crops in the market but there is no cash in circulation. In a park, where people gather after dark, a trader is wailing: "We will have to start from the scratch. This is like the new Partition of India, we are all being monetarily dislocated." The good thing about suffering is that it sounds noble only if it comes with the pleasure of knowing that others are suffering more. So, at the moment everybody is happy his nose is being cut to spike the rich man's, ISI's, Al Qaeda's, Congress', Mayawati's, Mulayam's face. What he feels next would depend on what he sees next: His own bleeding nose or the disfigured face of the promised victim. It will depend on how fast the promised change comes, both at the counters and in collective lives. But, where are the intended faces in the ATM crowds? While the aam aadmi struggle, there is no sign of the big fish. Where are they? One answer is simple, most of them have parked their money in various other hidden assets, their cash savings are not significant. As pointed out by Firstpost earlier, presuming that stashed cash is 50 percent of the currency in circulation, it is just 5-6 percent of the GDP. In essence, it is loose change. And, even this loose change is getting absorbed. Here is how: 1. There are reports that networks of touts and bank staff are using identity cards in their possession to launder money for the hoarders of cash. Since there is no way of finding out how many times an ID has been used in different banks, it has reportedly turning into a neat business with a rate of return estimated to be 20-30 percent of the turnover. 2. Another set of touts are identifying people those who have legitimate borrowings from bank money withdrawn and spent to replace it with cash accumulated by someone else for a quick profit. For instance, if your account reflects Rs 2.5 lakh as withdrawal during the current financial year but you have spent that money, these touts will offer you this amount and seek just 70 percent in return. 3. The third set of launderers is of people hired to queue up at bank branches and get Rs 4,500 commission for a quick commission. They go from branch to branch, getting as much currency replaced as possible. Since the indelible ink will take some time to reach banks, this will go on for a while. 4. And the fourth category is of people with small sums Rs 10-25 lakh lying in cash at home. They are getting the amount adjusted through family and friends since the government has promised not to harass those who deposit small amounts, especially if they match I-T their returns. While the aam aadmi struggles in those long queues by the day, the economy of greed goes to work at night. You don't need ballot boxes to know who is going to win this battle. Panaji: Goa government employees have demanded that their salary for the current month be paid in cash rather than be deposited in bank accounts, considering the difficulties faced to withdraw money. Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA), in a written communication to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, said, "to make the withdrawal of money hassle-free the salary of all the government employees should be paid in cash". However, GGEA president John Nazareth welcomed the Centre's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. "Despite the problems faced by government employees, GGEA welcomes the move and wishes government success in the same, as we feel that the step taken is progressive and constructive in improving the economy of the country in the longer run," he said. Nazareth said since Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has made it clear that it will take some time to streamline the situation, we request government to avoid the payment of salary through banks via ECS system and instead pay the salary in cash for the month of November or until the process of withdrawal of money through ATMs become hassle-free. "The request is made for payment of salary in cash as many government employees have reported that they have to stand in queue in the banks to withdraw their salary in parts which ultimately amounts to spending the time they would use in their offices to serve the public," he said. "The non-presence of government employees to serve the people may result in public outcry and criticism," GGEA added. While announcing demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated how the cash economy of India has been fuelling the growth of black money and corruption. And while it has been causing a lot of inconvenience to citizens, the move seems to have boosted digital modes of payments in India, says Govind Rajan, CEO, FreeCharge, who dropped by Firstpost on Wednesday to discuss how the demonetisation move has impacted the traditional, cash-based transaction system. Rajan, who joined FreeCharge in 2015 tells us that Modis announcement on demonetisation has given digital payments a huge boost, adding that the move to digital payments is good for everyone, especially customers. The main advantage, in his view, is a more efficient economy. Yes, the announcement did cause great inconvenience to a large number of people, but hes happy that its also shifted the focus to a more secure payment platform. Speaking of FreeCharge, an e-commerce website and digital wallet service all rolled into one, Rajan says that the number of transactions on their platform has gone up by 10 times. What were actually seeing is that the average value of the transaction is coming down. Customers are making smaller purchases, which is reflective of a daily purchase habit, says Rajan. Originally starting out as a quick means of recharging essential services, FreeCharge has since moved on to support electronic payments both online and offline. FreeCharge was acquired by Snapdeal in 2015. FreeCharge isnt the only player in this and its far from being the largest one. At last count, rival digital wallet service and e-commerce platform, PayTM, claimed 75 million daily transactions to FreeCharge's 7 million. Trust and inertia Rajan places special emphasis on the word inertia when describing digital wallets. He believes that customers and merchants are only sticking to cash-based transactions because theyre comfortable with it. He says that people have been using cash for so long that theyve built up a level of trust and comfort with it. That whole experience of feeling the cash come and go feels more familiar than the relatively detached, virtual world of digital wallets. In his own words, for some, the transition is as drastic as switching from only oiling your hair to only shampooing it, he says. Youre essentially doing the same thing, taking care of your hair, but the method is different. Theres a perceived security to the familiar. Not carrying cash on your person is in itself a big advantage in terms of security. Digital transactions are traceable and fraudulent transactions cant be reversed. This is not possible with a cash transaction, says Rajan. On security Digital transactions are inherently more secure because they use modern technology, says Rajan. FreeCharge alone performs over 500 security checks on every transaction. If theres even one red flag, the transaction is cancelled. As an example, Rajan says that FreeCharge has a list of bank IFSC codes that are responsible for a lot of fraud and the company can simply blacklist those codes. You cant do this with real cash. Wallets store notes and these notes have some value, digital wallets do the same, except that the notes are virtual. You can also reverse digital transactions, track locations to prevent fraud and so much more. The RBI also has very strict guidelines in place and the same mechanisms that authorise the cash in your wallet are behind digital wallets anyway, he says. While digital transactions are inherently more secure than cash transactions, theyre not perfect. The recent data breach, which compromised over 32 lakh debit cards is scary and unless digital wallet services follow stringent security protocols, theres nothing stopping such a breach from happening again. When asked about his thoughts on this, Rajan admitted that security was always a concern. However, hes quick to point out that the incidence of such fraud in India is half of what it is in the US and other western, developed countries. He attributes at least part of this to the higher security standards, like two-step authentication, thats been mandated by the RBI. There is a sense of fear, but people will overcome that once they experience the comfort and reliability of a digital transaction, he adds. These fears, part of them are rational, but part of them are because of inertia when you move from one product to the other. Rajan had a great deal more to say on Snapdeal's acquisition of FreeCharge last year, the importance of design and the payment structure in the country. To learn about all this and more, watch the interview embedded above. Pakistans code word for high quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) is RBI Reserve Bank of India which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee. With Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation policy abolishing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes, Faizabad bus stand in Rawalpindi, Pakistan has lost its charm for Lala, a former ISI officer, who coordinates the smuggling of FICN to India. A retired brigadier-rank officer of the Pakistani Army, Lala, till last week was the key figure to procure and supply RBI or FICN through an intricate network of couriers and smugglers. But, since Modi activated his original RBI to junk high-denomination notes last week, there are virtually no takers for Lalas RBI bundles across the entire stretch of Muni Road in Rawalpindi, the northernmost part of Punjab province. The chatter from across the border, intercepted by intelligence agencies, indicates that Modis action against black money in India has demolished a section of the ISI headquarters in Rawalpindi, where many fugitives from militant outfits like Babbar Khalsa, Khalistan Zinadabad Force and Indian Mujahideen used to hold meetings with ISI officials to infuse fake currency into Indians financial system with the twin motives of economic destabilisation and financing terror activities in India. The supply source The ISI used to provide lucrative exchange rate with a profit of nearly Rs 300 per fake Rs 1,000 rupee note. A margin of these profits was paid by ISI to the field agents like Lala and underworld modules with multinational networks, popularly known in Pakistan as office. Said office was responsible for running an hub and spoke business model that included smuggling FICN through both direct and indirect routes. The direct route was Munabao-Khakrapar and the Attari border, while the indirect route usually ran through the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Singapore before arriving in Kathmandu and Dhaka. The top secret intelligence agencies dossier reviewed by this writer for Firstpost show that China was recently included in ISIs smuggling route to exploit commercial courier services. Shenzhen, a major city in Guangdong Province, located north of Hong Kong, had become a major hub for 'office which used to export ethnic garment containers with carefully concealed FICN for onward transmission into India through Nepal and Bangladesh. The office used to run the operation with Suleman and Mulla in Bangladesh and Rana and Ansari in Nepal. Ansari, a Nepali politician from Lalitpur and close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, was arrested by Nepal Police in January 2014. However, until last year, Ansari was said to have maintained close links with ISI officials posted at the Pakistani embassy in Maharajgunj Chakrapath in Kathmandu. It is no secret that Pakistani embassies abroad are using their diplomatic channels for FICN circulation and the crackdown started by Modi may perhaps render many undercover ISI officers jobless in South Asian countries. The secret dossier mentioned above said: There are a number of intelligence inputs available to indicate the involvement of Pakistani officials in Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand of having assisted, managed and supplied FICN at times using the diplomatic bag to wholesale operations in those staging countries. The diplomats, who were associated with FICN trade, were also known to be involved in counter-intelligence operations against Indian diplomats in those countries. There are no authentic reports about the total circulation of FICN, however, inputs from various agencies and organisations involved in the detection of counterfeit notes suggest that the ISI may have pumped in over Rs 4,500 crore worthof fake currency into Indias financial system. As far as recoveries and seizures of FICN are concerned, government agencies had analysed three time periods 2005-07, 2008-10 and 2011-13 including 78 overseas seizures. Of the 78 foreign seizures, there was the direct involvement of Pakistani nationals in 35 cases with 44 Pakistani nationals being arrested. Of the 28 seizures at foreign airports, 12 were from flights that originated directly from Pakistan while all others from flights transiting a staging-post country but originating in Pakistan, the secret government note said. Plugging the gaps within The Central agencies responsible for generating and analysing economic intelligence are also monitoring the sources from where the most fake currency was either intercepted or reported, to strengthen the gaps, if any. With the introduction of new currency, which is learnt to have used highly specialised and exclusive technology, agencies believe that close imitations of genuine notes will be virtually impossible, unless ink supply by international companies to sovereign governments are compromised. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) has already started analysing Counterfeit Currency Reports (CCRs) from banks that will help in tracking the supply sources in case the fake currency menace stages a comeback in the next couple of years. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) makes production and distribution of high quality FICN a terrorist offence and Intelligence Bureau (IB) recently in a note observed that CCRs collected and analysed by FIU should be shared with other agencies for immediate action as banks continue to report difficulty in registering FIRs. New Delhi: With Aadhaar is being used widely by people in the wake of the demonetisation exercise, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has cautioned the public to clearly indicate the purpose of providing photocopies of their Aadhaar letter to prevent misuse of the same. "Photocopies of the Aadhaar letter are being submitted by the general public to banks. We urge them to clearly indicate the purpose for which they are submitting the same along with the date and time. This actually is a good practice whenever they submit photocopies of documents," UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in a statement. He, however, noted that since Aadhaar is a digitally verifiable identity and can be authenticated anytime and anywhere, the chances of its misuse are limited. Following the decision to make old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 bank notes invalid, the government has allowed citizens to get currency of up to Rs 4,500 per person changed in cash from bank branches and post offices. Along with filling the specified form, citizens are also required to provide a proof of identity that includes Aadhaar, PAN card or voter ID card. UIDAI has also launched a revamped version of its toll-free helpline number 1947 to help residents get quick access to information about Aadhaar. The helpline will be available 24x7 throughout the year on VRS mode, while call centre agents will be available from 0700 HRS to 2300 HRS (Monday to Saturday). On Sundays, agents will answer calls from 0800 HRS to 1700 HRS, it added. On an average, the helpline number handles about 1.5 lakh calls per day. "Our toll-free helpline 1947, which has been revamped to handle more incoming calls, brings Aadhaar closer to everyone. It can be accessed through mobile or landline and will be especially beneficial in these times when the Aadhaar number is being increasingly used in the banking sector to identify individuals," Pandey said. The helpline will among other things, enable residents to locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, know generation status of an Aadhaar number (after enrolment) and help retrieve Aadhaar details of any person who has lost his/her Aadhaar or hasn't received it through post. How foolish of me! I thought that Prime Minister Narendra Modi only had an economic axe to grind with his demonetisation move. But it dawns on me now that his fight against black money clearly had other cleverly hidden agendas. It's a shame that it took until day 7 for this realisation to strike, following his decision to trash 86 percent of the cash in the country. But I am glad that it did, with the precision of a surgical strike and the finality of a nail in the coffin. Lessons in frugality are the first and foremost things that the currency ban has drilled into my head. I am wiser now. The desperate need to conserve the available legal notes and coins has taught me, quite convincingly, that a rupee saved is a rupee earned. Cappuccino? Kill the thought. Head for the nearest roadside tea vendor who is wearing shorts and a towel over his shoulders. His kadak chai costs roughly 15.85 percent of its Cafe Coffee Day counterpart/rip-off. (You see, the ban has also made me a walking calculator.) Instead of taking a cab now, I take an auto. Instead of an auto, I take the bus. Where I can take a bus, I remember that I have legs that can carry me. Never since my birth had I realised the profits of a walk, and the perils of an automobile. A walk brings to humanity a three-fold benefit: it saves pennies, it cuts vehicular pollution and, of course, it adds to your longevity. Its not surprising then that the All-India Cardiac Surgeons Association has reported, after a snap WhatsApp poll, that cholesterol levels in India have crashed by 12.4 percent among middle class in the past seven days since demonetisation. A Twitter poll conducted by the Indian Diabetes Society has revealed that sugar levels have, in the 35-55 age group, come down by 22.8 percent during the same period. And to those still refusing to accept the salutary benefits of physical exertion, doctors are now exhibiting photos and videos of a 96-year-old lady called Heeraben Modi from Gandhinagar, who insisted on going to the bank herself and exchanging her Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes. But wait, there is more! A Firstpost reader has pointed out that standing in ATM queues for long hours in the sun is helping Indians overcome their vitamin-D deficiency. So even if the cash queue doesnt guarantee you vitamin-M (money), it sure does promise some vitamin-D. Health is wealth, right? Talking of sun, demonetisation is encouraging Indias youth to traverse the literary path like never before. An example: After a visit to the ATM, my friend's son from Chennai wrote an impromptu masterpiece on how pulchritudinous a sunrise was. (And the spelling of that awesome word was right as well.) Never in his life had the 28-year-old seen the sun rise before. And he witnessed it at last because his mother had emptied half a bucket of water on him at 5:30 am the other day, thrust a card into his hand and made him run to the ATM. Now he has made it a habit to stir out of bed before Chennais eastern sky turns a shade of orange. God bless Modi; Children wake up early now, said the happy mother in an SMS to me. A tear of joy rolled down my face. Now she wants demonetisation of notes once every three months to ensure that the new inculcation of health regime is not a passing thing. As for me, I have shed my supercilious outlook towards an ATM which, I always stupidly considered, was a dumb machine that thoughtlessly coughed up cash when I fed my card and a few numbers into it. Thanks to the flood of information that I have after the currency ban, I now know what a magnificent contraption an ATM is, with all its many pockets packets? like a cowboys pantaloons. And how it can think! When you want Rs 3,000, it decides in seconds which different denominations to spew out. This knowledge enhancement has by no means been limited to the hoi polloi. It extended to the political class just as effectively. A little bird overheard BJP honcho Amit Shah remark to Arun Jaitley: Arun bhai, I didnt know so many poor people in this country had been blessed with so many Rs 500 notes that we have scrapped, did you? And then you thought the only queue that Rahul Gandhi ever knew was barbeque! Yes, it indeed was, but that was in the pre-demonetisation era. Now he knows better. Never mind the reports from villages in Andhra Pradesh which claim that mothers are showing their crying babies the photographs of Rahul standing in a bank queue. They say that the offspring then are rolling with laughter. It isnt just Rahul. Modis fight against corruption has made West Bengals Mamata Banerjee rediscover that in real politic there are no permanent friends and enemies and that note-bank-politics are as profitable as vote-bank-politics. The CPI(M) which, she had often said, committed every crime imaginable in the world and which had turned her state into Waste Bengal is now her trusted partner in fighting something which she had accused the communists of in the past. As for Arvind Kejriwal, he continues to be the absurd, congenital fool which I myself was before 8 November, groping around like a blind man with a stick. Besides not realising the collateral medical and political benefits of demonetisation, he hasnt learnt that the black money that Modi is trying to flush out was the creation of all political parties in the last 75 years. Will Kejriwal lend AAPs famous hoard of brooms to Modi to help him tidy up? Disclaimer: This piece is a satire on the demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes by the Modi government on 8 November. The author tweets at @sprasadindia London: India's "hegemonic stance" and "aggressive posturing" is a threat to peace and stability in the region, Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said, and asked the international community to stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism. Nisar, who met with British Prime Minister Theresa May during a meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant at 10 Downing Street, insisted that Pakistan reserves the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of its soldiers. "India's hegemonic stance and its aggressive posturing was a threat to peace and stability in the region," ARY News quoted Nisar as saying. He stated that Pakistan would not be cowed down by such tactics, and reserves the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of its soldiers. Nisar said the international community, particularly our friends, should focus and react to the Indian "intransigence" in the region. He said that "the world and our friends needed to do more to counter Indian designs against Pakistan and should stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism". While discussing the ongoing war against terrorism, Nisar said that menace of terrorism was a threat to the region and the international peace and tranquility. He said that people of Pakistan and its national security institutions were determined to completely wipe out terrorism from its soil. May conveyed her good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan and said that she was looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the first half of 2017. New Delhi: Muslims in India should speak out against any act of violence on Hindus committed by members of the majority population in Islamic countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Tuesday. He was a addressing a gathering in New Delhi at a seminar on Role of Muslim Youth in Strengthening Democracy organised by National Tricolour Association of India, a non-profit organisation. "There have been cases of violence against Muslims, from (Mohammad) Akhlaq's lynching in Dadri to two boys in Jharkhand who were hung from a tree." "And, there has never been a lack of expression of secularism from Hindus in our country. You see on television, how they (Hindus) strip RSS and BJP bare, whenever such incidents happen. But, why we (Muslims) don't raise issues when there are violations against Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh," he asked. In his address, Azad also hit out at the Centre saying, "democracy has ceased to exist" in the country ever since the NDA government came to power. He added that if the Muslims in India start speaking out against acts of such violence in the neighbouring countries then, "BJP's anti-Muslim edge will be blunted." Two other scholars, who also spoke at the seminar held at the India Islamic Centre, underlined the "silence" of the country's Muslim community in hours of violence in "India's neighbourhood". "We hear cases of violence meted out to our Hindu brothers in Bangladesh, or of Hindu temples being razed or desecrated. But, do we (Muslims) speak out on such brazen acts of violations? We must speak out against injustice, just as we expect our majority Hindu brothers to stand by us in India," they said. Azad also hit out at the government over the demonetisation issue saying, "the move has driven Indians crazy in the name of black money." He also took a dig at the media and Prime Minister Modi, saying, "now it's all Modi in newspapers and on TV channels, the Opposition cannot be seen." "The time of free and impartial media is no more. Now, you open, newspapers, and you see 10-20 pictures of Modi," he alleged. By Ila Ananya In the last few days, we have seen three things appear over and over again in the news. On 9 November, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation decision, followed by his emotional speech about his many sacrifices for this nation. Weve heard him claim that his demonetisation decision is kadak chai for the rich, and now hes even called his move a mahayajna of honesty. Second, we have RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, stating at a womens conference in Jammu on 14 November, that Indian women must come forward and contribute to the nation-building exercise that he obviously considers himself a great part of. Then there is 95-year-old Heeraben Modi, the prime ministers mother, who went to Gandhinagar on Tuesday to exchange her demonetised notes in a bank. They are all connected, because apparently its once more time for: Every woman must become Mother India. Twitter has predictably exploded into two opposing factions since the news of the elder Mrs Modis visit to the bank broke. On the one hand, Modi is being called cruel for using his mother to play a sentimental card. Many Twitter users are saying that this Mere paas ma hai or Ma ke paas passbook hai move is being done since all else has failed, and reports of how badly demonetisation has affected the working class have finally begun to appear. Others have decided that Heeraben going to a bank to get her money exchanged is her contribution, along with her sons, to what is considered by the upper middle class as a rigorous, thorough exercise in nation-building, and in what it calls its attempt to reduce black money and terrorism. Mohan Bhagwats speech on Monday in Jammu talks about the new heights that we can take India to with the participation of women. According to him, Matra Shakti, the strength of motherhood or, as various reports have optimistically translated it, women force should, apart from serving families, Come forward and take part in the programmes for the welfare of the society. Then he went on to say, They should start from their homes to create mini-India and work for the society without getting distracted by anybody. Only Bhagwat knows what he is referring to when he talks about women being distracted (hes previously said that Hindu-women should produce more children, that rapes happen only in urban India because of western influence and not Bharat, and that a marriage is like a contract where the husband can leave his wife if she doesnt look after his house so really only he knows what we are distracted by) but implicit in all his other wisdom is the idea that women cannot come out to work for themselves. You must always, always, contribute to nation-building, never mind if this nation that Bhagwat talks of isnt the nation that you want, or it isnt a nation that gives you something in return. Bhagwats statements are not surprising in the least. They, like Modis statements on his sacrifices for Bharat Mata, and what people are calling Heerabens sacrifice for India, are just more examples of how we have begun to see India as a nation as larger than those who make up the nation. This is particularly true of women. In Modis announcement of demonetisation and those who are 'Loving It' there is no regard for women and men who have no access to bank accounts and ID cards, and who are daily wage earners, or housewives. In Bhagwats statements, there is no recognition that women are more than this nation that he wants us to build. And then, along with all of this, Bhagwat is also blissfully ignorant of all the work that women have already been doing in this country as farmers, construction workers, homemakers, anganwadi workers, garment factory workers and municipal workers. There is nothing new in Bhagwats reference to women who must build the nation as also having the responsibility of serving their families. So when he says, It is important to educate womenfolk because a mother is the basic teacher to her children, we just roll our eyes, since this is simply a reiteration of what we have heard for years. But then Bhagwat goes on to say, Women have taught and inculcated a sense of sacrifice among the children and the society in the country. For years women have been expected to make sacrifices for the people around them for their families, their husbands, about their bodies, their work. Now, with these sacrifices (that were also for nation-building) and along with the work that women must apparently do for the country, we have come back full circle to 'every woman must become tuition teacher India'. This is the connection between Heeraben Modi and the manner in which her going to a bank is being talked about in terms of virtuous nation-building, and the way in which Bhagwat talks about Matra Shakti and how women must work for the nation and not for themselves (after all who knows what will happen to this country if they do). It is as though the only way that he can see women is as mothers, as Indias daughters, as everyone other than their own person in the same way that Heeraben is being talked about in terms of her support for the greater good, and for Mother India. To rephrase another man who loved to talk about sacrifice: Ask not what your mommy can do for you, ask what you can do for Mommy. Lets talk again when Paytm means Pay To Ma. (The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine delivering fresh and witty perspectives on politics, culture, health, sex, work and everything in between.) New Delhi: A passenger travelling on an Air India flight to Chicago found a cockroach in the meal served onboard, prompting the airline to order a probe into the matter. Taking a serious note of the incident, the carrier has also served notice to the caterer concerned. The incident happened in the Chicago-bound flight from Hyderabad via New Delhi. A passenger tweeted about it along with a picture of the meals having a dead cockroach, following which Air India apologised for the inconvenience. When contacted, the airline's senior manager for corporate communications Dhananjay Kumar said, "Air India took serious note of the incident and issued notice to the caterer concerned immediately. Further investigation is going on." Earlier in the day, one Rahul Raghuvanshi tweeted the photo and said, "@airindiain now serves cockroach for vegetarian meals on AI127 #sicktomystomach #traumatised #cockroachinfood". In response, Air India tendered apologies for any inconvenience caused. "We have a zero tolerance policy in this respect. Obligatory action is taking place," the airline said in a tweet. Islamabad: Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan's Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse the tension" between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on 3 December in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the 18 September Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged Saarc summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's blunder where it boycotted the Saarc Summit. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve a Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj sent out a health update on Wednesday, tweeting that she is in Aiims Hospital because of a kidney failure. She is currently under dialysis and is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Friends : This is to update you on my health. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016 I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016 No further details are currently available. Get well soon wishes poured in for from politicians like Arvind Kejriwal, Vasundhara Raje for the external affairs minister. Our sincere prayers sushma ji. Hope u get well soon. https://t.co/uSW7KN4wzm Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj My prayers & good wishes with you, Sushma ji. May you get well soon. Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj sets yet another benchmark. In terms of being honest about health issues. This is truly a new India as it should be. SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj please know that you and your family are in our prayers & we wish you a speedy & completely recovery ma'am. Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) November 16, 2016 Meanwhile, with the Winter Session of Parliament starting on Wednesday, her colleagues in the Narendra Modi government are set to face questions on demonetisation from the Opposition parties. Seven days into the purge, it is still too early to say just how deep a wound the shadow economy will suffer. Economists and numerous studies have put India's shadow economy (deals that take place outside the tax net, practically 90 percent of all transactions) at around 20 percent of India's entire GDP. Assuming, as Hindustan Times has done, that 10 percent of that shadow economy gets affected by the demonetisation exercise, the government would have mopped up black money worth Rs 1.4 lakh crore, roughly one percent of India's entire GDP (Rs 135.76 lakh crore in current fiscal). There is no guarantee that the target will be met. But there are enough indications that the parallel economy has taken a major hit. Reports have emerged of cash being burnt by the sacks, decommissioned notes sliced and washed down the drains, I-T authorities conducting raids on jewellery outlets and bullion traders with abnormal sales spike post 8 November, black money hoarders pressing into service the poor as money mules. A picture emerges of the still invisible Loch Ness monster steadily leaking blood. There have also been reports of Maoists, majorly inconvenienced by Narendra Modi's drive, forcing villagers to exchange cash as extortion funds dry up or become useless. In absence of terror funding from across the border, stone pelters have fallen silent and school arsonists have taken a break in Kashmir. And yet such a massive exercise will not ensure the death of shadow economy. Sure, the cost of hoarding black money will be raised, the risks of conducting untaxed transactions would spike but even if we assume that the government succeeds in mopping up most of the untaxed money that is floating around (by no means a given), that would still amount to little beyond the amputation of a limb for the parallel economy. The reason is simple. Apart from the cash that has already been converted into asset classes such as real estate and bullion or stashed away abroad, political funding remains the major source of unaccounted money. Unless the Modi government follows up the demonetisation exercise with much-needed reforms in funding of political parties and elections, the shadow economy will continue to thrive. It won't, of course, be easy. The Prime Minister may face opposition from within his own party. When it comes to transparency of funding structure through tools such as the RTI, political parties have repeatedly set aside their differences to thwart such moves in unison. Take the case of Congress. In 2013, a full bench of the Central Information Commission (CIC) in a landmark judgement brought all six national parties (BJP, Congress, CPI, CPM, BSP and NCP) within the RTI net. And yet the parties refused to honour the applications seeking details of donations. In June this year, the Congress told the CIC that it is neither a court nor a competent authority to exercise plenary jurisdiction and the order (to bring parties under RTI) is "arbitrary and illegal." Congress counsel KC Mittal told a full bench of the Commission that an application has been moved to quash CIC's order bringing political parties under the RTI Act, according to a PTI report. Or take the BJP, for instance. In August last year, the government submitted an affidavit in Supreme Court, opposing the plea to bring political parties under the ambit of RTI Act. If political parties are held to be public authorities under RTI Act, it would hamper their smooth internal working, which is not the objective of the RTI Act and was not envisaged by Parliament. Further, it is apprehended that political rivals might file RTI applications with malicious intentions, adversely affecting their political functioning, the affidavit stated, according to a report in The Indian Express. Why are all political parties desperate to avoid RTI glare? Because they are loathe to repulse a major source of funding which comes in hard cash and bears no transactional footprint. In his blog, journalist and author Vivek Kaul writes: "If as a citizen I need to show my identity card while depositing my old notes to the bank, people making donations to political parties should also be made to do the same. This will make the accounts of political parties completely auditable." Kaul points out various legal loopholes that are frequently used by parties to stay outside the tax ambit. He cites a research paper by Sandip Sukhtankar and Milan Vaishnav on funding pattern of political parties. An excerpt from the paper states: "Corporations and parties are only legally required to publicly disclose political contributions in excess of Rs 20,000. This rule allows contributors to package unlimited political contributions just below this threshold value completely free of disclosure. Indeed, in 2014 the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reported that 75 percent of the income of Indias six major parties comes from undocumented sources. Kaul's blog also highlights the huge gap between money spent by the government in funding the elections and the actual expenses incurred by all the candidates. This humongous gap is filled almost completely with black money and funds are usually sourced from the real estate sector. The entire exercise stays below the tax radar. In an encouraging move, the Prime Minister on Tuesday raised the issue of state funding of elections and simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls during an all-party meeting just ahead of the Winter Session. Modi wants a debate on Parliament on whether these could be used viable tools to cleanse up the system in conjunction with the demonetization exercise. Though old, these are good ideas to reduce poll expenditure and make it less difficult for candidates to raise funds. But there is a reason why these 'good ideas' have remained canned in 'non-implementable' bottles. There is no incentive for political parties under the current structure to even debate these reforms. The Prime Minister has hinted that benami properties might be the next area where black money fight will rage but he must also adopt a carrot and stick strategy. One way of making more people pay income tax is to bring down or regularize the rates. The rampant avoidance of stamp duties on real estate transactions, for instance, is also caused by abnormally high rates. As economist Surjit Bhalla says, the government must "decrease the onerous and prohibitive tax rates on purchases of houses. With GST, there should be no such thing as a stamp duty on land at any of the stages of sale. That is a relic of the British, and the Congress, and should have no place in a GST India." A combination of these steps will ensure victory over black money. Else despite the sacrifices of so many Indian citizens and commendable political resolve from the PM, the battle will be half won. Not many people outside the Muslim community knew Zakir Naik before he came under the scanner of security agencies and the media in the wake of the 1 July attacks in Dhaka. It may be recalled that on that day, terrorists killed 22 civilians and two police officers before five of them were killed. Immediately after the attack, a report appeared in one of the Bangladesh dailies that some off the terrorists, who participated in the attack, were inspired by Naiks preaching. The paper later backtracked from its statement, but the controversy it triggered did not die down. This created waves in India. The media took this case up in a major way. Naik began appearing in national headlines almost on a daily basis and mostly for the wrong reasons. Even religious leaders from the Muslim community stood up against Naik and asked their members to refrain from listening to his speeches, saying his talks encourage violence and hostility towards non-Muslims. Some supported him too. The media frenzy continued and has not died down since then. Fearing arrest, Naik refused to return to India even when his father passed away recently. On Tuesday, when the Narendra Modi government banned his NGO, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for five years, Naiks eventful story of the past two decades seemingly came to an end. How did it all begin? The son of a physician and educationalist, Abdul Karim Naik, Zakir Naik too is a qualified medical practitioner, who never really practiced medicine. Instead, his interest was in religious preaching from the very beginning. Naik called himself a student and an expert of comparative religion but most of his speeches advocated the supremacy of Islam over other religions. Naik loved to play with words by selectively picking and interpreting religious scriptures to establish how Islam is one true religion and the remaining set of beliefs arent pure. During his several speeches in India and abroad, he justified war against Islams enemies and in one instance, even suicide bombing, saying if there is a need to defend the religion from its enemies, there is no harm in self-sacrifice. The preacher also used his television channel, Peace TV to air his speeches. Naik exhorted that Muslims love their country more than anyone and will follow the law of the land, as long as it doesnt come in the way of the law of creator. Thus, he put the idea of religion above the idea of patriotism and constitutional responsibility of every citizen to his country. A closer look at previous speeches by the 51-year old showed certain dangers to the religious harmony of the country. Naik's illogical arguments about the relation between religion and the idea of a secular nation are flawed but convincing enough to those who believe in Islams supremacy. In a February 2012 video, addressing a large crowd, Naik implored Muslims to 'fight for Islam' and 'disobey the law of the land if it goes against the law of the creator'. Saying "Vante Mataram", Naik said, is not desirable not just for Muslims, even Hindus. Why? Because, Hinduism, Naik says, speaks against the concept of idol worship and hence, it is wrong to bow to the land. In another, Naik endorsed Osama Bin Laden and Taliban as fighters of Islam and argued why Taliban and Bin Laden were not necessarily damaging the Islam. In one his videos, Naik says: "If he (Osama Bin Laden) is fighting the enemies of Islam, Im for him. I dont now what he is doing. Im not in touch with him. I dont know him personally. I read newspapers. If he is terrorising America, the terrorist, biggest terrorist, Im with him. Every Muslim should be a terrorist. The thing is that if he is terrorising the terrorist, he is following Islam. Whether he is or not, I dont know. Now dont go around outside saying Zakir Naik is for Osama Bin Laden. If he is terrorising the terrorist Im with him. I dont know what he is. I cannot base my judgment only on news. But, you as Muslims, without checking up laying allegations is also wrong. Im with those people who are holding the Quran. Even the full world is against them, Im with them (sic)" In short, Naik has been clever in his speeches not to get trapped by investigators by playing with words. But, ultimately, he couldnt convince the investigators as evidenced by the Modi governments action. To be sure, Naik has been preaching for more than two decades. The content of his speeches has been pretty much the same all along. But, there was no investigation against him till recently. As Firstpost has noted before, during UPA rule, in 2013, a communication had gone to the Ministry of Home Affairs from the then prime minister Manmohan Singh about the potential threat caused by Naik's speeches. This was based on a complaint submitted to the PMO. But, the matter ended there. It took the Dhaka attacks for the Indian government to wake up to the problem (possibly due to media pressure) and initiate action against the Islamic preacher. The deeper problems But, it werent just his speeches that got Naik into trouble. The alleged links between his organisation IRF and terrorist activities in the country intensified the scrutiny of investigators on Naik and his organisations activities. Naiks name was linked to cases in Kerala in which youths have been brainwashed to join the Islamic State. The Kerala Police has claimed that Arshi Qureshi, guest relations officer of the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, has links with the Islamic State. This raised questions on the way Naiks NGO has been using funds, especially money coming from abroad in the form of donations. Early this months, the government banned foreign funding for Naiks organisations. Naik has so far refused to return to the country and has addressed the media only through web conferences and television interviews. It is unlikely that hell return to the country in the near future since that could lead to his immediate arrest. The story, however, isnt quite over yet. Banning Naiks IRF will not undo the messages he has preached to youth all these years. There is a need to keep continuous vigil. Following the governments five-year ban, reports suggests that Naiks lawyers will seek legal recourse against the government's decision. But, this wont be easy since government action against the NGO is under the under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Naik might be planning his next moves sitting in Dubai, where he is currently believed to be. But, the government's action puts an end to the Naik episode, for now at least. The Winter Session of Parliament opened on Wednesday with a united Opposition mounting an assault on the government over demonetisation, saying it had led to "economic anarchy" in the country. The opposition parties also demanded a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the alleged selective leak of information before the official announcement. While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to nine leaders, including sitting TMC MP Renuka Sinha, the seven-hour-long debate in Rajya Sabha, however, remained inconclusive. The debate in Rajya Sabha continued till 6 pm on Wednesday before Deputy Chairman of the House PJ Kurien adjourned it till 11 am tomorrow. Kurien said that the discussion on demonetisation will be resumed on Thursday at 2 pm. "From 11am to 12 pm will be the Zero Hour and Question Hour will be from 12-1 pm," said Kurien. There were repeated demands by the opposition members that the Prime Minister should be present in the House to listen to the members. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi, who did not come to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, should at least be present tomorrow and possibly intervene. The government rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was "leakage" of the 8 November decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are "initial" problems. Joining ranks over the raging issue, parties like Congress, JD(U), RJD, SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, Left and AIADMK slammed the government, particularly targeting PM Modi, for making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes invalid and said the "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" step had severely hit the common people, the farmers and the poor. During a discussion on demonetisation, which was taken up after suspension of all business in response to notices given by a host of opposition members, a scathing attack was made on the government which strongly defended the step as one taken in national interest and to end corruption and black money, which it linked to terror activities in the country. Here's a quick recap of what happened today Anand Sharma uses wit and humour to attack Modi Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move, which he termed a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the 8 November decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Sharma used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man. He asked Modi to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally at Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, "Your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the 8 November decision)." Sharma also sought to know from the Prime Minister as to "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "There should have been an ordinance for demonetization. But no ordinance was brought. This is a Nadirshahi farman (autocratic order)," Sharma said. "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a select few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," he said, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." He also sought to know from the government which law gave it the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples' own accounts. "I condemn Prime Minister's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to Modi. Congress will not tolerate anyone planning to harm the Prime Minister of the country, he said. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. He sought to know from the Prime Minister as to from where the "15 thousand crore rupees spent on your mega election campaign come from". "Did you pay for your recent Ghazipur rally through credit card," Sharma said mocking the government for asking people to use plastic money for day-to-day expenses. Sharma also demanded that Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss banks. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that the Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. He said the government should disclose how much money left India between March and September this year and how many people invested in bullion, bought gold or forex during this period. Sharma took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetization and the unplanned consequences of the move, saying, "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)." Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India the country's largest lender knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of the move to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... you never kept secrecy (about the decision)," Sharma said. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move had unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight black money created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs 2,000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "shed colour" was brought. "Your government is insensitive," he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding black money. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in the queue for his Rs 4,000-4,500, black money holders and scamster," he said. Taking a dig at the Modi, he said someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become Prime Minister and travels around the globe was "calling himself a sanyasi and tapasvi". Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5,000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about demonetisation was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86 percent of the currency in circulation black money and "everyone a criminal," he said adding when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes. "The magnanimous prime minister allowed Rs 4,000 of old currency to be changed... what right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of ones hard-earned money," he asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He said former RBI Governor IG Patel had written about the government's decision to demonetise currency in 1978 and it would be absurd to think that all ill-gotten money is kept in cash and not invested in real estate, billion, equities or foreign exchange. Moving towards cashless economy was fine but even the most developed economies of US or Europe have not achieved that objective yet. If they had, the US central bank would have stopped printing dollars, European Central Bank won't be printing Euros and UK central banks would have stopped printing pound sterling, he said. Stating that the government had in one stroke declared everyone a criminal, he said the government and the finance minister have stated that terrorists would have benefited if advance information on the decision was given. "Which terrorist goes to RBI with sack full of counterfeit currency to change." After withdrawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, restrictions were placed even on foreign tourists who could not get their currency changed. The Congress leader said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had informed Parliament in August that fake currency was 0.02 percent of the total currency in circulation. "If 0.02 percent by government admission is counterfeit currency, how can that be made the base to remove 86 percent of currency in circulation," he said. An undeclared emergency has put common people in grave inconvenience, he said while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is blackmoney, Prime Minister should answer if he considered money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees was also blackmoney. "This question arises because a message has gone that Indian economy was run on blackmoney... you decide but don't brand the whole country," he said, adding whether the cash the farmers gets for his crop or the one he uses to buy seeds or fertilizer was blackmoney. He said the move had rendered millions of agriculture workers and labourers unemployed. Mayawati calls demonetisation ill-timed As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Mayawati questioned the government's preparedness for the demonetisation of high-value bank notes, accusing it of spending the last ten months on settling the black money of its people. Participating in a debate in Rajya Sabha on the demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes, she said: "The government has said that they spent ten months preparing for this decision. Ten months was a long time to prepare. If they were serious about it, they would have prepared well for all the problems that people are facing today." "What we are witnessing in India today would not have happened had they prepared," she added. Accusing the government of supporting those close to it in settling their ill-gotten wealth, Mayawati said: "In the last ten months, the BJP government has worked to help the party supporters and big businessmen to settle their black money. "If the government had spent ten months preparing for it, then why do they need another 50 days? There is something fishy." "Masses are in pain. The Prime Minister must be sleeping after taking pills. The move is without preparedness and people will punish BJP in 2019 during general elections. People of five states going for elections including Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will punish BJP," she said, adding that the poor and the middle classes were the worst sufferers. "It is an immature decision taken in haste and the whole country feels that is an 'economic emergency'," she said adding that it was like a "Bharatbandi situation." Opposition demands Modi's presence in Rajya Sabha Mayawati said the House should request the Prime Minister to be present and answer the members' concerns. It is "a very serious issue", she said, adding she has been observing Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, appears "sad". Her demand was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the PM must be present in the House to hear out the concerns of various parties. Earlier, Kurien said he had received as many as 13 notices under rule 267 for suspension of business to take up discussion on inconvience and hardships caused by demonetisation of currency. He said there was a general consensus for discussion and the government too was agreeable, so the list of business as notified stands completely suspended. Azad demanded that the prime minister should at least "hear out the feelings of six-seven main parties, otherwise there is a mismatch. The feelings of opposition members should be heard by PM. I demand that at least he hears them out and sit in the House at least today. We can wait for him to come." This was objected to by DP Tripathi (NCP), who said that as Leader of the Opposition he should not distinguish between the big and small parties. Ram Gopal Yadav (who was expelled from Samajwadi Party) joined Anand Sharma to allege that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam while demanding a thorough probe into it. "A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on 5 November about the new Rs 2,000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said, alleging further that 10 percent of the people have 90 per cent of wealth of the country and the remaining 90 per cent do not have anything. The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, he said, adding that majority of women who saved money through household savings were upset with the move. "Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said. Demonetisation of high denomination currency has created big problems to common people and and law and order situation is being created with police being deployed outside banks to control the queue. "Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. Yadav said the entire House was against corrupt and drug money, but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous. JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who also sought a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said the sudden move was akin to "jumping out of a moving train". He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written off today by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said that the prime minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues. Yadav also took a dig at Jaitley saying he was sure that the Finance Minister was not part of the decision making on demonetisation, because had he been, Jaitley would have tipped him off. This remark left most members including Jaitley laughing. Yechury renames PM as "Modi Antoinette" CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said that of the 130 crore population in the country, only 2.6 crore have credit cards. He took a dig at Modi and narrated the infamous quote of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French revolution who had said that people can eat cakes when they don't have bread. "We have Modi Antoinette who says 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'". Yechury compared the Prime Minister with a Roman ruler. He said a Senator had remarked about this ruler that: "I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the senate, it's the sand of the Coliseum. He'll bring them death - and they will love him for it." Alleging that a BJP unit in Kolkata deposited Rs 1 crore in Indian's Bank Account on 8 November, he said "prove me if I am wrong." He added that Prime Minister was advertising for Paytm while talking about cashless economy. The CPM leader said 1/5th of the economy is black economy and people who kept black money invested it in real estate, gold etc. That is why the imports surged and stated that it was this PM only who had stated that 95 percent of the black money is stashed offshore and is in safe havens. "PM is cleaning a pond to kill crocodiles but big crocodiles have survived and only small fishes are dying." He also demanded that corporate funding of all political parties should stop and there should be a stystem of state funding for elections to which Kurien said "why don't you move a private members bill in this regard." Terming the demonetisation move as "Tughlaq shahi", he said the length of queues before banks and ATMs was ever increasing and asked why the government was agonising the people. He sought an investigation into the move, saying "let there be a joint parliamentary committee" for a proper probe. "We need to know the motive behind the move" as before every parliamentary session there is some gimmick which diverts attention from other major issues. With inputs from PTI The recent demonetisation of currency notes reveals the sad state of our public discourse on government policy. The combination of braying anchors on TV channels and opinions on social media show how to mangle a discourse. It shows the shallowness of the intelligentsia if TV anchors would like to be classified as one. It also shows social media has the ability to influence the trajectory of public debate. It does not portend well for a democracy when the crowd is used as the arbiter for policy. The broad segment of the public discourse can be easily drawn as it is shorn of all nuances and can be easily clubbed into segments. One set of people and this includes the TV channel anchors or people who depend on just TV channels and Whatsapp for their information. TV channels have taken a highly nationalistic line or decided to junk demonetisation move because of the hardship it is causing the common people. Both are extremist view on an economic decision that has far reaching ramifications. The hardship caused to people is not the reason temporary demonetisation should not be done. Please note it is a temporary demonetisation (TD). If the measure is hardship government should not take any step that causes it even it is long term interest of the people. The same hardship argument could also be extended to paying taxes. But the hardship is real especially among lower income categories that do not have bank account and need cash for emergencies. Their trouble is painful and affects the society emotionally. There is no justification logical or emotional for this pain. An emotional pain cannot be justified by logic, neither should an economic decision rest on emotional arguments. The reason an emotional justification is pulled in is because of the nationalist fervor or color being given to an economic decision. The nationalistic line or patriotic one is wrong all it shows is the intellectual drought that TV channels suffer from these days. Their desire to kowtow the government line crosses limits of ridiculousness and borders on stupidity. Though the line is supported by those in the government and is detrimental as it will affect economic decisions in the future. People are not stupid to be swept by such fervor. Second, set of argue that TD will not reduce or remove corruption. The artifice is high and is the favorite line of criticism for opposition politicians. Especially as the government is introducing a higher denomination Rs 2000 note and reintroducing Rs 500 and Rs 1000. To understand, TD by itself does not remove black money or will get rid of it. One, it will help to bring more people in the banking system as they stop relying on cash, particularly traders and jewellers. Second, currency as stock is not going vanish anytime, it cannot go away, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 are also going to come back. This step is a shock therapy to the system. To put the fear in the minds of people who do not pay taxes or use cash to hide unaccounted income. Clever politicians have tried to explain that black money is no longer kept in cash but in gold and real estate. In a way, the honest tax payer is being rewarded as he does not have to worry about his cash deposits. For once the honest tax payer is in a privileged position which is rare and shocking for him. This shock required surprise, surprise required secrecy, that means not many people knew. Therefore the system is still not ready. Hence the hardship. Though the secrecy argument cannot be used to justify the hardship as once announced banks need to get their act together. Especially as the nail that has lost the kingdom is the tray in ATM machine that is not able to take a Rs 2000 note. The hardship is real, but griping about it is not an argument for or against TD. An opinion based on hardship is just that a gripe. The nationalistic and the ideological jingoists are not too different. As both do not see facts they only see political angles to every policy. They are criticising this step because it will not rid India of black money. Like all criticism it is easy. There is no single step or action that can get India rid of black money irrespective of what politicians and that unrealistic breed of economists say. The reason it is black is because the system is not able to capture it. No country has been able to successfully capture it, which is why tax havens exist. TD affects a small percentage of it, but should this step not be taken because it affects a small percentage. Should we wait endlessly until we find that brahmashastra that will destroy black money. If incremental steps help they should be taken. Criticism is always the lowest form of intelligence as it is an argument without a solution. Anybody can make it does not take any effort. Just because there an opinion exists does not make it right. Today, social media gives every man the means to broadcast their opinion. But if you have a solution with that opinion it may be just a mite more useful. Otherwise, it is just another voice shouting loudly. K Yatish Rajawat is a policy commentator based in New Delhi, he tweets @yatishrajawt New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with leaders of National Conference, AAP and NDA constituent Shiv Sena, today led a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan from Parliament, protesting against the Centre's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. "The march is to save common people from disaster," she told reporters before heading towards the President's House to submit a memorandum seeking reversal of the move. Besides Banerjee, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, AAP's Bhagwant Mann and Chandrakant Khaire and Gajanan Kirtikar of Shiv Sena took part in the march. Leaders of the other opposition parties including Congress, Left parties, SP and BSP did not took part in the protest march. While the opposition parties participating in the march demanded complete reversal of demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, the Shiv Sena differed on the issue and insisted the government to extend the deadline of accepting the old currency. "We welcome the demonetisation move. But we are against the inconvenience caused to people due to it. We have not signed the memorandum (that will be presented to the President Pranab Mukherjee). "We are going to submit a separate memorandum seeking redressal of the inconvenience caused to people. We also want the period to be extended," Kirtikar said. As far as demonetisation is concerned, it is not Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi or Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who is the most prominent figure in the Opposition against the government right now. It is West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. And on Wednesday, she will lead the MPs of her party Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the march to Rashtrapati Bhawan to petition the president against the demonetisation of high-value currency notes. Banerjee has managed to create an opposing force against the government's move which also, to the surprise of many, includes BJP ally Shiv Sena. South Mumbai Sena MP Arvind Sawant said Mamata telephoned his party chief Uddhav Thackeray and sought Sena's support in "voicing the concerns of the common man". "People are being harassed and the poor are being troubled by this move. Initially, the government said the trouble will be over in 2-3 days and now the prime minister asks cooperation for another 50 days," Sawant told PTI. Clarifying his party's stand on the issue, Sawant said Sena was not against weeding out black money. "But the process in which it is being done is not right. They (government) should have been prepared for the chaos," he added. On Mamata's telephone call, he said, "Mamataji said she is talking to more political parties to side up against the government. Whoever wants to join us will join us. Sena will voice the concerns of the common man and side with Mamataji in Parliament for common people." He said, "Sena will be a part of the parties that are against the process in which the (demonetisation) move is implemented. The government should have had a contingency plan (in place) before implementing the decision." According to a Firstpost report, in an urgent meeting of party leaders that was called by Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray, the party chief reasoned that if Modi could share the dais with their political bete noire and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, there is no reason for them not to go with Mamata. It isn't just the Shiv Sena, of course. Even the CPM TMC's long-time arch rival said it would like to wait to know the government's stand in Parliament first and then see "who stands where" in the House on the issue after TMC's suggestion to join hands to oppose the Central government. And even though PTI reported that Kejriwal-led AAP is unlikely to join the march to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Kejriwal himself did meet Mamata after her arrival in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed the demonetisation issue with her for about 40 minutes. TMC leader Derek O'Brien said, "Omar Abdullah (NC leader and former J&K CM) has confirmed to participate in the march. Besides one or two other parties have also confirmed." He, however, did not elaborate on which these other parties were. With inputs from PTI The Narendra Modi-government now wants to ink-mark everyone who goes to the bank counter to swap his or her old Rs 500, Rs 1,000 currency notes up to the permissible one-time limit of Rs 4,500, for new notes. The idea is to stop a person from doing this more than once over the counter since the very purpose of this facility was to offer cash for the immediate needs of the common man. Others can always use the deposit and withdrawal facility anytime. Prima facie, the plan is good to ensure people dont misuse the emergency facility. The message is clear: If someone wishes to behave less obedient in this process, the law will instill discipline in them. It does not matter whether they are drawing their own money. Only thing is that this is an idea that has come a bit late and yet again points to the inefficiency of the government to think through the whole process in the beginning itself. There are two questions that would logically arise in the mind of a common man. One, why didnt the government foresee the situation that people with multiple bank accounts would do multiple cash swaps and would even use other peoples accounts to do even more such transactions. Already, eight days have passed since the demonetisation announcement. Those who wanted to get more notes exchanged against their old currency (black or white) would have done it already in Rs 4,500 lots. They can do it using their own multiple accounts (most of us have 3-4 bank accounts and each of these could have been used for exchange in the last 5 days. Isnt it?) or using others accounts. (One friend told this writer that his electrician offered to exchange notes for him for a commission) Two, has the government thought about the trauma a citizen can experience while ink-marked for exchanging his own hard earned money. Come on, not all citizens are crooks and holders of unaccounted cash. Imagine the plight of a citizen standing in the queue in a bank branch and get ink marked to withdraw his or her own money? For the last one week already, withdrawing cash for ones daily needs has been a pain. This will only add to that. But, yes, one could always argue that the citizens shouldnt be too perturbed to cooperate in this massive exercise to ward off the evil of black money and fake currency in the system. But, even then there is a limit to harass the common man. Ink-marking people to avail what is already due to them, to confirm identity and avoid repetition, only happens during war times rationing. Are we facing a war-time situation here? Or is it just that things are going out of hand for the government on the implementation front? Thirdly, the ink-marking will affect the honest people most. It is naive to imagine that the crooks with tonnes of unaccounted cash will queue with Rs 4,500 to get ink marked for new notes. He would be , instead, striving to hide it in some other assets (where taxmen cant trace it). Or, even if he wants to make this money white, he would deposit it in several Rs 2.5 lakh lots and employ an army of dalals to make it legit without making a noise, not swap for Rs 4,500. Who would queue up before bank counters? It is the office-goer who would be taking half day off from workplace to get some exchange to buy his grocery and pay his childrens school fees. It will be the daily labourer who would want money to buy food for his family because he is scared of the idea of using a debit card, till now. It will be the pensioner who would need money for his simple needs. All of them will be ready to get ink-marked to draw their own hard earned money. The big crooks wouldnt want to get inked. The idea of raising this point is not to undermine the massive, bold reform initiated by the Narendra Modi-government to cleanse the economy from the evils of black money and fake currency nexus. No one disputes the intention of the government behind the exercise. The political will to initiate an unpopular step needs to be respected. That is rarely seen in Indias political leadership. Modi deserves kudos for the biggest currency crackdown after a similar exercise initiated by the Morarji Desai government in 1978. Every citizen needs to support the government in its fight against black money, no doubt. But, the point is none of this offer any excuses for the poor planning and in the process putting the lives of millions of people in misery. The government should have thought through the process well. It is a classic case of poor planning and execution of a brilliant idea. Auto refresh feeds "Most of the people eat food in dhabas when they eat outside. Can the government inform us about a dhaba in which a person carries card-swiping machine in his dhoti?" he said. "Many labourers became unemployed today...there are very long lines and crores of people in those lines. But it is not just that," he said. "Does the farmer own black money when he engages in transactions for seeds, fertilisers?" he said. "It is a reality that the farmer is an important part of the economy. That is why India does not have to beg," said a dramatic Anand Sharma in the Rajya Sabha. "What authority do the prime minister and finance minister have so that we have to beg you for our very own money?" thundered Anand Sharma. "You have created a condition in which you told a person that he can exchange Rs 4000...I marvel at your generosity," Anand Sharma said sarcastically in the Rajya Sabha. "After the Uri attack and surgical strikes, we posed various questions about the army....You said we cannot ask questions about the army," said Anand Sharma. "If you are the government, that doesn't mean India belongs to you. You have created such an environment that we cannot ask questions," he said. "If we ask questions, you start asking questions about our nationality," he added. "Who got the benefits of your decisions?" he said. "Your government is only for those people who are your friends. You hurt those people who question you." "If you are trying to give this impression to the country that India started fighting money laundering now, then the prime minister is living on a different planet," said Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha. After this statement, the Congress MPs began shouting again. Note that Anand Sharma was not interrupted even once when he was talking in the Rajya Sabha. "But I think Anand Sharma does not know much about economics," he said. "If his claim of fight against black money is true, he would not have ignored the fact the entire country has welcomed this move by the Narendra Modi government," he added. "In the future, inflation will be controlled when more people pay taxes," he said. "The central government will also get more resources for the welfare of farmers, labourers, youth, women in the country." "Some people had suggested that this move should have been made public seven days before implementing it. But secrecy is most important in such issues," he said. "The government has taken many steps against corruption. Demonetisation was a historic step against corruption. This was also a warning to the corrupt that the black money they had was useless now," he said. "Finance Minister had informed the House only about the counterfeit money in the economy, not the money which some people have got through corruption," Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha. "Some people just seem to be unhappy that Prime Minister Modi has taken an important step against corruption and black money," he said. "When the government had just come to power in 2014, there was an atmosphere against corruption," Piyush Goyal said in Rajya Sabha. "This is a step after which a person will think twice before engaging in corruption," he said. "The poor labourers will benefit the most," he added. "Please do not hold views which the corrupt can use to free themselves," Goyal added. "You (Congress) talked about surgical strike. We did not mention it. This is good. You have given us a certificate that we conducted precise strikes against corruption," he said. "The country is ready to tolerate a few days of inconvenience," he said. "The entire country is with us," he added. "And even the Election Commission won't be able to notice when someone is carrying the Rs 2000 note in one's pocket," he said. "Several crore vegetables were just thrown away per day from markets," he said. "Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? Go outside Delhi to the villages of India. Nobody will accept that note," he said. "The farmer is unable to buy fertiliser and seeds," said SP's Ram Gopal Yadav in Rajya Sabha. "Farmers are not able to sell potatoes now. Were these potatoes made using black money?" he said. Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? SP asks govt in Rajya Sabha "Our party will move adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha," she said, adding that demonetisation was a dictatorial and draconian step by the government. "We told the President that he is the custodian of the Constitution. We told him to talk to the government," Mamata Banerjee said. "Today, people are not getting access to vegetables in the markets. Children are not getting milk. People are dying," she said. "Today, how did the non-performing assets increase in the last six months?" the Bengal chief minister said. "After cancelling notes, there were a lot of notes needed in banks for the huge demand," Mamata Banerjee said after meeting the President. "90 percent of blak money is in tax havens abroad," Yechury further said. "It's like the prime minister is killing the pond to kill the crocodiles, forgetting that the crocodiles can survive on land too." "But where is this black money? All estimates say 6 percent of this black money is in cash," he said. "Black money is in circulation, in real estate...gold imports have surged in the last few days." "We want black money controlled. We want it eliminated. The World Bank says that nearly 21 percent of the Indian economy is in the black economy," Yechury said. "If you stop these Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, you think corruption will stop? Now, corruption will double with the Rs 2000 notes," Yechury said. "After 26/11, we went on debating over a new law to combat terrorism. On many issues, we had agreed over how terror funding needed to stop," Yechury said. "We want to stop counterfeit money. Locate where this is happening. Punish them. We will all support this. But this is not the way to stop it," he said. "By this way, you are killing the poor," he said. "As Anand Sharma said, 0.02 percent of the cash is counterfeit. To take care of that, you needed to do this?" he added. "The point is that black money is not going to go away with this. Black money is not stock, it is a flow," Yechury said in the Rajya Sabha. "For the rest of India, it is Tarasta Bharat," he said. "People can't get their children treated at hospitals." "In our rural population, 80.8 percent of the rural population is not covered by the banks," he said. "What banking does the prime minister want us to go to? There is Shining India with e-wallets for them," he said. "Why are you agonising the Indian people?" Yechury said. "Agonising people is a way to tell people: I control your personal lives," he said, adding that this was a fascist move. "People will say this Tughlaqshahi," he said. "This does not meet the objectives of what the prime minister set out to do." "You have allowed banks to exchange notes. Bulk of Indians today are dealing with rural cooperative banks. You don't allow them to change notes...86 percent of the rural population is dependent on transactions from these banks," Yechury said. "Don't give this exemption to political parties to spend whatever they want," Yechury said. "If you're serious about stopping corruption, stop the supply side of corruption," he added. Laughing at Das, Patel said, "Are you kidding me? How can you allow your EAS to issue such statements. You are making a fool of yourself." Slamming the Narendra Modi government's handling of the issue, Patel gave example of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who during a press conference on Wednesday said: "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake." "Abolishing black money is a move we all support, and BJP government's intention is great but you are asking people to be hungry for 50 days for a feast on the 51st day. Vo aadmi toh mar ayega, bhoj kya khayega (The person will die on the 51st day, what will he do with the feast)," says Patel. Rajya Sabha erupted after the comment. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad interrupted Tiwari's speech and said that the statement, which was "atrocious", should not go in record. "No one speaks about the country's prime minister in such an atrocious way. It should not go in record,"Prasad urged the Chair. In a dramatised speech, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh compared prime minister to former dictators like Gaddafi, Adolf Hitler and Mussolini. "The seat that you (Narendra Modi) occupy, has been occupied by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shastri ji, Charan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But the way you are working, I am forced to say that it reminds me of dictators like Gaddafi, Hitler and Mussolini." "Modi government marched to victory in 2014 because the country was tired of scams and scandals. That was our poll promise. I request Congress to come out of the dilemma - are you in favour of the people who are hoarders and scamsters or you are in favour of a bold step that eradicates black money from the country. Narendra Modi is capable of taking very strong steps. Temporary pain for long term gain - is the buzz across India. One thing I want to assure - if your money is valid, nothing will happen to it." "You have got a chance to discuss important things on this platform so do not waste it by mud-slinging. When it comes to people and their hatred towards our PM (the way you claim), we saw their hatred in 2014 and we will see it in 2019," Naidu says to a thundering applause. Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu addresses Rajya Sabha and says that people across the nation are watching this Session and they are not interested in a history lesson. As expected, the Opposition targetted the Narendra Modi governmemnt over its "ill-preparedness" and "lack of empathy" for the general public. Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad at the end of day one requested the prime minister to appear in the House tomorrow and discuss the issue of demonetisation. While the Lok Sabha was adjourned earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha argued and debated on topics till 6 pm on Wednesday. Chairman of Upper House PJ Kurien announced that the House will resume the same discussion (on demonetisation) from 2 pm on Thursday. The first day of Winter Session went as expected, in fact it went better than expected. While the Union ministers and BJP MPs are demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition in the House Ghulam Nabi Azad for his Uri remark, Congress MPs are demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation scheme. "The nation wants to know today," he added, reminding of a news anchor famous for shouting at the panellists on his show. "The Opposition has disappointed us and the country," he said. "I want the Congress to clarify on Azad's remark," he said. "Those who ruled over the country for 50 years and ruined the situation of the aam aadmi and those who did not let the Parliament function are now also on the same path," said Naidu. "The prime minister will respond if needed," he said. "They are not strong...they are not on the side of the truth, the people are not with them," Naidu further said. "The government is ready for a discussion. We don't know what has happened with the Congress. Suddenly, they took a U-turn," said Venkaiah Naidu. "There is a need to fix the railway infrastructure. Modiji talked about the bullet train. But there is no focus. How will the aam aadmi benefit and get safety?" said Rahul on the Patna-Indore Express tragedy. "This is one of the biggest economic decisions in India. But the prime minister had not thought about the impact," he said. "This is some other form of the prime minister," he added. "We are ready for a discussion. These days, why does the prime minister need to come to the Parliament? He is on a different level. He does not need to interact with his ministers," said Rahul sarcastically. "People are complaining of deals at the back of long lines to banks. So people are suffering huge losses," he said. "Only 15 or 20 friends of the prime minister will benefit from this move," he added. "People have told me that they are suffering a lot," said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament on the issue of demonetisation. The Opposition members raised slogans, even as deputy chairman PJ Kurien threatened to adjourn the House. And... he did. The Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 12 pm. Rajya Sabh and Lok Sabha will resume in a while. Meanwhile, asking his countrymen to tell their views on demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying, "I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App." Speaker of Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, quite hassled by the way the MPs were behaving, threatened to adjourn the House. "Kyun kar rahe ho?" asks Mahajan very politely as Opposition MPs raised slogans and asked for debate over demonetisation. The protesting MPs also demanded that Modi should come to the House and make a speech. The Lok Sabha is heading for another adjournment as the Opposition escalated their attack on the BJP government over the same issue of demonetisation. By the look of it, the Winter Session of Parliament till now has been a total washout with no constructive debate happening on the floor. After the ruckus got out of hand, a very calm Hamid Ansari stood up and adjourned the Upper House till 2 pm. Members could not keep it together even as the Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings at 12.32 pm. However, an unrelenting opposition continued to raise slogans. The Speaker again appealed to the opposition to participate in the debate saying that the disruption of proceedings would not resolve the problem. "I am really pained. If you are people's representatives, you should stand by them," she said. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon after 20 minutes of proceedings. Ignoring the slogan shouting opposition members, Speaker allowed the Question Hour to continue amidst noise. When some opposition members tried to bring a placard, denouncing the demonetisation move, infront of Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was replying a question related to his Ministry, the Speaker tried to intervene and asked the MPs not to disturb the Minister. "This is not good. Everyone will be shown on TV, but don't disturb the Minister. If you want to discuss something, raise it before the government. People are in pain, tell the government. But this is not the way to highlight people's grievances," Mahajan said asking them to return to their seats. Samjawadi Party, NCP and RJD stood in the aisles in solidarity with the other opposition members. While AIADMK members were also on the aisles raising the issue of Tamil fishermen injured allegedly in firing by Sri Lankan Navy, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was seen busy in his seat in an intimate discussion with AAP MP from Punjab Harinder Singh Khalsa. Opposition disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day demanding discussion on demonetisation on a rule which entails voting forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for about 50 minutes soon after it assembled. As soon as the House met, members of Congress, TMC, Left parties and AAP rushed to the Well of the House demanding discussions on the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 under Rule 56, that entails. As BJP members also created a ruckus, an angry Kurien snapped at them. "Why should treasury benches do this? Mr Minister, why should treasury benches to this," he asked Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. He told Azad that he was ready to accept his notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business. "Mr Azad, I am ready to admit your notice under 267 if only there is order in the House." As they shouted slogans from the Well, Kurien said, "You cannot speak in the Well. Shouting in the Well is of no use. If you go back to your seats, I will give you time (to speak)." At this point, TMC members carrying placards of "Financial Emergency" trooped into the Well, with Congress members following suit. "He should come and listen to the pain people have faced because of his decision," Mayawati said. Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition is ready for discussion on the issue but Prime Minister should come to the Rajya Sabha first. As he spoke, members of the BJP moved into the aisles raising slogans. No sooner were the listed papers laid on the table in Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) said the government should pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to kin of the 70 persons who lost their lives due to hardships caused by withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. Naresh Agarwal (SP) and Mayawati (BSP) said Modi should be called before starting discussion on the demonetisation. "Today they want PM Modi to address Parliament, tomorrow they will be demand a JPC on the demonetisation issue. Trust me, the opposition is just shifting the goalpost. Why are they running away from a debate? Why do they just want prime minister to speak, is the finance minister not competent enough to reply to their questions," asks Prasad. Speaking to CNN-News18, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the Opposition on their demand of asking Prime Minister Modi to address the House of Parliament and in turn asked, "Why is the Opposition running away from debate?" "Government wants that there should be a long and elaborate discussion so that we can explain to this country the enormous benefits of this move," Singh said. "Congress and other opposition parties are on a self-destructing course." On the other hand, Jitendra Singh said that the Opposition was on a self-destruct course. "Let's keep Opposition and government out of this. Let's think of the people," he further said. "Almost 70 people have died. He must be crying for them. And I respect that," Congress leader Kapil Sibal told Times Now, clearly taking a dig at the prime minister and implying that he could not come to the Parliament because he was crying. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rahul alleged that the government and the prime minister are not allowing a debate in the House. "We have filed an adjournment motion in the House and we want Modi to discuss the issue with us," says Rahul Gandhi "Main poochna chahti hoon prime minister se ki agar unhone itna acha kaam kiya hai to vo ghabra kyu rahe hain? (I want to ask PM Modi that if he has taken a decision which is so good why is he scared?) I urge President to summon Modi and ask him to take measures to solve the problems faced by people post demonetisation move," Mayawati told the media after Lok Sabha got its first adjournment of the day. Alleging that it sends a wrong message if prime minister keeps shying away from a debate, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday that a debate is a must because otherwise the BJP government looks like it has done something wrong. "Puri daal kali lag rahi hai." Proceedings was continuously disrupted as Opposition leaders raised loud slogans against the BJP government. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu urges Speaker Sumitra Mahajan not to adjourn the Lower House. "The debate has begun, madam Speaker. Please let the debate happen. The world is watching what Congress and the Oppostion is doing inside the House," Naidu said. The protesting MPs, for the past half an hour, have continously made noise and tried to disrupt the Lok Sabha proceedings. Speaker Mahajan still holding solid ground. Opposition members are trying their best to disrupt the proceedings, but BJP MPs (MJ Akbar, Jitendra Singh) are holding their ground and not giving in to the awful noise that the protesting MPs are making. Samajwadi Party's Akshay Yadav tore paper and threw it at Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in the Lok Sabha. This is definitely a new low for Opposition parties in the Parliament. "I am very sorry that the RBI has been exposed to this kind of criticism which is fully justified," he added. "It is not good that every day, the banking system comes up with some modifications. That reflects very poorly on the prime minister's office," he said. "The national income can decline by about 2 percentage points...I feel that the prime minister must come up with some constructive proposal," said the former prime minister. "In my opinion, the way demonetisation has been implemented will hurt agriculture, small industries and the people in the informal sector," he said. "I want to know from the prime minister the names of countries where people have deposited their money in banks but are not allowed to withdraw it," he said. "What has been done can weaken and erode our people's confidence in the currency and banking system," said Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. "I say so with all responsibility that we do not know what will be the full outcome," he said. "50 days is a short period but for those who are poor, even 50 days can bring about disastrous effects. About 60-65 people have lost their lives," he said. "Today, there are no two opinions in the country. It is important to take note of the grievances of the common people who have suffered," said Manmohan Singh. "I do not disagree with the objectives of taking steps against terroism and black money," said former prime minister Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. "By the day, the damage to the economy is increasing. Today, reports have come which have said that in three sectors that are biggest in exports, 4 lakh people have lost their jobs in the last one week or so," Sitaram Yechury said. Addressing the Upper House, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said how can the prime minister say something like this? "How can the prime minister allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money? This is wrong." Within minutes after the Rajya Sabha began today, the opposition members were up in arms protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that those cirticising the government are not angry with the government's preparedness but the fact that they did not get time to prepare. Slamming the prime minister for his statements on black money hoarders and his veiled attack against the Opposition, the leaders of Congress and SP and BSP created ruckus in the Upper House and demanded that Modi should address the MPs and apologise for his remarks. "I'm sure many of us have read analysis of noted economist Lawrence Summers, former chief economist of the World Bank and advisor to Obama government who concludes that this exercise has "resulted in chaos and loss of trust" and "without new measures, is unlikely to have lasting benefits. Don't you think it is high time and right time to form a committee of our real experts and intellectuals like Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha, Subramanian Swamy and other top economists and intellectuals of our party and veteran Murli Manohar Joshi to help the government in this hour?" In a series of tweets on Friday, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, reiterating his faith in PM Modi's intention, said, "However, I have serious concerns about the outcome, fallout and responses of the people of India and the almost united opposition in particular." Seventh day of Winter Session and looks like this week business will take a massive hit due to ongoing protests by the Opposition As Opposition din did not die down even after many requests by the Speaker, Mahajan adjourned the Lok Sabha till Monday (28 November) 11 am. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that a man Rakesh Singh tried to jump in the Lok Sabha off the audience gallery on Friday after the House was adjourned. "Security officials overpowered him and took him under custody and he has been let off with warning," Mahajan added. Taking the nation by surprise, the Prime Minister had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes with effect from midnight. Latching on to media reports, Yechury sought to pick holes in the November 8 decision as he noted that 29 crore out of the 30 crore Rupay card holders have never used their cards in a swipe machine. Referring to a report on surfacing of two variants of Rs 500 currency notes, the Marxist leader also took a dig at Modi, saying it was the "Prime Minister's way" of stopping circulation of fake currency. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, dubbing him as 'Tughlaq' who had "gone missing" after issuing a farman (order). "Barely 20-25 percent of cash demand being met in Metros. Rural areas even worse. While Tughlaq goes missing after his firman," Yechury tweeted. Will government's wait-and-watch technique, as far as Opposition's protests are concerned, work out in their favour? Most political observers say no because the government does not have the luxury of time. Meanwhile, Opposition leaders are still not relenting with their demand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in Parliament. Opposition leaders met before Parliament session commences for the tenth day. However, the worry again is will the Opposition let the Parliament function? Winter Session will go on for 22 sittings - 50 percent of the sittings are already over - the Upper House and the Lok Sabha have still not been able to table crucial bills. "Why is the BJP government so stubborn? Why is the prime minister not coming to debate?" Mayawati asks. In Samba, security forces killed two militants early on Tuesday when a group of militants tried to sneak in from Pakistan through the International Border near a border outpost in this Jammu district. According to reports, the two militants were killed following a "heavy firing exchange" with the BSF. Even as terrorists infiltrated the International Border and attacked two - Nagrota and Samba - districts of Jammu and Kashmir, there was no talk of that in Parliament. The attack in Nagrota reportedly started around 5.30 am with militants firing at a field regiment camp located in the garrison town of Nagrota near the headquarter's of army's 16 corps in the state. Demonetisation has been the reason for Parliament washouts over ten days now since Winter Session began on 16 November. Interestingly, Parliament has not discussed anything else except note ban imposed by the Narendra Modi government since the Winter Session began. TMC leader slammed the BJP government for deploying Army in West Bengal. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu told Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien that the deployment was a routine exercise and casting aspersions on the prime minister is not acceptable. Opposition: Modiji says he wants the poor to build their own homes, but what about those homes which are being broken? If one had to compare, Rajya Sabha gets adjourned way faster and sooner than the Lower House. Unrelenting Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continues to let MPs speak on different issues while a group of MPs continue to try to disrupt Lok Sabha. But since Winter Session has begun (16 November) members who are against the demonetisation drive have tried, and sometimes successfully, to stall Parliament. "These photos on the walls of the Rajya Sabha, from where emanates the power of democracy, often haunt me. It has been particularly difficult these last few days to get past those photos.Till 1 December (15th day since the commencement of the Winter Session) no business has been allowed to occur in the House except on the first day when a good debate took place in the Rajya Sabha over demonetisation. Regular disruptions, chaos and high-pitched slogan shouting have resulted in complete pandemonium in the House. The continuous ruckus usually leads to the suspension of the House proceedings and, sadly, it has become a regular feature. I ask myself: is this the only alternative left to us to address the genuine grievances of the public, the states and the nation?" "Today, the situation is that the withdrawals of the foreigners who come to India are being rationed," he said. "This has globally affected India's image," he added. "Demonetisation created a situation that 86 percent of the currency was invalidated. Now, after one month, tens of millions of Indians are standing in queues...It is wrong to give an impression that the Opposition is opposing the prime minister's crusade against black money," Sharma said. "The government has collective responsibility but the prime minister is the first among the equals," said Congress leader Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha. "In the 2G debates, we have insisted that the prime minister participates in this discussions but there is no such practice in this House that the prime minister must be here to listen to each and every member," Jaitley said. "What is the stage we are in? Halfway through the debate, you interrupted the debate and are now raising concerns which have never been raised in the House," he told the Opposition. "In this case, we've repeatedly said that the prime minister is going to participate in the debate," Jaitley said. "It's obviously an important issue. The questions have to be answered," he said. "The government and the council of ministers fucntions on a collective responsibility. There is no such principle that a specific person has to answer." "We've gone through this exercise of having a major debate which is incomplete. We have spent seven hours on the debate under rule 167," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha. When asked what does the Opposition want, Rahul said, "He should come and debate in Parliament and explain his decision," he said. Targetting the Prime Minister over the issue of note ban, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP government saying that the decision to scrap high denomination currency was the biggest mistake ever. "It was a bold decision - that's what Modi ji says - but bold decisions are also foolish decisions. Demonetisation was a foolish decision. Our farmers, fishermen and the poor of the society are dying, our Prime Minister does not care for any of that. He (PM Modi) is laughing and having a nice time while the people of the country are suffering. The idea behind cashless economy is that a few people and corporates will get maximum benefits from these transactions. This has damaged the nation." Today, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi launched a full frontal attack on the prime minister and an united Opposition on Thursday observed Black Day to mark one month since the demonetisation scheme kicked in. 8 November was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. It's been a month since then and the Opposition protests have gone on unabated - both in and outside Parliament. "It is a matter of shame that the government refused to pay tributes to the martyrs," Azad thundered, provoking the ruling party ministers and MPs, who began shouting as if Azad had just thrown something at them. He also said that by protesting in front of the Gandhi statue, the Opposition was the one which paid tributes to the deceased. "We have been saying for a long time that over 100 people have died because of demonetisation," said Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. "But the government refused to pay tribute to the deceased," he added. President Pranab Mukherjee has accused the Opposition of "gagging majority" in both Houses of Parliament. "Debate, dissension and decision are necessary," Times Now quoted the President as saying. "The Parliament must not be disrupted...this is unacceptable." The Winter Session of Parliament began on 16 November. On 8 December, both the Houses Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met for the 14th day but within minutes of commencing, both the Houses were adjourned. The deadlock over demonetisation has led to wastage of the Winter Session so far and considering that just one more week is left for the session to wrap up, there is little hope that the Houses will be able to pass, introduce or even debate the Bills that have been listed for consideration. Information and Broadcasting Minister Venakaiah Naidu also termed the 'dharna' by opposition leaders near the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises as a big 'tamasha' and an insult to the Father of the Nation. "Our opponents particularly the Congress I am told are observing a Black Day. I say what they are observing is a 'Black Money Support Day'," Naidu said. Hitting out at the Congress-led Opposition for observing a 'Black Day' against demonetisation decision, government on Thursday said they are actually observing a "Black Money Support Day". According to Times Now, the parliamentary panel has found Mann guilty of security breach after he filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers and posted it on social media. As if the logjam in Parliament for which President Pranab Mukherjee admonished both Houses was not embarrassing enough for the country, there is now a delegation of parliamentarians from Vietnam who are going to witness what happens in an Indian Parliament. "Govt running from debate, if they allow me to speak then you will see what an earthquake will come," says Rahul Gandhi. Keep in mind that Vietnamese Parliamentarians are in both the Houses to witness this scene. It's hard to decide at this point who is trying to stall Parliament. During zero hour in Lok Sabha, MPs in Lok Sabha kept raising ruckus while Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tries her best to keep the House in session. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 14 December On Friday as the count of members in the Upper House remained 21 despite calls from the Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, the house was adjourned till Monday. The benches remained empty while BJP and Congress leaders sparred with each other blaming each other for the non-functioning government. According to an NDTV report Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that Prime Minister Modi will be present in Parliament for the three remaining days of the Session and can participate in proceedings for either of the House depending on the need. Congress is going to raise the issue of corruption charges against Kiren Rijiju. Rajya Sabha member and senior Congress leader, Anand Sharma has given notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha for discussion on corruption charges against Rijiju. "This is the first time that the government is scheming to make sure Parliament does not function. It usually is the job of Opposition to stand up and protest. However, this government is doing a pretty job of that and making sure that Parliament does not work and no one questions the ruling party's decision. Demonetisation has hurt a lot of people, but Modi government's arrogance is not allowing us to debate it in the House," a TMC member said. BJP was reacting to Congress vice-president's claim that he has information of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged involvement in "personal corruption." Rahul was speaking a joint press briefing of the Opposition after the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day amid din created by Opposition. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said that if Rahul Gandhi had any information, he could have revealed them twenty days ago, ""but till today he wasn't ready to make any earth-shattering revelations." Soon after Rajya Sabha passed the amended The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill (2014) and Kurien congratulated the members over a productive day, Anand Sharma raised the issue of Rijiju and his alleged involvement in the Rs 450-crore scam. Kurien tried to maintain calm in the House by saying, "Allegation without informing the Chair cannot be allowed." As Opposition members raised slogans and ruckus, Kurien said, "What can I do except adjourning. Both sides are indisciplined. The House is adourned till tomorrow (15 December) 11 am." It seemed like the members in the Upper House were just waiting to pass one single Bill this Winter Session. Soon after Kurien praised the members of the Upper House for being disciplined, ruckus over alleged corruption allegations on Kiren Rijiju took the House by storm again. Kurien: "I have given the floor to Leader of Opposition. That's the tradition. Let's follow it. Please sit down." Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi object to leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking in the Upper House. Kurien asks BJP members to sit down. Amid slogans of "Agusta Agusta" , BJP leaders demanded to know what is the topic of discussion? "I have to adjourn.. what should I do?" asks Kurien. "This is for the first time in history of India that it's the ruling party that's not letting the House to function," says Azad. Sources said that it was also decided in the meeting to raise the plight of farmers and common people in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and demand a loan waiver for farmers. Representatives of Congress, Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, JD-U, CPI, CPI-M, NCP, DMK and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were present in today's meeting. Leaders of various parties said the entire opposition has decided to approach the President to "complain" against the ruling party for not allowing them to speak in Parliament. The leaders said they were elected representatives of the country and had every right to speak in Parliament and it was "unconstitutional" not to allow them to speak in both Houses. Sources said time is being sought from the President till Friday and all opposition parties were ready to raise the issue unitedly before him. Taking their protest on demonetisation to President Pranab Mukherjee's doorsteps, Opposition parties sought a meeting with the president to convey the problems caused by the measure to the common man and "over not being" allowed to speak in Parliament. At a meeting of the opposition held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, representatives of various parties decided to raise with the President the problems of the common people, including the poor and farmers arising out of demonetisation. Advani also added that "had Atal ji been in Parliament today, he would have been upset." Senior BJP leader LK Advani told Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene and stop disruptions in both Houses of Parliament. Expressing his unhappiness, Advani allegedly said that he "feels like resigning". Opposition leaders are scheduled to meet the President and PM Modi to push for a way to break the deadlock. The BJPs Parliamentary Party meeting to discuss the strategy to counter the Oppositions charges against the government is currently underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the gathering. The last day of the Winter Session of Parliament is setup for a big tussle between the government and the Opposition as both try to break the deadlock. "Regular and continuous disruptions signify this session... The rules about displaying placards and shouting slogans were ignored by all sections of the house," Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said in his closing statement before adjourning the house. The Rajya Sabha on Friday concluded its winter session after an emotional speech by the Chairman as the house was adjourned sine die. On the eve of Winter Session, two all-party meetings were convened, first by the ruling NDA and the other by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan. At the all-party meeting Modi requested all parties for cooperation in order to make Parliament session a fruitful one. "I hope that Winter Session will be fruitful. I expect that Winter Session will proceed in a positive way. I hope that Winter Session debate will strengthen democracy. I believe that to take the country ahead this Winter Session debate will be useful, " said Modi as Winter Session sets to begin. "If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration. Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them. He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP. Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma. Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee. Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too. Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House "If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration. Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them. He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP. Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma. Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee. Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too. Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House The Winter Session of Parliament opened on Wednesday with a united Opposition mounting an assault on the government over demonetisation, saying it had led to "economic anarchy" in the country. The opposition parties also demanded a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the alleged selective leak of information before the official announcement. While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to nine leaders, including sitting TMC MP Renuka Sinha, the seven-hour-long debate in Rajya Sabha, however, remained inconclusive. The debate in Rajya Sabha continued till 6 pm on Wednesday before Deputy Chairman of the House PJ Kurien adjourned it till 11 am tomorrow. Kurien said that the discussion on demonetisation will be resumed on Thursday at 2 pm. "From 11am to 12 pm will be the Zero Hour and Question Hour will be from 12-1 pm," said Kurien. There were repeated demands by the opposition members that the Prime Minister should be present in the House to listen to the members. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi, who did not come to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, should at least be present tomorrow and possibly intervene. The government rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was "leakage" of the 8 November decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are "initial" problems. Joining ranks over the raging issue, parties like Congress, JD(U), RJD, SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, Left and AIADMK slammed the government, particularly targeting PM Modi, for making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes invalid and said the "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" step had severely hit the common people, the farmers and the poor. During a discussion on demonetisation, which was taken up after suspension of all business in response to notices given by a host of opposition members, a scathing attack was made on the government which strongly defended the step as one taken in national interest and to end corruption and black money, which it linked to terror activities in the country. Here's a quick recap of what happened today Anand Sharma uses wit and humour to attack Modi Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move, which he termed a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the 8 November decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Sharma used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man. He asked Modi to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally at Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, "Your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the 8 November decision)." Sharma also sought to know from the Prime Minister as to "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "There should have been an ordinance for demonetization. But no ordinance was brought. This is a Nadirshahi farman (autocratic order)," Sharma said. "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a select few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," he said, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." He also sought to know from the government which law gave it the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples' own accounts. "I condemn Prime Minister's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to Modi. Congress will not tolerate anyone planning to harm the Prime Minister of the country, he said. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. He sought to know from the Prime Minister as to from where the "15 thousand crore rupees spent on your mega election campaign come from". "Did you pay for your recent Ghazipur rally through credit card," Sharma said mocking the government for asking people to use plastic money for day-to-day expenses. Sharma also demanded that Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss banks. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that the Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. He said the government should disclose how much money left India between March and September this year and how many people invested in bullion, bought gold or forex during this period. Sharma took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetization and the unplanned consequences of the move, saying, "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)." Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India the country's largest lender knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of the move to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... you never kept secrecy (about the decision)," Sharma said. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move had unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight black money created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs 2,000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "shed colour" was brought. "Your government is insensitive," he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding black money. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in the queue for his Rs 4,000-4,500, black money holders and scamster," he said. Taking a dig at the Modi, he said someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become Prime Minister and travels around the globe was "calling himself a sanyasi and tapasvi". Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5,000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about demonetisation was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86 percent of the currency in circulation black money and "everyone a criminal," he said adding when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes. "The magnanimous prime minister allowed Rs 4,000 of old currency to be changed... what right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of ones hard-earned money," he asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He said former RBI Governor IG Patel had written about the government's decision to demonetise currency in 1978 and it would be absurd to think that all ill-gotten money is kept in cash and not invested in real estate, billion, equities or foreign exchange. Moving towards cashless economy was fine but even the most developed economies of US or Europe have not achieved that objective yet. If they had, the US central bank would have stopped printing dollars, European Central Bank won't be printing Euros and UK central banks would have stopped printing pound sterling, he said. Stating that the government had in one stroke declared everyone a criminal, he said the government and the finance minister have stated that terrorists would have benefited if advance information on the decision was given. "Which terrorist goes to RBI with sack full of counterfeit currency to change." After withdrawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, restrictions were placed even on foreign tourists who could not get their currency changed. The Congress leader said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had informed Parliament in August that fake currency was 0.02 percent of the total currency in circulation. "If 0.02 percent by government admission is counterfeit currency, how can that be made the base to remove 86 percent of currency in circulation," he said. An undeclared emergency has put common people in grave inconvenience, he said while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is blackmoney, Prime Minister should answer if he considered money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees was also blackmoney. "This question arises because a message has gone that Indian economy was run on blackmoney... you decide but don't brand the whole country," he said, adding whether the cash the farmers gets for his crop or the one he uses to buy seeds or fertilizer was blackmoney. He said the move had rendered millions of agriculture workers and labourers unemployed. Mayawati calls demonetisation ill-timed As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Mayawati questioned the government's preparedness for the demonetisation of high-value bank notes, accusing it of spending the last ten months on settling the black money of its people. Participating in a debate in Rajya Sabha on the demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes, she said: "The government has said that they spent ten months preparing for this decision. Ten months was a long time to prepare. If they were serious about it, they would have prepared well for all the problems that people are facing today." "What we are witnessing in India today would not have happened had they prepared," she added. Accusing the government of supporting those close to it in settling their ill-gotten wealth, Mayawati said: "In the last ten months, the BJP government has worked to help the party supporters and big businessmen to settle their black money. "If the government had spent ten months preparing for it, then why do they need another 50 days? There is something fishy." "Masses are in pain. The Prime Minister must be sleeping after taking pills. The move is without preparedness and people will punish BJP in 2019 during general elections. People of five states going for elections including Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will punish BJP," she said, adding that the poor and the middle classes were the worst sufferers. "It is an immature decision taken in haste and the whole country feels that is an 'economic emergency'," she said adding that it was like a "Bharatbandi situation." Opposition demands Modi's presence in Rajya Sabha Mayawati said the House should request the Prime Minister to be present and answer the members' concerns. It is "a very serious issue", she said, adding she has been observing Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, appears "sad". Her demand was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the PM must be present in the House to hear out the concerns of various parties. Earlier, Kurien said he had received as many as 13 notices under rule 267 for suspension of business to take up discussion on inconvience and hardships caused by demonetisation of currency. He said there was a general consensus for discussion and the government too was agreeable, so the list of business as notified stands completely suspended. Azad demanded that the prime minister should at least "hear out the feelings of six-seven main parties, otherwise there is a mismatch. The feelings of opposition members should be heard by PM. I demand that at least he hears them out and sit in the House at least today. We can wait for him to come." This was objected to by DP Tripathi (NCP), who said that as Leader of the Opposition he should not distinguish between the big and small parties. Ram Gopal Yadav (who was expelled from Samajwadi Party) joined Anand Sharma to allege that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam while demanding a thorough probe into it. "A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on 5 November about the new Rs 2,000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said, alleging further that 10 percent of the people have 90 per cent of wealth of the country and the remaining 90 per cent do not have anything. The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, he said, adding that majority of women who saved money through household savings were upset with the move. "Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said. Demonetisation of high denomination currency has created big problems to common people and and law and order situation is being created with police being deployed outside banks to control the queue. "Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. Yadav said the entire House was against corrupt and drug money, but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous. JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who also sought a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said the sudden move was akin to "jumping out of a moving train". He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written off today by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said that the prime minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues. Yadav also took a dig at Jaitley saying he was sure that the Finance Minister was not part of the decision making on demonetisation, because had he been, Jaitley would have tipped him off. This remark left most members including Jaitley laughing. Yechury renames PM as "Modi Antoinette" CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said that of the 130 crore population in the country, only 2.6 crore have credit cards. He took a dig at Modi and narrated the infamous quote of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French revolution who had said that people can eat cakes when they don't have bread. "We have Modi Antoinette who says 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'". Yechury compared the Prime Minister with a Roman ruler. He said a Senator had remarked about this ruler that: "I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the senate, it's the sand of the Coliseum. He'll bring them death - and they will love him for it." Alleging that a BJP unit in Kolkata deposited Rs 1 crore in Indian's Bank Account on 8 November, he said "prove me if I am wrong." He added that Prime Minister was advertising for Paytm while talking about cashless economy. The CPM leader said 1/5th of the economy is black economy and people who kept black money invested it in real estate, gold etc. That is why the imports surged and stated that it was this PM only who had stated that 95 percent of the black money is stashed offshore and is in safe havens. "PM is cleaning a pond to kill crocodiles but big crocodiles have survived and only small fishes are dying." He also demanded that corporate funding of all political parties should stop and there should be a stystem of state funding for elections to which Kurien said "why don't you move a private members bill in this regard." Terming the demonetisation move as "Tughlaq shahi", he said the length of queues before banks and ATMs was ever increasing and asked why the government was agonising the people. He sought an investigation into the move, saying "let there be a joint parliamentary committee" for a proper probe. "We need to know the motive behind the move" as before every parliamentary session there is some gimmick which diverts attention from other major issues. With inputs from agencies Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday said his government will "do everything possible" to stop the state's water from flowing into Haryana, as he moved a resolution in the Assembly against the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal. Badal moved a resolution saying in the interest of the people of Punjab, the House unanimously directs the state government, Cabinet and all government officials not to hand over the state's land for the construction of SYL canal and neither allow anybody to work on it, nor to cooperate for the purpose. "The House takes a serious view of the fact that Punjab is already short of its water needs and farmers of the state are facing serious water crisis," he said. The resolution was moved amid empty opposition benches as all 42 Congress MLAs had resigned from the state Assembly after the Supreme Court last week held the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, passed by Punjab to terminate water sharing pacts with neighbouring states as "unconstitutional". Addressing the special session of Punjab Assembly on SYL issue, the Chief Minister said the entire Congress leadership had been accusing him and SAD of changing stand on the issue. "It is SAD which opposed this anti-Punjab decision tooth and nail whereas Congressmen accepted the verdict of their high command and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi thereby marginalising the very interests of the state and its people," he alleged. Recalling his statement in 2002, as then chief minister, after the Supreme Court directed the state to complete the canal, he said, "At that time I had said ...We will not implement the court order at any cost. Not a drop of water will be given to anyone even if we have to go to jail." Badal claimed that he, his party and the government stand firmly on this even today. "Any decision to rob Punjab of its legitimate rights on river waters is, was and will never be accepted by me or by the SAD-BJP alliance government. "Likewise, there is and was no need to construct the SYL canal and there is no possibility for its construction, nor will it be allowed under any circumstance," he said. Taking strong exception to the absence of Congress MLAs at the Session, Badal blamed them for their "doubles speak", alleging that on one hand they are "shedding crocodile tears" over the Supreme Court's SYL verdict and on the other they "ran away" (not attending the session). They did it "deliberately" because they are "guilty conscious for betraying" Punjab and its people on territorial issues including river waters, several times, he claimed. Claiming that the state had been frequently meted out "discrimination, excesses and injustice", the Chief Minister said, "We have to struggle to secure our rights since inception and even supreme sacrifices were made." Departing from the colonial-era tradition of presenting the Union Budget on the last working day of February, the government on Tuesday finally announced that it will now be presented on 1 February. The announcement has come a day before the beginning of the month-long Winter Session of Parliament, to be held from 16 November to 16 December. Prior to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 October had given a clear indication that Budget 2017 would be presented a month in advance. Urging the states to align their plans according to the revised date of budget presentation, Modi had said the new system would ensure speedier implementation of schemes. While, chairing his 16th interaction through PRAGATI the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation on 26 October, the prime minister had urged all states to align their plans with this advancement, so that they could take maximum advantage of this move. Why the departure from 28 February? The Cabinet on 21 September had in-principle decided to end the colonial-era tradition of presenting the budget on the last working day of February which is generally 28 February and 29 February during a leap year and advance it by a month, so that the legislative approval for annual spending plans and tax proposals could be completed before the beginning of the new financial year on 1 April. A similar departure from the age old tradition was witnessed during Atal Bihari Vajpayees NDA 1.0 government, when the then finance minister Yashwant Sinha had changed the time of the presentation of the Union budget. Earlier, the budget used to be presented at 5 pm, but Sinha during Budget 2001, advanced it to 11 am. And, it has become a tradition since then. The earlier practice was inherited from the colonial era, when the British Parliament would pass the budget in the noon followed by India in the evening of that day. Besides advancing the Budget day, the Cabinet had also decided in September to do away with the 92-year old practice of having a separate Railway Budget, merging it with the Union Budget. The decision to merge the two budgets was mooted by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and endorsed by NITI Aayog, which also proposed the doing away of the distinction between plan and non-planned expenditure. Since 1924, the Railways has been having a separate budget, as the British considered it necessary to focus on Indias most important infrastructure network, which went on to become one of the worlds largest rail networks. How will the new move help? To facilitate its early presentation, the Finance Ministry had proposed that the Budget Session be convened before 25 January, a month ahead of the current practice. According to experts, the advancement of budget announcement date will help the entire budgetary exercise to be over by, and the Finance Bill to be passed and implemented from 1 April onwards, instead of June. Itll help companies and households to finalise their savings, investment and tax plans. The Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill containing tax changes and expenditure details respectively are passed in May. Several tax proposals come into effect only after the Finance Bill is passed in May. The advantage here is that the Finance Bill will be passed in the Parliament in the next two months February and March, and expenditures can begin from 1 April, unlike now. As per the traditional practice, after presenting the Budget in Parliament on the last day of February, the Cabinet has the last month (March) left to get all the legislative approvals for the annual spending and tax proposals before the beginning of the new financial year on 1 April. Early presentation of Budget will help the entire exercise to get over by 31 March, and expenditure as well as tax proposals can come into effect right from the beginning of new fiscal, thereby ensuring better implementation, economist Professor Arun Kumar told Firstpost. Area of concern Data for the current year is important for the formulation of budget. In the case of 28 February, we get quality data of nine to 10 months. By advancing the budget announcement date by a month, well have a month's worth of less data. Moreover, budget preparations have to be ready by December, so there is a need to speed up the data-availability process. It might lead to chances of substantial error, which is a matter of concern, added Kumar, former Sukhamoy Chakravarty Chair Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Will there be a change in Financial Year too? In India, the financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. However, the government has also been considering change the financial year possibly 1 January to 31 December in sync with the calendar year. Itll also align India with most countries, besides the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. NITI Aayog has expressed the need to amend the financial year for better budget planning and 1 January to 31 December will be the best suited as most of the countries across the world follow it, a Finance Ministry source said. The government constituted a four-member committee headed by former Chief Economic Advisor, Dr Shankar Acharya on 6 July to examine the desirability and feasibility of having a new financial year. The committee has been given time to submit its report by 31 December. Prior to this, the LK Jha committee in 1984 had also recommended the January-December cycle. For full coverage of Union Budget 2017 click here. By Katy Migiro NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A fivefold surge in Burundians fleeing to Tanzania to escape political violence in their troubled central African homeland is creating one of Africa's biggest refugee crises, a charity said on Wednesday, amid warnings from activists of genocide threats.Some 10,000 Burundians have arrived in neighbouring Tanzania each month since August, increasing the population in three overcrowded north-western camps to almost 250,000 people, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said."This is rapidly becoming one of Africa's biggest refugee crises," MSF's Tanzanian head of mission, David Nash, said in a statement."Unrest in Burundi (is) showing no signs of abating."Almost 325,000 Burundians -- three percent of the population -- have fled since the crisis began in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term, which he secured in a disputed election in July 2015.Half of those fleeing Burundi have gone to Tanzania and others to Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The refugees say they are fleeing harassment, worsening hunger and an uncertain future, Nash told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview. Crimes against humanity are being committed in Burundi, with the risk of intensifying to genocide, the International Federation for Human Rights and Burundian Human Rights League said on Tuesday - charges the government has repeatedly denied.Burundi intends to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, after the ICC announced plans in April to investigate reports of killings, disappearances and torture in the country. With 462 Burundians and 42 Congolese arriving in Tanzania each day in November, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) predicts the refugee population will reach 280,000 by the end of 2016. "It has become necessary and urgent that additional camps be identified to enable dignified reception of new arrivals, many of whom are women and children," UNHCR's country representative Chansa Kapaya said in emailed comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "UNHCR is confident that the repeated appeal to the government of Tanzania to identify additional camp sites will be successful." A fourth site, Karago, has been approved but it does not have enough water, Nash said, so new arrivals are being taken to Nduta camp, which has already exceeded its 50,000 capacity. The Tanzanian government has to displace and compensate its own people each time it makes space for a new camp, Nash said. Until then, refugees risk being held in mass shelters for up to 200 people, he said, as happened at the start of the crisis."It's a disaster for health," he said, as malaria is a major problem during the current rainy season. "Malaria spreads far quicker (in mass shelters) than when people are housed in family tents." (Reporting by Katy Migiro; Editing by Katie Nguyen.; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By David Ljunggren | OTTAWA OTTAWA Although Canada is taking a tough line with Russia in public, a senior Canadian diplomat quietly visited Moscow for talks on Ukraine and Syria earlier this month, prompting opposition concerns Ottawa might move to ease its sanctions.Mark Gwozdecky, the foreign ministry's political director, met Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov on Nov 1 for talks on issues such as arms control as well as Ukraine and the war in Syria, according to the Russian foreign ministry.The visit was the first of its kind by a top Canadian official since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals took power a year ago from the Conservatives, who imposed punitive measures over the actions of Russian-backed militants in Ukraine.The Liberals also condemn Moscow's intervention. Foreign Minister Stephane Dion on Friday urged all countries to remain firm about upholding sanctions. But they also say they want to discuss matters of mutual interest.The twin messages have Canada's foreign partners watching for any shift in policy at a time when U.S. President elect Donald Trump has indicated he will seek a rapprochement with Russia. "There are too many important issues for us, from the Arctic to the devastating situation in Syria, not to be raising those directly with them," said Joe Pickerill, chief spokesman for Dion."Canada does not need interlocutors to raise its concerns, nor will we shout them from the sidelines. This government will raise the issues directly." Gwozdecky visited Moscow shortly before Trump's election victory. If Trump follows through on his promise to forge closer ties with Putin, the transatlantic and European front against Russia could crumble.Other nations, such as Japan and Germany, have sent diplomats to Moscow in recent months.Peter Kent, foreign affairs critic for the opposition Conservatives, said Dion was giving more priority to normalizing relations with Russia "than any new sanctions or even maintaining some of them." Canada has a large and influential Ukrainian community which wholeheartedly supported the Conservative sanctions.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday told reporters that on some issues, such as the Arctic and counter terrorism, there was a chance to "at least have constructive dialogue with Russia in which our desired outcomes are more closely aligned." (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Andrew Hay) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Ellen Francis | BEIRUT BEIRUT Air strikes battered neighbourhoods around a children's hospital and a blood bank in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in a second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 32 people, a war monitor, medics and emergency workers said.The air raids formed part of a wider military escalation by the Syrian government and allies including Russia, which fired coordinated volleys of missiles at rebels on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the air strikes on eastern Aleppo on Wednesday alone killed at least 21 people, including five children and an emergency worker. They were carried out by either Russian or Syrian warplanes, it said.The Observatory said districts struck included al-Shaar, al-Sukkari, al-Sakhour and Karam al-Beik. Moscow has denied reports that its jets hit the city in the renewed wave of bombardment, and said it was sticking to a moratorium on air strikes in Aleppo.Tuesday's bombing run on eastern Aleppo appeared to mark the end of a pause inside the city declared by Russia on Oct. 18 which Syria's military had also largely observed.The Observatory and residents said the city's east was hit by rocket fired from jets, barrel bombs dropped from helicopters and artillery from government forces."The helicopters won't stop for a single moment," Bebars Mishal, a civil defence worker in rebel-held Aleppo, told Reuters. "Right now, the bombing won't let up." The Civil Defence is a volunteer rescue service that operates in rebel-controlled areas of Syria, including Aleppo, the country's largest city and commercial hub before the war. NEIGHBOURHOODS BOMBED Wednesday's bombing struck next to a children's hospital and blood bank in the Shaar district, and near a school in the Salah al-Din district, residents and the Observatory said. Two ambulances were also destroyed, said an advocacy officer at the Syrian American Medical Society aid group, citing reports from colleagues in Aleppo. "We woke up to the bombing and until now, the warplanes and helicopters are running," said Modar Shekho, a nurse in eastern Aleppo. "The Shaar neighbourhood was burned down between yesterday and today."A video posted by Shekho on a social networking site, which he said was taken on Wednesday, showed a building with large holes and burn marks next to a large heap of rubble and twisted metal which he said was all that remained of another structure. Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official, said there were more than 40 air strikes on the Shaar area. "Today the bombardment is very, very fierce," he said. On Monday and early Tuesday, there were air strikes on hospitals in three rebel-held towns to the west of Aleppo, knocking them all out of service. Damascus and Moscow both deny targeting hospitals. The World Health Organization said there had been heavy attacks on five hospitals in Aleppo and Idlib provinces since Sunday, severely reducing access to health services for people in northern Syria. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the Damascus government's air force took part in strikes against what it called terrorist strongholds in Aleppo's Old City. Russia said it had struck Islamic State and former Nusra Front militant sites elsewhere in Syria, without mentioning Aleppo.On Tuesday evening, state-owned Ikhabariyah television reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in the Aleppo theatre in preparation for a major ground offensive that it said was imminent and awaiting "zero hour" to begin.Aleppo has become the pivotal front in Syria's 5-1/2-year war pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Muslim militias, against mostly Sunni Muslim rebels including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies.Aleppo has for years been divided between the government-held western sector and rebel-held east, which the Syrian army and its allies besieged during the summer. Its allied forces include Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iraqi Shi'ite militias. (Reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut and Jack Stubbs in Moscow; editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tuvan Gumrukcu | ANKARA ANKARA Turkey-backed rebels are just 2 km (1.25 miles) from the northern Syrian city of al Bab and are expected to take it from Islamic State quickly despite some resistance, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.The rebels said on Tuesday they had taken Qabasin, several km (miles) northeast of al Bab, setting the stage for an assault on the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in the northern Aleppo countryside.Al Bab is of particular strategic importance to Turkey because Kurdish-dominated militias have also been pursuing a drive to seize it. Ankara is determined to prevent Kurdish forces from joining up cantons they control along the Turkish border, for fear it will stoke Kurdish separatism at home."The Free Syrian Army (rebels), with the support of our special forces, is about two kilometres away and the siege is continuing as planned," Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara before departing on an official visit to Pakistan."There is resistance now, but I don't think it will last much longer," he said. In Washington, a U.S. military spokesman said the U.S.-led coalition was not providing support for the operation."We did have forces partnered with Turkey and their partnered forces for quite some time through a lot of the operations in northern Syria. They are not a part of the advance on al Bab," Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the coalition, told Pentagon reporters through video link on Wednesday. He said the coalition was not providing air strikes in support of the operation. Erdogan also said he was confident that the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia would withdraw east of the Euphrates River from the city of Manbij on Wednesday or Thursday, fulfilling a long-standing Turkish demand. Turkey sent warplanes, tanks and artillery into Syria in August in support of mostly Arab and Turkmen rebels, an operation dubbed "Euphrates Shield" and meant to drive both Islamic State and Kurdish militia forces away from its border.But Manbij was recently liberated from Islamic State by Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States. Ankara regards the YPG as a hostile force with deep ties to Kurdish militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency in Turkey. The YPG said it was pulling out of Manbij and withdrawing east of the Euphrates, but was doing so in order to participate in the campaign to liberate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, which is likely to further antagonise Ankara.Turkey has repeatedly said that YPG fighters should not be involved in the planned Raqqa operation, arguing that the city is predominantly Arab.U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk described the YPG withdrawal from Manbij as a "milestone", saying on Twitter that all YPG units would depart after training local units to maintain the city's security against Islamic State. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and David Dolan in Istanbul, Ellen Francis in Beirut and Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by David Dolan and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. London: Brexit could be delayed by months, even as long as two years, after a Supreme Court judge of Britain suggested that "comprehensive" legislation was required to trigger Article 50. Lady Hale told an audience in Kuala Lumpur that "another question" for the court was "whether it would be enough for a simple act of Parliament to authorise the government to give notice, or whether it would have to be a comprehensive replacement for the 1972 (EEC Accession) Act", Sky News reported on Tuesday. Sky News reported last week that the government was preparing a short bill to push through both the Commons and the Lords to try to keep its March deadline for triggering Article 50. Labour has said it would not block such a bill in the House of Commons. Lady Hale's comments, published on Tuesday, come after a High Court ruling that Prime Minister Theresa May cannot trigger Brexit without putting it to a vote in the House of Commons. That shows that the Supreme Court could adjudicate not just the validity of the government's appeal against the ruling, but also the precise remedy the Government must offer to the claimants if it loses its appeal. This means the government could have to pass its Great Repeal Bill before triggering Article 50. The Great Repeal Bill is currently not planned to be introduced until the next session of Parliament after May. Lady Hale, who will sit as one of the judges hearing the government's appeal, also said unequivocally that the "referendum was not legally binding on Parliament". This was a reference to the referendum legislation passed last year. She also confirmed that for the first time in its history the Supreme Court will sit with all 11 Justices. A Somali-American man in Minnesota was sentenced on Wednesday to 30 years in prison for conspiring to aid the Islamic State militant group, according to local media. Mohamed Farah, 22, was handed the sentence by senior U.S. District Judge Michael Davis, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Farah is one of three men scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday for attempting to aid the group in 2014 and early 2015. Farah was convicted in June of conspiring to commit murder in Syria on behalf the Islamic State, as well as lying to a grand jury and FBI agents. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. BERLIN U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Berlin on Wednesday to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he has forged a close transatlantic alliance during eight years in office that President-elect Donald Trump may now call into question.Obama, who described Merkel ahead of the visit as his "closest international partner", will dine with the chancellor at Berlin's famous Adlon hotel directly next to the landmark Brandenburg Gate on Wednesday evening.The two leaders, who together tackled the global financial crisis, promoted free trade and forged an international accord to fight climate change, stressed their shared values in a joint guest piece for German magazine Wirtschaftswoche. "There will be no return to a world before globalisation," they wrote, stressing the benefits of a free trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and the United States.Trump, a billionaire businessman with no previous experience of public office, made attacks on international trade deals a cornerstone of his election campaign, saying they have cost U.S. jobs. His election win heralds a hard break in a relationship that grew extremely close during and immediately after the Cold War.It wobbled when Berlin refused to go along with U.S. President George W. Bush's Iraq war in 2003 and Germany and France were derided by his Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as "old Europe". But the relationship has again flourished in recent years, with Obama and Merkel also leading an international push for economic sanctions on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. Trump by contrast has spoken warmly of Putin.Last week Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader, offered to work with Trump on the basis of their countries' shared democratic values. Merkel and Obama will hold bilateral talks on Thursday before they are joined on Friday by the leaders of France, Britain, Spain and Italy.It is Obama's last trip to Europe as president before he hands over to Trump in January. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Michelle Martin; Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Lahore: Pakistan has ordered more than 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by 20 November, in an apparent move to "please" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who starts his two-day visit to Islamabad on Wednesday. According to the interior ministry, the teachers of Pak-Turk schools have been asked to leave the country along with their family members within three days. Some 108 Turkish teachers have been serving in the Pak-Turk Schools in the country. They along with their family members have been denied extension to their visas on the request of the Erdogan administration as these schools were run by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen whom Erdogan blamed for July's failed military coup. The Pak-Turk Schools administration has expressed shock over the government's decision which it believes has been taken under pressure. "Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges are extremely concerned over the abrupt decision of the government," said Pak-Turk Education Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Alamgir Khan. "Since we have removed all Turkish principals with the Pakistanis and publicly announced that it has no connection with Gulen movement there has been no justification of this decision," an official of the Pak-Turk Schools told PTI. He said now these schools have been operating under a local NGO registered with the Pakistani government. "However, these schools will remain functional under the Pakistani administration," he said. In August, Pakistan had promised Turkey's visiting Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that it would investigate the network of schools Ankara wanted shut for its alleged links with Gulen. "It is not secret that Gulen's organisation has institutions or their presence in Pakistan and in many other countries. I am sure the necessary measures will be taken. We have to be very careful with such organisations and their causing risk and threat for the security and stability of every country that they have presence," Cavusoglu had said. The network of Pak-Turk schools and colleges was launched in 1995 under the international NGO registered with the Turkish government. "Initially funding was made from Turkey to establish state of art campuses in Pakistan. But for the last 15 years or so it is generating its own funds here (in Pakistan), offering free education and boarding facilities to 35 percent of the students besides awarding foreign scholarships to them," the official said. The chain of 28 schools and colleges is functioning in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Jamshoro and Quetta. Some 11,000 students from pre-school to 'A' levels are studying in these institutions. By Michael Georgy | MOSUL, Iraq MOSUL, Iraq Emboldened by machinegun fire on Islamic State snipers along Mosul's frontlines, a few residents are emerging from their homes in pockets of the city where Iraqi forces have dislodged the jihadists.In al-Zahraa in eastern Mosul, shopkeepers swept away broken glass and neighbours were starting to interact again, days after Islamic State fighters were ousted from the neighbourhood. Two rabbits hopped along a sand lot as gunfire crackled nearby.But there is still an overwhelming sense of uncertainty as parts of the sprawling city slowly come to life and Iraqi special forces press ahead with their offensive on Islamic State's last big stronghold in Iraq.Many residents fear that even if the entire city falls, the world's most dangerous militant group will return one day to impose its ultra-hardline version of Islam. "We need the army to stay here for 10 years to protect us," sewing shop owner Omar Sibawee said as special forces on a nearby rooftop opened fire at buildings where jihadists were holed up. "We are afraid they have sleeper cells in Mosul."About 800 Islamic State militants swept through northern Iraq in 2014, seizing Mosul and nearby towns and villages. Cigarettes were banned and anyone caught smoking was whipped. Women were forced to cover from head to toe. Suspected adulterers were stoned to death in public.Iraqi forces have captured several areas of eastern Mosul during the offensive, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. Just beyond Sibawee's home is one of the spots where Islamic State beheaded people. The militants insisted the entire neighbourhood -- adults and children alike -- gather to watch."They used to always slaughter the former soldiers and policemen. It was horrible to watch," Sibawee said."As they sliced their heads they would tell us 'liberate yourself from the apostates'," he said as some his eight children played, oblivious to the sound of sniper rifles and mortar bombs. IS POSES CONSTANT DANGER Iraqi security forces put down their weapons and fled in the face of the Islamic State onslaught in 2014, but have made progress against the jihadists this year.After clearing Islamic State out of the cities of Ramadi and Falluja in the west, they have pushed into Mosul and seized nearby towns and villages with the help of Kurdish peshmerga fighters and Shi'ite militias.The battle could drag on for months. Western Mosul is expected to witness much tougher urban warfare, with many narrow streets and alleyways preventing movement by tanks and armoured vehicles that would give Iraqi forces an edge.Improvised explosive devices, snipers and suicide bombers are still a constant danger across much of Mosul, capital of Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate. Iraqi special forces officers positioned along an abandoned market said the militants regularly attack them. A grenade recently landed on a metal rooftop above them, making dozens of holes."A few days ago five suicide bombers with grenades and AK-47 rifles charged us," said Mohamed Abdel Rahman. "We shot dead four of them and one blew himself up and wounded one of us. They hit us and we hit them."One of the failed suicide bombers lay in the street under a thick blanket, about 50 metres (55 yards) from an Iraqi tank. "I cut off his head," said a special forces officer, smiling proudly. He pointed to the man's green suicide belt placed on a table a few feet away.A government forces' sniper was stationed at a nearby mosque, staring across the front line at another neighbourhood where special forces believe Islamic State militants are holding Iraqis as human shields. "Every morning people try to escape and Daesh snipers shoot at them," said one officer. Daesh is an Arabic acronym used by opponents of Islamic State to describe the group. Every 30 minutes or so, a hidden Islamic State sniper opened fire, inviting retaliation. Mortar bombs crashed down on other parts of the city.The clashes have devastated businesses in Mosul, once a thriving trading centre.Rayan Haithem wondered how he would ever make a living again. "A car bomb blew up near my bakery a few days ago. It was destroyed," he said. "We need the army to stay here and protect us so that they don't come back."Mosul residents are starting to pick up the pieces.One man tried to fix some items in his automobile repair shop, now scattered across a sand lot. An army bulldozer had pushed some of his customers' cars beneath an earth berm to fortify frontline positions.Children have grown numb to the violence. A young girl named Aisha entertained herself by throwing bullet casings along an alleyway. Minutes later the exchange of fire resumed. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Rudy Giuliani guided New York through its darkest days after the 11 September, 2001 as the Big Apple's mayor with his signature tough-guy style, but he hasn't held office in 15 years. Now, the man once known as "America's Mayor" is reportedly atop the list of hopefuls to be the United State's next secretary of state, in what would be a stunning political comeback to reward his loyalty to Donald Trump during a brutal presidential campaign. Following the reports of his potential future appointment, a New York Times editorial called him a "dismal and potentially disastrous choice", saying, "The extent of (Giulianis) international experience has been largely limited to giving speeches and consulting work. He lacks any substantive diplomatic experience and has demonstrated poor judgment throughout his career." Trump was also considering Monday whether to inject new diversity into the GOP by recommending a woman to lead the Republican Party and an openly gay man to represent the United States at the United Nations. The moves, among dozens under consideration from his transition team, follow an intense and extended backlash from Trump's decision on Sunday to appoint Steve Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement, to serve as his chief strategist and senior adviser. The 72-year-old Giuliani's resolve during the aftermath of the worst terror strikes on US soil remains the crowning professional achievement for the Italian-American Brooklyn native, who tirelessly reassured a devastated city. The image of a tough-talking, never-say-die champion of ordinary New Yorkers was one Giuliani first cultivated as a crime-fighting former federal prosecutor, dealing blows to the mob in the 1980s. He burnished that credential during his two terms at city hall, when the murder rate plummeted and he offered his staunch support to the New York Police Department. Giuliani thus became a law-and-order hero, and decided to try his luck on the national stage, vying for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. Though he led in the polls early on, he withdrew from the race before it really began after learning he had prostate cancer. Most of his policy prescriptions at the time sound a lot like what Trump promised on the campaign trail this time around: an end to illegal immigration, tax cuts, a reduction in the number of abortions, and cleaning up Washington. At the time, he did not flinch about abandoning positions he had held in the past that were far less conservative another common thread with his potential new boss. Giuliani had previously supported gay marriage, abortion rights and tougher gun controls. The onetime Democrat became an independent in the 1970s and then joined the Republican Party in the 1980s. 'Unconventional' pick Born on 28 May, 1944 in East Flatbush to first-generation Americans, Giuliani is the consummate New Yorker. He studied philosophy and law in the city, earning degrees from Manhattan College and New York University's law school. When Trump himself a life-long New Yorker announced his bid for the US presidency, Giuliani immediately teamed up with the Manhattan property mogul. The men attended each other's third marriages in 2002 for Giuliani, and in 2005 when Trump married Melania. Giuliani, long off the Republican Party's national radar, didn't have much to lose in embracing Trump's outsider White House bid. During the campaign, he was a top surrogate for Trump, appearing often on news programs to get out the Republican's message. But he also raised hackles with his sometimes incendiary comments about Democrats. That loyalty is now on the verge of being rewarded with a top cabinet spot at the State Department, or perhaps elsewhere. "It would be somewhat an unconventional appointment but this is obviously an unconventional candidate and an unconventional campaign," said Daniel DiSalvo, a professor of political science at the City College of New York-CUNY. Though he is well versed on security and the US fight on extremism, he is less experienced in the world of diplomacy, for which his brash, no-holds-barred speaking style might not seem well-suited. He certainly has fewer bona fides than current Secretary of State John Kerry or his predecessors Hillary Clinton (Trump's vanquished rival for the White House), Condoleezza Rice or Colin Powell, DiSalvo said. And his nomination is not a done deal, with CNN reporting, citing a source familiar with Trump's transition talks, that Giuliani's business ties including lobbying for Citgo, the US subsidiary of Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA could complicate matters. Giuliani did express a few opinions about foreign policy during the campaign and even before, most of them all in line with his usual firmness. On Monday, at a forum hosted by The Wall Street Journal, he spoke about his vision, putting the fight against the Islamic State group atop his agenda a subject firmly in his wheelhouse and saying Russia was not a military threat to America. Giuliani is an indefatigable champion of Israel, a hardliner with respect to the Palestinians, and a critic of the nuclear deal with Iran negotiated by the outgoing administration of President Barack Obama. His relative inexperience on foreign policy and distance from the Republican party brass could paradoxically play to his advantage, DiSalvo said. "Trump, in some ways, ran an insurgent campaign that opposed much of the current establishment of his party," he told AFP. "So in that respect, when it comes to nominating people, he had to reach out beyond people who'd been close to power in the current national scene for the last few years." With inputs from agencies By Timothy Mclaughlin Three Somali-American men in Minnesota were sentenced to prison terms on Tuesday for conspiring to support the Islamic State militant group, the U.S. Department of Justice said. The three men are part of a larger group of nine Somali-Americans from Minnesota who are being sentenced this week on charges of trying to aid Islamic State, which holds territory in Iraq and Syria and has sympathizers and recruits around the world who have carried out shootings and bombings of civilians. On Monday, three men were handed sentences ranging from time served to 10 years in prison in federal court in Minneapolis. Three others will be sentenced on Wednesday.Hamza Ahmed, 21, was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in prison, the Justice Department said in a statement. In November 2014, Ahmed was stopped at JFK International Airport in New York as he sought to travel to Turkey. Ahmed was indicted in February 2015 on charges of conspiring to support Islamic State and lying to federal agents. He pleaded guilty in April. "I want you to understand I am not completely changed," the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper quoted Ahmed as saying in court on Tuesday. "I'm in the process, but nobody changes overnight. I'm trying every day."After Ahmed's sentencing hearing, Hanad Mustafe Musse, 21, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors accused Musse of trying to leave the United States twice to join Islamic State, first in November 2014 in New York and again in April 2015 when he was arrested in Minnesota. He pleaded guilty to the charges of attempting to support the Islamic State in September 2015. Adnan Farah, 20, was the final man sentenced on Tuesday. He received a 10 year prison sentence. All three men also received 20 years supervised release. Farah was arrested in April 2015. He pleaded guilty a year later. The sentences handed down today reflect the true gravity of the defendants crimes to betray their country, travel overseas, and ultimately join a terrorist organisation dedicated to the murder of innocent people, FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Thornton said."We hope these sentences will serve as a strong message that those who support terrorism will face justice."The Minneapolis area is home to a large population of Somali expatriates. In 2014, FBI officials said they had begun tracking a trickle of Somali-Americans from the Minneapolis area to Syria in general and to Islamic State-held areas in particular. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn, David Gregorio and Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. BOGOTA Two Marxist FARC rebels were killed in combat and another surrendered in Colombia's northern Bolivar province when they left their pre-determined zone carrying weapons, the military said on Wednesday, the first time the bilateral ceasefire has been broken.Colombia's government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace accord in September that was rejected in a plebiscite last month.The two sides finalised a revised deal over the weekend that aims to end 52 years of conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions.Thousands of FARC fighters have been left in limbo by the rejection on Oct. 2 of the original peace accord. Until they disarm, rebels remain in predetermined areas and must provide coordinates to the military if they want to leave. The rebels were extorting people in the area some 68 km (42 miles) from the area of concentration and carrying weapons, the military said in a statement. A decision on how the new accord will be approved has not yet been made, but it appears more likely to go through Congress rather than face another national vote.President Juan Manuel Santos ordered the ceasefire with the rebels in August. (Reporting by Helen Murphy and Luis Jaime Acosta; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Two Somali-American men in Minnesota were sentenced on Wednesday to 30 years in prison for conspiring to aid the Islamic State militant group, local media reported. The men, Mohamed Farah and Abdirahman Daud, both 22, are two of three scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday for attempting to assist Islamic State in 2014 and early 2015. Farah was convicted in June of conspiring to commit murder in Syria on behalf of Islamic State and for lying to a grand jury and FBI agents.Daud was also convicted of conspiring to aid the Islamic State in June, but jurors acquitted him of a perjury charge. Farah and Daud are among nine Somali-Americans from Minnesota who are being sentenced this week on charges of trying to aid the militant group, which holds territory in Iraq and Syria and has sympathizers and recruits around the world who have carried out shootings and bombings of civilians. Farah and Daud were handed the 30-year sentences by U.S. District Judge Michael Davis, ABC affiliate KSTP reported. They received the harshest sentences so far. Six others in the group have been given sentences ranging from time served to 15 years in prison.Farah and Daud made persistent efforts to join Islamic State from early 2014 through April 2015, prosecutors charged. Farah denied that he was a terrorist when asked by the judge in court on Wednesday, KSTP reported. "What I say to you is that the actions Ive done are what terrorists would do but that I feel like Im not, your honour," Farah was quoted as saying by KSTP. The Minneapolis area is home to a large population of Somali expatriates. U.S. authorities have said dozens of young Somali-Americans have left the area since 2007 to join al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate based in Somalia.In 2014, FBI officials said they had begun tracking a trickle of Somali-Americans from the Minneapolis area to Syria in general and to Islamic State-held areas in particular. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; editing by Grant McCool) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Miles | GENEVA GENEVA The U.N. Syria envoy said on Tuesday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump was right to seek to work with Russia to beat Islamic State in Syria, but he urged Trump to help push for political reforms to stop the militant group gaining recruits.Speaking on the BBC's Hardtalk programme, Staffan de Mistura said it was crucial to fight IS, also known as Daesh, but that a long-term victory required "a completely new approach" to a political solution."In other words, some type of political devolution in Syria. Otherwise many other people, unhappy in Syria, may join Daesh while they are fighting Daesh," he said.He did not spell out what devolution meant but said it should be the focus of a new U.S.-Russian discussion, and suggested it could lead to an Iraqi-style decentralisation, giving some autonomy to the Kurds and ensuring Sunni Muslims do not feel disenfranchised, while preserving the unity of Syria.But Anas al-Abdah, president of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, said all sides had accepted that a political transition was the goal for any negotiation. "Any attempt to slide back on that will be dangerous and counterproductive," he told Reuters."Devolution cannot be the sole entry point to the solution and it certainly cannot replace the key demand of Syrians: that Assad who has murdered hundreds of thousands of his own citizens should step down, and he clearly cannot be part of the transitional period or the future of Syria."De Mistura presided over a fitful Syrian peace process in the first half of this year, but it finally stalled because cooperation collapsed between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russia has maintained strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom it regards as a bulwark against "terrorists". The United States has said Assad must leave power under any political transition.Although the U.N. Security Council has mandated a political transition process, Assad's government has refused to consider any formula that might involve a dilution of his power. Many of Trump's opponents fear that his stated intention to work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin means the United States will withdraw support for Syrian opposition groups and agree to Assad's staying in power.De Mistura said U.S. priorities had already been discreetly shifting and Assad and his team were probably "feeling comfortable" at the moment, but they should be aware that Russia had no interest in "inheriting" a broken Syria with constant guerrilla warfare for years ahead."By the way, President Putin himself has told me ... that he has told President Assad twice: Listen, we are helping you, but there is a moment when we will be expecting you to actually apply a political devolution," de Mistura said. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Larry King and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. United Nations: A UN committee on Tuesday urged Iran to cease enforced disappearances and the widespread use of arbitrary detention and has expressed serious concern about severe limitations on freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. The General Assembly's human rights committee approved the measure by a vote of 85 in favor, 35 against and 63 countries abstaining. The assembly is virtually certain to adopt the resolution when it's put to a vote next month. The measure welcomed pledges by Iran's president to eliminate discrimination against women and ethnic minorities as well as granting greater space for freedom of expression. But it also expressed concern over the "alarmingly high frequency" of the death penalty and urged Iran to eliminate laws and practices that constitute human rights violations against women and girls. Iran's Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the vote. The official IRNA news agency quoted ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi as saying the vote was "unacceptable" and motivated by "special political purposes." Manila: Filipino and US troops began training exercises this week, the Philippines military said Wednesday, despite President Rodrigo Duterte's threats to end joint war games and kick American soldiers out of his country as he edges closer to Beijing. Duterte has called for the withdrawal of American troops from his country and has branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a wh**e" in response to international criticism of his deadly war on drugs. He also announced an end to joint war games after an amphibious exercise involving several hundred US and Filipino marines finished last month. But on Wednesday, military spokesmen told AFP about an ongoing month-long joint training exercise involving around 30-40 Filipino solders and an unspecified number of US Special Forces. "This is a very small bilateral activity," Filipino military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said, referring to the exercise that kicked off on Monday on the island of Palawan in the west of the archipelago. Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Benjamin Hao earlier told reporters that the exercise was intended "to test the basic war fighting skills of our soldiers (and) to improve the relationship of both armed forces". Harry Harris, commander of the US Pacific Command, said in Washington that military cooperation between the US and the Philippines is unchanged for now. The Philippine military said it was awaiting guidelines from Duterte on whether the joint war games with its key defence ally would continue to be held next year. The country hosts 28 such exercises annually. Duterte has made no secret of his hostility for the US, calling for US Special Forces to leave the Philippines' troubled Mindanao region where they currently train Philippine soldiers in counter-terrorism. He has also threatened to scrap a defence pact intended to counter Chinese expansion in the South China Sea as he courts Beijing for aid and investment. Duterte's war on drugs has seen more than 4,000 people killed, with the United Nations, the European Union and rights groups raising concerns about alleged extrajudicial killings and a breakdown in the rule of law. Duterte has insisted he is not doing anything illegal, but added he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug users. Social media has empowered people to express what they feel more freely, however last week, a woman called the First Lady of United States "an ape in heels" on Facebook and we are recovering from the ugly taste this comment left in our mouths. Referring to First Lady Michelle Obama and the wife of the president-elect, Melania Trump, Pamela Ramsey Taylor of Clay County, West Virginia posted the following on Facebook, It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House. Im tired of seeing a Ape in heels Taylor herself isnt just an average citizen of Clay County; shes the Director of the Clay County Development Corp. If that wasnt bad enough, the mayor of Clay County, Beverly Whaling, commented on the post saying, Just made my day Pam. The post went viral and the backlash was intense. Various news outlets including the BBC and The Washington Post report that even residents of Clay County, a predominantly white neighbourhood, were shocked. The Washington Post quoted local residents as saying, It wasnt right, what was done. The local sheriff was also surprised, Ive never heard either of them say anything racial before. Social media, however, wasnt so kind. The obvious target was Taylor, and it wasnt long before 'the people of the internet' subjected her to some rather strong racist comments of their own. Warning: Strong language ahead! To emulate the opinion of our new president @realDonaldTrump on women: Pamela Ramsey Brown (#ApeinHeels), you look like a #PiginHeels pic.twitter.com/WhQFZQqP0W Lawa Lakdequeea (@lakdequeea) November 16, 2016 I'll take a "ape in heels" over a pig in shit any day. #apeinheels Tony Sago (@TonySago) November 15, 2016 Some took it on themselves to remind the people of Clay County of their ancestry Dont the white primates in Clay, USA, know they are part Neanderthal? #J2Lab #apeinheels Chris Thomas (@Prof_CThomas) November 15, 2016 Others suggested that evolution took a different course with Taylor. A hippopotamus in a car literally has no room for calling anyone an #ApeInHeels pic.twitter.com/UnG6ginZOB really? (@SRelihan81) November 15, 2016 Maybe some apes are better than others and Star Wars continues to deliver. Yet others were at a loss for words The offending post has since been pulled and both Taylor and Whaling are out of a job. Taylor didnt take internets reaction well, stating that shes now a victim of hate crime and will file lawsuits against people whove slandered her. Whaling, on the other hand, issued a statement to the press apologising for her reaction and claiming that she never meant to be racist. She was apparently only excited at the change in presidency; 68 percent of the county voted for Trump, after all. Its not like racism hasnt followed the Obamas before, with Trump-faithfuls posting things like GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Liu Huizhen, a petite, soft-spoken farmers daughter who wants to serve her community, might seem an unlikely threat to Chinas all-powerful Communist Party. Yet, as Chinese vote yesterday for low-level representatives, authorities have responded to Lius bid as an independent candidate in a southwestern district of Beijing by sending several dozen men with buzz cuts and barking voices to follow her around and prevent her from meeting with voters. The controls reflect the ruling partys determination to maintain a rock-solid hold on politics at all levels, galvanized in recent years by President Xi Jinpings steady accumulation of political authority that has made him the most powerful Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. My reason for joining in the peoples congress elections is simple and innocent. Everyone has the right to take part in elections, Liu, 45, said in a recent interview. These people are really taking it too far. An initial attempt to interview Liu at the shack shes been living in since her home was demolished was blocked by at least seven men who identified themselves only as volunteers and parked a car across the road to block access. Interviewed later over FaceTime, a video chat service, Liu said 10 to 20 people were outside her door and keeping her from leaving. Such harassment appears routine for independent candidates amid elections for more than 2 million members of county and district peoples congresses, the only level of citizens representatives selected by direct vote. Across the country, independents report being kept under tight supervision and prevented from campaigning. Grassroots pro-democracy activist Yao Lifa, who has been intermittently detained since first winning election in 1998, has been out of contact for weeks, apparently while under detention, supporters say. Yao has been prevented from running for his old seat. Xis administration has warned consistently against the pernicious influence of Western concepts such as free speech and multiparty democracy, while pursuing a brawny take on Chinese nationalism that has manifested itself in an assertive push for dominance in Asia. Donald Trumps election in a highly divisive campaign in the United States is seen as bolstering such sentiments, with Beijings leaders increasingly convinced that their authoritarian system will prove triumphant while Americas global influence steadily declines, analysts say. If China wants to say democracy is not a good thing, this [U.S. election] certainly is good for them, said David Zweig, director of the Center on Chinas Transnational Relations at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This years local polls are particularly significant as a precursor to the selection of the roughly 2,300 delegates to next years party national congress, where Xi will gain a second five- year term as party chief. Despite the various barriers imposed, the elections have attracted a wave of independent candidates hailing broadly from Chinas burgeoning rights defense movement. They include those seeking redress over personal issues such as the confiscation of property and idealists working for fair competition in politics, said Li Fan, an advocate of elections reforms in China. They want to use the position of peoples congress delegates to first, have their say, and second, to use legal means to vote or take policy actions to supervise and rein in illegal government actions, said Li. An additional motivation comes from the protection such representatives enjoy from arrest and detention, he said. Theyre not government officials so their power is limited, but they have the right to speak and to supervise government, Li said, pointing to the example of past delegates to Beijings Haidian district congress who passed measures to allow the children of migrants to attend local schools. On the surface, the rules for registering as a candidate are simple and inclusive. Apart from those put forward by the party, official organizations or government work units, candidates need endorsements from just 10 supporters to qualify for the polls. In reality, however, the government and party officials interfere by screening candidates, preventing undesirables from running or even taking office should they win, advocacy group China Human Rights Defenders said in a recent report. Most would-be independents are party members or have received some form of official approval and can be expected to toe the party line, said Li, who was interviewed in Hong Kong. While China has eight mostly tiny minority parties, they exist only to advise and assist the ruling party, not to offer a political alternative. The countrys rulers treat the idea of a loyal opposition as anathema and even factionalism within the Communist Party is formally condemned. Because peoples congresses at the city, provincial and national level are mainly elected by delegates at the next-lowest level, their loyalty to the ruling party is virtually assured. Only delegates to congresses at the county, township and urban district level are directly elected. Following a brief period of openness, the governments attitude toward independent candidates began hardening a decade ago and grew especially tough during elections in 2011 as Xi was preparing to take power, Li said. The law hasnt changed. Its the governments attitude that has changed, Li said. Liu, the Beijing candidate, said that given the oppressive surveillance, shes been limited to communicating with potential voters via Chinas popular but heavily censored microblogging services. The entire experience has been depressing, she allows. Its affecting my life. Im feeling the pressure, Liu said.Helene Franchineau & Christopher Bodeen, Beijing, AP Chinas first aircraft carrier is now ready to engage in combat, marking a milestone for a navy that has invested heavily in its ability to project power far from Chinas shores. The Liaonings political commissar said in an interview with yesterdays Global Times newspaper that his ship is constantly prepared to fight against enemies, signaling a change from its past status as a platform for testing and training. Senior Captain Li Dongyous comments appear to indicate that the ship has taken on its full aviation complement. Purchased as an incomplete hull from Ukraine more than a decade ago, it was commissioned in 2013. China hasnt described specifically how it intends to use the Liaoning, but it is seen as helping reinforce Chinas increasingly assertive claims in the South China Sea in the face of challenges from the U.S. Navy and others. The Liaoning is also seen as a training platform for officers and sailors who will serve on Chinas rapidly expanding fleet. China is currently building its second, fully homegrown aircraft carrier. Li said the Liaonings combat capabilities still lag behind U.S. carriers, but its training and maintenance operations have been praised by senior Pentagon officials who have visited during military exchanges. More than 1,000 non-commissioned officers serve aboard the Liaoning, Li said. AP A Chinese farmer who murdered a local official with a modified nail gun after his house was torn down was executed yesterday, in a case that had prompted a rare debate about government abuse of power. Jia Jinglong was put to death in the northern city of Shijiazhuang after a final visit with family members, the official Xinhua News Agency said. That followed the high courts rejection of his final appeal last month. The February 2015 murder had garnered sympathy among some Chinese angry with haughty officialdom, and two state-run newspapers published calls for Jia to be spared. The China Daily editorialized that Jia would probably not have acted as he did if his loss had been properly taken care of. Jia had opposed his homes 2013 demolition to make way for a new development and felt he wasnt adequately compensated. His planned marriage was then called off and, bitter and depressed, he began plotting the killing of the leading Communist Party official in his village, He Jianhua. On Feb. 19 last year, Jia approached the 55-year-old at an official gathering and shot him in the back of the head with a single nail. Hes killing was cruel in the extreme and the effect on society was extremely negative, Xinhua quoted the Supreme Peoples Court saying in its ruling issued last month. Land seizures and government corruption are major sources of discontent in China, where the legal system remains weak and ordinary citizens have few channels to seek redress. Local governments are heavily reliant on land sales for revenue, resulting in the frequent use of strong-arm tactics in housing demolitions. Officials sometimes collude with real estate developers to pocket generous kickbacks for themselves, giving them more incentive to force residents from their homes. AP Two newly elected Hong Kong separatist lawmakers who altered their oaths by adding anti-China insults were disqualified from taking office in a court decision yesterday. A High Court judge ruled that Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching of the Youngspiration party violated a section of the semiautonomous Chinese citys mini-constitution, the Basic Law, as well as laws covering oaths taken by officials. The judge sided with Hong Kongs leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, and Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen, who had filed a legal challenge aimed at preventing the two from taking their seats, arguing that they had effectively declined to take their oaths by distorting them at the swearing- in ceremony last month. The provocative tactics by Leung, 30, and Yau, 25, also included displaying a flag that said Hong Kong is Not China and using an old-fashioned derogatory Japanese term for China. Yau inserted a curse word into her pledge while Leung crossed his fingers. In an unprecedented step, Beijing responded by handing down its own interpretation of the Basic Law last week, circumventing Hong Kongs courts and raising fears that the citys wide autonomy and independent judiciary under Chinese rule were being undermined. Chinas top legislative panel, the National Peoples Congress Standing Committee, sparked protests with its decision that anyone advocating independence for Hong Kong should be disqualified from office, ruling out a second chance for Leung and Yau to take their oaths. Hong Kong courts are required to enforce such rulings, though Justice Thomas Au said it had no effect on his decision. By seeking to make a mockery of China and the Peoples Republic of China in a derogatory and humiliating manner, it is objectively plain that Mr. Leung and Ms. Yau refused to pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as an inalienable part of the Peoples Republic of China, the judge said. Sixtus and Yau said afterward that they were discussing their next steps, including whether to appeal. With the government exerting so much pressure on the judicial powers, I had expected this ruling, Yau said outside the court. The decision raises questions about the fates of several other lawmakers who brandished props or shouted slogans while taking their oaths, including some who were allowed a second chance. CY Leung, as Hong Kongs leader is known, declined to say before the ruling whether the government would seek to disqualify the other lawmakers, according to the South China Morning Post. Sixtus Leung and Yau, who were among six localist lawmakers elected in September, had their oaths voided after they mispronounced the countrys name and unfurled banners proclaiming Hong Kong IS NOT China. When the Legislative Council president announced a do-over, Leung sued to block the move and vacate their seats. Any attempt to disqualify more lawmakers risks sparking unrest, said Michael Davis, a former law professor who taught at city universities from 1985 until retiring this year. To target people who are in opposition and bar them from the political process is certainly going to move resistance onto the street, he told Radio Television Hong Kong before the ruling. I cant see how reasonable people could come to such an approach. MDT/Agencies In a recent judgment, the Singapore Court of Appeal concluded that the China-Laos Bilateral Investment Treaty extends to Macau, meaning that the bilateral investment treaties to which China is a party could be potentially applicable in our jurisdiction, both in terms of the protection of foreign investment in Macau and the protection of outbound foreign investment by Macanese companies. However, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the ruling made by the Singapore court is incorrect. In a nutshell, bilateral investment treaties (often referred to by the acronym BITs) are international treaties establishing mandatory standards of treatment that apply to one state in its treatment of investors from another state. These standards include, among others, fair and equitable treatment, protection from expropriation and full protection and security. Typically, BITs also permit protected investors to submit claims directly to an arbitral tribunal against the home state of the investment, and, under some circumstances, this applies even if the investment contract between the investor and the host state provides for exclusive jurisdiction to local courts. The Singapore Court of Appeal overturned a High Court ruling that an UNCITRAL tribunal seated in Singapore had improperly applied the China-Laos BIT to a dispute between a Macanese investor, Sanum Investments Limited, and the Lao Government. According to the Court of Appeal, since a treaty binds a state in respect of its entire territory, under the moving treaty frontiers rule, a treaty automatically extends to a new territory as and when it becomes a part of that state, unless a different intention appears from the treaty or is otherwise established. The Singaporean court took into account the 1987 China-Portugal joint declaration and found that it was an agreement between China and Portugal that did not create rights or duties for other states, such as Laos. The Court also dismissed as irrelevant the diplomatic letters exchanged between Laos and the Chinese embassy in Vientiane, which contained Laos and Chinas views that the BIT at issue did not extend to Macau. Having found that no exception or contrary intention applied, the Court concluded that the China-Laos BIT indeed applied to Macau upon restoration of Chinese sovereignty in 20 December 1999. However, during a press conference on 21 October 2016, the Chinese Foreign Ministry official Hua Chunying rejected the Singapore Court of Appeals ruling. Ms. Hua commented that as a principle, the investment agreements between the central government and foreign countries do not apply to SARs, unless otherwise decided by the central government after seeking the views of the SAR governments and consulting with the other contracting parties of the agreement. It remains to be seen whether China will take any positive steps towards concluding agreements with its BIT counterparties that its treaties do not apply to the SARs. While the Singapore Court of Appeal may have put a full stop to the jurisdictional issues raised in the Sanum case, its interpretation on the issue of whether the Chinese investment treaties do or do not apply to Macau raises a whole new set of issues in the legal system of Macau. Indeed, in this closely watched case, both the UNCITRAL tribunal and the Singapore Court of Appeal set out that, in principle, under international law, treaties to which China is a party do apply to Macau. This means that, on the one hand, Macau may be under international obligations that it had never envisaged, and, on the other, foreign investors may not be aware of the total extent of their rights. Considering that, according to the information provided by United Nations Conference of Trade and Development, China is now party to 129 BITs (with 110 in force) and the fact that Macau has been host to a large number of foreign investors in recent years (especially in its gaming industry and financial and real estate sectors), the question at stake is of major relevance and interest to the Macau Government, foreign investors and local companies with overseas investments. With regard to foreign investors in particular, when deciding on the procedural means for the protection of their rights, investment treaty arbitration may now be a clearer option to be taken into account in addition (or as an alternative) to the usual recourse to local courts. This means that investors should now structure their investments even more carefully in order to be able to benefit from the provisions of applicable BITs. *Associate, MdME Lawyers President Barack Obama arrived in Greece yesterday on the first stop of his final foreign tour as president, the first visit to Greece by a sitting U.S. president since Bill Clinton in 1999. Air Force One touched down midmorning in Athens after an overnight flight from Washington. Security was tight, with major roads shut down along Obamas motorcade route and a ban on public gatherings and demonstrations in swathes of central Athens and a southern suburb near a seaside luxury hotel where Obama was staying. Boats were also banned from sailing near the coastline at the hotels location. More than 5,000 police were deployed in the capitals streets for the two-day visit. Left-wing and anarchist groups have planned protest demonstrations for early today [Macau time], while an armed anarchist group has called for attacks and clashes to disrupt Obamas visit. Clintons visit, which came during the height of U.S. intervention in the wars ensuing from the breakup of Yugoslavia, was marked with extensive violent demonstrations. While anti-American sentiment has been muted over the past few years in Greece, many in the country regard the U.S. with misgivings, a sentiment stemming mostly from Americas backing of the military dictatorship that governed the country from 1967 to 1974. Obamas visit comes two days before the Nov. 17 anniversary of the juntas 1973 bloody crackdown on a student uprising, which is marked each year by a protest march to the U.S. Embassy which frequently turns violent. Defense Minister Panos Kammenos and the US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt, were on the tarmac at the airport to greet Obama, who stepped off Air Force One onto a red carpet. About 100 members of a military honor guard were waiting, in navy and green uniforms, some with bayonets. Obama then headed to his hotel ahead of his first meeting with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. He was then to hold talks with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, followed by a joint news conference. Pavlopoulos will host an official dinner for Obama at the presidential mansion in the evening. Today, Obama is scheduled to tour the Acropolis and give a major speech about democracy and globalization before flying on to Berlin. From Germany, Obama will travel to Peru for an Asian economic summit before returning to Washington on Saturday. Obamas trip will be dominated by questions and concerns about President- elect Donald Trump. Obama has been working to reassure foreign leaders the U.S. wont abandon its partnerships and alliance obligations despite Trumps tough campaign rhetoric. Greeces government has hailed Obamas visit as being of huge importance for both Greece and Europe. The countrys left-led coalition government has been struggling to pull Greece out of six years of a vicious financial crisis that has devastated its economy and left more than a quarter of the workforce unemployed. Despite the U.S. election, the government has been pinning its hopes on the U.S. president to help persuade some of the countrys more reluctant international creditors, such as Germany, to grant it significant debt relief. Without a cut in its debt, Athens says, it cannot hope to recover economically an argument also supported by the International Monetary Fund. AP Speaking to journalists after his presentation at the Legislative Assembly (AL) of the Policy Address from the government for 2017, Chief Executive (CE) Chui Sai On clarified that the Macau Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will not cease after the conclusion of the Taipa line and connection to Barra. According to the CE the project will continue as originally planned with the extension of the LRT lines to the Peninsula, although not further detailing whether or not the infrastructure will be built by the shoreline or more towards the city center. Our ideas for the time being remain the same. We are going to continue, said Chui adding, We have done several surveys and listen to many opinions for example on Rua de Londres [in NAPE] and in the Northern area. Besides, we have provided opportunities for all the lawmakers and experts to express their ideas and suggestions. After confirming that the project would be continuing, as planned, Chui left more details to be explained by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario adding: Until the end of this year we are going to address in more specific terms this topic [by the secretary]. Answering on another topic, the CE admitted that the announced plan to create a municipal body without political power might involve the extinction of the current Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM). There is that possibility, said Chui Sai On in response to the question of whether such a municipal body could or could not lead to the extinction of the IACM, adding that this work [of creating the municipal body without political power] is already ongoing. Among several other topics addressed in the press conference, the CE made a remark on the recovery of the economy and specifically of the gaming industry. He estimated that in 2017 gambling revenue should reach around MOP200 billion, a sum very close to the figure expected for this year. We didnt set a higher target than this year because we think there are still uncertain factors, Chui said. Still the CE said to expect positive gambling revenue growth of single-digit but positive. The CE also mentioned that the gaming industry has been recovering since August after more than two years of continuous decline. In the words of the leader of the regions government, Macau is accomplishing the orders of President Xi Jinping who during his visit to the region back in 2014 told Macau to diversify its economy following Beijings crackdown on corruption and capital outflows. On the topic of diversification, Chui mentioned that the government would also continue to support and boost projects adjacent to the gaming industry. The CE gave examples of sectors the government has interest developing like budget hotels and shopping malls in order to attract more families, he said. A conservative forecast Chuis gambling revenue target for 2017 is unchanged from his forecast for this year. Macau has already reported MOP184.6 billion in gambling receipts in the first 10 months of 2016. The government has historically, and rightly, presented a conservative forecast as it relates to gross gaming revenue, Grant Govertsen, a Macau-based gaming analyst at Union Gaming Group LLC, said by e-mail. Based on trends were seeing today, we remain comfortable with our expectations for mid-single digit growth next year. Chui Sai On went yesterday to the Legislative Assembly (AL) to present the Policy Address for 2017 that did not contain any news of significant changes to the current policies. The Chief Executive started his speech by making a positive assessment of the governance of the region, although he acknowledged that not few of the works are still lagging behind expectations of local residents. He then rolled out a set of welfare policies and subsidies that were, for the most part, kept unchanged. The cash handout policy remains, with yearly handouts of MOP9,000 for permanent residents and MOP5,400 for other residents. The government will continue to inject MOP10,000 of seed capital into the Central Provident Fund savings account of every eligible resident. An additional MOP7,000 from the fiscal surplus will be deposited into those eligible accounts. The old aged persons allowance remains at MOP8,000 and the elderly pension at MOP3,450. Civil servants will get a 2.46 percent salary update. The minimum subsistence index continues at MOP4,050. These and other welfare measures will cost the government MOP12.352 billion. Repeating his strategy from last year, the CE preferred not to highlight one single policy or motto (this was unusual in the time when mottos like promoting local talents or scientific governance were dominant) at the Policy Address, which was awkwardly titled Development Plan in Progress for Building a Perfect Home. Always speaking with a flat monotone voice and reading the plan, Chui showed optimism regarding economic prospects. We predict that the economy could return to positive growth next year, he said, adding that the gaming industry was expected to experience sustainable growth. The CE pledged to help struggling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by assuring that non-resident workers are hired in due time. He also said that residents should have priority access to jobs. A part of his speech was devoted to educational issues. For eligible students, the government will maintain allowances for meals and textbooks. The Continuing Education Program will also continue. One of the modifications to the existing policy is in regard to subsidies for Macau students receiving tuition in Guangdong Province. That program will be expanded to cover two more cities, namely Shenzhen and Dongguan. In terms of infant care, the government pledges to provide more than 7,000 subsidized places for childcare services for two-year- olds. Regarding infrastructure, Chui said that the Taipa section of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) project is expected to be operational in 2019. As previously mentioned, the troubled Pac On Ferry Terminal should be operational next year. Four types of bus routes (some faster, others with a linking function) are being implemented and four new parking lots will open in 2017, making available 3,600 new parking spaces. The operation of one hundred special taxis able to accommodate handicapped passengers will gradually be implemented. Regarding housing, Chui reiterated the governments intention to prioritize social housing in order to realize the motto housing for all. He pledged to build 12,600 public housing units as part of short to medium-term plan and to continue the existing planning regarding a public housing project on Avenida Wai Long, in Taipa. The role of Macau as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries was also highlighted by the CE, who said theres a need to train bilingually talented students in Chinese and Portuguese. He announced that a program for training Portuguese-speaking professionals will be developed. Chui also promised to safeguard freedom of speech and print. The Chief Executive will be at the AL today for the second consecutive day, tasked with answering lawmakers questions. 60 percent rebate For employed residents, the first 30 percent of annual income from employment will continue to be tax free, up to a ceiling of MOP144,000. There will be a 60 percent rebate in the 2017 fiscal year on the personal income tax paid by each taxpaying resident. That will be capped at MOP12,000, with the money returned in 2018. Paid paternity leave During yesterdays presentation, Chui pledged to amend the Labour Relations Law next year in order to introduce paid paternity leave. The law will also be revised in what concerns compensation for overlapping holidays. The later change aims to provide a solution for occasions when holidays and weekends overlap. Testimony began yesterday in the trial of two men accused of carrying out a bombing at a Bangkok landmark last year that killed 20 people, after a dispute over the defendants translators had delayed the proceedings. Mieraili Yusufu and Bilal Mohammad, Chinese nationals from the Muslim Uighur minority, have pleaded not guilty in the Aug. 17, 2015, bombing of the Erawan shrine, which is popular among Chinese and other tourists. Fourteen of the dead were tourists, and many Chinese were among the 120 people injured. The first witness, a police officer, began testifying after the court overruled defense objections that two translators provided by the Chinese Embassy might be prejudiced against the defendants. The defense argued that China does not respect Uighurs (pronounced WEE-gurs), but the court said there was no evidence that the translators would be biased. Three observers from the Chinese Embassy attended the trial, which is being held in a military court. Since a May 2014 army coup toppled Thailands government, military courts have handled criminal cases deemed to involve national security. The charges against the defendants include conspiracy to explode bombs and commit premeditated murder. I saw many people with serious injuries and many dead. The shrine itself was damaged, testified Lt. Col. Somkiat Ploytubtim, who was part of the police investigation team. Thai authorities say a people-smuggling gang whose activities were disrupted by a crackdown carried out the bombing as revenge. However, some analysts suspected it might have been the work of Uighur separatists angry that in July 2015, Thailand forcibly repatriated scores of Uighurs to China, where they may be persecuted. The start of the trial had been aborted several times, largely because of a failure to find capable translators. The court said it would accept the defense attorneys letter of objection and consider it separately, but noted that the defendants failed to object earlier when the court notified them of their intention to contact the Chinese Embassy for a translator. It characterized their objections yesterday as an effort to stall the proceedings. The defendants are the only two suspects in custody out of the 17 people that authorities say were responsible for the bombing, one of the deadliest acts of violence in Bangkok in decades. Some of the 15 other suspects are Turks, with whom Uighurs share ethnic bonds. Beijing charges that some Uighurs are Islamist terrorists and that some have been smuggled out of China to join Islamic State fighters in Syria via Turkey. Police say the case against the two men is supported by closed-circuit television footage, witnesses, DNA matching and physical evidence, in addition to their confessions. Police believe Yusufu detonated the bomb minutes after a backpack containing the device was left at the shrine by Bilal, also known as Adem Karadag. However, the two defendants have said they were tortured in custody to confess, a charge rejected by the court. Natnicha Chuwiruch & Tassanee Vejpongsa, Bangkok, AP Londons Times newspaper says a leaked memo prepared for Britains Cabinet Office says the government has no plan for leaving the European Union and may need to hire up to 30,000 people to complete the countrys exit from the 28-nation bloc. The newspaper reported yesterday that the memo says splits within Prime Minister Theresa Mays team have delayed development of a negotiating strategy and that it may take another six months to come up with a plan. The government plans to trigger the formal process of leaving the EU by April. The Nov. 7 memo written by a consultant says that despite extended debate among [department] permanent secretaries, no common strategy has emerged. It says this is partly because May is drawing in decisions and details to settle matters herself. Britains vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump have transformed the world in a year, Theresa May said, in a speech arguing that governments must heed peoples concerns about the impact of globalization on jobs and communities, the Associated Press reported. In a major foreign policy speech at the annual Lord Mayors Banquet in London, May said change is in the air and its the job of politicians to respond. She said Britain would champion free trade while managing the forces of globalization so that they work for all. The speech, to an audience of business leaders in Londons financial district, comes as the British government tries to build bridges with a U.S. president-elect whose victory has surprised and even alarmed many European politicians. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that its very important not to prejudge the president-elect or his administration. And Mays spokeswoman, Helen Bower, said Downing Street wants an effective, strong working relationship with the incoming U.S. president. May and Trump spoke by phone on Thursday, the day after Trumps victory was announced. But the call has been overshadowed in Britain by Trumps meeting Saturday with U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, a key player in the U.K.s decision to leave the European Union. UKIP issued a gleeful press release accompanied by a picture of the two men, beaming side-by-side in front of a golden elevator at Trump Tower in New York. May firmly rejected suggestions that she should use Farage a political foe of her Conservative party as a go-between with Trumps team. Theresa May, who took office when David Cameron resigned after losing the June referendum on EU membership, has stressed the need to help those who feel left behind by the economic and social changes of recent decades. Years of recession and economic uncertainty since the 2008 global financial crisis have helped fuel resentments that drove the votes for Trump and Brexit. May told a black-tie dinner at Londons medieval Guildhall: We meet in a world transformed. She denied having an anti-business agenda, saying liberalization and globalization are forces for good, and free markets and tree trade are the best way to lift people out of poverty. But she added that governments must help people who have seen their jobs being outsourced and wages undercut. MDT/Agencies TWIN FALLS A local business has made a bittersweet announcement this week. Sips N Sweet Treats in Twin Falls will close by the end of November or early December. The business said on its Facebook page that the owners are moving back to Utah to open a Sips there. There has been interest in keeping Sips going. We have had many inquires in the past two days from people that want to keep Sips going in Twin Falls, so stay tuned for that, the business said on Facebook. Business owner Tonia Jardine said Sips has leased the building at 1020 Blue Lakes Blvd. N. for about one-and-a-half years and was coming to the end of its lease. The owners were unable to find another location in Twin Falls. BURLEY A preliminary hearing for a man accused of punching a police officer and threatening to kill a woman has been delayed. Jose DeJesus Villalvazo-Marin, 22, is charged with felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill and burglary, battery of an officer and possession of a controlled substance. On Nov. 8, a woman told Cassia County Sheriff deputies she was leaving the business she owns, and got in her car in southwest Burley when she noticed Villalvazo-Marin, whom she does not know, standing nearby watching her. She said he continued to stare at her so she asked him if he needed help because she thought he might be having a medical problem. Villalvazo-Marin put his head in the womans car window and continued to stare at her and said I am going to kill you, a police report said. The woman said he tired to open her car door multiple times and told her you are a snitch and I am going to kill you. The woman said she started to roll the window up and he grabbed it and started shaking it continuing to repeat that he was going to kill her. After she closed the window, he punched it. As she was driving away, she said, she ducked because she thought he might pull out a gun and shoot her. Soon after, a deputy saw a man matching Villalvazo-Marins description at 19th Street and Oakley Avenue. When the deputy got approached Villalvazo-Marin, he swore at the officer and said he didnt care who he was. Villalvazo-Marin started to run, but was apprehended when he tried to run between a fence and a vehicle. Villalvazo-Marin quickly turned around and raised his fist and punched me on the side of my head with his closed fist, the officer said. The man continued to swing at the officer again multiple times but I avoided his punches, the officer said. The officer then grabbed Villalvazo-Marin and assisted him to the ground, the police report said. As the officer tried to get Villalvazo-Marin to calm down, he continued to yell expletives at the deputy, the report said. Villalvazo-Marin again tried to punch the deputy as he opened the door to his patrol truck, police said. The officer took Villalvazo-Marin to the ground again, and two other officers arrived to help secure and search him. As the officers searched him he attempted to spit on one deputy and kick at them, the report said. During the search the officers reported finding a white baggie and pen that field tested positive for methamphetamine. RUPERT The Idaho State Bar is reviewing a grievance against Minidoka County Prosecutor Lance Stevenson by a woman who says Stevenson threatened and intimidated her in an attempt to scare her away from the witness stand. The grievance, filed by Katherine M. Hunter, accuses Stevenson of threatening to arrest and prosecute Hunter if she testified in a civil asset forfeiture hearing in May. Stevenson told the Times-News on Tuesday that grievances arent unusual. When you charge people criminally, or take things (through asset forfeiture), this is common that they try to grieve you in that way, he said. The fact is, it happens. Grievances like Hunters are especially common in civil asset forfeiture cases, Stevenson said, when law enforcement agencies seize property connected to suspected drug crimes. Hunters complaint to the state bar claims Stevenson called and threatened her May 19, the day she was set to testify in an asset forfeiture case involving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was allegedly being used to transport methamphetamine; Hunter was a party in the case along with James Richard Novosel. The grievance also claims the prosecutor told Hunter the call was being recorded. Mr. Stevenson informed me that if I got on the stand that morning he would tear me apart, file charges and have me prosecuted, Hunter wrote in her complaint. Transcripts from the May 19 hearing show Clayne Zollinger, the conflict public defender representing Hunter and Novosel, told Judge Jonathan Brody about the call, saying Hunter was scared to even be in the courtroom, much less take the stand to testify. Ms. Hunter is my client, Zollinger told Brody. Rule 4.2 of the rules of professional conduct bar any contact between opposing counsel and a client. I did not authorize it, I wasnt party to it, nor did I agree with him contacting her. Stevenson admitted in the hearing to calling Hunter but denied threatening her and said he believed she was a witness, not Zollingers client. I asked her if she had the bike and I said if she perjures herself in any way there would be charges, Stevenson told the judge. But it was not recorded and it was a two-minute discussion. Stevenson reiterated that position to the Times-News, saying its common for attorneys to call witnesses to find out the nature of their testimony. He said he believed Hunter was only a witness and not a party in the matter. She was not listed on any notice as a party, Stevenson said. In court on May 19, Zollinger said he was not happy about the situation. I dont care if Mr. Stevenson doesnt understand what a party is, but I clearly represent Ms. Hunter, Zollinger told the judge. All my paperwork show Ms. Hunter, that I represent her, and hes contacted her and now shes so scared she will not take the stand. The forfeiture case is still open and is set for trial Jan. 24. The Idaho State Bar sent a letter to Stevenson last week informing him of the review and asking him to respond to the complaint within 21 days. BURLEY A Burley man accused of second-degree attempted kidnapping will stand trial in February. Police said Vadian Dougal, 51, tried to lure a girl from the White Pine Elementary School playground in April. The Jerome County Prosecutors Office agreed to serve as special prosecutor for the case against Dougal after several other prosecutors turned it down. Cassia County Prosecutor Doug Abenroth sought a special prosecutor because he had a conflict of interest with a witness in the case. A four-day trial is set to begin Feb. 7. Jerome County Deputy Prosecutor Eileen McDevitt asked for a four-day trial saying it may take extra time to select a jury because of the amount of press coverage the case has gotten. Attorneys will call 120 potential jurors. Cassia County 5th District Judge Michael Crabtree denied a motion by Dougals attorney, Timothy Schneider, to modify the conditions of his bail, which included an ankle monitor. Schneider said Dougal has not gone anywhere that he should not go, and the cost for the ankle monitor is $70 a week, a hardship for his client. They are simply allegations at this point, Schneider said. There is no proof of the culpability of Dougal. Dougals conditions for bail say he cant go near schoolyards, playgrounds or other places where there are children. McDevitt said geo-mapping indicates that there have been no violations. Crabtree said while he appreciates the expense involved, there is still a great deal of uncertainty, in his mind. While the main purpose of bail is to ensure that a defendant attends court hearings, Crabtree said, his main concern is for the safety of children. Dougal was arrested at his home along with another man after girls said the men grabbed them and tried to lure them off school grounds and as one child walked to school. Charges were later dismissed against the second man. A girl said Dougal was sitting on the cement around a light pole and offered her candy and money after she got off her school bus. When she started to walk away, the child said, he ran up and grabbed her arm and did not release his grip until she hit his arm. This appeared in the Idaho Statesman: -- Though we are not asking anyone to forget or even forgive the unfortunate acrimony that surfaced during the long and contentious race for the White House, we hope all Idahoans and Americans understand it is time to move on and do what is best for our nation. President-elect Donald Trump said as much Wednesday morning when delivering a gracious and inclusive speech after his victory. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, continued that patriotic and conciliatory tone Wednesday afternoon in her moving concession. Before detailing her personal disappointment, Clinton said: Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead. President Barack Obama followed that theme Thursday during his meeting with Trump, emphasizing that the caustic partisan edge of campaign politics must give way to the agenda of preserving and protecting our union: We must now come together, and work together. Now come together is a fitting guidepost in the interim as our leaders work through the transition of power and our nation attempts to heal or at least put into perspective some of the wounds of the campaign. After wishing his bitter GOP rival, Trump, success as president Thursday, Ohio Gov. John Kasich called the statements of Obama and Clinton inspirational because they placed country above politics, a winning path to the future over the ditches that would mire us in defeat. We could not agree more. It is a matter of record that the Idaho Statesman Editorial Board preferred Clinton in a nearly unanimous endorsement and unanimously shunned Trump for a variety of reasons. But the people in Idaho and throughout the country had the final word at the polls Tuesday, selecting Trump as our 45th president. We honor the peoples choice above all, it is the American way. The office of president deserves our ongoing respect and the person who occupies it our support, especially between now and the Jan. 20 inauguration, when the whole world, including our allies and enemies, observes this transition. We have no illusions: Trump will disappoint you and us with a policy decision we dont like. All presidents do. But we understand leadership is about making thoughtful decisions that benefit the body, though not every appendage at first might agree. But before we get to the point of exercising our duty to scrutinize those presidential decisions in the give-and-take of governing, Trump and his team deserve our good will and the benefit of the doubt in order to establish a foundation. We support anyones right to peaceful protests, dissent and to express disappointment about the election results. But we equally denounce the violence of those acting out against a new president who was duly elected, and who has yet to even take the oath of office. President Abraham Lincolns first inaugural address came as the nation was on the brink of civil war. We, fortunately, do not face civil war, but rather are on the brink of a new beginning. Yet we can learn from Lincolns words and do our part to foster unity as we move forward: We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. As Donald Trump builds his administration, its important to distinguish between his legitimate decisions on personnel and policy even those that differ substantially from mainstream ones and the scarier actions that need to be resisted by everyone committed to democracy. Take the first big announcements on filling jobs at the White House. As the new chief of staff, Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman, is not the worst possible choice. But the president-elect also has chosen Steve Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor. By announcing the two appointments together, Trump is suggesting the two may have comparable clout. Thus, Bannon is about to become one of the most influential people in the country. Bannon is a longtime professional bigot, as documented by the Southern Poverty Law Center among others. When both the Anti-Defamation League and the Council on American-Islamic Relations two groups that have clashed with each other immediately condemn the same thing, you know something is not normal. And, in this case, it is also not acceptable. Bigotry isnt just immoral. It puts democracy at risk by threatening the equal citizenship of those who are targeted. Trumps threats against the media and against his political opponents, by undermining legitimate opposition, are in the same category. Win or lose, this is a battle worth fighting. But how? White House staff positions, unlike cabinet and other executive-branch appointments, are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. Thats how it should be: These crucial positions are responsible only to the president, whereas the top officials in executive-branch departments and agencies have to answer to Congress as well as the president. But outside opposition can raise the cost, perhaps higher than even Trump is willing to pay. Organized groups and individual constituents can demand that every member of Congress, in both parties and both chambers, go on record as supporting or opposing the selection of Bannon. Its true that presidents are entitled to the staff they want, but members of Congress routinely offer their opinions on such selections and so those opposed should push hard to get a response. If Bannon is to be defeated, the Republican senators who opposed Trump in the election might be the key. Though the Senate cant directly block Bannon, individual senators can place a hold on one or more Cabinet or executive-branch nominees and refuse to budge unless he is removed from consideration. Honoring these holds is at the discretion of the majority leader. If Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, tries to move ahead despite the objections, then Democrats and some Republicans could vote down Cabinet picks until Trump relents. Even if Republican senators like Nebraskas Ben Sasse and Arizonas Jeff Flake, who would not support Trump in the campaign, wont fight, opposition from organized groups could still be enough to defeat this selection. Trump might be initially emboldened by this dissent, but then could grow impatient. Even if unsuccessful, this is a fight worth having. It can put Trump on notice immediately that the political system will push back if he follows through on subverting democratic norms. And, yes, this is one time when it would be useful to clarify where everyone stands. A lot of Republicans resisted Trumps nomination, and a fair number were willing to stand against him even in the general election. Many, naturally, will support a lot of the policies he signs into law. Forcing a fight on Bannon will give them an early opportunity to demonstrate that they still oppose the anti-democratic excesses and keep anti-Trump liberals and conservatives on the same side of a fight, even as they part ways over (say) Obamacare and taxes. Yes, the battle to keep this man from having a formal role in government is a long shot. But its worth fighting. Pope Francis and Raul Castro, during the pope's visit to Cuba in March. (Getty Images) In response to Pope Francis' call for a show of mercy, the Castro dictatorship this week pardoned 787 "common prisoners." But human rights activists said there was no indication that they include any political prisoners. Reuters reports: Those pardoned include women, youths, people who are ill and "other categories," according to Granma. A list of names has not been made public. Cuba, which has denied that it has political prisoners, said those convicted of murder, rape, child abuse and drug trafficking would be excluded from the pardons. Pope Francis chose the theme of mercy for the Holy Year that Roman Catholics began celebrating last December. The period, officially proclaimed by the pontiff as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, will end on Sunday. Earlier this month in Vatican City, during a special Jubilee mass for prisoners, Pope Francis asked authorities worldwide to consider "the possibility of carrying out an act of clemency towards prisoners they think can benefit from such a provision". We're very happy with this decision by the Cuban state," said Dionisio Garcia, president of the Cuban Bishops' Conference. The Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, a non-government group that monitors human rights and prisoners' issues, said it had not received any reports of what it views as political prisoners being freed. "Until now, they are all common prisoners," said Gerardo Sanchez, the group's spokesman. In September 2015, Cuba pardoned 3,522 common prisoners in what it called a humanitarian gesture ahead of a visit by Pope Francis, repeating similar actions it took before two previous papal visits. Cuba has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, according to the London-based Institute for Criminal Policy Research, with 510 out of every 100,000 citizens behind bars. Cuban dissidents have said they are often targeted by authorities, most often detained for a few hours or days, for having a different opinion. The government has long considered dissidents a tiny and illegitimate minority. Directions take notice: Entrance is now through the new DMC Building on Huntington Ave. Scroll down for this season's schedule and below that you will find information on recent shows. There is also an archive of shows from other seasons under past screenings if you would like to get an idea of what kinds of shows we have been presenting.Held @Film Department in screening room 1. 621 Huntington Ave. Boston MA 02115. On thetake the green linetrain tostop. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl Enter through the glass doors and ask the guard how to get to the film area-turn left and go into the South Building, turn right into the East building and go down the 1/2 flight of stairs, through the hall, back up the next 1/2 flight, keep straight and Screening Room 1 will be on your left. Moroccan intelligence services have received information from their American counterparts of a movement of some Islamic State group (IS) militants disguised as merchants fleeing Libya in direction to the North African country, reports say. The report stems from the Arabic daily Al Massae. The daily notes that the tipoff caused security level enhancement at the countrys borders with neighbouring countries. IS militants fleeing shelling from the US air power in Sirte, are heading towards Algeria, Tunisia and the Mauritania. The militants according to American intelligence services are trying to sneak into Morocco via Mauritanias border through the Sahara desert. The militants, the daily notes, disguise as merchants or businessmen to cross with the help of arm and merchandise smugglers. The US since August 1, on the request of the Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) has been pounding IS militants positions in Sirte as part of GNAs retake of Muammar Gaddafis hometown. IS seized the town last year and turned it into its North Africa base, outside its Iraq and Syria strongholds. Around 1,500 Moroccans are reported fighting in IS ranks. There were fears that countrys terrorists fighting in Iraq and Sirte may plan to return home as the terrorist group is gripped by international forces advances. IS has been present in Algeria and Tunisia. The group claimed late last month the killing of an Algerian soldier gunned down in a restaurant in the eastern district of Constantine. The group also masterminded three terror attacks last year in Tunisia. 71 people, mostly foreign tourists were killed. 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. Kenya government on Tuesday destroyed some 5,250 illegal firearms as part of efforts to fight crimes like cattle rustling, carjacking and threats from terrorism. According to Deputy President William Ruto, small arms are implicated in many deaths, in acts of armed violence; among them inter community conflicts, cattle rustling, violent crimes and poaching. Their presence has intensified the threats posed by transnational crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, piracy and drug trafficking, Ruto said aid before the weapons were set ablaze. The guns, which had been seized from criminals or voluntarily given up, were burned in Ngong, south-west Nairobi. Kenyans who are still in possession of illegal weapons are being encouraged to hand them in to police, Ruto said. Kenya last burnt a similar collection of illegal weapons in 2003, 2005 and 2010, local media said. Authorities estimate that at least 500,000 guns are illegally held by civilians. As a reminder, Somalias insurgent group al Shabaab, which seeks to overthrow the countrys Western-backed government and impose a strict version of sharia, has carried out regular assaults in neighbouring Kenya in recent years using illicit firearms and small weapons. Burundis President Pierre Nkurunziza on Monday asked the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to appoint a new envoy after the government rejected Moroccan diplomat Jamal Benomar. Nkurunziza called on the incoming Secretary General Antonio Guterres together with Ban to begin consultations to choose a successor to Benomar. Burundi relations with the UN envoy Benomar deteriorated after the diplomat and investigators, commissioned by the UNs human rights council released a report in September revealing gross human rights violations in the country. The investigators have accused the government of Burundi of gross human rights violations, following a nine-month inquiry into the alleged torture and murder of government opponents in the troubled African state. The report said the investigators had verified 564 executions in Burundi since April last year when the countrys president, Pierre Nkurunziza, prompted widespread protests by announcing he would seek a third term in office. The authors called on international organisations, including the African Union and the UN Security Council, to move swiftly to head off the danger of a spiral of mass violence which could bring conflict to the entire region. Officials in Burundi have denied the allegations and described the report as biased. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq indicated that there will be no search for a new envoy. Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe on Tuesday, expressed concern about the water situation in his country. The southern African nation is one of those adversely affected by drought. Mugabe, who was speaking to Heads of State at ongoing COP22 summit in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, said Climate change is a reality taking a toll on our people. In his words, the water situation in Zimbabwe is dire. Severe lack of rain across southern Africa has hit the country hard, with government officials saying a quarter of the population faces starvation. Many villagers are forced to survive on wild fruit. The UNs World Food Program said in January that about 14 million people in Southern Africa are facing hunger due to poor harvests The government needs US$ 352 million to cater for the four million Zimbabweans in need of emergency food aid. The drought scourge is high on the agenda at UN COP22 climate talks, where world leaders and experts are discussing how to implement the landmark Paris Agreement that was signed last year. The pact aims to cap global warming at below two degrees Celsius, compared with pre-industrial levels. A new study in rats could begin to explain why allergies during pregnancy are linked to higher risks for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism in children. Researchers at The Ohio State University found significant changes in the brain makeup of fetuses and newborn rats exposed to allergens during pregnancy. Animals that lived to adulthood after allergen exposure before birth showed signs of hyperactivity and antisocial behavior and decreased anxiety, found a research team led by Kathryn Lenz, an Ohio State assistant professor of psychology. "This is evidence that prenatal exposure to allergens alters brain development and function and that could be an underappreciated factor in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders," said Lenz, who presented her research Nov. 16 in San Diego at Neuroscience 2016, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. Though there are established links between allergies and ADHD and autism - as well as between inflammation and risk of autism, schizophrenia and ADHD - the cellular-level changes that could contribute to those connections largely remain a mystery. Autism and ADHD are both three to four times as common in boys than in girls, Lenz said. And so she and her collaborators set out to look for sex differences in the rats as well. "We're really interested in figuring out unknown factors in psychological disorders and in differences between male and female brain development as it relates to autism, ADHD and other disorders," Lenz said. To study the effects of allergies on offspring, researchers sensitized female rats to ovalbumin (found in egg whites) before pregnancy. Then, 15 days into their pregnancies, they exposed them to the allergen, prompting an immune response in the animals. They analyzed whether prenatal allergen exposure changed the number and behavior of immune cells in the developing brain of offspring. They explored possible changes in young rats' physical activity, anxiety-like behavior, ability to learn and sociability. And they examined the density of dendritic spines in the juvenile animals' brains. The spines protrude from neurons and are vital to cellular-level communication in the brain. Rats exposed to allergens before birth had higher levels of immune cells called mast cells in the brain and lower numbers of immune cells called microglia, regardless of the animals' gender. Animals with allergic mothers were hyperactive, but had lower levels of anxiety-like behavior. When they interacted with other juvenile rats, the males in the allergen group were less likely to roughhouse with their peers. "Young rats engage in social play and males are more rough and tumble and usually play much more than females," Lenz said. "The males born to the allergen-exposed mothers looked more like females. They were more socially reserved. They were really hyperactive, but socially disengaged. That looks a bit like ADHD." And when the researchers looked at the animals' ability to be mentally flexible, the rats born to allergic mothers had a tougher time, Lenz said. "They have to use rules to find a reward - a Cheerio in a terracotta pot - and the rules we give them keep shifting," Lenz said, explaining that in one test the treat might be in a pot covered in sandpaper and in another test it might be in a pot covered in velvet. The rats in the allergen group weren't as capable of adapting to the changing parameters of the test, and the males had deficits that were more significant than the females. Early data from the study shows that the dendritic spines - the points of synaptic connection between cells in the frontal cortex of the animals' brains - were decreased in males with allergy exposure and increased in their female counterparts. Patients with acute appendicitis who undergo laparoscopic appendectomy (surgical remove of the appendix) do not experience higher rates of postoperative complications or costly readmissions when sent home on the same day of their operations compared with patients hospitalized overnight, according to study results published online as an "article in press" on the Journal of the American College of Surgeons website ahead of print publication. Each year, more than 250,000 appendectomies are performed in the United States for acute appendicitis.1,2 Increasingly, more of these patients are being sent home directly from the recovery room, avoiding an overnight hospital stay. "Advances in early recognition and treatment of the disease process and minimally invasive techniques have allowed for some of the inflammatory response and the trauma from surgical treatment to be lessened and recovery to be faster; as a result, patients can get back to their lives much sooner," said study principal investigator Armen Aboulian, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon at Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills, Calif. "Now up to 60 percent of non-perforated acute appendicitis patients at Kaiser Permanente are treated without an overnight stay," Dr. Aboulian said. This decision is made at the discretion of the surgeon and treatment team. But the question has remained as to whether patients with a same-day discharge are more likely to return with complications and be readmitted. To find out, researchers analyzed the medical records of 12,703 patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy for non-perforated appendicitis at 14 Southern California Region Kaiser Permanente medical centers between 2010 and 2014. The cohort was composed of 6,710 patients who were discharged on the same day of their procedure and 5,993 patients who were hospitalized overnight. The Procedural and Anesthesia Scoring System is used for all patients who are discharged directly from the recovery room after any operation in all Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers. To be released, patients must have a score that is greater than 12; those with a score of 12 or less remain in the hospital at the same level of care. For the study, researchers compared the patients discharged on the day of an operation with those hospitalized overnight. They found that the group discharged on the same day of an operation had similar return rates to emergency rooms or urgent care centers and an overall lower rate of readmission within 30 days when compared with those who were hospitalized overnight (2.2 percent versus 3.1 percent). In both groups, postoperative rates of visits to the emergency room or radiology department for diagnostic or therapeutic imaging studies were statistically similar. Postoperative general surgery department visits were slightly higher in the hospitalized group (85 percent versus 81 percent). Factors such as older age, serious health problems, and a later procedure time (most surgeons would not discharge their patients from the recovery room late at night) increased the rate of overnight admissions. "In general, recovery at home is preferred by most patients and sleeping in your own bed has benefits that are difficult to measure," Dr. Aboulian said. "At the same time, the goal of the study is not to rush the patients home, but rather, the importance of this study lies in the confirmation that discharge from the recovery room is safe and surgeons across the nation may consider it directly from the recovery room in the appropriate setting." In addition, the study, which is the largest one on this issue to date, showed that same day discharge translates into an average direct cost savings of $348 per case within the Kaiser Permanente system. Recent studies have garnered attention that focus on non-operative management of acute appendicitis, using antibiotics as the main mode of treatment. Often, those studies involve a brief hospitalization followed by discharge on antibiotics, Dr. Aboulian said. One of the main advantages of antibiotic treatment alone is the cost savings. However, if patients are sent home from the recovery room without an overnight stay, there could potentially be up to an annual health care savings of $921,500,000 in the United States. "This study is significant because it demonstrates that patients may be treated safely with surgery and discharged on the same day as the operation," Dr. Aboulian said. "Two hundred years ago, the diagnosis of appendicitis had more than a 60 percent mortality rate. Now these patients are treated and don't even have to spend the night in the hospital. Medical treatment for this disorder has come a long way." More information: Same Day Discharge in Laparoscopic Acute Non-Perforated Appendectomy. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2016. Same Day Discharge in Laparoscopic Acute Non-Perforated Appendectomy., 2016. 1. Cross W, Chandru Kowdley G. Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: a safe same-day surgery procedure? Am Surg. 2013;79(8):802-5. 2. Frazee RC, Abernathy SW, Davis M, Hendricks JC, Isbell TV, Regner JL, et al. Outpatient laparoscopic appendectomy should be the standard of care for uncomplicated appendicitis. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2014;76(1):79-82. Journal information: Journal of the American College of Surgeons The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes (in green) is promoted by the large amount of extracellular matrix (collagen IV in red) obtained in presence of macromolecular crowding. Credit: A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology A renewable source of brown fat cells, and a simple method for generating them in cell cultures, has been discovered by A*STAR researchers and could help with the development of personalized therapies for metabolic diseases. There are two main types of fat cells, or adipocytes, in the body; white adipocytes that store energy, and brown adipocytes that burn energy and generate heat. Babies have an abundance of brown adipocytes as they help infants to keep warm, but recently scientists have discovered the cells also exist in small quantities in adults. By encouraging the body to use, rather than store, excess energy, brown adipocytes could prove useful in the engineered modulation of energy consumption and the regulation of blood sugar levels two mechanisms that can fail in metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Until now, there has been no safe, reliable method of generating large quantities of brown adipocytes to explore their therapeutic potential. A new technique, developed by Michael Raghunath, Cedric Badowski and co-workers at the A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology together with scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS), hinges on unlocking the potential of mesenchymal stem cells taken from human bone marrow (bmMSCs) to differentiate into brown adipocytes. "We wanted to determine which fat cells were present in adult bone marrow, because this hadn't been fully investigated before," explains Michelle Lee, a researcher on the project. "To our surprise, we found brown adipocytes present, and discovered that the bone marrow environment could trigger bmMSC differentiation into brown fat cells. We decided to emulate that environment in the laboratory." When stem cells are taken out of the body and placed in cultures, they lose the crowded, intricate microenvironment that enables them to generate a protective extracellular matrix and function correctly. The team used a technique called 'macromolecular crowding' to mimic the microenvironment and encourage bmMSC differentiation. By adding extra molecules to bulk out the culture, Lee explains, there is an increase in reaction mechanisms within the culture that allows the cells to secrete and remodel the extracellular matrix. Using cutting-edge microscopes to visualize the processes, the researchers found that macromolecular crowding created a cocoon of collagen around the stem cells, greatly enhancing matrix signaling and stimulating large quantities of viable, fully-functional brown adipocytes from bmMSCs (see image). "Once the potential for this technology is fully explored, we could transform the treatment of metabolic disorders and provide considerable benefits for society," says Badowski. More information: Michelle H. Lee et al. ECM microenvironment unlocks brown adipogenic potential of adult human bone marrow-derived MSCs, Scientific Reports (2016). Journal information: Scientific Reports Michelle H. Lee et al. ECM microenvironment unlocks brown adipogenic potential of adult human bone marrow-derived MSCs,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/srep21173 HeLa cells treated with DZ-2384 (center) show the presence of mostly bipolar spindles with stunted microtubules and visibly misaligned chromosomes, while vinorelbine-treated cells (right) lacked any detectable spindle microtubules in both cell lines. Samples were immunostained with an antibody to -tubulin (green) and phalloidin (red) and with DAPI (blue). Images were acquired by confocal microscopy with a 40x objective. Insets show an enlargement of single cells (bottom). Credit: Wieczorek et al., Science Translational Medicine (2016) A synthetic version of a rare toxin produced by a sea creature appears to hold promise for treating many different types of cancer while minimizing the harmful side effects of widely used chemotherapy drugs. A study published today in the journal Science Translational Medicine describes research on a substance called diazonamide, which prevents cell division, and was isolated from a marine animal called Diazona angulata. Led by Patrick Harran, UCLA's Donald J. and Jane M. Cram Professor of Organic Chemistry, researchers produced a synthetic form of diazonamide that, in rodents, appears to be effective in fighting breast cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. The compound the scientists synthesized, DZ-2384, is more potent and lasts longer in the bloodstream than natural diazonamide. And, when combined with a chemotherapy drug called gemcitabine (which is marketed under the brand name Gemzar), the compound is effective in rodents for combating advanced pancreatic cancer. DZ-2384 works by disrupting a molecular machine called the mitotic spindle, which the cell uses to pull replicated chromosomes apart during division. There are numerous compounds that affect spindle function, including several FDA-approved cancer drugs. These agents, which are called anti-mitotics, have a typical pattern of toxicity associated with their use. DZ-2384 is an anti-mitotic that behaves differently. In the study, researchers implanted or grew tumors in hundreds of rodents as models for various types of human cancer. They found that in animals receiving DZ-2384, tumors shrank as much as or more than when a conventional anti-mitotic was used, but with much less toxicity at effective doses. Animals receiving DZ-2384 also had markedly less peripheral neuropathya type of debilitating nerve pain that often affects humans who take anti-mitotic drugsthan those that received docetaxel, a conventional anti-mitotic. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the chief side effects of anti-mitotic chemotherapy, and it's often severe enough that doctors decide to stop administering chemotherapy, at least temporarily, in order to reduce patients' pain. But that's problematic as well, because once treatment is suspended, tumors tend to return, and often in forms that are resistant to drugs. Hui Ding and Patrick Harran with a model of DZ-2384 Credit: Reed Hutchinson/UCLA Harran said understanding the unique way DZ-2384 functions in animals wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation of specialists from several fields over the past 15 years. "One piece of the puzzle after another came into place over time," Harran said. "Now, we have the chemistry, the biochemistry, the structural biology, the pharmacology and toxicology. We have a deep understanding of what this drug is doing." Harran believes the research could ultimately help large numbers of people with cancer, and he expects human clinical trials to begin within two years. "We have good reason to expect that human clinical trials of DZ-2384 will show that, at doses effective for treating a person's cancer, there will be much less risk of the peripheral neuropathy that can force clinicians to stop treatment," he said. How the study began Harran began his work with diazonamides as a fundamental chemistry research problem. In 1991, a study by other researchers described the toxin, which they had isolated from Diazona angulata. But when Harran and his team synthesized the chemical structure described in the published report, they discovered that it was not actually diazonamide. In 2001, Harran and colleagues published a study that corrected the chemical structure of diazonamide, and two years later they had synthesized the true structure in their lab. Next, they began studying what the molecule might be doing to block cells from dividing, and in 2007, they discovered that the synthetic diazonamides they had produced minimized undesirable toxic effects that are commonly associated with chemotherapy. Specifically, the synthetic forms of diazonamide had an unusually large "therapeutic window"the dosage range that would produce a desirable effect while minimizing undesirable side effects. In experiment after experiment, Harran said, the researchers found that synthetic diazonamides' therapeutic window was at least 10 times larger than that of traditional anti-mitotic drugs. A key finding In 2015, UCLA senior research associate Hui Ding prepared a special form of DZ-2384 that was engineered with a molecular-scale "tracking device" so scientists could monitor its activity and better understand how it worked. That helped colleagues at Montreal's McGill UniversityAnne Roulston, Gordon Shore and Gary Brouhardconfirm what they had come to suspect, and what others had looked for and failed to find earlier: that the compound binds to a protein called tubulin, which is a building block of mitotic spindles and a common target of anti-mitotic drugs. Armed with this information, researchers at Villigen, Switzerland's Laboratory of Biomolecular Research used a technique called X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the DZ-2384 bound to tubulin. Their work offers a possible explanation for how DZ-2384 could disrupt dynamic tubulin polymers during cell division but spare those polymers in resting cells like neurons in the peripheral nervous system. And that, Harran said, is what appears to allow the compound to attack growing cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells, which can lead to the painful side effects of conventional chemotherapy. "Patrick Harran is one of the most outstanding and creative synthetic organic chemists in the world," said Miguel Garcia-Garibay, dean of the UCLA Division of Physical Sciences and professor of chemistry and biochemistry. "He bridges chemistry and biochemistry by using elegant synthetic chemical strategies to create and study compounds with important biological activity." Those who contributed to the research represent a wide range of expertise, from chemistry, biology and cancer research to neuroscience and pharmacology. Among them are Thomas Wilkie and Rolf Brekkenof UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas; and Michel Steinmetz of the Laboratory of Biomolecular Research. More information: "The synthetic diazonamide DZ-2384 has distinct effects on microtubule curvature and dynamics without neurotoxicity," Science Translational Medicine, stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ scitranslmed.aag1093 Journal information: Science Translational Medicine "The synthetic diazonamide DZ-2384 has distinct effects on microtubule curvature and dynamics without neurotoxicity," Credit: CDC Bed nets treated with a safe chemical killer still provide significant protection from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, despite the rise in insecticide resistance, according to a major study released today at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). The five-year, five-country investigation, coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the most comprehensive evaluation ever to assess the impact of insecticide resistance on essential control tools targeted against malaria-carrying mosquitoesprimarily long-lasting insecticidal nets, or LLINs, which have played a central role in cutting malaria cases and deaths worldwide since 2000. Researchers found that people who slept under LLINs in 340 locations across five countriesBenin, Cameroon, India, Kenya and Sudanhad significantly lower rates of malaria infection than those who did not use a net, even though mosquitoes showed resistance to insecticides at all locations. "The key finding of this study is that treated nets continue to be a highly effective tool in the malaria fight," said Dr. Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. "The study supports WHO's continued call for achieving universal coverage of LLINs for all populations at risk of malaria." In recent years, LLINs have been the cornerstone of malaria control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, which shoulders an estimated 90% of the global malaria burden. Between 2000 and 2015, access to a treated net among populations in this region rose from less than 2% to 53%. WHO estimates that 663 million malaria infections were prevented in sub-Saharan Africa through malaria interventions between 2001 and 2015; treated nets accounted for most cases prevented (69%), followed by artemisinin-based combination therapies (21%) and indoor residual spraying (10%). Researchers attributed the continued efficacy of LLINs to the combined effect of the barrier provided by the nets and the insecticides themselves. They noted that, even in areas where mosquitoes have developed resistance to the insecticide class used in LLINs (pyrethroids), treated nets can still kill the mosquitoes. "A resistant mosquito may not die immediately after landing on a net, but it could continue to absorb insecticide as it seeks a way to get through and bite a person beneath the net," said Dr. Tessa Knox, a WHO scientist involved in the evaluation. "This may eventually kill the mosquito and stop onward transmission of malaria parasites," she added. The fact that LLINs remain effective is an indication that resistance is not an all-or-nothing proposition and that pyrethroids are likely retaining some level of impact in many areas, said Dr. Knox. The findings of this WHO study are consistent with recent research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC study, published in the Malaria Journal in 2015, showed that treated nets provided significant protection among children in an area of Malawi with considerable malaria transmission and moderate levels of mosquito resistance to pyrethroids. New tools urgently needed While these findings are encouraging, WHO continues to highlight the urgent need for new and improved malaria-fighting tools to accelerate progress towards global elimination goals. WHO is calling for greater investments in vector control interventions, such as LLINs and indoor residual spraying, improved diagnostics and more effective medicines. A promising pipeline of new anti-mosquito tools is currently under development. WHO is revising its process for reviewing and recommending new malaria vector interventions in order to fast-track their route to the field. Resistance still a key concern Mosquito resistance to insecticides remains a growing concern. According to WHO estimates, 60 countries have reported mosquito resistance to at least one of the four insecticides used in LLINs and indoor residual spraying since 2010; of these, 49 countries have reported resistance to two or more insecticide classes. If resistance continues to intensify, the mosquito-killing capacity of LLINs and indoor residual spraying may steadily weaken. To prevent an erosion of the impact of these core vector control tools, WHO officials highlight the need for all countries with ongoing malaria transmission to develop and apply effective insecticide resistance management strategies. Information should be leveraged to inform timely decisions on which tools to apply where, and when. For example, at one study site in Sudan, researchers found that spraying the walls of homes with an insecticide that is different from what is used in bed nets reduced malaria infections by an additional 50 percent, compared with LLINs alone. Encouragingly, mosquito resistance to pyrethroids was slowed, showing that careful use of available options can help counter resistance. "This study provides encouraging news that we have not yet run out of time in battling insecticide resistance," said Stephen Higgs, PhD, president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. "However, we must take advantage of the time we now have to invest in research and generate new tools that will allow us to finally defeat this complex and challenging disease." Dr. Alonso noted that a global strategy for comprehensive control of disease-carrying insects should be high on the agenda for the 2017 World Health Assembly. He said there is a growing need for sustainable approaches supported by enhanced expertise to aid the fight against malaria and a variety of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya and also yellow fever, which is now resurgent in parts of Africa. More information: Kim A Lindblade et al. A cohort study of the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria in an area of moderate pyrethroid resistance, Malawi, Malaria Journal (2015). Journal information: Malaria Journal Kim A Lindblade et al. A cohort study of the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria in an area of moderate pyrethroid resistance, Malawi,(2015). DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0554-1 A thousand breast and ovarian cancer patients have now benefited from a faster BRCA gene testing process that was developed in the UK and is being adopted around the globe. The 1000th cancer patient has had 'mainstream' gene testing through an innovative process that offers affordable gene testing to cancer patients at their cancer clinic appointment. The new approach was developed by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, through the Mainstreaming Cancer Genetics programme, funded by Wellcome. Cancer patients could previously only access gene testing if referred to a genetics clinic. Referral criteria were complex and waiting lists for genetic appointments were long many cancer patients did not get testing, even if they were eligible for it. The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust began an innovative pilot in 2013 to provide faster, more efficient and more patient-centred testing through routine cancer clinic appointments. The pilot was quickly successful, and in 2014 mainstream gene testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in eligible cancer patients became routine NHS care at The Royal Marsden. In just the two years since, 1000 cancer patients have had gene testing using the new process. Professor Nazneen Rahman, Head of Cancer Genetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "There were two main problems with the traditional system for gene testing. Firstly, gene itself testing was slow and expensive, and secondly the process for accessing gene testing was slow and complex. "We used new DNA sequencing technology to make a fast, accurate, affordable cancer gene test, which is now used across the UK. We then simplified test eligibility and brought testing to patients in the cancer clinic, rather than making them have another appointment, often in another hospital." These two innovations have greatly increased the number of patients that can benefit from testing, without increasing costs. The Royal Marsden now offers tests to three times as many patients a year as it used to. The new pathway is also much faster, with test results received within four weeks compared with 20 weeks in the old system. The gene test result helps patients to get the best management for their cancer. Miss Fiona MacNeill, Consultant Surgeon at The Royal Marsden and President of the Association of Breast Surgery, said: "Having the BRCA test result is very helpful when discussing the surgical options with breast cancer patients. Some women with a BRCA mutation choose to have bilateral mastectomy because their risk of getting a new cancer in either breast is increased. It has been great to be able to quickly and directly arrange for testing at the cancer clinic." The results also provide information about whether hereditary causes of cancer are relevant for a patient's family members. All women found to have a BRCA mutation have an appointment with the genetics team who coordinate providing information to relatives. Many relatives choose to have a test to see if they have inherited the mutation. This allows them to make more informed choices and gives opportunities to reduce cancers in women found to be at high risk. The patient response has been overwhelmingly positive with more than 95 percent of cancer patients wanting testing. Brune Torrente-Drune, a breast cancer patient at The Royal Marsden, said: "I was very pleased to be offered the BRCA test by the cancer clinic. It was quick and simple, I just gave a blood test and a few weeks later I got the result. It has helped me make decisions and I have been advocating the test to others." Professor Rahman added: "The main reason we wanted to change the system was because patients were telling us that they wanted to have better access to gene testing. We are delighted patients have found it so helpful and that it is more cost-effective for our cash-strapped NHS". "Many other centres across the country and internationally are adopting mainstream gene testing. This will help many women with cancer and will prevent cancers in their relatives." Provided by Institute of Cancer Research, London Georgia growing hub for information and communication technology Georgia is taking actions to establish itself as a growing hub for information and communication technology.For this purpose the country participated at the global conference where the Irish and Central European based technology companies learnt about Georgias favourable business and investment environment.This week, the Embassy of Georgia to Ireland participated at the Central European Technology Conference organised by the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Central Europe (i-Cham CE) and by the Enterprise Ireland.The event brought together Irish and Central European-based technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn with a view to developing new cross-border business relationships and partnerships.At the conference Georgia's charge d'affaires to Ireland Giorgi Zurabashvili made a speech where he highlighted the latest developments of the countrys business and investment environment.He talked about the reforms the Government of Georgia made in the countrys information and communication industry which created additional benefits for the companies willing to operate in Georgias IT sector.Zurabashvili also talked about the State Program on Broadband Infrastructure Development in Georgia that ensured creating the fiber-optic Internet network in more than 2,000 cities and villages in the country.He said the Government of Georgia revealed it wanted to provide the entire country with high-speed Internet, and launched the High Speed Internet for Everyone project in January 2015.In his words the Government of Georgia was aiming to build the innovation-based economy in Georgia. The News in Brief Mikheil Saakashvili on Trump: We are friends, I foresaw this Former president of Georgia and ex-Governor of Odessa Mikheil Saakashvili is backing Donald Trump, the U.S. President-Elect. MIkheil Saakashvili has posted a photo showing him and Donald Trump together in Batumi saying that he had foreseen the result. He assesses Trump as a strong person with unpredictable policices. I have known him for 20 years, he has written. Donald Trump was declared the winner of the U.S. Presidential election yesterday. (IPN) Georgian Church Delegation Visits Brussels A delegation of the Georgian Orthodox Church is visiting Brussels on November 7-11. The nine-member delegation has already been hosted by NATO Secretary Generals Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, James Appathurai. A very warm meeting was held here, where we received comprehensive information about NATO-Georgia relations, a senior Orthodox cleric, Metropolitan Theodore of Akhaltsikhe told reporters in the NATO Headquarters. The Georgian church delegation is accompanied by representatives of the Office of the State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, the Center for Development and Democracy (CDD) and the Information Center on NATO and the EU. (Civil.ge) United Arab Emirates official: Kvirikashvilis govt will secure Georgias advancement A senior official from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is congratulating Georgias Prime Minister on a "convincing victory in the countrys Parliamentary Elections. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAEs Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development congratulated Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili for the ruling teams victory in a phone conversation last night. The UAE official believed that the Government headed by Kvirikashvili would secure a successful development and advancement of the country and intensify cooperation with UAE. Kvirikashvili noted that UAE was a "great friend of Georgia and bilateral relations between the two countries had a "genuinely great future. (Agenda.ge) New Rights leaves Paata Burchuladze-led coalition The New Rights party has left a coalition led by operatic bass Paata Burchuladze after it suffered a resounding defeat in the parliamentary elections in October. Mamuka Katsitadze, a leading figure of the New Rights, said the coalition was intended solely for the parliamentary elections. After the elections finished, the coalition finished as well, Mamuka Katsitadze said to the First Channel. Paata Burchuladze established his political movement, State for People, in May. Since then several political groups aligned with his party, including groups formed by United National Movement dissenters, Girchi and Akhali Sakartvelo (New Georgia). Nevertheless, State for People couldnt manage to pass electoral threshold of 5 percent needed to qualify for parliament seats. Paata Burchuladze ejected Girchi from his coalition just before the elections. (DF watch) Georgia to Join Black Sea Security Together with the North-Atlantic community, we are sure to be part of Black Sea Security, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili told the press in his comment on this issue. According to the Prime Minister, Georgia is engaged in the Black Sea Security Dialogue as set forth at the NATO Summit, with continuous consultations in full swing. Georgia, according to the Head of Government, may participate in patrolling and other similar operations. "It is very important to us because this process is an inseparable part of our NATO integration," Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated. (Government.gov.ge) Ambassador: Georgia market is always open to Armenian agricultural products The Minister of Agriculture of Armenia, Ignati Arakelyan, on Wednesday met with newly appointed Georgian Ambassador Giorgi Saganelidze.The minister expressed satisfaction with the high level of the Armenian-Georgian relations, and expressed the hope that they will be continued, the Ministry of Agriculture informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.There are ample opportunities and still-unused great potential between the two countries in agriculture sector, noted Arakelyan. And measures need to be taken toward further enhancing bilateral cooperation.Stressing that the Georgian market is always open to Armenian agricultural products, Ambassador Saganelidze, for his part, assured that he will do his utmostduring his tenureto deepen bilateral relations in this domain, and to expand and strengthen Armenian-Georgian business ties.At the ensuing talk, the diplomat invited Ignati Arakelyan to visit Georgia, to get familiarized on location with the agriculture sector of the neighboring country.In response, the Agricultural Minister of Armenia asked the ambassador to convey to his Georgian counterpart his invitation to visit Armenia. The News in Brief Ready to strengthen strategic partnership with the new U.S. administration Georgias FM Georgias Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the U.S. Presidential Elections. According to the minister, the United States of America, as the main strategic ally of Georgia, unconditionally supports Georgias sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, democratic and economic development as well as Georgias European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Georgia-U.S. cooperation is based on mutual strategic interests and views that are formalized by the Georgia-U.S. strategic partnership charter. It includes important democracy and governance, self-defence and security, economics, commerce, and energy matters. The Charter represents the deep 25-year comprehensive cooperation and confidence establishment between the two countries. Georgian soldiers are fighting together with U.S. soldiers to improve international security and stability, and Georgia is proud to contribute to global security together with its ally, he has said. We are ready to continue cooperation with the new U.S. administration, strengthen our strategic partnership and improve the friendship between our two countries, says the statement published on the ministers Facebook page. (IPN) Silk Road Group: Batumi Trump Tower will Be Built if It is Commercially Beneficial The fate of an ambitious project suspended several years ago remains still unclear. The Business Contract news agency has tried to cast light on the Trump Tower construction project in Batumi, in the Adjara region. The Silk Road Group, the project implementing company, told Business Contract that the company will continue its partnership with the Trump Corporation. Donald Trump has moved into politics, but his company is continuing operations and negotiations are continued on specific themes. Nothing will change because of Trumps presidency. The project will be implemented when it becomes commercially beneficial, Silk Road Group representatives noted. The Batumi Trump Tower project was developed by famous architect John Fotiadiss. The 47-floor building will comprise apartments with 80 to 700 square meter spaces. Previously, construction works were to start at the end of 2013, but plans were suspended for unclear period. The projects investment value is 250 million USD. The project's presentation was attended by Donald Trump and ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. In addition to the Batumi Trump Tower, a sister building was to be built in Tbilisi too. (cbw.ge) Minister vows 400 Internally Displaced families receive flats in Tbilisi this year Georgias Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees, Sozar Subari, says over the course of the year, 400 vulnerable Internally Displaced families will receive flats in newly constructed residential buildings in capital Tbilisi. Subari stated today 200 such families would be gifted new accommodations in the so-called Olympic Village, near Tbilisi Sea, while the remaining 200 would be resided on Dadiani Street in Nadzaladevi district. We will continue our actions for all Internally Displaced families, who live in poor conditions, to have worthy living conditions, Subari said, noted a special commission was tasked to provide detailed analyses over the living conditions of the Internally Displaced families. Thus, a chance of a mistake, that someone who doesnt deserve may receive the flat, is reduced to a minimum, Subari said. Georgias Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, stated in September that under the current Government of Georgia, 12,600 Internally Displaced families received new accommodations. Currently there are about 280,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Georgia; about six percent of the countrys total population. All of Georgias IDPs are either from Abkhazia or Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) two regions of Georgia that are currently occupied by Russia. (agenda.ge) Kakheti region among 15 perfect places for Americans to emigrate to The Telegraph There has been a spike in online searches by desperate Americans considering emigration following Donald Trump's shock election victory. Need to put an ocean between yourself and Mr Trump? Then try these tempting alternatives, The Telegraph says, and brings several places where Americans can leave for. Georgia's eastern region of Kakheti is among them. Californians have a habit of being more than a little bit smug about their produce - the glories of which are not always immediately evident on the shelves of Trader Joes. Pack up your taste for tilling and take it eastwards, to Georgia. Not the state youll be Trumped there but the country. Specifically, to Kakheti, the countrys eastern food and wine growing region. Did you know that theyve been making natural wine in Georgia for 8,000 years? This is the new California, and you should be there. (IPN) @doug_hanks With President-elect Donald Trump promising to crack down on sanctuary cities that arent helping federal authorities apprehend undocumented immigrants, some mayors warn theyre ready to do battle with Washington on the issue. In Miami-Dade, Mayor Carlos Gimenez argues there is no battle line to be drawn because the label doesnt apply to his county. We comply with the law, Gimenez said Tuesday. Were not a sanctuary city. Miami-Dade does decline some federal requests to detain individuals wanted for non-criminal immigration violations, a policy that helped land Floridas largest county on a list of so-called sanctuary cities in a recent Justice Department report. And while Miami-Dade has already felt pressure under the Obama administration to fight the sanctuary label, the designation is getting far more attention after Trumps upset win last week. @doug_hanks and @ByKristenMClark Former Miami-Dade mayoral candidate Raquel Regalado was hit with another elections fine on Wednesday, with a state board imposing a $2,000 penalty for her allowing a political committee to improperly fund a campaign video and website. The Florida Elections Commission issued the fine in a case centered around Serving Miamians, the state political committee used to boost campaigns of both Regalado, who resigned from the Miami-Dade school board to run for county mayor, and her father, Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado. Commission investigators flagged Serving Miamians, officially an "electioneering communication organization," for funding a campaign website and video in the early days of Raquel Regalado's challenge of incumbent Carlos Gimenez last year. Though Regalado starred in the video and the site in question was raquelregalado.com, she told investigators she hadn't seen either of them until receiving the elections complaint in June 2015. While candidates can raise money for committees like Serving Miamians, the entities can't implicitly advocate for a candidate's election. Gimenez, reelected last week by a 12-point margin, used Regalado's past campaign infractions to portray his challenger as someone lacking the kind of management skills needed to be mayor. Regalado accused the Gimenez campaign of being behind the complaint, which was filed by Darren Centinella, a Republican campaign consultant out of D.C. This is Regalado's third campaign fine. She paid $5,000 in 2012 in connection with improper campaign-finance reports from when she was treasurer for her father's 2009 campaign. In 2011, she paid about $3,500 for an overdue finance report tied to her first school-board campaign in 2010. University of Miami freshman reserve safety Cedrick Wright has been suspended for the North Carolina State game, Miami reported Wednesday afternoon in a written statement. The school did not specify why he was suspended, though a source said he has "not been a model citizen" this season. Wright, a 5-9, 180-pound former three- and four-star recruit from Homestead and Miami Gulliver Prep, played mostly on special teams this season. He has participated in nine games, including last week at Virginia, and has six tackles. Wright is friends with former UM receiver Sam Bruce, who was dismissed from the team last month. Wright and freshman tight end Jovani Haskins were with Bruce in a parked car near campus when Bruce was charged with marijuana possession. Bruce was the only one charged. SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN One data point related to enrollment is already up at the University of Montana. This year, UM counted roughly 3,600 applications compared to the 3,100 applications around the same time last year, vice president for enrollment and student affairs Tom Crady said Tuesday. He said that application pool is critical. "If you don't have enough applications, you don't have enough students that you can admit and enroll. It's simple math," Crady said. The vice president offered the information at a meeting of the University Council with more than 50 people in attendance. He articulated the enrollment challenge he faced when he stepped into the job last summer, laid out some of the sweeping changes UM is making to try to attract students, and said the campus must act quickly. "I want to move the institution forward as quickly as we can," Crady said. "We don't have a lot of time to fix this. In fact, we have virtually no time." That's because the effort recruiters make now will have delayed results. Students who will be freshman in college next fall already are making their decisions about where to enroll outside any new recruitment tools UM employs. So Crady and his team are digging in to make fast changes to reverse the decline of some 24 percent since 2010. This year, for instance, UM put out a call to students to apply, a practice that's common at other institutions. "We invited students to apply to the University of Montana. We've never done that before," Crady said. He also said UM is working with a micro-scholarship platform partially funded by the Gates Foundation that helps reach students early in high school. It's called Raise.me, and it offers students $20 or $25 for good grades and attendance, for instance; the money turns into a scholarship at UM if the student eventually enrolls. Crady said the students start accumulating scholarship money starting in the 9th grade, and the virtual fund is a benefit to the students and their parents. "It signals to parents that they have a chance to help their son or daughter make it into college because money is available," he said. To date, more than 5,000 people signed up with no advertising, Crady said. He said the program cost UM $9,000, and it has the exclusive contract in Montana for a four-year institution. The strategy also might have caught the attention of another school that chases the same students as UM. "One of our competitors said they're going to award scholarships earlier. Go figure," Crady said. *** Before he launched into his presentation, the audience gave Crady a round of applause. "(I hope) you're all clapping at the end of the year," he quipped. He started the talk by telling the group he had a baffling mystery to solve in his new role at UM. The university has highly competitive tuition, it's in "one of the most beautiful locations on Earth," and the academics are stellar. Why had the flagship campus lost some 2,500 students over five years, along with millions of dollars in revenue? "And the slope was still going down," Crady said. "It just didn't make any sense to me." He learned UM has a small staff, five recruiters compared to the 15 at the smaller private Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota where he worked previously. And UM also was spending a lot of time processing applications because its system for doing so was outdated. One goal is to move to an all paperless application process by January 1, Crady said. Already, though, his team and IT quickly put a website together to invite students to apply to UM this year, and they sent it to 34,000 people three and a half weeks ago. Students who jumped on the website and logged in found an attractive landing page and an application page already customized with their information, which UM gleaned from other sources such as testing companies. "It alleviated all barriers to the application for all prospective students," Crady said. *** At the same time, he wants to back up the recruiting efforts to begin focusing on recruiting sophomores and juniors in high school as well as their parents, who may be footing the bill. UM was starting to target students in the second semester of their junior year, when some already had made their decisions. "The world of college admissions is in hyper drive right now," Crady said. The vice president also is making changes to try to retain students already at UM by cancelling holds preventing them from registering unless they're for health and safety reasons. When you throw up too many hurdles in front of students, "you might as well tell them to go home." Crady axed the holds that weren't absolutely necessary and wants to help students work through complications, such as being behind on tuition payment, earlier instead. He's also working to streamline financial aid and remove other barriers to retention. "In the field of admissions, we are always, always moving very quickly," Crady said. "We have no time to rest." Despite the struggles at UM, Crady said he's feeling optimistic, and he wants to help create a new narrative for the university. It's important because the stories about a university follow it far away, he said. When he's overseas representing a university, he talks with prospective students who are often familiar with recent events on the campus. So Crady wants to show UM in its positive light. He said people's jobs depend on it, as does the opportunity for students to attend the Missoula university. "In spite of our challenges, I feel like we have the right team in place. We could use more of them. But we're getting there," he said. Hundreds of Missoulians gathered in McLeod Park Tuesday afternoon to petition the Army Corps of Engineers to delay or stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. The crowd swelled a little after its 1 p.m. start time, gathering in a semicircle to face the office across the street. George Price, environmental issues coordinator for Indian People's Action, emceed the event, opening with a short prayer and a few words urging a peaceful protest. Thats not what were about today, he said. Weve got plenty of possible action in the future. Price is also a University of Montana lecturer who teaches Native American and African American history. Some 18 million people live along the Missouri River, and could be affected if the pipeline breaks or contaminates the water, Price said, making the pipeline an issue for everyone, not just the Standing Rock Sioux. True to his profession, Price used history as an argument for the federal government and corporations' propensity to build over Native American land, and the governments inaction to defend sacred sites. They can do whatever they want, he said. And, to cheers: Its time to change that. Price delivered a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers Missoula office Monday, asking them to do everything in their power to stop the pipeline, or ask their superiors or the president to do so. The corps office, at 1600 North Ave. W., was closed Tuesday, according to a sign on the door. The Missoula branch is part of the corps' Omaha District and administers and enforces the Clean Water Act, as well as issues permits, according to the districts website. Price brought up more than 10 speakers in the almost two-hour protest, all western Montanans; almost all had been to Standing Rock, bringing donated supplies. Allen Matt, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran who is Salish, said he wanted to go to Standing Rock because before he died, he wanted to see something good. Im very proud of all of you, he told the crowd, and encouraged further action by asking people to petition their local law enforcement agencies not to send officers to North Dakota. Dont send cops to Cannon Ball, he said of the town in North Dakota near the contested site. Dont send them there to pepper spray our grandmothers and sic their dogs on our children. Matt said he enjoyed spending time around the ceremonial fire in the protectors camp, where they sang several songs. You might recognize this, he said, before launching into an acapella song of unity, his bright voice piercing the wind, as he danced in a slow circle. Rita Jankowska-Bradley shared her artistic piece, a poem she wrote for the water protectors. We are all and one of the Earth People, she began. The waters of the Missouri are all polluted by ignorance, yet unappeased by dollars. UMs Branch Diversity Center director Joseph Grady brought 15 university students to Standing Rock camps earlier this month, along with a U-Haul van full of donated items. Four of those students also spoke Tuesday. Grady said the camps offered a message of humanity, and were primarily prayerful and peaceful, though the force used against the protectors disturbed him. I saw children playing and there were people praying. And I saw snipers on the hill, he said. That kind of behavior I thought was lost to history. Two protesters stood behind him, holding an inverted American flag a sign of extreme distress with an American Indian Movement patch sewn in the middle of the stars. Writing on the white stripes commemorated two separate camps the flag had visited in North Dakota, Red Warrior and Sacred Stones. The protest was part of another planned day of action initiated by 350, an international nonprofit that organizes grassroots protests to raise awareness of climate change issues. All 50 states had planned protests and 350s website encouraged international activists to protest banks financing the project, or U.S. embassies. In Montana, protesters also gathered in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Great Falls and Hamilton. Their previous day of action encouraged standing in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux and brought more than 100 people to line the Higgins Street Bridge in September. 350 Missoula and Butte-based Indian People's Action organized the event Tuesday. John Woodland, whos involved with 350s Missoula, wrapped up the protest with some climate change facts, showing how the pipeline is one part of a movement that he said needs to be taken against oil companies, mines and the use of fossil fuels. If you shut the switch off today, have no more fossil fuels at all, the temperature rise continues, he said. Native Americans have always been right about how to interact with the Earth, Woodland said, and white people have always ignored them. If we dont learn it this time, I think itll be too late. An overflow crowd flooded into the Stevensville Town Council chambers Monday to speak their mind on a proposal that would trade away city park lands in exchange for a new fishing access site along the Bitterroot River. None of those who spoke were particularly happy with the idea. The information-gathering meeting was hosted by the towns parks and recreation board. The issue at hand was a proposal that would trade away 8.5 acres of the town park lands to the Capp Family for 3.6 acres of land adjacent to the bridge that crosses the Bitterroot River west of Stevensville. The Capp family has also offered a 1.25-acre strip of land that runs along the East Side Highway across from the Bitterroot National Forests Stevensville District Ranger Station. If the exchange were to occur, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has agreed to construct a new parking area and pit toilet at the site thats already extremely popular for boaters. The cost of the improvements is expected to be about $250,000. The state would also maintain the site. State Sen. Fred Thomas of Stevensville has worked to help develop the proposal. We have been trying to get something done on that river access for like 20 years, Thomas said in an interview before Mondays meeting. Today we have a solution that we can swap some land between the Capps and the city and end up with a fishing access site that will be upgraded and maintained by FWP. Its a grand opportunity to get this done, Thomas said. It could be the only opportunity to get this resolved. If we dont, we could lose access to the river as we know it today. Its a big deal. But so is the 8.5 acres of undeveloped park land that runs along the banks of the Bitterroot River just north of the bridge. People at Mondays meeting told the park board that they use that parcel to walk their dogs, watch birds and enjoy a little bit of solitude without having to drive a long distance. Most were adamant that the town should take more time to explore other options that would retain both the park land and fishing access site. Dale Burk of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association said that while his group continues to support the proposal for a formal fishing access site at that location, we believe that at the present time it is best for all concerned to take a deep breath, step back a bit and make sure that our deliberative process has truly given adequate and honest consideration of all the values involved in this proposal. For instance, Burk said no one has analyzed the tax benefits the Capp family might incur by donating a couple of acres along the river to the public. In a letter, Bill Perrin of Stevensville suggested staking off the section of the towns park that would be traded away so people could get an idea of what would be lost. Park and Recreation board member James Marble said he believed the park land was a tremendous asset and wasnt in favor of doing any kind of land swap. I would argue that we need to slow down and really assess the options, Marble said. To me, its like were looking at choice A when we really should have a choice B to assess. The Capp Family owns the land that boaters use to access the river just below the bridge. The town has an easement through that property to access its river park just north of the bridge. Fishermen have used that location to launch their boats for decades. Some in the room said the issue should be taken to court to see if the public has a prescriptive easement across the Capp property to the river banks due to the history of use. Rory Zarling, FWPs Fishing Access Site Program manager, said he believes the proposal is a good solution. I think it would work out well for everyone. With that said, Zarling said its only a proposal at this point. We had to start somewhere, he said. Rather than getting 101 people involved, we put something down on paper to get the process started. The site selected for the parking area on the Capp property was pretty much the only reasonable spot, Zarling said. Its the highest and driest area that wouldnt be jeopardized by flooding. While a number of people at Mondays meeting worried about the aesthetics of building a parking lot at the entrance into Stevensville, Zarling said he believes no more than seven trees would have to come off the site in order to build the parking area. An appraisal of the lands being offered by both sides showed an equal value acre for acre, Zarling said. The issue of value may run afoul of state statutes governing land swaps, something that will certainly come up before the town council. Right now, nothing is ruled in or out, Zarling said. The value is closer to two to one. This is the first official proposal. The Capps havent made a statement on if they would be willing to negotiate. At this point, there is a lot of misunderstanding that really can only be cleared up by a tour of the site. That walk out on the ground is probably where were headed, Zarling said. It might be a good thing to get out there with 10 or even all the 55 people who where there last night. At the conclusion of its meeting Monday, the board opted to recommend that any decision on the proposed land swap be postponed while other options are explored. Costco is looking to build a new 154,000-square-foot wholesale superstore on West Broadway, west of Reserve Street, and wants the city to anne We, the long-term loyal supporters of the University of Montana, feel strongly that it is past time to respond to the very small minority of dissident UM faculty members and their mouthpiece, Louis Schneller (guest column, Nov. 7), to their relentless cry to fire President Royce Engstrom and many of the administrative staff as a solution to the declining university budget and enrollment. Such an action would not resolve the enrollment problem. A new, experienced and vigorous leader for recruitment is the obvious solution and that has happened. With the hiring of Vice President Dr. Thomas Crady, many drastic changes have already occurred. His experience turning around two universities with similar problems in recent years is proof of the wise choice Engstom has made. He has revised the recruitment program in a number of ways. One effort involves underclassmen in high school; enrolling them in a nationally available micro scholarship program called Raise.me funded by numerous benefactors including the Gates Foundation. Credit toward a scholarship at UM is awarded by dollar credits for grades ($20 for an A, for example), perfect attendance and community service. Crady has already enlisted 5,000 chiefly Montana high school sophomores. Recently 34,000 informational invitations were sent to high school students. Conversion to a paperless recruiting office allows revision of the critical method of responding to all students who have forwarded ACT scores as seniors in high schools with a 24-hour turnaround of replying instead of many weeks in the recent past. The recruiting process at Montana State University, our chief competition, has been doing that. Crady is very familiar with all of their recruiting methods and we now have a fresh, innovative, welcoming and informative package to successfully compete. The university has a tremendous product to offer in a host of fields leading to exciting and well-compensated careers competitive with any engineering career. As always, we have had an unsurpassed quality of liberal education to complement all students regardless of their majors. We are very confident that you will see a turnaround in freshmen registration numbers next fall that will be the beginning of steady growth. It is time to enlist everyones support to help make that happen. Referring to Ron Albrechts letter (Friday, Nov. 11) in which he was proud of his 8-year-old grandson who, while waiting with him in a voting line, was asked who he would vote for: Donald Trump, he replied without hesitation. When asked why, he stated, Hillary has broken the law and is a criminal. I ask Albrecht if he had reached this conclusion by some investigation of facts or could he merely have been repeating what he hears at home? What law is Hillary Clinton supposed to have broken and what crime has she been convicted of? Im not aware of any. Broad, unfounded accusation hurled at a person do not a criminal make. Isnt this supposed to be a country where someone is innocent until proven guilty? Isnt that in our Constitution drawn up by our founding fathers? Do you feel that the women burned at the stake in Salem, Massachusetts, in colonial times must have been guilty because some young girls accused them of witchcraft? Was that justice serviced? And what about the accusation against Jesus? Accuse, then crucify. Is that how its supposed to work in America, Ron Albrecht? When Trump, whom you seem to feel is one of the "true heroes" who have given their blood, sweat and tears, along with hardworking taxpayers, starts telling the truth and actually pays the income tax he is owing for the past 10 or 20 years or maybe more, that might be the first step towards making America great again. Deanne Kendrick, Missoula BUTTE A Butte man died early Tuesday after flipping his vehicle east of Anaconda on Interstate 90. There were no other casualties. His name was not immediately released. A spokesman at the Montana Highway Patrol dispatch said the man, 40, was driving a 2004 GMC Envoy in the westbound lane when he drifted off the right side of the road. The driver over corrected and rolled twice through the median and into the eastbound lane, coming to a stop in the eastbound ditch. The call came in at 12:15 a.m. The crash occurred just east of the Highway 1 interchange. The dispatch spokesman said the man was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene. Road conditions were dry and authorities suspect drugs were a factor in the crash, according to the patrol's report. SEATTLE Democratic mayors of major U.S. cities that have long had cool relationships with federal immigration officials say they will do all they can to protect residents from deportation, despite President-elect Donald Trump's vows to withhold potentially millions of dollars in taxpayer money if they do not cooperate. New York City's Bill de Blasio, Chicago's Rahm Emanuel and Seattle's Ed Murray are among those in "sanctuary cities" that have tried to soothe worried immigrant populations. "Seattle has always been a welcoming city," Murray said Monday. "The last thing I want is for us to start turning on our neighbors." In Providence, Rhode Island, Mayor Jorge Elorza, the son of Guatemalan immigrants, said he would continue a longstanding policy of refusing to hold people charged with civil infractions for federal immigration officials. Newark, New Jersey's Ras Baraka echoed that decision, calling Trump's rhetoric on immigration "scary." Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck told the Los Angeles Times that he's committed to a longtime policy of staying out of immigration issues. Mayor Eric Garcetti has backed that up but stopped short of calling LA a sanctuary city because the term is "ill-defined." Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney restored sanctuary status when he took office in January and said last week the city would protect its residents. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser also said it would keep the status. During the campaign, Trump gave a speech in which he promised to "end the sanctuary cities" and said those "that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities will not receive taxpayer dollars." He blamed such policies for "so many needless deaths." Trump didn't elaborate on his plans for cracking down on the cities. In a "60 Minutes" interview broadcast Sunday, he said his administration's priority will be deporting criminals and securing the border. But significant questions and unease remain about his approach to sanctuary cities. There is no legal definition of the term, which is opposed by some immigration advocates who say it does not reflect that people can still be deported. It generally refers to jurisdictions that don't cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That can mean, for example, that they don't notify immigration officials when an undocumented immigrant is about to be released from custody. Some cities, like San Francisco, have long declared themselves safe havens for immigrants, issuing local ID cards to allow them to access government or other services. The term also been used to refer to cities that bar their employees, including police, from inquiring about a person's immigration status because crime victims and witnesses might be less likely to talk to investigators if they are worried about being deported. "We don't want anybody to be afraid to talk to us," said Sheriff John Urquhart of Washington's King County, which includes Seattle. Because states and cities can't be required to enforce federal law and there's no U.S. requirement that police ask about a person's immigration status it's likely that any Trump effort to crack down on sanctuary cities would focus on those that refuse to comply with ICE requests, said Roy Beck, chief executive of NumbersUSA, which wants to see immigration levels reduced. It's also unclear what money Trump might pull. For Congress to impose conditions on federal money heading to the states, the conditions must be related to the funding's purpose, the U.S. Supreme Court has said. For example, the government threatened to withhold highway funds from any state that failed to adopt a 0.08 blood-alcohol limit: Both the limit and the highway funding were related to road safety. "If the funding is for improving childhood education, it's hard to say that's reasonably related to local law-enforcement cooperation with deportations," said Mary Fan, a University of Washington law school professor. However, the U.S. Justice Department's inspector general looked at some jurisdictions with sanctuary policies earlier this year and concluded some appear to violate a federal law that says state and local governments may not prohibit or restrict workers from sharing information about a person's immigration status with federal immigration officials. Having such policies could jeopardize millions of dollars in DOJ grant money the jurisdictions receive, the inspector general's memo said. About 300 jurisdictions nationwide have sanctuary-like policies, according to the Center for Immigration Studies, which calls for lower immigration levels. "The result is people who should be deported, who have come to the attention of police because of crime, are released back into the community," said Jessica Vaughan, the group's director of policy studies. A prime example for supporters of a crackdown on sanctuary cities is the fatal shooting of Kate Steinle last year on a San Francisco pier. A man who had been previously deported and had been released by local law enforcement was charged in her death. Immigrant advocates say they are worried Trump's plans will wind up deporting more than violent criminals and they are gearing up for a fight. "These cities have reaffirmed they're going to respect the dignity of all their residents," said Matt Adams, legal director at the Seattle-based Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. "What they're saying is, 'We're not going to use our resources to separate families, to deport children, to tear communities apart.'" Surrounded by Blackfeet leaders in ceremonial headdress, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell signed papers canceling 15 energy exploration leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area on Wednesday morning. Leaseholder David Hager, president of Devon Energy, joined the ceremony in Washington, D.C., noting his company was voluntarily surrendering the opportunity to drill on 32,000 acres in a landscape the Blackfeet consider sacred to their people. The 130,000-acre area is surrounded by the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Today we cancel 15 leases that were let in the early 1980s, in an area that never should have been opened for oil and gas leasing, Jewell said. We didnt follow procedures we should have followed, and there are painful lessons that land managers have learned about the way we lease for natural gas. "Its important to know the highest and best use of these landscapes,'' she said. "Thats why there is a consultation process (with Indian tribes). Blackfeet elder Earl Old Person sang a blessing for the ceremony, and Tribal Chairman Harry Barnes thanked the government and Devon for working together to resolve the matter. He also called out tribal historic preservation officer John Murray, who developed scientific evidence to back up the tribes oral traditions about the Badger-Two Medicines significance. Murray's work helped get the area federally designated as a Traditional Cultural District. This directive today is a movement toward putting trust back into our trust responsibility, Barnes said. The entire Blackfeet nation should hold their heads up high today. Energy exploration on the Badger-Two Medicine became a uniting issue for the Blackfeet community when another leaseholder, Solenex LLC, announced plans to exercise its option to drill on 6,200 acres of the area four years ago. The tribal government teamed with conservation groups to argue the leases were illegal when they were released in the 1980s, because they lacked proper consultation with the tribes and complete environmental analyses. Solenex sued in federal court to force the U.S. Forest Service to give it a permit for drilling. But in March, the agency concluded that the leases were improperly granted and recommended that they be canceled. The Interior Department agreed, but that matter is still in court. Devon Energy acquired its 15 leases through a merger with another company, but has never acted to explore or develop them. Hager said the company had recently shifted its focus from worldwide energy development to North America after it led the revolution in horizontal hydraulic fracking for natural gas. But it concluded the Badger-Two Medicine didnt need to be part of that activity. We recognize there are times and places where the right thing is to take a step away, Hager said. We appreciate how important this is to the Blackfeet people. Cancellation of the leases entitles Devon to a refund of all rents and bonus bids paid, which total about $200,000, according to Department of Interior records. There are plenty of places where we can drill and dig in this country, but the Badger-Two Medicine is not one of those places, said U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, who attended the ceremony in Washington. This is one of the most pristine landscapes in the world,'' Tester said. "This decision really helps bring this area to a point where my kids and grandkids can enjoy it the way it is. And it wouldnt have been possible without the Blackfeet Tribe, Chairman Barnes and Chief Old Person. Two oil and gas leases remain in the area. Barnes and Jewell said efforts will continue to resolve those leases as well. HAMILTON Chanting water is life and waving signs at passersby, nearly 100 people turned out in Hamilton Tuesday to offer their support to the Standing Rock Siouxs fight to stop an oil pipeline in North Dakota. Their efforts were met with honking horns and thumbs-up signals from many of the lunch crowd driving through the center of town. Sarah Monson and Suzanne Alene Shope organized the peaceful protest that brought people from as far away as Dillon to the corner on Highway 93 and Main Street. This is a phenomenal turnout, Monson said as she stood with a sign in one hand and a bullhorn in the other. As a human race right now, we all have to be unified to help each other. I think people are excited to have the opportunity to do just that. Wearing her Classic Cherokee Collection shirt, Hamilton resident Donna Mundschenk was happily beating her drum and joining in on the chants as she smiled at people driving by. Herself part Cherokee, Mundschenk said she absolutely respects the stand people are making at Standing Rock. I do believe water is life, she said. I would work with them if I could get there. This is as close I can get right now. Its a nice thing thats happening here. Im stunned that there are so many people here. The Hamilton gathering was one many across the United States following a call for a national day of action from the indigenous leaders at Standing Rock. Many staged protests at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offices around the country, including other communities in Montana. On Monday, the Corps announced it was delaying an easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline project until it conducts an additional review with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The 1,100-mile pipeline was rerouted toward tribal nation lands after citizens in North Dakota rejected it. The project is nearly complete, but still needs a final easement to drill under the Missouri River at Lake Oahe, which is a half-mile upstream of the Tribes reservation boundary. Protesters say the water supply of the Tribe and 17 million people downstream are at risk if the pipeline leaks. Quinty Smith of Hamilton had just returned from a five-day stay at Standing Rock in support of the indigenous people there. It was a life-changing experience for sure, Smith said, while taking a break at waving at people driving by. While we were there, there were thousands of people showing up to support the effort. From what she saw, Smith said the focus in the camps was to support the value of life and love for humanity. While she was there, she took part in a huge prayer circle that included the arrival of group of indigenous kids who had run 1,400 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona and a group of about 50 horsemen who had ridden from South Dakota to join the protest. It was an amazing thing to see, she said. It was always peaceful. It didnt feel like something out of the 60s. It was a very different atmosphere. The picture was very different outside the camps where, Smith said where she saw a militarized police force, with police present on ridge tops and helicopters and airplanes flying over the camp at all hours. It felt like they were there to protect the oil company and not the people in the camps, Smith said. When I stood there and saw that police force, I felt like I was on the West Bank in Israel. Shope said Tuesdays show of support in Hamilton included people of all ages and background. We have people here from all over western Montana, she said. There is a real nice cross section of people here. Per capita, this is a large group standing in solidarity with Standing Rock. Parliament, which itself has been in a legal limbo since its term officially expired more than a year ago with no date set for elections, has refused the governments pleas to stop the hearings. And Hajji Zahir Qadir, the deputy speaker of the Parliament, said on Tuesday that despite President Ghanis claims, the ministers dismissal could not be reversed by the Supreme Court. If the government is just fooling itself, thats a separate issue, Mr. Qadir said. But that is far from the only issue. Some analysts believe that a byzantine political intrigue may be underway: that the cabinet purge might have some degree of support from Mr. Ghani, despite his public protestations. Supporting that argument is that some of the dismissed ministers were already under scrutiny by Mr. Ghani on accusations of incompetence or corruption, but had such powerful political patrons that few observers thought the president was politically strong enough to fire them. The palace is using Parliament like chess, said Intizar Khadim, a political analyst in Kabul. Two years ago, ministers were selected in a hurry, so now the palace is possibly trying to select professional people as ministers and they are doing it through the Parliament. But a senior political adviser to Mr. Ghani, Mohammad Akram Khpalwak, flatly rejected the idea that Parliaments dismissals had been coordinated with the presidents office. He acknowledged that the performance of some of the government ministers had been under review, but characterized that as a sign of accountability to the Afghan people and international donors who had demanded more anticorruption measures. Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved Nicht Ihr Computer? Dann konnen Sie fur die Anmeldung ein Fenster zum privaten Surfen offnen. Weitere Informationen Donald Trump and his allies have announced their agenda. It includes torture, denial of basic human rights, military action that violates the laws of war, racial injustice, misogyny, and xenophobia. What role and responsibility do we have? I am a lawyer, teacher, and writer. So I speak to those in my profession and those preparing to enter it. To repeat: dont mourn, organize. Some of my friends are saying, Well, Trump and Co. will soon calm down, so I dont think we need to worry. After all, his rhetoric has already improved. Reminds me of Alexander Pope: Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace. And along with Pope, I think, W.H. Auden: I smell blood and an era of prominent madmen. The social currents that swept Donald Trump into office, along with a Congressional majority, are a bit like those forces and social conditions on which the Nazi Party relied in seeking and seizing power in 1932 and 1933. See John Mages and my article: The Reichstag Fire Trial, 1933-2008 : The Production of Law and History (2009). It is heartening that this is the most-downloaded piece of my work on the Duke Law School website. For us, the point is that the destruction of all barriers against arbitrary power was made possible by the complacency and complicity of lawyers and judges. The majority of them stood by while the system they inherited was dismantled and even while their colleagues were persecuted. Buy and read Ingo Mullers masterful book Hitlers Justice: The Courts of the Third Reich. The American Bar Association has a travelling exhibit about some of these events, called Lawyers Without Rights. If it comes to your town, go see it. In our town, we used the exhibit as the basis for a community meeting that drew in African-American and Hispanic communities. How We Got Here So lesson number one is: Those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it, and the lessons grow more severe with each repetition. Over the past 50 years, I have litigated human rights violations. The violators have fought back with an ever-expanding list of legal devices that deny access to judicial review. These devices have been devised and used by every presidential administration of my adult lifetime Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, Obama. As we prepare to defend human rights, we already know what our opponent looks like. We have met him again and again. From the cold war ideology that brought us Vietnam through the interventionist policies of the 1980s and 1990s, and now into the perpetual battle for oil and treasure in the Middle East, we have learned what Hedy West taught us: Well be controlled by manipulated fear. I have been writing about some of these issues over the years. Much of my writing is on the Duke Law School website, where you can browse and download for free: . You can find my Monthly Review writing at . In domestic human rights cases, the abusers have claimed that the political question doctrine bars judicial examination of unlawful executive action. They also claim that uncovering illegality would compromise state secrets. I dispelled these myths, based on law and history, in The National Security State: the End of Separation of Powers and Resisting Wholesale Electronic Invasion of the Fourth Amendment (keynote speech to the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers). See also Law & the Rise of Capitalism (2d ed.). Our Path Forward Fortunately, some judges and courts have taken article 3 of the constitution seriously. For a hopeful sign, see Al-Shimari v. CACI, 2016 WL 6135246 (4th Cir. 2016). A short summary of the case and its issues is at . Students in the UNROW clinic at Washington College of Law prepared an amicus brief in the case, which my colleague Ali Beydoun and I mentored and signed. The court held that torture by a private contractor was subject to judicial review. Of course, the courtroom struggle is only one part of the necessary process. We have never been able to depend on the judges to get it right the first time, or all the time, or even sometimes at all. More significantly, what we as lawyers say and do in the courtroom is simply the noise made by banging on an empty pot unless we enlist our skills in the service of people who decry injustice and unless we come to understand their stories. I wrote about my own path in Fighting Injustice, which you can buy on Amazon. You can read about the narratives of oppressed people in Narratives of Oppression (17 Human Rights Brief 34-35, 2009). In my play Haymarket: Whose Name the Few Still Say with Tears, I imagined conversations between the anarchist leader Lucy Parsons and Clarence Darrow. They were arguing about whether this struggle for human rights really matters. The play ends with this: Lucy Parsons: But that is the point, Clarence. If some message lives beyond all this brave lawyer speech, what is it? That I should salute the law because although it hanged my husband, some other law begged my pardon? I take nothing away from you, Clarence, nor Altgeld, nor Captain Black. It is historys judgment that John Browns name and Albert Parsons lives longer than Altgelds. Your lawyers ego wants you to think you stand at the center of every event by which the world is changed. Your right to stand there is only because some brave soul has risked death or prison in the peoples cause and you are called to defend him or her. When you put law and lawyers at the center of things, you are only getting in the peoples way, and doing proxy for the image of the law the state wants us to have. The law is a mask that the state puts on when it wants to commit some indecency upon the oppressed. Darrow: (Angry.) If I believed that, I would still be lawyer for the railroad, and not making do with the fees the union can pay. Lucy, the law is a fence built around the people and their rights. Lucy Parsons: (Kindly.) What an image! And you, Clarence, are a fierce old dog, set to bark and warn off intruders. Maybe so. I wish it so. We are all on trial in this life we have chosen, Clarence. All we can know is that none of us will live to see the verdict. Maybe Lucy is right to be skeptical about the limits on our power. But she surely wanted a lawyer when she was arrested. And we as lawyers must take for ourselves the kindly words of Thomas Merton, who warned that overmuch worrying about whether we are going to succeed can paralyze us so that we stop struggling against injustice. The plays reference to Altgeld is to Governor John Peter Altgeld, Darrows friend and mentor. As I looked back at the play, and thought about the recent election, I turned back to Lindsays poem about the election of 1896, in which the progressive movement was set back by the moneyed interests behind McKinley. You will recall that the McKinley administration embarked on a militaristic imperial campaign that swept former Spanish possessions under the American yoke, and which Theodore Roosevelt celebrated with racist rhetoric that will sound familiar to those who have been listening to election cycle speeches. It is not a perfect fit, but the poem is worth re-reading: Bryan, Bryan, Bryan, Bryan. Coda In 1989, Justice William Brennan asked me to come to his office at the Supreme Court to help him with a speech he was to give. We spent a good hour and half at work in his office and then he walked me down the little hallway between his office and the reception area where his secretary sat. On the way out, he took my arm and asked earnestly, Did I do any good up here? I said yes. The point of this story is that we will all wonder that same thing, but our wondering should not stop us from doing our work. Michael E. Tigar is Emeritus Professor of Law at Duke University and Emeritus Professor of Law at Washington College of Law. He has been a lawyer working on social change issues for many years. His books include Law and the Rise of Capitalism (Monthly Review Press, second edition, 2000), Fighting Injustice (ABA Press, 2002), and Thinking About Terrorism: The Threat to Civil Liberties in Times of National Emergency (ABA Press, 2007). Editor's Note: This story originally said Jimmy Miller was returned to the Butte Pre-release Center after his arrest. Miller was actually taken to the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge according to pre-release hearings officer John Pellegrini. WALKAWAY CRASHES CAR AFTER CHASE A car chase ended Saturday with the arrest of a man police said walked away from the Butte Pre-release Center. At 2 a.m. observed a man driving a car with its trunk open, and attempted to make a traffic stop. The car took off, leading police on a chase that ended on Park and Crystal when the vehicle reached a dead end. The driver tried to drive across a field, but crashed in a ditch, fled on foot and was caught. Police arrested Jimmy Miller, 49, of Butte. A passenger was not arrested. Miller was taken to the hospital after he complained of chest pains, and then taken to the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. Police said the 1989 Toyota Camry was reported stolen from the 600 block of South Dakota Street on November 9. SUSPECT PEEKS, GETS ARRESTED Police responded to a a disturbance on the 500 block of South Idaho Street at 10 p.m. Saturday, where witnesses said Gary Courtney, 24, struck and threw his girlfriend to the ground at least three times. Courtney left before police arrived, but was spotted peering around a corner and arrested for assault. Police said a woman who Courtney struck when she tried to break up the fight is pressing charges and not the girlfriend. ARM WRESTLER ARRESTED An arm wrestling bout ended in violence at Shorty's Saloon just past 1 a.m. Sunday, leading to the arrest of Chad Armstrong, 42, for assault. Witnesses told police a bartender stopped the arm wrestling after it led to a fight, and that Armstrong struck a woman, 25, who tried to break it up. BLOODY MAN PUNCHES WINDOWS Police responding to a criminal mischief complaint on the 1800 block of Reynolds Street at 8:45 p.m. Monday arrested a man with blood on his hands for breaking windows. Police said Stuart Shikoli-Wesonga, 23, Butte, also had a $5,000 criminal contempt warrant out of Butte City Court, and appeared drunk or on drugs. Police said he had a tough time answering questions, and faces charges of criminal mischief for the windows and disorderly conduct for not cooperating with jailers. The ancient art of calligraphy and a lesson in Chinese traditional culture made an appearance at Montana Tech on Tuesday. Graduate student June Mohler learned a handful when visiting Chinese professor Han Zhiguo gave a quick lesson on the fine art of calligraphy, an angular script of highly aesthetic value. I used to do biological illustrations, said Mohler, after carefully following Hans precise brushstrokes on rice paper. Mohler was one of 25 people taking in Zhiguos presentation on Guoxue Chinese traditional culture in the basement of the Student Union Building. Zhiguo is in town for a week as part of a faculty exchange program that Tech science/technology professor Pat Munday came about through a series of fortuitous events, or Yuanfen, as they say in China. With local translator Chen Shihua Brazills help, Zhiguo lectured about traditional Chinese music, poetry, painting, medicine and festivals. Hwe-Chu Tu, who teaches Mandarin Chinese at Tech but who hails from Taiwan, said Zhiguos lecture covered different flavors of the Chinese culture. The majority of the audience doesnt have much knowledge of the Chinese culture, said Chu, whose husband is associate computer science professor Frank Ackerman. A delicate tea ceremony ripe with symbolism and ritual and the calligraphy lesson rounded out the lecture. Ackerman was the first one honored with a tiny cup of green tea. Though emerging as a modern industrial super power, China has managed thus far to blend its traditional culture with contemporary science and technology, said Munday. Translator Shihua, a Tech grad, and professor Chad Okrusch have a personal connection with Wei Shangrong, an administrator at Guangdong College of Business and Technology in Guangzhou, China a city of 12 million people. Wei previously taught Shihua at a Chinese college, then Okrusch cemented the friendship when he researched international trade in bamboo fishing rods in China. Those connections prompted Wei to visit Tech, formalizing the college-to-college relationship. Zhiguo is the first faculty to test the exchange. So far Munday has twice visited China; he plans to travel there again in February. We hope for a formal faculty exchange and professors to come from their three-year school, said Munday. Because Guangdong College is a three-year school, students must complete their degree elsewhere. Thats the first step. Then we hope in a few years to have students complete their fourth year here by taking a BS from Montana Tech, said Munday. BILLINGS U.S. officials are canceling 15 oil and gas leases in an area bordering Glacier National Park that's considered sacred to the Blackfoot tribes of the U.S. and Canada, according to details of a planned Wednesday announcement obtained in advance by The Associated Press. The cancellation would preserve the 130,000-acre Badger-Two Medicine area within the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement. Jewell said it was important to develop oil and gas resources "in the right ways and the right places." The move comes amid sometimes-violent protests over an oil pipeline being built near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota. The Obama administration has been criticized by some American Indians for its handling of that dispute, and federal officials have sought to reduce tensions by saying they would consider re-routing the pipeline. The Badger-Two Medicine area lies bounded by the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. While not part of the reservation, the Blackfeet people consider it a sacred part of their heritage and source of many traditional creation stories. It also supports habitat for grizzly bears, wolverine, wolves, elk, and cutthroat trout, linking the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountain Front. The Badger-Two Medicine is the site of the creation story for members of Montana's Blackfeet Nation and the Blackfoot tribes of Canada. The 15 oil and gas leases were issued in the 1980s and held by Oklahoma-based Devon Energy. No drilling has occurred. The cancellation was made in cooperation with Devon executives, according to representatives of the Interior Department and the Blackfeet. In March, federal officials canceled a 6,200-acre lease in the Badger-Two-Medicine that was held by Solenex LLC. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, company has been seeking to drill for gas in the area for the past several years. It's challenged the government's decision in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Two oil and gas leases remain in the area. Blackfeet Tribal Chairman Harry Barned said in a statement that efforts to cancel those leases would continue. "Our pursuit to protect the Badger-Two Medicine has lasted more than three decades, and it will continue until all the illegal oil and gas leases are canceled and the area is permanently protected," Barnes said. There she goes again. State Senator Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, just returned from the annual meeting of the American Lands Council (ALC) and is proselytizing across the state to transfer federal lands to willing states for local control. When Ms. Fielders uses the words federal lands, in western Montana she means National Forests. This drum beat to have states take over national forests has evoked a significant rejection from many Montanans. Yet she continues unabated. Since there is clear opposition to a wholesale transfer, it appears she is now on the path of having federal legislation passed to create a shotgun approach to blow holes in the jurisdictional fabric of our national forests. If you cant get what you want through the front door, try the back door. Her description of how state control would work is suspiciously similar to language in a bill that has already been introduced in Congress and supported by Congressman Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.: HR 2316 the Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act. Senator Fielder calls for establishing pilot areas where she describes state and local citizens as having a more meaningful role in policy decisions and if successful could seek additional tracts in the future. That raises a whole host of practical and economic questions like: what are the criteria for picking these pilot areas which the bill requires to be at least 200,000 acres in size? Who would pay and how much funding would be needed for timber sale planning startup and post-sale expenses? Given how long it takes to grow the next crop of trees, it would be a very long time indeed to know if the pilot was successful. She blames distant federal bureaucrats for making bad decisions. Yes, policy comes from Washington D.C., but management decisions are made locally. The Forest Service is decentralized for the very purpose of being responsive to local needs. Forest Service District Rangers, Forest Supervisors and resource professionals are our friends and neighbors and are keenly aware of local interests. Senator Fielder contends that some other kind of local control will provide better decisions. I can only assume that her definition of local control means giving decision authority to the Board of County Commissioners? I find that idea problematic given that elected county officials are often politically motivated by short-term economic needs and not long-term sustainability. Suggesting that our National Forests would be better managed by counties is akin to the fox guarding the hen house. When they were established, it was recognized counties with National Forests within their borders should receive compensation for lost tax revenue. For example, where I live, Ravalli County has annually received $2 million to $4 million based on timber sale receipts and payments in lieu of taxes. The county has relied heavily on this income for decades. Unfortunately, in this era where the Republican-controlled Congress wants to reduce the federal budget, it is understandable the county is nervous these long-standing federal payments might disappear. However, taking control of the National Forest in an attempt to bring back a long-gone timber industry is not a sustainable answer to fix the countys economy. National Forests embody the uniquely American idea of conservation whose original purpose was not meant to be a cash cow but was to generate a sustainable supply of water, timber, and wildlife for America. They are a national treasure and the envy of the world. We in the west are incredibly lucky to have them in our backyards, use them for practically nothing and too often take them for granted. This notion of transferring the public lands that belong to all Americans to individual states is un-American and would ultimately make us a weaker nation. Instead of seeking new federal legislation to take over the National Forests, Senator Fielder should use the power of her position to bring all parties together to carryout collaborative community decision-making that is already working in many places in state. We owe it to the original pioneers of conservation who gave us this legacy of public lands to figure out how to work together. The future of this uniquely American idea depends on it. , , , . Hillary never had a chance Most liberals dont understand why Donald Trump won the election. But the answer is simple and obvious. The American people are tired of a Progressive, big brother government controlling every aspect of their lives. Progressives tell us what we can and cannot say or do because of political correctness. We are forced to accept late-term abortions, gay marriage, and sanctuary cities. We are even forced to buy low-flow toilets and shower heads and specific light bulbs. We cant even chose how to parent our kids. Parents are afraid their kids could be taken away from them if they spank them or allow them to walk to a park a block away without adult supervision. Our children are getting short-changed in education. Our schools rank 17th out of 40 countries in overall educational performance! We are forced to accept illegal aliens and Syrian refugees, even though ISIS has told us that they will infiltrate the Syrian refugees with terrorists. We were forced to accept Obamacare which was rammed down our throats and is as costly and inefficient as are all government programs. Progressives use our tax money to take better care of illegal aliens than our military veterans. They dont respect our brave policemen. They want to hand out free college tuition, more welfare, and food stamps. They want to use our hard-earned money to help many who arent willing to carry their own weight. We cant trust Progressives like Hillary who admitted that she says one thing in public and another in private. Obama basically apologizes to other countries for Americas past sins. He bowed to a Saudi prince. He paid ransom for hostages. He drew lines in the sand and then backed off. He decimated our military. He hurt rather than helped race relations. Our country is a mess! People realize that we desperately need real change. Poor, clueless Hillary never had a chance with her Progressive agenda! Gary Kump, Butte Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Argent Securities Inc., Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-W1 Plaintiff, vs. James Roswell Nott; Linda S. Nott a/k/a Linda Sue Nott; Parties in Possession; James Ralph Nott; Time Investment Company, Inc.; State of Iowa - Child Support Recovery Unit; State of Iowa - Child Support Recovery Unit; Jody Kay Nott; Unknown spouse (if any) of James Roswell Nott; Unknown spouse (if any) of James Ralph Nott; Unknown spouse (if any) of Linda S. Nott; IDT Carmel, Inc.; Credit Acceptance Corporation, et al. Defendants. You are notified that a petition has been filed in the office of this court naming you as a defendant in this action. The petition was filed on September 14, 2016, and prays for foreclosure of Plaintiffs mortgage in favor of the Plaintiff on the property described in this notice and judgment for the unpaid principal amount of $67,617.04, with 5% per annum interest thereon from November 1, 2015, together with late charges, advances and the costs of the action including (but not limited to) title costs and reasonable attorney's fees, as well as a request that said sums be declared a lien upon the following described premises from June 24, 2005, located in Muscatine county, Iowa: The Southerly 70 feet of Lots 6, 7, and 8, in Block 34, of South Muscatine, an addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa, except the Westerly 4 feet of said Lot 8; situated in Muscatine County, Iowa also known as: The South Half of Lots 6 and 7 and the East 56 feet South half of Lot 8 Block 34, of South Muscatine, an Addition to the City of Muscatine, in Muscatine County, Iowa, commonly known as 316 Bleeker Street, Muscatine, IA 52761 (the "Property") The petition further prays that the mortgage on the above described real estate be foreclosed, that a special execution issue for the sale of as much of the mortgaged premises as is necessary to satisfy the judgment and for other relief as the Court deems just and equitable. For further details, please review the petition on file in the clerk's office. The Plaintiffs attorney is Emily Bartekoske, of SouthLaw, P.C.; whose address is 1401 50th Street, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266. NOTICE THE PLAINTIFF HAS ELECTED FORECLOSURE WITHOUT REDEMPTION. THIS MEANS THAT THE SALE OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY WILL OCCUR PROMPTLY AFTER ENTRY OF JUDGMENT UNLESS YOU FILE WITH THE COURT A WRITTEN DEMAND TO DELAY THE SALE. IF YOU FILE A WRITTEN DEMAND, THE SALE WILL BE DELAYED UNTIL TWELVE MONTHS (OR SIX MONTHS IF THE PETITION INCLUDES A WAIVER OF DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT) FROM THE ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS YOUR RESIDENCE AND IS A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING OR UNTIL TWO MONTHS FROM ENTRY OF JUDGMENT IF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY IS NOT YOUR RESIDENCE OR IS YOUR RESIDENCE BUT NOT A ONE-FAMILY OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLING. YOU WILL HAVE NO RIGHT OF REDEMPTION AFTER THE SALE. THE PURCHASER AT THE SALE WILL BE ENTITLED TO IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF THE MORTGAGED PROPERTY. YOU MAY PURCHASE AT THE SALE. You must serve a motion or answer on or before 7th day of December, 2016, and within a reasonable time thereafter file your motion or answer with the Clerk of Court for Muscatine County, at the county courthouse in Muscatine, Iowa. If you do not, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. If you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in a court action because of a disability, immediately call your District ADA Coordinator at 563-326-8783. If you are hearing impaired, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942. This case has been filed in a county that utilizes electronic filing. You may find more information and general rules governing electronic filing in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16. You may find information concerning protection of personal information in court filings in Iowa Court Rules Chapter 16, Division VI. By:Jeff Tollenaer CLERK OF THE ABOVE COURT Muscatine County Courthouse 401 East 3rd Street, Muscatine, IA 52761 IMPORTANT: YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE AT ONCE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS. DES MOINES, Iowa Thanksgiving Day brings the annual gathering of family, friends, food and festivities, some of the best treasures a person could be thankful for. State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald knows his office has a bounty of its own with the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. "A quick search on our website can provide one more reason to give thanks," Fitzgerald said. "The word is out that unclaimed property exists and anyone may find money they never knew they were owed." The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $220 million in unclaimed property since Fitzgerald created it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report unclaimed property to the state treasurer's office. The assets are then held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents. "Those who take the time to search the list may find they have one more thing to be thankful for," Fitzgerald stated. "I encourage everyone to visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website to look for their lost treasure." Visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Like Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter (@GreatIATreasure). MUSCATINE, Iowa The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors met to canvass the votes cast at the 2016 general election Tuesday morning, and a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner spot had to be left open. Muscatine County Auditor Leslie Soule said Scott Denkman, who received 24 votes, is disqualified because he lives in Moscow Township, and a current commissioner already resides in Moscow Township. Scott Eichelberger, who also received 24 votes, was therefore selected to serve with Travis Glynn, who received 27 votes. If two of the top three "vote getters" had been themselves living in the same township, the next highest would be chosen, Soule explained, but because Denkman lives in same township as the an already elected commissioner, the third seat will remain vacant. Three townships had trustee candidates with a tied number of votes, and the board drew the names to break the ties. For Fruitland Township, Mark Yerington was elected as trustee with 270 votes, with Chris Williams, Gary Pickering, David Kennelly, Adam White, Jaime Limoges, Rick Honts, Thomas Harper, Tom Haynes, and Cory Rudolph receiving one vote each. The board drew the name of Thomas Harper to serve as the second trustee with Yerington. Wapsie Township was in need of one trustee, and Ken Donnellys name was drawn. Bill Frauenholtz tied with Donnelly with two votes. For Wilton Township, which needed two trustees, Trent Barrett was elected with 157 votes with William Mach, Ernie Peters, Fred Grunder, Brad Longlett, and Robert Barrett receiving one vote each. Peters name was drawn to serve as the second trustee. WILTON, Iowa Wilton is turning down a federal grant earmarked to help pay for a new sidewalk. The city council unanimously voted 4-0 Monday night to return a federal Transportation Alternative Project grant of around $150,000 that would have helped fund a proposed five foot wide sidewalk along Cypress Street from the railroad tracks north to Summit Street. Council Member Sheryl Lenker was absent. The project, originally estimated to cost $203,000, would include an automated traffic signal at the intersection of Fifth and Cypress Streets and was intended to increase safety for students walking to and from school. But a new cost estimate of $265,800 presented by City Administrator Chris Ball Monday night caused council members to think the project could be scaled down and done for less money. "Automatic traffic signals is a must," Council member Ted Marolf said. "But the amount of pedestrian traffic doesn't justify a new sidewalk. Building sidewalks all the way up Cypress Street seems to be overkill. I don't see a need for it." "We're looking at numbers, but we really need to look at a safe route to school for the kids from the south part of town," Mayor Bob Barrett commented. Ball said he will research estimates for a less expensive alternative. DOWNTOWN PROJECT UPDATE Officials are looking forward to fully utilizing another grant that was awarded to Wilton earlier this year. Shawn O'Shea from the Ankeny office of MSA Professional Services reported bid documents are being prepared to go out in the spring for the facade improvement portion of Wilton's Downtown Renovation Project. Wilton has received Community Development Block Grant funding of $500,000 for facade improvement, estimated to cost $1 million. The balance will be paid by property owners and the city. Eighteen properties were slated for the project, but O'Shea said two have been dropped. "We had a few of them that decided to opt out," he said. "That's OK. That happens in every community." IN OTHER BUSINESS The council authorized entering into a $2.3 million loan agreement to pay for street, water, sewer, and related improvements and an economic development grant to Hy-Line North America for development of Hy-Line's new facility in the Industrial Park. The council authorized expenditure of $10,396 to Elliott Equipment Co. for garbage truck repair. The council approved vacation of an approximately 45 foot by 50 foot parcel in the east end of Wilton to facilitate a development project by the Eastern Light and Power Cooperative. Too many Americans feel left behind by the weak economic growth and diminished job opportunities under the Obama administration. Too many people have seen their income stagnate and opportunity disappear since the financial crisis of 2007-2008. As the 2016 election upset has proved, people want a president who does things differently, a president who wants to make America great again. President-elect Donald J. Trump now has a huge opportunity to make some big changes that improve peoples lives and livelihoods. Over the last eight years, the Obama administration heaped piles of regulation on top of businesses and their financiers. Trump can help get the economy moving again by implementing some meaningful regulatory relief, by himself and with Congress. Here are five simple ways he can do that: (1) Fire Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Hes issued regulation after regulation that made it harder for people to get access to funds. Banks have in many ways stopped lending to people who lack perfect credit or to small businesses because of the new bureaucracy involved. President Trump should exercise his appointments power, fire Cordray, and install a director who will get consumer and small business credit moving again. (2) Rescind the Department of Labors overtime rule that looms over Americas employers and threatens job opportunities. This rule, which will come into effect in December, will force businesses to pay time-and-a-half to salaried employees who earn up to $47,476 a year. Instead of getting a raise, many employees will see their work terms changed or switched to hourly status as businesses scramble to avoid the sudden, budget-busting mandate. The new rule will affect around 5 million employees, many of whom work at universities, nonprofits or startups that rely on dedicated people working longer hours out of love for their job and mission. If left in place, the effect on startups alone one of the bright spots of economic growth could be devastating. (3) Encourage the sharing economy. Platform apps like Uber, Airbnb and Handy have allowed people to make up income shortfalls or earn extra cash by making better use of their cars, homes or skills. Unfortunately, regulators at the Department of Labor and elsewhere have been moving to restrict these opportunities, for example, by having Uber drivers declared employees of the app firm. That increases labor law liability and significantly reduces the number of those jobs available. The new president should call off the labor regulators and allow sharing economy firms to expand. He should appoint an official in charge of looking out for people in the sharing economy throughout the regulatory process. (4) Work with Congress to repeal Dodd-Franks notorious Durbin Amendment. It restricts fees banks can charge merchants for use of their debit card networks which just meant banks passed on these extra costs in the form of higher annual fees, offered fewer free checking accounts, and ended debit card reward programs. By one count, these extra costs may have forced a million poor Americans to stop using bank accounts at all. Its time to recognize the Durbin Amendment is a failure and get it repealed. (5) Negotiate a free trade deal with Brexit Britain. The president-elect may look askance at trade with China and Mexico, but he has no such worries about Britain, one of Americas biggest mutual trading partners. And as luck would have it, Britain is now looking to conduct its own trade deals following its exit from the European Union. Mutually beneficial exchange of goods and services could easily generate billions of dollars of wealth on both sides of the Atlantic, instill market confidence, and help quell worries about a global trade war. President Trumps new U.S. trade representative should invite U.K. Secretary for International Trade Liam Fox to Washington for talks, ASAP. Trump could set these measures in motion very quickly, and hard-strapped Americans would start to see real change. We must begin to lift at least some of the $1.9 trillion burden regulation imposes on the economy every year. All Americans, whether they voted for Donald Trump or not, could get behind that. ABOUT THE WRITER Iain Murray is vice president for policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (www.cei.org). He wrote this for InsideSources.com. The 2016 elections were a political tsunami that produced a populist billionaire president, a Republican Congress, 33 Republican governors and a like number of state legislatures. These results offer conservatives a golden opportunity to shape political decisions from Maine to Arizona and set the nation on a far different course than has been followed under the ultra-progressive philosophy of President Obama. Is the conservative movement up to the challenge? Let us consider the essential elements that make up a successful political movement. (1) A political movement must have a relevant philosophy. It is a given that conservatives of all stripes honor the Constitution and its established system of checks and balances. They agree that government should be limited, individuals should be free and responsible in their freedom, and there can be no lasting liberty without virtue, public and private. These are quintessentially American ideas, rooted in the founding of the republic and still endorsed by a large majority of the American people. Gallup, Pew and other national polls report that when given a choice, a decisive majority of Americans still favor limited government over Big Brother, free enterprise over socialism, individual freedom over collectivism, traditional American values over post-modernism, and peace through strength rather than U.N. resolutions and peacekeepers. (2) A political movement must have a national constituency united behind a common philosophy. Conservatives are not ideological but idealistic. They are individualistic but respond to the communitarian impulse in a crisis. Conservatives come together when the times require it and the right leadership appears as with Robert A. Taft in the 1950s, Barry Goldwater in the 1960s, Ronald Reagan in the 1970s and 1980s, New Gingrich in the 1990s, and George W. Bush in the 2000s following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The sharp debates that occur among the different strains of conservatism are a sign of vitality, not decline. (3) A political movement must have a sound financial base. Thanks to technical proficiency and political success, the number of conservative donors has grown exponentially from a few thousand in the 1950s to many millions today. The fiscal strength of conservative organizations, led by the Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, is impressive. The assets of leading center-right foundations is more than $10 billion, not including the multi-billion-dollar wealth of the Koch brothers, generous benefactors of conservative as well as libertarian causes. (4) A political movement must be media-savvy, familiar with and expert in the latest mass communications techniques. Conservatives have adapted to the Age of the Internet, spreading the good news of freedom via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a hundred blogs with an occasional glance back at the Age of Gutenberg. Herein a paradox: Conservatives have characterized the media as The Enemy for decades, yet conservatives dominate cable news (e.g., Bill OReilly), talk radio (e.g., Rush Limbaugh), syndicated newspaper columns (e.g., Cal Thomas), non-fiction best-sellers (e.g., Mark Levin), and direct mail (e.g., fundraiser guru Richard Viguerie, who has mailed 2 billion letters in his remarkable 50-year career). (5) A political movement must have charismatic, principled leadership. Conservatives have been blessed to have been led by extraordinary men and women for six decades. They include Taft, Goldwater, Reagan, Gingrich, Phyllis Schlafly, William F. Buckley Jr., Ed Meese, Milton Friedman, Jack Kemp and a phalanx of others. There are many rising and already visible political stars in the conservative firmament such as Mike Pence, Ted Cruz, Ben Sasse, Paul Ryan, Jim Jordan, Scott Walker and Susana Martinez. With the right leadership, the friction that often erupts in the conservative movement will fade and disappear as they did when Taft, Goldwater, Reagan and Gingrich were the acknowledged leaders of conservatism. But what has sustained conservatives for six decades and more is not their numbers or their organizational skill or their use of the media or their fund-raising prowess or even their attractive leaders. Its the power of their ideas linked by the priceless principle of ordered liberty and their application to the problems of the day. More than a half-century ago, Ronald Reagan posed a nation-defining question: This is the issue. Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves. For conservatives, the choice is clear and never clearer than right now with a president-elect who says he wants to make America great again. What better way than to apply the principles that made American great in the first place? ABOUT THE WRITER Lee Edwards is the distinguished fellow in conservative thought in The Heritage Foundations Simon Center for Principles and Politics (www.heritage.org). He wrote this for InsideSources.com. 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 [] Career Junction has released its CJI report for October 2016, which details which job skills are in high demand in South Africa. The index represents online labour dynamics in South Africa by providing a detailed analysis of the relative ratio of supply and demand in the online job market. The CJI is based on comprehensive data gathered from the Career Junction website, said the company. The October index showed slightly-improved employment prospects for job-seekers, following a lengthy decreasing trend in demand within the construction, distribution, and retail sectors. Good news for IT, bad news for telecoms The index stated that software development remains the most sought-after skill set on Career Junction. The IT industry has seen a growth in job postings of nearly 30% comparing current demand levels with vacancy levels during the first half of 2016. Telecoms did not fare as well. Since July 2016, hiring activity has slowed down within the telecoms sector with a steep decline in vacancy levels during this period. The graphs below show the trends of job adverts posted on the Career Junction website. Telecommunications IT High in demand The graphic below shows which industries are experiencing high demand and high supply in South Africa, based on the CJIs findings. [Click to enlarge] PARIS Donald Trumps election in the U.S. has given a new boost to conservative leaders in what may be the next major populist battleground, France, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is convinced that her anti-immigration, anti-Islam views can lead her to the presidency in five months. Former President Nicolas Sarkozy, running to get his job back, says that Trumps election shows that politicians must listen to the wrath of the people. Mr. Trump wants to defend American interests? Fine, I want to defend French interests and those of Europe. What Americans allow themselves, why should we refuse that for France? Sarkozy said in a rally in the southern city of Nice on Tuesday night. Sarkozy is facing tough competition in his partys two-round primary that starts Sunday. Polls have repeatedly placed him behind ex-Prime Minister Alain Juppe. Another major contender, former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, is gaining popularity as he also presents himself as an alternative to Sarkozy. Lucas Moulin, a 19-year-old supporter of Sarkozy who attended his Nice rally, told The Associated Press that Trumps victory can give his preferred candidate strength and credit in public opinion. He presents himself as an anti-system candidate, with an anti-elite speech, like Trump, who won, Moulin said. Sarkozy is campaigning on some of Le Pens favorite issues, including strong anti-immigration and security measures, in the hope to attract votes from the far-right. Le Pen, who doesnt face a primary, opened her campaign headquarters for the April-May election in an upper-class Paris neighborhood on Wednesday. She has chosen a blue rose to illustrate her campaign as the symbol of the people being able to make possible what the elites constantly present as impossible ... My election at the presidency has been called impossible for months now, it is up to the people to make it possible, she said in her speech. All recent polls suggest that she could reach the final run of the two-round presidential election next year. The same polls also indicate that in the end, she would lose to any major contender from the right or from the left. Asked about Le Pens chance to win the election next year, French political analyst Dominique Moisi told the AP that I would be, and I think most people are becoming now, much, much more prudent than before. I mean: we were wrong twice, referring to the unexpected Brexit vote and Trumps election. We dont want to be wrong a third time. Moisi said an anti-Trump effect might also have an impact on the conservative primary. If so, Juppe could benefit from votes from people who fear Le Pen and consider him as in best position to defeat her. Obviously we dont know whats going to happen next Sunday at the conservative primary, Moisi said. Its difficult for Sarkozy to claim that he is the candidate of the anti-establishment, Moisi said. For five years, he was the president of France, he was sitting at the Elysee Palace. He had all power in his hands. But thats what hes trying to achieve. Juppe is trying to play this card, saying that he is banking on truth, gravity and a sense of responsibility rather than populism. He says he wants to bring together voters from the right and the center instead of chasing after those who have chosen the far-right. I dont want to pit one part of France against another, the elites against the people ... Its a dangerous political game, Juppe told thousands of supporters at a Paris rally on Monday. On the left, the situation remains unclear. Unpopular President Francois Hollande hasnt said yet if he will run for re-election as his Socialist party organizes its primary in January. Other far-left, green and independent candidates are also planning to run. Hollandes ex-economy minister, Emmanuel Macron, announced his candidacy on Wednesday. Macron, a former investment banker who has never held elected office, promotes free-market views and denounces the vacuity of Frances political system as preventing the country to reform itself. In other European countries, populist parties are expected to do well as votes are due in the coming year in the Netherlands and Germany. A repeat runoff election for president of Austria on Dec. 4 could bring right-wing populist Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party into office. NAPA Habitat for Humanity has built its reputation on having underprivileged families help build the homes they will later live in. In the coming months, the nonprofit is slated to bring its sweat equity model into Napa for the first time. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,352-square-foot house to be built partly from the labor of its residents gained unanimous support earlier this month from the city Planning Commission. The residence, to be located at 891 Saratoga Drive on the citys east side, should break ground sometime after New Years Day and be completed in nine to 12 months, according to leaders of Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity, a Cordelia-based branch of the charity developer. Habitat in June purchased a 3,004-square-foot lot from the city for $77,000, receiving a surplus parcel created from the 2014 eastward extension of Saratoga Drive to open up more land to home construction. The property, which Napa bought in 1997 for the street extension, will become the site of the nonprofits first ground-up project, although it has previously repaired dilapidated houses elsewhere in Napa County. Although no other such windfalls of cheap land appear imminent Habitat acquired the land for the same price the city earlier paid planners praised the home-building project as a possible inspiration for future projects in the housing-short community. I hope this will be a launch pad for additional projects in Napa, said Paul Kelley before the vote Nov. 3. Habitat currently is raising $350,000 for the Napa home and will start work after it has 80 percent of the total in hand, said Diane Agnone, executive director of its Solano-Napa region. It will then stage an orientation for hopeful occupants, who must already live in the county and cannot have been homeowners within the last three years. Households chosen for a Habitat-sponsored home agree to chip in 250 to 500 total hours of labor. On the completion of the house, the agency finances a non-bank, 30-year mortgage structured to cost less than 30 percent of the new residents monthly income. A 45-year covenant on the home ensures that it can only be resold to buyers making less than 80 percent of Napas median income. The home will be a farmhouse-style design with lap siding, gabled roof, a roofed front porch and attached garage, which the architect Nancy Nelson, a Solano-Napa Habitat board member, said is being styled to blend in with houses built to its east in recent years. No one can distinguish it as a low-income, she said of the design. Two neighborhood residents, however, worried about the traffic danger from wedging the home near a hairpin turn where Saratoga, Capitola Drive and Erin Way meet and on a piece of land 2,000 square feet smaller than the citys usual minimum for a single-family home. I support Habitat for Humanity, but Im amazed that you consider it a viable lot, said Scott Scharff, who moved into the neighborhood a year ago. My issue is how the city ended up with the thinking that at that intersection, the best use of land was to put a house there. Even on a snug lot and near a tight curve, though, the project had strong support from planners coping with a shortage of housing, especially lower-cost housing. Its a good project on a tough parcel, said Commissioner Michael Murray, and it fills a need, which makes it score pretty high in my book. Ive never been to Japan, although its on my list; but on Saturday night, for a few hours I felt like Id opened a door in Napa and stepped into that unknown country. This was the goal of Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto as they created their new restaurant, Kenzo, which opens on Wednesday in downtown Napa. The high-end restaurant of striking simplicity will seat a maximum of 27 guests for dinner, serving contemporary kaiseki cuisine, known for its elegance and artistry. I think perhaps it is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the United States, Kenzo said, speaking through a translator. A little Japan. In Napa. The Tsujimotos are the owners of Kenzo Estates winery, a 3,800-acre estate on Mt. George. Kenzo, the founder of Capcom video game developers and publishers, purchased the land in 1990, and opened the winery a decade later. He shipped his premium wines to Japan where they found an enthusiastic reception. After sending this sample of Napa Valley to Japan, they decided, in turn, to bring the best of Tokyo to Napa. They enlisted one of Tokyos most celebrated chefs, Hiroyuki Kanda, whose Kanda restaurant has earned three Michelin stars every year since it opened 10 years ago. Kanda, who worked in Paris for five years before returning to Japan, brought his staff from Tokyo for the opening. He will design the menus and several times a year, he said, he plans to close his Tokyo restaurant and come to Napa. Meanwhile, he has trained a local staff, many of whom come from Japan. Chef Eiji Onoyama has moved to Napa from Japan to oversee the restaurants daily operations. Twenty members of the media were invited on Saturday for a preview. In his welcome speech, Kenzo paid tribute to his wife, whose dream, he said, was to create a restaurant that would truly replicate fine dining in Japan. She was the one, he said, who had chosen everything from the pewter-colored globes that light the entrance, to the pale honey-colored walls, cream leather chairs, and golden cypress wood for the five tables and two bars, one in a private tasting room. All the materials came from Japan, as did the dishes, which she and Kanda chose. Kenzo and Natsuko Tsujimoto, wearing a gray silk kimono with a cream-colored obi sash, sat down with guests to explain the traditions they were about to experience. Several of us chose to sit at the bar in the main room, where one can glimpse the chefs at work, arranging the dishes to be served. The protocol, however, is formal. When the dish has been arranged, the chef lifts it over the counter to a second shelf in front of the diner. A server then lifts the dish to place it directly in front of the diner. This was a good clue that this was going to be a different. Every detail is important, explained Natsuko Tsujimoto, who chose to sit at the bar too. The window, for example, is covered with rice paper so one does not get distracted by looking out at the street. Everything focuses on the dining experience. One small painting, an abstract in fog colors, hangs on the opposite wall. The only other ornaments visible are two tea jars sitting on the bank of cypress cabinets that hold the dishes. And these are no plain white typical dishes, but colorful pottery and porcelain, each chosen to complement the arrangement of food. The first course, Maine Lobster (from Japan) with Japanese Autumn Vegetables with a delicate mousseline sauce flavored with yuz , an Asian citrus, was served in a porcelain bowl, painted with designs and letters. Natsuko Tsujimoto translated the Japanese: prosperity and good health. A dish of snow crab and scallop shinji in a dashi broth arrived in a covered black enamel bowl, decorated with gold flowers and leaves. Carefully, Natsuko Tsujimoto demonstrated the art of lifting off the cover and placing it upside-down so as to see the gold flowers different for each lid painted on the inside. In all, we tasted nine courses, each an edible work of art. The Crispy Ayu Fish Belly was placed on a ruby-colored leaf of a sansho tree; Kanda had bought these from Japan, along with the tiny red maple leafs and gold ginko leaves that were scattered over the Sawara Mackerel; they represented the essence of Japanese autumn. Familiar ingredients, like beef tenderloin, got a Japanese preparation. Two cubes of it, slow-cooked but crispy on the surface, rested on a pottery dish with a salad of watercress and nori, Japanese edible seaweed. The Shzuoka Eel Kabayaki, a strip of eel wrapped around a mound of glutinous rice, came double-wrapped in banana leaves, tied up like a gift. With it, we drank Kenzo wines, which will be available at the restaurant in addition to sake. You are the first people to dine here, Kenzo told us, as he moved through his new restaurant, turning up for a time, behind the bar with Chef Kanda. Kanda was remarkable tranquil, superbly relaxed, as he arranged plates of Toro Nigiri, a sushi dish of blue fin tuna shaped over rice, and, in this case, lavishly dusted with tiny white truffle slices. Kenzo said his only regret was the time it took to achieve this perfection of detail meant that one valued guest was missing: The Tsujimotos friend, Margrit Mondavi, who had traveled with them to Japan, had been one of their firmest supporters in the project. She kept asking us, When will it open? he said. Mondavi, who died of cancer in August, was there in spirit, he noted. One empty chair had in front of it a photograph of her. In sum, it was a sublime taste of another world, so absorbing that even if there had been a window to look out of, I doubt anyone would have been distracted by it. This perfection, however, comes with a price. The restaurant will offer three nine-course prix-fixe menus, sushi or kaiseki options, for $225 per person. The premium kaiseki menu is $270. The prices for wines by the glass start at $20; wines by the bottle are $60-$450. Expensive, yes, but less than a plane ticket to Japan. And you dont need to bring your passport. Joseph Brooks Conkright, the Napa man who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after his rifle misfired, killing his mother, is going to prison. Brooks Conkright, a 22-year-old who has spent that last two years in the Napa County jail, was sentenced to eight years in state prison before Judge Francisca P. Tisher in Napa County Superior Court last week. Conkright was arrested in December, 2014, at the Berryessa Highlands home he shared with his parents. His mother, Danae Dee Conkright, 54, was found shot to death. On Dec. 8, 2014, the day his mother died, Conkrights vehicle had broken down between Napa and Berryessa Highlands. His parents picked him up and his father, Joseph Bruce Conkright, dropped both him and his mother back at home. When his father returned later that afternoon, he found his son sitting outside on the curb crying. Conkright told his father that he had shot his mother, but 911 hadnt been called. On separate phones, both men called 911. On the 911 tapes, the elder Conkright said his son had accidentally shot his wife. In his call, the younger Conkright could be heard crying Mom! Mom! after reporting he shot his mother accidentally. During the four-week jury trial last spring, his attorney, Matthew C. Bishop, argued that Conkright, who was cleaning his rifle, dropped the AR-15 on the table in front of his mother, causing it to misfire. The jury came back with their verdict after deliberating for less than a day. Its very clear this was an unintentional shooting, Bishop said on Tuesday. I think it was a horrible, horrible accident. Hes not a monster, Bishop said. Hes a kid who was intoxicated handling a firearm. The night before the incident, Conkright used marijuana and MDMA the drug found in both ecstasy and molly, according to the probation officers report. That morning, he consumed 64 ounces of beer. The judge denied probation despite efforts by Conkrights family and friends who sent letters to probation on his behalf. Brooks needs to come home, wrote his father. He is not the person the DA made him out to be. He is a hardworking, respectful and generous young man with a bright future ahead; dont take that away from him. The elder Conkright, who described himself as a disable Vet, went on to say that he needed his son at home to help him make routine household repairs. His mothers sister, Deborah Frey, said that Conkright should be punished for what hes done, according to the probation officers report. Frey said she felt angry that her sister is now dead. I think no matter what the punishment, Bishop said, the fact that he killed his own mother that is tattooed in his soul. It tortures him daily. Prior to his mothers death, Conkright said he had plans to join the military and wanted to become a cop, according to the probation officers report. After serving his time, he hopes to attend college and work in the hospitality field. His job with Balloons Above the Valley is secure, he said. When he gets out, hell actually thrive, Bishop said of his client. Hes got all the potential to. RIO DE JANEIRO Police in Rio shoot tear gas during budget cuts protest Military police in Rio de Janeiro shot pepper spray at demonstrators protesting austerity measures. The demonstrators pushed over a barrier fence outside the state of Rio de Janeiros legislative assembly building, where legislators are discussing the measures. The federal government sent hundreds of military police to help Wednesday after a similar protest last week became violent. The state is mired in a fiscal crisis. Thousands of state employees have not been paid, or have been paid months late. The federal government says it wont bail the state out, fearing a cascade of states that could ask for help. Brazil is enduring its worst recession in decades. Measures being discussed by Rio legislators include trimming social services and lowering the salary of top officials. UNITED NATIONS U.N. chief says tolerance faces profound threats The U.N. chief is warning that the values of tolerance and understanding are facing profound tests around the world. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in message commemorating the U.N.s International Day of Tolerance on Wednesday that from sectarian armed conflicts to politicians who sow division to gain votes, the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are under threat. Day by day, bigotry shows its face through racism, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, Ban said. The United Nations promotes tolerance as a matter of its fundamental identity. When tolerance is upheld, we encourage the world to emulate those fine examples. When tolerance is threatened, we must speak out, Ban added. THE HAGUE, Netherlands ICC supporters call for unity after withdrawals, snub Supporters of the International Criminal Court are appealing for unity in the aftermath of three African nations announcing plans to withdraw and Russia symbolically turning its back on the court. The departures of the African states South Africa, Burundi and Gambia buzzed through the corridors of the annual meeting of the courts member states that started Wednesday in The Hague. The courts chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, sought to downplay the departures in a speech. Bensouda, who comes from Gambia, says that to address these crimes and deliver justice to victims across the world, it is essential that States participation in the Rome Statute is not only maintained and reinforced, but enlarged. The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the court in 2002. LONDON Post-truth chosen as Oxford dictionary word of the year Oxford dictionary editors have chosen their word of the year: post-truth, a term sometimes used to describe the current political climate. Oxford Dictionaries said Wednesday that use of the term rose 2,000 percent between 2015 and 2016, often in discussions of Britains decision to leave the European Union and the campaign of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Its often used in the phrase post-truth politics and is defined as belonging to a time in which truth has become irrelevant. Each year, Oxford University Press tracks how the English language is changing and chooses a word that reflects the mood of the year. Runners-up for 2016 include Brexiteer, an advocate of the U.K. leaving the EU; the extreme conservative movement known as the alt-right; and hygge, the Danish concept of domestic coziness. Our Town St. Helenas plan to build eight sweat equity housing units on McCorkle Avenue is heading to the City Council. The Planning Commission voted 3-0 Tuesday to approve the project, with Commissioners Bobbi Monnette and Sarah Parker recused because they live near the property. The council still needs to sign off on an exemption from the citys water-neutrality requirements, since the project would increase the sites water use by an estimated 968 gallons per day. The date of the council hearing hasnt been announced. The project is at 684 McCorkle Ave., a half-acre lot purchased by the city for $700,000 in 2013 and later sold to the nonprofit Our Town for $1. The homes are scheduled to be built by the third quarter of 2018. The homes are being financed partly through a U.S. Department of Agriculture program reserved for sweat equity projects, in which the families who will live in the units are responsible for building them. The arrangement cuts construction costs dramatically and makes it easier to finance affordable housing projects. The developers named the project Brenkle Court after Father John Brenkle, who retired from the St. Helena Catholic Church after decades of advocating for farmworker rights and helping build affordable and farmworker housing. Mary Stephenson of Our Town said 48 families applied to participate, and eight of them were selected in a lottery. The average family size is five, with a total of 19 kids younger than the age of 18. The families have an average household income of $51,000, which is 62 percent of the Napa Valleys median income. Of the 14 full-time workers, 13 are employed Upvalley in the wine industry, hospitality, food service, elder care or social services. Each family currently lives in local rental housing, five of them at affordable rental complexes like Stonebridge, Stephenson said. Providing them with permanent homes would make their former apartments available to other applicants who have been on waiting lists for at least two years. Opening up five units in these complexes and another three in the general Upvalley area will have a very positive effect, Stephenson said. Commissioner Tracy Sweeney praised the ripple effect of opening up other rental housing, and said the project was well-designed. The eight townhouses would be split between two buildings, each containing four units. The only person who spoke in opposition to the project was Vickie Bradshaw, whose husband David has filed a claim threatening to sue the city for housing discrimination (see related story). At Tuesdays hearing, Vickie Bradshaw said the project would have been more suitable in another location closer to community infrastructure and away from other affordable housing. Building it on McCorkle exacerbates the segregation of having nearly all of the citys affordable housing on the east side of town, she said. Taking further action only provides additional evidence that the city intends to continue to engage in ongoing housing discrimination, and could be viewed as compounding the citys potential financial liabilities related to such housing discrimination, Bradshaw said. City Attorney Tom Brown told the commission he couldnt comment on the pending claim, but said the commission was not constrained in any manner in considering the project. In fact, its counter-intuitive from my perspective that the approval of an affordable housing project would somehow violate, in and of itself, anti-discrimination laws, Brown said. Accessibility focus of First Folio event When bringing Shakespeares words to life in performance, how do you stage disability? That is among the questions to be discussed at the Shakespeare and Accessibility Symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 16, as part of the First Folio events on Emorys campus. The goal, says English professor Sheila Cavanagh, World Shakespeare project, is to examine access issues from the perspective of audiences and actors alike. Among those presenting: Jill Bradbury, an English professor at Gallaudet University, will discuss performances using American Sign Language. Bill Rauch, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, will speak on film about the festivals casting decisions and other efforts to create access for all. Karen Saillant, of the International Opera Theatre, will discuss costumes from A Midsummer Night's Dream designed by local students with Downs Syndrome in Umbria, Italy. Andrew Trimmer and Genevieve Simon will offer insights from their work with the "Hunter Heartbeat Method" to bring Shakespeare to audiences on the autism spectrum. British director Stephen Unwin will talk about Shakespeare and neurodisability. The symposium is free and open to the public. It runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 360 of Atwood Hall. In his time, Shakespeares plays were known for entertaining the masses, not as serious art. Today, students typically first read his work as literature, scouring the texts for universal themes. Interpreting Shakespeare for performance, and analyzing those choices, comes later. A lot can change in four centuries. At Emory College, that effort at interpreting Shakespeare comes in English professor Sheila Cavanaghs upper-level Shakespeare Text and Performance course. She has taught the class for years, but is especially eager to share the wide array of offerings during this years Shakespeare at Emory celebration. I want to broaden the Emory communitys understanding of the multiple ways Shakespeare can broaden our perspectives, Cavanagh says. I see performance as the prism where we are truly looking at all the different perspectives. This year, her students have even more opportunities to engage as the Emory community celebrates the Bard with campus-wide performances, exhibitions and panels that center on the First Folio. The folio, the first collection edition of Shakespeares public plays, was published in 1623, just seven years after his death. The First Folio is on display at the Michael C. Carlos Museum through Dec. 11, the only site in Georgia for the exhibition that is touring the nation to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Seeing the text, we can start to ask what it tells us about the characters and what we are implying from it, says Cavanagh, also director of the World Shakespeare Project. For instance, in one of his timeless plays, Shakespeare reveals Hamlet is 30 (though common readings suggest he is a teen boy). The play does not give an age for his mother, Queen Gertrude. Two popular movie interpretations came to unusual conclusions of the pair. Kenneth Branaghs 1996 film portrayed Hamlet as 40 years old. Gertrude was played by Julie Christie, then 65. But in a 1990 movie, Hamlet is played by Mel Gibson, three years younger than Gertrude, as played by Glenn Close. Id never really thought about the differences in staging before this, says Millie Johnson, a senior English major. I think looking at the concrete details like that make all of us consider what is relevant, especially in issues we face today. Irish director Tom Magill recently spoke with Cavanaghs class about his award-wining film adaption of Macbeth, filmed entirely inside the Maghaberry maximum-security prison in Belfast. An ex-prisoner, Magill brought the themes of violence and its brutal repercussions to life by telling Macbeths story as Mickey B, using inmates as performers. He also discussed his latest effort, an adaption of The Tempest, entitled Prosperos Prison. The goal, he says, is to examine the themes of revenge and reconciliation as a way to discuss life in post-conflict Northern Ireland. Im OK messing with the text as my script because I want to find new audiences for Shakespeare and that can mean adapting him in a way so we reach people today, Magill says. Im using fictional text to tell true stories. Emory introduces LiveSafe, a free app available to the entire Emory community to help streamline emergency communication and enhance personal safety. Emory is placing a new mode of personal safety support directly into the hands of the campus community with the launch of LiveSafe, a free mobile app. Developed for smartphones and tablets, the LiveSafe app provides a quick, convenient and discreet way for students, faculty and staff to communicate directly with Emory University public safety officials. Key features of the app allow members of the campus community to: Call or message Emory University Police or 911 quickly. If you choose, a location-tracking feature can immediately signal your whereabouts to public safety officials. Report safety concerns, accidents or crime tips in real-time to Emory police via text, photos, video or audio. The Report Tips function also allows you to immediately engage in a live chat with safety officials, if you choose. Navigate campus using a SafeWalk feature. The GPS-enabled location technology allows users to invite family, friends or colleagues to virtually escort them by following their location in real-time on a digital map. Alerts are sent when the user is delayed, has arrived or summons help. Connect with SafeRide, a free shuttle service that allows you to reserve a ride from your dorm room, office or library if traversing campus at night or to request a safety escort. Receive campus safety notifications and emergency alerts from Emory police. Quickly access a range of important campus safety resources, including information about basic emergency procedures, health and wellness contacts, and resources to address sexual and relationship violence. Enhancing campus safety The LiveSafe app is multi-functional platform now available at no cost to faculty, staff and students on Emorys Atlanta and Oxford College campuses, says Sam Shartar, senior administrator for Emorys Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR), which is managing the mobile security system. The Emory Safety Alliance partnered with CEPAR to look at several available safety apps and concluded that this one offered the best functionality, he says. The more members of the Emory community who will download and use this app to enhance their safety on campus and share beneficial information, the better off well be. Campus safety apps such as LiveSafe have been gaining popularity at colleges and universities across the country, including Yale, Duke and Pepperdine universities, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University and SCAD Atlanta. Although emergency and preparedness resources can now be found on Emorys CEPAR website including information about Emorys emergency notification program, education and training, and quick links the LiveSafe app now neatly corrals much of that existing information onto your personal mobile device. People receive information in different ways. This app allows for enhanced communication directly between the user and Emory police, Shartar says. For our campus community, it will offer another important option in the public safety toolbox. It doesnt replace Emorys emergency notification program, but it will provide another way to receive information, he adds. Given Emorys academic partnerships with Georgia Tech, Shartar anticipates that LiveSafe will eventually link both institutions in order to aid faculty, staff and students who frequent both campuses. The Emory community will find many resources within the app, but we will certainly be open to feedback about adding other resources and information, he adds. Streamlined safety communication While the interactive nature of the app will be welcomed by those seeking immediate assistance, Shartar emphasizes that users will not automatically be tracked unless they allow it by enabling the GPS-powered location option. In order for public safety officials to locate you, the user has to allow themselves to be found every time they use it, Shartar says. For example, if I want to report a suspicious incident, when I message Emory police I have the option to remain anonymous or to be known, he says. We dont track you, nor do we want to track you, as long as youre not involved in a criminal enterprise, To download and start using the LiveSafe app: Candler School of Theology hosted world-renowned German theologian Jurgen Moltmann last month 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 10 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, conference organizer Steffen Losel, associate professor of systematic theology, said 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 Reformation with a nod to the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017 Moltmann 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 said. 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 said two years in the dying German army and three as a prisoner of war in England and Scotland and 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. Panelists presented discussions on a diverse slate of topics throughout the conference, held Oct. 19-20: Contemporary Theology at the Crossroads Disputed Question: Liberating Augustine Bearing Witness: Reframing Christian-Muslim Debates The Problem of the Human in Theological Anthropology: Reading Jurgen Moltmanns Christology with Intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance The Contemporary Church at the Crossroads To Redeem the Soul of the Black Church New Religion in the New World: Toward a De-Colonial approach in Latin American Theology The Future Social Teachings of the Christian Churches" "We Still Need the Coming of God" God, Climate and the Challenge of Being Human: The Promise of Moltmanns Kenotic Theology of Creation for an Age of Climate Change Contemporary Practices at the Crossroads The Rose It Grew From Concrete: A Practical and Political Theology of Creativity and Incarceration Cultivating the Unquiet Heart: Ecology, Education, and Christian Faith Read summaries of their presentations here. The Emory Veterans Association hosted the university's annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the flagpole on the Quad. The ceremony began with the procession of the Emory Color Guard, followed by a moment of silence. U.S. Army Major Jon Keen was the featured speaker. Keen is a decorated Army infantry officer who served in Afghanistan. He earned an MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School and held a public service fellowship at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is currently employed by the Deloitte Consulting Practice and is president of the GBS Alumni Board. Keen was introduced by Jeffrey Rosensweig, associate professor of finance. As the founding faculty sponsor to the Emory Veterans Association, Rosensweig has also served in that role to the GBS Veterans Club for the last 25 years, building and sustaining relationships with all of the veterans coming through the school during that time. Kirk Elifson, research professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education in the Rollins School of Public Health, also addressed those gathered for the ceremony. Elifson, who served as an Army Captain during Vietnam, is the spouse of Emory President Claire E. Sterk. He has been involved in advocacy in the area of veteran homelessness as well as building intentional supports for student veterans in higher education. For more information on Emorys ongoing and extensive support involvement with veterans, see Veterans at Emory. Posted by Mark Williams | November 15, 2016 Although not all pickup truck fans care about awards, manufacturers sure seem to love them. One of the longest-running awards was announced Monday as an unofficial kickoff to the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Motor Trend named the all-new 2017 Ford Super Duty its 2017 Truck of the Year. It's the first time the Super Duty which includes the F-250, F-350 and select F-450 models has won the award and only the fifth time in the award's history that a heavy-duty pickup has won it. Since the award's inception in 1979, the Ram and Chevrolet Silverado HDs have both won twice. The re-engineered and redesigned Super Duty with an aluminum body like the F-150 was among three finalists; the others were the upgraded 2017 Ford F-150 (new engine and transmission) and the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The 2017 Super Duty also won the coveted Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas award in October. Manufacturer image 23:48 Will new notes which replace the demonetised currency find itself in circulation soon? Unlikely, if the capacity of all the currency printing presses in the country is taken into account. The latest calculation, based on capacities of the currency printing presses, shows that replenishment would take around six months. This is particularly true for the new Rs 500 notes, whose printing, presumably, started after November 10. Till those are replenished in adequate numbers, the "currency pain" would not go away since Rs 2,000 notes are difficult to exchange for lower denominations. New information gleaned from public sources show that the government may be too optimistic in claiming that "adequate amount" of money would soon be in circulation. That's because of the limited capacity of the printing presses in the country for such a sudden, huge job. The total capacity of the presses in the country would be 26.66 billion notes in two shifts. If all three shifts run, as the government says is happening now, the four presses would be able to print 40 billion notes a year, irrespective of the denomination. Now, according to the government, the total money in circulation -- before Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes were declared illegal -- was Rs. 17.54 lakh crore or Rs. 17,540 billion. Of this, 45 per cent was in Rs. 500 denomination -- equivalent to Rs. 7.89 lakh crore or Rs. 7,890 billion and 39 per cent in Rs. 1,000 notes amounting to Rs. 6.84 lakh crore or Rs. 6,840 billion. In other words, there were 15.78 billion notes of Rs. 500 denomination in circulation and 6.84 billion notes of Rs. 1,000. But if they are going to print Rs 2,000 notes equivalent to value of the Rs 1,000 notes declared illegal, that is, worth Rs 6.84 lakh crore, they would have to print only half, or 3.42 billion notes. If the printing started in early September, as has been claimed by some printing press officials, they would need only a little over two months to meet the full requirement, even at 50 per cent capacity. In other words, they should have printed all the replacement needs of Rs 2,000 notes till now. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Giving back -- Victor Feraru, a second-year Southern Illinois University Carbondale law student, was recently appointed to a four-year term on the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Childrens Justice Task Force. (Photo by Russell Bailey) Once a ward of the state, law student named to DCFS task force by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A ward of the state of Illinois from nearly birth, Victor Feraru spent most of his first 17 years between 40 foster homes, three groups homes and visits with biological family members. The situation was such that Feraru, who grew up in the Peoria area, did not expect to live beyond that. Yet through his own strength, determination, and support of a family who adopted Feraru after he became an adult, the second-year Southern Illinois University School of Law student now has the opportunity to assist children facing similar situations across the state. Feraru was recently appointed by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director George Sheldon to the agencys Childrens Justice Task Force. His first meeting was last week in Chicago. Victor's experiences with the child welfare system will be a valuable contribution to the Children's Justice Task Force. Sheldon said. His personal story reflects the experiences of so many youth in care and inspires us to do our jobs better every day. I look forward to working with him. Established in 1989, the 26-member task force is a multidisciplinary, legislatively mandated advisory group comprised of child advocates, law enforcement, medical and mental health professionals, attorneys, judges, child and parent advocates and child abuse survivors. The group, which meets four times a year around the state, makes recommendations to DCFS on policy and practices directed at improving investigative, prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse cases in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child victim. Bringing his experiences to the task force as both a law student and a survivor is very humbling, Feraru said. He wants to offer a unique perspective and provide hope for children facing similar situations. Many people see it from the top down, so Im able to give them a perspective from the bottom up, said Feraru, who is 35. I think people who have been in my position the statistics bear it out -- they dont make it here (law school). When you survive abuse -- physical, mental and emotional -- and you come out to the other side you can offer a point of view that a person doesnt get, he said. Normal lifes problems pale in comparison. Obviously, I will learn as I go. Primarily what I think sets me apart from a majority of what I would see on any task force is that I am a product of the system. The system didnt help me out any; it was the altruism of human beings. I believe that is why they want me on the task force and I believe that is what I offer them. Veronica Resa, DCFS deputy director of communications, said the agency is much different than it was in the 1980s and 1990s when Feraru was growing up. During that time, there were about 50,000 children in the system; now there are about 16,000. The agency emphasizes being proactive to get families assistance to keep them together, if possible, before children come into the system, she said. I think we are doing a lot better serving families and we are working on prevention as opposed to waiting until a family is in crisis, Resa said. At age 16, Feraru was in an adoption process when the couple, who lived in the Quad Cities area, died. He was emancipated and no longer a ward of the state a year later. Feraru would go on to earn a bachelors degree in English writing from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. A lady from High Point, N.C., and her family heard of Ferarus story during an Air America radio broadcast when he was in his early 20s. He credits their support, encouragement and love with his success. The family legally adopted Feraru, who changed his last name, when he was 28. I was very fortunate, he said. They have always been very supportive and encouraging. My life turned around then because I went from being part of the non-privileged to what some would consider very privileged. Ferarus essay, Transcending Trauma, was the college winner of The Nation magazines 2008 Student Writing Contest. Along with writing a blog for The Huffington Post, he is working on his autobiography, Victors Luck. Feraru did not plan to return to Illinois after his foster care experiences. Though he had other choices for law school, Feraru said he was comfortable at SIU School of Law, and views his decision to attend law school in Illinois as symbolic. It was an immediate connection to the faculty, which he described as compassionate but which also challenges students to do their best. I dont think I could have had better opportunities to help the community, work in the federal judiciary, or have access to professors or access to opportunities. Everything sort of fell in place, he said. I feel like Illinois is part of who I am; its part of the fabric of who I am. Midwestern values is not just hyperbole; its a fact. On the task force, Feraru is representing the legislatively mandated task force position of an adult survivor of child abuse and or neglect. Belleville attorney and retired 20th Circuit Court Judge James M. Radcliffe recommended Feraru for the appointment. Members can serve up to two, four-year terms, for a total of eight years, and Radcliffe is leaving the task force after serving eight years. Feraru has an understanding of the instability that a lot of kids experience in the system and appears to me to be a really bright guy, said Radcliffe, who was a judge for 20 years and presided over juvenile cases in St. Clair County before retiring in 2007. The task force has been instrumental in several improvements regarding child services in Illinois, including the implementation of statewide child advocacy centers, Radcliffe said. Feraru was an extern this past summer for Staci M. Yandle, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Illinois in Benton. She said her general impression of Feraru is that he is very energetic and takes his responsibilities very seriously. Victor has had to overcome many obstacles in his life and, as a result, has developed a unique ability to persevere and an overall sense of stick-to-it-ness, Yandle said. Also, as a result of his own personal experiences, I believe Victor will bring a perspective and insight that, along with his other qualities, will be an asset to the task force. Brexit could be delayed by months, even as long as two years, after a Supreme Court judge of Britain suggested that "comprehensive" legislation was required to trigger Article 50. Lady Hale told an audience in Kuala Lumpur that "another question" for the court was "whether it would be enough for a simple act of Parliament to authorise the government to give notice, or whether it would have to be a comprehensive replacement for the 1972 (EEC Accession) Act", Sky News reported on Tuesday. Sky News reported last week that the government was preparing a short bill to push through both the Commons and the Lords to try to keep its March deadline for triggering Article 50. Labour has said it would not block such a bill in the House of Commons. Lady Hale's comments, published on Tuesday, come after a High Court ruling that Prime Minister Theresa May cannot trigger Brexit without putting it to a vote in the House of Commons. That shows that the Supreme Court could adjudicate not just the validity of the government's appeal against the ruling, but also the precise remedy the Government must offer to the claimants if it loses its appeal. This means the government could have to pass its Great Repeal Bill before triggering Article 50. The Great Repeal Bill is currently not planned to be introduced until the next session of Parliament after May. Lady Hale, who will sit as one of the judges hearing the government's appeal, also said unequivocally that the "referendum was not legally binding on Parliament". This was a reference to the referendum legislation passed last year. She also confirmed that for the first time in its history the Supreme Court will sit with all 11 Justices. --IANS pgh/ ( 302 Words) 2016-11-16-07:34:03 (IANS) At a time when governments and enterprises the world over are brainstorming over ways to secure their data on the Cloud platform, a right mix of security in both hardware and software is the key to ward off hackers and minimise cyber attacks, a top security expert has reiterated. As more and more companies are migrating their data into public, private or hybrid Cloud, the task is mammoth and requires robust end-point security. "People are asking not just what cloud strategy do you have, they want a secured end-point cloud strategy. I find it fascinating because enterprises are asking more holistic questions about how they want to run their businesses in a secured way," Cisco's Chief Digital Officer Kevin Bandy told IANS. In the last 15 months, Bandy has met nearly 450 individual companies and everyone wants a secured Cloud experience once there. "They want to move across the Cloud spectrum, be it public, private or hybrid. I never hear someone talking about one Cloud strategy. What the companies are not structured to do is to truly stretch data and move workload across all three Clouds in a hackers-free environment. This migration needs an enormous amount of security," Bandy added. The key today is to provide security in both software and hardware. "In the fragmented security market, a global networking giant like Cisco is one company that has to ability to secure your data by providing security both at the software and hardware levels," Bandy noted. Cloud data traffic is expected to rise 3.7 fold -- up from 3.9 zettabytes (ZB) per year in 2015 to 14.1 ZB per year by 2020, a new Cisco report has revealed. The rapid growth of Cloud traffic is attributed to the increased data migration to Cloud architectures owing to their ability to scale quickly and efficiently support more workloads than traditional data centres. And with this, data security automatically becomes the first priority for enterprises, especially at a time when cyber attacks are on the rise. A massive distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack directed at the internet management firm Dyn caused outages for its customers like Twitter, Reddit, Spotify and SoundCloud in October this year. At least five Russian banks had to tackle a week-long DDoS attacks last week. DDoS is a type of attack where multiple compromised systems, which are often infected with a Trojan, are used to target a single system causing a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. In such a scenario, to help enterprises accelerate smooth transition to active data and optimise Cloud software adoption, Cisco has introduced UCS S-Series -- a new storage-optimised server with state-of-the-art data-protection solutions. Cisco has also unveiled the next generation of its "ONE Enterprise Cloud Suite", a hybrid cloud software solution that offers Infrastructure Automation, Service Management, Cloud Management and, most important -- Big Data Automation while reducing risk with near real-time diagnostics and historical analysis. This is a crucial exercise in helping governments build smart cities with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. "I think many companies are looking at IoT as a reflection of what is coming in the near future. But to me, several of those firms already have connected devices but not a comprehensive IoT strategy," Bandy pointed out. Cisco wants to build something that is highly software- and hardware-driven. The teams are spending enormous amounts of time on two things: orchestration and automation. "Customers have loved that scenario because they recognise scenarios around security, analytics and automation so that they can make a decision around software-defined networking," Bandy noted. For smart cities, focus on health care and education is important. "Once you have connectivity across civil organisations, hospitals, fire rescue, police, transportaion and so on, the challenge then is to help the connected devices orchestrate as one, secured network. In India, the conversation today is which network infrastructure can tie all those individual pieces together and Cisco is here for that," Bandy added. (Nishant Arora was in San Francisco at the invitaion of Cisco. He can be contacted at nishant.a@ians.in) --IANS na/vm/sac ( 687 Words) 2016-11-16-13:12:06 (IANS) Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "emotional" defence of demonetisation, the CPI on Wednesday demanded that the demonetised currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 should be made acceptable by public utilities and called for strong action on real black money holders. Communist Party of India General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy, in a statement, said Modi's "dramatic move backfired while Indian economy is in chaos". "Instead of accepting the fact that the demonetisation has been introduced without proper arrangements and failed to foresee the consequence, the Prime Minister is resorting to dramatic defence," Reddy said. "Tears in Modi's eyes cannot wipe out tears of crores of people in the country," he added. He also said that a "huge deposit in banks in the last quarter" created doubts about black money hoarders having knowledge about the government's move. "Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Panama accused are moving freely while the people are being punished," said Reddy. He said that Modi's comment that poor people in the country are happy with the decision is far from the truth, and it "added insult to injury" to a large number of people whose life has become "miserable". "The nation needs a reply why black money stashed in foreign banks could not be brought back after two and a half years rule of Narendra Modi, as he promised earlier. Explain why two thousand rupee notes are issued which will again help to increase black money." "If the Prime Minister is sincere, he should express regrets to the nation and set things right by allowing people to use the old currency till December 31, 2016, for all public utilities," said Reddy and demanded strong action on real black money holders, including on all those whose names are exposed in Panama Leaks. --IANS and/vt ( 308 Words) 2016-11-16-20:58:05 (IANS) Nitish Kumar also demanded action against people having 'benami' ( by proxy) properties. "I support the Union government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and after fight against black money, I demand action against benami properties," Nitish Kumar said during his ongoing Nischay Yatra in Madhubani district. Nitish Kumar said the decision will force black money out. He is probably the only top leader in the opposition camp who has openly backed Modi. Last week, Nitish Kumar supported Modi's decision, a first by a senior leader of the opposition. But Nitish Kumar said the government should take all possible measures immediately to avoid inconvenience to people. "Common people should not suffer," he said. Contrary to Nitish Kumar, his alliance partner in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad continued to attack Modi for his decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. --IANS ik/vgu/vt ( 200 Words) 2016-11-16-21:46:04 (IANS) Well, who wouldn't be after getting a U/A certificate from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), considering the infamous long battle between censor board chief Pahalaj Nihalani and Bollywood. The 31-year-old actor, at the launch of song 'You and I', could not control his delight and said, "We are very glad that CBFC has given us a U/A certificate. It's a very happy film and everyone should come with their families to watch it." For a censor board obsessed with the right length of on-screen kisses, everyone assumed the Ranveer Singh-Vaani Kapoor starrer to be a trial. But the 'Bajirao Mastani' star feels that Aditya Chopra's aesthetic sensibility of showing a kiss with a lot of love and warmth is the reason why the film got a U/A certificate. "No one will get offended while watching the film. The censor board, I think also felt that a kiss is shown with the same kind of warmth as a hug," added the 'Lootera' actor. On a related note, 'Befikre' is a free spirited, contemporary love story of Dharam and Shyra that is slated to release on December 9. (ANI) Focusing on certain tasks becomes difficult in old age, but a recent study published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, found that there may be some benefits to reduced focus, especially in people over 50. Using behavioral studies and neuroimaging evidence, the researchers at the University of Toronto and Harvard University discussed how being easily distracted can help adults with, for example, problem solving and learning new information. "Different types of tasks benefit from a more broad focus of attention, and this is usually seen in tasks that involve thinking creatively or using information that was previously irrelevant," says first author Tarek Amer, a psychology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto and a graduate student at the Rotman Research Institute. "The literature gives us the impression that older adults are essentially doomed as their cognitive abilities decrease, when, in reality, many older adults get along just fine in their day-to-day lives, and we think that shows that aging adults don't always need to have high cognitive control." When people have high cognitive control, they are able to maintain their focused attention and ignore distractions to get things done. But Amer and his colleagues found that people with reduced cognitive control had an easier time thinking of creative solutions to problems, and they were better at noticing patterns in the world around them. These findings also indicated that older adults could outperform their younger counterparts on certain problem-solving tasks, as they were able to broaden their attention more easily. Additionally, people didn't require high levels of cognitive control for inherent, day-to-day tasks, like walking down the street or learning new information. In order to explore the benefits of cognitive control, many lab-based behavioral experiments require participants to complete a specific set of tasks, limiting the role of distraction. But the researchers say these experiments have shortcomings, as they don't explore situations when distractions and reduced cognitive control could be helpful, making the conclusions fairly one sided. "Many of the tasks that we study in classic cognitive psychology are tasks that require high cognitive control, but these assigned tasks might not accurately mirror what people do in the real world because they limit distractions," says co-author Lynn Hasher, a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and the Rotman Research Institute. "But a distraction in one setting can actually be useful information in another setting, and the more information you have, the better able you're going to be to address a current problem." Amer and his colleagues hope to use this information to determine exactly what tasks can benefit from reduced control in order to better simulate these experiences in a lab. Although they also hope to expand the research beyond the aging population to examine how distractions can be beneficial for people with a range of cognitive impairments, for now they recognize that this understanding of cognitive control is a step closer to understanding the aging brain. "There is a question about what really sustains performance in old age, and it's clear that working memory alone cannot provide us with the answer to that question," says Hasher. "But we think it's possible that studying reduced cognitive control can help us understand how older adults can still perform independently and successfully in their lives." (ANI) In order to ensure punctuality and work culture in government offices, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Mohammad Harun Malik today constituted flaying squads and teams consisting of senior officers to conduct regular inspections in various government offices and monitor the punctuality of officials and delivery of essential public services on ground. Pursuant to the directions, the teams conducted surprise visits in early working hours at various government offices and found 67 employees unauthorized absent. The Deputy Commissioner has ordered for immediate suspension and to withhold salary of all those officers/officials who were found absent from duty. He also ordered action against those employees who were out of station without proper permission from the competent authorities. The Deputy Commissioner has directed all department heads to adhere to office timing strictly so that general public do not face any inconvenience. He has repeatedly stressed for improving the work culture in government offices and warned of strict action against erring employees in future.UNI VBH JW SHK 2153 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1024405.Xml The Goa State Council of the Communist Party of India (CPI) today said that the measures taken by Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre to curb black money have created more hardships for the common people. In a statement here, CPI Goa State Council secretary Christopher Fonseca said the Council while reiterating its commitment to fight against corruption, black money and fake currency notes, felt that the measures taken by the Narendra Modi government had created more hardships for the common people, particularly the vendors, daily wage earners and salaried class and the government should immediately review the process ofdemonetisation of currency. ''The introduction of Rs 2,000 currency notes is causing more difficulties as there are not enough currency notes of lesser value. The exchange should be in currency notes of Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 only. Otherwise also the release of Rs 2,000 currency note will create opportunities to double the quantum of blackmoney,'' he said, adding, if the government was really sincere to curb the parallel economy based on black money, it should take the people into confidence about the WikiLeaks list of those Indians holding accounts in foreign banks, list of those who have investment in foreign countries leaked in the Panama leak papers and government should take urgent actions against such holders of black money. Besides, the banks should take immediate measures to recover the money taken as loans and converted into Non-Performing Assets (NPA) and properties of such defaulters must be confiscated, he said. ''There are reports that large number of people, including leaders of political parties, have deposited crores of rupees in banks during the last month as they were aware of the demonetisation move of the government. Banks should release the list of such depositors at all levels,'' he said. Mr Fonseca said the Goa State Council of CPI would organize a mass action, including demonstrations and dharnas, at banks and income tax offices to stress the demands related to black money, deposits and investment in foreign countries and recovery of the NPAs. The party appeals to all democratic forces and mass organisations to extend full support and join the struggle.UNI AKM SS NP JW BL2034 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1024265.Xml Following the Centre's ban on Zakir Naik's NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' for five years, the controversial Islamist Preacher's counsel asserted that it was an 'illegal and unjustified' ban, adding that they will move the Tribunal against the order. Speaking to ANI here, Naik's lawyer Mubin Solkar asserted that so far they have not received any such notification, adding that under the law, if any organisation is to be banned, the notification has to be published in the government gazette and then a copy of that has to be served on the concerned organisation. "So far we have not been served with any such kind of notification under section 3 of the UAPA. We are clear that this ban is not justified at all and it is an illegal ban because the provision of UAPA have been wrongly invoked in this case. According to us it is a clear misuse of provisions of UAPA," Solkar said. Emphasising his defence, he further said that in order to ban an organisation as unlawful, it has to have as its object promoting an offence under 153 A, i.e promoting enmity on grounds of religion which the NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' IRF does not have. I "IRF since its inception has promoted peace and harmony, charitable, sociable and humanitarian activities. This ban is wholly unjustified, so even if this notification is issued it does not normally take effect unless it it's confirmed by the Tribunal," he added. Expressing confidence of their case coming through in their favour, Solkar added that he will put the case before the Tribunal and sure that the notification of the ban will be cancelled. Earlier, the Centre banned Naik's NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' for five years and asked the law enforcing Agencies to maintain a strict surveillance on the activities of all establishments of the organisation. The decision was taken by the cabinet committee on security after Naik was found to deliver provocative speeches. The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a show cause notice to Naik's NGO thereby initiating the process for cancellation of its FCRA licence. MHA sources stated that the process for putting Zakir Naik's educational trust in prior permission category has also been initiated. The Centre had time and again asserted that Zakir Naik's IRF is maligning India and, therefore, on several occasions advocated for a ban. Naik came under the scanner after the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' revealed that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, was inspired by Naik. He is banned in both the United Kingdom and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions. He is also among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia and is accused of radicalizing and attracting youth for terror acts and has come under the scanner of the security agencies. (ANI) Continuing his all out war against the Centre over demonetisation, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had rolled out the scheme in a haphazard and ad-hoc manner, which had thrown the entire nation in turmoil. Addressing the media here, Rahul further alleged that the Prime Minister had warned several BJP leaders in advance, as evident from the pictures floating on social media of many BJP leaders flaunting wads of newly minted 2000 rupee notes. "The Congress party are very much for taking on corruption and black money, but the question is that why should millions of people be inconvenienced in this manner. The decision that was taken was not thought through. It was taken on the basis of one person's thinking and in an ad hoc, un-thought out way," he said. Asserting that the Congress was not seeking the roll back of the scheme but wanted the Prime Minster to see through the process right till the end, Rahul added that the Centre must do everything in its power to make the transition happen smoothly and help in easing the trouble of the common man. However, Rahul emphasised that the true purpose of the scheme has failed as those who are the real black money players are walking scott-free including flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya and former IPL chief Lalit Modi. "If you go look at the lines outside banks and ATMs, do you see any eminent names? All I see are regular people. What wrong have they done?," he added. Alleging that a massive scam was in play behind the haphazard execution of the scheme, Rahul stated that most of the economists he had interacted with, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, has asserted there was not economic rationale behind this decision. "Including the Finance Minister, who had no clue about this step, Prime Minister Modi did not even trust those close to him about his scheme. He was under pressure and it was a knee-jerk reaction to that. He needs to manage the present repercussions or the people are going to be hurt more than ever," Rahul said. Earlier today, the Supreme Court on Tuesday to stay the government's notification demonetizing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes but asked the Centre to file an affidavit giving details of steps taken to ease inconvenience faced by citizens due to long queues at banks and ATMs. The bench asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to file an affidavit about the measures already undertaken by the government and the RBI to minimise public inconvenience and also the steps likely to be undertaken in future. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry today took stock of the prevailing situation in the country and assessed the inputs of reported tension in some places in the wake of demonetization of 1000 and 500 rupees notes. Senior officials of the Ministry reviewed the situation in different states where rush are witnessed in banks and ATMs to exchange old notes and withdraw cash. The Prime Minister, in a televised address to the nation, had declared that high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 will no longer be legal tender from November 8-9 midnight. He had said the government has declared a "decisive war" against black money and corruption. (ANI) The law enforcing Agencies will be maintaining strict surveillance of the activities of all the establishments of the Foundation. This development came after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) began the cancellation process of Naik's Islamic Research Foundation's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration. Earlier, the Centre had asserted that Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation is maligning India and, therefore, it is correct to ban it. "If any person tries to malign society, tries to divide it, create tension between the people and hamper peace in the country then the government and people always will take strict and sever action against them," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affair Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told ANI. Naik came under the scanner after the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' revealed that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook that said he was inspired by Naik to carry out the crime. Naik is banned in both the U.K. and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions. He is among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is also accused of radicalizing and attracting youth for terror acts and has come under the scanner of the security agencies. (ANI) "In view of the loss of income to daily wage labourers and the labouring class, ban on construction/ demolition to be lifted forthwith," said the Raj Bhawan statement, however, it was directed that the DPCC guidelines for minimizing dust in construction sites must be strictly adhered to. The special Commissioner of police, Traffic informed Jung that following his order, construction work was stopped at 539 sites and 29 cases were registered by the department. Over 1.5 crores revenue was generated from the violators of construction/demolition activities in the last one week. While there has been no respite on the use of firecrackers and diesel generating sets, trucks will only be allowed to enter the national capital after 12 midnight till 31st of January 2017. Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain, Environment and Forest Minister Imran Hussain, Delhi police and representatives from all three MCDs attended the meeting. Earlier on November 7th, Jung had held an emergency review meet after the air quality in the national capital touched an alarming 999 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter in some, which is more than 15-16 times the limit considered safe. (ANI) Sacked Samajwadi Party (SP) general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise high value currency notes has hit the common people and created a crisis. He said that the demonetisation of the high value currency notes did not affected the rich people or the business class but majorly to the people from the villages and women. "People are very much disturbed by this demonetarization. Farmers are not getting seeds and fertilizers. And the biggest problem facing are the women of our country. Prime Minister should think that when even his mother is forced to stand in queue then what about others, it's a crisis," he added. The former SP leader said the situation in the rural areas is very bad as the banks have failed to transport the stock of the new currency in the ATMs and branches in rural and semi urban areas. When asked about Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's presence in a queue to withdraw money from ATM, Yadav said it was just a 'show off'. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Azam Khan castigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government for letting her aged mother stand in a queue for exchanging money in the wake of demonetisation and dubbed the whole episode as unnecessary. Calling the BJP and the Central leadership hollow, Khan said that had he known that Prime Minster Modi's mother is going to stand in the queue he would have vouched and stood at her place Prime Minister Modi's mother, Heeraben Modi, visited a bank in Gujarat capital Gandhinahgar yesterday to exchange currency. Nonagenarian Heeraben Modi, who had to use the help of a wheel chair and other people to reach the bank, exchanged Rs.4500/- in currency after filling the required forms. Her decision to go to the bank to exchange her currency gives the government run by her son, the much needed support and encouragement in the face of strident objections from some opposition parties such as the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, The Bahujan Samaj Party, the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Trinamool Congress. (ANI) Donation boxes at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati have been removed to dissuade any donation of demonetised notes even as severe cash crunch continued in Assam.Kamakhya temple sources said the donation boxes have been removed after the demonetisation move to ensure that no person can deposit their black money in the form of donation.For devotees wanting to make larger donations, it can be given in person in legal tender or other legal form. Meanwhile, as shortage of cash continued, several people were injured in a stampede-like situation at Kalgachia in Barpeta district.Local television showed people queued in hundreds in front of a local State Bank of India branch and when the gates opened, people broke the queue and tried to rush in. A number of people sustained minor injuries in the incident.Old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination were recovered from a rivulet running through Guwahati this morning, with people scrambling to collect the notes. Police later arrived at the spot and collected samples, while also informing that these notes bore bank stamp of being counterfeit notes. Rumours of notes lying in packets in other parts of the city had emerged.The shortage of notes continued in the state as people stood in long queues in front of the functional banks and ATMs to withdraw money following the demonetisation drive.UNI SG AD1420 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1024977.Xml As many as 15 youths from the Yuva Sena have been booked on the alleged charges of kidnapping a youth and beating him, police said today. The victim, Omkar Gole (24) has been admitted to a private hospital here. Police said a youth leader and deputy co-ordinator of Yuva Sena Thane city unit, Nikhil Burzade led the youths in the attack on the victim on the night of November 13. The alleged accused wanted the victim to confess that he had burnt a vehicle and dumped him in a car after beating him with a rod and other lethal weapons and also cut off his hair and took him away on the night of November 13 at around 2330 hrs and held him captive, till next morning. They took him to various places, including Kharigaon, Majiwada and Bramhand and finally dropped him near his house and warned him not to lodge any complaint to the police, else he will face the same fate, as that of Hemant Thakkar. An offence is registered under Sections 143, 147, 148, 149, 326, 341, 367, 504 and 506 of the IPC, police said and added that no no arrest has been made in connection with the offence so far, they added.UNI XR NV RJ 1500 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1024948.Xml ''We announced the EkShiksha campaign only five months ago, and on the occasion of Children's Day, I'm happy to see industry support the digitisation of rural schools across Palghar. ''With this, Palghar is on its way to become Maharashtra's first 'Smart Schooling District','' Education Minister Vinod Tawde said here. ''These efforts are in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Digital India' mission, and will go a long way to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. I hope more corporates, NGOs and school trusts support EkShiksha and the young team at ConnectEd Technologies' spearheading it,'' he added. The commitment made by DHFL will enable ConnectEd Technologies to double its tally of 'Smart Classrooms' in Palghar to 120; benefiting over 25,000 children across the government, aided and tribal welfare schools.UNI XR NV RJ 1522 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-1025005.Xml The plant uses Israeli technology from Aqwise. "It is a great honour to have you here in our treatment facility in Agra -- a place which is a unique manifestation of the close bonding between Israel and India," said Elad Frenkel, Chairman of Israeli Water Sector Steering Committee and CEO of Aqwise. Frankel said the demand for Israeli technologies both in India as also globally is on account of its innovativeness and efficiency, particularly in the cleantech sector. The Israeli President surprised everyone when he sipped water from a glass filled with the treated water at the plant. An official told IANS: "The water treatment facility in the plant is executed by Triveni Engineering Industries Ltd and at its core is advanced biological technology provided by the Israeli company Aqwise, based on AGAR (MBBR) moving bed bio-reactor technology. "It is an innovative water facility treating water from the Yamuna river, and it provides clean drinking water to two million residents in the city." This facility is active since 2014 and is the largest in India and among the biggest in the world. Aqwise has over 400 installations in more than 40 countries. Talking to media persons, President Rivlin said water and earth were two important things for life. "God bless India! We hope all homes will get drinking water. This project is the example of the deep bonding of friendship and partnership among our two countries," Rivlin said. The Israeli President later planted a "Kadamb" sapling in the campus. --IANS bk/nir/dg ( 288 Words) 2016-11-16-16:52:03 (IANS) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will accept payment of current/arrears of outstanding telephone bills with old currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. In a statement here today, Telangana Telecom Circle Hyderabad Chief General Manager L Anantharam asked the customers to utilize this opportunity for payment of the outstanding bills and avail reconnection of their phones.UNI VV CS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1025303.Xml Ms Banerjee led a march of several Opposition parties, including National Conference, Aam Aadmi Party and BJP ally Shiv Sena, to Rashtrapati Bhavan to give a memorandum to the President on the issue. Trinamool Congress MPs also held a demonstration in Parliament premises against demonetisation demanding roll back of the decision of the Modi government. All India Trinamool Congress members wearing black sheets of cloth, held placards which carried slogans, 'Withdraw financial emergency'. They shouted slogans against the government decision saying the common man was undergoing untold suffering following the demonetisation. The AITC activists also shouted slogans in support of their leader Mamata Banerjee, endorsing her strong stand against the government move. More UNI MKS RSA-RP1613 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1025057.Xml The Supreme Court today dismissed a review petition of Tamil Nadu challenging its judgement in connection with banning the bull taming sport in the state. A division bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and also comprising Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, passed the order after hearing in detail arguments put forth by the state of Tamil Nadu and Animal Welfare Board and other respective petitioners and respondents. UNI XC RP1645 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1025229.Xml Signalling major trouble for former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, the designated court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Wednesday accepted the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application requesting UK authorities for assistance in his extradition. The case pertains to a criminal complaint filed by BCCI which has accused the former IPL commissioner of misappropriating funds during his tenure. "The ED is the sole investigative agency under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Government of India, for conducting investigations under the provisions of PMLA against money laundering offences. This application is filed with a prayer for issuance of a letter of request to the competent authority in the government of United Kingdom for mutual legal assistance for the execution of the open ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) dated August 6, 2015, issued by the PMLA court against Lalit Modi, which is judicial document and for the transfer of the suspected accused person to India," the ED application said. India asked Britain to extradite nearly 60 people wanted by it for bringing them back to face justice in India, including flamboyant businessman Vijay Mallya who is facing money laundering charges. (ANI) Last week, the top court had questioned the Centre for its notification to allow the use of bulls in events like Jallikattu, saying India cannot "import Roman gladiator type sport". A division bench headed by justices, Dipak Misra and Rohinton Fali Nariman said that animals may not have rights, but humans cannot negate their obligations as enshrined under the Constitution. The order was passed after hearing in detail the argument put forth by the state of Tamil Nadu, the Animal Welfare Board and other respective petitioners and respondents. In May 2014, the Supreme Court banned the practice, citing animal welfare issues. On 8 January, 2016, the Government of India passed an order exempting Jallikattu from all performances where bulls cannot be used, effectively reversing the ban. However, on January 15, 2016, the Supreme Court upheld its ban on the event, leading to protests across Tamil Nadu. (ANI) To curb the air pollution in the state, Uttar Pradesh government today issued a new directive, which says that the vehicle plying from different state or district, have to take a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) before entering the 38 listed districts here. Any vehicle entering from the outside state or districts will get entry in the listed cities only after NOC received from the transport department. Strict actions would be taken against the vehicles entering without NOC. UP Additional Transport Commissioner Dr Rajendra Prasad said here today that 'National Green Tribunal' (NGT) has directed to ban vehicles older than 10 years for diesel vehicles and 15 years for petrol vehicles in NCR. Dr Prasad said in first phase order will be in forced in Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow Agra, Varanasi and Gorakhpur while second phase will include Faizabad, Allahabad, Aligarh,Bhadohi, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, saharanpur, Jhansi, Mau and 18 other districts. Dr Prasad said this order will be implemented soon and it is predicted that pollution will be controlled after implementation of this order. UNI JDM MB PS RJ 2000 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1025751.Xml The ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh was gearing for statewide agitation against the withdrawal of high currency notes by the Central government. Ahead of the crucial state Assembly elections, SP wishes to tap on the rising discontent among the people, particularly in rural areas and among the traders, over the move of the Centre. State president of SP Shivpal Yadav said in Unnao today that party cadres would resort to the streets against the decision of the Union government. He said despite the repeated claims of the Union government and the Reserve Bank of India, there is no let up in the crisis caused in the economy by the sudden withdrawal of the high value currency notes. It appears that the priority of Union government is to supply new currency notes in big cities and ignore the rural areas. Never before in the history of the country, people have witnessed such a crisis at the height of the marriage season and sowing of the Rabi crop, he lamented. The SP state president said to add salt to the injury of peasants and the rural people, RBI has restrained the district cooperative banks (DCBs) from exchanging the old currency notes with the new ones. He said an overwhelming number of branches of DCBs are located in the rural areas and semi-urban areas, which acted as the only link of farmers with the monetised economy and the decision of RBI against the cooperative banks has not only threatened the very existence of these banks, it has also added to the hardship of the farmers and the rural people.UNI MB PS RJ 1956 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1025779.Xml A search operation has been launched by security forces following inputs about presence of militants in north Kashmir district of Bandipora. Official sources said here this evening that following specific information about the presence of militants at Naidkhai in Bandipora, security forces launched a search operation in the area. However, till the last reports came in, no contact was established with the militants. More details are awaited, they added.UNI ABS CJ RJ 1915 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-1025585.Xml The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the appointment of Advocate General in the state. A division bench of Justices A S Oka and Anuja Prabhudesai, directing the state to file affidavit, adjourned the hearing till November 28. During the hearing, the court said in an earlier matter when a question was asked, Maharashtra had stated that it would make an appointment shortly. Congress MLC Sanjay Dutt had moved the court, seeking a direction to the state government to appoint a regular Advocate General in place of the current acting Advocate General. Mr Dutt's lawyer Ashish Mehta today mentioned the petition before the court, saying the court should declare the post of 'acting Advocate General' as unconstitutional, and appointment of Advocate General should be made only as per the provisions of Article 165 of the Constitution. Seeking to clarify that he was not questioning the professional capability of acting Advocate General Rohit Deo, Mr Mehta said he wanted a direction to the government to follow the constitutional provisions. Mr Deo was functioning as an acting AG for the last more than eight months, while under the Constitution, no post of 'acting AG' exists, he argued. Mr Dutt had also raised the issue in the state Legislature earlier, the petition said. Pending hearing and final disposal of the petition, the High Court may pass an interim order, directing the government to withdraw the charge given to the acting Advocate General, said the petition. Mr Deo was appointed as acting AG after previous Advocate General Srihari Aney was forced to resign. Mr Aney's open support for separate Vidarbha had incurred him the wrath of political parties, including the ruling ally Shiv Sena, who are opposed to the idea of statehood for the region.UNI AAA SS SW RJ 1941 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1025718.Xml Election Commission of India has clarified that all electors, who havebeen issued Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), should be produced for their identificationat the polling station before casting their votes in the election to be held for Aravakurichi, Thanjavur Assembly Constituencies and at Thiruparankundram, where a bypoll will be held on November 19. Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni in a statement here today said those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC can produce either Passport, Driving License, Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt. PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,MNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour,Pension document with photograph, Authenticated Photo Voter Slip issued by the election machinery, and Official identity cards to MPs/MLAs/MLCs. He said the Commission has also directed that Authenticated Photo Voter Slips shall be distributed to all electors before the date of poll. It is also clarified that if any elector uses an EPIC, which has been issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another Assembly Constituency, such cards shall also be taken into account provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station. The possession of EPIC or other form of identity prescribed by the Commission will not entitle a person to exercise his/her vote, unless his/her name is found in the Electoral Roll supplied to the Polling Station, Mr Lakhoni said.UNI CS AK2036 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1025878.Xml Four labourers were rescued by local fishermen who rushed to the site, police said here. One of them sustained injuries and rushed to the hospital. Rescue and relief operations have been launched by fire force and local fishermen to find out the missing persons. As per the initial reports, the victims, except the driver, are from Nepal and are engaged by a local decoration company. Local people said the van which lost control and plunged into the lake. Fishermen managed to rescue four of them before strong current of water washed others away. The mishap occurred almost at the middle of the nearly a kilometre long bridge. Service of Navy and Coast Guard was sought for the rescue operations. UNI CR CS 2025 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0324-1025837.Xml The opposition Congress in Goa today allegedthat people of Mandrem and Pernem constituencies stood humiliated asPrime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention Pernem taluka and thepeople during his hour-long speech after laying foundation stonesfor projects on November 13. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in thecity, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesperson JitendraDeshprabhu alleged that both the local BJP government and the PrimeMinister did not bother to bring about any inclusive participationin the developments for the people of the state and that of theMandrem and Perenem constituencies. ''The electronic city was to be set up in the growth centreproposal of the Goa government when Luizinho Faleiro was ministerfor industries. The project was to be set up in the land at Tuem inMandrem constituency but was opposed by the people of the BJP whoare now using the same land for the proposed electronic city. Thisspeaks volumes of the negative politics of the BJP,'' he alleged. Mr Deshpande claimed that there was nothing in the speech ofthe Prime Minister or anybody else which gave any assurance to thelocal farmers who had given up their land for the project. On November 13, Prime Minister Modi had unveiled plaques tomark the foundation stone laying of Mopa Airport, Electronic City,among other projects in the state.UNI AKM SS NP JW SHK 2133 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1025887.Xml The lady gynaecologist, who has a hospital near Shivajistatue in city, had withdrawn the amount from the locker of a bank,located in the Doctors' lane area late last evening, and it wasbeing taken to her residence in the car, police said. On a tip off, a police team kept a vigil and intercepted thecar in front of the LIC office in Vazirabad area. The police took the car to the police station and oninspection found the amount and gold. The confiscated car, the amount and gold were handed over tothe Income Tax Department. Assistant superintendent of police Mahendra Pandit, whocarried out the action, refused to share the name and other detailsof the lady doctor. It was not clear whether the amount was being taken for use inthe election to the Nanded segment of the state Legislative Council. UNI XR SS NP JW SHK 2205 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-1025925.Xml Police said, in one of the incident, a traffic sergeant stopped a taxi for routine security checks at Brabourne Road near Howrah Bridge and recovered as many as two sacks filled with banned Rs 500 notes. Two passengers of the taxi- Saurav Mukherjee and Sushil Kumar Shukla- were arrested as they failed to show valid documents against the currency, police said. The taxi driver told the police those people boarded his taxi from Golabari area in Howrah district and were going towards M G Road in Central Kolkata. "During primary interrogation, these men claimed that the owner of the money was Kishen Bajaj, a businessman of city's Posta area, and they were going to drop the money before him," a senior official of Kolkata Police said. "As the duo couldn't produce valid documents against the money, we have arrested them under CrPC section 41 and they will be produced to a city court tomorrow," he said. In another incident, the city police reportedly arrested two middle-aged men today for depositing FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes) worth 24,000 rupees in a local bank. Police said, Santosh Singh and his brother Loknath Singh, who were the residents of Lake Town area in Dumdum went to an UCO Bank's branch at Ganesh Chandra Avenue area and allegedly tried to deposit at least 24 fake 1000 Rs notes. After holding them, bank officials called in the police they duo was arrested later. "They were trying to deposit two lakh rupees in the bank, out of which twenty-four 1000 Rs notes were FICN," a senior official of the city police said. "They will be produced before a special court tomorrow," he added.UNI BM JW SHK 2210 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-1025953.Xml Germany's highest court has rejected a bid by opposition politicians to make the government disclose spy targets it worked on with the US NSA spy agency to a parliamentary commission investigating the NSA's activities in Germany. Germany began an investigation after news in 2015 that the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) foreign intelligence agency had helped the NSA spy on many European companies and politicians. German politicians and other critics also argue that a law passed in October after NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden's disclosures about US spying on Chancellor Angela Merkel, will make oversight of the BND harder. The government says it will do exactly the opposite. The Constitutional Court's ruling said Washington was still adamantly opposed to sharing the spy target list and doing so without US permission would hurt German intelligence agencies' ability to cooperate with others in the future. News of the court's October ruling, published today, again turns the spotlight on sensitive US-German intelligence ties at a time when the world is waiting to see how US President Donald Trump shapes his foreign policy priorities. It also comes at a time when Germany and other European countries are working more closely than ever with US intelligence agencies to track Islamist militants and avert more bombings and attacks like those in Paris and Brussels this year.REUTERS JW BL2139 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1024437.Xml The UN Syria envoy said today that US President-elect Donald Trump was right to seek to work with Russia to beat Islamic State in Syria, but he urged Trump to help push for political reforms to stop the militant group gaining recruits. Speaking on the BBC's Hardtalk programme, Staffan de Mistura said it was crucial to fight IS, also known as Daesh, but that a long-term victory required "a completely new approach" to a political solution. "In other words, some type of political devolution in Syria. Otherwise many other people, unhappy in Syria, may join Daesh while they are fighting Daesh," he said. De Mistura presided over a fitful Syrian peace process in the first half of this year, but it finally stalled because cooperation collapsed between its two chief backers, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russia has maintained strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom it regards as a bulwark against "terrorists". The United States has said Assad must leave power under any political transition. Although the UN Security Council has mandated a political transition process, Assad's government has refused to consider any formula that might involve a dilution of his power. Many of Trump's opponents fear that his stated intention to work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin means the United States will withdraw support for Syrian opposition groups and agree to Assad's staying in power. De Mistura said Assad and his team were probably "feeling comfortable" at the moment, but they should be aware that Russia had no interest in "inheriting" a broken Syria with constant guerrilla warfare for years ahead. "By the way, President Putin himself has told me ... that he has told President Assad twice: 'Listen, we are helping you, but there is a moment when we will be expecting you to actually apply a political devolution'," de Mistura said. In a separate interview with the British newspaper the Guardian, he drew a parallel with Syria's neighbour Iraq and said the political approach needed to include "those that feel disenfranchised, the Sunnis". "Unless you address the disenfranchisement of Sunni tribes, you will have an open space for people like the Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi." The European Union was working on a plan to rebuild Syria, conditional on political devolution, probably with help from the World Bank, de Mistura said, but the exact meaning of devolution needed to be discussed by the Russians and Americans.REUTERS JW BL2233 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1024476.Xml She said this as she walked into a meeting between Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who arrived in London on three-day visit on Sunday evening, and the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant, reports the Dawn. May also conveyed good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan, according to a message received from London. While meeting Prime Minister May, Nisar also expressed hope that relations between the two countries would improve under her leadership. He anticipated that Britain and Pakistan could enhance cooperation at all levels after her visit next year. The Interior Minister said her visit would be timely considering the regional political situation in South Asia and would help open up new channels of multi-lateral cooperation and coordination. During his conversation with Sir Mark, Nisar alleged that neighbour and arch rival India's aggressive diplomatic stance is detrimental for the peace and security of the region. Nisar also stressed that Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil. On the issue of peace in Afghanistan, he said, "A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan". (ANI) Hezb-e-Islami terrorist group leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has refused to apologize over war crime allegations as efforts are underway to remove his name from the United Nations sanctions committee following the conclusion of a peace deal with the Afghan Government. National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Tawab Ghorzang said yesterday that Afghan Government will send a letter to the United Nations to officially ask the top body to lift sanctions Hekmatyar. In an audio message, Hekmatyar said, "Those who have committed crimes or have been charged by a reputable court should apologise. Not those upon whom war is imposed, who have resisted the invaders, defended themselves and defended the country", reports Khaama Press. Once branded the "butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s. He is accused of killing thousands of people when his fighters fired on civilian areas of the capital city during the 1992-1996 civil war. Human Right Watch, the New York-based watchdog, branded him as "one of Afghanistan's most notorious war crimes suspects". His party joined the peace process following months of negotiations with the Afghan high peace council as the Afghan officials are optimistic that the reconciliation with Hezb-e-Islami will open doors for the other militant groups to join peace process and end the ongoing violence. The 25-point peace agreement between the Afghan Government and the terror group gives Hekmatyar and his followers' immunity for past actions and grants them full political rights (ANI) President Vladimir Putin dismissed Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev on Tuesday over allegations he extorted a 2 million dollars bribe from top oil producer Rosneft in a case that could expose fault lines in the Russian leader's inner circle. The Russian government said in a statement cited by RIA news agency that Wednesday's meeting was routine and had been brought forward by one day from Thursday because of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's schedule. REUTERS SHS GC1332 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1024869.Xml Pakistan has ordered Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to a Turkish cleric opposed to President Tayyip Erdogan to leave the country, as it prepared to host the Turkish leader today.The teachers and their families, totalling about 450 people, were given three days notice to leave, PakTurk International Schools and Colleges said in a statement late yesterday.PakTurk educates more than 10,000 students in Pakistan and denies any affiliation with the cleric Fethullah Gulen, or his "Hizmet" movement.Erdogan has accused Gulen, a former political ally, of being behind a coup attempt in July, and Turkey has previously asked Pakistan to shutdown any groups in the country that have links to the cleric."PakTurk International Schools and Colleges are deeply concerned over the abrupt decision of the government requiring the Turkish teachers, management and their family members...to leave the country within three days," the school said.It added that the staff were asked to leave because of "non-approval of their requests for extension of visa".Pakistan's Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.But before his departure from Ankara, Erdogan praised Pakistan's actions against what his government calls the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO)."Pakistan's decision to have people linked to FETO leave the country by November 20 is very pleasing," Erdogan said."Just like Turkey, Pakistan is carrying out a relentless fight against terror. Turkey supports Pakistan's battle until the end."Erdogan is due to arrive in Pakistan later on Wednesday and address the country's parliament tomorrow.Turkey and Pakistan have traditionally had close ties, which have warmed further under the leadership of Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, preaches Sunni Islam together with a message of interfaith dialogue. He denies any involvement in the failed coup in which more than 230 people were killed.Turkey has applied pressure to other countries that are home to Gulen-backed institutions.Gulen's "Hizmet" movement runs some 2,000 educational establishments in about 160 countries.PakTurk said the schools would continue operating across Pakistan and told students and their family members that it was opposed to "ingress of some other organization into the teachers and staff of the schools".Pakistan's English-language Dawn newspaper, citing sources, said Turkey's government had suggested that management of the schools be transferred to an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) with links to Erdogan's administration.The Dawn report could not be independently confirmed.REUTERS SHS GC1401 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1024944.Xml An Indonesian court sentenced an American to life in prison today for smuggling a large quantity of crystal meth into the country from China, state news agency Antara reported.The district court in the port city of Semarang, the provincial capital of Central Java, found Kamran Malik guilty of smuggling 97 kilograms of the drug inside generator sets being imported from China, Antara said.Malik, who is also known as Phillip Russel, was arrested in January with seven others involved in a smuggling ring that Judge Noor Ali described as "a Pakistani network". The judge said Malik dealt with the finances.On Monday, the same court sentenced to death the Pakistani ringleader, Muhammad Riaz, Antara reported. Another Pakistani in the group, Faiq Akhtar, was sentenced to life yesterday, local media reported, while five others, all Indonesians, received lighter sentences.REUTERS VS VP1457 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1024986.Xml Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan named a new ambassador to Israel today, reciprocating a move by the Israelis a day earlier - steps towards restoring diplomatic ties between the once-close allies that broke down in 2010.Israel and Turkey said in June they would normalise relations - a rapprochement driven by the prospect of lucrative Mediterranean gas deals as well as mutual fears over security risks in the Middle East."We are appointing as ambassador to Israel Kemal Okem, our prime minister's foreign affairs adviser," Erdogan told a news conference in Ankara before leaving on an official visit to Pakistan.Yesterday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said Eitan Na'eh, currently deputy ambassador in London, had been appointed ambassador in Ankara. It was not immediately announced when he would take up his post.Israeli-Turkish relations broke down in 2010 when 10 Turkish pro-Palestinian activists were killed by Israeli commandos enforcing a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The soldiers had raided a ship, the Mavi Marmara, leading a flotilla to the Hamas Islamist-run Palestinian territory.Israel agreed to pay out 20 million dollar to the families of those killed on the vessel, a crucial element in the restoration of ties. REUTERS VS VP1458 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1024992.Xml Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said implementation of the Paris Agreement is a must to save the lives of millions of people. "The lives and livelihoods of millions of people would continue to be at risk unless we deliver on our commitments on climate change issues," the Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina, as saying. She also said that Bangladesh was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister made the statement at the high-level segments of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday night. Hasina said that the Marrakech climate conference holds special importance as agreement signed last year in Paris is expected to be enforced this year. Asserting that the Paris Agreement successfully creates a solid ground for meaningful cooperation in combating climate change, she said, "Now, this is the time to move forward to implement decisions into actions." Hasina said, "We must be prepared to share equitable burden to fulfill our promises of making the world a safer and better place for our future generation. The Prime Minister said that the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) would never be achieved unless we address this challenge of climate-induced migrant issue appropriately. Hasina urged all to join hands in consolidating the global partnership to fight against the dangerous threats of climate change. Stating that Bangladesh is also the first country to set up a "Climate Change Trust Fund" of USD 400 million from its own resources, Hasina said, "Bangladesh also achieved success in disaster management despite its coastal areas being highly vulnerable to climate-related calamities such as floods and cyclones." Hasina, who is also a member of the UN High Level Panel on Water, said her government is committed to the action plan endorsed by the panel in New York last September. Laying importance on water security, she said, "We must ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all through effective water governance." Hasina is on a three-day tour to attend the high-level segments of the COP 22, joined the inaugural session of the conference along with other heads of state and government on Tuesday morning. Earlier, the heads of states were received by the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,UNFCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa and COP 22 President Salaheddine Mezouar. Sheikh Hasina who is on a three-day official visit to attend the COP 22 arrived here on Monday afternoon. A 58-member delegation is being led by the Bangladesh Prime Minister The three-day high-level segments of COP 22 of the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are being held in Morocco's former imperial city of Marrakech.(ANI) Stressing the need for a third political force in the country, former Pakistan military dictator General (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf has said he would try to unite all political forces to challenge the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People's Party (PPP). "I will try to unite different political forces to form a third power to challenge the PML-N and PPP," the Dawn quoted Musharraf, as saying. When asked about his possible return to Pakistan for political struggle, Musharraf said: "I will come back to Pakistan when the court cases against me will conclude." "Political leadership in Pakistan is prolonging the cases against me and the judiciary is under the influence of the current government," he added. In August, the Sindh High Court proclaimed Musharraf an offender for not appearing before it despite several notices while hearing a petition contending that a case should be filed against Musharraf under Article 6 of the Constitution. Several cases are pending against Musharraf in courts across Pakistan. In September, a permanent arrest warrant was issued against the former military dictator by a court in Islamabad in the murder case of Lal Masjid deputy cleric Abdur Rashid Ghazi, who was killed in a military operation in July 2007. During the interview, Musharraf also said that he does hold sympathy for the 'Mohajir' community but has no interest in the politics of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). He made the statement as mysterious banners popped up in Pakistan suggesting an alliance between Musharraf and Farooq Sattar-led MQM-Pakistan with the former having a leading role. MQM-Pakistan has already rejected speculations over the 'plus one' formula proposed by Musharraf's counsel, who hinted at the inclusion of the former military dictator in MQM as a party leader. Meanwhile, Senate chairman Raza Rabbani opposed Musharraf's entry in politics and said if the latter returns to the country or enters politics "that day should be the last day of politicians in Pakistan". "It will be shameful for us if the person who destroyed the country enters into politics," said Rabbani. (ANI) Yemen's Houthi group said today it was ready to stop fighting and join a national unity government, raising hopes of a resolution to a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people.The announcement appeared to confirm the details of a deal set out by US Secretary of State John Kerry a day earlier that he said included plans for a ceasefire starting on Thursday.Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the political council of the Houthi's Ansarullah group, said Saudi Arabia had also agreed to end its involvement in the war - though there was no official confirmation from Riyadh.An Arab alliance led by Saudi Arabia intervened in the Yemen conflict in March last year in support of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Iran-aligned Houthis advanced on his interim capital in Aden and forced him into exile."Ansarullah's position has been and still is with stopping the war and the establishment of a national unity government that incorporates all political components," Bukhaiti told Reuters, responding to a question on Kerry's announcement."The new thing is in the position of Saudi (Arabia), which has agreed in principle to stop the war as one of the parties to the conflict," Bukhaiti added.After months of bombings and other attacks, no side has emerged as the dominant force in a war that has displaced more than three million people, left parts of the population on the edge of starvation and given room for a powerful branch of al Qaeda to expand its operations.CEASEFIREKerry, in what could be his last trip to the Gulf before President Barack Obama's term ends in January, said yesterday that officials from the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition meeting had agreed to a ceasefire starting tomorrow.Underlining the complexity of the situation, Hadi's government quickly rejected the move, complaining that it had been bypassed. Copies of a UN peace plan seen by Reuters in October suggested he would be sidelined in any future government.Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi said Kerry's announcement had not been coordinated with the government which, he said, was not interested in the plan."I believe the current US administration is incapable of providing any guarantees to any party and what Kerry has said is no more than a media bubble at our people's expense," Mekhlafi told Qatar-based Al Jazeera television.The frontline has changed little over the past few months despite repeated offensives by Hadi's supporters who operate under air cover from the Saudi-led alliance.Hadi's government says the Houthis have illegally seized power in a coup backed by Iran, and demands that they quit the cities they have seized and hand over heavy weapons before any political settlement starts.The Houthis say they seized power to end corruption and to get rid of Islamist militants they say had expanded their influence during Hadi's presidency.REUTERS VS AS1529 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025073.Xml Kenya said today it had to agreed delay the closure of a teeming Somali refugee camp that it sees as a security risk, after international pressure to give residents more time to find new homes.Nairobi had vowed to shut Dadaab camp this month, saying it was being used by Islamist militants from neighbouring Somalia who have launched a string of attacks on Kenyan soil.But rights groups criticised the decision, saying it would hurt Somalis fleeing violence and poverty, and accused Nairobi of forcibly sending people back to a war zone. The government dismisses that allegation."The government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of repatriation of Somali refugees, and this is essential to the closure of the Dadaab refugee complex, by six months," Interior Minister Joseph Ole Nkaissery said."However, the ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted," he told a news conference.This week, a ministry official had told Reuters that the November deadline would be missed, although he did not give a new timetable. He also dismissed accusations from Amnesty International and others about forcible repatriations.The official said the camp was now home to about 250,000 people, while UN officials had put the figure at about 350,000 at the start of the year.More than half a million people lived there a few years ago.Somalia's Western-backed government is battling an Islamist insurgency as it oversees a fragile reconstruction effort after decades of conflict. Swathes of the country do not have basic services. REUTERS VS VP1616 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025167.Xml German Chancellor Angela Merkel will run for a fourth term next year, a lawmaker in her conservative party said, though her spokesman brushed off the comments and said she would address the issue "at the suitable time".Norbert Roettgen, a lawmaker in Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told CNN today that Merkel "will run and she will act as a responsible leader".The former environment minister, who is not in Merkel's inner circle, did not say how he knew she had made up her mind to run in national elections in 2017.But her aides have signalled in the past she is moving that way, in the wake of Republican Donald Trump's US election victory, Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the rise of populist parties across Europe."She will run for chancellor," said Roettgen, who now chairs the Bundestag foreign affairs committee."And she is absolutely determined, willing and ready to contribute to strengthen the international liberal order, but we can't see the chancellor or Germany as last man standing."A pragmatist, Merkel has steered Europe through the euro zone crisis and the biggest influx of migrants into the continent since World War Two.Asked about Roettgen's assertion, a CDU spokesman said: "What the party leadership said remains valid: she will communicate her decision in due course."Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert told Reuters yesterday: "She will address this question at the suitable time, as has been said many times in the past."Merkel's CDU holds its annual party conference early next month - a venue the chancellor could use to say she will run again.Even though Merkel's CDU and their Bavaria-based Christian Social Union partners are roughly 10 percentage points ahead of their nearest rivals in opinion polls, her decision to let around 900,000 migrants come in last year has angered many voters.The right-wing Alternative for Germany, which has embraced tough anti-immigrant rhetoric, is drawing support away from the bigger traditional parties and is expected to make it into parliament in national elections in 2017. REUTERS VS AS1642 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025206.Xml Emboldened by machinegun fire on Islamic State snipers along Mosul's frontlines, a few residents are emerging from their homes in pockets of the city where Iraqi forces have dislodged the jihadists.In al-Zahraa in eastern Mosul, shopkeepers swept away broken glass and neighbours were starting to interact again, days after Islamic State fighters were ousted from the neighbourhood. Two rabbits hopped along a sand lot as gunfire crackled nearby.But there is still an overwhelming sense of uncertainty as parts of the sprawling city slowly come to life and Iraqi special forces press ahead with their offensive on Islamic State's last big stronghold in Iraq.Many residents fear that even if the entire city falls, the world's most dangerous militant group will return one day to impose its ultra-hardline version of Islam."We need the army to stay here for 10 years to protect us," sewing shop owner Omar Sibawee said as special forces on a nearby rooftop opened fire at buildings where jihadists were holed up. "We are afraid they have sleeper cells in Mosul."About 800 Islamic State militants swept through northern Iraq in 2014, seizing Mosul and nearby towns and villages.Cigarettes were banned and anyone caught smoking was whipped. Women were forced to cover from head to toe. Suspected adulterers were stoned to death in public.Iraqi forces have captured several areas of eastern Mosul during the offensive, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since a US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.Just beyond Sibawee's home is one of the spots where Islamic State beheaded people. The militants insisted the entire neighbourhood -- adults and children alike -- gather to watch."They used to always slaughter the former soldiers and policemen. It was horrible to watch," Sibawee said."As they sliced their heads they would tell us 'liberate yourself from the apostates'," he said as some his eight children played, oblivious to the sound of sniper rifles and mortar bombs.IS POSES CONSTANT DANGERIraqi security forces put down their weapons and fled in the face of the Islamic State onslaught in 2014, but have made progress against the jihadists this year.After clearing Islamic State out of the cities of Ramadi and Falluja in the west, they have pushed into Mosul and seized nearby towns and villages with the help of Kurdish peshmerga fighters and Shi'ite militias.The battle could drag on for months. Western Mosul is expected to witness much tougher urban warfare, with many narrow streets and alleyways preventing movement by tanks and armoured vehicles that would give Iraqi forces an edge.Improvised explosive devices, snipers and suicide bombers are still a constant danger across much of Mosul, capital of Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate.Iraqi special forces officers positioned along an abandoned market said the militants regularly attack them. A grenade recently landed on a metal rooftop above them, making dozens of holes."A few days ago five suicide bombers with grenades and AK-47 rifles charged us," said Mohamed Abdel Rahman. "We shot dead four of them and one blew himself up and wounded one of us. They hit us and we hit them."One of the failed suicide bombers lay in the street under a thick blanket, about 50 metres (55 yards) from an Iraqi tank."I cut off his head," said a special forces officer, smiling proudly. He pointed to the man's green suicide belt placed on a table a few feet away.A government forces' sniper was stationed at a nearby mosque, staring across the front line at another neighbourhood where special forces believe Islamic State militants are holding Iraqis as human shields."Every morning people try to escape and Daesh snipers shoot at them," said one officer. Daesh is an Arabic acronym used by opponents of Islamic State to describe the group.Every 30 minutes or so, a hidden Islamic State sniper opened fire, inviting retaliation. Mortar bombs crashed down on other parts of the city.The clashes have devastated businesses in Mosul, once a thriving trading centre.Rayan Haithem wondered how he would ever make a living again."A car bomb blew up near my bakery a few days ago. It was destroyed," he said. "We need the army to stay here and protect us so that they don't come back."Mosul residents are starting to pick up the pieces.One man tried to fix some items in his automobile repair shop, now scattered across a sand lot. An army bulldozer had pushed some of his customers' cars beneath an earth berm to fortify frontline positions.Children have grown numb to the violence.A young girl named Aisha entertained herself by throwing bullet casings along an alleyway. Minutes later the exchange of fire resumed.REUTERS VS AS1712 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025299.Xml Chinese websites have again blocked searches for "Fatty Kim the Third", as many Chinese mockingly call North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with China's foreign ministry saying it did not approve of ridiculing foreign leaders.Chinese internet users began reporting last week that searches on the Twitter-like microblogging site Weibo and search engine Baidu for the expression returned no results, the normal sign that something is being blocked despite its wide usage.The term - which refers to the weight of Kim, his father and grandfather - was last blocked in September after neighbouring North Korea's latest nuclear test.Kim is unpopular in China because of his country's repeated nuclear and missile tests.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said reports the government had banned the search term "did not accord with the facts"."What I want to stress is that China has always dedicated itself to constructing a rational, cultured and healthy environment for public opinion," Geng told a daily news briefing.China "does not approve of insulting or ridiculing language to address any country's leader", he added, without elaborating.Both Baidu Inc and Sina Corp, which owns Weibo, declined to comment.China's internet regulator did not respond to a request for comment.Many Chinese, however, took to Weibo to suggest multiple other terms which sound similar to "Fatty Kim the Third" and which are not blocked.REUTERS VS AS1712 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025310.Xml Tunisian authorities dismantled a jihadist cell that was planning attacks against a security station and a commercial centre in the capital, a security source said today. Tunisia is on high alert after dozens of Islamist militants stormed through the border town of Ben Guerdan this year attacking army and police posts and triggering street battles in which troops killed about 50 militants. "Security forces arrested a jihadist cell that was planning to assassinate political and media figures. They planned to attack a security station and bomb the commercial center GEANT in Tunis", a security source told Reuters. He added that four people including a girl were arrested. The cell's members watched videos on how to make explosives. Tunisia suffered several major attacks claimed by Islamic State last year including two attacks targeting foreign tourists at a Tunis museum and a beach hotel. The country has struggled to contain a jihadist threat from neighboring Libya, and a high number of Tunisian militants have left to fight abroad.REUTERS VS BL1952 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1025791.Xml Next year's international conference on climate change will likely be held in Germany with the small island nation of Fiji as the official host, a delegation source told Reuters today. Such a proposal is currently being circulated and is due to be finalised at the UN climate talks currently being held in Morocco, the source said. While Fiji will be the official host of the 2017 talks, the conference will take place in the former German capital Bonn due to logistical reasons, the source said. Germany last held the year-end UN climate talks in 2001 in Bonn which is home to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).REUTERS JW BL2152 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1025950.Xml European leaders and President Barack Obama will discuss on Friday an extension of the sanctions imposed on Russia for its intervention in Ukraine, as well as possible new sanctions for its bombing in Syria, multiple sources familiar with the plans said. The meeting in Berlin, hosted by Chancellor Angela Merkel and including the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain, comes a little over a week after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election. Trump has indicated that he will seek a rapprochement with Russia, raising doubts in Europe about the future of the sanctions regime introduced by Washington and Brussels in 2014 following Russia's intervention in eastern Ukraine. A German official said the plan was to agree a rollover of EU sanctions against Russia, which are due to expire at the end of January, in the coming weeks. But there is concern that Trump might move in the opposite direction after his inauguration on Jan. 20th. European leaders will therefore be seeking clarity from Obama, who met with Trump at the White House for over an hour last week. Obama is due to arrive in Berlin on Wednesday evening after visiting Greece. "We're in a really critical situation," said the German official. "We have to prevent a situation where the EU rolls over the sanctions and then the new US president comes in and lifts them." After his meeting with Trump, Obama sought to reassure US allies that the president-elect would maintain core relationships around the world, including with NATO. European officials fear that Russia will use the time before Trump's inauguration to launch new offensives in Syria and Ukraine. Two diplomatic sources said the issue of Syria would also come up at the Friday meeting in Berlin. "Syria will definitely be on the agenda," said one of the sources, citing coordinated Russian missile strikes against rebels in Syria launched yesterday from an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean. The Kremlin has said it is maintaining a moratorium on air strikes in the city of Aleppo. European Union leaders last month condemned Russia for its bombing of civilians in Aleppo and signalled that they could introduce new sanctions for its actions there if the bombing continued. The Syrian opposition has been pressing Western countries to expand sanctions to include some Russian firms that are supplying weapons and bank notes to Syria. Syrian opposition leaders are due to meet with EU leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini, in Brussels on Friday. The second source said European leaders were keen to send a signal to Trump, making it more difficult for him to reverse US policy and cozy up to Russia. REUTERS JW BL2210 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1025960.Xml Czech President Milos Zeman has thrown his support behind a bid by Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of US President-elect Donald Trump, to become the next ambassador to the country of her birth. "They could not send a better US ambassador to Prague," Zeman told her in a telephone call today, the president's office said in a statement. Ivana Trump told the New York Post last week she would suggest to her ex-husband that she become ambassador to the Czech Republic. The 67-year-old socialite, born in Zlin in what was then Czechoslovakia, told the paper the country was "where I'm from and my language and everybody knows me". Her suggestion, reported by Czech media over the weekend, has been welcomed by other politicians but most enthusiastically by the president's office, whose spokesman said on Twitter it was a great choice. It was another sign of a sharp pro-American U-turn by the Czech presidential administration. Zeman was one of the few European politicians who vocally backed Trump in his campaign for the US presidency. After the real estate billionaire won the election in a surprise victory a week ago, Zeman held a rare press briefing in which said he was "very happy" with Trump's victory and that the two shared opinions on immigration and terrorism. Like Trump, the outspoken Czech president has often railed against "elites" critical of his leadership and has warm views towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Unlike Trump, Zeman is very keen on deepening ties with China. Despite his country's NATO membership, Zeman has often repeated the Russian line on the conflict in Ukraine and was not invited to the White House under President Barack Obama. He has had an open feud with current US ambassador to Prague, Andrew Schapiro. In 2015, he "closed the door" of Prague Castle to the envoy for a time, after he made comments perceived as critical of the Czech president's decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow. The president's spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, tweeted last week that "a beautiful gift for my January birthday will be the exit" of the current ambassador. REUTERS JW BL2234 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1025967.Xml BEIJING/TAIPEI, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday underscored the importance of adherence to the 1992 Consensus and called for maintaining the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. Xi made the remarks while meeting with a delegation led by Hung Hsiu-chu, leader of the Kuomintang (KMT) party in Taiwan. "To ensure national integrity and protect the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation is the common will of all Chinese people," Xi said. Xi made a six-point proposal on cross-Strait relations. UPHOLDING 1992 CONSENSUS Xi said that hostility across the Taiwan Strait should end, and a peace agreement be reached through talks based on the one-China principle. The CPC and KMT, the mainland and Taiwan, still have some complicated political disagreements, which will have to be eventually solved in a phased manner, Xi said, adding that with resolve and sincerity, solutions would be found. "We have always advocated talks, on the basis of the one-China principle, to put an end to hostility across the Strait and reach a peace agreement," Xi said, suggesting the CPC and the Kuomintang have discussions in this regard.. Xi said that the one-China principle is at the core of the 1992 Consensus, which affirms that both sides of the Strait belong to one and the same China. "Changes in Taiwan's political landscape cannot change the historical underlying facts or the core connotation of the 1992 Consensus," he said. "Whether the 1992 Consensus is acknowledged or not raises the essential question of whether the mainland and Taiwan belong to one country or two. "When it comes to this cardinal issue of right or wrong, not the slightest obscurity or wavering is allowed in our stand." Xi pledged resolute opposition to forces supporting "Taiwan independence" and their activities. "Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity is the core national interest, and it is a line that cannot be crossed," Xi said. The idea of "Taiwan independence" compromises national sovereignty and territorial integrity, incites antagonism between the two sides, and poses the greatest challenge to cross-Strait peace and stability, according to Xi. "It will bring nothing but serious disasters to compatriots in Taiwan," he said. All Chinese people will resolutely oppose separatist activities implemented by any political parties or individuals at any time, Xi stressed. "We have the will, confidence and ability needed to contain 'Taiwan independence.'" Xi proposed better communication and cooperation between the CPC and KMT, saying the two parties should jointly shoulder the responsibilities of opposing "Taiwan independence," and safeguarding cross-Strait peace and stability. Pang Jianguo, a professor with Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, said the mainland has ample confidence to take the initiative in cross-Strait relations given its preeminence in economic and social development. Pang said Taiwan's ruling party should be aware that there will be no way out if it does not recognize the 1992 Consensus. CLOSER CROSS-STRAIT TIES Xi urged the two parties to serve as channels of communication to improve cross-Strait trade ties and industrial cooperation, as well as support the cooperation between mainland and Taiwan enterprises in innovation, brand development and market expansion. He also called for greater cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, and on small and medium-sized enterprises. Promoting the integrated social and economic development of cross-Strait societies, which is based on mutual benefit, serves the interests of people on both sides, Xi said. He called for creating a better environment for the education and growth of the younger generation on both sides, encouraging them to engage in early contacts and frequent exchanges, which will help them feel kinship with each other. The mainland will share its development opportunities with Taiwan, Xi said, promising that policies and measures will be rolled out to better help people from Taiwan to study, work, start businesses and live on the mainland. Xi also called on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to carry forward Chinese culture. The brilliant traditional Chinese culture is deeply rooted in the minds of compatriots on both sides, constituting their "root" and "soul", Xi said, adding that compatriots on both sides are heirs of Chinese culture. Both the CPC and KMT should advance cross-Strait cultural exchanges to carry forward the fine traditions of Chinese culture, interpret the zeitgeist in Chinese culture, strengthen spiritual bonds and heart-felt connection between compatriots on both sides, and boost confidence in Chinese culture as well as the Chinese nation, Xi said. He called for boosting the well-being of people across the Taiwan Strait. The more complicated cross-Strait relations get, the more imperative it is for both the CPC and KMT to seek welfare for the people, Xi said. He called for the needs of compatriots on both sides to be addressed, especially ordinary people in local communities, and the mobilizing of more people to join cross-Strait exchanges. "We will, as always, address the actual needs and seek benefits for Taiwan compatriots," Xi said. The CPC and KMT should make utmost efforts to pursue causes that will boost the blood connection of compatriots on both sides, improve their welfare, promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, as well as uphold interests of the entire Chinese nation, Xi said. CPC-KMT COOPERATION FOR NATIONAL REJUVENATION Xi called for dedication in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with concerted efforts. "Compatriots from both sides are participants, a driving force and beneficiaries of national rejuvenation," Xi said. "Only if the two parties have ideals for national rejuvenation with support of compatriots from both sides, can the peaceful development of cross-Strait peace and stability be maintained." Although there were sometimes feuds between the CPC and KMT in history, they cooperated with each other at critical stages for the overall interests of the nation, Xi said, adding that the cooperation played an important role in ethnic and national development. In 2005, leaders of the two parties initiated "a shared vision for cross-Strait peaceful development" and pointed the direction for cross-Strait relations. The CPC and KMT, together with people from both sides, embarked on a path of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations since 2008 that has brought practical welfare to compatriots on both sides, he said. Hung said KMT and the CPC should continue promoting economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges on the basis of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence." She said the KMT will actively discuss and push for the "institutionalisation" of cross-Strait peace, jointly maintain the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties and bring more wellbeing to the compatriots. "The meeting between Xi and Hung is pragmatic and has far-reaching significance," said Wang Kunyi, a professor with Tamkang University in Taiwan. Wang added that Xi's six-point proposal expressed the goodwill to the Taiwanese people and echoed Hung's idea, which both oppose "Taiwan independence" and are committed to promoting peaceful cross-Strait relations. Enditem CHANGSHA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's leading locomotive maker, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co. Ltd., has made the country's first bulk export of eight-inch chips to India. The company, based in Zhuzhou City in central China's Hunan Province, said on Tuesday that it exported eight-inch insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) chips that will be used for upgrading the transformers of 100 locomotives in India to make the electric trains more energy-efficient. The China-made chips are currently used on the 7,200-kilowatt electric locomotives that power China's high-speed trains. CRRC Zhuzhou Institute Co. Ltd. built the world's second eight-inch chip production line in 2014, which has reached annual output of 120,000 chips and 1 million IGBT modules. The IGBT chip is a key technology of modern electric appliances. It can be used in everything from high-speed rail to the aerospace and aviation industries. The Chinese locomotive maker expects the chips to have huge export potential. MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- World leaders strongly called here Tuesday for real moves to combat climate change after the Paris Agreement's entry into force. Addressing the opening ceremony of the 1st Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1), Moroccan King Mohammed VI called for work on translating climate change commitment into actions. He called on the parties to provide developing countries, especially the least developed ones, with urgent financial and technical support to enhance their capacities to adapt to climate change. Developed countries mobilizing 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2020 is the key to the Paris Agreement, he said, adding that all the parties should get involved in facilitating the transfer of technology, and working for the development of climate related research and innovation. French President Francois Hollande told the ceremony that that France will launch first sovereign bond in energy transition. The world is moving toward a low-carbon model as renewable energies now account for 90 percent of power generation, he said. "The Paris Agreement is irreversible. Climate urgency didn't stop in Paris," Hollande said. "Inaction on climate change would be unacceptable, and dangerous to peace." He called for persistency and perseverance, because the agreement "works for everybody, belongs to everybody, is in the interest of everybody." Referring to the climate cooperation with the United States, Hollande said France will lead the dialogue with Washington and president-elect Donald Trump. "The United States must respect the commitments they have undertaken. It's not only their duty. It's in their interest," the French president stressed. He also said France would reduce its emissions by 40 percent by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050, noting worries of parties hesitating to sign the agreement about whether developed countries would fulfill their commitments. Also addressing the ceremony, United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed the Paris Agreement as "one of the most complex and ambitious and far-reaching vision ever reached by the international community." The Paris Agreement entered into force on Nov. 4, years ahead of expectations. So far 110 countries have ratified, accounting for more than 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. "Now we have to translate these words into concrete, effective policies and actions," Ban said. "The quicker we act, the more we gain." Enditem MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Altogether 42 countries signed Tuesday the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership to enable an effective cooperation between countries of the North and the South on implementing the Paris Agreement. The NDC Partnership, initiated by Morocco and Germany, aims at supporting developing countries with effective access to the technical knowledge and financial support necessary in combating climate change. The NDC Partnership is a big achievement and significant political message to the international community and the first step towards delivering the Paris Agreement, said French global climate champion Laurence Tubiana, who opened the launch ceremony on the sidelines of the Marrakech climate change conference. Moroccan global climate champion Hakima El Haite also welcomed the momentum generated by the new partnership as a "milestone" to unlock the full potential of the agreement. He said at the opening ceremony that the initiative will enhance effective cooperation between countries of the North and the South in capacity building. German Development Minister Gerd Muller said that the NDC Partnership is "a new instrument to share knowledge and match financial resources with climate action programs." The initiative also has institutional partners including the European Commission, the World Bank and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Samsung has recalled 52 (out of 55) defective Samsung Galaxy Note 7 which had been sold in the country, The South African consumer watchdog, National Consumer Commission (NCC) said on Tuesday. The South Korean company (Samsung) is recalling the product in the world after realizing it had problems of charging, over heating which in other instances resulted in fire. Samsung was scheduled to launch the phone in the country in November and had to shelve it after discovering the phone's deficiency. "Samsung informed the NCC that 55 devices were sold as pre-launch sales. The latest report received by the NCC indicated that 52 out of the total pre-launch sold devices had been recovered to date. The phone has not been launched in South Africa," said Trevor Hattingh, NCC spokesperson. The NCC said they are relieved that the product is being recalled before being widely sold in the country. They noted that the use of the defective gadgets could be hazardous especially to the children. "The NCC is still monitoring the recall, and Samsung will provide it with a final report as and when the recall is concluded," Hattingh said. Samsung South Africa refused to talk to Xinhua over the issue about how they are compensating those who bought the product. Samsung has however established exchange kiosks in the country's major airports. The NCC said a full monetary refund or value equivalent device exchange should be given to the consumers who bought the phones. Enditem ISTANBUL, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Health Ministry is mulling a new anti-tobacco campaign in its efforts to curb the rising number of smokers across the country, prompting doubts about their efficacy from sellers and smokers alike. "In 2017, cigarettes would have to come in plain packages in which the logos will be indistinguishable," Health Minister Recep Akdag said on Monday at a parliamentary session. As part of the measures, the cigarette packages will no longer be visible in shops and the shopkeepers will be required to keep them in closed cases, the minister noted. He said that "a serious program" is needed to tackle the issue, as the rate of smokers aged over 15 has increased from 23 percent to 27 percent in the last four years. Tobacco sellers in Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Avenue argued that the new campaign would certainly impact the sales but would be unable to prevent people from smoking. "First of all, it is for sure that we would experience a significant drop in our tobacco products' sales," said Ekrem Unlu, the owner of Venus buffet, who expected his sales to drop as much as 20 percent. Leyla Celikten, the owner of another small shop at the corner of the street, was considering dropping the tobacco business altogether, as she predicted up to 30 percent drop in her sales. "Why would I lose time and energy in selling cigarettes as if it is something illegal?" she said, noting she could not imagine how she will be able to pick the right box in closed cases as she cannot distinguish different products. It will not be easy either for customers to decide easily on what to buy in the absence of distinguishable brands, argued Unlu and Celikten. "I'm sure that the smokers will tend to prefer to buy their cigarettes from smugglers instead, who are present in every corner," Unlu said, speaking of the authorities' inadequacy in curbing the sales of smuggled tobacco products. Some smokers also voiced their doubts about the efficiency of the measures to be introduced in combating smoking. Ebru Alkan, a female smoker in her 30s, said the new campaign has a potential to drive the young people toward smoking no-name products rather than quitting. Another young woman noted that the youth tend to be against all kind of bans. "Instead, the bans would provoke them into increased smoking," she remarked. Turkish officials have been considering replacing the pictorial warnings on the boxes with more disturbing, dreadful images of people who have developed smoking-related sicknesses. "Only these kinds of pictures could prevent me from buying cigarettes because I'm scared of death so much," said 24-year-old smoker Gizem Gulmek. "However no ban could ever force me to quit smoking." Turkey banned smoking in all indoor spaces, including restaurants, bars and cafes, in 2008. A year later the ban was extended to sites such as stadiums, mosque courtyards and hospitals. Now a total ban is in place for tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship nationwide, with taxes as high as 80 percent levied on cigarettes sold in the country. With these preventive measures, Turkey managed to reduce the smoking rate by some 13 percent from 2008 to 2012. ARUSHA, Tanzania, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has expressed intention of overhauling the management of the national airline, Air Tanzania Corporation Limited (ATCL) so that it remains with the best staff to improve the airline's efficiency. Makame Mbarawa, Tanzania's Minister for Works, Transport and Communications said on Tuesday that for the national flag carrier to withstand regional competitiveness it needs to boost its performance. "And the only way for ATCL to meet this is by overhauling the management as well as bringing in new and well-trained staff," the minister said in a statement. Prof. Mbarawa said that the fifth-phase government was determined to revamp the airline and become one of the best in east and central Africa in few years to come, hence "we want the ATCL with competent team to realize the government's dream." The minister gave one month for the airline top management to do the overhauling process and remain with the staff which is competent. Recently, Tanzanian government purchased two Q400 aircrafts with Canadian manufacturer Bombardier as part of efforts to revive the national airline. Tanzania's President John Magufuli announced two weeks ago that the government has already ordered two jetliners for the national flag carrier, including a Boeing aircraft and a Bombardier CS300 plane. Tanzania's intention is to ensure that by 2018, the country has seven new planes, which are expected to revamp the country's tourism industry as the national flag carrier will introduce new direct flights as far as Europe, the United States and China. Enditem PORT-SUDAN, Sudan, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's First Vice-President, Bakri Hassan Saleh, and Secretary-General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) inaugurated on Tuesday the 10th Tourism and Shopping Festival in eastern Sudan's Red Sea State. The Red Sea Tourism and Shopping Festival is an annual event starting from November and lasting for three months. The Festival is the largest touristic event in Sudan as well as an opportunity to exhibit the Red Sea State's cultural heritage in eastern Sudan. The Sudanese government is working to make the festival one of the most important means to showcase the Red Sea's tourism potential, revive internal tourism and attract foreign tourists. "The Red Sea tourism and shopping festival is one of the most important tourist festivals in Sudan," Mohammed Abu Zaid, Sudan's Tourism Minister, told Xinhua. "We seek to upgrade this festival to be an international one via diversifying foreign participation and communicating the tourism potential in the Red Sea area," he noted. Abu Zaid added that the festival this year has gained additional momentum through the UNWTO secretary-general's participation. This the first visit of its kind for a UNWTO senior official to Sudan in 11 years, following the UNWTO's decision in October 2015 to lift the sanctions imposed on Sudan's tourism and antiquities sector 11 years ago. Sudan's Red Sea State Tourism Minister and head of the festival's higher committee, Saleh Salah Saleh, told Xinhua "this is the 10th session of the festival." "Each year the festival achieves many accomplishments, where it contributes to advancing tourism in the Red Sea state. This year we are working to make the festival an international one through the participation of representatives of a number of sister countries together with the participation of the UNWTO secretary-general in the inauguration of the festival," he added. Sudan's Red Sea State, 870 km east of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, is Sudan's number one tourist resort, with distinguished tourism venues including its beach which is one of the purest in the world, besides sea islands and nature reserves. Furthermore, the Red Sea resorts enjoy a variety of marine life, coral reefs and tourism-related activities such as diving, underwater photography and fishing. The Red Sea State government organizes the tourism and shopping festival annually to boost tourism in the area, attract tourists, and demonstrate the cultural and ethnic heritage of the region together with its ancient history. The coastal city of Port-Sudan lies on the western coast of the Red Sea, two meters above sea level, and it is Sudan's main sea port as well as the capital of the Red Sea State. Port-Sudan's population amounts to around 579,942 people according to 2011 statistics and is considered Sudan's eastern gate. The Sudanese government has been working to revive domestic tourism, and the tourism ministry launched a program entitled "My Sudanese Vacation" to display the country's beauty. The program is based on a partnership between the ministry and private sector companies, and encourages domestic summer tourism for university students, civil society organizations and businessmen. Port-Sudan, the Red Sea state's capital city, has recently witnessed substantial economic activity due to hosting the three-month festival. "This festival is important for the Red Sea state and Port-Sudan city. The city has acquired wide fame thanks to the festival," Hammad Mohamed, a citizen from Port-Sudan, told Xinhua. "Port-Sudan witnesses an economic flourishing for three months as tourists from inside and outside Sudan rush to the city. The festival has contributed to exposing the Red Sea's tourism potential," he noted. Sudanese authorities have also been working to revive the tourism sector to embrace its natural position as an important resource for the country which has faced economic difficulties following South Sudan's separation in 2011, eliminating around 70 percent of Sudan's oil revenues. According to the latest statistics from Sudan's tourism ministry, tourism revenues for 2015 amounted to 930 million U.S. dollars, with the number of tourists rising to 700,000. The ministry expects tourist numbers to grow by seven percent next year after inaugurating roads linking Sudan to many neighboring countries in addition to signing agreements with different countries in the tourism field. MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi security forces on Tuesday continued their advance in south and west of the city of Mosul, as fierce battles continued in the city to drive out the Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in Iraq. In west of Mosul, the Shiite Hashd Shaabi paramilitary units continued their advance in the vast rugged land in west of Mosul toward the town of Tal-Afar, some 70 km west of Mosul, and managed to recaptured six villages after clashes with the IS militants, Lieutenant General Abdul-Amir Yarallah from the Joint Operations Command said in a statement. The paramilitary units fought fierce clashes with the IS militants during the advance, killing dozens of them and destroying seven booby-trapped cars, along with seizing a large cache of weapons and mortar rounds, Yarallah said. Tuesday's advance brought the paramilitary units to about 18 kilometers from the airport of the tow of Tal Afar, Yarallah said, asserting that the recapture of the airport will enable the troops to use it as a launching pad to free Tal Afar. Tal Afar, which used to have majority of both Sunni and Shiite Turkoman villagers, as well as other minorities of Kurds and Arabs, fell to IS in 2014. The advance of the pre-dominantly Shiite paramilitary units was aimed to cut off the supply lines between Mosul and neighboring Syria, but such advance in the ethnically mixed region where Sunni Muslims form a majority, could spark sectarian tension with Sunni Arabs and neighboring Sunni state of Turkey. In south of Mosul, the Iraqi army and federal police surrounded the IS held village of Albu Saif, located some six kilometers from Mosul airport at the southern edge of the city, a source from the Operations Command of Nineveh Liberation told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. In Mosul, the army pushed further into the southeastern districts of Intisar, Jadidat al-Mufti, al-Salam, Younis al-Sab'awi amid fierce clashes with the extremist militants in the eastern side of the city, locally known as left bank of the Tigris River, the source said. In eastern the city, the commandos of the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) continued clearing operation in the districts of Aden, Baker, al-Dahabiyah and Khadraa, the source added, without giving further details. The battles in and around Mosul are part of a major offensive announced by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Oct. 17 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. Early in the month, hundreds of the CTS commandos and Iraqi army made a significant progress from three directions at the eastern side of Mosul and managed to recapture some 10 districts, so far, out of about 60 districts on both sides of the city. Mosul, some 400 km north of 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. ALGIERS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Senior army officials from the 5 + 5 Defense Initiative met on Tuesday in Algiers to assess the progress of the 2016 action plan and finalize the 2017 plan. The 5 + 5 Defense Initiative includes five Maghreb countries: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya and Mauritania and five EU countries: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Malta. "The multilateral cooperation that brings us through these high-level meetings, exercises, seminars and projects are crucial for our effective and strong common determination to face the threats that exist in our geographical space," Major General Salah Aoura, Director of External Relations and Cooperation at Algeria's Defense Ministry, said in his opening speech. He added that the worrying situation in the region and its impact on the political arena "demonstrate the necessity to preserve our achievements and continue our dialogue that reflects our aspirations for stability and security." Enditem BARCELONA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei showcased its latest technology and strategy for Smart City transformations at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2016, which opened here on Tuesday. The company said its strategy is centered on "providing leading new ICT across cloud-pipe-device to enable governments and industries to deliver advanced citizen-centric services that enrich people's lives, drive economic growth and create sustainable communities." Among the solutions showcased were Huawei's Intelligent Operation Center, which is powered by cloud and big data, as well as city management solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT). Huawei is also holding its Global Smart City Summit in Barcelona, an event which will be attended by over 500 people, including representatives from governments and industry, such as city managers from Dubai, Amsterdam and Shenzhen. Speaking at the summit, Yan Lida, president of Huawei Enterprise Business Group, said: "A Smart City is like a living being, with a brain and complex nervous system working together so that it constantly learns and enhances the physical world." "Its growth and evolution depend on open platforms where all players collaborate to foster innovation. Integrating ultra-broadband networks, cloud computing, big data and IoT, Huawei is committed to helping cities become context aware, better connected and more intelligent," he added. LONDON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- House building in Britain is at its highest level for eight years, government figures revealed Tuesday. The Department for Communities and Local Government(DCLG) said new figures show the number of new homes built across the country has risen 11 percent in a year, the highest level since 2007-2008. DCLG said it represents the third consecutive year-on-year increase. Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell welcomed the figures as evidence that government measures to deliver more homes are working. More than 893,000 additional homes have now been delivered since 2010. The 189,650 homes created over the past year include 163,940 newly built homes and 30,600 homes created by converting non-domestic properties into residential. Acknowledging there is still more to do to boost the housing market, Barwell said the government will be setting further details in a housing strategy shortly. The government recently announced a 3.73 billion U.S. dollars home building fund which will help build more than 25,000 new homes during the current Parliament and up to 225,000 more homes in the longer term. An additional 2.5 billion U.S. dollars are also being made available to help speed up delivery of homes on surplus public sector land. A new neighborhood planning bill, which is currently going through parliament, will also support house building by speeding up planning processes. The Home Builder's Federation (HBF), voice of the construction industry, said the figures confirm that government plans to deliver one million homes in this parliament is on track. "The numbers, generally accepted as the most accurate barometer of housing supply, clearly demonstrate that the house building industry is responding to government policies aimed at stimulating supply. They show there has been a 52 percent increase in housing supply over the past three years," said a federation spokesman. Federation chairman Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: "The industry is committed to delivering the high quality new homes the country needs to address our housing crisis. Moving forward, the house building industry will play a key role in building a new Britain and driving our post Brexit economy." But the main opposition Labour Party were critical of the government's housebuilding record. John Healey, Labour's Shadow Secretary for Housing, described this year's record as disappointing, adding: "We are now well on our way to a lost decade of low housebuilding under the Conservatives. On the most recent figures, the government are set to miss even their own housebuilding target by a big margin. We won't hit a million homes built until 2025." Healey called on Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, to use his autumn statement in parliament next week to back a drive for the building of thousands of low cost homes, including desperately needed affordable homes to rent and buy. HOUSTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Will Rogers airport was closed Tuesday afternoon following a shooting near the airport's terminal in Oklahoma City, capital of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The shooting happened in a parking lot outside the terminal shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time and one person was shot, and police were looking for a possible second victim, according to local English newspaper the Oklahoman. Police have confirmed the shooting, saying that they have blocked off the streets around the airport and are asking people to avoid going to the airport. Airport officials said that all in-and out-bound flights have been suspended while police are investigating the incident. Witnesses said that helicopters are hovering over the airport and a fire engine rushed to the airport. The victim has been sent to a hospital for medical treatment, and the condition of the person is not clear. VIENNA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian government on Tuesday passed a new tax revenue-sharing scheme between 2017 and 2021. The scheme stipulates how the revenues totaling some 80 billion euros(85.78 billion U.S. dollars) will be distributed between federal, state, and local governments. Two thirds of the revenue will go to the federal government, one third to be channelled to state and local governments. The new redistribution package has most notably catered for the additional annual provision of 300 million euros to state and local governments. Following Tuesday's cabinet session, Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling spoke of a significant breakthrough that represents an "entry into a transition." He said the plan represents the "start and not the end," and that he wishes to hold further talks with state governments and local municipalities concerning further task orientation. CHISINAU, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Moldova's presidential elections winner, Socialist leader Igor Dodon Tuesday called on his rightist opponents to be calm and stop the street protests, so as to avoid a split in society. He made the appeal at a press conference, following protests staged Monday and Tuesday by his rival supporters dissatisfied with the election outcome. The election results were recognized by many international observers, both of the OSCE, PACE and the CIS Parliamentary Assembly, stressed the pro-Russian leader who won the Sunday presidential runoff with a score of 52.18 percent of the vote, defeating his rightist rival Maia Sandu who took 47.82 percent. Yet, Sandu and other rightist leaders said that citizens have "every right" to protest. The protesters gathered in the capital's central square, in front of the Central Election Commission(CEC) and the Constitutional Court, requesting the dismissal of the CEC head and the foreign minister for obstructing the constitutional right of overseas Moldovans to vote. They also asked for running the elections again, so as to ensure everyone's right to vote. Meanwhile, Sandu, who insisted the runoff elections were rigged, called on the people to sign a petition to render the Nov. 13 presidential runoff null and void. "Don't play with fire," Dodon warned, revealing that tens of thousands of supporters are waiting to come to counter-protests. Dodon stressed that he undoubtedly won the election. "For seven years, we pro-Moldovan forces have waited for this victory. Do you think we would not defend it?" the Socialist leader reiterated. Moldova held the presidential runoff on Sunday, as none of the nine candidates competing in the presidential race received an absolute majority of the votes in the first round of direct presidential elections on Oct. 30. The presidential race marked the first time in 16 years that the country was electing its leader by national vote instead of having parliament select the head of state. The presidential elections are generally viewed in the country as a battle between pro-Russian and pro-EU camps. Landlocked between Romania and Ukraine, the former Soviet republic is still shrouded in the shadow of a corruption scandal in which about 1 billion U.S. dollars, or around 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), disappeared from its banking system at the end of 2014. The scandal sparked large-scale protests last year, eroding confidence in pro-European politicians that have led the country since 2009 and has partially contributed to the Socialists' gain in popularity. CAIRO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 38th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) opened on Tuesday in the Egyptian capital, with China as the guest of honor of the oldest film festival in the Middle East region. The event features more than 200 movies from 61 countries with 16 of them contesting for the Golden Pyramid Best Film Prize. This year's edition is dedicated to late iconic Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdul Aziz who passed away earlier this week. Chinese participation comes months after Chinese-Egyptian Culture Year was launched by the two countries to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their mutual diplomatic relations. Along with local, Arabic and Western movies, the festival's program also comprises 15 Chinese films from over a decade (2001-2015), which gives an intrinsic retrospective into modern Chinese filmmaking of the 21st century. Films made by Chinese director Jia Zhangke, who received on Tuesday night the festival's Excellence Award, Zhang Yimou and Diao Yinan will also be screened during the festival. "This is the first time I come to the great city of Cairo and the great country of Egypt," Jia Zhangke told Xinhua. "This year there will be many Chinese movies to be screened here. I welcome all of you to watch them." This year's jury includes nine names from the cinema world, including Chinese director and scriptwriter Li Yu. Since 1976, the CIFF has been the premiere in Africa and the Middle East. In 2011 and 2013, the festivals were canceled for security reasons, as they coincided with the ouster of two heads of state in the most populous Arab country. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday extended the mandate of UN peacekeeping force in Abyei, a contested region bordering Sudan and South Sudan, until May 15, 2017. In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation council also underscored that the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) shall take necessary actions to protect civilians under threat of physical violence. The UNISFA mission was created by a Security Council resolution on June 27, 2011 in response to concerns about violence, escalating tensions and population displacement in the weeks before South Sudan became independent from Sudan. According to a report by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the situation of Abyei, the security situation in the area remained unpredictable but generally calm, while UNISFA continued to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the area. The report also noted that due to intercommunal tension, population movements as well as limited basic public services in Abyei, around 139,000 vulnerable people are in need of humanitarian and recovery assistance. PARIS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai and French Finance Minister Michel Sapin have co-chaired the fourth China-France High Level Economic and Financial Dialogue here. During the event on Monday, both sides conducted exchanges on working together to promote strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth and to bolster cooperation in trade, investment, industry and finance. Ma stressed the importance of the high-level dialogue which coincided with a critical period in Europe, adding that economic and financial pragmatic cooperation is a pillar of the Chinese-French relations. The event aimed to implement the consensus reached by both countries' leaders and the outcome of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, and also to plan the next steps in bilateral economic and financial cooperation, he said. Ma said China is willing to strengthen economic and financial cooperation with France with respect and in the interest of both sides and to further promote their comprehensive strategic partnership. Moreover, he expressed hope that France would continue to have an important influence in the European Union (EU) in terms of urging the EU to fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in a timely, full and clear manner. For his part, the French minister recalled that this dialogue, a mechanism established in 2013, has allowed both sides to exchange in a spirit of respect and understanding of the other and contributed to the development of bilateral relations. France is willing to reinforce cooperation with China in nuclear energy, finance, investment, trade and agriculture, as well to work together to explore third markets, according to Sapin. He said the French side supports the European Union in respecting its international obligations, including those under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the WTO. Following this year's edition of the high level dialogue, both countries decided to continue to promote bilateral trade, and to expand their efforts to boost trade in fields of medicine, care and services for the elderly, food processing and environmental protection. They also agreed to seek synergy between both countries' development strategies and to increase investment cooperation in major projects in the nuclear power, automotive and aerospace sectors, in addition to simplifying mechanisms of bilateral investment. China and France also pledged to set up a steering committee and to strengthen their collaboration in exploring third markets. As for financial activities, both countries agreed to deepen their collaboration in bonds, green finance and financial supervision. Moreover, both sides vowed to work more closely together on international economic issues by improving communication between the two countries under multilateral frameworks and to well implement the consensus reached during the G20 Hangzhou summit. HOUSTON, November 15 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed on Tuesday afternoon following a shooting near the Will Rogers airport's terminal in Oklahoma City, capital of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The shooting happened in a parking lot outside the terminal shortly before 1:00 p.m. local time and the 52-year-old male victim, a Southwest Airlines employee, was shot, and died later in a local hospital due to his serious injuries, according to local English newspaper the Oklahoman. Police, who are looking for a possible second victim, have confirmed the shooting, saying that they have blocked off the streets around the airport and are asking people to avoid going to the airport. Airport officials said that all in-and out-bound flights have been suspended while police are investigating the incident. Witnesses said that a helicopter is hovering over the airport and a fire engine rushed to the airport. Currently, police only said that this is an isolated incident and the suspect should not be an active shooter, but no further information about the shooter are available now. Los Angeles, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced that it would not help deport illegal immigrants despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants as soon as he took office next year. LA Police Chief Charlie Beck reassured that the LAPD would not deviate from its long-term stand on immigration enforcement, according to Los Angeles Times Monday, the LAPD was mandated by a special order signed in 1979 not to take part in discovering and deporting illegal immigrants. Many immigrants and their families fell in fear of deportation ever since Trump became President-elect early this month. Immigration experts said this was not a healthy phenomenon. "We do not want the community to proceed in fear," Nasim Khansari, Project Director for Asian American Advancing Justice Los Angeles, told Xinhua Tuesday, "We want the community to feel empowered. We hope there will not be psychological impacts on the community." Trump, who made numerous promises to deport illegal immigrants in his presidential election campaigns, reassured his immigration policy during a 60 Minutes interview last week. Trump told 60 Minutes interview host Lesley Stahl that he would start deporting 2 to 3 million illegal immigrants with criminal records once he took office next January. However, Vox, a news media website, called out that Donald Trump had made an impossible promise. According to a Vox article, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) estimated that there were only about 1.94 million removable criminal illegal immigrants currently living in the U.S. Nevertheless, Khansari stated that despite Trump may not seem to fully understand the immigration situation of his country, his newly appointed advisors do, so he worried the anti-immigration remarks surrounding Trump would soon become policies. As of now, Immigration and Customs Enforcement or commonly known as ICE is the main force of handling immigration enforcement matters in the United States. ICE has the power to deport any non-citizen immigrants who violate the term of their stay, such as committing certain types of crimes, or simply failing to advise authorities of their change of address. Except of enforcing operations of ICE, since from 1979, LAPD did not handed any undocumented immigrant arrested for low-level offense to federal agents for deportation, While the exact number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is unknown, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that about 11.4 million unauthorized immigrants lived in the country in 2012. MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The high-level United Nations Conference on Oceans slated for June 5-9, 2017 in New York is vital to reverse decline of oceans, officials from Fiji and Sweden said here on Tuesday. Fiji aims through this conference to put oceans protection at the top of the global agenda, said Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in a press conference on the sidelines of the Marrakech Climate Change Conference. Co-hosted by the governments of Fiji and Sweden, the conference will seek to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 of conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas and marine resources. Bainimarama noted that his country is already affected by the degradation of ocean ecosystems, referring to the rise of sea level which threats the country's very existence. Isabella Lovin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate, said that this first ever UN high-level conference on oceans, which will coincide with World Oceans Day, reflects Sweden's commitment to change the future of oceans into the right direction. She stressed that considerable work has been done on the regulatory framework, but there is a lack of implementation regarding the regulations, which relies on the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including governments, the UN, other intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions and private sectors. TURIN, Italy, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thirty students from a police college in east China concluded a month-long trip in Europe on Tuesday. The trip, attended by students aged between 19 to 22, was "to allow Chinese students to get a better view of what is happening in Europe," said Emilio Viano, president of the International Society of Criminology and one of the trip's organizers. The students from Zhejiang Police College went to Paris, The Hague, Turin and Venice. During the trip, they not only paid visits to law enforcement agencies and international institutions, but also cultural monuments and museums, according to Viano. Their itinerary also included meetings with European police officers. Fu Haiyan, police supervisor of the Zhejiang Police College, said "the trip is an excellent opportunity for the students to see how law enforcement officers work in Europe." Zhejiang Police College, which is based in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, is an organizer of China-Europe police training program under China's Ministry of Public Security. WELLINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Navy vessels from several countries were anchoring off a quake-stricken New Zealand township Wednesday as the evacuation of stranded tourists and residents stepped up. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) evacuated around 200 people from the tourist town of Kaikoura Tuesday and helicopter evacuations would resume early Wednesday, with inward flights bringing in supplies, Civil Defence emergency management director Sarah Stuart-Black said Wednesday. A national relief support effort was continuing today to support people affected by Monday's deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Kaikoura, on the northeast of the South Island. New Zealand offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington would survey the harbor area at Kaikoura to find a suitable area for supply ship HMNZS Canterbury to begin evacuating people. New Zealand frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and U.S. Navy destroyer USS Sampson were also en route to provide support, said Stuart-Black. Tanker ship HMNZS Endeavour was also on its way to Kaikoura. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has welcomed the support of nations attending the International Naval Review to mark the 75th anniversary of the New Zealand navy this month. The New Zealand Defence Force had accepted offers of help from the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan and Singapore, Brownlee said in a statement late Tuesday. The USS Sampson, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, would deploy two MH60 helicopters to help as required and the United States had also offered a P-3 Orion for surveillance flights. The Australian Defence Force has diverted frigate HMAS Darwin from its planned participation in the International Naval Review and it was expected to arrive off the Kaikoura coast late Wednesday and deploy its Seahawk helicopter from offshore. Canada was sending frigate HMCS Vancouver. "The International Naval Review is all about celebrating 75 years of the Royal New Zealand Navy and the bonds it has forged globally," said Brownlee. "Despite the changes to the planned celebrations, it's poignant to see the anniversary marked with such cooperation and camaraderie," he said. "I have no doubt the military hardware which has travelled on ships bound for the International Naval Review will be useful in the days ahead." Road and rail links into Kaikoura were wiped out in the quake, which killed two people. About 1,000 tourists were trapped in the town, which is famed for its coastal scenery and whale-watching activities. Navy detachments from at least 15 countries had been scheduled to attend the naval review in Auckland from Nov. 17 to 22. It was expected to include a Chinese navy frigate, an Australian frigate and submarine, a Japanese destroyer, a frigate each from Canada and the Republic of Korea, and the USS Sampson. CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- About 125 Chinese tourists trapped in a tourist resort by a strong quake in New Zealand, have been safely evacuated from the disaster area to Christchurch by helicopters. The magnitude-7.5 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck the country's South Island after midnight on Monday, killing two people. More than 1,300 tourists, including the Chinese, were confirmed stranded in Kaikoura, a popular tourist destination famed for its coastal scenery and whale-watching activities. Most of the evacuated Chinese tourists will continue their tour in New Zealand, and some of them already hit the road southward on Tuesday to areas unaffected by the strongest quake in five years. Roads to Kaikoura, on the northeast coast of the South Island, remained blocked by landslides, with airlifting the only way out. The Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch was told early Monday morning about the stranding of Chinese tourists in Kaikoura. Two helicopters were arranged to evacuate 41 Chinese tourists in the day. On Tuesday, five helicopters were used to transport the rest tourists and altogether 18 flights were made for the rescue. Li Wei and her Italian husband were among the last batch of the evacuees. "The Chinese government is the only foreign government that has organized evacuation, which has been quite a relief for us," Li said. Deputy Consul-General Li Xin is grateful of the support from the locals for the rescue. "A big challenge is to find Chinese tourists in a very short time," Li said after searching many streets to look for his fellow countrymen. "Any Chinese tourists who were still in Kaikoura can contact the consulate, and we will do our best to take them out of here," he said. The New Zealand government on Tuesday arranged air force helicopters and navy vessels to rescue the stranded tourists remaining in Kaikoura for fear that the situation would exacerbate for shortage of food and water. Four air force helicopters carried relief supplies. Carrier-based helicopters from the United States and Malaysia, which were in New Zealand to attend Navy commemorative activities, will assist the rescue mission. New Zealand has reported 900 aftershocks so far, with most tremors above magnitude-5. A tsunami warning was cancelled late Monday afternoon. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key told a news conference on Tuesday that the country was confident to properly handle the aftermath. Focus will be put on infrastructure reconstruction. It will probably take months to repair the coastal highways. To repair a mountainous road leading to Kaikoura tops the reconstruction agenda. New Zealand is frequently rattled by earthquakes, most of which do no damage and cause no injuries, but Monday's tremor brought back memories of the 6.3-magnitude quake that killed 185 people in Christchurch in February 2011. BOGOTA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Tuesday said he would be traveling to the United States for specialized medical examinations. Santos, whose government wrapped up a key peace agreement over the weekend with the country's largest guerrilla force, said he was optimistic about the outcome. "I remain confident that the results of these new tests will be positive," Santos, flanked by his doctors and wife, said in a statement delivered outside the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota medical facility. His doctors had said the president, who has undergone surgical treatment for prostate cancer before, showed increased levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in his blood during a routine checkup, which could indicate the cancer had returned. Santos said he will depart on Wednesday, undergo the examinations on Thursday at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and return to Bogota on Friday. The news of the increase in PSA had taken him and his family "by surprise," he added. The president said he would take advantage of the trip to meet with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and other political figures over his government's new peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He will also attend an event organized by the Inter-American Dialogue, a think tank on hemispheric affairs. Santos spearheaded a peace process with his country's biggest rebel group, the FARC, to end more than five decades of fighting in the country, and his government is prepared to negotiate a similar agreement with the second-largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Front. CANBERRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian women are earning 23 percent less than men on average, a study has found. The study, published by Australia's Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), said that Australian men made 20,000 US dollars more than women on average in the financial year ending in 2016. Data collected from 12,000 Australian employers and four million employees revealed that the wage disparity grew at the top level of management, where men made 70,000 US dollars more than women. Libby Lyons, director of WGEA, said the main reason for the gender pay gap was "bias and discrimination." "I think in 2016 we shouldn't still be talking about a pay gap," Lyons said on Wednesday. "But, I think that there are some positive signs on the horizon." Lyons said that the pay gap had slightly closed in the past year, down 1.6 per cent to 23.1 per cent, but there was still a long way to go. "I think the obvious reason for the decline in the gender pay gap is the fact that organizations are recognizing that this is a problem, that it is not fair that women are paid less than men and are actually taking their own action to do a gender pay gap analysis, and to sort the problem out in their own workplace," Lyons told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). "This year, for the first time, our data that shows that over 70 per cent of employers have policies in place to improve gender equality." Lyons said the most disappointing aspect of the study was the small number of high-level positions held by women. "We still see that five out of six CEOs are men and three out of four board directors are men," she said. "I think what we have to do is get women into the pipeline that feeds management. "There is another encouraging piece of data that's come out of this and this has shown that women, for the first time, received 42 per cent of promotions and appointments into managerial roles." WELLINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay will be flying for open markets and the seemingly doomed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal at APEC talks in Peru this week. McClay said Wednesday he would attend the annual APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting in Lima where he expected to hold talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and the TPP. "The Asia-Pacific region remains a top trade focus for New Zealand. At this time it is important New Zealand continues to show leadership in defense of open markets and fair trade access," said McClay. "This year's meeting is an opportunity to discuss new ways to boost economic growth by increasing competitiveness and removing trade barriers for services," he said in a statement. Trade and foreign ministers from 20 other APEC economies, accounting for half of global trade and 60 percent of world gross domestic product, would also discuss APEC's proposed FTAAP, policies to support the future skilled workforce, and how to enhance the regional food market. In the margins of the APEC meeting, McClay would meet with some counterparts to discuss wider trade issues, including the 16-nation RCEP and the 12-nation TPP. The APEC Ministerial Meeting comes ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on Nov. 19 and 20, which Prime Minister John Key will attend. APEC brings together all the major economies in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, China's Hong Kong and Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. On Tuesday the New Zealand government passed a Bill to align the country's laws with the TPP -- despite the widespread view that the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President has practically killed controversial trade deal. McClay said the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Amendment Bill was signal of New Zealand's commitment to continued trade liberalization. "Whilst acknowledging that there remain obstacles to the agreement coming into force, we need to take time to allow the new U.S. administration time to fully consider its trade agenda," he said in a statement. Last week Prime Minister John Key conceded the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal was dead "in the short term" with the election of Trump. The President-elect has pledged to scrap some multinational trade deals, and branded the 12-nation TPP, which was signed in New Zealand this year, as a "rape" to the United States. CANBERRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Identity crime is costing Australia more than 1.5 billion US dollars every year, a report has revealed. The Identity Crime and Misuse in Australia report, released by Australia's minister for Justice Michael Keenan on Wednesday, revealed that Australians lost 1.6 billion US dollars from identity theft in the financial year ending in 2015. Keenan said 290 million US dollars was spent by the government trying to prevent identity theft, with driver's licenses and Medicare, Australia's universal health care system, cards most likely to be used in identity crimes. The report said that one in five Australians had been a victim of identity crime at some point. "These are sobering figures. But, if you par this with the finding that identity crime is grossly under reported with one third of victims not reporting the crime either because they were too embarrassed or did not know how (or where) to do so the problem becomes even more concerning," Keenan said in a speech to the Biometrics Institute Showcase in Canberra on Wednesday. Keenan said the impacts of identity theft extended far beyond financial losses. "Consequences can range from mental health impacts, to wrongful criminalization, to significant emotional distress when attempting to restore one's compromised identity," he said. In one case outlined in the report, a police operation known as Project Birrie' seized 1700 fraudulent identity items, mostly driver's licenses, from one New South Wales syndicate. "Project Birrie linked identity fraud to serious and organized crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling, child exploitation, and even terrorism," Kennan, who is also the Minister assisting Prime Minister (PM) Malcolm Turnbull on Counter-Terrorism, said. "This is not an exaggeration we know that people previously convicted of terrorism offences in Australia have used false identities to assist in planning terrorist attacks." YANGON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 35 suspects involved in Oct. 9 violent attacks on three border posts in Maungtaw, Myanmar's western Rakhine state, have been arrested by the authorities, the military-run Myawaddy News reported Wednesday. The suspects were rounded up when the government troops conducted area clearance operation in Wetpyin, Aung Mingalar and Yetwinkyun villages in Maungtaw over the weekend. Interrogation is underway on the captured suspects, the report said. On Monday, some 17 houses in Kykhutchaung village in Maungtaw were also torched by violent attackers. According to earlier report, a total of 25 attackers were killed in Sunday clashes in some villages of Mayintaung, Pwintphyuchaung, Gwason, and Dargyizartaung near Maungtaw as the government troops cleared the area. A series of fightings followed after nine policemen and five soldiers were killed in a violent attack by armed men on Oct. 9 on three border posts in Kyikanpyin of Maungtaw, Kotankauk of Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office. Islamic extremists were exposed as being involved in the attacks, which were supported financially by foreign terrorist organizations, the government said. A dusk-to-dawn curfew is still being imposed on Maungtaw since Oct. 10. WELLINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government Wednesday unveiled details of a major military spending program to align its forces' capabilities with those of Australia and other defense partners. The Defence Capability Plan 2016 detailed spending of 20 billion NZ dollars (14.19 billion U.S. dollars) on the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) out to 2030 equal to 1 percent of gross domestic product each year. The plan said New Zealand sought to maintain interoperability with Australia, so the two countries could coordinate peace and security operations in the South Pacific. It said New Zealand's national security was "enhanced by contributing to global security efforts that support the rules based international order" so the NZDF needed capabilities that could operate as part of a coalition force. "New Zealand must be able to contribute military capabilities that are valued by our potential coalition partners. This includes providing a combat capable joint task force, or individual force elements, able to operate in higher threat environments as part of a coalition," it said. Other considerations included being able to maintain New Zealand's own security operations and to contribute to United Nations peace support operations. The plan was the next step in delivering on the Defence White Paper, released in June, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement. "Since then the government has agreed to the procurement of an ice-strengthened naval tanker and high mobility vehicles for the Special Air Service (special forces)," Brownlee said. "It has also approved upgrades to the underwater surveillance capability of the P-3 Orion and has requested tenders for a littoral operations vessel." The government would also be buying an ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel, replacing the NZDF's maritime surveillance aircraft in the 2020s, and cyber protection and support capability for deployed forces. Other major investments included replacing the navy's two frigates with modern combat vessels and new transport aircraft to replace the C-130 and B757 fleets. It also outlined "rolling purchases of modern weapons and protective equipment." "For New Zealand suppliers, knowing the size and scope of capability investment opens up opportunities for partnering with other contractors to provide through-life support arrangements for major assets, or to suggest niche technology solutions," said Brownlee. NAIROBI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Tuesday burnt some 5,250 illegal firearms confiscated from criminals, and urged the public to surrender more in a bid to eliminate illegal weapons and improve public security in the country. Deputy President William Ruto presided over the event where three heaps of the weapons were burnt, saying small arms posed a threat to peace and stability. "Most of these firearms were voluntarily surrendered while some are from violent criminals that were recovered by security personnel and others from disarmament programs," Ruto said. A huge inferno engulfed the weapons after Ruto set them on fire, forcing a crowd that had gathered to witness to move several yards back. The small and light weapons included pistols and rifles seized from criminals in the capital city of Nairobi, while others were voluntarily surrendered to police in the Rift Valley region. "We are destroying small arms and ammunition so that they do not fall into wrong hands that will cause harm to the society," Ruto said. Ruto said more than 80,000 assorted rounds of ammunition had been destroyed in Nairobi. "I urge those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to police and those in custody of state weapons to maintain proper usage," Ruto said. Officials said the move was expected to help address rising cases of insecurity in many parts of the country. Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery said the government will soon put into effect a new law on illicit firearms that will lead to imprisonment of those culprits holding them. "I would like to urge citizens with firearms that are not licensed to surrender them before we come for them," Nkaissery said. Since operations against illegal firearms started in 2003, more than 25,000 illegal firearms have been destroyed, Nkaissery said, adding they are part of UN programs aimed at eliminating illegal firearms. The high rate of crime in Kenya has been blamed on the proliferation of small arms finding their way into the country, following civil wars in neighboring countries. Police official Mercus Ochola said the process of marking government-owned weapons will end next year and that so far 95 percent of them have been marked to track their movements in the country. "Studies have shown there are about 650,000 illegal firearms in the wrong hands and that is why we are taking the measures to ensure we can know government-owned weapons being misused if any," he said. In 2007, Kenya burnt 8,000 guns in Nairobi. Members of the public have been asked to register or surrender their guns amid the government effort to regulate the use of arms. But many communities are unwilling to cooperate as they have had the guns for many years, using them in cattle rustling raids. Insecurity in pastoralist counties has been attributed to the influx of the weapons, with authorities saying there are more arms in the hands of civilians in the county. Illegal weapons are also used to commit crimes in urban areas. Many gun-related crimes remain unsolved. Pumaqangtang Hospital (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) In a valley flanked by snow-capped peaks on China's border with the Kingdom of Bhutan, a small hospital consisting of three brick bungalows stands among stretches of adobe houses. Pumaqangtang Hospital, at an altitude of 5,373 meters, is China's highest hospital. It is the only hospital accessible to the 1,021 residents, mainly herdsmen, in Pumaqangtang, one of 10 townships under the governance of Nagarze County in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Cering Gyaco, head of Pumaqangtang Hospital (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Cering Gyaco, a 30-year-old Tibetan father and graduate of the medical school of Tibet University, is the hospital head and one of only four doctors here. He was transferred to the hospital four and a half years ago from another township in Nagarze, just three days after his daughter's birth, and has lived away from his wife and daughter since then. Doctors in Pumaqangtang usually serve for five years in the town, so Cering can expect to go home in about six months. There are only two seasons in Pumaqangtang - three months of summer and nine months of winter. Pumaqangtang Hospital (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Typical plateau diseases, including arthritis, overproduction of red blood cells, high blood pressure, gallbladder inflammation, stomach ulcers and heart disease, are frequently seen at the hospital. Cering himself suffers from high blood pressure and high red blood cell count. Photokeratitis, a painful eye condition caused by unprotected exposure to UV rays, is also common among herdsmen. For people coming from elsewhere in China, the extremely high altitude can cause sleeping problems and even insomnia. Normally, the hospital receives five to six patients a day. Acute diseases are usually treated with Western medicine, but for chronic diseases, local herdsmen prefer traditional Tibetan medicine. Common diseases can be treated in the town hospital, said Cering, but when surgery is needed, they have to move patients to the county or city hospital, due to limited doctors and medical resources in Pumaqangtang. Snow-capped peaks and grassland near the town of Pumaqangtang (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) "Getting to Lhasa is already very difficult, not to mention traveling to metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai for treatment," said Cering. Even if locals go to the nearest city, Shannan, it takes over four hours by car to travel the mountain roads. Places with an altitude above 5,000 meters are usually regarded as unsuitable for living, with severe effects on human health. Pumaqangtang is one such place. The amount of oxygen in the air is less than 40 percent of that at sea level. The average life expectancy in Pumaqangtang is only 49.5 years, much less than China's average of 76.3 years. Most people die before growing old. Among the 1,021 residents, only 44 are 60 years or older. Cering said that residents in the town always look much older than their real age, with wrinkles and white hair appearing early. Every month, the four doctors travel in pairs to treat local herdsmen scattered over the vast grassland. Medical teams from across the country are irregularly sent to Pumaqangtang to help treat patients. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) From time to time, medical teams from across the country are sent by the government to help treat patients, bring medicine and medical equipment, and sometimes deal with emergencies. Due to the extreme climate and inconvenient transportation, the medical teams are not dispatched on a regular schedule, "but will be continued," said a local government official. Medical team at Pumaqangtang Hosptial, Nov. 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Xie Hanfang, a doctor from a hospital in east China's Anhui Province, came with a team to Pumaqangtang for the second time in early November. This time, she treated a new mother whose placenta remained in the uterus after delivering her baby. Medical ultrasound equipment has already been introduced in the town, but the doctors still need to learn how to use it. Snow-capped peaks and grassland near the town of Pumaqangtang (Xinhua/Liu Dongjun) Pumaqangtang means "prairie of lovers" in the Tibetan language. After years of modernization, the 5,375-meter-high grassland now has a six-grade primary school with 108 students and nine teachers. Mobile communication became available in 2007 and a border police station was set up four years ago. The local economy heavily relies on raising livestock. According to the local government, the average annual income stood at 9,700 yuan (about 1,421 U.S. dollars) in 2015 and is expected to reach 10,000 yuan by the end of 2016. YANGON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kofi Anna, who is chair of the Myanmar-government-appointed Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, expressed deep concern Wednesday over the recent violence in Maungtaw of the state, which he warned is plunging into a renewed instability and creating new displacement. In his statement over the situation, Annan, who was also former UN Secretary-General, called on all communities to renounce violence, urging the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law. "Recent events have reinforced the urgency of tackling these challenges in order to find viable solution in the interest of all the people in the state," he said. "The interest of the people of Rakhine is best served through inclusive dialogue by the promotion of mutual respect and cooperation and by providing local communities with opportunities to live their lives in dignity and to achieve their legitimate aspiration," he said. The statement called for all communities' constructive engagement with the commission. The advisory commission on Rakhine state was formed in August to provide recommendation to the Myanmar government on measures for resolving the complex challenges facing Rakhine state. A series of fightings followed after nine policemen and five soldiers were killed in violent attacks by armed men on Oct. 9 on three border posts in Kyikanpyin of Maungtaw, Kotankauk of Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office in the state. Islamic extremists were exposed as being involved in the attacks, which were supported financially by foreign terrorist organizations, the government said. A dusk-to-dawn curfew is still being imposed on Maungtaw since Oct.10. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Business aviation in China is "moving beyond infancy" as the greater aviation market continues to flourish, said the president of the U.S. National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). "The business aviation industry in China has been evolving in positive ways, despite a slowdown in its growth rate," Ed Bolen said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. China's business aviation fleet numbered about 300 last year. While this was up about 5 percent year on year, growth was much slower than the consecutive year-on-year double-digit expansion before 2014. The fleet of business aviation aircraft, or corporate aircraft, were estimated to 18,000 in the United States. Bolen said the numbers don't represent the whole picture, but they are good indicators of the industry and market. The business aviation sector in China has been constantly growing, with the fleet expanding and flight hours increasing. "Starting from zero, it is a quite young and new industry in China. Alongside the fleet base increase, it's natural to see a declining annual increase rate over the years," he said. Business aviation began in China in the mid-1990s when the country's first business aviation charter service was launched by Deer Jet, an arm of Hainan Airlines Group. In 2004, China's first private aircraft was purchased by an entrepreneur in the chemical fiber business. Around 2010, the industry started to take off as Chinese executives realized how charter flights could save time getting around the vast country and expanding abroad like their foreign peers.X "Global aviation insiders were astonished at the year-on-year two-digit increases in China's business aviation fleet. China was on my global travel list," said Bolen. However, business aviation has also raised popular ire in some quarters with users accused of flaunting their wealth or entertaining government officials with "hidden bribery". Bolen noticed how the nouveau-rich once preferred to show off in new long-range, wide-body aircraft. "However, positive changes have been seen since the sector was affected by the global economic slowdown and the Chinese government's anti-corruption campaign," said Bolen. "China's business aviation is evolving in multiple positive ways, in both the customer and government sides." He said that China's business aviation fleet is multi-dimensional with various types of aircraft suited for different purposes. Customers are more rational and practical in selecting private and charter aircraft. "In some remote areas in China's massive western regions, more and more small turboprop planes are shuttling around cities, mines or engineering facilities with the management or technical team aboard. Chinese companies are running their businesses like their foreign peers, with airplanes as efficient tools," said Bolen. Some Chinese entrepreneurs are considering more cost-effective second-hand aircraft, while some require in-flight WiFi to make the aircraft an office or meeting room in the air. "We are encouraged to see the Chinese authorities have realized the importance of general aviation, with business aviation as a crucial part," said Bolen. "They are opening up low-altitude airspace, have more efficient flight approval procedures, more airports to take off and land at, and more rules and safeguards so the industry can grow," he added. ' Like most industry insiders, he is confident in the future of China's business aviation, despite it being particularly sensitive to the nation's economic vitality and policy environment. "Business aviation is a good industry. Like a 'time machine', business aircraft speed progress for Chinese business people and bring the nation closer to the world," Bolen said. Enditem WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of teenage students marched in Washington D.C Tuesday in protest against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The crowd gathered in front of the iconic Trump International Hotel at around noon, and then proceeded to the U.S. Congress, the Supreme Court and the Washington Monument before finally stopping at the White House. Chants broke out among the students as they marched, and many held up self-made placards to demonstrate their discontent. "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here," one placard read. "Everyone is equal, no one deserves to be mistreated because of something that they can't choose, like their race or their gender," an ninth-grade girl said. "Because we weren't old enough to vote, we chose to use this way to be heard," another student added. At one point a student climbed onto a statue in front of the Trump hotel, receiving wild cheers from fellow students. The protest was initiated last Thursday by several student groups at the Woodrow Wilson High School, and as word spread on social media, students from other schools also joined the event, leading to a turnout that surprised many. The protest ended peacefully without major incidents. Trump incurred strong controversy with many of his statements considered discriminated and protests have erupted across the country since his election. HAVANA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cuba and Canada have agreed to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and increase Ottawa's investment and joint development projects in the Caribbean nation. During a meeting between Cuban President Raul Castro and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday night, both leaders reiterated their will to strengthen political relations as well as economic, financial, investment and tourism cooperation between Canada and Cuba, the Cuban government said in a press release. Castro highlighted the historical links with Ottawa particularly when the prime minister's late father, Pierre Trudeau, governed Canada and remembered his close friendship with former Cuban President Fidel Castro, it said. Trudeau will most likely meet with Fidel Castro on Wednesday. The last time they saw each other was in 2000. "The friendship between your family and mine is long and deep, but it's nothing compared to the true friendship between all Canadians and all Cubans and I look forward to continuing to build on that," Trudeau said. His visit aims to open up trade opportunities for Canadian companies which want to cash in on the Cuban government's decision to expand foreign investment up to 2 billion U.S. dollars per year. More than 1 million Canadian tourists visit the island each year, making it the largest and most stable market for this Caribbean nation. After Cuba, Trudeau will pay a state visit to Argentina before travelling to Peru to participate in the 2016 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders' meeting. Photo taken on Nov. 16, 2016 shows a group photo of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Vientiane, capital of Laos. Security threats and challenges were on the agenda as ministers of defence of 10 South-East Asian countries met in the capital of Laos Wednesday. (Xinhua/Liu Ailun) VIENTIANE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Security threats and challenges were on the agenda as ministers of defence of 10 South-East Asian countries met in the capital of Laos Wednesday. "Our region is still faced by both traditional and non-traditional security threats and challenges, which no single country can handle alone, meeting chair, Lao Minister of National Defence Lt. Gen. Chansomone Chanyalath said in his opening remarks of ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Retreat. "In general, regional and international environments continue to undergo complex and rapid changes, ASEAN and the international communities continue to be concerned about challenges and developments across regions of the world, Lt. Gen. Chansomone said. "Terrorism and extremism are posing threats to regional and global peace and stability as demonstrated by the brutal attacks in many parts of the world including in our region," he said. "Natural disasters and climate change also continue to pose threats and challenges to regional security since they adversely impact people's livelihoods as well as the national, regional and international socio-economic development," the Lao defence minister said. The ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Retreat is one of the multilateral meetings being held in Laos as per its 2016 chairmanship of the 10-member grouping. The ADMM is the highest ASEAN defence and security cooperative mechanism. QUITO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ties between China and Ecuador are at a current high and are poised to get an added boost from Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit later this week, according to Chinese Ambassador to Quito Wang Yulin. Since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago, the two countries have supported each other at regional and international fora and maintained close cooperation. "China and Ecuador have become good friends who enjoy sincerity and trust and mutually beneficial cooperation," Wang told Xinhua. For China, Ecuador is an important partner for cooperation in the area of energy, as well as the leading destination in Latin America for Chinese investment and the leading market for construction projects involving Chinese firms. China is Ecuador's third-largest trade partner worldwide. "Pragmatic economic cooperation between China and Ecuador has produced palpable benefits for people in both countries and has received high praise from the Ecuadorian people," said Wang. More than 90 Chinese companies operate in Ecuador, and some have been behind the country's biggest and strategic projects, such as the South American country's largest hydroelectric plant. Chinese companies also developed Ecuador's national emergency response system ECU 911, which was of key help in the aftermath of the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated towns along the north coast in April. Both developing countries are currently at a decisive moment in their development, noted Wang. China is intensifying its reform and opening up process, making structural changes to its economy, and transitioning from an export-driven economy to one driven by domestic consumption. Ecuador is striving to bolster strategic industries, while promoting scientific and technological innovation, and working to attract foreign direct investment. "China and Ecuador are highly complementary, natural partners for cooperation in the economic field. They have enormous potential for cooperation in such sectors as productive capacity, investment and clean energy," said Wang. In August, Ecuador and China waived visa requirements in a bid to increase two-way tourism, in yet another sign of closer ties. "Thanks to more brisk exchange between the two countries, reciprocal knowledge between citizens of the two countries will increase even more, and I fully trust that the China-Ecuador tree of friendship will bear much fruit," said Wang. Xi will visit three Latin American countries starting on Nov. 17, including Chile and Peru, where he will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, to be held in Lima. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday extended condolences to his Pakistani counterpart, Mamnoon Hussain, over a fatal terrorist attack in Pakistan and reaffirmed China's support for Pakistan in fighting this evil. In the message, Xi said he was shocked by the terrorist attack at a shrine in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan district on Saturday night, which caused heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi mourned the dead and expressed condolences to the injured and to the families of the victims. Xi said China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemned the terrorist attack. China will always stand with the Pakistani people and continue to firmly support Pakistan in fighting against terrorism and in protecting its national stability and the safety of its people. CARACAS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) on Tuesday ruled the impeachment attempts against President Nicolas Maduro unconstitutional, dealing another blow to the opposition-controlled National Assembly. However, President of the National Assembly Henry Ramos Allup, in his Twitter, rejected the court's ruling as "absolutely invalid." The TSJ said in a statement it accepted a motion by the country's Attorney General Reinaldo Munoz, requesting steps be taken to "prevent the legislature from violating the Constitution." The court instructed lawmakers "to abstain from continuing the unconstitutional, baseless and nonexistent 'impeachment' against" Maduro. In an emergency session on Oct. 25, the assembly decided to launch impeachment proceedings against Maduro for alleged crimes, including "laying ruin to the country's economic and social foundations." The Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), a coalition of conservative parties which holds an overwhelming majority in Venezuela's legislature, had been looking to oust Maduro by organizing a presidential recall referendum. But their signature-collecting drive fell short of the required popular backing, according to the National Electoral Council(CNE), whose decision was then validated by the court. Following several legal setbacks, the MUD accused the TSJ and the CNE of being controlled by the ruling socialist PSUV party. In addition, the TSJ has since July considered the assembly to be in contempt, after three deputies barred from taking office due to election irregularities, were nevertheless sworn in, presumably to bolster the MUD's absolute majority of 112 seats. As a result, any decisions by the assembly have been considered "invalid and legally baseless," including the adoption of any laws. On Tuesday, however, the MUD announced the three deputies would renounce their seats to overturn the contempt decision. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Tuesday sent his condolences to his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, over a recent terrorist strike which caused heavy casualties. In the message, Li said that China strongly condemns the bloodshed and will, as always, firmly support the Pakistani government and people in their efforts in safeguarding national stability and fighting against terrorism. Li, on behalf of the Chinese government, also mourned the dead, and expressed his sincere condolences to the wounded and the families of the victims. A bomb exploded at a shrine in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan district on Saturday night, killing over 60 people and injuring more than 100 others. COLOMBO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Inland Revenue Department will carry out islandwide raids on businesses to crack down on tax evasion, a local media report said Wednesday. Commissioner General of the Inland Revenue Department, Kalyani Dahanayake, quoted in the media report said that the Department's aim was to widen the tax base and get people to pay their taxes. "We will be going all over country even after office hours to get people not in the tax net to be brought in," she told a forum on the government's 2017 budget. Sri Lanka's Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the department had more than doubled the number of tax files since the new government came to power in January 2015, but many remained outside the tax net. He said that while Sri Lanka's population consists of 23 million people, there were only 43,000 corporate tax files, 21,000 VAT files and 25,000 Nation Building Tax files. These are only 9 percent of tax files compared to the population, he said. "Isn't this disgraceful? Pay your due call and ask as much as you want from the government. But don't pay nothing and ask for everything," the Minister said. "I have asked Inland Revenue, Customs, the Excise Department and the Treasury to be vigilant and go after everybody," he said. Ji Bingxuan (front R), vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, talks with Sean O Fearghail (front L2), chairman of the lower house of the Irish parliament, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 15, 2016. Ji Bingxuan concluded his three-day visit to Ireland on Tuesday, pledging to build stronger ties with the European country. (Xinhua/Xiong Sihao) DUBLIN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislator Ji Bingxuan concluded his three-day visit to Ireland on Tuesday, pledging to build stronger ties with the European country. During his visit, Ji, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), held talks with Sean O Fearghail, chairman of Dail Eireann, lower house of the Irish parliament. He also met with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and Denis O'Donovan, chairman of Seanad Eireann, upper house of the Irish parliament. Since China and Ireland forged a mutually beneficial strategic partnership in 2012, the two countries have seen ever closer high-level contacts, growing mutual political trust and fruitful outcomes of pragmatic cooperation in all fields, Ji said. The China-Ireland relations have become a good example of bilateral ties, he said, adding that China has committed itself to maintaining the good momentum of bilateral relations. China is ready to discuss with Ireland its "One Belt, One Road" Initiative as well as the synergy between China's 13th Five Year Plan and Ireland's development strategy, he said. The Chinese legislator added that China's NPC is willing to enhance friendly contacts and exchanges with the Irish parliament so as to elevate the bilateral relations to a new height. For his part, Kenny said he supports the frequent exchanges between the two parliaments, adding that his government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to maintain the ongoing high-level contacts. Ireland is willing to further enhance pragmatic cooperation with China in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry, culture and education, as well as tourism, thus promoting the sustainable development of mutually beneficial strategic partnership, Kenny added. The Irish prime minister also noted that his country is ready to become an important platform for China to develop relations with the European Union. Both O Fearghail and O'Donovan, the two leaders of the Irish parliament, praised the China-Ireland relations and China's economic and social development, saying that the Irish parliament is willing to increase understanding and mutual trust with China through parliamentary exchanges and make contributions to the continuous development of the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. URUMQI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A fleet of container cars arrived at Gwadar Port Saturday, the southern end of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the first arrival since the CPEC project was launched in 2013. The 31-car fleet, carrying construction materials and mechanical equipment, departed from Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Oct. 29. It left China on a 3,115-kilometer journey through the Khunjerab Pass and crossed the Karakorum and Hindu Kush ranges in western Pakistan before its final stretch across the Arabian Sea. According to the customs office in the regional capital Urumqi, the fleet stopped in major cities and posts along the CPEC such as Islamabad and Sost Port in Pakistan. In addition to cargo delivery, research was also conducted on the condition of roads, transportation costs and local customs and practices. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong told those gathered at a celebration event Sunday that the inaugural trip proved the corridor to be a successful multi-function channel between the two countries. Thanks to the rapid development of the CPEC, the trial crossing succeeded, which would boost cross-border multimodal transportation between China and Pakistan, said Yuan Jianmin from the Xinjiang branch of Sinotrans & CSC Holdings Co., a major logistics firm in China. With financial backing of 46 billion U.S. dollars and scores of infrastructure projects, the ongoing construction of the CPEC is one of the largest endeavors now taking place in the world. Roads, energy projects and industrial parks in the pipelines, not to mention Gwadar Port, the corridor will satisfy Pakistan's immediate needs and help the south Asian country get back on its feet after years of terrorist campaigns wrecked its economy. The CPEC project is going well on the whole and the completed part is bringing tangible benefits to local people, Sun told Xinhua in an earlier interview. According to Cao Lei, chief of Khunjerab Pass, exports of cement, steel and mechanical equipment to Pakistan have grown substantially in recent years as Chinese companies contracted more assistance projects of hydropower, water conservation, energy and transportation infrastructure in Pakistan under the framework of CPEC. The volume of transported goods through the pass exceeded 20,000 tonnes in the first three quarters, indicating trade recovery after a severe earthquake cut the only land channel between the two countries in 2010. During the celebration, a freighter belong to China's container company COSCO began its maiden voyage from Gwadar Port to the UAE. It was the first time the port saw export containers head overseas. The port is now a fixed docking station for the freighter. SINGAPORE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will attend the 2016 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ) CEO Summit on Friday and the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) from Saturday to Sunday in Lima, Peru, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in a statement on Wednesday. The APEC CEO Summit is organized by the APEC Business Advisory Council within the framework of APEC for Asia-Pacific business leaders to discuss important economic and business issues. PMO said Lee will participate in a panel discussion on the topic of "The DNA of Global Growth." At the AELM, APEC leaders will discuss the challenges to free trade and investment in the current global context, connectivity in the region as well as food security and environmental concerns. During the absence of Lee, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean will be the Acting Prime Minister. Photo taken on Nov. 16, 2016 shows the closed area in Wellington, New Zealand. A severe earthquake rocked New Zealand's South Island early Monday, also damaging infrastructure and housing in Wellington. Some buildings have been closed for checking. (Xinhua/Su Liang) WELLINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The first shipload of refugees left the quake-stricken town of Kaikoura Wednesday as the New Zealand government announced the magnitude of Monday's deadly tremor had been upgraded from 7.5 to 7.8. The government's GNS Science institute had reassessed data of the quake that struck just after midnight Monday from its monitoring stations across the country, Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said in a statement. "Because it took over a minute for the fault to rupture during this event, the standard method normally used to calculate the energy released during an earthquake was insufficient," said Brownlee. "As expected with a larger earthquake, the revised magnitude does have an effect on the probabilities of forecast aftershocks, meaning it is now forecast that aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time." Meanwhile, New Zealand navy supply ship HMNZS Canterbury was due to set sail late Wednesday for the port of Lyttelton, near Christchurch, with about 390 evacuees from Kaikoura on board. "The ship is expected to arrive around 11pm tonight, depending on weather conditions and the amount of time it takes to upload those waiting in Kaikoura," said Brownlee. "The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has now evacuated about 600 people from Kaikoura. Evacuations will continue for as long as necessary and, as of tomorrow, several ships from other nations - including the (U.S. Navy destroyer) USS Sampson - will arrive off the Kaikoura coast ready to be mobilized as required." The southern road route into Kaikoura, which was cut off by massive landslides after the quake, was expected to be cleared by the weekend, but police would control access was it reopened. Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said other navy vessels helping in the relief effort included offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington, frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour. "We have been working with the Ministry of Civil Defence in ensuring emergency needs in the affected communities are met promptly, and we are ready to provide additional support as required," Webb said in a statement. A New Zealand air force C-130 Hercules aircraft transported a generator, a water purification system and about 5,000 liters of water to Kaikoura Wednesday. Four air force NH90 helicopters rescued 200 people on Tuesday and have been delivering emergency supplies. The NZDF forces at Kaikoura would be joined over the next day by Australian, Canadian and U.S. warships with their embarked helicopters. The quake, which killed two people, trapped about 1,000 tourists in Kaikoura, which is famed for its coastal scenery and whale-watching activities. Foreign vessels in the relief operation had been redeployed from navy detachments from at least 15 countries, which had been scheduled to attend an international naval review to mark the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary in Auckland from Nov. 17 to 22. Photo shows Chinese Ambassador Lu Youqing and Acting President of Tanzania Red Cross Society Mwadini Jecha cut ribbon in front of an ambulance donated by Red Cross Society of China at a handover ceremony held on Nov. 15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Sibo) DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday handed over aid materials worth about 160,000 U.S. dollars to the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) to strengthen its disaster preparedness. Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing, said at the handing-over ceremony that the TRCS has played an important role in disaster management and contributes to social development of the country and well-being of its people. File photo shows houses in Kagera's capital Bukoba affected by an earthquake measuring 5.7 magnitude that hit northwestern Tanzania's Kagera region in September, 2016. (Xinhua) The materials donated by China include an ambulance, computer sets, gasoline water pumps, tents and mosquito nets among others. TRCS acting President Mwadini Jecha extended gratitude to China, saying the donation does not only symbolize the long standing cordial relations between the two National Red Cross Societies but also marks another milestone in the various endeavors aimed at strengthening the disaster preparedness and response capacity of TRCS. "We hope this spirit of collaboration between our two National Red Cross Societies (Tanzania and China) will continue," he said. Photo shows Chinese Ambassador Lu Youqing hands over aid materials donated by Red Cross Society of China to Acting President of Tanzania Red Cross Society Mwadini Jecha at a handover ceremony held on Nov. 15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Li Sibo) BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday spoke highly of the meeting between leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Kuomintang (KMT) Party of Taiwan. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, met with KMT leader Hung Hsiu-chu and her delegation in Beijing in early November. "The meeting played a significant role in enhancing relations between the two parties and cross-Strait ties," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. During their meeting, Xi and Hung recognized their parties' contribution to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and reiterated the common political foundation of adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence," Ma said. Both sides agreed to consolidate the foundation, boost political trust, safeguard the peaceful development and stability of cross-Strait ties, and improve communication to increase exchanges and cooperation in economy, culture and society, Ma said. Ma said that cross-Strait exchange programs for 2017, which were announced at a forum on peaceful cross-Strait relations early this month, had opened registration for compatriots from Taiwan. The forum, jointly hosted by 20 non-governmental organizations from across the Taiwan Strait, was attended by about 240 participants from both sides. The mainland has made efforts to improve communication among young people, as well as to help young people in Taiwan to study, work and live on the mainland, Ma added. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Liu Hui's parents used to chastise him for spending all day online chatting, they soon changed their minds, however, when he found a way to make money from it. Two years ago, Liu, 21, who is from a tiny, rural village in Hebei Province, came across the website cuncunle.com. Cuncunle translates to "happiness in every village." The website appeared to be a social network, with forums and classifieds. Unusually, this website was not full of urbanites posting about their cosmopolitan lives, it was for people, like Liu, who lived in the countryside. Liu was drawn to the classifieds section, which featured casual work offers, many of which were for people who could paint. Liu had worked as a painter and decorator for two years, so he applied at once. He earned 2,000 yuan (293 U.S. dollars) in six days. Purportedly China's biggest website for rural communities, 640,000 villages now have a homepage on Cuncunle, where they share photographs, find new friends, write blog posts and post classifieds. "I envisioned Cuncunle as a rural version of Alibaba," Hu Wei, who founded the website in 2010, said. Hu, 41, is from Shizhuang Village in the central province of Henan. When he was growing up he would tune in to any radio show about computer science, and when the time came around for him to apply to college, he was in no doubt that he wanted to study the subject. "When I received my admission letter from college, everyone from the village came to congratulate me and handed me money stuffed in red envelopes to help me with my tuition fees," he said. "Those who did not have enough money brought dumplings. In return, I wanted to do something for them." As villagers began using the website it began to grow organically. "It became more than just a social tool, users began to use it as a support network, a place to tips on how best to feed swine, or how to grow fruit." One man, a veteran soldier from Taiwan, even found his long-lost brother through Cuncunle. In the website's early days, the electrical appliance manufacturer TCL approached Hu about using the site to run a survey on rural residents use and opinions of television sets. "No company would have attempted to do a survey like this before, they were put off by having to physically travel from village to village," he said. The survey showed TCL where its potential rural customers lived, so it asked if it could advertise for a sign writer on cuncunle.com. "In China's rural areas, people often paint advertisements on walls, usually those opposite shops, these shops are often many people's only line to the outside world," Hu said. Hu posted the job opportunity on his website, the first of many to follow. Nowadays, Cuncunle has an app that makes posting classifieds much easier. Some village officials even began posting opportunities on the website, asking for people who could paint publicity slogans. The characters they painted reflected the changes occurring in China's rural areas. "In the past they painted things like; 'have less children and plant more trees,' while now their slogans are mostly about using the Internet and traffic safety," he said. Hu told Xinhua that after four years of the website being live, it had helped decorate walls with adverts and slogans equal to 20 times the size of Tian'anmen Square. In 2011, 76 percent of wall ads were for agricultural products, three percent were automobile related and e-commerce ads were unheard of. By 2015, however, agricultural ads' share had dropped to eight percent, automobile adverts had risen to 23 percent, and e-commerce now held the lion's share of 42 percent. "Now that many rural residents have smart phones, the Internet is becoming more important in their day-to-day lives," Hu said. According to a report by China Internet Network Information Center this August, China had 710 million Internet users as of June, among whom 191 million, or 27 percent, were from rural areas. The government has said it will connect at least 50,000 villages to the country's broadband network by 2020. If successful, by 2020 about 98 percent of China's rural areas will be online. Cuncunle has come a long way since 2010, it now has 12 million registered users and it employs 200 people. Hu Wei said that not even in his wildest dreams did he expect his small idea would have been such a success. He likes visiting the villages, he said, and has already been to 300 across 100 counties. "I hope that one day I can say that I have visited all the villages that have pages on our website," he said. WELLINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Hong Kong tycoon has given donations of 5 million NZ dollars (3.55 million U.S. dollars) to a New Zealand university to help create an innovation hub for the Asia-Pacific region. The University of Auckland Wednesday said Li Ka Shing Foundation announced it would give the series of donations totalling 27.6 million HK dollars to support innovation and entrepreneurship. Eighty percent of the foundation donation would be used primarily to create the Li Ka Shing Innovation Fund, which would drive teaching and research related to innovation and entrepreneurship, said a statement from the university. It would support the university as a hub of innovation in the Asia-Pacific region, engage students in its entrepreneurial ecosystem and encourage the creation and commercialization of student-led companies. Funding would also be allocated to support radical innovation projects, particularly in science, technology and engineering. LIMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Relations between China and Latin America are expected to further grow as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Latin America, while stronger Sino-Latin American relations will inject new vitality into the Asia-Pacific. Xi left Beijing Wednesday morning to pay a visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile on Nov. 17-23 and attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov. 19-20 in Lima, the Peruvian capital. This is President Xi's third visit to Latin America since taking office. The visit will further deepen their traditional friendship, promote Sino-Latin American cooperation and boost the economic development of the Asia-Pacific region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, economic and trade relations between China and Latin America have grown rapidly. With trade, investment and financial cooperation as three engines, China and Latin America have been promoting cooperation in fields like energy and resources, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology. China and Latin America are emerging economies. On the backdrop of a weak global economic recovery and the rise of trade protectionism, the two sides should seize the opportunity to upgrade their cooperation to serve as new engines for the development of the Asia-Pacific region. Latin America is expected to register negative economic growth for two consecutive years for the first time in more than 30 years, which shows increasing pressure for its economic transformation. China and Latin America complement each other in the structures of their economies and their development strategies. Latin American countries are looking to diversify their economic development, upgrade infrastructure and accelerate industrial modernization. Meanwhile, China has great advantages in financing, technology, and production capacity. That makes China and Latin America perfect partners. With a series of mammoth projects involving Chinese companies, such as the modernization of Argentina's railway system, construction of ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission lines for Brazil's Belo Monte hydropower station, and Huawei's building of 4G networks in Latin America, China is helping the region build three strategic "superhighways" of logistics, electricity and information. The Trans-Oceanic Railway project, which is expected to create a corridor connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic, will promote the development of transport networks in the continent, reduce logistical costs, and help Latin America merge into the Asia-Pacific economic circle. Interconnection between two sides of the Pacific will surely have a profound impact on the global transport of goods and trade patterns. Facts show, and will continue to show, that the China-Latin America ties have advanced in an open, inclusive, and win-win way. China is now Latin America's second largest trading partner and the third largest source of investment, and Latin America is China's seventh largest trading partner, and important overseas investment destination. As both sides have continuously explored new opportunities, trade between China and Latin America has been increasingly diversified. During Xi's visit, China will focus on optimizing bilateral free trade arrangements and seek to strengthen ties in the areas of e-commerce, the creation of industrial parks and infrastructure under the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual learning. China and Latin America have a common pursuit of development, have economic complementarity, and have a great potential to deepen cooperation. Xi's travel across the Pacific will again draw a new blueprint for China-Latin America cooperation and further promote the opening up and inclusive growth of the Asia-Pacific, which in the end facilitates the prosperity and growth of the global economy. HANGZHOU, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Trying to see a doctor in China's public hospitals can be a painful experience, often involving queueing overnight just to get a consultation lasting a few minutes. A Chinese Internet firm is attepting to address the problem by providing Chinese patients online access to licensed doctors in more than 2,400 hospitals across the country. The Wuzhen Internet Hospital based in Wuzhen, a riverside town in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, was founded in December 2015 to provide services via an app it has developed called We Doctor. Zhang Guimin, marketing director of the company, described the firm as the medical version of Uber, where patients can describe their illness and arrange appropriate doctors. "Doctors can pick up orders on their own and confirm an appointment for an online diagnosis when they have time," Zhang said. The medical service is the online equivalent to a hospital outpatient service. Users can get prescriptions and pay bills on their cellphones, and have medicines delivered afterwards. They can also make face-to-face appointments with doctors through the app. "It is better to see a patient in person in the case of a serious illness," said Chen Aiguo, head of the surgical department at Tongxiang No.3 People's Hospital, Zhejiang, "The app is very helpful for making appointments and conducting further consultations. You can just do it with your phone." Zhang is among 26,000 doctors registered on We Doctor. The app sees an average of 31,000 appointments made each day. "The app helps connect well-known doctors with patients from not only major cities but also rural areas," Zhang said. "It helps balance unevenly distributed medical resources." Home to the world's largest online community, 710 million people as of June 2016, more than 95 percent of China's cities, towns and villages now have broadband. Wuzhen Internet Hospital set up a branch in southwest China's Sichuan Province in October to facilitate remote diagnosis services in the poverty-stricken Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Qiu Jipo, 47, lives in the mountainous Qiaodi Township and was among the first to use the service. Suffering from femoral head necrosis and arthritis, Qiu has a five-hour walk to the nearest clinic that can treat him. Through a remote video system set up by We Doctor's Sichuan branch, Han Sijing, a veteran doctor from 416 Hospital in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, is able to diagnose Qiu, and supervise a local specialist in the township's clinic to treat him. "Seeing a doctor outside the town or a doctor from a top-level hospital had been unthinkable before," Qiu said. Besides the Internet hospital in Sichuan, Wuzhen Internet Hospital has branches in 16 cities and provinces, including Beijing, northwest China's Gansu Province and southwest China's Guizhou Province. The Internet firm plans to set up 100 branches over the next three years, providing online medical consultations and e-prescription via cellphones or remote video systems. ANKARA, Nov.16 (Xinhua) -- Kemal Okem, chief adviser on foreign policy to the prime minister, will be Turkey's new ambassador to Israel, Turkish President Recep Erodgan said Wednesday. "He took up the position yesterday," Erdogan told reporters at the Ankara Esenboga Airport before leaving for an official visit to Pakistan on early Wednesday. The Prime Ministry's adviser on foreign affairs Okem was informed about his new post on Nov. 15, the same day as Israel's Foreign Ministry nominated Eithan Na'eh as its new ambassador to Turkey. Na'eh first needs to pass the Israeli government's security committee in order to be formally appointed to Ankara. Na'eh previously worked in the Ankara embassy in 1993 and also served as Israel's ambassador to Azerbaijan. Turkey and Israel are expected to simultaneously announce a mutual exchange of ambassadors as part of a normalization deal following the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident. YINCHUAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A new train route connecting northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Kazakhstan has started operations. The first train, carrying almost 3,000 tonnes of freight in 45 compartments, arrived in Alma-Ata, the largest city in Kazakhstan, from Ningxia's Shizuishan City on November 12. The new route will greatly reduce delivery costs between Ningxia and Central Asia, according to Wang Feng, director of the Lanzhou Railway Bureau. The train will only run once this year, but will operate on a regular basis in the near future, the bureau added. Bordering Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a major stop along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road. The opening of the new rail route is a key step to improving trade between China and Central Asia, which has been promoted under China's Belt and Road Initiative. Anti-trafficking propagators Huang Xiaoming (C), Li Yong (L) and Sha Yi attend a launching ceremony of the new version of "Tuanyuan", an app where police release information on missing children, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2016. The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced Wednesday that in the last six months 260 missing children had been found thanks to the mobile app. The new version will expand its reach through cooperation with other popular mobile apps. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced Wednesday that in the last six months 260 missing children had been found thanks to a mobile app. In May 15, the MPS launched "Tuanyuan," or reunion, an app where police release information on missing children. Over the past six months, more than 280 updates on missing children have been posted on the app, and the 260 children found include 18 who had been trafficked, 27 reported lost, 152 who had run away from home, as well as 52 who had died from drowning or other reasons, according to the MPS. The app helps to ensure efficient information sharing and collaboration between police in different regions, and encourages witnesses to report the whereabouts of missing or trafficked children, the MPS said. A new version of the app was launched Wednesday, which will expand its reach through cooperation with other popular mobile apps. CANBERRA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- As two-way agricultural trade between Australia and China reaches 12.6 billion AU dollars (9.5 billion U.S. dollars), Australian should continue to work closely with China to sustain the cooperation in this respect, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Luke Hartsuyker, said on Wednesday. Hartsuyker just came back from China where he attended the China Food Security and Food Safety Summit, which serves as a "valuable forum to support stronger agricultural ties between our countries". "It was also a good opportunity to reflect on the success of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) and the future opportunities it creates for both countries," he said. During his visit, Hartsuyker and China's Acting Administrator of the State Administration of Grains (SAG) also signed a Statement of Intent to further develop collaboration in the grains sector. "The Statement of Intent will support the development of a Memorandum of Understanding in areas of mutual interest, including grain science technology, quality testing and policy and structural adjustment in the grain sector - areas both nations are keenly interested in," Hartsuyker said. He also viewed the fast track customs clearance processes for Australian fresh milk and other products in Shanghai. Hartsuyker welcomed the first shipment of Australian nectarines exported to China. "This was a significant achievement that involved a lot of hard work by both countries and is further evidence of the positive and mutually beneficial trade relationship that Australia and China share." by Zhao Hui LIMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- In a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in the Peruvian capital of Lima, an elder Chinese doctor was acupuncturing for a Peruvian patient who was suffering facial paralysis, while three other patients lying aside, who complained of insomnia or sciatica, were undergoing acupuncture therapy. Outside the consulting room, seven patients were waiting for their turns to be treated by the doctor with her silver acupuncture needles, though the clock said 11:30 at noon. Among them was a first-timer who worried whether her turn would finally come as time was already late and she was the last one in order. Her concerns were quelled by another patient sitting aside: "Doctor Zhou will treat you even if she misses her meal and sleep." It is a busy but ordinary day for the 69-year-old Angela Zhou, who has been working six days a week for 27 years since she came alone to Peru in 1989 and established the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine has become more and more popular in Peru, as around 50 such clinics have opened in Lima alone, and seventy percent of them are established by local doctors, some of whom have studied in China. Orlando Leiva and his wife Ana, who were among the first Peruvian doctors being granted a master's degree in acupuncture and moxibustion in China, are operating a private clinic in Peru, offering Chinese therapy such as acupuncture, massage and chiropractic. At the beginning, locals knew little about traditional Chinese medicine and instinctively recoiled at the sight of the silver needles, the couple said. After years of education and cultural activities, including lectures on Chinese medicine therapy and tai chi performances, local people began to accept traditional Chinese medicine, they said. Caryn Centeno, a 40-year-old white-collar worker had been troubled many years by lumbar disc herniation, and thus having a numb right leg. After years of treatment in local hospitals without improvement, she heard about doctor Zhou's superb skills by chance and came to see her for a try. After two acupunctures, her pain was greatly relieved. "It is surprising that my situation has improved obviously after two acupunctures. I am full of confidence now," she said. "Through traditional Chinese medicine, my children and I are increasingly interested in Chinese culture," she said. "I'm encouraging my children to compete for a short-term exchange program in China so that they can travel to China and learn Chinese culture first-hand." Traditional Chinese medicine provides a window of opportunity for Peruvians to know about the Chinese culture and for the two peoples to build friendship. In this sense, Zhou serves as an ambassador. From 2007 to 2009, almost every weekend, Zhou went with local civil organizations to mountainous and rainforest areas in central and eastern Peru to provide free medical services. During the two years, Zhou visited more than 10 remote provinces. She recalled that one day she received more than 70 patients and missed her lunch. Another time, she twisted her ankle owing to poor road conditions, but persisted in seeing patients. After finishing work, she found her foot swelled so much that she could not put on her shoe. Thanks to such people-to-people exchanges, it is notable that Chinese traditional culture is blooming in Peru, against the backdrop of enhanced political and economic cooperation. In the context of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit, the two sides are expected to strengthen and deepen their ties. (Edited by Zhu Junqing. Xinhua reporters Xiao Chunfei and Shen Hong in Lima also contributed to the story.) SINGAPORE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen has conveyed condolences to his New Zealand counterpart Gerry Brownlee, and offered Singapore Armed Forces' assistance for disaster relief and rescue efforts, said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) via its official Facebook account cyberpioneer on Wednesday. MINDEF said that the ministry is "saddened to hear of the recent earthquakes in New Zealand", which hit the South Island of New Zealand on Monday, claiming two deaths. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand during this difficult time," added the ministry. File photo shows Samsung SDS President Dr. WP Hong delivers a keynote address at CES 2016 in Las Vegas, the United States, on Jan. 7, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Samsung has recalled 52 (out of 55) defective Samsung Galaxy Note 7 which had been sold in the country, according to the South African consumer watchdog, the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The South Korean company (Samsung) is recalling the product in the world after realizing it had problems of charging, over heating which in other instances resulted in fire. Samsung was scheduled to launch the phone in the country in November and had to shelve it after discovering the phone's deficiency. "Samsung informed the NCC that 55 devices were sold as pre-launch sales. The latest report received by the NCC indicated that 52 out of the total pre-launch sold devices had been recovered to date. The phone has not been launched in South Africa," said Trevor Hattingh, NCC spokesperson, on Tuesday. The NCC said they are relieved that the product is being recalled before being widely sold in the country. They noted that the use of the defective gadgets could be hazardous especially to the children. "The NCC is still monitoring the recall, and Samsung will provide it with a final report as and when the recall is concluded," Hattingh said. Samsung South Africa refused to talk to Xinhua over the issue about how they are compensating those who bought the product. Samsung has however established exchange kiosks in the country's major airports. The NCC said a full monetary refund or value equivalent device exchange should be given to the consumers who bought the phones. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a regular press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesman said on Wednesday that no substantial interactions will be carried out between the two sides of the Strait if Taiwan authorities refuse to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus. Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular press briefing. Ma said that adherence to the 1992 Consensus is the political foundation for peaceful development and stability of cross-Strait relations and also a foundation for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to carry out substantial positive interactions. "If Taiwan authorities refuse the 1992 Consensus, the political foundation that embodies one-China principle, no substantial positive interactions will be carried out between the two sides of the Strait," Ma said. Ma said that Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings should be in line with the one-China principle and the relevant memorandum of understanding. "Our attitude has not changed," Ma said. In response to a question about arms sales by the United States to Taiwan, Ma said that China hopes the new U.S. government will abide by the one-China policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques to properly handle issues related to Taiwan. HANOI, Nov.16 (Xinhua) -- Major problems of Vietnam's railway sector will be resolved if a double-track railway is developed on the route from the north to the south of the country, according to local experts on Wednesday. Vuong Dinh Khanh, former vice director general of the major railway operator Vietnam Railway Corporation (VRC) said on the state-run news agency VNA that the VRC desired to run 25 train pairs for decades, but in fact it operated just 18 train pairs as infrastructure failed to meet required conditions. A double-track railway usually involves running one track in each direction, compared with a single-track railway where trains in both directions share the same track. "Current limited infrastructure hindered the sector's development, weakened its competitiveness and posed risks to road safety," Khanh said, adding that it is time for Vietnam to seriously consider developing a double-track railway and funding the development. At the ongoing second session of the 14th National Assembly, Vietnamese lawmakers have discussed amendments to the 2005 Railway Law. The bill came into effect on Jan. 1, 2006 and has proven problematic and inadequate for current and future development of the sector, said Khanh. Agreeing on the need to amend the 2005 Railway Law, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong said railway infrastructure has deteriorated and was outdated. While most countries are using tracks that are 1.435 meters wide (broad gauge), Vietnam is still using one-meter wide tracks (meter gauge), said Dong. At the same time, Nguyen Huy Hien, vice head of the Railway Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Transport (MoT) proposed that not only the VRC but also other private enterprises should be allowed to operate the national railway system, which will help create competition and reduce transport costs. In a related move, Dong said the MoT will submit to the government a proposal on high-speed North-South Railway which allows speed of 160-200km per hour. Under the proposal, railway lines will be standardized and upgraded to better serve passengers. High-speed railway is needed as other means of transports are unable to carry some 138 million passengers per year, said the official. KAIKOURA, New Zealand, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday evacuated 126 Chinese tourists from the coast town of Kaikoura to Christchurch after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake. The Chinese Consulate in Christchurch on Monday rented two helicopters and evacuated 41 Chinese tourists from Kaikoura. Three other helicopters joined on Tuesday and evacuated 85 Chinese tourists, including those from Taiwan and Hong Kong. "Many people helped in the evacuation, including staff of the helicopter company, local residents, and overseas Chinese in Christchurch. The successful evacuation is really the result of collective effort," said Li Xin, deputy consul-general in Christchurch. As Chinese tourists were heading home, some 1,000 tourists were still stuck in Kaikoura after major access to it were blocked by the earthquake and dozens of aftershocks. Scott and Selene Papworth, a British couple, were furious as they continuously watched Chinese tourists get choppered out of the small town thanks to the Chinese government, while calls to the British Embassy were falling flat, said a New Zealand Herald report. The couple saved up by working seven days a week for the past 12 months to come on a trip of a lifetime with their children Faith, 5 and Ronnie, 4. "We have to leave the kids' stuff behind, just leave it to goodwill. We have literally worked seven days a week for nearly a year for this trip and it's all ruined. It has cost us everything. We have put the mortgage up just to get out of here," Scott told New Zealand Herald. They finally got out of the isolated town via a helicopter big enough for them and all their luggage. The helicopter was provided by a private company, according to the newspaper. Yang Xiuzhu (C) is escorted at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2016. China's most wanted fugitive Yang Xiuzhu, who had been on the run for 13 years, returned to China Wednesday and turned herself in to the authorities, according to the Communist Party of China's disciplinary watchdog. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's most wanted graft fugitive Yang Xiuzhu, who has been on the run for 13 years, finally returned to China Wednesday and turned herself in to authorities, according to the Communist Party of China's disciplinary watchdog. Yang, 70, a former deputy director of the construction bureau of eastern China's Zhejiang Province, fled China in April 2003 after graft inspectors began investigating her for embezzlement, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). She was number one on a list of China's top 100 fugitives released in an Interpol "red notice." Yang is the 37th person on the list to return. Yang had been hiding in several places, including China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Singapore, France, the Netherlands and Italy. She had applied for asylum in both France and the Netherlands, but was rejected before fleeing to the United States to seek asylum in May 2014. The CCDI hailed Yang's return as "an important achievement in anti-graft law enforcement cooperation between China and the United States." The United States is a major destination for corrupt Chinese officials and economic fugitives. China requested Yang's repatriation and provided the United States with evidence of her crimes. The U.S. authority then put her in custody. Yang's case was classified as one of the five major cases for apprehending and extraditing fugitives between China and the United States in December 2014, with both sides designating special personnel to tackle the cases. Yang's assets were frozen or confiscated in accordance with law, according to the CCDI. Her attitude toward returning home underwent drastic changes since she first left China. The CCDI said that Yang initially insisted that she would not to return to China before she was dead, but she softened her stance and eventually withdrew her asylum application and voluntarily turned herself in. Yang's return proves the central authority's resolution in fighting corruption, the CCDI said, urging fugitives to give up their illusions and turn themselves in at the earliest possible date. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping's week-long state visit to three Latin American countries will strengthen their economic partnerships with China and promote mutual benefits, experts have said. Xi will visit Ecuador, Peru and Chile from Nov. 17 to 23 and attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in Lima, capital city of Peru. The visit will lift mutual political trust and pragmatic cooperation to a higher level, sending a positive signal of China-Latin America relations, said Wu Hongying, director of the Latin America office of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. It will be Xi's third Latin America tour since he became president in 2013. Bilateral trade has grown more than twenty-fold since 2000, hitting 236.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. Ecuadorian bananas, Peruvian avocados and Chilean blueberries are well received in China, much the same way Latin Americans buy and use made-in-China cellphones, cars and construction machines. This stellar growth in trade was dampened by a recent slump in commodity prices, but "the region still has huge growth potential and a bright outlook, with China's confidence in ties evidenced by Xi's visit," said Yue Yunxia, a researcher with the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "I believe we have seen a decade in which China has become a reliable partner, and it continues to be a crucial partner for Latin America," said Katalina Barreiro, an expert in Political Science and International Relations at Ecuador's Institute of Advanced National Studies. Chile and members of the Pacific Alliance -- a Latin American trade bloc -- are expected to attract more investment from Chinese enterprises with their open markets and sound regulatory environment, said Chai Yu, a researcher with the ILAS. Cooperation in sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure and information technology between China and Latin American countries are expected to deepen, as industry departments cement ties and prepare for greater synergy under China's Belt and Road Initiative, Chai said. Latin American countries should actively participate in the initiative as an effective way to boost South-South connection and cooperation, Chilean Ambassador to China Jorge Heine told Xinhua. "Chinese capital and technology will help Latin America," Jorge said, adding that Chile hopes to attract Chinese investment and boost digital technology cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative, consisting of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and proposed by Xi in 2013, has brought together over 100 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe and Africa via its land and maritime networks. "During Xi's visit, China will put forward a blueprint on enhancing China-Latin America economic and trade cooperation," said Chen Fengying, an economist with China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. "Latin America, which is under pressure from economic transformation, needs the Chinese market, its production capacity, capital and experience in construction. China's proposal will be welcomed," Chen said. Xi's first stop, Ecuador, for example, has sought to strengthen ties to expand cooperation and generate new trade opportunities in China, as well as encourage direct investment from China to access greater financing. The oil-rich country is trying to wean itself off resource dependence and court more foreign direct investment for its industrialization, while China is expanding its opening up and equipment export. Wang Yulin, China's ambassador to Ecuador, said the two developing economies are "natural partners" with huge potential for collaboration in production capacity, investment and clean energy. China, the second-largest trade partner and third largest investment source country of Latin America, pledged in 2015 that it would increase total investment in the region to 250 billion U.S. dollars over the next decade. The visit will further consolidate the traditional friendship between China and the three countries and lift mutual trust and substantial cooperation, Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao said at an earlier press conference. by Xinhua Writer Xia Lin LIMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week enters the second day on Tuesday, officials and residents in Lima are obviously spirited up by the event. This year's APEC week is expected to attract around 8,000 participants in 150 events running from Monday to Sunday. "China has become our main customer and largest trading partner. We already have a free trade agreement and even a comprehensive strategic agreement for deep integration. We have made much progress in our relationship," Peruvian Second Vice President Mercedes Araoz told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday. "Peru has changed a lot over the time. It has grown a lot. We now have a lot more investment in the Asia-Pacific than before. Last year we received 8 billion U.S. dollars of investment, with much more trade," he added. Among various events, there's a business forum called the CEO Summit, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech. "The APEC CEO Summit is very important. It is fundamental because it connects us to the world, it connects us to the most important markets that we can (get) access," said Carlos Galvez, president of the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy. The summit will bring business leaders like Jack Ma, founder of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, to Peru, where they will meet with their Peruvian counterparts. "The event will help promote trade and investment," said Galvez. On the first day of the APEC week, business leaders from China and Peru signed agreements worth 2 billion dollars. The APEC week will culminate with the Economic Leaders' Meeting on Sunday, when the economic leaders convene to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific. Fernando Nunez, a local driver, hopes that leaders of major economic powers would help Peru advance forward. Oscar Cornetero, a journalist who has been reporting on this year's APEC meetings, noted that world leaders like Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama will attend the meeting. "It is very important and they will somehow interact with (Peruvian) President (Pedro Pablo) Kuczynski," he added. APEC, founded in 1989, is a forum of 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The APEC economies, home to around 2.8 billion people, represent 57 percent of global GDP and half of global trade. MOGADISHU, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants and captured a town in the past two days in southern Somalia. In a statement received on Wednesday, the AMISOM said its troops and the Somali army killed the militants and injured 14 others in an ambush targeting the militants who were moving to Barire district in Lower Shabelle region on Monday. "A large cache of weapons" were seized. The statement however said: "Fleeing Al-Shabaab killed two innocent civilians in retaliation." On Tuesday, the joint forces took control of Mir-tugo area in Middle Shabelle as Al-Shabaab militants fled. "The energy (Al-Shabaab) was routed from Mir-tugo town and joint forces are patrolling the town and are in total control of it," the statement said. Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab has lost several of its key strongholds in the past four years, but still carried out frequent attacks in the country. RAMADI, Iraq, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces foiled five suicide attacks by Islamic State (IS) militants Wednesday against a military base in Iraq's Anbar, killing three soldiers and wounding eight others, a provincial security source said. The attack occurred early in the morning when IS militants detonated five suicide car bombs against the base in the town of Rutba, 370 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. The troops opened fire against the attackers and detonated four car bombs before reaching their targets, but the fifth suicide bomber managed to approach the entrance of the base and detonated his car bomb, killing three soldiers and wounding eight others, along with the five suicide bombers, the source said. Rutba, which is located on the Baghdad-Amman international road, was taken over by IS in 2014, and recaptured by security forces in mid-May 2016. Iraqi security forces and allied paramilitary units have been battling IS militants for months to regain control of territories in northern and western Iraq seized by the IS since June 2014. by May Oo YANGON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) announced Tuesday the detailed investment policy in support of the government's 12-point economic policy introduced in July this year, highlighting the government's promises to attract foreign investment and promote sectoral investment, while emphasizing macro-economic stability. Local experts said the economic growth is currently relying on foreign direct investments as it is too earlier to enjoy the results of other macro-economic policies. Myanmar's new Investment Law, endorsed on Oct.18 with the approval of both Houses, was drafted in 2013 based on suggestions from experts and businessmen with the help of International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the new law combines the Foreign Investment Law drafted in 2012 and the Citizens' Investment Law drafted in 2013. The first point of the policy highlights the will of the government to welcome responsible businesses which benefit both sides. The second point is that the MIC and other related governmental organizations will simplify the investment process with faster rate and transparency. Thirdly, the 7-point policy emphasizes the macroeconomic stability of the country, encouraging rule of law, reliable regulations for arbitration, trustworthy financial system to promote economic infrastructure. The fourth point is that the government promises to take responsibility of improving investment environment, enhancing check and balance and transparency without discrimination between local and foreign enterprises. Other promises are the assurance of protection of profits after taxation and transactions of businesses in accordance with the law and serving for the permitted investments in land leasing process. The fifth point is notifying both local and foreign investors to follow the rules and regulations for taking responsibility concerning with environment and natural resources. The sixth point prohibits foreign investors from operating in the areas concerning security, culture and society of the state. The country will announce the prohibited business areas soon. The seventh point highlights the country's promoted sectors for investments which cover improving the productivity for global value chain and value-added agricultural products production, the businesses which can be effective for local ones bringing the technology, the businesses which enhance the small and medium enterprises, the businesses which accelerates the infrastructure development, the ones which create job opportunities and vocational training, the ones which invest in least developed regions, the ones which can operate in industrial towns and special businesses in cooperation. The last point is investments related with travel and tour sector. "I have positive opinion with the law but the most important one is how the player reinforce to enact the law and policies. I think the new investment law provides equality to both citizen and foreign investors," U Tint Swai, Chief Financial Officer of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry(UMFCCI), commented. The new investment law will take effect with its regulations on April 1 next year, according to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). Unlike the previous one, the new law stipulates that tax breaks are only enjoyed by those who invest after the new law comes into effect. The country began to lure foreign direct investments, forming a new 11-member Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) in June this year. According to the statistics of MIC, the country drew 2.061 billion U.S. dollars of foreign investments in over first seven months of this fiscal year 2016-2017 as of mid-November. DHAKA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations children's agency has urged the Bangladeshi government to increase the proportion of national budget allocation for child-related initiatives from 14 percent in 2016 to 20 percent by 2020. The call was made at the launch of "Shishuder Budget Patth Shohaika (Child Friendly Version of the National Budget of Bangladesh')", a joint publication prepared by the Bangladesh's Finance Division and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Bangladesh. "The national budget is an important instrument in ensuring adequate and equitable resource allocation for children. It is now increasingly acknowledged that children hold the key to development. No investment will be more effective and efficient than to invest in children to give them a good start in life," said UNICEF Bangladesh Representative, Edouard Beigbeder. While urging the government to increase the proportion of national budget allocation for child-related initiatives, Beigbeder also suggested the establishment of a permanent Child Focus Budget Unit at the Finance Division to provide technical support to all other relevant ministries/agencies. The publication has been prepared to increase awareness on public finance processes among adolescent boys and girls and the impact it has on their well-being. Bangladesh's Finance Division, with the assistance of the country's Ministry of Education, has decided to distribute and discuss the contents of the publication in all secondary educational institutions to empower adolescents to contribute more in raising their needs in a systematic manner while having consultation with them on budgetary discussions in coming years, said the UNICEF in a statement. At the same time, it said the Finance Division with the support of UNICEF is enhancing the capacity of seven ministries (e.g. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, Ministry of Social Welfare, and Local Government Division) to create better awareness of child focused budgeting. KIGALI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has announced major interventions to eradicate new cases of malaria infection which is on the increase in the country despite efforts to combat it. Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Rwanda minister of health Dr. Diane Gashumba said the country is facing increasing cases of malaria infections, and the campaign marks renewed efforts aimed at preventing and controlling malaria, so that it ceases to be major public health problem in the small central Africa country. "We have discussed with partners and different stakeholders on different interventions that will be applied towards combating new malaria infections. The interventions will include donating treated mosquito nets to people countrywide, extending indoor residual spraying practice to selected malaria prone districts, educating the population about best practices to prevent malaria and as well as mass malaria drug inspection," she explained. Gashumba noted that the government will examine the standards of other preventative measures like repellants to ensure malaria is significantly controlled. She called on the communities to allow those who will be tasked with spraying of houses with insecticides to be given access. According to available statistics from the ministry of health, malaria cases in Rwanda increased from 514,173 in 2014 to 1,957,000 in 2015. However malaria death decreased from 499 in 2014 to 424 in 2015. The increased malaria infection is blamed on climate change, outdated and substandard mosquito nets. According to the ministry about 83 percent of Rwandan households have treated mosquito nets. The government targets at least one mosquito net per two people. In 2013, about 900, 000 cases of malaria were diagnosed in Rwanda. Of these, 409 people died, with 30 percent of them being children under five. Figures from Rwanda Biomedical Centre show that the morbidity rate in the country stands at 9 percent while the mortality rate is at 4 percent. Malaria comes as fourth killer disease in Rwanda after Neonatal illness, Pneumopathies and Cardio-vascular diseases. Rwanda was early last year recognized for its battle against malaria, by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Awards for Excellence in Vector Control. The small Central African country has of recent been rated as being on course to achieving the Millennium Development Goal of combating malaria. Malaria kills around 400,000 people a year, with majority of them being children in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese regulators have decided to fine Swedish firm Tetra Pak 668 million-yuan (97 million U.S. dollars) for abuse of market dominance, an official statement said Wednesday. The food processing and packaging company was found to have used its dominant position to force businesses to purchase of its packaging, restrict suppliers' cooperation with its rivals and hamper fair competition from 2009 to 2013, according to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC). The practices violated the Anti-trust Law and should cease, the SAIC said. The agency opened a monopoly investigation into Tetra Pak's China business in 2012. Tetra Pak accepted the punishment and said its commitment to the Chinese market remains strong. "We are disappointed with the decision but have decided to accept it and do not intend to appeal," said company spokesman Chris Huntley. The firm will ensure compliance with the legislation, he said. Tetra Pak is one of the world's largest liquid food packaging suppliers and entered China in 1972. It was once punished by the European Union for another monopoly. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China issued guidelines to speed up innovation and reform in northeast China to rejuvenate the rust belt region. The central government decided to accelerate reforms in administration, state-owned enterprises and the private economy to give full play to the region's vitality, according to a statement released by the State Council on Wednesday. The provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang in the northeast were among the first areas in China to be industrialized. However, this once robust industrial base has been faced with a more acute slowdown than the rest of the country, trailing well behind in terms of GDP growth. The northeast will pilot a negative list program for investment. The region also aims to set up at least one private bank before next June to encourage growth of the private economy. The central government urged the three provinces to update their industries and issued a three-year action plan. It will offer fiscal support to develop emerging sectors, such as tourism, according to the document. The three provinces will cooperate with economically developed counterparts in east and south China and four major cities in the region will partner with Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen to seek cooperation. The central government will offer stronger fiscal support to ensure the wellbeing of local people, especially those in poor areas, according to the statement. Enditem ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia is keen to boost foreign earnings from the export of oil seeds, pulses and spices sub sector, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade. The East African country on Wednesday awarded top oil seeds, pulses and spices sub sector exporters, aiming to further augment the country's export earnings from the sector. In an international conference held in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade in collaboration with Ethiopian Pulses, Oilseeds and Spices Processors-Exporters Association (EPOSPEA) has awarded 9 exporters that have earned Ethiopia a total of over 150 million U.S. dollars during last fiscal year. Assad Ziad, Ethiopian State Minister of Trade, said that Ethiopia has targeted to increase the production of pulses, oil seeds and spices and income from the sector during the second five-year Growth and Transformation Period (GTP II/2016-2020). Ethiopia has annually earned a total of 752.75 million U.S. dollars on average from pulses, oil seeds and spices sub sector over the last five years. Haile Berhe, President of EPOSPEA, said that Ethiopia has generated 472 million U.S. dollars from oil seeds, 232 million USD from pulses and 22 million U.S. dollars from spices, despite the global price decline of agricultural commodities. The oil seeds sector, that mainly produces Sesame seed, constitutes the top three awardees. Ethiopia, with 171,546 tonnes of export, is the largest supplier of sesame seed to China, world's largest importer of the product. According to the association, as Chinese demand of sesame seed is increasing, Ethiopia is working to maintain its Chinese market share, which imports 60 percent of Ethiopia's total sesame production. NAY PYI TAW, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China began on Wednesday its Eye Care tour program in Mekong region named as Light in Nay Pyi Taw. Myanmar is the third country where the program was launched, after Laos and Cambodia last month. A medical team including eye specialists from Aier Eye Hospital Group based in China was sent to Myanmar to cure and perform surgeries for patients suffering eye cataract, said Peng Zhikun, permanent secretary of Aier Eye Hospital Group. Hong Liang, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, said the project is a part of the Lancang-Mekong River cooperation framework. He said the project will benefit Myanmar and local people. Myint Htwe, minister for health and sport of Myanmar, said there are 350,000 patients suffering from eye cataract across Myanmar, while the country's ability to carry out surgery is just over 100,000 annually. The number of eye specialists is about 330 in the country. The minister said cooperation is not only needed from the government but also from local and international non-government organizations and people. ARUSHA, TANZANIA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The East African Community (EAC) and the U.S. government on Wednesday launched a Regional Development Objectives Grant Agreement at the EAC headquarter in northern Tanzania's tourism city of Arusha. On behalf of the U.S. Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will contribute approximately 194 million U.S. dollars over a five-year period to shared development goals, deepening the partnership between the two organizations. About 30 million dollars will directly support the EAC Secretariat, while the remainder will fund other regional actors in their efforts to advance the EAC regional integration agenda. Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy to Tanzania and the EAC, Virginia Blaser, USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa, Karen Freeman, and EAC Secretary General Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko signed a memorandum of acknowledgment to affirm the agreement. Blaser noted the tremendous value of fostering regional cooperation, saying that the United States supports "governments and regional bodies such as the EAC in their collaborative efforts to unlock this region's full potential for the benefit of its people." Freeman emphasized the joint achievements of the EAC and USAID over the past two decades. "By simplifying customs and border procedures, we have facilitated faster, more affordable and predictable trade. We have increased investment by facilitating the closure of more international deals, which are expanding local industries and manufacturing." JERUSALEM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's parliament voted on Wednesday in favor of a controversial bill to retroactively legalize the unauthorized Amona Jewish outpost, built on private Palestinian land in the West Bank. The bill passed its first reading, out of four, in a 58-51 majority. The Coalition chairman, David Bitan, hailed the vote as "one of the formidable feats of my lifetime." Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights organization representing Palestinian land owners, said in a statement that the parliament "today abused its role of protecting human rights and the rule of law." On Sunday, the Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs, chaired by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the pro-settler party of the Jewish Home, unanimously decided to proceed with the controversial bill. The new legislation deals with an unauthorized outpost which settlers built east of Ramallah. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that Amona was illegally built on private Palestinian land and had to be demolished by Dec. 25, 2016. However, pro-settler legislators in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition have been pushing hard to find a legal loophole to retroactively legalize the outpost. Under the new bill, the government will be capable of expropriating Palestinian land, so settlers will not have to be removed from the site. Israel's attorney general previously declared that such a law would be unconstitutional. Amona is the largest among the so-called "illegal outpost," communities built by far-right Israelis without government permits. There are about 100 unauthorized outposts and 120 settlements which Israel considers legal. Both outposts and settlements are illegal under international law as they were built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Mideast War. ANKARA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Germany and Belgium on Wednesday for their inaction against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Fethullah Gulen's movement in their countries. He accused Belgium of being an essential center for supporters of both groups, reported the local Hurriyet daily news agency. "They always give their expressions about the fight against terror. However, we will not open up to these expressions anymore, we want implementation," Erdogan said during a press conference in Ankara. Erdogan also called on Egyptian authorities to release deposed former Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, after an Egyptian court overturned a death sentence against him. "A fair process is not implemented for Morsi and his friends. They should not only immediately be released, but also should pave the way for the retrial of Morsi and his companions," Erdogan told reporters. "Nobody should regard it as intervening Egypt's interior affairs," he said, adding that there had never been "a democratic approach" on the issue of a coup to a president "who was elected with 52 percent of the votes." Erdogan also said he expects the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), the military wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which Turkey considers is affiliated with the PKK, to retreat to the east of the Euphrates River in a few days. The Free Syrian Army forces, supported by Turkey in Syria, approached the town of El-Bab and a full repossession is anticipated, he stated. In addition, president Erdogan welcomed a decision by Pakistani authorities to deport hundreds of teachers and their families with alleged links to Fethullah Gulen's group. The Turkish government blames Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric based in the U.S., for masterminding the failed July coup attempt. The teachers and their families, around 450 individuals, were given a three-day notice to leave, said PakTurk International Schools and Colleges in a statement on Tuesday. KIGALI, Nov, 16 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan tourists and conservation enthusiasts are mourning the death of one of the seven lions imported into the country in 2015. The lioness named 'Garuka' is suspected to have died of injuries sustained while attempting a kill, according statement released on Wednesday by the management of Akagera National Park in eastern province. Last year Rwanda re-introduced seven lions (five females and two males) into Akagera National Park following decades of absence of big cats in the savanna grassland game reserve. They were imported from South Africa. "We are very sad to announce the death of Garuka, one of the seven lions brought to Akagera in 2015. Garuka was five years old when she arrived Akagera with six other lions," Sarah Hall, tourism and marketing manager, Akagera National Park said in a statement. She added that Garuka's collar stopped emitting a satellite signal in December 2015 and rangers were unable to follow her movements as closely as the others who continue to emit a satellite signal every eight hours. "Rangers tracking Garuka last week came across her collar and remains. Garuka was in good condition last time she was seen by park rangers. There were no signs of illegal activity in the area and since she was hunting alone we suspect that she may have died of injuries sustained while attempting a kill," she explained. According to the park manager, Garuka was unrelated to other lions and had not had any cubs since arriving in Akagera. Despite the sad loss of the lioness, the park authority also announced the birth of two new cubs, bringing the confirmed number of lions in Akagera to 15. Akagera's declining wildlife population is attributed to widespread poaching, especially during 1980s and 1990s. Rwanda seeks to re-introduce black rhinos into the Akagera National Park, in a bid to boost tourism industry which is the country's largest foreign exchange earner. Last year, Akagera National park received about 32,000 tourists, with Rwandans representing 44 percent. Akagera National Park is the country's famous Savanna animal sanctuary with a wide range of game that include buffalos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and antelopes, among others. Rwanda Development Board tourism statistics indicate that, in 2014 the country's tourism industry registered revenue receipts worth 304.9 million U.S. dollars (about Rwf 218 billion). Rwanda hosted a total number of about 1.22 million visitors in the same year. CAIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian court sentenced on Wednesday a policeman to 25 years in prison for shooting dead a street tea vendor in eastern New Cairo suburb of Rehab, official MENA news agency reported. The case dates back to mid-April when non-commissioned policeman Al-Sayyid Zeinhom quarrelled with a street tea boy over the price of a cup of tea, according to the Interior Ministry's statement then. It added the policeman opened fire, killing the vendor and injuring two passers-by. The Egyptian police face criticism over claims of torture and death of detainees at police stations and alleged abuses and violations. Earlier in April, another policeman was sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing a rickshaw driver in a dispute over fare. In response to such incidents, Interior Minister Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar recurrently stressed that "Egypt is a state of law and there is no one in Egypt above the law." MOSCOW, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia has decided to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to the court's "incompetence," the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. The ministry said in a statement that the court "did not justify hopes assigned to it," and failed to act as a "truly independent authoritative body of international justice." Earlier on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order sending a notification to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to state that Russia refused to participate in the ICC. The ministry said the UN General Assembly and its Security Council have noted "a one-sided and ineffective work" of the court, which in the 14 years since its inception passed just four sentences, while having spent over 1 billion U.S. dollars. On Monday, the ICC published an annual report on the preliminary examination activities of its prosecutor's office, in which it alleged that the incorporation of Crimea into Russia "amounted to an international armed conflict" between Russia and Ukraine. The court added that the situation in the peninsula "factually amounts to an on-going state of occupation." Crimea was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum, which was recognized by Moscow but rejected by Ukraine and the Western powers. The ICC was founded in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. Russia signed the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding document, in September 2000, but never ratified it. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for Ecuador President Rafael Correa Delgado before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 7, 2015. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) QUITO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ties between China and Ecuador are at a current high and are poised to get an added boost from Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit later this week, according to Chinese Ambassador to Quito Wang Yulin. Since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago, the two countries have supported each other at regional and international fora and maintained close cooperation. "China and Ecuador have become good friends who enjoy sincerity and trust and mutually beneficial cooperation," Wang told Xinhua. For China, Ecuador is an important partner for cooperation in the area of energy, as well as the leading destination in Latin America for Chinese investment and the leading market for construction projects involving Chinese firms. China is Ecuador's third-largest trade partner worldwide. "Pragmatic economic cooperation between China and Ecuador has produced palpable benefits for people in both countries and has received high praise from the Ecuadorian people," said Wang. More than 90 Chinese companies operate in Ecuador, and some have been behind the country's biggest and strategic projects, such as the South American country's largest hydroelectric plant. Chinese companies also developed Ecuador's national emergency response system ECU 911, which was of key help in the aftermath of the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated towns along the north coast in April. Both developing countries are currently at a decisive moment in their development, noted Wang. Chinese ambassador to Ecuador Wang Yulin (R) shakes hands with Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long during the event to deliver aids for the people affected by the earthquake, at a ceremony at the ministry's headquarters, in Quito, capital of Ecuador, on April 23, 2016. (Xinhua/Santiago Armas) China is intensifying its reform and opening up process, making structural changes to its economy, and transitioning from an export-driven economy to one driven by domestic consumption. Ecuador is striving to bolster strategic industries, while promoting scientific and technological innovation, and working to attract foreign direct investment. "China and Ecuador are highly complementary, natural partners for cooperation in the economic field. They have enormous potential for cooperation in such sectors as productive capacity, investment and clean energy," said Wang. In August, Ecuador and China waived visa requirements in a bid to increase two-way tourism, in yet another sign of closer ties. "Thanks to more brisk exchange between the two countries, reciprocal knowledge between citizens of the two countries will increase even more, and I fully trust that the China-Ecuador tree of friendship will bear much fruit," said Wang. Xi will visit three Latin American countries starting on Nov. 17, including Chile and Peru, where he will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, to be held in Lima. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a news conference in Ankara, Turkey, November 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) ANKARA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Germany and Belgium on Wednesday for their inaction against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Fethullah Gulen's movement in their countries. He accused Belgium of being an essential center for supporters of both groups, reported the local Hurriyet daily news agency. "They always give their expressions about the fight against terror. However, we will not open up to these expressions anymore, we want implementation," Erdogan said during a press conference in Ankara. Erdogan also called on Egyptian authorities to release deposed former Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi, after an Egyptian court overturned a death sentence against him. "A fair process is not implemented for Morsi and his friends. They should not only immediately be released, but also should pave the way for the retrial of Morsi and his companions," Erdogan told reporters. "Nobody should regard it as intervening Egypt's interior affairs," he said, adding that there had never been "a democratic approach" on the issue of a coup to a president "who was elected with 52 percent of the votes." Erdogan also said he expects the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Unit (YPG), the military wing of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which Turkey considers is affiliated with the PKK, to retreat to the east of the Euphrates River in a few days. The Free Syrian Army forces, supported by Turkey in Syria, approached the town of El-Bab and a full repossession is anticipated, he stated. In addition, president Erdogan welcomed a decision by Pakistani authorities to deport hundreds of teachers and their families with alleged links to Fethullah Gulen's group. The Turkish government blames Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric based in the U.S., for masterminding the failed July coup attempt. The teachers and their families, around 450 individuals, were given a three-day notice to leave, said PakTurk International Schools and Colleges in a statement on Tuesday. Photo taken on Nov, 15, 2016 shows the social media lounge inside the International Media Center (IMC) of the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Lima, capital of Peru. 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week kicked off on Monday in Lima. (Xinhua/Li Ming) by Xinhua Writer Xia Lin LIMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) week enters the second day on Tuesday, officials and residents in Lima are obviously spirited up by the event. This year's APEC week is expected to attract around 8,000 participants in 150 events running from Monday to Sunday. "China has become our main customer and largest trading partner. We already have a free trade agreement and even a comprehensive strategic agreement for deep integration. We have made much progress in our relationship," Peruvian Second Vice President Mercedes Araoz told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday. "Peru has changed a lot over the time. It has grown a lot. We now have a lot more investment in the Asia-Pacific than before. Last year we received 8 billion U.S. dollars of investment, with much more trade," he added. Among various events, there's a business forum called the CEO Summit, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a speech. "The APEC CEO Summit is very important. It is fundamental because it connects us to the world, it connects us to the most important markets that we can (get) access," said Carlos Galvez, president of the National Society of Mining, Oil and Energy. The summit will bring business leaders like Jack Ma, founder of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba, and Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, to Peru, where they will meet with their Peruvian counterparts. "The event will help promote trade and investment," said Galvez. People walk outside the International Media Center (IMC) of the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Lima, capital of Peru, on Nov. 15, 2016. 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week kicked off on Monday in Lima. (Xinhua/Li Ming) On the first day of the APEC week, business leaders from China and Peru signed agreements worth 2 billion dollars. The APEC week will culminate with the Economic Leaders' Meeting on Sunday, when the economic leaders convene to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific. Fernando Nunez, a local driver, hopes that leaders of major economic powers would help Peru advance forward. Oscar Cornetero, a journalist who has been reporting on this year's APEC meetings, noted that world leaders like Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Barack Obama will attend the meeting. "It is very important and they will somehow interact with (Peruvian) President (Pedro Pablo) Kuczynski," he added. APEC, founded in 1989, is a forum of 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The APEC economies, home to around 2.8 billion people, represent 57 percent of global GDP and half of global trade. File photo shows a Chinese train for Argentina transportation. (Web Pic) LIMA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Relations between China and Latin America are expected to further grow as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Latin America, while stronger Sino-Latin American relations will inject new vitality into the Asia-Pacific. Xi left Beijing Wednesday morning to pay a visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile on Nov. 17-23 and attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov. 19-20 in Lima, the Peruvian capital. This is President Xi's third visit to Latin America since taking office. The visit will further deepen their traditional friendship, promote Sino-Latin American cooperation and boost the economic development of the Asia-Pacific region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, economic and trade relations between China and Latin America have grown rapidly. With trade, investment and financial cooperation as three engines, China and Latin America have been promoting cooperation in fields like energy and resources, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology. China and Latin America are emerging economies. On the backdrop of a weak global economic recovery and the rise of trade protectionism, the two sides should seize the opportunity to upgrade their cooperation to serve as new engines for the development of the Asia-Pacific region. Latin America is expected to register negative economic growth for two consecutive years for the first time in more than 30 years, which shows increasing pressure for its economic transformation. China and Latin America complement each other in the structures of their economies and their development strategies. Latin American countries are looking to diversify their economic development, upgrade infrastructure and accelerate industrial modernization. Meanwhile, China has great advantages in financing, technology, and production capacity. That makes China and Latin America perfect partners. With a series of mammoth projects involving Chinese companies, such as the modernization of Argentina's railway system, construction of ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission lines for Brazil's Belo Monte hydropower station, and Huawei's building of 4G networks in Latin America, China is helping the region build three strategic "superhighways" of logistics, electricity and information. Executive Vice President and Deputy General Manager of State Grid Corporation of China, Yang Qing (C), celebrates after won an auction for the procurement of the second transmission system of power generated by hidroelectric Belo Monte at BM&FBovespa Stock Market in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 17, 2015. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso) The Trans-Oceanic Railway project, which is expected to create a corridor connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic, will promote the development of transport networks in the continent, reduce logistical costs, and help Latin America merge into the Asia-Pacific economic circle. Interconnection between two sides of the Pacific will surely have a profound impact on the global transport of goods and trade patterns. Facts show, and will continue to show, that the China-Latin America ties have advanced in an open, inclusive, and win-win way. China is now Latin America's second largest trading partner and the third largest source of investment, and Latin America is China's seventh largest trading partner, and important overseas investment destination. As both sides have continuously explored new opportunities, trade between China and Latin America has been increasingly diversified. During Xi's visit, China will focus on optimizing bilateral free trade arrangements and seek to strengthen ties in the areas of e-commerce, the creation of industrial parks and infrastructure under the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit and mutual learning. China and Latin America have a common pursuit of development, have economic complementarity, and have a great potential to deepen cooperation. Xi's travel across the Pacific will again draw a new blueprint for China-Latin America cooperation and further promote the opening up and inclusive growth of the Asia-Pacific, which in the end facilitates the prosperity and growth of the global economy. Photo provided by Astronaut Center of China shows Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng (R) and Chen Dong accept their first earth-space interview in Tiangong-2, Nov. 15, 2016. Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong are currently on a 33-day space journey and acting as Xinhua special correspondents. On Tuesday, they talked with their copy desk on earth for the first time. (Xinhua) by Xinhua special correspondent Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong ABOARD TIANGONG-2, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong are currently on a 33-day space journey and acting as Xinhua special correspondents. On Tuesday, they talked with their copy desk on earth for the first time. Following is the text of the conversation. Li Keyong (associate director of Xinhua All-Media Service): Hello, mission commander Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong! On behalf of all the comrades at Xinhua News Agency, and entrusted by leaders of Xinhua, I want to extend our special respect and gratitude to you, two special colleagues! The space journals which you authored as Xinhua's special correspondents have registered over 100 million views. This is the first time in history that astronauts have sent reports back to Earth as news correspondents. In front of audiences nationwide and worldwide, do you want to say anything? Jing Haipeng: So far, Shenzhou-11 has been in space for exactly 30 days. During these 30 days, after work we look out through the porthole to see the landscape and view the world. When the spaceship is over China, we two feel especially excited. Honestly, even in the wildernesses of space, we can always feel the love from our motherland and families, as well as the encouragement, care and support of Chinese all over the world. We would like to take this opportunity to thank people all over China and to extend best wishes to Chinese around the world. Li Keyong: After a few more days, you will come back to Earth. As you are about to say goodbye to space, could you describe your feelings? Jing Haipeng: Our leaders, colleagues and comrades-in-arms on earth have been supporting us these days. They work around the clock, cheer us on and provide us with all-round support. There are still two more days to go, and we will be more meticulous and strict on every detail so as to ensure safety of the payload. Chen Dong: I feel a bit reluctant to depart but I also feel happy and thrilled. I feel reluctant because soon we will be leaving Tiangong-2, where we have lived and worked for 30 days. It is like our home in space so I still have a sense of reluctance and attachment. I feel happy and thrilled because we are getting back to our "big family" soon, back to our Earth, and back to our motherland. We will get the rest of the work done well, accomplish the mission safely and return to our motherland and home. Li Keyong: What work do you still need to do? Jing Haipeng: All work is progressing on schedule. There is also some preparatory work to be done: first, recovering experimental data; second, cleaning up the compartment; third, setting up the conditions before leaving Tiangong. Most of the experiments have been completed and some data transmitted back to Earth. The rest is saved on memory cards to be taken back to earth due to the large size of the data set. Vegetables grown in space and the silkworm cocoons will also be brought back. Urine and saliva samples, as well as microorganisms sampled before leaving orbit will also be brought back onto the ground for analysis. Chen Dong: One of the tasks for compartment clean-up is moving out, like packing. When we entered Tiangong-2, we moved many things in including our necessities and experimental items, in all sizes. The bicycle which we use to exercise was unfolded in orbit. That was equal to decorating a home in space. Now we are moving back to Earth and need to put some items back where they should be. Some items need binding while aboard Tiangong and the work is time-consuming. Zhang Jianli (expert with Astronaut Center of China): Some items had been installed before launch and were unwrapped in orbit. It is as complex to re-pack as to unpack them. In fact, as some experiments ended early, the packing has been going on for a while. Chen Dong: Packing in space is strenuous. Both people and ropes are floating. When one end is tied, the other end of the rope flies. But carelessness is not allowed in packing. There are clear requirements on how an item should be packed, including what a packed item should look like, where it should be placed, and even whether an item should be wrapped horizontally or slantwise. Jing Haipeng: We need to sweep Tiangong clean before leaving and take away items that should be taken away; this is very important. Some trash, if left aboard Tiangong, will be dangerous. To make Tiangong's follow-up tasks possible, they must be taken away. Residual food waste, sanitary product waste, and some trash created during in-orbit experiments, including batteries and electrodes, will be packed and placed in the orbital compartment. The trash will then crash into the atmosphere and be destroyed together with the compartment. Different from throwing trashes into waste containers on Earth, we need to put them into compressed bags, similar to vacuum bags that are used to pack quilts at home. There is a valve in the center, and after the zipping we use a pump to remove the air. Zhang Jianli: Compression and sorting of the waste will ensure that it does not take up too much of the astronauts activity space. Also, if the waste is exposed to the air, it will quickly begin to smell. The space station in the future will have waste processors similar to compressors, and could also have a big waste container or waste zone. Chen Dong: Setting up the conditions before departure is similar to turning off the water and electricity before leaving a house for a long time. Tiangong-2 will be used in the long-term and dock with space cargo ships. We have to make sure that electricity, water, gas and communications are set up properly. In total there are 40-50 conditions to set up. People nationwide and Chinese around the world care about us very much. Thank you all for your consistent care and support! Hope you will continue to pay attention to spaceflight and the development of our manned space program. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A national guideline on environmental improvements was approved at a State Council executive meeting on Tuesday, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. China will improve environmental protection and restoration to ensure a greener, more sustainable development, according to the new guideline for environmental protection during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020). "We are committed to a development path that delivers economic progress and environmental improvement," Premier Li said. The Chinese government has put environmental protection and restoration at the top of the agenda. As President Xi Jinping once said, "We should stay committed to the basic state policy of conserving resources, protecting the environment like we protect our eyes, treating the environment like it is our lives." He stressed that protecting and improving the environment is essential to maintaining and developing productivity. Premier Li once also said that a good environment is an indispensable part of people's living standards. China over-achieved its goal in environment protection for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), with carbon emissions dropping by 20 percent. The new guideline makes it clear that equally strong efforts are required both in environmental protection and restoration, while minimizing industrial disruption to the environment. It sets the goals of a more environmental friendly way of living, considerable reduction of major pollutants, and a sounder ecological system by 2020. Red lines will be drawn on emission control, and the government will encourage energy-efficient industries. It also gives priority to air, water and soil protection. The government will impose comprehensive controls on heavy metals, hazardous waste and poisonous chemicals. Institutional innovation and modern regulatory measures in environmental protection and restoration are also required. Investment and participation by local governments and business communities will be welcomed and the government plans to offer more diverse financing channels. BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Han Xuejian, formerly Party chief of Daqing City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and a member of the standing committee of the Party's provincial committee, on Wednesday was sentenced to 12 years and six months in jail for taking bribes. Liaoyuan City Intermediate People's Court in neighboring Jilin Province seized Han's personal assets of one million yuan (145,444 U.S. dollars). All money and material he received as bribes and ensuing interest were confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. According to the court, Han accepted bribes worth 16.9 million yuan either personally or through others from 1998 to 2014 and took advantage of his various posts to seek benefits for others. The court held that the verdict was reached with the consideration that Han's penalties should be mitigated in accordance with the law, since he willingly confessed to his crimes, offered facts yet unknown to law enforcers, expressed remorse and helped recover all illicit gains. AMMAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Wednesday said the country will continue to defend the Palestinian cause and move ahead with combating terrorism, state-run Petra news agency reported. In a speech at the Lower House, Mulki said Jordan is the closest to Palestine and the most affected and will continue to play its historical role and stand against all Israeli attempts and aggressions in Jerusalem. Jordan, he said, will keep defending the holy Islamic and Christian sites in East Jerusalem. On terrorism, the premier said Jordan will keep up with its efforts in fighting extremism and terrorism at all levels and defending the image of Islam. Mulki also pointed to the Syrian crisis, saying Jordan will continue to push for a political solution. He added that the government will work on several fronts to address economic challenges in the country including a rising public debt. NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has extended the deadline for the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp, which houses more than 260,000 Somalis, by six months, the interior minister said Wednesday. Joseph Nkaissery told journalists in the capital Nairobi that the volatile security situation in Somalia had made it difficult for Kenya to meet the deadline. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi had also requested Kenya to give more time for the repatriation of the Somali refugees in Dadaab, citing a delicate situation in Somalia and other factors, Nkaissery said. "However, ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted," Nkaissery said. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp, was set up over 20 years ago to house Somalis fleeing civil conflict. Kenya announced in May that it would close Dadaab and repatriate all the Somalis living in it by November this year, citing security concerns. Repatriation has since been accelerated. Nkaissery said the government was working together with the UNHCR and the Somali government to conduct a program to help facilitate smooth repatriation during the extended period. According to the official, 262,000 Somali refugees remain in the camp while 16,000 have been repatriated in the last six months. Nkaissery said all the Somali refugees in Dadaab would be moved out in a humane manner. He denied reports by some human rights groups and aid agencies that refugees were being forced back to Somalia. "Kenya is committed to upholding international law in the repatriation process," he said, adding that 10 million U.S. dollars would be used in the repatriation. Some Somali refugees in Dadaab will be moved to third countries, while all non-Somali refugees will be relocated to other UNHCR camps, according to the official. An environmental rehabilitation program will be carried out in Dadaab after the camp is closed next year, he added. An estimated 1.1 million people are internally displaced in Somalia due to some two decades of civil conflict. The Kenyan government claims members of Somalia-based Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab hide in Dadaab. Al-Shabaab has carried out a series of bloody attacks in Kenya in the past few years. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers a speech during the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco, on Nov. 16, 2016. John Kerry warned here Wednesday that falling short in combating climate change would be "a moral failure, a betrayal of devastating consequences." (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry warned here Wednesday that falling short in combating climate change would be "a moral failure, a betrayal of devastating consequences." In a speech delivered on the sidelines of a United Nations conference of climate change, Kerry urged the international community to work together against climate change. "If we fall short, it will be the greatest instance in modern history of a generation in a time of crisis, abdicating responsibility for the future," he said. "It won't just be a policy failure; because of the nature of this challenge, it will be a moral failure, a betrayal of devastating consequences." Kerry highlighted the role of the private sector in coping with the climate issue. "The private sector is the most important player, and already we're seeing real solutions coming from entrepreneurs and academia," he said. "It's going to be innovators, workers, and business leaders... who will continue to create the technological advances that forever revolutionize the way we power our world." Kerry called for faster and bolder moves to tackle climate change, stressing the "essential" role of government leadership. "If we don't go far enough, fast enough, the damage we inflict could take centuries to undo," he said. WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Two cargo trains collided with two engines and some 20 cars derailed early Wednesday in Florida, leaving two injured while causing some 3,000 gallons of fuel to spill, Marion County Fire Rescue said. The crash happened around 4:15 a.m. (0915 GMT) Wednesday when a 100-car train collided with a 110-car train at a rail crossing in the Citra area of Marion County, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Orlando, said the CSX company which owns the two three-locomotive trains. The 100-car train heading to Chicago was carrying "non-hazardous phosphate rock," while the other heading to Tampa was loaded with coal, CSX said in a statement, not revealing the extent of the damage. Two crew members were evaluated for injuries at the scene, but declined to be taken to the hospital, according to local media reports. The cause of the collision was under investigation, the company said. Director of "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington" Fu Hongxing (C, Back) addresses the film screening at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on Nov. 15, 2016. "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington," screened at the UN headquarters Tuesday evening local time, retraces Deng's nine-day trip between Jan. 28 and Feb. 5, 1979, which demonstrated China's resolve to open to the world and learn from developed countries in science and technology, education and culture. (Xinhua/Li Rui) by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Zhou Xiaozheng NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A documentary about late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's famous trip to the United States in 1979 offers a glimpse of not only the past, but also the present and the future vitality of China-U.S. relations. "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington," screened at the United Nations (UN) headquarters Tuesday evening local time, retraces Deng's nine-day trip between Jan. 28 and Feb. 5, 1979, which demonstrated China's resolve to open to the world and learn from developed countries in science and technology, education and culture. "I do not have a crystal ball to foresee what will happen to the relations between China and the United States," said director Fu Hongxing when asked why he chose to make the film. "History often gives us a pair of witty eyes." "China and the United States were like newlyweds at that time," Fu said. "If the two do not want to get a divorce, and they still want to live happily, they have to ponder over why they got married and recall their honeymoon." Deng was the first Chinese leader to visit the United States shortly after the two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1979. The then vice Chinese premier met then U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other American politicians, accepted interviews, visited Ford's assembly plant and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Fu's thoughts were echoed by many of the celebrities who showed up Tuesday to watch the historical thriller, which premiered in China in May 2015. "What is the most notable about Deng's visit was the extraordinary level of friendliness that was demonstrated on both sides," said Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations, who took on the 1979 trip as a local reporter. "It was hard to imagine that we just spent several decades in a rather hostile relationship." "Looking back at 1979, we could have done much worse if Vice Premier Deng and President Carter had not found ways to begin the process of bringing the U.S. and China closer together," Schell said. Hanson Chan, a Chinese American writer, was also covering Deng's visit 37 years back, and is one of the interviewees in the documentary. "Though so many years have passed, it is still an encouraging, enlightening event," he said. "All of us should continue our efforts to enhance the friendship and understanding between the two countries and the two peoples." The smooth development of ties between China and the United States -- the biggest developing country and the biggest developed country respectively and the top two economies of the world -- greatly benefits the two peoples and the world as a whole, said Zhang Meifang, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in New York. In 2015, bilateral trade amounted to nearly 560 billion U.S. dollars and China became the largest trading partner of the United States. Two-way investment has grown to more than 150 billion dollars from the negligible amount at the beginning of bilateral relations. Fu said more than 1 million Chinese people went to the cinema to watch the film and more than 6 million watched it on TV. "The film has been so well-received because people are keen to learn about the history of China-U.S. relations, and all of them want to see bilateral relations growing healthily, and proceed in a proper manner," Fu said. To make the movie, Fu trawled through archives, purchased video footage from U.S. TV networks such as ABC, NBC and CBS, and acquired the support of Deng's family. Key figures interviewed in the film include former U.S. President Carter, former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, Deng's bodyguards and secret service agents from the White House. New York is the third leg of the documentary's screening tour that began on Nov. 11, and the documentary will be shown in the U.S. cities of Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. CAIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 23 militants were killed during security force raids in three cities of the restive northeastern North Sinai province, Egyptian Defense Ministry announced in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, the operations killed 13 militants in the city of Arish and 10 in Rafah and Sheikh Zuweid. Security forces also destroyed a warehouse of explosives, ruined 11 roadside explosive devices and "foiled an attempt to attack a security checkpoint in Arish with a car bomb by blowing up the car and killing its driver," said the statement. Over the past few days, military raids in the northern part of the peninsula have left some 50 militants dead, with about 100 explosive devices ruined. Egypt has seen a wave of terrorist activities since July 2013, when former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi was ousted following mass protests against his one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Anti-government attacks have killed hundreds of police and military personnel over the past few years, with a Sinai-based group loyal to the so-called Islamic State claiming responsibility for most of them. Egyptian security forces have so far killed over 1,200 militants in Sinai as part of the country's "war against terrorism" declared by then-military chief and current President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi following Morsi's ouster. Enditem Photo shows Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Shiting (R) and Malawi Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe (L) shake hands after signing a 23 million U.S. dollars Framework Agreement in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi on November 14, 2016. (Xinhua) LILONGWE, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China has signed a 23 million U.S. dollars deal with Malawi to provide concessional loan for the building of a national fiber backbone for internet and bandwidth connectivity. Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Shiting and Malawi Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe signed the Framework Agreement on Monday in Lilongwe, capital of Malawi. Wang said Malawians were entitled to play a role in the global village that had come into being with the advent of internet. The ambassador said the project, when completed, would create an important engine of the Malawian economy and that the internet-based economy could change the structure of production and break the traditional method of doing business. "As an agricultural country, Malawi can take advantage of internet to help the local farmers, especially small-scale farmers, to enter the market more easily and effectively," said Wang. "Farmers can also use the network to sell their products to the domestic or even international buyers," he said. He added that the project would also create employment and reduce poverty among Malawians. In his remarks, Gondwe hailed the Chinese government for the concessional loan, saying the national fiber backbone would help improve connectivity for government systems. Gondwe said as a country, Malawi was lagging behind in automating her systems due to poor internet connectivity and that a large part of the country's population remained unreached by internet services. "The project will connect 24 districts (out of the country's total 28 districts) with drop points at the Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Blantyre Government Office Complex and Zomba Government's Offices at the District Commissioner's Office," explained Gondwe. He said the private sector like banks and mobile phone operators would be connected to the fibre network and that government would generate revenue through the connection. The national fibre backbone will be constructed by the Chinese company Huawei, which is one of the leading companies in technology solutions in China and the world at large. File photo shows a Kenyan soldier from the African Union peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) keeps guard in a patrol post in Kismayo, southern port city of Somalia. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse) MOGADISHU, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants and captured a town in the past two days in southern Somalia. In a statement received on Wednesday, the AMISOM said its troops and the Somali army killed the militants and injured 14 others in an ambush targeting the militants who were moving to Barire district in Lower Shabelle region on Monday. "A large cache of weapons" were seized. The statement however said: "Fleeing Al-Shabaab killed two innocent civilians in retaliation." On Tuesday, the joint forces took control of Mir-tugo area in Middle Shabelle as Al-Shabaab militants fled. "The energy (Al-Shabaab) was routed from Mir-tugo town and joint forces are patrolling the town and are in total control of it," the statement said. Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab has lost several of its key strongholds in the past four years, but still carried out frequent attacks in the country. PARIS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former economy minister Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced he will be a candidate for the next year's French presidential election. "I'm ready. I am a candidate for the presidency of the Republic because I believe that we can succeed, that France can succeed," Macron said. "This decision is the fruit of an intimate and deep conviction," he added. Denouncing a blocked political system and "obsolete rules," the former investment banker called on "all women and men of good will, those who believe in freedom and progress" to act in a bid to "to bring France into the 21st century, to make the country recovering." "In a few months on the occasion of the presidential election, an opportunity is offered to us. The responsibility of the president of the Republic is immense and I am aware of it," he told reporters. Macron, 38, said he was joining the race to the Elysee Palace as an independent candidate and campaigning for "hope" and "fight for all of France." "The challenge for me is not to appeal to the left. It is not for me today to appeal to the right. The challenge is to bring the French together," he said. The pro-business contender joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted economy minister Arnaud Montebourg. Two years later, he quit his post to focus on his political career. He has never held an elected post. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) in April, vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory." A recent Elabe survey showed that Macron would garner 27 percent of votes in the first round of election, while Hollande who is projected to collect 12 percent of the vote. However, pollsters predict a race between the moderate conservative Alain Juppe and far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the second round of presidential elections. Analysts said Macron's pro-European and centrist rhetoric is likely to further split the ruling Socialists and compete with Juppe for the same vote. The long-awaited Macron presidential bid provoked a deluge of critics that branded Hollande's ex-economic adviser a "traitor" who lacks experience. During a visit to Parisian suburbs, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called Macron's candidacy "an individual adventure." "To bear this responsibility (of head of state) we need to have experience which has been tested by time," he said. Juppe said the former banker is "betraying Francois Hollande, who he stabbed in his back." Francois Fillon, former prime minister, is the third most popular candidate in centre-right primary, according to pollsters. He said: "The French will not hand their destiny to someone who has no experience, and especially who has not demonstrated anything yet." The two rounds of France's 2017 elections to choose a new head of state is set for April 23 and May 7. NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The threat of piracy off the coast of Somalia looms large despite significant gains made against it, a UN official said Wednesday. Andrew McLaughlin, the Program Officer in charge of Global Maritime Security at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) told Xinhua in Kenyan capital Nairobi that a fragile political, economic and security situation in Somalia could provide a fertile ground for piracy to thrive. "Piracy in Somalia has not been defeated but only countered. The threat can recur since the security and economic situation in Somalia remains dire," McLaughlin said in an interview with Xinhua. He regretted that Somalia's limited military capability and high youth unemployment could undermine efforts to eradicate piracy. "Push factors like high youth unemployment should be addressed to boost anti-piracy operation in Somalia. Strengthening the rule of law is crucial to eliminate this menace," McLaughlin said. He said that the creation of strong political institutions would act as a bulwark against piracy and other transnational crimes that have thrived along the Somali coast. The UN office on Drugs and Crime has also been actively involved in counter-piracy operations in Somalia waters together with international naval forces and major shipping lines. McLaughlin revealed that UNODC played a role in the Oct. 22 rescue of 26 Asian sailors held hostage by Somali pirates since March 2012. "We coordinated with Oceans Beyond Piracy and provided security to facilitate the rescue of sailors. We also assisted in chartering an aircraft that airlifted sailors to safety in Nairobi," said McLaughlin. He added that kidnappings for ransom in Somalia has experienced a slump but warned that complacency might lead to recurrence of the criminal enterprise. Multilateral agencies have supported counter-piracy operations in Somalia waters in conjunction with global naval forces and investors in the shipping industry. McLaughlin disclosed that UNODC has supported capacity building to Somalia law enforcement agencies to deter piracy in the high seas. "Our focus is enhanced capacity for Somalia coast guard and maritime police to ensure the sea route is safe," said McLaughlin, adding that enhanced patrols at the high seas have led to drastic reduction in piracy. McLaughlin said that law enforcement was key to dismantling criminal networks involved in piracy in Somalia waters. He said economic incentives like the rebuilding of fishing industry in Somalia would dissuade jobless youth from becoming pirates. Somalia's coastline has not recorded any major attack on a cargo ship since 2012 thanks to anti-piracy operations of naval patrol vessels since around 2008. McLaughlin also said that better intelligence gathering could help enable law enforcement agencies arrest and prosecute piracy kingpins. He warned that the withdrawal of international naval patrol vessels from Somalia waters might create a security vacuum that could be exploited by pirates to launch new attacks on cargo ships. Enditem ABUJA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lecturers in public universities across Nigeria began a seven-day warning strike on Wednesday over the government's allegedly "unfulfilled promises." The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the umbrella body of the country's university teachers, said the industrial action was necessary to remind the government of the implementation of a number of agreements it had reached with the union since 2009. The agreements bordered mostly on welfare packages for university lecturers. Biodun Ogunyemi, national president of the union, said the chronic under-funding of Nigeria's educational sector through low budgetary allocation was another reason for the action. "There shall be no teaching, no examination and no attendance of statutory meetings of any kind in any of our branches while the strike lasts," said the union leader, adding machinery was already in place to ensure total compliance. The Nigerian Senate had waded into the matter during its plenary on Tuesday but failed in its desire to urge the government to do the bidding of the academic union members. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has described the industrial action as "unconstitutional". In a statement, Minister of Labor and Employment Chris Ngige said the union was yet to exhaust the conflict resolution mechanisms clearly mapped out in the country's labor laws. The lecturers' union said it would open its room for further negotiation with the government during the warning strike. Enditem ISLAMABAD, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday arrived in Pakistan on a two-day visit to the country for talks on bilateral and regional issues. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received the Turkish president at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi near the country's capital city of Islamabad. A high-level entourage including ministers, senior officials and business community members are accompanying the Turkish president. Erdogan met with his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain later Wednesday. He will also hold talks with Sharif on Thursday. The two leaders are expected to exchange views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations besides regional and international issues. Erdogan is also scheduled to address a joint session of parliament here on Thursday. The visiting Turkish president will also travel to Lahore, the capital city of Punjab Province. STOCKHOLM, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Swedish and Norwegian emergency rescue services joined forces Wednesday in order to collaborate during accidents or other incidents along the Scandinavian nations' border. On Wednesday, as part of the launch, an exercise took place involving a feigned bus accident on a highway that connects Norway and Sweden. Police officers, ambulance drivers, firemen and others took part in the drill. As of March next year, all servicemen who use the Swedish and Norwegian emergency communications systems, called Rakel and Nodnett, will be able to join the new service. Sweden's minister for home affairs Anders Ygeman said that connecting Sweden's Rakel and Norway's Nodnett "enables collaborations between police authorities, ambulances, emergency rescue services and fire brigades in the two countries. It makes coordination during larger events easier and it improves the exchange of information." Ygeman made the remarks during a ceremony to mark the launch of the collaboration where Norway's minister for justice and public security Anders Anundsen also took part. Reine Lamkiewicz, a police superintendent in Sweden who works with the Rakel system, told news agency TT that he hopes the Swedish-Norwegian collaboration will improve the response to traffic accidents as well as efforts to clamp down on drugs and other work. Lamkiewicz said some operations carried out in the past would have been more successful had a cross-border connected system been in place. Previously, staff members had to use their cell phones to talk to colleagues across the border. Alternatively, one could contact the communication center in one's own country where staff members in turn would contact the communication center in the other country, which would then get in touch with individual officers. The new system is meant significantly to speed up the communication process. Enditem NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A shift in droves to mobile banking by citizens in Kenya is sounding a death-knell to plastic money, whose uptake and usage has stalled despite service providers making the cards versatile. The debit, credit and charge cards are slowly being edged out of the financial system after failing to gain traction among consumers in the face of stiff competition from mobile money. Nearly all Kenya's 42 commercial banks have mobile banking services that allow customers to transact business on their cell phones. Using the gadgets, they can deposit, withdraw, transfer and make payments from their bank accounts without visiting the financial institutions. And this is causing trouble for plastic money such as debit cards because card holders must visit a bank to withdraw cash. The inconvenience has made many citizens to fully embrace mobile money, withdrawing cash from their bank accounts into their mobile money accounts and transacting with it from the comfort of their homes. And with about 90 percent of loans from commercial banks in the East African nation currently being disbursed through mobile phones, plastic money stands little chance to survive. Latest figures from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) point to the fact that plastic money is in distress in the East African nation. Instead of usage and uptake going up, it has been on the decline. As at June, there were about 11 million debit cards and 238,000 credit cards in the country, with the number of the former going down from over 11.1 million the previous month. However, the real distress is in the usage of the cards, where transactions in June only stood at 1.1 billion U.S. dollars. On the other hand, on average, Kenyans were moving 2.6 billion dollars on mobile money platforms every month as at June, according to the CBK, from to 1.9 billion dollars in a similar period last year. "I no longer use my ATM card...most of my business I now transact on mobile phone," Cleophas Masiga, a vehicle salesman in Nairobi, said Wednesday. Like many other citizens, Masiga has linked his bank account with his mobile money account using an app provided by his bank. Thus, when his salary is credited on his bank account, he gets a notification message immediately from his bank. And using his mobile phone, he withdraws the money into his mobile money account and pays bills, goes for shopping and sends money to his parents. "With such convenience, who will go to the bank to withdraw money using the card?" he posed. Masiga has two debit cards from different commercial banks and he doesn't remember using any in nearly six months. For Antony Kariuki, a businessman, he has not used his ATM card for the last three years due to security reasons. Kariuki stopped using the card when he was waylaid one day in Kitengela after withdrawing cash from an ATM and robbed. Commercial banks have realized the changing trend and are divesting from teller machines and investing in mobile banking services. CBK data indicates that there are currently about 2,600 ATMs across the East African nation, down from an estimated 2,800 seven months ago. "The rate at which mobile money use is growing is a clear indication that plastic money stands no chance of growth in Kenya. With banks shifting to mobile banking, it is a matter of time before the cards die because people can withdraw money from mobile money agents conveniently found next to their homes and not necessarily from ATM machines in shopping centres," said Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer in Nairobi. Enditem Photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows an overlook of Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) NAIROBI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has extended the deadline for the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp, which houses more than 260,000 Somalis, by six months, the interior minister said Wednesday. Joseph Nkaissery told journalists in the capital Nairobi that the volatile security situation in Somalia had made it difficult for Kenya to meet the deadline. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi had also requested Kenya to give more time for the repatriation of the Somali refugees in Dadaab, citing a delicate situation in Somalia and other factors, Nkaissery said. "However, ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted," Nkaissery said. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp, was set up over 20 years ago to house Somalis fleeing civil conflict. Kenya announced in May that it would close Dadaab and repatriate all the Somalis living in it by November this year, citing security concerns. Repatriation has since been accelerated. A refugee mother and her child look outside of a window at a hospital in Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya, May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) Nkaissery said the government was working together with the UNHCR and the Somali government to conduct a program to help facilitate smooth repatriation during the extended period. According to the official, 262,000 Somali refugees remain in the camp while 16,000 have been repatriated in the last six months. Nkaissery said all the Somali refugees in Dadaab would be moved out in a humane manner. He denied reports by some human rights groups and aid agencies that refugees were being forced back to Somalia. "Kenya is committed to upholding international law in the repatriation process," he said, adding that 10 million U.S. dollars would be used in the repatriation. Some Somali refugees in Dadaab will be moved to third countries, while all non-Somali refugees will be relocated to other UNHCR camps, according to the official. An environmental rehabilitation program will be carried out in Dadaab after the camp is closed next year, he added. An estimated 1.1 million people are internally displaced in Somalia due to some two decades of civil conflict. The Kenyan government claims members of Somalia-based Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab hide in Dadaab. Al-Shabaab has carried out a series of bloody attacks in Kenya in the past few years. MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The next U.S. administration should continue to support the historic Paris Agreement on climate change to avoid a repeat of the fate of the Kyoto Protocol, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said here Wednesday. "We hope that the U.S. will continue to play a leadership role in the climate change process as people are worried about a repeat of the experience of the Kyoto Protocol," Liu told reporters on the sidelines of a United Nations climate conference. He was in response to a question about speculations that the United States would pull out of the Paris Agreement after climate change denier Donald Trump takes over from President Barack Obama. During his campaign, Trump described the issue of climate change as a 'hoax" and vowed to cancel various actions taken by the Obama administration, including the U.S. ratification of the Paris Agreement. Liu recalled that the United States played an "extremely important" role in the negotiations of the Paris Agreement, which will replace the ill-fated Kyoto Protocol in 2020 to guide global cooperation in countering climate change. The Kyoto Protocol has so far not been fully implemented due to the withdrawal of the United States in 2001 and lack of support from other developed nations. The Paris Agreement has taken into account of U.S. interests and represented comprehensive, inclusive and collective efforts of the international community in addressing climate change, he said. Liu stressed that as the largest economy and the largest developed country in the world, the United States' support for the Paris Agreement will be "essential". "We shall have to wait and see what position they will take, but we... expect that they will take a right and smart decision to live up to the world's expectations," he said. China's support for and commitment to the Paris Agreement will not be affected by the stance to be taken by the new U.S. administration, Liu said, adding that China will continue its cooperation with the United States and European countries in the fight against climate change. Despite the uncertainty caused by Trump's election victory, Liu is optimistic about the prospect of the climate change negotiations process. "This climate change process will continue after the Marrakech conference. Parties will be even more united in moving forward the climate change negotiations," he said. Liu said the ongoing UN climate conference, the first of its kind after the Paris Agreement entered into force early this month, is particularly important in view of the rumors about a possible shift of the U.S. policy on climate change. The two-week gathering, which entered the ministerial phase Tuesday, has brought together thousands of government officials as well as representatives from international organizations, civil society and businesses. It aims to set rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. According to Liu, the conference is expected to issue an action declaration by the end of its ministerial segment, which will be a political statement demonstrating all parties' strong support for and confidence in the Paris Agreement. Related: China calls for expedited fulfillment of climate commitments MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday called for faster fulfillment of commitments already made for climate actions before 2020, urging developed countries to revisit and increase their emission cut ambitions. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's opposition political party, Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue to challenge the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the country's High Court despite dismissal in the Constitutional Court, the party's leader said on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the country's Constitutional Court dismissed the application by the opposition to have direct access to challenge the country's withdrawal from ICC. The Democratic Alliance had opposed the government's intention to pull out of the ICC. The leader of the DA Mmusi Maimane said, they lodged their application with both Constitutional Court and the High Court last month. Maimane claimed it is unconstitutional for the country to withdraw from the ICC with the Parliament debating the matter. The withdrawal will become effective after one year. Many African countries have criticized the ICC for being biased towards Africa. Enditem NAIROBI, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday launched a campaign to reduce post-harvest losses by providing hermetic grain storage bags. Minister of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Willy Bett said the six-month campaign will help reduce post-harvest losses that stand at about 10-30 percent in Kenya. He said that last year losses amounted to an estimated about 108 million U.S. dollars yet it can be reduced through appropriate technologies during storage. The bags can protect stored grains from pests, rodents, birds and fungi, thus enabling farmers to keep grain year-round for household consumption while providing the household with a marketable asset in case of emergency, according to the official. "This technology allows farmers to reap the benefit of improved prices, which are normally depressed during harvesting period," Bett said. A 2014 survey by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that current post-harvest losses in Kenya are at least 15 percent in strategic maize production zones, and much higher in some of the food-insecure areas. In Sub-Saharan Africa, annual losses in grains alone are valued at 4 billion dollars, which aggravated the region's already severe hunger. Enditem CAIRO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League on Wednesday urged a political solution to the Yemeni crisis and welcomed a U.S.-brokered truce between Yemen's Shiite Houthi group and the Saudi-led Arab military coalition, said a senior official with the pan-Arab body. "The Arab League welcomes the announcement of a cease-fire in Yemen and the work on pushing dialogue between Yemeni parties to reach a political solution to the ongoing crisis in order to preserve Yemen as well as people, land and entity," its Deputy Secretary-General Ahmed Ben Helli told reporters in Cairo. He added that the Arab League is in contact with the United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and the legitimate Yemeni government in a bid to reach a political settlement in the war-torn country. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, during his recent Gulf tour, said that the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition had agreed to a ceasefire starting Thursday. However, Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi said that Kerry's announcement was not coordinated with the Yemeni government that was "not interested" in Kerry's plan, describing the U.S. bid as "a media bubble." The situation in Yemen has been worsening since March 2015, when a war broke out between the Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the legitimate government of fleeing President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi backed by the Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis and Saleh's forces control most of Yemen's northern regions while the government forces control the rest of the conflict-stricken country. The Arab military coalition has been launching deadly airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, but a lot of civilians have been "wrongly targeted" during the operations. The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have so far killed over 10,000 people, half of them civilians, injured over 35,000 others and displaced over 2 million, according to humanitarian agencies. ALGIERS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Libyan official said here on Wednesday that the country plans to increase its oil output to 900,000 barrels a day. "We have been outputting 300,000 barrels a day for a few months, and we are gradually moving to 600,000 barrels a day. Our goal is to reach 900,000," Houcine El Badawi, head of the Telecommunications Department at the Libyan state-run oil company NOC, told Xinhua, on the sidelines of the 6th International Exhibition of Oil and Gas Product and Service Providers held in Hassi Messaoud, a town in Ouargla Province, 800 km south of the capital Algiers. Oil production in Libya suffered a setback in 2013 due to domestic unrest, but it has now rebounded after the resumption of oil exports. Experts say with the reopening of Al-Sharara and Al-Feel oil fields located in the south of Libya, total output may eventually grow to 1.5 million barrels per day. Enditem BEIRUT, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday conveyed a message of support for Lebanon's stability from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to newly-elected President Michel Aoun. During their meeting in Beirut, Shoukry invited the Lebanese president to visit Egypt. "My visit is aimed at extending congratulations and expressing Egypt's relief over the election of a president and the formation of a unity cabinet," Shoukry said at a joint press conference with Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil following their meeting. The top Egyptian diplomat also held talks with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblat. At his meeting with Berri, Shoukry said he conveyed President Sisi's appreciation for the parliament speaker's role in achieving Lebanon's stability and filling the vacancies in its constitutional institutions. He added that he discussed with Prime Minister Saad Hariri means of boosting ties between Egypt and Lebanon. "We are looking forward to maintaining communication with all Lebanese parties in order to serve the interests of the two peoples," he said. PARIS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's Bank of Communications launched a branch here on Tuesday as it plans to step up its support to growing Chinese investment in Europe. Shortly after the launch of its Paris branch, the bank will set up branches in Rome and Luxembourg, Niu Ximing, the bank's chairman, said here Tuesday, adding it aimed to increase the number of its foreign branches to about 25 by 2020. The establishment of the Bank of Communications in Paris reflects the growing dynamism of financial cooperation between China and France, said Zhai Jun, the Chinese Ambassador to France. According to the ambassador, four Chinese banks have successively established their branches in Paris since 2011. The president of the regional council of Ile de France, Valerie Pecresse, welcomed the arrival of the bank at its official opening ceremony on Tuesday. The Bank of Communications, China's fifth-largest listed bank by assets, posted a net profit of about 52.6 billion yuan (7.61 billion U.S. dollars) in the first nine months of this year, with an annual growth of 1.03 percent. On Feb. 2, 1979, late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping waves a cowboy hat to audiences at a rodeo in Texas during his 9-day visit to the U.S..(Xinhua Archive) by Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Zhou Xiaozheng NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- A documentary about late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's famous trip to the United States in 1979 offers a glimpse of not only the past, but also the present and the future vitality of China-U.S. relations. "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington," screened at the United Nations (UN)headquarters Tuesday evening local time, retraces Deng's nine-day trip between Jan. 28 and Feb. 5, 1979, which demonstrated China's resolve to open to the world and learn from developed countries in science and technology, education and culture. "I do not have a crystal ball to foresee what will happen to the relations between China and the United States," said director Fu Hongxing when asked why he chose to make the film. "History often gives us a pair of witty eyes." Director of "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington" Fu Hongxing addresses a film screening at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, on Nov. 15, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Rui) "China and the United States were like newlyweds at that time," Fu said. "If the two do not want to get a divorce, and they still want to live happily, they have to ponder over why they got married and recall their honeymoon." Deng was the first Chinese leader to visit the United States shortly after the two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1979. The then vice Chinese premier met then U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other American politicians, accepted interviews, visited Ford's assembly plant and NASA's Johnson Space Center. Fu's thoughts were echoed by many of the celebrities who showed up Tuesday to watch the historical thriller, which premiered in China in May 2015. "What is the most notable about Deng's visit was the extraordinary level of friendliness that was demonstrated on both sides," said Orville Schell, Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations, who took on the 1979 trip as a local reporter. "It was hard to imagine that we just spent several decades in a rather hostile relationship." Orville Schell (L), Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations, who took on Deng's 1979 trip as a local reporter, attended the screening of "Mr. Deng Goes to Washington" . (Xinhua/Li Rui) "Looking back at 1979, we could have done much worse if Vice Premier Deng and President Carter had not found ways to begin the process of bringing the U.S. and China closer together," Schell said. Hanson Chan, a Chinese American writer, was also covering Deng's visit 37 years back, and is one of the interviewees in the documentary. "Though so many years have passed, it is still an encouraging, enlightening event," he said. "All of us should continue our efforts to enhance the friendship and understanding between the two countries and the two peoples." The smooth development of ties between China and the United States -- the biggest developing country and the biggest developed country respectively and the top two economies of the world -- greatly benefits the two peoples and the world as a whole, said Zhang Meifang, deputy consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in New York. In 2015, bilateral trade amounted to nearly 560 billion U.S. dollars and China became the largest trading partner of the United States. Two-way investment has grown to more than 150 billion dollars from the negligible amount at the beginning of bilateral relations. Fu said more than 1 million Chinese people went to the cinema to watch the film and more than 6 million watched it on TV. "The film has been so well-received because people are keen to learn about the history of China-U.S. relations, and all of them want to see bilateral relations growing healthily, and proceed in a proper manner," Fu said. To make the movie, Fu trawled through archives, purchased video footage from U.S. TV networks such as ABC, NBC and CBS, and acquired the support of Deng's family. Key figures interviewed in the film include former U.S. President Carter, former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, Deng's bodyguards and secret service agents from the White House. New York is the third leg of the documentary's screening tour that began on Nov. 11, and the documentary will be shown in the U.S. cities of Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. A Syrian government soldier walks past a ruin in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Sept. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen) GENEVA, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday condemned the attacks on five hospitals that took place in Syria this week, including three hospitals in rural western Aleppo and two hospitals in Idlib. WHO said at least two people were reportedly killed as a result of the attacks and 19 people were wounded, including six medical staff. Such attacks on health centers in Syria are increasing in both frequency and scale. Throughout 2016, WHO and its partners have documented 126 such attacks across the country. One of the damaged facilities in rural western Aleppo was a frontline trauma hospital. Another was a secondline trauma hospital. On a monthly basis, all three hospitals were providing more than 10,000 consultations and performed more than 1,500 major surgeries. These attacks have seriously reduced the availability of health services in northern Syria and has resulted in a major disruption of referrals of critically injured and ill patients. The two hospitals in Idlib were providing almost 10,000 consultations per month, as well as more than performing 200 major surgeries and 600 deliveries. One of the hospitals was a key referral hospital for comprehensive emergency obstetric care. In addition, an attack on a mobile clinic in the Jisr-Ash-Shugur area of Idlib now leaves more than 3,500 patients deprived of access to essential basic health care. WHO once again demands that all parties in the conflict respect the safety and neutrality of health workers, health facilities, and medical supplies. The pattern of attacks indicates that health care is being deliberately targeted in the Syrian conflict -- this is a major violation of international law and a tragic disregard of humanity. As fighting across the country continues, the United Nations health agency warned that the number of health facilities destroyed or damaged by attacks was increasing, depriving thousands of people in need of urgent and essential health care. Jacek Bogucki, Secretary of State in the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, delivers a speech on the Second Polish-Chinese Business Day at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 15, 2016. (Photo provide by RealChi) By Xiang Bo BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- "I wish to see Polish apples line the shelves at supermarkets in China in the near future," said Jacek Bogucki, Secretary of State in the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Bogucki made these remarks on the Second Polish-Chinese Business Day at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Beijing Tuesday. Forty-eight Polish enterprises and more than 300 entrepreneurs attended this event, which greeted visitors with a variety of Polish food and other agricultural products. "Quality and safety are the biggest advantages for Polish food exports," said Bogucki, "apple, diary and meat products are all flagship products among these exports." As Polish enterprises seek greater access to Chinese market, Chinese enterprises also make endeavors to tighten up business ties between the two countries. One of them, Air China commenced Beijing-Warsaw nonstop service in September, the second air route linking China and Central and Eastern Europe. Such efforts are hailed as a facilitation of the construction of an "Aerial Silk Road", as well as a boost of bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges. Apart from praises, both Chinese and Polish enterprises are ready in the future to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, science and technology, education, tourism. This event is part of the activities marking the Anufood China 2016 which opens on Nov. 16. by Heiko Khoo BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- The 3rd World Internet Conference takes place in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province this week. At last year's conference President Xi Jinping explained that China was rolling out broadband services to even the most remote villages to assist rural development. He recognized the increasing importance of the sharing economy as well as the role of international cultural cooperation and innovation in upgrading China's economy and improving people's living standards. This year several bold initiatives to develop the digital economy have been proposed. All of them recognize that the effective exploitation of the Internet is essential to improving labor productivity and developing the provision of modern public services. At the executive meeting of the State Council on June 24, Premier Li Keqiang said: "We may now stand at the same starting line with the developed countries in information, especially in the Internet, and even have more advantages than them in some aspects." This universal interconnectivity offers China an opportunity to overtake the rest of the world in a decisive field. Apart from language itself, no better tool for the development of social production and universal connectivity and collaboration has been devised. However, the opportunity to positively reorganize human relations on socialist lines depends whether advances in technology, science, art and culture serve human liberation. And this is a basic criterion by which progress towards socialism can be judged. China's method of integration with the world market and world culture has produced unprecedented achievements in human development. Indeed, its ability to adopt, assimilate and apply innovations and technologies from all over the world stimulated its extraordinary long-term growth record and brought corresponding improvements in living standards. China is now the world's number one for Internet users. The exponential development of the Internet was based on two policies. Firstly, its basic infrastructure was developed by massive public investment and remains publicly owned. Secondly, the Chinese state limited the encroachment of international corporate Internet giants. Had China given way to the demands of the world's leading Internet companies like Facebook, Google, Amazon, Yahoo and YouTube; these companies would have distorted the use of China's Internet to serve their own interests and those of the U.S. government's National Security Agency (NSA). It was Edward Snowden who revealed that companies like Google - whose corporate motto was "Don't be evil" - were happy to sell their souls to the NSA and help them to spy on the whole world. Indeed, the NSA created the most intrusive spying apparatus the world has ever known. U.S. hegemony over cyberspace seeks to concentrate decisive influence over the Internet in its own hands and those of a few private companies. China's scientific and technical development is guided by multiple national development plans, which are designed to form an integrated whole and facilitate innovation. However, the system has been limited by fragmented organizational structures, the duplication of effort and weak systems of oversight. To overcome this, 40 government agencies engaged in managing and resourcing science and technology plans collaborated in formulating the reforming measures to consolidate and restructure the science and technology planning system as a whole. The demographics of Chinese society increasingly resemble the urban patterns of advanced economies; and the explosive growth of informationization means that today, even those from the most humble backgrounds can be expected to be active on the Internet. This means that in our networked society, the technical means exist to overcome many of the problems that previously hampered the information processing capabilities of planned economic systems. The potential benefits from the application of Internet services to the social, cultural and economic life of modern China are truly mind-boggling. The Internet provides the material basis to integrate production, distribution and exchange in ways that satisfy the wants and needs of the people. It can also be used to democratize work, administration, accounting, planning, management, the protection of consumer rights, and the provision of public services. A mature and universal Internet offers the technical prerequisite for a mature form of socialism, where the benefits that stem from technology and science will be harnessed to serve the whole of humanity. Heiko Khoo is a columnist with China.org.cn. (Source: www.china.org.cn) Cocorite man shot and killed According to reports, the victim, identified as 38-year-old Dominic Gregoire from Pitilal Road Waterhole, was with two other men at a construction site on Freedom Street, Cocorite, when they were approached by an armed assailant who opened fire on the group. Gregoire was shot multiple times during the attack. He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Western Division Police are continuing investigations. Jailed twice for driving while disqualified In September, Shammi Motisingh was jailed for six months for driving after he was previously disqualified from doing so by a magistrate. But when he was arrested for that offence, the 46-year-old father of a teenaged daughter from Quinam Road, Siparia, had been awaiting sentence for a similar offence he committed in August. Yesterday, Motisingh was brought from the Maximum Security Prison to be sentenced for the August offence and a magistrate imposed a nine-year jail sentence on him in the San Fernando Magistrates Court. He told Magistrate Natalie Diop, Your Worship, inside jail is called lock-down; outside here is the free world. In jail we learn how to overcome the bad habits of the free world. Motisinghs troubles began in March when he was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. On March 22, he appeared in the Siparia Magistrates Court and was fined and disqualified from holding a drivers permit for three years. However, Police Constable Shiva Roopchand, in August, arrested Motisingh during a roadblock exercise in Debe and charged him for contraveing the order of the court. On August 22, Motisingh appeared before Magistrate Taramatee Ramdass in the San Fernando Magistrates Court to answer to that charge and he also pleaded guilty. T he magistrate placed him on his own bond and postponed the matter to yesterday for facts and sentencing. However, in September, Police Constable Joel Paul stopped Motisingh in another roadblock along Wellington Road, Debe. He had no drivers permit, and when taken before Ramdass in October, he pleaded guilty. On September 30, he was sentenced to serve six months in jail for the offence. Yesterday, Motisingh was taken to court from prison to answer the charge Roopchand laid against him in August. Before Diop in the San Fernando Traffic Court, he pleaded guilty to two charges __ driving whilst being disqualified and driving without insurance. Police prosecutor Sgt Kasieram Luctchman read the facts. He said that on August 19, Roopchand had stopped motor vehicle PCN 3477 and questioned Motisingh about his driving documents. Motisingh replied, Officer, ah dont have one; my permit taken away by the court. Kasieram told Diop that the policeman also observed that the insurance certificate Motisingh had presented to him, had expired. Diop asked him why the court should not impose another jail term on him, he having committed the same offence twice. Motisingh said that being in jail was of great help to him in ridding his dependency on alcohol. He said, This is like rehab. It really helping. Prakash appeals slander decision Ramadhar was ordered to pay specific sums to his brother Kishore Ramadhar, Rudy Hanamji and Satu Ann Ramcharan. Also ordered to pay the three former COP members are the partys former chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan and founding member, Iqbal Hydal. Neither Seepersad-Bachan or Iqbal Hydal appealed Justice Vasheist Kokaram ruling in December of last year. In his assessment for damages for slander and libel, Justice Kokaram said the sum must compensate for the damage done to a persons reputation; vindicate their good name and take into account the distress, hurt and humiliation. He added however, it was not a road to untaxed riches. He said in the case of the three, there was no evidence of serious damage to their reputation. Ramadhar was ordered to pay his brother $90,000; the same amount to Hanamji and $75,000 to Ramcharan. Judgement has been reserved in the appeal which was heard on Monday by Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Justices of Appeal Gregory Smith and Prakash Moosai. The defamation claim filed by the three arose out of statements allegedly made by the COP leader and the partys chairman at a COP National Council meeting on November 10, 2013, regarding a letter dated October 1, 2013, in which the three were accused of sending to the then Opposition PNM information about the COPs membership. Kishore, Hanamji and Ramcharan were suspended from the partys national executive and national council. The allegation against them was contained in a letter, which purportedly provided information on the status of several COP candidates who contested the 2013 local government elections and which was allegedly sent to PNM general secretary Ashton Ford. The PNM subsequently wrote to the EBC challenging the membership of the candidates. The three (Kishore, Hanamji and Ramcharan) maintained they neither wrote nor signed any such letter and signatures appearing on the document were lifted from other party documents legitimately signed by them. Ramadhar, represented by Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC, Larry Lalla and Michael Rooplal, has argued that Kokaram erred in law when he found that his statements at the November 10, 2013, press conference, held after the COPs National Council meeting, were defamatory. He insisted that his words were not defamatory and that there was uncontroverted evidence that the three had publicly attacked, abused and defamed him prior to the national council meeting. Kokaram had found that Ramadhars statements to the media were not a legitimate reply to the attacks to his leadership, and hat the defences of reply to attack, fair comment and qualified privilege were unavailable to him. Representing (K) Ramadhar and Ramcharan were Fred Gilkes while Hanamji was represented by Mervyn Campbell instructed by Yuri Saunders. ILLEGAL TAXES This prompted Opposition Senator Wade Mark to accuse the Government of imposing illegal taxes on the population and signalling the Oppositions intention to challenge the matter legally. Following the adjournment, Finance Minister Colm Imbert dismissed Marks allegations. He said all taxes are being collected in accordance with the law. He also said the opinion of the Treasury Solicitor was sought, just to confirm that our understanding of the law is correct. The Bill and the three motions were passed in the House of Representatives on November 9. Before the debate could begin on the Bill and the motions, Khan said Government had intended to debate those matters yesterday but, we got an opinion from the Treasury Solicitor. Quoting part of the Treasury Solicitors opinion, Khan said, In the interim, I am of the view that the Provisional Collection of Taxes Order 2016, continues in operation and will continue in operation until Finance Bill Number Three and the relevant orders 2016, completes its full passage in the Parliament and the Act is assented to by the President. This process must be completed within a four-month time-frame, beginning October 20, 2016 and ending on February 19, 2017. Quoting further from the opinion, Khan said, I (Treasury Solicitor) am of the view, that it is permissible for the State to collect and continue to collect online purchase taxes and the rest (of taxes). In response, Mark said the UNC took, no comfort in this intervention. At a subsequent news conference, Mark charged that Government used the Treasury Solicitor, to undermine the Parliament and muzzle the Opposition. Mark said the Opposition would seek to test the legality of the Treasury Solicitors opinion and could challenge the matter in court. He argued that these matters are normally dealt with in a specific way in Parliament but Government, sabotaged the Senate to go and campaign. Mark claimed that under the Customs Act, the Comptroller of Customs could be forced to make refunds once the tax collection orders connected to the Bill expire. Saying the orders expire in 21 days unless approved by Parliament, Mark said, Today is the 27th day...We intend to challenge these orders and we will develop the necessary opinions to do so. Mark said in his 25 years as a parliamentarian, he has, never seen anything like this where the Government imposes a tax on the population and refuses to have these orders confirmed by the Parliament before they bring the Bill. He wondered whether Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi would agree with the Treasury Solicitors opinion. Mark claimed Government, cannot withstand the outcry of the people of the people on the imposition of tax after tax after tax. Alleging that the Peoples National Movement (PNM) has plans to fire 6,000 CEPEP workers after the Local Government elections on November 28, Mark said the PNM is entering its 15th month in office and, they have brought no meaningful legislation to Parliament. When they have legislation...they run under the cover of time, Mark scoffed. Independent Senator Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir was also surprised about the Bill and motions not being debated. There could be a contrary legal opinion as well, he suggested. A division was taken to adjourn the Senate to a date to be fixed. Three Independent Senators (David Small, Hugh Russell Ian Roach and Paul Richards) voted with the Government for the adjournment. Prior to the Senates adjournment, Senate President Christine Kangaloo told Mahabir it was unnecessary for her to interpret a particular Standing Order he referred to. Imbert later told Newsday, The new taxes on alcohol and tobacco are collectable and legal once the relevant orders are submitted to Parliament. He explained that Government has done so within the prescribed period and, according to the law, we now have until February 2017 to debate the orders in the Senate. Imbert continued, This procedure is specific to the Customs and Excise Orders. The minister said other orders relating to online tax and other matters have already been passed in the House. On why the Treasury Solicitors opinion was sought, Imbert said, We were satisfied that the 21-day time period meant that the orders simply had to be submitted to Parliament, rather than passed within, 21 days. He further stated, We were aware that there was an alternative view that all of these orders should have been debated and passed in both Houses of Parliament within 21 days. So we had to check the law to make sure. SDMS Maharaj predicts upsurge in crime due to deportation In a recent television interview, US President- elect Trump estimated the number of illegal immigrants with criminal records as between two and three million people. What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million it could be even three million we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate. Trump said. In a telephone interview yesterday, Maharaj observed that the number of TT deportees could number in the thousands should the United States enact mass deportations from its soil. I feel we would have a few thousand of our citizens being posted back because they are not there legally and when they come here, you will have a number of social issues that will immediately arise and one of those issues is employment because we are in a depression now, a lot of unemployment and when you come back from New York or Boston, you have other skills that you transmit to other people here so that we should expect an upsurge in criminality, Maharaj said. The murder rate has crossed 400 already and with these people coming down here, it will exacerbate the social situations that we are experiencing right now, he added. Asked whether Caricom should take a united stance on the issue, he said, well I think it will be wise for the Caricom to get together and make representations, he said. We dont have the international clout to influence events in the United States, we too small for that but as a region, jointly we might have some kind of clout, he said. Meanwhile, San Fernando Business Association, president Daphne Bartlett has described Trumps decision as a good management decision which should be emulated by other leaders. He has to look after his citizens and his country so if he chooses to send back criminals from his country to their respective countries, that is well within his rights, and if I were living in America, I would feel the same way, Bartlett said. Similarly, I live in Trinidad and Tobago and if we have non-nationals who are criminals here, we would expect that our Prime Minister would do the same and send them back to the countries where they come from, instead of us harbouring them and feeding them and spending $23,000 every month feeding them in the prison, she said, adding, send them packing where they came from because there are many non-nationals who commit crime and who are in our country. So I dont know what the big hue and cry is about sending back criminals to their country, thats a good management decision he has made because those are the ones who commit crime, they dont belong there but I think other leaders should take the lead from Mr Trump, she said. Christlyn calls THA reps to resign from Port board At a press conference on the Greens of the Scarborough Port on Monday, and with the cargo vessel, the Superfast Galicia berthed in the background, Moore said THA representatives on the Ports Board, Ken Wright and Melissa James, must resign and show Tobagonians that this fight is ours. She said Wright and James must put aside party affiliation and show solidarity with the people of Tobago who continues to suffer and face tremendous hardships under the present management of the Port Authority. Moore contended that Wright and James were on a board that is supposed to serve the people of Tobago and serve the transport needs of the people of Tobago and it is not being done. Noting that the cargo vessel, the Superfast Galicia, has been sitting at the Scarborough port since Saturday, Moore said the vessel could not oper ate on the seabridge because a cruise ship was docked in Trinidad When a cruise ship comes to Port of Spain, Tobagonians cant eat, cant bury their dead, trucks cant come up, goods cant come up and nothing could go down, she contended as she called on Tobagonians to stop taking this kind of treatment from the Port authorities. Moore said that the Tobago Forwards has taken up the issue of the poor ferry service because it felt that the needs of Tobagonians were more important that the cruise ship. Until the government and the THA start to treat with Tobagonians as if they are more important than what is going on in Trinidad, then Tobago will continue to be stagnant and continue to be suffering because Port of Spain want us to suffer and THA doesnt say a word, said Moore. She said the operations of the ferry service demands accountability, and that a Tobago Forwards administration will demand accountability from the Port Authority, from the Inter-island Transport Company and from the company that is responsible for berthing facilities in Trinidad. Moore said that no one is authority was concerned about the harships Tobagonains were experiencing because of the poor service provided by the Port on managing the sailings of the ferries because it appears that if it happens in Tobago, it does not really happen. Moore said that with funds in excess of $40 billion having passed through Tobago over the past 16 years of the PNM administration of the THA, the island should have its own ferry by now. Moore said Tobago Forwards would be committed to acquiring another vessel for the sea bridge within 12 months of being in office. Moore said a Tobago Forwards administration will do this for Tobago because the Port Authority and the inter- island transport company and successive government administrations in Trinidad have all failed the island. President of university founded by Jefferson asked to not quote Jefferson The president of the university founded by Thomas Jefferson is being asked to stop quoting Thomas Jefferson. Article by FoxNews.com A Friday letter signed by 469 students and professors objected to University of Virginia President Teresa Sullivan quoting the third U.S. president and Declaration of Independence author in a campus email because Jefferson owned slaves, The Cavalier Daily reported. I think that Jefferson is often celebrated for his accomplishments with little or no acknowledgement of the atrocities he committed against hundreds of human beings, said Asst. Psychology Prof. Noelle Hurd, who drafted the letter. Though Jefferson penned the line all men are created equal, Hurd said Jeffersons words communicated to me a message of exclusion. The trouble started for Sullivan due to a Nov. 9 email she sent to try to urge unity following the presidential election. Thomas Jefferson wrote to a friend that University of Virginia students are not of ordinary significance only: they are exactly the persons who are to succeed to the government of our country, and to rule its future enmities, its friendships and fortunes, Sullivan wrote. I encourage todays U. Va students to embrace that responsibility. The student-professor response acknowledged that Jeffersons legacy had inspired some students and faculty to come to the University, however, others of us came here in spite of it. Politics Prof. Lawrie Balfour, who signed the letter, said Jeffersons words have often troubled her during her 15-year tenure at the University. Again and again, I have found that at moments when the community needs reassurance and Jefferson appears, it undoes I think the really important work the administrators and others are trying to do, Balfour said. The Cavalier Daily could not immediately reach Sullivan for comment. Jefferson, who also served as a U.S. vice president and secretary of state, founded the University of Virginia in 1819 and was involved with the University until his death in 1826. Submit a correction >> Oil prices bounce back United States,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New York, Nov 16 (IANS) Oil prices bounced back from three sessions of losses as the market saw an increasing chance for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reach an output freeze deal by the end of this month. The West Texas Intermediate for December Delivery on Tuesday added $2.49 to settle at $45.81 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for January delivery increased for $2.52 to close at $46.95 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange, Xinhua news agency reported. Media reports said on Tuesday that OPEC countries have embarked on diplomatic talks in order to overcome differences among the group members, with Qatar, Algeria and Venezuela leading the effort. OPEC struck a deal in September to limit crude output at a policy meeting to be carried out this month, first agreement to cut output since 2008. Production levels for each member country will be decided at the meeting which will be held on November 30 in Vienna, Austria. --IANS pgh/ Assad looks for 'anti-terror ally' in Trump Syrian Arab Republic,Politics,Terrorism, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Damascus, Nov 16 (IANS) Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that the US President-elect Donald Trump would be a "natural ally" if he fulfilled his campaign pledge to fight terrorism. However, Assad said it was "dubious" whether Trump could "live up to his promises", Xinhua news reported on Wednesday. The Syrian President said this in an interview on Tuesday. He said he was skeptical about Trump's ability to fulfil his previous promises on the need to fight terrorism in cooperation with Russia. Assad said he was being extremely cautious about judging Trump's stance, particularly as "he hasn't occupied any political position before,... we cannot say anything about what he is going to do." His skepticism emanates from the fact that Trump was not alone in control of the US. "What about the dominant forces within the US administration? What about the mainstream media against him? How would he handle it? And thus we remain skeptic on whether he can fulfil his promises or not," Assad said. Before winning the elections, Trump had expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in the war on terrorism, and thus a possible cooperation with the government of Assad. "When you think about it, wouldn't it be nice if we got along with Russia?" Trump said in July. "Wouldn't it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of IS (the Islamic State)?" he added. In the interview, Assad said that if Trump is going to fight the terrorists, then "we will naturally be allies to him alongside the Russians, Iranians and others that want to defeat the terrorists." Assad stressed that he would cooperate with the Americans in the war against the terrorist groups, as "we have suffered more than any other... from terrorism... If they have the will and ability, then of course." He said his government was ready to cooperate with any party in the world "unconditionally" in the war on terror. However, Assad made it clear that any international effort against the terrorists without coordinating with the Syrian government, would be considered illegal. He said: "if it's illegal, we will not accept or acknowledge it." --IANS in/ Sartaj Aziz to visit India, hints at easing of hostility Pakistan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Diplomacy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Islamabad, Nov 16 (IANS) Pakistans foreign policy chief, Sartaj Aziz, has said that he plans to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in India on December 3 and suggested the visit could be used to "defuse the tension" between the nuclear-armed neighbours. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged Saarc summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in Amritsar, India, on December 3," confirmed Aziz to PTV news on Tuesday. The adviser said he himself will participate in the conference. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. "Despite the fact that Indian forces killed our seven soldiers along Line of Control on Monday, Pakistan will not boycott the conference," Aziz maintained. Azizs trip to India would be the first by a senior Pakistani official since gunmen raided an army base in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir and killed 19 soldiers in September, an attack New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. The Heart of Asia conference focusing on Afghanistan is due to be held in Amritsar, close to the Pakistani border. The conference will seek ways to help improve security and bring peace to Afghanistan, which has been mired in conflict since a US-led coalition toppled the hardline Taliban government in 2001. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have also been strained over the past year, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of harbouring the leaders of Taliban and seeking to meddle in Afghan affairs. Pakistan denies the charge. "Heart of Asia is for Afghanistan and Afghanistan is our priority," said Aziz.--IANS ahm/vm It is Indo-British fusion food, not Anglo-Indian food, at Hilton Chennai (Foodie Trail-Chennai) Tamil Nadu,National,Lifestyle/Fashion,Features, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Chennai, Nov 16 (IANS) It is a simple fusion food festival sans confusion at the Ayna restaurant in Hilton Chennai that is hosting the Indo-British Fusion Fest till Nov 20, said a chef. "We haven't tinkered with the core taste and philosophy of the food. But we have fused it with some British elements," Chef de Cuisine Paul Joe told IANS. He added the plating was in the British style -- that is, all the items on a single plate and not served separately - as he served the appetiser: arbi tukde-colocasia fritters, coloured peppers, onions and a tangy spice mix. While savouring the tasty arbi tukde, the khasta khumb -- layers of spiced morels and mushroom in a crisp sheet -- came to the table. Like its look, the dish also tasted nice. While mushroom lovers would go mad over this, others too can try this and they would not be disappointed. It was soon followed by the ultra-soft orange-flavoured tandoori salmon with baby greens salad which went down in a jiffy. The orange is there in the colour and its flavour was very subtle. One can also go for the Malabari prawns. Each jumbo prawn would fill up your mouth. The it was time for the seafood rassa -- Cochin prawns, mussels with scallops -- which was mild and flavourful. "The prawns and scallops were slow-cooked in seafood stock," Paul Joe informed. The vegetarian bhune makai ka shorba -- roasted corn soup with turmeric popcorn -- is also worth trying as it was different and tasty. Now, for the entree or the main course. Except for the soup section that has only two options, the ala carte menu card has a multitude of choices -- vegetarian and non-vegetarian -- whether under appetisers, entree, dessert and not to mention the lassi. The number of dishes in the menu only proves the wide variety of regional and traditional items of Indian cuisine. The lobster hawa mahal -- Cochin lobster, tempered spinach and saffron rice, gratinated with egg -- was really nice and different. The fragrance of the saffron rice went off well with the lobster in a balanced way. The dish also has a subtle coconut taste thanks to the addition of coconut milk. Fighting for tummy space and the taste buds was the prawn khichdi. The jumbo prawns and shrimps with saffron-flavoured rice and mixed sprouts was really yummy. "One can call this as the Indian risotto. The khichdi is made with red rice," Paul Joe said. For chicken lovers, there is murg sirka pyyaaz, kali mirch ka murg or the home style chicken curry nukkad ka kukkad. There is also the atta raan (serves two) -- saffron dough enclosed with lamb leg with chef's secret spices that could be safely ordered. If you are in a mood to go for Indian breads, then opt for mini olive naan-peri peri and olive crusted naan -- which is really good. The chef also has given the options of various rice dishes that vegetarians can choose from. But for non-vegans the option is restricted to only chicken tikka khasta pulao. For the sweet tooth there are options like khaas malpoi (stuffed pan cakes with carrot pudding), the dome (chikki kulfi with Baleys rabdi) and apple kheer (golden apple stewed with reduced milk and nuts), among others. FAQs What: Indo-British Fusion Fest Where: Hilton Chennai at J.N.Salai, Guindy When : 4th Nov to 20 Nov Timings: Lunch 12 noon to 3 p.m.; Dinner 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Price: Meal for two would cost around Rs.4,000. (Venkatachari Jagannathan visited Ayna at the invitation of Hilton Chennai. He can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in) --IANS vj/vm 4 killed in Kabul bombing Israel,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Kabul, Nov 16 (IANS) At least four people were killed in a suspected bomb explosion in Kabul on Wednesday with preliminary reports suggesting the blast left several security personnel wounded. There was no information available regarding the type of the explosion and its target, Khaama Press reported. Eyewitnesses said a security forces vehicle was targeted close to the Ministry of Defence compound in Pul-e-Mahmood Khan area. No group has so far claimed responsibility. --IANS ahm/sar Congress demands probe into 'selective leakage' of demonetisation Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move of the government. Congress leader Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a selected few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," said Sharma, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." Sharma also said that SBI knew about the demonetisation move in March, and asked why the government didn't take proper steps to implement it properly. He also sought to know from the government which law gave them the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from people's own account. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss bank. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. --IANS sid/rn Rahul seeks action against PM's 'friends' Maharashtra,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Thane (Maharashtra), Nov 16 (IANS) Training his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded action against his friends and those who are hoarding black money. Addressing a large group of Congress activists in Bhiwandi, he alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a handful of 15 industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. "Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens' pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends no action has been taken against them we demand action against Modi's friends and those who have hoarded black money," Gandhi said. He predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, would go back to the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others "within one year". He asked the large gathering of Congress activists from Mumbai and Thane - "Did you get your Rs 4000? Have you got the indelible ink mark?" to which they disapprovingly roared "NO". Gandhi pointed out how each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation and have been put to immense hardships. "But Modi is laughing and crying laughing and crying," although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes," he said. A magistrate's court in Bhiwandi granted bail to Gandhi who was accused in a defamation case, filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist, Rajesh Kunte. The next for hearing in the matter has been fixed for January 28, 2017. Later, he addressed a huge crowd of Congress activists in this Muslim-dominated powerloom town, Gandhi, saying he had come "to fight" the ideological war against the RSS. "On one hand it's a fight for independence versus slaverya They want everybody to bend before them as they want to rulea But they cannot enslave this country as the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are enshrined in our hearts," Gandhi said. En route to Mumbai after the court hearing, Gandhi stopped at a bank near a toll tax point on the outskirts of Bhiwandi, interacted with people and shared their grievances. --IANS qn/ahm/vm Pakistan PM, Army Chief inspect military exercises near India border Pakistan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Defence/Security, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Islamabad, Nov 16 (IANS) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday witnessed ongoing military exercises near the border with India. The exercise, in Khairpur Tamiwali in Bhawalpur, Punjab province, is aimed at checking the operational preparedness of the Pakistani military. Tanks, planes, artillery and other heavy weapons will be on display during exercise, Geo TV reported. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said India's "unprovoked" firing along the Line of Control was a threat to regional peace, two days after Pakistan said that seven of its soldiers were killed at the Line of Control. Prime Minister Sharif on Tuesday emphasised that Pakistan was showing "all possible restraint" and warned India that it should not be mistaken for weakness and that Islamabad should not be considered a soft target. "Our military is ready to give adequate response to any aggression," he said. --IANS ahm/rn Google launches new app to scan, digitise 'memories' Delhi,National,Technology,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Technology giant Google on Wednesday launched "PhotoScan" app that scans and digitises photos directly from the phone. "PhotoScan" is available for both Android and iOS devices from Wednesday. Google described "PhotoScan" as a free-to-download app that gets digital copies in seconds. It detects edges, straightens the image, rotates it to the correct orientation and removes glare. Scanned photos can be saved in one tap to Google Photos to be organised, searchable, shared and safely backed up at high quality, the company said in a statement. "Google is rolling out three easy ways to make your pictures look even better: a new and improved auto enhance, unique new looks, and advanced editing tools. Simply open a photo and then tap the pencil icon to start editing," the statement read. Further, Google is rolling out new photo editing tools like improved auto enhance. Simply open a photo and then tap the pencil icon to start editing. For auto enhance, select Auto and see instant enhancements a pro editor might make. The 12 new looks take style to the next level. These unique looks make edits based on the individual photo and its brightness, darkness, warmth, or saturation, before applying the style. The advanced editing controls for light and colour allows a user to fine tune photos, including highlights, shadows and warmth. --IANS qd/na/vm Carrie Fisher had an affair with Harrison Ford United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Los Angeles, Nov 16 (IANS) Actress Carrie Fisher had a secret past affair with her "Star Wars" co-star Harrison Ford. "It was so intense. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend," Fisher has revealed in her book "The Princess Diarist", as obtained by people.com. The 60-year-old recalls in her memoir about having self-doubts. "I looked over at Harrison. A hero's face - a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me?". According to the actress, Ford seduced her in Tunisia while she was drunk. Their first night together didn't really impress her, but she forgave him because "he really was handsome." "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind," the excerpts read. Fisher hoped he would propose with a "gold band with diamonds (inscribed) 'Carrison'," but their fling came to an end after the filming was wrapped. Ford, who was married back then, returned to his wife Mary Marquardt and their two sons although his marriage later fell apart. Despite their affair, Fisher insists his divorce happened "for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with me." Soon after the story made headlines, Fisher, who essayed Princess Leia in "Star Wars" took to Twitter and posted: "I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture--chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise." --IANS ks/dc/bg Cybersecurity challenges to expand globally in 2017: Forcepoint Delhi,National,Defence/Security,Technology,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The increasing convergence of the technological and physical worlds will expand the security challenges globally and organisations will feel the long-term implications of this new digital ecosystem, a new report said on Wednesday. The "2017 Cybersecurity Predictions Report", prepared by cybersecurity experts from web security firm Forcepoint and defence contractor company Raytheon looked at all aspects of cybersecurity, from business and individual behaviours to the impact of larger technology trends on governance and international engagement. "The security challenges rising from the rapid integration of the digital and physical worlds in 2017 will be felt globally," Kris Lamb, Vice President of Forcepoint Threat Protection R&D and Security Labs, said in a statement. According to Josh Douglas, Raytheon Foreground Security Chief Strategy Officer, "organisations think they get inherent security just by migrating to the cloud". "But moving data off-site does not absolve organisations of their responsibility to secure it and best practices still matter. The end result of a rush to cloud computing without these considerations may mean a decreased security posture for many companies in 2017," added Douglas. The report predicted the rise of voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) to access web, data and apps will open up data privacy concerns. "A new corporate-incentivised insider threat may clash with customer data, corporate profit and other performance goals, forcing businesses to re-evaluate their corporate environments and growth strategies," the report said. --IANS sku/na/dg Android smartphones in US sending personal data to China: Report United States,Defence/Security,Technology,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Washington, Nov 16 (IANS) US security firm Kryptowire has identified Android smartphones with a "backdoor" software in the country that collected sensitive personal data and transmitted this data to third-party servers in China without disclosure or the users' consent. These devices were available through major US-based online retailers like Amazon and BestBuy and included popular smartphones such as BLU R1 HD devices, Kryptowire said in a statement. "The core of the monitoring activities took place using a commercial Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) update software system that was shipped with the Android devices we tested and were managed by Shanghai Adups Technology Co. Ltd," Kryptowire said. These devices actively transmitted user and device information including text messages, contact lists, call history with full telephone numbers, unique device identifiers including the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). Adups claims to have a worldwide presence with over 700 million active users, and a market share exceeding 70 per cent across over 150 countries and regions with offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, Tokyo, New Delhi and Miami. "The Adups website also stated that it produces firmware that is integrated in more than 400 leading mobile operators, semiconductor vendors, and device manufacturers spanning from wearable and mobile devices to cars and televisions," the Kryptowire statement late on Tuesday read. Later, a lawyer for Shanghai AdUps Technologies told The New York Times that the data was not being collected for the Chinese government, stating: "This is a private company that made a mistake." A BLU spokesperson told technology website Ars Technica that the software backdoor affected a "limited number of BLU devices" and that the "affected application has since been self-updated and the functionality verified to be no longer collecting or sending this information". The firmware that shipped with the mobile devices and subsequent updates allowed for the remote installation of applications without the users' consent and, in some versions of the software, the transmission of fine-grained device location information, the Kryptowire statement said. The firmware also collected and transmitted information about the use of applications installed on the monitored device, bypassed the Android permission model, executed remote commands with escalated (system) privileges, and was able to remotely reprogramme the devices. "Our findings are based on both code and network analysis of the firmware. The user and device information was collected automatically and transmitted periodically without the users' consent or knowledge,a the global security firm noted. The collected information was encrypted with multiple layers of encryption and then transmitted over secure web protocols to a server located in Shanghai. This software and behaviour bypasses the detection of mobile anti-virus tools because they assume that software that ships with the device is not malware and thus, it is white-listed. "We analysed the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) collected and transmitted in an encrypted format to servers in Shanghai, including one of the bestselling unlocked smartphones sold by major online retailers," Kryptowire added. Kryptowire was jump-started by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). --IANS na/dg India's n-deal with Japan should not be victim of domestic politics (Comment: Special to IANS) Delhi,National,Politics,Opinion/Commentary,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Two significant developments have taken place over the last week in the nuclear domain that will have a long-term bearing on India's overall nuclear profile over the next decade. It will be instructive to see how these issues will be mediated in the current Indian political cauldron. The developments relate to Japan and China - but differently. The major punctuation relates to Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluding a long-awaited civil nuclear agreement with Japan (November 11) , though there are some tangled areas of interpretation on certain key clauses. The second pertains to India's bid to become a member of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) and China's steadfast opposition to this aspiration. Beijing reiterated that, as regards the NSG meeting held in Vienna (when Modi was in Tokyo), being an NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) signatory is essential before considering membership. This, in reality is a veto - since India cannot sign the NPT as a nuclear-weapon state - and renouncing nuclear weapon capability like many such states (including Japan) is not an option. The conclusion of the NCA (Nuclear Cooperation Agreement) in Tokyo by Modi with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe is particularly significant - both for its symbolism and its substantive implications. Japan has a very deep sensitivity as regards the nuclear issue and was firmly opposed to India's nuclear tests of May 1998. However, the rapprochement between India and the USA in 2008, epitomised by the conclusion of the civilian nuclear agreement with Washington, and the exceptional status accorded to India by the NSG in September 2008 encouraged Tokyo to review its opposition to India's nuclear aspirations. This progressive shift was enabled by the personal determination of Abe - and in many ways his resolve could be analogous to that of President George Bush who invested his personal political capital in squaring the nuclear nettle with India in the tumultuous 2005-08 period. When India was negotiating with the US in that tense phase - one central determinant was India's 'right' to conduct another nuclear test - should its supreme national interest warrant such a step. It was evident to domain experts that there was no way that even a determined Bush could have pushed through any template that did not satisfy his critics - in the US Congress and among nuclear 'ayatollahs' (opposed to any modus vivendi with India). Domestic political compulsions pushed the deal with the USA to the VERY brink and finally some deft legislation (the Hyde Act in the US Congress) and adroit drafting consensus by the two principal negotiators allowed the civil nuclear agreement to be realized - but it literally came down to the wire. At the very last stage, more assurances were sought from India that it would continue its 'restraint' and then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee made a formal statement to this effect on September 5, 2008. Two days later, on September 7, India received the NSG waiver it had sought and a long period of nuclear isolation and intimidation ended. Venal political opposition to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh within his own party - and to the UPA initiative by the BJP and the Left parties - almost torpedoed what can be described as the MOST significant national interest enabler in the nuclear domain. It ended India's ostracism. The Bush-Singh resolve ensured the according of exceptional status to India by the NSG despite the fact that India was and is a non-signatory to the NPT, and that it had acquired nuclear weapons. At the time, many experts applauded India for its tenacity and negotiating acumen and an Israeli interlocutor was puzzled. I recall the phrase : "Israel would give its right arm for such a deal and yet your opposition parties are opposing this. Why ?" Regrettably, a zero-sum template has permeated Indian political conduct even on matters pertaining to national security and this is most evident in the nuclear domain. The Congress could not accept that a BJP-led government with Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the helm had taken the decision to cross the nuclear rubicon. Acquiring nuclear weapons was castigated by the Congress - when in the opposition - despite the fact that Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao had in 1995 considered carrying out a nuclear test. The tables were turned when the Congress formed the UPA government in 2004 and the BJP-led opposition keel-hauled Manmohan Singh for entering into a civilian nuclear agreement with the USA in July 2005. Any number of hurdles - imagined and exaggerated - were introduced into the domestic political cauldron and the negotiators and their political principals on both sides must be commended for staying the course til late 2008. But the deeper political understanding was that India would remain committed to its self-imposed moratorium as regards nuclear testing - first outlined by Vajpayee in 1998. This unwavering fidelity to nuclear restraint accorded India an intangible virtue index and this came to the fore in the Kargil war of 1999 with Pakistan. India was acknowledged as a responsible and virtuous nuclear power. Today, the agreement with Japan is caught in an opaque zone of interpretative nuance - about nuclear testing. Stock phrases like sovereign right being trampled are being heard - and suggestions made that India is conceding more to Japan in 2016 than it had to the USA in 2008. This kind of sophistry is undesirable and imprudent. India's exceptional status in the nuclear domain is predicated on its restraint and adherence to the self-imposed moratorium that goes back to 1998. Yes, India can claim the 'right' to test - should an exigency of grave import necessitate such a step. But this step will automatically impose certain costs on India - and objective cost-benefit analysis will be called for. In the interim, the political discourse in India should not distort the orientation adopted by previous governments and seek any kind of Faustian bargain for short-term political dividends. India should not renege on solemn commitments made by clever sleight of word to assuage domestic sentiment. The agreement with Japan should be upheld and interpreted in a manner that will burnish India's virtue cum rectitude index. (C Uday Bhaskar is Director, Society of Policy Studies, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal. The article is in special arrangement with South Asia Monitor/www.southasiamonitor.org) --IANS cub/vm - IANS Blockade disrupts railway services in Northeast Tripura,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Agartala/Silchar, Nov 16 (IANS) A rail blockade called by tribal students hit railway services in parts of northeast India for the second day on Wednesday, snapping the crucial rail link of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam with the rest of the country. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) cancelled several important trains passing through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section due to the indefinite rail blockade agitation by the North Cachar Hill Indigenous Students Forum (NCHISF). Hundreds of NCHISF members have blockaded rail tracks since Tuesday morning at Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district, formerly known as North Cachar Hills District. The NCHISF has been demanding compensation to the affected families, whose land and homes were taken away by the NFR during conversion of metre-gauge railway line to broad gauge in 2014 and 2015. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Dima Hasao district Sonaram Khanikar held an inconclusive meeting on Tuesday with the agitating students body and the railway officials at the district headquarters at Haflong, 279 km from Guwahati. "The NFR official failed to give a written promise to release compensation within 15 days as demanded by the Forum. The railway authorities sought four months' time to sort out the matter," Khanikar told reporters. NCHISF President David Kevom said a total 300 hectares of land belonging to 500 families was affected by the construction of the broad-gauge railway line in the hill district. "The NFR authorities had promised compensation to the affected families, but nothing has been done yet," Kevom told reporters. NFR officials, however, said that the railway authorities had given compensation of around Rs 55 crore to the affected families, but they are demanding Rs 3-5 crore more. The NCHISF President said that unless senior and responsible officials of the railways come to the spot, they would not withdraw the indefinite rail blockade agitation. A railway official, on condition of anonymity, said Divisional Railway Manager A.K. Jain is expected to visit Halflong. In a statement, NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma said four trains -- Guwahati-Silchar, Silchar-Guwahati train services, Sealdah-Silchar Kanchenjunga Express and Agartala-Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express -- have been either cancelled or short-terminated. Around 1,200 passengers were stranded at Haflong station due to the rail blockade. Some passengers were, however, trying to reach their destinations using other modes of transport. The railway line from Guwahati passes through Lumding (in Nagaon district of central Assam) and Halflong, connecting Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram, besides southern Assam, with the rest of India. The Guwahati-Silchar railway route is the lifeline for southern Assam, comprising Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Dima Hasao districts, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. The region is dependent on this railway route for supply of food grain, fertiliser, petroleum products, construction materials and other consumer goods. --IANS sc/nir/dg We will bring adjournment motion against demonetisation, says Mamata Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her party will seek to move an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha over the problems faced by people following the demonetisation move. Talking to reporters outside Rashtrapati Bhavan after leading a delegation of some opposition party leaders to meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Banerjee said her party was for tackling black money and accused the central government of implementing the demonetisation move without proper planning. "We will bring an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha on Thursday (against demonetisation)," she said. The Trinamool Congress had on Wednesday organised a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest the government's demonetisation decision. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day on Wednesday after condoling the death of sitting MP from Cooch Behar Renuka Sinha. The Rajya Sabha has taken up discussion on demonetisation. The Trinamool has demanded reversal of the demonetisation decision, saying it has caused immense hardship to people as they are being forced to stand in long queues outside banks and ATMs. The government had announced on November 8 that it was demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to tackle the problem of black money. --IANS am/ps Incidents of violence at ATMs, banks in UP Uttar Pradesh,National,Human Interest/Society, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Lucknow, Nov 16 (IANS) The restive serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs for cash transactions are now becoming a cause of concern for the administration in most parts of Uttar Pradesh, with people resorting to vandalism out of frustration. In the past 24 hours, there have been at least a dozen big and small incidents of irate mobs targeting bank property and clashing with police. Police officials told IANS that lawkeepers had to cane-charge an unruly mob outside the Allahabad Bank in Bahraich, resulting in injuries to some. Similarly, in many small towns adjacent to Agra, people have been cane-charged to disperse crowds from outside banks and ATM outlets. Restless people came to blows with each other at Dena Bank in Hapur, in which some women were pushed and heckled. Outside a bank branch at Indiranagar in the state capital, a group of women were shouted upon by some men and the matter was sorted out only after bank officials intervened. A State Bank of India (SBI) branch was on Tuesday vandalised in Varanasi, the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency, with account holders angry that the bank closed its doors leaving many still in the queue. The ATM there was also cash dry. Confirming the growing law and order problem due to the demonetisation move, a senior official said that police personnel have been withdrawn from their routine duties and deployed outside banks to prevent any untoward incident. --IANS md/nir/bg Punjab assembly passes resolution, says no to water-sharing Punjab,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Chandigarh, Nov 16 (IANS) Even as the opposition Congress members stayed away, the Punjab assembly on Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution against sharing of river waters with other states. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during the assembly's special one-day session, was adopted in the absence of 42 Congress legislators who had resigned on November 11 from the 117-member house to protest against a Supreme Court verdict on a Presidential reference by dubbing a 2004 law passed by the Punjab assembly to end a water-sharing agreement as "unconstitutional". The resolution even directed the Punjab government to demand payment from other states for the river water supplied to them over the past few decades. It asked the government to seek the Centre's help to recover water dues from Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. Addressing the assembly, Badal reiterated that Punjab did not have even a single drop of river water to spare and no water would be allowed to flow to Haryana. Badal said: "The state government will do everything possible to stop water from flowing to Haryana. We will not implement the (Supreme) Court order at any cost; not a drop of water from Punjab will be given to anyone even if we have to go to jail." The assembly also directed the Punjab government and its departments and agencies not to hand over land to any agency and neither cooperate in the construction of the controversial Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. "Any decision to rob the state of its legitimate rights on river waters will not be acceptable to me nor to the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government in the state," Badal said. Taking strong exception to the absence of Congress legislators, Badal blamed the opposition party and its leadership for "betraying Punjab and its people on territorial issues, including river waters". The Punjab government, on Tuesday, ordered de-notification of nearly 5,000 acres of land acquired for the SYL canal nearly four decades ago. Amid the escalating water row between Punjab and Haryana, BJP legislators from Haryana on Wednesday met Punjab Governor V.P. Singh Badnore to seek blocking of the Punjab government's move to de-notify the acquired land. Led by Haryana BJP President Subhash Barala, the BJP legislators urged the Governor not to give his assent to the move. Haryana has a BJP government while in Punjab, the BJP is an alliance partner with the ruling SAD since 2007. The BJP legislators said the Punjab government's move was in contempt of the Supreme Court verdict. The Presidential reference was sought after the Punjab assembly in 2004 passed the controversial 'Punjab Termination of Water Agreements Bill' to end all water-sharing laws with other states. --IANS js/tsb/bg Country made vulnerable by ill-planned move: Rajya Sabha MP Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Criticising the Narendra Modi government over the demonetisation issue, Samajwadi Party's Rajya Sabha MP Ram Gopal Yadav on Wednesday said the resultant cash shortage had rendered common people vulnerable to fake currency rackets. "At a time when real cash is in short supply, common people are most vulnerable to take fake Rs 2,000 notes for real," Yadav told the Rajya Sabha. Rejecting the government's argument that the November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will end the menace of fake currency in India, he said: "Do you think our enemy countries will wait for two months before they forge new currency notes? They may have already started it." In October, Ram Gopal, who was General Secretary of the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, was expelled from the party by its supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav in the wake of charges of corruption and manipulation. Yadav also raised the issue of "selective leak" about the new currency, referring to a tweet by Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanjeev Kamboj wherein the latter shared a picture of the new Rs 2,000 note on November 6 -- two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation. "Where did he get the new note even before it was introduced? This is a serious matter which must be probed," Yadav said. Yadav said the government and the ruling BJP were blind to the plight of daily wage earners who are on the verge of starvation as they have no money to buy food. "If your (BJP) workers go about seeking votes now, women will beat them with 'belan' (rolling pins) because women are the worst sufferers," the MP said. --IANS mak/tsb/bg Fidel Castro meets Vietnamese President Cuba,Politics,Diplomacy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Havana, Nov 16 (IANS) Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro had a "fraternal" meeting here with visiting Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang. Both the leaders on Tuesday exchanged views on economic and social development amid dangers that threaten humanity, particularly climate change, wars in different regions, the growing world population, and food shortages worldwide, Xinhua news agency reported. They expressed confidence that Cuba and Vietnam will win in the current common struggle, said a communique. Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, recalled his visits to Vietnam and his meetings with leaders of the Asian country, stressing his admiration for Ho Chi Minh, a key figure in the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Quang, who is visiting Cuba on his way to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru, was slated to meet incumbent Cuban leader Raul Castro on Wednesday. --IANS py/dg One killed, 2 injured in Assam firing Assam,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Guwahati, Nov 16 (IANS) One civilian was killed and two others were injured when unidentified gunmen fired at a vehicle near a forested area in Tinsukia district of Assam on Wednesday, police reports said. "Three persons from the Pengeri tea estate were on their way in a van to collect money from the bank to pay wages to the labourers. They heard the sound of firing at a forested area and before they could understand what was happening they were being fired upon," said Tinsukia district SP MJ Mahanta. He added that the driver managed to drive the vehicle to a nearby hospital. Police said six bullets hit the vehicle that led to the death of one of the occupants and injured two others. "Police have intensified operations against the assailants," Mahant said. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has condemned the incident and asked the police to deal firmly with those involved in the crime. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the family of the deceased and free treatment to the injured. --IANS ah/vgu/dg British charity asks banks to stop financing coal-fired stations Morocco,COP 22,Business/Economy,Environment/Wildlife, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Marrakech, Nov 16 (IANS) British charity Christian Aid on Wednesday slammed Britain's four biggest banks for what it said was lack of preparedness in the face of climate change, calling on them to shift their customers' money from 'dirty to clean energy'. In a new campaign, the charity has asked people to write to their bank demanding that their money be used to drive action on climate -- and not fuel the problem. Christian Aid's analysis of the British banks, led by Senior Private Sector Advisor Ken Boyce, said: "Financial institutions themselves need to move much more quickly in scaling up investment in renewables while phasing out investments in fossil fuels." His assertions came as a prelude to the British government event on the role of Green finance on the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) here. The big four banks -- Barclays, RBS, Lloyds and HSBC -- have all signed the Paris Pledge for Action in which they affirmed their commitment to act in support of the realisation of the Paris Agreement's goals. "We tried to assess what concrete actions and commitments they are taking and gave them an overall grade," an official statement quoting Boyce said. He said the banks were still financing the building of coal-fired power stations which would lock countries into high carbon infrastructure, making it harder for them to meet their climate ambitions. "They are still financing oil and gas companies far more than renewables. And they are reluctant to set measurable targets for scaling up support for renewables and phasing out support for fossil fuels. "As the grave problems caused by climate change intensify, the financing of new fossil fuel projects such as these will become increasingly risky financially. Banks that fail to take these risks into account are failing to safeguard customers' money." He added: "It's no surprise to us that Legal & General have announced this innovative new climate investment fund. They were one of the top performing asset managers in our analysis, with a B grade, and it's great to see forward thinking companies like Legal & General leading the way. We now need to see other financial institutions following suit." Christian Aid's analysis found that Britain financial institutions are not moving quickly enough. (Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech to cover COP22 at the invitation of Global Editors Network. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/tsb/dg Yechury takes dig at Modi, compares him to French Queen Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday criticised the Centre's demonetisation move and took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by comparing him to French Queen Marie Antoinette. "It reminds me of Marie Antoinette who during the French Revolution said if they (people) don't find bread, why don't they eat cakes. Now, we have Modi Antoinette who says: 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'." "What is the coverage of your plastic money?" asked Yechury, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist. "Only 2.6 crore of the 130 crore Indians have credit cards. Will that run our economy? More than 80 per cent of our economy is in cash, which is called payments and settlement system," the Left leader said. He said: "None of the points given by the Prime Minister (on demonetisation) stand on strong footing, whether it's terror funding, black money, counterfeit currency or corruption." He said farmers were resorting to distress sale of paddy, offering it at throwaway prices. "Now farmers are selling paddy at Rs 200-250 per quintal. If this not distress sale, what is?" asked Yechury. "What is being demonetised is 86 per cent of the cash in circulation (in the Indian economy). The country today is living on cash transactions of only 14 per cent. "If you stop Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, do you think corruption will stop? Corruption will now double with Rs 2,000 notes," the CPI-M leader said. --IANS sid/tsb/bg LeMall.com offers Bluetooth headset for Rs 1,999 Delhi,National,Technology, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Chinese internet and technology conglomerate LeEco on Wednesday launched an exciting 'Lose the Noose' campaign on its marketplace LeMall.com. As part of the campaign, LeMe Bluetooth headsets (priced at Rs 2,499) will now be available at Rs 1,999. The sale is part of the series of four exclusive accessories sale days that LeMall is organising in the thanksgiving month, with extended offers and discounts up to 40 per cent, a company statement said. The discounted offer on LeMe Bluetooth headsets is valid on November 16-17. --IANS vc/na/bg Israeli President visits Taj, water treatment plant Uttar Pradesh,National,Diplomacy,Human Interest/Society, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Agra, Nov 16 (IANS) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday visited the 17th century Mughal monument to love, the Taj Mahal, and a water treatment plant in Sikandra that uses Israeli technology. Archeological Survey of India (ASI) official and caretaker of the Taj, Munnazzar Ali told IANS: "The President spent over an hour here and evinced keen interest in the details, particularly calligraphy." "Since he knows Arabic, he could read the quotes from the holy Quran. His wife too took a lot of interest," Ali said. In the visitors' book, the President wrote: "With Admiration...Dance me to the end of love." Later in the day, Rivlin visited the 144 million litres a day (MLD) water treatment plant, which supplies piped drinking water to around two million residents of the Taj city. "It is a great honour to have you here in our treatment facility in Agra -- a place which is a unique manifestation of the close bonding between Israel and India," said Elad Frenkel, Chairman of Israeli Water Sector Steering Committee and CEO of Aqwise. Frankel said the demand for Israeli technologies both in India as also globally is on account of its innovativeness and efficiency, particularly in the cleantech sector. The Israeli President surprised everyone when he sipped water from a glass filled with the treated water at the plant. An official told IANS: "The water treatment facility in the plant is executed by Triveni Engineering Industries Ltd and at its core is advanced biological technology provided by Israeli company Aqwise, based on AGAR (MBBR) moving bed bio-reactor technology." "It is an innovative water facility treating water from the Yamuna river, and it provides clean drinking water to two million residents in the city." This facility is active since 2014 and is the largest in India and among the biggest in the world. Aqwise has over 400 installations in more than 40 countries. Talking to media persons, President Rivlin said water and earth were two important things for life. "God bless India! We hope all homes will get drinking water. This project is the example of the deep bonding of friendship and partnership among our two countries," Rivlin said. The Israeli President later planted a Kadamb sapling on the campus. Rivlin arrived in India on Monday on a week-long state visit at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee. He is accompanied by a delegation, comprising academics and businessmen, including 15 heads of Israeli universities and companies. --IANS bk/nir/vt PM Narendra Modi attends function to mark National Press Day New Delhi, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 NI Wire Self-Regulation for media is the best practice: Venkaiah Naidu I&B Minister confers awards for Excellence in Journalism The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today attended a function organized by the Press Council of India on the occasion of National Press Day. The occasion also marks the Golden Jubilee of the Press Council of India. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized on the importance of freedom of press, and said press should self-regulate, adding that any external interference or regulation on press is not called for. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the recent killings of journalists in some parts of the country. He said that journalists losing their lives in the quest for telling the truth, is an extremely serious development. Speaking earlier, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting has said that self-regulation in the media space was the best practice which would uphold journalistic ethics and democratic ideals of the Nation. The Government does not believe in imposing ban on any medium of communication, but necessary restraint has to be exercised keeping in mind the protection of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the nation and law & order situation in the country. Elaborating on the responsibility of Media, Shri Naidu mentioned that electronic media coverage of Mumbai terrorist attacks received backlash from the Honble Supreme Court, which mentioned that any attempt to justify the conduct of the TV channels by citing the right to freedom of speech and expression would be totally wrong and unacceptable in such a terrorist situation. He also mentioned the recent case of Pathankot coverage also highlighted how electronic media coverage while reporting could put civilians, armed personnel lives to danger. The Minister while speaking about the role of Regional Media in a diverse country like India, the Minister said the media assumes importance at the regional level due to its proximity with local communities and local language which enhances the participatory potential of citizens. The Regional Media plays an important role in building participatory democracy by reaching out to all the sections of the society and also creates an informed citizenry. In a federal polity, regional media with its reach can help align the interests of States with that of the Nation there by enabling Honble Prime Ministers vision of Cooperative Federalism. Regarding the Governments New Print Media Advertisement Policy, Shri Naidu said it promotes equity based regional outreach by providing relaxation in empanelment procedure to provide special encouragement for Regional language/Dialects small and medium newspapers. On the opportunities offered by Social media, the Minister said that it was a new tool of communication which was spontaneous and interactive. Such a medium was both an opportunity and challenge. This mode of communication should be used judiciously for larger national and individual good. On the future role to be played by the Media, Shri Naidu said that Media had a larger role to play in developmental agenda of the Nation by proactively projecting flagship programmes of the Government such as Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, Skill India and Make in India as National Programmes which has the potential to bring change in the country. Media needed to adorn the role of the stakeholder in the entire developmental process. Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Justice C. K Prasad, Chairman Press Council of India, was also present on the occasion. Eminent journalists and photo- journalists, Shri Surendra Nihal Singh, Smt. Mrinal Pande, Shri Raghu Rai, Shri Renjith John, Shri Arvind Kumar Singh, Shri Xavier Selva Kumar were awarded for excellence in Journalism. Source: PIB Trucks, oil tankers arrive in Imphal for first time since Naga blockade Manipur,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Imphal, Nov 16 (IANS) Bringing some relief to the people, over 100 fuel tankers and trucks carrying consumer items arrived here on Wednesday -- the first supply since the November 1 imposition of a United Naga Council (UNC)-sponsored indefinite economic blockade to protest against the Manipur government's move to create a new district. India Reserve Battalion personnel and Manipur Police commandos escorted 299 trucks and oil tankers on Monday to deliver fuel and consumer items along the 222-km NH 37. Over 1,500 trucks and oil tankers stranded in Assam, Nagaland and border areas of Manipur had converged at Jiribam town in Imphal East district, near the border with Assam. Manipur's Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K. Biren and high ranking officials rushed to Assam to hold talks with the drivers and transport agents. Initially, the drivers were reluctant to ply as they were apprehensive of their security, but were finally convinced. "Arrangements were made to provide escort so that trucks and oil tankers could ply," said Biren. Government sources, however, said they cannot be sure of the frequency of the trips. In the past, the supplies came once a week. Since the blockade, most of the consumer items are not available. On Wednesday, some students seized a hoarded stock of potatoes kept for sale at extortionate prices and sold them to passers-by at Rs 20 a kg. The students said that the drive will continue. Meanwhile, petrol pumps remained shut and petrol was being sold in black at Rs 300 a litre. On measures to end the blockade, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said: "On Tuesday, talks to end the blockade were held in Delhi between the central government and the UNC. Since no written invitation was extended to us, we could not attend the meeting. The talks failed to yield any result." The UNC had never responded in the past to the government proposals for talks, he added. The UNC has been demanding an alternative arrangement for the Nagas, saying that they no longer want to stay under Ibobi's administration. More and more persons are resorting to counter-blockade to prevent consumer items being transported to Naga villages. One activist said: "The campaign is not against any tribe. We simply want all sections to feel the pangs of shortage of commodities as a result of the blockade." --IANS il/sm/dg Punjab assembly resolution historic, gives SYL final burial: Sukhbir Punjab,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Chandigarh, Nov 16 (IANS) Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday dubbed the unanimous resolution adopted by the state assembly to say "no" to river water-sharing with other states as "historic" and said it had given the "final burial" to the SYL canal issue. Badal, who is also President of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, said the assembly's directions on Wednesday to the state government and its officers not to allow construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and to recover money from other states for water supply were "final and binding". "It is a historic decision. This has given the final burial to the SYL issue," Badal told the media here after the resolution was adopted. The assembly directed the Cabinet, government and its officers "neither to hand over any land of the state to any agency for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal nor allow anyone to work on this project and give any sort of cooperation for this purpose in the larger public interest". Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal moved the resolution. The resolution read: "Whereas Punjab has legislative and executive right over the whole land falling under its boundaries as per the entry number 14 and 18 of the State List of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India. Whereas Punjab has also legislative and executive right over water supply, irrigation and canals, drains, pathways, water reservoirs and hydroelectricity... as per the entry under the State List of the 7th Schedule." "The house takes notice of this fact that Punjab needs 56 MAF (million acre feet) of water for agriculture, out of which river waters amount to only 27 per cent; and that the Central Ground Water Commission had already declared 105 of the 138 blocks as overexploited. Without requisite waters, Punjab -- which is the grain bowl of India -- is continuously becoming barren and resultantly posing a threat to national food security and state economy. "The House takes a serious view of the fact that Punjab is already falling short of its canal water needs and farmers of Punjab are facing serious water crisis," the resolution said. The special one-day session of the Punjab assembly was convened on Wednesday to protest against a Supreme Court verdict on a Presidential reference that dubbed a 2004 law passed by the house to end a water-sharing agreement as "unconstitutional". The resolution also directed the Punjab government to demand payment from other states for the river water supplied to them over the past few decades. It asked the government to seek the Centre's help to recover water dues from Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. The Punjab government, on Tuesday, ordered de-notification of nearly 5,000 acres of land acquired for the SYL canal nearly four decades ago. --IANS js/tsb/dg Opposition attacks Modi government over demonetisation Delhi,National,Politics, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The NDA government on Wednesday came under severe attack for its demonetisation move with opposition parties accusing it of enforcing the decision without any preparation and causing innumerous hardships to general public. Participating in a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on demonetisation of currency, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma termed the decision as "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). He also demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move and asked what the government did to prepare for the policy's effective implementation. Sharma sought to know from the government which law gave it the the right to impose limits on people from withdrawing money from their own accounts. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," he said. The Congress leader said if the government-run State Bank of India (SBI) knew about the demonetisation move in March, why did it not make preparations like recalibrating ATMs and arranging sufficient cash in smaller denominations. He also took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetisation and the unplanned consequences of the move. "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)." Ram Gopal Yadav, who was recently expelled from the Samajwadi Party, expressed concern over the prevailing situation in the country following the demonetisation of currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. He said farmers and people living in the villages are the most affected and something should be done to ease the situation. "It's a difficult situation. It's also a marriage season in the country... farmers are suffering, they are forced to sell their products at lower prices," he said. Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal-United, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Mayawati, chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, also echoed similar sentiments over the issue. Sharad Yadav said the "whole country has been made to stand in the queue" of the banks, and suggested that a meeting of all chief ministers should be called to discuss the issue and find a way out. "Here in Delhi, the banks are unable to execute your order, leave alone banks rendering any service to people in rural areas," he said, and also demanded a probe into allegations of "selective leakage" of the move. Yechury said the government does not know anything about the difficulties being faced by the public. "What are you doing to the country," he asked. He said that terror funding has to be stopped, "but this is not the way to do it". "Immediately, till alternative arrangements are made, allow these (currency) notes (to be accepted)," he said. Mayawati said that she does not oppose the decision but the government should ensure smooth functioning of the economy as the situation now looked like an "economic emergency". "It (demonetisation) has created an atmosphere of a 'Bharat Bandh'," she said, adding that many people have died because of the move. --IANS sk-vd/vt Indian official thanks 17-year-old hacker for pointing out web flaws United States,Technology,Crime/Disaster/Accident,Diplomacy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New York, Nov 16 (IANS) An Indian External Affairs Ministry official has thanked a 17-year-old hacker who exposed flaws in Indian diplomatic missions' web sites that allowed intruders to gain access to non-public information, and said the problems were being fixed. "Thank you for your advice," Sanjay Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, eGovernance and Information Technology wrote to the hacker who uses the identity, Kapustkiy. "We are fixing codes one by one." "Your help in probing websites of various Indian embassies is a great help," he added. Kapustkiy, who posted Verma's message to him on his Twitter account and copied to an IANS correspondent, has broken into web sites of Indian diplomatic missions in eight countries. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate here said that its web site was being secured. Kapustkiy had posted on a web site some personal information of 418 people registered with the mission, that he said he got by intruding into its web site. "The consulate has taken immediate action to secure the contents of its website," L. T. Ngaihte, the head of chancery, said in a note to IANS. In addition to the New York consulate, Kapustkiy had broken into web sites of Indian diplomatic missions in South Africa, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Italy, Switzerland and Romania and put some information he had taken from there on pastebin.com, which is open for public posting of information. Kapustkiy, who said he is a student in Tokyo, asserted, "It took me only three seconds to gain access to their database." He said that his intentions in carrying out the hack were good and that he did not consider himself a hacker. "I didn't want to do any damage but to let administrators to pay attention (to the vulnerabilities)," Kapustkiy told IANS in an interview conducted on Twitter messaging. He said that he decided to post some information on pastebin.com because he did not get a response from web site administrators when he pointed out the flaws. "While we appreciate your help, please do not post the details on Paste Bin," Verma wrote to him. Verma's response was in reply to Kapustkyi's email with suggestions on fixing the security flaws. He used ProtonMail, a secure service that operates under the strict Swiss laws that protect the identity of users and the communications. The personal information from the New York Consulate General that was posted on pastebin.com has been removed while some non-personal information remained as of Wednesday evening. The material from other Indian missions were scrubbed earlier. --IANS al/rn CM should apologise for spineless behaviour before Modi: Goa Congress Goa,National,Politics, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Panaji, Nov 16 (IANS) The Congress in Goa on Wednesday demanded an apology from Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for what the party spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu said was "spineless prostration" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Parsekar should immediately apologise to the people of Goa. It was so humiliating that the Chief Minister went down to the level exhibited in the video clip, even pushing a glass of water to the Prime Minister when he demanded," Deshprabhu told the media here. The 42-second clip that went viral on social media shows Parsekar with folded hands sitting besides Modi during his visit to Goa on November 13. "Throughout the recording, Parsekar is seen smiling and with folded hands while Modi appears to ignore him. This is just spineless prostration. If this is the honour meted out to the people of Goa, what would be the hurt?" Deshprabhu said sarcastically. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, however, defended Parsekar's action. "Modi ji is not just the Prime Minister of India, but also one of our tallest leaders. Showing our leaders respect is a culture within the BJP. Perhaps that is not the case with the Congress, which is why they make such hollow observations," a Goa BJP spokesperson said. --IANS maya/tsb/bg Opposition steps up attack on demonetisation outside Parliament (Roundup) Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Major opposition parties, including the Congress and Trinamool Congress, on Wednesday took on the Narendra Modi government outside Parliament over the acute problems faced by people following the "financial calamity" unleashed by the demonetisation move. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool supremo, and leaders of three other parties including the Shiv Sena, an NDA constituent, sought President Pranab Mukherjee's intervention on the issue while Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded action against "his friends" and those who are hoarding black money. Joined by the leaders of the National Conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiv Sena, Banerjee and 40 of her Trinamool MPs marched to Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum demanding rollback of demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gave the march a miss, with MP from Punjab Bhagwant Mann representing the AAP. "I appeal to you on behalf of the toiling masses, those who eke out a living by trading in small goods and services and those from the villages of India, to use your highest office to intervene and stop this financial chaos and insecurity and protect them from a situation which is more than an unannounced financial emergency," the memorandum to the President said. Later, talking to reporters, Banerjee said the "big black scheme" has led to many deaths across the country and resulted in a loss of Rs 2 lakh crore to the GDP. "This is a big black scheme. Today there are no vegetables in the market, no milk for babies and no medicine for the sick and the ailing. Around 20-30 people have already died, many of them due to stress," she said, and also called for a probe into the rise of the banks' non-performing assets. Equating Modi with the medieval-era Delhi Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, Banerjee ridiculed "the totally unplanned" demonetisation move. "Now ATM means 'Aayega toh milega'," she said and hoped the President will take appropriate steps. "The President gave us a patient hearing, he was the country's Finance Minister, no one can understand the situation better than him. So, we hope he will take appropriate action," said Banerjee. National Conference's Omar Abdullah was among leaders who took part in the march that started from Parliament House premises. The Shiv Sena, which has been critical of demonetisation, was represented by MP Anandrao Adsul, who said the Sen was not against the decision to demonetise currency but at the way it was implemented. "On that (implementation), we are supporting Trinamool Congress. The decision should have been implemented with proper preparations," Adsul told IANS. Besides in Parliament, the Congress also chose to take up the issue with the masses. Addressing a large group of party activists in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi, Gandhi alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a small group of industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. "Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens' pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends... No action has been taken against them. We demand action against Modi's friends and those who have hoarded black money," he said. Gandhi predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation would go back into the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others "within one year". When he asked the gathering if they had got their Rs 4,000 (the value in old notes that can be changed at one time) or the indelible ink mark?, the people roared back "No". Noting that each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation, Gandhi said that Modi "is laughing and crying" although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes. Meanwhile, Delbi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who attacked Modi for "cheating the country", announced he will address a public meeting in Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi on Thursday against demonetisation. Banerjee will also address the meeting. --IANS bns/vd/vt Higher educational institutions' rankings belie India's economic prowess: President Delhi,National,Politics,Education, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Observing that the global ranking of higher educational institutions belie India's economic prowess, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday called for adopting "strategic vision aided by concerted effort" for the institutions in their bid to be in the global top 100. Addressing the inaugural session of the Visitor's Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Mukherjee also lamented lowly job-creation and called for a paradigm shift in skill-imparting. "India today occupies an envious position of being the fastest growing economy amongst the major economies of the world. However, the global rankings of our higher educational institutions belie our economic prowess," said Mukherjee. "We must aim to have many of our institutions within the top hundred in the near future. And for that, we need a strategic vision aided by concerted effort," said the President. Observing that lack of employment can spell disaster, he said adequate job creation was a priority. "The job creation figures of 1.35 lakh in 2015, which is the lowest in seven years, are not encouraging," Mukherjee said. "With machines fast replacing men, we have to look at a paradigm shift. We have to prepare our youth, to turn into entrepreneurs. We also have to enable our students-turned innovators- turned entrepreneurs to be able to successfully harness the market," he added. He launched the Student Startup Policy of AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and said the policy had the potential to "unleash the entrepreneurial talent of our students of institutions of higher learning". "With adequate thrust on internationalisation of our institutions, we can develop 'brain networks'. Distance learning programmes, particularly MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), can enhance virtual mobility while cross-country collaborations can result in a vortex of ideas and outcomes," he said. He also said central institution's fund requirements must be supplemented by other sources such as endowments and contracts for research projects from industry. "More emphasis must be laid on high ambition contracts like collaborative R&D, commissioning of research projects, and allowing the use of R&D infrastructure like laboratories, incubators and parks," the President noted. Pointing to incidences of student unrest in recent past, Mukherjee said the vice-chancellors and directors must deal with any unpleasant situation with sagacity. --IANS and-rak/vgu/dg Public utilities should accept demonetised notes: CPI Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "emotional" defence of demonetisation, the CPI on Wednesday demanded that the demonetised currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 should be made acceptable by public utilities and called for strong action on real black money holders. Communist Party of India General Secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy, in a statement, said Modi's "dramatic move backfired while Indian economy is in chaos". "Instead of accepting the fact that the demonetisation has been introduced without proper arrangements and failed to foresee the consequence, the Prime Minister is resorting to dramatic defence," Reddy said. "Tears in Modi's eyes cannot wipe out tears of crores of people in the country," he added. He also said that a "huge deposit in banks in the last quarter" created doubts about black money hoarders having knowledge about the government's move. "Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Panama accused are moving freely while the people are being punished," said Reddy. He said that Modi's comment that poor people in the country are happy with the decision is far from the truth, and it "added insult to injury" to a large number of people whose life has become "miserable". "The nation needs a reply why black money stashed in foreign banks could not be brought back after two and a half years rule of Narendra Modi, as he promised earlier. Explain why two thousand rupee notes are issued which will again help to increase black money." "If the Prime Minister is sincere, he should express regrets to the nation and set things right by allowing people to use the old currency till December 31, 2016, for all public utilities," said Reddy and demanded strong action on real black money holders, including on all those whose names are exposed in Panama Leaks. --IANS and/vt Opposition corners government over demonetisation, treasury remains adamant (Roundup) Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The opposition on Wednesday tried to corner the government in the Rajya Sabha over the demonetisation issue on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, accusing it of leaking the information of demonetisation beforehand to a select few and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. However, the treasury benches stuck to their guns and asserted that there was no leak and that the move was a "war on corruption". Speaking on the issue, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma termed the move as a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Defending the government, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the hardships faced by the people were "birth pangs" which will ultimately result in happy outcome. Sharma, as also other opposition leaders including Ram Gopal Yadav, who was recently expelled from the Samajwadi Party, demanded a probe into the "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move. "No ordinance was brought for demonetisation. This is a Nadirshahi farman...Which law gave this government the right to bar me from withdrawing my money from the bank," Anand Sharma said. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari called the government "Kaliyug ka Bhasmasur" (referring to the mythological demon that could reduce to ashes everything it touched) - that would ultimately destroy itself. "No civilised country has done this (demonetisation) in recent times. Only four people have done this. The first three are Muamar Gaddafi of Libya, Mussolini of Italy and Hitler of Germany. The fourth is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Tiwari said as treasury benches erupted in protest. Tiwari also reiterated the opposition demand of a JPC probe into the matter. Rejecting the government's argument that the November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will end the menace of fake currency in India, Ram Gopal Yadav said: "Do you think our enemy countries will wait for two months before they forge new currency notes? They may have already started it." Yadav also raised the issue of "selective leak" about the new currency, referring to a tweet by Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanjeev Kamboj wherein the latter shared a picture of the new Rs 2,000 note on November 6 -- two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by comparing him to French Queen Marie Antoinette. "It reminds me of Marie Antoinette who during the French Revolution said if they (people) don't find bread, why don't they eat cakes. Now, we have Modi Antoinette who says: 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'." "What is the coverage of your plastic money? Only 2.6 crore of the 130 crore Indians have credit cards. Will that run our economy? More than 80 per cent of our economy is in cash," said Yechury. As the Left leader raised the issue of "writing off" of Rs 7,000 crore worth of corporate loans by turning them into Non Performing Assets (NPA) by the State Bank of India, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley intervened saying by turning loans to NPAs does not mean that the loan seizes to exist. "The bank would still pursue that loan. NPA does not mean writing it off. Liability to pay and right to recover still remains," Jaitley said. BSP chief Mayawati questioned the government's preparedness for the demonetisation of high-value bank notes, accusing it of spending the last 10 months on settling the black money of its people. "The government has said that they spent 10 months preparing for this decision. Ten months was a long time to prepare. If they were serious about it, they would have prepared well for all the problems that people are facing today," she said. Naidu however said that the demonetisation move of the government is a "war on corruption and black money" and called it a 'mahayajna'. Giving assurance to the people, Naidu said: "If your money is valid, it won't become invalid." On the question of hardships being faced by people to withdraw money from the banks, Naidu said, "These are birth pangs. Just as a woman undergoes severe labour pain before giving birth and her pain turns into joy when the baby is born, this process will lead to happy outcome for the country," he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for healthy debates on various issues, including the GST, during the winter session of Parliament. "I am expecting a very healthy and useful debate about issues including the GST in this session of the parliament," he said. The Prime Minister also hoped that parties will present their views on various issues to be debated. "We will talk about people's aspirations." The Lok Sabha was adjourned after obituary references. --IANS mak-sk/rn Indelible ink fails to make impression; long lines at banks, ATMs Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Human Interest/Society, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) People waited in long-winding lines outside bank offices and ATM kiosks for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday to deposit or exchange spiked currency notes or draw cash, the marking of indelible ink at cash counters to prevent multiple transactions making a marginal effect. When IANS correspondents went on a round early Wednesday morning, they found a few banks in the National Capital Region (NCR) sans indelible ink which, the government announced, would be used to mark customers to prevent them from visiting different banks to withdraw or exchange money. In the absence of indelible ink, bank officials and police had a tough time managing the crowds, since they could not identify people making repeat visits. A police official deployed at Kotak Mahindra Bank said: "Since ink is not being used, it is difficult for us to identify those who are visiting banks multiple times." "It has been decided that banks, while exchanging old bank notes for new currency, will put indelible ink on the right index finger of customers like during voting. It has already started at 11 State Bank of India branches in Delhi on Wednesday morning," an informed source said. However, an SBI official in Sector 16 of Noida said: "We have not received indelible ink from the RBI. We have been told that it will reach here by this evening." Meanwhile, chaotic and serpentine queues outside automated teller machines continued even on the eighth day since the November 8 announcement on demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. There were people who felt it was necessary to visit banks repeatedly as banks would not allow full exchange of the amount permitted by the government. Dinesh Kumar said: "Although the limit to exchange old notes is Rs 4,500, bank officials allowed me to exchange just Rs 2,000 on Tuesday. So, I had no option but to visit the bank again on Wednesday for more exchange." Many people also complained about non-availability of cash at banks and ATMs. V.D. Sharma, who visited an HDFC Bank, said: "I have been told by the bank officials that the bank and its ATM are out of cash. How can the banks run dry just one hour after opening?" Some office-goers said they took special day offs from office on the pretext of having no cash and visiting banks and ATMs to withdraw money. Ravish Tiwari, a senior manager in a private company, told IANS he has taken leave from office to withdraw money. "On the first day when the bank opened for exchanging cash, I managed to convert my spiked currency totalling Rs 2,000 and thought I will revisit bank next time when rush decreases," Tiwari said. "But that money got spent within a week. Therefore, I am waiting for my turn to withdraw cash," Tiwari said outside an ATM kiosk in Laxminagar. Mahadev, a rickshaw-puller from Khajoori Khas in noth-east Delhi, said he did not have money to even purchase food. He said he had opened a bank account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and held an ATM card. "After the demonetisation, there is a decline in customers as they have no petty cash, which is severely affecting my daily earnings," Mahadev said as he waited for his turn outside an ATM in Khajoori Khas. "Should I stand in queue or ply for customers to meet my daily need? I am confused." In Gulmohar Park, in South Delhi, some colony residents have taken to organising the crowds thronging the Central Bank of India branch there. Volunteers have been organising the crowd into different categories, including separate numbers for colony residents. Only batches of people are allowed inside, according to the token numbers called out. --IANS spk-rak-akk-rn/tsb/vt China urges US, South Korea to not deploy missile system China,Politics,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Beijing, Nov 16 (IANS) China urged the United States and South Korea on Wednesday to stop deployment of an advanced US missile defence system. The South Korea Ministry of National Defense concluded a deal on Wednesday to acquire the site for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system from the Lotte Group, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministry has agreed to take over the Lotte Skyhill Country Club in Seongju from the country's fifth-largest conglomerate. "China has repeatedly firmly opposed the THAAD deployment," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a press briefing. Geng said the deployment of the system gravely undermined the regional strategic balance, as well as the security interests of countries in the region, including China. "We again urge all sides to face up to China's reasonable concerns and stop the deployment process," he said, adding that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its security interests. Planning and construction work will begin in early 2017 with a THAAD battery to be installed before the end of the year. --IANS vgu/vt Automobile industry aims to create 6.5 crore jobs by 2026 Delhi,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) The Indian automobile sector aims to contribute over 12 per cent to the gross domestic product of the country, and create nearly 6.5 crore additional jobs by 2026 over the next decade, said Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Maruti Suzuki India, on Wednesday. "Our vision is that over the next decade, the Indian Automobile sector must contribute in excess of 12 per cent of the country's GDP. We want to create nearly 65 million additional jobs by 2026," Ayukawa said. According to Ayukawa, at present the automobile industry contributes around 7.1 per cent to the GDP of India and employees nearly 32 million people directly or indirectly. In the last ten years, the automobile industry has invested around $35 billion. "Our responsibility towards the communities where we are operating also increases. It's our duty to develop a sustainable, mutually beneficial and inclusive socio-economic ecosystem," he said at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer's (SIAM) first ever CSR (corporate social responsibility) conclave. "Over the past 10 years, the Indian automobile industry has made significant contribution to the socio-economic development of village communities. Fortunately, our efforts are well aligned with the Government's flagship missions of Clean India and Skill India." Ayukawa said by 2026, the automobile industry not only seeks to increase mobility, but will also focus on promoting safe, comfortable and environment friendly mobility. "Our responsibility also entails minimising the negative impacts of use automobiles. We have to address issues like congestion, air pollution, global warming and road accidents," said Ayukawa. "Our aim is to be among the top three global automobile markets. This will only happen if we create safe, efficient and environment friendly vehicles." --IANS ppg-rv/vt Good intentions bring nightmares for BJP minister (Sidelights) Delhi,National,Media,Politics, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Well-meaning gestures sometimes come to haunt politicians, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S.S. Ahluwalia learnt it the hard way. On a visit to his parliamentary constituency Darjeeling to launch 'Ujjawala' free LPG gas connection scheme recently, he gave out his mobile phone number and said anyone facing problem could directly register complaints with him. His gesture turned a nightmare after a regional newspaper of north Bengal published his number. Ahluwalia was inundated with several phone calls from public that sought redressal of their complaints related to availability of gas cylinders. A wisened Ahluwalia finally diverted the phone calls to his office landline number to ensure his peace of mind. ** Marshals called to control crowd at ATM in Parliament House Since the November 8 demonetisation, people are standing in long queues at banks, ATMs and post offices across India. And Parliament is no exception. Long queues were seen at both ATMs and a single post office in Parliament House on the very first day of winter session on November 16. From officials to staffs of Parliament, journalists and security officials, everybody was in a hurry to withdraw cash. On Tuesday, when few marshals of Parliament tried to withdraw cash afer breaking queue, others waiting raised objections. Following this, marshals from the Central Hall were summoned to control the crowd. ** Journalists defy guidelines On the first day of winter session of Parliament on Wednesday, journalists didn't bother to follow guidelines issued for the media by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached Parliament House for her march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against demonetisation , the media chased her to get a sound byte or record her activities. The situation turned for worse when former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and others reached there. Meanwhile, a senior journalist reminded Mamata of the guidelines that asked media persons not to interact or interview or photograph "anyone else other than ministers or MPs" without prior permission. Pat came the reply that apart from being a Chief Minister she is a former MP and Union minister too. For good measure, she said India is a democracy and not dictatorship. The directive also talked of "no interviews or enlisting of responses would be allowed" in some designated locations inside Parliament House. But journalist didn't seem to care and interviewed politicians as per their convenience. Despite warnings from security officials, many journalists flouted the guidelines and followed Mamata all the way to Rashtrapati Bhavan. --IANS bns/tsb Obama raises debt relief possibility on final Greece visit Greece,Politics,Business/Economy, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Athens, Nov 16 (IANS) Outgoing US President Barack Obama has used his final trip to Europe to call for action to put Greece on a path to "durable" economic recovery, including the possibility of debt relief. Making his first stop in Athens in a farewell tour aimed at safeguarding his legacy, Obama made the strongest case yet for the debt-stricken country to be given some slack, The Guardian reported on Tuesday. He said: "To the rest of Europe I will continue to emphasise our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity." Acknowledging the "painful and difficult time" Greeks had endured as a result of being bailed out to avoid economic collapse, the US president called for a growth strategy that included debt relief formulas. A prosperous Greece would not only be good for the Greeks but good for Europe and ultimately the world, he said. "I will continue to urge creditors to put Greece on a path of a durable economic recovery," he told a press conference after talks with the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "Our argument has always been that when the economy contracts this fast, when unemployment is this high, that there also has to be a growth agenda to go with it and it is very difficult to imagine the kind of growth strategy that's needed without some debt relief mechanism." But Obama insisted that, like all countries, Greece also had to undergo structural changes and acknowledged that in an arena of multiple players, such as the EU, consensus was hard to come by. "I know the politics of this are not easy," he said, adding that EU member states had their own institutions and constituencies to take into account. Greece has suffered a depression-era downturn since its debt crisis began in late 2009. Biting austerity, in the form of numerous rounds of budget cuts, has left a third of the population living in poverty and one in four out of work. With the US President heading next to Germany, the biggest champion of tough fiscal policies in the EU, the Greek government has set much store by the visit. Tsipras, who has called for a debt deal to be reached by the end of the year, described Obama's support as crucial. --IANS pgh/ With so much going on in the world, it feels nearly impossible to keep up with the top stories and breaking headlines. But is it really worth the trouble? Some argue that it causes unnecessary stress, while others simply dont see it as a priority. However, such an attitude prevents people f 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. Australias top diplomat Julie Bishop said Wednesday in Marrakech that her country will open shortly an embassy in Rabat as relations between the two countries are gaining momentum. Julie Bishop is representing her country at the 22nd UN conference climate conference (COP22) convening in Marrakech from 7 to 18 November. Following her meeting with Moroccan peer Salaheddine Mezouar, acting chairman of COP22, the Australian Foreign minister said her country has decided to open embassy in Moroccos capital because the two countries share huge untapped potentials while bilateral cooperation prospects look promising. We hope the opening of the embassy will usher in a new era in Australian-Moroccan relations, she said, expressing her countrys keen interest to foster further economic relations, especially in renewable energies. About 30,000 Australian tourists visit annually the city of Marrakech, added Mrs Julie Bishop, saying she is convinced that this number will keep growing increasing in the coming years due to Morocco political stability, tolerance, stability and thriving tourism sector. Bishop, who was born 17 July 1956, is an Australian politician, serving as Foreign minister since 2013. She is also deputy leader of the Liberal Party since 2007. Bishop grew up in the Adelaide Hills. She was educated at the St Peters Collegiate Girls School and attended the University of Adelaide. After her graduation and several jobs, she became managing partner of major Australian law firm Clayton Utz. Bishop began her political career as a member of the Australian House of Representatives during the 1998 federal election for the seat of Curtin in Western Australia. She is the first female deputy leader of the Liberal Party and was the third woman to hold the title of Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Bishop previously served in the Howard Government as the Minister for Ageing from 2003 to 2006, and the Minister for Education, Science and Training from 2006 to 2007, until the defeat of the Liberal/National Coalition at the election held on 24 November 2007. Wife of assassinated Nidaa Tounes member and figure Lotfi Nagdh has called on President Caid Essebsi and members of his party to step down as she accused the party of favouring power over justice after a Sousse court cleared culprits and suspects judged responsible of her husband death in 2012. The lower court of Sousse on Monday cleared four men arrested in 2012 and 2013 in connection to the death of Nagdh. The men according to the tribunal spokesperson, Raouf Yousfi were handed heavy sentences but had been cleared after spending equal time in prison. Six other accused had been released though they were handed prison sentences ranging from four months to one year. They had been freed after spending detention period covering the prison terms. Nagdh leader of Nidaa Tounes at Tataouine, in the south of the country, was killed on the sidelines of a riot between his members and a group militia linked to Islamist party Ennahda, in power at the time. President Caid Essebsi then president of Nidaa Tounes condemned the assassination which he called a political assassination. He also finger-pointed the Islamist party for the slaughter. Tuesday ruling stirred indignation and condemnations across Tunisia. Nagdhs widow argued that the judges suffered pressure from the Islamist party. Nagdhs wife regretted that Essebsis Nidaa Tounes in coalition with the Islamist party chose power over justice. It is Rached Ghannouchi, his party and allies who applied pressure over four years, she stressed. Shame on you If you still have a grain of honour and dignity, step down, They sealed an alliance with Rached Ghannouchi who set not long ago Tunisians against one another, sew chaos; said Nidaa Tounes was more dangerous than Salafists. How can you live in peace in this country given these treasons? The prosecutors office in Sousse launched an appeal against the ruling. Lawyers of Nagdhs family have also rejected the court decision. For us it is a disaster, said Mourad Dalech, one of lawyers. Following the court decision, youth of Nidaa Tounes in Sousse issued a statement denouncing the decision and announced their resignation from the party. They argued that they could no longer belong to a party that is unable to protect its members. Former French President and 2017 presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has dismissed claims by French and Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine who underlined that the French politician received 50 million Euros from the former Libyan ruler for his 2007 presidential campaign. Takieddine, in a video-taped interview published by French investigative website Mediapart, repeated that he gave three cases stuffed with money to Sarkozy when he was interior minister on behalf of the Gaddafi regime. Takieddine, a French Lebanese businessman claimed he introduced Sarkozy to Libyan leader killed in 2011 in NATO-backed Libyan revolution. Sarkozy and former British Premier David Cameroon have been blamed for the death of the autocratic ruler. Why and how can a guy like this stand for presidency of the Republic? The French people must react. It will explode, he said. I have discovered things that should no longer be hidden. I wish to denounce the mafia state in which we are currently living. Takieddines accusations come few days before first round of primaries in the French center-right les Republicains party. Sarkozy is contesting the partys ticket with several other figures among them Alain Juppe who tipped to represent the party during next year presidential elections. Sarkozys lawyer Thierry Herzog hit the claims and the interview. Once more, and always before an election, Mediapart is trying to taint Nicolas Sarkozy with allegations (that are) as untrue today as they were yesterday, he told the Reuters in a statement. Herzog also announced legal action against the media. Sarkozy according to the Lebanese businessman received on three occasions between November 2006 and January 2007 before being elected in May 2007, the Guardian reports. Allegations firstly emerged in 2011 after Gaddafis son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi indicated that Sarkozy has to give back the money he accepted from Libya to finance his electoral campaign. We financed his campaign and we have the proof The first thing were demanding is that this clown gives back the money to the Libyan people. Despite the accusations and legal inquiries, Sarkozy and his entourage have never been handed any condemnation. Broaden your expertise, enhance patient care, and never worry about another license requirement again with Elite Passport Membership. Available across ten healthcare professions in a variety of options to suit your career goals, Passport Membership propels your career advancement and offers exceptional value to healthcare providers. Photo: Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa via AP The streets of downtown Portland have swelled with protesters each night since Donald Trump won the presidential election on Tuesday, and on occasion the protests have turned violent. Thats led to 112 arrests in the last week and a review of state election records by a local news station shows that more than a third of those arrested didnt even vote. KGW compiled a list of the 112 people arrested by the Portland Police Bureau during recent protests. Those names and ages, provided by police, were then compared to state voter logs by Multnomah County Elections officials. Records show 39 of the protesters arrested were registered in the state but didnt return a ballot for the November 8 election. Thirty-six of the demonstrators taken into custody werent registered to vote in Oregon. Of the 36 voters who werent registered, most gave an Oregon address as their official place of residence, making it unlikely that they voted in another state. Not turning up to vote and then taking to the streets to protest the result of the election is a tough position to defend, but one man tried to. I did not (vote) and the reason why is because we know that the Electoral College is really what matters the most, Kevin Grigsby told Portlands KGW-TV. Hes not wrong. With or without the votes of the protesters, Hillary Clinton was going to win Oregons seven electoral votes. She received 192,000 more votes than Donald Trump in the state. Before you come down too hard on these arrested protestors, its worth noting that even with a third of them not voting, thats still a hell of a lot better than the U.S. as a whole, where more than 43 percent of adults of voting age didnt turn out. On the first of December, three decades after the disease first hit the city, the New York City AIDS Memorial will open at ground zero of the epidemic St. Vincents hospital in Greenwich Village, now closed, where patients once flooded the rooms and spilled out into the surrounding corridors, turning the genteel facility very suddenly into a kind of war zone. All told, more than 100,000 New York men, women, and children have died of AIDS, and the memorial is built in their names. But it reminds us, too, as all memorials do, of how much has already been forgotten. In conceiving the project and choosing the site the urban planners Christopher Tepper and Paul Kelterborn were inspired by an article in New York lamenting that there was no memorial yet in the city and suggested that, as a result, the site of the hospital itself, the bland sarcophagus along Seventh Avenue, hold that place. The story was by David France, who would later direct the award-winning 2012 found-footage documentary How to Survive a Plague. Here, in an excerpt from his upcoming history of the same name, to be published by Knopf on November 29, he recalls memories of the plague years and many of those no longer here to tell their own stories. Summer 1981 I had arrived in New York City for the first time for a college internship at the United Nations and a chance to explore Christopher Street, the mountaintop of gay life. I was not yet comfortable there. But Manhattan struck me as a city of promise, at once grimy and magical, where people could hide and be found. My college roommate Brian Gougeon, an artist, and I took up in a tiny one-room apartment in midtown, sleeping chastely on opposite edges of a narrow, lumpy bed. Our timing was unfortunate. Just two weeks after unpacking, on the Friday of the Fourth of July weekend, the New York Times carried the first news of the plague. Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals, ran the headline. The cases were concentrated in Manhattan, with a few in the San Francisco Bay Area as well, and consisted of violet-colored spots appearing somewhere on the body, easily mistaken for bruises though they were sometimes raised and textured. One in five of the affected were already dead. The article noted that most cases had involved homosexual men who have had multiple and frequent sexual encounters with different partners, as many as 10 sexual encounters each night up to four times a week. Many of the patients have also been treated for viral infections such as herpes, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B as well as parasitic infections such as amebiasis and giardiasis. Many patients also reported that they had used drugs such as amyl nitrite and LSD to heighten sexual pleasure. I later learned that men who read the paper on the ferries to Fire Island that day, having recognized themselves in the story, spent the weekend examining one anothers flesh. They found purple lesions by the dozens. It was possible to stand on those boardwalks and pool decks and beaches that weekend and foretell the whole terrible future. But stuck in midtown we thought, at the time, that our economic marginality put us out of reach. What became a disease of the poor began by assaulting the gay bourgeoisie as a popular ad described them, the Beautiful People of the Fire Island Pines. The iconic 1990 deathbed photograph that later became the centerpiece of a Benetton campaign. Photo: Therese Frare Winter 1983 It was the worst blizzard New York had seen in two generations. Twenty-two inches of snow fell, taxis and subways froze in their tracks, and the furnace in my building failed. I called Brian and begged for temporary shelter at the place he now kept alone, in Hells Kitchen. He sounded awful. Hed been in bed for almost two weeks, so debilitated that lifting the phone left him panting. Its like the flu, times a thousand, he whispered. Ive got the strength of Saran Wrap. When he saw a doctor, she diagnosed a shocking multiplicity of infections, most of them sexually transmitted. He also had painfully swollen lymph nodes along his jawline, beneath his arms, and in his groin. But they didnt seem to alarm her. One of his infections was mono, a common cause of lymphadenopathy. She said her nodes would be the size of strawberries too, if she were as sick as he was. When it rains, it pours, he said. I was leaning on his buzzer within the hour. He greeted me at the door in his underwear, almost six feet of slouching and clammy flesh. His fever was still climbing. When he turned weakly and headed back inside, I could see he had lost weight his shoulders were like a coat hanger. He headed straight to bed and slumped to the mattress we would share that night. Though he parroted his doctors cheery optimism, I sensed he was afraid, and that scared me. Still, I wanted to believe he was right. I served him some egg-drop soup and administered alcohol rubs, stroking a cloth along his baking flesh. I let my fingers learn the shape of his massive lymph nodes the size of walnuts, hard and sensitive to the touch. I think theyre shrinking, he winced. From the antibiotics. His temperature soared and sank through the night and sweat poured from his body, leaving us both in puddles. We changed the linens twice, then wised up and made him a nest of towels to blot the stream. Much later, experts would name this the seroconversion flu. Most people with HIV get the same crushing symptoms in the first weeks of infection. We didnt know that then. And we did something that night that I have not been able to easily explain. In a feat of exquisite timing between Tylenols and linen changes, he reached for me, and with the precautions of a scrub nurse I made love to him. Such intimacies had never been a subtext between us before. Now, as 24-year-olds in a treacherous city, below the shadow of plague, we felt a need. Afterward, ironically, I was a little less frightened, and I think he was too. I ran my thumb over his lip. I love you, Brian, I said. Be careful, he replied. At the time, I didnt have serious concerns for my own health. And I dont want to overstate our sense of impending doom. It took two years and almost 600 dead before the Times put a story on the front page. The Village Voice ran a feature that called the danger overblown and was nearly silent otherwise. For news on AIDS, you would have to read the New York Native, where I had just begun working as a reporter. Summer 1983 Brian and I watched the first broadcast report together on my small black-and-white TV. It is the most frightening medical mystery of our time, Geraldo Rivera said, leaning toward the camera. There is an epidemic loose in the land, a so-far-incurable disease which kills its victims in stages. And then appeared the face of a man in grotesque medical distress a freelance lighting designer named Ken Ramsauer, age 27. In an old photograph, he looked as polished and angular as a shampoo model. Now, his head appeared swollen nearly to the brink of popping; his eyes vanished behind swollen muffins of flesh; oblong purple marks covered his skin. He was confined to a wheelchair, having just returned from the hospital, and hung his head weakly. A friend handed him a glass of water, which was almost too heavy for his trembling arms. One night I heard two, I believe, nurses aides not the actual nurses standing outside my door sort of laughing, he said. What did they say exactly? Rivera asked. He blinked his slivered eyes and looked down at the water glass in his scarlet fists, remembering: I wonder how long the faggot in 208 is going to last. Four days later, I opened the paper to discover that Ramsauer was dead. When I read that a public memorial was planned at the Bandshell in Central Park, I asked Brian to go with me. Im just staying out of the whole thing, he said, meaning AIDS. Worrying isnt good for your health. And it does nasty things to your art. Instead, I went with another friend. That evening was unusually still and hot. As we approached the service from the south, beneath a vaulted canopy of American elms and a row of towering statuary, a macabre scene confronted us. The plaza was crowded with 1,500 mourners cupping candles against the darkening sky. A dozen men were in wheelchairs, so wasted they looked like caricatures of starvation. I watched one young man twist in pain that was caused, apparently, by the barest gusts of wind around us. In New York, there were just 722 cases reported, half the nations total. It seemed they were all at the Bandshell that sweltering evening. My friends mouth hung open. It looks like a horror flick, he said. I was speechless. We had found the plague. From there, it was an avalanche. A Friday or two later, a colleague from work ran out the door for a weekend of social commitments. He looked as healthy as a soap-opera star, which he aspired to be. We never saw him again. I heard from a mutual friend that he was found dead by neighbors the following week, shrunken and hollow, in a room washed in his own feces. 1983: Ken Ramsauer, left, the subject of Geraldo Riveras report on AIDS. Photo: Dimitrius/Contact Press Images Fall 1983 It wasnt until I traveled back to Michigan and spent the holidays in the shag-carpeted bedroom of my unhappy childhood that I saw how three years in the city had changed me. I was no longer the man who hid and lied to myself and to others, always alert to the potential for physical violence. Now I walked and talked in a way that was natural for me. But my equilibrium was fragile outside the bubble of the gay ghetto. In my daily rounds through Alphabet City, it was possible to go for weeks with only the briefest encounters outside of my kind the silent Korean woman who pushed a loose cigarette across the deli counter to me, the tiny Ukrainian couple on their daily path to church, the junkie who trembled pleadingly in the hallway outside my apartment door, a needle dangling moistly from his neck. Our ghettos may have occupied the same geography, yet we were all but invisible one to the other. Back home in Michigan, I felt as conspicuous and alien as ever. Almost nobody there was out of the closet. Social scientists estimated there were 80,000 gays and lesbians in western Michigan, but they had no public spokesperson, advocate, newspaper, organization, or meeting center. With notepad in hand, I visited gay bars there for seven consecutive days. I spoke to scores of men and women, and only one the dandy bartender at the Carousel would tell me his real name: Tony Denkins. But if you call me the Queen, he added, theyll know who you mean in any bar in town. When I learned that the countys medical epidemiologist was speaking at the local community college, I attended. On the bulletin board in the lobby was an announcement for a student group that stated, for no apparent reason, that none of its members were gay. Above the urinal in the mens room, in thick marker, someone had written, Kill a homo a day and keep the AIDS doctor away. Out of curiosity, I entered the adjacent stall to scan the graffiti there. If I find a homo in the bathroom, Ill cut his balls off and stuff them in the faggots mouth, one said. Through a support group for parents of gays, I was introduced to a mother who had a sick son at home. Even talking to me over the telephone terrified her. I only knew her by a pseudonym, Edith. Her son had come to live with her after being diagnosed, she told me. We cant afford to have anybody know about this or well lose the apartment. Then where would we go? With great courage, she gave me her address. And if you see anybody in the driveway, dont come right in. Drive around the block, anything. A light snow fell on the morning of our appointment. Edith pulled me through the door quickly. There are young people living in the building, she said, pinching open a curtain to patrol the front sidewalk. She turned to me. Okay, young man, she said. First show me identification. I did. Now, she said, I want you to sit down right over here, before anything else, and write on this paper that nobody will know who we are. Nobody. A pad and pen sat on the kitchenette counter, past the cloistered living room. I walked past her son, half in shadows on the old family sofa, and did as requested. Only then could I introduce myself. He was emaciated, maybe under 100 pounds. He balanced his cadaverous frame on two feather pillows to reduce the pain. I thought about what name you should use for me, he said in a hollow voice. The effort caused him to grimace. Jim, he said. I took his hand and sat at his side. His mother settled into a recliner, protectively. Only family members know what hes got. Itll remain that way, she said. And his friends from church. They call him and come to visit. But nobody else. You just dont know how theyd react. Metropolitan Community Church, Jim specified. He attended the gay congregation, no longer submitting to the steely Christian Reformed Church in which he was raised, and which enforced a policy that explicit homosexual practice must be condemned. Jim had traveled to California some years before and had enjoyed himself there. So when the symptoms came and sent him to the local hospital, he had almost been expecting them. The doctor gave the news to him and his mother at once. The first thing Edith did was to have the phone in his hospital room disconnected so that no one would find them there. They had been in hiding in their small apartment for almost a year now, and planned to remain in hiding until there was no longer a need. When we write his obituary, its not going to say anything about AIDS its not going to request donations to any AIDS group, Edith said. But Ill be dead already, Jim protested in a weak and angry voice. I grew up in this town, she said with forceful midwestern determination. I went to school here. No, it will say Give donations to the Christian Reformed Church. He didnt object why bother? I think about what its like to die. I think about my funeral. Whos going to be there, things like that. Ive asked people to sing He paused and let out a gasp, remembering how painful it was to extend the invitations. Ive asked people to sing at my funeral, in the church, and thats hard. Tell him what music youve chosen, his mother said. Ive picked out one song. The Lords Prayer. Tell him the other. He shook his head. Ive changed my mind, he told me, whispering now. I was going to have Amazing Grace, but now I dont know. Summer 1984 At St. Vincents, the emergency room was visible behind enormous windows on the corner of West 11th Street and Seventh Avenue. Before the crisis exploded, how many hundreds of times had I walked past the window oblivious to the dramas enacted there? Now I found myself choked with panic anytime I came near. One sticky afternoon, I slowed to measure the epidemic through the plate glass, praying to see only strangers. Three-quarters of the seats were filled. Scanning the rows I could see that every third or fourth man had the Look sunken cheeks, sparse hair, eyes that showed fear, shoulders that bent in pain. One, all spots and bones, balanced painfully on a pillow hed brought along from home. Another seemed to be dozing; his head was cocked backward onto a companions arm, and his mouth and eyes were both wide open. The blind, like horses and snakes, dont need to close their eyes to sleep. That was my experience with early AIDS I stood on the sidewalks of the plague, grateful to not enter its tower. That changed when Tom Ho took ill. Tall and thin and always in white denim jeans, Ho was the assistant art director at the Native and my closest friend there. We were the youngest on the editorial staff, both 25. I found Toms room at the elbow of a long hallway inside Lenox Hill Hospital. He was propped up in his bed and staring sluggishly out the window, his face still a topography of youthful acne. He was somewhat embarrassed to see me and the box of chocolates I held up in my defense. His voice expressed amazement, as though he were recounting the events in a film: how he had drenched his bed with sweat, then his own feces, which emptied from him violently; how the pneumonia burned his lungs and robbed his mind of oxygen; how he hadnt told his parents could never tell his parents. He was born to immigrants, and all that entailed. I was the kid who grew up in the back of the Chinese restaurant at the strip mall. Doing my homework, folding napkins. They never let me out of their sight, never let me go to another kids house. I celebrated my birthdays there, all alone with a cake. He straddled three worlds with no overlap: China, America, and gay. And now a fourth: the world of the plague. They have no idea Im gay that alone would kill them. He stared through the window for a long time. The only option I have, he said finally, shaking his head, is to beat this thing. He didnt lack an ability to situate his plight in the epidemics unforgiving time line. Who do you think will be next? he asked me. He speculated about Gary in advertising and Bruce in the art department. Bruce is getting skinny, did you notice? But that was Bruces usual appearance; he never did contract AIDS. How about Peter? I asked. Hes been out sick a lot. He smiled. If Peter escapes this, its not contagious. I left the hospital as if he were already gone. The look in his eyes seared me, yes, but I was not yet numb from death, just terrified of it to the point of hypochondria. I would never see Tom Ho again, to my lasting shame. I immediately made an appointment with a physician for a complete physical, and release, hopefully, from fear. She understood my panic and offered comforting words, but the antibody tests, far from reliable as they were, were not yet approved for clinical use. Instead, she poked my arm with a four-prong purified protein derivative test, originally designed for tuberculosis but being used by doctors as an imperfect AIDS test. In patients with no immunity whatsoever, the four pricks would leave no marks. She sent me home to hope my immune system would create bumps. To my relief, marvelous, plump boils appeared on my arm. Circa 1985: Brian Gougeon, right, Frances onetime roommate, and Doug Gould, Gougeons lover, and after Gougeons death, Frances. Photo: Courtesy of How to Survive a Plague Spring 1985 In the East Village, where I shared a run-down apartment on Avenue C with an experimental filmmaker, the scene was grim; every building was a microcosm of the plague. Two floors above our apartment, a slender redhead from Georgia in his early 20s fell into a drunken tailspin following his diagnosis. For the several weeks before his family came to collect him, he lamented his fate operatically in our living room, incapable of steeling himself for the battle. At a time when examples of surprising grace and fortitude dominated, his reaction, however understandable, stood out. His sobbing was a tropical squall. We never heard from him again. Across the hall, my neighbor exiled her husband after a bout of pneumonia won him a month in the hospital and a discharge slip that said AIDS. When he tried to return home, she met him in the hallway with a scorching rage over his admitted drug use and, as their two young daughters screamed in confusion, refused him entry. Day after day, he returned seeking forgiveness she was too panicked to grant. One morning, I found that he had made a nest for himself in the hallway between our doors, heartbroken and desiccated, as close to his girls as he was allowed. Are you all right, Juan? I asked. Can I get you anything? I had to lean in close to hear his reply. My bones hurt, he whispered, shifting painfully from one emaciated hip to the other. He pinched at his yellow bedroll, unable to turn it into the cushion he longed for. His voice was hollow and raspy, the unmistakable sound of PCP. Do you have a doctor? Anyone I can call? He shook his head. At the VA, they told me to go home to Puerto Rico to die. But how? He stared at the door. A sudden pain contorted his face. He gripped his abdomen and gave a look of terrified foreknowledge. But there was no time his bowels emptied with a terrible force, painting a mandala of excrement on the floor where he sat. Let me get you some help, I said. Reaching around him, I pounded urgently on the door of his old apartment. No, no, no, he cried out in embarrassment. He whispered an incantation in Spanish meant to spare his daughters the sight of their befouled father. He managed to get to his feet, stroking the hallway clean with his bedding, and on fragile legs carried his shame down to the street. He need not have fled. His wife never came to the door. Winter 1987 Gary Petkanis called to say he had been diagnosed. Petkanis had been my confidant at the paper, and my occasional companion on the town he was the person who carefully scoured the days mail for club invitations, and pocketed them for us. He delivered his news in a tone that seemed strangely ebullient. When I responded gravely, his gentle laugh interrupted me. Its not that bad, he said. I just wanted you to know how much I admire you, and would like you in my life at this weird time. I made a vow to him and to myself, more tentatively to be his weird-time partner. We spoke nightly on the telephone and saw each other several times each week. After movie nights or concerts in Central Park, we sometimes went back to his apartment on the Upper West Side for Jeopardy! or crossword puzzles, or for reading aloud the increasingly bizarre headlines from the Native through fits of laughter. We talked about the movement and our leaders, such as they were, and reviewed and critiqued the evolving liberation agenda. His politics were driven by wise intuition, and always mediated by self-deprecation about the place of party boys like him in the cause. We talked so late into the evening on a few occasions that he threw a fresh towel at me and invited me to stay. He said he was counting on me for continued distraction, that when talking with me about politics, he sometimes forgot about death. On those nights, lying beside him, I never for a moment stopped thinking about death. 1990: France with Doug Gould. Photo: Courtesy of How to Survive a Plague Spring 1987 It had been months since I had last spoken with Brian Gougeon. He had moved to Chicago and had stopped returning my phone calls. Instead, he answered via ornately decorated postcards, devoid of personal news. Then, just after his birthday in July, Susan Wild, a mutual friend from college, called to say hed been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and toxoplasmosis. He asked me to come help him get to the hospital, she said. He wanted to take a shower first but didnt have the strength hes so thin, David, I had to help him. He was embarrassed and apologizing the whole time. Hes going to need money, I said. He could be hospitalized for months, and unless he had savings, he risked losing his apartment. I offered to pass a hat and spent the next week planning a gathering of his friends. That Saturday, three dozen people convened at my apartment with small sums of cash in envelopes, a little over $800 in total. Someone brought a bulky camcorder and we wished Brian a speedy recovery through the newest technology. When the tape arrived in Chicago with the funds, Susan called to say he wouldnt be watching it. I guess hes blind, she said. It happened so quickly. He was talking to his mother yesterday and said, Norma he calls her Norma Norma, would you turn on the light? We shouldnt have to sit here in the dark. But of course, it was the middle of the day. Sunlight was streaming in. When they figured out what had happened, and that the blindness was irreversible, he was really scared. He said, Im a blind artist. What good is a blind artist? And she said, Sculpture, honey. You could be a great sculptor. His memorial service came a week later, at the Nazareth United Church of Christ, just blocks from where Brian had lived with Doug Gould, his nearly continuous partner since college. I arrived early, slipping into the pew beside Katrina Van Valkenburgh, my college girlfriend, midway between the entrance and the altar. Gould sat directly in front of us, alone at first, appearing to be stunned. He wore a speckled wool jacket and a whimsical bolo tie. His black hair, glossed tight over his temples, framed puffy and unfocused eyes. That night Brians close friends gathered in an apartment nearby. Doug had gotten very drunk. Never much for talking, he was now muzzled as much by grief as by liquor, bumping his way to the kitchen for refill after refill. I learned from others that Brian had broken up with him a few months earlier probably the first sign of his brain infection, someone surmised. Heartsick, Doug had tried to commit suicide. He checked himself into a hotel room with a plan involving pills, and when he survived the night, he returned to his parents home in rural Colorado, morose and aimless. Having raced back too late to bid Brian farewell in person added considerably to his burden. After one especially unbalanced passage through the living room, I followed him into the kitchen to find him wrestling with a bottle of vodka. Grateful for my help, he didnt notice that I filled his glass with tonic water instead. I didnt talk to Norma, he said, meaning Brians mother. His tongue was thick and slurry. I couldnt. She would hate me, blame me. I handed him his glass. She would want to know what he meant to you, I suggested. I guess I got it too. I told Brian I didnt care. Youve taken the test? He shook his head. But this, he said, patting the back of his head. I reached over and put my palm against his Cherokee mane of black hair and encountered what felt like a large and moist scab. It encased most of his scalp. When I withdrew my hand and saw that it was red with blood, my heart pounded. I lurched for the kitchen sink and splashed myself with antibacterial soap, wringing my hands and scrutinizing my flesh for cuts and abrasions. Doug, what is that? Youre bleeding. He shrugged. The liquor had put a childish look on his face, sadness crossed with amazement. I noticed for the first time that the collar of his shirt was pink from his wound. Do you have a doctor? I asked. He didnt answer. You need a good doctor, someone who understands AIDS. They know how to prevent the infections now. People are living with this. They can prevent death. Tears filled his eyes, but he still said nothing. You have to come with me to New York, I spontaneously added. Theyve got way more experience there. Ill get you to the right people. Dont worry about money, I have a good job. I have room in my apartment. You cant stay in Colorado. The invitation surprised me as much as it did him. But with Brians death, I felt a need to stop rummaging through the epidemic as a journalist, with the illusion of agency. I had been sitting on the sidelines for long enough. Let me take care of you, I heard myself say. Doug rocked unsteadily on his heels, then he kissed me drunkenly, which I took as his acceptance, though it may well have meant nothing. I mailed him a ticket, and a week later I met his flight at JFK and escorted him to the East Village, where we would figure out how to fight his illness together. I wasnt surprised when our arrangement turned into an awkward romance. I felt the purest kind of love for him and what he had represented: our hopeful youth, our place in the world, life itself. I clung to him, and he allowed it he needed it maybe as much as I did. Doug was stunned by the scene in New York. Below 14th Street, KS lesions were as common as bug welts in the jungle. There was now a permanent line of wheelchairs outside the Village Nursing Home, where bony young men napped in the sun. The bars, which had been the teeming hub of gay society during his last visit, were now lifeless and ghostly places. It was not easy to adjust to Dougs presence in the apartment. With no job to distract him and laden with grief, he tended to wallow in daytime television, bales of marijuana, and frequent alcohol binges. In contrast to the garrulous and giggly young man I had known in college, he pushed people away, including those with whom he had been very close. I dont want people crying later, he said. I dont want that responsibility. December 1, 2016: The New York City AIDS Memorial will open. Photo: Courtesy of A2T for Studio AI Architects Winter 1991 By the time war in Iraq broke out, 100,000 Americans were dead from AIDS, nearly twice as many as had perished in Vietnam. In the East Village, someone in an apartment near Avenue C protested the war by turning an arena-strength loudspeaker out a window and playing a soundtrack of crisscrossing helicopters and gunships erupting in machine-gun fire. Night after night, the thunder of war reached deep into apartments like mine, where Doug was mostly immobile due to the pain in his feet. His spots wept continually, and several became inflamed by bacteria, requiring surgery that left disfiguring divots and welts here and there. We took a vacation that winter: two weeks on the beach in Puerto Rico. Being on the beach without the infernal soundtracks of war was a relief, but the one time Doug removed his shirt, a 19-year-old on a nearby towel made note of all the marks on his flesh. Are those mosquito bites? he asked, with genuine concern. Doug glanced down at his marred chest and moved a finger from one spot to another, lesion to lump, virus to cancer, not sure how to answer. He opened his mouth to reply but no words came out. We had been back in New York for a few weeks when I returned from work one night to find him in the stairwell halfway up to our apartment. He was covered in sweat. I cant make it, he said, looking square in my eyes. My feet are killing me. My lungs hurt. I took his canvas backpack and looped a hand around his waist to hoist him from one step to the next. Ill find us another place to live. A place with an elevator, I said. No, he snapped, steadying himself on the handrail. Grimacing, he took the next step himself, and the next. Not yet. *This article appears in the November 14, 2016, issue of New York Magazine. 2016 by David France No, we couldnt. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images There are many reasons why Hillary Clinton will not become president of the United States this January. The medias outsize emphasis on her email habits, James Comeys precedent-shattering late-October letter, and the GOPs myriad efforts to restrict voter participation in swing states are all among them. The most obvious and immediate cause of Clintons defeat, however, is that she narrowly lost a bunch of traditionally Democratic states in the Midwest, as many white working-class voters who backed Barack Obama four years ago chose to stay at home or pull the lever for Donald Trump. How to interpret and, thus, respond to this fact has been the central point of intra-left debate since last Tuesday night. In Clintons defeat, some progressives see a vindication of Bernie Sanderss emphasis on economic populism and cross-racial class solidarity as opposed to the Clinton campaigns foregrounding of social liberalism and peripheral appeals to expanding economic opportunity. Others see in such suggestions the first steps toward a betrayal of black and Hispanic Democrats a path that would lead the party to sacrifice more Ricky Ray Rectors, welfare programs, and police reforms on the altar of white reaction. This concern is rooted in a long history of such betrayals, as The New Yorkers James Surowiecki argued Sunday. 1. Ppl. worry the concern with working-class whites will lead to PoC being marginalized for good reason: it's happened so many times before. https://t.co/OWpCgbXAGd James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) November 13, 2016 2. The history of US politics is riddled with reformers pushing black ppl.'s interests aside in order to keep or regain white support. James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) November 13, 2016 3. That's what happened in the wake of Reconstruction, as Republicans left blacks in the South to fend for themselves against Redemption. James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) November 13, 2016 4. It's what happened during the New Deal, as Dems excluded largely black agricultural and service workers from Social Security. James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) November 13, 2016 5. And it's what happened in the early '90s, when the Dems chose explicitly to pivot away from antiracism in order to win back Reagan Dems. James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) November 13, 2016 Its important to note that virtually no one in progressive politics is (currently) arguing that the Democrats should compromise on issues of racial justice. The Sanders wing contends that forthright advocacy for social democracy would peel off enough downscale whites, by itself, to make such compromises unnecessary. And this faith is affirmed in the Sandernistas support for Keith Ellison a black, Muslim congressperson for DNC chair. Still, in light of the history Surowiecki highlights, its both reasonable and important for progressives to guard against the possibility that Democrats will pair a renewed focus on economic populism with a surrender to white racial resentment. But some liberal commentators have gone beyond warning against this possibility to lamenting its inevitability. In a recent essay for The Atlantic, Adam Serwer offers an analysis nearly identical to that of your average blue-dog Democrat from the mid-90s: Democrats cant significantly increase their share of the white working-class vote without compromising on racial justice. Democrats now face a renewed white-identity politics whose appeal will be immensely difficult to neutralize, and the notion that a more vigorous, left wing economics will return the white working class to the Democratic fold is likely a fantasy. The last Democrat to come close to winning the white vote was Bill Clinton, who combined his economic populism with promises to end welfare as we know it and advertised his willingness to use state violence against black Americans, turning the execution of Ricky Ray Rector to his political advantage. The uncomfortable truth is that, whether youre Donald Trump or Bill Clinton, economic populism is most effective in American politics when it is paired with appeals to racism. Maybe the Democrats can and will find a way to do so without such appeals. By the time they do, it may simply be too late to stop what is coming. The fatalism of these paragraphs is echoed in many other progressive writers columns, tweets, and headlines. But that fatalism seems, at the very least, premature. Certainly, Democrats have little chance of winning the white vote in the near future. But almost no one is suggesting that doing so should be the partys goal. Rather, the suggestion is that the party can recapture the white working-class voters who backed Obama by making different strategic choices than Hillary Clinton did. The argument against the latter suggestion is that Donald Trumps explicit appeals to white nationalism fundamentally changed the nature of American politics: The Democratic Partys support from white workers in the Midwest was always been dependent on the political force of white supremacy remaining dormant. Clintons loss shows that Trump has awakened that force. Now the idea that left-wing economics could lure white Obama voters in Michigan back to Team Blue is likely a fantasy. This is an idea worth taking seriously. Sociological research suggests, overwhelmingly, that support for Trump is correlated with white racial animus. Long before Trumps election, the rapid diversification of the rural Midwest was already pushing voters in the region rightward. White voters appear to be voting more and more like an ethnic bloc at the same time that Democrats have grown more unashamed in their support for the concerns of African-Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups. But Trumps embrace of white identity politics wasnt the only new variable in the 2016 race. Much of this commentary is written as though Hillary Clinton made retaining white working-class Democrats in the Midwest a central focus of her campaign and lost, anyway. The truth is the opposite. While the Republican candidate aggressively courted white workers in the Rust Belt, Clinton neglected to make a single visit to Wisconsin during the general-election campaign; in the races closing weeks, her campaign aired more advertisements in the city of Omaha than in Michigan and Wisconsin combined. While Obama tailored much of his messaging in 2012 to the concerns of white workers in the Midwest painting Mitt Romney as a callous plutocrat, championing his partys support of the auto bailout Clinton focused her paid media on Trumps vulgarity and lack of expertise, rather than on his history of exploiting contractors and conning consumers. Beyond messaging and strategy, Clinton brought countless other liabilities to the 2016 race that Obama never had to overcome: her relative lack of oratorical prowess, an active FBI investigation into her handling of classified information, her status as a longtime member of an unpopular political Establishment, a history of taking exorbitant sums of money to give closed-door speeches to Wall Street banks, and, of course, her gender. The salience of that last variable is difficult to assess because Clinton was the first and only female major-party nominee in the history of our republic but that fact suggests we should err on the side of assuming it was quite salient, indeed. Nonetheless, while Democrats are ideologically (and ethically) compelled not to suppress female candidates in deference to Americas sexism, the party still shouldnt have a hard time nominating someone in 2020 who lacks Hillary Clintons other liabilities. Nor would it be difficult for that candidate to more actively court white voters in the Rust Belt literally, all he or she would have to do is actually campaign and advertise there. Barack Obama, himself, made this point on Monday. I won Iowa not because the demographics dictated that I would win Iowa, it was because I spent 87 days going to every small town, and fair, and fish fry, and VFW hall. And there were some counties where I might have lost, but maybe I lost by 20 points instead of 50 points, Obama told reporters at news conference. Therere some counties that maybe I won that people didnt expect because people had a chance to see you and listen to you and get a sense of who you stood for and who you were fighting for. Clintons neglect of these states was understandable. The polling told her and us that she didnt need to worry about them. But its odd to conclude, after her campaign deliberately chose to neglect those areas, that she never had a chance to win them, anyway, because her campaign was too anti-racist for this cruel world. Maybe this is correct. But we have no way to know that based on the information available to us. Beyond the difficulty of discerning the impact of Clintons strategic decisions on the behavior of white voters in the Midwest, exit polls suggest that Trump had less success in consolidating the GOP share of the white vote than he did in expanding the partys share of the economically desperate: Trump improved on Romneys share of the white vote by a single point, but outperformed Mitt among low-income voters by 16 percent. Trump's smallest gain by racial group was among whites https://t.co/YcXCrrRX68 pic.twitter.com/IbcyDnO5E0 Ed West (@edwest) November 9, 2016 Exit polls are flawed. This does not prove anything. But it certainly does not fortify the argument that Trumps racial appeal is irresistible to whites, and, thus, that sharper economic messaging cannot significantly expand Democrats share of the downscale white vote. Three decades ago, Bill Clinton tried to win white workers in the Midwest by getting tough on crime and welfare deadbeats. This year, Hillary Clinton tried to win them without even trying. There is a lot of space between these two strategies and a popular Democratic president between the two candidates. Frank Gaffney. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images The bad news on Donald Trumps transition team is that Mike Rogers, one of the better informed and respected members of the Republican security establishment, has been booted off. The worse news is that, according to the Weekly Standard and a source who contacted the New York Times, Rogers was thrown off because of concerns about his handling of the Benghazi investigation. (Rogers found that, contrary to a popular right-wing conspiracy theory, the Obama administration did not order its security forces to stand down.) So Rogerss willingness to follow evidence made him dangerous and unacceptable. The even worse news is that the person who was fired for not being crazy was replaced by somebody who is famous for being crazy. Frank Gaffney has taken Rogerss spot. Gaffney suffers from a variety of delusional beliefs concerning secret Islamic subversion of the government, a conspiracy that runs from such figures as Barack Obama (who Gaffney called Americas first Muslims president) to Chris Christie, who Gaffney has accused of misprision of treason. (Luckily Christie has also been sacked from the transition team, because otherwise it would have made for some awkward meetings.) Gaffney was banned from CPAC for being too crazy, which is like being thrown out of the Soprano family for lacking business ethics. It might be okay, or possibly even good, if the political and economic wing of Trumps administration melts down under its own incompetence. But the security jobs are necessary to protect lives, and the emerging cast in Trumps administration creates an unnervingly high potential for absolute catastrophe. Photo: Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump, who has publicly questioned the trustworthiness of Americas intelligence community, got another chance to be convinced Tuesday after receiving his first Presidents Daily Brief. This is the top-secret information about the biggest national-security concerns that President Obama gets everyday; as the next commander-in-chief, Trump is now privy to the daily briefing, too. Trump reportedly got the intelligence rundown this afternoon in Trump Tower in Manhattan. Vice-President-elect Mike Pence will also get his highly classified briefing Wednesday in Washington, D.C., reports CNN. Trump received two confidential briefings as a presidential candidate, but caused friction with the intelligence community by contradicting its conclusions about Russias role in the DNC and other hacks and deriding the nations military leaders over the Mosul strategy and for politicizing his briefings by claiming officials body language revealed they were unhappy with Obama. But Trump will now likely be getting these briefs daily through Inauguration Day and for the next four years. President George W. Bush granted this privilege to Obama during the presidential transition in 2008. At one intelligence briefing in Chicago, Obama reportedly quipped: Its good that there are bars on the windows here because if there werent, I might be jumping out. Photo: Astrid Riecken/Getty Images The Republican Party has waged a ceaseless war to destroy health-care reform since the debate began in Congress more than seven years ago. Before the bill passed, Republicans demanded it be scrapped so they could start over and craft a fresh bill that solved the problems in the system and didnt include any of the particular policies they found objectionable. After Obamacare passed, they demanded the same thing a full repeal and replacement with something better. Now they face catastrophic success: an election that has handed them the power to carry out their demands. Exactly what course of action they will follow is hard to say. Donald Trump, his advisers, and Republicans in Washington have floated an array of ideas and promises, many of which are mutually exclusive, and all of which face enormous obstacles. Because they have no good options, the choice they settle on, as ridiculous as it may sound, may be to delay their decision another two years. Trumps campaign rhetoric on health care was a slightly amped-up version of the standard Republican line. Obamacare was a catastrophe, and he would immediately destroy it and replace it with something terrific, which he frequently defined to mean health care that takes care of everybodys needs but at lower cost. The main trouble is that neither the standard-issue Republican promise of a better plan, nor the more grandiose Trumpian version, can actually be created. Health-care coverage is a relatively straightforward problem of resource allocation. Tens of millions of Americans cant pay for the health care they need, because they either have low incomes or expensive medical needs. There are many different ways to fill in the gap between what they need and what they can afford on their own. You can do it through straight taxes and spending. Or you can do it through regulation, forcing insurers to charge healthy customers more than they cost so they can charge the unhealthy ones less. Obamacare uses both of these methods. Republicans oppose both of them. The Republican approach involves endless rhetoric about choice, competition, markets, patient-centric care, and so on. But none of these concepts has the magic power to conjure resources out of thin air. So when Republicans design alternative plans, and they have sketched out quite a few, inevitably they just provide fewer resources. The most popular concepts among Republicans involve allowing insurers to charge less to young or healthy customers, and to require them to cover fewer essential benefits. Of course, you can save money for young and sick people by letting them buy skimpier plans. But that just shifts the cost of care onto the old and sick. This is why the Republican Party has failed to unify around a single alternative despite seven years of promises that they can produce a better plan. There are, of course, Republican plans, but the plural is key. The existence of many plans means no individual Republican can be held accountable for any single one. And the plans lack anything close to the specifics of the actual law signed by Obama. Republicans have a lot of concepts and frameworks, but not much in the way of numbers. Voters cant figure out what kind of insurance they would get or what it would cost them. Conservative health-care advisers all admit that the Republican alternative remains elusive. The Washington Examiners Philip Klein: Though there are many ideas for such an alternative, Republicans havent settled on a single one. Usually, they concede this problem in passing. These differences can be debated and resolved in the new Congress. But if repeal is successful, Republicans will be in a position to sort out those disagreements, insist Republican health-care advisers Tevi Troy and Lanhee Chen. Although repealing and replacing the ACA is closer than ever before, many important details will have to be worked out in the next few months, note another pair of conservative health-care advisers. If it were easy to resolve these wee details then it would have happened sometime over the last seven years. There is also a mechanical problem on Senate rules facing the would-be repeal-and-replacers. Republicans alone have the ability to wreck Obamacare quickly, but not necessarily to replace it. The reason is that the law writes rules that create health exchanges where people can buy insurance, and rules designed to ensure that insurers cant charge more to people with preexisting conditions or deny coverage for important treatments. Those rules were passed with a House majority plus 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a Republican filibuster. Repealing those rules would also require overcoming a filibuster. There are two ways Republicans can get around this barrier. One would be to abolish the filibuster by a majority vote, allowing them to pass any law they want with a majority, which they control. The trouble is that some Republicans like the filibuster and may be reluctant to eliminate it, at least not right away. Another tool Republicans have is a budget reconciliation bill. Thats a special category of legislation that can be used only for matters of taxes and spending. Republicans could use a reconciliation bill to eliminate the subsidies that make Obamacare work, but not the insurance protections (which are regulations, not taxes or spending.) So reconciliation would mean Obamacare is on the books, but starved of funding. Such a crippled, dysfunctional system would pose a humanitarian and economic catastrophe for which Republicans could be held responsible by voters. So how will Republicans handle it? One possibility is to compromise with Democrats. Republican staffers speaking to reporter Caitlin Owens said they would not use the repeal bill their party had sent to Obama endlessly for vetoes. (Were not going to use that package. Were not dumb, said one.) They described their approach as more massive reform and a rewrite of Obamacare. The plan they loosely describe would keep Obamacares structure, and change the law to make it friendlier to Republican priorities. They could strip out some of the essential benefits required by the law. They could allow insurers, who are now allowed to charge older customers no more than three times as much as they charge a young one, something more (like, say, five times as much). And they could change the subsidies in a more Republican-friendly way which generally means making them more generous to the affluent and stingier for the poor. This kind of compromise would impose a lot of hardship on vulnerable people. (A good summary of the impact of these changes can be found here it would hurt more people than it would help.) But it might attract some Democrats eager to sustain some kind of safety net for the health-care system. Republicans could satisfy the blood lust of their base by framing this as a repeal of the law and a replacement with a somewhat altered version. After he met with President Obama, Trump seemed to endorse a version of this strategy. Were going to do it simultaneously. Itll be just fine. Thats what I do. I do a good job, he said. Were not going to have like a two-day period and were not going to have a two-year period where theres nothing. It will be repealed and replaced. Itll be great health care for much less money. As is often the case, Trumps verbiage did not convey any clear and definable course of action. But to the extent meaning could be extracted, he was promising not to pass a quick repeal bill or to wreck the law completely. Yet such a course of action seems likely to enrage conservative activists, who could ignite a firestorm of protest against the sellout leadership capitulating to nefarious congressional Democrats. Indeed, much of the conservative movement has invested itself heavily into the notion that Obamacare is an act of singular evil that must be destroyed the very impulse that prevented Republicans from negotiating on the law in the first place. And so a second course of action seems more likely. Republicans would quickly vote, through a reconciliation bill, to dismantle the laws subsidies. They could do this in a massive reconciliation bill that also advanced other priorities, like a large upper-bracket tax cut, cuts in spending on anti-poverty programs, defunding agencies that regulate Wall Street, polluters, and so on. But the defunding of Obamacare would be delayed for two years, until after the 2018 midterm elections, to shield the GOP from the political impact. In the meantime, Trump could deliberately impair the laws functioning through administrative action, so that the exchanges lost customers rather than gained them. This plan would give Republicans two more years to design their alternative. By 2019, they would likely have eliminated the filibuster over some other dispute. If not, eliminating the law might give them leverage to try to force Democrats to participate in some kind of ultra-threadbare replacement plan. The leverage would be that, if they fail to support it, Obamacare would disappear without anything at all taking its place. When thinking through the Republican Partys incentives, the option that makes the most sense is the immediate repeal vote with a two-year delay before it takes effect. This plan would also jibe with an important and underappreciated aspect of the rights critique of Obamacare. Ive read hundreds, perhaps thousands, of conservative attacks on the law. Invariably, they refuse to contrast it with the actually existing health-care system it replaced, which was the cruelest and also the most expensive in the world. Instead they contrast it with an imagined Republican alternative. Repealing Obamacare, and thus cratering the health-care system, and then building an alternative much later would free Republicans from having to design a system, with actual specifics and real dollars, that compares favorably to Obamacare. It would merely have to be better than the rubble they themselves created. Kellyanne Conway endorsed holding a special session to repeal the law on Inauguration Day. A day-one vote would make it impossible, of course, to enact any replacement. Repeal-and-delay would allow Republicans to enjoy all the benefits of the stance they have maintained since the debate began. They would demonstrate their firm anti-Obamacare conviction, eliminating any protest on their right flank. They would avoid responsibility for the real-world impact of their vote, since they could continue promising something terrific, without any quantifiable trade-offs in its place. The most important dynamic of the health-care debate is that Republicans have no plan that can meet the publics minimal humanitarian health-care-access needs. Having control of government is not going to change that. Beat the press. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Major-party presidential candidates typically start planning for how they will staff their potential White Houses well before Election Day. This is because putting together a presidential administration is an enormous task, and the ten weeks between when the ballots are counted and the president is inaugurated are seen as insufficient for properly executing it. But Donald Trump refused to plan for his White House transition because he did not want to jinx himself. He also spent his campaign attacking or alienating vast swaths of the Republican intellectual class, which has left him with a motley team of advisers, composed of the most unscrupulous partisan hacks, far-right media personalities, genuine lunatics, and his own children. Many of these people are personally and ideologically at odds with each other. Few have experience with White House transitions. This has led to a series of shake-ups, resignations, delays, and miscommunications. On Tuesday night, the Huffington Post reported that transition officials had been informally asking Obama political appointees to recommend Republicans to take over their jobs. Meanwhile, foreign leaders struggled to discern how and when to contact the new president or his go-betweens. Amid widespread reports of such chaos, Donald Trump assured America that the process was proceeding as smoothly as an episode of The Apprentice. Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The New York Times was among the many papers to report on these events. And so, the president-elect woke Wednesday morning and decried the failing newspaper in a Twitter rant. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 I have recieved and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The Gray Lady isnt the only media institution Trump antagonized over the past 24 hours. On Tuesday night, the president-elect failed to alert his press pool before heading to dinner at the 21 Club in Manhattan. President-elects typically grant full access to this select gaggle of reporters, as a gesture toward transparency and the publics right to have an eye on its leader, and a historical record of his (or maybe, someday, her) activities. Trump had previously ditched the press pool during his historic trip to the White House to meet President Obama, when he refused to allow reporters to board his private plane. Trump has not held a press conference since mid-summer, let alone since his election. The mogul courted media attention aggressively for most of his presidential run, often giving multiple, lengthy press interviews in a day. But now that Trump has secured power, theres reason to think he may get more camera shy, as MSNBCs Chris Hayes argues. Good indicator right now of how this will go. Remember Trump, didn't do press conferences down the stretch. He'll use Twitter and friendly Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) November 16, 2016 outlets to go after the press constantly. The POTUS is at any given moment the most criticized person in the country. He won't like it. Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) November 16, 2016 But while the press, foreign leaders, and many members of vulnerable minority groups are feeling anxious about President Trump, the mogul remains a beloved tribune of the white nonworking class in the heartland of Manhattan. Those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked have been sacked. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images Theres an understandable temptation to compare any bit of drama within the Trump team to a reality show. On Tuesday night, the president-elect signaled that hes completely fine with that: Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 16, 2016 The idea that Donald Trump views potential members of his cabinet as akin to contest finalists is actually the least disturbing thing to emerge about the transition process. It was reported last week that the Trump team was unaware that they would have to replace nearly 3,800 political appointees currently working for the Obama administration. When you run on the message drain the swamp and wage war on Establishment Republicans, its hard to find qualified government employees to staff your administration. To make matters worse, after leading Trumps transition planning for months, on Friday Chris Christie was replaced by Vice-president-elect Mike Pence. By Tuesday, the situation had devolved into an absolute knife fight, one Trump insider told Politico. Amid rumors of bizarre potential cabinet picks like Rudy Giuliani for secretary of State former congressman Mike Rogers, the transitions senior national-security adviser, left the team on Monday. Rogers is a widely respected former House Intelligence Committee head, who many hoped could provide stability in the Trump administration. He was replaced by Frank Gaffney, who is famous for spewing Islamophobic conspiracy theories. Rogers was diplomatic in interviews on Tuesday. Is there a little confusion in New York? I think there is, he told CNN. I think this is growing pains. However, he appeared to confirm reports that people are being pushed out of the transition team owing to their ties to Christie. (Though Laura Ingraham suggested Rogers was ousted because his House committee produced a Benghazi report that angered the 13 Hours guys.) Sometimes in politics there are people who are in and people who are out. And the people who have been asked to move on have some relationship with Chris Christie, Rogers said. As Rogers noted, thats absolutely the campaigns prerogative and its not surprising that they would want to distance themselves from an official who could be facing legal issues. However, it doesnt appear that Bridgegate is what soured Christies relationship with Trump. NBC News reported that he was pushed out because he was seen as insufficiently loyal to Trump, failing to vigorously defend him after stumbles like the Access Hollywood video. Other outlets said Trumps son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, was getting back at Christie for sending his father to jail. Working as a federal prosecutor in 2004, Christie went after Kushners father for tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions. Another Christie source told CNN that reports of a purge were overblown, and the Trump team pushed back against the tales of chaos in Trump Tower. In the six days since the election our team has made significant progress and we are not going to rush these important decisions, Trump spokesman Jason Miller said. The Trump team did manage to make some progress on a paperwork issue. On Tuesday night, the Obama administration finally received a memorandum of understanding signed by Pence that will allow them to begin discussions on handing off control. Government officials have been preparing for the transition for months, and according to the Huffington Post, some on Trumps staff thought they may be able to help them out of this predicament: One Democratic source, who like others would only discuss sensitive talks on condition of anonymity, said transition officials had been informally asking Obama political appointees to recommend Republicans to take over their jobs. Others said the situation isnt quite that bad yet, but it still appears that the transition is far from an organized process, as Trump claims. The New York Times reports that some prominent American allies have no idea how to reach the president-elect, and resorted to blindly dialing in to Trump Tower to try to reach the soon-to-be-leader of the free world. What the scene looked like, were guessing. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/WireImage In what journalists fear may be a sign of things to come, Donald Trump ditched his press pool on Tuesday night, slipping out of Trump Tower to grab dinner with his family at the 21 Club. The move represents a significant break with protocol. While Trump did not break any law, it is customary for the president and president-elect to be accompanied by a press pool at all times, just in case something happens. How do you think we know that George W. Bush was reading The Pet Goat on 9/11? Protective pool is the reason @AnnCompton was with George W. Bush on 9/11, as his plane stayed in the air. This stuff matters. https://t.co/KWvuqBpACV Brad Mielke (@TheBradMielke) November 16, 2016 The Trump transition team told reporters that the president-elect would not be moving from Trump Tower for the rest of the evening. Less than two hours later, Trump and his family were seen driving away from the building in a motorcade. The press might never have found out where he went had it not been for a journalist who just happened to be eating at the 21 Club when he arrived, much to her surprise and reportedly to a standing ovation. Standing ovation and cheers at Keene's steakhouse for @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/zJsA1t00Sk Taylor Riggs (@RiggsReport) November 16, 2016 The press is not asking to go to steak dinner with Donald Trump. As with many presidents before a pool is in the motorcade, waits nearby. Tamara Keith (@tamarakeithNPR) November 16, 2016 The incident seems to be a misunderstanding, another example of Trump and his transition team underestimating or simply not being aware of the protocols and responsibilities of the presidency. Trumps spokesperson Hope Hicks released a statement about the incident, calling on the press to respect Trumps privacy when he is eating dinner with his family. So Trump ditched his press pool tonight to grab a steak dinner-- a terrible violation of protocol that his defenders will probably cheer Sam Stein (@samstein) November 16, 2016 Ppl including Donald Trump do not know what a "Protective Press Pool" is... Bakari Sellers (@Bakari_Sellers) November 16, 2016 The press responded by taking to Twitter to help clarify precisely what their role actually is. John F. Kennedy frequently snuck around w/out telling anyone. After Dallas, WH press insisted on a pool. It's called "the death watch" West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) November 16, 2016 It's tradition a protective pool travels everywhere to monitor movements in event something catastrophic takes place in country/to P(e)OTUS https://t.co/Rzs2teWywf Noah Gray (@NoahGrayCNN) November 16, 2016 It's tradition a protective pool travels everywhere to monitor movements in event something catastrophic takes place in country/to P(e)OTUS https://t.co/Rzs2teWywf Noah Gray (@NoahGrayCNN) November 16, 2016 It's not about press "having the privilege", it's a service to the American public, & some ppl who don't like press don't understand that https://t.co/Y6ZTbirxQU Noah Gray (@NoahGrayCNN) November 16, 2016 This is not the first time that Trump has ditched the press as president-elect. Hopefully the whole thing really was an innocent miscommunication and not an early sign of the soon-to-be Trump White Houses new relationship with the press. All the humiliation was worth it. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Heres another previously unfathomable rumor to emerge from the chaos that is the Trump transition team. After Senator Ted Cruz or Lyin Ted Cruz, as hes known to Trump supporters was spotted leaving Trump Tower on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that hes under consideration for attorney general. CNNs Jim Acosta said hes on the long short list. When asked for comment, Cruz spokeswoman Catherine Frazier downplayed the speculation. Cruz is focused on serving Texans in the Senate, she said. He was there today to offer help in promoting the conservative policies that were campaigned on and that hes long fought for. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham, who once joked about murdering Cruz on the Senate floor, suggested him for an even higher position: Supreme Court justice. I added a name to the list: Senator Cruz. I think hed get a lot of votes, Graham said. We get it, Senator Graham: You really hate your co-worker. Cant you just stare at your phone when you pass him in the hall, like everybody else? Kris Kobach. Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images There are a lot of policies that President Trump could enact on day one, but it did not seem like building his beautiful southern border wall was one of them. The U.S. already spent billions to merely fence off about a third of the border, and attempting to construct a concrete wall could cost as much as $25 billion. Even with Republicans in control, thats not something thats going to move through Congress swiftly. But according to one member of Trumps transition team whos rumored to be a top contender for attorney general his immigration advisers have already worked out how to start on the wall without any help from Congress. Kansas secretary of State Kris Kobach tells Reuters that he has been holding conference calls with about a dozen Trump immigration advisers for the past few months, and they believe the Homeland Security Department can reappropriate funds from its current budget to begin construction immediately. Congress would likely balk at this, and he acknowledged that future fiscal years will require additional appropriations. According to Kobach, the team has also been looking at how to implement Trumps vague plan for the extreme vetting of Muslims entering the country. One possibility: simply reinstate the post-9/11 registry of Muslims entering the country on visas from countries that pose a terror threat. Under the 2002 National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, which Kobach helped design, people from higher risk countries were interrogated and fingerprinted upon entering the country. The special registration program required some noncitizen males over the age of 16 to register in person and occasionally notify the government of their whereabouts. Following complaints that the program violated civil liberties and was discriminatory toward Muslims, the special registration program ended in 2003. It was clearly discriminatory because the nations listed were only Arab and Muslim nations, Abed Ayoub, the national legal and policy director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, told The Wall Street Journal. They just put in North Korea for good measure. The Obama administration ended the rest of the NSEER requirements in 2011, but it accomplished that by removing all the countries from the list. Technically, the regulation is still on the books. Presumably, this is just a small peek at the proposals Kobach is preparing for President Trump. Hes known for drafting extreme immigration laws, such as Arizonas show me your papers law, which was struck down by the Supreme Court. Hes also passionate about fighting voter fraud, though theres little evidence that it exists. He pushed for a 2013 Kansas law that required people to provide documents proving their citizenship in order to register to vote, which was also overturned by the courts. Kobach has taken credit for the idea that Mexico would pay for the wall, and he seems like a perfect fit for Trumps cabinet even when it comes to the controversy his nomination would generate. In 2015, he spoke before the Social Contract Press, which the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies as a white nationalist group, saying: Recent articles in its main product, The Social Contract, have propagated the myth that Latino activists want to occupy and reclaim the American Southwest, argued that no Muslim immigrants should be allowed into the U.S., and claimed that multiculturalists are trying to replace successful Euro-American culture with dysfunctional Third World cultures. Koback called the criticism outrageous, and defended the group, saying, According to the SPLC, if youre against illegal immigration, youre a racist. The president-elect and his fake university. Photo: Thos Robinson/Getty Images Trump University is the most potent metaphor for Donald Trumps presidential campaign. The enterprise was a dry run for the technique of using Trumps media image as a business genius to exploit economically vulnerable Americans for Trumps own personal profit. The formula first used at his pseudo-university an astonishingly cynical scheme to bilk desperate people was then used, with several dollops of racial resentment, to win a campaign. But while it has always been legal to defraud people out of their vote, it is not legal to defraud them out of their money. Trump University is the subject of legal action that has strangely receded from the news. Several months ago, Donald Trump requested that the fraud suit against him for Trump University be delayed until after the election, citing the duties of campaigning. Judge Gonzalo Curiel granted the request, and the trial is scheduled for the end of the month. Now Trump is requesting another delay, arguing that the transition will command all of his time, and the trial should be postponed until Trump has been sworn in. It is worth pondering not only how shameless this request is, but why Trump is making it. It is obvious that Trump will have even less time to spare as president than he does as president-elect (just as it was obvious he would have less time to spare as president-elect than he did as a candidate). So why does Trump want this delay? The most likely explanation is that, once elected, Trump will have a massive legislative and legal apparatus at his command. There is already a clear legal precedent that holds that a president is not immune to a civil suit for private conduct. The precedent came about as a result of the Paula Jones lawsuit, which Republicans eventually used to pry open revelations of Bill Clintons affair with Monica Lewinsky. But Congress could pass a law shielding presidents from lawsuits, thus wiping the slate clean on Trumps wide array of legal vulnerabilities. The Republican Congress would probably be happy to shield President Trump this way. Barack Obama probably wont sign a law like that, but President Trump quite certainly would, thus his transparently dishonest rationale for delaying the trial until his political allies can quash it. Eva Moskowitz. Photo: Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images Donald Trumps spokesperson Jason Miller has publicly floated the names of Michelle Rhee and Eva Moskowitz as potential secretaries of Education. Both Rhee and Moskowitz have carried out successful, if controversial, education reforms in large urban school districts. If Trump actually did allow them to influence his education policy, it would amount to a reversal of his stated policy. It would also, in all likelihood, devolve into a disaster for the cause of education reform. Primary education is one of the few remaining issues that does not break down along clear left-right lines. The Obama administration used the federal Department of Education to advance dramatic reforms, prodding states to adopt evidence-based measures of success and allow more charter schools to experiment. Teachers unions revolted, eventually joining with congressional Republicans to block funding for low-income schools in order to prevent the department from influencing local control. It is possible that the Trump administration would continue the de facto alliance it has cultivated with unions. Trump has denounced Common Core, a national set of standards that unions have increasingly attacked as well. At the same time, Trump has also called not only for more charter schools, but widespread use of private-school vouchers. Unlike charters, which are regulated by public entities and prohibited from selecting their students, vouchers allow private schools near-total autonomy without any mechanism that can shut down bad schools. Trump has also called for eliminating the federal Department of Education altogether. At a candidate forum last month, his surrogate Carl Paladino raged at minorities and incorrectly claimed that the Obama administration and its former Education secretary Arne Duncan were in the pocket of teachers unions. (In fact, unions have fought bitterly with Duncan and demanded his resignation.) On the other hand, given the not-very-deep level of Trumps thinking on the issue, it is also possible that he will reverse himself completely in office. Both Rhee and Moskowitz have strong credentials as urban-school reformers. But both have pursued education in the center-left mode, which emphasizes strong central oversight, accountability, and mechanisms to evaluate and close failing schools of the charter or neighborhood variety. Their ideas are the opposite of Trumps know-nothing approach. Could they influence his administration from within? Perhaps. But the partnership is far less likely to stamp the imprint of education reform on Trump than it is to stamp the imprint of Trump on education reform. The first problem is that serious education reform does not fit in with Trumps overall domestic policy. He and his congressional allies endorse a combination of enormous tax cuts and a military buildup that would impose extremely tight constraints on domestic policy. The Republican domestic budget would force huge cuts in education spending which is why Trumps previous and possibly still extant commitment to eliminate the department is the one that follows logically from his overall domestic program. The second problem is that education reform is waging a political battle largely among minority constituencies. Both Rhee and Moskowitz have yielded dramatic and even revolutionary improvements in education outcome for underprivileged urban children, establishing as proof of concept a model that can wipe out the achievement gap between students in high-poverty neighborhoods and affluent ones. It is one of the most promising achievements in American social reform in decades. Unions have fiercely and often viciously attacked their efforts, and despite the support of Barack Obama and his administration, frequently prevailed. (Voters in Massachusetts, whose urban charters are among the most successful in the country, defeated a referendum to allow more urban students to attend charters, with heavily minority neighborhoods voting no.) Associating the cause at the national level with Americas most famous racist would set it back irrevocably. And this is all ignoring the strong prospect that Trumps administration will dissolve into a shambolic nightmare that makes the Bush administration look competent and leaves all of its participants disgraced. It is important in general that competent people work for the Trump administration especially in national and domestic security, where failure could lead to a national tragedy, or even enable Trump to break down the rule of law. The champions of education reform would best serve their cause by steering clear. This is not the policy you are looking for. This is not the policy I am looking for. Photo: The Washington Post/Getty Images One of the more interesting subplots of Donald Trumps shocking election has been his relationship with President Obama. Usually, president-elects arrive in Washington surrounded by experienced political advisers who understand how the transition process works. Trump has eschewed this sort of guidance, and in fact doesnt appear to have much of a grasp on what the president of the United States actually does. Obama seems to recognize this: Since meeting with Trump for the first time last week, Obama has made it clear that he is hoping to take on a heavier mentorship role than he would have otherwise, explaining to Trump as many of the ins and outs of the office as possible. This has raised one hopeful, albeit somewhat far-fetched possibility: Maybe Obama can influence Trump for the better. After their first meeting, Trump did suddenly seem a bit less enthusiastic about repealing the Affordable Care Act (though this should be taken with a grain of salt given Trumps repeated proclamations on this subject, and given that the Republican Party has sought to repeal it for years). Obama, meanwhile, has been fairly restrained in his public statements about Trump, perhaps out of a desire to remain in a position to influence him. But how do you influence someone like Trump, someone who does not seem to respond to normal social rules and incentives? As many people have pointed out, he appears to be pretty far toward the right-hand side of the human narcissism bell curve. Trump is a man who has exhibited decades worth of selfishness, of grandiosity, of grudges against anyone who has questioned his greatness or challenged him. In short, he is not a good candidate for normal persuasive techniques. For some insights into how Obama could succeed in his goal a goal which could significantly impact how damaging Trumps presidency is for the country I reached out to the therapist and licensed clinical social worker Wendy Behary. Shes the author of Disarming the Narcissist: Surviving and Thriving With the Self-Absorbed and the founder and director of the Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and the New Jersey Institute for Schema Therapy. As the title of her book suggests, her main area of clinical focus is narcissism. Behary cautioned that without Trump undergoing a psychological examination, he cant be diagnosed with anything. But she agreed that he exhibits many signs of narcissism, and she said that as a result, Obamas attempts to influence him would be a bit complicated. Normally, Behary explained, her frontline approach in dealing with a patient with narcissism is to find certain areas of leverage she can use to help the patient realize how much their behavior is hurting them. Oftentimes, her patients arrive having gotten themselves into a crisis or three involving their relationship or their jobs or whatever else. So Behary might approach them with statements like, Youre about to lose your marriage, so we have to look at that as a problem in your personal life. This can lead to agreements with the patient about so-called limit-settings: Youre not going to lie to your wife, or to treat her in this particular, demeaning way. In the best cases, patients are fully onboard because they understand whats at stake if they dont participate actively in their therapy, if they dont try. The therapy serves as a wake-up call: As important and grandiose as they feel, their behavior is about to get them into some serious, potentially irreparable trouble. This doesnt always work, though. In severe cases, Behary said, her patients can be so narcissistic, so immune to normal incentives and cost-benefit evaluation, that she has to take a different approach. Its a strategy where you actually fill the narcissistic supply, Behary said. Whereas in most instances Behary would see this as counterproductive and potentially dangerous the whole point of her style of therapy is to bring her patients back down to earth, to help them to realize their actions have consequences because they arent in fact subject to a different set of rules than the rest of humanity she said that in certain extreme instances its pretty much the only option. Its what I sometimes refer to as when all else fails, she said, and its particularly relevant in dealing with high-profile, tyrannical types of narcissists. If someone has spent years and years tormenting everyone around them, never being held accountable, standard approaches just might not work. Turning to Trump and Obamas attempts to influence him, Behary said, You presume to know the person and you give them more benefit than Obama might think he deserves. But he can use statements like and I can barely say this because it makes me gag Of course youre a smart man, and Im sure youre going to do the right things. Or, It might be statements like, Clearly you would have thought this yourself, but Certainly, you have so many people who are behind you and so its quite clear that you wouldnt want to take a risk of alienating all those people who are counting on you, so therefore Im sure youre going to do X. In effect, Obama would no longer be making arguments driven by policy rationales or by logic, but rather tying all of his arguments about what Trump should do directly to the president-elects overblown sense of himself: That is, Youre this big, strong, powerful man lets help you stay that way. The goal, Behary said, is building both an attractive portrayal of the narcissistic individual, but also setting up potentially meaningful consequences, or garnering more leverage to prevent them from acting in irrational, impulsive, or self-defeating ways or defeating everyone else. Behary said that despite her qualms about coddling extreme narcissists senses of grandiosity, in tough cases she still sees it as the best option. When Ive run out of leverage then I try doing what I can its still in their best interest, because eventually theyll crash and burn, eventually theyll be alienated, eventually when their power, prestige, and position are worn out, they end up being pretty lonely people at the end of the day, she said. So I still see it in some ways from being a strategy that serves to help them. That said, this approach is more of a Band-Aid than a cure. It doesnt really meet their core needs at the end of the day, Behary said, but Obamas not Trumps therapist, and I cant imagine he has a therapist Obama has no leverage. Behary also said that even if Obama is successful in manipulating Trump, its unlikely to last. There might be some short-term improvement, but over time, such an approach usually doesnt last, because deep within the emotional core lies their true personality, that under certain conditions is going to flare up again like inflammation, like a disease and theyre back to square one. I wish I could say I feel hopeful about enduring change in the long run. In addition to offering some hypothetical pointers to Obama, Behary also offered some thoughts on what we should expect from a Trump presidency based on how narcissists operate. They were dark. One potentially underappreciated threat for these next four years, it turns out, might be boredom on the part of the chief executive. There isnt really anybody in the world who thinks Trump will enjoy the day-to-day drudgery of being president the meetings, the fat briefing books, the endless diplomatic visits. During the campaign, Robert Draper of the New York Times even reported that, according to a John Kasich adviser, Trumps eldest son had indicated that his fathers vice-president would be in charge of domestic and foreign policy, making him the most powerful veep in history. The Trump camp denied this, but its still reasonable to think Trump, in light of what we know about who he is and his lack of interest in policy, is going to do a lot more delegation than past presidents, especially on the many, many boring tasks inherent to the job. I think hell recede into the background and delegate as long as the people who are doing his job are doing it well enough so he can take the credit, said Behary. Then he can step out like the king and wave to the crowd. But this wont always be possible. Im more concerned that when narcissists step away from the adulation, the spotlight, the praise, the applause, they get bored, she continued. And then they have to find other ways to cook up a stimulating event or something that becomes interesting, stimulating, controversial, competitive, self-soothing. Thats whats of greater concern hows he going to deal with the routine of day-to-day life, which becomes very demanding and not necessarily so stimulating every day of the week, and not necessarily filled with crowd applause? One immediate practical concern, Behary said, involves security. Ive often wondered how is he going to stay inside his Secret Service detail? she said. They dont follow orders. Narcissistic people dont take orders, they dont follow orders they may do it if its serving them and its convenient for them, but not when it feels uncomfortable. Theyre not good with frustration. They dont believe they should be able to follow the same rules as everyone else. Theres a lot of wonder and worry on my part and my colleagues who specialize in this area on how will he follow the detail of the Secret Service and stay within the boundaries? As if on cue, shortly after I spoke with Behary, news broke that Trump had snuck out for a steak with his family without a member of his press pool a potentially serious breach of protocol. Overall, said Behary, she expected that Trumps behavior will depend greatly both on how bored he is and how beloved he feels at a given moment. If his favor goes up, its all good, she said. I still wonder what hes going to do with the ants in his pants about needing a new shiny toy, because this type of person cant stay still and follow monotonized routines, and so I cant imagine whats he going to do without his celebrity-ship? Thats the part thats really going to be interesting to follow. Will he have to create chaos and create situations and conditions so that he has to step forward? I dont know. I just cant imagine him staying still for that long. Photo: Eirin Takeuch /EyeEm/Getty Images There is good in this world yet: Neuroscientists from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands report that a locked in woman is now able to communicate, albeit slowly, using newly developed technology a brain implant she controls with her thoughts. Its not the first time such a device has been used for a patient with paralysis, but it is the first time something like this has been made available for use at home, without the need for doctors and engineers to recalibrate the device, reports New Scientist. She can even use it outside. The term locked in means paralysis at its extreme, used to describe patients who have lost the ability to move their bodies, but whose minds are still intact. They are, in a very real sense, locked inside themselves. This woman who is 58 and wishes to stay anonymous except for her initials, HB was diagnosed in 2008 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease, and as it progresses, it destroys patients ability to control voluntary muscle movement. Eventually, muscle function may weaken in the chest and diaphragm, and many patients must use a ventilator to breathe. HB is not fully locked in, but shes close, requiring the use of a ventilator. She had previously been communicating using an eye-tracking device, a computer screen interface she used to spell out words by landing her gaze on a letter, one at a time. But this method may not have worked forever; one in three ALS patients lose muscle control in their eyes, too. And so last year, she volunteered to work with the researchers at the University of Utrecht, including Nick Ramsey, who revealed his teams findings in a presentation at the annual Society for Neuroscience meeting, which is being held this week in San Diego. Heres more on how the implant works: [The] device uses electrodes placed on the surface of the brain, just underneath the skull. When brain activity is recorded by the electrode, a signal is fed through a wire to a small device, which can be implanted under the skin of the chest, like a pacemaker. This device then wirelessly sends a signal to an external computer tablet, which can transform it into a simple click. One of those electrodes is placed over the region of the brain associated with movement of the right hand. And so HB controls the device with her thoughts, imagining moving her right hand to click the screen; its kind of like the progress other scientists have made with thought-controlled robotic arms, only without the robotic arm. It took some practice to get the hang of it, but within six months she had progressed from games of Pong and whack-a-mole to spelling words and forming sentences. Its slow going it takes her 20 seconds to click a single letter but shes gotten faster; at first it took 50 seconds to select each letter. Her dream: that she might one day be able to use it to control her wheelchair. Photo-Illustration: Getty Images, WIkileaks Theres something odd going on at WikiLeaks, the website set up by Julian Assange in 2006 as a place for anyone to publish secret information. Speculation about the legitimacy of the site, which became a factor in the 2016 election thanks to massive dumps of key Democratic Party operators emails, has been rampant in online communities like Reddit and 8chan for the past 24 hours and WikiLeaks itself has remained silent about the problem. A simplified version of whats going on: WikiLeaks keeps insurance files for many of its major data dumps. These files are key bits of (what the site claims is) damaging info thats encrypted rather than published, made available for public download, and updated each month. You can download the insurance file (currently over 90 GB of data) from a torrent site like the Pirate Bay, but without the password its gibberish. The long-held belief has been that should something happen to WikiLeaks or Julian Assange, the password to WikiLeaks insurance files would be released into the wild, and all of the information within them shortly after. This effectively works as a dead mans switch if something bad happens to WikiLeaks, the threat goes, something much worse will happen to the organizations that are most likely to have compromised it. The reason both Reddit and 8chan are freaking out: WikiLeaks does something to confirm to the public that the insurance files theyre uploading to torrent sites are authentic, releasing whats known as hashes before the files are uploaded. This is a long string of numbers and letters anyone can get the encrypted files to spit out, even if they cant read the files. Check the hash generated from the latest insurance file against what WikiLeaks has published, and you know youve got the exact same file as the one WikiLeaks intended to release. If any part of the data is different, a different hash will be produced when you analyze the file. And now the hashes for several key WikiLeaks insurance files are different from those WikiLeaks published via its Twitter account. This, for example, is the hash WikiLeaks published on October 16 for an insurance file about Ecuador, the country thats currently giving Assange asylum in its London embassy and also recently restricted his internet access: pre-commitment 2: Ecuador eae5c9b064ed649ba468f0800abf8b56ae5cfe355b93b1ce90a1b92a48a9ab72 WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016 But the same insurance file within the latest insurance-file release (2016-11-07_WL-Insurance_EC.aes256 for anyone who wants to grab the torrent and check for themselves) produces a different hash: b231ccef70338a857e48984f0fd73ea920eff70ab6b593548b0adcbd1423b995 So whats happening here? It could be that someone at WikiLeaks made a mistake. But for many following along on message boards, this all points toward WikiLeaks being compromised. From 8chan and Reddit threads, theories range from someone uploading fake-out insurance files in order to conduct psyops and discredit WikiLeaks to full-out proof that Julian Assange is dead (perhaps assassinated by the so-called prosecutors currently questioning him about rape charges in Sweden) and that the keys for the insurance files are actually floating around the web, just waiting for the right cybersleuths to put them together. Why would WikiLeaks have an Easter-egg hunt for something that seems to be designed to protect Assange and WikiLeaks? Who knows! Welcome to WikiLeaks land. Theres no doubt that something odd is happening at WikiLeaks. Their Twitter presence has grown more erratic over the past year. As mentioned, Ecuador cut off Assanges access to the internet; WikiLeaks claims it was at the behest of John Kerry and the U.S. government, while Ecuador says otherwise. The last person to write about seeing Assange was, uh, Pamela Anderson? Theres also the fact that while Julian Assange hasnt been seen in the public eye as much, his cat has been, dressed up in a collar and tie. I'm not even kidding. Assange's cat is now wearing a collar and tie. pic.twitter.com/ZdaMeRS3aW NickdMiller (@NickdMiller) November 14, 2016 So what to make of the mismatched hashes? Its impossible to tell. Theres been no word from WikiLeaks about them. And in the murky world of message boards and filter bubbles and conspiracy theories, this is enough to start up another cycle of speculation which will likely spin on even if WikiLeaks or Assange himself later provides an explanation for what happened. Update: WikiLeaks has tweeted this in response: NOTE: When we release pre-commitment hashes they are for decrypted files (obviously). Mr. Assange appreciates the concern. WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) November 16, 2016 In other words, WikiLeaks is saying the only hashes that WikiLeaks would put out in the public would be for non-insurance files, thus the non-matching hashes arent relevant. Reddit users, however, remain skeptical. Women protest outside Trump Tower in New York. Photo: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images Before Susannah Wellford helped to found Running Start an organization that aims to get young women and girls interested in politics she ran a political action committee called Women Under Forty PAC. It, too, was designed to support female candidates of any ideology, but during the five years she ran the PAC, Wellford saw little change in the numbers in Washington. There was a factor we couldnt control, she said. There were just not enough female candidates running for office. The United States has an abysmal record on women in politics. As of last spring, just 20 percent of national-level seats were held by women, and the local numbers are just as bad. And although that number rose slightly this election cycle, were nowhere close to the 50/50 ratio of nations like, say, Iceland. Whats more, it doesnt seem like the voters are the issue research has found that women are just as likely as men to win elections, and voters decide based on a candidates party, not their gender. Of course, as the New York Times Claire Cain Miller points out, its hard to establish whether theres a gender penalty for women candidates because voters lie in polls to avoid looking sexist. But if we take those findings at face value, voters arent preventing women from running for office. A number of other things do keep women out of government, Wellford said, including fear of public scrutiny, lack of funding, and concerns that a career in politics will prevent them from having children. But what strikes her the most, and what she hears over and over again, is that women simply dont think theyd be good politicians. It will take nothing short of fundamental societal change to break down that barrier. And despite the results of the presidential election, Running Start and other organizations like it are working toward that goal one woman at a time. To initiate change, it helps to start from the bottom. We like to draw attention to the fact that there are over 500,000 elected offices in our country, said Erin Loos Cutraro, the co-founder and CEO of She Should Run. In no way would I discourage a woman from running for federal office right out of the gate, but we also need to acknowledge the difference our voices can make in our local communities, in our cities, in our states. Both she, Wellford, and Stephanie Schriock (the president of Emilys List) said they focus heavily on encouraging women to run in the first place something thats all too rare. For example, Running Start holds leadership summits for high school and college-age women that present a career in politics as a real possibility. Theyre introduced to women who have run for office before, and theyre able to ask questions and voice concerns. Emilys List make[s] it clear that [women] will have an army of support from Emilys List when they do [run], Schriock said. She Should Run operates under similar principles, but most of their efforts take place online; once a woman is nominated through their Ask a Woman to Run for Office form, shes given access to a digital incubator and invited to join an online community of women who are thinking about running for office. The very act of planting a seed with a woman or girl whos a leader and who wants to carry forward issues she cares deeply about, and encouraging her to see elected office as a place where she can make a difference is incredibly important, Cutraro said. She added that She Should Runs incubator also addresses the sexism women might face when running for office, which for most women is a serious concern. The conventional wisdom, she said, was that female candidates shouldnt draw attention to the sexism they face God forbid someone perceive you to be a feminist! but when She Should Run partnered with the Womens Media Center to study the issue, they found that confronting it head-on appealed to voters. When they hear you say, I dont think youd ask that of my male opponent; lets get back to the issues, they see youll stand up for yourself, and they believe youll stand up for them, she explained. But it takes time to change cultural perception. And unlike the better-known Emilys List, which has been around since 1985, She Should Run and Running Start havent been around very long. The first was founded in 2008, and the second just a year prior. Were still struggling with what it looks like to have a woman in power, Wellford said. Theres still a lot of work to be done to get people to look at young women and see them as people who could be in power. Cutraro agreed but also pointed to the lack of initiatives to achieve parity in politics. I think we have not reached a point in time yet where we want to prioritize that conversation, she said. Interestingly, both Cutraro and Wellford said interest in their organizations has skyrocketed since Hillary Clinton lost the election to Donald Trump. Cutraro said that in the 24 hours after the election, She Should Run received more than 1,000 nominations. We have nothing to compare it to, frankly, she said. Never in 24 hours have we seen this kind of response. Wellford, meanwhile, said theyve received 600 new donations and hundreds of emails and messages on social media. My prediction was that by the weekend it was going to be over, she said of the wave of responses. But if anything its picking up. Whether or not the wave of interest persists will depend, she said, on Donald Trump. If he cripples womens health care, overturns Roe v. Wade, and assembles a cabinet of solely white men, the backlash will continue. I hope thats not the case, Wellford said. But it serves as an extreme wake-up call. Cutraro hopes that wake-up call will echo throughout the country, particularly when it comes to young girls. My hope is that even if [parity] isnt the priority of any particular administration that it becomes the priority of our country, she said. Because we owe it to our daughters to make it so. Hundreds of students in Washington, D.C. protested President-elect Donald Trumps divisive rhetoric on Tuesday. Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images For all the talk about teenage apathy thats at the heart of one too many a think piece, heres a nice antidote: Around 2,000 middle and high-school students in Washington, D.C. walked out of classes on Tuesday in protest of the presidential-election results and the resulting cultural divide. While many were specifically protesting President-elect Donald Trump, the overwhelming majority of students walked the streets in a sign of solidarity. Their goal, according to the Washington Post, was to show that they remain united against the divisive rhetoric Trump spewed during the campaign. Photos show the numerous handmade signs students held during the protest and give some insight into the progressive and inclusive dynamics at work, especially regarding reproductive rights. Teenage girls and boys chanted in support of a womans right to choose. Girls chanted, My body! My choice! while boys responded with, Her body! Her choice! There were also plenty of teenage girls who reclaimed Trumps nasty woman remark during the final debate. Per the Post: Teenage girls wore shirts that said Nasty Woman and other, more explicit shirts, such as one that read: Py grabs back, a reference to an incendiary remark Trump made in a leaked 2005 recording during which he made vulgar comments about pursuing women. In student walkout, girls chanting: "My body! My choice!" And boys responding: "Her body! Her choice!" #dcpswalkout pic.twitter.com/tkhYT1tcYe Harry Zahn (@harry_zahn) November 15, 2016 Following other anti-Trump protests and unity walks around the nation, Wilson High School students organized the protest and were joined by at least five other schools in the area, according to the Post. While the students certainly couldnt vote during the election, their goal was to show the unity students feel among girls, boys, the LGBTQ community, and other minority groups. We are a diverse school and accepting environment, and we feel the Trump administration is going to try and divide us, Pearl Strand, a 17-year-old Wilson senior, told the Post. We are protesting to show we are united. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering: The student organizers did their homework, too. They let police know ahead of time about the walkout and were escorted by them as they made their way to Trump International Hotel. Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and their children. Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/ivankatrump One of the great insults of losing Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton as icons for empowered, working women is that Trump World seems to believe it has a valid replacement in the form of Ivanka Trump, a self-described American wife, mother & entrepreneur. Her hallmark issue is supporting women who work. (Her father explained that, when it came to the case of maternity leave, Ivanka said, Daddy, daddy, you have to do this, like it was a pony or a canopy bed.) Ivanka aggressively promotes herself as the dynamic, hardworking mother of three children: Her Instagram offers photographs of herself dressed in endless iterations of banal career-Barbie attire: very high heels, very fitted dresses, belted coats. She is often striding across Park Avenue to hail a cab, or cutting ribbons at the opening of Trump properties. She is often photographed with her children, too, in her tastefully decorated apartment where everything is cream, or white, where the floors are spotless and the children are beautifully dressed in expensive, well-ironed neutrals. That the walls are not made of dark veiny marble, that the accents are not glaring and golden, seems exactly the sort of surface-level distinction she has sought to make between herself and her father, as if enough shades of cream can absolve her and her poreless brood of everything the father and his gilt and self-tanner stand for. There are so many adjectives available to describe Ivanka Trump, and clean is near the top of the list. Has any family ever been so clean? She is so determined that it be so. Let me speculate, as another woman who works and also has children of a similar age, that Trump is not looking after all those neutral textiles, nor is she caring for those children all by herself. I sure dont do all of these things myself, and neither do the many New York City career women I know. There was a great moment at the Time 100 gala in 2011 when Amy Poehler thanked the nannies who help her care for her children her career certainly would not be possible without them any more than it would be without the agents and publicists who are more routinely, publicly acknowledged. So perhaps its time for Ivanka to do the same. Nowhere included in her #womenwhowork are the women who must work very hard to keep it all so clean, to keep it all running smoothly behind the gold-plated doors of Trump Tower, to help Ivanka portray this spotless ideal she is so determined to protect. Trumps #womenwhowork all look a lot like she does. They work at jobs where its acceptable to dress as you would for rush night at a southern sorority: in dry-clean-only soft colors and painfully tall shoes. Why are the other women who make this idea of work possible, who are so integral to the equation, kept invisible? Is it because once a member of #teamIvanka is done strolling a few blocks with a toddler in blue-velvet stiletto heels, someone in less photogenic shoes is required to finish the job? When Trump eats spaghetti Lady and the Tramp style with her son, she is wearing a taupe-colored sweater, he is in white. There is, at his side, a pressed and folded cloth napkin. Im willing to guess that neither Ivanka Trump nor Jared Kushner laundered that napkin, laid that table, or cleaned up the inevitable toddler-with-spaghetti mess. Are the women kept out of sight because that type of work is not best performed in slim-fitting, one-shouldered sheaths? Because they have little use for knockoff versions of designer shoes, therefore they are off-brand for #teamIvanka? Ivanka Trump cries foul at attempts to politicize her brand, but she has made herself an overtly political figure since the moment she waited to introduce the father at the bottom of that dread escalator. She is, it must be pointed out, delighted to cash in you could click to buy the clothing she wore at her major campaign appearances, the bangle she wore on 60 Minutes warranted a press release when the co-mingling works in her favor. In honor of Ivankas hashtag, we invite you to tweet out pictures of these other women who work. Use her hashtag and fill it with the people who make lives like Ivankas possible. Because these women, too, work. WOMEN: New Portraits opens in New York this Friday. Photo: Casey Kelbaugh In 1999, photographer Annie Leibovitz released her photography series Women. Upon the projects release, Leibovitzs then-collaborator Susan Sontag called it a work in progress. Now, 15 years later, Leibovitz and Gloria Steinem are continuing that work in the roving UBS-commissioned exhibit WOMEN: New Portraits, which opens in New York this Friday. With Steinems help, Leibovitz added portraits of women like Andrea Medina, a human-rights lawyer who defends murdered and missing women in Mexico City, next to photographs of Patti Smith, Caitlyn Jenner, and Venus and Serena Williams. This exhibit captures what its like to be a human being and therefore it shatters gender, because its so diverse, Steinem told the Cut at the exhibits press preview. It helps us realize that gender is artificial. Leibovitz recalled choosing successful women to photograph for this collection: I had made a small list thinking of women who were in our collective conscious, and then I went to Gloria and asked her for a list, she said. Id like to frame that list because it goes on and on and on I mean, it was the longest list. The exhibit includes a portrait of Hillary Clinton when she was Secretary of State, shown in this series of installations for the first time. Leibovitz said she felt it was important to include it now, particularly because of a tile that rests on Clintons desk in the photograph and reads, Never, never, never give up. The New York exhibit is housed in the gymnasium of a former womens prison, Bayview Correctional Facility, on the West Side of Manhattan (the same architect designed the Empire State Building). After Leibovitzs exhibit closes this December, the NoVo Foundation and the Lela Goren Group will transform the space into the Womens Building. It will open in 2020 as a hub for womens groups and services. Click ahead to preview the exhibit. WOMEN: New Portraits is on view from November 18 to December 11 at the former Bayview Correctional Facility, located at 550 West 20 St. Photo: Casey Kelbaugh/Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh/Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh Photo: Casey Kelbaugh/Casey Kelbaugh Gloria Steinem, Annie Leibovitz, Paula Polito (group managing director for UBS), Marsha Askins (managing director and chief communications officer for UBS), and Johan Jervoe (chief marketing officer for UBS) at WOMEN: New Portraits, commissioned by UBS and housed in the former Bayview Correctional Facility. Lauren Bullen. Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/gypsea_lust Lauren Bullen, best known as Gypsea Lust, is a 23-year-old travel blogger and photographer from Australia who permanently travels the world with her partner. Her Instagram feed is a deliberately styled escapist fantasy designed to evoke envy from the outfits to the far-flung scenery to the handsome boyfriend that boasts over 700,000 followers. Most notably, what she does is so unaffordable and inaccessible that few can ever hope to achieve the same lifestyle but, Bullen says, one woman is dead set on traveling to the same places and taking the exact same photos. In a post titled Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Bullen accuses someone named Diana Alexa of aggressively ripping off her photos. Diana only has about 3,600 Instagram followers and has since deleted all her posts and made her account private but Bullen provided side-by-side screengrabs of several of the most egregious copies. It quickly becomes apparent that this is the Single White Female remake for the Instagram era. Not only are the outfits similar, but Diana has also taken the time and spent the money required fly all over the world from the Greek islands to the Sahara Desert to troll her more famous counterpart, which is some real dedication to her cause, whatever that cause may be. Here are a few examples: Bullen wrote that she and Diana had been in contact, explaining, I believe her word, she is NOT a stalker and this labelling needs to stop, so does the hate messages. Bullen also claimed that she did not create this story as a publicity stunt and said that Diana was copying and stealing someones art to a ridiculously creepy level. Hmmmm. On second thought, there are no losers in this fight either, since everyone involved is a rich, beautiful travel Instagrammer. Steve Bannon, Donald Trumps newly appointed White House chief strategist, has been accused by his ex-wife of anti-Semitic remarks. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images In trying to figure out who Donald Trumps new White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is, journalists, activists, and others are looking primarily at two sources: Breitbart News, the far-right publication Bannon ran before decamping for the Trump campaign in August, and statements Bannon himself has made over the years. In light of what theyve found, the Bannon appointment has been decried by a variety of rights groups and liberal politicians, from Harry Reid to the Anti-Defamation League. Just about all of the statements that have been issued accuse Bannon of promoting white nationalism or anti-Semitism on Breitbart, and some accuse Bannon himself of being a white nationalist or an anti-Semite (the Huffington Post explicitly referred to Bannon as an anti-Semite in its headline on the controversy). Theres little question that Breitbart has regularly published materials designed to stoke fears about African-Americans, Latinos, Muslims, and other groups, and to explicitly normalize white-nationalist and white-supremacist beliefs, and that it has at the very least tiptoed right up to the line of anti-Semitism (the Forward has a good rundown on the question of whether Breitbart is an anti-Semitic outlet theres certainly a strong case to be made, but the argument is a bit less straightforward). And Bannon himself has said no shortage of outrageous things, including, in one radio interview dug up by BuzzFeed, suggesting that progressives dislike conservative women because they arent a bunch of dykes that came from the Seven Sisters schools up in New England. The claim that Bannon is personally an anti-Semite, though, is one of the most potentially explosive criticisms of him circulating at the moment. It comes primarily from sworn testimony his ex-wife, Mary Louise Piccard, gave in 2007, during a contentious divorce battle over child custody the same testimony in which she accused Bannon of domestic battery and of attempting to intimidate her into not cooperating with the subsequent investigation, which was eventually dropped (there was, in fact, a police report indicating a domestic-violence incident that was obtained by Politico). NBC News reported in August: The court declaration from the ex-wife outlined three separate anti-Semitic remarks that Bannon allegedly made as she toured some of the most elite private schools in the Los Angeles area for their daughters. At one, Westland School, Bannons ex-wife said he asked the director why there were so many Chanukah books in the library. Then after the couple toured Willows Community School, she said he asked me if it bothered me that the school used to be in a Temple. I said no and asked why he asked he did not respond. Regarding another academy, The Archer School for Girls, the ex-wife claimed Bannon went on to say the biggest problem he had with Archer is the number of Jews that attend. He said that he doesnt like Jews and that he doesnt like the way they raise their kids to be whiney brats and that he didnt want the girls going to school with Jews. On the one hand, this story was told in a sworn declaration. On the other, it did come from a custody battle, in a context in which each party had an incentive to make the other look as bad as possible. And in a statement he sent to NBC News via a spokesperson, Bannon denied having made anti-Semitic remarks. But in a phone conversation yesterday, the former director of Westland School confirmed the Hanukkah-book exchange took place. That director, who asked that her name not be used and who is herself Jewish, said she couldnt remember the precise details of the conversation, but she did remember that during the meeting, which included only the director, Bannon, and Piccard (she said the admissions process first involved a meeting with parents, with kids only visiting the school later on), Bannon asked a question along the lines of Why did we have so many books about Hanukkah? The director didnt interpret the question as anti-Semitic. I think the context was different from what Ive read in the papers, she said. The school doesnt celebrate holidays we celebrate all holidays and no holidays, so we dont have costumes at Halloween, but when a holiday comes up, we talk about it, and there are books in classrooms, and they put them away for the next holiday. So I thought he was referring to, How come you say you dont celebrate holidays? There were all these books about Hanukkah. So from Piccards point of view, then, the Hannukah question was a signal of Bannons anti-Semitism, of his desire to not have his daughters in too Jewish a school environment. From the directors point of view, it was an anodyne question about whether and to what extent the school was truly secular. The directors recollection doesnt conclusively prove Bannon made anti-Semitic statements, of course. But it does show that the most immediately checkable part of this episode checks out: According to the only other person who was present, Bannon did, in fact, ask why there were so many Hannukah books at a potential school for his daughters. This means that Piccard, who didnt return a message left yesterday at what a public-records search indicated was her number, was truthful about that. Whether you believe Bannon holds anti-Semitic views depends on whether you believe Piccard was similarly honest in the rest of her testimony as well. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images These days, it seems like every few months the head of a major bank is being dragged in front of Congress to be castigated for another breach of ethics. Earlier this year it was Wells Fargos former CEO John Stumpf, stone-faced as Senator Elizabeth Warren called him gutless and demanded he be criminally investigated. Of course, we all know the chances of a criminal investigation ever leading to a conviction. Getting over on the little guy is just what big banks do. But when the anger and hopelessness start to rise, it helps to think of Sherry Hunt, the 55-year-old vice-president turned whistle-blower who took on the largest bank in the world and won. Hunt wasnt your typical finance type. Married at 16, she never went to college, and after getting her first job processing home loans for a small bank in Alaska, she quietly worked her way up the corporate latter. On her days off she went fishing or riding on her horse, Cody. In 2004, at the height of the housing boom, Hunt started a new job as quality-control manager at CitiMortgage. From her office in OFallon, Missouri, it was up to her to inspect the loans Citi planned on buying or underwriting, making sure they were good investments, and to protect the company. Sherry Hunt, 2012. Banks then were in something of a home-loan frenzy. Thanks to the ease of borrowing, home ownership in America reached an all-time high of 69.2 percent the year Hunt began her job. And Citi was right there in the thick of it, making 3.5 percent of all the home loans in the United States, taking in money hand over fist. Even with the 65 mortgage inspectors working under her, it was impossible to check every loan every time. Over the next two years, Hunt noticed the banks standards slip. It was underwriting loans with sloppy paperwork or missing signatures, and extending loans to people who would never be able to pay them off. When the dust settled in 2012, investigators would claim that more than 30 percent of the Department of Housing and Urban Developmentinsured loans that CitiMorgage underwrote or sold since 2004 9,636 of them would default, costing nearly $200 million in insurance claims. But at the time, Hunt remained dutiful: For each problematic loan that crossed her desk, she followed protocol, put it in her report, and sent it upstairs. For the next three years, she just tried to do the best she could. By 2007, Hunt guesses that a full 60 percent of the loans Citi was processing were at least missing some type of documentation. Still, her superiors didnt seem concerned. Her direct boss, Richard Bowen, did take the mounting deficient home loans seriously. He even sent an email to his superiors with the subject line URGENT READ IMMEDIATELY FINANCIAL ISSUES. For his troubles, Bowen was gradually stripped of his responsibilities and fired in 2009. When the bubble did finally burst, the executives at Citi feigned surprise like everyone else and even after the crisis crested and rolled back, they still claimed to have never seen it coming. The Citi walls. Photo: Mark Kauzlarich/Bloomberg via Getty Images This is when things became intolerable for Hunt. After a meeting, Hunt claims one of her bosses took her aside. They had noticed the reports on poor loans, but instead of thanking Hunt for her vigilance they told her to cut down on the defective loans in her reports or lose her job. Heres how a case study used at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management describes the scene: On March 22, 2011, Sherry Hunt, vice president and chief underwriter at CitiMortgage, raced down the endless rows of cubicles until she reached her office and closed the door behind her. Her hands were shaking, her heart pounding. Moments before, Jeffery Polkinghorne an executive three levels above her had requested an impromptu meeting with Hunt and her colleague in a conference room. His face had reddened as he raised his voice and pointed at her. If the mortgage defect rate reported by Hunt and her quality control unit did not fall substantially and immediately, he said, menacingly, Its your asses on the line. The message, Hunt says, was clear: Change the reports to make things look better than they were. I wouldnt play along she said. I was ready to give up my career and my life savings to get this done. For doing her job, her bosses at Citigroup started making Hunts life as miserable as they could. It ended up being a war every day, she remembered years later. They didnt like me very much. If they couldnt get Hunt to do the job they wanted to obscure the truth they decided not to give her a job to do at all. They didnt fire her, didnt even change her pay or title, but they moved her desk as far away from her colleagues as possible literally put me in a corner, she says and took away her team. Those 65 people reporting to her quickly dwindled to just two. Wells Fargos John Stumpf gets a scolding. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Her bosses pretended that the reports, the shoddy loans that inspired them, and increasingly Hunt herself didnt exist. Ultimately, though, they underestimated her, which turned out to be their costliest mistake of all. Hunt had begun recording everything she saw on her home computer every bad loan, every email from her superiors telling her to keep the defective loan rate low. She pinned the lyrics from a Rascal Flatts song up on the wall of her cubicle so she could see it every day: Decide youve had enough / You get mad, you get strong / Wipe your hands, shake it off / then you stand. Finally, Hunt had had enough. She quit her job, blew the whistle, and decided to take the worlds largest bank to court a Manhattan federal court in 2011. With a computer full of evidence, she gifted the Justice Department a near-perfect case. The DOJs complaint against Citi was damning: Since 2004, Citi has endorsed nearly 30,000 mortgages for FHA insurance, totaling more than $4.8 billion in underlying principal obligations. Of those loans, 9,636 (or more than 30% percent) have defaulted. Citis default rate soared to more than 47% for loans originated in 2006 and 2007. In other words, nearly every other loan Citi endorsed for FHA insurance in the critical years leading up to the financial crisis defaulted, resulting in foreclosures and evictions and ultimately depressed real estate values, all to the detriment of the national housing market and the national economy. In the end, Citi barely even fought back. They didnt deny any wrongdoing, didnt make any public statements, or even mount a defense in court. Instead they did what banks have always done when caught in the act: They threw some money at the problem and hoped it would go away. When she was done with them, Citigroup would have to pay out nearly $158 million in fines, their predatory lending practices laid bare before the world. And Hunt, who had been working since she was old enough to vote, would walk away with $30 million of her own and never have to work again. The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress. Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions. Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs. his reading of that sorority letter is still art Reply Thread Link "YOUUU. DO NOT. GOOOOOOO." Reply Parent Thread Link LMAOOOO Reply Parent Thread Link He is so attractive to me ha - it's his genius I think Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol I remember having a little crush on him in Pearl Harbor tbh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link No, there are definitely times when he's really fucking hot. He cleans up so nicely. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link his genius + his talent + his "give no fucks" attitude = hot, yep. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm right there with you. He's also super tall which I find attractive. I saw his suit from Man of Steel at SDCC once and his shoulders.....mmmm Reply Parent Thread Link THE BEST Reply Parent Thread Link lmaooo, omfg how did i miss this??!! Reply Parent Thread Link YES Reply Parent Thread Link omg I forgot about this Reply Parent Thread Link amazing honestly, truly Reply Parent Thread Link also if I were an actor, I would do this as my monologue. or maybe i could do it as a talent is beauty pageants. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Roflmao, this was incredible Reply Parent Thread Link "We fucking suck so faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar" Reply Parent Thread Link I wish he had done this part of the letter: I've gotten texts about people actually cheering for the opposing team. The opposing. Fucking. Team. ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?!! I don't give a SHIT about sportsmanship, YOU CHEER FOR OUR GODDAMN TEAM AND NOT THE OTHER ONE, HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN TO A SPORTS GAME? ARE YOU FUCKING BLIND? I remember commenters in the Gawker post being weirdly supportive of that psycho lol. The Greek system is a cancer (most of it anyway). Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is the best thing I've seen in a long time. Reply Parent Thread Link omg I love this! I've watched / listened this three times now... Reply Parent Thread Link jfc I almost forgot about this. "NEWSFLASH, YOU STUPID FUCKING COCKS!" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link omg this iconic scandal this is amazing. I can't believe I missed this. i'm dying. Reply Parent Thread Link OMG this made my week. Reply Parent Thread Link FOR FUCKING EVER THIS WILL BE WHAT MAKES ME LAUGH. its like news anchor blooper reels, and Michael Shannon's dramatic reading of the sorority letter. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol this fucking classic. I struggle not to write all my shift reports like this. Reply Parent Thread Link omfg i love him so much Reply Parent Thread Link To repeat: the *serving* head of the NSA just publicly said a "nation state" intervened in the election of the next president he'll serve. https://t.co/WjFpCCkmXD James Ball (@jamesrbuk) November 15, 2016 Reply Thread Link I am so fucking terrified. Reply Parent Thread Link So Trump ditched his press pool tonight to grab a steak dinner-- a terrible violation of protocol that his defenders will probably cheer Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) November 16, 2016 This is a huge problem and often how dictators dictate. That he isn't telling the press where he is (every other POTUS has) is terrifying. Welp a lot of these journalists only have themselves to blame now. Dude has already gone AWOL a week in. He's going to hate being president. It's scary bc I bet his cabinet won't even know where he is half the time and won't show up to work. Edited at 2016-11-16 03:00 am (UTC) Pair that news with this:This is a huge problem and often how dictators dictate. That he isn't telling the press where he is (every other POTUS has) is terrifying. Welp a lot of these journalists only have themselves to blame now. Dude has already gone AWOL a week in. He's going to hate being president. It's scary bc I bet his cabinet won't even know where he is half the time and won't show up to work. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link were all gonna die Reply Parent Thread Link Wow Reply Parent Thread Link Fucking Putin. Reply Parent Thread Link "no big deal" - Trump supporters Reply Parent Thread Link Someone needs to light this country on fire Reply Parent Thread Link Really though, Trump had a habit of accusing his opponents of things he was guilty of. Him saying the election was rigged in Hillary's favor really meant Russia was working their hardest to get him elected. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ugh. this is just so horrifying. Reply Parent Thread Link mmmhmm- and lindsey graham today called for the investigation into the hacking of the DNC. Reply Parent Thread Link And Trump was the one whining about a "rigged" election Reply Parent Thread Link it has been confirmed one of trump's servers has been in communication with russian servers. get on it, nsa Reply Parent Thread Expand Link is he not allowed to say it outright? Reply Parent Thread Link i srsly don't get how hillary's fucking non-story emails were talked about for so long and everything sketchy that's come out about him/his team this entire election has been swept under a rug/ppl got over it after a day Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Holy fuck shit. Is there anything we can do in regards to this? Reply Parent Thread Link can we get a re-do? january, new election? is that possible? someone give me hope please Reply Parent Thread Link Is anyone talking about this on mainstream media at all?! Reply Parent Thread Link Jfc Reply Parent Thread Link can someone explain this to me, idgi Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ... ........ ............... WELP Reply Parent Thread Link Doesn't the US have some mechanism in place to stop this man from going all Nicolas Maduro on you? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i am so obsessed with this article Reply Thread Link That's one way to put it Reply Thread Link idk about his political analysis here but i'm cracking the fuck up. reading this in his voice just makes it better. Reply Thread Link This is what we do. And this is what you can do: donate to Project Vote today: https://t.co/CmUnYZmAhX pic.twitter.com/D479PoOgDd Project Vote (@ProjectVote) November 15, 2016 Especially as voting rights are under threat now more than ever. I know ONTDers are looking for places to contribute:Especially as voting rights are under threat now more than ever. Reply Thread Link Hit me up fam! Reply Parent Thread Link A couple of actors from Silicon Valley got harrassed irl by Trump supporters and people in the Silicon Valley subreddit accused them of making it up/playing the race card. There are some ugly fucking assholes on that site. Reply Parent Thread Link This does not surprise me bc a lot of actual people in Silicon Valley are fucking libertarian assholes who hate poc/women Reply Parent Thread Expand Link They will once Trump comes around to dealing with Net Neutrality. He has chosen a Verizon lobbyist for FCC transition. Then these geeks will raise a furor as soon as that comes up on his agenda. Reply Parent Thread Link No, I think we're good. I was definitely not backing Trump, the corrupt businessman who continues to hide his tax returns from the public. https://t.co/WftT5A7zCu Sam Esmail (@samesmail) November 14, 2016 He just named a white nationalist to his staff. Now I'm no Nostradamus, but I'm kinda thinking he's gonna continue to be a piece of shit. https://t.co/cmRJhekGFu Sam Esmail (@samesmail) November 13, 2016 There are lots of people who don't think like me who are incredibly smart. But voting for Trump is an empirically stupid decision. https://t.co/Hp50faROQn Sam Esmail (@samesmail) November 13, 2016 and the reddit response is surprisingly a mixed bag. this comment had me cheering https://www.reddit.com/r/MrRobot/comments/5cqhcb/no_spoilers_angela_at_the_antitrump_rally/d9zbz57/ the creator of Mr. Robot has been going inand the reddit response is surprisingly a mixed bag. this comment had me cheering Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I know reddit is a very creepy place but I have to commend them for calling out wikileaks in their ama over their connection to russia and their influence over the election. Reply Parent Thread Link Hands up if you read this in Michael Shannon's voice I can't be the only one Reply Thread Link Of course!! Reply Parent Thread Link lol i read it in his voice too Reply Parent Thread Link Tbh? Batman v Superman LMAO white people who thought bigotry was over with the election of Obama are also to blame Reply Thread Link "The last 8 years, now it feels like a lie." Reply Thread Link yup Reply Parent Thread Link There are so many "get over it and stop being angry" people in my life that I am very happy to have ONTD and people that are still as mad as I am. Reply Thread Link Me too. And i don't think I'll ever not be mad about this. I'm not gonna get over it. Shit is fucked up. Reply Parent Thread Link Nope! A Dominican man, a black woman, and a black man said I was "too obsessed", that I needed to "get over it", and that I'm "too good to be this angry". Ugh. Reply Parent Thread Link Nah, anger can be very energizing. Rid yourself of that "you can't fight hate with hate" or "anger doesn't solve anything" bullshit. Reply Parent Thread Link Not only is it ignorant and dismissive of actual issues, but it's so wrong. This isn't a communist country (yet...), we're supposed to be able to have a say and make a difference. I'm mad and y'all will hear what I have to say about it for the next 4 years, or how ever long it takes. Reply Parent Thread Link Me 2. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. We have our problems deep down but this isn't one of them. Reply Parent Thread Link Seriously, if I hear 'you lost, move, lets unite" one more fucking time I'm just going to go AWF. And it isn't just straight white people, I had a hispanic female post some "trump is beautiful" bullshit on her facebook wall then she called ME negative for questioning if she was being serious with that! Reply Parent Thread Link #STAYANGRY OMG yes! How quickly they can sweep bigotry under the rug. Reply Parent Thread Link I noticed that CNN has been low key pro Trump/Republican since the campaign started Reply Parent Thread Link As someone here so brilliantly said in another thread "they're just liberal in the streets but MAGA in the sheets" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i fall asleep just about every single time i try and watch a movie on the couch. Reply Thread Link perhaps u work too hard? also maybe try ear plugs and a little xanax to supplement your sleep experience Reply Parent Thread Link I was reading tweets from some journalist who linked Trump voting to places with high meth usage, so there might be something to that. Just reading all the shit that has gone down TODAY with his transition team is terrifying. Reply Thread Link I know right? If this was a TV show/movie, it would be so interesting. But it's real life and we're going to get fucked over because of it. Reply Parent Thread Link What happened? I've been avoiding the news. Reply Parent Thread Link He hasn't had a single conversation with multiple departments in the government (Defense, State, etc) since being elected - but has had multiple conversations with Putin. His transition team was supposed to have various meetings today with various departments, no one showed up from his team. Plus he is firing a bunch of people from his transition team, basically all the people who have ties to Chris Christie, but those people also knew how government worked whereas Trump and his kids don't so it's halted everything. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Every single bit of news coming out about his administration is terrifying and awful. Did you see their recruitment site? It's ridiculous. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ONTD, what movie did you fall asleep on? Man of Steel, Judge Dredd (random but true), and Lord of the Rings. 3x for the latter, once in the theatre. I can't with those gd walk-through-the-forest-for-three-hours movies. I think all of the Middle Earth stories should've been a symphony concert and/or artistic museum exhibit because I can appreciate the world and the creativity but the stories are soulless. I SAID IT. Reply Thread Link Whisky Tango Foxtrot Wizard of Oz Gone with the Wind The most recent Star Trek Reply Parent Thread Link omg @ your LOTR comments ;_; but I also fell asleep watching Man of Steel. Twice. I finally powered through it and it was underwhelming as hell. At least Cavill looked amazing in it? Reply Parent Thread Link Very happy about this. Are there any other current event comedy shows with female hosts? Reply Thread Link I didn't know this was her first season! I love her and I'm so glad I started watching her show. Reply Thread Link yes! i'm going to need her to help get me through trump's presidency Reply Thread Link Yay! I'm curious if her and her husband's other show also got renewed (The Detour). Edited at 2016-11-16 06:58 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/more-tv-news/the-detour-renewed-for-season-2-on-tbs-before-official-series-premiere/ Edited at 2016-11-16 07:08 pm (UTC) That got picked up for a second season before the first season even aired lol Reply Parent Thread Link Well shit, good for them lol Reply Parent Thread Link This show made me laugh so much. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link She won't has to fight for material, I'm sure. Reply Thread Link Yayyyy I need her to get through these next 4 years Reply Thread Link I really like her show, I wish it was on daily like her male counterparts... Reply Thread Link Me, too. She likes the weekly format, though, so she can control its direction. Reply Parent Thread Link save us, sam bee Reply Thread Link I just keep wondering how in the hell this is all going to shake out. Like, I guarantee you Trump won't be president in two years time, I just don't know what's going to happen between now and then. Reply Thread Link he shouldn't even be president for one minute! I hope there's a way to stop him before january Reply Parent Thread Link Me too, bb, me too. :/ Reply Parent Thread Link There should be. With this and further evidence against him, he will be gone in no time. He and his team are so going down no matter what Reply Parent Thread Expand Link he'll be impeached, although that would leave us with Pence and all the other monsters he's put in charge. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Right. The fact that he has any kind of security clearance much less at this level is unacceptable and frightening. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I never saw him making it past one year and the process would seem to speed up but I want to know if it'll be for the better. Reply Parent Thread Link countdown to trump insisting that it was all a social experiment just... please don't leave us mike pence as president. bc yikes. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Trump is just the tip of the iceberg. He terrifies me less than any of the people he's putting in charge. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Well that psychic professor who predicts shit said he'd be impeached, so there's that. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link can the electoral college just say fuck it we're going with the popular vote? how does that work? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link 99.99% sure Putin is just waiting until immediately after Trump is sworn in to leak impeachment-worthy info about him lol Edited at 2016-11-16 11:51 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link i feel like he might wait it out until 2020, let's pence do all the work and then doesn't run for re-election bc ~~melania has some medical issue~~ Reply Parent Thread Expand Link tbh, I want your country to never be the same again. Because it's clearly still the same country that in the 50s was separating POC from ~the normals~ Reply Parent Thread Link Im scared shitless but I find it weird how karmatic this feels. Reply Parent Thread Link well isn't that special. Reply Thread Link HOW IS THIS REAL LIFE???????? like this alone should disqualify trump Reply Thread Link Wish I was a cat. Never having to deal with this shit. Reply Parent Thread Link what a fluffy and excellent cat Reply Parent Thread Link I have never related to an animal more than I do to this cat Reply Parent Thread Link Edited at 2016-11-16 10:44 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I want this kitty & I am not a cat person. I have a pug & this kitty reminds me of a pug somehow. The smoosh! Reply Parent Thread Link He looks like I feel. Reply Parent Thread Link What...what? I can't tell if I'm extra dense or in an episode of the Twilight Zone. Reply Thread Link If only it WAS the Twilight Zone.... Reply Parent Thread Link Zero chance. Just watch. They'll ignore it or call it lies. Reply Parent Thread Link Yup. It's not really hitting the news outlets. They're too busy normalizing Trump. Reply Parent Thread Link So far the only Republican who has asked for an investigation is Lindsay Graham, but he's ignored by Republicans cause he was semi-sane for a second and now they hate him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link 0 Reply Parent Thread Link I guess the only plus here with Kushner fucking off Christie and anyone tied to him is that it might create more Trump enemies Reply Thread Link I hope Trump and his team is just 4 years of in-fighting where Trump can't find a pen to sign any legislation that Congress passes. Reply Parent Thread Link I am hoping for that. Reply Parent Thread Link thats basically my hope Reply Parent Thread Link It'd be a nice break after watching Dem's do that shit for 8 years. Reply Parent Thread Link from your lips to god's ears tbh. that would be the best outcome imo. Reply Parent Thread Link If the president doesn't sign a bill it still becomes a law after 10 days as long as Congress is in session. Reply Parent Thread Link i find it fascinating that these sources who have either escaped or been banished from trump's circle post-election come out saying trump's inner circle are all full of rage, angry, etc. why? you won. imagine how they'll malfunction when they actually have to govern. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Apparently Kushner didn't want Bannon either. I hope he wins the power struggle and manages to push him out, the fact that a raging anti-semite who wants to bring the government down has the president elect's ear is crazy. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's not a plus. I don't like Christie, but essentially it's personal revenge for Kushner since as AG Christie put his dad in jail. Reply Parent Thread Link Look what the former Counselor to the State Department under Condi Rice said about them: After exchange w Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They're angry, arrogant, screaming "you LOST!" Will be ugly. Eliot A Cohen (@EliotACohen) November 15, 2016 They won't have any trouble making enemies.Look what the former Counselor to the State Department under Condi Rice said about them: Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Could've done this 10 days ago Reply Thread Link ....it's only been 10 days??? It legit feels like so much longer. Reply Parent Thread Link it's been 8 days, I said 10 because I want to be foolish enough to believe that in 2 days people can open their eyes and not vote for satan Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Ain't that the fucking truth. This week has gone by so slowly. Reply Parent Thread Link This has been known for weeks tbh & Clinton even brought it up in the final debate iirc. Voters just didn't give a shit lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I want a Democratic presidency and congress. Let's make that happen. Reply Parent Thread Link Sorry to be a bother but what do u usually say when u call? I want to call my reps but I'm stuck on what to say. Reply Parent Thread Link Use this - various scripts to read from http://fullonmonets.com/todays-trump-takedown-make-the-call/ Reply Parent Thread Expand Link if they dont comply vote their asses out, thats how this works. Reply Parent Thread Link 169 members of Congress are calling for Trump to remove Stephen Bannon as White House Chief Strategist. pic.twitter.com/3WDIhqUNUe AJ+ (@ajplus) November 16, 2016 The calls are working tho! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Please keep calling, and please go to townhalls. I was listing to the Keepin it 1600 podcast and they said the more staff are familiar with you the more likely they are to reach back and take your concerns seriously ask for your opinions etc. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lol same. Reply Parent Thread Link the even more fucked up thing about this is i'm sure nothing will be done Reply Thread Link I wanna see how Trump supporters try to spin this TBH... Reply Thread Link Putin is white, so it's ok Reply Parent Thread Link LOL Reply Parent Thread Link lmao yes Reply Parent Thread Link Republicans over the last few years have honestly come to love Putin and Russia. It's been odd to watch, but to them he's a "real leader" or whatever. So they're probably grateful that he rigged shit. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link ALWAYS TRYING TO BRING DONNY DOWN LIES #SILENTMAJORITY TYPICAL LAMESTREAM LIBERAL MEDIAALWAYS TRYING TO BRING DONNY DOWNLIES Reply Parent Thread Link So far, I've seen two Trump supporters on my feed dismiss it as "liberal propaganda" :-\ Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I know nothing about this, I have never been to Russia Reply Parent Thread Link Lol irl Reply Parent Thread Link omg it's perfect lmao Reply Parent Thread Link So will it be United States of Russian America now? So does this mark the end of the Cold War for good? How are Drumpt supporters going to spin this to his favour? Edited at 2016-11-16 09:14 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Union of Soviet Socialist States of America? Reply Parent Thread Link Trump supporters will say it's all lies, just like they do with everything negative about him. Truth has a liberal bias, apparently. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't think they see Russia as the enemy anymore. So it's easily explained away. Reply Parent Thread Link They're not commies anymore, so it's alright. Reply Parent Thread Link i don't get it. last year or so they were crying about obama being too scared to stand up to evil putin and now they support trump who has been in continuous contact with the kremlin throughout his campaign? this mental gymnastics rn Reply Parent Thread Link They don't know enough about history to know what a threat Russia is. Reply Parent Thread Link "it's good because now we're not going to war with russia" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link A Charlie Brown Christmas : Animation, Comedy, Family: When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas paegent. Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is. Miracle on 34th Street : Comedy, Crime, Drama: When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. Home Alone : Comedy, Family: It is Christmas time and the McCallister family is preparing for a vacation in Paris, France. But the youngest in the family named Kevin got into a scuffle with his older brother Buzz and was sent to his room which is on the third floor of his house. Then, the next morning, while the rest of the family was in a rush to make it to the airport on time, they completely forgot about Kevin who now has the house all to himself. Being home alone was fun for Kevin, having a pizza all to himself, jumping on his parents' bed, and making a mess. Then, Kevin discovers about two burglars, Harry and Marv, about to rob his house on Christmas Eve. Kevin acts quickly by wiring his own house with makeshift booby traps to stop the burglars and to bring them to justice. It's a Wonderful Life : Drama, Family, Fantasy: An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. The Holiday : Comedy, Romance: In London, Iris Simpkins writes a wedding column in a newspaper and nurtures an unrequited love for her colleague Jasper Bloom. Near Christmas, she is informed that Jasper is engaged to marry another colleague, and her life turns upside down. In Los Angeles, the movie-trailers maker Amanda Woods has just split with her unfaithful boyfriend Ethan and wants to forget him. Through a house exchange website, Amanda impulsively swaps her mansion for Iris' cottage in Surrey for the holidays. While in Surrey, Amanda meets Iris' brother and book editor Graham and they fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, Iris meets her new next door neighbor the ninety year old screenplay writer Arthur, who helps her retrieve her self-esteem, and the film composer Miles, with whom she falls in love.What's your favorite holiday movie?? The nearer the OPEC November 30 deadline draws, the more critical its decision gets. In fact, it may well be a case of life or death for the once-reigning oil cartel. The expert who predicted the 2014 price downturn, Gary Ross, told Bloomberg recently that if OPEC wants to regain its relevance for global oil markets, it needs to get all its members to join the party. Failure, on the other hand, would likely ring in the end of the OPEC era and a major reshuffle in oil markets as the members of the seemingly divided cartel strike out on their own. Gary Ross is executive chairman of PIRA Energy Group, which is now a unit of S&P Global Platts. Known for his accurate predictions, Ross is a very popular energy industry analyst. Earlier this year he reinforced this opinion by accurately predicting that prices will bottom out and move up from the February trough of sub-US$30 a barrel. But you dont have to be a Gary Ross to see that things are not looking up for OPEC. At the start of this week, oil prices did rise a bit, reflecting the return of some optimism regarding the production cut agreement, but the success of this agreement continues to be highly questionable. The markets are capitalizing in the fluctuations, and is reflexive of that, rather than an overarching faith in OPEC. Lets recall what the foundations for the agreement are: as one OPEC source told Bloomberg, Saudi Arabia insists on four conditions. These include that all members of the organization agree to the measure; that they share the cut equitably; that they implement the market rebalancing measure in a transparent way; and that they do it in a way that helps OPEC regain its credibility. Now, the source added that the latter could be ensured by using secondary-source production figures for each member, but thats a point of contention between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. If the Saudis agree that Iraq could use internal figures, credibility would suffer. Also, there is the issue of exemptions, which nullifies the equitability factor. So far, two OPEC members have been granted exemption from any production freezes or cuts on the grounds of lost market share. Nigeria and Libya are wasting no time to regain this market share by building production. Related: Iran Nears Pre-Sanction Levels, Starts Pumping Oil At 3 New Fields Libya is pumping 660,000 bpd and is planning to restart exports from the biggest oil port in the Oil Crescent, Es Sider. Nigeria is producing around 2 million barrels daily right now, despite renewed militant activity in the Niger Delta, and has bold plans to raise this to 2.8 million tons by 2019. Outside OPEC, Russia is pumping at record-high rates, Brazil has stated it will not be joining any production cuts, and basically nobody wants to joint OPECs effort, no matter what they say at official events. It looks like OPEC is well on its way to losing its international relevance. According to Ross, however, the group will reach an agreement, when push comes to shove. Iraq and Iran might relent and accept secondary-source production figures, after all. Russia might decide to put its production where its mouth is and join a freeze. However, at these production rates, the effect of the freeze/cut is likely to be insubstantial, bar a temporary uptick in prices on the good news alone. The global glut is still very much real, and lets not forget that the freeze/cut is being negotiated to last for 12 months. All OPEC members may not be able to cope with a production curb of this duration. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: While highly politically and economically charged behind-the-scenes OPEC talks are going on, the market and analysts are now factoring in another unknown that could come from outside OPEC and theoretically knock off 1 million barrels of Irans oil exports: President-elect Donald Trumps comments from March of this year that his number-one priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran. If Trump is able to dismantle the deal, which many contend is not possible given all the fingers in that particular pie, Irans crude oil exports would dive by around 1 million barrels per day - thats roughly equal to the cut that OPEC might need to accommodate its production within the limits it had set almost two months ago, Julian Lee writes for Bloomberg. And possibly, Saudi Arabia is secretly hoping that such a dismantling will take place, because while smaller OPEC members such as Algeria, Qatar and Venezuela are trying to get heavyweights Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran on the same page regarding output cuts, the cartels biggest producers are not even reading from the same book. Whats more, the organizations total production has been growing since it agreed to agree on output cuts, and now it has to strap on even deeper cuts if it is to make good on its promised production limit within the 33-million-bpd mark it set in September. According to Lee, in theory Trump could rescind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), that is, the nuclear deal between Iran and the U.S., the UK, China, France, Germany, and Russia. In the U.S., the deal went through via an executive order from President Obama, without being ratified by Congress, and Trump could rescind the order. Another way could be if one of the signatories were to bring its concerns over Iranian non-compliance up for a UN Security Council vote, which would be a vote to continue the sanctions lifting, as the wording of the accord goes, Lee says. Although remote in theory, its possible that Iran may find itself with sanctions re-imposed. However, even if this speculative future were to come true, it would not be so until at least Trumps inauguration on January 20 next year. Until then, OPEC has just two weeks to hammer out the details of proposed production cuts before the November 30 meeting in Vienna. The biggest and, at least for now, seemingly insurmountable rifts are among OPECs largest and most influential: Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq. Business as usual at OPEC. Related: Oil Prices Volatile Ahead of OPEC Meeting Since the international sanctions were lifted in January of this year, Irans crude oil exports have risen by more than 1 million barrels a day, Bloomberg tanker tracking data shows. Iran is trying to ratchet its oil output and exports up to pre-sanction levels and claims that it deserves an exemption from cuts. Iran also insists that it would discuss freezing based on its self-reported figures for production, not OPECs secondary sources data. For October, Iran reported to OPEC that its output rose by 210,000 bpd to 3.92 million bpd, the biggest increase since sanctions were lifted. Irans bitter regional rival and biggest OPEC producer, Saudi Arabia, however, has reportedly laid out its conditions for an output deal, and insists they freeze at some 3.7 million bpd based on the secondary sources OPEC figure. The Saudis who claim they have taken one for the team in cutting for far too long - now expect Iraq to cut its production and a collective action from OPEC members. But Iraq, like Iran, is claiming exemption on the grounds that it fights ISIS, and like Iran, it disagrees with OPEC data being used as reference to start freezing/cutting. The Saudis also warned President-elect Trump that if he would deliver on his election promise to make America energy-independent and stop imports, he would hurt the U.S. economy. Related: Saudi Arabia And Russia To Meet Ahead Of OPEC Meeting Economically speaking, Saudi Arabia may be more motivated than Iran in reaching an output deal, because low oil prices have hit its economy worse than Irans (which has been bumping up production and exports). However, politically speaking, its difficult to imagine that the Saudis would give Iranians leeway and allow Iraq to be exempted, and then make the most of the cuts themselves, again. Iran and Iraq are raising production even by OPEC secondary sources standards in order to have the highest possible number if a deal is reached. Iran could also have the upcoming Trump presidency in mind, and could opt for a complete walkout of any agreement and pump as much as it can before America can eke out the word sanctions. Several OPEC oil ministers are holding various meetings and talks this week in what would be one of the last possibilities to bridge positions before November 30. But unless Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq start reading the same book, OPEC will not have a deal this year, again. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices plunged to three-month lows on Monday on market speculation that OPEC would not be able to follow through on its pledge to cut production at its Nov. 30 meeting. WTI dipped below $43 per barrel during intraday trading. However, oil prices moved up by almost 3 percent at the start of Tuesday, after OPEC officials said that they were trying once again to overcome their differences. A deal is going to be a longshot, however. OPEC has boosted output in the weeks leading up to the November meeting, as countries scramble to lock in higher production levels should their actually be a deal. Collective output jumped by 236,000 barrels per day last month compared to September, which makes OPECs job at its November meeting all the more difficult. Instead of trying to cut somewhere between 200,000 and 700,000 barrels per day, the group now needs to cut something like 500,000 bpd to 1 million barrels per day. The original proposal was going to be tough, but the steeper cuts required ups the ante for the Vienna meeting. Previous rounds of negotiations have failed miserably. At the end of October, negotiators reached a standstill with little progress on the technical details of a production cut. After weeks of failed talks, OPEC is embarking upon a final attempt to overcome their differences. But while the markets were pleased to hear this pushing up oil 3 percent on Tuesday OPEC still has the same problematic dynamic on its hands. That is, Venezuela, Qatar and Algeria are desperately trying to ink a deal no surprise since they wont have to do too much of the heavy lifting while the larger producers of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran cannot agree on a formula to cut output. Iran and Iraq do not want to be restrained, arguing that special circumstances (sanctions and war, respectively) should exempt them from having to make cuts. Meanwhile, new Libyan production is coming to the market. Reuters reports that the first freshly produced cargo of oil from Libyan oilfields since the large Ras Lanuf export terminal came back online in September departed Libyan shores this week. After several years of output languishing around 300,000 barrels per day, Libya has suddenly ratcheted up production to 600,000 barrels per day and is targeting further increases in the months ahead. Libya is going to be exempt from any cuts because it has been torn apart by war and instability for years, but rising output from the North African country will offset cuts elsewhere, complicating the task ahead for OPEC. Related: Wall Or No Wall: Trump Needs The Mexican Oil Industry In fact, rising output from several members Libya, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria combined with more gains from non-OPEC countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and maybe even the U.S., will mute the impact of any cuts. That conflict was true in September, and it is still true today. It is hard to see how OPEC resolves these differences. If OPEC reaches a deal on Nov. 30 it will be because Saudi Arabia concedes and takes on more of the burden. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons to think that OPEC wont walk away from Vienna in total failure. The most important reason is that it could sink oil prices in a bad way. Already, a growing number of analysts see oil prices plunging below $40 per barrel if OPEC fails, with a few outliers even seeing oil going as low as sub-$30s. Related: Iran Surprises OPEC With A Further 250,000 Bpd Increase Oil speculators have already become more pessimistic on crude in recent weeks; Reuters reports that hedge funds took the most bearish turn for oil on record in the first week of November. Hedge funds and other money managers staked out short positions on crude while cutting their long bets, marking the fastest weekly net-long cut on record. Based on previous price cycles over the past two years, the signs are pointing to another downturn in crude. The flip side of that equation is that oil prices are poised to pop if OPEC does in fact come to terms. The large buildup of short positions creates the risk of a snap back in the other direction is shorts are squeezed out. In other words, if OPEC decides to cut, recent speculative moves on the downside create the conditions for a larger rally than might otherwise be the case. Moreover, the jockeying and disagreement from OPEC members could be attempts to gain leverage. Hedge fund manager Pierre Andurand actually sees the odds of a deal at 70 percent. History has demonstrated that OPEC typically never reaches an agreement before the headlines," Andurand wrote in a note to clients, according to Bloomberg. Unfortunately, the noise surrounding negotiations is often misinterpreted by the media and most analysts who perceive bargaining techniques as a sign of a deal falling apart." Finally, because the price gains since Algiers have all but vanished, and the markets are growing pessimistic about the outcome of a deal, OPEC will be under heavy pressure to at least cobble together some semblance of a deal. With WTI and Brent touching a new three-month low on Monday, OPEC might be scared into action. Time will tell. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Americas energy scene has been in massive flux since the shale miracle broke in 2010. And these past weeks, the U.S. oil and gas industry set a milestone. Doing something never done before in American history. Becoming a net exporter of natural gas. Platts reported Monday that its proprietary data showed U.S. natgas exports exceeding imports in early November. With the countrys gas balance netting an outflow of 1 billion cubic feet per day. Thats the first time ever that American producers have shipped out more gas than the country takes in. And that historic event illustrates a number of critical changes happening right now in the U.S. energy scene. One part of the equation is falling natgas imports into America. With November imports from key supplier Canada down 21% in November as opposed to October to 4.5 billion cubic feet per day. Thats coming as Canadian natgas prices have been rising compared to Americas Henry Hub benchmark. With Canadian prices averaging a $0.36/MMBtu discount to Henry Hub during November notably more expensive that the $0.60/MMBtu discount that prevailed in October. Related: Trump Considers Oil Tycoon Harold Hamm for Energy Dept. The bigger culprit is rising exports out of America. With natgas deliveries to the new Sabine Pass LNG export facility reportedly coming in at 1.5 billion cubic feet per day in November up six-fold from the 249 million cubic feet per day the facility saw during October. The last few weeks may in fact have marked the last we ever see net imports into America. With U.S. exports now expected to ramp up sharply due to rising LNG shipments, as well as new projects to deliver pipeline gas exports to Mexico. Thats a bit of good news for U.S. natgas producers which could see some buoyancy creeping into this market, as supply and demand finally normalize. Watch for more numbers on the import/export balance over the coming months. Heres to flipping it. By Dave Forest More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In a world of post-truth democracy, it is fitting that President-Elect Donald Trump's new Director of the centre for Energy and Environment is not a climate scientist. I'm just...the informed layman. It would be truly fascinating/terrifying to take a peek at what Myron Ebell is reading. On the one hand, he believes that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by the EU (at odds with his new boss who tweeted it was a Chinese concept designed to bring down U.S. business). And on the other hand, he accepts it as fact but sees a silver lining: as really cold places become warmer it'll be nicer to live there and where it is already hot, the higher temperatures are killing people who are likely to die soon anyway. Ebell is quite comfortable with his controversial views. He submitted a list of accomplishments to the U.S. Congress in which he stated he'd made it onto Greenpeace's list of Climate Criminals, was described by Rolling Stone as a 'misleader' on global warming and was the subject of a House of Commons censure when MPs signed an Early Day Motion deploring in the strongest possible terms (his) unfounded and insulting criticism of Sir David King - he accused the UK's Chief Scientist of being an alarmist with ridiculous views who knows nothing about climate change. He is solidly on point with President-Elect Trump's views on the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump has previously stated he intends on dismantling the accord which hoped to limit global warming to within 2C, saying that it was a waste of money. In 2016, Ebell called on Congress to prohibit any funding for the Agreement and also the Green Climate Fund as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate change. Most analysts think President Trump will simply ignore the commitment made under President Obama. Turning the country's back on securing a source of energy independence though renewables a move seen as strategically essential after the recent oil crash - will put the U.S. massively out of step with the rest of the developed world. As renewable energy costs continue to fall through technological advances, they will be picked up by other signatories to the Paris Agreement. China and India in particular have good reason to invest here, due to costs, geopolitics and industrial policy. Related: Oil Sinks Back After Key OPEC Members Turn Down Invitation For Doha Meeting Trump has promised on many occasions to roll back regulations and has repeatedly promised coal workers he will put them to work again. He told a conference organised by the Marcellus Shale Coalition that Producing more American energy is a central part of my plan to making America wealthy again, especially for the poorest Americans. (Of course that could be something of a problem for the coal workers. After all, this industry was hit by cheap natural gas and the glutted market will remain glutted via more fracking under Trump). President-Elect Trump quotes figures from the Institute of Energy Research which says lifting restrictions on oil and gas would increase GDP by more than $127 billion and add around 500,000 jobs. But it is worth noting that restrictions are not the dam holding back American energy prosperity. While Warwick Energy CEO Kate Richard believes Trump's economic plan could be beneficial for economic growth, saying it is interesting, she did point out that his talk of repealing Environmental Protection Agency regulations was difficult to understand. We haven't seen a decline in drilling in this country because of EPA regulations. We've seen a decline in drilling in this country because of two years of low prices. Related: Is GE Looking To Exit Oilfield Services? She points out that what goes on with OPEC is going to be crucial. However, with what looks like an agreement to cut production going into the final stages, what impact will President-Elect Trump have on the group? If he is determined to boost U.S. oil production, pulls out of the Iranian nuclear agreement delivered by the Obama administration and the bromance with Putin continues, it will not, as bloomberg.com put it, fill Riyadh with unalloyed confidence and that could be problematic. Whether we are entering a time of planetary disaster (bluntly put by the director of the environmental group the Sierra Club) remains to be seen. When Reagan took the White House, some too thought it would be the end of the world. That didn't happen. In fact, as Kevin Fay, executive director of the Internal Climate Change Partnership, said recently, the Montreal Protocol - which Reagan personally authorised - is now the most successful multilateral environment treaty ever adopted. Folks, you never know. By Precise Consultants for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Chancery has been a mainstay on State Street in the Village of Wauwatosa since 1978. And thanks to a renewed vision on the part of the DeRosa Corporation, along with a partnership between Arc-Int Architecture and the Tredo Group, the restaurant is getting a major overhaul. As part of the revamp, the restaurant will transition from a Chancery to Joses Blue Sombrero, another concept in the DeRosa portfolio. "This restaurant has been a blessing to our company," said Joe DeRosa, owner, chairman and CEO of the DeRosa Corporation. "We are thankful to our many loyal customers who have visited our restaurants over the years and continue to support us. The current concept at this location has served the community for 38 years and the time has come for something new. A Joses Blue Sombrero is just what is needed to complement the Village of Wauwatosas current renovation project. We are looking forward to bringing unexpected Mexican to Wauwatosa." A new look and feel Like each of the DeRosa restaurant concepts, Joses Blue Sombrero Tosa will sport its own unique look in keeping with its location in the Tosa Village, while offering a menu that boasts the use of local ingredients, authentic flavors from several regions of Mexico and a Wisconsin twist. Signature offerings include table-side guacamole, the El Tornado cocktail (featuring layers of frozen margarita and sangria) and the Monday Taco Boom. Customers in Tosa will also be able to enjoy occasional live Mariachi while dining. Improvements to the building itself dovetail with plans to improve infrastructure and streetscaping along State Street from 68th Street to Church Street, furthering goals to activate the street for pedestrian traffic while also creating more efficient traffic flow. Although final designs for Joses Blue Sombrero have not yet been fully approved by the Village of Wauwatosa, there are numerous goals the project aims to achieve. The projects designer is Tom Joy, whose experience includes work with Rinka Chung on projects like Fuel in Walkers, Cafe Hollander in Brookfield and Mequon, BelAir at Corners of Brookfield and Good City Brewing. He says a major goal for the project is to create a big statement with the revamped design while creating a more pedestrian-friendly, livable urban space. "The urban impact, the layering all of this will really impact the entire Village area as an urban destination," notes partner architect Ed Haydin of Arc-Int. Renderings show a significantly updated restaurant space featuring both a street level patio and second floor balcony, which opens to the outdoors thanks to glass French doors. Operable garage doors on the lower level will allow for patio access and open-air dining on clement days. Plans also include a revamp of the interior. The restaurants bar will be relocated to the front of the space, giving it more of a street presence and offering a view of the action from the street. The back wall of the restaurant will be opened up to provide access to the river. And second floor offices will also be connected to the ground floor, providing access to the restaurant space. Additional plans include festoon lights, which will be mounted across State Street in the Village proper, lending old school charm and intimacy to the look and feel of the street. Renovation is expected to begin in January, with expected completion by June. To accommodate the transition, the Chancery will be closed beginning the evening of Saturday, Jan. 14. During the closure, DeRosa Corporation has offered all current employees the opportunity to transfer to one of its other restaurant locations. "We invite our customers to visit us at the Wauwatosa location through Jan. 14," says DeRosa. "We are looking forward to continuing to develop our current restaurant concepts and menus as well as explore future development opportunities. DeRosa Restaurants have been among the first to feature successful innovations since 1972, and thats just what were going to continue doing." DeRosa Corporation owns and operates eight restaurants in southeastern Wisconsin, including four Chancery locations (Wauwatosa, Mequon, Pleasant Prairie and Waukesha), three Joses Blue Sombreros (Racine, Brookfield and Fox Point) and Parkside 23 in Brookfield, a farm-to-table restaurant which grows and serves specialty produce from its 10,000-square foot farm. Stuck in a wine rut? Or just looking for something more interesting to pair with your next meal? We've got your number. For this series, we'll be talking to some of the best and most qualified wine experts in Milwaukee and getting recommendations for wines that you should be drinking right now. "For me, its always been about the enjoyment of wine. Its life, drinking different things and eating," says Joshua Wolter, general manager and beverage director for c.1880. "I enjoy the hell out of it." Wolter says he was introduced to the world of wine during an experience at Helen & Craigs Bistro in his hometown of Racine. It was an experience that inspired a natural curiosity about wine and the ways it could be paired with food. "The deeper I went, the more I wanted to know," he recalls. "I found my passion." That passion drew Wolter into the industry, where he gained experience working with Chefs Marc Bianchini at Osteria Del Mondo and Robert Ash at Kil@watt. From there, he moved on to work with Brian Frakes at The Pfister, where he helped design beverage pairings for chefs table and wine dinners. "I also had the good fortune to be able to travel fairly extensively," Wolters notes. "And thats where I garnered a good deal of my wine knowledge." In 2013, he took on the role of general manager and beverage director at c.1880, a Walkers Point restaurant which has been the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for four years running. "Theres an incredible benefit to the adventurous nature of Chef (Thomas) Haucks food. It gives me an opportunity to really branch out and be adventurous with the wines. Its allowed me to really seek out new things and bring creativity to our offerings that really complements both the food and the tastes of our guests." In the end, his approach to wine is simple: ""A good glass of wine can definitely make a meal, but don't be afraid to try something new, or unknown. It's not life or death, it's wine." NV Patrick Bottex "La Cueille" France 'Thanksgiving is all about tradition, I think we can all remember taking a sip of sweet wine when we were little, as glasses were left unattended by adults. I was raised making the stuffing with my mother, and it was a firm belief that it wouldnt turn out unless there was a $4 a bottle Andre, Cold Duck in the kitchen, declasse I know, but a tradition I keep to this day, and will for the foreseeable future. I recently discovered Bugey-Cerdon, a slightly forgotten wine region in the crossroads of Savoie, Burgundy and Rhone, when planning last year's Champagne dinner at c.1880. This ever so slightly sweet pink sparkling is a perfect way to get your holiday started. Offering a lower alcohol content, its dry and crisp, fresh and incredibly aromatic, this wine offers effervescent flavors of alpine strawberries and acts as a perfect aperitif. Your guests will be downright impressed." Try this if you love: Lambrusco, sparkling Shiraz or taking edge off before your mother-in-law arrives Pairs with: Ripe cheeses, soft fruits and salty cured meats Price: $12 by the glass at c.1880 2013 Paul Lato "le Souvenir" Chardonnay California "I catch a lot of grief for my undying love of all things Chardonnay. This wine is no different, I feel in good company knowing that Thomas Keller reaches out to the winery directly to order cases for The French Laundry. There are many aspects that fight it out between a good Chard, and a bad, this one knows its good. Its not everyday I meet a wine that can leave me near speechless. Aromatics reminiscent of honeysuckle, hydrangea and wet granite. The first sip of this wine brings out a medium bodied white with flavors of crisp apple, kiwi, and pear. The toasted oak notes are ever-present without being intrusive. Granted the elevated price on this wine can be a bit intimidating, but pulling the cork and the first taste is worth every penny. This isnt an every day wine, drinking this is truly an experience to the palate. The perfect glass to celebrate with and impress." Try this if you love: Oaked domestic Chardonnays or aged Aligote Bourgogne Pairs with: Oysters, light seafood, fresh fruits, olives Price: $150 by the bottle at c.1880 2015 Banshee Rose of Pinot Noir California "I was told once, 'if you arent having rose at Thanksgiving, you arent doing Thanksgiving right.' I couldnt agree more, especially with the love of rose that I have, there is no time of year that I feel it cant be appropriate. The domestic rose game has improved over the years, straying distinguished palates away from the traditions of Provence, and inviting new consumers through its complex and refreshing flavors. Banshee howls in with with its orange/pink color, and essence of stone fruits, grapefruit and orange. In the mouth, you can expect to entertain essence of dry peach and minerals. This wine with dinner is sure to pull the secret Grand Marnier that grandma put in the cranberry sauce." Drink if you love: Semi-dry whites with a fruit essence, like Chenin or Pinot Blanc Pairs with: Pheasant, tart berries, pomegranate, liver pate Price: $33 by the bottle at c.1880 2013 Laurence et Remi Dufraitre Gamay, Cote de Brouilly, France "Gamay is slowly becoming a new favorite wine trend, likening it to the spread of Malbec and Pinot Noir, this varietal has its truest roots in France in the Beaujolais region. Not to be confused with the innocent annual jubilation that highlights the youthful flavors of Beaujolais Nouveau that is also produced of Gamay. This more traditional wine finds flavors more reminiscent of the region it was produced. The terroir driven red will give aromas of barnyard, mild spice and herbs. The medium body of this wine brings flavors of black berry, current, and fig. This is my #1 recommendation to serve at the table throughout dinner on Thanksgiving. It compliments the classic savory dishes that accompany the yearly feast. All I can say is, 'pass the green bean casserole, extra crispy onion.'" Drink if you love: Oregon or Bourgogne Pinot Noir, light and noble reds Pairs with: Alliums, root vegetables, game meats (all cooked in butter) Price: $69 by the bottle at c.1880 2012 Sheboygandy Pinot Noir Oregon "I would be remiss if I didnt mention at least one wine from my absolute favorite winemakers in the United States, Roots Wine Co. Racine native Chris Berg brings an altruistic attitude to his Pinots, some of the finest that I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. One in particular brings out the originality in his style and craft, Sheboygandy. Yes, thats the real name: a play on Sheboygan/Burgundy. This Pinot is a treat to the palate, sourcing from half Roots Estate, and half Fairsing Vineyard the wine bring aromas of preserved jam, iron, and smoke. To the tongue it brings a blend of earthy flavors, highlighted by an almost light mustard seed and black pepper. Stylistically French with Oregon flavors. A glass of this, and you wont want to ever leave the table, making everyone that surrounds you, your best friend." Try if you love: A lighter alternative to bolder terroir driven reds like Chatenuef-du-Pape or Cotes-du-Rhone Pairs with: Spiced sausage, savory herbs, game meats Price: $90 by the bottle at c.1880 2012/13/14 Sans Liege "The Transcendentalist" California "There is always one person at the table who believes that California Cabernet is the only wine on earth that pairs with food, the only red worthy of their glass. With this wine, you may be able to steer the stubborn away, and grasp an appreciation of the unknown. This particular winery, is part of a new genre of Central Coast producers, who arent following the norm, straying from flavors and traditions of some California producers. This wine is a blend of triple vintages of all varietals included, seeing new and neutral barrique aging for 34, 22, and 10 months, respectively. A nose full of rich berry, leather and wood. Like an Autobot or Decepticon, this wine transforms, from first taste to last, with or without food, each taste is different. Consistent tannins lend themselves to essence of chocolate, earth, and tobacco. A truly eccentric wine also makes a fitting after dinner glass. If you think the first couple bottles didnt get you buzzed just enough, this will lend sufficient liquid encouragement for indulging in that second slice of 'pie a la mode.'" Try if you love: Washington Cabernet or California Malbec Pairs with: Rich meats, toasted breads, savory desserts Price: $66 by the bottle at c.1880 There are 27 zip codes in the City of Milwaukee and Dominic Inouye with help from local photographers, friends and fellow Milwaukeeans plans to photograph all of them. The project, called ZIPMKE (pronounced "Zip M-K-E"), materialized in Inouyes mind after Sylville Smith was shot by a police officer this summer in the Sherman Park neighborhood. "It wasnt just this event that prompted the project, I had been thinking for a long time about how divisive language is and how terms like inner city and good neighborhood vs. bad neighborhood and ghetto or yuppieville affect how we see our city and more importantly, how we see each other," says Inouye. "I wanted to do something to unify parts of Milwaukee." ZIPMKE photos can be submitted and viewed at ZIPMKE.com. The gallery is just the first step of the project, however. It will later grow into an art exhibit and, hopefully, a community unifier. Inouye says he is aware there are similar projects in the works, but his mission is to offer another approach to creativity and conversation that could lead to change. "My goal is to break down the geographical and linguistic barriers that divide us through the power of photography," says Inouye. "Our mission is to help Milwaukee see each other." Originally, Inouye thought he would photograph all of the zip codes himself, but quickly realized it would be more powerful and rewarding as a collaborative effort. He reached out to Austin Anderson, a Marquette University student he works out with, and recruited him as the web developer and photo curator. Tera Greeland, Tracey Thomas, Bryan Kubel and Mario Sinclair also have prominent roles in the project. "ZIPMKE is open to all photographers, professional and hobbyists," says Inouye. "You dont have to be walking around with a big Nikon to get involved." If ZIMKE does not receive submissions for all 27 zip codes, Inouye will shoot the remaining spots himself, but its off to a strong start: so far the projects received submissions from 17 of the 27 zip codes. In the beginning of 2017, Inouye and his team will select 10 photos from each zip code and display them at the Central Library during Gallery Day on Saturday, Jan. 21. During the Gallery Day event, Inouye hopes it will encourage people from many different zip codes to mingle and have fun. ZIPMKE will stay at the Central Library for four weeks and then travel to other libraries in the city. "ZIPMKE is intended to be a conversation starter," says Inouye. "To talk to each other, to see each other and to enact change on an artistic level and beyond." Through the project, Inouye hopes to showcase photos that reflect aspects of Milwaukee that are previously un- or under-photographed and capture local imagery beyond Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum and eateries in trendy neighborhoods. "These are beautiful places, but they are only part of Milwaukee," says Inouye. The project has changed the way he identifies people and places. "I like to talk in zip codes now," he says. "I ask people what zip code they are from and share myself that way too." Inouye grew up in Seattle (98013) and moved to Milwaukee in 1994 to attend grad school at Marquette University (53233). He later taught English at Marquette and later at Pius High School (53213) and The Prairie School (53402) for a combined 22 years before changing directions and becoming The Pfister Narrator (53202) and a freelance writer from his home (53213). ZIPMKE has affected how Inouye navigates through the city. Unless hes in a hurry, he rarely travels from point A to point B through the most efficient route. Instead, hes been a man of meanderings and detours and its been a rewarding experience. "The other day, it was a beautiful, sunny day, and I drove down an alley near Center Street and MLK Drive and there was peace-oriented graffiti and a beautiful entrance to a church and I had to stop and photograph it," says Inouye. "Im going to places Ive never seen before and I want to encourage other people to do so, too." Visit ZIPMKEs Go Fund Me page to help offset the costs of web design, printed materials and an upcoming exhibit. For more information or to donate, go here. From Consortium News Despite Donald Trump's long history of stiffing workers, dodging taxes and abusing women, he will become the 45th President of the United States, a remarkable turn of events that has a lot of liberals and Democrats scratching their heads and wondering how he could have beaten the powerful Clinton political/money machine. One person who was not surprised was journalist and filmmaker John Pilger, who was born in Sydney, Australia, and now is based in London. Pilger has reported from all over the world, covering numerous wars, notably Vietnam. When he was in his 20's, he became the youngest journalist to receive Britain's highest award for journalism, Journalist of the Year, which he won twice. He also has an Emmy and his most recent book is Hidden Agendas and the New Rulers of the World. Dennis Bernstein: I'm going to ask you later on about the new film, which I'm very excited about. But let's begin with [the Nov. 8] victory over Clinton, by Trump. Were you surprised? What do you think was at the core of the Trump victory? John Pilger: You know, I wasn't surprised. Brexit undoubtedly helped this. I wasn't surprised. I think I'm quite surprised by how decisive his victory is. But I must say I felt rather angry, and I think we probably expended enough anger on Trump. He'll, no doubt, provide us with plenty of material coming up. But I think it's time for people, so-called liberal people, to look in the mirror. Who created Trump? Who created this disastrous election, so-called campaign? In my opinion the enablers of all of this was the liberal class, in the United States. The liberal class has refused to acknowledge, in its arrogance, the huge disaffection and discontent among ordinary people. And painting them in such broad strokes has been... what did Clinton call them?..."deplorables" and "irredeemable"? That's really disgraceful. DB: Yes, that's my father. JP: You know, Clinton was an extremely dangerous prospect. Dangerous because she represented a war making, rapacious status quo. The status quo would have, actually, altered slightly under her. It's my understanding, in fact, I believe that she might have provoked a very major war, with Syria and with Russia. We don't know what Trump will do. We have to now, putting aside all the parodies and the abuse, we have to now be thinking in terms of practicalities. He's running the show. What will he do? But I think before we do that, again, we have to reflect on all the myths. I heard a Harvard professor on the BBC, on the very night, before the count began, talk about the hard left in the Democratic Party, and how she would have to embrace the idea of Bernie Sanders and what he stood for. You know, this kind of drivel, and misrepresentation has been everywhere. The media, personally, and I'm speaking of journalists, produced probably the most unfettered propaganda I can remember at any time. In my career, this has been the worst. There was no serious attempt, really, to analyze and examine either candidate and what they stood for. Trump was dismissed as a demon, with all the salacious stuff around him, undoubtedly some of it true, and all of that. But he was a serious candidate, he was never analyzed, and that's why there's a great surprise, and a great shock. And, it's something that liberal America has to start coming to terms with itself. We had Barack Obama presented seriously as a candidate of hope and real change. He was nothing of the kind. He was in fact a warmonger. He's got four wars going at once. He conducted an international terrorist campaign using drones. He has prosecuted more whistleblowers than any president in American history. And, you know, when you think of Trump's disgraceful remarks about throwing people out of the country, and building a wall... who is the Deporter-in-Chief? The liberal Barack Obama. He has deported more people than any other president. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting suspects during a raid in 2010. (Image by (Photo Courtesy of ICE)) Details DMCA So, all of these facts have been lost and they represent a real crisis for the opposition in the United States, the broad opposition. Barack Obama's great achievement was that he killed off the anti-war movement, because people, doe-eyed from the beginning, thought that Barack Obama was some kind of genuine inspirational liberal, instead of the warmonger that he is. I think there's a lot of these people [who] are going to be listening to your program, they need to hear this. Say that there is a real opposition to Trump and what he's going to do. We don't know what he's going to do, but also an understanding of his constituency, the majority of Americans eligible to vote voted for him. That's a fact that has to be come to terms with, we have to come to terms with. DB: You know I think, John Pilger, you know I'm thinking about all the things Hillary Clinton accused by Trump of, oh, you know, supporting Bill Clinton's attacks on women, and molestations. I'm not really interested in that, at this point, because what I'm interested in is how she sustained Bill Clinton's war policy. You remember Layla Al-Attar, right? You remember how Bill Clinton sowed his oats in his first days of his presidency by killing this leading artist of the Middle East who welcomed women into the art world, an unusual situation. It happened in the context of Hillary Clinton giving her famous speech in Beijing about women. But she never mentioned Layla Al-Attar. She never apologized to the family. Layla's daughter was blinded, in that attack. She was getting operations, getting medical treatment near Stanford where the Clintons would go visit Chelsea. And she never said a word. But, anyway, more on that? Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). We just had a referendum on hate and what the USA stands for. Hate won. You don't come back from that with calls for unity, rebuilding the Democratic party, or blaming Comey. You don't come back from knowing an overwhelming number of Americans either hate you or don't care that others do. You don't come back to safety knowing that the three largest police unions endorsed Trump. The curtain of delusions and hope has been pulled back. It's over. It's more than the Trump supporters. It's the millions who didn't like him, but voted for him anyway, because his rabid, hate fueled campaign wasn't enough of a reason not to. It's all those who didn't vote because voting against a white racist running for President wasn't worth the hassle. I got your message. If I'm not white and heterosexual, I'm the enemy. I don't need to be belittled with another referendum on my rights in four years. The reason a secession of blue states will be peaceful is the red states will be as happy to be rid of us as we them. To make up for the revenue from blue states that financially support the red states, we'll give them all rights to the USA brand. It's forever mired with the Trump brand. They can have it. (Article changed on November 16, 2016 at 23:06) We knew this was coming! (Image by rev. dan) Details DMCA "Attack! Counter Attack! And NEVER Apologize!" - Roy Cohn In his "60 Minutes" interview with Leslie Stahl, President-elect Donald Trump made a bombshell statement about the Supreme Court and same-sex marriage. The Guardian: Asked by Stahl whether he supported marriage equality, which was made law by the supreme court in Obergefell v Hodges in 2015, Trump suggested the case did not concern him to the degree of Roe v Wade. "It's irrelevant," he said, "Because it was already settled. It's law. It was settled in the supreme court. I mean it's done." Jaws dropped in the land of the Christian Right. Of course, Trump also said that he would certainly try to overturn Roe vs Wade by Supreme Court appointments, but the reaction from pulpits was swift to condemn: Christian Right Explodes over 60 minutes interview (Image by joe.my.god.com) Details DMCA The Real Donald Trump Donald Trump likes "shock and awe" when it comes to dealing with people: he delivered it during his campaign rallies and he used it to overshadow his apparent lack of spirituality and experience. Millions were impressed with the vigor with which he attacked Clinton - a vigor that convinced the Christian Right that, when in office, President Trump would be a formidable foe against the LGBT community. They felt that, as staunch supporters, they could mold this "baby Christian" into a Crusader for (their) Christ. They showed the same lack of vetting skills that has plagued the Republican Party for years (think Sarah Palin) and were sucked into Trump's alternate reality. 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 Reader Supported News For the second time in the fledgling 21st century, we are set upon by a right wing radical assuming the power of the US presidency without having won the popular vote. In the instance of George W. Bush, he proceeded as though a mandate were his birthright. Thus far there is no indication that Donald Trump has any greater concern for the majority that rejected him than George W. Bush did. In addition, Mr. Trump assumes power under black personal storm clouds. According to USA Today, Trump is today facing no fewer than 75 concurrent lawsuits. A fraction, however, of the estimated 4,000 business and personal legal actions he has been involved in throughout the years. On the order of 100 times what the Clintons have faced. This too speaks to mandate. How can any elected official so encumbered with legal burdens be entrusted to determine the fate of the nation? In fact, radically alter it. While the lack of a mandate meant nothing to Bush and may mean less to Trump, it returns moral authority to the majority that opposed him and legitimizes their opposition to him. It was Bush's willingness to "reorder America and the world" without majority consent that gave rise to the Obama presidency. If Trump ignores the American majority he surely strengthens it, and inevitably dooms his agenda as well. Trump, of course, can quite easily alleviate these problems with one simple action on his first day in office: choose a Supreme Court nominee that is seen as fair and moderate. The unifying effect that would have on the nation would be immeasurable and would set him on a course to a successful presidency and imbue him with the legitimacy the American majority did not grant him on Election Day. There is no question that Donald Trump assumes the presidency without majority consent. No legitimate argument for a mandate can stem from that. He can only achieve a mandate through unifying action. What will it be: unification and success, or division and failure? The choice is yours, Mr. Trump. Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News. The following excerpt from the 2013 book The Power of the Herd not only predicted the success of hyper-aggressive candidates like Donald Trump, it shows how our current political climate amplifies dysfunctional patterns established in the very first U.S. presidency. Regardless of the lip service paid to democracy, our current system favors the most domineering, naturally predatory leaders who enjoy a good fight. But that's not even the bad news: Because of their compromised ability to feel fear, their lack of remorse for hurting others, stretching the truth or outright lying, and their marked gift for glib and entertaining putdowns, sociopaths are best suited to combating the personal effects of the relentless character assaults candidates endure---while using the same phenomenon to manipulate and intimidate others. It takes an almost supernatural level of courage and self-sacrifice for a compassionate person with vision and integrity to step into the fray. As a result, we don't need complex conspiracy theories to worry about selfish, dictatorial leaders taking power. Our intensely competitive culture selects for aggression and sociopathy. (Image by Shuttlestock) Details DMCA Politics is the ultimate chamber of horrors in this regard. The debilitating effects of all the infighting, backbiting, sarcasm, and sheer mean-spirited vehemence our leaders endure---before and after election---prevent them from carrying out the simplest tasks. Yet the situation hasn't changed much in the last 230 years. In the 21st century, the same old interpersonal dramas, calculated deceptions, and capricious, hypercritical judgments the first U.S. President endured are just broadcast more widely and rapidly---set to music, with better visual aids. Presidential Angst Long after enemy forces surrendered and sailed back to England, President George Washington experienced vicious personal attacks and betrayals all the more shocking to him because they were carried out by fellow countrymen (some of who encouraged him to take office in the first place). The details are both fascinating and enlightening, especially concerning the creation of a two-party system that Washington abhorred. One example illustrates the now-classic pressures he faced. In the mid-1790s, heated debates occurred over a treaty to continue trade with Great Britain after the Revolutionary War, an important income source for American merchants and farmers alike. Some people quite simply hated their former oppressors and wanted to cut all ties. Any attempt to form a post-war relationship, they argued, was a betrayal of the Revolution itself. Washington, however, supported negotiation, not only for economic reasons, but also as a way to keep tabs on an imperialistic regime that might someday strike again. (The War of 1812 proved him prescient on this account.) With compelling reasons, backed by an unusually effective leadership presence and, let's not forget, his hard-won reputation as the war hero who refused to be king, the President's opinion carried considerable weight. The Jay Treaty was passed. Detractors, still hoping to turn the tide, felt they had no choice but to launch a direct assault on Washington's character. This was hard to do without fudging the truth, spreading rumors, and whenever possible, gloating over any challenges the country faced rather than rallying behind the commander-in-chief to solve problems that might arise as a result of the admittedly imperfect trade agreement. People who essentially liked Washington, yet disagreed unsuccessfully with key policies, began circulating rumors that billed him as a good-natured has-been, a naive, senile old man who was clearly out of his league. Letters by Thomas Jefferson to this effect were "leaked" to sympathetic members of the press who didn't mind going public without revealing their sources, at least initially. Jefferson denied this covert betrayal for months, until one of his more offensive letters condemning Washington's leadership was actually printed in several newspapers, effectively ending all correspondence between the two former friends. 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). Dunce (Image by ~Pawsitive~Candie_N) Details DMCA To be upfront, I strongly believe that President Trump is exactly what the USA desperately needs at this time, a disrupter. I say this as someone who worked in the political world for over 20 years, is white, highly educated, old and affluent. In September 2015 I published an article in which I said: "Trump surely has more current and potential supporters than the media and political establishment can accept. Unlike Trump, they have no imagination. The Donald, to his credit, is really on to something Great. I hope that many more Americans recognize that he is exactly what the nation needs. Stick that middle finger up at all the chronic liars that have sold out the vast majority of Americans." More than a year before the election I was correct. The most fascinating post-election fact I have seen is that Trump prevailed with voters making $100,000 or more a year. Would you have ever predicted that from what you heard from the mainstream media? The craziest moment I had was watching President Obama very close to the election support voting by illegal immigrants. During the campaign I was appalled at the insane pro-Clinton bias among the mainstream media; it made me nauseous and caused me to greatly reduce my watching of CNN and MSNBC and all three major television networks. Not only were most Trump supporters not deplorable, they were not racist, sexist or stupid. But the media, Democrats and establishment Republicans tried to make them feel like they were. When 70 percent of the nation consistently says that the country is on the wrong track there is enormous pent-up demand for change. Did anyone really think Clinton was a change agent? The media dismissed the significance of the demand for change. When you thirst for change you are willing to ignore a lot of negatives of a change candidate. The media and Clinton did just the opposite; they were status-quo supporters. And now what amazes me is that all these media companies have not fired the many, many pro-Clinton anchors, pundits, columnists and reporters. Days after the election all these people who got nearly everything wrong about this election are still appearing in the same venues. A great many columnists, editors and reporters at the New York Times and Washington Post and countless personalities at CNN and MSNBC should be fired. Not solely because they were wrong, but because they showed themselves to lack any journalistic integrity. That means you Wolf Blitzer. Even more sickening are the countless Democrat politicians and hacks who refuse to accept full responsibility for all the idiotic and disrespectful things they did that caused their terrible candidate to appropriately lose the election. The clearest sign of Democrat stupidity and delusion is the constant garbage bragging that Clinton got more votes than Trump. Why is this so repulsive? Because presidential campaigns are devised and operated on the basis of the Electoral College system that constitutionally determines the victor. This means that a winning campaign must focus on specific states rather than on states with the largest populations. In other words, Clinton's larger national popular vote total is irrelevant and meaningless. Moreover, millions of illegal immigrants may have voted for Clinton. Clinton herself has clearly refused to accept personal responsibility for her loss. This makes all of us who intensely opposed her feeling justified as well as even more thrilled with her loss. What the biased media apparently also has not learned is their behavior helped the Trump victory. Why? Because it pissed off many millions of Americans. Sure, politicians lie a lot, including Trump and Clinton. But to constantly see and hear nearly all media outlets distort and lie about the pros and cons of both major candidates irritated rational, smart Americans who supported Trump for valid reasons having nothing to do with racism and other negative characterization. The media has done of terrible job of properly informing Americans about the true nature of globalization that is pushed by corporate interests. There are two main dimensions. One is the advocacy for international trade agreements that have already sold out middle-class Americans by exporting good jobs in manufacturing. The availability of cheaper goods does not outweigh the incredible costs and pain for a large segment of the American population. There has been a transfer of American wealth to countries such as China, but that wealth has been robbed from the middle class, not the upper wealthy and corporate class that has increased their wealth because of trade. The other side of globalization is the escalating movement of non-white people from terrible situations and countries to white-majority countries. This too has been pushed by corporate interests seeking low-cost labor. Both legal and illegal immigrants have been changing the culture and economy of white-majority democracies. What I greatly resent is that Americans have never been given a clear political choice to vote for changing their beloved white-majority country to a very different kind of country. Neither Obama or Clinton or any other politicians clearly told the American public that their long-term objective was to convert the white-majority nation to something very different. Of course Clinton was pretty clear that her campaign was based on getting the votes of blacks and Hispanics, which, in the end, she failed at. This -- I strongly say -- is not about racism; it is about the right of a majority population to maintain a major characteristic of their nation and culture. None of the historic waves of immigration in previous centuries did what the current kind and scope of immigration is doing to the fundamental character of the USA. It has been imposed upon the white-majority population in a fundamentally undemocratic way. Americans were never given a chance to vote on this change, except to vote for someone like Clinton who never honestly said what she wanted. So white Americans saw the truth this time and acted on their beliefs and fears. Here is the truth of contemporary nationalism: Any national majority has a democratic right of self-determination to use their political system to reject immigration that threatens to change that majority, whether that majority is based on race, religion, culture or language. Political leaders that use humanitarian arguments to ignore majority resistance to immigration face defeat such as Hillary Clinton's loss. Thus the Trump victory is consistent with what is going on in other democracies, namely a rejection of elitist, establishment, corporate-driven systems pushing globalization and intense immigration. So called right-wing populist movements reflect a rejection of globalization priorities. Not only is this not about racism, it is also not about isolationism. It is about self-determination of majority populations. Swedes have a right to keep their white culture, the French have a similar right and so do Americans. It is not racist to see connections between fast, massive immigration and threats from terrorism and crime. Give Trump time to show that he can actually help make America great again. If you did not see the true realities that produced the Trump victory, then un-stupid yourself. The most stupid thing you can do right now is to ignore the several core serious messages of Trump that resonated so much with so many Americans because for one reason or another you hate the messenger. Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) November 15, 2016: When the 2012 election results came in and the election was called, former Governor Mitt Romney, the Republican Party's 2012 presidential candidate, had to concede that he had lost the election to President Barack Obama. Even though I had voted for President Obama's re-election in 2012, I actually thought that Romney had a chance of winning, because the economy was not working in Obama's favor. But Romney was himself actually surprised when he lost to Obama in 2012. In 2016, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, had to take her turn in conceding that she had lost in the Electoral College to Donald J. Trump, the Republican Party's candidate. But I do not know if Hillary was as surprised by her loss in 2016 as Romney was by his in 2012. Even though I voted for Hillary, I had published a number of OEN pieces about Trump before the election, reminding OEN readers of the possibility that he might be elected, as he now has been. Since the election, I have published two OEN pieces about the election results: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Some-Reflections-on-Trump-by-Thomas-Farrell-Abortion_Anti-abortion_Catholic_Congress-161110-658.html http://www.opednews.com/articles/Hillary-Deserves-Her-Fair-by-Thomas-Farrell-Democratic_Electoral_College_Government_Hillary-2016-161112-480.html Thus the present commentary is my third OEN piece about the election results. I do not see these three commentaries as superseding one another, but as complementing and rounding out one another. As I write, Hillary holds a small but still increasing edge over Trump in the popular vote. Nevertheless, her impressive voter turnout in certain crucial battleground states did not equal then-Senator Obama's voter turnout in 2008. In 2008, then-Senator Obama was a fresh young face who symbolized the black civil rights movement of the 1960s and, because of his vote in the Senate against the war in Iraq, the anti-war movement in the 1960s against the Vietnam War. By contrast, then-Senator Clinton had voted in the Senate for the war in Iraq, even though young Hillary Rodham had been against the Vietnam War in the 1960s. (Unfortunately, she was not the only baby boomer from the 1960s anti-war movement against the Vietnam War who failed to oppose the war in Iraq.) Although I was surprised as I watched the 2016 election results come in, I was not as surprised as some other Americans were, because I had never thought that it was unthinkable that Trump would win, as I had said repeatedly in my OEN piece about Trump before the election. Evidently, certain white voters turned out to vote for Trump in certain crucial battleground states who had not turned out for Romney in 2012, perhaps because he was a Mormon. Of course in both 2012 and 2016, as in earlier elections, there were millions of eligible Americans who did not vote, for whatever reason(s). So we understandably focus on those eligible Americans who were moved to vote, for whatever reason(s). What moves voters to vote? In the terminology that Aristotle uses to identify the three appeals that a civic orator makes (to logos, pathos, and ethos), Trump was making a strong pathos-appeal to his supporters. The nineteenth-century British author John Henry Newman famously said, "The whole man moves." Today we might prefer to re-phrase this a bit and say that the whole person moves. 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). As cases of Palestinian camp children being targeted by drug dealers are further revealed, proposals are being put forward by the Palestinian Community, Local, Regional and International NGOs, and Civil Society organizations on how to end this scourge. Taking into account the still prevailing Lebanese stigmas toward Palestinians and the outlawing of their elementary civil rights including the right to work and home ownership, this observer offers some proposals for consideration. Continuing to block Palestinian civil rights here in Lebanon is a fundamental cause of the Palestinian camps' fraying security that exposes camp children to many dangers including drug dealers. As is widely known among students of the Question of Palestine, serious threats peculiar to the lives of the youth in the camps and of the entire Palestinian community in Lebanon affect their physical and psychological health. These are caused by the many particularly difficult local economic, social and educational circumstances placed on them for political reasons. Acting as incubators for numerous social ills, including children's vulnerability to drug dealers, these threats will not diminish unless strong remedial measures are taken by those of us committed to the cause of Palestine. Historic Rue Sabra, the main access into Shatila camp, as shown on 11/7/2016. During better times Rue Sabra was a locale for art exhibitions, festivals and proud marches and gatherings by Palestinian Girl and Boy scouts as well as Fedayeen and internation (Image by Franklin Lamb) Details DMCA As Miaari, a volunteer who works with camp children and offers short-term vocational training, recently advised visitors: "Getting children out of the streets and away from drug dealers will only happen when we all defy the Lebanese legal system that systematically undermines the Palestinian community's ability to improve its condition." It is difficult to overstate how central and fundamental are the idea, cause, urge, and need for returning to Palestine in the lives of young Palestinians in Lebanon's camps. Because Palestinians face a grim future in Lebanon, the youth believe that the core reason for their existence is not to build a life here, but to return to a free Palestine and build a life there. Within Lebanon much that can be done to confront drugs in Palestinian camps in addition to granting the right to work which, in this observer's opinion, is absolutely essential for success with the anti-drug struggle. The proposed initiatives noted below, if implemented without further delay, could achieve much toward eradicating the massive influx of more than a dozen types of drugs targeting children in Palestinian camps today. Inside the Camps: Pushing Drugs and Child Drug Addiction Internal Causes Some of the causes of Palestinian community problems and children being targeted for drug addiction in the camps are related to camp infrastructure. In the past few years UNRWA and some of the international aid agencies have taken several decisions for budgetary and austerity reasons, to diminish health, education, reconstruction and social services. One example is Nahr al Bared camp near Tripoli, which was destroyed by the Lebanese army in 2007 fighting Islamists, but which has still not been rebuilt because previously pledged international contributions have not yet been honored. These conditions have led to an unstable political climate inside the camps and the feeling by many Palestinians that they are left to their own destiny. Many Palestinians say they have had enough and may revolt to demand the right to work and home ownership. Commonly expressed also is growing hostility toward the camp Political and Social Committees, as well as the political factions and camps militias for failing to confront drug dealers, achieve camp security, and improve camp infrastructure. Fighting among camp residents caused by various domestic disputes and myriad social problems, is also on the increase. Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp, Ain al-Hilweh, with more than 70,000 usual residents but with now another approximately 30,000 ethnic Palestinians from Syria, packed into 1.5 square kilometers, is also witnessing many children being targeted by drug dealers. Lifelong resident, 17-year old Mohannad reports that "The camp is enclosed around us and we have very little options. As Palestinians we feel marginalized and as youth we are hugely demotivated". According to another precocious, very articulate, young camp resident: " Being forbidden by law to work and economic hardships lead to more anger and violence in the camp households, which increases children's anxiety, accentuates their depression and pushes them out of their homes and into the streets''. He continued: "We have a lot of problems at home. My father is unemployed and angry. I felt forgotten and neglected. I decided to quit school and try the street life. Drug dealers target young, unemployed, poor men who spend their days and nights on the streets and in cafes looking for solace." Lebanon's laws and ministerial decrees have established a series of restrictions that deny Palestinian refugees internationally-mandated elementary civil rights. They are deprived from the right to work in most professions, attend public schools, own property, pass on inheritances and move freely in the country, leaving them little option apart from ''hanging out", jobless and open to escapism in the form of drugs, as the Return to Palestine increasingly appears to be unattainable. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."--Philosopher George Santayana Stay alert, America. This is not the time to drop our guards, even for a moment. Nothing has changed since the election to alter the immediate and very real dangers of roadside strip searches, government surveillance, biometric databases, citizens being treated like terrorists, imprisonments for criticizing the government, national ID cards, SWAT-team raids, censorship, forcible blood draws and DNA extractions, private prisons, weaponized drones, red-light cameras, tasers, active-shooter drills, police misconduct and government corruption. Time alone will tell whether those who put their hopes in a political savior will find that trust rewarded or betrayed. Personally, I'm not holding my breath. I've been down this road before. I've studied history. I know what comes next. It's early days yet, but President-elect Trump--like his predecessors--has already begun to dial back many of the campaign promises that pledged to reform a broken system of government. The candidate who railed against big government and vowed to "drain the swamp" of lobbyists and special-interest donors has already given lobbyists, corporate donors and members of the governmental elite starring roles in his new administration. America, you've been played. This is what happens when you play politics with matters of life, death and liberty. You lose every time. Unfortunately, in this instance, we all lose because of the deluded hypocrisy of the left and the right, both of which sanctioned the expansion of the police state as long as it was their party at the helm. For the past eight years, the left--stridently outspoken and adversarial while George W. Bush was president--under Obama has been unusually quiet about things like torture, endless wars, drone strikes, executive orders, government overreach and fascism. 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 Middle East Eye Post-election comments on Middle East policy last week by President-elect Donald Trump and one his campaign advisers have provoked speculation about whether Trump will upend two main foreign policy lines of the Obama administration in the Middle East. But the more decisive question about the future of US policy toward the region is whom Trump will pick for his national security team -- and especially whether he will nominate John Bolton to become secretary of state. Bolton, one of the most notorious members of Dick Cheney's team plotting wars in the George W Bush administration, would certainly push for the effective nullification of the main political barrier to US confrontation with Iran: the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal. Trump created a minor stir by giving an interview to the Wall Street Journal last Thursday in which he reiterated his criticism of the Obama administration's involvement in the war against Syria's Assad and supported cooperation with Russia against the Islamic State group. And a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser once connected with an extremist sectarian Christian militia in Lebanon named Walid Phares suggested in an interview with BBC radio that Trump would demand that Iran "change [a] few issues" in the agreement and that "the agreement as it is right now... is not going to be accepted by a Trump administration." The significance of that interview, however, is very unclear. Trump himself had avoided threatening such a move during the campaign, denouncing the nuclear agreement as "disastrous" but avoiding any pledge to renounce it as his Republican rivals Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio had done. In his speech to AIPAC, Trump thundered against the agreement but promised only to enforce it strictly and hold Iran "accountable." Trump has consistently embraced the long-standing official US animosity toward Iran, but thus far he has given no indication that he intends to provoke an unnecessary crisis with Iran. In any case, Trump's own views will only be the starting point for policymaking on Syria and Iran. His national security team will have the power to initiate policy proposals as well as effective veto power over Trump's foreign policy preferences. That is why Trump's choices of nominations for the top positions on national security will certainly be the crucial factor in determining what policy lines ultimately emerge on those issues -- and why the real possibility of Bolton's nomination as secretary of state now represents the greatest threat to international peace and security. Barack Obama became president with a firm intention to get US combat forces out of Iraq within 16 months as he had promised during the campaign. But in his very first meeting with Centcom Commander General David Petraeus, Secretary of Defence Robert M Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen in late January 2009, Petraeus and his two allies pressed Obama to back down on his pledge, arguing that it wasn't realistic. In the end, Obama accepted a scheme devised by the military and Pentagon officials under which combat brigades remained in Iraq, long after the August 2010 Obama deadline for their withdrawal with no reduction in combat capability. They were simply given additional tasks of advising and assisting Iraqi military units and renamed "advisory and assistance brigades." Later in 2009, Obama's national security team, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pushed for a major US military escalation in Afghanistan in 2009-2010. Obama didn't buy the arguments by Petraeus, Gates and Mullen for a huge increase in US troops in Afghanistan. He and Vice President Joe Biden argued that the implosion of Pakistan was a much bigger problem than Afghanistan and that there was no evidence of a threat that al-Qaeda would return to Afghanistan. But the war coalition leaked a story to the press that the White House was ignoring a new intelligence assessment that the Afghan Taliban would invite al-Qaeda back into the country if they won the war. In fact, the intelligence community had produced no such assessment, but the proponents of a big counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan were demonstrating their power to use the media to raise the political cost to Obama of resisting their demand. 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 recent brouhaha over Vice President-Elect Mike Pence's seemingly scientifically-challenged opinions about smoking raises an issue that the left should consider. The issue is that a strong case can be made against the excessive regulation of tobacco products, which is at base the case Pence makes. Fueled by a formula advanced by the World Health Organization, anti-smoking advocates predict that for every 10-percent increase in the price of tobacco products, tobacco purchases will decrease by 4 percent in wealthy countries and 5 percent in poorer countries. Tobacco-tax increases have therefore become the main public health strategy for combating smoking. The strategy has merit. Between 1995 and 2009, for example, average tobacco-tax increases in the United States drove the cost of a pack of cigarettes up over 42 percent. During this same period, the smoking rate in the country declined by over 20 percent (from about 25 to 19 percent). Of course, other factors were involved, and smokers have more incentive to quit than costs, but it does appear that the tax increases worked their predicted smoking-reduction market magic. However, continued increases in the cost of tobacco products via additional taxes is of diminishing effectiveness for reducing smoking. New York City's high tobacco tax, for example, has driven the cost of a pack of cigarettes to twice the average in the other 49 states. Yet, the smoking rate in New York City is only a few points lower than the national average (around 15 percent as opposed to 18 percent). If the World Health Organization's formula were accurate, the smoking rate in New York City should have fallen to around 10 or 11 percent, not remained within the margin of error of the national rate. Meanwhile, instead of quitting, New York's smokers have turned to buying contraband cigarettes. Experts estimate that fully 58 percent of the cigarettes sold in New York are now smuggled in from out of state. Cigarette smuggling in New York, however, is only the tip of a global trend in which organized criminal networks have moved from their staples of illicit drugs and human trafficking into the lucrative tobacco market. Indeed, even Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah have documented involvements in cigarette smuggling. At the same time, the increases in tobacco taxes are hurting the poor and benefiting the rich. In New York, again, low-income smokers (and the majority of smokers are low income) now spend almost 24 percent of their incomes on tobacco products, up from a bit under 12 percent a dozen years ago. The increased tax revenues, though, aren't always used to help smokers quit--or even to fund their health-care costs. In Indiana, for example, then Governor Pence blocked a bill to increase the tobacco tax that earmarked the proceeds for infrastructure projects. Yes, Indiana's lawmakers were prepared to make smokers subsidize their driving habit. Chicago's smokers weren't so fortunate. They were taxed to finance the redevelopment of the city's waterfront, where naturally smoking is prohibited. Thus, while the effectiveness of modest tobacco-tax increases on reducing smoking is well-documented, it's also documented that large tax increases aren't as effective, large tax increases invite organized crime and terrorist organizations to expand into tobacco smuggling, and all the tax increases disproportionately burden the poor while some subsidize the rich. Of course, tobacco-tax increases aren't the only strategy the nonsmoking majority uses to penalize the smoking minority. Another popular strategy is to mandate that tobacco products prominently display disgusting images of sick smokers and their diseased organs. Unsurprisingly, the research shows that these images increase the revulsion people feel toward smoking, and presumably toward smokers, but have zero effect on reducing smoking. The story of big tobacco's murderous exploitation of consumers is one of the most sordid of all in the annals of corporate greed. But that's no longer the salient story. The story today is of the hundreds of millions of nicotine addicts in the world whom no reasonable person believes will all be able to quit, and therefore of what prudent public-health policy ought to be regarding their addiction. No one, let us hope, wants Vice President-Elect Mike Pence to preside over tobacco policy. At minimum, his views are tainted by his receipt of campaign contributions from the tobacco industry, but he also doesn't give evidence of being the sharpest scientific tool in the shed. Even so, Pence's views should prompt a more informed discussion of tobacco policy than we've witnessed of late. Right now the anti-smoking advocates aren't proceeding on the basis of especially sound science either, but are rather winging it with sloppy econometrics and other scientifically dubious strategies. In the process, they are also sneakily shifting their tax burdens to the poor, encouraging the expansion of organized crime networks, and not really doing much to help the victims of big tobacco. The Mosul operation clearly shows that Western countries so fond of blaming Damascus and Moscow for "inhumane military actions" in Syria don't even care for civilians in war-torn areas. US, Iraqi forces train [Image 3 of 13] (Image by DVIDSHUB) Details DMCA On October 17, the world saw the beginning of the offensive of the so-called "coalition forces" consisting of the Peshmerga troops, Shia and Sunni militia and the Iraqi army. The aerial support is provided by the US-led coalition aviation. US and British Spec Ops, American, French and British artillery and military advisers along with western PSCs are aiding the operation forces on the ground. Even before the operation started, international humanitarian organizations, journalists and politicians of various countries forecast the aggravation of the humanitarian situation. It was clear that ISIS wouldn't let the Mosul population leave the city to use the residents as human shields. The Pentagon, which basically supervised the arrangement of the operation and is controlling it now, initially planned no humanitarian corridors for civilians. This reminds of the assault on Iraq's Fallujah in 2004 after it was captured by Muqtada al-Sadr's militants. Then, the US military gave one week for civilians to leave the city without providing any humanitarian corridors or camps. Afterwards, all the residents who stayed in the city were considered terrorists' accomplices. Thousands of civilians fell victims to the assault that followed. Now, Mosul and its suburbs are witnessing airstrikes on living districts that destroy schools, mosques and residential houses; more than 1.5 thousand civilians were killed the previous month. Not all of them became the victims of the Coalition's jets -- both Western and Iraqi artillery, which is far from being accurate, also contributes to the death toll. As analysts predicted, the government troops (the Western special forces and mercenaries are fighting in Mosul suburbs) shoot at almost anything that moves while operating within the city borders. Such a tactic resulted in dozens if not hundreds of civilians killed, as revealed in the footages of Iraqi journalists advancing with the army. The troops seem to tag the Mosul population as ISIS accomplices not to risk their own lives. Meanwhile, hundreds of the city and local villages' residents have been executed or murdered by terrorists themselves. For instance, one can be killed for violating the ban on using mobile phones, alleged assistance to the coalition forces or simply for an attempt to leave the city without the required fee or permit. Another side of the humanitarian disaster in Mosul is the refugee crisis. The UN reports that more than 50 thousand people have left the city and its outskirts since the operation started. Only 12 thousand of them received the required aid. The number of refugees from the war-torn region is projected to reach one million by midwinter. Before the operation, it was stated that most of them would be placed in Iraq's Ninawa and Anbar provinces. But as for November 1, the camps there were filled up to 50%. Meanwhile, at the urge or direction of the US Command, neither Iraqi nor foreign humanitarian organizations are permitted to enter the battle zone. No one cares about the locals suffering from the shortage of medicine, water and food or qualified medical aid. Actually, people have nowhere to go to, they just can't escape from the war. They have basically only one way -- to move to Europe. Is the West ready for it? That's unlikely. It would rather keep the Mosul residents in the city until the coalition eliminates everyone it calls "terrorists." Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kalls Bottom-Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution takes a very holistic view of bottom-up thinking and action, from changes in our psychology to our systems of work, living and governance. As someone who's been working to make bottom-up economics a reality for over 30 years, this book reinforces the need for and potential of redirecting our priorities-- and resources--from the few at the top to the many at the bottom." Anthony Flaccavento, author of Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up by Larry Huss When I was a sophomore in college one of my roommates was upset because the school administration would not allow the student newspaper to print an article that was critical of some policy of the school. One evening he suggested to me that we should burn the school newspaper. I had no idea what the article was about nor did I care, but the idea of burning the school newspaper sounded like a lot of fun I was nineteen going on twenty and though like a nineteen year old. Several nights later we made our way into the Administration building and scooped up all of the recently printed newspapers (probably less than 1,000 papers consisting of eight pages) that were set for distribution the following day. We hauled them out onto the quad between two of the mens dorms and lit them on fire. In short order what had been less than half a dozen of us grew to a couple of hundred. And that number grew larger when the police and the fire department showed up. Almost everyone attending and participating (including me) were clueless as to the reason for the burning but it was great fun and the attendees were laughing, joking, chanting and singing. When the police and the fire department showed up no one shouted pigs, no one threw anything, no one shoved anybody, they just laughed and cheered until they were told to go home, whereupon some went back to studying, some went to bed and some, like me, went to one of the campus bars that didnt check IDs. We were there for the party, not the purpose. The President of the school, Fr. OLeary, was notably quoted that evening as saying: It is spring time and in the spring the sap begins to flow and I do mean saps. Pitch perfect. It was so much fun that we decided to do it again the following year but we didnt have a newspaper to burn because it was now under lock and key so we gathered rolls of toilet paper and basically TPd the same quad where we had burned the newspaper the year before. It was great fun again and a couple of hundred people showed up again to laugh, cheer and chant. Two of my friends thought it would be the perfect time to conduct a panty raid and so they pulled ski masks over their faces and invaded one of the girls dorms. They were greeted by cheers, jeers, and laughter and, despite their disguises, many of the women greeted them by name it was a small school and we all knew each other well. No one was hurt, nothing was damaged and everyone had a good time. Again, we were there for the party, not the purpose. But, by our senior year the cold hard reality of the real world settled in. Many were facing deployment to Viet Nam, others to getting a job, and still others to getting married with all of the attendant responsibilities. Bigger things had pushed our juvenile behavior to the least important aspects of our lives. I relate all of this because when I view the recent demonstrations arising out of Donald Trumps election to the presidency I recognize that the overwhelming majority of the young people attending are there for the party and not for the purpose. But two new elements have been injected into these spontaneous demonstrations and both have contributed to a coarsening of the protests. The first is social media. Everybody has a smart phone with a camera and internet access to upload and download all that occurs. The fifteen minutes of fame first noted by Andy Warhol have gone viral and the antics of people trying to gain attention seem to know no bounds. They range from the once silly to the sublime to now the dangerous and disgusting. That element of see me now has caused crowd reaction to accelerate much like gasoline on a barbecue. The second is the increasing presence of professional agitators. They range from the anarchists to paid political operatives like the Foval Group funded by the Clinton campaign machine through the Democrat Party. Their purpose is to provoke confrontation and violence. The known but unfortunate reality is that crowd or mob mentality dominates these demonstrations. So when the agitators provoke violence the crowd acts instinctively to coalesce with them allowing a small professional group to stampede the larger group. This is the core of the violence that erupted at World Trade Organization meetings, racial protests, and now anti-Trump demonstrations. Woven into all of this are the Political Losers the Hillary Clinton supporters. The people that just cannot believe that the most qualified person to ever run for the presidency was beaten soundly by a novice with absolutely no political experience. Who continue to search for any rationale other than they chose to support the most corrupt politician to ever be nominated by a major political party. Okay, they can salve their bitterness by noting that Ms. Clinton won the popular vote. But that isnt how you win the presidency you win it by following the rules of the electoral college established in the Constitution. Brandishing the popular vote as a repudiation of Mr. Trump is akin to claiming that the Carolina Panthers are the 2016 Super Bowl champions because they gained more yards (315 to 194) than the Denver Broncos. The Panthers, like Ms. Clinton, lost on the only score that counts. One of the most interesting things about all of these Losers is the ubiquitous use of catchwords fear, fearful, afraid, terrified. And when these Losers are lost for words when queried by the mainstream media, the media supplies the same phrases in their questions and follows that up by using these same words in their reporting and commentary demonstrating once again how biased, corrupt and dishonest the mainstream media continues to be. Obviously these Losers were still reading from the talking points of the Clinton campaign and their concerns sounded just as rehearsed and just as disingenuous as most of Ms. Clintons speeches. So, what is to be done about these demonstrators? Well there is a different solution for each of these three groups: One For those who are there for the party rather than the purpose, let them have at it. Let them march, chant, cheer and jeer to their hearts content. Soon enough they will get bored and move on to something more important. But in doing so the police should follow the policies of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani give them the sidewalks but not the streets, the streets need to be preserved for emergency traffic. Advise them early and often that if they injure others or property that they will be arrested and charged. Two For professional agitators. Most police departments have access, through facial recognition capabilities, to data basis that can identify many of the professional agitators. They should be identified early, watched incessantly and arrested immediately when they act or incite violence or property destruction. Get the criminal element off the street and maintenance of order increases dramatically. But more importantly, once arrested those parties responsible for deploying them should be held liable for the injuries and damages they cause even including the Clinton campaign and the individual members of that campaign. Three For the Losers. They should be reminded that when conservatives suffered the election of President Barack Obama (twice) and felt isolated and feared for the future of the country, they recognized that this is the big boy world and you dont always get what you want. You are not entitled to a world where people will not disagree with you, where you have to be able to defend what you think and what you say and where work trumps whining. When conservatives lost they re-gathered their forces, worked harder and won subsequent elections at both the state and national levels. They took control of an overwhelming majority of governorships and state legislatures. They took back the House of Representatives and then the Senate. Liberals would be well advised to do the same. Or in the words favored by my daughter, Pull up your big girl panties and do it whether you want to or not. But if in the end you just cant take it anymore and feel like Rosie ODonnell and Chelsea Handler that you have to leave the country and never return, give me a call and Ill see if I can help you with your ticket. Nawaz Sharif family with Qatar connection ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court heard another explanation for how the Sharif family paid for its London properties, observing that both sides were doing their best to ensure that the court would eventually have to form a commission to decide the Panamagate case. This document has completely changed the public stand of the prime minister, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed after the Sharif childrens newly-engaged counsel, Mohammad Akram Sheikh, presented before the court an attested letter from a former Qatari prime minister. This is all hearsay, said Justice Khosa, who is part of the five-judge larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, which has taken up the Panamagate case. Like a rabbit out of a hat, Mr Sheikh had pulled out a document dated Nov 5, 2016 marked private, confidential and not to be disclosed to any party, except for the benefit of the courts of Pakistan on the letterhead of Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 2007 to 2013. But the court was not amused. Justice Khosa observed the document originated only a few days ago and was not 30 years old, asking the counsel whether the gentleman who signed the letter would appear for cross-examination if the court placed the document on the record. Although he didnt respond before the court, Mr Sheikh told reporters after the hearing that the former Qatari premier would appear before the court, if necessary. The letter states that Hamads father Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani had longstanding business relations with Mian Mohammad Sharif Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs father which were coordinated through my eldest brother. In the year 1980, Mian Sharif expressed his desire to invest a certain amount of money in real estate business of Al Thani family in Qatar, the document said. I understood at that time, that an aggregate sum of around Dirhams 12 million was contributed by Mian Sharif, originating from the sale of business in Dubai, the document said, adding that four flats: 16, 16A, 17 and 17A Avenfield House, Park Lane, London, were registered under the ownership of two offshore companies, while their bearer share certificates were kept in Qatar. These were purchased from the proceeds of the real estate business, the document claimed. It went on to explain that on account of [the] relationship between the families, Mian Sharif and his family used the properties whilst bearing all expenses relating to the properties, including the ground rent and service charges. I can recall that during his life time, Mian Sharif wished that the beneficiary of his investment and returns in the real estate business [should be] his grandson Hussain Nawaz Sharif, it explained, adding that in the year 2006, the accounts in relation to this investment were settled between Hussain and the Al Thani family, who then delivered the bearer shares of the companies to his representative. But Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali was not swayed and observed that the court would examine the evidentiary value of the document later. Do you understand the implication of the document? Justice Khosa asked, pointing at Mr Sheikh. He observed that all this document explained that Hamad bin Jassim did not have to account for anything, and that his father was extremely kind and generous to give away money to Mian Sharif. You do not have any explanation for the properties except for this? Justice Khosa inquired again. He observed that while Nawaz Sharif was everybodys prime minister, the stance adopted before the court was different from what he said on the floor of the National Assembly on May 16, 2016, where PM Sharif had stated that the flats were purchased using proceeds from the sale of steel mills in Jeddah. In the 86-page supplementary statement submitted to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Maryam, Hassan and Hussain Nawaz claimed that no amount was ever transferred or remitted from Pakistan in order to set up, finance or run steel mills in the UAE. The document emphasised that Mariam Nawaz was a trustee for the benefit of Hussain Nawaz in pursuance of a 2006 trust deed executed between the two. Therefore, from 2006 onwards, the London properties were the property of Hussain Nawaz. The document also traced the history of how Mian Sharif came to the UAE and set up the Gulf Steel Mills in 1974. Mian Sharif had carried on his business through his nephew Mohammad Tariq Shafi, while another person, Mohammad Hussain, was a partner in the mills. When Muhammad Hussain passed away, his heirs transferred their rights and liabilities to Tariq Shafi, who was holding the shares on behalf of Mian Sharif. In 1978, Mian Sharif decided to sell 75pc of his shares in the mills to Abdallah Kayed Ahli to settle outstanding liabilities with a Dubai-based bank, where after the mills came to be known as the Ahli Steel Mills. Nawaz Sharif,Maryam Nawaz submitted documentary evidence before top court Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz submitted documentary evidence on 'legitimacy of their assets' before the top court. The documents comprising nearly 400 pages contain relevant details of transactions as well as receipts of payments since 2011. While Maryam Nawaz submitted the evidence required by the court, her brothers Hassan and Hussain Nawaz, both of whom live abroad, failed to submit relevant documents in time. The five-member larger bench chaired by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali expressed its disappointment over failure of the premier's sons to comply with court orders to submit evidence within stipulated time. Following the hearing, the counsel for PM's children submitted documents detailing their assets but sought additional time from the court to submit one remaining document on behalf of PM's sons. The counsel objected to the formation of a commission to probe the Panamagate case and pleaded that the court continues to hear it. The bench directed all parties to exchange the documents' copies and adjourned the hearing till Nov 17, which is when the bench said it will decide whether to form a commission to investigate the matter or not. Presenting his arguments, counsel Akram Sheikh said the PMs family established a steel mill in Dubai without any financial input from within Pakistan. He said Mian Sharif (father of Nawaz Sharif) set up the mill in Dubai with capital provided by Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, the emir of Dubai. "75 per cent shares of the mill were given to Al Hali group while later in 1980 Mian Sharif sold 20pc shares." At this, Justice Khosa said that the prime minister had said in the parliament that the steel mill was established in Dubai with the capital left with the family (after nationalisation of the family assets) while the mill in Aziziyah, Makkah was set up after selling out the mill in Dubai. "There is a difference between the prime minister's viewpoint in public and your statement," he said. "I am a counsel of the prime minister's children, not his own," replied Sheikh, adding that the PM's counsel Salman Aslam Butt will respond on his behalf. Sheikh later presented a letter by Qatari prince Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaber Al-Thani, supporting the Sharif family's claim that no money was laundered from Pakistan. The prince said in the letter that Sharif's father sold his business in Dubai in the early 1980s and invested 12 million dirhams in the real estate business of the Al-Thani family in Qatar. The letter says flats number 17, 17a, 16 and 16a at Avenfield House, Park Lane, London which are now owned by the Sharif family were registered in the names of two offshore companies and were purchased from the proceedings of the real estate business. Later in 2006, "the accounts in relation to the above investment were settled between Mr Hussain Nawaz Sharif and the Al-Thani family, who then delivered the bearer shares of the companies [which owned the flats] to a representative of Mr Hussain Nawaz Sharif". The apex court had directed all parties to submit documentary evidence in support of their claims in connection with the Panama Papers leaks case. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa had particularly asked the counsel of the prime minister to "satisfy" the court by showing that money was sent abroad through legal means. During the last hearing, the government had sought 15 days to submit the required documents, but the court had ordered the PM's counsel to submit evidence within seven days, saying it wanted to conclude the case as soon as possible. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Shaikh Rashid have already submitted evidence in support of their claims against the premier's family. Meteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me. Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has commended President John Dramani Mahama and his government for the construction of the Kwame Nkrumah Circle interchange. Speaking on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, Mr. Pratt was pleased with the latest development on the project, claiming the Circle interchange is the biggest ever in the country. According to him, the addition of a Police and Fire Service Posts including other projects being established at the area is worth commemorating. On Monday, the newly constructed Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange was inaugurated. The GHS320.2 million project was jointly financed by the Brazilian government and the government of Ghana. It is expected to carry about 84,000 vehicles a day and constitutes a key bottleneck in the major road network that links the suburban areas of Accra to the central business district. President John Dramani Mahama cut the sod for the construction of the three-tier interchange at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra in October, 2013. Comparing the Circle interchange to other flyovers in the country, Mr. Pratt minced no words as he emphasized that the newly-constructed interchange is the "biggest interchange ever. The biggest ever, its not like Tetteh Quarshie or Atomic Junction. The Senior Journalist's words appear to be in tandem with the comments by President Mahama at the inaugural ceremony on Monday night, that the facility is the longest and the highest flyover in West Africa. Lack of traffic flow results in an estimated loss of about 100 million dollars per annum to our national economy...This is the longest flyover and the highest in West Africaplease note I said flyover, the longest bridge is in Lagos, Nigeria but the longest and highest flyover is in Accra, Ghana, he said. Watch President Mahama's inauguration of the new Interchange below Mr. Pratt however advised the authorities to maintain the interchange and ensure it's in good shape.He decried the poor maintenance culture of Ghanaians and so hoped the interchange will not become a 9-day wonder. 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 Below is the full text of an affidavit filed by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong in opposition to Martin Amidus application to orally examine Alfred Agbesi Woyome. In July 2014, Martin Amidu won a supreme court case in which he prayed to the court to compel Woyome to refund 51.2 million cedis fraudulently paid to him as judgment debt. His recent application to orally examine Woyome was granted today (16th November). Before the ruling today, the Attorney-General, who had filed to examine Woyome but discontinued the case, opposed Martin Amidus application. Find below her affidavit. IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUDICATURE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE ACCRA AD 2016 SUIT NO: J8/9/2017 MARTIN ALAMISI AMIDU PLAINTIFF/APPLICANT PLOT 355, NORTH LEGON RESIDENTIAL AREA, ACCRA AND THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL 1ST DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT MINISTRY OF JUSTICE ACCRA WATERVILLE HOLDINGS (BVI) LTD. 2ND DEFENDANT O. BOX 3444 ROAD TOWN TORTOLA ALFRED AGBESI WOYOME 3RD DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT/ HOUSE NO 16B JUDGMENT/DEBTOR 6TH STREET TESANO ACCRA AFFIDAVIT OF MARIETTA BREW APPIAH-OPONG IN OPPOSITION TO PLAINTIFF/APPLICANTS AFFIDAVIT I, MARIETTA BREW APPIAH-OPONG of the Attorney Generals Department, Ministries-Accra do make oath and say as follows: That I am the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and the deponent hereto. I have held this position since the 14th of February 2013. That I have been served with the Motion on Notice for Leave to Examine the 3rd Defendant/Respondent/Judgment Debtor (hereinafter referred to as the 3rd Defendant) and the Affidavit in Support filed on 4th November 2016 and oppose same. That paragraphs 2 and 3 of the affidavit in support of the application are admitted. That paragraphs 5 to 7 of the affidavit in support are denied and the Plaintiff will be put to strict proof. The 1st Defendant/Judgment Creditor, prior to the application for leave to examine the 3rd Respondent, had taken several steps to enforce the orders of the Court. That on 8th January 2015 1st Defendant/Judgment Creditor filed a Writ of Fifa (renewed on 16th January 2016) and attached the following properties of the 3rd Respondent in execution of judgment (the Writ of Fifa is attached and marked as Exhibits AG1 and AG1A). One residential property at Tesano House No 16B, 6th Street Tesano One residential property at Kpehe Two residential properties at Trassaco, Accra A quarry at Maafi, Volta Region Vehicles and equipment That Interpleaders have been filed by UT Bank in respect of the two residential properties situate at Trassaco and one residential property situate at Kpehe, while Anator Holding Company Limited has also filed an interpleader in respect of the quarry at Maafi in the Volta Region. (Copies of the claims are attached and marked as Exhibit AG2 Series) On the 6th of April, 2016 the 1st Defendant/Respondent initiated Garnishee proceedings to issue against the Managers of ADB Bank, Uni Bank (Ghana) Limited and UT Bank (Garnishee Nisi Order is attached and marked as Exhibit AG3). That the garnishee yielded the following amounts; GHS966.58, GHS29,515.95, GHS1,008.70, US$98.17, US$32,779.68, US$223.08 and Euros 1,226.72, which have since been paid into the Bank Account of 1st Defendant/Respondent at the Bank of Ghana. (Copies of evidence of monies into the Ministry of Justice Account are attached and marked as Exhibit AG4 Series) That I do not admit paragraph 8 of the affidavit in support of the application and will put the Plaintiff/Applicant to strict proof. That paragraph 10 of the affidavit in support is denied and Plaintiff/Applicant will be put to strict proof. Neither I nor my former law firm ever acted for the 3rd My former law firm always acted against the 3rd Defendant and never on his behalf. The depositions contained in paragraph 10 of the affidavit of Plaintiff/Applicant are scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood by the Plaintiff/Applicant. To the knowledge of the Plaintiff, neither myself nor any member of my former firm had ever acted for and on behalf of the 3rd Defendant in any capacity or in any suit. In all, my former firm acted in three suits involving 3rd Defendant. The suits are as follows: AUSTRO-INVEST MANAGEMENT LTD VERSUS ALFRED AGBESI WOYOME SUIT NO. AC96/2012 Represented the Plaintiff ALFRED AGBESI WOYOME VERSUS RAYMOND ARCHER SUIT NO. MISC/32/2011 Represented the Defendant RAY SMITH VERSUS ALFRED AGBESI WOYOME SUIT NO. AC527/2011 Represented the Plaintiff That in all the cases referred to in the paragraph above my former partner in the law firm personally handled the cases against 3rd In further denial of paragraph 10 of the affidavit in support I say that the staff at the Attorney-Generals Department and I have at all material times acted professionally and with dispatch in relation to this case. That paragraph 11 of the affidavit in support is admitted. In further response, I state that the staff of the Attorney Generals Department at all material times acted upon the instructions of the 1st Defendant/Judgment Creditor, the Attorney- General. That paragraphs 12 and 13 of the affidavit in support are denied and the Plaintiff/Applicant is put to strict proof. The depositions contained therein are scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood by the Plaintiff/Applicant. Furthermore, the President never suggested, directed or instructed me to discontinue the request of this office to orally examine the judgment debtor. That in further response to paragraphs 12 and 13 I state that the only reason this office has discontinued its request to orally examine the 3rd Defendant is because of a request made by the 3rd Defendant to pay the judgment debt by instalments. Please find attached and marked as Exhibit AG5 a letter dated the 27th of October 2016. That in response to paragraph 14 I state that the position stated by the Plaintiff/Applicant is not the correct position of law. That on the 7th day of November 2016, at my request, a meeting was held in my office with the 3rd Defendant in the presence of staff of my office to discuss the schedule of payments. The invitation to the 3rd Defendant is attached and marked as Exhibit AG6. That this meeting was attended by the 3rd Defendant and his Lawyer, Mr. Ken Anku, the Acting Solicitor General, Mrs. Helen Ziwu and the Acting Director of the Environment, Land and Natural Resources Division, Mrs. Dorothy Afriyie Ansah. At this meeting the 3rd Respondent made a payment of Four Million Ghana Cedis (GHC4,000,000.00). Attached and marked as Exhibits AG7 and AG7A are photocopies of the cheque issued by the 3rd Defendant and the receipt issued to him, respectively. That on the 8th of November, 2016 the 1st Defendant/Judgment Creditor, received a letter from the 3rd Defendant proposing to pay the outstanding sum by quarterly instalments of Five Million Ghana Cedis (GHC5,000,000.00) commencing 1st April 2017. Attached and marked as Exhibit AG8 is the letter. That in response to paragraphs 15, 17 and 18, I state that it is arguable whether or not the Plaintiff/Applicant has a right to examine the 3rd The order to enforce the Judgment was directed at the 1st Defendant and not the Plaintiff/Applicant. Even if the Plaintiff/Applicant did have this right, the facts relied on by the Plaintiff/Applicant to found this application are scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood and cannot be the basis for the grant of his application. That I deny paragraph 16 and, in further response, I state that it is scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood by the Plaintiff/Applicant to state that there is collusion between the 3rd Defendant/Respondent/Judgment Debtor and I to frustrate the execution of the judgment debt. It is also scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood by Plaintiff/Applicant to state that in pursuing the enforcement of the judgment debt, my conduct has been biased and a conflicted partisan politician. In response to paragraph 19, I admit that a report by the Economic and Organised Crime Office stated that Mrs. Gifty Nerquaye Tetteh, wife of Mr. Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh had received a sum of GHC400,000.00 from the 3rd However, it is scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood by the Plaintiff/Applicant to state that this report has been conveniently shelved and the said Mr. Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh quietly posted to Wa in the Upper West Region. On the 11th day of December 2015 a Disciplinary Committee chaired by Justice Mrs. Rose Owusu (a retired Supreme Court Judge) was inaugurated by the Legal Service Board in accordance with the Legal Service Regulations, 2014 (L.I. 2210) to conduct a disciplinary enquiry into the matter involving Mr. Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh among other matters referred to the Committee. Attached and marked as Exhibit AG9 is the situational report of the Committee. The Committee has concluded its enquiry on the 3rd of October 2016 and will submit a report soon. The Office of the Attorney-General will make the findings of the Committee public as soon as it is received. That the Plaintiff/Applicant ought to know that any deliberate deception of this Honourable Court on the part of a lawyer is professional misconduct by the rules of the Legal Profession. Furthermore, the Plaintiff/Applicant contrary to the Rules of Court deposes to the scandalous, offensive, malicious and deliberate falsehood without providing the sources of his information or belief. At the hearing of the Plaintiff/Applicants application I shall apply to the court to have these offending matters struck out of the Plaintiff/Applicants affidavit, and that he should be ordered to apologise for making these false allegations. That I assure this Honourable Court that the staff of the Attorney-Generals Department and I have every intention of taking all steps necessary to recover sums adjudged to be repaid to the State and to defend the State in respect of all spurious claims made against the State. Wherefore I swear to this affidavit. SWORN IN ACCRA THIS NOVEMBER, 2016 DEPONENT BEFORE ME COMMISSIONER OF OATHS THE REGISTRAR SUPREME COURT SUPREME COURT BUILDING ACCRA AND FOR SERVICE ON THE ABOVE-NAMED PLAINTIFF/APPLICANT, HON. MARTIN ALAMISI AMIDU, PLOT 355, NORTH LEGON, RESIDENTIAL AREA, ACCRA AND MR. ALFRED AGBESI WOYOME, DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT/JUDGMENT DEBTOR, HOUSE NO 16B, 6TH STREET TESANO ACCRA OR HIS SOLICITOR, KEN ANKU, ANKU & ANKU @ LAW, H/NO. F149/2 AWULEKPAKPA STREET, NEAR RLG, OSU, ACCRA Source: Manassehazure.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 researchers placed tiny droplets of 25 newly discovered antibiotics on a carpet of beta-lactam resistant S. aureus. They identified two compounds that generated circles of dead bacteria (dark spots) around each droplet. Credit: Sean Brady Most antibiotics in use today are based on natural molecules produced by bacteriaand given the rise of antibiotic resistance, there's an urgent need to find more of them. Yet coaxing bacteria to produce new antibiotics is a tricky proposition. Most bacteria won't grow in the lab. And even when they do, most of the genes that cause them to churn out molecules with antibiotic properties never get switched on. Researchers at The Rockefeller University have found a way around these problems, however. By using computational methods to identify which genes in a microbe's genome ought to produce antibiotic compounds and then synthesizing those compounds themselves, they were able to discover two promising new antibiotics without having to culture a single bacterium. The team, which was led by Sean Brady, head of the Laboratory of Genetically Encoded Small Molecules, began by trawling publicly available databases for the genomes of bacteria that reside in the human body. They then used specialized computer software to scan hundreds of those genomes for clusters of genes that were likely to produce molecules known as non-ribosomal peptides that form the basis of many antibiotics. They also used the software to predict the chemical structures of the molecules that the gene clusters ought to produce. Unearthing the humimycins The software initially identified 57 potentially useful gene clusters, which the researchers winnowed down to 30. Brady and his colleagues then used a method called solid-phase peptide synthesis to manufacture 25 different chemical compounds. By testing those compounds against human pathogens, the researchers successfully identified two closely related antibiotics, which they dubbed humimycin A and humimycin B. Both are found in a family of bacteria called Rhodococcusmicrobes that had never yielded anything resembling the humimycins when cultured using traditional laboratory techniques. The humimycins proved especially effective against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, which can cause dangerous infections in humans and tend to grow resistant to various antibiotics. Further experiments suggested that the humimycins work by inhibiting an enzyme that bacteria use to build their cell wallsand once that cell-wall building pathway is interrupted, the bacteria die. A similar mode of action is employed by beta-lactams, a broad class of commonly prescribed antibiotics whose effect often wanes as bacteria develop ways to resist them. Yet the scientists found that one of the humimycins could be used to re-sensitize bacteria to beta-lactams that they had previously outsmarted. Synergistic effects In one experiment, they exposed beta-lactam resistant Staphylococcus microbes to humimycin A in combination with a beta-lactam antibiotic, and the bugs once again succumbed. Remarkably, that held true even when humimycin A had little effect by itselfa result that Brady attributes to the fact that both compounds work by interrupting different steps in the same biological pathway. "It's like taking a hose and pinching it in two spots," he says. Even if neither kink halts the flow altogether on its own, "eventually, no more water comes through." To further test that proposition, Brady and his colleagues infected mice with a beta-lactam resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, a microbe that often causes antibiotic-resistant infections in hospital patients. Mice that were subsequently treated with a mixture containing both humimycin A and a beta-lactam antibiotic fared far better than those treated with only one drug or the othera finding that could point towards a new treatment regimen for humans infected with beta-lactam resistant S. aureus. Brady hopes that this discovery will inspire scientists to mine the genomes of bacteria for more molecules that could yield similarly useful results. And he looks forward to applying his methods to the many bacterial species that lie beyond the human microbiome, and that might harbor their own molecular treasuresnot to mention the even greater number of bacteria whose genomes have not yet been sequenced, but that undoubtedly will be over time. More information: John Chu et al, Discovery of MRSA active antibiotics using primary sequence from the human microbiome, Nature Chemical Biology (2016). DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2207 Journal information: Nature Chemical Biology In this May 10, 2016, file photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves at parade participants at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty the Third," a nickname widely used to disparage Kim, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty the Third," a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words "Jin San Pang" on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. The nickname pokes fun at Kim's girth and his status as the third generation of the Kim family to rule the world's only hereditary communist dynasty. It's especially popular among young, irreverent Chinese who tend to look down on their country's would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the North's nuclear weapons program, which China has condemned along with South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. But Beijing continues to support the Kim regime with limited trade and diplomatic backing. North Korean officials, fearing that Kim would find out about the nickname, lodged a formal request with China recently to prohibit names disparaging Kim from appearing in the media, according to Hong Kong newspaper reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday that reports of the banning of "Jin San Pang" didn't "comply with facts." "The Chinese government stays committed to building a healthy and civilized environment of opinions," he added. "We disapprove of referring to the leader of any country with insulting and mocking remarks." "Kim Fatty the Third" is such a widely used term in China that it is sometimes suggested by auto-complete algorithms on web portals such as Baidu, China's leading search engine. While searches for "Jin San Pang" returned no results this week, Baidu left untouched results for other versions of the nickname, such as "Kim Fat Fat Fat." Baidu spokeswoman Tracy Hu declined to comment. The Beijing-based company has typically said that its policy is to provide accurate search results while also complying with Chinese regulations. 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Daniel Schrag (clockwise from top left), head of the Harvard University Center for the Environment; Jody Freeman, faculty director of Environmental Law Program at HLS; Robert Stavins, head of the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements; and Mike McElroy, Gilbert Butler Professor of Environmental Studies, believe the nations environmental protection regulatory framework would be difficult to dismantle. There is no question that there will be a regulatory rollback, but its scope is still unknown, Freeman said. Credit: File photos by Kris Snibbe, Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographers Regulations to fight climate change likely will be casualties of the incoming Trump administration, but environmental experts taking stock of the changing American political landscape said that work in the field will continue elsewhere and that a broad-based rollback of U.S. environmental protection will prove easier said than done. Though President-elect Donald Trump hasn't yet announced an environmental agenda, his campaign claim that climate change is an expensive hoax, his blanket support for the fossil fuel industry, and his criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have environmentalists worried. In addition, Republicans have majorities in the House and Senate, and they generally believe that environmental regulations can harm economic growth and improperly extend the reach of government. So environmentalists foresee a broad attack on the nation's framework of environmental regulations. Still, Harvard environmental experts forecast a complex mosaic for the years ahead, one that has problems and likely is rife with litigation, but that also continues momentum toward a cleaner world because of a combination of market forces, economic factors, and continued efforts by other nations, states, and local governments. "Trump could unilaterally withdraw from the Paris Agreement, renouncing U.S. leadership on international climate negotiations. And he could try to rescind or weaken some important regulations, like the Clean Power Plan," said Jody Freeman, the Archibald Cox Professor of Law and director of Harvard Law School's Environmental Law Program. "But any effort to fully unravel the substantial and meaningful regulatory initiatives of the last eight years will be long, complicated, and difficult, and in the end likely only partial because of the significant legal, political, and practical barriers to doing so." Federal environmental agencies likely are in for tough times, even without new laws being passed or existing ones repealed, the analysts said. The power to make political appointments and set budgets means an agency easily can be slowed by underfunding or new leadership hostile to its mission. Daniel Schrag, the Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology, professor of environmental sciences and engineering, and head of the Harvard University Center for the Environment said it's hard to project just what effect Trump's presidency will have on global climate efforts. The effects of climate change are so enormous that the actions of any one nation over four years will have limited impact. "It's a long march to a low-carbon world," Schrag said. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Being successful means being able to weather setbacks like this one." It's even possible, he said, that a federal agenda the public sees as too hostile to climate change action could spark a backlash that leads to new reforms. "I don't know how you get from here to there," Schrag said. "[But] there's always a path forward." Freeman acknowledged there is a "long list of worst-case scenarios" but cautioned against taking campaign rhetoric at face value. It doesn't appear the president-elect has been fully briefed on climate science or fully considered the impact that withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would have on our relationships with other nations, she said. "The truth is, we don't entirely really know what President Trump will do on climate, energy, and environment," Freeman said. "His positions on other issues have changed, and that might happen here too. It is entirely possible that he will conclude that he can achieve his domestic energy agenda without jettisoning Paris, and he might even be persuaded that it makes more sense to embrace the international goal of emission reductions, but say he has a better way to get there than by Obama-style regulation. In other words, we must wait for the dust to settle." Here, then, is the tote board for what so far seems likeliest to happen on climate change issues: Clean power and Paris The most probable casualties of the incoming administration are recent U.S. steps to fight climate change in the energy sector, and the United States' leadership in the international community on the issue. Obama's Clean Power Plan, which seeks to shift electricity generation in the United States away from polluting sources such as coal, is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. If its decision supports the plan and is appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, it would likely fail, since Trump has said he will appoint a conservative justice to fill the current high court vacancy. A simpler solution might be for the administration to withdraw the Clean Power Plan and replace it with a less-stringent version, which would be within the new president's power, Freeman said in an analysis of the environmental ramifications of a Trump presidency. Another probable target is the Paris Agreement, which Trump said he would cancel. While upending the entire agreement, negotiated by 195 countries, is beyond his power, Trump could withdraw the United States' participation. Since the agreement has taken effect, that process would take four years to accomplish, according to Robert Stavins, the Albert Pratt Professor of Business and Government and head of the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements. Alternatively, Trump also could submit the plan to the U.S. Senate to ratify, where it most likely would fail, Stavins said. The most dramatic option for a Trump administration would be to try to remove the United States from the underlying Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed by President George H.W. Bush and ratified by the Senate in 1992, Stavins said. That would remove this nation from the Paris Agreement in just a year. But there are serious questions with that approach regarding how the necessary legal steps and the political implications might play out. Stavins said that the simplest way to render U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement meaningless, however, would be to announce the country will not comply with the pact's carbon emission reductionswhich are essentially voluntary. Obama set the reduction target at between 26 and 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. The international impact The loss of the U.S. leadership internationally on climate change could convince other nations not to honor their own commitments, and will "certainly not encourage greater action," Stavins said. But for those states committed to climate action, that wouldn't necessarily slow their progress. Mike McElroy, the Gilbert Butler Professor of Environmental Studies and head of the Harvard China Project, said China most likely will continue to reduce its emissions regardless of what the United States does, because Chinese action is driven in part by rampant air pollution that the nation's leadership has committed to address. The solutions there overlap with those for climate change. A hazard for U.S. industry, McElroy said, would be that, in addition to climate impact, the country likely would cede leadership in developing the energy technology of tomorrow. The future for coal Whatever the eventual U.S. positions on climate and the environment, it will be tough for Trump to reverse the coal industry's decline, the experts said, even though he has been a dogged backer of coal's future. Market forces, not environmental regulation or political shifting, have hurt the industry most. Advances in fracking technology have brought vast new supplies of natural gas to the market, driving prices down and undercutting coal. In fact, Stavins said, Trump's pledged support for fracking could wind up hurting coal further. Prospects for renewable power At least in the short term, wind and solar power generation likely will be shielded by existing tax incentives and state renewable energy policies. The federal incentives extend to 2019 for wind and 2023 for solar. The state policies include requirements that a portion of electricity supply come from clean sources, ensuring continued demand: "There is a broad national consensus that renewable energy is an important investment for the country," McElroy said. In addition, windy states in the middle of the countryfrom the Canadian border down to Texaswill likely support a continuation of the tax incentives into the future, Schrag said. Regulation at lower government levels A shift in the federal government's stance on climate and energy also won't automatically reverse local, state, and regional action, McElroy said. California, with the nation's largest economy, has already adopted a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions and lower its carbon footprint. Cities are also taking steps to address climate change and have banded together to form a global climate action network, McElroy said. The Environmental Protection Agency A likely target of the administration and Congress is the EPA, the federal agency charged with enforcing America's environmental laws. It is unlikely that the EPA would be abolished outright, since Senate Democrats have enough seats to block such a move through filibuster, according to Stavins and Freeman. But a lot of damage can be done by naming leaders antagonistic to the agency's mission and by starving it of funding, Schrag said. Trump has already named a climate change skeptic, Myron Ebell, to oversee the transition at EPA. Though attention is often focused on an agency's top leadership, Stavins pointed out that there are also hundreds of political appointees who will take important positions within the administration and influence its work over the next four years. "That may be my greatest worry," Stavins said. Funding for climate science research Federal budgets have been tight for years, and funding constrained for all kinds of science. But if the new Congress adopts an anti-climate-change stance and seeks even deeper budget cuts, funding for climate research could be targeted, Schrag said. If that's the case, Schrag said, there's an opportunity for institutions like Harvard to pick up the slack, as the University did in supporting stem cell research and establishing the Harvard Stem Cell Institute during the Bush administration. "We're not there yet, but if President Trump chooses to slash NASA, NOAA, NSF budgets for climate research, I think there's an opportunity for universities like Harvard to step up and say 'This is important to the world,'" Schrag said, referencing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation. "Obviously, we should hope for the best, but prepare for the worst." Other environmental regulations Another important area of influence, Freeman said, is in promulgating regulations. The administration has the power to review regulations that implement environmental laws, and can decide to rescind them, Freeman said. That power, however, isn't unfettered, as the administration has to justify its actionsin court if challengedand must observe existing laws, even those that require it to issue environmental regulations. "There is no question that there will be a regulatory rollback, but its scope is still unknown," Freeman said. "And there is no question that the rhetoric and politics of the next four years will not sound or feel anything like the eight years of the Obama administration, when climate change was at the very top of the domestic and international agenda. But while the environmental community should prepare for the worst, it should be open to the possibility that the most dire predictions may not come true, and help nudge the new president to a softer landing." This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. Credit: University of Leeds A study suggests that pharmaceuticals are polluting our rivers more than pesticides. In a research paper on pharmaceutical pollution in the rivers Aire and Calder in West Yorkshire, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, the University of Leeds scientists highlight the lack of legislation to regulate the presence of drugs in rivers. Dr Paul Kay from the University's research centre water@leeds said: "It's worrying how little legislation exists for pharmaceuticals in our rivers. Pharmaceuticals are an important environmental pollutant and they should be added to and regulated under existing policies." Although the likelihood of human health impacts due to pharmaceuticals in the environment is low, their presence is a major ecological concern due to the potential for effects on aquatic organism behaviour, growth, reproduction and mortality at trace concentrations. Previous studies of UK pharmaceutical pollution had focused on south-east England and parts of south Wales, with very few studies in central, western and northern England or Scotland. In the new study, the researchers sampled water from the rivers Aire and Calder over an 18-month period, looking for five specific drugs: ibuprofen, erythromycin, diclofenac, mefanamic acid and propanolol. Dr Lee Brown, also from water@leeds and a co-author of the paper, said: "Pharmaceutical pollution of rivers is not yet regulated, and in 46% of the samples we found the concentration of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac was more than double the limit proposed by the European Commission. The scale of the problem is clear when we compare with pesticides in the UK, which exceed the threshold for only 6% of samples monitored." Moreover, discharges from sewer overflows were investigated and releases of drugs in the untreated sewage were found to be significant contributors to river pharmaceutical pollution. The study also found a range of pharmaceuticals were routinely present over the 5 km length of river studied downstream of a waste water treatment plant the likely entry-point for most pharmaceuticals into rivers. This finding highlights a severe limitation of existing monitoring studies. In a recent critical review paper by the authors, for example, only 16% of monitoring studies included samples that had been collected more than 1 km downstream of a waste water treatment plant. Dr Kay said: "We expected the concentrations of pharmaceuticals to decrease as we sampled further down the river, so to find that they didn't was surprising. Environmental risk assessments usually assume that rivers have the capacity to dilute or break-down these pollutants shortly after they enter rivers but in our study this wasn't the case." More information: Paul Kay et al. Widespread, routine occurrence of pharmaceuticals in sewage effluent, combined sewer overflows and receiving waters, Environmental Pollution (2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.087 Stephen R. Hughes et al. Global Synthesis and Critical Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Data Sets Collected from River Systems, Environmental Science & Technology (2013). DOI: 10.1021/es3030148 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology Redfish and Greenland Halibut. Credit: Peter Rask Mller Environmental DNA in seawater samples may provide accurate information about deepwater fish populations, according to a study published November 16, 2016 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Philip Francis Thomsen from the Centre for GeoGenetics at the Danish Natural History Museum, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues. Fish in remote polar and deepwater habitats are threatened by climate change and increased fishing efforts, making it important to monitor populations. However, monitoring can be logistically difficult and currently depends on invasive techniques such as bottom trawling and unreliable reports of catches. Less invasive, more reliable monitoring techniques are therefore needed. To address this need, Thomsen and colleagues assessed an alternative monitoring technique which relies on sequencing environmental DNA (eDNA) in seawater samples. They collected seawater samples at sites off Southwest Greenland, at varying depths between 188 and 918 meters, sequencing the DNA in these samples to determine the fish species present. They compared these results to catch data obtained by simultaneous trawling at each site. Thomsen and colleagues found that data on fish biomass and abundance was correlated with eDNA sequence abundance. Twenty-six families of fish, including rays and halibut, were identified by both trawling and environmental DNA techniques, compared to just two families found only in trawling and three found only in eDNA. Environmental DNA sampling also detected a higher abundance of the Greenland Shark than trawling did, which may indicate that the technique can effectively detect large fish which may evade trawling nets. Environmental DNA sampling will need to undergo further testing to determine its effectiveness as a monitoring technique. Nonetheless, the authors state their study demonstrates how eDNA could be used in non-invasive monitoring, for commercial fishing as well as to assess the impact of climate change on the biodiversity of these remote ecosystems. More information: Thomsen PF, Mller PR, Sigsgaard EE, Knudsen SW, Jrgensen OA, Willerslev E (2016) Environmental DNA from Seawater Samples Correlate with Trawl Catches of Subarctic, Deepwater Fishes. PLoS ONE 11(11): e0165252. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165252 Journal information: PLoS ONE A seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus) in the salt marshes. Credit: Andrea Bonisoli Alquati The ecological consequences of an environmental disaster can extend further than one may imagine as effects propagate through interconnected food webs. Most recently, researchers in the US have found evidence suggesting that oil from the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spillage has been incorporated into birds living on land. "At first, you may not imagine that a terrestrial bird would be impacted by an oil spill in the ocean, but in nature boundaries are often blurry," said team member Andrea Bonisoli Alquatiwho was affiliated to Louisiana State University at the time of the study and is now based at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. "As a result, contaminants that are supposed to stay in aquatic environments can make it 'onto' land." Reporting their work in the open-access journal Environmental Research Letters, the scientists used carbon dating methods to look for signs of oil in feathers and gut contents of sea sparrows found in marsh areas affected by the DWH spill. As a control, the team also repeated the measurements on the same species of bird collected in sites that were untouched by the oil. "The two tissues provide information over different time-scales, with feathers integrating longer periods of exposure than stomach contents, which give a more recent snapshot of events," explained Bonisoli Alquati. Adult and juvenile sea sparrows both feed on a variety of prey, including terrestrial as well as marine invertebratesmaking the birds a sensitive marker of contamination through a number of potential routes. Oil residues on the surface of the water in the salt marshes of Barataria Bay, Louisiana. Credit: Andrea Bonisoli Alquati Examining their data, the researchers found that the radiocarbon content was lower in the feathers as well as in the stomach contents of birds from oiled sites, compared with sparrows found in the control plots. Taking all of the observations into account, the group finds that the result is consistent with the incorporation of spilled oil into birds living in habitats affected by the disaster. To confirm the proximity and type of oil, the researchers conducted oil source fingerprinting on coastal sediments collected in nearby locations. In their analysis, the group used pattern recognition and retention times of specific hopane, sterane, and triaromatic steroid cyclic biomarkers to determine eleven quantitative diagnostic indices (ratios) between target samples and a MC252 reference standard (the oil spilled at DWH). In three of five sediment samples from the oiled site the diagnostic ratios of the eleven biomarkers confirmed the presence of MC252 oil. None of the five sediment samples from the control site showed any signs of exposure to the spill. To assess the above and related hypotheses in more detail, the team recommends future studies involving larger samples of birds from a wider area. More information: A Bonisoli-Alquati et al, Incorporation of Deepwater Horizon oil in a terrestrial bird, Environmental Research Letters (2016). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/11/11/114023 Journal information: Environmental Research Letters According to international trade data reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. economy appears to have unexpectedly slowed after having shown signs of slow but steady improvement in recent months. That reversal can be seen in the following chart, in which we've tracked the year over year growth rate of the exchange rate adjusted value of goods and services between the U.S. and China from January 1986 through September 2016, the most recent month for which data is available at this writing. The growth rate gives us an indication of the relative health of each nation's economy. A simple reading of whether the growth rate is positive or negative tells us if the value of goods and services imported by the world's largest trading partners can tell us whether the receiving nation's economy is growing or if it is experiencing recessionary conditions. Meanwhile, the trends in the growth rate over time can tell us whether the importing nation's economy is strengthening (rising trend) or weakening (falling trend). In the chart above, we can see that China's economy is experiencing both positive economic growth and is benefitting from a rising trend, which has largely been in place since December 2015. Chinese imports to the U.S. economy is telling a different story. After having fallen during much of 2015, the year over year growth rate of China's exports to the U.S. bottomed in negative territory in early 2016 before beginning a slow trend of improvement, which lasted through August 2016. And then, in September 2016, that appears to have suddenly reversed. Although just one data point, what makes that single observation such a concern is that the value of goods and services that the United States imports from China follows an annual cycle, which typically peaks in either September or October of each year, which corresponds to the shipment of goods that will support the annual Christmas holiday shopping season. The following chart shows just the value of U.S. imports from China from January 1985 through September 2016. For the U.S. economy, the key thing to recognize is that this recessionary indication developed in 2015 and despite showing some signs of recovery in 2016, it worsened in the months immediately preceding the U.S. election. If that development continued in October 2016, which we'll find out when that data is released next month, it is possible that the apparent sudden slowing U.S. economy in the months before the election could have tipped the election scales in Donald Trump's favor, as Hillary Clinton failed to either recognize or address the nation's developing economic issues during the campaign's final months. Data Sources Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. China / U.S. Foreign Exchange Rate. G.5 Foreign Exchange Rates. Accessed 3 June 2016. U.S. Census Bureau. Trade in Goods with China. Accessed 3 June 2016. ALBANY The former Cambridge public works superintendent who was arrested earlier this year in a child pornography case has pleaded guilty to three felonies and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Michael J. Telford pleaded guilty to counts of distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in Albany, agreeing to a prison term of between 5 and 20 years for having hundreds of illegal videos and photos he received online. He also faces a minimum of 5 years on parole after he is released from prison, and will have to register as a sex offender. Telford, 46, was the villages public works superintendent for nearly 18 years at the time of his arrest earlier this year. He later resigned the position as he awaited disposition of the charges in jail. He was arrested Jan. 8 after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State Police and Cambridge-Greenwich Police. The arrest occurred after police were contacted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which developed evidence that he had been downloading illegal pornography over the internet, police said. Authorities said there was no indication he used village computer equipment to obtain child pornography, but instead used personal equipment at his home on Division Street to download hundreds of illegal images and videos between 2013 and January 2016. Children who prosecutors allege were as young as 5 were in the videos, and many of the computer file names included the age of the children in them, court records allege. The U.S. Attorneys Office is seeking sentencing enhancements because some of the videos and photos contained particularly violent conduct, according to court records. His lawyer, Cheryl Coleman, did not return a phone call for comment Wednesday. Telford confessed to police when he was questioned Jan. 8, but later changed his story and said he did not download the material and that hackers had put it on his computers. He had been scheduled for trial in January had a plea deal not been reached. FORT EDWARD A big manufacturing business with a lot of jobs wants to move into the former General Electric sediment dewatering facility, and the proposal is drawing financial support from the state. Fort Edward Supervisor Mitch Suprenant met with state officials and company representatives Monday but was sworn to secrecy. I know what product theyre making, the name of the company, but I cant say, he said. Itll be big. Thats all I can say. The company will be announced in the next two weeks, he said. He also said state officials promised financial help. But no dollar figures or job estimates have been announced. A lot of jobs. The number hasnt been confirmed, so I shouldnt say how many, Suprenant said. Hes eager to seal the deal. That means solving the longstanding issue of the road that leads to the site. The road was built for the dredging project. It stretches from Kingsbury to Fort Edward, along the canal. The county Board of Supervisors refused to take the road, and the EPA cant give it to the private company that owns the land on which the dewatering facility was built. EPA must give it to the towns, the county or the state. WCC, LLC would continue to own the land and lease it to the unnamed manufacturing company. Kingsbury officials have been uninterested in taking their part of the road, but the Fort Edward Town Board would take the part that is in the town, Suprenant said. The only problem is that Fort Edward doesnt have a truck entrance on its side. Using the Fort Edward side of the road means using East Street, which isnt suitable for trucks, Suprenant said. So he has been looking for alternatives, including building a railroad crossing near Towpath Lane. The town would have to build a short stretch of road, crossing the railroad and connecting to the existing road to the former dewatering facility. The town would have to get permission from CP Rail for the crossing, which might not be easy. CP Rail has opposed such requests, except when absolutely necessary, Suprenant said. In his scenario, trucks would use McIntyre Street and then cross the railroad to get to the site. Were going to figure out something, Suprenant said. With GE going down, losing those jobs, we certainly need to provide jobs. He had abandoned the effort to get the county to take over the road after the supervisors voted against it in June. But when he heard about the manufacturing company, he tried again last week. He and other supervisors got into a shouting match over the issue, with Suprenant deeply frustrated because he sees the new development as a crucial need for the town. Its big, and we need to make it work, he said. Unlike the federal government, there will be no sweeping changes at the state level. That really isnt news, because it was expected. In the wake of the convictions of Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos, I regularly heard voters say the entire Legislature should be replaced. Throw them all out, was the cry. Back in April, a Quinnipiac University poll found that nearly half (48-34 margin) of New Yorkers believed all elected officials should be voted out of office. But on Election Day, 198 of 199 incumbents were re-elected. That rounds up to 99.5 percent of elected officials returning to office, and again goes to the heart of whether we can believe anything from polls. It may be Albanys most systemic problem. Legislative districts are gerrymandered to favor incumbents. Incumbents then have access to the lobbyists and money that will always give them an advantage in any election challenge. The line good-government groups are using is that legislators are allowed to choose their voters instead of the other way around. Even when our local legislators were asked if they would stop the practice of using mailers paid for by taxpayers often considered a valuable campaign tool for incumbents they all said they would continue. The deck is so stacked that almost all the incumbents go unchallenged. According to Syracuse.com, 15 state Assembly members ran unopposed in upstate in 2010 before the districts were rigged in 2012. This year it was 28. In the state Senate, the number went from one unopposed in 2010 to eight this year. And keep in mind Betty Little and Dan Stec were opposed by Green Party opponents with no money and little campaign structure. There was good news for upstate with the Republicans maintaining control of the Senate. While Democrats have 32 seats and the Republicans 31, the Independent Caucus once again will vote with the Republicans. While that gives upstate more of a voice on many issues, it is bad news for the Child Victims Act that I have been writing about recently. For some reason, most Republican legislators continue to choose the Catholic Church rather than sexual assault victims. But the national election does come with some consequences here in New York. Speculation is that federal prosecutor Preet Bharara who has gone after corruption in the Legislature with a vengeance will be replaced by the new Republican administration. There is also speculation that Gov. Andrew Cuomos national stock is again rising for a possible presidential run as soon as 2020, mainly because the Democrats dont seem to have anyone else. But perhaps the best news came Tuesday when the special commission the Legislature created last year to consider their pay raises recommended their salaries should not be increased. Now its back in the legislators court, where they conceivably could vote themselves a raise, figuring that most voters would forget about it by the time they run for re-election in two years. Even if voters didnt forget, its obvious they would still get re-elected. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, who received 63.09 percent of the vote in the 21st Congressional District on Nov. 8, had the highest vote percentage for a Glens Falls area congressional race in more than a decade and the second-highest on record for the area on the state Board of Elections website, which has results dating back to 1998. There were only two other years in which the winning candidate received more than 60 percent of the vote. Incumbent Republican John Sweeney received 62.9 percent in 2002 and 66 percent in 2004. Winning percentages in other years ranged from 49.7 percent to 58.2 percent. Glens Falls was in the 22nd District in 1998 and 2000, the 20th District from 2002 to 2010 and the 21st District from 2012 until now. Dems gain share in Woerner district Democrats are outpacing Republicans in increasing voter enrollment in the 113th Assembly District. Democrats had a 0.8 percentage point increase in share of voter enrollment in the district in the two years since Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, was elected. Republicans, which still lead in enrollment, had a 1.5 percentage point decrease in share. Most political parties in the district had an increase in enrollment over the two-year period, with the Working Families Party being the only party to lose enrollment. Here is a breakdown of active enrollment numbers, as of Nov. 1: Democrat 24,238, an increase of 2,046 Republican 34,268, an increase of 625 Conservative 1,358, an increase of 69 Green 294, an increase of 51 Working Families 329, a decrease of 48 Independence 5,533, an increase of 131 Womens Equality seven (new party) Reform six (new party) Other parties without ballot status 22, a decrease of 1 Unaffiliated 20,111, an increase of 1,837 Total 86,166, an increase of 4,773 Constitutional convention forum We The People of New York, a constitutional rights advocacy organization, will hold a public forum on the state Constitutional Convention process at 7 p.m. Friday in the auditorium at Scoville Learning Center on the campus of SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury. There will be a statewide referendum in November 2017 to decide whether to hold a Constitutional Convention. The forum will include a presentation on procedural aspects of the process, after which questions will be taken from the audience.The forum is open to the public. Stefanik roll call This is the first in a new series of posts about roll call votes of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro: U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, on Monday voted in support of legislation Rep. Grace Meng, D-Queens, introduced to deter telephone scams in which the caller disguises caller identification information to make it appear the call is coming from a government agency. The tactic is commonly used by con artists to solicit personal information from victims. The legislation makes it unlawful to knowingly cause a caller identification system to transmit inaccurate caller identification, and it expands the scope of consumer protection law to include text messages.The legislation HR 2669 passed the House by a vote of 382-5, according to the clerk of the House. Five Republicans and no Democrats voted against it. Forty-seven House members did not vote.The legislation passed the House in the previous session, but did not pass the Senate, according to a press release from Mengs office. Celebrating 1916 This is the latest in a series of posts about the 1916 presidential election between Democratic incumbent Woodrow Wilson and Republican challenger Charles Evans Hughes, a Glens Falls native. Part 3 from the 1921 book, Woodrow Wilson As I Knew Him, by Joseph P. Tumulty, published by Doubleday, Page & Co. Tumulty was secretary to Wilson. The Democratic campaign slogan, He kept us out of war, was carefully worded, Tumulty wrote. Those who spoke with responsibility adhered strictly to the tense of the verb, the past tense kept, Tumulty wrote. None rashly used, explicitly or by implication, the future tense, will keep. In strictest truth they recited what had been. At a press conference in Accra Terkper said the strategy adopted by the country in refinancing the bond has helped provide some financial space for governments fiscal policies. Terkper said the Sinking Fund that they set up has helped in refinancing the Eurobond. The Sinking Fund, that will allocate some funds to refinance the bond. It was 2006 and the Ghanaian entrepreneur had spent his 20s studying and living in the UK. As he watched the music industry rapidly change, wondering what to do next, he was asked to help scout girls for someone wanting to start a modelling agency. He scoured the streets of London, found girls who were keen to give modelling a go, and convinced them to join the agency. However, after all Tamakloe's work, the founder of it went cold on the idea. Tamakloe was fielding calls from the girls he had worked so hard to convince to sign, so decided to take them on himself. I knew nothing about fashion, I knew nothing about models but something just told me this could be something for you, so I started to get into fashion through modelling. His London-based agency grew quickly in the late 2000s, starting out with just black models who worked high profile events like the London Fashion Week. For some time, we had black fashion models that most of the major agencies were trying to poach off us. They couldn't find them because they wouldn't be in the neighbourhoods they would be seen at or the events or clubs or the carnival. The 'Obama effect' Tamakloe, now 34, started questioning why he only worked with black models around the year 2008. I think it was the Obama effect. I started telling myself if Obama can run for president why do good black models have to be represented on a 'black agency,' 'why do I have to be a black agency?' I said they can be on any agency that has all models represented, so we extended it to include European and Asian models. He found them a lot of work early on, clients were pleased with the standards of his agency, he found with the major model agencies in the UK at the time no one was taking black models seriously. It was almost like 'let's just have them so people stop troubling us'. They didn't have any particular standards. It was more like 'okay if we have booked five white models let's have the token black girl to make the campaign look good'. With us they could see certain quality and certain standards. However, in 2011 recession hit the UK and his agency suffered. Craving the heat and comfort of home, Tamakloe packed his bags, got his models signed to other agencies then headed south. Initially, he had a beauty pageant he wanted to focus on - Miss West Africa. At this point he had had enough of model management. It was hard to deal with young girls who might not be so business-minded, and there were always issues of models being poached by other agencies, or clients not paying or respecting a code of business. Despite this, he started managing models in Ghana, but was soon faced with a fashion industry that was not making money. Turning this around became his next task. It started with a Facebook group, then grew into the online fashion magazine and e-commerce site, fashionghana.com. He wanted the website to connect local designer with international buyers and back in 2012 when it launched, there were very few designers in Ghana selling online. However, convincing designers to sell their goods through the site proved almost impossible. While he was trying to get products online to sell, he started blogging and creating a fashion directory for the continent. While designers weren't interested in his offer to sell their goods online, roadside tailors were. They didn't care what you did online as long as you gave them the money when it sold. While it was a ploy to get the designers on site, the roadside clothes sold extremely well, often for four times more than what they would sell for in Ghana. He started stocking more of their clothes and commissioning tailors to make designs to sell on site. Since then the website and social media following has grown rapidly. On Facebook he has 1.1 million likes all organic. He still wants to push designers' clothing, and so this year launched the first Accra Fashion Week which has helped to build a relationship with the designers. More designer clothes will be on the website soon, he said. Aside from getting their designs on his site, the aim of his fashion week was to connect designers with boutiques so their goods were sold locally, instead of boutiques just relying on imported clothing. Pushing the local industry Seeing the popularity of his site explode, and the success of his first Accra Fashion Week, Tamakloe believes the future is bright for the African fashion industry, predicting it could become a trillion dollar industry. Even if it doesn't reach there, just our own markets in our own countries can sustain a lot of jobs. I think the fashion industry in Ghana is very healthy. I think it only sees a bright future I was inspired by what I saw at Accra Fashion Week compared to other fashion weeks across the continent. Ghanaian designers were thinking high fashion and editorial, while ensuring to incorporate local culture into pieces, he said. But this is not getting the credit it deserves in terms of sales and acknowledgement and promotion, he believed. Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision. Amidu's application follows a notice filed by the Attorney Generals Department at the Supreme Court to discontinue the case it had earlier filed. The notice to discontinue the case 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." In a statement released November 4, 2016, Amidu said, "I have this morning 4th November 2016 filed an application at the Supreme Court for leave to examine the Judgment Debtor as the citizen public interest Plaintiff in favour of whom the case was decided for the Republic of Ghana." The anti-corruption campaigner [Amidu] said, "I have also stated the information available to me and my belief that: the NDC and the Government realizing the power of this Court pursuant to its order granted for the examination of the 3rd Defendant/Respondent/Judgment Debtor to order the judgment debtor or officer to produce any books or documents in the possession of the judgment debtor relevant to these questions at the time and place appointed for the examination took to panic resulting in the President instructing the Attorney General upon her own advice to him to discontinue the application for examination of the judgment debtor which the Court had already ordered. The full application can be found on my website at martinamidu.com." READ ALSO: Three Nigerians arrested over fake LDC mouthwash Addressing the media Wednesday, ACP Mr. Paul Ayitey, Dep. Regional Commander said that the man was arrested after other police officials noticed something different about him. He said upon interrogations, the man revealed that he was an impostor. Upon his arrest, the police intercepted digital cameras, mobile phones, a gun as well as handcuffs which were in his possession. Many are already beginning to question how a fake security official with a gun was able to get close to the president. This initiative is to enrol disabled people on the street who have difficulty in securing a job. The move again by the agency is also to clear all beggars on the street especially in the capital city, Accra. At a seminar organised by the YEA for persons with disability (PWD) in Accra, the Regional Director, Solomon Nii Afutu, said it is YEAs mandate to develop and facilitate the provision of jobs for women and the physically challenged is part of that mandate. READ ALSO: Supreme Court gives Amidu greenlight to cross examine Woyome He went ahead to say the agencys target is to recruit 2000 PWDs in the Greater Accra region alone because of the population in Accra even though the agency has done some recruitment. he noted. Mr Nii Afutu also explained that the agency has assessed the employment challenges of PWDs in the country and would strategize to expand the employment opportunities available for PWDs. Director at the Disability and Gender Desk at the YEA in Accra, Mr David Dotse Koffigah, told the media that, his outfit is hopeful of getting all PWDs from the streets of Accra by getting jobs for them. he explained 1. The Commission in its continuous quest of ensuring the credibility and transparency in the upcoming General Elections has decided to personalise the Statement of Poll and the Declaration of Results Forms. For the first time, the said Forms would be polling station specific and would, therefore, not require the exercise of discretion during distribution by Election Officials. Every Form would have embossed on it, the polling station name, the polling station code AND serial numbers.2. In respect of this personalization, and in anticipation of possible mistakes and cancellations by Presiding Officers on these forms, provision has been made for the printing of 3000 extra copies of the Forms to cater for such unplanned incidents. These 3000 extra copies have been designed with a different colour, with the words "REPLACEMENT" embossed on them for ease of differentiation. The replacement forms cannot, therefore, be confused in any way with the personalised polling station specific forms.3. It is false that Aero Vote was awarded a contract worth US$8.95 million for the printing of the Statement of Polls and Declaration of Results Forms. The contract awarded to Aero Vote by the Commission is way below US$2 million in value (GHS7.2 million).4. We have been informed that no management staff of Aero Vote told officials of the NPP that they have been told not to emboss serial numbers on the pink sheets. This is an untrue statement. The contract terms and security features on the Pink Sheets as agreed between the Electoral Commission and Aero Vote are clear to the contractual parties. Further, the NPP has no privity of contract with Aero Vote and therefore has no legal basis for engaging directly with the company (which is a vendor of the EC), on their contractual obligations to the EC. Such enquiries should be made directly to the EC and not to a vendor. Vendors must be allowed the peace of mind and space to perform their contractual obligations to the people of Ghana through the EC. Vendors cannot and should not be reporting to political parties.5. The NPP says in its Press Release, that today, Aero Vote .started the printing of the said forms. Again, this claim is false. Printing of the Forms will start on Thursday, 17 November 2016.6. For the first time in our electoral history, these forms will be printed in Ghana with enhanced security features that significantly boost the integrity of results collation in our elections.7. Again, for the first time, political parties have been invited by the Commission to send their representatives to the premises of the company during the printing of the Statement of Poll and Declaration of Results forms. Police personnel would also be deployed to the premises during the printing process. He said that since the media was the instrument for conveying proceedings from the court to the general public there was the need to desist from twisting stories. Justice Atuguba was speaking in the court after the judgement challenging the constitutionality of rules governing the special voting exercise slated for December 1, 2016. Justice William Atuguba, who was also the president of the seven-member panel, explained that the role of the media with regard to the operations of the law court could not be underestimated. READ ALSO: Lower court judges threaten strike on Nov 21 This caution comes after some false media reports claimed that the Supreme Court had ruled that the ballots from the special voting exercise should be counted on the day of the exercise even before the court ruled on the case. READ ALSO: Supreme Court gives Amidu greenlight to cross examine Woyome The false information went viral on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 when the court had actually fixed the ruling date on Monday November 14, 2016. The actual ruling had the Supreme Court dismissing the case by NPP stalwart Dr Amoako Tuffour seeking an order to compel the Electoral Commission (EC) to announce results of the Special Voting on the day of casting. In the ruling of the Apex court, the justices explained that ballots of the special voting could only be counted at the close of polls which is the 7th of December. The latest incident which occurred on Sunday in front of Nana Akufo-Addos house has raised concerns over the countrys security ahead of the elections. It is, however, unclear what triggered the clashes but according to reports, both sides confirmed gunshots and hurling of harmful objects. The NPPs acting General Secretary, John Boadu at a press conference hours after the incident accused the NDC of attacking their supporters with guns, knives and other harmful objects. The NDC has since denied the claims saying it was the personal security of Nana Addo who first fired multiple shots at the NDC members. READ ALSO: The disturbing times NDC and NPP have clashed this year But speaking on the incident, the maverick politician, Ken Agyapong said the police failed in the way they handled the situation. What kind of police do we have in this country? If it is the opposition, crime committed, but if it an NDC no evil seen. He is an asshole, a foolish IGP and bias, he said on an Accra-based Adom Television station. There have been instances not or two, the IGP and his men invited a prophet for coming out to share his spiritual vision and leave people who go out on radio to confess uncountable murder committed and are living in their comfort homes. Are those people better than any other Ghanaian, he asked. He added that members of the NPP will begin defending themselves if the police fail to assist them in times of crisis. He said, "had it not been his [Akufo-Addos] quest to ascend the highest office of the land, we had a stool in Akwamu for him the Nana Bakai stool. If he is, thus, seeking the Presidency of the land, we back himfully." The Krontihene of the Akwamu Traditional Area made this known at Atimpoku, in the Asuogyaman constituency, when Nana Addo campaigned in the constituency, as part of his 4-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region. See more: NPP accuses EC of printing illegal pink sheets In the presence of thousands of residents and NPP sympathisers at a night rally held at Atimpoku, Nana Asare Akowua, reiterated that because he is one of us, I am, on behalf of the Akwamu Kingdom, stating here and now, that we are going to vote massively for him so he wins the elections. The Krontihene of Akwamu noted that when the handing over ceremony is being done, power will be handed over to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. On 7th January, we are sending a son of the Akwamu Kingdom to occupy the seat of government. Nana Asare Akowua, on behalf of the Akwamu Traditional Council, also used the opportunity to publicly dissociate itself from recent comments by its acting president, Osuogyasono Yaw Boadu IV against Nana Akufo-Addo. Osuogyasono Yaw Boadu IV is reported to have said that the Council will perform rituals to remove the image of the NPP presidential candidate from the ballot papers during the December 7 elections. Akwamus have no rituals that influence elections. We wish to assure the people of Ghana that we do not engage in rituals to delete contestants from the ballot paper. We cannot remove someone from the ballot paper spiritually. What our brother said was out of exuberance and over excitement, and, perhaps, he wanted to say something to please some people, he said. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! "I am ALETILE OLUWASEYITAN LAWRENCE aka SEYILAW and I am running for the highest office in the land in 2019," he wrote on Instagram November 15, 2016. "It is time to take the bull by the horns. Youthful and working. A new Nigeria," he wrote on Twitter. "Why aim LOW when you can aim HIGH? I believe that the status quo must change for Nigeria to regain its place as a force to reckon with. The energy and knowledge of the Nigerian Youth must be put to positive use. It is time we acknowledged the ingenuity of our vibrant men and women to ensure proper representation at the different levels of governance and not mere reduction to PAs and SAs. We must ensure we retain our best brains in the country and adequately make provision to reform our educational institutions, healthcare system and industries. Our ways of learning must change to meet required standard," he continued. Seyi Law joins comedian Basketmouth who also pledged to run for presidency in 2019. Seyi Law and wife Stacey Aletile, welcomed their first child on Saturday, October 1, 2016, after five years of being married. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gruesome incident which happened in the Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, has thrown the community into horror and the residents are wondering what could have led Uzo into committing such an abominable act. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Ebere Amaraizu who confirmed the tragedy, said that the tragic incident occurred on November 15, 2016, at the couple's residence at Nchantancha-Nike area of the state. DSP Amaraizu said the police gathered that on the day of the incident, Uzo had allegedly pounced on his wife with a machete following the dispute, and inflicted several cuts on her. The woman lost several pints of blood before she was taken to a hospital, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and the incident was reported to the police. But on arrival at the scene to arrest the culprit, the police found his lifeless body on the floor. Punch reports that the body of the victim whose name could not be ascertained was discovered at the Jebba bus stop in the area. It was learned that the sack was initially thought to contain rubbish until a policeman, attached to a commercial bank in the area, checked it and found that it contained a corpse. The strange find was reported at the Denton Police Division while officials of the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit later arrived to evacuate the body. A resident of the area who gave his name as Saheed Ijadun, said the deceased, whose face was unfamiliar, was tied on the neck with electric cables, while his hands and legs were also tied. I believe the deceased did not live around the area. He was killed by hoodlums and The policeman was the one who raised the alarm. Some said the man was abducted from another area, killed and then dumped by the canal. When the sack was opened, I saw that he wore a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. There were also electric cables tied around his body. The accused, who resides at 102, Iju Water Works, Iju, a suburb of Lagos, was alleged to have stolen chairs and desks valued at N432, 000. He is being tried for conspiracy and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed between Oct. 1 and Oct. 25 at Eldrida Crest College, Iju. Ogu said that the accused was a security man to the schools and that it was easy for him to access every part of the compound. The accused and others now at large carried 74 pieces of student desks and 62 pieces of chairs valued at N432, 000 from the school store. It was the school principal that got to know and while he was complaining about the missing desks and chairs, a student who heard him said he saw the accused with it. At the police station, the accused said he had sold the chairs to a malam, he said. He told the court that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100, 000, with one surety in like sum. The brothers, Chinonso, Chika and Chibuzor, who hail from Chokoneze in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area, LGA, of Imo State have reportedly embraced Islam with their whole heart. ALSO READ: Chemist owner escapes being lynched by Muslim youths in Ketu A Facebook page, Islamic Calling Family, revealed the news, saying that the siblings have been enrolled in an Islamic school in Kaduna state. The statement shared on the page read, ISLAM MUST CONTINUE TO GROW IN IGBO LAND. Three brothers of same parents from Chokoneze in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA Imo State accepted Islam 2 days ago. Chinonso now Hassan, Chika now Musa. Chibuzor now Abdulrahman. They are now in an Islamic school in Kaduna state to have basic Islamic education. He has sought for a cure in many places to no avail. Read his story here: "Dear Pulse, My name is Emmanuel, a 38-year-old man. I live and work with a shipping line in Lagos State. I have a problem I wish to share with your esteemed readers with the hope that I will get a solution. Apart from wanting a solution to my problems, I also want to issue this warning to all men to avoid married women like the plague because once a woman is married, she should be out of reach and not for any other man apart from her husband. I learned my lessons the hard way and I do not want other men to fall victims of the shenanigans of women. I met Amaka at a wedding reception two years ago and though I did not initially have any intentions of hitting on her, she came so strong on me and before I knew it, we had exchanged numbers and contacts. I had forgotten about her when two days later, she called me and said she would like to see me again. She told me she had fallen in love with me and would not want me to stay away from her. That weekend, she came to my house and stayed till Sunday when she left. That was when I knew she was a married woman with three kids. She told me she was having issues with her husband who never appreciated her and starved her of sex. She added that all she wanted was a man who would be willing and ready to satisfy her sexually. Before she left, she gave me a huge amount of money and promised me more as long as I was there for her. In my stupidity, I thought I had found a meal ticket and what would I stand to lose? Was it not just to keep having sex with her? How wrong I was. Barely six months into the adulterous affair, I got a text message from a man who claimed to be her husband, warning me to stay away from his wife or I would not end up well. The next time Amaka came, I showed her the message and she confessed that her husband had gone through her messages and found out we were dating. But she assured me that there was nothing to fear as her husband was just blowing hot air. But not long after that, the man proved himself. It happened when my fiancee who had been in school, came to visit me. When it was time to have sex, I noticed that my manhood refused to get erect no matter what she did to me. I attributed it to work stress but the next time, it was still the same. I became worried because my manhood had never failed me. Tried as much as we did, it would not get up. A few days later, I went to see my doctor and after running a test on me, the doctor said there was nothing wrong with me and advised I should not worry about it as that could cause more anxiety. It is now getting to four months since the problem started and my fiancee who could not take it any longer dumped me. I have taken different drugs, gone to prostitutes to see if my manhood would rise but to no avail. In my desperation, I went to a native doctor who told me the husband of the woman I slept with had 'locked' my manhood and there was was nothing he could do. I have been running from pillar to post in search of a solution but nothing has changed. Is there anyone out there who can be of help? Emmanuel." The teaser for the day was: How Nigeria voted: I will go for a spiritual deliverance - 23% I will go and beg the man for forgiveness - 69% I will report the man to the police - 8% Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment who made the appeal urged ASUU to shelve the strike to make room to address contending issues. Ngige via a statement issued by Mr Samuel Olowokere, Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry, said shelving the strike would ensure wider consultation. The claims of nationwide consultations by ASUU cannot be true as the Ministry of Labour and Employment which is the chief conciliator of industrial relations disputes is yet to receive a direct petition from ASUU. This is against the Federal Government who is the jurisdictional employer, he said. He emphasised the need for a proper re-negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement which ASUU reached with the previous administration through a clear channel of social dialogue. He said the channel of dialogue would consist of the immediate employer, the Ministry of Education, and the Labour Ministry. ALSO READ:ASUU gives notice of one week warning strike Buhari made the argument through his lawyer, Chiesonu Okpoko, in objection to a suit filed by one Olukoya Ogungbeje to stop the government from trying the judges. Ogungbeje is urging the court to terminate the trials due to a sting operation carried out by the officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) on the judges. Buharis lawyer however argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and that the plaintiff has not disclosed his locus standi to initiate and maintain the suit. The applicants suit as constituted and conceived was nothing more than a mere academic exercise and which raises hypothetical issues, the presidents lawyer said. The DSS arrested seven judges between October 7 and 8 but Ogungbeje filed the case on behalf of only five. Dasukis father, a former Sultan of Sokoto, died on Monday, November 14, at the age of 93. As his counsel, we are not aware of that offer. Our client has not told us anything of that nature," Raji said. We would have expected that if such a gesture was going to be made to him we as his counsel should have been involved so that we can advise him properly. As I am speaking to you, I am hearing of this for the first time, he added. Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau had said on Tuesday, November 15, that Dasuki declined an opportunity to pay his last respects to his father. "We had discussed with the Director-General, DSS, yesterday and Sambo was offered to visit his late father on his hospital bed in Abuja, Dambazau said while speaking to journalists in Sokoto. "He declined and said he preferred to pray for him. He was also offered to be in Sokoto throughout the mourning period and he also declined, preferring to pray for his late father. That was the true situation, he added. ALSO READ: 14 things you should know about the former Sultan of Sokoto Literally. Atiku had alleged that El-Rufai and former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, betrayed him during the Olusegun Obasanjo era. El-Rufais response was a fire-bomb. If you missed it, here are 7 of the best insults from Kaduna government house to Atiku. Warning: Killer shots were fired! 1. Atiku is a liar This statement is issued in response to the latest falsehoods to emerge from Alhaji Atiku Abubukar. He has a record of spewing outright lies and innuendo against my person. Damn!!!! But there was more: Not even from a man as practiced as Alhaji Atiku is in the dark arts of damaging other people through a campaign of lies from him and his media machine 2. Atiku is rewriting history because he wants to be President Atiku Abubakar attempts to re-write history as he plans for 2019, El-Rufai said. Therefore, I am constrained to provide a response to the fake news and irresponsible revision of recent history by Alhaji Atiku. 3. Atiku and corruption are one and same According to El-Rufai: Atiku is haunted by his corruption demons El-Rufai dug into the archives to reveal Atikus allegedly corrupt past. When I published n 2013, Alhaji Atiku unleashed his media team in a campaign of vilification. Despite the viciousness of the attacks, they did not contest or explain away his shenanigans that were detailed in the book, from the Ericsson manoeuvre, to the Abuja water treatment plant contract and his obsession with marabouts and their assurances of the political big prize. He might also consider a full reckoning for what he and his acolytes did with public funds in the PTDF imbroglio, rather than indulging the usual bold face of the Nigerian big-man. As a federal public servant, my oath of allegiance appropriately stood with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not the big men whose conduct I was privileged to witness at close quarters. Sucker punch? Not so fast.... 4. Atiku is closest to a cunning snake People like Alhaji Atiku think that loyalty to them should be the goal of a public officer, and that it should trump the oath of allegiance to the country. Alhaji Atiku is already running for 2019, and he thinks that he can make people like us collateral damage in his attempt to rejuvenate his image. But lets move on. 5. Atiku wants a rehabilitation, El-Rufai says Everyone knows that I support and will continue to work for the success of as he leads our country through tough times. Like everyone else, Alhaji Atiku is entitled to rehabilitation. But that often requires coming clean with the people. Ouch! 6. El-Rufai dares Atiku to travel to the U.S Atiku has denied that he was indicted for corruption by law enforcement in the United States, but El-Rufai doesnt believe him. Can Alhaji Atiku explain the findings in the report of the United Stateswhich detailed a pattern of wire transfers of more than USD 40m from offshore companies like Siemens into bank accounts controlled by him and one of his wives? The report detailing the US Senate findings is online, as one of four case histories of foreign corruption in the USA. Alhaji Atiku should tell a better tale of why he is avoiding the United States of America. 7. Obsession with Presidency is Atikus biggest problem Someone as obsessed with Nigerias presidency as he is, should clear up such matters conclusively. We wait to see how well he does with that. Now, thats the very definition of a take-down. He alleged that Atiku was implicated in the $40m Halliburton scandal involving American congressman, William Jefferson. Governor El-Rufai also dared the former VP to travel to the United States if he has no skeleton in his cupboard. According to Daily Post, El-Rufai said Atiku is trying to polish his image so he can vie for President in 2019. The outspoken Kaduna Governor also denied offering Transcorp shares to the former Vice President. El-Rufai said This statement is issued in response to the latest falsehoods to emerge from Alhaji Atiku Abubukar. He has a record of spewing outright lies and innuendo against my person. As we struggle to build a law-abiding society and secure progressive outcomes for our people, we cannot allow the triumph on these shores of those who will have us move to a post-factual world. Not even from a man as practiced as Alhaji Atiku is in the dark arts of damaging other people through a campaign of lies from him and his media machine. Therefore, I am constrained to provide a response to the fake news and irresponsible revision of recent history by Alhaji Atiku. I never had anything to do with the incorporation of Transcorp. Those that established that company and fronted it like Festus Odimegwu, Tony Elumelu, Otunba Lawal Solarin and Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke are still around and alive. As such I could not have and did not offer Alhaji Atiku any shares in Transcorp. I declined the shares that were offered to me. Having done that, how could I have offered anyone shares? In fact, I advised President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Atiku and then finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala not to accept the shares that were then being offered by the promoters of Transcorp. My counsel to them was based on the grounds that they would face conflicts of interest when Transcorp bids for privatization (of) assets. At the time Alhaji Atiku and Ngozi were chair and vice-chair of the National council on Privatization, and were particularly directly involved in approving the sales of state-owned enterprises and assets. It is too late in the day to try to pretend that the fiasco concerning the attempt by then Senators Ibrahim Mantu and Jonathan Zwingina to extort money from me for Senate clearance never happened. All Alhaji Atiku has just done is confirm that he paid the Senators, as I revealed in Page 139 of my book. When I published The Accidental Public Servant in 2013, Alhaji Atiku unleashed his media team in a campaign of vilification. Despite the viciousness of the attacks, they did not contest or explain away his shenanigans that were detailed in the book, from the Ericsson manoeuvre, to the Abuja water treatment plant contract and his obsession with marabouts and their assurances of the political big prize. He might also consider a full reckoning for what he and his acolytes did with public funds in the PTDF imbroglio, rather than indulging the usual bold face of the Nigerian big-man. As a federal public servant, my oath of allegiance appropriately stood with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not the big men whose conduct I was privileged to witness at close quarters. People like Alhaji Atiku think that loyalty to them should be the goal of a public officer, and that it should trump the oath of allegiance to the country. Alhaji Atiku is already running for 2019, and he thinks that he can make people like us collateral damage in his attempt to rejuvenate his image. This obsession for power inclined him to support the rebellion against the party that manifested in the National Assembly, and is continuing with obvious disrespect for the incumbent president. Everyone knows that I support and will continue to work for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari as he leads our country through tough times. Like everyone else, Alhaji Atiku is entitled to rehabilitation. But that often requires coming clean with the people. Can Alhaji Atiku explain the findings in the report of the United States Senate Permanent Sub-Committee on Investigations which detailed a pattern of wire transfers of more than USD 40m from offshore companies like Siemens into bank accounts controlled by him and one of his wives. The report detailing the US Senate findings is online, as one of four case histories of foreign corruption in the USA. Alhaji Atiku should tell a better tale of why he is avoiding the United States of America. Someone as obsessed with Nigerias presidency as he is, should clear up such matters conclusively. We wait to see how well he does with that. He said before he was transferred to Kuje Prison, he spent more than two weeks in the underground cell of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Fani-Kayode revealed this on Wednesday, November 16, in an article titled, 'Head bloodied but not bowed and the ascension of President-Elect Donald Trump'. He said, "At Kuje I was kept in the terrorist wing of the prison which was built by the British government specifically for Boko Haram convicts and suspects. There were 47 of them in the facility and I was with them throughout. These were tough, disciplined, hardened, surprisingly well-educated and intimidating men. "This was a frightful place and those that were locked up there were very dangerous and frightful people yet thankfully the Lord went ahead of me. "The single cells, though small, were clean, well-ventilated, dry and very neat. The inmates were surprisingly very kind and friendly towards me and turned out to be my best friends and bodyguards whenever I toured the other parts of the prison. "Most of those men were not Boko Haram killers but had been falsely accused, tortured and just dumped into prison and I felt nothing but pain and sorrow when I heard their stories." According to him, he also met with the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in the prison. He said him and Kanu, who has been in the prison for over a year, spoke for nearly three hours. "When I went to visit the great and brilliant freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu, who is the leader of IPOB and easily the most courageous, powerful and credible Igbo leader in Nigeria today in his cell we had a very instructive and long discussion," the ex-minister said. "I had never met Nnamdi before and I was amazed at his depth of knowledge, his immense courage and his deep convictions. There is no doubt in my mind that that man is going places and in him the Igbo have an Ojukwu and a Nnamdi Azikiwe all rolled into one. He is destined for greatness. "My Boko Haram friends accompanied me to that meeting, drew a 10-man security cordon around me when we entered the general population of the prison and waited outside as Nnamdi and I spoke for almost three hours." Fani-Kayode also said Magu has created more enemies for President Buhari through his brutal and unlawful ways. The former minister added that the EFCC boss has done greater damage to the war against corruption by arresting innocent people. According to Vanguard, Fani-Kayode also slammed the media for not reporting how Justice Muslim Hassan rebuked the EFCC for its reckless abuse of power. The former minister in a statement issued by his, spokesman, Jude Ndukwe, said On monday November 14th 2016 at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Justice Muslim Hassan lambasted the EFFC and its prosecutor, one Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, in open court for arresting Chief Femi Fani-Kayode at the Federal High Court premises on 21st October without an arrest warrant and for detaining him illegally without any detention order for 24 days. This was made all the more damning by the fact that Justice Hassan had previously warned the EFCC not to re-arrest Chief Fani-Kayode who had been previously detained by them for 67 days. Justice Hassan said this because he had granted Chief Fani-Kayode court bail as far back as July 4th and at the previous court session he had specifically warned and admonished the EFCC not to re-arrest or detain him after his lawyer told the court that that was what they were planning to do. Justice Hassan told the EFCC that serving charges on an accused person should not warrant arrest and detention and that he himself was once a prosecutor and that was not the way things are meant to be done. When Oyedepo attempted to lie to the court and feign ignorance of the re- arrest and detention of Chief Fani-Kayode and when he tried to proffer a shameless and disgraceful justification for it after he was forced to admit that it happened, Justice Hassan advised him to stop trying to defend the indefensible and advised him to tender his apologies to the court for the illegal behaviour of the EFCC. Oyedepo took the advice and he promptly apologised. The behaviour of the EFCC and their gestapo-like tactics does not surprise us because the hatred and pure venom that the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, harbours for Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, his family and indeed any member of the opposition that speaks out openly against the government is self-evident and legendary. What is more surprising is the fact that every single newspaper in the country blacked out the story, with the exception of The Nation, and refused to report what was essentially a very serious and rare rebuke by a sitting Federal High Court judge about the wayward and reckless abuse of power by an organisation that is headed by a man who is filled with malice and who is prepared to do anything, including using the most primitive and barbaric practices of brutality and force and the perverse manipulation, threatening and teleguiding of the media to crush all forms of dissent and opposition in the name of fighting corruption. The truth is that Magu and his brutal and unlawful ways has created more enemies for the government and has thwarted and done greater damage to the war against corruption by targetting innocent men and women for persecution rather than prosecution. Chief Fani-Kayode has been detanied in underground cells by the EFCC for no less than a total of three months since the Buhari regime came to power all in the name of the investigation of spurious offences and baseless allegations when the law clearly states that an arrest and detention should only take place after an investigation is completed. Those in the media that, for reasons best known to themselves, chose to black out and refuse to report what really transpired in Justice Hassans court on monday 14th November and who sought to cover up the fact that the EFCC was openly rebuked and reprimanded for their barbaric ways and sordid tactics would do well to remember that though it is Chief Fani-Kayodes rights that are being violated today it may well be theirs or that of their editors or publishers tomorrow. It is important that the Nigerian people know the truth about the way in which the EFCC behaves and reporting events factually and accurately is the lifeblood of democracy. We urge the Nigerian media to rise up to the occassion and not allow themselves to be used by a group of ruthless headhunters who wish to cover up their atrocities. The group also said the promotion list, which was reportedly signed by President Buhari is lopsided. The IYC also wondered why Bayelsa state was left out, despite having five qualified managers in the NNPC. According to Vanguard, the groups spokesman, Eric Omare described the action of the NNPC management is an attack on the Ijaw nation. Omare also said Since assumption of office, President Buhari has been anti-Ijaw in his appointments in the deliberate exclusion of Bayelsa State from key federal appointments in fragrant violation of the federal character principle enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It will be recalled that Buhari excluded Bayelsa State from his earlier appointment of Ambassadors. The IYC strongly feels that these actions are being taken to punish the Ijaw and Bayelsa people because of former President Jonathan who is an Ijaw and from Bayelsa State. The recent NNPC promotion exercise is one oppressive decision too many and very provocative considering the fact that the NNPC exists because of the oil resources found in Ijaw land. Buharis policy of exclusion must stop for Nigeria to make progress. The Ijaw people are being pushed to the wall and we may be forced to act. We demand that this oppressive and lopsided promotion in the NNPC against the Ijaw people should be immediately corrected in the interest of peace in Nigeria. The government also disbanded all vigilante committees in the state with directives to the security agencies to take charge of scrutinising such committees. Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers announced this during the submission of the report of the Rivers State Amnesty Programme by its committee in Port Harcourt. He described the Amnesty Programme as very successful since about 22, 430 cultists accepted the amnesty. Wike also said that for the fact that 911 assorted arms, 7661 assorted ammunitions and 147 explosives were surrendered made the programme a success and the state relatively peaceful. He, however, said that his administration had zero tolerance to crime and criminality. To show that Government is serious, I hereby disband all vigilante committees in the various communities. I direct the security agencies to make sure that we dont have such committees except they profile their members to prove that they dont belong to any cult group. Initially, people felt it was a political game. I thank God Almighty that we have proved our critics wrong that we are serious to ensure the security of lives and property in the state, he said. Wike explained that the state government did not monetise the amnesty programme as it preferred the cultists and kidnappers to sincerely embrace the programme. He assured all the repentant cultists and kidnappers that they would be duly rehabilitated and made to become useful to the society. But if by tomorrow, you return to crime, know that amnesty does not cover you, the governor said. The governor also directed security agencies to go after all cultists and kidnappers who refused to voluntarily accept the amnesty offer. Wike said that the time for amnesty is over and we are going to take the war to them. He said Since we have given you the opportunity and you have refused to surrender, you have become enemies of the state. The state will fight to the last to make sure that criminality is reduced to the barest minimum so that investors will continue to have confidence to invest their funds in the state. Wike cautioned the politicians not politicise crime, adding that anybody that was involved in crime should not be reduced to party politics. According to him, when somebody is a cultist, dont say that that person belongs to party A, that is not fair. We have to fight crime; we have to join hands to bring lasting peace to this state, the governor said. He then called on the Federal Government to support the state with adequate security as it is the treasure base of the nation. If there is crisis in Rivers State, it will affect Nigeria and so for us as a government, we will continue to partner with Federal Government to achieve zero tolerance to crime. We will not support crime. It doesnt matter the political divide. If you are involved, you will face the law," he added. Mr Kenneth Chinda, the Chairman of the Amnesty committee, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Amnesty, presented the report of the committee to the governor. He said the committee was successful as it adopted a direct dialogue approach by establishing direct, honest, transparent and sincere contacts with the leaderships of the various groups through a discreet confidence building process. The committee urged the government to disband all armed community vigilance groups as well as direct all communities to surrender their weapons to the relevant security agencies. ALSO READ: Hajiya Turai Hassan, the Director-General of the states Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) disclosed this on Wednesday in Sokoto. She spoke at the Special Day of the agency at the ongoing National Trade Fair holding in Sokoto. Hassan said that out of the amount, N5 million was disbursed to 100 unemployed youths, adding that they were initially trained on business plans and other procedures. According the DG, the balance of N5 million was disbursed to 100 women as loans in order to boost their capital base. EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, also spoke on the House of Representatives order to shut down the scheme. We can only arrest people based on the evidence that we have. The House made a resolution but the resolution is a public announcement, Uwujaren told Daily Post. We have always been advising people not to patronize wonder banks because experience over time has shown that their activities are not sustainable. If you get involved in it, you will eventually get hurt. What we are currently doing is to sensitize people. We know people want to make quick money as a result of recession through this MMM. The unfortunate thing about this MMM is that it is not a Nigerian firm but we are looking at and we will still tell the media whatever we find out, Uwujaren added. ALSO READ: The dark history of MMM This has affected movement of vehicles through the main gate as lawmakers and staff can only access the complex through alternative routes. The protest, led by a socialite and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, is seeking a downward review of salaries and benefits of politicians in the country by about 70 per cent. The protesters are also clamouring for the sentencing to death of public officials found guilty of stealing public funds. They are also seeking a cessation of state and local government joint accounts. One of the protesters, Miss Joy Amadi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the protest is a welcome development. Amadi said the need for accountability in governance prompted her to join the protest. Occupy NASS is a protest against corruption, political criminality, and a long period of bad leadership. However, just as the current government stands out to fight corruption, we also want to join hands to make Nigeria a corrupt-free nation, she said. According to her, politicians have for a long time continued to extort from Nigerians through fat salaries and frivolous allowances. Another protester, Mr Ignatius Adeleke, stated that the campaigners are committed to the protest until the leadership of the National Assembly considers their demands. We will not leave this place until our demands are met; we have suffered for too long while our politicians are living in affluence. We will not take it anymore; there has to be a change in our attitude, Adeleke said. Similarly, a staffer of the National Assembly, who prefers to remain anonymous, commended the conveners of the protest and urged more Nigerians to join the campaign. According to Vanguard, the spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col Olaolu Daudu, Identified the facility as well head 72, operated by AITEO. Daudu also said The Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE also foiled an attempt by gunmen led by the suspected leader of a cult group popularly referred to as Icelander at Entebe community in Akwa Ibom State to kidnap people of value but on sighting the naval gunboats, the kidnappers fled the scene. The group had earlier embraced Amnesty but some intractable members still indulge in acts of criminality. Troops are on their trail. It was also reported that sea robbers operating from Eastern Obolo attacked and kidnapped unspecified number of persons on a ship at sea. Troops of NNS JUBILEE are on the trail of the kidnappers for possible rescue. Troops of Sector 3, while on patrol, discovered an illegal oil refining camp at Idama Creek in Rivers State. The site was destroyed. Also, based on tip off, troops raided suspected militants camp at Harrison Kiri, Liberty, Evil forest, Virgin forest, Opuru fishing port, Wangwa fishing port and Zion City. At Harrison camp, suspected militants fled on sighting troops. They are being trailed. Similarly, troops raided Bukuma Jetty and arrested 3 suspected militants and one Cotonou boat laden with illegally refined Automated Gas Oil. Troops also discovered an illegal refinery site at Borokiri general area where bunkerers engage in massive loading of illegally refined AGO. One container truck with registration number AWK 119 ZL loaded with 50 drums concealed behind bags of flour was impounded. According to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the expected aircraft include four Mi-35m attack helicopters from Russia, three Super Tucano from the Brazilian Air Force and three JF-17 Thunder from Pakistan. Abubakar disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, November 16, while speaking at the NAFs operations seminar with the theme, 'Developing Effective Air Power Responses to National Security Challenges in Nigeria.' It had earlier been reported that the United States placed an embargo on Nigeria from buying arms from Russia, Pakistan and Brazil. But the Air Marshal said Nigeria has the full backing of the US in the fight against insurgency in the northeast. "All I can tell you is that the US is supporting in the North East, they are helping us with a lot of intelligence, so I dont see any reason why we should have difficulties," he said. At least three people died last week in the fishing community of Otodo Gbame, after police moved in with no notice, setting fire and chasing some people into the Lagos lagoon, according to residents. Some 2,000 of them including women and children trekked to state Governor Akinwumi Ambode's office Tuesday, barricading its doors and saying they planned to rally until their demands were met. "We condemn the forced evictions of over 30,000 hard-working, law-abiding citizens from Otodo Gbame and thousands more from Ebute-Ikate on 9-11 November 2016," they said in a letter. "We in particular condemn the use of fire, demolition in the middle of the night and the tragic loss of lives of persons who drowned when chased by police into the Lagos lagoon." The government warned last month it would clear shanties from the sprawling city of 20 million people because of security concerns. Such operations have occurred in the past, but have accelerated since the new governor arrived last year, and very regularly since the new warning. The government believes kidnappers hid in shanties to abduct school children. Several school children have been kidnapped around the city's riverine communities in recent weeks. Amnesty International urged the government to halt the demolitions, fearing thousands might be made homeless, but the government still went ahead with the exercise at Otodo Gbame. The residents, carrying placards and chanting protest songs, accused the government of using the police and hoodlums to destroy their homes without any prior notice. Contacted by AFP, the Lagos State authorities have refused to give any comment so far. 3 dead, 11 missing Megan Chapman of the Justice and Empowerment Initiatives (JEI) lobby group, which helped organise the rally told AFP that three corpses were recovered from the lagoon after the demolition, while 11 people were still missing. "The 11 missing people are presumed to be dead. We want government to halt the demolitions which have rendered thousands homeless," she said. "Since November 11, evictees are facing a grave humanitarian disaster without shelter, access to clean water, food and other basic needs," said Sani Mohammed of the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation. "We are here to appeal to Governor Ambode to provide reliefs to those affected by the demolition and to compensate them for the loss of their homes," he said. The protesters became unruly and angry when the governor failed to come out to address them. They immediately set barricade at all entrances into the government house and vowed to continue the rally until their demands were met. "Otodo is my ancestral home. My parents lived there for years before they died. I don't know where else to go," said Celestine Ahisu, a self-employed engineer and father of three children. Beatrice Keyimon, 25-year-old fish seller told AFP she has been sleeping inside her canoe with her three children since she lost her home. NUPENG also told the FG not to go ahead with plans to scrap the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). The agency gave the warning via a statement released by its President, Igwe Achese. The statement reads: The current back door policy to retrench workers in the Federal Government Corporations will not augur well for the industrial peace and harmony in the oil and gas sector under the guise of a National oil policy. What is necessary now is to strengthen the companies by granting them autonomy and not to be controlled by red-tapism in Government. Scrapping these bodies and putting them under one umbrella to be known as Petroleum Regulatory Commission, PRC, will be too cumbersome and make the Petroleum Minister too powerful. We call on the Federal Government to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which will make the oil and gas industry much more efficient, transparent and accountable and in the long run bring the needed investments in the sector. We want to warn that it will not tolerate what the Federal Government is presently doing in aviation agencies like NAMA, FAAN, NIMET, where workers are been sacked in the name restructuring. The National Assembly should not to allow the scrapping of NNPC, DPR, and PPPRA as they were set up by law and cannot be scrapped overnight by Government fiat. We want to state again that the workers Union in the sector will resist the plan with all its powers and might. ALSO READ: Fuel might cost N151 per litre soon This is coming on the heels of reports that the Senate has commenced a probe on how the Osun state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola spent the bailout funds given to the state. According to Daily Post, Ortom said the funds were spent judiciously, adding that his administration will not protect any government official found guilty. The Governor, who spoke through his Press Scretary, Terver Akase, said The call by the Senate is apt. It is the responsibility of the legislature to checkmate the executive and we in Benue have nothing to fear because our government is anchored on transparency, accountability and the fear of God. We are happy with the call because it affords us the opportunity to tell the whole world how the bailouts fund was transparently utilised by the Governor. The ICPC had investigated the state and did not find anything wrong. As far as I am concerned, there is no known case of any diversion of the bailout funds, he added. The mum-of-one reportedly passed away after complaining of pains from peptic ulcer. The news of her death was revealed by filmmaker, Uduak Isong Oguamanam who took to her Facebook page to announce her passing. "Grief. It makes you remember things. Minute details, like the sound of their feet, the colour of their hair and the sweet smell of their body spray. It makes you regret. The holidays you never took, the movies you never watched together, the visits you kept planning to but never made. It reminds you of your own mortality. You wonder if theres a row call and what your number is on the list," Oguamanam wrote. Several actors and film producers have taken to Instagram to mourn her death: I am still in shock this feels like a bad dream, my prayers are with your husband /family and young child.RIP Ansa @ansa_kpokpogri ...totally heartbreaking #ripansa - Uche Jombo Ansa why? Is this how we are taking over the filmmaking world? Dear Lord! This wasn't part of the plan but you know best. Rest well darling. May God give your beautiful daughter, your husband, your parents and indeed the whole Nollywood family the fortitude to bear this loss #GoneTooSoon #RipAnsa - Omoni Oboli I have no words to express my sadness and utter shock at the news that you died hours ago. How? I have asked- God oooh!!! Go with God Ansa and may our good Lord give your family the strength they need...... #RipAnsa - Andrea Chika Chukwu "What do you say to life cut short ,so suddenly.. before you know it ,it's ended . Only ends so quickly to "good"people . My dear your "are " good ..good at your job , good in relationships, good as a spouse to your husband , I couldn't possibly say you are good in death. Ansa I remember the last time I saw you less than a month ago I was pleasantly surprised to see you on the set I visited , we chatted for a while like we would see some other time ,day..soon.. No it wasn't going to happen , not on this earth anymore , once again another reminder that the most minute things we take for granted LOVE , RELATIONSHIPS,TRUTHFULNESS,DEDICATION RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER should be our everyday watch word. Adieu..friend and colleague adieu. Keep sleeping in the bossom of our lord . This really hurts." - Desmond Elliot This is extremely shocking ..... honestly can't find the right words ..... rip. - Ini Edo My heart is so heavy! What you were saying in this photo is "ohhh everybody let's work now" and then I made you smile after this photo was taken. Your impact will not be forgotten. RIP ANSA God comfort your family. Live everyday like it's your last. - Kunle Remi Dear Yellow, I know you'll never get to see this. But I am glad that we both know that my life's story can never be complete without the chapters you wrote. Sleep wellI will miss you Yellow. - Mbong Amata (Actress, TV producer) Where do I start??? Do I say I'm sorry now? Everyday I'm aware the world is not ours forever but you have made me realize it's nothing to bother my head with. I learnt you had gone to rest and all that's in my head is that stupid quarrel we had on set that I never tried to reach out to you to resolve. How do I keep calm? My heart went down my stomach, tears filled my eyes talking to Ayana on the phone. Young and overly dedicated to her craft, she will not back down if you don't give her what she wants. Ansa Rest In Peace. Ps: focus on the things that matter and leave the rest. You might not have tomorrow to focus on the important things of life. Rest In Peace my Art Director Ansa #GodForgiveMe - Yvonne Jegede ...we still can't find the words. We still expect a miracle that doesn't seem to be coming... Selfless, dedicated, hard working... You'd be greatly missed! #RIPAnsa. - Royal Arts Academy I've attempted to publish this for over 5 times. I keep holding back to see if the story would change. Praying it should be a rumour, but NO, "Ansa is no more". "We've lost Ansa". "Ansa is gone". "Ansa has passed" etc, etc and these words keep piercing my heart. #ripansa #farewell we shall meet to part no more. - Dorothy Essien (Actress, screenwriter) Suspicions of this were raised when Adamawa State governor, Jubrila Bindow was quoted as saying that it was "either Atiku or nobody" for the 2019 presidency. Bindow later denied the comments but the seeds had already been sown. A confirmation of Atikus intentions was finally given by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State in a statement released on Tuesday, November 15. Alhaji Atiku is already running for 2019, and he thinks that he can make people like us collateral damage in his attempt to rejuvenate his image, el-Rufai said. This obsession for power inclined him to support the rebellion against the party that manifested in the National Assembly, and is continuing with obvious disrespect for the incumbent president. Someone as obsessed with Nigerias presidency as he is, should clear up such matters conclusively. We wait to see how well he does with that, he added. El-Rufai made the comments after Atiku alleged that he offered him Transcorp shares. Atiku also denied being corrupt during an interview with Zero Tolerance, a publication of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former VP tried to be the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 but he lost to current president, Muhammadu Buhari at the primaries. ALSO READ:5 things Atiku said about Obasanjo The youth group made the comments after el-Rufai accused former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar of corruption. Governor @elrufai is not above lying to the media to achieve his political objective, he has eventually fought ever of our past leaders, the group wrote via Twitter on Wednesday, November 16. Nigerians should consequently take @elrufai words with not just a pinch of salt, but a spoonful because a double-minded standard, the group added. El-Rufai made the accusations against Atiku on Tuesday, November 15, after the former VP said that he offered him Transcorp shares. ALSO READ:5 things Atiku said about Obasanjo Akeredolu is the APC guber candidate in the upcoming Ondo state governorship election slated to hold on November 28, 2016. According to Punch, Okorocha said the party leaders are united in their support for the APC candidate. He said We are not jittery, but we are concerned. We are not happy that we are losing some of our illustrious members of the APC. I will call on them to please make haste and come back. Those who are aggrieved by any means should please come back. Sometimes, it is about communication, if the right communication was dispatched, I dont think this would have happened. Everybody is still with him (Akeredolu), Bola Tinubu is still with him, the Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Oyo governors are with him. The problem is that, like in all families, we have a communication gap. We are all together and by the grace of God, Ondo State will be APC-compliant. The Igbo people will support him not because he is our in-law, but because he is a good man. The PDP and the AD candidates are strong but I know we will win. The Imo Governor also told the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace that all the APC governors have resolved to work for Akeredolus success. Okorocha said Your majesty, just to announce to you that I am here on behalf of all the APC governors in Nigeria, we are now 23 in number, all of us are together. We are just here to support our in-coming colleague. Let me correct one impression, all the APC governors met and have resolved to support our candidate, there is no division in our family, and the APC is still one. That is why the father of the APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, will be coming on Saturday, and will address the people of the state to clear the air to those who doubt the unity of our party. We are united. What brought us together is not interest to acquire power but the interest to bring the necessary change for the economic emancipation of our great nation. So, I am here to inform you that I came and Aketi has been chosen by all of us and we are solidly behind him, we are unshakably behind him. Its the perfect recipe for how not to head to battle. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise businessman Ibrahim as the Ondo governorship candidate. In the ruling, Justice Okon Abang had reaffirmed his earlier declaration recognising Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic Chairman of the PDP. The Sheriff faction had produced Ibrahim as its candidate for the Ondo election. The Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP put forward Jegedes name. ALSO READ: Jegede says he is close to retrieving his mandate from Jimoh Ibrahim The PDP has said Ibrahim is not its candidate. The party has also described Ibrahim as an agent of destabilisation. The party also claims Ibrahim isnt a member of the PDP. Mr Jimoh Ibrahim is a verified non-member of the PDP at any level; ward, local government or state, having openly defected to the Accord Party, said Banji Okunomo, Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ondo.Ibrahims intention is to destabilise the party. he would fail and is only working for some fifth columnists outside the PDP. The intention of Jimoh Ibrahim and his sponsors is to put Ondo State under subjugation", Okunomo added. Ibrahim has been campaigning as the PDPs candidate for the election. He has promised to win the election for the PDP. However, in yet another twist in the tale, Justice Ibrahim Salauwa of the Appeal Court granted Jegede leave to appeal the judgement of the Abuja High Court. Jegede has promised to retrieve his mandate. He has also asked his supporters not to fret. I am very close to retrieving my governorship ticket from Jimoh Ibrahim, Jegede promised his supporters recently.I have submitted my grievances to the courts and despite the contrivance and manipulation by those who are opposed to democracy, we have been vindicated at the first step and God willing we will continue to trudge on, Jegede added. Appearing on the campaign trail with Sheriff, his opposite number, Ibrahim, reeled out a plethora of election promises. I will pay all backlog of salaries currently being owed by the state and restore light to those areas that have being in darkness for so many years, within my first hundred days in office, said Ibrahim. I will create wealth and take your poverty away while the state shall take the first position in developmental stride during my administration. Factional Chairman of the PDP, Sheriff, says Ibrahim is the authentic governorship candidate for Ondo. Except that Governors elected on the platform of the PDP, do not agree with him. The Governors have been campaigning for Jegede instead, leaving Ibrahim in the cold. But it's Ibrahim's name that is on the ballot at the time of filing this. PDP is torn between two national Chairmen. The party is also torn between two candidates on the eve of a major political battle. In February, 2016, the Catholic leader insinuated that the 45th presidential-elect is not a Christian, this comment was based on Trump's campaign promises to deport more immigrants and build a wall along the border, The New York Times reports. According to him, a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian." Trump responded by saying, for a religious leader to question a persons faith is disgraceful. No leader, especially a religious leader, has the right to question another mans religion or faith." On the eve of election, Pope Francis let everyone know how he felt about the presidential election by delivering an 'anti-Trump' speech, without mentioning Trump's name, Daily News Bin reports. No tyranny finds support without tapping into our fears. This is key. Hence, all tyranny is terrorist.... Walls that enclose some and banish others. Walled citizens, terrified on one side, excluded, exiled, and still more terrified on the other. Is that the life that our Father God wants for their children? Dear brothers and sisters, all walls fall. All of them. Do not be fooled", he said. Recently, when faced with an opportunity to reveal his opinion on the winner of the 2016 U.S election, the Pope still found a tactical way to answer, without actually answering. DailyMail reports that Pope Francis succeeded in dodging a question in an interview with Italy's La Repubblica newspaper. When asked to comment on Trump's win, the Catholic leader refused to "judge" the presidential-elect, adding that he is only concerned with his policies on the poor. "I do not give judgments on people and politicians, I just want to understand the suffering that their approach causes the poor and excluded. Money is against the poor but there are also poor people in rich countries who fear the acceptance of their peers from poor countries. It's a vicious circle and it must be stopped. We must break down the walls that divide," he said. The interview was headlined in "The Republic Pope: 'Trump? I do not judge. I'm Interested only if he hurts the poor." Afterwards, a papal spokesman addressed the interview by saying that it was not a personal attack. This interview comes after Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, announced that he would pray for Trump's 'enlightenment' in 'service of the worlds welfare and peace'. Earlier, Pope Francis suggested that he may have lost faith in American Christians because of the outcome of the election, Business2Community reports. True Christians do not treat anyone differently, talk bad about them or look down on them. God help poor Mexicans, Africans and Cubans who wanted to realize American dream. I am not sure whether we still can vouch for the faith of American Christians, as they need more wisdom looking at the leader they finally elected, he said. The registrar and chief executive of the exam board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure during the 2nd Technical Committee Meeting for 2016 Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, Daily Post reports. The event was held at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri, Abia state. Oloyede had earlier called for a national debate on the propriety of the cut-off marks, as well as expressing concerns over the uniform marks for all tertiary institutions. He explained that the decision was reached due to the fact that some schools have been unable to implement the cut-off mark. It was at a meeting of the Board of higher institutions and other Stakeholders that a decision of 180 as the 2016 National cut-off mark was reached. However, many Institutions, though part of the decision, have expressed concern about their inability to effect this cut-off mark as they are finding it difficult to fill a reasonable percentage of their quota if the rule is strictly applied as we insist. A large number of institutions, particularly the budding ones, have applied for a waiver to enable them admit candidates who in some instances scored below 180 marks. For some, this may sound unreasonable with the largely false impression that a large percentage of those who score above 180 and are qualified for admission cannot find any placement in our institutions. I think this cry needs attention, otherwise, some of these institutions whether public or privately-owned may soon begin to wobble or even close shops. This will be counter-productive and even defeat the Government Policy of expansion of access to higher education and manpower development, he said. According to Daily Post, Oloyede added that as a Board, we have studied the trend of admissions and have come up with a finding that hardly does the institutions collectively fill their quota annually. Indeed, in some cases, up to 50% of approved quota is wasted particularly by upright institutions which do not circumspect the rule. Unfortunately, a large number of institutions flagrantly disregarded the cut-off and many other policies yet they found a way to eventually regularise the illegal admissions through corrupt process. Oloyede explained that the new cut-off mark which would be flexible will only apply to institutions that have exhausted their list of candidates who scored 180 and need more. As a Board, we have collated the requests from the various Senates and Academic Boards and have made your pleas known to appropriate authorities . Just this morning we received a green light on flexible cut-off mark only for institutions which have exhausted the list of candidates with 180 and above, subject , of course to a minimum acceptable to JAMB and meeting of other pre-requisite, he stated. Oloyede gave an assurance that candidates would not be forced on any school but that the board will work hand in hand with the institutions to enforce the mandates of their respective senates and academic boards on matters of admission. He added: The Board would not impose candidates on them but, as a referee, would ensure that no applicant is unjustifiably denied the opportunity of access to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria. In this respect, together, we should be seen in a conspicuous and proven manner that we have the interest of the nation in mind in carrying out our statutory functions. Bala gave the advice in Bangkok at the opening of the Nigeria Pavilion at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World Conference, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. He argued that the Nigerian telecommunications sector had churned out successful entrepreneurs, who should join forces with government to boost investments in Nigeria. MTN, Etisalat, Globacom, Airtel were not in the country as at the year 2000 and it was the relentless efforts of those at the helm of affairs and the Bureau of Public Enterprise that brought about what we have today. But if you look at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, you dont see these companies that are doing well in Nigeria listed on the stock exchange. I dont know whether it is possible to get these companies to list, and if they do, I think we should be able to get a lot of investments both local and international and people will be part owners of these companies. Bala said that President Muhammadu Buhari had given him mandate to do all he could to bring investors to Nigeria in two major areas, agriculture and solid mineral. For me, I added one point and that is telecommunications because of the potential of that sector. Our country largely depends on oil for foreign exchange and what we see now is that the price of oil is going down hence, we need to look out for the new oil. And I think that new oil is the telecommunications sector because we have a lot of opportunities in this sector in Nigeria. The envoy also said that news on Nigerians in Thailand were not good, noting however, that the opening of the Nigeria Pavilion at the ITU event was a way to showcase the good sides of Nigeria. The Governor of Kaduna State, Mr Nasiru El-Rufai, said the opportunities in the ICT industry were limitless but that prospective investors might not see the opportunities just through data. El-Rufai said that telecommunications services, especially mobile telephony had become ubiquitous, as almost everyone in Nigeria make use of telecommunications. Broadband is the next big thing after electricity in Nigeria and investors have to take advantage of this, he said. The Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr Houlin Zhao, said that African governments had to promote investments in ICTs for the growth of their economies. Zhao said that Africa had to work harder to promote its images through ICT as it could boost every aspect of the economy. I invite our Africa leaders to promote ICT for the development of the economy. Africa has to support the Smart Africa Project, he said. Carson, a popular writer and speaker in conservative circles, has been a close adviser to Trump and is a vice chairman of Trump's transition team. He has been mentioned as a possible secretary of health and human services or education. Carson's business manager, Armstrong Williams, said Carson has made clear he has no experience in running a federal bureaucracy. "Dr. Carson doesn't feel like that's the best way for him to serve the president-elect," Williams told Reuters. "They could not send a better U.S. ambassador to Prague," Zeman told her in a telephone call on Wednesday, the president's office said in a statement. Ivana Trump told the New York Post last week she would suggest to her ex-husband that she become ambassador to the Czech Republic. The 67-year-old socialite, born in Zlin in what was then Czechoslovakia, told the paper the country was "where I'm from and my language and everybody knows me". Her suggestion, reported by Czech media over the weekend, has been welcomed by other politicians but most enthusiastically by the president's office, whose spokesman said on Twitter it was a great choice. It was another sign of a sharp pro-American U-turn by the Czech presidential administration. Zeman was one of the few European politicians who vocally backed Trump in his campaign for the U.S. presidency. ALSO READ: ISIS says Donald Trump is a maniac After the real estate billionaire won the election in a surprise victory a week ago, Zeman held a rare press briefing in which said he was "very happy" with Trump's victory and that the two shared opinions on immigration and terrorism. Like Trump, the outspoken Czech president has often railed against "elites" critical of his leadership and has warm views towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Unlike Trump, Zeman is very keen on deepening ties with China. Despite his country's NATO membership, Zeman has often repeated the Russian line on the conflict in Ukraine and was not invited to the White House under President Barack Obama. He has had an open feud with current U.S. ambassador to Prague, Andrew Schapiro. In 2015, he "closed the door" of Prague Castle to the envoy for a time, after he made comments perceived as critical of the Czech president's decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow. Moscow has never ratified the world's only permanent war crimes court, but in a heavily symbolic move on the opening day of the ICC's annual meeting, it said it was formally withdrawing its signature to the tribunal's founding Rome Statute. "The court did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent," Russia's foreign ministry said, describing its work as "one-sided and inefficient". The move came only days after The Gambia on Monday formally notified the United Nations it was leaving the ICC, following in the footsteps of South Africa and Burundi. "Don't go," pleaded Senegalese politician Sidiki Kaba, the president of the ICC's Assembly of State Parties as he opened an eight-day meeting in The Hague. "In a world criss-crossed by violent extremism... it is urgent and necessary to defend the ideal of justice for all." The tribunal opened its doors in 2002 in The Hague as a court of last resort to try the world's worst crimes where national courts are unable or unwilling to act. But in his passionate plea, Kaba admitted the ICC was undergoing a "difficult moment". 'Law must not fall silent' With Russia and China having blocked UN moves to refer war crimes in Syria to the ICC for investigation, Kaba acknowledged some saw "injustice" with international justice marked by "two weights, two measures". But he offered reassurances, saying: "You have been heard." There have long been accusations of bias against African nations. And Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have also indicated they are considering pulling out of the Rome Statute. But chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the assembly her office would continue "to forge ahead to deliver on its important mandate". "We must not and will not allow that law falls silent during wars and conflicts," she insisted. "Without the ICC we will regress into an even more turbulent world where chaos and violence take the upper hand." On the eve of the meeting, Bensouda, who has already opened preliminary probes into cases in the Palestinian territories, Colombia and Ukraine, revealed she may be poised to launch her most complex investigation so far. jpegMpeg4-1280x720In her annual report she said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe US troops as well as the Taliban and Afghan forces may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan. If a full-blown investigation goes ahead, the tribunal would be taking on its most politically controversial investigation to date. And even though the United States has also not ratified the court, US forces will be exposed for the first time to an ICC investigation. "Though the powerful may fear the court, victims everywhere plead for its involvement," UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said. He insisted "there is no substitute for the ICC" and in the long-term, "these states will boomerang back as the court is accepted by more and more states". Warning that "a new trend of isolationist and unprincipled leadership" was sweeping the world, Zeid insisted: "Now is not the time to abandon the post. This is the time of resolve and strength." "Do not betray the victims, nor your own people. Stand by the Rome Statute and the court. It may not be perfect, in design nor operation... but it is the best we have." The summit is being held on the sidelines of annual climate change talks and the calls of African leaders for more funding from developed nations to cut fossil fuel emissions and take contingency measures will also loom large. It will be an opportunity for African leaders to "coordinate their positions and speak with one voice to defend them," a senior Moroccan diplomat told AFP. "Developed countries must shoulder their historical responsibility for emissions," Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh told the climate change talks on Tuesday. This could mean building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems and growing climate change-resistant crops. French President Francois Hollande is due to address the African leaders. Controversially, they include Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide during the 13-year-old conflict in Darfur. He has always denied the charges. ICC boycott grows The summit comes amid growing opposition to the ICC among African leaders, who accuse the court of prosecuting alleged crimes in Africa while ignoring those elsewhere in the world. Burundi, South Africa and the Gambia have all pulled out of the court's founding treaty, the Rome statute, in recent weeks. Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have indicated they may follow suit. Hosting the summit is a diplomatic coup for Morocco as it seeks to reassert its influence in Africa. In July, the kingdom announced it wanted to join the African Union and in September it lodged a formal application. King Mohamed VI has since toured east Africa in a bid to woo support and after the Marrakesh talks he is due to visit Addis Ababa where the AU is based. Morocco pulled out of what was then called the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 in protest at its admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic declared by the pro-independence Polisario Front in the Western Sahara. The move came at the height of the armed conflict between the Polisario and Morocco over the former Spanish colony. A UN-supervised ceasefire has been in effect since 1991 but a quarter of a century of efforts for a lasting peace have led nowhere. Morocco controls all the main towns with the Polisario confined to a narrow strip in the desert interior. Tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees still live in camps in neighbouring Algeria. After arriving at Havana airport, Trudeau headed straight to the city's iconic Revolution Square and laid a wreath, an AFP photographer saw. He was scheduled later to meet with Cuba's President Raul Castro, officials said. The two-day visit is the first stop on a tour that will also take Trudeau to Argentina and to Peru for the APEC Asia-Pacific trade summit. It comes 40 years after Trudeau's father Pierre Elliott Trudeau committed to a lifelong friendship with Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro during a similar visit. According to Trudeau's office, the goal is to "renew and strengthen" the bilateral relationship. The visit will also provide an opportunity to "collaborate more closely on sustainable economic growth, inclusive governance, security, climate change, and gender equality," a statement said. Trump factor Trump, who won the US presidential election a week ago, has sent mixed messages about the thaw in US-Cuba relations which was started two years ago by current US President Barack Obama. Trump gave it a lukewarm welcome at first, before vowing to reverse the new policies unless Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Because Obama used executive authority to enact the rapprochement, Trump could change course just as easily to reinstate financial, trade and travel restrictions. While observers note that Cuba will probably not be a priority for Trump, it remains unclear how he would view a Trudeau-Castro photo opportunity. The visit is primarily "symbolic," John Kirk, a politics professor and Cuba expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told AFP. Canada maintained diplomatic ties with Havana after the revolution "despite significant pressure from Washington" over the years, Kirk said. Meeting with Fidel? Officially, no meeting is planned with Fidel Castro, but "there's a chance" they will see each other, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, Julio Garmendia Pena, told Canadian media. The visit is the first by a Canadian leader to Cuba since Jean Chretien in 1998. Over the past decade, bilateral ties reached a historic low with former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper often siding with Washington in seeking to isolate Cuba on the international scene. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Trump's shock election victory has been met with trepidation in Kiev because of the outspoken reality TV star's praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his apparent indifference to the Western coalition against Moscow. The billionaire businessman suggested earlier this year the US could accept Russia's annexation of Crimea if it led to improved relations between the two nations, which are bitterly at odds over Syria. Poroshenko congratulated Trump on his victory and said he wished "to work together with his administration to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States", according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency. He also "underlined the necessity of strong support from Washington in the fight against Russian aggression and the implementation of crucial reforms" in Ukraine. The US election outcome had sparked fears in the ex-Soviet republic after Trump was accused several times by his Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton of being Putin's "puppet". Earlier this week, Poroshenko said he had "no doubt" that Trump would refuse to recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea. Putin and Trump spoke on the phone on Monday evening for the first time since the US vote, agreeing on the need to normalise ties between Washington and Moscow, the Kremlin said. After Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in March 2014, which saw US-Russia relations dip to their worst since the Cold War, Washington imposed heavy economic sanctions on Russia. Yang, a former Deputy Director of the Construction Bureau of East Chinas Zhejiang province, was number one on a list of Chinas 100 most-wanted fugitives abroad, issued in April. She fled the country in April 2003 after anti-corruption inspectors began an investigation into her alleged involvement in embezzlement, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said. It said that the U.S. law enforcement agencies had cooperated with the investigation, and have frozen the 70-year-olds assets in America. The case of Yang Xiuzhu is an important achievement of Sino-US anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation, it said. Her return comes amid an ongoing operation by the Chinese government to capture suspects who have fled the country. She is the 37th suspect on the wanted list to return to China, according to the CCDI. The most popular destinations for former Chinese officials are the U.S., Canada and Australia, none of which have extradition treaties with Beijing. In some cases China sends agents abroad to contact fugitives and try to persuade them to return. A Davenport man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for three counts of making false statements during the purchase of firearms. Algerron Lee Goldsmith, 26, was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, pay $300 to the Crime Victims Fund and pay $1,998 in restitution to the state of Iowa. Goldsmith pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm June 29, 2016. According to the plea agreement, on Feb. 21, 2015, Goldsmith bought a HI Point 380 caliber pistol; on May 2, 2015, he bought a HI Point 9 mm pistol; and on June 19, 2015, he purchased a HI Point 45 caliber pistol. At each purchase, Goldsmith listed a false address on the 4473 Form, which is a document required by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to be filled out at the time of purchase. During the investigation into the false statements, a fraudulent Social Security document was found at Goldsmiths residence. This document was used to obtain rent rebate monies in 2014 and 2015 in the amount of $1,998. Goldsmith agreed to pay back the amount reimbursed to him based on the fraudulent document he submitted. This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative. Liddell pleaded guilty to failure to disclose information and making false statements to the SSA on June 27, 2016. During the investigation, it was discovered Liddell applied for disability benefits and was sent to be evaluated by two doctors. At the doctor appointments, Liddell exhibited outrageous behavior suggesting he was unable to understand simple commands and was non-verbal. The agents uncovered documents to support the position that Liddell was feigning a mental illness and had falsely represented to the doctors his physical and mental condition. Additionally, when filling out the SSA forms, Liddell falsely stated he did not have any specialized training, omitting the fact he attended La James School of Cosmetology. A mid-morning fire Tuesday in Moline forced at least 20 people out of their homes. The fire, at 5511 34th Ave., began on an outside second floor deck at about 10:20 a.m., according to the Moline Fire Department. When crews arrived at least two apartments were ablaze and residents were fleeing the building, the department said. The apartments were on the second and third floors. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire. But significant damage was done to two, possibly three, apartments, Battalion Chief Jeff Snyder said Tuesday afternoon. Nobody was injured, though an elderly man was taken to the hospital for observation. The apartment complex contains 24 apartments. The American Red Cross in the Quad-Cities said Tuesday it was providing food and relocation assistance to 13 adults and seven children. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. An estimate on the damage was not available Tuesday. Several area fire and emergency agencies assisted. U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., and Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, have joined dozens of House Democrats in calling on President-elect Donald Trump to rescind the appointment of Steve Bannon as a top White House aide. Bannon was appointed Sunday to be a chief strategist and senior counselor to Trump. Since then, the appointment has drawn heavy criticism from Democrats. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., who spearheaded the letter, tweeted Wednesday that 169 members, all Democrats, had signed on to it. The letter said that Bannon, chairman of the website Breitbart News, "repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism." In a tweet Tuesday announcing she had signed the letter, Bustos said Bannon "has made a career peddling anti-Semitic, racist and xenophobic propaganda." Bannon's associates and Trump officials have defended him. Reince Priebus, the Republican Party chair who was appointed chief of staff on Sunday, said on Fox that Bannon "was a force for good" on the campaign. "I haven't seen any of these things that people are crying out about," he said. Trump appointed Bannon to be the campaign's chief executive in August. For his part, Loebsack said in a tweet Tuesday that he was "deeply troubled" by the appointment. In a statement Wednesday, Loebsack, the only Democrat in Iowa's congressional delegation, said all White House staff should be committed to "core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance." "Bigotry and hate-filled statements should have no place in our society, and no place in the White House," he added. CORDOVA As state lawmakers began considering a bill Wednesday to rescue Exelons nuclear plant here, this small town along the Mississippi River knows the stakes. The Quad-Cities Generating Station employs 800 people, and it pays $8 million a year in property taxes. Beyond that, the people who work at the plant, who live throughout the Quad-Cities, are familiar faces to the townspeople who live and run businesses here. At the River Way Cafe, its not uncommon to see three dozen workers a day stop in, says Shannon Craigmiles, the manager. During refueling outages, when hundreds of temporary contractors are employed at the plant, the cafe is so busy it takes three waitresses per shift to handle the work. Losing the plant, Quad-City area economic development officials say, would be a hit to the entire region. But as lawmakers take up the mammoth piece of legislation that Exelon officials say is the only thing that will save the plant from closing in 2018, local officials are keeping up their hopes. Were trying to stay positive, says Craigmiles, who also is on the village board. For more than a year, Exelon has warned that without state help, its money-losing nuclear plants in Cordova and Clinton, Illinois, which is about 160 miles southeast of the Quad-Cities, could not stay open. Over the past seven years, company officials say, the plants have lost $800 million between them. In June, Exelon announced plans to close the Clinton plant in 2017 and Cordova in 2018. However, the company is pitching wide-ranging legislation called the "Future Energy Jobs Bill" that it says would strengthen the economy and save jobs. Critics have objected. They say the plan is a bailout for a company that, overall, is profitable and will come at the expense of ratepayers, many of whom already are suffering the ill effects of the state's budget impasse. Dean Moyer, Cordova's mayor, has been to Springfield to lobby lawmakers. He said Wednesday he has no plans yet to go to the veto session but is readily available if needed. The mayor doesn't shrink from praising the company for the part it plays in the community, from helping to fund infrastructure to fitting itself into the community's fabric. Its pretty important to life up here, for a lot of reasons, he said. "So everybodys watching it pretty close." At a park just off Illinois 84, there is a banner that reads: "Save Illinois Nuclear Plants. Tell Illinois Legislators to Secure the Future of Carbon Free Electricity in Illinois." Perhaps nowhere is the fate of Exelon's plant being watched more closely than in the Erie School District, which gets a little more than a third of its revenue from the plant, according to Brad Cox, the superintendent. Cox says it would be speculative to discuss what the district might do in the event of a plant closing. But he adds, obviously, its something thats very impactful, and weve had lots of conversations. About 660 students attend classes from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade in the district. The district employs about 125 people full and part time. Sixty-five of them are teachers. The plant contributes $4.3 million to the school district annually, according to the Rock Island County Assessors Office. The Exelon plant also contributes about $1.9 million to county coffers. It is the single largest property taxpayer in the Rock Island County. Quad-City area economic development leaders have worked for weeks to keep tabs on the negotiations on a legislative package. On Tuesday, when the bill was introduced, the chamber ratcheted up its own efforts, calling on its members to lobby the state for help. In testimony before a House committee on Wednesday, the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce's director of government affairs, Henry Marquard, warned a plant closure would lead to an increase in energy prices, which will hurt manufacturers. He said steel manufacturers, in particular, are sensitive to energy prices. Marquard said there would be "absolutely no doubt" businesses would suffer as a result. He also said a plant closure would, at least, likely lead to school consolidations. The Quad-Cities is still clucking for urban chickens. Three weeks after Rock Island passed its backyard chicken ordinance, the city of Davenport continues to work on crafting its own ordinance that is expected to appear before its City Council in January. Community Planning and Economic Development Director Bruce Berger presented the council with a draft modeled off ones from Rock Island and Cedar Rapids during its management update meeting on Tuesday. Like those ordinances, Davenport's draft allows six hens and requires setbacks of 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from structures. Chicken owners also would be required to pay a fee and submit documentation from a class certifying the person can handle and look after chickens. While Aldermen Kyle Gripp, at large, and Jason Gordon, at large, expressed support for the ordinance to move forward, Alderman Ray Ambrose, 4th Ward, spoke out against it. "I just think we're opening up a can of worms with this, at least in my ward," Ambrose said. "I'm dealing with crack houses, pit bulls out attacking people and that's frustrating for me. I know that's frustrating for me and I know it's frustrating for our staff that's overwhelmed with nuisances." Gripp, who researched and reached out to other communities, countered and said municipalities with ordinances have not found there to be an overabundance of complaints. "Most cities in Iowa have this ordinance and if you reach out to them, you'll find the nuisance issue turned out not to be an issue," Gripp said. "They're getting less than 10 calls per year. You're still going to get more calls for dogs, coyotes and feral cats than you are for chickens." Chickens take flight in Rock Island The Rock Island City Council passed its ordinance Oct. 24 by a 5-2 vote, joining Moline and East Moline as the only Quad-City municipalities permitting urban chickens. The council had voted 4-3 in favor of an ordinance Aug. 22, but the motion did not pass because it required a supermajority because the council rules were suspended. Alderman Chuck Austin, 7th Ward, who had voted against the ordinance in August, changed his vote the second time around. Austin said he took up an invitation from chicken owners to visit their properties and was convinced they would not shirk their responsibilities. Rock Island limits properties to six hens and requires setbacks for coops of 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from structures. Property owners must notify their neighbors, become certified in raising chickens in an urban environment and pay a $25 application fee. Permits and enforcement Contrary to what some might say, the sky is not falling. Noise and smell are the two most common reasons for opposing chickens, but for the cities that have ordinances, like Des Moines, which contracts with Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc., complaints are rare. "It's not enough where we keep stats," operations manager Josh Colvin said. "Most of the complaints we get have to do with roosters, which we do allow in Des Moines, but that's more of a minor noise complaint." Colvin said Des Moines does not require a permit so it's difficult to say how many chickens there are in the city. Colvin said the second biggest issue comes in the summertime when animal services has to pick up about one rogue chicken per week that's strayed from its property. Dubuque, which has some of the most lax standards for backyard chickens, also has seen minimal complaints. "We had six total complaints, but out of that six, four were in compliance and had no violations," planning services manager Laura Carstens said. "I compare that to the 371 department complaints we received and six is not a big deal for us." Despite reducing its standards in 2014 and no longer requiring a permit, the two legitimate violations in the last year came from a loose hen and a setback that needed to be corrected. In Cedar Rapids, the response was the similar with only eight complaints since 2010. The city has 122 active permits, but the majority of problems revolved around administrative issues, Berger said. "The biggest challenge that we heard from Cedar Rapids is on the administrative side where they do an annual fee and you have to come back in and pay it," Berger said. "If you don't pay it, they have to track you down and ask if you are still doing chickens." Locally, code enforcement departments have heard barely a peep about chicken violations. Since Moline passed its ordinance in July, the city's finance department has issued 12 permits for urban chickens. In that same time, the city has received a solitary complaint over noise from a rooster, which is not permitted in Moline and the violation was handled swiftly. Despite Rock Island passing its ordinance, Community and Economic Development Director Tom Ayers said the city has not issued any permits. Ayers attributed the lack of permits to the diminishing daylight hours and cold weather to come. Prior to enacting the ordinance, Ayers said the city only received one complaint about chickens. MUSCATINE, Iowa Muscatine Community College (MCC), East Campus, and other student groups are working to raise awareness during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Several groups on the campus are collecting canned goods, writing statistics on the campus sidewalks, and promoting awareness through social media. Their efforts will culminate in a Soup and Socks event on Friday, where guests will be asked to bring a pair of new socks or some spare change as a donation for the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA) Homeless Shelter. "So the idea is for people to donate a pair of socks and enjoy a cup of soup," said Naomi DeWinter, the president of MCC. On Tuesday morning, East Campus students worked to write statistics and draw illustrations about homelessness in chalk on MCC sidewalks. The information was provided by MCSA, or from students' research. The East Campus program moved to MCC this year, which DeWinter said has provided both schools with more opportunities. "One of the things it allows us to do is really co-mingle our activities and educational programs," she said. Joshua Hanna, the lead teacher at East Campus said the chalk drawings of statistics will hopefully bring attention to the number of people who face hardship nationally and in Muscatine. "A lot of them are local, which I thought was really cool for people to see," he said. At the soup supper fundraiser, Hanna and DeWinter said they hope to have speakers discuss the challenges people face in Muscatine. "There's no reason for people to go without in Muscatine when we have MCSA and we have the resources that we have," Hanna said. East Campus students have been learning how to research well and find good sources as they look for national statistics about hunger and homelessness. Hanna said he has already seen MCC students stop to read and consider the information as they pass. "It's just kind of a cool way to get information out," he said. Maddy Tate, a senior at East Campus, said she hopes the chalk drawings will help bring awareness to the issues in Muscatine. "I think it's really cool, I think that it's going to catch people's eye," she said. One statistic that she said really surprised her stated 277 people were temporarily sheltered at MCSA in 2015. "But I think that's awesome, I don't think that it's anything that they should be ashamed of," Tate said. "It's just bringing awareness to the issue so people are more aware of what's going on." Tate and other students at East Campus, she said, enjoy participating in projects like the chalk drawings. "When we get to do things like this we get excited, we get to come out here and do chalk and we know it's helping the community," she said. Another group on campus, the Changes and Choices class, held a flash food drive, which ended up partnering with other organizations on campus for National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. By helping others, Angelica Ibanez, a sophomore at MCC, said the food drive fits with the class because a small change can go a long way. Her own perspective can be changed as well, she said, by learning to appreciate what she has. "We're making the choice of helping others and that changes the way we see things," she said. Bonnie Nichols, who has been serving as the liaison between MCSA and MCC for the awareness project, said she hopes the partnership will help improve life in the community. "We're just happy to have awareness and there's so many people in need and to have this partnership at MCC is amazing," she said. So far this year, 51 children that have lived at MCSA, which Nichols said is "mind boggling." For those who want to help change the statistics, Nichols said to donate to the food pantry, or call MCSA and see how to help at 563-264-3278. MUSCATINE, Iowa Students interested in a career in the culinary or hospitality fields can now get the training they need through Muscatine Community College. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges popular Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, currently offered at Scott Community College, are expanding to Muscatine. Interested students can learn more about both programs during a November 21 information session at the college, 152 Colorado Street. The session will be held from 4 6 p.m. in the main area of Strahan Hall. Both programs are scheduled to start in January so students can be up and running right away with their training. The programs are partnering with the Merrill Hotel and Conference Center under construction along Muscatines riverfront. Graduates are guaranteed an interview for employment with the hotel. The Culinary Arts program is one of the largest programs at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges with more than 100 students every year. The unique delivery of the program has students attending classes only one day a week, usually Mondays, and then working on the job at an area restaurant for the remainder of the week. The Muscatine classes will be held in the former Button Factory building. Students in the program are also simultaneously completing a national apprenticeship program so the skills they learn are in demand at restaurants throughout the area and even the United States. The Hospitality program has been serving students for more than a decade. Muscatine students will be doing internships at the local Hampton Inn. The program trains students for jobs in hotels, restaurants, conference centers and other facilities that regularly serve large groups of people. Students will be trained for a wide variety of positions including events, front desk, catering and banquets, sales, reservations and housekeeping. Those attending the November 21 information session will have the opportunity to meet with the instructors, learn more about both the Culinary and Hospitality programs, and get answers to their financial aid and college admissions question. Also, on campus housing is available. It is free of charge and there is no obligation to sign up for the program. For more information about the programs call 1-888-336-3907 or email eiccinfo@eicc.edu WAPELLO, Iowa A Wapello man was arrested on Tuesday in alleged connection with a fire that destroyed a hay bale clothed as a Minion, an animated character from the film "Despicable Me," in downtown Wapello. Emmanuel Nunez Diaz, 21, was arrested at his residence on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in connection with a fire that took place in the early morning hours on Oct. 27, according to a press release from the Wapello Police Department. In addition to destroying the hay bale Minion, the fire also damaged a city light pole, according to the press release. Nunez Diaz has been charged with second-degree arson, a class C felony, and third-degree criminal mischief, an aggravated misdemeanor. He was taken to the Louisa County Jail where he is being held on a $12,000 bond. Emily Wenger of the Muscatine Journal Like many of you, I watched for years as the water quality in Iowa continued deteriorating at a jaw-dropping rate. Closed lakes and beaches, water utility lawsuits, and a growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, all are constant reminders of the water quality challenges we face. In 2010, the people of Iowa had the opportunity to change course. On the general election ballot that year was a simple yes or no vote on whether Iowans support an effort to use three-eighths of a penny sales tax increase for improving Iowas lakes, streams and trails with the creation of the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. The effort easily passed, with 63 percent of the vote, but since then, the fund has sat completely empty due to inaction at the Iowa Capitol. Legislators and the governor have a clear mandate. More than 6-in-10 Iowans supported the establishment of this fund, and in the six years since the vote, Iowas water quality issues have only become worse and more contentious. This January, legislators head back to Des Moines to conduct the peoples business. I have joined the Iowa Water and Land Legacy Coalition as part of a growing effort to encourage state leaders to do the right thing the will of Iowans and finally fund the trust. Our coalition is made up of conservationists and farmers, landowners and renters, business leaders, and sportsmen and women. We claim no partisan bent, and have no desire other than seeing the sales tax raised to finally fund the trust. Clean water infrastructure, both natural and man-made, was a central theme during our recent national election. President-elect Donald Trump specifically stated that we should, make clean water a high priority. Future generations are relying on us to do so. Soil conservation and water quality are vital for their future. The people have spoken. We hope our representatives, senators and the governor are listening. Robert Sinkler Bettendorf SPRINGFIELD The Illinois General Assemblys fall veto session started Tuesday much as its spring session wrapped up, with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders divided over a long-term budget solution and power giant Exelon pushing for an energy policy overhaul to prevent the closure of financially struggling nuclear plants. There are only five days remaining on the House calendar and four on the Senates during the scheduled veto session. Exelon has introduced what its calling the Future Energy Jobs Bill, an energy policy overhaul it says is crucial to the future of its Quad-Cities and Clinton nuclear plants. A previous version of the bill failed to advance in the spring, and the new version also includes measures to keep open Dynegy-owned coal-fired power plants in southern Illinois. The legislation reflects the work of a broad group of stakeholders to achieve comprehensive energy legislation that is urgently needed to strengthen our economy and save and create tens of thousands of jobs, Exelon spokesman Paul Adams said in a prepared statement. As with any piece of major legislation, it will continue to evolve as stakeholders weigh in. But at its core, we know the bill will bring significant benefits to consumers and the environment in Illinois. The company says the revamped proposal includes energy efficiency programs that would save $4 billion, policies to promote the growth of wind and solar energy, and $1 billion in funding for programs to assist low-income customers. Opponents, however, are already labeling the bill the largest rate hike in U.S. history. On the budget front, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said he believes a deal can be reached using the framework that produced other partial budget agreements during Rauners tenure, including a stopgap spending plan thats currently funding most state operations through Dec. 31. Without action before Jan. 1, public universities, social service providers and others that were deprived of funding as the state went a year without a budget will be plunged back into uncertainty. If you use the same framework, the odds are youll get a budget to finish off this fiscal year, youll be able to provide for a good level of funding for education, youll be able to provide for public safety, (and) youll be able to provide for the seniors and for the vulnerable in our society, Madigan said. While he sidestepped questions about what that framework entails, Madigan has previously noted the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the first-term Republican governor have reached budget agreements when Rauner has set aside his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda. On the heels of a long and bitter election season, Rauner and legislative leaders met Tuesday morning for the first time in months. Following the half-hour meeting, Madigan complicated matters by announcing hes appointing state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, to be the chief negotiator for House Democrats on budget issues. The announcement vexed the Republican legislative leaders, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont, who said that was not what had been discussed behind closed doors in the governors office. We listened to the speakers comments, and were frankly confused by them, Radogno said. To have another negotiating team come in was not what was agreed to. Radogno said discussions need to take place among herself, Durkin, Madigan, Rauner and Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. Durkin said leaders need to use previous recommendations from bipartisan working groups of rank-and-file lawmakers as the basis for negotiating a complete, comprehensive budget, one that is balanced, and one thats fair to taxpayers (and) that has reforms. We are not going to support any more stopgap budgets, Durkin said. The leaders are scheduled to meet again Wednesday. Cullerton doesnt plan to appoint anyone else to negotiate on behalf of Senate Democrats, spokesman John Patterson said. The first and longest-serving director of the Rock Island Public Library will be honored Saturday by the Mary Little Deere-Fort Armstrong Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Miss Ellen Gale will receive the local chapter's 2016 Women in History Award. Gale served the library from opening day Nov. 25, 1872, until her retirement on May 3, 1937. The Mary Little Deere-Fort Armstrong Chapter of the DAR will present the award at 10 a.m. Saturday during its monthly meeting at Butterworth Center, Moline. Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director, and Roald Tweet, author of "Miss Gale's Books," will accept the award. Gale started her library career in 1869 at age 15, as the librarian for the Young Men's Literary Association, whose collection and location started the Rock Island library. Because the YMLA donated a ready-made library (and librarian) to the city, the Rock Island Public Library was the first in the state to open after the passing of the Illinois Library Act in 1872. She died Aug. 31, 1948, at the age of 95. Living on a hill inspired Ron and Briana Hill, who turned a slope with a view into a magnificent party spot for family and friends. The Hills were living and working in Virginia when friends urged them to visit South Dakota. We flew out that fall and really liked it, Ron said. We came back and made a deal on this house. With three of their four children still at home, the Hills wanted a family home and more. This is where were planning to retire and stay, Ron said. They found a house on Bethpage Drive that gave them plenty of space, a beautiful view and a neighborhood they loved. The Hill family started moving into and transforming their house in 2007. Ron and Briana infused their new house with personality, painting the walls with bold colors and decorative finishes. The Hills turned a media room into a gym, and created a small wine cellar in the lower level of their home. The house is filled with the couples collection of art which includes several original drawings and prints done by Ron and vibrant dishes and pottery. I collect dishes and friends, Briana said, laughing. The people in South Dakota are exceptionally sweet and nice. The most dramatic transformation occurred in the backyard, which was mostly an unused slope when the Hill family moved in. Initially, the backyard contained a cozy outdoor kitchen and seating area. The Hills had truckloads of dirt brought in to create a larger, functional backyard, Ron said, which now includes a pool and patio, a hot tub, a fire pit with seating, landscaping, and outdoor lighting for nighttime entertaining. We got to build the backyard. Thats really a special thing for me. I got to put a little of myself into this place, Briana said. Its nice when you can put your own personality into it. The jewel of the Hills backyard is a pool house. Complete with a full kitchen, a living room with a fireplace and TV, a bedroom and a bathroom, the pool house is a hub of activity, especially in the summertime. It doubles as a guest house for visiting friends and family. We put a Christmas tree in here and use it all year-round, Briana said. The familys four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home is about 4,800 square feet; the one-bedroom, one-bathroom pool house provides another 1,300 square feet for the Hills guests and for entertaining. It has been so useful to have this special little area, Briana said of the pool house. We have had a lot of parties when (the kids) were younger, end of school year functions. When you have children and the main house can get disastrous, this pool house can stay locked and cleaned. (Having it) has probably made us entertain more. Dinner club On a recent chilly, foggy autumn evening, the Hills pool house was overflowing. More than 30 friends and guests packed the pool house for a gathering of the dinner club Briana introduced this year. We belonged to a dinner club in Virginia, Briana said. Its a neat way to meet people. Briana, a dermatologist with a practice in Rapid City, and Ron, a retired Navy commander, invited people they knew mostly through professional connections to participate. Friends of friends sometimes attend, as well. We got together at the beginning of the year. Whoever wants to participate brings favorite recipes or cookbooks they like, Briana said. Club participants chose four dates to meet in spring, summer, fall and winter and themes for the meals. This year, club members prepared and dined on Indian food, Asian food, and during the summer, cooked a meal using local meat and seasonal produce. Around 17 couples have participated this year. Four couples meet at someones home; the host couple provides the entree, and other couples provide appetizers, salads, vegetables, side dishes and dessert. Everyone brings a bottle of wine to share, Briana said. For the dinner clubs final meal of this year, all the club participants gathered at the Hills pool house for an Italian feast prepared entirely by club members. Food bubbled on the stove and in ovens in the pool house kitchen, while guests nibbled on trays of appetizers nearby. In the pool house living room, the Hills had moved out the furniture to set up tables where guests ate, talked and sampled sangria while a fire blazed in the fireplace. A table on the poolside patio served as a bar where guests helped themselves to an assortment of wines. Evenings such as the gathering of the dinner club make the Hills especially grateful for their pool/party house, where there is always room for friends. This is one of the coolest events weve had here, Ron said of the dinner clubs Italian feast. As Thanksgiving approaches, Rapid City and state officials are warning area residents to stop trying to fatten up wild turkeys that wander into their neighborhoods. City staff has come forward with recommendations for dealing with wild turkeys that sometimes can become a nuisance in neighborhoods that have a rural nature. Basically, the recommendation from the South Dakota Department of Game Fish & Parks and the city is for people to refrain from feeding the turkeys in hopes they will move on to other areas away from homes and rural residences, Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Biegler told the Public Works committee Tuesday. "They will come to eat and roost in areas where there is an abundance of food," Biegler said. And that food can be food for other animals, such as pets, that people put out, or wild bird feeders, he said. There is already a city ordinance that bars feeding wildlife, Biegler said, so people just need to follow that. Alderman Jason Salamun asked Biegler if there was any sort of public information campaign prepared and offered his suggestion. "Are we thinking of doing some sort of campaign like, 'Don't be a turkey, don't feed the turkeys,' Salamun said to the delight of his fellow aldermen and the audience. Biegler said maybe, but nothing is finalized yet. In his letter to the committee, Biegler said that since 2012 the Parks and Recreation Department has maintained a Wildlife Complaint Lot and of the 112 complaints received to date, 14 have involved turkeys at nine different locations. He said all of the locations either directly abutted or were near wild turkey roosting and nesting habitat. This summer, GF&P completed a comprehensive Wild Turkey Management Plan for 2016-2020 that outlines the department's goals, objectives and strategies regarding wild turkey management throughout the state. The Rapid City Urban Wildlife Committee heard a presentation from GF&P Wildlife Manager John Kanta, who brought forth the information that led to the recommendation to not feed the turkeys. Kanta told the committee that turkeys will remain and roost in areas where they are being fed and the single best effort to reduce incidents of turkey damage within the city limits is to stop feeding them, according to a memo from Biegler. In other action, the public works committee denied a request by Pennington County for a variance to waive the requirement to build a sidewalk along the Cambell Street service road where the county's new Highway shop is being built. The committee also approved advertising for bids for renovations to the first floor of the Rapid City Public Library for $125,000. The renovations include demolition of a small office and carpet replacement, among other items. Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere told county commissioners Tuesday that he had accepted a request to act as supervisor of the Belle Fourche Police Department. The sheriff said after meeting with commissioners that Belle Fourche Mayor Gloria Landphere called him Saturday to tell him that Police Chief Scott Jones had resigned. "She asked at that time if I would be willing to assist the police department if the need arises," he said. That led, he said, to a meeting later Monday with the mayor in his office at the Butte County Courthouse followed by a meeting with the mayor, city police committee chair Katie Satzinger and city attorney Dwight Gubbrud. "At this time I have accepted the interim supervision of the Belle Fourche Police Department," the sheriff said. He added that he will handle the supervisory role without pay as an extension of his office as county sheriff. "I will assist the city in any way I can in my official duties," the sheriff said. He added that he believes that the city will look for a new chief from outside the current department. He said the day to day department scheduling will be handled by the department's senior sergeant, Jeremy Biegert. Supervisory or strategic issues for the department will be under his supervision. "I met with the officers yesterday afternoon (Monday)," the sheriff said. "I feel the core of the officers are very solid and I do not feel there will be any disruption of service." Sheriff Lamphere had taken a similar role in December of 2009 after the police chief and assistant both were fired. A new police chief was hired in 2010, Vermillion native Rob Hansen had been a patrol sergeant with the Otero County Sheriff;s Office in New Mexico. Nobody in the Butte County Courthouse was happier than Butte County Auditor Elaine Jensen Thursday as the clock turned roughly to 11 a.m. The Butte County Commission had completed its canvass of Tuesday's county election paperwork, signed the paperwork and Jensen could send a sealed envelope to the state auditor's office. That was a sigh of relief matched only at 10 p.m. Tuesday in Jensen's office. All the county's votes had been counted, including the 1,051 absentee ballots that took special boards roughly 13 hours to process. Jensen said she was proud of the smooth way election workers responded to the heavy 65 percent turnout across the county. The turnout came even though Butte County had no local countywide contests. At the legislative level, District 28, which includes Belle Fourche and Buffalo, Butte and Harding Counties and generally east to the Missouri River, former Sen. Ryan Maher, R-Isabel, won the state senate seat as an unopposed Republican. In District 29, which includes Nisland, Newell and Vale areas in Butte County as well as basically Meade County, incumbent Gary Cammack of Union Center retains his seat with 65 percent of the vote over his independent challenger LeRoy Kindler of Newell. District 28 is split into an eastern half and western half. Democrat Oren Lesmeister won the eastern 28A seat, and incumbent Republican Sam Marty held his seat for 28B which is the western half that includes Belle Fourche. Belle Fourche voter turnout by precinct had a low of 50 percent in Precinct 21 and a high of 69 percent in Precinct 28. Precincts voting in Newell and Nisland ran higher, with up to 78 percent. Highest turnout was precinct 12, Orman, that votes at Nisland. That was just over 82 percent. In Belle Fourche, poll workers reported a steady stream of voters up to about 6:30 p.m., and a few still in voting booths as the polls officially closed at 7. As a generally Republican county, voters checking the South Dakota Secretary of State internet site for local results probably weren't surprised at Trump's 77 percent win with 3,355 votes to Hillary Clinton's 16 percent and 693 votes. That was a much stronger percentage support for Trump than even at the state's nearly 62 percent vote for Trump over Hillary Clinton's roughly 32 percent. At both county and state levels, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Constitutional Party candidate Darrell Castle had sufficient votes that the percentages for Trump and Clinton don't add up to 100 percent. Sen. John Thune also received an even stronger endorsement from Butte County voters, winning 82 percent of the vote over Democrat challenger Jay Williams. The pattern held for Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., who held her seat in the U.S. House by a 64 percent re-election vote, and nearly 80 percent in Butte County over Democrat Paula Hawks. Butte County had Jensen said her office had provided far more sample ballots and state pamphlets on the amendments and measures on this year's huge ballot. "We provided as much information as we could, in order to make the voter an educated voter." She thanked county employees as well as the precinct election workers for making the process work smoothly. "I'm so proud how we have got such a system that is so well organized." Jensen added, "It's amazing; and a lot of last night, I had county staff, treasurer's office, equalization office and register of deeds office all ... just making sure everything runs smoothly." Since the county's polling places are miles apart and election equipment and supplies need to be transported to polling places, Jensen said, "Sheriff Lamphere provided me with a deputy pickup, and the assistance of deputy Miles Burrhenn, with going out to my polling places, out to Castle Rock, the Newell CommunityHall and the American Legion Hall in Nisland to deliver ballot boxes, supplies, and the automarks." She added, "It is so heartwarming to have the county employees standing right beside you and so willing to help, because I cannot take the credit myself, and that is truly one of the benefits of living where we do and where we all care about each other." NISLAND | The Nisland Independent Community Church spent the evening of November 9 packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a program which is a division of Samaritan's Purse, a Christian Relief Agency. The church members had gathered items all during the month of October to place in the boxes, which this year will be sent to rural areas of Mexico and Niger, Africa. "Our goal was 50 boxes," said Pastor Doug Clark of the church that claims a small congregation but a big heart. "We surpassed that big time." Each year the church takes on the ministry of packing boxes, but up until this year it had been an individual endeavor. This year the church's mission committee decided to do something a bit different by organizing a group effort with members bringing items from a list to the church. As the pile started to grow the mission committee members got excited. Checking with Lejla Allison, a former recipient of one of the first boxes back in the early '80's and a big supporter of the program, the church refined its list. Allison had been at the church several years ago to share her story of how the items, particularly a pair of shoes, had changed and saved her life as a child living in poverty in Bosnia. Allison and her family pack numerous boxes each year and she has been a speaker nationwide for OCC. Earlier in October, Local Representatives Dean and Julie Brunner had been in the church bringing boxes and sharing information. Brunner brought 50 boxes for the church's use but it was not enough. As the group gathered for an informal supper and then box packing time, they soon ran out of boxes. The NICC teen youth group were helping pack the boxes and as items disappeared into the brightly colored green and red boxes the organizers soon realized they would not have enough boxes. They scrambled, coming up with a few more regular shoeboxes they found in the church, but had still more items to fill boxes. That was when they contacted the local representative to order some more. Around 15 adults and as many youth gathered to stuff the boxes. For more about the program you can contact Julie Brunner at 605-210-0672. However, pickup time for the OCC boxes concludes in mid- to late-November. Veterans from the Vietnam and WWII eras were honored with 16 quilts Friday in the Chadron State College Student Center Ballroom. Erica Fisher, who organized the event, delivered two additional quilts to veterans unable to attend the ceremony. Volunteers who made the quilts ranged in age from elementary school to adults. Family Consumer Science professor Dr. Yvonne Moody and students in her Alteration and Construction class (FCS 135/135L) created one quilt top and Monique Jensen of Alliance created another. The other class members are: Karli Ferry of Osmond, Neb., Ashley Heelan of Lewellen, Neb., Shanie Hollenbeck of Estilline, S.D., Amanda Kolen of Chadron, Mickenzi Loyd of Big Piney, Wyo., Kyla Monie of Arapahoe, Neb., Christina Morris of Juneau, Alaska, Courtney Smith of Hampton, Neb., and Jade Spring of Custer, S.D. Other FCS majors made refreshments for the event. CSC students who are also enrolled in ROTC participated in the event as the Color Guard. They are Justyn Curtis of Richmond, Ind., Evan Oakley of Strasburg, Colo., Tristian Short of Prince Fredereick, Md., and Sam Vanderheiden of Omaha, Neb. Lt. Nathan Reicks, who directs the ROTC program said the detailed work in the quilts and the time it took was outstanding, especially considering the young age of some of the quilt makers. Several quilts were also donated by the non-profit organization, Quilts of Honor based in California. Fisher said she researched possible connections to help make the program a reality and discovered Gail Belmont, the founder of Quilts of Honor. The two stayed in contact for months and Fisher said she was pleasantly pleased by the support she received from Belmont. Retired CSC employee and Vietnam veteran Darrell Marshall was pleased with the event and the quilt he received. This was a fantastic deal. I really appreciated the gift. It was awesome to have young people welcoming us home, Marshall said. Veteran Stacy Swinney, was also impressed. Its unlike anything Ive been to, heard about or seen before. These young children worked hard on these quilts. There were a lot of smiles on faces tonight, Swinney said. Fisher, who plans to start a new round of quilt making in January, expressed her gratitude for the many volunteers who participated. Her sons and daughters were among those who made the quilts. I think this was a great way to teach our kids patriotism and what it is to serve others, she said. I hope the quilts will touch all the hearts of the veterans. All these quilts were made with love. This has been a learning experience and I couldnt have done it without anyone who helped, Fisher said. Since President Obama took office nearly eight years ago, the world has changed considerably. During his time in office, ISIL rose to prominence due to the administrations determination to withdraw all U.S. forces from Iraq. Iran has ascended as a regional destabilizing power, and it remains on a path to acquire nuclear weapons. The U.S. effort to combat the Taliban in Afghanistan faces potential under-resourcing. Russia has increased its nuclear arsenal and continues its aggression against Ukraine. In Libya, the administration half-heartedly led a U.S. military intervention, only to abandon the mission prematurely, which has created another destabilized country within which terrorists seek safe haven to plot attacks against our homeland. Recently, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Brennan, testified to Congress that Despite all our progress against ISIL on the battlefield and in the financial realm, our efforts have not reduced the groups terrorism capability and global reach. It is clear that the presidents current course to defeat ISIL and terrorism abroad is not working. We need more proactive efforts and not more delayed, reactionary half-steps if we are to truly defeat the terrorist organization, stop the terrorist groups online radicalization and keep Americans safe from ISIL-inspired attacks here at home. A side effect of the instability and chaos in the Middle East is a dramatic increase in refugees. In Syria alone, the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner on Refugees estimates that nearly 4.8 million Syrian refugees have fled the country and another 6.6 million are internally displaced within the country. In Libya, nearly 2.5 million are in desperate need of humanitarian aid, according to the UN News Center. Russia, , recently indicated that it would not consider a humanitarian ceasefire to allow refugees, anti-government fighters and injured citizens to escape Syria safely, or allow aid vehicles to deliver food and medical supplies to those unable to flee. While most refugees are being relocated in Europe, many Americans are concerned about the prospect of a terrorist slipping into the United States, taking advantage of the refugee program. Refugees have been coming to America for generations seeking safety from war-torn regions of the world. I support efforts to help others seek shelter from persecution. However, we must be cautious to protect our own national security. While we as global leaders should take steps to assist in humanitarian efforts when possible, I believe our current refugee admission program needs further safeguards to make sure the refugees we admit have no ties to terror organizations and make sure refugees properly assimilate into American society. As events continue to unfold around the world, many have wondered from where our foreign policy problems stem. I agree with other elected officials and experts that many foreign policy failures are a symptom of this administrations leading from behind mentality. In less than three months, a new president, with the guidance of experts with new ideas as well as a new Congress, will have an opportunity to reset our foreign policy. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with the new administration and my colleagues on a new direction for our country which includes stronger leadership to protect our citizens, advance our global interests and support our allies abroad. The Pennington County Commission on Tuesday approved hiring four new employees at an annual cost of about $161,000 in order to comply with the newly passed Marsy's Law. The constitutional amendment passed by South Dakota voters last week expands the rights of crime victims, particularly regarding notification of judicial proceedings. Those requirements, according to Pennington County State's Attorney Mark Vargo, will create more work for his office. The four full-time equivalent employees would consist of a computer support technician and three victim advocates/legal secretaries, Vargo said. The computer technician will focus on ways to automate the victim notification process, which can include the direct victim of the crime and their family members and could include close friends, Vargo told the commissioners Tuesday. The other three will work as victims advocates who are responsible for the notification and restitution requirements of the new law. The computer technician is a 16 on the wage scale starting at $20.86 per hour. The other three positions are a 14 on the wage scale starting at $18.92 per hour. Vargo said he believes his office will need at least six new full-time employees, but he will start with four and come back to the board if more are needed. In a letter to the commission, Vargo said the new constitutional amendment will place significant requirements on the court system, most of which fall on the prosecution. "Specifically the number of cases in which we have an obligation to consult with and notify victims will rise approximately 250 percent," Vargo wrote in his letter to the commissioners. "The number of people in each case who are entitled to victim services will rise ten-fold or more." He added that unlike the California version of the law, there are no protections from a cause of action if the provisions of the Amendment are not followed meaning someone can sue the county. Marsy's Law is a movement that originated in California and attempts to change state laws regarding victims' rights around the nation. The ballot effort in South Dakota was funded almost exclusively by out-of-state money. Many in the judicial system opposed the amendment due to the anticipated rise in costs and the fact that notification laws already exist regarding most major crimes. In other action, the commissioners awarded the courthouse entry addition project to Ainsworth-Benning Construction for a sum of $2.2 million but with all costs including administrative, design and contingency costs, the total is $2.6 million. Commissioners also approved hiring Matrix Design Group to update the county's comprehensive plan with a budget of $114,708. SIOUX FALLS | The University of South Dakota is charting a new path nationally with its one-year residency program for student teachers in elementary schools, the university dean of education said Tuesday. Donald Easton-Brooks said principals and other administrators like the longer residency, which used to be just one semester, because having co-teachers in classrooms requires working together and allows more attention to be given to individual students. Easton-Brooks gave a presentation about the program to the state Board of Education on Tuesday. He said the goal is to have the student teachers leave with abilities and experiences at the level of a second- or third-year teacher rather than a first-year teacher. Assisting in the presentation was Nicholas Shudak, another member of the USD School of Education. The one-year residency model is a phenomenon growing across the country as a replacement for the one-semester model, Shudak said. It has been in development since 2009 at USD with financial assistance from the Bush Foundation. Shudak said it has been through several versions. Were in a continuous improvement process, he said. One key is the residency instructors who work with the student teachers, the school district faculty and the mentors in the school classrooms, according to Shudak. The student teachers are scheduled to finish their undergraduate education degrees in four years including the one-year residency. Many work in smaller rural school systems in southeastern South Dakota. Shudak said USD faculty members worked backward in developing the model. They started by identifying the vision, core values and competencies expected in a new teacher and then assembled the courses and experiences to reach those. This fall USD placed more than 100 student teachers in 22 school districts. Many of the successful graduates get recruited to schools in other states. According to USD data, of more than 400 who completed the one-year residencies, there are 229 working in South Dakota. Another benefit found in the schools that use the one-year residencies is higher literacy rates of about 7 to 18 percentage points for students in kindergarten through grade 4. Dean Easton-Brooks said USD has sufficient funding to continue operating the one-year residency program for an additional five years. He said school districts are interested in getting more of the USD student teachers but the university doesnt have more to provide. The university operates the program on an annual budget of about $200,000. Costs are low because the student teachers arent paid. Easton-Brooks said the university doesnt have a method to generate income. He said hospitals can pay for medical residencies because they have sources of income. The challenge ahead for USDs program is finding ways to transfer its model to other universities and colleges in South Dakota and other states, Easton-Brooks said. Turning a beautiful hunk of federally owned land in Spearfish Canyon into a South Dakota state park is a bad idea both in terms of the end result and the means by which the deal is being developed. The ride through Spearfish Canyon is on a road Highway 14A that is officially designated as a "scenic byway" by both the U.S. and South Dakota governments and with good reason. It's gorgeous. Tourists love it as much as we locals do, and one of the best parts of the experience is the fact that it doesn't have any entrance fees. According to a list of FAQs answered by S.D.'s Game, Fish & Parks Department on Sept. 30, that won't change with respect to people driving through on 14A. However, people who want to get off the road for a day and use the 1,600-acre segment that gives access to some of the premier assets (Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and all that incredibly beautiful country in between) of the canyon will be in for a surprise. After takeover and management by the state of South Dakota they can expect to pay what GF&P refers to as "potential fees," as yet to be determined. Having had interests in the local tourist biz for many years, I'm a little skeptical about how well this will sit with our out-of-state visitors. They'll continue to follow the justifiably seductive literature promoting the scenic byway, only to find that when they want to stop at the most pristine point of the trek they'll have to fork over that yet-to-be-determined fee. The unknown fee would also apply to locals. For context, consider that Custer State Park charges $20 dollars/car for a seven-day pass, Bear Butte charges $6/day. GF&P would do us all a favor by posting what it expects to charge for Spearfish Canyon so that the discussion has a focal point to it. Meantime, I'm plenty familiar with tourists grousing about entrance fees and don't look forward to hearing people complain about this one. And speaking of focal points, what's the deal with swapping state range land at its agricultural value for federal land in Spearfish Canyon assessed at the same use-value? GF&P says that "agricultural value makes sense because it is the best representation of how this land will be used." To which I can only say, "what!?" That is complete baloney. Since when does that land in Spearfish Canyon have even the remotest potential for agricultural use? A bill facilitating this transfer (along with some federal land near Custer around Bismarck Lake) has provisions to ensure a transfer at fair value, but the starting point of arbitrarily creating equivalence between grazing land and Spearfish Canyon doesn't make much sense. GF&P does a good job at Custer State Park, and I'm sure they'd run Spearfish Canyon well. But the compelling question is, why do we want to make this change in the first place? We need to see more in the way of projected costs, fees, revenues and a fair comparison of land values before this idea moves forward. Russia quits International Criminal Court MOSCOW, November 16 (RAPSI) Vladimir Putin signed a directive instructing Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform the UN Secretary General that Russia no longer intends to become a state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on the directive. It reminded that ICC became the first permanent body of international criminal justice amid common efforts to maintain international peace and security, to settle ongoing conflicts and to prevent new tensions. "Unfortunately the Court failed to meet the expectations to become a truly independent, authoritative international tribunal. The work of the Court is characterized in a principled way as ineffective and one-sided in different fora, including the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council," reads the statement. It says that during the 14 years of the Court's work it passed only four sentences having spent over a billion dollars. The Rome Statute which established the court has been ratified by 123 countries. Russia signed the documents in 2000 but did not ratify it. Despite not falling under jurisdiction of the court Russia continued to cooperate with it and participated in its work as an observer. Israel, Sudan and the United States were the first to inform the UN Secretary General that they no longer intend to become states parties to the Rome Statute. This year South Africa, Gambia and Burundi also took actions to quit the International Criminal Court. Uganda and Kenya are reportedly on their way out. Julianne had lived with her daughter, Muriel, for several years. Muriel and Dick had converted their master suite into a mother-in-law apartment for her, and she was comfortable there. Well into her eighties Julianne had stayed active. She used the community senior shuttle to take her to her weekly activities at the library and senior center. She was also active at her church. Living with Muriel meant that there was always someone there to check on her, get her to appointments, and keep her from being lonely or alone. Every few months Juliannes son, Keith, would make the three hour drive to pick up his mom and take her back to stay with him and his wife, Georgene, for a week or so. It was a way to stay connected to his mom and to give his older sister a break from caregiving duties. One Thanksgiving, during one of Juliannes stays with Keith, she had a stroke, fell, and broke her hip. Keith called 911, got his 86 year old mother to the local hospital, and called Muriel to let her know what had happened. This is when things started breaking down. Not only for Julianne and her health, but for Muriel and Keith. With Julianne unable to articulate her own wishes, the doctors turned to Keith for decisions about how to treat Julianne. Keith, a loving son and strong personality, dutifully took on the decision-making responsibilities: authorizing tests, requesting specialists, and urging efforts to find out exactly what was wrong and how to treat it. When Muriel heard about these measures, she was beside herself. She had been the one who knew what Mom would have wanted. In Muriels opinion, their mom would have wanted to be kept comfortable and well cared for, not be poked with needles and prodded with machines. Juliannes condition worsened. After several weeks of tension and back and forth between sister and brother, they agreed to have Julianne transported to an assisted living facility near Muriels home. It was almost Christmas. Family gathered at Muriels house to celebrate the holidays and to say goodbye to my Grandma. Julianne Swenson died a month later. The last picture we have of her is one of her holding our infant daughter, her great-grand-daughter, Hannah. Twenty years later, and Im a hospice chaplain. I share this story about my grandmas last days in order to name and dispel a dangerous myth. You see, there is this Hollywood idea out there that, when a loved one is dying, family members all heroically set aside their petty differences in order to rally around to be there for each other and especially for Mom. But the reality is that dying is incredibly stressful for the patient and the whole family. And under stress, people are generally LESS capable of putting aside their differences. In fact, stress tends to magnify and exacerbate conflict in families (not to mention communities and nations). Muriel and Keith were always very close (and continue to be to this day). But in that crisis, when Mom was suddenly facing death, communication broke down and feelings were hurt. Nowadays, when I am working with anxious and grieving families in hospice, I urge three main practices: Be thoughtful. Be thankful. And be kind. Being thoughtful simply means thinking ahead. If you have parents who are retired or nearing retirement, you ought to talk to them about things like advanced directives, living wills, and end-of-life decision making. Talk to your siblings as well, and with step-family members, too. You dont all have to be on the best of terms, but please have an open channel for communication about who is making decisions about health care and financial matters that you will someday have to consider. Write stuff down. Dont fight about it. Second, I entreat people to be thankful to the ones who take on the primary caregiving and decision-making responsibilities. Ive had too many conversations with exhausted caregivers whose out of town siblings are unwilling to offer help but more than eager to threaten lawsuits against them for using up their inheritance on caring for Dad. My mom and uncle did this part wellKeith always acknowledged Muriels commitment and sacrifice. Mom always kept her brother in the loop. The times Julianne stayed with Keiths family were invaluable breaks for Muriel and Dick. This holiday season take the time to say thank you to caregivers for their labor of love: family members, paid caregivers, nursing home staff, doctors and nurses, neighbors, church members, and friends. And finally, I urge you to be kind. Be kind to each other. Be kind to yourself. Everybodys doing the best they can. Mistakes happen. Feelings get hurt. Toes get stepped on. Stop beating up yourself and others. Get over it. Set it aside for now. This is not the time to try to fix an issue fifty years in the making. Exercise compassion. Say please and thank you. Think before you speak. Dont react to the stupid thing they said to you. Dont pick a fight, and dont get pulled into one, either. Be thoughtful. Be thankful. Be kind. These are lessons my family learned the hard way. Facing death is never easy. May your family find ways to navigate safely through griefs stormy waters. Questions and or comments regarding this weeks health column please contact, Doug Peterson, Chaplain at Marcus Daly Hospice Center and Services, a service of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840. Working together to build a healthier community. An overflow crowd flooded into the Stevensville Town Council chambers Monday to speak their mind on a proposal that would trade away city park lands in exchange for a new fishing access site along the Bitterroot River. None of those who spoke were particularly happy with the idea. The information-gathering meeting was hosted by the towns parks and recreation board. The issue at hand was a proposal that would trade away 8.5 acres of the town park lands to the Capp Family for 3.6 acres of land adjacent to the bridge that crosses the Bitterroot River west of Stevensville. The Capp family has also offered a 1.25 acre strip of land that runs along the East Side Highway across from the Bitterroot National Forests Stevensville District Ranger Station. If the exchange were to occur, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has agreed to construct a new parking area and pit toilet at the site thats already extremely popular for boaters. The cost of the improvements is expected to be about $250,000. The state would also maintain the site. State Sen. Fred Thomas of Stevensville has worked to help develop the proposal. We have been trying to get something done on that river access for like 20 years, Thomas said, in an interview before Mondays meeting. Today we have a solution that we can swap some land between the Capps and the city and end up with a fishing access site that will be upgraded and maintained by FWP. Its a grand opportunity to get this done, Thomas said. It could be the only opportunity to get this resolved. If we dont, we could lose access to the river as we know it today. Its a big deal. But so is the 8.5 acres of undeveloped parkland that runs along the banks of the Bitterroot River just north of the bridge. People at Mondays meeting told the park board that they use that parcel to walk their dogs, watch birds and enjoy a little bit of solitude without having to drive a long distance. Most were adamant that the town should take more time to explore other options that would retain both the park land and fishing access site. Dale Burk of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association said that while that group continues to support the proposal for a formal fishing access site at that location, we believe that at the present time it is best for all concerned to take a deep breath, step back a bit and make sure that our deliberative process has truly given adequate and honest consideration of all the values involved in this proposal. For instance, Burk said no one has analyzed the tax benefits the Capp family might incur by donating a couple of acres along the river to the public. In a letter, Bill Perrin of Stevensville suggested staking off the section of the towns park that would be traded away so people could get an idea of what would be lost. Park and Recreation board member James Marble said he believed the park land was a tremendous asset and wasnt in favor of doing any kind of land swap. I would argue that we need to slow down and really assess the options, Marble said. To me, its like were looking at choice A when we really should have a choice B to assess. The Capp Family owns the land that boaters use to access the river just below bridge. The town has an easement through that property to access its river park just north of the bridge. Fishermen have used that location to launch their boats for decades. Some in the room said the issue should be taken to court to see if the public has a prescriptive easement across the Capp property to the river banks due to the history of use. Rory Zarling, FWPs Fishing Access Site Program manager, said he believes the proposal is a good solution. I think it would work out well for everyone. With that said, Zarling said its only a proposal at this point. We had to start somewhere, he said. Rather than getting 101 people involved, we put something down on paper to get the process started. The site selected for the parking area on the Capp property was pretty much the only reasonable spot, Zarling said. Its the highest and driest area that wouldnt be jeopardized by flooding. While a number of people at Mondays meeting worried about the aesthetics of building a parking lot at the entrance into Stevensville, Zarling said he believes no more than seven trees would have to come off the site in order to build the parking area. An appraisal of the lands being offered by both sides showed an equal value acre for acre, Zarling said. That inequity in value might not be allowed in the state statutes the city is required to follow concerning land swaps. Thats an issue that will certainly come up before the town council. Right now, nothing is ruled in or out, Zarling said. The value is closer to two to one. This is the first official proposal. The Capps havent made a statement on if they would be willing to negotiate. At this point, there is a lot of misunderstanding that really can only be cleared up by a tour of the site. That walk out on the ground is probably where were headed, Zarling said. It might be a good thing to get out there with 10 or even all the 55 people who where there last night. At the conclusion of its meeting Monday, the board opted to recommend that any decision on the proposed land swap be postponed while other options are explored. Stevensvilles largest employer, Selway Corporation, reduced its workforce significantly Monday through layoffs or reduced work hours. Everybody was affected, said Selway Corporations operations manager Randy Osgood. It happened so quickly. I dont have the numbers at this point. A downturn in natural resource industries, especially coal, has hit the steel fabrication company hard. There has been a steady decline in those industries over the past eight years, Osgood said. The company has looked to diversify its business. Last year, during a tour celebrating the companys 40th anniversary, Gov. Steve Bullock was shown work being completed on enormous structures that would be used to keep fish out of turbines at a Washington State dam, help rebuild a 1.5-mile-long wharf in California and haul coal on a conveyer between a new mine and power plans in North Dakota. At that time in 2015, the companys goal was to add employees if the work continued to come in as anticipated. Even with all those diversified operations, its just not been enough to offset the loss of work that weve experienced from the downturn in coal and other natural resources, Osgood said. Osgood said the layoff is expected to be temporary. The hope is that people will be back to work after the first of the year. We have a lot of work that we are currently bidding, he said. Certainly, the work is out there. We see this as a temporary situation. We plan to bring people back. Selway Corporation typically employees between 120 and 150 people, Osgood said. There have been layoffs in the past, but not to this extent, he said. Its a very tough situation, he said. These are high paying jobs from the bottom up. People make a good living here. For the first time in recent memory, two Bitterroot state legislators have been named majority leaders in both the state Senate and House. Sen. Fred Thomas of Stevensville was elected majority leader in the Senate and Rep. Ron Ehli of Hamilton was named majority leader in the House Monday at the GOP caucus. Rep. Theresa Manzella of Darby will serve as a majority whip. Having served as a majority leader in the senate before, Thomas said he knows that it comes with a lot of work and responsibility. This position is about coordinating the agenda and running the Committee of the Whole, which is the Senate, when we debate bills and send them onto third reading. Thomas said he was totally tickled that Ehli was elected to the post in the House. It says a great deal about him, Thomas said. Hes a great leader. Hell do a fabulous job. Thomas has served three terms in the Montana House and four in the Senate. This is the first time that hes seen legislators from the Bitterroot Valley selected at the same time to the prestigious posts. Ehli said his focus will be bringing the party together. I am all about being inclusive, Ehli said. Thats the one I said to the caucus. Theres been contention amongst different factions in the past. Everyone has a seat at the table. That was my message. To the general public, Ehli said he wants people to know that the Republican House is strong. We are unified, he said. We are united. We are preparing to bring a lot of good business to the people of Montana. 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Dr Raj Dutta (Medicine) from the well-known private healthcare institution offered free consultation to over 25 participants in the 12 November camp. Staff-nurse Puja Missong and Pratima Lahkar assisted the physician in the clinic, where the participants also got their blood pressure checked. Earlier Dr Naba Jyoti Borah and Dr Aakashi Deka from the GNRC Hospitals conducted the weekly evening clinic. The next Saturday OPD will be conducted by Wintrobe Hospital. On the other hand, Dr Madan Mohan Reddy, senior consultant on orthopedic surgery from Apollo Hospitals, Chennai will be available on 26 November in the camp. The participants will get free consultations on various ailments like back pain, neck pain, knee pain, major fractures, arthritis or requiring knee & hip replacements etc. The head of U.S. Pacific Command wants the U.S. Army to play a more active role in the Western Pacific. The head of U.S. Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, said that he wants the U.S. Army to create new ship-killing units to threaten U.S. adversaries surface warships in the Western Pacific including in the East China Sea and South China Sea. I believe that the army can do a lot in cross-domain fires, the admiral said in remarks delivered at an event sponsored by Defense One on November 15 held in Washington D.C. I think the army should be in the business of sinking ships with land-based surface-to-ship missile systems, he noted. What the Army brings traditionally is what they always bring, which is mass and firepower and capability, the admiral stated adding that the U.S. Marine Corps could play a similar role in the future. The central element of such a defensive strategy would be built around holding islands that can deny potential adversaries such as the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) access to the open waters of the Western Pacific. I think about an area where you put these weapon systems on places in the western Pacific; they would place at risk potential adversaries in the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan, the admiral said. I think it is an important concept, and we ought to be thinking about it as we figure out how to maintain that edge over our adversaries in the region. In his remarks the admiral specifically singled out Chinese activity in the South and East China Seas. Im concerned about Chinese assertiveness particularly in the South China Sea and also in the East China Sea, Harris said. That said, the relationship with China on one level is actually good. I was in China several months ago and was treated extremely well. Possible weapon systems to be deployed include the M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, the M142 High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Army Tactical Missile System, which will be upgraded with the capability to engage moving targets on land and sea a so-called cross-domain capability under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Capability Office (SCO). By integrating an existing seeker onto the front of the missile, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter stated in remarks on November 3, [SCO is] enabling it to hit moving targets, both on land and at sea. With this capability, what was previously an Army surface-to-surface missile system can project power from coastal locations up to 300 kilometers [186 miles] into the maritime domain. Next to making sure that the U.S. Army will have situational awareness of the waters, this would also require changes in U.S. Army doctrine. sacw.net - 16 November 2017 Abstract: My maternal grandmother Akbar Jehanas father, Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain, of Slovak and British descent, was a charming hotelier. His altruism and charitableness had given him a larger purpose in life. Her mother, Rani jee, was an indomitable Gujjar (pastoral tribe) woman. Rani jeeas clan traced its lineage to the martial, patrilineal, and rigidly traditional Rajputs of Rajasthan. Despite the anxiety generated by her decision, Akbar Jehan, born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, blessed with the knowledge that the world was her oyster, made the intransigent decision to throw in her lot with a determined and politically savvy young man, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. The Sheikhas fiefdom was the political battlefield; his entourage comprised the poverty-stricken, disenfranchised, dispossessed, denigrated masses; his palace was his home in Soura, on the outskirts of Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Akbar Jehanas life trajectory can be viewed in ways other than the determinant ones. Sitting centre Micheal & Jessie Nedou, right sitting Mariah Brewer Caption: According to family sources, Akbar Jehanas paternal grandfather, Michael Adam Nedou started out as a photographer and architect, but destiny had willed otherwise, and the decisions that he took shaped that destiny as though with the finesse of a calligrapheras brush. His first venture in hoteliering was the acquisition of the Sind Punjab Hotel in the port city of Karachi. He built the imposing and courtly Nedousa Hotel in Lahore, characterized by charm and grace, in the 1870s. He and the rest of his family later built the Nedousa Hotel in Gulmarg, Kashmir, in 1888. The lithe, imaginative, and vivacious young woman who later became his wife, Jessie Maria, made his acquaintance while visiting her brother, George, who was a Sea Captain in the British Royal Navy Akbar Jehanas forebears, the Nedousa, had emigrated from Dubrovnik, a Croatian city on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, to Lahore in British ruled India in the 1800s. Croatia is currently an independent country, but from 1815 to 1918, it was part of the Austrian Empire, and from 1918 to 1991, it was part of Yugoslavia. Serendipitously, I found the naturalization certificate of Michael Adam Nedou, Akbar Jehanas paternal grandfather, in the depleted family archive. C. U. Aitchinson, Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab and its Dependencies, conferred upon hotelier, Michael Adam Nedou, on February 28, 1887, the rights and privileges of naturalization, in compliance with an Act passed by the Governor General of India in Council on the Sixteenth July One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty two, reciting that it was expedient to provide for the Naturalization of Aliens resident in the territories under the Government of the East India Company, it is enacted among other things that aany persona whilst residing in any part of the Terretories [sic] under the Government of the East India Company may present a Memorial to Government, praying that the privilege of Naturalization may be conferred on him aand thata that Government may, if they shall think fit, issue a certificate in writing reciting such of the contents of the Memorial a(so presented)a as they may consider to be true and material, and granting to the Memorialist all the rights, privileges and capacities of naturalization under this act, except such rights, privileges, or capacities, if any, as may be specially excepted in such Certificate. (aCertificate of Naturalizationa ) In the aMemoriala presented to C. U. Aitchinson, Michael Adam Nedou explained that he was born in Ragusa, Austria (Ragusa is the Italian and Latin name for Dubrovnik on the Dalmatian Coast); he was of Slovak nationality, and had been in British India for the past twenty-five years. At the time of the presentation of the aMemoriala Michael Adam Nedou was fifty years old and settled in Lahore in pre-partition India. He sought to be granted the rights and privileges of a British subject of Queen Victoria, aof Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India, within her Majestyas said Indian Territories,a in compliance with Act XXX of 1852 (aCertificate of Naturalizationa ). He had sailed to India from Ragusa in 1862, where, after a period of adversity and hard knocks in which his will and perseverance had been tested, he had accomplished much. He had, corroborated Cynthia Schmidt, Akbar Jehanas cousin, crossed the roiling waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean and borne the stormy turbulence of an immigrantas precarious existence to land on the shores of Bombay, now Mumbai, India. The lithe, imaginative, and vivacious young woman who later became his wife, Jessie Maria, made his acquaintance while visiting her brother, George, who was a sea captain in the British Royal Navy. That acquaintance, rather magically, metamorphosed into love, and the wedding was solemnized soon after their first meeting. Their older son, Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou, Akbar Jehanas father, according to his birth and baptism certificate, was born in Pune, British India, in 1877. Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou was one of nine children. He was born to Jessie and Michael Adam Nedou after six daughters, an event that was celebrated with much gusto. The birth of the second son, William Arthur Nedou, in 1879, was soon followed by that of the third son and youngest child, Walter Douglas Nedou (E-mail to author, 20 January 2013). According to relatives, Akbar Jehanas paternal grandfather, Michael Adam Nedou started out as a photographer and architect, but destiny had willed otherwise. The decisions that he took shaped that destiny as though with the finesse of a calligrapheras brush. His first venture in hoteliering was the acquisition of the Sind Punjab Hotel in the port city of Karachi. He built the imposing and courtly Nedouas Hotel in Lahore, characterized by charm and grace, in the 1870s. He and his heirs later built the Nedousa Hotel in Gulmarg, Kashmir, in 1888. The hotel in Gulmarg sits on an elevation, overlooking the once luxuriantly lush meadow, with its cornucopia of fragrant, beauteous, and flourishing flowers. The riot of colors in Gulmarg in the summer has always had the power to revive my spirits! The cozy cottages around the main lounge, furnished with chintz drapes, chintz covered armchairs, soothing pastel counterpanes on the canopy beds, and hewn logs around the fire places would warm the cockles of any anglophileas heart. Despite the rapid growth of monstrous concrete construction in Gulmarg, Nedouas Hotel has always retained an old world charm, maintaining, against all odds, its historical association, environmental importance, and architectural significance. Akbar Jehanas sister-in-law, Salima Nedou, observes in her unpublished manuscript, aMichael Nedou was the pioneer of the hotel industry in India and he laid the first stone in the splendid structure of the countryas hotels. His name is woven forever in the tapestry of our tourisma (16). The then grandiose Nedouas Hotel in Srinagar, which was opened in 1900, boasted a confectionary that, for a long time, had no parallel. The very thought of the delectable jams and jellies that we got from the Nedousa bakery in my childhood makes me drool. Until the eighties, Nedouas, Srinagar, epitomized a rare and appealing excellence, and a flawless execution, which, over the years, deteriorated. It is now, sadly, in a dilapidated state. Salima Nedou provides an enchanting account of the "Protestant work ethic", entrepreneurship, and sheer grit of Michael Adam Nedou, his spouse, and children: Their summers were spent in Gulmarg and Srinagar, and for the winter, they moved to the splendor of Nedouas, Lahore. As Gulmarg was in those days a remote part of the country, everything had to be carried up the mountains by pony and labor. I sometimes wonder how great safes from London, billiard tables and pianos go to Gulmarg. People either walked or rode up by pony. Some were carried in chairs called adandies.a All came to escape the heat of the plains. Granny [Jessie Maria] was a shrewd and tough Victorian woman. She was faced with the hard work of helping in the hotels and bringing up nine children. . . . Christmas festivities were in those days a time of abundance and merry making. Those privileged to be able to come to Nedouas had to book their tables well in advance. At Nedouas, preparations were begun weeks before. The Gulmarg hotel was closed by the end of October, but logs were chopped and Christmas trees were brought down to Lahore and Srinagar. The great halls and lounges at Srinagar were heated by log fires and stoves. In the kitchens under Grannyas [Jessie Maria] supervision the Christmas puddings were stirred and hung in linen bags. The famous Nedousa silver was polished, and Christmas cakes baked by Goan chefs and their assistants. So the holidays passed. It was a time of goodwill, hospitality, and joy, and it all ended in the New Yearas celebration, which after the dancing, all at Nedouas must have been exhausted. This riveting account of the venturesome and risk-taking folk transported me so seamlessly to a different time that I thought of sharing it with the reader. Taking refuge in a aonce upon a timea world does rid the soul of its afflictions. In Akbar Jehanas fatheras lifetime, the Nedousa hotels in Lahore, Gulmarg, and Srinagar retained their reputations as classy, plush, and magnificent havens in colonial India. The Nedousa hotel in Gulmarg has been exquisitely and intimately described by M. M. Kaye in her whodunit novel, Death in Kashmir. Akbar Jehanas father, the stoic looking, stocky, and thick-set, though not short, Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou, took over the management of the restful hotel in Gulmarg from his father. Several people have testified to his proverbial philanthropy, beneficence, and kindness. Mother tells me that his advocacy of the nationalist movement in Kashmir, the stirrings of which began in the 1930s, encouraged Akbar Jehan to relinquish a life of affluence and repose to marry Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Kashmiri rebel. Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou aspent his time helping the poor, built houses for them, and saved people wrongly convicted from jail and twice from the gallowsa (Nedou 59). Although a charming hotelier, his altruism and charity had given him a larger purpose in life which earned him the admiration and appreciation of not just the ahighest names in the land [Lahore], but also those whose sufferings he had soothed and who remembered his kindness and charitya (Ibid). He was not the only member of the Nedou family who chose to convert to Islam. One of his cousins, enthralled by the tenets of the religion, the inspirational vision of the Prophet of Islam, and the unifying force of its credo, embraced Islam as well. Given Akbar Jehanas fatheras philanthropy, to which several people have attested, his volitional conformity to Islamic tenets, and his sincere endeavor to raise his children as Muslim would give a biographer ample reason to believe that his conversion to Islam was not a mere expediency. Akbar Jehanas mother, Mir Jan, respectfully called Rani jee by relatives, friends, and acquaintances was an indomitable Gujjar woman, who has an imperturbable expression in all the pictures I have seen of her. Rani jeeas clan traced its lineage to the martial, patrilineal, and rigidly traditional Rajputs of Rajasthan. The impression that I get from her pictures is that she must have been a phlegmatic woman, secure in the knowledge that she was propertied and wealthy. She didnat require anyoneas good offices to lead a comfortable life. Her sturdy, reticent, and stouthearted siblings, Niyaz Bi, Subi Bi, Sardar Bi, Lali Ma, and Ferozdeen, were just as formidable looking as Rani jee. All of them were the proud owners of sprawling acres of magnificent land in Gulmarg, a resort which found a prominent place on the international map in that late 1800s and early 1900s through the endeavors of Michael Adam and Jessie Maria. The interracial and intercultural marriage of Michael Henry [Harry] and Rani jee remained an unpleasant reality for Jessie and Michael Adam Nedou as well as their kinsfolk. They couldnat reconcile themselves to this unorthodox union. Given that reality, I wondered how the two Nedouas hotels in Kashmir had been inherited by the sons of this couple, who had been shut out and spurned by the rest of the kinsfolk. On doing a little more research, I discovered that the Nedousa hotel in Lahore was sold in 1947 after the remorseless murder of Akbar Jehanas paternal uncle Walter Douglas Nedouas only child, John, on the premises. I donat know much about the circumstances surrounding that murder. After the partition of India, the only two members of the second generation of the Nedou family who spent the rest of their lives in the new nation-state of India were Akbar Jehanas paternal uncles, William Arthur and Walter Douglas Nedou, both of whom died, heirless, in Kashmir. The rest of the surviving Nedousa moved back to England. So, it was natural for the hotels to have been inherited by Akbar Jehanas brothers, even though they hadnat been uncritically owned by their paternal grandparents and hadnat assimilated into the family. Cynthia Schmidt, from whom I got invaluable information about the Nedousa, reluctantly told me that she and her siblings didnat know Akbar Jehan and her brothers well until Cynthia and her mother visited Kashmir in the 1970s. She confided that the members of the Nedou family in England and Australia had been raised with a xenophobic aversion to anything interracial, which is why they were emotionally removed from their amixed-race cousinsa until they grew old enough to question such demeaning prejudices (E-mail to author, 20 January 2013). From all accounts, Rani jee had clearly made a success of her interracial and intercultural marriage, a union which can be difficult to navigate even in todayas global and cosmopolitan age. She knew how to keep the wheels of her household running smoothly without ruffling feathers. Rani jee was a forthright, courageous, and perseverant woman, whose ability to hold her own had won the heart of a sturdy European, Michael Henry [Harry] Nedou aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain. According to family lore, while indulging in his favorite pursuit of hunting big game in the thick patch of entangled trees in the forest of Gulmarg, Michael Henry [Harry] was precariously perched on his stallion, Autumn, and was almost mauled by a black bear. The attack was predatory, and he could have been killed if it hadnat been for the quick thinking of a feisty woman, Rani jee, who, while watching from a distance, sent her employees to fight the bear off with machetes and staves. She made sure that the bedraggled European was nursed back to health under her watchful eye. There are a couple of apocryphal stories about how the marriage was solemnized, but I donat give credence to those. The only daughter of Rani jee and Michael Henry [Harry] aka Sheikh Ahmed Hussain, Akbar Jehan, could not just recite the Quran with devotion and piety, but could also expound on the exegetical thoughts that the Hadith (Prophetas Mohammadas sayings and religious practices), Sharia (moral code and religious law of Islam), and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) generated. SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com Nov-16-2016 14:01 TweetFollow @OregonNews Unemployment Tax Rates for Oregon Employers Will Remain Stable in 2017 Oregon's self-balancing approach results in the state having one of the strongest trust funds in the nation. (SALEM, Ore.) - Unemployment tax rates for most Oregon employers will remain stable in 2017. Tax rates will remain at schedule 4 for employers that pay into the system. Tax Schedule 4 includes an average rate of 2.26% for the first $38,400 paid to each employee. The specific rate each employer will pay under the new schedule depends on how much they have used the unemployment insurance system. The Oregon Employment Department is mailing notifications to businesses today regarding their individual tax rates and encourages employers to wait until they receive their individual notice before attempting to contact the department with questions. Any employer who has not received their notice within the next couple of weeks should contact the Oregon Employment Department Unemployment Insurance Tax Section. Contact information may be found online at www.Employment.Oregon.gov. The tax structure for Oregon's unemployment trust fund consists of eight schedules. Movement between the schedules of tax rates is one of the self-balancing aspects of Oregon's unemployment insurance trust fund law. Each schedule has a range of tax rates based on an employer's previous unemployment insurance experience. Employers with more unemployment insurance claims have a higher tax rate than those with fewer claims. Oregon law requires the Employment Department to use a statutory formula to determine employer payroll tax rates for the upcoming year. These taxes go into the unemployment insurance trust fund used to pay unemployment benefits. At its lowest point in 2010, the trust fund had a balance of just under $700 million, but as of October 31, 2016, the balance stood at $3.25 billion. Oregon's self-balancing approach results in the state having one of the strongest trust funds in the nation. The trust fund provides an important support for temporarily unemployed workers, their families and communities while minimizing the impact on employers. The self-balancing approach allows this support without having to reduce benefits to workers or increase employer taxes as some other states have had to do after the Great Recession. _________________________________________ Oregon | Taxes | Most Commented on Articles for November 15, 2016 | Articles for November 16, 2016 | Articles for November 17, 2016 The best and worst airports to fly into on Thanksgiving Dutch production company PostPanic will release their short 'LOST BOY' later today. Directed by the American based Ash Thorp and the Canadian Anthony Scott Burns, 'LOST BOY' will unleash a savage desolate dystopian world where bizarre characters derived from the pen of director Ash Thorp battle eachother for survival. The short is said to rely on props and elobarate costumes to create an otherworly grim vision of our future. The short movie said to be influenced by classic sci fi like Blade Runner, Alien as well Spaghetti Westerns and The Warriors. PostPanic earlier short 'SUNDAYS' is given the Hollywood treatment at the moment. The production company already released a teaser for the short that will appear later today. https://vimeo.com/189703735 If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). ABC News(NEW YORK) In Seattle, the walls were literally melting. In Birmingham, the floors bounced and creaked as they were walked on. In Tampa, bricks fell from the chimney, preventing anyone from parking in the driveway. In suburban Washington, D.C., holes in the foundation led to an infestation of rodents under the house and at least one large snake. Homeowners say it's problems like these that are turning American dream homes into nightmares, and that builders are slow or flat out refuse to fix the problems they created, as found in a recent ABC News Nightline investigation with over a dozen local ABC affiliates. "You continue living in something no one can give you answers for. No onell fix it," Jennifer Whyton told ABC News' Chicago affiliate WLS after she said her family discovered in their new home that the window seals were misaligned, there were cracks in the ceiling, the front door had to be replaced and house, built in northern Illinois, was missing insulation. "We had ice that formed on the inside of our house. So all of our electrical outlets and light switches on the West side of the house were covered with like a half an inch of ice. The wood floors along the West side had ice going along the whole side of them," she said. "It was our house. It was where we lived. And we just had to walk away from it." The U.S. has recently seen a home building boom, with tens of thousands of new homes going up every year. The big national builders, including the biggest, D. R. Horton, promise high quality. But ABC News found an industry also inundated with complaints, so much so that D. R. Horton told investors in its latest Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it has set aside some $400 million in each of the last two years to deal with hundreds of construction defect claims in its brand new homes. The company said in filings that this was the "ordinary course of business." It's not so ordinary for the homeowners like Jackie Walker, a freelance makeup artist who works for ABC News and other media outlets in Washington, D.C. After D. R. Horton built her home, she said the house experienced "nail popping," where nails literally pushed back out of the walls. She marked hundreds of them with blue tape. "My house looks like it has the measles," Walker said. "I mean, it's literally every nail. And every beam, there's a seam. Every crack, every molding around the stair, the trim around the walls, everything is cracked... It was very upsetting because it's the most expensive purchase any of us are going to make." Bill Loden, a former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, said the problems with Walker's home were "excessive by any standard" and that it's a "real problem." Walker said she had to go to war with D.R. Horton to get it all fixed, and it still is not, well after her warranty expired. "It's been a nightmare," she said. "In just the first year, I had 23 appointments and they missed 17 of those." A spokesperson for D.R. Horton said they have reached out to address the problems that homeowners in Jackie's subdivision say exist. Some homeowners have claimed the company seems to have waited them out until their warranties expired. Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, said he's never heard of that happening and generally defended home builders. "I think American consumers expect a perfect home," he said. "There's no such thing as a perfect home, and so I think that there are often disputes that arise out of that." Howard said he expects the home building industry to put up just under 1 million homes this year and said in an interview that "the number that are delivered with happy customers, happy outcomes, far exceed the number that end up in the kind of situations [ABC News] is describing." Howard said he did not have statistics on hand to reinforce his point. Many times such disputes are settled not in courts, but instead require what's called mandatory arbitration, in which disputes are settled by outside parties known as arbitrators. This arbitration can't be appealed and is kept in secret. "They [home builders] like arbitration because it favors them," Vickie Pynchon, an attorney who served for years as an arbitrator in construction defect cases, told ABC News. "Even though it's supposed to be neutral and unbiased." Pynchon said arbitrators know they won't be hired again if they come down too hard on builders, which means, as she said, "the secret deck is stacked against the homeowner." The home building industry and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) disagree and argue that arbitration is a fair and efficient way for home builders and homeowners to settle disputes without bogging down an overburdened court system. The AAA said in a statement to ABC News that its roster of arbitrators is "composed of independent arbitrators who have a range of subject matter expertise and experience and include lawyers familiar with construction disputes as well as industry professionals such as architects and engineers." It said that less than half of arbitration cases proceed to an award before they're otherwise settled, and when they do, the homeowners are identified as the "prevailing party" a little more than half the time. Howard said his organization does not make any recommendations about arbitration to home builders, and told ABC News he did not know how many cases go into arbitration. "Frankly, I don't see this issue as being the crucial issue for housing in our country," he said. But it is a crucial issue for Americans who want their homes fixed, and its an issue that's likely to persist as more homes go up, faster than ever. "People look at a house and they start imaging their family get-togethers," home inspector Loden told ABC News. "They start thinking of all the fun we're going to have here. And if you look at it entirely from that direction, then you could leave yourself open to some things that you weren't expecting." ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Nude sunbather crashes pregnancy photoshoot on San Francisco beach https://t.co/utNabxhyCs pic.twitter.com/FGI1ZGITo0 Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) November 15, 2016 A couple looking to commemorate being happily pregnant or perhaps celebrating a shotgun wedding? were out at one of the city's traditionally favored photoshoot locations recently, Baker Beach, dipping their toes in the ocean on a sunny day as a photographer snapped away with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. But, because it was a sunny day at Baker Beach, there was also an older male out sunbathing in the nude who did not give a damn if he got in the shot. Someone on Reddit picked up the photo, saying this was "a couple days ago," and we did have a hot spell there. Subsequently the Daily Mail took up the story, because it's funny, and involves nudity. This half of Baker Beach, closest to the bridge, is of course clothing optional and has been for decades. It would appear the photo in question was taken not by the professional photographer herself but either by a bystander or an assistant, and it was likely easy to keep the nudist out of the frame of the photo itself. But this is a fine "Keep San Francisco Weird" moment to chuckle over in These Troubled Times. Related: Second Nude Olympics Happening Saturday At Baker Beach [NSFW] Another ramen import from Japan, Hinodeya Ramen, is opening an American outpost here in San Francisco, and that is good news for ramen connoisseurs. As Hoodline tells us, the man behind the restaurant, and a whole restaurant group abroad, is chef Masao Kuribara, who previously cooked for heads of state like late Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and the Clintons. And the particular style that will set Hinodeya apart from other ramen options around the Bay Area is that they will be serving dashi-style ramen, meaning the ramens will feature fish stocks (known as dashi), rather than the more common pork-based tonkotsu. Kuribara explains to Hoodline, "In Japan, we have traditional-style dashi soups, but they are not typically used for ramen... Dashi has a particular kind of umami that we believe has a more powerful flavor." Hinodeya Ramen is set to open on November 23 in the former Shalala Ramen space at 1737 Buchanan Street (between Post and Sutter), and they'll begin with just an abbreviated menu featuring their dashi ramen, beer, wine, and sake. Later they'll be expanding the menu with appetizers and more. And Hinodeya follows in the footsteps of Mensho Tokyo, which debuted earlier this year in the Tenderloin to immediate crowds, having come directly from Japan. Recently, Chronicle critic Anna Roth said of Mensho that is sets "a new gold standard for San Francisco," and "You should absolutely wait in the line and eat this ramen." Pescatarians now may also have a ramen worth standing in line for. We shall see. Well what do you know! Tinder's CEO Sean Rad, who famously did not know what the word sodomy referred to, isn't a total idiot! In fact, he and his company have made a positive effort to embrace and protect, in particular, trans people who are using Tinder to get out there, get laid, and not be attacked online by strangers for their gender identity/expression. That's to say that Tinder has broken the gender binary and is now offering a spectrum of ways to identify, almost 40 options by one count, including non-binary and two-spirit, a term used by indigenous people. Some heads will explode at this number, and that's just wonderful. Where Tinder ran into particular difficulty in the past: In addition to your usual online harassment, users have reported other users who appear to be transgender. Reported enough times, and profiles can be frozen, which many trans users report was their experience. According to the New York Times, who covered the change, Tinder realized the issue about seven months go and began working with trans activists and leaders to arrive at solutions. Dating for trans people is generally safer via an app like Tinder, trans activist Andrea James, who worked with Tinder on the change, told the Times. I find it much safer to make connections online versus having a stranger approach me in a cafe or bar. Facebook opened itself up to the spectrum of genders by which people identify themselves in 2014, allowing for a "write-in" option as well as providing options for neutral or preferred pronouns. Now Tinder is apparently on board, which would only make sense as it uses your Facebook profile. But I'm left with one question for Tinder after this change. How does one identify one's interest in a particularly gender or genders on the app now? Has that changed, or will it? Part of the problem is a lot of tech platforms try to stay out of complex issues because they dont want to alienate any of their users, Tinder's CEO told the Times. For us its very important to come in and particularly now given whats going on in the world, with all the division in the world, its particularly important to step in and make a statement of inclusivity and acceptance. Related: Use Tinder? You Have A Secret Internal Desirability Rating! Erotic Service Providers Union delivers petition to gov with 24K signatures in support of decriminalizing prostitution. #prostitutenation pic.twitter.com/5xr1HFWzX6 Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) November 15, 2016 Citing the fact that Governor Jerry Brown has more than a half dozen bills in this last legislative session both to combat human trafficking and decriminalize sex work among minors, several members of the Erotic Service Providers Union of California have a petition they want to deliver in person calling for the decriminalization of sex work altogether in the state. Adult sex workers, they argue, also face dangers in being labeled criminals, and they want to be treated (as adult film performers are) as legitimate workers in the state. Longtime San Francisco activist, union founder, and sex work advocate Maxine Doogan tells the LA Times, "Our population live in California, and we deserve to be represented, and we want our voices heard. We know that there are lots of pieces of legislation that are proposed and passed on our behalf every year calling us victims or criminals, and in fact, we are legitimate workers." The Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) writes on the petition, "Sex workers report that they face more threats from law enforcement than from clients. Police often threaten sex workers or even rape them in exchange for not sending them to jail." And this claim is well supported by the recent scandal in the East Bay involving Richmond- and Oakland-based sex worker Jasmine Abuslin, a.k.a. Celeste Guap. That case has led to criminal charges being brought against five former Oakland officers, with more to come. Doogan and three of her fellow union members gathered on the steps of the Capitol Tuesday, as shown above. They also have a court case, ESPLERP v Gascon, that argues that California's ban on prostitution is unconstitutional, and that is being appealed to the Ninth Circuit. Doogan previously helped sponsor a local ballot measure in San Francisco to decriminalize sex work, Prop K, which was defeated in 2008 by a margin of 57.6% to 42.4%. Related: Three More Officers Formally Charged In Oakland Scandal, Including One Who Tipped Off Sex Worker To Sting This week, go do something, go do anything, to reaffirm your place in the world and help others do the same. Here are a scattering of options. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 "EARLY TRANNYSHACK" OUTLOUD: Outloud Storytelling from Peaches Christ Productions presents a night hosted by Peaches/Joshua Grannell dedicated to the early days of what's now a venerable drag institution. This is Trannyshack, the oral history, if you will. Veterans of the show like Heklina, Jordan L'Moore, and others tell their war stories onstage at Oasis. Oasis, 298 11th Street, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., $10 DESIGN INNOVATION NIGHT AT GRAY AREA: Gray Area, the nonprofit arts foundation located in a renovated historic theater in the Mission, celebrates Social Innovation Week through Friday with workshops, films, and presentations. This evening, a group of diverse thinkers will discuss everything from the Little Free Library Design Competition to USF social justice student organizers. Social Innovation week comes from Compostmodern, AIGA SF, Preview Events, and Gray Area Foundation for the Arts. Gray Area Theater, 2665 Mission Street, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $20 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 OUTDOOR SF: The fourth gathering of San Francisco outdoor and lifestyle brands and their fans, Outdoor SF is a meet and greet with founders of companies like Public Bikes, Marine Layer, and Sunski. Good music (The Good Bad and Jimbo Trout) and free swag are promised, as is with the price of admission Fort Point Beer/Tank Wine, and food from Grilled Cheez Guy. All proceeds go to the Conservation Alliance. Folsom Street Foundry, 1425 Folsom Street, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., $30 MOLE TO DIE FOR: Mole is a dish I, for one, would happily make my last. A variety of mole recipes are yours for the tasting at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Art, free with the price of admission. Now, if you want a plate of food, that'll be a little more Mission Cultural Center, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., $7 admission, $5 for a plate of food BREWERS' GUILD SHUTTLE: Meet the brewers and hop on and off the Brewers' Guild shuttle to get from Black Hammer Brewing To Thirstybear, Bartlett Hall, 21st Amendment, and Local Brewing. Shuttles run nonstop every 15 minutes. Black Hammer brewing, 544 Bryant St, 7 p.m. to 11:35 p.m., free THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 RAD WOMEN BOOK SWAP: Kate Schatz of the NYT bestseller Rad Women A-Z present a book swap for the ages at The Booksmith. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring a book about a rad woman, which you'll discuss in small groups, then trade for a new one. There's a $10 admission and it treats you to an open bar for those of drinking age plus 20 percent off whatever you spend that evening at the store. The Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street, 7 p.m., $10 FOOD-FOCUSED SCIENCE PARTY: This week's Cal Academy of Sciences Nightlife is particularly delectable, dubbed "BiteLife" and focused on food demos and tastings from Belcampo Meat Co., The Perennial, and Two Sisters Bar & Books. Just in time for all your Thanksgiving cooking duties! California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr, 6 p.m., Member tickets $12, non-member tickets $15. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 LUCIUS AT THE FILLMORE: Though Lucius' Thursday show at the Fillmore appears to be sold out, Friday tickets remain. An NPR music favorite, the band is led by Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig. They're playing as a duo with the Cactus Blossoms and their latest album is Good Grief from March. The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., $25 STONE'S THROW 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW: LA's independent music label since 1996, Stone's Throw is celebrating two decades of great music with a tour that stops by 1015 Folsom. Artists include special guest Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, Peanut Butter Wolf, Homeboy Sandman, and more. 1015 Folsom, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., $20 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 OAKLAND '90s BAR CRAWL: With Space Jam 20 years back in the rearview mirror, you too might have a case of '90s nostalgia. Nurse it at the '90s Bar Crawl in Oakland. Participating bars with discounts etc. range from Diving Dog Brewhouse to Overland Bar & Grill to Make Westing (with the price of a ticket). This is independently organized, and I can't say I know exactly what to expect, but it sounds intriguing! Bar 355, 355 19th Street, Oakland, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., registration until $6 p.m., $35 tickets until November 16, $40 till November 19 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR: More than 300 makers/artisans/craftspeople/whoevers are selling their wares this weekend (also on Saturday) at the Renegade Craft Fare. The venue is Fort Mason, where you can expect to see glass making demonstrations, drink coffee and cocktails, and get a head start on whatever holiday shopping you have in mind. For Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY: Tickets aren't quite on sale yet, but as part of Alamo Drafthouse's celebration of the New Mission Theater at 100, the cinema is screening of this first Barry Jenkins film, whose follow up, Moonlight, is a beauty and a critical darling. Check back for more special showings, too. Alamo Drafthouse New Mission, 2550 Mission St, time to come, ticket prices to come A proposed affordable housing project containing 150 apartments for low-income seniors, 20 to 30 percent of them formerly homeless, has given residents of San Francisco's monied Forest Hill neighborhood a frightful shock. "[It's] not a question of being a NIMBY," explained Joe Bravo according to the Chronicle. "Its a question of saving the hill," he grandly declared. Bravo, an attorney leading the fight against the development, criticized its size in particular. This is a huge development for the area," he said. "It would be perfect for somewhere along the Van Ness corridor next to a Holiday Inn. The lawyer and his neighbors gathered last night at the Forest Hill Clubhouse, a Bernard Maybeck-designed building owned and maintained by a group of local homeowners. There, the Forest Hill Neighborhood Association voiced their concerns and eventually voted to unanimously reject the proposed housing, which was put forward just last month by Christian Church Homes and celebrated in City Hall by the mayor and others. Equity in terms of where we are creating affordable housing is a big issue for the mayor, Jeff Buckley, senior adviser to the mayor on housing issues, told the Chronicle. It's more cost-effective to build affordable housing in wealthy, less-dense neighborhoods, but more often than not such housing winds up in poorer neighborhoods anyway, and this neighborhood hubbub might begin to explain why. The project, Christian Church Homes explains on its website, "is one of four new affordable housing projects in San Francisco to be funded using Proposition A funds." That refers to the 2015 ballot measure that gave a $310 million housing bond for the creation of affordable housing, the Examiner recalls. The project would be built at the current site of the Forest Hill Christian Church at 250 Laguna Honda Blvd. Mark Watts, president of the Forest Hill Association Board of Directors, said the proposal looks "like a Russian gulag, and, careful to point out that he was speaking for others and not himself, added that People are afraid of formerly homeless people wandering around the neighborhood attacking our kids and pushing our elderly down. That is not something I am worried about, but that is what people are afraid of. According to the Examiner, others expressed those concerns more directly. The housing project, they believe, would serve severely mentally ill and severely drug addicted people, as the Examiner quotes one woman as saying. "What resources will you deploy 24 hours a day to make sure my 11-year-old is safe?" she asked. According to the Ex, she wished to remain anonymous because "she is fearful her future employment in the technology industry would be harmed if employers saw she opposed affordable housing." Kathleen Mertz, vice president of development for Christian Church Homes, attended the meeting. Im there to listen, the Chronicle quotes her as saying before the meeting. Everyone needs to participate together to help be part of the solutions of the affordability crisis in San Francisco. I would argue that being able to live and thrive and age in place in San Francisco is part of making a holistic and inclusive community. That means having housing for people at all income levels, all family types and all life stages. She hadn't prepared a rebuttal and didn't offer one. The project needs Board of Supervisors approval to move forward, but currently, the neighborhood's supervisor Norman Yee says he must echo his constituents. I am unable to support... this project in its current form, Yee told the Chronicle. Related: None Of SF's Public Housing Is Publicly Owned Anymore, As Of This Month Can you spot the author? Hint: Her dress is the prettiest. Dear Rain, People say that it's hard to raise a kid in SF, but you grew up here and you seemed to turn out OK! Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to raise kids in San Francisco? Signed, Potential Parent of a Native San Franciscan Dear PPOASF, I've been sitting on this question for while, thinking, since I don't have kids, and the city has changed a lot since I actually was one, that I couldn't really offer much advice on the subject. And then last week, Donald Trump was elected president. After the sobbing and anxiety attacks subsided on Wednesday morning, I started to become very relieved that I had grown up in a cultural bubble that turned me into a person that heard what Trump was saying, and voted against it. My elementary school was in the middle of the Castro district. At the time it was called Douglas Elementary School, but it's now known as the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. (That an elementary school is named after Harvey Milk is just another of many reasons why I love living here.) I was in the third grade when Harvey Milk and George Moscone were assassinated. That afternoon they gathered the whole school into the cafeteria, and eventually sent us home early. I knew someone had been shot, but didn't really understand why that meant we should all go home. So my eight-year-old brain figured it was because the shooter was still on the loose and may head over to the school to kill us all. Needless to say, lots of crying happened. There was much unrest in the Castro after that, but there were also peaceful protests. One morning, as my friends and I were in the schoolyard for recess, we saw some men walking down the hill carrying signs. We yelled out to them, wanting to know what was written on them, so they walked over to show us. I don't remember what the signs said, but I do know they told us they were going to be used in a march for equality, and by the end of that conversation my young friends and I were chanting, "Gays have rights! Gays have rights! Gays have rights!" in the middle of the schoolyard. I will forever be thankful that I grew up in a city where something like that could happen. Last week a friend from the East Bay who is a parent to a five-year-old boy told me she had begun to question bringing a child into this seemingly fucked up world. I told her to never, ever question that, and then I quoted Whitney Houston, because it's what I do. My point was, she can raise her kid to be the change we need, and she's lucky to be living in an area where that's encouraged, where kids can not only chant "Gays have rights!" in a schoolyard, but also BE the person they know themselves to be where they might be surrounded by people who don't look like them, but still know that they should treat everyone with respect. Parents need to take heart in the fact they they live in an area of the country whose majority of citizens did NOT vote to give a hate-monger the highest position of power in the land. I know San Francisco's public school system isn't the best. I know it can be difficult seeing your children witness homelessness (and worse) on the city's streets. I know it can be harder and harder to even afford to live here at all, let alone with kids. I know this city is far from perfect. So yes, raising kids in San Francisco can be a tremendous challenge. But it's also one of the best things you could do for them. Rain Jokinen was born and raised in San Francisco and, miraculously, still calls the city home. Her future plans include becoming a millionaire, buying a condo complex, and then tearing it down to replace it with a dive bar. You can ask this native San Franciscan your questions here. The latest salvo against the President-Elect within our San Francisco bubble: A post-election newsletter to public school teachers from the United Educators of San Francisco includes an optional lesson plan referring to Donald Trump and those who supported him as racist and sexist, and describes ways to engage students and help them feel empowered in this time of uncertainty. The Examiner picked up on the lesson plan, which was made available to some 6,000 teachers and paraprofessionals in the San Francisco Unified School District, and which states in its introduction, "Let us please not sidestep the fact that a racist and sexist man has become the president of our country by pandering to a huge racist and sexist base." You can see the lesson plan in full here, and it includes a clip from Michael Moore in Trumpland, a reading from W.E.B. Dubois's The Souls of Black Folk, and an interview with Professor Carol Anderson about her book White Rage. The plan, written in an obvious fervor on November 9 by Mission High School Peer Resources Teacher Fakrah Shah, tells teachers to say to their students, "We do not have to go anywhere, not Canada, not back to any place we came from. We also do not have to give in to brutality, police or otherwise, verbal or physical. Ever. We have rights and we REFUSE TO BE DENIED. WE DEMAND JUSTICE AND EQUALITY. WE WILL KEEP ON FIGHTING." SF Unified School District spokesperson Heidi Anderson said in a statement to the Examiner, "This lesson plan was shared as an optional resource with high school principals. Educators are entrusted to create lessons that reflect the California standards, support students social and emotional well-being and foster inclusive and safe school communities." The Chronicle's token conservative Debra Saunders reacts with her own white rage to the lesson plan, saying, "It is scary to think that people entrusted with childrens education are so clueless that they see it as their job to inculcate students with a cartoonish view of Trump voters." Also, in an insulting aside, she points to the 10 percent of San Francisco voters who went for Trump and writes, "Thats probably more than the number of transgender students administrators work overtime to make feel welcome. So share the love." It must be hard to be a Republican in this town, but with all due respect Saunders, do fuck off. The Examiner also points out that if Trump keeps his promise to revoke federal funds from all sanctuary cities, that could mean a $28 million loss to the SFUSD. Meanwhile, that principal in Milpitas who was placed on administrative leave last week after screaming "Fuck Donald Trump" at a school assembly is now back at work, and so is the Mountain View teacher who compared Trump to Hitler. Hey, emotions have been running high. And they are forgiven. Related: Marquee At Turk And Larkin Known For Wise Quotations Is Finally Dumbstruck Most Milwaukeeans are familiar with the sights along I94 en route to Chicago: motels from Highway 41s glory days, 7 Mile Fair, fireworks stands, cheese shops and the Richard Bong State Recreation Area. A short jaunt down a tranquil Kenosha County road from the latter destination will lead to AEppelTreow (Anglo-Saxon for Apple True/Tree) Winery & Distillery, makers of hard cider, wine and spirits, located on the grounds of Brightonwoods Orchard. Charles McGonegal, who owns AEppelTreow with his wife Milissa, began experimenting with fermentation while in college and later sought out unusual apple varieties for cider. In 2001, the McGonegals partnered with Brightonwoods Orchard, home of 200 varieties of heirloom and rare antique apples. Distillation began in 2009. Visitors will enjoy hearing the McGonegals fun stories about successes and bumps in the road they endured during start-uplike sharing their workspace with barn swallows during early renovationsand what they discovered about the beverage business during their journey. Like most artisan food and drink, batches and product offerings can vary based on availability of ingredients. The blends are dependent upon what the orchard produces, Milissa said. Some batches, especially those in the Single Barrel Reserve series, can change from year to yearor not be made at all, if theres a crop failure. A mid-October visit to AEppelTreow revealed a wine list with dry Appely Brut, a dry, crisp sparkling wine, and Perry, a semi-sweet sparkling wine made with fermented pears. The table and dessert wine highlights include Cyser Rose, a semi-dry, tannic crabapple mead with a hint of spice; and Summers End, an apple wine made with Cortland and a blend of old world baking apples. The traditional ciders garnered much interest among tasting room visitors. Varieties include Orchard Oriole perry; Kinglet Bitter, made with English and French cider apples; and Barn Swallow (homage to the early barn mates), crafted from a blend of eating and cooking apples. Flavored ciders include Sparrow, a house spice blend, and Blackbird, flavored with black currants and elderberries. Hard cider, in its most natural form, is a light, subtle, tart, fresh summer drink, Charles said. We want to bring back the hard cider from the pre-Prohibition era. The Single Barrel Reserve series includes Antique Russet cider wine, and Americana, a still cider with a dry, smooth, subdued apple flavor with Jeffersonian era apples such as Hewes, Albemarie Pippin, Winesap, Harrison and Taliaferro. Americana is a decade-plus work in progress, as the colonial-era apples had to be located, grafted and raised to bear fruit. Brightonwoods dedicates an acre of orchard space to AEppelTreow. Spirits lovers will enjoy Brown Dog whiskey, made from sorghum grown in Elkhart Lake, or Honesty pear brandy. They also offer slivovitz, a plum brandy with origins in Eastern Europe. The slivovitz came from a happy coincidence, Milissa said, when they happened to acquire three tons of prune plums in autumn 2014. The tasting room is open from from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday through Dec. 18. Winter tasting room hours are by appointment only, as drifting snow makes it difficult to keep the driveway clear. AEppelTreow products are distributed through Left Bank Wine Company in select retail, bars and restaurants in the Milwaukee area. AEppelTreow is located at 1072 288th Ave., Burlington. For more information, call 262-878-5345 or visit aeppeltreow.com. In the remote vastness of Mongolia, Kazakhs clinging to a semi-nomadic way of life inhabit a cold desert ringed by snowy mountains. The documentary The Eagle Huntress focuses on a 13-year old, Aisholpan, a girl dreaming of doing something no Kazakh girl had ever done before. As shown in The Eagle Huntress, the Kazakhs have maintained the peculiar practice of hunting with carefully trained golden eagles. As with most forms of hunting in traditional societies, this has always been mens work. The women stay near the yurt, milking the cows, cooking, keeping house. Aisholpan breaks with custom by following her father into the mountains as he pursues foxes, the source of the meat and fur garments enabling the Kazakhs to survive the bitter winter, with his eagle companion. The cameras stay close as Aisholpan snatches a young eagle from its mothers nest on a sheer cliff and begins the rigorous process of training her own bird to huntand to compete in the annual eagle hunting festival held in the provincial capital. Aisholpans family is supportive but not everyone agrees. The camera cuts to interviews with wrinkled Kazakh fuddy-duds who oppose her. Girls do not eagle huntwomen are weaker and more fragile, one of them declares. But Aisholpan takes a modern view of the ancient practice of eagle hunting. Girls can do anything boys can do if they try, she insists. Along with Aisholpans inevitable triumph as the festival, The Eagle Huntress is a fascinating look at a society in respectful harmony with nature, yet perched on the cusp of ancient and contemporary. Aisholpan attends a run-down but well-run boarding school Monday through Friday, where she learns to speak English as well as perform age-old Mongolian songs, and rides home for the weekend, on the back of her fathers motorbike, to the family yurt, a plastic sheet stretched over a wooden frame filled with a mix of traditional bric-a-brac and Western technology. In theme, The Eagle Huntress will remind world cinema buffs of the 2002 debut by New Zealand director Niki Caro, Whale Rider, in which a Maori girl breaks with custom and proves her merit alongside the boys. The Eagle Huntress Directed by Otto Bell Rated G Last Tuesday, Wisconsin did what seemed to be unthinkable: It went red during a presidential election. The pundits will debate endlessly about how Republican Donald Trump turned months of trailing in the polls into a victory on Election Day, but whats worth examining is whether Wisconsins new voting laws had an impact on Tuesdays results. As The Nations Ari Berman pointed out, last weeks election was the first presidential contest conducted in 50 years without the full force of the Voting Rights Act, which the conservatives on the U.S. Supreme Court gutted in 2013. Since then, Berman noted, 14 statesincluding Wisconsinenacted new voting restrictions, such as voter ID. Wisconsins Republican-backed voter ID law, enacted in 2011 but blocked by the courts until this year, was one of the most stringent in the country and was widely seen as an attempt to disenfranchise up to 300,000 traditionally Democratic votersprimarily seniors, students, low-income residents and people of color. Although a lawsuit filed by One Wisconsin Institute and Citizen Action of Wisconsin Education Fund recently forced the state to ease some of the laws requirements, Berman wrote that he witnessed potential voters being turned away at Wisconsin polls last week, including an 85-year-old woman in Plymouth, because her drivers license was expired and wasnt accepted. How many people were turned away from the polls?, Berman wrote. How many others didnt bother to show up in the first place? These are questions we need to take far more seriously. Analiese Eicher, program and development director for One Wisconsin Institute, said the voter ID law had an impact on voter turnout, although theres no way to know definitively how many potential voters were deterred from going to the polls on Election Day because they didnt have the proper ID. Voter ID laws, and the kinds of laws Republicans passed in Wisconsin in the last five years, are voter suppression laws, Eicher told the Shepherd. Neil Albrecht, executive director of the City of Milwaukee Election Commission, was more blunt about the impact of the new voting requirements. The integrity of the election was really compromised, he told the Shepherd. Low Voter Turnout If you looked at the polls, the signs of a Democratic victory seemed to be there. After all, Hillary Clinton had a blowout six-point lead in the most recent Marquette Law School poll and early voting turnout was historically high, with more than 828,451 ballots cast before Election Day, the majority of which were cast in traditionally Democratic counties. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE The Wisconsin Elections Commission had predicted high turnout of 3.1 million voters overall, higher than the 3 million who voted in the 2012 presidential election. That prediction didnt materialize. The unofficial results from the Associated Press show that 2.9 million Wisconsinites voted, 66.23% of the states voting population. Thats Wisconsins lowest voter participation rate in a presidential election since 1996, when Bill Clinton cruised to re-election against Kansas Sen. Bob Dole. When all the votes were counted, with 248,045 ballots cast the City of Milwaukee had 75% voter turnoutimpressive, but less than its 87% turnout in 2012 (288,459 votes) and 80% in 2008 (275,042 votes), when President Obama was at the top of the ticket. In other words, post-voter ID, about 41,000 fewer Milwaukeeans showed up at the polls. In the end, Wisconsin turned red as Trump won 48% to Clintons 47% of the vote, with just 27,257 votes separating them, about 14,000 fewer votes than the drop-off in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Turnout to be Studied The election commissions Albrecht is careful to note that a number of factors could have contributed to the low voter turnout in the city, including the candidates messages and activities. That said, Albrecht said that the new voting lawsespecially voter IDcould have contributed to the 12% decline in voter participation in the city. What Im encouraging is an examination of the changes to Wisconsins election laws in the last five years and how those affect peoples access to ballots and how those may have contributed toward the gap we are seeing in voter participation from 2012 to 2016 in the City of Milwaukee, Albrecht said. On Friday, Gov. Scott Walker told Charlie Sykes that voter IDs potential impact on voter participation was a load of crap. On Monday, the Journal Sentinel reported that UW-Madison researchers would look into the potential impact of voter ID on voter participation. One bright spot was the citys record-high early-voting statistics. Thanks to the suit that chipped away at voter ID, municipalities were able to expand early-voting hours as well as the number of voting locations. Milwaukees early voting soared. But not everyone had an acceptable ID to vote, Albrecht said. It really did demonstrate that the states photo ID public education campaign, which was so fractured, did not reach some of the most difficult-to-reach communities in Milwaukee, Albrecht said. He said the requirements were especially onerous for the citys disadvantaged residents, which he said disheartened him. Living in poverty shouldnt cost you your right to vote, Albrecht said. And those are the voters who are left behind by the new requirements. While the city lost 12% of voters overall, the loss was even more significant in the neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-income people of color. The 15th District, represented by Alderman Russell Stamper II, saw the steepest decline, with a 38% loss off votes from 2012 to 2016. Alderwoman Milele Coggs 6th District saw a 31% decline in voting; the 1st District, represented by Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, and the 7th District, represented by Alderman Khalif Rainey, both lost 29% of its voters; and the 2nd District, represented by Alderman Cavalier Johnson, declined 24%, according to Albrechts data. We cant ignore the fact that there was a lot of public concern with how these new requirements would affect these communities, Albrecht said. But the fact that it was ignored I really feel has compromised the integrity of the election. Wisconsin isnt the only state to enact new voting restrictions, of course, with the alleged aim of combatting widespread voter fraud. These laws were designed to abate something that was never proven, and that is this very undefined concept of widespread voter fraud, Albrecht said. Whether or not they were effective in addressing something that was never proven is pretty uncertain. But what is certain is that people were not able to vote because of these laws. Thats where I feel and I think a lot of the public feel that the integrity of the election was really compromised. He said the loss of the full protections of the Voting Rights Act is being felt now, especially by African American voters. There is a pattern, Albrecht said. As I said when the voter ID law was being examined, we are repeating history. We really are. That is the populations, the people of color, particularly African Americans who were protected by the Voting Rights Act, again are the most vulnerable and disenfranchised population in this presidential election. SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) - () When I was a kid, my parents sometimes brought home tins of deliriously delicious cheese crackers. I can't remember the brand I think it was a British import but I do remember that my sister and brother and I would inhale them as soon the tin was opened. All these years later the flavor of those crackers, richly cheesy and spicy, remains burned into my memory. This recipe is my attempt to resurrect them. The ingredients and technique for making these crackers are similar to those used to make pie dough. Butter and flour (with added flavorings) are its bones. And as with pie dough, as soon as you combine gluten (the protein in flour) with a liquid, you have to mix quickly and briefly or the end product will be tough. So be careful not to overmix the dough. The stars of this recipe are its two cheeses: extra-sharp cheddar and Parmesan. The spice, which is added to the dough at the start, then dusted onto the outside of each cracker, is provided by Colman's Mustard powder (a venerable English brand) and cayenne pepper. Happily, this recipe is simple to make. The dough is mixed quickly in a food processor, then shaped into a cylinder and chilled for an hour, time enough for the gluten to relax and the dough to solidify, making it easy to slice and bake. The typical cracker recipe requires you to roll out the dough and cut it with a cutter, a method that takes a lot more time and generates a bigger mess than my cylinder method. Another advantage of this method is that you can freeze the cylinder (just take care to wrap the dough well, first in plastic, then in foil) and then, when guests show up unexpectedly, let the dough soften on the counter for a bit, then slice off and bake as many crackers as you need. Or you can package the baked crackers in batches of 10 or 12, tie them up with a bow, and give them as gifts. No matter how you use them as presents or served at home I believe your family and friends will make them disappear as quickly as my sister, brother and I made that tin go poof. Sara Moulton is host of public television's "Sara's Weeknight Meals." She was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly 25 years and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows, including "Cooking Live." Her latest cookbook is "Home Cooking 101." SIOUX CITY | Creating a recreational trail to link from Plymouth County south to Sioux City could help existing Woodbury County trails and boost the desire by people to live and work in Siouxland, the Woodbury County Supervisors were told Tuesday. The PlyWood Trail -- so named since it would lie in both Plymouth and Woodbury counties -- could cost about $10 million if created from Le Mars to the north side of Sioux City. After two studies, the proposed route is near U.S. Highway 75 through the towns of Merrill and Hinton. The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors were not asked to take action on the proposed 16-mile PlyWood Trail, after they heard a presentation during their weekly board meeting from Jeff Stanley. County Board Chairman Jeremy Taylor said he hopes the project moves forward. Stanley said the county supervisors could help by talking to their "brethren to the north" in Plymouth County, as he added that officials there are "hesitant" in considering what entity should own the trail and handle annual upkeep if it is built. "We have broad support from the towns we are going through," Stanley said. The trail has received $1 million in seed money from the city of Le Mars. Stanley said state and federal grants would be sought for the remaining $9 million to fund the trail. In an August meeting of the Iowa Transportation Commission in Sioux City, commissioner Charese Yanney told trail supporters that money is also going to be available in the near future from the Enhanced Iowa program. Stanley is one of seven people on the PlyWood Trail Executive Committee, who noted Sioux City is the largest Iowa city without a trail connection to a neighboring town. The trail would boost biking and other recreational opportunities in the city, since the metro trails are in need of connections. Sioux City has many trail pieces that date to the early 1990s. However, the problem is that they are not linked but rather in several-mile chunks, Mayor Bob Scott said at the August commission meeting. Additionally, some metro bicyclists would welcome the chance to bike north into Plymouth County on a new trail. The proposed PlyWood Trail would have one mile in northern Woodbury County and the other 15 miles would be in Plymouth County. Stanley said a dwindling Le Mars workforce could be aided by the trail, since families say they are drawn to recreational pieces that boost their quality of life. "The entire Siouxland business community represented by the Le Mars and Siouxland Chambers of Commerce have identified trail investment in our shared metropolitan statistical area a priority and necessary to attract desirable business and vibrant skilled- and semi-skilled workforce," read a memo that accompanied Stanley's presentation. Another part of his presentation noted that property values rise up to 6 percent when in close proximity to a trail. SIOUX CITY | The murder trial for a man charged in the fatal stabbing of a Sioux City woman is scheduled to begin Wednesday. Isack Abdinur, 36, has pleaded not guilty in Woodbury County District Court to first-degree murder for the June 23, 2015, stabbing death of Cornelia Stead, 43, at her apartment at 521 W. 16th St. Abdinur in September waived his right to a jury trial, and District Judge Steven Andreasen will hear the case and issue a verdict. The trial is expected to last through Monday. Assistant Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis will prosecute the case, and Jason Dunn of the Iowa State Public Defender's Office will represent the defendant. The case has been delayed a number of times since Abdinur entered his not-guilty plea in July 2015. Abdinur's case was previously delayed for several months while he awaited a mental health evaluation at the state Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. In July, Abdinur was granted a new attorney after repeatedly refusing to leave his jail cell to meet with his previous attorneys. Two other attorneys withdrew after being appointed to the case, and Andreasen finally appointed the state Public Defender's Office to represent Abdinur in August. Police have said Abdinur and Stead were romantic partners who got into an argument. Court documents said that Stead had locked herself inside a bedroom during the argument, but Abdinur forced open the door and punched her in the face before getting a knife from the kitchen and stabbing her multiple times. If found guilty as charged, Abdinur, a native of Somalia whom police characterized as a transient, would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Abdinur's case will be the second murder trial in Sioux City this year. In July, Timothy Schroeder, of Sioux City, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Dustin Wilder in Sloan, Iowa, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. STORM LAKE, Iowa | Two Northwest Iowa-raised turkeys will be the lucky birds receiving a presidential pardon this Thanksgiving. The Iowa Turkey Federation announced Tuesday that birds from a family farm in the Storm Lake area will be sent to President Barack Obama on Thanksgiving week to receive the customary gesture. The National Turkey Federation, which makes the selection each year, has presented the president with turkeys each Thanksgiving since 1947. Presidents have made a recent tradition of pardoning the birds. The Storm Lake area farm family and a pair of turkeys from their flock will visit four local schools for assemblies Thursday. Area schools will include the Holstein, Galva and Schaller elementary schools and Early Middle School. The Iowa Turkey Federation will then hold a send-off from the family farm in Sac County on Friday morning. This will be the sixth occasion for Iowa to supply the nationally pardoned turkeys. SIOUX CITY | A winter storm watch will go into effect for Iowa's most northwestern county Thursday night into Friday. The National Weather Service issued the watch, which covers portions of South Dakota and Minnesota and Lyon County in Iowa, early this morning. The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls currently forecasts Sioux City will likely receive under 1 inch of snowfall from the system, with 1 to 2 inches possible in an band stretching from Sheldon, Iowa, to Vermillion, South Dakota. Far northwestern Iowa could see between 2 and 6 inches. Today won't feel much like winter weather is on the way, though. The NWS predicts today's high will be 68 degrees, with sunny skies and a south wind at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight will be 44, with patchy fog moving in during the early morning hours. Thursday will be mostly cloudy and 60 degrees, with a 60 percent chance of rain moving in Thursday night. Friday's high will be 36 degrees, with a 50 percent chance of precipitation in Sioux City. Friday night's low will be 22 degrees. Rain and snow will be possible through 5 p.m., with chances of snow during the evening hours. Winds will be 20-30 mph, and gusts could reach 40 mph. Conditions will clear going into the weekend, with temperatures increasing to the upper 40s by the beginning of next week. SIOUX CITY | Over the course of just a few hours on the night Cornelia Stead was killed, Isack Abdinur's mood swung from one extreme to another. He cursed and swore at Stead as he stabbed her, a witness said. He later surrendered to police officers, complying with their commands before resisting their efforts to place him in a police car by kicking and spitting at them. Police officers testified he told them that jailers had "made him this way" because they poisoned him and didn't feed him for two weeks during a previous stay in jail. Police also testified that Abdinur sobbed at a hospital and begged them to kill him because he had "killed his love" and deserved to die. Leslie Cournover witnessed the most violent of those mood swings, she testified Wednesday, while watching Abdinur attack her aunt. "She was begging him to stop. He was saying, 'This is what you want, f---ing b---h. I f---ing hate you.' Things like that," Leslie Cournoyer said. Cournoyer said she had been asleep until Abdinur kicked in the door to her bedroom, looking for Stead. She said he began to punch Stead in the head, then went to the kitchen. "He comes back in with a knife and she says no, no, no, and he starts stabbing her (in the chest area)," Cournoyer said during the first day of testimony in Woodbury County District Court at Abdinur's trial for first-degree murder for the June 23, 2015, death of Stead, 43, at her apartment at 521 W. 16th St. Defense attorneys zeroed in on Abdinur's behavior swings during their cross examination of witnesses. They never mentioned that Abdinur may have had psychological problems, but their questioning of police officers indicated that it may come up in the defense. "All of this differing behavior you observed was compressed into a short time frame of about 30 minutes?" assistant state public defender Jason Dunn asked Sioux City police Officer David Kolker. "Yes," Kolker said. Abdinur's case was delayed months ago while he had a mental health evaluation. During most of Cournoyer's testimony Wednesday, he shook his head back and forth while reading a copy of his psychological evaluation report. Cournoyer said Stead had moved in with her in May 2015 to provide day care for her six children. Abdinur, who was dating Stead, moved in shortly after. They argued often, Cournoyer said, but she never saw any of the disagreements become physical. Cournoyer said she, Stead and Abdinur had been at a casino in North Sioux City earlier that night, then returned home around 10 p.m. After preparing dinner for her children, Stead, Abdinur and Shalena Dupree, who had been babysitting Cournoyer's children, Cournoyer said they had settled into her bedroom to watch a movie and go to sleep. Stead and Abdinur went to their room. Cournoyer said she awoke to Dupree telling her to call 911. Cournoyer said she couldn't because her phone was dead, then Abdinur broke into her room to find Stead, who had come into the room while Cournoyer was asleep. Abdinur began punching Stead in the head, Cournoyer testified, before he retrieved the knife. Cournoyer fled the house and ran across the street, looking back to see Abdinur leave the house and walk in another direction. He was found shortly after police arrived. Sioux City police Officer Mike Simoni said that after securing the house, he, another officer and a K9 unit followed a blood trail across the street and down an alley, where a man he identified as Abdinur stepped out from a garage and said, "It's me. I'm right here." "He was covered in blood," Simoni said. Simoni said Abdinur followed officers' commands to lie down and put his hands behind his head. Abdinur became combative when officers began placing him in a squad car. He spit in Simoni's face and "wanted to fight one of the officers one-on-one," Kolker testified. Taken to a hospital for treatment of cuts on his right thumb and index finger, Abdinur sobbed in an exam room. "He seemed very upset to me, saddened by what had happened that evening. He was having a hard time dealing with it," Officer Jamie Mattas said. In the hospital and again during interviews with police at the police station, Mattas said, Abdinur asked officers to kill him. "He said 'Put a bullet in my head. I just want to go away. I killed my love. I don't deserve to be here,'" Mattas said. Back at the house, officers found a bloody knife lying on the kitchen floor under a chair, then found Stead in the bedroom. "Almost immediately when I walked in was a female victim on the floor, almost in a fetal position with stab wounds and blood all around," Officer Jess Aesoph said. If found guilty as charged, Abdinur, 36, a native of Somalia whom police characterized as a transient, would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. He has waived his right to a jury trial. District Judge Steven Andreasen is hearing evidence and will decide the case. Testimony is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. Thursday. NEW YORK | When New York City launched the nation's biggest municipal ID card program last year, advocates said it would help people living in the U.S. illegally to venture out of the shadows. But since Donald Trump was elected president, city officials are instead fielding questions about whether the cards could put those same people at greater risk of being deported. The city has vowed to protect cardholders' personal records and might even delete them using a kind of self-destruct provision that allows for the information to be destroyed at the end of the year. At least one state lawmaker has criticized that idea, saying it could make it impossible to trace people if they have obtained cards fraudulently. Some immigrants take comfort in the city's stance, while acknowledging they are still wary. Alberto Saldivia got his "IDNYC" card this year after spending 15 years in the country without legal authorization. "It did cause me considerable concern, because they have my information, also the information of my son," the 53-year-old Mexico native said through a translator. But he felt reassured when Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week that the city would "absolutely" safeguard cardholders' identities. De Blasio, a Democrat, said officials would assess whether to delete the personal records, a provision that was built into the program partly over concerns about the possible election of a Republican president such as Trump, whose campaign promises included a vow to deport millions of people in the U.S. illegally. Municipal ID programs began in 2007 in New Haven, Connecticut, and have expanded to about 10 cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. New York's program is the most ambitious, with more than 800,000 cardholders, many of them U.S. citizens or legal residents. Officials encouraged everyone in the city to sign up, but the program was aimed at those without other forms of ID, including homeless people and, especially, the estimated 500,000 immigrants living illegally in the city. The ID would help them do such everyday things as cash a check or attend a parent-teacher conference at a public school, advocates said. The program quickly proved popular, with New Yorkers waiting hours in line and months for appointments to register early on. Pope Francis received a ceremonial one during his visit to the city last year, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the card would make him "a real New Yorker." But civil liberties advocates sounded alarms about the city collecting identity documents that immigration authorities or law enforcement could request, with a judge's approval. The program's backers included language that allows for destroying the applicants' identity and residency information at the end of 2016 if administrators do not move to keep them. "Protecting it from a possible Republican president was just one of the reasons" for the provision, said City Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who wrote the law that created the program. A critic of the program said deleting the records would only compound concerns about it. "It's completely irresponsible to destroy the documentation of people who applied for a government-issued ID card," said state Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican. She said the proof-of-identity requirements may not be stringent enough to prevent fraud, and deleting the records would leave authorities "no way of knowing who these people are, how they obtained this documentation." Some immigrants and their advocates remain hopeful that the IDs won't backfire. The extent of the program should thwart using it to target immigrants here illegally, since they represent only some of the cardholders, said Javier Valdes of Make the Road New York, an advocacy group that pushed for the program. Juan Rosas Carrera plans to keep his appointment this weekend to get an IDNYC card, despite a friend's warning that it could be risky to give authorities his name and address. Rosas Carrera, a Mexican national and construction worker, has been living in the U.S. illegally for 17 years. Still, he wants an ID card to open a bank account and feels it's worth the worry. "I feel safe in New York. I also think that if you don't have a criminal record, nothing bad will really happen," said Rosas Carrera, 48. "But I am a bit worried about Trump." However Donald Trump came upon the foreign policy views he espoused, they were as crucial to his election as his views on trade and the border. Yet those views are hemlock to the GOP foreign policy elite and the liberal Democratic interventionists of the Acela Corridor. Trump promised an "America First" foreign policy rooted in the national interest, not in nostalgia. The neocons insist that every Cold War and post-Cold War commitment be maintained, in perpetuity. On Sunday's "60 Minutes," Trump said: "You know, we've been fighting this war for 15 years. ... We've spent $6 trillion in the Middle East, $6 trillion -- we could have rebuilt our country twice. And you look at our roads and our bridges and our tunnels ... and our airports are ... obsolete." Yet the War Party has not had enough of war, not nearly. They want to confront Vladimir Putin, somewhere, anywhere. They want to send U.S. troops to the eastern Baltic. They want to send weapons to Kiev to fight Russia in Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea. They want to establish a no-fly zone and shoot down Syrian and Russian planes that violate it, acts of war Congress never authorized. They want to trash the Iran nuclear deal, though all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies told us, with high confidence, in 2007 and 2011, Iran did not even have a nuclear weapons program. Other hardliners want to face down Beijing over its claims to the reefs and rocks of the South China Sea, though our Manila ally is talking of tightening ties to China and kicking us out of Subic Bay. In none of these places is there a U.S. vital interest so imperiled as to justify the kind of war the War Party would risk. Trump has the opportunity to be the president who, like Harry Truman, redirected U.S. foreign policy for a generation. After World War II, we awoke to find our wartime ally, Stalin, had emerged as a greater enemy than Germany or Japan. Stalin's empire stretched from the Elbe to the Pacific. In 1949, suddenly, he had the atom bomb, and China, the most populous nation on earth, had fallen to the armies of Mao Zedong. As our situation was new, Truman acted anew. He adopted a George Kennan policy of containment of the world Communist empire, the Truman Doctrine, and sent an army to prevent South Korea from being overrun. At the end of the Cold War, however, with the Soviet Empire history and the Soviet Union having disintegrated, George H.W. Bush launched his New World Order. His son, George W., invaded Iraq and preached a global crusade for democracy "to end tyranny in our world." A policy born of hubris. Result: the Mideast disaster Trump described to Lesley Stahl, and constant confrontations with Russia caused by pushing our NATO alliance right up to and inside what had been Putin's country. How did we expect Russian patriots to react? The opportunity is at hand for Trump to reconfigure U.S. foreign policy to the world we now inhabit, and to the vital interests of the United States. What should Trump say? "As our Cold War presidents from Truman to Reagan avoided World War III, I intend to avert Cold War II. We do not regard Russia or the Russian people as enemies of the United States, and we will work with President Putin to ease the tensions that have arisen between us. "For our part, NATO expansion is over, and U.S. forces will not be deployed in any former republic of the Soviet Union. "While Article 5 of NATO imposes an obligation to regard an attack upon any one of 28 nations as an attack on us all, in our Constitution, Congress, not some treaty dating back to before most Americans were even born, decides whether we go to war. "The compulsive interventionism of recent decades is history. How nations govern themselves is their own business. While, as JFK said, we prefer democracies and republics to autocrats and dictators, we will base our attitude toward other nations upon their attitude toward us. "No other nation's internal affairs are a vital interest of ours. "Europeans have to be awakened to reality. We are not going to be forever committed to fighting their wars. They are going to have to defend themselves, and that transition begins now. "In Syria and Iraq, our enemies are al-Qaida and ISIS. We have no intention of bringing down the Assad regime, as that would open the door to Islamic terrorists. We have learned from Iraq and Libya." Then Trump should move expeditiously to lay out and fix the broad outlines of his foreign policy, which entails rebuilding our military while beginning the cancellation of war guarantees that have no connection to U.S. vital interests. We cannot continue to bankrupt ourselves to fight other countries' wars or pay other countries' bills. The ideal time for such a declaration, a Trump Doctrine, is when the president-elect presents his secretaries of state and defense. Siouxlands flag-lined streets, bronze statues and memorial resting places are symbols of how our safety and freedoms have been defended. I was moved that volunteers and businesses gave the free meal, car wash or haircut to affirm appreciation. I witnessed Sioux City Police Officer Michael Sitzman clearing plates and grabbing cups of coffee where veterans enjoyed free breakfast at Hamiltons Hy-Vee. Sioux City, commendably a Home Base Iowa Community, wonderfully showcased the U.S.S. Sioux City; this combat ship carries on the water the pride of a community who is becoming grateful for the chance to know such an incredible crew. Many folks gathered to honor veterans at the Woodbury County Courthouse hosted by the Veteran Affairs Department which, along with so many groups like the Red Cross and Support Siouxland Soldiers, serves those who have sacrificed. Thank you, also, to The Journal for the careful crafting of poignant Korean War stories of local veterans that otherwise we may not know about and will surely not be forgotten. Recently, Hillary Clinton told Donald Trump that it would be un-American if he didn't accept the outcome of the Nov. 8 election. Now that the election is over, the liberal left is having violent riots in the streets and the major networks are making sure we all see this rejection of the election results. I think it would be truly American if they would work for unity and practice what they preach. - Roger L. Wilson, Moville, Iowa SIOUX CITY | Sioux City's relationship with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people ranks among the top 25 percent of the nation's cities, according to a recent report by a national civil rights advocacy group. The Human Rights Campaign's 2016 Municipality Equality Index, which measures U.S. cities' support of the LGBTQ population, awarded Sioux City an 81 out of 100 on this year's report, placing it among the top quarter of the 506 cities that received ratings. Sioux City ranked sixth among the nine Iowa cities scored in the report. "Sioux City is a very inclusive community," said Karen Mackey, director of Sioux City's Human Rights Department. "Overall, I think that we're doing pretty well." In the report, Sioux City received high scores for its non-discrimination laws regarding employment, housing and public accommodations, as well as for reporting hate crime statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The city missed substantial point-scoring opportunities for not having an LGBTQ liaison in the mayor's office and a liaison or task force on the police department. The city also missed points for not offering transgender-inclusive health care benefits to its employees. Mackey said the addition of a liaison in the police department is in the works and should be in place by next year. "I would think that for next year, even if we had the same criteria, we would probably score higher," she said. Leading the state in the rankings were Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Iowa City with scores of 100. Des Moines received a 97 rating. Dubuque was rated 82. Around the region, Sioux Falls scored 40 points, Omaha clocked in at 66 and Lincoln received a 52. Mackey said it's hard to make a one-size-fits-all scorecard that rates cities like Sioux City along with much larger cities. She said the city's size and other related factors can make it harder to score the full number of points under the current weighting. She said she believes the city is worthy of a 100. "I think you're a little bit behind the eight-ball if you're a smaller community," Mackey said. "But 81 is pretty good." Mayor Bob Scott said the ranking is a positive and that his hope is, in general, that Sioux City is welcoming to all communities of people. "For me, it's about being welcoming for all communities in all different segments of the minority population," Scott said. "I'm glad we score high there, and I'd hope we score well with any other group, as well." Sioux City's 2016 score was a decrease from its score of 83 in 2015, due to a change in the scoring system. USA November 16, 2016 Bernie Sanders Build an Independent, Democratic Socialist Left The following is an excerpt from Bernie Sanderss speech at a meeting of the National Committee for Independent Political Action in New York City on June 22, 1989, published under the title Reflections from Vermont in the December 1989 issue of Monthly Review . It seems obvious to me that there is no way that we can deal with the enormous economic, social, and environmental problems facing this country without making radical changes in the economic system, and weve got to be honest about that. I believe that democratic socialism is the appropriate framework for making those changes, and we should be upfront about our beliefs. . . . When the rich are getting richer while the poor and middle class are getting poorer; when the standard of living of the average worker is in rapid decline; when people cant afford healthcare, cant afford housing, cant afford to send their kids to college, and the environment is being destroyed for quick profits, when you put it all together, what do you have? Youve got a disaster. And the people understand that. They know whats going on, and they want a movement which will speak to these issues, the issues that are wrenching out the guts of this country, but which the Democrats and Republicans and the corporate media will never honestly deal with. Who is Responsible? Now, who do we hold responsible for these problems? I know thats a strange question, very rarely asked, but lets pursue it. Well, whats in vogue now, you see, is: Gee, that Ronald Reagan was a terrible president, what a reactionary guy. Well, he was. But let me give you some interesting news that most of you already know. Throughout the eight years of the Reagan presidency another political party, its called the Democratic Party, controlled the U.S. House of Representatives, controlled every important committee in the House of Representatives. For six out of the eight years of the Reagan presidency the Democratic Party controlled the U.S. Senate. The Reagan Revolution was not brought about by Reagan and the Republicans. It was brought about by Reagan with the active support of the Democratic Party. It was a truly bipartisan effort. Democrats and Republicans working together protecting the interests of the rich and the powerful. Now what I think is crying out in this country is the need for a new political movement which talks truth and common sense to the ordinary people. I often speak on campuses and other places around the country, and the disgust with the two-party system is incredible. Very, very few people have faith or belief in either of those parties. People will vote for one of their candidates because theyll say that this guy is better than that guy, but its very much a question of the lesser of two evils. The people know that the present political system is failing. They want an alternative. Now I know that there are people, good and honorable people, people who are friends of mine, who believe that the Democratic Party can be turned around. I dont. I believe that what we have got to do right now is create a progressive, independent political movement which brings together all of the single-issue groups who are currently banging their heads against the wall. The unions, the minority groups, the womens organizations, the environmentalists, the senior citizens, the youth, the peace activists and all the people who know that we need fundamental change in this country. More than anything, I believe that weve got to bring those people together and articulate the real reality of America not the TV reality. Weve got to make people understand that the enormous problems that they are facing are not primarily personal problems, but social problems. Further, weve got to articulate a democratic vision which is based on social justice, peace, and respect for the environment. Now the argument, and Im sure that well discuss this later on because some of you will disagree with me, the argument for working within the Democratic party is that, presumably, thats where the people are. Youve got to go where the people are. All I can tell you is two things. In Burlington, in Vermont, the people have shown that they are not dumb. They can read and they can think and they are quite capable of voting for someone who is not a Democrat or a Republican. They discovered that their fingers didnt fall off when they pulled the lever for someone outside of the two-party system. People can do that. Not only in Vermont but all over the country. It is absurd to believe that, for some mysterious reason, people will only vote for a Democrat or a Republican, and that we will always have to support the two-party system. Secondly, and equally important, if we are interested in getting people excited about politics and the possibility of real social change, how can you do that within the Democratic Party? I think that its impossible to get people excited, to get people motivated, when you say to them, Come on into the party of Jim Wright, Lloyd Bentsen, and worse. Were really going to change things around and heres my good friend Lloyd Bentsen. You cant do it. Im not here to tell you that I have a magic solution to the problem and that everybody else is a jerk. I have no easy solutions. Nobody does. There are enormous obstacles that will have to be overcome if we are going to build a successful third party. But I do believe this: Winning elections tomorrow is important, but its not necessarily the most important thing. In a country which has such a low level of political consciousness; in a country where the level of political debate is so pathetically low, it is absolutely imperative that the progressive movement raise the issues and the analyses which will educate the people of our nation to begin to understand what the hell is going on. And I honestly dont believe that that can take place within the Democratic Party. . . . To my mind, it is absolutely imperative that we build an independent, democratic socialist left which has the guts to raise the issues that all of us know to be true, but which are very rarely even discussed within establishment politics. Our major task is to change the entire nature of political discussion in the country. In my view thats just not going to happen within the Democratic Party. It seems to me that if you add up all of the people who are getting a raw deal from the system today youre talking about a majority of the population. Thats our potential constituency, and I think weve got to form a political movement which brings these people in. First published on MRZine website. A Blueprint for a New Party When Bernie Sanders announced he would run for president as a democratic socialist, few believed it would amount to much. Then, against all expectations, Sanders drew massive crowds, commanded high levels of favorability in almost every demographic category (including overwhelming support among young people), and raised hundreds of millions in campaign dollars from small donors. Not least, he came within a few percentage points of beating Hillary Clinton, a frontrunner once assumed to be unassailable. Waged by a candidate who had never run as a Democrat before and has declined to do so in the future, the Sanders campaign has revived hope that a serious electoral politics to the left of the Democratic Party might be possible. The question is what such a politics would mean in practice. The question isnt new, and so far the debate has unfolded along familiar lines. Advocates of third-party politics who backed Sanders in the primaries, like Seattle councilmember Kshama Sawant, went on to support Jill Steins Green Party candidacy. Meanwhile, longstanding opponents of the third-party route, like democratic socialist columnist Harold Myerson, have argued that the Left should focus on trying to change the Democratic Party from within. Others have called for a different approach, standing neither wholly inside nor wholly outside the Democratic Party. But few concrete proposals have been discussed so far. This political moment offers a chance to fill in some of these blanks to advance new electoral strategies for an independent left-wing party rooted in the working class. But we wont get far unless we grapple seriously with the exceptional character of the American party system, and the highly repressive laws that undergird it. Lessons from the Labor Party The last major effort to form a national vehicle for working-class politics was the Labor Party (LP), founded twenty years ago. Under the leadership of Tony Mazzocchi, president of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers union, the partys organizers gathered support from other major unions and grassroots trade-unionists and held its founding convention in 1996. The Labor Partys history is not well-known in the broader progressive world. But as the most recent major effort by organized labor to form an independent party, it is a story that should interest anyone who hopes to see a revival of left politics, because on the Left only unions have the scale, experience, resources, and connections with millions of workers needed to mount a permanent, nationwide electoral project. By all accounts it was an inspiring effort that seemed, for a moment, to portend a renaissance for the labor-left. But the party lost momentum just a few years after its founding. By 2007 it had effectively ceased to exist. In a history of the party based on interviews with major participants, LP activist Jenny Brown cited two key factors as being most important in explaining its decline. The first was the weakening of the labor movement itself after 2000, especially the industrial unions that had formed its original core. But the second, more immediate reason was essentially political: the party failed to attract enough support from major national unions. That wasnt due to any great fondness for the Democratic Party on the part of the labor leadership of the time, or because they opposed the idea of a labor party on principle. As Mazzocchi said in 1998: Ive never found a person in the top labor leadership say theyre opposed to a labor party. Instead, the problem arose from the oldest dilemma of Americas two-party system: running candidates against Democrats risked electing anti-labor Republicans. For unions whose members had a lot to lose, that risk was considered too high. Despite the dedication of its organizers, the Labor Party didnt succeed. But its founders were right to believe that a genuinely independent party, rather than a mere informal faction of the Democrats, is indispensable to successful working-class politics. Today we can learn some lessons from their effort. A true working-class party must be democratic and member-controlled. It must be independent determining its own platform and educating around it. It should actually contest elections. And its candidates for public office should be members of the party, accountable to the membership, and pledged to respect the platform. Each of those features plays a crucial role in mobilizing working people to change society. The platform presents a concrete image of what a better society could look like. The candidates, by visibly contesting elections and winning votes under the banner of the platform, generate a sense of hope and momentum that this better society might be attainable in practice. And because the members control the party, working people can have confidence that the party is genuinely acting on their behalf. But notice what is missing from this list: there is no mention of a separate ballot line. The Labor Party always assumed that a genuinely independent labor party must have a separate party ballot line. That assumption was a mistake. The assumption gave rise to an intractable dilemma: if the party took a separate line and ran candidates against incumbent Democrats, it would destroy relationships with Democratic officeholders who might otherwise be sympathetic to unions, and thus lose the support of the unions that depended on those officeholders. On the other hand, if it didnt run candidates which is ultimately the path it chose the nagging question would arise: whats the point of having this so-called party in the first place? That question ended up spurring endless internal debates over whether and when to run candidates. And in the end, by not contesting elections, the party failed to give workers a reason to pay attention to the organization in the first place. The dilemma stands out clearly in the recollections of Labor Party veterans. The Labor Party had to start with the assurance that it wouldnt play spoiler politics and that it would [first] focus on building the critical mass necessary for serious electoral intervention, former LP national organizer Mark Dudzic recalled in a recent interview. Yet, as Les Leopold of the Labor Institute told Brown, that path ultimately led to irrelevance: Its not easy for Americans to understand a party thats not electoral. I think that that was just a difficult sell. In retrospect, Dudzic concluded, I think it was premature for us to coalesce into a party formation without an understanding of how we would relate to elections. Only in the USA Labor Party organizers were not the first to worry about being electoral spoilers discussions of third-party politics have hinged on this problem for decades. However, history shows that, contrary to popular belief, the spoiler problem is not insurmountable. In fact, the trade-union activists in other countries who organized the successful labor parties of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries faced the same dilemma: the prospect of splitting the vote and causing defeat for more labor-sympathetic mainstream parties (usually liberal parties). But those activists and their allies persevered, and as labor parties gained in strength the spoiler issue gradually became a threat to the mainstream parties. At that point, in the interests of self-preservation, liberal parties moved to accommodate the upstarts, either by forging defensive electoral pacts (in which the two parties agreed not to run candidates against each other in specified districts) or by pushing through proportional representation systems. That gave the labor parties an initial foothold in the political system. But the United States is different. Beneath our winner-take-all electoral rules, we also have a unique and uniquely repressive legal system governing political parties and the mechanics of elections. This system has nothing to do with the Constitution or the Founding Fathers. Rather, it was established by the major-party leaders, state by state, over a period stretching roughly from 1890 to 1920. Before then, the old Jacksonian framework prevailed: there was no secret ballot, and no officially printed ballot. Voters brought their own tickets to the polls and deposited them in a ballot box under the watchful eye of party workers and onlookers. Meanwhile, the parties which were then wholly private, unregulated clubs, fueled by patronage chose their nominees using the caucus-convention system: a pyramid of county, state, and national party conventions in which participants at the lower-level meetings chose delegates to attend the higher-level meetings. At the base of the pyramid were precinct-level caucuses: informal, little-publicized gatherings where decisions on delegates to be sent to the county convention were sewn up through private bargaining among a few patronage-minded local notables. In the 1880s and 1890s, this cozy system was disrupted by a new breed of hustling candidates, who actively campaigned for office rather than quietly currying favor with a few key party workers. When informal local caucuses started to become scenes of open competitive campaigning by rival factions, each seeking lucrative patronage jobs, they degenerated into chaos, often violence. Worse, candidates who lost the party nomination would try to win the election anyway by employing their own agents to hand out pasted or knifed party tickets on election day, grafting their names inconspicuously onto the regular party ticket. Party leaders were losing control over their traditional means of maintaining a disciplined political army. Their response was a series of state-level legislative reforms that permanently transformed the American political system, creating the electoral machinery we have today. Repression Henceforth, state governments would administer party primaries, print the official ballot for primary and general elections, and mandate that voting be conducted in secret. In the lore of American politics, these direct-primary and Australian ballot laws (i.e., laws mandating government-printed ballots cast inside a private booth) were the work of idealistic progressive reformers aiming to depose the party bosses and enshrine popular sovereignty. In reality, they were adopted by the party leaders themselves when such measures were deemed to suit their interests. Of course, theres nothing objectionable about secretly cast, government-printed ballots. Countries around the world were adopting such good-government reforms around the same time. But once the job of printing the ballot was handed over to governments, some mechanism was needed to determine who was officially a candidate, and under which party label. This is where the American system began to diverge wildly from democratic norms elsewhere. When the worlds first government-printed secret ballot was adopted in Australia in the 1850s, the law required a would-be parliamentary candidate to submit a total of two endorsement signatures to get on the ballot. When Britain adopted the reform in 1872, its requirement was ten endorsement signatures. But when the first U.S. state, Massachusetts, passed an Australian-ballot law in 1888, it required one thousand signatures for statewide office, and, in district-level races, signatures numbering at least 1 per cent of the total votes cast at the preceding election. Yet those barriers were mild compared to what came afterward. Over the three decades following U.S. entry into World War I, as working-class and socialist parties burgeoned throughout the industrialized world, American elites chose to deal with the problem by radically restricting access to the ballot. In state after state, petition requirements and filing deadlines were tightened and various forms of routine legal harassment, unknown in the rest of the democratic world, became the norm. The new restrictions came in waves, usually following the entry of left-wing parties into the electoral process. According to data gathered by Richard Winger of Ballot Access News , in 1931 Illinois raised the petition requirement for third-party statewide candidates from one thousand signatures to twenty-five thousand. In California, the requirement was raised from 1 per cent of the last total gubernatorial vote to 10 per cent. In 1939, Pennsylvania suddenly decided it was important that the thousands of required signatures be gathered solely within a three-week period. In New York, according to one account, minor-party petitions began to be challenged for hyper-technical defects. Although these statutes have been assailed on all sides, a 1937 Columbia Law Review article reported, their severity is constantly being increased, probably because the interests oppressed seldom have representation in the legislatures. Indeed, when the Florida legislature found socialists and communists advancing at the polls, it responded in 1931 by banning any party from the ballot unless it had won 30 per cent of the vote in two consecutive elections; naturally, when the Republican Party failed to meet that test, the state immediately lowered the threshold. By comparison, in Britain getting on the ballot was never a major concern for the newly founded Labour Party; the only significant requirement was a 150 deposit (first instituted in 1918), to be refunded if the candidate won at least 12.5 per cent of the vote. In its first general-election outing in 1900, the party started with a mere 1.8 per cent of the national vote. Despite the allegedly fatal spoiler problem, it then gradually increased its vote share until it overtook the Liberals as the major party of the Left in 1922. Today, in almost every established democracy, getting on the ballot is at most a secondary concern for small or new parties; in many countries it involves little more than filling out some forms. In Canada, any party with 250 signed-up members can compete in all 338 House of Commons districts nationwide, with each candidate needing to submit one hundred voter signatures. In the United Kingdom, a parliamentary candidate needs to submit ten signatures, plus a 500 deposit which is refunded if the candidate wins at least 5 per cent of the vote. In Australia, a party with five hundred members can run candidates in all House of Representatives districts, with a $770 deposit for each candidate, refundable if the candidate wins at least 4 per cent of the vote. In Ireland, Finland, Denmark, and Germany, signature requirements for a parliamentary candidacy range from 30 to 250, and up to a maximum of 500 in the largest districts of Austria and Belgium. In France and the Netherlands, only some paperwork is required. The Council of Europe, the pan-European intergovernmental body, maintains a Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, which catalogs electoral practices that contravene international standards. Such violations often read like a manual of U.S. election procedure. In 2006, the council condemned the Republic of Belarus for violating the provision of the code proscribing signature requirements larger than 1 per cent of a districts voters, a level the council regards as extremely high; in 2014, Illinois required more than triple that number for House candidacies. In 2004, the council rebuked Azerbaijan for its rule forbidding voters from signing nomination petitions for candidates from more than one party; California and many other states do essentially the same thing. In fact, some U.S. electoral procedures are unknown outside of dictatorships: Unlike other established democracies, the USA permits one set of standards of ballot access for established major parties and a different set for all other parties. That Americas election system is uniquely repressive is common knowledge among experts. Nowhere is the concern [about governing-party repression] greater than in the United States, as partisan influence is possible at all stages of the electoral contest, concludes a recent survey of comparative election law. Perhaps the clearest case of overt partisan manipulation of the rules is the United States, where Democrats and Republicans appear automatically on the ballot, but third parties and independents have to overcome a maze of cumbersome legal requirements, writes Pippa Norris, a world elections authority at Harvard and director of democratic governance at the United Nations Development Program. One of the best-kept secrets in American politics, the eminent political scientist Theodore Lowi has written, is that the two-party system has long been brain dead kept alive by support systems like state electoral laws that protect the established parties from rivals and by federal subsidies and so-called campaign reform. The two-party system would collapse in an instant if the tubes were pulled and the IVs were cut. Regulation and Its Consequences These considerations cast the usual debates about third parties, particularly on the Left, in a peculiar light. Typically, advocates of the third-party route depict their strategy as a revolt against a rigged two-party system; sometimes they even castigate doubters as timid accommodationists. Yet, in the context of American law, when such advocates speak of creating an independent party, what they mean, ironically, is choosing to subject their organization to an elaborate regulatory regime maintained by, and continually manipulated by, the two parties themselves. This is one fundamental problem with the third-party strategy: the need to continually maintain ballot status an onerous process in most states places the partys viability at the mercy of the legislature. A cautionary tale unfolded last year in Arizona, where the Republican-controlled legislature, concerned about the strength of the Libertarian Party, passed a law effectively raising the number of signatures each Libertarian candidate needs to appear on his or her partys primary ballot from 134 to 3,023. (This is in addition to the hoops the party itself has to jump through to keep a ballot line in the first place.) The bills Republican sponsor, Representative J. D. Mesnard, helpfully explained his thinking on the floor of the state House: I believe that, if you look at the last election, there was at least one, probably two, congressional seats that may have gone in a different direction, the direction I would have liked to have seen them go, if this requirement had been there. Another unique aspect of American party law raises similar issues: in their internal affairs, ballot-qualified parties in the United States are some of the most comprehensively regulated parties in the world. Normally, democracies regard political parties as voluntary associations entitled to the usual rights of freedom of association. But U.S. state laws dictate not only a ballot-qualified partys nominating process, but also its leadership structure, leadership selection process, and many of its internal rules (although its true that these mandates are often waived for third parties deemed too marginal to care about). In other words, when third-party activists seek ballot status, they are often seeking to grant far-reaching control over their own internal affairs to a hostile two-party-dominated legislature. That is a peculiar way to go about smashing the two-party system. Yet the perverse consequences of the system are often at their most visible when third parties do succeed in getting on the ballot. These parties are frequently forced to devote the bulk of their resources not to educating voters, or knocking on doors on election day, but to waging petition drives and ballot-access lawsuits. The constant legal harassment, in turn, ends up exerting a subtle but powerful effect on the kinds of people attracted to independent politics. Through a process of natural selection, such obstacles tend to repel serious and experienced local politicians and organizers, while disproportionately attracting activists with a certain mentality: disdainful of practical politics or concrete results; less interested in organizing, or even winning elections, than in bearing witness to the injustice of the two-party system through the symbolic ritual of inscribing a third-partys name on the ballot. The official parties are happy to have such people as their opposition, and even happy to grant them this safe channel for their discontent. And if, unexpectedly, a third partys fortunes were to start rising, the incumbents could always put a stop to it, simply by adjusting the law. The Labor Party wisely, in my opinion adopted a strategy of not seeking ballot status until it had built enough strength to mount a credible challenge to the Democrats. But confronted with the dilemmas of a repressive electoral system, combined with the more familiar spoiler problem, it never actually reached that point. In the end, the party sought and obtained a ballot line only once, in South Carolina (a state where ballot laws were relatively relaxed), in a last-ditch effort near the end of its active life. But by then it was too late, and ultimately the party chose not to wage a serious electoral campaign in the state. One lesson from this history is clear: We have to stop approaching our task as if the problems we face were akin to those faced by the organizers of, say, the British Labour Party in 1900 or Canadas New Democratic Party in 1961. Instead, we need to realize that our situation is more like that facing opposition parties in soft-authoritarian systems, like those of Russia or Singapore. Rather than yet another suicidal frontal assault, we need to mount the electoral equivalent of guerrilla insurgency. In short, we need to think about electoral strategy more creatively. Boring From Within? Does that mean opting for the strategy championed by most progressive critics of the third-party route namely, working within the Democratic Party? No. Or at least, not in the way that phrase is usually meant. Its true that a number of sincere, committed leftists, or at least progressives, run for office on the Democratic ballot line at all levels of American politics. Sometimes they even win. And all else equal, were better off with such politicians in office than without them. So in that limited sense, the answer might be yes. But electing individual progressives does little to change the broad dynamics of American politics or American capitalism. In fact, it can create a kind of placebo effect: sustaining the illusion of forward motion while obscuring the fact that neither party is structurally built to reflect working-class interests. Working within the Democratic Party has been the prevailing model of progressive political action for decades now, and it suffers from a fundamental limitation: it cedes all real agency to professional politicians. The liberal office-seeker becomes the indispensable actor to whom all others, including progressives, must respond. Think of Ted Kennedy or Mario Cuomo in the 1980s; Paul Wellstone or Russ Feingold in the 1990s; Howard Dean, Elizabeth Warren, or Bill de Blasio since 2000. Each emerges into the spotlight as they launch their careers or seek higher office. Each promises to represent the democratic wing of the Democratic Party. Each generates a flurry of positive coverage in progressive media and a ripple of excitement within a narrow circle of progressive activists and voters. Orbiting around these ambitious office-seekers are the progressive grassroots organizations exemplified by MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, or Progressive Democrats of America. (In an earlier, direct-mail era, it was Common Cause, People for the American Way, or even the Americans for Democratic Action.) Run by salaried staffers, these groups monitor the political scene in search of worthy progressive candidates or legislative causes, alerting their supporters with bulletins urging them to stand with whichever progressive politico needs support at the moment. (Support, in this usage, usually means sending money, or signing an email petition.) Such groups generally maintain no formal standards for judging a candidates worthiness. Even if they did, in drawing up such standards they would be accountable to no one, and would have no power to change those candidates policy objectives. Although its too early to tell, Bernie Sanderss recently created Our Revolution organization seems in danger of falling into the same trap: becoming a mere middleman, or broker, standing between a diffuse, unorganized progressive constituency and a series of ambitious progressive office-seekers seeking their backing. In this party-less model of politics, its the Democratic politician who goes about trying to recruit a base, rather than the other way around. The politicians platform and message are devised by her and her alone. They can be changed on a whim. And there is no mechanism by which the politician can be held accountable to the (fairly nebulous) progressive constituency she has recruited to her cause. The approach taken by the Working Families Party (WFP) is different, but it, too, remains vulnerable to the problems of such party-less politics. The WFP has built an impressive record of policy achievements in its New York State home base, using fusion voting a ballot strategy forbidden by most state laws. (The ban on fusion is another legacy of the two-party election reforms of the 1890s.) Under fusion, a minor party places the name of a major-partys nominee on its own ballot line, hoping that, if the major-party candidate wins, he or she will feel beholden to the minor party for however many votes it managed to deliver. But the contradictions of its 2014 endorsement of New York governor Andrew Cuomo showed how the WFPs fusion strategy can place it in the worst of both worlds. On the one hand, the party remains chained to the interests of Democratic Party politicians, forced to endorse candidates that are not its own, who run on platforms far removed from its priorities, as if it were a mere faction of the Democratic Party. On the other hand, it still needs to worry about keeping its third-party ballot line, leaving it exposed to the kind of ballot-repression problems that more marginal third parties face. At a deeper level, the party-less model that dominates progressive politics today is an outgrowth of Americas lamentable history of internally mobilized parties: that is, parties organized by already-established politicians for the sole purpose of creating a mass constituency around themselves. The Democratic Party created in the 1830s by a network of powerful incumbents led by New York senator and power broker Martin Van Buren is the classic case. This stands in contrast to externally mobilized parties: organized by ordinary people, standing outside the system, who come together around a cause and then go about recruiting their own representatives to contest elections, for the purpose of gaining power they dont already have. For reasons that are not hard to guess, historical parties of the Left true parties of the Left have, almost without exception, been mobilized externally. As the historian Geoff Eley recounts in his history of the Left in Europe: Parties of the Left sometimes managed to win elections and form governments, but, more important, they organized civil society into the basis from which existing democratic gains could be defended and new ones could grow. They magnetized other progressive causes and interests in reform. Without them, democracy was a nonstarter. By contrast, not a single externally mobilized party has ever attained national electoral significance in the United States. The major political parties in American history, writes Martin Shefter who first introduced this taxonomy of party mobilization and most conservative and centrist parties in Europe, were founded by politicians who [held] leadership positions in the prevailing regime and who [undertook] to mobilize and organize a popular following behind themselves. Modern democracy, in E. E. Schattschneiders classic formulation, is unthinkable save in terms of the parties. Popular, working-class democracy, on the other hand, is unthinkable without parties mobilized from outside the political system that is, by people organizing around common goals. What Is a Democratic Party? In a genuinely democratic party, the organizations membership, program, and leadership are bound together tightly by a powerful, mutually reinforcing connection. The partys members are its sovereign power; they come together through a sense of shared interest or principle. Through deliberation, the members establish a program to advance those interests. The party educates the public around the program, and it serves, in effect, as the lodestar by which the party is guided. Finally, the members choose a party leadership including electoral candidates who are accountable to the membership and bound by the program. It might seem obvious that those are the characteristics of a truly democratic party. Yet the Democratic Party has none of them. Start with the most fundamental fact about the Democratic Party: it has no members. A few months ago I was flattered to receive a letter signed by Debbie Wasserman Schultz, then chair of the Democratic National Committee, in which she urged me to consider sending a donation, thereby becoming a DNC member, in her words. Was she proposing to let me vote on the Democratic primary schedule, or its mode of selecting convention delegates or, for that matter, the next DNC chair? Obviously not. Mere members arent allowed to influence such decisions because, fundraising letters aside, there are no real members of the Democratic Party: Unlike these [British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand] democracies, where members join a political party through a process of application to the party itself, party membership in the United States has been described as a fiction created by primary registration laws. Just as the Democratic Party has no real membership, it offers only the most derisory semblance of a program: a quadrennial platform usually dictated by an individual nominee (or occasionally negotiated with a defeated rival) at the height of the election-season frenzy, a document that in most years no one reads and in all years no one takes seriously as a binding document. (At the state level, party platforms often reach hallucinatory levels of detachment from real politics.) Its true, of course, that in a constitutional democracy theres never anything stopping an elected representative, once elected, from doing the opposite of what he or she had promised. And in the history of left-wing party politics its not hard to find instances where elected politicians have gone turncoat. One famous example was Ramsay MacDonald, a founder of the British Labour Party, who betrayed his party after becoming prime minister by joining with the Conservatives and pushing through drastic public spending cuts in the midst of the Depression. But since MacDonald was accountable to a democratically organized party, he could be repudiated and expelled from that party as he was in 1931, while still a sitting prime minister. For generations afterward, he was reviled within Labour Party circles, his name synonymous with betrayal. Suppose, by way of comparison, that some onetime liberal Democratic hero say, a senator decides to flout the promises he or she initially made to MoveOn.org, or Democracy for America, or their constituents. Those groups staffs whom no one has elected anyway would have no power to meaningfully discipline, let alone expel, them. To whom, then, is the senator accountable? An electorate, in theory, come reelection time. But no party. This is the treadmill we need to get off. A Party of a New Type The widespread support for Bernie Sanderss candidacy, particularly among young people, has opened the door for new ideas about how to form a democratic political organization rooted in the working class. The following is a proposal for such a model: a national political organization that would have chapters at the state and local levels, a binding program, a leadership accountable to its members, and electoral candidates nominated at all levels throughout the country. As a nationwide organization, it would have a national educational apparatus, recognized leaders and spokespeople at the national level, and its candidates and other activities would come under a single, nationally recognized label. And, of course, all candidates would be required to adhere to the national platform. But it would avoid the ballot-line trap. Decisions about how individual candidates appear on the ballot would be made on a case-by-case basis and on pragmatic grounds, depending on the election laws and partisan coloration of the state or district in question. In any given race, the organization could choose to run in major- or minor-party primaries, as nonpartisan independents, or even, theoretically, on the organizations own ballot line. The ballot line would thus be regarded as a secondary issue. The organization would base its legal right to exist not on the repressive ballot laws, but on the fundamental rights of freedom of association. Such a project probably wouldnt have been feasible in the past, due to campaign-finance laws. For most of the last four decades, the Federal Elections Campaign Act (FECA), along with similar laws in many states, would have left any such organization with little alternative but to fundraise through a political action committee (PAC). That PAC would have been limited to giving a maximum of $5,000 (the current threshold) to each of its candidates per election, and barred from taking money from unions or collecting donations larger than $5,000 from individuals. That kind of fundraising could never support a national organization. All of these restrictions would be waived if, like the DNC or RNC, the group registered as a party committee. But theres a catch: a group can only register as a party committee if it runs the ballot-access gauntlet at the state level (a requirement from which Democrats and Republicans are exempt), then wins a ballot line and runs its candidates on it. (Here we find one of the many reasons scholars have described the FECA as a major-party protection act.) In the years leading up to the Supreme Courts 2010 Citizens United decision, these regulations were already being eroded by the emergence of so-called 527 groups, which evaded the laws by taking unlimited donations to finance independent expenditures on behalf of candidates. But in the wake of Citizens United (and subsequent rulings), the restrictions no longer pose a serious obstacle at all. Today, a national political organization could adopt the Carey model of campaign finance, validated in 2011 by the Carey v. FEC federal court decision. In this model, the national organization would incorporate as a 501(c)4 social welfare organization, permitting it to endorse candidates and engage in explicit campaigning, while accepting unlimited donations and spending unlimited amounts on political education. (It would also, of course, be free to adopt rigorous self-imposed disclosure rules, as it should.) In addition, it would be allowed to establish a PAC that maintains two separate accounts: one permitted to donate to, and directly coordinate with, individual candidates (though subject to FECA contribution limits and allowed to actively solicit contributions only from the organizations own members); and the other allowed to accept unlimited contributions and make unlimited independent expenditures on behalf of its candidates (though not donations to candidates themselves). A separate online conduit PAC, on the ActBlue model, could aggregate small-donor hard-money fundraising on a mass scale to finance the individual campaigns. With a viable fundraising model patterned along these lines, all of the organizations candidates nationwide, up and down the ballot, would be able to benefit from its name recognition and educational activities. It could sponsor speakers, hold debates, establish a network of campus affiliates, and designate spokespeople who would be recognized as its public voices. In the media and on the internet, voters would be continually exposed to its perspective on the events of the day and its proposals for the future. To put the electoral possibilities of this approach into perspective, consider a few numbers. In 2014, there were 1,056 open-seat state-legislative races (races where no incumbent was running). The median winner spent only $51,000, for the primary and general elections combined. Two-thirds of the races cost less than $100,000. And in 36 per cent of all state-legislative races that year almost 2,500 seats the winner had run unopposed. I think this model can work. But like any blueprint, its not a panacea. Simply filing the paperwork to create such an organization is not going to magically conjure a large and successful movement into existence. To make it work, it needs to be a real vehicle and voice for working-class interests. And that means a significant part of the labor movement would have to be at its core. 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. PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme. (Nov. 15, 2016)The Prince Frederick Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) today released the following incident and arrest reports.POSSESSION OF OXYCODONE: On 11/7/2016 at 11:35 pm, Trooper First Class Barlow stopped a vehicle on Rt. 4 near the Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons for traffic violations. The odor of marijuana was detected emitting from inside the vehicle. A passenger, Joseph G. Carter, 50 of Lexington Park, was found to be in possession of oxycodone and a trace of marijuana. He was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF FALSE GOVERNMENT ID: On 11/9/2016 at 1:28 am, Trooper First Class Lewis stopped a vvehicle on Rt. 4 and Drury Lane in Dunkirk for traffic violations. A passenger, Kirstyn M. Nelson, 19 of Annapolis, possessed a false PA driver's license. She was placed under arrest and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF CRYSTAL METH.; MARIJUANA; AND SYNTHETIC URINE: On 11/9/2016 at 2:15 am, Trooper First Class Lewis stopped a vehicle on Rt. 4 near Drury Lane in Dunkirk for traffic violations. A strong odor of marijuana as emitting from inside the vehicle. A probable cause revealed Crystal Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Synthetic Urine. Michael Ventura, 38 of Santa Maria, California was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.THEFT OF A HANDGUN: On 11/10/2016 at 2:40 am, Trooper First Class Barlow responded to the 2000 block of Collins Court in St. Leonard for a reported theft. The victim reported a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and prescription pills were taken from the residence. A phone charger and Samsung tablet had been taken from a vehicle. The Glock has been entered into NCIC. Possible suspects are being developed. Case continues.DISORDERLY CONDUCT: On 11/10/2016 at 11:38 pm, Trooper First Class Barlow responded to Applebee's in Prince Frederick for a reported disorderly subject. Natice D. Jones, 28 of St. Leonard and a group of females dining in the restaurant became rude, cursing and acting disorderly. TFC Barlow and TFC Lewis approached the table and while attempting to explain that they needed to calm down so that all of the patrons could enjoy their meals, Jones became louder shouting profanity. She was placed under arrest and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.Ashley M. Tilch, 28, of Owings, arrested on 11/10/2016 @ 11:06 am by TFC W. CostelloJoseph J. Chambers, 28, of Hyattsville, arrested on 11/10/2016 @ 07:03 pm by TFC J. WarrickKiersten F. Nutter, 25, of Pr. Frederick, arrested on 11/11/2016 @ 06:18 pm by TFC J. WarrickHoward L. Long, 61, of Sunderland, arrested on 11/13/2016 @ 03:11 pm by TFC J. Warrick Thanksgiving morning, just at sunrise, is when people who live on the edges of the Chesapeake are loudly reminded that they live in the middle of a thriving seasonal harvest: waterfowling. Shotgun blasts shatter the dawn silence, sounding for all the world like the opening salvos of a Gettysburg re-enactment. Swiftly following is the roar of thousands of startled geese or ducks taking wing. Left behind on the water are the wounded birds, some still struggling against the inevitable arrival of the retriever. For some folks who have pleasurably watched the Bay's fall aerial tide of geese, this is more than a surpriseit's an outrage. Surely, this noisy, visible, gruesome killingdone for pleasuremust be violating some sort of law? Or at the very least, certainly it violates our environmental ethics in an estuary already imperiled by man's presence? In fact, this prominent reaping of waterfowl is not a violation of the environment at all. Despite all appearances to the contrary, these hunters, the licenses they buy for the privilege of harvesting waterfowl, and the preservation organizations they support, represent arguably one of the best-managed, best-funded and oldest conservation programs in North America. That wasn't always the case. Prior to 1918, hundreds of bird species, from geese and ducks to owls and egrets, were harvested without limit. Some were destined for ladies' hats, others eradicated as nuisances. Many were hunted for their flesh. The Chesapeake, in particular, was known for its commercial waterfowl harvest. Each winter, thousands of hunters, armed to the teeth, would take to the Bay's quiet coves in the efficient and deadly pursuit of waterfowl, ducks in particular. Canvasbacks, blue bills, teals, black ducksall were killed by the thousands, often on the water or while sleeping, to meet the insatiable East Coast demand for savory wildfowl. This rampant plunder of birds was no different than other 19th-century Chesapeake harvestsoysters, shad and sturgeon were all pursued to the edge of collapse. Waterfowl, though, were different. Unlike aquatic species, their dwindling flocks were easily observed, something that caused great consternation, not only in emerging conservation clubs like the Audubon Society, but also among affluent private sportsmen. The response was the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Actestablishing the unprecedented protection of U.S. and Canadian wildlife on an international scale. It immediately ceased the hunting of waterfowl for the commercial market, establishing in its place a system of restricted sport hunting, managed by states, enforced by wardens and supported by the sale of licenses. Since then, the harvest of Chesapeake waterfowl has been closely managed by strict bag limits and restrictions on hunting tools, gear, blinds and boats. Some species, like swans in Maryland, have been removed from harvest altogether. Others, like Canada geese, have had long-term protective moratoriums over the years. But all are closely supervised by federal and state agencies that monitor the bird populations and dictate the number that can be taken annually. This 20th-century transition from market hunting to sport hunting created a new kind of waterfowlerone who never knew a shoot without a bag limit. Reared on hunting for enjoyment rather than volume, these sportsmen found beauty in the challenges of shooting birds on the wing. They learned from older mentors how to how to compose a decoy rig and the glottal symphony of a duck call. They rose for the promise of a glorious hunt when the geese hover, silhouettes against a fiery sky. They ate the few birds they shot with gusto and appreciation. These experiences inspired both passion and protectiveness. Conservation hunters knew the only way to ensure the joy of a great shoot for future generations was to ensure that waterfowl populations flourished. They established private organizationsmost notably Ducks Unlimitedto promote the protection of waterfowl and the creation of wildlife habitat. From the waterfowl nurseries of Canadian prairie sloughs to the Chesapeake's overwintering marshes, DU used contributions to protect hundreds of thousands of acres and restore thousands more. In the Chesapeake Bay, DU has joined forces with state and federal agencies. Both Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, near Cambridge, Md., and Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, near Dames Quarter, MD, for example, have partnered with DU on restoration initiatives for more than 20 years. As recently as 2013, both conservation areas completed major projects with DU's help: enhancing a 57-acre portion of the refuge at Blackwater and creating at 2,800-acre impoundment at Deal Island to foster the growth of submerged aquatic vegetationnature's perfect waterfowl food. It seems a contrary notion to congratulate sportsmen for the preservation of the waterfowl they're shooting. But there isn't a more vocal or committed community of waterfowl conservationists out there. They know the only way their beloved tradition continues is by waterfowl not merely surviving, but thriving. When you see the great cyclones of geese descending over cornfields at dusk, remember, waterfowlers are partially to thank. For almost a hundred years, those conservation hunters have committed to a sustainable compromise, balancing their shotgun blasts with the clarion call of a million geese, just arrived from Canada. Kate Livie of Chesterton, Md., is the author of Chesapeake OystersThe Bay's Foundation and Future (2015) and serves as education director of the Chespeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. James Delahoussaye, 32, of Port Republic; Tracie Hillard, 31, of Lusby; and Anthony Griffith, 20, of Lusby. PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme. Tyrone Williams, 28, of Martinsburg, WV and Marvin Hurley, 52, of Inwood, WV. (Nov. 16, 2016)The Calvert County Sheriff's Office today released the following incident and arrest reports.WEEKLY SUMMARY: During the week of November 7 through November 13, deputies responded to 1,199 calls for service throughout the community.BURGLARY, DAMAGED PROPERTY CASE #16-63718: On November 7, at approximately 2:45pm, Deputy V. O'Donnell responded to Calvert Drive, in Lusby, for a reported burglary. The complainant explained they had been away from their home since August; and upon arriving today, found the front door to the residence was forced open and extensive damage had been done. The glass globes belonging to a large dining room light fixture had been smashed, paper napkins were tossed all over the living room and the master bedroom comforter, throw pillows and window curtains had all been sliced down the center with a knife.BURGLARY CASE #16-63661: On November 7, Deputy C. Johnson responded to Yellow Bank Road, in Dunkirk, for the report of a burglary. The complainant, who is a real estate agent, arrived at the home to conduct a real estate 'showing' and discovered a blanket, several articles of clothing, a cell phone charger and trash bags, containing additional articles of clothing, on the floor. There were no signs of forced entry, damage or items missing. The doors had all been locked prior to leaving the residence the previous day.BURGLARY CASE #16-63640: On November 7, Deputy W. Durner responded to Hoile Lane, in Huntingtown, for the report of a burglary. The victim advised their two (2) sheds had been enteredone had the lock (clasp) broken but nothing appeared to be missing. The second shed was left open and items appeared to have been moved around to get access to their red and black Go Cart (with a roll cage & lights), which was missing. The last time the victim saw the sheds closed was on November 5th.CDS VIOLATION CASE #16-64602: On November 12, Deputy M. Trigg conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Little Cove Point Rd/Rye Court, in . with expired tags. He made contact with the occupants and discovered the passenger,, was in possession of illegal paraphernalia. He was arrested for CDS Administer Equipment Possession/Distribute (needle) and Possession of Paraphernalia (spoon).CDS VIOLATION CASE #16-64397: On November 11, Deputy R. Evans conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of St. Leonard Rd/Woods Road, in St. Leonard, on a vehicle travelling with a brake light out. He immediately recognized the odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle. He determined the front passenger,, was in possession of 27 grams of Marijuana, a glass smoking device and rolling papers. She was transported to the Detention Center and charged with CDS Possession of 10+ grams of marijuana.CDS VIOLATION CASE #16-63736: On November 7, Deputy M. Trigg conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Rousby Hall Rd/Frontier Trail, in Lusby, on a vehicle whose occupants were not wearing their seatbelts. Upon making contact with the occupants, he immediately detected the odor of raw marijuana coming from the vehicle. He discovered, was in possession of 18.2 total grams of marijuana, stored in multiple small zip lock baggies and a mason jar. He was transported to the Detention Center and charged with CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute (marijuana), CDS Possession of Marijuana (10+ grams) and Possession of paraphernalia (baggies).DAMAGED PROPERTY CASE #16-64779: On November 12, at approximately 5:00pm, Deputy B. Boerum responded to Serenity Court, in Prince Frederick, for the report of damaged property. Upon arrival the complainant advised that sometime between 11:30pm on November 12 and 5:00pm on November 13, an unknown person shot at their sliding glass door with a BB gun, breaking the outer pane of glass.DISORDERLY CONDUCT CASE # 16-64547: On November 11, while Deputy C. Idol was working security at the Rod and Reel Restaurant, he approached two individuals who were becoming loud and disorderly while using vulgar language. He instructed them to quiet down or they would need to leave the building. Neithernorwould cooperate but rather took an aggressive stance towards Deputy Idol. While attempting to place them under arrest, both subjects were disorderly and physically aggressive towards Deputy Idol. Once they were both detained, they were transported to the Detention Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Resisting/Interfere with Arrest and Trespassing.THEFT CASE #16-64697: On November 12, at 11:30pm, Deputy T. Holt responded to White Sands Drive, in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The victim explained she had left her purse in her vehicle while visiting Vera's Bar in White Sands. Upon leaving she realized it was missing along with credit cards, money and her social security card.THEFT CASE #16-64455: On November 11, Deputy S. Moran was dispatched to Hickok Trail, in Lusby, for the report of a theft. He made contact with the victim who stated a UPS mail package, containing a Microsoft Xbox 1 Controller, had been stolen off the front porch of their residence.On November 9, Deputy N. Buckler responded to Simmons Ridge Road, in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. He made contact with the victim who advised they had placed two (2) cards in the mail, both containing money (cash), and only one card made it to its' destination. This case is being further investigated due to other complaints of mail theft possibly occurring through the Huntingtown Post Office.On November 8, Deputy Y. Bortchevsky responded to Chesapeake Avenue, in North Beach, for the report of a theft from vehicle. The victim stated that at approximately 9:00pm on November 7, they had parked their (unlocked) vehicle outside their home and discovered money missing from the console the next morning around 8:30am. No suspects at this time. Eight years ago today I woke up feeling as though there was an electricity in the air. I felt like the impossible had happened. I had never imagined that I would see a black President let alone a bi-racial one. I never thought it would be possible to see both my mother and father in the President of the United States. Not only was he like me in looks but he was a Harvard educated attorney who sounded like my parents. He talked of the willingness to work hard and sacrifice, he spoke of accomplishing the American dream. And he spoke of an America where we would all have a seat at the table and we would all have a voice. He spoke of the America I dreamed could be. He spoke of hope, the hope my Nonno had when he came to this country. The hope my mothers parents had when they traveled from the segregated racist south to California in search of a better life for their children. Beside his side, stood a strong Harvard educated attorney. An African-American woman from the Southside of Chicago that spoke a similar story. A story of working hard, sacrificing and accomplishing the unthinkable. She spoke, as well, of what could be instead of what was. She was and is as magnificent as he. I felt so empowered the day after he won. I felt as though I could accomplish anything. The last eight years have been rocky ones. He has made mistakes and we have not agreed on everything. But he has done the best to strike a balance and to speak hard truths to all of us, all Americans. And he has never said that those born here are not American or that they do not have a right to sit at the table even if they do not agree with him. They have hurled insults at him, they have called him names but he still maintains his dignity at all times. He still reaches out to all of us. And he has taken a great many strides to ensure that we all have a seat at the table. As a bi-racial woman of color, although half, the world often sees one half before the other, I recognize the difficulty of being the only one. I myself have felt the stares, the comments, the statements, the accusations but I know that each time I must keep my composure, I must educate them. In the midst of hatred and bigotry I must always be better. I do not have the luxury of a mistake or a cross word. The Obamas strength in the midst of continuous hatred often motivated by their race has continued to be an example to me. It has set a standard I know I can accomplish. In light of this loss, I continue to look to them. I continue to tell myself if they can go high so can I. Election night in Grant Park, we were peaceful, we were quiet, we were respectful. It felt like we were that way for him. To make him proud, to not let him down as he had already taken so much for all of us. So once againfor him, I will take the high road. I will be civil, I will be respectful, I will treat those I meet with a dignity that is often not afforded to me. However, I will not bend, I will not break. I will stand firm in the face of actions and words that I feel assail the very character and content of our great nation. I will civilly and respectfully dissent at every opportunity. This dissent is not un-American but instead the essence of what it means to be an American. It is to ask again and again for this nation to recognize its greatness. It is to ask again and again for this nation to be better than it was yesterday. We are weary. We are exhausted. We are shocked. We are horrified. But we must stand together as we always have. We must not give up and we must persevere. We will eventually see a day where dreams are realized, intolerance cast out and we all have a seat at the table. Ella Guidugli, J.D. University of Michigan, Alumna DePaul University College of Law, Alumna (SS) The case against a man accused of issuing a Facebook threat to "exterminate" gay people in South Florida has hit some hitches, federal prosecutors acknowledged Tuesday in court. The evidence investigators have against Craig Jungwirth is "weak," prosecutors said, and they have been unable so far to link the alleged threat to Jungwirth, 50, of Orlando and formerly of Wilton Manors. The problems with the investigation caused prosecutors to recommend that a judge grant Jungwirth a $250,000 bond on the federal charge of making an online threat. U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Seltzer agreed and ordered that, if Jungwirth is released, he would have to comply with stringent conditions, including house arrest, electronic monitoring and a total ban on any internet use or social media activity. For now, the federal bond is a technicality because Jungwirth will remain jailed with no bond in Broward County on an unrelated state misdemeanor charge. Jungwirth would still have to convince a Broward County judge to issue a separate bond in that criminal mischief case before he could get out of jail. Federal prosecutors told the judge on Tuesday they only have circumstantial evidence against Jungwirth and have been unable to link the threatening post to him. But they are not giving up. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton told the judge that Jungwirth has about 59 Facebook profiles. Investigators are sending additional search warrants to Facebook to figure out if Jungwirth posted the threat from another profile. U.S. District Judge William Zloch has agreed to postpone the trial until Jan. 9. If convicted, Jungwirth would likely face 10 to 16 months in federal prison, prosecutors said. Jungwirth is accused of posting an online threat that read, in part: "None of you deserve to live. If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I'm planning for Labor Day." The Pulse nightclub in Orlando was the scene of a mass shooting on June 12 that left 49 people dead and at least 68 injured. The investigation of Jungwirth began Aug. 30 when a tipster sent a screenshot of the alleged threat, which appeared to have been posted by Jungwirth, to law enforcement, according to court documents. Anton told Judge Seltzer that investigators were unable to locate the threatening post when they searched one of Jungwirth's Facebook accounts and his internet usage at his mother's home in Orlando. Anton said authorities believe they had sufficient evidence when Jungwirth was indicted because they had circumstantial evidence that Jungwirth had used the internet and Facebook at his mom's home around the time the threat was issued. Jungwirth has links to Wilton Manors, a history of stalking people there and a number of restraining orders against him, Anton said. "The evidence is weak at this moment," Anton told the judge. He said investigators have been unable to find the threatening post and only have a screenshot of it that was taken by an unknown person and widely circulated on social media. Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael Spivack told the judge that Jungwirth has been jailed for about two months on "incorrect" information that investigators included in sworn court documents. Spivack said that, based on the government's handling of this case, any innocent person could be framed and face federal charges if someone used a public access wifi connection to post a threat in their name, took a photograph of it and shared it online. Judge Seltzer expressed concerns about releasing Jungwirth. He questioned Anton intently and suggested that prosecutors may have an ethical duty to dismiss the charge, rather than agree to release Jungwirth. He also suggested it might be more appropriate for prosecutors to drop the charge and re-file it in the future if they come up with the evidence. Anton said "the case is not as strong as the government would like it to be" right now but prosecutors still think they may have enough circumstantial evidence to go to trial. They also want to continue their investigation and gather more evidence from the other Facebook profiles linked to Jungwirth, he said. The judge eventually agreed to the $250,000 bond, which must be co-signed by Jungwirth and his mother. If he is released, Jungwirth must wear an electronic monitor, remain on house arrest in Orlando at all times except when he goes to court or meets with his lawyers. He is also banned from using the internet, must surrender his passport, have no guns or weapons and avoid contact with any potential witnesses or victims, the judge ordered. The fun isnt over yet. Since Tuesdays unexpected election results there have been a number of anti-Trump protests happening all over the country. The New York Times recently published a map showing the biggest protests in the states, ranging from hundreds of protestors to thousands. Jae Kanella,19, attended last Friday's protest in West Palm Beach carrying a sign with a famous poem from Martin Niemoller: "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me." "We can recognize when our elected officials do not represent the voices or opinions of the American people," Kanella said. I came to the protest out of personal responsibility, which Donald Trump has to own up to and assure, to every single citizen that he intends to represent as our leader. Gabriel Garcia-Vera attended the rally in Miami on Friday and wants people to know they are not alone. "When Wednesday morning rolled around like most people I think all I could think about was grieving. What would I tell my nephews, my family, how did we get here when we had done so much work to change the outcome," he said. "By the time people began to start organizing I couldn't think of doing anything other then taking to the streets. While shutting down the streets doesn't change the results of the election I hope that it shows to people that they are not alone. We are preparing for the long fight and you are not alone." With signs reading Not My President, The P**sy Grabs Back and The Future is Nasty, people across the country are making it known that they arent happy with the President Elect. But the protests arent over yet South Florida still has peaceful assembly events scheduled for the coming weeks. Here's a list of this week's upcoming rallies. RISE UP Rally, Hagen Park, Wilton Manors Saturday, November 19 starting at 5 p.m. at Hagen Park. A peaceful anti-Trump rally is being held at Hagen Park, and all non-violent participants are welcome. Come as you are to the Peaceful Protest against Donald Trumps hateful rhetoric and environmental policies, reads the events Facebook page. Nasty Women, Pantsuit Nation, Nasty Queers, Trans folks, People of all faiths, people of all skin colors, BLM, LGBTQ Allies, Amazons, Earth Defenders! We will NOT be silenced! We will Rise Up! We re Strong Together! The page warns interested individuals to prepare for sporadic weather conditions and marching. It is recommended to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, water, snacks, ID and a small amount of cash. The protest is non-violent, and signs are encouraged to reflect that theme. Though the protest is occupy-style, authorities are expected to cooperate. Dump Trump Demonstration, Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach Saturday, November 19 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 1100 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, Fl 33480. Following a discussion on the history of the American Socialist movement, the Fellow Travelers Community Action Group will be hosting a Trump Protest at Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago. We will be bringing the struggle to the wealthy on their turf, reads the events Facebook page. Bring signs and chats. All power to the people. The event page and its members have received threats from different people and groups, such as a statement from the group, So Florida ROCK & ROLL 4 TRUMP, who promised that 500 bikers and veterans to meet the protesters on Saturday, according to the event page. Weve been getting some colorful feedback from Trump supporters, The Fellow Travelers posted on Facebook. So max turnout would be best. Love Trumps Hate, Trump Plaza, West Palm Beach Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 525 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach Fl, 33401 This peaceful assembly is taking place on Friday in at the Trump Plaza, which the event page specifically pointed out is no longer owned by Donald Trump, as it was foreclosed in in 1991 when Trump defaulted on a bank loan. Throughout history, the most powerful changes in the world have occurred through peaceful assembly, Luis Garcia, the event pages organizer posted on Facebook. Do you want to continue our message a few more times for the world to see how so many of us in Palm Beach County are deeply affected by what happened Nov 8? Join us at Trump Plaza in West Palm Beach. Facebook group PBC United Against Trump is also advertising this event. We are the popular vote, PBC United posted on Facebook. We voted against bigotry, racism, homophobia, sexism, islamophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and all other forms of hatred that Donald Trump embodies. We will use the power of our majority to send a definitive message to local, state and national government leaders that we will not support nor stand for any agenda proposed that does not explicitly honor and protect the civil rights of the American people. The protest has a long list of ground rules to ensure that participants stay safe and are prepared for the events. To read the rules and get involved in the event discussion, check the events Facebook page. At the regularly scheduled West Palm Beach City Commission Meeting on Nov. 7, Robert Telford, Broadcast Coordinator for the West Palm Beach TV Station and the Mayors LGBT Liaison, and Rand Hoch, Founder and President of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council gave a presentation on the Citys achieving 100 percent of the requirements for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for 2016. In her opening remarks, Mayor Jeri Muoio thanked the presenters with special recognition of Telford for all the search and research work he had to do and she recognized Hoch for his work with the city since the late 80s. Telford presented the details of the achievement in a PowerPoint presentation, listing the criteria for participation and the requirements that had to be met. The HRC Foundation invites target cities that meet their criteria regarding population size, recognition as a LGBT-friendly municipality, etc. We didnt meet all the invitation requirements so we had to self-submit, which we did, said Telford. We actually achieved 106 criteria but can only be recognized for 100. There were a total of 506 winning cities nation wide. Six of them were in the Southeast and five of those were in Florida: Miami Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors. Atlanta was the sixth. After Telfords presentation, Hoch addressed the commissioners and praised the foresight and commitment to equality that has been a hallmark of the citys progressiveness and well-deserving of this recognition. Hoch complimented Telford, an 11-year employee of the city and 3-year Mayors LGBT liaison. Robert became liaison in 2013 and launched this project as one of his first objectives, Hoch said. His success reflects his diligence and the citys commitment to the cause of equality. Looking for something fun to do in South Florida? Thursday, 11/17 - Television As part of its Transgender Awareness Week programming, MTV premieres a new documentary, Transformation, tonight at 10 p.m. The film follows Madin Lopez, a young, gender non-conforming hair stylist and the organization ProjectQ, which provides hair styling and mentoring to help youth combat bullying, develop life skills and embrace their inner beauty and identity. Check local listings for channels. Friday, 11/18 - Film The monthly film series at the World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors, continues tonight at 7 p.m. with The Velocity of Gary. After bisexual ex-adult film star Gary is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, his girlfriend Carmen and boyfriend Gary must push aside their jealousies to take care of the man they both love. Free, but a $5 donation is suggested. More information at WorldAIDSMuseum.org. Saturday, 11/19 - Music The Original Fort Lauderdale Gay Mens Chorus, under the direction of artistic director Dr. Gary Keating, opens the holiday season early with My Favorite Things, tonight at 8 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive in Fort Lauderdale. The guys of the chorus will sing some of their favorite songs, including Christmas and seasonal classics. Tickets are $25 and $40 at TheFortLauderdaleGayMensChorus.org. Sunday, 11/20 - Dance Former Miami City Ballet stars Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Guerra premiere their new dance company, Dimensions Dance Theatre, today at 5 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Auditoriums Mid-Stage Theatre, 2901 W. Flagler Drive in Miami. The program will showcase diverse choreography infused with live music, including Cuban rhythms and culture. Tickets are $35 at MiamiDadeCountyAuditorium.org. Monday, 11/21 - Music Organist Chelsea Chen, artist-in-residence at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, opens the Kravis Centers Young Artists Series in West Palm Beach with a recital tonight at 7:30 p.m. on the centers brand new Marshall & Ogletree Opus 11 digital organ. The Juilliard graduate has been internationally acclaimed for her technical dexterity, lyrical grandeur and rare musicality. Tickets are $30 at Kravis.org. Tuesday, 11/22 - Television If you havent binged the entire season already, we suggest The Crown, Netflixs biopic series about the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Its not quite Downton Abbey, but friends across the pond tell us its incredibly accurate in its portrayal of both the monarchy and the relationship between Lilybet (Claire Foy) and consort (Matt Smith). And, there are five more seasons to come! Watch at Netflix.com. Kate Brown became the first openly LGBT person to be elected governor, winning the office in Oregon November 8. Elsewhere in the nation, there were only a few scattered firsts to be celebrated, and 61 percent of 188 openly LGBT candidates this year won their races. By comparison, in 2012, out of 152 LGBT candidates on the ballot, 77 percent (118) won, while 22 percent (33) lost. In addition to Brown, the winners included Leslie Herod, the first openly LGBT African American elected to the Colorado House, Carlos Guillermo Smith, the first openly LGBT Latino to be elected to the Florida state legislature, representing Orlando, and Sam Park, the first openly gay man to be elected to the Georgia legislature. All six incumbent LGBT members of Congress won re-election November 8, but other candidates for federal office had tough fights: None of the 12 newcomers seeking seats in Congress won. Two sought U.S. Senate seats, and 10 sought House seats. Businesswoman Angie Craig was expected to beat a Trump-like radio talk show host for Minnesotas 2nd Congressional district, but fell short 45 percent to Jason Lewis 47 percent. Eight percent of the vote went to an independent candidate. Candidates for State house and senate seats fared much better: 74 percent of the 89 candidates won. Among the winners was newcomers Daniel Hernandez, the aide who helped save the life of then U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords during a 2011 shooting incident in Tucson. Hernandez won a seat to the Arizona State House. Toni Atkins, who was term limited out of her position as Speaker of the California Assembly, won a seat in the State Senate. Among the incumbents to win re-election was Minnesota State Rep. Karen Clark. Clark was elected in 1980 and has now been re-elected 18 times, representing the south Minneapolis area. In local office elections, 33 out of 60 LGBT candidates won. Among them was newcomer Jimmy Flannigan who unseated an incumbent for a seat on the Austin, Texas, City Council. And half of 16 LGBT candidates for elective judicial seats won election Tuesday. Kim Ogg beat out an incumbent to become Houstons new district attorney. And, in Washington State, lesbian Mary Yu won re-election to her seat on the Washington Supreme Court. But the biggest victory by far November 8 for the LGBT community was that of Kate Brown, in her first run for governor of Oregon. Brown won with 51 percent of the vote. Her Republican challenger took 44 percent, and three other candidates took the remaining five percent. Kate Browns win in Oregon is one for the history books, said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, president of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Brown, a bisexual married for almost 20 years to her husband Dan Little, is the first openly LGBT person to be elected as governor anywhere in the country. (The first LGBT person to serve as governor was Jim McGreevey, who came out as gay after being elected governor of New Jersey and then resigned office.) Brown has been elected a state representative, a state senator, and then twice as Oregons Secretary of State but stepped into the governors position in 2015, after then Governor John Kitzhaber resigned following an ethics scandal. Brown, 56, embraces the opportunities she has to help the LGBT community. She told the Washington Post November 9, I will, within my role at the National Governors Association and other organizations like the Western Governors Association, continue to use that voice and my experiences as a member of the LGBT community, as well as my female voice to help us push forward as a nation. The 188 LGBT candidates spanned 36 states plus the District of Columbia. California had the greatest number of LGBT candidates by far, with 50; followed by Washington State with 10, and Georgia with nine. Florida had seven LGBT candidates, two of whom won: Carlos Guillermo Smith, a former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party and official of Equality Florida, won a seat to the Florida House, district 49, which includes Orlando. State Rep. David Richardson was re-elected to his seat representing District 113 in Miami. One candidate this year came out during his re-election campaign: North Carolina State Rep. Cecil Brockman of Greensboro publicly acknowledged being bisexual in an interview with his local paper November 3. Brockman, 32, was running unopposed for his seat in the General Assembly. Brockman told the News & Record, I always felt that I tried to stick up for the LGBT community, even when I wasnt out. I want to do more of my part, to be stronger and admit to the world that Im actually a member of this community as well. A Tampa woman has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sex trafficking three minors. On Nov. 10, U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Alysia N. Algere, 29, of Tampa to 15 years in a federal prison for recruiting two minor boys and one minor girl to engage in commercial sex acts. The minors were between the ages of 14 and 16. Court documents show Algere, otherwise known as Coco, took sexually explicit photographs of the minors and posted advertisements on the internet, selling them for sex. In April of 2013, the Temple Terrace Police Department received an anonymous tip of women luring men into a Ramada Inn hotel room and then robbing them, reports the Tampa Bay Times. The tip lead detectives to Algere who was housing underage girls and boys with the expressed intent of placing them into prostitution. Algere advertised the children in classified pages under TS for transsexual. In the Times report, the boys told investigators they met as many as 30 clients a day. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacie B. Harris. Algere was brought to justice as part of Project Safe Child, nationwide initiative started in 2006 to combat a growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Algere pleaded guilty on Feb. 3, 2016. Reddened Quasar ESO Galaxies formed and grew billions of years ago by accumulating gas from their surroundings, or colliding and merging with other young galaxies. These early stages of galaxy assembly are believed to be accompanied by episodes of rapid star formation, known as starbursts, and rapid growth of a single super-massive black hole in the galactic centers. A popular paradigm for this evolution has the black holes growing mostly in obscurity, buried deep within the dusty gas. These are rich star-forming galaxies until a blowout of gas and dust (outflow) extinguishes the star formation and halts further growth in the black holes. The outflow then reveals a luminous, rapidly growing black hole in the galactic nucleus. These are known as quasars. Quasars can eject material at high speeds, possibly helping to drive the blowout and regulate star formation in their host galaxies. However, many aspects of this evolutionary scheme are not understood. Quasars that are partially obscured by dust, which reddens their light in a way that is similar to the sun viewed during sunsets on earth, might provide windows into galactic evolution during the brief transition stage when the starburst is winding down and the visibly luminous quasar is first being revealed in the galactic center. New research, led by Frederick Hamann, a professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of California, Riverside, describes the discovery of a unique new population of extremely red quasars. The findings were recently published in the journal the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The work by Hamann, combined with previous research by Hamann and others, describes the discovery of the new population of extremely red quasars detected in the Baryon Oscillation Sky Survey (BOSS) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The main goal of this study was to determine the size of the extremely red quasars population and characterize its basic properties compared to the much larger population of quasars in in the BOSS-SDSS survey overall. The extremely red quasars were selected for study because of their extreme color, but the analysis by Hamann and his fellow researchers reveal a number of peculiar properties consistent with a unique and possibly young evolutionary stage. In particular, they have an exceptionally high incidence of powerful quasar-driven outflows that could be involved in galaxy-wide blowouts of gas and dust. Overall, the gaseous environments around the black holes appear to be more extended and more energetic than the environments of normal quasars, which might occur at specific times when young gas-rich host galaxies are dumping prodigious amounts of matter into the central black holes, creating an exotic extreme variety of quasars. More work is needed now to examine the extremely red quasars population further and understand its relationship to the general phenomenon of quasars and, perhaps, to a particularly violent young phase of quasar-galaxy evolution. The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society paper is called Extremely Red Quasers in BOSS. The other authors are: Nadia L. Zakamska (Johns Hopkins University and Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey), Nicholas Ross (University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom), Isabelle Paris (INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste in Italy), Rachael M. Alexandroff (Johns Hopkins University), Carolin Villforth (University of Bath in the United Kingdom), Gordon T. Richards (Drexel University), Hanna Herbst (University of Florida, Gainesville), W. Niel Brandt and Donald P. Schneider (Pennsylvania State University), Ben Cook (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), Kelly D. Denney (The Ohio State University), and Jenny E. Greene and Michael A. Strauss (Princeton University). In advance of Ontario Racing's fifth in-person consultation regarding the proposed long-term funding proposal for the province's horse racing industry, a second phase of consultations has been announced. A release from Ontario Racing (OR) notes that the interaction and discussion from the four sessions conducted thus far has been "both positive and overdue." To ensure the consultations reach as many of the province's participants as possible, OR will implement a second phase of consultation after releasing its preliminary report. That report will be published shortly after the final session in the first consultation phase. Ontario Racing Encourages Industry Feedback on Long Term Funding We have reached the halfway point of our consultation period regarding the proposed long-term funding proposal for the horse racing industry in Ontario. A warm thank you to all industry participants who have taken the time to attend these sessions in person, and to those who have submitted their feedback to us online and in writing. The interaction and discussion with industry participants in local racing communities has been both positive and overdue. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we reach as many racing industry participants as possible, we will be implementing a second phase of consultation. We will be releasing a preliminary consultation report, shortly after our last in person consultation event on November 22. This preliminary report will be available for additional industry review and comment, before it is submitted to the OR Board of Directors, OLG and government, to inform the next steps in funding negotiations. As we move towards the end of this first phase of our consultation, we encourage industry participants to join us at our next in person sessions in Ottawa on Wednesday, November 16, in Port Perry on Saturday, November 19, and in Milton on Tuesday, November 22. We also encourage industry participants to access our online feedback portal, which can be found here. Phase two of this consultation will begin when the preliminary consultation report has been composed; this will be shared through our mailing list, posted online, and discussed directly with all industry association groups. We will allow a further 30 days for feedback on the preliminary report, as part of our commitment to ensure that industry views and perspectives on next steps towards a sustainable racing future are well represented by Ontario Racing. This framework, subject to government approval, will be presented to the industry for feedback. If approved, this framework will provide the industry as a whole from owners, trainers and breeders to racetrack operators with the certainty they need to make investments in their businesses. ORs primary objective, to this point, has been to engage directly with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and the government to provide input to the development of a road map to sustainable funding for the industry. Now, ORs focus will shift towards engagement with the industry as a whole to garner feedback on this proposed framework. This proposed framework is based on key principles including: A new racetrack alliance: all Ontario racetracks that conduct live racing will be invited to create a new alliance. It is proposed that Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) will serve as the administrator of this new alliance. Longer-term, predictable funding: Ontarios horseracing industry can invest in their businesses beyond 2021. Ongoing accountability and transparency: decision-making based on evidence and agreed upon success indicators. Industry leadership: racetrack business plans, race dates, purse levels will be aligned across racetracks for a coordinated approach. Ontario Racing will play a key industry leadership role in the future. Next steps include widespread in person conversations with the industry about these principles, across Ontario. Sessions will take place in every region of the province that has horse racing. The following consultation schedule has been updated. (dates subject to change) Wednesday, November 16 - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Ottawa (Rideau Carleton Raceway) Saturday, November 19 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Port Perry (Golfer's Dream Golf Club, Scugog) Tuesday, November 22 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Milton (Gambrel Barn, Country Heritage Park) The four previous sessions transpired in Toronto, Dundas, Sarnia and London. Ontario Racing encourages all interested parties to submit their feedback about the future of the industry by accessing its online consultation portal here. The portal includes a series of questions and the option to attach a word document, for those who would like to share additional thoughts. The proposed long-term funding framework was outlined in a webinar, conducted on October 19, and can be viewed here. Ontario Racing will collate feedback from the industry, and this perspective will inform recommendations to government. (With files from Ontario Racing) Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 212-717-7371NAPA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- Pastor Rick Warren and Bishop Robert Barron will be featured speakers in a Webcast event on Thursday to discuss why assisted suicide is wrong and how to cope with difficult end of life circumstances in a way that respects human dignity and the sanctity of life. The Life Legal Defense Foundation is hosting the Webcast, which will be moderated by lawyer, author, and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt.Pastor Warren is the founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church. Bishop Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Both leaders have been outspoken about their opposition to assisted suicide laws.Life Legal filed a lawsuit earlier this year to challenge California's assisted suicide law, the End of Life Option Act. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops has formally endorsed the lawsuit , stating that the End of Life Option Act "fosters the unequal and inhumane treatment of an extremely vulnerable group of our citizens solely because they suffer from a life-threatening illness.""Pastor Warren and Bishop Barron understand the difficulties faced by those who have received a terminal diagnosis and how important it is that society not abandon the vulnerable in their time of greatest need," said Alexandra Snyder, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. "In the short time that assisted suicide has been legal in California, we have already seen cases where people are pressured to choose suicide over more costly life-sustaining treatment."Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist and Director of Medical Ethics at UC Irvine School of Medicine, will share his concerns about the lack of patient safeguards inherent in assisted suicide laws. Stephen Larson, a former federal judge and partner in the Los Angeles firm of Larson O'Brien LLP, and Katie Short, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Life Legal, will discuss Life Legal's lawsuit seeking to overturn California's End of Life Option Act.The Webcast will be aired on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 pm Pacific. Listeners can register at lifelegaldefense.org About Life Legal Defense FoundationLife Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie... It's not Donald Trump who matters now in the Middle East it's Putin It is easy to say that the Arabs are appalled that an Islamophobe has won the White House. But did they think Obama or any of his predecessors Democrat or Republican had any special concern for Islam? Of course not By Robert Fisk Predictable claptrap is being uttered about Trump and the Middle East. How can the Muslim world deal with a man who is an Islamophobe? For that is indeed what Trump is. He is a disgrace to his country and to his people who, heavens above, elected the chap. But heres a mollifying thought. US prestige in the region has fallen so low, the Arab worlds belief (and quite possibly the Israeli belief) in American power so shattered by Washingtons stupidity and ineptness, that I rather suspect little attention will be paid to Donald Trump. Im not quite sure when respect for American governance began to collapse. It was certainly at its height when Eisenhower told the British, French and Israelis to get out of the Suez Canal in 1956. Maybe Ronald Reagan mixing up his cue cards and taking his presidency into the early stages of Alzheimers had a larger effect than we thought. I did once meet a Norwegian diplomat who sat down to talk to Reagan about Israel and Palestine and found the old boy quoting from a paper on the US economy. Bill Clintons Middle East peace couldnt have helped. I guess it was George W Bush, who decided to attack Afghanistan even though no Afghan had ever attacked the United States, and who created a Shia Muslim state in Iraq out of a Sunni Muslim state much to Saudi Arabias disgust who did more harm than most US presidents to date. The Saudis (from whom came 15 of the 19 killers involved in 9/11) launched their war on Yemen with scarcely a whiff of concern from Washington. And Obama seems to have goofed every time in the Middle East. His handshake to Islam in Cairo, his Nobel Prize (for public speaking), his red line in Syria which disappeared in the sand the moment he was rescued by the Russkis is best forgotten. Its Vladimir Putins Sukhois and Migs that are setting the pace in the terrible Syrian war. And amid lands where human rights count not a jot for most of the regional dictators, theres been hardly a whimper about the Kremlin. Putin was even taken to the opera in Cairo by Field Marshal President al-Sisi. And thats the point. Putin talks and acts. Actually, in translation at least, hes not terribly eloquent, more businessman than politician. Trump talks. But can he act? Cast aside the odd relationship which Trump thinks he has with Putin. Its Trump who is going to need a translation of Putins words, not the other way round. In fact, the Arabs and Israelis, I think, will be spending far more time during the Trump presidency listening to Putin. For the fact is that the Americans have proved themselves as unreliable and fickle in the Middle East as Britain was in the 1930s. Even Americas blitz on Isis didnt really get under way until Putin sent his own fighter-bombers to Syria at which point, many Arabs were asking why Washington hadnt managed to destroy the cult. Go back to the Arab revolutions or spring, as the Americans pathetically called it and you see Obama and his hapless Secretary of State (yes, Hillary) goofing again, failing to realise that this massive public awakening in the Arab world was real and that the dictators were going to go (most of them, at least). In Cairo in 2011, about the only decision taken by Obama was to evacuate US citizens from the Egyptian capital. It is easy to say that the Arabs are appalled that an Islamophobe has won the White House. But did they think Obama or any of his predecessors Democrat or Republican had any special concern for Islam? US foreign policy in the Middle East has been a spectacular series of wars and air raids and retreats. Russian policy in the Yemen war during Nassers age and in Afghanistan has been destructive enough, but the post-Soviet state seemed to have curled its claws until Putin moved his men into Syria. No doubt well see Trump turn up in the Middle East before long, to fawn before the Israelis and repeat Americas uncritical support for the Israeli state, and to assure the wealthy Gulf autocrats that their stability is assured. What he says about Syria will, of course, be fascinating, given his views on Putin. But maybe, he will just leave the region to his minions, to secretaries of state and vice-presidents who will have to second guess what the guy really thinks. And that, of course, is where we all stand now. What doesTrump think? Or, more to the point, does he think? Part of a weekly series on the economic choices facing the United States and its relations with the rest of the world. For previous entries, click here. THE SINGLE MOST important issue in allocating national resources is war versus peace, or as macroeconomists put it, guns versus butter. The United States is getting this choice profoundly wrong, squandering vast sums and undermining national security. In economic and geopolitical terms, America suffers from what Yale historian Paul Kennedy calls imperial overreach. If our next president remains trapped in expensive Middle East wars, the budgetary costs alone could derail any hopes for solving our vast domestic problems. It may seem tendentious to call America an empire, but the term fits certain realities of US power and how its used. An empire is a group of territories under a single power. Nineteenth-century Britain was obviously an empire when it ruled India, Egypt, and dozens of other colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The United States directly rules only a handful of conquered islands (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands), but it stations troops and has used force to influence who governs in dozens of other sovereign countries. That grip on power beyond Americas own shores is now weakening. The scale of US military operations is remarkable. The US Department of Defense has (as of a 2010 inventory) 4,999 military facilities, of which 4,249 are in the United States; 88 are in overseas US territories; and 662 are in 36 foreign countries and foreign territories, in all regions of the world. Not counted in this list are the secret facilities of the US intelligence agencies. The cost of running these military operations and the wars they support is extraordinary, around $900 billion per year, or 5 percent of US national income, when one adds the budgets of the Pentagon, the intelligence agencies, homeland security, nuclear weapons programs in the Department of Energy, and veterans benefits. The $900 billion in annual spending is roughly one-quarter of all federal government outlays. The United States has a long history of using covert and overt means to overthrow governments deemed to be unfriendly to US interests, following the classic imperial strategy of rule through locally imposed friendly regimes. In a powerful study of Latin America between 1898 and 1994, for example, historian John Coatsworth counts 41 cases of successful US-led regime change, for an average rate of one government overthrow by the United States every 28 months for a century. And note: Coatsworths count does not include the failed attempts, such as the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. This tradition of US-led regime change has been part and parcel of US foreign policy in other parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Wars of regime change are costly to the United States, and often devastating to the countries involved. Two major studies have measured the costs of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. One, by my Columbia colleague Joseph Stiglitz and Harvard scholar Linda Bilmes, arrived at the cost of $3 trillion as of 2008. A more recent study, by the Cost of War Project at Brown University, puts the price tag at $4.7 trillion through 2016. Over a 15-year period, the $4.7 trillion amounts to roughly $300 billion per year, and is more than the combined total outlays from 2001 to 2016 for the federal departments of education, energy, labor, interior, and transportation, and the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It is nearly a truism that US wars of regime change have rarely served Americas security needs. Even when the wars succeed in overthrowing a government, as in the case of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, and Moammar Khadafy in Libya, the result is rarely a stable government, and is more often a civil war. A successful regime change often lights a long fuse leading to a future explosion, such as the 1953 overthrow of Irans democratically elected government and installation of the autocratic Shah of Iran, which was followed by the Iranian Revolution of 1979. In many other cases, such as the US attempts (with Saudi Arabia and Turkey) to overthrow Syrias Bashar al-Assad, the result is a bloodbath and military standoff rather than an overthrow of the government. . . . WHAT IS THE DEEP motivation for these profligate wars and for the far-flung military bases that support them? From 1950 to 1990, the superficial answer would have been the Cold War. Yet Americas imperial behavior overseas predates the Cold War by half a century (back to the Spanish-American War, in 1898) and has outlasted it by another quarter century. Americas overseas imperial adventures began after the Civil War and the final conquests of the Native American nations. At that point, US political and business leaders sought to join the European empires especially Britain, France, Russia, and the newly emergent Germany in overseas conquests. In short order, America grabbed the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, and Hawaii, and joined the European imperial powers in knocking on the doors of China. As of the 1890s, the United States was by far the worlds largest economy, but until World War II, it took a back seat to the British Empire in global naval power, imperial reach, and geopolitical dominance. The British were the unrivaled masters of regime change for example, in carving up the corpse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Yet the exhaustion from two world wars and the Great Depression ended the British and French empires after World War II and thrust the United States and Russia into the forefront as the two main global empires. The Cold War had begun. The economic underpinning of Americas global reach was unprecedented. As of 1950, US output constituted a remarkable 27 percent of global output, with the Soviet Union roughly a third of that, around 10 percent. The Cold War fed two fundamental ideas that would shape American foreign policy till now. The first was that the United States was in a struggle for survival against the Soviet empire. The second was that every country, no matter how remote, was a battlefield in that global war. While the United States and the Soviet Union would avoid a direct confrontation, they flexed their muscles in hot wars around the world that served as proxies for the superpower competition. Over the course of nearly a half century, Cuba, Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Iran, Namibia, Mozambique, Chile, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and even tiny Granada, among many others, were interpreted by US strategists as battlegrounds with the Soviet empire. Often, far more prosaic interests were involved. Private companies like United Fruit International and ITT convinced friends in high places (most famously the Dulles brothers, Secretary of State John Foster and CIA director Allen) that land reforms or threatened expropriations of corporate assets were dire threats to US interests, and therefore in need of US-led regime change. Oil interests in the Middle East were another repeated cause of war, as had been the case for the British Empire from the 1920s. These wars destabilized and impoverished the countries involved rather than settling the politics in Americas favor. The wars of regime change were, with few exceptions, a litany of foreign policy failure. They were also extraordinarily costly for the United States itself. The Vietnam War was of course the greatest of the debacles, so expensive, so bloody, and so controversial that it crowded out Lyndon Johnsons other, far more important and promising war, the War on Poverty, in the United States. The end of the Cold War, in 1991, should have been the occasion for a fundamental reorientation of US guns-versus-butter policies. The occasion offered the United States and the world a peace dividend, the opportunity to reorient the world and US economy from war footing to sustainable development. Indeed, the Rio Earth Summit, in 1992, established sustainable development as the centerpiece of global cooperation, or so it seemed. The far smarter approach will be to maintain Americas defensive capabilities but end its imperial pretensions. Alas, the blinders and arrogance of American imperial thinking prevented the United States from settling down to a new era of peace. As the Cold War was ending, the United States was beginning a new era of wars, this time in the Middle East. The United States would sweep away the Soviet-backed regimes in the Middle East and establish unrivalled US political dominance. Or at least that was the plan. . . . THE QUARTER CENTURY since 1991 has therefore been marked by a perpetual US war in the Middle East, one that has destabilized the region, massively diverted resources away from civilian needs toward the military, and helped to create mass budget deficits and the buildup of public debt. The imperial thinking has led to wars of regime change in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria, across four presidencies: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. The same thinking has induced the United States to expand NATO to Russias borders, despite the fact that NATOs supposed purpose was to defend against an adversary the Soviet Union that no longer exists. Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has emphasized that eastward NATO expansion was certainly a violation of the spirit of those declarations and assurances that we were given in 1990, regarding the future of East-West security. There is a major economic difference, however, between now and 1991, much less 1950. At the start of the Cold War, in 1950, the United States produced around 27 percent of world output. As of 1991, when the Dick Cheney and Paul Wolfowitz dreams of US dominance were taking shape, the United States accounted for around 22 percent of world production. By now, according to IMF estimates, the US share is 16 percent, while China has surpassed the United States, at around 18 percent. By 2021, according to projections by the International Monetary Fund, the United States will produce roughly 15 percent of global output compared with Chinas 20 percent. The United States is incurring massive public debt and cutting back on urgent public investments at home in order to sustain a dysfunctional, militarized, and costly foreign policy. Thus comes a fundamental choice. The United States can vainly continue the neoconservative project of unipolar dominance, even as the recent failures in the Middle East and Americas declining economic preeminence guarantee the ultimate failure of this imperial vision. If, as some neoconservatives support, the United States now engages in an arms race with China, we are bound to come up short in a decade or two, if not sooner. The costly wars in the Middle East even if continued much less enlarged in a Hillary Clinton presidency could easily end any realistic hopes for a new era of scaled-up federal investments in education, workforce training, infrastructure, science and technology, and the environment. The far smarter approach will be to maintain Americas defensive capabilities but end its imperial pretensions. This, in practice, means cutting back on the far-flung network of military bases, ending wars of regime change, avoiding a new arms race (especially in next-generation nuclear weapons), and engaging China, India, Russia, and other regional powers in stepped-up diplomacy through the United Nations, especially through shared actions on the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change, disease control, and global education. Many American conservatives will sneer at the very thought that the United States room for maneuver should be limited in the slightest by the UN. But think how much better off the United States would be today had it heeded the UN Security Councils wise opposition to the wars of regime change in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. Many conservatives will point to Vladimir Putins actions in Crimea as proof that diplomacy with Russia is useless, without recognizing that it was NATOs expansion to the Baltics and its 2008 invitation to Ukraine to join NATO, that was a primary trigger of Putins response. In the end, the Soviet Union bankrupted itself through costly foreign adventures such as the 1979 invasion of Afghanistan and its vast over-investment in the military. Today the United States has similarly over-invested in the military, and could follow a similar path to decline if it continues the wars in the Middle East and invites an arms race with China. Its time to abandon the reveries, burdens, and self-deceptions of empire and to invest in sustainable development at home and in partnership with the rest of the world. Thousands of Chagos islanders, deported from their homeland in the Indian Ocean by the UK government to make way for a US military base in 1971, will not be given the right of return to resettle, the Foreign Office will announce on Wednesday. The long-awaited decision expected to cause enormous disappointment follows more than 40 years of campaigning, court cases and calls for the UK to right a wrong committed by Harold Wilsons Labour government. Hundreds of Chagos islanders living in the UK and Mauritius have been waiting for an announcement for more than two years. But cost, economic viability and objections from the US military have been significant obstacles. It is expected that the British government will provide a further package of compensation to the islanders and that the announcement will be accompanied by an official apology for the forced movement of 1,500 people. Half of the exiles have since died. Ministers are expected to release a written statement arguing that the cost of resettling the islanders on the British overseas territory is prohibitively expensive. The government will also argue that it would not be possible for the islanders to make a living since they would not be able to live on the centre of the islands and insufficient numbers would want to return. Some government estimates suggest the cost of returning to the Chagos archipelago might be as high as 100m. Ministers have agonised over the decision for years, knowing that the UK government treated the islanders disgracefully but believing it would not be possible to take the land back from the US, given the importance of the military base to the Pentagon. It is one of the largest US bases outside the country and is seen as having huge strategic importance by the US defence department. The lease for the US base on Diego Garcia comes up for renewal at the end of this year. It is capable of housing 5,000 people, including 2,000 military personnel. The episode, described as one of the most shameful in British colonial history after the second world war, has been regarded as of such significance that it has been discussed both at UK cabinet and US National Security Council level. The issue had also been raised with Barack Obama and by the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who is a long-term campaigner for the Chagossians right of return. It is a basic human right recognised by all human rights conventions that people should have a right to return to their country of birth, said David Snoxell, the co-ordinator of the all-party Chagos Islands parliamentary group. What all the Chagossians want, even if they do not want to live there, is the right of return. He pointed to a KPMG report for the government which showed strong support for the right to return, which he said had been granted in principle in 2000 by the then foreign secretary, Robin Cook, but had subsequently been removed. Snoxell added: If we do not get what we want today we will return to the issue of compensation. In total it is estimated there are 10,000 Chagossians and their descendants divided between Mauritius, the Seychelles and Great Britain. Some have been granted British citizenship. The all-party group had proposed that a pilot group of 100 Chagossians return to Diego Garcia to see if they could make a living, mainly by providing services to the military and from fishing and tourism. James Duddridge, who was the minister for overseas territories until a Foreign Office reshuffle over the summer, visited Chagos earlier this year and came away convinced that resettlement was not the right solution. We cannot undo an historic wrong, but we can mitigate it, Duddridge told a Commons debate in October. In all candour I must say that I do not believe it is right to repopulate the islands as part of that mitigation. I am not saying one could not populate the islands but the concept that the outer islands are an idyllic possibility is for the birds. They were difficult, overgrown, humid areas that were accessible only where the marines had gone in and chopped down foliage. German Chancellor Angela Merkel finds time to scold Trump while her country collapses into chaos Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, has a lot of problems that she needs to work in order to prevent her country from plummeting into complete chaos. Mostly due to the refugee crisis that has turned Germany into a dangerous area filled with crime, Merkel should be dealing with the issues that directly effect her country. Instead, she has found time to criticize president-elect Donald Trump. Shortly after Trump was elected, Merkel made a statement in which she congratulated him while also providing a backhanded remark about his lack of political correctness. She apparently doesnt realize that this is exactly what made the average American embrace him, but what do you expect from a leader who is watching as her country is completely destroyed by the same terrorist threats that Trump is trying to protect America from? As reported by Maggie Serota of Death and Taxes Magazine, Merkel wrote, Germany and America are connected by values of democracy, freedom and respect for the law and the dignity of man, independent of origin, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political views I offer the next President of the United States close cooperation on the basis of these values. When you look at the state of Germany today, there is essentially nothing about it that is better than America, so where does Merkel get off providing advice to our leaders as if her opinion is even remotely relevant? If anything, she could learn something about the measures that the United States has taken in order to avoid a refugee crisis like the one in Europe. Instead, they continue to pretend that there is nothing wrong and radical Islam continues to grow all over the continent. The bottom line is that we need leaders like Donald Trump that arent afraid to protect the American people. Where so many have cowered to the threat of Islamic extremism due to the fear of political incorrectness, Trump laughs at the idea. He clearly loves this country and is clearly willing to go to great lengths in order to ensure that we dont fall to any threats foreign or otherwise. Thanks to Trumps victory over Clinton, we can all breathe a little easier when it comes to the threat of terrorism. We no longer need to worry about refugees sneaking into our country and destroying our communities. So Merkel should probably check her tone whenever she throws around these snide remarks. Maybe she should shut up and take notes. Sources: Independent.co.uk DeathAndTaxesMag.com Express.co.uk The New Zealand Defence Force has deployed its NH90 helicopters to deliver vital supplies of immediate aid to the coastal town of Kaikoura. Stranded tourists and residents have also been evacuated as part of a national relief effort following Mondays 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Some flights early yesterday were delayed by weather conditions, but by early evening about 140 people had been evacuated. The Air Force expected to fly almost 200 people to Christchurch by last light. Among those rescued are 11 campers, including two babies, at Kaikouras Goose Bay campground. Wing Commander Scott McKenzie, Commanding Officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Forces 3 Squadron, says four Air Force NH90 helicopters have been dispatched to deliver essential supplies and rescue hundreds of residents and tourists from Kaikoura. The earthquake has cut off land access to Kaikoura and disrupted power and water supplies. So weve been delivering food, water, diesel fuel and other basic necessities the entire day, and evacuating people out of there. The NZDF, Ministry of Civil Defence and Red Cross have about 5000kg of immediate aid supplies earmarked for Kaikoura at Christchurch. The supplies include food, water and hygiene products, and jerrycans of diesel. Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, says the NZDF has mobilised additional aircraft and vessels to support the Governments response to the massive earthquake. We have been working with the Ministry of Civil Defence to ensure the lifelines and basic needs of the Kaikoura community are met. He says the NZDF has also accepted offers of assistance from international partners. Aerial surveillance aircraft from the United States and Japan are due to conduct aerial surveys of quake-damaged areas this afternoon. Hundreds of Defence Force personnel, at least eight aircraft and two ships are currently assisting in the Governments relief effort. Multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury left Auckland for Kaikoura last night, and is expected to arrive in Kaikoura at 9am today. The offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington, with a Littoral Warfare Unit embarked, is also on her way to Kaikoura and was due at 5am. TheaDesign/iStock/Thinkstock(OCEANPORT, N.J.) -- Detectives believe a body that was found in Oceanport, New Jersey Wednesday morning belongs to a Connecticut man who went missing this weekend after a party on Manhattan's Upper East Side, New York authorities have told ABC News. Stamford police said that Joseph "Joey" Comunale, 26, of Stamford, was reported missing by his father Monday morning. Comunale was last seen on the Upper East Side Sunday morning. According to Stamford police, he'd traveled to the city Saturday night to attend a party at the Grand Sutton, an apartment building on East 59th Street. Authorities said that Comunale was with two men from New Jersey and three women at the time. When his friends left Sunday morning, police said, Comunale stayed willingly. The NYPD said the investigation continued into the circumstances of his disappearance. According to WABC-TV, police were talking to the resident of the apartment where the party was held as well as examining surveillance from the building. WABC-TV said a police search warrant also had recovered potential evidence, including blood, items in a garbage bag and a luggage cart. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the year's end. Let's say that this year's Thanksgiving feast is going to be a more intimate affair than the usual cast of thousands, yet you still want turkey. It can be done. Instead of cooking up a whole bird, why not go with a turkey breast? "Because," you reasonably reply, "white meat turkey tends to turn out dry as cardboard." And indeed, that's certainly a possibility, especially if you overcook it, which is easy to do. Happily, I've figured out just how to have your turkey breast and eat it, too. Working on a cookbook several years ago, I came across an old Italian recipe for roast chicken. It required you to stuff a mixture of cheese and vegetables under the chicken's skin before roasting. Intrigued, I gave it a whirl and was absolutely flabbergasted by the results. Not only was the flavor a knockout, but the meat including the white meat was the moistest I'd ever eaten. It occurred to me that this scheme might work just as well with turkey as with chicken. Having finally put this theory to the test, I can say that it translated beautifully. The secret, I think, is that the stuffing underneath the skin insulates the meat. My stuffing combines sauteed onion, garlic and shredded zucchini with Parmesan and ricotta cheeses, all bound together with fresh breadcrumbs. But feel free to experiment, as I'm sure that any moist stuffing would do the trick. Of course, it's still important to avoid overcooking the bird. But you also need to make sure you cook the meat to a safe temperature. This is a balancing act. Cooking the bird to 165 F is the best bet for safety, but that doesn't mean you need to leave the bird in the oven until it reaches that temperature. Meat continues cooking even after you pull it from the oven. So if you leave it in until it hits 165 degrees F, you'll actually cook it to about 170 degrees F. My solution is to pull it out of the oven at 160 degrees F. As the meat rests on the counter (20 minutes is ideal), it reaches 165 degrees F. Resting also allows the juices in the turkey to redistribute so that when you slice the bird the juices don't all come streaming out, leaving you with dry turkey meat. And by the way, to get an accurate reading when you take the bird's temperature, be sure to insert the thermometer deep into the meat, not just into the stuffing, and not next to the bone. When you finally carve the breast, make sure that every slice has a little bit of stuffing and skin at the top. Also, while this turkey is wonderfully delicious as is, this is Thanksgiving, after all, and folks expect gravy with their turkey. You can whip up some pan gravy while the breast is resting. ITALIAN-STYLE ROAST TURKEY BREAST 2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound) Kosher salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 3 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (made by pulsing 4 slices firm white bread in a food processor or blender) 1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese Ground black pepper 5- to 7-pound bone-in turkey breast Heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Set a rack in the lower third of the oven. Using a food processor or box grater, coarsely grate the zucchini. In a colander, toss the grated zucchini with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then let it drain over the sink for 20 minutes. A handful at a time, squeeze out the zucchini to remove excess liquid. Set aside. In a large skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, breadcrumbs and ricotta. Season with salt and pepper. Use paper towels to pat dry the turkey skin, then rub with a bit of oil and season with salt and pepper. Using your fingers, a chopstick or a grapefruit knife (my favorite), gently separate the skin from the meat on the breast, being careful not to tear it and leaving it attached at the edges. Stuff the zucchini mixture evenly under the loosened skin of the turkey (this is a messy project; just do your best), then place the turkey on a rack set in a roasting pan. Cover the breast loosely with foil. Roast the turkey breast for 1 hour. Remove the foil and roast for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the turkey reaches 160 degrees F. If the turkey starts to brown too much, cover it again with foil. Transfer the turkey breast to a platter and let it rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Makes 8 servings. Per serving: 630 calories; 270 calories from fat (43 percent of total calories); 30 g fat (9 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 215 mg cholesterol; 690 mg sodium; 11 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 74 g protein. The Love Overwhelming homeless shelter will not move to the Shekinah Christian Center and has until the start of the new year to find a new location, shelter officials said Tuesday. The Kelso shelter had been in talks with Shekinah about moving to the church, located in an old warehouse at 1015 Third Ave., in Longview. But nearby business owners objected, prompting Love Overwhelming officials to give up the idea, said its executive director, Chuck Hendrickson. We listened and heard the concerns of the business owners that were represented at the forums. Ultimately, we felt that at this time its not going to work out, Hendrickson said. Earlier this month, Love Overwhelming chose not to match Cowlitz Countys $250,000 offer on the building that houses the shelter. The nonprofit has until Dec. 31 to vacate the building, located at 304 Cowlitz Way in Kelso. The building is owned by the Emergency Support Shelter, a battered womens shelter that was once located there. Love Overwhelming is looking at shelter relocation options in both Longview and Kelso and needs a large, open space, Hendrickson said. It has already identified several locations for its administrative offices and is in negotiations, he added. Hendrickson said there may be a gap in shelter operations if it cant secure a new location before the deadline to vacate the Cowlitz Way location. Currently, the shelter houses about 45 people a night and turns away up to 15. Another 60 or so people are on a waiting list, he said. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Shekinah Christian Center will hold a public meeting at the church to discuss options for how the community can address helping the homeless. Love Overwhelming representatives will also be present. In a release put out by Shekinah on Monday, the church also announced it no longer will open an extreme weather shelter to house those in need during sub-freezing weather, citing the hardship it causes for neighbors. Cowlitz County likely wont decide what to do with the building on Cowlitz Way until sometime after the new year, Mike Karnofski, county commissioner, said. Officials from the Emergency Support Shelter and Shekinah Christian Center did not return calls for comment. Grays Harbor businessman Jim Walsh has scored an upset victory over Longview Democrat Teresa Purcell and become the first Republican to win a 19th District legislative seat in decades. Ballot counting Tuesday showed Walsh with a 127-vote lead Tuesday evening, up from 76 Monday. But the vast majority of the ballots yet to be counted in the five-county district perhaps up to 1,000 or so are from Lewis County, where Walsh has been winning 72 percent of the vote. No valid votes are left to count in Cowlitz County, where Purcell ran strongest, though some 200 or so "challenge" ballots could still figure into the final count. At this point, the big question is whether Walshs margin will be enough to avoid an automatic recount, which is required when candidates are within a half percentage point of one another. As of Tuesday night, the tally was within recount requirements, with Walsh leading 27,645 (50.12 percent) to 27,518 (49.88 percent) for Purcell. More votes will be counted in Lewis County Wednesday evening. Purcell, who did not concede, nevertheless acknowledged she faces an uphill battle (the headline on the print version of this story inaccurately stated she had conceded). She wasn't surprised at the results after seeing a Republican sweep throughout local races, noting that Cowlitz County voters supported a Republican presidential candidate for the first time since 1980. She said she was proud of the campaign she ran. She was often on the defensive as Walsh supporters accused her of being too liberal for the district and supporting an income tax (she didnt). "I think I'm just kind of collateral damage," she said. "I feel like I ran a campaign with a lot of integrity, and I feel like the opposition basically didn't say a single thing that was true." Walsh said he looks forward to serving and said he believes the district's citizens are no longer voting along party lines but will "look at the people" running. "I just think there's a change afoot in this district," he said. "I really believe that we can bring some private sectors into the district and bring a dent into the unemployment rate." Walsh said he plans to support the private sector to improve unemployment, projects such as Millennium coal terminal in Longview. "It's a matter of not talking about it anymore. It's a matter of doing it now," Walsh said. "I'm optimistic. I think it's going to be hard work but I think it's going to be a serious kind of fun." Purcell said she couldn't answer whether she plans to run again, but she will stay involved in the community. "We still have a Democratic governor and a Democratic majority, and we still have a lot of work left in this district," Purcell said. "It's going to be an interesting two years." Walsh will replace state Rep. J.D. Rossetti, a Longview Democrat, in the 19th District position 1 House seat. Rossetti, appointed to the position, was ousted in the August primary. Walsh joins state Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, and state Sen. Dean Takko, D-Longview in making up the three-member 19th District delegation. His election means two of the three lawmakers are from the coast, even though Cowlitz County has the largest share of the 19th District electorate. Walsh won the election in part because in 2010 the boundaries of the 19th District were redrawn to include western Lewis County. Lewis County is consistently the most Republican-leaning county in Western Washington. tech2 News Staff The latest China-India Internet Market Comparative Report by Cheetah Global Lab is out. According to the report, China and India are both focused on developing their internet industries. Not only are the governments of both countries actively promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, but both have put forward internet development plansDigital India in India and Internet+ in China. The competition between China and India in the internet industry is the narrowest. However, in 2015 Indias growth rate surpassed Chinas for the first time. Some of the key takeaways from the report include: In terms of growth potential, Indias internet user numbers could still catch up. According to the G20 National Internet Development Report, Indias internet user base grew by 51.9% in 2015, the fastest growth rate of all member states. Conversely, growth in Chinas internet user base has slowed significantly as China reaches the tail end of its so-called demographic dividend. India is also in the middle of a mobile startup wave. The difference between India and China is that India skipped over the PC era, so there are no locally cultivated internet giants like Alibaba, Baidu or Tencent, which means mobile internet startups dont face as much competitive pressure as companies in China. But as a relatively open market, Indias mobile startups face comparatively fierce competition from foreign companies. Indias recent Diwali festival is the biggest shopping season of the year for Indias largest e-commerce companies. Diwali accounts for nearly 1/3 of all annual online sales in India, similar to Chinas November 11 Singles Day holiday. But if you compare the total amount that consumers spend on both holidays, it is clear that the gap between India and China is still quite large. Overseas e-commerce brand Amazon has launched a fierce offensive in India. A June 2016 Nielsen survey showed that Amazon is the most well-liked e-commerce brand in India, followed by Flipkart. Indias food delivery enterprises seem to have more globalized ambitions than Chinese companies. Indias number one app Zomato was launched in the Indian market in 2010. In 2012 it made its first foray overseas and by 2013 it have entered the Middle East, South Africa, South Asia and North America; in Lenovo is the third largest mobile phone brand Lenovo (including Motorola) in India in terms of inventory while Xiaomi is in the top 10. As the Chinese market becomes more saturated, India is the first market that many Chinese companies target overseas. At the same time, Indias internet market development benefits from Chinese investment and expertise. Sheldon Pinto Ever since Xiaomi stepped onto Indian soil, customers have found a sweet spot for the Chinese brands that followed. Their price tags were spot on, the same can be said about the internal hardware and while there were a few snags about quality construction and service, for now, things seem to be ironed out. While Xiaomi and Gionee sit alone, Oppo, OnePlus and Vivo have a lot more in common that most consumers would expect. As pointed out by Phone Radar, they all belong to one parent company called BBK Electronics. And it is interesting to note how each brand has tested the waters and settled into different smartphone segments competing with one another, or at least it is what it seems to the general public and the consumer. Together, they are taking over the worldwide market. A recent report by market research firm Counterpoint Research hints that the Chinese have made a dent when it comes to growth. Just have a look at the chart below, and you will get the picture. So it does paint a worrying picture for both local manufacturers in India and the international brands like Samsung as well. Oppo was BBK's first smartphone brand. The subsidiary to BBK entered India back in 2014 and has so far been witnessing plenty of growth and has also grown into a popular brand. While it did not see success with its Find 7 flagship, Oppo soon discovered its niche in the mid-range. The Oppo F1 Plus is pretty much of star in its segment, when it launched, it packed in some really interesting bits that nobody had on offer, SuperVOOC charging, the quickest fingerprint reader around and that 16MP front-facing camera, the star of the show. In short, after multiple attempts at launching overpriced quality products, Oppo settled for the mid-range as its sweet spot. Vivo entered the Indian market exactly a year later. But with Oppo already holding the fort for the mid-range, BBK needed Vivo to go in for the budget to mid range. Vivo entered the market with massive marketing campaigns and did a similar sort of experimentation like Oppo. Vivo brought with it the X5 Max and it was priced a bit too high for a Chinese smartphone, the same conundrum faced by Oppo, a Chinese smartphone that was priced too high. Soon enough Vivo found its sweet spot and now has settled for the budget range with the recently launched Vivo V5, edging closer to the Oppo F1 Plus but maintaining its distance knowing its place in the ecosystem. Ever wondered why Oppo and Vivo never went ahead with more flagship smartphones in India? Hint, There's OnePlus for that. OnePlus entered the market and launched its brand with a clear objective in mind, to take down every flagship smartphone in the market. While its initial offerings were more to do with cult following, OnePlus has grown out of its rebellious "flagship killer" days and so has its flagship smartphone. OnePlus 3 has been getting raving reviews and with today's offering, the OnePlus 3T, it even beats Google's latest, the Pixel. It is Daydream capable and it's priced a lot lower, forcing manufacturers like Samsung to deliver more with its flagships with every new release. The brand was founded in 2013 and coming from Oppo the dream team knew what they wanted. It was obvious that BBK's other brands had to follow suit for the Indian market and find other segments (which they eventually did). But when the climb to the top is fast, there are problems. As with most Chinese smartphones, there are always set accusations about data sharing to Chinese servers. Then there are patent lawsuits, and recent one by Dolby picks on both Oppo and Vivo, (see the connection)? The reception by Indian fans with these brands is great as well. OnePlus for example has more Facebook fans on its India page than it does on its worldwide page. Oppo here is BBK's biggest brand with strong presence in audio and video electronics, Vivo stands second in line with OnePlus having the least sales, which comes with its flagship appeal. So the next time you sit down to choose between the three, remember that all three are different and are priced that way for a particular reason. hidden Google delivered a vote of confidence in London's future as a technological hub after the Brexit vote on Tuesday by announcing plans for a new building in the King's Cross area of the city that will house thousands of extra engineers. Google's Chief Executive Sundar Pichai said computer science had a great future in Britain, citing the talent pool, educational institutions, and passion for innovation present in the country. "That's why we are investing in London in both engineering talent and infrastructure," he said. The 10-storey building, Google's first wholly owned and designed outside the United States, will increase its presence in King's Cross to more than 1 million square feet, enough for more than 7,000 employees in total, the company said. Google has 5,700 employees and contractors in the UK, including about 2,000 engineers housed in the recently opened building in King's Cross where Pichai announced the expansion. Pichai, who became CEO in October 2015 when parent company Alphabet Inc was created, said he was optimistic about Britain's future, despite the uncertainty caused by June's vote to leave the European Union. "Historically, the UK has been an open and connected economy, and like a lot of businesses we are proud of and rely on the fact that we recruit the best talent from around world," he said. "We are optimistic that this situation will continue." "We understand there is uncertainty and even concerns about topics like Brexit and the pace of technological change in our times, but we know for certain that web and digital technology will be an engine of growth for the UK for years to come." British Finance Minister Philip Hammond said the investment showed leading firms were still choosing to invest in Britain, while the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said inflows remain "robust" post-Brexit. "London isn't just the tech capital of Europe, we are on the shoulder of New York and we are catching up with Silicon Valley," Khan said at the event. "Investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google's expansion will further strengthen our city's reputation as a global leader in digital technology." Pichai made reference in his speech to another event that exposed a division in a western society: the U.S. election. "Recent events, including the election in the U.S., have clearly surfaced challenges with inequality and people feeling marginalized," he said. These were "long-term and difficult" problems to solve, he said, but it was his hope that Google would play a constructive role in addressing some of these challenges. The company, along with Facebook, on Monday announced measures aimed at halting the spread of "fake news" on the internet by targeting how some purveyors of phony content make money: advertising. The shifts comes as Google, Facebook and Twitter Inc face a backlash over the role they played in the U.S. presidential election by allowing the spread of false and often malicious information that might have swayed voters toward Republican candidate Donald Trump, who won the Nov. 8 vote. Reuters tech2 News Staff Twitter is making changes to combat instances of online abuse. Twitter claims to have noticed a sharp rise in the instances of abuse, bullying and harassment. The constant trolling prevents people from being exposed to all perspectives of an issue, reduces engagement with the social media platform, and is a threat to human dignity. Earlier this year, The Cincinnati Zoo deleted its Twitter account after facing continuous abuse. The account was flooded with memes and petitions, following the killing of a gorilla, Harambe, to save a three year old boy who had crawled into the enclosure. The Freedom on the Net 2016 report studied instances of online abuse in India, and found that most of the harassment was targeted against women. The affected women would not respond to the harassment at all, or react by reducing their participation on social media platforms. Users did not know of the law enforcement mechanisms to protect them from abuse, and were not aware of the mechanisms provided by the site to combat such abuse. Twitter is taking some concrete steps to combat the harassment. The mute button, which so far prevented users from seeing Tweets by muted accounts in their timelines has been expanded considerably. Users will now be able to mute notifications as well, including notifications from individual accounts, keywords, phrases and conversations. This was a much demanded feature from Twitter. Twitter is also apparently rolling out a more comprehensive system for reporting Tweets that attacks anyone over the basis of race, religion, gender, age, nationality or ethnicity. Twitter did not provide details on how the new system would be implemented. The support teams have been retrained with new policies. The support teams have recieved special lectures on cultural and historical contexts for hateful abuse. There is an ongoing refresher program for employees. There are new tools and mechanisms to better deal with reported offenders. Twitter mentions in the blog post that this is just a few of the many steps, and that it will continue to learn from and adapt to new situations, to continuously improve the way it tackles online abuse. A not-so-anonymous lawsuit has been filed in California over a sex tape. Thanks to TMZ, we know exactly which celebrity is involved. That would be Denver Broncos defensive standout Von Miller. A woman is claiming that she recorded a sex tape with the Super Bowl 50 MVP and will release it unless the former Texas A&M Aggie pays the woman $2.5 million. Here is what the good folks at TMZ had to report on the issue. In the docs, Miller says he met a woman named Elizabeth Ruiz during a trip to Mexico in June 2016 and the two had sex while they were alone indoors. Miller says the woman recorded the sex on her cell phone but he insisted at all times she keep it private. He claims he reached out to her after the trip and asked her to destroy the recording to which she replied, Gotcha. Though Miller isnt directly named in the lawsuit, there is plenty of evidence to connect Miller to this event. Andrew F. Kim, the general counsel on this case, works with the agency that represents Miller. The judge has already put in a temporary restraining order between the woman and Miller. However this case turns out, this should be a learning opportunity for the Denver defensive star. He has to be more mindful of his actions going forward. [The Big Lead] Israeli bid to turn down mosque prayer calls blocked An Israeli flag is pictured in front of the minaret of a mosque in the Arab quarter of Jerusalem\'s Old City on Monday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he backed a bill limiting the volume of calls to prayer from mosques, a proposal governme AFP, Jerusalem : A government-backed Israeli bill to limit the volume of calls to prayer at mosques has been blocked by an unlikely source-the country's ultra-Orthodox Jews. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had backed the controversial bill, which government watchdogs had called a threat to religious freedom. It had been due to get its first reading in parliament this week until Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, a member of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, stepped in. Litzman appealed the bill Tuesday night, saying it could affect similarly loud Jewish prayers, Israeli media reported. The bill, proposed by members of the far-right Jewish Home party, was adopted by a ministerial committee on Sunday and was due to go through three readings in parliament before becoming law. The bill will now be put on hold until a ministerial committee holds a second vote. The bill was drafted in response to noise from mosques, but would in theory apply to all religious institutions-including synagogues. "For thousands of years, the Jewish tradition has used various tools, including shofars (a ram's horn) and trumpets" for Jewish holidays, the minister said in his appeal letter, cited by the media. "Since the technology developed, loudspeakers have been used to announce the onset of the Sabbath, at the permitted volume level, and in compliance with every law," he added, referring to the weekly Jewish day of rest. He added that the proposed law constitutes an interference with religious practice and the status quo between religious authorities and the state. In protest against the bill, Arab-Israeli lawmaker Talab Abu Arar chanted the Muslim call to prayer in parliament earlier this week, provoking furious protests from some Jewish members. According to media reports, Arab MPs opposed to the bill pressured Litzman to use his power as a minister to block it, arguing a common right to religious practice for Jews and Muslims. Around 17.5 percent of Israelis are Arab, the vast majority of them Muslim, but they complain of discrimination and are underrepresented in high-level jobs. Israeli Arabs are the descendants of Palestinians who remained on their lands during the war that led to the creation of Israel in 1948. The draft law would also apply to east Jerusalem, occupied and later annexed by Israel and where more than 300,000 Palestinians live. Israeli Jews living in settlements in the east of the city had protested against the volume of prayer calls, Israeli media reported. The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal and called it an unnecessary provocation. A senior Israeli Cabinet minister said Monday the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States could usher in a new era of U.S.-Israeli relations that could lead to the abandonment of the two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian conflict. Education Minister Naftali Bennet, who leads the right-wing Jewish Home party, told members of the Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem now is the time to seize the opportunity to "reset the structure across the Middle East." He encouraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to communicate Israel's goals clearly, Reuters reported. "The combination of changes in the United States, in Europe and in the region provide Israel with a unique opportunity to reset and rethink everything," Bennett said. "We have a chance to reset the structure across the Middle East. We have to seize that opportunity and act on it." The two-state solution has been a cornerstone of the Middle East peace process since 1974. It envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel to resolve the conflict born with the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948. Mainstream Palestinian leaders have expressed interest in the concept since 1982 but disputes remain over borders and the status of Jerusalem, among other issues. "Trump's victory is an opportunity for Israel to immediately retract the notion of a Palestinian state," said Bennet, who has been an advocate of settlement construction and annexation of the West Bank. "The era of a Palestinian state is over." U.S. President Barack Obama said during a news conference Monday Trump is coming into office with fewer ideological stances than some other politicians, but ultimately he is pragmatic. "Opportunities and threats come and go. Seizing the opportunity is the secret," Bennet said, citing the upheaval in the Arab and Muslim world, and the changes in Europe and the United States. Netanyahu has voiced support for a negotiated settlement and demilitarized Palestinian state but opposes a return to pre-1967 borders. He also demands the Palestinians recognize Israel's right to exist in any agreement. The latest round of peace talks collapsed in 2014. Bennet noted a half-million Israelis have made their homes in the West Bank since Israel's capture of the territory in the 1967 Six Day War, the Jerusalem Post reported. U.S. Jews disagree that continued settlement construction makes Israel more secure with only 17 percent supporting the concept and 44 percent saying it's detrimental, Foreign Policy noted. A Pew Research Center study indicated in 2013 only 38 percent of U.S. Jews felt Israel was making a sincere effort to make peace. Trump a natural ally if he fights `terror`: Assad Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressing newsmen in Damascus. AFP, Damascus : Syria's Bashar al-Assad said in an interview aired on Tuesday that Donald Trump will be a "natural ally" if the US president-elect fulfils his pledge to fight "terrorists". In his first reaction to Trump's election victory last week, the Syrian president struck a note of caution and said he was unsure the American billionaire would be able to keep his word and step up the fight against jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," he told Portugal's RTP state television. Asked about Trump's campaign comments suggesting the United States should focus more on fighting the ISIS, Assad said he would welcome such a move but was cautious. "I would say this is promising, but can he deliver?" said Assad, who was speaking in English. "Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the mainstream media that were against him? How can he deal with it?" he said. "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. "That's why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasn't in a political position before," said Assad. The United States leads an international coalition that is conducting air strikes against ISIS jihadists in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, and also backs rebels fighting the Assad regime. In an interview with The New York Times on March 26, Trump said he thought "the approach of fighting Assad and ISIS simultaneously was madness, and idiocy". "You can't be fighting two people that are fighting each other, and fighting them together. You have to pick one or the other," said Trump. And during campaigning, Trump also pledged to improve America's ties with Assad's main backer, Russia. After his election victory, Trump told The Wall Street Journal: "I've had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria". He also said that if the United States attacks Assad "we end up fighting Russia". In his interview with RTP, Assad accused the United States of interfering in the affairs of other countries. "They think that they are the police of the world. They think they are the judge of the world. They're not," he said. Asked to give his assessment of the next UN chief, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, Assad insisted the "United Nations is not the secretary-general" even if the role is "important". "The United Nations is the states within this organisation, and to be frank, most of the people say only the five permanent members" of the UN Security Council, said Assad. "This is the United Nations because they have the veto, they can do whatever they want and they can refuse whatever they want. "If you ask me 'what do you expect from such a new official in that important position,' I would say I need two things: the first one is to be objective... the second one... is not to turn his office into a part or branch of the State Department of the United States. "That's what we expect now," said Assad. The Syrian president went on to criticise his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a "sick person". "He's (a) megalomaniac... He's out of touch with the reality," said Assad. Turkey has embarked on an ambitious operation inside Syria dubbed "Euphrates Shield" to support Syrian opposition fighters in a bid to remove ISIS fighters from its border and stop the advance of Syrian Kurdish militia. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 300,000 people since it started in March 2011 with anti-regime protests. Syria's main opposition has urged Trump to protect civilians and help end the bloodshed in the country. Battle against poverty is a never ending agenda Mahdi Hasan, BAU : The researchers and experts on Sunday expressed that the battle against poverty is a continuous process and a never-ending agenda as eradication of poverty is almost impossible. They also mentioned that Bangladesh has gained tremendous stride in conquering poverty at a rapid pace. They were addressing a three-day long international seminar of Regional Network on Poverty Eradication (RENPER) with a theme of "Advancement in technology for poverty reduction: opportunity and challenges'' held at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin was the chief guest in the inaugural session while Deputy VC of University Malaysia Kelantan and Chairman of RENPER Prof Dato Dr Ibrahim Bin Che Omar as the special guest. BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar was present as the chief patron with Prof Dr M Afzal Hossain in chair. In his keynote presentation, FAO representative in Bangladesh Mike Robson said that poverty is not only present in the rural areas but in urban areas as 30 percent people are going through the process of urbanization. He also put emphasis on gender friendly technology development to reduce the burden of women's work. Dr Mohammed Farashuddin urged to make the youth to a resource for the improvement of the country because about 50 million of total population is youth in Bangladesh. After the inaugural session of the seminar they also inaugurated an agri-tech fair in the agriculture faculty corridor, which will continue till the ending of the seminar. Walton returns from Nigeria with success Economic Reporter : The country's electronics giant 'Walton' experienced a fruitful participation in the Africa's largest 10-day long expo "Lagos International Trade Fair-2016," concluded on 13th November'16 at Tafawa Balewa Square of Lagos in Nigeria, says a press release. The wide range of Walton brand products with world-class quality at reasonable prices attracted the African buyers at the just concluded exp. Walton received a good amount of spot orders at the expo. In addition, some Nigerian businessman also expressed their eagerness for being a distributor of Walton brand products in Nigeria. Mentionable, the country's electronics giant Walton was the first-ever Bangladeshi company that took part in the just concluded "30th Lagos International Trade Fair and highlighted its wide range of products like intelligent inverter technology's refrigerators, air conditioners, LED televisions, laptops, mobile phones, blenders, induction cookers, LED bulbs and other electronics and electrical household appliances through Walton Pavilion at the fair. At the fair, people from all spectra, including entrepreneurs, individual and journalists, were thronging the Bangladeshi brand Walton Pavilion and lauded on the uniqueness of Walton products like world-class quality, diversified colours and designs and affordable rates. Walton officials said, a certificate from Standard Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) is required to export electronics products to Nigeria. Bangladeshi brand Walton obtained that certificate in the very beginning of the current year. Through participating in this fair, Walton products won the heart of African people. Along with the people's heart, Walton brand also placed on the Nigeria's top daily newspapers like Daily Punch, Vanguard, Guardian, Daily Times, and Leadership. Illegal occupiers evicted from Tea Board land Chittagong Bureau : Chittagong district administration and Bangladesh Tea Board have evicted the illegal occupiers from the land of Bangladesh Tea Board on Sunday. There was no any unwanted occurrences as there were hundreds of policemen and Rapid Action Battalion members present during the eviction drive. According to sources, the illegal occupiers had occupied 10 kathas of land of Bangladesh Tea Board at its office side. The value of grabbed land was around taka 6 to 7 crore. Bangladesh Tea Board has taken the step to evict the illegal occupiers after long time. The authorities called law enforcers in association with Chittagong district administration for the drive. The magistrate of Chittagong District Administration and law enforcers recovered the lands of Bangladesh Tea Board by demolishing the establishments on the land. College student dies on Dhaka Ctg rail line: One college student died in an accident on Dhaka-Chittagong rail line at Kumira under Sitakunda thana in Chittagong on Saturday morning. The ill-fated is identified as Mahamuda Akter Mili (22), daughter of Abu Taher of Kajipara village at Kumira under Sitakunda thana in Chittagong. The victim was a student of BA class at Bijoy Soroni College. Railway police said, police heard the news of death of college student Mahmuda Akter Mili this morning. Later, police rushed to the spot and recovered the beheaded body of the victim. Police said, the victims may cut under train at around 9 am. Police sent the body of the victim to the morgue for autopsy. JU Cultural Alliances demo today JU Correspondent : Jahangirnagar University Cultural Alliance has called demo today protesting attack on Santal community at Gobindaganj in Gaibandha district recently. Secretary of the National Committee of Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports Prof Anu Mohammed announced the demonstrations by a press met at JU TSC Guest Room yesterday. The demonstrations will stats from social science faculty around at 10.30 pm. Moreover, they highlighted four point demands about the Santal community interests, including refunds land property of santals, the involve culprits of the heinous attack should take under justice, the authority should withdraw the false cause filling against the innocent community and ensure security of the confined santal people. Conducted by Rahat Rahman, Secretary of JU Cultural alliance, Associate Professor of History Department Anisa Parvin Joli, President of JU Cultural Alliance Jubair Tipu, Convener of Socialist Student Front of JU unit Moshiur Rahman also attended the press conference among others. Mentionable that on November 6, some miscreants attacked on Santal community at Gobindaganj in Gaibandha district centering their land dispute. Brutal killings going on in Rakhine State despite UN Commission UPTO 69 members of what Myanmar's government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group and 17 members of the security forces have been killed in an escalation of fighting in ethnically divided Rakhine State, the army said on Tuesday. The death toll, announced in the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, was sharply higher than that reported by state media at the weekend, and came as former United Nations Chief Kofi Annan, who chairs a commission on resolving Rakhine's problems, voiced concern at the upsurge in violence. The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the tension between Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's seven-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled for decades and retains key powers, including control of Ministries responsible for security. Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on October 9 that killed nine police officers. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya Muslims, shutting out aid workers and independent observers, and conducted sweeps of villages. A series of skirmishes and attacks during the six days to Monday had led 'to the death of 69 violent attackers and the arrest of 234', the military's True News Information Team said. Ten policemen and seven soldiers were also killed in the clashes, it added. The announcement takes to 102 the tally of deaths of suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers since October 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 32, based on reports in state-owned media. Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship, with many of the country's majority Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The Rohingya face severe restrictions on travel and access to health care. Many were dependent on regular nutritional and medical aid long before the outbreak of fighting in October. It is no secret that Rohingyas are among the world's most persecuted communities, with most of them being Internally Displaces Persons (IDPs) in their own country -- a horrendous situation. When your own country does not wish to give you citizenship then you have very little options left -- either migrate or live a squalid life with no hope. Such has become the fate of the Rohingya. In such a situation hatred of the authorities can easily bring about a situation which escalates into needless violence like the killing of police officers. It is very easy to motivate people who have no real hope about their future. But for the situation to end the Myanmar government must enable the Rohingyas to have access to basic rights and not deprive them of the necessities to live a reasonable life. Setting up endless UN Commissions will go nowhere -- they must be afforded the basic protections given to citizens in their own land. By artificially making them pariahs the pathway to increased violence will continue. Reclaim grabbed land from Monem`s house Staff Reporter : The High Court (HC) on Wednesday asked the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to reclaim illegally grabbed 14-feet expansion of house of Monem Khan, Governor of erstwhile East Pakistan on the North and the West at Banani. The Bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath passed the order rejecting a writ petition filed by Monem Khan's son A H M Quamruzzman challenging legality of partial demolition of the house and stay on the demolition drive. The court observed that the family of Monem Khan had illegally occupied 50 feet stretch of land outside the area allotted to them. The City Corporation earlier reclaimed 36 feet land from the house. The court also ordered authorities concerned to restore the utility services to the house which were snapped during the partial demolition drive. On the day, City Corporation and Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha submitted a report to the court that Monem Khan's family illegally grabbed land which were meant for greenery. The High Court on November 13 asked the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to explain under what authority five acres of land was allotted to East Pakistan governor Monem Khan in 1967. 80 gold bars seized at Osmani Airport Customs officials seized 80 gold bars weighing about nine kgs from a flight at MAG Osmani International Airport on Wednesday morning. Staff Reporter : Customs officials in a drive seized 80 gold bars weighing 9.3 kilograms worth around Tk 4.5 crore inside a Bangladesh Biman Airlines at MAG Osmani International Airport in Sylhet early Wednesday. They could not detain anybody in connection with seizure of the unclaimed gold haul, Customs official said. Sazzad Hossain, Assistant Commissioner (Immigration) of Airport Customs House, told The New Nation on Wednesday night, "A team of Customs detectives led by him conducted a drive at the Flight 'BG-224' of Bangladesh Biman Airlines from Dubai landed at the airport around 6:15am and recovered the gold bars." The gold bars were found inside four bags wrapped up with some pieces of paper under two VIP seats of the flight, the Customs official said. The smugglers used Sylhet as their route and they might have been trying to transport the shipment to somewhere else using domestic flights, he said. "We were investigating into the matter as it was the biggest haul so far of gold at the airport, the Customs official added. A case has been filed with the police station in this connection. Publication of artist Monir to be launched Nov 19 Staff Reporter : A publication titled "MONIR" focusing on the unique and significant aspects of the work of Bangladesh-Spanish artist Monirul Islam: Selected Works from 1966 to 2016 will be launched on 19th November at The Lit Fest 2016, Dhaka. The Lit Fest begins today (Thursday) on Bangla Academy premises. Energis Limited is the gold sponsor of the two days occasion. This English-language volume is an invaluable introductory reference for students of art and art history and curators of south Asian Modern Art as well as for general readers wishing to gain insight into the essential features of this notable artist's work. Commissioned by Energis Limited, published by Nokta publishers and designed by head office communications, the 150 page illustrator publication is the first of its kind dedication to looking at all periods and aspects of Monirul Islam's practice along with reproductions of his works, his biography and a collection of personal photographs. At the book launch session, Asaduzzaman Nur Minister for cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and artist Monirul Islam will hold a dialogue on the book that will be moderated by Mustafa Zaman, Editor of Depart Magazine and a contributor to the book. Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Minister for Water Resources, Anwar Hossain Manju, Minister for Environment, Luis Tejada Chacon, Ambassador of Spain, and Javed Hosein, Managing Director of Energies Limited will also attend the event. Abbas among 18 relieved from arson case UNB, Dhaka : A court here on Wednesday relieved 18 people, including BNP leader Mirza Abbas, from an arson case filed with Ramna Police Station. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Quamrul Hossain Mollah passed the order after accepting the chargesheet placed by the police in the case. BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Amanullah Aman and Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon were among those relieved from the case. The court accepted chargesheet against BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and seven others in the case. Besides, the court issued warrants for the arrest of three absconding BNP and Jamaat men. On December 25, 2013, police constable Md Ferdous was burnt alive while two other constables suffered burn injuries as unidentified criminals set a police vehicle on fire by pouring petrol at the capital's Bangla Motor intersection. Later, Nazmul Islam, Sub-Inspector of the police station, filed a case against 26 people, including Mirza Fakhrul and Mirza Abbas. Of the 26 accused, 18 were relieved from the case, while five secured bail and three remained absconding. SCLAC seeks info of prisoners without trial Staff Reporter : The Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee (SCLAC) on Wednesday sent separate letters to the jail authorities across the country seeking information about those prisoners, who have been in jail for long without any trial. There are 68 jails in the country. The SCLAC requested for two separate lists of the prisoners. One list will be for those, who have been in the jails for more than five years and the other for more than 10 years without trial so that the legal aid committee can provide legal assistance to them. The government has taken the responsibility of giving legal assistance to the poor litigants. But it exposes from the recent media reports that many prisoners have been staying in jail for a long time without any trial. The trial proceedings of the cases against them continues for years for various reasons, including absence of witnesses in the trial courts, according to the letter. The letter assures that the SCLAC would provide free legal assistance to the poor prisoners after getting all information about them in hands. In an another letter, the SCLAC has requested the Islamic Foundation to instruct Khatibs and Imams of all mosques across the country to inform the Muslims before Jumma prayers about the SCLAC activities so that the poor people can approach the legal aid committee for taking legal assistance. 4 more in jail for 18 yrs without trial Gulam Rabbani : Four more prisoners have been found in jail for 18 years without any trial. They are Chand Mia, Makbul Hossain, Sentu Kamal and Bilal Mia. All of them are now at Kashimpur jail in Gazipur district, jail sources said. The Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee on Wednesday sent separate letters to the jail authorities across the country seeking information about those prisoners, who have been in jail for long without any trial. In reply to the letter, the Kashimpur jail authority sent a list of 56 prisoners to the Inspector General of Prison yesterday. These four prisoners are among them. Recently the High Court granted bail to Shipon, a prisoner, who had been in the same jail for more than 16 years without any trial. Sources said, Chand Mia is in prison since 1999 in a murder case of Shampur Police Station. This case is now under trial in a Dhaka court. Mokbul Hossain of Madaripur was arrested in another murder case in 2000. But the case filed against him is yet to end in 17 years. The case is also under trial in a Dhaka court. Nobody appeared in the court for Mokbul. Sentu Kamal of Motijheel AGB colony was arrested in 2001 in a case. He was produced in a Special Court in Dhaka last month for the last time. But the court could not complete the proceedings of the case even after 16 years. Bilal Mia also embraced the same fate. Because the murder case filed against him at Tejgaon Police Station is yet to make any headway. He is in Kashimpur jail since 2002. The case is under trial in a Dhaka court. It is to be noted that there are 68 jails in the country. The legal aid committee requested for two separate lists of the prisoners. One list will be for those, who have been in the jails for more than five years and the other for more than 10 years without trial so that the legal aid committee can provide legal assistance to them. The government has taken the responsibility of giving legal assistance to the poor litigants. But it exposes from the recent media reports that many prisoners have been staying in jail for a long time without any trial. The trial proceedings of the cases against them continues for years for various reasons, including absence of witnesses in the trial courts, according to the letter. UK Supreme Court faces Brexit dilemma All 11 senior judges of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom will decide the most significant British constitutional question for years - whether the government has the power to trigger Article 50 of the EU Lisbon Treaty to begin Brexit. It is unprecedented for all 11 Justices to sit for a single case and that is saying a lot for an institution that in one guise or another has existed for more than 600 years. But, judging so far from the furore greeting the judiciary's involvement in Brexit, it may be a case of safety in numbers. Howls of protest and anger from Brexit-supporting politicians and newspapers greeted the decision by the High Court on 3 November that Parliament must vote on Article 50 before it can be triggered. But the Supreme Court has made it clear that it is highly unlikely to be swayed by such considerations when it starts its deliberations on 5 December. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, one of the judges, Lord Kerr of Tonaghmore, confessed to feeling unabashed by the predicted public and press interest in the case. "I think that it's not a question of my looking forward to it but I can perfectly well understand why the public is extremely interested in it," he told me. "And that's a good thing. Our communications staff and our reception staff are well prepared to cater for that public interest and to ensure that as much facility for those who are interested in it is provided, so that the public can hear the arguments as they are presented. "I think that's an entirely healthy thing. So I'm not particularly looking forward to the public interest but I'm certainly not disheartened by it." The government appealed to the Supreme Court after a "lower court", in this case the High Court, ruled that Parliament must vote before the triggering of Article 50. The High Court had upheld the challenge by businesswoman Gina Miller that Prime Minister Theresa May had no authority by use of the Royal Prerogative to start the process of the UK leaving the EU. Several Brexit-supporting newspapers attacked the decision, with the Daily Mail describing the judges as "enemies of the people". Lord Kerr declined to comment about the newspaper headlines but said: "I think the important message that I would like to convey is that we as judges apply the law. "We are not involved in reaching decisions based on anything other than the legal principles as they are presented to us and the legal analysis which we conduct as to these extremely difficult and complicated questions. "That's not to say that we don't have personal views but we are all extremely conscious of the need to set aside our personal views and to apply the law as we conceive it to be." The Supreme Court is based in Parliament Square next to both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The court formally began in October 2009 housed in a building previously used as a crown court. Before 1965 it was home to Middlesex County Council, which was officially abolished in a reorganisation of London's local government. The Supreme Court took over the functions of the Appellate Committee of the House of Lords and its justices also sit as the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and as such will occasionally hear appeals against the death penalty from Commonwealth countries. More than 100,000 people visit the court each year and more than 350 schools take part in tours and sit in on its many hearings. The building was refurbished to allow a lot of light and colour and houses a cafe, an exhibition area and even a rather funky carpet designed by Sir Peter Blake, who famously designed the cover for the Beatles' Sergeant Pepper Album. Former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion was commissioned to write a poem, which has been chiselled into stone benches outside the court building. In an average year, the Supreme Court hears around 90 appeals and makes around 80 judgements on important issues of law that shape the way everybody lives, while it also upholds and dismisses appeals in almost equal proportions. On either side of the Atlantic, there is much talk of elites. The Supreme Court is open but not at the moment as diverse or representative as it wishes to be. There is only one woman justice and Oxbridge and public schools feature prominently in the background of most of the justices. Lord Kerr concedes it is a problem, saying, "Well we're not diverse enough in the sense that we don't reflect the gender balance of the community for a start. "Nor do we reflect the ethnic population of the United Kingdom and that's something that we are concerned about and that we're working towards. "Curiously enough, I think possibly I represent a particular part of diversity in that I come from Northern Ireland first of all. "Secondly I wasn't educated in a public school, I didn't go to Oxbridge, and I certainly don't lead a privileged life. "I was one of a family of seven, of a widowed mother. Happily I was able to go to university but I don't think that I could be described - certainly in terms of background - as coming from an elite." Homes for evicted Santals ordered Home Minister says no evidence of internal conflict behind Nasirnagar attack Staff Reporter : Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Wednesday said the government will build homes for the members of Santal community who have lost their dwellings during the recent clash in Gobindaganj of Gaibandha district. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered the concerned authorities to build homes for the members of Santal community who were evicted from the lands of Rangpur Sugar Mills. The concerned departments have also got order in this regard," he said after attending a meeting at Secretariat about security preparations on the Victory Day. The clash erupted on November 6 with the Santal community when the mill workers with the help of hired day labourers started harvesting sugarcane on the land belonging to the mills. The Pakistan government in 1952 acquired 1,840 acres of land at Shahebganj to set up a sugarcane farm. Later, the Deputy Commissioner's office acquired the land for the then Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation, which established Mahimaganj Sugar Mills between 1954 and 1957. According to the information available, the original land owners were given only Tk 8.07 lakh for the vast land. The DC office signed an agreement with the corporation in 1962 on behalf of the land owners. As per the deal, the land was acquired for cultivation of sugarcane by the mill authorities. And if the land was used for farming any other crops, the corporation shall surrender the land to the government. The agreement, however, was violated as the mill authorities leased out most of the land for cultivation of other crops like rice, wheat, mustard, tobacco, and maize. The Home Minister also answered questions about the affected Hindu families at Nasirnagar in Brahmanbaria. "There was no internal conflict behind the attack on Hindu community at Nasirnagar. If there was any sign of intra-party conflict behind the incident, I would surely inform it to the Prime Minister Now; somebody is trying to spread this theory intentionally," Kamal said. About the progress of the investigation, he said: "The investigation is still going on about the Nasirnagar attack. Separate teams are investigating into the matter. It is not possible to say something about the findings until the investigation is completed." Issuing warning, the Minister said: "Appropriate action will be taken against them, whoever will be found guilty in Nasirnagar incident. So far as I think, it was a part of deep-rooted conspiracy engineered by a vested quarter." "We haven't got any evidence about the involvement of Awami League men in arson and vandalizing temples and houses of Hindu community," he said. Meanwhile, the members of Hindu community on Wednesday immersed the broken idols of 10 temples, including Gour, Loknath, Jagannath and Shahshan Kali Mandir, in presence of local UNO and OC. Local sources said, the idols were immersed ahead of the "long march" programme to Nasirnagar on November 18 announced by some organizations at Shahbagh in the city on Monday. "The idols of the goddesses were immersed after consultation with temple committees and local people of Hindu community. We will provide full-fledged help from the upazila administration to repair the temples," Md Liakat Ali, UNO of Nasirnagar, said. Infighting goes on 1 killed, many injured in Trishal Staff Reporter : A fresh intra-party clash between two groups of ruling Awami league's (AL) leaders and workers left at least one person dead and 15 other injured at Balipara in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district on Wednesday morning. The deceased was identified as Saiful Molla, 40. Of the injured, four people with critical condition have been admitted to the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Infighting among the leaders and workers of ruing AL has taken a serious turn at different places of the country. They are engaged in infighting to establish supremacy in their respective areas and grab party posts. Infighting in the ruling AL is nothing new, but it has increased in recent days, particularly after the union council elections. According to Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), at least 52 AL men were killed and nearly 3,500 injured in 334 incidents of internal clashes from January last year till October this year. The death toll rose to 57 following Wednesday Trishal clash in which one person was killed. On Wednesday in Trishal, police fired over two hundreds rounds of blanks shots, lobbed of teargas shells and used resorted to baton charge when the two groups were launching attack on each other with country made arms and lethal weapons. Additional members of different law enforcement agencies including elite force Rapid Action Battalion and police have been deployed in and around the area. A tense situation is prevailing in the area. When contacted Maniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Trishal Police Station, said Golam Mohammad Badal, Chairman of Balipara union council and also president of union unit AL, had a long been enmity with Abdul Bari, a convener of union unit Jubo League, over establishing supremacy in the union. After wining the UP council elections, supporters of Golam Mohammad Badal launched attack at Juba League office and Abdul Bari's houses. They also set ablaze the Juba League Office and Bari's house at Balipara. On Tuesday when the supporters of Badal and Bari took out anti-terrorism procession in their locality and hurled abusive words against each other, the situation took into a serious turn. However, no untoward incident took place on that day, local said. But on Wednesday the supporters of both groups equipped with lethal weapons attacked each other following an altercation around 1 pm, triggering a clash that left Saiful people dead and 15 others injured. As the news spread, the followers of Chairman Badal launched attack with lethal weapons on Bari's brother Abdul Baten office and houses. Chase and counter chase also took place during the violent clash. The two groups also exchanged gunshots during the clash. To bring the situation, when police started firing blank gunshots and lobbing off tear gas shells the whole area turned into a battle filed creating panic among the local. Establishing supremacy in areas appears as the major factor behind the internal conflicts at grassroots level of the AL, according to party insiders. Apart from these, extortion, tender manipulation and influencing the government's development work are the main causes behind their frantic efforts to establish supremacy or retain control over a particular area. Besides, intra-party feuds at the grassroots level took place also when dissidents defying the party high command's order contested the last union parishad elections held in phases in the first quarter of this year. In the latest example of infighting, four people were killed in a clash between the supporters of former and incumbent UP chairmen at Nilakkha village under Raipura upazila of the district Monday noon. In another example of intra-party feud, at least two persons were killed and 40 others injured, in a clash between two factions at Kushtia town last month. The dead, Iman Ali, 35, of Majhpara, and Shahabuddin, 55, of Baidyanathpur, were activists of the AL's Jhaudia union unit. On September 2, a local activist of the Jubo League, was killed in clash between two rival factions at Kashoi Bazar, in Monoharganj upazila of Comilla district. The dead identified as Hitu Mia, 32, general secretary of Ward 1 Juba League. Crush Aleppo? Assad backers bomb even children's hospital While hundred flee a boy receives medical treatment after being injured in an airstrike on Wednesday in Aleppo. The Guardian : Jet fighters and helicopters bombing east Aleppo hit a children's hospital on Wednesday morning, destroying sections of the building as medics and patients sheltered in the basement. An ambulance driver and at least two children were among the dead after a night of fierce attacks on rebel-held sections of Syria's largest city. The assault, which continued into the morning, is widely believed to mark the start of a push by President Bashar al-Assad and his backers, including Russia and Iran, to crush the opposition in their last urban stronghold. "A horrible day for the children's hospital. Me and my staff and all the patients are sitting in one room in the basement right now, trying to protect our patients," the centre's director, Dr Hatem, said in a message posted on Facebook. "We are trying to leave the basement but we can't because of all the aircraft still in the sky. Pray for us please." The children's hospital, which carries out around 4,000 consultations a month, was one of six medical centres bombed in Syria over the last 48 hours, according to a charity that supports them. "Like all the surrounding hospitals in eastern Aleppo, it has been hit multiple times this year alone, putting 2016 on track to becoming the worst year of hospital attacks on record," the Independent Doctors Association said. The targeting of civilians and medics in Aleppo in particular have fuelled international outrage and growing pressure on Damascus to halt the bombing. But opposition forces are now bracing for an intensified campaign on the city, against the backdrop of a geopolitical landscape dramatically changed by the election of Donald Trump as the next US president. On Tuesday Assad described Trump as a potential "natural ally" if the president-elect fulfilled a campaign promise to fight terrorism. Doctors said an ambulance driver had been killed in the airstrikes, and many people were under the rubble after a bombardment that included "barrel bombs" - cylinders packed with explosives dropped often inaccurately from helicopters and usually targeting civilian areas. "Horror is back to Aleppo," said Abdulkafi al-Hamdo, a teacher in the city, in a text message. Audio recording from inside the city captured the sounds of intense bombardment and shelling. Russia has denied involvement in the air raids so far on the city, but said it had launched missile strikes and bombing raids on the provinces of Idlib and Homs on Tuesday from its aircraft carrier the Admiral Kuznetsov, which is stationed off the Syrian coast. The aircraft carrier's arrival in a highly publicised trip was heralded as signifying the start of the campaign to reclaim Aleppo. Whole districts of a city that was once Syria's most vibrant have been virtually abandoned over years of intense street fighting, and many parts of the east have been bombed to rubble. Opposition areas are being starved by a slowly tightening siege. A semblance of normal life continues in west Aleppo and regaining full control of the city would be a huge boost for forces loyal to Assad, for its symbolic value and because it is the only key urban area still controlled by the opposition. Assad's forces, backed by Iranian and other Shia militias and Russian air power, have used a policy of bombing the opposition to the negotiating table while starving the communities that support them into surrender in several Syrian cities. They appear to be deploying the same tactics in Aleppo. The situation in Aleppo has long been seen as a bellwether for the broader civil war in Syria, and the current onslaught is within the context of surging momentum for the Assad regime after Moscow's intervention in the war last year. The opposition also fears that the Trump administration will abandon America's covert but limited support for the rebellion, allowing the Kremlin a free hand to crush it. Trump said during the election campaign that he intended to focus on destroying Islamic State. In his first reaction to Trump's election victory, Assad struck a cautious note, saying the president-elect would be a natural ally if he sought to combat terrorists, an epithet that the Syrian president uses to describe all of the opposition. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally, in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," he told Portugal's RTP state television, speaking in English. "I would say this is promising, but can he deliver?" Assad added. Vulnerability can also be Exploited Remotely "This vulnerability allows to obtain a root initramfs shell on affected systems. The vulnerability is very reliable because it does not depend on specific systems or configurations. Attackers can copy, modify or destroy the hard disc as well as set up the network to exfiltrate data. This vulnerability is especially serious in environments like libraries, ATMs, airport machines, labs, etc, where the whole boot process is protected (password in BIOS and GRUB) and we only have a keyboard or/and a mouse." Here's How Bad is the Vulnerability It can be used to store an executable file with the bit SetUID enabled. This can later be employed by a local user to escalate his /her privileges. If the boot is not secured, it would then be possible for an attacker to replace the kernel and the initrd image. Here's How to Fix the Security Issue: sed -i 's/GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="/GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="panic=5 /' /etc/default/grub grub-install A hacker with little more than a minute can bypass the authentication procedures on some Linux systems just by holding down the Enter key for around 70 seconds.The result? The act grants the hacker a shell with root privileges, which allows them to gain complete remote control over encrypted Linux machine.The security issue relies due to a vulnerability ( CVE-2016-4484 ) in the implementation of theused for encrypting hard drives via(LUKS), which is the standard implementation of disk encryption on a Linux-based operating system.The flaw actually is in the way the Cryptsetup utility handles password failures for the decryption process when a system boots up, which lets a user retry the password multiple times.Even if the user has tried up all 93 password attempts, the user is dropped to a shell (Busybox in Ubuntu) that has root privileges.In other words, if you enter a blank password 93 times or simply hold down the 'Enter' key for roughly 70 seconds you will gain access to a root initramfs (initial RAM file system) shell.Once obtained the root shell on a target Linux machine, you can copy, modify, or destroy the hard disk, or use the network to exfiltrate data.The flaw, discovered by Spanish security researcher Hector Marco and Ismael Ripoll, affects almost all Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), which potentially puts millions of users at risk.Here's what the researchers explain about the vulnerability in their security advisory , which was presented at this year's DeepSec conference in Vienna, Austria:However, you might be thinking that exploiting this flaw is only possible when you have physical access to the target system. True, but exploiting the flaw remotely is also possible.If you use cloud-based services that use Linux, you can remotely exploit this vulnerability without having 'physical access.'However, it is important to note that this vulnerability does not give an attacker access to the contents of the encrypted drive, though, according to the researchers, this shell allows an attacker perform a series of actions, as described by Marco:Since the boot partition is typically not encrypted:It is possible for an attacker to access all the disks. Although the system partition is encrypted, it can be copied to an external device, where it can later be brute forced. Obviously, it is possible to access to unencrypted information in other devices.The attacker has the ability to delete the information on all the disks.This security weakness has been confirmed to affect Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora, along with many other Linux distributions. Arch Linux users, as well as Solus users, are not affected by this issue.Fortunately, the vulnerability is incredibly easy to fix.First of all, press the Enter key for about 70 seconds at the LUKS password prompt until a shell appears, just in order to see if your system is vulnerable.If vulnerable, you will need to check with your Linux distribution support vendor to find out whether or not a patch is available.If the patch is not available, the issue can be fixed by modifying the cryptroot file to stop the boot sequence when the number of password attempts has been exhausted. For this, you can add the following commands to your boot configuration:Since a patch is already available, so make sure that you are always using the most recent package versions and up to date operating system.For more technical details of this vulnerability, you can head on to Hector Marco's website If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Seven-day sentence is being supervised by the office of Sheriff Mark Garber, the very man prosecutors say Pope abused his own office to oppose in last years race for sheriff. Image courtesy LPSO [CORRECTION: The grand jury did not meet Wednesday, Nov. 16, but is scheduled to reconvene this month to continue its investigation of Pope.] Lafayette City Marshal Brian Popes day of reckoning in a public records lawsuit with The Independent at least on the civil side commenced Wednesday. At 3:43 a.m. today, Pope turned himself in to the Lafayette Parish Sheriffs Office for processing so that he can begin serving the seven days of house arrest 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules Edwards sentenced him to in March after holding him in criminal contempt of court. Pope was released following the outfitting of an ankle monitor that will allow the sheriffs office to ensure his compliance with Edwards court order, according to a press release from the sheriffs office, a release that includes a mug shot of Pope stamped with a Mark Garber sheriffs badge. Todays self-surrender follows the Louisiana Supreme Courts Nov. 7 confirmation that it had denied Popes writ application, in essence ending his appeal of Edwards contempt ruling for failing to comply with two public records requests from The IND and then flaunting court orders meant to remedy that failure. The Third Circuit Court of Appeal ruled against Pope in June on his appeal of the criminal contempt finding, and again dealt a blow to his appeals efforts when it upheld Edwards initial January ruling that the records The IND was seeking were public documents he must produce. Pope is also appealing that 3rd Circuit decision to the Louisiana Supreme Court. Back in March, when Edwards found Pope in contempt of court in the civil case, the judge sentenced him to 30 days of jail time, with all but seven days suspended, ordered him to undergo more than 170 hours of training in Louisiana public records law and make public presentations on the law, and ruled that he must pony up more than $100,000 in attorneys fees, court costs and penalties in what has now become a year-long public records lawsuit filed against him by The Independent. Those costs have continued to mount. Pope was given four years of unsupervised probation, and if he violates his probation will serve the remaining 23 days of suspended imprisonment. Ordering such punitive measures against an elected official over violations of public records law is as far as we and other legal experts can tell unprecedented. In his ruling, Edwards painted a picture of a law enforcement official who believed himself above the law by willfully failing to comply with the public records requests. The IND began seeking the public records in October 2015 after Pope held a bizarre press conference at this office, flanked by on-duty deputies, to attack Garber, who was then a candidate for sheriff. The records proved what the IND suspected that Pope had colluded with Joe Castille, the campaign manager for Chad Leger, Garbers opponent, to smear Garber in hopes of advancing Legers election bid. Popes criminal defense attorney, Kevin Stockstill, notified the court Thursday of his client's intention to surrender this week to avoid any unnecessary arrest/fugitive warrants. Stockstill asked IND attorney Gary McGoffin if the paper would be opposed to Louisiana Home Detention, rather than the sheriffs office, supervising electronic monitoring of Pope over the seven-day sentence. The paper opposed such a change, preferring that the sheriff supervise his detention, as suggested by Edwards in March: This court has no objection to the 168 hours being served on home arrest with electronic monitoring supervised by the Lafayette Parish Sheriffs Office. Its easy to see why it might be a bit unsettling for the marshal to be monitored by the sheriffs office, as information obtained from the public records also led to an investigation by District Attorney Keith Stutes office and a grand jury indictment against Pope in August. Pope now faces prosecution on at least five felony charges three counts of misuse of public funds for urging voters to elect Leger and two for perjury. That same grand jury is set to reconvene this month, widening its probe into Popes alleged misdeeds. The highly popular Louisiana Crossroads music series returns to the Acadiana Center for the Arts this week for its Fall 2016 with award winning performer Jerry Douglas & Friends. The highly popular Louisiana Crossroads music series returns to the Acadiana Center for the Arts this week for its Fall 2016 with award winning performer Jerry Douglas & Friends. Dobro master and 13-time Grammy-winner Douglas is to the resonator guitar what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar: elevating, transforming, and reinventing the instrument in countless ways. In addition to being widely recognized as the foremost master of the Dobro, Douglas is a freewheeling, forward-thinking recording artist whose output incorporates elements of bluegrass, country, rock, jazz, blues and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision. Called dobros matchless contemporary master by The New York Times, thirteen-time Grammy-winner Jerry Douglas is one of the most innovative recording artists in music, both as a solo artist and member of groundbreaking bands including J.D. Crowe & the New South, the Country Gentlemen, Boone Creek, and Strength In Numbers. Douglas distinctive sound graces more than 1,500 albums, including discs released by Garth Brooks, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Earl Scruggs, and Ray Charles, among many others. Since 1998, hes been a key member of Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas touring extensively and co-producing and playing on a series of platinum albums. He has produced albums for Krauss, the Del McCoury Band, Maura OConnell, and Jesse Winchester and is is co-Music Director of the acclaimed BBC TV series Transatlantic Sessions, and his latest solo album Traveler features guest appearances by such notable friends as Paul Simon, Mumford & Sons, and Eric Clapton, among others. As he continues his incalculable influence on Americana, bluegrass and their many related genres, Douglas forges as a true pioneer in American music. Louisiana Crossroads presents Jerry Douglas & Friends on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts in Downtown Lafayette. For more information, including ticket prices, visit AcadianaCenterfortheArts.org. 1985 and now: a brother and sister, or a couple who are still together? Don't know. Photo by Chris Porsz. I love projects like this, and (the Design You Trust article's claim notwithstanding) there have been many of them over the years, from The Rephotographic Survey Project on down. Rephotography is thought to consider only sites, but just as many have been done of people (for example, Young Me / Now Me). The new one from which the photos above were taken was done by a professional paramedic and amateur documentary photographer named Chris Porsz from Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The project is called Reunions. (I don't think Chris has much of a gift for titleshis earlier book, New England, is not about New England, but about newer towns in England. You know what I always say, "editors needed everywhere." But I digress.) Over the course of a decade, Chris tracked down the same people in Peterborough who he originally photographed as much as 40 years ago, and recreated the poses, sometimes in the same places. Some examples of such comparative rephotography inevitably work better than others, but it's always fascinating to me how photographs themselves change in time, as well as how photographs show change. There's a book of Chris's project, Reunions, that you can buy directly from him, or you can see various examples of his work in this article at Design You Trust or elsewhere. Fascinating. Britain's turn for the great GX8 Looks like it's Great Britain's turn for the excellent deal on the Panasonic GX8, the Micro 4/3 camera I liked so much and keep yammering on about. My further rummaging in the wilds of the Internets has suggested that the "shutter shock" problem that the GX8 has been asked to shoulder alone is only relevant with certain lenses...a statement which of course I am in no position to guarantee, which is why I have to be careful when I talk about it. But although I have read many good things about this kit lens, the 1260mm /3.55.6lenses generally really are good these days, and this one seems to be a case in pointI haven't heard anything about people detecting any evidence of shutter shock with this camera/lens combination. I can't guarantee that. Anyway, you can pre-order the camera and lens in the UK for only 869. It's also available with the 1442mm lens, with the excellent 1235mm /2.8 (which also is allegedly immune to shutter shock), or with the 14140mm. The body only is already out of stock. Jane the incomparable Finally in the UK category is a new book that came out a year ago of the work of Jane Bown. (No, not "Brown"no "r." It's Bown. I believe it's pronounced not like "bone" but like the bow of a ship with an "n" added onrhymes with crown.) A modest photojournalist who made unfussy pictures with minimalist equipment, Jane's spare yet eloquent style puts her into the very top rank as far as my opinion is concernedshe's among my own favorites, certainly. I admire her greatly and always find things to love in her work, as well as things to admire and emulate. She died around this season of the year two years ago, after a successful career that saw her receive appropriate appreciation and recognition as the years warped and woofed onward, and at the end. The trajectory of her career was something that went just about right for her, and stands as a model for what every photographer of her talents ought to get. (A brief insight into her character, quoted from Wikipedia: "She described her childhood as happy, brought up in Dorset by women whom she believed to be her aunts. Bown said she was upset to realise, at the age of twelve, that one of them was her mother and her birth was illegitimate. This discovery precipitated her into delinquent behaviour in her adolescence, and acting coldly towards her mother.") The book is A Lifetime of Looking. It's also available in the U.S., but barely (a handful of used and new copies from third-party sellers). Like Harry Gruyaert's book was for color photographersinspirational! Mike (Thanks to Marcin Wuu) Original contents copyright 2016 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. Like what you read? Join our support campaign or buy something (To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.) Featured Comments from: Peter Wright (partial comment): "I have A Lifetime of Looking by Bown (and the Gruyaert). I agree, it's inspirational, and should be in your collection if you have any interest in street, portrait, or the UK in the second half of the 20th century. However I was astonished when I read that there is no 'r' in her name. I had to go and check the covers of my books by herand right enough! All this time I was 'seeing' an 'r' where one didn't exist! (Especially ironic given the title of the book!) So that's my humbling experience for the day...." Tom Burke: "I haven't seen that particular Brown book, but I have seen other collections of her work. She worked for The Observer, a U.K. Sunday newspaper, and her work didn't necessarily appear every week, so normally you just saw one portrait in isolation, once a week or less. In that context I think it works brilliantly. But I did wonder when I saw a number of her images all at once if perhaps there was some similarity, possibly even a certain sameness, to the collection. Of course, it could also be that portraits aren't my thing. Certainly her work is highly regarded here, and has been for a long time." Tom Burke: "(D**n spelling auto-correction! I wrote her name correctly....)" 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: Hurricane Update: Fears arise that Gov. Ron DeSantis may reroute Hurricane Ian from Florida coast to Martha's Vineyard Study: People who define themselves by what they stand against, are usually afraid to tell people what they stand for Liz Cheney: Voters need to ask themselves, why they are so out of touch with their politicians White House: IRS toy guns for children are now politically correct, mandatory BREAKING: Biden's economic sanctions on the U.S. to be partially lifted prior to November election GOP's new slogan for midterms: Make Dissent Patriotic Again PSA: Due to high gas prices police departments will now be responding and making arrests via Zoom. NYT: Roe vs Wade to be renamed the "Don't Say Fetus" law Democrats insist on carrying unwanted presidency to term Elon Musk went to bed thinking he owns Twitter. Then the mail-in ballots arrived at 2am... Obama: "If you like your information you can keep your information" Fact checkers reveal Biden handler not a real Easter bunny Biden 2021: you'll save $0.16 on 4th of July BBQ! Biden 2022: you'll save a ton of $$ if you don't eat this 4th of July! Disney to buy Epstein Island for new theme park The Biology Underground is like the Weather Underground, except they are real biologists and they've had to go underground "Psssst. Hey you, kid. Ya wanna watch a Disney movie with me?" "I am not suicidal," says COVID-19 after being contracted by Hillary Clinton Trans-swimmer Lia Thomas's trophy is smaller than for male swimmers, and only 73% gold Sources: U.S. now considers majority of U.S. citizens a threat to U.S. BREAKING: Russian General claims he was beaten up outside Ukrainian bio lab by two Nazis who poured vodka and caviar over him and yelled "This is NATO Country!" Global warming news: 100,000 Russian migrants fleeing climate change about to march into Ukraine Future headline: Donald Trump to buy CNN for one dollar Georgia Governor Stacy Abrams feels honored to be the new Supreme Court justice President Biden: 'Vote for me or I'll shoot this foot' Fact checkers give Pinocchio's speech four Bidens Fauci: The only thing we have to fear, is a lack of fear itself! Study: Most people have had sex more violent than January 6th Facebook permanently bans Facebook from Facebook for violating Facebook community standards New remake of the 1950's horror movie Them to be titled Them/They Teachers Union: Idea that CRT is being taught in K-12 just a conspiracy theory by white supremacists trying to maintain their systemically racist police state Xze/She/He who controls the past controls the future; Xze/She/He who controls the present controls the past S ocialists vow to fight against Critical Socialism Theory A more perfect Soviet Union: the Party pretends it unites us, and we pretend we are united Biden solves border crisis with free direct flights from Central America to major metropolitan areas Critical race theory: destroy the world of systemic racism, build a world of systemic race-baiting In the future everyone will get canceled for fifteen minutes Biden proposes bill to spend two trillion dollars on more money printing factories Social unity: They pretend to hold elections and we pretend we voted Immigrants to Texas and Florida from New York and California break down and cry when they realize all their sacrifices for a better tomorrow were based on lies China anal swabs detect new 'silent but deadly' transmission of covid-19 variant Social science breakthrough: 'White' is the new way of saying 'Bourgeois' Biden administration swat teams make sweeping arrests of underground female-only track meets 'Green energy' to be renamed 'blackout energy' for easier comprehension of climate complexities New children's game: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Science Texas: Biden administration sends emergency wind turbines to help fight the blackouts BREAKING: Biden signs executive order canceling the number 45 ATTENTION: It is your duty to report anyone who says this is no longer a free country. Fact-checking commissars are monitoring all state-approved social media platforms for your convenience OUT: If you don't vote, you can't complain! IN: If you didn't vote Democrat, you can't complain! Social media justice: followers removed from pro-Trump accounts will be added to Biden's Twitter account Fact check: a democratic election is the one in which votes are counted until Democrats win JUST IN: China bans Twitter for being too totalitarian Pelosi introduces new House rule to replace 'gender' terms like mother, daughter, father, son with the word 'comrade'; the only acceptable pronoun will also be 'comrade' Sources: Biden transition team demands access to White House basement to begin renovations BREAKING: President Trump pardons America for its past Prime Minister Modi: to avoid accusations of racism India will change its name to Cleveland Biden creates Antifascist Librarian Justice Committee; the first book scheduled for burning is Fahrenheit 451 Media study: 148% of Americans believe voter fraud doesn't exist 2020 Election forecast: if Joe Biden emerges from the basement on Election Day and sees his shadow, expect four more years of Trump BREAKING: President Trump pardons Corn Pop Toobin, though on administrative leave, is still pulling for Biden Chinese whistleblower: Biden-20 was genetically engineered in a Wuhan lab Nancy Pelosi sponsors a bill to create the office of removal of the President New college humanities major: Critical Trump Studies Opinion: Joe Biden is just an idea CNN: Biden took a solid second place in the debate, while Trump only came next to last Having ordered that all Californians switch to electric cars by 2035, Gov. Gavin Newsom follows up by mandating them to have electricity by 2035 Election 2020: Joe Biden pledges to a peaceful post-election transfer of power to George Soros Out: Flatten the curve. In: Flatten the country. Breaking: the Democrat Party has finished transitioning from being the party of JFK to being the party of Lee Harvey Oswald Paradigm shift in Chromatics: Study shows Indigo (#3F00FF) mixed with Jamaic (#C0FF01) yields Black (#000000) Study: the trouble with wokeism is eventually you run out of victims Stacey Abrams refuses to concede to Harris; declares herself Biden's VP Election 2020: Spunky former presidential candidate wins VP slot by a head Churches in many states to hold services in opened up pubs and bars Election 2020: Xi Jinping still undecided on vice president for Joe Biden Reports: Republicans pounce on 'Republicans pounce' reports Minneapolis launches online looting app to combat Covid-19 DNC study finds lockdowns no longer necessary as the economy is now being destroyed more effectively by looters and rioters With America in lockdown, China offers to host Democrat primary Bernie Sanders tests negative for President In related news, Joe Biden follows other candidates in withdrawing from race and endorsing Joe Biden New York Governor Cuomo shuts down all 'non-essential' business, surprised to find himself out of a job Biden commits to picking a woman as running mate as long as she passes his sniff test Joe Biden's coronavirus prevention tips: always rub hand sanitizer on young girls before sniffing and fondling them Russian lawmakers warned that the American Democrats are meddling to re-elect Putin Joe Biden promises lucrative board member jobs as door prizes to get people to his rallies Democrats now worried they might even lose the illegal alien vote Soleimani's remains FedExed back to Iran and now no one knows what happened to the box BREAKING: massive search underway in Iran after Soleimani's boxed FedEx'd remains stolen off front porch Liz Warren harshly critical of Biden's suggestion to coal miners that they should learn to code, offers to have them trained as romance novelists instead Pelosi: "First we have to impeach Donald Trump before we can find out why we impeached him." Schiff calls his Amazon Alexa to testify: 'She knows absolutely everything' Iran answers to new Reagan statue in Berlin by erecting Obama statue at Tehran airport where he delivered pallets of cash California accepts award for most progressive environmental policies; further progressive developments to be announced as blackouts permit BREAKING: Romney DNA test reveals he is 1/1024th Republican California Governor Gavin Newsom blames electricity blackouts on Ukrainian kulaks, vows revenge Rat falling from White House ceiling fears for his life, begs reporters for protection, offers a tell-all memoir Latest UN climate report shows this month so far has seen the scariest climate pronouncements on record Climate science: there's no need for climate protests in China because China is already communist Islamic clerics split on whether Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be traveling around the world without an accompanying male relative Dem candidates call for the Beatles' song 'Get Back' and the 'White Album' to be banned; surviving two white guys of the group must pay reparations Bond's number is up: next 007 will be a black woman, played by Barack Obama NYT: moon landing was one small step for Man, one giant leap for White Male Supremacy HURRICANE WATCH: Tropical storm Barry has records sealed, once offshore expected to change name to Barack Trump politicizes the 4th of July, declares it henceforth to be called the 45th of July, or July the Trumpth Barack Obama critical of Trump for failing to insert 'I, me, my' into his 4th of July speech: "very unpresidential!" Congressional Democrats: John Dean's testimony proves Trump is Nixon in disguise and must be impeached Bernie Sanders admits to being a millionaire, promises to eat himself if nominated International Women's Day observed, women only paid 73% of attention afforded to men Democrats: anti-Semitism means never having to say you're sorry AOC: aborting babies helps preserve the planet for the next generation Bernie Sanders launches presidential campaign, promises to "build a great big beautiful Iron Curtain" around America if elected West Virginia renames itself Eastern Kentucky to avoid further embarrassment from Virginia BREAKING: Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after breaking 3 ribs at late night bar brawl in Adams Morgan DNA news: Senator Warren tanking in latest totem polls Orwell studies: 84% of academics believe problems raised in 1984 can be fixed with solutions from Animal Farm Progress in gender justice: online dating industry issues recommendations for men to wear body cameras, bring attorneys as chaperones Study: the only people who don't know what socialism is are the socialists Poll: 1 in 3 #FightFor15 activists believe movement is related to lowering the age of consent across America CNN expert: Kavanaugh confirmation will increase global warming by 3 degrees Harry Reid comes forth to say Judge Kavanaugh didn't pay any taxes in high school Hollywood to America: If you've got a flag on the Moon, you didn't plant that; some other country made that happen Protest march in straight jackets against Trump ends in chaos as participants try but fail to free themselves HEADLINES YOU WILL NEVER SEE: California Gov. Jerry Brown single-handedly stops wildfires in his state by issuing an immediate statewide ban on wildfires San Francisco closes all Planned Parenthood clinics after sting operation catches employees using plastic straws Vegan mother undergoes experimental surgery to force her breasts to produce almond milk With none of his emails answered, frustrated Nigerian man commits suicide and leaves $100bn fortune to charity California gives new meaning to strawman argument as caped Strawman battles supervillains in restaurants, bars, and fast food joints Violence increases in Mexico as cartels switch from smuggling drugs to plastic straws to San Francisco Obama proposes a Paris Economic Change agreement among nations to address how world will cope with future runaway economic warming Stormy Daniels plans border visit to give migrant children freebies San Francisco: man dumping off 20 lbs of human waste in plastic bag on street corner cited for using non-biodegradable plastic bag BREAKING: ICE renamed Planned Citizenship, immediately absolving it of all criticism Senate Democrats demand Supreme Court nominee not be unduly influenced by U.S. Constitution BREAKING: In 2018, Obama and Biden can finally celebrate Recovery Summer IG Report: the FBI broke the law, but since there was no criminal intent, no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case Pelosi on Trump's MS-13 "animals" comments: "Four legs good, two legs bad" Iran nuclear talks set to resume between the United States and John Kerry Report: The Mueller investigation has finally determined that the lyrics to Louie Louie are not about Trump and Russian collusion MARKETS: Demand for carbon credits spikes as Hamas seeks to undo damage to Earth's atmosphere caused by burning 10,000 tires on Gaza border BREAKING: After state reassignment surgery Pennsylvania will henceforth be known as Transylvania Experts: If we don't act now, unicorns will be extinct in just ten years. Children will ask, "Mommy, what's a unicorn?" Women and minorities will be forced to seek alternative hallucinations Korean war must continue: Hawaiian federal judge declares Trump's peace effort unconstitutional New York: feminists march on Broadway, demand the street be given new, non-misogynistic name Experts: California's planned transition of all state jobs from citizens to illegal aliens by 2020 will help to avoid bankruptcy and save money for social programs for illegal aliens Putin: If I didn't want Hillary to be president she would be dead Doritos maker PepsiCo to introduce snack line for women; new Doritas chips will be 77% as big as Doritos and won't make any scary 'crunchy noises' TMZ: Tooth Fairy accused of sexually assaulting millions of children, outs self as Transgendered Tooth Recovery Specialist RUSSIA COLLUSION: Trump offers Putin to trade Rep. Maxine Waters for two unnamed members of the State Duma Ikea founder dead at 91; his coffin arrived in a box with confusing instructions and took 3 hours to assemble This Thanksgiving ex-president Obama continues with his tradition of apologizing to turkeys everywhere for the injustice they suffered since America's founding Oslo, Norway: 2017 Nobel Peace Prize goes to advocacy group about which you'll forget immediately after reading this headline Cambridge, MA, library to replace racist 'Cat in the Hat' with inclusive 'Che in a Beret' Millions of men worldwide eagerly await broadcast of Hugh Hefner's funeral, solely for the articles Bill Gates offers to pay for Trump's wall on condition he gets to install Windows Bernie Sanders introduces single-payer public transportation bill to end America's unequal, unfair, and expensive private transportation system DNC embroiled in controversy after official Twitter account accidentally 'likes' pictures of US Constitution and Bill of Rights Hurricane Irma hits Cuba, causes millions of dollars worth of improvements to property and infrastructure Climate study: extreme weather may be caused by unlicensed witches casting wrong spells in well-meaning effort to destroy Trump Ex-president Obama declares Irma "Hurricane of Peace," urges not to jump to conclusions and succumb to stormophobia CNN: Trump reverses Obama's executive order banning hurricanes ISIS claims responsibility for a total solar eclipse over the lands of American crusaders and nonbelievers When asked if they could point to North Korea on a map many college students didn't know what a map was CNN: We must bring America into the 21st century by replacing the 18th century Constitution with 19th century poetry Pelosi: 'We have to impeach the president in order to find out what we impeached him for' BREAKING: As of Saturday July 8, 2017, all of Earth's ecosystems have shut down as per Prince Charles's super scientific pronouncement made 96 months ago. Everything is dead. All is lost. Life on Earth is no more. DNC to pick new election slogan out of four finalists: 'Give us more government or everyone dies,' 'Vote for Democrats or everyone dies,' 'Impeach Trump or everyone dies,' 'Stop the fearmongering or everyone dies' Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" is humanity's last chance to save the Earth before it ends five years ago Experts: The more we embrace diversity the more everything is the same BOMBSHELL: TMZ offers Kathy Griffin $5 mil to keep any future sex tape private DEVELOPING: CNN, WaPo, NYT anonymous sources say Vladimir Putin may have ties to Russia BREAKING: Manning and Snowden have come out with strong condemnation of Donald Trump leaking classified information to Russia Gun store goes into lockdown over report an "active university professor" roving the grounds Dozens injured at Ralph Lauren & Louis Vuitton headquarters after Ivanka calls in missile strikes on rival fashion houses BOMBSHELL: Evidence proves Donald Trump conspired with his campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton University ranked "very intolerant of free speech" fights the accusation by banning the study and all involved Concerned that Russians don't consume enough alcohol in the month of March, Russia's Orthodox Church makes St. Patrick's Day official holiday Grassroots group calls for "The Million Regulators March" on Washington, supported by all who fear the loss of their betters telling them what to do Experts: Starbucks CEO Schultz's hiring of 10,000 Muslim refugees likely to blow up in his face Will the groundprog be frightened by its own shadow and hide - or will there be another season of insane protests? Trump signs executive order making California and New York national monuments; residents have two days to vacate Women's March against fascism completed with 400,000 fewer deaths than anticipated Feminist historians uncover ghastly concentration camps where so-called "housewives" were forced to live inauthentic lives slaving away in kitchens Dictionary of the future: Global Warming was a popular computer simulation game, where the only way to win was not to play "Anti-fascist" groups violently protest misspelling of their original name, "aren't-we-fascists" Post-inauguration blues: millions of democrats distraught as the reality of having to find real jobs sets in "Journalism is the continuation of war by other means" is exposed as a fake quote by mainstream media journalists Congressional Democrats: "We cannot just simply replace Obamacare with freedom because then millions of Americans will suddenly become free" Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth" Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom" Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers) BREAKING: Millions of uncounted votes found on Hillary's private voting machine in her Chappaqua bathroom New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro Post-election shopping tip: look for the PoliticsFree label at your local grocer to make sure you don't buy from companies that don't want your business anymore In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week) U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy" Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson" White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism' Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman' Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right' News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done" Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009 National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die" Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats' Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender" University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state" Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic 'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?' NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices" Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be' Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1% America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do' Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet' CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson' Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city' Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers' Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us" Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses' BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing" Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon "Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks 100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration" Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news "Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues "Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!" In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!" Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!" Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him" US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military" Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too." In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%" Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle" Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program" Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan" Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen" Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that" Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman" DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel' FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election' Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!' Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent' Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence' Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration? Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good' Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners' Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps' White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects World ends; S&P soars Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013 Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt' Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years Obama attends church service, worships self Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know" Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild" Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse' Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words" Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom" Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?" Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill! Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!' Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration' Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel" Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay" Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life" Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious" Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed White House: "Let them eat statistics" Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama AD GOES HERE I love cooking holiday meals. I love working in the kitchen with my family and friends to combine our talents in creating the perfect meal. As a child, my great-grandmother hosted Thanksgiving meals. We always used the good china and it seemed perfect. My sister and I often went to grandmothers house early to watch the parades while Gran finished her preparations. Regardless of how the table is set, centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table is the turkey. There are many ways to cook the perfect turkey. Since I love a traditional, oven-roasted bird, I will share my best turkey roasting tips. Choose the right size bird. If you want leftovers, add a few pounds, but remember leftovers should be used in about three days or frozen. One rule of thumb is to plan for one to pounds per serving, if the turkey is smaller than 16 pounds, or 1 pounds per person for leftovers. (Martha Stewart recommends 1 pounds per person, 2 pounds per person for turkeys 12 pounds or smaller.) Make sure you have all the tools you need early. Will your turkey fit into your roaster? Can you locate the meat thermometer and the electric knife blades? The essential tools I use are a shallow pan with flat rack, cooking twine to keep the legs and wings near the body and an instant read meat thermometer. Use your meat thermometer. Some ovens come with plug in meat thermometers, and they hare extremely handy. If not, use an instant read thermometer. Pull your turkey out of the oven when it reaches 170 degrees in the breast, 180 in the thigh. Know where the turkey is going from the oven. Have a spot ready. I burned my countertop slightly because there was no place to sit the hot, heavy roaster. Do not rush to carve the turkey. Let it rest at least 20 minutes. My favorite turkey recipe is from Martha Stewart. I saw it on one of her television shows years ago. It calls for adding oranges onions to the turkey cavity. The meat is not citrus flavored, but it does stay moist. I usually add carrots, oninon and celery to the pan, too. Here's the original recipe from marthastewart.com. The Illinois Senate has rejected the governor's veto of automatic voter registration legislation. The Senate's 38-18 vote sends the measure to the House to consider when it returns to Springfield Nov. 29. The Legislature adopted the plan in the spring with strong bipartisan support. It would allow visitors to a handful of state agencies to be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out. Rauner vetoed it in August, fearing fraud. He said the plan doesn't meet federal requirements about a person's participation in the registration process and puts too much of a burden on the State Board of Elections to verify eligibility. Democratic Sen. Any Manar of Bunker Hill says record-keeping and state automation are advanced enough to prevent mischief. The bill is SB250. The Associated Press Numerous residents told HUD they didnt want to move. Dont do this. Its wrong, man, one resident told them. You dont know what were going through because you're not from here, said another, noting he has lived in Cairo since the 1950s and doesnt intend to live elsewhere. Stop moving our people out of town. Build something new here. On a warm July day in 1970, Constitutional Delegate Wendell Durr, a respected attorney and future judge from Madison County, made some unique observations about whether the 1970 Constitution should continue the concepts adopted by Illinois voters in the Judicial Article of 1964. The delegates were debating whether laymen were qualified to evaluate a judge and whether retention was a useful mechanism for the re-election of judges. Forty-six years later, Illinois is still grappling with how to choose our judges. On Tuesday in Southern Illinois, two historic events intercepted judicial history the simultaneous election of two Republican justices to the Fifth District Appellate Court, and the rejection of Chief Circuit Judge John Baricevic in his campaign to avoid standing for retention. With the election of Justices-elect John Barberis and Randy Moore, voters chose candidates who had been rated by Fifth District Illinois State Bar Association member attorneys with meets requirements scores of 43 and 61 percent, respectively, compared to their opponents scores of 97 and 92 percent. When asked whether experts could better choose judges, Durr told his fellow delegates: An expert in Madison County we define as the man carrying a briefcase and speaking at least twenty-five miles away from his home. [] The laymen evaluate a judge on the basis of whether hes there, whether hes working, [] if hes courteous to people, if hes considerate of the problems of clients and witnesses and lawyers and court room personnel, if hes independent in his thinking and you can tell that by watching him, by listening to him in public debate. This idea that only the experts can choose the judges dont be too enamored of it. It just simply isnt true. In 2016, a group of trial attorneys and their super-funded independent expenditure group used the experts evaluation (ISBA bar poll) and well over $1 million campaign cash in an attempt to convince the voters to choose the two judges more to their liking. Fortunately, their motives were transparent to the voters and failed. Historically speaking, this failed attempt has produced the first instance since the 1964 adoption of judicial elections of three Republican justices simultaneously sitting the Appellate bench in Mount Vernon, with a likely 4-3 GOP-majority after Justice Karmeier selects a new Circuit judge to sit in the seventh, assigned seat on the court. This brings us to the usurpation of a Chief Judge by the voters, after he chose to forgo the 1964-established method of judicial retention, to instead choose an old-style reelection campaign that Constitution delegates worried could be corrupted by party bosses. Judge Baricevic fell way short of 60 percent and then fell about 800 votes of 50 percent. Delegate Durr argued on the Constitutional Convention floor, [Let] the people choose those who will have the power, literally, of life and death over them, and the power to say who gets to raise a child, the power to say who gets in what other guys pocket and for how much money, the power to say who spends five years of his life in a cage lets either say we trust the people to choose those governmental officers or at least lets say that those who have had the power must satisfy two-thirds of the people that they are not abusing the power. The courts are still determining whether future judges can avoid the question of retention (we urge the Supreme Court to read the arguments presented by 1970 delegates like Wendell Durr). However, after Tuesday, all sitting Illinois judges will now see that not even a Chief Judge can escape the voters scrutiny. The public puts much power into the hands of a judge. That fact deserves the respect given to it by the 1970 Constitutional delegates. Last week, residents of Jackson County voted yes to a 1 percent sales tax increase. The revenue is earmarked for upgrades to county schools. Voting for the measure was the easy part. Now comes the hard part. Its literally time to put our money where our mouths are. Well, its not exactly time yet the tax doesnt take effect until July 1, 2017. And the school districts wont start seeing the money until October and November of 2017. But theres no time like the present to show local businesses that well still spend money with them. The holidays are right around the corner, and theres no better place to shop for gifts and holiday items than right here in Southern Illinois, including Jackson County. Before the election, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce said it opposed the increase, citing concerns that a higher sales tax may drive businesses and consumers to other communities or even online. And thats perfectly understandable. From a business standpoint, we see the concerns. We understand Jackson County business owners could be uneasy with the increase. But, our schools need the money. Our students need the improvements in their schools. Our teachers and administrators need the modern facilities in which to teach those students. This tax takes care of all those needs. The more we spend in Jackson County, the better it will be. Look at Williamson County, the first county in the state to impose the school facility tax. Murphysboro School District 186 Superintendent Chris Grode touched on this when The Southerns editorial board met with Jackson County superintendents in October. Looking at economic development in Williamson County, its hard to argue that it doesnt help a county, he said. This is a sales tax that will stop your property taxes from spiraling out of control. In Southern Illinois, Perry, Franklin, Saline, Randolph, Hamilton, White and Hardin counties also have passed the tax. The improvements made to school facilities in those counties are impressive. And thats where the people are going in Southern Illinois. When I ask people, Why are you moving to Carterville? They tell me its the facilities, Grode said in October. They will always tell me its the facilities. Any time the word tax is tossed around, its scary. Its scary for all businesses, city councils, civic leaders and consumers. And remember this: Were all consumers, and when it comes down to it, its the consumer thats going to be paying the tax for the goods bought in Jackson County. But, when you think about it, its an extra penny for every dollar that is spent. We realize those pennies do add up, but, in the long run, itll be worth it. When the school facilities improve, the educational environment improves. A better educated populace is generally a wealthier populace. A wealthier populace can support more local businesses. We all want that. A better Jackson County is a positive for all of Southern Illinois. So, lets all do our part. Get out there and buy from stores all over Jackson County. Lets show local business owners that were not afraid. Lets show that we do support them. Lets show them thats theres nothing to be afraid of when it comes to the higher tax. It can only do good things for all the people of Jackson County. WABC-TV(NEW YORK) -- Donald Trump's name is expected to be permanently removed from an apartment complex on Manhattans Upper West Side after numerous complaints from tenants. The buildings at 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Blvd. will be renamed for their street addresses, according to Equity Residential, which owns the three buildings. The Trump Place name, emblazoned in big gold letters, could be removed as early as this week. "We are assuming a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future residents," Marty McKenna, a spokesman for the Chicago-based company said in a statement. An online petition urging the landlord of the Riverside apartments to "dump the Trump name" garnered more than 600 signatures. "Our home is our most personal private space," read the petition, and the residents want to "feel proud and happy to walk" into the building every day. "Trump's appalling treatment of women, his history of racism, his attacks on immigrants, his mockery of the disabled, his tax avoidance, his outright lying all are antithetical to the values we and our families believe in," the petition stated. Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump made offensive remarks about Muslims, Mexicans and women, among others. Just a few weeks before the election, a video from 2005 was leaked in which he could be heard bragging about groping women. He later dismissed the comments as "locker room talk." Last week he was elected president over Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton a win that few expected. The rents for the approximately 1,325 apartments at 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Blvd., just off the Hudson River, range from about $2,630 a month for a studio to $12,500 for a penthouse unit, according to real estate site StreetEasy.com. Trump was reportedly involved in the building development, known at various times as Riverside South and Trump Place, in the 1990s. Equity Residential purchased the buildings in 2005 and kept the Trump Place name on the exteriors. Three other buildings in the complex are managed by the Trump Organization and will keep his name. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Former Orangeburg assistant city administrator Warren Harley has been named interim manager of the Department of Public Utilities. Orangeburg City Council hired Harley on Tuesday after discussing the personnel matter in executive session. Mr. Harley came highly recommended from various council members, Mayor Michael Butler said. Were happy to have someone of his caliber here. Harley is taking the position after former manager Tommy Miller was fired earlier this month. Miller served as manager since 2011. Butler said Harley has an extensive resume which helped council come to its decision. Harley worked for the city of Orangeburg for eight years. He began as director of special projects and annexation and two years later, was promoted to assistant city administrator. He worked as assistant administrator until 2006 when he went to work with the Municipal Association of South Carolina as the government affairs liaison. He worked with legislative issues and provided technical assistance to municipalities across the state. Most recently, Harley was assistant county administrator for Richland County. Harley said he is, excited to be able to come in and help the department. Councilmember Liz Keitt said, He has a variety of information from those areas that hes worked. She added that Harley will be able to provide a better workplace environment. Hes a team player and thats what we need at the Department of Public Utilities, Keitt said. We need a healing system there. Our people there are very good workers and we want them to be pleased with whomever we have to take them into the next area of their work, she said. The position of DPU manager was offered to him indefinitely as council seeks a permanent manager for the department. A native of Bowman, Harley has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and a masters degree in management from Webster University. In other business: Sarah S. Monroe made an appearance in reference to fallen trees and debris from Hurricane Matthew being placed on land behind her Chestnut Street property. Monroe said it is city-owned property but causes health and aesthetic problems for her and her tenants. She said the mulching of the trees causes sawdust to cover the side of her home and vehicles. She also believes fire is a threat. When I retire at night, I wonder if my tenants or I will be awakened from our sleep due to a fire emergency, Monroe said. She said she appeared before council for the same issue in 2014 after the ice storm. Councilman Bernard Haire said the trees are soaked with water periodically to limit the amount of sawdust blowing over to the properties. Butler said the city will continue to monitor the lot. Council approved first reading of an ordinance adopting nationally recognized building codes and standards in line with the states codes. The city adopts and enforces the building codes sent down from the state level. Council approved $549,000 for the purchase of a Ferrara fire pumper apparatus. City Administrator John Yow assured council that money for the truck had already been placed in the budget. More than a quarter-century ago, in another election year, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star Kirk Gibson hit a walk-off home run in the first game of the World Series. "In a year that has been so improbable," the Dodgers' iconic announcer Vin Scully said in an unforgettable television riff in the fall of 1988, "the impossible has happened." So it was when Manhattan businessman Donald J. Trump -- a political outsider, possessed of daunting ambition, audacity and an acute sense of the American political climate -- emerged as the winner of a raucous presidential election. An American original -- a casino and real estate magnate with an uncanny ability to read the public mood and an unerring ability to discern his rivals' vulnerabilities -- Trump now takes on his biggest task. From the start, Trump bellowed that he was determined to make America great again, a theme that was ridiculed by his rivals even as it helped him triumph over them. Today, as president-elect, he must redeem great hopes, even as his election stirred great misgivings among American allies abroad and among about half the nation that voted for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Even had Trump not prevailed, he fashioned a remarkable accomplishment, skewing the political calculus, upending all the assumptions of American political life, reshaping the profiles of the two major political parties and altering all the conventions of political comportment. In defeat, he would have been an important factor in shaping American politics for the rest of the decade and into the next. In triumph, he is a formidable, historic figure. Sometimes vulgar, always voluble, Trump ran against the political establishment of the Republican Party, against the customs of political life, and against the principal elements of American life -- big companies, big media, above all big traditions. He took on the banks, the government bureaucracy, the influence of capital lobbyists, and the prevailing ethos of establishment politics. When Trump enters the White House in January, he will do so as perhaps the biggest outsider in American history, more than Ronald Reagan, maybe more even than Andrew Jackson in 1828. But like Jackson, who transformed American politics by harnessing the resentments of those outside the political mainstream, Trump has redrawn the contours of politics. But he also redrew the rules of politics. When he began his campaign, no business executive -- not even the automobile executive Lee Iacocca -- had been a plausible presidential candidate since Wendell Willkie, who won the Republican nomination in 1940 but lost the election to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When he began his campaign, searing personal attacks were regarded as beyond the pale, especially among Republicans. When he began his campaign, Republicans had little credibility in blue-collar circles. The GOP was the province of a tightly defined and tightly controlled establishment. None of that is true today -- and all of that is the reason that Trump is preparing to be the 45th president of the United States. In winning one of the wildest, least predictable presidential elections of the age, Trump prevailed despite a fusillade of complaints about his conduct with women; repeated stories detailing irregular business practices; an unusual number of party apostates who declared they would never vote for him; and criticism that he hadn't paid federal income taxes for about two decades. His election was predicted by almost no one, but his rise as a legitimate Republican candidate was just as unlikely. The GOP had a presidential field of 17 candidates, some of them rising stars, some established figures, some intriguing outsiders. But from the start Trump muscled himself into the center of attention and then used that position to attract even more notoriety. By the time Americans flocked to the polls Tuesday morning, Trump was the underdog -- but, still, the big dog in the race. The election laid bare the country's raw divisions of race, class and creed. Russia, Mexico and NATO look to America warily. Afghanistan and Iraq are unsettled, ISIS is not conquered. Obamacare's future is uncertain. Now, flush with victory but facing fearsome responsibility, Trumps first task is to calibrate his ambition. "If you choose too ambitious an agenda, you'll likely be called a failure," said John H. Sununu, chief of staff for George H.W. Bush. "But if it's not ambitious enough, you'll be seen as a lightweight. You have to hit the sweet spot." With instinct and intuition for the sweet spot, Trump first won the Republican primary, then prevailed in the general election -- and now is poised to create his own White House staff and executive-branch administration. Each step along the way was improbable, even considered impossible. No longer. The man who vowed to make America great again now faces great challenges. But against all the experts and all the expectations he fashioned a great upset, a great comeback and a great achievement. WASHINGTON -- The people chose Hillary Clinton. But it's the electoral vote that counts, not the popular vote, so Donald Trump will be president. And no, I'm not over it. No one should be over it. No one should pretend that Trump will be a normal president. No one should forget the bigotry and racism of his campaign, the naked appeals to white grievance, the stigmatizing of Mexicans and Muslims. No one should forget the jaw-dropping ignorance he showed about government policy, both foreign and domestic. No one should forget the vile misogyny. No one should forget the mendacity, the vulgarity, the ugliness, the insanity. None of this must ever be normalized in our politics. The big protests that have followed Trump's election should be no surprise. You can't spend all those months trashing our nation's values and then expect everyone to join you in a group hug. Trump made the bed in which he now must lie. How did the unthinkable happen? Is Trump, like Brexit, part of some world-sweeping populist wave? Are the Rust Belt hinterlands in open rebellion? Was Clinton just a spectacularly flawed candidate? Did FBI Director James Comey boost Trump over the top? Did too many anti-Trump voters stay home out of complacency? There is evidence to support all of those theories. But the urgent question isn't why, it's what now. If a normal Republican had been elected, I could say the polite and socially acceptable thing, something like, "I didn't support So-and-So but he will be my president, too, and I wish him success." But I cannot wish Trump success in rounding up and deporting millions of people or banning Muslims from entering the country or reinstituting torture as an instrument of U.S. policy. In these and other divisive or cruel or unwise initiatives, I wish him failure. I do hope he succeeds in avoiding some kind of amateurish foreign policy blunder that puts American lives or vital national interests at risk. And let me be clear that I am not questioning his legitimacy as president. When the results are certified and the Electoral College casts its votes, Trump will be the nation's duly chosen leader, ridiculous though that may be. But he has not earned our trust or hope. Rather, he has earned the demonstrations that erupted in cities across the country. He has earned relentless scrutiny by journalists, whom he shamelessly made into scapegoats during the campaign, and he has earned the constant vigilance of the public he now must serve. There have been more than 200 reports since the election of harassment and hate crimes, mostly directed at minorities, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. During an interview broadcast Sunday on "60 Minutes," Trump addressed his supporters: "I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it." That would have been a better start had he not also sought to minimize the incidents, saying there had been a "very small amount" of them; and had he not also claimed the media were somehow applying a double standard in reporting on the protests. The most troubling post-election development thus far was Trump's appointment of campaign chief executive Steve Bannon -- a prominent figure in the racist, xenophobic "alt-right" movement -- as chief strategist and senior adviser. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the move "signals that white supremacists will be represented at the highest levels in Trump's White House." On "60 Minutes," Trump hinted that he might moonwalk away from some of his most radical promises on immigration, the issue that made him stand out from the crowd of Republican contenders. He still says he will build a wall on the Mexican border, but there "could be some fencing" instead of an actual wall in places. And he said that "we're going to make a determination" about the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes -- sounding as if he knows his pledge to carry out mass deportation cannot be fulfilled. He also backed away from the idea of having a special prosecutor reinvestigate Clinton over her emails. "They're good people, I don't want to hurt them," he said of Bill and Hillary Clinton. If Trump is beginning to confront reality on some fronts, that's a first step -- in a thousand-mile journey toward credibility and respect. But appointing Bannon is a big step backward. We must watch Trump, and judge him, every single inch of the way. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By Trend The 5th News Agencies World Congress is an important event for the world media outlets, Getachew Engida, UNESCO deputy director general, told Trend. Engida made remarks at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku November 16. This is an incredibly important event, he said. It is an opportunity for heads and editors of news agencies to come around together once a year or two years, exchange experience, challenges, opportunities and environment in which they operate. Baku is a wonderful city beyond my expectations, he said. Azerbaijan hosts the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies November 16. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state new agency AZERTAC, these events bring together heads and representatives of about 100 news agencies, which shape the global information policy, international media experts, UN - UNESCO official, and representatives of regional media organizations. EFG Hermes, a leading financial services corporation in the Arab World, said it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Saxo Bank, the online multi-asset trading and investment specialist. The move is aimed at enabling full integration of Saxo Banks SaxoTraderGO platform with EFG Hermes new online trading platform, EFG Hermes One. The new platform will grant clients one-click access to financial instruments in both multiple Middle East and North Africa (Mena) markets as well as global exchanges, said the statement from EFG Hermes. The partnership will leverage EFG Hermes services and further solidifies its regional leadership position empowering investors to trade multiple asset classes from a single client account. The platform will enable more investors to explore investment opportunities and access global capital markets, it stated. EFG Hermes One is the first service to emerge from a comprehensive regional securities brokerage partnership between Saxo Bank and EFG Hermes, said the statement. The companies will continue to deliver innovative trading solutions and give more opportunities to Mena investors by making professional trading and investing more accessible through cutting-edge technology and industry-leading expertise, it added. On the tie-up, Saxo Banks chief executive and co-founder Kim Fournais, said: "Mena is a market with many interesting trading opportunities and by integrating Saxos multi-asset, award-winning platform with EFG Hermes regional offering and reach, we are levelling the playing field and enabling a wide range of investors and traders to access a broad range of investment opportunities by equipping them with the latest trading and analytical tools." "Through this partnership, EFG Hermes clients will benefit from Saxos more than 20 years of trading technology innovation and EFG Hermes more than 30 years of experience in the region," he stated. EFG Hermes Group chief executive Karim Awad said: "Our aim is simple: To revolutionise the way our clients trade and take control of their financial futures through innovative product offerings." "The launch is the first step in a partnership that will see us expand our brokerage product offering, including those developed in partnership with Saxo Bank, to compelling new markets as we continue our transformation into a financial services corporation with access to Mena and frontier markets," he added.-TradeArabia News Service UAE-based Unigulf Group is set to showcase its wide range of mechanical and building insulation products, at the upcoming Big 5 construction expo in Dubai, UAE. A leading supplier of HVACR (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration)-related products in the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, Unigulf said it is one of the preferred MEP contractors in the region. At the upcoming expo, Unigulf will be showcasing Easy pre-insulated ducts/panels manufactured with new generation blowing agents that eliminate the use of CFC (chlorofluorocarbons), HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFC (hydrofluorocarbons), which are responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. "Platforms like The Big 5 address the needs of the industry and provide the opportunity to demonstrate critical benefits of world renowned brands," remarked Prakash Chablani, the managing director, Unigulf Group of Companies. Its key products include K-Flex (elastomeric rubber insulation); Afico (fibreglass insulation); Thermaflex (Polyolefin insulation); 3M-Venture (aluminium tapes and cladding); SRW (rockwool insulation); Orifoam (XPS and EPS polystyrene products); Maksal (Copper pipes and coils), that are part of the companys product portfolio. The strong construction sector in the Middle East provides Unigulf immense prospects for business growth, said Chablani. As a distributor for some of the leading HVAC allied products, Unigulf will also focus on our partners' product innovations that are well suited for the region. We look forward to networking with our peers and meeting with our current and prospective customers at The Big 5, he added.-TradeArabia News Service FOCUS ON NET ZERO 2050 UAE, US sign partnership to catalyse $100bn in green energy The UAE and the US have signed a strategic partnership which will catalyse $100 billion in financing and other support in addition to deploying 100 new gigawatts (GW) of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies by 2035. About 74 per cent of drivers in the UAE use mobile phones for incoming calls, and 43 per cent for outgoing calls, a report said, shedding light on one of the most dangerous behaviours behind the wheel. Nineteen per cent use them for incoming messages like SMS, WhatsApp and similar, and 14 per cent for outgoing messages, added the research from RoadSafetyUAE and QIC Insured, conducted by YouGov. Interestingly, older drivers respond most to incoming calls, while younger drivers lead in outgoing calls and messages. Thomas Edelmann, founder & managing director of RoadSafetyUAE said: It is alarming to see, that only 26 per cent of motorists never use their mobile while driving. Distracted driving is among the top causes of accidents, injuries and death on UAEs roads and the use of mobile phones behind the wheel is one of the major sources of distraction. Most vulnerable are the 25-29 year olds and Sharjah residents. Westerners have the best habits in resting their mobile phone while driving. Mobile calling and texting is so dangerous, because it combines the 4 forms of distraction: 1. Manual distraction (taking the hands off the wheel) 2. Visual distraction (taking the eyes off the road) 3. Distraction of the mind (taking your attention off the road) 4. Auditory distraction (taking your ears away from traffic sounds) Frederik Bisbjerg, executive vice president Mena Retail, QIC Insured, said: We are proud to be associated with this behaviour study, as it demonstrates the efforts of QIC Insured to actively support the creation of safer roads. For UAEs motorists we have a very clear message: When driving, put your mobile phone in silent and put it away. No call or message can be so important to handicap your own safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of other traffic participants around you! Sixty per cent of respondents use their hands-free in 50 per cent of their drives or more, while 35 per cent use the cars built-in hands-free, 31 per cent cable hands-free and 23 per cent portable Bluetooth devices. Of those drivers, whose cars have built-in hands-free, 75 per cent actually use it, and the ones who dont use it, claim better functionality and easier use of their hand held mobile phones. The use of hands-free is more popular with older drivers. To improve the situation, the UAE needs ongoing education efforts, the creation and promotion of safe driving mobile phone applications (including an auto mute function) and a strict enforcement of the current rules and regulations with regards to the ban of mobile phones while driving. We appeal to all UAE traffic participants to obey to the above statement of Frederik Bisbjerg of QIC Insured: When behind the wheel, put your mobile on silent & put it away!, Edelmann concluded. TradeArabia News Service Iran has commenced oil production from North Yaran oilfield with an output of 30,000 barrels per day with the 10 wells drilled so far, the project's development manager was quoted as saying in a report. Iran's priority is to develop jointly-owned oil and gas fields which are being dried out by Iran's neighbours, including Yaran, Azadegan and Yadavaran, Arash Baqerzadeh was quoted in the Iran Daily report, which cited Tasnim News Agency. Iran has five joint fields with Iraq, which include North Azadegan, South Azadegan, North Yaran, South Yaran and Yadavaran, the report said. Azadegan is the world's third largest oilfield with in-place reserves of about 33.2 billion barrels and proven reserves of about 6 billion barrels. South Azadegan holds in-situ reserves of over 25 billion barrels, of which 2 billion are recoverable, according to the report. Etihad Airways, the global airline partner of 15 Taste Festivals across the world, is bringing world-class chefs to Taste of Abu Dhabi to compete in the final Taste the World competition this month. From November 10 to 12, 10 renowned chefs will compete to reveal who amongst them epitomises Etihad Airways food philosophy, which aims to provide remarkable culinary experiences throughout the entire guest journey, on the ground and in the air, using innovative cooking techniques and the creative use of ingredients. Finalists were selected at local Taste Festivals held during 2016, and include Pascal Aussignac (Club Gascon, London), Andre Gerrits (Amsterdammertje, Amsterdam), Michael Hunter (Antler Restaurant, Toronto), Andrea Provenzani (Il Liberty, Milan), Vitaly Tikhonov (G.Graf, Moscow), Siu Hin Chi (Duddells, Hong Kong), Scott Bridger (Bib & Tucker and May Street Larder, Perth), Sylvestre Wahid (Restaurant Sylvestre, Paris), Francesco Apreda (Imago, Rome) and Nelly Robertson (nel., Sydney). Each dish will be judged by an independent panel including an Etihad Airways inflight chef, a Taste Festivals representative, and a renowned food influencer. During Taste of Abu Dhabi, visitors to the Etihad Chefs Theatre will be able to watch some of the finest global culinary talent create dishes that bring to life the airlines culinary vision. Patrick Pierce, Etihad Airways vice president Sponsorship, said: We are proud to welcome these gifted chefs to our home during Taste of Abu Dhabi. All of them have demonstrated innovative cooking techniques to create truly remarkable dishes. Watching them compete against each other in the final of Taste the World will be an exciting occasion for the chefs and our attending guests. We draw inspiration from the finest restaurants and emerging chefs from the worlds major culinary capitals, serving inspired dining both on the ground and in the air, and doing it with the style and sophistication that has become synonymous with the Etihad Airways brand. Justin Clarke, director of Taste Festivals, said: It has been an incredible year hosting Etihad Airways at 15 Taste Festivals around the world. Hosting the Taste the World finals at Taste of Abu Dhabi will be an exciting culmination for our inspirational chefs. Etihad Airways commitment to being the leading culinary airline is a great fit with Taste Festivals and we look forward to communicating their service offering and to inspiring future innovation across the culinary world. The three-year partnership between Etihad Airways and Taste Festivals is a core element of the airlines sponsorship strategy as it establishes itself as an aspirational lifestyle brand. The airlines association with Taste Festivals began in March 2016 with events in Dubai, Sydney and Hong Kong, culminating with Taste of Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways currently has 235 Inflight Chefs and 495 Food and Beverage Managers in service, providing the acclaimed service and hospitality for which the airline is now globally recognised. - TradeArabia News Service Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi welcomes guests to experience a fantastic staycation with exclusive packages to chill and thrill by the beach. The package starting at Dh555 is entirely for relaxation and best for those who would like to take time off from their busy schedules. The staycation adventures package is starting at Dh875 and includes complimentary access to Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld. The staycation packages are a superb way to treat the family for an unforgettable life-long experience. In addition, guests will receive 30 per cent off on all spa treatments and food and beverage outlets throughout the hotel. Al Raha Beach Resorts provides a tranquilizing experience for the whole family as it takes away from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life. The lavish resort with its combination of a terrific gastronomic experience, leisure activities, two pools and beach ambience is sure to make for a refreshing time out. Price is subject to 10 per cent service charge, 6 per cent tourism fee and 4 per cent municipality fee. TradeArabia News Service Casa Mia, the Italian fine dining establishment at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, welcomes Francisco Javier Martin Romo as its newly appointed restaurant manager. Romo arrives to Casa Mia with an international view of restaurant operation and a fod and beveragew (F&B) background spanning Italy, Spain and the UK. He joins a highly-skilled and professional team led by executive chef Maurizio Lazzarin. He has a passion for Italian wine. In a career of over 15 years, Romo has worked as both an F&B Consultant and Wine Specialist. Romos extensive knowledge may be attributed to studies at Londons WSET where he earned a Level 3 Award in Wines & Spirits. The trilingual restaurant manager has a mastery of English, Spanish and Italian, in addition to a proven track record of proficient team building and leadership. Id like to thank Casa Mia for such a warm welcome. Im ready to build upon the strength and skills of the team and our best resources to further cement the Casa Mia name as an industry leader. We have so much talent here as well as an awe-inspiring menu and wine list. I believe there is much we can achieve, said Romo. Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is home to 18 restaurants and bars complete with high design interiors, al fresco drinks and dining on terraces and stunning pool areas. Casa Mia offers home cooked, authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Dubai. Guests savour traditional Italian meals with a modern influence from diverse regions in the European nation. Its a journey into Italian cuisine highlighting a rich culture of food that goes well beyond the classics of pizza and pasta. Casa Mia represents a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centres Meridien Village. - TradeArabia News Service To celebrate Omans 46th National Day, Oman Air is offering 46 passengers free upgrades from Economy Class to Business Class, as well as access to the Business Class lounge at Muscat Airport. The promotion will run between November 17 and 20, 2016. Every 46th passenger from selected flights will receive the upgrade, which will be divided between 38 passengers travelling from Muscat and eight travelling from Salalah. The lucky passengers will be able to experience Oman Airs award winning Business Class and access to the Business Class lounge as the country celebrates National Day and the birthday of the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said. The passengers will also receive a personal message of goodwill from Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch who said: As the national carrier we are incredibly proud of the Omani heritage and all it represents. We are delighted to be able to offer passengers an extra thank you for travelling with us, in recognition of Oman National Day and the birthday of our esteemed leader the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said. We hope that passengers will enjoy experiencing our award winning business class service and lounges, which outshine many other airlines First Class product. Oman Airs award winning Business Class offers spacious and luxurious interiors, combined with state of-the-art technology. The lie-flat Business Class Seat offers electrically controlled backrest, leg rest and seat depth. The experience is complemented by highly-trained flight attendants, offering the warm hospitality for which Oman Air is renowned. The Business Class lounge at Muscat airport offers an exceptional standard of hospitality and comfort all within a uniquely modern, cool and elegant environment that reflects Omani culture and heritage. - TradeArabia News Service Hala Arjaan by Rotana, Abu Dhabi, a leading serviced apartment in the UAE capital, was awarded 2016s Best Luxury Serviced Apartment in the Middle East region by the World Luxury Hotel Awards held in Doha, Qatar recently. Chadi Nicolas, general manager, Hala Arjaan by Rotana, said: It is wonderful to be recognised a second time in a row, this year in a higher category. From the Best Luxury Serviced Apartment in the UAE to the best in the Middle East, our rising rank is a reflection of the exceptional service, facilities and customer experience that we provide to our guests. We will continue to strive such achievements in the coming years. A preferred choice for business and leisure travellers, Hala Arjaan by Rotana is known for its hospitable warmth and friendly service. Conveniently located in the capital of UAE, the hotel boasts 166 fully equipped and elegantly furnished rooms with a breath-taking view of Al Maryah Island. Overlooking the streets of Abu Dhabi, the hotels all day dining, The Gallery restaurant offers appetising cuisines to enjoy. - TradeArabia News Service Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village Its no surprise in Wyoming that last year was bad for coal, but figures reveal just how dire 2015 was across the country for the industry. Virtually every aspect of the coal sector was hit, according to the final 2015 Coal Report from the Energy Information Administration released recently. Production declined nationally 10 percent from 2014 to 2015. Coal mining jobs decreased by 12 percent, and consumption was down 13 percent. However, 2015 was the bust that had been building for years, said Travis Deti, director of the Wyoming Mining Association. In 2015, youd be in the second or third year of really, really low natural gas prices, Deti said. Youd been through a couple of years of mild weather, and you had those long-term contracts that coal companies operate on delivering coal that wasnt actually getting burned because of that mild weather. Coal deliveries began to slow down toward the end of 2015 as utilities tried to use up the coal they already had stockpiled, dragging the low production trend into the following year, he added. Last year, Wyoming had its lowest coal production since 2002, when the industry only contributed about $122 million dollars in severance taxes to state coffers, according to state data. At its highest, the industry contributed $669 million, in 2006. Behind the figures, the downturn of 2015 hit close to home for coal communities. Earlier this year, two of the states largest coal mines near Gillette and Douglas laid off close to 500 miners. Three large companies filed for bankruptcy after accruing debt in the metallurgical coal boom of previous years, starting with Alpha Natural Resources in August 2015 and ending with Peabody Energy in April of this year. Between 2015 and 2016, coal-rich Campbell County lost $1 billion in its overall fiscal worth a figure that includes everything from real estate value to coal mine equipment. Wyomings losses, though significant in coal communities in the sparsely populated state, were still significantly less than in some regions of the country, according to the EIA report. In Appalachia, coal production fell to its lowest level since 1978, down 17 percent from the year before, according to the report. Kentucky produced 96 million tons of coal, almost 15 percent less than in 2014. The total number of coal jobs in the U.S. at the end of 2015 was close to 66,000. Its the lowest number on record. However, in many ways, Wyoming mines continue to be spared the devastation of their eastern cousins. I think Wyoming and the Powder River Basin are better positioned than the Appalachian operations and even the Illinois basin, Deti said. The state produces cleaner coal to better meet emissions standards, he said. Its also cheaper to produce at Wyomings open surface mines than the underground operations in the eastern United States. The downturn of 2015 bled into 2016. Wyoming only produced 65.4 million tons of coal between January and March of 2016, according to data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Production in early 2015 and early 2014 was closer to 100 million tons. But Wyomings coal sector has started to rebound. Production in the third quarter this year was almost double what it was in the previous quarter. What we are seeing now is we had a really nice hot summer, Deti said. The burn of coal in utilities across the country is increasing, decreasing those stockpiles so that coal shipments are going again and rising natural gas prices. When natural gas is over $2.50 cents Wyoming coal is competitive. If predictions are right, Wyoming is looking at a cold, wet winter. For coal, thats good news. One week after Donald Trump won the presidency, farm groups are still trying to figure out whats in store for agriculture, including who might lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Everybody is interested in who we will be dealing with, said Bob Hanson, Montana Farm Bureau Federation president. We were completely caught off guard about who won. There was plenty of buzz about the election on Monday as the Montana Farm Bureau Federation gathered in Billings for its annual meeting. Answers were few, although there seemed to be an agreement that the farm economy was headed down a rough road regardless of the elections outcome. Trump and Hillary Clinton both denounced the Trans Pacific Partnership, which the Farm Bureau considers crucial to lowering trade barriers for American farm and ranch products, particularly from Montana, which exports roughly 80 percent of the wheat, mostly to nations in the Asian Pacific. Ranchers have been hopeful a TPP deal would lower Japanese tariffs on beef and open Vietnam to U.S. beef sales. Trump said during campaign stops that the TPP was a bad deal and one that he would renegotiate. Farm leaders say the wait puts U.S. agriculture exports at a disadvantage because individual nations are already negotiating better deals and China has its own multi-nation trade deal advancing, which excludes the U.S. On other issues, there is hope a Trump administration will turn back some of President Barack Obamas executive actions farmers oppose, like the Waters of The United States. WOTUS, as its known to conservatives, expands federal protection of waterways and sources of drinking water. At issue is how far the rule extends the federal governments clean water reach over streams and wetlands. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers have been working for several years to expand federal powers under the Clean Water Act. From the beginning, Montana farm groups, homebuilders and local governments have worried the rule would apply to ponds and seasonal waters that didnt flow year-round to larger rivers and streams. In my opinion, there was kind of an overreach there that violates states rights, Hanson said of Waters of the U.S. The regulatory expansion not only addressed water quality, but also signaled the beginning of federal water regulation based on quantity, Hanson said. Trump has in the past said he would like to repeal the water rule. A bigger question will be how Republicans craft the new farm bill while controlling the presidency, House and Senate. The last time Republicans controlled all three and passed a farm bill was 1954. The last farm bills passage wasnt a sure thing, with conservatives from non-farm states insisting on cuts to farm subsidies, while others attempted to cut the bills nutrition title, which includes funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps. In the nutrition title debate, Obama served as the firewall, refusing to sign a farm bill that cut food assistance to the poor at least to the degree House Republicans wanted. Hanson said he hadnt ruled out there not being another farm bill because of the struggles of the last one, passed in 2014. If theres a new farm bill, it will be drafted as commodities prices are in steep decline, which means agriculture groups will be asking for more financial backing than they received in the last farm bill, Hanson said. Wyomings education system is projected to face a roughly $1.8 billion shortfall by the end of the 2022 fiscal year, according to a recent report to the Joint Education Interim Committee. The staggering number, which comes amid an energy industry downturn, has prompted some lawmakers to discuss further spending cuts and the need to raise additional revenues. The school operations shortfall for 2019 and 2020 was projected to be about $720 million. The deficit was anticipated to increase another $800 million for the two years after that. Meanwhile, school construction and maintenance are funded under a separate account, where income is already insufficient to meet the major maintenance needs of the state schools, much less any new construction. Youre looking at about a $186 million shortfall for the 2019-20 (budget cycle), then about a $189 million shortfall in 2021-22, said Matt Willmarth, of the Legislative Service Office, referring to the building account. The reason for these larger shortfalls is, as we have noted in our reports, the past couple years no coal lease sales, and no bonuses, are forecast in our projections. The committee was told that the capital construction account would essentially be empty by mid-2018. When the school operations and capital construction are added together, the Legislative Service Office estimates the total will be a $1.79 billion deficit by 2022. The committee also received an update on the 2017 and 2018 budget, and the news was not any better. The education budget for the two years is $1.34 billion, but declining revenues have meant $640 million was not covered by income. In its last session, the Wyoming Legislature tapped the Permanent Land Fund Holding Account, which is essentially the rainy day fund for education, to balance the education budget. However, that required using up the entire $570 million reserve, which had been expected to last at least a few more years. In giving the report, Willmarth said more information had come in since his last meeting with the committee in October. He said a $53 million calculation error had been made on the expenditure side, which was partially offset by lower-than-anticipated health insurance costs, but ultimately resulted in $25 million in additional deficits. Willmarth informed the committee only one education account has available funds. The only, I would say reserve, account you are not tapping into because there is no mechanism through law is the School Foundation Program Reserve Account. That has $100 million sitting there, Willmarth said. While not discussed in the committee report, the state is also forecasting about $355 million in revenue shortfalls in the states general fund budget, which until this year has not been a part of education funding. The general fund revenue shortfalls, however, will be partially offset by Gov. Matt Meads mid-year decision to cut $250 million from state agency budgets, which will still leave about a $156 million deficit for general government operations. The state, meanwhile, has about $1.6 billion left in its general operations rainy day reserve account. The committee did not specifically discuss how to address the education funding deficits at its meeting, but the concern was obvious from the outset. I hope everybody listens up today, we dont have a lot of very good news said Hank Coe, R-Cody, the committee co-chairman. There was some inquiry about whether there had been a decline in student enrollment, a primary factor in school district funding, due to the downturn in the energy industry. The committee was told the official numbers would be available in December, but the projection was flat. There was also a question about increasing the student-to-teacher ratio, which also influences funding. The state would save roughly $40 million a year for every additional pupil, for instance going from 21 students to 22 students per teacher in high school. Sen. Allen Jaggi, R-Lyman, meanwhile, called for spending cuts. We cant stay with what weve got and make it through, Jaggi said. I think weve got some tough, tough decisions to make just to balance things, without even adding one new thing. I dont want to sound too pessimistic, I just think were in a mess, and we created that ourselves as a Legislature. Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said the shortfall was not going to be resolved through reductions alone. We took during the boom days $2.4 billion of revenue off coal lease bonus (money) on school facilities, while all through that period of time basically forgiving $2.4 billion of taxes that wouldve come into the state and local communities through mills on funding for those school facilities, Rothfuss said. Its not just on the cost side, he added. I dont think we can cut our way out of this one. This is a large shortfall. A group of lawmakers tasked with crafting a bill to criminalize edible forms of marijuana declined to pursue legislation after the owner of a chemistry lab described the difficulties of testing the active ingredient of cannabis in food. That means many Wyoming judges will continue to dismiss felony cases of marijuana edibles, interpreting existing state law as only applying to the plant form of the substance. Although a majority on the Joint Judiciary Committee voted to reject their draft bill Tuesday at a meeting in Casper, an individual legislator can sponsor a bill in Cheyenne in January. Lawmakers previously tried to tackle the edibles issue when the Legislature met earlier this year, but they havent been able to reach a proposal that is satisfactory to most members. The challenge with edibles is isolating the active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, from the other ingredients in the food. The bill defeated in February would have made edibles weighing more than a pound a felony. But lawmakers amended the bill to increase and decrease the weight at different parts of the legislative process and the measure ultimately failed, said Sen. Leland Christensen, an Alta Republican who is a chairman of the Joint Judiciary Committee. On Tuesday, the bill before the committee was a compromise from the bill killed in February: A person charged with possession of more than a pound would be charged with a misdemeanor, with penalties of 20 days in jail and a fine of up to $200. Penalties increased if the person was charged subsequent times with possession. By the third conviction, the punishment would be up to 5 years behind bars and a $5,000 fine. Sarah Urfer, owner of ChemaTox Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, testified before the committee by telephone Monday afternoon. They make dry pretzels with THC in them, which dont weigh a lot, she said. And then there are things like brownies, which have a lot of water and flour in them, which are heavier but may not have more THC. Urfers lab performs forensics tests for law enforcement. She said its difficult at this time to isolate THC in an edible. Precise testing technology doesnt yet exist. She used the analogy of spilling sugar on carpet, and then trying to scoop it into a measuring cup. It will be impossible to scoop all the sugar granules into the cup, and so the measurement will not be accurate. She said there arent investors at this point willing to provide money to develop better THC-testing equipment. Someone would have to invest millions of dollars, and the researchers would have to legally obtain cannabis from the federal government, which means their market for the equipment would have to be law enforcement. Government is more limited and less lucrative than the cannabis industry so no investors have stepped forward, she said. An increase in edibles in Wyoming is blamed on marijuana legalization in Colorado, where 10 milligrams of THC are considered a single dose. However, edibles vary in dosage. We had gummy bears being sold in Colorado with 300 milligrams of THC per gummy bear, she said. Colorado has recently banned THC gummy bears, but other products have varying amounts of THC, she said. Rep. Kendell Kroeker, R-Casper, tried to amend the bill to eliminate references to weight and replace them with servings. Anything over 50 servings would be penalized, according to his amendment. Kroeker said hes not losing sleep over people facing less-than-severe penalties for edibles. But he would lose sleep if peoples lives were ruined because they brought into Wyoming a couple cans of THC soda that weighed over a pound and were charged with a felony. Maybe its a little gray area, maybe we set the bar too high, he said. The person is still able to be thrown in (jail) and charged with a misdemeanor crime. Lawmakers defeated his amendment, as they did another amendment, which would have made it easier to charge someone with edibles. Rep. Nathan Winters, R-Thermopolis, wanted to amend the weight in the bill from over a pound to eight ounces. Winters noted that THC is not diluted in edibles. Edibles are made using THC concentrates from cannabis. This is not a gateway drug anymore, he said. It is actually a destination drug. But with criticisms from opponents that 8 ounces was too severe for many products, which can be heavy but not contain more THC than lighter food, Winters amendment was defeated. In the end, a majority of the Judiciary Committee was uninterested in sponsoring a bill in January, including Rep. Charles Pelkey, D-Laramie. Im frustrated with the process. Weve been here for two years, he said, describing the amount of time the committee has been working on various edibles legislation. The legislative session next year will be brief six weeks. Lawmakers will have to make decisions on hundreds of bills and confront challenging budget issues, Pelkey said. The Judiciary Committee has spent two years talking about pot, and we havent gotten anywhere, he said. I say we decriminalize. CHEYENNE Microsoft Corp. has signed a deal for the largest purchase of wind energy in its history, enough to power its data center in Cheyenne. With our latest energy deal, Microsofts Cheyenne data center will now be powered entirely by wind energy, keeping us on a course to build a greener, more responsible cloud, Brad Smith wrote on a Microsoft website Monday. He is Microsofts president and chief legal officer. The data center is located in the North Range Business Park west of town between Interstate 80 and Happy Jack Road. The business park is owned by Cheyenne LEADS, the economic development arm for Cheyenne and Laramie County. The deal that Microsoft announced Monday involves the company buying a total of 237 megawatts of wind energy. Microsoft contracted with Black Hills Energy to buy 59 megawatts worth of renewable energy credits from the Happy Jack and Silver Sage wind projects. The wind farms are located west of the Microsoft data center. Black Hills Energy, the local utility company, is a subsidiary of Black Hills Corp. Black Hills Corp. is based in Rapid City, South Dakota, and serves 1.2 million natural gas and electric utility customers in eight states. Microsoft also signed an agreement with Allianz Risk Transfer for 178 megawatts of wind energy from the new Bloom Wind project in Kansas. The combined output of the Bloom and Happy Jack/Silver Sage projects will produce enough each year to cover the energy used at the Cheyenne data center, a news release said. The 59 megawatts that Black Hills Energy provides from the wind farms could serve an estimated 21,000 residential customers a year, said Chris Kilpatrick, director of resource planning for Black Hills Energy. Microsofts purchase brings its total investment in wind energy in the United States to more than 500 megawatts. The company wants to have 50 percent of its data center energy usage come from wind, hydropower and solar sources by 2018, Brian Janous said in a telephone interview Monday. He is the director of energy strategy for Microsoft. So far, that total has reached about 44 percent. Microsoft is committed to building a responsible cloud, and these agreements represent progress toward its goal, Smith said in a news release. Microsoft announced in 2012 that it planned to build a data center in Cheyenne. It announced an expansion of that facility in 2015. The company delivers more than 200 cloud services, including Bing, MSN, Outlook.com, OneDrive, Skype and Xbox Live, which are hosted in Microsofts cloud infrastructure. The cloud is made up of more than 100 data centers in the world, including the one in Cheyenne. The sale of the renewable energy credits to Microsoft should slightly reduce Black Hills Energy customers bills, Kilpatrick said Monday. Microsoft and Black Hills Energy also worked out a deal that will allow Black Hills to use future backup generators at Microsoft during peak customer demand times. The agreement means that Black Hills Energy wont have to build a new power plant to serve customers. The Wyoming Public Service Commission OKd the plan also called a tariff in July. Microsoft officials went to Black Hills Energy leaders with the idea to use its backup generators, according to Smiths internet blog. This new tariff will be available to all eligible customers and will let the utility use the generators at the data center as a secondary power source for the power grid. The idea is a unique concept, Kilpatrick said. Im not aware of any service territory that has this type of service, he said. David Emery, chairman and CEO of Black Hills Corp., said in a news release that it is a landmark collaboration that gives Microsoft the opportunity to use more renewable energy while ensuring reliability through Black Hills operation. The backup generators have yet to be built, but will help the entire electric power grid, Janous said. If you work together, and you try to solve problems as a collective, youll end up with better results, he said. Microsoft is looking to expand cloud use, including at its data center in Cheyenne, Janous said. But no specific recommendations or timelines have been established. Were very pleased with the partnership we have with Black Hills and the city of Cheyenne, Janous said. We look forward to continued growth in that region. Donald Trump has said he wants to bind the wounds of division. He will prove that he can be president for all Americans, not just those who voted for him. Lets say we take the president-elect at his word, though his decision to make alt-right leader Stephen Bannon a senior strategist does not bode well. If he wants to bring the nation together, theres an easy, relatively painless, puzzlingly overlooked strategy for doing so: Reorder his policy priorities and begin with the things that are most appealing to liberals. (Yes, there are a few.) Prioritizing promises with bipartisan appeal, rather than base-pleasing red meat such as mass deportation, would allow Trump to defang Democratic opposition; make inroads with many of the demographic groups he has alienated (including women); and demonstrate his independence from the standard Republican establishment agenda. Take, for example, what might be called the Ivanka plank of the Trump platform. With his daughter Ivankas influence, Trump has pledged to finally remove the United States from the two-member club of countries that do not guarantee paid maternity leave. (Right now its us and Papua New Guinea.) His plan would require six weeks of paid leave to new mothers. Trump also promised to make child care and elder care more affordable, through tax breaks. His plans promoting equal pay for equal work have not yet been fleshed out. But his daughter and trusted adviser has repeatedly assured voters that he is committed to this as well. These policy positions were initially greeted with cynicism and surprise. They are, after all, traditionally the purview of Democratic candidates, not Republicans. But their seepage into a Republican candidates agenda seemed inevitable, given how popular they are. Poll after poll after poll after poll finds that Americans overwhelmingly favor paid parental leave. A Public Religion Research Institute survey from last fall found that 82 percent of Americans believe companies should grant full-time employees paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. This includes 89 percent of Democrats and an astonishing 75 percent of Republicans. For comparison, another recent PRRI poll found that only 29 percent of Republicans want to identify and deport immigrants living in the United States illegally. Yet Trump has declared mass deportation to be among his first orders of business when he gets to the White House, while he has said nothing recently about paid family leave. To be sure, there is disagreement about the best way to implement these ideas, and many of Trumps policy details fall short. Trump appears to offer paid leave to birth mothers only, ignoring fathers, adoptive parents and those caring for elderly relatives; among other problems, this risks making women of fertility age disproportionately expensive (and thus less attractive) to hire. His child care tax breaks, as currently construed, would primarily benefit the wealthy. He has also punted on questions of how hed pay for either plan, instead citing unrealistic economic growth projections and elimination of improper payments in the unemployment insurance system. So there are some splinters in the Ivanka plank. But Trumps interest in these issues is a good start. During the unusually divisive campaign, Trump pledged support for several other policies that could rally Democrats. Consider his promise to end the carried interest loophole, which allows a small share of ultrawealthy individuals (including managers at private equity and venture capital funds) to pay lower taxes on the fruits of their labor. This feature of the tax code affects few people, but it is widely reviled, and both Democrats and Republicans support its elimination. Infrastructure investment featured prominently in Trumps campaign, and then again in his victory speech also has potential to unite his supporters and opponents. Putting these types of goals at the top of the pile would have enormous upside, and little downside, for the new president. They do not require Trump to cede any ground, because they are policies he has pushed all along. They are unlikely to annoy his most committed fans. Setting America on the path toward paid family leave would also make it increasingly awkward for Democrats to continue demonizing him. To be sure, none of the policies Ive mentioned are priorities for Republican congressional leaders. Given the blowback Trump faces for relying on so many establishment types to run his transition team, though, this may be a feature, not a bug. As an added bonus, this plan would allow Trump to claim one of the greatest presidential achievements possible: proving that sometimes good policy can also be good politics. COLOMBIA President travels to US for cancer exam BOGOTA Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said Tuesday that he is making a brief trip to the U.S. for medical exams to guard against a possible return of prostate cancer. Santos, who won this years Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end Colombias five-decade-old civil conflict, said he and his family were surprised when doctors detected an increase in prostate-specific antigen during a routine checkup. He said he would undergo tests at the Johns Hopkins Institute in Baltimore on Thursday and return home the next day. The president had surgery in 2012 to remove a tumor in his prostate. MEXICO New vigilante attack kills 2 robbers on bus MEXICO CITY A passenger rose from his seat and shot two thieves to death as they tried to rob people aboard a bus on the outskirts of Mexico City, police said Tuesday. It was the second vigilante-style shooting in two weeks, with a total of six alleged thieves killed. An official with the Mexico State police force confirmed the latest shooting happened near midnight Sunday. One of the thieves died aboard the bus and the other died shortly afterward, said the official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name. The official said the shooter fled and had not been detained. Local media reported that a third person a female passenger aboard the small, van-type bus was also shot and killed during the incident, but the official could not immediately confirm that. CUBA Government pardons 787 at popes request HAVANA The Cuban government has pardoned 787 common prisoners at the request of Pope Francis. The Council of State headed by President Raul Castro said in a statement published Tuesday in state media that the prisoners affected were selected according to the crimes committed, their behavior while serving time and the time remaining on their sentences. RUSSIA Minister detained over alleged $2M bribe MOSCOW A senior Russian Cabinet minister has fallen very suddenly from grace, accused of bribery and abuse of office but seen by many observers to be the victim of a Kremlin power play to ensure that President Vladimir Putin remains the ultimate arbiter in Russia. Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was detained late Monday, immediately after he allegedly took a $2 million bribe in a sting set up by the FSB domestic security agency, the Investigative Committee said in a statement Tuesday. On Tuesday, Putin fired Ulyukayev without waiting for the court to determine whether hes guilty, citing a loss of trust, according to the Kremlin. Ulyukayevs arrest has been widely seen as part of Putins ongoing effort to preserve the balance between rival factions in the upper echelons of power in Russia. PHILIPPINES Special forces, US to hold joint drills MANILA U.S. and Philippine special forces will begin annual combat exercises on Wednesday in a sign such joint drills are continuing despite vocal opposition by the Philippine president. The U.S. military says that so far theres been no reduction in cooperation with the Philippines, a longstanding U.S. ally, despite President Rodrigo Dutertes threats to do so and his expressed desire to expand security ties with China and Russia. YEMEN Houthis agree to truce starting Thursday SANAA U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday that Yemens Shiite rebels have agreed to a cease-fire for their war-torn country, starting later this week on condition their adversaries also agree to it. EGYPT Court strikes down Morsis death sentence CAIRO A court on Tuesday struck down the death sentence passed by a lower tribunal against an ousted Islamist president for his part in a mass prison break during the countrys 2011 uprising. The ruling by the Court of Cassation means that former President Mohammed Morsi would be given a new trial, along with five other leaders of his now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group. Wire reports PHOENIX A judge has thrown out part of the challenge to a new state law that bars cities and towns from telling private employers they must provide certain fringe benefits and paid time off. In a ruling released Wednesday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Robert Oberbillig said members of city councils from Tucson, Flagstaff and Tempe have no legal standing to challenge the laws validity. The judge said the fact they are pushing to have their communities enact such restrictions is not enough. Only once a city enacts an ordinance that runs afoul of state law can it sue to have the statute overturned. Oberbillig also said a union whose members might be aided if cities enact fringe benefit requirements also could not sue. The judges ruling Wednesday still leaves a pending claim by legislative Democrats, who also sued, that their Republican colleagues acted illegally in restricting what local cities can do. They contend that a 2006 initiative specifically gives cities and towns the right to enact fringe benefit requirements, and the Arizona Constitution limits the ability of lawmakers to tinker with what voters approved. That issue is likely to get resolved this coming year. The court fight is over efforts by the business community to limit the power of cities to tell them how to treat their employees. Last year the Legislature voted to bar local governments from enacting their own minimum-wage requirements higher than state law mandates. But Attorney General Mark Brnovich, in a formal legal opinion, concluded that action ran afoul of the 2006 initiative, which adopted the states first-ever minimum wage and specifically allows local governments to impose higher requirements. In fact, voters in Flagstaff voted earlier this month to take that citys minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021. Brnovich pointed out the Arizona Constitution prohibits lawmakers from tinkering with voter-approved law unless it furthers the purpose of the original act, something the 2015 law clearly did not do. So this year GOP lawmakers came back with an alternative. The legislation, known as HB 2579, doesnt alter local authority to approve higher minimum wages, but it redefines wages the thing that Brnovich said cannot be preempted to include only monetary compensation. Everything else was redefined as non-wage compensation, declared to be of statewide concern and not subject to further regulation by a city, town or other political subdivision of the state. Attorney Jim Barton, representing the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99 and other challengers, contends HB 2579 is no more legal than the proposal Brnovich found wanting last year. He points out the 2006 voter-approved law specifically allows not only higher minimum wages but also says that a local government may by ordinance regulate minimum wages and benefits within its geographic boundaries. That language remains in the updated version, approved by Arizona voters earlier this month, that will hike the states minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020. The new version also has something not in the original law: a requirement for employers to provide at least three paid days off each year. All that, Barton contends, makes HB 2579 illegal. Barton also argued that the law was illegally enacted. That is something the Democratic lawmakers who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit and who voted against HB 2579 do have legal standing to argue. Barton said the changes in that measure do not further the purpose of the underlying law and therefore are constitutionally beyond the reach of lawmakers. Even if an argument could be made that the new law does further the purpose, Barton points out the Arizona Constitution still requires such changes be approved by a three-fourths vote of both the House and Senate, a margin it did not get. The actual House vote was 34-26; the Senate tally was 18-11. During legislative debate on HB 2579, Republican lawmakers who backed the measure defended their votes. This is a bill that is entirely consisted with the Republican philosophy of limited government, argued Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills. Sen. Syliva Allen, R-Snowflake, said it is not the role of government to tell businesses what they should be paying their employees, a sentiment she said extended to benefits. Dawn and David Bain are ready for retirement, but rather than plop a for-sale sign on their popular Sierra Vista restaurant, the couple is paying it forward. The Bains are holding an essay contest. The prize: their restaurant, The Outside Inn. If I could do something and pay it forward to someone who would never have the opportunity in their life, I thought that was kind of the win-win situation all the way around, said David Bain, a 56-year-old father of two. The writer of the winning essay gets the 2,000-square-foot restaurant, the land it sits on, the kitchen equipment, the dining room furniture, pictures on the walls, silverware, plates and cups and any food left in the pantries, freezers and refrigerators. The cost: $125 per entry, and the couple is limiting the entries to no more than 7,500. My wife and I are kind of unconventional types, said Bain, who has run The Outside Inn, 4907 S. Arizona 92, with his wife for 23 years. This is not a scam. We just want to help somebody and change someones life for the better. The Bains have been considering the essay contest for several months and posted the first notice at the end of August at theoutsideinnblog.wordpress.com, where you will find the entry form and contest rules. But the contest is just officially launching. Writers must be 18 years or older and the winner would be required to pay any taxes, including income and real estate, once they take ownership, according to contest rules. Entrants are asked to answer the question Why I want to operate my own restaurant in 200 words or less. No where in the essay should the writer identify themselves. Entries must be postmarked by April 30, 2017, and judging could begin at the end of May. According to rules posted on the contest website, judges will winnow the entries to 100, then an independent panel of judges will bring that number to 20 finalists before determining a winner. The winner will then have 30 days after he or she is notified to let the Bains know if he or she will accept the prize, which Bain on the website estimated is worth $400,000 for the land and restaurant equipment alone. If the winner opts out, the first runner-up gets the restaurant. The Bains moved to Arizona from Colorado in 1989 and operated a restaurant with partners along Tempes busy Mill Avenue college district. Two years later, the couple sold out to their partners and moved to Sierra Vista, where they opened The Outside Inn in 1993 in a converted home that dated back to the 1960s. The restaurant serves a French-inspired menu that includes Australian rack of lamb, veal piccata, broiled lobster tail, chicken Bolognese, ratatouille gratine, and several seafood and steak dishes. Its lunch menu includes soups, salads and sandwiches. Its crowdsourcing reviews on sites including Yelp and TripAdvisor are mostly positive; many of the reviewers seem genuinely surprised to see a fine-dining restaurant in the town of less than 50,000 thats anchored by Fort Huachuca. Bain said the essay winner doesnt need to keep the menu or the restaurants theme. In fact, they can do with the property as they wish so long as it complies with county zoning laws, he said. The Outside Inn has earned positive marks from the Cochise County Health Department, which awarded the restaurant an excellent rating after its September inspection, according to county records. Bain said he and his wife, who is 60 and has experienced some recent health problems, want to spend more time with their daughter, who lives in Tucson, and son, who resides in Las Vegas. A federal judge in Tucson indicated Tuesday he would direct the Border Patrol to improve sleeping conditions at the agencys detention centers in Arizona, calling the current situation faced by detainees a violation of their civil rights. U.S. District Judge David C. Bury said he planned to tell the Border Patrol to avoid depriving detainees of sleep while a lawsuit filed on behalf of three former detainees unfolds. The civil trial which also deals with claims of poor food, frigid temperatures and lack of access to medical care is to begin next summer. I think the deprivation of sleep, at the very least, in this case is a violation of the civil rights of a civil detainee and that needs to be fixed, Bury said at a hearing Tuesday. Although Bury did not issue a formal order, he said he planned to consult with lawyers representing the Border Patrol and the Morrison and Foerster law firm that filed the lawsuit along with several immigrant-rights groups in the coming days so they can work out a solution. He acknowledged that the Border Patrol has a really tough job, but in his closing remarks said, The complexity of government operations cannot trump civil rights. Neither can budgetary constraints. Bury said he had not heard enough testimony from expert witnesses about the food, temperature and medical claims to make a decision on those points. Border Patrol officials argued that an order to improve detainees sleeping conditions would complicate the functioning of Border Patrol stations and could lead to detainees spending more time in detention. The stations operate 24 hours a day, and agents are constantly processing recently arrived detainees, which often interrupts the sleep of the detainees already at the stations, said George Allen, assistant chief patrol agent for the Tucson Sector. In order to set aside time for detainees to sleep, agents would have to stop processing new arrivals. That would lead to a bottleneck at night, which is when most apprehensions occur, and further delay the processing of all of the detainees, Allen said. Agents provide every detainee with a mylar survival blanket to trap their body heat while they sleep, Allen said. The agency tried providing cloth blankets years ago, but the laundry demand was too much for any local company. Every child is provided with a sleeping mat, as are most women with small children, Allen said. The agency could provide sleeping mats to all detainees, but the holding rooms do not have enough floor space for the mats. With regard to temperature, Allen said the thermostat at Border Patrol stations in Arizona is either computer-controlled at about 73 degrees or monitored every shift by agents. In August, the plaintiffs released still photos taken from Border Patrol cameras that showed detainees lying on concrete floors while sleeping mats were stacked in nearby cells at the Tucson detention center. Other photos showed detainees wrapped from head to toe in mylar survival blankets in a room so crowded there was virtually no space to move around. Agency records obtained by the plaintiffs showed 80 percent of the 72,198 people detained in the Tucson Sector in the first half of 2013 were in custody for more than 24 hours. One-third were held for more than 48 hours and 11 percent for more than 72 hours. The eight detention centers in Arizona were designed to hold people after their arrest for crossing the border illegally and before their transfer to another agency, such as the U.S. Marshals Service. The plaintiffs pointed to a 2008 Border Patrol policy that said detainees should not be held longer than 12 hours. Justin Bristow, acting chief for strategic planning and analysis at the agencys headquarters in Washington, D.C., testified that the policy was a guideline that should be followed whenever possible, rather than an absolute requirement. Bristow said some of the hours listed as in custody typically would be spent waiting in the desert for transport to the nearest station, which could take several hours of travel. The speedy processing of detainees is further complicated by demographic changes, he said. In 2008, most of the people held at the detention centers were Mexican adults who could be repatriated at the U.S.-Mexico border, Bristow said. However, the number of detainees from other countries, particularly from Central America, has risen dramatically in recent years, as has the number of unaccompanied minors, he said. As a result, agents have to do more in-depth interviews and arrange complicated logistics with other agencies, which takes more time, Bristow said. Bury questioned Allen about the more comfortable conditions inside the Santa Cruz County jail, which houses undocumented immigrant detainees on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service. Dont you think its time that your facilities are modified or changed to accommodate the human need at least for sleep if youre going to keep somebody for two or three days? Bury asked. Allen responded that other agencies, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have space at their facilities that could help the Border Patrol. A federal judge in Tucson indicated he would direct the Border Patrol to improve sleeping conditions at the agency's detention centers in Arizona, calling the current situation faced by detainees as a violation of their civil rights. U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bury said he planned to grant preliminary relief while a lawsuit filed on behalf of three former detainees unfolds. The civil trial which also deals with claims of poor food, frigid temperatures, and lack of access to medical care is scheduled to begin next summer. "I think the deprivation of sleep, at the very least, in this case is a violation of the civil rights of a civil detainee and that needs to be fixed," Bury said at a hearing in Tucson on Tuesday. Although Bury did not issue a formal order, he said he planned to consult with the lawyers representing the Border Patrol and the Morrison and Foerster law firm that filed the lawsuit along with several immigrant-rights groups in the coming days so they can work out a solution. He acknowledged "the Border Patrol has a really tough job," but in his closing remarks said "the complexity of government operations cannot trump civil rights, neither can budgetary constraints." Bury said he had not heard enough testimony from expert witnesses about the food, temperature, and medical claims to make a decision on those points. Border Patrol officials argued that an order to improve detainees' sleeping conditions would complicate the functioning of Border Patrol stations and could lead to detainees spending more time in detention. The stations operate 24 hours a day and agents are constantly processing recently arrived detainees, which often interrupts the sleep of the detainees already at the stations, said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent for the Tucson Sector George Allen. In order to set aside time for detainees to sleep, agents would have to stop processing new arrivals. That would lead to a bottleneck at night, which is when most apprehensions occur, and further delay the processing of all of the detainees, Allen said. Agents provide every detainee with a mylar survival blanket to trap their body heat while they sleep, Allen said. The agency tried providing cloth blankets years ago, but the laundry demand was too much for any local company. Every child is provided with sleeping mats, as are most women with small children, Allen said. The agency could provide sleeping mats to all detainees, but the holding rooms do not have enough floor space for the mats. With regard to temperature, Allen said the thermostat at Border Patrol stations in Arizona is either computer-controlled at about 73 degrees or monitored every shift by agents. In August, the plaintiffs released still photos taken from Border Patrol cameras that showed detainees lying on concrete floors while sleeping mats were stacked in nearby cells at the Tucson detention center. Other photos showed detainees wrapped from head to toe in mylar survival blankets in a room so crowded there was virtually no space to move around. Agency records obtained by the plaintiffs showed 80 percent of the 72,198 people detained in the Tucson Sector in the first half of 2013 were in custody for more than 24 hours. One-third were held for more than 48 hours and 11 percent for more than 72 hours. The eight detention centers in Arizona were designed to hold people after their arrest for crossing the border illegally and before their transfer to another agency, such as the U.S. Marshal's Service. The plaintiffs pointed to a 2008 Border Patrol policy that said detainees should not be held longer than 12 hours. Justin Bristow, acting chief for strategic planning and analysis at the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., testified the policy was a guideline that should be followed whenever possible, rather than an "absolute requirement." Bristow said some of the hours listed as in custody typically would be spent waiting in the desert for transport to the nearest station, which could take several hours of travel. The speedy processing of detainees is further complicated by demographic changes, he said. In 2008, most of the people held at the detention centers were Mexican adults who could be repatriated at the U.S.-Mexico border, Bristow said. However, the number of detainees from other countries, particularly from Central America, has risen dramatically in recent years, as have the number of unaccompanied minors, he said. As a result, agents have to do more in-depth interviews and arrange complicated logistics with other agencies, which takes more time, Bristow said. Bury questioned Allen about the more comfortable conditions inside the Santa Cruz County jail, which houses undocumented immigrant detainees on behalf of the U.S. Marshal's Service. "Don't you think it's time that your facilities are modified or changed to accommodate the human need at least for sleep if you're going to keep somebody for two or three days," Bury asked. Allen responded that other agencies, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have space at their facilities that could help the Border Patrol. Theyre both originally from Mexico, but one now lives in Tucson, the other in Tempe. Their reactions to the victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election couldnt have been more different. Art Del Cueto, 42, has become a well-known Tucsonan because of his outspokenness as president of the union for agents in the Border Patrols Tucson Sector. He was among those who pushed for the national union to endorse Trump early in the primary election process a highly controversial decision. Now, hes in the catbird seat, enjoying unprecedented access for front line agents to a presidential administration. Joel Cornejo, 20, is a relatively unknown young man up in Tempe who attends Maricopa Community College. His family came to the country from Mexico City when he was 7 years old, and he is enrolled in the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, created through an executive order by President Obama, that allows people brought to the country as undocumented children to have temporary legal status. Trump has promised to overturn the program, putting Cornejo and thousands of others at risk. Del Cueto, also a vice president of the national union, helped convince the National Border Patrol Council to take the risk of endorsing Trump back in March. It was a high-risk move because Trump was a controversial candidate, of course, and the union had never endorsed a candidate for president before the general election. I was among many who criticized the decision. Now the gamble is paying off for the union. I was there Tuesday, the night of the elections, Del Cueto said. Donald Trump came down after he was done with his speech. He looked at me and said These are my guys. He pointed right at me, gave me a high five and said, Get ready to work. Thats important, when the president tells you that, its a big deal. Of course, Del Cueto had a cellphone video as proof this happened. But its not really disputable that the union has an unprecedented in with a president. Trump spoke about the unions endorsement all the time in his stump speeches. He met with Del Cueto and other union representatives many times. Since the election, theyve been in touch with the transition team daily, Del Cueto said. He considers us the experts in border security, he said of Trump. What exactly Trump will do in terms of immigration policy is unclear. He said in an interview with 60 Minutes, aired Sunday, that he plans to follow through on his commitment to build more of a border wall, though some could be fencing. He also said he expects to deport 2 million to 3 million people who he estimated are people convicted of crimes and who are illegally in the country. Other experts have disputed that number as far too high. What Del Cueto expects is a rollback of Obama administration policies that the union says were keeping border agents from doing their jobs. Were not asking for special laws, he said. All were asking for is that the laws that are on the books be enforced. When I asked for specifics, Del Cueto said, A lot of it is being able to deport individuals that we arrest, as opposed to giving them a paper and saying, please report to the nearest immigration (office) when you get where youre going, putting them on a bus and never hearing from them again. As a union officer, Del Cueto sees many of the disciplinary and criminal complaints against agents, whom the union provides with representation. The union has regularly resisted efforts to hold agents criminally accountable for excessive use of force. But he said the change in administration should not lead to any increase in bad acts by agents, who just want to do their jobs. I dont see agents all of a sudden running rogue, he said. He acknowledged agents could participate in the arrest of people who have been living for years in the country illegally, if the Trump administration pursues the increase in deportations as promised. Generally, though, enforcing immigration laws in the interior of the country is a duty reserved for a different agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Such operations could put agents in contact with people like Cornejo. Election night left Cornejo deflated, he said, without sleep and afraid to leave the house. I was just disappointed overall, he told me Tuesday. I feel kind of betrayed by the country. What Im doing to protect myself is Im getting more involved in the movement. The movement, he said, is of undocumented youths seeking to stay in the country where theyve grown up. Im scared to lose everything, he said. For myself, I think Im really strong emotionally. I do fear for my family. For example, my sister goes to ASU and shes got a scholarship. Im scared shell lose everything that shes worked for. Im scared for me, for my sister, for my family, for my parents, for my community, he said. That also feeds my anger and my motivation to come out and still fight. Cornejo was the only Dreamer, as theyre known, I was able to interview despite contacting others in Tucson whom I and other Star reporters have interviewed before. The election, it seems, is driving them underground. Thats not surprising, of course. Like Del Cuetos story, it shows how the stakes of this election were so high. Six Tucson Unified schools could lose their magnet status, which allows for additional funding to improve racial balance and achievement among minority students. Special Master Willis Hawley, who was assigned to oversee TUSDs desegregation efforts, recommended the magnet status of Cholla High, Ochoa Community, Pueblo High, Robison Elementary, Safford K-8 and Utterback Middle schools be terminated after they failed to meet integration goals established in January 2015. Those schools were required to not have more than 70 percent of their entry-grade students kindergarten for elementary schools, sixth-grade for middle schools and ninth-grade for high schools made up of a single race. The recommendations do not mean the six schools would immediately lose their magnet status. Other parties, including the plaintiffs in the decades-old desegregation case and the U.S. Department of Justice, will weigh also in. Ultimately, the decision is up to U.S. District Judge David C. Bury. For now, the schools will retain their magnet status and funding until the matter is settled in federal court. Hawley was set to make recommendations in the fall of 2015 but deferred them until now to give the schools another opportunity make progress in racial balance. Drachman Primary, Carrillo Intermediate and Roskruge K-8 schools also fell short of the 70 percent requirement but did not end up on the termination recommendation list. Drachman and Carrillo are A-rated schools, and Roskruge is a dual language school, which is a priority in the districts unitary status plan, district officials said. Its too early to tell if those six schools would lose funding should the judge and other parties decide to follow the recommendations, said H.T. Sanchez, TUSDs superintendent. Magnet schools receive additional funding to foster diversity in the student body and faculty assignments and provide services such as transportation to students traveling from outside of their schools attendance boundaries. Sanchez said hes trying to see the recommendations in positive light, as the number of magnet schools considered for status termination went from 11 to six with the extra year granted by the court. The extra year gave us time to take care of some of the schools. The district engaged in a marketing campaign that involved open house events, advertising through media and direct mailers to target addresses, and the district provided additional resources to those schools in an effort to boost diversity, he said. But in a racially concentrated district with 20 magnet schools, its difficult to achieve integration in all of them, he added. Sanchez has already begun meeting with parents of the six schools to discuss possible post-magnet plans. Even if it ends up that they lose the magnet label, he said the district might be able to retain some of the additional funding as long as its tied to the unitary status plan. The governing board would decide the next steps, whether thats contesting the recommendations, asking for more time to consider input from an incoming board member who will take office in January, or accepting the outcome and planning the schools post-magnet plans. As of Tuesday afternoon before the scheduled governing board meeting, Sanchez did not have insight one way or another. Sylvia Campoy, a longtime representative for the Mendoza plaintiffs in the desegregation case, said she did not agree that TUSD did all it could for those six schools to meet their integration goals. The magnet schools were starved of the authentic support needed to be successful, she said in a letter addressed to the TUSD governing board. For example, Utterback has suffered several problems, including teacher vacancies, a vacant parent liaison position, lack of time for teachers to plan and grade, facility issues, interim school leaders and lack of discipline training for faculty. She also criticized the district administrations saying that the integration requirements are impossible to meet. This is also an affront to the very meaning of desegregation and to those on whose behalf the lawsuit was initially filed. PHOENIX Backers of recreational use of marijuana finally conceded Tuesday what has been generally known for a week: Arizona voters didnt like their proposal. While some ballots are still being tabulated, the most recent figures from the secretary of state show Proposition 205 trailing by more than 83,000 votes out of nearly 2.45 million ballots cast on the matter. That is pretty much the same margin of difference since the first returns came in the night of Nov. 8. But it took until Tuesday for J.P. Holyoak to acknowledge that, at least for the time being, the only Arizonans who are going to be able to use the drug legally under state law are those who have a medical need for it. The only thing left to be decided is when to try again and what changes to make to assure a different outcome. It is too soon to provide any specific details, Holyoak said in a prepared statement. But we intend to continue fighting in support of sensible marijuana policy reform. Voters in Arizona were the only ones to reject expanding laws about who can smoke, inhale, eat or drink the drug without worrying about state or local police. California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada joined Colorado, Alaska, Oregon and Washington where adults are free to purchase and use the drug. Voters in several other states approved marijuana for medical use with plans similar to what Arizona enacted at the ballot in 2010. Holyoak did not respond to multiple requests placed with the campaigns publicist to answer specific questions about the loss and what happens now. But officials from the Marijuana Policy Project, which provided the main source of financing for the Arizona campaign, previously said this is not the end of the efforts in Arizona. The main thing to be decided is whether to try again in two years, when all statewide offices are up for grabs, or in the next presidential election in 2020. For the moment, the only legal users of marijuana are the more than 108,000 individuals who have a doctors recommendation that they have a medical condition that would benefit by the use of the drug. That, however, cannot be any problem at all but is limited to specified conditions ranging from glaucoma to nausea from chemotherapy and post-traumatic stress syndrome. There is, however, a broad catch-all classification of chronic pain. More than 80 percent of patient qualify under this category. The statewide initiatives that passed around the country last week were only part of the victory for advocates of recreational use of marijuana. By a narrow margin it appears that Denver voters agreed to allow the public use of the drug in certain businesses. That includes consuming edibles and vaping indoors; smoking actually has to occur outdoors, albeit out of public view. The Marijuana Policy Project released a statement from Kayvan S.T. Khalatbari, who owns a Denver medical and recreational dispensary and a pizza chain, who cheered the approval This is a victory for cannabis consumers who, like alcohol consumers, simply want the option to enjoy cannabis in social settings, the statement read. OPINION: "Dickens' famous passage about an earlier fraught time captures this knife-edge moment: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us...'" writes Tucsonan Brent Harold. Help India! Panaji : Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation move has found support from his Mauritian counterpart, who on Wednesday said it was the right thing for India even if it means temporary difficulty. I am not an Indian, but what I personally think as a Prime Minister is that Modi has done the right thing. People will have some difficulty which will be temporary, but in the long run it will help the countrys economy, Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth told the media on the sidelines of a private event organised by a pharmaceutical company in North Goa, located near state capital Panaji. Support TwoCircles Jugnauth said Mauritius shares a very special, extraordinary relationship with India, one which it does not share with any other country. There are lots of investments from India in Mauritius and I pray it continues like this, he said. ABC News(NEW YORK) -- As President-elect Donald Trump prepares a team that will transition into the White House this January, world leaders are preparing for their own transition: a relationship with the next U.S. president. In an interview on Portuguese television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has kept a firm grip on power in Syria despite five years of civil war, said a Trump administration would be a "natural ally" to Syria if Trump goes after terrorists. When told Trump seemed ready to work with Syria to fight ISIS, Assad responded positively, but also cautioned that Trump must "deliver." "Of course, I would say this is promising, but can he deliver? Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the mainstream media that were against him? How can he deal with it?" Assad asked. "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. That's why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasn't in a political position before." "So, we cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if, let's say if he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries who wanted to defeat the terrorists," he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump by telegram, expressing hope that the two could repair U.S.-Russian relations that have deteriorated over Russia's role in Syria and its ongoing military intervention in Ukraine. In a phone call between Putin and Trump on Tuesday, the men spoke about the extremely unsatisfying state of Russian-American relations, but also expressed themselves in favor of active joint work for their normalization and opening the path to constructive cooperation on the widest range of questions," according to the Kremlin. "In particular, the importance was underlined of the creation of a reliable basis for bilateral connections on the way to develop their economic trade components," the Kremlin said. Trump told Putin he is "very much looking forward to having a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia," according to his transition team. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has congratulated Trump on his "well-deserved victory" and signaled that he and Trump would work well together. One country that hasn't issued the president-elect congratulations: North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has not yet commented on the U.S. presidential election, but Trump has said he would be open to talking to the North Korean dictator. Trump even said last June he would host Kim in the United States. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Matt Taylor, the self-proclaimed Shadow Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (SSPCC) has had his popular blog removed from the Google Blogger platform following a complaint of harassment by Mark Streater, Bourne's number one. Regularly promoted on the "Andy Peacher's Show" on the Freedom Talk Radio platform by ex-Crime Stopper Brian Setchfield and Peaceful Warrior John Paterson; Taylor has been a thorn in the side of Sussex Chief Constable Giles York and Commissioner Bourne since 2012, calling into question the Commissioner's credibility in holding Sussex Police to account. Shadow Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (SSPCC) An ex-Royal Military Policeman, Taylor is responsible for initiating the on-going Independent Police Complaint's Commission (IPCC) investigation into electoral fraud by Bourne, during the run up to the second PCC elections in 2016. The SSPCC blog was originally removed in July 2016 following claims made by Taylor that Bourne is a liar. In light of the IPCC investigation Taylor successfully appealed the ban, and the blog was reinstated in September 2016. Buoyed by his victory, he published a further three articles calling into question the involvement of the police in the 2015 Shoreham air-show crash and the 2016 Camber Sands tragedy, in which 17 people collectively lost their lives. Freedom of Speech and Expression Claiming Streater has denied him his Human Rights of expression and speech, Taylor believes his blog was removed because he was exposing elements of truth which Streater wants kept hidden from the public. He said, "I have never harassed anyone. I've simply blogged my opinion based on research which anyone can do. Katy Bourne took an oath which welcomed public scrutiny and that's what Im doing. I'm providing an extra layer of public scrutiny which they would rather do without. By banning my blog they've demonstrated they can't be trusted. I've lost all trust in the police and call into question their ability to serve and protect the people of Sussex, and the Commissioner's ability to hold the police to account." Friends in High Places Under fire for cutting PCSO numbers, while promising to increase them during the run-up to the election, Emma Daniel, Brighton and Hove Elm Grove Councillor and member of the Police and Crime Panel, said, "I don't think people would have voted for the Commissioner if they'd known what she was going to do." Tipped as a rising star in the Conservative party and a close friend to PM Theresa May, Bourne is facing the prospect of prison having been the first elected PCC to be investigated by the IPCC for a criminal offence. Both Bourne and York have yet to publicly comment on the IPCC investigation, while Taylor has appealed to the Google Blogger Team to reinstate his blog for a second time. One more month to go and it will be Christmas! Christmas is a time for you to have a break and have a little Getaway from the exhausting workload and the fast pace of life in Hong Kong! To feel the joy and Christmas ambiance, here are some places for you to explore during the holidays. Go book the tickets and pack your stuff! Get ready for your vacation! Finland - Rovaniemi Santa Claus shouldnt be missed out at Christmas. You can travel to the Santa Claus Village to visit Santa and their trusted friends, the reindeer. In the village, accommodation is also provided. You can go take a sleigh ride or experience the Santa Park with elves and fairy tales. Walking around the Snowman World, you can find lots of winter fun facilities. Australia - New South Wales If you want to have a special Christmas celebration, you can go to the Bondi Beach in Australia. Its the famous spot for backpackers. On Christmas Day, there is an orphan party that refers to those backpackers who do not bring along their parents. Wearing bikinis and swimming on the beach is a memorable experience to feel the Christmas joy. Dont forget to pack more sunscreen and swimsuits! Dublin - Iceland Christmas market is one of the more traditional ways to celebrate in Dublin. Many people have visited the best well-known Christmas market, St. Stephens Green Christmas Market. What a pity, it wont be held this year, but you can still go and visit the I Believe Christmas Market, another experience with Santa. With agricultural products, typical food and beverages of Ireland presented in the markets, you will experience more about Ireland. Yorkshire - United Kingdom You also shouldnt miss the Christmas celebration in the UK. For the British, its a significant time to spend with families and friends. Yorkshire is the historic country in the Northern England and its natural beauty becomes a famous spot. In the St. Helens Square, a big Christmas tree is placed for tourists to take photos with. Museums and markets are also great places to visit. Remember to try a Yorkshire Pudding and mulled wine! Tokyo - Japan Tokyo, the capital of Japan, celebrates with lots of Christmas lights decorating the streets. To the Japanese, Christmas Eve is as important as Valentines Day. Its also a night for romance. In a Japanese-style Christmas feast, there are always fried chicken and strawberry sponge cakes topped with cream. Prostate cancer (CaP) will be diagnosed in approximately 181,000 American men in 2016. Despite the high number of deaths from CaP in the United States, the disease has a protracted natural history and many men diagnosed with CaP will not die of the disease regardless of treatment. Unfortunately, identification of men with truly indolent/ nonaggressive CaP is challenging; limitations of conventional diagnostic modalities diminish the ability of physicians to accurately stage every case of CaP based on biopsy results alone. The resulting uncertainty in prognosis may prompt men with low-risk CaP to proceed to morbid and expensive treatments for an unclear survival benefit. Incorporation of the Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) as part of the decision algorithm for patients with National Comprehensive Cancer Network very low-risk and low-risk cancer led to a substantial increase in uptake of active surveillance and substantial cost savings. GPS provides physicians and patients with an additional tool in assessing personalized risk and helps guide individual decision making. Reviews in urology. 2016 Jan [Epub] David Albala, Michael J Kemeter, Phillip G Febbo, Ruixiao Lu, Vincy John, Dylan Stoy, Bela Denes, Marybeth McCall, Alan W Shindel, Frank Dubeck Associated Medical Professionals of NY, PLLC Syracuse, NY., Genomic Health, Inc. Redwood City, CA., Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Rochester, NY. PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27833462 Zsa Zsa Gabor has been in failing health for several years, in fact, she has been reported to have been near death numerous times over the years, more times than can be counted off-hand. However, she has continued to hang on, long after many had counted her out. A recent report now claims that the 99-year-old actress is nearing the end and that her husband Prince Von Anhalt is allegedly taking advantage of her fragile state to cash in on every last dime while he can during her final days. Prince Von Anhalt gives the O.K. for photo shoot in Gabor home The Hollywood icon's current spouse has reportedly set up a deal with a magazine out of Europe for a professional stylist to come into Gabor's home, a Bel Air mansion that used to belong to the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. The stylist will go through each of Gabor's clothes closets and pull out her favorite and priceless gowns, making sure to select only the finest which will be worn by models who will be photographed in various poses throughout Gabor's home. This is all to be done without Zsa Zsa's knowledge, or consent as she is bedridden unable to move, or coherently understand what is going on around her. Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor nearing the end Gabor, who last made news headlines last February, just two days shy of her 99th birthday after she was rushed to a nearby hospital after she was found struggling to breathe. Gabor's team of doctors found that the classic film star had developed a serious lung infection brought on by her feeding tube. Zsa Zsa is best known for her long and extensive acting career as well as her love for men. Throughout her life she has been married nine times, divorced seven and annulled once. She is also well known for being very open and honest when it comes to her love of men -- once stating that men have always been drawn to her, and she to them, revealing that her favorite type of men are rugged and well educated in the ways to properly treat a woman. Zsa Zsa Gabor has remained out of the public eye, with health updates being controlled by her ninth husband Von Anhalt. Editor's note: Three years ago, President Xi Jinping launched China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, to link vast transcontinental swathes with a common economic thread. The initiative brought unprecedented opportunities to companies worldwide to expand their business and access new markets. China Daily will present a series of interviews with top executives of foreign companies, looking at the impact of the initiative on their operations as well as markets. Ondrej Frydrych, chief executive officer of Home Credit Group in China, tells how the international consumer finance provider will work closely with Chinese partners to further diversify their earning ability. Home Credit Group, an international consumer finance provider based in the Czech Republic, will work closely with Chinese partners to add the number of loan products in Indonesia and India over the next five years to further diversify their earning ability, said its top executive. Many of these opportunities come from the fast development of the Belt and Road Initiative with growing trade and investment volume, as well as these countries' increasing demand for consumption upgrade, foreign products, public services and flexible financing solutions. Ondrej Frydrych, chief executive officer of Home Credit Group in China. [Photo provided to China Daily] Home Credit has formed a strong partnership with Dongguan-based Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo Electronics Corp to build a stronger presence in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, especially in Vietnam and the Philippines, to create new market growth points from the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Ondrej Frydrych, chief executive officer of Home Credit Group in China, said the company offers these countries consumer finance solutions which cover the entire process of loans, consumption, payment and credit system construction. Unlike local dealerships or banks, Home Credit is able to offer customers in the region a smartphone backed by a zero percent interest loan. According to statistics from oppo's overseas mobile phone sales department, about 40 percent of oppo mobile phones sold in Vietnam in 2015 were through consumer credit services provided by Home Credit. Oppo's sales in Philippines also jumped to the second place in terms of market share from January to August 2016, with over 30 percent of sales of certain models coming from the consumer credit services provided by Home Credit. "The collaboration is showing encouraging results, and these two modern trading routes have brought even more opportunities in those markets, and offered a platform where we could better integrate mutual resources," said Frydrych. Home Credit achieved a robustly fast pace of growth in new loan volumes in Asian countries in the first half of 2016109 percent in Vietnam, 164 percent in India, 321 percent in Indonesia and 466 percent in the Philippines. Based on its experience in operating in Southeast Asia, Home Credit found that many local residents are still in great need of basic necessities. "The mobile phone will remain a stable growth point in Southeast Asian markets, while products that meet daily life needs such as household electrical appliances, electric motorcycles and other durable consumer goods with high quality and relatively lower prices may have great market potential in the region," said Frydrych. The East European company had over 15 million active customers by the end of June this year, with over two-thirds of them in Asia: 7.3 million in China, 1.3 million in Vietnam and 1 million in India. "The collaboration between Home Credit and Chinese companies well supports the popularization of consumer finance, and facilitates to promote 'Made in China 2025' in global markets, enabling China to serve more foreign consumers while driving domestic industrial restructuring and upgrading," said Zhao Xian, a professor of international trade at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing. He will seek deeper cooperation during stops in Ecuador, Peru and Chile Schedule of President Xi Jinping's trip to Latin America Xia Diwen / China Daily President Xi Jinping will leave Beijing on Wednesday for a three-stop South American tour that will deepen cooperation with Ecuador, Peru and Chile, despite global economic headwinds, analysts said. On his visit, Xi will discuss cooperation in multiple areas, including e-commerce, production capacity, industrial parks and infrastructure, according to the Foreign Ministry. Xi will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, on Saturday and Sunday. Most Latin American countries are at an initial stage of industrialization, and they need capital and technology to improve manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on the export of raw materials and boost economic transformation, said Xu Shicheng, a senior researcher of Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The president's third Latin American trip comes at a time when opportunities abound to expand relations in the region, since China has advantages in capital and equipment as well as experience in infrastructure construction, Xu said. Xi has already visited the region twice since becoming president in March 2013. He traveled to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico in 2013, before visiting Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba in 2014. Jorge Heine, Chilean ambassador to China, said that Chile hopes to export to China more food and agricultural products, including cherries and wine. "We have 26 Chilean companies in Qingdao. We are diversifying our exports to China," he said early this month. Heine said the Chilean government welcomes more investment from China. "We are keen to have more Chinese investment," he said. According to the ambassador, Chile's SQM, one of the world's leading producers of lithium, iodine and nitrates, is for sale. The two contenders to buy the company, which is worth $4 billion to $5 billion, are both Chinese companies, he said. Wu Baiyi, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Latin America Institute, said Latin American countries "are currently affected by a weaker global market and the falling prices of commodities, and as a result, China's investment will be of great importance". China's excellent production capacity, especially in areas including high-speed rail, hydropower and telecommunication, could be exported to Latin America to improve the infrastructure there, he added. Americans who have so far never been to China have a "handy channel" to explore the land of endless wonders from Monday to Nov 28. They could get of glimpses of the top natural and historical attractions of the robust country, starting from Monday morning local time, on one of the most visible billboards in the world at the Times Square. A 50-second advertising video, featuring top Chinese tourist destinations including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the Potala Palace in Lhasa, is being posted China National Tourism Administration and China Public Diplomacy Association on a spectacular on 2 Times Square, the building that is the northern anchor of the district. The video, running 48 to 120 times each day from Nov 14 to Nov 28, is a prelude to the launching of the closing ceremony of the 2016 China-US Tourism Year and a grand event with 5,000 Chinese tourists visiting the U.S. in Washing DC and other parts of the United States in late November, according to an official with the Chinese Consulate in New York on Monday. The events and activities hosted during the China-US Tourism Year are aimed at promoting a steady growth of US tourists travelling to China as well as an early realization of the goal of 5 million trips between the two nations in 2016. China has become the No. 1 travel destination for US tourists in the Asia-Pacific and the US is the third biggest source country travelling to China. [Photo/Xinhua] China will build two wildlife museums for storage of confiscated wildlife products, research and education, said a senior forestry official. The two museums, one in Beijing and the other in the central province of Hunan, will be centers for protecting endangered wildlife species and showcasing the country's achievements in cracking down on illegal wildlife trading, said Chen Fengxue, deputy director of the State Forestry Administration. A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the wildlife museum in Changsha, provincial capital of Hunan, on Thursday. After completion, the two museums will provide a professional platform for promoting wildlife protection, said Chen at the ceremony. China-US relations will remain healthy, Chinese experts predict Although he criticized China sharply during the recent election campaign in the United States, Donald Trump, the US president-elect, will likely maintain healthy China-US relations during his term of office. An Gang, a reporter at the biweekly magazine World Affairs, says the Trump administration will not be too harsh on China in either economics or politics. An presented his opinion at a recent seminar in Beijing on how the result of US presidential elections will affect future relations. The seminar was hosted by the Center for China & Globalization, an independent, nonprofit think tank based in Beijing that conducts research in social sciences including world affairs and globalization. "I believe the G2 will see historic times with Trump on the stage," An said. G2, originally initiated in 2005 by Fred Bergsten, is a informal special relationship between China and the United States. "Trump's America first' foreign policy will drive him to shift his attention more from overseas to domestic affairs, leaving more space for China and the US to negotiate on Asian issues," An said. Trump has virtually no experience in politics, and he seems to have little interest in the South China Sea issue, so he may either indulge the US military in this area or take a break, An said. "The fewer problems we have around us, the more comfort we will feel. And that will probably soothe tense nerves." But this does not mean that the US will simply leave Asia to China "It is more likely that China and the US will work together to maintain balance in Asia," An said. The experts believe that the Trump administration will focus more on China-US economic relations. Zhou Xiaojing, a senior researcher at the center and former director of the State Council's Development Research Center, said China should make greater efforts to promote globalization, especially when the process encounters barriers in Western countries and the US lists China as a currency manipulator. During the election campaign, Trump promised to give priority to solving domestic problems the Obama administration failed to address, such as promoting infrastructure construction. "Now, China has money and is willing to help. So I guess he can't resist," An said. "This may be a chance for Chinese investment to get into the US market." Trade is the area where China and the US share the most common ground. However, Trump has said he will slap a 45 percent import tax on Chinese goods, which will put more pressure on Chinese enterprises. "But I don't think he can achieve this," An said. "The Congress may not allow him to do so." Wang Xin, vice-president of CCG, said that the international community, China included, needs to forget Trump's identity as a businessman and not try to forecast his actions based on previous speeches. "After all, he is the president of United States," Wang said. Li Ping, wife of Liu Xianfa, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, feeds a three-week old cheetah cub at the KWS headquarters on November 8. LIU HONGJIE/CHINA DAILY A China-Kenya business group has donated almost $40,000 to a project that helps young people better understand wildlife conservation in the east African country. The funds from the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) on Tuesday will help upgrade an education programme for Kenyan teenagers at the Nairobi National Park. Speaking at an event to mark KCETA's contribution on Tuesday, the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Liu Xianfa, said Kenya is widely known as a haven for wildlife and conservation should be a top priority in terms of social and economic development plans. Noting that wildlife and environmental protection has been one of the key areas of China-Kenya cooperation, Liu said that in 2015 China donated equipment to the Kenya Wildlife Service to strengthen its capabilities. Some $8,000 of the KCETA donation will be used to refurbish information material within the Nairobi safari walk. Around $5,000 will go towards developing marketing and publicity materials for the walk in online and traditional media. Some of the funds will go towards refurbishing a children's animal museum and to bringing 500 less privileged children on an educational trip to the park. In February, the Chinese embassy in Kenya and the East African Wildlife Society jointly published a magazine in Chinese and English which is being distributed at airports and onboard international flights to offer information on wildlife conservation. The ambassador noted that the Chinese community in Kenya has been prioritising wildlife conservation while working on infrastructure development. "The 480 km Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway consists of 14 overpasses, 600 culverts and 61 bridges, all designed and built as corridors for animals to pass through," Liu said. 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. Reporters attending the China-Russia Internet Media Forum experience paying their subway fare by swiping their smartphones or bank cards in Tianhe district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province on Oct 28, 2016. [Photo by Zhu Xinxing/chinadaily.com.cn] The Central Business District in Guangzhou's Tianhe district is looking to maintain its rapid economic growth and enhance its influence on the Pearl River Delta and Southeast Asia through the financial industry. The Central Business District in Guangzhou's Tianhe district is looking to maintain its rapid economic growth and enhance its influence on the Pearl River Delta and Southeast Asia through the financial industry. Tianhe CBD produces one-eighth of the gross domestic product in the provincial capital of Guangdong. As the most important CBD in South China, it has offices for 140 Fortune 500 companies and boasts annual merchandise sales of more than 1 trillion yuan ($154 billion) in dozens of shopping malls. "A strong financial industry is the backbone for the CBD's development, providing professional services for the companies in the area and those in the Pearl River Delta and in Southeast Asia," Huang Deshu, deputy director of the CBD's administrative committee, told China Daily. "The financial industry will be the new engine for the CBD's economic growth and we will introduce new business formats such as internet finance as the internet economy continues to thrive," he said. To make space for the booming financial industry, the district is building Guangzhou International Financial City, covering 8 square kilometers, to bring in more financial companies and institutions from home and abroad. Guangzhou Tianhe CBD is one of the country's three largest in terms of its aggregate economythe other two being Beijing's Chaoyang district and Shanghai's Lujiazui district. Similarly, the Tianhe CBD has a modern landscape with row upon row of skyscrapers. But it also has Huacheng Plaza, the biggest city park in China. Covering 560,000 square meters, it is a pleasant journey to walk along the central avenue running through the Zhujiang New Town, with trees, grasslands, ponds and fountains. Art and culture lovers will be excited to find Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou Library and Guangdong Museum beside the plaza. At the end of the central avenue is eye-catching Canton Tower and Haixinsha, the main venue of the 2010 Asian Games. The shopping malls in Tianhe CBD are also innovating to maintain growth while facing the challenges from e-commerce and to provide a better shopping experience. For example, the Grandview Mall invested 680 million yuan on an indoor aquarium, where visitors can appreciate about 500 species of marine organisms, including white whales and a polar bear. The aquarium has had nearly 1 million visits since it was opened in January, according to Mao Xiang, vice-president of Grandview Group. "The aquarium is part of our efforts to transform from a shopping mall only to a complex combining commerce, culture and tourism," Mao told China Daily. "Facing the challenges from e-commerce, we need to upgrade the shopping experience." HCM CITY Tetra Pak, a leading global food processing and packaging solutions company, on Tuesday announced plans to invest US$110 million in setting up a manufacturing facility in Viet Nam. The company said it would be the countrys first paper-board carton factory and serve customers across the region amid rapid consumption growth and increasing customer needs in the Asia Pacific. Tetra Pak said this year 70 billion litres of liquid dairy and fruit-based beverages were packaged across ASEAN, South Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. In the next three years these markets are likely to grow at a healthy 5.6 per cent per annum, with products packaged in Tetra Pak cartons projected to grow at a much faster rate than other packaging formats such as bottles and cans, it said. Michael Zacka, regional vice president, Tetra Pak South Asia, East Asia and Oceania said: Over the years we have seen substantial growth of our products, driven by a wide portfolio and a number of innovations that we have introduced in the market. Hence our investment in a new plant, which will be our fourth packaging materials factory in the region. The factory is expected to start commercial operations by early 2019. It will have an expandable production capacity of around 20 billion packs per annum across a variety of packaging formats. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nams pharmaceutical sector has tremendous potential for growth, its numerous structural weaknesses notwithstanding, experts say. Le Van Truyen, a former deputy health minister, told a seminar in HCM City on Monday that the countrys drug market had expanded at 17-20 per cent a year in 2010-15, the 17th fastest growth rate in the world. It is expected to maintain a growth rate of over 17 per cent next year, he said. According to the Viet Nam Industry Research and Consultant, per capita drug consumption was worth US$4.2 billion last year, double the 2010 figure. Viet Nam is considered an emerging market (Pharmerging). Currently, there is a big difference in per capita consumption between developed and emerging countries ($609 versus $91), which means that Viet Nams pharmaceutical market has more room to grow, he said. Domestic production met only 45 per cent of demand last year, and the country had to import a large volume of products, he said. "Local producers import 90 per cent of raw materials they need for drug production. But they focus mainly on generic drugs, with very low expenditure on R&D," he said. Despite challenges, the countrys growing population, heightened health awareness among the middle class, and the Governments policy to develop the industry provide ample stimulus for growth, according to Truyen. Besides, with costs increasing in developed countries, many multinational drug companies are looking for co-operation with Vietnamese companies to outsource production, with many eyeing stakes in local companies. ang Tran Hai ang, deputy director of research at Vietinbank Securities, said pharmaceutical products are an essential item. He quoted the Business Monitor International as saying the industry would continue to enjoy double-digit growth of 11.8 per cent for the next five years. "The industrys potential is reflected in pharmaceutical stocks, with the sector always topping growth rates and every listed firm seeing an increase in price," he said. All listed firms achieved good growth in terms of both revenue and profit in the first nine months of this year, he said. Attractive stocks For the reasons mentioned above, pharmaceutical stocks have remained attractive to investors though most of the listed firms have run out of room for foreign ownership. Of the 15 listed pharmaceutical companies, only Domesco Medical Import Export Corporation (DMC) in September removed its limit on foreign ownership while the others, including DHG Pharmaceutical JSC (DHG) and Traphaco JSC (TRA) are yet to make any decisions. Foreign investors now own 51.7 per cent of DMC, and less than 49 per cent in the other two firms. Foreign investors expectations have boosted these companies stocks since Decree 60/2015/N-CP was issued in June 2015, allowing the removal of foreign ownership limits in listed companies. The stocks have gone up by 70 per cent in the last 12 months. Tran Hai ang, an analyst with VietinbankSC, said three main factors determine how attractive a pharmaceutical stock is. The first one is strong financial status, which is illustrated by high stable growth, and a reasonable lending ratio. The reputation of a company and its experience in the market, positive reviews and feedback on its products and an efficient distribution network are also determinants. The third factor is the development potential of a firm marked by its R&D investments, improved production, and co-operation plans with overseas firms that are experienced, technologically advanced and rich in capital resources. ang also said that the average price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) for all listed drug companies is now 14.21, lower than an average P/E ratio of more than 20 other companies in the region, making local stocks quite attractive to investors. Organised by VietinBankSc, the HCM Stock Exchange and Traphaco JSC, Mondays seminar aimed to help investors understand the industry better and make the right investment decisions. As of last year, the country had 150 pharmaceutical plants meeting WHO-GMP standards and three domestic and several foreign factories meeting PIC/S-GMP and EU-GMP standards, Truyen said, adding that many drug makers have been building new plants meeting such quality standards. VNS HCM CITY With its high economic growth rate and a population of over 90 million, 60 per cent of whom are young consumers, Viet Nam has become an increasingly attractive destination for many international franchising and retail businesses. Many have come already, Yvonne Chan, deputy consul-general (commercial) and senior Trade Commissioner at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, told a seminar in HCM City yesterday. Australia is one of the most developed franchise nations in the world, she said, adding that the majority of the franchises are local and successfully expanding abroad. The seminar, organised by VF Franchise Consulting, was attended by executives from many leading US, Australian, and Asian franchises in the food and beverage, education and training, and fitness and services sectors that are looking for local franchisees. Khoo Teck Kim of Australias Retail Food Group said his company is looking for franchise partners in Viet Nam and Southeast Asia for its Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar, Pizza Capers, Donut King, Brumbys and Michels Patisserie brands. Philipp Steinke of the Edge, a Hong-Kong based learning centre designed to help students get into top universities in the US, UK and Canada, said his company is looking to expand its operations across Southeast Asia through franchising. According to experts, the food and beverage industry has seen franchising develop strongly in Viet Nam, especially in the fast foods segment. VNS Small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in national development, Vietnamese and German politicians said in Ha Noi yesterday, during a dialogue between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). VNA/VNS Photo An ang HA NOI Small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role in national development, Vietnamese and German politicians said in Ha Noi yesterday, during a dialogue between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Creative and innovative, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) foster economic growth and facilitate sustained development in social and ecological aspects, said Edelgard Bulmahn, Vice President of the German Parliament. According to Bulmahn SMEs are a backbone of the German economy, accounting for 90 per cent of all enterprises and generating jobs for 60 per cent of total workers. Our major enterprises--such as Mercedes and BMW--have close linkage with SMEs, forming value-added chains. Without smaller firms, the large companies would not be able to grow as they are now, she said. Bulmahn said the European Union Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement, set to come into force in 2018, would benefit businesses from Viet Nam and Germany. She hoped that the two countries would implement agreements on vocational training and recycled energy development to take advantage of co-operation opportunities. According to Hoang Binh Quan, chief of foreign affairs at Viet Nams Party Central Committee, SMEs are driving start-up movements and stepping up national participation in global value chains, and the National Assembly is considering passing a law to support them. Roughly 400,000 SMEs, or more than 90 per cent of businesses nationwide, contribute about 40 per cent to the gross domestic product and create jobs for more than half of the labour force in Viet Nam. SMEs are the main engine of the domestic economy, he said. Quan said Viet Nam considered global economic integration a major factor that would help it transition to an industrialised modern country. In addition to joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Viet Nam entered 16 free trade agreements with nearly 60 countries and territories. It aims to fully perform commitments within the WTO and the agreements between now and 2020. However, Viet Nam stays low in rankings of institutional capacity and infrastructure, technology and enterprise development levels compared to peers. According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2015, a resource on entrepreneurship for key international organisation, the ratio of Vietnamese adults intending to start a business over the next three years is 24 per cent. The figure is an average 44 per cent in countries with similar development levels. Around 21 per cent of SMEs in Viet Nam take part in global value chains, compared to 30 per cent in Thailand, or 46 per cent in Malaysia. According to Quan productivity of domestic enterprises remains limited due to underdeveloped technology and low management standards, while many policies to assist them are inefficient. Enterprises still witness complex administrative procedures and unequal conditions in approaching resources to do business, while competition pressure and technical barriers are increasing at home and in export markets. The government must thoroughly support enterprises. It should back them in science and technology application, establish proper legal frameworks for creative and innovative activities and promote participation in public projects, said Bulmahn. Encouraging competition among innovators and boosting education and training for better human resources were especially important in fostering businesses, she said. A challenge for SMEs is to become familiar with digitalisation, said Sabine Poschmann, who represents SMEs on behalf of the SPD in the German Parliament. I know that the Vietnamese Party and Government is working with all their might to adapt enterprises to this process. Nguyen Van Thao, Vice President of Viet Nams Central Theoretical Council, said SME assistance measures are expected to be extended with strength over the next few years, after the law regulating the support is adopted next year. VNS Viet Nam will put more focus on engaging the local community in combating the illegal wildlife trade. Photo antd.vn HA NOI Viet Nam will put more focus on engaging the local community in combating the illegal wildlife trade. Because the role of the local community, who live close to the forest and who have the chance to see wildlife every single day, to the fight against wildlife trafficking is very important, Nguyen Ba Ngai, deputy director of the Viet Nam Administration for Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said at yesterdays regional workshop held in Ha Noi. Over the past few years, we concentrated solely on strengthening law enforcement to battle wildlife trafficking, rather than disseminating information to raise public awareness of saying no to wildlife products and the illegal wildlife trade, he said. Agreeing with with Ngai, Rossie Cooney, chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group said in the long term, the future of wildlife depends on communities who live close to it. Unless these communities are empowered and motivated by rights and benefits to protect and conserve wildlife, poaching in support of the illegal wildlife trade is going to continue driving these populations downwards, she said. Steps forward Jake Brunner, Program Coordinator at IUCN Viet Nam, said in African countries, the local community was given the exclusive rights to the wildlife within traditional forest areas and so they had exclusive rights to hunt and consume wildlife. A man there was offered a direct financial benefit to ensure outsiders get out and so the level of hunting was kept at a sustainable level, he said. If Viet nam wanted to apply these methods, maybe it needs fundamental changes in law and outlook, he said. Another important intervention was to make sure the community is willing to co-operate with the police, and ensure that if wildlife hunters and traders were caught, they were convicted, he said. A villager who informs the police about hunters and traders must be protected, he said. Thomas Neill Edward Gray, director of the Science Wildlife Alliance, said the most important thing was that the local community is motivated to participate in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. If you could demonstrate the benefits to the local community, for example, benefits from eco-tourism, it will be much easier for them to support law enforcement. A combination like this has been quite successful in Cambodia, and I think it could be applied to some areas in Viet Nam, he said. The two-day regional workshop, with a focus on the Lower Mekong Regions countries, was jointly coordinated by IUCN and organisations including the International Institute of Environment and Development and TRAFFIC the wildlife trade monitoring network. It offered an opportunity for conservationists to share experiences and case studies that explore ways of supporting, motivating and engaging people who live close to wildlife in its protection and conservation. VNS NINH BINH Cuc Phuong National Park and Save Viet Nams Wildlife on Monday released 46 Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) to a safe location in the wild. The location was not disclosed due to the risk of the animals being located and recaptured by poachers. The pangolins were handed over to the national park and the wildlife centre in early October by Thai Binh Provinces Police Department after they seized the pangolins from wildlife traffickers. Nguyen Van Thai, executive director of the wildlife centre, said due to improved co-operation with enforcement authorities, the centre was receiving a record number of pangolins. "However, rescue and release is only part of the picture, we must improve enforcement and stop consumption or this precious species will be another Vietnamese species lost to illegal wildlife trade," he said. Pangolins are the most traded animals in the world. Viet Nam is home to two species - Manis javanica and Manis pentadactyla - and both of them are listed as critically endangered. VNS HA NOI A meeting celebrating the year of Henryk Sienkiewicz was held on November 14 to commemorate the great novelist of Poland. The meeting, organised by Viet Nams National Library and the Polish Embassy in Viet Nam, attracted local translators, researchers and poets and was attended by the Polish ambassador to Viet Nam, Barbara Szymanowska. The event is an opportunity for us to commemorate the great novelist of Poland, one of four literature Nobel laureates in Poland, Kieu Thuy Nga, director of Viet Nams National Library, said. For the Polish, Henryk Sienkiewicz is an outstanding writer and a great patriot. The works composed at a time when Poland virtually disappeared from the Europe map have been hugely meaningful to the country as they helped to maintain national unity, said the ambassador. Henryk Sienkiewiczs works are also known widely in Viet Nam and I am very happy that thanks to the constant efforts of passionate translators, many of his works are translated in Vietnamese, Szymanowska added. Poland and Viet Nam history have many things in common as both nations have experienced the pain of war. I believe that the Vietnamese audience can feel the closeness and familiarity in his works, she said. Quo Vadis and In Desert and Wildness has been republished 10 times and 25 times, respectively, shows how enthusiastically the works have been received by the Vietnamese audience, said translator Nguyen Huu Dung. Dung translated Quo Vadis and In Desert and Wildness in the periods 1980-1985 and 1981-1985, respectively. I also began working on translating Teutonic Knights in 1990 and will finish it soon, Dung said. In Viet Nam, there are more than one hundred Polish literature works of classic and modern genre translated in Vietnamese, including the works of four literature Nobel laureates of Poland -- Henryk Sienkiewicz, Wladyslaw Reymont, Czeslaw Milosz and Wislawa Szymborska -- writer and translator Le Ba Thu, who has translated more than 20 works of Sienkiewicz, said. We will continue our efforts in bringing more Polish works to the Vietnamese audience, contributing to increasing the mutual understanding between the two nations, Thu said. In 2015, the Polish parliament chose the year 2016 to be the year dedicated to honouring and commemorating Henryk Sienkiewicz, for his ideology of patriotism, identity and traditional Polish culture value preservation, which is well expressed in his works. Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916), whose complete name is Henryk Adam Alexander Pius Sienkiewicz, pseudonym Litwos, is a Polish novelist and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature for "outstanding merits as an epic writer in 1905. Many of his works, including Quo Vadis and the trilogy of Fire in the Steppe, With Fire and Sword and The Deluge were filmed and translated into more than 50 different languages around the world. VNS LOS ANGELES Hollywood celebrated the life of legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, honoring him with a star on its iconic Walk of Fame two decades after his death. Mifune rose to stardom through Akira Kurosawas classics, including Rashomon (1950) and Seven Samurai (1954), with masculine portrayals of powerful warlords that earned him a reputation as the worlds best samurai actor. He died in Tokyo at that age of 77 in 1997. He had been mostly confined to his home since suffering a heart attack five years earlier. His death shocked Japans cinema industry, which took pride in him as its most presentable actor in international cinema, fondly calling him Mifune of the world. Kurosawa cast Mifune in leading roles in all but one of 17 films he made between 1948 and 1965. Rashomon, in which Mifune played a cynical bandit, won the Grand Prix award at the 1951 Venice Film Festival. Mifune played a peasant-turned samurai leading farmers resistance against bandits in Seven Samurai, which inspired two Western remakes, both titled The Magnificent Seven (1960 and 2016). Born in Qingdao, China, on April 1, 1920, to a photographic studio owner, Mifune joined film company Toho Co. in 1946 after serving six years in an Imperial Japanese Army aerial photography unit during World War II. He appeared in around 170 feature films, including such foreign productions as Terence Youngs Red Sun (1972) and Steven Spielbergs 1941 (1979). He also starred in the 1980 popular US television mini-series Shogun, based on James Clavells bestselling book. Mifunes last role on the silver screen was in Fukai Kawa (Deep River) in 1995, in which he portrayed a man tortured to the last moment of his life by his experience eating one of his comrades during war. He left assets of 630 million yen (then $5.4 million), according to local tax officials. "My grandfather passed away when I was nine so the memories I have of him are mainly as a grandfather figure, but I remember him as a gentleman at home," said his grandson, the actor Rikiya Mifune. "He would talk in a gruff and manly manner and always have perfect posture, like a true samurai, even at home." His life is the subject of documentary Mifune: The Last Samurai, screened at the American Film Institutes AFI Fest this year. It is set to be released in US theaters on December 2. AFP HA NOI Art Vietnam Gallery will debut a poety reading series, which entitled Xoa [caress/erase] on November 17. The series, which describes itself as "six readers, one poem, two languages, and one hundred ways to xoa/xoa [caress/erase]," will gather on the third Thursday of every month.Tonight, poet Duong Tuong, 85, will read his own poem. Other poets will then interact with the work, re-reading the verse and "caress/erase/spill themselves with chalk. These poets include Nguyen Qui uc, Nguyen Quan, Hai Yen, Nha Thuyen and Kaitlin Rees.Entrance is free and participation will be encouraged. Open mic to follow. On Sunday, Art Vietnam will host the book launch of The Soul of Vietnam a look at the work of Vietnam. Photographer Larry DAttilio, an American who came to Viet Nam 10 years ago and fell in love with the country. Weaving through the culture from North to South, the photographer "captured the magnificent to the mundane, all with the eye of respect for the natural beauty of the country and joy and creativity of the lives." The book is written in English and Vietnamese and portrays 150 images arranged thematically into chapters including landscapes, contemporary life, humor, tradition, and a myriad of moments that express DAttilios feelings and viewpoints on a changing country of boundless energy. A mini exhibit of images in the book and a Q&A section with the photographer will follow the book launch. The event take place from 6pm to 8pm. Art Vietnam Gallery is at 24 Ly Quoc Su Street. VNS Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh yesterday rejected allegations of interest groups influencing the approval and management of mega-projects that have had serious socio-economic and environmental impacts. Photo enternews.vn HA NOI Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh yesterday rejected allegations of interest groups influencing the approval and management of mega-projects that have had serious socio-economic and environmental impacts. Answering questions posed by deputies at the National Assembly hearing, he said sustainable and equitable socio-economic development was a shared goal. Anh was the first Cabinet member to go before the first 14th National Assembly hearing session yesterday. Fielding the first question by Nguyen Tien Sinh, a deputy from Hoa Binh Province, about State-funded projects managed by the MoIT making huge losses, the minister said several factors were involved, including volatile world prices. He cited as examples five projects delayed for a long time: the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Plant, the Phuong Nam Paper Pulp Mill, the Ninh Binh Fertiliser Factory, the bio-fuel plant at Dung Quat and the inh Vu Fiber Mill. Anh said all five projects had suffered from fluctuations in the world market, particularly the sharp drop in oil and crude oil prices from US$100-147 to $40 per barrel. The limited capacity of investors, project management boards, negotiation teams and contractors were other factors in the inefficient operation of such projects, he said. He emphasised the goal of retaining State capital, assets and interests in dealing with such projects. He also said that all solutions should be in accordance with market principles and international commitments. We can consider selling those projects and even declare bankruptcy if necessary, the minister said, adding that his ministry has recommended solutions to the Government. Specific measures would be decided when the Government meets after the current NA session, he said. Fake fertilisers The issue of fake, poor-quality fertilisers was raised by many deputies during the hearing. Anh admitted overlapping State management of the fertiliser market hindered efforts to restore order. At present, the MoIT oversees the production and trade of inorganic fertilisers, while organic fertilisers come under the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Another problem is that too many different kinds of fertilisers have been permitted to enter the market, with one count putting it at more than 5,000 organic and 5,700 inorganic fertilisers. The MoIT and MARD have held many working sessions to address those problems. Most recently, the two ministries have proposed that the Government assigns one ministry to manage fertiliser products and the market, while relevant ministries and agencies co-ordinate to reduce the number of types of fertilisers allowed in the market, Anh said. He pointed to Thailand as an example, noting that the kingdom only allows the production and sale of a little more than 100 different kinds of fertilisers. The MoIT is working on a set of 16 standards for fertilisers, and this could be forwarded to the Ministry of Science and Technology for approval early next year, the Minister said. Explaining the issue further, MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong pointed to other major problems, including orientations in the use of fertiliser. Viet Nam consumes 10-11 million tonnes of fertiliser each year, and 90 per cent of these are chemical fertilisers, according to the minister. This is a major factor affecting the quality of farm produce, not to mention the pollution and soil degradation this causes. It is the responsibility of the agricultural sector to promote the use of organic fertilisers and gradually shift to clean agricultural production, which is in line with the Party and States policy on restructuring agriculture, he said. Dam violations Many deputies wanted Minister Anh to report on action taken against violations of rules in water discharge at hydropower plant reservoirs. Anh said his ministry had compiled a 20-page report on the planning of hydropower plants and was reviewing their licences and operations. We do not develop hydropower at any cost, and this is the guiding viewpoint of the Party, State and Government, he said, reaffirming that the ministry has reviewed and considered the elimination of projects that can affect the environment and local peoples lives. The minister said there were 336 hydropower projects mostly under his ministrys management, while the Ministries of Construction, Natural Resources and Environment, and Agriculture and Rural Development also exercised control over several aspects of the same projects. In the time ahead, the MoIT would assess water discharge procedures at hydropower plants and review flood and storm response work in localities where there are such plants. The ministry would assign clear responsibilities of all concerned parties, such as local authorities, dam owners, plant investors in the water discharge process, along with sanctions for any violations. Questions by Pham Minh Hien, a deputy from the central Phu Yen Province about the recent serious environment disaster caused by the Formosas waste discharge to the sea areas in the central region, were put forwards to the MoIT minister focusing on why there was not yet a specification and clarification on individuals and organisations responsibility for the incident. Hien also requested an explanation on whether there was a so-called group benefits in many supplementary projects such as the Ca Na steel production project implemented by the Hoa Sen Corporation in the southern Ninh Thuan Province which local people worry could cause serious environmental pollution in sea areas. Anh reiterated that the country would never accept an environmental trade-off for industrial projects, no matter what the cost. I affirm again that there has been no so-called group benefit in such projects. We are looking forward to sustainable socio-economic development that ensures adequate provision of materials to all key industries, said Anh. VNS Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha at the National Assemblys Q&A session yesterday afternoon. Photo dantri.com.vn HA NOI Poor management and planning was blamed for the increased environmental pollution in rural areas, trade villages and industrial zones in Viet Nam, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha said at the National Assemblys Q&A session yesterday afternoon. The minister said that rural and suburban areas were being strongly affected by urbanisation and industrial production activities, but infrastructure for waste collection and treatment was not receiving proper investment. Just five per cent of industrial zones nationwide had waste water treatment systems. Similar systems were rarely available at trade villages. Since 2011, the Government has wanted to solve pollution problems at 34 key trade villages, but so far just nine out of the 34 villages have received funding to tackle environmental pollution. Deputy Ma Thi Thuy from northern Tuyen Quang Province raised concerns over improperly collected and treated waste in urban areas, particularly used pesticide containers. She asked for stronger actions from environment agencies. Minister Ha said that the actions required joint efforts by other ministries including Agriculture and Construction. For example, the agriculture ministry needs to speed up the programme to build new urban areas with environmental criterion engaging in the development of a proper system to collect and treat waste, calling for waste sorting at households. The construction ministry develops planning on waste treatment areas. It is also needed to mobilise resources to tackle pollution and improve environmental protection from the State-budget, private sector and environment fees which were collected based on the polluter pays principle a commonly accepted practice that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment. Deputy Pham inh Cuc from central Ba Ria Vung Tau Province complained that when environmental pollution occurred, no person or agency claimed responsibility. The Law on Environment promoted peoples roles in overseeing environmental protection activities but they were unable to access information. Minister Ha explained that the responsibilities must be pointed out in any environmental problem. Specified functions and tasks of central agencies and local ones were not clearly defined, causing difficulties. Central agencies could not handle all the problems arising from localities, so local authorities played an important role in environmental control and protection. It is needed to decentralise and invest more in local agencies, particularly in human resources, he said. The Minister confirmed citizens right to live in a healthy environment and access environment information, but he admitted that they could not access the information properly because of ineffective communication activities. No more Formosa disaster Deputy Nguyen Ngoc Phuong from central Quang Binh Province said that voters appreciated what the National Assembly and Government had done to tackle the environment disaster mass fish deaths in four central provinces of Ha Tinh, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Tri and Quang Binh earlier this year. But voters are still worried about the environment now and in the future. What can be done to ensure that the polluter - Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh will not pollute the environment again? Minister Ha said that the environment ministry is responsible for the Formosa incident. As soon as the cause of the pollution was detected, the ministry set up a scientific council to assess and make plans, and required the polluter to have a road map for tackling the problems, particularly concentrated on three issues of waste water, gas emissions and solid waste. Formosas waste treatment is monitored, supervised and observed round the clock, he said, adding that relevant data was transferred directly to Ha Tinhs Environment Department and then the ministry. The ministry asked the company to strictly follow Viet Nams technical standards. In case Viet Nam did not have some requirements, international ones would be applied. The company was asked to build a 10-ha lake with bio indicators, raising fish and other marine creatures to test its waste water before it was discharged into the environment, he said. The company was also asked to keep all of its solid waste at a storehouse before they found competent waste treatment companies. The waste could be studied for use in making building materials. In the next two years, Formosa must apply coke drying quenching (CDQ) instead of coke quenching technology, he said. Also yesterday afternoon, the Environment Minister talked about climate change response, the exploitation of natural resources and minerals including coal mining and its waste, and sand mining on rivers. As about 44 questions from deputies were sent to Ha, he would continue to be in the hot seat at todays Q&A session. VNS A NANG The central city of a Nang has submitted an adjustment to its master urban plan for 2030 - 2050 to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The citys administration said the master plan, approved by then Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2013, needs to be changed in accordance with rapid development in the last three years. The city wants to change its urban development goals to include the expansion of public space, full urban services and environment protection. a Nangs adjusted master plan also focuses on tourism as a core economic sector. The city will also concentrate on high-tech industry and hi-tech farms as well as organic and safe farming. According to the citys industrial park management board, six industrial zones (IZs), covering 1,000ha have leased out 90 per cent of their area. The city submitted plans to develop three new IZs and expansion projects on over 1,000ha in the west of the city. a Nang International Airport, designed to host six million passengers by 2020, was overloaded by last year. The airport is set to be expanded to host the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit, and 10 million tourists per year. The airport also needs to increase capacity to 20 million passengers in 2030. The citys Tien Sa Port, a major port for both cargo and cruise ships, is exceeding its capacity and transport system. The citys Port Company said road No 14B connecting Tien Sa Port is crowded with container trucks every day, resulting in congestion in two tourism centres Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son district. The city has called for investment in building a new Lien Chieu port as a major cargo port, while Tien Sa will be a tourism port only. Wastewater treatment was also included in the adjusted plan as the citys household wastewater shares a drainage system with rain water, and is discharged directly into the environment. The city needs to build a wastewater treatment station and a separate system for rain water and household wastewater. a Nang has asked the World Bank to increase its funding for wastewater treatment in the city with a US$115-million budget proposal. An underground traffic system was also inserted in the adjustment plan as the city plans to develop tunnels and a metro system in the coming years. The citys master plan aims to give Da Nang a facelift as it plans to become a green city by 2025, and an economic hub of the central region and a driving force for boosting development of the central and Central Highlands regions. Earlier this month, the Government issued special regulations concerning investment, budgetary status and decentralisation for a Nang The city plays an important role as a logistical centre for the coastal central region and the East-West Economic Corridor, which links Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Viet Nam. VNS Three more people in HCM City tested positive for Zika, taking the number of victims so far to 38, according to the local Department of Health. VNA/VNS Photo HCM CITY Three more people in HCM City tested positive for Zika, taking the number of victims so far to 38, according to the local Department of Health. At a meeting of the city steering board on prevention of Zika and dengue fever held on Monday, the departments Dr Nguyen Huu Hung said the three cases were reported from districts 2 and Binh Thanh, which had the highest number of cases in the city. The disease had been reported in 13 out of the 24 districts, Hung said. Of five pregnant women who contracted the disease, one had just delivered a child, he said, adding that the newborn does not have the abnormally small head, or microcephaly, caused by the virus. Health officials were monitoring the baby, he said. The other pregnant women were also under surveillance, he added. Peoples Committee deputy chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thu told local authorities and health officials to continue to carry out preventive methods against Zika virus. Many districts such as 4, 7, 9, 12 and Hoc Mon still suffer from poor environmental hygiene. VNS Viet Nam will likely face damages of more than VN141.2 trillion (US$6.7 billion) due to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods or earthquakes in the next 50 years, the World Bank has said. Photo baothegioiphunu.com HA NOI Viet Nam will likely face damages of more than VN141.2 trillion (US$6.7 billion) due to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods or earthquakes in the next 50 years, the World Bank has said. At a conference on Viet Nams disaster risk finance held yesterday, the World Bank evaluated that Viet Nam was exposed to many natural hazards, including typhoons, tornadoes and floods. As estimated, about 60 per cent of its total land area and 71 per cent of its population were at risk of cyclones and floods. The average economic loss from floods and typhoons was estimated at about 0.8 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP). Sebastian Eckardt, lead economist for the World Bank in Viet Nam said that the World Bank, together with the Government of Switzerland, supported the country in improving disaster risk finance and insurance solutions through the building of its catastrophe risk model. The model would help the Government and other organisations evaluate potential losses and better prepare for financial response to the impact of disasters before they occurred, he said. Measures should be chalked out to protect the State budget against natural disasters and develop insurance markets over domestic catastrophe risk. Olivier Mahul, programme manager of disaster risk financing solutions, said that Viet Nam would likely face an average damage to private and public assets of up to VN30.2 trillion ($1.4 billion) per year. Of which, residential and public assets such as buildings and infrastructure accounted for 65 and 11 per cent of total damage, respectively. Floods, typhoons and earthquakes would remove $6.7 billion from the country over the next 50 years, he said. The average damage of some certain vulnerable localities could be more than VN1.7 trillion ($76 million) annually. Localities in the north-central region, with a high poverty rate, would be more vulnerable to natural disasters. Olivier said that the Vietnamese Government had funding sources such as contingency budgets at central and grassroots-levels, State reserves, financial reserve funds, disaster prevention and control funds, and donor grants. However, the State budget seemed to be the main fund for the job. Other sources such as the disaster prevention and control funds had not been fully put into operation across provinces due to some restrictions. Risk transfer instruments such as insurance were quite new and remained unpopular, he added. Le Thi Thuy Van, head of the Ministry of Finances Market Research Committee said that the State budget could only support a part of the total annual loss. It could only provide for post-disaster relief and recovery policies. The budget for post-disaster for development capital expenditure remained insufficient. In the case of more frequent and larger disasters, the State budget could face financial distress both for emergency relief and infrastructure recovery investment, she said. Van said among financial measures for disaster mitigation, insurance was an effective method to reduce the burden on the State budget. However, she said, the development of natural calamity insurance in the country required short and long-term roadmaps. At the conference, Olivier Mahul concluded that a specific financial assessment would increase the effectiveness of financial management. The catastrophe risk model would help inform national financial protection strategy and poverty reduction and social protection strategies, develop the catastrophe risk market and urban planning. He also noted that the building of a financial protection strategy should be part of a disaster risk management and climate change plan and should complement investment in prevention and risk mitigation. VNS Thirty-nine Vietnamese fishermen arrested by Indonesia for illegal fishing were repatriated at the local Soekarno Hatta International Airport yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo o Quyen Jakarta Thirty-nine Vietnamese fishermen arrested by Indonesia for illegal fishing were repatriated at the local Soekarno Hatta International Airport yesterday. Most of them were from the central and southern parts of Viet Nam, including Kien Giang, Quang Binh and Quang Ngai. They were detained on Rannai island for between 3 and 4 months. Since the beginning of 2016, 98 boats and approximately 1,110 fishermen of Viet Nam have been captured by Indonesias forces. The Viet Nam Embassy in Indonesia has helped 790 go home while the rest are still being confined on various Indonesian islands. According Tran Minh Cu, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia, the agency visited many of these fishermen and warned them of increasing piracy and kidnapping at sea in the region. As Indonesia has affirmed the continuous deployment of strict measures against foreign fishing vessels operating illegally in its waters, Vietnamese fishermen were ordered to obey legal regulations to avoid unwanted incidents. In late October, Indonesias functional forces chased and shot at two Vietnamese fishing boats, injuring three of 13 fishermen on board, with one later died due to serious wounds. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Healths (MOH) new medical curriculum proposal raised different opinions from experts. Aiming to improve the quality of personnel in the medical sector, in September, MOH proposed to shorten the education duration for a medical Bachelors degree from 6 to 4 years. After completing the four-year degree, students who wish to do medical research or to lecture in the medical field will proceed to pursue a Masters or Ph.D degree. Students who wish to pursue medical practice will embark on another 2 years of formal education to get a medical doctor certificate. Medical doctors who wish to become general practitioners will then take a one-year internship at hospitals, then pass a national medical exam to be certified as general practitioners and qualified for medical practice. Medical doctors who wish to become specialist doctors will spend 2-3 years practising their medical specialties at hospitals, then take an exam to be certified as specialist doctors. Nguyen Minh Loi, deputy director of the Administration of Science, Technology and Training under MOH, said that such ramification would highlight the difference between theoretical education and practical training. Medical researchers would be educated differently from medical practitioners, which would improve the doctors capabilities in providing medical treatment in reality, he said. Associate Professor, doctor Nguyen uc Hinh, principal of the Ha Noi Medical University, said that the shortened curriculum provided initial training, which only ensured that medical graduates would receive the same salary as graduates from other four-year majors. However, 11-12 years of training were required of those who wish to become specialist doctors, six years for general education and the other six for specialist training, he said. Dr Tran Binh Giang, deputy director of the Viet Nam-German Hospital said that the six-year general curriculum was heavily theoretical at the moment. There were no unified, exact measures in the medical field to evaluate the quality of medical graduands, which maked it difficult to tell whether they will become good doctors, he added. He said that even though medical graduands practised at hospitals, the lack of evaluation criteria made it difficult for them to see whether they were making progress with their practices. The two-year residency training programmes provided by medical universities choose to train the best medical students only to keep them doing theoretical research at universities and academies, leading to a severe shortage of medical practitioners in the country, he said. Dr Pham Manh Hung, chairman of the Viet Nam Medical Association, said that since medicine was an ever-evolving profession, the current standards were inadequate to provide doctors with a one-time certificate like how it is being done in Viet Nam. Doctors around the world have to take exams every 5 years to renew their licences to practise medicine, he said. They must keep their medical knowledge updated and continuously hone their skills in order to ensure safe medical practice and reduce the number of medical complications, he said. VNS QUANG TRI Residents of Vinh Linh District in the central province of Quang Tri today started receiving compensation for losses from an environmental disaster earlier this year. This is the first locality in the province to hand out compensation to residents from the US$500 million compensation package paid by Hung Nghiep Formasa-Ha Tinh Steel Company, the culprit of the toxic spill which caused the environmental disaster in four central coastal provinces from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien - Hue. Vinh Linh Districts Vinh Thach Communes today began paying a total of about VN11.9 billion (US$532,000) to 257 owners and labourers of fishing vessels in Vinh Moc hamlet. Nguyen Thao, a fisherman in the hamlet said his family endured a difficult time after the incident because fish could not be sold. The difficulty only eased a little bit when local authorities recently provided us with rice, he said. We will use part of the compensation to shift to new jobs, while the rest will be used to buy more fishing tools and equipment to continue fishing. According to Tran Huu Hung, Chairman of Vinh Linh Districs Peoples Committee, the district is one of the worst affected localities in the province. Since the Government agreed on a compensation policy, the districts authority has assessed damages and devised a list of affected people. In the next few days, compensation will be paid to people in other communes in the district, he said. In the first phase of payment, Quang Tri Province has allocated about VN200 billion ($8.9 million) to owners and labourers of fishing vessels. According to inventory, in the province, more than 2,600 fishing vessels, over 4,778 labourers and 800 hectares of aquaculture areas suffered losses while nearly 16,000 labourers lost income due to the incident. Since late October, three other affected provinces, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Thua Thien - Hue, have began paying compensation to their residents. VNS HA NOI The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) has asked the Ministry of Transport for permission to build systems to detect debris on the runways of major airports to avoid accidents. According to the proposal, the systems will be installed at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh at a cost of nearly VN1 trillion (US$ 44.7 million). CAAV has reported 19 incidents this year in which airplane tyres were cut, and 20 incidents of birds bumping into airplanes across the country. Take-off and landing are the most important periods when the airplanes speed and friction are very high. A catastrophic accident can occur even due to collision with very small objects like screws, iron bars or birds, said Lai Xuan Thanh, head of CAAV. Currently only human eyes monitor the runways. The process is time consuming since each check requires take-off and landing activities to halt, causing disruptions at busy airports like Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat. According to Thanh, systems to detect foreign objects would increase the accuracy of the check and prevent false warnings and interruptions of the airports activities. CAAV proposed three investment options: using the State budget, using capital from the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam which operates the two airports, or a private-public parnership. If the proposal is approved, the systems will be built next year and begin operation in 2018. VNS HCM CITY Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is common in countries such as Viet Nam with a high rate of smokers and will have an upward trend in the country if smoking is not eliminated, according to health experts. Dr Tran Van Ngoc, chairman of the HCM City Respiratory Society, said that COPD, a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe, is a global health burden, affecting 4.77 per cent of the worlds population. Ngoc spoke at a press conference on an action programme to reply to the World COPD (Nov 18) held yesterday by the HCM City Respiratory Society in co-operation with GlaxoSmithKline Pte. Ltd. Globally, COPD last year was the fourth cause of fatalities and is estimated to become the third in 2030, Ngoc said. Viet Nam has nearly 4 million patients with COPD, and in 2014, the country was in the top 10 countries with the highest cigarette consumption, according to Ngoc. The country is carrying out a national strategy for prevention and control of tobacco harmful effects until 2020, which will help reduce consumption. In the country, patients with COPD are diagnosed at severe stages when they have symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath, Ngoc said, adding that this is why the number of patients with COPD in treatment is low. Indoor smoke from biomass is the main cause of COPD in the country, he said. Dr Nguyen Nhu Vinh, of the University Medical Centres Respiratory Diseases Ward, said this cause was not included in the prevention programme for COPD. Vinh added that he and his colleagues conducted a fresh air study in 2010 in the citys Binh Chanh District and Tay Ninh Province, which showed that the level of particle matter with a diametre less than 2.5 mcm, including dust, dirt, and smoke, in the air was 15,900 mcg per cubic metre. The World Health Organisations standard is 35 mcg per cubic metre. Moreover, environmental pollution is one of the causes of COPD, he said. He cited a study conducted by the National Lung Hospital, saying that the prevalence of patients with COPD caused by biomass smoke and environmental pollution in the country last year was 8.1 per cent. Ngoc said that each doctor examined 200 patients every day, leading to insufficient counselling for patients, including ones with COPD. Sufficient counselling is very important for patients so they use the right medicine, he said, adding that nearly 57 per cent of patients with COPD do not follow the treatment regimen. Vinh said that patients with COPD were given medicine only, while counselling on nutrition and exercise were ignored. Patients need comprehensive treatment, he added. VNS HA NOI Patients and the broader healthcare system are desperately calling for a solution to a bed-sharing problem that has been protested for years, so far to little avail. Nguyen Van Hung and his wife came to the capital for hepatitis treatment from their hometown in Vinh Phuc Province, about 65 km to the northwest of Ha Noi. The wife was admitted to the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases for almost two weeks. But she was not given a bed of her own for a single day during her stay at the hospital. My wife always had to share the bed with another patient. It was so inconvenient for her to do anything, from eating to resting, Phuc told the Hai quan (Customs) newspaper. His wife was not the exception. The Hai quan newspaper reported that it failed to spot a bed at the hospital that was occupied by only one patient as it was supposed to be. That patients having to share their hospital beds with one or even two other patients, especially during seasonal disease breakouts, was nothing less than a common sight at even the biggest and often the best hospitals in Ha Noi and HCM City. The Ha Noi-based Bach Mai General Hospitals National Heart Institute was built with a bed capacity of only 278 beds but was forced to take in some 525 patients early this month, according to Hai quan. At least 264 inpatients were treated at Bach Mai Hospitals Department of Neurology, while it only managed to provide 200 beds. The department tried their best to temporarily solve the problem by arranging two lines of beds along the hospitals corridor walls, leaving tiny space left for doctors, nurses and patients to move around. New mothers who chose the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology to deliver their babies suffered from the same issue. Nguyen Thi Huong was forced to stay with another new mother on a bed post-delivery. Huong and her family both complained how inconvenient the bed-sharing was, particularly at a time when the mother needed to rest the most. Bed-sharing is mainly caused by the number of patients who chose not to attend smaller, local hospitals and instead came to big central-level hospitals with better treatment. Many cited weak healthcare capability of municipal-level hospitals that caused such influxes of patients to the hospitals in Ha Noi and HCM City. The Ministry of Healths Department of the Medical Examination and Treatment Director General Luong Ngoc Khue put the blame on big hospitals, claiming their leaders showed little interest in supporting training in satellite hospitals in order to reduce the overload. The latest report of the Department of the Medical Examination and Treatment shows that a dozen of central-level hospitals were yet to sign the national commitment of bed-sharing prevention. Bach Mai hospital and the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology were among those. Bach Mai Hospitals Department of Planning and Administration Head Duong uc Hung explained that his hospital usually had to stretch their capacity to receive some 4,000 inpatients in serious conditions, while it only had 2,300 beds available. And it was very difficult to contact other hospitals to make the patient transfers, he said. Other central-hospitals were also heavily strained. while several municipal-level facilities simply could not meet medical demand to treat seriously sick patients. The solution to bed-sharing has been clear from the beginning: raise the medical capability of municipal-level hospitals to gain trust of the residents who will consequently give up travelling from their far-away hometowns to big hospitals for treatment. Yet the answer to how to do so has already taken much more time than it should and seems unlikely to be addressed in the next few years. In the meantime, bed-sharing at hospitals will, unfortunately, continue to be the hospital norm in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI -- "Im glad that the cough, as well as the coal dust, has gone after I underwent lung lavage", said Pham Van Thanh, from Khe Cham Coal company. Like so many miners who receive treatment at the Coal and Mineral Hospital, Thanh said he hoped it would help him return to a healthy life. Being affected with pneumoconiosis, a lung disease, he has often suffered from breathing difficulties over the past four years. "Although I had asked the company management if I could shift to other jobs to avoid frequent contact with coal dust, my cough hasnt stopped," he said, adding that he worked as a miner for 36 years. "Thanks to lung lavage, my health became much better," Thanh said with a bright smile. Phan Van o, another worker from Duong Huy Coal Company, said he used to suffer with a persistent cough due to inhaling coal dust. Slight changes in the weather could also cause difficulties for my breathing. Tiredness and exhaustion were very common for me, he said. o said he hoped doctors could revive his black lung and he would return to work in the mines of Quang Ninh Province soon. Le Quang Trung, deputy director of the hospital, said lung lavage, commonly called "lung washing", was the most effective way to treat the disease, which is still not curable. The procedure involves doctors circulating around 9-12 litres of fluid through each lung on average, with the liquid starting out very dark but becoming clearer as the process continues. It takes between 15 and 25 days to conduct a complete lung lavage procedure for a patient. Tens of thousands of coal industry workers have already worked in extreme conditions, but once they are exposed to silica dust, symptoms such as chest pains, breathing difficulties, persistent coughs or fever would follow them for the rest of their life if they didnt undergo the lung lavage procedure. Pneumoconiosis, caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, could lead to a limitation of air flow in and out of the lungs, causing shortness of breath. The disease usually worsens over time, he said. o Tien Si, head of the Occupational Disease Faculty, said before the "lung washing" technique was applied in Viet Nam in 2004, doctors at the hospital were worried about potential occupational diseases for thousands of miners who worked underground. Their anxiety grew after conducting medical check-ups on the miners. At that time, the Viet Nam national Coal-Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) had to send miners suffering from pneumoconisis to China for lung washing. A group of doctors from the Coal and Mineral Hospital, including Si, then suggested the corporation let them go to China to learn the technique for themselves. Returning home, they started treating domestic workers at a much lower cost than VN60 million (US$2,700), the estimated cost of sending a worker to China for treatment. The record of patients had shown positive results, Si said, as most of them had improved respiratory function after between 6 and 12 months and go on to gain weight (2.18kg on average). A study on 83 patients who worked as miners for 25 years and above revealed that the frequency of coughs and chest pains reduced by 9 per cent after receiving lung lavage. For those who worked in the occupation less than 15 years, lung lavage could be a tremendous relief, particularly in eliminating problems relating to breathing difficulties. Over 2,000 workers have had their lungs washed since 2004, and the hospital is the only medical centre in Viet Nam that is authorised to conduct the technique by the Ministry of Health. Si told Quang Ninh newspaper, however, the number of people undergoing lung washing was still small compared with those who worked underground and were exposed to silica dust. All people who experienced dust for about 3 years, and have suspected symptoms should have their health evaluated to detect occupational diseases and receive timely treatment, he said. Thus, the hospital has proposed that the Ministry of Health include miners who worked in the field for 3 years to the list of miners subject to lung lavage, to improve the effectiveness of preventative treatment, as the younger the workers are, the more efficiently they are cured and vice versa, he said. The Ministry of Health has revised the regulations to offer lung lavage treatment to miners with 5 years experience in the field. This is an improvement on previous regulations, which allowed only miners with over 15 years working in mining industry, to under go lung lavage. -- VNS As the son of two Palestinian refugees living in Kuwait and later in Jordan, Omar Salman remembers what it was like to struggle to get decent medical care. That memory was one of the factors that drove him toward a career in medicine, even though he realized medical school was probably outside the realm of possibilities. After all, his family had four grandparents who could neither read nor write. With the political and social instabilities in the Middle East, my parents didnt have many opportunities, Salman said. They wanted a better life for us. His father immigrated to the United States and settled in Nashville. The rest of his family followed a few years later. Salman arrived in the United States at the age of eight. He excelled in academics and later attended Vanderbilt University, majoring in biomedical engineering. He also spent several years working in a pharmacy. Salman soon found that the notion of going to medical school the idea that once seemed so far-fetched started to look more like a possibility. Having spent his early years in countries where health care wasnt very accessible, Salman was inspired to become a doctor. After years of hard work and determination, I found myself at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, he said. I have embarked upon a journey that will be both rewarding and life-changing. Salman chose the relatively new school for its small class size, patient-based curriculum, the comparatively low cost of living in Roanoke, and the quality of education he thought he would receive. This is a very supportive environment, he said. As students, we can make suggestions, and we know the administration will take them seriously. Everything here is very new and very well planned and purposeful. It has the flexibility that you dont find in a big school. Now in his second year of medical school, Salman is passionate about one day working for medically underserved populations. He founded the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Chapter of the Student National Medical Association, an advocacy organization for improving care for minority patients and minority representation in medicine. In this role, he plans programming around diversity and inclusion for his peers and participates in outreach to the local community to improve engagement of underrepresented minorities in medical careers. Later this year, he plans to go on a medical mission to provide care for refugees in a camp in Jordan. This school has become home for me because I know the faculty, staff, and mentors here support the professional development of its students in a way that is unique and specific to VTC, Salman said. Earlier this year, Salman was awarded the schools Morgan Dana Harrington Memorial Scholarship. Daniel Harrington, vice dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and Gil Harrington, established the scholarship to honor the memory of their daughter, who was tragically abducted and killed in 2009 after a concert in Charlottesville, Virginia. Morgan, 20, was a junior at Virginia Tech majoring in elementary education. I am humbled to be given this scholarship, something good that came out of something so horribly tragic. Its deeply personal, he said. In fact, humility is a word Salman uses when speaking about the hardships of his past, his opportunities, and his future practice as a physician. I realize that as a doctor, I may have a fancy degree, but patients are going to humble me, he said. Those who are seeking my care will want me to fix one little piece of their lives. It will be important for me to accept that I am just a doctor. I cant fix everything. Salman plans a career as a pediatrician, particularly to children whose care is marginalized or whose access to care falls through the cracks. I believe health care, no matter someones political, religious, or cultural background, is a universal right. NT Chief Minister blasts environmentalists over Darwin Harbour mistruths Teal independent Monique Ryan said a petrochemical manufacturing facility funded by the federal government would amount to a "subsidy for the fossil fuel industry". Victorian Liberals questioned over Ditch Danmobile stunt Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has come under fire over his party's use of a vehicle resembling an ambulance on the first official day of the state election campaign as he declared he is "not going to take any lectures" from unions. Shadow treasurer declares inflationary environment wont change tax cut stance The Coalition has vowed to see the legislated stage three tax cuts come into effect in 2024, despite fresh forecasts of a high inflationary environment. Melbourne Cup jockey cops massive fine and ban over careless race act Melbourne Cup runner-up jockey Patrick Moloney was fined nearly 40 per cent of his $55,000 earnings from the race after he was scrutinised for "careless riding". Man arrested for beating driver ALTOONA (AP) Police in the Des Moines suburb of Altoona arrested a man they say witnessed a crash, then beat a driver involved in the wreck. Steven Webb, 56, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested Tuesday night. Police say Webb began hitting a man after, they were told, the man tried to leave the scene of the crash. Officers reported Webb knocked the man out, and was still punching the man when officers intervened. The beaten man was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Webb has been charged with felony willful injury, and his bond set at $10,000. Drivers challenge DOT tickets DES MOINES (AP) A group of drivers facing tickets issued by Iowa Transportation Department officers want a judge to order the agency to stop issuing those citations. The group filed a motion Tuesday asking for an injunction. The drivers are trying to capitalize on Polk County judges ruling last month the agency didnt have authority to enforce most moving violations. That ruling came in the case of 16-year-old Peyton Atzen who was fighting a speeding ticket. Parrish Kruidenier, the same law firm that represented him, filed Tuesdays motion. State records show DOT officers issued over 25,000 speeding tickets between Jan. 1, 2011, and July 10, 2016, with around half of those tickets issued to noncommercial vehicles. Sale of Dubuque building near DUBUQUE (AP) The owner of a crumbling Dubuque landmark acknowledges missing another court deadline but says hes close to selling the 120-year-old former brewery to a Cedar Rapids developer. Jim Krueger, owner of a part of the former headquarters of Dubuque Malting and Brewing Co., agreed to a court order last month to stabilize or demolish a collapsed portion of the building by Nov. 9. No work has been done so far, but Krueger says he has a purchase offer from a company that intends to turn the building into apartments. He says the sale hasnt been finalized but is close. Assistant city attorney Maureen Quann said city officials are aware that a sale is imminent. Officials say the structure is in such poor shape that a block of a nearby street has been closed in the interest of public safety. Davenport mulls backyard chickens DAVENPORT (AP) Davenport residents arent allowed to keep backyard chickens, but that could change as officials craft a new ordinance. Community Planning and Economic Development Director Bruce Berger presented the City Council with a draft ordinance Tuesday modeled on laws in Rock Island, Ill., and Cedar Rapids. Chicken owners would have to pay a fee and submit a document certifying they have the training to care for chickens. Officials expect to formally present a draft ordinance to the council in January. OSAGE A private equity firm from Dallas has purchased Fox River Mills Inc. in Osage, the company announced to employees Tuesday. LongWater Opportunities, which describes itself as an operationally focused private equity firm, purchased the company from the Lessard family, which has owned and managed the business for more than 40 years. John Lessard, Fox River president and co-owner, said, We knew it was important to find a partner that believed in U.S. manufacturing and investing in the people and the community. We believe weve found that in LongWater. Were excited about the future of Fox River Mills. Jordan Bastable, a partner at LongWater, said, Fox River Mills is an incredible American brand that has been forged over a century and has been steadfast in its commitment to quality and technical performance. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide operational support and ensure the brand is around for another 100-plus years, Bastable said. Fox River Mills was founded in 1900 and manufactures knitted socks and handwear under its Fox River brand name and for other brands and retailers. It is the longest continuously running hosiery mill in the U.S., according to a press release from the company, and manufactures all of its products in its 240,000-square-foot facility in Osage. Fox River is the fourth investment in LongWaters second equity fund. It will become a division of Standard Merchandising Co., a Camden, N.J.-based domestic manufacturer of socks and hosiery products acquired by LongWater in December. Laura Johnson, chief executive officer of Standard Merchandising Co., said, Fox River Mills has the unique blend of heritage and innovation as hallmarks of the brand. We value the rich history and deep expertise of the Fox River team and look forward to developing careers and commerce in Osage and the surrounding communities. LongWater Opportunities is headquartered in Dallas and has an office in Fargo, N.D. It targets control buyout equity investments in lower-middle-market U.S.-based manufacturing companies in partnership with family owneroperators and entrepreneurs, according to the company. LongWater takes a handson approach with its portfolio companies to identify and execute strategic and operational initiatives that create sustainable competitive advantages, the company said. Brenda Dryer, the executive director for the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, said, We have had an outstanding working relationship with the Lessard family. We look forward to the opportunity to work with LongWater Opportunities, and stand ready to be of assistance during this time of transition. CEDAR FALLS Itll be a good job to have done. That was a common theme from residents and business owners attending a public information meeting Tuesday on a proposed interchange at Iowa Highway 58 and Viking Road, between the Cedar Falls Industrial Park and the booming East Viking Road commercial area. Major elements of the plan, presented by Iowa Department of Transportation officials and consulting engineers, were basically unchanged from a similar public meeting a year ago. Highway 58 through traffic will underpass Viking Road, with off ramps and merge ramps handling much of the Industrial Park and East Viking traffic that now backs up on Highway 58, overflowing turning storage lanes. Viking Road itself will be reconstructed as part of the project, but construction will be staged. Traffic and business access will be maintained during construction, though some businesses at times will have temporary accesses. The projected schedule calls for construction bids to be let in December 2017. The interchange will be built in 2018-19 and cost $26 million. Of that $16 million will be state or federal funds and $10 million from the city tax increment financing revenues. The project is the result of ongoing traffic safety problems at the intersection and along Highway 58, which has been the scene of numerous crashes, several of them fatal, over the past two decades. This is the fifth worst intersection in the state, said Krista Rostad, Iowa DOT district engineer, based on the incidence of accidents to the total vehicle volume over the past five years alone. People generally support the project, she said. Mostly the people are interested in timing and I visited with property owners about changes to their access, she said. During construction, Im sure that will be a concern for a lot of businesses. She also talked to some owners farmland about maintaining access to their land. Im happy has heck. I really am, said Dave Krejchi, president of Dalton Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. The Nording Drive-West Viking Road intersection will be signalized. We dont use that intersection. I tell my guys its not safe, and to use Westminster Drive. That (signalization) is a huge improvement. Additionally, Krejchi said. 58 being underground, its going to quiet that freeway down. We can hear the cars. You can really hear it when youre in the warehouse. Kind of an inconvenience while theyre doing it. But I think once its done itll be great, for moving traffic. Lot more safety, moving traffic safely though there, said Bob Mahncke of Blue Line Moving and Storage. The Iowa DOT is accepting public comments on the project through Nov. 22. For more information, go to www.iowadot.gov/pim TAMA Tama County sheriffs deputies have arrested an Indiana man in connection with an alleged home repair scam. Shawn Corbett Bolduc, 21, of Bargersville, Ind., was arrested Saturday for first-degree theft. He was taken to the Tama County Jail with bond set at $50,000. Sheriff Dennis Kucera said the case involves overcharging for home improvement work. He allegedly charged an elderly Tama County resident more than $50,000 for work done in September and October. Deputies said they dont believe this was an isolated incident and are seeking the publics help in finding other possible victims. Bolduc had claimed to be working for a company called American Construction of Indianapolis. Kucera said the company is real, but Bolduc isnt involved with the business. He said Bolduc had been traveling with two other Indiana men, who have not been charged. WATERLOO Two teens have been detained in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins at a downtown parking ramp. Waterloo police took a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, both of Waterloo, into custody on three counts of burglary to a vehicle, four counts of attempted burglary to a vehicle and one count each of second-degree criminal mischief and interference following a brief foot chase. A third suspect escaped, according to police. The two were detained at about 4:15 a.m. Sunday after police spotted them at the Commercial Street parking ramp. Officers found seven vehicles had been damaged, according to police reports. The detentions came following dozens of vehicle break-ins in recent weeks at the Commercial and East Fifth streets and East Park Avenue parking ramps. Police reports show a spike in vehicle burglaries downtown that started in late October. In some cases, bricks have been used to smash open windows, and items taken include personal electronics, sunglasses, cash and phones. On Nov. 6, police were called to the Commercial Street ramp at about 1 a.m. and found more than 20 parked cars and trucks had been burglarized, according to police reports. A witness reported seeing youths throwing bricks at windows, but they ran off before officers arrived. The teens are only charged with the Sunday morning break-ins, police said. The United Township High School District No. 30 was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. WATERLOO Local historic preservationists are hoping to focus more attention on an iconic downtown church. Members of the Waterloo Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to nominate Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church for the states most endangered properties list. It is hoped the attention derived from the listing will fix the building and preserve it for the future, said John Dornoff, a city planner assigned to the commission. The 104-year-old church at the corner of East Fifth and Walnut streets, formerly home to Grace United Methodist Church, is in desperate need of some structural repairs and interior renovation. Mount Moriah was able to raise enough money two years ago to repair the leaky domed roof after a news article elicited donations from across the country. But Rev. Robert Holmes and his wife Gloria Kirkland-Holmes have struggled to garner enough money for additional repairs. Most of our (congregation) members are low income, Gloria Holmes said. Weve been able to put some of our own money into it and were doing work inside as we can. But the bricks need tuck-pointing, she added. It still needs a lot of work. The Holmeses worked to add the building to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, with hopes the listing would generate grants for repairs. But two lengthy application efforts yielded no assistance. With the commissions approval, the city will nominate the church to be selected for the 2017 endangered properties list maintained by Preservation Iowa. The organization, previously known as the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance, started the list in 1995 to draw attention to buildings and historic sites gradually disappearing from the landscape. A panel of judges chooses the top 11 sites based on geographic distribution, historic significance, the nature of the threat and variety of building type. While the listing provides no direct funding, Waterloo Historic Preservation Commission chairman Ed Ottesen said the attention can help find developers and others interested in working to save the buildings. Currently there are no Black Hawk County buildings on the most endangered list. Meanwhile, the small congregation and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church continues to look for donations. Assistance can be sent to the church at 633 Walnut St., Waterloo, IA 50703. We still have services there, Gloria Holmes said. Weve never stopped. CEDAR RAPIDS With the topic of minimum wage in the Iowa spotlight, a new report argues simply raising the pay for Iowans isnt enough. The third and final cost-of-living report released Tuesday by the nonprofit Iowa Policy Project states while most low-wage assistance programs are designed to taper off as users make more money, child care assistance comes with a substantial cliff effect. Eligibility for Iowas Child Care Assistance program drops off at 145 percent of the federal poverty level just under $12,000 for an individual and a little more than $20,000 for a family of three. Peter Fisher, research director for IPP, said for a single parent with one preschool child, child-care assistance vanishes when the parent makes $11.15 an hour. That makes for a net loss of about $4,600 a year. Child care assistance, on the other hand, is a huge factor and a huge disincentive to getting a better job, Fisher said. According to the report, a family with one wage earner and one or two children needs to make between $39,000 and $45,000 a year to cover basic costs of rent, utilities, food, transportation, child care and health care. Nearly 19 percent of working families do not earn enough to meet the basic needs threshold, Fisher said. When you look at these various work-support programs and compare them to the basic needs budget level ..., the basic budget that families actually need to get by is two to three times the federal poverty level, Fisher said. What we find in these programs is the majority end benefits well below twice the poverty level. The report suggests reform to Iowas Child Care Assistance program to eliminate the cliff disincentive, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit to encourage more work effort and cushion the any loss of child care assistance as wages increase. The changes that (Fisher) is recommending in this paper do things to really help make work pay, so you are encouraged to get a better job or youre not discouraged from taking a pay raise or even getting a second job, said Mike Owen, IPP executive director. The first priorities are making sure their kids are taken care of and encouraging them to reach for the middle class. IPPs first cost-of-living report, released in April, found a single Iowa resident must make at least $13.16 an hour almost double the state minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to meet basic living expenses. The projects second report, released in June, stated nearly 19 percent of Iowa working households do not earn enough to meet basic needs without public support. Meanwhile, local governments have taken on minimum wage discussions to address such matters. Linn, Polk and Wapello counties this year joined Johnson County which passed the states first countywide minimum wage ordinance last year as counties with their own wage thresholds. But while both items are connected to Iowans pay, both need to be addressed, IPPs Owen said. The point is, we need to fix both of these issues, he said. ELKADER The Clayton County Board of Adjustment voted 4-0 Tuesday night to approve a zoning change to allow the Pattison Sand Co. to expand its operations. The panels approval was the final step in a year-long process to rezone 746 acres from agricultural to heavy industry to facilitate underground mining of the silica sand used in the hydraulic fracturing process of extracting oil and natural gas. A standing-room-only crowd packed the meeting room, and more than a dozen attendees spoke both for and against the proposal during the nearly three-hour meeting. Several of Pattisons more than 100 employees lauded the company for its good wages and benefits and said the company and its employees contribute substantially to the Clayton County economy. Neighbors of the mine near the town of Clayton expressed concern that language governing the zoning change does not protect their health, the health of the environment or the scenic qualities of the wooded bluffs along the Mississippi River. Its important to get this right, said Decorah attorney Karl Knudson, representing some of the neighbors. Knudson said neighbors were especially concerned about health risks associated with inhaling fine particles of silica sand. A study committee established by the supervisors to determine the environmental, economic and aesthetic impacts of Pattisons proposed expansion found little air quality risk associated with frack sand mining. That was the conclusion of University of Iowa professor Patrick OShaughnessy, who explained his research on the topic during one of the study committee meetings. His testimony was a turning point for the study committee, its chairman, Mike Finnegan, said Tuesday night. That study committee, after eight months consideration, recommended 16 zoning restrictions on topics ranging from air and water quality to noise, traffic and impacts on natural scenery. None, however, were adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and only a few were adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Several speakers Tuesday night urged the board either to delay consideration or adopt the overlooked restrictions. Daryl Bruxvoort of Elkader said the board should wait until the county updates its comprehensive plan a process that has just begun and then ensure the zoning is consistent with the updated plan. Board member Sandra Coobs moved the matter be tabled until after the first of the year to allow additional study, but her motion died for lack of a second. The board then voted 4-0 in favor of Gale Seversons motion to approve the conditional use request. WATERLOO The city may team up with Hawkeye Community College on a program to build new homes on vacant lots. The partnership, unveiled Monday, has been spearheaded over the past year by Waterloo City Councilman Ron Welper, who was looking for ways to spur infill home construction on the growing number of city-owned lots in distressed neighborhoods. I just started talking to people and this is what developed, Welper said. Theres a great deal of logistics that still have to be resolved. Students in HCCs sustainable construction and design program would build one home each year on a lot provided by the city with an estimated $70,000 in materials purchased with city bond funds. The finished houses would be sold with the sale proceeds reinvested in materials for the next house. Welper said the program would provide valuable experience to the HCC students while helping the city rebuild neighborhoods. Jane Bradley, HCCs vice president for academic affairs, said the partnership could be the start of something big both for Waterloo neighborhoods and the construction students. We have been struggling to find (residential) projects, Bradley said. We have students that want to learn construction they want to go into the construction business and they need projects. David Grunklee, HCCs dean of applied sciences and engineering technology, said the sustainable construction program is in its third year and has 25 students who study for two years to receive an associates degree. While the students have done hands-on construction work on campus and built a tiny house, Grunklee said the real-world experience of building a house from the ground up is invaluable. The program also would make a small dent in the citys growing problem with vacant lots. While Waterloo believes it leads the state in acquiring and demolishing blighted houses, the process has left the city with some 147 vacant lots that cost taxpayers more than $110,000 a year to maintain. Welper said private builders are not interested in the lots because new homes in older neighborhoods often dont appraise for their construction costs, which also discourages lenders from providing mortgages. Michelle Weidner, the citys chief financial officer, said the program could turn a liability into a tax-generating property with side benefits. Many of those neighborhoods havent seen new construction in quite some time, Weidner said. We are hoping that new construction on the infill lots will help increase the values of all the homes in the neighborhood. Residents Jim Chapman and David Dreyer, frequent critics of city incentive programs, said the city should not be encouraging new housing construction when there are more than 100 existing homes on the market. But Mayor Quentin Hart and several council members voiced support. It sounds like a great idea conceptually, said Councilman Steve Schmitt. Id like to make sure the whole community is made aware of this to get the input from the realtors, from the building trade folks. Hart said infill development in older neighborhoods leveraged by federal flood and mortgage crisis recovery programs have helped create momentum in neighborhoods near Highland Elementary School, the Summerland addition and around East Eighth and Lafayette streets. The partnership with HCC could be another tool to help revitalize older neighborhoods, he said. At some point were going to have to try to build a community and rebuild the infrastructure of those neighborhoods, Hart said. If we dont try to do something to add to the tax base in those areas, work to try to at least put some housing in there if we continue not to do anything where we have the opportunity, well continue to see no change happening. Welper and HCC staff said they would continue to hammer out details of the program over the coming weeks so it can be presented for a vote. OELWEIN An unaccounted World War II veteran has been found and will finally be laid to rest by his family. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Marine Corps Pfc. Wilbur C. Mattern, 23, of Oelwein, will be laid to rest Monday in Arlington National Cemetery. Mattern belonged to Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He and his division faced heavy Japanese resistance on the island of Betio while trying to capture the small piece of land situated in the Gilbert Islands. About 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 wounded in the battle. Mattern died on the second day of battle, and U.S. forces won the island from Japan. U.S. service members who died were buried at several battlefield cemetery locations on the island. After recovery operations on Betio, Matterns remains were deemed nonrecoverable. Matterns remains were recently discovered after a nongovernmental organization, History Flight Inc., found a burial site on Betio Island with 35 U.S. Marines who fought in the battle in 1943. An Iowan arrives for his first day at a new job and is faced with a stack of paperwork. It includes an agreement to be paid on a debit card given to him by the boss. The worker may wrongly believe the card is the only option for collecting wages and sign the form. A few weeks later he discovers fees for withdrawing money, transferring it to his personal bank account, talking to a live agent about his so-called payroll card or replacing a lost card. This was a common scenario encountered by Iowa workers, a 2014 Des Moines Register editorial investigation into debit cards found. Those workers will finally see some protections related to the cards. Millions of Americans, frequently low-wage workers in retail stores and restaurants, are paid on debit cards provided by an employer and administered by third-party financial institutions. About $30.6 billion in wages was paid on these cards in 2013, and the amount is expected to reach $44.6 billion in 2019. Employers view cards as a uniform, effective way to distribute wages. Workers without traditional bank accounts perhaps due to a troubled financial history and poor credit may find them convenient. But numerous concerns about the cards have surfaced in recent years. These include excessive fees, selling or sharing of personal employee information, transparency and the extent to which banks and employers may share revenue generated by the cards. And they certainly generate revenue. The cost to quickly replace a lost payroll card can be as high as $19, according to documents shared with this newspaper by Iowa workers. The mother of one teen contacted us because her daughters card was stolen and the wages deposited on it could not be collected. Another Iowan provided paperwork revealing charges to transfer money and check balances. Workers only may be able to withdraw cash from a few banks or ATMs. State law is silent on payroll cards. Iowa lawmakers have failed to pass legislation imposing the most basic worker protections on this method of payment. Fortunately, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is doing what it can to look out for average people. In early October the agency issued a final rule to provide protections to users of a variety of prepaid cards, including those sold at retail stores and those used to distribute government benefits and wages. Typically loaded with funds by a consumer or third party, the cards leave users vulnerable in the event of fraud, theft or loss. The rule limits a consumers responsibility for fraudulent withdrawals and purchases to $50. It requires banks to make account information easily accessible and free. Consumers will be able to see a history of transactions and fees. Existing federal rules prohibit employers from requiring workers to be paid on these cards. 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(17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) I woke at 3 a.m. and heard Boza stirring at the side of the bed. He is a good boy and does not bother me unless he needs something. He did not ask, but since he ate lots of good food yesterday, I know he had doggy business to do and I will not sleep anymore also. Boza and I got up and as quietly as we could we got ready and left to walk The images above are from yesterday and of course no images of a pitch dark walk this morning. We walked an hour and Boza ate three packs of dog food. He is back eating good again. In Moscow he hardly ate,but in the Tiny Russian Village he eats good and lots. He runs constantly and does his best to see the world with his nose and ears but he is happy * * * * * * * * * * The laptop died (again) and I had to nigger rig the system. I am running off of Puppy Linux right now and it works good. It gets the job done. Puppy Linux is my life saver OS. When Windows fails and or some system hardware fails. I can operate completely from RAM and still function.The laptop seems to have fried part of a chip set also and that I am finding out is not uncommon with these Windows cheap computers The hard drive has failed, well at least failed enough that Windows refuses to function, but Puppy was able to bypass the bad sectors and function anyway. Windows sucks most of the time and if the world was not so Windows orientated with software, I would switch permanently. Cant complain though, Sveta really likes Puppy Linux and it is so fast it is scary almost. You get use to the slow grinding over worked Windows and then get a taste of Linux and the world opens up before your eyes Therefore, I was not able to post yesterday, but this morning I am back in business * * * * * * * * * * It looks like Nikolai leaves this weekend and that means just Vova, Nina and I (and of course Boza) will be in the village. Nina and Vova are mad at each other. This is normal and they always tell on each other. Like two kids fighting. You would think that two people living alone in the village would at least get along somewhat! But not to be * * * * * * * * * * Oh man! The oak that I split is wonderful in the stove. It burns so long and hot. This is going to be much easier to keep the home warm and we were able through donations to get a infrared heater. Now this heater works fantastic. Much better than a fan blown cheap heater, I have been limping along in the past. This thing puts out some heat, when I need the extra, when the temperature drops into the -20 and below * * * * * * * * * * Today we will go to the Big Village and finish food stocking. I need to get a better thermostat for the car and more rat poison. It was a good thing I got ready for the little devils. It is not mice so much, but field rats that I have to worry about and they must have swarmed in when we left. This is normal, but they do lots of damage. This time things were not bad and all is quiet. (Just one scratching around in the old divan right now!) Just have to get more poisoned grain to keep them under control. I also need to get birdseed (no not poisoned,) the monster birdbrains are watching me and demanding their buffet to be set up again. Lots of seed all around us in the fields, but they like their special area and are giving me the evil eye to get me back on track. Remember the movie, The Birds? I wish rodents were not so destructive? I feel bad to kill them.but it is not just one to deal with, it is hundreds if you do not get a handle on it * * * * * * * * * * I have to move and split more firewood. Svetochka wants to help carry the wood and of course Boza wants to straw boss Yes it is all good in the Tiny Russian Village. See you tomorrow WtR Im on a fortnightly schedule here now, but Im submitting a quick story in my off week in the light of recent events. Not that event, I dont feel like posting five hundred lines of increasingly incoherent swearing, but the 7.5 earthquake that struck South Island just after midnight on Monday morning. That event also had me swearing a lot this week, especially when it struck. This isnt the first time Ive written about earthquakes here. Like most Kiwis I was shocked by the pair of earthquakes that laid Christchurch low in 2010 and 2011. And we in Wellington had a bit of a shock when a swarm of quakes struck our region in 2013. Now a much bigger earthquake has struck, and did so near the coastal town of Kaikoura. The severity of the quake was such that many buildings in Wellington, where I live and work, are still off limits and Im getting an unexpected week off work (like a lot of government workers). But poor Kaikoura has been cut off, with tourists and locals having to be evacuated by helicopter and boat. One of the ships helping the stricken town is the USS Sampson, the first US ship to visit New Zealand since the 1980s. Kaikoura is New Zealands finest birding destination, and seeing it brought low is a terrible blow. Formerly a fishing town its economy is now geared towards tourism, particularly ecotourism. Thanks to its marine canyon its the place to see Sperm Whales, swim with Dusky Dolphins and New Zealand Fur-seals, and watch albatrosses, shearwaters and petrels. Thankfully the government has committed itself to helping the town out financially as it struggles to reopen the roads to the town (which itself will take months and cost billions), and national tourism experts are urging people to visit once the road from Christchurch has been reopened. I would urge you to visit too, when the town is up and running again. There is no better place on Earth to see albatrosses, and that is a precious thing. White-capped Albatrosses are easy to see Northern Royal Albatrosses arent as common, but worth finding This is the best place on earth to see the rare Westland Petrel Cape Petrels arent rare, but are fun New Zealand Fur-seals have an extraordinary waterfall creche near Kaikoura, although there are reports this site was one of the casualties. Sperm Whales are a huge draw, literally! The Kaikoura Ranges, source of the tectonic instability. If the ground could calm down now wed all be happy. Looking to a cloud to share data faster The Kill Chain Integration Branch here has begun an experimentation campaign to look at ways to provide warfighters data in the fastest and most efficient ways possible. The campaign, Data-to-Decisions, is in its early stages but, according to officials, is already showing the potential to provide promising results. Currently, once data is gathered, its sent back for data processing and analysis, said Capt. Elizabeth Simkus, the Data-to-Decisions lead engineer. It could take a while before that information gets back to a warfighter; were working to make that a more immediate result. The projects under this campaign are all part of a larger effort referred to as combat cloud, which aims to bridge the gap between different types of data and how that data is communicated across multiple platforms. This model is different than the typical cloud models provided by commercial cloud vendors, Simkus explained. It is more of a hybrid approach, consisting of multiple models in which data is processed, stored and communicated in a dynamic, distributed environment. Our network model is very challenging to solve because it has to account for the ever-changing air and ground environment in order to be fully integrated and optimized for data correlation, she said. However, its putting that piece in place that will help drive results. This, in turn, will help to enable faster and more efficient decision making in a wartime environment, said Capt. Brenton Byrd-Fulbright, the Data-to-Decisions program manager. One project the team is looking at is called the Tactical Cloud Reference Implementation, or TCRI. TCRI is a software platform, which will provide a common framework to manage operational data while also performing analysis on this data through the use of automated, mathematical algorithms and analytics. Essentially, the concept is similar to how people utilize clouds to sync different data on their numerous smart devices such as tablets and smartphones. The difference is TCRI will largely function automatically, with little user input, and will only provide information that the user designates as relevant. Its basically putting the architecture (in place) for the combat cloud, Simkus said. Simkus said that it will incorporate all commercially available, open source software. This provides myriad benefits including utilization of industry expertise and flexibility in design. This will also keep the Air Force on pace with industry innovation, Byrd-Fulbright said. The TCRI program is a joint program being worked on by the Air Force, Army, Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Navy. Although originally led by the Navy, the Air Force will be sharing the lead role as future development progresses. Simkus said the team here is constantly looking at and leveraging the versions that are being released by the other organizations. This past July, the team used the Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center (HCIC) to conduct an experiment with TCRI. In the experiment, the team collaborated with a local company, Avwatch, to demonstrate a new proof of concept: the ability to use a cloud to share data from a plane to a processing node on the ground. The team utilized an airborne TCRI laptop to ingest imagery taken by the aircraft camera and passed the imagery down to the HCIC. Along with this, the TCRI laptop on the aircraft also ingested GPS data from the planes location as it was taking images and passed this information as well. Byrd-Fulbright said the result was a live update of the aircrafts current and historical position or airtrack as it took the images, along with the actual images overlaid on a visual interface. The importance of this is that this concept can be utilized to help optimize imagery collection and data dissemination on an airborne platform via the clouds ability to sync data with other relevant information from other sources, he said. The team is planning another experiment, using the HCIC, where they connect to multiple nodes, this time passing along not just information, but utilizing analytics to automatically identify specific objects, as well as anomalies that may be missed or hard to detect with the human eye. Currently, the team is also looking to set up a software development and modeling and simulation environment at the HCIC. Our software engineers would like to use it to develop and write code, Simkus said. And although wed be the first users, once its stood up and functional, the idea would be that it would be available to other programs for use as well. In addition, she also mentioned the team is creating a new Hanscom initiative called the Hanscom Academic Cloud Team (HACT). This initiative will be a partnership between Hanscom, the Massachusetts Open Cloud consortium, and other non-local universities that would like to collaborate on research and development efforts towards cloud computing concepts, models and prototypes. Officials say this initiative leverages the knowledge of students from top universities and industry partners. The HACT will also attempt to provide opportunities for Hanscom engineers to work side by side with some of the best software developers and engineers through internships and advanced academic degree programs in an effort to bring that expertise back into the military. We want to collaborate and see where military, academia and industry can help each other, Simkus said. The research others are doing could help with military applications. Nov 15, 2016 | By Tess With 3D printing technology on the rise, it is becoming increasingly important to integrate it into school curriculums, introducing the versatile technology to young generations so that they, in turn, can continue to advance and make the most of additive manufacturing. Of course, the integration of 3D printing into the classroom is not quite as easy as buying a 3D printer and setting it up, as it requires someone with some knowledge of the technology to introduce and effectively teach 3D concepts such as modeling, print preparation, and more. Within India, this issue will soon be addressed thanks to a partnership between MakerBot Asia Pacific & Japan (AJP) and the Veltech University in Chennai. Together, MakerBot AJP and Veltech University are seeking to educate middle school and high school teachers about 3D printing technologies, with the teachers then able to pass on the knowledge to their students. The unique initiative, to be hosted by Veltech University, will be offered to over 800 teachers within India, and will consist of a specially designed educational program. Aided by local governments, the initiative's lesson plans will help teachers become acquainted with the technology, helping them effectively use 3D printers in the classroom and demonstrate design thinking, creativity, and problem solving. The ultimate goal is to help prepare young generations for the jobs and careers of the future. The educational program, developed by 3D printing experts at MakerBot, will offer teachers hands-on training for a wide range of 3D printing related processes. These include CAD software, 3D modeling, MakerBot 3D printer operation, and tips on how to best integrate the technology into the classroom for optimized STEAM education. Dr. U. Chandrasekhar, Pro Vice Chancellor of Veltech University, said of the initiative: Veltech recognizes the importance of teaching critical thinking and STEAM-related skills. We are dedicated to building a new education foundation in India through a more interactive and engaging approach with 3D design and printing. Together with MakerBotwe are delighted to venture on a transformational journey and pass on our success and experience to other like-minded professionals in the academia. The training program itself will take place over the course of four weeks across a number of different Indian cities. A number of schools from each region have been selected, and the participating teachers have been nominated by their schools and local education boards. Each training session will take place over a three-day period. Considering how much 3D printing is expanding into various industries, the educational program could prove to be an important step in helping young generations to prepare for the future job market. As Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director and Head of MakerBot for Stratasys India, points out: 3D design 3D printing skills are already valued resources in all industries, and 3D printing is becoming part of the way companys prototype and manufacture things. Programs of this kind help teachers to inspire students for STEAM careers and render the entire learning process a joyful experience, added Mrs. M. Pari, Mathematics teacher at the Maharishi Vidya Mandir school. If the training program offered by MakerBot and Veltech University in India proves to be successful, we wouldnt be surprised to see similar efforts popping up around the rest of the world, helping to equip teachers with the skills they need to teach children about new technologies. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Nov 15, 2016 | By Tess In April 2015, Nepal was devastated by a powerful 7.8 earthquake which not only destroyed many towns, but also killed almost 9,000 people and injured nearly 22,000. Since the disaster, the country has been struggling and working towards rebuilding itself with the help of charitable organizations such as Oxfam. What is notable about the organizations participation is that, in addition to traditional reconstruction efforts, Oxfam has placed a particular focus on new, more technologically advanced rebuilding tools such as 3D printing. Included in the new methods being introduced to the Himalayan rebuilding effort by Oxfam are the use of recycled plastic bottles for home insulation, new mobile mapping apps, andimportantlythe integration of 3D printers in remote rural locations. The aim is to use these 3D printers to manufacture much-needed parts on the spot, giving locals unprecedented access to tools and parts they may need to repair homes and the like. The new rebuilding initiative follows over a year of more traditional recovery efforts, which involved providing hygiene kits, input vouchers, and immediate aid. Beginning in December, however, the focus will turn towards insulating homes with shredded recycled plastic bottles. Specifically, Oxfam Nepal will dispatch personnel to insulate 50-100 homes in the Kathmandu Valley, one of the regions most affected by the earthquake. The initiative will be a pilot project to see how viable the plastic insulation is on a larger scale within the country. In addition to the bottle insulation idea, Oxfam will explore the potential of installing 3D printers in remote parts of the country for in-situ manufacturing of spare parts. This initiative is in partnership with Field Ready, a nonprofit organization that specializes in using 3D printing for disaster relief. According to Oxfam and Field Ready, having a 3D printer on site in a disaster zone could open up the possibility of creating much needed replacement parts for things like water pipes, as well as for medical equipment. Currently, Oxfam is hoping that 3D printing will have a part to play in its water and sanitation programs. As many villages rely on a single water pipe for their water supply, being able to 3D print a proper plastic fitting for the pipe, rather than use makeshift covers like plastic bags, rubber, or even bamboo, could help to ensure not only safe drinking water, but also a constant water pressure. Field Ready has even demonstrated the effectiveness of the 3D printed water pipe joints in a displaced persons camp in the Sindhupalchowk district. In line with this idea, Oxfam is hoping to establish a number of small or medium-sized businesses in affected areas which would be equipped with 3D printers to print the water pipe fittings on the spot, as well as molds for the fittings which could be used to create silicone fittings (marginally less effective, but cheaper and faster). Imagine if you could push a few buttons and create a pipe fixture, as opposed to having to walk a day down to the market to see if they have something, finding out they dont, then walking another day and another day until you get to Kathmandu to spend time searching there, explained Annie Killefer, Oxfams humanitarian technical manager. The 3D printing initiative in Nepal is set to take off in 2017 and could prove to be a big step forwards for new rebuilding and disaster relief strategies. In addition to that project, Oxfam is also planning to set up a number of mobile apps to demonstrate how its aid is helping people and where it is being distributed across affected areas. As Killefer explains, the new projects are opening up the possibilities for disaster relief tools, which until now have tended towards a cut and paste model. Oxfam has been granted a certain amount of freedom in its emergency response within Nepal, largely due to its appeal funding and the $50 million that was donated to it by people from around the world. And while there is still much work to be done to help the people of Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, Oxfams new experimental methods could help to advance the relief effort and provide an innovative model for future relief efforts. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Jennifer Oullette in Quanta: The mere mention of quantum consciousness makes most physicists cringe, as the phrase seems to evoke the vague, insipid musings of a New Age guru. But if a new hypothesis proves to be correct, quantum effects might indeed play some role in human cognition. Matthew Fisher, a physicist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, raised eyebrows late last year when he published a paper in Annals of Physics proposing that the nuclear spins of phosphorus atoms could serve as rudimentary qubits in the brain which would essentially enable the brain to function like a quantum computer. As recently as 10 years ago, Fishers hypothesis would have been dismissed by many as nonsense. Physicists have been burned by this sort of thing before, most notably in 1989, when Roger Penrose proposed that mysterious protein structures called microtubules played a role in human consciousness by exploiting quantum effects. Few researchers believe such a hypothesis plausible. Patricia Churchland, a neurophilosopher at the University of California, San Diego, memorably opined that one might as well invoke pixie dust in the synapses to explain human cognition. Fishers hypothesis faces the same daunting obstacle that has plagued microtubules: a phenomenon called quantum decoherence. To build an operating quantum computer, you need to connect qubits quantum bits of information in a process called entanglement. But entangled qubits exist in a fragile state. They must be carefully shielded from any noise in the surrounding environment. Just one photon bumping into your qubit would be enough to make the entire system decohere, destroying the entanglement and wiping out the quantum properties of the system. More here. Tara Burton in The Economist: Perhaps you have seen me before. I was walking through Isfahans Naqsh-e Jahan Square, under one of the vaulted archways that run along the sides of the bazaar, when I was stopped by a man with a grey goatee, black glasses and a bicycle. The fading sun had turned the mosaics on the walls from dove-blue to indigo. Fountains flanked the long, central pool. The grass was dark with carpets doubling as picnic blankets, upon which families ate dinner straight from copper pots. Horses, lashed to buggies, galloped around the perimeter, dodging men selling wares from their bicycles. Boys played with toy swords where, once, noblemen had played polo as the shah watched on from the balcony of his palace. I was on The Daily Show. Five years ago, he told me in an accent both Persian and French, a correspondent for the show had come to ask Iranians what they thought of America. Nobody else would dare speak to a journalist, he said, but he was unafraid. He asked me who was president I told him, Mr Obama. He asked me who was president before He listed them correctly, he said, all the way back to Watergate. They asked him to say Death to America on air. Of course, I refused. He bowed, seized my hand and shook it vigorously. I wish for a better relationship between our two countries. He gave me his name Ali Shariat in case I should need a guide. I was professor. I studied my postgraduate degrees en France. I am retired, but I am still young. Now, je suis guide. He cycled to the next group of tourists. He began again. Perhaps you have heard of me To be an American in Iran is to attract immediate attention. The number of tourists from the United States is rising as relations between the countries warm up, but there are still precious few of us. And Americans are subject to special restrictions. Unlike most Europeans, they must travel with a licensed guide and stick to a fixed, pre-approved itinerary. (The British are subject to restrictions, though less stringent than those on Americans.) Those of us able or willing to navigate the byzantine visa regulations then face a raft of rules more germane to the early days of the Islamic Republic than to the present. Officially, women are told to cover their wrists, their ankles and avoid speaking to strange men. These rules, I discovered, were not to be taken very seriously. More here. Ottilie Mulzet at Literary Hub: The tiny village of Turricse, where Szilard Borbely lived for the first nine years of his life, stands on Hungarys great plain, the Alfold, the flat expanse stretching from the eastern bank of the Danube out to the distant Carpathians. On current maps, Turricse lies at the very edge of the nations political borders, with Ukraine and Romania literally within walking range. Not only is the villages distance from Budapest striking, but even as far as regional towns are concerned, Turricse is closer to Romanias Satu Mare and Ukraines Mukachevo than any larger settlement on the Hungarian side. At one time the village was less geographically marginal. During the centuries of Habsburg rule, up until the Treaty of Trianon was signed in 1920, the Kingdom of Hungary reached much farther: Satu Mare was still officially Szatmar, Mukachevo was still Munkacs, and the populations ethnic, or, to be more accurate, ethno-religious, mixture was far more fluid. One influence emanating from both Ukraine and Romania was the presence of the Greek Catholic Church in the region, a religious orientation somewhat rare among Hungarian-speaking populations both inside and outside the current borders. Even more notably, the immediate vicinity had once contained several strong Jewish communities, including the Hungarian-speaking Orthodox lineage of the Satmar (Szatmar) Hasidim. Yet this has always been an impoverished land. Its soil is meager, the regular floods from the Tisza River and its many tributaries are always a threat, and there are few links to the world outside. more here. This article is for all San Franciscans and Bay Area residents who wish stand up and lend their voices to causes of love, equality, human decency and the environment. We began this ongoing list of local demonstrations in the wake of the 2016 presidential election, when many of our readers asked us how they could stay in the know about the various rallies, peaceful protests, candlelight vigils, and gatherings. We do what we can to keep this article updated with Bay Area events around the causes we know you care about. We also really hope you'll contribute your suggestions. If you have a hot tip, please email edit at 7x7 dot com with the subject line DEMOCRACY. Unite Against Hate Rally Friday, August 25th The San Francisco Human Rights Commission is gathering community and faith-based leaders, city officials and more to denounce racist rhetoric and celebrate SF values of inclusiveness. Kick off the weekend in solidarity with your people. // Noon to 2pm, Civic Center Plaza, facebook.com/events Light up the Night from Charlottesville to Chinatown: No Hate The Chinese Culture Center is hosting a peaceful vigil on Friday evening on the pedestrian bridge between CCC and Portsmouth Square Park. Speakers include SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi and more local officials. Refreshments and candles will be provided.// 6:30-8:30pm facebook.com/events San Francisco Peacefully Unites Against White Nationals, Anywhere But Crissy Field Saturday, August 26th When a group of white nationalists received a permit for a "Patriot Prayer" to be held on Crissy Field on Aug. 26th, resistance groups in San Francisco immediately began making plans for onsite counter-protest. Thankfully, groups touting peace, and citing the violence in Charlottesville, were quick to react, planning various peaceful gatherings elsewhere in the city. 7x7 is proud to be a cohost and media partner for San Francisco Peacefully Unites Against White Nationals, a constellation of local groups helping to organize various nonviolent activities throughout SF. The main event, at Civic Center, will include musical performancesMichael Franti & Spearhead and Brothers Comatosecomedy, art, and speakers including NCLR's Kate Kendell and Youth Speaks artist Jazmine Banks, and more. // Noon to 5pm at Civi Center, facebook.com/events Come Together: Juanita More's Rally & March for Equality: Join our favorite drag diva in the Castro for a grassroots gathering, art exhibit, and march to benefit various equal rights groups, including the Transgender Law Center, the SF NAACP, NCLR and more. // Noon to 2pm, beginning at Harvey Milk Plaza with a march to Civic Center, facebook.com/events LovedUp Mobile Dance Rally: Fight hate with love and your hottest dance moves at this BYO boombox musical protest. Dress up in your sparkly best and shake it all the way to Civic Center. // Noon to 5pm, beginning at Dolores Park with march to Civic Center, facebook.com/events Heart-Shaped Human Banner: Bundle up and lay out on Ocean Beach with a couple hundred friends to form a big human heart. Think of the photo opps! // 2-4pm at Ocean Beach, facebook.com/events No Hate SF: San Francisco civil rights icon Cleve Jones is back with a new campaign, launched Aug. 22nd, to raise fund for anti-racist organizations. Established through Horizons Foundation, the fund will split your tax-deductible donations equally among worthy groups including La Raza, Muslim Advocates, Planned Parenthood, San Francisco NAACP, San Francisco Jewish Community Center, San Francisco LGBT Center, Southern Poverty Law Center, and more. // Ongoing. Donate at nohatesf.org. Trump Chicken Photo Bombs the Nazis: Now that the GoFundMe campaign has raised the needed coin to procure a giant "Trump Chicken," look out over the Bay on Saturday for a glimpse of the 30-foot-tall inflated anti-hate mascot. The official plan is to have it float by the haters at Crissy Fields come 2pm sharp. // facebook.com/events The Cutest Lil Counter Protest: Want to raise funds for the Southern Poverty Law Center in a family-friendly fashion? Dress your kids (and pups!) adorably and take them to Conservatory of Flowers for a "Cuties Parade" to the Summer of Love wall at the de Young for a group pic. // facebook.com/events Justice Events Map: Everyone thank Rev. Dr. Meghan Rohrer for her awesome map of various peaceful demonstrations (including some that are kid-friendly) happening in SF this weekend! // google.com/maps // We will update this list as more details develop. You can also check the Facebook group for updates. We also recommend everyone read Southern Poverty Law Center's 10 Ways to Fight Hate. Daily Action Text Message, Everywhere Following the November presidential election, Vogue lifestyle writer Laura Moser found herself compelled to jump into the political fray. So, along with her husband Arun, who worked on Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, Moser has launched Daily Action with the hope of getting decent American citizens engaged on the regular. After signing up, you will receive one text message every workday encouraging you to take action on a worthy issue. // To join the Daily Action group, text the word "DAILY" to the number 228466 (or "ACTION") today. You can also sign up at dailyaction.org. Your guide to the tastiest foodie happenings going down this week. Bon appetit! Onsen Opens in the Tenderloin Onsen, a new Japanese-inspired bathhouse and restaurant concept, opened last week in an old automotive repair shop in the Tenderloin. Customers can enjoy a soaking room, a dry sauna, steam room, and alternative healing treatments then followup with a dinner of Japanese-influenced seasonal cuisine by Chef George Meza (Oro, Ame). Think rice porridge with house kimchi, maitake dumplings with cabbage, sweet yam, mushroom broth and dill, and a daily sashimi offering. If this doesn't sound like the most relaxing evening ever, we don't know what does. // Closed Tuesdays, 466 Eddy St. (Tenderloin), osensf.com Free Pizza at Tony's Slice House Walnut Creek The only thing better than pizza is free pizza, which is exactly what you'll find at Tony's Slice House in Walnut Creek this Thursday. Twelve-time World Pizza Champion and local demigod Tony Gemignani will be on-hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony as he introduces the restaurant's brand new patio. // Thursday, Nov. 17, 12pm-1pm, 1500 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (Walnut Creek), slicehousewalnutcreek.com The vegan, gluten-free squash pie. (Courtesy of True Food Kitchen) Vegan, Gluten-Free Squash Pie at True Food Kitchen Vegans looking to have a bountiful spread this Thanksgiving need look no further than True Food Kitchen, now open in Walnut Creek. Their guilt-free squash pie features a gluten-free graham crust filled with a signature blend of butternut squash, ginger, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with whipped coconut cream. Best of all, it tastes just like (if not better!) than the original. Pre-order yours by November 21st and pick them up in store November 22-23. Sarah Medina // 120 Broadway Ln. #1044 (Walnut Creek), truefoodkitchen.com Dandelion's 12 Nights of Chocolate Tickets on Sale Kick off your holiday season with Dandelion Chocolate's fourth annual 12 Nights of Chocolate. Each year the chocolate factory brings together SF's best chefs to create a dinner featuring single origin, two-ingredient chocolate. On the roster this year is Avery Ruzicka (Manresa Bread), William Werner (Craftsman & Wolves), Christopher Kostow (The Restaurant at Meadowood), Brandon Jew (Mister Jiu's), Sarah Rich and Brandon Rice (Rich Table), and more. All proceeds go to the SF-Marin Food Bank. // December 1-12, 756 Valencia (Mission), Get tickets here. Fat Rice Dinner at Motze Motze, the newly opened Japanese restaurant from former Bar Tartine chefs Nick Balla and Cortney Burns, is hosting chefs Abraham Conlon and Adrienne Lo from Chicago's Fat Rice to celebrate the release of their new cookbook with a three-course dinner. The cookbook, which explores the food culture of Macau (a melting pot of Chinese, Portuguese, Malaysian, and Indian cuisines), will be the inspiration for the dinner. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase. // $58, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 983 Valencia St. (Mission), Call for reservations 415-484-1206 Marc Vetri Opens First Westcoast Project James Beard Award-winning chef Marc Vetri will open his first West Coast project Terrain Cafe at Anthropologie & Co. in Palo Alto this Friday. Marc is the chef-founder of Vetri in Philadelphia and operates a few acclaimed restaurants on the East Coast. He's serving as a consulting chef for Terrain Cafe and will bring along some of his most loved dishes such as cartoccio, a classic Italian seafood dish with albacore tuna, clams, spot prawns, and cannellini beans, as well as his take on cacio e pepe, served with young pecorino. // Open daily, 180 El Camino Real, Ste. 1301 (Palo Alto), shopterrain.com/palo-alto Okonomiyaki bites at Ramen Bar. (Courtesy of Ramen Bar) New Happy Hour Bites at Ramen Bar Is it hard being Ramen Bar, lingering in the shadow of sister restaurant, next-door neighbor, and highly acclaimed sushi joint, Pabu? Maybe. But sometimes it pays to be beclouded, because then your path to greatnessin this case, an awesome new happy hour menucomes straight out of the blue, and no one, not even your haughty big sis could see it coming. That's how good Ramen Bar's new okonomiyaki bites are, miniature versions of the ultimate Japanese veggie pancake, deep fried and served with a special Worcestershire-like sauce, and, of course, that staple of Japanese cuisine, mayonnaise. The popcorn is straight-up addictivelarge kettle-corn kernels are tossed in butter and furikake (a Japanese condiment of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, salt), like they are in our umami daydreams. Whatever you do, don't miss the garlic-chili edamame: A bowl of these, plus a cold-crisp Miller High Life pony, on the Ramen Bar patio during one of our few remaining Indian summer evenings, is as lovely an after-work experience as we can conjure. That is, it sure beats a sardines-packed BART train. Leilani Marie Labong // Monday through Friday, 4pm-7pm, theramenbar.com At PBS, Ifill became coanchor of PBS NewsHour with Judy Woodruff. There she moderated two vice presidential debates John Edwards vs. Dick Cheney in 2004 and Joe Biden vs. Sarah Palin in 2008. Shortly before moderating the 2008 debate, Ifill brushed aside concerns that she might not be fair because she was writing a book about Barack Obama. Ive got a pretty long track record covering politics and news, so Im not particularly worried that one-day blog chatter is going to destroy my reputation, she told the Associated Press. She won a George Foster Peabody Award for her 2008 presidential campaign coverage. That aforementioned book became The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama, which was released in 2009 on the day Obama was inaugurated as president. Three years later, the National Association of Black Journalists inducted her into its Hall of Fame. TRAVELS TO CANCUN AND OTHER KEY DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE November 16, 2016 Mex Resorts is marketing special deals on travel, hotels and packages to Mexico for American and Canadian tourists. Mex Resorts is operated by a series of specialized travel agents who help its clients get the best hotels and travel deals suited for their specific needs. These include special deals on trips to many of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico as well as help for booking many different services in the areas. Mex Resorts has packages and deals sorted by all the major destinations around Mexico. The site particularly focuses on Cancun travel with special deals to many of the hottest resorts in this tourist spot. Other deals from Mex Resorts include offers on trips to Acapulco, Cozumel, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta. The site focuses particularly on resort areas but it does work with many inland hotels including many of the finest four and five-star options in the country. Online hotel reservations are can be done through the Mex Resorts website or by calling the toll free number. Hotels can be compared based on their features and types of rooms. The site uses a simple interface that help people find information on all sorts of hotels with ease. Added packages can be customized based on various points. Users on the site can prepare their travel experiences based on the flights they want to travel on, rental cars, bus travel, tours and many other features. Customers can even reserve cruises to and from Mexico. These cruises go to many places around the world and depart at a variety of times in the year. Visitors can compare different cruise options based on where they want to go and what amenities they can find on their cruise ships. Tours can be scheduled through Mex Resorts as well. Tours include activities like diving or hiking among other fun activities. People can search for tours based on the particular destinations that they want to visit. The special deals that are available to customers at this site are varied throughout the year. These deals often entail special offers on hotel and airfare as they are booked together. The site clearly lists information on what deals are available and what people can save money on. More importantly, the available deals are for high quality hotels and services and easy to book online or by phone. With attractive and unique travel deals for not only luxury travel but also budget travel, Mex Resorts has expanded its audience worldwide after already having achieved and becoming one of the biggest online travel agencies in Mexico. About the Company: Mex Resorts is a website that helps customers from around the world with booking different trips to Mexico in the most popular destinations in Mexico. The site is an online travel agency that specializes in arming travel packages to the needs of its clients. Media Contact Company Name: Mex Resorts Contact Person: Michael Bach Email: info@mexresorts.com Phone: + 52 (998) 881 4805 City: Acapulco State: Guerrero Country: Mexico Website: www.mexresorts.com/en Mt Roberts Initial Drilling Results Canberra, Nov 16, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) ("Alt or the Company") is pleased to announce encouraging initial results from the Mt Roberts-Cottee gold project, near Leinster, WA (see Figure 1 in the link below). A 34 hole (2,088m) RC program was completed on the 8th November, 2016. The program was designed to confirm results from historical drilling, test beneath old workings and extend known mineralisation at depth and along strike. Key Points: - Initial results from Alt's first drilling campaign at Mt Roberts return up to 67.4 g/t Au - Significant intercepts include: -- MRRC0003: 3m @ 28 g/t Au, including 1m @ 67.4 g/t Au -- MRRC0008: 1m @ 20.3 g/t Au -- MRRC0009: 1m @ 24.4 g/t Au, and 4m @ 7.96 g/t Au, including 2m @ 13.75 g/t Au - Results confirm high grade mineralisation beneath Mt Roberts workings - Assays for first 12 RC holes reported here, with results for 22 RC holes pending Significant results from new drillholes include: - MRRC0003: 3m @ 28.62 g/t Au from 19m, including 1m @ 67.4 g/t Au from 19m - MRRC0004: 1m @ 1.73 g/t Au from 42m - MRRC0006: 3m @ 1.95 g/t Au from 17m - MRRC0007: 1m @ 5.59 g/t Au from 29m - MRRC0008: 2m @ 1.21 g/t Au from 39m, 1m @ 1.28 g/t Au from 43m, 1m @ 20.30 g/t Au from 49m - MRRC0009: 1m @ 24.40 g/t Au from 64m, 4m @ 7.96 g/t Au from 78m, including 2m @ 13.75 g/t Au from 80m, 1m @ 2.70 g/t Au from 89m - MRRC0010: 1m @ 2.67 g/t Au from 16m - MRRC0011: 1m @ 1.43 g/t Au from 5m - MRRC0012: 1m @ 1.39 g/t Au from 39m, 2m @ 1.20 g/t Au from 46m Mount Roberts-Cottee Project 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 operated by Gold Fields Ltd. The project lies within the Agnew-Wiluna Greenstone Belt, which is host to several major gold deposits including the Agnew Gold Mine, Lawlers and Vivien, within or near the Agnew Gold Camp. The project area is characterised by a tightly folded sequence of altered komatiites, basalts, felsic volcanics, and fine sediments (see Figure 2 in the link below). Mount Roberts-Cottee is located on the eastern limb of the Mt White Syncline and the western limb of the Leinster Anticline. Major NNW-striking shears are located to the east and west with secondary mineralised splays occurring within the licence area. Gold mineralisation occurs within a shear zone in close proximity to the ultramafic-mafic contact. It forms a west dipping lens in the southern part of the project, and dips to the east in the northern area. Mineralisation has been intersected in historical drilling along a 200m strike length and remains open at depth. Rotary Air Blast (RAB) and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling was conducted in 1998 by Consolidated Gold Mines Ltd targeting the sheared contact between the komatiite and basalt units. Most holes were angled to the west, along a west-dipping contact and thus may have missed the most significant zones of gold mineralisation. Significant intercepts from historical drilling were detailed in Alt Resources' announcement on the 30th August, 2016 (http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/PS7JB6B3). The location of new drilling by Alt Resources is shown in Figure 3 (in the link below). 34 holes were drilled, for 2,088m, across the two mining licence areas. The main focus of the program was improving the density and level of confidence in historical drilling at the main zone of mineralisation at the Mt Roberts prospect. 3 additional exploration holes were drilled at the Kathleen prospect, as well as 5 holes at the Ananas prospect, defined by the large soil anomaly in the south (see Figure 2 in the link below). Initial assay results have been returned for holes MRRC0001 to MRRC0012. These holes are from the southern portion of the Mt Roberts prospect, testing beneath and along strike from a series of old shafts and workings. Significant results are shown in Table 1 (in the link below). The location of new and historical results are shown in Figure 3 (in the link below). Cross-sections of the significant intercepts are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 (in the link below). The remaining assay results for the drilling program are expected in the coming weeks, and will be announced on receipt. To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/KQJ6UJ73 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. Finance executives are getting ready for the incoming Trump administration with a multitude of changes expected on the regulatory side while also dealing with all the new accounting standards rolling out in the next few years. Theres a lot coming out in a short period of time, said Financial Executives International president and CEO Andrej Suskavcevic, during an interview Monday at FEIs Current Financial Reporting Issues conference in New York. I think companies are really pressed to prepare for it. When you look at some of the surveys of whos ready for revenue recognition or not, it can be concerning for companies that may not be aware of the gravity of the implementation of the new standard and what it means for their organization. A new survey by the online accounting software developer Intacct found that 40 percent of finance professionals say that preparing for and implementing the new accounting standards will be a painful experience. A separate survey by FEIs Financial Executives Research Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers found that 78 percent of companies have begun to analyze the impact of the revenue recognition standard, but most of them havent yet finished the analysis. For the most part theres a lot of discussion happening as to what it means and how to do it, and I think the vendor community is stepping up to help companies implement the standards accordingly, said Suskavcevic. Weve gotten a lot of inquiries as an association about how we can help educate companies as to what they need to know, what are the key issues, and what are the tools they can use to implement the standard. FEI hosted a successful conference in June on the new lease accounting standard and is pondering a repeat to help companies prepare for the upcoming standard. In the meantime, the main topic for many financial executives in recent months has been the election. Now that Donald Trump has been elected, the question is what impact he will have on financial regulation, taxes and other issues. I think with any candidate, you hear all the rhetoric on the campaign trail and what theyre going to do, and then when they get into office, theres a little bit of a wait and see as to whether they are really going to follow through with everything, and what does compromise look like because there is so much that you can do by executive order, said Suskavcevic. You really want to build constituencies. I think theres a pretty healthy degree of a wait and see. Theres a fair amount of discussion going on right now. If everything that President-elect Trump was going to do was implemented, where does it affect folks the most? What industries are affected the most and how to prepare accordingly? He pointed to the impact on the stock market in the immediate aftermath of the election. If you just look at the stock markets reaction to his coming into office, the defense sector took off because hes going to invest more in defense, said Suskavcevic. What does that mean? I think theres a healthy degree of wait and see, trying to educate yourself and through various constituencies and congressional leadership, see how he forms the Cabinet. That will inform what type of point of view you might get on certain things. Based on the change in tone and language Trump has shown in recent interviews, he may be recognizing the gravity of the responsibility that comes with his new role. Suskavcevic is also fairly new in his leadership role at FEI, having become president and CEO only a little over a year ago. He envisions making changes in his organization too. Our focus is two-fold, he said. We have a large chapter network that provides a lot of networking and education locally in different markets around the country. As a national organization we support technical committees which create this conference and they lead a lot of our advocacy efforts. For us, our focus is really on one side to support the local markets and provide service and products and tools for local chapters to be successful, all tied around education and making them successful. The other side is supporting our technical activity and really helping build an educational program that serves the senior financial executives and their staff. Suskavcevic wants FEI to continue to help educate standard-setters and regulators on the impact of new rules on financial statement preparers and the companies where they work. At the end of the day everybody wants to be able to provide thoughtful, informative information for the investor community for everybodys success, he said. We just want to have a seat at the table in those discussions, and we actively participate in comment letters and all those type of things and provide feedback on a regular basis. We look to continue to do that. Suskavcevic has been involved with FEI for over eight years and he plans to build the organization further now that he is leading it. Its a wonderful organization where people have a lot of passion, he said. They want to contribute. They want to make a difference in the world and give back to the profession. I think thats a common thread with all members. Regardless of the size of company, public, private and so on, theres a wonderful desire to give back and make a contribution for the better, and its wonderful to be part of an organization like that. He intends to expand the organizations education function. You can expect to see from FEI continued development of educational engagement of the profession overall through education in all forms, a stronger brand as we really help and work with all of our chapters around the country and make them stronger, said Suskavcevic. Thats something to keep an eye on. Were always open to partnering with other groups and associations in active conversations to see how we can further the profession in a positive way. Partnership is a positive way to do that. In the past, FEI has partnered with the Center for Audit Quality, and Suskavcevic plans to maintain that relationship. He also is in charge of FEIs Financial Executives Research Foundation. Our foundation continues to provide unbiased research, he said. Were really looking to expand, and were constantly looking at whats really relevant to help members and companies try to get a sense for whats coming up in the world. Theres so much when you look at data analytics and new technologies. The rate of change seems to be accelerating, so our research efforts are really geared toward looking ahead and benchmarking, so people have good comparative data, whether it be in our audit fee survey or executive comp and so on. That is a strong part of the value proposition for FEI overall in our foundation. At this weeks conference FEI celebrated its 85th anniversary at its Hall of Fame gala and is looking ahead to its 86th year. If you look back over our history, it started in 1931 with 30 controllers getting together to learn from one another and seeing how they could give back and help their companies, said Suskavcevic. We want to continue that legacy. A CNOOC worker sets up scaffolding at a construction site near Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily] Firm aims to make natural gas a future pillar industry as nation seeks cleaner energy sources China's top offshore oil producer is eyeing liquefied natural gas as another pillar industry after oil. "Liquefied natural gas will become another important pillar industry for the company, as new energy is playing an increasingly significant part in the national and the global energy industry," said Jin Xiaojian, general manager of strategy and planning at the State-owned China National Offshore Oil Corp. According to Jin, gas production accounts for 18 percent of the company's total, with oil accounting for the remaining 82 percent. However, the gas production proportion will see a gradual rise to around 20 percent in the near future, as large producers worldwide are ramping up production. "The company has become the nation's biggest LNG trader and the world's third-largest, and has imported liquefied natural gas from around 20 countries worldwide, including Australia, Indonesia and Qatar." According to CNOOC, the company's natural gas business currently covers 78 cities nationwide, with LNG sales reaching 12.66 billion cubic meters in the first half of 2016, a year-on-year increase of 11.7 percent. The firm's LNG imports soared to 7.675 million metric tons, an increase of 24.4 percent year-on-year. The LNG imported by CNOOC accounts for 69 percent of the country's total, it said. Long used in the power industry for residential heating, natural gas is a clean energy extracted from the ground and shipped through pipelines. Energy companies worldwide have started shipping the cheaper and greener form of energy between countries in recent decades. According to a report by Ernst & Young, global demand for LNG is predicted to nearly double between 2012 and 2030. Current demand for liquefied gas is coming mainly from industrialized Asia, with Japan and South Korea accounting for more than half of global demand. China's interest in natural gas is particularly increasing because of efforts by the authorities to move its energy supply away from an overwhelming reliance on coal, it said. Being the world's largest energy consumer, China seeks to raise the share of less-polluting natural gas to 10 percent of its energy mix by 2020 from 6 percent last year. China's gas consumption in 2015 expanded by 3.7 percent to 191 billion cubic meters, according to an annual report from China National Petroleum Corp's Research Institute of Economics and Technology, while gas demand growth this year might accelerate to about 6 percent. According to Jin, to further boost the use of liquefied natural gas from an overwhelming reliance on coal, the government should encourage gas operators to further share their pipelines and network, while making the gas price market-oriented. Star Plus has brought in a romantic drama, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, in its 8.00 pm slot on weekdays. The show, which went on air on November 7, 2016, stars two popular television actors, Arjun Bijlani and Drashti Dhami, in the lead roles. Produced by Balaji Telefilms, an additional attraction for the show is that it has been shot across locales in Austria. Said to be inspired by Shah Rukh Khan-Mahima Chaudhary starrer Pardes, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil is about how two strangers are brought together by fate in a foreign land, unaware that destiny has plans for them together, before they realise that they are meant for each other. The show also delved into the deep bond shared by mother-daughter. The story so far tells us how Nainas (Drashti Dhami) close relationship with her mother causes a break-up with her beau Amit (Vicky Arora). Two years after the break-up, Naina and Amit happen to bump into each other and rekindle their feelings for each other. The two even decide to get engaged, which seems incredulous as neither had even bothered to get in touch with the other during these two years. However, on the eve of engagement, Amit mother plays spoilsport, saying that Naina will always give more importance to her mother. So, the two break off again. Shocked by these happenings, Nainas mother suffers a heart attack. Circumstances then lead to Naina travelling to Austria, where her brother and sister-in-law are based. There, she meets Raghav (Arjun Bijlani), who is part of a rich Indian business family. The matriarch of the family, Indu Mehra (Surekha Sikri), brings up Raghav as her own grandson, even as her real grandson Veer (Laksh Lalwani) turns out to be a spoilt brat. The undercurrents in the Mehra family are presented early on, where Indus two sons and daughters-in-law dislike Raghav. Naina is left heart-broken when she learns that Amit is now married to an Austrian woman to get citizenship. The story so far has nothing novel or gripping to offer. But the beautiful locales of Austria are a welcome sight. Both Arjun and Drashti have acted well and have created an affinity with their characters. Veteran actress Surekha Sikri (seen as the rustic Dadi Sa in Balika Vadhu not so long ago) is a delight to watch. Its a wait and watch to see how the story pans out, what twists and turns are introduced in the plot. Cast: Drashti Dhami as Naina Batra Arjun Bijlani as Raghav Mehra Laksh Lalwani as Veer Mehra Alok Narula as Rajiv Batra Surekha Sikri as Indu Mehra Manish Khanna as Balraj Mehra Alka Amin as Asha Batra Aditi Gupta as Sanjana Production: Balaji Telefilms Channel: Star Plus Timing: 8.00 pm TVS Motor Company has launched a 7-part web series on YouTube to celebrate the successful completion of Himalayan Highs season 2. A team of 11 women riders scaled Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass on TVS Scooty Zest 110 creating a record. The webisodes, comprising stories from the journey on themes of Friendship, Colours, Selfies, Anticipations, Zest and All highs, capture experiences from the time ofselection, to training, to riding and finally celebrating the successful completion of their journey by registering their accomplishment in India Book of Records. The audience also gets a sneak-peek into the journey where with each passing day the 11 girls become an advocate of the TVS Scooty Zest 110. Independent Film-maker Amit Masurkar (of Sulemani Keeda fame) has directed the episodes which play out like kaleidoscope of life, unique, yet tangible. He effectively captures experiences, challenges, and camaraderie of the riders. The series has a fresh and relatable feel to it which immediately strikes a chord with viewers and becomes an inspiration to make an ordinary life extraordinary. This initiative from the TVS Scooty Zest 110 comes in a time where visual content drives the audiences digital experience. With these engaging webisodes, the brand effectively reaches out to its target group and once again, through a real life example, establishes what it always stood for, Live Full. Be You. The webisodes are available for viewing on the Youtube channel Scootygals, and have already received a warm response by the audiences garnering over 2 lakh views. Episode 1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhGEdVZVLiw Episode 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqQDDVQM2PI Episode 3- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_GRj3D9XMk Episode 4- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irrDv85mI6g Episode 5- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TVyoc9WuIo Episode 6- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufJmZOSqh6E Episode 7- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7KbyBvH9Q Attorney Carney Shegerian of Shegerian & Associates, Inc., a Santa Monica-based litigation law firm specializing in employee rights, moderated an expert panel discussion on employment law at the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) annual convention this past weekend in San Francisco. Shegerian led and moderated the well-attended CAOC panel titled From Hired to Fired: Everything You Need to Know about Employment Cases, which included attorneys Mark Quigley and Carla Minnard (who discussed Trying Cases Where the Defendant is a Celebrity); Daren Lipinsky (who discussed Emerging Issues in 2016 Employment Law); and Lisa Maki (who discussed Winning Cases-Winning Themes). An experienced trial attorney, Shegerian has tried many jury trials to verdict in both state and federal court, representing individuals that have suffered financial or emotional losses and have been wronged by employers, including major corporations. He has won over 73 jury trials in his career, including 31 seven figure verdicts. Among his many landmark cases, in 2014 he obtained a wrongful termination and age discrimination jury verdict in favor of a client that is considered to be the largest employment related award of its kind in Los Angeles legal history. Consumer Attorneys of California is a professional organization that represents the interests of 39 million Californians. Its member-attorneys stand for plaintiffs seeking accountability from those who do wrong. CAOC members take only those cases they view as worthy, invest their own resources in pushing those cases to court and are paid under the contingency fee system only if their clients achieve a successful result. "Its truly an honor and a privilege to have been asked by my peers at CAOC to share my experiences and help guide this conversation, said Shegerian. I always look forward to the opportunity to learn from my esteemed colleagues in plaintiff law and CAOC provides a superb forum for a sharing of knowledge and a best-practices exchange." Located in Santa Monica, Shegerian & Associates is a law firm specializing in protecting the rights of employees who have been wronged by their employers. Richly experienced in labor and employment law and possessing an unparalleled success record as litigators (Carney Shegerian, Trial Lawyer of the Year Award winner for 2013, has won 73 jury trials in his career, including 31 seven figure verdicts), Shegerian & Associates is passionately dedicated to serving the needs of its clients. For more information about the firm, visit www.ShegerianLaw.com. Media Contact: To arrange interviews with Carney Shegerian, please contact Paul Williams, 310/569-0023, paulwilliams@shegerianlaw.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006465/en/ Shegerian & Associates Paul Williams, 310-569-0023 paulwilliams@shegerianlaw.com BOSTON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 1.1 million of the ballots cast in Oregon were successfully tallied using Clear Ballot's ClearVote voting system during the Presidential General Election, improving the efficiency and transparency in their election processes. This accounts for 57% of the entire state's electorate. The State of Oregon certified the ClearVote system in May 2015. Clear Ballot immediately began working with Oregon Counties to determine the best solutions for updating their voting technology. Clear Ballot utilizes optical scanning with cutting-edge technology like ClearVote's unique digital inventory of the election that minimizes ballot handling, reducing potential errors and increasing efficiency. ClearVote increases transparency by offering a complete digital database of election results that includes visual verification of every single vote. "Clear Ballot has enabled us to make a lot of changes to our ballot handling which has allowed us to become a lot more efficient in our processes," said Multnomah County Election Director Tim Scott, who has been using the ClearVote voting system since 2015. "I'm much more confident in the outcome of the election, I no longer have to trust a black box system, I can now see that the results are accurate." Clear Ballot is pleased to see the success of election officials throughout the country, who used its technology during last week's general election. "We're thrilled that all nine counties reported smooth elections with significant improvements in speed and overall efficiencies in ballot handling processes," said Larry Moore, CEO of Clear Ballot. "It is rewarding to know that with our system election officials were able to finish their work in a General Election much faster than they have in the past with other systems. We look forward to many more election jurisdictions finding success with voting solutions from Clear Ballot." About Clear Ballot: Boston-based Clear Ballot was founded in 2009 and is an emerging leader in election technology innovation. ClearVote, the scalable Clear Ballot solution suite, harnesses modern software tools and advanced hardware to create a comprehensive voting system designed to bring greater speed, accuracy, and transparency to elections. ClearVote is easy to use and cost-effective, responding directly to the budgetary realities of America's counties and municipalities. For more information about Clear Ballot and its Clear Vote election technology solutions, please visit: www.clearballot.com. Contact: Hillary Lincoln hillary.lincoln@clearballot.com 617-842-5127 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150518/216827LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clear-ballot-voting-system-increases-election-efficiency-and-transparency-in-oregon-300364526.html SOURCE Clear Ballot PROVO, Utah, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Contour IP Holding, LLC, the intellectual property arm of the pioneer action camera maker, Contour, celebrated an important victory recently in its ongoing patent enforcement battle with GoPro when the United States Patent Trial and Appeal Board ("PTAB") rejected GoPro's attempt to invalidate claims in two of Contour's patents. Contour alleges that GoPro's use of the remote viewfinder feature on nearly all of its cameras infringes Contour's patents. The feature connects a camera wirelessly to a smartphone or other device and allows the user to see and control what they are recording. The application for the patents was filed in 2010. In November 2014, the USPTO granted Contour U.S. Patent No. 8,890,954 and U.S. Patent No. 8,896,694. "This feature was revolutionary when invented by Contour and has become an indispensable feature on all high end action cameras," James Harrison, Contour CEO explained. "The ability to see what you are recording at the same time as you record in high resolution is not an option for most users, it is a must. We believe that the technology has application beyond action cameras, including functional drone camera devices." The technology described in the patents involves a camera using a dual stream recording and transmission process: a higher resolution stream for recording on the camera, while at the same time sending a lower resolution transmission to a separate device, such as a smartphone, to produce a live stream of what is being recorded. Contour sued GoPro in November 2014 alleging GoPro's products infringe the two patents. GoPro sought, and obtained from the PTAB an Inter Partes Review of most of the claims in the patents. In two related final decisions, on October 26, 2016 the PTAB rejected GoPro's challenge, finding that GoPro failed to provide sufficient evidence to invalidate the patent claims. After requesting the Inter Partes Review of the patents, GoPro obtained a stay of Contour's pending patent infringement litigation in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. However, the District Court lifted the stay on November 7, 2016 in light of the PTAB's decisions. "While we are thrilled with the result, we were never in any doubt. Contour was a pioneer in the action camera market investing millions of dollars in innovative features that are now common-place in action cameras, drones and have potential application in many meaningful emerging technology verticals. We will continue to use all legal avenues to vigorously protect and enforce our intellectual property," stated James Clarke, CEO of Clarke Capital Partners, the largest shareholder of Contour. About Contour IP Holding: Based in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Contour is a pioneer of the action camera market. 'Firsts' into the market include: 1080HD; wireless connection to smartphone; GPS enhanced video and instant-on. Contour IP is the owner of the IP that seeks to protect and enforce these technologies. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/contour-prevails-in-failed-attempt-by-gopro-to-invalidate-patents---litigation-stay-lifted-in-district-of-delaware-patent-infringement-lawsuit-300363770.html SOURCE Contour IP Holding, LLC Fitch Ratings has taken various actions on the long-term ratings of 47 variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs) supported by letters of credit (LOCs). The VRDOs' short-term ratings are not affected and remain based solely on the credit quality and liquidity of the LOC providers. The VRDOs' underlying long-term ratings, if assigned, are also not affected. Six of the rating actions reflect corrections due to an error in the application of Fitch's current VRDO criteria in cases where both the borrower's and LOC provider's long-term credit rating can be considered when assigning the VRDO's long-term rating. The remaining actions are affirmations of the long term rating, reflecting Fitch's verification of the correct application of criteria. All bonds have been removed from Rating Watch Evolving. KEY RATING DRIVERS In cases where Fitch's criteria permit both the borrower's and LOC provider's long-term credit rating to be considered when assigning the VRDO's long-term rating, the long-term rating is based on the higher of the underlying long-term rating assigned to the bond by Fitch and the long-term rating assigned by Fitch to the bank providing the irrevocable direct-pay LOC supporting the bond. In cases where Fitch's criteria permit the application of Fitch's dual-party pay approach, the long-term rating is based jointly on the underlying rating assigned to the bond by Fitch and the rating assigned by Fitch to the bank providing the irrevocable direct-pay LOC supporting the bond. RATING SENSITIVITIES The long-term ratings are tied to the respective long-term ratings assigned to the obligors and the respective long-term ratings Fitch maintains on the banks providing the LOCs. Changes to these ratings may affect the long-term ratings assigned to the bonds. Additionally, where Fitch's dual-party pay criteria apply and either the underlying bond rating or the bank rating were downgraded to 'A-' or lower, the dual-party pay criteria would no longer apply, and the long-term rating assigned to the bond would be adjusted to the higher of the respective bank rating and the respective underlying bond rating. Please see the accompanying spreadsheet for a full list of the rating actions. Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com. Applicable Criteria Rating Criteria for Letter of Credit-Supported Bonds and Commercial Paper (pub. 05 Apr 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/878782 U.S. Municipal Structured Finance Criteria (pub. 23 Feb 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/862222 Related Research Fitch Takes Various Actions on LOC-Supported VRDOs https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/890690 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1014903 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1014903 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. 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 (c) 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. 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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006635/en/ Fitch Ratings Primary Analyst Mario Civico Senior Director +1-212-908-0796 Fitch Ratings, Inc. 33 Whitehall Street New York, NY 10004 or Secondary Analyst Richard Park Director +1-212-908-0289 or Committee Chairperson Joseph Staffa Senior Director +1-212-908-0829 or Media Relations Elizabeth Fogerty, +1 212-908-0526 elizabeth.fogerty@fitchratings.com Memorandum of Understanding between the Consular Network of Mexico in Texas & the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Child... The eleven Consulates of Mexico based in Texas and the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Texas (Texas CASA) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a private ceremony in Austin, Texas. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006857/en/ The eleven Consulates of Mexico based in Texas and the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Texas (Texas CASA) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a private ceremony in Austin, Texas. The MOU sets the collaborative framework between Texas CASA and the Consular Network of Mexico in Texas to work together in cases of Mexican minors or children of Mexican origin, who are in the care of the Texas state child protective services, and whose cases are included in the Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement Initiative (CFE). (Photo: Business Wire) This is the first official contact from both parties looking to help thousands of Mexican families navigating the difficult processes of the foster care system in the best interests of children. The MOU sets the collaborative framework between Texas CASA and the Consular Network of Mexico in Texas to work together in cases of Mexican minors or children of Mexican origin, who are in the care of the Texas state child protective services, and whose cases are included in the Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement Initiative (CFE). The main goal of the MOU is to seek the best interest of Mexican minors or children of Mexican origin in the conservatorship process. Therefore, one of the main objectives is to connect each child with their family, regardless if the family resides in Mexico, so that every child may benefit from the connections and support that family provides. Furthermore, the MOU will also intend to help in: locating relatives in Mexico and the US; exchanging information between both parties; promoting the involvement of consulates in conservatorship hearings of Mexican minors; facilitating the repatriation processes of minors when deemed appropriate; encouraging the collaboration between Texas CASAs local programs and the Consular Network in those counties in which the CFE is yet to function; among others. Texas CASA is the statewide organization of 72 local CASA programs that recruit and train volunteers to advocate for children in the child protection system. Texas CASA supports the local CASA programs by advocating for effective public policy for children in the child protection system and by providing funding, training and technical assistance to program staff, board and volunteers. During the ceremony, the Undersecretary for North American Affairs, Paulo Carreno King, who served as honor witness, said, Our Consular Officials have the obligation to look after and protect the best interests of children of Mexican origin, helping them to preserve their bonds with their closest kin, regardless of their migratory status. In the words of Texas CASAs CEO, Vicki Spriggs, We are excited and honored to have the Consulates of Mexico partner in our Collaborative Family Engagement Initiative. This MOU will allow for more children in care to be united with family members who can provide a safe and permanent home. If you are interested in supporting our initiative or becoming a CASA volunteer, learn more or sign up at BecomeACASA.org. CASA volunteers are everyday members of the community doing extraordinary work by choosing to speak up for abused and neglected children in their communities. CASA volunteers work to move the children through foster care and into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. The signatories of the MOU were the Chief of Mission of each of the eleven Consulates of Mexico in Texas, as well as Texas CASAs CEO, Vicki Spriggs. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006857/en/ Consular Network of Mexico in Texas Rafael Ruiz, 512-478-2866 ext. 113 mexicoenaustin@sre.gob.mx or Texas CASA Leslie Morton, 512-473-2627 ext. 101 lmorton@texascasa.org DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National American University announced Tuesday that it has entered into a license agreement with RefactorU to utilize RefactorU's curriculum in an NAU intensive 10-week coding bootcamp to be offered at NAU's Lewisville campus located near Dallas, Texas. NAU plans to begin offering the program in January 2017. Since 1941, when it first opened its doors in Rapid City, South Dakota, National American University has been committed to offering its students training programs that fill needs in the community. The University, then known as National School of Business, initially offered business training programs that helped veterans refocus the skills they learned in the military to management and operations. Since then, NAU has continually expanded its courses to adapt to the changing needs of its students and the economy at-large, moving into fields like healthcare and information technology, and increasing the number of its campuses. This coding bootcamp, utilizing RefactorU's curriculum, is one of many degree and training opportunities afforded by the University to its students. More information about NAU's coding bootcamp may be attained by visiting bootcamp.national.edu. "Our success and our commitment to students are rooted in the belief that quality educational opportunities should exist for every person who desires them," says Dr. Ronald Shape, President and CEO of National American University. "National American University is thrilled to offer a program with RefactorU's highly respected curriculum." "RefactorU is delighted to work with National American University on this effort," said Sean Daken, Founder & CEO of RefactorU. "National American University's 75-year history of providing top-notch career education to thousands of students is laudable. RefactorU is honored to help National American University accelerate the learning and development of its current and future creatives, makers, and technologists." NAU offers certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, healthcare, and legal studies. During the past 75 years, NAU has grown to serve students at more than 30 locations offering courses in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, providing students increased flexibility to take classes at times and places convenient to their busy lifestyles. National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440 | hlcommission.org). For more information about degree programs, admissions, and financial aid opportunities, please visit www.national.edu. For More Information Gregg Peterson, Director of Marketing 605-394-4960 | gapeterson@national.edu To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-american-university-licenses-refactoru-curriculum-for-coding-bootcamp-300364366.html SOURCE National American University Foundation World Coal Market Analysis & Forecast to 2020: Australia Continued to Lead the Way by a Large Margin with Exports of $29.63 B... Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "World: Coal - Market Report - Analysis and Forecast to 2020" report to their offering. This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global coal market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term projections, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices. The report also includes a comparative analysis of the leading consuming countries, revealing opportunities opened for producers and exporters across the globe. The forecast outlines market prospects to 2020. Australia continued to lead the way by a large margin in the global supplies of coal. In 2015, Australia's coal exports totaled 29,630 million USD, which accounted for a 39% share of global exports. Indonesia, Russia, USA, and Colombia were the other key global suppliers of coal in 2015, with a 45% combined share of global exports. Indonesia (+10.3% per year) and Australia (+6.9% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. Indonesia significantly strengthened its position in the global coal export structure, growing its share from 13% in 2007 to 19% in 2015. On the other hand, Japan (18%, based on value terms), India (16%), China (11%), the Republic of Korea (11%), and Taipei (5%) were the leading destinations of coal imports in 2015. Imports to China grew the quickest, at a pace of +19.6% per year from 2007 to 2015. The balance of key imports also increased their imports over the period under review. India's share of global imports increased by +9 percentage points, while the share of Japan illustrated negative dynamics (-3 percentage points). Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 1.1 Report Description 1.2 Research Methodology 2. Executive Summary 2.1 Key Findings 2.2 Market Trends 3. Market Overview 3.1 Market Volume and Value 3.2 Consumption by Country 3.3 Market Opportunities by Country 3.4 Market Forecast to 2020 4. Production 4.1 Production in 2007-2015 4.2 Production by Country 5. Imports 5.1 Imports in 2007-2015 5.2 Imports by Country 5.3 Import Prices by Country 6. Exports 6.1 Exports in 2007-2015 6.2 Exports by Country 6.3 Export Prices by Country 7. Profiles of Major Producers For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6dm2p3/world_coal View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005669/en/ 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: Coal When Air Force leaders announced the KC-46A aerial refueler was in the works, Senior Master Sgt. Constantine Karamargin wanted to get involved in the development process. But first he had to find a way into the program. With over 20 years as a crew chief on the KC-10 Extender and as a long-time Federal Aviation Administration maintenance inspector, the Air Force Reservist had plenty of bona fides to support the new airframe. As luck would have it, he ran into a fellow FAA employee who was an Individual Mobilization Augmentee within the KC-46 program office. She helped him get his foot in the door. In 2011, Christine Sinagra told him there were no openings, but recommended he support the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node E-11A program, which was looking for assistance implementing a maintenance program that would line up with FAA requirements. He sent in his resume and, in addition to his Reserve duties at the 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Wing, Joint Base McGuire, New Jersey, was soon helping the Air Force in the process of buying their first E-11A. When [Sinagara] retired, I then came onboard with the KC-46 program and still supported BACN, said Karamargin, who pulled back his chief application package at the 514th Air Mobility Wing in 2014 in order to accept the IMA position, should he be selected. IMAs are Air Force Reservists assigned to active component organizations and government agencies. In addition to their Air Force specialties, these Airmen often bring a wealth of civilian experiences their organizations would not normally have access to. In this case, Karamargins expertise as an FAA airworthiness inspector. Dr. Robert Marx, the KC-46 Liaison to the FAA Military Certification Office, said that experience would pay dividends for KC-46 program. Thats because the new aerial refueler is a commercial derivative aircraft -- its a modified Boeing 767 -- and will be the first Air Force airframe to retain its type design. Type design is an FAA certification of all the drawings, specifications, material and dimension information, airworthiness data, and preventative maintenance specs for a particular platform. [Karamargins experience] has been critical, since the KC-46 will be the first commercial derivative aircraft platform ever supported organically by the Air Force while still maintaining its FAA type design approval, said Marx. The Air Forces fleet of 59 KC-10s are also CDAs. However, due to proprietary changes to the platforms and the lack of an FAA-certified maintenance program, any repairs above part swaps must go to a certified contractor, said Karamargin. This is costly and can results in supply chain delays. Maintaining type design and implementing a maintenance program that meets the intent of FAA regulations will result in lower maintenance costs and a more robust parts supply chain, since the KC-46 will be able to use the same parts as a commercial Boeing 767. Before they can do this, however, the Air Force must get a letter from the FAA stating that the program meets the intent of the applicable regulations. Enter Karamargin. As an FAA inspector, he performs flight standards and air worthiness inspections, reviewing everything from experimental aircraft regulations to certifying maintenance and repair stations for airlines and other operators. He is intimately familiar with all the requirements needed to maintain type design on an aircraft, he said. This in addition to his familiarity with the KC-10 program. Marx said the crew chief has helped the planners marry the requirements of the Air Force with the standards set forth by the FAA. He constantly relies on his vast experience as a crew chief and an FAA inspector to make sure the KC-46 maintenance program is the best it can be, said Marx. He has also been instrumental in navigating the path to achieve FAA approval of the KC-46 maintenance program. Karamargins guidance and expertise has also enabled the KC-46 program to gain efficiencies up front that will save the Air Force millions of dollars over the life of the aircraft and has paved the way for maintaining type design on all future CDA aircraft the Air Force pursues, such as Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS), the presidential support aircraft. It can even be used retroactively on current platforms, said Marx. The Reservist said his job with the FAA is very demanding but the IMA program has allowed him the flexibility needed to balance his time. In addition to collaborating with Marx to create a custom duty schedule, he has also been able to work remotely at times, rather than traveling to the program office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, every time his input is needed. The annual requirement for IMA positions is about 30 days per year, depending on the Air Force Specialty Code. Additionally, IMAs often volunteer to serve on additional MPA and RPA tours with their unit and other organizations, supporting manning shortfalls, exercises and special projects. Reservists bring the warfighter into the program office, said Marx. This is especially true when we are buying a commercial derivative aircraft, since many Reservists also work in the commercial aviation industry as mechanics, pilots and inspectors. His efforts in the airworthiness arena also resulted in him teaching a class at the AF Test Pilot School on how to certify the airworthiness of commercial aircraft owned and operated by contractors, said Marx. As far as I know he is the only enlisted person to lecture at the test pilot school, said Marx. He has been requested by several other test agencies as well. As someone who has always been the end user of the aerial refueling program, Karamargin said being involved in the acquisition process for the KC-46A has been enlightening experience, and a humbling one. You think you know a lot, then you come into a new program, he said. [The acquisition process] is all new to me and its just the tip of the iceberg. Algeria: Ruling FLN party chiefs Views on Intelligence and Western Sahara are behind his stepping down The long-standing chief of Algerias ruling FLN party Amar Saadani has resigned just weeks after making accusations that a retired spy chief and a former prime minister had been French agents. Saadani, a close ally of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has often been critical of opponents, but analysts said he crossed a line when he openly criticized veterans of the independence war against France. Algeria is mostly still run by a generation of older politicians involved in the war of independence against France, including Bouteflika. And the FLN or Front de Liberation Nationale has dominated Algerias politics since independence in 1962. I am resigning because of health problems, Saadani told FLN members during a meeting on Saturday, which was broadcast on local television. Djamel Ould Abes, 82, a doctor and close Bouteflika associate, has been appointed new FLN chief. In remarks earlier this month during an FLN meeting, Saadani had accused Mohamed Mediene, former chief of the military spy directorate known as the DRS, and former premier Abdelaziz Belkhadem, a personal advisor to the president, of working as French agents in the past. Mediene, who was rarely seen in public during his time as DRS chief, has made no statement in response. But Belkhadem dismissed the allegations in comments to local media. He can ask people in my village what I did during the war of independence, he said. Everyone can ask what my family did during the war. Mediene was forced into retirement earlier this year as part of Bouteflikas campaign to curb DRS political influence. For some other sources, disparities between Saadani and ruling military elite in Algeria are not limited to his accusation to Medien, but also for his position on the Western Sahara. According to the French daily Le Monde, Saadani accused General Mohamed Mediene, alias Toufik, for being at the service of France. This statement adds to his unprecedented statement on the Western Sahara. Soon after the decision was made public, Algerian website Tamurt linked it to Saadanis disagreement with Algerian decision-makers support for the Polisario, and mentioned his many public remarks asserting that the Sahara is part of Morocco. This is the first time a member of the party in power dares to make such a statement. According to the same source, Saadanis statement on the Western Sahara put his life in jeopardy. In November 2015, Saadani made a public appearance on the Algerian TV Ennahar and made remarks that were interpreted as a call on Algeria to stop its support for the Polisario. After he refused to comment on the Sahara conflict for fear that it would lead the country on a different path, he said, I have things to say in this affair but I will not tell them, because if I do, people will protest in the street. The statement angered the Algerian National Committee for Solidarity with the Saharawi People (CNASPS), which released a statement denouncing his remarks: The Algerian National Committee for Solidarity with the Saharawi People took note with real consternation of the declarations of Amar Saidani, General Secretary of the FLN Party, to an Algerian television channel, concerning the conflict of the Western Sahara. The statement, published on French-speaking news source Algerie Patriotique, added that these statements made in the Sibylline mode, consisting essentially of unspoken thoughts, allusive enough to be deciphered, place Mr. Saidani at odds with the doctrine of FLN, which supported and helped seventeen African and non-African liberation movements. Saadanis departure comes as the FLN prepares for legislative elections in 2017. The FLN, whose real boss is Bouteflika, wanted to make sure militants follow his instructions in the upcoming local elections, one senior FLN member told Reuters. It sounds that Saadani had started to become autonomous. COP22: King Mohammed VI Chairs the Opening ceremony the Summit with the presence of more than 70 Heads of State & Government King Mohammed VI chaired the opening ceremony of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, on Tuesday in Marrakech, at the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22). At the beginning of the ceremony, an institutional film entitled A Sustainable Kingdom was screened. It highlights Moroccos efforts in terms of sustainable development, notably in the fields of tourism, fisheries, agriculture, management of water resources and renewable energies. The ceremony was marked by a speech addressed by the Sovereign to the high-level segment of the COP22, in which he stated that this Conference constitutes a turning point in the process of the Paris Agreement. Humanity is looking forward to decisions which will help save the future of life on earth, and calling for tangible initiatives and practical steps to preserve the rights of coming generations, the Sovereign said. The time has come to redress the situation. We have no alternative but to work to make up for lost time, through continued, comprehensive mobilization and positive harmonization, so that the coming generations may lead an enjoyable and dignified life together, the King underlined. Holding this conference in Africa is an incentive for us to give priority to tackling the adverse repercussions of climate change, which are growing worse and worse in the countries of the South and in insular states whose very existence is in jeopardy, he said. The Sovereign noted that that during its tenure, Morocco shall devote its efforts, as part of its presidency of the COP22, to unify education on environmental issues in order to preserve the future of mankind. COP22: Ban KI-Moon called on the international community to translate into actions and effective policies During the opening ceremony of COP 22 summit, UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, called on the international community to translate into actions and effective policies the provisions of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, stressing the need to protect the planet, safeguard the most vulnerable and move towards shared prosperity. In her speech, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Patricia Espinosa, lauded the unprecedented leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, calling for a reflection on the means to speed up climate action. Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi reportedly cancels his visit to Morocco. No reasons mentioned behind the cancellation. Al-Sisi was supposed lead Egypts delegation to the UN conference of the parties (COP22) currently taking place in Marrakesh. Environment minister Khaled Fahmy will attend on his behalf. During his visit, Fahmy headed consulting meeting for African environment ministers. The meeting aims at reaching a common ground between all African countries in terms of implementation mechanisms for the Paris Agreement, adaptation measures to climate changes, the ministry said in an official statement. While the reason for Al-Sisis visit cancellation remains unknown, it came amid recent tension in the Egyptian-Moroccan relations. In mid October, Egypt received a delegation of the self-proclaimed Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in Sharm El-Sheikh. The Polisario delegation had participated in the Arab-African parliamentary congress, taking place in the Egyptian resort. This was the first time Egypt welcomes SADR delegation in an official event. King Mohammed VIs invitation to Al-Sisi in February also triggered public discontent in Morocco, certainly from Islamist movements. Movement of Unity and Reform (MUR) criticised Al-Sisis visit as they described him as coup president. The COP22 is considered a crucial event for Egypt as it is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects, according to local environment NGOs. Excessive rain floods in late October took over many cities in Upper Egypt and Sinai, killing at least 18 people, injuring and displacing dozen others. The conference is currently attended by hundreds of presidents, representatives from member states to follow up the implementation of Paris Agreement signed in December 2015. The Paris Agreement urges members states to keep rise of temperature well below 2 degrees Celsius by 2100. About 100 countries only have ratified the agreement so far, Egypt was not one of them. The agreement came into force, earlier this November. The Judge at National Court of Spain , Jose de la Mata has ordered on Saturday an investigation on the general secretary of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, accused for genocide, torture and disappearances committed against the Saharawi refugee population in Tindouf, Algeria,. Accusations addressed against Ghali responds to the complaint for crimes of genocide, murder, torture and disappearances that the de la Mata court admitted in November 2012 and was brought by the Asadedh association and three victims against 28 members of the Polisario Front and Senior officials of the Algerian government. Since then, the case has been closed on two occasions because of the impossibility of locating the defendants, but now De la Mata has been able to cite Ghali who publically expressed intention to visit Spain from 17 to 19 November at a Conference in Barcelona. The international league for Moroccan expatriates freedom and rights has drawn the attention of Spanish legal authorities specialized in crime against humanity cases on the need to arrest the Front Polisario Chief Brahim Ghali who may visit Spain very soon though he has been sued in Spanish courts for crime against humanity. The leagues legal experts have reportedly sent correspondences to Spanish political leaders and legal authorities that Ghali has been named in crime against humanity cases involving several victims among whom Spanish citizens. The leader of the separatist movement is expected to attend a conference in the Catalonia region, the league reminded Spanish authorities. In September, the association of victims of the Polisario Front, who suffered from torture practices and human rights abuses in Tindouf camp, in Algeria, called on Canary Islands authorities to help justice prevail and bring members of the separatist movement wandering in the archipelago to the book. Ghali has been cited in a group of 29 members of the separatist movement accused by their victims of genocide, torture and serious human rights abuses committed in the camp. A statement by the league also urged all the related institutions to take action so that the former representative of the Front in Spain is arrested and tried also for war crimes. Kenyas Akuku Danger goes to the Polygamy Hall Of Fame Famed internationally for his practice of extreme polygamy, 94 year old Acentus Akuku, aka "Danger", kicked the bucket on October 3 in Kenya after having been married 130 times and fathering nearly 300 children. African Farmers are Desperate for Change By Jasson Urbach The use of GM (genetically modified) food crops is a highly emotive issue. What should influence the debate between those who support these developments and those who oppose them is a report by the US Department of Agriculture. They estimate that with rising population trends, if no significant reforms are made over the next decade, the number of food insecure people (those consuming less than 2,100 calories per day) in Africa, will increase by 30 per cent to 645 million. To make use of the latest available technological developments is, therefore, of paramount importance. Photo : trouvephoto.com On the Charles Taylor verdict: a valuable precedent or blundering Western meddling? A judge from the tiny Samoan archipelago made history last week by declaring that Charles Taylor, the deposed president of the West African state of Liberia was guilty of aiding and abetting the multiple atrocities committed by a rebel force in neighbouring Sierra Leone nine years after being indicted by a United Nations Special Court. The judges unanimously ruled that Mr Taylor knowingly assisted the commission of these crimes by providing a continuous flow of arms, ammunitions, logistical and other forms of support to the main rebel group (Revolutionary United Front) in exchange for diamonds. By Luke Kendeck Consultant and Global Communications/Public Relations Director at Eaton Partnership Inc. Press releases - Panafrica Rio summit keeps African hopes alive By Kingsley Ighobor Monday 23 July 2012 African expectations were high for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the biggest UN summit ever. The conference, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June, was too important to fail, said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the outset. Under the theme of The Future We Want, many of the 100 heads of state and more than 40,000 participants demanded ambitious and measurable outcomes to address sustainability issues such as the green economy, climate change and so on. Yet when it was over, the Rio+20 summit left a heated debate over whether those goals had been met. KPMG hosts "transacting in Africa" discussion panel JOHANNESBURG, 30 July 2012 With the Great Africa Business Migration well under way, discussions around the realities of doing business on the continent are now at a critical point. Africa is far from being a homogeneous continent, with 55 countries all boasting different regulatory, tax and competitive environments. Transacting in Africa poses complexities that companies need to factor in. In light of this, KPMG convened a panel of experts for the sixth episode in its Africa Conversations Series, to discuss the most pertinent trends and challenges related to investing in Africa today. CNBC Africa broadcast the panel discussion, entitled Transacting in Africa, live across the continent while KPMG made the session available globally via live webcast. Sent by KPMG International The Other Afrik - Panafrica - Environment Green economy: empty rhetoric or pathway to future? By Stephen Leahy Monday 6 August 2012 / by Africa Renewal , for the other afrik World leaders and some 40,000 people converged on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June in the hope of charting a path towards a better, more sustainable future for everyone that many are calling the green economy. Underlining the urgency, Sha Zukang, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, said more than a year before the summit began: If we continue on our current path, we will bequeath material and environmental poverty, not prosperity, to our children and grandchildren. Unauthorized republication of this article without the express permission of Afrik-news.com is prohibited. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Afrik-news.com. Press releases - Panafrica Harnessing African stock exchanges to promote growth Despite weaknesses, right policies could unleash their power Tuesday 25 September 2012 Days before Facebook became a public company on 18 May, the hype behind the social network giant went into overdrive. Investors salivated over a rare chance to make quick profits. The 900 million plus fans who had turned Facebook into a global giant wondered publicly what was in it for them. Press releases - Panafrica African leaders, academics to debate economic transformation and empowerment at African Economic Conference 2012 Thursday 25 October 2012 KIGALI, Rwanda, October 25, 2012/ Hundreds of leaders and scholars from Africa and around the world will gather in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 30 to November 2 to debate the continents prospects for sustainable and inclusive growth in the context of the international economic crisis. Press releases - Panafrica Innovation Prize for Africa Announces Deadline Extension to Promote African-Led Innovation The winning proposal will be awarded a cash prize of $100,000 USD Thursday 25 October 2012 DAKAR, Senegal, October 25, 2012/ Due to the high demand from African innovators, The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) (http://www.africaninnovation.org) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) announced the extension of the deadline for submitting entries to the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) (http://www.innovationprizeforafrica.org) to 30 November 2012. More than a Distributor, THEMA is THE partner when it comes to international development THEMA* continues its distribution and marketing strategy of ethnic offers, in Europe and worldwide, confirming its status of preferred partner for international development of TV channels intended for immigrated communities and their respective descendants all over the world. From market research to channel distribution, THEMA is there at every step of the value chain. MONTREAL WILL HOST ITS FIRST EVER BLACK FASHION WEEK Montreal After the success of Paris Black Fashion Week, the event created by Adama Paris is gonna happen in Montreal from May 15 to 17 of 2013 in order to celebrate fashion while revealing the cultural wealth of the black diaspora. Africa, a "myriad" of markets Africa is consuming, but not enough. The products arriving on African markets do not necessarily match demand. It is all happening too slowly. These were the conclusions of the debate "The new African consumer" at the New York Forum Africa 2013 in Libreville, Gabon. New-York Forum Africa: going forward From 14 to 16 June, Libreville moves to the beat of the second New-York Forum Africa. The success of the first forum, in June 2012, looks set to be repeated. With an ambition: to celebrate the marriage of private initiative and the development of public infrastructure; investing both in business and in the conditions for future development. The presence of six African heads of state on Friday 14 June in Libreville showed this new horizon for African development. NYF Africa 2013: "We are not beggars," says Ali Bongo The Gabonese president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, speaking on Friday at the 2nd edition of the New York Forum Africa, invited Africans to work for the development of their people in order to create more wealth. Africa is bursting with potential and Africans should feel proud, even if there have been some hiccups, said the Gabonese leader, who asserted: "We are not beggars." INNOVEOX gets Charles Rosier as new Partner and TOTAL EP as first client In July 2011, Afrik.com announced the launch of a new, innovative company whose patented anti-pollution process - through Supercritical Hydrothermal Oxidation - promised a new beginning for Africa. The particularly relevant invention comes at a time when African countries are confronted with industrial pollution as a result of the ongoing development process. Two years on, Charles Rosier, a well-known banker and investor, has been placed at the helm of affairs as the companys CEO. The adventure has only started. Why we can hope for no more pedophiles in Morocco EDITORIAL African integration and a new president for Mali: a tale of two necessary transitions As the world is witnessing the surprisingly smooth political transition in Mali, Morocco is not only determined to speed up the pace of its own partnership with African countries but is also committed, at the highest level, to upgrade the economic integration of the African continent, which has evolved rapidly over the past few years in an area of strategic development. Annual session of States Parties to the Statute of the International Criminal Court is a venue for all States Parties Australia Australia and New Zealand: Where are the natives? I recently traveled through two beautiful countries, Australia and New Zealand. And as English speaking countries that share a common geographic location, I expected the two to share more than just a language. I couldnt be more wrong. International Prices, profits and planning - the teaching of Hayek Franklin Cudjoe The insights of Frederick Hayek concerning thedevelopment of modern human society have contributed greatly to our understanding of the relationshipbetween law, economics and politics. Panafrica African hi-tech taking leading position In many countries, the ICT sector is no longer marginal For 48 long hours, employees of Senegals National Telecommunications Company cut telephone and Internet connections to the rest of the world. That bold action, in August 2010, sought to force the government to back down on a plan to grant a US company exclusive rights to manage incoming international phone calls. Panafrica Africas Growth is not accompanied by employment? Interview with labour leader Kwasi Adu-Amankwah Africas labour movement is on the move from Cape to Cairo demanding democracy, devising policy and building a new African economy that creates jobs and opportunities for all. Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, the former head of Ghanas powerful labour federation, was elected general-secretary of the Africa division of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) in 2007, putting him at the helm of a pan-African labour movement representing 16 million workers in 47 countries. Michael Fleshman spoke with him at the World Social Forum in Dakar, Senegal, on 8 February, shortly after Mr. Adu-Amankwah led a march to the Egyptian embassy in solidarity with the Egyptian peoples pro-democracy movement. The Modi governments decision to ban 500 and 1000 rupee notes and replacing it with new currencies is laudable. It is definitely a right step taken by the government to curb black money and corruption. However, people are facing hardships for exchanging old currency and depositing money but it will prove beneficial for the nation in the long run. Often government claims about abolishing corruption but it has mostly failed to yield any result. Corruption is a global phenomenon and is omnipresent. Transparency International has put India at rank 76 out of 168 countries in its latest Corruption Perception Index. In this race, Denmark was ranked as the least corrupt nation by scoring 91 points, followed by Sweden and Finland. Many campaigns were started by politicians and activists in the country pertaining to eliminating black money and corruption but their endeavour failed to yield results. Whether it was the call of Sampoorna Kranti launched by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1974 or Anna Hazares movement for passing Jan Lokpal Bill and Baba Ramdevs campaign against black money all of them have lost its sheen over a period of time. Our economic growth has been affected by corruption and black money. On the other hand, corruption is prevalent in bureaucracy, judiciary, media and police machinery etc. A report on black money pertaining to bribery was released recently. According to this report, family living in urban areas pays Rs 4400 as bribe every year and a rural household pays Rs 2900 for the same. The survey said that these corruption complaints mostly exist in MNREGA and other government initiatives. In cities, a normal family pays bribe of Rs 1800 for job transfer-posting and Rs 600 to traffic police per year. With the passage of time, corruption is increasing significantly. Therefore the scrapping of currency notes of higher denomination is a right step. The surgical strike of Modi government against corruption and black money will give a new direction to the Indian economy. On one hand, this initiative will project India as nation following transparency on the other hand it will play a vital role in reducing the prices of many products. According to experts, this move will set an agenda for reform in industries like real estate and Sarafa Bazar. Its a setback for nations that are financing terrorist organizations or playing proxy war against Indian economy by publishing fake notes. After coming to power, this is the second instance when Modi government has taken initiative to curb black money and corruption. Earlier, the government had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by former Supreme Court judge to probe black money stashed abroad. Despite this no headway was made to curb black money and Modi government had to face flak from the opposition. However after this decision the government has sent across a right message to them. Vivekanand V. Vimarya (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) The first day of the Parliaments Winter Session witnessed the Congress-led Opposition attacking the Narendra Modi-led NDA government over its decision to ban old currency notes of Rs. 500 and 1000, and demanding an immediate rollback. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government is ready for any debate on the demonetisation issue, while seeking support of the Opposition in the best interest of the nation. Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged selective leak of information on demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes to friends of BJP and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs. one crore since April. Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the November 8 decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Anand Sharma (Congress) used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the November 8 decision). Congress leader Sharma led the Oppositions charge, asking Centre why were all Indians being criminalised by the move. 86% of the currency in the markets was 500/1000 notes, was scrapped by just one announcement. Was it all black?, Sharma asked the House. BJP hit back at Congress for criticising demonetisation and said despite facing hardships the common man in India was lauding the governments surgical strike against black money. As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Supporting her, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said since Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day, Modi should hear out at least the major parties. Defending PM Modi and his decision of demonetization of Rs. 500 and 1000, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, PM Modi has political will and intention. The entire nation is happy with the step. No one has ever questioned Narendra Modis intention. Across the world, the step taken by the BJP government is being hailed as a strong, decisive and a good step. Except you (Congress) who keeps oscillating between supporting the move and criticising it, more or less everyone is happy with the move. As far as difficulties are concerned, child birth is not easy at all. But once the child is born, the mothers happiness knows no bound. Opposition parties demand action against Gopal Shetty for his irresponsible comments made against those people who are dying after the demonetisation drive. At a time when several people have lost their lives while standing in queue for depositing and replacing old currency notes, BJP MP Gopal Shetty has made an irresponsible statement, kuch pane ke liye kuch khona padta hai.. Opposition parties criticised Shetty for the comments made by him and said that he is yet to understand the hardships faced by the common man who all are finding it difficult to buy essential commodities due to shortage of cash. Even though parties welcomed the step taken by the government to curb black money they questioned the manner in which it was undertaken which has caused huge inconvenience to everyone. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, Action must be taken against Gopal Shetty for making such anti-people remarks. He is only adding salt to the wounds of people who are struggling to withdraw their hard earned money from banks. Shiv Sena spokesperson Arvind Sawant said, Mr Shetty is unaware about the ground realities. He should first take stock of the situation before making irresponsible statements. The common man has to bear the brunt of demonetisation while the rich remains unaffected by it. Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik said, Shetty is unaware of the difficulties faced by people who are struggling to make both ends meet after the scrapping of high denomination currency notes. The government has not made arrangements to stock currencies of lower denomination which is creating cash crunch in the market. Sunil Sharma a Bhayander resident said, A person like Gopal Shetty who is the representative of the people should refrain from making such comments. For understanding the reality even politicians should stand in queue for a day outside banks. Earlier Gopal Shetty had said army personnel die while safeguarding the border areas of the country. Several personnel have died in Maoist attack and people have lost their lives on account of terrorism. Every year 3,500 commuters die on railway tracks, five lakh people are killed in road accidents but nobody speaks about them. He also had received flak for his insensitive comments on farmer suicides saying that it has become fashionable. Around 35 people have died so far in the country after currency notes of 500 and 1000 were scrapped by the government. Many of them have died due to rising debts, lack of money for purchasing essential commodities, shortage of money for treatment and depression. Even bank employees are undergoing stress due to rising work load after demonetisation. A State Bank of India employee lost his life in Pune due to heart attack. A senior citizen who was standing in a queue at a bank in Bhayander (West) died of a massive cardiac arrest on Wednesday morning. The man, Deepak Shah, 60, had been going to the bank for the past three days to exchange demonetised notes, said his relatives. Devraj Singh a 55 year old farmer had committed suicide in Uttar Pradesh after he was unable to withdraw money for marriage. In Nanded, a 60-year-old man, Digamber Kasbe, faced a similar fate after waiting several hours to exchange old notes at a PSU bank. While a 73-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died in Mulund on Friday, an infant lost his life a day after when he was denied admission to a Govandi hospital as his parents only had the old currency notes for paying the deposit. A 42-year-old man, Chhotelal Jaiswal, suffered a heart attack after waiting for over five hours in a queue in Kalwe suburb of Thane on Tuesday and later died in a hospital. Pakistans top foreign affairs official has said he plans to visit India next month for a regional conference, the first high-profile visit since tensions spiralled between the arch-rivals after a deadly attack on an Indian army base. Sartaj Aziz has said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference on Afganistan in December, asserting that the trip could be a good opportunity to defuse Indo-Pak tension. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. The killing of Indian soldiers soured relations and led to weeks of diplomatic quarrelling, with both Islamabad and New Delhi accusing opposing diplomats of spying and then expelling them. Its a good opportunity to defuse the tension, Aziz, who is an adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on foreign affairs, told the state-run PTV channel. We want to prove that Pakistan is with the multilateral process by attending the Heart of Asia Conference as Afghanistan is our top priority, he said. It was not immediately clear if he would hold any bilateral talks with Indian officials during the visit. The decision came after months of surging tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours sparked by a September attack on an Indian base in disputed Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers and which New Delhi blames on Pakistan-based militants. Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat Indias blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, the report said. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Advisor also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel Prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. Trump would deserve Nobel Prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute, he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that the US President-elect Donald Trump would be a natural ally if he fulfilled his campaign pledge to fight terrorism. However, Assad said it was dubious whether Trump could live up to his promises, Xinhua news reported on Wednesday. The Syrian President said this in an interview on Tuesday. He said he was skeptical about Trumps ability to fulfil his previous promises on the need to fight terrorism in cooperation with Russia. Assad said he was being extremely cautious about judging Trumps stance, particularly as he hasnt occupied any political position before, we cannot say anything about what he is going to do. His skepticism emanates from the fact that Trump was not alone in control of the US. What about the dominant forces within the US administration? What about the mainstream media against him? How would he handle it? And thus we remain skeptic on whether he can fulfil his promises or not, Assad said. Before winning the elections, Trump had expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in the war on terrorism, and thus a possible cooperation with the government of Assad. When you think about it, wouldnt it be nice if we got along with Russia? Trump said in July. Wouldnt it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of IS (the Islamic State)? he added. In the interview, Assad said that if Trump is going to fight the terrorists, then we will naturally be allies to him alongside the Russians, Iranians and others that want to defeat the terrorists. By Anne Dachel The Texas Tribune did not publishing my comment. Notice the title here is about unvaccinated children, but we only hear from PRO-VACCINE ADVOCATES: parents, a legislator, doctors and someone from the department of health. Reporter Anna Casey pretends to be balanced by including FOUR WORDS from Del Bigtree, producer of "Vaxxed." (And his words make no sense, since he isn't allowed to explain what he actually means here.) I broke my long-standing rule about not posting a comment on junk journalism like this. (So far it hasn't been appeared on the story.) Nov 15, 2016, Texas Tribune: Across Texas, growing clusters of unvaccinated children Even though statewide levels of vaccinations remain high, public health officials are increasingly worried about the geographic areas where parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children. By Anna Casey Many of the parents opting out of the immunizations, which are widely recommended by doctors, say they fear a link between the vaccines and health problems such as autism. But studies that they cite have been widely debunked by public health officials. ... . If healthy children arent receiving vaccines, they are putting children who are too young to receive the vaccine and people with compromised immune systems at a much greater risk of infection.... The American Academy of Pediatrics in September issued a statement encouraging pediatricians to be more vocal about the importance of vaccines for children healthy enough to receive them.... Others are even more adamant in their opposition. Thats a slippery slope, said Del Bigtree, one of the producers of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up To Catastrophe, a 2016 film drawing a link between autism and vaccines and alleging the federal scientists have covered up the research. It was directed by Andrew Wakefield the former British gastroenterologist now living in Texas who authored a discredited research paper linking vaccines to autism in 1998. Bigtree, who stopped vaccinating his children, said he believes that any efforts to disclose immunization rates in schools are motivated by fear. My Comment: Anna Casey makes a strong case here for vaccination with only a vague reference to the charge of massive research fraud and cover-up at the highest levels of the Centers for Disease Control. Were not told that a top CDC scientist has revealed that his agency destroyed study results showing a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This scientist, Dr. William Thompson, is willing to testify before Congress, but members of Congress refuse to hold hearings. WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 The House Agriculture Committee on Wednesday wrapped up its long-running examination of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Now, the lawmakers must decide how to use the information gleaned from the hearings as they begin to draft a new farm bill. Texas Republican Mike Conaway announced the series of hearings shortly after assuming the committees chairmanship. Now, two years later, Conaway said he was wrapping up the review by examining food access issues and how they relate to SNAP recipients. The hearing got started with a typical round of fireworks surrounding the motives behind the hearings. Committee Democrats used their opening statements to reiterate support for the program and say that the current system is functioning as intended. Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern, the ranking member on the panels nutrition subcommittee, issued a preemptive strike against any proposed effort to radically change SNAP in an upcoming farm bill. I have no idea what a Trump administration coupled with a Republican Congress means for the future of SNAP or other safety net programs, he said. Im worried, quite frankly Im terrified. If next year, the Republican leadership wants to block grant or cut the program or put more hurdles in place to deny people a benefit to put food on their table be prepared for one hell of a fight, he continued. Because this is a fight worth having. Later in the hearing, Conaway addressed some of those concerns, saying that the hearing series was meant to get the policies right. Some of my colleagues have argued passionately about what they wont agree to next year, Conaway said. This series of hearings was done simply to find out whats working and whats not working. It was never intended to cut SNAP or to do anything but improve it. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Conaway also touched on another controversial aspect of this debate: Whether to split off nutrition assistance programs from the rest of the farm bill. Conaway said he was committed to getting both sides of the farm bill extended on time. If its together, great; If its separate, great, Conaway said. The process is to be determined. Conaway said the findings from the two years of SNAP hearings Republicans said there were 16 hearings, Democrats counted 18 are being compiled into a report that he expects will be released at some point in December. He said the report will further the discussion as we move toward the legislative part of what our work is about. Representatives from a wide variety of businesses and organizations involved in food delivery and sales spoke at the hearing about how theyre addressing access issues and how technology could help. Eric French, Amazons Director of Grocery, pointed out that current SNAP regulations are written for brick and mortar locations, leaving online retailers and their customers at a disadvantage. Congress and the USDA should develop a framework that ensures the security of these transactions without prescribing specific technologies that could quickly become obsolete, French said. He said Amazon was excited about a USDA pilot program for online SNAP purchases, which is expected to debut in three states next summer. Did you know Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email and Daybreak audio Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website? Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription. However, many lawmakers pointed out that online retailing to SNAP recipients may not be the boon that some have predicted. In some cases, internet connectivity may be a barrier, while sparse populations in some areas could make food deliveries impractical. Online ordering could also make it more difficult to ensure that the person using the SNAP funds is actually the intended recipient. But witnesses also pointed out the benefits of improved food access for SNAP recipients. Pamela Hess is the executive director for the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, which grows and sells local produce from its mobile farmers markets around low-income neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., area. She said many of Arcadias customers are SNAP recipients with diabetes and other health problems, largely related to their high intake of processed foods. What you eat is largely dictated by the food that is convenient and affordable to you, Hess said. We cant condemn people for making bad choices if they dont have a choice to begin with. Hess, a former national defense journalist, cited figures that indicated amputations due to diabetes in a single year were nearly 50 times as great as were amputations from 10 years of battlefield injuries in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She specifically referenced a client of Arcadias mobile markets who began eating fresh greens and produce and was able to get her diabetes under control as a result. We are demonstrating every day that if you make wholesome food affordable and convenient, low-income people will purchase it and consume it in ever-increasing amounts, she added. Thats good for the rural economy and its great for public health. #30 WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 - Kansas Rep. Tim Huelskamp expressed interest in becoming agriculture secretary in the Trump administration and said he has talked to people in the room with the transition. Huelskamp, one of the most conservative House GOP members, lost the Republican primary this year after an array of farm groups came out in favor of challenger Roger Marshall, a physician who went on to win the general election. Huelskamps name has not come up in speculation about the USDA position, but during a Capitol Hill forum on Wednesday a reporter with Breitbart News asked Huelskamp to share with us any discussions youre had about becoming agriculture secretary. The executive chairman of Breitbart, Stephen Bannon, was CEO of Donald Trumps campaign and recently named to be his chief strategist in the White House. Huelskamp said he couldnt comment on the Breitbart question, but later he told Agri-Pulse that many, many people have been talking to him about the job. People who are in the room have been talking to me. If youre looking to be an outsider I would be quite a pick to fit that. We need to drain the swamp. I certainly am not part of that, Huelskamp said, referring to Trumps pledge to keep special interests out of his administration. He said he hadnt talked to Trump personally. He also noted that the agriculture secretary during most of the Clinton administration was Dan Glickman, a former Kansas Democratic congressman who had been voted out of office before he went to USDA. I wouldnt be the first Kansas ag secretary, Huelskamp said. Keep up with news in the world of agriculture as it happens. Sign up for a four-week free trial of Agri-Pulse. House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, has said that Trump has given Pence the lead role in agriculture policy and would have a say on who is selected as secretary. Asked about Pences role, Huelskamp said, I have not heard whos handling ag. My guess is that (selecting an agriculture secretary) is not the first priority. #30 Aiken, SC (29801) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. A few sprinkles possible. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. H135 joins Airbus Helicopters Helionix family The new cockpit system reduces workload for pilots and further enhances safety H135 equipped with the Helionix avionics suite Donauworth, 16 November 2016 The light-twin helicopter H135 received the type certificate by the European Aviation Safety Agency for its new Helionix cockpit. The avionics system designed by Airbus Helicopters offers operators increased mission flexibility and safety. Helionix is a family concept with standardised features and is already available on the H175 and H145. Axel Humpert, Head of H135 Programme said: The certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another milestone in the permanent evolution of this helicopter. The Helionix cockpit system with 4-axis autopilot significantly reduces the workload of the pilot and brings the H135 to an unrivalled level of safety due to the additional functions and mission features it adds to the H135s capability. Besides the 4-axis autopilot, Helionix offers an innovative cockpit layout which helps to increase situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays, the cockpit is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator. Thanks to two touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm GTN-750, Helionix ensures an all-in-one GPS navigation and communication system. The Traffic Advisory System TAS620A, a system which improves flight safety by assisting pilots in detecting and avoiding aircraft intersecting their flight path, is another key feature delivered by the Helionix avionics suite. Initial deliveries of the H135 with Helionix cockpit will occur in 2017. Among the first commercial operators will be Norsk Luftambulanse AS, a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operator. Ascent Flight Training, the UK Ministry of Defences (MOD) appointed Training Service Partner delivering for the UKs Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) selected Airbus Helicopters as the Aircraft Service Provider for the rotary wing element in May 2016. The UK MOD will be the first military customer. The H135 is the unbeaten market leader in light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopters. Traditional missions for this class of helicopters include emergency medical services, law enforcement, VIP and business passenger transport, maintenance of industrial wind parks and military training. Airbus Helicopters has delivered around 1,200 H135s to customers around the globe who have logged a total of more than four million flight hours. About Airbus Helicopters Airbus Helicopters, a division of Airbus Group, provides the most efficient civil and military helicopter solutions worldwide. Its in-service fleet includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in 154 countries. Airbus Helicopters employs more than 22,000 people worldwide and in 2015 generated revenues of 6.8 billion euros. www.airbushelicopters.com Medias: H135 Helionix cockpit H135 Media contacts: November 15, 2016 The US House on Nov. 15 easily passed tough new Syria sanctions that would box in both President Barack Obama and his successor, Donald Trump. The voice vote comes despite discreet pressure from the Obama administration to make it easier for the president to waive the sanctions. A Democratic congressional aide told Al-Monitor that bill writers declined to do so, in part because of concerns that Trump might use that authority to avoid enforcing the law. "I am sensitive to the fact that there have to be some waivers, because presidents have to have a certain kind of authority," bill sponsor Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., told Al-Monitor. "But I am unhappy with waivers all the time that you can drive a Mack truck through. I think at some point Congress has to say what it feels and, as a co-equal branch of government, have as much of a say as the executive." One Republican aide told Al-Monitor that Democrats actually signed off on the bill's waiver language before the election, when Hillary Clinton was the runaway favorite to win. And, indeed, Engel has long been pushing for tougher penalties on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with his bill first clearing the House Foreign Affairs Committee in July. Still, Trump's victory has caused concern on both sides of the aisle that the president-elect may be even more reluctant than Obama to turn the screws on Assad and his Russian supporters. "Ive had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria," Trump told The Wall Street Journal after his election. "My attitude was youre fighting Syria, Syria is fighting [the Islamic State (IS)], and you have to get rid of [IS]. Now were backing rebels against Syria, and we have no idea who these people are. Assad for his part called Trump a "natural ally" Nov. 15. "If he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be [an] ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian[s], with the Iranian[s], with many other countries," the Syrian president told Portugal's RTP state television. Republican leaders in Congress responded with a clear message that they want to see more action against Assad, not less. "Republicans and Democrats recognize the need to isolate the Assad regime for its continued atrocities against the Syrian people," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said in a statement ahead of the Nov. 15 vote. "Im glad the White House has stopped blocking these critical sanctions, which are a necessary response to Assads crimes against humanity. The president-elect has also caused heartburn with his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout the election. After the two men spoke by phone Nov. 14, Russia renewed its air campaign in Syria. "The Obama administrations last attempt at resetting relations with Russia culminated in Putins invasion of Ukraine and military intervention in the Middle East," Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., said in a Nov. 15 statement, without ever mentioning Trump by name. "At the very least, the price of another reset would be complicity in Putin and Assads butchery of the Syrian people. That is an unacceptable price for a great nation." Engel's bill would impose financial and travel sanctions on foreign persons who knowingly provide support to the government of Syria or its military and intelligence services. He made it clear that Russia was a main potential target of the legislation. "I am very concerned about the destructive role Russia is playing and has played in Syria," Engel said. "And I feel that they ought to be challenged, that we cannot simply let them get away with this." Engel said he hoped House action would prompt the Senate to follow suit. To date, no one in the upper chamber has introduced companion legislation. House Democrats stalled consideration of the bill in September when the White House urged them to give a newly minted cease-fire time to work. Since its failure, the administration has focused on getting broader waiver authority written into the bill, to no avail. "The administration retains a wide range of authorities to sanction the Syrian government and we believe those authorities are best exercised in a targeted manner at a time of our choosing reflecting the situation we see on the ground," a State Department official told Al-Monitor in an email. "We also continue to examine the sanctions option in concert with our European partners and other likeminded countries. "At this time, we are not seeking additional authorities from Congress, nor would we welcome the requirement to impose broad sanctions that could risk unintended consequences, including potentially for our own partners or allies and possibly for the humanitarian situation in Syria. As we have long said, sanctions are stronger when coordinated with our partners in Europe and beyond to achieve the maximum effect coupled with off ramps we can utilize should we achieve a change in behavior from the sanctioned party." Many if not most sanctions bills contain a broad national security waiver that gives the president near unfettered ability to conduct foreign policy. Engel's bill by contrast only allows the president to waive sanctions if progress is being made on a political settlement or if certain conditions are being met, including: an end to barrel bombing and other air attacks on civilians; restoration of aid to besieged areas; release of political prisoners; and an end to attacks against medical facilities and other civilian targets by the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian allies. "I know all administrations, be they Republican or Democratic, would like the Congress not to get involved," Engel said. "But I feel strongly that we need to get involved." Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. November 14, 2016 Apparently, its Egypts turn to be in the middle of ever-shifting Middle East alliances. The recent decision of Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Saudi Aramco, to cut off petroleum supplies to Egypt is, many analysts say, tied to recent political tension between the countries. This tension originated in October with Egypts vote, over Saudi objections, to side with Russia on a UN Security Council draft resolution on Syria. Russia backs the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whereas Saudi Arabia backs rebel forces. Saudi Aramcos decision came as the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) witnessed a certain improvement in relations with Turkey. Though Turkey wants Assad out of Syria, it is subject to Russias influence and has become less outspoken on the subject. Indeed, the GCC and Turkey held joint meetings Oct. 13 concerning Syria. It seemed that the closer Saudi Arabia got to Turkey, the farther away the Saudis drifted from Egypt. This perception was reinforced when Saudi Arabia pre-empted the summit by having Aramco sign 18 memoranda of investment and understanding with Turkish companies after cutting off Egypts supply of oil. However, the United Arab Emirates was able to smooth things over to an extent between the GCC and Egypt by agreeing Nov. 7 to export petroleum to Egypt. UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Abdullah bin Zayed met Oct. 16 with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , prompting speculation about the future of Egyptian-UAE relations. This marked the first visit by an Emirati official to Turkey after years of tense relations as a result of Turkeys strident criticism of the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, as well as Turkeys hostility to the current regime of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi . In a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu after the meeting, Zayed said the UAE would support the Turkish government in its efforts to regroup after the failed coup of July. Questions about the future of Egyptian-UAE ties have accumulated due to something Zayed didnt say at the press conference. When Cavusoglu reiterated that Turkish forces would remain in Iraq until Mosul is liberated from the Islamic State (IS), Zayed remained silent. Many observers construed the silence as implicit Emirati support of the Turkish position, which runs counter to that of Egypt and the Arab League. In addition, certain media reported that Zayed expressed the UAEs frustration over the Sisi regime, even stating that the UAE might support Turkey in some of its views concerning Egypt in the future. Since then, Egypt and the UAE have become closer at the expense of Saudi-Turkish ties with Egypt. Currently, a functional relationship between Egypt and Saudi Arabia/Turkey depends in part on the latter twos ability to pressure Egypt to change its stance on the Syrian crisis. The UAE gesture of selling oil to Egypt replacing the canceled Aramco supplies took away some of that leverage. Egyptian Petroleum Minister Tariq al-Mulla visited the UAE Nov. 7 to sign contracts for the oil, according to an Al-Monitor source in the Egyptian parliaments Energy Committee. In addition, during a press conference that day from the UAE, Mulla commented on a rumored visit to Iran, saying, We will not go to Iran to import oil. In fact, Muhammad Said Idris, a researcher specializing in Egyptian-Iranian relations at Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor that Egypt would reject any rapprochement with Iran unless the security of Gulf countries, especially the UAE, is guaranteed. In that context, he noted that Turkey had not listed Gulf or Emirati security as a priority in dealing with Iran. Saad al-Gamal, head of the Committee for Arab Affairs in the Egyptian parliament, stressed in an August statement that Egypt believes Irans occupation of three UAE islands threatens Egyptian national security, which is an extension of Gulf security. During his press conference with Cavusoglu, the UAEs Zayed expressed his countrys gratitude to Turkey for its supposed support of the Emirati claim to the three Iran-controlled islands, Tunb al-Kubra, Tunb a l-Sughra and Abu Musa. Turkey had never previously taken a clear position on the issue, thus driving many in the Iranian media to attack Turkey. In turn, Turkey declared it would refuse to recognize any UAE claim to the islands. Mostafa Zahran, a researcher of Turkish affairs at the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, told Al-Monitor that it isn't expected for Turkey to lean in favor of the UAE when it comes to the issue of the islands, as Turkey and Iran are tightly connected by many strategic, regional and economic interests. He noted that despite the conflict about some issues, including Syria, they understand that they're pivotal players in the Middle East and keen on maintaining interests. On the other hand, Zahran said that Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are in need of the support of Turkey as a main Sunni player in the Middle East creating balance in front of an expansion of Iranian influence, as in the issue of the Syrian crisis. He noted that Saudi Arabia and Qatar aren't expected to put pressure on Turkey in light of their need for its support to acknowledge the UAE's ownership of the islands, even if this contravenes Iranian ambitions. It does not seem that the UAE will align itself with the policies favored by the Saudi-Qatari-Turkish bloc on Syria, where the push for scaling back Russian intervention might hasten Assads fall. Assad stands in the way of a project to build a pipeline extension to export natural gas from Qatar and Saudi Arabia to Europe through Syria and Turkey. Al-Monitor previously reported on the competition between Qatar and Saudi Arabia on the one hand and Iran and Qatar on the other to export gas to Europe. This report was built on an article by Maj. Rob Taylor in the American Armed Forces journal, which was cited by Assad himself in an interview with the Russian newspaper Pravda, where he said that the projects of pipelines from Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia existed as ideas without final offers from any country. Perhaps increased Qatari economic development, as represented by exporting gas to Europe, threatens UAE influence and resources, especially in the wake of intense competition between Dubai and Qatar over tourism and the expansion of their airports. This competition manifested itself when Qatar attempted, through its investments in Egypt while the Muslim Brotherhood was in power, to develop the Suez Canal to compete with Dubai's ports. The UAE position isn't likely to change into open support for the Iranian-allied Assad, owing to Tehran's ongoing disputes with the Emirates. However, the UAE will be oriented toward supporting political solutions agreed upon by regional and international powers, coupled with a rejection of military ground interventions or sanctions against any party. Indeed, the UAEs delegate to the UN Human Rights Council declared as much in that bodys Oct. 22 session. This will form another point of Emirati congruence with Egyptian policies at the expense of the Saudi-Qatari-Turkish bloc. As yet, no evidence points to likely sources of tension between Egypt and the UAE, and both remain in agreement on an array of regional issues, including the three islands and Syria. At the same time, Turkey is avoiding tense sticking points in its dealings with Iran, notably on the issue of the islands, especially since there have been proposals to pass the Iranian pipeline through Turkey as an alternative to traversing Syria and the Mediterranean. November 15, 2016 Few Israelis understood why their hard-line defense minister would even talk about a seaport and an airport in Gaza. In an Oct. 24 interview with the widely circulated Palestinian daily Al-Quds, Avigdor Liberman offered the formula for a possible Gazan port and airport. If they make the decision to stop digging tunnels, smuggling arms and firing rockets at us, we will be the first to invest in a port, an airport and industrial areas. The strange thing about this statement was that it didnt include the usual Israeli call for completely disarming Gaza, and that Liberman volunteered to talk about the port and airport without being asked about them. Ahmed Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American aviation visionary who has been advocating for a UN-administered airport for some time, was quick to note the opening provided by Liberman in the interview. However, Alkhatib, the founder and director of Project Unified Assistance (PUA), a registered US nonprofit organization, was frustrated when UN special envoy Nickolay Mladenov dismissed Libermans statement Nov. 5 as a distraction that avoided addressing the real issues, such as large-scale unemployment in Gaza, which is almost at 50%. Speaking to Al-Monitor by phone from San Francisco, Alkhatib said that an airport is a fundamental need for rebuilding Gaza, adding, It will help stabilize the Strip and will contribute to implementing tangible improvements to the lives of Gazans. PUAs response to Mladenov has attracted attention to its initiative to establish a UN airport in Gaza. The charity defines itself on its website as a "US-based humanitarian nonprofit organization advocating for the establishment of a United Nations operated and regulated airport in the Gaza Strip under a humanitarian, politically neutral framework. The airport would prioritize humanitarian supplies and transporting individuals with medical needs and would also offer its services to other passengers and products, depending on the arrangements made with Israel to meet its security needs, according to PUA. Alkhatib told Al-Monitor that the concept is not new for either the UN or for Gaza, saying, In the 1950s and 1960s, the UN operated an airport in Gaza, and that history is well-documented by the UN and others. Alkhatibs idea is that the UN, working with third parties, would be fully responsible for managing the airport, avoiding the current political and security complications of travel. The third party running the airport for the UN could be any country or organization that Israel would approve. It could come from NATO if that would put the Israelis at ease, he said. The idea is not about a Palestinian sovereign airport, the US-based Gaza native activist insisted, adding, We need to overcome the current gridlock by finding a formula that can bypass Israeli and Egyptian restrictions in a way that addresses the needs of both parties. Alkhatib does nevertheless believe that the airport could become Palestinian-run after 5-10 years of its successful operation, provided the right set of circumstances. The airport will be managed and administered by the UN and will be run independently, while at the same time, it will not interfere with Israeli airspace. Alkhatib noted, adding that despite Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza in September 2005, in reality, Palestinians are not free to travel. So this will be a test of whether Israel will allow a UN humanitarian airport to be implemented or whether what it has been saying since 2005 about leaving Gaza is nothing but public relations talking points, he said. Alkhatib argued that the Israelis seem to be flexible so long as the project doesnt affect their security. What is needed from Israel, he said, is to allow UN planes to use a relatively narrow aerial corridor over the Mediterranean waters to allow for flight operations that will land and take off right on the southwestern coast of Gaza. He added that Israeli officials at the highest levels are aware of his project. Alkhatib and his supporters in Gaza secured Hamas approval in October. Hamas has not only supported the idea, but has scrapped a housing plan on the strip of land in the Mawasi area that is being suggested as the site for the proposed UN airport, he said, adding that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has also given the green light to the project and employees of relevant UN agencies working in Gaza are very supportive, albeit in a discrete manner due to the sensitivity of the airport issue and their roles. The UN airport would require about $200 million for the initial phase, which could be completed in 12-18 months, said Alkhatib. US President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton joined Yasser Arafat for the ceremonial opening of an airport near the southern Gaza town of Rafah in November 1998. At the time, Palestinian Airlines was a godsend to the people of Gaza. From the Rafah airport, Palestinians in the Strip where able to fly to Amman, Cairo or Baghdad. In 1999, a Palestinian could travel from Amman or Cairo and reach his Gaza home within an hour or two, including the time it took for an Israeli security check. After the destruction of the Rafah airport, Palestinian Airlines continued to operate for a few years out of al-Arish airport in Sinai, but that didnt last long because of the Israeli siege and the security situation in northern Sinai. Today, one of Palestinian Airlines' Fokker airplanes is on lease in Africa while the other is being repaired. Those were the golden days, Palestinian Airlines CEO Khaled Mubarak told Al-Monitor from his base in Amman, Jordan. "When the second intifada broke out in October 2000 and the Israeli airport liaison officer was killed, we were not able to fly. Israel dug up the runway in 2002 and prevented us from flying either way." Freedom of movement is one of the dearest desires of people under siege. An airport in Gaza run by the UN or any other agency would do more to sooth the anger and pain of Gazas nearly 2 million Palestinians than any political speech or international resolution. Palestinians dream of an independent state and the ability to travel freely, away from a departed occupier that is still very much present in the lives of every Gazan. While a UN-administered airport might seem like a compromise, it is far better than the current stalemate and continuous siege on the Gaza enclave. November 15, 2016 On Nov. 15, speculations over US President-elect Donald Trumps possible plans to amend the nuclear deal and the role of the European Union in safeguarding the agreement were once again the main stories on the front pages of newspapers in Iran. Since Trumps Nov. 8 victory, Iranian politicians and commentators have been quick to express their hope for a rational approach by the incoming US administration to the July 14, 2015, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Nov. 14, Yahya Rahim Safavi, the former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said, We hope that the US president-elect would demonstrate a tangible shift on Iran and the region so that the roots of insecurity would be removed from the region. Meanwhile, the leading business daily Donya-e Eqtesad predicted that the nuclear deal with Iran will not be a top priority for Trump. On Nov. 15, Donya-e Eqtesad wrote, In his interview on CBS 60 Minutes Trump did not say a word about Iran and the nuclear deal. More importantly, he fiercely criticized the US-backed wars in the Middle East. Cutting US military spending in the Middle East and fighting against [the Islamic State] seems to be Trumps foreign policy priorities, the daily added. Despite Trumps harsh comments on the nuclear deal during his presidential campaign, he has taken a softer position on Iran since he has been elected president. On Nov. 15, in a reaction to news about Trumps possible actions to put the nuclear deal in danger, Arman daily published Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiris comments as saying, They want to make the people worry. After the nuclear agreement, we have seen the partial lifting of the sanctions. The other part of the sanctions should also be removed soon, and it is meaningless to say one side would not follow the agreement due to having a new president. No one buys these excuses, stressed Jahangiri. Another related development that grasped the attention of Iranian media was the Nov. 13 emergency dinner meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss EU policies after Trumps win. Arman covered the meeting under the headline Dinner of fear in Brussels. The daily quoted EUs foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini as saying, This is not a bilateral agreement; it is a multilateral agreement, endorsed by the UN Security Council resolution. So it is in our European interest, but also in the UN interest and duty, to guarantee that the agreement is implemented in full. Reformist Shargh Daily also carried a large photo of Mogherini on its front page along with the headline Mogherini: protection of nuclear deal is EUs priority. According to Shargh, the EUs stance on the nuclear deal shows that European countries are interested in expanding their relations with Iran. In addition, in commentaries and interviews with Iranian international relations experts, Shargh explored the possibility of new US-Russian relations and its impact on the nuclear deal and Irans policies in the Middle East. November 15, 2016 BEIRUT Michel Aouns election as president on Oct. 31 ended the longest presidential vacancy in Lebanons history, and with that and Saad Hariris appointment as prime minister, Lebanese are now turning their attention to next summers parliamentary elections. After parliament extended its term for a second consecutive time in 2014, new groups arose to challenge the powers that have traditionally dominated Lebanons government, making for a potentially historic election. A series of popular movements emerged out of the 2015 garbage protests, channeling protesters demands and presenting voters with political alternatives. Although Lebanese civil society groups have thus far fallen short of their objectives of winning elections and deciding government policy, they have inspired a new wave of Reformist parties that could for the first time realistically contest the current political elite at the parliamentary level. Sami Atallah, executive director of the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, said an array of new parties is gearing up for the elections. Definitely there is an excitement, he told Al-Monitor. There are so many groups. I know of at least 20, and there is probably another 10 or 15 that I dont know of, maybe another 20. Some of them are new, some of them are old, some of them are doing other things but they want to run, so there is sort of an intoxication with this. Beirut Madinati did it, we can do it, he said, explaining the new groups' hopes and referring to a new party that ran in the municipal elections last year. But its hard, its not going to be a picnic. There are many groups, but I dont know what the success rate is going to be. The fate of Lebanons nascent popular movements will depend in part on their ability to learn from the shortcomings of their predecessors and establish a unified front. Like You Stink, one of the most prominent groups in the garbage protests, the Reformists will likely have to navigate a gauntlet of external threats. According to Carmen Geha, an assistant professor of public administration at the American University of Beirut, the garbage protest movements were unable to further mobilize supporters because of media attacks, government co-optation and the threat of physical force from the country's dominant parties. Nonetheless, the social momentum generated by You Stinks campaign encouraged the formation of Beirut Madinati, a grassroots party that Atallah said represents the first time Lebanese civil society has seriously contested the traditional parties in elections. The party also faced opposition from Charbel Nahas Citizens Within a State list, which ran on a similar secular and reformist platform. Although Beirut Madinati surpassed expectations, attracting 40% of the vote in Beirut, Lebanons majoritarian electoral law prevented it from taking any seats in the municipal government. Tarek Ammar, who ran as Beirut Madinatis vice mayor, told Al-Monitor that the group considered participating in the 2017 elections, but decided against the idea on Oct. 29. As Beirut Madinati, for the time being, we decided not to go into parliament because of the many responsibilities we have, because of the structure we have, he explained. However, it doesnt mean that Beirut Madinatis members are not active or working on the parliamentary election. In light of the challenges You Stink and Beirut Madinati faced in the past year, some civil society groups are now looking to form coalitions to bolster their competitiveness in the 2017 balloting. Among them is Sabaa, a new organization that made waves with a $60,000 marketing campaign before announcing its formation at a press conference Oct. 19. Sabaa spokesperson Assad Douiahy told Al-Monitor that one of the groups primary objectives is to establish a model of participatory democracy that others can follow. The concept, he said, centers around ensuring democratic governance within the party for example, choosing party leaders through an election process and engaging constituents in identifying community issues and drafting policy solutions. To that end, Douiahy said Sabaa will soon reveal a mobile polling app that will enable users to communicate directly with Sabaa members. Utilizing this participatory approach, Douiahy hopes his group can form partnerships with other parties and draft strategies in pursuit of their goals, such as adoption of an electoral law based on proportional representation. Douiahy noted that Sabaa might not run in the summer elections, depending on its readiness, but he encourages others to join forces. They [parties] need to unite, whether under a fair electoral law or not. They need to unite. I mean, not like what happened with Beirut Madinati and [Charbel] Nahas. It was a very bad experience. Nadine Moussa, president of the Citizens' Movement, told Al-Monitor that her party is interested in coalition forming even if her party's candidates dont make it onto the ballot. It is not about candidates or persons; it is about the right criteria for the selection of the candidates, she said. We are not going to run just to have a seat. She added, People are sick and tired of such opportunistic politicians. They want ... real public services. They want people who really represent them, who have really suffered their suffering. The United Lebanese League is another anti-establishment party hoping to reduce corruption, increase transparency and pursue liberal priorities such as civil rights. Party founder Rabih Chafi said his group is also looking to build a coalition with organizations that share similar platforms. There are a lot of potential candidates that are ready, Chafi told Al-Monitor. A lot of people who are independent of a political group want to run on their own, and the intention is to basically bring these people together to form a coalition in order to make a national proclaimed, national movement. Despite the reformist parties having similar goals, it remains unclear whether they will be able to agree on common strategies and tactics if united under a coalition. According to Geha, if such a coalition emerges as a realistic challenge to the traditional parties, they should expect steep resistance from the current power holders. You can imagine, at the national level, what the two coalitions [March 14 and March 8] will do if there is a serious opponent, Geha said. Okay, I have people, and I have money and mobilization; its serious, we can actually win. I think they might postpone the elections. I think they might co-opt it. I think they might rig the result. November 15, 2016 They are afraid to talk, lest they are being wiretapped or are under surveillance. They are afraid to meet in a group, lest they be accused of illicit underground organization. They fear the knock at the door that can take place any moment the knock leading to arrest and imprisonment. Those with families are afraid that their children will be stigmatized and they themselves will be crucified as traitors attempting to subvert the rais (presidents) regime. And they have good reason to fear. In recent weeks October-November those who answer to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have indeed been cleansing the Palestinian Authority (PA) of the supporters of former Fatah senior member Mohammed Dahlan, Abbas bitter rival, under Abbas orders. The campaign is running full speed ahead and on all fronts: in refugee camps, where support for Dahlan is high; in Fatah institutions; and even in the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). All this, in anticipation of Fatahs seventh conference scheduled to take place Nov. 29 in Ramallah. The last time this parley was convened was in August 2009 in Bethlehem. At the time, about 2,000 delegates from around the world attended. In light of the imminent conference and Abbas concern over Dahlans rising power within the Fatah movement, the Palestinian president has undertaken steps reminiscent of totalitarian regimes. For example, only about 1,300 delegates are expected to attend the upcoming conference. This is because Abbas people removed the names of Gaza Strip-Fatah people from the list, as clear Dahlan supporters. About three weeks ago, on Oct. 22, PA security forces burst into Amari refugee camp in the Ramallah area and arrested a group of Dahlan supporters who held a rally for their exiled leader. Another wave of arrests took place in recent weeks among the youths in Fatahs Shabiba youth movement. This organizations activities are centered in universities, and dozens of students were taken in for questioning and arrested. A high-placed Palestinian source in the Fatah movement who is viewed as a close associate of Dahlan told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the number of arrests are increasing daily. No one knows who will be the next in line. The source refused to talk to Al-Monitor on a regular phone line out of concern that Palestinian intelligence might be wiretapping his conversations. He only agreed to talk after he succeeded in getting hold of a secure phone. Then he spoke about the atmosphere of terror among people viewed as supporting Dahlan, whether in the present or past. According to the source, Not only Gaza people living in the West Bank are being followed. Now West Bank residents are also under surveillance, mainly those in the refugee camps. Dahlan has a large support base in the Nablus and Jenin refugee camps, by virtue of the funds he solicited for them from the Gulf emirates; these funds were used to promote community projects and assist needy families. According to the Palestinian source, the people who are most threatened and under tight surveillance are the hundreds of Fatah activists who fled to the West Bank from Gaza after Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in a military coup in 2007. Since Dahlan is a Gaza person and managed to win over the hearts of the Fatah people in Gaza for many years, said a Palestinian source, all of them [Gaza-originated people] are marked whether or not [Abbas has] suspicious information on them. They are all under surveillance. Thus, numerous people are brought in for hearings before the PAs Preventive Security Force. These include people who have positions in the PAs apparatus or in Fatah's apparatus, but mainly security people employed by the PA anyone who is suspected of expressing support for the presidents rival. If it emerges at a hearing that there is some justification for the suspicions attributed to them, the suspects are fired from their positions. For others, when no basis is found for the suspicions yet some doubt still remains, these people are hit with monetary fines. This usually takes the form of cutbacks in their salaries over several months, which acts as a deterrent to others. In effect, these position-holders join the hundreds of PA employees in the Gaza Strip suspected of supporting Dahlan, their former leader in Gaza. For several years, the PA had continued paying Gaza salaries, even when Gaza was under Hamas control. But recently, these employees stopped receiving wages from the PA, apparently for the same reason. Evidently, this will be the fate of anyone who even dares to entertain the notion that Abbas rival living in his Dubai exile today will one day inherit the place of the Palestinian rais. But the most alarming move of all to Fatah people even those who do not count themselves as part of Dahlans circle of supporters is the recent ruling of the PLC. On Nov. 3, the Council ruled that Abbas has the authority to revoke the immunity of members of the PLC. The significance of this is that Abbas directive to revoke Dahlans immunity, which was issued in 2012 when the conflict between them became public and Dahlan was dismissed from Fatah and expelled from the territories, is in fact legal. This means that Dahlan can be convicted at any time in absentia. Even his supporters in the Palestinian parliament who expressed support for him in the past or will do in the future can be legally tried in court. For many months now, the Israeli security system has been keeping close tabs on the bitter internal struggles in the PA. Israeli sources assess that we have entered Abbas twilight era. We get the impression that President Abbas is cleaning out the stables before he resigns from his position. Otherwise, we have no explanation for this madness, a well-versed Israeli security source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. Abbas understands the animosity against him, but is not able to even consider the possibility of being replaced by Dahlan. Will Abbas resign in the upcoming conference? No one even dares to guess. Regarding a potential successor, the Palestinian Fatah source said, There are many names being thrown around. One thing is clear: It wont be Marwan Barghouti, who is incarcerated in an Israeli prison. It can definitely be Nasser al-Qudwa, a relative of [PLO Chief] Yasser Arafat and former PLO delegate to the United Nations. But he wont have an easy life, because Dahlan will be on his case. November 16, 2016 Israels newly named ambassador to Ankara likely heaved a sigh of relief as he perused the headlines in Turkey on Nov. 16. The virulently anti-Semitic Yeni Safak recorded Eitan Naehs appointment on its front page in determinedly neutral prose. Islamist newspapers such as Yeni Akit and Dirilis Postasi ignored the news altogether, a telling silence indicating that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans militant base has digested his decision to end six years of diplomatic froideur with Israel. The choice of Naeh, who served as Israels ambassador to Azerbaijan and is currently the No. 2 at the Israeli mission in London, is an unmistakable sign of the importance his government places on fixing the relationship. Naeh is counted among the Israeli Foreign Ministrys finest and has been at the forefront of a quiet campaign to reach out to Muslim countries that continue to shun the Jewish state. Naeh also served in Ankara in the 1990s and left a very positive mark. Ties between the former allies crumbled when Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish flotilla led by the Mavi Marmara ship as it sought to break Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip. Turkish activists were killed on board, triggering widespread outrage and the expulsion of Israels ambassador from Turkey. Washington has lobbied hard for its closest regional allies to mend fences. The first breakthrough came when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telephoned his then-Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at US President Barack Obamas behest and apologized for the Mavi Marmara affair. The sides have since agreed on a compensation package for the victims, the shelving of Turkish legal claims against the perpetrators and Turkish access to the Ashdod port in Gaza. Turkey has also withdrawn its veto of cooperation between NATO and Israel. Most observers agree that pragmatism is the main driver of the thaw. The Turkish-Israeli alliance allowed both countries greater influence in the region. For example, when Turkey threatened military action against Syria over its harboring of the now-imprisoned Kurdistan Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan in 1998, while the bond with Israeli was at its peak, Syria, mindful of potential trouble with Israel, instantly booted him out. Today, Israel and Turkey are both unnerved by Irans rising influence in their respective backyards and could use each other's support. Friendly relations with Israel also helped Turkey score brownie points among influential American congressmen in the past and will surely help Ankara curry favor with President-elect Donald Trump, who is a big promoter of Israel. And even while political ties were frozen, business ties between Turkey and Israel continued to expand. Last week, Yuval Steinitz became the first Israeli minister to visit Turkey since 2010 for talks with Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak about a gas pipeline that would carry offshore Israeli gas from the Mediterranean Sea to Turkey and on to Europe. Energy cooperation is a risk-free way to reboot the relationship and offers greater access to Erdogan. Albayrak is married to Erdogans eldest daughter, Esra, and is widely seen as second to the Turkish president in influence. Still, Israels man in Ankara may be in for a bumpy ride. For one, Turkey has yet to fulfill Israels demands that it expel members of Hamas military wing from its borders. Although this promise has been part of the normalization deal with Israel, it amounts to Turkeys recognition of the distinction between Hamas political and military wings a distinction Ankara is not too eager to make, observed Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a conservative think tank. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Erdemir speculated that as a compromise, Turkey might tell a few high-profile Hamas figures to relocate to close ally Qatar. Such a sleight of hand, however, might not suffice to stop Israels complaints that Turkey is not fully implementing its part of the deal, he concluded. November 15, 2016 DIYARBAKIR, Turkey In the battle for Mosul in Iraq, the Islamic State (IS) is losing power and, simultaneously, its Kurdish fighters, as forces spearheaded by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) peshmerga advance. Like the Kurds of Turkey, in recent years, Kurds in Iraq, Syria and Iran began identifying with IS. After IS turned Iraq into a battlefield, hundreds of Kurds joined. Kurdish young people became interested in IS not only because of the strengthening Islamic movement in the Kurdistan Region, but also because of social and political crises. According to the KRG's Religious Affairs Department, in the past three years more than 500 people ages 11-25 joined IS from Iraqi Kurdistan alone. More Kurds are believed to have joined from Iran. So far, about 150 Kurds have been apprehended or have surrendered to Kurdish security forces; some remain within the group. IS made an enormous effort to recruit Kurds and even established a battalion bearing the name of an influential Kurdish commander, Salahaddin Eyyubi. However, because their numbers were few and many were killed in operations, the battalion was abolished. It's hard for many people to understand why so many Kurds joined IS, which has carried out major attacks against Kurds. Though IS has recruited Kurds heavily, it also has released videos and information that would seem to have the opposite effect. Kurdish communities were particularly resentful of a propaganda video IS released in January 2015. It showed three IS militants guarding a Kurdish peshmerga fighter later identified as Hucam Surci. By the end of the clip, one of the IS militants beheads Surci. Kurdish officials disclosed that the executioner was Mofak Esad Iskender himself a Kurd. Iskender had run a bakery in the Kurdistan Region area before joining IS with his two brothers after IS captured Mosul in 2014. Iskender was later slain by other Kurds. Another IS propaganda clip attracted attention as well. It also presented a Kurdish executioner for IS. The Syrian press said this man was known as "The Bulldozer" inside the organization and had executed many people. Journalist and terrorism expert Cemal Huseyin, who lives in the Kurdistan Region, believes most of the Kurds who joined IS have been killed. And for those still alive, many IS Kurds believe death will be their only option, he told Al-Monitor. No Kurd has been given an important post in IS. Moreover, their numbers are insignificant. Most of the Kurds who joined IS are not alive now. Those still alive will have the same fate," he told Al-Monitor. "They have no choice but to stay on and get killed." Huseyin cited some other reasons Kurds remain in IS ranks. Nothing except IS can unite these Kurds. That is why they will stay. Since they dont have a Kurdish leader in IS, they cannot get organized and act as a group. Only Mala Shwan emerged as a strong Kurd in IS, but he was soon killed at Havice. Today, Kurds in [IS] are scattered all over. Some could split from IS and join Jaish al-Fatah [Army of Conquest]. Al-Qaeda sees itself as an alternate IS and is trying to bring them together under its banner. After [IS leader Abu Bakr] al-Baghdadi is killed, a major segment of IS is likely to join al-Qaeda, he said. Marwan Naksibendi, a senior official of the KRG's Religious Affairs Department, also believes the number of Kurds in IS has dwindled significantly, to perhaps 35. He is unsure of their status and told Al-Monitor they might even have fled to Europe. Of the 150 who either abandoned IS and returned to Kurdistan or were captured, some have finished their prison terms and returned to their normal lives, he said. "Some are still under detention and their rehabilitation continues. In the last year, nobody from the [Kurdistan Region] has gone over to IS. In some cases, families have applied to KRG security agencies and asked for help to bring their children back. They were given help. Some of those who have surrendered will be set free after investigations, but they will be watched, Naksibendi told Al-Monitor. He added, however, that there are still IS sympathizers in the Kurdistan Region, as well as sleeper cells and individuals secretly working for IS. IS does not trust the Kurds, he said, especially after the blows IS has received from Kurdish peshmerga. Kurdish security forces have been effective against IS. Our religious people are struggling against IS in mosques. Most Kurds support security agencies. That is why IS has given up on the Kurds in southern [Iraq], he added. Naksibendi thinks most of the Kurds in IS are from Iran. He also believes many Kurds who joined IS traveled to Syria via Turkey. Some joined IS in Baghdad and Anbar province in Iraq. Most of the Iraqi Kurds who remain in IS operate in the Iraq areas of Mosul, Hawija, Erbil and Kirkuk, he said. There have been a significant number of Turkish Kurds who joined IS. At one point, IS formed units made up of Turkish Kurds called Bizanttiye in Tell Abyad, Syria. IS has frequently used Turkish Kurds in suicide attacks inside Turkey. Security sources said many Kurds are recruited from the Bingol and Adiyaman provinces of Turkey, and Halabja in the Kurdistan Region. November 15, 2016 Donald Trumps election as president may have sent shock waves across the world, leaving many countries deeply concerned, but it has had the opposite effect in Turkey. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are pleased with this turn of events. Remarks by Trump to The New York Times in July, where he praised Erdogan for foiling the July 15 coup attempt and suggested that instead of criticizing Turkey, the United States should consider the state of its own civil liberties, are also being recalled with pleasure in Ankara. Erdogan has little sympathy for President Barack Obama, who openly criticized the deteriorating state of democracy in Turkey and appeared reluctant to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic cleric accused of masterminding the July 15 coup attempt. Obamas policies in Iraq and Syria, which did not match Ankaras expectations, were also a source of aggravation for Erdogan. Erdogans first reaction to Trumps victory was welcoming. Addressing a business forum in Istanbul on Nov. 9, he said that a new era was opening with Americas choice, and he wanted to consider this an auspicious occasion. Erdogan was also among the first to congratulate Trump. Traveling back from a visit to Belarus over the weekend, Erdogan told reporters that he had invited Trump to visit Turkey on one of his first visits abroad. He will be assuming the presidency on Jan. 20, 2017. If possible we could also meet before that date. During our phone conversation we both said we would be pleased to meet at the shortest possible time, Erdogan said. He added that statements from Trumps team on Syria and Iraq also showed similarities with Turkeys positions, especially with regard to the need for a no-fly zone in Syria. Erdogan did not waste the opportunity to hit at Hillary Clinton either. Trump did not take money from FETO [the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terror Organization, a term Ankara uses to refer to Gulen followers]. As for the other side, I got reports that they received money from that organization, Erdogan said. He was referring to claims that the Gulen camp had donated $2 million to Clintons campaign. Ankara also holds a grudge against Clinton for promising to arm Syrian Kurds considered by Ankara to be terrorists. But the extradition of Gulen is clearly going to remain a key issue in Turkish-US ties. This was also plain to see in Prime Minister Binali Yildirims first comment on Trumps victory. "We hope that the extradition [of Gulen] will happen soon and pave the way for a fresh start in US-Turkish ties," Yildirim said. Ankara was also encouraged by an article in The Hill penned by retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, one of Trumps top advisers. Flynn said Washington had to understand that Turkey is a source of stability in the region and vital to US interests. He also compared Gulen to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The forces of radical Islam derive their ideology from radical clerics like Gulen, who is running a scam. We should not provide him safe haven. In this crisis, it is imperative that we remember who our real friends are, Flynn said Vice President-elect Mike Pence also uttered remarks that were welcomed in Ankara. Turkey is the US most important ally in the region. We will bring our relations with Turkey to a better stance, just like in the old days, Pence told the daily Hurriyet on Nov 9. The question remains, however, whether Trump can deliver what Ankara wants, especially with regard to Gulen. Steptoe & Johnson LLP, the US law firm representing Gulen, responded to Flynn by pointing out that extradition was a legal matter, not a political one. "The US has strong democratic institutions, including its judiciary system, where these high-level issues are handled. We expect and are confident that will be the case in the next administration," the firm said in a statement. Initial signals from Washington nevertheless suggest that Ankara might be a little better positioned under the Trump administration to get some of what it wants with regard to Gulen. Murat Yetkin, the editor-in-chief of Hurriyet Daily News, argued that life for Gulen in the US might get more difficult under Trump. It is possible that Trump, who once questioned Clinton because of the donations she received from Gulen, could take legal action against the exiled preacher, if not extradite him (which is subject to complicated court procedures), Yetkin wrote in his column. Making life difficult for Gulen in the United States would appease Ankara to an extent, but the extradition issue will mostly likely linger for some time. Gulen has a strong legal team that is bound to use the American legal system to the maximum benefit on his behalf. Erdogans supporters also believe that Turkeys regional interests may be better served under Trump. Burhanettin Duran, the general coordinator of the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, which is close to the AKP, is cautiously optimistic in this regard. Duran sees a new opportunity for Turkish-US ties under Trump and considers Flynns article for The Hill a positive sign. He also argues that Erdogan might get Trump to sever Washingtons ties with the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, which are allies of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). Ankara says these are terrorist groups linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and has called on Washington not to support them. It remains a big question, however, whether Trump will move in that direction after he told The New York Times that he is a fan of the Kurds. Other analysts say Trump is unlikely to dump the PYD and the YPG when operations against IS in Syria are gaining momentum. Soli Ozel, from Istanbuls Kadir Has University, believes that Trumps position on the Kurds will not be different than the Obama administration. I dont think he will allow the Kurds to be left out of the picture the way Turkey wants. I think he will encourage Turkey to desist from equating the PYD with the PKK, Ozel told daily Hurriyet in an interview. Duran believes that a source of potential tension between Ankara and Washington could be the lack of a distinction for Trump between what are considered to be moderate Islamic groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, and radical ones. Turkey remains a strong supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood. Trumps promise to cut aid to the Turkish-supported Free Syrian Army, on the grounds that it is made up of unwelcome Islamic elements, could also compound tensions between Ankara and Washington. Turkeys problem is that Trump remains an unknown quantity on many issues. His strong support for Israel and negative approach to Muslims, however, are known and remain problematic for Ankara. Trumps policy on Turkey could turn out to be predicated on the expectation that Ankara will do Washingtons bidding in line with conservative Americas outlook on Islam. Turkey under a staunch Islamist president and government is unlikely to do that. The Erdogan-Trump honeymoon could therefore turn out to be short-lived, because both leaders are set in diametrically opposed ways on key issues. November 14, 2016 As of Nov. 7, the number of companies seized after the July 15 coup attempt on charges of being linked with the Gulen movement, which Turkey has declared a terrorist group, had reached 594. All told, however, the government suspects people associated with 8,000 companies of having links with the Gulen movement. This mind-boggling number was cited by a member of the Cabinet talking with Nuray Babacan of the daily Hurriyet. He outlined a three-phase investigation of suspected companies: Conduct financial audits, appoint trustees, and close or sell the companies of those found guilty. The Cabinet member, who wasnt identified, suggested that anyone who had supported Gulenists financially could be subject to audits and investigations. What will happen to the seized companies? The government wants to earn money for the Treasury by selling them off. So far, the assets of companies placed under the jurisdiction of the government's Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) total about 30 billion Turkish liras ($9 billion). Giant companies (and their subsidiaries) such as Boydak Holding, Naksan, Koza-Ipek, Dumankaya family companies, Alfemo, Yavascalar, Kadioglu and Kaynak have been taken over by the state. In addition, Minister of Environment and Urbanization Mehmet Ozhaseki said during a news conference that the state has seized hostels, schools, foundations and real estate totaling 15 billion liras. The Treasury expects to receive billions of dollars of revenues from sales of the seized companies and real estate. But certain legal procedures have to be completed first. Companies found unprofitable after financial audits will be liquidated. Any money left over from their sale will be deposited in the TMSF. If company shareholders are acquitted after trials, that money will be refunded to them. If they are found guilty, the money will be credited to the Treasury. This procedure will also apply to companies that are continuing to operate profitably. If their owners are acquitted, there will be two options: If the company has already been sold, the money made will be returned to the owner; if not sold, then the companies will be returned to owners. If the owners are found guilty, then all sales revenues will be credited to the Treasury. We are working hard to keep these companies operating at maximum benefit to the economy," TMSF chairman Sakir Ercan Gul explained at a news conference. Ercan Gul said the TMSF will not invest funds in companies with weak financial positions, which is why those companies will be closed. He noted some of the seized companies are in bad shape with no working capital, basically leaving them with no assets. Gul indicated during a press conference that the government will not wait for the end of the trials to sell companies. But the sale process could take a long time because of the large number of companies seized or under investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli told rhe daily Sabah that shares of publicly traded firms taken over by the TMSF are regaining their value on the stock market. Minister of Customs and Commerce Bulent Tufenkci said the TMSF gained substantial experience in managing and selling seized companies during Turkey's 2001 economic crisis. If such companies are put under [the] TMSF, there is nothing to worry about because the state is involved in their management. Banks can safely maintain their credit transactions with these companies. Nobody should worry about conducting business with such companies, he told reporters. Tufenkci added that, at the beginning, companies with even minor shareholders suspected of having ties to Gulenists were subjected to sanctions and trustees were appointed to run them. From now on, the entire company will not be seized because of the actions of small partners. If necessary, such minor shares will be transferred to other investors, he said. Many companies and real estate properties linked with the Gulen movement will be for sale soon. Who will want to buy them? One interested party is Galip Ozturk, the owner of Metro Holding. He has hired a broker to buy all the shares of Koza-Ipek Holding. But so far there has been no other interest expressed in TMSF-managed companies. Potential buyers appear to be waiting for the outcome of the judicial process before committing substantial funds. If major corporations do not express serious interest, these seized companies could remain in the TMSF's portfolio for a long time to come, at least until the court cases are concluded. beehler.PNG Jacksonville State University President John Beehler speaks to assembled business and commerce leaders Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. (William Thornton / wthornton@al.com) Jacksonville State University President John Beehler called on business and economic development figures from 11 counties today to band together in a push toward a collective economic strategy. In a lunchtime meeting at the university's Meehan Hall, with Burgess-Snow Field behind him, Beehler said a regional strategic plan would benefit East Alabama in not only attracting business but residents. "There are 11 different counties, which means 11 different economic development authorities, all fighting for their area to make economic development come to them," he said. "By banding together, we can make the entire region more attractive." Beehler said he has seen the approach work in northern Kentucky in the shadow of the Cincinnati metro area. By using a consultant to help in crafting a regional strategic plan, the counties could not only sell their individual development sites but band together to help general entrepreneurship in the area. Instead of attracting business and industry, a regional can instead "grow its own." "It's about more than economic development," he said. "It's about improving quality of life and growing opportunity. It's about figuring out what our strengths are, our weaknesses, our opportunities, our threats." Beehler said the counties could contribute toward hiring a consultant, with a timetable of about a year to 18 months toward formulating a plan. The push would also provide a chance to make more connections among each other and strengthen existing bonds. The approach sounded good to Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council. Smith said St. Clair is already considered part of the Birmingham metro area and knows well the benefits of a regional vision. "It's very wise and has its advantages," he said. "There's power in numbers. Nearly half of our citizens work outside our county, but our county benefits." Federal investigators are on the scene of a suspicious package found outside of a Trussville elementary school shortly after a bomb threat via 911. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms responded en masse to Magnolia Elementary School on Mary Taylor. The Trussville Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, as well as FBI agents. Trussville police Capt. Jeff Bridges told the Trussville Tribune that a caller reported seeing a Hispanic male place a package in front of the school Officers arrived to find a box with wires and a timer attached. Dave Hyche, ATF's assistant special agent in charge in Alabama, said the package was on a pickup truck belonging to a cafeteria employee that was in the school parking lot. ATF's bomb-sniffing dog and bomb investigators are securing the school and searching for any possible secondary devices. The device, Hyche said, contained actual bomb components, but they have not yet determined whether it was a working device. "We did find a small amount of what we believe to be an actual explosive,'' he said. The device was detonated in nearby woods. By about 4:15 p.m. ATF had finished collecting the device components and were taking them back to the office for analysis. The school was on lockdown for most of the morning. According to school officials, the children were put into the storm shelter initially where they watched a movie and had a snack. They later returned to a normal schedule, and parents were allowed to pick up their children. Hyche said they are only at the beginning of what could be a lengthy probe. More information will be released as it becomes available. A man is in critical condition after a shootout with a Cullman County sheriff's deputy on Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Matt Gentry said the deputy was responding to a call in the 5900 block of County Road 1223 at 1:15 p.m. to an individual who was previously shooting a firearm in the area. Gentry said the man fired multiple rounds at the deputy. The deputy returned fire, striking the man. The deputy was uninjured in the exchange of gunfire. The man was transported to a hospital for treatment. As protocol, the case was handed over to the State Bureau of Investigations because the deputy fired the gun. This post will be updated when more information is released. Alabama Drought Planning and Assessment Team meets on November 15.jpg The Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team shares information about the effects of the parched conditions. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com) Interim State Forester Gary Cole said today that state firefighters are straining under an eight-fold increase in the number of wildfires since Oct. 1 compared to the same period last year. Cole and other members of the Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team shared information today about how parched conditions are affecting the state. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Alabama is experiencing at least a moderate drought. About one-fifth of the state is suffering from exceptional drought, the most severe category. The weather is expected to remain drier and warmer than normal through the winter, officials say. Last week, weather scientists said a condition known as La Nina is in place. That typically means the South will be warmer and drier than usual. Cole said there have been 1,689 wildfires in Alabama since Oct. 1, compared to 235 during the same period last year. Slightly more than 20,000 acres have burned, he said, up from about 1,800 during the same period last year. Cole said about 181 firefighters work for the Alabama Forestry Commission. Some from south Alabama have been sent to northern parts of the state where fires are more prevalent, Cole said. "We have a lot of exhausted firefighters out there," Cole said. "The ones up north have probably been going about 90 days." Cole, who retired from the commission after 38 years and returned as interim state forester, said time away from family will take its toll on the firefighters. "Everything that revolves around their life right now is put on hold," Cole said. "All of our guys have done a tremendous job. I think they've held up fairly well. But there's only so much of this that you can take." Another concern is that it could get worse. Spring is typically the worst time for wildfires, partly because it's windier, he said. Alabama's cattle growers are facing a "double whammy" during the drought, Alabama Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Billy Powell told the assessment and planning team today. Powell said there's a shortage of hay to maintain herds over the winter. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries maintains a list of sources for buying hay. But Powell said transporting the hay is expensive. As a result, Powell said cattle producers will be selling to reduce their herds. But market prices are way down from what they were 18 months ago, he said. "I don't know what's going to happen but we're going to sell a lot of cattle at low prices," Powell said. Brian Atkins, chief of the Office of Water Resources for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, said 23 public water systems in Alabama have reported some restrictions on usage. Of those, nine are mandatory, including the Birmingham Water Works Board, which has declared an extreme drought emergency and surcharges for excess use. Fourteen systems have imposed voluntary restrictions. Last week, Gov. Robert Bentley expanded a ban on all outdoor burning to cover all 67 counties. Bentley also announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of someone who intentionally starts a wildfire. Cole said the number of wildfires is down slightly from two weeks ago. He said there were 27 fires on Monday. There have been large fires in Blount, DeKalb, Jefferson and Walker counties, Cole said. The largest was in Walker County and burned about 1,350 acres, he said. Generally, about 25 percent of wildfires are the result of arson, according to Cole. Cole said the chance of accidental fires from causes like a discarded cigarette or sparks from metal scraping on a roadway are higher because of the dry conditions. The latest anti-dumping tariffs levied on Chinese steel products by the European Union could lead to a sharp fall in exports of China's seamless steel pipes and tubes to the region, according to a leading industry expert. Wang Guoqing, director of the Lange Steel Information Center, said that the duties imposed on iron and steel seamless pipes and tubes, ranging from 43.5 to 81.1 percent, were very aggressive and may wipe out much of manufacturers' profit margin and lead to a sharp decline in exports to the EU. The EU imposed provisional anti-dumping tariffs for six months on Chinese steel and iron products on Monday, after manufacturers in the bloc made numerous complaints about Chinese competitors allegedly exporting at unfairly low prices. The European Commission, the EU's executive body, said that it would decide whether to make the anti-dumping measures definitive and extend the restrictions for a period of five years. "Most seamless tube manufacturers in China are small scale. They feel powerless facing anti-dumping cases. But from earlier experience, companies that file appeal sometimes get much lower anti-dumping tariffs. Therefore, the Chinese government should provide consultancy to these companies to help them with the legal process," said Wang. China's Commerce Ministry said that EU's decision, based on the fact that China's steel export prices are lower than those of other exporters to the region, was unfair. "China offers competitive prices because it has large-scale steel production. The fact that its prices are lower than other exporters does not mean that it is dumping the products at prices lower than domestic costs," said Wang. According to a report by 315.com.cn, a Chinese bulk commodity information and trading website, global output of seamless steel pipes and tubes dropped 14.6 percent year-on-year to 41.44 million metric tons in 2015. Former political prisoners use threat of social media and protest to leverage big businesses into compensating workers. Ye Naing Win walked out of Myingyan Prison in 2005, expecting to conduct his labour activism in secret for the rest of his life. Before his arrest in 1997, he was forced to operate under an alias, reporting human rights abuses in workplaces during Myanmars 50-year military dictatorship. The military drove people from villages to rogue army bases and forced them to build or be punished severely. I worked underground, collecting data for international NGOs. Now, I dont need to sneak around so much workers have rights, Ye Naing Win told Al Jazeera. He does not like to talk about the beatings and isolation he experienced during his nearly nine years as one of more than 7,000 political prisoners in Myanmar. But he acknowledges that his incarceration shaped him into the labour activist he is today. A group of us in prison made a pact to build a labour movement if we were ever released. We were once workers, all of us wanted democracy, so we talked about worker rights. It gave us hope, says Ye Naing Win. Labour activism came out from the shadows once the Labour Organization Law came into effect in April 2012, a landmark piece of legislation passed by former General Thein Seins transitional government legalising all union activity in a rapidly industrialising Myanmar. Hundreds of large-scale factories have boomed with foreign investment since international sanctions were lifted later that year to reward the militarys shift to semi-democratic rule. With the newly elected National League for Democracy (NLD) party taking control of parliament this February, manufacturing in Myanmar is expected to develop even further. The garment industry, in particular, has blossomed and is estimated to expand from 260,000 to more than 600,000 workers by 2018. Wages remain one of the chief complaints of factory workers. The current daily minimum wage of 3,600 Myanmar Kyats a day ($3), is still considered too low to cover basic costs, according to a 2015 report from Oxfam, an aid and development charity. The challenge for the labour movement has been amassing a large enough collection of workers to influence policy change, like another national wage raise. Many workers still fear losing their job if they join a union, though such terminations have been illegal since the 2012 labour law went into effect. Employer retaliation is still a reality, Natsu Nogami, a senior legal adviser with the International Labour Organization, told Al Jazeera. Those who unionise can face the threat of termination, some have even been placed on an industry-wide blacklist to prevent future employment. Cooperative Committee of Trade Unions (CCTU), the organisation, launched by Ye Naing Win and the former inmates of Myingyan Prison, is one of several labour rights NGOs offering free consultation to factory workers interested in unionising. According to the organisation, CCTU is not a union, preferring an advisory role for workers. The weak union presence in Myanmar, however, has drawn CCTU into union-like roles for workers who want to take legal action but do not want to do so on their own. The laws no longer send you to prison, but they are still weak for workers, says Ye Naing Win. If prison gave me anything, it was time to think about how to build a labour movement when the law does not protect you. READ MORE: Myanmar Still locking up political prisoners Negotiators With limited resources and access to politicians, groups such as CCTU spend most of their time helping workers with dispute settlements, legal conflicts involving issues such as unlawful termination, withheld pay or severe injury on the job. Most workers dont know their rights, so they call us for help when they are in an impossible situation, says Ye Naing Win. CCTU has garnered a reputation for employing unconventional tactics, mainly the use of media and public pressure to leverage factory management into compensation. One of their high-profile cases was Zin Mar Htwe, a young girl who lost her arm in 2014 in a hydraulic press on her fifth day working at the Shin Yet steel factory outside of Mandalay. I thought I did something wrong, Zin Mar Htwe told Al Jazeera. CCTU pushed me to speak out to make sure the same thing would not happen to others. The Chinese factory owners covered her meals and medical costs while she was treated in hospital, which is all factories can be expected to do, Chit Ko, one of the Shin Yet managers, told Al Jazeera. But Zin Mar Htwes family needed additional compensation, though they knew it would be difficult. She was not an official employee at the time, and like many workers in Myanmar, she was under aged. At 14 years old, she was one year shy of the countrys legal age to work full-time and had agreed to an under-the-table deal to get on the assembly line. There is a formal system to adjudicate dispute settlements in an arbitration process where representatives of labour, business and government rule whether compensation is warranted. CCTU and other labour activist groups, however, are hesitant to trust the legal channel as employers often ignore rulings they disagree with by paying a maximum fine of one million kyats ($770). If we didnt get involved, the owners would have just paid the fine to avoid the payment in arbitration, says Ye Naing Win. I told Zin Mar Htwes family, sometimes you must work outside of the law if want justice. CCTU launched a media campaign, a tactic that the group is known for, but has faced criticism for escalating the situation needlessly, according to Chit Ko from factory management. We were always acting in accordance with the law, the Shin Yet manager added. I Want My Hand Back became the informal slogan for Zin Mar Htwes case. Her emaciated arm was featured on two local news channels and went viral on Facebook after CCTU spread word to prominent literary and social media figures, who posted poems and essays about Zin Mar Htwe. The factory owners eventually agreed to a settlement almost a year later of eight million kyats ($6,160), according to CCTUs internal records, all of which went to Zin Mar Htwes family. I lost my hand; my life will be difficult even with this compensation, Zin Mar Htwe told Al Jazeera from her small wooden home. I did not win anything. READ MORE Inside the village of mercy for Myanmars landless poor A community of activists CCTU is not the only labour rights NGO operated by former political prisoners. There are at least four labour rights NGOs that conduct nearly identical work to CCTU, but rather than cooperate, each group chooses to simply coexist. We were all activists before we were prisoners. Prison just made us more determined to finish our work in this new Burma, but each of us has different methods, Thurein Aung told Al Jazeera. Thurein Aung started Action Labour Rights (ALR) after he spent five years in Insein Prison for participating in a Labour Day rally outside of the US Embassy in 2000. The rally was more of a celebration; it wasnt even negative in tone, but it didnt matter back then. All political expression was a life sentence, Thurein Aung says. ALR is also weary of the arbitration process, but has had success winning financial settlements through the legal channel. In 2015, ALR helped 220 workers of the TOP Garment factory articulate their grievances through arbitration after they were denied wages for more than 30 days of work, before the factory closed later that year. I was confident TOP workers had enough evidence to win in the arbitration process. My job was to ensure that the employer would comply, Thurein Aung says. As the workers went through months of court-like hearings, ALR worked behind the scenes, a role the group prefers. They trained workers how to effectively articulate their grievances to the arbitration council and media outlets, while investigating the past dealings of factory ownership. We are strong researchers. ALR found previous complaints of the factory owners violating minimum-wage law; it helped us prove that these workers were not the first victims, says Thurein Aung In the end, the arbitration council ruled for a 39 million kyat ($30,000) settlement for the workers, which management paid in full. READ MORE: Long hours, meagre wages Child labour continues in Myanmar Critics from big labour While ALR was successful in helping the Top Garment Union win a large amount of money, some view these individual victories as coming at the expense of the greater labour movement. TOP Garment was initially represented by the largest union group in the country, the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM), which represents close to half of all unions and has the backing of global institutions such as the UNs International Labour Organization. CTUM wanted us to accept half of what we ended up winning as an independent union, Moe Sandar Myint, the president of the TOP Garment Union at the time, told Al Jazeera. Maung Maung, president of CTUM, shares a contentious relationship with the labour activist community. He is not a former political prisoner. Instead, he spent 20 years in exile in Thailand, where he garnered the training and financial support of the international NGO community. Maung Maung admits that his focus is not on individual dispute settlements, but building a labour movement large enough to achieve policy change that will affect all workers. In his estimation, only 300,000 workers of the more than 20 million national workplaces have been unionised. Constructive social dialogue with employers is a priority for CTUM which, according to Maung Maung, was instrumental to the recent increase in the minimum wage to 3,600 kyats ($3) a day. CTUM was one of the only labour representatives present in minimum wage discussions in 2015 but was not involved in the numerous worker protests at the time. When we have good industrial relations, we can achieve better jobs and better wages, Maung Maung told Al Jazeera. Its globalisation. We have to think about how to deal with multinationals. If your workforce isnt prepared, you are not going to survive. Labour activists are adamant that they do not seek tensions with employers, but they see CTUM as preventing unions from properly representing their workers in order to maintain positive relations between business and government. I will use the system but will work outside of the council and politicians if needed. I have led many protests and strikes in factories and outside of them. I will do so again if I have to, says Ye Naing Win. I cannot say CTUM will do the same. READ MORE: New Suu Kyi government releases 69 prisoners Prospects for reform Minimum wage and dispute settlements are some of the laws that are scheduled for amendment, according to Thet Naing Oo, a senior adviser of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce (UMFCCI), which participates in legislative discussions. The role of the newly elected National League for Democracy party in these labour reforms remains unclear. All significant labour legislation was passed when parliament was controlled by the military-backed Union and Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) party before February. We havent seen many changes to labour law or new amendments under the new government [NLD] yet, Moe Moe Thwin, the director of the Yangon Districts Ministry of Labour, told Al Jazeera. The Ministry of Labour, the executive agency that enforces labour law, is still led by a USDP member. Transfer of power to the NLD is expected eventually. Once new members of government understand labour law, they can participate more in the reform process, says Thet Naing Oo. I hate to say it, but for labour, the USDP is better to work with, they are just more organised. NLD members are not knowledgeable on labour issues. But of course we support them, the alternative is military rule, says Ye Naing Win. While Ye Naing Win voted for the NLD in the historic elections in 2015, he admits that the party has been difficult to communicate with on issues such as unlawful terminations and a dysfunctional arbitration process. However, the lack of political support does not affect CCTU in his eyes. We believe in a worker-led labour movement, says Ye Naing Win The one thing we teach our workers is that change comes from them pushing politicians to act, you should never wait for them. Additional reporting by Max Travers. British Columbia, Canada On the morning of October 13, Tracy Robinson, a hunter and fisherwoman living in the Heiltsuk First Nation community of Bella Bella, British Columbia, was preparing to go out on to the ocean, when the news reached her: An American tugboat and oil barge transiting Canadian waters had driven into a reef in nearby Seaforth Channel. Fearing the worst, Robinson and her partner jumped into their boat and rushed to the scene. They arrived to find the tug still attached to its massive floating barge, but almost entirely under water. Earlier that night the tugboat Nathan E Stewart, heading south after delivering fuel to Alaska, missed its turn into the channel and drove straight into the rocks off Athlone Island. Although the 100-metre fuel barge it pushed was empty, the tug carried more than 200,000 litres of diesel and other industrial oils that were now leaking into the Pacific. I was in tears, Robinson said. The water was murky and the scent was overpowering. You couldnt smell the fresh ocean breeze that youre used to. It was all diesel, as far as the eye could see. For Robinson the tug couldnt have run aground in a worse spot. Heiltsuk First Nation Territory is located at the heart of the celebrated Great Bear Rainforest the worlds largest intact temperate rainforest whose land and waters contain some of the greatest biodiversity of life on earth. READ MORE: Canadas Oil Extraction Pressures Environment Our clam beds have been destroyed One of the most ecologically abundant nodes of that region, an area known to the Heiltsuk as Qvuqvai or Gale Creek sits metres away from the crash site. The narrow passage between islands contains ancient village sites where, for millennia, residents have harvested traditional seafood such as clams, salmon, crab, sea cucumbers, urchins, and seaweed for the traditional roe-on-kelp herring egg harvest. A horrified Robinson and others watched helplessly from their boats as the widening, rainbow-hued diesel slick moved slowly towards the beaches and coves in the pass. Since that morning weeks ago, the Heiltsuk and first responders have been working tirelessly to contain and mitigate the slick that has contaminated the food-rich shores of those low-lying islands abutting the open ocean. That was our lifeline and breadbasket. We've worked so hard to steward this territory to protect it for future generations. You have no idea how difficult it is for our community to have to deal with this. by Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk elected chief The Heiltsuk, who have no significant oil-spill response capacity of their own, charge that official containment and cleanup efforts have been incompetent and disorganised belying the world-class marine safety system that Canada and its industry partners have boasted about for years. It took almost one full day for responders to arrive at the site, they say. Containment and absorbent booms have been ineffective in containing the spill, often breaking in rough weather and storms and littering beaches with additional diesel. Divers were able to tap some fuel from the tugs tanks. But around half of the boats roughly 200,000 litres of diesel are believed to have escaped into the water. Residents of Bella Bella and neighbouring Denny Island have been at the frontline of the response, laying thousands of metres of boom, flushing out beaches, and documenting the impact of the spill, often at great physical and psychological strain including the effects of inhaling diesel fumes. A variety of fish and birds, seals, crabs and otters have been found dead near the sheen. The spreading contamination has resulted in shellfish harvesting closures in the area. We have fuel on many beaches and our clam beds have been destroyed, said Heiltsuk elected chief Marilyn Slett. That was our lifeline and breadbasket. Weve worked so hard to steward this territory to protect it for future generations. You have no idea how difficult it is for our community to have to deal with this, she told Al Jazeera. READ MORE: Canada keeps eye on environmental activists Investigating the causes of the crash The cause of the crash is under investigation by US and Canadian authorities. Jim Guidry, executive vice-president of vessel operations for the US-based Kirby Offshore Marine, which owns the Nathan E Stewart, apologised to the Heiltsuk and to British Columbians days after the incident. In response to questions from Al Jazeera, Kirby Offshore Marine said that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. The tug was still leaking fuel when it was pulled from the seabed by a giant floating crane on Monday, November 14, over a month after the spill. The Canadian government had allowed the Nathan E Stewart (and other tugs and barges) to transit the narrow inside passages and channels without the usual requirement of a Canadian pilot with local knowledge of the area an exemption that has since been revoked. The fact that the tug missed the turn into the channel and drove straight into the rocks has fuelled speculation that the ships pilot may have fallen asleep. The Heiltsuk say that had the Nathan E Stewart been pushing petroleum, they would have had a far different spill on their hands. We had a 50-50 chance that this barge could have been full when this happened, Jess Housty, a member of the Heiltsuk tribal council, said in a video released by the Heiltsuk nation. Had it been full we would be in a significantly worse situation. I dont even know how to quantify how much worse it would be. This comparatively smaller incident has confirmed long-standing fears over a number of controversial fossil fuel pipeline and tanker projects slated for the British Columbia coast. In September, the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau approved, with environmental conditions, a Malaysian-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) project on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert. Job creation and economic investment were cited as key factors motivating the decision. The LNG site would occupy the entrance to the Skeena River Watershed one of the worlds last intact salmon systems. The decision prompted an outcry. First Nation groups have filed a lawsuit against the project, with some on social media calling for a Canadian version of the Standing Rock Sioux protests to stop it. Two other pipeline-tanker projects on the coasts, including the proposed expansion of the Kinder Morgan Trans-Mountain project in greater Vancouver, await similar federal rulings. IN PICTURES: Standing Rock tribe protests over North Dakota pipeline Oil lobbies and government Trudeau campaigned last year on a platform critical of his heavily pro-oil predecessor, Stephen Harper. In addition to promising more forthright and genuine dealings with First Nations, he pledged to formalise a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbias north coast a directive spelled out in the mandate letter to his transport minister after he won the election. It has yet to be implemented. That promise was very important to many British Columbians because it showed his understanding of what matters to people on the coast, said Nathan Cullen, a federal MP with the opposition New Democratic Party representing the region of Northwest British Columbia in question. Now that Trudeaus in government, that promise no longer seems important to him any more, he told Al Jazeera. Following the mounting criticism over the Kirby diesel spill and past and pending pipeline decisions, Trudeau announced a $1.1bn National Ocean Protections Plan to improve marine safety nation-wide. As a community, we need to protect our magnificent oceans, he said during the announcement, adding that the move was long overdue. But critics who had hoped that Trudeau would use the spill to make good on his promise to ban tankers on the North Coast say his announcement focuses on spill mitigation rather than prevention. The prime ministers office didnt respond to a request for comment from Al Jazeera. After this experience, the Heiltsuk and other coastal first nations say theyre now convinced that there is no such thing as effective oil-spill mitigation and cleanup especially in an area as tumultuous and storm-lashed as British Columbias north coast. Theyre holding Trudeau to his promise, adding that their communities will be safe only if American fuel shipments transiting the area instead travel in safer ships far offshore. We also need to look at these smaller vessels carrying petroleum, said William Housty, the board chair of the Heiltsuk Integrated Resource Management Department. Thats US oil thats going up our waters to Alaska. Were sacrificing all we have for Americans to move their product. Why should we shoulder all the risk? They need to find another way to pass their oil to each other. Whatever the government decides in the coming months, it wont mitigate the ecological damage done by the diesel spill, which the Heiltsuk worry will take many years to reverse. The hardest thing is knowing that Im not going to teach my children how to harvest our traditional seafood from Gale Creek, said Robinson. My kids hug me every day when I come home, saying thank you for cleaning up the oil. Its heartbreaking to tell them that Mummy and Daddy had to be out recovering diesel from the place we, our nation, gets our food. Nazareth Palestinian politicians in Israel have found an unexpected ally inside the government against a new bill banning mosques from using loudspeakers to broadcast the call to prayer. The so-called Muezzin Bill named after the person who calls Muslims to prayer was approved by a ministerial committee on Sunday, on the grounds that it is needed to reduce noise pollution from mosques. A first vote in the Israeli parliament on the legislation due on Wednesday had to be delayed, however, after a small Jewish religious party raised objections. Yaakov Litzman, the health minister, was reported to be concerned that the legislations current wording, which refers simply to houses of worship, might also cover synagogues. Sirens are often used to announce the start and end of the Sabbath. Palestinian leaders in Israel fear the setback will prove short-lived. The bill has widespread support from within the government, including from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This bill is the ugly product of Islamophobia that has come to dominate Israel, said Thabet Abu Ras, of the Abraham Fund, which promotes better relations between Israels Jewish and Palestinian citizens. Now the government will try to reframe the bill to satisfy the Jewish religious parties so that it can proceed. READ MORE: The battle for Al-Aqsa This is not about prayer From the outset, Palestinian leaders have maintained that the bill was not about noise, but intended only to silence mosques, a suspicion confirmed, said Abu Ras, by the governments agreement to review the legislation to address Litzmans concerns. This bill is the ugly product of Islamophobia that has come to dominate Israel. Now the government will try to reframe the bill to satisfy the Jewish religious parties so that it can proceed. by Thabet Abu Ras, of the Abraham Fund Israel includes a community of 1.7 million Palestinian citizens, a fifth of the population, most of whom are Muslim. Israel also rules over a further 300,000 Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem, which it annexed in violation of international law. Pressure for the legislation has been especially strong from settlers in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The bills main initiator, Moti Yogev, of the Jewish Home party, lives in a West Bank settlement. Mosques in the West Bank and Israel have been repeatedly sprayed with graffiti or torched by Jewish extremists. When the bill was originally submitted earlier this year, curbs on mosque loudspeakers were justified on the grounds that the dissemination of religious or nationalist messages and incitement would be prevented. The bill had to be redrafted after the governments legal advisers expressed concern. It is these changes that appear now to have raised doubts among two small Jewish religious parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism. Both sit in the government. Abu Ras told Al Jazeera: Israel already has noise pollution laws, which it rarely implements. This bill is indicative of Israels current mood, of growing intolerance towards its non-Jewish citizens. He said the bills main goal was the further Judaisation of Jerusalem, and would be used against the al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City. The mosque has become a flashpoint, with mounting concern from Palestinians that Israel is seeking ever greater control over the site. Youssef Ideiss, the Palestinian Authoritys religious affairs minister, warned this week that the bill risked plunging the region into a religious war. Jordan, which oversees religious matters at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, added its opposition on Tuesday. Abdullah Abbadi, the Islamic affairs minister, accused Israel of damaging the delicate status quo in Jerusalem. He said, given that Israel was an occupying power, any changes it made in Jerusalem were null and void. Although the call to prayer occurs five times a day, it is the pre-dawn call that has provoked the main backlash from Israeli Jews, especially those living near East Jerusalem and dozens of Palestinian communities in Israel. In backing the bill, Netanyahu said he was committed to religious freedom for all but was also responsible for protecting citizens from noise. Thats how it is in cities in Europe. I support similar legislation and enforcement in Israel. A report commissioned by the Israeli parliament in 2011 found that several European countries had placed restrictions on the call to prayer, including France, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands. In Switzerland, mosques have been banned from erecting minarets. The issue is not about noise in their ears but about the noise in their minds. What disturbs them so much is the noise of the Palestinians' presence in their own homeland. by Haneen Zoabi, Palestinian member of Knesset Haneen Zoabi, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament, called the comparison with Europe ridiculous. She told Al Jazeera: If Netanyahu really admires Europe so much, what is preventing him from going back there? She added that Jews who were offended by the sound of the mosque were those who had chosen to settle near Palestinian communities in Israel or the occupied territories. The issue is not about noise in their ears but about the noise in their minds. What disturbs them so much is the noise of the Palestinians presence in their own homeland. Netanyahu and the other racists in the government still behave like colonialists who refuse to internalise that they should be part of the region they live in. Another Palestinian legislator, Ahmad Tibi, called this week for a campaign of civil disobedience to block the bill. On Tuesday, the Yisrael Beiteinu party of defence minister Avigdor Lieberman called on the attorney general to investigate him for incitement to violence. Support for the Muezzin Bill has been especially intense in the large Jewish settlements in occupied East Jerusalem. Some 200,000 settlers live close to Palestinian communities there. The settlement of Pisgat Zeev, which is close to mosques in the Palestinian neighbourhoods of Shuafat, Beit Hanina and Al-Ram, has become a notable friction point. This month Pisgat Zeevs settlers have staged separate protests playing recordings of the call to prayer outside the Jerusalem homes of Nir Barkat, the citys mayor, and Aryeh Deri, a Shas party leader. Like Litzman, Deri is also reported to be wavering in his support for the bill. Aryeh King, a settler leader and Jerusalem city councillor who led the protests, told Al Jazeera: We wanted both of them to know what it feels like to be woken at 4am every morning. The noise from the muezzin reaches all parts of Jerusalem and disturbs everyone, Jews and Arabs alike. He added: We will carry on with this campaign until the bill is passed. READ MORE: How Israel aims to define ethnic cleansing Ahmed Sub Laban, a researcher with Ir Amim, an advocacy group for a fairer Jerusalem, said pressure from the Israeli authorities meant mosques in Jerusalem reduced the volume of their loudspeakers years ago. He told Al Jazeera that clashes would be almost inevitable if the mosques were required to reduce the sound further, or the Israeli police used force to impose restrictions. He pointed to the experience of the Palestinian city of Hebron in the West Bank, where since 1994 a few hundred Jewish settlers have been given control by Israel over half of the Ibrahimi mosque. In recent months, the mosques muezzin has faced increasing restrictions. According to figures from the Palestinian Authority, the army prevented the call to prayer on 86 occasions last month, while Israel celebrated the Jewish high holidays. There have been reports that Israeli soldiers recently also raided mosques in Abu Dis, a village in the West Bank close to Jerusalem, and prevented the call to prayer. Abu Ras said the bill was the latest development in a series of attacks on Islam in Israel. Last year, Netanyahus government outlawed the northern Islamic Movement, claiming it had links to terror. However, leaks to the Israeli media revealed that the Shin Bet intelligence service had failed to find any evidence of such ties. This week, the jailed leader of the movement, Sheikh Raed Salah, announced that he was going on hunger strike. He said he was being held in solitary confinement so he could not mix with other prisoners, and his cell had been repeatedly raided during the night and his writings confiscated. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Bon Om Touk is an annual water festival in Cambodia, marking the end of the rainy season and the reversal of flow of the Tonle Sap river. For three nights during Novembers full moon, villages send teams with their dragon boats to compete from around noon until sunset. Pairs of boats race from the Japanese Friendship Bridge down the river to the finish line in front of the Royal Palace. The history of the festival can be traced back to the 12th century when the naval forces of the Angkorian king Jayavarman VII defeated his Cham rivals. In recent years, the festival has been through various ups and downs. In 2010, a stampede on an overcrowded bridge resulted in the death of almost 350 people. In 2011 and 2013, flooding caused the boat races to be cancelled. In 2012, the races were cancelled owing to the death of King Norodom Sihanouk. Last year, the water levels were too low. This year, however, the festival returned to Cambodias capital, Phnom Penh, with a bang. Despite what appeared to be a quiet turnout on the the first day, locals and tourists showed up en masse in the following days. There were 259 boats racing during the festival this year, including 76 special racing boats, 170 paddle boats, 26 rowing boats and 63 international standard boats. Latest death tolls from Mediterranean shipwrecks lift total number of people who died this year to more than 4,500. More than 240 people have died in boats in the Mediterranean Sea this week, according to officials, as horrifying new testimony emerged from survivors of yet another tragedy off the coast of Libya. Departures from Libya are continuing unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with more than 3,200 people rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies since Saturday. The total is the same as for the whole month of November 2015. The new death toll was based on information gathered by the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or were lost when a dinghy capsized on Monday. READ MORE: Scores feared dead as another boat capsizes off Libya Some 95 others are presumed dead after another boat sank on Tuesday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Taking on water for hours The survivors of Mondays shipwreck off Libya overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa arrived on Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. They had set off from Libya on Sunday night with about 150 people on board, so there would be about 135 missing, UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP news agency. Their dinghy, which was already in a poor state, began taking on water several hours after they set off. It then overturned, tipping all 150 into the sea. Only 15 managed to survive by clinging to a part of the vessel which floated, he said. They stayed like that for several hours before help arrived, he added. Death toll likely much higher Italys coastguard said 580 people had been brought to safety on Wednesday in five separate rescue operations, with one body recovered. The deaths were not limited to the perilous crossing between Libya and Italy. On Wednesday the bodies of four male refugees, aged between 20 and 40, were found in a boat that ran into trouble off Greece. The Greek coastguard said it had spotted the boat some 15 nautical miles off the island of Thassos with a total of 19 people on board, four of whom had lost consciousness, probably owing to hypothermia. The latest deaths lift the total number of migrants and refugees who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. UPFRONT: Crisis in Libya Who is to blame? The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said the true toll is higher as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported. The charity blamed the changing approach of smuggling networks which it said showed an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers. Whereas in past years crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves, it said in a statement. Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever, it added. Some 167,000 people have reached Italy by boat so far this year, exceeding the total for all of 2015 which stood at 154,000, and quickly approaching 2014s record of 170,000. Italy has borne the brunt of new arrivals since the implementation in March of a controversial agreement between Turkey and the European Union for Ankara to curb the flow of refugees sailing from its shores to reach Greece. ISIL said to claim responsibility after attack on security officials in Afghanistans capital leaves at least six. A suicide bomber on foot struck a government vehicle, killing at least six people and wounded several others, in an attack claimed by the ISIL. The latest bombing on a vehicle carrying national security officials in Kabul came during the morning rush hour, as fighters intensify nationwide attacks on the Western-backed government. A suicide attacker on foot targeted a vehicle belonging to security forces in downtown Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP. He put the death toll at six, including five civilians and one military official, with 10 wounded in the blast, which occurred close to the defence ministry. The SITE monitoring group said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) groups local Khorasan province affiliate had claimed the attack in a communique claiming it had targeted Afghan intelligence officials. Fighters from ISIL, which controls territory across Syria and Iraq, have been making steady inroads in Afghanistan, winning over sympathisers, recruiting followers and challenging the Taliban on their own turf, primarily in the countrys east. The attack underscores a worsening security situation nearly two years after NATO formally ended its combat operations in Afghanistan. Last week, four people were killed and 128 others were wounded when a suicide bomber drove truck loaded with explosives into the German consulate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. At least four people were killed in an explosion inside the largest US military base in Afghanistan, with the Taliban claiming responsibility for the attack. France-Lebanese businessman tells French news site he delivered cash from late Libyan leader in 2006 and 2007. Nicolas Sarkozys links with Muammar Gaddafi have come under fresh scrutiny after a businessman admitted delivering three cash-stuffed suitcases from the late Libyan leader towards the Frenchmans first presidential bid. In an interview with the Mediapart investigative news site, Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine has said he made three trips from Tripoli to Paris in late 2006 and early 2007 with cash for Sarkozys campaign. Each time he carried a suitcase containing between 1.5 and 2m euros in 200-euro and 500-euro notes, Takieddine told the site in a video interview, saying he was given the money by Abdallah Senussi, Gaddafis military intelligence chief. READ MORE: Sarkozy denies Gaddafi funded 2007 campaign Sarkozy, 61, seeking to return to power as French president, denied on Tuesday receiving money from Gaddafi to fund his election bid, calling claims by Takieddine a crude manipulation. During questioning in a separate case, Takieddine accused Sarkozy of having been in Gaddafis pocket in 2006-07 but he had never previously claimed to be the bagman. The allegations against Sarkozy first emerged in March 2011, when the French leader was campaigning for the NATO-led military intervention that helped overthrow Gaddafi. Sarkozy must first give back the money he took from Libya to finance his electoral campaign, said Gaddafis son Saif al-Islam, who is now in jail in Libya. Sarkozys denial A year later, as Sarkozy was campaigning for a second term, Mediapart published a document signed by Musa Kusa, the former Libyan intelligence boss, referring to an agreement for 50m euros [$54m at current rates] in backing from Tripoli. Sarkozy, who lost his 2012 re-election bid, vigorously denied the allegations, claiming the document was a fake. READ MORE: Could Trumps win boost Le Pens chances in France? Takieddines video testimony comes five days before Sarkozy goes up against Alain Juppe, the former French prime minister, and other rivals in a primary to choose the candidate of the French right in next years presidential vote. The first round of the two-stage primary takes place on Sunday. Sarkozy, who is trailing presidential front-runner Juppe in opinion polls, is embroiled in several scandals. He has been charged with influence peddling in a separate affair and with illegal financing of his 2012 campaign. Sarkozy has accused the judiciary of trying to block his comeback ambitions. The Indian governments move to withdraw high-value banknotes from circulation is taking a toll on the countrys poor. Endless lines outside banks have become the norm in India, as millions of people queue to deposit or exchange the 500 and 1,000-rupee notes that since last week have become officially worthless. For Indias poor, however, the countrys new currency policy is more than just an inconvenience. We dont have anything to eat in our house, Manjula Begum, a waste picker who lives on the edge of a New Delhi slum, told Al Jazeera. The kids want rice for lunch, but I cant give it to them. What will I do? Who do I ask for money? No one is helping us. READ MORE: India pulls 500, 1,000-rupee notes to fight graft The notes sudden withdrawal from circulation, a measure aimed at fighting corruption, has caused chaos, with markets, petrol stations and other retailers refusing to accept the larger notes and bank cash machines staying closed. The Indian government is asking people to be patient with what it calls the short-term inconvenience of the new currency policy, but the situation is taking its toll on people living off meagre daily wages. Most of the Indias poor do not have proper IDs to exchange the notes that they have, or even the time to stand in line in front of a bank for hours. So, all they can do is wait. Another waste picker told Al Jazeera that he feels like the government is squeezing people like him. We cant even live our lives right now, he said. Most people have old currency notes at home but cant exchange them. No one is paying us salary either; theyre paying us with the old currency. What will we do with the old notes? The government is really squeezing us. Some opposition MPs on Wednesday marched to the presidents home, demanding a roll back on the currency plan, saying it has crippled the daily lives of hundreds of millions in the country. People are in utter distress, especially the informal sector [which] is totally disrupted. Poor people, daily wage earners, theyre all facing difficulty, Saugata Roy, an MP from the opposition Trinamool Congress Party, said. So far, the government is standing by its decision, saying the new policy will root out counterfeit money and prevent corruption. It says the currency change will be beneficial for the whole country, including the poor, in the long term. But the poor feel like they are paying the price for the corruption of the rich, as the money they worked hard for remains worthless. A group of Indian activists has denounced Israels undemocratic and exclusionary regime of apartheid towards Palestine, as India welcomed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin for a week-long state visit. Indias economic linkage with Israel channels our public money through military deals to Israeli arms companies that transform these funds into lethal military technology applied in the oppression, colonisation and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, a statement signed by 70 individuals and 30 organisations said. We are shocked that Israel, with its lawless conduct, has emerged as role model for the Indian nation-state, born in the struggle against colonialism and committed to peaceful relations in the neighbourhood. The criticism coincided with a welcome speech given by Indian President Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a state dinner hosted for Rivlin on Tuesday. Mukherjee said India admires the people of Israel for all that you have accomplished, according to a transcript of his speech released on Wednesday. We both have remained firmly committed to democratic values and continue to strive for our common goals of global security and peace, he said. Rivlin is the first Israeli president to visit India in 20 years, and it comes as the two countries celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations. OPINION: Kashmir and Palestine The story of two occupations The group of activists also warned against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis reported visit to Israel, saying there is nothing to celebrate about the relationship, neither for the Palestinian people nor for Indian citizens who cherish human rights, democracy and peace. The group said that Israel is using the Indian market and tax money to finance its crimes and to promote world views built on walls, wars, and exclusion. Defence deals On Tuesday, the two countries announced they were expanding cooperation, particularly in the defence sector. Earlier, Modi said Rivlins trip would give a crucial push to bilateral ties. India has bought an estimated $12bn worth of defence equipment from Israel over the past decade, making it the third-largest supplier to India after Russia and the United States. India and Israel had also decided to intensify cooperation in fighting terrorism and boosting trade and investment, Modi said. Meanwhile, Rivlin said his visit will help the ties and the cooperation between the two countries. Rivlin is accompanied by delegations of businessmen and academics for his week-long visit. The move could legalise more than 2,000 Jewish homes built on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. Israels parliament has approved a draft bill that could legalise thousands of Jewish homes built on privately owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, a measure that has drawn condemnation by left-wing MPs and Israels closest ally, the United States. The bill, which was passed on Wednesday by a vote of 58-50, would apply to more than 2,000 Jewish homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank. AL JAZEERAS TONY BIRTLEY IN WEST JERUSALEM: There are still three more hearings to go in the Knesset before this will become law, but there is some way to go before that actually happens. This bill is aimed at legalising unauthorised outposts, including Amona. The Amona outpost has been designated to be abandoned by the High Court, which said the settlers have to move out by December. So this bill is a way of circumventing that. But theres an underlying message here there is a battle going on between the Israeli government and the judicial system, and the knock-on effect if the government takes this on any further could be disastrous for the judicial system. But although the government carried this by 58 to 50, it is not a foregone conclusion that this will become law. We understand from behind the scenes that Netanyahu perhaps will not proceed with this bill in the way it is, but it will be redrafted; there will be different wording what it would say we dont know. If this does become law, it opens up all kinds of scenarios. There will be deep concerns that there will be further settlements and outposts in the West Bank. It will also give concerns that the two-state solution is no longer a viable opportunity and that also causes all kinds of knock-on effects. The measure must now pass through three readings in parliament and also be ratified by the Supreme Court before it can become law. Isaac Herzog, who heads the opposition Labour party, said the bill contravened Israeli and international law and justified theft. Washington also described the Israeli parliaments decision as troubling, and said it could pave the way for the legalisation of dozens of outposts built without Israeli government authorisation. This would represent an unprecedented and troubling step thats inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also break long-standing Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. OPINION: Trump and Israel Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and have been major stumbling blocks in negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Between 2009 and 2014, Israeli settlements expanded by 23 percent in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. More than half a million Jewish Israelis already live in more than 150 Jewish-only settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the Israeli human rights group BTselem. Pushed by hardline members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, Israeli parliamentarians said Wednesdays bill was needed to protect a Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank called Amona. The outpost is under a high court order to be demolished by December 25 because it was built on land privately owned by Palestinians. The bill goes far beyond legalising Amona and would allow an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes built on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank to be legalised. However, Israels Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has called the bill legally flawed in its current form, saying that it contravened private property rights legislation and did not tally with Israels international law commitments. READ MORE: Palestinian Bedouins live the Nakba every day Netanyahus government is considered to be the most right-wing in Israels history, and key members of his cabinet are strong supporters of settlement building and opponents of a Palestinian state. Last week, some members of Netanyahus government said Donald Trumps US election win had put an end to a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Netanyahu has been cautious in his comments since Trumps stunning victory, but has expressed confidence that he and Trump could work together to bring US-Israeli relations to new heights. The US already grants Israel more than $3bn per year in defence aid. Muslim groups want Purnama, a member of Indonesias Christian minority, prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Quran. Jakartas Christian governor has been formally named a suspect on blasphemy allegations after claims that he insulted Islam led to a violent mass protest by Muslim groups in the Indonesian capital. After a lengthy preliminary investigation, police said that the allegations against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is also a member of Indonesias ethnic Chinese minority, should go to trial. Religious groups in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country had demanded that Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, be prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Quran while campaigning in elections for the Jakarta governorship. Purnama had accused his opponents of using a Quranic verse, which suggests Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in order to trick people into voting against him. Weeks-long investigation The blasphemy claims prompted much anger among Muslims both moderate and conservative and more than 100,000 protesters took to the streets in Jakarta on November 4 demanding that Purnama be prosecuted, with the protest turning violent as night fell. After a weeks-long investigation, which involved questioning scores of witnesses, Ari Dono Sukmanto, chief of the National Police criminal investigation department, said Purnama should not be allowed to leave the country during the investigation. We have reached an agreement, even though it was not unanimous that this case should be processed in an open trial, Sukmanto said after the investigation. Even though there was no consensus, the dominant opinion is that this case should be settled in court. Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen, reporting from Jakarta, said the police had treated this case very carefully. The police invited lots of experts, including religious and psychological experts, she said. There was so much difference of opinion that the police now wants a judge and an open court to decide if Ahok has committed blasphemy or not. The decision is a huge setback for the governor who was running for re-election. Naming someone a suspect is a formal step in the Indonesian legal system that means authorities believe they have enough preliminary evidence to consider filing charges against someone. If found guilty Purnama who is favourite to win the February elections against two Muslim opponents could be jailed for up to five years. Purnama has apologised for his remarks made in September, saying he was criticising his political rivals who were using the verse rather than the Quran itself. US agencies have 60 days to turn over data related to surveillance of income inequality protesters in Philadelphia. A US judge has ordered the FBI, CIA, and NSA to turn over any potential evidence they spied on Occupy Philadelphia protesters. The American agencies have 60 days to comply with the order from Senior US District Judge Berle Schiller. The order follows another right-to-know case that revealed the FBI was monitoring Occupy Wall Street activities in New York and spin-off efforts from Florida to Alaska. Civil rights lawyer Paul Hetznecker hopes to learn if the agencies spied on demonstrators who camped outside Philadelphia City Hall for seven weeks in 2011 to protest against income inequality. The government should not be investigating its citizens simply because theyve raised their voices in dissent, whether its against government or corporate policy, Hetznecker said on Tuesday. The FBI has turned over seven redacted pages in response to his right-to-know lawsuit. The judge plans to review the unredacted FBI document and information from the CIA and NSA to determine if the material should be made public. Press investigations have shown that federal intelligence agencies have infiltrated Muslim groups, civil rights groups, and other lawful organisations since the September 11, 2001 attacks, Hetznecker argued. A right-to-know request filed by the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund in 2012 led the FBI to disclose its efforts to monitor Occupy Wall Street activities. Occupy Wall Street and democratic protest The documents released showed the FBI sharing information about Occupys plans with banks, businesses, and police, even as it acknowledged the protesters non-violent mission. The US Attorneys Office in Philadelphia, which is defending the government, declined to comment on the pending case. The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper first reported Tuesday on Schillers order late last week. The Occupy Wall Street movement began in New York and spread to cities across the country. Kenyas decision comes after calls by the international community to postpone the closure on humanitarian grounds. Kenya says it will delay by six months the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp, the worlds largest, after calls by the UN and aid groups to postpone it on humanitarian grounds. Dadaab, currently home to an estimated 350,000, was opened in 1991 as a temporary shelter for people fleeing civil war in neighbouring Somalia. Yet, prolonged violence and insecurity turned it over the years into a sprawling tent city. Joseph Nkaissery, Kenyas interior minister, said on Wednesday that the delay follows a request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to push back the camps dismantling, originally planned for this month. It has now been pushed back to May, he said. The government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of the repatriation of Somali refugees and the eventual closure of Dadaab refugee complex by six months, he told a news conference. Nkaissery said a comprehensive repatriation programme would be rolled out next month at the camp. The repatriation will continue to be carried out in a humane, safe and dignified manner, he said. In May, the government cited security concerns as it announced that the vast camp in northeast Kenya near the Somali border would be shut down. Al Jazeeras Catherine Soi, reporting from Kenyas capital Nairobi, said the announcement about the delay did not come as a surprise. There has been a lot of international pressure for the government to reverse the decision to close the camp, she said. But it has also been apparrent for a while now that it was logistically impossible to close the camp. And I think it will still be impossible, come May, the new deadline. READ MORE: Refugees stranded in Somalia after Kenya eviction The process of repatriation to Somalia is voluntary, explained our correspondent. An estimated 18,000 have returned this year, including 10,000 since the announcement of the camps closure in May. This is a very, very slow process and it is going to be very difficult to close the camp even in May next year, Soi said. Forcible returns are illegal Since sending troops into neighbouring Somalia in 2011, Kenya has come under repeated attacks from the al-Shabab armed group. Nairobi has taken a tough stance, claiming the Dadaab camp acts as a terrorist training ground for al-Shabab fighters, and has repeatedly said in public that it will remove all Somali refugees from the country by the end of the year. READ MORE: Somali refugees in Kenya fear being repatriated In September, rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that the repatriation of Somalis from Dadaab violated international standards, and that refugees were returning home involuntarily only to face persecution and hunger. The Kenyan government dismissed HRWs report. Delaying the closure of the camp by six months is certainly better than deporting the refugees in two weeks. But with the new date the refugees will continue to feel that they must leave, said Gerry Simpson, a researcher at HRW. Forcible returns are illegal. Kenya must end its threats to close Dadaab and the UNHCR and donors must press Kenya to publicly reassure the Somali refugees and tell them that they are welcome in Kenya until they are able to return home safely. Refugees will be returning to a country that already has more than one million people displaced from their homes, where five million lack enough food and where African and Somali forces are still fighting al-Shabab. The vast majority of Dadaab residents fled Somalias more than two-decade-long conflict. Many remain fearful of returning to a country where insecurity remains rife. We were in the camps very recently and spoke to people who are very afraid to go back, said Al Jazeeras Soi. They fear for their lives. Some told us that they dont know how they are going to access basic needs such as health services. READ MORE: Kenyas plan to shut Dadaab refugee camp criticised And then there are people who have been in the camp since the 1990s and they say what are we going back to? We dont have anything in Somalia. There are also reports of refugees who have been repatriated but chose to go back to the camp for security reasons. We spoke to some teenage brothers who were repatriated back to Somalia, Soi said. They said they went back and only five days later their father was slaughtered by al-Shabab so they had to run. Stories like that create even more fear in the camp. Authorities in Mexico have unveiled new measures to provide support to Mexican citizens living in the United States, including phone hotlines, following Donald Trumps win in last weeks US presidential election. Trump, who has promised to build a wall along the US-Mexican border, with Mexico paying for it, has also vowed to crack down on undocumented immigrants in the country. Acting to help Mexicans avoid abuses and fraud in the US, Mexicos foreign ministry said on Wednesday it will expand the availability of mobile consulate services to reach more migrants in their communities. It will also establish a 24-hour telephone line for questions about immigration, and provide more appointments for migrants to get passports, birth certificates and consular identification cards. READ MORE: Mexico braced for Trumps deportation policy The ministry said Mexico will strengthen dialogue with state and local authorities in the US to protect its citizens, adding that migrants in the US should avoid any conflict situation and stay out of trouble with the law. The news comes as Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador agreed to join forces and seek support from Mexico to forge a joint strategy in response to Trump, El Salvadors foreign minister told Reuters on Wednesday. Aside from Mexico, many of the Latin America migrants bound for the US hail from the poor nations of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. On Wednesday, the day after a regional meeting in Honduras, the three countries released a joint statement asking their respective foreign ministries to team up and formulate positions on jobs, investment and migration to deal with the new US administration together though the statement did not refer to Mexico. The first meeting between the Central American foreign ministers will take place on Thursday in San Salvador, sources said, adding that there is no date yet for when Mexico might join. Threat of deportation Trump, who takes office on January 20, said in an interview with the CBS programme 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday that his administration would focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records. The president-elect said during the campaign he would deport the estimated 11 million immigrants in the US illegally. Before the vote, Trump also accused Mexico of sending rapists and drug runners into the US and threatened to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico. Trumps surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton has shaken Mexico, pushing the beleaguered peso to record lows and forcing the government into crisis mode as it seeks to protect bilateral trade. Protests erupt in Middelburg after widely circulated video clip shows two white men forcing a black man into a coffin. Demonstrators have protested against racism outside a South African court where two white men face assault charges for allegedly forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire. The two accused, Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson, appeared briefly in the Magistrates Court in Middelburg, east of Pretoria, on Wednesday before the case was postponed until January 25. The men will remain in custody until the case resumes. The 20-second video, which was widely circulated on social media, shows the victim, Victor Rethabile, cowering inside a coffin as one man pushes a lid on his head and the other threatens to put petrol and a snake inside the coffin. Rethabile escaped, although it is not clear how. He told reporters outside court he wanted justice. They were accusing me of trespassing. They beat me up and forced me into the coffin, he said. The left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, which campaigns for a more even distribution of wealth between white and black South Africans, led a rally outside the court. READ MORE: Memorial confronts US Souths history of lynching This humiliation can be based on nothing else but his blackness, which means it is in actual fact a humiliation of black people as a whole, the EFF said in a statement. Hundreds of South Africans condemned the white mens behaviour on social media under the hashtag #coffinAlive. Disgusted about the racism shown towards a fellow South African! Let us be harmonious in our condemnation of this act #coffinAlive Chris Parker (@stoffparker) November 16, 2016 Black people make up 80 percent of South Africas 54 million population. However, most of the economy remains in the hands of white people, who account for about 8 percent of the population. Management wants Islamabad High Court to overturn interior ministrys decision that affects staff and their families. Pakistan has ordered Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to a Turkish religious leader opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to leave the country by November 20. However, management of the school chain approached the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday with a hearing set to take place on Thursday, Pakistans Dawn newspaper reported. PakTurk International Schools and Colleges has more than 20 branches across the country and educates more than 10,000 students. It denies any affiliation with Fethullah Gulen or his Hizmet network. The teachers and their families, totalling about 450 people, were given the notice to leave, PakTurk International Schools and Colleges said in a statement late on Tuesday. A senior interior ministry official said visas of the educational chains staff had been cancelled and staff were issued letters on Sunday, informing them they had one week to leave the country, according to Dawn. OPINION: Why Turkey is mending ties with old foes PakTurk International Schools and Colleges are deeply concerned over the abrupt decision of the government requiring the Turkish teachers, management and their family members to leave the country within three days, the school said in the statement. We do unequivocally clarify that the PakTurk International Schools and Colleges in Pakistan have no affiliation or connection with any political individual or any movement or organisation, whether political, religious or denominational, nor do we have a financial relationship with any movement. It said the staff were asked to leave because of non-approval of their requests for extension of visa. The Pakistan governments move came in advance of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans two-day visit of Pakistan. Erdogan has accused Gulen, a former political ally, of being behind a coup attempt in July, and Turkey has previously asked Pakistan to shut down any groups in the country that have links to Gulen. Before his departure from Ankara, Erdogan praised Pakistans actions against what his government calls the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO). Pakistans decision to have people linked to FETO leave the country by November 20 is very pleasing, Erdogan said. Just like Turkey, Pakistan is carrying out a relentless fight against terror. Turkey supports Pakistans battle until the end. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, preaches Sunni Islam together with a message of interfaith dialogue. He denies any involvement in the failed coup in which more than 230 people were killed. Turkey has appealed to other countries that are home to Gulen-backed institutions. Gulens Hizmet movement runs about 2,000 educational establishments in about 160 countries. In August, PakTurk management removed Turkish principals of all their schools and colleges and also dissolved the board of directors which had representation from Turkish nationals, according to a Dawn report. But PakTurk said its schools would continue operating across the country and told students and their family members that it was opposed to ingress of some other organisation into the teachers and staff of the schools. International Criminal Court prosecutors say the US may have tortured at least 88 people at a number of sites. An International Criminal Court investigation of possible war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan is not warranted or appropriate, the US state department has said after prosecutors in The Hague found initial grounds for such a probe. Elizabeth Trudeau, a state department spokeswoman, said on Tuesday that the US was not a party to the Rome Statute that created the ICC and had not consented to its jurisdiction. She also said the US had a robust justice system able to deal with such complaints. The United States is deeply committed to complying with the law of war, Trudeau said. We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to actions of US personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate. Inside the CIAs torture programme Her comments come a day after ICC prosecutors said in a report that there was reasonable basis to believe US forces had tortured at least 61 prisoners in Afghanistan and another 27 at CIA detention facilities elsewhere in 2003 and 2004. The prosecutors office, headed by Fatou Bensouda, the ICC prosecutor, said it would decide imminently whether to pursue a full investigation. The results could lead to charges being brought against individuals and the issuing of arrest warrants. The US occupied Afghanistan in 2001 as it went after al-Qaeda leaders behind the September 11, 2001 attacks. Crimes also may have been committed at US Central Intelligence Agency facilities in Poland, Lithuania and Romania, where some people captured in Afghanistan were taken, prosecutors said. The US Justice Department, between 2009 and 2012, investigated CIA mistreatment of detainees; this included a full criminal investigation into two deaths in US custody. But ultimately it decided against prosecuting anyone. According to a new report, an increasing number of cities are making sitting on pavements and sleeping in cars illegal. Cities across the US are enacting more bans on living in vehicles, camping in public and begging, despite federal efforts to discourage such laws amid a shortage of affordable housing, according to a new report. Denver, which ordered about 150 homeless people living on pavements to clear out their belongings on Tuesday, was among four cities criticised for policies criminalising homelessness in a report by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, an advocacy group aiming to prevent people from losing their homes. The other cities listed in its hall of shame are in Hawaii, Texas and Washington state. Many cities with increasing home prices have been struggling with homelessness, including Denver and Honolulu, which were reprimanded for an anti-camping law and ban on sitting or lying on sidewalks, respectively. These laws are unconstitutional and bad public policy, Maria Foscarinis, the centres executive director, said. Homelessness remains a national crisis across the country. Its fuelled by the growing lack of affordable housing and the shrinking safety net. The report, which was based on a review of policies enacted by 187 cities over a decade, said bans on living in vehicles had increased by 143 percent. Those laws can be particularly devastating because they often lead to vehicle impoundment, and people can lose all of their belongings, disrupting their ability to work or attend school, Foscarinis said. In Denver, authorities had given notice that homeless people had to move their things. While some packed up and left, others resisted, so the city gave them more time, said Julie Smith, a spokeswoman for the human services department. She said the city wants to help them go to shelters and get other services. Amber Miller, Denvers spokesperson, called the reports findings inaccurate, saying the centre relied on local advocacy groups with incorrect information. She said Denvers priority was to help people to find assistance. We have increased outreach workers and paired them with police patrols, expanded day and night shelter, created 250 units of permanent supportive housing and launched a day work programme, Miller said in a statement. The homeless emergency Honolulu was criticised for what the report called aggressive enforcement of its sit-lie ban. The group said the city has issued more than 16,000 warnings to people violating the ban since it was enacted in Waikiki in 2014. But Jesse Broder Van Dyke, spokesperson for Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, said the report fails to mention that since the sit-lie law took effect in September 2014, officers had issued 21,630 warnings and made only 27 arrests after a public education and warning period. READ MORE: Americas hidden homeless Life in the Starlight Motel He also said over the past two years Honolulu had helped to house more than 1,000 people who were experiencing homelessness, including more than 860 veterans. The state declared a state of emergency for homelessness in October 2015. With a 46 percent increase in the number of homeless families, Hawaii has the highest rate of homeless per capita in the US. The report also targeted Dallas and Puyallup, Washington. Dallas was criticised for issuing thousands of citations for sleeping in public, and Puyallup, in Pierce County, for making it illegal to camp, beg or sit and lie down in parts of the city, despite lacking adequate space in an emergency shelter. Neighbouring King County, which the report said had experienced an explosive increase in its homeless population, declared a regional state of emergency on homelessness last year. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and the city council are working on a plan that would allow for more spaces for homeless encampments. Moscows decision follows UN report on Russian rights abuses and discrimination in Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which prosecutes war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Russia in 2000 signed the Rome treaty which established the Hague-based court, but never ratified it. Putins decree, published on the Kremlins website on Wednesday, comes a day after the UN General Assemblys human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russias temporary occupation of Crimea, and blamed Moscow for rights abuses and discrimination against some Crimean residents, such as Tatars. Dmitry Peskov, Putins spokesman, said the withdrawal is based on national interests and argued that since Russia never ratified the creation of the court, Wednesdays decree was just a formality. OPINION: Europe must remain firm on sanctions against Russia Peskov also dismissed the ICCs accusations of an armed conflict in Crimea, arguing that Crimea joined Russia after a legitimate popular vote. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 from Ukraine after a hastily called referendum, a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A separatist armed conflict later erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month, backed by Russia. On Monday, the ICC issued a preliminary report in which it described what happened in Crimea as an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Russias foreign ministry insisted in a statement that Russia wants everyone implicated in grave international crimes to face justice but expressed frustration over the courts work in recent years. The court has unfortunately failed to match the hopes one had and did not become a truly independent and respected body of international justice, the ministry said, adding that in the ICCs 14 years of work only four verdicts have been passed, while $1bn was spent on expenses. Major pushback Just hours before Russias announcement, the UN human rights chief made a spirited defence of the ICC, entreating countries not to leave it. The tribunal is already facing a major pushback from African countries, who say its a Western institution focused on trying nations from the continent. Burundi was the first country to withdraw in October. Three days later, South Africa also announced that it planned to leave the ICC, followed by Gambia. The ICC has been investigating cases against Sudanese and Kenyan leaders, and issued an arrest warrant against Sudans President Omar al-Bashir. The ICC was established in 1998 and has over 100 member states. It is the worlds first permanent court mandated to bring to justice people responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Motion targeting Syrian government and its backers adopted as bombardment of opposition strongholds in Aleppo continues. US legislators have passed a bill that would sanction the government of Syria and its supporters, including Russia and Iran, for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the country. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, imposing new sanctions on Syria. The legislators accused the Bashar al-Assad government of war crimes in a five-year conflict that has killed almost 500,000 people, led to Europes worst refugee crisis in modern times, and given room for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group to perpetrate its brand of global terrorism. What we have now is a grim lesson in human suffering, said Republican Ed Royce, who is also chairman of the foreign affairs committee, the bills lead sponsor. We can see the ethnic cleansing going on. Even the UN calls this crimes of historic proportions. Enough is enough. Anyone that provides aircraft to Syrias commercial airlines does business with the transportation and telecommunications sectors controlled by the Syrian government, or supports the countrys energy industry. They also would be subject to sanctions under the legislation. We want to go after the things driving the war machine: money, airplanes, spare parts, oil, said Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee. Something needs to jolt this crisis out of its bloody status quo. This bill would give the administration more tools to do so. If youre acting as a lifeline to the Assad regime, you risk getting caught up in the net of our sanctions. The House vote took place one week after Republican Donald Trump was elected US president. UN condemnation Also on Tuesday, UN member states overwhelmingly condemned escalating attacks against civilians in Aleppo and called for a ceasefire to pave the way for a peace settlement. A resolution drafted by Saudi Arabia, which is backing fighters opposed to the Syrian government, was adopted by a vote of 116 to 15, with 49 abstentions, in the General Assemblys human rights committee. Russia and Iran, Syrias allies in the war, were among the 15 who voted against the measure, which is expected to go to the full assembly next month. The UN rights committee has voted every year to condemn Syria over the human rights crisis since the war began in March 2011. Backed by Russia, Syria launched a fresh assault on opposition strongholds on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts to end the war remained deadlocked. Intense air strikes hit several areas in Aleppo for the first time in more than two weeks, signalling the start of a major government offensive in Syrias northern city. Large-scale operation The heavy bombardment of eastern Aleppo came as Russian armed forces announced the launch of a large-scale operation against opposition targets in Syria. The air strikes killed at least 10 people in Aleppo city, according to the US-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and other monitoring groups. In the last few hours at least nine neighbourhoods inside the city of Aleppo have come under intense bombardment, said Al Jazeeras Osama bin Javaid, reporting from Gaziantep, on the Turkish side of the Syria-Turkey border. Residents from inside Aleppo tell us that there is chaos and mayhem in the streets where there are streets still remaining. More than 80 people killed and dozens wounded as Syrian jets continue striking rebel-held parts of Aleppo province. Air strikes and artillery have pounded rebel-held districts of eastern Aleppo for a second day, killing dozens of people, damaging medical facilities and flattening residential buildings. Sources told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that at least 84 people had been killed and dozens wounded in and around Aleppo city over the past 48 hours, as air raids launched by Syrian jets rained down on rebel-held areas amid a new government offensive. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 21 people, including five children and an emergency worker, were killed on Wednesday in the al-Shaar, al-Sukkari, al-Sakhour and Karam al-Beik neighbourhoods. The helicopters wont stop for a single moment, Bebars Mishal, a member of the Syrian Civil Defence, a first responder group that operates in rebel-held areas, told Reuters news agency. Right now, the bombing wont let up. Al Jazeeras Osama bin Javaid, reporting from Kilis on the Turkish side of the Turkey-Syria border, said casualty figures were rising by the hour. One of the worst-hit areas is the al-Shaar neighbourhood, where at least 18 barrel bombs struck, one of them near a childrens hospital and a school, he said. We have seen disturbing scenes of residents holding up body parts of relatives killed in air strikes, he added. So what were seeing on the ground is utter desperation on the part of the people of Aleppo who are not sure what to do because they cant actually go into shelters, and if they stay at home they are at risk of being bombed. READ MORE: In east Aleppo there is no way out Adham Sahloul, of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports several hospitals in opposition areas, said it appeared the government was focusing its fire on Aleppos medical infrastructure. There are only five functioning trauma facilities left in eastern Aleppo, Sahloul told the Associated Press news agency. The Independent Doctors Association, which supports several facilities in Syria, said eastern Aleppos central blood bank was struck in Wednesdays attacks, as well as a childrens hospital supported by the association. Me and my staff and all the patients are sitting in one room in the basement right now, a pediatrician who identified himself only as Dr Hatem posted in a note that was cited by the association. We will try to get out when the air strikes leave our sky. Pray for us please. OPINION: I live in Aleppo, under siege The impact on east Aleppos densely packed civilian neighbourhoods has been devastating. More than 250,000 civilians are still trapped in rebel-held areas, with dwindling food supplies and extremely limited medical care. There were scenes of desperation when there was a brief pause in the air strikes, Al Jazeeras Javaid said. Residents in one area raided a food bank people are desperate and hungry. The Syrian army cut the last supply route into rebel-held territory in July and the last time supplies reached east Aleppo was in August. Aleppo has become the fiercest front in Syrias five-and-a-half-year war, pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shia militias, against Sunni rebels, including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies. The resumption of government air strikes on besieged east Aleppo began just as Russia also announced a wide-scale operation against opposition target in Syrias north and central Homs province. Moscow has denied reports that its jets hit Aleppo in the renewed wave of bombardment, and said it was sticking to a moratorium on air strikes in Aleppo. Elsewhere on Wednesday, Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces inched closer to taking the town of al-Bab, about 35km northeast of Aleppo, from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters. He said the opposition fighters were about 2km from al-Bab. The siege is going according to plan, Erdogan said. There is a resistance there at the moment but I dont think it will last long. Erdogan also said that US-backed Syrian Kurdish fighters whom Turkey views as terrorists, claiming they are an extension of an outlawed Kurdish group in Turkey would soon leave the town of Manbij, in keeping with a purported US promise to Turkey. Blazes break out near Santiago, forcing dozens of people from their homes. Forest fires have broken out very close to the Chilean capital Santiago, leading to the evacuation of dozens of residents. Onemi, the emergency service agency, said the fire was approaching houses, advancing rapidly owing to the direction of the wind. The fire broke out on Monday, and firefighters are still working to keep the flames from reaching homes of the residents in a hilly neighbourhood surrounded by dry pasture land. Santiago Mayor Claudio Orrego arrived on Monday night to monitor the situation with emergency teams. The work, now being coordinated by firefighters, is aimed at protecting the housing sector. The work on the hill is going to be done tomorrow, with five brigades [of workers] from the National Forest Corporation and five helicopters we are going to use in this sector, Orrego said. Dozens of residents were seen out in the streets at night in the residential areas of Pudahuel and Maipu, gathering water and other equipment to combat the fire. Yet to be controlled The fire and smoke, which could be seen from several areas in Santiago, was yet to be controlled, according to the fire commander of Quinta Normal community, Arnaldo Godoy. It [the fire] has yet to be controlled, he said. We still have live flames and this, unfortunately, depends on the wind. There was a minute when the wind changed [direction] and unfortunately, a water supply unit caught fire. Mayor Orrego lamented on Twitter that the fire had affected La Plata ravine in Maipu, a micro-basin that shelters 1,500 endemic species, and that only six hours earlier had been officially declared a Sanctuary of Nature by the Council of Ministers of the Environment. Forest fires are common in Chile and have been particularly savage this year after a hot, dry summer. In 2014, a fire in Valparaiso killed 15 people and consumed more than 2,000 homes. Pulse nightclub in Orlando was the first place where UF law student Benjamin Benny Menaged was able to celebrate his sexuality. On Tuesday, Larry D. Smith, the recipient of the G. Kirk Haas Humanitarian Award and an Orlando attorney, stood in front of a crowd of about 250 people at the UF Levin College of Law to recognize the college and Menaged for increasing diversity and inclusivity. As a recipient of the Haas award, Smith chose one Florida law school and one student from that school to honor. He chose Menaged, who received a scholarship of about $3,000 and became the first openly gay man to accept it. The ceremony also acted as a tribute to the 49 victims who died in the Orlando shooting. Orlando Mayor John Hugh Buddy Dyer said he appreciated people supporting the UF student organization OUTLaw, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. I was expecting a sea of orange and blue, but Im loving this grey, he said, referring to the shirts students wore with a Gator holding a rainbow flag. Although Menaged wasnt there the night of the shooting, he said he felt its devastation. You hear about all these huge tragedies and shootings all over the world, the 25-year-old said, but when it happened in Orlando, for me and so many in Gainesville, it really hit close to home. As the former president of Outlaw, Menaged said his goal was to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community on campus and make it possible for students to feel accepted. I just wanted to make gay people in the law school, and in the LGBTQ+ community, feel more at home here, he said. Smith gave Menaged a framed quote from Deuteronomy, a book in the Bible, that reads Justice, justice shall you pursue, to encourage Menaged and other law students to continue their fight for justice. As important as it is to be the first, its more important to be the next, Smith said. He likened work as a lawyer to contributing to a retirement account: The earlier you start and the more you invest, the greater the reward at the end of your career. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Although he is not a UF alumnus, he was proud to recognize the school and Menaged, knowing UF graduates will be able to greatly impact their communities in their lifetimes. Smith told the crowd to build a better America where hatred and misunderstanding no longer exist. Fighting to build a better nation will ensure the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting are properly honored, he said. They did not die alone, they did not die in vain, Smith said. We will not forget them. Our pulse is stronger than ever. UFs New Engineering Building was evacuated Wednesday morning after a handwritten bomb threat was found in the first floor womens bathroom. The note was reported at 9:46 a.m., and University Police arrived at the building on Center Drive two minutes later, said UPD Captain Jeff Holcomb. No evidence of a bomb has been found, as of press time. The building was evacuated and will remain closed until at least 3 p.m. Classes held in the building are canceled today. Classes held in adjacent buildings, including Larsen Hall and Benton Hall, will continue, he said. UPD set up a perimeter, blocking traffic on Center Drive. At about 11 a.m., K-9 units were getting ready to sweep the building for evidence of a bomb. We're just getting our canines to the building, Holcomb said. Well be going in shortly. costroff@alligator.org @ceostroff A former employee of 101 Cantina was arrested Monday after reportedly stealing more than $5,000 from the Midtown venue, Gainesville Police said. At about 5 a.m. Friday, Jarrid Antonio Bernier, 25, walked into the restaurant and tequila bar at 1632 W. University Ave. and disabled its security cameras, but not before the cameras spotted him stealing cash from its safe, according to the report. In total, Bernier made away with $5,200, according to the report. The money was later returned. The manager of Cantina watched the security video with a GPD officer and identified Bernier, according to the report. He had been at 101 Cantina the night before wearing the same clothes as in the video, according to the report. He was hired about seven months ago, and quit before the incident, according to the report. Police arrested Bernier on charges of burglary of an unoccupied structure and grand theft between $5,000 and $10,000. Authorities took him to the Alachua County Jail, where he was later released on his own recognizance Tuesday. Bernier, who had no previous charges according to the Alachua County Court records, declined to comment. He was issued a standing no contact order by the Clerk of the Court on Tuesday. Standing at all four corners of a Gainesville intersection Tuesday, about 150 protesters elicited honks and hollers of approval and disdain as they opposed the Dakota Access and Sabal Trail pipelines. The Sabal Trail pipeline, which received its final permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August, will run throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida, carrying natural gas. The proposed Dakota Access pipeline would carry crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. At the intersection of Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest 16th Boulevard, protesters waved signs reading oil spills = painful death and chanting cant drink oil, keep it in the soil. After standing there for nearly two hours, the group marched half a mile to the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office on Northwest 41st Street, only to find it closed. Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, an organizer of the protest, said she had called before, confirming the office would be open today and to let them know protestors were coming with questions. The office told her they would be prepared, she said. But when the protesters reached it, they found it closed, with only a sign redirecting those with questions about either pipeline to call a number. It was kind of a let down, because we were told that we were going to have our questions answered by a representative of Army Corp of Engineers, she said. Malwitz-Jipson, a campaign organizer with the Sierra Club, said although President Barack Obama and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delayed the approval of the Dakota Access pipeline this week, she thinks President-elect Donald Trump will move forward with both pipelines and plans for extracting more fossil fuels. This will have a negative effect on the environment and contaminate water, she said. Christina Layton, who lives in Putnam County, drove more than 40 minutes to protest with her mother and two sons, because she worries about the possible contamination of water near the pipelines. Her son, Liam, 7, sat on his grandmothers lap while chanting Water is life. Nothing will grow without water, and nothing will win without water, he said. Sharon Huston holds a sign with her grandson James picture on the corner of Northwest 43rd Street and Northwest 23rd Avenue. Huston said she is worried the pipelines proximity to Dunnellon schools could affect her grandson and the community. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Two UF students argued against the UF Supreme Court on the need to address how Student Government interprets federal and state constitutions. Sen. Ford Dwyer (Access, Law) and Ali Mirghahari, a UF third-year law student, argued for more than an hour in support of two petitions they started. The first one asked if the court and other SG committees could reference federal and state constitutions to make laws. The second petition asked if the court should be able to review the Student Senate Judiciary Committees decisions when it interprets federal or state constitutions to deny laws. The court unanimously voted that it and other SG committees cannot use federal and state constitutions as the main defense for decisions, stating the UF Student Body constitution comes first. But they also voted that federal and state constitutions can be considered when making decisions. The court also ruled that the Judiciary Committee has the authority to use federal and state constitutions as grounds to approve and fail bills. The court cannot review the committees decisions. Chief Justice Chris Tribbey said that if students are not satisfied with the committees decisions, they should vote the senators out of office. He said members of the Judiciary Committee have the authority to rule on constitutions other than the Student Bodys. Theyre held to that kind of standard based on the oath they take, he said. The first petition addressed a 2006 court decision in which online voting was determined unconstitutional because SG laws follow Floridas statutes and Administrative Code. Mirghahari argued the first petition, stating a 2012 court decision should have overturned the 2006 decision. In 2012, the court stated its power comes from the Student Body constitution. The court ruled the 2006 decision was correct and still applied. Justice Ashlyn Robinson said the 2006 decision referenced Florida laws, while the 2012 decision referenced the U.S. Constitution. In the first petition, Dwyer and Mirghahari said if the court decided federal and state constitutions can be used as primary defenses, then parts of the 700 election codes violate students rights. But because federal and state constitutions cannot be used as the main defense, the court did not discuss the 700 codes. Dwyer and Mirghahari said the court avoided discussing the codes. They have just set up a situation where well have to file another petition, Dwyer said. Well bring the 700 issue back since they didnt address it. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Dwyer said the courts decisions were contradictory and could lead to it choosing which laws apply to SG. Obviously, Im very disappointed with the courts decision tonight, Dwyer said. The Unleash your Creativity Through Technology tour brought a multitude of women from diverse fields of study to discuss their issues with current gender inequity and how to progress toward higher education for women. On Tuesday evening, stiletto-clad women of Atlanta gathered at the Historic Academy of Medicine at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the tour, hosted by the companies Rebecca Minkoff and Intel. The partnership aims to give female students the opportunity to explore career opportunities available with science, technology, engineering and math degrees and give them the opportunity to network. Minkoff is currently one of the industrial leaders in high-end, wearable technology with handbags and wallets equipped with phone-charging gadgets, bracelets that link to smartphone notifications and other tech accessories integrated into jewelry items. Forecasted to be worth $34 billion by the year 2020, the wearable-technology market is trending in luxury fashion, especially among millennials. Behind an open microphone, young women lined up to speak to a panel of thought-leaders, entrepreneurs and activators, including Forbes 30 Under 30 media mogul Tiffany Pham, President of the Intel Foundation Rosalind Hudnell and fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff. What began as a simple Q&A session on the second stop of the Unleash Creativity college tour quickly turned into an expert-advice session. Female students across a diverse range of majors and colleges in Atlanta shared their personal struggles in achieving their career goals. From female students facing gender inequity in research labs to being told they cant balance a career with a family, women across all disciplines expressed their experiences with discrimination or inequality. On confronting those who do not support equality, Minkoff said (You have to) strengthen the conversation. Dont delete men from the conversation. They have to learn to recast the system. They have to start to understand what its like. With the evenings theme of #StayWithIt, which encourages women to continue to work in STEM fields, panelists discussed the importance of finding mentors, working at passions and being unafraid to fail. The panelists advice comes at a crucial time for female development in college and higher education in the STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, Rates of science and engineering course taking for girls/women shift at the undergraduate level and gender disparities begin to emerge, especially for minority women. The foundation concluded that once girls succumb to social pressures such as gender discrimination in college, many drop their pursuits of STEM degrees. Trisha Roy, the CEO and founder of Barn and Willow, a company that manufactures custom drapery and Roman shades, stressed the importance of going after your own opportunities. Half the battle is showing up, she said. The fact that you showed up here makes you 50 percent better than the people outside this door. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Allowing college women to identify with and be inspired by an influential, powerful and diverse set of women is the goal that the Minkoff and Intel partnership is working toward. As the discussion came to a close, the attendees were invited to take part in breakout discussion sessions with each panelist under topics ranging from Promoting Your Personal Brand to Women in Corporate America. A millennial herself, Minkoffs discussion about her brands strength through innovation and technology before her technology was mainstream made her message more authentic and inspiring to an audience of future industry professionals. With the range of gender issues, from equal pay to maternal leave, debated in todays atmosphere, empowering women to stay with it in STEM fields is a trend that will continue to increase with the expansion of education and equality. Jenna Cooper is a student at Emory University. A version of this column originally appeared in The Emory Wheel. Already, the high-profile compliance breakdown at Wells Fargo has resulted in consent orders from two regulatory agencies, $185 million of fines and penalties, employee lawsuits, shareholder lawsuits, billions of dollars of lost shareholder value, the resignation of a CEO and the clawback of millions of dollars of compensation from executive officers. Wells Fargo and the entire banking industry have suffered serious reputational damage from this scandal. However, it is far from over. With John Stumpf no longer leading the company, the focus of shareholders is likely to shift to the board of directors, and the following questions are likely to be asked: What did the board know and when? Does the board have responsibility and/or liability for these compliance failures? Whether or not the Wells Fargo board satisfied its oversight responsibilities, it was undeniably tone deaf to the incendiary nature of various aspects of the alleged improper behavior. Those aspects included the fact that sales targets and incentive compensation induced noncompliant and allegedly fraudulent activity that directly and adversely affected as many as 2 million consumers; the firing of thousands of low-level employees compared to the retirement golden parachutes provided to the executive who managed retail operations; and the apparent lack of accountability at the top. As the political firestorm that erupted clearly demonstrates, the board was also mistaken in considering the matter "immaterial" from a public disclosure point of view. This may be as much the fault of those advising the board, but the board apparently allowed itself to be insulated and out of touch with the realities on the ground. Although the board must share responsibility for how the scandal unfolded, there is a high bar for board liability in this type of situation. Indeed, a claim that a board failed in its oversight role has been characterized by the Delaware courts as "possibly the most difficult theory of corporate law upon which a plaintiff might hope to win a judgment." A stockholder claiming a breach of the board's oversight duty must demonstrate that the board utterly failed to implement reporting and information systems investments designed to enable management and the board to reach informed judgments concerning the corporation's compliance with laws, regulations and policies. Or a stockholder must demonstrate that the board, having implemented these systems, failed to inform itself or act upon information flowing back to it, known as red flags. Broadly, recent case law holds that boards need to be more alert to red flags alleging fraudulent activity within a company, as opposed to adverse risk developments. Companies are in the business of taking risk but not in the business of committing fraud. With this in mind, several aspects of the Wells Fargo episode related to the board's responsibilities are interesting: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's consent order with Wells Fargo alleges that the bank lacked an enterprisewide sale practices oversight program, and thus lacked sufficient oversight to prevent and detect violations of law. The admitted wrongdoings occurred as long ago as 2011, came to light as the result of a Los Angeles Times investigative report in 2013, were brought to the attention of the board in late 2013 or 2014, and allegedly continued at least until July 2015. The alleged noncompliant behavior appears to also involve fraudulent activity, not just a failure to achieve regulatory compliance a point that many senators emphasized in the contentious Sept. 20 Senate hearing. Already, governance changes have occurred at the board level at Wells Fargo. In connection with Stumpf's resignation, the position of chairman has been separated from that of chief executive. Although it might sound like a minor change, separating the two positions is still in stark contrast to the practice followed by most megabanks. That may be just a start. Stockholders are likely to call for accountability at the board level. It is possible that the bank will announce further board changes prior to the next annual meeting of Wells Fargo stockholders. If not, it will be an interesting board proxy and director election season for Wells Fargo in 2017. In this regard, it is the policy position of ISS, the most influential proxy advisory firm, to recommend that shareholders withhold or vote against individual directors, committee members or the entire board, in extraordinary circumstances, due to material failures of governance, stewardship or risk oversight. According to the 2016 proxy statement, the audit and examination committee of the Wells Fargo board is responsible for overseeing operational risk and legal and regulatory compliance, among other matters. Wells Fargo has a majority vote standard for the uncontested election of directors. Will there be a campaign to remove certain Wells Fargo directors? Even if there is not a challenge to the election of Wells Fargo directors, there certainly will be numerous stockholder proposals included in the proxy statement relating to the compliance scandal, which will provide shareholders an opportunity to express their frustrations with the company and its board. Regardless of what happens, the Wells Fargo episode is a reminder of the challenges facing boards of directors. Boards need to understand their oversight roles and responsibilities with respect to compliance oversight and remain vigilant. John J. Gorman is a partner at the Washington law firm of Luse Gorman PC and a faculty member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. He has served as a commissioner on the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Board Leadership and the 2016 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Building the Strategic-Asset Board. AgriBank in St. Paul, Minn., is removing "interim" from the title of its chief executive. The $100 billion-asset bank said in a press release Tuesday that William Thone will take on the role permanently starting Dec. 1. AgriBank is among the largest wholesale banks within the Farm Credit System. Thone, who once served as the bank's general counsel, became interim CEO in August when Bill York stepped down. Thone, who joined the bank in 1992, began his banking career working in the legal department at the Farm Credit Bank of St. Louis in 1979. Thone "has provided exemplary leadership during his time as interim CEO," Matt Walther, AgriBank's chairman, said in the release. "We're delighted [he] has accepted the board's offer and look forward to working closely with him." AgriBank, which is owned by 17 local Farm Credit Associations, primarily provides wholesale lending, risk management and retail bank support. The bank has $82 billion in loans. Cambridge Bancorp in Massachusetts has a new chief financial officer. The $1.8 billion-asset parent of Cambridge Trust said in a press release Tuesday that Michael Carotenuto started as CFO on Monday. He succeeds Albert Rietheimer, who is retiring after serving as CFO since 2005. Carotenuto joins Cambridge from Belmont Savings Bank in Massachusetts, where he had been director of treasury and internal reporting since 2011. He has also been an accounting policies adviser at People's United Financial in Bridgeport, Conn., and a member of the risk advisory services staff at Ernst & Young. Cambridge, which has 11 branches in Massachusetts, hired two financial executives in its commercial lending division in September. MainStreet Bancshares in Fairfax, Va., has hired a veteran Virginia banker as its president. The $512 million-asset company said in a press release Wednesday that Chris Brockett also joined its board. Brockett succeeded Jeff Dick, who remains the company's chairman and chief executive. Brockett helped found Virginia Heritage Bank in 2005, eventually becoming its chief financial officer and chief operating officer. When the $950 million-asset bank sold itself to Eagle Bancorp in Bethesda, Md., in November 2014, Brockett was named director of operations at Eagle Bank. While at Eagle, Brockett had direct oversight of retail banking and deposit and loan operations, information technology, residential lending operations, marketing and facilities. He left the bank in May. Two leading choices have emerged among robo-advice platforms for institutions: BlackRock's FutureAdvisor and the UBS-backed SigFig. On Tuesday, Wells Fargo announced that SigFig will power its digital advice offering. "This offering will mark an important step forward in delivering financial advice to the next generation of investors, while building a long-term pipeline for our full-service business," said David Carroll, head of wealth and investment management at Wells Fargo. Earlier this year, Wells Fargo outlined a pilot program to introduce robo advice in 2017 through its community bank unit. The platform would eventually be available to all of its brokers and clients, executives said. SigFig CEO Mike Sha says the partnership with Wells was months in the making. "You can imagine, given the nature of these relationships, it takes quite a bit of time to figure out integration. It's very complex." Sha is endlessly optimistic, buoyed by the string of good news this year for the San Francisco-based startup particularly the blockbuster partnership with UBS in May and the wide potential for digital advice to grow. "We obviously are excited to be in a partnership with Wells Fargo," Sha says. "They do reach quite a staggering amount of consumers. Over the next couple of years, we expect to be touching a majority of the market though our partnerships." In addition to its relationship with UBS, SigFig this year announced a partnership with Pershing. The startup also received $40 million in funding from a consortium of investors including Eaton Vance, Comerica and New York Life. Comparatively, FutureAdvisor has lined up agreements to provide its technology to U.S. Bank, BBVA Compass, RBC Wealth Management and LPL. If FutureAdvisor is Pepsi, SigFig is Coke, Sha says. "I think our platforms are quite different. As time goes on you'll start to see how our platforms are pretty different, and why those firms have chosen us." However, Sha says he doesn't see his firm in a race for clients with FutureAdvisor, which is also based in San Francisco. "If you look at the state of retail banking, it's not like companies who were first with online banking won that game," Sha says. "It just became essential to have a compelling consumer offering in digital. The market changed in the last 24 months. Then, the state of digital advice was still exploratory. Today, if you're a large bank or brokerage ignoring it, you're missing out on the most important trend of the decade." Legacy Tech Challenge For Wells, the deal ended the debate on whether to buy a digital advice platform or build one in-house. "It speaks to the challenges of launching an in-house solution, particularly for banks," says Celent senior analyst Will Trout. "Multiple product stacks, underpinned by legacy tech, make it tough to roll out an automated platform capable of delivering quality and consistent advice." He says that, while it's possible to work at the account or product level, it's difficult to operate at the client level without a consolidated platform. "A robo-adviser offering needs to be integrated seamlessly into the client value proposition if it is to add value," Trout says. Also promoting the trend of partnerships between financial firms and fintech providers is a strategy to make digital advice a tool for advisers instead of a direct-to-consumer stand-alone product, says Sean McDermott, senior analyst at Corporate Insight. "This would further explain why the wirehouses are willing to partner with firms like FutureAdvisor and SigFig despite the fact that they also have licensing agreements with some of their direct full-service competitors," McDermott says. "Each firm believes that their advisers will add value to the technology, differentiating the service from competitors that license the same software. So far, FutureAdvisor and SigFig are clearly the platforms of choice for the biggest full-service brokerage firms. This speaks to the power of having a trusted industry stalwart like BlackRock or UBS in your corner." Retail Robos 'Not Dead' The success of SigFig and FutureAdvisor is confusing to some in the industry, notes Lex Sokolin, Autonomous Research's global director of fintech research. "Neither of them started as adviser-focused businesses, or had that architecture, so many of us are left scratching our heads why the largest institutions have picked them," he says. Among wirehouses, Sokolin notes, SigFig and FutureAdvisor have a strong lead because they are well-capitalized and know how to do an enterprise deployment. "There is space for others, like a surprising entry from Addepar or one of the independent-focused firms. But they will need to show both capital and resources to compete," he says. But there still is room for deals in the wealth management segments of independent RIAs, independent broker dealers, large banks, small banks and online brokers, he adds. "Each market needs a different approach because the infrastructure and operations are different. The independents are pretty much split between Jemstep, Vanare, Riskalyze and a few others." However, there is very little space left, Sokolin says. "Online brokerages are also done; most of them are launching internal solutions since they own trading. As for the bank space, that's still pretty wide open." Sha agrees, and adds that questions about differentiation between platforms will quickly subside as digital advice becomes a standard offering. "Once we start to penetrate the multitrillion-dollar wealth management industry, it won't be a one-size-fits-all approach," Sha says. "We all started in a similar space low-cost ETF portfolios but we will all choose to expand our platforms." Sha is even ready to defend the retail robo market play despite the opinion of many observers that competition is too intense for an independent platform to survive. "I don't think it's dead," he says. "The wealth space is very diverse, and there are lots of different solutions. If market share was all that mattered, we wouldn't have RIAs or IBDs. So I don't think it's doom and gloom for B-to-C. The big incumbents will certainly gather assets. But that doesn't mean you can't build a decent business going direct to [the] consumer." At MSC, we want to continue to improve towage service efficiency and expand Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, building on the impressive work of the Genoese families that have developed the company the past 100 years, MSC CEO Soren Toft said. Donald Trump has already distinguished himself as the first elected president of modern times to have had no previous political experience or close connections to the political establishment. His own party, the Republican Party, had many party diehards who refused to acknowledge his popularity with voters. Trump defeated the GOP establishment, won more primary votes than any Republican candidate in history, defeated the Democrat Party establishment, and the media establishment He has one more establishment he must defeat: the Washington bureaucracy and its nationwide administrative infrastructure. This establishment was not elected. It owes its existence and political influence to the manipulation of the Democrat Party. So while he can appoint agency heads and try to execute his policy goals through them, he has an army of bureaucrats against him. To understand the political and financial power of the bureaucracy its necessary to understand both its administrative structure and financial influence. Its essential to understand how government has grown the bureaucracy and acted to protected it and enable it to protect itself. The administrative bureaucracy that matters to Trump is the socioeconomic bureaucracy: those agencies that make policy for the distribution of entitlement benefits and education. Essentially, any agencies that deal with the public. The military is a very large bureaucracy but only can be used to implement foreign policy. The socioeconomic bureaucracy was started by FDR in the early 1930s and to this day it uses the rationale of helping people and overcoming economic disadvantage to gain political support. The size of the national bureaucracy can be best understood by reviewing the numbers. Heres some facts from the Center for Responsive Politics. The SEIU is headquartered in Washington and has 1.9 million members. Since 1989 the SEIU has given $238 million to political candidates, making them the number one political contributor with 100% going to Democrats. The number three biggest contributor is the National Education Association, their 3 million members having given $114 million, 97% going to Democrats. The number four contributor is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Their 1.6 million members gave $100 million with 99% going to Democrats. The number nine biggest contributor is the American Federation of Teachers who gave $81 million, 100% going to Democrats. They have 1.6 million members in 3,000 localities nationwide. These four unions, active throughout the U.S., have a total of 8.1 million active members and since 1989 have given $533 million to political candidates, 98% of which went to Democrats. And this number does not include the other municipal public sector unions, etc. which amount to about 12 million members, giving a total number of public union members of 20.2 million. This is the size of the bureaucratic opposition Trump has in the states and Federal government. On the Federal level, there are 45,000 Federal employees in Chicago alone. About 28% of all Federal workers are union members. President Obama greatly expanded the bureaucracy with his 63 czars funded by the ARRA money and huge budget deficits. Obama used these methods to take over the legislative branch. In fact the ARRA -- American Reinvestment and Recovery Act -- specifically states on page two The President and the heads of Federal departments and agencies shall manage and expend the funds made available in this Act. In effect, this takes the management of ARRA funds away of Congressional GOP -- control. This action was so important to Obama that it was first passed by Democrats on Jan. 9, two weeks before Obama took the oath of office. The act is H.R.1, House Resolution 1, of Obamas first term. Trump doesnt need to take over the legislative branch since he has majorities in the House and Senate but he has to defeat the administrators who will act to sabotage the implementation of any of his new policies. The weapon Trump has to fight bureaucratic control is to remind the bureaucrats that their Federal unions were created by executive order, EO 10988 issued by JFK in 1962. Anything created by an EO can be abolished by an EO. Only Trump can use an EO as a trump card since he is not beholden to unions, unlike the presidents before him. In the larger context, there is nothing in the Constitution that legitimizes any kind of organization to control the Federal government, including a union organization composed entirely of Federal bureaucrats. The Federal unions primarily support only the Democrat Party. This has been proven by their campaign contributions. 95% of the IRS employees who donated to the 2012 campaign gave money to Barack Obama. Obama was beholden to the unions and acted to restore the values of their pension investments through the QE program. Whether this creates long-term suffering for the middle-class taxpayer was not a concern. Obama put priority upon the public sector unions because all the biggest states and metropolitan areas are run by Democrats and he is beholden to them for both the propaganda preached through the public schools and campaign contributions. Trump can also bring university salaries at state public universities under control by requiring any university that receives any kind of Federal grant money to publicly report the salaries of all employees on their websites, and ban other pay; that ridiculous name for million dollar bonuses given to people in public jobs. The website transparentcalifornia.com records these outrageous bonuses. That Federal regulatory agencies overstep their bounds and affect the lives of all Americans was proven in 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA violated Congressional constraints when it illegally changed the regulations regarding the emissions of coal-fired power plants. The Supreme Court overturned those emissions changes, but in his typically sneaky fashion, Obama encouraged rule by regulation over rule by law, expecting that a Supreme Court case would take years and by the time the Supreme Court could rule, his changes would be permanent. This has to change. Trump and the Republican Congress should pass laws requiring that all regulatory changes should be delayed at least five years, or until such time as all court challenges have had the time to go through the Federal court system. The Federal government must provide free legal assistance to anyone challenging regulations or fines issued to Americans by the EPA, BLM, Dept. of Agriculture and any other Federal agency which create an economic burden. Right now, the EPA can fine a rancher tens of thousands of dollars for an accidental spill of a pesticide, and the rancher has no choice but to pay it. The weight of the legal system should not be biased toward Federal agencies; right now it is. There is a presumption of guilt that goes with Federal edicts on farmers and corporations, yet no presumption of innocence. Federal agencies should have to go to court to sue any company, farmer or rancher who is fined over fifty dollars, and provide a free lawyer to the farmer. This will put these agency-edicts on a level playing field, and they will quickly diminish. If illegal immigrants can get free Federal lawyers so should farmers and ranchers. President-elect Donald Trump, who ran as a law and order candidate, has had the legal gauntlet thrown down before him by Chicago Mayor and former Obama White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel and his lawbreaking brethren have pledged that despite the election results and the law, their cities will remain sanctuary cities: Chicago will remain a sanctuary city despite President-elect Donald Trump's promise to withhold federal funds from municipalities that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Sunday in a statement. Emanuel's announcement follows statements on Friday by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee that they would not alter policies that restrict their cities' cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities. Trump during an interview that aired Sunday on CBS' 60 Minutes said he would "immediately" deport up to 3 million immigrants who are "criminal and have criminal records," citing "gang members, drug dealers." Said Trump: "We are getting them out of the country, or we are going to incarcerate.". In 1985, then-Mayor Harold Washington signed a sanctuary city policy which prohibited city agencies from asking people about their immigration status though the Chicago Police Department does run background checks on criminal suspects. In a 2012 appearance at a Little Village school, Emanuel told reporters that the police department is not an "adjunct for the immigration service." "We're not going to turn people over to ICE" -- the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency," Emanuel said according to a Tribune report on the 2012 event. That is exactly the policy that got Kate Steinle murdered by an illegal alien in San Francisco and Jamiel Shaw Jr. killed in Los angles, just two of many. Only in the fundamentally transformed America of President Obama could the former police chief of San Francisco, the city where Kate Steinle was murdered by an illegal alien given sanctuary, herself a supporter of sanctuary cities, be the short list for the next head of the U.S. Border Patrol. As Fox News reported: A former San Francisco police chief and vocal supporter of a sanctuary cities policy is on a short list of candidates to become the new chief of the Border Patrol, according to sources. As police chief, Heather Fong shielded illegal immigrants, including aliens who committed crimes, from deportation. In contrast, it is the job of the U.S. Border Patrol to catch and deport all illegal immigrants, including those with a criminal history. During her five years as the chief of SFPD, Fong refused to cooperate with ICE, telling reporters in November 2008, "We do not cooperate with ICE when they go out for enforcement of immigration violations of the law." A few months earlier, she appeared in a public service campaign telling illegal immigrants they're welcome in the city. In promoting San Francisco's sanctuary city policy on TV, radio, posters and brochures in five languages, Fong said illegal immigrants had nothing to fear under her watch. "San Francisco is committed to providing safe access to public services to our communities," she said. Except for American citizens like Kate Steinle, the young lady shot by illegal immigrant Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez, a seven-time felon who had been deported five times, only to return to San Franciscos welcoming arms. In local custody, he was released by Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi, who thankfully was just thrown out by voters. Mirkarimi was implementing the San Francisco policy of not notifying federal authorities of such releases. Heather Fong supports this policy wholeheartedly. Donald Trump got into trouble for saying our open borders policy allows Mexican criminals free access to the United States. Yet criminals like Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez do come across and Heather Fong as head of the Border Patrol would be unlikely to stem the tide. Rather she would probably be standing on the border passing out a map of sanctuary cities. Being a sanctuary city is illegal. State and local authorities cannot refuse to enforce federal law. Of course, who is going to call sanctuary cities to account when the President of the United States refuses to enforce our immigration laws. As Investors Business Daily has noted, President Obama himself ordered those in charge of border security to obey his executive orders on amnesty and not our immigration laws: If President Obama, who has warned ICE agents of consequences if they do their job, had a son, he might look like Jamiel Shaw Jr., a young African-American killed by an illegal alien who shouldn't have been here. Shaw was a Los Angeles high school star dreaming of a good life ahead when he was gunned down on March 2, 2008, while walking home. He was picked at random, police said, possibly as part of a gang loyalty test for the illegal alien who shot him. The sanctuary policies that led to the murder of Shaw are now full-blown federal policies under Obama. "We're not in the business of deporting millions of people or of breaking up families," he says. We're also not in the business of deporting criminal illegal aliens. President Obama was telling employees at Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had better enforce his executive amnesty orders or else. Speaking at a Miami town hall meeting sponsored by MSNBC and Telemundo, Obama said "there may be (an) ICE official or Border Patrol agent not paying attention to our new directives. If somebody's working for ICE . . . and they don't follow the policy, there's going to be consequences to it." Well, there have been consequences to your open border policy and sanctuary cities, President Obama. You and the liberal big city mayors that have followed your lead are protecting criminal aliens that prey on American citizens and destroy American lives. You and your ilk insist on protecting and releasing dangerous criminals en masse to the streets of American cities. As Judicial Watch reports: a new study reveals that hundreds of sanctuary cities nationwide released thousands of criminal aliens from jail rather than turn them over to federal authorities for deportation. in less than a year 340 sanctuary cities, counties and states around the U.S. released 9,295 alien offenders that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was seeking to deport. More than half had significant prior criminal histories and 600 were released at least twice by jurisdictions that protect criminal aliens from deportation by refusing to comply with ICE detainers. The figures were made public recently by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a nonprofit dedicated to researching the consequences of legal and illegal immigration into the United States. Of those still at large, 1,377 (20%) had another criminal arrest following the one that resulted in the original ICE detainer. This is why a violent criminal, Francisco Javier Chavez, is on the loose. In August 2015 he was arrested for beating his girlfriends 2-year-old daughter and, despite an extensive criminal record that includes felony drug and drunk-driving convictions, a California sheriffs department ignored an ICE detainer and released him. Liberals who fear families will be torn apart by deportation of illegal aliens, particularly those who have criminal records, care not for the families of Kate Steinle and Jamiel Shaw Jr. and countless other victims of open borders and sanctuary cities. Mayors like Rahm Emanuel are sworn to uphold the law, and those include the laws of the United States. Arguably, they are accessories to the murder of American citizens. Those who say illegal aliens still have rights forget that Kate Steinle and Janiel Shaw Jr. had rights too, including the right not to be murdered. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. We can never know the whole truth, but we do know some of it. We know for sure that Barack Hussein Obama was born in Hononlulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961. We know that, although New York Times reporter Nate Cohen confessed in his paper he had "fudged" projection numbers of the outcome of the November 8, 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump still won. We know, though she might change her mind, that the actress Cher is packing her bags "to leave the planet" because of Trump's victory. However, for some commentators there is still some confusion about or refusal to admit essential information about the late Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, president of the Palestine Authority, and leader of the Fatah party, known popularly as Abu Ammar. Some still dispute where Yasser Arafat was born; controversy still reigns over the causes of his death in a Paris military hospital on November 11, 2004; and the extent of his personal wealth remains unclear. By coincidence, on the fifteenth anniversary of his death, the Arafat Museum was opened on the grounds of the Palestinian presidential headquarters in Ramallah. Covering two floors the Museum are 10,000 pictures of the Palestinian leader; a mock-up of Arafat's modest last room as it used to be, with a single bed and small wardrobe; the sunglasses he wore at his U.N. address in 1974; his keffiyehs (scarves); his pistol; his passport; and the Nobel Peace Prize medal awarded in 1994 to himself, Yitzhak Rabin, and Shimon Peres. The museum was fortunate to have some items. That Nobel Prize medal was found in a market in Gaza. When it took power in 2007, the Hamas group, rival of Fatah, looted Arafat's headquarters in Gaza City and took nearly everything, including almost all his fake uniforms and also his wife's clothes and expensive Christian Louboutin shoes. That is why only four uniforms were left to display in the museum. The museum purports to display, through portraying the memorabilia of Arafat's life and featuring his story in the West Bank, in Tunisia, and in Lebanon, the most important events in Palestinian history, though its value as an cultural, educational, and objective commemorative institution is limited. Its presentation of Yasser Arafat is as enigmatic as the man himself, variously regarded as a freedom fighter or terrorist leader, who in 1974 came to the U.N. with an olive branch and a freedom fighter's gun. First, there is the dispute over his place of birth. Palestinian activists, and the museum fudges the issue, maintained for a long time that Arafat was born and raised in Jerusalem. In fact, he was born in Cairo, Egypt on August 24, 1929, where he was raised. His father, who worked in Cairo, was a Palestinian from Gaza City, and his mother was Egyptian. Arafat's mother came from a Jerusalem-based family. Arafat was always an Arab nationalist, but was he a true Palestinian? Even more controversy surrounds the reason for his death. Though the French doctors at the hospital where he died said he died from a stroke, a blood condition, other versions have been given. Russian scientists investigating the death said there was no trace of radioactive poisoning, yet PLO leaders suggest polonium, or use of an Israeli laser, or poisoning by rival Palestinian personalities. One of them, Ahmad Jibril of the PFLP, general command, asserted that Arafat had died of AIDS. Much of this problem stems from the fact that Arafat's wife Suha refused to allow an autopsy. She is not perhaps a credible witness. She, originally a Catholic, regretted her marriage and tried to divorce Arafat on many occasions. Suha, with dyed blonde hair, love of designer clothes and shoes, and her high-profile life in Paris, was rumored to have had separate quarters at home and to have led a separate life. The new Museum does not deal with Suha's life after Yasser. The PLO supposedly gave her $22 million a year to live on out of Yasser's secret accounts. She is said to be living first at the Bristol Hotel in Paris and then elsewhere, on a monthly allowance of over $100,000, perhaps $200,000. She is also rumored to have given necklaces and earrings to Hillary Clinton. The image of the dedicated revolutionary living ascetically is dispelled by reality. The large amounts of money come from the secretive accounts of Yasser, about which considerable speculation has taken place. Forbes Magazine estimated the fortune at over $300 million. A report by a U.S. accounting firm headed by the auditor Jim Prince told of a secret portfolio of $1 billion, with holdings in Coca-Cola, a Tunisian cell phone company, venture capital firms in the U.S., and the Cayman islands. The CIA put the sum even higher at $6 billion. Ironically, for a time, Yasser's associates used the Leumi Bank in Tel Aviv to launder money, which then went to Lombard Odier in Geneva, Switzerland. Some of the money came from Saddam Hussein, who gave Yasser $500 million for his support in the first Gulf war, the invasion of Kuwait. Which aspects of Arafat's life is the Museum likely to feature? Will it shed light on any desire for peace with Israel, the belated acceptance of UNGA Resolution 242, the participation in the 1983 Oslo Accords, and the 2000 Camp David Summit? Or will it outline his responsibility for terrorism. From 1969, he made clear the need for the PLO to carry on intense armed revolution in all parts of Palestinian territory, to engage in a war of liberation. He was briefed on Palestinian air hijackings and on the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre of 11 Israelis. He was responsible for inaugurating the two Intifadas, in December 1987 and in 2000. It is an ominous sign that the museum prominently displays his submachine gun, assault rifle, and pistol. This will not encourage Palestinians to live in peace with Israel. An overflowing plate of urgently needed new policies to act upon will be waiting on President Donald J. Trump's desk when he takes office on January 20, 2017. Few are as pressing as the need to lead a new national effort for securing our cyber communication infrastructure. It is no secret that the security of the U.S. cyber infrastructure is essential to the functioning of the electric grid; our defense; communication; transportation; industry; finance; health of and everything electronic we use in our daily life. And it is no secret that during his two terms in office, President Obama failed to secure the U.S. cyber infrastructure and paid little if any attention to timing and location services that are essential for unobstructed cyber activity. The growing dependency on wireless technology and services and lack of adequate security led to an escalation in cyber-attacks. Substantial segments of the U.S. economy have already been harmed. State- sponsored hackers, as well as lone actors, were able to steal millions of documents detailing the countrys most critical national security and business secrets. Others have stolen untold amounts of money and disrupted out financial markets activities. It seems that the rapid pace at which cyber-related architectures and wireless technologies are evolving have apparently presented an insurmountable barrier to most of our technologically-challenged policymakers. During his two terms, President Obama issued some executive orders on critical infrastructure and cybersecurity. But lacking direction, the executive branch, and its agencies have failed to secure the nation's cyber infrastructure. The Czars and advisors he appointed to oversee different elements of cyber security, failed because of lack of leadership to coordinate the efforts. Thus the nation's cyberspace security became increasingly vulnerable. Only after WikiLeaks began releasing the email correspondence between Hillary Clinton and her supporters, which were conducted on her private non-secure server, did Obama issue Presidential Policy Directive -41. Called the United States Cyber Incident Coordination, the directive put the FBI in charge of responding to all cyber threats. This was necessary, said his homeland security adviser, Lisa Monaco, "because it's not always clear whether those responsible for a hacking incident are other countries, terrorists or criminals." This directive identified the responsible federal agencies, to "help answer a question heard too often from corporations and citizens alike: In the wake of an attack, who do I call for help?" Ms. Monaco noted that "other agencies will also have significant roles in helping to prevent and mitigate the effect of cyber intrusions." These include the Department of Homeland Security and the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center. But this will do little to undo the huge damage that was already done to the U.S. economy, military, and its national security. The lack of attention for toughening timing and location infrastructure, and the lack of a single accountable department to direct all the agencies that are involved, increased the U.S. voluntarily to cyberattacks. Turning the NSA into a Cabinet office of the National Information Security (NISD) Department would not only help the unite our cyber defense, but would help to cut down on bureaucracy. The NIS should ensure that policies and definitions of cyber include timing and location services, such as GPS (Global Positioning System). This classification would help coordinate the efforts to increase resiliency capabilities and would help minimize, and possibly prevent, purposeful interference with our cyber infrastructure, and enhance our defense capabilities. The NIS would be in charge of uniting and overseeing the necessary actions needed to secure the nations cyber infrastructure from any interruptions. It should be in charge of all U.S. efforts to develop, build and use new resilient capabilities and devices and ensure the delivery of accurate timing and location data by the GPS, and our ability to defend against attacks and or natural interference. The new cyberspace security policy should look beyond just "space-based" assets and GPS. It should be looking at the larger cyber infrastructure. It should be responsible for developing more resilient devices with access to multiple alternative sources for our nation's cyber infrastructure, which is dependent on GPS for precise time and location-based services. A cyberattack or worse, activating an electromagnetic weapon (EMP), by exploding a nuclear device in the atmosphere above parts of the U.S., as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich described, "would totally devastate our entire electrical grid and cyber communication networks and disable our critical infrastructure. Such an event would destroy our complex, delicate, high-tech society in an instant and throw all of our lives back to an existence equal to that of the Middle Ages. Millions would die in the first week one." This very real threat of an EMP attack on the U.S. has been debated in Congress, discussed in the media and featured in film. Yet, the Obama Administration failed to prepare adequate measures to mitigate the threat. To better protect our economy, society, and government, we must immediately expand the current policies into a broader "position, navigation and timing" policy with a central authority and holistic approach for: (1) overseeing, managing, and prioritizing U.S. efforts, (2) centralizing all research and development of location services, and timing solutions and technology, (3) gathering, maintaining, and adapting, in near real-time, civil user-defined requirements, (4) clearly delineating between government and private sector capabilities and responsibilities for provisioning, (5) clearly placing all forms of harmful interference, data manipulation, equipment vulnerabilities, and capability disruption(s) into the cyber response planning framework, and (6) leveraging cyber reporting to include GPS and other forms interference and disruptions. Our timing and location resilience should have both a space-based and ground-based PNT solution. This does not mean that the government needs to own and operate all capabilities. We could leverage public-private partnerships to meet this effort. But this needs to be coordinated and funded by the highest levels of the Executive branch. America is a just one second away from an attack on its cyber infrastructure. Securing the system is a priority. To hit the ground running, the Trump Administrations needs a needs a new policy, and an accountable leadership with an action plan ready on their first day in office. Rachel Ehrenfeld is director of the Economic Warfare Institute at the American Center for Democracy. Some Android phones have been calling home to China. Don't worry; it's only some, "only" 120,000 Americans who have had "the full contents of text messages, contact lists, call logs, location information and other data [sent] to a Chinese server." And why should they care? It's probably just used to sell advertising. "The American authorities say it is not clear whether this represents secretive data mining for advertising purposes or a Chinese government effort to collect intelligence." Hmmm...that puts a different light on it. But you have nothing to hide from the Chicoms, right? Besides, it was a mistake, a "feature" intended only for the Chinese market. And the company that wrote the code, Adups, is not connected with the Chinese government. Of course not. Spying on Chinese citizens? Sure, any company in China can do that without consulting its masters in Beijing. Oh, and BLU, the U.S. company using the tainted chips, has fixed the problem. Nothing to worry about. Even better, Adups has erased all the data. Honest. Probably used Hillary's crack team. There is a piece of really good news in all this: Jeh Johnson's own Dept. of Homeland Security is on the case: Marsha Catron, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency "was recently made aware of the concerns discovered by Kryptowire and is working with our public and private sector partners to identify appropriate mitigation strategies." "Made aware ... concerns ... working with ... partners ... appropriate mitigation" sorry, nodded off there, lulled to sleep by Marsha's sonorous, soothing, soporific prose. Why do I sense no urgency from this spokeswoman for DHS? I must be growing cynical. Henry Percy is the nom de guerre of a writer in Arizona. He may be reached at saler.50d[at]gmail.com. Last winter, on a flight to the West Coast, airline overbooking forced me to stay overnight in Chicago, the sanctuary city of Rahm Emmanuel, where murder and debt rule the day. In obtaining transport and lodging, I was driven by a Mexican immigrant and father of five children. He said he legally immigrated more than 20 years ago and works long hours to support his family. He loves America. He said his children, however, refuse to work. I said, You mean they have a tough time finding jobs? He said his teenagers will not take jobs in fast food or any other entry-level position and that their friends are the exact same way. They want their iPhones, but they do not work. I asked him how it came to be that he, with such a strong work ethic, has children who refuse to work. He said, You can thank the Chicago public school system. Puzzled, I pressed for an explanation. I have heard too often schools blamed for failed parenting. He said the school teaches the kids an inflated view of self, and that they are too good for minimum-wage jobs which are both insulting and beneath them, and that they need to demand that the government provide much better-paying jobs. He said, Dont think it is just my kids; it is all of them. None of their friends has jobs, either. We are fighting against the teachers. He said it is impossible to overcome the schools influence. Rahm Emmanuel intends to defy President-Elect Donald Trump should Mr. Trump hold to the rule of law on immigration. In a city of drowning debt, violence, endless taxes, and restrictive regulations, any possibility for employment dissipates with wave after wave of illegal immigration further glutting the welfare system. The schools Common Core Curriculum defines that 4 minus 5 = negative 1. Rahm Emmanuel himself may prove the reality that ignoring simple mathematics will not change the reality as he continues to betray Chicagos most vulnerable citizens. At the time of this writing, anti-Trump protesters have been protesting the election of Donald Trump for six straight days. These protesters should be asked to explain what they are protesting. If they are expressing their personal dislike of Donald Trump, they are expressing a personal feeling in a public forum. While the protesters personal feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction with the results of the election are understandable, their public display of personal feeling is not. The place to express ones like or dislike of a candidate is in the ballot booth. Every person has an equal say in the election. This is the concept of one person, one vote. Protesting the results of an election does not have any influence on the results of the election. That has already been settled. So the goal of a public protest is not to express ones voting preferences. The opportunity for that has already passed. The purpose of a protest can be only to make a statement to others, a statement of disapproval. But Voter A has no more right to influence the choice of Voter B than Voter B does to influence the preference of Voter A. The protesters have no right, under the one person, one vote system, to attempt to influence other voters. The emotional expression of disapproval of anothers voting preference becomes a rejection of another persons right to vote for the candidate of his choice. Every voter has an equal opportunity to vote for the candidate of his choice, so at some point, disapproving of another persons choice becomes an attempt to influence his freedom of choice. It is then a form of influence and, if carried out in a threatening way, intimidation. Those who call Trump a racist for his statements that some illegal immigrants are criminals are also taking a puzzling position. While Trump is called a racist, the Democrats who promote illegal immigration as a strategy to bring people here to do low-paid jobs no one else will do is, oddly, not seen as racism. To characterize an entire ethnic group as low-skilled and not worthy of a good-paying job, as worthy only of doing a job beneath the dignity of the average American, is the most extreme form of racism. Protesters should be asked if, 250 years ago, they would have agreed with those who brought people from Africa here to pick cotton in the hot South because it was a low-paid job nobody else will do. The honest answer can only be yes. Those who protest Trump as talking like a racist agree, by implication, that Hillary was better qualified to be president even though her party, the Democratic Party, didnt want slavery to end in the South and fought the Civil Rights Act. And accept that Hillary called Senator Robert Byrd her mentor, even though he was a KKK leader and actively recruited members into that most racist anti-black group. So the racism accusation doesnt make sense. The real message the protesters are giving is that it is acceptable to vote for Democrats who portray Hispanic illegal immigrants as persons of low intelligence and motivation. That the protesters support racial segregation as long as it is being done by Democrats. Somehow they neglect to discuss that the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln, freed the slaves despite the protests of Democrats in the South. Trump is also the anti-establishment candidate. He was rejected by the media and even by members of his own party. This may mean that the protesters, by rejecting Trump, want to preserve the establishment Trump was opposing. In the past eight years, the establishment lowered the earnings of the average American family; drove families out of the middle class, as a Pew Research Center study has determined; and enriched the wealthiest people in the nation while placing more people in poverty and food stamp dependency by pushing them out of the labor force. Why anyone would protest in support of these establishment actions is difficult to understand. Support for these actions means supporting the economic decline of the average American family. What the protesters are doing, then, is rejecting the right of the average voter to express a preference without having to endure scorn. Protesters are against the right of others to vote for their preference. The other interesting issue is what these protesters are protesting for. If they are protesting against the freedom to choose ones presidential candidate, they are protesting for their right to use protest as a way to control the votes of others. The real reason they want to control the votes of others is so they and the liberal Democrats can keep control of the government. They do not want voters to control government. They feel better qualified to pick the president for not just themselves, but for everyone. Their alternative to the election of Donald Trump is to violate the concept of the Constitution; disrespect the one person, one vote concept; and do away with consent of the governed. This reveals more about them than it does about Trumps supporters. Is there a more despicable person in Washington than Senator Harry Reid? We remember his outrageous remarks about Governor Romney's taxes in 2012. This is what he said about the election of Mr. Trump: Departing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid lashed out at Donald Trump on Friday as a sexual predator who lost the popular vote and fueled his campaign with bigotry and hate. The Nevada Democrat said in a statement that If Trump wants to roll back the tide of hate he unleashed, he has a tremendous amount of work to do and he must begin immediately. Reid said white nationalists, Russian president Vladimir Putin, and the Islamic State extremist group are celebrating Trumps election while innocent, law-abiding Americans are wracked with fear. That does not feel like America, Reid said. Frankly, it does not get worse than Senator Reid. We are happy to see that President Obama and Senator Schumer congratulated the president-elect. It was even better to see that Senator Manchin, who will be up for re-election in very red West Virginia in 2018, fought back, saying this: I want to be very clear, he does not speak for me. As difficult as it is for anyone to lose an election, the American people have spoken and Donald Trump is our President-elect. Senator Reids words needlessly feed the very divisiveness that is tearing this country apart," Manchin said. "We are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans first. Unfortunately, there are some who forget that at times like these it is wrong to put party and politics above our country. The Democrats will be a lot better off now that Senator Reid, and the Clintons, are in the past. Senator Reid was divisive and made the U.S. Senate unworkable for years. The Clintons, at the same time, corrupted the party and everything they touched. Maybe someday Reid will sit back and realize what a failure he was as a political leader in Washington. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Obama never misses a chance to disparage the United States while praising himself. Obama is visiting Greece, Italy, and Peru, for God knows what reason, except to take a last vacation on the taxpayers' dime. Yesterday in Greece he said the election is not a referendum on his tenure and criticized the election as having a "dark side" of populist movements. The Washington Post reported on November 15, 2016: Obama, who made it clear during the course of the hour-long news conference that he did not view the recent U.S. election results as a referendum on his own tenure or world vision, suggested that targeting specific racial, religious ethnic groups could backfire[.] ... Obama ... made it clear that he sees a dark side to the kind of populist movements Trump's campaign embodied[.] Obama said: "We are going to have to guard against a rise in a crude sort of nationalism, or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an us and a them[.]" If this wasn't bad enough, Obama said: In the United States we know what happens when we start dividing ourselves along the lines of race or religion or ethnicity. It is dangerous. It is dangerous, not just for the minority groups that are subjected to that kind of discrimination, or in some cases in the past, violence, but because we then don't realize our potential as a country when we are preventing blacks or Latinos or Asians or gays or women from fully participating in the project of building American life[.] Obama is in Greece saying gays, blacks, Latinos, and women are prevented from fully participating in building "American life." These are the groups that did not come out to vote for Hillary because they did not want to vote for Hillary. These groups have more rights and freedom in the United States than in any country in the history of the world. Instead of praising our country's progress, Obama dwells only on past injustices as if nothing has changed in our country. Obama, Michelle, and Joe Biden campaigned every day for weeks for Hillary, calling Trump every name in the book. Obama said that if voters did not vote for Hillary, he would take it as a personal insult. Trump said he will repeal Obamacare, rescind the Iran nuclear deal, reduce taxes, and rescind Obama's executive orders, meaning a total repudiation of Obama's agenda. Trump won on his agenda to rescind Obama's agenda. Yet Obama has convinced himself that the election was not a referendum on his agenda. Obama spent over twenty years in the church of Reverend Wright, listening to anti-American, anti-Semitic, anti-white rants. He started his political career at a fundraiser in the home of Bill Ayers, a domestic terrorist from the SDS/Weathermen era. But he has the nerve to lecture us that by voting for Trump, we cause division along racial and ethnic lines. Obama started his tenure in 2009 with an apology tour in the Middle East, where he constantly "apologized" for U.S. power. He is ending his tenure by again apologizing for the United States and criticizing our country in his final overseas tour. Obama has no class or sense of patriotism to go overseas and criticize sixty million American voters because we did not vote for Hillary. Obama has no shame. The GOP voted unanimously to renominate Paul Ryan as speaker of the House, which shows that the caucus ignored Steve Bannon's strategy to oust Ryan as enemy number one. The Hill reported a month ago: In December 2015, weeks after Ryan became Speaker, Bannon wrote in an internal Breitbart email obtained by The Hill that the "long game" for his news site was for Ryan to be "gone" by the spring. Ryan is now willing to work with Bannon to get things done. The entire Turbo-Conservative Media "Establishment" (TCME) that dominates talk radio and TV and certain websites has also been gunning for Ryan as a part of the white whale called the "Establishment." However, now Trump's administration will need Ryan and McConnell, two Washington Insiders, to get his agenda through. Truthfully, the real problem has always been Obama's constitutional veto for the past eight years, not the white whale. The other problem has been Harry Reid's Senate, particularly from 2010, when the GOP took the House, to 2014, when they took the Senate as well. Congressman John Campbell (R-Irvine, Orange County, Calif., now retired) told Hugh Hewitt on the latter's show around 2014 that the House GOP sent hundreds of bills to the Senate over those four years, but they sat outside the Senate door. The heated anti-"Establishment" rhetoric throughout the TCME will soon diminish (though not die out completely) now that Obama and his veto pen will disappear from power on January 20, 2017. and the GOP can finallyfinally!pass legislation. In any case, the House GOP showed foresight and pragmatism when they renominated Ryan. It was a winning move. James M. Arlandson's website is Live as Free People, where he has posted Trump's Victory Was a Black Swan in a Perfect Storm, and Why the Dems Lost, and How They can Win Again: Irony! Obama appointee Ray Mabus, uber-liberal head of our Navy, has been a very busy lefty during his time in the Pentagon, much to the chagrin of almost all sailors, active and veterans, particularly old retired salts with twenty years or more. It is doubtful any person in the puzzle palace is more despised than the smug Mabus, a social justice warrior of the first order. He makes no secret of the fact that his goal was to break the back of the Old Navy culture and install his politically correct dogmas and he has made every effort to accomplish that goal with edicts that have brought joy to the hard left while infuriating most of the force he theoretically leads. Here's the future SecNav in his fierce sailoring days. He certainly doesn't look like a future hard left, social justice warrior, now does he? Future Social Justice Sailor The secretary of the Navy's most egregious edict, which Navy Times labeled a tectonic shift, came recently when he ordered a revamping of the Navy's enlisted ratings titles to make them gender-neutral, in effect changing aspects of everyday naval language, which in some cases dates back to the Continental Navy. He has imposed mandatory cultural training to compel male sailors to be more accepting of their female, homosexual, and transgendered shipmates, as well as same-sex marriage and civil unions, training time that most sailors would agree could be better spent in preparation to fight a real, not social, war. But the most maddening of Mabus's busybody social justice meddling comes in his decision to name new naval vessels after heroes of the LGBT movement like Harvey Milk, a gay San Francisco city supervisor who was assassinated by fellow supervisor, Daniel White, a former police officer and troubled Vietnam veteran who later committed suicide. Like Mabus, Milk served briefly, without particular distinction, as a junior officer aboard a small vessel in San Diego during the Korean War. The class of ships to which the USS Harvey Milk belongs is called the John Lewis class of oilers, Mr. Lewis being the same John Lewis who currently serves Georgia as a very leftist and demonstrably dishonest Democrat congressman, as even Daily Kos says. Somehow the oiler class seems fitting for Lewis. Others who will have ships in that class named for them are those ever popular feminist figures, Lucy Paul and Sojourner Truth, whom the left seems hell-bent on our recognizing, wanting them on our currency as well. Another class of ships that bears Mabus's banner of social justice around the globe is that of the Lewis and Clark dry cargo ships, most of which will wear the names of naval heroes such as Admiral Byrd and Commodore Perry or aviation pioneers, astronauts and other figures of distinction...well, except that Mabus just had to slip in two more icons of the left. Those would be labor organizer Cesar Chavez and Medgar Evers. I think most of us could live with that, knowing that Chavez is an icon to many Hispanics and Evers, a civil rights movement leader, is a hero to blacks, if either had made any significant contribution to the Navy, which neither has. Ditto the ship named for the Lewis and Clark expedition's female Indian guide, Sacajawea, giving Mabus a twofer: female and minority. Another ship in this class is named for an enlisted sailor, Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Carl Brashear, of notable naval accomplishment, being the first black to become a U.S. Navy master diver despite having only one leg. Most sailors should have no problem with there being a USNS Carl Brashear, as that is a ship upon which American crews of all backgrounds can serve proudly, knowing it is named in the proudest traditions of the United States Navy; but the USS Harvey Milk? Let us hope that whomever Donald Trump selects to be the new SecNav will be more traditional in his ship-naming policies by sticking to a pool of valiant sailors and marines who have served this country with distinction and valor since its beginning. And just as, if not more, importantly, let's hope our new SecNav, following the lead of his commander in chief, shows little tolerance for social justice engineering in our Navy and puts a quick end to the forced political correctness imposed by the worst SecNav ever, who, in turn, was appointed by inarguably the very worst commander in chief ever. As for the few now serving in the military who like and profit from all this social engineering... Hey! Elections have consequences! When the Nazis took over Germany, one of their strongest bases of support was found in that countrys famous universities. Many faculty members were delighted as Jews were purged, opening up career opportunities, while students, with their skulls full of mush, as the fictional Professor Kingsfield put it, were enthusiastic supporters of the radical transformation promised to them. The adolescence and post-adolescence years are, after all, the time during which human beings in effect tear down some of the old order (their parents world and its imperatives) and construct their own order. Revolutionaries of all stripes have understood this and used students as a major power base for rebellion. George Mason University is showing disturbing signs of embracing a totalitarian impulse, even though it is supported by the taxpayers of Virginia. Consider that its admissions director, Andrew Bunting, did something astonishing: publicly called supporters of traditional marriage and of Donald Trump worthless trash. Ashley Rae Goldenberg of The Media Research Center explains: Bunting stated NOMs views are not representative of the key pillars of American society. He then added, If you agree with them then that is your opinion. Just know that to the rest of us, you are a piece of worthless trash: On his public Facebook page, GMU's Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Andrew Bunting claimed he is fearful of Donald Trumps presidency because the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), a group that believes in traditional marriage, said it is hopeful for Trumps presidency. While the president of George Mason University was busy issuing a statement upholding the schools commitment to diversity and inclusion, the senior admissions director at the public university made it clear he believes that, if you are a conservative, you are a piece of worthless trash. Here is a now deleted tweet carrying the message that roughly half of applicants are unwelcome at GMU: Not content with insulting and chasing conservatives out of consideration for admission to GMU, the university, through its police department, is now threatening a conservative political activist with five years in prison for putting up posters using library paste. Oleg Atbashian, proprietor of the satirical site The Peoples Cube, sends us this account of his arrest by GMU police while hanging posters criticizing Students for Justice in Palestine, a hate group aimed at the destruction of Israel. I'm not easily scared. Back in my Soviet dissident days, when I was collecting signatures in defense of Andrei Sakharov, I was screamed at, threatened, and lectured by the KGB and Communist functionaries. What I never imagined was that in the United States, the land of the free, I would not only be subjected to similar treatment, but go to jail for my political activism, which never happened to me even in the USSR. Progressivism and its main tool, political correctness, are absurd and dehumanizing not just in theory; its physical implementation is also rather dreadful and painful, as I personally experienced yesterday, being turned from an activist artist into inmate #2076524 in Fairfax County jail, with aching bruises on my wrists from excessively tight handcuffs, and the prospect of spending five years in prison as a convicted felon. This was supposed to be a two-day poster campaign, to counteract the George Mason University hosting an official national conference for Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which is an anti-Semitic organization with well-documented ties to Hamas - a terrorist group whose stated goal is to exterminate the Jews. The GMU poster campaign was conceived by the David Horowitz Freedom Center. My part in it was to create provocative artwork for the posters and to hang them around the GMU campus, as well as to distribute flyers in order to raise awareness among the students, faculty, and the administration about the true meaning of their support for the SJP conference. On the first day, my friend and I placed a few stickers on walls, poles, and signs around the GMU campus. We also placed paper flyers inside and outside the university buildings. We had decided to hang the larger posters on the following night, right before the start of the SJP conference. Arriving at the campus in the evening, we noticed a large police presence everywhere, including the campus Starbucks. From what we overheard at the tables, the police were on the lookout for people posting "disturbing" flyers. At one point we considered canceling our mission due to this higher risk, but then decided to hang a few posters in new locations, in order to get the message out more effectively. We only had time to hang three large posters when, at about 4am, our car was pulled over by a GMU PD cruiser with flashing lights. As we found out later, they already had a description of our rental KIA Optima. Officer M.J. Guston and his female partner, Officer Daniels, requested to see our drivers' licenses, which they took away. Then they inquired if we had any weapons and proceeded with the visual search, noticing our bucket with mixed wheat paste and some rolled posters on the back seat, covered with towels. The police officers took pictures of the contents of our car and retrieved some of the loose fliers from the floor as evidence. They claimed that since we were covering the posters and flyers with towels, we intended to conceal our wrongdoing. We explained that the towels were needed to wipe our hands, to prevent the bucket from spilling, and to stop the papers from rolling around the car, which was the honest truth. The officers said we had been photographed while attaching the flyers, but never showed us the actual pictures. They ordered us to give them our car key and to step out of the car. Then we were told to put our hands behind our backs and to spread our legs. Officer Guston then held my thumbs behind my back with his left hand, while his right hand gave me a complete and very thorough pat-down and searched the content of my pockets. He repeated the same procedure with my friend, repeatedly asking us if we had any kind of weapons on us or in the car. My friend and I tried to be as friendly and cooperative as the situation allowed, but that had no effect. We were ordered to sit on the curb, as Officer Daniels told us that the content of our posters was violent and disturbing to some students, especially the one with the Hamas terrorist standing in pools of blood over his dead victims. Such interpretation flipped our message on its head entirely, turning it from sympathy for the victims of violence into a threat of violence. It dawned on me that the reason they kept searching us and asking about weapons was that they were convinced we were members of some violent militant group of "domestic terrorists" who meant to do harm to the students - a stereotype largely created by the "progressive" media and unscrupulous politicians. And now we, defenseless artists, armed with nothing but brushes and paper, became victims of this manipulative mythology, which caused the police to treat us with extreme prejudice. At the same time, the officers who handled us as if we were terrorists, seemed to be blissfully unaware of the true nature of the SJP they were defending, and their organization's very real ties to a known terrorist organization with a record of mass murder, kidnappings, and targeting innocent civilians. Since they couldn't find any weapons and our message was protected by the First Amendment, the officers decided to charge us with "destruction of property worth of at least $2,500," which was a "class 6 felony." They claimed we had "super-glued" our fliers to school signs and it was impossible to peel them off. It didn't matter that we never used permanent glue, or that there could be other volunteers on campus who posted the stickers they could have downloaded online. Our wallpaper paste was made of wheat and water; we only used it on three large posters, which could be easily removed with water and would be washed off by the first rain. The rest were stickers, printed on regular self-adhesive paper found in any office store. They, too, could be easily removed with a tissue soaked in Goo Gone, a common household cleaner found in any dollar store. We even offered to remove any posters and stickers for them, then catch our flights in the morning and never bother them again. But the officers weren't interested in that. They seemed to have a rather inflexible phantom image of us as dangerous felons and "right-wing extremists" who belonged in jail. A phone call that Officer Guston made inside his cruiser seemed to reinforce their determination. Stepping out into the street, he ordered us to put our hands behind our backs and then handcuffed us so tightly that our bruises were painful to the touch even on the following day. Then he emptied our pockets, took away my hat, and placed everything in two plastic bags. We were then taken to the back of his police car. Officer Guston never read us our rights; he simply declared that we were under arrest for committing felony and were going to jail. The partitioned space in the back of his police cruiser was extremely narrow, which forced my friend and I to contort our bodies in order to avoid additional pain from leaning on our tightly handcuffed hands behind our backs. The full, politically correct name of the county jail was Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, but the jailers inside continued to refer to it as "jail." We were put before a magistrate named W. Talavera. Officer Guston repeated his trumped-up charges about the destruction of property, supporting them with a dozen computer printouts. They were daytime photographs of our stickers posted around the campus. The officer put extra emphasis on pictures that documented his unsuccessful attempts to remove the stickers with his fingernails, which in his mind was undeniable proof that the paper was "super-glued" and thus anything to which it was attached was irreparably destroyed. Some of his printouts were almost completely black night shots, looking like screen captures of security camera footage. Allegedly, they had our car in them. That was probably what he meant when he claimed that we had been "photographed." When we were given our chance to speak, we explained our motives and our mission, which was to help stop campus support for terrorism and anti-Semitism. The magistrate asked how we would feel if someone would come to our house and post stickers everywhere. My first impulse was to say that if I were unwittingly giving aid and comfort to terrorist supporters and someone would point it out to me in such a memorable way, then yes, I would probably be annoyed at first, but in the long run, as an honest person, I would most likely be grateful for opening my eyes to my bad judgment. But considering that such an answer would further antagonize the magistrate, I only said that we would never destroy anything, or do anything we thought was a felony. I repeated that the stickers were easily removable, which was why no destruction of property had occurred. I also volunteered to prove it by removing any remaining stickers myself, whether they had been posted by us or by others. The magistrate's decision was quick: $8,000 bail for each of us and a mandatory court hearing within several days. As we were led away to be processed into the system, Officer Guston said, somewhat triumphantly, his final words to us: "You can't come to GMU ever again." We were then fingerprinted and searched again. We were only allowed to keep one shirt, one pair of pants, and no shoes. The next 14 hours we spent locked up in a smelly room with about a dozen other inmates, most of whom were sleeping on the floor. As hours went by and everyone woke up, it appeared that many of them were brought there for public intoxication, and one of them claimed that the police asked him to step out of the bar into the street, and then charged him with being drunk in a public space. Everything pointed to the fact that the Fairfax police department could be somewhat overzealous in trying to justify its existence in a wealthy Washington, DC, suburb largely populated by federal employees and other professionals feeding off the plentiful government trough. The room had an old-fashioned telephone on the wall, programmed to tell time and make collect calls. I had to enter my inmate number and calling pin, which I found written on a yellow piece of paper above my mug shot. Luckily, I'm blessed with a very supportive wife who set up a pre-paid account for my calls and was extremely helpful in communicating messages between me and the Horowitz Freedom Center throughout the entire day, even though she was at work. When it became clear that, for one reason or another, the Freedom Center bail was never entered into the system and we could easily spend the next night in a jail cell, she contacted the local office of the Freedom Bail Bond Company and paid them 10% of the $16,000 bail for the both of us. We were released shortly after 6pm, 14 hours after being arrested. The troubles didn't end there. Our rental car had been impounded with our personal belongings inside, but the police gave us no receipt. The jailer who discharged us lied to us when he said we would find the receipt inside the plastic bag with our belongings, for which we signed, but which we weren't allowed to open until we were outside. Luckily for us, a sympathetic Freedom Bail Bond employee made the necessary research and then even gave us a ride to the car pound. The car had been rented from Advantage. Our rental term hadn't even expired and we imagined we could pay the towing and other fees, pick up the car, extend the term by one day, and return it at the airport in the morning. But according to the existing rules, we had no right to retrieve either the car or our personal things until an Advantage employee arrived in person. Given that it was already Friday night, and they don't do this on weekends, we had to wait until the middle of the following week because they allegedly had a list of other such cases and ours had to wait. This, of course, would lead to continued lot charges, thus taking advantage of our misfortune to the tune of $800 - a practice that gives the car rental company a completely different meaning. Upon hearing our story, however, the towing company workers allowed us to pick up our things from the car. The unused posters and flyers, and even the bucket with paste were still there, covered with hotel towels. We threw all of it into the dumpster, picked up our bags, and called Uber for a ride to our hotel. Since we had booked our room only until 11am that morning, it was already rented to someone else. My helpful wife had called the hotel earlier, and they placed our things into boxes for safekeeping in the office. We were able to rent another room in the same hotel that night, but had to use Uber drivers for the rest of our stay in Fairfax. Needless to say, we also missed our flights home, and booking new tickets resulted in new expenses. Our posters contained a hashtag, #StopCampusSupport4Terrorism. The just and moral choice here is clear to any decent human being. But when political correctness comes into play, morality becomes blurry and justice switches the polarity. As a result, terrorist supporters ended up having a safe space and vigorous protection, while their non-violent opponents were subjected to brutal force, thrown in jail, and were robbed blind by the system. George Orwell once said, "If you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever." That is what the future of America also will look like if progressivism and political correctness continue to expand their grip on every sphere of life. Machine learning is increasingly becoming all the rage, and Google is banking on it for the future of the companys cloud computing business. As part of the search giants push in machine learning, Google has formed a new artificial intelligence team for Google Cloud called the Google Cloud Machine Learning group. Google has also hired Jia Li, Snapchats former head of research, to lead the team, who will be joinin on at Google in the position full-time. During a press briefing at Googles San Francisco headquarters, Google Cloud head Diane Greene announced the new group within her division tasked with consolidating the diverse groups that started Googles machine learning work for its cloud platform. Jia Li will work alongside Fei-Fei Li, a former director of AI at Stanford. Their addition to Googles cloud division comes at a critical time for the service as it seeks to expand its machine learning application to train and improve neural networks over time. The goal is to demonstrate how the Mountain View giants cloud tools can help customers in their translation, computer vision, and recruitment needs using machine learning algorithms. It isnt mentioned exactly what Jia Lis responsibilities will include in her leadership role for Googles new Cloud Machine Learning Group, but Googles decision to choose her for the position shouldnt come as too much of a surprise, as its noted that she has spent time with Yahoo Labs in their Visual Learning and Computing group and she has prior computer vision experience. With computer vision being a part of what this new team will be focusing on, compiled with Jia Lis other talents and job experience, Google likely sees her as the perfect fit to help them advance and improve their own cloud computing business. Also worth mentioning is that part of Jia Lis responsibilities at Snapchat included coming up with new methods of engagement for users, whether that could have been new features or simply improvements to existing ones that made for an overall better user experience. Given those particular details, Google could be looking for Li to do much of the same with their Cloud Computing platform. Sundar Pichai, Chief Executive Officer at Google, is currently enjoying his first visit to the United Kingdom since he took the reigns of the Mountain View-based tech giant back in 2015. Apart from announcing new expansion plans, Pichai also used this opportunity to answer some general questions regarding Google. In an interview with BBC, the 44-year-old reflected on the recent controversy surrounding fake news stories about Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, admitting that these factually inaccurate and outright false articles could have affected the outcome of the US presidential election. More specifically, Pichai referred to the narrow results of the election and the fact that Trump only won on electoral votes while Clinton received the popular vote. Given that situation, Pichai believes any factor could have tipped the scales regarding the outcome of the US presidential election, fake news stories included. In addition to that, Googles CEO admitted that there have been several cases of fake news related to the US presidential election which Google didnt handle right. Pichai didnt evade any responsibility and labeled these instances as learning moments which the tech giant will work hard to fix in the future. As for the exact effects of these inaccurate stories which Google accidentally promoted or failed to sanction in recent weeks, the companys executive concluded that he cant be sure how big of an impact they had on the outcome of the election. However, he reiterated that Google is currently helming several initiatives dedicated to fact-checking online articles and sanctioning untrustworthy sources. Pichai also asserted that its incredibly important for Google and other large Internet companies to do whatever they can to promote genuine and accurate stories to their users. Earlier this week, the tech giant announced that it will exclude fake news sources from its online advertising network to cut their revenue sources. Related to that endeavor is an anti-fake news coalition First Draft News which Google has been funding for quite some time now. Pichais view of the false news controversy in the US doesnt exactly mirror that of Facebooks founder Mark Zuckerberg who recently stated that its pretty crazy to even suggest that factually inaccurate articles on Facebook somehow influenced the outcome of the US presidential election. Earlier in October, weve learned that Google is halting its plans for expanding Fiber services into more areas in the United States, but apparently, this hasnt stopped the company from working on new Fiber hardware. As per a recent report passed along by 9to5Google, the company headquartered in Mountain View is currently working on, and testing new Google Fiber TV and Network boxes supporting 4K streaming and improved wireless connectivity. According to the source, the new Fiber TV Box Google is working on looks very similar to the ongoing model; however, the newer iteration carries a more modern Google logo and differentiates itself through model number GFHD254, whereas the original box is identified by model number GFHD200. As for other technical specifications, it would appear that the new Google Fiber TV Box has done away with a couple of legacy ports specifically coaxial and IR (infrared) and instead it adopts wireless connectivity. The new Network Box has an Ethernet port along with HDMI, USB, and an AV out connector, and apparently its wireless capabilities have been improved, primarily on 5GHz bands. Perhaps more importantly, the refreshed Google Fiber TV Box now supports 4K content, and according to 9to5Googles anonymous tipster, the hardware is capable of streaming 4K YouTube videos with HDR on top. As yet, Googles plans for the refreshed Fiber TV and Network Boxes are largely unknown, especially since the company halted any expansion plans for its Fiber services in the US last month. There are still four cities in the US where Google will introduce Fiber, including Huntsville, Irvine, San Antonio and San Francisco, but as far as the refreshed hardware is concerned, it remains to be seen if Google will make the new Boxes available to existing Google Fiber customers free of charge, or if they will be presented as an optional upgrade over existing hardware. Either way, its refreshing to know that in spite of Google halting its plans for Fiber expansions, the company continues to improve the service for existing customers. Hopefully, Google will resume its plans for Fiber soon, but until then we can look forward to the new Fiber TV and Network Boxes hitting the market. Existing Google Fiber TV customers should also be pleased to learn that Google had begun rolling out a new update for the Fiber TV app earlier this week, allowing users to record shows. Weve seen a ton of great devices released in 2016, and a number of smartphone manufacturing companies released smartphones with curved displays. The first company that comes to mind is, of course, Samsung, as that was the first company to release a smartphone with a curved display (curved display sides) in general. Samsung had introduced the Galaxy S7 Edge earlier this year, and Vivo followed with their Xplay 5 flagship. The Elephone S7 had been introduced as well, and it resembles the Galaxy S7 Edge quite a bit, while Xiaomi and Huawei also introduced their smartphones with curved displays, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2, Huawei Mate 9 Pro and Porsche Design Mate 9. Having that in mind, yet another smartphone with a curved display surfaced on TENAA (Chinas equivalent to the FCC) quite recently, the ZUK Edge. ZUK is a Lenovo-backed company which had introduced three smartphones thus far, the ZUK Z1, ZUK Z2 and ZUK Z2 Pro. The latter two devices are still high-end offerings, as theyre both fueled by the Snapdragon 820 and pack in really nice specs, but it seems like the ZUK Edge will overshadow both of those offerings soon. Following TENAAs listing, the companys CEO decided to tease the arrival of the ZUK Edge, and by doing that he more or less confirmed that the two devices will land soon. Chang Cheng, ZUKs CEO, shared retail packaging of the ZUK Edge, both the Black and White variants, as you can see in the provided image. Mr. Cheng did not share any additional info regarding the ZUK Edge, but this definitely suggests that the phone could launch soon. According to TENAA, the ZUK Edge will sport a 5.5-inch fullHD (1920 x 1080) display, along with 4GB of RAM and 32GB / 64GB of native storage. The phone will be fueled by the Snapdragon 821 64-bit quad-core SoC, along with the Adreno 530 GPU. On the back of this phone, youll be able to find a 13-megapixel snapper, while an 8-megapixel shooter will be available on the phones front side. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow will come pre-installed on the ZUK Edge, and a 3,000mAh battery will also be a part of this package. Advertisement Buy the ZUK Z2 Pro Samsung appears to have been quite busy of late as they gear up for the arrival of the Blue Coral version of its Galaxy S7 Edge. Just yesterday, a screenshot of what looks like a T-Mobile ad was leaked online, suggesting the Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge will be coming to the Uncarrier on November 18. That is a week after AT&T announced that the Blue Coral color option of the Galaxy S7 Edge was available to pre-order via its online store, with shipments slated to kick off on Friday. But it now seems like Verizon will be ahead of its rivals. At least if a report from SamMobile is any indication. According to the report, a representative from Big Red confirmed that the Blue Coral Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is heading to the carrier this Thursday, November 17. Adding to the rolling out of the much-awaited color option of the Galaxy S7 Edge via Verizon, the carrier is also running a promotion where you can bag a second Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge for half the price of the handset, providing you buy the first at full price. That means, you can pick the Blue Coral version for just $16.50 a month on contract, down from $33 a month through the promotion. Interestingly, the first pictures of the Galaxy S7 Edge in Blue Coral came through via Verizon back in October of this year, when photos of a Blue Coral back plate for the smartphone were leaked and bearing Big Reds logo. So it is nice to finally see the real life version hitting the market, especially for those who had longed to get their hands on the Blue Coral version of the Galaxy Note 7 but failed to, after Samsung pulled the plug on the phablets production due to a major battery issue. Of course, the release of the Blue Coral Galaxy S7 Edge is seen as part of Samsungs effort to fill the gap left by the Galaxy Note 7 and according to reports, the South Korean phone maker has even been ramping up production of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge to help fuel sales and fill that hole left by the Galaxy Note 7. Samsung Electronics recent acquisition of Harman International Industries has sparked a lot of questions in regards to the South Korean companys plans moving forward into the automotive market. Samsung has entertained the idea of becoming a more relevant brand in the automotive segment for quite some time, and given the recent takeovers and strategies, it might seem like Samsung could be preparing for building its own cars in the future. This, however, doesnt seem to fall in line with Samsungs actual vision, as according to a recent Forbes interview with Samsung Electronics President and Chief Strategy Officer Young Sohn, Samsung has no intention to manufacture its own vehicles. In the interview, Young Sohn was quick to mention that he is not an auto guy but more of a mobile, semiconductor and communications person. Nevertheless, he added that Samsung has a vision depicting the car of tomorrow very differently from what we drive today. We are envisioning what happens in the future as similar to the smartphone experience. The company aims to offer the convenience and technology that can bring more relevant information to ones driving experience and ultimately Samsung could also work on a fully autonomous solution. As for what was the reason behind the acquisition of Harman, Young Sohn said that his company has been looking at many options in regards to how to approach the market, and realized that it takes a long time to build a team and relationships in the automotive industry, which works in very long business cycles. However, Harman brings tremendous customer relationship Samsung doesnt have in the industry; Harman has a proven management team that has delivered over time and we like that consistent performance and last but not least, Harman also invested heavily in the areas of connected cloud, telematics, over-the-air updates and security. But more importantly, Young Sohn reiterated that Samsung dont really want to build cars. As the company aims to become a bigger name in the car business, Sohn says that Samsung is not interested in the more traditional area of business or technology, like power trains or seats or bodies because Samsung cant add value to these segments. But where the company wants to add value is in areas of transportation where we support an autonomous connected experience, electrification and better user experiences. In other words, Samsung wants to help pushing cars into a future where smart vehicles are the norm, rather than building its own cars from the ground up, and the recent acquisitions are a way for the company to increase its influence and improve relationships in the automotive industry. Foreign instructors teach English to residents in a community in Jinzhou, Liaoning province, in April. The teachers were hired by the local community. LI TIECHENG/CHINA DAILY The English proficiency of the Chinese has improved since last year but is still at a middle level compared with other non-English-speaking countries, said a report released on Tuesday in Beijing. The ranking of the English proficiency of Chinese rose eight places to 39th among 72 countries and regions, according to the 2016 English Proficiency Index of the Swedish education company EF Education First. The English ability of residents in Shanghai ranked first in China, followed by that of Hong Kong and Beijing residents, the report said. Cai Jigang, an English-language professor at Shanghai's Fudan University, said Shanghai has held the leading position for several years, thanks in part to a reform since 2013 of English language courses offered to all college students in the city. According to Cai, the aim of college English courses in the past was to help students pass the College English Test. "But after the reform, the courses have focused more on meeting students' needs in their professional studies, academic research and job search," he said. The report is based on the EF Standard English Test results of 950,000 adults from 72 countries and regions. The test developed by the company consists of reading and listening. In Asia, the English proficiency of people in Singapore ranked first, while Malaysia and the Philippines also ranked high, it said. Adults from the Netherlands are the best English speakers among people from non-English-speaking countries, followed by Denmark and Sweden, the report said. Sebastian Magnusson, information officer at the Swedish embassy in Beijing, said the high English proficiency of the Swedish might be the result of an immersion approach to learning the language. In Sweden, people learn English not only with textbooks or courses at school, but in daily life, such as through TV programs, computer games and movies from English-speaking countries. He said this might likewise help Chinese learners to improve their English level. Christopher McCormick, senior vice-president for academic affairs at Education First, said that in China, proficiency in English varies greatly from east to west. Shanghai and Beijing rank high because they are more engaged internationally, he said. "The challenge is how we bring the rest of the country with them and what can we do nationally to lift everybody to the same kinds of opportunities for language learning. That's a big policy, practice, investment and innovation challenge," he said. zhaoxinying@chinadaily.com.cn (ANSA) - Moscow, November 16 - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the fifth News Agencies World Congress (NAWC), which gathered representatives from some 100 news agencies around the world including Italy's ANSA in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku under the slogan 'New Challenges for News Agencies'. Other Western participants include the Associated Press (AP) from the United States, Agence France Presse, Spain's EFE news agency, and Reuters (UK). "It is a great honor for us to host such an important event, one with global reach," Aliyev said. "I am sure our guests will not only debate the issues on the agenda but will also want to find out about the development process in Azerbaijan". Simultaneously with the NAWC, Azerbaijan is also hosting the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd session of the council of executives of news agencies from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Other participants include representatives from the United Nations and UNESCO, news agencies such as China's Xinhua, Russia's TASS, and Japan's Kyodo News, the Los Angeles Times paper, TV news broadcaster Al Arabiya, Rubert Murdoch's News Corp, German digital publisher Axel Springer, and experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Tripod Advisors. Speakers will include the presidents of NAZC and OANA as well as managers from several news agencies, including the AP and Reuters. "In the course of these international conferences, our agency confirms itself as being on the frontier of news development, measures itself with other great international outfits, and reaffirms its leadership in Italy thanks to advanced editorial products and innovative technology," said ANSA CEO Giuseppe Cerbone. The forum will take on various issues including the future of news consumption, challenges and opportunities of new technologies, innovation, and the safety of journalists in conflict zones. It also addresses problems facing the rapidly transforming field of journalism and forms of cooperation "between news agencies and different social media platforms". Launched by official Russian news agency TASS in Moscow in 2004, the NAWC has also been held in Spain, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. (ANSA) - Rome, November 16 - The European Commission on Wednesday said that Italy's structural balance is set to deteriorate again next year. "Italy's 2017 Draft Budgetary Plan projects the general government deficit to decrease to 2.4% in 2016, down from 2.6% of GDP in 2015 and slightly higher than the 2.3% planned in the Stability Programme," it said. "For 2017, the Draft Budgetary Plan expects the government deficit to slightly decline to 2.3% of GDP, i.e. significantly above the Stability Programme target of 1.8% of GDP. "The difference results mainly from deficit increasing measures worth 0.7% of GDP, envisaged in the Draft Budgetary Plan. The planned (recalculated) deterioration in the structural balance for 2016 (0.6% of GDP) is in line with the Stability Programme. For 2017, the (recalculated) structural balance is set to deteriorate by around 0.5% of GDP compared to a (recalculated) zero structural adjustment in the Stability Programme". ISTANBUL - Kemal Okem has been nominated the new Turkish ambassador to Israel, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. Okem is currently foreign affairs advisor to the premier. The nomination is part of the June agreement to normalise diplomatic relations between the two countries after these deteriorated following the storming by the Israeli navy of the Turkish-owned Mavi Marmara in 2010. On Tuesday, Israel apointed Eitan Naeh as its new representative in Ankara, filling a post that had also been vacant for six years. (by Cristiana Missori) - CAIRO - The 38th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival had with its opening screening on Tuesday with female Egyptian director Kamla Abu Zekry's 'A Day for Women' (Yom lel Setat), which features a day in which a group of women join together at a new public pool on the outskirts of Cairo to eat, swim, sing, dance, and find themselves. The film shows women who fight for what little freedoms they have, opening a festival in an environment that's understated compared to those of the past. There are fewer international guests and Egyptian stars present, but the same wish remains as ever - that of spreading a message of the country's security and stability. Culture Minister Helmy Al Namnam and Tourism Minister Mohamed Yehia Rashed were both present at the opening-night ceremony of the festival, which has returned downtown and is holding screenings not only at the city's Opera House but also in five movie theatres in the city centre. The festival directed by Magda Wassef has managed to weather the economic crisis gripping all of Egypt, following a strong devaluation of the local currency as well as cuts to subsidies on fuel and raw materials, which have been alleviated by a 12-billion-dollar loan to the country from the International Monetary Fund. The playbill includes films in 20 categories from 32 countries including guest of honour China, with whom Egypt this year is celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. "We're looking to do what we can with the resources we have available, always trying to increase the audience," the festival's artistic director Youssef Rizkallah told ANSA. The slogan of this year's festival is "Cinema for the Masses", with a particular focus on youth, who have discounted tickets, and an agreement with the University of Cairo to encourage students to attend screenings. The festival has a full programme of events through November 24: from the special window dedicated to the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death (with a series of films inspired by his work), to the many parallel categories of the international competition (Panorama, Festival of Festival, Film Classics, as well as the special programmes Cinema of Tomorrow, Critic's Week, Prospect of Arab Cinemas), as well as a series of conferences. Something new this year is the section dedicated to new Egyptian cinema with the most recent eight films, Rizkallah said. MOSCOW - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the fifth News Agencies World Congress (NAWC), which gathered representatives from some 100 news agencies around the world including Italy's ANSA in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku under the slogan 'New Challenges for News Agencies'. Other Western participants include the Associated Press (AP) from the United States, Agence France Presse, Spain's EFE news agency, and Reuters (UK). "It is a great honor for us to host such an important event, one with global reach," Aliyev said. "I am sure our guests will not only debate the issues on the agenda but will also want to find out about the development process in Azerbaijan". Simultaneously with the NAWC, Azerbaijan is also hosting the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd session of the council of executives of news agencies from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Other participants include representatives from the United Nations and UNESCO, news agencies such as China's Xinhua, Russia's TASS, and Japan's Kyodo News, the Los Angeles Times paper, TV news broadcaster Al Arabiya, Rubert Murdoch's News Corp, German digital publisher Axel Springer, and experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Tripod Advisors. Speakers will include the presidents of NAZC and OANA as well as managers from several news agencies, including the AP and Reuters. "In the course of these international conferences, our agency confirms itself as being on the frontier of news development, measures itself with other great international outfits, and reaffirms its leadership in Italy thanks to advanced editorial products and innovative technology," said ANSA CEO Giuseppe Cerbone. The forum will take on various issues including the future of news consumption, challenges and opportunities of new technologies, innovation, and the safety of journalists in conflict zones. It also addresses problems facing the rapidly transforming field of journalism and forms of cooperation "between news agencies and different social media platforms". Launched by official Russian news agency TASS in Moscow in 2004, the NAWC has also been held in Spain, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia. Egyptian organisations say NGO bill 'repressive' (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, NOVEMBER 16 - About 20 Egyptian civil society organisations and six political parties on Wednesday signed a document criticising a bill to regulate the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), calling it "repressive" and "hostile" so that the "government and security forces can control them". "Parliament treats civil society as an enemy," they said, adding that the new bill "resembles the government's proposal to the media in September that has already been condemned by the associations, but is actually more repressive and hostile". "If the bill is approved it will be the end of NGOs that work in the sectors of development and social services," they said. Among the organisations that signed the document are the Cairo Centre for the Study of Human Rights and the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), which published the letter on their websites.(ANSAmed). CAIRO - Egypt's parliament on Tuesday approved at first reading a bill regulating the NGO sector in the country, MENA news agency reports. Under the new provisions, NGOs would be able to operate only with prior authorisation from the competent authorities and their activities must not be of a political nature or in conflict with national security or public order. The bill, which has been sent to the Council of State for audit before returning to parliament for its second and final reading, also includes penalties ranging from 1-5 years in prison and hefty fines for violations. NGOs would be banned from operating in areas also occupied by political parties and trade unions and would be required to publish their sources of funding, names of members and annual balance sheet. The law also gives the authorities the right to dissolve an NGO in the event of alleged violations. The measures have been strongly criticised by human rights groups in Egypt. Egyptian organisations say NGO bill 'repressive' About 20 Egyptian civil society organisations and six political parties on Wednesday signed a document criticising a bill to regulate the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), calling it "repressive" and "hostile" so that the "government and security forces can control them". "Parliament treats civil society as an enemy," they said, adding that the new bill "resembles the government's proposal to the media in September that has already been condemned by the associations, but is actually more repressive and hostile". "If the bill is approved it will be the end of NGOs that work in the sectors of development and social services," they said. Among the organisations that signed the document are the Cairo Centre for the Study of Human Rights and the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), which published the letter on their websites. European Commission presents new travel info system ETIAS Non-EU citizens may have to pay 5 euros to enter Schengen (by Patrizia Antonini) (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, NOVEMBER 16 - Non-EU citizens from countries with a visa-free travel agreement with the EU could have to pay five euros to enter the Schengen area in future under the EU Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is due to come into operation in 2020. ETIAS aims to tighten the EU's external borders as part of efforts to combat international terrorism and illegal immigration. The system, modelled on ESTA that was introduced in the US in the wake of 9/11, will apply to all non-EU citizens entering Schengen without a visa for short stays. Consequently, after Brexit Britons may have to pay to visit art cities in France, Spain, or Italy. Over 30 million Britons visited EU destinations in 2015 according to the UK's office for national statistics. Like in the US, non-EU visitors wanting to travel to an EU country would have to fill out an on-line form and pay the entrance fee. Unlike in the US, where entrance can cost up to 60 dollars and is valid for two years, this would cost five euros and be valid for five. The system could generate much-needed funds for reinvestment in security, as well as enabling law enforcement to conduct a preliminary screening of people wanting to enter the Schengen area. ETIAS will also work in conjunction with the new Entry-Exit System (EES) which the European Commission hopes will be introduced by the end of the year. (ANSAmed). TEL AVIV - The Israeli parliament on Wednesday approved a bill to legalise Jewish outposts in the West Bank, with a majority vote on its first reading. The bill, which government opposition is against, would legalise outposts built on private Palestinian soil. It has been criticised by Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and is opposed by Egypt, Jordan and the US, and now moves to committee. "This is a nightmare law for the Israeli Knesset (parliament)," said opposition Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog prior to the vote. "The Knesset is voting for a bill that goes against Israeli law and against international law," he said. "In the West Bank, sovereignty is managed by the Israeli army, based on international law" which limits possibilities for expropriating land, he said. Herzog appealed to outpost settlers in Amona (near Ramallah) whose homes are on private Palestinian land to follow the High Court decision that they leave those homes by the end of December. "You have to respect that ruling," he told them. Serbia: regional congress industry conference in Belgrade Business and congress tourists are over 30% of overall number (ANSAmed) - BELGRADE. 16 NOVEMBER - A summit that would gather over 230 representatives of the congress industry from the region will be organized in Belgrade on Friday, Tourist Organization of Serbia (Tos) announced on Tuesday. Business and congress tourists are over 30 percent of overall number of tourists in Serbia, while business tourists were making consumption of more than 70 percent of the total turnover in Belgrade-based hotels, Tos stated. According to the survey done by International Congress and Convention Association, Belgrade was at the top of the list by held congresses and conferences in the region, while Serbia was ranked 47th. (ANSAmed) YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Mayor of the Turkish city Siirt, Tuncer Bakrhan, has been arrested, according to the Turkish Anadolu agency. Bakrhan is a member of the Pro-Kurdish DBP party, and has been arrested amid the ongoing investigation against the PKK. The mayors house has been searched, as well as the City Hall of Siirt. Earlier, co-chair of the DBP Sebahat Tuncel had been arrested along with other members of the party. They are accused of pro-PKK propaganda. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Nature Protection of Armenia Khachik Hakobyan participated in the conference entitled Consultation of parties on water and health protocol under the convention on the protection and use of transboundary watercourses and international lakes in Geneva, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress. In his speech the Deputy Minister said the Republic of Armenia has signed the Protocol on Water and Health, but has not ratified it yet. However, during this period Armenia presented three national reports on the situation and development of sectors under the context of the Protocol and submitted them to the Secretariat. By the assistance of the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the French Government, evaluation of the current situation and targeted rates of 9 districts was carried out, a roadmap for ratification of the Protocol has been developed. Currently the Republic of Armenia carries out updates on that targeted rates and the deadlines of their implementation, which will be approved by the protocol decision of the Armenian Government, and the assistance of the UNECE in this process is very important, the Deputy Minister said. During the conference issues related to the water equal access, global and regional processes, as well as initiatives were discussed. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The preliminary investigation of the criminal case has proven that Judge Ishkan Barseghyan has demanded a 1000 USD bribe from a citizen in order to deliver a verdict in favor of the latter. The judge personally received the bribe in a pedestrian underpass in Yerevan. The bribe was received in mediation of the citizens attorney E. Zakaryan. Judge Barseghyan has been charged under paragraph 3, article 311 of the criminal code. The attorney has also been charged. The judge has been remanded in custody. The Special Investigative Service has completed the preliminary investigation, and the case has been transferred to Prosecutor for approval and further proceedings. Notice Suspect is innocent until proven guilty by the Court of Law. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The UN says at least 75.000 children can die of hunger in the upcoming months in the north-eastern Nigeria, Borno state, BBC reported. The organization may not avert the humanitarian crisis there. UN humanitarian coordinator Peter Lundberg said at least 14 million people need humanitarian assistance in the region that was the former stronghold of Boko Haram militants. Lundberg said over 400.000 who are identified as in need of humanitarian assistance, are teenagers. BBC reports tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than two million displaced since Boko Haram began its military operations in 2009 in the Borno state and other areas. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of finance denies reports on ongoing mass job cuts in the ministry. Spokesperson of the finance minister Lusine Mkrtchyan told ARMENPRESS the mass job cuts in the finance ministry term is far from being true. Former deputy minister Armen Gevorgyan is currently the advisor to the minister. At the same time, long-time officials of the ministry have been appointed deputies. Particularly, chief treasurer-deputy minister Atom Janjughazyan has been appointed first deputy finance minister, and the two other newly appointed deputy ministers Karen Tamazyan and Armen Hayrapetyan have both been high ranking officials in the ministry. Therefore mass cuts is inappropriate and far from being true, Mkrtchyan said. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan says the parliamentary discussion of the bill on compensation for servicemen fallen or disabled while defending Armenia shows that all MPs are concerned about the issue which is the base of that bill, reports Armenpress. In his speech in the Parliament the Defense Minister said everyone may not agree with each other over the methods, forms, issues and solutions, but all they agree that this is the issue for which all MPs, officials can devote days of discussions in their busy agenda. This is very important since the worst thing that can happen is indifference. I didnt feel indifference in those days. I came here from Yerablur. Today is NKR hero Robert Abajyans 20th birthday. I visited the graves of our heroes fallen during the April war, and I was thinking whether it is fair and right that we are putting a new line and opening a new page with the hope that it will never be needed, but thinking about mechanisms that are directed towards future and equal respond to our past pains. I was looking at the parents eyes, looking at the graves of our heroes and I understood that we are right since if we didnt have a weapon, it doesnt mean that we must not try to acquire it tomorrow, the Minister said. The Minister said by learning lessons from the past we must understand what we are going to do in the future. He said he is convinced that he has formed a right bill, and wished everyone to think thoroughly before voting since he doesnt want anyone to vote against the bill. He asked everyone who doesnt want to vote for, not to take part in the voting. The Defense Minister also commented on the recent criticism against the generals and officers of the Armenian army. He said if there is a person who has damaged the system, it is his duty to find that person and exclude such cases in future. He also reacted to the concerns over the restoration of trust and said that trust must be restored together and there is a long way to pass for that. He said we as a state must not allow the atmosphere of distrust to hinder our ability to move forward. Vigen Sargsyan once again clarified that the bill presented by him aims to form a clear attitude of the public towards the people who sacrificed their lives and health for the Fatherland. He said he didnt present the bill in order the public to applaud him. I didnt introduce this bill for applause. This is not a bill for applause, it is a moral bill towards those people who endangered their lives and health for our peaceful and safe life, the Minister said. Concluding his speech, Vigen Sargsyan once again called on MPs to vote in favor of the proposed bill. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Director of European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) Diogo Pinto issued a statement over the current situation in the Nagorno Karabakh line of contact and the continued ceasefire violations, reports Armenpress. Diogo Pinto condemned the gross violations of the ceasefire regime by Azerbaijan. The shelling of the military posts near Talish and Yarmja with 60mm and 82mm mortars is the most severe escalation of the fragile situation since the April Four-Day War and the agreements reached at the summits held in Vienna and in St Petersburg earlier this year, Pinto said in a statement. He said running in parallel with Azerbaijan's largest-scale military exercises ever, with 60,000 soldiers near the border with Nagorno Karabakh indicate the real intentions of Azerbaijan. We urge the European Union and its member states not to look the other way, and use all means available to prevent Azerbaijan from launching yet another offensive against Nagorno Karabakh, which would further jeopardize the peace efforts and could carry a heavy cost in human lives and infrastructure on both sides, the statement reads. The desert peninsula of Paracas is located on the southern coast of one of South Americas most enigmatic countries: Peru. It is there, in this barren landscape where Peruvian archeologist Julio Tello made one of the most mysterious discoveries in 1928. During excavations, Tello uncovered a complex and sophisticated graveyard under the harsh soil of the Paracas desert. In the enigmatic tombs, Tello discovered a set of controversial human remains that would forever change how we look at our ancestor and our origins. The bodies in the tombs had some of the largest elongated skulls ever discovered on the planet, called the Paracas skulls. The Peruvian archeologist discovered over 300 mysterious skulls which are believed to be at least around 3000 years old. As if the shape of the skulls wasnt mysterious enough, a recent DNA analysis performed on some of the skulls presented some of the most enigmatic and incredible results that challenge everything we know about the origin and human evolutionary tree. Skull Deformation: An Ancient religious practice While several cultures around the globe practices skull deformation (elongation), the techniques used were different, meaning the results were also not the same. There are certain South American tribes that used to bind infants skulls in order to change their shape, resulting in a drastically elongated cranial shape that resembled anything but ordinary humans. By applying constant pressure over a long period of time with the use of pieces of mood, the ancient tribes would achieve a cranial deformation which can also be found in ancient cultures from Africa. However, while this type of cranial deformation changed the shape of the skull, it did not alter the size, weight or cranial volume, all of which are characteristic traits of regular human skulls. This is where the details about the Paracas skulls gets interesting. The Paracas skulls are anything but ordinary. The cranium of the Paracas skulls is are least 25 % larger and up to 60% heavier than the skulls of regular human beings. Researchers firmly believe that these traits could not have been achieved through head bindings as some scientists suggest. Not only are they different in weight, the Paracas skulls are also structurally different and only have one parietal plate while ordinary humans have two. These strange characteristics have further deepened the decade-old mystery surrounding the Paracas skulls and researchers still have no idea what they were in the past. Further Testing The director of the Paracas Museum of History sent five samples of the Paracas skulls to undergo genetic testing, and the results were mesmerizing. The samples which consisted of hair, skin teeth and some fragments of cranial bones gave incredible details that have fueled the mystery surrounding these anomalous skulls. The genetic laboratory to where the samples were sent was not informed of the origin of the skulls in order to avoid influenced results. Interestingly, the mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited from the mother, showed mutations that were unknown to any man, primate or animal found on planet Earth. The mutations present in the samples of the Paracas skulls suggest that researchers were dealing with a completely new human-like being, very different from Homo sapiens, Neanderthals or Denisovans. Brien Foerster reported the following on the geneticists findings: It had mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) with mutations unknown in any human, primate, or animal known so far. But a few fragments I was able to sequence from this sample indicate that if these mutations will hold we are dealing with a new human-like creature, very distant from Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans. According to reports, the individuals from the Paracas skulls were so biologically different that it would have been impossible for humans and them to interbreed. I am not sure it will even fit into the known evolutionary tree, the geneticist wrote. Who were these mysterious beings? Did they evolve separately on Earth? What caused them to have such drastic differences from ordinary humans? And is it possible that these beings are actually not from Earth? All of these possibilities are theories that cannot be overruled given the current testing. The only thing that we know so far is that there are many things out there that go far beyond the understanding of researchers, historians, and scientists. It is possible that after all, the question of whether we are alone in the universe can be answered thanks to the Paracas skulls. The actor thanked the jawans for their countless sacrifices and let them know that the nation is with them. Mumbai: Actor Nana Patekar says the soldiers, who serve on the borders to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country, are the real heroes. The 65-year-old actor today visited border areas along International Border (IB). "The soldiers, who serve in uniform are at the front are our real heroes, they fight a battle everyday to protect the integrity of the nation," Patekar said while interacting with the Jawans of Border Security Force (BSF) in Kathua district. Patekar, who was on a day long visit to the Indo-Pak International border in Hiranagar and Kathua, appreciated the hardships and sacrifices being made by the BSF Jawans during the recent cross border firing. "It is a great opportunity for me to come and meet BSF troops. The whole nation stand firmly with them," he said. Patekar said the greatest strength of the country was not the big weapons but the Jawans. A senior BSF officer said such visits raise the morale of troops. "Recognising the immeasurable service rendered by world largest border grading force tasked to guard vast Indian frontier in western and eastern corridor help raise their morale. After winning Favourite Actress in a new TV series last year, PC is all set to walk the red carpet again. Mumbai: Actor and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, who won the Favourite Actress in a New TV series award at the Peoples Choice Awards 2016 for her leading role in American TV thriller series Quantico, is yet again heading towards the award function for the year of 2017. The actor has been nominated for Peoples Choice Awards in the Favourite Dramatic TV actress category for her American series second season, reports People Magazine. Its the second time that PeeCee has got a nomination. The actor has made a place in the nomination list this time along with stars like Ellen Pompeo, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson. On a related note, Priyanka is also gearing up for the release of her Hollywood debut Baywatch, alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, next year. Zakir Naiks NGO was declared as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for 5 yrs for its alleged terror activities. Zakir Naik is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the prior permission category. The government on Tuesday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. Singh asked the people to bear with the difficulties for some time as it would usher in a bright future in the long run. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh described the move as the first step towards achieving economic and social freedom. (Photo: PTI) Rewari, Haryana: The hardship arising out of demonetisation may continue for around a month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, describing the move as the first step towards achieving economic and social freedom. Speaking at a rally here, Singh asked the people to bear with the difficulties for some time as it would usher in a bright future in the long run. "It wasn't a small decision. We admit that people will face hardships for at least a month but it will be beneficial in the long term. A few political parties are opposing it. But bear with it for some time. We will give you a bright future. "India has got political freedom but we need economic and social freedom. We want economic inequality to end. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is the first step towards that. It will help bring transparency in Indian politics," he said. At the 'Martyrs' Rally' organised by Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Rao Inderjit Singh, the Home Minister also hit out at Pakistan for betraying the trust India reposed in it after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. Singh didn't refer to the issue of 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) even once in his speech at the rally that was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar and several ministers of the Haryana government and MLAs. This assumed importance as Narendra Modi had promised to implement OROP from the similar venue before the 2014 Lok Sabha election, two days before he was declared BJP's prime ministerial candidate. Referring to the surgical strikes, Singh hailed the soldiers for proving that "hum idhar bhi maar sakte hain aur udhar bhi maar sakte hain" (We can kill them on either side of the border). He said that "terrorism is the weapon of the coward" and claimed that this government which "has a strong heart" has brought down extremism and Naxalism significantly over the last two years. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was supposed to address the rally but he couldn't come as he was unwell, Singh said. Prime Minister advises self-regulation by media, says the press must make appropriate changes with time. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday there should be no government interference in the functioning of media but advised self-regulation by making appropriate changes with time, asserting that things would not change from external control. He also expressed concern over recent murders of journalists, saying it was very "painful" and a "most dangerous" way of suppressing truth. His remarks came against the backdrop of murder of two journalists in Bihar. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Press Council of India (PCI), Modi also quoted Mahatma Gandhi to support his assertions seeking self-regulation by the media. "Mahatma Gandhi had said uncontrolled writing can create huge problems but he had also said that external interference would wreak havoc. Controlling it (media) externally cannot be imagined," he asserted. "Government should not do any interference. It is true that self-introspection is not easy... It is the responsibility of the PCI and those associated with the press to see to it that what appropriate changes you can make with time. Things do not change from external control," he said. Though the Prime Minister did not refer to any specific changes, he said unlike journalists in past when they had ample time to make corrections, there is no such opportunity now because of the fast-paced nature of electronic and digital media. Referring to the Kandahar hijack in 1999, he said news channels' round-the-clock reportage of angry reactions of the families of passengers in the Indian Airlines flight emboldened terrorists as they thought they could get anything from the Indian government with this kind of public pressure. The episode set off introspection in the media which later came with norms for the coverage of such incidents, Modi said. Oppn also plans to rake surgical strikes, unrest in Kashmir, OROP and plight of farmers this winter session. New Delhi: Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday, the first day of the Winter Session after obituary references, but the debate on the government's decision on demonetisation began in Rajya Sabha as the political class prepared to fight it out on the floor of the House. In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition Congress tore into the governments decision to ban big notes, stating the common man has suffered most due to this move. Congress leader Anand Sharma said the move had held the common man of India criminals as they have to line up in endless queues outside banks to take out their own money. Why wasnt the government better prepared to tackle the aftermath of demonetisation? Why were there no cash in banks? Why werent the ATMs recalibrated? Congress claimed the government had a list of those with black money in Swiss Banks and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reveal their names. The government retaliated sharply, with BJP leader Piyush Goel stating this step was a celebration of honesty. He said the hardship faced by the people was temporary. The people of the country are ready to suffer a little because they know this step has been taken by Narendra Modi to fight black money, corruption, drugs and terrorism, he said. He added: "Many are facing trouble due to demonetisation and we sympathise with them, but we will have to make sacrifices to eliminate black money. Despite this hardship, India is supporting PM Modis decision to demonetise big notes." There was, however, a clamour from the Opposition for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Rajya Sabha debate on demonetisation. Prime Minister Modi had earlier made an appeal to the Opposition to have a fruitful Winter Session of Parliament. In the Winter Session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties. In the last session, an important bill like GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then, Modi said. But the attack was fierce from the Opposition as all parties spoke about the problems the aam janta was facing, while critiquing the efficacy of this note ban. This is the first time I have seen people turning into beggars despite money in their banks, Samajwadi Partys Ram Gopal Yadav said. He added, Ten to twelve per cent of the people in this country hold 90% of the countrys wealth. Can you tell me if even a single person from that 10-12% is standing in queues outside banks? AIADMK leader Satyanarayan Jatiya said his chief Jayalalithaa was against black money but the Central governments move to demonetisation was punishing those who have nothing to do with illegal transactions. JDU chief Sharad Yadav accused the Centre of shutting down India for many days. Its as if the government has pushed all Indians out of a running train, Yadav said. CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury said: Black money is not going to be solved by this (demonetisation). Black money is not a stock, it keeps flowing. This way you are killing the small fish, whereas the crocodiles are enjoying their lives. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu defended the governments decision, saying: Terrorists, smugglers, Maoists, separatists etc are using black and counterfeit money -- is that their fundamental right? Congress must take a stand whether they support or not support the notes ban. He said the ban would put an end to counterfeit currency, to aiding, abetting and terror funding. I know there is heartburn and some are angry with Prime Minister Modi. He is not just the tallest leader in India, but is being recognised as that in the world, Naidu said. Naidu also reminded the Congress of the big scams that took place under its rule, adding it was time to wage war on black money. In the afternoon, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee led her team and leaders of the Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, AAP and National Conference in a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan against demonetisation. It is learnt several Opposition parties, including the Congress, were planning to bring adjournment motions on demonetisation in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Winter Session of Parliament is expected to be a stormy one as the Opposition has planned to corner the government over the issue of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes. Opposition parties have also planned to pin the government down on a list of other issues, including surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, the unrest in Kashmir, OROP and the plight of farmers. Various parties have separately given adjournment notices in the Lok Sabha. They have also given notice for suspension of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue and highlight the plight of the common man. The government had also made it clear it would not shy away from discussing any issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session. Modi gave the analogy of a mother telling her child to eat a little less or not to eat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he delivers a speech after the awards ceremony of National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Quoting Mahatma Gandhi to support his assertions seeking self-regulation by the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there should be no government interference in the functioning of the media, but advised self-regulation, by making appropriate changes with times, asserting that things will not change from external control. The Prime Minister, at the golden jubilee celebrations of Press Council of India (PCI), also expressed concern over recent murders of journalists and said that it was very painful and a most dangerous way of suppressing truth. His remarks came against the backdrop of murder of two journalists in Bihar. Mahatma Gandhi had said uncontrolled writing can create huge problems, but he had also said that external interference would wreak havoc. Controlling it (media) externally cannot be imagined, Mr Modi said. Government should not do any interference. It is true that self-introspection is not easy. It is the responsibility of the PCI and those associated with the press to see to it that what appropriate changes you can make with time. Things do not change from external control, the Prime Minister said. Referring to the Kandahar hijack in 1999, he said new channels round-the-clock reportage of angry reactions of the families of passengers in the Indian Airlines flight made terrorists emboldened as they thought they can get anything from the Indian government with this kind of public pressure. The episode set off introspection in the media which later came with norms for the coverage of such incidents, Me Modi said. As he spoke about self-regulation, Mr Modi gave the analogy of a mother telling her child to eat a little less or not to eat. The child would listen to his mother but not to an outsider, he said. The Prime Minister said that the media should also be regulated from within and things should be resolved within the family in the interests of the society. Governments should not even venture close to having an intention of interfering, he added. The Prime Minister suggested that issues relating to self-regulation should be seen through the medium of organisations like the Press Council and drawing from the experience of senior people and in the interests of the society. He added that self-regulation is not an easy task. The Prime Minister said that after the Kandahar attack, the media organisations introspected and and dissected their own errors. After 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, another moment of introspection came yet the matter is still incomplete, he said. I believe mistakes are committed by us and by you. The media should not be assessed by its mistakes, he said. Till the time there is a section of responsible people, who want to remove the weaknesses and make it better, I believe it is a positive effort in this sector and it should continue, he said. Modi said that when Emergency was declared in 1975 , the Press Council was shut and it was reborn when the Morarji Desai government came to power in 1977. Speaking at the occasion, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the Centre is in favour of self-regulation and not thinking of imposing restrictions on the media, while news organisations should exercise necessary self-restraint and avoid sensationalism, said here today. He said freedom of press or freedom of expression is best utilised only when the value of such freedom is fully appreciated. When freedom is not exercised judiciously, our existing laws provide for necessary intervention and course correction. The government is not thinking of any restriction on any medium, but it expects all the stakeholders to be responsible in using different platforms, Naidu said. My advice applies more to the electronic media than the print media, the Union minister pointed out. Sensationalism, yellow journalism, TRP-generating news versus factual news cannot earn the confidence of the consumer, Naidu added. Five-judge bench of the apex court had, on a Presidential reference, held that Punjab could not have unilaterally terminated the agreement. Chandigarh: In continued defiance of the Supreme Court ruling, the Parkash Singh Badal government on Wednesday passed a resolution in the state assembly against handing over land for construction of the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal. The state assembly unanimously adopted a resolution directing the SAD-BJP government to not hand over any land belonging to the state to any agency or allow anyone to work on the SYL canal. Going a step further, the state assembly, which met for a special session within a week of the Supreme Courts November 10 ruling declaring as unconstitutional a Punjab law of 2004 terminating a water sharing agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh, also adopted another resolution asking the state government to take up with Centre and neighbouring states the issue of levying cost and royalty for the water released. A five-judge bench of the apex court had, on a Presidential reference, held that Punjab could not have unilaterally terminated the agreement. Rahul Gandhi landed himself in a soup after he allegedly claimed that "the RSS people had killed Gandhi" during a rally Bhiwandi. Thane: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Wednesday granted bail by a court in Bhiwandi near Mumbai in a defamation case over his alleged comment against the RSS on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. Rahul, who reached the Bhiwandi magistrate court in neighbouring Thane district around 10.30 am amid tight security along with his supporters, appeared before Judge Tushar Waze, who adjourned the case till January 30, 2017. Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for the Congress leader. The case against Rahul was filed by a local RSS functionary, Rajesh Kunte, over the former's speech in Bhiwandi on March 6, 2014 in the run up to Lok Sabha polls. During the rally, Rahul had allegedly claimed, "The RSS people had killed Gandhi." The complainant's counsel Nandu Phadke told the court that if Rahul was ready to accept his "mistake" then he was willing to withdraw the case against him as the complainant (Kunte) believed in "forgive and forget." Also, Rahul should give an undertaking that he will not repeat it in the future, Phadke demanded. When Rahul's lawyer Ashok Mundargi requested for a date and sought the court to exempt him from personal appearance, owing to his political commitments, the complainant's lawyer said Rahul may be treated as an "ordinary citizen". On September 1, Rahul had preferred to face the trial as an accused in the defamation case, submitting before the Supreme Court that he stood by "every word" of his statement. The Congress vice president had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the apex court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. He then withdrew the appeal filed by him against the Bombay High Court judgement refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahul's plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had taken cognisance of the complaint of an RSS functionary by summoning him as an accused in the case. Last evening, Rahul reached Mumbai to a rousing welcome by party workers and state leaders. Several party workers carried placards which read: "Bapu ke samman mein, Rahul Gandhi maidan mein" (For Mahatma Gandhi's honour, Rahul Gandhi joins fight"; "Gandhiji ke hatyaro se sangharsh rahega jari" (fight against Gandhi's killers will continue) and "Rahul Gandhi sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai" (Rahul Gandhi carry on the fight, we are with you). Rahul Gandhi was speaking against the Prime Ministers apparent crack down on black money. Mumbai: Sharpening his attack on Narendra Modi over demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday charged that no action was being taken against the "real black marketeers" and the "industrialist friends" of the Prime Minister. "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10-20000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken," he said. "There is no investigation or action taken against Modiji's industrialist friends," Rahul told reporters outside the Bhiwandi court in adjoining Thane district, after being granted bail in a defamation case. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," the Congress leader alleged. Earlier, addressing Congress supporters who gathered outside the court, Rahul said long queues before banks and ATMs had caused problems for the common man. "The masses are standing in a queue. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in queue," Rahul sought to know. "Did you get Rs 4000 notes? Did you get indelible ink mark on your hands," he said. Maharashtra PCC president Ashok Chavan, in his address to the supporters, said people of Maharashtra are with Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the struggle against BJP government's anti-people policies. In a stinging attack on Modi on the demonetisation issue, Rahul had last night said the prime minister was "laughing" while people were dying in queues outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money and the move will turn out to be a "big scam". The government did not seem to be going after the "big players" in black money like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, he had said. He also claimed that BJP members were alerted beforehand about the demonetisation. The musicals story centers on an Englishwoman who travels to Siam in the 1860s to teach the children of the king. In this file photo, Jose Llana, left, and Laura Michelle Kelly appear in New York. Llana will star as the king of Siam, and Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna in the national tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classicThe King and I. (Photo: AP) The cast on national tour with Lincoln Centers The King and I includes an actor who has played two different roles in the musical on Broadway, a one-time miraculous nanny and an actress who adored the film version as a child because she saw herself. The Tony Award-winning revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic tale of clashing cultures has hit the road for a 19-city tour starring Jose Llana as the king, Laura Michelle Kelly as Anna and Manna Nichols as Tuptim. The musicals story centers on an Englishwoman who travels to Siam in the 1860s to teach the children of the king. The revival won the Tony Award in 2015 starring Kelli OHara and Ken Watanabe. Its score by Rodgers and Hammerstein includes I Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance. Llana took over from Watanabe as the king on Broadway in two stints and knows the show very well: He made his Broadway debut in a 1996 revival, playing the part of Lun Tha, an envoy from the Prince of Burma. This show and The King and I in general means a lot to me, personally, he said. So many lessons can be learned from how the King and Anna, from two different worlds, find common ground and find a way to live peacefully. Kelly, a West End veteran who played the title role in Mary Poppins and was just in Finding Neverland on Broadway, played Anna in a Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis production in 2012 but said she craved another chance. I couldnt resist, especially with this amazing production, she said. I knew it was time to put the corset back on. Nichols, from Oklahoma City, is also a veteran of the musical, having played Tuptim at the Walnut St. Theatre and North Shore Music Theatre. She saw the Lincoln Center version the day after O'Hara won her Tony and the actress cheered her hometown heroine. Nichols adored the 1958 film version starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr and would beg her grandmother to fast-forward to the girl who looks like me, she said. I love watching everything but, as a child, you want to see people represented who look like you. It will be Nichols first national tour but Llana is a pro, having travelled with Flower Drum Song and Martin Guerre. Hes looking forward to the King and I making a stop next summer at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., his hometown. He plans to stay with his parents and predicts his mother will cook for the cast. Llana, whose Broadway credits also include Rent and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is also looking forward to stops in Boston, where his sister lives, and Los Angeles and Philadelphia, where friends are. This tour is a really wonderful opportunity not just to bring The King and I and this beautiful production around the country but to really catch up with a lot of family and friends, he said. For once, its nice for me to bring the show to them. Lonergans plays and films, talky and naturalistic, employ nothing like Spielbergian grandeur. Casey Affleck, right, a cast member in "Manchester by the Sea," laughs with his brother Ben Affleck at the premiere of the film at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Monday (Photo: AP) The filmmaker and playwright Kenneth Lonergan, a self-described ultra-naturalist whose eloquently empathic stories tremble with the richness of daily life, began his writing career, surprisingly, awash in science fiction. He was (and still is) a die-hard Trekkie. He has seen 2001: A Space Odyssey more than 50 times, he estimates. One of his early plays (unproduced so far) is about two spacemen spinning through the universe for years after their ship was disintegrated. Lonergan would lead Matthew Broderick, his best friend since high-school, from their Upper West Side neighborhood to the Ziegfeld Theatre to see Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He liked to sit about two or three rows back and just get blasted by it, recalls Broderick. Lonergans plays and films, talky and naturalistic, employ nothing like Spielbergian grandeur. But they can nevertheless, on a purely human scale, just as surely overpower in their fullness of life, in their warm, melancholic intimacy. Life is full of very interesting, small details that usually get skipped over for the sake of economy, Lonergan, rumpled and genial, said in a recent interview in Soho, not far from where he lives with his wife, the actress J. Smith-Cameron and their 10-year-old daughter. And those little details dictate all sorts of things in life. When I skip over them, theres not much left. That sensitive eye has made Lonergan, 54, one of the most celebrated playwrights of his generation, and a figure of cultish ardor for his first two films: the luminous sibling drama You Can Count on Me and the ambitious New York masterwork Margaret. The latter was embroiled for years in a law suit and disagreements with the distributor, Fox Searchlight, and received only the scantest of theatrical releases. Lonergans favored longer edit has steadily gained in stature. Now, cinematic redemption is at hand. Lonergan's new film, Manchester by the Sea (in theaters Friday), is already one of the most acclaimed movies of the year, roundly pegged as an Oscar favorite. It stars Casey Affleck as a janitor whose brothers death returns him to his Massachusetts fishing village hometown, a homecoming that resurfaces a trauma from the past. His brothers will names him guardian of a teenage son. The film, toggling between the past and present, runs on two rails at once, leading to a heartbreaking portrait of a tragedys long, unshakable shadow. I was a little chagrined to work on it because these things have happened to real people, and worse, and you sometimes wonder if you have any right to be making it into a fun story for people to compliment you on, says Lonergan with a chuckle. Then I figured why not, it's worth talking about, it's worth trying to look at and be truthful about and respectful of. The idea of the film was first brought to Lonergan by Matt Damon (who co-stars in Margaret) and John Krasinski. They hoped Lonergan would write it and Damon would direct and star. Time passed and schedules got complicated, and ultimately Lonergan took up directing, too, with Damon (now a producer) handing the role to his longtime friend, Affleck. It was, to a certain extent, a lifeline out of the debilitating saga - the unrelenting difficulties, Lonergan says of Margaret. I certainly saw the value in giving him a good job, but my motives were probably far more selfish than that, says Damon. Hes my favorite writer. Manchester by the Sea drew raves at its Sundance Film Festival premiere, where Amazon plunked down $10 million for distribution rights. Being the toast of Hollywood would put some in the mood for celebration. Not Lonergan. Hes a curmudgeon, as everyone says, says Broderick. Kenny said, I dont know if I feel good because I improved myself and I feel better or if its because everyones telling me Im great. That definitely doesnt hurt. As we get older, you can really appreciate this is a wonderful time for him and he should enjoy it. And he should use it to make whatever he wants. Affleck, who starred in a London production of Lonergans Youth in Revolt, describes Lonergan as allergic to sentimentality and artificial convention. He talks about the characters like theyre friends of yours youve known your whole life, says Affleck. It just seems like human beings and at the end youre sobbing and youre not sure why because people have just been fighting about whether to order pizza or not. Its a magic trick. Lonergan, though, is less mystical about his process. When he gets stuck, he says, he tries to think pragmatically about his characters, the way an actor might. Did she have dinner yet? Would she have needed to make that phone call? Some of the scenes in Manchester by the Sea came out of Lonergan simply driving up and down Cape Ann to figure out how his characters would have gotten around. Ive always tried as hard as I could to do whatever was necessary to access whatever secrets that I didnt know about that were inside of me, says Lonergan. You do certain steering of that. But mostly what I hope is youre like: That would be cool. And you dont know why and you don't ask why. How does he steer himself? Lonergan smiles. I dont know. Ive forgotten how. The Obama administration has made healthier, safer and better labeled food a priority in the last eight years. The first lady made reducing childhood obesity one of her signature issues through her "Let's Move" campaign (Photo: AP) Washington: Will Donald Trump remake school lunches into his fast-food favorites of burgers and fried chicken when he's president? Children grumbling about healthier school meal rules championed by first lady Michelle Obama may have reason to cheer Trump's election as the billionaire businessman is a proud patron of Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald's while promising to curb federal regulations. The Obama administration has made healthier, safer and better labeled food a priority in the last eight years, significantly raising the profile of food policy and sometimes drawing the ire of Republicans, farmers and the food industry. The first lady made reducing childhood obesity one of her signature issues through her "Let's Move" campaign. In addition to the healthier school meal rules, the administration ushered a sweeping food safety law through Congress, pushed through several new food labeling regulations, started to phase out trans fats, added calorie labels to menus and suggested new limits on sodium in packaged foods. The White House has also fended off efforts in the Republican Congress to trim the nation's food stamp program. "Food advocates are already nostalgic for the Obama era and will be playing defense for the next four years," says Sam Kass, a former White House senior adviser on nutrition and personal chef for the Obamas. A look at some of the food regulations that could be scrapped or tweaked in the new administration: Making school meals great again Trump himself hasn't weighed in on school meal regulations. But Republicans, school nutrition directors and some in the food industry have balked at parts of the administration's rules that set stricter fat, sugar and sodium limits, among other standards, on foods in the lunch line and beyond. While many students and schools have now gotten used to the healthier foods, some still complain that the standards are costly and difficult to meet. "I would be very surprised if we don't see some major changes on the school lunch program" and some other food issues, said Rep. Robert Aderholt of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees Agriculture Department spending. Aderholt, who sits on Trump's agriculture advisory committee, says the Obama administration's approach was "activist driven" and people who voted for Trump are looking for a more common-sense approach. Legislation is pending in both the House and Senate to revise some of the standards, and will likely be considered again next year. USDA could also make some changes on its own. One of many names that have been floated as a possible agriculture secretary is Sid Miller, the Texas Agriculture Commissioner who repealed a state ban on deep fryers and soda machines at schools. Miller recently got in trouble when he used a profanity on Twitter to describe Democrat Hillary Clinton; he blamed a staffer and the tweet was deleted. The food police In September, the Trump campaign pitched rolling back food safety regulations in a fact sheet, arguing they are burdensome to farmers and criticizing increased inspections of food manufacturing facilities as "overkill." The sheet referred to the "food police" at the Food and Drug Administration. The campaign later deleted the proposal from its website. Congress passed new food safety regulations in 2010, a year after a salmonella outbreak linked to a Georgia peanut company killed nine people. Michael Taylor, former FDA deputy commissioner for foods who oversaw the food safety rules, says it wouldn't be popular with consumers to roll them back. "Consumers are only getting more focused on safety, health and wellness," Taylor says. Trump himself is a self-professed germaphobe who prefers eating at fast-food restaurants because he believes they have higher food safety standards. Food stamps Congressional Republicans have been examining food stamps since the program's cost grew to almost $80 billion annually after the recession. Participation and costs have dipped since its 2013 high, but conservatives have suggested tightening eligibility standards or increasing work requirements. House Speaker Paul Ryan has for years championed an overhaul to the program. Democrats in the Senate have consistently objected to any changes, and will still wield influence. But they won't have the backing of a Democratic White House. Other food policy Many other laws are either already in place or close to it, including a revised "nutrition facts" panel on the back of food packages, with a new line breaking out added sugars, a labeling law for genetically modified foods and calorie labeling on restaurant and supermarket menus. In many cases, the rules are a result of compromise with industry. Kass says that pulling back may just create more cost and uncertainty for businesses. "Unwinding things is really hard, especially when most of them have been implemented and industry has moved on," Kass says. He predicts most of the regulations will stay, but that there will be little additional progress. Ongoing administration efforts to reduce sodium in food and antibiotics in meat could be casualties. Margo Wootan, a lobbyist on nutrition issues for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says advocates will continue to be aggressive at the state and local levels, hoping change will bubble up. "The public is more interested than ever in nutrition and will continue to press companies," she says. The rally will be held at Azadpur Mandi, the biggest vegetable and fruits wholesale market in the national capital. New Delhi: Stepping up the ante against the Centre, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee will jointly address a rally against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes oraganised by the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday. The rally will be held at Azadpur Mandi, the biggest vegetable and fruits wholesale market in the national capital. Public meeting against demonetisation at 11 am at Azadpur Mandi tomorrow. People who are facing problems due to demonetisation reach there, Mr Kejriwal said in a series of tweets. Mr Kejriwal said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also protesting against the Centres decision to demonetise notes, will also join him and address farmers, traders and labourers. Against demonetisation, Mamata Banerjee will also address Azadpur Mandis public meeting with me. All reach there, the Delhi CM said in another tweet. Mr Kejriwals decision to hold a rally of farmers, traders and labourers came a day after he urged President Pranab Mukherjee to direct the Centre to withdraw demonetisation move while demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the scrapping of high currency notes. Earlier in the day, AAP MP Bhagwant Mann joined the march from Parliament to President House led by Ms Banerjee against demonetisation. The Delhi CM, however, skipped the Trinamul Congress march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against the Centres November 8 demonetisation move. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had cheated the country. This demonetisation move is the biggest scam of independent India. (Modi) Compelled the public to stand in queues after taking money from the rich. Modi ji cheated the country, Mr Kejriwal said. The Congress leader further said that while 18 to 20 people have died in queues outside banks/ATMs since the demonitisation exercise. Mumbai: Slamming the Modi governments decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as politically motivated, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded an enquiry into the reports of a few BJP workers caught with cash worth crores after the demonetisation announcement. Mr Gandhi was in Mumbai on Wednesday to appear before a local court in Bhiwandi in a criminal defamation case filed against him. Questioning why only poor people could be seen queuing up before the banks, Mr Gandhi said, The decision was a politically motivated one. The people who stand in the queues are not rich. Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, however, managed to run away. The BJP government is very insensitive. Their workers in West Bengal were found with bundles of cash worth crores. An enquiry should be conducted into the matter. The Centres decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency had a knee-jerk reaction. The government should provide immediate relief to poor farmers and labourers who are facing problem due to this. I discussed the step with several economists, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singhji, and all of them said that the decision was a very irrational one and a politically calculative move, Mr Gandhi added. Alleging that Modi government alerted its party leaders ahead of the demonetisation move, Mr Gandhi said, I dont think even the finance minister knew about the demonetisation announcement. The Congress leader further said that while 18 to 20 people have died in queues outside banks/ATMs since the demonitisation exercise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained unaffected and had a smile on face. Justifying the partys stand, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that this was not a political issue. Mumbai: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) ally, the Shiv Sena has decided to join a delegation of opposition parties led by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) which will meet the President on Wednesday, demanding fair implementation of the Centres decision to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Even as opposition parties are drawing battle lines to attack the Narendra Modi-led government on the inconvenience caused to people after the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray convened a meeting of all Sena MPs at Matoshree on Tuesday to discuss the partys line before the beginning of winter session of the Parliament on Wednesday. Mr Thackeray had come down heavily on the BJP government for its abrupt and messy implementation of the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 ban that has caused a lot of hardships to the common man, particularly the poor. In the closed door meeting, Mr Thackeray told his partymen to support the TMC delegation led by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. A source, who attended the closed-door meeting, said that a calm and composed Mr Thackeray was at his sarcastic best. If Modi can go with Sharad Pawar then why cant Shiv Sena go with TMCs Mamata Banerjee? We are not against the Prime Minister but we are going with Ms Banerjee to meet the President in larger public interest, Mr Thackeray said. Two days ago, the Sena chief had even spoken to finance minister Arun Jaitley and expressed his reservations over the BJPs demonetisation masterstroke. Sources in the know said that the Sena would be making few demands before the President proper implementation of the demonetisation decision, allowing transactions in district banks and increasing withdrawal limits among others. Consequently, Senas 18 MP of Lok Sabha and two from Rajya Sabha would be part of the delegation tomorrow. Soon after the meeting, Sena MP Arvind Sawant announced that the party would join the delegation led by Ms Banerjee to the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. People in rural areas are suffering the most as money is not deposited in rural banks, said Mr Sawant. Justifying the partys stand, Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that this was not a political issue. It is affecting 125-crore people of this country. Uddhavji has spoken to Mamata Banerjee over phone on the issue. The Sena cannot sit silent when the people are suffering, he said. It may be recalled that the Sena was very critical about a few clauses in the Goods and Services Tax bill, and had joined hands with the opposition against the BJP-led government. Noelia's story has drawn millions of comments, 'likes' and 'shares' on social media, from around the world. Noelia's story began to get under our skin even before we met her, as we talked about it on the long drive down to Cordoba. (Photo: AFP) Cordoba, Argentina: We didn't expect the story to be so big. As correspondents in Argentina, we were used to depressing news about corruption and wifebeating. But Noelia Garella's story was different. It was a happy story. In a news agenda dominated by bloodshed and dirty politics, where was there room for that? But the tale of Noelia, the first person with Down syndrome to become a full-fledged school teacher in Argentina, took the web by storm -- and us by surprise. What we thought would be just a solid human interest story went viral. Her story has drawn millions of comments, "likes" and "shares" on social media, from around the world. Personal Echoes Noelia's story began to get under our skin even before we met her, as we talked about it on the long drive down to Cordoba. Ivan, the video journalist who would be filming our report, first read of her in a local newspaper a few years back and suggested following up. Noelias story struck a chord, as his 10-year-old niece Maia herself had Down syndrome. Like Noelia was soon to do, the little girl had wowed Ivan with her warm and loving nature. "Having one of these special people close to you in your life is a blessing. They appreciate things that so-called 'normal' people tend to undervalue. Every day I try to learn more from them," Ivan says. "Which of us are the handicapped ones really?" Meanwhile Paula, the text reporter, was taken back to her childhood in Venezuela, where a boy with Down syndrome, Agustin San Blas, was in her class at the private Escuela Comunitaria primary school. Memories of Agustin flooded back to Paula: reading aloud to him, playing in the schoolyard, trying to stop him eating too many sweets. Dancing merengue with him. Like Noelia's own pupils, Paula and her friends learned to accept their special friend as an equal. Defining images We nearly missed out on reporting Noelia's story altogether. After driving 800 kilometers to Cordoba we were joined by local photographer Diego Lima and first reported on the canonization of Argentinas first native saint. Then we went to see Noelia and her family at their home. But that Wednesday, the Jeromito school where she works was closed because of a strike. We filmed her, with her smiling face and long dark hair, talking, dancing, swimming -- everything but teaching. As Ivan and I fretted, Noelia asked her colleagues to make sure that there would be class on Friday, so that we could get the images crucial to our story. "Hey, Ivancito," she told Ivan. "tomorrow I'll ask them if we can go on Friday to Jermito and be with my little Jermitos." The shots of Noelia reading a story to her small pupils in the classroom became the defining images of our report. Riyadh: As the world spends most of their lives online, an Indian man in Saudi Arabia seems like a relic from a bygone era as he goes door-to-door trying to sell a heavy collection of books. The Indian national, John Gunti, works in the business district of the Saudi capital Riyadh, hoping to sell a 22-volume World Book Encyclopedia that weighs about 25 kilogrammes (55 pounds). Even though times are tough in an oil-dependent economy where everyone is cutting back, Mr Gunti said, "Cold calling is my passion." But what would anybody want with such a tome these days, when every question can be answered on a smartphone? As a direct marketer, rather than just a static display in a bookshop, he is always ready to explain. "You'll ask me 100 questions. I'll answer your 100 questions," said Mr Gunti, 47, who carries fold-out promotional material in a smart black satchel to help his pitch. After eleven years in the business, and prior experience in medical diagnostic sales back home, Mr Gunti said that it doesn't matter what product is being sold. "If you want to sell a stone, you can sell it. If you want to sell sand, you can sell it. What matters is attitude: I have to sell this product," he said. Still, Mr Gunti believes books have their place, even though sales have slumped to almost nothing. Gone are the days when his company, Pioneer House, had about 20 salesmen, all of them from South Asia, who even came to blows over customers. Not the fast-talking Mr Gunti, though. He said that he never relied on fists but only on his power of persuasion. Mr Gunti once had three or four salesmen under him and got a share of their income as well as his own. "I worked on commission all these years," he said. The more prosperous era ended about two years ago, coinciding with the collapse in Saudi Arabia's oil revenues and ensuing cutbacks throughout the economy. "It was good some time ago but now... the demand has gone down," leaving only Mr Gunti and one other Pioneer House salesman hunting for customers. According to him, theirs is the last surviving Riyadh firm in this business. Mr Gunti depends on the roughly 25 per cent share he earns on each 2,000 riyal ($533) World Book Encyclopedia set he sells. He also offers the more costly Encyclopedia Britannica, children's encyclopedias and multimedia educational programmes from which he also gets a cut. "There were times where I sold five encyclopedias or six encyclopedias a month," said the well-spoken Mr Gunti, glasses perched atop his head. "The ideal ratio is that if you make five presentations, you need to close one deal." Now it takes 100 meetings to make a sale, so "you need to make more effort to meet more people," he said. "Ninety-nine per cent are 'nos'," Mr Gunti mentioned. Some of his business comes from referrals but most of his time is spent on cold calls. He rides elevators up and down the towers of Olaya Street and King Fahad Road in Riyadh's business district, ringing doorbells. Experience tells him whom to target. "If I go to an office I don't just approach every person there." Mr Gunti, who speaks some Arabic but makes his pitch in English, said that he has the best luck with Jordanians, Syrians, Egyptians and Palestinians from among the millions of expatriate workers in the kingdom. Saudis and other Arabs are less likely buyers. "I'll approach and I'll introduce myself in a friendly way so that he gets friendly with me," Mr Gunti said. "Then I start my pep talk and get his background about his children and their ages and everything. "Then in my mind I decide what (product) to present to him, so accordingly I'll make a presentation. Then I'll close the deal. That is the tricky part -- getting a stranger to part with 2,000 riyals. It all depends on how you make your presentation," said Mr Gunti. "He buys because of John, not because of the product, not because of the company. Because of trust in John." Every customer asks why he should buy the printed encyclopedia, to which Mr Gunti answers: "A book is more comfortable" than online and "has its place". The salesman says he enjoys a job where he can help children learn, and he still believes "there is a big market". But the kingdom's economic slowdown has left him barely getting by. "It's (a) tough time for me," Mr Gunti admits, his business shirt showing signs of wear. "I'm unable to send any money back home" to his wife and two grown daughters in Hyderabad. "This month I may earn only 2,000 riyals. Or even there were times I earned only 1,500 riyals." He doesn't know how much longer he can keep going. "I'm really planning to quit," he said. "I have plenty of talents -- people skills and presentation ability -- that could be useful elsewhere." But Mr Gunti firmly believes that, far from dying out, door-to-door sales is something that will survive economic downturns. "Door-to-door is a system," he said. "Direct marketing will never die." Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Taiwan's Kuomintang party leader Hung Hsiu-chu in Beijing on Tuesday. [WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY] BEIJING - A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday spoke highly of the meeting between leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Kuomintang (KMT) Party of Taiwan. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, met with KMT leader Hung Hsiu-chu and her delegation in Beijing in early November. "The meeting played a significant role in enhancing relations between the two parties and cross-Straitsties," said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. During their meeting, Xi and Hung recognized their parties' contribution to the peaceful development of cross-Straitsrelations and reiterated the common political foundation of adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence," Ma said. Both sides agreed to consolidate the foundation, boost political trust, safeguard the peaceful development and stability of cross-Straitsties, and improve communication to increase exchanges and cooperation in economy, culture and society, Ma said. Ma said that cross-Straitsexchange programs for 2017, which were announced at a forum on peaceful cross-Straitsrelations early this month, had opened registration for compatriots from Taiwan. The forum, jointly hosted by 20 non-governmental organizations from across the Taiwan Strait, was attended by about 240 participants from both sides. The mainland has made efforts to improve communication among young people, as well as to help young people in Taiwan to study, work and live on the mainland, Ma added. Markets are already panicked and if supplies dry up, prices will soar. This column is about vanishing acts. About things like currency, decency, value, dignity, understanding, logic, guarantees and beliefs, which are suddenly vanishing. Let me share some questions with you. On November 8, at dinner time, the Prime Minister told us that at the stroke of midnight Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes would turn from high-value currency to useless paper. Unlike Cinderella, we had no fairy godmother warning us about this. In one fell swoop, 86 per cent of the countrys cash became illegal. Plunging the less privileged into a crisis, as cash is what most of India depends on, and most of Indias cash is in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The question is: did the PM have a right to do this? Does the government have the right to deny ordinary people access to their own money? To suddenly make their money vanish? Without access to money, one cannot access food, medical care, transport and other essentials. Doesnt this impinge on our fundamental right to life and liberty? In theory, those with bank accounts (and that is only half our population) could go and withdraw small amounts, but you would have to go yourself, with ID. Millions are doing so every day, standing in serpentine queues from dawn to dusk, as banks, blindsided by an inept government which didnt know the new notes would not fit ATMs, fail to meet the massive demand for low-denomination cash. But what about the old, the infirm, the disabled? How many of our banks and ATMs are wheelchair-friendly? Does the government have the right to deny the sick and elderly access to their own money? Meanwhile, hospitals are turning away hordes of underprivileged patients as they dont have credit or debit cards or enough low value notes. Sure, state hospitals still accept the defunct notes. But shouldnt we be free to choose our doctor? Is the government allowed to suspend our right to choose? After five days of utter chaos, in which the elderly died of heart attacks and stress standing in snaking queues for their own hard-earned cash, and parents saw their children die as hospitals refused their cash, the PM returned to address us on the matter. Give me 50 days, he said in a dramatic speech, choking up as he talked about himself: Even if you burn Modi alive, Modi is not scared. Who is he talking to? Who could possibly burn him alive? He, with his multi-layered security? Why does our PM, the lawfully-elected head of a respectable democracy, go on as if there was no rule of law in his own country? Hang me in public! he had said earlier, inviting us to the barbaric act if we could prove his involvement in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Which country does our PM think he rules? This is not a land of savages where might is right. We are a well-run democracy with a great Constitution and a still respectable law and order mechanism. But a hungry beast is an angry beast. Thousands of trucks are stranded across India as petrol pumps, toll plazas and eateries refuse the newly-outlawed cash. Markets are already panicked and if supplies dry up, prices will soar. How long can desperate people be quiet? When most of the rural population and urban poor and much of the middle classes feel cheated of their legitimate money, law and order problems must be foreseen. India has a huge cash economy, run not by black money hoarders but by Indias most vulnerable. Small traders, petty contractors, farmers, vegetable vendors, dhabas, household help, plumbers, all operate on cash. Cash rules in small town and rural India, where banks are few, their services unreliable, and even hotels dont accept cards. Even in cities, most members of the unorganised sector do not have bank accounts. Its not easy to open an account when your ration cards and voter IDs are left back home. Then there are wives and mothers. Women who scrimp and save from household expenses and secretly squirrel away some money for their children or the future. These are people who cant go to the bank and exchange their notes. And they have been hit the hardest. Does Mr Modi have the right to make their legitimate money vanish? In his speech, he seemed thrilled about it. He even wiggled his thumbs to mock the family that had a wedding coming up and no money at home. Does Mr Modi know the country he is ruling? How can he take away the fundamental right to life and liberty of Indian citizens? The PM must realise most Indians dont carry plastic. The digital India he talks about is just a small part of the larger Indian reality. But one person cant know everything. What was the finance ministry doing? And the Reserve Bank, which is supposed to be autonomous? Sadly, a compliant governor erodes the RBIs credibility and makes these drastic steps seem completely arbitrary. Even the way the terms of cash deposit and withdrawal are being set and changed seem arbitrary. Besides, the utter incompetence of the government in implementing this surprise demonetisation shatters the myth of the PMs governance skills. Now he wants 50 days to sort things out. Can he imagine what 50 days of desperation, death and disaster could be? When salt can sell at Rs 300 a kilo based on a rumour, you know we have reached a state where the desperate will believe anything and stop at nothing. It is widely believed that the BJP and its friends knew of this secret demonetisation beforehand and had liquidated cash holdings in the days leading up to it. State Assembly elections are coming up, and with poll expenditure being traditionally cash-dependent, this is bound to affect poll outcomes in crucial states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Will the vanishing high-value notes affect the black economy? Maybe. But it is destroying the legitimate cash economy and the lives of the most vulnerable citizens. Also, its not quite clear how outlawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and introducing new Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes will stop either black money or terrorist cash. What is clear, however, is that our basic rights and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution can suddenly vanish like the Rs 500 note. Unless we raise the most obvious questions. Since raising questions is now deemed to be unpatriotic in public discourse, lets raise them at least in Parliament. The conference is scheduled to be held in Amritsar on December 3. Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nazwz Sharifs advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz on Wednesday said he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a good opportunity to defuse the tension between Pakistan and India. The conference is scheduled to be held in Amritsar on December 3. Mr Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since terrorist attack on the Army base in Uri on September 18, an attack New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Unlike India, that had sabotaged Saarc summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India, Mr Aziz said. Its a good opportunity to defuse the tension, he added. Mr Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. Heart of Asia is for Afghanistan and Afghanistan is our priority, he added. The conference will seek ways to help improve security and bring peace to Afghanistan, which has been mired in conflict since a US-led coalition toppled the Taliban government in 2001. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also been strained over the past year, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of harbouring the leaders of Taliban and seeking to meddle in Afghan affairs. Pakistan denies the charge. The first Heart of Asia conference was held in Kabul in 2012, the second in Almaty in 2013, the third in Beijing in 2014 and the fourth was held in Islamabad in December 2015. by Sumon Corraya Police and local Muslims attacked Tribals in a land dispute. Two died and six were wounded. As people live in fear, children are kept out of school. Some Christians are still on the run; others did not go back home. With winter approaching and food scarce, despair is setting in. Gaibandha (AsiaNews) Christian Santals, violently attacked last week by local police in a land dispute in Gaibandha District, have refused aid that some government representatives offered them. On Monday, some government representatives visited Gobindoganj to hand out basic necessities, but the victims rejected the aid. "The police killed two brothers, one of the victims, anonymous for security reasons, told AsiaNews. We saw their blood flow. How can we ever accept government aid?" "Local political activists tried to extort statements in favour of the government, local Christians explained. They called us in one by one and told the media and activists to praise the police and the government." Violence broke out 6 November over a land dispute. Police and local Muslims attacked tribal Santals, mostly Catholics. Witnesses say that police had arrest warrants for 300 people who fled to avoid jail. Others defended themselves with bows and arrows injuring some policemen. Tribal homes were ransacked and looted. The attack culminated with the killing of two Christians and the wounding of six more. Yesterday, two of the wounded were moved to a local prison, after they were admitted to the Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Their treatment by the police has sparked a wave of indignation, as the wounded were handcuffed and tied to the stretcher carrying them. Christians say they have lived in fear since the day of the attack. The conflict and the continuing tension affect some 2,500 Christians. Children have stopped attending school, lack food and winter is coming. "I have no clothes, and at night I cannot sleep because of the cold," said Jewal Murmu. The Missionary Sisters of Charity brought the little aid that has arrived. Subash Murmu said that he received a lungi for himself and a sari for his wife. The sisters also handed out rice, but their help is not enough. "In these conditions we cannot work and earn a living," he said. Meanwhile, the government seems hard-pressed over the recent spate of attacks against religious minorities. Yesterday the cabinet committee on law and order issued a warning to law enforcement officials to act forcefully against officers who fail to contain the attacks against minority groups. The committee noted that the attack against Christians and the acts of vandalism against Hindu temples and believers have put "the government in an awkward situation." For his part, Industry Minister Amir Hossain Amu added to the controversy by claiming that "the land does not belong to the Santals. Indeed, land grabbers use the Santals to occupy the land, and then take it from them later. According to Fr Samson Marandy, a parish priest in Mariampur, "many Santal men are still on the run, to avoid arrest, and every day the faithful gather in front of the small church in Madarpur, where the violence took place." Mamunir Rashi, principal of the primary school in Burjuk RG Adabashi, noted that "at least 90 students are not in school. The parents believe that the children are not safe." Bangladesh has a population of about 152 million inhabitants with a Muslim majority (89.8 per cent). The Christian community (0.2 per cent of the population) and Hindus (9.1 per cent) have been subjected to numerous attacks and land grabs. Experts note that the reason is not so much religious as economic. Since October, Myanmars military killed at least 60 Muslims, preventing humanitarian aid and independent observers from entering the combat zone. For archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar needs only one religion today: peace. Yangon (AsiaNews) Recent clashes between Myanmars armed forces (Tatmadaw) and what the military call a "a militant group of Rohingya Muslims" have increased. In the latest incident, at least 30 Muslim fighters are said to have died. This has led Card Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, to issue an appeal over the renewed fighting between government forces and rebel groups in Rakhine State (western Myanmar). We, representatives of all religions living in Myanmar, says the cardinal, earnestly appeal to our countrymen and women, our political leaders, our military leaders and armed groups, to seek the path of reconciliation and make peace the common religion of all our people. Rohingya are a Muslim minority (just over a million people) originally from Bangladesh, who have been denied Myanmar citizenship and whose members live in refugee camps in several parts of the country. Current military operations are concentrated in Maungdaw, on the border with Bangladesh. Security forces have cordoned off the area, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid and independent observers. Since early October, 60 Rohingyas and 17 government soldiers have died in clashes. Government soldiers continue to go from village to village to clear them of rebel elements. The fighting is the worst since 2012, when hundreds died. Residents and human rights activists have slammed the military for carrying out summary executions, rapes and arson. According to Human Rights Watch, at least 430 homes of Rohingya refugees were set on fire for no reason. A month after his last appeal for an end to the fighting (which is also taking place in Kachin and Karen states), Card Bo said the "nightmare of war continues. More than 200,000 are refugees in their own land, noting that Internal Displacement has as its consequences human trafficking, the drug menace and exploding violence in the communities. In a country of about 135 ethnic groups, peaceful coexistence has always been a struggle, especially with the central government, which is dominated by ethnic Burmese. After the military and several rebel groups signed an armistice in October 2015, peace talks resumed in late August at the Panglong Conference (promoted by Aung San Suu Kyi), but so far they have not yielded any of the desired results. For Card Bo, Our wars are not winnable. Sixty years have proved that. They have inflicted chronic suffering on thousands. They have deterred human development and provoked greater animosity. Instead, We appeal to all of you political leaders of the NLD*, military leaders, armed group leaders, ethnic political parties and civil society groups to explore a consensual politics of conflict resolution. We appeal to all religious leaders to be instrument of peace. Myanmar needs only one religion today: peace. *NLD: National league for Democracy, Myanmars main political party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. After archaeological items and oil, Syrias extremists are getting rich with organ trafficking. Several cases of missing children in the villages of Idlib province have been reported. The children are moved across the border into Turkey. Turkish media had reported the problem in the past before they were censored by Erdogan. Idlib (AsiaNews) Organ trafficking involving children from Idlib (northwestern Syria) has become another source of concern like the smuggling of archaeological items, oil and weapons. According to a number of reports, children have been kidnapped in broad daylight by unknown groups able to move around unhindered and unpunished in spite of roadblocks and controls set up by Jaish al-Fatah (Army of Conquest) armed militias. Families that managed to save their children from forced enrollment by Saudi imam Abdallah Al Muhasni in an around the city of Idlib now live in fear. In fact, the city has recently seen a frightening increase in the number of children abducted or "held" by these unknown groups. Some 15 children have reportedly gone missing in the past two weeks, one a day, in villages around Idlib like Kafaruma, Jidar Yakfalun, Atme, Jisr el Shughur, and Al Fukayea. In Kfarbatikh, however, two kidnapping attempts failed thanks to the quick response of residents, alarmed by the cries for help of would-be victims. The kidnappers managed to escape leaving behind their two children. Yasser Mohamad Ibrahim was not so lucky. The 14-year-old fled Mork with his parents to avoid forced conscription by Jihadis only to be kidnapped in El Maarath Naaman in front of his parents' home in late afternoon yesterday. Last week another case had a positive outcome. Unknown men forced a little girl into a white van in Sarmada, a village north of Idlib, but in an act of solidarity villagers reacted immediately chasing the vehicle until the nearby village of Al Dana where they freed the 10-year-old and handed the kidnappers over to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (Front for the Conquest of the Levant), formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front, an al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. On the same day, a young man in his 30s, Muhamad Kasem Najla, was abducted in Dana, possibly by organ traffickers. Although his kidnappers were captured and jailed, they managed to escape without leaving a trace before they could be questioned or tried. Children, who in the Middle East tend to play in the streets near their homes, have stopped doing so. Parents and families in Idlib avoid as much as possible letting their children out of the house. Fewer and fewer children are in school or even involved in child labour, once a widespread local practice. Many families who settled around Idlib to escape the direct grip of extremists are now moving to the city of Hama, considered safer in terms of kidnapping and organ trafficking. Increasingly, social media warn parents to be vigilant about their children in light of the danger of kidnapping related to organ trafficking, advising them not let their children out of the house or move around them without adults. According to online activists, kidnapped children are taken to neighbouring Turkey, as in the case of two girls abducted last April in the northern neighbourhoods of Jisr al-Shughur. In another case, two children were taken from the Atma refugee camp, north of Idlib. Two years ago, Turkish media when they still enjoyed some freedom of the press had denounced the presence of "ambulances involved in trafficking of human organs under the disguise of moving wounded people to hospitals in Turkey near the border with Syria. (PB) by Mathias Hariyadi Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Christian governor of Jakarta, Basuki Purnama Tjahaja "Ahok", has been included on a police list of suspects in a blasphemy trial. It is the first breakthrough in the case has been dragging on for weeks. Chief detective, General Ari Dono Sukmanto, said that the inspectors have listened to 40 witnesses and collected "evidence" sufficient to open a case. Ahok was not arrested but cannot leave the country. The governor, an ethnic Chinese, is accused of having "blasphemed Islam." At a rally held in September, he would have quoted the 51st Surah Al Maidah (fifth chapter of the Koran), which advised Muslims not to vote for a leader of a different faith, asking the Islamic faithful not to "use" this in the wrong way. Islamists, moderates and radicals, have taken on the politician, who apologized and was "forgiven" by the moderate community. On November 4, nearly 100 thousand radical Islamists took to the streets to demand the condemnation of Ahok and the withdrawal of his candidacy for governor in elections in February 2017. The protest, which resulted in violence, was infiltrated by political agitators with an aim to discredit the President Joko Widodo, an ally of the governor. Later it was discovered that Buni Yani, a former journalist and professor of communications at the London School of Central Jakarta, manipulated the words spoken by Ahok in the rally, making them offensive to Islam and sparking protests. A petition calling for a trial against Yani has already collected 100 thousand signatures. General Tito Karnavian said Ahoks hearings will be broadcast live on national TV, so that citizens see what happens in cases of "defamation of religion" and are satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. If found guilty, Ahok could face up to five years in prison. by Wang Zhicheng The sentence was carried out yesterday. For two years, Jia had asked for compensation but had received no reply. Threats accompanied the demolition. For Peking University law experts, the court is always more lenient for party bosses, as evinced in the case of Gu Kailai, the wife of Bo Xilai, who was spared the death sentence, even though she too killed someone. Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) A man from Hebei province was executed yesterday morning. He was convicted for the murder of his village chief who had ordered the demolition of his house. On social media, the case has sparked a debate on the double standards of Chinas justice system. The man who died was Jia Jinglong, 30. In May 2013, he was getting married. Fifteen days before the wedding, his village chief, in league with a construction company, had his home demolished. A bunch of thugs also beat up Jia and a relative when they tried to stop the destruction. All the papers were in order since Jia's father had signed them. However, the latter eventually said that he had been forced to ink the order issued by the village chief. Had he refused, the pension application by Jias grandmother would have been rejected. Two years later, after his girlfriend called off the wedding, Jia picked up a nail gun and killed the village chief, who was also the local Communist Party boss. A court in Hebei sentenced him to death in May 2015, and this month Chinas Supreme court ratified the decision. Yesterday morning, Jias relatives met the young man before his lethal injection. Such cases of forced demolition for real estate development are very common in China. Compensation, when offered, is usually very low, never enough to buy a new house. Still, this particular case has drawn the attention of several lawyers and legal scholars who wrote an open letter to Supreme Court Chief Justice Zhou Qiang. Qianfan Zhang and He Weifang of Peking University are among the signatories. They note that Jia was the victim of illegal forced demolition and intimidation. Above all, Jia was given the death sentence when in more serious cases, the court showed greater leniency, perhaps because the accused were corrupt former members of the government. For the lawyers, the case in point is that of Gu Kailai, wife of Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai, who killed a British businessman, Niel Heywood, in 2011, and received a suspended death sentence. A spokesman for the Supreme Court that approved the execution said that Jias crime was premeditated and perpetrated with deliberate malice." However, at no time did the spokesman acknowledge that Jia Jinglong had asked for compensation for two years for his demolished house, never getting an answer. In a video message to the bishops of the United States, Francis speaks of the Fifth National Hispanic Pastoral Encuentro. "Our great challenge is to create a culture of encounter, which encourages individuals and groups to share the richness of their traditions and experiences, to break down walls and to build bridges." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Our great challenge is to create a culture of encounter, which encourages individuals and groups to share the richness of their traditions and experiences, to break down walls and to build bridges said Pope Francis said in a video message addressed to US bishops, who in the course of their general assembly. In the message Francis focuses in particular on the upcoming Fifth National Hispanic Pastoral Encuentro ministry that "will begin in your dioceses next January and will conclude with a national celebration in September 2018. In continuity with its predecessors, the Encuentro seeks to acknowledge and value the specific gifts that Hispanic Catholics have offered, and continue to offer, to the Church in your country. But it is more than that. It is part of a greater process of renewal and missionary outreach, one to which all of your local Churches are called". Our great challenge is to create a culture of encounter, which encourages individuals and groups to share the richness of their traditions and experiences, to break down walls and to build bridges. The Church in America, as elsewhere, is called to go out from its comfort zone and to be a leaven of communion. Communion among ourselves, with our fellow Christians, and with all who seek a future of hope. We need to become ever more fully a community of missionary disciples, filled with love of the Lord Jesus and enthusiasm for the spread of the Gospel. The Christian community is meant to be a sign and prophecy of Gods plan for the entire human family. We are called to be bearers of good news for a society gripped by disconcerting social, cultural and spiritual shifts, and increasing polarization. It is my hope that the Church in your country, at every level, will accompany the Encuentro with its own reflection and pastoral discernment. In a particular way, I ask you to consider how your local Churches can best respond to the growing presence, gifts and potential of the Hispanic community. Mindful of the contribution that the Hispanic community makes to the life of the nation, I pray that the Encuentro will bear fruit for the renewal of American society and for the Churchs apostolate in the United States. A work of mercy "that we all know very well, but perhaps we do not practice as we should: patiently endure annoying people". "In the Bible we see that God must be merciful to bear the complaints of his people." And "Jesus, how much patience he should have had in the three years of his public life." Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Protecting children, preventing them from being exploited or abused, and instead ensuring their right to school education. This was Pope Francis appeal today at the end of the last general audience of the Holy Year, which will end next Sunday. The Pope's call was in a view to World Day of Rights, which will be celebrated on November 20. "I appeal to everyones conscience, to institutions and families, so that children are always protected and their welfare is protected, so that they never fall into forms of slavery, recruitment into armed groups or mistreated. I hope that the international community remain vigilant over these lives, ensuring every child the right to a school education so that their growth is serene and they can look confidently to the future". Previously, Francis had dedicated the catechesis for the general audience to a work of mercy "that we all know very well, but perhaps we do not practice as we should: patiently enduring wrongs and there are so many eh!". A "forbearance" to which he has joined "the need to advise, admonish and teach" others. "We are all very good he said - at identifying an annoying presence: it happens when we meet someone in the street, or when we receive a phone call ... We think: 'How long do I have to listen to the complaints, the gossip, the claims and boasts of this person? '. It also happens sometimes that those closest to us are annoying people: among relatives there is always someone; they are never lacking in the workplace; not even in our spare time are free we. What should we do with annoying people? Well, often we are troublesome to others, too! Why is bearing wrongs patiently included among the works of mercy? ". "In the Bible we see that God must be merciful to bear the complaints of his people. For example in the book of Exodus the people are really unbearable: First they lament the fact they are slaves in Egypt, and God delivers them; then, in the desert, they complain that there is no food (see 16.3), and God sends quails and manna (see 16.13 to 16), but despite this the complaints do not cease. Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, and he sometimes must have annoyed the Lord. But God has been patient and so taught to Moses and to the people even this essential dimension of the faith ". "Thus we spontaneously ask a question: Do we ever examine our conscience to see if we, at times, can be annoying to others? It's easy to point fingers at the flaws and failings, but we should learn to put ourselves in others' shoes. We should look especially to Jesus: how much patience he had to have in the three years of his public life! Once, while he was walking with his disciples, he was stopped by the mother of James and John, who told him: "Make it that these my two sons may sit, one at your right and one at your left, in your kingdom" (Mt 20: , 21) the mother was looking out for the interests of her children eh, always the mother. Even from that situation, Jesus was inspired to give a fundamental teaching: His is not a kingdom of power and glory as those lands, but of service and giving to others. Jesus teaches us to always go to the essentials and to look deeper at the responsibly of our mission. This recalls two other spiritual works of mercy: to warn sinners and to teach the ignorant. Think of the great effort we make in helping people grow in faith and life. I think, for example, of the catechists - among whom there are many mothers and many religious - who give their time to teach children the basics of the faith. How much effort, especially when the children prefer to play rather than listen to the catechism. "Accompanying people in their search for the essential is beautiful and important, because it makes us share in the joy of tasting the meaning of life. We often come across people who dwell on superficial, ephemeral and trivial things; sometimes because they have not met anyone that stimulated them to look for something else, to appreciate the true treasures. Teaching to look to the essentials is a decisive help, especially in a time like ours that seems to have lost its bearings and chases short-sighted satisfaction. Teaching to find out what the Lord wants from us and how we can respond to it means setting out on the path to grow in our vocation, the path of true joy. So the words of Jesus to the mother of James and John, and then to the whole group of disciples, point the way to avoid falling prey to envy, ambition, and flattery, temptations that are always lurking among us Christians . The need to advise, admonish and teach should not make us feel superior to others, but first of all obliges us to return to ourselves to see if we are consistent with what we ask of others. Do not forget the words of Jesus: "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother and not notice the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Lk 6:41). May the Holy Spirit help us to be patient in enduring and humble and simple in recommending". by Melani Manel Perera Leaders sign a ten-point initiative that includes, among other things, action to support and develop relations of friendship and respect for each others faith. Good relations between Christians and Muslims can be the prelude to harmony among all religious communities. Colombo (AsiaNews) Sri Lankan Christian and Muslims leaders have decided to work together to strengthen harmony between their respective religious communities. Sri Lankas National Christian Council (NCC) and several Islamic leaders are behind the initiative whereby they commit themselves to a joint ten-point programme to build peace and promote social justice. On 9 November, representatives of various Christian groups (Methodists, Anglicans, Church of Ceylon, lay Catholics) met with Muslim leaders at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Centre to sign the initiative titled In the Name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. "On the short run, we will not see the results of this effort, NCC committee member Ralston Weinman told AsiaNews. However, it is good step from which one day we shall reap wonderful and fruitful results." The ten-point programme includes a commitment to honour the best of ones own traditions, respect the various faiths, promote life together, recognise differences, express oneself in a respectful manner towards the cultures, traditions and scriptures of other religions, develop and sustain friendships, encourage meetings between members of different communities, and renounce violence as well as discriminatory and extremist expressions. For the initiative to succeed, "we need great support from the clergy and Church leaders, said Fr Maxell Doss, an Anglican priest. If we can live respecting the ten pledges, we can build a wonderful country, not only harmony between Christians and Muslims, but also between people of all religions." This is "a good start, said Mohammad Saleem. I gave my full support because I know how valuable harmony is to our country. We have to work hard on interfaith issues." For Weinman, the NCC "will promote the programme as a manifesto. As Christians, we are involved in various initiatives for dialogue, understanding and joint action with Muslims." "In our country, Christians and Muslims are religious minorities, with historical roots in the faith of Abraham, he explained. This shared heritage coincides with our calling in Christ through life and work as a community and people with a sense of ecumenical outreach." Last Monday was the worst day as particulates (PM 2.5) reached 156 micrograms per square metre against 50 maximum set by the World Health Organisation. In one year, almost 6,000 people died from exposure to pollutants. Low quality fuels, outdated technology, and Western sanctions are the main causes of the problem. Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) Smog is a major emergency in Iran, especially in the capital Tehran, a metropolis of some 8.5 million people that has been wrapped in a blanket of smog for several days. City authorities have had to close schools to avoid exposing pre- and elementary school children to the danger of particulate matter (PM2.5). According to experts, Monday was the most polluted day of the year with 156 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre. To understand the gravity of the situation, one has to keep in mind that for the World Health Organisation (WHO), the acceptable level is 50 PM2.5 and lower. Iranian authorities have urged at-risk groups like children, seniors, people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women, to avoid leaving home or remain outside for too long. The Tehran Provincial Emergency Committee, which shut down schools, also ordered a stop to the sale of car entry permits for downtown Tehran. Factories and workshops around the capital have reduced their activities. Construction sites and road work in Tehran have been shut down to cut pollutants. On average, some five million vehicles drive around the capital every day. Most of them are not equipped with pollution controls, and generate most PM2.5. Studies by Irans Environmental Protection Organisation, which comes under the authority of President Hassan Rouhani, show that between March 2015 and March 2016 (1394 in the Iranian calendar) at least 5,834 people died from prolonged exposure to particulates. In the capital, the average PM2.5 rate is 87.31 micrograms per cubic metre, well above the threshold deemed safe. Habib Kashani, a member of Tehrans municipal council, said on Tuesday that pollution in Tehran had led to the death of 412 citizens in the past 23 days. WHO database of worldwide air pollution measures, released in May, put the Iranian city of Zabol, on the eastern border with Afghanistan, as the worlds most polluted city, based on PM2.5. Pollution is a persistent problem in Iran, especially in the capital Tehran, which is surrounded by mountains and has little wind to disperse the smog, in particular at critical moments of the year. Millions of cars throng the citys congested streets, and locally refined petrol has also been blamed as a key polluting factor. After taking office in 2013, President Rouhani personally committed himself to tackling the problem. Thus far, some steps have already been taken, such as banning in 2014 the low quality fuels produced by Iranian refineries under the presidency of right-wing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013). Known as " petrochemical essence ", these highly polluting fuels were replaced with products that meet Euro 4 emission standards. In addition to dirty fuels, Western economic sanctions are another cause of massive pollution. Imposed to curb Irans nuclear programme, they were partially lifted following last years nuclear agreement. AsiaNews had already reported on the tragic effects of the sanctions on Irans environment, badly affected, among other things, by the ban on the sale of refinery and natural gas technology and equipment. Photo caption: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is feeding the extremist narrative that the West hates Islam and does not allow Muslims to practice their religion freely, writes Phil Gurski.Credit: NCM Stock Image by Sukaina Jaffer Commentary by Phil Gurski, Spcial to The Post The surprise at least to some victory by Republican candidate Donald Trump over his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton in Wednesdays U.S. presidential election has already led to speculation over what a Trump administration means at both the domestic and international level. At home, he has been hawkish on immigration and may try to deport millions of undocumented American residents. Outside the U.S., he has vowed to tear up trade agreements like NAFTA and impose tariffs on trade partners such as China. On the environment, he has expressed skepticism about global warming and threatened to cancel the US commitment to the Paris Accord. But what about terrorism? What can we expect from a Trump presidency on the international and U.S. war on terrorism? Future policies are difficult to determine and much can change, although we can guess some of the incoming administrations moves based on statements made and positions outlined during the campaign, even while recognizing that these are rife with inconsistency. A few of Trumps possible approaches will have a near-term positive effect on our collective battle against violent extremism, but on balance they will make things worse. Here are a few things to watch for: > On defeating the so-called Islamic State (IS), Trump vowed to go on the cyber offensive and recruit NATO to invade IS strongholds in the Middle East and knock the hell out of them. Assuming that he orders a more robust military response to the terrorist group, the effectiveness of that response will depend on the precise measures deployed. Special forces raids on identified high priority targets think the successful killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbotabad in May 2011 are the least likely to result in collateral damage or raise much objection. After that, it gets less easy. Drones are one tool, although the effect on innocent bystanders is probably higher than reported. Airstrikes are even less targeted. The worst scenario is a boots on the ground invasion as in the case of Iraq in 2003, which would give IS or others a new base of support (invasions tend to do that). In the short term, terrorist groups lose territory and influence but, in the longer term, the ideology underpinning these groups simply finds a new home. IS has already celebrated the Republicans victory and stated that the billionaire fool will ruin the US and allow IS to take control of the country. > On allying with Vladimir Putins Russia, Trump could leverage combined assets to speed up IS demise. The down side is that Russia is also targeting groups with which the US is allied. More importantly, Russia is trying to keep the Assads in power and a continued Alawite regime will invite more terrorist opposition down the road. > On immigration, Trump has vowed to stop the immigration of Muslims until we figure out just what the hell is going on and to refuse entry from countries associated with terrorist groups. He has also criticised any intake of Syrian refugees and would submit those who do come to extreme vetting. While this policy could prevent some terrorists from infiltrating the U.S., it does not cover those who come from otherwise safe countries such as France, Germany or the U.K.. It should be stressed, however, that the number of terrorists using the immigration/refugee system is dwarfed by the true homegrown threat of those born and radicalized to violence entirely in the U.S .(and for which there is no immigration or citizenship revocation solution). Furthermore, Trump has essentially made Muslims, including those born in the U.S., feel like unwanted citizens and this helps to feed the extremist narrative that the West hates Islam and does not allow Muslims to practice their religion freely (hence the call for hijrah to Muslim areas such as IS Caliphate). > Current U.S. President Barack Obama was big on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) and even convened a summit on this issue in February 2015. It is highly unlikely that President Trump will have much time for CVE, seeing it as wimpy. This is unfortunate as CVE, while not a panacea, is an important part of counter terrorism strategy. Conversely, were the President to support CVE, it is hard to see how American Muslims buy into the administrations efforts in light of Trumps vilification of them. > On the domestic terrorism front, Trump has actually paved the way for an increase in the threat level, but not in a direction assumed by most Americans. The greatest terrorist menace in the U.S. comes not from Islamist extremists, whether foreign or domestic, but from a variety of right wing groups ranging from sovereign citizens to radical militias to white supremacists. The Trump campaign gave voice to these actors and it is likely that we will see a continued spike in the activity of such groups. It is ironic that a huge increase in the existence of these extremist organizations during the Obama years, as reported by the U.S. Southern Poverty Law Center, may be surpassed under a Trump administration. This, together with Trumps avowed support for the Second Amendment and desire to protect gun rights, could make the U.S. a much less safe country. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan have already welcomed a Trump presidency and are likely to feel emboldened under his rule. All in all, it is difficult to see any long-term pluses on counter-terrorism under President Trump. Initial successes against IS and others through military action will more than adequately be offset by his propensity to provide ammunition for future supporters and groups through his position on Islam and immigration. The Trump presidency whether one or two terms will possibly leave us in a worse position vis-a-vis terrorism than the one we find ourselves in now. Should he choose his advisors wisely and build on existing successful approaches, we may collectively be better off. And yet, a significant terrorist attack on U.S. soil attributed to a foreign actor inspired, planned, directed or executed would create a whole new set of variables and responses. Let us hope that such a scenario does not transpire. Phil Gurski worked for more than three decades in Canadian intelligence, including 15 at Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and is the author of the Threat from Within and the forthcoming Western Foreign Fighters (Rowan and Littlefield). He blogs at http://www.borealisthreatandrisk.com/blog/ This piece was originally appeared in New Canadian Media (newcanadianmedia.ca). See http://www.newcanadianmedia.ca/item/39210-blunt-approach-to-terrorism-will-be-counter-productive Anonymous AskMen Reader I think my boyfriend has fallen out of love with me but he denies it. I need opinions please? Well I've been with him for well over a year now. I met him on a dating site and I thought we really clicked sort of thing then we got into a relationship. It was all good at first. He was nice and I thought we had honest conversations, because although there's a lot we don't agree on, I appreciated being so open with him and him being the same towards me. But lately things are getting stranger and stranger.. I am from a North African country but I lived in the UK for a while now, and I get the impression from him that I'm not good enough, because of my background, my skin colour basically. I feel discriminated against and it's quite frankly horrible, he's been talking about how he's in love with me and feels that he betrayed his principles by being with someone from my background. I get the feeling that he's quite racist in his views but a part of me does not want to believe it because we spent so much time together, and because it is a horrible thing for me to think of. And then he talks about how far too left-wing and liberated I am, and how he wouldn't find anything in common with the people I hang out with. I've been feeling horrible because I'm sure he's avoiding seeing me although he texts, but significantly less than before. I've not seen him for eight weeks, including the week of my birthday. He just sent me a really expensive gift through the post, and he actually forgot my birthday and had to ask me what date it was, and a Christmas card that says happy birthday on it, which I appreciated, but spending my birthday with my boyfriend would have been much better! He doesn't mind not meeting up, but he keeps asking for us to skype etc. I feel like I'm just being looked at as a replacement for a porn film, virtually. He keeps postponing our dates and coming up with excuses which to me are obviously fake, like him needing to clean up his room, but suddenly going to another city with his family to play bowling? I asked him about but it but he says he's sure he loves me etc, but I'm sure he's in self-denial due to his identity conflict or whatever the hell it is, or it's simply a matter of him not wanting me to be with anyone else but him. I've been through so much shitty situations in my life, so I am strong enough to deal with this, but it's making me feel sad and unfocused. It also makes me feel like I'm not good enough, which I know is untrue. I need your opinions guys!!! :) Cheers xx Canada To Repeal Law Regarding Anal Sex Trending News: Canada To Finally Legalize Backdoor Bedroom Activities Long Story Short Canadas government says it will repeal a discriminatory law prohibiting anal sex with anyone under the age of 18. Long Story Go get the butter, cuz anal is about to become totally fine, legally speaking, in Canada. Justin Trudeaus federal Liberal government says the section of the Criminal Code prohibiting anal sex between people under the age of 18 unless they're husband and wife (married teens, ew) violates constitutional rights of equality under the law. Violating that law can result in prison sentences of up to 10 years. Consenting adults can already have anal sex without worry. Our society has evolved over the last few decades and our criminal justice system needs to evolve as well, said Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould. This legislation will help ensure that the system is keeping pace with societal change and continuing to meet expectations of Canadians. Surprisingly, the law was still enforced in some parts of Canada. In 2014 and 2015, there were 69 yes, really charges laid under the law, although no one was ever convicted. Diversity and inclusion have long been among the values Canadians embrace. Canadians expect their laws and their government to reflect these values, Wilson-Raybould added. Justin Trudeaus father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, famously said, Theres no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation in 1967 when he as Justice Minister he introduced a bill that would legalize sodomy between consenting adults. However, the law only applied to adults aged 21 and over, and, say gay rights activists, created an exemption that discriminated against young gay men. The leader of the opposition Conservatives said the party will support the legislation repealing the law, which will be introduced next week. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question How will this legislation affect searches for terms like teen anal? Drop This Fact The age of consent in Canada is 16. The port authoritys board of commissioners approved two contracts worth $217 million for 86 rail-mounted gantry cranes, with 60 of the cranes going to Norfolk International Terminals and the additional 26 cranes going to Virginia International Gateway. The Virginia Port Authoritys board of commissioners on Tuesday approved two contracts worth $217 million with Finnish manufacturer Konecranes for 86 rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs) used to stack and transfer ocean containers. Konecranes said the purchase marks the largest one-time order for automated stacking cranes (ASCs) in the companys history. The first 60 pieces of remote-controlled equipment are for Norfolk International Terminals (NIT), where planning and preliminary site work has begun for a semi-automated container yard with RMGs, which will mirror the yard currently in operation at the Virginia International Gateway facility in nearby Portsmouth. The RMGs will replace straddle carriers that currently transfer containers between the stacks and drayage trucks. The second tranche of 26 RMGs is for the Virginia International Gateway terminal, where the port authority recently extended its lease through 2065 in exchange for the private sector owners financing the second-phase of development, to include 13 more automated stacks in the container yard. The Virginia state legislature earlier this year approved a $350 million bond issue to finance the crane project, as well as new truck gates and a reconfiguration of the layout at NIT. Delivery of the cranes will begin in 2018 and continue in phases until 2020, the Virginia Port Authority said. Once the construction is done and these cranes are in place and operational, our port will have the capacity to process an additional 1 million containers annually, have the channel depth to handle the biggest ships in the Atlantic trade and double-stack rail service offered by Norfolk Southern and CSX to some of the nations most important markets, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a statement. Roanoke, Va.-based TMEIC will provide the automation technology that drives the units. The Virginia International Terminal, originally built in 2007 by APM Terminals and sold to investors two years ago, was the first port facility in the United States to operate automated cargo handling equipment. Manufacturing of key components will take place in Finland, while the steel structures will be fabricated elsewhere in Europe. The components and structures will then be loaded onto vessels and delivered to the Port of Virginia, where they will be assembled. Konecranes is searching for a site where some pre-assembly and parts storage can take place, according to the port authority. The combined cost of the expansion projects is $670 million. Final contract terms for the cranes still need to be concluded. Read more about the Port of Virginias strategic and operational plans for growth in the special feature, Port of Virginia kicks investment plan into high gear. Adding probiotics to salad may help fight salmonella poisoning The University of Queensland and Horticulture Innovation Australia are partnering to investigate whether adding probiotics to bagged salads can help reduce incidences of salmonella and listeria poisonings. The research partnership comes after more than 300 Australians experienced salmonella poisoning after eating bagged salads sold in supermarkets in February 2016. The two year, AUD $800, 000 project, will test the use of friendly lactic acid bacteria called ProbiSafe. These recent Salmonella outbreaks have had a significant impact on the vegetable industry, said researcher, Professor Mark Turner. A low level of pathogen contamination can be difficult to control and methods to remove or kill pathogens, such as washes and chlorine treatments, are only partially effective. Our project aims to commercialise new strains of bacteria that already naturally occur on vegies, he said. Dr Turner said the ProbiSafe bacteria strongly inhibits growth of Salmonella and Listeria and has a long history of safe human consumption. Higher numbers of the good bacteria means significantly less growth of bad bacteria, Dr Turner said. They can be considered probiotics for vegies. Each year an estimated one million Australians visit a doctor with food poisoning, 32,000 require hospital admission and 86 people die. Related articles Victorias Tripod lettuce update with 128 salmonella poisoning cases so far Almonds recalled by Woolworths for Salmonella Salmonella concerns over tempeh yeast products Australian spice mixes recalled over Salmonella fear Australian cold-pressed raw milk leads world innovations Australian-owned cold pressed raw milk brand, Made By Cow, has been awarded Best New Dairy Drink at the recent World Beverage Innovation Awards in Frankfurt. Made By Cows raw milk was first launched in June 2016 and is marketed as the worlds first safe to drink raw milk. Instead of the milk going through heat pasteurisation or homogenisation, Made By Cows product undergoes intense isotactic cold water pressure to help eliminate any harmful bacteria. Made By Cow founder, Saxon Joye, said: Weve poured our hearts and souls into creating a revolutionary new product that allows people to drink milk the way farmers do, so were absolutely thrilled that the safety and quality of Made by Cow has been recognised at these prestigious international awards. Made By Cow milk can be purchased from Harris Farm Markets and About Life Stores in New South Wales. It is also available at independent retailers across Australia. Related articles Cold pressed raw milk approved for sale in NSW Bega Cheese appoints new CEO Bega Cheese has announced Paul van Heerwaarden has been appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer. Paul will be replacing Aidan Coleman who is retiring. Mr van Heerwaarden is currently Begas Chief Operating Officer, and previously held a General Manager of Sales and Marketing role within the dairy company. He has over 25 years experience in food and agribusiness and has held senior roles at Tatura Milk, Cargill and Ridley AgriProducts. Mr van Heerwaarden said he was honoured to be appointed CEO of an iconic Australian company. Bega Cheese core business is strong, underpinned by long term contracts which provide a solid foundation to expand our customer base and markets, Mr van Heerwaarden said. An early key focus will be on getting more out of our existing plants and infrastructure, he stated. Executive Chairman of Bega, Barry Irvin, said Mr van Heerwaaden had extensive experience in agribusiness. Paul has been the driving force behind Bega Cheeses recent growth in dairy foods and nutritionals and proved to be the outstanding candidate for the role of CEO, Irvin said. Mr van Heerwaarden will take up his CEO role as of 1 February 2017. Related articles Private label deals: MG replaced by Bega for Woolworths in dairy, while Coles locks in a ten-year lamb deal Bega Cheese publishes its first sustainability report Bega Cheese announces new season milk price Lion sells its premium Australian wine business Accolade Wines has this week acquired Lions premium wine business, Fine Wine Partners (FWP). There is also speculation Lion will be selling its share in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB). FWP includes six well-known Australian wine brands: Petaluma, Croser, St Hallett, Knappstein, Stonier and Tatachilla. Lion says the acquisition price will not be disclosed. Lion said it decided to sell FWP following a comprehensive strategic review that made clear considerable investment would be required to grow its investment to scale. Lion has a range of competing opportunities for investment in its core categories of beer and cider and has been unable to prioritise the investment required to grow Fine Wine Partners to a size justifying its fixed cost base, said Lion Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Irvine. With the improvement in market conditions we have come to the decision that this is the right time to realise a fair price for the business, Irvine said. Lion says it will retain its wine businesses in both New Zealand and the United States given the importance of those assets for its New Zealand domestic business. It also plans to grow its presence in the international alcohol market through its Lion Global Markets. Following in Fosters footsteps Lions decision to sell FWP echoes of the Fosters Group (now Carlton United Breweries CUB), long before CUB was acquired by SAB Miller and other beer giant mergers. From 1995, Fosters started to build its wine division, acquiring several key brands including Penfolds and Rosemount. At one point Fosters was one of the worlds largest wine makers. Despite the growth of the business, by 2011 it was not performing well for Fosters, especially compared to its successful beer business. In 2011 Fosters announced its plans to demerge its wine and beer businesses, with Treasury Wine Estates becoming a separate publicly listed company in May 2011. Wine just isnt beer analysis Lions sale of FWP appears similar to Fosters decision to sell its wine business. Unlike beer, wine production requires longer term holding of inventories. Australians also still drink more beer than wine with Australian Food News reporting in April 2016 that according to Roy Morgan Research, for every 100 glasses of alcohol consumed by Australians in an average four-week period, 48 will be beer whilst only 25 will be wine. Is Lion also selling its share in WCB? In the same week Lion has announced the sale of FWP, The Australian newspaper reported that Lion is selling its 10.2 per cent share in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter (WCB). Australian Food News contacted Lion to confirm whether it is selling its share in WCB but received the response that The article is speculation and at Lion Dairy & Drinks we dont comment on speculation. If the speculation turns out to be correct it would facilitate 100 per cent ownership of WCB by Saputo, the Canadian dairy company which owns the majority stake in WCB. In January 2014, Australian Food News reported that Lion had no intention of selling its share in WCB despite its competitors Murray Goulburn and Bega selling out of WCB to Saputo . Why didnt Lion sell its share in WCB earlier? In 2014, Lion said that it had acquired its shareholding in WCB to further strengthen the close relationship it has enjoyed with WCB over many years. Lion also said at the time that Lion was looking forward to continuing to strengthen its relationship with WCB. With the global milk market being very volatile and suffering a glut of milk powder products, the opportunity for Lion to sell would be handy cash. After all cash is king in business and could help Lion in Australia become the Lion King. Related articles WCB to acquire Lions cheese business Lion to hold onto WCB shares, Murray Goulburn to sell its WCB shares to Saputo The Lion sleeps, but will someone be crying over spilt milk? Speculation grows about sale of Lion dairy brands Saputo bid for WCB blocked, Murray Goulburn increases its offer Fonterra acquisition of Bega shares signals a power shift in WCB takeover battle Fosters announces plans to demerge beer and wine Australians drinking habits distilled into 100 glasses: Roy Morgan Research Viplus Dairy banned from China infant formula market Yesterday, China banned Viplus Dairy, a Victorian infant formula maker, from selling its products on the mainland. No reason has been given for the ban. The ban follows the suspension by China of Viplus import licence on 4 November 2016. Problems have been gathering for the Australian dairy industry since June 2016 when the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) blocked a shipment of 3.8 tonnes of Viplus formula on the grounds of incorrect labelling. The problems are however just the most recent in a series of Chinese import restriction problems being faced by Australian and other foreign exporters of dairy products into China. Follows on from Camperdown Dairy problems in China In August 2016, the Chinese authorities put the entire Australian dairy industry on notice by alleging Camperdown Dairy Companys fresh milk exports contained harmful bacteria. Despite having been cleared of any food safety concerns by Australian authorities, Camperdown has chosen not to resume fresh milk exports to China in order to protect its brand citing a lack of control over the supply chain. Viplus, which was established in 2013 with the backing of Chinese investors, is believed to have run into its problems after an accusation was made by a whistleblower employee in November 2015 of using expired base powder in one of its products. The complaint was made in ignorance of a shelf life extension issued by the powder manufacturer and approved by the New Zealand Department of Primary Industries (NZDPI). An investigation of Viplas practices, procedures and records by Australian authorities, failed to identify any food concerns. The accusations in August 2016 against Camperdown seem to have coincided with a prominent national campaign by Chinese authorities to encourage Chinese consumers to turn to Chinese products, including foods and beverages. New foreign food e-commerce food restrictions coming in May 2017 In May 2017, China is expected to introduce new regulations which will also apply to cross-border e-commerce purchases of Australian food products. Currently, food products arriving in China through e-commerce distribution are able to be sold with no changes to aspects such as labelling, provided that they have complied with the regulatory requirements of the place where they were first sold (e.g. an Australian sourced product being in compliance with Australian food labelling requirements) However, the incoming laws in May 2017 will mean these products will now be required to meet the Chinese retail label requirements. In some instances this could result in a lengthy compliance and approval process. Imported products sold through e-commerce would also have to meet the same requirements as Chinese-made goods. FoodLeagl Export/Import Symposium On 22 November 2016, FoodLegal will be hosting its Food Import/Exports Promises and Pitfalls symposium in Sydney. Information on speakers can be found HERE. Further information on the symposium can be found HERE. Tickets can be purchased HERE. Related articles: Chinese demand for infant formula triples Bellamys profits Bega and Blackmores Chinese infant formula venture struggling NZ infant formula exports at risk from inexperienced companies cashing in on China boom Parties will take advantage of the newly-enacted class action regime in Queensland, several law firms predict.Last week, the State passed legislation that instituted a class action procedure into the Queensland Supreme Court by amending the Civil Proceedings Act of 2011.Representative proceedings are now allowed in the State if seven or more people have claims against the same person; the claims of all the people arise in respect of or from the same, similar or related circumstances; and the claims of all the people give rise to a substantial issue of law or fact. Herbert Smith Freehills says that the past introduction of class action mechanisms in other States could become bellwethers, particularly in the rise of class action activity in Queensland.If the experience in New South Wales is any indication, there is a build it and they will come aspect to class action regimes. The mere fact of the introduction of a class action procedure in Queensland will see an initial period of rapid growth in these claims, said HSF in a briefing.Notably, coincident with the introduction of the regime in New South Wales, there has been a doubling of Supreme Court class actions in the last 6 years compared to a more steady growth in Federal Court class actions, the firm added.Furthermore, HSF said that Queensland-based firms will be more confident developing class action practices knowing that when opportunities for class action proceedings are identified, they can be litigated locally. This reduces complexity and cost of commencement, the firm added.Other law firms, like Landers & Rogers, see strong activity in class action because litigants can now try class action cases locally rather than in other States.In the past, Queensland-related class actions have been commenced in other jurisdictions," said Landers Brisbane-based insurance partner Matt Dudakov. "This legislation is likely to take effect in early 2017, and we expect that Queensland will certainly start to see considerable activity in the class actions space, as plaintiff law firms look to take advantage of the ability to bring these types of claims locally,The Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) also welcomed the new class action mechanism as it brings Queensland in line with similar legislation in Victoria and New South Wales. 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. King & Wood Mallesons and Allens assisted in the acquisition of the first two assets to be transferred into the portfolio of the $3-billion Powering Australia Renewables Fund (PARF). KWM advised QIC, on behalf of its clients the QIC Global Infrastructure Fund and the Future Fund, while Allens advised AGL on the first additions to the fund, which will eventually comprise approximately 1000 megawatts of large-scale renewable energy infrastructure and assets.PARF is an innovative financing platform established in July in partnership with AGL to invest in large-scale renewable energy assets and projects. AGL provided $200 million in equity funding to the PARF while QIC, on behalf of its clients, provided $800 million.The assets, the 102 MW Nyngan Solar Farm and the 53 MW Broken Hill Solar Farm, were both developed by AGL in conjunction with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the NSW Government, and commenced operations in 2015. The transfer of both assets to the fund is valued at $257 million, KWM said. A separate team at Allens also advised the PARF and its sponsors, AGL and QIC, in relation to the project financing of both assets in connection with their transfer into the fund, Allens said.The KWM team was led by Partners Craig Rogers and Roderick Smythe with support from Senior Associate Sharron Anderson and Solicitors Javad Asghari, Josh Thorneycroft and Heather Kirkup.The Allens team was led by Energy, Resources and Infrastructure partner Kate Axup. The transfer team was comprised of Energy, Resources & Infrastructure partner Anna Collyer, senior associates Damien Hughes, Emily Gerrard and Danielle Jones, associate Oliver Hobbs, and lawyer Luisa Colosimo; and Corporate partner Marc Kemp and associate Patrick Boyle. The transfer team was comprised of Banking & Finance partner Michael Ryan, senior associate Lisa Zhou, associate Tristan Kelly and lawyer Eve Lonie.This first acquisition has demonstrated the success of PARFs investment framework and governance and we are pleased to have helped our client reach this significant milestone. We look forward to continuing to support QIC on their continued expansion of their renewable energy asset portfolio through PARF, said KWM lead partner Craig Rogers.We congratulate AGL and QIC on their progress in this ground-breaking initiative, said Allens lead partner Kate Axup. The project involved a large number of different teams from Allens in a number of different roles, so our project management experience was significant. We're looking forward to working with AGL on the next stage of the process, the transfer of the Silverton Wind Farm greenfields project in NSW. Subject Quick Links Click on any of the badges below to see posts from that subject area. This is just a quick way to search for all posts with these labels using one click. Working holiday makers in Australia will have their tax status assessed according to their individual circumstances but should only be taxed on what they earn in the country, the tax office has confirmed.With the tax arrangement for working holiday makers due to change from January 2017, there is concern that the new system is putting young people off. Legislation is currently before Parliament which means they will no longer get the $18,200 tax free allowance and will pay 19% tax from their first day of working. The change also means that they pay the new 19 cents per dollar earned rate up to earnings of $37,000, when ordinary tax levels then come into play. The Government had wanted to tax backpackers at 32.5%, but a backlash resulted in it being reduced to 19% which is more in line with other countries such as New Zealand.Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan said that the amount of tax that a working holiday maker may pay will depend on their residency status for tax purposes, and officials consider the individual circumstances that apply to each working holiday maker.'The reality is, what we see is that most working holiday makers are transient, they move around and do not establish residency in Australia during their stay. Therefore, as a non-resident for tax purposes, they will be taxed only on their Australian sourced income, such as money they earn working in Australia, and they will commence paying tax on the first dollar of income they earn,' he explained.He pointed out that any working holiday maker who is unsure can consult the tax office for advice and the office considers that those who are travelling and working in various locations around Australia will be non-residents for tax purposes.'We will help working holiday makers understand Australia's self-assessment tax system, so that they correctly advise their employers of their residency status and have correct tax withheld. We will also work to ensure that working holiday makers correctly prepare their tax returns. This will include working with tax agents so that their advice is consistent with the ATO view and some checking of returns,' added Jordan.He also pointed out that residency status turns on the circumstances applying to each individual working holiday maker. For example, if working holiday makers do establish residency for tax purposes, they will be taxed on their worldwide income from all sources, including wages from working in Australia.The Tax Office has published a case study to help backpackers understand their tax status. Lars lives in Munich and is granted a 12-month working holiday visa. He plans to return to Munich, and resume his career as a carpenter, after his 12-month working holiday in Australia.However, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) challenged the statement that most backpackers are taxed as non-residents. It said that 2013/20414 income tax statistics show that there were just 11,500 non-resident taxpayers aged between 18 and 30, amounting to 4.8% of the number of people who had working holiday maker visas in that year.'Unless the Tax Office has more recent figures showing a massive change, it is hard to see how it argues that most working holiday makers are non-residents,' said James Pearson, chief executive officer of the ACCI.He is concerned that 'inconsistent data' could be used to claim that backpackers will face a reduced, rather than increased, tax burden. 'It is misleading to claim that the latest backpacker tax proposal amounts to a reduction in tax for most backpackers, given the evidence shows otherwise. The publicly available figures indicate that the vast majority of people on working holiday maker visas are treated as residents for tax purposes, and therefore get the tax free threshold,' he added. More people than ever before are visiting Australia with the latest official figures showing that eight million international tourists arrived in the 12 months to September 2016.It is the first time that Australia has broken the eight million visitor mark, according to the data published regularly by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The milestone comes just 18 months after visitor numbers eclipsed seven million annually. It took more than six years for visitor numbers to climb from five to six million but since 2013, growth in the tourism industry has supercharged with visitor numbers breaking the six, seven, and now eight million mark.Overall Australia welcomed 8.07 million international visitors for the year ending September 2016, an increase of 11.1% or an extra 807,000 visitors relative to the previous year.A breakdown of the figures show that leisure arrivals continued to drive international visitor numbers with an increase of 15.3% over the 12-month period. Arrivals from China have maintained steady growth, up 6.9% for the month of September and up 21.1% in the 12 months to September 2016.However, the highest percentage increase was in visitors from South Korea, up 29.2%, followed by the United States with a rise of 22% and then India up 18.6%.Steven Cobb, the Minister for Tourism, said the figures reflect the investment that has been made in the tourism industry including a record $639 million in Tourism Australia to promote Australia internationally.He explained that the record numbers have been helped by increasing the number of markets that have access to online visa lodgement from 72 to over 200, including China, India and Indonesia and the new 10 year multiple entry visitor visa to encourage repeat visits from people in China.Australia has also trialled online visa applications in simplified Chinese, the first time the country has allowed visa applications in any language other than English.He also believes that increased international air capacity has helped attract more visitors from all over the world, including the capacity between Australia and China being tripled.'To drive further growth from our largest tourism market the Prime Minister and Chinese President have jointly designated 2017 as the Australia-China Year of Tourism,' he added. Hi Folks. I'm sure this has been asked before, but the search function didn't give me any results, so I have to ask what has surely been asked before. What do they actually mean and want, with two separate uploads required/suggested for my wife who I'm sponsoring for the 820. 1) Character Evidence, 2) Character Assessment. Seems to me these would overlap into one document, but I'd like to know what they really expect to receive? Thanks in advance. PS she's from the USA and 56 years young. I have seen a thread or two about this in the archives but nothing around the actual costs involved. My partners father is no longer willing to look after her cat long-term and she is now looking to bring that cat out here from the USA to Australia. He is willing to continue to look after it temporarily and to take it to required veterinary appointments etc. I understand that this will take some 6 months due to rabies immunisations etc. Does anyone know roughly how much this will cost? From what I can see, adding up all of the associated costs (veterinary, transport, permits, quarantine etc) it will come to somewhere around $4K, although I have read some far more outrageulous figures on forum - some going to 3 times that amount which just doesn't sound right to me. I think that she is looking to use Jet Pets. Application Process: Skilled Migration Visa - Subclass 189 (Teacher) My partner (Kelly) and I have just finished our visa application process; this has taken 10 months, countless forms, photocopies and whole load of money. It was worse than buying a house. There is little information on what to fill in and what to apply for when I wish I could go back in time and tell myself how to do this process efficiently Which is why I decided to write this post. Application process in order and costs: 1. Skills Assessment - $635 (AUD) 2. Teacher Registration - $249.40 (AUD) 3. EOI None 4. State nomination (if applicable) - $200 (AUD) 5. Visa application - $3,600 (AUD) + $1,800 (AUD) for second applicant 6. Medical - 290 (GBP) After deciding that we wanted to move to Australia, we began looking at the visa application process. The government website is really good and informative for looking at the different visa routes and subclasses; you can take a quick questionnaire and find all the visas that are applicable to you. We chose both the 189 (skilled independent) and 190 (skilled nominated). This is now where information is hard to find and the process becomes complicated! My first piece of advice is get all the documents ready and if you dont have easy access to a scanner and printer buy one, as there is a lot of uploading of documents and printing off forms. Certified copies (get 2!): Passport Passport sized photographs University certificates University transcripts PGCE certificate PGCE transcript Letter from PGCE University stating how many days teaching practise you completed. Driving license DBS ACRO police check Other documents: Passport sized photographs Reference from Skilled occupation Birth certificate Bank statements Proof of address Defacto relationship evidence While sorting out documents you can start an Expression of Interest (EOI) through border.gov.au, this is just an online form where you enter your basic details, employment and education history. But You will need a Skills Assessment to finish off the application. Once you have your certified documents you can simultaneously send off for your Skills Assessment and your Teacher Registration. As teachers we did our Skills Assessment through AISTL, this is another form to fill in and you have to post it to Australia, so all in all takes about 3-4 months. All teachers in Australia have to be registered with the state they intend to work in. This is yet another form to fill in and is by post so takes about 3 months. Once your EOI has been submitted you just wait for an invitation to apply for a visa. Kelly got invited for the 190 (nominated) and so we started the process of applying for a State Nomination While in that process he also got invited for the 189 (independent) We found out that the 189 trumps the 190 invitation (NOWHERE EXPLAINS THIS!!!) so we could no longer carry on with our 190 application (after spending 4 weeks and 200 applying for it). If you are doing this they email you and all you have to do is upload the required documents with a bit more form filling. Once you have been invited you can set up an Immiaccount. You then import your existing EOI application so some of this form is already filled in for you, I would check the information though. You then have the lovely job of paying for your visa!! Using the same account you have another online portal where you upload all your documents (this is where the printer/scanner comes in handy!) we sat in bed one day with a pile of documents, laptop and the scanner and just did it all in one go. We also had to fill in a Form 80, which can be found online. We also had to provide all our Defacto Relationship evidence, border.gov.au have a fact sheet about providing evidence which was really useful. We provided: A PowerPoint of all out photos together and with our friends, we put it in a PowerPoint because it was easy to group photos and add comments on when and where they were. Then we saved it as a PDF. Joint bank account statement. Proof of address for both of us dating back at least 12months. Council tax and utility bills addressed to us both. Statements from both of us detailing our relationship Form 888 filled in by friends and family. Once on the portal you can fill in a health assessment which then produces an HAP ID number and you can book your Medical. Your medical consists of a chest x-ray (checking for TB), a urine sample, eye sight test (you bring your glasses/contacts), weight and height (it doesn't seem to effect anything if you're overweight), they listen to your lungs and check your kidneys. it's really easy and they are lovely! Once this is done and they havent asked you for any more information, youre done! And then its just a lovely waiting game. Hey guys, We've been requested to upload certified copies of our passports and birth certificates. When this is requested, do they require each page of the passport including the entry/exit stamps, or just the info page of passports? It's super expensive in Singapore to have these notarised so will save a fortune if we didn't need the entry/exit stamp pages. We've already supplied clear colour copies. It's no problem for me to get my documents notarised as there's no cost, but for my fiancee it will cost hundreds in Singapore. Or could this be a generic email they always send? 1. Character Checks You must submit the original copy of the police certificate. You are required to UPLOAD all the documents below to the IMMI Account: 2. Certified copy all official documents (includes passports, birth certificates) - applicant and sponsor to provide Hi, I am licensed practical nurse from Canada Education : Bsc in Nursing from India Experience: RN (5year India) and LPN (2 Year Canada). My question is: Do I need to upgrade nursing in Australia or Australia will consider me Nurse in Australia on based of my Canadian registration and experience. Thanks AMG The engine will be sourced from the Germans at AMG , and this is already a confirmed fact by the officials of both brands. However, what is not known about the new power plant, called M178 in the Mercedes-catalog, is if it will get a manual gearbox, or just a twin-clutch automatic transmission.While our spy photographers have filmed an Aston Martin V8 Vantage that was evidently featuring an automatic gearbox, which any enthusiast could hear in the spy video embedded in this article, some say that a manual gearbox is on the table for this model as well. Offering a manual transmission for a GT in 2017 has become obsolete for some, but Aston Martin might still do it.If you have any uncertainties concerning the possibility of launching a manual in the Aston Martin range, just remember that the Gaydon brand released a production car for the road with a seven-speed dog-leg manual gearbox. We are referring to the 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, which can be ordered with the described transmission type.For the moment, it is unclear whether Aston Martin has definitively approved the manual gearbox for the V8 Vantage, but the low-volume automaker might not need too much impulse from its potential clients to green light such a move.In spite of the absence of an official endorsement of this transmission in the V8 Vantage lineup, there is nothing that would indicate the absence of such a gearbox. However, do not expect it to be offered from day one, but rather as an incentive proposed at a later date.After all, they already have a capable transmission that was freshly developed, and their average fuel economy figures fly below the radar of the European Union because of the small volumes they manufacture.It is important to note that European clients of the 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S do not have to pay extra to get a manual transmission, while their American counterparts have to cough up more dough for this privilege. Only 100 Americans will get to buy a V12 Vantage S so that it will be a rare car in the USA. The 2017 model bikes were being transported from the docks in a truck to the manufacturers warehouse located in the Midlands, on the way to reaching dealerships across the United Kingdom soon, but part of them got stolen in that night, sometime between 18:00 and 05:00.It was the driver who noticed the theft as he returned to this truck at 5 am on October 26 and discovered both the seal and the container lock removed. The thieves managed to steal only the small 12.5 Eco and 12.5 R models as they were easier to move around quickly.Keep your eyes peeled and in case you stumble on a shady selling ad offering such a model do take action and report it. Dont forget that some of the bikes might not be offered as whole, and could be sold for parts, so take that into account too.If you have some information regarding the matter, please contact Leicestershire police on 101, asking for Leicestershire Police and use crime number 1600-0339-8992. You can also email simon.at.osetbikes.co.uk.This heist only proves that motorcycle theft is thriving in the UK, and we should not let this become a major problem. These scums have no regrets in grabbing a bike during daylight from your front door, and they should be taught a lesson.In the meantime, dont forget to make your beloved machine as hard to steal as possible. This means you should always lock the steering and clamp a disklock to one of the wheels (two would be better) even if you leave it parked for an hour or less while youre shopping.An alarm would be even better to have and so is a thick chain with which you could anchor your bike to something solid if it has to sit parked for a while. And you can top that with an unbranded cover, so thieves wont know what kind of motorcycle you have. The piece of footage at the bottom of the page comes to offer a brilliant answer to that question. Your professor for the day is none other than Christian Von Koenigsegg, with one our favorite Swedes explaining the way in which the 1,500 hp Regera works without having a gearbox, at least not in the traditional sense.We'll remind you that Angelholm's hybrid packs a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8, like any K machine out there, mixing this with three electric motors. With the overall output of the system sitting at 1,500 hp and 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm), the piece dissected here has to put all the muscle to good use. All in a world that, for instance, will probably see Koenigsegg returning to the Nurburgring in order to attempt a new lap record next year.Since many of you will want to know how these wonderful facts come together to provide the kind of monumental thrust the Agera can deliver, we'll remind you that the carmaker dropped a video detailing the warp speed experience provided by the gas-electric machine back in January.Meanwhile, the Regera has had its public driving debut , so it shouldn't take too long before an example of the $2 million beast, which can get from 0 to 248 mph in about 20 seconds, ends up at your local Cars and Coffee event.And, just to be sure you're prepared for any potential burnout, here's an example of what happens when the Regera is used for such shenanigans.Meanwhile, we're inviting you to head over to the "play" button below (hat tip to Drive for the video) and enjoy this immersive lesson. Heck, some of us here in the office even watched the clip twice, focusing on what Koenigsegg employees were doing in the background the second time around. According to MoreBikes , the movie, which is simple titled Isle Of Man, revolves around the story of an aging bike racer, played by Damon, who is trying to make one last epic showdown before retiring.Cameron Donald, a professional bike racer in rear life, will handle all the stunts for Matt, but we dont know yet what role will Liam play in the movie. Last time his name was stuck to motorcycle racing was in 2014 when he narrated the Road TT documentary.Writer and director Ben Younger is said to be working on this movie since 2000 and will now partner with Bold Films to make his dream come true. Oh, and he was a motorcycle racer too, so he must know the dos and donts about riding.The TT is the last, great, dangerous race on earth and I am excited by the idea of bringing this new world to a general audience," Younger told the publication. 262 racers have lost their lives on this Island. I want to do their stories justice.The deal was made at the Toronto International Film Festival following to start actual filming around summer next year on The Island. It is also known that a new Honda Fireblade , the ultra-high performance version of the CBR1000 sportbike, will be part of the movie, hinting the action might take place in the present.It seems like a promising film for bike racing enthusiasts. It is true that we saw many other TT documentaries, but there wasnt a proper Hollywood version until now to appeal to other people. We really hope they do it right. Denis, who owns 25 percent of the McLaren Group, left after the other two shareholders, Bahrain's Mumtalakat investment fund (50 percent) and Saudi-born businessman Mansour Ojeh (25 percent), who owns the TAG group, forced him to give up his position as chairman and chief executive officer of McLaren Group.While the major shareholder considered Denis' domineering management approach doesn't suit the company's future, Ojleh, who gave up on his former friendship with the now-ousted chairman years ago, seemed to agree.To highlight the importance of Ron Dennis' ousting we'll drop a small reminder of the man's 36-year McLaren F1 career. Under his lead, the team won seven constructor's titles, as well as ten driver's titles. And McLaren didn't just make the most out of collaborating with drivers such as Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen or Alain Prost over the years, as Dennis also superseded the growth of Lewis Hamilton, who went from rising star to world champion back in 2008.Alas, Dennis, now 69, no longer seems to have the image of the man who can helm the crew towards victory. Over the past couple of years, McLaren has been away from the podium and the team's partnership with engine supplier Honda ended up bringing the worst season in its history last year.While McLaren no longer wanted to have Mercedes supply their engines, as the Germans also run their own team, Honda wasn't prepared to bring back the glory its McLaren partnership enjoyed back in the 1980s and early 1990s.However, Dennis, who joined Formula One at the age of 18 as a Cooper mechanic, maintains his board presence for both the Mclaren Technology Group and McLaren Automotive, the other two important structures of the giant.As for Dennis' replacement, American businessman and former racing driver Zak Brown is expected to become the new McLaren Group chairman and chief executive.With Dennis credited for an important part of F1 development as a sport over the years, this is the end of an era for the discipline altogether. Screen shot courtesy of YouTube. Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling 5,081 2013- to 2015-model year Jaguar XF sedans because of potential fuel leaks that pose a fire risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The vehicles at issue were manufactured from May 22, 2013, to June 15, 2015, and are equipped with 2.0L GTDi engines. The luxury sedans may lack enough clearance between the under-floor fuel delivery lines and the under-shield and body, allowing the fuel lines to chafe and potentially lead to a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire, NHTSA warned on its website. Jaguar dealers will inspect the fuel line for abrasions, replacing it if necessary and installing additional clips. There will be no charge for this service. The recall is expected to begin Dec. 19. Vehicle owners can reach Jaguar customer service at (800) 452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is J077. Logo courtesy of of Advantage/E-Z Rent A Car Advantage Rent A Car, operator of the Advantage and E-Z Rent-A-Car brands (AEZ), has announced the opening of a new rental location at Philadelphia International Airport. AEZ is proud and excited to be opening at Philadelphia International Airport, said Scott Davido, president of AEZ. This latest location is a strategic choice designed to accelerate the companys growth and increase our national footprint. Philadelphia also is a significant hub for us because it handles a large amount of inbound European traffic, making it a major gateway city for our partner rental company, Europcar. With the Philadelphia location opening, AEZ now serves 23 of the 25 largest U.S. airports. Having a presence in the city of brotherly love is a superior business opportunity for AEZ, Davido said, one that allows us to continue to exceed our customers needs and expectations and deliver a rewarding travel experience. Photo via Atomic Taco/Flickr Avis Budget Group has signed a new multi-year agreement designating it as the exclusive car rental provider for AARP members. Under the new agreement, Avis Budget will continue to provide AARP members with discounted rates and special offers on vehicle rentals with Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, Budget Truck Rental, and Payless Car Rental. In addition, AARP members can also continue to save on annual membership fees with Zipcar. "With a membership base of nearly 38 million, AARP continues to be a trusted source for news, information, and money-saving offers for those 50 and over," said Beth Kinerk, senior vice president of sales, Avis Budget Group. "We're thrilled to provide AARP members with convenient and affordable transportation so that they can achieve their travel goals and objectives." Avis Budget Group provides customers with a variety of vehicles, including BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota. "For more than three years, AARP members have saved money through a variety of exclusive discounts and benefits from Avis Budget Group's family of brands," said Angela Jones, senior vice president, business development & lifestyle of AARP Services Inc. "Because our members consistently identify travel as a top aspiration, we are pleased to renew this relationship so that they may continue to save money and enjoy additional benefits as they fulfill their travel aspirations." Photo courtesy of General Motors General Motors carsharing service Maven has teamed up with Uber to provide Ubers ride-sharing drivers the option to lease vehicles by the week or longer at discounted rates with no mileage limits. The 90-day pilot program will launch in San Francisco as part of Ubers Vehicle Solutions program, according to General Motors. This program provides Uber drivers with flexible options to access vehicles. Today we announced an additional step for Maven to engage with professional partners across the carsharing and ride-sharing industry, said Julia Steyn, GM vice president of urban mobility. Only 10 months after launching Maven, we have implemented viable business-to-business platforms that GM can leverage to manage residual values for ex-lease and fleet vehicles. As part of the pilot, people whove signed up to drive with Uber will be able to find a qualifying vehicle at a pickup location in San Francisco. Vehicles offered in the pilot will include the Chevrolet Cruze, Malibu, and Trax, according to GM. Insurance coverage is included in the cost of every lease for a weekly price of $179 plus taxes and fees. There are no additional fees if a driver utilizes the vehicle for personal use. The Chevrolet dealer network will provide support for servicing needs. This is the latest in our efforts to provide driver partners with greater flexibility and more options to access vehicles in a way that works for them, said Rachel Holt, regional general manager, United States and Canada. This partnership with Maven combines our vast ride-sharing network with GMs extensive fleet vehicles and gives people without access to a car the ability to easily make money driving on the Uber platform. Photo courtesy of BMW Group. BMWs ReachNow will begin testing several new carsharing services in Seattle and New York targeted toward expanding mobility for individuals and possibly business users. ReachNow will expand into the Brooklyn borough and begin offering Ride, Reserve, Share, and Fleet Solutions as pilot programs in Seattle and at a residential building in Manhattan borough, ReachNow announced at the Los Angeles Auto Shows Automobility LA. Brooklyn is the third area to offer ReachNows carsharing service. Currently, ReachNow operates in Portland, Ore., and Seattle. The new mobility services will be rolled out over the next month. Ride: ReachNow members can order a driver as well as schedule individual and recurring rides in a ReachNow BMW vehicle. ReachNows Ride on-demand service will launch as a pilot program in Seattle on Dec. 8. As the test phase continues, ReachNow will expand the Ride service with additional features, including the ability to personalize the vehicle with temperature and music preferences and a loyalty program to earn ride credits for use across all ReachNow services. Fleet Solutions: ReachNow Fleet Solutions will offer residential members convenience with use of BMW i3 electric vehicles and BMW 3 Series that will remain onsite at select apartment and condominium buildings. This pilot will begin at The Solaire in Manhattans Battery Park City neighborhood on Dec. 8. Share: MINI owners of 2016 or 2017 model year vehicles are invited to join the ReachNow Share pilot program in Seattle. Share enables MINI owners to rent their vehicles via ReachNows app when they dont need access to their car. Vehicles can be rented for a minimum of two days. The Share service will start in Seattle on Dec. 15. Reserve: Beginning in October, ReachNow members who wanted to use the vehicles for longer trips of two to five days could select a vehicle via the ReachNow app. To make longer usage even more convenient, ReachNow Reserve will enable members to schedule a vehicle to be delivered at their preferred location and time. This expanded ReachNow Reserve service will start in Seattle in early 2017. When we first launched the ReachNow service in April, we discussed plans for several mobility services that would make our more than 32,000 members lives easier and more convenient, said Steve Banfield, CEO of ReachNow. Today, just under eight months and more than 1.2 million member miles later, we are delivering on those plans and continuing to build upon the successes of ReachNow by offering Ride, Share, Reserve, and Fleet Solutions within one ReachNow app, a first for the industry. Originally posted on Automotive Fleet Logo courtesy of Sojern website Sojern, a performance marketing platform for travel brands, has released its Q3 Global Travel Insights Report based on the analysis of over 1 billion travel intent data points across the globe. Globally, the top 10 booked destinations during the third quarter were: Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, United States, Mexico, Germany, France, Portugal, Switzerland, and Netherlands. For North America, the top five searched destinations included Las Vegas, Miami, New York City, Orlando, and Los Angeles. December travel peaks around the world primarily due to holidays celebrated within the month, including Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, and so forth. Globally, the most popular days that travelers have searched to fly, so far, are December 22 and 23 both days appear on the top departure dates for nearly every region, according to the study. While, globally, the biggest departure dates are later in the month, every region shows preference for departures, including: The busiest days for departures in the U.S. are December 23, 22, and 26. The Middle East and Africa also have earlier departure dates: December 15, 16, and 22. Singapore has one of the earliest departure dates: December 1, 16, and 23. This differs from Japanese travelers looking to travel on December 28, 29, and 30. European travelers are looking to depart close to Christmas: December 22, 23, and 26. For much of the world, December brings low temperatures and little sunlight. For that reason, many around the globe look for beach getaways, including: In both 2015 and 2016, the top December destination for North Americans is Miami. European families are looking for warm weather in Bangkok its a top destination for families in France, Germany, U.K., and Netherlands. Travelers from Mexico City and Tijuana are searching for domestic beach destinations in December. In Q3, the most popular day searched for short-haul departures by European travelers was Friday, with 25% of traveler interest. In Q4, were seeing a sizable shift: 25% of short-haul travelers are looking to leave on Saturday, compared with only 9% last quarter. In fact, weekend departures account for nearly 60% of all searched departures in Q4. North American travelers also show a shift in departure dates from Q3 to Q4: Wednesday departures for Q4 are at 14% but were only at 12% in Q3, a bump that we could attribute to travelers looking to fly out for Thanksgiving in November. Jeremy Clarkson The Grand Tour will debut in Amazon Prime this Friday and to celebrate this, Amazon has released the second trailer of the much-anticipated show with former Top Gear presenters Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. This moment was eagerly awaited for many months by fans of the Trio and all in the automotive world. Watch the intense trailer below. The second trailer of Jeremy Clarkson The Grand Tour is just for a minute but it gives clues on what we can expect on the show. Firstly, we already know that it will be episodes of great visual quality and above all much shooting outdoors as The Grand Tour will travel the world and will tape in different countries and location in each episode. Striking vehicles will also be a part of the show. But most importantly the sly humor and crazy antics of the trio will be the main key as what people have seen on Top Gear. By way of example, the new trailer shows a comic sequence in which Clarkson himself at the controls of one of the rare and exclusive Aston Martin Vulcan, according to Motor Authority. The trailer also shows a crazy James Bond-esque scene where Mays and Clarkson must escape a band of mercenaries very pissed off aboard an Audi S8 plus, from which "Captain Slow" pokes out firing a submachine gun. The long - awaited comparison and race between the Laferrari, the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder, three models tested separately on the BBC before the trio finally leave will finally happen. Other scenes showed in the trailer are a jet ski scene, buggies on the dunes of Namibia and the "Holy Trinity" closing the loop circuit. While James May's broken hand seems to be the last detail that we know before its release, according to Car Scoops. In any case, we hope this trailer seems interesting to you, for us, it made us count the hours until Friday. Watch Jeremy Clarkson The Grand Tour second trailer here: frame width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QOmh9JZJWFc?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> 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. These are some of the articles you may be interested in reading: 10 Famous TV Personalities Born In Ethiopia Ethiopia is a country best known for its fast athletes like Dibaba and Bekele, breathtaking models like Liya Kebede and of course Haile Selassie but there are also famous TV personalities who are doing a great job in entertainment and pushing the country to civilization. The following is a list of ten most famous TV ... Top 10 African Authors of All Time The pace of present African literature is moving at a high-speed; more defiant in both style and tone than those of the great independence writers generation. Here, the subjects of taboo are widely explored. 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Nadeska Alexis Bio Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ... Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ... A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. 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Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ... Marty Lagina Bio Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ... Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. 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Nikki Mudarris Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ... 5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ... Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ... Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ... Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ... Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ... Tati Westbrook Bio Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ... Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ... Tucker Carlsons Love Story With Wife Susan Andrews, their Children and Net Worth Today On the TV screens, Tucker Carlson is that fiery fellow who passionately dishes out his conservative and often controversial views on issues of national importance. Such brazenness has fetched him many enemies, especially on the left-wing, but it has also helped him cement a reputation as one of the foremost broadcast journalists in America. His ... Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ... The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ... Lisa Joyners Biography Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ... Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ... Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ... Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! 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Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ... Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ... Who Is Larry The Cable Guy? What To Know About His Wife And Net Worth Larry the Cable Guy is a self-professed country kid renowned for his trademark Southern accent and sensational catchphrase Git-R-Done! 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Nayyera Haqs Bio What To Know About Her Husband, Parents And Family Nayyera Haq can take anyone on political debates as well as discussions on social issues affecting many. Her ability to masterfully deliver her stance on every issue or political debate has made her a regular face in morning and evening news media platforms. This is not a common feat especially for someone from her kind ... Inside Guy Fieris Family With Wife, Kids and Sister Who Died of Cancer Over the years we have seen men dominate the kitchen and churn out amazing delicacies from it. Some do it way better than their female counterparts and one of such men is Guy Ramsay Fieri an American TV host, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, bestselling author of four culinary books, and game show host. His ... Meet Phil Mudd of CNN The Former CIA and FBI Exec, Is He Married, Who Is The Wife? When it comes to discussing issues surrounding terrorism, American Counterterrorism and National Security Expert, Phil Mudd, occupies a globally significant position. He has voiced his interest in the fight against terrorism and insecurity on many popular media platforms, both print and broadcast, such as CNN, BBC, CBS, MSNBC, al-Jazeera, ABC, NBC, Fox, The New York Times, ... Jim Hoffer: Biography, Wife Mika Brzezinski, Children and Net Worth Jim Hoffer is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works as an investigative reporter for Eyewitness News, New York City. In his over two decades of investigative journalism, Hoffer has been at the front lines of several crucial stories from the 9/11 attack to the crash of American Flight 587 to the 2003 Blackout. On top of ... The Ups and Downs of Erin Mcpikes Journalism Career and Other Facts About Her Personal Life Erin McPike is a journalist working for the Independent Journal Review (IJR) as a White House Correspondent but she gained widespread recognition for her coverage of general news. Whether its breaking news or some mainstream story, McPike has a reputation of baring the facts. As a journalist, her work as a White House Correspondent for Independent ... Bert Kreischer Is Married To LeeAnn Kreischer With 2 Kids Meet His Family Those familiar with Bert Kreischer mainly have the image of a large-bellied party man whose college life inspired the National Lampoon film, Van Wilder. It is an image that one would not naturally associate with a wholesome family. The standup comedian still maintains his wild party animal image on stage. But, back at home, he is ... How Brendan Greene Became a Game Designer to Look Out For and Facts About His Failed Marriage The name Brendan Greene may not easily ring a bell in the larger society but for gaming enthusiasts, he is considered a god and this is because of his invention of the video game, Player Unknowns Battlegrounds, also called PUBG. Based on the popular last-man-standing/battle royale concept, Greenes creation has taken the gaming world by ... WFAAs Sonia Azad Bio Does The Reporter Have A Husband Or Boyfriend? Emmy Award-winning journalist and Health & Wellness reporter Sonia Azad is on the news segment News 8 Daybreak for the television station WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas, a channel which she joined in October of 2015. Besides her time on the news, Azad is also a marathon runner and a certified yoga instructor. She has covered major news ... 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 Bliss Jet, based in New York, said on Tuesday they will start service in January between New Yorks LaGuardia Airport and Londons Stansted Airport, offering seats on shared private jets. The company says they will offer seats on a variety of business jets, carrying 10 to 14 passengers, at a price of about $24,000 for a round-trip flight. We are offering all the advantages of a private jet experience without the expense, said Bliss CEO David Rimmer. Flights will depart from New York on Sunday nights, arriving in London Monday morning. Return flights depart from London on Friday afternoons. Thanks to the time change, travelers can be back in New York in time for dinner. Rimmer says travelers can arrive at the airport just 30 minutes before departure, but the website notes that the flights are scheduled and wont be held for latecomers. The aircraft will utilize GA terminals that are small and uncrowded compared to the airline terminals, and passengers can expect a speedy customs process. The NTSB this week completed its investigation of two fatal midair crashes that occurred in 2015, and on Wednesday they issued a Safety Alert (PDF) urging pilots to make use of cockpit technologies that can help them to see and avoid other aircraft. The alert reviews the two recent crashes as well as two earlier ones, and notes that in each case, the pilot had access to technology in the cockpit that may have helped avert the crash if it had been utilized. The traditional see and avoid practice has inherent limitations, the NTSB said, including aircraft blind spots, operational distractions and human error, which leave even the most diligent pilot vulnerable to the threat of a midair collision with an unseen aircraft. In both midair accidents last year, the pilots were talking to ATC. On July 7, 2015, a Cessna 150 that had just departed from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and an F-16 Air Force fighter jet on a training mission collided. An air traffic controller advised the F-16 pilot that the Cessna was a potential traffic conflict. The F-16 pilot was not able to locate the Cessna until it was too late to avoid the collision. The two occupants of the Cessna were killed; the F-16 pilot ejected and survived. In its probable-cause report issued this week, the NTSB determined that the probable cause of the crash was the air traffic controllers failure to provide an appropriate resolution to the traffic conflict. On August 16, 2015, a North American Rockwell Sabreliner inbound for landing at Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego and a Cessna 172 that was practicing landings at the same airport collided. The four occupants of the Sabreliner and the sole occupant of the Cessna were killed. A cockpit visibility study revealed the fields of view of both pilots were limited and partially obscured at times. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was the air traffic controllers failure to properly identify the aircraft in the pattern and to ensure control instructions were being performed. The Safety Alert to pilots Prevent Midair Collisions: Dont Depend on Vision Alone is available online (PDF). The NTSB also has postedits report, its safety recommendation report and the accident reports. A series of video animations of the two accidents, which includes several besides the two posted here, are posted online. San Diego Moncks Corner Discarded wood products that otherwise would have been disposed of as waste now can be processed into a biofuel that can power jet airplanes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said this week. On Monday, an Alaska Airlines jet flew the first commercial flight powered in part by the new commercial fuel. In 2011, USDA awarded our largest-ever competitive research grant to the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, betting on the promise that cellulose-rich, discarded wood products could be a viable renewable fuel source, said Tom Vilsack, secretary of agriculture. Today, we are able to celebrate the results of that investment, which is a major advancement for clean alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. The demonstration flight used a 20-percent blend of jet fuel made from cellulose derived from limbs and branches that typically remain on the ground after harvesting sustainably managed private forests. Cellulose, the main component of wood, is the most abundant material in nature and has long been a subject of investigation for producing sustainable biofuels, the USDA said. Alaska Airlines estimated that if it replaced 20 percent of its fuel at Sea-Tac Airport with biofuel, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 142,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. This is equivalent to taking approximately 30,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year. The five-year, $40 million research project was funded by the USDA. So now we have a Republican congress and a soon-to-take-office Republican president. What does this mean for general aviations interests? For the airlines? For aerospace in general? Probably about what it means for every other segment of the economy; no one seems to know enough to hazard a guess. Yet. In theory, the sacred project of the libertarian wing of the party seems within easy reach. Thats privatization and user fees for ATC, in case you werent paying attention. With Republican control of both chambers and a president willing to sign legislation they author, doesnt it seem likely that such a thing might sail through the congress in the first 100 days? Not so fast. Even if youre but a casual consumer of news, you probably know the Republican House caucus is fractious and theres no reason to believe that has changed since the election. Recall that even in a House with a solid Republican majority, Rep. Bill Shusters bill to turn air traffic control over to a nonprofit corporation with an 11-member oversight board including seats for the airlines, the pilot unions and general aviation, didnt fare well. The bill found a wall of opposition before it even got a committee slot. The reasons are several, but a big one is that for as much as Republicans favor small government and less spending, they value oversight and influence over major slices of the economy a little more. And transportationand aviationis a major industry in the U.S. It wont matter if a President Trump would sign such a bill if it cant be crafted to satisfy the oversight concerns in the House and Senate. Think more about defending castles and less about high-minded principles. Ostensibly, the bills purposeformally called the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Actwas to normalize the FAAs uncertain funding and eliminate the ridiculous breath holding of repeated to-the-brink reauthorizations. Privatization was the bedrock of normalizing the revenue stream and, to an extent, de-politicizing it. For what its worth, President-elect Trump is a proponent of privatization and it figures significantly in his infrastructure plan. Rather than the government paying for contracts for road and bridge building, he proposed authorizing companies to do the work who would then be promised a revenue stream through tolls user fees. With RFID technology getting cheap enough for airline baggage tags, you can see the technology is in place to do this easily. This is why the plan is said to be revenue neutral, so no additional taxes are needed. Of course, user fees are taxes by another name, whether for ATC services, roads or bridges. This is not a new or radical idea. Thirty-three states have passed legislation allowing public private partnerships (P3s) for infrastructure work. Shusters bill, in concept, is just another version of a P3. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association supported the Shuster bill, provided its members current pay, benefits and worker protections remain in place. But with a new administration, the Civil Service system may find itself under scrutiny. Republican budget plans have included proposals to reduce the federal work force by attritionTrump said the sameand revising retirement payments and plans, requiring federal employees to pay a higher share toward their own retirement funds. Such details would have to be worked into the fine print of a new bill, but it seems unlikely they wont come up as discussion points. Its unknown if the incoming administration will place a priority on FAA reform. For aerospace in general, Trumps campaign called for 42 new Navy ships, more active duty troops and 100 more modern fighter aircraft, presumably F-35s. Paced over a decade, thats not exactly a defense bonanza, but at least its not a reduction, either. Defense spending recently peaked at $721 billion in 2010 and declined to $637 billion in 2015, a slight increase over 2014. Higher defense spending should make Boeing and Lockheed Martin happy, and not just because theyll build more airplanes. But they wont be happy about Trumps attitude toward trade deals, especially the Trans Pacific Partnership, which promised to improve Boeings sales prospects in Asia and the Pacific rim. Boeings unions opposed it, for the same reason they opposed NAFTA. For their part, with the exception of Delta, the airlines favored privatization, ostensibly because it gave the FAA a stable funding platform but realistically because the industry would hold sway over ATC and could have overwhelming influence on policy, possibly at the expense of general aviation. ALPA opposed the Shuster bill, too. Whether a second run at the idea can convince themor anyoneto give privatization another chance will be sorted out when 115th congress takes its seats. One thing the airlines should be pleased about but probably are not is President-elect Trumps promise to pull out of the Paris climate accord and, by extension, a later agreement adopted in Montreal last month. It was a UN agreement that specifically targeted air transportation as a source of greenhouse gasses. It called for voluntary emissions offsets, but would become mandatory in 2027. It didnt require emissions reductions, but offsets and credits to support renewable energy, forest preservation and other environmental efforts. The airlines supported it because it was a trade with no cap, did them no particular damage and didnt promise to be that effective anyway. Its difficult to see why Boeing would cheer exiting the Paris agreement, however. Its aircraft will still have to compete in a world where climate regulations remain in the fore, especially Europe, so it cant stop research on more efficient airframes and engines. The airframers would do that anyway in the service of airlines seeking profitability, but increasingly, climate regulation may drive developmental efforts, even if the U.S. abandons any GHG reduction goals. And heres a thought: What if President Trumps EPA Administrator decided tetraethyl lead is not a health hazard and says yall can go right ahead and keep using it in your avgas. OMG. Saved from an Overdose As I was approaching a near fatal overdose of election coverage, I finally did a self-intervention and turned off the television and cleared my browser of news sites. A few months ago, I bought an Amazon Fire TV Stick and its vast library of old films saved my sanity. I found a great movie Id never seen: Island in the Sky. Its an Ernest Gann story and although I vaguely recall reading the book, I didnt know it had been made into a film. The story is typical Gann: A C-47 en route to Europe encounters heavy icing in Labrador and is forced down on a remote frozen lake. The ships Captain, DooleyGanns characters never to seem to have first namesstruggles to keep the crew alive in arctic weather. The story alternates between an inside look at the rescue effort and the man-against-nature struggle of Dooley and his crew. Like all of Ganns stories, the narrative is exceptional for its realistic detail. Gann came of age between eras, bookmarked by men who flew Ford Trimotors and Fokker F.VIIIs between the wars and sophisticated piston airliners and jets after World War II. His characters are often weather-beaten salts who survived ice and cranky engines before the new-fangled DC-3 came along. Improbably, in Island in the Sky, one of these is played by Andy Devine. Yes, the same crackly voiced, rotund Andy Devine who played Jingles P. Jones in Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, not to mention his wildly popular childrens program, Andys Gang. Watching Devine, whose character was named Willie Moon, inhabit the cockpit in the film, I thought, wow, hes really pulling this off. In one tight shot, Moon clips a clothespin to the trim wheel and uses it to hold his cigarette. Vintage Gann. No accident that Devine was authentic. He was the real deal. He was an avid pilot and owned a flight school that trained pilots during World War II. One detail the filmmakers let slip by was describing the BC-778 survival radio the crew carried. They showed how it worked and how the crew set it up. But they missed using the popular term for the radio. It was called the Gibson Girl, for its hourglass figure. I knew that because as a radio-crazed kid, I had a Gibson Girl operating manual. The U.S. stole the design from the Germans, by the way. It saved a lot of downed airmen. If youre similarly at the precipice with election coverage, I recommend Island in the Sky as an antidote. Youll feel better in the morning. The mission of awwwards is to create the biggest community of web designers and developers on the Internet, as well as our platform, we also host conferences all over the world in iconic cities, where attendees can see inspiring talks from leading fi Almost two in three Armenians believe that their government is not doing enough to tackle corruption, according to an opinion poll released by Armenias leading anti-graft watchdog on Wednesday. The poll was conducted by Transparency Internationals Armenian affiliate, the Anti-Corruption Center (ACC), early this year as part of the Berlin-headquartered organizations latest survey of corrupt practices in Europe and Central Asia. It found that 65 percent of those polled in Armenia are skeptical about the Armenian governments stated efforts to combat bribery, nepotism and conflicts of interest. Just over two-thirds of them also admitted that they will not alert relevant authorities in case of witnessing instances of corruption. Forty-one percent feared government retribution for doing that. People think that crying foul over corruption is alien to our society, said Varuzhan Hoktanian, the ACCs director for programs. Armenia ranked 95th out of 168 countries that were evaluated in Transparency Internationals 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Its position in the annual rankings has barely changed over the past decade despite successive Armenian governments pledges to fight against graft. Former Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian repeatedly pledged to step up that fight during his tenure that came to an end in September. A new Anti-Corruption Council formed by Abrahamians cabinet adopted a three-year plan of anti-corruption measures last year. The U.S. Agency for International Development allocated $750,000 for the plans implementation. Richard Mills, the U.S. ambassador in Yerevan, said on Wednesday that the Armenian authorities have taken really positive steps to address the problem in earnest. He said that combatting corruption is essential for improving Armenias business environment. Hoktanian insisted, however, that he does not see major progress in the authorities declared anti-corruption drive. If the ambassador has seen change under this prime minister, maybe he is more informed than us, I dont know, he told reporters. I, as an ordinary citizen, dont see [such change] yet. Armenias newly reshuffled cabinet described corruption as the biggest obstacle to the development of the state in its policy program approved by parliament last month. The program says that the government will criminalize illegal enrichment of state officials and introduce new legislation on conflicts of interest. Meeting with top European diplomats in Yerevan late last week, Prime Minister Karen Karapetian said that he sees no other way to develop the country but to combat corruption and the shadow economy in all directions. Karapetian also said that he will try to get civil society representatives to join the Anti-Corruption Council. The United States will stay engaged in the South Caucasus during President-elect Donald Trumps tenure, a senior U.S. State Department official reportedly told President Serzh Sarkisian on Wednesday. Bridget Brink, the deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, met with Sarkisian in Yerevan to discuss U.S.-Armenian relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict one week after Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential election. According to Sarkisians press service, Brink assured him that under the new administration the United States will continue to be interested in developments in the South Caucasus. Washington will also remain committed to the implementation of Armenian-Azerbaijani confidence-building agreements reached earlier this year, it said in a statement. The statement also cited Brink as praising close relations and productive interaction in various area between the U.S. and Armenia. Sarkisian, for his part, was reported to call for a deepening of U.S.-Armenian ties. He expressed confidence that the U.S.-Armenian political dialogue will not only continue but also receive new impetus under President Trump. Sarkisian made a similar forecast in a congratulatory message to Trump sent on November 9. I am confident that during your presidency the close U.S.-Armenia partnership will continue to develop dynamically, he wrote. Throughout his rule, Sarkisian has sought closer ties with the United States despite Armenias political and military alliance with Russia. He has repeatedly said in recent years that U.S.-Armenian relations have reached the highest level in their history. Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharian said last week that Yerevan does not expect the Trump administration to significantly change U.S. policy towards the South Caucasus. Kocharian dismissed suggestions that Trump may have little knowledge of key regional issues such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 16 November 2016 10:28 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova A serviceman of Azerbaijani Armed Forces fell a victim of a next provocation that Armenia staged to destabilize the situation on the front line with Azerbaijan. Servicemen Melikov Agil was killed while on duty by the enemy bullet on November 15, Azerbaijans defense Ministry reported. Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov signed an order to award the murdered Azerbaijani servicemen the medal "For distinction in military service" 3rd degree posthumously. The Defense Ministry expressed condolences to the family and friends of the killed soldier. Despite a ceasefire agreement achieved between the sides, Armenia regularly shells the Azerbaijani positions in an effort to tense the situation. Despite the calls of Azerbaijani side, as well as the international community to follow the armistice, Armenia continues its destructive actions thereby showing its disrespect to the peace process. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 11:24 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan and the Asian Development Bank are keen to work on the expansion of cooperation and realization of more projects in mutually interesting areas. Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that the Bank may act as a shareholder in Azerbaijani companies, underlining that the country attaches great importance to cooperation with the Bank, which provides financial support in the implementation of a number of projects in the country. Mustafayev made the remarks while addressing a meeting with ADB Vice President Wencai Zhang, who is responsible for operations in the ADB South Asia Department and the Central and West Asia Department. He went on saying that the financial institution has so far allocated $2.8 billion for various projects in Azerbaijan. The country, in turn, takes an active part in the ADB Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program. The minister underlined that Bakus holding of CAREC ministerial conferences in 2008 and in 2011, as well as the 48th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors in 2015 is an indicator of successful cooperation. Being a partnership of 11 countries and supported by six multilateral institutions CAREC promotes development through cooperation, leading to accelerated growth and poverty reduction. Mustafayev also spoke about the large-scale energy and infrastructure projects being implemented in Azerbaijan, including construction of the Baku Sea Port, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the work to create a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). The minister noted that cooperation with the Bank in the implementation of infrastructure projects can be extended, mentioning an opportunity to implement joint projects in the FTA and industrial parks. The third visit of Zhang to Azerbaijan was aimed at getting the latest update of economic situation in the country and discussing how ADB can provide more effective support to address current development challenges. The business plan of the Bank for 2017-2019 is expected to be approved in the next few weeks, while rendering assistance in implementing the structural reforms will be one of the directions of the banks new three-year plan on Azerbaijan. ADBs core ongoing operations in Azerbaijan include support for transport, energy, urban infrastructure, and the private sector, as well as technical assistance and program in various areas, including knowledge sharing of best international practices on finance, education, governance and economic development. Moreover, ADB is currently seeking new potential areas for cooperation with Azerbaijan, including vocational education, urban governance and development of alternative energy sources. ADB, based in Manila, was established in 1966 and has 67 members. Azerbaijan became the organizations member on December 22, 1999. The country has 0.5 percent share in the banks capital. Since joining ADB in 1999, Azerbaijan has received grants and loans amounting to $2.8 billion. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz SHARE By Baba Ahmed, Associated Press DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - Two Tuareg clans in north Mali, whose fighting has upset an accord meant to bring peace to the country, have signed a new agreement, the main separatist group said Wednesday. The Ifoghas and Imghad clans signed the new agreement after negotiations last week, said the spokesman for the Coordination of Azawad Movements, Almouzamil Ag Mohamed. The Ifoghas clan is in the main separatist group. The Imghad clan is a part of the government-allied militia group GATIA. The two clans have clashed several times since the initial accord was signed between the government, separatists and government-allied groups in late June, upsetting peace in the region. They have been at odds for years over who gets greater control over Kidal in the north and also over an alliance with the government. "If the tribal militias are willing to speak with us and find a peaceful solution, it is well aligned with the Bamako accord," said Ag Mohamed. The agreement signed Friday between Ifoghas and Imghad is among several others being negotiated,"he said. The government is helping with the negotiations. "The support of Mali's government during the meetings among tribes is moral support," said Azaz Ag Loudagdag, a member of the government-allied militia, GATIA. He said he welcomes the accord. Insecurity in Mali's north has caused tensions among Tuaregs, some of whom support a separatist movement some the government. Fighting broke out in August, and the clans have clashed several times since. Mali's northern half fell to separatists, and then Islamic extremists following a military coup in 2012. A French-led military intervention drove the extremists out of major towns, but north and central Mali remain insecure. 16 November 2016 13:04 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova The European Commission has so far allocated more than 187 million for the implementation of different projects within the TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) project, which is aimed at strengthening of economic relations, trade and transport links between the EU and participating countries. Secretary General of TRACECA Mircea Ciopraga said that the Commission allocated funds for the realization of some 85 projects, mentioning that nearly 40 percent of the financial means were directed to support and development of the TRACECA corridors transport infrastructure. Speaking at the Infrastructure, Power and Renewable Energy Investment Conference in Baku on November 16, Ciopraga noted that the investment made in the project allowed to create reliable ports, roads, railways, airports and other important infrastructure. The secretary general underlined that it is very important to realize the export potential of each member country of the project. TRACECA is an EU program, launched in 1993, to develop a transport corridor from Europe to China, via the Black Sea, the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Its member-states are Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Moldova, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Iran. He went on saying that the intergovernmental commission of TRACECA will sign a MoU with the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) in the short run. The document will cover provision of supplies of goods from China to Europe and will increase the volume of trade turnover between the two. Ciopraga mentioned that the document will become a new stage in the provision of more reliable conditions for the supplies of goods from China to Europe. Being an international cooperation program in the sphere of transport among the EU and partner-countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia, TRACECA is deemed to rank among the priorities of the European Union. The EU support is mostly focused on such areas as improving transport safety and security and promote the changes in legislation needed to improve trade in the region. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 16:15 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan, which seeks to diversify its economy, is interested in studying the experience of Belarus in the creation of agro-towns and development of food industry. The issue was high on agenda at a meeting of Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rusy and the Azerbaijani delegation led by Mayor of Ganja City (the second biggest city of Azerbaijan) Elmar Valiyev on November 16, Belta reported. Rusy, addressing the meeting, said that Belarus is ready to provide information about the latest achievements of the country in the sector, namely in the establishment of agro-towns, as well as share experience in the provision of relevant infrastructure. Agriculture is considered to be among promising sectors for cooperation between the two sides, while one of the most perspective spheres is food industry. Azerbaijan is interested in Belarusian confectionery, alcoholic beverages and other goods, as well as in the Belarusian know-how in the sector. The Deputy PM went on saying that Belarus is also ready to cooperate in the processing industry, creation of joint production facilities, as well as manufacturing of agricultural equipment. Rusy said that the projects discussed between the sides would become a good platform for further talks during the visit of the president of Belarus to Azerbaijan in late November, mentioning that the visit will become the next weighty step to boost relations between the two countries. The Azerbaijani delegation also held meeting with Deputy PM of Belarus Vladimir Semashko, where the sides discussed prospects of bolstering cooperation. Valiyev said that a store of Belarusian goods is expected to be opened in Ganja by late 2016, while similar sale points are already operational in the capital city Baku. The mayor praised the high quality of the Belarusian food, adding that Azerbaijan is ready to supply products which are in demand in the Belarusian market. Semashko, in turn, said that the countries have a great potential to enter a qualitatively new level of the economic cooperation. The trade turnover between the countries totaled $28.81 million manats ($ 16.99) in January-May 2016, with some 20.83 million manats ($ 12.28) accounting for the import of Belarusian goods. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 16:47 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan did a great job in ensuring transit efficiency, said the head of the Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Baku. Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia did a great job to improve the speed and harmonize systems for transit, stressed Carter Wilbur during the Infrastructure, Power and Renewable Energy Investment Conference in Baku on November 16. "These countries understand that in this case it is not necessary to compete. If one country loses, then all countries lose. Today, no country can compete with maritime transport in terms of price," he said. Given the favorable location of Azerbaijan at the crossroads of north and south, east and west, according to the U.S. official, it becomes a major transit point for transportation of goods from the East and South-East Asia to Europe. "The new Silk Road provides a unique opportunity to unite east and west, north and south in the areas of trade, as well as supply of various products and services," he added. Wilbur also said that Azerbaijan needs to expand domestic production, increase employment and to increase the volume of trade. "We believe that the real driver of domestic production growth should be the small and medium business. It's important to understand that additional tax revenue should be provided at the expense of new companies, but not by expanding the taxation over existing companies," Wilbur said. Today around 22 million containers are transported between Asia and Europe per year. Only 100,000 containers are transported by land, the rest is transported by sea. The Trans-Caspian international transport route, which is designed to provide transport connections between the East and West of Eurasia, runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then to Europe via Turkey and Ukraine. The route was launched with the establishment of its Coordinating Committee in October 2013. The first test container train from China arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port on August 3, 2015. Starting this June new competitive rates of the route came into force. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 16:58 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan and Kuwait signed an intergovernmental agreement on air communication between the two countries on November 16. The document was undersigned by President of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Jahangir Asgarov and Director General of Civil Aviation of Kuwait Yousef Al-Fouzan in Baku. The deal removes obstacles for opening of air links between the two countries, which will contribute to further development of bilateral economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait. The signing of the agreement took place on the eve of the presentation of Azerbaijans tourism potential in Kuwait on November 24. Currently, Azerbaijans national carrier AZAL and freight carrier Silk Way Airlines are studying the possibility of opening direct flights to cities of Kuwait. Among the Gulf countries, Kuwait is a country that is located closer to Azerbaijan. Last May, Azerbaijan and Kuwait signed an aviation agreement, aiming at boosting commercial cooperation in between a number of airlines from both countries to facilitate passenger traffic. Baku and Kuwait, which established diplomatic relations since 1994 are bond with traditional, historical, religious and cultural ties, as well as the geographical position. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 13:57 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition to mark the centenary of Azerbaijans famous artist, Maral Rahmanzade opened in Baku on November 15. The four-day exhibition features artist's works kept at the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery and the National Museum of Art Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Adalat Valiyev, addressing the event, noted the artist's great contribution to the development of the national school of painting. He mentioned that the exhibition features over 80 works by the talented artist. In their speeches, Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, Honored Art Worker Omar Eldarov and Secretary of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan, Agali Ibragimov said that Rahmanzades works became an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. Talented artist Maral Rahmanzade became the first woman in Azerbaijan to depict offshore oil. Struck by the majesty of the fuel, she even settled on the Oil Rocks to get a true feeling of the lives of oilmen. This brave step by the young Azerbaijani girl, born in the heart of Baku in 1916, might still be puzzling, but it is a part of history. She became the first Azerbaijani female artist to get a professional art education. Rahmanzade made a great contribution to the development of the modern national school of painting. Rahmanzade is the most famous for series of easel paintings of patriotic content created during the Great Patriotic War. Rahmanzade also worked on illustration of belles-lettres. In 1945, she designed the books Dehname by Khatai and "The land of fires" by Zohrabbeyov. She portrayed circumstances, landscape, architecture, and costumes on numerous illustrations of The land of fires novel, following the literary description. Rahmanzade also designed two volume poem of Jafar Jabbarly. She created a lot of lists, portraying personages of "Sevil", "Almaz", "Withered flowers" plays of Jafar Jabbarly. M.F.Akhundov's historical play "Deceived stars" was published in that very year with illustrations of Maral Rahmanzade. The great artist illustrated also translated publications "Eugene Onegin" of A.S.Pushkin, "A Hero of Our Time" M.Y.Lermontov. The bright and multi-faceted creativity of Maral Rahmanzadeh would gain popularity far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan and CIS countries. Her works adorn many world-renowned museums, and enjoy the same success in the most "high-profile" and authoritative exhibitions throughout the world. For great merit in the development of national fine art, she was awarded many orders and medals. She is a People's Artist of Azerbaijan, State Prize winner, and holder of the Shohrat ("Glory") order. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 14:53 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will pay a working visit to France on November 17, a source told Trend on November 16. Mammadyarov is now on an official visit to Portugal. During the Paris visit, Mammadyarov will meet with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault and discuss prospects of developing bilateral cooperation, according to the source. The settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be considered separately during the negotiations, the source said. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in the resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign State with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of the due attention of the international community for years. By ignoring four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, as well as appropriate documents adopted by The European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, Armenia intends to preserve the status quo in the region and freezes the needed settlement of the conflict. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 10:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijani carpets, admiring with their unusual beauty and colorfulness, increasingly become to attract attention. President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on holding the 5th International Symposium on Azerbaijani Carpets in Baku. Under the order, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and Azerkhalcha are instructed to develop and implement an action plan on the organization of the event in October 2017. Beauty and quality of the national carpets has praised them since ancient times. Hand-made oriental silk and wool Azerbaijani carpets were exported to many countries and still decorate many famous museums and private collections. Addressing the first branch of "Azerkhalcha" Carpet Company on November 12 as part of his visit to Fuzuli region, President Aliyev said that carpet, an excellent export product of Azerbaijan, will be released to the world markets. "This will serve as promotion for our country, and at the same time the whole world will see our talented people. On the other hand, it will bring profit to the country, thus contributing to the deviersification of ecvonomy,"said the president. Stressing President Aliyev's efforts for the debelopmentb of ancient art, he said that Azerbaijan is considered the birthplace of carpet art and there are sufficient grounds to talk about it. "This is a traditional type of craft. We have unique carpets, therefore it's necessary to develop it. The younger generation also shows great interest in these matters," he underlined. "Therefore, "Azerhalcha" enterprise has been created and the first company today begins operation." Talking about efforts to create such masterpieces, President Aliyev emphasized invaluable merit of Azerbaijani women. "We all know that women preserve carpet art. Creation and operation of such enterprises also open jobs for women," he said. Carpets occupy a preeminent place among all the examples of Azerbaijani craftsmanship. In 2010, the Azerbaijani carpet was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. Today, carpet weaving still continues in regions of the country, although the number of ready products has reduced. To preserve this tradition and revive Azerbaijans weaving traditions the country aims to develop open ten carpet production enterprises. The process is expected to start in the first half of 2017, according to the Economy Ministry, while the preparation of State Program of the Development of Carpet Weaving Craft is over. Experts say the realization of the state program will allow presenting the world production of new Azerbaijani kilims and carpets. Ancient Azerbaijani carpets are stored at the White House, the U.S. State Department, and many other museums across the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Museum of Art in Philadelphia, as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Azerbaijans Carpet Museum established in Baku in 1967, being the first carpet museum in the world is the very place that can familiarize all the interested with the unique examples of the national carpets. A new carpet museum, designed in the form of a rolled carpet, opened in the Baku Seaside Park in 2014 and all carpets were transferred to this museum. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 10:03 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on November, 16 The new edition includes articles about: Azerbaijan, ADB eye strengthened cooperation; New university to be established; Indonesian Cultural Festival due in Baku; Bank branches available on map for tourists etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 16 November 2016 10:03 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Azerbaijan hosts the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies on November 16. Azerbaijan will be represented by Trend and Azertag news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state new agency AZERTAC, these events bring together heads and representatives of about 100 news agencies, which shape the global information policy, international media experts, UN - UNESCO official, and representatives of regional media organizations. The slogan of the 5th News Agencies World Congress is New Challenges for News Agencies. The Congress features several sessions, including The future of news consumption, News agencies challenges and opportunities of new technologies and social media, News agency innovation, Training journalists for a multi-media future, Protecting the journalists mission: freedom, access, safety and conflict zones. It also addresses problems facing journalism, which is now in experiencing rapid transformation, and forms of cooperation between news agencies and different social media platforms. Speakers at the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya television channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer, Stibo Accelerator media companies. The Congress will see presentation of a photo album featuring nearly 600 photographs by the participating agencies in News, Festivities and Sport categories. The photo album was published through partnership between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Baku Media Center. Initiated by the Russian TASS news agency, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. The three other congresses took place in Spain, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. The main body of the Congress is the Council. At the 4th Congress, which was hosted by Riyadh in 2013, Associated Press, Reuters, Press Association, SPA, TASS, EFE, Kuna, AZERTAC and TELAM agencies as well as secretaries general of EANA, OANA and FANA were elected as members of the Council. The Baku Congress will elect new members of the Council. An initiative of UNESCO, the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies was founded in 1961 with the aim of expanding news exchange among regional news agencies. OANAs members include 44 news agencies from 35 countries. Having joined OANA in 2004, AZERTAC has been elected a member of its Executive Board for three times. At the 15th General Assembly held in Moscow in 2013, AZERTAC was elected by secret ballot as president of the organization for 2016-2019. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 10:48 (UTC+04:00) The Baku Congress is a good opportunity for consideration of various problems of media related to challenges of the present, the changes happened on information space. This was stated by Abdel Hamid Kasha, CEO of the Algerian Agency APS (Algeria Press Service), who arrived to Azerbaijan for participation in the 5th News Agencies World Congress in his interview with Azertac. Noting that he is for the first time in Azerbaijan, Kasha said that he is deeply impressed by the beauty of Baku. Speaking about the agenda of the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the CEO of Algeria Agency told that today development of information and communication technologies exerts serious impact on the news agencies. Now for receiving news there are various opportunities: for example, social networks, phones and so forth. "All this not only makes new demands, but also creates new information directions", he told. Abdel Hamid Kasha emphasized that during the Congress it will be very interesting to listen to opinion of more than hundred participants about what steps will be taken in response to the challenges existing in the world of media. The Baku Congress will become very important platform from the point of view of exchange of experience in this area. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz SHARE By Alison Mutler BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum says the refusal of Romania's central bank to withdraw a coin with an image of a prime minister who stripped Jews of their citizenship before World War II is "insensitive" to the memory of Holocaust victims. The Anti-Defamation League also condemned the decision and urged President Traian Basescu Friday to ensure that information about the anti-Semitic actions of Miron Cristea is included with each coin. The museum in Washington, D.C., said Cristea's tenure as Romania's premier from 1938 to 1939 "marked the opening of a systematic campaign of anti-Semitic persecution by successive Romania governments that resulted in the devastation of the Romanian Jewish community during the Holocaust." "We are shocked and disappointed that the National Bank of Romania has decided to honor Miron Cristea, even after consideration of his anti-Semitic actions and statements," Anti-Defamation League director Abraham H. Foxman said. As prime minister, Cristea was responsible for revising Romania's citizenship law, stripping about 225,000 Jews - or 37 percent of the nation's Jewish population - of citizenship. Some 280,000 Jews and 11,000 Roma, or Gypsies, were killed during the pro-fascist regime of dictator Marshal Ion Antonescu, who was prime minister from 1940 to 1944 and executed by the Communists in 1946. Only about 6,000 Jews live in Romania today. A commission set up by Romania's National Bank to reconsider the coin said Thursday it would not be withdrawn because it was minted as one of five to commemorate Romania's five patriarchs, or leaders of the Romanian Orthodox Church, which Cristea headed from 1925 to 1939. The bank said the coin was not intended to be anti-Semitic. Holocaust Museum Director Sara Bloomfield called the bank's decision "misguided" and "insensitive to the memory of the victims, and inconsistent with the progress Romania has made in acknowledging its past." Today, anti-Semitic activities are illegal in Romania. 16 November 2016 11:34 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on November 15 providing funding for the renovation of multi-storey residential buildings in Beylagan, Azertac reported. Under the presidential order, 3 million manats were allocated from the Presidential Contingency Fund for the renovation of 25 multi-storey residential buildings in the district. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 12:46 (UTC+04:00) The quality journalism has never been so vital for societies everywhere. Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Irina Bokova made the remark in a video message while addressing to the participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku November 16. In moving forward, I believe our starting point is clear, she said. This is our belief in the importance of independent, ethical and pluralistic media for human rights and dignity, for the rule of law and good governance, for democracy and sustainable development. Bokova thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for this initiative. Speaking at the event John Daniszewski, an editor at the Associated Press said that Azerbaijan hosts a very important event, which brings together almost all of the world news agencies to talk about issues of press freedom. As the host of the event, Azerbaijan exposes a lot of people to the country, and gives them an opportunity to see the developments taking place there, he added. Azerbaijan hosts the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies November 16. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state new agency AZERTAC, these events bring together heads and representatives of about 100 news agencies, which shape the global information policy, international media experts, UN - UNESCO official, and representatives of regional media organizations. Getachew Engida, UNESCO deputy director general, for his part, said that the 5th News Agencies World Congress is an important event for the world media outlets. This is an incredibly important event, he said. It is an opportunity for heads and editors of news agencies to come around together once a year or two years, exchange experience, challenges, opportunities and environment in which they operate. Baku is a wonderful city beyond my expectations, he said. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 13:18 (UTC+04:00) The 7th Azerbaijan International Environmental Exhibition Caspian Ecology kicked off at the Baku Expo Center on November 16 . The significant event is supported by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and the Public Association IDEA (International dialogue in the name of environmental protection). The event is being organized by Caspian Event Organizers, CEO. Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Firdovsi Aliyev viewed the Exhibition. He was informed that this year the exhibition is joined by 62 companies from 14 countries, including Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic and others. For the first time companies Arkon Flow Systems (Czech Republic), BLUCAST JSC (Lithuania), DIKKAN (Turkey) take part in the Caspian Ecology Exhibition. The exhibition is also attended by government agencies such as the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, OSC Temiz Sheher (Clean City) and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CSC and others. This exhibition, which is the only significant event for ecology and environmental protection in the Caspian and Caucasus regions , will end on November 18. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 16:27 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Bridget Brink, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, is expected to visit Azerbaijan in early next week, the US embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend on November 16. Brink will hold meetings with the countrys leadership in Baku and discuss bilateral the U.S.-Azerbaijani cooperation, as well as issues of security and stability in the region. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement is also expected to be discussed during the meetings. 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 16 November 2016 17:12 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Azerbaijan and Portugal discussed the prospects of cooperation in the political and economic spheres as Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov visits Lisbon. During his official visit, the minister met with Paulo Alexandre Ferreira, Secretary of State Assistant and of Commerce, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported on November 16. Mammadyarov informed the official of the favorable business climate created in and invited the Portuguese businessmen to the country. The sides further discussed possibilities of cooperation in areas such as non-oil sector, agriculture, light industry and ICT. Portugal recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 7, 1992. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Portugal was established on August 4, 1992. Azerbaijan and Portugal established successful relations despite the geographical distance between the two countries. The representatives of both countries often pay high-level visits and the sides are actively cooperating as part of the international forums. Azerbaijan and Portugal have a high potential for cooperation in the fields of information technologies, tourism, construction, agriculture, health, and education. The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Portugal amounted to $ 332.13 million, including the volume of import $ 19.49 million, export $ 312.64 million during January-September, 2016. The share of Portugal in foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan was 2.16, as well as 0.30 percent for import and 3.56 percent for export during the mentioned period. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 17:27 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova The main stage of large-scale exercises with live-fire was held on November 16 as the drills entered the fifth day, the Defense Ministry reported. Under the plan of the exercise, all branches of Azerbaijani Armed Forces started tactical actions to carry out the training and combat tasks with the practical use of weapons and equipment. Characteristic features of these exercises are the efficiency of information gathering, its processing and considering the new challenges of rapidly changing situation with extensive use of electronic, computational, visual and other modern technology, which allows to have observation inland, at sea and in the sky. Shootings and fire maneuver were carried out in different fire grounds, areas and other equipped places. Moreover, combat readiness of aviation and military personnel, as well as the activities of the modern automated control systems of the Air Force were verified on November 15. More than 50 aircrafts, which were put into a state of full combat readiness, made combat flights from alternative aerodromes. Aircraft raised in the sky performed tasks on prevention of enemy action and its fire damage at suddenly occurred targets. The main stage of large-scale exercises with live-fire to run until November 18, conducted according to the plan approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev entered the fifth day. The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces. The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani army are growing year by year. The army building process in Azerbaijan is progressing as well. The countrys armed forces regularly conduct military exercises since Azerbaijan remains in a state of war with Armenia, as Armenian forces occupy a 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 18:09 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The Parliamentary Committee on legal policy and state building recommended several draft bills for consideration to Azerbaijan's Parliament. After its November-16 meeting, the members of the committee agreed on amendments proposed to the several laws. One of the suggestions was reduction of working hours for single parents with children under 3. This was reflected in the draft law "On reduced working schedule for certain categories of public servants." The Agrarian Policy Committee also discussed draft laws such as "On family farm", "On horse-breeding" and "On Hydrometeorology activity" on November 16. Under the draft law, controversial issues related to the investigation of environmental pollution will be addressed now administratively. "On family farm" draft law, the parliamentarians suggested annual turnover of family farms to be changed on the basis of a proposal by the relevant executive authority. Also, during the meeting MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev proposed to increase salaries of police officers. "Now the salary of police officers is between 420-480 manats. However, after the devaluation this salary cannot ensure proper living standard for the police," he said. Another proposed amendment was related to the Law "On Tourism". According to the changes foreigners, who are willing to visit Azerbaijan, will be able to get visas online, by "ASAN Visa" system. Visas will be issued through a single online portal within three days without applying to the state organizations. Foreign citizens, tourists can use the services of the ASAN Viza portal to arrive in Azerbaijan. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 10:34 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The Southern Gas Corridor provides new hope and opportunity for stability and prosperity, said the statement released on the website of the White House on November 15. As Greece moves forward on the path to economic recovery, the United States will advocate policies to promote and foster economic growth and further opportunities for US investment, said the statement. To further these goals, the United States has pledged its support for energy diversification in Greece through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline and Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector, which reduce Europes dependence on Russian gas and strengthen energy security across the region, according to the White House. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Sea region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor project. Other sources can also join this project at a later stage. As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of TANAP and TAP. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 11:59 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Energy-rich Azerbaijan, which plays a big role in ensuring Europes energy security, announced about possible increase in its gas export. Gulmira Rzayeva, a senior researcher of the Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan, said that the country will be able to export additional volume of 15 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year by 2035 thanks to the development of new potential gas reserves in the country. She made the remarks while addressing a conference titled Investments in infrastructure, power generation and renewable energy sources in Baku on November 16. She underlined that the country possesses tremendous potential to increase its gas production, while gas reserves of the country are currently estimated at the level of 2.6 trillion cubic meters (tcm). Rzayeva said that along with the largest gas-condensate Shah Deniz field, which is expected to provide some 25 bcm of gas per year after implementation of the second stage of development, Azerbaijan possesses a number of other fields, where production have not been launched yet. She added that the fields contain free and non-contracted volumes of gas. The volume of gas production at Absheron field, which is expected to provide first volumes of gas in 2019, will amount to nearly 5 bcm of production per year in 2021-2022. Umid Babek fields may add some 5-7 bcm per year starting from 2026-2027. Reserves of Absheron are estimated at some 350 bcm of gas and 45 million tons of condensate. Umid field reserves are estimated at more than 200 bcm of gas and 40 million tons of condensate, while Babek field reserves may amount to 400 bcm of gas and 80 tons of condensate, according to preliminary estimates. Rzayeva went on saying that an additional volume of 4-5 bcm will be extracted starting from 2027-2018, due to the production of associated and deep occurrence gas in the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli block of field. Thus, the country will get additional volume of some 15 bcm of gas for export by 2020-2035. Azerbaijan has so far extracted some 76 bcm of gas and 19 million tons of condensate from its Shah Deniz field, which is located on the deep water shelf of the Caspian Sea. Daily production at the field, 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 country exported approximately 4 bcm of natural gas in the first half of 2016, which is 7.8 percent lesser than the figure recorded in the same period of 2015. The total worth of exported gas totaled $706.333 million facing a decrease of 30.6 percent. Azerbaijans State Oil Company 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. Moreover, 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. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 10:44 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Iran is in talks with China over financing the Rasht-Astara railway project, Irans deputy minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohsen Pour Seyed Aghaei said. Iran seeks financiers to complete the construction of the railway, Pour Seyed Aghaei said, ILNA news agency reported. Receiving finance from Chinese investors is one of the options and Tehran is negotiating with China in this regard, he said. The construction of the Rasht-Astara railway comes as part of a larger project to create the North-South transportation corridor. The International North South Transport Corridoris a multi-modal trade transport network that includes rail, road, and water transport from Mumbai in India to Moscow in Russia. It addresses the need for greater economic and energy cooperation between South, Central and the West Asian region. The rroute will serve as a link for connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At the initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo via the North-South corridor per year and to increase the figure to over 10 million tons in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army 16 November 2016 12:15 (UTC+04:00) By Gunay Hasanova Palestines embassy was officially inaugurated in Ashgabat, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary reported on November 16. The opening of the embassy reflects the mutual understanding and trust between Turkmenistan and Palestine, the message reads. The opening of the embassy was an important action towards the practical implementation of interstate agreements aimed at ensuring all possibilities for effective interaction on a wide range of bilateral cooperation, the message said. Palestines President Mahmoud Abbas paid an official visit to Turkmenistan November 13-15. The bilateral documents were signed following the high-level talks. The presidents of two countries signed Joint Statement, while the relevant agencies signed the following documents: the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Palestine on Economic Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the State of Palestine on Cooperation in Tourism, Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economy and Development of Turkmenistan and the Agency of investment Development of Palestine, Memorandum of Understanding between the Trade and Industrial Chamber of Turkmenistan and the Trade Chamber of the State of Palestine. During the talks, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov assured his Palestinian counterpart that the Turkmen side will create all necessary conditions for the embassys activity. Moreover, the Turkmen president proposed to hold the Turkmen-Palestinian business forum in 2017. The two countries will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in April 2017. Diplomatic relations between two countries were established on April 17, 1992. Turkmenistan and Palestine actively cooperate under the United Nations Organization and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The delegation of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry made working visit to Palestine city of Ramallah this May. The cooperation program for 2016-2017 was signed during that visit. --- Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 14:39 (UTC+04:00) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans visit to Uzbekistan will open a new page in relations between the two countries, Turkeys presidential administration told Trend on November 16. Development of political and economic relations between Ankara and Tashkent will become the main topic of discussions during the visit, according to the presidential administration. Uzbekistan is one of the strategically important Central Asian states, and Ankara attaches special significance to development of relations with Uzbekistan, the administration said. Erdogan will visit Uzbekistan on November 17-18. This is his first visit as Turkeys president to Uzbekistan. He is expected to meet with acting Uzbek president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Marrakesh Conference is a decisive turning point in the implementation process of the Paris Agreement, calling for a coordinated involvement of all actors to preserve life on earth for future generations. His Majesty King Mohammed VI made the remark while addressing the high-level segment of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Marrakesh city from 7 to 18 November 2016, the Moroccan embassy in Baku reported. Azerbaijan is participating in the COP22 with an important delegation, headed by Mr. Huseyngulu Baghirov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. The King emphasized that the organization of this conference in Morocco for the second time after the COP7 in 2001 contributes considerably to raise the international awareness on the issue of global warming, and reflects the commitment of Morocco to the multilateral framework to address international challenges. The organization of COP22 is recognition of the Moroccan leadership in its region and in the world in the field of renewable energy and sustainable development. Morocco has set the objective to increase the contribution of clean energy sources in its national needs to 52% by 2030, the Royal Speech insisted. The King further called for the strengthening of North-South solidarity, in particular the assistance of developing countries that do not have the means to protect themselves from climate risks, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this regard, His Majesty declined the priorities to be retained in terms of support to vulnerable countries, such as financial assistance, transfer of technology, honoring the commitments of the advanced countries to mobilize the $ 100 billion that was the cornerstone of the Paris Agreement, and finally the involvement of non-state actors in Global Climate Action. In addition, the development of renewable energies has been raised as a national priority in Morocco through the adoption of an energy mix including, in addition to fossil fuels, renewable energies such as wind, hydro and solar. Considered by Climate Action Tracker as one of the four most environmentally friendly countries in the world, Morocco committed itself to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 32 % by 2030. Long before, the Kingdom had been distinguished by its avant-garde policy of hydropower dam construction since the 1980s. Furthermore, in February 2016, King Mohammed VI inaugurated Phase I and launched Phases II and III of Noor Station, the largest solar power plant in the world. By 2018, it is expected to produce 500 megawatts with largely competitive production costs compared to conventional means of electricity production. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 November 2016 15:10 (UTC+04:00) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the appointment of a former foreign policy adviser as Turkeys new ambassador to Israel on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reports. Kemal Okem will assume his duties in Tel Aviv with immediate effect, Erdogan said. We are appointing Mr. Kemal Okem as ambassador, Erdogan told reporters at Ankaras Esenboga Airport before leaving for Pakistan. They have also appointed their envoy. I believe they start their duty today. Okem served as chief foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Binali Yildirim before his appointment and prior to that he advised former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. He worked for the Foreign Ministrys Middle East directorate and was previously posted overseas in Turkeys London and Riyadh embassies, according to the Foreign Ministry. He also spent time working as the permanent representative to NATO. Born in Ankara in 1967, Okem graduated from Middle East Technical University and completed a masters and doctorate at the Ankara-based university. He also has a masters from Oxford University. On Tuesday, Israel appointed its first ambassador to Turkey in six years. Eitan Naeh, deputy ambassador to the U.K. since 2013, will be the new envoy to Ankara, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Migrants and refugees protesting against deportation and for better conditions camp out next to Sendlinger Tor city gate on September 13, 2016 in Munich, Germany. [Photo/VCG] BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on employers on Tuesday to hire more refugees and help improve their integration into the labor market. Merkel made the remarks at the annual meeting of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations, which was attended by 1,500 representatives from politics, businesses and society. Merkel thanked the business community for their engagement in and dealing with the refugees' integration, saying "we don't have to worry about our country, if new situations could be handled and resolved with passion." The improvement measures include the legal protection for refugees in vocational training and the possibility of refugees' temporary employment, etc. Merkel has also called for better mobility of the labor force within Europe and advocated the free trade agreements with Canada and the United States. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The US House of Representatives has passed a bill on November 15 on extending the sanctions against Iran for 10 years, reports TASS. 419 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, one was against. The document allows the US President to impose restrictions against those who are involved in the development of ballistic missiles by Iran, supporting terrorism, as well as are accused in human rights violations, however, the term of such powers expires on December 31. Republican representative Ed Royce, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said the sanctions are critical tool for the US executive power which allow to reduce the damage caused by the dangerous nuclear deal. The talk is about the international deal which guarantees the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear program. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Justice Minister of Armenia Arpine Hovhannisyan on November 15 received the representatives of the Venice Commission and OSCE/ ODIHR experts to discuss a number of issues related to the draft law on Parties of Armenia, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress. The Justice Minister highly appreciated the existing cooperation with the partners of the two structures and presented the changes proposed by the draft law on Parties. The Minister said the draft law proposes to eliminate the control of the state authorities, to change the number of members required for party registration, the requirement of having a regional office and etc. Arpine Hovhannisyan said this approach facilitates the party registration process. The Minister informed the guests that the draft law on Parties will be discussed in the Public Council under the Justice Minister, as well as in the Parliament soon. At the end of the meeting the Minister answered to the experts questions. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The 8th meeting of Eastern Partnership foreign ministers will be held in Yerevan on November 17. The meeting will also be attended by European Neighborhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, Deputy Secretary-General of European Union External Action Jean-Christophe Belliard and high ranking delegations from Eastern Partnership member states, the foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS. Heads of delegations will deliver a joint press conference after the meeting. The same day, a research and innovation dialogue will be held by ministers of science and technologies of Eastern Partnership states. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan will meet the delegation heads. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian held a meeting on November 16 with Bridget Brink Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. State Department, the ministry told ARMENPRESS. Nalbandian welcomed the guest and expressed satisfaction over the high level friendly relations of Armenia and the United States, underscoring that significant progress has been documented during the past years in the bilateral relations through joint efforts, which creates a good opportunity for expanding and strengthening mutual cooperation. Thanking for the reception, Bridget Brink noted that the United States highly appreciates the partner relations with Armenia and is interested in further deepening the ties. The sides discussed prospects of developing the Armenian-American trade-economic cooperation, exchanges views about the activity of the Armenian-American trade and investment council and the intergovernmental committee on economic affairs. Issues related to the realization of the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements aimed at creating conditions for moving the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict forward were also discussed. Edward Nalbandian and Bridget Brink exchanged view on several international and regional matters also. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The Yerevan Beer company has been fined with an unprecedented 110 million AMD penalty by the State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition. The commission had documented a 30 dram price increase pet one liter since last year. The company justified the increase saying several expenses were added and consumption volumes were decreased by 6 percent. But the commission found out no additional expenditures were documented in the company. However the company had increased the prices and gained additional 110 million profit. Under the commissions decision the amount will be completely returned to the state budget. The activities of dominating businesses are in the constant spotlight of the commission, similar companies must be more vigilant in their price policy, the commissions president said. The commission also revealed another similar case with Gyumri Beer. A price increase has been documented in the company, which again justified the policy by additional expenditures. However the commission found out that the company has forged the expenditure documents, showing highly exaggerated numbers. The commission requested the State Revenue Committee to carry out further research. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Favorable conditions will be created aimed at attracting foreign investors in Armenias mining industry sector, Minister of Economic Development and Investments Suren Karayan said during the business-conference on viable mining issues in Armenia, reports Armenpress. He highlighted the steps aimed at improving the law on foreign investors. Those changes will guarantee non-discrimination, as well as improvement of procedures of solving disputes for foreign investors, the Minister said. The Minister said the foreign investments are carried out in line with the entrance of special leading technologies and growth opportunities of inviting the western-qualified professional potential to Armenia. We attach also importance to the trade and investment framework agreement signed between Armenia and the US which will enable to further expand the trade-economic cooperation in the country and will positively impact Armenias economy by creating new opportunities for the American businessman, the Minister said. The US Embassy in Armenia has organized a one-day business-conference on viable mining issues together with the Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources and HSBC Bank. The conference aims to form ties between the Armenian miners and American famous companies which propose such goods and services that increase the mining efficiency, the workers safety and help in environmental issues. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on November 16 held a meeting with Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Andrei Galbur who has arrived in Yerevan on a working visit, press service of the MFA told Armenpress. Welcoming the guest, the Armenian FM said Armenia attaches importance to deepening the friendly ties with Moldova. The FMs held a private meeting which was followed by an extended format meeting. The sides held thorough discussions on bilateral and multilateral agenda issues, as well as urgent regional and international issues. They exchanged views on steps aimed at further developing the cooperation between the two countries, giving new impetus to the trade-economic mutual cooperation, as well as intensifying the exchange in scientific-educational and cultural sectors. Edward Nalbandian and Andrei Galbur discussed issues related to intensifying the inter-parliamentary ties, holding consultations between the Foreign Ministries, deepening the cooperation within the frames of international organizations. The Armenian FM presented his Moldovan counterpart the ongoing Armenia-EU talks over the new framework agreement. In his turn the Moldovan FM presented the recent developments of Moldovas European integration process. The peaceful settlement of regional conflicts was also included in the meeting agenda. The sides agreed that all conflicts must be settled exclusively through peaceful means. In this context, the Armenian FM presented Armenias and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries efforts aimed at creating favorable conditions for moving forward the negotiation process over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. At the end of the meeting the Ministers signed four documents on eliminating visa regime between the citizens of Armenia and Moldova, as well as agreements on cooperation in tourism, scientific and educational sectors, the 2017-2018 consultation plans between the MFAs of the two states. After the meeting the Ministers delivered a joint press conference. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The statue is of a kneeling, World War II-era Marine holding a rifle, barrel down with attached bayonet buried in the soil, with a helmet perched on the stock to signify that a fellow Marine died in combat. The sculpture is the centerpiece of a three-acre cemetery, the resting place of more than 500 veterans in Pleasanton, California, to be dedicated Nov. 12. The artist who created the piece is Ron Petitt, whose work in Beaumont graces the Texas Fire Museum, the Beaumont Police Department Memorial, the Martin Lutheran King Jr. Memorial and the Veterans Memorial at the Ben J. Rogers Visitors Center on Interstate 10. Petitt, who grew up in Beaumont, served as a police officer here and earned a degree at Lamar University, now lives in Loveland, Colorado. "I've been doing these memorials for years," he said. "My name came up and they contacted me." Petitt, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam war, returned to Beaumont after his military service. Petitt started drawing images of suspects from witness descriptions and became the state's first law enforcement composite artist. That in turn led to his career as a sculptor, casting his creations in bronze. On his web site, www.ronpetitt.com, he said he got his start in 2001 when given a commission to create a World War II-era sculpture of Army Airborne soldiers for actor Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg in the film "Saving Private Ryan" and the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers." Since then, Petitt has created monuments and other sculptures for other commissions. The Pleasanton monument was done in consultation with a veterans' group and the city, which owns Pioneer Cemetery and has invested about $4.5 million since acquiring it in 2014. Doug Miller, chairman of a veterans' committee that commissioned the project, said a city official considered three artists for the sculpture and Petitt was a good fit from both a business and artistic standpoint. Miller said 21 names will be on the memorial, including veterans who died in hostilities in World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and Afghanistan. The cemeteries - there are two, Pioneer Cemetery and St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery, connected by roads within - were refurbished by the city, which underwrote about a third of the cost of the memorial, Miller said. That took care of demolition of an old flag circle and site preparation. "We thought we'd raise about $75,000 or $100,000. We raised $315,000," he said. Miller said the veterans committee specified the World War II Marine image with M-1 rifle and Pacific Theater uniform. The cemeteries hold the remains of at least 565 veterans, with at least two soldiers from the Civil War, Miller said. The statue cost $80,000 and the entire memorial was $475,000, he said. "We worked with him on developing the models and construction was finished in late August and delivered in October," Miller said. "It's a magnificent memorial and we hope it will be a lasting legacy for our city." DWallach@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/dwallach Hardin-Jefferson Hawk Audrey Albanese was one of 10 high school runners from Southeast Texas - and one of 1,900 from all across Texas - who competed at the UIL state cross country meet in Round Rock on Nov. 12. Albanese, a junior, finished 34th in the two mile course at 12:23.33, a pace of 6 minutes, 12 seconds per mile. The best finish was recorded at 11:28.71. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Philanthropist couple Chuck and Becky Mason donated almost $2 million to the Lamar University College of Education and Human Development on Nov. 11 to help address the shortage of STEM teachers in Southeast Texas and across Texas. The donation, the largest in the College of Education's history, will create fellowship programs to support future educators who want to teach in science, technology, engineering and math. Chuck Mason - who is president of Mason Construction Ltd., a fourth-generation family owned, Beaumont-based petrochemical and industrial construction contractor - graduated from Lamar University with a biology degree in 1972. Mason said he was inspired to pursue the field because of the positive experiences he had at a young age with science teachers. "I feel like I was really lucky to have teachers who were really enthusiastic," Mason said at the Nov. 11 presentation in the university's new administration building. "I think it takes a special kind of teacher to do that." Becky Mason also graduated from Lamar with a degree in education in 1971 and previously taught first grade at Blanchette Elementary. "I hope to see more people major in science who have a love for science," said Becky Mason. Robert Spina, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, will be in charge of reviewing faculty proposals for the fellowships, which will be called the Becky and Chuck Mason Distinguished Faculty Fellowships in Science Education, said Juan Zabala, vice president for university advancement. Zabala is not certain of the number of fellowships that will be awarded but anticipates it will be three or four. "In the increasingly high tech, worldwide economy, we are in danger of forever falling behind," Spina said during the presentation. "The future of Texas and our nation is tied to this issue." The Masons have supported or served on boards for the Beaumont Rotary Club, United Way, Beaumont Community Players, Symphony of Southeast Texas and the Junior League of Beaumont, among others. Chuck Mason is the vice president of the Lamar University Foundation board. Becky Mason is a former member of the Lamar Alumni Affairs Advisory Board. The Masons are also longtime supporters of Lamar University. In 2007, the couple donated $303,000 to create an endowment establishing Lamar University's first privately funded Mirabeau Scholarship. The coveted Mirabeau Scholarships covers tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies for four-years. They are awarded to a limited number of outstanding first-time-in-college students who have met the rigorous standards required for this scholarship. To be eligible for the Mirabeau Scholarship, students must score 1250 or above on the SAT or a composite of 28 or greater on the ACT. The Becky and Chuck Mason Mirabeau Scholarship is awarded annually and is open to all majors. The scholarship is named for Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, a Texas politician, poet, diplomat and soldier in the Texas Revolution and the second president of the Republic of Texas, for whom Lamar University is named. NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/Natalie_Krebs YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg remain unrealized because of Azerbaijan, Armenias foreign minister Edward Nalbandian told a joint press conference with Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister, minister of foreign affairs and European integration Andrei Galbur. At the same time the Azerbaijani side attempts to delude the international community, distort the reality, in order to avoid realizing those obligations which it assumed during those summits. Initially the Azerbaijanis were saying that what the ministers of the co-chairing countries were saying which was published after the Vienna meeting is solely their personal opinion. Perhaps they didnt imagine that just after one month they would appear in a quite uncomfortable situation, because after the St. Petersburg meeting summit a new announcement was published, this time on a Presidential level, where the Vienna agreements were reaffirmed. What agreements was Azerbaijans leader reaffirming in St. Petersburg? How come everyone understands one thing, not just one country USA, Russia, France, and Azerbaijan understands a completely different thing, Nalbandian said, underscoring that this isnt the first time Azerbaijan is acting similarly. He noted that the co-chairs have long urged Azerbaijan the same what Armenia is urging, to agree on introducing investigative mechanisms. Since 2011 Azerbaijan continues to insist its obvious lie and falsification. During the 2011, 2012 meetings, when Presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan mentioned the necessity of the creation of these investigative mechanisms in their announcement, the next day the Azerbaijani side returns to Baku and says there is no agreement. Azerbaijan obstructs the creation of necessary conditions for the progress of the negotiations process, why, because it fears that it will be more obviously clear that it is the violator, although everybody knows whos the violator, Nalbandian said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Philanthropist couple Chuck and Becky Mason donated almost $2 million to the Lamar University College of Education and Human Development on Friday to help address the shortage of STEM teachers in the area and across the state. The donation, the largest in the College of Education's history, will create fellowship programs to support future educators who want to teach in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. Chuck Mason, president of Mason Construction, Ltd. - a petrochemical and industrial construction contractor - graduated from Lamar University with a biology degree in 1972. He said he was inspired to pursue the field because of the positive experiences he had at a young age with science teachers. "I feel like I was really lucky to have teachers who were really enthusiastic," he said during a Friday afternoon presentation in the university's new administration building. "I think it takes a special kind of teacher to do that." Becky Mason, who graduated from Lamar with a degree in education in 1971, previously taught first grade at Blanchette Elementary. "I hope to see more people major in science who have a love for science," said Becky Mason. Robert Spina, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, will be in charge of reviewing faculty proposals for the fellowships, which will be called the Becky and Chuck Mason Distinguished Faculty Fellowships in Science Education, said Juan Zabala, vice president for university advancement. Zabala said he is not certain of the number of fellowships that will be awarded but anticipates it will be three or four. "In the increasingly high tech, worldwide economy, we are in danger of forever falling behind," Spina said during the presentation. "The future of Texas and our nation is tied to this issue." The Masons are longtime supporters of Lamar University. In 2007, the couple donated $303,000 to create an endowment establishing Lamar University's first privately funded Mirabeau Scholarship. The Becky and Chuck Mason Mirabeau Scholarship is awarded annually and is open to all majors. Chuck Mason is the vice president of the Lamar University Foundation board. Becky Mason is a former member of the Lamar Alumni Affairs Advisory Board. The Masons have also supported or served on boards for the Beaumont Rotary Club, United Way, Beaumont Community Players, Symphony of Southeast Texas and the Junior League of Beaumont, among others. NKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/Natalie_Krebs This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The parents of one of dozens of Marshall Middle School students who became ill after a carbon monoxide leak at the school in January are asking Beaumont ISD for depositions and for information on a faulty boiler system that caused the leak, according to a petition filed Monday in Jefferson County District Court. Jeremy and Visa Kandi Robison, whose son was taken to a Beaumont hospital after the incident, "seek to investigate potential negligence claims arising from the injuries to their child," according to the petition. Beaumont ISD spokeswoman Nakisha Burns declined to comment Tuesday, saying the district has not received the petition. More than 100 students and staff were taken to local hospitals after the Jan. 28 leak. Emergency personnel who responded to the school when students became ill determined that the cause was poisoning from carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, which officials traced to the school's boiler room. Beaumont attorney Jane Leger, with the Ferguson Law Firm, said that she and the Robisons "are looking for information," and believe that the boiler was not properly inspected, based on a report conducted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. According to the petition, TDLR Deputy Boiler Inspector Richard Charland noted "excessive soot build up in the flue pipe, control panel, as well as burnt electrical wiring," and inadequate ventilation in the boiler room, the petition says. "That makes me very curious about how it passed the state inspection, and why the district was operating it in that condition," said Leger, who said she has previously handled cases on faulty or inadequately inspected boilers in other states. The boiler, which has since been disconnected, passed inspection and was certified on Nov. 5, 2015, according to TDLR records. A TDLR inspection report dated Jan. 28 said that the 1988 RayPak water tube boiler, which was used for hot water heating, "has been Red Tagged due to flame roll out." The boiler had a "CO leak in school with a reading of 700 (parts per million)," according to the TDLR report. OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit for carbon monoxide is 50 parts per million. The petition requests all documentation related to the incident and inspection, service and maintenance of the boiler. The petitioners also seek to take the deposition of BISD's representative with the most knowledge about the cause of the leak, the students who were injured and the boiler's inspection and maintenance history. Following that investigation phase, Leger said she and her clients will determine if "we really believe that there's evidence that an inadequate inspection was conducted, and could these problems with the boiler have been discovered and repaired before there was an event that resulted in this exposure to the students." LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 4-year-old girl was killed and her mother and older sister were critically wounded when a robbery in their apartment complex's parking lot turned violent Monday evening. The girl, Ava Castillo, died after being transported to a hospital by LifeFlight, said Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office. By Tuesday morning, the mother and sister Diana Gomez, 27, and Betzida Castillo, 10 had been upgraded to stable condition. Gilliland confirmed Tuesday evening that deputies were interviewing someone in relation to the case. He declined to label the individual as a person of interest. Family members were unloading groceries at their Greenspoint-area apartment complex near the North Freeway and West Road when the three men drove up in a sedan, Gilliland said. The mother did not give up her purse to assailants, one of whom started shooting at the family. The three suspects remain at large. The apartment complex has video surveillance cameras that could help police identify the three male robbers or read a license plate, Gilliland said, and witnesses have come forward to talk with police. In general, the deputy said, it is safest to comply with robbers' demands. A woman whose apartment sits just yards away from the spot where the mother and her two daughters were shot said she no longer feels safe in the complex where she's lived the past two years. Demetra Garcia, 31, said her 7-year-old daughter rides the school bus with the girl who was wounded. "I don't know if I can feel safe even coming outside," Garcia said Tuesday morning as a memorial for the slain child grew near her apartment. Garcia said the lights along the edge of the property have not worked for a while, and the entry gate has been stuck open for months at the complex. This year, Garcia said, crime and violence in the area has worsened. Police responded in recent weeks to attempted car thefts in the complex, she said, and a gas station clerk was robbed nearby last month. The past six months of crime reports at or just outside the complex include five vehicles stolen along with break-ins at homes and vehicles. A robbery was reported in July and an assault with a deadly weapon the month before. Garcia, who like the injured woman has young daughters, said she is frightened because it easily could have been her robbed and her own young child killed. Lex and Kindrell White said they heard a barrage of 10 or more gunshots from their third-floor apartment that overlooks the parking lot. Kindrell White said he first thought it was kids playing with paintball guns. Then he heard a girl crying out loudly. They said the ambulance seemed slow to arrive, getting there five or 10 minutes after the shootings. Lex White, who saw a black car drive away, said the incident makes her worry about herself and her 3-year-old daughter. Another woman, who said her husband runs a nearby community center, came to the complex to leave a sign and a stuffed animal at the small memorial. "Our prayers are with you," the sign reads. "This can't keep happening." The woman, Sandra Williams, said the shooting does not represent the Greenspoint area. "It is a good place," she said. "It is a loving place. The images that you are seeing on your television, that is not us." "I plead to whoever did this," Williams added, speaking before news cameras, "Don't go any further. Turn yourself in. Surely someone will have a conscience. ... I'm praying that God will not allow you to be OK with this." In the aftermath, friends took to Facebook to exchange words of comfort. "I'm hurting for her," wrote Lorie Luis Ramos. "I can only imagine what she will feel, how broken she will be when she finds out about her daughter." A GoFundMe site quickly sprang up to help cover funeral costs for the toddler. "Any donations will help with the funeral service for Baby Ava," the page notes. "Mother is in critical condition. She has 3 additional kids." Keri Blakinger contributed to this report Richard Dumois, MD, is a gastroenterologist at Orlando, Fla.-based Central Florida Gastroenterology. He is an accomplished physician and a highly active in professional GI societies. Dr. Dumois is a fellow of the American Board of Gastroenterology. His career began after he earned his medical degree from the University of Seville in Spain. He completed his residency at Ball Memorial Hospital in Munice, Ind., and his fellowship at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Dr. Dumois has received several honors throughout his career. He was named one of Orlando's best doctors by Orlando Magazine. As healthcare continues its shift from fee-for-service to value-based care, hospitals and health systems are working steadily to try and improve quality while reducing costs. However, striking a balance between the two can be challenging. At the Becker's Hospital Review 5th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable on Nov. 8 in Chicago, healthcare experts discussed how their entities balance rewarding physicians for quality and clinical activity in what is still primarily a fee-for-service environment. "We're not totally in a fee-for-service environment. We're not totally in a value-based care environment. We're kind of somewhere in between," said Patrice M. Weiss, MD, executive vice president and CMO of Roanoke, Va.-headquartered Carilion Clinic. "In the past, the two were felt to be mutually exclusive, but recent models of care have demonstrated that quality of care can be delivered in a low-cost model." While the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care is slightly slower in coming to her organization's region, they are preparing, according to Dr. Weiss. Carilion is a nonprofit organization with a network of hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices and other complementary services. The health system offers physicians a base salary, as well as a Tier 1 bonus and a Tier 2 bonus. The Tier 1 bonus is based on scorecard measures, which include quality metrics, patient experience metrics and operating margin. "We have found we've been able to reduce the cost by using evidence-based medicine, standardization of care and appropriateness of testing and imaging," Dr. Weiss said. "This reduced utilization has not reduced the quality of care or outcomes but has reduced the cost of care, thereby positively affecting our operating margin. So improving quality care and reducing the cost of care are not mutually exclusive." Physician-led, cost-reducing initiatives and physician engagement have been primary drivers in achieving reduced costs and improved quality, according to Dr. Weiss. For instance, Carilion has a significant physician-led initiative on early elective inductions or deliveries. This initiative, which was based on national guidelines, resulted in less utilization of obstetrical resources at an earlier gestational age. Carilion also looked at its appropriateness of surgical interventions in charity care patients and made sure all nonsurgical means be utilized first prior to proceeding to more complex methods. Rick Sheff, MD, principal and CMO of healthcare firm The Greeley Company, which offers solutions through consulting, education, interim staffing, credentialing management and external peer review, also discussed strategies to achieve higher quality and lower cost simultaneously. "We're just playing on the edge of revenue and quality," said Dr. Sheff, "We start saying: 'If we're too good on quality than we might cut into revenue,' and there's some truth to that in a fee-for-service world. That's why the whole paradigm shift to population health management is such a big deal and how and when we make that shift." To help navigate this shift, Dr. Sheff recommended service line co-management, where physicians are engaged in a collaborative effort of joint responsibility. But, Dr. Weiss noted, a hospital or health system's ability to engage in these discussions and processes is highly dependent on the organization's culture. "We found our physician-led culture, through buy-in from peers, has been facilitated. But you have to know your own culture. Are you ready for evolution, or are you ready for revolution?" she said. More articles on healthcare finance: Quorum Health adds 6 more hospitals to sale pipeline Kindred to close Texas hospital, leaving 92 without jobs Fitch: ACA repeal would be credit negative for hospitals The way hospitals approach physician compensation is changing under the value-based healthcare initiatives. At the Becker's Hospital Review 5th Annual CEO+CFO Roundtable on Nov. 9 in Chicago, Steve Rice , area president, physician services of Integrated Healthcare Strategies, and Steve McCamy, president and CEO of Covenant Medical Group, Covenant Health in Lubbock, Texas, discussed physician pay in today's changing market. Physician compensation contracts must fall within fair market value and support commercially reasonable rates. Most hospitals are slowly moving toward value-based compensation as they take on more risk and develop new strategies for the changing market. Both primary care physicians as well as surgical and medical specialists maintain primarily productivity-driven compensation with work relative value units. Data from the 2016 Gallagher Integrated Survey showed 83 percent of primary care physicians, 87 percent of medical and 86 percent of surgical physicians report compensation plans that include productivity. Typically, physician contracts include a base salary with additional compensation based on wRVUs and factors such as patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Eighty percent to 85 percent of the survey respondents reported their organization includes some type of quality incentive as well. Almost all 97 percent of primary care physicians, 98 percent of medical and 96 percent of surgical physicians report their productivity incentive measures are wRVUs or ASA units. For hospital-based physicians, 85 percent reported incentive measures were wRVU or ASA units; 24 percent said their incentives were based on worked hours or shifts. Physician compensation breakdown is currently: 1. Primary care physicians Base salary: 75 percent Production incentive: 15 percent Clinical quality/satisfaction: 10 percent 2. Specialists Base salary: 60 percent Production incentive: 30 percent Clinical quality/satisfaction: 10 percent 3. Hospital-based Base salary: 80 percent Production incentive: 5 percent Clinical quality/satisfaction: 15 percent For specialists, base salary can be determined by teaching, research, administrative services and productivity with incentive bonuses based on quality, innovation, research, education and financial performance as well as increasing the population the hospital serves. "You have to understand your physicians and the culture of your group," said Mr. McCamy. "The hospital's relationship with the physicians is important for the integrated delivery system." Mr. McCamy worked with Heartland Health in Missouri to achieve the Baldridge Award before moving to his current position with Covenant in Texas. The change was huge; in Texas, the environment was much more reliant on fee-for-service reimbursement and very little of the quality reporting affects pay. After joining Covenant, the hospital scaled back from 200 physicians to around 130 physicians and reorganized the compensation plans. "We stopped doing contracts that were getting out of hand. But we had to develop a new culture with the physician group," he said. Covenant now hits Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act and other quality measurements, which moves it closer to value-based care. Overall, Mr. Rice reported the most common quality and operational incentives based on the survey data are: 1. Primary care Patient satisfaction: 71 percent Outcomes/clinical pathways: 89 percent Citizenship: 36 percent Patient access: 22 percent Specialty/practice financials: 25 percent Hospital/network financials: 24 percent 2. Medical Patient satisfaction: 67 percent Outcomes/clinical pathways: 89 percent Citizenship: 36 percent Patient access: 13 percent Specialty/practice financials: 27 percent Hospital/network financials: 24 percent 3. Surgical Patient satisfaction: 73 percent Outcomes/clinical pathways: 90 percent Citizenship: 35 percent Patient access: 28 percent Specialty/practice financials: 29 percent Hospital/network financials: 22 percent 4. Hospital-based Patient satisfaction: 71 percent Outcomes/clinical pathways: 86 percent Citizenship: 43 percent Patient access: 32 percent Specialty/practice financials: 28 percent Hospital/network financials: 25 percent Physician compensation will change with MACRA as organizations can choose the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System or Alternative Payment Models moving forward. The MIPS performance category weighs 50 percent of compensation on quality, 10 percent on resource use, 15 percent on clinical practice improvement activities and 25 percent on advancing care information next year, weighing more heavily toward resource utilization in the future. For physicians overseeing midlevel providers, Mr. Rice described a stipend-based model delivering $1,000 to $2,000 per person and stepping down the compensation level with each additional person the physician oversees. "We've seen some big numbers for what physicians are paid for [supervision of midlevel providers]," Mr. Rice said. "We think that's a changing area." Houston-based The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center marked its 75th anniversary last week with a weeklong celebration from Nov. 7 to Nov. 14. During its sold-out gala Nov. 10, which raised more than $13.5 million, Vice President Joe Biden delivered remarks and the creation of the Beau Biden Chair for Brain Cancer Research was announced. The new research chair was named in memory of the vice president's son, Beau, who passed away in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer. He received treatment at MD Anderson in 2013. MD Anderson was established in 1941 as Texas' first cancer hospital. Since then, the hospital has treated more than 1.1 million patients. In 2016, it was ranked as the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. "As we celebrate the outstanding work of our colleagues over the past 75 years, we also look to the future with enthusiasm during this golden era of cancer research," said MD Anderson President Ronald A. DePinho, MD. "Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to confine cancer to history for the generations to come." To celebrate its more than seven decades of clinical care and research efforts, the cancer center planned an array of festivities to recognize patients and survivors, donors, volunteers, employees and faculty members. The schedule of activities included an employee recognition event, a cancer survivorship conference, the Boot Walk to End Cancer, commemorated by a 75th anniversary boot ornament designed by MD Anderson's Children's Art Project, a faculty convocation, an employee service awards banquet and a gala dinner underwritten by Camden, N.J.-based Cooper University Health Care. More articles on hospitals and physicians: Key thoughts on physician compensation in value-based healthcare 8 key trends in physician leadership Watchdog group charges UT Dell Medical School with misspending tax dollars To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan does not mind the idea of setting a hot line between Yerevan and Baku. Serzh Sargsyan announced in an interview with General Director of Rossiya Segodnya Dmitry Kiselyov that he supports the idea aimed at an operational response to the incidents on Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line. It is possible, if it will be of any good, if we respond to the incidents in an operational manner. For instance, someone opens fire on the contact line, and according to our information, the Azerbaijani are firing, so I pick up the phone and call the president of Azerbaijan and say someone is firing. And he checks the situation, Armenpress reports Sargsyan saying. The Armenian President states that it will be possible to bring the idea into life on the basis of reciprocal commitments. I would be ready to oversee and tell firmly if our soldiers are firing or no, of course, with the anticipation of receiving a similar attitude from the Azerbaijani leader, President Sargsyan said, adding that in 1990s there was such an attempt to set a hot line. We made such an attempt in early 1990s when I was the Defense Minister of Armenia. I had a direct connection with the Azerbaijani Defense Minister. In case of extreme cases we could contact each other, but now there is no such an opportunity, Serzh Sargsyan said. A leaked Cabinet Office memo suggesting Whitehall civil servants are overwhelmed with Brexit work could introduce fresh volatility into the markets, according to an investment expert in Northern Ireland. A report yesterday revealed a leaked Cabinet Office memo claiming Whitehall departments were working on more than 500 projects related to leaving the EU and may need to hire an extra 30,000 civil servants to deal with the increased workload. Jamesina Doble, director of investment management with Belfast-based wealth management experts Johnston Campbell, said: "If it is true, it puts the Government's Brexit plans further away, and the longer the uncertainty drags on, the less inclined businesses are to invest capital. In uncertain times, markets tend to over-react to every piece of news that comes out, so they are likely to become more unsettled and more volatile. "We have already heard that easyJet is setting up a parent company in mainland Europe. "The air industry is one of the more sensitive industries to be affected by Brexit as negotiation around routes and landing slots are carried out at EU level, so under Brexit, they won't have the same negotiating power." Leaked to The Times, the memo claimed "no common strategy has emerged" on Brexit between departments despite extensive debate among permanent secretaries. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he had no idea where the report had come from and denied that it was commissioned by ministers. An artists impression of what the new 100m healthcare site will look like at the Kings Hall A new healthcare facility planned for the King's Hall - the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland - will be able to treat 40,000 patients as part of a huge plan to relocate GP services in south Belfast, it can be revealed. The huge 16-acre site, which will include a care home, hotel and leisure areas, is aiming to be a "one-stop shop" for healthcare. Former Health and Social Care Board chief executive John Compton - a non-executive director - has said the 100m development will also help alleviate problems with A&E, with some ailments being dealt with at the King's Hall site. "Absolutely. If you are managing things like diabetes, for example, you could cut the number of admissions of people going to hospital, you could cut the number of drugs people are taking," he said. Funding is already in place, with plans due to be submitted early next year. And it's been revealed national elderly care charity Abbeyfield has been appointed to run the care home element. Benmore Healthcare Developments chief executive David Burrows said it is in "detailed discussions with two hotel operators" new to Northern Ireland. "Our view and strategy is to create this as an overall health and well-being park, led by primary care services, expanding that out with a care home, assisted living, putting a hotel on site to bring amenity into the area, multi-storey car park and then a plaza, a public space area, with cafe and restaurants, with a small element of independent health care," Mr Burrows said. "Effectively what we are doing is looking at relocating the existing Dunluce and Finaghy health centres, both of which have been in the community for a while." Mr Compton said that 75%-80% of residents in the Lisburn Road area who were involved in a consultation support the scheme. He said the current state of how Northern Ireland handles the care of older people is "not that good", and the new plans are in line with recommendations as part of the Transforming Your Care and Bengoa reports. "This is the sort of change that people want to see," he said. "What really changes is how we receive our healthcare, how you provide care for older people, and also do you create an opportunity at primary health and social care level, to do things differently," he said. He said the current GP surgeries at Finaghy and Dunluce Avenue are "not fit for purpose" and a green light for the move to relocate the services to the King's Hall development would come from the Health and Social Care Board. And Mr Compton said more than 70% of people currently using the two existing south Belfast surgeries will be closer to the new King's Hall site. "There isn't an issue in terms of travel," he said. "The majority of GPs have indicated that they want to come, you could have up to 40,000 patients using this one building. "Once you get that scale, you have the opportunity to manage the handling of diabetes differently, handling of chronic obstructive airways, all differently, and supporting people... around it you can put a support structure," he added. Banking giant HSBC has struck a deal to sell its Lebanon business to Middle East lender Blom Bank. The undisclosed deal is slated for completion during the first half of next year, with all affected staff switching to Blom. HSBC said the Lebanon operation included three branches and total assets of around 953 million US dollars (767 million). Shares in HSBC were down more than 1% on the London Stock Exchange. The announcement comes after HSBC said last week that pre-tax profits had tumbled 86% in the third quarter as it stomached a hefty hit from the disposal of its Brazilian business. Reported pre-tax profits hit 843 million US dollars (678 million) in the three months to the end of September, down from 6.097 billion US dollars (4.905 billion) over the period last year. Lebanon-based Blom recorded a net profit of 344 million US dollars (277 million) in the nine months to September this year. Chris Grayling said the Government is seizing the opportunity of HS2 to build a transport network fit for the 21st century Residents on a new housing estate who could lose their homes when HS2 is built have expressed their anger after the Government set out its preferred route for the second phase of the high-speed rail project. Ministers have suggested that the 55.7 billion railway should serve the existing Sheffield city centre station, after proposals to run trains to the Meadowhall shopping centre were shelved. But critics have warned this may mean the new Shimmer housing estate in nearby Mexborough could be bulldozed. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said he recognised t he difficulties faced by communities along the route and insisted they will be treated with " fairness, compassion and respect". He added that the compensation package will be introduced for people who will lose their homes which " goes over and above what is required by law". Phase 1 of HS2 is due to open in December 2026 and will see trains travel at high speed between London and Birmingham before running on from Birmingham on the existing West Coast Main Line. A second Y-shaped phase will open in two stages. Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will launch in 2027 and phase 2b, from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, will open in 2033. A number of properties on the Shimmer estate, a housing development of two and three-storey town houses situated on the banks of a canal, display anti-HS2 posters on their windows. Building work continues in one section of the site, while residents said some houses had been abandoned half-built. Leigh Smith moved on to the estate in June and said she found out about the HS2 plans just three weeks later. She told the Press Association: "We thought it was a joke. "We used absolutely every bit of money we could get to buy this, it's our first home. "I'm just devastated. We're all distraught. I've never seen my husband like it." She added that HS2 planners did not initially know the estate existed as it was so new it did not appear on maps. "My neighbour rang HS2 and our house isn't even recognised on the postcode yet, they didn't even know it was there," Mrs Smith said. "When they googled it, this wasn't here, it was just a piece of empty land." Another resident Rachel Ridler, 29, a charity fundraiser and mother of two, described the HS2 decision as "heartbreaking". She said: "I just couldn't believe it in the first place. I thought maybe it's just cutting a corner of the estate, maybe it won't be going through my house, maybe they've got mixed up, maybe it's not really happening. "But the more you look at it, the more you see that the whole of our estate is going to go and the more upset I got." An HS2 spokeswoman said the project's planners were aware of the Shimmer estate's existence when the revised route proposals were published in July, but Ordnance Survey maps used to illustrate the line had not been updated to show the housing development. She added: " We estimate that there will be approximately 16 potential demolitions based on the operational footprint of the railway at Shimmer, and we are committed to working with local residents to minimise the potential impacts. "All home owners on the Shimmer estate are entitled to receive compensation, providing 110% of the value of their home, should they choose to sell, plus associated moving costs and legal fees." Campaigners in Liverpool have warned that the city will be disadvantaged by the decision not to extend the high speed line there. Ed Cox, of think tank IPPR North, said HS2 "must go hand-in-hand" with plans to connect northern cities from Liverpool in the west to Hull and Newcastle in the east via HS3. The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on seven sections of the proposed route for phase 2b, which will run until March 9 next year. Maps showing a possible route for the northern section of HS2 were first released in January 2013. In June Whitehall spending watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that the project has an "unrealistic timetable" and was under financial strain. The Government has claimed that passengers travelling on the East Coast and West Coast main lines will benefit from more services and extra seats once HS2 is up and running although the current estimate for completion of all of phase 2 is not until 2033. Mr Grayling said: "The full HS2 route will be a game-changer for the country that will slash journey times and perhaps most importantly give rail passengers on the existing network thousands of extra seats every day." Andrew Weaver, chief executive of Strata - the firm that built the Shimmer estate, said: " Despite today's announcement regarding HS2's preferred, second-phase route, we are still left with a great deal of uncertainty whilst detailed consultations get under way regarding where to site the new Sheffield station, which impacts upon Mexborough and the Shimmer development. "Residents from Shimmer remain our priority as we continue to liaise with HS2 and the Department for Transport (DfT) to obtain clarity and answers to our questions. "We are back on-site following a commitment regarding partially-built properties and our focus remains on establishing a comprehensive plan to complete the development, so that our residents are not left living in an unfinished environment. "Throughout this frustrating and upsetting period, we will continue to keep residents from Shimmer updated on our progress and on any decisions, that are made." Pictured at the Dublin InfoSec2016 Conference at the RDS was (from left), Rik Ferguson, global vice-president of security research at Trend Micro, cyber-psychologist Dr Mary Aiken, Adrian Weckler, from INM, Sarah Harrison, from WikiLeaks, and Stephen Rae, Group Editor in Chief at INM The island of Ireland faces threats to its cyber-security from external operators given its role as a key gateway for US and EU trade, an expert has claimed. Joseph Carson, a cyber-security strategist at Thycotic, told the Dublin InfoSec 2016 conference at the city's RDS that the island's position as a key location in the international supply chain between the EU and the US made it a strong target for forces intent on disrupting trade between the two areas. Many US companies - such as call centre giant Concentrix - have made Northern Ireland their European base. Mr Carson issued his warning to the crowd at Ireland's first annual cyber-security conference held at the RDS. "Ireland is at risk of cyber-attack because of its key Atlantic position," he told the event. "Since Ireland is a key supply chain partner of US business, it is in the firing line for a major cyber-attack. The best defence is to decentralise." Mr Carson used the example of Estonia, a country which has been at the forefront of migrating to a digital society. While the country made its rapid digital transformation in the early years of the 21st century, the level of State information available online made it vulnerable to attacks from outside agents. Mr Carson insisted that the best way to combat the threat of cyber-attacks was to build digital alliances with allies overseas, which would mitigate the chances of an individual country becoming compromised completely by attackers. Mr Carson said that while cyber-terrorists were unlikely to target government bodies specifically, companies were likely to come under attack in the coming years. "Food supplies, fuel, utilities, and medical services are all potentially at risk from major cyber-war," he told the conference. "You have to be careful about the remedial response to these cyber-attacks - the action taken can cause further problems." The cyber-threat landscape is constantly shifting and, against that backdrop, a number of experts in the field gathered to speak at the conference on a range of related issues. Virtual payments security, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robots, ransomware and the internet of things were just some of the topics under discussion. The Republic's Deputy Prime Minister, Frances Fitzgerald, opened the event by saying that there were currently "huge challenges" around the issue of cyber-security. And Mr Carson said Ireland should use its role as a key technology hub to "step up" to the challenges posed by cyber-threats within the EU. He also said the country should become more involved with Nato's ongoing fight against the problem. Earlier this month, a cyber-raid on Tesco Bank resulted in 2.5m being stolen from 20,000 customer accounts. But experts have urged businesses and consumers to up their game to defeat cyber-criminals - and treat theft of money as a result of cyber-crime as they would theft of any other kind. Other speakers at yesterday's event, which was supported by Belfast Telegraph parent company INM, included WikiLeaks journalist Sarah Harrison and Eir chief information officer Erik Slooten. Carrie Fisher has claimed she had an "intense" affair with Harrison Ford during the making of Star Wars. The actress said she had a three-month romance with the Han Solo star - a married father-of-two at the time - which she kept secret for 40 years. Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, told People magazine: "It was so intense. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend." Fisher was 19 at the time of the alleged affair in 1976, 14 years younger than Ford, then 33. In an excerpt from her memoir, The Princess Diarist, Fisher said she and Ford spent their first night together following a birthday party for Star Wars director George Lucas. She wrote: "I looked over at Harrison. A hero's face - a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. "How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind." Fisher and Ford reunited on screen in 2015's Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. In the course of the original Star Wars trilogy, Fisher and Ford's characters fall in love. Ford, 74, has been married three times, divorcing his first wife Mary Marquardt in 1979. He separated from his second wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, in 2001 and the couple later divorced. Ford has been married to Ally McBeal actress Calista Flockhart since 2010. Fisher, 60, was previously married to musician Paul Simon. The Princess Diarist is released on November 22. Prince Harry is said to be considering hiring a retired Scotland Yard personal protection officer to guard his American girlfriend Meghan Markle, according to reports. Harry has already publicly stated, through his Communications Secretary Jason Knauf, how "worried" he is about her safety and "deeply disappointed" he has not been able to protect her. The statement released earlier this month by Mr Knauf described the "wave of abuse and harassment" Harry's girlfriend had been subjected to when news of their relationship first broke. Ms Markle lives and works in the city of Toronto where she films the hit series Suits - but has been besieged by the media over the past few weeks. The Evening Standard quoted a senior inside security source, who told the newspaper: "There have been initial discussions about this matter. "HRH has made it clear that he believes Miss Markle's personal safety is paramount and that the behaviour of some elements of the media and press has been grossly unacceptable." The paper claimed Harry was prepared to fund the protection himself. Members of the Royal Family can develop strong friendships with their protection officers and Harry could be in contact with officers he has known in the past. Kensington Palace declined to comment. Ms Markle was in London for a few days last week and it is thought she stayed with Harry at his home in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Staying with her royal boyfriend would have given her the protection and security Harry felt was lacking. It had been widely anticipated she would make an appearance with Harry at Twickenham on Saturday, when he attended England's rugby match against South Africa, but royal fans were left disappointed. Former royalty protection officer Ken Wharfe said employing an ex-personal protection officer would have obvious advantages over a security firm. He said: "The benefits are quite considerable, the royalty protection department is a highly unique department funded by the state. "Although you're not able to carry a firearm when you leave you still have the expertise and the contacts. Scotland Yard are likely to be more welcoming to an ex-protection officer than an outside body." He added that if the ex-officer was to work in North America he would probably receive the same professional respect from authorities because of his background. He added: "Whether Harry goes down that road I'm not certain, but one thing is certain Scotland Yard would not provide protection for Meghan Markle. "If he's so concerned about it he's fortunate to have the funds through himself or his family. There are royalty protection officers, retired, who have set up consultancies and who do work for members of the royal family." Nigel Kennedy has revealed he is considering moving to Berlin rather than continuing to live in "fascist" Britain. The maverick violinist, who lives between London and Poland, slammed June's Brexit vote for focusing on immigration over self-rule and independence from the EU. Dubbing the vote as "Brexshit" Kennedy told the Press Association: "There could have been a fantastic debate about Brexit if we had been talking about our autonomy. "I'm seriously considering Berlin as an option to try and go and live there if they will have me as a German citizen because I don't want to be part of a country which is so racist. And I don't mind using that word. "Everyone says Brexit isn't racist it kind of is racist if it is being built upon the premise of immigration and refugees." He added: "I would move to Poland but it is even more fascist than England." The 59-year-old, who next month will release an album of his compositions for the first time, said the music industry was in a "dangerous state" but heralded new technology for offering artists greater freedom. "It just seems like it is one big cartel which is very difficult for an artist to break through. "But at least the computer has made it that the distribution of music and communication of music is not under the control of record companies so I think that's a fantastic step forward." However Kennedy said he did not use a computer to develop or research his own music. "I've seen how sick it makes people and I prefer to get sick by doing a party than two hours on a computer. "I've seen what my wife looks like after two hours on the computer and it's kind of how I look after 12 hours of partying. I know which one I'm going to opt for." The musician, who shot to fame with his 1989 recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, said he took no interest in music programmes such as The X Factor. "I don't watch that type of shit because I think competition in music is completely against the spirit of it anyway. How can musicians compete against each other it's a collaborative art form? "A nd I think winning a competition is not necessarily fantastic even for the winner. "Let alone to be called a loser by some monkeys who can't even perform no more who are s itting behind a desk. T hat is incongruous. "It's going to send some people crazy and then they are replaced by another winner the next year so it doesn't even amount for a very long term result. You're in you're out." Kennedy, who is set to turn 60 next month, said he was enjoying music "more than ever", adding he was treating each gig "like it is the last one". "It helps you to appreciate the moment and give the most that you can for people that are turning up to hear it." :: Nigel Kennedy's new album, My World, will be released on December 23. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The development of military sciences and industry are the key basis of the nation-army concept, Armenpress reports Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan announced in a meeting with media representatives. The Minister reminded that last month a major arms expo was held in Yerevan. That was the first one, but all our partners assessed extremely high the products presented by Armenian companies. I was mostly inspired by the youth standing in their pavilions and presenting the findings of their researches. It is a huge potential and is highly promising for our military industry, the Minister said. Referring to the armament concept, the Minister noted that it was adopted at the beginning of 2016. The key factor of that concept is the prudent way of acquiring arms. I mean that you acquire arms not in a symmetric way, you do not acquire what your adversary has in the same volume, but analyzing the arms of the adversary, you understand what kind of arms for counter-measures and deterrence you should have. It is a complicated strategy, since it demands analysis, combination of factors and is also an issue of foreseeing, but on the other hand it is the way of raising effectiveness, the Defense Minister said. Chocolate is so last year. This festive season, you should be uncovering a pint-sized pampering present each morning with an Advent beauty calendar. Katie Wright rounds up the best on offer. Candy-filled Advent calendars may be delicious, but the sad thing is those chocs disappear rapidly as the days go by (while the sugar guilt doesn't). A box of 24 beauty treats, on the other hand, brings you weeks of fun as you play with all those make-up minis and finally get your hands on the skincare heroes you've been meaning to try for years. From surprisingly affordable to the seriously luxurious, these are the calendars that will ensure you wake up happy this Advent. Perfect for teens and tweens who are just starting to experiment with make-up, the Flutter Beauty Advent Calendar, currently 8, down from 12, Superdrug, is packed with eyeshadows, lip glosses and balms, all housed in an adorable pooch-covered package (www.superdrug.com). If hot, steamy baths are your favourite winter pastime, The Bomb Advent Calendar Gift Pack, 19.99, which contains a mix of fizzy bath blasters and scented soaps, is the one for you (bombcosmetics.co.uk). Now reduced from 25 to 20, the House of Fraser Exclusive Advent Calendar 2016, offers excellent value for money. Behind each door of the snowy department store box is a product from the Colour Couture make-up range, everything from brow pencils and mascara, to nail polish and glitter (www.house offraser.co.uk). Candles, eye masks, bath soaks and more... Sanctuary Let Go Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar, 25, Boots, has everything you need to counteract festive stress (and a few more treats besides), all 24 minis beautifully scented of course (www.boots.com). Worth more than 150, the No7 Bright Lights Big City Beauty Calendar, 39, Boots, is great to try out (or stock up on) the Protect & Perfect range, as it comes with five favourites from the line, as well as heaps of No7 make-up, so you can get glam for all those Crimbo parties (www.boots.com). So popular that it's sold out online, you'll have to head in store to get your hands on a L'Occitane Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar, 42, which contains many of the brands bestselling hand creams and a bevy of bathing miniatures too (www.loccitane.com) There's a bit of a catch here, because the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar, 35, is only purchasable when you spend 35 on clothing, beauty or home. But, since the Christmas-tree shaped edit of 25 branded beauty must-haves is worth a massive 250, we think it's totally worth it (www.marks andspencer.com). Featuring beloved brands like Dermalogica, Cowshed, Elemis and Philosophy, ASOS The Beauty Advent Calendar, 50, is as cool on the inside as it's marble-patterned exterior suggests. And with a total value of 175, it's a beauty junkie's idea of heaven (www.asos.com). For manicure maniacs, it simply has to be Ciate's Mini Mani Month, 50. The London skyline-themed calendar comes with one full size and 18 mini polishes, plus nail-art goodies and a limited-edition surprise, so you'll have months of perfect manis to look forward to (www. ciatelondon.com). BareMinerals debuted their first Advent calendar this year and boy, are we glad they did. Countdown to Gorgeous, 75, brings together 24 of the brand's make-up must-tries, including six gorgeous Marvelous Moxie lipglosses and the famous Lash Domination Mascara (www.bareminerals.co.uk). This year the Clarins Advent Calendar, 95, comes in a cute, candy coloured box. Featuring a selection of the brand's uber-effective skincare, plus make-up, bag charms and gift tags, the 24-piece haul is worth nearly 150 (www.clarins.co.uk). One of the first beauty brands to launch an Advent calendar, this year the Body Shop has a trio to choose from at 60, 80 and 99 price points, with every purchase helping to support rainforest preservation. The 24 Happy Days Ultimate Advent Calendar, 80, is a pretty pink box filled with bath and make-up minis worth 127.50 (www.thebodyshop.com). It's one of the most expensive Advent calendars on the market, but that hasn't stopped the Jo Malone Advent Calendar, 280, being extremely popular. At the time of writing, the luxurious 24-drawer townhouse was sold out online, but more stock is on the way and it's still available in boutiques. Nestled in each compartment, you'll find a fragrant little something from the iconic British brand, including candles, cologne and body creme (www.jomalone.co.uk). Television producer Catherine Ross has pulled the strings behind the scenes on some of the UK's most iconic and best-loved programmes, from Blue Peter to Top of the Pops. She's been to LA, worked with Spielberg, bought the broadcasting T-shirt. But these days you won't find her living it up in London. Having amassed a wealth of skills and experience in bringing factual shows to fruition, working with star name presenters and organising crews to get the job done, Ross has now retreated to her native Derry to work on a personal project that has the potential to change the lives of millions. Launched in 2015 and co-founded with former CultureTECH Festival director Mark Nagurski, Makematic is an educational platform that gives kids and teachers access to free instructive videos focusing on creative and digital skills. Ross felt an urge to do her own thing, become her own boss, after giving birth to her two children, Evan (3) and Florence (almost 2), with husband Paul after they married in 2010. Having produced traditional television programmes as a BBC staffer or freelancer for other, independent companies, moving online felt like the next logical step. "I feel a personal responsibility to create the kind of world I want my children to grow up in," says the 40-year-old. "Learning to be creative, and developing the technical skills to go with that, is something that we sometimes struggle to do inside formal education, but it is something that I'm passionate about as a parent. Digital technologies can help and they're accessible to anyone with an internet connection. That's the driving force behind Makematic." Ross's team has already delivered a range of exciting and informative videos on everything from illustrating characters and folding origami doves to building virtual worlds using Minecraft and writing and recording songs. The ambition is to pass on these skills to kids who may not have access to hands-on education or the means to pay for it in countries around the world. "Young people are learning that they don't just have to be consumers of content, they can be creators, too," says Ross. "They can make videos, share photos, tell stories and build fantastic worlds inside video games. "These kinds of activities help children express themselves, learn new skills and flex their creative muscles. We want to help foster the next generation of artists, creative entrepreneurs, filmmakers, teachers." Just recently, Ross and Nagurski bagged an impressive contract with the BBC to produce 80 videos for its Bitesize revision series, and there are plans afoot to work with educators and creatives plying their trade in LA and Hong Kong. It's been a remarkable rise for the start-up given that Ross and Nagurski have had to compete with other, more established production companies for contracts. "We both bring our own skills to the table," says Ross. "Mark's really focused on the big picture stuff, winning new business, speaking to investors and planning for the future. My job is production, making sure that the work we're producing is truly world-class and that we're attracting the right kind of talent to help us do that. "We both try to play to our strengths, but at the same time we're still a start-up, so when we need to get something done, it's all hands to the pump." Makematic is currently based in Londonderry's 8081 Workspace in the newly rejuvenated Ebrington complex. There, Ross and her team brainstorm ideas for content, and film some classes in the building's huge gallery spaces, which formerly played host to the Turner Prize in 2013. It all started, however, in more humble surroundings "with two laptops and a table" in a back room at the Playhouse Theatre. And the building on the city's Artillery Street is particularly close to Ross's heart. In fact, she spent much of her childhood there, painting walls, shifting chairs, enjoying shows and learning skills, after her mother, Pauline Ross, took over the management of the space and transformed it into the flourishing creative centre it is today. "Initially, my brother John and I didn't have much affection for the Playhouse," Ross reveals. "It took up all mum's time, was constantly demanding attention round the clock. For years, mum opened and closed the building herself and was always the last person walking out of that wee red door. But my resentment turned to curiosity and we reluctantly helped, and that sparked in me a connection with mum. The Playhouse really became a member of the family. "Mum and dad (John) brought me up to believe in myself, to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it, don't let failure put you off and stay positive, and, most importantly, believe in the power of prayer. I really do. "I could not be prouder of the job she did with the Playhouse, taking it from two derelict buildings to emerge from a 4.2m restoration." With creativity part of family life, Catherine grew up with a particular fondness for television. Looking back, her favourite shows were a roll-call of 80s classics: The A-Team, Quantum Leap, Dynasty, Dallas. "And I remember rushing home on Sunday from a Donegal drive to catch The Muppets." She subsequently developed a love for English language and literature, instilled by her "inspirational" teacher at Thornhill College, Mary Murphy, and was accepted into Manchester University to study the subject after an ill-fated dalliance with law. "I began a degree in Leicester but left after two months," Ross admits. "Awful subject, law, but that's what the psychometric tests in school do to people, they pigeonhole potential. Doctor, lawyer, nurse, vet, you get what you're given. But when I said I wanted to work in the media, they didn't take me seriously." Ross had the last laugh, of course, beating off stiff competition from 10,000 hungry hopefuls to bag one of only 10 spots on the coveted BBC trainee programme after graduating in 2000. However, she may never have filled in the application form if it weren't for her mother's kind words of support." "She told me, 'You're as good, if not better, than anyone else applying for this job', and that gave me great confidence. The application got through, so I set off for two days of interviews in Shepherds Bush, and when I was offered a place, it was genuinely better than winning the lottery. My life took off in all sorts of amazing ways after that." Ross followed the traditional route to the top, starting off as a runner printing scripts, greeting guests, making coffee for the talent, before graduating to broadcast assistant and eventually to producer. Her drive and love for the job saw her granted opportunities to produce the big guns, and she went on to become series producer on Tomorrow's World and other flagship programmes. "I have worked on some of the greatest shows with the greatest teams over the course of my career, and it's something I'm very proud of. One of the things I enjoy most is the fact that presenters I worked with 16 years ago, in particular Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates, have gone on to bigger things. They are everything that they appear to be on screen and more, but back then they were just starting out, like me. Seeing how they've become these massive stars is quite an experience. "I remember drunk dialling Fearne one New Year's Eve not so long ago because no one would believe I had her number in my phone, but as a producer I'm lucky enough to know and have worked with all sorts of people." Ross decamped to Washington for a time to work on BBC America after filming for CBBC at the iconic DreamWorks Animation Studios in California, where she met Academy Award-winning director and DreamWorks co-founder Steven Spielberg. "It was a competition winner film for CBBC, which I got to direct, following a kid who had drawn a new character for Shark Tale. The hotel, the car, the excitement, it was fantastic. It sparked a love of America and the following year I moved to Washington, living the dream." Despite the thrill of the US capital, memories of the city by the Foyle proved too emotive to ignore and Ross moved back home to Derry in 2009. She met her future husband, Paul, the following year and laid down roots that have kept her there ever since. It wasn't all plain sailing, though, as she was made redundant from a producer's job with an independent company in early 2015. "Six years in and bang, see you later, alligator," Ross jokes. "It's a cliched, cheese ball thing to say, but redundancy really was the best thing for me. It happened just before I was about to go on maternity leave. I had a huge baby bump, I was exhausted, feeling vulnerable and so at the time it felt like the harshest, most brutal thing that could have happened. But it wasn't. Sometimes you need a push to set you off to do your own thing. I needed to be thrown under a bus. It worked." With Makematic now taking up a lot of her time, Ross has little opportunity to indulge in her lifelong passion - watching TV - but she fits in the odd box set when she can. "We have just finished the entire series of Parks & Recreation, which is wonderful," she says. "And Westworld gives me the chills, in a good way. I haven't watched Black Mirror yet. An old friend of mine, the presenter Konnie Huq, is married to Charlie Brooker, the guy who wrote it, so I'll hopefully get around to it at some point." It is apt that Ross should mention the Netflix series, a collection of stand-alone stories written in response to a growing techno-paranoia gripping the Western world. Though her own children are not yet old enough to surf the net, or wield swords and AK47s in computer games like Grand Theft Auto, Ross is quick to downplay fears that so many parents have with regards to the digital future. "It is important that parents are aware of how their kids are spending their time online, but the best way to guard against anything unsuitable is to take a proactive and engaged approach," Ross argues. "Parents should spend time with their kids online, find suitable content that you're happy for them to engage with and, like anything else, make sure it's all in moderation. "There are lots of great websites, apps and tools online to help with this. The BBC Bitesize revision guides we will be producing with Makematic are a great example of the kind of resource we think will work for both students, young people and parents hoping to introduce their children to online content. "It's all part of the ethos that gets me up in the morning and keeps me working." One in three post-primary school students across Northern Ireland is receiving a standard of education that is "not good enough", inspectors have found. The figure is higher than the equivalent at primary schools, where inspectors found that 20% of pupils were receiving inadequate education. The alarming statistics came with a report published today by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI). ETI chief inspector Noelle Buick's 114-page investigation, which covers from 2014 until this year, also found, however, an overall improvement, including an increase in the GCSE pass rate and a narrowing of the gap between grammar schools and non-grammars. But it also uncovered some major issues, including: boys still under-performing, averaging 10% below girls in terms of the GCSE pass rate percentage, Protestant boys continuing to fall behind their Catholic counterparts at GCSE stage; non-attendance rates at post-primary schools remain "too high" at 6.6% (down from 7.1%); 26 schools remain in formal intervention; a postcode lottery in which the lowest GCSE pass rates were found in the Belfast and Causeway Coast and Glens areas, while the highest were in Lisburn and Castlereagh. Over the summer, the ETI inspected 659 educational facilities, including pre-schools, primaries, post-primaries, special schools, education other than at school centres, youth service facilities, work-based learning initiatives and educational centres in prisons. It found that approximately 20% of children in primaries and 30% of youngsters in post-primary schools were receiving a sub-standard education. "If this figure is translated to the early years and primary school population as a whole, 20% means that almost 35,000 children may not be getting a good enough education," the report said. "In post-primary, it would be more than 43,000. In total, just over 78,000 children may not be getting a good enough education." This fails the Department of Education's policy, named Every School a Good School, which aims for every school to be ranked at least 'good' or better. However, The GCSE pass rate improved, with the number achieving at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent (including GCSE English and mathematics, increasing by 2.5 percentage points since 2013-14 (63.5%), and by 6.9 percentage points since 2009-10 (59%). But the gap in achievement between those who receive free school meals (FSME) and those who do not was found to be not "closing sufficiently". It dropped from 33% in 2009-10 to 32.4% in 2014-15. Boys are still falling behind girls, the report found. "There is a difference of around 10 percentage points between the proportion of boys leaving non-grammar schools with five or more GCSEs and equivalent, at grades A* to C, including GCSE English and mathematics, and the percentage of girls achieving at this level," it said. In 201415, 40.3% of boys leaving non-grammar schools achieved this standard, compared to 50.7% of girls. The report continued: "There has been an improvement in the percentage of FSME boys in nongrammar schools achieving these important pathway qualifications, with an increase of over five percentage points from 2013-14 (20.7%) to 2014-15 (25.8%). "The gap between these boys in non-grammar schools and those not entitled to free school meals is still too great. Just over 70% of FSME boys in non-grammar schools do not achieve to the expected standard. The percentage of boys in non-grammar schools not entitled to free school meals not achieving at the same standard is 57.2%." Some 63.2% of those from minority ethnic groups achieved to the expected standard, but only 25.8% of looked-after children did, and the report noted a "persistent concern" that only 26.7% of FSME Protestant boys achieve five GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent, compared to 39.9% of equivalent Catholic boys. Ms Buick said that tackling the issues would require "much more joint working across government departments". "Too many pupils still receive an education that is not good enough," she added. "While more pupils are achieving overall, the gap between those entitled to free school meals and those not remains an issue. It is unacceptable that boys continue to under-perform in exams compared to girls." However, she emphasised the positives: "The percentage of pupils attaining three or more GCSE A levels at grades A* to C remained steady at around 65%. The proportion of school leavers, including those on free school meals, achieving at least five GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent, including GCSE English and mathematics, increased." Education Minister Peter Weir said that despite financial challenges, he was committed to tackling underachievement. He added: "It is clear from this report that there remain gaps in educational attainment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly pupils entitled to free school meals, boys and looked-after children. While there are some improvements more needs to be done by all of us to tackle this problem." Taoiseach Enda Kenny (right) with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Northern Ireland Economy Minister Simon Hamilton at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PA Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PA Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has denied frosty relations with Taoiseach Enda Kenny over Brexit - and has agreed to ramp up top-level talks over the coming months. In Mr Kenny's office for the first time, Ms Foster said the pair had a "good strong, mature relationship" which would develop more in the future. While she did not retreat from her strong pro-Brexit stance, she said the pair spoke about the "special history and geography" of Northern Ireland and that both hoped the European Union would continue to recognise that. Ms Foster will continue to snub an all-island Brexit forum arranged by Mr Kenny, and which first met earlier this month, but she suggested a compromise had been reached with increased cross-border ministerial meetings. "As the Taoiseach said, if we need to have more regular meetings of the North South Ministerial Council, then we will have more regular meetings," she said afterwards in Dublin's Government Buildings. The meeting lasted for around an hour and 20 minutes. The North South Ministerial Council was set up under the Good Friday Agreement peace deal and generally meets in plenary session just twice year. It will meet next on Friday in Armagh. Ms Foster dismissed suggestions of cold relations between her and Mr Kenny, adding that while there would not always be agreement between them, there was common ground to work on. Asked if they talked about seeking a special EU status for Northern Ireland after Brexit, she said: "We discussed the history and geography of Northern Ireland and the fact that the EU have assisted us in the past in relation to that history and geography and we will be talking about it over the coming months, as to how we can build on that past relationship and what that means for the future. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PA PA Taoiseach Enda Kenny (centre) with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Northern Ireland Economy Minister Simon Hamilton at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday November 15, 2016. See PA story IRISH Brexit. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA Taoiseach Enda Kenny (centre) with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster and Northern Ireland Economy Minister Simon Hamilton at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday November 15, 2016. See PA story IRISH Brexit. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Enda Kenny with Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster at Government Buildings in Dublin, where they are to discuss Brexit. PA "But the UK as a whole voted to leave the EU, we will leave the EU as a whole but that doesn't take away from the fact that we have a special history and geography here." On plans for Scotland's First Minster Nicola Sturgeon to address the Irish parliament next week, Ms Foster said she would "definitely consider" doing the same if asked. Mr Kenny said the pair found a lot of common ground and agreed to open continued lines of communication. The Ashers Baking Co outlet in Belfasts Royal Avenue Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In attendance is the DUP's Sammy Wilson. Photograph:Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Daniel and Amy McArthur with their baby daughter Elia Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Photograph: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Photograph: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker The cake at the centre of the Ashers row Daniel and Amy McArthur arriving at Belfast County Court to fight a challenge by Northern Ireland's Equality Commission following their refusal to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan. David Young/PA Wire Gareth Lee, whose lawyer put his side of the case to the court yesterday More than 2,000 people pack the Waterfront Hall to show support for Ashers bakery While not identical to the Ashers gay cake controversy, this story touches on some of the same themes and dilemmas Daniel McArthur, general manager of Asher's Bakery gives a statement to the media before entering court Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Ashers' Daniel McArthur with his wife Amy and his parents Colin and Karen behind leave Laganside Court after the case finished Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee receives a hug outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(right) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. The DUP's Paul Givan(second from right) and Edwin Poots(second from left) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Dr Michael Wardlow(left() from the Equality Commission and Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Daniel McArthur (L), managing director of Ashers Bakery and his wife Amy McArthur (R) hold a press conference as they outside Belfast high court alongside family members for the so called 'Gay Cake' case verdict on October 24, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission arrives at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy arrive at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel and Amy McArthur of Ashers Baking Company speak to the media at Belfast High Court, as judgment is due to be delivered on an appeal brought by the Christian bakers who were found to have discriminated against gay man Gareth Lee. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Daniel McArthur of Ashers with his wife Amy and parents pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy in October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker May 9, 2014: Gareth Lee, a member of the Queerspace gay rights advocacy group, places order at Ashers Baking Company on Belfast's Royal Avenue for a cake to be decorated with slogan Support Gay Marriage alongside the Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie. The order is accepted by Karen McArthur and payment of 36.50 is made in full. May 11: Mr Lee is telephoned and told the order cannot be completed. He is offered full refund. June 26: Northern Ireland Equality Commission writes to Ashers requesting that modest compensation be paid. July 7: The Christian Institute says it will back Ashers after the company declines to settle case. July 8: Alliance councillor Andrew Muir gives public support to the Equality Commission bringing the case. The cake was to be produced for an event which Mr Muir was hosting during his time as mayor of North Down. October 24: Equality Commission writes again to Ashers and puts bakery officially "on notice" of impending court action. November 13: DUP MPs William McCrea, Nigel Dodds and Sammy Wilson launch a petition in support of Ashers Bakery. December 8: DUP MLA Paul Givan launches a private members' bill in the Assembly urging the introduction of a "conscience clause" into equality legislation. March 13, 2015: DUP MEP Diane Dodds raises Ashers case in European Parliament. March 24: Hundreds of Christians attend a Christian Institute rally at Belfast's Waterfront Hall in support of McArthur family. March 26: Three-day civil suit opens at Belfast County Court before District Judge Isobel Brownlie. Mr Lee tells the court he felt like a lesser person when his order was declined. March 27: In evidence Ms McArthur, an Ashers director, said she took the order to avoid a confrontation in the shop but as a born-again Christian "knew in her heart" it could not be completed. Her son, Daniel McArthur, the general manager, tells the court his family could not compromise their deeply held religious beliefs. March 30: Judgment reserved. May 19: District Judge Isobel Brownlie rules in favour of the Equality Commission. The judge finds Ashers acted unlawfully and directly discriminated against Mr Lee due to his sexual orientation and political beliefs. She said Mr Lee was treated "less favourably", contrary to the law. The company is ordered to pay agreed costs of 500. May 23: The Republic of Ireland approves same-sex marriage following a referendum. June 10: Ashers announces it is to appeal against the judgment. June 13: Up to 2,000 people in Belfast city centre rally call for ban on gay marriage to be lifted. November 2: For first time, the majority of MLAs at Stormont vote to change law on same-sex marriage; proposal falls when DUP deploys a "petition of concern" to block it. Gay rights campaigners hail it as a victory. December 3: Two same-sex couples, Grainne Close and Shannon Sickles, and Chris and Henry Flanagan-Kanem, launch a landmark legal action in Belfast's High Court to judicially review the Assembly's refusal to legislate on same-sex marriage. February 3, 2016: An appeal hearing is halted at last minute by Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin who advises Stormont ministers on legal issues. March 3: Mr Larkin is allowed to make representations at the full appeal hearing. May 9: Appeal in case of Gareth Lee v Ashers Baking Company opens before Northern Ireland's Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and two other top judges in Belfast's Royal Courts of Justice. May 9: A lawyer for Ashers tells Court of Appeal the bakers believed it would be "sinful" to provide cake because the message was inconsistent with their deeply held religious beliefs. May 10: Robin Allen QC, barrister for the Equality Commission argued in court that many businesses printed messages they did not associate with, citing posters for election candidates. May 12: Attorney General John Larkin QC makes representations for first time to challenge the "coerced expression" argument. He called it a "very great wrong" to make someone say something conflicting with religious beliefs. May 12: Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan reserves judgment and says he will deliver a verdict as soon as practical. October 24: Ashers Baking Company return to hear the Appeal Court rule that their refusal to make a "gay cake" was discriminatory. Police are investigating the latest incident as hate-motived criminal damage, after the glass of the familys front door at Brae Hill Link was shattered by stones thrown on Tuesday night. PACEMAKER BELFAST 16/11/2016 Police are investigating a hate crime on a Filipino family in north Belfast - who say they have been targeted seven times in the past four weeks. The incident happened just after 8pm on Tuesday night at Brae Hill Link. Stones were thrown at their home shattering the glass of the family's front door. A PSNI spokesman said: "We are actively investigating and treating it as hate motivated incident. We believe this incident and a further incident reported in January 2016 that police have been made aware of, will be condemned by everyone in the local community. "We are therefore hopeful that information will be provided that will directly lead to those responsible being held to account. "The Police Service has identified hate motivated crime as one of its key priorities and would ask the public to report any incidents however apparently minor so we can address them at the earliest opportunity. "We have specialist officers who can support victims of hate crime and we will be doing so in this case. Speaking to the BBC, Memet and Cleo say their two children have been left frightened following the attacks. Cleo Enriquez, (39), a biomedical scientist originally from the Philippines, said her family have been left feeling scared and stressed. She said: "The truth is I don't really know why we are being targeted. We just leave the house in the morning and return at night time. "We just work, our house is quiet. The only thing we can think of is that we are different. "You don't like to think it is racially motivated but that is the only thing we can think of." Mrs Enriquez, her husband Memet, a nurse, and their two children aged eight and 15 have lived in the property for more than a decade. After an attack last year, they installed CCTV. DUP Deputy Leader and north Belfast MP Nigel Dodds condemned the attacks. He said: "This is a deplorable act upon a family who have made Belfast their home for the upwards of 14 years. Nobody should be subjected to this level of intimidation in their home and I utterly condemn those responsible. "This family contribute much to society here in Northern Ireland, living and working here. I believe this is the seventh attack on the family, who have two children and it is very disappointing that individuals think it is acceptable to act in this way. They do not represent the Ballysillan community. "The majority of people do not want to see this type of activity in Northern Ireland and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police." Failings within the Belfast Health Trust led to the "tragic and needless" death of a beloved family man, an inquest has heard. Alfie Hannaway (61) died weeks after undergoing major heart surgery. The father-of-eight from west Belfast had been taking the blood-thinning drug Warfarin before and after his surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in August 2013. But a number of communication errors within the trust following his discharge from hospital led to Mr Hannaway's Warfarin dosage being double what it should have been. This caused excessive bleeding into the brain and on September 23, he was re-admitted to hospital, where he died of a haemorrhage. Belfast Coroner's Court yesterday heard how an investigation carried out into his death identified a number of failures. They included the failure of the cardiac team to alert the Warfarin Clinic about Mr Hannaway's surgery, as well as a mistake on his discharge letter which said his Warfarin management was in the care of his GP. The court had previously heard how Mr Hannaway's Warfarin dosage was written down in a 'yellow book', which records the monitoring of the medication. Upon leaving hospital, he was given a new yellow book with a lower dosage of Warfarin. However, his old book, which contained the high dosage level, remained in his possession. District nurse Josephine McDonald visited Mr Hannaway at his home and took his blood sample. It was sent it to the RVH with a copy of his old book. These were used to calculate the wrong Warfarin dosage. Staff nurse Pauline Hanna, who works at the Warfarin Clinic, said she was not aware of Mr Hannaway's surgery when she prescribed the dosage. Coroner Joe McCrisken said the nurses acted "correctly and reasonably" with the information they had. "The real issue here is that both nurses were working within a system that was disjointed and prone to errors," he said. "These weaknesses combined together resulted in the tragic and needless death of Alfie. It would be unfair, having heard all the evidence, to level criticism at any one individual." The coroner said that Mr Hannaway's death was due to the inappropriate dosage of Warfarin, which caused excessive bleeding into the brain combined with high blood pressure. The inquest heard that major lessons were learned following his death. The Belfast Trust no longer gives patients on Warfarin a second yellow book and if one is misplaced, a temporary yellow card is used instead and new discharge letters are also issued. The new Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record was praised as a "fantastic asset" and was said to be an "important step forward" within the trust. "His death resulted in a number of significant and positive actions, but there remains further work to be done," coroner McCrisken added. He said the previous system was open to mistakes. Speaking outside court, Mr Hannaway's daughter, Marie-Therese, said: "This doesn't end for us as a family, we miss Daddy as much as the first day that we lost him. "We are devastated by his death." His son, also called Alfie, said: "If they (health trust) can see that their policies are wrong, they should be upfront about it and they should be apologising to the families." The coroner said he hoped his findings will enable them to properly grieve and hoped lessons had been learned to prevent further deaths in the future. There were tense exchanges at the meeting chaired by Ian Paisley Professor Peter Shirlow, director of the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool, said dissidents had been handed a token to promote their anti-EU, anti-British message. Brexit has provided a boost for dissident republicans opposed to the Northern Ireland peace process, MPs have been told. The UK's vote to leave the European Union is being used as a rallying call by groups trying to get a grip on communities unhappy with the referendum result. Professor Peter Shirlow, director of the Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool, said dissidents had been handed a token to promote their anti-EU, anti-British message. He said: "If you look at the dissidents, Brexit has been a boost to them in terms of their organisational capacity." Prof Shirlow was among three leading academics giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee at Westminster which is examining the future of the land border with the Republic of Ireland. He added: "There was a settlement which may be altered by the oncoming of Brexit. What we know about our society is that there are people who are sectarian entrepreneurs or conflict entrepreneurs. "If we look at the evidence we have, they are clearly using this as an opportunity to rally. "They are small groups, they are very unpopular groups, but there is also other evidence in some areas that people are moving to these groups. "There is a section of our society which is rubbing its hands at Brexit for its own ends and they are entrepreneurs who will try to use that propaganda to influence young minds." Earlier this month Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable George Hamilton expressed concern about the possible loss of European Arrest Warrants. In a written submission to the House of Lords, the senior officer said there had to be international legislation to allow police on both sides of the Irish border to effectively tackle organised crime. The committee was told co-operation around security issues would be limited after Brexit. "Clearly the PSNI and Northern Ireland Policing Board have very, very strong concerns," added Prof Shirlow. During the two-hour meeting there were some tense exchanges between SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell and Democratic Unionist Ian Paisley, who was chairing the session. At one point the Mr McDonnell rose to his feet to express outrage when evidence on self identity was branded "for the birds" and "scaremongering" by Mr Paisley. Michael Dougan, professor of European law at the University of Liverpool, told MPs that possible changes to the UK's immigration policy could have huge ramifications. He said: "If a future UK immigration policy were to change and Irish nationals were to be lumped together with ordinary EU nationals and subject to a much more restrictive immigration regime, that poses real problems for Northern Ireland, because the Good Friday Agreement says that you can self identify as British-Irish as a dual citizen and that will be respected come what may. "If you have a differential immigration regime for residency, for employment, for social security, for health, where Irish nationals are treated differently to UK nationals, you are basically forcing a significant section of the population of Northern Ireland to change their self identification because it is very difficult to see how those differences could be enforced." Deflecting Mr Paisley's criticism that his comments were "hypotheticals", the professor added: "Several months ago, who would have thought we would have voted to leave the EU - hypotheticals can come true." A prisoner who took his own life in Maghaberry yesterday is understood to be killer Barry Cavan, who was serving a life sentence for the savage murder of a busker in 2012. Cavan was the second prisoner to have taken his own life in the high-security jail in two weeks - and there are fears that more inmates could die at the under-pressure prison. Cavan, a known alcoholic and drug addict, stabbed his neighbour David 'Dee' Corr (24) 39 times in March 2012 over an argument about loud music. He had been living in the flat above his victim in the Cuchulainn House tower block in the New Lodge area. He had drank seven litres of cider and sent a text message to his friend of his intentions to kill popular skateboarder Corr. After calling 999, Cavan confessed when officers arrived on the scene. "There's nothing justifies it - I killed him," he said. "I went down with a knife with the intention of killing him. I didn't think I would actually do it. I just lost it." One year later, Belfast Crown Court judge Mr Justice Weir said it was a "brutal, merciless, senseless killing" and sentenced Cavan to at least 13 years in jail. In August 2015, a prison officer was hospitalised with multiple fractures to his face and hands after being attacked Mr Cavan, then aged 27. Last night the Prison Service confirmed the death of an inmate, adding that the next of kin have been informed. The service expressed sympathy to the family and said the PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman would conduct an investigation into the death. When Cavan was sentenced in 2013, Mr Justice Weir said the defendant had tried to commit suicide, suffered episodes of self-harm and abused drink and drugs from an early age. He added this had led to alcohol dependency and a diagnosis of a personality disorder. Ulster Unionist MLA and justice spokesperson Doug Beattie expressed his deep regret at the death and called conditions in Maghaberry a "desperate situation". "No matter what he was in prison for, he had the right to be cared for and kept safe - even from himself," he said. Finlay Spratt chair of the Prison Officer's Association said he feared more prisoners would die. "The Justice Minister (Claire Sugden) needs to catch herself on," he added. "We don't have enough prison officers. You can reduce cost but you'll not stop these deaths. We're supposed to be there to supervise these prisoners, but we can't do the impossible." Emmanuel Macron, former French Economy Minister, leaves after a news conference in Paris, France, October 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] PARIS - France's former economy minister Emmanuel Macron will announce on Wednesday his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election, news channel BFMTV reported on Tuesday. Macron, 38, will hold a news conference Wednesday morning at a training centre in the city of Bobigny, to launch his presidential bid, according to the report. The former investment banker joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted economy minister Arnaud Montebourg. Two years after, he quit his post to focus on his political career. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) , vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory". A recent Elabe survey showed that Macron would garner 27 percent of votes in the first round of election, outpacing President Francois Hollande who is expected to collect just 12 percent of the votes. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received on November 16 Bridget Brink Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of U.S. State Department, who is in Armenia in the sidelines of a regional trip. At the beginning of the meeting the President congratulated the guest on the presidential elections in the USA and the election of a new President and stated that Armenian-US political dialogue will not only continue under the new US administration, but will be further fostered. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan mentioned with satisfaction that in the recent period an activation of mutual visits can be noted, which itself positively influences the deepening of bilateral cooperation in the spheres of politics, economics as well as other domains. The Armenian President highly appreciated the assistance by the US government to Armenia for many years aimed at the development of economy, establishment of democratic institutions and civil society, without which it would be difficult to imagine the existing evident progress in these spheres. Anyway, according to the President, the potential and the desire to develop bilateral relations is far more, therefore, it is necessary to further activate efforts in that direction, creating new formats and platforms for dialogue. Bridget Brink stated that on the eve of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two states it is possible to record with determination the productive bilateral partnership between Armenia and the USA, as well as cooperation in international organizations. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of U.S. State Department assured that the new US administration will continue being interested in the developments in the South Caucasus, and will also continue to remain committed to the implementation of the recent agreements of confidence building for Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. The interlocutors exchanged ideas over the opportunities of future development of Armenian-US relations. At the request of the guest the President of Armenia presented the political and economic priorities and the positions of the Armenian side on Nagorno Karabakh peace process. There have been four suspected suicides in Maghaberry prison this year A second suspected suicide of an inmate at Maghaberry jail in two weeks has prompted a call for major Prison Service reform. Life sentence prisoner Barry Cavan, from north Belfast, died in the high-security jail on Tuesday evening. His death came in the same month that 44-year-old remand prisoner Gerard Mulligan, from Lisburn, killed himself. There have been four suspected suicides in Maghaberry, near Lisburn, this year. Ulster Unionist Assembly member Doug Beattie voiced concern that "under-investment" and management issues were contributing to a negative environment in the prison. He cited a recent episode of industrial action by prison staff protesting over pay and conditions. "How many more prisoners have to lose their lives before our Executive realises there is an issue in our prisons and with our Prison Service that will not go away until decisive and strategic action is taken," Mr Beattie said. The acting director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), Phil Wragg, described the death as an "absolute tragedy". He said he was unable to provide an assurance that there would be no suicides in the future. "No prison service anywhere in the world could give anybody that assurance," Mr Wragg told BBC Radio Ulster. He said the service took its duty of care to prisoners "very seriously". Mr Cavan, who was in his late 20s and from the New Lodge area, was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years after he admitted the 2012 murder of neighbour David Corr in a frenzied knife attack. The NIPS said: "The next of kin have been informed and the Prison Service has expressed their sympathy to the family. "The PSNI, coroner and prisoner ombudsman will conduct a full investigation into the death." Raymond McCourt revealed he applied for an Irish passport following the Brexit result. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye A victim campaigner's claim that Brexit cannot be triggered without the consent of the Northern Ireland public is a "fantasy argument", the Court of Appeal has heard. Attorney General John Larkin QC insisted one of the grounds of challenge advanced by Raymond McCord should not go before the Supreme Court. Mr McCord is seeking to join a cross-party group of MLAs in having failed legal challenges to the UK's departure from the European Union referred directly to justices sitting in London. Both actions involved claims that the British Government cannot use royal prerogative powers to begin EU withdrawal without an Act of Parliament. But Mr McCord, whose son was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries, further contended that the 1998 Good Friday Agreement means Northern Ireland's constitutional status cannot change without the agreement of its people. As his lawyers began attempts to have all matters of devolution in his case referred to the Supreme Court, the Attorney General submitted that the issue on requiring public consent has already been dismissed as unsustainable He told appeal judges sitting in Belfast: "It's a fantasy argument, and ought not to take up the time of this court and far less the Supreme Court." Mr Larkin has already taken the unprecedented step of issuing a notice that four devolution points raised in the Stormont politicians' case are worthy of further judicial consideration. His move is expected to result in their challenge being referred directly to the Supreme Court. And he accepted that the same four grounds also featured contained in Mr McCord's action. Adjourning the hearing, Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan asked counsel for the campaigner to redraft points raising a possible notice of devolution. If the case is permitted to "leapfrog" the Court of Appeal and go directly to the Supreme it could join up with the Government's challenge to a ruling by the High Court in London that only Parliament can trigger Brexit. That hearing is set to get underway early next month. Prime Minister Theresa May is set to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process for confirming the UK is to leave, by the end of March 2017. Even though the June 23 referendum backed Brexit, a 56% majority of voters in Northern Ireland wanted to remain. Last month a High Court judge in Belfast rejected separate challenges by Mr McCord and the MLAs. During the original three day hearing it was contended that the move is illegal without first securing Parliamentary authorisation. But the judge identified no limits to the use of prerogative power for announcing intentions to quit the EU. Mr McCord claimed they have a legal right to resist being forced out. His lawyers argued that the Good Friday Agreement has given the Northern Irish public sole sovereignty to decide on their future. They also predicted Brexit would have a "catastrophic effect" on the peace process, causing constitutional upheaval amid renewed calls for a united Ireland. The MLAs, including Alliance MLA David Ford, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Sinn Fein Assemblyman John O'Dowd and Steven Agnew of the Green Party, also sought to judicially review the British Government's move towards quitting the EU. In a case backed by representatives of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland, they insisted an Act of Parliament is required before Brexit can take place. They further contended that the Stormont Assembly should be consulted and asked for its consent. A consultation is being launched on whether to extend the use of non-jury trials in Northern Ireland for another two years, the Government has announced. Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire conceded trial without jury is not ideal, but said the continued threat of terrorism make them necessary "in a small number of cases". Provisions to allow non-jury trials, contained within the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, will expire on July 31 next year unless they are extended. Mr Brokenshire announced the 12-week consultation in a written ministerial statement. He said: "Today in Northern Ireland, there is a strong presumption for jury trials in all cases, with less than 2% of all Crown Court cases per year held without a jury. "However, the severe threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism and the presence of violent paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland continues to pose risks to the criminal justice system which can necessitate non-jury trials in a small number of cases. "This Government remains fully committed to seeing an end to non-jury trials in Northern Ireland, when safe and compatible with the interests of justice. There are no limits to the number of times non-jury trial provisions under the 2007 Act may be extended. "However, the temporary nature of the provisions reflects the Government's view that this is an exceptional system that ought to be reviewed on a regular basis and be kept in force for as short a time as necessary to uphold the effective administration of justice." Council leaders in Northern Ireland are backing calls for more powers to be handed to them in the aftermath of Brexit Council leaders in Northern Ireland are backing calls for more powers to be handed to them in the aftermath of Brexit. The NI Local Government Association (NILGA) has joined its counterparts in Great Britain to warn against any new constitutional settlement being decided only at Westminster. NILGA president Arnold Hatch argued that the fall-out from EU withdrawal should be guided by the principle of more localised decision-making. His warning came in a joint statement with Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association; Councillor Phil Bale, Leader of European Affairs for the Welsh Local Government Association; and Councillor David O'Neill, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. The four regional leaders also called for constitutional talks with Prime Minister Theresa May's government on the framework underlying any new settlement. "The EU referendum gave a clear signal that views on politics, growth and prospects differ widely across the UK," they said. "Recasting the position of local government and broadening the scope of decision-making across the UK is the only way to meet the different needs of our different communities. "It also exposed a sense, among some, of feeling distanced from decision-making and disconnected from the political process, and has sparked a debate about the UK and our constitutional settlement." The councils also want a guarantee in Chancellor Philip Hammond's forthcoming Autumn Statement that they will receive their full share of EU funding by 2020 "to prevent flagship infrastructure projects from stalling". A motorist who admitted speeding on country roads has been banned from driving for a year. As well as fining 30-year-old Hugh Francis Murray 300, with a 15 offender levy, District Judge Mark Hamill told him he "thoroughly deserved every minute" of his 12-month ban. The judge added at Newtownards Magistrates' Court that before the defendant was allowed to get behind the wheel of a car again, he would have to re-sit his driving test. Murray, from the Parsonage Road in Kircubbin, earlier pleaded guilty to a single charge of dangerous driving on the South Circular Road in Bangor on September 17 this year. A prosecuting lawyer told the court that a police patrol had spotted a Nissan and a Vauxhall Corsa racing each other on the South Circular Road. The lawyer added that as the cars sped out towards Donaghadee, the police had to accelerate to speeds of up to 90mph just to catch up. While they managed to stop Murray while he was still behind the wheel of his Nissan, the Corsa driver managed to flee the scene of the incident and has yet to be identified. Defence barrister Conor Holmes said that while Murray accepted his driving was dangerous, he was "adamant" that he had not been racing. He added that his client said he did not know the other driver, and while he would argue that he did not reach 90mph, "he doesn't dispute" what the PSNI officers said. Imposing the driving ban, Judge Hamill told Murray that if he had not pleaded guilty, he would have faced an 18-month disqualification. A drug addict who stole a Pretty in Pink breast cancer charity collection box, has been ordered to pay 50 to the charity. Newtownards Magistrates Court District Judge, Mark Hamill, also told James Francis O'Brien that he wanted "50 up front, in cash" by January adding, "I'll give you a conditional discharge for two years." Earlier, O'Brien (35), originally from the Republic but now living at Dufferin Avenue in Bangor, had pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the charity box and stealing it on August 11. A prosecuting lawyer told the court that staff at the Post Office on Bangor Main Street, saw the box being stolen from the counter, so contacted the police. When CCTV footage was checked, O'Brien was identified as the thief who had been in the Post Office in relation to his unemployment benefit. Arrested and interviewed, O'Brien quickly confessed. The death is the second in two weeks at Maghaberry A prisoner has died inside Maghaberry high security jail in Northern Ireland. The death is the second inside the facility near Lisburn in two weeks. The Northern Ireland Prison Service confirmed the latest fatal incident in a statement. "The next of kin have been informed and the Prison Service has expressed their sympathy to the family," it said. "The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman will conduct a full investigation into the death." A prisoner has died at Maghaberry jail in Co Antrim. The Northern Ireland Prison Service confirmed the latest fatal incident in a statement. "The next of kin have been informed and the Prison Service has expressed their sympathy to the family," it said. "The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman will conduct a full investigation into the death." The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, coroner and prisoner ombudsman will now begin an investigation into what happened. It is the second death at the prison in two weeks. Read More His funeral service was held on Wednesday at St Agnes Church in Belfast. Ulster Unionist MLA and Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie expressed his "deep regret" after another death at the facility. Mr Beattie said: "Tonight we are hearing about the death of yet another prisoner who should have been cared for and safe within a prison. No matter what he was in prison for, he had the right to be cared for and kept safe - even from himself. "Again prison officers will be under the microscope and their actions analysed. That is the right process and we must allow the Prison Ombudsman to go about his job. But right now I cant help but think that under investment in people, those who are at the prison coalface day after day is fuelling this desperate situation. "At Justice Ministers Question Time on Monday I asked the Justice Minister if the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) and prison reform was in freefall due to poor management and low morale. My question was based on the facts that in the last ten days we have seen prison officers withdraw their labour in HMP Maghaberry, the death of an inmate, an Ombudsmans report on the death of another inmate, a continued manning crisis and now a five day ballot amongst prison officers for industrial action. "Naturally the Minister said no it was not in freefall, sighting the actions she was taking to improve the situation and in fairness I believe she was genuine in her response. "However, at present the Prison Service is understaffed by 192 officers, not counting the large number of long term sick and absent. This lack of numbers means that minimum staffing levels for a prison of 900 each evening is just 31 officers and that figure is regularly not maintained. "The Prison Officers Association (POA) at HMP Maghaberry has already raised the alarm bells with the First Minister, the Justice Minister and the Prison Management Board but each time they have been ignored. For the last two weeks I have been pressing the Department of Justice in relation to safety concerns identified by the POA. It has been raised on the floor of the Assembly, the Justice committee and directly with the Justice Minister. "How many more prisoners have to lose their lives before our Executive realises there is an issue in our prisons and with our Prison Service that will not go away until decisive and strategic action is taken. Underinvestment in staff, an autocratic management style which does not listen to the concerns of the rank and file, as well as poor terms and conditions are leading to a service with low morale is low and poor staff retention. "Again I call on the First Ministers to show strategic responsibility for one of their government Departments, for the Justice Minister to force the Prison Management Board to implement the safety recommendations raised by the POA and finally for the Department of Finance to find the resources to staff the Prison Service correctly with investment in people on terms and conditions of service as envisaged in the 2014 Staff Deployment Agreement. "Until such time as there is corporate responsibility from our Executive, we will continue to find ourselves passing our condolences on to families grieving the loss of loved ones within our prison regime." Little Zak on pitch at Windsor last night with his dad Gareth and NI star Aaron Hughes The family of a Belfast boy suffering from a rare form of cancer made a desperate appeal at Windsor Park last night for funds to send him to America for treatment. Zak Brennan (4) was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma last September, just before his third birthday. It is a rare and aggressive cancer that mostly affects children and babies, but has no known cure. After more than a year of various therapies, Zak's current treatment in Belfast will be ending early next month. However, he has been approved for a two-year clinical trial in the US after his current treatments are finished. His dad Gareth said the treatment in Michigan is meant to prevent a relapse, a common risk with Neuroblastoma. "It does have a very, very high relapse percentage which carries a poor prognosis if he does relapse," Gareth explained. "Being a very aggressive cancer, it can turn up at any time. "The first two years is the most critical time for relapse. We really don't want this to happen, so this trial, the aim and intention for it, is to prevent that happening." Zak will start the trial in January. It will require him and his family to travel to the US every 12 weeks. But Gareth said they are determined to do everything they can to help him. "It's a lot of travelling, but if it does what it's meant to do and it stops it from coming back, we'll do it. It's a short-term pain," Gareth added. "The treatment isn't free, and a fund set up to raise money to cover the cost has already reached 80,000, but more is needed. The NHS doesn't fund it, and the cost for it is 134,000. We had found this out only three weeks ago," Gareth said. When they discovered the cost, Gareth and Zak's mum, Leeanne, launched the Zakky Brennan Fund to raise the money before his treatment is due to start on January 2. And last night, the family turned to the legendary generosity of Northern Ireland fans during the friendly match between the team and Croatia, holding a collection at Windsor Park alongside charity Solving Kids' Cancer. "Zak is a huge Northern Ireland fan and the Green and White Army are the best and most generous supporters in the world," Gareth said. He added that handling the fundraising has been stressful, but has given the family a sense of control. "With Zak and his illness you feel very much out of control. We have no control over what happens," he explained. "The doctors and nurses here in Belfast are absolutely fantastic. They're worth their weight in gold. They're brilliant. And they do keep you informed every step of the way, what's happening, what's coming next, what to expect. But... you felt helpless. So this (fundraising) was maybe a way that we could feel we were doing something, we were contributing and helping in some sort of way." Gareth praised the community for its support, with local businesses and celebrities also pitching in. He added: "We're just remaining optimistic that we can hit the target." For more information, visit the website, solvingkidscancer.org.uk/appeal/zakky/ YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian exports in the period of January-September, 2016 amounted to 1 billion and 293.1 million USD. As Armenpress was informed from the National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia, this is an increase of 19.6% against the same period of the previous year. At the same time, the imports to Armenia have declined by 0.8%, amounting to 2 billion and 295 million USD. Trade turnover amounted to 3 billion and 588.1 million USD, which is an increase of 5.7% against the same period of 2015. The case of Christian bakers found to have breached equality laws by refusing to make a pro-gay marriage cake is set to go before the UK's highest court. Last month, Court of Appeal judges in Belfast upheld an original judgment which ruled that Ashers bakery had discriminated against a gay activist for declining his order for a cake bearing the slogan "Support Gay Marriage". Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin has now informed the judges that he intends to invoke his power to refer the case to the Supreme Court. Under the terms of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act, Stormont's chief law officer can ask the Supreme Court to rule on issues related to devolution. Mr Larkin has decided elements of the Ashers case fulfil that criteria. A spokeswoman for the Attorney General said: "I can confirm that the Attorney General has, pursuant to paragraph 33 of Schedule 10 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, served notice identifying a number of devolution issues." The McArthur family owns and runs Ashers. The devout Christians had been considering mounting a Supreme Court challenge in their own right but had expressed doubt such a legal avenue was open to them. A door that had been previously closed to the family could now well open as a result of Mr Larkin's decision. The family had also been assessing the potential of taking their case to the European Court of Human Rights. The controversy first flared when Gareth Lee, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, ordered a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia. He placed the order in person at Ashers' Belfast city centre branch in May 2014. It was accepted and he paid in full but, two days later, the company called to say it could not proceed with the cake due to the message requested. In the original court case, District Judge Isobel Brownlie ruled that religious beliefs could not dictate the law and ordered the firm to pay damages of 500. Mounting an appeal, Ashers contended that it never had an issue with Mr Lee's sexuality, rather the message he was seeking to put on the cake. The business said the slogan was inconsistent with their deeply held religious beliefs. The appeal was heard before three senior judges at Belfast's Court of Appeal in May, with the reserved judgment delivered in October. In delivering their ruling, Northern Ireland's Lord Chief Justice, Sir Declan Morgan, said Ashers had directly discriminated. He rejected the argument that the bakery would be endorsing the slogan by baking the cake. Mr Larkin does not need judicial authority to make a direction to the Supreme Court. However judges can assess whether a specific case meets the relevant conditions for referral. The matter is due to be addressed before judges in Belfast next week. UDA boss Dee Stitt has returned to work with the publicly funded ex-prisoners' organisation Charter NI. The Irish News reports that the loyalist will return to work as Chief Executive in the 35,000 a year post on Wednesday morning. It comes amid growing pressure on Stitt to step down after he was pictured alongside First Minister Arlene Foster after Charter NI was awarded 1.7m in public funding. That pressure intensified following an interview with the Guardian in which he described flute band the North Down Defenders as "homeland security" protecting his territory "from anybody". It was then revealed he was embroiled in a stand-off with his employers at Charter NI after withdrawing his offer to resign as its chief executive. Stitt threatened to rescind the offer after the Belfast Telegraph revealed the face-saving deal - accusing internal opponents of leaking the details in a "dirty-tricks" campaign to undermine him. First Minister Arlene Foster and DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson later said they understood Stitt had stood down as Charter NI chief executive. Stitt also apologised for the comments. Read More On Wednesday, The Irish News reported sources that said Stitt was adamant he would remain in his post. "The DUP aren't Charter NI, they should never have announced a resignation when the board hadn't even met to discuss it," said the source. In a statement Charter NI said Stitt remained its chief executive. It said: "Following publication by the Guardian on-line of an extract of an interview given by our chief executive the board of Charter NI confirmed our view of the unacceptability of the statement made and the language used. "Our chief executive recognised his error of judgement and apologised immediately for the content of the interview. We have now completed an internal review process in line with our company procedures and best employment practice." The statement continued: "As indicated in our previous statement this process and its outcomes are confidential in keeping, again, with best employment practice. "As a board we have been deeply concerned about the damaging impact of media attention over the past weeks which has brought Charter NIs unblemished record and achievements for our communities into question. "Our staff continue to work hard to improve the life opportunities for people in east Belfast and North Down, and the board wish to pay tribute to them during this testing period. "We take our governance responsibilities extremely seriously ensuring that all aspects of this organisation are beyond reproach, as has been evidenced by all statutory monitoring, evaluation and vouching, and independent professional financial auditing." Charter NI was initially set-up to help UDA ex-prisoners, but it has expanded rapidly in recent years with millions of pounds in government funding. Stitt's UDA gang in north Down has been linked to drug dealing, racketeering and intimidation. Among the gangs victims was community worker Aaron McMahon, who was attacked with hammers for opposing an illegal UDA bonfire. The notorious loyalist served a five year prison term for an attempted UDA armed robbery in the 1990s. In 2008, Stitt was back before the courts charged with kidnapping a man in Bangor and threatening to kill him after he was discovered in the boot of a car. However, the case against him and two co-accused was later dropped. In a 2013 radio interview he confessed to being a UDA member from the age of 15. Prior to the Guardian interview, in a statement he told the Nolan show his paramilitary life which he had been a part of, was in his past. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called for Charter NI chief executive and UDA boss Dee Stitt to reconsider his position. It comes as it emerged that self-confessed UDA boss returned to his desk at the ex-prisoners charity yesterday. The loyalist had faced pressure to step down after his organisation was awarded 1.7m in public funding from the Social Investment Fund and following an interview with the Guardian in which he described flute band the North Down Defenders as homeland security protecting his territory from anybody. Read More He then reportedly threatened to withdraw an offer to resign after the Belfast Telegraph revealed the face-saving deal - accusing internal opponents of leaking the details in a dirty-tricks campaign to undermine him. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Stitt should reconsider his position in light of the "reputational damage being done to worthwhile Social Investment projects". He said: "It is clear that the controversy surrounding Mr Stitt is presenting real difficulties to the reputation and efforts of Charter NI. "That is unfortunate given the good work which Charter NI and indeed the wider Social Investment Fund is involved in. "In the interests of both, I believe Mr Stitt should now consider stepping aside." Charter NI said it did not wish to comment on the Sinn Fein MLA's comments. It said it had carried out a review of Stitt's comments to the Guardian, saying it had concluded. It did not disclose details of that investigation. It said: Following publication by the Guardian on-line of an extract of an interview given by our chief executive the board of Charter NI confirmed our view of the unacceptability of the statement made and the language used. Our chief executive recognised his error of judgement and apologised immediately for the content of the interview. We have now completed an internal review process in line with our company procedures and best employment practice. Charter NI also said it was deeply concerned at the damaging impact of the media attention on the organisation and paid tribute to its staff for what it described as a testing period. We take our governance responsibilities extremely seriously ensuring all aspects of this organisation are beyond reproach, as has been evidenced by all statutory monitoring, evaluation and vouching, and independent professional financial auditing, it added. Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In attendance is the DUP's Sammy Wilson. Photograph:Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker The cake at the centre of the Ashers row Daniel and Amy McArthur arriving at Belfast County Court to fight a challenge by Northern Ireland's Equality Commission following their refusal to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan. David Young/PA Wire Gareth Lee, whose lawyer put his side of the case to the court yesterday More than 2,000 people pack the Waterfront Hall to show support for Ashers bakery While not identical to the Ashers gay cake controversy, this story touches on some of the same themes and dilemmas Daniel McArthur, general manager of Asher's Bakery gives a statement to the media before entering court Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Ashers' Daniel McArthur with his wife Amy and his parents Colin and Karen behind leave Laganside Court after the case finished Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee receives a hug outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(right) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. The DUP's Paul Givan(second from right) and Edwin Poots(second from left) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Dr Michael Wardlow(left() from the Equality Commission and Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Daniel McArthur (L), managing director of Ashers Bakery and his wife Amy McArthur (R) hold a press conference as they outside Belfast high court alongside family members for the so called 'Gay Cake' case verdict on October 24, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission arrives at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy arrive at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel and Amy McArthur of Ashers Baking Company speak to the media at Belfast High Court, as judgment is due to be delivered on an appeal brought by the Christian bakers who were found to have discriminated against gay man Gareth Lee. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Daniel McArthur of Ashers with his wife Amy and parents pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy in October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker The UK's top court could be set to rule on the controversial same-sex cake row that has already racked up over 200,000 in legal fees, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal. In the latest twist in the case in which baking firm Ashers was found to have breached equality laws by refusing to make a pro-gay marriage cake, Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin QC has stepped in. Mr Larkin, who has a unique statutory power of referral in devolution issues, has confirmed that he is seeking an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court over Ashers Baking Company, which has been fighting its case more than two years. Last month, Court of Appeal judges in Belfast upheld an original judgment ruling that Ashers had discriminated against a gay activist for declining his order for a cake bearing the slogan "Support Gay Marriage". A hearing has been scheduled for next Tuesday - the same day that the McArthur family, who own and run the bakery, are expected to learn that they themselves have no legal recourse to a potential challenge in the UK's highest court. It will be the second time that Northern Ireland's top legal advisor has become involved in the case after an appeal that was scheduled for earlier this year was halted following a last-minute intervention by Mr Larkin. If the case goes to the Supreme Court, the refusal to make a 36.50 cake, which sources said had already eclipsed 200,000 in legal fees, could increase by tens of thousands of pounds. Last week, the McArthur family sent a message of thanks to thousands of their supporters in Northern Ireland, saying they "do not feel defeated or dismayed" after losing their appeal, adding that they were considering their legal options with their advisors following last month's landmark verdict by senior judges In response to an enquiry by the Belfast Telegraph, a spokeswoman for the Attorney General's office confirmed that Mr Larkin was taking the case further. The spokeswoman added: "I can confirm that an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court has been listed for hearing on November 22." Mr Larkin's arguments in relation to the validity of the laws that were used in the Ashers case will be heard by the same Supreme Court judges who will hear an appeal over a legal challenge to Brexit next month. That relates to whether the High Court was right to rule that the Government must get parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50. Simon Calvert, from The Christian Institute, which has backed the McArthur family throughout the case, said they were being kept up to date on every development in the case and "await the outcome of the Attorney General's request for a hearing at the UK Supreme Court with great interest". "Lawyers for the McArthurs have explained to the family their understanding that there is no further right of appeal to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal has been formally asked to clarify whether this is the case and that request will be considered at a hearing on November 22," Mr Calvert added. "Separately, the Attorney General is seeking to refer the case to the Supreme Court for it to rule on his arguments about whether the laws that were used against the McArthurs are constitutionally valid. We understand that the court will also deal with the Attorney General's request at the hearing on November 22. "A reference to the Supreme Court on constitutional matters would not itself be an appeal of all the issues previously heard in the Court of Appeal. "Given all these details it is obvious that this is a highly complex legal case. "However, the Attorney General's involvement in this case shows the scale and scope of the issues at stake. "He has unique constitutional powers to raise the key issues with the Supreme Court, and the very fact that those issues are now being raised shows how important this case is and how far-reaching the consequences of it may be." It is understood that the issue of costs relating to the entire cake case thus far, both in the original case and the Court of Appeal, could be decided at the same hearing next Tuesday. Northern Ireland-based Ashers, a name with Biblical connotations, has six branches, employs more than 80 people and delivers across the UK and Ireland. If the Supreme Court option is unsuccessful, the family could, however, still mount and pursue a challenge through the European courts. The Supreme Court judges include Northern Ireland's former Lord Chief Justice, Lord Brian Kerr, who 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 and Senior Crown Counsel from 1988 to 1993, before then being appointed a Judge of the High Court and knighted. He became Lord Chief Justice and joined the Privy Council in 2004. The Ashers case would be scrutinised by Britain's 12 Justices of the Supreme Court, who were appointed by the Queen, if the Attorney General is granted leave to appeal. These are: Lord David Neuberger of Abbotsbury: The group is headed by Britain's most powerful judge, 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 served on the boards of the University of Arts London and the Schizophrenia Trust. Lady Brenda Hale: Deputy President of the Supreme Court, 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. 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: 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. He is married to Lord of Appeal Dame Mary Arden and they are the first couple to serve concurrently. Lord Brian Kerr: Northern Ireland's former Lord Chief Justice, he became the last Law Lord to be appointed before the creation of the Supreme Court in 2009. In 1993 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: One of the first 11 justices to be appointed to the Supreme Court. In 2005 he was appointed Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy in October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Daniel McArthur of Ashers with his wife Amy and parents pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel and Amy McArthur of Ashers Baking Company speak to the media at Belfast High Court, as judgment is due to be delivered on an appeal brought by the Christian bakers who were found to have discriminated against gay man Gareth Lee. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Gareth Lee pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur of Ashers pictured leaving the High Court in Belfast after the judgement was given. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Daniel McArthur of Ashers and his wife Amy arrive at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Judgement due on 'gay cake' appeal for Ashers Bakery. Two years ago, the family-run firm refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee with the slogan "Support Gay Marriage" leading to a judge ruling the Christian owners of Ashers had discriminated against him. Gareth Lee(left) and Dr. Michael Wardlow, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission arrives at the High Court in Belfast to hear the appeal. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye Daniel McArthur (L), managing director of Ashers Bakery and his wife Amy McArthur (R) hold a press conference as they outside Belfast high court alongside family members for the so called 'Gay Cake' case verdict on October 24, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Gay rights activist Gareth Lee gets a hug from a friend outside Laganside Court , A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 19/5/2015 Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at Laganside court in Belfast on tuesday, A judge has found the Christian bakery guilty of discrimination , Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The order placed at the firm's shop at Royal Avenue in Belfast was for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia last May. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Dr Michael Wardlow(left() from the Equality Commission and Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. The DUP's Paul Givan(second from right) and Edwin Poots(second from left) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy arrive at court for the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(right) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee(centre) pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Gareth Lee receives a hug outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2015 Picture by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye Ashers found guilty of discrimination in cake case. A judge has found a Christian bakery which refused to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan guilty of discrimination. Ashers Baking Company, which is run by the McArthur family, declined the request for a cake with an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto Support Gay Marriage. The Equality Commission took the case against the Newtownabbey based company on behalf of Gareth Lee who had trued to order the cake. Bakery owners Daniel McArthur and his wife Amy pictured outside the court after the verdict. Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Daniel and Amy McArthur arrive at Laganside Court yesterday morning Ashers' Daniel McArthur with his wife Amy and his parents Colin and Karen behind leave Laganside Court after the case finished Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Daniel McArthur, general manager of Asher's Bakery gives a statement to the media before entering court Getty Images While not identical to the Ashers gay cake controversy, this story touches on some of the same themes and dilemmas Getty Images Ashers bakery boss Daniel McArthur at Belfast Court. Pic Mark Simpson BBC Ashers bakery boss Daniel McArthur at Belfast Court. Pic Mark Simpson BBC More than 2,000 people pack the Waterfront Hall to show support for Ashers bakery Gareth Lee, whose lawyer put his side of the case to the court yesterday Daniel and Amy McArthur arriving at Belfast County Court to fight a challenge by Northern Ireland's Equality Commission following their refusal to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan. David Young/PA Wire PA The cake at the centre of the Ashers row Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Photograph: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Photograph: Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Pacemaker Press 26/3/2015 Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his family on thursday, Ashers face a discrimination case supported by the Equality Commission, after a dispute began when the Christian-run bakery refused a request to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Daniel and Amy McArthur with their baby daughter Elia Christian Institute support rally for Ashers bakery held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In attendance is the DUP's Sammy Wilson. Photograph:Stephen Hamilton/Presseye The Ashers Baking Co outlet in Belfasts Royal Avenue Mayor Andrew Muir cutting a Sesame Street Bert and Ernie 'Support Gay Marriage' cake Photopress Belfast / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daniel McArthur (General manager at Ashers Bakery) arrives at Laganside Court in Belfast with his wife Amy in October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Lord Nicholas Wilson: Served on the Court of Appeal from 2005 to 2011, when he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court. From 1993 until 2005, he was a judge of the Family Division of the High Court. Lord Jonathan Sumption: Raised to the Supreme Court bench directly from the bar in 2012. Appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge in 1992 and served as a Recorder between 1993 and 2001. Appointed as a Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey in 1995. Lord Robert Reed: A leading human rights authority in Scotland, he also serves as one of the UK's ad hoc judges at the European Court of Human Rights. He was sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2012. Lord Robert Carnwath: Served as Attorney General to the Prince of Wales from 1988 to 1994. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2011. 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: 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, 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: Joined the Supreme Court in 2013. Has spoken out against Lady Hale's calls for diversity quotas in the Supreme Court, saying women want "genuine equality". Lord Roger Toulson: Appointed Justice of the Supreme Court in 2013. Between 2002 and 2006, was Chairman of the Law Commission of England and Wales, then appointed to the Court of Appeal of England and Wales in 2007. Bono with his wife Ali and daughters Eve and Jordan Bono urged US President-elect Donald Trump to make gender equality "a priority" he was honoured at Glamour's Women of the Year awards. The Irish musician received the magazine's first Man of the Year award at the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles. On stage, Bono said: "As my daughter Jordan says, there is nowhere on earth where women have the same opportunities as men. "Unless we address this problem, both men and women together, the world will continue down this misogynistic, violent and impoverished path. "I say to the President-elect: look across to women, make equality a priority - it is the only way forward. "The train is leaving the station, be on it or be under it." A British tourist has been arrested and charged with illegal extra-marital sex in Dubai after telling police she had been gang raped. The 25-year-old woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was on holiday in the United Arab Emirates when she was allegedly attacked by two British men last month. When she reported the rape at a police station, she was allegedly arrested for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex, while her attackers have since flown home to the UK. The UK-based Detained in Dubai campaign group said she has been released on bail but had her passport confiscated, meaning she cannot leave the country, and could face trial for offences with punishments including jail, deportation, flogging and stoning to death. The group is in contact with the womans family, who claim the two men took it in turns to rape her while filming the attack at a hotel. They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified, a family friend told The Sun. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal. Read more Read More Radha Stirling, the founder and director of Detained in Dubai, said the case a tremendously disturbing example of long-running abuses in the holiday resort. "Police regularly fail to differentiate between consensual intercourse and violent rape, she added. "Victims go to them expecting justice, and end up being prosecuted. They not only invalidate their victimisation, they actually punish them for it." A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told The Independent it was aware of the case and providing support to the woman and her relatives, as well as remaining in contact with local authorities. Its travel advice for the UAE says all sexual relations outside marriage are considered illegal, whatever a couples relationship at home, alongside homosexual sex and same-sex marriages. Its against the law to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex to whom you arent married or closely related, the advice states. The laws, which can also see unmarried pregnant women and their partners jailed, have been used to criminalise rape victims including women from Norway and Australia, and several previous British victims. The burden of proof required for rape under the UAEs interpretation of sharia law a confession from the rapist or witness statements from four adult men means that cases that reach court are heavily skewed in the defendants favour and are frequently dismissed or turned around to prosecute the alleged victim. Campaigners say female migrant workers are hit particularly hard by the laws, with their stories rarely attracting the public attention or outcry garnered by cases involving Westerners. Ms Stirling said the UAE has a long history of penalising rape victims. We have been involved with several cases in the past where this has happened, and we work with the lawyers and families and have campaigned to change attitudes in the police and judiciary, she added. The horrible case at hand shows that it is still not safe for victims to report these crimes to the police without the risk of suffering a double punishment. STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight November 15-16 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime 85 times by firing over 1100 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The Azerbaijani forces fired also 60mm (15 shells) and 82mm mortars (5 shells), anti-tank (1 grenade) and under-barrel grenade launchers (1 grenade) at the military positions located in the northern direction of the line of contact. The Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation in the frontline and take the necessary measures for conducting the reliable protection of the military positions. The director and the mayor have been urged to step down over remarks about Michelle Obama (AP) The mayor of a West Virginia town has issued an apology for her response to a racist post on Facebook comparing first lady Michelle Obama to an ape. Beverly Whaling, mayor of Clay, was responding after Clay County Development Corporation director Pamela Ramsey Taylor posted following Donald Trump's election as president: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Ms Whaling replied "Just made my day Pam", but the posts sparked an angry backlash, with calls for both women to be fired. An online petition is seeking to remove Ms Whaling and Ms Taylor. Ms Whaling said her comment was not intended to be racist, claiming in a statement that she was referencing the change in the presidency. Clay's town council plans to discuss the issue at a previously scheduled meeting later on Tuesday. Ms Taylor told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she had been put on leave by Clay County Development Corporation. The non-profit development group provides services to elderly and low-income residents in Clay County, and is funded through state and federal grants and local fees. It is not affiliated with the town of Clay, which is about 50 miles east of Charleston. Owens Brown, director of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People's West Virginia chapter, was among those calling for the removal of both women. "I feel so it's unfortunate that people still have these racist undertones," Mr Brown said. "Unfortunately, this is a reality that we are dealing with in America today. There's no place for these types of attitudes in our state." African-Americans make up about 4% of West Virginia's 1.8 million residents, according to the US census. About 77% of Clay County residents supported Mr Trump in the November 8 election. In 2012, Barack Obama received 31% of the county vote when Republican Mitt Romney easily carried the state. Last week in Kentucky, Republican Dan Johnson defeated incumbent Democrat Linda Belcher in Bullitt County despite a series of Facebook posts which depicted Barack Obama and his wife as monkeys. AP Geert Wilders, leader of the anti-Islam Freedom Party, holds a sign reading 'No Hate Imams in the Netherlands' (AP) Dutch prosecutors have begun summing up their case against populist anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders in his hate-speech trial which pits freedom of expression against the Netherlands' anti-discrimination laws. Prosecutor Wouter Bos stressed on Wednesday that the decision to put the popular but controversial Wilders on trial for anti-Moroccan statements in 2014 was driven by the law and not personal opinions. Mr Bos said the decision "is based on a thorough analysis of the law, the specific circumstances of this case and the use of all the expertise of the prosecutor's office. Nothing more, nothing less." Wilders, whose Freedom Party is riding high in opinion polls ahead of parliamentary elections in March, has refused to attend the trial, labelling it a political witch-hunt. AP The trial centres on comments Wilders made before and after Dutch municipal elections in 2014. At one meeting in a Hague cafe, he asked supporters whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands, sparking a chant of "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!". "We'll take care of it," he replied, in a video recording played in court. Mr Bos said: "The trial touches on the foundations of society because two fundamental values are struggling for primacy, fundamental values of our free and democratic society - The ban on discrimination and the freedom of expression." But he added: "Freedom of expression is not absolute. It goes hand-in-hand with obligations and responsibilities." In a statement read in court by his lawyer earlier in the trial, Wilders defended his comments, saying: "It is my right and my duty as a politician to speak about the problems in our country." Prosecutors are expected to make their sentence demand on Thursday, before Wilders's defence lawyers make their closing statement. Wilders faces a maximum sentence of two years in jail if convicted of insulting a group based on race, and inciting hatred and discrimination. However, prosecutors say courts mostly sentence people convicted of such offences to a fine or community service order. AP Last Sunday, people in Northern Ireland and around the world came together to honour, in remembrance and gratitude, the bravery of those who have died in conflict. In traditional manner, these events were marked by great solemnity and dignity. This year's Remembrance Sunday had a particular resonance for many, because it marked the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, in which so many British and Irish soldiers were slaughtered. On the same day, in west Belfast, young children, dressed in full paramilitary regalia, joined a parade to commemorate a teenage IRA terrorist who blew herself up with her own bomb 25 years ago. Remembrance Sunday is a military occasion. The parade for Patricia Black was a paramilitary occasion. But no reasonable person - by which I mean no non-indoctrinated person - could draw a moral equivalence between the two. Predictably, Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly tried to turn it back on the Brits. On BBC's Stephen Nolan show, he claimed it was "a biased question about a particular section of children". He asked: "Do you have a problem when it comes to cadets wearing British Army uniform? Or in memorials for British Army that they also wear berets and all the rest of it? If you are going to be consistent, look right across the board - because young people do this throughout Ireland, throughout Britain." Here's the thing: you do not have to be an unreserved admirer of British military actions - past or present - to feel your stomach turn when you see kids dressed up as IRA terrorists. You merely need to be human... and humane. Paramilitary uniforms are bizarre, whoever is wearing them. They are often fairly flamboyant affairs, compared to those worn by regular armies, and their adherents have a magpie tendency to take inspiration from a range of diverse sources. It's bad enough to see adults in this get-up, but when it comes to witnessing pre-teen children in berets, neck scarves and reflective sunglasses, you do despair, because you know exactly what is happening. It might look absurd, almost comical, but this is deadly serious. It is how sectarian conflicts renew and reproduce themselves, passing down through the generations. These youngsters are required to take on adult hatred and its accompanying murderous narrative. They are required to endorse a very selective version of history. They must celebrate it, venerate it, make it their own. Some of the kids in Sunday's parade were so tiny that their green berets were slipping down over their foreheads. It was a chilling symbol of the weight they are being asked to carry. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye Dee Fennell and Colin Duffy 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye Dee Fennell and Colin Duffy 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kevin Scott / Presseye 25th Anniversary Commemoration parade for IRA member Patricia Black takes place through Lenadoon on November 13th 2016 in Belfast , Northern Ireland. (Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Patricia Black's admirers were not the only paramilitaries on parade this weekend. On Saturday, the funeral cortege of ex-UVF terrorist Sam "Pinky" Austin was led by men in black paramilitary regalia, wearing the crest of the UVF. Austin, a former leader of the UVF inmates in the Maze Prison, was arrested with two associates in a bomb-making factory in 1994. There were no mirrored sunglasses on this occasion. Instead, Austin's funeral escorts favoured chunky military jumpers and matching woolly hats, complete with crest, pulled down over the ears. What does the appearance of these oddly attired men signify? These were adults playing dress-up this time, not children, but the underlying message was similar: we are still here, we are not going away and we demand legitimacy and respect, both for ourselves and for our dead. What can we do if some parents decide to deck their kids out like junior paramilitaries? The basic answer appears to be: not much. Nobody seems willing - or even inclined - to take on such an inflammatory and hyper-sensitive issue. Also speaking on the Nolan show, the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Koulla Yiasouma, sounded nervous and unwilling to be drawn in. She said: "I have to make sure that relevant authorities are keeping children safe, and let's not forget that it's parents who decided that their children take part in what was deemed to be a legal parade. "I would be concerned about images of children in any sorts of involvement with any sort of paramilitary regalia or images. "I will be contacting all the relevant authorities, including the Parades Commission, to make sure the best interests of these children have been protected and there are no child protection issues." Pressed again on the issue of whether she, personally, thought it was acceptable for children to participate in such parades, Ms Yiasouma said: "Whether I think it's right for children or not is not really for me to say. Do I think it's okay? Probably not, but that's not within my remit, telling parents how to involve their children in legal parades." A squirming "probably not" is not a sufficient response from the woman tasked, at great public expense, with safeguarding and promoting the rights and best interests of children and young people in Northern Ireland. True, the parade was legal. And you could make a good case for claiming that it is the parents, not the State, who have primary rights and responsibilities over the behaviour or appearance of their children, including whether or not they take part in parades like this. So, yes, technically - bureaucratically - it may not be within Ms Yiasouma's "remit". But we're talking about dressing kids up as terrorists, so they can celebrate the memory of a would-be murderer. Could the Children's Commissioner not at least state her complete and unequivocal condemnation of that? The fact that so many people - politicians, commissioners, public figures of power and influence - shy away from outright rejection of issues like these, shows the great distance our society has yet to travel. Our peace is predicated on a semi-suppressed culture of violence, the threat of which still hangs in the air. Dressing in paramilitary uniform - whether adults or children, whether UVF or IRA - is one of the ways that implicit threat is maintained and reinforced. We can't allow political niceties to prevent us from stating that brute fact. First couple: Donald and Melania will move from Trump Towers in New York to Washington in January Good news for anybody who voted for Donald Trump in the US election. Donald Trump got elected. Bad news for anybody who voted for Donald Trump in the US election. The Donald Trump who got elected might actually be Nick Clegg. Proving the old rule that a week is a long time in politics, a mere seven days since he qualified for the keys of the White House, Mr Bombastic looks to have undergone some sort of time-lapse transformation. The sort of thing you see in Davina McCall's new show This Time Next Year, where someone walks offstage, then reappears having lost 10 stone, or had a baby - seemingly in the brief interim. Rowing back on his pre-election pledges, Donald now says re plans for the wall between himself and Mexico that he may just add a bit to the fence that's already there. He won't be seeking jail for the Clintons either - "good people, good people". Or expelling all Mexican immigrants - "terrific people, terrific people". As for "draining the swamp" in Washington, maybe just a wee spray of Febreze will do? So, before we all lose the run of ourselves at the thought that something very alien has been elected to high global office, a little reassurance. Donald Trump the non-politician appears to be learning very quickly how to become a bog standard (or, in his case, swamp standard) politician. Breaking promises to those who voted for you? Tick. Maybe even those who voted for him suspected that it might come to this. It often does. And not just in politics. So often in life, we all like to think we have the answers to certain problems, but once we get our hands on the tiller and the chance to take the big decisions, suddenly it turns out to be a whole lot more complex than anticipated. And also requiring of considerable diplomacy. America's first selfie-made president wasn't afraid to put the boot in on Twitter. But that will change. So will a whole lot of things, as he is sucked into the Oval Office machine. So, his election is not the end of civilisation as we know it, because there are checks and balances in the system. Trump will not be allowed to nuke, say, northern Europe, just because someone in Dusseldorf has dissed him in a tweet. Despite what Hillary might have inferred during her campaign. (And, for the record, although being of a feminist ilk myself, I don't think it a major tragedy for, or insult to, womankind that Hillary didn't win. Hillary Clinton failed to get elected not because she was a woman; she failed to get elected because she was Hillary Clinton.) Donald Trump will now be entrusted with the nuclear code, which is, granted, a worrying enough thought. But Mr President can't just go letting off nukes like a schoolboy with stink bombs. My concern is not that Donald releases nuclear Armageddon, but that he might release the nuclear code. Donald strikes me as a boy who has difficulty keeping things to himself. What if he blurts out the code to, say, Vladimir during an upcoming tete-a-tete? "Great code, great code!" And then the converse fear. What if he forgets it? This is a man who, you assume, has countless credit cards and countless PIN numbers to memorise. When the Cruise missiles are incoming, it might be a bit late to discover Donald can't remember the PIN for retaliation. That aside, I think we can all calm down on the end of the world front. Those liberals against democracy protesting at his election in the US, especially. It's early days, but I don't think Donald Trump is a horseman of the apocalypse. And he may not even be the scary beast of his election campaign. The White House regime is currently, as the Americans like to say, transitioning. So, by the look of it, is Donald Trump. US ice cream ad really could be Legendairy I stayed up through the night to watch the American election on CNN. By the time it was finished, I was sick and tired of the same commercials they kept running in the ad breaks. "Lebanon calling" ... some telecommunications company doing great things in Nigeria ... and an ad for a luxury ice-cream brand with a very English name. As your woman licked her spoonful of salted caramel, a sultry voice intoned "London Dairy". Here, obviously, that would have to be: "Dairy. London Dairy." Tele triumphs over city's bus lane lunacy This newspaper has scored a welcome victory in forcing a reduction in fines in some of the 24-hour bus lanes of Belfast. There is no issue more likely to prompt local drivers to spit feathers than the bus lanes of Belfast. And no wonder. Hundreds of unsuspecting motorists travelling through town late at night have unwittingly strayed into 24-hour lanes and paid a heavy price. The great lunacy, the iniquity, is that the buses don't even run 24 hours. Now, thanks to the Tele, a breakthrough. Like some of those buses, though, it was a long time coming. Norman Campbell, as usual, leaps to the defence of the indefensible (Write Back, November 14), although, unwittingly, he has proven my original assertions (Write Back, November 8). He implies there is an argument for "The Flood" by asking why fossils of sea creatures are found in rocks that are now above sea level. Those that accept pseudo-science as real science should acquaint themselves with the concept of plate tectonics, which will give them an insight into why rocks that were part of an ancient sea-floor now find themselves at altitude. As for tracing an ancestry back to the "Ark survivors", there is sufficient DNA evidence to show that humans evolved from ape-like ancestors coming out of Africa. All that is required is to open our eyes to the wealth of information about the antiquity of the Earth and the forces that made it as it is. The story is wonderful, but there is no supernatural component to it. BEAGLE Newtownards, Co Down Is Donald Trump a paper tiger? Given the recent pictures of a mild, almost deferential, Trump with President Obama, it would be hard not to come to the conclusion that, post-election, he was softening his previous hostility to the Democratic President and the liberal political establishment. Whether this was simply the actions of an exhausted candidate or a deliberate change in both tone and substance remains to be seen. Nonetheless, given his previous incendiary rhetoric about racial and religious minorities and vicious personalised attacks on individual public figures, it is to be welcomed that he has, at least for the time being, taken a conciliatory approach. Despite the severe mauling in the election, where the Democrats failed to regain the Senate and lost significantly in the House of Representatives, President Obama, in keeping with his customary dignified style and impeccable inclusive manner, has demonstrated in an exemplary fashion that the protection of the interests of the American system of government is more important than partisan political interests. Given Trump's outrageous and personalised attacks on Obama the man, as well as Obama the politician, Obama has displayed surprising cordiality to Trump in his welcome to the White House and a firm commitment that he will fully cooperate in bringing about a smooth political transition. In doing so, he has emphasised the need to put the interests of the American people at the very heart of the process of governmental change, which in Washington literally means the hiring and firing of 4,000 political appointees. This is a major change-management process, which for an outsider like Trump, who lacks any political experience, will mean a huge headache. Trump's election has been formally, though not warmly, congratulated by world leaders, including Theresa May and Enda Kenny. Both of these premiers have previously been critical of Trump during his presidential campaign. Now they have to, albeit reluctantly, accept the reality of his election to the highest and most powerful office in the democratic world. Some politicians who are not in public office have not gone back on their previous criticisms of him and, indeed, have reiterated their hostility to his political ideas. This includes Ed Milliband, the former leader of the Labour Party, and, locally, the SDLP's Colum Eastwood. But now the real question is, will Trump attempt to deliver his radical political programme and, if he does, what will the consequences be? Firstly, his programme (if it could be called such) is a strange mixture of protectionist and isolationist policies that could see the USA become an inward-looking superpower. No longer would America be the international policeman that we are accustomed to seeing in the world today. There could be a complete withdrawal from the Middle East, where the US has been embedded since the Iraq war and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Afghanistan may also be abandoned by America, as the Russians did in the 1980s. Maybe that would not be a bad thing for both America and the world. Why should young American soldiers sacrifice their lives in putting out other people's fires? Whether this would lead to a more peaceful and settled Middle East is unanswerable, but military withdrawal would be the inevitable consequence of Trump's new foreign policy and something that would strike a chord with the isolationist mood among the people that elected Trump. More positively, if Trump is able to defuse the tension and confrontation that exists between Russia and the US, that will serve all our interests. The simmering anger and antagonism between the two nuclear superpowers is a dangerous situation that threatens world peace. The mutual admiration between Trump and Putin may be a positive step towards repairing the damage to good relations between the two superpowers. But if, as he promised during the election campaign, he "reins in China", tears up the nuclear treaty with Iran and isolates Cuba, he will be destroying the immensely valuable work of Obama. Likewise, if he recognises Jerusalem as capital of Israel before there is a two-state settlement, he will reignite the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with nightmarish consequences. However much we dislike Trump's unexpected victory, we have to face up to the new world of angry, populist politics that Trump's triumph represents. It is driven by the alienation of many hitherto silent voters, who see their interests being unrepresented and - even worse - their votes being taken for granted by a political establishment that they perceive to be out of touch and self-serving. We have witnessed the same electoral phenomenon in the south and in Britain, with Brexit and Corbyn, and in Spain and Greece and now, finally, in the US with Trump. Sadly, the world is in for a very unpredictable and potentially dangerous roller coaster. Its been a favourite of locals for over a century. And thanks to Belfast Food Tour, a whole new generation of food fans have fallen for the delicious charm of St Georges Market and the impressive local foodie scene which spreads out from the historic building around the cobbled streets of Belfast city centre. A Vibrant Local Food Scene The brainchild of former solicitor, Caroline Wilson, the walking tour sets off from the picturesque red-bricked arcade every Saturday morning. And with aisles packed full of local artisan producers and tasty fresh produce, the market is the perfect introduction to Belfasts treasure trove of mouth-watering local delicacies. Just one of the stops along the action-packed tour, Caroline reveals her inspiration for starting up her own business. Belfast Food Tour started over two and a half years ago with the idea of showcasing all the local food producers around the city centre and bringing people to places that I like to eat and drink in, she explains. Taking notes from food tours she experienced on her travels, she works closely with local producers to add an authentic flavour to the tour. A hit since its inception, the tour continues to go from strength to strength. Just this month, Tourism NI awarded Taste & Tour NI a five-star grade for the Belfast Food Tour. We all have to support each other and thats the great thing about being in Northern Ireland, Caroline says. Its such a small place - we all get to know each other very quickly. I dont have a business if its not for those other small businesses. I rely on the producers, on the small businesses, and the local restaurants, to be as good as they are because I wouldnt have anything to show anyone if it wasnt for them. A Taste of Quality Produce With food fans from around Northern Ireland and further afield joining the tour each week, the day starts off with a soothing cup of tea or steaming coffee before visitors get to sample locally produced breads and cakes from Anns Pantry. Manned by Allan Porter, the bakery brings fresh goods down to the market each weekend. A family-run business since 1967, Allan says the tour has helped bring new visitors all the way to Larne after they sample some of the Pantrys specialities like Black Treacle Bread and Spelt & Black Pudding Potato Bread. Along with sampling tasty baked goods, Caroline also guides visitors along a whistle-stop tour of the Belfast market stalls, bursting with the best of the local meat, fish and cheese industries. On hand to man the Broughgammon Farm stall, Freddie Cole is in demand as he introduces visitors to the farms unique veal and goat delicacies. A family business run by his mother and brother, Freddie says the food community is a close-knit one. He explains: There is a whole concept of community between market traders. Everyone is here with the same aim, to make a living, and to promote their product. A lot of us work with speciality products which are shown on the (Belfast) Food Tour and it helps us to promote what we really care about. With the Northern Irish Year of Food and Drink placing local produce firmly on the stage, there is a real sense of excitement around the sector. And for Gracey Shellfish Ltd.s Robert Gracey, the interest in the scene is not surprising. He says: "You have real quality here. We try to source as much as possible locally as we can - the quality of it is superb." Starting up & Succeeding Moving on from the market, Caroline takes the group on a mystery tour of further gastronomic delights to sample the atmosphere and menu at local restaurants, cafes, and historic pubs. With an emphasis on showcasing locally produced food and drink, there is no shortage of inspiration and no chance that anyone could end this tour hungry. Keen to encourage visitors to support local producers, Caroline is clearly passionate about the sector and relishes the chance to shine a spotlight on it. I still cant believe that I have my own business. Its still a dream to me, she explains. Every day I do my work, but it doesnt feel like work. I think if someone like me doesnt shout about the great things that we have, who else is going to do it and get it out to our local market? A lot of people here are probably going to the supermarket and dont see the small producers, who are local and doing wonderful things. Established in her former career, Carolines decision to move into a new sector was a bold one. But she says, It has as much to do with right time and right place as much as it has to do with planning and organisation. It was just exactly the right time for me to do it. I dont think I would have believed I would end up doing this three years ago. She adds: The idea of giving up a secure job to start your own business is a very scary thing, but I think if you know what youre doing and have really tested the market, then its definitely something everyone should do and take the leap. Working with First Trust Now a popular stop on the hospitality and tourism trail in Belfast, Caroline also runs tours of local distilleries and creates bespoke tours and food experiences for private clients. And she says that support from First Trust Bank is vital to her success. First Trust have been a massive support from the beginning. I think they really have made business banking personal. As soon as I went in, they loved the idea, were massively behind it and they were 100% in my corner, she explains. If you dont have a good relationship with your bank, there is no point. If they dont understand your business or your needs, how can they provide you with a service that you need? With her sights set firmly on continuing to build the business, there have been plenty of pinch-me moments along the way. But one in particular stands out for Caroline. She happily admits: My pinch-me moment is when I get to see someone else guide my tour. Its amazing to see what youve created being delivered by someone else. Its very special. Im ecstatic with it and I love what I do every day. Find out more about how First Trust Bank can support your Start-Up business. Contact your local advisor today. The Armenian military officer, who was wounded in Iraq in 2006, continues his service with success. November 16, 2016, 09:38 Armenia peacekeeper continues service after being wounded in Iraq STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: Major General Artur Simonyan, commander of the Peacekeeping Brigade of the Armenia Armed Forces, told the aforesaid to NEWS.am. There was only one case throughout the years of Armenias participation in international peacekeeping missions when damage was caused to the health of an Armenian military serviceman. In November 2006, Lieutenant Georgi Nalbandyan was seriously wounded in Iraq, and the physicians had to amputate his leg, below the knee. The wounded [Armenian] peacekeeper has surmounted the serious injury and continued [his military] service; he already has received the rank of a lieutenant colonel, noted Major General Simonyan. Now, he is a subdivision commander in Afghanistan. (). We are doing everything for the safety of the life and health of our [military] servicemen. Armenian peacekeepers continue participating in missions in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Lebanon. In addition, Armenia has a communications officer in Mali. Their peacekeeping mission in Iraq is completed. An unprecedented U.S. presidential campaign came to an end with the unexpected victory of Donald Trump! November 16, 2016, 12:07 Harut Sassounian: Armenians should reach out to Trump through Republican friends in Congress STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: Since the November 8 elections, there has been endless speculation by self-styled Armenian analysts about the President-elects business ties with Azerbaijan and Turkey, wrongly concluding that he would side with Armenias enemies! Since Trump has made no comments on Armenian issues, no one can really know what his position is likely to be. Beyond Trumps sweeping campaign promises to drain the swamp in Washington, and make America great again, no one can predict what he might do on domestic or foreign policy fronts. In addition, there is no guarantee that he will stick to the positions he assumed during the campaign. In recent months, and particularly since the election, Trump has moderated his views on a number of major issues, such as banning all Muslims from entering the United States, building a wall along the Mexican border, deporting 11 million illegal aliens, and repealing Obamacare. As Pres. Obama explained during his Nov. 14 press conference, Trump is a pragmatist, not an ideologue with fixed opinions. Consequently, rather than speculating about what Trump may do as President, lets follow Hillary Clintons wise advice to keep an open mind and give Donald Trump a chance to lead! Since the President-elect has not yet taken a concrete position on Armenian issues, now is the time for Armenian-Americans to ask friendly Republican members of Congress to convey the communitys vital concerns to Trump and his team. It would be much more difficult to make such contacts once the President is inaugurated in January and has given his marching orders to the new Cabinet. Meanwhile, Turkish and Azeri officials are busy establishing their own contacts with Trumps transition team and Congress through their high powered lobbyists in Washington! Furthermore, while many heads of state, including those of Armenia and Azerbaijan, have sent congratulatory messages to the President-elect, Turkish President Erdogan personally telephoned Trump, urging closer ties between their countries! Already there are warning signs that two of Trumps closest aides, who may be appointed to top positions in the new administration, are rabid Turkophiles: 1) Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has repeatedly declared his admiration for Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey, viewing him as a hero; 2) Retired Lt. General Michael Flynn wrote an article in The Hill last week, calling on the U.S. government to adjust our foreign policy to recognize Turkey as a priority. We need to see the world from Turkeys perspective. While Armenian-American ties with the President-elect are practically non-existent, the community has fortunately cultivated excellent relations with many reelected members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who can adopt bills and pass resolutions on issues of importance to Armenia and Armenians. Over 90% of the Congressional candidates endorsed by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) were elected on November 8. In the House of Representatives, 117 out of the 122 candidates endorsed by ANCA won their election bids, including Congresswomen Jackie Speier and Anna Eshoo, Armenian-American Democrats from California. Regrettably, Cong. Robert Dold (Republican-Illinois), Co-Chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, was not reelected; and candidate Danny Tarkanian (Republican-Nevada) lost his bid for the House. In the U.S. Senate, 7 of the 11 candidates endorsed by ANCA won their election bids on Nov. 8. Armenian Caucus member Cong. Chris Van Hollen (Democrat-Maryland) was elected to the Senate after defeating Turkish Caucus member Cong. Donna Edwards in the Maryland Primary. Unfortunately, Sen. Mark Kirk (Republican-Illinois), a staunch supporter of Armenian issues, was not reelected. Significantly, while 11 members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus did not return to the House due to failure to win, retirement, resignation or seeking other office, the Turkish Caucus suffered a greater loss, with 19 of its members not returning to the House, including Co-Chair Ed Whitfield (Republican-Kentucky) who resigned earlier this year due to an ethics probe. The substantial electoral success, enjoyed by Congressional friends of the Armenian community, bodes well for the pursuit of Armenian issues in the new Congress. Given that the Republican Party will be controlling both Houses of Congress and the White House, it is incumbent upon Republican Armenians to win over more members of the majority party, while Democrat Armenians can build on their long-established ties with the minority party. After all, the Armenian Cause, as a nonpartisan issue, should be supported by both parties! By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com Unemployed Bangladeshis could begin finding work in Malaysia as soon as early next month, the minister for expatriate welfare and overseas employment said Wednesday after talks in Dhaka with his counterpart from Malaysia. Following discussions on Tuesday with Richard Riot Anak Jaem, the Malaysian Human Resources minister, Nurul Islam told reporters that flights carrying Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia could begin in the first week of December. Very soon, Malaysia will start recruiting Bangladesh workers for its construction, plantation and manufacturing sectors, Minister Islams office said in a statement released Wednesday. The Malaysian minister said they will start recruiting workers from Bangladesh very soon and the Malaysian government is keen to recruit workers from Bangladesh. Islam did not discuss the number of Bangladeshis who would be able to find work in Malaysias plantation, construction and manufacturing sectors, and Riot returned to Malaysia on Wednesday following his two-day visit without talking to reporters. When contacted in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday evening, Peter Dennis, Riots senior private secretary, declined comment, telling BenarNews that the minister would issue no statements about the meeting in Dhaka. Number not known No agreement was signed at this weeks meeting in the Bangladeshi capital, and it was unclear whether the latest talks were a follow-up to a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries in February. Initial reports then said that Kuala Lumpur had agreed to recruit as many as 1.5 million workers from Bangladesh over the next three years for jobs in its agriculture and manufacturing sectors. But a day after the MoU was signed, Malaysia announced a moratorium on all new arrivals of migrant workers from Bangladesh and other countries. In May, Malaysian immigration officials said that they planned to ease the hiring freeze on foreign workers on condition that employers proved that these migrants were essential to their businesses, according to a report in Malay Mail Online. About 300,000 Bangladeshis work in Malaysia, sending about 110 billion taka (U.S. $1.4 billion) back home every year, according to government figures. News of the latest bilateral talks in Dhaka drew jobless people to Bangladeshs Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training in the capital, as recruiting agencies began promising to find jobs for clients at a cost of 40,000 taka ($507) per head. We cannot figure out how many Bangladeshis will be able to go to Malaysia. The recruiting agencies will contact the Malaysian employers and send them, charging some 40,000 taka for each. But I think this is possible to send people [in] two weeks as our minister has stated, Jahangir Alam, the information officer of the Expatriates Welfare Ministry, told BenarNews on Wednesday. He said the government would be involved in the employment process so recruiting agencies could not exploit potential candidates. Migrant advocates concerned Meanwhile, migrant rights groups questioned the likelihood that Bangladeshis could be employed in Malaysia so soon. You see how the ministers comment impacted the unemployed and poor youths: they have started visiting recruiting agents with money. Nobody knows how it is possible to get a job in Malaysia in less than two weeks, Syed Saiful Haque, chairman of Warbe Development Foundation, a group that advocates migrants rights, told BenarNews on Wednesday. He said corrupt middlemen already were luring poor and illiterate youths and their families with promises of jobs in Malaysia in exchange for payments. They are going to the brokers and the agents, as the government has not made any clear-cut statement on the procedure of going to Malaysia for jobs. The middlemen will exploit the situation. They will tell each of the workers that if they do not pay them more money immediately, he will not get the job. Thus many of the people will sell their land and other valuables to manage the money for the middlemen, Haque said. Razlan Rashid in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. The Indian governments move this week to ban a nongovernmental organization run by a controversial Muslim preacher is an attempt to create a phobia of Islam in the Hindu majority country, critics claim. The decision to impose a five-year ban on popular televangelist Zakir Naiks NGO, the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, Home Affairs Ministry spokesman H.S. Dhatwalia told BenarNews. Dhatwalia said the action was taken under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which aims to regulate and prohibit the acceptance and use of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality for any activities deemed detrimental to the national interest. The home ministry has been looking into the financial transactions of thousands of NGOs and the proposal to ban IRF was taken up after it was found that there were certain anomalies in aspects of foreign funding, Dhatwalia said without divulging details. The organization seeks to spread the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, according to IRFs website. Since coming to power in May 2014, the government led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has banned more than 15,000 NGOs, including Greenpeace and Ford Foundation, under this act. The move is a sheer attempt to fuel an atmosphere of Islamophobia to somehow paint the entire [Muslim] community with one brush and simultaneously alienate them from other communities in the country, Rubina Akhtar, a research scholar at the Ambedkar University of Delhi, told BenarNews. His [Naiks] speeches are no doubt simplistic, misogynistic and extremely conservative in tenor. But barring a few exceptions wherein he praised Osama Bin Laden, he has never espoused or made any inflammatory speeches, said Akhtar, who is writing a dissertation titled Televangelism and Muslim Womens Question: A case study of Dr. Zakir Naik. Naik, 51, who is believed to be in Saudi Arabia, has been under scrutiny by Indian authorities since July, when Bangladeshi media reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terrorist attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe was influenced by Naiks sermons. Naiks Peace TV channel, through which he delivers his sermons, was blocked in Bangladesh in the wake of the attack and remains blacked out there. Although Peace TV does not have a license to air in India, it still broadcasts in several parts of the country through private cable TV operators. Speaking to Indian journalists via Skype from Saudia Arabia in July, Naik said he had never propagated terrorism and that he was being targeted by the Indian government unfairly. I did not inspire terrorists. Suicide bombings targeting innocent people are condemnable. My statements have been taken out of context. I am a messenger of peace, Naik had said, while adding he was not going to return to India until next year because of prior commitments abroad. Lawyer to challenge ban Mobin Solkar, Naiks lawyer, said he would challenge the move to ban his clients NGO in court. We have not received any notification from the government regarding the ban as yet. Once we do, we will move in court. As per procedure, a special tribunal will be instituted to look into the case and it is in this forum that we will present our plea, Solkar told BenarNews. A security analyst said Naik was a victim of witch-hunting at the hands of the Hindu nationalist government. Naiks speeches are harmless. I fail to understand why he hasnt already taken the government or those slandering him to court for defamation. He is a target of witch-hunting, wherein the Indian government is taking aim at anyone who does not agree with its agenda, A.A. Khan, Mumbais former Anti-Terrorism Squad chief, told BenarNews. Neshat Quaiser, head of the sociology department at New Delhis Jamia Millia Islamia University, also slammed the governments move to proscribe Naiks NGO. It is absurd to take action against his [Naiks] NGO just because one of the Dhaka attackers was apparently influenced by his speeches. The move smacks of communal color, Quaiser told BenarNews. He said the BJP was being swayed in its decision making by its right-wing ideological mentor, the Rasthriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS is influencing the policies of this government to curb the freedom on minorities in India. The animosity of RSS toward minorities clearly reflects in the way the government is clamping down on organizations seen as anathema to its parent organization, Quaiser said. Jakarta Gov. Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama gestures as he speaks at a campaign event for his re-election in Jakarta, Nov. 16, 2016. Updated at 5:36 p.m. ET on 2016-11-18 Indonesian police Wednesday named Jakarta Gov. Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in a blasphemy case, following mass protests demanding his prosecution, but this will not bar him from seeking reelection in February, officials said. Ahok, a Christian and first member of Indonesias ethnic Chinese minority to serve as governor of the capital, had been questioned by police on more than one occasion over alleged anti-Muslim comments he had made in September. On Tuesday, national police held a 10-hour, closed-door hearing in Jakarta to determine whether they should declare Ahok a suspect, during which dozens of witnesses and experts testified. Even though it was not unanimous, we reached an agreement that this case should be processed in an open trial, Gen. Ari Dono, the commander of the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department who presided over the hearing, told reporters at national police headquarters on Wednesday. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, alias Ahok, has been named a suspect, Ari said. Ahok, who said he was still in the race for the gubernatorial election in February despite the announcement by police, is accused of blasphemous speech for telling attendees at an event in September that people might fool them into not voting for him by using the Qurans Surah Al-Maida Verse 51 which some interpret as prohibiting Muslims from having non-Muslim leaders. Ahok apologized for the flap that he had caused, but some Muslim organizations reported him to the authorities after a video recording of the event went viral online. Muslim anger over his remarks did not die down and led to mass demonstrations against the governor. On Nov. 4, an anti-Ahok demonstration that drew some 100,000 protesters to central Jakarta ended in violence as angry crowds attacked police barricades, set fires and looted stores. Not ineligible According to the Indonesian General Election Commission, Ahok will be allowed to contest the upcoming polls, although police have now named him as a suspected blasphemer. Under the laws of Indonesia, the country with the worlds largest Muslim majority, speech deemed blasphemous or offensive to members of a particular faith is open to prosecution. [He is] not ineligible, unless the court later decides to sentence Ahok to five years or more, Sumarno, chairman of the Jakarta office of the General Election Commission, told BenarNews on Wednesday. Citing Indonesian electoral regulations, Sumarno said that a persons candidacy for public office would be terminated if a court convicted and sentenced a candidate to the long prison term. Reacting to Wednesdays announcement, Ahok said he remained confident that he would still win the election, and that he would allow the potential criminal case against him to go through the courts without trying to block it. I am grateful to the police for the process. I will accept [this]. I think this is a good example for democracy, MetroTV quoted Ahok as saying. More protests coming? Now that Ahok is officially a suspect in the blasphemy probe, one political observer expressed hope that this could calm tensions and anger among Muslims who have demanded that he be prosecuted. [The noise] can certainly be reduced, Adi Prayitno, a political analyst from the State Islamic University of Jakarta, told BenarNews. The anger of Muslims at least can be eased. After police made the announcement, plans of another anti-Ahok demonstration circulated, but Indonesias police chief urged people to hold off on more protesting because the legal process against the governor was now under way. So, if anyone wants to take to the streets, for what? There is only one answer the agenda is not about Ahok, National Police Chief Tito Karnavian said. An earlier version incorrectly reported that Ahok was elected to the office of governor. STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Nalbandian welcomed the guest and expressed satisfaction over the high level friendly relations of Armenia and the United States, underscoring that significant progress has been documented during the past years in the bilateral relations through joint efforts, which creates a good opportunity for expanding and strengthening mutual cooperation. Thanking for the reception, Bridget Brink noted that the United States highly appreciates the partner relations with Armenia and is interested in further deepening the ties. The sides discussed prospects of developing the Armenian-American trade-economic cooperation, exchanges views about the activity of the Armenian-American trade and investment council and the intergovernmental committee on economic affairs. Issues related to the realization of the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements aimed at creating conditions for moving the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict forward were also discussed. Edward Nalbandian and Bridget Brink exchanged view on several international and regional matters also. 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. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mochten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitat dieser Dienste verbessern. neue Dienste zu entwickeln und zu verbessern Werbung auszuliefern und ihre Wirkung zu messen personalisierte Inhalte anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen personalisierte Werbung anzuzeigen, abhangig von Ihren Einstellungen Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fur diese zusatzlichen Zwecke. Nicht personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung werden u. a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst (welche Werbung Sie sehen, basiert auf Ihrem ungefahren Standort). Personalisierte Inhalte und Werbung konnen auch Videoempfehlungen, eine individuelle YouTube-Startseite und individuelle Werbung enthalten, die auf fruheren Aktivitaten wie auf YouTube angesehenen Videos und Suchanfragen auf YouTube beruhen. 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. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with representatives of the Armenian community in Paris on Monday, reported Nouvelles dArmenie. Co-chairmen of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations in France Ara Toranian presented to Sarkozy issues of concern for the Armenian community such as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Asbarez reported. November 16, 2016, 14:35 Sarkozy: Genocide negation is a crime against intelligence and morality STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: He relayed that the security of Karabakh is of key importance not only for Armenia, but for the entire European civilization. Toranian also spoke about the negative impact it Turkeys membership in the EU would have on the Armenian community. The meeting discussed the issue of Sarkozys circle having close ties with Azerbaijan. Sarkozy responded that during political decision-making, he is the leader; not the representatives within his circle. He said he supported the criminalization of the denial of the Armenian Genocide during his presidency. Sarkozy also affirmed that he is against Turkeys membership in the EU, contrary to current President Hollandes position. Regarding the topic of genocides, Sarkozy underlined the four genocides of the 20th century the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, the genocide of Cambodians and the Tutsi genocide. He highlighted that the Armenian struggle raises issues to combat genocide universally. According to him, denial is not an expression of opinion, but it is a crime. Sarkozy also had a meeting with the Armenian community at the National Center for Armenian Remembrance Decines, France on November 9, reported Nouvelles DArmenia. The word genocide must not be trivialized. Its negation is a crime against intelligence and morality. The situation for Christians in the East is genocide, Sarkozy said, speaking about Christians in the Middle East. Regarding the possibly of Turkeys entrance to the European Union, Sarkozy said I went to Ankara to say on the spot that Turkey is certainly a great civilization, but that its place is not in Europe, and also that a great country must recognize the glorious hours as the dark hours in its history." For Immediate Release, November 15, 2016 Contact: Taylor McKinnon, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org Thousands United Nationally to Stop Dakota Access Pipeline WASHINGTON Thousands gathered today in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for a national day of action at President Obamas Army Corps of Engineers offices to call for the permanent rejection of the Dakota Access Pipeline, currently under the threat of the Trump presidency. This call to action from indigenous leaders in Standing Rock was in response to increased violent repression from militarized police as the pipeline company continues construction on sacred land, despite a voluntary hold by the Army Corps. Demonstrators protest the Dakota Access Pipeline project today in San Francisco. Similar rallies were held in all 50 states and D.C. Photo courtesy 350.org. This photo is available for media use. This mass mobilization highlighted the growing importance for President Obama to reject the Dakota Access Pipeline while he is in office. Additionally, the rallies were a powerful opportunity for allies across movements to unite in solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Standing Rock and to strengthen the resistance movement to fight against fossil fuels and white supremacy under the Trump administration. Photos from todays event are available here. The Indigenous Environmental Network, Honor the Earth and the Native Organizers Alliance were joined by thousands of people standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples at Standing Rock, and with the support from other climate and social justice groups across the country, including 350.org, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, National Nurses United, Hip Hop Caucus, CREDO, BOLD Alliance, Greenpeace USA, Idle No More, Beyond Extreme Energy, Rainforest Action Network, Stand.earth, Oil Change International, Our Revolution, Center for Popular Democracy, Powershift Network, Defenders of the Land, Earthworks, Peoples Action, Food and Water Watch, Justice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ, Center for Biological Diversity, Daily Kos, Natural Resources Defense Council, Arab American Institute, Sierra Club, Iraq Veterans against the War, Ruckus Society, Friends of the Earth, Climate Hawks Vote and many more. Quotes from protest supporters: Dallas Goldtooth, Keep It in the Ground organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network: All across the country, we are bringing the proverbial fires of the Oceti Sakowin to the doors of the U.S. Army Corps, demanding action to stop this bakken oil pipeline. Now is the time for the White House administration and its Department of Army to support Indigenous rights and sovereignty by rescinding the pipeline permits and ordering a full EIS. We all stand in solidarity with Standing Rock, because we know this is a fight worth winning. Kandi Mossett, campaign organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network: Now, perhaps more than ever before, we must come together to send a unified message that we will continue to stand in solidarity for the protection of all life and its beautiful diversity. We've come too far to be set back now; our strength is in our unity and our love for each other which creates a bond that can never be broken. Join us in our fight to defend the sacred and protect the water. Now is the time to take action. Tara Houska, national campaigns director with Honor the Earth: There are communities going underwater from rising seas. Cancer clusters, destruction of sacred places. Indigenous people being attacked by dogs, maced, shot with rubber bullets. Climate change is happening now. Dakota Access is bulldozing burial grounds and hurting water protectors now. The delays and noncommittal statements from the Obama administration are disappointing to say the least. We want answers. Conduct an Environmental Impact Statement. Halt the construction of this destructive project. Judith Le Blanc, member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and Director of the Native Organizers Alliance: The native-led standoff with DAPL has changed everything in the struggle to save Mother Earth. We have over a thousand Flints in Indian Country for generations. Stopping the DAPL pipeline is the next step for protecting our water, Flints water and making access to clean water a human right for all. Bill McKibben, cofounder of 350.org: When elders at Standing Rock asked people from around the country to turn out in support of their campaign, I knew that people around the country would answer their call. Their encampment is the moral center of the continent right now, and it's good to have some of that spirit across the nation today. Josh Nelson, deputy political director at CREDO: Todays action shows that the brave indigenous leaders resisting the Dakota Access pipeline at Standing Rock have massive grassroots support in all 50 states. With a racist climate change denier poised to enter the White House, the Obama administration must do everything in its power to defend indigenous rights and stop disastrous fossil fuel infrastructure projects like the Dakota Access pipeline. Dr. Gabriela Lemus, president of Progressive Congress Action Fund: "Progressive Congress Action Fund stands in solidarity with the Indigenous people at Standing Rock in their brave battle to protect sacred land. The battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline symbolizes our collective future and ultimate survival of the generations to come." Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity: The Dakota Access Pipeline is a dangerous affront on Indigenous rights and our collective water and climate futures. We stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and all sacred site struggles by calling on President Obama to kill the Dakota Access Pipeline once and for all. Susan Casey-Lefkowitz, Natural Resources Defense Council: The stakes have never been higher in our work to secure a more just future. NRDC stands in solidarity with our Indigenous sisters and brothers resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline, and we support their right to preserve their heritage, their water, and their sovereignty. The company building the pipeline is willing to desecrate the water, the land, and sites held sacred by the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. This is not a new story. It is time to end the harm of fossil fuel extraction, and transition to a clean energy future. Wenonah Hauter, executive director, Food & Water Watch: At this critical juncture, President Obama has a golden opportunity to strengthen his legacy on protecting our climate and standing up for indigenous rights. He can do it simply by ending this hazardous, unjust pipeline project once and for all. He can and he must. 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. For Immediate Release, November 15, 2016 Contacts: Gladys Limon, Communities for a Better Environment, (650) 823-7619, glimon@cbecal.org Adam B. Wolf, Peiffer Rosca Wolf Abdullah Carr & Kane, (415) 766-3545, awolf@prwlegal.com Patrick Sullivan, Center for Biological Diversity, (415) 517-9364, psullivan@biologicaldiversity.org Los Angeles Youth Groups Challenge Oil Industry's Retaliatory SLAPP Suit After Settlement of Legal Challenge to Citys Drilling Practices, Oil Lobby Group Sues Young Plaintiffs to Chill Their Right to Petition LOS ANGELES An oil industry lawsuit against youth groups in South Los Angeles and Wilmington is a classic example of a retaliatory strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP Suit) that violates California law, according to a special motion filed Monday by the young people's attorneys. Youth for Environmental Justice, the South Central Youth Leadership Coalition (SCYLC), and the Center for Biological Diversity sued the city of Los Angeles a year ago. That suit alleged the city engaged in a pattern of violating the California Environmental Quality Act in approving drilling applications and unlawful racial discrimination by requiring inferior protective conditions for oil operations in communities of color, as compared to largely white communities. While the suit was pending, L.A.s planning department adopted new procedures for oil drilling applications designed to ensure compliance with state environmental review mandates and protect the health and safety of communities of color impacted by neighborhood drilling. In light of the new procedures, which addressed most of their allegations, the plaintiffs settled their suit against the city and dismissed the case on Sept. 28, 2016. On Sept. 26, 2016, the California Independent Petroleum Association, which represents oil operators in California, filed a cross complaint against the youth groups, the Center, and the city of Los Angeles for settling the case. The oil industry lawsuit seeks to invalidate the settlement agreement. Lawsuits brought in retaliation against people and organizations that exercise their freedom of speech and right to petition the government to redress grievances are known as SLAPP suits. Californias anti-SLAPP statute is designed to protect people who exercise their right to participate in civic life by providing for the quick dismissal of non-meritorious lawsuits brought to intimidate and harass those who speak out on issues of public importance. The statute provides for a special motion to dismiss a SLAPP suit that the groups have filed. These young leaders courageously asserted their rights against the city in challenging oil drilling permitting practices that endangered their neighborhoods, and the city did right by taking a hard look and adopting new procedures to comply with state laws, said Gladys Limon, an attorney representing Youth for Environmental Justice. The oil industry retaliated by filing meritless claims aimed to intimidate and deter them from continuing to speak out against the industrys practices. The youth plaintiffs stepped up to protect the health of their families, their communities, and their environment, said Adam Wolf, an attorney for the youth groups. Now these young people are standing up for their constitutional rights. The youth groups were sued because they challenged the way that the oil industry operates. All too often, wealthy interests like the oil industry use every trick in the book to try to bully people into shutting up, said Kassie Siegel, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys Climate Law Institute. Californias anti-SLAPP law is designed to protect groups against lawsuits like this one that lack merit but still impose an enormous time and cost burden. Youth for Environmental Justice (Youth-EJ) is a youth membership group with hundreds of high school and college student members in Southeast Los Angeles and Wilmington committed 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. In his spidery handwriting, made difficult by Parkinsons Disease, Sir Brian offered the following words on some current issues in PNG . When Sir Brian first came to PNG he was in the Aitape Diocese and spent many years on a mission station near Nuku. He certainly did the hard yards, said our observer. He was later made Police Chaplain in Moresby and visited every corner of PNG wherever a policeman was based. Universally loved, Sir Brian eventually became Bishop of Aitape and then Archbishop of Moresby. He remains the quiet unassuming Friar. Sir Brian Barnes, former head of the Catholic Church in PNG and a Papua New Guinea citizen, is now, aged 80 and after some years of ill health, retired to the Franciscan Friary at Waverley in Sydney. As Archbishop of Port Moresby, Sir Brian never hesitated to criticise government and other authorities if he thought they deserved it. One observer told PNG Attitude, I am sure some prime minister would have loved to silence or deport him but he had the people behind him (especially the police) and they would have been out in the streets in their thousands. Death penalty. This isn't an answer to the crime problem. Experience in countries in which the death penalty is in force indicates that it is not a deterrent. With the PNG payback culture, there will be problems. The death penalty leaves no possibility of reform or correction of mistakes by the court. And for Christians, life is sacred. PNG has gone too far in extending the death penalty to crimes such as rape and armed robbery. Infrastructure. Good roads are essential for development. Roads all over PNG need upgrading and maintenance. Many areas have not progressed and have gone backwards. Police. Discipline in the Police (also the Defence Force and CIS) is very poor. Numbers of police personnel are breaking the law, rather than upholding it. Public confidence in the police is low. Getting assistance from Australian police is a good idea. Let's hope it works this time. Corruption. Still a major problem in PNG at all levels. Prominent among offenders still seem to be politicians and public servants. Asylum seekers. PNG should not be locking up refugees and asylum seekers to help Australia solve its problems. They haven't broken PNG laws. They have a right to have their cases investigated and not kept locked up indefinitely. PNG can expect to have riots in Manus, as in Nauru, if this policy is followed. PNG seems to be attracted by the funding given by Australia. This is Australia's problem and indefinite mandatory detention in PNG is not part of the solution. NAIROBI, Kenya - Ogilvy & Mather Africa scooped 20 prizes in the Advertising Practitioners Awards 2016, including two of the top Grand Prix prizes, stamping its position as the best and most creative integrated agency in Africa. The firm, Africas premier communications agency with operations in 27 countries across the continent, was recognized at the awards gala at the weekend in every key category Television, Print, Radio, Digital, Interactive and Media Innovation. The firms Churchill Oele and Patrick Biwott, were also awarded the Young Creatives Awards, which comes with an opportunity to attend Cannes International Festival 2017 in June next year. The CEO of Ogilvy & Mather Africa, Nadja Bellan-White said: We are delighted by this recognition. As an agency, we believe our work is about finding ideas across different mediums. This demonstrates the depth and breadth of our creativity as we help our clients to solve their business challenges through integrated communications campaigns. Speaking at the awards gala, the regional managing director of Ogilvy & Mather Africa, Mathieu Plassard said: Growing and training young Kenyan talent is one of our key objectives as a group. The recognition of our talent in the Young Creatives category highlights our efforts. Ultimately, in the words of our founder, David Ogilvy, who said that advertising agencies have to be like teaching hospitals. This is the reason we have strategic partnerships with different institutions to grow talent within the group. The Advertising Practitioners Awards, which returned this year after a 12 year hiatus, celebrate creative ingenuity in the Kenyan advertising industry. A total of 66 awards were won in 15 creative categories from TV, Radio & Print commercials, Integrated Communications Campaign, Digital, Interactive, Experiential, Media Innovation, Sustainable Marketing, and Young Creatives Award. For this years awards, APA partnered with Loeries, one of the world's most prestigious companies championing creative expression. During the awards, Ogilvy & Mather Africa won two Grand Prix, five Gold (in Media Innovation, Digital, Print, Radio and TV); five Silver and Certificates (Print, TV and Media); six Bronze (Media Innovation, Digital, Print and TV); and two Young Creatives. Globally, Ogilvy is the most creative network having been named Network of the year for the fifth time at Cannes International Festival. Kirusa, a global leader in providing mobile and social media solutions, yesterday announced at AfricaCom, that its InstaVoice service has reached the remarkable landmark of 100 million monthly active users. Image by 123RF InstaVoice is highly popular among the mobile subscriber base in Africa. Nigeria tops the list of most number of users for this service, with over 50 million adopting InstaVoice. In Nigeria, InstaVoice is available for all mobile users across Airtel, Etisalat, and MTN. Some of the other countries in which InstaVoice is hugely popular are Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Malawi, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. InstaVoice, based on Kirusas patented technology, helps mobile users to be connected with each other using missed calls, voicemail, and Voice SMS. InstaVoice caters to all mobile users across feature phones and smartphones, making it a universal service for all mobile users. Feature phone customers can click on a number to hear the voice messages they have received, and respond by a simple press of a key. Smartphone users can download the InstaVoice app from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Microsoft Windows Store, and receive their Missed Calls, Voice Mails, and Voice SMS in a simple, user-friendly interface. Whats more, users can connect their multiple SIM cards to InstaVoice, and received missed calls and voicemails to all their numbers from within the single app. Over 40 mobile operators across the globe have partnered with Kirusa to provide an integrated InstaVoice experience to their users. Adia Sowho, director digital business, Etisalat Nigeria shared: We congratulate Kirusa for reaching 100 million users. This landmark demonstrates the popularity, scalability, and reliability of its InstaVoice service. InstaVoice is offering real value to our subscribers, and we wish Kirusa many more such milestones in the coming years. The impressive uptake of InstaVoice indicates that Kirusa is delivering unique features and innovation to users and carriers, with a cloud infrastructure used for interconnection between carriers within the same and different countries. Kirusa also remains committed to supporting the GSMA's 2020 Vision. Hence, it is not surprising to witness the company's impactful performance in this space", said Frost & Sullivan director of emerging telecoms, Ronald Gruia. Disrupt Africa, an independent news portal with a keen eye on the African tech startup scene, released its first industry funding report in January this year. The research provides a quantified look at just how much funding African tech startups raised in 2015. Although figures may not be exact - as funding details are not always announced - it provides a starting point from which to draw comparisons going forward, and gives investors an idea of what's happening in each sector and country. Ion Chiosea via 123RF Tom Jackson, co-founder of Disrupt Africa, shared some of the report findings as part of the Ericsson AHUB stream at the AfricaCom conference that kicked off in Cape Town yesterday. Top six destinations According to the report, 125 African tech startups raised $185,785,500 over the course of 2015 equating to an impressive average of around $1.5 million per startup. Breaking the funding down into countries, South Africa came out on top with $54,568,000, which is 29% of the total amount of startup funding raised on the continent. In second place is Nigeria with $49,404,000, making up 26.6% of the total. Interestingly however, Jackson noted that owing to a large portion of South African funding going to one company, Nigeria in fact raised a higher average funding amount per company than any South African startup did. In third place is Kenya, raising $47,365,000, amounting to 25.5% of total funds raised, followed by Tanzania with $25,430,000 and 13.7% of the total. The vast majority of funding totals for these two countries came from solar startups that received significant funding rounds last year. In fifth and sixth place is Egypt and Ghana, with $4,750,000 (2.6% of the total) and $1,750,000 (0.9% of the total) respectively. Expanding on why South Africa tends to dominate, he says that the country, and Cape Town especially, seems to benefit from a much livelier angel investor scene. In Nigeria, and particularly in Kenya, the local angel scene hasnt really gotten off the ground just yet, with these investors still preferring to pump their money into things like real estate. In terms of institutional investors and international venture capital firms, Johannesburg and Cape Town are also still considered more comfortable launchpads into Africa than Lagos and Nairobi, for example. Breakdown by sector Zooming in on startup sectors, the top-funded from highest to lowest are: solar, fintech, e-commerce and e-health, with the rest being spread out across various areas like e-learning and transport. Solar startups raked in 32.9% of the funding while fintech accounts for 29.6%. Unsurprising really, as the innovative solutions of startups in these areas are effectively servicing millions of people on the continent who have no easy access to power and basic financial services. Investors are indeed attracted to this. Investors in this case are not seeing it as just a massive return on investment by reaching millions of people, but it doubles up as a social investment, says Jackson. E-commerce came in with a surprisingly low 9.7% of the funding as appetite for general e-commerce decreases, largely owing to the amount of time and money it takes for these businesses to become profitable. According to Jackson, most funding that went into e-commerce in 2015 were more niche e-commerce investments companies focusing on one particular line of goods or a specific item. While e-health performed quite well with 5.85%, Jackson says there were a few sectors that fared poorer than expected, e-learning being one of them. These startups appear to still be working out how to monetise their offering and attract significant investment numbers. 2016 report predictions Jackson expects the 2016 report to reflect a significant growth in the number of startups that raise funding and a larger headline funding figure to boot. And while he thinks a radical shakeup in the country order is unlikely, he predicts sector improvements for e-health, jobs and e-learning. The sector frontrunner will be fintech, which is to see massive growth in funding. Fintech will be the place to put your money, Jackson concludes. When he started in 2007, one of Bevan Ducasse's biggest challenges was finding the technology that could support a mobile transaction payment system. Now, his company, wiGroup, works with 75 companies in South Africa and says it facilitates one million transactions a month. Ducasse is on African Start-Up on CNN this week revealing how wiGroup began, the challenges it faced, and the prospects for the rapidly-growing company. He had a vision to replace peoples wallets with their phone: I was working at a mobile technology business and I looked at a mobile phone and said: 'Surely this device is going to change the world'. The next thing I said I wanted to get rid of my wallet; I had a bulky wallet with not much cash in it and said surely we can put that into a mobile device and allow people to transact with their phone." Ducasse grew up on a farm in the small town of Escort in KwaZulu-Natal, where he was busy harvesting his own ideas. "I was 23, I had a whole folder of ideas that Id kept from the past. I used these to build business models and asked which one would work and would scale," he told African Start-Up Together with his co-founder Bartholomew Kok, Ducasse developed one of the worlds first mobile transaction payment systems. At first, he explained being ahead of the curve worked against wiGroup: iPhone and the Android app store concept weren't around in 2007. We bought our first coffee off our phones in 2008, so we were way ahead of the Apple Pays, Snap Scans and Zappers and other players." The idea failed because it was ahead of its time. "Realising we had to change our business model led to a massive pivot." Ducasse and his team went back to the drawing board to secure the survival of a business that had received $200,000 in funding from investors. "So the banks were looking at our model and saying we are really worried about what these guys are trying to do. As with every idea you have to be agile and change to market needs, and for us we looked at it and said the biggest challenge facing growth of mobile going into the future is the retailers ability to integrate all the different mobile transactions apps, so we said to retailers, if you integrate your point of sale to our platform you can turn on all the different mobile transaction apps that launch in the market through a single integration," he told the segment. The disappointment of abandoning the original business idea didnt deter Ducasse and his team. He maintains that his company remains competitive. "Globally, we don't know of anyone that's doing to the extent of what we're doing. We're really sitting on gold, and it's about how do we harvest that and take that internationally. We have people in the UK, In Europe, in Ghana, in Nigeria and are expanding product into other markets I believe in this product and its about how quickly we can scale it and get it to market." Ducasse's interview is airing on African Start-Up today (16 November, 2016) on CNN International at 3pm GMT. SPARK Media has officially launched its programmatic advertising offering entitled SPARK ignition. BUY. SELL. or TARGET. ignition SELL. is a private marketplace (PMP) tool incorporating premium South African websites that are part of, or affiliated to, the Caxton CTP Group of Publishers. This PMP is unique to the South African digital advertising market not only because it has access to inventory that is hyper-local (owing to the local newspaper websites), but it also has access to inventory that covers a broad range of interests such as breaking news, female lifestyle interests, sports, business and many more. "This is a very important step taken by SPARK Media in allowing advertisers to target relevant audience segments across our group's sites as an alternative to buying site specific impressions," says Marc du Plessis, SPARK Media's Joint CEO. "We know that more advertisers are starting to allocate increasing budgets to programmatic advertising buys, but often are not certain of the quality of the inventory they're buying, or where their brand actually ends up. This is where a PMP comes in, eliminating transparency and brand safety issues." "While we're very excited about the prospects of ignition SELL. we're still firm in the belief that a true and transparent South African marketplace should exist for South African publishers. Something we would most certainly support and become a part of," added du Plessis. SPARK Media believes that the success of programmatic advertising relies heavily on the ability to target the right audience, with the right message in the right place. Inventory bought through ignition SELL. can be overlaid with audience data layers improving the quality of inventory to buyers, further enhancing and improving the user experience and performance metrics. In simple terms we can target the right person with the right message on the right website. ignition SELL. is the perfect one-stop online display and mobile shop for clients who want to buy advertising space through premium direct (IO buys), preferred deals or private auctions. Reaching 6.1 million unique browsers, 31 million page views (Effective Measure: October 2016) and over 50 million ad impressions every month. Publishers that form part of this offering include The Citizen, Woman and Home magazine, Caxton's Local News Network (LNN) (+76 local news websites), All4Women and many more premium publishers. ignition TARGET. is an offering run off an internationally recognised DMP (data management platform). It is a programmatic and direct audience (IO buys) solution providing advertisers with the opportunity to target unique audiences across a network of premium, news and lifestyle focused publisher websites. Advertisers have the option to target audiences based on their browsing behaviour as well as demographic targeting. For more information about our ignition BUY. SELL or TARGET. offerings please send an email to az.oc.aidemkraps@noitingi or call us on 010 492 8390 I remember sitting in a conference in Morocco listening to the Ogilvy MD, Matthieu Plassard, as he shared that marketing in Africa was less about selling products and more about solving problems. He highlighted that in a world where the share of wallet is limited, brands need to drive lifestyle solutions instead of products aimed at disposable income. Matthieus comment echoed the sentiment I have been hearing from underground conversations in marketing circles. Building solutions for people is fast becoming the most valuable marketing tool that marketers can spend their time doing. Brand love wont come from lifestyle alignment and it wont come from fancy content. Image via 123RF Future brands will build their strength in the consumers mind by solving real issues for their consumers. Brands whose product dont specifically solve a problem will need to look for ways to build value into peoples lives. We have seen that brands whose product solves problems for people naturally gain brand loyalty. MPESA in Kenya is a great example in Africa the global tech world helped solve communication desires with networks like Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. The brands that shine in the world are backed by products that solve actual issues for people. Thomas Kolster suggests that brands could gain better traction with consumers by using advertising methods to solve environmental and social issues. He cites how Coca-Cola ran a campaign to build brand love in Bangladesh by building an arcade machine that runs on plastic bottles, helping solve the litter crisis Bangladesh is facing. The campaign was very well received, and Thomas highlights this as a great way to solve social issues with advertising, citing its only negative was that the campaign only lasted six weeks. According to Thomas, people hate advertising, and that is the premise of his case to encourage brands to solve the worlds problems instead of selling stuff. Brand and business who find that sweet spot of solving world issues and driving brand loyalty will find that they build a unique loyalty from consumers and a large amount of goodwill for their brand. Another great example is how Volvo developed a spray paint for cyclists who commute to work. Life Paint helps make cyclists more visible in an attempt to reduce road accidents involving bicycle commuters. While I completely agree with Matthieu and Thomas, I would like to suggest that there is another reason we see this shift to solving from selling. Advertising agencies are getting tired of selling more product for their clients. Firstly, advertising executives who have had successful careers are now reflecting on their lifes work and are looking for ways to leave a legacy and to switch from success-driven life (extracting as much as possible from life) to significance driven lives (injecting as much as possible into society and people). Secondly, as agencies attract more millennial talent, these millennials are shaping the creative execution and thinking towards activities, social issues and environmental solutions. These issues are front of mind for millennials, and they are looking for a way to feel like their job helps them make a difference to the injustice they see in the world. Both the swell of millennials in agencies and the change of heart in the executive leadership should start to change the way agencies work. I believe that over time the most successful agencies will be those that find a way to be significant, to help brands leave a significant legacy in the hearts of consumers. Ultimately, success in the future will come from how we solve todays problems for people. Eris Property Group recently announced the development of a R1.5bn decor and lifestyle business park in Umgeni, Durban at a launch event at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga. The Umgeni Deco & Lifestyle Park has been designed to provide 90,000m2 of commercial, retail, showroom and office space. Located within the existing Umgeni Business Park, the land is said to be the last centrally located undeveloped piece of land in Durban. Lance Meyer, development manager at Eris Property Group explains that, in addition to its track record of demonstrated development success in the Durban area, it chose this site as part of its expanding portfolio of developments in Durban because the node is set to receive a new injection of investment. Two phases The development will be undertaken by Eris Property Group and Accessio Group in partnership with PRASA and Intersite Asset Investments. Construction will begin mid-2017 and the development will be constructed in two phases over the next five years. L-R: Patrick Gombert (Intersite Asset Investments); Lukanyou Mahlati (Accessio Group); Cromet Molepo (PRASA); Lance Meyer (Eris Property Group); Nketso Nyamande (Intersite Asset Investments); Brian Alexander (PRASA). Meyer confirms that all development and environmental approvals are in place, and the business park is ready to develop as a full site for facilities up to 90,000m2 GLA (gross lettable area) over 13,6ha. Pioneer Foods Group Limited announced today that it would buy a 49.89% stake in Weetabix East Africa Limited for an undisclosed amount. The joint venture (JV) will see Pioneer Foods in partnership with Weetabix UK Limited. This will be the second JV between Pioneer Foods and Weetabix UK. Founded about four decades ago, Weetabix East Africa produces the number one breakfast cereal in the region, with the Weetabix range enjoying a significant market share. The company currently exports to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. The facility is well managed with highly trained staff, and has a recently upgraded plant with sufficient spare production capacity to support growth in the region. The acquisition will establish a strategic beachhead for Pioneer Foods in East Africa and the opportunity to build a significant cereal position in the market. Group CEO of Pioneer Foods, Phil Roux, said: This acquisition represents a rare opportunity for Pioneer Foods to enter the East African market with a credible partner and a profitable branded business. We believe there is strong category growth potential in this market, driven by an emerging middle class as well as by convenience-driven consumer trends. The per capita consumption of breakfast cereals in Kenya suggests good growth potential, with the added benefit of accelerating growth in neighbouring countries. Group CEO of Weetabix UK, Giles Turrell, comments: The business will provide a platform to introduce the wider Pioneer Foods basket, through an established and well developed route-to-market in Kenya and neighbouring countries." The transaction is subject to Kenyan regulatory approvals, which is standard for a transaction of this nature. Adrian Steirn, head of Cape Town-based Ginkgo Agency, has announced that its documentary on the Caucasian Leopard, Europe's last remaining indigenous leopard species, will air on Nat Geo Wild in South Africa at 6pm on 12 December and internationally throughout December. The film, The Worlds Most Wanted Leopard, is part of the Mission Critical strand, which features powerful stories of the most incredible and most endangered animals on the planet. It follows Steirn and his team as they set out across the rugged and vast terrain of Azerbaijan in their quest to capture footage of the leopard, which is the largest sub-species of leopard in the world. It has never been substantively documented in the wild on film, with only limited still images and partial sightings via video camera traps in existence from other Caucasus regions. Azerbaijans population has never previously been filmed, making this a groundbreaking expedition to document a species, which is officially denoted as critically endangered by the global monitoring organisation IUCN in its Red List of Threatened Species. The film captures the hunt through Azerbaijans sub-tropical semi-desert heat, as well as freezing winters, as the team persevere in their mission to track down and film the beast in the isolated Hirkan National Park. Assisted by specialist support from Babakhan Rakhmanov, known locally as the Leopard Man, and Dr Victor Lukarevsky, a world-renowned Russian big cat specialist (BBC Operation Snow Tiger), the team used a network of cameras, planted in carefully targeted locations, to keep watch over the huge territory inhabited by the elusive animal. Steirn, said, Making this film has been a unique and incredible journey in search of a majestic creature. I have worked extensively across Africa but this was a very different experience for me and our team to go from Cape Town to the uncharted territories of Azerbaijan. It was a privilege to be granted access to the incredible Azerbaijan mountains with the support of local environmental bodies and trackers in an attempt to capture footage of this rare sub-species of leopard. The team and I were tested both emotionally and physically but we were thrilled with what we managed to accomplish. To know that the future of the Caucasian Leopard is now high on the agenda of key players in the region as a result of our film is extremely rewarding. Increasing global concern The unprecedented footage has assisted in engaging and galvanising key conservation organisations in wider efforts to restore the Caucasian Leopard population across the region. These new initiatives follow the successful programme earlier this year, in the Caucasus biosphere reserve of Russias Sochi National Park, which saw the breeding and subsequent release into the wild of three Caucasian Leopard cubs, which was implemented by the Caucasus Leopard Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre. Ginkgo Agencys mission is to produce purpose-led, cause-related work that contributes to the global community. It recently launched Beautiful News, a digital platform dedicated to delivering an inspiring story each day that reflects the goodness of the South African people and celebrates their spirit and community. Other projects have included work for WWF South Africa, where Steirn is a photographer in residence, and a series of films highlighting conservation issues, such as the threat to tigers in Nepal and the plight of the Amazon rainforest, as well as several focused on rhino poaching. For more information, go to www.ginkgoagency.com. Australia and almost every other country has committed to the convention. The book will explore the moral and legal rule, the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, that prohibits one country from hosting wealth stolen by the leaders of another country. AUSTRALIA is a haven for dirty money, money stolen from countries like Papua New Guinea, according to research by Professor Jason Sharman of Griffith University which will shortly be published in a new book, The Despots Guide to Wealth Management. Sharman (pictured) has investigated the extent to which the United States, Britain, Switzerland and Australia are living up to their commitments to prevent foreign corruption funds entering their financial systems, and then tracing, seizing and returning these funds when they do sneak in. In a recent lecture, broadcast on ABC Radio and YouTube, Sharman gave some insights into his research findings. He said that the US, Britain and Switzerland are generally sincere in respecting their commitment, although, because laundering is a tough policy problem to solve, effectiveness of the rule against hosting the proceeds of foreign corruption is not great. Australia, however, is in a completely different category. Sharman says the Australian government has consistently chosen a path of inaction and denial that has led the country becoming a haven for dirty money stolen by foreign leaders and their families. As evidence of Australias role as a haven for dirty money, Sharman cites examples involving China and Papua New Guinea as well as evidence from the Organisation for European Cooperation and Development (OECD): The Chinese regime has long been plagued with endemic corruption among its leaders The Peoples Bank of China (the Chinese central bank) put together a top secret report about corrupt officials fleeing with state money. The report won an internal prize for the quality of the research, but what good is a prize if no one knows about it? Against strict orders, the authors posted the report on the web in 2011, though it was taken down within 24 hours, it was widely copied The report indicated that in the 15 year period 1993-2008 between 16,000 and 18,000 officials had fled China taking funds to the value of between $100 and $120 billion. Where did these officials go with their loot? The report listed the three most population destinations for these officials and their money as being the United States, Canada and Australia. Sharman says that in 2013 an OECD Report ranked its 34 member states on how well they met international standards on blocking the inflow of money looted from abroad: Australia came second worst. The Australian government then tried to have this unflattering comparison cut from the report. It failed. It then tried to suppress the fact that it had tried to suppress the comparison. It failed at that too. Sharman says Australian agencies are guilty of blaming each other for the lack of action: While money laundering of foreign illicit proceeds through real estate is perceived to be a risk for Queensland, Queensland has no money laundering convictions for this activity. The Australian Federal Police indicated that it does not focus on this risk, believing this money laundering activity relates to State level crimes, whereas the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission stated it does not focus on this risk as it relates to foreign money and is thus a matter for the Australian Federal Police. Why hasnt the Australian government taken action? Sharman says it is a case of strong laws but a weak will: Australia has some of the strongest laws for confiscating wealth and prosecuting financial crimes. In some circumstances the law allows a reversal of proof: you have to prove that you obtained your assets legally, rather than the government having to prove you guilty. So the real problem is political will. Australian governments of both the left and the right have consistently taken the attitude that it is politically easier to brazen it out and deny that there is a problem, than to admit that Australia is in fact a haven for dirty money and do something to address this problem. How do foreign corrupt officials get their money into Australia? Sharman says a 2012 speech by Sam Koim, head of PNGs anti-corruption unit provides some answers. Koim spoke of the activities of corrupt officials from Papua New Guinea in Australia as follows: They have bought property and other assets, put money in bank accounts and gambled heavily in your casinos and have never been troubled by having their ill-gotten gains taken off them.... Be under no illusion, these people have chosen Australia as their preferred place to launder and house the proceeds of their crimes because it is easy. Cairns is only a short flight and property can be bought off the plan without permission. The financial system is stable and, it has been... extremely easy to get their money into your system. Sharman says that although Koim came up with the idea of Australia as the Cayman Islands of the South Pacific, he thinks this is very unfair. to the Caymans: Australia has still never repatriated a single cent of corruption funds to PNG, despite highly public cases like that of Eremas Wartoto who colluded with a government Minister in PNG to steal $30 million of public funds intended for schools. Finding out that he was about to be charged in PNG with corruption offences, Wartoto fled to Cairns in August 2011 using a car hire company he owned to sponsor him for a visa. The PNG government requested the Australian government not to issue the visa, considering the pending charges. The Australian government ignored the request, despite a secret cable from Australias high commissioner in Port Moresby to then-foreign minister Bob Carr warning that this decision could be used to prove that Australia is a haven for the proceeds of crime from PNG. Wartoto set up a variety of Australian bank accounts and bought 5 properties in Cairns, two through trusts, the corruption charges against him in PNG proving no obstacle. The PNG government then asked that Wartoto be returned to PNG to face charges, but the Australian government agreed with Wartotos lawyers that he was too sick to travel, suffering fatigue, even though Australian government records showed him travelling to Fiji, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands at this time. Two Fairfax journalists broke the story almost two years later on the day then PM Julia Gillard landed in Port Moresby. By a miraculous coincidence, Wartotos visa was cancelled within the week and he returned to face trial, though his assets in Australia have still not been returned. In 2014 Sharman says he spoke with an undercover investigator from the non-government organsiation Global Witness who came to PNG under the pretence of asking local lawyers how to bring corruption funds into Australia, and secretly videoed the exchange: In footage later broadcast on SBS, one Australian lawyer and former Crown prosecutor in Port Moresby helpfully explained: You know the days of banging a million bucks into this secret-numbered account in Singapore is over... dribs and drabs are the only way to go. His partner, a close associate of the current Prime Minister, explained the scheme in more detail. The Australian-based lawyer provides fictitious or inflated legal bills to a PNG politician who has dirty money he wants to move to Australia. The money is transferred ostensibly as payment for the inflated or fictitious bill, and avoids suspicion because the law firm is a prestigious Australian firm. The Australian-based lawyer takes a cut of the money, but most is then kicked back to the PNG politician, perhaps through a shell company or in property. Sharman says there are now a lot of recent international rules designed to prohibit one country hosting money stolen by the kleptocratic leaders of another country: Expansion into Switzerland helped grocery chain Spar grow revenue 24.5% to R92.2bn and attributable profit 27.7% to R1.8bn in the year to end-September, it reported on Wednesday morning. A Spar store in Rosemount, South Africa.Picture: BDlive Spar segments itself into three geographical regions. Southern Africa contributed 67% of the group's revenue and 80% of operating profit. Its store network in the region (including franchises) - which, besides its flagship grocery chain, includes Tops liquor outlets and the Build IT hardware chain - was 2,033 at September 30. Ireland contributed 25% of revenue and 19% of operating profit. The acquisition of Londis helped its Irish division grow revenue 37%, and its store network stood at 1,340 outlets at the end of the reporting period. The South African Spar group acquired 60% of its Swiss sister in April. Spar Switzerland contributed R6.5bn of the group's revenue and R32m operating profit during the reporting period. The total number of Spar-owned grocery stores in Southern Africa at September 30 was 890, five more than the previous year. The group said the growth of Spar's retail space slowed to 1.5% during the year. "This was due to increased scrutiny to confirm the viability of all proposed expansion projects and a number of new developments being delayed by property developers. In line with its organic growth focus, Spar accelerated the pace of store refurbishments, with 167 stores being revamped from 159 stores the previous year," the company said in its results statement. Despite delays in obtaining liquor licences, the group opened 45 new Tops outlets, taking the chain to 691 stores. The total retail space was up 9.3% for the period. The majority of stores were converted to the new Tops at Spar logo and 36 stores were revamped. "The performance of Build It continues to defy ongoing pressure on consumer spending, with retail sales up 13.4% to R11.7bn and same-store growth of 7.4%," the company said. WASHINGTON: Google and Facebook moved on Tuesday to cut off advertising revenue to bogus news sites, acting after criticism of the role fake news played in the US presidential election. "We've been working on an update to our publisher policies and will start prohibiting Google ads from being placed on misrepresentative content, just as we disallow misrepresentation in our ads policies," a Google statement to AFP said. "Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property." Facebook is implementing a similar policy, a spokesman said. Alexander Kirch via 123RF "In accordance with the Audience Network Policy, we do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news," a Facebook statement said. "While implied, we have updated the policy to explicitly clarify that this applies to fake news. Our team will continue to closely vet all prospective publishers and monitor existing ones to ensure compliance." The electoral victory of Donald Trump has sparked heightened scrutiny of online and social media, especially the role of bogus news that appeared to help rally Trump supporters. Some news stories which went viral included headlines such as "Hillary Clinton Calling for Civil War If Trump Is Elected" and "Pope Francis Shocks World, Endorses Donald Trump for President." On Monday, internet users searching on Google were delivered a bogus report saying Trump won the popular vote in addition to the Electoral College. The numbers on a blog called 70News -- contradicting official results tallied so far by states -- said Trump received 62.9 million votes to 62.2 million for Hillary Clinton. The blog urged those petitioning for the Electoral College to switch their votes to reflect popular will to scrap their effort. Source: AFP While the easiest way for the government to collect the revenue it needs is to raise value-added tax (VAT), this is not on the cards for political reasons, says Judge Dennis Davis, chairman of the tax advisory committee. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has said the government has to raise an additional R28bn in tax to meet fiscal targets over the medium term. The new tax measures will be announced in February. Davis was speaking at an Investec panel discussion in Johannesburg. He said the best options to raise new revenue were: raising the tax rate to 45% for the highest earners; clamping down on base erosion and transfer pricing by companies; and through the exchange control amnesty. It was possible that the skills development levy would be raised a percentage point to 2% to help fund increased funding to higher education. Higher corporate taxes were also not an option due to the risk of dampening investment. Source: Business Day Ask an African farmer how climate change is affecting the community, and the response will be unequivocal. "It cut off my means of survival," 66-year-old Zimbabwean farmer Amon Makonese told us just last month, referring to the El Nino-induced drought which struck last year. "It was one of the worst droughts we have ever seen," he added. "I planted three hectares of maize, but it all wilted". Oxfam East Africa via Wikimedia Commons This story of failed harvest, hunger and hopelessness as temperatures rise are common across the continent. In fact, it is estimated that 65 percent of Africa's population is affected by climate change. The need for agriculture, which feeds the chronically food insecure region and forms the backbone of its economy, to adapt to these extreme weather events is becoming urgent. Yet disappointingly, here at COP22 in Marrakech, dubbed both "The African COP" and "The COP of Action," talks to include agriculture in the climate change negotiations have once again collapsed. Disputes on how to integrate adaptation and mitigation efforts have led to any further discussions being postponed until June 2017 at the next meeting of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) in Bonn. Lack of progress at a global level makes regional action all the more critical. That is why the Moroccan government is championing the adaptation of African agriculture (AAA), through the launch of the ambitious AAA initiative. At an event held in Marrakech, scientists and policymakers from all over Africa came together to determine an action plan for implementing this initiative, based on a rich body of evidence generated by the global research network CGIAR and its many partners. Taken together with the clear desire for action by African countries that prioritised agriculture in their national climate plans, there is significant potential to transform food and farming under climate change. A number of actions were identified at the event as being the most crucial for accelerating action on the adaptation of African agriculture. Mobilising investment Recent analysis has proven that investing in climate-sensitive practices makes both environmental and economic sense. According to a report launched by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and CGIAR last week, for each dollar invested through IFAD's Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme, farmers could earn a return of up to $2.60 over a 20 year period by applying climate change adaptation practices. Africa's annual need for investment in adaptation has been estimated to be between $7-15 billion per year by 2020, across all sectors. Knowledge exchange Despite this compelling evidence, investments are limited by availability and access to finance. Africa's annual need for investment in adaptation has been estimated to be between $7-15 billion per year by 2020, across all sectors. But only around $1-2 billion per year is available now from public sources, and Africa receives just five percent of international public climate funding. Assisting African countries to prepare economic and financial analyses of costs and returns to farmers of various adaptation actions, for example, will help countries access sorely needed finance from climate funds. As greater amounts of investments are mobilised into the sector, we need to ensure it is used effectively. By fostering partnerships that share knowledge, at a regional and transnational level, Africa farmers can be equipped with cost-effective and impactful approaches for adaptation. A recent knowledge exchange between Senegal and Colombia is a fine example of this. Work has been underway in Senegal to involve farmers in a new initiative for farmer-oriented climate information and weather forecasting services. This has involved marrying traditional knowledge with advanced scientific approaches, which are then disseminated in local languages via community radio. Colombian farmers have visited Kaffrine in Senegal to learn from this experience, and taking back lessons for implementing a similar project in their region benefiting 1,500 farmers. Monitoring and measuring Measuring progress is going to be a great challenge as the Paris Agreement moves forward, and should not be underestimated. Countries will be required to report on their emissions using an enhanced transparency and accountability framework put together as part of the Paris Agreement. There is an important role here for the science community to facilitate and support this process. The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) has developed a Climate-Smart Agriculture programming and indicator tool, which brings together and builds upon approaches used by major development agencies in monitoring projects. The tool helps measure outcomes related to increased productivity, food security, adaptation, resilience, and mitigation, and could be key to helping countries measure progress towards established targets. Farmers like Amon have no time to lose - they are relying on leaders and experts to take action now. Using the momentum created by the Moroccan government, Africa must move forward on adaptation for agriculture, even while global progress stalls. Elwyn Grainger-Jones is executive director of the CGIAR System Organization. Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation. The two trade unions which represented SABC journalists fired for criticising editorial decisions at the public broadcaster want former chief operating officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng to personally pay for the legal costs of their Labour Court application. Solidarity and the Broadcasting, Electronic Media and Allied Workers Union served Motsoeneng with papers on Monday regarding the cost order awarded by the Labour Court in Johannesburg in July. The journalists, known as the SABC Eight, were fired earlier this year for challenging a blanket ban on broadcasting footage of violent protests. They challenged their employer in the Labour Court and were reinstated, all except Vuyo Mvoko, who is a freelancer. The head of Solidarity's centre for fair labour practices, Anton van der Bijl, said Motsoeneng had to "carry the can" for the decision to dismiss the journalists. "Solidarity is requesting that Motsoeneng gives oral evidence in court. Although [SABC acting group executive, news and current affairs] Simon Tebele ultimately carried out the instruction to dismiss the journalists, it is argued that Motsoeneng was the person who gave the instruction," he said. The journalists are proceeding with their Constitutional Court application against censorship at the SABC. Meanwhile, the Department of Communications says it is satisfied with the work it has done over the past year, despite facing harsh criticism over the crisis at some of its entities, particularly the SABC. Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is responsible for the department, the Government Communication and Information System, as well as five entities - Brand SA, the Films and Publications Board, the Independent Communications Authority of SA, the SABC and the Media Development and Diversity Agency. Muthambi's tenure has been dogged by controversy amid suggestions in some quarters that she is largely to blame for the problems at the public broadcaster. The SABC received an unqualified audit opinion in the 2015-16 financial year and made a loss of R411m. The appointment of Motsoeneng as the SABC's group executive of corporate affairs in October sparked the current crisis at the broadcaster when two board members abruptly resigned in protest, leaving the board with just three members. Source: Business Day The Treasury has accepted the plea by business to scrap the R20m cap on annual claims per employer under the employment tax incentive. Business Unity SA and other large employers argued during parliamentary hearings on the incentive that the cap would limit the effectiveness of the programme, which had been successful in enhancing youth employment. The Treasury has proposed to extend the life of the incentive for two years after it expires at year's end. Treasury officials responded to the submissions made during the hearings at a meeting of parliament's finance committee on Tuesday, 15 November 2016. Treasury director Christopher Axelson said a "compelling" case was made that the proposed cap would come at the cost of higher levels of employment. Treasury had rejected the proposal to raise the cap, he said, as its analysis "indicates that a higher cap would affect only a handful of claimants and would therefore be ineffectual". Axelson said Treasury and the SARS would monitor the affordability of the programme within the fiscal framework. This would also inform any further extension beyond the two years proposed. "Should cost containment of this programme be required, the imposition of a cap will be reviewed," Axelson told MPs. Treasury did not accept broadening the group of those eligible for the incentive, which it said was aimed primarily at vulnerable, inexperienced, young work seekers. Adjustments to the formula would have revenue implications in the current constrained fiscal situation. Employees aged 18 to 29 and earning less than R6,500 a month are eligible for the incentive. Axelson said the majority of those benefiting from the incentive earned from R2,000 to R4500. Treasury did not accept the Cosatu proposal to exclude labour brokers from the incentive. Axelson said the incentive did not support employment that did not comply with the existing labour regulatory system. "Excluding a sub-grouping of employers based on the form of subcontracting would impede our principle of horizontal equity. Treasury would rather exclude problematic labour practices in a manner that is consistent with labour legislation and tax principles," he noted. Source: BDpro SAA is bleeding from the intense competition on the domestic market, with rivals gouging out R1bn revenue in the second quarter of the 2016-17 financial year, acting chief financial officer Phumeza Nhantsi told Parliament's finance committee Wednesday. Hansueli Krapf via Wikimedia Commons The state-owned airline carried 159,000 fewer passengers - 4% decline - compared with its budget, due to the entry into the market of two new low-cost carriers and the fact that foreign airlines such as Emirates, Ethiopian and Qatar are flying direct to Durban and Cape Town, which had neutralised domestic fares. However, Nhantsi said the loss in revenue was compensated for by R1bn in cost savings, particularly on fuel. All in all, SAA was pleased with the performance in the second quarter compared with the performance of the second quarter of 2015, Nhantsi said. Revenue in the second quarter rose by 5%, with average fares 16% higher than the same period in 2015, though interest costs of R288m were 41% higher. A bottom line loss of R765m was suffered compared with a budgeted R61m loss. Foreign exchange losses for the period amounted to R592m, Nhantsi noted. Earnings before interest, tax, and amortisation of R206m was achieved, lower than the budgeted R221m but a better performance than the same period in 2015. In the year to end-March SAA made a R1.5bn loss, an improvement on the prior year's R5.6bn. Acting SAA CEO Musa Zwane also highlighted the problem of oversupply in the domestic market. He told MPs that SAA was pursuing a strategy of creating a hub in West Africa and planned to launch flights from Ghana to New York and London. He also raised the issue of the loss of skills from SAA, which he said had to be addressed seriously as it could affect the bottom online. In addition, he mentioned "serious difficulties" in getting SAA's money repatriated from Nigeria and Angola. Source: BDpro The Labelwise campaign, launched last month to educate South Africans on the value of purchasing sustainable products, has extended its multi-channel campaign to outdoor media. Posters, featuring young South African shoppers choosing eco and socially responsible brands, will appear in Johannesburg and Cape Town over the coming months. A TV campaign is planned. The ad campaign, created by North Ltd, features four eco and social labels Fairtrade South Africa, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Fair Trade Tourism. The agency devised the name Labelwise to bring across the desired consciousness amongst consumers around the different sustainability labels that exist and encourage them to use this awareness to make better choices. The company was responsible for creating the brand, including the tagline, a little does a lot. Mike Bond, creative director and designer at North Ltd, says, Every day, people are bombarded with messages about how they can help and effect change. Our aim was to show how little effort it takes to make a big difference. We are proud to be a part of making South Africans more label savvy and, in turn, saving the planet and empowering its people. For more information, go to www.belabelwise.co.za or http://www.northltd.co.za. While creating the list, Contiki also wanted to understand the motivators behind why young people travel, and what type of experiences they want out of life. To learn about new cultures was the strongest motivator, however 74% of respondents indicated that social experiences were the most valuable, ahead of cultural, culinary, intellectual, adrenaline and spiritual. Top experiences varied greatly by destination, indicating that Millennials and their younger cousins, the Post-Millennials (those born after 1995) were searching for unique experiences that would create lasting memories, regardless of whether these were in Paris or Peru. Top five experiences 1. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Those landscapes and that awe inspiring natural light show make Iceland a winning destination. Silica, Algae and Minerals are all active materials in the lagoon making it a natural skin regime, whilst the water temperature hovers around a balmy 37-40 degrees. If you think the idea of bathing with 50 other people at one time is a bit gross, dont the water is self-cleansing, renewing itself every 40 hours. 2. See the Great Pyramids of Giza The Great Pyramids of Giza clearly define bucket list goals. Built over 5,000 years ago, the oldest and largest of the pyramids is the Great Pyramid, the only surviving structure of the seven ancient wonders of the world. This is nestled on the west bank of the Nile and on the fringes of the expansive Sahara Desert. 3. Walk the Great Wall of China Weighing in at a staggering 21,196 kilometres long and with over 2,300 years under its belt, the Great Wall is the worlds most awe inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture, built by multiple dynasties to protect different territorial borders. 4. Chill out on the beach in Byron Bay Golden expanses of sand, chilled back hippy vibes and hands down some of the best food in Oz this is Byron Bay. Spend your morning kayaking the mangroves while dolphin spotting, cycle on over to Tallows beach for secluded beach experiences, then end the day watching the sun set from the vantage point of the lighthouse. 5. Learn how to make pizza in Italy Pizza and Italy two words that have been synonymous with each other since, well, forever. Get to grips with the countrys most famous export (soz pasta, youre a close second) with a hands on cookery lesson, taught by the experts themselves the locals. Learn to knead your dough just the right way, dollop on the perfect tomato sauce, and season with all the cheese and basil you can dream of. ArcelorMittal SA CEO Wim De Klerk says if the country's biggest steel maker does not get safeguard protection from the government - in addition to 10% basic tariff protection - from a flood of mainly cheaper Chinese imported steel, the South African steel industry is likely to become extinct. He also says the company is set to make a "huge" loss in the six months to December. This comes after the South African unit of the Indian-backed Arcelor group - the world's biggest steel producer - made a net loss of R8.6bn to December 2015. ArcelorMittal SA produces 75% of the country's steel. De Klerk's comments come as the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has dropped plans to build a R5bn steel mill in the country, with Chinese partners, once touted to be Hebei Iron & Steel Group. "They [the IDC] have confirmed it is off," he says. De Klerk also confirms that ArcelorMittal SA is bidding to reopen the structural steel mill of the defunct Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium plant - once a part of SA's second largest steel group. "It is a done deal from our point of view, but needs board approval," he says. The mill manufactures steel structures used in large buildings such as shopping malls. These are not made anywhere else in Africa. It is the single prize asset of the Russian-backed Evraz Highveld plant that once anchored the economy of Emalahleni in Mpumalanga province, but that is now in liquidation. If the Evraz Highveld deal comes to fruition - amid large overcapacity of steel output in SA - ArcelorMittal SA will have an even bigger monopoly in domestic markets. But the company has recently allayed government anger over its monopoly pricing practices, and has also struck a long delayed black economic empowerment transaction. It will pay a R1.5bn competition authority penalty for price-fixing, and will also regulate prices for five years, while investing R4.6bn in operating efficiencies, in terms of its deals with government. The vendor-funded R2.3bn "walkaway" empowerment deal for 25.1% of the company has a lock-in period of 10 years. If its stock reaches R44 per share after this period, the empowerment partners will get 10% of the company unencumbered. But it is a long walk to renewed and sustainable profits. If GDP falls below 2%, the steel industry has negative growth, says the South African Institute of Steel Construction. A recent agreement between construction companies and the government to speed transformation in the construction industry has provided hope that the state will start spending on large infrastructure projects as called for under the National Development Plan (NDP). The domestic construction and engineering sector uses about 50% of all local steel produced. But De Klerk says the government - despite a raft of other agreements struck between the steel industry, the state and labour - has still not committed to using domestic steel in infrastructure development. This leaves survival of the domestic industry moot in future. "We can only promise not to kill jobs as long as we are profitable. Transnet and Eskom are the biggest users of steel, and both are among ArcelorMittal SA's largest customers. "That's why government realised they don't have a choice in not letting this business survive," he says. ArcelorMittal SA's 10,000 employees support another 100,000 jobs, and millions more when SA's major industrial sectors are counted in. But the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) highlights growing concerns over the long-term contraction of the nation's metals and engineering sector. "The production figures continue to paint a dire picture," Seifsa senior economist Tafadzwa Chibanguza says. He says that when the 12 months to September 2016 is compared with the 12 months ending September 2015, the sector has contracted 4.18%. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says the South African steel industry directly accounts for 1.5% of GDP. When mining, manufacturing, the automotive sector, construction and state procurement are factored in, it is estimated that the industry supports 15% of GDP and employs about 8-million people. He says the further loss of domestic steel production will constitute "a grave threat" to the growth drivers set out in the NDP, the Industrial Policy Action Plan and President Jacob Zuma's nine-point plan for GDP growth. De Klerk says ArcelorMittal SA's export-oriented Saldanha plant was "built on the concept of cheap power". But with no respite from Eskom's exorbitant costs, there "is a lot of thinking that needs to be done", he says. Source: Business Day In a preview of his 2017 legislative agenda, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a lengthy statement Wednesday outlining executive actions and proposals to achieve ethics reform in New York. Cuomo's executive actions come in response to a state inspector general's report released Tuesday that found financial mismanagement within the City University of New York system. He directed CUNY's board to conduct a review of the system's senior management and determine if changes are needed. The panel will also review the inspector general's report and propose "immediate solutions" to the problems uncovered by the investigation. Cuomo said he'll appoint separate inspector generals for CUNY and the State University of New York. The inspector generals, who will review contracts and investigate conflicts of interest, will have the power to report improper conduct to law enforcement agencies. Beyond the university systems, Cuomo will appoint a chief procurement officer for the executive branch to review all state contracts. "Any contract or agreement that entails the disbursement of state funds will be subject to review," he said. Cuomo has ordered his campaign and the state Democratic Committee not to accept campaign contributions from companies once a request for proposals has been announced and, for the winning entity, six months following the conclusion of the RFP process. The governor wants to extend that rule to other state offices and the state Legislature. He plans on proposing legislation next year. Other proposals mentioned by Cuomo would require action by the state Legislature. He reiterated his call for limits on outside income. Several legislators have been reluctant to support outside income limits in the past. Cuomo supports a 15 percent cap on outside income, which is the same limit in place for members of Congress. "If you're going to be a public servant, you shouldn't be able to have other interests on the side," he said. Other proposals outlined by Cuomo: Giving the Joint Commission on Public Ethics more authority. JCOPE currently has the power to investigate state officials. Under Cuomo's plan, JCOPE would be able to investigate local government officials Requiring local and state elected officials to disclose all sources of income earned by themselves and their spouses Campaign finance reform and public financing of elections Cuomo said his proposals "will make a difference," but took a realistic tone. He added that the state won't be able to end all corruption and fraud. "There are more than 10,000 governments in this state with more than 300,000 employees," he said. "People will commit venal and greedy acts ... Virtually every administration in every era has been touched by it. I have seen it myself, and I have been shocked and hurt by it. But we must do all we can." Here is Cuomo's full statement on ethics reform: All throughout the fall, the most common thing I heard people say was ``I cant wait for the election to be over. Based on that, you would have thought that Election Day should have brought us calm and relief to the country. Well, the election is over, and nobody seems relieved. The votes have been counted and the winners declared, but the damage from a bitter, ugly campaign remains. The voters entered this electoral season unhappy. Feelings of insecurity brought on by an unfair economy dominated. These feelings were compounded by growing doubts about the integrity of their government to actually represent them as opposed to big money interests. The campaign did nothing to allay those fears. In fact, it got worse. Before the race was over, the campaign embroiled the nations justice system itself the institution we count on to be the impartial guardian of our democracy. That fear of real problems, combined with mistrust about the government, is the toxic combination that this nation now faces. Sadly, New York is no exception. Our state has suffered a few long years of seemingly endless scandals at all levels: county governments, city governments, legislative leaders in the Senate and Assembly, in the judiciary, the NYPD, and even in the Executive. Serious misconduct has been alleged and in some cases it has been proven. These scandals have affected the state from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Liberals, Independents no party or group is immune. I believe this public trust and integrity issue must be addressed directly and forthrightly. I dont believe in denial as a life strategy. I believe you must face your problems, no matter how unpleasant, and do your best to resolve them. It is time for action, not words. We need to close loopholes and prevent fraud; apprehend wrongdoers, and punish those who break the law. The sooner we act, the better. We can take some steps immediately. Yesterday, the state Inspector General issued a report on mismanagement at the City University of New York. The report detailed allegations of wrongdoing and a lack of management controls. To me, the larger message of the report was that management failed to understand that taxpayer money deserves the highest protection. Scandal seldom begins with evil, but with temptation, and temptation usually begins with a lack of watchfulness. Honesty is a virtue, but in organizations, it is a culture, and it starts at the top, with leadership. When leadership forgets this, its time to change leadership. I am therefore directing the CUNY Board to review the entire senior management at CUNY, to evaluate how deeply this permissive culture extends, and how extensive a change is necessary. Its a new day. They must also review all the findings in the IG report and propose immediate solutions. I direct them to finish their review in 30 days and advise the state IG of their proposed overhaul. The IG office will offer their opinion of the reforms completeness and then a plan of action will be undertaken. There are other steps we can take immediately. The contracting systems at CUNY and SUNY have become the focus of US Attorney and IG inquiries in the past several months. To insure more permanent supervision, I will create and appoint separate Inspector Generals for both SUNY and CUNY. They will be charged with identifying and investigating conflicts of interest, fraud, corruption and abuse. They will review contracts and hiring for both improper and illegal actions. They will look for personal benefit to any executive or legislative employee or improper actions with a third party. They will review all campuses and all affiliated entities. The IGs will have the authority to bring any report of improper conduct directly to law enforcement. I will also appoint a Chief Procurement Officer for the Executive branch. That person will be charged with reviewing all state contracts, with an eye towards eliminating any wrongdoing, conflicts of interest or collusion. And just so there is no confusion, I do mean all contracts. Any contract or agreement that entails the disbursement of state funds will be subject to review. The Chief Procurement officer will have authority to review any disbursement from the State Division of the Budget. This will include all contracts, grants, executive or legislative disbursements. Any question of collusion, political benefit or personal connections will be thoroughly examined. The Chief Procurement Officer will have investigative and prosecutorial experience, and will be authorized to refer problematic issues directly to law enforcement for further action. I will order my campaign and my party not to accept campaign contributions from companies once a Request for Proposals has been announced, and for six months following the conclusion for the winner. I believe the other state offices and the legislature should do the same and will propose such a law. Those are the actions I can take under my own authority. But there is more to do. And to take those steps, I will propose them to the State Legislature. Here is what I will propose. To end decades of chronic conflicts of interest both perceived and real legislators should no longer be allowed to serve two masters. We must enact strict limits on outside income to end chronic conflicts of interests that have plagued the New York State Legislature for many years. If youre going to be a public servant, you shouldnt be able to have other interests on the side. I support the Congressional model of a 15 percent outside income cap. We have seen conflicts of interest in local governments. I propose the JCOPE State Ethics Board be given the wider authority to root out conflicts of interest by local government officials. Also, all elected officials state and local should be required to disclose all sources of income earned by themselves and their spouses. We still need to enact real campaign finance reform, and public financing for candidates. We must end the ability of so-called not-for-profit advocacy organizations to elude regulation and to mock New York Citys public finance system, by allowing campaigns access to virtually unlimited money from special interests These reforms will make a difference. But I also want to be candid on expectations. I cannot tell the people of our state that we can end all fraud or corruption. I was an Assistant District Attorney and I was Attorney General. Ive handled hundreds of criminal cases. I have seen too much unseemly behavior to be naive about the power of temptation. There are more than 10,000 governments in this state with more than 300,000 employees. People will commit venal and greedy acts. They will do selfish and, frankly, stupid things. We have seen it throughout history. Virtually every administration in every era has been touched by it. I have seen it myself, and I have been shocked and hurt by it. But we must do all we can. Theres an old saying that locks keep honest people honest. Thats very true. And right now, New York needs to replace the locks we have with better ones. We have no higher priority. When I was elected, I pledged to do my best to give you a government that works--that gets things done and in which you can trust. We have made great progress on the first priority governments competence and capacity is much, much better. Today state spending is down, taxes are down, budgets are responsible, and we are building a new New York from Buffalo to Long Island. We have led the nation on marriage equality, responsible gun control, raising the minimum wage, and paid family leave. We have tackled many tough problems. I applaud the legislature for their progress and accomplishment. But the agenda is unfinished. And honestly, no government that does not enjoy the trust of the governed can said to be a success. We need to change. It wont be fast, and it wont be easy. But we can, and must, make this happen. I understand that what I am proposing would be a massive change. I have no doubt that the political establishment will oppose it. The legislature will say they have passed more ethics reform under me than ever before and that is true. We have passed four ethics laws and we have a tighter system than ever. But it is still not enough. That is understandable. We do not have the public trust. These are difficult days for all of us. The issues are not just New York issues they are national issues. The past election cycle has disturbed many. But as I sit at my father's desk I remember what he taught me. There is always a simple truth behind every seemingly complex situation. We just must be willing to see it. The truth is that trust comes before everything else and it must be our highest priority. The truth is that trust in government is the foundation of our system and we must restore it. The truth is this is a national problem, but it's New York States place to lead the way. As hard as this task will be, I am confident that we will succeed. After all, weve done the impossible before. Together, we can do it again. When the stakes are this high, when the cause is this significant, we can do it again. Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) sold diamonds estimated at around N$2,1bn to unnamed companies in Dubai, a location known for accepting undervalued diamonds from Africa. Namdia's board chairperson, Shakespeare Masiza, confirmed to The Namibian that they sold the diamonds to Dubai, but refused to name the company which bought them, saying it was confidential information. His reluctance to reveal the companies which bought Namibian resources adds to worries about the operations of the new parastatal that have been clouded in controversy over the past two months. Among these is the questionable decision by Obeth Kandjoze's ministry to ignore state procurement laws by awarding a contract to a well-connected middleman company to valuate Namibia's diamonds. "Namdia is selling its diamonds in Windhoek, and has sold the diamonds to companies based in Dubai," Masiza stated. He said they sold the diamonds to Dubai companies because most major diamond industry leaders or companies are based in Dubai. Namibian political leaders have also travelled to the Middle East to lure investors. "Dubai has emerged as one of the most prominent global diamond trading hubs. As such, the focus of the rough diamond industry has moved from Belgium to Dubai," he said in an email copied to board deputy chairperson, Tania Hangula, and acting chief executive, Kennedy Hamutenya. Masiza said Dubai is Kimberly Process certification compliant. The Kimberley Process certification started in 2003 to keep diamonds tainted with violence out of the international trade, but this has not stopped the elite from countries like Angola from selling the gems through Dubai. "In fact, Dubai is the chair of the Kimberly Process certification this year and has the best infrastructure for the diamond industry to work from," Masiza noted. Dubai is one of the top three diamond trading hubs in the world, rivalling centres such as Antwerp (Belgium), and Mumbai in India. But it has been used as a tax haven and also accommodating illegal diamond trade. An investigation published by World Policy Journal titled 'Kimberley's Illicit Process' found that Dubai was used to under-value diamonds from Africa through subsidiary companies based in jurisdictions providing legal and financial secrecy, like Dubai. Diamond experts said Dubai provides two advantages: first is the "mixed origin" Kimberley Process certificate that effectively removes the origin of the diamonds; second is the frequent re-invoicing of diamonds which are exported from African countries at a lower price before being re-exported from Dubai at a higher price. An American embassy cable released by Wikileaks said the former chief executive of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, Noora Jamsheer, claimed that the Kimberley Process system in Dubai was corrupted, and that she was offered commissions to turn a blind eye. In refusing to disclose the names of the companies which bought the Namdia diamonds, Masiza said information about Dubai buyers of Namibian diamonds are "commercially sensitive and can therefore not be disclosed". "Namdia agreements with our clients are confidential. The clients prefer that their names not be made public," he said. He added that the government task team carried out due diligence on the integrity of all potential Namdia clients. In 2007, the Namibian government and De Beers set up a joint venture, the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, to supply rough diamonds at a discount to selected customers, known as sightholders, for three and a half years. Unlike NDTC which publicly advertises and announces its beneficiaries, Namdia's chairperson insisted that they will not reveal the names of the buyers to the public. "That is NDTC's choice," he said. The decision by Namdia to sell diamonds to Dubai was not well taken by some local diamond companies which are now being offered to buy the diamonds from Dubai. Namibian companies are furious that diamonds are being exported by Namdia instead of empowering the local market. Secrecy about Namdia's work comes two weeks after The Namibian reported that a company owned by businessman, John Walenga, and a nephew of former Cabinet minister, Helmut Angula, was hand-picked to evaluate diamonds from the new state-owned diamond firm. Walenga and his partner, Tironenn Kauluma, were awarded the deal by the ministry of mines to evaluate diamonds from Namdia through their company called C-Sixty Investment. Sources said the deal is worth anything between N$10 million and N$26 million per month, but those sympathetic to Walenga's camp claimed that the figure is too high. Sources said Namdia appears to be in the hands of a cartel of top politicians, senior state officials and their cronies who are strategically placed in the new parastatal to benefit from Namibian diamonds. Some of them are linked to top officials in the Presidency. The Struandale plant of General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has received its conservation certification for invasive species control from the Wildlife Habitat Council. Huldah Solomon (left), GMSA environmental engineer, and Clayton Whitaker, vice president of GM Africa Manufacturing, take a closer look at the indigenous vegetation on the premises of the Struandale Manufacturing Plant. The 37ha plant was recognised by the international council - which monitors habitat conservation and management on corporate land - for its control of alien inkberry, rooikrantz and Port Jackson. Situated in the light industrial belt on Struanway, the site was vulnerable to the importation of alien seed, GMSA group environmental manager Ncedisa Mzuzu said. "There is a high risk of the species spreading from off-site to on-site, mostly through bird droppings or wind-scatter as Port Elizabeth is a very windy city with high velocity wind speeds." While the inkberry shrub is originally from Brazil, rooikrantz and Port Jackson trees are both acacias originally from Australia. Typical of aliens, these three species tend to force out indigenous plants and sap precious groundwater. But at Struandale, while the inkberry and rooikrantz had been eradicated, some Port Jacksons had been retained to help stabilise the site, Mzuzu said. "We started in 2014 in line with our obligations under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act with a survey of the property which NMMU's botany department did for us. "In line with their recommendations we then began a programme of digging out the inkberry and rooikrantz." When it came to the Port Jackson, they had to weigh up their removal against the role they were playing in controlling the water table, she said. "We are in a low-lying area and they suck up lots of water so removing them might have resulted in floods. "But we have recorded exactly where they are and how many there are and we are ensuring that they don't spread any further." The plant has corresponded with the provincial environment department on its programme and the department has approved its decision on the Port Jacksons. Alien plants returned repeatedly so annual surveys were done to check for and remove any fresh shoots, she said. "At the same time, we are mapping the whole property and the positions of the aliens to facilitate the sustainability and accuracy of the programme." Besides GMSA's obligations under South Africa environmental legislation, they also had a commitment in terms of their ISO 140001 certification and the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals, both of which call for protection of resources, Mzuzu said. The next phase is to try to get staff beyond the plant's environmental unit involved in the project and to promote ownership and leadership around it. To this end, different zones of the property have been assigned to different staff members. The aim is to replicate the environmental model established at Struandale on GMSA's other properties. This is already under way at the company's parts distribution centre in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, where landscaping is being done using indigenous plants sourced from the IDZ nursery, she said. Source: Herald Yesterday's launch at the Africacom event of the 'Konnect Africa' brand by Eutelsat Communications marks a change in scope of the 'Broadband for Africa' venture set up to galvanise the market for satellite broadband services in Sub-Saharan Africa. In a renewed effort to bridge the digital divide, the Konnect Africa brand and new slogan, Taking Broadband Further, have been devised to reflect Eutelsats ambition to accelerate satellite broadband connectivity across the African continent. With a 20 strong team located in key African markets and in Europe, Konnect Africa aims to become one of the leading suppliers of new-generation services, working in close partnership with African partners to promote high-quality broadband at affordable prices for homes and businesses, and contributing to reducing the digital divide on the continent. Commercial launch on track for 2017 The new brand is a new milestone in advance of the launch of commercial services that will start to roll-out in 2017, ramping up to cover more than 20 Sub-Saharan countries by 2019. Konnect Africas portfolio of services will be adjusted to the profiles and needs of its partners, to match their position in the value chain: data, mobile or VSAT operators, ISPs and pay-TV platforms that can bundle TV with Internet services. Konnect Africa will offer a complete range of services, from bandwidth supply to end-to-end solutions. Africa plays a crucial role in global geopolitical balances and is a primary interlocutor in managing the migration crisis, in settling local conflicts and, at the same time, is a fundamental point of reference in promoting the coexistence of different religions. Image by 123RF On Thursday, 10 November, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) hosted the presentation: Africa and Us: common perspective challenges in the light of the forecasts by the Economic Outlook 2016, promoted by the MAECI and the Italian geopolitical journal Limes, in conjunction with the OECD, the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA), FCA and CNH Industrial. The African continent is of utmost importance for Italian foreign policy: greatly important for Italys economic diplomacy. The conference introduced the OECDs African Economic Outlook 2016 Report and was opened by the Deputy Minister of MAECI, Mario Giro, and the President of the Italian section of the Organization of European and African Parliamentarians, Lia Quartapelle. The document which, like every year, takes the pulse of the economic and social development of the African continent, was illustrated by Mario Pezzini, Director of the OECD Development Centre, and submitted to discussion by the representatives of the Institutions particularly engaged with Africa, the Ambassadors of Guinea, Mozambique, Tunisia, Uganda and the corporate representatives of FCA and CNH International. The conference, moderated by the chief editor of Limes, Lucio Caracciolo, was closed with remarks by the Secretary General of the MAECI, Elisabetta Belloni. We entertain, inform and empower African communities that inspire and build us in return. National Bank of Egypt signs protocol with Misr Life Insurance to digitize its operations National Bank of Egypt has signed a cooperation protocol with Misr Life Insurance as the lender looks to improving services to its customers and providing electronic banking services. The protocol involves the development of the companys dues collection tools and their insertion in the electronic system. NBE deputy chairperson Yehia Abou El-Fotouh Ibrahim, and head of product marketing and retail sales for individuals and alternative channels Alaa Farouk attended the signing of the protocol, as well as vice chairperson of Misr Life Insurance Usama Abdelaziz, head of the quality and planning department at Misr Life Insurance Alaa Aldeen Hassan, and team members responsible for electronic banking services from both companies. After signing the protocol, Hegazy said that this protocol comes within the framework of the banks interest in achieving financial inclusion, generalising electronic means of payment in order to reduce cash volume in commercial transactions, and reduce the risks of carrying cash. The bank will provide the companys 190 branches around the country with point of sale (POS) machines. It will also provide the companys 300 collectorswho are responsible for outdoor collection operationswith mobile point of sale (MPOS) machines linked to mobile phones, and allow customers to repay all insurance documents dues and instalments wherever they are through credit or debit cards issued by the NBE or other Egyptian banks. Hegazy added that the NBE will also provide the company with automated clearing house (ACH) services which represent an integrated financial solution for company payments and enable exchanging payment orders and settling them automatically. Thus, the company will enjoy operational and transfer advantages, including the reduction of the risk of forged cheques. It will also save time, send recurring payments easily, dispense paperwork, and replace paper-based transfers by electronic transfers. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, chairperson of Misr Life Insurance, said that the company has chosen the NBE due to the banks status in the market, and its technological capabilities that enabled it to acquire a larger share of credit and debit card numbers in the market. Besides leading the field of e-collection services and digital payment, the bank also seeks to use the latest methods applied in payment methods which benefit customers, and positively affects the life insurance industry in Egypt. www.nbe.com.eg www.misrins.com.eg Nearly three months after a fire severely damaged Gap's distribution center in upstate New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the clothing retailer has opened a "pop-up" facility with plans to rebuild its warehouse in 2017. The pop-up distribution center in Fishkill, Dutchess County, will not only help Gap fulfill orders during the upcoming holiday shopping season, but it will allow more than 1,200 employees to return to work. Cuomo's office said the state provided $2.65 million for the construction of the temporary warehouse. Gap is planning to begin rebuilding its distribution center in January. The fire at the facility occurred on Aug. 29 and affected a 1.3 million-square-foot building on Gap's campus. After the blaze was extinguished, there were questions about the company's future and when employees would be able to return to work. Cuomo said the idea for a pop-up facility came during discussions in the days after the fire. He consulted with state legislators and moved forward with providing financial support to help Gap construct the temporary warehouse. "Every employee has been saved," Cuomo said. Gap first opened its upstate New York distribution center 16 years ago. Two years ago, the retailer pledged to invest $96 million to expand the facility and create 1,200 new jobs. The company came close to leaving New York two years ago. Gap, Cuomo said, was considering other states for its expansion. Tennessee was one of the contenders, the governor recalled. State and local officials were able to keep Gap in Fishkill. Empire State Development, the state's lead economic development agency, provided up to $12 million in tax credits linked to job creation and investment goals. And the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency extended a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with the company. Gap has two buildings at its Fishkill campus. The fire damaged a facility used to ship Banana Republican and Gap clothing and accessories to stores throughout the Northeast. A second facility, a 1.9 million-square-foot building which sustained smoke damage from the fire at the other structure, is used to distribute Old Navy apparel. For now, though, Gap will utilize the pop-up facility to fulfill holiday orders and keep stores stocked throughout the region. Jim Young, Gap's vice president and regional general manager of distribution operations, said the state's $2.5 million grant to construct the pop-up facility helped "accelerate our recovery efforts." "We appreciate the incredible support from Governor Cuomo, the Empire State Development Corporation and local leaders, and we look forward to our continued partnership," Young said. At an event sponsored by a Washington D.C. publication and a national trade organization, U.S. Rep. John Katko said Wednesday there's a link between aviation security and Americans' desire to travel. "If they don't feel safe, they're not gonna fly," he said. Katko, R-Camillus, was one of the keynote speakers at "Politics & Policymakers: The Future of Aviation Security," a program sponsored by Roll Call and the U.S. Travel Association. The event focused on air travel and what Congress is doing to address various issues, including the state of the Transportation Security Administration. Katko, who chairs the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security, highlighted his panel's work to improve aviation security. He discussed the importance of tighter access controls and employee vetting procedures. He noted that there were two airplane bombings in Egypt and Somalia. In both cases, it's believed that homemade bombs were smuggled on board to carry out the attacks. And aviation employees were suspected of having roles in the bombings. "We have to be mindful of the fact the insider threat is real," Katko said. "We have to be mindful of the fact also that ISIS and al-Qaeda have said that they want to infiltrate the West and they want to be able to take down our airplanes." Other topics covered by Katko include: Last point of departure airports. He said the international standards in place aren't good enough, but the federal government has a role in ensuring the safety and security of passengers heading to the U.S. A bill sponsored by Katko, the Securing Aviation from Foreign Entry Points and Guarding Airports Through Enhancing Security Act, will strengthen security at last point of departure airports. The measure was part of an aviation security package signed into law by President Barack Obama. Cuba. Katko has been a vocal critic of resuming commercial air travel to and from Cuba until the U.S. knows whether the appropriate security equipment and standards are in place. He's introduced a bill that would impose a moratorium on commercial flights between the two countries until the TSA can confirm Cuba has adopted the proper security requirements. "We cannot go into Cuba with our eyes closed," he said Wednesday. Wait lines. TSA received criticism earlier this year due to long wait lines at airports throughout the country. The aforementioned aviation legislation signed by Obama included Katko's bill to address long wait lines. While he's had some disagreements with TSA, Katko praised the agency for its work in addressing the security checkpoint woes. "TSA did a great job responding to it quickly and effectively," he said. Depoliticizing TSA administrator's post. Katko was asked if he would support depoliticizing the TSA administrator's position. Now, the job is a presidential appointment. When President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, he'll likely nominate a new administrator. Katko, though, sees value to providing stability to the agency. He floated the idea of using the FBI model for the TSA. The FBI director is appointed to a 10-year term, which means they could serve under multiple presidents. "If you get the right person in there it can really do wonders," Katko said. Chuck Schumer will be leading the U.S. Senate's Democratic conference when the 115th Congress commences in January. Democrats officially elected Schumer, D-N.Y., Wednesday to serve as minority leader. He will succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, who's held the top spot in the conference since 2005. The outcome of the election was never in doubt. Democrats rallied behind Schumer early last year after Reid announced he wouldn't seek re-election in 2016. Reid endorsed Schumer to replace him as Democratic leader. Schumer unveiled his leadership team, which will include Minority Whip Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, and Assistant Democratic Leader Patty Murray of Washington. Other notable members of the conference's leadership team includes U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who unsuccessfully challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. Sanders will serve as outreach chair for the Senate Democrats. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who like Sanders is popular among the Democrats' progressive wing, has been appointed vice chair of the conference. "I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me and proud to introduce this leadership team," Schumer said in a statement. "I am going to wake up every single day focused on how Senate Democrats can effectively fight for America's middle class, and those struggling to make it." With Donald Trump's win in the presidential election and Republicans retaining majorities in both houses of Congress, Schumer will become the top Democrat in Washington. That's significant because Republicans don't hold a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. That doesn't mean Schumer will become an obstructionist, but he's ready to tangle with the Trump administration when disagreements arise. "As Democrats determine our way forward, I can tell the American people this: We are ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republicans working with soon-to-be President Trump on issues where we agree but we will go toe-to-toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we've made is under assault," he said. Schumer will have new responsibilities as minority leader. He won't be serving on committees when the 115th Congress begins. He's currently a member of four Senate committees and is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. However, he has no plans to change how he represents New York in the Senate. He was re-elected last week to serve a fourth term in the Senate. He was first elected in 1998, when he defeated Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato. In his first year in office and every year since, Schumer has made at the very least annual visits to each of New York's 62 counties. During a stop in central New York last year, Schumer pledged to continue the annual 62-county tour as minority leader. "New York's in my bones and a lot of people ask, 'Well, if you become the Democratic leader, maybe the majority leader of the Senate, are you going to keep this up?' Yes, I will," he said. "New York is in my bones. I'll keep visiting the counties over and over and over again." The Diocese of Rochester's Department of Catholic Schools has announced that all 19 of its schools have been recommended for systems accreditation by a visiting team from the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. The diocese's schools include St. Joseph and Tyburn Academy, both in Auburn. The accreditation process helps students by assuring that they are receiving a high standard of education. Our principals and teachers are truly deserving, and we are honored to receive this prestigious recommendation, said Dr. Anthony Cook, the diocese's superintendent of Catholic schools, in a news release. Upon the expected approval of the visiting teams recommendation in the spring of 2017, our school communities will continue on a trajectory of growth as a system of schools. For more information, visit dorschools.org. The decision was taken at the CSCs annual meeting that was held in Lay Wah (Law Khee Lar) from 31 October till 10 November. A member of the Central Standing Committee who did not want to be named said to KIC News on 10 November: We have decided to hold the [16th] Congress within six months. The Central Executive Committee will decide the exact date. It [the Congress] will be held in March 2017. He explained that the 16th Congress had been postponed to prevent disruption to the peace process. The postponement will give the KNU more time to properly prepare for the upcoming second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference and organise inviting Karen representatives from all around Burma to the 16th Congress. The KNU Central Executive Committee (CEC) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the KNU. At the last CEC meeting in October it was decided to hold the 16th Congress on 21 November. Despite this decision some KNU leaders at the CEC meeting submitted a proposal to postpone the 16th Conference until the KNU and the Burmese Government had completed the peace process. The proposal was then discussed at the annual CSC meeting at Lay Wah in November and the CEC decision was rejected in favour of postponing the 16th Congress. It was also decided that the KNU Joint Secretary (1), Padoh Saw Thawthi Bwe, would lead an 11-member preparatory committee that will decide on the date of the 16th Congress and its timetable. When they were surveyed Karen communities, both in Burma and overseas, expressed their disapproval over the delays to 16th Congress. Saw Ka Pi, the director of the Salween Institute for Public Policy, said: [Congress] can be postponed if it does not go against the wishes of the majority of the Central [Standing] Committee members and the KNUs constitution. He added: There is no problem in postponing Congress for another six months if there is a good reason. It is very important not to make a habit of postponing [Congress] to profit politically from it [the postponement], or to delay it [Congress] because of outside interference. According to the KNU constitution Congress can be postponed for up to two years because of the political situation, or because there is a war or conflict, but at least 70 per cent of the CSC have to vote to postpone Congress. Reporting by SPhan Shaung for KIC News Translated by Thida Linn Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI What To Do Before Getting Pregnant Basics oi-Praveen It is better to plan your pregnancy at the right stage of your life when you are completely healthy, active and secure. Also, it is better to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy at least a few months before conception. Also, it is advisable to take certain other measures even before you get the idea of getting pregnant. Here are some steps to take... Pre-Natal Checkup It is better to go for a check up to examine your overall health condition. Also, it is better to tell the doctor about your medical history and the medications you use if any. Genetic-Carrier Test This test allows you to know whether you have any disorders that may pass on to your next generation. Both the parents must undergo this. This test might help you take certain precautions to have a healthy child. Quit Addictions It is better to quit smoking, drinking and other habits before conception. Such habits may harm the foetus and may also cause stillbirths. Quit Processed Foods All kinds of processed foods are bad during pregnancy. Also, avoid street foods during that phase. Quit Coffee Though a bit of caffeine isn't bad, over-dosage could be bad during pregnancy. It is better to totally quit caffeine intake during pregnancy. Stay Active Before getting pregnant, it is better to prepare your body by working out regularly. Relax Well Your emotional state is very important for pregnancy. A peaceful mind could increase the chances of delivering a healthy baby. GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 16:22 [IST] Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION Canada NewsWire OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 16, 2016 Calling all Canadians! Visit one of six Tim Hortons Coffee Trucks across the country to drop a wish in the Cup of Good Deeds OAKVILLE, ON, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, Tim Hortons celebrates Canadian do-gooders with the return of its annual #WarmWishes campaign. Canadians are encouraged to drop a wish for a deserving member of their community in the Cup of Good Deeds at one of six select Coffee Trucks across the country. Wrapped in the festive spirit, all six Tim Hortons Coffee Trucks will be offering free cups of Canada's favourite brew in new holiday-themed cups while encouraging Guests to spread warmth through good deeds. From delivering coffee to a friend, or grocery shopping for a neighbour, to donating clothing to a shelter or installing new winter tires, once the request is dropped in the Cup of Good Deeds, Tim Hortons staff from Vancouver to Moncton will execute as many good deeds big or small as possible. "We're fortunate to have incredible Guests who inspire us every day with their generosity from small acts of kindness like opening a door for someone in need, or starting a pay-it-forward chain in our restaurants or Drive Thrus," says Sami Siddiqui, President, Tim Hortons Canada. "Seeing communities share good deeds with their friends and neighbours is what this season is all about. The return of our Warm Wishes campaign this year is just a small token of our appreciation for our Guests' ongoing efforts to spread warmth and goodwill this holiday season and throughout the year." This morning from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., local time, Tim Hortons fleet of Coffee Trucks will be stationed in the following cities with Tim Hortons staff standing by to complete as many good deeds as possible in one day: Guests outside of these communities can still participate in the Cup of Good Deeds through Instagram or Twitter. Simply tag @TimHortons and #WarmWishes to submit a good deed you'd like completed for a friend and explain why to win a chance to have it fulfilled by Tim Hortons staff in time for the holidays. Check out TimHortons.com/WarmWishes for more information. Guests located anywhere in the country can also make this a season of warm wishes by sharing snaps with their friends using the national SnapChat filter available throughout the day on November 16. For those looking to bring #WarmWishes into their home this holiday season, Tim Hortons is launching a new line of covetable gifts and stocking stuffers from warm toques ($14.99), and mittens ($14.99), to collectable coffee mugs with iconic Canadian imagery ($7.99). These jolly pieces are available in Restaurants across Canada while quantities last. In 2015, Tim Hortons transformed a restaurant in Grimsby, ON, into a House of Warm Wishes for one day. The Cup of Good Deeds was launched by asking Guests to submit heart-warming endeavors for deserving members of the community with a chance to have them fulfilled by Tim Hortons staff. This year, Tim Hortons is bringing the celebration of #WarmWishes to even more communities across the country to celebrate Canadians' giving nature and help encourage small acts of kindness this holiday season. To join the conversation online, please visit:Subscribe to Tim Hortons on YouTube, youtube.com/user/TimHortonsLike Tim Hortons on Facebook, facebook.com/TimHortons Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter, @TimHortonsFollow Tim Hortons on Instagram, @TimHortonsAdd Tim Hortons on Snapchat, timhortons About TIM HORTONSTIM HORTONS, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, TIM HORTONS appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of September 30, 2016, TIM HORTONS had more than 4,400 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and the Middle East. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com. About Restaurant Brands InternationalRestaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $24 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Restaurant Brands International owns two of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands TIM HORTONS and BURGER KING. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees, and communities for over 50 years. To learn more about Restaurant Brands International, please visit the Company's website at www.rbi.com. SOURCE Tim Hortons China's intellectual property legislation (including Patent Law, Trademark Law and Copyright Law) stipulates that infringement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) can be dealt with by administrative procedures or legal proceedings. In terms of civil liabilities, the infringer may be ordered to stop the infringing act, eradicate the damage done, make public apologies or compensate for damages. In terms of administrative measures and criminal liabilities, they include warnings, orders to stop the infringing act, confiscation of unlawful gains, fines, and compensation for damages. 1 Legal Proceedings When an IPR infringement dispute arises, the infringed party may take actions against the infringer directly with the people's court (generally an intermediate people's court) at the place of the infringer's domicile or where the infringing act takes place. An interested party may request the temperary order from the people's court to stop the infringing act before legal action if he finds that due to emergency circumstances any delay to stop the infringing act may cause irreparable damages to his legitimate rights. In IPR infringement cases, if the infringer is convicted, he will be made to bear civil liabilities for the infringing act. 2 Administrative Procedures When an IPR infringement dispute arises, the interested party may request the relevant administrative authorities at county-level and above at the place of the infringer's domicile or where the infringing act takes place to handle the case. In making a request for the administrative authorities to handle an infringement dispute, the interested party should submit a written request, proof of his right, and evidence of the infringing act. The administrative authorities responsible for handling copyright disputes will make a decision whether a complaint will be processed within 15 days upon receipt of the request and inform the applicant of its decision. A written explanation will be given to the applicant if the decision is negative. The administrative authorities responsible for handling patent disputes will, after examining a request, make a decision whether the complaint will be processed within seven days upon receipt of the request. If the decision is negative, the applicant will be given a written explanation within seven days. Where an interested party is dissatisfied with the administrative punishment decision made by the administrative authorities, he may, within three months from receipt of the notification of the decision, institute administrative proceedings with the people's court in the place where the administrative authorities are located. or he may, within 15 days from receipt of the notification of the decision, apply to the local people's government or the administrative authorities at a higher level for reconsideration of the decision. The authorities concerned should decide within 10 days whether to handle the case. If positive, a decision on the reconsideration should be made within two months from receipt of the application for reconsideration. If the interested party is dissatisfied with the decision on the reconsideration, he may, within 15 days from receipt of the notification of the decision, institute administrative proceedings with the people's court. If no proceedings are instituted and the decision is not performed at the expiration of the specified period, the administrative authorities may request the people's court for compulsory execution thereof. The competent administrative authorities may order the infringer to pay for damages based on the request of the applicant. The interested parties may resort to mediation. If mediation is not a preferred option, or mediation has failed, or one of the interested parties refuses to abide by the outcome of mediation, legal proceedings may be instituted with the people's court. The city of Flagstaff is not expected to take any action against a protester who burned an American flag on the lawn of Flagstaff City Hall during an anti-Donald Trump demonstration. The Flagstaff Police Department monitored the protest and no arrests were made, said Meg Roederer, the citys interim communications manager. Citizens have the right to gather and protest with peaceful assembly exercising their First Amendment right and flag desecration is considered a protected speech. Flagstaff residents who chose to stay up watching the Electoral College tally this past Election Day learned the Republican candidate would be the next U.S. president just after midnight Wednesday, Nov. 9. About an hour later, the Taala Hooghan Infoshop, a local indigenous rights activism and resource center, issued a call to action. Who's down for anti-fascist demo today (Wed. Nov 9) in #flagstaff? 5pm at City Hall then around from there? the infoshop posted on Twitter and Facebook at about 1 a.m. after the election. The event page on Facebook, which has since been taken down, spread quickly among Flagstaff residents and Northern Arizona University students. According to a Flagstaff Police Department report, officers responded to City Hall at about 5:30 p.m. Nov. 9 after learning there was a protest planned. There were no reports of any crimes being committed at that point and the group was small. An officer saw at least 100 people marching south on South San Francisco Street across East Butler Avenue. Officers and civilians saw the protest blocking multiple intersections and a large stretch of South San Francisco Street due to the sheer size of the crowd before moving onto the NAU campus. A man identified by participants as Taala Hooghan Infoshop co-founder Klee Benally was photographed waving an upside down American flag during the march. After moving through campus, the protesters made their way back to the City Hall lawn, where they could be heard chanting, "No Trump! No KKK! No fascist USA!" One man in the middle of the group then set an upside down American flag on fire. It looked like the same flag spotted earlier. Police were unable to identify the man burning the flag because he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and most of his face was hidden behind a black cloth. Conor Sweetman, assistant news editor of The Lumberjack student newspaper, identified the man to the Daily Sun as Benally. The Flagstaff-based activist is perhaps best known for his efforts with the Save the Peaks Coalition to stop Arizona Snowbowl from using reclaimed water to make snow on one of the Navajo people's sacred mountains. Sweetman said Lumberjack staff recognized Benally because reporters had interviewed him in September for a story about rallies protesting police violence against minorities. Benally organized those demonstrations. "In the photos he was wearing a mask but prior to throwing on the mask it was definitely Klee Benally," Sweetman said. "We know who he is and he'd been carrying and waving the flag the whole way up the march." After most of the flag had burned, the protester discarded it on the ground and merged back into the crowd. The fire was extinguished without police intervention. Police seized the remnants of the flag as evidence for possible reckless burning charges, although there does not appear to have been much forward movement in the investigation. Officers contacted multiple groups as they left the protest but none could tell them who had organized it. Flagstaff police did not make any arrests as a result of the protest and there were no reports of property damage, violence or the riot-like behavior that has been reported at other anti-Trump protests across the United States. PHOENIX -- A fight playing out between the Arizona Democratic Party and Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell highlights a problem for those who wait until the last minute to deposit their early ballots: They may not get counted. Purcell is discarding the envelopes containing about 1,400 ballots received on Monday and Tuesday where her staffers could not immediately match the signature on the outside with the signature on file. More to the point, she's not alone: State Elections Director Eric Spencer told Capitol Media Services that's the same policy followed by officials in 14 of the state's 15 counties. Only Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said she makes a specific effort to try to find out if every early ballot received is legitimate. Spencer Scharff, the Democrats' voter protection director, is making a last-minute push to convince Purcell to change her mind. He said that's what's specifically required by the official state Election Procedures Manual. But Elizabeth Bartholomew, aide to Purcell, said there is other verbiage in the manual which says what county recorders must do "if time permits." And even Rodriguez acknowledged the wording in the manual is "vague." It might end up being resolved in federal judge. Leonard Clark, a self-proclaimed activist and write-in candidate in this election for U.S. Senate, filed suit Tuesday asking Magistrate D. Thomas Ferraro to declare the practice unconstitutional. Clark, representing himself, said it violates the Equal Rights Amendment because the votes of some people with questioned signatures are counted while others are summarily rejected. At the heart of the fight are the early ballots which voters can have mailed to their homes. They fill them out and then put them into a sealed envelope which they have to sign. That envelope also contains a place for a phone number for county officials to call if they have a question about the ballot, including if the signatures appear not to match. The Election Procedures Manual says if the recorder is not satisfied the signature on the envelope was made by the registered voter, he or she "shall make a reasonable and meaningful attempt to contact the early voter." Flagstaff locals found the door to one of the citys iconic eateries, Grannys Closet, locked last week. The marquee on the Milton Road restaurant suggests that it might be for sale or lease, asking if motorists are interested in the property on one side and Build to suit, call Tim with a phone number on the other. Tim Zanzucchi, a member of the family that has owned the restaurant for more than 40 years, confirmed that the restaurant was closed but declined to say why or what might happen to it. Kaitlyn Quinn, a senior at Northern Arizona University, said she worked as a bartender at Granny's until it closed last week. She said she and the other employees at the restaurant received a text message at 1 p.m. on Nov. 7 saying that the restaurant was closed and management would update them as soon as it could. Quinn also said that her last paycheck bounced. According to Grannys Closet website, the restaurant was originally known as the Lumberjack Cafe. The family bought the restaurant in 1974 and donated two of the larger 20-foot lumberjacks that surrounded the building to Northern Arizona University. Those lumberjacks are currently located at NAUs Walkup Skydome, one is inside the dome and the other just outside the door. The Zanzucchis kept a smaller 10-foot lumberjack statue and renamed the restaurant Grannys Closet after their grandmother Ermalinda Zanzucchi. Ermalinda and Ferdinando Zanzucchi moved to Flagstaff in 1929 and owned the Flagstaff Dairy. Ermalinda had a special closet that her grandchildren would stash their toys. The family decorated the inside of the restaurant with personal mementos and designed the restaurants sign around the sign for the Flagstaff Dairy. The family sold the dairy in the 1980s and it became Flagstaff Ranch. The smaller lumberjack was repaired by local woodcarver Wally Baird twice, once in the late 1980s and again in 2009. The 2009 renovation was a completed makeover for the lumberjack. Baird cleared out the rot and rebuilt the statue with a more buff appearance, a bigger ax and a fiberglass shell. An antique tractor from the Flagstaff Dairy and a flagpole were also added to the lumberjack's location in 2009. The iconic restaurant also made a cameo appearance in the classic film Easy Rider. AfricaRice is a CGIAR Research Center part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future. It is also an intergovernmental association of African member countries. For more information visit: www.AfricaRice.org A propos dAfricaRice AfricaRice est un Centre de recherche du CGIAR un partenariat mondial de la recherche agricole pour un futur sans faim. AfricaRice est aussi une association intergouvernementale composee de pays membres africains. Pour plus dinformations, visiter : www.AfricaRice.org With drums beating and people chanting, the front lawn of Flagstaff City Hall looked like something from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in the Dakotas Tuesday night. Hundreds of people gathered to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline, holding signs that read Oil is dead and chanting, You cant drink oil, keep it in the soil. Alayna Contreras is a graduate student at NAU and organized the DAPL rally outside City Hall. Contreras has been following the events at Standing Rock on Facebook and finally decided to go there with her husband and daughter this past October. Contreras did a donation drive from Flagstaff, where they loaded up a truck with people and headed to Sacred Stone Camp. The issue is important because I want my children to inherit the Earth, I dont want to leave them money, Contreras said. She wished she could have stayed at Sacred Stone Camp longer but she has four children to take care of, so she brought the cause back to Flagstaff. Ray Valentine is from Flagstaff and is a member of the Apache tribe. I cant be there, Valentine said, which is why it was his goal to gather in Flagstaff and raise awareness about the pipeline. Valentine doesnt feel people fully understand why indigenous people are so upset about the pipeline. Its going through a sacred river on their land, Valentine said. This is illegal. Valentine said that Standing Rock is a peaceful protest and it is important to keep it that way because of the social and political tension in society right now. Valentine was burning sage at the protest and said the smoke is a symbol of his prayers going up into the sky. Keyah Henry and Garrett Briggs are NAU students who also joined the protest. Briggs is a member of the Southern Ute tribe and said he was there to bring attention to the new Trump administration that will be affecting our country. His concern? Trump wants to get rid of Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Henry is part of the Navajo tribe and said, I have been fighting since I was a little boy. His parents and their parents before them have been fighting for Native American rights for years. Henry thinks it is important to prioritize water over oil, not only for Native Americans but for all humans, especially the kids, Henry said. He wants to educate non-Natives. Ed Kabotie, a musician and artist, is part of the Tewa-Hopi tribe and spoke to the protesters. I am so grateful to see people of all different colors standing here today, he said. Kabotie said the protest is not limited to what is happening in the Dakotas but the relationship of Natives with the United States government. Were very sub-human, Kabotie said, adding that the Dakota Access Pipeline is one in a long line in a series of events. He said they are fighting against the uranium mines in northern Arizona as well. Kabotie went on to talk about the crucial state of our water, lamenting that the Colorado River is one of the most endangered rivers in our nation. [The Colorado River] has been bought up and chopped up and sold, Kabotie said. Artist Shonto Begay is part of the Dineh tribe and spoke after Kabotie. Begay said, It is a sinful situation, about the treatment of Native peoples by the government. I think prayer works. Louise Benally is also part of the Dineh tribe and spoke about how racism and hate crimes are unacceptable after the recent presidential election. Benally said Native people in Flagstaff have fought for their rights before, like protesting snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks. At the end of the rally, Kabotie and others broke out into song. We shall overcome, they sang. We shall overcome someday. An internet imagery. BEIJING (PTI): China's first aircraft carrier is now ready for combat, a key breakthrough for a navy that has been trying to flex its muscles far beyond its shores amid territorial disputes with several neighbouring countries. The Liaoning carrier, made from an empty hull of a Soviet era ship, recently left its shipyard in Qingdao in east China to start a new training mission to test its combat capacity as it is prepared to "fight against enemies". The construction of China's second indigenously-built aircraft carrier is already underway at a feverish pitch. Liaoning, which had previously been described in Chinese media as a surface platform for tests and training, has now "formally been described as having a real combat capacity," the state-run Global Times said. "As a military force, we are always combat ready and our combat capacity also needs to be tested by war. At this moment, we are doing our best to promote our strength and use it to prevent war. But we are preparing for actual combat at any time," Senior Captain Li Dongyou, the political commissar of the vessel, told the daily. The refurbished ship was launched by former president Hu Jintao in 2012. There are more than 1,000 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) on the Liaoning, and they are the main part of China's aircraft carrier. "Among them, we have 42 Chief Petty Officers with an average age of 40 and experience of serving in the navy for more than 20 years," Li said. "Weaponry is the key for combat capability on the carrier. As China's first generation of NCOs on the carrier, these officers' capability on how to operate, repair and maintain equipment is irreplaceable. And they are the source of our confidence," Li said. The report did not elaborate on how China plans to use the carrier, but Liaoning is seen as to put more muscle behind the Communist giant's increasing assertive moves in the South China Sea, where territorial claims by neighbouring nations have dogged China's expansionist idea, and where it faces challenges from the US. The South China sea, through which USD 5 trillion of trade passes annually, has been a centre of dispute between China and Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. "As a combat platform, China still lags behind the US in technology and capability to execute missions, but three senior US officials who visited the Liaoning before all gave a positive evaluation on the management of the carrier - officers and soldiers' daily lives and training are well organised and the equipment maintenance is fine," Li said. Chinese media reports have said that as the construction of the second aircraft carrier picked up pace, China has stepped up preparations to deploy the first carrier force by putting in place a new batch of carrier-based fighter pilots. With plans to build two more carriers, the PLA as built up its largest carrier-based pilot team after more than three years of intensive training, media reports had said in August. Speculation is rife that China may deploy one of the aircraft carriers in the South China Sea. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A 40-spot daycare centre has been left in limbo after mould was discovered in the facility they rent, prompting its immediate closure by Manitoba Public Health. Valleyview Kids Zone reported air quality concerns, resulting in an inspection of Valleyview Community Centre in early October. The inspector at the time did notice excess moisture the carpets were wet, there was some damage to the drywall, and it was fairly significant, said Stefane Gravelle, public health inspector manager with Manitoba Health. So a decision was made to relocate the kids to the nearby school, while all the parties figured out how best to manage the situation. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Valleyview Kids Zone executive director Bonnie Mills hopes the main floor of the Valleyview Community Centre may be an option for the daycare, which had been operating out of the basement until mould was discovered in the city-owned building following an inspection in October. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) The City of Brandon is taking the lead, as the community centre located at 77 Whillier Dr. is a city-owned building. The city brought in an environmental consultant to conduct air quality tests, and according to Gravelle, the mould count was higher in the basement than on the main floor. Kids Zone had been operating out of the basement for approximately two years; and in operation at the facility for nearly 15 years. It was discovered that minor plumbing leaks were to blame for the excess moisture. It was decided (that) we should keep the kids out until we get it remediated, because its not safe to have kids in a construction site, either, Gravelle said. If theyre going to open up walls they might find more, if they rip out carpet, thats going to stir it up as well. Gravelle explained that a tentative remediation plan had been approved last month and was set to proceed, but the city decided to widen the scope and conduct a building-wide assessment. Thats kind of whats prolonging the process a little bit. Its going to take a little bit longer to do the rest of the building as well, Gravelle said. He notes the known moisture issues have been resolved. However, there are still questions about whats behind the walls. I think (the city) wanted to do a bit more exploratory inspection and assessment work, and make sure its done right, he said. Valleyview Kids Zone provides care for school-aged children before school, during the noon hour and after school. As a temporary solution, the neighbouring Valleyview Centennial School has provided space for Kids Zone in the morning for an hour and during the noon hour, but unfortunately parents are on their own for after-school care. A large portion of our families are actually using overtime and banked hours, and trying to rework their schedules with their partners or family and relying on those individuals to watch them because theres nothing within the Valleyview area, said Adrienne Golding, Kids Zone chair. Several families live in other areas of the city, but chose Valleyview as their school because of the daycare being located right next door, Golding explained. Now, some of those families are considering pulling their children out of the school due to the lack of child care. It definitely is impacting the community and the parents and those families much greater impacts than just a community centre closing, Golding said. There is much more to it than what first appears. The hope is that remediation can happen quickly, so the daycare can move back in. The space at the school will no longer be available after Dec. 22. Were kind of waiting on the city to hear what the environmental testing says, but remediation will likely go beyond December, which means that we have no Christmas-break care, Golding said. So now those parents are having to find child care for Christmas break and potentially into January, because we dont actually have a facility to use. Since the closure more than a month ago, parents have been scrambling to make alternate arrangements. Weve had to change hours of work. My wife has to go in earlier and were lucky that shes got a job thats a little bit flexible, said Al Twerdochlib, whose son Andrew, 8, attends Kids Zone. I know of other parents, they were completely hooped. This comes at a time when daycare spots are already few and far between in Brandon. Im more concerned about all the people its affecting, their jobs, the staff, theyve depleted the staff down to nothing. I cant imagine how many people thats affected. Twerdochlib said its upsetting to see how long it is taking to come to a solution. A repair like this shouldnt be this long, he said. In addition to the daycare, the community centre had been regularly rented out to worship groups and short-term renters for various events, such as socials and craft shows. A City of Brandon official was not made available to answer questions on the subject, instead providing an emailed statement. Since the closure in early October, the City of Brandon has been working with all parties involved to ensure the situation is managed properly and safety in a timely manner. The city is awaiting results from a professional assessment, after which time a future course of action can be determined and communicated to all affected parties. In the meantime, staff at Valleyview Kids Zone continues to look for a viable alternate location. I really want to see something in the area for the families because I dont know what theyll do if were not there for child care, said Bonnie Mills, Kids Zone executive director. My heart definitely goes out to them. Mills said they are holding out hope that the main floor of the community centre may still be an option. At this point (we were) told theres no remediation work that needs to be done upstairs, she said. Everythings out of our hands, so we have to kind of wait on the city. jaustin@brandonsun.com Twitter: @jillianaustin Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Cartwright cowgirl has lassoed herself some rodeo royalty. Ali Mullin, who resides in Medicine Hat, Alta., took home the crown last week as the countrys highest rodeo queen, Miss Rodeo Canada 2017. The weeklong pageantry culminated Saturday with the crowning of the 24-year-old Mullin at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. Submitted by www.nicolemarie.photo Ali Mullin was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2017 at the Canadian Finals Rodeo Saturday in Edmonton. People keep asking me what I was feeling at that moment, and the best thing I can come up with was I was just numb, said Mullin, who grew up on a quarter-horse ranch near Cartwright. It was one of those moments youre building up to for so long, and youre nervous and youre excited and you dont really know how you feel. The coronation marks the start of a busy year for Mullin, who will serve as an ambassador to a sport she has competed in since she was around 12. As rodeo queen, Mullin will attend between 500 and 700 functions during her reign, ranging from rodeos to school visits and parades. Many events will be in Alberta, but she will travel extensively, including to Las Vegas next month for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mullin, who previously reigned as Medicine Hats 2015 rodeo queen, vied for the national crown against three other finalists. They were judged in categories such as horsemanship, public speaking, a written test on their rodeo knowledge and a fashion show. After completing this falls semester at Medicine Hat College, where she studies visual communications, Mullin will step back from schooling to fully commit to representing the rodeo lifestyle. She said its an honour to give back to the sport she loves. Im looking forward to it. Its going to be a pretty great year. ifroese@brandonsun.com Twitter: @ianfroese Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/11/2016 (2178 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Westman teen who used Twitter to encourage followers to travel overseas to fight for ISIS or strike from within, was also found with instructions for making explosives. However, after receiving treatment while in custody, court heard that the apologetic boy no longer supports the terrorist group. It has been brought home to him and his family just how serious this offence is, his lawyer, Saul Simmonds said as sentencing submissions were made in Brandon provincial court on Tuesday. At times hard to hear due to his soft voice, the young offender (who cant be identified) apologized from the prisoners dock for causing a scare in the community. I wanted to say that I regret what I have done, and looking back, I understand how I was then, I was struggling for my identity and I had come to a religion I had no real understanding of, the 17-year-old said. Hed previously pleaded guilty to counseling to commit an indictable offence on behalf of a terrorist organization. He was 16 years old at the time of the offence committed between Jan. 26 and July 23, 2015. On Tuesday, details of the offence were shared publicly for the first time, and Crown attorney Ian Mahon supplied the following account. Mahon said the investigation began in December 2014 when a CBC national radio news reporter sent an email to Winnipeg police and RCMP to inform them that a teen convert to Islam planned to leave Canada to fight with ISIS. A Twitter account was provided and description of some of the social media messages were shared with police. But the boy had used the name Abdulla Khalid (or some spelling thereof) and investigators couldnt identify him. Mahon said that by late April 2015, further investigation had determined the Twitter account belonged to the accused. Other Twitter accounts had been deactivated due to offensive content in support of the Islamic State and there were numerous tweets by the teen in support of Hijrah a call to travel to Syria or Iraq to fight for the Islamic State. In one tweet, the teen wrote: To those who cannot make Hijrah, strike from within, it doesnt matter how you do it. Use a bomb, gun, a knife, a car or a big rock. #ISIS The RCMPs national security section determined that the offender was a suspect and interviewed him in the presence of his father. Initially, the youth denied being the person behind the Twitter account and that he posted the messages. The investigation nearly stopped there, Mahon said, but the boys father permitted investigators to examine the home computer. ISIS propaganda was found on the machine. It indicated that the teen had been communicating with a person who said they were a fighter for ISIS in Iraq or Syria. His internet history showed searches for ISIS, its flag, ISIS videos and weapons. Emails were found in which hed asked how to train overseas and leave Canada. He believed he was sending messages to someone in Iraq or Syria. Police also discovered child pornography on the computer. In July, the boy was sentenced to probation for that crime but remained in custody on the terrorism-related charge. Mahon said the offenders arrest for the child porn possession came on Nov. 3, 2015, but police also interviewed him for terrorism offences. After 50 minutes of denials, the teen admitted that he was the person behind the Twitter account, that hed planned to leave Canada and fight with the Islamic State even though he had no job or passport at the time. If he couldnt travel, he said, he would strike from within. Anyone involved with government was a target, he told police. Other targets would include government buildings, monuments, infrastructure and federal employees. His notebooks, also seized by police, contained drawings and plans and an unspecified formula. He also said he had firearms training and would perform an attack similar to that on Parliament Hill in October 2014. This is all said in a very matter-of-fact tone, Mahon said of the boys recorded interview with police. Police would describe it as a chilling interview. The notebooks also contained information about making bombs, detonators and explosives, including instructions for making C-4 explosive, lists of explosive chemicals, and information about improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In January, a psychiatrist indicated that the teen may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that he is socially isolated, that his peer development is lacking, and that his empathy needs development. Its also suggested that the boy have testing to determine if he is autistic. During the child porn sentencing, Simmonds had also told court that his client may have borderline anxiety, although there were no signs of psychosis or mental illness that would affect his judgement. The psychiatrist determined the boy was not an elevated risk to reoffend and should be released for jail in favour of rehabilitation. Mahon said the offender no longer identifies with ISIS, and Simmonds added that he has the support of his family. The offender has been held in Aggasiz Youth Centre in Portage la Prairie since his arrest. Initially, Mahon and Simmonds joined to suggest a sentence of 14 months in jail, minus 12 months presentence custody. That would leave two months jail to serve, followed by seven months supervision in the community and two years of probation. However, Judge John Combs suggested that sentence may not be legal under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Lawyers may now suggest six months deferred custody (a form of probation) followed by more probation. Combs also has to consider two other issues. Simmonds has asked that his clients court records be sealed, and lawyers differ over how long the teen will be equipped with a GPS ankle bracelet so his movements can be tracked. The case was adjourned to Jan. 9. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Twitter: @IanHitchen Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The sound of indigenous drumming echoed through Brandon Universitys campus on Tuesday night as a war song led a round dance in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline. Although the event was of protest in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, many of those who participated did not consider themselves protesters, but water protectors. This is a serious issue, Brandon University Aboriginal Student Collective vice-president Valerie Sandy stressed before joining a group of approximately 100 supporters outside. Participants dance in a circle during a solidarity flash mob round dance at the Brandon Universitys Kavanagh Courtyard organized by the Brandon University Aboriginal Students Collective on Tuesday in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline. Theres a reason why were doing this Its for water and to pray for our people who are down there (in North Dakota). Thousands have gathered in North Dakota in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline; an act of civil disobedience that has successfully delayed the projects construction near the Standing Rock Native American Reservation. A member of Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, Sandy said she identifies with those fighting the pipeline on a cultural level, but shes quick to point out that this is not only an indigenous issue. This is a life issue, she said. While the protests to the south were sparked by indigenous land concerns, Sandy clarified that clean drinking water is a concern everyone can relate to. Former Canupawakpa Dakota Nation chief Frank Brown kicked off Tuesdays solidarity round dance by burning sweetgrass and offering a prayer. Minutes away from greeting a large group of supporters, Brown did not appear nervous, with his message clear as day. A few years ago, Brown spearheaded a controversial smoke shop that sold contraband cigarettes from the Dakota Chundee Smoke Shop near Pipestone. In the backlash, Brown stepped down as chief, citing his desire to continue advocating as a private citizen with private rights as his central motivator. He stands behind this sentiment. When Im a chief I dont represent my people, I represent the federal government, he said Tuesday. Brown draws a parallel between the smoke shop case and the Dakota Access pipeline, stating that in both cases he does not believe the law the higher law has been accurately interpreted. The situation in North Dakota is troubling, Brown said, citing numerous media reports of water protectors being locked in cages, hit with rubber bullets, maced and had dogs attack them. Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Participants hold signs of support of water protection and against the Dakota Access pipeline during the solidarity flash mob round dance at Brandon University's Kavanagh Courtyard on Tuesday. What law protects people that protect the resources and protect humanity? Brown asked. What law protects the people, because these people are protecting the water for the future generations, and yet these corporates are using police forces. Theyre paying for these forces to attack the people that are protecting the water for generations. Although the Dakota Access pipeline affects the residents of a country other than our own, Brown points to the Canada and United States border as a recent advent. There was no Canada or the States when God created the people, he said. This, he said, is why its important to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Further to that, Brandon University Students Union indigenous peoples director Sheree Blacksmith points to Brandons drinking water source, the Assiniboine River, as reason enough to take a proactive stance. How hard would we fight to protect the Assiniboine if it were to happen here? tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkePA Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Westman teen who used Twitter to encourage followers to travel overseas to fight for ISIS or strike from within was also found with instructions for making explosives. However, after receiving treatment while in custody, court heard that the apologetic boy no longer supports the terrorist group. It has been brought home to him and his family just how serious this offence is, his lawyer, Saul Simmonds, said as sentencing submissions were made in Brandon provincial court on Tuesday. At times hard to hear due to his soft voice, the young offender (who cant be identified) apologized from the prisoners dock for causing a scare in the community. I wanted to say that I regret what I have done, and looking back, I understand how I was then, I was struggling for my identity and I had come to a religion I had no real understanding of , the 17-year-old said. Hed previously pleaded guilty to counselling to commit an indictable offence on behalf of a terrorist organization. He was 16 years old at the time of the offence committed between Jan. 26 and July 23, 2015. On Tuesday, details of the offence were shared publicly for the first time, and Crown attorney Ian Mahon supplied the following account. Mahon said the investigation began in December 2014 when a CBC national radio news reporter sent an email to Winnipeg police and RCMP to inform them that a teen convert to Islam planned to leave Canada to fight with ISIS. A Twitter account was provided and description of some of the social media messages were shared with police. But the boy had used the name Abdulla Khalid (or some spelling thereof) and investigators couldnt identify him. Mahon said that by late April 2015, further investigation had determined the Twitter account belonged to the accused. Other Twitter accounts had been deactivated due to offensive content in support of the Islamic State and there were numerous tweets by the teen in support of Hijrah a call to travel to Syria or Iraq to fight for the Islamic State. In one tweet, the teen wrote: To those who cannot make Hijrah, strike from within, it doesnt matter how you do it. Use a bomb, gun, a knife, a car or a big rock. #ISIS The RCMPs national security section determined that the offender was a suspect and interviewed him in the presence of his father. Initially, the youth denied being the person behind the Twitter account and that he posted the messages. The investigation nearly stopped there, Mahon said, but the boys father permitted investigators to examine the home computer. ISIS propaganda was found on the machine. It indicated that the teen had been communicating with a person who said they were a fighter for ISIS in Iraq or Syria. His Internet history showed searches for ISIS, its flag, ISIS videos and weapons. Emails were found in which hed asked how to train overseas and leave Canada. He believed he was sending messages to someone in Iraq or Syria. Police also discovered child pornography on the computer. In July, the boy was sentenced to probation for that crime but remained in custody on the terrorism-related charge. Mahon said the offenders arrest for the child porn possession came on Nov. 3, 2015, but police also interviewed him for terrorism offences. After 50 minutes of denials, the teen admitted that he was the person behind the Twitter account, that hed planned to leave Canada and fight with the Islamic State even though he had no job or passport at the time. If he couldnt travel, he said, he would strike from within. Anyone involved with government was a target, he told police. Other targets would include government buildings, monuments, infrastructure and federal employees. His notebooks, also seized by police, contained drawings, plans and an unspecified formula. He also said he had firearms training and would perform an attack similar to that on Parliament Hill in October 2014. This is all said in a very matter-of-fact tone, Mahon said of the boys recorded interview with police. Police would describe it as a chilling interview. The notebooks also contained information about making bombs, detonators and explosives, including instructions for making C-4 explosive, lists of explosive chemicals, and information about improvised explosive devices. In January, a psychiatrist indicated that the teen may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, that he is socially isolated, that his peer development is lacking, and that his empathy needs development. Its also suggested that the boy have testing to determine if he is autistic. During the child porn sentencing, Simmonds had told court that his client may have borderline anxiety, although there were no signs of psychosis or mental illness that would affect his judgement. The psychiatrist determined the boy was not an elevated risk to reoffend and should be released from jail in favour of rehabilitation. Mahon said the offender no longer identifies with ISIS, and Simmonds added that he has the support of his family. The offender has been held in Agassiz Youth Centre in Portage la Prairie since his arrest. Initially, Mahon and Simmonds joined to suggest a sentence of 14 months in jail, minus 12 months presentence custody. That would leave two months jail to serve, followed by seven months supervision in the community and two years of probation. However, Judge John Combs suggested that sentence may not be legal under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Lawyers may now suggest six months deferred custody (a form of probation) followed by more probation. Combs also has to consider two other issues. Simmonds has asked that his clients court records be sealed, and lawyers differ over how long the teen will be equipped with a GPS ankle bracelet so his movements can be tracked. The case was adjourned to Jan. 9. ihitchen@brandonsun.com Twitter: @IanHitchen Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/11/2016 (2177 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Still some great people out there Recently, as my husband and I completed our poppy campaign shift in Shoppers Mall, we decided to have lunch there. In the company of another Legion member, while eating, a young gentleman came to our table and asked if we got paid to do the poppy drive. We replied: No, we do it because we want to. On that note, the young gentleman said that he was treating us to lunch and immediately paid the cashier at the front till. When we inquired if the cashier knew the chap, he said that he had never seen him before. Our sincere thanks to this young gentleman for his thoughtfulness. Some brave young men I just watched The Black Watch Snipers. What these men did in their youth was awe-inspiring. Even the ones who made it home paid a heavy price. It is a pity so many had to pay such a big price to save the world from a madman and the nation he led. They truly saved the world. What an accomplishment from so many, so young. The rest of the world could take a lesson from the Dutch peoples unfailing gratitude. Judges must be accountable To be appointed a judge is an honour, not a privilege, and you work for the citizens of the land who expect justice for criminals. They dont expect drug trafficker(s) to be released to continue trafficking because a judge perceives a minor issue in the police investigation. Police work hard to eradicate these people from our streets and to have a left-wing, bleeding-heart judge allow them to walk is totally unacceptable and an affront to us hard-working, law-abiding citizens. Great job on Neelin high school production Congratulations to Neelin High School for its production of Almost Maine. It was a difficult story line but they pulled it off and it was very well done. So, congratulations for doing something different at the high school level. Isnt it ironic? Regarding the story Day Of Blessings in the Nov. 7 Brandon Sun. I find it very ironic that we see photos/writeups on other religions, but we no longer can say the Lords Prayer in our schools, or the political correctness of saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I will always say our Lords Prayer and Merry Christmas amongst anyone and if nobody likes it they can lump it. I am also sticking to the original words of our national anthem, O Canada. A few years ago the BBC show Countryfile captured incredible footage of a dog swimming with a dolphin. The Labrador, Ben, was known to swim out to the harbour every day to go and meet the dolphin, Duggie, on Tory Island. The kind folks at Rare Irish Stuff told us that according to residents, when Duggie lost her dolphin mate, she stayed in the area off the Donegal coast where her partner died. Bens owner said at the time of filming: Occasionally a school of dolphins will go by and she will join them. When I see them I think she will forget the island and go back to her wild ways but she never does. The footage was shown circa 2008, so were left wondering: Are Ben and Duggie still the best of pals? More as we get it. A witness has told the jury in a Dublin murder trial that he saw his friend being repeatedly stabbed by the accused. Donal Colgan of Killarney Court, Killarney Street in Dublin 1 denies murdering David Sheridan outside a chipper in August 2014. Gary Kinlan said he and his friend David Sheridan went to Luigis takeaway on Dublins North Strand Road at around 10pm on August 17th 2014. While they waited outside for their food, he said Donal Colgan just came out and accused them of making fun of him. The accused then got rowdy, he said and hit his friend before asking a young lad to hold his food. He said hed be back in a minute. When he returned, he said he was carrying a large knife which he used to stab Mr. Sheridan with. A post-mortem revealed hed been stabbed in the stomach area, arms and back. The Deputy State Pathologist Dr. Michael Curtis said he also had defensive-type wounds and a fractured skull from a slash wound to the head. He was shown a block of knives taken from Mr. Colgans home and he concluded that a large kitchen knife, which was pulled from the block and shown to the jury, could have inflicted those types of wounds. The trial continues. In 1939, when an Italian immigrant arrived for his appointment with a Navy admiral in Washington, he overheard the desk officer announcing, Theres a wop outside. The immigrant had been designated by key physicists to warn American military leaders about the impending peril of the Nazis developing nuclear weapons. The scientists thought that Enrico Fermi, having just won the 1938 Nobel Prize for physics, would give extra weight to the militarys fears. Fermi had reached American shores a mere two months earlier, picking up his Nobel in Sweden as he traveled his escape route from fascism and anti-Semitism in Italy. Today the derogatory term wop, roughly meaning Italian thug, is rarely used. But America has regrettably found other ways of stigmatizing immigrants, equally demeaning and conveying a clear message of their not being wanted or valued. Luckily Fermi ignored the insult and went on to become one of this countrys most loyal citizens and among its most celebrated physicists. Under Fermis leadership, the worlds first nuclear self-sustaining chain reaction was achieved Dec. 2, 1942, at the University of Chicago. This seminal event marked the birth of the atomic age and was the necessary precursor to nuclear weapons, as it was to nuclear medicine. Shrouded in secrecy, the discovery became a basis for the Manhattan Project, the major industrial enterprise employing 100,000 people, all sharing the common mission of beating Nazi Germany in building an atomic bomb. Fermi was recruited to its Los Alamos Laboratory site as an associate director and a special division became named after him. On this remote mesa in New Mexico, Fermi joined forces with several other fellow refugees who had fled tyranny and persecution to live in a country of freedom and tolerance. They, too, were drawn to Los Alamos by the desire to participate in the war effort and by the urgency of the task. Sometimes called refugee scientists, they were renowned in the world of physics. Many were Jewish or, like Fermi, were married to someone Jewish. The cafeteria at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory was abuzz with foreign languages, although the scientists were all urged to speak English with one another. They did so gladly, although occasionally, when excited about a result, Italians, Germans, Hungarians, and others might break into their native tongues, only to immediately correct themselves. The discoveries of yet another refugee to America had been instrumental to the tasks at Los Alamos. Fermi had prophetically noted in 1922 that Einsteins famous equation implied the possible delivery of a vast quantity of nuclear energy. It does not seem possible, at least in the near future, he observed, to discover a way to release such a frightening amount of energy, just as well for its first effect would be to smash into smithereens the physicist who had the misfortune of finding the way to produce it. Little did Fermi realize that he would be one of those physicists who found a way to produce it. He was involved in every phase of the Manhattan Project, whether as a researcher, an administrator or an adviser, and he played a pivotal role in its success. All of this is particularly remarkable because government bureaucracies had alternatively regarded Fermi as a security risk, an enemy alien, and most hurtfully, a committed fascist. When the Army had performed a background check of him in August 1940, its report concluded, Employment of this person on secret work is not recommended. That recommendation was thankfully overruled. In 1941, when the United States officially entered WWII, the government imposed a set of restrictions on Italian, German and Japanese immigrants, labeling them enemy aliens. For Fermi, this meant it was cumbersome to commute between Columbia University, where he taught, to the University of Chicago, where he headed a research team intent on proving that fission could be controlled. Every time Fermi traveled, he needed special permission that was granted only grudgingly by authorities. It was made more complicated by the secret nature of his mission that prohibited him from explaining the reason for frequent trips to questioning bureaucrats. But by the time Fermi moved to Los Alamos in the summer of 1944, his status had changed from enemy alien to one of holding this nations highest security clearance. And he had become a U.S. citizen. Upon Fermis untimely death at age 53 in 1954, the iconic broadcaster Edward R. Murrow commented: It was the good fortune of this country that Dr. Fermi found asylum in 1938. Under the present immigration laws, he might not be admissible. His exclusion would be shared by other immigrant founding fathers of the atomic age. With trademark astuteness, Murrow was alluding to the rampant McCarthyism of the time that was sullying Americas reputation as a decent and inclusive country. Murrow brought to the fore an issue that still resounds in America. Obviously not all refugees are Fermis, but there just might be one like him among them. It is worth noting that five of the six U.S. recipients of 2016 Nobel Prizes are immigrants. Even in the case of the one outlier Bob Dylan it was his grandparents, not he, who came to America in search of a better life. With the growing threat of sweeping changes to immigration policies, Americas place as a welcoming land of opportunity is more important to preserve than ever. The IFA has announced Damien McDonald as its new director-general, on a salary of 185,350. Mr McDonald (44) is currently CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, the governing body for the sport horse sector in Ireland. Prior to this he was CEO of Macra na Feirme from 2001 to 2007. Prince Harry is said to be considering hiring a retired Scotland Yard personal protection officer to guard his American girlfriend Meghan Markle, according to reports. Harry has already publicly stated, through his Communications Secretary Jason Knauf, how "worried" he is about her safety and "deeply disappointed" he has not been able to protect her. Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty the Third", a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words "Jin San Pang" on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. Update - Nov 16 at 1.15am: An Oklahoma airport has resumed operations after a suspect in a fatal shooting was found dead in a parking garage. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City was shut down by police shortly after a Southwest Airlines employee was shot about 1pm local time on Tuesday. Michael Winchester, aged 52, died after being taken to hospital following the shooting and a suspect was later found dead in a pick-up truck in an airport parking garage. Police and airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said the airport has now resumed operations. Hundreds of people were kept inside the airport terminal for hours after the shooting and Ms Carney said about 25 flights were cancelled, most of those by Southwest Airlines, which cancelled all flights scheduled to depart Oklahoma City for the remainder of the day. Earlier: The Oklahoma City airport has been closed after a person was shot, with police searching for a possible second victim. The Oklahoma City Police's Twitter account said the Will Rogers World Airport was closed following the Tuesday afternoon shooting and anyone inside should "shelter in place". Police Captain Paco Balderrama said officers have confirmed one victim, adding that police received reports of a possible second victim, but authorities have not yet found that person. He said he does not know the condition of the confirmed victim. Mr Balderrama said all streets are blocked off and people should avoid the airport. Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said all operations are suspended. She added that 7,000 to 8,000 travellers go through the airport daily. President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court, which rules on charges such as genocide and crimes against humanity. Mr Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, comes a day after the UN General Assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea" and condemned Russia for rights abuses such as discrimination against some Crimeans. The leader of the Syrian regime says it's possible his country could forge an alliance with Donald Trump's administration. President Bashar al-Assad says the president elect would be "a natural ally" - if he follows through on promises to destroy ISIS. Please Donate In order to maintain this blog I have to pay for its upkeep including a hosting company, support services, virus and other malicious hackers. If you appreciate what I write please make a donation. Racist PayPal Tries to Close Down My Blog As you can see from this article PayPal have removed my blog. I would therefore ask people to make any future donations to the following: Name of Account: Brighton and Hove Unemployed Workers Centre Account No: 04094107 Sort Code: 09-01-50 Reference: Web donations KARACHI: The 2022 Aga Khan Music Awards concluded with the presentation of awards to 15 laureates by His Highness... NEW YORK: Taylor Swift on Tuesday announced she was returning to touring, getting back on the road for the first... SINGAPORE: Chicago wheat futures jumped more than 5% on Monday and corn rose over 2% as Russias withdrawal from a... VIP Shortbread has announced the launch of its Christmas range of personalised shortbread. The online venture between business owners Rene Looper of social media expert Tuminds and Lewis Maclean of Macleans Highland Bakery is aimed at both the UK corporate and gift markets. After Christmas it will also offer birthday and special occasion gifts. The joint venture is a direct result of a Scotland Can Do Scale programme that both Looper and Maclean attended, which was aimed at entrepreneurs who wanted to grow their businesses. Maclean said: Driving home I turned off the radio and just tried to map out a plan of how I could use the information l had picked up to good use. I came up with the idea of developing personalised shortbread and getting in touch with Rene. Looper added: Having both been on the course we were very like-minded on what we were trying to achieve we have come together to form VIP Shortbread. Alan Clarke, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, said: There are many examples of collaboration in the Scottish Food & Drink industry and this is a great example of two established businesses coming together to provide tailor-made products that can be ordered easily online. Last year Macleans became one of four companies to be included in a Scotland-wide scheme to provide food for council projects. NEW YORK: Taylor Swift on Tuesday announced she was returning to touring, getting back on the road for the first... BERLIN: Serbia must decide whether it wants to join the European Union or enter into a partnership with Russia,... Masked men threatened the residents of a Crace home while they stole cash and other items on Monday night, police in Canberra have revealed. Three men entered the Crace home with their faces covered shortly before midnight on Monday. Police are appealing for witnesses after three men burgled a Crace house. Credit:Rohan Thomson The men allegedly threatened three residents while they took cash and "a small number of items" from the home, ACT Policing said in a statement. Police attended the home after the men fled. Officers canvassed the area for witnesses and CCTV footage. Protesters dressed as rats have targeted the new chief of the Queensland Resources Council Ian Macfarlane outside its annual lunch on Wednesday. But the former federal resources minister rejected suggestions his new position was a conflict of interest, saying he did not take legal advice "from people in rat suits". Critics say Ian Macfarlane's new job in charge of the QRC is a conflict, given his previous role as federal resources minister. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen A group of about 30 held signs, with one protester singing to the small crowd, who described themselves as "individuals", rather than from any particular action group, although the event was promoted by Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters. In August, a lightning blast claimed the lives of more than 300 reindeer in Norway. The month before, an anthrax epidemic which Russian officials blamed on microbes that thawed after spending decades frozen inside a reindeer corpse sickened several indigenous people in Siberia and killed a 12-year-old boy. Reindeer died by the hundreds. In the disease's aftermath, the regional government proposed to cull 250,000 reindeer by Christmas. Rudolph still can't catch a break. Even the Arctic tundra has turned against the animals, so well-adapted to the clime, as the area warms at a faster rate than the rest of the globe. In November 2013, 61,000 reindeer starved to death on Russia's Yamal Peninsula. It marked the largest regional "mortality episode" of reindeer ever recorded, as ecologists wrote in a new study in the journal Biology Letters. The days of Melbourne's boulevards being lined with exotic elm trees are numbered. A warming climate has prompted Melbourne City Council to reassess which tree species it will plant in the future. And rather than sticking with the European elms, the city's landmark boulevards including St Kilda Road and Royal Parade will be lined with trees that can tolerate the higher temperatures forecast in the future. But don't think that automatically means gum trees. Dave Kendal under a Morton Bay Fig tree, a species which could become more abundant in a warmer Melbourne. Credit:Eddie Jim A report commissioned by council suggests North America's fiery foliaged red maple is a suitable candidate to replace the elms, some of which date back over a century. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed Australian Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs will be replaced with a new commissioner when her term expires next year. Fairfax Media last month reported the government was already scouring for a replacement, with a senior source saying the selection process would be "well under way" by the end of the Christmas break. The fractious relationship between Professor Triggs and the Coalition continued to sour after she wrongly told a Senate Estimates hearing in October she believed a newspaper had misquoted her in statements critical of politicians. In remarks that were immediately praised by one of Professor Triggs' biggest detractors, arch-conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz, Mr Turnbull on Wednesday confirmed to 2GB radio that there would be a new AHRC boss next year. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has accused Labor of putting Australia's security at risk by questioning the US alliance following Donald Trump's election victory. Mr Turnbull has also highlighted what he described as an apparent split in the federal opposition's ranks over the future of the alliance, suggesting Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong had given voice to the long-held concerns in the Left faction over Australia's closest military ally. A week after Mr Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton sent shock waves through the political establishment in the United States and around the world, Mr Turnbull seized on an opinion piece by Senator Wong for Fairfax Media that flagged the opposition would reassess the long-standing alliance and put more emphasis on engagement with Asia. Senator Wong said Australia "should not be naive" and that "we are at a change point, and face the possibility of a very different world and a very different America". However, she also stressed there would still strong bipartisan political support for the US alliance. Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says the federal opposition must lift its primary vote and accept that it did not win the last election, but that the party was not about to "reconsider the leadership." Mr Albanese also warned the Labor party needed to "be careful" about its attack on foreign workers. His comments follow criticism of Bill Shorten's heightened rhetoric attacking foreign workers in the wake of Donald Trump's election victory in the United States. Speaking to Fairfax Media for a Facebook live event at a Henson Park Hotel in Sydney's inner-west in Marrickville, Mr Albanese also said marriage equality could pass the parliament before the next election. Asked if he would consider running for the leadership again, Mr Albanese said: "I think you do the job you have at the time and I'm working very hard the important thing to me is what the team is doing and I'm a very loyal member of the Labor team." It's the good news the world deserves and it is all thanks to actor, writer and dog lover Carrie Fisher. The artist, more commonly known as Princess Leia, has confirmed she had an "intense" affair with Harrison Ford on the set of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1976. Fisher revealed the detail of "Carrison" in her new memoir The Princess Diarist. For the book, the fifth by the New York Times bestselling author, she revisited her old journals from the late 1970s when she was 19 and met Ford, a 33-year-old married father of two, on the London set of the sci-fi film. Islamic State's switch in strategy to executing trans-national attacks outside of the Middle East has wreaked havoc in the western world with a record number of countries suffering their highest levels of terrorism in 2015. However the Global Terrorism Index, released on Wednesday, has illustrated the beginning of the end for IS as successful attacks by the group are in decline for the first time in their countries of origin. The demise of Islamic State means Australia must now confront an increasing threat of attacks from south-east Asia as fighters abandon Syria and Iraq and return home, said Steve Killelea, founder of the Australian think tank that produces the index, The Institute for Economics and Peace. "What one would expect is ISIL loses territory and gets more focused on its internal issues, that will make it harder for them to launch international jihadism. However, as ISIL breaks up in its core territories ... what you're going to find is those fighters will spill over into other areas," he said. Fresh from being sworn in as Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader, John Barilaro has come under attack from the opposition over political donations made by his wife, Deanna, a director of a property company. Property development companies, their directors and close associates have been prohibited from donating to NSW election campaigns since 2010. Election funding records show that, since 2013, Ms Barilaro has donated more than $8000 to the NSW Nationals. They reveal Ms Barilaro declared $1960 in donations in 2013-14 via raffles, auctions and dinners. Brisbane City Council's incentive scheme to attract student accommodation development has helped establish 27 approved projects since February last year, with the latest to include karaoke rooms. Council gave Cromwell Property Group the green light to develop the latest student accommodation project at the former state government offices at 163 Charlotte Street on Wednesday evening. 163 Charlotte Street will be refurbished with student accomodation. Credit:Google Street View The project will refurbish the building and feature 954 beds across 626 apartment suites to help cater for the 75,000 international students that enrol each year in Brisbane, who have generated almost $4 billion for the local economy this year. The council's incentive was a reduction of infrastructure charges to student accommodation developments within a four kilometre radius of the city, which saw a charge reduction from $8000 to $2000 for a one or two bedroom suite. The suspected killer of the murdered McCulkin family told police "I'm guilty by association" when he was arrested more than 30 years ago, a court has heard. Garry Reginald Dubois, 69, is accused of raping and murdering siblings Vicki and Leanne McCulkin and killing their mother Barbara in 1974. Dubois and his co-accused, Vincent O'Dempsey, allegedly took the McCulkins from their Highgate Hill home on or about January 16, 1974 and killed them in bushland. He allegedly told police officer John Attwood "I'm dead if I talk" after he was arrested in July 1980 at an address in Adelaide. A spokesman for Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the Palaszczuk government honoured an election commitment to reinstate funding to the EDO and other community legal centres. He said the state government gave $200,000 a year, for five years, split between EDO Queensland and the Environmental Defenders Office of Northern Queensland. "EDOs are not prohibited from representing clients in court or tribunal proceedings against the state," the spokesman said. "At the same time, the government is committed to supporting jobs in both the resources sector and renewable energy sector." EDO Queensland chairwoman Michelle Maloney said the organisation supported people to understand environmental laws and defend themselves. "We obviously believe that the work that we do, which is really just helping citizens enforce their legal rights, is definitely worthy of government support," Dr Maloney said. "It's basically an access to justice issue. Big mining companies, big industry groups have lawyers that are very highly paid, they have access to resources that are way beyond your average, ordinary Queenslander. "The EDO provides the kind of legal services that people should be entitled to." Dr Maloney said state government funding was about 10 per cent of their overall funding. "The support is extremely appreciated but we are not reliant on the state government," she said. Mr Roche also told the lunch the funding for the EDO "seemingly has helped to incubate" the Greens' candidate for Environment Minister Steven Miles' seat of Mount Coot-tha. The Greens announced EDO lawyer Michael Berkman as their candidate for Mt Coot-tha at the weekend. Contacted for comment, Mr Berkman hit out at Dr Miles, saying he had overseen the approval of the Adani mine and "weakened our groundwater laws". "No wonder the Queensland Resources Council wants to help re-elect him," Mr Berkman said. "The Greens support the rights of landholders and affected communities to challenge major resource projects in court." New QRC boss Ian Macfarlane said he wanted environmental activists to be required to declare donations. "As an ex-politician, every dollar that was donated to my campaign was done under a very strict set of guidelines," Mr Macfarlane said. "In a situation where activists are doing a political job, not a conservation job of the environment, I think it's only fair that they be covered by the same declaration rules in relation to donations. "Activists are not conservationists, they're not out there chipping out lantana and clearing weeds from waterways - they are involved in the political fray." Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham told the lunch restoring objection rights was an election commitment. "We believe that all members of the community should have the right to have their say about proposed mining development," Dr Lynham said. "Stifling objection rights is a policy of the irrational. "If you want to see objection, then stifling their rights is the one iron-clad method to achieve it." But Dr Lynham said he was concerned that some cases had dragged on too long, which was why the government retained legislative changes that allowed the Land Court to strike out frivolous or vexatious claims, and allocated $1.5 million in extra funding to the court to cope with its workload. Referencing protesters dressed as rats outside the lunch, Mr Roche teased Mr Macfarlane during his speech. Outgoing ABC breakfast radio veteran Spencer Howson has addressed his decision to step away from his long-time role live on air, saying the show needs to be reinvigorated. The popular host, who regularly hoisted 612 ABC's AM breakfast show to the top of the radio ratings across his 11-year stint, said he didn't want to outstay his welcome. "I don't get that sense yet but whether it's in a year or in five years or 10 years, at some point people will say he's been doing it too long," he said. Fairfax Media revealed the English-born, Brisbane-raised presenter's impending announcement on Wednesday, the latest shake-up to Brisbane breakfast radio after 97.3FM let popular host Robin Bailey go. A 79-year-old man has been assaulted by masked offenders who broke into his home in the early hours of the morning while he slept. At least two would-be-thieves broke into the man's Glen Huntly Road home about 3.40am on November 11. One of the offenders was wearing a hoodie with the words 'Bad Company Since Day One' emblazoned on the back. Two offenders assaulted the elderly man and demanded cash. It is believed the offenders were scared off by the victim's flatmates and fled empty-handed in a silver Holden Commodore sedan. Not everyone is cut out for a job as a police officer at the Warrandyte police station. Those who join the force with dreams of kicking down doors and tackling crooks to the ground are bound to find this patch a little on the sleepy side. The suburb is nestled smack in the middle of a group of postcodes in Melbourne's north-east Donvale, Park Orchards, Doncaster East, Templestowe, Wonga Park, Kangaroo Ground and Wattle Glen that had the city's lowest offence rates. One offence was recorded last year for every 30 residents in the area, a crime rate three times lower than the state average, based on analysis of Crime Statistics Agency figures. Skip to comments. Ted Cruz visits the new President-Elect in Trump Tower The Houston Chronicle ^ | November 15, 2016 | Kevin Diaz Posted on by monkapotamus Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined the procession of Republican figures from Washington making the journey to Trump Tower in New York Tuesday to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump, his chief antagonist in the GOP primaries earlier this year. Trump did not stop to talk to reporters staking out the elevator lobby on his way in. But his spokeswoman, Catherine Frazier, released the following statement: "Sen. Cruz is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with President-elect Trump in New York today. The American people issued a clear mandate to 'drain the swamp' in Washington, repeal Obamacare and start over with cost-effective, patient-centered health care reform, appoint constitutionalist judges to the Supreme Court, secure our southern border and enforce immigration laws, and enact policies that will create more good-paying jobs for the American people. On behalf of the 27 million Texans he represents, the senator looks forward to assisting the Trump Administration in achieving these objectives..." (Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ... It remained the biggest source of gripes to the Public Transport Ombudsman the report for 2015-16 shows, with most people aggrieved by problems with refunds and reimbursements, ticketing staff and myki accounts. But we still don't like it much. Complaints to the Public Transport Ombudsman about authorised officers are on the rise. Credit:Eddie Jim The state's public transport watchdog says it has, noting in its latest annual report a 36 per cent drop in complaints about the ticketing system. There were 1176 myki issues raised with the Ombudsman this year, compared with 1610 in 2014-15, the report shows. It also reveals a 16 per cent increase in complaints made against authorised officers, the staff who patrol the network checking myki cards and monitoring commuter behaviour. Most of those complaints concerned accusations of heavy-handed and unwarranted treatment by the officers, Ombudsman Treasure Jennings said.. "Several complainants said they felt intimidated. More work needs to be done in this area to ensure AOs have adequate support and the right skills to interact with the community in an effective and fair way," Ms Jennings said. She said it was troubling that her office had received so many complaints about authorised officers, 282 in all, given they have been the subject of three previous investigations by Victoria's Ombudsman, culminating in an announced overhaul of the fare enforcement regime by the Andrews government in May. Victoria's Youth Parole Board has rejected the state government's bid to move some teen inmates into adult jails as punishment for rioting at a juvenile detention centre. Up to 40 teenage inmates, including the "ringleaders" of the riots that sent the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre into lockdown at the weekend, were to be transferred into adult prisons in coming days. "Those inmates will be going to adult prison," Premier Daniel Andrews said in the wake of the riots. "And I make absolutely no apology." Fairfax Media understands that the application to transfer seven 16-year-old inmates into adult prisons has been knocked back. The WA government is close to making a decision on whether to sell all or just part of Western Power and expects to announce its position in coming weeks, Premier Colin Barnett says. A day after Mr Barnett was booed and heckled by union protesters outside parliament while explaining why the electricity poles and wires utility should be sold, Mr Barnett told reporters he could understand and respect their job security fears. Colin Barnett was unperturbed by the unfriendly reaction he got at Parliament on Wednesday. Credit:Philip Gostelow "I think I got a fair reception. Most people listened," he said on Wednesday. "You don't expect deathly silence at a union rally outside Parliament House. Kmart has taken a "light bulb" drink jar off its shelves after anti-drug campaigners slammed it for for looking "just like a meth-smoking device". Earlier this week, the Bunbury mum of an ex-ice addict criticised the store for selling a drink jar product she said looked strikingly similar to methamphetamine drug paraphernalia. Kmart's product is distinctly similar to meth-smoking device. The product page is no longer available and a Kmart spokesperson said they removed the item from sale after the situation was highlighted to them. "Kmart Australia sold the drink jar as a novelty on trend item for the intention only to be used as a drinking glass," they said. A driver who was towing a caravan towing a trailer loaded with quad bikes has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after the trailer came loose and killed another driver. The 44-year-old man was driving his Dodge utility on September 2 around 3.45pm in Kelmscott when the incident occurred. Police will allege the vehicle was passing the Stony Brook Bridge on Brookton Highway when its third trailer became unhitched and crossed onto the wrong side of the road, colliding heavily with a Hino Truck. The 55-year-old truck driver was critically injured in the crash and later died at Armadale Hospital. Beijing: Chinese authorities have executed a farmer convicted of killing a village official after his home was demolished, despite months of public outcry in sympathy with the farmer. The execution of Jia Jinglong, 30, took place in Shijiazhuang, the capital of the northern province of Hebei. He was sentenced to death last November. On Tuesday, he was allowed a brief visit with his family, the state news agency Xinhua reported. Jia Jingyuan, sister of Jia Jinglong, shows the video footage she took showing her house being demolished. Credit:AP While Jia's trial had focused on the brutal nature of the crime - he was found guilty of killing the official, He Jianhua, by shooting him in the back of the head with a nail gun - it was the demolition of Jia's home that stirred anger among a public that saw it as yet another government snub against the powerless. Jia's three-story home was destroyed in May 2013 to make way for a new property development. According to Chinese news reports, his father had agreed to the demolition in exchange for compensation and a new apartment promised by local officials, but Jia refused to abide by the agreement. Nevertheless, the home was knocked down. Rudy Giuliani or Newt Gingrich? Sarah Palin or John Bolton? The dizzying and disquieting array of possibilities presented by a Donald Trump administration have the media in a spin. But the speculation business holds its own dangers, particularly in this interregnum between the US election and inauguration. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania walk with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Credit:AP Many people believe - or harbour a wish - that the moment will come when a Trump presidency succumbs to the laws of political gravity, checked by Congress or the judicial branch or the realities of a complex global chessboard. Everyone is waiting for that moment when the campaign rubber hits the political road and the whole thing starts to skid - a moment that, in the Republican primaries and on November 8, never came. People worry about what a Trump-Putin rapprochement would mean for Europe and the Middle East. But they also worry that Trump will scrap the nuclear deal with Iran - a deal he lambasted repeatedly on the campaign trail - without ever wondering how that could be done without eliciting strong objections from the Kremlin, which arms Tehran and championed the deal. Jakarta: Indonesian police said on Wednesday they will proceed with an investigation into a blasphemy complaint brought by Muslim groups against the Christian and ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta and banned him from leaving the country. The complaint against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, widely known as Ahok, comes after unrest in the Indonesian capital that forced his political ally, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, to postpone a keenly anticipated state visit to Australia. Ari Dono Sukmanto, chief of the National Police criminal investigation department, told reporters that although there had not been consensus after an initial investigation, "the dominant opinion is that this case should be settled in court". A decision to drop the case could have sparked mass protests led by hardline Muslims against not just Ahok but also the president, widely known as Jokowi. As President-elect Donald Trump talks normalisation of relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Republicans in Congress are moving to stake out a tough stance against Russia. The effort started with the House passing a bill to sanction anyone who supports the Syrian government in the ongoing civil war there. And a range of lawmakers -- including Trump allies and other Republicans -- are preparing other possible measures, arguing that the United States should be taking a harder line against a country and a leader they view as a dangerous threat. US president elect Donald Trump. Credit:AP "[Trump] wants to reset with Russia. Maybe he can do it, but here's my view about Russia: They're a bad actor in the world, they need to be reined in," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, said Tuesday, adding that it would be up to Congress to let Russia "know the rules of the road pretty early," even under a friendlier Trump administration. "I think [Russia] should pay a price heavier than they're paying now for what they're doing in Syria and in eastern Europe," Graham added. "I will consult with my colleagues what there is appetite for." New York: US President-elect Donald Trump will not be sworn in for two more months, but, as of next week, the big gold letters spelling out his name will be removed from three large apartment buildings on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, tenants were told on Tuesday. Hundreds of tenants at the buildings at 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Boulevard, which contain a total of 1325 apartments, signed a petition to "Dump the TRUMP name" last month after Trump's provocative campaign statements had offended women, immigrants and liberals on the Upper West Side. A woman attaches a sign outside a polling place in a New York City apartment building named after Donald Trump. Credit:AP The buildings, between 66th and 69th streets, are owned not by Trump but by Equity Residential, a publicly traded company based in Chicago, which bought them in 2005 for $809 million. Trump, a Republican, had been involved in the development known at various times as Riverside South and Trump Place. Equity Residential kept the name Trump Place on the exterior of the buildings and on their letterhead, signage and uniforms. Incarceration by race and ethnicity 2010. Inmates in adult facilities, by race and ethnicity. Jails, and state and federal prisons.[39] Race, ethnicity % of US population % of U.S. incarcerated population National incarceration rate (per 100,000 of all ages) White (non-Hispanic) 64 39 450 per 100,000 Hispanic 16 19 831 per 100,000 Black 13 40 2,306 per 100,000 Homicide According to the US Department of Justice, blacks accounted for 52.5% of homicide offenders from 1980 to 2008, with whites 45.3% and "Other" 2.2%. The offending rate for blacks was almost 8 times higher than whites, and the victim rate 6 times higher. Most homicides were intraracial, with 84% of white victims killed by whites, and 93% of black victims killed by blacks. In 2013, African Americans accounted for 52.2% of all arrests for murder, and Whites accounted for 45.3%. Youth crime The "National Youth Gang Survey Analysis" (2011) state that of gang members, 46% are Hispanic/Latino, 35% are black, 11.5% are white, and 7% are other race/ethnicity. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, in the year 2008 black youths, who make up 16% of the youth population, accounted for 52% of juvenile violent crime arrests, including 58.5% of youth arrests for homicide and 67% for robbery. Black youths were overrepresented in all offense categories except DUI, liquor laws and drunkenness. Robbery According to the National Crime Victimization Survey in 2002, the black arrest rate for robbery was 8.55 times higher than whites, and blacks were 16 times more likely to be incarcerated for robbery than non-Hispanic whites. Robberies with white victims and black offenders were more than 12 times more common than the reverse. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol. A petition has been launched to bring back the previous organiser of the Broadmead Christmas market after hundreds of complaints about this year's. It was revealed on Monday the popular Christmas market was no longer run by a German team from WELA Markte GmbH, but instead by Xmas Markets Ltd from London. WELA had originally brought the market to Bristol eight years ago and had been running it since, until tourism body Destination Bristol decided to award it to Xmas Markets this year. Hundreds of complaints were received on the WELA Facebook page shortly after the market opened last Friday, but they replied with a status explaining the situation. The petition, started by an Amy Maszuchin, wants tourism bosses to bring back its previous organiser. It read: "After seven years, Christmas has been a delight with the German Christmas Market visiting in town every year. "Christmas won't be able to be the same in town without them! Please let's get them back!" It comes as bosses from Destination Bristol said they would review the situation on Wednesday, and that they were aware of the complaints. Bristol City Council said the decision to award the contract was down to Destination Bristol and planning permission was given for just this year. Writing on Facebook over the weekend, the former organisers said: "We, WELA Markte GmbH, former organiser of the Bristol German Christmas Market, are very sorry that you are so disappointed about the quality of the present Christmas market. "After seven years of successful co-operation with the City of Bristol we were unfortunately not allowed to continue to run the market. "Basically we are just as disappointed and sad like you that we did not obtain that permission. "We were shocked when we were refused. "We as a traditional German Christmas market company initially brought the idea of a Christmas market to Bristol. "It took years of careful planning, a lot of work both physical and mental, total commitment and effort and most of all love to detail in order to be able to improve the market every single year. After seven years the City of Bristol must not have been satisfied with us and we are extremely sorry about this. "We do hope that this may change in the future. "We just wanted to point out that we are no longer the organisers to avoid any misunderstandings. "Based on this fact we would like to thank you once again for being so loyal to us in the years that have gone by. "Despite everything we would like to wish you a lovely time before Christmas as we have the hope that we may hopefully be asked to return to Bristol one day." Looking at current market conditions, WBP Property Group has revealed that half of all off-the-plan inner city apartments in Melbourne will drop in value by an average of up to 15% before settlement.Its not like the values are falling. Simply, theyre over-priced from the very start, Greville Pabst, executive chairman of WBP, told Nine News.Its a bit like a new car. When you drive it off the lot, straight away it depreciates. Its the same when you buy new property.This 15% value was extrapolated from a 2015 study surveying around 1,800 OTP properties purchased between 2009 and 2015, Pabst told Australian Broker.Upon valuation in 2014 to 2015 the average loss of properties showing a negative discrepancy of $1,000 or more between market price and contract price was almost 10%, he said.With the significant jump in supply of high density apartments in Melbournes CBD and surrounds we expect this figure has worsened with the average deviation expected to be closer to 15%.While the survey only reflected OTP apartments located in Victoria, Pabst said the same fundamentals were at play in Sydney and Brisbane areas with an increasing supply of high-density, high-rise residential dwellings.Likewise, the phenomenon does not discriminate based on the buyer type and whether one is a homebuyer or investor, he added.Pabst continued, saying that the onus was on the buyer to do their homework independent of their broker, accountant, financial planner or any other advisor.Like any asset, scarcity plays an important role in performance. Applying this philosophy to property can mean avoiding high-rise high-density developments and selecting boutique properties with fewer units and fewer expensive facilities like gyms and swimming pools that result in high owners corporation fees. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Call it dish of the Spider-Woman! Musical theater legend Chita Rivera will be telling behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic 65-year career at Kingsborough College on Nov. 19. In her show Chita: A Legendary Celebration, the two-time Tony-winning diva will sing some of her greatest hits, and give a guided tour of the pivotal performances and people in her career. The performance will be much more than a stage show, said the song-and-dance woman. Its just a completely different formula than having a script, said Rivera. Ill perform and I will tell stories about actors and how I feel about certain things that happened. Theres more variety. The theatrical icon has been a fixture on Broadway since 1957, best known for originating the roles of America-boosting Anita in West Side Story, femme fatale Velma Kelly in Chicago, and the title character in Kiss of the Spider-Woman. During her show at Kingsborough, Rivera will recreate 12 numbers from the Great White Way, including the shows listed above and Sweet Charity, The Rink, and Bye, Bye, Birdie. She will pepper her performances with stories about actors she worked with through the decades, a collection of Broadway and Hollywood royalty that includes Bob Fosse, Dick Van Dyke, Liza Minelli, and Shirley MacLaine, among many others. The show is a trip down memory lane for Rivera and also for the audience, she said, many of whom feel a connection to the iconic songs. Most of the time people who are coming have some memories of that particular time, said Rivera. And Im there to entertain and make them feel good and bring back some memories. The organizers of On Stage at Kingsborough were thrilled to add Rivera to their roster of performers this year. Her experience with acting, music, and dance makes her a perfect choice for the performance series, said the groups executive director. Our mission is to present leading artists in their field, said Anna Becker. Whether its dance, whether its music, whether its theater, you cant do that without Chita Rivera. Shes the one that blazed that path. Chita: A Legendary Celebration at On Stage at Kingsborough [2001 Oriental Blvd. between Quentin Street and Decatur Avenue in Manhattan Beach, (718) 3685596, www.onsta geatk ingsb oroug h.org ]. Nov. 19 at 8 pm. $35$40. A 19-year-old Beatrice woman will serve prison time after prosecutors said she failed to take advantage of numerous opportunities to deal with her addiction issues. Payton Bishop was sentenced to five years prison in two cases Wednesday by Judge Paul Korslund in Gage County District Court. In one case, she was sentenced to three years of prison followed by 18 months of post release supervision for attempted second degree assault. Bishop was sentenced for four charges in the second case, possession of methamphetamine and three counts of theft. She was sentenced to two years for the meth charge that will be served consecutively to the previous case, totaling five years. She was sentenced to 30 days for each of the theft charges, which will be served concurrently to the other charges. Gage County deputy attorney Calynn Schuck said Bishops issues can all be traced to addiction. Theres no question that Ms. Bishop battles some serious addiction issues with methamphetamine, and its quite sad that its happened to her at such a young age, Schuck said. Underlying Ms. Bishops criminal content, there always seems to be substance usage. Bishop was allowed into a treatment program in May, but was involuntarily discharged due to lack of cooperation and an aggressive behavior. Bishop also attended a treatment program in Florida, which her attorney, Lee Timan, said was completed, despite a lack of documentation. When shes in treatment and staying clean I think she is someone who can follow rules and can respect others property and space, Timan said. Its when shes using methamphetamine that she I guess becomes a different person and does a complete 180 as far as her behaviors. Bishop was initially to be sentenced last month, but the cases were continued on the conditions that she receive drug testing and continue to take steps toward overcoming her addiction. Schuck said Bishop missed three appointments and never took the required drug testing. At this point, Ms. Bishop has been given more opportunities and services while these cases have been pending than most defendants receive through probation, Schuck said. I think her behavior has shown this court her lack of willingness to take accountability for her actions. Bishop was arrested last December for assault after stabbing a woman in the back. The victim advised she had gotten into a verbal argument with Bishop when Bishop accused her of stealing a cell phone. The victim tried to leave the house when Bishop followed her with a knife. Court documents state the victim had an obvious stab wound to her back and was transported to Beatrice Community Hospital for treatment. A knife was recovered from the floor of Bishops residence. The drug case against Bishop stemmed from shoplifting incidents at Dollar General and Dollar Tree. During the investigation, officers found Bishop to be in possession of methamphetamine. A third felony case against Bishop was previously dismissed as part of a plea agreement. In that case, Bishop was arrested last October for taking a dog from Humane Society volunteers. Two Beatrice Humane Society volunteers were walking a white husky-shepherd mix dog when they were approached by Bishop, asking to pet the dog. Bishop allegedly wanted to take the dog. After volunteers wouldnt comply, documents state Bishop said she would pull a gun on them, indicating the presence of a firearm. The volunteers released the dog to Bishop soon after. She left the scene and the volunteers walked back to the Humane Society and informed Beatrice police. Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for... Yale has introduced a new member of the Smart Living team to take the next step in mobile development. Laurence Dyde has been appointed as mobile product manager for Yale Smart Living. He brings with him 16 years experience, having previously worked with Astraware in Stoke-on-Trent for nine years, where he was involved in the creation of mobile games such as Bejeweled and Zuma, displaying his depth of knowledge in this sector. Most recently he has been working with award-winning mobile app developers B60 Apps in Redditch, covering a range of industry sectors, all of which will stand him in good stead for his new role at Yale. Commenting on his new role, Mr Dyde, said: I am excited to begin working with Yale, particularly starting at such an early stage of development in smart home movement, and I hope that my interest in integration will take them to the next stage of mobile development. Nigel Fisher, managing director at Yale, added: We are delighted to welcome Laurence to the Smart Living team. We are committed to investing in the Yale Smart Living brand and this appointment enables us to further develop our mobile offering. MKM Building Supplies has arrived in the Scottish town of Galashiels, creating 13 jobs with the opening of its 45th branch. The new branch will house MKMs acclaimed product portfolio, catering to trades as well as the general public. This will include building, plumbing, joinery, heating, insulation and plasterboard offerings, as well as underground drainage. MKM Galashiels will contain a timber and joinery service, as well as state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom showrooms, overseen by experienced design specialists. The addition of high-spec showrooms has been hugely popular across the branch network, and is helping to secure MKMs position within the interior design market. The branch launch will be celebrated with a series of events and competitions. As well as free bacon butties during the launch fortnight, those spending over 1,000 in-branch will have the opportunity to win a cement mixer or DeWalt Combi Drill set. Bob Hogarth, branch director at the Netherdale Industrial Estate site, said: The team here are delighted to have the opportunity to show everyone in Galashiels and the surrounding area what MKM is all about. MKM has developed a reputation for championing the customer experience and we are all thrilled to have to chance to bring that to this area. Were excited to be at the forefront of MKMs national expansion. Its been nearly 90 years since the idea of adding an airport to Beatrice was proposed, and while the Beatrice Municipal Airport may be a staple of the community today, it took decades to get the project off the ground. In 1928, several months before the Great Depression, a group of local businessmen in the area began to raise money to promote an airport for the city of Beatrice; just decades after the Wright brothers took to the skies. For 12 years the money they raised remained in the bank until Airport Corporation was founded and stock was sold to more than 40 local businesses at $25 per share. That same year project supporter Wallace Robertson purchased 160 acres of land at $131 per acre. The land would eventually be Beatrices first and only airport. While community support for the airport was crucial, individuals like Wallace Robertson and Fred Lenz, a car dealer who donated cars to the airport that would be used as a courtesy car for passengers and pilots, made sure the Beatrice Municipal Airport became a reality. The airport has been serving the general aviation needs of the town and Gag County, allowing Sunland residents to take to the skies since 1943. Construction officially began in 1942 on the 162 acres west of U.S. Highway 77 in north Beatrice after a successful bond was passed by voters. When the project was put on hold because of the nations involvement in World War II, it took two more years before paced roads could be added in 1945. Six metal hangers were later built in 1949 and a small airline started service to Beatrice. Don Fitzwater served as the airport manager from 1954 to 2000, helping the airport grow to what it is today. He continued to support the airport as chairman of the Airport Authority until 2014. Since his departure, Diana Smith has been the airports manager and has worked at the airport in some capacity for the last 42 years. She is one of four full-time and three part-time employees who keep the airport running 365 days a year. Were here every single day, Smith said. Big companies, people looking to start new businesses, they wont come to a town without an airport, its a huge boom to the economy. Smith began working at the airport in 1971 and started out as Fitzwaters secretary. She now runs the airports day to day operations. I never imagined I would one day be the airport manager when I started, she said. Don was a very sharing boss and through the years taught me what I needed to know. Born and raised in Beatrice Smith loves the aviation world and over the years has built relationships with the pilots that come through Beatrice. We hear on a daily basis what a great airport Beatrice has and pilots tell us that we have one of the nicest airports they go to, she said. Don used to joke about what kind of condition the other airports must be in because of how often we hear it. Those making a pit stop at the airport will often stay the night or get a bite to eat so having an airport is very beneficial to the local economy. When I started here every employee had to be a certified weather observer and every hour we had to report the weather, she said. We had to tell visibility and forecast how high the clouds are, which we did by either eyeballing it or using a weather balloon. Now we have AWOS. The Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is not the only addition that has been made to the airport over the years. Since 1971, the airport has purchased more land in order to sell jet fuel, a new administration building was completed in 2003 and the runways have been lengthened several times. In 2015, the Federal Runway project extended the north/south runway 1,800 feet in a construction project that took nearly eight months to complete. The runway is now 5,600 feet to accommodate larger aircraft, with new paving to replace the concrete that was poured in 1943. The extension has made it the primary runway as the 4,400 feet northwest/southeast runway had previously been the long one of the two. The airport plans to resurface the diagonal northwest/southeast runway sometime in 2018, which will include new LED lighting similar to what was added to the north/south runway in 2015. The project will also add a 400-foot extension to the north end of the north/south runway to make it 6,000 feet and allow for a future parallel taxiway. The airport has approximately 38 aircrafts currently based in Beatrice and services around 12,000 operations on an annual basis, Smith said. Having an airport really puts Beatrice on the map for Nebraska cities and has been a huge asset to the whole community, she said. The airport continue to be an important asset to the community, providing locals with UPS next day delivery, flight instruction to students and adults interested in aviation, and allowing for local businesses to have parts flown in for machinery. Dean Doyle served as a flight instructor to the airport for 35 years and despite having retired years ago, he still has fond memories of his days at Beatrice Municipal Airport. It was a great privilege to fly the skis and get away for a while, he said. It was one of my favorite things to do. Doyle worked as a dentist in town for years and after teaching hundreds of students how to fly, being able to present his students with flying certificates remains among his greatest accomplishments. It was very enjoyable to get away and do something I liked, he said. Ive flown to many airports throughout the country and all over the world and I still take great pride in Beatrices. Its very well run. Diana does a great job and were lucky to have her. Google and Facebook moved today to cut off advertising revenue to bogus news sites, acting after criticism of the role fake news played in the US presidential election. "We've been working on an update to our publisher policies and will start prohibiting Google ads from being placed on misrepresentative content, just as we disallow misrepresentation in our ads policies," a Google statement to AFP said. "Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property." Facebook is implementing a similar policy, a spokesman said. "In accordance with the Audience Network Policy, we do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news," a Facebook statement said. "While implied, we have updated the policy to explicitly clarify that this applies to fake news. Our team will continue to closely vet all prospective publishers and monitor existing ones to ensure compliance." The electoral victory of Donald Trump has sparked heightened scrutiny of online and social media, especially the role of bogus news that appeared to help rally Trump supporters. Some news stories which went viral included headlines such as "Hillary Clinton Calling for Civil War If Trump Is Elected" and "Pope Francis Shocks World, Endorses Donald Trump for President." Yesterday, internet users searching on Google were delivered a bogus report saying Trump won the popular vote in addition to the Electoral College. The numbers on a blog called 70News -- contradicting official results tallied so far by states -- said Trump received 62.9 million votes to 62.2 million for Hillary Clinton. The blog urged those petitioning for the Electoral College to switch their votes to reflect popular will to scrap their effort. In 2011, Greg Moran spent three months traveling across India, talking to thousands of people for what he says was primary research for his fledgling startup idea: to launch a car rental service in Asias fastest growing economy. Start-up entrepreneurs from India and the UK would assemble on the banks of the Thames in London in the spring of 2017 for the first such international fest organised by the government. Mobile handset company is following its peers to expand operations abroad. The firm has ventured into at least seven foreign markets since January and plans to enter another 10 by March. Buyers in the countrys biggest luxury car market, the National Capital Region (NCR), are opting for petrol-fuelled vehicles like never before. Approximately half of the new luxury car buyers are purchasing petrol variants in response to the uncertainties around diesel after a Supreme Court ban in December last year. Nusli Wadia, Non-Executive, Independent Director, Tata Motors arrives for Tata Motors' board meeting at Bombay House in Mumbai (Pic: Kamlesh Pednekar) Nusli Wadia, chairman of the Wadia group of companies, is likely to write to the shareholders of Tata Chemicals, Tata Motors and Tata Steel on the foreign acquisitions made by Tata Sons Interim Chairman Ratan Tata that have led to huge losses for these companies and could lead to potential write-downs. Tata Sons, principal shareholder of these companies, had last week issued a notice, asking them to convene extraordinary general meetings (EGMs) of shareholders to remove Cyrus Mistry and Wadia as directors. The Tata Sons board had ousted Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons on October 24 and appointed Ratan Tata interim chairman. According to a source close to the development, Wadia, as an independent director of these companies, will write about several objections he had raised over Ratan Tata's foreign and Indian acquisitions. When Ratan Tata wanted Tata Steel to invest in Tata Teleservices in early 2000s, Wadia was the only director who said no and made sure Tata Steel did not invest in a company that did not have clarity on return on investments. Ratan Tata stormed out of Tata Steels board meeting, saying if Tata Steel would not invest, then it would be Tata Sons that would, the source said. Today, Wadia is proved right as Tata Teleservices is sitting on Rs 35,000 crore of losses, said the source, who did not wish to be named. At Tata Steels board meetings over the acquisition of Corus in 2007, Wadia had questioned the decision because the margins of the takeover target were low and its business was facing a decline in demand. Ratan Tata went on to invest in Corus at an exorbitant price. Wadia questioned the necessity of this acquisition when the biggest market for steel was in India and China. The answer then was to build a global Tata empire, the source said. The $12.9-billion acquisition and the additional investments to run Corus plants have gone down the drain, said the source. Who is responsible for the losses? The shareholders must know, the source added. Providing details on mismanagement of Tata Steel Europe, the source said, Till about a year and a half ago, Tata Steel had absolutely no control over Tata Steel Europe. The European companys board was a law unto themselves. The CFO of Tata Steel was not even allowed inside the boardroom of Tata Steel Europe. It was Mistry who changed the structure of the board of Tata Steel Europe and made sure Tata Steels representatives were inside the European company, the source said. All these facts would be stated in Wadias letter to shareholders, the source added. Each of the Tata group companies will have to call an EGM within 45 days of the notice on ouster of the directors. The Tatas own 35-39 per cent stakes in these companies and need a simple majority of the votes at the EGMs to pass the resolutions to remove Wadia and Mistry. On Tata Motors, the theme of Wadia's letter is likely to be on the Nano project that has become a millstone. The companys passenger car division is making losses of Rs 3,500 crore per annum and the Nano project has already lost Rs 25,000 crore. This project should have been shut down many years ago, but it is still kept alive just to keep Ratan Tata happy, said the source. However, Jaguar-Land Rover acquisition had turned out well, the source said. Wadia also prevented a potential disastrous acquisition by Tata Chemicals where the margins of the takeover target were just four per cent, the source said. The Tata plan to become a global group came at a huge cost. Whether it was by Indian Hotels or Tata Steel, these acquisitions came at a big price. To hang Mistry for these mistakes is something he (Wadia) will not tolerate, especially as he promised Jeh (JRD Tata) that he would look after the interests of the Tatas, the source said. One of the reasons that Cyrus Mistry was shown the door by the Tata Sons board was his unsuitable Strategy 2025 document that sought to outline the growth plans for the group. The board had been asking for the document for a while and when it finally arrived in September, it was found unsuitable, a person familiar with the developments said. The following month, the board chose to replace Mistry. Strategy documents in the have determined the fates of others, ironically, Ratan Tatas, too. In 1983, two years after he was made chairman of Tata Industries, Ratan Tata penned a Tata Strategic Plan that essentially said the group should foray into high-tech businesses like telecom, oil exploration services, infotech, biotechnology and alternative energies. The more controversial part was increasing Tata Sons stake in group companies, ideally, to 26 per cent. JRD Tata, then Tata Sons chairman, liked the first part, but that didn't automatically place Tata in the drivers seat. On the contrary, it marked the beginning of a long innings of boardroom battles for Ratan Tata. The boardroom battles carved deep scars and he's shed his trustful nature. Reticent to a fault, few know his secrets, hopes and desires. He doesn't share confidences with anyone, not even Nusli Wadia, Ambani's bete noire and Tatas childhood friend, Gita Piramal wrote in her book, Business Maharajas. The lines seem prophetic now. From chairman of Tata Industries to chairman of Tata Sons, it was a long road dotted with boardroom battles, of which the most famous was the one with Russi Mody. The appointment as chairman of Tata Industries had merely put Ratan Tata on the same pedestal as Nusli Wadia (chairman of Bombay Dyeing and JRD Tatas godson), and many of JRD's independent satraps like Russi Mody (head of Tisco), Sumant Moolgaonkar (head of Telco), Nani Palkhivala (the groups legal adviser and head of ACC) and Darbari Seth (head of Tata Tea and Tata Chemicals). Ratan was seen as the apparent heir, never the heir apparent, Piramal wrote. Mody, was a clear frontrunner for the post. He was heading Tisco and JRD wanted him to take charge of Telco as well. But, Moolgaonkar, then heading Telco, refused to step down, once it came to light that JRD was planning to place Mody as head of the company, and Ratan Tata was made executive deputy chairman. The baton finally passed on to Ratan Tata at a Tata Sons board meeting in 1991 and he became chairman of the group. In 1992, Ratan Tata dusted the group's retirement age policy that set the age for directors at 70 and senior executives at 65. Mody called it a black resolution framed with Machiavellian intent. It divided Tisco executives, too, as signature campaigns for Ratan Tata and Russi Mody followed. Many of them who sided with Mody later went on to occupy important positions in Tisco. Once the main fight was over, all was forgotten. That's the good thing about Tatas, a former executive of Tisco, now Tata Steel, recalled. In 1993, Mody was forced to resign, precipitated by interviews against Ratan Tata and top managerial changes without board consent. The exit of Darbari Seth in 1994 on the same retirement principle, was however, much less noisy. Ajit Kerkar, head of Indian Hotels, was ousted in 1997, but that wasn't as smooth. Decades later, Ratan Tata is faced with another boardroom battle. This time, its against his successor and the shareholder in Tata Sons, Cyrus Mistry. On October 24, the board of Tata Sons decided to change Mistry and reinstated Ratan Tata as interim chairman, in what would go down as one of the biggest developments in Indias corporate history. For those who know Tata, it was a baffling move, especially given that Tata moved out of Bombay House after handing over charge to Mistry so that he could function independently and be his own man. Much later Tata Sons attempted to clear the air in a nine-page statement. The key issue as it emerged was underperformance. The directors of Tata Sons are primarily concerned with the results of Tata Sons and their duty to all its shareholders, particularly, the Tata Trusts, who hold 66 per cent of the equity capital, the statement said. Its more than just specific issues; the Tata structure was being dismantled under Mistry, a source said. In his defence, and before Tata Sons made the statement, Mistry wrote a letter to Tata Sons board members, saying he inherited legacy hotspots from Ratan Tata and the group faced a potential write-down of $18 bn. Alongside the battle being fought through the media, the main battle is being fought in boardrooms. As of now, the score is 3-2-2. The outcome of board meetings of Tata Sons, TCS and Tata Global Beverages are clear wins for Tata; the boards of IHCL and Tata Chemicals have backed Mistry while the boards of Tata Steel and Tata Motors havent taken clear sides. But, Mistry has Wadia, who has earned the title of corporate samurai, on his side, unlike the Mody episode where Wadia was clearly on Tatas side. Wadia is on the board of three Tata companies, Tata Steel, Tata Motors and Tata Chemicals. Sources familiar with the boardroom developments have said Wadia tried to sway independent directors (IDs) in Mistry's favour. In Tata Chemicals, he managed to have his way, but IDs on the boards of Tata Steel and Tata Motors were divided. This prompted Tata Sons to issue notices to the companies, asking them to convene extraordinary general meetings to remove Cyrus Mistry and Wadia as directors. The outcome of the battle is awaited, and the key to success is with institutional investors. Tatas battles outside its own company boardrooms have had limited success. The history with Mamata Banerjee and Singur is well chronicled. In 2006, Banerjee led an indefinite agitation against the Nano project in Singur, which ultimately led to a Tata pullout in 2008, when the plant was almost 90 per cent complete. Ratan Tatas famous words during the pullout were, If you hold a gun to my head, you have two choices either you move the gun away or pull the trigger because I will not move my head. When the Nano found a new home in Gujarat, courtesy Narendra Modi, then the chief minister, Tata said, I hope there is a good M and a bad M, in response to a question on the different approaches of Mamata and Modi towards the project. But as Tata later said, the decision to shift was a prudent one but involved a very high cost. When the Nano was announced, Tata Motors had 300,000 orders, a waiting list of close to two years, but the delay caused much of the excitement to wane. As for the land in Singur, it is in the process of being returned to the farmers, after the Supreme Court quashed the acquisition in August. On the corporate front, the made two unsuccessful attempts to acquire Orient Express Hotels. In 2007, Orient Express spurned an offer and said an association between the two companies would dilute the value of OEH brands. Tatas backed off, but in 2012, the group made a $1.2 billion unsolicited bid to buy OEH. After a year-long chase, Indian Hotels finally dropped the plan. Mistry's letter to the Tata Sons board members, in fact, says that IHCL's international strategy was flawed. But that's just one among the many issues that he has raised. The spotlight is on Bombay House and the outcome of the Tata-Mistry battle will be the defining one for the group. THE BOARDROOM BATTLE 1981: Ratan Tata becomes chairman of Tata Industries 1991: JRD Tata passes baton to Ratan Tata 1992: Ratan Tata brings to the fore the Tata group's retirement age policy 1993: Russi Mody forced to resign 1994: Darbari Seth resigns 1997: Ajit Kerkar is ousted 2016: Tata Sons replaces Mistry, Ratan Tata becomes interim chairman Over the next six months, dug maker plans to increase its product filings in the US and launch the generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) blockbuster inhaler Seretide in the UK market. These moves can boost the prospects for Cipla, which has been facing growth and profitability issues. Everyone knows the allure of the open road. In Nebraska, the road can sometimes seem to stretch on forever beneath wide, majestic skies. Nebraskans also know the importance of good roads because we use them every day to do business, run errands, and visit loved ones. Across our vast and beautiful state, we count nearly 97,000 miles of public roads. In Schuyler last month, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Highway 30 expansion. First proposed in 1988 as part of a Nebraska expressway system, this project will pave 26 miles of four-lane expressway between Rogers and Fremont. It will be funded in part by the Build Nebraska Act, which I introduced when I served in the Nebraska Unicameral. The Highway 30 project will strengthen connections between our communities. It will also make it easier for our farmers and ranchers to bring their world-class products to market. This project is part of a major initiative by the Nebraska Department of Roads to improve our states infrastructure. With Governor Pete Ricketts, I traveled to western Nebraska to tout the beginnings of these major improvements. In Kearney and North Platte, I stressed the importance of a strong transportation system to our rural economy and the movement of our products to market. It is necessary to our quality of life here in the state. In the U.S. Senate, I serve as the chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee. Since 2013, I have advocated long-term solutions for transportation. In 2015, I helped steer to final passage the first major highway bill in over a decade, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Over the next five years, this bill will provide Nebraska with $1.5 billion to update and maintain our roads, highways, and bridges for many years to come. This bill was a major accomplishment, but more work remains. My time in the Nebraska Legislature has given key insights that I am bringing to the national level. As a state senator, I led legislation to help local communities in Nebraska gain more control over the highway construction process. My bill, which was later signed into law, tasked Nebraskas Department of Roads with creating the Federal Funds Purchase Program (FFPP). In exchange for voluntarily giving up a portion of their federal transportation dollars, Nebraska counties and towns can now receive funds with more reasonable regulatory requirements. Because of the FFPP, transportation projects, like the longstanding bridge replacement in Buffalo County and a major arterial street in South Sioux City, are up and running. Because this approach worked so well in Nebraska, last year I introduced the Build USA Act in the U.S. Senate. This bill is modeled after Nebraskas FFPP and establishes a national infrastructure bank called the American Infrastructure Bank (AIB). Under this legislation, states would have the opportunity to enter into voluntary three-year agreements with the bank to remit federal transportation dollars, apply for a transportation project loan, or both. The AIB would offer State Reciprocal Agreements, allowing them to return 10 percent of their federal transportation dollars in exchange for lowering federal regulations on core infrastructure projects. States better understand the infrastructure needs of their communities, and this legislation would give them greater control over their transportation financing. Our work to strengthen Americas core infrastructure system is not finished. In January, a new Congress will convene, and a new president will be sworn into office. Infrastructure is a top priority for President-elect Donald Trump. I look forward to working with him, the new administration, and my colleagues in Congress to solve our long-term highway-funding needs and provide greater tools to states for completing critical infrastructure projects. Investing in infrastructure means so much more than adding a few lines to a map. It means connecting our families, delivering goods and services, and feeding a hungry world. I am proud to be a part of such a grand effort. India's third largest IT firm has begun offering solutions to customers from entrepreneurial projects of its employees in segments such as corporate treasury and software defined infrastructure. So far, has incubated 75 ideas and funded 13 projects of its employees, which it calls it intrapreneurial, offering them mentoring and infrastructure to build solutions that can be taken to customers. Following the Centre's ban on Zakir Naik's NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' for five years, the controversial Islamist Preacher's counsel asserted that it was an 'illegal and unjustified' ban, adding that they will move the Tribunal against the order. Speaking to ANI here, Naik's lawyer Mubin Solkar asserted that so far they have not received any such notification, adding that under the law, if any organisation is to be banned, the notification has to be published in the government gazette and then a copy of that has to be served on the concerned organisation. "So far we have not been served with any such kind of notification under section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). We are clear that this ban is not justified at all and it is an illegal ban because the provision of UAPA have been wrongly invoked in this case. According to us it is a clear misuse of provisions of UAPA," Solkar said. Emphasising his defence, he further said that in order to ban an organisation as unlawful, it has to have as its object promoting an offence under 153 A, i.e promoting enmity on grounds of religion which the NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' IRF does not have. "IRF since its inception has promoted peace and harmony, charitable, sociable and humanitarian activities. This ban is wholly unjustified, so even if this notification is issued it does not normally take effect unless it it's confirmed by the Tribunal," he added. Expressing confidence of their case coming through in their favour, Solkar added that he will put the case before the Tribunal and sure that the notification of the ban will be cancelled. Earlier, the Centre banned Naik's NGO 'Islamic Research Foundation' for five years and asked the law enforcing Agencies to maintain a strict surveillance on the activities of all establishments of the organisation. The decision was taken by the cabinet committee on security after Naik was found to deliver provocative speeches. The development comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a show cause notice to Naik's NGO thereby initiating the process for cancellation of its FCRA licence. MHA sources stated that the process for putting Zakir Naik's educational trust in prior permission category has also been initiated. The Centre had time and again asserted that Zakir Naik's IRF is maligning India and, therefore, on several occasions advocated for a ban. Naik came under the scanner after the Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' revealed that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, was inspired by Naik. He is banned in both the United Kingdom and Canada for his alleged hate speeches aimed against other religions. He is also among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia and is accused of radicalising and attracting youth for terror acts and has come under the scanner of the security agencies. Former Twitter India head has joined as the chief executive of Times Global, the unit of Times Internet, which looks at partnerships with media and technology globally. London-headquartered World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a research and advocacy body for private industry, takes issues facing the sector to governments across the globe. In the last four years, the Council representatives have met 84 presidents/prime ministers. Its President and CEO David Scowsill talks about the Indian tourism sector, the gaps it faces and the opportunities it can create. Excerpts of an interaction with Ajay Modi. India's "aggressive diplomatic stance" would disturb peace in the region, Pakistan's Interior Minister has told British Prime Minister Theresa May. In his meeting with May on Tuesday, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said would not be influenced by the Indian tactics and "hence reserves the right to avenge the killings of its soldiers", Geo News reported. Theresa May met Khan along with Britain's Security Adviser Mark Lyall Grant at 10 Downing Street.He said that the "aggressive diplomatic stance of India is detrimental for the peace and security of the region". During his conversation with Mark, the interior minister stressed the need to focus on Indian "intransigence". He said India's "hegemonic" stance and aggressive posturing was a threat to peace and stability in the region. Khan stated that would not bow down to bullying tactics and stressed that the global community would have to come together to counter India's designs against his country. He also urged global leaders to stop viewing South Asia through India's lens. Nisar said friendly relations between and its neighbouring countries were based on a principle of reciprocity, which was a fundamental and important element of Islamabad's foreign policy. May expressed her desire to visit Pakistan early next year and said her visit would be timely considering the regional political situation in South Asia and would help open up new channels of multi-lateral cooperation and coordination. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday questioned the Delhi governments decision to lift the ban on construction imposed by it earlier this month in a bid to control the alarming levels of pollution in the Capital. Dubbing the situation as akin to an emergency, the tribunal had, on November 8, banned all construction activities throughout the Capital Region and directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to deploy 50 per cent of its staff to ensure no violations of its orders were taking place in the city. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday witnessed ongoing military exercises near the border with India. The exercise, in Khairpur Tamiwali in Bhawalpur, Punjab province, is aimed at checking the operational preparedness of the Pakistani military. Tanks, planes, artillery and other heavy weapons will be on display during exercise, Geo TV reported. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said India's "unprovoked" firing along the Line of Control was a threat to regional peace, two days after Pakistan said that seven of its soldiers were killed at the Line of Control. Prime Minister Sharif on Tuesday emphasised that Pakistan was showing "all possible restraint" and warned India that it should not be mistaken for weakness and that Islamabad should not be considered a soft target. "Our military is ready to give adequate response to any aggression," he said. Search engines like Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft were on Wednesday asked to delete advertisements pertaining to prenatal in India within 36 hours by the Supreme Court. The apex court directed the Centre to appoint a nodal agency to monitor the websites. The Opposition launched a full-frontal attack on the government in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, using sarcasm, jibes and irony to take it to task for the insensitive and inefficient drive. Chhattisgarh became the first state in the country to pass a resolution from its state legislative assembly in support of that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on November 8. As the Reserve Bank of India continues printing cash to replace demonetised notes, any unclaimed amount can theoretically be claimed as a windfall gain to the government. In practice, though, deploying such gains immediately will cause disruption in the financial system. Banks on Tuesday deposited a record Rs 1.8 lakh crore of their surplus liquidity with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and this will likely increase in the coming days as the exercise will continue till December for the lenders. Old high denomination bank notes are seen kept in buckets at a counter as people stand in a queue to deposit their money inside a bank in Kanpur The onset of winters, followed by Christmas and the New Year, is a peak season for the travel industry, inbound, outbound and domestic. This year, however, the prospects of this peak season look subdued as fallout of the drive. The consequent liquidity crunch is especially impacting the large offline travel operators who mostly work on cash for flights, hotel bookings and packages. The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to stay the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 but wanted the government to justify the drastic step through an affidavit. The court will examine its legality with reference to the provisions of the Reserve Bank Act. The past week or so has seen many unexpected events keeping Indians hooked to the unfolding news developments from of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to Donald Trumps surprise victory in the US Presidential election, and the soap-opera-like twists and turns in the Tata vs Mistry boardroom drama, to name a few. But if one were to define this period in one word, the word would probably be currency. In what could transform the pricing scenario of domestic in India, the Narendra Modi-led government is to come up with a national gas hub, which would be a trading platform for gas at market-determined price. A final form of this Indian benchmark will be ready within a year. The centres move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes has resulted in the national losing Rs 25,000 crore each day, West Bengal's finance minister Amit Mitra said on Wednesday. Attributing this finding to Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mitra said, "Demonetisation has hit hard the common man and the national each day which accounted for Rs 45,000 crore per day has come down to Rs 25,000 crore." Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the move of the government. Congress leader Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a selected few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," said Sharma, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." Sharma also said that SBI knew about the move in March, and asked why the government didn't take proper steps to implement it properly. He also sought to know from the government which law gave them the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from people's own account. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss bank. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. sid/rn The State Bank of India has cleaned up non-performing assets worth Rs 7,016 crore from its books by writing off loans given to 63 wilful defaulters, Daily News & Analysis reported on Wednesday. Of the 63 accounts, 31 have been partially written off and six shown as NPAs. With the 2022 midterms just around the corner, Democrat lawmakers have formed the "United States House Select Committee to Investigate Who Did All Those Lockdowns and Vaccine Mandates" in hopes of finding out just who was behind all of those school closures, mask mandates, arrests A view of the Parliament House in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI) Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday was joined by leaders of the Shiv Sena, National Conference and Aam Aadmi Party in a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against the problems caused to people over the government's move. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was among leaders who took part in the march that started from the Parliament House premises. The leaders are to present a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee over their demands concerning the decision to demonetise 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. About 40 MPs took part in the march. Shiv Sena MP Anandrao Adsul said they were not against the decision to demonetise currency but at the way it had been implemented. "We are not against the decision but the way it has been implemented. On that we are supporting Trinamool Congress. The decision should have been implemented with proper preparations," Adsul told IANS. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Bhagwant Mann, former union minister Sultan Ahmed and Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant were among those who joined the march. The government had on Nov 8 announced its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, leading to huge queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange the banned notes, deposit them, or withdraw currency that is legal tender. After joining the chorus of cries criticising Prime Minister Narendra over the tectonic step of demonetisation, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday announced a relief measure for farmers in the state saying that old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes will be accepted for land registration till November 24th. This announcement came after Akhilesh called on the Centre to to at least keep the farmers out of the currency scrapping move as they needed the money to purchase fertilisers and seeds. "I have said this repeatedly that at least the farmers should be given a discount as they have to purchase seeds, medicines, diesel etc. How much money would a farmer have? But the government is categorising the farmers as black money holders. If a person has Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 even they are in the category of black money holders," Akhilesh told media. "This is wrong. The central government did not act with a proper mindset. They were not prepared about this. They have not done it wisely, because of which the people have to suffer," he added. Addressing media persons, he said, "If you are not getting the salaries in cheques then understand that you are going to lose your jobs. Just think how many people are going to lose their jobs. If you will lose your jobs, then tell me "kadwi chai kiski hai? Swaad kiska kharaab hua? " He further said that the Samajwadi Party has always been in support of curbing corruption, and added that the Centre should have thought about the decision as people have lost their lives while standing in queues just like in 1946. "It's not that we are not against black money or corruption. We, the members of the Samajwadi Party, have always been against black money. We have worked on the path of curbing corruption. But the preparation has exposed the government. The government which gives pain to the nation, the people removes that government," he said. "The government would have at least thought that earlier when the decision of took place, then how much loss and how much people had to suffer. People have lost their lives then also and even now," he added. Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a parivartan rally in Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh), agreed with the decision as 'kadak' (strong). He referred to his own background as a tea-seller and said "My decision is kadak (strong) When I was a child, the poor would ask me to make kadak chai . The poor are fond of it. I have a habit since childhood of making kadak chai. It suits the poor but warps the expression of the rich." Meanwhile, continuing his assault, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has hit back at the Prime Minister saying that the former was branding his initiative as "khadak chai" for the poor and not suiting the rich, but this was more of a poison for the "aam aadmi". Participating in a one-day special session of the Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal accused the Prime Minister of protecting his "corporate friends" and exploiting the poor. "He has been claiming that the decision is an attack on black money, but it is an attack on common people. He is protecting his friends. These businessmen pay Prime Minister Modi and in response the Prime Minister ensures that the income tax department does not conduct raids on these businessmen's house," Kejriwal said. "You (Prime Minister Modi) say that the poor man is drinking "kadvi chai". But the truth is that, the Prime Minister is offering poison to them in the name of black money," he added. Kejrwial further alleged that when the Prime Minister Modi was Gujarat's Chief Minister, he took Rs.25 crore as a bribe from the Aditya Birla Group firm. Earlier in the day, the Delhi Government passed a resolution asking President Pranab Mukherjee to direct the Centre to withdraw the "draconian" demonetisation scheme. "This assembly resolves to urge upon the Honourable President of India to take necessary steps to institute a high-level probe to be monitored by the Honourable Supreme Court of India to look into the allegations that the scheme is fraud on the nation and that it has been launched to benefit a particular political party through its agents in black money," the resolution stated. has received Rs 8,000 crore deposits in current and savings accounts (CASA) after the Centre demonitised the existing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes on November 8, 2016, according to a senior official of the bank. Important Initiatives Of Railways For Research & Development Upgradation of Research and Development (R&D) capabilities to keep pace with world standards is a continuous process. Some of the important initiatives taken in this regard are: Technology Mission for Indian Railways (TMIR) has been set up as a consortium of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Science & Technology and Industries, on an investment sharing model for taking up identified railway projects for applied research and use on Indian Railways. Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), the Research & Development wing of Indian Railways, has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Railway Technical Research Institute, Japan for joint research co-operation. Centres for Railway Research (CRR) have been sanctioned at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)/Kharagpur, Mumbai University, IIT/Roorkee, IIT/Chennai and IIT/Kanpur to carry out research work in various areas. This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 16 November 2016, Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian MSMEs faces tough competition from cheap Chinese products Chinese Businesses invited for Partnership with Indian Businesses including MSMEs for Technological Collaboration and Manufacturing in India. Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are facing tough competition from cheap Chinese products and it is evident from the high growth of Indias imports from China. As per information compiled from the data provided by Director General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, Imports in respect of 11 major product groups, largely manufactured by MSMEs in India, have grown from China at a higher rate than their respective imports from all Countries combined during 2012-13 to 2015-16. As these 11 product groups accounted for 74% of Indias total imports from China in 2015-16, a significant proportion of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected from Chinese imports as compared to the rest of the World. These product groups pertain to Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical and Metallurgical products on the one hand and Chemical, Glass & Ceramics based products on the other. Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra, during his recent visit to China in October 2016, invited Chinese businesses to have partnership with Indian businesses including MSMEs for technological collaboration and manufacturing in India. FDI policy, places certain restrictions on foreign investment in certain sectors. Subject to such restrictions, foreign investors could setup enterprises in India without a lower level ceiling on investment. Such investment could be greenfield as well as brownfield in existing enterprises. India has one of the most liberalized FDI policies in the world, wherein 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted in most of the sectors/activities. There is only a small list of sectors/activities where FDI is regulated i.e. subjected to government approval, cap or having other conditionalities. The FDI policy equally applies to MSME sector. This Press Release is based on information given by the Minister of State for MSME Shri Giriraj Singh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 16.11.2016 (Wednesday). Indo China Joint Military Exercise Hand in- Hand 2016 Begins An opening ceremony of the sixth India China Joint Training Exercise Hand in Hand 2016" was held at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, Pune today. Maj Gen Y K Joshi, Additional Director General of Military Operations of Indian Army and Maj Gen Wang Haijiang of the Peoples Liberation Army and other senior army officers of both the countries were present. The parade was commanded by Lt Col Li Guanghua, Commanding Officer of Peoples Liberation Army. Both the senior military officers addressed the contingents before Maj Gen Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the Joint Exercise open. The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies with each others operating procedures in the backdrop of counter terrorism environment. The Opening Ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment. The Ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu, Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent. The exercise will terminate on 27 Nov 2016. Earlier on 15 November, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China. The 13 day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, firing of various weapons, handling & neutralization of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon & search operations in insurgency and terrorism environment. The basic objective of the training is enhancing confidence and trust between the two armies which may be called upon to grapple with anti terrorism operations under the UN mandate. The conduct of Joint Military Exercises is also an important step to uphold the values of Peace, Prosperity and Stability in the region. Col Rohan Anand, SM PRO (Army) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PM attends function to mark National Press Day The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today attended a function organized by the Press Council of India on the occasion of National Press Day. The occasion also marks the Golden Jubilee of the Press Council of India. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized on the importance of freedom of press, and said press should self-regulate, adding that any external interference or regulation on press is not called for. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the recent killings of journalists in some parts of the country. He said that journalists losing their lives in the quest for telling the truth, is an extremely serious development. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Second Visitors Conference commences with the launch of Student Startup Policy; Let us develop brain rain and brain networks in place of brain drain, President tells heads of Educational Institutions The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee launched the National Student Startup Policy on the opening day of the second Visitors Conference today (November 16, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The National Student Startup Policy, formulated by AICTE, aims to create 100,000 technology based student start-ups and a million employment opportunities within the next 10 years. The policy plans on achieving this by developing an ideal entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting strong inter-institutional partnerships among technical institutions. It emphasizes the much-desired need for an appropriate startup policy to propel the youth of India through and beyond the 21st century. Speaking on the occasion, the President said if there are enough jobs in the country, there will be content, refinement and perfection. An opposite scenario can spell disaster. The restlessness and frustration of youth manifests in unrest and upheaval. Let us not allow such a situation to appear on our horizon. We must turn our evolving demographic configuration into strength. For that, adequate job creation is a priority. The job creation figures of 1.35 lakh in 2015, which is the lowest in seven years, are not encouraging. With machines fast replacing men, we have to look at a paradigm shift. We have to prepare our youth, who are buzzing with innovative ideas, to turn into entrepreneurs. We also have to enable our students-turned innovators- turned entrepreneurs to be able to successfully harness the market. Heads of the central institutions, must consider this as their prime responsibility if we have to achieve equitable growth. He was happy to have launched the Student Startup Policy of AICTE today. He said that he saw great potential in this policy to unleash the entrepreneurial talent of students of institutions of higher learning. The President said the global rankings of our higher educational institutions belie our economic prowess. He expressed happiness that HRD Ministrys Project Vishwajeet based on the recommendation of Conference of Chairmen, Board of Governors and Directors of IITs held in August 2014 is getting traction now. He said the proposals made by the seven IITs Kharagpur, Kanpur, Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Guwahati and Roorkee should be expeditiously examined by the HRD Ministry for quick implementation. The proposed policy of MHRD to establish ten world class institutions each in public and private sector is also a welcome step. The President said the road to becoming world-class institutions is through the trinity of talent, resources and management. Our institutions must brim with meritorious students and top-notch faculty. To attract bright students with limited means, a support base comprising options like deferred and variable fees and income-contingent loans will be necessary. Access to higher education is also hampered by information asymmetry. Various funding and communication and counseling models have to be developed depending on specific needs. The President said our institutions must become magnets for talentnot only internal but also from outside. He called upon heads of educational institutions to develop brain rain and brain networks in place of brain drain. He said world-class institutions can be developed only with adequate financial resources. Government funding in public institutions are limited to budget provisions. To cater to the progress of our central institutions, their fund requirements must be supplemented by other sources such as endowments and contracts for research projects from industry. The President said as there are peaks in mountain ranges, there are world-class institutions amongst the vast number of higher learning institutions globally. In India, the number of such knowledge peaks on the horizon are few. We need many more such peaks if India is to be counted as a world knowledge power. He said in his visits abroad, the academic delegations which accompanied him have signed 92 MOUs with their foreign counterpart institutions. The focus now has to be on implementation of these agreements. The President said the challenge to attain global standards for our higher education system is two-fold. We need our established institutions to graduate into world-class centers of learning. At the same time, we need new institutions to take-off successfully, overcoming the nascent-stage hurdles. Some of the new institutions have been set up in remote areas of the country. They hold great promise to spur the development of their regions. They can be the bridge to build local capacity for teaching and learning. Necessary assistance, both financial and administrative, must be at their disposal to see that these institutions start functioning at full capacity. The President said there have been incidences of student unrest in our institutions in recent past. Our campuses must have a harmonious and peaceful environment for students to pursue higher studies and research. Vice-chancellors and Directors must deal with any unpleasant situation with sagacity. They must take help of all well-wishers including inspired teachers, who by the dint of their wisdom, conviction and conduct, can inspire confidence among students and have a calming influence. The concerned administrative Ministries must also facilitate the academic leaders. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Secretary to the President, Smt. Omita Paul and Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE. Social Security Coverage Scheme for Workers in Unorganised Sector In order to provide social security benefits to the workers in the unorganised sector, the Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008. The 2008 Act stipulates formulation of suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers on matters relating to: (i) life and disability cover, (ii) health and maternity benefits, (iii) old age protection and (iv) any other benefit as may be determined by the Central Government through the National Social Security Board. Various Schemes, formulated by the Government to provide social security cover to the unorganized worker, listed in the Schedule I of the above Act are as under: i. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. (Ministry of Rural Development) ii. National Family Benefit Scheme. (Ministry of Rural Development) iii. Janani Suraksha Yojana. (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) iv. Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme. (Ministry of Textiles) v. Handicraft Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme. (Ministry of Textiles) vi. Pension to Master Craft Persons. (Ministry of Textiles) vii. National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen and Training and Extension. (Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries) viii. Aam Admi Bima Yojana. (Department of Financial Services) ix. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) Central Government has also launched following three schemes for all citizen targeting unorganised workers to provide them comprehensive social security. (i) Atal Pension Yojna (APY): Under the APY, subscribers would receive a fixed minimum pension at the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions, which itself would vary on the age of joining the APY. The Central Government would also co-contribute 50 percent of the total contribution or Rs. 1000 per annum, whichever is lower, to each eligible subscriber account, for a period of 5 years, who are not members of any statutory social security scheme and who are not Income Tax payers. The pension would also be available to the spouse on the death of the subscriber and thereafter, the pension corpus would be returned to the nominee. The minimum age of joining APY is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years. The benefit of fixed minimum pension would be guaranteed by the Government. (ii) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Under PMJJBY, life insurance of Rs. 2 lakh would be available on the payment of premium of Rs. 330 per annum by the subscribers. The PMJJBY will be made available to people in the age group of 18 to 50 years having a bank account from where the premium would be collected through the facility of "auto-debit". (iii) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Under PMSBY, the risk coverage will be Rs. 2 lakh for accidental death and full disability and Rs. 1 lakh for partial disability on the payment of premium of Rs. 12 per annum. The Scheme will be available to people in the age group 18 to 70 years with a bank account, from where the premium would be collected through the facility of "auto-debit". This information was given by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (IC) for Labour and Employment, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Strategic Petroleum Reserves at 3 locations created The Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that under Strategic Petroleum Reserve project Phase-I, underground rock caverns for storage of 5.33 MMT of crude oil at three locations, viz. Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangalore (1.50 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT) have been created. The Vishakhapatnam and Mangalore storage facilities have already been commissioned. The facility at Vishakhapatnam has already been filled up and nearly one fourth of Mangalore storage facility has also been filled. The storage facility at Padur has also been completed. An expenditure of Rs 4098.35 cr has been incurred on creating crude oil storage facility at Vishakhapatnam, Mangalore and Padur. There is 63 days of estimated commercial reserve of crude oil, petroleum products and gas in India. The total 5.33 MMT reserve of Phase-I of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is currently estimated to supply approximately 10.5 days of Indias crude requirement according to the consumption during 2015-16. YKB/Rk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Beaufort County's governing board of commissioners met June 28, 2022 to discuss a continuing issue of how to best handle solid waste here in Beaufort County by employing the concept of two "mega sites;" one on the north side of the Pamlico River, the other on the south side. Visit of Israel President historic, says President The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (November 15, 2016) received His Excellency Mr. Reuven Rivlin, the President of Israel and Mrs. Nechama Rivlin at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in their honour. Welcoming the President of Israel to India, the President said the visit is historic as it is taking place after a long gap of 20 years. The President said it is matter of great satisfaction to India that since up-gradation of relations in 1992, India-Israel bilateral relations have diversified and are marked by high level visits from both the countries. These exchanges have helped both countries identify new areas of cooperation. India welcomes Israels interest in participating in Indias flagship programmes like Smart Cities, Digital India, Swacch Bharat etc. Israeli participation in Indias agriculture sector is valued and benefitting our farmers. Responding the Presidents sentiments, the Israel President said the Middle East and India have known each other for thousands of years and Israel is ready to share its knowledge with the people of India. Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Pranab Mukherjee said recent bilateral exchanges reflect the high level of trust and mutual understanding. They underline our shared desire to intensify multi-faceted bilateral co-operation. Indias economy is presently on a positive trajectory. The President said our Governments have jointly identified areas that we would like to prioritise where we have tremendous synergies. India needs to develop its capabilities in water resources management, agriculture, defence, renewable energy, academic exchanges, science and technology as well as homeland and cyber security. Israel has advanced technologies and proven capabilities in these key sectors. The President said many of the challenges of the 21st Century call for a co-ordinated response from the global community. To effectively respond to global challenges including climate change, we will need to collectively work for efficient solutions. We must leave our children a world that is better, cleaner and healthier, a world that is at peace, where diverse peoples live and flourish side by side in peace, respectful of each others beliefs and in total harmony with each other. He was confident that together, India and Israel can realise this important goal. As we celebrate 25 years of our diplomatic relations next year, India looks forward to further intensifying our partnership for our mutual benefit and the good of the world. Baton Rouge police say a 2-year-old shot a 1-year-old sibling in the face inside a parked car in north Baton Rouge, leaving the infant in serious condition. Police spokesman Sgt L'Jean McKneely says the shooting was called in to EMS at 7:23 pm (local time) and occurred at a parking lot near a strip mall. McKneely told The Advocate that there were two adults around but he's not sure how the 2-year-old got a hold of the gun. He says the family drove the injured child to the hospital rather than wait on EMS. McKneely says the shooting is still under investigation. The winner of last weeks US elections was not Donald Trump if we take into account all those who were eligible to vote. It was NOTA (none-of-the-above). The turnout rate was 58%, the lowest in all Presidential elections since 2000. It is true that some votes are still being counted and this could go up a bit, but it does not appear the picture will change drastically. One of the main reasons behind a low turnout rate is that a lot of adults in the US cannot register to vote and as a result, it is ranked 30th among developed countries in terms of the percentage of the voting-age public who are eligible to vote. A multi-billion-dollar Russian deal to buy Indian refiner Essar was nearly sunk at the eleventh hour by a rival bid from Saudi Arabia as the two oil superpowers vie for supremacy across the world. The deal between Essar and a consortium led by Kremlin oil giant Rosneft appeared dead in the water two months ago after Saudi state energy firm Aramco weighed in, according to seven Russia, India and Saudi-based industry sources familiar with or involved in the negotiations. It was salvaged due to the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who were keen for it go through, and after the consortium agreed to pay $13 billion more than double what Rosneft had initially valued Essar at, sources told Reuters. This made the refiner the biggest-ever foreign acquisition in India and Russia's largest outbound deal. The tussle for Essar a state-of-the-art plant in the world's fastest-growing fuel market illustrates the growing battle for oil markets between Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world's two largest crude exporters. It also sheds light on the challenges OPEC member Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia which are also fighting a proxy conflict in Syria's civil war will face in trying to clinch a global agreement to limit output growth to prop up oil prices. The full details of how the Essar deal was struck remain unclear. Two industry sources said it was rescued thanks to the involvement of Putin and Modi while three other sources said Rosneft had simply outbid Saudi Aramco. Officials in Modi's office declined to comment while Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied there was any Kremlin intervention in the deal. "Naturally, we defend the interests of our . Of course we lobby for them, especially on such large deals," said Peskov, but added that in the case of Essar "there were no orders from the Kremlin". "It was a corporate decision by Rosneft to gain synergies via cooperation with India," he said. Rosneft and Saudi Aramco declined to comment. Essar said it had held discussions with several potential buyers but had gone with the Rosneft consortium because their offer was considered the most attractive. It denied there was any intervention from Putin or Modi. SHOWDOWN Rosneft boss Igor Sechin is keen to buy refining assets around the world to guarantee outlets for Russian oil. He had been negotiating since 2014 to buy 49 per cent of Essar from its owners, Indian brothers Ravi and Shashi Ruia, and the two parties had been in exclusive talks since July 2015 when a preliminary deal was signed. While the exact amount Rosneft was prepared to offer for the stake at that stage is unclear, Russian and Indian industry sources said it valued the whole of Essar at about $5.7 billion. However it became apparent that there were problems with the deal in early September, when Sechin travelled to India to meet the Ruia brothers, flying from Hangzhou, China, where he had been part of Putin's G20 summit delegation. Sechin walked into the meeting with the Ruia brothers soon after landing in India at 1 a.m., determined to close the deal, according to sources briefed on the discussions. As the meeting started, one of the brothers told Sechin the deal process had been going on for too long, the exclusivity period had expired in July and Essar was now talking to other parties. Those other parties included Saudi Aramco, he said. According to the sources familiar with how the meeting unfolded, Sechin responded by saying that if Essar walked away from the deal it risked losing Russian financial and oil-supply support. The Ruia brothers then said the talks with Rosneft were over and called an abrupt end to the meeting. "People started leaving the room, embarrassed," one of the sources said. Another source said the Essar management had drafted a statement to say the deal with Rosneft was off. Rosneft and Essar declined to comment on what transpired at the meeting, or on whether such a statement had existed. Sechin and the Ruia brothers could not be reached for comment. Three Saudi-based sources familiar with details of talks between Essar and Saudi Aramco said the firm was seriously considering buying Essar. One of the sources said Aramco was prepared to pay up to $9 billion for all or most of the refiner. Aramco declined to comment on whether it had made a bid. TOO BIG TO FAIL In the end, however, the Rosneft-Essar deal proved to be too big to fail. For India, a deal collapse or a delay because of talks with another party would set back Modi's drive to clean up India's $140 billion mountain of bad debt given Essar's multi-billion-dollar debts to local and foreign banks after years of rapid expansion. For Russia, the deal in the huge Indian market represented an important milestone in building a global oil empire despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Facing the Saudi competition, Rosneft formed a consortium that bought 98 per cent of the refiner plus a fuel terminal for $13 billion. The Kremlin oil firm bought 49 per cent below the 50 per cent level that would have fallen foul of Western sanctions with Swiss trading house Trafigura and Russian private investment group UCP buying the other 49 per cent. According to the Indian and Russian industry sources, Rosneft and Essar returned to the negotiating table within days of the spat in early September, and the deal was finally struck. One of the sources said there was a fierce battle between Essar and Rosneft over the terms. They said the Russian-led consortium was forced to outbid the Saudi offer, which they said comprised a combination of cash, long-term low interest credit and oil supplies. Trafigura declined to comment on how the deal came together, while UCP did not reply to a written request asking for comment. Washington said the deal did not violate sanctions. The deal was signed in Mauritius on October 14, a day before a formal announcement on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Goa where Putin and Modi met. The leaders also oversaw the signing of a raft of other transactions including India agreeing to pay $5 billion for Russian long-range air defence missile systems. Two industry sources said the Essar deal had first been discussed by Putin and Modi as far back as May 2014 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia's main investor show. It was unclear what form if any high-level government intervention might have taken after the September dispute. But the two sources said that without political will in Moscow and New Delhi, an agreement could not have been struck. "Putin and Modi saved that deal," said one. Syria's has said in an interview with Portugal's RTP state television that Donald Trump will be a "natural ally" if the US president-elect fulfils his pledge to fight "terrorists". "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... He is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," said Assad on Monday. Asked about Trump's campaign comments suggesting the US should focus more on fighting the Islamic State (IS) group, Assad said he would welcome such a move but was cautious. "I would say this is promising, but can he deliver?" said Assad, who was speaking in English. "Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the mainstream media that were against him? How can he deal with it?" he said. "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. "That's why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasn't in a political position before," said Assad. In an interview with The New York Times on March 26, Trump said he thought "the approach of fighting Assad and ISIS (IS) simultaneously was madness, and idiocy". "You can't be fighting two people that are fighting each other, and fighting them together. You have to pick one or the other," said Trump. And during campaigning, Trump also pledged to improve America's ties with Assad's main backer, Russia. After his election victory, Trump told The Wall Street Journal: "I've had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria". He also said that if the United States attacks Assad "we end up fighting Russia". In his interview with RTP, Assad accused the United States of interfering in the affairs of other countries. "They think that they are the police of the world. They think they are the judge of the world. They're not," he said. Asked to give his assessment of the next UN chief, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, Assad insisted the "United Nations is not the secretary-general" even if the role is "important". "The United Nations is the states within this organisation, and to be frank, most of the people say only the five permanent members" of the UN Security Council, said Assad. "This is the United Nations because they have the veto, they can do whatever they want and they can refuse whatever they want. "If you ask me 'what do you expect from such a new official in that important position,' I would say I need two things: the first one is to be objective... The second one... is not to turn his office into a part or branch of the State Department of the United States. "That's what we expect now," said Assad. The Syrian president went on to criticise his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a "sick person". "He's (a) megalomaniac... He's out of touch with the reality," said Assad. 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. The Afghan Government will send a letter to the United Nations to officially ask the top body to lift sanctions against Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar as part of one of the promises made by President Ashraf Ghani while signing a draft peace agreement with the armed group. National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Tawab Ghorzang said on Tuesday that they hope the United Nations will help Kabul in this respect, reports the Tolo News. "It was decided that government will send a letter to the United Nations Security Council in order to lift the sanctions. As well as, the UN has vowed to assess the demand of the Afghan government in the letter," he said. Meanwhile, the chairman of Hizb-e-Islami's negotiation delegation, Amin Karim, criticized the government over what he called snail-paced progress around the implementation of the peace agreement. "The Afghan government should send a formal letter to the UN and other relevant countries in order to remove the sanctions [against Hekmatyar]," he stated. Regarding the Hizb-e-Islami's will to announce a permanent truce and eliminate its military formations, Karim said: "We have implemented all our promises and we are ready to fulfill them. For instance, we have done a countrywide ceasefire and are cooperating in security with government." Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers said they hope the UN will cooperate in lifting its sanctions against Hekmatyar. They also called on the Hizb-e-Islami to implement the peace deal it has signed. "The removal of the Hizb-e-Islami leader's name from the sanction list will be the next step taken by government, but we have not witnessed its impact on the political situation, security and peace in the country," said Sadiqi Nilizada, an MP from Daikundi. "Afghan government will implement its promises, but it is time for Hizb-e-Islami to show its willingness in this respect and implement the agreement," said Asif Sediqqi, a member of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament). This comes after a UN delegation met with President Ghani on Sunday, where they discussed the removal of sanctions against Hekmatyar. During the meeting, the UN delegation said they will cooperate with the Afghan Government in the peace process as well as in helping to control the banking system of money through which terrorists are financed. Once branded the "butcher of Kabul", Hekmatyar was a prominent anti-Soviet commander in the 1980s. He is accused of killing thousands of people when his fighters fired on civilian areas of the capital city during the 1992-1996 civil war. Human Right Watch, the New York-based watchdog, branded Hekmatyar "one of Afghanistan's most notorious war crimes suspects". The 25-point peace agreement between the Afghan Government and the terror group gives Hekmatyar and his followers' immunity for past actions and grants them full political rights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior leader of Germany's ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has said that the Chancellor Merkel will run for a fourth term next year. "She will run for chancellor," CNN quoted Norbert Roettgen of the Christian Democratic Union, as saying. "She is absolutely determined, willing, and ready to contribute to strengthen the international liberal order, but we can't see the Chancellor or Germany as last man standing," he added. Germans are anxious to know whether Merkel will pursue a fourth term in next year's elections, and if she runs for the fourth term, it would be noteworthy as a large part of the German electorate is looking for stability in uncertain times following the the Brexit vote in Britain, the election of Donald Trump in the United States and the rise of populist movements in several European countries. Despite the fact that Merkel is facing some backlash over Germany's refugee policies and the acceptance of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and other nations, political experts have said that she will be a favourite to win if she pursues the position. Christian Democratic Union spokesman Jochen Blind said that decision will be announced by Merkel in due time. "The chancellor is a cornerstone of this political concept of the West as acting as a global player. So she will run, and she will act as a responsible leader," Roettgen said on whether Merkel was willing and desirous of "holding the liberal order, in the trans-Atlantic area, together. "But it would be impossible to rely only on one person. We need the West, and the West is indispensable. "And this of course means fundamentally and indispensably also the participation and contribution of the strongest part of the West, and this is the United States of America," he added. Merkel said after Trump's victory last week, "Germany and the United States are joined by common values -- democracy, freedom, respect for the law and human dignity, regardless of skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political beliefs. She added that based on these values, she will be offering close cooperation to the future president of the United States of America, Donald Trump. Angele Merkel was elected as the first woman Chancellor of Germany in 2005 and got re-elected as the Chancellor in 2009 and 2013. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is only interested in ousting Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he wants to end the menace of black money and corruption, and has never resisted nor opposed any illegal or anti-social activities. "Mamata is famous for opposing everything. But Mamata never opposes chit fund companies like Saradha and Narada (scam) who looted people's money. She has never been opposed to the fake currency racket; she has never opposed the drug and liquor mafia. Mamata only opposes the Prime Minister who wants to eradicate black money and corruption. She never listens and is bent on ousting Prime Minister Modi," BJP general secretary Shrikant Sharma told ANI. Banerjee is set to join the opposition in meeting President Pranab Mukherjee today over the Centre's demonetisation scheme. Speaking to the media here after arriving in the capital yesterday, she said she would convey to the President as to what is on the minds of the people. TMC spokesperson Derek O'Brien told ANI that Mamata and leaders of other parties will meet the President at 1.30 p.m. today. "We are against black money for sure. But we are also against the way the public is being tortured and harassed. Agriculture sector, labourers, housewives, teachers, government job holders all are in dangers. All small scale markets are done for," Mamata said. The Trinamool Congress chief also questioned the government as to why there wasn't a proper plan put in place before going ahead with the scheme. Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed hope that there will be a healthy discussion on various issues during the Winter Session. She said that members of various parties have demanded a discussion on various issues, including demonetisation of high value notes. Prime Minister Modi, however, told the NDA allies that there was no need to be defensive on the government's decision as there is widespread support for it and people are ready to face hardships for larger gains. He urged NDA allies to go to the public and explain the long-term benefits of demonetisation in curbing corruption and black money. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following his tour of the Acropolis in Greece, United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday gave a symbolic nod to the ancient birthplace of the system, by praising democracy which he insisted would succeed despite challenges around the globe. The U.S. President insisted that people deserve the right to elect their governments and leaders. "Democracy can be especially complicated. Believe me. I know," CNN quoted Obama as saying. "But it is better than the alternatives because it allows us to peacefully work through our differences and move closer to our ideals." Obama said that the system is naturally self correcting, as it gives people a chance to change a party or system if they are not working. "It allows us to correct for mistakes," he said. "Any action by a president or any result of an election or any legislation that has proven flawed can be corrected through the process of democracy." Obama climbed the Acropolis in central Athens and visited the Parthenon, the 2,500-year-old temple built by ancient Greeks dedicated to the goddess Athena as he lent his symbolism to his commitment to democratic ideals. Obama on his final overseas visit as the President maintained appeasing tone believing that despite trump's statements during the campaign, he would remain committed to transatlantic ties and NATO following urgent questions from his counterparts about Donald Trump's victory and his plans for the US going forward. Asserting that the treaty to protect allies was ironclad, Obama reiterated that the U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe would continue under Trump's presidency. "I am confident that just as America's commitment to the transatlantic alliance has endured, whether under a Democratic or a Republican administration, that commitment will continue. Including our pledge and our treaty obligation to defend every ally," Obama said. The U.S President, who is on his final leg of two-day stop in the capital city of Athens, had come there to discuss the Greece's constant debt issue and its program for admitting refugees. Obama is the first US president to visit the country in 17 years. Advocating for debt relief from Europe to help the economy recover, the previous day Obama said, "I've been clear from the beginning of this crisis that in order to make reforms sustainable, the Greek economy needs the space to return to growth and start creating jobs again," "We cannot simply look to austerity as a strategy and it is incredibly important that the Greek people see improvements in their daily lives so that they can carry with them the hope that their lives will get better," he added. Linking austerity practices to a wave of isolationism, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras speaking alongside Obama suggested that restrictive spending policies could lead to an "increasing trend in scepticism and inward-looking, which is a threat to modern democracies." "The insistence of European leaders to austerity policies keeps the European economy strapped in stagnation. And it therefore brings about huge political and social problems," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Counselor Kimberly Jackson helps BCCC students talk to college representatives Contact: Attila Nemecz Attila Nemecz (252)-940-6387 WASHINGTON, NC Students who attend Beaufort County Community College will have an opportunity to meet representatives from 15 private and public colleges from around the state on December 6 from 9:00-11:00 in Building 9 in the student lounge. The Transfer Fair will provide students the opportunity to their show their current transcripts to college representatives and talk with them about prerequisite courses and possible majors. The BCCC Student Government Association will give attending students a chance to win a $25 gift card to put toward application fees.Institutions such as Barton College, Catawba College, Chowan University, East Carolina University, NC A&T State University, NC Wesleyan, UNC Wilmington and Western Carolina University will be on hand. Faculty are working with students ahead of time to help them ask appropriate questions during the transfer fair.Many students are still making up their minds about what kind of program they would like to pursue. BCCC offers an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree that provides students a less expensive choice to complete pre-major courses and to stay close to home. Students who have not considered a four year degree may find a program that is both affordable and appropriate at the Transfer Fair.According to the Pew Research Center, millennials with college degrees under 32 years old are, on average, earning $17,500 more than their peers with only a high school degree. In fact, the average wages of workers with only a high school degree have fallen in recent years and the earnings of college graduates have risen.As the cost of four-year institutions continues to rise, BCCC offers students an affordable alternative to begin a four year degree. Many BCCC students comment on the small class sizes and personal attention they receive from faculty. This helps students who would otherwise have a hard time transitioning from high school to college to develop independent study skills and work habits. Students who have attended a smaller high school can find it intimidating to start at a university with 20,000 students. BCCC is a great way to prepare for a larger institution.In the last few years, the average age of a BCCC student has trended downward as more students use the community college as an affordable way to start to a four-year degree. The Transfer Fair will assist students with their progress to transfer to a four year university. The Division of Arts and Science is planning a series of events that will help students with the process of determining the right fit. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the first half of 2017. She said this as she walked into a meeting between Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, who arrived in London on three-day visit on Sunday evening, and the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant, reports the Dawn. May also conveyed good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan, according to a message received from London. While meeting Prime Minister May, Nisar also expressed hope that relations between the two countries would improve under her leadership. He anticipated that Britain and Pakistan could enhance cooperation at all levels after her visit next year. The Interior Minister said her visit would be timely considering the regional political situation in South Asia and would help open up new channels of multi-lateral cooperation and coordination. During his conversation with Sir Mark, Nisar alleged that neighbour and arch rival India's aggressive diplomatic stance is detrimental for the peace and security of the region. Nisar also stressed that Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil. On the issue of peace in Afghanistan, he said, "A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States has alleged that Russia let the residents of the besieged city of East Aleppo starve as it did not allow aid and food reach the city despite a three week halt in airstrikes. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said in a Tuesday press briefing, "Despite Russian claims that it halted airstrikes in the past month, Russia allowed no aid or food into East Aleppo; they let eastern Aleppo residents starve while seeking praise from the international community for halting indiscriminate strikes for three weeks." She made the remarks while condemning the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime. "We strongly condemn the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime. The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it's a violation of international law," she said. She said that Washington has consistently tried to work to de-escalate violence in Syria, but instead of joining the efforts constructively, Russia again has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in his ruthless war against the people. "It's hitting mobile clinics. It's hitting hospitals. Again, it's denying aid. We've said this repeatedly: Russia had an opportunity here to facilitate aid and food and medicine to these people under siege. It failed to do so," said Trudeau. Moscow resumed airstrikes the day after Russian President Vladimir Putin called US President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory in the presidential elections. An official statement from Russia said that the two leaders discussed "regulating the conflict in Syria" and the need to combat "international terrorism and extremism". During the election campaign, US officials had accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the election in favour of Trump, by hacking Democratic Party servers, a charge denied by Putin. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World No. 2 Novak Djokovic entered the semi-finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals after he claimed a straight sets-victory against Canada's Milos Raonic on Tuesday for his second match win in Group Ivan Lendl. Djokovic defeated the fourth seeded Canadian 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) at the O2 Arena to became the first player to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. If the Serbian goes on to win the title, he will claim year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. The five-time champion will now face sixth seeded Gael Monfils on Thursday in a bid to make it to the summit showdown. Raonic faces Thiem for the other semi-final place on Thursday. Meanwhile, newly crowned World No. 1 Andy Murray will try to join Djokovic in the last four when he plays Japan's Kei Nishikori in the John McEnroe Group on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gigi Hadid, who is all set to co-host 2016 'American Music Awards', recently revealed that she is "definitely" voting for her boyfriend Zayn Malik, who is a nominee in the 'New Artist of the Year' category. According to eonline.com, the annual awards show holds a special place for the 21-year-old model, who said, "I am definitely voting for him. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that as a host, but I am." "My first AMAs that I went to was in 2013. I remember I wore a Prabal Gurung suit and I was really excited about it," she recalled, "I was just glad that somebody took a picture of me, honestly, and knew who I was." Malik is nominated alongside other contenders like Alessia Cara, The Chainsmokers, DNCE and Shawn Mendes. Like any other year, this year's awards show promises plenty of star power. Performers include James Bay, The Chainsmokers, Fifth Harmony, Ariana Grande, Green Day, Halsey, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, John Legend, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Mendes, Nicki Minaj, Sting, Twenty One Pilots and The Weeknd. Meanwhile, the 'Victoria's Secret' angel is also gearing up for the lingerie brand's current year's runway show which will air on December 5 on CBS. The '44th Annual American Music Awards' will take place on November 20, 2016, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been "really impressed" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive aimed at curbing black money and corruption, describing it as the "greatest move" he had seen so far in the Indian politics. "It's the greatest move that I have seen in the Indian politics by far; hands down, really impressed," Kohli said on the eve of the second Test here in Visakhapatnam. Sharing an incident as to how he forgot that old notes were no longer in use, Kohli said, ""I was actually going to pay my hotel bills in Rajkot and I was taking out the old money and I forgot that it isn't of any use anymore." The Prime Minister, in a televised address to the nation, had declared that high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 will no longer be legal tender from November 8-9 midnight. He had said the government has declared a "decisive war" against black money and corruption. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the midst of the recent demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 bank notes in India, auto-rickshaw aggregator Jugnoo has registered an increase of up to 80 percent cashless transactions across all locations via its platform. Ever since Jugnoo launched the auto rickshaw aggregation service in 2015, Jugnoo has championed the cause of 'Digital India' by promoting use of digital wallets for cashless transactions across the cities that's it operates in. The top five cities where Jugnoo has registered the highest number of cashless payments post the demonetization announcement are: Gurgaon, Mysore, Chandigarh, Noida, and Pune. These cities have recorded 100 to 150 percent spike in digital transactions. Apart from digital wallets, Jugnoo also recently announced that it would be introducing UPI (Unified Payment Interface) as an initiative to uphold the cashless economy of country. Earlier this year, the company took another step in this direction via a very innovative move of empowering auto-rickshaw drivers to recharge the customers' Paytm wallet to address the issue of returning change after completing the ride. Further supporting the cause, Jugnoo is also planning to tie-up with Payment banks, a new model of banks conceptualized by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) last year that enable transfer of money through a mobile phone. "We welcome the government's move to demonetize high denomination currency in an effort to curb the entry of black money in India, and by extension, encourage the masses to go digital. It provides convenience and eliminates the cash handling process," said Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jugnoo, Chinmay Agarwal. "We are educating our customers to use digital payment wallets as much as possible instead of cards or cash, and are encouraging them to use such options on a permanent basis," added Chinmay Agarwal. "We have informed all our drivers to stop accepting cash till further notice, and are also educating our customers to use digital wallets as much as possible instead of plastic cards or cash," he further said. The most common digital wallets that are being presently used by Jugnoo users to make payments are Paytm, Mobikwik, and Freecharge. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reminding the opposition parties of their cooperation in the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill on the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar urged all to come on board in the fight against corruption, black money and cross border terrorism. "The honourable Prime Minister has requested all political parties to cooperate and participate in this crusade against corruption, black money and fake note," Kumar said. Expressing optimism of a fruitful Winter Session of Parliament, Kumar said that the government was ready for discussion on any issue concerning interest. "Therefore, we are ready for any discussion inside both the houses. Let us discuss and we all should together fight this menace of black money," Kumar said. "Make it a win win situation. India is fighting against black money, corruption, fake currency. Come and participate to send this unity message," he added. The month-long Winter Session of the Parliament beginning today is expected to be a stormy one with opposition parties determined to corner the government on several issues including demonetisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he was optimistic of a positive Winter Session and reached out to all political parties while stating that the government was ready for any debate. "In the last session an important bill like the GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then. In the Winter Session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties," said Prime Minister Modi outside the Parliament. "Our government believes in discussing all issues and we are ready to debate on any topic," he added. Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption. The Prime Minister also urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session. He further reminded the opposition parties that they were cooperative during the passage of the GST and requested them for cooperation both inside and outside the house with regard to the government's crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency which are affecting the common man. The Prime Minister further called on the opposition parties, during the all-party meet, to come out with a solution with regard to conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections and the state government's role in funding elections. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, earlier on Sunday said that the Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under Rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session. Deputy Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Anand Sharma, has already given a notice for the suspension of business under Rule 267 of the Upper House for a discussion on the same issue. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has also given a notice under Rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Looks like 'Suits' star Meghan Markle is completely ready to make sacrifices to make her relationship with Prince Harry work. According to a source, the 35-year-old star wants to have a future with the 32-year-old prince and is willing to 'give up all that she is doing' in order to make that happen, reports the Daily Mail. Reportedly, the couple made a number of trips to see each other although they have not yet been seen together in public. Prince Harry recently jetted off to Canada to stay with Markle while the actress is believed to have returned the visit with a mini-break in London just last week. On the related front, Prince Harry accused the media of intrusion and lashed out at the "sexism and racism of social media trolls" against his girlfriend. The statement issued by the Kensington Palace on social media said that the prince was "worried about Miss Markle's safety" and "deeply disappointed" that he has not been able to protect her. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said implementation of the Paris Agreement is a must to save the lives of millions of people. "The lives and livelihoods of millions of people would continue to be at risk unless we deliver on our commitments on climate change issues," the Dhaka Tribune quoted Hasina, as saying. She also said that Bangladesh was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister made the statement at the high-level segments of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday night. Hasina said that the Marrakech climate conference holds special importance as agreement signed last year in Paris is expected to be enforced this year. Asserting that the Paris Agreement successfully creates a solid ground for meaningful cooperation in combating climate change, she said, "Now, this is the time to move forward to implement decisions into actions." Hasina said, "We must be prepared to share equitable burden to fulfill our promises of making the a safer and better place for our future generation. The Prime Minister said that the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) would never be achieved unless we address this challenge of climate-induced migrant issue appropriately. Hasina urged all to join hands in consolidating the global partnership to fight against the dangerous threats of climate change. Stating that Bangladesh is also the first country to set up a "Climate Change Trust Fund" of USD 400 million from its own resources, Hasina said, "Bangladesh also achieved success in disaster management despite its coastal areas being highly vulnerable to climate-related calamities such as floods and cyclones." Hasina, who is also a member of the UN High Level Panel on Water, said her government is committed to the action plan endorsed by the panel in New York last September. Laying importance on water security, she said, "We must ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all through effective water governance." Hasina is on a three-day tour to attend the high-level segments of the COP 22, joined the inaugural session of the conference along with other heads of state and government on Tuesday morning. Earlier, the heads of states were received by the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon,UNFCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa and COP 22 President Salaheddine Mezouar. Sheikh Hasina who is on a three-day official visit to attend the COP 22 arrived here on Monday afternoon. A 58-member delegation is being led by the Bangladesh Prime Minister The three-day high-level segments of COP 22 of the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are being held in Morocco's former imperial city of Marrakech. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The list of nominations for 2017's 'People's Choice Awards' shows the third 'Captain America' instalment receive a staggering seven nods, the most for any movie. Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War' came out on top when the nominations for the 2017 'People's Choice Awards' were announced, reports the Daily Mail. The Joe Russo and Anthony Russo directed flick is up for 'Favorite Movie' and 'Favorite Action Movie' competing against hit makers like 'Deadpool', 'Finding Dory', 'Suicide Squad', 'Zootopia' and more. Co-stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey Jr. are also among the nominations. Meanwhile, on-off couple Rihanna and Drake, each have four nominations, and will be going head-to-head in the 'Favorite R&B Artist' and 'Favorite Album' categories. The individual with the most nods is Kevin Hart, who is nominated for 'Favorite Movie Actor', 'Favorite Comedic Movie Actor', 'Favorite Cable TV Actor', 'Favorite Animated Movie Voice' and 'Favorite Comedic Collaboration' for 'Ride Along' with Conan O'Brien. Ellen DeGeneres could make history this year if she wins just one of the three awards she is up for. These three nominations include 'Favorite Daytime TV Host', 'Favorite Animated Movie Voice' ('Finding Dory') and 'Favorite Comedic Collaboration' with Britney Spears. Former 'One Direction' band mates Zayn Malik and Niall Horan will be fighting it out alongside Alessia Cara, The Chainsmokers and DNCE for 'Favorite Breakout Artist' category. Here is the complete list: FAVORITE MOVIE Captain America: Civil War Deadpool Finding Dory Suicide Squad Zootopia FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR Kevin Hart Robert Downey Jr. Ryan Reynolds Tom Hanks Will Smith FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS Anna Kendrick Jennifer Lawrence Margot Robbie Melissa McCarthy Scarlett Johansson FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Captain America: Civil War Deadpool Suicide Squad X-Men: Apocalypse FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE ACTOR Chris Evans Liam Hemsworth Robert Downey Jr. Ryan Reynolds Will Smith FAVORITE ACTION MOVIE ACTRESS Jennifer Lawrence Margot Robbie Scarlett Johansson Shailene Woodley Zoe Saldana FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE VOICE Bill Murray in The Jungle Book Ellen DeGeneres in Finding Dory Ginnifer Goodwin in Zootopia Jason Bateman in Zootopia Kevin Hart in The Secret Life of Pets FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE Bad Moms Central Intelligence Ghostbusters How to Be Single Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTOR Chris Hemsworth Dwayne Johnson Kevin Hart Ryan Gosling Zac Efron FAVORITE COMEDIC MOVIE ACTRESS Anna Kendrick Kristen Bell Kristen Wiig Melissa McCarthy Rebel Wilson FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE Deepwater Horizon Me Before You Miracles From Heaven Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Sully FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTOR Ben Affleck Chris Pine George Clooney Mark Wahlberg Tom Hanks FAVORITE DRAMATIC MOVIE ACTRESS Amy Adams Blake Lively Emily Blunt Julia Roberts Meryl Streep FAVORITE FAMILY MOVIE Alice Through the Looking Glass Finding Dory The Jungle Book The Secret Life of Pets Zootopia FAVORITE THRILLER MOVIE The Conjuring 2 The Girl on the Train Nerve The Purge: Election Year The Shallows FAVORITE MOVIE ICON Denzel Washington Johnny Depp Samuel L. Jackson Tom Cruise Tom Hanks MUSIC FAVORITE MALE ARTIST Blake Shelton Drake Justin Timberlake Shawn Mendes The Weeknd FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST Adele Ariana Grande Beyonce Britney Spears Rihanna FAVORITE GROUP The Chainsmokers Coldplay Fifth Harmony Panic! at the Disco Twenty One Pilots FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST Alessia Cara The Chainsmokers DNCE Niall Horan Zayn FAVORITE MALE COUNTRY ARTIST Blake Shelton Keith Urban Luke Bryan Sam Hunt Tim McGraw FAVORITE FEMALE COUNTRY ARTIST Carrie Underwood Dolly Parton Kelsea Ballerini Miranda Lambert Reba McEntire FAVORITE COUNTRY GROUP The Band Perry Florida Georgia Line Little Big Town Lonestar Zac Brown Band FAVORITE POP ARTIST Adele Ariana Grande Britney Spears Justin Timberlake Sia FAVORITE HIP-HOP ARTIST DJ Khaled G-Eazy Kanye West Kendrick Lamar Wiz Khalifa FAVORITE R&B ARTIST Beyonce Drake Rihanna Usher The Weeknd FAVORITE ALBUM Anti / Rihanna Dangerous Woman / Ariana Grande If I'm Honest / Blake Shelton Lemonade / Beyonce Views / Drake FAVORITE SONG 'Can't Stop the Feeling' (Justin Timberlake) 'No' (Meghan Trainor) 'One Dance' (Drake feat. Kyla and Wizkid) 'Pillowtalk' (Zayn) 'Work' (Rihanna feat. Drake) DIGITAL FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA CELEBRITY Britney Spears Kim Kardashian Lady Gaga Shakira Stephen Amell FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA STAR Baby Ariel Cameron Dallas Jacob Sartorius Liza Koshy Nash Grier FAVORITE YOUTUBE STAR Lilly Singh Miranda Sings PewDiePie Shane Dawson Tyler Oakley FAVORITE COMEDIC COLLABORATION Conan O'Brien's Ride Along with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears' Mall Mischief James Corden's Carpool Karaoke with Adele Lip Sync Battle with Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum Saturday Night Live with Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon FAVORITE TV SHOW The Big Bang Theory Grey's Anatomy Outlander Stranger Things The Walking Dead FAVORITE NETWORK TV COMEDY The Big Bang Theory Black-ish Jane the Virgin Modern Family New Girl FAVORITE COMEDIC TV ACTOR Andy Samberg Anthony Anderson Jim Parsons Matthew Perry Tim Allen FAVORITE COMEDIC TV ACTRESS Anna Faris Gina Rodriguez Kaley Cuoco Sofia Vergara Zooey Deschanel FAVORITE NETWORK TV DRAMA Chicago Fire Empire Grey's Anatomy How to Get Away with Murder Quantico FAVORITE DRAMATIC TV ACTOR Jesse Williams Justin Chambers Scott Foley Taylor Kinney Terrence Howard FAVORITE DRAMATIC TV ACTRESS Ellen Pompeo Kerry Washington Priyanka Chopra Taraji P. Henson Viola Davis FAVORITE CABLE TV COMEDY Atlanta Baby Daddy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Real Husbands of Hollywood Younger FAVORITE CABLE TV DRAMA The Americans Bates Motel Mr. Robot Pretty Little Liars Queen Sugar FAVORITE CABLE TV ACTOR Adam Devine Freddie Highmore Kevin Hart Rami Malek Zach Galifianakis FAVORITE CABLE TV ACTRESS Ashley Benson Hilary Duff Keri Russell Lucy Hale Vera Farmiga FAVORITE TV CRIME DRAMA The Blacklist Criminal Minds Law & Order: SVU Lucifer NCIS FAVORITE TV CRIME DRAMA ACTOR Chris O'Donnell Donnie Wahlberg LL Cool J Mark Harmon Tom Selleck FAVORITE TV CRIME DRAMA ACTRESS Jennifer Lopez Lucy Liu Mariska Hargitay Pauley Perrette Sophia Bush FAVORITE PREMIUM DRAMA SERIES Homeland House of Cards Narcos Orange is the New Black Power FAVORITE PREMIUM COMEDY SERIES Fuller House The Mindy Project Shameless Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Veep FAVORITE PREMIUM SERIES ACTOR Aziz Ansari Dwayne Johnson Joshua Jackson Kevin Spacey Nick Jonas FAVORITE PREMIUM SERIES ACTRESS Claire Danes Jane Fonda Julia Louis Dreyfus Sarah Jessica Parker Taylor Schilling FAVORITE NETWORK SCI-FI/FANTASY TV SHOW Arrow The Flash Once Upon a Time Supernatural The Vampire Diaries FAVORITE CABLE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV SHOW American Horror Story Orphan Black Shadowhunters Teen Wolf The Walking Dead FAVORITE PREMIUM SCI-FI/FANTASY SERIES Game of Thrones Marvel's Luke Cage Outlander Stranger Things Westworld FAVORITE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV ACTOR Andrew Lincoln Ian Somerhalder Jensen Ackles Sam Heughan Tyler Posey FAVORITE SCI-FI/FANTASY TV ACTRESS Caitriona Balfe Emilia Clarke Jennifer Morrison Lauren Cohan Millie Bobby Brown FAVORITE COMPETITION TV SHOW America's Got Talent American Ninja Warrior Dancing with the Stars Masterchef The Voice FAVORITE DAYTIME TV HOST Dr. Phil Ellen DeGeneres Kelly Ripa Rachael Ray Steve Harvey FAVORITE DAYTIME TV HOSTING TEAM The Chew Good Morning America The Talk Today The View FAVORITE LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW HOST Conan O'Brien James Corden Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Kimmel Stephen Colbert FAVORITE ANIMATED TV SHOW American Dad! Bob's Burgers Family Guy The Simpsons South Park FAVORITE ACTOR IN A NEW TV SERIES Damon Wayans Kevin James Kiefer Sutherland Matt LeBlanc Milo Ventimiglia FAVORITE ACTRESS IN A NEW TV SERIES Jordana Brewster Kristen Bell Mandy Moore Minnie Driver Piper Perabo FAVORITE NEW TV COMEDY American Housewife The Good Place The Great Indoors Kevin Can Wait Man with a Plan Son of Zorn Speechless FAVORITE NEW TV DRAMA Bull Conviction Designated Survivor The Exorcist Frequency Lethal Weapon MacGyver No Tomorrow Notorious Pitch Pure Genius This Is Us Timeless The 'People's Choice Awards' 2017 will air on January 18, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) During the so-called Arab Spring in the midst of the Egyptian transition from a dictatorship to a democracy, the radical Islamic group known as the Muslim Brotherhood was being sold to the American people by President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Susan Rice and others as being "moderate" Muslims.However, the Egyptian military didn't see it that way and the Muslim Brotherhood president and the groups legislators were removed and eventually arrested as terrorists.In a hopeful departure from the Obama-Clinton Egyptian Policy, Americans are urging President Donald J. Trump to push legislation that designates the Muslim Brotherhood - and it's affiliate Muslim Sisterhood - as a terrorist organization, Walid Phares, a foreign policy advisor for the president-elect told the officials at Clarion Project.Phares told the Middle Eastern news media and the Clarion Project, a U.S. think-tank that the legislation, has already received the approval of the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year. But when it was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee it was stonewalled by Senators because the Obama administration supports the radical Muslim group despite it being listed as a terrorist organization by a number of other nations including Middle Eastern countries.According to officials at the Clarion Project, they have been campaigning to educate legislators and the group and to move the bill forward. The think-tank noted that the bill garnered bipartisan support.Exactly one year ago, Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced the bill, which identifies three Brotherhood entities in the U.S. including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)."We have to stop pretending that the Brotherhood are not responsible for the terrorism they advocate and finance ... We have to see it for what it is: a key international organization dedicated to waging violent jihad," Cruz is quoted as saying by the Washington Free Beacon.The bill provides a review of the Brotherhood's terrorist history and how it is banned by the governments of Egypt, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Syria. Egypt released videos showing the Brotherhood's involvement in terrorism and the Egyptian government's website warns about the Brotherhood lobby in the United States.Cruz's bill also accuses the Muslim Brotherhood being connected to CAIR, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT).The U.S. designated the Brotherhood's Palestinian wing-Hamas- in 1997, but the group as a whole is allowed to operate in the U.S.Click here to easily contact your representatives with just a few clicks! According to education experts, a child's pre-school years are important to their educational development and preparation for success in school. A new study from the University of Missouri College of Education has found that, on average, children who completed pre-school make large improvements in their alphabet recognition skills compared to children have just begun preschool. The researcher says the results of the study help show the effectiveness of pre-school in preparing children to succeed throughout their academic careers and may prevent future academic failure. For his study, which is one of the largest studies of its kind, Francis Huang, an assistant professor of educational, school, and counseling psychology at MU, examined data from more than 20,000 children who attended the state-funded Virginia Pre-school Initiative. About half of the children in the study had just entered the prekindergarten program while the other half had completed the prekindergarten program and were beginning kindergarten. Huang found that, on average, children who had finished a year of preschool had alphabet recognition skills that were more than 85 percent higher compared to those who had just begun the same program. "Alphabet recognition has been shown to be one of the strongest and most reliable predictors of reading ability and, on its own, letter name knowledge can be as effective as administering an entire reading readiness test," Huang said. "On average, the more letters children can recognize and identify at an early age, the better their future reading achievement and the lower the risk of academic failure. Learning letter names can help with learning letter sounds, which benefits overall reading skills. In the study, the effect of preschool attendance on letter name knowledge was both large and practically meaningful." Huang says that although alphabet recognition is just one part of a child's overall education, it plays an important, foundational role in developing reading skills, which is one of the most important factors that can promote a child's academic success. "While this study focused on alphabet recognition, children also learn many other important skills in preschool, such as math and socioemotional skills," Huang said. "Though this is just one piece of the puzzle, it does help show how valuable preschool education can be for child development. Many experts generally agree that early intervention can be more successful and cost effective compared to future remediation. Kindergarten teachers should be able to differentiate their instruction in order to meet the needs of students who may begin school with differing ability levels. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor gracing KJo's couch on his popular chat show has made everyone curious and according to Singh, they had a blast on the show. At the song launch of his 'Befikre' number 'You and I', the 31-year-old actor was asked by the media about his experience of the show, to which he replied, "Ranbir and I had a blast on 'Koffee With Karan'. We gave Befikre replies." Moreover, Deepika Padukone's rumoured present boyfriend even had something to learn from her ex. When asked if he found period films more difficult than romcoms, Ranveer said, "It is different for each actor. The other day I was hearing Ranbir speak. According to him it's more difficult to act in films like 'Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushki'l because when you don't have a distinctive character to play, you have to bring your own personality to it," said the 'Bajirao Mastani' actor and added, "What you find challenging as an actor, another may not find. I don't know what is more difficult or less difficult. I know that I am blessed to be working in films and I do my best." . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SAIF Partners, the leading venture capital firm along with IDG Ventures have announced a Series A funding deal with PlaySimple, a mobile social gaming company. PlaySimple has secured USD four million from the venture capital firms and plans to infuse the fresh funds in expanding its team and developing new mobile titles that are targeted at global audiences across various casual gaming genres. PlaySimple, in early 2015, had raised a total of USD 500,000 in its seed round from IDG Ventures. The mobile social gaming company was incepted in 2014 by four founders - Siddharth Jain, Preeti Reddy, Suraj Nalin and Siddhanth Jain. PlaySimple delivers addictive and engaging mobile games in the trivia, word and puzzle categories. The start-up successfully made it into the Google Launchpad Accelerator Program that empowers founders with unique ideas and guides start-ups through mentorship and equity-free support. Till date, PlaySimple has released two games, GuessUp and WordTrek which have garnered over 10 million downloads on Android and iOS. "We have known the PlaySimple team for over a year and have been amazed by the growth they have got in a very short period of time. Their approach is quite unique and we have a high confidence in their success," said Principal at SAIF Partners, Mayank Khanduja. "We believe that PlaySimple will emerge as one of the big product companies outside India. IDGVI has increased the investment in the company and will be working with them very closely to scale their business," said Director and Head - Fundraising at IDG Ventures India, Karthik Prabhakar. "We've grown fast so far with a small but a sharp team; we're actively recruiting top notch talent across engineering, design, analytics and product management functions to fuel our growth over the next couple of years," said Co-Founder at PlaySimple, Siddharth Jain. As smartphone technology continues to evolve and emerge as the preferred platform for gaming, surpassing other content delivery platforms, PlaySimple is poised to become one of the most sought-after mobile social gaming companies going forward. With an ever-growing consumer appetite for mobile gaming content and the fresh round of funds, the company is set to further cement its rising popularity amongst gaming aficionados. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to constitute a nodal agency to keep a tab on keywords used on search engines to enable a system of 'auto-block' that would black out information on sex determination online in India. "If it's found that there are certain words which facilitated sex determination, then those words should be deleted in 36 hours," the apex court told the Centre. The next hearing is scheduled on January 17, 2017. The Supreme Court on September 19 heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in which Google, Yahoo and other search engines have been made a party for allegedly putting up advertisements selling pre-natal sex determination kits. The apex court in July had concluded that the companies' search engines violated the laws by hosting advertisements for tools, kits and clinics that help determine the sex of a foetus. The government had held consultative meeting with the companies to reach a solution. The PIL was filed by Sabu Mathew George, who sought the court's intervention to get the government to crack down on advertisement of sex-determination kits, tools and clinics on websites. George has alleged that sex-determination ads and links were freely available on the search engines, defeating the purpose of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, enacted in 1994 to stop female foeticides and check the declining sex ratio in India. Prenatal sex determination was made illegal in India in 1994 to prevent sex-selective abortions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the JD (U) coming down heavily on the Centre over demonetisation saying the scheme was torturing the common man, Bihar Chief Minister and party chief made a surprising move and announced his complete support to the Prime Minister in the implementation of the scheme. While addressing 'Chetna Rally' in Madhubani supported the Centre's decision of demonetisation and said this scheme will greatly help in stopping the churning of fake currency. "The notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 have been banned and I am in support of this. The fake currency will stop because of demonetisation and the people who earn black money by shady businesses, their money will be wasted," Nitish said. "The central government should keep an eye on the anonymous property of people and raid it as soon as possible. A teacher, farmer, businessman, labour earns money by hard work but a person doing shady business lives a luxurious life without doing anything," he added. However, the chief minister also urged the government to make sure that the poor and women should not suffer because of demonetisation. "But my only suggestion is that a poor person living in villages should not face any problem and his notes should be exchanges as early as possible so that he can further do his work and the women should not face problems," he said. This is the second time that Nitish has come out in support of the scheme that has caused such outrage across the nation. "I welcome this development. Yes people are going to face challenges initially but they only will benefit from this in the later stage, so I support the Prime Minister's step," Nitish said on November 9. However, the JD (U) has joined hands with the opposition parties in raising the issue of demonetisation in the winter session of the Parliament. JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav told ANI that demonetisation has caused pain to the common man and has affected the business widely and this fact should be told to the government. "Yesterday all the opposition parties stood together, we held a meeting and as an outcome the fact is that we all are against black money but the panic which has been created after banning of high denomination notes is worrisome.," said Yadav. The month-long Winter Session of the Parliament is expected to be a stormy one, with opposition parties determined to corner the government on several issues, including the issue of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which has caused massive outrage across the nation. The recent government decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1, 000 notes has induced sharp reaction from the opposition parties, including Congress, Left, TMC, AAP and the JD (U), determined debate on the issue, keeping aside others. Various parties have given notice for suspension of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to discuss about demonetisation and the problems caused to the common man. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also urged the opposition parties in the all party meeting to put forth their arguments in the parliament session. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that if U.S. president-elect Donald Trump succeeds in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, he would be a deserving candidate for the Nobel Prize. Responding to the offer of Trump to mediate between Pakistan and India, Sartaj Aziz said: "Trump would deserve a Nobel Prize if he helps resolve the Kashmir dispute." In an interview in October, Trump had said he would be pleased to mediate between Pakistan and India, reports Geo News. "Well, I would love to see Pakistan and India get along, because that's a very, very hot tinderbox.. That would be a very great thing. I hope they can do it," Trump had said. The statement was welcomed by Pakistan's Foreign Office, with spokesman Nafees Zakaria saying that Pakistan was looking forward to working with the new US administration of president-elect Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Aziz also said that Pakistan will participate in the Heart of Asia Conference scheduled for December in India, amid continuing skirmishes along the border area between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The adviser said though India refused to participate in the19th SAARC conference, which was due to take place in Islamabad on November 15-16, yet Pakistan would not reciprocate the move. The Heart of Asia conference is scheduled to be held during the first week of December in Amritsar, India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee has said that the visit of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to India is historic as it is taking place after a long gap of 20 years. President Mukherjee yesterday received his Israeli counterpart Rivlin and Nechama Rivlin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He also hosted a banquet in their honour. The President said it is matter of great satisfaction to India that since up-gradation of relations in 1992, India-Israel bilateral relations have diversified and are marked by high level visits from both the countries. "These exchanges have helped both countries identify new areas of cooperation. India welcomes Israel's interest in participating in India's flagship programmes like 'Smart Cities', 'Digital India', 'Swacch Bharat' etc. Israeli participation in India's agriculture sector is valued and benefitting our farmers," he added. Responding to the President's sentiments, the Israel President said the Middle East and India have known each other for thousands of years and Israel is ready to share its knowledge with the people of India. Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Mukherjee said the recent bilateral exchanges reflect the high level of trust and mutual understanding. "They underline our shared desire to intensify multi-faceted bilateral co-operation. India's economy is presently on a positive trajectory," he added. The President said, "Our governments have jointly identified areas that we would like to prioritise - where we have tremendous synergies. India needs to develop its capabilities in water resources management, agriculture, defence, renewable energy, academic exchanges, science and technology as well as homeland and cyber security. Israel has advanced technologies and proven capabilities in these key sectors." The President said many of the challenges of the 21st century call for a co-ordinated response from the global community. "To effectively respond to global challenges including climate change, we will need to collectively work for efficient solutions. We must leave our children a world that is better, cleaner and healthier, a world that is at peace, where diverse peoples live and flourish side by side in peace, respectful of each other's beliefs and in total harmony with each other," he said. "He was confident that together, India and Israel can realise this important goal. As we celebrate 25 years of our diplomatic relations next year, India looks forward to further intensifying our partnership for our mutual benefit and the good of the world," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday said that all the opposition parties will raise the issue of banning of high denomination notes in the Winter Session of the Parliament and expect the government to debate on the issue keeping all the matters aside. JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav told ANI that demonetisation has caused pain to the common man and affected the business widely and this fact should be told to the government. "Yesterday all the opposition parties stood together, we held a meeting and as an outcome the fact is that we all are against black money but the panic which has been created after banning of high denomination notes is worrisome.," said Yadav. "80 percent of business are being carried out with cash and in the wake of demonetisation they have crashed. We have issued a notice and would want that government leaving all issues will discuss this issue. The government took the decision but what is the condition of the nation, we would like to tell nation," he added. The month-long Winter Session of the Parliament which begins today, is expected to be a stormy one, with opposition parties determined to corner the government on several issues, including the issue of demonetising Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes, which has caused massive outrage across the nation. Nine new bills, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the surrogacy regulation, the Indian Institutes of Managements Bill to confer statutory status to institutes and competence to award degrees and the HIV AIDS Prevention and Control, Mental Health Care and Consumer Protection Bill will be taken up for consideration and passage in this session. The recent government decision to demonetise Rs.500 and Rs.1000 rupee notes has evoked sharp reaction from the opposition, including Congress, Left, TMC, AAP and the JD-U, who are ready to pin the government down on the issue. Various parties have separately given adjournment notices in the Lok Sabha. They have also given notice for suspension of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue and highlight the plight of the common man. Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption. The Prime Minister also urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session. He further reminded the opposition parties that they were cooperative during the passage of the GST act and requested all the parties' cooperation both inside and outside the house regarding the Government of India's crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency which are affecting common man. The Prime Minister further called on the opposition parties, during the all-party meet, to come out with solution with regard to conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections and the state government's role in funding elections. Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under Rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma has already given a notice for the suspension of business under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha for a discussion on the same issue. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has also given a notice under Rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the following: (i) Construction of trunk infrastructure for Phase II of Part I of Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area (SBIA) namely the Bidkin region spread across 31.79 sq km (3,179.20 ha) at an estimated project cost of Rs. 6,414.21 crore; (ii) Investment of Rs. 2,397.20 crore as equity of DMIC Trust in the City/ Node SPV in a phased manner; and (iii) Issuance of EPC tenders for selection of contractors for various packages of trunk infrastructure in a phased manner. In accordance with the institutional and financial structure approved by the Government of India for DMIC projects, the project will be implemented through Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited (AITL). It is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), constituted as Joint Venture between DMIC Project Implementation Trust Fund (DMIC Trust) and MIDC. DMIC Trust has already released its share of equity of Rs. 602.80 crore in the company towards development of 8.39 sq km in Phase I of Part I of Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area. Following five trunk infrastructure components are being considered for the Bidkin Industrial Area of 31.79 sq km, as part of Phase-ll development of the Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area (SBIA) near Aurangabad, Maharashtra: i. Roads and Utility Services; ii. Pipe line from Jayakwadi Dam to Bidkin and Water Treatment Plant (WTP); iii. Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) works; iv. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Solid Waste Management (SWM); and v. Area Landscaping for Bidkin. Development of trunk infrastructure in Phase-II (Bidkin Region) of SBIA will be undertaken in three phases commencing from FY 2016-17 and is likely to be completed by FY 2020-21. The estimated cost of the five packages of trunk infrastructure is Rs.6,414.21 crore. As per the institutional and financial structure approved by the Government of India for DMIC project, land for the project will be contributed by the State Government as their equity. DMIC Trust will implement various trunk infrastructure components subject to a ceiling of Rs.3,000 crore. Out of this, an equity of Rs.602.80 crore has already been released for phase I earlier by the DMIC Trust. Balance Rs. 2,397.20 crore will be released for phase 2 of Part I. The value of land brought in by the State Government would be the equity contribution of the State Government. The balance funding, i.e., funding over and above the contributions from the Gol and the State Government, required for the trunk infrastructure shall be met from the internal accruals of the SPV/ debt raised by the SPV as may be required. Investment in the development of trunk infrastructure is essential for the creation of a greenfield smart industrial city. The response for Phase 1 of part I of SBIA has been very encouraging and industries in automobile, engineering, electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sectors have expressed their interest. Development of the SBIA as a manufacturing hub will generate a series of direct and indirect benefits through employment, enhanced GDP, development of ancillary units and spin-off of socio-economic benefits. Inclusion of sustainable and green building practices will create benchmarks for urban development in the country. The 31.79 sq km of land for Bidkin Industrial Area has been acquired by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and is in possession of MIDC. Background: The Government of India is developing the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Project, as a global manufacturing and investment destination by utilising the high capacity 1,504 km long Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) as the backbone. The DMIC project is being implemented jointly by the Government of India and the respective State Governments. Investment Regions/ Industrial Areas have been identified for development, across six states namely Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. A node / city level SPV has been formed as a joint venture between Government of India (Gol) and Government of Maharashtra (GoM) under the name "Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited (AITL)". The share of Gol through DMIC Trust is 49% and the remaining 51% is held by GoM through Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). MIDC has notified 101 sq km of area for industrial development under SBIA. The master plan of Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area (SBIA) comprises two parts viz. Part-l and Part-ll. The Part-l consists of total area of 40.18 sq km, which is further divided into two parts, viz. Phase-l and Phase-ll. Phase-l covers an area of 8.39 sq km located north of Jalna Road adjoining existing MIDC Shendra Industrial Park and was approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on May 30, 2015. The contracting agencies have already mobilized resources and material at site and the works are at different stages of implementation. Phase-ll of Part-l namely the Bidkin Region, which includes the remaining area of 31.79 sq km located near Bidkin for which the development works of various trunk infrastructure components are to be taken up. Development of the Part-ll of SBIA consisting of total area of 43.99 sq km will be taken up at a later stage depending on the land made available by the State Government. In accordance with the institutional and financial structure approved by the Government of India for DMIC projects, the project will be implemented through Aurangabad Industrial Township Limited (AITL), SPV constituted as Joint Venture between DMIC Project Implementation Trust Fund (DMIC Trust) and MIDC. DMIC Trust has already released its share of equity of Rs. 602.80 crore in the company towards development of 8.39 sq km in Phase I of Part I of Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area. 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 Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Status-cum-Progress Report and constitution of Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers in compliance of Supreme Court judgment dated 27 February 2012 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) 512 of 2002: Networking of Rivers along with Writ Petition No. 668 of 2002. Approval of the Union Cabinet will help in monitoring of the precious Inter-linking of River Projects to be carried out under National Perspective Plan 1980 of Government of India. The Status-cum-Progress Report of Special Committee for Inter-linking of Rivers will be submitted bi-annually for information of Cabinet, which will facilitate faster and appropriate decisions in the interest of the country as expeditiously as possible. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Contact: McCrory Communications McCrory Communications govpress@nc.gov Governor Pat McCrory's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee had a chance to hear directly from those affected by the hurricane today at its first regional meeting in Robeson County. The committee heard comments from the public. Members also discussed steps to address relief fundraising efforts, community outreach, long-term plans for sustainable communities. It will develop recommendations to address needs that will not be met by existing federal relief programs at each regional meeting.Among the items discussed was Governor McCrory's request yesterday of $1 billion in federal assistance. Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry and representatives from FEMA also provided an update on emergency response and relief efforts. The committee, which is chaired by the governor's Chief of Staff Thomas Stith, was also informed today that all of the shelters that were opened for Hurricane Matthew evacuees are now closed. The committee took comments from the public to gain an understanding of needs in Robeson County and the surrounding region.said Governor McCrory.Five regional meetings will be held in areas throughout North Carolina that suffered effects from Hurricane Matthew. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 18 in Tarboro at Edgecombe County Community College. Other meetings are planned for Fayetteville (November 21), Greenville (November 30) and Kinston (December 2).Governor McCrory announced the formation of the Committee in late October, and convened the first meeting in Raleigh on November 1.The governor is encouraging individuals and groups to help in the relief efforts by making a financial or other contribution. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by textingtoor by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org . This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts. GAIL (India)'s net profit surged 179.84% to Rs 924.65 crore on 15.54% decline in total income to Rs 12194.25 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Net profit was boosted by a turnaround in its petrochemical business and reduction in interest costs. The company's profit before tax (PBT) surged 151% to Rs 1375 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The company's net profit rose 9% to Rs 924.65 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q1 June 2016 (excluding the gains from stake sale in Mahanagar Gas), largely on account of better performance in natural gas transmission and petrochemical segment. During the quarter, GAIL (India)'s petrochemical business has seen a turnaround with sales jumping 61% on year-on-year basis. This has resulted increase in revenue in this segment by 53% to Rs 1358 crore and the profit stood at Rs 104 crore in Q2 September 2016 as against loss of Rs 364 crore in Q2 September 2015. The increase in net profit during Q2 September 2016 on year on year basis, was also supported by increase in natural gas marketing & transmission volumes by 8% and 12% respectively and liquid hydrocarbon sales by 9%. Shares of public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) will be in focus after Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) announced reduction in selling price of petrol by Rs 1.46 per litre (excluding state levies) and reduction in selling price of diesel by Rs 1.53 per litre (excluding state levies) with effect from midnight of 15/16 November 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. The current level of international product prices of petrol and diesel and INR-USD exchange rate warrant decrease in selling price of petrol and diesel, the impact of which is being passed on to the consumers with this price revision, IOCL said. The movement of prices in the international oil market and INR-USD exchange rate shall continue to be monitored closely and developing trends of the market will be reflected in future price changes, the company said. ABB India announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016, that ABB has won an order from Alstom to supply 1600 traction transformers for 800 new electric freight locomotives in India. The transformers will be manufactured locally in ABB's Vadodara facility in Gujarat, supporting the government's 'Make in India' initiative to encourage manufacturing in the country. ABB will supply 25 kilovolt (kV)/50 hertz (Hz) underframe traction transformers for the 800 locomotives (2 units per locomotive). The compact transformers are designed for the most demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and voltage fluctuations. They will support heavy freight loads over long distance haulage under rigorous conditions, including steep inclines. HDFC announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016, that it intends to raise Rs 2000 crore from issue of non-convertible debentures on private placement basis. The debentures will carry a coupon rate of 7.72% per annum and will have a tenor of 10 years. Wipro and ASG Technologies, a global provider of information access, management and control solutions, announced an expanded partnership that integrates the offerings of Wipro's Data Management Centre of Excellence (CoE) with ASG's Enterprise Data Intelligence solution to improve compliance for the global financial services companies. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Wheels India said that the company has entered into a technology transfer agreement with FLUITECNIK, S.A Spain for the manufacture of hydraulic components for supply to wind mill manufacturers in India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Tata Global Beverages consolidated net profit surged 60.10% to Rs 139.62 crore on 2.69% fall in total income to Rs 1656.91 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Shree Renuka Sugars reported net profit of Rs 2.50 crore in Q2 September 2016 as compared with net loss of Rs 151.20 crore in Q2 September 2015. Total income jumped 110.03% to Rs 2033.10 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Vardhman Textiles' net profit surged 231.35% to Rs 454.01 crore on 22.88% rise in total income to Rs 1815.90 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To BEST, Mumbai Goldstone Infratech announced that the Company has received its first order of six pure Electric Buses for supply to The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST), Mumbai. Goldstone shall be assembling these buses in India in tie up with BYD Auto Industry Co, China. The bus body will be fully built 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 Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $500 million loan to build a 9.8 km long road bridge across the Ganges River to improve transport connectivity between North and South Bihar and for better link between the State Capital, Patna, and the surrounding areas. This will be India's longest river bridge. The new Ganga Bridge, to be located near Patna, will span both channels of the Ganges River and serve as an alternate route to the existing Ganga Bridge. The project will also build viaducts, embankments, and toll and service facilities, and will link to national highway networks. After signing the loan agreement, L. B. Sondjaja, Deputy Country Director of ADB's India Resident Mission said that the new Ganga Bridge will significantly reduce travel time to Patna from the surrounding regions, in particular north Bihar, which will ease access of people to state's administrative and social services. He further said that the bridge is expected to benefit over 9 million people. Speaking on the occasion, Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (Multilateral Institutions), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India said that the construction of the bridge would be a major landmark for the State of Bihar and will be a crucial link between North and South Bihar which is divided by the Ganges River. Her said that the bridge will be a boon for the inhabitants of Raghopur Diara river island who will gain year-round road access. Currently, the 250,000 inhabitants of the island rely on boats and a seasonal pontoon bridge as their only links to Patna. Bihar, the third most populous State in India with over 100 million inhabitants, has poverty levels above the national average, with seven out of 10 of the state's poorest districts located in the north. Traffic volumes are rising but there are only four operational bridges along the 200 km stretch of the Ganges River that pass through Bihar state, and the capacity of existing bridges is already stretched, undermining connectivity and access to opportunities for northern communities. The bridge, using state-of-the-art engineering techniques, will be the first of its kind in India. The height and length have been designed to minimize impacts on the river itself and to ensure the bridge will be able to withstand climate-related stresses such as a rise in the water level. Along with ADB's loan and $900,000 in technical assistance to improve bridge operation and management, the state government of Bihar will provide support equivalent to $215 million. The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are facing tough competition from cheap Chinese products and it is evident from the high growth of India's imports from China. As per information compiled from the data provided by Director General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics, Imports in respect of 11 major product groups, largely manufactured by MSMEs in India, have grown from China at a higher rate than their respective imports from all Countries combined during 2012-13 to 2015-16. As these 11 product groups accounted for 74% of India's total imports from China in 2015-16, a significant proportion of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected from Chinese imports as compared to the rest of the World. These product groups pertain to Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical and Metallurgical products on the one hand and Chemical, Glass & Ceramics based products on the other. Union Minister for MSME Shri Kalraj Mishra, during his recent visit to China in October 2016, invited Chinese businesses to have partnership with Indian businesses including MSMEs for technological collaboration and manufacturing in India. FDI policy, places certain restrictions on foreign investment in certain sectors. Subject to such restrictions, foreign investors could setup enterprises in India without a lower level ceiling on investment. Such investment could be greenfield as well as brownfield in existing enterprises. India has one of the most liberalized FDI policies in the world, wherein 100% FDI under automatic route is permitted in most of the sectors/activities. There is only a small list of sectors/activities where FDI is regulated i.e. subjected to government approval, cap or having other conditionalities. The FDI policy equally applies to MSME sector. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ABB India rose 0.78% to Rs 1,079.80 at 10:00 IST on BSE after the company said that it won an order to supply 1,600 transformers to support railway expansion in India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 15 November 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 91.22 points or 0.35% at 26,400.69. On BSE, so far 1,141 shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 5,608 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 1,093 and a low of Rs 1,077 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,432.70 on 11 April 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 950 on 9 November 2016. The stock underperformed the market over the past one month till 15 November 2016, dropping 7.14% compared with the Sensex's 4.95% fall. The scrip also underperformed the market in past one quarter, declining 10.08% as against the Sensex's 6.56% decline. The large-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 42.38 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. ABB India said that it won an order from Alstom to supply 1,600 traction transformers for 800 new electric freight locomotives in India. The transformers will be manufactured locally in ABB's Vadodara facility in Gujarat, supporting the government's 'Make in India' initiative to encourage manufacturing in the country. ABB will supply 25 kilovolt (kV)/50 hertz (Hz) underframe traction transformers for the 800 locomotives (2 units per locomotive). The compact transformers are designed for the most demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and voltage fluctuations. They will support heavy freight loads over long distance haulage under rigorous conditions, including steep inclines. ABB India's net profit rose 38% to Rs 81.06 crore on 4.4% rise in net sales to Rs 2024.80 crore in Q3 September 2016 over Q3 September 2015. ABB is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Held on 14 November 2016 Phyto Chem (India) announced that in the meeting of Board of Directors of the Company held on 14 November 2016, the Board has approved the following items: 1. The Board has taken note of the vacation of office by K. SRINIVAS RAO as Alternate Director. 2. Accepted the resignation tendered by Ashok Kumar Pipalwa from the position of Company Secretary of the Company with effect from 15 November 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sales decline 26.55% to Rs 2.02 crore Net profit of Tirupati Tyres declined 50.00% to Rs 0.02 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 0.04 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015. Sales declined 26.55% to Rs 2.02 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 2.75 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015.2.022.750.991.450.020.040.020.040.020.04 Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that the US President-elect Donald Trump would be a "natural ally" if he fulfilled his campaign pledge to fight terrorism. However, Assad said it was "dubious" whether Trump could "live up to his promises", Xinhua news reported on Wednesday. The Syrian President said this in an interview on Tuesday. He said he was skeptical about Trump's ability to fulfil his previous promises on the need to fight terrorism in cooperation with Russia. Assad said he was being extremely cautious about judging Trump's stance, particularly as "he hasn't occupied any political position before,... we cannot say anything about what he is going to do." His skepticism emanates from the fact that Trump was not alone in control of the US. "What about the dominant forces within the US administration? What about the mainstream media against him? How would he handle it? And thus we remain skeptic on whether he can fulfil his promises or not," Assad said. Before winning the elections, Trump had expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in the war on terrorism, and thus a possible cooperation with the government of Assad. "When you think about it, wouldn't it be nice if we got along with Russia?" Trump said in July. "Wouldn't it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of IS (the Islamic State)?" he added. In the interview, Assad said that if Trump is going to fight the terrorists, then "we will naturally be allies to him alongside the Russians, Iranians and others that want to defeat the terrorists." Assad stressed that he would cooperate with the Americans in the war against the terrorist groups, as "we have suffered more than any other... from terrorism... If they have the will and ability, then of course." He said his government was ready to cooperate with any party in the world "unconditionally" in the war on terror. However, Assad made it clear that any international effort against the terrorists without coordinating with the Syrian government, would be considered illegal. He said: "if it's illegal, we will not accept or acknowledge it." --IANS in/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A rail blockade called by tribal students hit railway services in parts of northeast India for the second day on Wednesday, snapping the crucial rail link of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam with the rest of the country. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) cancelled several important trains passing through the Lumding-Badarpur hill section due to the indefinite rail blockade agitation by the North Cachar Hill Indigenous Students Forum (NCHISF). Hundreds of NCHISF members have blockaded rail tracks since Tuesday morning at Haflong, the district headquarters of Dima Hasao district, formerly known as North Cachar Hills District. The NCHISF has been demanding compensation to the affected families, whose land and homes were taken away by the NFR during conversion of metre-gauge railway line to broad gauge in 2014 and 2015. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Dima Hasao district Sonaram Khanikar held an inconclusive meeting on Tuesday with the agitating students body and the railway officials at the district headquarters at Haflong, 279 km from Guwahati. "The NFR official failed to give a written promise to release compensation within 15 days as demanded by the Forum. The railway authorities sought four months' time to sort out the matter," Khanikar told reporters. NCHISF President David Kevom said a total 300 hectares of land belonging to 500 families was affected by the construction of the broad-gauge railway line in the hill district. "The NFR authorities had promised compensation to the affected families, but nothing has been done yet," Kevom told reporters. NFR officials, however, said that the railway authorities had given compensation of around Rs 55 crore to the affected families, but they are demanding Rs 3-5 crore more. The NCHISF President said that unless senior and responsible officials of the railways come to the spot, they would not withdraw the indefinite rail blockade agitation. A railway official, on condition of anonymity, said Divisional Railway Manager A.K. Jain is expected to visit Halflong. In a statement, NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Pranav Jyoti Sharma said four trains -- Guwahati-Silchar, Silchar-Guwahati train services, Sealdah-Silchar Kanchenjunga Express and Agartala-Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express -- have been either cancelled or short-terminated. Around 1,200 passengers were stranded at Haflong station due to the rail blockade. Some passengers were, however, trying to reach their destinations using other modes of transport. The railway line from Guwahati passes through Lumding (in Nagaon district of central Assam) and Halflong, connecting Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram, besides southern Assam, with the rest of India. The Guwahati-Silchar railway route is the lifeline for southern Assam, comprising Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Dima Hasao districts, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. The region is dependent on this railway route for supply of food grain, fertiliser, petroleum products, construction materials and other consumer goods. --IANS sc/nir/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress Carrie Fisher had a secret past affair with her "Star Wars" co-star Harrison Ford. "It was so intense. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend," Fisher has revealed in her book "The Princess Diarist", as obtained by people.com. The 60-year-old recalls in her memoir about having self-doubts. "I looked over at Harrison. A hero's face - a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow. How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me?". According to the actress, Ford seduced her in Tunisia while she was drunk. Their first night together didn't really impress her, but she forgave him because "he really was handsome." "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him. He was kind," the excerpts read. Fisher hoped he would propose with a "gold band with diamonds (inscribed) 'Carrison'," but their fling came to an end after the filming was wrapped. Ford, who was married back then, returned to his wife Mary Marquardt and their two sons although his marriage later fell apart. Despite their affair, Fisher insists his divorce happened "for reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with me." Soon after the story made headlines, Fisher, who essayed Princess Leia in "Star Wars" took to Twitter and posted: "I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture--chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise." --IANS ks/dc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Contact: Crystal Feldman Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory's Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee will hold its next regional meeting on Friday, November 18, in Edgecombe County. Regional meetings will be held throughout North Carolina in the coming weeks in communities impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The committee will be taking comments from the public, as well as discussing steps to address relief fundraising efforts, community outreach, long-term plans for sustainable communities and developing recommendations to address needs that will not be met by existing federal relief programs.said Governor McCrory.The next regional meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 18, at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A portion of the meeting will be devoted to taking comments from the general public.The first regional meeting was held yesterday in Robeson County. Among the items discussed was Governor McCrory's request for $1 billion in federal assistance to help North Carolina recover from Hurricane Matthew. The committee heard directly from the public to gain an understanding of needs in Robeson County and the surrounding region.Governor McCrory announced the formation of the Hurricane Matthew Recovery Committee in late October, and convened the first meeting in Raleigh on November 1.The governor is encouraging individuals and groups to help in the relief efforts by making a financial or other contribution. Monetary contributions to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Matthew can be made by texting NCRECOVERS to 30306 or by visiting NCDisasterRelief.org . This is one of the best ways to help fund long-term recovery efforts. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move, which he termed a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Congress leader Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "There should have been an ordinance for demonetization. But no ordinance was brought. This is a Nadirshahi farman (autocratic order)," Sharma said. "The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a select few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," he said, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy." He also sought to know from the government which law gave it the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples' own accounts. "I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma. He sought to know from Prime Minister Modi as to from where the "15 thousand crore rupees spent on your mega election campaign come from". "Did you pay for your recent Ghazipur rally through credit card," Sharma said mocking the government for asking people to use plastic money for day to day expenses. Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss banks. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. He said the government should disclose how much money left India between March and September this year and how many people invested in bullion, bought gold or forex during this period. Sharma also said if the government-run State Bank of India (SBI) knew about the demonetisation move in March, why did it not make preparations like recalibrating ATMs and arranging sufficient cash in smaller denominations. He took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetization and the unplanned consequences of the move, saying, "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)." --IANS mak/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro had a "fraternal" meeting here with visiting Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang. Both the leaders on Tuesday exchanged views on economic and social development amid dangers that threaten humanity, particularly climate change, wars in different regions, the growing world population, and food shortages worldwide, Xinhua news agency reported. They expressed confidence that Cuba and Vietnam will win in the current common struggle, said a communique. Castro, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, recalled his visits to Vietnam and his meetings with leaders of the Asian country, stressing his admiration for Ho Chi Minh, a key figure in the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Quang, who is visiting Cuba on his way to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru, was slated to meet incumbent Cuban leader Raul Castro on Wednesday. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Observing that the global ranking of higher educational institutions belie India's economic prowess, President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday called for adopting "strategic vision aided by concerted effort" for the institutions in their bid to be in the global top 100. Addressing the inaugural session of the Visitor's Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Mukherjee also lamented lowly job-creation and called for a paradigm shift in skill-imparting. "India today occupies an envious position of being the fastest growing economy amongst the major economies of the world. However, the global rankings of our higher educational institutions belie our economic prowess," said Mukherjee. "We must aim to have many of our institutions within the top hundred in the near future. And for that, we need a strategic vision aided by concerted effort," said the President. Observing that lack of employment can spell disaster, he said adequate job creation was a priority. "The job creation figures of 1.35 lakh in 2015, which is the lowest in seven years, are not encouraging," Mukherjee said. "With machines fast replacing men, we have to look at a paradigm shift. We have to prepare our youth, to turn into entrepreneurs. We also have to enable our students-turned innovators- turned entrepreneurs to be able to successfully harness the market," he added. He launched the Student Startup Policy of AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and said the policy had the potential to "unleash the entrepreneurial talent of our students of institutions of higher learning". "With adequate thrust on internationalisation of our institutions, we can develop 'brain networks'. Distance learning programmes, particularly MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), can enhance virtual mobility while cross-country collaborations can result in a vortex of ideas and outcomes," he said. He also said central institution's fund requirements must be supplemented by other sources such as endowments and contracts for research projects from industry. "More emphasis must be laid on high ambition contracts like collaborative R&D, commissioning of research projects, and allowing the use of R&D infrastructure like laboratories, incubators and parks," the President noted. Pointing to incidences of student unrest in recent past, Mukherjee said the vice-chancellors and directors must deal with any unpleasant situation with sagacity. --IANS and-rak/vgu/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Marrakech, Nov 16 (IANS/MAP) The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has agreed to a $20 million equity investment in Morocco's ACWA Power, media reported on Wednesday. The ACWA Power has developed the 160 MW NOOR 1 concentrated solar power parabolic trough plant with three-hour storage near Morocco's Ouarzazate. The investment will help support the development of Morocco's solar power industry, part of an effort to combat climate change and bolster the country's supply of electricity, ACWA Power said in a press release. NOOR 1 is part of NOOR Solar Complex, which will be the world's largest CSP complex once complete. NOOR Solar Complex will provide power to more than one million people, while preventing the release of 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gasses annually. "The world is already experiencing the effects of climate change and renewable energy is vital in the push to scale back the effects of global warming," said Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO, ACWA Power. "NOOR serves as the perfect example to the international community that emerging economies like Morocco -- which is setting the example to the rest of the world -- can power an ambitious vision for renewable energy, and create a greener and more sustainable future for its people." "The IFC is a natural partner for this iconic project and we are delighted to have them on board. Together, we will continue to foster social and economic development in Ouarzazate by providing the local population with critical infrastructure, job creation and skills training." IFC is providing the funds to ACWA Power both from its own account and via IFC Global Environment Facility/Earth Fund, an initiative designed to support innovative public-private partnerships. IFC's financing for the NOOR 1 project is part of a broader effort by the institution to combat climate change and support economic development in the Middle East and north Africa. During the 2016 fiscal year, which ended on June 30, IFC committed $1.3 billion to the region, helping to support wind farms, solar power plants, and investments in energy efficiency, among other things. The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. --IANS/MAP sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Wednesday batted for easy access to adequate and predictable climate finance to developing countries to meet their commitments to reduce carbon footprint under the Paris Agreement. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Anil Madhav Dave, in his address at the high-level segment at the ongoing 22nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) here, said it is needed to ensure that the intended nationally determined contributions are nationally determined, country driven and comprehensive. "The contributions should include all pillars of action, including adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation. "Access to adequate and predictable climate finance, especially from funds under the convention, in both pre-2020 and post-2020 period remains an overriding concern for developing countries," he said. Propagating India's vision of promoting renewable energy, Dave said: "Despite our serious resource constraints and developmental priorities, India is undertaking ambitious adaptation and mitigation actions, by increasing energy efficiency across sectors and making greater use of renewables." Noting India has already achieved about 45 GW of grid connected renewable energy capacity, about 10-fold increase in over a decade, he said: "Our airports are using solar energy and will move towards becoming carbon neutral. We are working on greening of India's extensive railway routes and highways." Dave said the Indian government is mobilising domestic funds through various schemes, including a cess of $6 per tonne on coal. Tracing the historical ties between India and Morocco, the host of the COP22 that saw delegates and head of states of nearly 200 countries, Dave said the relations between both the countries dated back to the 14th century when famous Moroccan traveller and writer Ibn Batuta came to India. "Over the years, we have always enjoyed cordial relations, with significant growth in our bilateral relations," he added. (Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP22. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Jim Parsons is to star in and produce the drama movie "Brother Orange". The "Big Bang Theory" star is set to portray American private Internet media company BuzzFeed editor Matt Stopera. Parsons will produce the project alongside Todd Spiewak, through their That's Wonderful Productions company, as well as Michael Shamberg and Matthew Henick, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Stopera will be the executive producer of the motion picture with TV personality Ellen DeGeneres, actress Ilana Glazer and producer Jeff Kleeman. The movie will tell the true story of Matt's friendship with a guy who became known as Brother Orange, or Li Hongjun. It came about after Stopera had his iPhone stolen in a New York City bar in February 2014. His gadget somehow made its way to China and he soon noticed unusual images of a man posing next to a group of orange trees appearing on his photograph feed. He wrote an article about the bizarre situation which was picked up on Chinese social media site Weibo and attracted more than 20 million views in 24 hours and over 100 million shares. Fans of the social media website helped to track 'Brother Orange' down and he and Matt went on to appear on DeGeneres's talk show together in the US. --IANS dc/rb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Raghu Nishika has still not recovered from the severe drought that wiped out many hectares of crop during last years Kharif season in Odisha. The 65-year-old farmer has had to make several trips to a Gramya (rural) Bank to get the compensation announced by the state government. The bank is situated in Kalyanisinghpur of Rayagada district, about 10 km from his village of Jagannathpur , and Raghu has no option but to walk there traversing the hilly terrain. Susant Behera of Belabasanta village, about 60 km from Dhenkanal, is a farmer and also runs a small grocery shop. He too has to frequently travel to a Gramya Bank in Muktapasi panchayat to deposit his hard earned money and collect the government-announced compensation. The bank is about 11 km from his village. This is not an isolated tale of the two villages where banking facilities are not available. The same scenario prevails in almost all areas of the state as around 75 per cent of the gram panchayats (GPs) -- 4,597 of 6,234 - don't have banking facilities. The state's financial inclusion programme is moving at a snail's pace in Odisha with banks slow in setting up brick-and-mortar branches in the rural areas. This, at a time when both the central and state governments are keen on extending the direct benefit transfer (DBT) facility to different schemes. It is no coincidence that rural areas are also the regions where maximum beneficiaries of different schemes live, making the need for banks more acute. "We have prepared a five-year road map (2014-15 to 2018-19) to open banks in all panchayats in a phased manner. The state government has asked the banks to open their branches for the benefit of people," Finance Minister Pradeep Kumar Amat told IANS. He said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to direct the banks to open brick-and-mortar branches in rural areas. Notably, the state government has set a target to open banks in all panchayats. The minister said that the government wants to encourage DBTs to all beneficiaries under various government sponsored schemes. "This has not been possible due to poor bank branch network in interior areas. Poor Aadhar seeding of bank accounts is also a worrying factor," Amat said. Increasing the coverage of banking facilities in rural areas assumes significance as the Centre has extended the DBT to the beneficiaries of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes (MGNREGS) and several other programmes, including cooking gas subsidy. Even though wages under the rural employment scheme are transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries, many of these accounts are believed to be fake. The government hopes that linking Aadhaar numbers to the bank accounts would help verify actual beneficiaries. At present, 78 schemes of 17 ministries of the Union government are part of the DBT, official sources said. The Odisha government has also introduced DBT to transfer agricultural subsidies into the accounts of farmers. Even though 10.6 million bank accounts have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in the state, Aadhaar seeding of only 4.76 million accounts has been carried out. While 7.92 million accounts have been opened in rural areas, 2.7 million are in urban areas. Interestingly, 2.45 million accounts had zero balance at the end of October, the Jan Dhan Yojana website said. Countrywide, 254 million accounts have been opened while Aadhaar seeding of only 136 million has been done, the website said. Over Rs 31,700 crore ($4.5 billion) has so far been transferred through DBT in 2016-17 countrywide while efforts are also on to include subsidies such as fertiliser and kerosene in the scheme, official sources said. No figures are available for Odisha as these are yet to be collated from different departments, the sources said. (Chinmaya Dehury can be contacted at chinmaya.d@ians.in) --IANS cd/vm/ky/tb/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move has found support from his Mauritian counterpart, who on Wednesday said it was the right thing for India even if it means "temporary difficulty". "I am not an Indian, but what I personally think as a Prime Minister is that Modi has done the right thing. People will have some difficulty which will be temporary, but in the long run it will help the country's economy," Mauritian Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth told the media on the sidelines of a private event organised by a pharmaceutical company in North Goa, located near state capital Panaji. Jugnauth said Mauritius shares a "very special, extraordinary" relationship with India, one which it does not share with any other country. "There are lots of investments from India in Mauritius and I pray it continues like this," he said. --IANS maya/py/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The lavish wedding of former Karnataka minister and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy's daughter on Wednesday raised eyebrows for its pomp and grandeur -- held at a time when millions are queueing up outside banks and ATMs for cash. Over 50,000 people thronged the wedding venue at the Bangalore Palace to wish and bless the couple. "At the auspicious time in the early hours, Rajeev Reddy, 25, tied the nuptial knot with bride Brahmani, 21, amid chanting of Vedic hymns by dozen priests in accordance with the Hindu tradition," Reddy's associate Manju Swamy told IANS. Rajeev is the son of Hyderabad-based industrialist, Vikram Deva Reddy, with business interests overseas. Billed as one of the most expensive marriages in the sub-continent, the five-day grand event drew all-round flak and envy. "It is unfortunate that a daughter's wedding was made an issue out of envy and rivalry though it's a cherishing moment for her parents, who wanted to celebrate the event befitting their family status in society," asserted Swamy. The 49-year-old Reddy, a former BJP lawmaker, is on bail after languishing 40 months in jail for his alleged involvement in the multi-crore mining scam that rocked the southern state in 2010-11. Though Reddy was maintaining low profile after his release in January 2015 on conditional bail by the Supreme Court, an expensive marriage invitation sent out with a LCD screen playing a pre-wedding video raised eyebrows and brought him back into limelight. "As Brahmani is his only daughter, a doting Reddy wanted to perform her wedding in a grand style and differently so that people could remember it for long and make it a benchmark," Swamy pointed out. Ahead of the fat wedding, Reddy told reporters on November 10 at his home town, Ballari, that he would give marriage expenditure account to the income tax department in a month. However, he had declined to share its estimate with the local media. "You (journalists) can also obtain information under the Right to Information Act and make an interesting report," Reddy said on the occasion. Ballari, in the state's northwest mining district, is about 300 km from Bengaluru. T. Narasimha Murthy, 52, a Bengaluru-based legal activist, alleged that Reddy was splurging a whopping Rs 500 crore on his daughter's wedding at a time when people were struggling daily to get their money from banks and post offices. "I have submitted a memo to V.L. Balakrishnan, Directorate General of Income Tax, on Tuesday to investigate how much money Reddy was spending on his daughter's wedding," Murthy told IANS here. Reddy had hired the royal palace for five days starting November 12, invited several film stars from Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai and other celebrities for the reception, the activist said. Murthy also added that Reddy had got a replica built of the Vijayanagara empire at the venue and flown in cultural troupes from abroad, including Brazilian dancers. Except for a local news channel, funded by Reddy, media was barred from covering the wedding, as it was a family event and also due to security concerns. "Reddy had hired about 3,000 bouncers and security guards to prevent media and activists, like me, from barging into the venue and asking him on the vulgar display of his ill-gotten wealth he amassed through illegal mining," said Murthy. --IANS fb/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tom Campbell If you think our young people aren't hearing and mirroring the hatred and divisiveness of our culture, think again.Last weekend some 5,000 Methodist youth gathered in Fayetteville for their annual "Pilgrimage" retreat weekend. Required to do without their cellphones and tablets for the weekend, organizers understood how eager young people are to communicate and provided them clothespins, instructing them they could write messages and attach the pins on other attendees.What was intended to be a fun and unplugged means of messaging turned nasty and hurtful. One unidentified young person wrote "I Love Trump" on one side of the clothespin and "Build a Wall" on the other, and then attached it to a Latino youth. This action and message spread across Crown Arena faster than a bullet. Many tears were shed as people expressed the pain of feeling like they didn't belong, of being targets of racial prejudice and fearing for their safety.This was a religious retreat, mind you, not a political event. Instead of demonstrating acceptance and tolerance for others, the message is that even among Christians racism, partisanship, hatred and discrimination are prevalent. That message went viral on social media; we're told as many as a thousand packed up and didn't return.Where did these young people learn these things? To be sure young people are plugged in to Twitter, Facebook and other social media, but we strongly suspect they were mirroring what they had heard from parents and other adults, repeating and rapidly spreading these hate filled comments.It would be easy to dismiss this as a singular, adolescent act, but it is not. Hope Morgan Ward, the Bishop of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, responded,Racial hatred, discrimination and taunting is unacceptable and should be emphatically, immediately and forcefully condemned. Doing nothing in response to these behaviors makes one just as guilty as the person who commits the injustice. It turns people against each other and destroys our chances of working together to resolve other problems. It can and obviously does spread rapidly and will only be extinguished when we stand up and speak out against these attitudes and behaviors.We have just concluded a political campaign like no other - ugly, divisive and filled with recriminations and discrimination. But we have thought and hoped we were a better culture than those seeking to separate us and fill us with fear and hate.We have a spiritual problem in this nation. Not only is hate antithetical to the Christian and other religious faiths, it violates our bedrock principles. Abraham Lincoln presided over another tumultuous and divisive time and in his second Inaugural Address said,Amen. The opposition on Wednesday tried to corner the government in the Rajya Sabha over the demonetisation issue on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament, accusing it of leaking the information of demonetisation beforehand to a select few and demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the matter. However, the treasury benches stuck to their guns and asserted that there was no leak and that the move was a "war on corruption". Speaking on the issue, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma termed the move as a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Defending the government, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the hardships faced by the people were "birth pangs" which will ultimately result in happy outcome. Sharma, as also other opposition leaders including Ram Gopal Yadav, who was recently expelled from the Samajwadi Party, demanded a probe into the "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move. "No ordinance was brought for demonetisation. This is a Nadirshahi farman...Which law gave this government the right to bar me from withdrawing my money from the bank," Anand Sharma said. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari called the government "Kaliyug ka Bhasmasur" (referring to the mythological demon that could reduce to ashes everything it touched) - that would ultimately destroy itself. "No civilised country has done this (demonetisation) in recent times. Only four people have done this. The first three are Muamar Gaddafi of Libya, Mussolini of Italy and Hitler of Germany. The fourth is our Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Tiwari said as treasury benches erupted in protest. Tiwari also reiterated the opposition demand of a JPC probe into the matter. Rejecting the government's argument that the November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will end the menace of fake currency in India, Ram Gopal Yadav said: "Do you think our enemy countries will wait for two months before they forge new currency notes? They may have already started it." Yadav also raised the issue of "selective leak" about the new currency, referring to a tweet by Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sanjeev Kamboj wherein the latter shared a picture of the new Rs 2,000 note on November 6 -- two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by comparing him to French Queen Marie Antoinette. "It reminds me of Marie Antoinette who during the French Revolution said if they (people) don't find bread, why don't they eat cakes. Now, we have Modi Antoinette who says: 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'." "What is the coverage of your plastic money? Only 2.6 crore of the 130 crore Indians have credit cards. Will that run our economy? More than 80 per cent of our economy is in cash," said Yechury. As the Left leader raised the issue of "writing off" of Rs 7,000 crore worth of corporate loans by turning them into Non Performing Assets (NPA) by the State Bank of India, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley intervened saying by turning loans to NPAs does not mean that the loan seizes to exist. "The bank would still pursue that loan. NPA does not mean writing it off. Liability to pay and right to recover still remains," Jaitley said. BSP chief Mayawati questioned the government's preparedness for the demonetisation of high-value bank notes, accusing it of spending the last 10 months on settling the black money of its people. "The government has said that they spent 10 months preparing for this decision. Ten months was a long time to prepare. If they were serious about it, they would have prepared well for all the problems that people are facing today," she said. Naidu however said that the demonetisation move of the government is a "war on corruption and black money" and called it a 'mahayajna'. Giving assurance to the people, Naidu said: "If your money is valid, it won't become invalid." On the question of hardships being faced by people to withdraw money from the banks, Naidu said, "These are birth pangs. Just as a woman undergoes severe labour pain before giving birth and her pain turns into joy when the baby is born, this process will lead to happy outcome for the country," he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for healthy debates on various issues, including the GST, during the winter session of Parliament. "I am expecting a very healthy and useful debate about issues including the GST in this session of the parliament," he said. The Prime Minister also hoped that parties will present their views on various issues to be debated. "We will talk about people's aspirations." The Lok Sabha was adjourned after obituary references. --IANS mak-sk/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Major opposition parties, including the Congress and Trinamool Congress, on Wednesday took on the Narendra Modi government outside Parliament over the acute problems faced by people following the "financial calamity" unleashed by the demonetisation move. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool supremo, and leaders of three other parties including the Shiv Sena, an NDA constituent, sought President Pranab Mukherjee's intervention on the issue while Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded action against "his friends" and those who are hoarding black money. Joined by the leaders of the National Conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiv Sena, Banerjee and 40 of her Trinamool MPs marched to Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum demanding rollback of demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal gave the march a miss, with MP from Punjab Bhagwant Mann representing the AAP. "I appeal to you on behalf of the toiling masses, those who eke out a living by trading in small goods and services and those from the villages of India, to use your highest office to intervene and stop this financial chaos and insecurity and protect them from a situation which is more than an unannounced financial emergency," the memorandum to the President said. Later, talking to reporters, Banerjee said the "big black scheme" has led to many deaths across the country and resulted in a loss of Rs 2 lakh crore to the GDP. "This is a big black scheme. Today there are no vegetables in the market, no milk for babies and no medicine for the sick and the ailing. Around 20-30 people have already died, many of them due to stress," she said, and also called for a probe into the rise of the banks' non-performing assets. Equating Modi with the medieval-era Delhi Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, Banerjee ridiculed "the totally unplanned" demonetisation move. "Now ATM means 'Aayega toh milega'," she said and hoped the President will take appropriate steps. "The President gave us a patient hearing, he was the country's Finance Minister, no one can understand the situation better than him. So, we hope he will take appropriate action," said Banerjee. National Conference's Omar Abdullah was among leaders who took part in the march that started from Parliament House premises. The Shiv Sena, which has been critical of demonetisation, was represented by MP Anandrao Adsul, who said the Sen was not against the decision to demonetise currency but at the way it was implemented. "On that (implementation), we are supporting Trinamool Congress. The decision should have been implemented with proper preparations," Adsul told IANS. Besides in Parliament, the Congress also chose to take up the issue with the masses. Addressing a large group of party activists in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi, Gandhi alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a small group of industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. "Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens' pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends... No action has been taken against them. We demand action against Modi's friends and those who have hoarded black money," he said. Gandhi predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation would go back into the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others "within one year". When he asked the gathering if they had got their Rs 4,000 (the value in old notes that can be changed at one time) or the indelible ink mark?, the people roared back "No". Noting that each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation, Gandhi said that Modi "is laughing and crying" although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes. Meanwhile, Delbi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who attacked Modi for "cheating the country", announced he will address a public meeting in Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi on Thursday against demonetisation. Banerjee will also address the meeting. --IANS bns/vd/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement on Wednesday got a major boost with the launch of a $55 million fund by 11 developed countries to help deployment of clean and green technologies by the developing nations. The Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) -- a new trust fund hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) -- was declared "open for business" by GEF CEO and Chairperson Naoko Ishii at the ongoing 22nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP 22) here. Eleven donors that have pledged more than $50 million include Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Britain, the US and the Walloon Region (Belgium). Others, including Japan, have publicly declared their intention to support the fund. Likewise, 360 businesses and investors on Wednesday reaffirmed their financial support and sought continuation of the US commitments towards the Paris Climate Agreement by the upcoming new administration in order to provide the long-term direction needed to limit global warming. "Increasing transparency and enhancing countries' capacity for monitoring and evaluation are lynchpins for the Paris Agreement," the GEF Chairperson said. "The CBIT will allow us to see early action on the ground, and help countries scale up their efforts to deliver their national climate plans," Ishii said. Ishii said she is "very happy that the GEF was able to respond quickly to the request from Paris COP21 to establish the CBIT" and noted that a number of donors have already lined up to support the initiative. It is "equally important", she said that "we have already received requests for support from developing countries, which reflects the importance that many countries attach to this issue". At the same time, the first set of projects have been approved by the GEF for implementation in Costa Rica, Kenya and South Africa. Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: "This is yet another positive and progressive initiative launched here in Marrakech that underlines the way donor countries are raising support for the climate action aspirations of developing ones." "Confidence and cooperation are going to be key to the success of the Paris Climate Change Agreement -- now and over the years and decades to come. This initiative supports these twin aims as the world looks to build a climate secure future," she added. In another major financial commitment, 360 businesses and investors from more than a dozen Fortune 500 firms from 35 states reaffirmed their support for the Paris Climate Agreement and the need to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy at home and around the world. "Implementing the Paris Climate Agreement will enable and encourage businesses and investors to turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy prosperity to all," wrote the powerful business group in a statement at a press interaction here. "Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk." Among the US businesses signing the statement are DuPont, Gap Inc., General Mills, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Hilton, HP Inc., Kellogg Company, Levi Strauss & Co, L'Oreal USA, NIKE, Mars Incorporated, Schneider Electric, Starbucks, VF Corporation and Unilever. "It's vital that the business community demonstrates its ongoing commitment to tackling climate change," Barry Parkin, Chief Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing Officer at Mars Incorporated, said. Asking US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump to continue with low-carbon policies, the statement sought continued participation by the US in the Paris Climate Agreement in order to provide the long-term direction needed to limit global warming. (Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP22 . He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that a battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be deployed permanently in Haryana's Muslim-dominated Mewat soon to ensure communal harmony. Rajnath Singh was addressing the 'Shaheed Samman Rally' organised by Union Minister of State for Urban Housing, Planning and Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh at HUDA ground here. Rao, who is also an MP from Gurugram, had demanded permanent deployment of RAF along with a training centre for anti-riot troopers in Mewat in view of communal tension in the region. Addressing the rally, Singh said that all countrymen, be it Hindus or Muslims, should contribute in making a strong, proud and independent India. He said that owing to the sacrifice of our martyrs, India got independence politically in 1947 but social and economic freedom still remained to be attained and the present BJP government is making all efforts to achieve that. He said that economic disparity should minimise after the demonetisaion of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. The move could pose problems for the people for sometime, may be for a month, but it will be helpful in bringing purity (Pavitrata) in . "We are here to provide the type of governance that the people want. There will be no place for corruption. Government is working on it and this will have effect in the working of government machinery, they will also refrain from adopting corrupt practices," he said. In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Singh said that the heads of neighbouring countries were invited in the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi only to give a message that we not only believe in shaking hands but also in the meeting of hearts. He said "despite our cordial gesture, our neighbour (Pakistan) resorted to terrorism", which is a weapon of the cowards. The speakers paid tributes to the martyrs including Rao Raja Tula Ram and those 5,000 persons who laid down their lives in Nasibpur village in Mahendergarh district on November 16, 1857. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was also present at the rally. --IANS pradeep/lok/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered Russia to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, media reported. According to Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry statement, Putin formally ordered by decree the withdrawal of Russia's signature from the Rome Statute, the founding document establishing the ICC, an international tribunal set up two decades ago to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, Efe news agency reported. "The court failed to meet the expectations to become a truly independent and authoritative international tribunal," the statement said. "The decision of the Russian Federation not to become a party to the Rome Statute (to withdraw its signature from the Statute) entails legal consequences provided for by the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 1969," it added. This resolution -- which implies that Russia now falls outside the ICC's jurisdiction -- immediately came into force on Wednesday. The ministry criticised in its statement the fact that, "during the 14 years of the court's work it passed only four sentences having spent over a billion dollars." Russia's disagreements with the ICC were amplified after the court decided to investigate alleged war crimes committed during the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia over the separatist south Ossetia region. "The (then-Georgian President) Saakashvili regime's attack on peaceful (South-ossetian capital) Tskhinvali, the assassination of the Russian peacekeepers resulted in the court's accusations against south-ossetian militia and Russian soldiers," the statement said. On the other hand, Moscow added, the "investigation of actions and orders of Georgian officials was left to the discretion of the Georgian justice and remains outside of the focus of the ICC." "This development speaks for itself. We can hardly trust the ICC in such a situation," the Foreign Ministry declared. Russia signed the Rome Statute -- first drafted in 1998 -- in the year 2000, although it never ratified the treaty. The nations that ratified it numbered 123 states, with the notable exceptions of the US, China and Israel. With this decision, no Russian citizens may be tried by the ICC in The Hague for war crimes or genocide unless an express resolution is passed by the UN' Security Council, of which Russia is a veto-wielding permanent member. --IANS sm/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the is responsible for upholding the right to freedom of speech and stressed that self-regulation by the Fourth Estate. "The press is responsible for upholding free speech," Modi said while speaking at an event commemorating the National Press Day at Vigyan Bhavan here. "External control of press is not good for the society. The is instrumental for upholding free speech. Freedom of expression must be maintained," he said. The Prime Minister said external control does not help in upholding the freedom of expression. "Internal discipline in the is more important than any external intervention," he said. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi on the need to self-regulation, Modi said: "The government should not have any interference in working of the media." Citing the importance of self-regulation in the media, Modi said: "After the Kandahar plane hijack (in 1999) and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks (in 2008), we witnessed examples of media's self-regulation." The Prime Minister said earlier journalists thought a lot before filing a report, but perhaps challenges today are different. "I have been friends with journalists for a long time. They just need 10 per cent of information, and they can then find the 90 per cent out," Modi said. Recalling the Press Council of India's role during the Emergency, Modi said: "We remember how the Press Council ceased to exist during the Emergency. And the things for the media normalised after Morarji Bhai (Morarji Desai) became the Prime Minister." The Prime Minister said it is the media's responsibility to make appropriate changes with time, as many newspapers have shifted to digital mediums. Referring to recent killings of media persons, Modi said: "Any death is worrisome, but journalists losing their lives just because they are highlighting the truth becomes even more serious." He termed the attack on the media as the most cruel act. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also praised media for playing a constructive role in spreading the message of cleanliness. --IANS rak/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Researchers at The Rockefeller University in New York said they discovered two promising new antibiotics by sifting through the human microbiome with the help of a software. By using computational methods to identify which genes in a microbe's genome ought to produce antibiotic compounds and then synthesising those compounds themselves, they were able to discover the new antibiotics without having to culture a single bacterium, according to a study published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. Most antibiotics in use today are based on natural molecules produced by bacteria - and given the rise of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to find more of them. Yet coaxing bacteria to produce new antibiotics is a tricky proposition. Most bacteria won't grow in the lab. And even when they do, most of the genes that cause them to churn out molecules with antibiotic properties never get switched on. The Rockefeller University team led by Sean Brady offers a new way to avoid these problems. The team began by trawling publicly available databases for the genomes of bacteria that reside in the human body. They then used specialised computer software to scan hundreds of those genomes for clusters of genes that were likely to produce molecules known as non-ribosomal peptides that form the basis of many antibiotics. They also used the software to predict the chemical structures of the molecules that the gene clusters ought to produce. The software initially identified 57 potentially useful gene clusters, which the researchers winnowed down to 30. Brady and his colleagues then used a method called solid-phase peptide synthesis to manufacture 25 different chemical compounds. By testing those compounds against human pathogens, the researchers successfully identified two closely related antibiotics, which they dubbed humimycin A and humimycin B. Both are found in a family of bacteria called Rhodococcus -- microbes that had never yielded anything resembling the humimycins when cultured using traditional laboratory techniques. The humimycins proved especially effective against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, which can cause dangerous infections in humans and tend to become resistant to various antibiotics, said the study. --IANS gb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana government of Telangana on Wednesday signed an MOU with Microsoft to explore cloud, machine learning and mobile-based solutions to improve citizen services, education, healthcare and agriculture in the state. State IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt Ltd Managing Director Anil Bhansali signed the MoU here. Microsoft India will work with the state government to support the development of cloud and mobile-based solutions and support the use of machine learning and advanced visualization to help solve challenges in the fields of education, agriculture and healthcare. "Through this partnership, we are confident about bringing in advanced solutions pertaining to our initiatives under Digital Telangana program," said Ranjan. "Over the past year we have experimented with cloud, mobile and machine learning based solutions for better citizen connect as well as to help students, farmers and patients in India. We are delighted to bring many of those learnings to Telangana and explore new use for these world-class technologies. We believe technology should empower every Indian, and today's MOU will take us further in that journey," said Bhansali. --IANS ms/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes by the Union government has affected the temples and tourist footfalls in Odisha. The tourist footfalls in Jagannath temple in Puri have decreased significantly following demonetisation. The Suar Nijog (temple cooks), who sell Mahaprasad (food first offered to the deity), are not accepting the old notes affecting the earnings. Besides, the servitors of Sri Mandir are also not accepting the scrapped denomination notes. Prepared by 600-700 cooks and partaken by up to 50,000 pilgrims daily, Mahaprasad generates a business of Rs 8-12 lakhs, informed sources said. The Mahaprasad cooked on the premises of the temple at Ananda Bazar (abode of peace) - deemed to be the biggest open air eatery in the world - is consumed by thousands of devotees. "We are not accepting banned denominations in the temple following the decision of the central government. However, if a devotee offers old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 note for any service or Mahaprasad, we are not denying him or her to accept it since it is a religious place," said Ajay Gochhikar, a temple servitor. However, the income of the temple has increased as devotees have donated more to the 'Hundi' of Jagannath temple. "We can't stop devotees from dropping old denominations in the hundi. They are donating the old notes in the hundi. We also receive donations directly at our office and give receipts to the donors. Since the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are no longer valid, we are not accepting the currency notes at the office," said Laxmidhar Pujapanda, public relations officer of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). He informed that while the temple administration receives about Rs 3.5 lakh on an average daily, it received Rs 4.83 lakh on Tuesday, Rs 5.37 lakh on Monday and Rs 4.73 lakh on Sunday. The tourist footfalls in the state have also been affected as many domestic tourists who rely on cash while travelling are stranded and suffering long queues at banks and ATMs. "The domestic tourist inflow has decreased about 50 per cent to the state in past several days. The foreign tourist footfall has also decreased. As they have to rely on cash for daily expenses, they are facing hardships while buying essentials such as food and water from restaurants and general stores as debit and credit cards are not accepted universally," said Srinibash Subudhi, Secretary General of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha. --IANS cd/sm/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Barack Obama has issued a warning against "crude nationalism" in the wake of Donald Trump's victory, saying the New York billionaire had tapped into a "troubling" strain of rhetoric playing on Americans' fears of globalisation to win the presidency. Speaking in Athens, Obama on Tuesday said he recognised an "anger and fear in the American population" over threats of mechanisation and globalisation, but that Republican officials did not use facts when making their case about the US economy, CNN reported. "You've seen some of the rhetoric among Republican elected officials and activists. Some of it is pretty troubling and not necessarily connected to facts, but being used effectively to mobilise people," Obama said at a news conference alongside Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. "And obviously, Trump tapped into that particular strain within the Republican Party and then was able to broaden that enough and get enough votes to win the election." Obama said countries across Europe, as well as the US, were confronting populist movements based on a fear of intruding global forces, arguing people "are less certain of their national identities or their place in the world". He said leaders should heed lessons from results in the US and in Britain, which in June voted to exit the European Union. "It starts looking different and disorienting. And there is no doubt that has produced populist movements, both from the left and the right," Obama said. "That sometimes gets wrapped up in issues of ethnic identity or religious identity or cultural identity. And that can be a volatile mix." The outgoing President said Americans must guard against those trends during Trump's presidency, and insisted he, too, would speak out against divisive language even after he leaves office. Obama is on a week-long, three-stop foreign swing that has taken new urgency following Trump's election. Obama is the first US president to visit Greece in 17 years, and he focused intently on the debt situation and the influx of refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President-elect Donald Trump wants to name billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce Secretary. Ross, 78, is famed for restructuring failed companies, and he is also a trusted economic adviser to Team Trump. New York investor Carl Icahn appeared to confirm the news on Tuesday that his fat cat pal is the leading candidate for the job, New York Post reported. "Spoke to @realDonaldTrump. Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross are being considered for Treasury and Commerce. Both would be great choices," Icahn tweeted. "Both are good friends of mine but, more importantly, they are two of the smartest people I know," he added. Mnuchin, a veteran Wall Street insider and Goldman Sachs vet, was the finance chair of Trump's campaign. In August, Ross agreed to reimburse investors $11.8 million and pay a fine of $2.3 million to settle a Securities and Exchange Commission probe into the company's misappropriation of fees. Investors in W.L. Ross' fund were wrongly assessed the fees from 2001-2011, the SEC found. Ross was, according to its fund agreements, supposed to take 50 per cent of the fees it charged its companies and give it to fund investors to offset their fund management fees, but did not do so, the SEC found. Ross did not admit any liability. It had self-reported the issue to the SEC. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Abu Dhabi, Nov 16 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates and France will cooperate to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. This initiative will be launched by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Francois Hollande, President of France, it was announced at the Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage Conference here. The conference is being organised in response to the growing threats to some of the world's most important cultural resources arising from sustained periods of armed conflicts, acts of terrorism and illicit trafficking of cultural property. The systematic destruction or looting of historic sites and monuments representing civilisations that go back millennia, like in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Mali, and throughout the world, are among the cases that have motivated the UAE and France to partner and to support Unesco's global mandate to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts, according to Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. --IANS/WAM py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rebasing economic statistics at appropriate intervals to capture structural changes and to incorporate newer sources of data is a noteworthy and healthy feature of any countrys statistical system. In line with the recommendations of the countrys National Statistical Commission, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has been making attempts to rebase economic statistics once every five years. Although the CSO should have rebased National Accounts Statistics (NAS) from 2004-05 to 2009-10, the NAS has been rebased to 2011-12 for want of quality information with regard to employment. Besides, 2009 was not a normal year due to the global financial crisis, and drought. Whenever Indian NAS gets rebased, some changes between the old and new series are expected because of taking recourse to a better method of estimation, adopting newer database, use of more recent price indices, and so on. The changes introduced in the earlier NAS revisions were more of a peripheral nature, but those that occurred in the latest 2011-12 series are quite distinctly large due to CSOs adherence to a wide range of recommendations of the United Nations System of National Accounts, 2008 (UN SNA, 2008) and also because of the availability of a wider dataset in this age of information technology. As a result, the 2011-12 series has attracted rather unparalleled attention of both media and scholars. Introduction of wide-ranging changes in NAS 2011-12 series Based on the dissemination of official information by the CSO (2015 and 2015b), we have attempted to regroup the changes into: conceptual changes, improvement in the coverage of sectors, methodological changes, and presentation of NAS aggregates for the first time at the level of institutional sectors (Rajakumar and Shetty 2017, forthcoming). (i) Conceptual changes Two major conceptual changes relate to: (a) the use of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices as a preferred income concept for the national economy as a whole instead of GDP at factor cost; and (b) use of basic prices concept for measuring gross value added (GVA) at aggregate as well as sectoral levels. Thus, the GVA (formerly GDP) at factor cost has ceased to be a relevant indicator of growth; instead GDP at market prices is now used to measure growth of the economy both in real and nominal terms. Based on the UN SNA, the CSO has also introduced the new concept of GVA at basic prices, which falls between GVA at factor cost and GDP at market prices. Splitting indirect taxes and subsidies into production taxes and subsidies and product taxes and subsidies, CSO provides the following sequence at the aggregate and sectoral and institutional levels: Also, departing from viewing GDP as a measure of welfare too, CSO now argues that GDP as a statistical indicator has a limited purpose, which is to describe and quantify the process of value addition in the economy (CSO, 2015a). The UN SNA (2008) earlier had argued that GDP at factor cost suffered from the serious limitation of not having outputs with corresponding observable vector of prices. The GVA at basic prices are available by economic activities, that is, sectoral levels and, like in the past, GDP at market prices are available by its expenditure components. (ii) Changes in the coverage of sectors: The foremost change in this respect in the new series has been the use of data for a large number of companies, captured through e-filing portal of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), popularly known as MCA 21, for building up population estimates for the private corporate sector. This has replaced the erstwhile use of the study of company finances by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) based on a thin sample of around 4,500 companies. With a dynamic system of filing e-returns, the final count reaches 525,000 companies with about 85% coverage in terms of paid-up capital (PUC) for the first two years - 2011-12 and 2012-13 (CSO 2015a). The increase in coverage thus takes place in stages; the above final count is preceded by covering about 300,000 common companies for some years and basing it on advance filing of corporate accounts with stock exchanges for the advance and provisional results. Coverage of financial corporations has been expanded to include mutual funds, stock brokers, stock exchanges, pension funds, and regulatory authorities. As for coverage of public sector, the CSO now has moved away from sample basis to complete enumeration of local bodies (both rural and urban) and autonomous institutions. (iii) Methodological changes: Third, significant methodological changes have been introduced in the new series in four vital areas: (a) Enterprise approach The approach to defining an institutional unit of observation (or analysis) has been changed to the enterprise level. Earlier, CSO had relied on the establishment approach whereby an institutional unit was seen confined to a geographical boundary (or physical structure or factory) in which that unit functioned. The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), which was the principal source for estimating manufacturing GVA then, followed this establishment approach, whereas now under the enterprise approach, consolidated accounts of the parent organisations are taken into consideration. Use of enterprise approach takes into account the services rendered by company headquarters in the form of marketing, accounting and other ancillary services, and hence the size of manufacturing GVA will be higher under this method. Adoption of the enterprise approach is seen in perfect alignment with the use of MCA 21 database. (b) Effective labour input method Significant changes have been introduced in the methodology of capturing income of the informal sector by moving away from the conventional labour input (LI) method to an effective labour input (ELI) method. Under the LI method, various categories of labour such as owners, hired workers, and helpers were not differentiated by their marginal productivities. In sharp contrast, the ELI method accounts for differential productivities of the workforce; based on weights derived using a nested Cobb-Douglas production function. (c) Fixed capital formation As for the estimation of gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), while CSO has retained two major nomenclatures, namely, construction and machinery and equipment, there have been some reallocations by creating two additional items, namely, cultivated biological resources and intellectual property products. The capital expenditure on plantations earlier included in construction and investment in livestock earlier covered under plant & machinery have now been shifted to cultivated biological resources, and investment in software and Research and Development (R&D) expenditures have been placed under intellectual property products. (d) Valuables In the treatment of valuables, some methodological changes have been made. In the 2004-05 series, the net acquisition of valuables by the economy as a whole, in the form of precious items like gold, gems, ornaments and precious stones, was included as part of gross capital formation (GCF), but that acquired by households was impliedly treated as part of their consumption expenditure. Now, while there is no change in the treatment of non-household net acquisition of valuables, the part acquired by households is treated as their physical savings, which is treated as part of GFCF. (iii) NAS aggregates presented for institutional sectors for the first time In the earlier series, the whole economy used to be divided by three institutional categories such as public sector, private corporate sector and household sector, for which savings and capital formation used to be provided - but no estimates for their value added or GVA. In the categorisation of sectors now, while the above broad categories are retained, there have been some changes within them. In the past, public sector consisted of departmental and non-departmental enterprises, but now they have been classified into public financial corporations, public non-financial corporations, and general government. Private corporate sector has been split into private financial corporations and private non-financial corporations. As for the household sector, the firms registered under Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act and quasi-corporations (QCs, firms with published accounts), which were hitherto part of households, are now included under private corporate sector. Some traditional approaches remain While the above narrative bring out that the changes introduced in the new NAS series that constitute major departures, there are still some traditional approaches being followed. First, the commodity flow approach is continued for estimating economy-wide capital formation. Second, subtracting from this total, the capital formation of public sector and private corporate sector, estimated using the budget documents and financial statements, the capital formation of household sector is arrived at. That is, the household sector has been continued to be treated as a residual sector. And, thirdly, the use of blow-up method is continued for accounting for uncovered companies in the case of private sector companies. The CSO builds up population estimates for the corporate sector using companies data available as on 1 December from MCA 21 data. It is very likely that several companies would not have completed online filing through MCA 21 portal by then. To account for such companies, the estimates based on data extracted from MCA 21 as on the cut-off date are scaled up using the ratio of population PUC to the PUC of covered companies. In the past, the RBI also relied on the same blow-up method for estimating corporate savings and capital formation. The difference being that, the CSO considers population PUC only for those companies which have filed their returns at least once during the preceding three years, whereas RBI depended on PUC numbers as supplied by the MCA. Thus, the chances of blow-up factor being higher were inherent in the case of RBI as the population PUC may include a company not in existence but not struck off by the Registrar of Companies. Changes in the new series have been truly radical: How and why? A pertinent question now is: Have these changes been radical? Our answer is Yes. Each time the base year gets shifted, not only do the levels of GDP and other macro aggregates change, but also their respective growth rates vary due to changes in scope, use of recent prices, and change of methods. But magnitudes of such changes have been minimal in the previous revisions. What is more, we have observed that several results such as percentage changes in the level of NAS aggregates, their respective growth rates, sectoral shares in GVA, savings and investment by institutional sectors, and savings and investment rates portray distinctly different pictures under the 2011-12 series compared to the 2004-05 series for common years, namely, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 (Rajakumar and Shetty, 2017 forthcoming). A comparison of the magnitude of such changes when the previous revision was effected from 1999-2000 to 2004-05 shows that the new NAS series have witnessed radical changes. The GDP at market prices for the year 2011-12, for instance, has been lowered by (-)3.0% under the 2011-12 series compared to its corresponding estimates under 2004-05 series and by (-)1.6% for 2012-13 and by 0.7% for 2013-14. In contrast, in the previous revision, GDP at market prices was uniformly higher ranging from 2.9% in 2004-05 to 5.6% in 2007-08 than its corresponding estimates under the 1999-2000 series. The point differences in growth rates of 2012-13, the first year under the new series, seems of a higher order over the 2004-05 series nearly 1.7 percentage points higher across all income aggregates. In sharp contrast, the percentage point differences in growth rates in the first year under 2004-05 series were very meagre nil or higher by just 0.3 percentage point over the 1999-2000 series in most of income aggregates. At the sectoral level, the revision had impacted not only sectoral shares, but also their respective growth rates. The GVA of manufacturing sector has been revised upward and so also is the sectors growth rate in the latest revised series. Savings and capital formation of the private corporate sector have also been revised upward rather sizeably. Some brief scope for misgivings Undoubtedly, the 2011-12 NAS revision exercise has been commendable with significant adoption of the conceptual contours of UN SNA 2008 and simultaneous use of newer sources of data, methodological changes and refinements in the dissemination of NAS aggregates and sectoral and institutional details. However, on a closer examination of the end results, we have discerned some scope for misgivings. We pose them here only in the spirit of making constructive suggestions so that the contribution of NAS estimates in providing insights into the working of the national economy is further strengthened. First, while the adoption of the enterprise approach with the use of MCA 21 corporate sector data has been very novel, it has apparently given rise to not only inflated estimates of manufacturing GVA, but also some exaggerated annual growth rates therein shown persistently. Moreover, a sharp divergence is noticed in the growth rate of manufacturing as per the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and as per the GVA at basic prices under the new NAS series. This divergence is explained by the difference between the measure of value added which is the basis of the new series and that of physical output. Second, the new data sources used at the stages of AEs and PEs appear to be far removed from and inconsistent with the results of final revisions and hence the intervening results, particularly relating to the publicised growth rates. This seems to raise serious questions of credibility. Third, the phenomenon of discrepancies (that is, the difference between supply and demand sides), which was large at constant prices but negligible at current prices, inevitably suggests the issues related to deflators. The GDP deflator is a conglomerate of Wholesale Price Index (WPI), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Volume Index, but WPI is mostly used. The IIP and WPI are still based for 2004-05 and so it is possible that infirmities inherent in these indices would have caused such deviation and magnitude of discrepancies. Once they are rebased to 2011-12, some of these misgivings may disappear. Finally, the National Accounts literature has recognised that GDP has been, one of the great inventions of the 20th century and all great minds who have laboured on it have concluded that GDP measures total incomes earned by households by summing wages and salaries, rents, profits and interest, that is, factor incomes. It is an economic concept, a concept of economic welfare - not just an accountants bookkeeping. In this light, the neglect on the part of the CSO to disseminate regular time series on GDP (or GVA) at factor cost is indefensible. Dennis Rajakumar and S L Shetty of the EPW Research Foundation, present a detailed explanation of the wide-ranging changes in the new 2011-12 National Accounts Statistics series. Published with permission from ( www.ideasforindia.in ), an economics and policy portal All visitors to Parliament House are allowed to enter the main premises after a thorough check and issuing of photo identity cards. These photographs are displayed on a small screen at the entry gate when the card and passes are swiped on an electronic reader. A new addition in the current winter session of Parliament is a small high definition television screen atop the small screen. This television screen displays photographs of terrorists and criminals wanted by investigating agencies. Nearly all photographs displayed on the screen are grainy old black and white pictures. Those of visitors displayed on the smaller screen are sharper, coloured pictures. While its a good effort to ensure the security of Parliament, security officials conceded that it would be difficult to match the old barely decipherable photographs of terrorists, probably a couple of decades old, with the photographs of visitors to Parliament. The Opposition on Wednesday hit out at the Narendra Modi government over mining baron G Janardhana Reddy's daughter's royal wedding in Bellary. Opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha took potshots at the government to the extravagant wedding saying while the nation is facing a cash crunch and people are standing in long queues for hours outside banks, ATMs; Rs 500 crore is being spent on the wedding. CPI (M) Rajya Sabha member on Wednesday criticised the Centre's demonetisation move and took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by comparing him to French Queen Marie Antoinette. "It reminds me of Marie Antoinette who during the French Revolution said if they (people) don't find bread, why don't they eat cakes. Now, we have Modi Antoinette who says: 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'." "What is the coverage of your plastic money?" asked Yechury, who is also General Secretary of the CPI (M). "Only 2.6 crore of the 130 crore Indians have credit cards. Will that run our economy? More than 80% of our economy is in cash, which is called payments and settlement system," the Left leader said. He said: "None of the points given by the Prime Minister (on demonetisation) stand on strong footing, whether it's terror funding, black money, counterfeit currency or corruption." He said farmers were resorting to distress sale of paddy, offering it at throwaway prices. "Now farmers are selling paddy at Rs 200-250 per quintal. If this not distress sale, what is?" asked Yechury. "What is being demonetised is 86% of the cash in circulation (in the Indian economy). The country today is living on cash transactions of only 14%. "If you stop Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, do you think corruption will stop? Corruption will now double with Rs 2,000 notes," the CPI (M) leader said. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government is ready to debate on all issues in the Parliament as they are sure of their endeavours. Addressing media ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Naidu said, "We are ready for discussion on any issue, we are doing good work so we have no problems in discussing anything." The month-long Winter Session of the Parliament which begins on Wednesday, is expected to be a stormy one, with opposition parties determined to corner the government on several issues, including the issue of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, which has caused massive outrage across the nation. Nine new bills, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the surrogacy regulation, the Indian Institutes of Managements Bill to confer statutory status to institutes and competence to award degrees and the HIV AIDS Prevention and Control, Mental Health Care and Consumer Protection Bill will be taken up for consideration and passage in this session. The recent government decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes has evoked sharp reaction from the opposition, including Congress, Left, TMC, AAP and the JD-U, who are ready to pin the government down on the issue. Various parties have separately given adjournment notices in the Lok Sabha. They have also given notice for suspension of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the issue and highlight the plight of the common man. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi exhorted all the opposition parties to cooperate and extend support to the government's crusade against black money and corruption. The Prime Minister also urged the opposition parties to put forth their arguments in a fruitful manner in order to ensure smooth passage of business during the session. He further reminded the opposition parties that they were cooperative during the passage of the GST act and requested all the parties' cooperation both inside and outside the house regarding the Government of India's crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency which are affecting common man. Prime Minister Modi further called on the opposition parties during the all-party meet to come out with solution with regard to conducting simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections and the state government's role in funding elections. Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said Congress MPs would raise the demonetisation issue under Rules 56 and 193 during the Winter Session. Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma has already given a notice for the suspension of business under Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha for a discussion on the same issue. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has also given a notice under Rule 267 for discussion on the issue of Kashmir unrest. A Congress-led opposition came together seeking to pin down the government on the demonetisation issue in the Winter Session of beginning on Wednesday but a consensus eluded on Trinamool Congress's proposed march to Rashtrapati Bhawan for meeting the President. The Montana Women's Run donated on Wednesday $101,000 raised from the 2016 run to five local health and fitness programs that work with women's health. During a Wednesday press conference at Billings Clinic, the run's organizers presented the checks while celebrating its place in the community and its role in promoting female health in the region. "The Women's Run is much more than a road race," said Renee Coppock, president of the Montana Women's Run. "It's become a harbinger of spring and a place for women to get together and celebrate." Organizations receiving donations were the YWCA, the Billings Clinic Foundation, the Billings Family YMCA, Rocky Mountain College's women's cross country program and Montana State University Billings' women's cross country and track programs. Since its inception in 1982 the race has become the largest organized running event for women in Montana, as well as one of the largest nationally, and has donated more than $1 million to local organizations. This year's run, held May 7 in downtown Billings, drew 8,090 participants. "You see every age, body shape, height and ability," Coppock said. "And that's what we want." She said that the race has become "ingrained into the community culture" in Billings and noted that the organizations chosen to receive donations are ones that make a difference in the lives of people in that same community. "Thank you all, for all that you do in the community," Coppock said. "It makes the work that we put in every year worth it." Wednesday's donations include: The YWCA received $40,000, which will go toward its services to women, including domestic and sexual assault victims. The Billings Clinic Foundation received $30,000 for the Women's Wellness program, which provides health screenings and other services for women who either don't have insurance or are underinsured. The Billings Family YMCA received $20,000, which will go to a number of its operations, including providing health and fitness services to families in the area. Rocky Mountain College's women's cross country program received $5,500 for its scholarship program. The MSUB women's cross country and track programs received $5,500 for their scholarship programs. The 2017 Montana Women's Run will be held on May 13. Showing a three-fold jump, as many as 105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in the first nine months of 2016, Rajya Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said altogether 105 terrorists have successfully infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border till September 2016. While there were 201 attempts of infiltration from Pakistan during the period, 24 militants were killed, 72 others returned and two militants have surrendered. In 2015, only 33 terrorists could infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. There were 121 infiltration attempts and 46 militants were killed by security forces in that period. Ahir said that there has been a spurt in infiltration attempts from the Pakistan side. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two persons, including a chartered accountant, died in separate road accidents in south Delhi, police said today. In the first accident, CA Mukul Gambhir, a resident of Karolbagh, died after his car met an accident around 4 AM today, police said, adding two of his friends Punit and Sahil were injured. Mukul was driving the car in Fathehpur Beri area, with his friends sitting inside the vehicle, when he lost control over it and slammed a tree after hitting a pole, a senior police officer said. The police rushed the trio to a hospital where Mukul was declared brought dead. Sahil and Punit are undergoing treatment at separate hospitals, he said. In the other incident, 48-year-old Harish Upreti died when his motorcycle hit central verge of a road in Mehrauli area last night. Police said he was not wearing a helmet. Police received information about the accident around 11.30 pm yesterday. They rushed Upreti to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. Upreti used to work as a driver at a farmhouse in the area, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Twenty-one people have died in Cameroon after consuming a locally produced alcoholic drink that can often be toxic, state radio said. A further 22 people are hospitalised in the eastern town of Abong-Bang after drinking odontol, CRTV said yesterday. Authorities in the affected areas of eastern Cameroon banned the production and sale of the drink after the deaths. Odontol is produced from palm wine, sugar and tree bark and sold outside of traditional shops at a low price. The alcohol content varies, and it can often be powerful. CRTV said 18 people have died in the commune of Mindourou and three in Abong-Bang after consuming "a cursed drink called odontol". It said some of the victims were women. "When I see you (my) eyes start turning," Angeline, one of those hospitalised in Anong-Bang and who had consumed just "two glasses" of odontol, told CRTVC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mobile app has helped Chinese authorities to trace over 250 missing children during the last six months, the government said today. "Tuanyuan" or reunion, the mobile app was launched by Ministry of Public Security (MPS) in May 2015, where police release information on missing children. Over the past six months, more than 280 updates on missing children have been posted on the app and 260 children have been found, including 18 who had been trafficked, 27 reported lost, 152 who had run away from home, as well as 52 who had died from drowning or other reasons, MPS said. The app helps to ensure efficient information sharing and collaboration between police in different regions, and encourages witnesses to report the whereabouts of missing or trafficked children, it said. A new version of the app was launched today, which will expand its reach through cooperation with other popular mobile app, state-run Xinhua agency reported. Missing children is a major problem in China as children are stolen by traffickers to sell them for adoption to childless couples are use them for begging and other crimes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed today. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. "Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the prior permission category". The government yesterday decided todeclare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacheras an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of theJuly 1terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan has violated the ceasefire 369 times in Jammu and Kashmir in the first ten months of this year, Rajya Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2, 2016. He said 159 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control in the state. In the year 2015, there were 253 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border and 152 such incidents along the LoC, the minister added in reply to a written question. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the eighth day today since the Centre announced demonetisation of high-value currencies, the same picture of winding queues in front of the banks and ATMs unfolded as the day wore on, with some bank branches unable to dispense cash to customers. Several bank branches at the central business district of Dalhousie in the city were only accepting deposits, but were unable to give away cash, going dry soon after opening in the morning. "I stood in the queue for over two hours, only to be told by a bank official that reserves of currency notes at the branch have dried up," said Manik Sanyal, as he along with several others left the queue only to look for another bank where cash was still available. Logistical issues are also adding up to the problem as ATMs which are going dry soon after filling up are being refilled only after several hours. "Refilling of an ATM depends on the cash provided by a bank and the indent given by it. It all depends on the availability of cash," Jayshankar Majumdar, HR head of cash management company CMS Infosystems Ltd told PTI. "We have more than 100 vehicles operating within Kolkata and staff, including security staff and drivers are working round the clock to tide with the present situation," he said. "The pressure for refilling of ATMs are very high and given the number of vehicles and security personnel that we have for refilling, we are finding it difficult to cope with the unusual situation," an official with cash management system company Brinks Arya, which has around 35 vehicles, said. With Rs two lakhs in 100-rupee notes being filled at one go in ATMs which are yet to be recalibrated, these are going dry with only 100 people withdrawing Rs 2000 each with one card, even as serpentine queues form as soon as word spread that ATMs were replenished with money. There was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the metropolis. "There are long queues, at some places people are getting restless, but apart from that there has been no untoward incident," an official of the Kolkata Police said. People of low and medium income groups in general have welcomed the move despite weathering the hardship. "I am facing problems with lesser number of passengers and also availability of cash, but this is a good move to bring out black money of some rich people," said Manoj Shaw, a taxi driver, who has been driving the ubiquitous yellow cab in the city for 17 years. "I am a salaried person and I have to file income tax return for each paisa I earn every year; now it is the turn of those who don't," Chiradeep Sinha, an IT professional, said gleefully despite having stood in queue for a long time at an ATM counter to withdraw Rs 2,000. (REOPENS CAL1) A report from Jalpaiguri said the postal department sent a mobile van to Saraswatipur tea garden in the north Bengal district so that people of interior areas can change their old currency notes and also deposit money. Senior superintendent of Jalpaiguri Head Post Office, Neetu said the van was sent on an experimental basis and similar effort will be undertaken if people find it useful. Meanwhile, an FIR was lodged against an LPG dealer in Jalpaiguri town for not accepting Rs 10 coins, police said. On receiving a complaint that the dealer refused to take Rs 80 in coins of Rs 10 denomination for an LPG cylinder the FIR was registered, they said. District Magistrate Mukta Arya said, "We will find out why the rumour about fake Rs 10 coins is being spread and will take necessary steps." There are complaints of Rs 10 coins not being accepted also at Siliguri, Mal, Binnaguri, Dhupguri and Moynaguri. Kerala government has accorded administrative sanction for reconstruction of Chambakkara Bridge in the city into a four-lane bridge, at a cost of Rs 33.66 crore, as a preparatory work of the Kochi Metro Rail project. The reconstructed bridge will be 310 metres long and 8.5 metres wide, a KMRL release said here. Major stakeholders along with people representatives from the area had emphasised the need for reconstructing the bridge as well as redeveloping the access to the Chambakkara Fish Market as part of Kochi Metro project. The had stressed that these works needed to be carried out along with the metro works in the interests of ease of construction, economy and efficiency and also because it would be impossible to do it once the construction of metro is completed in that stretch. Based on this, KMRL had submitted a proposal to the state government along with the proposal of DMRC for an amount of Rs 33.66 crore for reconstruction of the four-lane bridge at Chambakkara along with widening of Kunnara Park-Petta road and construction of the metro. Now, the government has approved the proposal under 'Major Infrastructure Development Project' as the preparatory work for Kochi Metro Rail project, the KMRL added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) African leaders met in Morocco today on the sidelines of UN climate talks to agree a joint stance to fight global warming on the continent. "Africa is paying a heavy price over the climate issue and is without doubt the continent worst affected," Morocco's King Mohammed VI told the summit attended by 20 African leaders. "These disruptions... Greatly hamper Africa's development and gravely threaten the basic rights of tens of millions of Africans," he said. He said the continent needed to "speak in a single voice, demand climate justice". France's President Francois Hollande and UN chief Ban Ki-moon also attended the summit which took place alongside the COP22 climate change conference in Marrakesh. Ban said Africa was at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and that 36 of the 50 countries most affected by global warming were African. Senegal's President Macky Sall said African countries would wait until 2020 for promised aid from developed countries to fight global warming. An agreement after last year's climate talks in Paris provides for a green fund of $100 billion (90 billion euros) per year from 2020 to help poorer nations make the shift to clean energy. Hollande said today's summit would "lay the foundations" for the plan to help Africa from 2020. "France has made its commitments and will keep them, I will see to it," he said. African leaders have called for more funding from developed nations to cut fossil fuel emissions and take contingency measures. "Developed countries must shoulder their historical responsibility for emissions," Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh said yesterday. The UN, too, has called for more money, especially for "adaptation" -- shoring up defences against the effects of global warming. This could mean building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems and growing climate change-resistant crops. President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide during the 13-year-old conflict in Darfur, also attended. He has always denied the charges. The summit comes amid growing opposition to the ICC among African leaders, who accuse the court of prosecuting alleged crimes in Africa while ignoring those elsewhere in the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa appealed to people to vote for her party in three constituencies in Tamil Nadu and a lone seat in Puducherry, top Ministers and ruling party men are now banking on her appeal by distributing copies of it to woo voters. Led by Finance Minister and AIADMK treasurer O Panneerselvam, AIADMK functionaries are distributing photocopies of Jayalalithaa's November 13 statement to people in the poll-bound constituencies to seek votes for their party as campaign draws to a close tomorrow. Polls to Thanjavur, Aravakkurichi and bypoll for Thiruparrankundram and Nellithope (Puducherry) constituencies are slated to be held on November 19. Jayalalithaa, for the first time since she was admitted to hospital on September 22, had urged people to "give your love and support to AIADMK in the present polls as well, remembering such innumerable schemes to enhance the people's standard of living." While campaigning at Thirupparankundram, Panneerselvam, distributing copies of Jayalalithaa's appeal, said people overwhelmingly supported the AIADMK chief and "because of Amma's influence, DMK's (poll) camps are going empty." Listing the welfare schemes, he said a whopping Rs 68,211 crore was set apart for welfare schemes and subsidies alone in the State's tax free budget. "All over India, no other government has allocated so much funds for the people (their welfare)," he claimed. A total of 1.91 crore families get 20 kg rice for free ensuring food security in Tamil Nadu. Annually, 1.67 crore women and 1.65 crore men get free sarees or dhotis, he said. Panneerselvam, now incharge of portfolios previously held by Jayalalithaa, spoke on the 8 gram free gold for women beneficiaries under 'Thallikku Thangam (Mangalsutra) scheme, saying in the past five years, 7,72,643 women have benefited. Besides Panneerselvam, all ministers and senior functionaries are actively campaigning in the constituencies. In her appeal, the AIADMK supremo had also said "I have taken rebirth because of your prayers and worship. I would like to share this happy with you in the first place." Stating that she does not have any grievances in view of people's "great love" for her, she said, "by God's grace, very soon, by recovering fully, I am waiting to resume work." DMK's campaign is steered by party top leader M K Stalin, who is targeting the ruling party on every issue, including Cauvery and does not fail to hurl the "this government is non-functional and is not bothered about the travails of the people," taunt every time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CHEYENNE, Wyo. Divers unsuccessfully searched a pond Wednesday on the outskirts of Cheyenne for the body of a missing 13-month old boy, authorities said. The effort followed an exhaustive police search of a landfill in northern Colorado that concluded last week with no sign of the remains of Silas Anthony Ojeda. Detectives had developed leads in the past few days that prompted them to bring cadaver-sniffing dogs to the pond on the campus of Laramie County Community College, Lt. Don Hollingshead of the Laramie County Sheriff's Office said. Divers also searched the waters of the pond. Hollingshead said the dogs had alerted to the presence of human remains at a spot at the pond's shore and also at a nearby manure pile. Detectives used earth-moving equipment on Wednesday to spread the manure and search the pile but found nothing. Logan Hunter Rogers, 23, of Cheyenne, faces charges involuntary manslaughter and child endangering with a controlled substance in the death of the boy in Cheyenne. Rogers is scheduled for arraignment Friday in district court. Rogers was the boyfriend of Ojeda's mother, Rhiannon Ojeda, according to law enforcement statements filed in court. Rogers told investigators that the boy had died after falling from a counter at home in late October and that Rogers had put his body in a trash container at the community college, investigators stated. The child endangering charge against Rogers alleged the boy was with Rogers at a house where people were smoking methamphetamine and the boy showed signs of exposure. Rogers denied he smoked the drug near the child, according to a detective's statement. Trash from the community college is trucked to a landfill near Ault, Colorado. Authorities searched for Ojeda's body at the landfill for more than a week before halting the effort late last week. The search at the pond was difficult for three members of a Cheyenne-area dive team, with two members in the water and the third serving as a spotter on the shore. "The visibility is zero, and they're on their bellies, arm-in-arm, kind of going across the bottom of the muck," Hollingshead said. Investigators will continue to search for Silas' body as long as they receive information they believe would lead them to it, Hollingshead said. German author Roswitha Joshi uses domestic as well as professional fronts of an Indo-German journalist couple as canvas to paint a picture of present-day India, highlighting issues ranging from child labour, role of media to marital rape in her new book. "Trapped in Want And Wonder" is a bi-cultural love story, in the course of which both Dev and Dora become not only passionate lovers but professional rivals as well. The novel, published by Leadstart, was born in two stages. Delhi-based Joshi's original intention was to write the novel focused solely on child labour, as, according to her, she had, many a times, the dubious distinction of observing it at close quarters, and that in unexpected ways. "Each time, however, others dismissed my interpretation of what I had seen as smelling a rat where none existed. In other words: it was played down as harmless. I realised there were numerous perspectives and all of them embedded in a foggy grey area, which I felt like shedding light on," she says. "After I had finished about half the novel my focus shifted to the electronic media, and what I saw and heard there shocked me out of my wits. "The shouting matches that showed off anchors as powerful actors or tools in invisible hands, the lack of civility, the denial of genuine, open-minded discussions, the obvious technical and financial manipulations, the tearing down of reputations etc. My thinking tools started to work overtime to figure out what could lie behind the 'show'," Joshi told PTI. The challenge before her then was to weave an exciting fabric out of both strands. "Since the frame of the novel is an Indo-German love story, I mixed a heavy dose of passion, including the possibility of marital rape, into the cocktail. Joshi says the characters are not autobiographical but possess character traits which one could term typical German or typical Indian. "They live together, love and fight, but neither hide behind a mask nor give up their own identity for the sake of 'peace'. He tries to dominate, she does not submit to it. So, there is never a dull moment, but lots of fireworks," she says. The novel is written in a satirical style and Joshi says humour is a key part of her writing. "Humour is very important to me and I use plenty of it even while dealing with serious issues. There is a German saying: 'Humour is when you laugh in spite of what happens'. "I am also keen to entertain while engaging my readers' mind in topical issues, so that he or she does not turn the pages because he or she has paid for them, but feels excited about their content," she says. She believes in clarity of thought and style in her writing and does not like convoluted back and forth narratives that confuse one's mind and obfuscate the matter. Joshi, who has also written "Life is Peculiar", "On the Rocks and Other Stories", "Once More!", "Fool's Paradise" and "Indian Dreams", says she will continue to explore the chaos associated with Indian society. "I have done it and will continue to do so. The 'creative chaos' that is India has, indeed, inspired and spiced up all my books including 'Trapped in Want and Wonder'. While 'want' stands for need and greed 'wonder' stands for amazement. Both lead to a very heady cocktail that will make you think, laugh and frown in equal measure," she says. Delhi Chief Minister and national convener of Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal is coming on two-day visit to Gujarat tomorrow, his fifth in last few months. "Kejriwal will arrive at Ahmedabad airport tomorrow and straight away go to Mahuva town in Bhavnagar district. On Friday, he will inaugurate a special ward and an operation theater of Sadbhavna Trust (hospital) run by AAP leader Kanu Kalsaria," AAP's Gujarat in-charge Gulab Singh Yadav said today. After attending the programme at Mahuva on Friday, Kejriwal will return to Ahmedabad and fly back to Delhi, Yadav added. Kejriwal has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the surgical strikes by Army in PoK were announced, and recently in the wake of demonetisation of high-value denominations and resultant inconvenience caused to people. This will be Kejriwal's fifth visit to Modi's home state in last few months, which will go to polls by end of next year. On July 9, Kejriwal had visited Somnath and other places to launch AAP's campaign for the polls. He visited Una town on July 22 in the wake of the assault on dalits allegedly by cow vigilantes and met family members of the victims. The Delhi CM had also visited Gujarat in August to pay homage to head of Swaminaryan sect Pramukhswami Maharajah, who died at the age of 95. In his latest visit in October, Kejriwal had spent four days in Gujarat, during which he met relatives of Patel youths who were killed last year when the quota agitation was at its peak. He had also addressed a huge rally in Surat in South Gujarat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian automobile can contribute over 12% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and generate around 6.5 crore additional jobs over the next decade, a top India official said on Wednesday. "Our vision is that over the next decade, the Indian automobile sector must contribute in excess of 12% of the country's GDP. We (auto industry) want to create nearly 65 million additional jobs by 2026," India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kenichi Ayukawa on Wednesday said at an event in New Delhi. Currently, the automobile is contributing 7.1% to the GDP of India and around 3.2 crore people are employed directly and indirectly by the sector, he added. Ayukawa said in the last ten years, the total investment by the automobile in the country has been to the tune of $35 billion. "Our responsibility towards the communities where we are operating also increases. It's our duty to develop a sustainable, mutually beneficial and inclusive socio-economic ecosystem," he said. He added that in order to grow the industry, we will have to focus on areas like congestion, air pollution, global warming and road accidents. "Our aim is to be among the top three global automobile markets. This will only happen if we create safe, efficient and environment-friendly vehicles," Ayukawa said. Seeking more focus of the government on licensing norms and enforcement of road safety rules in the country, he added that such initiatives would help to achieve a more purposeful impact on the society. "Without robust licensing norms and enforcement, efforts of the industry in driving training falls short," Ayukawa said. He added that long before the new Act asked corporates to invest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), many of its members had been already engaged in various CSR initiatives. "We have been specially focused in the fields of village development, skill training, safeguarding the environment and road safety. Now the time has come when we all get together as one entity to draft and implement an 'Industry Social Responsibility Plan' so that we can have a bigger positive impact," he said. Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse the tension" between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz has said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference on Afganistan in December, asserting that the trip could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse" Indo-Pak tension. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's "blunder" where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, the report said. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With about Rs 4 lakh crore coming into the banking system within a week after demonetisation, Moody's Investors Service today cautioned that banks' deposit base will witness a "sharp decline" as and when the current restriction on cash withdrawals eases. In a major assault on black money, counterfeit notes and terror financing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and asked holders of such bills to deposit them in banks. Moody's said the trend of significant inflows will continue for the next 3-4 weeks. "But, as cash availability increases and the current restrictions on cash withdrawals are lifted, sharp declines in the deposit base will occur in the near future," Moody's said. Once this volatility subsides and stability is achieved, possibly around three months from now, we estimate that bank deposits will increase by around 1-2 per cent compared to what they would have been before the demonetisation scheme, it added. In order to ensure sufficient cash availability in the system, people have been allowed to withdraw only Rs 24,000 in a week through cheque. Besides, the daily withdrawal limit from the recalibrated ATMs stands at Rs 2,500. Moody's said the expectation of a relatively low level of increase is based on the assumption that the role of cash - as a medium of transaction - will not change materially in the near term in India's economy. "However, as the cash intensity of the economy reduces over the medium term, driven by a combination of the informal economy coming into the ambit of the formal one and a higher proportion of cashless payments, bank deposit levels may benefit in a more meaningful fashion," Moody's said. According to official estimates, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes account for around 86 per cent of the existing currency in circulation and around 9.5 per cent of GDP. Of the Rs 14 lakh crore of high-denomination notes, an estimated Rs 4 lakh crore has come into the banking system since November 8. The withdrawal of these high-value notes may provide a strong impetus to greater use of the formal financial system -- the banking system -- for the intermediation of commercial transactions, especially in the retail segment, Moody's said. The government move has meant that a large proportion of the population will have to access banking channels at least once, so as to convert their existing holdings into the new legal tender. Moody's said studies have shown that first-time users tend to keep using the banking system once they initiate the process. Therefore, we expect a material proportion of the first-time/very infrequent users to become more sticky customers of the banks. "This development should also benefit the banking system in the form of a higher level of low-cost deposit," it said. Moody's said retail payments systems will be a clear beneficiary of the demonetisation move as people may see these channels being much more convenient compared to the hassle they may experience in transitioning to the new denomination notes. There has been a sustained significant growth in cashless payment transactions in India over the last few years. In addition, on the supply side, both banks and new generation players such as e-wallet providers have been very focused on developing this segment. Thus, in an already favourable ecosystem for retail payment systems, this development may act as a further stimulus, Moody's said. The micro-finance segments would be impacted significantly during the transition from the old notes to the new ones as transactions in this segment are predominantly cash based, it said. However, once the transition is complete, asset quality may stabilise. The broader asset quality of the banking system would be impacted if economic conditions remain affected beyond the transition period, Moody's added. US President-elect Donald Trump's newly named chief strategist Steve Bannon once described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's victory in the 2014 elections as part of a "global revolt" against the prevailing system. "I think you're going to see it in Latin America, I think you're going to see it in Asia, I think you've already seen it in India," Bannon told a small Vatican audience via skype in the summer of 2014. "Modi's great victory was very much based on these Reaganesque principles, so I think this is a global revolt, and we are very fortunate and proud to be the site that is reporting that throughout the world," he said, according to the transcripts of his Skype address released by Buzzfeed. Bannon said there is global reaction to centralised government. "Whether that government is in Beijing or that government is in Washington or that government is in Brussels. So we are the platform for the voice of that," he said. "I'm not justifying Vladimir Putin and the kleptocracy that he represents, because he eventually is the state capitalist of kleptocracy. However, we the Judeo-Christian West really have to look at what he's talking about as far as traditionalism goes - particularly the sense of where it supports the underpinnings of nationalism - and I happen to think that the individual sovereignty of a country is a good thing and a strong thing," he had said. "I think strong countries and strong nationalist movements in countries make strong neighbors, and that is really the building blocks that built Western Europe and the US, and I think it's what can see us forward," he added. He had described Putin as an interesting character. "He's also very, very, very intelligent. I can see this in the US where he's playing very strongly to social conservatives about his message about more traditional values, so I think it's something that we have to be very much on guard of," he said. Responding to a question, he had advocated a very aggressive stance against radical Islam. "I realize there are other aspects that are not as militant and not as aggressive and that's fine," he had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Opposition parties on Wednesday alleged selective leak of information on of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes to 'friends of BJP' and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs one crore since April. Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the November 8 decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Anand Sharma (Cong) used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man. He asked the Prime Minister to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Alleging that the information on was selectively leaked, he said, "your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the November 8 decision)." As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns. Supporting her, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said since Lok Sabha has adjourned for the day, Modi should hear out at least the major parties. Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India - the country's largest lender - knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of move to withdraw 500 and 1000 rupee notes. He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... You never kept secrecy (about the decision)," Sharma said. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move had unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight blackmoney created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs 2,000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "shed colour" was brought. "Your government is insensitive," he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding blackmoney. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in queue for his Rs 4,000-4,500, blackmoney holders and scamster," he said. Referring to Modi's statement in Goa last week that certain forces were out to eliminate him, the Congress leader asked him to name the conspirators wanting to eliminate Prime Minister of India. Congress will not tolerate anyone planning to harm the Prime Minister of the country, he said. Taking a dig at the Modi, he said someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become Prime Minister and travels around the globe was "calling himself a sanyasi and tapasvi". Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5,000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86% of the currency in circulation blackmoney and "everyone a criminal," he said adding when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes. So banks and ATMs were shut on November 9 but the expectation of normalcy from next day was dashed with queues only getting longer by the day. The government policy was to "benefit those who are your friends and hurt those who question you," he said adding an atmosphere has been created in the country where questions cannot be asked and those doing so branded anti-nationals. "The magnanimous Prime Minister allowed Rs 4000 of old currency to be changed... What right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of one's hard-earned money," he asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He said former RBI Governor IG Patel had written about the government's decision to demonetise currency in 1978 and it would be absurd to think that all ill-gotten money is kept in cash and not invested in real estate, billion, equities or foreign exchange. Modi, Sharma said, had reasoned that withdrawal of the higher denomination currency to fight against blackmoney, terrorist funding and counterfeit currency. Congress is unequivocally opposed to blackmoney and opposes any force that prints counterfeit currency. Sharma said the government in one stroke took away 86.4% of the over Rs 16 lakh crore currency in circulation. "Did the government think that 86% of the currency in circulation was counterfeit or blackmoney," he asked. Stating that cash to GDP ratio of Indian economy was 12-14%, he said farmers, daily wagers and workers do not carry credit cards, cheque books or card swipe machines in their "dhotis or tahmeds". Moving towards cashless economy was fine but even the most developed economies of US or Europe have not achieved that objective yet. If they had, the US central bank would have stopped printing dollars, European central bank won't be printing Euros and UK central banks would have stopped printing pound sterling, he said. Stating that the government had in one stroke declared everyone a criminal, he said the government and Finance Minister have stated that terrorists would have benefited if advance information on the decision was given. "Which terrorist goes to RBI with sack full of counterfeit currency to change." After withdrawing 500 and 1000 rupee notes, restrictions were placed even on foreign tourists who could not get their currency changed. The Congress leader said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had informed Parliament in August that fake currency was 0.02% of the total currency in circulation. "If 0.02% by government admission is counterfeit currency, how can that be made the base to remove 86% of currency in circulation," he said. An undeclared emergency has put common people in grave inconvenience, he said while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is blackmoney, Prime Minister should answer if he considered money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees were also blackmoney. "This question arises because a message has gone that Indian economy was run on blackmoney... You decide but don't brand the whole country," he said, adding whether the cash the farmers gets for his crop or the one he uses to buy seeds or fertiliser was blackmoney. He said the move had rendered millions of agriculture workers and labourers unemployed. Across the country, ATM machines are not working even after more than a week of the demonetisation decision and queues at banks are only increasing, Sharma said, adding the BJP government has not lived up to its poll promise of creating 5 crore jobs as employment is on the rise. BSP leader Mayawati said the House should request the Prime Minister to be present and answer the members' concerns. It is "a very serious issue", she said, adding she has been observing Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, appears "sad". Her demand was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the PM must be present in the House to hear out the concerns of various parties. Earlier, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said he had received as many as 13 notices under rule 267 for suspension of business to take up discussion on inconvenience and hardships caused by demonetisation of currency. He said there was a general consensus for discussion and the government too was agreeable, so the list of business as notified stands completely suspended. Azad demanded that the PM should at least "hear out the feelings of six-seven main parties, otherwise there is a mismatch. The feelings of opposition members should be heard by PM. I demand that at least he hears them out and sit in the House at least today. We can wait for him to come." This was objected to by D P Tripathi (NCP), who said that as Leader of the Opposition he should not distinguish between the big and small parties. Ram Gopal Yadav (who was expelled from SP) joined Anand Sharma to allege that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam while demanding a thorough probe into it. "A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on November 5 about the new Rs 2000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said, alleging further that 10% of the people have 90% of wealth of the country and the remaining 90% do not have anything. The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, he said, adding that majority of women who saved money through household savings were upset with the move. "Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said. Demonetisation of high denomination currency has created big problems to common people and law and order situation is being created with police being deployed outside banks to control the queue. "Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. Yadav said the entire House was against corrupt and drug money, but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous. The Union Cabinet is likely to soon consider a proposal to completely ban foreign direct investment (FDI) in the tobacco sector. Government has been working on this proposal after tightening norms regarding pictorial warnings on cigarette packets. The Commerce and Industry Ministry has forwarded the final cabinet note for the Cabinet's consideration, sources told PTI. "Views of all the concerned ministries, including Health and Finance Ministry was included in the note," they said. Currently, FDI is permitted in technology collaboration in any form, including licensing for franchise, trademark, brand name and management contracts in the tobacco sector. However, it is prohibited in manufacturing of cigars, cigarettes of tobacco and tobacco substitutes. The proposal, if approved, may be a setback for domestic cigarette manufacturers. As per the proposal, the ministry has proposed to ban FDI in licensing for franchisee, trademark, brand name and management contracts in the sector, sources said. It would mean FDI would be totally banned in the tobacco segment in any form. The ban would also eliminate the possibility of indirect flow of overseas funds to the sector. The move also assumes significance as India is signatory o the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, under which the country has the responsibility of reducing consumption of tobacco products. Under new norms introduced by the government, tobacco products would have to carry larger pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of the packaging space. Cigarette manufacturers, including Godfrey Phillips, had raised serious concerns over this move. FDI into the country grew by 29 per cent to USD 40 billion in 2015-16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Cuba to boost ties as a breakthrough in the communist island's US relations hung in the balance following Donald Trump's presidential election win. After arriving at Havana airport yesterday, Trudeau headed straight to the city's iconic Revolution Square and laid a wreath, an AFP photographer saw. He was scheduled later to meet with Cuba's President Raul Castro, officials said. The two-day visit is the first stop on a tour that will also take Trudeau to Argentina and to Peru for the APEC Asia-Pacific trade summit. It comes 40 years after Trudeau's father Pierre Elliott Trudeau committed to a lifelong friendship with Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro during a similar visit. According to Trudeau's office, the goal is to "renew and strengthen" the bilateral relationship. The visit will also provide an opportunity to "collaborate more closely on sustainable economic growth, inclusive governance, security, climate change, and gender equality," a statement said. Trump, who won the US presidential election a week ago, has sent mixed messages about the thaw in US-Cuba relations which was started two years ago by current US President Barack Obama. Trump gave it a lukewarm welcome at first, before vowing to reverse the new policies unless Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Because Obama used executive authority to enact the rapprochement, Trump could change course just as easily to reinstate financial, trade and travel restrictions. While observers note that Cuba will probably not be a priority for Trump, it remains unclear how he would view a Trudeau-Castro photo opportunity. The visit is primarily "symbolic," John Kirk, a politics professor and Cuba expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told AFP. Ottawa also remained steadfastly opposed to the American trade embargo on Cuba, which has not been revoked by Congress. Officially, no meeting is planned with Fidel Castro, but "there's a chance" they will see each other, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, Julio Garmendia Pena, told Canadian media. The visit is the first by a Canadian leader to Cuba since Jean Chretien in 1998. Over the past decade, bilateral ties reached a historic low with former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper often siding with Washington in seeking to isolate Cuba on the international scene. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Agriculture will play an oversized role in determining whether America successfully responds to climate change, a former Cargill CEO told farmers gathered Tuesday in Billings. Speaking during the annual Montana Farm Bureau Federation convention, Greg Page said that U.S. farmers will have multiple roles in a world challenged by climate change. The former Cargill CEO and North Dakota native relayed the conclusions of Risky Business, a report on the economic risks of climate change. The report was commissioned by a group of business and former government leaders from a wide range of fields. Participants included former Bush Administration Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Page and also former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, to name a few. Among the cautionary notes for agriculture, the report cautioned that farm yields could drop 70 percent because of extreme heat as weather in the Midwest and South warms and dries out. Northern tier states like Montana and North Dakota, on the other hand, will likely receive more rain and have more days between the final frost of spring and the first freeze of fall, Page said. But the point of the report wasnt to forecast weather. Rather, it was to get businesses thinking about managing risk. Most of what weve read historically about climate change is from a meteorological or scientific standpoint and they wanted to measure it from a risk management position, Page said of the study. Farmers are a pretty conservative group. Many deny the science suggesting that man has a role in climate change, or that a U.S. response to curb greenhouse gasses can make a difference. But farmers cannot deny that the low temperatures are warming and that growing conditions are changing, Page said. The year 2016 is on track to be the warmest year on record, as was 2015. In North Dakota, farmers are growing more crop varieties now than they could have 40 years ago, Page said. In the Northern tier, farmers need to be thinking about managing more moisture, as well as weather extremes. As growing conditions globally fluctuate, trade terms are going to become more important for moving the global food supply, Page said. Farmers are going to have to become better trade advocates. And the United States is going to have to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change, Page said, and hope other nations follow Americas lead. Reducing those emissions will mean using more bio fuel, Page said, increasing the demand for farm products. The Montana Farm Bureau Audience was cautious. State Sen. Taylor Brown, R-Huntley, said farmers worry about costly regulations that later might not stick. In the 1970s the federal government promoted coal energy out of fear of a natural gas shortage, Brown said. Now, coal is on its way out. Im talking about policy, like clean energy taxes. The taxes are put on us to force us to do something thats not profitable, Brown said, while also raising U.S. policy support for biotechnology. Page said it was important that farmers be engaged in discussions about climate change policy and that the policy created not pick winners and losers. But the farm voice is needed, Page said, to keep expectations reasonable. One of the things they wanted to do at first when I got there, it was implicit in what they said that they wanted to get rid of all the tractors that were more than 27 years old, Page said, drawing laughs. Hey, have mercy on me. I went to these meetings. The crunch in banks and ATMs is expected to continue for at least one more week, according to an intelligence report which attributed the unprecedented situation to a huge gap in demand and supply of currency notes. Based on a report prepared by the intelligence agencies, Home Ministry officials said there has not been enough money in circulation. People are hoarding smaller denomination and not spending Rs 100 notes which they are getting either after exchanging the defunct Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 currency notes or from the ATMs, they said. Due to huge gap in demand and supply of currency, the shortage will continue for at least one more week, officials said. The new notes of Rs 100 and Rs 500 are not in circulation in enough numbers, leading to the inconvenience faced by the people. The problem is acute in Delhi and a few major urban centres as not enough ATMs are working and refill remains very slow. Unless the ATMs are operationalised as early as possible, the long queues outside the banks will continue, the officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes ceased to be legal tender and asked people possessing such notes to deposit or exchange the same with banks. He had said new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes would be introduced with different colour and design. However, to dispense these new notes, the ATMs need to be recalibrated. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday that it will take up to three weeks for all two lakh ATMs in the country to be recalibrated. As many as 34 students of a government-run upper primary school in Odisha's Kendrapara district were hospitalised today after consuming curry containing dead caterpillars during their midday meal. The incident took place at Arteswar upper primary school in Jagannathpur village and the food was thrown away after one of the students found the dead insects in the curry. "The food was thrown away in the backyard of the school," said its headmistress Jayanti Panda. Soon after the meal the students began vomiting and complained of loose motion. They were admitted to Derabish community health centre and later shifted to Kendrapara district headquarters hospital, said school officials. Majority of the students admitted at the hospital later recovered and were discharged. "However, we have kept three children under medical observation. Intake of contaminated food resulted in their sickness," said Chief District Medical Officer, Niranjan Swain. He said the children fell sick due to food poisoning. "The food served to the students was either stale or unfit for human consumption," Swain said. "Officials are making on-the-spot investigation of the incident. Those found responsible for serving substandard contaminated food will be taken to task," said district education officer Sangram Sahoo. Implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in schools in Kendrapara in the absence of requisite staff has thrown up challenges for the teachers. The teachers either remain busy in preparing the meal or managing the children waiting anxiously for the food. Some schools spend more money on transportation and fail to provide vegetables to the students. In many areas local people accuse teachers of pilfering rice and money meant for the scheme. "Since a meagre amount is being paid to the cooks, teachers in many schools often have to try their hand at culinary skills. One can imagine the scenario in single teacher schools. There are nearly 75 such schools in the district," said a teacher. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Competition Commission has dismissed allegations of anti-competitive ways made against chairpersons of jewellery-maker Joyalukkas India and realty firm Puravankara Project as well as three other individuals. The complaint, filed by a property dealer, has been dismissed with the fair trade regulator concluding that the allegations related to a "personal money dispute" and does not raise any competition concerns. The allegations were made against five individuals (opposite parties) -- Joyalukkas India chairman Joy Alukkas, business partner Jolly Joy Alukkas, Puravankara Project Pvt Ltd chairman Ravi Puravankara, its general manager Renjith Thomas and realty firm Link India Homes' director Josekuttan. Among others, it was alleged that the complainant was not paid the commission with regard to sale of 16 acres of land at a place in Ernakulam, Kerala. Rejecting the complaint, Competition Commission of India (CCI) said the allegations "relate to a personal money dispute" and as such do not raise any competition concern. "Further, it is observed that nothing is stated in the information or available in the public domain which can disclose that there exists an agreement amongst the OPs (opposite parties) which can be considered as anticompetitive in terms of Section 3 of the Act," the regulator said in a recent order. Section 3 pertains to anti-competitive agreements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre today said it cannot provide additional wheat and rice to Kerala under the food law, asking the state government to buy grain via FCI's Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) or at economic cost for supply to non-priority households. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today met Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to apprise him about the implementation of National Food Security Act in the state and to make demand for more foodgrains. "Kerala government has demanded additional foodgrains for the non-priority households. As per the provisions of the food law, we cannot provide grains for non-priority households," Paswan told PTI. "We have suggested to the state government to buy foodgrains from us at an economic cost or through OMSS," he added. Paswan said the Centre has allocated 14.25 lakh tonnes of foodgrains annually to Kerala under the food law. In Kerala, as many as 1.54 crore people are covered under this legislation but the state government wants more grain for 1.87 crore people under the non-priority households and about 40-50 lakh of migrant labourers, a senior food ministry official said. Kerala government wants to supply at least 3 kg per person per month to non-priority households, the official said. The state government seems to be interested in purchasing foodgrains under the OMSS, the official said, adding that the rates under OMSS are lower by Rs 5-7 per kg than economic cost, which is total expenditure incurred by the Centre to procure wheat and rice from farmers. Under this scheme, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) releases wheat and rice at predetermined prices in the open market from time to time to enhance supply especially during the lean season to moderate the open market prices. FCI undertakes sale of wheat and rice to bulk consumers/ private traders through e-auction. The state governments and Union Territories are also allowed to participate in the e-auction, if they require wheat and rice outside public distribution system and other welfare schemes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nations, businesses and Washington's top diplomat urged President-elect on Wednesday not to withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris Agreement and its commitments to preserve Earth for future generations. US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined the perils that await the world if leaders drag their feet on cutting planet-warming greenhouse gases, while poor nations and small-island states highlighted their own vulnerability to the predicted climate catastrophe. "At some point even the strongest sceptic has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening," Kerry said at a UN climate conference in Marrakesh, just a week after Trump's election to the White House. Before his election, the business tycoon called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming. The Marrakesh meeting has started to draft a road-map for putting the agreement's goals into action, but many fear a Trump administration would destroy political momentum built up over years of tough negotiations, imperilling the very goals of the global pact. Kerry stressed on Wednesday that "climate change should not be a partisan issue". "No one has the right to make decisions affecting billions of people based solely on ideology without proper input," he added. Major companies joined the chorus, calling for "continuation of low-carbon policies" and investment in a low-carbon economy. "We call on our elected US leaders to strongly support... continued US participation in the Paris Agreement," said an open letter signed by more than 360 companies and investors, mainly American, including a dozen Fortune 500 firms. The Paris pact sets the goal of limiting average global warming to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Countries, including the United States, have pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources. But Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal. "Time is not on our side," warned Kerry, who has made the fight against global warming a hallmark of his tenure. "The world is already changing at an increasingly alarming rate with increasingly alarming consequences," he added. Thoriq Ibrahim, environment minister of the Maldives, said the time for action was running out "especially for small island states whose very existence is threatened by powerful storms, poisoned oceans, and rising seas". A 70-year-old woman who is among China's "most-wanted" fugitives for alleged corruption has been arrested after the former senior official returned from the US after 13 years, the latest success for Beijing's anti-graft campaign. Yang Xiuzhu, who was former deputy director of the construction bureau of east China's Zhejiang Province, was arrested after her return home, said the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). She fled China in April 2003 following an investigation into her alleged involvement in embezzlement was launched, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC said. She was number one on China's top 100 fugitives, which were released in an Interpol "red notice", state-run Xinhua agency reported. Yang is the 37th Chinese to return so far. China has stepped up efforts to bring back hundreds of fugitives who left the country with large amount of money to escape prosecution. This was part of the anti-graft campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping in which over a million officials have been punished. Chinese police brought over 400fugitiveshiding abroad in countries in 61 countries in a campaign called "fox hunt". Official estimates say that the corrupt officials fled abroad over the years with over USD 126 billion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four battalions of the Assam Regiment, including two of the Arunachal Scouts, were today presented the colours by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dalbir Singh here during the Regiment' Platinum jubilee anniversary celebration. Singh, who also dedicated the expanded and renovated War Memorial to the Regiment, lauded the contribution made by different units of the Regiment in their services to the country. The War Memorial was built to remember 376 martyrs and was first inaugurated in 1953 by Assam Chief Minister Bishnuram Medhi. Governor V Shanmuganathan later unveiled the platinum jubilee plague and also released the third volume of the history book titled, 'The Indomitable Rhino Warriors of India's North-East - History Of The Assam Regiment', in presence of Lieutenant General Subrata Saha and Lieutenant General J R Mukherjee. The Regiment was primarily raised to quell enemy aggression and defend a crucial part of the eastern borders of India, Defence PRO Group Captain Amit Mahajan said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an objective to instill the sense of "giving back to society", over 500 corporate heads will converge at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for a conference to deliberate on topic 'business with a purpose', to be held tomorrow. The conference organised by 'Artha Forum' would focus on how to business entities can give back to the society by empowering others, organisers said in a press release here today. The keynote speakers will include ISKCON Spiritual Guru Radhanath Swami Maharaj, chairman of Piramal Group Ajay Piramal, and CEO of BSE Ashish Chauhan. 'Artha Forum' is an independent not-for-profit initiative founded by Rajeev Srivastava, CEO and managing partner of Basil Partners and late Dr Narendra Desai, chairman of Apar Industries. The event will also witness Book Launch 'Business with a Purpose' focussing on 'Earning with Integrity,' and 'Spending with Compassion' which is a philosophy of Artha Forum, the release added. Artha Forum has organised such conferences in the past at Silicon Valley, New Jersey, Seattle, London, Dubai and Singapore. Some of the speakers at previous such conferences include chairman of Ford Company, Alfred Ford, CEO of Future Group Kishore Biyani, US Senator Tulsi Gabbard among others, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police today claimed to have traced the auto driver who ferried Najeeb Ahmed from JNU the day he went missing, even as it raised the reward from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for anyone providing information that could help locate the missing student. The Delhi Police's Crime Branch team investigating the case said that the auto driver told them he had dropped Najeeb to Jamia Millia Islamia. "We have been able to trace the movement of Najeeb on October 15, the day he went missing. He took an auto from JNU and reached Jamia Millia Islamia campus. He had taken the auto himslef and wasn't accompanied by anyone," said a senior police officer. The police is now trying to find out whether Najeeb had any friend in Jamia whom he had gone to meet, sources said. The Crime Branch also spoke with Najeeb's family today and apprised them of the status of investigation. Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma approved the increase in the reward amount from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Initially, the reward amount was Rs 50,000 but later on, it was increased to Rs 1 lakh and subsequently to Rs 2 lakh last month. Verma today raised the amount to Rs 5 lakh, said a senior police officer. The team, which is investigating the matter, has started from scratch and is re-looking at all the clues and evidence, the officer said. Najeeb has gone missing on October 15 following an on- campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student following an instruction from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to the Delhi Police Commissioner. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, could not to gain any actionable clue in the matter. The SIT was focusing on psychiatric angle in the probe after it was learnt that Najeeb was suffering from OCD with depression. The team was also mulling to seek help of psychiatrists from AIIMS or RML to chalk out a plan for investigation. However, the Crime Branch is now investigating all probable angles rather than focusing on any one perspective, sources said. While the case was being investigated by the SIT, teams were sent to Darbhanga in Bihar and Nepal after they got leads hinting that Najeeb might be there, but they could not find him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Inaugurating a photo exhibition on the violence in north Kerala, the CPI(M) today attacked the RSS saying it was born out of and grew on the basis of violence and was an organisation that has grown on "lies and deceit". CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who inaugurated the exhibition organised by the Delhi state committee of CPI(M) against the "intense, militant mis propaganda" conducted by the RSS and the BJP across the country, said that the cult of violence was inherent with RSS. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also spoke on the occasion, compared the character of the Sangh Parivar with the Nazi-Fascist forces. He said the terror unleashed by the Sangh Parivar forces in Kerala was part and parcel of their "grand design to establish fascist hegemony" by converting India into a theological state that "wipes away" minorities and the marginalised sections. "From the exhibits (one can see) the cruelty with which our men were killed by RSS men... Notwithstanding that, they are campaigning across the country saying the CPI(M) and communists unleashed violence. But if you trace roots of the RSS, it born out of and grew on the basis of violence," Yechury said. The chief minister attacked the Congress and UDF and said that they were endorsing the RSS attacks on CPI(M) by their silence. "Six CPI(M) activists have been killed in last six months, over 200 were attacked and seriously injured. Apart from that, more than 80 houses and 35 party offices were vandalised. These are organised attacks and the Congress and the UDF has been endorsing these attacks with their betraying silence," he said. "This exhibition depicting the gruesome scenes created by the RSS assumes greater significance. It puts the record straight, corrects the misunderstanding and above all exposes the gory face and true nature of the bloodthirsty Sangh Parivar once again," Vijayan added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Whats the antidote for hateful slurs thrown around social media or on the streets of Montana? Strong people of good will uniting to say: Not in our town. That was the overwhelming response last weekend to a Facebook frenzy ignited by a downtown Billings businessman who had posted numerous offensive comments on his page and on a page for his not-yet-opened coffee shop. Larry Heafner insulted women, African Americans and Hillary Clinton voters in extremely vulgar, degrading and violent terms. He used words that are too offensive to print in a family newspaper. The backlash was swift. Heafners posts were shared by Facebook users, generating thousands of responses. It was an immediate grassroots refutation of hate, an affirmation that this community cares about all its residents. Lisa Harmon, executive director of the Downtown Billings Alliance, which promotes business, received hundreds of texts alerting her to posts from the partner in Coffee Tavern. It just cant be tolerated, Harmon said when interviewed Sunday by a Gazette reporter. I met with my staff yesterday (Saturday) and was in communication with my board and just trying to understand the situation. I think its a microcosm of whats happening in our world, said Eran Thompson, of Billings, a board member of the Montana Human Rights Network. Its very real, this anger and resentment toward people of color and women and people with disabilities. Since the Nov. 8 election Montanans have seen troubling signs of emboldened bigotry: Fliers asking for donations to the American Nazi Party appeared on some Missoula doorsteps the day after Donald Trump was elected. The fliers praised "the white working class" and disparaged Jews. In Polson, the Lake County GOP office was the target of vandalism with vulgar words and "Trump" spray painted on the building. On the other hand, In Helena, a group of about 200 Hillary Clinton supporters gathered peacefully Thursday at the state Capitol steps in Rally for Unity. Nationwide, demonstrations most peaceful, some not drew thousands of people who dont want Trump to be their president. Elsewhere, students shouted racist names at Hispanic, Muslim and African American classmates. Asked in a "60 Minutes" interview Sunday what he would say to his supporters who are lashing out against minorities, Trump replied: Stop it. Meanwhile, the president-elect named Stephen Bannon, a man associated with white supremacist promotion, to be his chief adviser in the White House. Theres much work to do in the Trump administration and in Billings. Millions of Americans are on edge after a long and bitterly divisive presidential campaign. Trump now has the challenge of being the president for all Americans including the majority who voted for Clinton. Heafner apologized for his Facebook posts. Thats a good start on repairing the damage done to our community. But apologies arent enough. His neighbors and potential future customers will be watching and listening to see if he's respectful of all Montanans through his actions in the future. We condemn Heafners words in the strongest way. They do not represent our community or what we value. More than 20 years ago, this town proudly proclaimed that hate doesnt have safe harbor in Billings. We must remember our unifying history and take action now. When you hear intolerance, stand up and say something. The most powerful ally of racism, misogyny and bigotry is silence. Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and three of his associates were sent to judicial custody after they refused to apply for bail following their arrest in connection with a protest, police said today. Mevani, who has emerged as the face of Dalit protest after the Una cow vigilante incident, and 19 others were arrested by the police for allegedly trying to block a busy road near the Gujarat University here last evening. They were arrested under IPC sections 143 (unlawful assembly) and 188 (disobeying orders of public servant), said inspector G S Bariya. "When we produced them before the court late last night, 16 of them agreed to take bail while Mevani, Subodh Parmar, Dixit Parmar and Rakesh Maheria refused to seek bail. So as per the court's order we sent them in judicial custody at Sabarmati Central Jail," said inspector Bariya. Mevani and other agitators from Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch had gathered outside the University demanding that the under-construction building of its law department be named after Dr B R Ambedkar. "To make their demand heard, protesters sat on dharna on road after removing their shirts. When they were produced before the court, Mevani and three others refused to take bail to register their protest against Gujarat Government," said their lawyer and a key member of city-based NGO Jan Sangharsh Manch, Shamshad Pathan. "Earlier the government had promised to hold a meeting with Dalit leaders on various issues including the Una Dalit flogging incident. As no such meeting has taken place yet, Mevani and three others decided not to seek bail to register their protest," added advocate Pathan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation from Georgia State University today visited the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and met the Mayor. The delegation, led by head associate professor in the department of political science Charles Hankla, during the discussion showed interest in the city's political history and it's heritage spots. The Mayor greeted them to the city and also led them through different parts of the historic KMC building. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 48-year-old man died today allegedly after he suffered heart attack while standing in line for over eight hours to exchange now-defunct notes for new ones even as banks and ATMs continued to be crowded by hassled Delhiites eight days after the demonetisation move. Saud Ur Rehman, a resident of Old Delhi, became unwell while standing at a queue outside a bank in Lal Kuan and was rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital where he died. "Rehman had been visiting bank for the last two days. He would reach the branch around 5 AM and wait for hours in queue, but by the time his turn would come, either the bank went out of cash or the counters closed. "Today also he was standing in the queue for a long. I got a call from him around 11.45 AM and he told me that he was feeling unwell. I immediately reached the spot. I took him to the hospital where he died around 1 PM. Doctors said he died because of the strain, lack of rest and proper food," a family member, Siraj Ahamad, claimed. Police, however, denied having received any such information. Dr J C Passey, medical director of the hospital refused the comment on the matter. Eight day since the demonetisation of high value currency notes, Delhiites' woes seem to have no end as they waited for cash in long queues at banks and ATM and struggled to pay for basic necessities. People's patience ran thin as the ATMs ran out of cash. "I waited for two hours in queue to withdraw Rs 2,500 and it (the ATM) ran out of cash when my turn was about to come. "ATMs don't have cash, banks have endless queues too. How do we manage? It is not frustrating to wait in line but not getting money even after that," said Rishika Bajaj, a TCS employee. The queues at Mother Dairy and other cooperative stores where old currency notes are being accepted till November 24 were also long and people were seen buying the products in bulk. At various hospitals in the city, patients and their family members faced inconvenience in buying medicines, food and availing transportation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and had said new currency notes will be introduced. Banks had been instructed to work extra hours and even over the weekend to deal with the massive rush. People are not only having a harrowing time withdrawing cash but also commuting by autos and rickshaws and paying for necessities like grocery and milk. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa government employees have demanded that their salary for the current month be paid in cash rather than be deposited in bank accounts, considering the difficulties faced to withdraw money. Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA), in a written communication to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, said "to make the withdrawl of money hassle-free the salary of all the government employees should be paid in cash". However, GGEA president John Nazareth welcomed the Centre's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. "Despite the problems faced by government employees, GGEA welcomes the move and wishes government success in the same, as we feel that the step taken is progressive and constructive in improving the economy of the country in longer run," he said. Nazareth said since Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has made it clear that it will take some time to streamline the situation, we request government to avoid the payment of salary through banks via ECS system and instead pay the salary in cash for the month of November or until the process of withdrawal of money through ATMs become hassle-free. "The request is made for payment of salary in cash as many government employees have reported that they have to stand in queue in the banks to withdraw their salary in parts which ultimately amounts to spending the time they would use in their offices to serve the public," he said. "The non-presence of government employees to serve the people may result in public outcry and criticism," GGEA added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The winter session of Rajya Sabha opened today with a united opposition mounting an assault on the government over demonetisation, saying it had led to "economic anarchy" in the country and alleged selective leak of the information before the announcement which should be probed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The government rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was "leakage" of the November 8 decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are "initial" problems. Joining ranks over the raging issue, parties like Congress, JD(U), RJD, SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, Left and AIADMK slammed the government, particularly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for making Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes invalid and said the "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" step had severely hit the common people, the farmers and the poor. During a discussion on demonetisation, which was taken up after suspension of all business in response to notices given by a host of opposition members, a scathing attack was made on the government which strongly defended the step as one taken in national interest and to end corruption and black money, which it linked to terror activities in the country. Alleging that the information had been leaked to BJP units and 'friends of BJP', a number of opposition parties demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into it. During the course of 7-hour debate which remained inconclusive, there were repeated demands by the opposition members that the Prime Minister should be present in the House to listen to the members. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi, who did not come to the Rajya Sabha today, should at least be present tomorrow and possibly intervene. Initiating the debate, Congress leader Anand Sharma used wit and humour to attack Modi, saying he was "insensitive" to problems caused to the common man. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move has unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said. "Your government is insensitive," he said, adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am to get currency to buy their daily needs. Questioning the government's contention that the step was taken to end the menace of black money, the former Union Minister said a bigger Rs 2000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "sheds colour". Sharma alleged that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked. "Your BJP units have deposited crores of rupees (just before the November 8 decision)," he said. He quoted some media reports to support his allegation, saying State Bank of India - the country's largest lender - knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of move to withdraw 500 and 1000 rupee notes. Among those who demanded a JPC probe were Congress' Pramod Tiwari, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. Congress is unequivocally opposed to black money and opposes any force that print counterfeit currency, Anand Sharma said while alleging that the government policy was to "benefit those who are your friends and hurt those who question you." He said the government, in one stroke, took away 86.4 per cent of the over Rs 16 lakh crore currency in circulation. "Did the government think that 86 per cent of the currency in circulation was counterfeit or blackmoney," he asked. He said an atmosphere has been created in the country where questions cannot be asked and those doing so are branded as anti-nationals. "The magnanimous Prime Minister allowed Rs 4000 of old currency to be changed... What right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of ones hard-earned money," the Congress leader asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... You never kept secrecy (about the decision)," the Congress leader said. He also wanted the Prime Minister to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally in Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding blackmoney. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in queue for his Rs 4000-4,500, blackmoney holders and scamster," he said. The Congress leader also referred to Modi's statement in Goa last week that certain forces were out to eliminate him and asked him to name the conspirators wanting to do so if the government has any such input. "Congress and this House will not tolerate anyone trying to harm the Prime Minister of the country," he said. He took a dig at Modi for calling himself a 'sanyasi' (saint) and 'tapasvi', saying he was someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become the Prime Minister and travels around the globe. Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about demonetisation was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86 per cent of the currency in circulation blackmoney and "everyone a criminal," he said adding when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes. So banks and ATMs were shut on November 9 but the expectation of normalcy from next day were dashed with queues only getting longer by the day. Power Minister Piyush Goyal, who spoke on behalf of the ruling side, rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was "leakage" of the decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are "initial" problems. "There is no politics in it. It is a step taken in national interest," he said, adding it will help the country in the long run. "If anyone has the strength to take on black money and corruption, it is the BJP government and Narendra Modi," the minister said. He claimed that common people are out in support of the government's move which is aimed against graft and terror and that the step will lead to curbing inflation and tax rate may come down. Goyal claimed that the country has welcomed this initiative of the Modi government and it is natural that some people who have black money and are indulging in corruption and blackmoney are worried about it. "There is no curb on honestly-earned money. So nobody should have a problem," he added. "Desh me imandaar ka samman hua hai aur be-imaan ka nuksaan hua hai, (The honest have been honoured and the dishonest have faced losses)," he said. "I am confident that public is understanding the initial problems because the decision was kept a secret. No honest tax-payer will lose a single rupee. The loss will be of those who have amassed wealth through corruption and black money and the public should also support the government in the move," he said. Goyal said some pain and difficulty in the implementation of such a decision is inevitable but despite that the people have strongly supported the move. He urged all the parties to support the move so that the House gives a message to the country that all are against corruption and black money. To Sharma's charge that those questioning the government are labelled as anti-national, he said, "Understandably if someone opposes it (demonetisation), questions will be raised on whether they are against ending the menace of corruption and black money in the country." Taking a dig at the opposition, he said, "We thought all political parties will support us in Parliament. But for some reasons they have opposed the move. It seems they are worried due to the large public favouring it and supporting the government despite the problems being faced by them." Goyal also said BJP has already put out its poll expenses on the website and after this step all will think before indulging in corruption and black marketing. Responding to issues raised by the opposition, he said some people have been saying that seven or ten days' time should have been given. "Secrecy is most important for such a step," he added. Listing the benefits of the move, Goyal said interest rates will come down, inflation would be curbed and even the tax rate will come down. "If 5 people don't pay tax, the brunt is borne by the rest of 95 percent people. And if taxes are paid, there will be more money with the Centre to carry out welfare works for farmers, women, SC and ST sections," he added. With regard to allegations that the move has been timed to benefit BJP in the UP elections, he said such a statement itself implies that people support this step. To demands that the government should declare the names of people who have Swiss Bank accounts, Goyal said such a step will make it difficult for government to obtain more information about such accounts. But some people want the government to make the error of declaring these names and then it will have difficulty in getting this information, he claimed. Sharma said an "undeclared emergency" has put common people to grave inconvenience while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is black money. The Prime Minister should answer if he considers money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees was also blackmoney, the Congress leader questioned. Ram Gopal Yadav, who was expelled from SP but spoke on behalf of the paryt, joined Anand Sharma in alleging that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam. He sought a JPC probe. "A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on November 5 about the new Rs 2000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said. The government decision has led to lot of hardships in the villages and the villagers have stopped buying normal things like toothpaste and hair oil, he said. The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, said Yadav, a leader of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. "Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. "Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said. Yadav said the entire House was against corrupt and drug money but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous. On the Prime Minister's remarks that he might be killed because of his move, Yadav said there should be a probe to find out who these people are and precaution should be taken. He said it should also be probed if the statement was made only for political motive. AIADMK leader Navneet Krishna said the RBI and the government have failed the rural people with this move which has threatened the saving habit of people. JD(U) Sharad Yadav, while seeking a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said the sudden move was akin to "jumping out of a moving train". He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written off today by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said the Prime Minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues. Yadav also took a dig at Arun Jaitley, saying he was sure that the Finance Minister was not part of the decision making on demonetisation, because if he had been, Jaitley would have tipped him off. This remark left most members including Jaitley laughing. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said of the 130 crore population in the country, only 2.6 crore have credit cards. He took a dig at Modi and narrated the infamous quote of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French revolution who had said that people can eat cakes when they don't have bread. "We have Modi Antoinette who says 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'". (Reopen PAR21) Launching a scathing attack on government's move, Pramod Tiwari (Cong) compared the Prime Minister to mythological demon Bhasmasur, the mythological demon who had the power to burn and turn into ashes anyone whose head he touched with his hand. "This move by government will impact rabi crops, wheat and potatoes, and have left farmers in distress," he added. Tiwari said Modi had compared the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 to scrap, which is wrong as the promisory note mentions that the government 'promises' to pay the owner that much amount. To this, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Modi had only said that these denomination notes will be scrap for the corrupt people. Tiwari compared Modi to dictators Muammar Gaddafi, Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, which drew sharp criticism from the BJP benches with Naqvi and Ravi Shankar Prasad asking the Chair to expunge the remarks. But Tiwari stood his ground. Tiwari claimed that the government has taken this step to help its industrialist friends. He demanded that a Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed to probe the issue. Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the exercise to take out Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes is "temporary pain for long term gain". "Prime Minister wants a behavioural change in the country... This is a war on corruption and black money and you (Opposition) have to decide which side you are on," he added. Listing the efforts made by the NDA government to weed out corruption and black money, the Union Urban Development Minister said that in its first cabinet meeting the government has cleared the proposal to set up a special investigative team on black money. "We fought the elections in 2014 on corruptions and scams. People expected us to take a clear cut stand," he said. Attacking the Opposition, the Minister said he expected an enlightened debate in the House. Stating that government is following all the developments in the issue, he informed that the Prime Minister is holding review meeting everyday and the Finance Minister is closely monitoring the situation. Naidu said that according to information on the internet, the parallel economy in India is 22.2 per cent of country's total economy, while it is 8 per cent for the US. After Naidu's speech, Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said that the discussion is not over and will continue tomorrow from 2 PM. To this, some members said the debate is very important and it should start from 11 AM by suspending the Zero Hour and the Question Hour. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the discussion is under Rule 267, which means all business has to suspended. Kurien replied that the rule was applicable for today and if it has to be put for tomorrow's discussion, then a motion has to be moved tomorrow at the appropriate time. Azad also demanded that the Prime Minister should also be present in the House during the discussion. Kurien adjourned the House for the day saying discussion will be done at 2 PM unless Members move a motion. The demonetisation move of Narendra Modi government at Centre is causing difficulty on the part of Kolkata Municipal Corporation to maintain it's civic services, city Mayor Sovan Chatterjee said today. "We are having difficulty in cash payment to contractors for maintaining drainage, roads repair and car parking services," Chatterjee told reporters at the KMC headquarters here. The senior Trinamool Congress leader, who is also the state Fire Services minister, said the 'attack on the common man' due to the sudden banning of Rs 500/1000 currency and cash crunch was more severe than the British era. He said as part of the effort to be on the side of publlic, the Corporation decided to accept property tax in the denomination of Rs 500/1000 currencies from public till November 24. The KMC got Rs 25 crore through property tax payments in past few days, Chatterjee said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi government's special drive against public drinking has been affected as the city police has diverted a part of its work force towards banks and ATMs which are witnessing huge crowd in the aftermath of the demonetisation drive. A senior government official said the Delhi Police has conveyed the Excise Department its inability to provide adequate numbers of its personnel as they have been diverted towards ATMs and banks for ensuring security. "In view of this, the drive has been affected in the last few days. Yesterday as well, it was significantly affected," the official said. As part of its drive against public drinking launched on November 7, the Excise Department had arrested 210 persons till Saturday for illegally consuming liquor at public places. The Delhi Police has deployed 12,000 of its personnel outside ATMs and banks to manage huge crowd gathering there to withdraw money and exchange demonetised notes. Besides, personnel of paramilitary forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have also been deployed outside banks and ATMs. On the first day of the drive, excise department had arrested 36 people for consuming liquor in public places while on second day, 41 were arrested. On the third day, 45 persons were arrested. The government has said it will enforce the Excise Act strictly under which consuming alcohol at public places attracts a fine of Rs 5,000, which can even go up to Rs 10,000, with a jail term of three months if the offender creates nuisance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 70-year-old woman died today while standing in a queue for exchanging demonetised banknotes outside a bank at Vuyyuru town in Krishna district, police said. K Vijayalakshmi was standing in line outside the State Bank of India for over an hour when she suddenly collapsed, said a sub-inspector attached to Vuyyuru Town police station. He said Vijayalaxmi wanted her old Rs 500 notes exchanged for new tenders. "She was immediately rushed to hospital, where she was declared dead before admission," the SI said, adding that exact cause of her death will be known after postmortem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 banknotes last Tuesday in a bid to weed out black money. However, the surprise move triggered scramble among people to either exchange the scrapped notes or to deposit/withdraw their money at bank counters. Cash-strapped people are queueing up in large numbers outside ATMs across the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several cash-strapped families demonstrated outside the District Magistrate's office here, demanding adequate money to prepare for the upcoming weddings of their kin in wake of the move. The protestors waved their wedding cards during the demonstration last evening, alleging that they were not able to withdraw cash from their bank accounts leading to "great problems" while making arrangements for the weddings. They submitted a memorandum to the DM and demanded that they be allowed to withdraw reasonable cash from their bank accounts for the ceremonies. Ashok Kumar, a parent, said he was facing shortage of cash for his daughter's marriage scheduled on November 24. The protest was led by one Rajender Singh whose daughter is set to get married on November 25. With Punjab Assembly today issuing directions to the state government against SYL canal, the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said with the "historic" move the "final burial" has been given to SYL canal. "Punjab Assembly today took historic decision and with this, final burial has been given to SYL canal," said Deputy CM while addressing media after the special session was concluded. The special session of the Punjab Assembly today unanimously passed two resolutions on the SYL issue, directing the state government not to "hand over land to any agency" and also "not to allow anyone to work for the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal." The second resolution said the State government should take up the matter with the Centre and neighbouring states for levying "cost and royalty" on the release of water. Yesterday the Punjab cabinet had announced to denotify the land acquired for the SYL project and return it to the "original owners" at no cost. Sukhbir said that the land has now been transferred to the rightful owners. "The assembly has given unanimous direction to the state government and officials and we are bound by this decision ... keeping that in view this (SYL) chapter is closed," he noted. Asked whether royalty to be charged on water has been worked out, Sukhbir said that the Finance department along with Irrigation department would calculate the figure of cost and royalty. "We will recover all the money from all the states concerned...," he added. Asked whether the neighbouring states will pay cost and royalty, Sukhbir said, "May be they pay the amount." Asked if Himachal Pradesh starts charging royalty for river water, Sukhbir said that Punjab was a riparian state and the river flow to the state is natural. "Moreover, the government of India in its recent policy has decided to give percentage of value of natural resources like mines, coal to respective states. And for us, the natural resource is water," he said while justifying the levying of cost and royalty on water released to neighbouring states. Asked about the legal position of the resolutions passed by the assembly, Sukhbir Badal said it is "more powerful" than the Bill. It was the legislature which makes and amends the Constitution. "Why we are elected if we cannot do anything," he questioned. The Deputy CM claimed that there was no stay of any court as far as SYL land is concerned. "Punjab government has denotified the land and the state government has transferred the land to owners. There is no stay," he said. "There is no stay of Supreme Court," he stressed claiming that the land was now with the farmers. Notably, the work on levelling the land and demolition of old canal structure was stopped in March this year following the Supreme Court's order of maintenance of status quo on land meant for SYL canal after Haryana raised the matter. Asked Haryana BJP leaders today met Punjab governor in connection with SYL issue, Sukhbir said, "let them dream and everyone has the right to dream." He said that the state Cabinet would meet President and would convey its decision on denotifying the land. "We will also request him not to accept the advice of SC on SYL matter," he added. A man with a history of violence and seven drunken driving convictions will spend eight years in federal prison for running over a woman who was walking with her fiance in a crosswalk in Lame Deer, killing her instantly. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters on Tuesday sentenced Joseph Curtis Morrison Jr., 53, of Lame Deer, to the statutory maximum as recommended by the prosecution. Morrison pleaded guilty on Aug. 1, the day his jury trial was to begin, to involuntary manslaughter as charged in an indictment. There was no plea agreement. Morrison faced a guideline range of about four years to five years. Prosecutors accused Morrison of driving recklessly on Aug. 27, 2015, in Lame Deer when he killed Daisy Ann Rowland, 49. Watters called the circumstances very egregious and that it was an understatement to say the victim died a violent and painful death. Rowland and her fiance, Lorenzo Grendahl, were minding their own business in the middle of the day when Morrison drove up onto a curb around vehicles at the intersection, struck Rowland, dragged her body and took off. You didnt even stop, Watters said. The judge noted that Morrison suffered and witnessed abuse as a child and has trouble organizing thoughts because of traumatic brain injury and alcohol. Those factors may explain the reason for Morrison being in court, but they were not an excuse, she said. Grendahl, and several family members told the judge at the sentencing hearing about how Rowlands death had affected their lives. I really loved my lady so much, Grendahl said. I did everything for her. I honored her, he said. Grendahl said he is in therapy to cope with the trauma of what he saw and heard. Im kind of shaken and everything, he said. I have a lot of anger toward you, said Stella Killsontop, Rowlands sister. You took something from our family, she added. Morrison apologized to the family. I still have trouble understanding what happened, he said. Morrison also said he didnt remember what happened but realizes he hit and killed Rowland. Thats something I have to live with the rest of my life, he said. Defense attorney Robert Kelleher Jr. recommended a guideline sentence saying Morrison felt remorse and suffers from traumatic brain trauma that makes him more vulnerable to alcoholism. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said Morrison was driving a Chevrolet Suburban when it left the road as he approached the intersection, went up onto the sidewalk around cars stopped at the stop sign and through the intersection. The vehicle hit Rowland and pulled her under, Sullivan said. Rowlands body was dislodged after the vehicle hit the curb. Morrison treated Rowland like roadkill, Sullivan said. Morrison left the scene, abandoned his vehicle and fled, he said. Morrison told a witness that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and had been awake for about a week, Sullivan said. Investigators got a search warrant for the vehicle and found a bottle of Black Velvet on the passenger-side floorboard and a wallet with identification cards from the Montana State Prison for Morrison. In urging the maximum sentence, Sullivan noted Morrisons extensive record of violence and substance abuse. Morrisons running over Rowland, Sullivan said, put a capstone on a lifetime of violence and drinking and driving. Between this offense and his criminal history, it is clear just how little he concerns himself with the well-being of others. Morrisons affinity for drinking and driving is long-running and deeply ingrained behavior that he has shown zero willingness to stop. Killing someone while doing so was simply a matter of time, Sullivan said. Among his violent actions, Morrison beat a man with a shovel handle while drunk in 1984, pulled a woman to the ground and kicked her in the face and arms and chest in 1992 and nearly beat a man to death in 1995, the prosecutor said. Morrison has four assault convictions, the prosecutor said. In addition, Morrison has seven total drunken driving convictions in state and tribal courts. Two weeks before killing Rowland, Morrison was arrested for felony drunken driving in Custer County after failing sobriety tests and smelling of alcohol, Sullivan said. Custer County ultimately decided not to bring charges, but the facts indicated that Morrison was drinking and driving just 17 days before he ran over Rowland, he said. The majority of Morrisons life has been spent in prison or on supervision and his alcohol and substance abuse problems go back to the 1980s, Sullivan continued. The prosecutor called Morrison an extreme danger to the community and said none of his previous convictions instilled any respect for the law. He was so obviously guilty of this offense but waited until literally the last minute to finally accept some responsibility, Sullivan said. American tourist Rhett arrived with his friends in Delhi on November 8 to "experience India" but instead he was left with a wad of obsolete domestic currency notes that disrupted his travel plans in the country. "We arrived here last Tuesday and got our dollars converted to Indian currency but later we realised that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were not being accepted. Our hotel did not accept the big notes, and neither did currency exchangers. We were left a harried lot," he told PTI. Rhett, who is leaving India in few days, says, "We had so many plans, but all got thwarted." "However, we gave away the big Indian notes at an Indian wedding that we attended," he said with a smile. Taking the nation by surprise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the night of November 8 announced demonetisation of high-value notes with effect from midnight, in what he said was a major assault on black money, fake currency and corruption. Scores of foreign tourists, who are in India, shared the problems they are facing in the wake of the major economic move that has left the country grappling with a cash crisis. Patricia Hames from Bristol, the UK, who is visiting Delhi for the first time along with her two sisters-in-law, is running short of cash, and finding it hard to get taxis or make purchases at shops. "We are making do with credit cards as much as we can. But, getting a small thing like a cup of coffee or buying a small decorative or handicraft item from a local market is becoming a hassle. "I know we can pay through cards at Starbucks and other jazzy shops, but we didn't come her to experience what we already have in England. We wanted to experience the raw India and plastic money is not the way to that," she rued. "Last time, I had come to Goa, and we had such a fabulous experience. We came this year to experience India, but this India has changed a lot," she said. Besides, accessing short-distance transport services, foreign tourists are also finding it hard to visit monuments, or withdraw money from the ATMs with the long queues becoming a major deterrent for them. Brazilian Octavio Franco who is travelling to India with his mother, says, "The 'cambistas' (money exchangers) are out of cash and queues at ATMs are very long. In our country, it is very easy to withdraw money but after this demonetisation move, it has caused a lot of problem for us." "We were in Agra recently, and we could not get proper currency to pay for the ticket fee for seeing Taj Mahal. So, after trying in vain with regular routes, we got our foreign notes exchanged through touts in the streets, suffering a bit of financial loss," Franco said. Several foreigners said though it was causing a lot of inconvenience to them, so many Indians, especially the poor citizens were suffering as well. "We see people everyday braving long queue at ATMs for hours and we are reading about the situation in banks, hospitals and railway stations," said Gwen Clark from London. She was visiting with her son John this afternoon to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan but had to be content seeing it from a distance at Raisina Hill as she was caught in the middle of a political protest march against the demonetisation move. Built as the Viceroy House, the Raj-era landmark attracts both domestic and foreign tourists in large numbers and is one of the most photographed heritage buildings in the city. Aziz Karim, an economist from Uzbekistan who had come to Delhi to attend a workshop, was left to fend for himself, as he ran from one currency exchanger to another to get his notes converted into viable domestic currency. "I came to India a few day ago for a workshop. Now, I am left with foreign currency and unacceptable Indian currency, it is getting very difficult to manage," he said. Even at airports, foreigners are finding it hard to get the currency converted to valid Indian rupees with many of them left stranded there. Several Afghan nationals who come to India seeking medical treatment are facing the heat of the cash crisis too. The Afghan Embassy has said it is trying to facilitate Afghan nationals to deal with problems arising out of the demonetisation. However, many foreign tourists praised their guides for helping them out and cooperating in the hour of crisis. "I came along with my girlfriend to India for the first time. It is getting very difficult but I am glad our guide is helping us cope with it," said Joe, who hails from London. A French couple, who came to India via Bhutan, also praised their guide, for helping them come to terms with the crisis. As per government guidelines, old defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are to be accepted as ticket fee for entry to ASI monuments till November 24. For 32 World Heritage Monuments, the ticket price for foreign nationals is Rs 500, while for other sites, the entry fee for them is Rs 200. For Taj Mahal, however, at present, a foreigner pays Rs 1,000 as entry fee with ASI and ADA (Agra Development Authority) bagging Rs 500 each. Google and Facebook has moved to cut off advertising revenue to fake sites, after a wave of criticism over the role misinformation played in the US presidential election. The move by the two tech giants aims to choke off funds to an industry fueled by bogus, often sensational "news" circulating online and seen as a potential influence on public opinion. A Google statement to AFP said new policies "will start prohibiting Google ads from being placed on misrepresentative content, just as we disallow misrepresentation in our ads policies." The shift will mean Google restricts ads "on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property," the statement said. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said the company receives billions of queries daily and admitted errors had been made. "There have been a couple of incidences where it has been pointed out and we didn't get it right. "And so it is a learning moment for us and we will definitely work to fix it," he said in a BBC interview. Pichai said there should be "no situation where fake gets distributed" and committed to making improvements. "I don't think we should debate it as much as work hard to make sure we drive to its more trusted sources, have more fact checking and make our algorithms work better, absolutely," he said. On Monday, internet users searching on Google were delivered a bogus report saying Republican Donald Trump had won the popular vote in addition to the electoral college. The numbers on a blog called 70News -- contradicting official results tallied so far by states -- said Trump received 62.9 million votes to 62.2 million for Hillary Clinton. The blog urged those petitioning for the electoral college to switch their votes to reflect popular will to scrap their effort. Facebook is implementing a similar policy, a spokesman said. "In accordance with the Audience Network Policy, we do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news," a Facebook statement said. "While implied, we have updated the policy to explicitly clarify that this applies to fake news." One report said Facebook had developed a tool to weed out fake news but did not deploy it before the US election, fearing a backlash from conservatives after a controversy over its handling of "trending topics." Facebook denied the report. Some critics have gone so far as to blame Facebook for enabling Trump's victory, saying it did not do enough to curb bogus news that appeared to help rally his supporters. Stories that went viral in the run-up to the vote included such headlines as "Hillary Clinton Calling for Civil War If Trump Is Elected" and "Pope Francis Shocks World, Endorses Donald Trump for President." The prevalence of fake news has prompted calls for Facebook to consider itself a "media" company rather than a neutral platform, a move which would require it to make editorial judgments on articles. Facebook executives have repeatedly rejected this idea, but since the election have pledged to work harder to filter out hoaxes and misinformation. In a weekend post, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg dismissed the notion that fake news helped sway the election, and said that "more than 99 percent of what people see is authentic." Still, he said that "we don't want any hoaxes on Facebook" and pledged to do more to curb fake news without censoring content. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The hardship arising out of demonetisation may continue for around a month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today, describing the move as the first step towards achieving economic and social freedom. Speaking at a rally here, Singh asked the people to bear with the difficulties for some time as it would usher in a bright future in the long run. "It wasn't a small decision. We admit that people will face hardships for at least a month but it will be beneficial in the long term. A few political parties are opposing it. But bear with it for some time. We will give you a bright future. "India has got political freedom but we need economic and social freedom. We want economic inequality to end. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is the first step towards that. It will help bring transparency in Indian politics," he said. At the 'Martyrs' Rally' organised by Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Rao Inderjit Singh, the Home Minister also hit out at Pakistan for betraying the trust India reposed in it after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. Singh didn't refer to the issue of 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) even once in his speech at the rally that was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar and several ministers of the Haryana government and MLAs. This assumed importance as Narendra Modi had promised to implement OROP from the similar venue before the 2014 Lok Sabha election, two days before he was declared BJP's prime ministerial candidate. Referring to the surgical strikes, Singh hailed the soldiers for proving that "hum idhar bhi maar sakte hain aur udhar bhi maar sakte hain" (We can kill them on either side of the border). He said that "terrorism is the weapon of the coward" and claimed that this government which "has a strong heart" has brought down extremism and Naxalism significantly over the last two years. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was supposed to address the rally but he couldn't come as he was unwell, Singh said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court today fixed November 22 as the next date of hearing on a petition challenging the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. Upon completion of arguments by Modi's counsel Satyapal Jain, Justice Vikram Nath directed petitioner Ajay Rai to reply to the contentions made on behalf of the respondent by the next date of hearing. During his arguments, which lasted for four days, Jain - a senior Supreme Court lawyer and BJP leader - prayed that the petition be "dismissed in limine, with exemplary costs, without being put on trial". Jain also claimed that the allegations made by the petitioner were "vague and cryptic" and that during the entire election process, there was no violation by Modi of any provision of Representation of the People Act. Rai, a Congress MLA from Pindra assembly segment in Uttar Pradesh, had fought the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi. He finished a distant third and ended up losing his deposit. The high-voltage electoral battle had turned out to be a virtually one-sided affair with Modi defeating his nearest rival, Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, by a margin of 3.71 lakh votes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A domestic help couple allegedly decamped with a licensed pistol, 10 live cartridges, jewellery and cash from an elderly NRI's house in north Delhi's Roop Nagar area when he was out of the city. Brijlal Jain keeps on travelling outside India and he had hired a Nepali couple to look after his house while he was away, said a senior police officer. The house helps allegedly entered his house and decamped with Rs 90,000, diamonds, gold jewellery and licensed pistol and 10 live cartridges, he said. Jain arrived in Delhi on November 9 and found out about the theft on November 14. "The house helps had left the quarters allotted to them by on October 27. He told us that he had got their police verification done but the file seems to have been missing from his house and he claims that they have also stolen the file containing their details. "Another Nepali servant, who used to work in the neighbourhood is also missing and it seems as if he also had an involvement in the matter," the officer said adding that investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Additional Director General of Police Himanshu Roy was today appointed as ADG (Establishment) in Maharashtra. A 1988-batch IPS officer, Roy was on waiting for a posting for the last few months. The Maharashtra government today issued orders of his new appointment. Roy has headed the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and also worked as the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The NIA has charged an alleged key Indian Mujahideen operative Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, who was arrested in Delhi in May this year, with channelizing funds from Pakistan into India via Dubai for conducting terror activities in the country. The probe agency made the submission in its charge sheet filed before Special Judge Rakesh Pandit. "During investigation, the role and involvement of the accused has been established as a channelizer of the funds received from IM operatives in Pakistan via Dubai for use by IM operatives based in India for conducting terror activities," the charge sheet said. It added that the money was also regularly sent to the IM operatives lodged in jails and their families besides its absconding activists. "Investigation has disclosed that the IM had extensively used Hawala channel for providing funds to its cadres in India," it said. The charge sheet said, "From the probe, it is established that accused, as a member of proscribed terrorist organisation IM, entered into criminal conspiracy along with other co-operatives for commission of terror acts against Indian government, with intent to threaten unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India and with intent to strike terror in people of India by causing death and injuries of people, and loss, damage and destruction of property." "The accused voluntarily and actively participated in the conspiracy and made efforts to wage terror activities with intent to support and strengthen the conspiracy hatched by IM operatives. "The accused assisted the terror activities by means of channelizing the requisite funds meant for survival of the IM operatives and for the procurement of material required for affecting destruction with intent to strike terror in India, by causing death/injuries to persons and cause loss/damage to the property," the final report said. 32-year-old Siddibapa, a resident of Bhatkal in Karnataka and a cousin of Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal, was held at the IGI Airport here on May 20 after he landed from Dubai. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier filed two charge sheets in the case against several other accused including Yasin Bhatkal. The final report also said that the accused was strongly radicalised and was of the "jihadi mind" as he used to support the subversive activities carried out by the IM operatives at different places in India. According to NIA's FIR lodged in September 2012, members of IM, in association with their sleeper cells based in the country and outside, were conspiring to commit terror acts by making preparations for targeting various important places in India, especially in Delhi, by causing bomb blasts with the active aid and support from their Pakistan-based activists and associates which amounted to waging war against India. The court had on November 6, 2013, issued a non-bailable warrant against Siddibapa, which was extended from time to time to time, following which a Red Corner Notice was issued against him on December 3, 2013. The charge sheet was filed against him under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, read with several sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Indian Medical Association's Mizoram branch members today organised a sit-in demonstration inside the Civil Hospital in Aizawl demanding among others a legislation giving adequate autonomy to the Medical Council and non-interference by the government IMA Mizoram branch honorary secretary John Zohmingthanga said that a memorandum was addressed to the Prime Minister copies of which given to the chief minister, health minister, Members of Parliament and deputy commissioner of Aizawl district. Zohmingthanga said that all IMA members wore black badges and displayed banners in different hospitals and clinics across the state. The IMA protested against the government's proposal to establish National Medical Commission in place of the scrapped Medical Council of India (MCI). The doctors also demanded that modern medicine and AYUSH medicine should not be mixed and that only graduates in the modern scientific medicine should be allowed to prescribe scheduled drugs. They demanded that Parliament legislate an act to protect doctors and hospitals from attacks by outside agencies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Doctors affiliated with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), today held a protest nationwide against the government's proposal to dissolve the Medical Council of India (MCI) and replace it with National Medical Commission. Around 2.7 lakh IMA members held dharnas--'Stop National Medical Commission IMA Satyagraha'-- in over 500 cities simultaneously between 11 AM and 1 PM today. IMA has opposed the proposed National Medical Commission Bill 2016, citing concern that the NMC will have non-elected members nominated by the government. In a letter to Union Health Minister J P Nadda, IMA members said they were in support of suitable amendments in the existing IMC Act, but is against scrapping it totally and making it a non-autonomous body. "Anywhere in the world, medical profession is bestowed with reasonable autonomy. Patient care and safety are the main benefits of such autonomy. Regulators need to have autonomy and be independent of administrators. The proposedNMC will be a regulator appointed by administrators under their direct control. "IMA supports suitable amendments in the existing IMC Act. IMA is against scrapping it totally and making it a non autonomous body," said K K Aggarwal, National President (Elect) and Secretary General and Dr S S Agarwal, National President of the IMA, said in the letter. The members further stated in the letter, the constitution of NMC takes away the voting right of every doctor in India to elect their medical council. "MCI is a representative body of the medical profession in India. Roughly 2/3rd of its members are elected through various electoral processes. Any registered medical practitioner in the country can contest the elections and every qualified doctor can vote. Abolishing a democratic institution and replacing it with a totally-nominated body is certainly a retrograde step and is unacceptable," the letter said. The World Medical Association (WMA) has also extended its support to the IMA over the issue. "The autonomy of the medical profession is under threat throughout the world... The new commission proposed by the Indian government effectively means that non-doctors handpicked by the government will be regulating the medical profession without any autonomy. That is unacceptable," Dr Ardis Hoven, Chair of the WMA said in a statement. MCI has faced criticism from several quarters, for alleged corruption in the top medical body. The Supreme Court, early this year had appointed a three-member Oversight Committee headed by ex-CJI R M Lodha to oversee functioning of the MCI, which regulates medical practice in the country, for at least a year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nearly half of all terror attacks in 2015 occurred in four countries, including India and Pakistan, according to an annual index which also said India last year had the highest number of attacks since 2000. The Global Index (GTI) 2016 published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) found that 29,376 people died from in 2015, down 3,389 on the previous year and the first fall since 2010. India was named among the four countries where nearly half of all terrorist attacks occurred in 2015, besides Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan. "Improvements continued to be recorded in India, which historically has had high levels of terrorist activity. In 2015 India had the highest number of attacks since 2000, whilst paradoxically it had the second lowest number of deaths for a single year since 2000," the report says. "75% of attacks in India had no fatalities, compared to 44% globally. The country had 797 attacks that resulted in 289 deaths, compared to 764 attacks with 418 deaths the previous year," the report said. Pakistan was also named among the five countries with the highest impact from terrorism, besides Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Syria. These five countries accounted for 72% of all deaths from terrorism in 2015. "Pakistan continued to see declines in its levels of terrorism due to infighting within the largest active group, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, as well as to the operations of the Pakistan Army in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas," the report said. The index also shows that the ISIS is now officially the deadliest terrorist group in the world, overtaking Boko Haram, after claiming responsibility for 6,141 deaths through attacks in more than 250 different cities in 2015. And the number of countries in which ISIS has carried out attacks more than doubled, from 13 in 2014 to 28 in 2015. Steve Killelea, executive chairman of IEP, said: "This year's GTI report highlights the most complex set of dynamics in global terrorism in the last 16 years. While on the one hand, the reduction in deaths is positive, the continued intensification of terrorism in some countries and its spread to new ones is a cause for serious concern and underscores the fluid nature of the modern terrorist activity. "The attacks in the heartland of Western democracies underscore the need for fast paced and tailored responses to the evolution of these organisations." Though the index identifies 274 distinct terrorist groups around the world, between them ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda and the Taliban were responsible for 75% of all terror-related deaths, the report said. The index suggested there were lessons to be learned, such as the fact that only 0.5% of terrorist attacks occurred in countries which have no involvement in foreign conflicts and low levels of 'state-sponsored terror', extra- judicial deaths, torture and imprisonment without trial. It said terrorism cost an estimated $89.6 billion in 2015, down 15% on the previous year. Sometime between banging rocks together and Ariana Grande, people people started using music to express their religious beliefs. It's not hard to guess why. Music can stir emotions up from nothing and inspire the hardest heart. This Thursday, Nov. 17, join Dr. Ray Hernandez-Duran as he examines mission design, manuscript illuminations and secular music to shed light on the religious beliefs of the 16th to 18th centuries as part of UNM's Musicology Colloquium series. The all-ages, free lecture will be held at the Zimmerman Library at 2pm. UNM Zimmerman Library Thu Nov 17 2pm FREE ALL-AGES! View on Alibi calendar Opening ceremony of the sixth India China Joint Training Exercise, Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2016 was held today at the parade ground in Aundh Military Camp, here. The joint exercise was held in the presence of Major General Y K Joshi, ADGMO of Indian Army and Major General Wang Haijiang of the People's Liberation Army and other senior Army officers of both the countries, said a defence release. The parade was commanded by Lt Col Li Guanghua, Commanding Officer of People's Liberation Army. "Both the senior military officers of the Indian Army addressed the contingents before Major General Wang Haijiang of Chinese Army declared the Joint Exercise open. The aim of the joint exercise is to acquaint both the Armies with each other's operating procedures in the backdrop of counter terrorism environment," it added. "The opening ceremony was followed by both the contingents displaying their weapons which included assault rifles, grenade launchers and other sophisticated equipment. The ceremony concluded with an enthralling and mesmerising display of India martial arts of Kalyaripattu, Khukri dance and Malkhamb by soldiers of Indian Army and a massed martial arts display by the Chinese contingent. The exercise will terminate on November 27," the statement said. Earlier on November 15, the Chinese contingent from the 13 Group Army, Chengdu Military Region comprising of one Infantry Company along with supporting staff landed at the Lohegaon airfield in two IL- 76 Aircrafts from China. The statement said the 13-day schedule is focused upon training on crossing of obstacles, special heliborne operations, firing of various weapons, handling & neutralisation of improvised explosive devices and conduct of cordon & search operations in insurgency and terrorism environment. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India Power Corporation today said it has completed acquisition of Meenakshi Energy Private Limited, a coal-fired power plant located in Andhra Pradesh. The acquisition has been done by transferring Rs 2800 crore of Meenakshi's debt into its own accounts and buying out Rs 3800 crore of equity at USD one, India Power Chairman Hemant Kanoria said. He said the power plant, owned by French company ENGIE, has one 300 MW plant operational and another 700 MW would become operational later. The company was also in the process of setting up 3X150 MW thermal plant at the port town of Haldia at an investment of Rs 3500 crore. Total generating volume of India Power, inclusive of 110 MW of wind power, would touch 1550 MW, he said. Kanoria said India Power had formed a 50:50 JV with Germany's Uniper Kraftwerk for management and operations of Meenakshi and Haldia power plants. Port-based Meenakshi power plant will use imported coal from Indonesia, he said. Since it was very difficult to set up greenfield plants owing to land acquisition problems, India Power would look for further acquisitions for growth, Kanoria added. India Power, formerly DPSC, distributes power in the regions of Asansol-Durgapur and Gaya-Bodh Gaya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's two top leaders - its president and the country's supreme leader - both sought today to calm concerns in Iran over the future of Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in the wake of Donald Trump's election for US president. President Hassan Rouhani said the country will remain committed and loyal to the deal, regardless of the outcome of the US election. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran was indifferent to the result of the US vote, insisting the Iranian nation was "not worried" about the future and was ready for any fallout from the US election. Trump's much publicized criticism of the nuclear deal and his campaign vows to renegotiate the terms and increase enforcement of the deal that put off the threat of Tehran developing atomic weapons has sent jitters across Iran. "If a president is changed here and there, it has no impact on the will of Iran," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV from the city of Karaj, where he was visiting. "Based on the deal, we implement our commitment." Without mentioning Trump by name, Rouhani said that "the world is not under the will of a single individual and party. The reality of the world will impose many things on extremists." "Nobody should imagine it is possible to play with Iran," he added. The deal, which went into effect in January, forced Iran to pull back from the brink of nuclear weapons capacity in exchange for an end to many of the US and European sanctions that crippled Iran's economy. Iran has denied that the sanctions affected its economy in any way. It has been largely respected despite undiminished US-Iranian tensions throughout the Middle East, including their support for rival sides in Syria and Yemen's civil wars. Trump's exact plans on the nuclear deal are vague but any renegotiation would be difficult - Iran has no incentive to reopen talks over a deal it is satisfied with. And none of the other countries in the seven-nation accord has expressed interest in picking apart an understanding that took more than a decade of stop-and-go diplomacy and almost two full years of negotiations to complete. Iran's supreme leader, who has final say on all state matters in Iran, said in remarks on state TV that Iran was indifferent to Trump's election victory. "We neither mourn nor cheer because it makes no difference to us. We do not have any judgment on the election," Khamenei said. "We are also not worried. And we are ready for any possible incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) International Solar Alliance (ISA) will be instrumental in transforming the global solar energy landscape, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said here today, after over 20 countries signed the framework agreement of the alliance. "We firmly believe that ISA will become instrumental in transforming the global solar energy landscapes," Dave said at the signing ceremony of Framework Agreement on ISA here. Noting that the idea behind the ISA is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to bring clean and affordable energy within the reach of all, he said it has become possible due to the continued support for concretizing this concept and reaching the milestone in the shortest possible time. He said that within 11 months of launch, ISA activities have increased significantly, and many initiatives are under implementation. "With the legal framework in place, ISA will be a major international body headquartered in India," he said. Over 20 nations have signed the framework agreement and the pact will be kept open as many more countries are expected to join it in the coming weeks. The framework agreement was opened for signature yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing CoP22 here and will make ISA an innovative, action oriented and sui generis international and intergovernmental Treaty-based organisation that will be registered under Article 102 of the UN charter, an official statement said. The framework provides for membership open to the nations between tropics (fully or partially) who are also UN members. The ISA structure will consist of two tiers in the form of an assembly and secretariat and partner country status will be granted to other countries (not within tropics) by the decision of ISA assembly. The framework will enter into force with ratification by 15 countries. An important aspect is striving to keep about the operating costs minimal and therefore not necessitate mandatory contributions, the statement said. Dave said that creating common buyers' market for solar finance, technology, innovation, capacity building and others will lead to higher quality, lower costs, products better tailored to needs, collaborative innovation, and technology ownership. ISA is an initiative by India wherein an alliance of 121 solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn have come together. It was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande on November 30, 2015 at Paris on the sidelines of CoP21. Representatives from around 70 countries including more than 30 Heads of the State and government participated in the ISA launch ceremony. India has offered a contribution of Rs 175 crore for creating ISA corpus fund and for meeting the cost of ISA secretariat which is coming up in New Delhi for the initial five years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The anti-terrorist squad of Rajasthan has arrested an alleged Islamic State operative in Sikar district who was involved in collecting and transferring funds for the terror organisation from Dubai. "The accused identified as Jamil Ahemad (41) works in Dubai. He is a sympathiser and operative of ISIS. He had been raising funds from India, Bangladesh and UAE and transferring to the ISIS for the last two years through hawala," ADG-ATS Umesh Mishra said. "He was on our radar for some time. He came to India recently and visited his ancestral house in Fatehpur eight days back. He was picked up by us interrogation and was placed under arrest yesterday," he told PTI. Ahemad was in touch with other ISIS operatives on social media platform. An MBA graduate, Ahemad was working as the Assistant Financial Manager at a reputed firm in Dubai since 2003. He has a house in Mumbai where his wife and children live, Mishra said. "Our one team is in Mumbai and conducing searches at his house with the help of Mumbai ATS," he said today. Mishra said that the accused, who has been arrested under prevention of unlawful activities act, has revealed his connections in the ISIS and says that he has no regret. "He is completely remorseless and supports the organisation. He said that those (terrorists) are fighting for a cause," the officer said, adding, that he is being interrogated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today visited the Taj Mahal, along with his wife, and spent nearly one-and-a-half hours at the world famous seventeenth century mausoleum. Munnazar Ali, an official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is in control of the monument, told PTI that Rivlin showed keen interest on its architecture and the inscriptions on it. On the visitors' book, Rivlin expressed his "admiration" for the architectural wonder. Besides his wife Nechama Rivlin, the President was accompanied by other members of the Israeli delegation to India. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum, commissioned in the early seventeenth century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Israeli President also visited Agra Water Works Treatment Plant at Sikandra. The facility uses Israeli innovative technology MBBR (moving bed bio reactor) installed by Aqwise which provides advanced water treatment solutions worldwide. Started in 2014, this plant caters to around two million people in Agra. Rivlin said the plant was a manifestation of the bonds of friendship, partnership and collaboration between the two countries. He also planted a 'kadamb' sapling to cement the bonds of friendship. Rivlin arrived in India on November 14 on an eight-day visit to India, the first by any Israeli President in nearly two decades. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) IT spending in India is projected to grow 6.9 per cent to reach USD 72.4 billion in 2017 due to growth in software and IT services revenue from estimated spending of USD 67.7 billion in 2016, market research firm Gartner today said. "Driven by growth in software and IT services revenue, IT spending in India is forecast to reach USD 72.4 billion in 2017, up 6.9 per cent from 2016 estimated spending of USD 67.7 billion," Peter Sondergaard, Senior Vice President -Research, Gartner said. Analysts said the key vertical segments driving IT spending growth include communications, media and services, banking and securities, manufacturing and utilities markets. Sondergaard said that through 2018, half the cost of implementing solutions will be in integration and security of Internet of Things and real-time analytics account for 30 per cent of total IT market. He said that by 2021, Digital giants will disrupt the digital interactions and have their presence in 20 per cent of overall market where companies from countries like India and Western Europe are lacking. "Most of the Digital giants are either from US or China. India and Western Europe have no digital giants. We have to resolve ourselves whether that is acceptable for the economic policy perspective because at the end of the day, this may result these giants controlling relationship with customers in India," Sondergaard said. He said one solution to resolve this can be government intervention but that can be questioned if that would be valid strategy. "Something needs to be done that is not necessarily in the scope of economic policy today in India or West Europe to create a technology platform that you require consumers to use. That is a hypothetical situation. Therefore, the question is how can you use economic policy to have faster level of innovation that creates a platform alternatives for future," Sondergaard said. Gartner India head of research and Gartner Fellow Partha Iyenger said that Software spending is projected to grow 7.3 per cent in 2016, and it will grow another 12.8 per cent in 2017 to total USD 5 billion. "IT services spending is on pace to grow 8.5 per cent in 2016 to reach USD 11 billion, and increase 13.5 per cent in 2017 to reach USD 12.5 billion," Iyengar said. Talking about government intervention to push Indian IT companies, Iyengar cited example of China where one cannot user Google, Facebook, Gmail due to government intervention and even if China opens up its market language barrier may prevent local people there from using English platforms. "It (government intervention) is not possible to do in democratic society like India and similarly in Western Europe. It is not perfectionism that will create environment but incentives but IT driven mindset, policy etc where Indian policy makers need to focus," Iyengar said. He said that Alibaba has said that after China, very clearly, India is its target market. "If you look at their investment in PayTm and some other investments, WeChat is already there, now you look at a scarier thought then Google dominating India, its Alibaba dominating India and Indian commerce. These are issues that should create a sense of urgency both on the commercial side, start-up side as well as policy makers to promote our own dominance as opposed to just what US and Chinese do," Iyengar said. President on Wednesday cautioned that a scenario opposite to job creation can spell disaster in the country. Addressing a conference of heads of educational institutions, he said job creation figures were the lowest in past seven years and jobs creation is a priority. Citing incidents of student unrest in institutions, the President emphasised upon a harmonious and peaceful environment for students to pursue higher studies and asked government departments concerned to facilitate academic leaders. Mukherjee said country's institutions must become magnets for talent by shifting from "brain drain" to "brain rain". "In India, we have enough talent. With the largest population of the young, we are poised to leverage a low dependency ratio. But that depends on the productivity of the population in the working age bracket. If there are enough jobs in the country, there will be content, refinement and perfection. An opposite scenario can spell disaster. The restlessness and frustration of youth manifest in unrest and upheaval. Let us not allow such a situation to appear on our horizon. We must turn our evolving demographic configuration into strength. For that, adequate job creation is a priority. The job creation figures of 1.35 lakh in 2015, which is the lowest in seven years, are not encouraging," the President said. He said with machines fast replacing men, there is a need to have a look at a paradigm shift. "From 'brain drain', we must shift to abundance of 'brain rain', as many successful Indian professionals working abroad are keen to come back, excited by the opportunities unfolding in a changing India. With the adequate thrust on internationalisation of our institutions, we can develop 'brain networks'," Mukherjee said, addressing the second visitor's conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said educational institutions must have a harmonious and peaceful environment. "There have been incidences of student unrest in our institutions in recent past. Our campuses must have a harmonious and peaceful environment for students to pursue higher studies and research. Vice-chancellors and directors must deal with any unpleasant situation with sagacity. They must take help of all well-wishers including inspired teachers, who by the dint of their wisdom, conviction and conduct, can inspire confidence among students and have a calming influence. The concerned administrative ministries must also facilitate the academic leaders." he said. Mukherjee also launched the student startup policy which aims to create one lakh technology based student start-ups and a million employment opportunities within the next 10 years. The President said the global rankings of our higher educational institutions belie our economic prowess. He said to attract bright students with limited means, a support base comprising options like deferred and variable fees and income-contingent loans will be necessary. Mukherjee said the challenge to attain global standards for our higher education system is two-fold. "We need our established institutions to graduate into world-class centres of learning. At the same time, we need new institutions to take-off successfully, overcoming the nascent-stage hurdles. Some of the new institutions have been set up in remote areas of the country. They hold great promise to spur the development of their regions. They can be the bridge to build local capacity for teaching and learning. Necessary assistance, both financial and administrative, must be at their disposal to see that these institutions start functioning at full capacity," he said. The President said the road to becoming world-class institutions is through the trinity of talent, resources and management. The conference was attended by Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Secretary to the President, Omita Paul and Prof Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education besides heads of academic institutions. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee will tomorrow address a rally against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes oraganised by the Aam Aadmi Party. The rally will be held at Azadpur Mandi, the biggest vegetable and fruits wholesale hub in the national capital. "Public meeting against demonetisation at 11 AM at Azadpur Mandi tomorrow. People who are facing problems due to demonetisation reach there," Kejriwal said in a series of tweets. Kejriwal said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also protesting against the Centre's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, will also join him and address farmers, traders and labourers. "Against demonetisation, Mamata Banerjee will also address Azadpur Mandi's public meeting with me. All reach there," the Delhi CM said in another tweeted. Kejriwal's decision to hold a rally of farmers, traders and labourers comes a day after he urged President Pranab Mukherjee to direct the Centre to withdraw demonetisation move while demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the scrapping of high currency notes. Earlier in the day, AAP MP Bhagwant Mann joined the march from Parliament to President House led by Banerjee against demonetisation Kejriwal and the AAP have been maintaining that the scheme is only causing hardship to the poor and has hit farmers and traders, who are forced to deal in cash due to the nature of the market and the economy involved. The CM, who yesterday moved a resolution against the Centre's decision, had termed the demonetisation as "fraud" on the nation aimed at benefiting a "particular political party", a veiled reference to BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pitching Kerala as an attractive business-friendly destination with robust fundamentals, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called on businesses to invest in the coastal state and push its growth across various sectors, especially manufacturing and services. "Kerala is ready for investments and open to business," Vijayan told a Diplomats Meet on 'Vyapar 2017' organised by the Kerala government and Ficci here yesterday. The state government's Department of Industries and Commerce is organising Vyapar 2017, the sixth edition of Kerala B2B Meet, in Kochi from February 2 to 4 next year. Unfolding an array of advantages and opportunities for business leaders before a high-profile gathering of foreign diplomats, the chief minister said the state's galloping economy, industry-friendly laws, abundant power and skilled manpower have made Kerala an ideal business hub. "Kerala has already demonstrated its economic heft in highly specialised sectors like tourism, healthcare, information technology and food processing, among others. We have a clear agenda for development, a knowledge-based economy and highly-skilled manpower. These are all incentives for businesses to invest in the state," he added. "It (Vyapar 2017) will showcase Kerala's business potential and manufacturing competence to the trading and outsourcing community in India and elsewhere. It will enhance the competitiveness of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Kerala and provide a platform for marketing their competencies." Talking of the robustness of Kerala's SMEs, he said a wide variety of segments ranging from handlooms and textiles to Ayurveda therapies, herbal medications and traditional handicrafts fall into this sector with a potential to generate employment and economic growth. The B2B meet will boost branding of Kerala's native products, improve their marketability and mobility in the global market and give the state's manufacturing sector access to large markets outside its borders, he noted. Ambassadors, high commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps of around 30 countries, including Japan, Russia, the UAE, Poland, Malaysia, Turkey and South Korea, attended the meet. Delivering the keynote address, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said: "Kerala offers a unique model of sustainable development. Its high quality of physical life surpasses even many countries of Europe. The state has invested heavily in education and health; its urban growth rate is 6.49 per cent compared with the national average of 4.04 per cent." He also reeled off factors such as the state's IT parks, connectivity with India and the outside world through rail, roads and airports, startups, complete broadband connectivity, India's first defence park, strong diaspora, tourism, strong leadership that make Kerala "a sound business proposition". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police in Sri Lanka today arrested two people accused of publicly inciting racial hatred, including one from the majority Sinhalese community. The Colombo Fort Police said they arrested a man named Dan Priyasad who had called himself the "Saviour of the Sinhalese" and had publicly threatened to bomb Muslims in Sri Lanka. Similarly, secretary of the Sri Lanka Thawheed Jamath, Abdul Razik was arrested in the capital on charges of speaking against other religions in an offensive manner during a protest campaign held earlier this week. The Thawheed Jamath protested against moves to amend the Muslim Marriage Act as a requirement to regain trade concessions from the European Union. Priyasad was allegedly responding to comments by Razik. Both men have been remanded to custody. Concerns were raised by civil society on the recent trend of racial hate speeches. Yesterday in the eastern district of Batticaloa, Tamils protested and called for the arrest of a local Buddhist monk for publicly threatening a Tamil state official with death. "We are extremely concerned at the appearance of signs that, yet again, legal reforms aimed at improving our democracy and governance are being undermined by the forces of chauvinism and intolerance," Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a leading civil society organisation said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A "significant proportion" of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected by select Chinese imports, which grew at a higher rate compared to shipments from rest of the world, Parliament was informed today. According to information compiled from data provided by Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, imports from China in 11 major product groups, largely manufactured by MSMEs in India, have grown at a higher rate than their respective imports from all countries combined during 2012-13 to 2015-16. "As these 11 product groups accounted for 74 per cent of India's total imports from China in 2015-16, a significant proportion of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected from Chinese imports as compared to the rest of the world," Minister of State for MSME Giriraj Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The 11 product groups pertain to electrical and electronics, mechanical and metallurgical products, as well as chemical, glass and ceramics based items. Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra, during a recent visit to China, had invited the country's businesses to partner with Indian companies, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for technological collaboration and manufacturing in India. FDI policy places some restrictions on foreign investment in certain sectors. Subject to such restrictions, foreign investors can set up enterprises in India without a lower level ceiling on investment. Such investment can be greenfield as well as in existing enterprises. "India has one of the most liberalised FDI policies in the world, wherein 100 per cent FDI under automatic route is permitted in most of the sectors. There is only a small list of sectors where FDI is regulated -- subjected to government approval, cap or having other conditionalities. The FDI policy equally applies to MSME sector," Singh said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has overtaken China in terms of the number of deaths due to ambient (outdoor) with the country witnessing 50 deaths more than China reported per day in 2015, according to Global Burden of Disease project. Recent data show that in 2015, India witnessed 3,280 Premature Deaths (fatalities due to Ozone concentration and particulate matter concentration) per day, whereas China had recorded 3,230. In 2010, number of Premature Deaths in India were at 2,863, whereas in China it was at 3,190. Similarly, in 2005 India was at 2,654 and China at 3,332. So, while Premature Deaths have increased by 23 per cent in India over the last decade, China has reversed the trend and recorded a decline of three per cent. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project has been compiled by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle. According to the study, the rate of Premature Deaths in India has been increasing at an alarming rate, and from 2,140 deaths per day in 1990, it has reached to 3,280 in 2015. This is nearly 53 per cent increase in premature deaths in the last 25 years, a much sharper increase than in China, which has seen 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period as it managed to reverse the trend 2005 onwards. According to a press statement issued by Greenpeace India separately, these findings corroborate a study it carried out earlier, which showed that for the first time this century, the average particulate matter exposure was higher for Indian citizens than that for the Chinese. Activists have called for immediate action. "It clearly indicates that China's strong measures to tackle pollution have contributed to the year-on-year air quality improvement on record, while in contrast, India's pollution levels have increased over the past decade. "This study must be taken seriously as this a testimony of deterioration of ambient air quality in India and immediate actions must be taken by the concerned authorities," says Sunil Dahiya, Campaigner, Greenpeace India. Also, Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) for India and China analysed from NASA satellite imagery depicts levels rising and intensifying across India while in China there is a reduction in pollution levels from 2005 to 2015. Lebanon's powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah today denied quotes in a Lebanese newspaper attributed to its second-in-command Sheikh Naim Qassem saying it had become "an army". "Hezbollah's press bureau wishes to clarify that what was published Wednesday in the As-Safir newspaper did not appear in the text delivered by the deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah," the group said in a statement. The denial came after the newspaper quoted Qassem as saying in an address: "We now have a trained army and the Resistance (Hezbollah) does not need to rely on guerrilla tactics." As-Safir's article came after images shared widely on social media showed Hezbollah conducting a military parade in Syria, where it is fighting to bolster President Bashar al-Assad's forces. The images provoked controversy in Lebanon, where the Shiite movement is a divisive force, as well as concern from Washington, which deems Hezbollah a "terrorist" group. The group said its denial also invalidated a previous "clarification" in which its press office told AFP that Qassem's quote was in fact: "We have become more than a guerrilla movement but less than an army." Hezbollah staged the military parade in the town of Qusayr, which it retook the town from Syrian rebels in 2013 in its first major victory after it intervened in support of Assad's regime earlier that year. Photos of tanks, armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft batteries displaying the Shiite movement's yellow flag have appeared on social media in recent days. Hezbollah's militia never disarmed after Lebanon's devastating 1975-90 civil war and is the country's most powerful armed force. Detractors accuse it of being a "state within a state" and Washington has designated it a "terrorist" group since 1995, accusing it of a long list of attacks including the bombing of the US embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983. Washington supplies equipment to Lebanon's army and a State Department spokeswoman said this week that the US would be "gravely concerned" if it ended up in Hezbollah's hands. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat government today urged the Centre as well as RBI to lift the ban on District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) from accepting or exchanging scrapped notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. The appeal by the state government followed representations it received from different quarters about cash crunch being faced by people, especially farmers, in view of the abolition. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said RBI has barred DCCBs from accepting or exchanging defunct currency notes after receiving some complaints against them. "RBI has told us a decision on lifting the ban would be taken once the ongoing inquiry into these complaints got over," Patel told reporters here. Last Sunday, the regulator e-mailed a circular to all the 18 Gujarat-based DCCBs, asking them not to accept and exchange the demonetised notes. "DCCBs mostly operate in rural areas. Many farmers are having accounts in these banks. Thus, we have urged RBI as well as the central government to conclude their inquiry as soon as possible and lift this restriction," said Patel. To help farmers facing difficulties in purchasing fertilisers because of the cash crunch post-demonetisation, Patel said the state government has instructed PSUs to accept cheques from agriculturists. These PSUs, which have plants in Gujarat, include Gujarat State Fertilisers and Chemicals (GSFC), Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers and Chemicals (GNFC) and IFFCO. "We have asked these PSUs to put in place a system whereby farmers can buy fertilisers from their outlets by producing cheques if they do not have enough cash. We have also urged these PSUs to allow cooperative societies to procure fertilisers from them by paying in cheques," said Patel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after Centre outlawed for five years Islamic Research Foundation promoted by controversial preacher Zakir Naik, Maharashtra government has decided to keep a close watch on those locals and organisations who continue to fund the NGO and would treat them as "anti-social elements". "Banning IRF has dealt a strong blow to the organisation. Its anti-national activities can now be controlled. Though it (IRF) cannot receive funds from international organisations, there is a strong suspicion they will continue to receive funds from locals," state's Minister of State for Home, Deepak Kesarkar, told reporters here. The Union government yesterday declared IRF as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for its alleged terror activities. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kesarkar said the state government was keeping "very close watch on local people and organisations who continue to back IRF. They will be treated as anti-social elements and will be booked accordingly." The minister said the government wanted to send a strong message to other local organisations, which might be discreetly engaged in "anti-national" activities, that they are under the scanner and would face "serious consequences" if even a slight evidence is found against them. He said the government was also simultaneously monitoring Naik's school here to check if it is carrying out any indoctrination activities. IRF Educational Trust of Naik-runs Islamic International School (IIS) at Mazgaon in South Mumbai and also has a branch in Chennai. "We have to make sure children are not being taught what the IRF is known for. The curriculum being taught to students should be as prescribed by the government. Children cannot be allowed to be radicalised in the school," the Minister said. Meanwhile, Education Minister Vinod Tawde tweeted the ban on IRF would not affect the students studying under the ambit of the organisation and that measures for rehabilitation of students will be taken. Tawde had earlier said the government will consider transferring the reigns of the school to respected foundations like Anjuman-i-Islam that have been working in education field for long. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly smuggling diamonds worth several lakhs in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, police said today. 38 pieces of rough diamonds were seized from his possession, they said. "Acting on a tip-off, the accused, identified as Angad Gond, was apprehended from Jhariyabahar chowk under Mainpur police station limits yesterday evening," Gariaband Additional Superintendent of Police Neha Pandey told PTI. On receiving inputs about a suspicious man trying to sell rough diamonds brought from the diamond-rich belt of Deobhog area of Gariaband, a team of crime branch police swung into action, she said. The police team intercepted Angad and recovered 38 pieces of diamonds of different sizes worth several lakhs from his possession, Pandey said. The accused is a native of Shobha police station area in Gariaband, some 150 kms from here. A case has been registered against him, the ASP said, adding that further probe is on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 23-year-old man, alleged to be a member of notorious Shakti gang and wanted in a number of sensational armed robberies including loot of Rs 8 lakh cash and 2.5 Kg gold from a jewellery shop in Rohini in July, has been arrested, police said today. Karambeer, an active member of Shakti gang which operates from south-west Delhi, was arrested on a tip off from a wine shop at Shyam Vihar in Najafgarh on November 11, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Yadav said. The gang, including its leader Shakti, Karambeer and others, had looted 2.5 kg of gold, Rs 8 lakh in cash and a licenced revolver from a jewellery shop owner and his staff in Rohini after firing at them in July. Karambeer was also involved in a case of carjacking, in which he along with other gang members had robbed a car, mobile phone and purse containing cash and documents at gunpoint from a Gurgaon-resident Ved Prakash and his son Dayanand near Sultanpur lake in September. Shakti and other gang members Kimmi, Deepak Pandya and Pradeep were arrested by Gurgaon police, while Karambeer was absconding and Crime Branch was making efforts to nab him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister of the Republic of MaritiusAnirood Jugnauth today inaugurated AYUR Herbarium project in North Goa, an initiative by the pharmaceutical major in association with Union AYUSH Ministry. Jugnauth inaugurated the project at the property of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd at Saligao village, 10 kms away from here. The Mauritian Prime Minister along with his delegation is on a tour of India to reciprocate the cordial invitation of delegates of Goa government, who visited the island country in the recent past, a government spokesperson said. "The Goa government and Government of Mauritius are actively collaborating on various projects related to healthcare, Ayurveda, medical tourism and tourism. It is an interesting fact that apart from our cultural similarities, both countries have similitude in the wealth of medicinal flora and fauna," the official said. The project was part of this bonding, he added. Union AYUSH Minister Sripad Naik was also present on the occasion. The visit of Jugnauth will provide yet another dimension for both the countries to strengthen their special brotherly ties between the two countries, he said. Goa's deputy chief minister and Health minister of Goa Francis D'Souza, directors of Sandu Pharmaceuticals Ltd Shashank Sandu and Umesh Sandu were also present on the occasion. The medicinal herbarium is a fascinating collection of various Ayurvedic medicinal plants exhibited with informative details of medicinal properties and uses of each herb. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French ex-economy minister Emmanuel Macron, a 38-year-old political novice, announced his bid for the presidency today, as an alternative to the "same men and same ideas" that have guided France for decades. Macron finally ended speculation about his intentions by announcing his candidacy for his "En Marche" ("On the Move") centrist party from a training centre in a gritty suburb northeast of Paris. Never elected and "neither of the left or the right" in his own words, the pro-business and technology-savvy former investment banker is hoping to shake up a race between older, more familiar figures. "I'm ready, that's why I am candidate for the French presidency," he said, promising a "democratic revolution" that would restore France's optimism and self-confidence. The centre-right Republicans party is tipped to win the two-stage election in April and May, but some analysts are questioning their assumptions after Donald Trump's stunning upset in the United States. The far-right National Front under leader Marine Le Pen, who announced her election campaign logo Wednesday, is seeking to capitalise on a surge in nationalism and anti-globalisation. Macron, who quit the beleaguered Socialist government in August to focus on his own political movement, is expected to steal centrist voters from the Republicans and the left. A poll yesterday showed him as one of France's most "presidential" figures behind the favourite Alain Juppe, a 71-year-old former prime minister from the Republicans who has one of the longest CVs in French politics. Macron by contrast has a meagre two years in government as a sometimes rebellious economy minister from 2014-2016 and time as an advisor to his former mentor President Francois Hollande. "I believe that the French people won't put their destiny in the hands of someone with no experience," former prime minister and another Republicans candidate, Francois Fillon, said today. Leftist Socialist rival Arnaud Montebourg dismissed Macron as the "media's candidate who has been on 75 magazine front pages despite never having proposed anything." But Macron believes his youth and inexperience are assets in a country weary of a political class blamed for years of tepid growth, high unemployment and mounting government debt. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Dakotas governor and opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline agree on one thing a final decision on the project needs to come soon. A decision on the projects easement is long overdue, Gov. Jack Dalrymple said in a statement Tuesday in support of the pipeline, a day after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it would delay issuing Dakota Access an easement needed to drill pipeline under the Missouri River north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. On the protest side, Indigenous Environmental Network Extreme Energy Organizer Kandi Mossett also called for President Barack Obama to step up in opposition to the project, expressing an urgency for action before a Trump administration takes office. "It's disappointing that we're all sitting on pins and needles waiting for an Obama administration to help us and yet they remain silent, she said in a statement. President-elect Trump has no regard for the environment and cares even less about those of us trying to protect it. The U.S. Department of the Army concluded the corps previous decisions on the 1,172-mile crude oil pipeline met with legal requirements but it will continue to meet with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe before issuing a final decision. Protester organizers said the consultation was a step in the right direction but still ignores the demands made for the corps to vacate the permits already issued and initiate a full environmental impact statement with a survey of cultural resources. The delays and noncommittal statements from the Obama administration are disappointing to say the least, National Campaigns Director for Honor the Earth Tara Houska said in a statement. We want answers. Conduct an environmental impact statement. Halt the construction of this destructive project." Discussions will include possibly adding requirements to the easement in an effort to reduce the risk of a spill or hasten detection and response, as well as whether to grant the easement at the proposed location. Dalrymple highlighted some of the pipelines safety features, such as doubling the pipes thickness under the river and monitoring devices on both sides of the river. It is highly questionable whether any additional technological conditions would significantly enhance the protection of Lake Oahe beyond what is already been required. It appears that politics is playing a greater role in this important decision than is science, technology and judicial review, he said. The protest organizers have also said they would not accept anything less than rerouting the pipeline. "We do not negotiate. We cannot negotiate the safety of the water, and we will not negotiate. We will stand and continue to stand until every pipe is out of the ground, Sacred Stone Camp spokeswoman LaDonna Bravebull Allard said. Finally, Dalrymple called for completion of this additional discussion within a matter of days. "It is simply unjust to expect the people of North Dakota, Morton County and our law enforcement to continue to bear the excessive burden of maintaining public safety. A timeline for discussions has yet to be set. "We will work with the tribe on a timeline and can assume that it is in the best interest of all parties to work quickly," DOA spokeswoman Moira Kelley said. As dissemination of information has become more challenging, risky and difficult in conflict areas like warfare, man-made and natural disasters and riots, the media should be self restrained and truthful, free and fearless. These were the observation of speakers at a seminar here held on the occasion of the National Press Day. "The role of media in realization of the benefits of democracy and good governance is well acknowledged. The media should be truthful, conscientious and fearless while working in conflict areas," said Odisha's Information & Public Relations minister B K Arukha. Prof. Amit Niyogi of Birla Global University in his keynote address on this year's theme "Reporting from Conflict Areas: a Challenge to Media", suggested a number of meaningful recommendations for the media people in such vulnerable situations. Defining conflict areas as the situations of doubts and controversies on cultural, religious, political, social and economic issues, Niyogi concluded on impartial and sincere role of the media in order to be the responsible partner in democracy and progress. Surendra Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, S K Das, Director of I&PR Department also spoke in the programme in which successful students in college level debate competitions were awarded. Earlier, an exhibition of newspapers, periodicals and related journals published in the state was inaugurated by Arukha while media persons, representatives of journalists association, officials and students were present on the occasion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A ground-breaking ceremony was today held for a memorial to be built on the beachfront of South Africa's coastal city of Durban, the spot where a boat carrying the first Indian indentured labourers arrived in 1860. The ceremony was led by Willies Mchunu, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, which is home to about two-thirds of South Africa's 1.4 million citizens of Indian origin. He was joined a by a number of local Indian leaders. "By working towards the erection of the monument, we are expressing our deep appreciation to our fellow brothers and sisters from India who unequivocally declared South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal in particular, as their preferred place to live in," Mchunu told the local media. "We remain indebted to the Indian indentured labourers for their contributions, especially in terms of establishing the agricultural potential of KwaZulu-Natal, making it a world-renowned region of the sugar industry," Mchunu added. Plans for the monument started in 2010 as part of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian settlers, but were delayed through administrative procedures regarding the funding requirements of almost 5 million rands. The 342 people who arrived on the ship Truro after an arduous trip from India in expectation of a promised better life mostly endured suffering at the hands of sugarcane barons, slaving away from dawn to dusk. But most of them and thousands of others who followed for the next four decades opted to make South Africa their new home rather than return to India at the end of their indenture contracts. Coming together to build mosques, temples and schools from their own funds despite apartheid-era restrictions on their movement, the indentured labourers and a separate merchant class of settlers who spread across South Africa ensured the survival of Indian culture, language and religion, which is continued by their descendants today in a democratic South Africa. One of the most famous Indians to reach South Africa was young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was brought to South Africa by a businessman to fight a lawsuit against a family member. Gandhi stayed for two decades, starting off his lifelong fight against discrimination through his 'Satyagraha' before returning to India to lead his people to independence from the colonial British rule. Gandhi's granddaughter Ela still runs the Phoenix Settlement started by him, while other descendants are also proud South Africans engaged in community work, such as his great granddaughter Kirti Menon in Johanensburg. The first phase of the 1860 Heritage Museum in Durban has also been completed, with a permanent exhibition called The Story of Indenture 1860-1911. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fresh testimony from survivors of a deadly shipwreck in the Mediterranean today raised the likely death toll for the past 48 hours to 240 people, confirming fears of rescuers who had warned dozens probably died. The new tally is based on information gathered by the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or lost when a dinghy sank on Monday. Some 95 others were feared dead after another dinghy sank yesterday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Monday's survivors arrived early Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. "The survivors told us that there were about 150 people on board, so there would be about 135 missing," UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP. The migrants are overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa. The latest deaths will lift the total number of migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said Wednesday that "it is almost certain that the true death toll is much higher than the recorded figure as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported". The rate of departures from the North African coast continues unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with over 2,700 people having been rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies off Libya since Saturday. Video footage released by MOAS showed survivors on board one of its rescue vessels howling with grief as the body of a victim is carried on board, wrapped in a white sheet. The charity blamed "the changing approach of smuggling networks" which it said showed "an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers". "Whereas in past years, crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves," it said in a statement. "Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies... Search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever," it added. Over 167,000 people have been brought to safety in Italy since the start of the year, according to the interior ministry. The figure has already passed the 153,000 number recorded in 2015 and is closing in on the 170,000 figure recorded in 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Marked by enormous opulence, the blockbuster wedding of mining baron and former minister B Janardhan Reddy's daughter took place at the sprawling Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, raising a firestorm of controversy and attracting criticism from from anti-corruption activists. Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) founder president SR Hiremath, who has filed cases in the Supreme Court against illegal mining in Ballari, wants the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, Central Vigilance Commission, and a special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court to raid Reddy's house and ask for the source of funds behind this extravagant wedding. Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) founder president SR Hiremath, who has filed cases in the Supreme Court against illegal mining in Ballari, wants the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate, Central Vigilance Commission, and a special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court to raid Reddy's house and ask for the source of funds behind this extravagant wedding. According to a report in the Indian Express, the lavish wedding has attracted the attention of income-tax officials, who are set to question the former minister. Palace grounds, which host grand weddings, presented almost a surreal picture as Reddy's daughter Bramhani entering into the wedlock with Rajeev Reddy, a leading businessman's son from Andhra Pradesh, with rituals conducted by a battery of priests from the famous Tirumala temple. The grandeur of the wedding was such that huge sets replicating Vijaya Vitthala temple of Hampi, the seat of the glorious erstwhile Vijayanagara empire and TirumalaTirupati temple were erected at the venue, along with the replica of the homes of both of bride and the groom. Pre-wedding events have been on with equal extravagance at the venue for the past five days. Artistes and dancers from different parts of the country, including Sambadancers from Brazil, were part of one such bash on Wednesday night. The first glimpse of the wedding came in the invitation box, which had an LCD screen playing a video where Reddy and family were seen inviting guests, lip-syncing to a song. Thousands of people attended the event and were given saplings along with sweets as a return gift. It is said about 50,000 people had been invited to the wedding and people were also ferried from Reddy's bastion, mine-rich Ballari. Reddy and family dressed up as "royals" in gold and diamond had left no stone unturned for the wedding. Most utensils for the wedding rituals were either gold or silver and the entire venue was equipped with air-conditioners. While overflowing fountains added to the glitter, orchids and other ornamental flowers were arranged fancily. The who's who of the Kannada and Telugu film industry attended the wedding ceremony and wished the newly wed. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Home Minister G Parameshwara, Energy Minister D K Shiva Kumar, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, BJP state President were among prominent leaders who attended. Even as there were reports that BJP leaders would stay away from the wedding that has come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced "war" on black money, there was alineup of leaders of the party at the event. Equally surprising was the attendance of senio rCongress ministers. Congress had waged a political war against Reddy and his brothers by staging a padayatra till Ballari. They had alleged that he had created "republic of Ballari" and the then BJP government had no authority there. Reddy, who had served as a minister in the BJP government,is out on bail after serving three years term inan illegal mining case. The routine of serpentine queues in front of banks and ATMs repeated across Bihar today as state Finance minister Abdul Bari Siddiqui asked bank managements to take responsibility for the death of a customer and pay compensation. He voiced the demand at a meeting of the 58th state-level bankers committee meeting here amid media reports that four persons had died in different parts of Bihar while standing in the queues. Siddiqui observed that if banks had opened their branches in accordance with the area-wise population, as per the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, people of the state would not have faced the rigour in withdrawing or exchanging money. The banks which were registering more than expected accumulation of deposits after the scrapping of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes had the responsibility to provide loan to customers in the same proportion, he said in a statement. Siddiqui expressed dissatisfaction at the performance of the banks in Bihar during the review meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister of Mauritius, Anerood Jugnauth, today hailed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes saying the move would benefit the country's economy in the long run. "What I personally think as a Prime Minister is that Modi has done a right thing for the country," Jugnauth told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Saligao village in North Goa today. "People will have some problem and some difficulties, but in the long run they will realise that Modi has saved the economy of this country," he said. Jugnauth said his country has good relationship with many countries, but it shares a special bond with India as there are many Indian origin people who are settled in Mauritius. "I always say it is a blood relation. India has been helping us all through. India is still helping us today and we are thankful," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI today attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation move, saying his tears cannot wipe the tears of common man and if he was "sincere" then he should express regret over demonetisation move and set things right by allowing people to use Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes till year-end. The Left party also sought to suggest that the Prime Minister was "detached" from ground realties, saying Modi's comment that poor people are happy with the demonetisation move was "far from the truth" and added insult to their injury. "Instead of accepting the fact that demonetisation was introduced without proper arrangements and failed to foresee the consequence, the Prime Minister is resorting to dramatic defence. Tears in Modi's eyes cannot wipe out the tears of crores of people in the country," CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said in a statement. If the Prime Minister is sincere, he should express regrets to the nation and set right the things by allowing the people to use old currency notes till December 31, 2016 for all public utilities, he added. Referring to reports that "huge and abnormal" cash deposits were made in national banks during the last quarter (July-September), the former Lok Sabha MP said this leads to doubts whether they were aware of November 8 demonetisation announcement. "Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi and Panama accused are moving freely while the common people are being punished. Modi's comment that poor people in the country are happy with this decision is far from the truth. It is adding insult to injury. Life has become miserable to a large number of people," he said. Reddy said accusing opposition parties for the people's anger will not yield results and they need a reply on why the Prime Minister "could not" bring back black money as promised ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Left leader also sought an explanation from Modi that why Rs 2,000 currency notes were issued which, he said, will again help amassing black money. Blending emotion with aggression, Modi had on November 13 mounted a counteroffensive against the opposition over demonetisation of high-value currency notes, promising more anti-graft measures in future even if he was burned alive. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two persons died in separate incidents in Ballia and Bareilly districts of Uttar Pradesh following distress over not being able to exchange old currency notes after demonetisation. In Ballia, a 40-year-old man died here after suffering a heart attack as he could not exchange old currency notes for the "tilak" ceremony of his daughter, his family members claimed today. The "tilak" ceremony of Suman, daughter of Suresh Sonar, a resident of Sahatwar Nagar panchayat Ballia, was scheduled for today. But he was short of cash due to "abrupt" demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, they said. A dejected Suresh returned home yesterday evening after standing in a queue for hours at the State Bank of India branch here. He suffered a massive heart attack last night and died, family members claimed. SP Ballia Vaibav Krishna said, "The matter was being in looked into." In Bareilly, 56-year-old Khaleef Hasan fell unconscious while standing in queue to withdraw money at Punjab National Bank branch in Eit Pajaya locality in Baradari area, an official release issued by DGP office said. After falling unconscious, he died on the spot, it said, adding the exact cause of death could not be ascertained. The family members of the victim said he was in distress due to demonetisation causing his death. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An accused in a murder case attacked a lady lawyer with a sharpened bamboo stick in the premises of south Mizoram's Lunglei district court, police said today. Lalramenga, who has been sent to judicial custody by the court, was sitting outside the courtroom of the district and sessions Judge before being produced in the court yesterday. He called out to advocate R Zothantluangi who was passing by. Zothantluangi, thinking that the prisoner, who was not known to her, wanted to consult her on some matters and went up to him when called. Lalramenga then brought out his concealed weapon and attacked her. Police quoting eye-witnesses said Lalramenga tried to stab the lawyer in her stomach but she protected herself with her hands and sustained minor injuries in them. The accused, the police said, is suffering from some mental problems and had told his interrogators that he thought the lawyer was torturing his mother while he is in jail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Muslim student's hijab was allegedly ripped off and her hair pulled down by a classmate at a school in Minnesota, the latest in a series of assaults and threats reported against headscarf-wearing women in the US following Donald Trump's win. The incident took place at Northdale Middle School in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, prompting Anoka-Hennepin School District to launch an investigation into what Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling an assault. CAIR's Minnesota chapter released a statement yesterday expressing concern over the school district's response to the incident that took place on Friday. The family of the student reported to CAIR that a classmate came up behind the student, removed her hijab and threw it on the ground, then pulled her hair down in front of other students. CAIR alleged the school district did not respond to the incident until yesterday, the Star Tribune reported. "School officials must take immediate actions to ensure that all students, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, are provided a safe learning environment," CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said in a statement. "It should not take days to respond to an apparently bias-motivated assault on a student," Hussein said. Hussein added that the aggressor was also targeting other Muslim female students. The district confirmed the incident and is working to find out where the breakdown of communication between the parent and the school took place, district spokesman Jim Skelly was quoted as saying. District officials have reached out to CAIR, Skelly said. The district released a statement stating that CAIR's description of the incident "is inconsistent with the district's understanding." "The preliminary findings of the investigation indicate that this was isolated and not motivated by bias," the statement said. "However, the concerns of the family reflect similar concerns around the metro and align with the need in our communities to find ways to talk about race and culture constructively and respectfully," it said. The Northdale incident is one of several cases of harassment reported at Minnesota schools following the election. Racist graffiti mentioning President-elect Trump by name was reported last week at Maple Grove high school. Also a slew of incidents of intimidation and assaults have been reported across the country against hijab-clad women post election. A Muslim student of Michigan University last week was approached by an unidentified man who yelled at her and threatened to set her on fire if she did not remove her hijab, prompting police to probe the hate crime incident. The woman, who was not named, complied and left the area. Also last week, a Muslim high-school teacher in Georgia was told to hang herself with her headscarf in a handwritten anonymous note she received in her classroom. The CAIR believes the surge in Islamophobia could be attributed to the President-elect's victory. Bismarck Public Schools is expected to add about 1,900 students by the 2021-22 school year, according to the latest demographic projections. Still, enrollment growth is projected to flatten for the next five years. The short story is were really growing, and yet the curve has flattened a bit," Superintendent Tamara Uselman told the Bismarck School Board earlier this week when members were presented with the latest demographic projections from RSP and Associates. Bismarck enrollment this year totaled 12,700 students, up 348 from last year. In 2014, enrollment increased by 361. "(The new study) revalidates some things," Uselman said. "It also shows some changes in pace in terms of growth." Still, classroom space will continue to be a pressing issue for Bismarck schools, particularly at the three middle schools. Rob Schwarz, a planner with RSP and Associates, presented the projections to the school board via Skype on Monday. He said more school capacity will be needed by 2021-22. Horizon and Simle elementary schools are over capacity, and Wachter Elementary School is expected to be over capacity by next year. The three middle schools will increase their total enrollment by 740 students by 2021-22, according to RSP estimates. Bismarck high schools are expected to increase by 977 students. Century High School will need additional space to handle its share of that growth. School board members will review architectural plans and cost estimates for middle and high school additions at its next meeting Nov. 28. They also asked administrators to create a community group to review elementary space needs for the next five years. NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson is on the verge of becoming the oldest woman in space, adding to her long list of barrier-breaking records. Whitson will be 56 when she rockets off the planet Thursday. She'll celebrate her 57th birthday in February on the International Space Station. That's a far cry from John Glenn's space shuttle flight at age 77 and a few years shy of the male runners-up. But it's enough to beat Barbara Morgan's record as the world's oldest spacewoman. Morgan waited so long to fulfill her role as Christa McAuliffe's teacher-in-space backup that she was 55 when she finally flew in 2007. This will be the third space station mission for Whitson, an Iowa-born biochemist, and her second stint as commander. She'll launch from Kazakhstan with two younger men, Russian and French. "I love working at NASA, but the part that has been the most satisfying on a day-to-day basis, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute, has been working on board the space station," Whitson told reporters over the summer. "It doesn't matter if I'm cleaning the filters. I feel like I'm helping personally push forward exploration. ... that's the why I want to go again." Strict when it comes to lifetime radiation exposure, NASA insisted Whitson remain Earth-bound for a while after her 2008 mission. "I would have rather gone sooner, but I'll deal with it," she said. Whitson was the first woman to serve as commander of the space station - in 2007, nine years into its lifetime. She also was the first - and so far only - woman to head NASA's male-dominated astronaut corps. No other woman has spent more time in space. She'll ride a Soyuz rocket with a Russian cosmonaut, Oleg Novitskiy, 45, and a French newcomer to space, Thomas Pesquet, who's 38. The launch is 3:20 p.M. EST Thursday, 2:20 a.M. Friday in Kazakhstan. A French documentary crew followed Pesquet during training, focusing on his relative youth and fresh eyes. Whitson said the interest on her, by comparison, was for being "old and experienced." "All right, yes, I'm old," she said in the NASA interview. She noted in a recent series of preflight interviews that it gets easier with age, knowing what to expect on a spaceflight and how to prioritize. Her biochemist husband, Clarence Sams, also works for NASA. Whitson already has spent 377 days in space and performed multiple spacewalks. Her upcoming six-month mission should push her beyond 534 days in space, the U.S. Record set in September by 58-year-old astronaut Jeffrey Williams. Whitson said she's had a lucky run with few regrets. But she noted: "In terms of goals for NASA before I die, we need to be living on Mars. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh today joined its counterparts in the country in celebrating the the National Press Day with the theme 'Role of media in promoting Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. State Water Resources Development Minister Kamlung Mosang appreciated the state's media persons for their painstaking endeavours to serve the tribal society against all odds. "As our society is passing through a critical juncture sandwiched between the modernity and age-old traditions, I would suggest the press to attach top priority to its social responsibility," he said. The first newspaper - Echo of Arunachal - English weekly started on February 20, 1988 while the first broadsheet daily - The Arunachal Times - hit the newsstands on June 6, 1989. "Though the press has expanded with about eight English dailies, a few magazines are being published now while local cables are reaching homes but the growth is much below the desired level. Mossang said that the Rs two crore corpus fund instituted for the working journalist proved the government's commitment towards the Fourth Estate. Earlier in his keynote address, Arunachal Press Club president Chopa Cheda said that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan could be translated into reality only if all the stakeholders including the media join hands to carry forward the programme in a mission mode. Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists(APUWJ) general secretary Ranju Dodum said that the role of media is not to praise the government but to highlight the loopholes in its policies and programmes for the common masses. During the day-long celebration two unsung heroes were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the society. While Renu Bengde from East Kameng district was felicitated for supporting 25 orphans through her Kampu Hollen Orphanage, Techi Karda Tara of Sagalee in Papum Pare district was honoured for his contribution in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as he since last several months has been cleaning his area on regular basis. The award in investigative journalism was shared by Appu Gapak from Arunachal Times and Jackson Tayeng from The Eastern Sentinel, Jun Taki (Eastern Sentinel) was the winner in the Human Interest category while Appu Gapak won the award in the political category. Irani Sonowal of 18 bagged the award from electronic media. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reserve Bank of India, Bhubaneswar today said new Rs 500 notes will be available in different bank counters across Odisha from tomorrow and urged people to ignore rumours on circulation of fake Rs 10 coins. "We have received the new Rs 500 notes today. However, they are less in number. We are trying to send them to selected chests of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by this evening and other parts of the state by tomorrow," RBI general manager S P Mohanty said. Mohanty said the new Rs 500 currency notes are expected to help streamline the market following the demonetisation of the old high value notes. He, however, said the new Rs 500 notes will not be available in ATMs for the time being. Mohanty said the ATMs were being configured for new Rs 2,000 notes. Configuration for new Rs 500 notes is yet to be done and hence will be initially available only at bank counters. The RBI official also appealed to people not to be carried away by rumours of fake Rs 10 coin and said RBI had not banned any coin of the denomination. Meanwhile, fresh currency notes have reached Odisha by Air India flights after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took up the matter with Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley, officials said. RBI Regional Director P K Das has been monitoring the operations and reportedly asked the regional chiefs of all the banks to send the fresh notes to the far flung areas, so that rural people do not face any trouble, they said. In an effort to streamline availability of currency notes in Odisha's rural areas, about 7,000 banking correspondents are operating in the non-banked region of the state. "These people will man operation in 4,400 gram panchayat offices where there is no banking facilities," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said. The government, he said, will provide all support to banks like using the panchayat offices for banking services in rural pockets. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Home Ministry following a complaint alleging "draconian" approach of the Centre in connection with renewal of licence of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). "The 7th Human Rights Defender Forum Colombo, Sri Lanka has informed the Commission to intervene in the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence non-renewal of the Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns (CPSC). "Such systematic attack on rights of the human rights defenders and on fundamental rights of the association and assembly as enshrined in the Article 19 of the Constitution of India has also been brought to notice of the Commission," an NHRC statement said today. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and directed the Secretary (Home) to inform it within a period of six weeks about certain parameters related to the issues. The Commission has sought from the ministry "the number of NGOs of human rights defenders who have not been allowed renewal of the licence and the amount received by them from foreign funding during last three years and the reason for non-renewal". It has also sought to know from the ministry "how the generic aspect of access to foreign funding and continuance of the same is not the right to form association and is not against international law, standards and principles". The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, in his local analysis of FCRA 2010, has submitted a report of the Union government in 2016 arguing that FCRA is not in conformity with international law, principles and standards as access to resources including the foreign funding is a fundamental part of the right to freedom of association under the international laws, standards and principles, the statement said. The Commission has also asked the ministry "to point out in case of the Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns (more publicly known through its programme namely People's Watch) how the litmus test laid down by the UN Special Rapporteur is applied in the adjudication by the central government". "Prima facie it appears FCRA licence non-renewal is neither legal nor objective and thereby impinging on the rights of the human rights defenders, both in access to funding, including foreign funding," the statement added. "After perusing submission of the Secretary (Home), government of India, the Commission may decide to hear the oral presentation, if necessary, about the present allegation of the draconian approach and the correctives the government of India is contemplating," the NHRC said. The Commission has directed the Centre to furnish the information to help it take up the hearing of the matter and to arrive at whether the review of the law can be recommended, it said. The Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns is a charitable trust established over 35 years ago. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar greeted mediapersons on the occasion of the National Press Day today. At the outset of his speech at "Chetan sabha" at Madhubani during course of second leg of "Nishchay yatra", Kumar greeted mediapersons on Press day today. Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) organised a function in state capital Patna which was attended by a large number of scribes of the print and electronic media to celebrate the occasion. A seminar was organised on the occasion with the theme "Report from Conflict Area, a Challenge to the Media". Speaking at the function, Principal Secretary of IPRD department Brajesh Mehrotra talked about lack of ethics or code of conduct on usase of social media whose influence has increased tremendously. He emphasised on enacting code of conduct on social media to check its evil influences witnessed regularly by way of spreading misinformation. "Information flow should be to guide people and not to misguide them," Mehrotra said. IPRD Director Bipin Kumar Singh highlighted significance of media in the society. PIB Director Dinesh Kumar, PTI bureau chief Sanjay Kumar Sinha, his counterpart in Hindustan Samachar Rajni Shankar and Editor of Rojnama of Rashtritya Sahara Syed Shahbaz Alam expressed their views at the function. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Continuing its crack-down on illegal activities, the neighbouring Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has filed an FIR against D Y Patil Hospital in Nerul, and shut it down by cancelling the hospital's registration. Speaking to PTI, NMMC commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, known for his tough stand on illegal constructions and other illegal activities, said, "The hospital was operating though its registration validity period had expired in March and it continued flouting the rules even after warnings and notices to mend its ways". The FIR was lodged against the hospital management yesterday under the Bombay Nursing Home Act, which requires that every hospital and nursing home must register with local municipal body periodically, Mundhe said. "This is the first case in Maharashtra where such a punitive action was taken against a hospital run by an influential political leader," said an official of the health department of NMMC who initiated the process of cancellation of registration and lodging of FIR. D Y Patil group of hospitals and educational institutes are run by NCP leader D Y Patil, former Bihar governor. Mundhe, considered to be an upright IAS officer, is also considered to have got Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's backing. Last month the NMMC corporators passed no-confidence resolution against him, but the CM suspended it. "Hospital management was given ample opportunity to come clean and renew the registration, but it failed. As no one is above the law, it took its own course," Mundhe said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Continuing his tirade against the government's demonetisation move, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today alleged that no action was being taken against the "real black marketeers" and the "industrialist friends" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pledging solidarity with the common man's sufferings, he also made an unscheduled brief stop at an ATM in suburban Vakola and interacted with the people standing in a queue there, while he was returning from Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district where a court granted him bail in a defamation case. "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10-20,000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken. "There is no investigation or action taken against Modiji's industrialist friends," Rahul told reporters outside Bhiwandi court. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," the Congress leader alleged. Earlier, addressing Congress supporters who gathered outside the court, Rahul said long queues before banks and ATMs had caused problems for the common man. "The masses are standing in a queue. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in queue," Rahul sought to know. "Did you get Rs 4000 notes? Did you get indelible ink mark on your hands," he said. Later, while returning from Bhiwandi, Rahul stopped at the ATM of a public sector bank in Vakola here as he saw a long queue and interacted with the people, Congress leader Kripashankar Singh told PTI. Congress's twitter handle also posted a picture of Rahul meeting people in the queue. "Listening to people's woes as they try & access their hard earned money, SBI ATM, Vakola, Mumbai," the tweet read. In a vitriolic attack on Modi over demonetisation, Rahul had last night said the Prime Minister was "laughing" while people were dying in queues outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money and the move will turn out to be a "big scam". The government did not seem to be going after the "big players" in black money like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, he had said. He had also claimed that BJP members were alerted beforehand about the demonetisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today again declined to grant relief to realtors, who sought relaxation of its September 8 order, banning registration of plots and buildings whose layouts have not been approved. The court was hearing impleading petitions of real estate owners, seeking relaxation to the order restraining the registration authority from registering unapproved layouts throughout Tamil Nadu. As per earlier directions of the court, the petitioners and the government filed categorisation of the lands. Some petitioners even claimed that there are no wetlands in the state. The matter relates to a PIL filed by an advocate earlier and another one, also by an advocate, which came up for further hearing today. The bench was not satisfied with the categorisation list submitted by either side and directed them to file modified comprehensive categorisation of the land in two weeks. It then posted the matter to December 5. On September 8, while hearing a PIL, the HC had banned registration of plots and houses, whose layout had not been approved and conversion of agricultural land for non-farming purposes in an unplanned manner in Tamil Nadu. Hearing a batch of 30 impleading petitions seeking relaxation, the court had said the question of modifying its September 8 order or lifting it would be considered only after categorisation of land was done and a report submitted to it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today directed CBSE to consider and pass orders within three months on a representation, seeking a direction to it to remove alleged objectionable content in class IX social science textbook about the Nadar community. The court gave the direction while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation by the Advocates Forum for Social Justice. The forum submitted that in the social science textbook, published by National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), some wrong information was given in respect of evaluating the history of the Nadar community. Stating that the community hails from the ancient period in Kanyakumari district, which was the then Travancore Samasthanam, the petitioner submitted that Nadars had also held important portfolios in that administration. Many in the community had participated in the freedom struggle, undergone much suffering and sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence, the forum added. The Nadar community had also played a major role in the business and economy of Tamil Nadu, the petitioner said. However, a chapter in the textbook under "Indian Colony Athikkam" (Transformation and Colonial India) and sub-heading of caste conflict and dress change, it was wrongly mentioned that during British rule, South Travancore was known as Kumari district, its natives were known as Naikers and that the Nadar community had come and settled there to eke out a livelihood, the forum said. The petitioner said after doing some research, it came to know that the history narrated in the book was incorrect and some of the contents 'degraded' the entire Nadar community. So it issued a notice dated September 14 asking authorities to rectify the mistakes in the book. CBSE in its reply stated that NCERT had constituted a committee to review the textbook and directed the forum to approach the NCERT. The petitioner submitted that since CBSE was the competent authority, it should have initiated immediate action to redress the grievances. But the Board had passed on its responsibility to NCERT. The petitioner submitted he had learnt that another Nadar forum had made a similar representation in 2012, but no action was taken in this regard for the past four years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's trade has improved with different countries after signing of free trade agreements (FTA), Parliament was informed today. "The overall effect on trade of an FTA is positive and statistically significant," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. She said the FTAs do provide opportunities for export of agricultural items, including processed and products of interest for macro, small and medium enterprises. "The trade data with FTA partners, prior to and after implementation of the agreement, indicates that there has been a significant increase of our trade," she added. Moreover, the minister said studies also indicate that increase in share of imports of raw materials, intermediate goods and capital goods could lead to enhanced efficiencies in domestic production and thus contribute to greater exports. Before entering into negotiations with its trading partners, studies are undertaken internally as well as through the Joint Study Group to study the feasibility of the proposed FTAs, including its benefits for and impact on the domestic industry, she said further. India has implemented FTAs with regions like Asean and the country is negotiating new pacts with its trading partners, including the European Union, Thailand, Mauritius, European Free Trade Association (EFTA), New Zealand, Israel and Gulf Cooperation Council. Replying to a separate query, Sitharaman said that to promote trade in services, the government is following a multi-pronged strategy of negotiating meaningful market access through all forums, trade promotions and focussed strategies for specific markets and sectors. "Further, there are domestic sectoral challenges and difficulties. These are identified and sought to be addressed through consultations with stakeholders," she said. Services sectors like IT/TeS and logistic services are critical for the success of the 'Make in India' Programme. "The substantive changes in the policy regime for foreign direct investment are expected to boost both industrial and service sector growth," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Tony Clark will be moving into the private sector early next year as he joins a Washington-based law firm. Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, which has offices in the District of Columbia and Denver, will be bringing Clark aboard as a senior adviser on Jan. 3, according to a Wednesday release from the firm. Clark recently completed a single four-year term on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Prior to being picked by President Barack Obama to join FERC in 2012, he served for 12 years as a member of the PSC. We have known and admired Tony for many years as a thoughtful leader in federal and state regulatory policy. His expertise, along with his sharp intellect and warm collegiality, makes him a perfect fit for our firm, Bryan Tramont, managing partner of Wilkinson Barker Knauer, said in the firms release. From 1999 to 2000, Clark was the North Dakota labor commissioner. From 1994 to 1997, he served in the state House of Representatives as a Republican representing District 44 in Fargo. Clark is married and has three children. Pakistan will give a "befitting response" to any "ambitious and reckless move" by its enemies, Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif today warned as he witnessed a military exercise in a strategically located area in Punjab province, bordering India. "Exercise Raad ul Barq (Strike of Thunder) establishes that Pakistan is ready to confront any ambitious and reckless move by its enemies," Sharif said addressing a ceremony marking culmination of military exercise in Khairpur Tamewali in Bahawalpur in Punjab, amid growing Indo-Pak tension. "These exercises reflect the preparedness of our armed forces to respond to any threat to national security," he said, adding that no country can remain oblivious to threats to its national security. According to officials, the Prime Minister was the chief guest at the event which was also attended by powerful Army chief General Raheel Sharif, Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmoud and the three services chiefs. JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, helicopter gunships and Al-Khalid tanks hit designated targets on the ground during the military exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the LoC. Sharif said his government is committed to following a policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and expects the same from others to enable lasting peace in the region, Radio Pakistan reported. "We cannot remain detached from recent developments in the region. Efforts to harm security and territorial integrity will be met with befitting response," Sharif said. Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, he said it remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India. "It must be addressed in a sincere and comprehensively manner in keeping with aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions," Sharif said. "The brutal tactics used to curb recent spontaneous and indigenous movements in Jammu and Kashmir have been counter-productive...Killing of civilians and soldiers along the LoC is another act of aggression that warrants international attention," he added. "The situation at the border remains sensitive due to India's grave violation of the ceasefire agreement," he said. "It is extremely unfortunate that South Asia remains prone to confrontation and the security situation remains fragile," Sharif added. The Prime Minister said enemies of Pakistan have made their intentions well known. He said terrorism is aimed at Pakistan's destabilisation and the nation and armed forces are successfully countering their malicious designs. Sharif said yesterday that Pakistan cannot be bullied by Indian "tactics" and its restraint should not be "misunderstood" as weakness, warning that his country was fully capable of defending against "any belligerence". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan has ordered more than 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by November 20, in a apparent move to "please" Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who starts his two-day visit to Islamabad today. According to the interior ministry, the teachers of Pak-Turk schools have been asked to leave the country along with their family members within three days. Some 108 Turkish teachers have been serving in the Pak-Turk Schools in the country. They along with their family members have been denied extension to their visas on the request of the Erdogan administration as these schools were run by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen whom Erdogan blamed for July's failed military coup. The Pak-Turk Schools administration has expressed shock over the government's decision which it believes has been taken under pressure. "Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges are extremely concerned over the abrupt decision of the government," said Pak-Turk Education Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Alamgir Khan. "Since we have removed all Turkish principals with the Pakistanis and publicly announced that it has no connection with Gulen movement there has been no justification of this decision," an official of the Pak-Turk Schools told PTI. He said now these schools have been operating under a local NGO registered with the Pakistani government. "However, these schools will remain functional under the Pakistani administration," he said. In August, Pakistan had promised Turkey's visiting Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that it would investigate the network of schools Ankara wanted shut for its alleged links with Gulen. "It is not secret that Gulen's organisation has institutions or their presence in Pakistan and in many other countries. I am sure the necessary measures will be taken. We have to be very careful with such organisations and their causing risk and threat for the security and stability of every country that they have presence," Cavusoglu had said. The network of Pak-Turk schools and colleges was launched in 1995 under the international NGO registered with the Turkish government. "Initially funding was made from Turkey to establish state of art campuses in Pakistan. But for the last 15 years or so it is generating its own funds here, offering free education and boarding facilities to 35 per cent of the students besides awarding foreign scholarships to them," the official said. The chain of 28 schools and colleges is functioning in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Jamshoro and Quetta. Some 11,000 students from pre-school to 'A' levels are studying there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's "aggressive posturing" will affect peace in South Asia, Pakistan's interior minister has told British Prime Minister Theresa May during a meeting here. Nisar Ali Khan had a scheduled meeting with Britain's National Security Adviser, Mark Lyall Grant, at 10, Downing Street yesterday when the British premier "dropped in", according to UK government sources. "India's hegemonic stance and aggressive posturing is a threat to peace and stability in the region," Khan said. "The world and our friends needed to do more to counter Indian designs against Pakistan and should stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism...Pakistan would not cow down to bullying tactics...We reserve the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of our soldiers...The people of Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil," he added. May reportedly conveyed her good wishes to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani minister congratulated her on her assumption of office as prime minister. The Pakistani minister told reporters from the Pakistani media after the meeting that May was "looking forward" to visit Pakistan in the first half of 2017. He emphasised that May's visit to Pakistan would be timely in the context of regional scenario prevailing in South Asia, and would open new channels of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination. On peace in the region, he told Lyall Grant that "a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan". He stressed that friendly relations of Pakistan with its neighbouring countries were based on the principle of reciprocity, which is a fundamental and important element of Pakistan's foreign policy. Khan also held a meeting with UK home secretary Amber Rudd earlier this week. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that demonetisation will not only hit terrorism and unrest, but also put an end to fake currency in circulation, actor Nana Patekar today praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move and urged common man to bear the inconvenience for some time. "Demonetisation is a good step. Due to demonetisation, terrorism will get a hit," Patekar told reporters. "As common people, we should tolerate the inconvenience for 10, 15 and 25 days, and it is a very minor difficulty caused for us (on account of demonetization), which is minor in terms of that of the nation (is going through due to parallel economy of black money and fake currency)", he added. Patekar, who visited BSF schools and interacted with schools children and later paid tributes of BSF martyrs said "Those who used to give Rs 500 note to engineer a stone pelting (by young children), has stopped. Calling the initiative a big blow to fake currency being printed and send by Pakistan into the country, the actor said, "The money (fake) which used to be printed (in Pakistan) and comes from across the border that constituted 30 percent of fake notes in our currency. We now got rid of it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that Kashmiri children should take part in development of India, veteran actor Nana Patekar said they must focus on education. "I want to tell the children of Kashmir that they should read, write and learn and come to the mainstream," Patekar said while pointing towards the unrest in the Valley which has witnessed a series of incidents in which the educational institutes were set ablaze and pelted. Patekar, who was on a visit to a BSF school interacted with the students and asked them to "shun violence". On being asked about school children involved in stone pelting incidents, he said, "By doing this, you cannot build your career. They should learn. Come to the mainstream and contribute in nation building." "They (Kashmir students) should first understand that this (India) is their own country and then everything will be resolved," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct Reserve Bank of India to review its decision of not allowing District Central Cooperative Banks to exchange demonetised notes and said his government stands committed to every anti- corruption measure that benefits common man. "I would request your goodself to personally intervene in the matter and direct the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to review its decision on withdrawal of facilities from the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCB) and allow them to take part in the implementation of the scheme," Patnaik wrote in a letter to Modi. He also spoke to the Prime Minister over phone and drew his attention to the farmers' plights following demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Earlier, the RBI had prohibited the DCCBs to refrain from exchanging demonetised notes. Stating that 44 lakh farmer families, who have taken agricultural loans, have been affected due to the ban imposed by RBI on DCCBs, the CM said this would severely affect paddy procurement. In his letter, Patnaik also mentioned that the DCCBs have been playing pivotal role in Odisha by dispensing crop loans to the extent of around 65 per cent through their affiliated Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and catering to the requirement of around 44 lakh agricultural families under Kisan Credit Card Scheme. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Long queues to get valid currency notes were witnessed outside banks and ATMs today after the Centre last week demonetised the old higher value bills, even as citizens voiced concern over the decision to mark customers exchanging defunct banknotes with indelible ink. Banks witnessed more crowd as many ATMs ran out of cash, while serpentine queues were seen outside those which were dispensing money. Political parties, including DMK and VCK, have opposed the Centre's decision to mark bank customers with indelible ink to check people coming back again and again. The government's this move came in the wake of some people reportedly trying to convert black money into white and having organised groups of people and sending them from one branch to another to exchange notes. Meanwhile, CPI(M) staged protests at different parts of the state, including here, slamming the Centre on the demonetisation issue, claiming it has affected the common man severely. CPI(M) state secretary G Ramakrishnan and hundreds of party workers were taken into custody during protests in different parts of the state including Chennai, Tirunelveli and Dindigul. Ramakrishnan and others were taken into custody for trying to picket the RBI office here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ebola virus does not uniformly cause severe disease and people may be infected without showing signs of illness, new research has found. Researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine in the US and other institutions identified 14 individuals previously unknown to have had the disease in a Sierra Leone village that was an Ebola hot spot. They were found to be carrying antibodies to Ebola, suggesting they had been infected at some point, though they had not been included in the original count. Twelve of them said they had had no symptoms of the disease, which typically causes fever, unexplained bleeding, headache, muscle pain, rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. The findings also suggest that the epidemic was more widespread than previously believed. Based on the results of the study, the researchers calculated the prevalence of minimally symptomatic infection to be 25 per cent. "The study corroborates previous evidence that Ebola is like most other viruses in that it causes a spectrum of manifestations, including minimally symptomatic infection," said Gene Richardson from Stanford. "It provides important evidence on that front. It also means a significant portion of transmission events may have gone undetected during the outbreak. This shows there was a lot more human-to-human transmission than we thought," he said. The research was done in the rural village of Sukudu in Sierra Leone in West Africa, with about 900 residents. There were 34 reported cases of Ebola in the village, including 28 deaths, between November 2014 and February 2015. More than 28,000 cases of Ebola infection were reported in Africa during the epidemic, the largest and longest in history. More than 11,000 people are estimated to have died because of the disease. In the aftermath, Richardson and his colleagues decided to go back to the village to try to determine whether the Ebola infection could be minimally symptomatic, as previous studies have suggested. He worked with a local physician and two community health workers in gathering data for the study. They used a test known as the ELISA assay, a technique that can detect the presence of an antibody. They first made sure the test was accurate by comparing results from 30 Ebola survivors in Sukudu with those of 132 people in other villages where the virus had not been reported. Richardson said the test proved to be a reasonable measure of viral antibodies. The researchers then recruited 187 men, women and children from Sukudu who had likely been exposed to Ebola, either because they were living in the same household or had shared a public toilet with a person confirmed to have had the disease. The study was published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Philippine president, who has been hostile to Barack Obama for criticizing his deadly anti-drug crackdown, has congratulated Donald Trump for a "well-deserved victory" and said he is excited to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin at an upcoming Asia-Pacific summit. President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been criticised for his foul language and the drug crackdown, gave upbeat remarks about the president-elect and Putin in a late yesterday conference in Manila. Asked whether his ties with America can improve under Trump, Duterte replied: "I'm sure, we have no quarrel. I can always be a friend to anybody, specially to a ... President, chief executive of another country." Duterte, who has been compared to Trump due to his devil-may-care irreverence to rivals and critics, said the US president-elect was "the chosen leader of the people of the most powerful country in the world." "I trust in his judgment," said Duterte, adding he expected Trump to be fair in dealing with illegal immigrants. Filipinos make up one of the largest expatriate groups in the US. Duterte, 71, has had a frosty relationship with Obama and the US government since he US spoke out against his anti-drug war that is thought to have left more than 4,000 drug suspects dead since July. At the height of his public outbursts, he told Obama to "go to hell" and announced his "separation" with America, his country's treaty ally, during a state visit to China last month. Duterte later walked back on that, saying what he meant was his desire to chart a foreign policy that would not overly lean on America. But Duterte has publicly vowed to stop joint combat drills with the US military and scale back other security engagements with Washington, although he has also softened up on those threats. Philippine defense officials announced last week that Duterte had agreed to allow a smaller number of joint military exercises, adding that overt assault drills would be discontinued. The push away from Washington has been accompanied by Duterte reaching out to China and Russia. Duterte said he wants to meet with Putin, who he adds also loves guns and hunting, at this month's APEC summit in Peru, and that he wants their countries to have strong ties. "I will not ask for anything. I want to be friends with him, I just want the two countries to be the best of friends," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi High Court today sought the response of the Centre on a plea seeking a direction to restrain media houses from using the word 'Dalit' in articles, alleging it creates "inequality" in the society. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal issued notice to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and asked it to take instruction on whether there is any law to prohibit the use of the word by media houses. "Notice to respondent no.1 (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting). Take instruction whether there is any law which prohibits using of the word 'Dalit', which according to the petitioner is objectionable," the court said. It fixed January 13, 2017, for further hearing of the plea by Prem Kumar Singh, who has also sought a direction to the Press Council of India to restrain all print and electronic media from using word 'Dalit' during broadcast of . The bench then asked the petitioner that if such words should not be used, than what expression can be used in their place. Meanwhile, the counsel for the government told the bench that as of now there was no circular regarding such usage by the publishers. The bench asked the ministry to find out and inform the court on the next date of hearing. Referring to some headlines which had used the expression 'Dalit', the petitioner said, "The legislature has made provisions to ensure no one may create any kind of hatred or animosity between the different communities or religions of the country, so that there may be a harmonious atmosphere in the society". (REOPENS LGD11) Aggrieved by the excessive use of words 'Dalit' and 'upper caste', the plea alleged that despite a law and guidelines in place, the media houses keep on raising the issue of 'Dalit' atrocities unnecessarily. "Crime is crime and can be committed against or by any community and thus cannot be treated on different footing as against the crime committed by or against the people of the general community, especially when there is involvement of Scheduled Caste people," the plea said. It said that "this kind of differentiation was an arbitrary act and against basic concept of equality enshrined in the Constitution of India". The petitioner urged the court to direct the Ministry and the press watchdog to take appropriate steps to ensure that the word may not be used unnecessarily and unjustifiably without any relevance of the same. It said compliance with laws related to prohibition of use of community related words be ensured by the authorities concerned. Singh in his plea has said the authorities be directed to "keep a vigilant eye upon the publication and presentation of news by the media houses so that a harmonious atmosphere among the different religions, race, castes and community people may be created in the country". He said that a penalty may be imposed on publishers for their act of creating an atmosphere in the country by presenting the news in a provocative and distorted manner. A preview of the upcoming legislative session will unfold over the next few days as the 17 members of North Dakota Legislative Management will be in the House beginning at 9 a.m. to review the reports produced by each of the 23 interim committees. They will present their basic findings, and they will discuss potential legislation, Legislative Management Chairman Sen. Ray Holmberg, R-Grand Forks, said. One issue that might be a unique is a ramping up of security at the Capitol for the 2017 session: What that entails will be determined in the coming weeks. The way society has developed we have to be cognizant of that, Holmberg said. The comfortable protesting season is soon over." Meanwhile, the review of the reports will commence and is a way for lawmakers to get up to speed on the work done outside of their own committees, according to Holmberg. The Legislative Management meeting is also the first to draw the large majority of the Legislature to the Capitol since the Dakota Access Pipeline protests began in earnest this summer. Some initial conversations between legislative leadership and the North Dakota Highway Patrol are expected to take place in private during this weeks committee work on security measures for the 2017 session. The issue of security has become more pressing after multiple incidents in recent weeks on the state Capitol grounds. On Halloween night, two individuals splattered motor oil on the sidewalk and glass doors of the west entrance to the Capitol and left a sign with a message appearing to be in solidarity with the protesters that have been camping in Morton County in recent months. A group of clergy and protesters came to the Capitol and held a rally outside the building before moving across the street from the governors residence. Fourteen people inside the judicial wing were arrested and multiple others were arrested outside the building. On Monday, hundreds gathered outside the Capitol tower before marching to downtown Bismarck. North Dakota Legislature information can be found at www.legis.nd.gov. As opposition braced up to challenge the government on demonetisation issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to them in Lok Sabha on the first day of winter session and exchanged greetings with various leaders, including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Before the proceedings began, Modi entered the House and first met leaders of BJP and its allies present in the House, including L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Ram Vilas Paswan and Ashok Gajapati Raju. Accompanied by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, the Prime Minister then walked up to the opposition benches to meet Gandhi and exchanged pleasantries with her. He was also seen interacting with TMC leaders Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Kalyan Banerjee. Modi spoke briefly to Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha M Thambidurai and Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. The Home Minister was seen talking to Gandhi for some time after exchanging pleasantries. Rajnath Singh, Kumar and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs S S Ahluwalia were also seen talking to the leaders of TMC, which has upped the ante against the Prime Minister's demonetisation move. The TMC members, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and those of some other parties are expected to meet President Pranab Mukherjee to protest against the government's declaration that Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes are no longer legal tenders. After the House was adjourned, Modi was seen being greeted by a large number of BJP MPs, who had queued up along the aisle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police today arrested four alleged drug peddlers and recovered a large quantity of brown sugar and other banned drugs from them in Pulwama and Anantnag districts of south Kashmir. Mehraj-Ud-Din Wani, Mohammad Ayoub Fergadi and Mohammad Rafiq Kaloo were arrested after police recovered 56 packets of brown sugar during search of a three-wheeler at Awantipora, 32 kms from here, on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a police spokesman said. "Hailing from Bemina and Noorbagh localities of Srinagar, the trio were notorious drug peddlers and were arrested on a tip off," he said, adding a case under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered against them. In another operation, he said, police arrested a "drug peddler" and recovered 97 kilograms of 'Fukki' from his possession in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district. Imtiyaz Ahmad Dar was driving a cab when he was intercepted by police on a tip off, he said, adding the search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the huge quantity of Fukki, a narcotic substance. A case was registered against Dar, who is a resident of Bandina village of Awantipora, the spokesman said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda has reaffirmed his commitment to the "One-China" policy in a meeting with the new Chinese envoy here, during which the proposed visit of President Xi Jinping was also discussed. Prachanda, who met ambassador Yu Hong at his official residence at Baluwatar, discussed matters relating to Xi's proposed visit to Nepal, sources said. However, the date of the visit has not yet been spelt out. Xi was expected to visit Nepal in October but he cancelled the visit. The cancellation was then attribbuted by local media reports to Nepal's "pro-India" stance after Prachanda took over power from KP Sharma Oli, who was seen as pro-China. Reports then said that Xi was unhappy with Nepal also due to its disinterest in fulfilling commitments made by Oli, among them transit agreemnents that would have ended Nepal's decades-old dependency on India for daily supplies. During the meeting with the new Chinese envoy yesterday, Prachanda expressed his gratitude for China's support in the development endeavours and post-earthquake reconstruction. During the courtesy call by the Chinese envoy, Prachanda also hoped that Yu's tenure in Nepal would be successful. Ambassador Yu said during her term in Nepal she would focus on further consolidating the China-Nepal ties. Under the "One-China" policy, Beijing insists that countries recognise Tibet and Taiwan as part of the mainland. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today said the resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly to levy "cost and royalty" on water being supplied to the state as "unconstitutional". "To charge non-riparian states like Haryana and Rajasthan is unconstitutional. It was in 2006 that the Punjab Assembly had acted in a similar manner, but the Supreme Court had rejected it," he said here. Khattar claimed such actions of Punjab would not have any impact. The Centre and the President would be urged to take action on whatever resolutions are passed by Punjab on Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, he assured. The Chief Minister said the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue favouring Haryana is a "ray of hope" for farmers in the state. "Many parts of Haryana would get water. There are areas where there is a scarcity of water during summer. Now they will have respite," he said, adding the agreement will be implemented. Meanwhile, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister O P Dhankar termed the resolution "anti-national and a political drama". "It has been introduced despite the recent decision of the Supreme Court favouring Haryana," he said. "The question of payment for water does not arise. In fact, Punjab should compensate the farmers of Haryana for losses to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees incurred by them over the years," Dhankar said. In a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, in this regard on March 17, 2016, it had been mentioned that farmers in Haryana faced estimated losses of Rs 30,000 crore every year and his government should compensate, he said. "The Punjab government should respect the Constitution and the decision of the Supreme Court," Dhankar said, adding Haryana has incurred about Rs 20 crore as legal fee in pursuing the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today pulled up some states and Union territories (UTs) for not filing the status report with regard to implementation of its verdict and the legal scheme to grant of reservation to differently abled people and asked them to furnish the same within two weeks. "Let the response be filed with two weeks failing which this court will be compelled to direct presence of secretaries of the departments concerned," a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said and posted the matter for December 1. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation which has sought direction to the Centre and the states to file reports on the status of the implementation of provisions of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. The court had on August 31 noted that states like Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttarakhand and some others have not filed their status report and had asked them to do the same in two weeks. At the outset of the hearing today, the counsel appearing for the foundation told the bench that states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha and UTs like Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu are yet to file their response. Irked over the non-compliance, the bench then said, "Let the secretaries come and explain. We have directed you to file a response to the chart (given by the foundation) and you have not filed it." While advocates representing many of these states and UTs told the court that they filed it, some of the lawyers said that they would furnish it soon. The foundation had filed a detailed chart with respect to the steps taken by the states and UTs and what more was required to be done by them in implementation of the verdict and the provisions of the Act to grant three per cent quota in jobs to differently abled persons. The Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act provides for separate one per cent reservation for each of the three categories of persons with disabilities -- persons suffering from blindness and low vision, those suffering from hearing disability and those suffering from locomotor disability or cerebral palsy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was today granted bail by a court in Bhiwandi near here in a defamation case over his alleged comment against the RSS on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. Rahul, who reached the Bhiwandi magistrate court in neighbouring Thane district around 10.30 AM amid tight security along with his supporters, appeared before Judge Tushar Waze, who adjourned the case till January 30, 2017. Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for the Congress leader. The case against Rahul was filed by a local RSS functionary, Rajesh Kunte, over the former's speech in Bhiwandi on March 6, 2014 in the run up to Lok Sabha polls. During the rally, Rahul had allegedly claimed, "The RSS people had killed Gandhi." The complainant's counsel Nandu Phadke told the court that if Rahul was ready to accept his "mistake" then he was willing to withdraw the case against him as the complainant (Kunte) believed in "forgive and forget." Also, Rahul should give an undertaking that he will not repeat it in the future, Phadke demanded. When Rahul's lawyer Ashok Mundargi requested for a date and sought the court to exempt him from personal appearance, owing to his political commitments, the complainant's lawyer said Rahul may be treated as an "ordinary citizen". On September 1, Rahul had preferred to face the trial as an accused in the defamation case, submitting before the Supreme Court that he stood by "every word" of his statement. The Congress vice president had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the apex court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. He then withdrew the appeal filed by him against the Bombay High Court judgement refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahul's plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had taken cognisance of the complaint of an RSS functionary by summoning him as an accused in the case. Last evening, Rahul reached Mumbai to a rousing welcome by party workers and state leaders. Several party workers carried placards which read: "Bapu ke samman mein, Rahul Gandhi maidan mein" (For Mahatma Gandhi's honour, Rahul Gandhi joins fight"; "Gandhiji ke hatyaro se sangharsh rahega jari" (fight against Gandhi's killers will continue) and "Rahul Gandhi sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai" (Rahul Gandhi carry on the fight, we are with you). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Top software company Ramco Systems has inked a deal with a Melbourne-based logistic service provider SeaRoad Holdings for itsRamco Logistics Suite. The announcement of the Chennai-based comapny's 25th customer in Australia was made yesterday here in presence of Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and Finance Daniel Mulino and IndianConsul general Manika Jain who officiallylaunched theRamco's Oceaniaheadquarter for the companyin Melbourne. "The appetite of Australian businesses to adopt disruptive technologies and test new waters has been a key driver behind Ramco's growth in the region. This new office in Melbourne will also become the Oceania headquarters for Ramco," said P R Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman and Managing Director Ramco Systems. Ramco intends to work with the government aimed at transforming Victoria into a pivotal business destination in the Asia Pacific, he said. "Ramco's decision to base their Oceania HQ in Melbourne strengthens Victoria's growing reputation as a leading destination for global business and tech investment," said Philip Dalidakis, Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade. "The Andrews Labor Government is bolstering Victoria's push to be the number one tech destination across the Asia Pacific and Ramco's innovation and logistics presence in Melbourne will help us do this," Dalidakis said. Jain congratulatedthe company for setting up its base in Melbourne and stressedon thegrowingrelations between Australia and India. The company will soon be opening a Sydney office for further strengthening its base in Australia. Virender Aggarwal, CEO Ramco Systemssaid, after US, Australia was the next important market forthe company and it was also planning to enter the UK in near future. Ramco Systems is a leading software company focused on consulting, product and managed services business. The company focuses on providing innovative business solutions that can be delivered quickly and cost-effectively in complex environments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home minister Rajnath Singh today said an Army recruitment sub-centre will be opened in Rewari to increase employment opportunities for youths and Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalion will be deployed in Mewat to ensure communal harmony in the region. Addressing 'Shaheed Samman Rally' organised by Union Minister of State for Urban Housing, Planning and Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh, at local HUDA grounds here, Singh said countrymen should contribute to make a strong, proud and independent India. Apart from Rajnath and Inderjit Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also attended the function. The speakers paid rich tributes to the martyrs right from the freedom struggle to present times, including Rao Raja Tula Ram and the 5,000 martyrs who laid their lives on November 16, 1857 at village Nasirpur, near Narnaul in Mahendergarh district. Stressing that owing to the sacrifice of martyrs, India got independence politically in 1947 but social and economic freedom remained dreams to be attained, Rajnath said, the present BJP government at the Centre was making all efforts to achieve both the freedoms, for which the people will have to shun their differences on grounds of religion, caste, untouchability or region. Economic freedom can be achieved by providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth, for which the government has started number of programme to make the youth "able", he said. The Union Home minister said the gap of economic disparity should be minimised, for which the government has demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. "This could cause problems for the people for some time, may be for a month, but it will be helpful in bringing purity (Pavitrata) in politics," he said. Criticising the practice of distribution of money and liquor during elections, Singh said "this practice should go and if any political party collected donations, it should also be accounted for." "We are here to provide the type of governance, the people want. There will be no place for corruption. Government is working on it and this will have effect on the working of government machinery, they will also refrain from adopting corrupt practices." He said real India lives in villages and the country could not progress till our farmers progress. The government introduced Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna so that loss caused to farmers due to natural calamities can be reimbursed, he added. Rajnath said the government was working with an aim to double the income of farmers by 2022. At the same time, he said production of Urea and DAP fertilisers would be increased and the prices of these could be lowered. Attacking Pakistan he said that the Heads of neighbouring countries were invited in the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narender Modi only to give a message that we believe in not only shaking hands but also to want 'meeting of hearts' because Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee used to say that friends may leave but neighbours remain. "so we should have cordial relations with neighborers, he said, adding that despite our cordial gesture, our neighbour (Pakistan) resorted to terrorism, which is weapon of the cowards. The incidents of naxalism and terrorism have decreased drastically in the country in last two years, Singh asserted. (REOPENS DES57) Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in the last Lok Sabha election, the situation started favouring BJP after Narendra Modi addressed an ex-servicemen rally here two days before his nomination as the Prime Ministerial candidate. "The people of south Haryana have contributed a lot in the formation of BJP government at the Centre and state. BJP is indebted," he said. The party has not forgotten that support and will be able to repay a part of the debt if it can get the Sutlej-Yamuna-Link canal waters to this region, the Chief Minister said. "After the formation of BJP government, sincere efforts were made and good lawyers were engaged in the SYL case," Khattar claimed. For the benefit of farmers in this region lift irrigation system has been revived at a cost of Rs 143 crore, he said. "Additionally, a separate Rs 2,200 crore scheme has been prepared for taking Yamuna river's water up to the tail-end of south Haryana," he said, adding "Presently, out of our share of 22,000 cusec of water we fetch around 15,000 cusec." The Chief Minister said, "A medical college will be set up in each district of the state." "I along with Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh have sought the intervention of the Union Home Minister for opening a branch of AIIMS at Manethi village in Rewari district," Khattar said, adding he has written letters in this regard to the Centre. Khattar also suggested an extension branch of the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment in the region and assured, "Possibilities will be discussed with Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Union minister Kiren Rijiju today questioned Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi over his statement on demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes saying his comments were self-contradictory. "Which is right? Before confusing people's mind pls be clear yourself first. Support crack down on corruption, black money & terror funding (sic)," Rijiju tweeted, referring to the statement made by Gandhi in Mumbai yesterday. Rahul had alleged the Modi government had alerted BJP people of demonetisation beforehand. He had also said, "I don't think even Finance Minister knew about demonetisation announcement". Rijiju said, "Both statements can't be coming from the same man in less than 5 minutes". Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 said Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender and asked people holding such notes to deposit or exchange them with banks. He had said new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes would be introduced with different colour and design. The announcement led to cash crunch and long queues in banks and ATMs to exchange old notes and withdraw money. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has seized Rs two crore in cash from Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes. The money seized by CRPF personnel from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh were mainly hoarded by Maoists operating in the region. They were traced while trying to transfer or deposit them to others' bank accounts," CRPF Director General K Durga Prasad said while inaugurating an administrative building of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA) unit. "Rs 1.10 crore was seized from Jharkhand, Rs 80 lakh from Bihar and Rs 10 lakh from Chhattisgarh since the demonetisation process started. We are making full use of the Centre's move in flushing out the cash hoarded by Maoists," the CRPF DG said. He said that the Maoists are active in the border areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar and the COBRA unit of the force would continue to operate in combating the red ultras. A special squad of women COBRA troops was also initiated by the CRPF DG here and he said they would be stationed at Lalgarh, Jhargram and Siliguri in West Bengal. India has become one of the few countries to deploy women personnel at combat situations in the most violent areas, including forests for operations against Maoists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pipeline protesters faced off against police Tuesday morning at the entrance to a Dakota Access equipment yard west of Mandan. Protesters on scene said they were standing to support women who had been exploited or gone missing in oil industry man camps, adding a new message to the months-long anti-pipeline protests. About 400 people gathered on Old Highway 10, where they blocked the road before proceeding towards the warehousing site and were stopped by police around 10:20 a.m. Protesters many wearing goggles and masks in anticipation of pepper spray formed a line along the railroad tracks, which crossed an access road leading to the warehousing area. About 100 police, many in riot masks and carrying batons, gathered on the other side. A group of protesters also blocked access to the yard by disabling a car between the road and railroad tracks, by slashing the tires and dismantling part of the engine. They filled the vehicle with tumbleweed, and the Morton County Sheriff's Department alleges they tried to start it on fire. Police closed Highway 10 west of Mandan during the protest. Officers made multiple calls for the group to disperse, which were met with calls back from the crowd. "This is an unlawful protest. You blocked Highway 10; now you're blocking the railroad tracks. You're all arrestable. You need to disperse," an officer called over a loud speaker. "We are the patriots. You are the attackers," a protester called back to police. "Why do you protect DAPL over us?" Darlene George, of the Okanagan Nation of British Columbia, said she was "standing in solidarity with the missing indigenous women" and that she wanted to support North Dakotans in their fight against the oil pipeline they fear will contaminate the Missouri River. "It's all connected," she said. After several warnings, a line of officers moved into a U-shape, and they physically pressed the protesters back toward the road. Many carried batons in front of them and yelled, "Move back." Dozens of people were pepper sprayed and at least one was arrested from the line. Some people within the crowd began calling out, "We're leaving," but the police pushed until everyone reached the highway. Protesters loaded into cars to leave the area around 11:30 a.m. Police blocked the line of cars heading east on Highway 10 back toward Mandan. Officers walked up and down the line, peering into windows and arresting at least one more person from a car. North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson said traffic was stopped after the protest, because police spotted a vehicle believed to be involved in a Friday protest, when the tires of six law enforcement vehicles were slashed. Iverson said the driver of that vehicle tried to flee the stop, which led them to arrest the driver and passenger. He said two people were arrested from another vehicle driving recklessly there, as well. In total, 25 people were arrested from the protest site, according to the Morton County Sheriff's Department. Most are facing felony charges of tampering or damaging a public service by blocking the railroad tracks. Some also are charged with resisting arrest, trespass and obstructing a government function. BNSF Railway halted train traffic for about three hours Tuesday due to the protest, according to spokeswoman Amy MacBeth. She said a signal bungalow had been painted, but there was no damage to the tracks, and service resumed at 1 p.m. Mary Kathryn Nagle, a partner at Pipestem Law, who represents the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, said the protesters are correct in making a connection between the $3.8 billion Bakken crude pipeline and violence against native women. "In the Bakken, since 2005, there has been a rapid increase in oil expansion. With that rapid increase has come an explosion of sex trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault and murder," Nagle said. "Native women have had to bear the brunt of those increased crimes." Nagle said the increase in crime against native women can be attributed to the location of oil development on tribal land, which is often remote and difficult for police to reach. When they do, jurisdictional issues often hamper criminal prosecutions, she said. The Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women highlighted the issue in its 2013 tribal consultation report and has since made grants to fund victim services for native women in the Bakken. Nagle indicated she and NIWRC will be filing a brief in Standing Rock's suit against the Army Corps of Engineers, saying, in essence, that tribal consultation is especially important in this case, because the pipeline may ultimately bring more violence to native women. On the opening day of Winter session, Rajya Sabha today mourned the death of four former MPs as well as former Israeli President Shimon Peres and King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away recently. When the House met for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari mentioned of the passing away of Peres on September 28 at the age of 93 years. He described him as a visionary and a statesman who made bold efforts for peace his country and the region. His death, he said, had caused irreversible loss to Israel and its people and world at large. King Adulyadej, who passed away on October 13 at the age of 89 years, was described by Ansari as a unifying figure and a sagacious and charismatic leader. He said his death had caused irreparable loss to Thailand and its people. The Upper House also mourned the death of four of its former members. Paying homage to A R Kidwai, who passed away on August 24 at the age of 96 years, the Chairman said the country has lost a noted educationist, a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator. Kidwai, who represented Delhi in the Rajya Sabha from January 2000 to July 2004, was also Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana over various terms. M Shafi Qureshi, who presented J&K in Rajya Sabha from May 1965 to January 1967, was described as a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator. Qureshi passed away on August 28 at the age of 86 years. The House also paid tributes to Govindrao Ramachandra Mhaisekar, who represented Maharashtra in the Upper House from April 1976 to April 1982. He passed away on September 23 at the age of 92 years. Homage was also paid to Salil Kumar Ganguli, who represented West Bengal from April 1970 to April 1976. He died on September 29 at the age of 91 years. Members stood in silence as mark of respect to the departed souls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Ryan Reynolds says he had a nervous breakdown post filming for his blockbuster film "Deadpool". The 40-year-old actor, who starred in the titular role in the superhero movie, said he felt the need of going to the doctor after filming wrapped and was diagnosed with anxiety, reported Female First. "I felt like I was on some schooner in the middle of a white squall the whole time. It just never stopped. When it ended, I had a little bit of a nervous breakdown. I literally had the shakes. I went to go see a doctor because I felt like I was suffering from a neurological problem or something. And every doctor I saw said, 'You have anxiety.' "I say this with the caveat that I completely recognise the ridiculously fortunate position that I am in. But the attention is hard on your nervous system - that might be why I live out in the woods. And I was banging the loudest drum for 'Deadpool'. I wasn't just trying to open it; I was trying to make a cultural phenomenon," Reynolds said. The actor will soon start working on the sequel of the film. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said there should be no government interference in the functioning of but advised self-regulation by making appropriate changes with times, asserting that things will not change from external control. He also expressed concern over recent murders of journalists, saying it was very "painful" and a "most dangerous" way of suppressing the truth. His remarks came against the backdrop of the murder of two journalists in Bihar. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of Press Council of India (PCI), Modi also quoted Mahatma Gandhi to support his assertions seeking self-regulation by the . "Mahatma Gandhi had said uncontrolled writing can create huge problems but he had also said that external interference would wreak havoc. Controlling it (media) externally cannot be imagined," he asserted. "Government should not do any interference. It is true that self-introspection is not easy... It is the responsibility of the PCI and those associated with the press to see to it that what appropriate changes you can make with time. Things do not change from external control," he said. Though the Prime Minister did not refer to any specific changes, he said unlike journalists in past when they had ample time to make corrections, now because of the fast-paced nature of electronic and digital media, there is no such opportunity now. Referring to the Kandahar hijack in 1999, he said new channels' round-the-clock reportage of angry reactions of the families of passengers in the Indian Airlines flight made terrorists emboldened as they thought they can get anything from the Indian government with this kind of public pressure. The episode set off introspection in the which later came with norms for the coverage of such incidents, Modi said. A United Nations committee that monitors acts of torture in member countries grilled an intelligence chief today over the alleged abuse of detainees during Sri Lanka's bloody civil war, only to have the nation's attorney general step in to deflect the questions. The mere presence of Chief of National Intelligence Sisira Mendis at the Committee Against Torture's two-day hearing on Sri Lanka was already a surprise to both panel members and many non-governmental groups that have raised concerns about his war-time activities. A UN report last year documented evidence of "premeditated and systematic" torture by some of Mendis' subordinates when he was a top police official during the recent war. The evidence included chambers equipped with "metal bars and poles used for beatings, barrels of water used for waterboarding, and pulleys and other apparatus from which victims were suspended," according to the report. Panel Vice Chair Felice Gaer of the United States asked Mendis what he knew about possible torture by units of the Sri Lankan security forces while he was deputy inspector general of the police in 2008 and 2009. "So Mr. Mendis, it's very unusual for this committee to have a person who has had the experiences you have before us," Gaer said. "Can you tell us whether you or officers under your responsibility jointly interrogated persons deprived of liberty together with military officers or with members of the TID (Terrorism Investigation Division)?" Mendis did not respond. Sri Lanka Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya, who led the country's delegation to the Geneva hearing, said it would respond in writing to the questions within 48 hours and provide "comprehensive answers to the areas where we can." Mendis and Jayasuriya declined to speak to The Associated Press following the session. Sri Lanka's civil war ended in 2009 when government forces defeated Tamil Tiger rebel fighting to create a separate state for ethnic minority Tamils. The UN has estimated that at least 80,000 people were killed during the conflict, including up to 40,000 civilians in the last month alone. The UN's Human Rights Council last year unanimously approved a resolution to increase post-war accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Switzerland Tourism is eyeing over 10 per cent growth in footfalls from India this year as there is an increase in interest for its winter offerings. "Traditionally, Indians have been attracted to experience Switzerland as a European destination, especially during the springs and summers. But we are seeing increasing interest by Indians to experience the country in the winters as well, especially since we launched our Winter Campaign last year," Switzerland Tourism India Deputy Director Ritu Sharma told PTI here. Switzerland hosted over 8,47,000 visitors from India in 2015. "Although Indians love to go on a vacation during the summers, we do hope for a change after this campaign. Switzerland is also a complete package for families and honeymooners who are not only looking at a relaxing vacation but also crave some adventure," she added. For summers, Switzerland targets new as well as well travelled people, while for winter the country looking at well travelled people looking to expand their experience, she added. Switzerland Tourism Director, India, Claudio Zemp said: "In India, we see people getting more adventurous these days. They do not only want to take a cable car up a mountain and take pictures but also want that thrill and rush which one gets while doing adventure sports." "With a versatile and energetic personality like (actor) Ranveer Singh, who has been appointed as the brand ambassador, we would like to showcase that Switzerland is not only about scenic beauty but also has many activities and adventures to offer to the more experiential Indian traveller," Zemp added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the Tata-Mistry battle rages on, two key board meetings will be held on Thursday including one to seek removal of the ousted group chairman from the board of crown-jewel Tata Consultancy Services. The board of Tata group's main holding company Tata Sons is scheduled to meet at its headquarters Bombay House in afternoon for a pre-scheduled meeting, sources said. The board of Tata Consultancy Services will meet in the morning at its headquarters in downtown Mumbai to consider the way ahead on extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to remove Cyrus Mistry from the board. Sources said there is a strong likelihood of Mistry -- who was understood to be in the national capital today -- attending the Tata Sons' meeting, where he continues to be a director after his surprise removal as chairman last month. Mistry was removed as chairman of TCS too and now the holding company is moving to push him out of the board as well for which it requires shareholder approval in the EGM. This will be Tata Sons' first move since the ouster of Mistry from the chairmanship on October 24. It is leading to a bitter end, with accusations being traded by either side, even as the salt-to-software conglomerate goes about the task of easing Mistry from all his board positions. Agencies Telangana government today signed an MoU with Microsoft Corporation India wherein Microsoft will help the government to explore cloud, machine learning and mobile-based solutions to improve citizen services, education, healthcare and agriculture in the state. At the MoU signing event, Telangana IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan said, "Telangana government believes that ICT is the key to building not only a stronger economy but also an efficient and effective governance system." "Through this partnership of ours with Microsoft, we are confident about bringing in advanced solutions pertaining to our initiatives under Digital Telangana programme." Ranjan added. Microsoft India (R&D) Managing Director Anil Bhansali said, "Over the past year, we have experimented with cloud, mobile and machine learning based solutions for better citizen connect as well as to help students, farmers and patients in India." "We are delighted to bring many of those learnings to Telangana and explore new use for these world-class technologies." As per the MoU, Microsoft India will work with Telangana government to support the development of cloud and mobile-based solutions and support the use of machine learning and advanced visualisation to help solve challenges in the fields of education, agriculture and healthcare, according to an release. "Telangana government has been an ardent promoter of ICT solutions, particularly in the fields of agriculture, citizen service delivery, education and healthcare. Having crossed the magical figure of 7 crore online transactions through MeeSeva, the government is miles ahead of other states with its robust citizen service delivery platform," added Jayesh. The State has also launched an innovative ICT enabled solution for government schools called TS-CLASS (Telangana State Computer Literacy and Skills in Schools) to revolutionise the way students are taught. "Additionally, the government, in collaboration with various partners, has deployed IoT enabled solutions such as healthcare teleconsulting for remote geographies and online marketplace cum support platform for farmers," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of children have died of starvation and disease in Boko Haram-ravaged northeastern Nigeria, Doctors Without Borders said quoting a new survey that is forcing Nigerian officials to stop denying the crisis. The Paris-based organization hopes that official recognition of the calamity in which "thousands are dying" will help bring urgent aid before older children also start dying, Natalie Roberts, emergency program manager for northeast Nigeria, told The Associated Press. A survey of two refugee camps in the northeastern city of Maiduguri shows a quarter of the expected population of under-5 children is missing, assumed dead, according to the organization. Under-5 mortality rates in the camps are more than double the threshold for declaring an emergency, Roberts said in a phone interview from Paris. Speaking on her return from northeastern Borno state, the birthplace of Boko Haram's Islamic uprising, she said the absence of young children was striking. "We only saw older brothers and sisters. No toddlers are straddling their big sisters' hips. No babies strapped to their mums' backs. It's as if they have just vanished," Roberts said. Doctors Without Borders first sounded the alarm in June but senior officials of the National Emergency Management Agency managing the camps as late as September denied any child was suffering malnutrition and accused the doctors of exaggerating the crisis to attract donations. That was after The Associated Press published images of matchstick-thin children fighting for their lives at an intensive feeding center in Maiduguri, run by the France-based medical organization, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF. The crisis is aggravated by alleged theft of food aid by emergency management officials being investigated by Nigeria's senate. "The difference now is that our figures have been checked by the statistician general, and we have official recognition from the government that they believe this is happening," Roberts said. An estimated 75,000 children could die within a year because donors have provided only one-third of requested funding and twice as much, $1 billion, is needed for the rest of the year and into 2017, says the United Nations. A vital funding conference in Geneva next month could save the day, otherwise "it won't be long before we could be in the painful position of having to turn away sick and starving children," says the U.S.-based Save the Children. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh today pleaded for setting up of camps of paramilitary forces in Mewat region to prevent incidents of communal violence that the area has witnessed in the recent past. Speaking at a rally in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh he said it was unfortunate people say that when BJP comes to power Hindus "become uncontrollable". "Our party's government came to power in an area where Hindus and Muslims had never clashed before...Within two months of coming to power (of BJP) there was tension in Mewat. "But Hindus did not do this against Muslims. On the contrary, Muslims thrashed Hindus. The shame is upon us for not being able to prevent it. And those Muslims, who fought jointly fought with us in 1857 and were ready to make Bahadur Shah Zafar sit on Delhi's throne, what is the reason behind the current circumstances," he said. Singh also demanded that a recruitment centre of the Army, that was shifted out of Gurgaon three decades back, be set up again. He said he had already placed the demand for an RAF unit or a training centre to the Home Minister to prevent such fissures between the two communities in future and that the decision to set up any such camp will have to be political and not bureaucratic. Later, Rajnath assured he will surely make arrangements for stationing up an RAF battalion in the area, while appealing for inter-religious peace for the country's development. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has also promised that a recruitment centre will come up in the next one month, Rajnath told Singh in the rally, amid cheers from the crowd. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Losses on account of toll exemptions in the wake of banning of higher denomination notes are expected to be about Rs 460 crore for ten days period, ICRA said today. "Loss of toll revenues for around 115 toll projects of NHAI operated by private players is estimated to be in the range of Rs 460 crore for the ten days period," ICRA said in a statement. To avoid traffic snarls, NHAI had exempted tolling on its stretches initially till November 11, 2016, which has been extended to November 18. "The loss of toll revenue for the 10-day period is expected to result in significant liquidity stress for most of the rated road projects, except the ones with a sizeable accumulated surplus and/or structural features like availability of Debt Service Reserve Account (DSRA)," the statement said. These projects constitute a very small percentage of the operational projects and hence the credit impact on the sector can be substantial. Shubham Jain, Vice-President, ICRA, said: "Loss of at least one-third of the monthly toll revenues is likely to result in inadequate cash flows to service the debt commitments for November and December 2016. Moreover, even post commencement of the tolling, the traffic levels are expected to remain lower initially on account of the overall low economic activity." With average daily collection ranging between Rs 40 lakh, the loss of toll revenues for around 115 toll projects of NHAI operated by private players is estimated to be in the range of Rs 460 crore for the ten-day period. The Concession Agreement (CA) provides adequate safeguard against such losses and the developers are likely to apply for compensation under the Change in Law provision (compensation if aggregate financial impact exceeds the higher of Rs 1 crore and 0.5% of realisable fee) and the Force Majeure clause (extending the concession by the number of days the force majeure was prevalent), it said. It stated that NHAI may opt for cash compensation, instead of extension of concession, considering the developers' financial stress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pat Heinert plans to wear two hats and it wont be easy. Heinerts the Burleigh County sheriff and last week he was elected to the North Dakota House from District 32. In January that will give him two full time jobs for a short period. Being a legislator isnt considered full time, but it is from January to sometime in April when the Legislature is in session every other year. The 2017 session looks to be a challenging one. Legislators will have to wrestle with some tough budget issues. While freshmen legislators dont have as many responsibilities as veteran lawmakers, theres plenty to keep them busy. First, they have to learn about their job. That includes learning the rules in committee, how floor sessions are conducted, reading the hundreds of bills and much more. Its not an 8 to 5 job during the short, intense session. Being sheriff also doesnt fall into a 40-hour routine. Thats why Heinerts hopes to handle both jobs seems a little ambitious. He told Tribune reporter Blair Emerson he plans to split his time between the sheriff's department and state Capitol. He intends to go to the sheriff's office each day and have a protocol that allows him to be reached by text or email when hes at the Capitol. Hes to be commended for wanting to do both jobs, but he should consider reducing his load at the sheriffs department. Its unusual, but not unheard of, to be elected to do two jobs. The former sheriff of Williams County also served in the Legislature. When you run for office you make a commitment to do the best job possible. You are making a promise to devote the time necessary for the job. Serving as a legislator is usually a part time job until the session rolls around. Then it becomes more time consuming. Heinert hasnt worked out the details of his legislative service with the Burleigh County Commission. They plan to do so soon and they need to agree on a go-to person in the sheriffs department when Heinerts at the Capitol. There are scenarios where Heinert might not be reached in an emergency. Some law enforcement issues demand quick action and there needs to be someone available to make decisions. There needs to be a clear chain of command everyones comfortable with in the county. The sheriff and commissioners also need to work out details about pay. Heinert makes $114,108 a year as sheriff and he will get $177 per day during the session as a legislator. Reaching an agreement shouldnt be difficult, but the public will want to know how its going to work. Theres no doubt Heinert plans to put in a lot of hours for the county and District 32. At the same time, theres no doubt the pressures on the sheriffs department have increased. Construction of the new Burleigh-Morton jail has added responsibilities; the Burleigh department has assisted with the ongoing Dakota Access Pipeline protests; and the growth of the county has increased demand on deputies. Heinert said most of his job requires him to manage the budget and staffing. If need be, he should share some of those duties. The Tribune editorial board wants Heinert to succeed at both jobs. That might require him to cut back on some of his sheriffs duties while the Legislature is in session. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman today said Donald Trump's aides were urging right-wing Israeli politicians to curb their public jubilation at his election as US president, Israeli media reported. Trump is seen as likely leading to a far more favourable policy toward Israel, though many analysts have cautioned his thinking remains unclear and he has proven himself to be unpredictable. "Israel has received messages from Trump transition team to 'tone down' their post-election enthusiasm & act with more humility," the English-language Jerusalem Post's Herb Keinon wrote on Twitter after Lieberman gave an off-camera briefing to Israeli diplomatic correspondents. "I hope that we have enough sense to stop the jubilation and public enthusiasm," Haaretz daily quoted Lieberman, of the nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party, as saying. "It is undoubtedly damaging." Local media said Lieberman proposed Israel should strike a deal with the US president-elect under which it would freeze building in the more isolated of its West Bank settlements while ramping up construction in the major settlement blocs. "If the new administration agrees to that we should grab it with both hands," Israeli army radio quoted him as saying. "It's maybe not electorally popular but it's the right thing to do." It was certainly not popular with deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, which leans heavily on settler support. "The defence minister's statement harms the Israeli interest and is not acceptable to the government," she said in comments broadcast on public radio. "It is important to form the teams for a discreet dialogue between ourselves and the United States and not to make public statements such as that we have heard from the minister." Netanyahu himself had on Sunday called for ministers to refrain from comment on Trump's presidency after some said his presidential election win put an end to a Palestinian aspirations for an independent state. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the religious nationalist Jewish Home party, said last week "the era of a Palestinian state is over". Israel is concerned that President Barack Obama may seek a UN resolution on its conflict with the Palestinians that the Jewish state opposes, before he leaves office on January 20. Obama's administration has intensified its criticism of Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tunisian police have arrested four suspected jihadists accused of plotting to carry out attacks in the capital and to assassinate prominent politicians and journalists, an interior ministry spokesman said today. The group, composed of three men and a girl, "was planning attacks against a commercial centre and a post of the National Guard (police) in Tunis", ministry spokesman Yasser Mesbah told AFP. The police arrested the four in the capital's southern suburb of Ben Arous, Mesbah said, adding they had been communicating on Facebook. Since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has been battling a jihadist movement that has killed dozens of soldiers and police officers as well as civilians including 59 foreign tourists. Security sources said on Monday they had found five arms caches in the south of the country near the border with war-ravaged Libya and seized large quantities of weapons. Tunisia has been under a state of emergency for almost a year following a string of deadly attacks in 2015, claimed by groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Mukesh Rawal, known for his role of 'Vibhishan' in serial 'Ramayana', was found dead on railway tracks in suburban Kandivali in Mumbai, railway police said on Wednesday. 66-year-old Rawal was run-over by a train while crossing railway tracks, they said. His body was found on Tuesday at 9.33 am, but the actor's kin identified him on Wednesday morning, Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik told PTI. The body was found on the tracks between Borivali and Kandivali railway stations, Kaushik said. "Initially, we could not find anything on the body to identify. Railway Police had issued his photographs at all police stations. His son-in-law came at the Kandivali railway station in search of Rawal, who had gone missing. The officials sent him to a hospital where he identified the body," the Commissioner of Police said. After an autopsy, the body was handed over to his family members, Kaushik said. Apart from 'Ramayana', Rawal had also acted in Gujarati films and TV serials. Currently, he was doing the Gujarati TV serial "Nass Nass Mei Khunnas". Born as conjoined twins and separated successfully after a complicated surgery two years ago, Riddhi and Siddhi, who are living at a city hospital, have started going to school. The girls were admitted at a school in Parel, central Mumbai, yesterday. The girls were born in Raigad district in May 2013. They were born conjoined; attached from waist with shared pelvis and uterus. The newborn twins then underwent a separation surgery. The surgery that was almost six hours long was successful and both the girls were saved. Most of the expenses were met through donations as the family was poor, said Navnath Kamble who works at an NGO that helped in the surgery. However, the parents soon stopped visiting the twins, and now Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital where they were operated is their home. After regular check-ups and medication, the medical officers of the hospital decided to bring the twin girls into the normal world. As a part of it, the girls were admitted to the nearby municipal school yesterday. The girls will need to undergo two more surgeries, medical officers at the hospital said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an announcement which may start a political debate, government today said that around two crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants are staying in India. "As per available inputs, there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha replying a written question. Rijiju said there are reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid travel documents. Since entry of such Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such Bangladeshi nationals living in various parts of the country, he said. Rijiju said deportation of illegal staying foreign national is continuous process. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that "Bangladeshis" will be deported if he comes to power. "They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed," Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation between 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for many students, social and political organisations in the Northeast. The 2014 election manifesto of BJP said that the party will review and improve the border management and "punitive measures will be introduced to check illegal immigration". The BJP said it will address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this will include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometer long international border. (Reopens DEL 35) During the UPA government, the then Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal had made a statement in the Parliament on July 14, 2004 saying there were over 12 million illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators living in different parts of the country. In his reply to a Parliamentary question, Jaiswal had said out of the estimated 12 million illegal migrants, 5 million were present in Assam alone, as of December 31, 2001, while West Bengal topped the list with 5.7 million Bangladeshis. Jaiswal's reply provoked the then Congress government in Assam to voice its strong protest and matters soon reached Prime Minister's Office. Soon, Jaiswal was forced to retract his statement and "correct his reply" in the House. The UK continues to give millions of pounds in aid to India, Brazil and China, the expenses watchdog on Wednesday said, rebuking the British government for misleading the public into believing that aid to these countries has been phased out. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), which audits tax-payer funded spending by the British government, said the UK continued to give millions of pounds to these middle-income, fast developing countries. "The UK may no longer have a traditional aid relationship with these countries but it is spending [official development assistance] in Brazil, India and China, and it is rather diffident about admitting this," the report said. TheBritishgovernment had announced an end to its aid budget for India at the close of 2015 to establish a new kind of developmental relationship. But despite a public announcement on this change, the UK continued to give indirect aid to India, including 30 million pounds for technical assistance and 40 million pounds for "development capital investment", the ICAI claims. The commission also criticises UK's Department for International Development (DfID), now led by Indian-origin minister Priti Patel, for "significant shortcomings" in the way it plans for change in its aid relationships with countries. "While DfID's public statements on the subject have been accurate, the earlier publicity was given to exit from China and India potentially created an impression that all aid was being phased out. Against that background, the reasons for continuing and then scaling up assistance have not been clearly communicated to the UK public," the report said. In a statement, DfID described the review as inaccurate and not reflecting the whole story. A DfID spokesperson said: "DfID is a world leader in helping countries leave aid dependency behind and stand on their own two feet, building a safer, more prosperous world. We are disappointed that the ICAI has rushed the publication of this inaccurate report that simply does not tell the whole story. As countries build upon their economic development, Britain is determined to strengthen strategic partnerships that facilitate trade, boost business and combat poverty. DfID's work supports these partnerships in a manner that provides value for money, always helps the world's poorest and is open and transparent to the British public." BMI Research, a Fitch Group company, today said the withdrawal of US funding could result in scaling back of the climate change policy in India. "...(Donald) Trump's (US President-elect) pledge to stop US funding to all UN climate change programmes is likely to be a point of contention as Modi has been one of the most vocal proponents of developed countries helping developing nations with access to finance and technology for climate change mitigation efforts," it said in a report. While US President-elect Trump has labelled climate change a hoax and threatened to pull out of the Paris emissions deal, US Secretary of State John Kerry had earlier said that most Americans wanted the problem addressed. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong supporter of renewable energy, "We do not rule out the chance of environmental policy slippage over the coming years, as the associated costs of meeting the country's very ambitious renewables targets...And the difficulties of integrating projects into the grid without battery storage technology results in a weakening of support at the national level," it said. This could be compounded further by the election of Donald Trump as US president and his vehement stance against climate change policy - which has the potential to undermine the commitment to the agreement from other countries, including India, it said. Aggressive bidding and the rapid fall in tariff prices in India's solar power auctions have the potential to jeopardise the economic feasibility of the project pipeline, as it squeezes the returns on offer for the project developer and may result in project cancellations if the price is too low to cover costs. Although initially viewed as a positive sign for the prospects of India's solar sector, the lowering of prices at such a rapid rate has the potential to knock confidence in the market if projects fall through and do not progress past the 'planning stage' of the development pipeline, it said. This risk is particularly pertinent for project financiers, and could lead to a tightening of available funding for the Indian solar sector. The government has ambitious plans for deployment of 175 GW renewable power capacities by 2022, including 100 GW in solar energy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States has insisted its soldiers and spies in Afghanistan are not subject to prosecution by the International Criminal Court and any war crimes probe into their actions would be "unwarranted." On Monday, ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she is considering whether to launch a full investigation into allegations that US troops and CIA operators tortured Afghan prisoners between 2003 and 2004. But Washington has not ratified the Hague-based court's founding Rome Statute, and State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau yesterday said the United States thoroughly investigates allegations against its personnel. "We have a robust national system of investigation and accountability that is as good as any country in the world," she said. "We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to the actions of US personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate," she added. "As we previously noted, the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and has not consented to ICC jurisdiction." While the US has been leading calls for those behind atrocities in the Syrian conflict to be brought to justice in The Hague, there is no chance of any US soldiers ending up in the dock. Last month, criticizing moves by some African countries to pull out of the court, State Department spokesman John Kirby said Washington thinks the "ICC has made valuable contributions in the service of accountability." But it has never been suggested that the United States itself, the world's superpower, would accept international accountability. The administration of former president George W. Bush authorized the use of so-called enhanced interrogation techniques -- including water boarding -- after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Those techniques were abolished by President Barack Obama when he took over the White House in January 2009, and he has since candidly admitted "We tortured some folks," but no CIA officer or political leader has been prosecuted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Independent MLA Simarjit and Balwinder Singh Bains today had a heated exchange of words with the Speaker of Punjab Assembly and members of treasury benches on SYL issue. After the special session of Punjab Assembly started here on the issue of SYL, Simarjit sought to present a private Bill on the water issue which was rejected by the Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, saying it cannot be taken up today because of being emergency session. With MLA remained adamant on his demand, Speaker told the teo brothers, Simarjit and Balwinder, that he should understand the procedure of the House. After the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal moved the official resolution, seeking to give directions to the state government for taking up the matter with the Centre for levying royalty on the release of water, Balwinder, brother of Simarjit demanded that the state should seek cost of water instead of royalty. Both brothers are part of Awaaz-e-Punjab, floated by former BJP Rajya Sabha member Navjot Singh Sidhu. Participating in the discussion on the resolution, Simarjit demanded that a sum of Rs 15 lakh crore should be sought from Rajasthan for supplying water since 1965. The two brothers even hit out at the state government for handing over the SYL matter to a "junior lawyer" to fight in Supreme Court, prompting the revenue minister Bikram Majithia to launch an offensive against the two Bains brothers and said that they were no concerned at all on water issue and "misleading" the House. Majithia accused Bains brothers of engaging into talks with Congress and AAP for "fixing a deal" in view of coming polls. When BJP MLA's Manoranjan Kalia started speaking on the SYL issue, Bains continuously demanded more time from Speaker to allow him to speak. Kalia while speaking on SYL matter demanded that the state should seek cancellation of Indus water treaty. Kalia said that after the Indus water treaty in 1960, 80 per cent water went to Pakistan while 20 per cent remained with Punjab. After Kalia finished with his address, Bains supported the resolution moved by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Then both brothers reached the Well of the House and asked the Speaker to accept their resignations. To which Atwal said they should tender their resignations letters in his office. Then a verbal duel took place between Bains brothers and Akali MLAs Virsa Singh Valtoha and Bikram Majithia. Majithia even accused bothers of even demanding ministerial posts and CPS post during last polls while Valtoha alleged that both brothers were into "making deals". Both brothers then hurled their resignations letters when they were standing in the Well of the House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Obama Administration's Af-Pak point person Richard Olson has retired after three decades of service, leaving a question mark on the future of the position of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan which was a creation of the current regime. "He has brought extraordinary experience and leadership to the job of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP)," said US Secretary of State John Kerry. There has been no announcement for a replacement of Olson who retired yesterday. A decision on the future of the position has been left to the Trump Administration which would assume office of power on January 20 next year. While late Ambassador Richard Holbrook was the first SRAP, the first Secretary of State was Hillary Clinton in January 2009. "He (Olson) has played an invaluable role in consolidating the progress Afghanistan has made over the past 15 years, including the pursuit of an Afghan-led reconciliation process," Kerry said. "His commitment to fostering a strong and productive relationship with Pakistan has been a testament to his unwavering diplomatic service," he said. In a statement, Kerry described Olson as one of the most distinguished diplomats, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service who has been on the forefront of American work in the Middle East, Africa and in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "We need look no further than his broad range of assignments to understand Ambassador Olson's lasting impact on US diplomacy," he said. "In over 34 years of distinguished service, he has served as US Ambassador to both the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at US Embassy Kabul, and has held positions in Mexico, Uganda, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Iraq, NATO, as well as a number of leadership positions here in Washington," Kerry said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The states top oil and gas industry regulator and the pipeline authority head are both confident of their chances of staying on to serve in Gov.-elect Doug Burgums administration. North Dakota Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms told reporters Wednesday his meeting with Burgums transition team will take place shortly after Thanksgiving, but he didnt know the exact date yet. Burgum announced his transition plans Nov. 9, the day after his landslide gubernatorial victory. The team plans to meet with all appointed agency heads prior to Burgum taking office Dec. 15. Im certainly looking forward to serving in the new administration, said Helms, adding he and his staff are gathering materials to provide the transition team with information on the function of the department, along with a list of their top concerns and needs. North Dakota Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad said he doesnt have a date set for his meeting with the transition team. Ill be excited to sit down and talk about the transportation world, he said. A senior Congress leader today termed as a "photo op and political stunt" the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother to a bank in Gujarat for exchanging demonetised currency notes. "The act of the Prime Minister's mother going to the bank to exchange old notes is a political stunt and photo op," Congress' Goa spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu alleged. Accompanied by relatives, Modi's mother Hiraba (97) yesterday visited a branch of Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) at Raisan village, and got notes worth Rs 4,500 exchanged. "She (Hiraba) was accompanied by 10-15 women and was given a direct access to the (bank) counter without waiting (in queue) for it," the Congress leader claimed. An Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) official had yesterday said Hiraba came to the bank like any other citizen, waited outside in the queue for senior citizens and went inside when her turn came. Referring to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's visit to a bank in Delhi for exchanging notes worth Rs 4,000, Deshprabhu said, "Rahul Gandhi stood in a line for two hours and then reached the counter. He had gone to the bank as a common man." Interestingly, the Congress vice-president himself had refrained from commenting on Hiraba's visit. "Mine and Narendra Modi's styles are different. I won't speak about his mother," he had said in Mumbai last night. Referring to Modi's speech in Japan, Deshprabhu said the Prime Minister "enjoyed" as common people in India queued up outside banks and ATMs for withdrawing money in the wake of demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 banknotes. About a video clip purportedly showing Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar sitting with folded hands beside Modi during the latter's recent visit here, Deshprabhu said the Chief Minister has "humiliated" the people of Goa by his behaviour. "For the first time in independent India, we saw a chief minister who was helplessly trying to hand over a glass of water to the Prime Minister. It was so humiliating that the Chief Minister bowed before the Prime Minister in front of thousands of people," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian cyber security watchdog CERT-In has detected rise in cyber attacks and tracked 39,730 incidents till October this year in the country, IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad informed Lok Sabha today. "As per the information reported to and tracked by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a total no. Of 44,679, 49,455 and 39,730 cyber security incidents were observed during the year 2014, 2015 and 2016 (till October) respectively," Prasad said. He said that the nature of cyber security incidents include phishing, scanning and probing, website intrusions and defacements, virus and malicious code, Denial of Service attacks, etc and over a period, the nature and pattern of incidents have become more sophisticated and complex. "As per current trends, the cyber attacks observed on networks/systems in Indian cyber space are observed to be directed from cyber space of different countries including Pakistan," Prasad said. In a reply to a separate question on cyber crimes, Minister of State for IT and Law PP Chaudhary said, "In order to detect variety of threats and imminent cyber attacks from outside the country, periodic scanning of cyber space is carried out." Elaborating on cyber crimes, he said that as per the data maintained by NCRB, a total of 5,693, 9,622 and 11,592 cyber crime cases were registered during 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively "Further, CBI has registered 11, 20 and 25 cases in the year 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively related to cyber crimes," Chaudhary said. He said that government has taken various steps in the form of legal framework, emergency response, awareness, training, legal framework and implementation of best practices to prevent occurrences of cyber breaches and cyber crime threats. "Government has initiated setting up of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) to generate necessary situational awareness of existing and potential cyber security threats and enable timely information sharing for proactive, preventive and protective actions by individual entities," Chaudhary said. He said that CERT-In is setting up a Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis centre for detection of computer systems infected by malware and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end-users to prevent further malware infections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court today sought to know from the RBI when new Rs 500 notes would be made available in Tamil Nadu to ease the present cash crunch situation following demonetisation. RBI submitted that it faced practical difficulties in transporting currency in view of seizure of over Rs 500 crore by poll authorities in Tamil Nadu two days before the May 16 Assembly election. "RBI has stopped transporting currencies through private agencies. Now it is made only through government agencies," counsel for the central bank submitted in the court. The matter relates to a petition seeking a direction to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies to follow procedures laid down by RBI relating to demonetisation and permit cash withdrawal and exchange of old currencies in the societies. Hearing the matter, the court observed that a volatile situation prevailing in the country would be solved only if RBI starts distributing the currencies of Rs 500 denomination. The court asked RBI counsel "people are suffering, there is no doubt in it. Let us see how to improve the situation, when will Rs 500 denomination currencies be made available to the people?" To this, RBI counsel referred to the difficulties and assured the court that he would convey the concern to RBI officials. He said the court would be apprised on the tentative date of currencies reaching Tamil Nadu. On the point of permitting district central cooperative banks to exchange the demonetised currencies, the counsel said, "The decision to ban DCCBs from exchanging notes was made apprehending malpractices." After recording the submissions, the court posted the matter for further hearing to November 18. Election authorities had seized Rs 570 crore cash from three containers in Tirupur District on May 14, two days before the Tamil Nadu polls. SBI had said the money belonged to it. It said the cash was being transported from Coimbatore to Visakhapatnam. It had said that the cash transfer was duly authorised by RBI. The matter, however, went to the Madras High Court and later CBI registered a preliminary enquiry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government today said it is developing five industrial corridors in the country which are at different stages of implementation. "The government is developing or planning to develop five industrial corridors in the country," Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) covers Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. "Out of 24 investment nodes identified for development, eight industrial cities have been taken up for development in the first phase of DMIC project," Sitharaman said. She said that clearances from other bodies like municipal and/or local bodies are obtained as part of notification of the master plan. "For DMIC, the environment clearances are obtained after due consultation process with various stakeholders that includes all the local and municipal bodies," she added. Sitharaman said that Implementation works are initiated only after notification of master plans and environment clearance. Other industrial corridors are at initial stages of implementation, the Minister said. Nodes have also been identified under the Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), which covers Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The other corridors include Bengaluru Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC), Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) and East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC). Replying to a separate question, Sitharaman said government, through the Spices Board, provides assistance to the turmeric growers for installing turmeric polishers under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture [MIDH]. Government through the board also implements the scheme 'Export Oriented Production, Export Development & Promotion of Spices' under which assistance is provided to the turmeric growers for installing turmeric boilers. "During 2016-17, no financial assistance has been provided to the farmers in the turmeric growing areas of Tamil Nadu, as of now," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's "hegemonic stance" and "aggressive posturing" is a threat to peace and stability in the region, Pakistan's Interior Miniser Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has said and asked the international community to stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism. Nisar, who met with British Prime Minister Theresa May during a meeting with National Security Adviser (NSA) Sir Mark Lyall Grant at 10 Downing Street, insisted that Pakistan reserves the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of its soldiers. "India's hegemonic stance and its aggressive posturing was a threat to peace and stability in the region," ARY quoted Nisar as saying. He stated that Pakistan would not be cowed down by such tactics, and reserves the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of its soldiers. Nisar said the international community, particularly our friends, should focus and react to the Indian "intransigence" in the region. He said that "the world and our friends needed to do more to counter Indian designs against Pakistan and should stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism". While discussing the ongoing war against terrorism, Nisar said that menace of terrorism was a threat to the region and the international peace and tranquillity. He said that people of Pakistan and its national security institutions were determined to completely wiping out terrorism from its soil. May conveyed her good wishes to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan and said that she was looking forward to visiting Pakistan in the first half of 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ottawa must decide by Dec. 19 on the company's proposal to build a second pipeline adjacent to the existing Trans Mountain line from the Alberta oil sands to the west coast, where the oil could be loaded on tankers and shipped to lucrative Asian refining markets. Environmentalists and aboriginal activists strongly oppose the project and have reacted angrily to what they have said were indications the Liberals would approve it. Oil companies seeking relief from transport bottlenecks could be helped if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump fulfils a promise to give a permit for TransCanada Corp's Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta to Texas. But when pressed on a possible Keystone approval, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr told reporters: "It doesn't get oil to export markets in Asia, and it's a goal of the government of Canada to expand its export markets." Kinder Morgan Canada President Ian Anderson, asked about Carr's comments, told reporters in Kamloops, British Columbia, that they were "consistent with what producers have been saying for some time, and it's definitely the market we are trying to serve." Carr added the government's position had long been that Canada did not want to rely too much on one market. The United States takes virtually all Canada's energy exports. The Liberal government said last week it would toughen its response to oil spills at sea, a move some environmentalists saw as a clear signal Ottawa would approve the Trans Mountain expansion. The pipeline runs from Alberta to British Columbia. The government of British Columbia has laid down five conditions which must be met before it allows pipelines to be built on its territory. One of the demands is that the federal government upgrade its ability to tackle oil spills. (Additional reporting by Nia Williams in Kamloops, British Columbia; Editing by Peter Cooney) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Lauren Hirsch and Liana B. Baker (Reuters) - Messaging app Snapchat has filed confidentially with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering (IPO), sources familiar with the situation said on Tuesday. The filing puts the Venice, California-based company one step further towards its IPO, which sources say could come as soon as March and value it at $20 billion to $25 billion, making it one of the biggest technology offerings in recent years. Under the U.S. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, companies with less than $1 billion in revenue can secretly file for an IPO, allowing them to quietly test investor appetite while keeping financials confidential. The sources asked not to be named because the information is private. A spokesman for Snap Inc, Snapchat's parent company, declined to comment. Snapchat started in 2012 as a free mobile app that allows users to send photos that vanish within seconds. It has more than 100 million active users, about 60 percent of whom are aged 13 to 24, making it an attractive way for advertisers to reach millennials. Awash in venture funding, the company raised $1.81 billion in May, which valued it at about $20 billion, media reports said at the time. But investors worry that Snapchat's advertising sales, which began last October, is the company's only significant revenue source. Snap in September starting describing itself as a camera company and earlier this month it debuted its $130 video-camera sunglasses. The glasses are equipped with a camera that connects wirelessly to a smartphone to take and send "snaps" - the company's terms for video and photo messages sent on its app. According to postings on Twitter, a line of more than 100 people quickly formed in front of a vending machine on a Venice, California, boardwalk where the glasses were being sold. The company's investors include General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Lone Pine. Previous rounds included Fidelity Investment, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Yahoo Inc . Earlier this month, Alphabet Inc's venture capital arm CapitalG, earlier known as Google Capital, disclosed an investment in Snapchat by adding the social networking firm's logo to a page on its investment portfolio website. (Reporting by Lauren Hirsch in New York and Liana B. Baker in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - From India's plan to plumb in over 100 million toilets in six years to China's ambitious new Silk Road network and the continued movement of millions of people into cities across Asia, plastic makers face years of strong demand. And, because they are closer to end-users and manufacturing hubs, Asian petrochemical makers are best placed to ride the boom. Their profits and share prices are rising and they're investing in new projects to expand their business. Chinese futures prices for PVC (polyvinyl chloride), used in products from pipes to bank cards, have risen more than 80 percent this year. Petrochemicals, seen as a niche business in the oil industry, are used in 70 percent of manufactured goods - from mobile phones and yoga pants to cars and food packaging - and bring in valuable revenue for a sector otherwise battling over-supply. Annual demand for ethylene, the most-used compound among many petrochemical products, is expected to grow at over 10 percent in the coming decade, analysts say. In just one illustration of how demand is set to grow, the "Clean India" programme, seeking to end open defecation by 2022, has been welcomed by the Indian Petrochemical Industry group as a "boon for the plastics industry" - requiring building hundreds of millions of toilets, waste pipes and water supply systems to bring clean sanitation to more than 700 million people. "There is tremendous potential for petrochemical demand to go up because per capita consumption is so low. There is a plastic usage in every utility," said B. Ashok, chairman of Indian Oil Corp, which has a petrochemical plant at its refinery in Panipat, to the north of Delhi. "Demand is strong not only for toilets. India is short of domestic PVC supplies and has been sourcing from countries including South Korea, so Korean export volumes are growing," said Hwang Kyu-won, analyst at Yuanta Securities in Seoul. "LION'S SHARE" China's "One Belt, One Road" project - to build a vast rail, road, shipping and factory network between China, central Asia, Africa and Europe - will also require millions of tonnes of plastic materials, noted Luna Kim, principal consultant at Chemical Market Research Inc. This, together with the urbanisation of tens of millions of people across Asia each year, means the region will have as many as 650 million new petrochemical customers within two decades, predicts research firm IHS Markit. Mark Eramo, vice president for global chemical business development at IHS Markit, said the Asia Pacific region will "have the lion's share of the total investments" in petrochemicals until 2025, adding another 100 million tonnes of basic chemical production, including ethylene. "Ethylene and its related product supply will remain tight over the next 12 months," Japanese bank Nomura said in an investor note. The demand boom is showing across markets, with IHS Markit expecting overall 2016 Asian ethylene margins of $600 per tonne, up from below $400 last year. In Thailand, PTT, Thai Oil and Siam Cement all reported strong profits in the last month, citing the performance of their petrochemical divisions. ADVANTAGE ASIA To be sure, plastic makers from the United States, Europe and the Middle East, such as BASF, Exxon Mobil, Total and Dow Chemical, also hope to profit from Asia's soaring demand, but those closer to that demand should benefit most from lower transit costs and cheaper feedstock prices. "Asian petrochemical makers can be winners over U.S. petrochemical makers," said Jae-sung Yoon, analyst at Hana Financial Investment in South Korea. Asia's leading refiner Sinopec Corp has announced a joint venture with Taiwan's Dynamic Ever Investments to build a petrochemical complex in China's southeastern Fujian province, while Korea Petrochemical Industry Corp and Malaysia-based Lotte Chemical Titan plan to expand next year. In the Philippines, JG Summit has also said it plans to expand. Malaysia's state-owned energy firm Petronas has a $27 billion refining and petrochemical complex due to come on stream in 2019. Asian petrochemical makers are also at an advantage in that they largely use the fossil fuel naphtha as a feedstock, while the main feedstock in the United States is natural gas. "By using natural gas as a feedstock, U.S. ethane crackers can only obtain ethylene. However, Asian naphtha crackers can also produce other byproducts like butadiene and propylene," said Yoon at Hana Financial. This feedstock flexibility has helped Lotte Chemical, Formosa Petrochemical and India's Finolex Industries outperform share price gains at manufacturers based in other regions. (Reporting by Jane Chung and Nataly Park in SEOUL, Florence Tan in SINGAPORE, Nidhi Verma in NEW DELHI, and Aizhu Chen in BEIJING; Writing by Henning Gloystein; Editing by Richard Pullin and Ian Geoghegan) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BARCELONA (Reuters) - French media group Vivendi's chief executive said on Wednesday that a merger with advertising agency Havas was not on the agenda but he did not completely rule it out. "Are we going to merge with Havas? It's not a subject that is on the table, but never say never," Arnaud de Puyfontaine said at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecoms conference (TMT) in Barcelona. He said it made sense for media companies to forge closer ties with advertising agencies, citing the example of WPP's recent investment in a French media firm. WPP, the world's largest advertising company, said in September it had made an investment in Les Nouvelles Editions Independantes SAS (LNEI), a media investment group. "In a strategic view, there's a convergence between media and content and marketing and service companies," de Puyfontaine said. Havas, the world's fifth-largest ad company, is 60 percent-owned by French tycoon Vincent Bollore, who also chairs Vivendi and owns a stake of more than 20 percent in the media firm. Bollore has repeatedly said that Vivendi and Havas, which is led by his son Yannick, should work more closely together, with a potential merger down the road. As an example of the current collaboration between the two groups, de Puyfontaine said Havas could pick and choose music in Vivendi's Universal Music Group (UMG) catalogue for its ads, while Vivendi could rely on Havas' market data analysis. "We are cousins," de Puyfontaine said. "There's a solid proposition that one plus one makes three, four or five." (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Adrian Croft) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Investors in the (PE) space from the big Canadian pension funds to home grown funds such as Everstone or IDFC Alternatives are opting to buy or build platforms to have more say on the outcome of their investments. And, as buyouts rise, platforms are gaining ground. The film begins in darkness but ends with a Pepsi bottle (unbranded but identifiable by its unique shape), all lit up and brightly dispelling the shadows around a young girl and her grandmother. The digital-only campaign launched by the company tells the story of an initiative between and MyShelter Foundation called Liter of Light that has helped over 200 residents in a hamlet near Vadodara in Gujarat light up their homes. For Pepsi, the film and the story are among the many ways it is bringing purpose to the brand and in a way, helping it connect with millennial consumers. is having a really bad year in its home nation, but the Chinese gadget maker is faring much better in India. For the first time ever, is now one of Indias top five best selling smartphone brands, shows data released today by IDC. Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative. The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles. For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in On its tenth anniversary in June, beauty products brand The Body Shop reached out to bloggers and social media influencers in India, such as Miss Malini and Tisca Chopra, by sending them personalised gifts with a thank-you note for using and liking their products. "This initiative was not intended to be a marketing campaign but went viral with 20 million impressions, as these digital celebrities posted their appreciation messages across social media," says Savita Kaushik Dhami, Head - Marketing, Digital and CSR, The Body Shop India. Influencers are known for their creative content on social media, and have a vast following on at least one or two platforms. Indeed, in many ways, they are opinion makers. Not surprisingly, brands are keen to harness their power on social media through word-of mouth publicity. McKinsey research shows that "marketing-induced consumer-to-consumer word of mouth generates more than twice the sales of paid advertising in categories as diverse as skincare and mobile phones". Moreover, users acquired through this route have a higher retention rate with the brand. But brands ought to do it right. One wrong message about the brand can risk the brand's reputation. "The most important thing for brands is to filter the right influencers depending on the campaign's objective and the audience," says Vikas Chawla who runs the influencer marketplace Influencer.in, which does the matchmaking for brands and influencers on the basis of the number of followers, demographics of the target audience, content created, blog traffic and level of engagement on social networks. For instance, when American casual wear brand Gap launched in Mumbai in February this year, they identified over 240 influencers - bloggers, actors, corporate employees and radio jockeys, among others. "Each person we chose is a self-starter, and had a story to tell. Their posts also suggested they were in sync with the life in Mumbai," says Oliver Kaye, Business Head of Gap India. This was important because Gap sent the launch event invites through Mumbai's famous dabbawallas. Subsequently, the images and posts shared by the influencers reached 6.3 million users in three days. As a result, Kaye says, there were serpentine queues outside their store at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon. on the launch day. Usually companies pay influencers in cash or kind (products or gifts). "In India, unlike the West, the influencers do not deem it necessary to include a disclosure in their posts that it is sponsored or that there was some form of agreement with the company. India is still a very nascent market with laws and regulations not laid out especially across digital media," says Neil Shah, Research Director, Counterpoint Research. The onus lies with the influencers to maintain their authenticity and following. An influencer on Twitter, who didn't want to be named, says, "Tonality, way of expression is always my own. Brands pay a premium to me for my four lakh-plus followers. They often outline what features they want but how I string it together is left entirely up to me." Fashion influencer and actress Sana Khan, with around 70,000 followers on Roposo, and 1.5 million on Facebook, says she particularly likes working with brands that let her zero in on the products from their catalogue, rather than just sending it to her. "This ensures it matches my style, and I can then write about what I like about the product." Chawla informs that one problem with influencer marketing is that the impact on the number of people who have read a blog post, or retweeted/liked a post cannot be measured in monetary terms. Influencer marketing helps emphasise to users the value of products, which often leads to increase in sales. @sonalkhetarpal7 Listening Post Find a Job on Facebook Facebook has announced that it is testing a new jobs feature that would allow the page admin to create job postings and receive applications from candidates. The new feature would make Facebook a direct competitor of LinkedIn, which is already an established player in the professional networking space. "Based on the behaviour we have seen on Facebook, where many small businesses post about job openings on their page, we are running a test for Page admins to create job postings and receive applications from candidates," a company spokesman told Reuters. Facebook told technology website TechCrunch that it is experimenting with a slew of recruitment features that would allow companies to drive traffic towards their page while allowing them to pay Facebook for displaying their job openings to more people. Free Reads Pinterest's Instapaper has scrapped its monthly subscriptions and now opened its premium features including full-text article searches and speed-reading to all. Even though the app, acquired by Pinterest earlier this year, has always been free for everyone, the more important features such as the text-to-speech playlists were available only to subscribers. "The decision to drop subscriptions was simply a matter of the app being better resourced, so that it can offer everyone the best version," Pinterest said. It has no new monetisation plans to share at this point. The app had a $2.99 per month and $29.99 per year subscription model previously. The company will give a refund to subscribers who have already paid for the yearly subscription. If there is one individual that global agri-biotech major Monsanto dislikes the most in India, it is Mandava Prabhakara Rao, the 57-year-old Chairman of India's largest seed company Nuziveedu Seeds (NSL). Rao, who also happens to be the President of India's largest domestic seed industry body, National Seed Association of India (NSAI), is considered by Monsanto to be the key man behind 'a systematic spread of misinformation' that has led to a host of government actions against Monsanto's business interests. It accuses Rao's company of breach of trust, non-payment of dues and attempted misappropriation of intellectual property rights (IPRs) - three issues, which under normal conditions, would have been just commercial disputes between two companies. "NSL and NSAI led by Rao are engaged in a systematic spread of misinformation" Unfortunately for Monsanto, Rao's defiance has larger implications. He is against the company's established practice of having bilateral private contracts for technology transfer of BT cotton seed and its revenue-sharing model with domestic partners. Monsanto had, until very recently, 49 sub-licensee partners, NSL being the largest of the lot and the toughest to deal with. Rao has also questioned the manner in which IPRs in seed technology are rewarded in India, and strongly opposes Monsanto's view that it should be governed under the patent law. Rao believes intellectual property protection for seeds should be within the domain of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act (PPVFRA). The differences, therefore, find its roots in patents and patentability, and are not merely about a breach of trust or non-payment issues between two companies. While the Centre seems to be supportive of the Rao-led domestic industry, Monsanto's position on IPR has the support of US trade negotiators, who are using every possible channel to put pressure on India to enact and implement rules that suit the interests of global agri-majors. Raising the Stake The seed industry, in fact, is closely monitoring the Monsanto-Rao duel and most players have taken one side or the other. Court litigations are on, government notifications are on their way, and the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) verdict is expected soon. If the government or the courts go with any of Rao's views, it can alter the business prospects of Monsanto, forever. And here lies the significance of the all out war that has broken out. For global seed technology majors like Monsanto, the ongoing debate is a litmus test on patent protection, and market exclusivity. If the Indian seed industry tripled its size from Rs 5,000 crore in 2006 to Rs 15,000 crore in 2016, Monsanto's BT cotton technology was the major reason. With more innovative products in the offing (it's a different matter that India has not approved any other GM seed after cotton in 2002), and with Indian research institutions coming up with technology like GM mustard, technology providers do not want to let go of any opportunity that maximises their revenues as the industry explodes to new levels of growth. The merit of the allegations and counter allegations by the India arm of US-based Monsanto and Rao could be debatable, but there is no doubt over its long-term impact on the future of the Indian seed industry. On Strong Ground Rao is one of the best known faces in the seed industry. He has developed the family-managed business into the country's biggest player in hybrid cotton seed. Rao is well connected, too. And the government's decision to include him as a member in the reconstituted Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority on September 30 has only reaffirmed his proximity to the corridors of power. Seeds of War When Mahyco Monsanto Biotech, India (MMB) - the 50:50 joint venture between Monsanto and Maha-rashtra-based Mahyco - introduced and sub-licensed Monsanto's Bollguard I and II technologies to 49 Indian firms, NSL was one of the first to bag a contract. Today, 95 per cent of India's area under crop cultivation sows the hybrid seeds. The flashpoint in the relationship between Monsanto-Mahyco and Rao started when NSL group companies, along with a few others - accounting for 53 per cent of the Indian cotton seed market - stopped paying the trait fee to MMB in 2015. The obvious fallout was the termination of the NSL contract, and demand for pending dues - claims of Rs 500 crore from eight companies. Subsequently, MMB moved the Delhi and Mumbai high courts. Besides, when cotton growing states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, issued separate MRPs for cotton seeds and fixed the trait fees, MMB blamed Rao for it. The final nail in the coffin was the Centre's decision to have unified price control regime across the country through the Cotton Seed Price Control Order (CSPCO) in 2015. The government's attempt to prescribe a sub-licensing and trait fee sharing format for the industry made matters worse. "NSL and NSAI led by Rao are engaged in a systematic spread of misinformation regarding MMB and licensing of cotton technologies in India that led to the enactment of CSPCO and various other government actions," says Dhiraj Pant, Technology Development Lead, Asia, Monsanto. Rao, however, refutes Pant's claims. "We are saying that Monsanto's stand is illegal. They (Monsanto) don't have a valid legal defence against what the government is doing. So, instead of giving a straight reply to that, they are trying to sabotage the law," says Rao, adding that the domestic industry is largely supportive of the stand taken by the Centre but they do not like price control. "We are supporting it because the Centre's actions are leading to only one conclusion - that there is some problem in the sector. The problem is that of monopoly. " Cottoning Up It is evident that the nature of the relationship between NSL and MMB was a marriage of convenience. NSL needed Monsanto's technology to develop disease-resistant hybrid cotton seeds, and Monsanto needed a smart company that had the potential to create leading brands - NSL brands, Mallika and Bhakti, were among the top five with 10 per cent market share in 2014/15. While Rao was willing to pay an upfront royalty fee to get the technology and even pay a trait fee, he was never comfortable with the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee's stipulation, which said that a no-objection certificate from the technology provider was essential for the approval of every cotton seed variety developed on the platform. "We are not against technology...but don't want to encourage monopoly" In fact, as president of ISIA, Rao had sought the Centre's intervention to stop this practice when NSL entered into a sub-licensing contract with MMB way back in 2004. Monsanto and other like-minded players, on the other hand, preferred the system because it provided a handle to keep control over domestic sub-licensees, in addition to the scientific reasons that GEAC had put forward. However, the difference did not come in the way of the organisations to form an industry body, NSAI, in 2006. While Rao led ISIA was the largest, other associations that merged to form NSAI were led by Mahyco (Association of Seed Industries), MNCs like Monsanto (All India Crop Biotech Association) and Namdhari (Seed Association of India). A unified voice was necessary as the Indian seed industry was in a crucial phase of transformation. But the disagreements between Rao and Monsanto remained. Monsanto was the first company to get GEAC approval for commercial application of its first-generation insect-resistant technology on cotton seeds. The use of the technology saw India become the largest exporter and the second largest producer of cotton in the world - the yield increased 1.8 times from 302 kg / ha lint in 2002/03 to 552 kg / ha lint in 2013/14. Face Off In 2009, Rao refused to pay the amount of trait value as per the license agreement with MMB after state governments started fixing the MRP for cotton seeds. His argument was that the reduction in MRP should have some reflection on the trait value. In response to his move, MMB terminated NSL's license agreement. Rao approached the Delhi High Court for a stay. When the court did not grant a stay, Rao had to pay the amount to reinstate the license. In 2015, NSL again refused to pay the trait fee, but this time around it was not alone in defying Monsanto. The Maharashtra government had announced a cut in cotton seed prices, and had capped the trait fee component in the MRP. Monsanto-Mahyco approached the Bombay High Court, but could not get a stay on the government order. MMB terminated the contracts and initiated an arbitration petition in Mumbai seeking interim relief against seed companies and demanded a deposit trait value for 2015/16 according to its estimates. Rao filed a counter claim before the arbitration panel. The battle has now reached the CCI. To Rao's benefit, the agriculture ministry has independently approached CCI seeking an investigation against MMB for alleged monopolistic and anti-competitive practices. CCI has clubbed the petitions and has initiated an investigation. Incidentally, NSAI affiliates and Rao's friends have obtained a stay on GEAC's practice of stipulating NOC for BT cotton hybrid seed approvals from the Hyderabad High Court. At the Root The government directives, of late, seem to be favouring the domestic industry. It is currently looking at provisions of PPVFRA - a law enacted in 2001 and enforced in 2006 to fulfil India's obligations under the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) Agreement of the World Trade Organization - as a possible solution to fix the trait value. "NSL has been spreading misinformation that PPVFRA was meant to protect or compensate trait developers. This is simply not true," counters Pant. The government is yet to take a final call on this. But to put the entire blame on Rao may not be correct as there is a much bigger lobby group within the BJP constituents and Sangh Parivar that is hell bent on opposing anything GM. "We congratulate the agriculture ministry for capping the prices of cotton seeds. The government intervened when there was a problem with its efficacy. We are not against technology or national or agriculture development, but we don't want any industrial sector to encourage monopoly in its name," argues Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-convenor, Swadeshi Jagaran Manch. What the Future Holds The prospects of a negative fallout were so disturbing for Monsanto that it has recently decided to withdraw its application for Bollgard II Roundup Ready Flex technology from India. Rao says that the withdrawal will not make any difference to the Indian seed industry and if PPVFRA becomes the key instrument in protecting IPR in seeds, the industry will do far better than what it has done so far. "We had developed a trait with National Botanical Research Institute. We could not use it because the agreement with Monsanto said that we could not combine their trait with some other trait. Once the new regime comes into effect, NBRI will also have to make a claim under the new authority and the authority will fix the trait value. Once that happens, any company can use the trait. So more traits will come, and the combination of traits can also happen. It will benefit the industry, and farmers," says Rao. In a counter move, Monsanto and nine other like-minded companies announced the formation of a new association, the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII). But all eyes are on the government's next move, and the outcome of the ongoing litigations. Only time will tell who wins the final battle. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the past 11 years, is trying hard to woo investors, global and domestic, to his state. In September, he travelled to the UK, showcasing MP's advantages as an investment destination. In October, he held a Global Investors Summit in Indore. Chauhan speaks to Anilesh S. Mahajan on national- and state-related business issues. With the Goods and Services Tax coming into force, Madhya Pradesh's location could make it the country's logistics hub. How are you preparing for this opportunity? It is almost certain that MP will become a logistics hub because of its central location in the country. We are studying the implications of the paradigm shift that is about to occur. We are seeking investments in the public-private-partnership (PPP) mode. Some logistics players have already started work in Sangwad, near Pawarkhera, and at Katni. We will give investors land and other facilities, but all these projects will be in the PPP mode only. We have land and have identified some of the locations to be developed as logistic hubs, and once we reach there, we will stitch up the policy loop. Abolishing the Planning Commission and setting up NITI Aayog was a major reform of the NDA government. State chief ministers were roped into national planning, especially in relation to Centrally-sponsored schemes and programmes like Swachh Bharat and Skill India. But many believe that the concept has not taken off. What do you feel? The Planning Commission was useless. Once a year, we chief ministers would attend its meeting and read out scripted speeches. There were only negotiations on allocations to states with chief ministers. There was no participation of the chief ministers or state governments in the planning. In NITI Aayog, the states and Centre work together. This strengthens the federal structure and speeds up development. I was convener of the chief ministers' panel on Central-sponsored schemes at NITI Aayog. All the recommendations of our panel were accepted. "Investing in India and dumping (Chinese) products are two different things" You, along with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, recently shared the dais with Gopichand Hinduja at the Global Investors Summit in Indore. Hinduja's name had figured prominently in the Bofors scam, and in 2003, Jaitley had termed his acquittal in the Bofors case a 'burial of justice'. Does his presence at the meet imply that Bofors is dead and forgotten? I don't want to comment on any individual investor. I went to the UK in September to seek investments, and met him there (for the first time). Please don't read any controversy into this. I don't mind anyone investing in my state as long as it is clean money. How do you respond to the current campaign of BJP-affiliated organisations and RSS leaders against Chinese products? The protests are against dumping by the Chinese. Investing in India and dumping products are two different things. Anyway, in MP, we don't have any proposals for investment from the Chinese companies. The biggest worry about MP is its fiscal condition. Its fiscal deficit is expected to rise to 3.49 per cent this year from 3 per cent earlier. That is not a fair assessment of MP's fiscal strength. In 2015/16, our state had a growth rate of 10.5 per cent against the national growth rate of 7.3 per cent.We were always a revenue surplus state. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act was amended to allow states which had maintained fiscal discipline to take on more debt to fuel growth. That is what we have done and that is why the fiscal deficit has risen. MP is hungry for more growth. It is not possible to appease this hunger within existing budget limits. We need more money to lay roads, to build infrastructure and improve the lives of our citizens. We have built 160,000 km of roads. We are a responsible government and try to spend money judiciously. People also need to understand that MP has long outgrown its bimaru tag. The turnaround occurred in the past decade. If we break up your tenure in two halves, 2005-2010 and 2010-2015, the second half compares poorly with the first. Growth of the manufacturing sector was 9.5 per cent in the first, but dipped to 2.9 per cent in the second. Services sector growth also declined from 7.6 per cent to 6.3 per cent. Agricultural growth has been the saviour, rising from 3.6 per cent in 2005-10 to 13.9 per cent in 2010-15. It is not a fair analysis. Last year, our industrial growth rate was roughly 8 per cent. The global slowdown caused a production slump in MP, too, but now we have again gathered steam. Agriculture is certainly doing well and we are trying to provide greater support to our farmers. Our assembly has passed legislation to enable contract farming and we have sent it to the Union government for approval. Earlier, the law was such that if someone tills a piece of land for three consecutive years, he acquires possession of the land. So farmers never gave land on contract at all, or else did so without any written agreement. In either case, the farmer was the loser. The new law will enable giving land on contract without losing it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation to bring out black money is a laudable move. Whether it will have the desired effect will be known in a few months. It is a blunt instrument and it is likely to have some collateral damage as well. There are also a few things that are a bit puzzling, but these could become clearer over time. 1.Was bringing out black money the objective or stamping out forged notes? The prime minister mentioned both in his speech, even though Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the finance and revenue secretaries have focused largely on the black money portion in subsequent press conferences. While no one obviously knows the exact amount of forged notes in circulation, the estimates are that 250 out of 10 lakh currency notes of that denomination are forged. Therefore, the total amount is of forged notes is likely to be in the Rs 350 crore to Rs 450 crore range. That is a huge amount but probably not as significant as the total estimates of the black money in the country. However, as I said, the demonetisation is likely to be a blunt instrument because it tackles the amount of unaccountable cash held, not money that has been over time converted to assets like gold, silver or even property, or even sent overseas using shell companies and parked in accounts in places like Panama and Cayman Islands. The money held in those assets is likely to be far higher than anything held in cash. We will have to wait and see if there is further investigation into other asset classes. Demonetisation will inflict a one-time shock only for people who have unaccounted cash on that day, not those who have already moved to other asset classes. 2. Is the objective to fetch tax revenues on black money held in cash or to just extinguish it? From the press conference utterances, it seems the government would rather extinguish the money rather than try to collect additional revenues. Unaccounted money, under the income tax laws, will be taxed at full rate (30 per cent), plus attract a penalty of 200 per cent, plus interest of 12 per cent per annum for the number of years the money was not declared. This would amount to an effective taxation rate of 95 to 99 per cent. That is, a person would get back Rs 1,000 if he deposited previously undeclared cash of Rs 1 lakh. Plus, he/she would face the possibility of going to jail. Hence, the incentive to declare would not be great. The current measures seem to be designed to hurt the black money hoarders to the maximum extent, not necessarily fetch maximum tax revenues for the government. Of course, what the government loses out, it also gets back to an extent. In the last demo-netisation drive, 25 per cent of the notes in circulation were never deposited to the banks. If a similar trend happens this time as well, the currency liability of the RBI will come down sharply, points out an SBI research report, adding that the RBI can then pass on the benefits to the government resulting in a fiscal bonanza. This may actually outweigh the tax revenues the government is foregoing by setting the tax penalties too high. 3. Why was the high-value denomination supply going up right up to the announcement? A lot of kudos have been heaped on the prime minister and his team for keeping the move secret. However, certain problems have also cropped up because ATMs were doling out Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes right till the announcement. In fact, that was the bulk of the denomination that was being spewed out by the banks. At the moment, about 84 per cent of the notes in circulation currently are the old high-denomination notes. That is, as much as Rs 14.93 lakh crore worth notes are old high-denomination in the total Rs 17.77 lakh crore worth notes in circulation. Lower denomination notes were in short supply. Much of the chaos in banks being seen is because the amount of Rs 100 and lower notes are in short supply, apart from the new notes. If the government had been thinking about this for some time, perhaps it could have started reducing the supply of high denomination notes subtly. It would be hard to believe someone who is hoarding big sums of undeclared cash would keep them in small denomination notes. On the other hand, it could have created less of a panic if the number of old high-denomination notes in circulation were not so common. 4. Did the government think of the immediate slowdown in a range of industries? From accounts trickling in, the real estate brokers are in a shock and this is going to lead to a massive correction of rates and big drop in secondary sales immediately. Similarly, consumer durables have been affected as well. Cash on delivery of e-commerce companies have been stopped temporarily and since this accounted for two-thirds of the total sales, this could have a pretty grim effect in the short run. Restaurants have been hit as well. There might be others but the accepted view seems to be that a range of consumption will be affected for between two and four months, and for property and others, maybe even longer. This could lead to a temporary slowdown in economic activity when the government would like to actually accelerate it. 5. Is the government actually trying to move to a cashless economy? This is not very clear at the moment. Sure, we have seen huge ads by the wallet and other fintech companies, but the government thinking on the issue is still to be understood. From the information that has come out so far, Rs 2,000 and new Rs 500 notes will be in circulation in sufficient numbers within a few days. In a few months, even new Rs 1,000 notes will be added. So far, the government has not indicated whether the supply of new notes will be less than the amount that was in circulation earlier. If not, there is no way the cash economy is going to get any smaller. Some people may move to online and mobile payment systems, but a huge chunk of the cash economy will continue. And over a period of time, fresh supplies of new notes will only add to the problem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shock announcement to demonetise the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency overnight was primarily aimed at catching those who hoard black and illegitimate money in these denominations off-guard. The sudden announcement and its implementation within four hours of the speech may have prevented flight or conversion of such money into other asset classes, but it has also resulted in a lot of collateral damage. In the three stories to follow, Business Today examines the cost of the decision to the banking system; how hoarders are devising innovative ways to skirt the ban; and the tax implications for those who would wish to deposit old currency into their bank accounts. The Cost to Banks Imagine evacuating old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from over 200,000 ATMs across the country. Replenishing with new notes of Rs 500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 is not only a logistical challenge but also involves huge costs for banks. Hassled bankers, already struggling with low credit off-take and deteriorating asset quality, will have to incur these additional costs and at the same time profitably deploy the additional deposits coming their way. Former finance minister P. Chidambaram was quick to give an estimate of Rs 15,000-20,000 crore for the demonetisation process. The previous government didn't opt for it as the cost-benefit analysis didn't work. "Economic destabilisation is far worse than any other event that could shake the country," says Melwyn Rego, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of India. While bankers are tight-lipped on the costs and humming that national interest is paramount, they are quietly assessing the costs. The sudden decision has already pushed banks to deploy additional workforce and extend banking hours. "People from corporate and administrative offices have been deployed. The costs would include staff, overtime and logistics (topping up ATMs regularly)," says a banker, on condition of anonymity. For banks, costs related to ATMs are very different. First, they are making changes in the software of ATMs so that they recognise the new currency notes. Second, they have to evacuate the old notes and dispatch them to the Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, and fill the machines with new notes more frequently due to high demand and absence of high-denomination notes for now. State Bank of India's research department, in a note, has said the RBI and the government have to maintain the ratio of Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes in circulation even after printing the new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes. "Any deviation from the existing proportion will increase the cost of ATM replenishment and cause an incremental increase in ATM transaction costs," says the report. For example, if you withdraw 5,000 from an ATM, you should get one note of Rs 500 and five notes of Rs 100 in both the old and the new system (the rest would be in high-denomination notes - four Rs 1,000 notes earlier and two Rs 2,000 notes now.) However, the demonetisation has created a new window for banks to get additional deposits from customers. There are estimates of Rs 5-6 lakh crore making its way into the banking system. The bank deposit base is currently Rs 90 lakh crore. The government move is a blessing for bankers as deposit growth for public sector banks, which control 70 per cent banking in India, has slumped to single digits (at 4.6 per cent). It was 15 per cent five years ago. But experts say the bigger challenge will be to profitably deploy these funds as credit growth is already low due to low capacity utilisation and excess leverage in companies. Otherwise, costs would go up, as interest paid on such deposits would be at least 4 per cent. Some bank executives murmur that the government should ideally compensate them for their cash handling public service. The estimate for printing cost alone comes out to around Rs 8,000 crore. As per the RBI's latest data, there are some 1,567 crore notes of Rs 500 and 632 crore notes of Rs 1,000 in circulation. The cost of printing is Rs 2.50-3.50 per note. Assuming the additional printing of 632 crore notes of Rs 2,000, the total cost comes out to be Rs 8,000 crore. Many say the RBI is in a best position to bear the printing cost burden as it would have some surplus left due to shrinking money supply (its liabilities will fall). At present, when the RBI prints currency (part of liabilities as a promise to pay), it also creates an equivalent asset in the form of investments in bonds of the US and Europe. Now, since a lot of notes are being discontinued, a part of it won't come back into the system. There is a strong possibility that the surplus will be transferred to the government for infrastructure investment or capitalisation of banks. But there is also a view that the Indian economy is primarily a cash economy. The RBI has to create that much currency that was in the system before demonetisation. Otherwise, the economy would choke for want of cash. Hoodwinked. But, really? A New Delhi-based proprietor of a mid-sized firm with 150 workers was in for a shock when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. He had close to Rs 2 crore unaccounted money with him, all in high-denomination currency. That is when he realised how handy his workers could be. His idea is to request each worker to deposit Rs 1 lakh in his/her individual bank account. Since deposits below Rs 2.5 lakh will escape scrutiny, and since their salaries were never high enough to bring them in the tax bracket, he hopes he can park his money in their accounts, with an understanding that it will be returned to him, as and when required. A Vadodara-based real estate developer did not want to take the risk of leaving money with his employees. Instead, he decided to make it official by paying them six months' salary in advance. Benevolent employers are a common sight after the government's latest crackdown on black money holders. It is perhaps the safest way to launder money in times like these. Distributing the hoarded unaccounted money is not the only escape route for black money holders who are desperate to get it replaced through banking channels. For businesses adept at creating pre-dated invoices, it is, in fact, time for a kill. Industry watchers say that the rise in prices of bullion, the bull run on commodity exchanges, rise in sale of luxury items, etc, are all signals of transactions that are happening now but invoiced for an earlier date. Another time-tested money-laundering mechanism involves linking people who have no physical cash but loads of cash on their books with those with loads of unaccounted cash but no legitimate source of income. Income tax practitioners say there are matchmakers who can help you find your partner, with confidential agreements and commissions that will determine the manner of the reverse flow. People who control the assets and the daily fund flow of pilgrimage centres or private religious institutional trusts may try the unreligious way of getting their high denomination currencies swapped. If you want a less risky route, you can opt for exchanging your high-denomination currency with a lower-denomination currency. Depending on your urgency, you may get half the value, or even less. A day after the announcement, income tax officers were seen raiding trading hubs across the country to nab people indulging in such practices. But it has hardly had any impact as there are people, in dozens, who are willing to accept your money for a fraction of its value. For the unscrupulous, there is no dearth of loopholes. It's just that the data mining abilities of the Income Tax Department are also becoming sharper these days. Whatever funds you deposit, through whichever manner, there is a possibility of scrutiny, some day or other. Even if one does not hear from the I-T department, it does not mean the data discrepancy has not been captured; it only shows the limited manpower of the department. At last count, the I-T department had about 70,000 employees, far less than its sanctioned strength of 120,000. If you manage to escape the scrutiny, it will be more because of the resource crunch within the I-T Department than your ability to hoodwink it. Worth a Bonfire In June 2016, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned people to declare their black money under the Income Declaration Scheme or face dire consequences, many would have laughed it off as an empty threat. Over the next few months, as a high-decibel campaign encouraged people to declare their black money, a sizeable majority resolutely stayed away. At the end of the four-month-long scheme, disclosures worth Rs 65,250 crore were made - not a mean figure but a fraction compared to the estimated unaccounted wealth of Rs 16.25 lakh crore. That majority may well be cursing itself in the light of Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. With the currencies going out of circulation immediately, the carefully stashed away wealth has turned either worthless or stares at a penalty so hefty that it may as well stay hidden forever. While you can deposit the old currency in bank accounts till December 30, any transaction in an account in excess of Rs 2.5 lakh will be under the taxman's radar, because it is the standard exempted threshold for income tax. In case of cash deposits of over Rs 10 lakh, the scrutiny will be more severe. If the account holder is not able to justify the source of funds, the entire amount will be treated as evaded for tax. Along with a tax rate of over 30 per cent, a penalty 200 per cent of the tax payable will be imposed, taking the total tax outgo to nearly 95 per cent. "We have been given strict instructions to monitor high-value transactions and make no exceptions in this case," says a branch manager at a multinational bank at Connaught Place in New Delhi. "There has not been any major transaction till now (2 pm on November 11) but my hunch is people will wait and find ways to circumvent it. We will also keep tabs on transactions from multiple branches and insist on PAN card for deposits." The window to deposit the worthless currency ends on December 30, while the new currency can be had in exchange of old (up to Rs 4,000 per person) till November 24. Should anybody miss all these deadlines, he or she can go to the RBI in person armed with a declaration and proof of identity. The deadline for that ends on March 31, 2017, beyond which the old currency will well and truly become paper. Any reform in India generally comes with its own set of loopholes but this time around the government seems to have thought it through and the clampdown looks water-tight. Amid calls for making more exceptions for use of older currency, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has refused to budge, saying any exception will become another excuse for money laundering. At the same time, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia has said jewellers and even farmers will be asked questions if their numbers do not tally. Agricultural income is not taxed in India, but there is apprehension that a part of the black money may be laundered as farm income. "A person buying jewellery has to give his PAN number. Instructions being issued to field authorities to check it with all jewellers. Action to be taken against those jewellers who fail to take PAN numbers from buyers to ensure this requirement is not compromised," tweeted Adhia. "Since farmers' genuine income is not taxable, the farmers should not worry at all in depositing the old currency notes in their accounts. However, the farmer's income should not be disproportionately high compared to the yield expected from the land owned by him," he said. The government has been at pains to assure the genuine tax payer, small trader, businessman, farmer and the average housewife that they should feel free to deposit money in their accounts and there will be no victimisation. It is presumed the laws of tax computation, prevalent today, will be applied, and enough hints have been dropped that only those with sizeable unaccountable wealth will be hounded. Faced with the devil in the taxman on one hand and the deep sea of letting the cash rot on the other, the black money hoarder is left with little choice. No wonder sacks full of burnt Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were found in Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. Over the next few weeks and months, this may not remain an isolated case. Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector today expressed growing unease at softening consumer demand and retail sales in the run up to Christmas, as highlighted by the latest edition of the Retail Ireland Monitor. The 23% slump in the value of sterling since the beginning of the year has prompted more consumers to travel North to shop, with new figures also showing a surge in online shopping in the months following the UK vote. Central Bank statistics show that e-commerce transactions recorded on Irish debit and credit cards jumped by 20% from 1 billion to 1.2 billion between July and September as sterling fell. This was way above trend and is likely to have mostly gone to UK based online retailers. Commenting on the research, Retail Ireland Director, Thomas Burke said, "The Irish retail sector is working hard to adjust prices to reflect this new reality, but is still selling products that were purchased at a much different exchange rate a number of months ago. Goods prices have fallen by 2.9% on average over the last quarter and, in the first 10 months of the year, were down 8.5% on the same period three years ago. There is limited scope to reduce prices further." He added, "Retailers are squeezed on the one side by a consumer that is demanding price reductions to reflect the sterling devaluation, and on the other by UK-based suppliers seeking price increases to offset increasing input costs. This pressure has the potential to destroy margins in the sector." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us A report produced by leading law firm, William Fry in association with Forbes Insights, has found that 61% of leading companies around the world plan to increase their Big Data investments substantially over the next 18 months and 96% view Ireland as a favourable investment location. The report which analyses the key factors driving big data strategies is based on a survey of 200 C-suite executives in leading companies around the world and highlights that the business challenges and opportunities that Big Data offer are now a key part of decision making across most industries and sectors and can no longer be viewed as a technology issue. When choosing a location, the survey found that two of the top five issues for international entities were legal framework (including data related laws) and data-related conditions and regulations. This demonstrates that international organisations are placing much greater focus on being able to rely on clear and harmonised data privacy and data security regulations even if this raises operating costs. It will come as a surprise to many that despite vastly increased fines and a more onerous compliance regime, 76% of respondents agree that tighter regulatory controls over data are the best way forward. Undeniably, regulation of data is becoming a key factor driving where to locate data control hubs within a region. The survey reflects positively on Irelands high rating in terms of the merits of its data-related regulatory climate overall and its data-privacy regulatory regime. Specifically, 82% of respondents rate the Ireland data regulation regime as good or excellent. International companies are increasingly deciding to locate their Big Data decision making, operations and strategies for each geographic region in that region. For example, in relation to Europe, the survey shows that 80% of international organisations already have a European business presence. Couple this fact with exponential growth in Big Data operations and it follows that a growing number of companies are or should be looking to open or expand data operations in Europe. Importantly for Ireland, the most frequent form of data-driven expansion is an investment in facilities (including physical facilities and commercial property), cited by 75% of survey participants. This is followed closely by investment in technology assets (72%), personnel (70%) and finally R&D/intellectual property (43%). This is supported by the location in Ireland of key infrastructure by leading companies such as Microsoft and also evident in Dublins Silicon Docks where a host of international Big Data organisations are based including Facebook, State Street, Twitter, Google, Airbnb and Citi. Partner and Head of William Frys Technology Department, David Cullen commented, "This report provides some fascinating insights. The finding that 75% of survey participants believe physical facilities are the future of data driven investment in Europe is significant when one considers that 96% view Ireland as a favourable investment location and that 60% of the organisations surveyed have annual sales of between $1bn and $10bn." He added, "Taking this together, I strongly believe there is a real opportunity for Ireland to exploit Big Data and position itself as the jurisdiction of choice in Europe." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Cybercrime is becoming an increasingly important issue. While it once kept developers and website owners awake at night, it's now something that ordinary users have to be aware of. Naturally, the weight of responsibility for fending off attacks still rests on the shoulders of those IT professionals behind the scenes, but as is often the case in life, prevention is better than a cure. Learning a little bit about the latest threats, where and how they're most likely to strike and what can be done to prevent them is something every modern tech user should do. TalkTalk Takes Major Hit After SQL Blunder So why are we even talking about this? Well, if you read the tech headlines back at the start of October, you will have come across mobile provider TalkTalk being hit with a 400,000 fine ($489,000). Owing to a security flaw on three of its web pages, the company was subject to a mass data breach coming from a series of SQL injections, or SQLI. Back in 2009 when the British company purchased Tiscali, TalkTalk's IT team failed to correctly assess the newly acquired online infrastructure before integrating it into its own. It has since transpired that three web pages were vulnerable to SQL injections and this led to 156,959 user accounts being compromised. To make matters worse, 15,656 victims also had their bank account details stolen by cyber criminals. In this case, if a major telecom company such as TalkTalk can be naive and overlook a simple security step, then anyone can. When it comes to SQL injections, the underlying aim of the attacker is to expose a vulnerable database. According to the security team at Incapsula, Structured Query Language injection attacks use malicious SQL code to display private database information. By manipulating a weak SQL query, criminals can essentially create their own backdoor into the main SQL database and then extract any information they choose. According to a survey of online businesses from the Ponemon Institute in 2015, 49% of respondents said that they faced very significant threats from SQL injection. Attacks Are a Technical and PR Disaster Looking at this more specifically, French smartphone maker Archos saw up to 100,000 customer details lost to hackers back in December 2014 because of SQL injections. Although passwords and credit card data were left untouched, the incident was a PR disaster for Archos because 50,000 of the compromised records were posted on Twitter. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why understanding SQL injections and their significance is important. As Incapsula has also pointed out, SQL injection attacks are not only harmful for businesses on a technical level but they are also harmful on a "trust" level. When a company suffers a data breach, consumers often read the scare stories in the mainstream media and decide to switch off. Now, that's not to say that these consumers are wrong to move away from a company that hasn't put in place proper security provisions. When an uneducated consumer reads the headline "100,000 accounts compromised," they may well assume that company's whole IT system is about to go down but they are right to be concerned as their security and personal information is at risk. However, as devastating as SQL injections can be, the fix is usually relatively simple. Aside from carrying out thorough security surveys, businesses can protect their online apps with web application firewalls (WAFs). By sitting on the edge of network, a WAF can filter out SQL injection attacks by comparing incoming queries to a global database of information. This fix doesn't require any alterations to an existing IT infrastructure and that's what makes it a simple -- yet effective solution. Education at All Levels Is Crucial So, there you have it. SQL injections are a serious concern, attacks are becoming more common, but they aren't an insurmountable problem. Understanding how to manage security and becoming a more educated consumer is one of the best ways to stay safe. Indeed, although you may not be able to fix a problem yourself, you can be more aware of the issue and, in some small way, be part of a preventative approach to stopping these attacks from spreading. It was announced today that Savills has been appointed by Wicklow County Council to seek a development partner for a 250,000 square foot retail scheme in the heart of Bray, Co. Wicklow. The plans also incorporate the development of a new urban street accessed from Bray Main Street and a central plaza with pedestrian access from Quinsborough Road. A decision on the planning application is due from An Bord Pleanala before year end. The gross development value (GDV) of the scheme is estimated at between 30m and 35m, and Wicklow County Council aim to have a development partner and contractor in place by March 2017, with a view to completion by the fourth quarter of 2018. The high profile 2.4 acre main street site, previously known as the Florentine Centre, has been the subject of a number of retail-led development proposals since 1996. Wicklow County Council who recently purchased the site has sought the approval of An Bord Pleanala for a scaled down retail development providing opportunities for anchor stores, retail units, restaurants, offices, cinema and associated car parking. Bray, with a population exceeding 30,000, is the main commercial town serving the North Wicklow market and is well served by both the national road network, via the M11 and M50, and public transport via DART, national rail services and Dublin Bus routes. The town also has a strong tourist and heritage base, being the gateway to the Wicklow Mountains and South East. Larry Brennan of Savills commented, "The development of the Florentine Centre will transform the retail and evening economy of Bray, where the main street in particular has been poorly provided for due to a lack of restaurants, larger retail units and leisure offerings. The recovering retail economy is now supporting real occupier demand, which can offer favourable returns to the appropriate development partner." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner In Utah one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. The costs resulting from sexual violence during a one-year period totaled nearly $5 billion, which is about $1,700 for each Utah resident. In response, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) recently awarded nearly $550,000 to 21 agencies across the state to implement primary prevention activities for sexual violence. Two Cache Valley agencies received funding, The Family Place and CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse). We approach sexual violence from a primary prevention perspective, said Megan Waters, violence prevention specialist with the UDOH. We want to stop it before it starts by addressing the root causes, the risk and protective factors, and instilling skills that really prepare young people to build healthier relationships and safer communities. UDOH requested proposals and asked all agencies applying for the funding submit a plan while also identifying the need in their community. We did ask that the project be focused on under-served communities because we know they are disproportionately affected by sexual violence. The agencies that were awarded submitted proposals that scored the highest in the review process. MINOT A Minot man is facing a charge of placing temporary Donald Trump signs on an "untraveled public right-of-way," otherwise commonly referred to as a boulevard. Charles Tuttle made his initial appearance in District Court Tuesday in front of Judge Douglas Mattson and is facing a possible jury trial. The case had been moved from Minot Municipal Court where Tuttle had entered a request for such a trial. Tuttle is charged with posting handbills, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. The charge stems from a police action late in the afternoon of Oct. 14. According to an affidavit filed with the court, two uniformed Minot Police officers noticed approximately six Donald Trump political signs posted in the boulevard in front of the Pour Farm bar. There was also a tent containing Donald Trump merchandise set up in the parking lot. The officers warned Tuttle that he had one hour to remove the signs. He refused, stating he was within his federal rights of freedom of speech. Tuttle was later issued a summons for Violation of City Ordinance 3-2. Section 3-2 of the Minot Code of Ordinances reads, in part: "The placement and maintenance of signs within the untraveled portion of the public right-of-way creates a special hazard and matter of public concern because a sign, by its very nature and purpose, is designed and maintained to invite the notice and attention of passersby... thus increasing the risk of traffic accidents." In court Tuesday, Mattson asked Assistant City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim, "Is the city going to be actively enforcing this ordinance?" Mattson noted that signs have been present on boulevards throughout the city, particularly since the 2011 flood. He also stated, "If this is content based, I have some concerns." Tuttle, who represented himself during the brief proceeding, entered a "not guilty" plea which sets the stage for a possible trial on the matter. MORTON COUNTY A couple from Standing Rock Sioux Reservation took their daughters out of school for a few hours Tuesday afternoon so the young girls could see the son of a Democratic icon, the latest in a growing list of known names to stand with Standing Rock in its battle against the Dakota Access Pipeline. That battle intensified Tuesday with the pipeline company going to federal court to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for delaying the project, after the agency said it has completed its long-awaited internal review but will take more time to consult with the tribe before issuing an easement to allow the Bakken crude line to cross the Missouri River/Lake Oahe near the reservation. The enlarging legal fight that has gone on for months was the backdrop of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s stop at the main protest camp, where, surrounded by media and camp supporters, he characterized the companys fast-moving construction tactic as bank robbers emptying the till and police not willing to stop a crime in progress. Kennedy, whose father was assassinated during a 1968 presidential primary election campaign stop, has devoted his career to environmental law and currently heads a national and international Water Alliance. As Kennedy, in jeans and button-down corduroy shirt, toured the camp, Cangleska Luta Winn, of McLaughlin, S.D., trailed along with her daughters, watching and listening as the tall, silver-haired visitor stopped to talk with camp builders. I found out about this last night and came over for this. The kids didnt know who he is, but Ill explain, she said. Theyll always remember this. Kennedy said the strategy of Energy Transfer Partners is to get pipe in the ground so investors have an interest in keeping the oil flowing for another 30 years. The end of their industry is in sight and their strategy is to maintain the market. Its easy to build pipeline, but not transmission lines because transmission lines support wind and solar energy. They cannot beat us in the market, but theyll saddle our children ... and anchor us in this dirty, addictive toxic fuel, Kennedy said. He called the camp the front line in the battle for clean energy. If people care about the future of humanity, they need to come here and stand with Standing Rock, he said. Michael Bruin, executive director of the Sierra Club, appeared with Kennedy and said the groups 2 million members are inspired by Standing Rock. When we replace fossil fuels, we will never go back. Who would go back to mountain top removal (for coal), or pipelines crossing our watersheds? Nobody, said Bruin, adding he thinks president-elect Donald Trump will reject the pipeline if hes in favor of growing the economy with clean energy jobs. Kandi Mossett, with the Indigenous Environmental Network, said shes appreciative of Kennedys work on behalf of water and the environment. The fact that we have a Kennedy in the camp is epic, she said. Orlando Cruz, a member of the Santa Ana Pueblo, said Kennedys visit was the most important thing thats happened in camp since he arrived a month ago. The camp has about 2,000 occupants, though it had swelled to nearly 5,000 over the past weekend. Cruz said Kennedy inspired his thinking during his brief visit. We definitely need to look into solar energy and quit taking from Mother Earth, Cruz said. Mossett said a new Eco Camp is underway on 50 acres southwest of the Cannon Ball town site, on land provided by the tribal council. Its intended as a winter camp for water protectors and also as a demonstration of eco-friendly structures and energy. Next up is a return visit on Wednesday from Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo, who donated solar panels to the camp last month. Then, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt, will perform a benefit concert Nov. 27 at Prairie Knights Casino. Happy Birthday T! For new readers, Tanta was my co-blogger back in 2007 and 2008. She was a brilliant, writer - very funny - and a mortgage expert. Sadly, she passed away in 2008, and I like to celebrate her life on her birthday. I strongly recommend Tanta's "The Compleat UberNerd" posts for an understanding of the mortgage industry. And here are many of her other posts. On her passing, from the NY Times: Doris Dungey, Prescient Finance Blogger, Dies at 47, from the WaPo: Doris J. Dungey; Blogger Chronicled Mortgage Crisis, from me: Sad News: Tanta Passes Away Wednesday: At 7:00 AM ET, The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) will release the results for the mortgage purchase applications index. At 8:30 AM, The Producer Price Index for October from the BLS. The consensus is for a 0.3% increase in prices, and a 0.2% increase in core PPI. At 9:15 AM, The Fed will release Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization for October. The consensus is for a 0.1% increase in Industrial Production, and for Capacity Utilization to be unchanged at 75.4%. At 10:00 AM, The November NAHB homebuilder survey. The consensus is for a reading of 63, unchanged from 63 in October. Any number above 50 indicates that more builders view sales conditions as good than poor. Internal network test labs have diminished in popularity, and for a good reason: Network functionality evolves faster than ever and multiple layers complicate testing. Moreover, integration with the cloud results in difficult replication. Keeping an in-house lab up-to-date requires considerable expertise and moneytwo things most IT teams don't have to spare. In our e-guide, learn how to avoid the cost and complexity of maintaining an internal network test lab by utilizing a virtual test environment. Additionally, get expert insight on topics like SDN switching at UNH InterOperability Laboratory, network telemetry, Microsofts federal court cloud case, and the Delilah Trojan. The following article is the Acton Institutes English translation from the Italian Il Papa e la condanna dei soldi. Parla Padre Robert Sirico written by Matteo Matzuzzi and published in the Rome-based daily Il Foglio on November 8. Readers should note that there is no official English translation of Pope Francis November 5 address to leaders of lay movements gathering inside the Vatican. The original speech in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese can be found here. It certainly would be absurd to criminalize money if ones sincere concern is the well-being of the poor. Lamenting the struggle of the poor is not the end goal of moral compassion. Ameliorating their concern is. And at least at the material level, this requires the production of wealth, said Rev. Robert A. Sirico, president of the American think tank, the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, which aims to promote a free, virtuous and humane society. Rev. Sirico shared his views with the Italian daily ll Foglio following the Popes long speech delivered last Saturday before an audience of charismatic lay movement leaders who had come to the Vatican for their third world gathering. During the audience, Pope Francis relaunched his accusation that money is an idol that rules instead of serves, which tyrannizes and terrorizes humanity. It is money, continued the Holy Father, that rules with the whip of fear, inequality, economic, social, cultural and military violence. [It] generates ever more violence in a seemingly unending downward spiral. There is a basic [form of] terrorism stemming from the global control of money on earth and which threatens all of humanity. And all tyranny is a terroristic, the pope added. When this terror, sown in the peripheries by way of massacres, looting, oppression and injustice, erupts in [urban] centers with different forms of hateful and cowardly violence, citizens are tempted by the false security of physical or social walls while still clinging to a few rights. Of course, observes Sirico, wealth can be abused, both in its production and in its use. Of that there is no doubt. But so can many other gifts entrusted to human being. I think of sexuality in this regard, yet when directed toward God, sexuality becomes a Sacrament. So too wealth can have a moral origin and a moral finality. I would trust that the Holy Father doesnt disagree with any of this, for to criminalize such a process would abandon the economically vulnerable. Bergoglios attack on the capitalist system itself was harsh. Yet, in terms of what is meant by the capitalist system, Fr. Sirico said, I would ask for clarification. I find [clarity] in the encyclical Centesimus Annus, specifically number 42, where St. John Paul says that if by capitalism [we mean] the free economy rooted in a moral and religious foundation and situated in a juridical context, then this is commendable. The problem, if anything, is to reconcile the idea of a free economy with the Churchs social doctrine. The president of the Acton Institute thinks that this is a difficult undertaking because there is a general confusion as to what it means, especially if one is only familiar, not with free economic actors, but with business people who exclude people from the circle of economic exchange and place money, rather than human being, at the center of their concern. This is the economy that kills, not competitive markets, said Sirico. When people do not understand economics and markets, it is easy to assume that successful economic actors become wealthy at the expense of others. This is known in economic as the zero sum fallacy. The Churchs social doctrine, Sirico observes, does not teach us this. Nonetheless, in his opinion, the sad fact is that sometimes people love [the poor] so much they advocate policies that will produce more poverty. The risk is to look at the problem in the wrong way, he said, from an erroneous perspective, as one might conclude, for example, that fundamentalism is a consequence of the idolatry of money. If you begin with the definition that all global markets by their very nature exclude people, then of course, this is unethical and to be rightly condemned, as is any form of the worship of money, which is what the idolatry of money means, he said. There is, however, two other forms of what might rightly be called economic fundamentalism: This is, on the one hand, when one demonizes [the rich] simply because they are economically successful, or when one canonizes the poor simply because they are not economically successful. The former is known as the Prosperity Gospel and the latter is known as Liberation Theology. I prefer, admits Sirico, the insight of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who said: We do not take it upon ourselves to have the right to condemn the rich. We do not believe in class struggle or class warfareWe believe rather in class encounter where the rich save the poor and the poor save the rich. | BY Ricki Green | The Communications Council and the Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD) has today announced Jessica Mclure, 2016 AWARD School student, the winner of News Corp Australias Press for Change initiative. Press for Change is a News Corp Australia initiative which harnesses creative genius to drive positive change for Australias most deserving charities. As part of the initiative Mclures winning entry will be featured in paper via a News Corp Australia national metro masthead campaign. An outstanding achievement for a 2016 AWARD School student. As sponsors of this years AWARD School, News Corp Australia invited the 2016 AWARD Schools aspiring art directors and copywriters to create a press campaign to support Ask Izzy, a free online directory for Australias homeless and near homeless, which identifies nearby much needed resources. Says Tony Hale, CEO of The Communications Council: This initiative is a brilliant opportunity for aspiring creatives and great testimony to News Corps support of the next generation. The national career opportunities this provides our AWARD School Student, Jessica Mclure is exceptional. More than 200 ideas were submitted by AWARD School graduates. The four national entrants selected by a jury of ECDs included: Says Penny Fowler, community ambassador, News Corp Australia: Ask Izzy is an initiative supported by News Corp Australia, REA, Google and not-for-profit Infoxchange. We are thrilled with the creative produced by Australias best young creative talent from AWARD School. To think that this clever work will help the lives of Australians who are homeless or at risk of being homeless is both exciting and rewarding. Says Tom McFarlane, creative partner for M&C Saatchi: The entries were compelling with a number of contenders being worthy. Jessicas work translates exceptionally well in print, and overall delivered to brief, congratulations Jessica. This is an impressive start to her career in advertising and a great addition to her portfolio. International Business Times Pulls a UNESCO on Temple Mount | Main | Analyst: The U.S. Should Cut Aid to Lebanese Armed Forces November 16, 2016 Wheres the Coverage? Incitement in Palestinian Textbooks Since the knife intifada,? as its become known, began in the fall of 2015, weve been hearing the narrative that says that Palestinian despair? or Palestinian frustration? over Israels military administration of the West Bank is the cause. As CAMERA and CAMERAs affiliate BBC Watch have noted before, this is a PLO-endorsed talking point. Yet, its been adopted by the mainstream American media. Last month, for example, at the Washington Post, William Booth wrote that the year-long wave of Palestinian violence against Israeli soldiers and civilians has been carried out mostly by teenagers armed with knives or adults who use their families' cars to ram into pedestrians. Palestinians are frustrated by the almost 50-year military occupation and motivated by personal, religious and nationalist reasons to attack Israelis.? In July, after two deadly attacks in the West Bank the stabbing to death of Hallel Yaffa Ariel and the shooting of Rabbi Michael Mark the New York Times wrote, the recent attacks by Palestinians have been fueled in part by incendiary posts on social media and by militant groups urging more violence. But they also reflect growing despair by young Palestinians in particular over lives constrained by Israels decades-long military occupation and their own rudderless leadership.? Although the article did quote Israeli government officials blaming incitement, this sentence was in the reporters voice. The month prior, after a shooting at a Tel Aviv cafe killed four Israelis, Rory Jones at the Wall Street Journal wrote, The shooting reflected the despair young Palestinians feel over the lack of concrete steps toward establishing a Palestinian state, relatives of the men said.? So fixated on this myth are they, that when actual evidence is uncovered to contradict this version of events, the media cant even see it. Last week David Bedein of the Israel Resource News Agency discussed the results of a review of 240 Palestinian childrens textbooks used in 400 UNRWA schools, including in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, as well as in Gaza. According to the Jerusalem Post, he found that the books prepar[e] children for war.? The Post reported that Bedein found, for example, a math word problem asking students to use variables, including the number of Jews killed during the first and second intifadas,? as well as this poem: Hearing [weapons] clash is pleasant to my ear And the flow of blood gladdens my soul As well as a body thrown upon the ground Skirmished over by the desert predator By your life! This is the death of men And whoever asks for a noble death this is it!? These books, moreover, have been approved by the US government. In all the books you have right of return and armed struggle being taught. Even in math books,? the Jerusalem Post quoted Bedein saying. Another scholar who worked on the study, Dr. Arnon Groiss, told the Post that the books, including books on history, geography, Islamic education, and language exercises, encourage violent struggle for the liberation of Palestine, which they consider all of Israel including Haifa and Jaffa and the right of return.? None of the above-mentioned news outlets have seen fit to prominently cover Bedeins findings -- findings that undermine their narrative. Is it any wonder that the media finds itself in crisis of late? Posted by kabe at November 16, 2016 01:14 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 | BY Ricki Green | MullenLowe Profero, the digital arm of global creative network MullenLowe Group, has today named Chris Henderson (middle, left) as the new managing director of Australia. Henderson replaces current MD Dave Bentley, who leaves MullenLowe Profero after eight successful years, including nearly seven leading Australian operations. Having grown the local business by 180%, Bentley is leaving to spend time with his family and pursue a yet undisclosed venture. As MD Henderson will be responsible for managing the MullenLowe Profero Sydney team, with a remit to capitalise on a successful 15 years that has seen the office grow to become the 4th largest MullenLowe Profero office and a centre of excellence in customer experience strategy and platform development. MullenLowe Profero Sydney currently works with a growing portfolio of clients including Brown-Forman, Danone Nutricia, Peninsula Hotels, Pizza Hut, QIC, HSBC, Nespresso and Western Union. Currently client services director for MullenLowe Profero Sydney, Hendersons promotion follows a hugely successful international career that includes the launch of the agencys customer experience offering with QIC, and nine years of strategic account leadership including account director at AKQA Amsterdam, working on prestigious accounts including Nike, EA, Johnnie Walker and Philips. The announcement comes as MullenLowe Profero prepares to upscale its operations with a new larger office on Sydneys Cleveland Street. Bentley welcomed an internal MD promotion as a signal of the strength of the talent across the region. Says Bentley: Chris is both an exceptional strategic and commercial talent, and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of working with. He has a fantastic vision for where the business should be heading, and has had a profound impact on our client relationships and the quality of challenger work we produce. Supported by a world-class leadership team in Ashadi Hopper, Richard Szalay and Rebecca Ringrose, I couldnt be happier to hand the reins to Chris and I wish him and MullenLowe Profero all the best in the future. Says Henderson on his appointment: The last two years with MullenLowe Profero have given me a unique insight into what drives the success of such a distinctive and interesting organisation. Like many of our clients, our industry is also transforming to understand the value derived from focussing on people and the emotional and rational benefits that products, services and brands can deliver to them. By blending technology and data with creativity and design thinking we can help solve business challenges from the customers perspective. Thats extremely exciting for us and Im honoured to lead such a talented team who share that mission. | BY Lynchy | Filmgraphics has signed Bugsy Riverbank Steel for representation in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand adding to its exciting new roster of award winning directors. Living up to his name, Bugsy has crafted a distinctive directorial style that combines clever in camera techniques with seamless visual effects and strong narrative. Bugsy began directing music videos for artists like Bloc Party, Ellie Goulding and Two Door Cinema Club. It was here that he developed his unique storytelling voice and visual style that lead to commercial campaigns with high profile clients including Toyota, Mitsubishi, BMW and Ikea. Bugsys use of contemporary visual effects and techniques to enhance compelling narrative has made him one of Europes most in demand directors. His keen love of drama and storytelling lead him onto directing a raft of short films, including the revered Locked Up, which picked up several accolades around the world. Says Anna Fawcett, EP of Filmgraphics: David (Denneen) is always looking for directors who understand the craft of film making and find clever and original ways of executing stories, and Bugsy certainly fits the bill. "In year of huge political upheaval, where young students have witnessed Brexit and the unexpected election of Donald Trump as US President, many will seek the relative safety of a university with a strong track record of producing graduates who are valued by large, international graduate employers," Mr Baty said. Say hello to Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers (TJJT), an alternative rock band uniting five students from the Orana Steiner school in Weston. The girls came together in July 2015, with a shared love of all things indie/alternative, including groups like Nirvana and Australia's Ball Park Music. Snapchat launched globally in 2011 and to date more than four million Australians have signed up for an account. The app allows users to take and send time-limited photos and videos to friends and family. A 'filter' is a border, decoration or augmented reality effect you can place over your photo to anchor yourself to a specific location, give yourself cute animal features or change the sound of your voice. "Recent reports of diplomats speeding or driving while intoxicated are bad enough, but for a diplomat to inflict property damage on a constituent only to abuse them and demand they pay for it themselves is completely unacceptable," the Labor MP said on Wednesday. "Ms Shipp is the one of the best teachers I've ever had. She is really caring and even if you muck up she'll still be there for you. She'll talk about why you mucked up and how you can fix that for next time. I don't know what I'd do without her." "But had the ... pool had a child-resistant pool barrier, River may well have been slowed down in his path to the pool sufficiently so that he might have been discovered, or he may have been discouraged in his efforts to reach the pool and wandered away." She said then that the university should make a decision about its future. If it was no longer to be used for student accommodation and the university made a profit from it, it should make "an appropriate adjustment" to the ACT government. "One of the things we'll be doing is a very thorough background investigation of anybody who would be allowed entry to the country through this process or any other. I think, whether that happens under President Obama or president-elect Trump, I don't see much difference in the short-term on that issue. [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept 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. Children in Bangalore and Mumbai got an opportunity to work in a real time prosthesis project through a workshop organised by University of British Columbia (UBC) recently. Students were let to work on prosthetic hands, that is, artificial limb that can replace an arm missing below the elbow. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Mina Hoorfar, Professor and Director of the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in six leading schools of Mumbai and Bangalore each. The event aimed at helping students know how to devise creative responses to challenges such as replacing a part of the body. What we use our hands for, what our hands are made of, and how we are able to move our hands were first taught and students discussed how engineers design prosthetics in response to the challenge of replacing functions of a lost limb. The students also learnt how to build their own helping hands using basic materials. UBC gave them the opportunity to step into the shoes of engineers and figure out how to improve the design of their helping hands. Dr. Mina Hoorfar said, "The workshop proved to be a rewarding learning experience for everyone involved. I wanted the students to have the chance to work on a real-life project that would be beneficial to others and not just an artificial game or simulation that is often used in the classroom. Also, the students got opportunity to know each other and work together for a common goal. They also built something that will have a direct impact on someone's life." In Mumbai, the workshop was held in schools like SVKM JV Parekh International School, SVKM JV Parekh International School, Cathedral and John Connon School, NES International School, Dhirubhai Ambani International School and Mainadevi Bajaj International School. In Bangalore the workshop was conducted in The International School Bangalore(TISB), Indus International School, Greenwood High International School, Bangalore International School and Christ Junior College. Aerospace students from India visit Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center University of British Columbia (UBC), a leading Canada based university is offering scholarships for International Students for its undergraduate programs for Winter Session 2017. UBC's need plus merit-based International Scholars Program offers significant opportunities and support for outstanding international undergraduate students through the International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award. Value of the scholarship: Awards valued at up to $50,000 CAD each are awarded to select international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual promise, as well as strong extracurricular and community involvement. The value of awards is commensurate with demonstrated financial need, and is sufficient to cover up to full tuition costs and living expenses for the relevant program of study. Students admitted to the International Scholars Awards Program will engage in facilitated community engagement opportunities, volunteer mentorship and networking events and will receive dedicated student support and advising so that they can achieve their goals and become the leaders of tomorrow. Oxford University Launches New Scholarship For Indian Students The International Leader of Tomorrow Award as well as the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award can be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate study, or to degree completion, whichever is less, provided the student achieves required academic standing in their faculty, continues to demonstrate financial need, and maintains their Canadian study permit (visa). UBC is a prominent choice among students from India and the International Scholars Program and other financial awards and supports are a significant reason for UBC being a top tier choice for Indian students. Almost 10% of all scholarships offered last year at UBC were made to Indian students - a total value of CAD $ 1.5 million. Class 10 & Class 11 Students Eligible For Yale Scholarship, Apply Now! Application procedure: Indian Students can apply for UBC's International Scholars Awards through the website; the last date for submission of the awards and admission application for September 2017 entry is December 1, 2016. Students can apply for the International Scholars Awards by visiting the website About The University Of British Columbia: The University of British Columbia (1908) is one of North America's leading universities, consistently ranked in the top 40 universities worldwide. UBC draws top faculty and students from over 150 countries to its two academic communities: the Vancouver campus on Canada's spectacular Pacific coast and the Okanagan campus located in BC's scenic interior. Undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programs - offered through 17 Faculties and 15 Schools - lead to internationally-recognized degrees in comprehensive fields of study, including: humanities & social sciences, visual & performing arts, commerce & management, engineering & computer science, physical sciences, life & health sciences, resources sciences, education, and more. For further information visit, you.ubc.ca BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- A sheriff's deputy who was critically wounded in a shootout that killed three other Baton Rouge law-enforcement officers in the summer is being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Texas. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Tullier had been treated at a hospital in Baton Rouge since the July 17 shooting. The hospital said in a statement that Tullier was being transferred Wednesday to a hospital in Houston. A lone gunman, 29-year-old Gavin Long, fatally shot two Baton Rouge police officers and one sheriff's deputy before a SWAT officer gunned him down. Two other officers besides Tullier were wounded in the attack outside a convenience store. Authorities said Tullier was shot in the head and stomach in his patrol car. Bayou Cumbest Boat Launch.jpg Jackson County officials stand in front of the newly unveiled boat launch located in the Orange Grove community in Moss Point. (Tyler Carter/tcarter@al.com) MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Jackson County residents now have another amenity to enjoy as ribbon was cut on the Bayou Cumbest Boat Launch Wednesday morning. The community came out to the Orange Grove community to witness the unveiling of the boat launch, which came into fruition through the efforts of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, specifically District 1 Supervisor, Barry Cumbest. According to Cumbest, members of the community felt this was a needed addition to the county. "Not long after I took office in 2012, I had some of the residents approach me about placing a public boat ramp out here so we began looking and talking with the community about the type of expectations they had for the boat launch and we began to work on bringing this welcomed addition to the county," Cumbest said. "The people in this community love the water," Cumbest said, "and whether you're fishing or boating or just coming out to enjoy the sunset, it's good to see a project such as this one come to pass for Jackson County." Resident Hugh Bodden says his mother's side of the family will definitely be excited about using the launch being that they are fond of boating. "This is exciting for us," Bodden said. "The launch will definitely be used and it's a welcomed sight for the community and was much needed." With access directly to Bayou Cumbest, the boat launch features a 150 foot long lighted fishing pier and parking for up to 30 trailers. The $370,000 project was funded by a Mississippi Tidelands Trust Fund Grant with a 20 percent county match. The launch was designed by Seymour Engineering and was constructed in about three months time by J.E. Borries Contractors. It might have been replaced by the Huayra as Paganis latest offering, but this doesnt mean the Zonda is any less impressive especially the F version. For this unique adventure, a YouTuber was asked to accompany the supercar on a long flight from Dubai to Italy, in what some could consider a logistics nightmare, especially since it wasnt loaded on a cargo plane, as it went with a commercial flight. However, a small army of men knowing what they are doing needed just a few hours to pick it up from a warehouse, where it shared the same space with a bunch of Ferraris, Porsches and McLarens, and bring it to the airport, and into the plane, one day before departure. On the final leg of the journey, the Zonda returned to Italy, where it was taken to the car companys headquarters in San Cesario sul Panaro, but before being able to flex its muscles, it needed to be unloaded. Going through customs was definitely interesting VIDEO Intels chief executive has confirmed that the computer chip company will invest over $250 million in developing autonomous vehicle technologies over the coming two years. Brian Krzanich confirmed the news while making his keynote address at the Los Angeles Auto Shows AutoMobility conference, with the company set to focus on connectivity, communication, context awareness, deep learning, security and safety. Krzanich added that the industry needs to prepared itself for the moment when autonomous cars will generate more than 4,000 gigabytes of data daily. Intel believes self-driving vehicles will ultimately save the U.S. economy $121 billion a year in wasted time and fuel. So far, Intel has developed a platform for Advanced Driver Assisted Systems and Software Defined Cockpits based around the companys Atom and Xeon processors. These processes have capabilities in vision processing, 5G connectivity, machine learning and security. Although Intel isnt known for its work in the auto industry, it says it has booked over $1 billion worth of contracts in the past 12 months with brands such as BMW, Daimler, Kia, Lexus, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Tesla, Hyundai and more. PHOTO GALLERY Lamborghini has extended its range of Huracan models once again with the Spyder variant the latest recipient of the firms rear-wheel drive system. Following in the footsteps of the hardtop Huracan LP580-2 and debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, the Huracan rear-wheel drive Spyder as its been dubbed, also includes a selection of distinct styling elements different from those of the all-wheel drive model. Compared to the standard model, power from the 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 engine now sits at 580 PS (572 hp) compared to 610 PS (602 hp). Despite the slight drop in power, the model will still accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.6 seconds and on to a 319 km/h (198 mph) top speed. Mated to the rear-wheel drive system remains the Lamborghini Doppia Frizione seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and like the all-wheel drive model, it includes a potent launch control function. Elsewhere, the steering and optional Lamborghini Dynamic Steering have been tuned for the new model. The front of the Huracan rear-wheel drive Spyder has been fitted with a bumper identical to that of the rear-wheel Huracan Coupe. As such, it includes horizontal slates in the middle of the large air intakes to give the vehicle some added aggression. At the rear, styling changes include a new bumper and subtle modifications to the grille. Just like the all-wheel drive Huracan Spyder, the fabric soft-top of the RWD can be opened or closed in just 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Unlike the standard model however, the rear-wheel drive Spyder has a weight distribution of 40 per cent at the front and 60 per cent at the rear, significantly reducing front axle inertia and potentially reducing understeer. When the model arrives in markets worldwide from January 2017, it will be priced between the two- and four-wheel drive coupe models. Photo Gallery If Chevrolet didnt convince you the new ZR2 Colorado is a performance-bred, offroading beast, this video presentation just might do the trick. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, the American automaker released a halo model for its Colorado line-up, capable of tackling rough terrain thanks to a plethora of upgrades and enhancements. Although the ZR2 is based on the standard car, it features a new, lifted Multimatics DSSV suspension setup, a wider track, 178 inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires, and steel-tube rocker protectors just to name a few. In charge of making the truck a capable offloading machine, is the advanced four-wheel-drive system that can offer nine driving configurations; everything from pure RWD to 4WD with locked transfer case and front and rear differentials. Powering the model is a 308 hp and 275 lb-ft (372 Nm) of torque 3.6-litre V6, or a Duramax diesel delivering 181 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Chevrolet says the Colorado ZR2 is trail-ready right off the bat, and theres no reason not to believe them. VIDEO Photo: Getty Images We have known for some time that dementia is under-recognized in most places around the world. One study published in Neurology examined a group of 845 seniors 70 years or older and found that 55 per cent of individuals with clear symptoms of cognitive decline had not had a formal evaluation of their cognitive function. The authors extrapolated from these data to conclude that in the U.S. nearly two million seniors with clinical dementia had not seen a physician about their memory problems. In the U.K., the same problem was recognized and led the government to introduce a controversial program in which general practitioners were to be paid for each diagnosis of dementia made. In that country, the National Health Service estimated that only about half as many people with dementia had been diagnosed as should be based on population studies of the prevalence of this condition. What is concerning about these findings is that dementia is a serious, life-changing condition requiring action from patients and their families. Both sufferers and their loved ones need support and may also need to make legal and financial decisions to cope with the reality of what is typically a degenerative disorder. Of course, recognizing dementia is also a necessary step for treatment and research. Although there is currently no treatment that will stop the progression of dementia or reverse its effects, there are some treatments that can provide modest help. There are also a growing number of investigational treatments in various stages of research that are actively seeking volunteers. Not only are volunteers essential in order for new treatments to be developed and approved, but there is also a chance of receiving help not otherwise available when taking part in a clinical study. Obviously, when unaware of a diagnosis, it is difficult to take part in treatment or study options. Of course, not everyone with memory problems has dementia. As I wrote in last weeks column, there are many psychiatric conditions with cognitive deficits that can be difficult to treat and can even closely resemble dementia. Certainly, in my own specialist psychiatric practice, most people with memory issues do not have dementia. One of the big concerns with the U.K. idea to pay physicians for a specific diagnosis is the likelihood of false positives. Unfortunately, aside from the basic cognitive testing available from most physicians, more sophisticated testing for dementia is either hard to come by or costly often leaving people reluctant to pay for it. There are few specialists with the tools and training required to give more detailed testing for dementia and these services are not usually included under regular or extended medical coverage. Fear and stigma are also barriers for people concerned about the possibility of dementia. Many people are afraid to ask the question because they dont want to hear the answer or fear the possibility of losing their drivers license or independence in other ways. Even doctors are sometimes reluctant to bring up the topic of dementia because they may feel ill equipped or as though there is little they can do to help patients and their families. Dementia is a progressive disease whose consequences are eventually unavoidable. It is easier to deal with those consequences both individually and as a community when we can do so in a gradual, progressive way rather than when suddenly faced with a crisis. If you have concerns about your memory, I encourage you to speak with your doctor. We are also seeking volunteers for an ongoing study at Okanagan Clinical Trials examining an investigational treatment for Alzheimers disease. Contact us to learn if you may be eligible to participate. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Ryan Flett/Lower Columbia Air travel in and out of Trail will soon become a lot more reliable, thanks to new rules put in place by Nav Canada. NavCan has given official approval to lower landing limits at the Trail Regional Airport (YZZ). It means pilots can fly in from the north 1,300 feet lower than is currently allowed. The approach from the south has been lowered by 400 feet. The change will mean more regular and reliable scheduled flights, charters, and medevacs. And thats great news for the economy, says Trail Mayor Mike Martin. Were very excited about it, said Martin. Its that whole reliability factor. Once passengers realize the reliability is there and they already are it will just enhance air travel in the region." The approval comes after two years work by the City of Trail, which hired an Alberta engineering firm to build the new satellite-based navigation system. The project cost just under $13,000. Regional airline Pacific Coastal operates a twice-daily service from Trail to Vancouvers South Terminal six days a week, with a single flight on Saturdays. The company runs 40- and 20-passenger planes out of the airport. Located in the bottom of a narrow valley, surrounded by mountains, Trail Airport is hampered by fog and low cloud, especially in the winter. Cancellations are common. As the airport operates on visual flight rules, the new regulations will give pilots much greater leeway when deciding to land. Martin says the new regulations will make Trail a stronger regional air travel option, but its not in competition with the main regional airport in Castlegar. He doesnt see passenger loads increasing to the point where major carriers would move in. But he says the improvements do enhance Trails reputation as an option for commuters to get to Vancouver. If Air Canada cancels its morning flight from Castlegar, passengers can cancel their tickets, head down the road and take the 11 oclock to Vancouver, he says. Tourists heading to the regions ski resorts will also travel with more confidence. With the development at Red Mountain its growing by leaps and bounds, its a world class destination an impediment has been good air access to the region, he says. This is a step in the right direction. The new rules take effect Jan. 5. Martin says thats good timing, as it comes just as the city finishes the construction of a new $1.18 million terminal building. The airport previously ran out of the local flying clubs building. Photo: Contributed An Osoyoos couple is donating $30,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation campaign for medical equipment in the new tower at Penticton Regional Hospital. Kathie and Ernst Westphal readily admit they have a different kind of love story. The pair got married several years ago after both their spouses passed away, and all four were close friends. My first husband and I lived in Prince George and we knew Ernie and his first wife, said Kathie Westphal. We both lost our spouses, but we stayed in touch. Westphal said her two adult sons were actually the first to suggest that she and Ernst travel together after their spouses died. My youngest son had graduated from SFU and he was going to travel to Australia and New Zealand, she recalled. Before he left, I remember him saying, Have you and Ernie ever thought of travelling together? By the time he returned home six months later, Kathie and Ernst had followed through on his advice. The couple have now been married 22 years, moving to Osoyoos shortly after their wedding. They have been strong supporters of Penticton Regional Hospital over the years, especially after Ernst suffered a stroke more than three years ago. He wasnt in hospital that long, but he had such excellent care, said Westphal. Hes had one go-around and we all use the hospital. A lot of South Okanagan residents come to Penticton Regional Hospital for medical treatments not available at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. Construction of the new PRH patient care tower is scheduled to be completed by early 2019. Work will then begin on expanding the emergency department to almost four times its current size. OSHS theatre production.jpg Ocean Springs High School theater students during a dress rehearsal for "Argonautika." The performance is set for Thursday night in the OSHS performing arts center at 7 p.m. (OSHS photo) OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The theater department at Ocean Springs High School will open a new era of sorts when it presents Argonautika, its first production under new department head Chris Permenter, Thursday and Friday night in the OSHS performing arts center. Permenter took over the theater program this year from longtime theater instructor Sandra Camphor, who retired last year after 20 years at OSHS. During Camphor's tenure, she grew the theater department from one class when she began to a four-year program. Her theater productions earned multiple awards from the Mississippi Theater Association, including top honors for her final production at OSHS, Ralph Roister Doister. Camphor herself was honored by the MTA for her "outstanding contributions" to Mississipp theater. Permenter, who studied at the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and in Scotland, understood he had large shoes to fill when he came to OSHS. "Sandra did an amazing job over her career building and maintaining a successful theater program at OSHS," said Permenter. "I hope to build on this foundation by drawing more students into the program and providing new opportunities for those students. I hope we can provide an experience that rivals any found elsewhere." Permenter also said he has been welcomed with open arms by the OSHS community. "It has been exciting to see that burst of energy that comes with change inside of a program," said Permenter. "I'm appreciative of the support that has been shown by so many for the program. Administrators, students, and parents have all shown tremendous support for what we are hoping to accomplish." Argonautika is drawn from the ancient Greek story of Jason and the Argonuats' search for the Golden Fleece. It provides students with opportunities to learn the ins and outs of putting together a production. Permenter believes that hands-on involvement is vital for the development of any theater student. "This play does more than focus on acting," he said. "It has allowed students to try their hand at set development and really learn about the technical side of producing a show. "Just the other day, I was helping students wire lights. That is something that will help them not only in theater, but in different areas of life going forward." The production lasts about 45 minutes and will feature many elements of classic Greek theater, including masks and puppetry. Doors will open at 6 p.m. both nights, with showtime set for 7 p.m. Admission is $5. Here is the cast list for Argonautika: Julia Carpenter as Hera/Aeetes Bryce Watson as Jason Dharma Gilley as Athena Caanan Vaughan as Pelias, Tiphys and Phineus Cameron Carter as Cepheus, Castor, Styrus Mike Bellivan as Asterion/Hylas Sky Kimbrough as Zetes/Boreas Polyphemus Kevin Fortier as Idmon/Apsyrtos Gabe Cruz as Meleager/Eros Corin Davis as Hercules Davis Gustafson as Pollux Kristen Colston as Atalanta Cyinderella Ballesteros as Dreope (Aeetes' servant) Abbigail Radius as Medea Serena Liles is the Technical Director, with Lauren Dixon as the Assistant Director. Photo: Google Street View The District of Lake Country denies it owes Oyama resident Colin Day anything more for property expropriated for construction of the Okanagan Rail Trail. The denial comes from court documents filed in BC Supreme Court earlier this month, in response to a suit filed by Day Oct. 14. Day is suing the district after it used its power of expropriation, after an agreement between the two sides could not be reached. Day, a former Kelowna city councillor, purchased the portion of CN Rail line which runs through his property through a first-right-of-refusal provision after the rail line became defunct. The nearly 50 kilometre track was purchased by jurisdictions in the Central and North Okanagan for construction of a multi-use trail. Day is suing the District of Lake Country for what he calls 'fair market value' for the lands expropriated, injurious and severance damages, disturbance damages plus costs, interest and penalty interest. The district paid Day $286,500 for the strip of land running about 740 feet long and 20 metres wide, plus $7,000 for mitigative measures. In its filing with the BC Supreme Court, the district refutes specific dates made in Day's claim concerning contemplation of zoning of the corridor, transfer of the former rail corridor and when expropriation was contemplated. It also states part of the compensation paid was for mitigation measures such as installation of a security fence and planting of a cedar privacy hedge. It further states the public trail will be a positive amenity and has not 'injuriously affected, or lowered the value of the adjacent residential properties.' And, that monies paid to Day fully compensates for the value of the land and the cost of mitigative measure to alleviate any potential affect of development of the multi-use trail. A court date has not been set. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The Okanagan Skaha school district will be having a look at how to potentially rejig school boundaries to ensure some schools dont get left out of potential upticks in enrolment. That will be done through a new program School District 67 has acquired, which looks at data from student enrolment at various schools and where those students are living. SD67s secretary-treasurer Bonnie Roller-Routley presented to the school board Monday evening on the new program, which the district bought from Baragar Systems about six months ago. She told the board the program would be able to take that data and place it on a map of the city, taking into account enrolment, student information and catchment areas, and would allow the board to play around with the boundaries of different schools' catchment areas to see how changes would affect the district. "It also will assist us with enrolment projections and that kind of thing," she said. "With the school closures last year, we had an outside facilitator work on those and ... now we have the software that will help us do them." Recently released enrolment figures have shown that while some schools have seen declining enrolment, like Princess Margaret Secondary School where the headcount dropped 29 students, overall the district is up in enrolment. Pentictons high schools saw a net loss, with Penticton Secondary School only seeing a seven-student increase this year, but the new program could help mitigate the loss of students at PMSS by potentially taking from the increase at PSS. But it would also look at how to alleviate pressure on schools that are full, like Parkway and Uplands, which are also areas Roller-Routley said people are moving into. "And then we also have schools such as Wiltse and Carmi and Trout Creek, and of course the more rural schools as well that have quite a bit more space in them," she said. "So what we're talking about is, do we add onto a school like Uplands, or do we change the boundaries so that more kids are going to Queen's Park?" An issue, Roller-Routley said, is that some students aren't going to their neighbourhood schools, because the student transit system allows students to travel between catchment zones, meaning the district will also be looking at how to alleviate that. It's all just at the point of having conversations, though, with district board members getting work sessions on looking at school boundaries scheduled for January. Conversations with parents would start up after that, but even still, Roller-Routley said a decision on how to make any changes, if any changes were made, would probably not be made until the next school year, or even the school year after. "But you have to have the conversation now," she said. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer The City of Penticton has announced the hiring of a new chief administrative officer, Peter Weeber. This comes nearly three months after previous city boss Eric Sorensen left the city to balance his work life with his family life. Weeber is coming from two years as CAO for the District of Mackenzie in Northern B.C., as well as previous rolls as CAO with the Village of Queen Charlotte and the District of Stewart. Prior to his time as CAO, Weeber was fire chief and emergency program manager in the City of Terrace, which the city says brings a diversity in experience for policy development, community consultation and strategic planning. "Peter's core values of building relationships and strong teams, communications, political astuteness and decisive and innovative management are what attracted the eye of council," Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said in a news release. "He has a proven record of success throughout his career." Weeber is expected to move to Penticton after wrapping work up with the District of Mackenzie, and replace current acting-CAO Mitch Moroziuk sometime in December. In council on Tuesday, Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said despite the differences in populations between Mackenzie and Penticton, which is about tenfold, most of the problems faced by a CAO in any jurisdiction are typically the same. "He is someone who is on an upward trajectory in his career path, He came very highly recommended, very well respected," Jakubeit said. Photo: apps.gov.bc.ca/screen shot Okanagan residents are understandably fearful when they see smoke in the hills, a forest fire is always a concern in our region of the world, but often this time of year the smoke is from a permitted burn. However, it is not always easy to tell with smoke from slash burns and burn piles pluming into the sky. With that in mind, the province has put together an interactive map of all the current and recently expired registered burn permit locations for the entire province and there are thousands. The dots mean there has been a burn registered in that location, explains Kelsey Winter with the the BC Wildfire Service. As long as someone has called in to the burn number and requested a registration number it will plot on this map. The BC Wildfire OFTS Registered Burn Locations map includes all active registrations, and any registrations that have expired in the last seven days, for both private property burns and industry burns, throughout the province. It is just to give the public an idea. If they see smoke they can go to this map and see that someone has done all their due diligence and got the registration number and now they have a window within which they can do their prescribed burn, says Winter. The active period in which the permit is valid varies depending on the job itself. Some of them are bigger than others, some are quite small, there is quite a variety of timelines, says Winter. Remember if you are concerned you can report a wildfire anytime at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. Photo: Getty Images Antibiotic prescriptions are dropping in B.C., but not fast enough according to the BC Centre for Disease Control. Between 2005 and 2014, antibiotic prescriptions fell 15 per cent, from 1.79 per 1,000 people to 1.53. Were seeing some good progress when it comes to reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescription in the community, which not only saves the health care system money, but more importantly, helps mitigate the real threat posed by antibiotic resistant organisms, said Dr. Mark Tyndall, executive medical director with the BCCDC. Despite the reduction, the Centre says more work needs to be done. Superbugs that have become resistant to antibiotics kill twice as many people around the world than non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to global human health, said Dr. David Patrick, medical lead for antimicrobial resistance and DBND at the BCCDC. "We need to preserve the value of antibiotics for future generations. The reduction that has been seen can be attributed to changes in prescribing to children and to those with respiratory infections. If antibiotics continue to be overused, more superbugs will develop, which the World Health Organization says will cause more deaths from minor injuries. Nov. 14 to 20 is Antibiotic Awareness Week, which aims to spread awareness about the dangers of the overuse of antibiotics. He's gone from Kelowna to Hollywood and now to Mars. Actor Ben Cotton, who grew up in the Okanagan, is starring in National Geographic's new mini-series, Mars. Cotton plays mission commander Ben Sawyer, who is on the first crewed journey in 2033 to colonize the Red Planet. Early on, however, the mission goes awry. In a behind-the-scenes interview featured on National Geographic, Cotton says filming the program was eye opening. "Doing this project has certainly made me consider the idea that we may have to find somewhere else to live," he said. I hope that it awakens the spirit of adventure in people so they can get behind this." The real-life effort to get to Mars is in full swing, with numerous government and corporate entities working to send humans to the fourth rock from the sun. Cotton is also known for roles in Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, The Chronicles of Riddick. For more info about the mini-series, visit the website. Photo: Contributed The kiosk in the parking lot of the RBC Royal Bank was broken into late last week, according to the Penticton RCMP. Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth said police received the report of the break and enter at the kiosk at 1848 Main Street, early Nov. 11. It was broken into overnight, investigators believe someone used an angle grinder to access the vault. Its unknown how much money was stolen from the location, as there were still several bills present at the scene from a dye packet explosion. Wrigglesworth called the theft brazen, noting it was the second to take place at the location this year. Photo: Contributed A former New Brunswick politician and the province's first child advocate is slated to become British Columbia's new representative for children and youth. Bernard Richard, 65, has been recommended by an all-party government committee searching to replace Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond who held the post for a decade. Richard was elected to the New Brunswick legislature as a Liberal from 1991 to 2003, where he held several cabinet posts, including education and aboriginal affairs. He served as the provincial ombudsman and the child and youth advocate after retiring from elected office. B.C. selection committee chairman Don McRae said Richard's record of serving children and youth, managing public organizations and working with indigenous communities qualifies him for the position. "What it came down to was passion to do the job, ability to do the job and a proven track record that you've done similar work in the past," said McRae, a Liberal member of the legislature representing Comox Valley. Richard was not immediately available for comment, but his resume includes work with First Nations chiefs in New Brunswick on a new model and approach to deliver child and family services. Richard is a lawyer who also was an elected councillor in the village of Cap-Pele. The B.C. representative is a non-partisan officer of the legislature who advocates for services for children and youth, and reviews and investigates critical injuries and deaths of children. McRae said Richard is well suited for the often difficult work associated with the post. "When you look at some of the issues he's had to deal with in his home province of New Brunswick, there's been some incredible challenges there as well," McRae said. "He has made recommendations and advocated for best practices in that province. I don't expect it to be any different when he becomes representative for B.C." Richard's appointment must be approved a majority vote in the B.C. legislature. From peer groups to safe schools, to stopping bullying teens are teaming up to pass along these messages to younger students. Through the program Beyond the Hurt, Rutland Secondary School students spend an afternoon inside the classrooms of Springvalley Middle School to create a healthy safe space. Trained by the Red Cross as part of the Respect Education program, leadership students take a two day course where they learn everything from public speaking, to group facilitation, and combating nerves before they speak to their younger peers. Kate Armitage is one of the youth facilitators at RSS, she says she joined in Grade 10 after learning about the Beyond the Hurt program during a wellness fair. I signed up and it grew from there, she said. I started doing the presentations. I started by watching, but I would have never presented before this. I am super shy. During Armitages presentations at schools, she tries to deliver the message to students they are not alone and they can rely on her as a mentor and as a friend. If youre getting bullied, or you're a bystander, or even if youre the bully, we want to help you out. Its about mutual respect and love, and we can help you, and you can help yourself by education yourself, explained Armitage. RSS counsellor Cindy Rhodes helps lead the Beyond the Hurt program at the school and accompanied 20 the students during Tuesday afternoons facilitator session. They are taught there is the target, there is the bully and then there is the bystander, she said of the messages her students are sending. If they are a bystander then they can make a difference and they can step up. About 500 youth facilitators are trained in B.C. each year who will go on to reach 40,000 other students in schools across the province. Megan Toal works with the Red Cross, and trains the youth facilitators for their roles as mentors. They are being trained on the issues when it comes to healthy peer relationships, focusing on safe inclusive schools, and what does this mean, Toal explained. They learn about power and the role of power in peer dynamics, they learn different forms of bullying behaviour, and then most importantly they learn about the interventions. So, how do we be change makers on this and how do we support. The program Beyond the hurt started back in 2003 and recently Rutland Secondary youth facilitators were recognized for their leadership by the Red Cross thanks to their work with peer to peer education Photo: CTV A Lower Mainland senior claims a simple error on his part lead to him being brutalized and arrested. Burnaby resident Roy Kerwood is suing the Real Canadian Superstore after an employee accused him of shoplifting before roughing him up and choking him. A video of the incident, which has been obtained exclusively by CTV News, shows Kerwood being slammed into two walls and then apparently choked by a loss-prevention officer in a small, windowless room at the Grandview Highway Superstore on Feb. 26. Kerwood said the store employee had his arm across my throat, he was choking me, and I was all the time trying to get him off. In his civil claim, Kerwood says he was also punched in the side of the head and kneed in the chest by the loss prevention officer. And Kerwood claims the whole thing came from a simple mistake. Kerwood went to the store to pick up a few items including his heart medication. He paid for the prescription and other items in two separate transactions, his lawsuit states, but then he picked up some razor blades and put them in his bag, intending to pay for them at the self checkout. On my way toward the self-pay I got distracted," he said. "Very embarrassing. I have a senior's mind. Used to be perfect, but in the last four or five years it's gotten spotty." Kerwood was 66 at the time of the incident. While he was heading for the parking lot, a loss-prevention officer ran up behind him, grabbed him by the arm and told him he was under arrest, according to the claim. Kerwood said he tried to explain that it was an accident and offered to pay for the razor blades, but claims he was locked in a room and assaulted when the employee returned. Several hours later, police arrived and arrested Kerwood for robbery and assault. "I was incredulous," he said. "I was criminally assaulted, I was arrested without cause, and then I was jailed for 27 hours." A judge dismissed the charges against Kerwood last week, but he is suing parent company Loblaws for both physical and emotional injury. Loblaws issued a statement saying, We do not normally comment on issues before the courts, however we believe it is important to note that this video only shows a portion of the incident." None of the allegations have been proven in court. - with files from CTV OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- More than two years after his arrest, former Ocean Springs school bus driver Sergio Sandoval -- accused of molestation and sexual assault of a student -- is still awaiting trial. Sandoval, now 65, was arrested Oct. 8, 2014, after a parent filed a complaint with the Ocean Springs Police Department. A day later, after police and school officials viewed surveillance tape from Sandoval's bus, he was hit with 31 additional counts of lustful touching of a child. He was terminated the same day after driving for the school district for about nine years. Ocean Springs superintendent Bonita Coleman said at the time Sandoval had been terminated for a "blatant infraction of school district policy." In August 2015, Sandoval was indicted by a Jackson County Grand Jury on four counts of lustful touching and one count of sexual battery -- all involving a girl who at the time was eight years old. Through his attorney, Jim Davis, Sandoval pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial date of Feb. 22, 2016, was set. That date, however, was reset to May 9, then again to Aug. 1, but that was also postponed. Now Sandoval is due for trial on Feb. 6, 2017. District Attorney Tony Lawrence said the delay in bringing Sandoval's case to trial has resulted from multiple factors. "The criminal justice system must comply with the Constitution and the interpretation of the Constitution by higher courts," Lawrence said. "This was was delayed by several different legal issues that had to be resolved, some which were Constitutionally mandated and some that were requested by the defense." Lawrence, however, added the case remains a high priority for his office. "While it may have taken longer than we would have all like for all of the legal issues to be resolved," he said, "this case is at the top of the priority list to be tried in the next term." The Jackson County Circuit Court is in session for eight weeks at a time, followed by four weeks out of session. The incidents for which Sandoval is charged took place at different times between Sept. 15 and Oct. 7, 2014, during which police reports say he touched the girl's genitals, telling her not to say anything to anyone, as it was "their secret." The district attorney's office has asked a judge to allow another girl to testify about Sandoval's behavior, which included giving the second girl candy, touching her back and giving her a pet name -- behavior which prosecutors claim indicate "sexual-abuse grooming" common in these cases. No charges have been filed against Sandoval relative to his actions with the second girl. Court documents list five other potential child witnesses in the case. Photo: CTV Looking for a unique Christmas idea for that hard-to-buy-for person? How about a herd of yaks? A B.C. farmer has gone online to sell his shaggy herd of Tibetan yaks. According to the post, the longtime farmer is getting a bit older and wants to move closer to his family, but won't do so until "his yaks are settled in a nice new home." The bull, three young females and two four-month-old calves are tame and friendly and it's expected the herd of bovids will sell for around $12,000. - with files from CTV Photo: CTV A five-year-old New Westminster boy is still waiting for surgery that would allow him to hear the world around him 14 months after doctors diagnosed his condition. Leo Trentadue isn't deaf, but his hearing is likened to listening underwater. A simple surgery could fix the condition, but instead, "We do a lot of yelling in this house," said his mother, Mary. His parents are anxious to get the procedure done because Leo started kindergarten in September. They tell teachers he's not ignoring them, he just can't hear them. The surgery is scheduled for later this month, but his family hopes others won't have to go through the ordeal. "It has been a very long wait," Trentadue said. "Some of the responses we've received from the ministry were to find another doctor or to essentially harass our doctor so that we would be moved up the list." Fraser Health Authority said five surgeons in the region have an average wait of about nine weeks for the procedure. But Trentadue said she wanted a major Metro Vancouver hospital to perform the surgery, and she didn't want to pressure her doctor into bumping another child. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: Google Street View A man collapsed at a Surrey bus terminal Tuesday evening with apparent stabbing injuries. Just after 6:30 p.m., police received a number of 911 calls alerting them to the situation at the Surrey Central bus loop in Whalley. The victim was bleeding from wounds to his abdomen. RCMP, paramedics and firefighters arrived to find a 20-year-old male with wounds to his abdomen and back from an apparent stabbing. He was taken to hospital and is in serious but stable condition. Police canvassed the area and spoke to witnesses, and were seeking possible video surveillance footage. Witnesses indicated the victim had been seen with a group in a parking lot between the neighbouring mall and bus loop, then quickly headed toward the bus stops before collapsing. Anyone who may have witnessed events in the parking lot is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers. Photo: Contributed UPDATE: 1:15 p.m. The RCMP has confirmed that a man did die in the motorhome fire on Tuesday evening. According to the RCMP, at about 5:30 p.m., the Oliver RCMP and fire department were dispatched to a fire located on an open property in the 3000 block of NkMip Rd, near Oliver. Once the fire was extinguished firefighters located the body of a man inside the trailer. At about 5 p.m., residents of the park observed flames coming from the motor-van and rushed over to help. Witnesses were unsure if the trailer was occupied and attempted to gain entry. However, they were unable to do so prior to the trailer becoming engulfed in flames. The Oliver RCMP and BC Coroners Services are currently investigating the fire and the mans death. A trailer was destroyed in a fire that broke out on Nk'Mip Road on the Osoyoos Indian Band reserve, Tuesday evening. Rob Graham, spokesman for the Oliver Fire Department, said Oliver and Osoyoos firefighters were called out at 5 :10 p.m. to a structure fire, initially though to be near The Cottages on Osoyoos Lake. Osoyoos was called off when it was found to be on Nk'Mip Road, outside the Osoyoos fire district. By the time Oliver firefighters arrived on scene the trailer located at a makeshift camp was fairly damaged. There was no one in the trailer at the time of the fire. There were, however, other people camping at the location, Graham said. Graham described the blaze as suspicious. The cause is undetermined at this point. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer If you got an email saying you broke a traffic law, it's not from police, say the Penticton RCMP. Recent reports of emails with the heading "Traffic Infringement Notice" have been received within the city. The message suggests the recipient has broken a traffic law and is required to pay a fine. There is an attachment, which police are strongly advising not to open, with details on how to make payment to a European bank account. RCMP will not contact private email with requests of payment or suggestions that traffic violations have taken place. Penticton RCMP are cautioning those who receive this type of unsolicited mail to be aware that RCMP are not involved and that this type of unsolicited mail could make you susceptible to identity theft. Photo: Contributed Three people in Winnipeg have died after a suspected drug overdose, possibly due to fentanyl. Police discovered the bodies of a man and two women in a home early Wednesday morning. White powder was found along with the bodies, but it will take several weeks before test results show what the powder was. Const. Rob Carver of the Winnipeg RCMP says they suspect the powder could contain the deadly opioid fentanyl, or the even stronger carfentanil. Drugs, particularly opioids, have proven deadly for Canadians in 2016. In B.C. alone, 555 people died from apparent illicit drug overdoses in the first nine months of the year, a 60.9 per cent increase from the same period the year before. The sharp increase in overdose deaths in B.C. this year prompted the province to declare a public health emergency in April. Winnipeg's firefighters' union says the city is facing its own fentanyl crisis, and first responders are dealing with overdoses every day. - With files from CTV News Photo: The Canadian Press When it comes to bad behaviour in grizzly bears, new research blames the moms. A University of Alberta study suggests that cubs who have watched their mothers come into conflict with people are more likely to do so as well. Wildlife ecologist Andrea Morehouse says it's evidence of social learning in grizzlies. "Bear biologists have long suspected that cubs learn behaviours," she said Wednesday. "If we can stop female grizzlies from becoming problem bears in the first place, we can prevent the social learning of problem behaviour in cubs and help stop the cycle at its source." The research is published in the online science journal PLOS ONE. The findings are based on a study of 2,043 grizzlies in Alberta, British Columbia and Montana that was done with the United States Geological Survey. Morehouse and her colleagues created family trees of grizzly bears using DNA samples taken over the years from captured bears or from fur collected from trees and fences bruins rubbed against. Researchers focused on specific grizzlies that had been involved in attacks on people, livestock or pets, as well as on bears that had broken into grain bins or fed on garbage. They found a link between mother bears and cubs when it came to problem behaviour. The link wasn't there with father bears. "With grizzly bears, cubs stay with their moms for about two to three years," said Morehouse. "It is just the moms that are involved in the rearing of the offspring. Male grizzly bears are not involved in that." Morehouse said the findings suggest behaviour is not passed down genetically. They also point to the need for people to help prevent problem behaviour in mother grizzlies. Measures researchers recommend include increased use of electric fencing, tougher handles on grain bins to make them more difficult for bears to open, quick removal of dead livestock and securing garbage in bear-proof containers. Parks Canada says about 20,000 grizzly bears remain in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Photo: Contributed It is a sad day at the Vancouver Aquarium as employees and guests are mourning the loss of Qila, a 21-year-old beluga whale who died this morning. CTV Vancouver reports that while few details have been released, staff said more information may be shared later in the day after their veterinarian completes a necropsy. The sudden loss has left everyone at the aquarium heavy-hearted. "She was a delight for our team of staff and volunteers every single day always the first to give us a wink, a little tail flap or a head bob in the morning. It is difficult to put into words the love we all had for her. We will miss her immensely," the aquarium wrote. Qila became the first beluga born in a Canadian aquarium at her birth in July 1995. with details from CTV Vancouver Photo: USGS Seismologists have upgraded the magnitude of an earthquake that has occurred in a remote area of southwestern Yukon. Earthquakes Canada says the magnitude is now measured at 5.0, up from an earlier estimate of 4.7. It occurred at 6:25 a.m. local time and was relatively shallow at just 2.5 kilometres underground. It was centred 100 kilometres south of the village of Haines Junction near the Alaska border, and about 180 kilometres southwest of Whitehorse. An online post from Earthquakes Canada says no reports of damage have been received. The United States Geological Survey says earthquakes between 5.0 and 6.0 are strong enough to move furniture and can do slight to moderate damage to well-built buildings. The temblor comes just a day after a mild 3.5 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Haida Gwaii and was felt in Skidegate and Queen Charlotte City, but was not powerful enough to cause damage or spawn a tsunami. Photo: The Canadian Press A British man bearing a striking resemblance to Vincent van Gogh is the muse for a new work of art by Douglas Coupland. The Vancouver-based writer and artist embarked on a worldwide search for individuals resembling the famed Dutch painter. Daniel Baker of the southern England town of Christchurch emerged as the top doppelganger out of 1,250 entrants from 37 countries. Baker travelled to Vancouver where he underwent a 3D scanning process using hundreds of cameras to generate facial data that Coupland will use as source material to create a large 3D bronze sculpture. The completed piece will be revealed on April 22, 2017 at a special pre-conference event for attendees of the TED Conference in Vancouver. The piece was commissioned by Anthony von Mandl, who will install the sculpture at his winery in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley. It will be the first in an ongoing series of commissioned monumental outdoor works titled "Redheads." "Meeting Dan was a very strange experience because I'd spent months looking at Vincent lookalikes on a computer screen and then suddenly there was this man my Vincent van Gogh hopping out of a taxi looking like he'd just stepped out of the year 1889," said Coupland. thanksgiving Many area churches and organizations will host free Thanksgiving dinners beginning Saturday Nov. 19. (AP Photo) A number of Lehigh Valley organizations will be offering free Thanksgiving meals to the community in November. Some locations will also offer free home-delivered meals, or transportation arrangements for those area residents who aren't able to drive themselves. United Way's PA 2-1-1 East has compiled a list of the dates, locations and times local residents can celebrate Thanksgiving with a hot meal and warm fellowship. Some locations require that reservations be made by a specific date. Additional locations are also provided in this list. Saturday, Nov. 19 Everlasting Life Ministries at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 224 N. Sixth St., Allentown, 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., 610-776-4009. Donations of turkeys, baked and canned goods, and fresh fruit accepted. St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, 410 W. Union St., Allentown, 12 to 3 p.m. Home-delivered meals may be arranged. Call 2-1-1 for private contact number by Nov. 16. Trinity Episcopal Church at Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, 41 N. Third St., Easton, 12 p.m. (front Third Street door) 610-253-0792. Sunday, Nov. 20 Buttzville United Methodist Church, 4 Green Pond Road, White Township, 1 p.m. 908-453-2301 Wednesday, Nov. 23 Easton Area Community Center, 901 Washington St., Easton, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 610-253-8371. Thursday, Nov. 24 Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, South Whitehall Township (corner of Route 309 and Walbert Avenue), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 610-395-2218 New Bethany Ministries at Mollard Hospitality Center, 341 W. Fourth St., Bethlehem, Noon to 1 p.m., 610-691-5602. St. John's Lutheran Church, 206 E. Main St., Bath, 12 p.m., 610-837-1061. Reservations required as soon as possible. St. John's United Church of Christ, 15 S. Second St., Slatington, 12 to 2 p.m., 610-767-5554. Transportation and home-delivered meals for Northern Lehigh Area residents may be arranged. Contact the church for details. St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 36 S. Eighth St., Allentown, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 610-435-9065. St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 1421 W. Turner St., Allentown, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,610-439-8821. In Warren County, Thanksgiving meals are being provided Sunday, Nov. 20 at: Buttzville United Methodist Church, 4 Green Pond Road, White Township, 1 p.m. 908-453-2301 And on Thursday, Nov. 24 at: Washington United Methodist Church, 116 E. Washington Ave., Washington, noon. RSVP by Nov. 22 is required. Information: 908-689-0105. River of Life Church, 445 S. Main St., Phillipsburg, 1:30 p.m. Information: 908-213-1377, mailbox 1. Oxford Second Presbyterian Church, 65B Washington Ave, Oxford, 1 to 3 p.m. Information: 908-453-2224 Did we miss any? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or send an email to ourtown@lehighvalleylive.com. Photo: The Canadian Press Environment Minister Catherine McKenna The Liberal government's twin pursuits of expanded foreign markets for Canadian fossil fuels and global action on climate change are getting some unfavourable notice at an international climate summit in Morocco. The newly elected Trudeau government made a big splash at last December's United Nations-sponsored COP21 in Paris by helping push aggressive global ambition in the battle against a warming planet. But while negotiating a national plan with the provinces and territories to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the Liberals have also approved a major liquefied natural gas project in British Columbia this fall and signalled their openness to new oil pipeline proposals. Environmental advocates attending this year's COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco, issued a release Wednesday calling out Canada's competing policy priorities. "It is a serious concern when we see the international community not honouring their commitments and we are concerned Canada is still pursuing their fossil fuel projects," Benson Ireri of Christian Aid Africa said in the release. "Developed countries have a moral obligation to honour the Paris Agreement." The Philippines-based Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice also waded in, calling on Canada "to do the utmost that it can in domestic emissions reduction, to stop all expansion of fossil fuels, to do an immediate transition to renewable energy and deliver the finance necessary to keep the world from breaching 1.5 (degrees) Celsius," said spokeswoman Lidy Nacpil. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to meet his provincial and territorial counterparts in early December to finalize a pan-Canadian plan for cutting emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Trudeau has already laid down a marker with the imposition of an escalating $10 per tonne floor price on carbon emissions starting in 2018 and topping out at $50 in 2022. But in September, the Liberal cabinet approved Malaysian-based Petronas's massive LNG project for northern B.C., which has clearance to pump 4.3 million tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide annually into the atmosphere for decades. Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr has also said the Liberal cabinet will make a decision by mid-December on the proposed expansion of Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain oil pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby, B.C. The Liberals have long been on record supporting TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta to Gulf Coast refineries. The project was blocked by outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama. President-elect Donald Trump favours approval of the line and he'll have the backing of a Republican-controlled Congress and House of Representatives once he takes office in January. Robert Kraft New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks toward the field before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert) (Bill Wippert) New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a visit to Trump Tower Wednesday afternoon, according to a presidential transition pool report. Per a Globe report, Kraft was there to meet with President-elect Donald Trump. So it's confirmed by Patriots fans: Bob Kraft at Trump Tower. Not shocking. pic.twitter.com/wfQ2dkluUy David Weiner (@daweiner) November 16, 2016 Both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were linked to Trump throughout the presidential campaign. Brady put a "Make America Great Again" hat in his locker in September 2015, and Belichick penned a letter to Trump in the days leading up to the election. Trump read the letter during a New Hampshire rally on the eve of the election. In February 2016, Kraft told The Globe that Trump had been "a very close friend of mine for over two decades." Kraft said the two of them "have had a lot of fun together socially, including a very memorable evening in 2005 when I had the privilege of being at his and Melania's wedding." "After my wife passed in 2011, he was one of the few people who went out of their way and went above and beyond to assist me through the most difficult time in my life," Kraft told The Globe. "I will always be grateful to him for his thoughtfulness and his continued friendship." Read the Globe's story from February here. TDS made an acquisition. "TDS Broadband Service LLC, a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., and operated by TDS Telecom (TDS), announces the signed purchase agreement for InterLinx Communications LLC and its subsidiary Tonaquint Networks LLC in Southern Utah. The agreement includes over 170 miles of fiber optic transport." [PR] InterLinx sells wholesale fiber; Tonaquint Networks is an ISP providing broadband via fiber and fixed wireless. CS&L, the telecom real estate investment trust (REIT) spun out of Windstream last year, owns the copper and fiber assets that Windstream exclusively leases for its network. CS&L bought Tower Cloud and PEG Bandwidth to add to its fiber portfolio. CS&L lost $4.1 million during its 2016 third quarter on $200M in revenue of which 82% comes from WIND. CS&L will "acquire Network Management Holdings LTD, a private company that owns and operates 359 wireless communications towers in Mexico, Nicaragua and Colombia" for $65 million. Towers are like real estate for a REIT. Fiber is still an asset to rent in a REIT. Surprisedly, Level3 nor others have spun out fiber, data centers or other assets into a REIT as a tax savings entity. As I wrote my column for Internet Telephony magazine last night, Tony Thomas must have read my mind. WIND CEO says that SD-WAN and UCaaS are the driving forces for the WIND-EarthLink merger -- and where success will come from for similar telecom providers. Cellular companies have started counting all Internet connected devices as number of handsets slows down. In the latest quarter results (see here), it is all about the notes: "Subscribers include retail and wholesale connections of both traditional and new connected device categories (e.g. M2M). Verizon Wireless subscribers include Strategy Analytics' estimates for wholesale and connected device volumes. Sprint subscribers and net adds exclude affiliate subscribers, but include wholesale." The blended ARPU is diminished by M2M and IOT device revenue. And this will continue. Family plans, hotspot add-on, tablets at $10 per month - these are the tricks that will need to improve going forward for ARPU to not slide off. Or they will have to break out M2M and IOT which they can't do. USA: FTC approves HeidelbergCement divestiture ICR Newsroom By 16 November 2016 The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has given its approval to an application from HeidelbergCement and Italcementi for the divestiture of the Essroc Martinsburg cement plant in West Virginia and eight cement terminals, local newspaper the Morning Call reports. The plant and terminals are to be acquired by Cementos Argos for US$660m. The divestiture was required by the FTC to preserve competition in the face of the merger of HeidelbergCement and Italcementi. The deal was originally agreed in July 2015, but was contingent upon FTC approval. Published under Legal notices 1) The material on this blog has been created by W. Blake Gray, is protected under US copyright law and cannot be used without his permission. 2) To the FTC: In the course of my work, I accept free samples, meals and other considerations. I do not trade positive reviews or coverage for money or any financial considerations, unlike certain famous print publications which have for-profit wine clubs but, because they are not classified as "bloggers," are not required by the FTC to post a notice like this. Republican Rep. Luke Messer of Indiana, one of the foremost champions for school choice in Congress, said hes excited for the big and bold education plans he foresees under President-elect Donald Trump, particularly when it comes to school choice. And he also left the door open for serving as Trumps education secretary. I dont know if Im being considered. But I would be honored to serve, Messer told us, and I share many of the same priorities for Americas education system. Asked about strong candidates for the secretarys job, Messer mentioned two Hoosiers, former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett, as well as Gerard Robinson, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who separately is helping the Trump transition team on education issues . Theres a host of folks that could do the job and do it well, Messer said. But Messer is clearly excited about Trumps proposal to reallocate $20 billion in federal dollars to promote school choice in states . Its designed to help leverage up to $100 billion in separate state investments in programs to allow students to attend private, magnet, charter, and traditional public schools of their choosing. Messer emphasized the 11 million poor students the initiative is designed to helpand also praised Trumps attention to the issue during the election season. Donald Trump spoke more about school choice on the campaign trail than any other candidate in our nations history, Messer said. You might remember that Messers staffer, Rob Goad, worked for the Trump campaign as its K-12 policy adviser . Messer has been one of the foremost champions for K-12 choice in Congress. In fact, last year, he sought to allow children receiving federal Title I dollars for disadvantaged students to use that money at the public and private schools of their choice. That plan, however, was not included in what became the Every Student Succeeds Act . Asked about the viability of a similar plan under Trump given that failure, Messer said that a Trump plan wouldnt have to follow the exact same blueprint as his ESSA-related pitch. There are billions and billions of dollars spent by the federal government on education. We can certainly find the money to spend on that program, Messer said, adding then when it comes to how such a program could work, There are many options. I dont think anyone has decided if Title I is the best option. (Previously, Messer has expressed anxiety about the possibility of a federal Department of School Choice. ) You might also remember Messer as an advocate for overhauling the nations privacy laws that govern student data. Hes reached across the aisle to work on privacy legislation with Democratic Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado . Messer told us hes optimistic that lawmakers made important strides on the issue during this session of Congress, including the release of a software industry pledge regarding student-data privacy . Theres reason to be optimistic because the American people want to see our students protected in the classroom, Messer said. Weve built a foundation for this bill to become a reality in the next Congress. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Catholic Family News A Monthly Journal Preserving our Catholic Faith and Heritage Home Latest Archives Subscribe CFN Media - videos Contact Us CFN Bookstore Oltyn Library Services 2017 CFN Daily Blog Originally started as a daily Blog update of news reports on the Papal Conclave and ongoing news on Pope Francis, it is now a general Blog updated daily on traditional Catholic topics Updated Regularly Book mark this page click here Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise. Popular destinations Breckenridge, CO, United States In Breckenridge, Colorado, there are plenty of places to visit, whether you're a nature lover or thrill seeker. For nature lovers, the Blue River runs right through town and there are plenty of trails to explore. If you're looking for a thrill, Breckenridge is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in town, so you'll never run out of things to do. Breckenridge Luxury Hotels Savannah, GA, United States Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city. Savannah Luxury Hotels Naples, FL, United States Naples is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-class golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and interesting cultural experiences. Here are five places to visit in Naples, Florida: Naples Pier: Stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Fifth Avenue South: This popular shopping and dining district is home to eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively bars. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: This luxurious resort is set on 26 acres of pristine waterfront property and offers superb amenities, including a world-class spa and championship golf course. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: This zoological park is home to more than 700 animals representing 150 species, including flamingos, lemurs, and tigers. Tin City: This eclectic shopping and dining district is housed in a series of restored waterfront warehouses and features eclectic shops, galleries, and award-winning restaurants. Naples Luxury Hotels Naples Luxury Resorts Louisville, KY, United States Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway. Louisville Luxury Hotels Galveston, TX, United States Galveston is a Texas coastal town that is rich in history and offers visitors a variety of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include the Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Historic Downtown. There are also a number of museums and other historical landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. Galveston Luxury Hotels Galveston Luxury Resorts Omaha, NE, United States The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park. Omaha Luxury Hotels Columbus, GA, United States Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike. Columbus Luxury Hotels Anchorage, AK, United States Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Anchorage Luxury Hotels Portland, OR, United States Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Portland Luxury Hotels Florence, Italy No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo. Florence Luxury Hotels Florence Luxury Villas Asheville, NC, United States Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States. Asheville Luxury Hotels Asheville Luxury Cottages Long Beach, CA, United States There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge. Long Beach Luxury Hotels Long Beach Luxury Villas Cincinnati, OH, United States Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Cincinnati Luxury Hotels Laughlin, NV, United States Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River. Laughlin Luxury Hotels Laughlin Luxury Resorts Anaheim, CA, United States Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from. Anaheim Luxury Hotels Santa Cruz, CA, United States Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!. Santa Cruz Luxury Hotels Eugene, OR, United States Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area. Eugene Luxury Hotels Branson, MO, United States There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri come visit and see for yourself!. Branson Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach, FL, United States The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Panama City Beach Luxury Hotels Panama City Beach Luxury Resorts Monterey, CA, United States Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area. Monterey Luxury Hotels Norfolk, VA, United States Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station. Norfolk Luxury Hotels Palm Springs, CA, United States Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event. Palm Springs Luxury Hotels Palm Springs Luxury Resorts Palm Springs Luxury Villas Rochester, NY, United States Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo. Rochester Luxury Hotels Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking. Pigeon Forge Luxury Hotels Jacksonville, FL, United States Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team. Jacksonville Luxury Hotels Minsk, Belarus Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk. Minsk Luxury Hotels Jaipur, India Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts. Jaipur Luxury Hotels Chicago, IL, United States Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone. Chicago Luxury Hotels Auckland, New Zealand Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Auckland Luxury Hotels Auckland Luxury Villas Amsterdam, Netherlands If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks. Amsterdam Luxury Hotels Berlin, Germany There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss. Berlin Luxury Hotels Bangkok, Thailand Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bangkok Luxury Hotels Bangkok Luxury Resorts Bangkok Luxury Villas Bruges, Belgium Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof. Bruges Luxury Hotels Brussels, Belgium Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot. Brussels Luxury Hotels Budapest, Hungary Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side. Budapest Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen, Mexico Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave. Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotels Playa del Carmen Luxury Resorts Playa del Carmen Luxury Villas Denver, CO, United States Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!. Denver Luxury Hotels Dublin, Ireland Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover. Dublin Luxury Hotels Dusseldorf, Germany Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food. Dusseldorf Luxury Hotels Edinburgh, United Kingdom Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants. Edinburgh Luxury Hotels Rome, Italy Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!. Rome Luxury Hotels Rome Luxury Villas New York, NY, United States There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State. New York Luxury Hotels New York Luxury Villas London, United Kingdom London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you. London Luxury Hotels London Luxury Cottages Madrid, Spain Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town. Madrid Luxury Hotels Memphis, TN, United States The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food. Memphis Luxury Hotels Miami Beach, FL, United States There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach. Miami Beach Luxury Hotels Miami Beach Luxury Resorts New Orleans, LA, United States You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!. New Orleans Luxury Hotels Milan, Italy Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco. Milan Luxury Hotels Naples, Italy Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets. Naples Luxury Hotels Paris, France Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. Paris Luxury Hotels Paris Luxury Villas Prague, Czech Republic Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic. Prague Luxury Hotels Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls. Punta Cana Luxury Hotels Punta Cana Luxury Resorts Punta Cana Luxury Villas Marbella, Spain If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer. Marbella Luxury Hotels Marbella Luxury Villas Marrakesh, Morocco Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!. Marrakesh Luxury Hotels San Francisco, CA, United States San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries. San Francisco Luxury Hotels Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow. Moscow Luxury Hotels Venice, Italy Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Venice Luxury Hotels Vienna, Austria Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife. Vienna Luxury Hotels Zurich, Switzerland Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring. Zurich Luxury Hotels Acapulco, Mexico If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather. Acapulco Luxury Hotels Acapulco Luxury Resorts Acapulco Luxury Villas Nashville, TN, United States One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list. Nashville Luxury Hotels Nashville Luxury Villas Atlanta, GA, United States What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!. Atlanta Luxury Hotels Miami, FL, United States The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique. Miami Luxury Hotels Miami Luxury Villas Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji. Tokyo Luxury Hotels Tokyo Luxury Villas Buenos Aires, Argentina There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out. Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels Hamburg, Germany One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square. Hamburg Luxury Hotels Lisbon, Portugal The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Lisbon Luxury Hotels Lisbon Luxury Villas Malaga, Spain Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. Malaga Luxury Hotels Malaga Luxury Villas Munich, Germany When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich these are just a few highlights!. Munich Luxury Hotels Granada, Spain Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia. Granada Luxury Hotels Bucharest, Romania Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania. Bucharest Luxury Hotels Bologna, Italy Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city. Bologna Luxury Hotels Porto, Portugal Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers. Porto Luxury Hotels Cologne, Germany Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list. Cologne Luxury Hotels Istanbul, Turkey If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. Istanbul Luxury Hotels Istanbul Luxury Villas Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes. Dubai Luxury Hotels Dubai Luxury Resorts Dubai Luxury Villas Antwerp, Belgium Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo. Antwerp Luxury Hotels Lyon, France Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights. Lyon Luxury Hotels Athens, Greece If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you. Athens Luxury Hotels Athens Luxury Villas Helsinki, Finland While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo. Helsinki Luxury Hotels Vilnius, Lithuania The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening. Vilnius Luxury Hotels Reykjavik, Iceland A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too you wont be disappointed!. Reykjavik Luxury Hotels Glasgow, United Kingdom Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants. Glasgow Luxury Hotels Los Angeles, CA, United States As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants. Los Angeles Luxury Hotels Los Angeles Luxury Villas San Diego, CA, United States San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego. San Diego Luxury Hotels San Diego Luxury Resorts San Diego Luxury Villas Washington, DC, United States Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum. Washington Luxury Hotels Cancun, Mexico Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district. Cancun Luxury Hotels Cancun Luxury Resorts Cancun Luxury Villas Virginia Beach, VA, United States Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please. Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts Beijing, China If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!. Beijing Luxury Hotels Seoul, South Korea Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town. Seoul Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck. South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts Daytona Beach, FL, United States Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars. Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs. Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas Jaco, Costa Rica Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option. Jaco Luxury Hotels Oslo, Norway Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord. Oslo Luxury Hotels Lima, Peru If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America. Lima Luxury Hotels Ankara, Turkey Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students. Ankara Luxury Hotels Birmingham, United Kingdom There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market. Birmingham Luxury Hotels York, United Kingdom With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York. York Luxury Hotels Inverness, United Kingdom Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you. Inverness Luxury Hotels Marseille, France The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants. Marseille Luxury Hotels Marseille Luxury Villas Honolulu, HI, United States Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay. Honolulu Luxury Hotels Honolulu Luxury Resorts Honolulu Luxury Villas Bar Harbor, ME, United States Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Luxury Hotels Colorado Springs, CO, United States There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot. Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores. Fort Myers Beach Luxury Hotels Biloxi, MS, United States There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi. Biloxi Luxury Hotels Palermo, Italy If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country. Palermo Luxury Hotels Palermo Luxury Villas Manila, Philippines The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy. Manila Luxury Hotels Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants. Zermatt Luxury Hotels Basel, Switzerland Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!. Basel Luxury Hotels Copenhagen, Denmark There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen Luxury Hotels Steamboat Springs, CO, United States Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting. Steamboat Springs Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure. Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels Abu Dhabi Luxury Resorts Abu Dhabi Luxury Villas Bogota, Colombia There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. Bogota Luxury Hotels Cebu, Philippines Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross. Cebu Luxury Hotels Cebu Luxury Resorts Lagos, Portugal Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats. Lagos Luxury Hotels Medellin, Colombia Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church. Medellin Luxury Hotels Genoa, Italy While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor. Genoa Luxury Hotels Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings. Hoi An Luxury Hotels Hoi An Luxury Resorts Baku, Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food. Baku Luxury Hotels San Luis Obispo, CA, United States San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. San Luis Obispo Luxury Hotels Colombo, Sri Lanka Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum. Colombo Luxury Hotels Yogyakarta, Indonesia The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace. Yogyakarta Luxury Hotels Cefalu, Italy Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace. Cefalu Luxury Hotels San Jose, CA, United States San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors. San Jose Luxury Hotels Hong Kong, China Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets. Hong Kong Luxury Hotels Hong Kong Luxury Resorts Orlando, FL, United States Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States. Orlando Luxury Hotels Orlando Luxury Resorts Orlando Luxury Villas Philadelphia, PA, United States If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?. Philadelphia Luxury Hotels Nice, France France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering. Nice Luxury Hotels Nice Luxury Villas Singapore, Singapore Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options. Singapore Luxury Hotels Singapore Luxury Resorts Nottingham, United Kingdom Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars. Nottingham Luxury Hotels Cannes, France Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet. Cannes Luxury Hotels Cannes Luxury Villas Park City, UT, United States Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. Park City Luxury Hotels Park City Luxury Resorts Port Angeles, WA, United States If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries. Port Angeles Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants. The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors. The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!. Fort Lauderdale Luxury Hotels Fort Lauderdale Luxury Resorts Myrtle Beach, SC, United States Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Myrtle Beach Luxury Hotels Myrtle Beach Luxury Resorts Salzburg, Austria Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy. Salzburg Luxury Hotels Pattaya, Thailand Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Pattaya Luxury Hotels Pattaya Luxury Resorts Pattaya Luxury Villas Dallas, TX, United States Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States. Dallas Luxury Hotels Kolkata, India Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute. Kolkata Luxury Hotels San Antonio, TX, United States San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio. San Antonio Luxury Hotels Seattle, WA, United States There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops. Seattle Luxury Hotels Liverpool, United Kingdom Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock. Liverpool Luxury Hotels Malmo, Sweden Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife. Malmo Luxury Hotels Gothenburg, Sweden Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center. Gothenburg Luxury Hotels Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Ljubljana Luxury Hotels Sydney, NSW, Australia Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney. Sydney Luxury Hotels Sydney Luxury Villas Melbourne, VIC, Australia There's a lot to love about Melbourne its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Melbourne Luxury Hotels Melbourne Luxury Villas Vancouver, BC, Canada The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture. Vancouver Luxury Hotels Toronto, ON, Canada From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!. Toronto Luxury Hotels Montreal, QC, Canada Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year. Montreal Luxury Hotels Seville, Spain Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show. Seville Luxury Hotels Seville Luxury Villas Ocean City, MD, United States Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options. Ocean City Luxury Hotels Cambridge, MA, United States If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common. Cambridge Luxury Hotels Laguna Beach, CA, United States Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic. Laguna Beach Luxury Hotels Hot Springs, AR, United States In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs Luxury Hotels Sedona, AZ, United States There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest. Sedona Luxury Hotels Sedona Luxury Resorts Boulder, CO, United States Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder. Boulder Luxury Hotels Key West, FL, United States Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals. Key West Luxury Hotels Key West Luxury Resorts Key West Luxury Cottages Key West Luxury Villas Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State. Stockholm Luxury Hotels Destin, FL, United States Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!. Destin Luxury Hotels Destin Luxury Resorts Ashland, OR, United States There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter. Ashland Luxury Hotels Seaside, OR, United States One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach. Seaside Luxury Hotels Newport, RI, United States Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Newport Luxury Hotels Siena, Italy Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia. Siena Luxury Hotels Reno, NV, United States Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues. Reno Luxury Hotels Atlantic City, NJ, United States Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!. Atlantic City Luxury Hotels Atlantic City Luxury Resorts Lake George, NY, United States Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge. Lake George Luxury Hotels Buffalo, NY, United States If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve. Buffalo Luxury Hotels Rochester, MN, United States Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River. Rochester Luxury Hotels Duluth, MN, United States If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer. Duluth Luxury Hotels Maputo, Mozambique Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. 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Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan. Split Luxury Hotels Split Luxury Villas Dubrovnik, Croatia Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik Luxury Hotels Dubrovnik Luxury Villas Byron Bay, NSW, Australia Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!. Byron Bay Luxury Hotels Wellington, New Zealand If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!. Wellington Luxury Hotels Saint Louis, MO, United States If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option. Saint Louis Luxury Hotels Bloomington, IN, United States The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., announced Wednesday that she will continue to serve as the top Democrat on the Senate education committee in the upcoming 115th session of Congress. Murray took over as the committees number one Democrat in 2015, after control of the Senate flipped to Republicans. She worked closely with Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the committees chairman, to craft the Every Student Succeeds Act, the first reauthorization of the main federal K-12 law in roughly 15 years. Murray is a major backer of preschool programsshe is a former preschool teacher herselfand favors robust federal oversight for schools and Washington spending. Her announcement also ends speculation that Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who also sits on the education committee, would assume a bigger role there in 2017. Previously, Sanders indicated that he desired to lead the committee were Democrats to retake control of the Senate. In a statement, Murray said she and other committee members had taken some important steps forward to help students and families. But I am also ready to fight back as hard as I can, every step of the way, if Republicans choose to embrace the darker elements of President-elect [Donald] Trumps campaign and focus on dividing our country, taking away access to care for women and families, undermining communities rights and protections, hurting students and workers, or dragging us backwards, Murray said in her statement. Separately on Wednesday, Senate Democrats also picked Murray to be the third-ranking senator in Democratic leadership. Photo: Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., center, at the Democratic National Convention in July. (Deanna Del Ciello/Education Week) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . In the wake of Donald Trumps election as president, the Los Angeles school district has reaffirmed its commitment that its schools will be safe zones for students who are undocumented. A school board resolution passed Tuesday directs school staff not to allow federal immigration agents onto school grounds, unless those agents have prior permission from the district superintendent or the school districts lawyers, according to the Los Angeles Times . This weeks resolution essentially affirms one the board passed in February that makes the district a safe zone. In the February resolution , district workers were directed to treat all students equitably, not inquire about their immigration status or the status of their families, and immediately contact the district office if a federal immigration official sought to access a school site. The Los Angeles Times reported that in the wake of the election, school board members also agreed to pen a joint letter to President-elect Trump, affirming the American ideals that are celebrated in Los Angeles. Trump campaigned on a plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to curb illegal immigration. He said in an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday that he will begin to incarcerate and deport between 2 and 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records . (Experts have disagreed on whether there are 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records .) He also plans to end an Obama administration policy that allows undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children to avoid deportation and obtain work permits. Since the election, teachers across the country have reported that some of their immigrant students were fearful that they or members of their families would be deported. Mayors of Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco have promised to fight federal efforts under a Trump administration. The Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck also has said that his police department did not plan to help federal officials in a Trump administration with deporting illegal immigrants. Those cities are all sanctuary cities, a loosely defined term that generally means that the cities do not cooperate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the Associated Press. Trump pledged during the campaign that he would deny those cities federal funds if they continued that practice. How can teacher preparation programs attract the best and brightest? Raise admissions standards, says a new study published on Tuesday. Education schools nationwide are battling teacher shortages and ever-decreasing enrollments. But according to a new report, its a mistake for education schools to choose a quick fix: downgrading requirements to make it all too easy for students to gain admission. Lowering the bar for ed school admission would fill the profession with subpar teachers, the report says, and discourage top students from considering a career in teaching. As evidence, the report points to a survey of top college students that found that 58 percent would consider majoring in education if admissions standards were higher. The report, Within Our Grasp: Achieving Higher Admission Standards in Teacher Prep, was published by the National Council on Teacher Quality, a DC-based group that tracks teacher policies. You want a surefire way to keep talent from considering teaching? said NCTQs president, Kate Walsh. Keep it a low-status proposition to major in education. We need only look at Finland, according to the report, to see the benefits of high standards when choosing future teachers. Finland recruits candidates from among the top 10 percent of its college graduates, the report says, and its students outperform U.S. students on international tests. Despite Finlands example and a strong body of research, the idea of raising ed school admission standards faces opposition. Yet NCTQs analysis found that most of the 221 undergraduate elementary education programs it studied likely met higher GPA and testing standards than were actually required. Walsh said researchers had to classify programs as likely meeting the standard based on the data available. Data on GPA requirements for admission came from course catalogues and program websites, while average SAT and ACT score data of admitted students came from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the most recent College Boards Annual Survey of Success. Walsh suggested the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education do a more exact analysis using data from the teacher-prep programs it represents, which is not available to NCTQ. The report questions the decision to lower ed school admissions requirements by the Council for Accreditation for Educator Preparation. (You can read about the CAEPs troubled history here ). Under the ed school accreditors old Standard 3, ed programs would have been required to admit a group of candidates with at least an average 3.0 GPA and have scores averaging in the top half on nationally norm-referenced tests like the SAT or other similar evidence of academic achievement. The rewrite of Standard 3, however, allows teacher prep programs to delay meeting the requirements until candidates are ready to graduate. The report argues that under this arrangement, ed schools have an easier time of meeting the GPA requirement since teacher candidates tend to earn higher grades than students with other majors. Chris Koch, the president of CAEP, explained that part of the concern around Standard 3 was the notion that it barred potential candidates who may have become good teachers simply because they couldnt meet the standards at the beginning of the teacher prep program. The standard, in Kochs view, is the same, it just allows candidates more time to meet it. The standard is still in place, its just the time line that has changed, he said. Students still have to meet the standard before they graduate. So if youre not good in math, you could conceivably work on your math skills and when its time for you to do your licensure exam, you could meet the requirements. The quality is still there. Koch also pointed out that many high school students graduate unprepared for college, and about half are reading below grade level. This is the supply chain into our institutions and were trying to address whats actually there and give them a chance to meet the standards, he said. When CAEP backed down from tougher standards due to pressure from ed schools, so did many states that had already put in place high admissions standards. Twenty-five states set high admissions standards in 2013, according to the report, but many backed away when CAEP agreed to allow ed schools until graduation to prove their candidates academic eligibility. The report faults that move with states and ed schools abandoning previous commitments to higher standards. For instance, the number of states requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher before being admitted to a teacher prep program fell from 25 to 11. The number requiring a test taken by general college applicants (such as the ACT or SAT) dropped from 19 to three. The kicker for NCTQ was that the study found more than half of the programs it examined likely met the requirements under CAEPs original, tougher admissions standards, and another 35 percent were close to meeting them. The report also addresses the concern that tougher admissions standards will thwart efforts to diversify the teacher workforce. Ed programs can set selective admission criteria, according to the report, and still fill its student body with diverse teacher candidates. The evidence for that claim is NCTQs analysis of 900 undergraduate elementary ed programs, which finds that 13 percent are both selective and diverse. Walsh said the number isnt perfect, but it proves that its not impossible for ed programs to both require higher admissions standards and recruit diverse candidates. Its deeply insulting for people of color to always hear that the only way anyone can expect youll qualify for the profession is if you keep the standards really low. Drops in ed prep program enrollment were temporary, according to the report, resulting from teacher layoffs during the Great Recession. Now that there are more teaching jobs, the report claims, more students are enrolling in ed school. Theres no need then for ed schools to make hasty decisions, such as lowering admissions standards, that will degrade the profession and possibly turn off talented prospective teaching candidates. The report advises CAEP to approach the problem of raising admissions standards with the help of teacher prep programs that are already meeting the previous, more rigorous standards. They can work together to convince other programs to adopt the original standards. If we dont hold teacher candidates to a higher standards, argues Walsh, we will continue to perpetuate a reputation on college campuses that the education major is for students who cant cut it in other fields. If we continue the argument that anyone should have access to the teaching profession, that how smart they are is immaterial, the people who will most suffer are poor children and minorities, she said. You often hate to use the word intelligent or smart when talking about teachers. It sounds elitist. But being intelligent means youre a quick thinker and what job requires quicker thinking than teaching? Koch argued that the problem is not as simple as barring students who cant immediately meet admissions requirements from entering teacher prep programs. We agree that K-12 learning is likely to be higher when the teacher has higher academic achievement, he said. However, achievement is a prerequisite, rather than a predictor because it takes a lot more than knowledge of content to do well in teaching. Finding qualified educators to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses has long been a challenge for school administrators across the country, so much so that some have argued that STEM teachers should be paid more than other educators so that they can be lured away from more lucrative careers in STEM-related professions. These issues are often compounded in high-needs districts that generally struggle to recruit educators to teach in classrooms that can be more challenging than more-affluent settings. One initiative in Michigan, however, is finding success getting good STEM teachers in front of the students who need them the most. The six-year-old Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellowship program, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has been working with six Michigan universities to build rigorous, highly selective, clinically based programs integrating disciplinary content and pedagogical instruction. The teaching fellowshailing from Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University receive $30,000 fellowships to complete 12- to 15-month masters degree programs and get three years of mentoring. The future teachers promise to spend three years teaching in high-needs Michigan schools. According to the report, fellows are significantly more likely than other Michigan educators to teach black students, low-income kids, students receiving special education services, and kids who are learning English as a second language. And according to data compiled by the American Institutes for Researchs National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER), students taught by the fellows are learning more than their peers who are not. CALDERs analysis, which was based on value-added measures of students test-score gains, found that this was the case in middle school math, middle school science, and high school science. The report does, however, caution that more robust data are needed to paint a full picture of the programs impact. The reports finding that the program is showing positive effects in preparing new math and science teachers to succeed in the high-need districts that need them most is important. Thats because the black-white and Hispanic-white achievement gaps in STEM courses are some of the nations widest and most persistent. The report also concludes that the fellowship program is scalable, but would work better at some campuses than others: One key observation has emerged from Woodrow Wilsons work with the Teaching Fellowships in Michigan (and indeed across several of its partner states): While the engagement of major research universities in this program brings greater visibility and credibility to the transformation of teacher preparation, these larger, better-known institutions are typically more challenging to work with. They are less flexible, with many more layers of administration and approval required, and they tend to disperse their attention among a wider range of priorities. By contrast, less prominent campuseswhich have more at stake in making themselves more visible by virtue of the program, rather than the other way aroundtypically prove more responsive, and their administrative infrastructure is often simpler. More important, they generally have a much greater awareness of their own need to strengthen their teacher preparation and create momentum for change. An overwhelming majority of educators agree that equity in education should be a national prioritybut in the meantime, teachers report dipping into their own pockets to help fill in the gaps. Scholastic, the education publishing company, surveyed 4,721 public school educatorsa pool comprised of 3,694 teachers (including 76 school librarians) and 1,027 principalsover the summer for its nationally representative report . Teachers and principals largely say that their students in both high- and low-poverty schools face barriers to learning that come from outside the school environment. To meet the personal needs of students, and to supplement classroom resources to enhance learning, teachers and principals feel obligated to use their own money. These findings arent necessarily surprising or newteachers have been tasked with funding their own classrooms for yearsbut the scope of the survey sheds some light on what educators are prioritizing. On average in the past year, teachers who were surveyed spent $530 of their own money on classroom items. Teachers in high-poverty schools spent nearly 40 percent morean average of $672. As the chart shows, 70 percent of responding teachers said they purchased food and snacks for their children. Sixty-five percent purchased cleaning supplies. And 26 percent of teachers who were surveyed said they bought clothing for their students. Principals also used their own moneyan average of $683 over the past yearto pay for classroom or student supplies, and for principals in high-poverty schools, that figure increased to $1,014. Seventy-nine percent of principals purchased food and snacks for students. Just 46 percent of teachers in high-poverty schools receive discretionary funds from their school, district, or parent-teacher organizations, compared to 61 percent of teachers in low-poverty schools. The top five funding priorities identified by teachers in the survey are, in order: more staff to reduce class sizes; high-quality instructional materials and textbooks; classroom technology; higher salaries; and academic or social-emotional intervention initiatives and programs. A slight majority of teachers (56 percent) have purchased their own books for their classroom. Most teachers have classroom libraries, but 31 percent of teachers have fewer than 50 books in their classroom. Elementary teachers have an average of 362 books, middle school teachers have 189, and high school teachers have 93. A majority of teachers54 percentreport needing culturally relevant books. Teachers also want recently published books, books with diverse characters, books in languages other than English, and nonfiction books. Educators in the survey stressed the importance of year-round and at-home access to books to increase student learning. Teachers reported funding their own classroom libraries so that their students could borrow the books to take home. Teachers in the report mostly agreed that despite the challenges, they felt like their job was rewarding because of the satisfaction they get from working with students. As one middle school teacher in Nevada put it: I do what I do because I am passionate about giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential and never be limited by their circumstances, environments, or disabilities. Chart via Scholastic report Read More: Follow @madeline_will and @EdWeekTeacher on Twitter. Injury Lawsuits Against Black Lives Matter In the wake of George Zimmerman's acquittal for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the Black Lives Matter movement was born. What began as a Twitter hashtag coalesced into a national movement, organizing protests of police killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, among others, and campaigns against police violence and systematic racism towards black people. These political demonstrations have not always been peaceful, however, and some have resulted in injuries to protesters and police. Two of those in particular have spawned injury lawsuits against Black Lives Matter, claiming protest organizers are liable for police officer injuries. Dallas The first suit comes from Enrique Zamarripa, father of slain Dallas Police Officer Patrict Zamarripa, who was killed by a sniper during July protest in the city. The elder Zamarripa is seeking $550 million in damages, calling Black Lives Matter "a violent and revolutionary criminal gang." And the lawsuit names an impressive list of defendants, Fox News reports: Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam; Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network; Black Lives Matter organizers Rashad Turner, Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, Deray [sic] McKesson and Johnetta Elzie; Malik Zulu Shabazz, leader of the New Black Panthers Party; and George Soros, a supporter of Black Lives Matter. Not named in the suit? Next Generation Action Network, the group that organized the July 7 march. The complaint also has some interesting language, claiming Black Lives Matter "has in fact incited and committed further violence, severe bodily injury and death against police officers of all races and ethnicities, Jews, and Caucasians." This echoes another Dallas lawsuit, this one filed by a current Dallas Police Department officer, alleging the movement incites "their supporters and others to engage in threats of and attacks to cause serious bodily injury or death upon police officers and other law enforcement persons of all races and ethnicities including but not limited to Jews, Christians and Caucasians." And the list of defendants is the same as well, only with Barack Obama, Eric Holder, and Hillary Clinton added for good measure. Both plaintiffs are represented by the same attorney, Larry Klayman. Baton Rouge In Louisiana, a police officer is suing Black Lives Matter and activist DeRay McKesson for injuries sustained during a protest after Alton Sterling was gunned down at point-blank range in the parking lot of a convenience store in South Baton Rouge where he sold CDs. The officer, who filed the claim as "John Doe," says he was hit in the face by a piece of concrete or a "rock-like substance" thrown by a protester, and that the officer "lost teeth and had injuries to his jaw and brain," according to the Louisiana Weekly. Although John Doe does not allege McKesson actually threw the object, he claims McKesson "was in charge of the protests and he was seen and heard giving orders throughout the day and night of the protests." As far as Black Lives Matter goes, the movement has 30 local chapters nationwide, yet remains a decentralized network with no formal hierarchy so determining who, exactly, would be responsible for paying damages in a lost lawsuit remains to be seen. Related Resources: This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions The windowless, 550'-tall AT&T tower at 33 Thomas Street in lower Manhattan is the building referred to as TITANPOINTE in the NSA documents leaked by Edward Snowden, and was likely the staging point for the NSA's BLARNEY operation, which illegally spied upon communications to and from "International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Bank of Japan, the European Union, the United Nations, and at least 38 different countries, including U.S. allies such as Italy, Japan, Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, and Cyprus." TITANPOINTE, built from 1969-1974, was designed to withstand an atomic blast, and has enough food and supplies to sustain 1,500 people for two weeks. The NSA operates a surveillance operation at TITANPOINTE from within a "Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility." NSA agents that visit TITANPOINTE do so while pretending to work for the FBI (whose offices are practically next door), booking their travel through the FBI field office and hiding any NSA badges or insignia on their visits. AT&T is the NSA's most enthusiastic spying partner. The agency outsources many of its most illegal operations to AT&T, and AT&T even developed "products" to spy on its customers on behalf of the US government. In 2005, a former AT&T engineer named Mark Klein revealed the existence of an NSA/AT&T spying operation in San Francisco that let the NSA eavesdrop on all communications carried on AT&T's fiber trunks. The Electronic Frontier Foundation initiated a lawsuit against AT&T in 2006, and that litigation is still ongoing, though it has been hobbled by the Democrats' and Obama's decision to help grant immunity to AT&T for its participation in illegal spying. Much of the surveillance carried out at TITANPOINTE seems to involve monitoring calls and other communications as they are being sent across AT&T's international phone and data cables. But the site has other capabilities at its disposal. The NSA's documents indicate that it is also equipped with powerful satellite antenna likely the ones located on the roof of 33 Thomas Street which monitor information transmitted through the air. The SKIDROWE spying program focuses on covertly vacuuming up internet data known as "digital network intelligence" as it is passing between foreign satellites. The harvested data is then made accessible through XKEYSCORE, a Google-like mass surveillance system that the NSA's employees use to search through huge quantities of information about people's emails, chats, Skype calls, passwords, and internet browsing histories. TITANPOINTE: The NSA's Spy Hub in New York, Hidden in Plain Sight [Ryan Gallagher and Henrik Moltke/The Intercept] Tennessee State Parks will offer free, guided hikes at all 56 of its parks on Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving. This is the third year for this event, and one in a series of five statewide ranger-led hikes throughout the year. Our public lands are here for all to enjoy and the After Thanksgiving Hikes are a perfect way to have fun with friends and family during the holiday, said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. All hikes will be guided by park rangers and will feature the best that Tennessee lands have to offer, ranging from hikes along historical and interpretive trails to stunning views of waterfalls, peaks and plateaus. Tennessee State Parks is partnering with REI Co-op againthe nations largest consumer cooperative and specialty outdoor retaileron their Opt Outside campaign. REI is closing the doors of 143 of its retail locations and paying their employees to do what they love most, which is enjoying the outdoors. We believe in REIs message that enjoying the outdoors is a great way to recharge during a busy holiday season, said Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation Brock Hill. While REI is challenging its employees and customers to get outside the day after Thanksgiving, we challenge all of these folks to visit a Tennessee State Park that day and see what we have to offer. The hikes are designed for all ages and abilities. Some hikes will be approximately one mile in length, tailored for novice hikers, while others are lengthier, and geared toward more experienced hikers. For a more in-depth look at hikes in your area, visit http://tnstateparks.com/about/ special-events/after-thanksgiv ing-hike/#/?holiday=after- thanksgiving-hikes . The public can enter in Tennessee State Parks photo contest by sharing their favorite moments out on the trail on social media with the hashtag #OptOutsideTN. Other statewide hikes Tennessee State Parks offers include First Day Hikes in January, Spring Hikes in March, National Trails Day in June, and National Public Lands Day in September. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) partnered with SNAP, Families First, and Child Support families to register over 5,000 high school seniors for the Tennessee Promise, a scholarship which provides two years of community or technical college free of tuition and fees. This marks the second year in a row DHS has reached out to parents with students in the 12th grade to encourage them to apply for the program. The ongoing effort is a part of the Departments two-generation initiative launched last year called 2G for Tennessee which has a specific focus on partnering with parents (caregivers) and children together to improve the whole familys well-being. DHS efforts to support families through assisting with the Tennessee Promise is reflective of our commitment to a two generation strategy to build cycles of success, said Dr. Raquel Hatter, Tennessee Department of Human Services Commissioner. We were so excited to hear the Governors announcement about the recent number of enrollments this year. We are pleased that DHS was able to contribute to this success. Thank you to the DHS Team and the families for their hard work. Launched in 2014, Tennessee Promise made Tennessee the first state in the nation to offer high school graduates two years of community or technical college free of tuition and fees. As a result, first-time freshmen enrollment increased 25 percent at community colleges and 20 percent at technical colleges in 2015, and the college-going rate increased to a historic high of 62.5 percent. Mentorship is a key aspect of the Tennessee Promise and the states goal is to secure 9,000 mentors before the deadline on Nov. 20. "DHS has continued to be an incredible partner with the Tennessee Promise," said Mike Krause, Executive Director of the Drive to 55. "Ensuring their clients have access not only to benefits available through DHS, but also to educational opportunities like the Tennessee Promise, helps us move closer to the Drive to 55 goal." For more information on 2G for Tennessee and other initiatives at DHS visit http://www.tn.gov/humanservice s/topic/2gen-approach . The mentor application is available through November 20 at http://tnpromise.gov/volunteer s.shtml . A video message from Gov. Haslam calling on Tennesseans to become mentors is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ZZF6q-OjzPg . In 2013, Governor Haslam launched the Drive to 55 to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025. As a result, the Drive to 55 has established the Tennessee Promise program, the nations first scholarship and mentorship program that provides high school graduates last-dollar scholarships to attend two years of community or technical college free of tuition and fees; reduced the number of college freshmen requiring remediation through the SAILS (Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support) program; provided free technical college for adults through TCAT Reconnect Grants; created Tennessee Reconnect + Complete to help more adults return to college to complete unfinished degrees; developed a more comprehensive state approach to serving student veterans; and leveraged technology to enhance classroom instruction and college advising. Dr. Hermann Gerlinger, Member of the Executive Board and since 1999 Head of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology business group (SMT), is retiring on 31 December 2016. Dr. Hermann Gerlinger has been a member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG since 2006. He will continue to act in an advisory capacity in major strategic projects for the Executive Board and the SMT Management Board. Moreover, alongside ZEISS President and CEO Dr. Michael Kaschke, he will sit on the newly founded SMT Advisory Committee in which the Dutch partner ASML also will be represented. The physicist, who obtained his PhD from the University of Wurzburg, joined ZEISS as a project manager for spectroscopy in 1984 and later became Head of the Optical Process Metrology area. In 1993 Dr. Hermann Gerlinger transferred to the SMT business group where he initially worked as a project manager in the Lithography Optics division. After holding several management positions in development and production, he became Head of the SMT business group in 1999. In 2006 he was appointed to the Executive Board of the ZEISS Group, in which, in addition to his responsibility for SMT, Dr. Hermann Gerlinger was most recently responsible for the areas Corporate Research and Technology, Corporate Security and for the Korea and Taiwan regions. After 32 years at ZEISS, including 23 years in the SMT business group, which he headed for 17 years, and more than ten years on the Executive Board, 63-year-old Dr. Hermann Gerlinger is handing over his responsibilities to his successor. For me, this is the ideal time to hand over the baton to my successor. I am pleased that I have helped to move ZEISS forward for the past three decades and that I will maintain my links with and support the company in the future, says Dr. Hermann Gerlinger. Dr. Karl Lamprecht Becomes New Head of the Business Group The Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG has decided to appoint Dr. Karl Lamprecht as Head of the SMT business group, effective 1 January 2017. In this role he will report to the ZEISS President and CEO, Dr. Michael Kaschke. In its meeting of 15 November 2016 the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH appointed Dr. Karl Lamprecht as a further member of the SMT Management Board, with immediate effect. After earning his doctorate in physics at the Institute for Experimental Physics of the University of Innsbruck and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Chicago (USA), Dr. Karl Lamprecht was a consultant and technology investor at McKinsey & Company, Inc. and AdAstra Venture Consult GmbH from 1995 to 2005. In 2005 he joined the SMT business group as Head of Strategic Business Development. Three years later he became Managing Director of the former company Carl Zeiss Laser Optics GmbH. From 2015, the 51-year-old was entrusted with the leadership of SMT's largest and most important business unit, Semiconductor Manufacturing Optics, and in this position he was also responsible for looking after OEM customers. Chicago-based health information provider ContextMedia announced Wednesday it was acquiring AccentHealth, another company offering health care-focused programming for doctors' offices and other locations. AccentHealth, headquartered in Tampa and New York, was founded in 1995 and employs about 160 people. The company's digital products include a waiting room television network co-hosted by CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta and HLN's Robin Meade as well as exam room interactive tablets and mobile products. Advertisement AccentHealth's employees will join ContextMedia, and the company's Tampa and New York offices will remain open for the time being. ContextMedia said AccentHealth will continue to operate as a distinct brand and platform in the near term but plans to eventually combine the platforms. The all-cash deal is expected to close before the end of the year, according to a news release from ContextMedia. Terms were not disclosed. Advertisement ContextMedia, which currently has products in 25,000 health care locations, said the acquisition will increase its footprint to 55,000 locations. The company builds products including digital anatomy boards, to help doctors talk to patients about illnesses or treatment options, and digital waiting room screens, which display programming relevant to an office's patient population. Shradha Agarwal and Rishi Shah founded ContextMedia in 2006. The company said it currently employs 500 people. mgraham@tribpub.com Twitter @megancgraham Chicago: We're No. 1 for women entrepreneurs. Oh wait, that's wrong. We're No. 45 of the world's most reputable cities. Is that good or bad? And do our startups really give investors the best returns in the nation? Rankings of city startup ecosystems are a dime a dozen, with seemingly every consultancy, media outlet and publicity-seeking content creator issuing maxims on which city is the best to start a business, get venture capital funding or hire the best talent. But they vary widely in the quality of their methodology and even common sense. Advertisement So what do they mean, really? And why do we care so much? "Chicago has always felt insecure and never quite confident in itself," said Aaron Renn, senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute in New York, who has branded himself "the Urbanophile" and who was a Chicago resident for 20 years. "Therefore, where it ranks looms larger in its consciousness. Because people believe that high tech is the future of the economy, tech takes on a psychologically important role. I think that's overblown, but it fits with Chicago's psyche." Advertisement Among the dozens of tech hub rankings released annually, from the Kauffman Index of Startup Activity to PwC's Cities of Opportunity list, Chicago typically sits in the middle of the pack. While Silicon Valley dominates startup markets, Chicago isn't even the Second City. In many rankings, it would be lucky to break the top five. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 Top 5 in: Intellectual capital and innovation; economic clout; city gateway; technology readiness; ease of doing business; and demographics and livability. The data used in Septembers PwC report predates 2016s Brexit vote. London was also No. 1 in the previous report, which was released in 2014. (Hannah McKay / PA Wire) Perhaps that's why when Chicago gets a win, city and industry leaders trumpet the accomplishment without much skepticism. With their clickable, number-driven headlines, rankings are popular with readers and thus draw media attention. And they make for catchy social media posts and speeches. One often-cited ranking in the past year: a study that concluded that Chicago had the highest proportion of female founders of any city in the world. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other city boosters continue to repeat that boast even after Blue Sky debunked the report. "The mayor has an interest in displaying Chicago as the most wonderful place to start a business," said Matthew Wilson, economic development planner at the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "Whether it's true or not, one thing is for sure: He's trying to compete and display Chicago in a light that's optimistic." Beyond city boosterism, local tech leaders say rankings are the wrong focus, anyway. "I've never met a venture capital partner or an accomplished tech CEO in Silicon Valley or anyone in Silicon Valley that mentioned or has been aware of those rankings," said Pat Ryan Jr. , chairman of Chicago Ventures and founder and CEO of Incisent Labs Group. As to why Chicagoans are so touchy about status, he said, "The tech community, like the city, has great civic pride." He likened the response to when Chicago doesn't perform well on lists like "best cities to live in." "It offends that sense of pride, and I think that's why people get so bent out of shape," Ryan said. "I don't, because the rankings aren't what's important with the community that we need to build Chicago's tech ecosystem." Advertisement Chicago-based Braintree being bought by PayPal for $800 million and Grubhub going public "were more important to the Chicago tech ecosystem than all the rankings combined because people respect those companies," he said. "Unicorns give you profile." Howard Tullman , CEO of tech hub 1871, calls rankings "mostly noise" and fodder for "bragging rights." He said the various lists are built on so many different and competing considerations that it's hard to make apples-to-apples comparisons. "These measurements are too simplistic to be valuable," he said. But industry executives concede that rankings do hold sway for some audiences. Ryan notes that ecosystem lists are a good way of benchmarking progress for people who don't know the industry, and to give leaders in business and politics talking points to champion the city. Within Chicago's tech sector, "it's a great way to measure the momentum that we all feel," he said. Some underlined the importance of rankings for outsiders who may be making decisions based on limited information. Advertisement "I don't think those things matter, but we should always be aware of how people perceive us in the marketplace," said Emile Cambry Jr. , founder and managing director of Chicago-based Blue1647, which runs tech incubators. "You want the University of Illinois engineering students to see that Chicago is a place for them. Institutional investors opening an office in Chicago may look at rankings and make determinations from them." In the absence of direct knowledge, image and reputation fill the gap. "Perceptions are in the eye of the beholder based on the things you hear, see and experience, and the reputation of a city is based on people who work outside of the city you live in," said Stephen Hahn-Griffiths, vice president and managing director for the U.S. and Canada at the Boston-based Reputation Institute. "Certain truisms that we identify with each individual city rise to the surface, and the reputation that emerges is very profound," he said. Chicago ranked 45th by reputation among 55 of the world's largest metros in a fresh study from the Reputation Institute. It scored by how people rated a city's economy, government and living environment. San Francisco ranked most reputable of American cities at No. 18, followed by New York in the No. 27 spot. Whether a point of pride or shame, Hahn-Griffiths argues against brushing off rankings. They "are just one of the important data points that help drive decisions, whether they're human-interest decisions or business decisions," he said. Advertisement "The only way these rankings matter is I do think that perception becomes reality," agreed Maura O'Hara , executive director of the Illinois Venture Capital Association. "It matters to the marginal person who may want to join the community." At the same time, she sees lists as a potential distraction. "You have to be careful about what you're looking at as signs of success," she said. "The drivers of success are going to be different in Chicago than the drivers of success on the coasts." For example, she cited a June Pitchbook ranking that rated Chicago as the most profitable startup market for investors. "I think that's the most relevant measure," she said. "We don't want to boast, but we are pretty excited to get outside validation." Jai Shekhawat has become a vigorous startup investor in Chicago since selling Fieldglass, the company he founded in 1999, for $1 billion. He's impressed with the progress of the city's tech ecosystem but advises against getting caught up in exactly how it rates. "I don't care about rankings. Those that offer them have business models to feed," he said. "The job of the entrepreneur is to keep your head down and focus on your business." Kate MacArthur is a freelance reporter. Twitter @KateMacArthur Twitter took another step Tuesday in its long fight against trolls, announcing that it will give users a mute feature to weed out harassing words and phrases from their notifications. The company plans to roll out the feature more broadly over time, Del Harvey, Twitter's vice president of trust and safety, said in an interview with The Washington Post. Adding it to notifications was a priority based on the feedback from Twitter users. "We've heard from users that this [notifications] is an area where people don't feel as though they have as much control on Twitter," Harvey said. "You're not searching for this content, but it's still something that's coming in to your Twitter experience." With the new feature, Twitter users will be able to compile their own list of words, phrases and emoji that they don't want to see pop up in their notifications from the network. The feature is similar to one Instagram rolled out earlier this year that let users block comments that contained certain phrases. Twitter's move comes after an election cycle that saw, among other incidents, a prominent anti-Semitic movement on the network - it has been repeatedly criticized for not moving quickly enough to combat harassment on its site. Harvey, who has been at Twitter for eight years, said she knows that some users are frustrated with the pace at which it's addressing harassment issues. "We haven't always moved as quickly as we would like or done as much as we would like," she said, adding that the company is trying to make sure that it has tools to shut down harassment on the site without crossing the line into limiting speech. "We have tried to be thoughtful, to make sure we don't have unintended and negative consequences," Harvey said. Twitter has struggled for years with striking the right balance between protecting open expression on the network and protecting victims of harassment, often fielding heavy criticism for erring too far on the side of free speech. Harvey acknowledged that there were plenty of prime examples of Twitter's shortcomings when it came to policing harassment on the network during this year's election. The addition of the mute feature wasn't driven by the dialogue around the election itself, Harvey said, but it did underscore for Twitter how much further it still has to go. Harvey said that Twitter has also made some changes to the way that users can report harassment on the site to better reflect its policies. Last year, Twitter explicitly banned "hateful conduct" - which prohibits the promotion of violence and direct attacks or threats to others on the basis of race, ethnicity and a number of other attributes. The social network has now updated the language it uses in its harassment reporting tool to reflect that policy and inform users that they can report others for that kind of behavior. Twitter has also made it easier for bystanders to report abuse - so person B can report that person C is harassing person A. Finally, Harvey said, Twitter is continually training its staff across the globe to recognize more forms of abuse. Twitter staff members review each report of abuse to determine whether it violates the company's policies. It's common to see Twitter users posting incredulous screenshots of notices from Twitter's abuse team rejecting abuse reports, even when they clearly violate Twitter's rules. Those oversights are upsetting, she acknowledged, and often happen because a reviewer doesn't have the cultural context to understand why something may be offensive or abusive. Something that's obviously offensive to an American may not be so obvious to a person born in India, and vice versa, she explained. So, in addition to an ongoing training course on how to recognize abusive behavior, Harvey said, Twitter has put together a training program on the historical and cultural context around particular types of harassment - types of anti-Semitism, for example. She said Twitter will also focus more closely on keeping its staff up to date with the evolving language of hate on its network. Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said it was a crazy idea to think the social network could have influenced Tuesday's election. (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) Fake news isn't disappearing from Facebook anytime soon. Despite Facebook's move this week to ban phony news sites from using its advertising network, the company's attempt to quell criticism that it influenced the outcome of the presidential election will do little to thwart the spread of such articles on its platform. That's because the strategy mistakes the social network's role in the false news ecosystem, experts say. Advertisement Fake news organizations, like real news organizations, mainly generate revenue by running ads on their own sites. Rather than sell ads themselves, many turn to marketing services, including the largest, Google AdSense, to surround their articles with ads. But there's no money in the business unless there's enough readers. That's where Facebook comes in. Though the Menlo Park, Calif., tech giant operates its own advertising service, its more vital purpose to fake news sites is its ability to steer traffic to their stories. Advertisement Operating under monikers such as the Denver Guardian and American News, these ersatz news organizations have no name recognition and must rely on social media to find an audience. Once Facebook's algorithm picks up on the rising popularity of their content (such as a fictional post about actor Denzel Washington supporting Donald Trump), it spreads to other users' news feeds, generating the likes, comments and clicks. And with each click comes additional advertising revenue. Though fake news sites bank on Facebook's traffic, few rely on Facebook's advertising network to serve ads one of the chief reasons why reactions were mixed Tuesday about its attempt to curtail the spread of misinformation. Experts were more optimistic about Google's move to ban fake news from its advertising platform Monday since it affected the offending sites directly. "It's a step in the right direction. However, Facebook generates traffic and Google monetizes it," said Filippo Menczer, a professor of computer science and an expert on fake news at Indiana University. "For Facebook to do this with advertising, it's not clear how that would help. You never really see sponsored posts from fake news sites on Facebook." Publishers of false news articles can also use competing advertising services to circumvent bans by Facebook and Google ensuring ad dollars will keep flowing so long as social media platforms keep steering eyeballs their way. "That's why this is not going to have any impact at all," said Antonio Garcia-Martinez, a former Facebook employee and author of "Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley." "This is a purely cosmetic move." Facebook, and Google to a lesser extent, have faced a backlash for allowing the spread of phony news articles that could have swayed people's views of the candidates during the presidential campaign season. The move to restrict fake news sites from using Facebook's advertising tools comes days after Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said it was a "crazy idea" to think the social network could have influenced the election. Facebook characterized its shift as a clarification of existing policies. Pew Research Center findings show social media can have an impact, however. A survey conducted by the group over the summer found that 20% of social media users changed their views on a political or social issue because of something they read on social media. Advertisement Fake news sites have reportedly enriched themselves by creating content that has spread virally on Facebook and Google. BuzzFeed, for example, reported on teens in Macedonia responsible for making hundreds of politically charged make-believe articles for American audiences and reaping the ad dollars that ensued. Google, meanwhile, featured a story at the top of its search results Sunday claiming that Donald Trump won the popular vote. He did not. As technology companies rather than media companies, the two Silicon Valley giants have long argued they are not responsible for the content their users publish. That viewpoint is protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which prevents tech platforms like Facebook from being sued for libel or defamation over content posted by its users. That has led to a hands-off approach that mitigates legal risks. But it's a defense that has become more tenuous in the court of public opinion now that the $360-billion company has emerged as the de facto leader in media distribution. Forty-four percent of Americans get their news from Facebook, according to Pew, whereas only 2 in 10 U.S. adults get news from print newspapers. Some critics now say Facebook needs to accept that it has morphed into a media company and should start acting like one by vetting its content. "I don't know if their position is tenable anymore," said Gautam Hans, a clinical fellow at the University of Michigan Law School and expert on the Communications Decency Act. "They can keep saying they're this and not that, but everyone knows what they are." Advertisement Hans believes that Facebook has the means to remove more fake stories from news feeds, citing its success in restricting nudity and images of beheadings at the hands of terrorists. News sources can also be ranked or tagged to help consumers determine their validity, much like Google search results, based on a litany of criteria such as user ratings, spam and traffic so that reliable news sources are more prominent. Of course, Facebook had a similar process for curating its trending news feature with trained editors before abruptly firing them this year after conservatives complained that they omitted right-wing news sites. Jennifer Stromer-Galley, an information studies professor at Syracuse University, said Facebook could implement something called a nudge, which alerts users with a pop-up that a story has been debunked or discredited. But that too is problematic because it's unclear whether the majority of users would believe that the story was wrong. That's especially true now that Facebook communities are commonly made up of like-minded people. "At the end of the day, the problem is one of confirmation bias, which is our natural human tendency to look for information that confirms what we believe and ignore information that goes against what we believe," Stromer-Galley said. "We fall for fake news because something about it confirms our beliefs about the world and because we are in a news-grazing rather than news-reading culture." Times staff writer Paresh Dave contributed to this story. david.pierson@latimes.com Advertisement Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter ALSO Lyft cuts its mustache logo Here's evidence Snapchat Spectacles are headed to Texas, Oregon, Nevada and Washington Chinese app maker comes to Santa Monica in a bid to build a live-streaming empire UPDATES: Advertisement 5:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reporting including comments from Indiana University computer science professor Filippo Menczer, former Facebook employee Antonio Garcia-Martinez, University of Michigan Law School clinical fellow Gautam Hans and Syracuse University information studies professor Jennifer Stromer-Galley. This article was originally published at 10:40 a.m. A ruling by a federal appeals court may put the brakes on the proposed merger of Chicago's Advocate and NorthShore health systems. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) Hospital systems Advocate Health Care and NorthShore University HealthSystem will continue fighting for their merger, they said Wednesday, despite a recent federal appeals court decision against them. A three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided late last month with the Federal Trade Commission and the state of Illinois, which are seeking a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop a merger between the two systems. The FTC has argued that a union between the two systems would harm competition, leading to higher prices. Advertisement The appeals court judges in October sent the case back to a lower court to reconsider whether to issue the injunction. Writing for the court, Judge David Hamilton last month called the lower court's reasoning behind its original decision not to grant the injunction "clearly erroneous." Advertisement Many had wondered whether the systems would drop their quest to merge following that October decision. But the systems affirmed Wednesday that they plan to continue with their case for now. The systems have said that a marriage between them will lead to consumer savings and higher quality care. "We remain steadfast in our belief that bringing our organizations together is the right thing to do for consumers and therefore we are choosing to move forward with our case," according to a statement from the two systems. "We are confident that Judge Jorge Alonso made the right decision in our favor this past summer, reaffirming the competitive realities of the Chicago market. We look forward to a positive resolution paving the way for an innovative care delivery model to further advance quality and lower costs." The systems have pledged, if they merge, to offer an insurance product 10 percent less expensive than the next lowest-price comparable product available, saving consumers at least $210 million a year. The FTC, however, has said the deal would lead to an 8 percent, or $45 million, price increase at the systems' hospitals. An Advocate/NorthShore combination would create the 11th largest health care system in the country. Advocate has a two-campus children's hospital and 11 other hospitals, including hospitals in Cook and Lake counties. NorthShore has four hospitals in Cook and Lake counties. Two Pennsylvania hospital systems recently abandoned their merger plans after a federal appeals court ruled against them in a similar case in September. lschencker@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @lschencker Ford says it is not backing off plans to move production of small cars to Mexico, despite Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. (Mira Oberman / AFP/Getty Images) Detroit Ford Motor Co. CEO Mark Fields says the presidential election won't change the company's plans to move small car production to Mexico. President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Ford for moving production to Mexico. Trump wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and has called for a 35-percent tariff on goods shipped from Mexico. Advertisement In an interview with CNBC Tuesday, Fields said Ford is proceeding with its plan to move Focus car production from Michigan to a new plant in Mexico by 2018. He stressed that no jobs will be lost, since the Michigan plant will make two other vehicles. Fields also warned that a tariff would affect the entire industry and autoworkers' profit-sharing checks since many companies sell Mexican- and Canadian-made vehicles or parts. Advertisement Associated Press The city of Chicago will require pharmaceutical sales representatives to pay a licensing fee, following an ordinance that passed Nov. 16, 2016. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) The Chicago City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday, over industry objections, requiring pharmaceutical sales representatives to carry a special license. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said the ordinance is aimed at curbing opioid abuse by preventing "aggressive and deceptive marketing" by pharmaceutical representatives. But a coalition of pharmaceutical companies and other groups have said the ordinance will be an unnecessary burden on an important part of Chicago's economy. Advertisement When the ordinance takes effect in July 2017, Chicago will become one of the only cities in the country with such a requirement. The ordinance will require pharmaceutical reps to track, and provide to the city upon request or at certain time intervals, a list of Chicago health care professionals they've contacted, the number of times they contacted them, the drugs promoted and whether they provided any samples, materials or gifts and the value of those items. Advertisement They must also report whether health care professionals were compensated for their time with the pharmaceutical reps. Pharmaceutical representatives also will have to participate in at least five hours a year of professional education in areas such as ethics, pharmacology or laws and regulations surrounding pharmaceutical marketing. They are prohibited from engaging in deceptive or misleading marketing, using titles that might lead others to believe they're practicing health professionals, or attending patient exams without patients' consent. The licenses will have to be renewed annually and will cost $750 per representative. Violations of the requirements could lead to license suspension or revocation for at least two years. Those who break the rules or operate without the required licenses will also be fined between $1,000 and $3,000 for each violation or day of violations. According to the ordinance, pharmaceutical reps who do business in Chicago fewer than 15 days a year do not need the licenses. City Council members did not discuss the ordinance Wednesday before passing it, but Dr. Julie Morita, commissioner of the city's Department of Public Health, has said the pharmaceutical industry has misrepresented dangers associated with opioid medications. Opioid addiction has become a nationwide epidemic. In Chicago last year, 403 people died from opioid-related overdoses, according to data cited in a report by the Chicago-Cook County Task Force on Heroin. Revenue from the licenses will be used to support the program and treatment for addiction, Morita has said. Pharmaceutical companies and other groups, however, have said that while they share the city's concern over opioid abuse, the new ordinance does not address that problem. In a letter to the City Council, 16 pharmaceutical companies and other groups had called the license a "harmful tax increase" and said they'd rather have a "meaningful dialogue" with the city about how to address the opioid crisis. Advertisement Those behind the letter included Horizon Pharma, which has its U.S. headquarters in Lake Forest; the Illinois Chamber of Commerce; the Illinois Manufacturers' Association; and the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. The coalition also included pharmaceutical industry giant Pfizer, based in New York City; industry group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; and the Kidney Cancer Association. "These proposed reporting requirements are unnecessary and duplicative, creating an unnecessary tax on one of the most important sectors of our economy," the groups wrote. They noted that the biopharmaceutical industry is already one of the most highly regulated industries in the country. A spokesman for Astellas Pharma, which has its U.S. headquarters in Northbrook, also said in a statement Wednesday that it questioned the need for the licensing, echoing many of the same concerns as described in the letter. Leaders of other groups, however, such as the Gateway Foundation, which runs drug and alcohol treatment centers, and the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, have expressed support for the ordinance, writing in a Nov. 7 letter to the city council that the new ordinance would improve regulation of the pharmaceutical industry and is "needed to save lives." Washington, D.C., has had licensed reps for the past eight years, with a licensing fee of $175 per rep. As of last month, 1,022 pharmaceutical reps were licensed there. Advertisement lschencker@chicagotribune.com Twitter @lschencker The new Slim Jim turkey sticks are seen at the Conagra office on Nov. 9, 2016, in Chicago. The product, which is lower in calories and saturated fat than original Slim Jim sticks, will be available in stores beginning in December. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune) "Slim Jim needs to grow up." The words, spoken by Conagra Brands CEO Sean Connolly at a recent investors meeting at the company's Merchandise Mart headquarters, marked a declaration to reinvigorate a brand that's spanned at least seven decades. Advertisement The maturation of Slim Jim is serious business. The second largest brand in a growing meat snacks category, Slim Jim is projected to bring in about $575 million in sales this year, up 35 percent from $425 million in 2012. But Conagra executives know they're leaving meat stick money on the table. As consumers of the elongated tubed jerky grow older, they mostly leave it behind. "The Slim Jim stick is a fun status badge when you're a teenager, but I don't see many young men walking into the office chewing on a stick," said Bob Nolan, Conagra's senior vice president of insights and analytics. Advertisement And so, like food and beverage companies across the industry, Conagra is hoping to spruce up an old brand in hopes of appealing to today's consumers, many of whom are willing to pay more for food and drink they consider to be natural, healthy, sustainably sourced and generally higher in quality. Other older brands, ranging from Milwaukee's Best beer to Kraft Mac & Cheese, are going through similar updates that attempt to make them more relevant to today's consumers. Slim Jim's not quite as relevant as you start to age up. Just like the beer you drank in college may not be what you drink as you get older. Bob Nolan, Conagra's senior vice president of insights and analytics This is how brands survive. What once stocked your grandparents' cupboard may also fill yours, albeit with a few different ingredients and marketing buzzwords. "As long as you get distribution and keep the brand in front of consumers, most of these products will have a good long run," said Joel Whalen, academic director of DePaul University's Center for Sales Leadership. In times of social and economic uncertainty, consumers buy products with nostalgic ties to their past, Whalen said. If true, the table appears set for a Slim Jim growth spurt. Beginning next month, discerning shoppers will notice lower-calorie, lower-saturated-fat Slim Jim turkey sticks available in stores. (The original sticks are made with a combination of beef, pork and chicken.) And possibly by next winter, Slim Jim Black will make its grand entrance. The multiserving packages will feature smaller, more discreet sticks made with higher quality meat, more upscale attributes and more contemporary flavors, Nolan said. Nothing's final yet the product is still being developed but the meat might be sourced from grass-fed, antibiotic-free animals, Nolan said. Conagra wants those teenage boys the core consumer group for the brand to stay with Slim Jim as they get older. And for good reason: The savory snack category is projected to represent $45.9 billion in U.S. retail sales and has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 percent over the past five years, according to data from Euromonitor International. Bob Nolan, senior vice president of insights and analytics at Conagra Brands, is photographed Nov. 9, 2016, at the company's offices in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Nolan said Slim Jim Black, a more upscale meat snack, is under development and could make its debut by next winter. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune) For some, the words "Slim Jim" may evoke memories of late night jaunts to the 7-Eleven during their teen years. But Nolan said Conagra's consumer research showed that consumers still think fondly of the brand. They just need it to be more pertinent to their grown-up lives. Advertisement "Slim Jim's not quite as relevant as you start to age up," Nolan said. "Just like the beer you drank in college may not be what you drink as you get older." Milwaukee's Best beer, a cheap beer of advanced age seemingly left behind amid the proliferation of craft beer in recent years, is going through transformation as well. Like Conagra and Slim Jim, Chicago-based MillerCoors is determined to invest in Milwaukee's Best and make it more relevant to today's consumers. In this case, that means improving the value for the beer's core consumers, not necessarily appealing to millennials, said Ryan Marek, marketing director for MillerCoors' economy brands. First brewed in 1895, Milwaukee's Best appeals primarily to men over the age of 45. MillerCoors recently rolled out more modernized packaging for all Milwaukee's Best beer and increased the alcohol content for Milwaukee's Best Ice and lager part of a broader plan to stabilize declining sales in the company's economy segment, which also includes Miller High Life, Keystone Ice and Hamm's. For Miller High Life, first brewed in 1903, part of the turnaround plan is to appeal to millennials' affinity for a good heritage story through new marketing, which is due out later this month. "We're investing in the (economy) segment because, frankly, it's there. We haven't done right by these brands in a long time. This is an effort show them more respect and to do right," Marek said. Advertisement Sometimes it's necessary to breathe new life into aging brands. Take, for example, Kraft Mac & Cheese, which turns 80 next year. Long the stalwart of the category and go-to weeknight dinner for generations of children, the old blue box had in recent years lost some market share to the upstart Annie's Mac and Cheese. But then last year, Kraft Heinz announced it would remove artificial colors and preservatives from its iconic product in 2016 without giving a specific timeline. And then, from last December to March, Kraft sold more than 50 million boxes of the reformulated product before telling anyone the change had been made. "We wanted it to be a pleasant surprise," said Jessica Gilbertson, head of marketing for meals at Kraft Heinz. The update of Slim Jim's decades-old brand probably won't be a surprise. Adolph "Al" Levis, a Philadelphia native, first made Slim Jim as a bar snack in the 1940s, according to Levis' 2001 obit in The New York Times. But a Conagra spokeswoman said company records had 1928 as the year of Slim Jim's birth. No matter. As Connolly said, it's time for him to grow up. Does that mean organic meat sticks? Might we see grass-fed Slim Jim selling in Whole Foods someday? Advertisement Ultimately, the consumers will decide. "We're trying to look upstream more than we ever have in the past," Nolan said. gtrotter@chicagotribune.com Twitter @GregTrotterTrib President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands following their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) There's a maxim about small business and politics: Before an election, politicians say they love entrepreneurs. But after an election, they usually break up. Right now, small-business owners hope President-elect Donald Trump will become a faithful partner, yet they wouldn't be very surprised if he jilted them. Advertisement "The devil is in the details and anything can happen, but we're eager to work with President Trump and the new Congress," says Jack Mozloom, spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based National Federation of Independent Business, which has 325,000 members, including 11,500 throughout Illinois. You can't blame anyone for hedging because this new administration's approach to governing, and its conduct while doing so, remains a very open question. But based on reports and conversations with business advocates, including the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and NFIB's Washington and Illinois chapters, here's what entrepreneurs are looking for: Advertisement Regulating regulations. Entrepreneurs are simpatico with Trump's pledge to impose a moratorium on new regulations while also reviewing existing federal rules. That's to be expected, because a majority of small-business owners tend to view government regulation as a huge barrier to revenue growth and business expansion. For example, in a 2016 Chicagoland Chamber small-business survey, 64 percent of 743 area small companies responding listed "regulatory requirements" as a major impediment to business development. Moreover, many disagree with executive orders President Barack Obama used to reshape workplace rules, adds the NFIB. Specifically, they'd like Trump to rescind a 2015 mandate ordering federal contractors to provide seven days paid sick leave to nearly 300,000 workers starting in 2017. Small-business owners also hope Trump will roll back some environmental rules while also limiting the reach of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which the president-elect has vowed to accomplish. And then there's always Trump's campaign pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and replace it with something else. Targeting taxes. While small business is vexed by government regulations, it is even more anxious about taxes. The 2016 Chicagoland Chamber survey shows that 80 percent of small companies say higher taxes, compounded by a confusing tax structure, are a problem. Trump advocates lowering the business tax rate for all companies, large or small, to 15 percent, from 35 percent. He asserts that having a set rate and eliminating some major corporate tax loopholes (except for research and development), will simplify the taxation process and actually boost federal revenues. Advertisement Right now, sole proprietors, business partners or small-business owners who combine business income with their personal income can pay up to a 40 percent tax rate. A lower tax rate could translate into more company cash, which can be plowed back into a business for new hires, big-ticket items or expansion efforts. Backing infrastructure. Trump's pledge to rebuild the nation's bridges, roads and highways resonates with thousands of Illinois and other heartland-based small-business shops, especially light manufacturers and industrial parts suppliers. Those firms support heavy equipment-makers and the construction companies that would benefit from Trump's plan to spend $1 trillion over 10 years. Tackling trade. Trump's displeasure with the North American Free Trade Agreement, the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and other cross-border deals, is well-documented. Small-business owners may be apprehensive about Trump's tact but hope he'll renegotiate or even forge new trade pacts that will make it easier and less costly to enter and expand into overseas markets. There's over 1 million small businesses in Illinois; the vast majority are one-person shops, while an estimated 280,000 have more than one employee, according to Gaebler.com, an online small-business resource site citing federal data. Of course, there's a long way to go before any of Trump's small-business campaign promises become reality. Even though the Republicans will control the Oval Office and both chambers of Congress next year, pushback will come from Democrats assuming the role of loyal opposition to a Trump presidency. Advertisement It won't stop there. Environmentalists will fight for a strong EPA, corporate lobbyists will try to preserve favored tax loopholes and foreign policymakers will advocate for their interest in global trade pacts. Each of these encounters will, at the very least, challenge Trump's small-business agenda and test his self-proclaimed deal-making chops. Yes, candidate Trump successfully wooed entrepreneurs. Now small business will find if this is a true presidential romance or, as the lyrics of the ageless Cole Porter song of lost love laments, it was just one of those things. roreed@chicagotribune.com Twitter @rreedtribbiz President-elect Donald Trump made the cost of prescription drugs a central part of his healthcare pitch while campaigning but has been silent on the issue since being elected. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Reporting from Washington Donald Trump and his congressional allies are making big plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and overhaul other government health programs. But the president-elect appears to have downgraded plans to act aggressively to control rising drug prices, handing the pharmaceutical industry an early victory and providing another illustration of the influence of lobbyists on the new Trump administration, despite Trump's promise to "drain the swamp" of special interests in Washington. Advertisement Trump, who once made the cost of pharmaceuticals a central part of his campaign health care pitch and included the issue on his campaign website, hasn't mentioned the subject since the election, even though the issue is consistently cited as the top health care problem Americans want to see fixed. And Trump's transition health care agenda makes no mention of drug prices, though it lists six other health care priorities, including restricting abortion, speeding federal approval of new drugs and restructuring Medicare and Medicaid. Advertisement "One of the major issues that Americans say they are concerned about is high health care costs, and a key part of that is prescription drugs. It's a pocketbook issue," said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of the influential AARP. "People are looking to see what the president-elect and his team are ready to do." The Trump transition team did not respond to questions about the new administration's prescription drug agenda. But already the drug industry's allies, including lobbyists and senior elected officials who have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in industry money, are taking on important roles in the transition and in work on the 2017 agenda. Vice President-elect Mike Pence's political career, for example, has long been supported by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co., which is based in his home state of Indiana. The drugmaker, through its political action committee and employees, is Pence's third largest all-time political contributor, according to calculations by the independent Center for Responsive Politics. Pence is now leading the Trump transition. Other key figures in Trump's circle of advisers have included a former executive at drug makers Pfizer and Celgene and the chairman of Williams & Jensen, a leading Washington lobbying firm. According to federal lobbying reports, Williams and Jensen's clients in recent years have included 11 of the world's largest drugmakers, including Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Merck and Bayer. Shares of many pharmaceutical companies' stock rose after Trump's election last week. Advertisement In contrast to his silence on drug prices, Trump displayed little hesitation blasting them when he was campaigning. He railed against the political power of the drug industry, which he said was responsible for blocking Medicare from using its bargaining power to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. "They have a fantastic lobby. They take care of all of the senators, the congressmen," Trump said at a GOP primary debate in Miami in March. Total spending on lobbying in 2015, by health sector Source: Center for Responsive Politics @latimesgraphics Big lobbying Drugmakers historically have spent far more to lobby the federal government than other health sectors. Health services/insurers/HMOs Health professionals (including physician groups) Hospitals and nursing homes Pharmaceutical manufacturing $148,047,76 $93,592,884 $89,928,202 $74,356,196 Trump's campaign platform included a proposal to give Americans greater access to lower-priced, imported drugs, which his campaign said would "bring more options to consumers." Though prescription drugs have historically made up a relatively small share of the nation's total health care bill, prices have risen dramatically, fueled by a combination of expensive new drugs like Sovaldi, a treatment for Hepatitis C, and aggressive price hikes by the makers of existing drugs like EpiPen. In September alone, drug prices shot up 7 percent compared with last year, the sharpest increase in 24 years, according to the Altarum Institute, a nonprofit research and consulting organization. By comparison, overall health care prices were up 2.1 percent. Advertisement The price spikes are stoking public anxiety. Polls consistently show that large majorities of Americans including Democrats and Republicans want the next president and Congress to make drug prices their top health care priority. "Tuesday's election results are a clear indication that people around the country want change, and one issue that came up again and again on the campaign trail is that Americans are tired of skyrocketing drug prices," said John Rother, executive director of the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, a coalition of hospitals, employers, health plans and others. In one recent national survey, more than eight in 10 Americans favored allowing the federal government to negotiate with drug makers to get lower prices on medications for people on Medicare. And more than seven in 10 Americans favor allowing Americans to import less expensive drugs, according to the poll by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. But the pharmaceutical industry has vigorously opposed such steps, calling drug importation unsafe and price negotiation unnecessary. Annualized percentage change in prices, Sept. 2016 Source: Altarum Institute @latimesgraphics Price hikes Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing, far surpassing price increases for other medical services. 1.2 0.2 2.1 7% All healthcare goods and services Prescription drugs Physician and clinical services Hospital care And for years, millions of dollars in campaign contributions to politicians at the federal and state levels have helped drugmakers beat back efforts to increase regulation of their prices. Advertisement In 2016 alone, pharmaceutical companies, through their political action committees and employees, contributed more than $17 million to campaigns, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. And though Trump received relatively little from the industry, senior Republicans in Congress took in hundreds of thousands of dollars each. The top recipients of industry money were House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who received more than $230,000, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, who got more than $225,000. Neither was in a competitive political race this year, but both men figure to play pivotal roles shaping the health care agenda in 2017. Drug prices "are clearly one of the key drivers of health care costs that we need to get our arms around," said Peter Lee, head of Covered California, the state's insurance marketplace, which has pioneered efforts to cap how much consumers must pay for prescriptions. "But it's a very tough issue to address. The pharmaceutical industry is a phenomenally powerful political lobby." In response to questions about potential future regulation, a spokeswoman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, provided a statement from CEO Steve Ubl. Advertisement "We look forward to working with the new administration, as well as members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance pragmatic solutions that enhance the private market, improve patient access to care and foster the development of innovative medicines," Ubl said. Twitter: @noamlevey ALSO Donald Trump wants to replace Obamacare. But it's not that simple. White nationalists' 'man in the White House'? Bannon appointment provokes angry rebukes When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than Obama This Lincoln Park Romanesque Revival mansion is on the market for $8.45 million. (Johnny Burbano/Michelle Trent ) Castles aren't always for royal families and you need not travel to Europe to find them. From the Lincoln Park area to Bridgeport, Chicagoans can live in fairy-tale homes in the heart of the city. Park West, 632 Deming Place Advertisement Listed for $8,450,000 Atop this Romanesque Revival mansion is a castle necessity: a tower. Advertisement Where you'll find it: By block requirement, the home is set back 50 feet from the street, creating a picturesque view of a red-brick mansion on green grass, situated in Park West, within the Lincoln Park Historic District. "It's the best of the city and very much a hidden gem," says Missy Lavender, the current owner. "I know that the next owner of this property is going to 'own it.'" What you'll notice: The whopping 12,623-square-foot foundation allows for convenient spaces like a media room, in-law or nanny apartment, attic gym, dog run and sport court. Details throughout include stained glass, cathedral ceilings and skylights. The main level contains living and dining rooms and a kitchen, office and family room. The second level features a master suite with a stained glass door, sitting area, marble bathroom and oversized dressing room with built-ins. Details, details: A family with young children, the Lavenders turned the third level into what they call the "kids' floor." It contains three bedrooms and a playroom with a bathroom, small refrigerator and closet and a tower. A ladder jets down from a small opening in the middle of a wall painted to resemble a treehouse, which leads to a small getaway nook where "a thousand and one sleepovers" have taken place. Size: 12,623 square feet Year built: 1895 Advertisement Taxes: $37,101.23 in 2015 Schools: Alcott College Prep East Elementary Campus, Lincoln Park High School; Chicago Public Schools Association fees: None Gold Coast, 1400 Astor St. Listed for $4,995,000 Once home to members of the Wrigley and McCormick families, this castlelike listing sheltered some of the most famous Chicago elite. Advertisement Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 16 This Gold Coast castle-like home at 1400 Astor St. is on the market for $4.995 million. (Jim Tschetter) Where you'll find it: In the Gold Coast neighborhood, where there isn't much out of reach. It's roughly a block and a half from Lake Michigan, two blocks south of Lincoln Park and about three blocks from downtown Chicago. The seller, Rebecca Leslie, says the location puts this home above the rest. "It doesn't have the amenities of a condo, but this is a home in one of the best neighborhoods in the country," she says. What you'll notice: Enter through the arched doorway, which was equipped with extra-wide doors to accommodate wide ladies' skirts. Three levels of living space boast details such as mahogany paneling and hardwood floors throughout rooms like the parlor, completely custom kitchen and recreation areas. A terrace atop the third level gives Chicago's rooftop bars a run for their money. Soak in sunshine and city views or find shade under the roofed rotunda. Details, details: Although they aren't utilized today, many of the circa-1800s details remain, from gas lanterns to an old-fashioned clothes dryer. Advertisement "(With) the richness of the history, it takes a unique buyer to be interested in this type of house," says Leslie. "All of the owners have really made a huge effort to retain that historical value and we're ready to pass that on." Size: 10,000 square feet Year built: 1886 Taxes: $86,021 in 2015 Schools: Ogden Elementary School, Lincoln Park High School; Chicago Public Schools Association fees: None Advertisement Bridgeport, 3214 Canal St. Listed for $1,875,000 Nine years ago, Tony and Maria Anaya were building a home that would bring a grand suburban feel to the city. What came of it was a 8,800-square-foot stone mansion with a roof ringed with an Art Institute-inspired balustrade. A 2007-built Bridgeport home currently on the market for $1.875M. Oct. 15, 2016. (VHT Studios) (Chicago Tribune) Where you'll find it: South of downtown, the Bridgeport neighborhood is known for diversity, eclectic cuisine and most of all, its proximity to Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox. "I honestly believe this is a period of time where this (area) should really take off," says Tony Anaya. "We don't have as many bars and little restaurants, but you're so close to Greektown, Taylor Street, the South Loop ... it's a great place for people starting out." What you'll notice: Seven stone steps guide you into this modern home, where a bold bridal staircase confronts guests upon entering the grand foyer. The circular second-floor hallway grants sight lines to the main level, which has traditional rooms. Advertisement Details, details: Like all good castles, the best part is the top. Take the elevator to the third-floor penthouse, where a media area with surround sound opens to a custom bar with built-ins. From there, take a step outside to enjoy city views, a pool and sport court. Size: 8,800 square feet Year built: 2007 Taxes: $15,208 in 2015 Schools: Robert Healy Elementary School, Edward Tilden Community Career Academy; Chicago Public Schools Association fees: None Advertisement smoskop@chicagotribune.com RELATED STORIES: Storied spaces for a half-million or more 3 historic bungalows for under $1 million It'll Cost You: Chicago's premium penthouses will cost you $5 million or so Watch our latest Real Estate videos. Not paying your last months rent and expecting the landlord to use the security deposit can cause a host of problems. (Marco Piunti / iStock) Q: I have been renting an apartment, and my lease will expire at the end of this year. I have taken a job out of the area, and expect to begin my new position right after Thanksgiving. My landlord has a security deposit which is equivalent to one month's rent. Should I pay for December, since I will not be living in the apartment? The landlord will not be hurt, since she can use my security deposit for the rent. Should I discuss the situation with my landlord? A: We have to start any landlord discussion with a review of the lease, which, when signed by both landlord and tenant, becomes a legally binding document. Advertisement Thus, it is important for tenants to thoroughly read, and understand, the lease before signing. Typically, however, it is my experience that most tenants do not bother to review the lease before it is signed. It is only when a problem arises does the lease begin to be scrutinized, and often that is too late. The security deposit is an amount of money generally one month's rent that a tenant gives the landlord upon signing the lease. This deposit which in some jurisdictions must be kept by the landlord in an interest-bearing account is not to be used for the last month's rent. It is used to pay any damage that the tenant may have caused to the property during the tenancy. Advertisement Landlord-tenant laws differ across the country; some are stronger than others. In fact, the landlord-tenant laws in the District of Columbia, where I practice law, are perhaps the most tenant-friendly in the United States. Please note that this article addresses residential tenancies; there are different procedures (and laws) affecting commercial leases. You want your landlord to use your security deposit for the last month's rent. I cannot recommend this under any circumstances. What will happen if the landlord finds damages in your apartment that you caused for instance, your movers put a hole in a wall or your dog ripped a screen door? If your monthly rent is $1,650, your security deposit is the same amount. If it costs the landlord $500 to make the repairs, this leaves the landlord only $1,150 to be applied to your December rent. Thus, your actions may cost the landlord to lose money. Contrary to what a lot of people believe, many landlords are not wealthy individuals, and any monetary loss they incur is significant. You probably believe your landlord will not spend the time or money filing a lawsuit against you for this small amount of money. This may be true. However, the landlord has this right, and one day you may find there is a judgment against you because you failed to appear in court. More significantly, your landlord can create credit problems for you problems that can haunt you for a number of years. The landlord can report your delinquency to credit reporting companies, and any lawsuit that is filed may also be picked up by credit bureaus. It is not a pleasant experience to explain to a banker or a department store, several years after the incident, why you failed to pay your legal rental obligations. I cannot recommend that you skip your last month's payment; it is just not worth the subsequent problems and hassles you may encounter. Also, you should recognize that you may financially hurt another human being. Advertisement I strongly recommend you discuss the situation with your landlord immediately. He or she may be understanding, and may even be willing to give back your security deposit if the property can be rented out right away. The landlord-tenant relationship should be amicable. Communication is a crucial factor in determining whether the arrangement will be friendly or hostile. Benny Kass is a practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., and in Maryland. He does not provide specific legal or financial advice to any reader. Readers may email him, but he cannot guarantee a personal response. mailbag@kmklawyers.com Watch our latest Real Estate videos. U.S. Reps.-elect Brad Schneider of Deerfield and Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg speak Tuesday from the U.S. Capitol. Fifty-four incoming U.S. House members are undergoing orientation to prepare to take office early in January. Nov. 15, 2016. (Katherine Skiba/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) WASHINGTON As protesters opposing Donald Trump ringed the Capitol on Tuesday, three newly elected Democrats from the Chicago area went through orientation and talked about what they expect with the White House and Congress under Republican control. Sen.-elect Tammy Duckworth, who is wrapping up her second House term, said, for now, she is giving President-elect Trump the benefit of the doubt. Advertisement "I always start off from a place where I assume that he loves this country as much as I do," she said. "And if he passes policies that are beneficial to the people of Illinois and the people of our country, such as a massive investment in infrastructure, then I will be there to support him." Newcomer Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth on Nov. 15, 2016 at the U.S Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press via TNS) Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran from Hoffman Estates, defeated Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, of Highland Park, who will depart early next year after almost 10 years in the House and six in the Senate. Advertisement Nationally, there are six new senators: four women, all Democrats, and two men, one Democrat and one Republican. The three-day orientation that began Tuesday is bipartisan and focused on Senate history, culture and floor procedures. Spouses of senators-elect also go through orientation. Duckworth's husband, Bryan Bowlsbey, was suffering from a cold and was to miss a Tuesday night bipartisan dinner for senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Duckworth, who is to be sworn in Jan. 3, said she plans to take the advice of a mentor, Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate. He told her to remember that as a senator she will be serving everyone in Illinois, she said. New Illinois U.S. Rep.-elect Raja Krishnamoorthi, right, and Rep.-elect Brad Schneider pose on the steps of Congress on Nov. 15, 2016 in Washington, D.C. (Oliver Douliery/ Abaca Press via TNS) Also at orientation were incoming House members Brad Schneider, of Deerfield, who defeated incumbent Republican Bob Dold, of Kenilworth, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, who won the open-seat contest to succeed Duckworth in the 8th Congressional District. The two are among 54 new U.S. representatives half Democrats, half from the GOP. A handful of House races remain undecided. Krishnamoorthi, who was born in New Delhi, came to the U.S. as an infant and moved with his family to Peoria while in elementary school. He is the first Indian-American to represent Illinois in the Congress. Schneider took back the 10th Congressional District seat in his third run against Dold. Dold first won against a different Democrat in 2010, lost to Schneider in 2012, then retook the seat from Schneider in 2014. Schneider noted that he first captured the seat the year President Barack Obama won re-election. It was a "celebratory" time and he sought to build on Obama's achievements. This time, Schneider knows the key issues he ran on, including gun control and comprehensive immigration reform, figure to be heavy lifts. Advertisement "I want to fight hard for the values and priorities of my district. I think the presidential election increases the importance of what I'm fighting for," Schneider said. He said he was delighted to be asked by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to give the invocation at a dinner Tuesday for House Democrats. "I'm Jewish, and she knows my faith is important to me," Schneider said. Krishnamoorthi will join at least two other Indian-Americans in the House; the outcome for a fourth, incumbent Democratic Rep. Ami Bera of California, remains unsettled. Sen.-elect Kamala Harris, also a California Democrat, has Jamaican and Indian heritage. Krishnamoorthi said the newcomers are "intrigued" as they try to figure out what issues Trump will champion. Krishnamoorthi said he thinks the first order of business will be toning down the harsh rhetoric of the campaign; the second will be trying to find areas of common ground and build on that. Krishnamoorthi met Obama in the late 1990s at a Chicago reception for lawyers interested in civil rights. Both are Harvard Law graduates, though Obama finished law school the same year Krishnamoorthi graduated from high school, in 1991. Peoria is the home of former Rep. Aaron Schock, a Republican indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Springfield on 24 felony charges. Advertisement "It's an incredible privilege to be a member of the United States Congress and I have to view the whole Aaron Schock episode as a lesson in making sure we remember why we came here and to always respect the rules, the laws, and make sure that we do the people's business and not our own," Krishnamoorthi said. kskiba@chicagotribune.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba Randolphs restaurant scene continues to heat up: Restaurateur Austin Baker (Bar Marta; late of Brendan Sodikoff's Hogsalt group) is gearing up for the likely fall opening of his Sichuan-focused, double-restaurant project. Baker, who visited China while living for years in Bhutan, is excited to bring a sense of playfulness to a cuisine hes deeply interested in. Its complex and interesting, he said during a phone call. Sichuan culture loves to eat. Food is very important and central; they eat everything. We have so many ingredients to play with. Won Fun Chinese and 2Fun Chinese will occupy two different floors, delivering two different experiences. The 60-seat Won Fun will be a lively affair looking onto an open kitchen run by chef Ben Ruiz expect furious noodle-pulling and stir-frying of Chinese-inspired dishes, like foie gras fried rice, dan dan noodles and a Beijing-style duck. Upstairs, the lounge-y 2Fun Chinese will pack in 160 seats in a bar-meets-lounge environment think cocktails, roving dim sum carts and raucous karaoke. Drinks are the focus at 2Fun, with dim sum limited to a menu of 10 to 15 out-of-the-box snacks that go beyond the traditional. Prior to building out the concepts, Baker, Ruiz and general manager Emily Fink spent two days at the Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine, researching Sichuan dishes and cocktails as part of a 10-day research trip to Chengdu, Shanghai and Beijing. "That helped a lot, really learning the recipes we'd be using," he said. "Our menu will be playful, but we want to be true to the flavors of the traditional dish." Take, for instance, Won Fun's kung pao chicken. "We looked at 30 recipes, and in China, it's a dish served with (bone-in chicken). We tweaked our dish but focused on traditional flavors. Is it authentic? No, but the cuisine also leaves room for a lot of variation." Advertisement Another dish Baker is excited about is the Chongqing fried chicken. We fried it American-style double fried but kept all the spices and flavors. Its easy to eat, but our flavors can pass for the real thing, says Baker. We want to preserve culinary traditions, but when things travel halfway around the world, some things get tweaked. But we also have the opportunity to introduce people to interesting flavors. When it comes to 2Fun, Baker is most excited about the selection of baijiu, Chinas most popular spirit (and, based on per capita consumption, the worlds most widely consumed alcoholic beverage), featuring it as both back-bar pours and in cocktails. The baijiu mule ($12) includes the sorghum-based baijiu and ginger beer, while the Shanghai Sky ($12) is a mix of mezcal, baijiu, lemon and Luxardo. The large-format Changbaishan Volcano encourages sharing and is made with rum, brandy, orgeat and citrus. There will also be an oolong island iced tea, boasting oolong tea-infused spirits and popping boba (tapioca pearls), plus 24 beers (both local and Chinese brewers) on tap. Frozen cocktails, Asian whiskey and rum, and organic and biodynamic wines round out the program. The two-restaurant concept takes over the former J.P. Graziano warehouse space, incorporating reclaimed materials from the building. In Won Fun, steel diamond plating and wood beams are now mixed in among red, black and gold colors leather banquettes, lacquered tables and the 12-seat, kitchen-adjacent bar. Meanwhile, the industrial 2Fun will feature a 35-seat central bar, with 13 booths along the spaces perimeter. I didnt want to do fine-dining Chinese, says Baker. Our goal is something lively and loungelike, with fun cocktails. No exact dates have been given, but Baker and his team are still projecting a fall opening for dinner service, with lunch launching at a later date. Won Fun Chinese and 2Fun Chinese, 905 W. Randolph St., www.funfunchinese.com jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com Twitter @joeybear85 In a rematch of last month's battle round, Country Club Hills resident Sa'Rayah faced Georgia contestant Aaron Gibson for a spot in "The Voice" top 11. Sa'Rayah lost the battle again. The 29-year-old, who was on mentor Alicia Keys' team, didn't earn enough viewer votes or the "instant save" from social media users Tuesday to advance in the NBC competition. Advertisement "I am so blessed to have been in your presence and for us to have worked together in this way. You are phenomenal. Your voice is so incredibly gifted," Keys told Sa'Rayah. Sa'Rayah, who grew up in the former Cabrini-Green housing development and has performed under the name Tytiana Nelson, thanked Keys for believing in her. Keys saved her from elimination last week and last month. Advertisement In a battle round last month, Sa'Rayah and Gibson fought to stay on mentor Miley Cyrus' team. Cyrus chose Gibson, but Keys saved Sa'Rayah from going home by adding her to her team. On Monday, Sa'Rayah sang Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" to try to advance to the top 11. She and Gibson earned the fewest viewer votes and performed Tuesday for the "instant save." Sa'Rayah, who is the mother of a young girl, sang Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady." Social media users picked Gibson over Sa'Rayah. The winner of "The Voice" is slated to receive a recording contract. Season 11 of the series airs 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. RELATED STORIES: Watch Country Club Hills singer Sa'Rayah rock Bon Jovi on 'The Voice' Chicago native Sa'Rayah advances to live playoffs on 'The Voice' Which Chicago-area singers did fans elect to advance on 'The Voice?' Advertisement Country Club Hills woman competes on 'The Voice' 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) Phylicia Rashad, as Clair Huxtable, talks on the telephone while Bill Cosby, as Dr. Cliff Huxtable, center, and other cast members of the family sitcom "The Cosby Show," gather around during taping of the final episode in New York in 1992. (Associated Press) ATLANTA Reruns of "The Cosby Show" are returning to television, even as the comedian's sexual assault trial looms next year. Bounce TV announced in social media posts that it will resume airing reruns of the 1980s sitcom on Dec. 19. Atlanta-based Bounce, programmed for black audiences, says it takes the allegations against Cosby "seriously," but says its research shows African-Americans "see a distinction between Bill Cosby, the man, and the iconic TV character Cliff Huxtable." Advertisement The announcement has drawn criticism from some, including Judd Apatow. The director and producer tweeted Tuesday, "Presenting a violent rapist to viewers like he is a lovable dad is inappropriate." In July 2015, Bounce pulled reruns of the comedian's CBS sitcom "Cosby." Other networks including TV Land and Centric dropped "The Cosby Show" after the sexual assault allegations began in 2014. Advertisement The 79-year-old Cosby has pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charge in Pennsylvania, where he is scheduled to go on trial by June. He has also denied some of the allegations of unwanted sexual contact from dozens of other women. Associated Press RELATED STORIES: Bill Cosby's lawyers say comedian is too blind to defend himself Bill Cosby could get trial date at evidence hearing Tuesday Cosby hearing still on after appeals court rejects delay Cosby spends millions as lawsuits, criminal case rage on Watch the latest movie trailers. Kids need humidifiers that match their needs and size. Those using expelling cool mist are the safest, as they don't pose the risk of steam burns, experts agree. This owl-shaped cool-mist humidifier from Crane promises to "provide relief for cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, stuffy noses, dry itchy skin and chapped lips." $44.99, www.homedepot.com. (Home Depot) At about this time of the year, you halfheartedly crank up the heat in your home. You welcome the warmth but cringe at the prospect of feeling your body reaching the dehydration level of a potato chip. Advertisement A humidifier can turn that scenario around by infusing moisture back into the air and bringing relief to chapped lips, flaky skin and even flulike symptoms. "The wonder of humidifiers is that there's something out there for everyone," says Lynne Hammell, at Kaz, maker of Honeywell humidifiers. She and Stephanie LaGrotta Martinez, associate merchant at The Home Depot, dished out advice on making humidifier shopping a breeze. Advertisement For whole home humidification, Stephanie LaGrotta Martinez, associate merchant at The Home Depot, advises clients to opt for evaporative humidifiers that use filters and wicks. Her Aircare digital whole-house pedestal-style comes with a remote control and a convenient side pour-in door. $138.99, www.homedepot.com. (The Home Depot) Think square-foot coverage. The rule of thumb is that the size of your appliance should match the size of the room. A voluminous humidifier in your child's room, for instance, might cause more harm than good. "When it comes to humidity, the sweet spot is between 40 and 60 percent," Hammell explains. "If it's higher, you'll notice it: condensation on the windows, the wallpaper peeling a bit for those who have it." Convenience factor. While portable humidifiers with water filters solve the problem of over-humidification, most people don't want deal with the hassle of replacing that filter. Enter the ultrasonic models, which expel fine water mist using high-frequency sound vibrations. No extra steps required. Ultrasonic humidifiers are ideal for for personal use in a single room such as a bedroom, says Stephanie LaGrotta Martinez, associate merchant at The Home Depot. This model from Air Innovations runs up to 70 hours on low setting and is equipped with a digital LED display, mist settings, plus a built-in humidistat. Cool Mist Ultrasonic Digital Humidifier, $59.97, www.homedepot.com. (The Home Depot) With a gallon-tank capacity, Martinez says, these units are ideal for a single room, such as a bedroom. For good ultrasonic options, Martinez points clients to brands like Air Innovations, Hunter, Crane and Vornado. Go big or go home. A well-humidified house might feel like a combo between a breath of fresh air and a hug. As Martinez puts it, "it makes for a comfortable home setting." When you decide to extend that sense of coziness throughout your entire home, invest in a whole-house appliance. The $138.99 Aircare Digital Whole-House Pedestal-Style Evaporative Humidifier has a coverage up to 2,400 square feet and a convenient side pour-in door. Designed for homes from 2,700 square feet. to 4,500 square feet, this humidifier mounts directly to your furnace. It requires less maintenance and cleaning than portable units. It also promises to "optimize water usage to save money on heating and cooling bills." Honeywell Powered Flow-Through Whole House Humidifier, $238, www.homedepot.com. (Home Depot) Other whole-house appliances mount directly to your furnace, working with the heating system to replenish moisture. Behind their whopping price tag up to $700 for some brands there are several boons. For one, they can prevent the wood floor you paid a fortune for from drying and cracking. Plus, the nice warming effect allows you to lower the temperature on the thermostat, which will result in energy savings. Cool mist versus warm mist. Both warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers will get the job done, says Hammell. The first type boils the water to emit a cooled steam, while the second one uses a fan to blow moisture. "It's just a matter of personal preferences." When it comes to kids, though, most experts favor the cool mist. The Mayo Clinic warns that warm-mist devices pose the threat of steam burns for little ones. Advertisement Lynne Hammell, marketing director at Kaz, makers of Honeywell humidifiers, explains the science behind this device that she owns: "It cant over humidify the room and also theres paper wick that traps the minerals in the water and prevent them from getting into the air." Honeywell Cool Moisture Germ-Free Humidification, $75.95, www.honeywellstore.com. (Honeywell) On the flip side, cool-mist humidifiers can disperse white dust calcium deposits from hard water. The United States Department of Labor says "the main hazard of exposure to mineral dust is pneumoconiosis, a general term for disease of the lungs caused by dusts," but there are simple ways to counteract this issue. Regularly clean the tank and use distilled or purified water, which is lower in mineral content than tap water. Anti-microbial features. Want to up your germ-fighting game? Opt for a humidifier with anti-microbial features like the Honeywell Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier that Hammell owns. Earlier this year, Consumer Reports ranked this model second out of 34 tested for their efficiency at inhibiting bacterial growth in the tank and for not emitting bacteria into the air. Adjustable fan speeds or a humidistat are other features worth purchasing, Martinez adds. Also pretty handy: the automatic shut-off feature. "This will help prolong the life of the motor." Keeping the humidity in check might help shield you from the germs in your house or office. "It actually helps reduce the survival of the flu virus on surfaces and in the air," says Hammell. Andreea Ciulac is a freelance writer. RELATED STORIES: How to buy a refrigerator 7 ways to conceal or reveal your TV Advertisement Five ways to update vintage pieces Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 The Lolla Bootie from Sorel for women is crafted with waterproof leather (for light rain) and stylized with cutouts and a two-tone stacked heel, providing comfort and style for spring and summer and obviously for Lollapalooza, it's in the name), $160 www.sorel.com (Sorel) Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 9 A West Loop condo situated at 659 Randolph St. Unit 614 is currently on the market for $462,900. (Rick Knoell / VHT Studios) Nose-art artist Vernon Drake, whose work is on the left, believed he received fewer missions over the dangerous Burmese Hump, so that he could continue to paint planes. Ive often thought that perhaps these girls I painted on the airplanes saved my life, he said. (Kevin Revolinski / Chicago Tribune) OSHKOSH, Wis. Artwork on an unconventional canvas World War II combat planes is the subject of a new exhibit at an aviation museum about 90 miles north of Milwaukee. Large aluminum panels, cut from their original warplanes, show colorful cartoons, clever names and pinup girls in the temporary display at the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. The collection of 34 pieces of "nose art" from Dallas-based Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest of its kind. It's on loan at the hangar-turned-museum until at least August 2017. Advertisement Originally a way for pilots to identify whom they were flying with, plane marking became more personalized during World War II. While the Army Air Forces initially frowned on the practice, the plane graffiti became accepted as a morale booster. Creative pilots, crew members and cooks took up the brush and enamel; even Walt Disney offered his illustrators as designers. The artwork for Target for Tonight, painted by Eddy Saville, a tail gunner on this plane, was inspired by the swing tune Wine, Women and Song. (Kevin Revolinski / Chicago Tribune) All of the featured panels are from B-17 and B-24 bombers that were headed for the scrap yard. Minot Pratt, a scrap yard manager with a penchant for pinups, had his workers preserve the best nose art. Years later, he gave the panels to CAF, which is in the midst of building a new museum for its collections. It's targeted to open in 2020. Advertisement Some paintings mimic the style or actual pieces of famed pinup girl painter Alberto Vargas. A few of the creations deemed too risque are sequestered in a separate area, so parents can decide on their suitability for younger eyes. The double-entendres, bravado and pride reflected in the nose art speak to the intimate bond the crews had with their planes. Young men, some not even in their 20s, put their lives into those aircraft, climbing 25,000 feet over enemy territory, sometimes on daylight missions or over "The Hump" of the Himalayas. Forever Amber is based on a character in a racy 1940s American novel and is influenced by the pinup girls of artist Alberto Vargas. (Kevin Revolinski / Chicago Tribune) It's a veteran-based art show that tells a story. "We are lucky to have it," curator Zack Baughman said. "Once it goes back to Dallas, it will never travel again." Admission to the museum, 3000 Poberezny Road, is free for EAA members, $12.50 for adults; 920-426-4800, www.eaa.org/eaa-museum. Kevin Revolinski is a freelancer. RELATED STORIES: Fake service animals and why airline passengers are upset 'No Vacancy' signs are vanishing from America's highways Advertisement Canada's capital goes from old to bold with Ottawa 2017 Actor Shia LaBeouf in his booking mug after his arrest at a Walgreens on Michigan Avenue in Chicago in 2007. (Chicago Police Department) They say that a criminal always returns to the scene of his crime. And Hollywood star and artist Shia LaBeouf came dangerously close to that Tuesday, when he was spotted at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art just a couple of hundred feet from the Michigan Avenue Walgreens where he was famously arrested for trespassing in an embarrassing scene nearly a decade ago. Advertisement A source says LaBeouf, 30, visited the museum alone and seemed to enjoy the show by video artist Diana Thater and the "Witness" exhibition. LaBeouf was in town to promote his latest movie, "Man Down," and to attend a screening. He could not be reached via his publicist Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement But his burgeoning interest in art means the visit to a spot near his November 2007 arrest was likely a coincidence. A chastened LaBeouf in 2008 told Empire magazine after the charge was dropped that he "was in the middle of a strange mind state" when he was arrested for refusing to leave the store and that "there are lessons in life I need to learn, and I'm learning all of them in front of the public." Other lessons LaBeouf has had to learn in public since then include repeated allegations of plagiarism. Thater might want to check out his next work. kjanssen@chicagotribune.com Twitter @kimjnews *M*ake what you will of this. In the modern era of partisan polarization, which can be dated back to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, only the presid... Former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock appears March 6, 2019 after his scheduled hearing at the U.S. Dirksen Courthouse in Chicago. Federal prosecutors have agreed to drop all charges against him if he pays back money he owes to the Internal Revenue Service and his campaign fund. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) WASHINGTON Attorneys for ex-Rep. Aaron Schock asked a federal judge on Tuesday to postpone Schock's first court appearance in Springfield until mid-December, saying the Peoria Republican was preparing for "another international business trip." Schock, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on 24 felony counts and was to be arraigned Nov. 21. He is accused of crimes including theft of government funds, fraud, making false statements and filing false tax returns. Advertisement The case is before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough in Springfield. In asking for a delay, Schock's attorneys asked that his arraignment be shifted to Dec. 12-15 and noted federal prosecutors did not object to rescheduling the proceeding. Advertisement The original date also posed a conflict for Schock's lawyers, the motion said. kskiba@chicagotribune.com Twitter @KatherineSkiba Kamel Harris, of Rockford, was acquitted on charges of first-degree murder, felony concealment of a homicidal death and felony dismemberment of a human body in the death of Kyrian Knox, 2. (Cook County sheriff's office) A Rockford baby-sitter, allegedly enraged by the difficulty and expense of caring for a 2-year-old boy, killed the child, then cut up his body and tossed it in a lagoon on Chicago's West Side because he thought no one would be able to identify the corpse, Cook County prosecutors said Wednesday. Prosecutors said Kamel Harris told others he had "snapped" and killed Kyrian Knox, whose mother a friend of Harris' daughter had placed the boy with Harris and his girlfriend for a few weeks as she arranged to move to Iowa in 2015. They did not specify how the child was slain. Advertisement Police have said Harris killed the boy after the lactose-intolerant child was fed milk and cried for an afternoon. Prosecutors said Harris confessed to another person that he was angry Kyrian's mother hadn't given him enough money. Harris had been baby-sitting Kyrian for less than two weeks, authorities said. A judge ordered Harris, 41, held without bail on charges of first-degree murder, concealment of a homicidal death and dismemberment of a human being. Advertisement Kyrian's family, some of them in tears, left the Leighton Criminal Court Building without speaking to reporters. The boy's mom and Harris' daughter had left their two sons with Harris and his girlfriend in Rockford on Aug. 19, but Harris stopped responding to calls or texts the first week of September. But around Aug. 31, prosecutors said, Harris made a chilling phone call to another person. Harris "said that he had (expletive) up something terrible happened," said Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini. That same day, Santini said, Harris wrapped up the boy's body and put it in the back seat of a borrowed 1996 Chevrolet Camaro. He drove to Chicago, dismembered the boy's body and wrapped the pieces in plastic bags that he tied to barbells and tossed into the Garfield Park lagoon, Santini said. An Illinois State Toll Highway Authority camera captured the Camaro driving into the Chicago area at 6 p.m. Aug. 31. Police later found drops of Kyrian's blood on the Camaro's carpeting. Five days later, a caller dialed 911 after spotting the boy's left foot severed just above the ankle floating in the lagoon. Chicago police then found the boy's left and right hand in the water, Santini said. Police also found plastic bags which had split open that were knotted through the center of barbells. Authorities drained the lagoon and searched the bottom, finding another plastic bag tied to a barbell that contained the boy's head. After the killing, Harris told someone "he snapped, and the next thing he knew the little boy was on the ground and not responding," Santini said. He told the person he didn't think the body could be identified without its head and that the other parts would decompose so no fingerprints could be taken, according to the prosecutor. Advertisement Harris allegedly admitted to a second person "that he had killed a little boy named Kyrian that he just snapped and the boy was dead," Santini said. In that statement allegedly overheard by a third person Harris also admitted he dumped the child's body in Chicago so it couldn't be linked to him, the prosecutor said. Police have said Harris, who grew up in Chicago, has family living near the West Side lagoon. Harris spoke of threatening witnesses and directed family members to threaten witnesses he thought would incriminate him, Santini said. Chicago police hold a news conference in Garfield Park in Chicago on Nov. 15, 2016, to announce an arrest in the death of 2-year-old Kyrian Knox, whose body parts were found in the park's lagoon. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > On Sept. 17, the same day Kyrian's mother reached Harris' girlfriend and said she was looking for Harris and her son, Harris falsely reported that Kyrian was missing, Santini said. Harris later told police he had given Kyrian to people he thought were friends of the boy's mother. He also told police that the child had never been inside the Camaro. On Monday, Harris was brought to Chicago from the Winnebago County Jail, where he was in custody for aggravated battery of a Department of Children and Family Services worker from an unrelated incident that occurred after Kyrian's killing. Advertisement He was charged Tuesday with Kyrian's killing and placed in a one-person cell, according to an arrest report. Police have said he asked for a lawyer and did not cooperate with investigators. "Not only is this an alleged murder of a 2-year-old child," said Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil, who called Harris a danger "to himself and society" before ordering him held without bail, "but there's the concealment ... the lengths you went to do that." sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Twitter @steveschmadeke Two inmates were injured early Wednesday after they got into a fight in a maximum security division of Cook County Jail and one of them set fire to sheets and paper outside their cell, officials said. Jail staff extinguished the blaze in Division 9 by the time Chicago Fire Department crews arrived and the two inmates were taken to Mount Sinai and Stroger hospitals, according to Cara Smith, chief strategy officer for the sheriff's office. She said the inmates had been in a fight shortly after midnight, with a 30-year-old man held on an habitual offender charge, suffering a puncture wound, apparently from a pen. The other inmate, a 21-year-old held on a murder charge, appeared to have been punched in the face, she said. One of the inmates threw a torn bedsheet and paper from the cell and set the small pile on fire, the sheriff's office said in a news release. A lighter was found on one of the inmates, Smith said. Advertisement When deputies opened the cell, they found the two inmates had been fighting. Jason Van Dyke approaches the bench as his case is called for a status hearing Nov. 2, 2016, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) The special prosecutor assigned to investigate a possible cover-up by Chicago police in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald said in court Wednesday that a special grand jury has been impaneled to hear evidence in the case. Patricia Brown Holmes, the special prosecutor, said the special grand jury will begin issuing subpoenas over the next 30 to 45 days. She did not disclose if the grand jury has heard any evidence yet, but she said she will file documents under seal on Thursday with Leroy Martin Jr., the presiding judge at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Advertisement During the brief hearing before Martin, Holmes said the special grand jury is made up of 26 people 16 grand jurors and 10 alternates. Martin named Holmes to look into whether officers lied to justify the October 2014 shooting of 17-year-old McDonald. Holmes' investigation also could extend to police supervisors, according to lawyers who sought the appointment of a special prosecutor. Advertisement A dashboard camera video of the shooting showed Officer Jason Van Dyke opening fire within seconds of exiting his police SUV as McDonald walked away with a knife in his hand, contradicting many of the officers' written accounts that the teen had lunged at police with the knife. Van Dyke is awaiting trial on first-degree murder charges. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson recently moved to fire Van Dyke, three other patrol officers and a sergeant he accused of lying about the shooting. Grand jury proceedings are kept secret by law. Grand jurors can ask questions and help steer the investigation, but the prosecutor typically still plays a key role in who, if anyone, would be indicted. Holmes has said the investigation could last anywhere from weeks to months before the grand jury decides whether to indict any officers or not. In February, a coalition of about 25 community groups, prominent attorneys and a member of McDonald's family filed a petition asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate not only McDonald's shooting but also the officers at the scene. State's Attorney Anita Alvarez opposed a special prosecutor during her hard-fought re-election effort earlier this year, but after her primary loss, she withdrew her opposition. Judge Vincent Gaughan, who is overseeing the criminal case against Van Dyke, appointed Kane County State's Attorney Joseph McMahon as a separate special prosecutor to handle the prosecution of Van Dyke. sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com Advertisement Twitter @SteveSchmadeke At least four people were injured after a police chase involving a homicide suspect ended in a crash at 87th Street and Ashland Avenue in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Charges have been filed against a Marquette Park man who led police on a 3-mile chase that ended with a crash and several people injured, authorities said Wednesday. Police say Jermaine Douglas, 25, was driving a car that matched the description of a vehicle sought in a homicide in west suburban Brookfield. The officers pulled the car over in the 1700 block of West 65th Street about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, but Douglas drove off, police said. Officers followed him to 87th Street and Ashland Avenue, where Douglas crashed into several other vehicles, police said. Douglas was arrested and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. A handgun was recovered at the scene, police said. Four other people, including a child, were also taken to hospitals. One was in serious-to-critical condition, Chicago Fire Department officials said. Quesola Mimms had just gotten a new job at a Chicago factory. But when the big first day came, she didn't show. She left the home she shared with her mother on Sept. 21, a few days before she was to report for her first shift, a family spokesman said. She wasn't heard from again. Then on Sept. 23, a severed head was found in a plastic bag in the McKinley Park lagoon, at South Damen Avenue and West 37th Street. On Wednesday, the Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed what her family had long suspected: It was Mimms. Quesola Mimms in a 2011 photo taken for a Tribune story when she was a Dyett High School student. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Mimms, 20, of the 700 block of East 105th Place, was identified about two months after a maintenance worker discovered the bag as he was cleaning the lagoon. Mimms was a young mother who left behind an 18-month-old daughter, said her grandmother, Dorothy Mimms. "Well, we're doing as best as we can," she said Wednesday. She described her granddaughter as outgoing and religious, of the Baptist faith. "She was kind, she loved people," Dorothy Mimms said. Community activist Andrew Holmes, who lost his own daughter to violence, said the family can't fathom how or why someone would do this to the vivacious girl. "That's what they're doing now, just trying to work with detectives to look at social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram anything they can find. They're trying to work with her friends to determine anyone she would've had a problem with," he said. In September, days after the discovery was made, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said divers from the police marine unit planned "grid searches" in the lagoon, similar to the search in September 2015 for the remains of 2-year-old Kyrian Knox, whose dismembered body was found in the Garfield Park lagoon on the West Side. City workers drained the lagoon in an attempt to ensure no other human remains had been dumped there, Guglielmi said at the time. The rest of Mimms' body has not been recovered, officials said. A Park Forest man has been arrested in Minnesota in connection with a killing last month in the southwest suburb, according to authorities and court records. Josiah A. Clark, 34, was arrested Nov. 2 in Minneapolis after a warrant was issued Oct. 31 for his arrest in the Oct. 28 killing of Jason McCullough, 39, according to court and police records. Advertisement The FBI and local police arrested Clark in Minneapolis, according to authorities, and he was booked into Hennepin County Jail on Nov. 2, according to records. Also arrested in Minneapolis at the same time was Imanee Davis, 18, of Park Forest, according to Minneapolis police. Records show Davis was charged in a Nov. 4 warrant with felony aiding a fugitive. Advertisement Park Forest police had sought Clark in the killing of McCullough at his home in the 200 block of Arcadia Street in the southwest suburb. Police had been called to the home about 5:45 p.m. Oct. 29 and found McCullough "suffering from at least one gunshot wound and showing no signs of life," according to a release at the time. An autopsy later showed McCullough died of multiple gunshot wounds. Initial investigation indicated the killing took place following a dispute between two people who knew each other, police said at the time. Police announced soon after the killing that they were searching for one suspect who was no longer believed to be in the area. Park Forest police did not immediately respond to inquiries about Clark. Clark is being held in lieu of $2 million bail in Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis. It's not clear when he might be extradited to Cook County, but he is due in Hennepin County Court on Dec. 7. Davis has already been released to Illinois authorities, according to jail records. Bruce Rauner did not attend the Republican National Convention and did not endorse Donald Trump as the party's nominee. (AFP/Getty Images, left; Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) SPRINGFIELD Gov. Bruce Rauner still isn't uttering Donald Trump's name in public, but the governor did drop this nugget on Wednesday: He spoke to the president-elect for the first time late last week. The Republican governor told a group of business owners gathered in Springfield to discuss his stalled economic agenda that he spoke with Trump on Friday and is confident Illinois would have a strong voice in Washington. Advertisement "I've had some good conversations with the new administration in Washington because I want to try to figure out if we can work together, because I want Illinois to benefit from the changes coming," Rauner said. "I talked with the president-elect last Friday afternoon. We talked about working together. It was a good, good, positive conversation. I had never spoken with him before," Rauner said. "Two of his most senior folks in his administration are good personal friends of mine, and allies of mine in politics, so we're going to have a voice and a good relationship." Advertisement Afterward, Rauner aides declined to name the two people the governor was talking about or to provide more details about what was said between the two, including how the meeting came to be. Rauner has two allies with Trump ties. Ronald Gidwitz, a businessman, entrepreneur and mainstay of Republican politics, previously chaired Rauner's campaign before leading fundraising efforts in Illinois for Trump. Nick Ayers, who ran Rauner's successful 2014 bid for office, headed Vice President-elect Mike Pence's campaign. Rauner has spent the better part of the past year avoiding saying Trump's name out loud, a political calculation designed to not rock the boat as the governor poured tens of millions of dollars into state legislative races as he works to chip away at the Democratic majority in the legislature. The governor didn't want to be seen as embracing the controversial Trump lest he alienate moderate voters who did not support the businessman and onetime reality TV star, but Rauner also didn't want to speak out against him and invoke Trump's wrath, or anger his fervent supporters. That didn't stop a Democratic super political action committee from airing millions of dollars in TV ads tying Rauner to Trump using a sound bite in which the governor said he would support whoever the Republican nominee for president ended up being. It's a fine line Rauner will have to continue to walk as Trump takes office and the governor prepares for a 2018 re-election campaign. Since Trump's election last week, Rauner has used the terms the "Trump administration" or "president-elect." Asked last week if he would spend the next two years avoiding saying the name "Donald Trump," Rauner laughed. On Wednesday, Rauner said he was particularly hopeful about the prospects of revitalizing the state's manufacturing sector under Trump, saying "I believe they are committed to doing that and, boy, am I with them." Rauner has pushed strongly for changes to the state's workers' compensation system for employees hurt on the job, contending that high costs have hurt Illinois' manufacturers. He wants tougher standards for workers to prove they were hurt on the job, tying those changes and others to a sweeping budget deal that also likely would include big cuts and tax increases. Democrats have opposed Rauner's economic agenda, saying it would hurt working families and should be considered separately from the budget. Advertisement mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com Twitter @moniquegarcia Mayor Rahm Emanuel presents his 2017 budget to the Chicago City Council Tuesday Oct. 11, 2016 at City Hall. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Topspin The Chicago City Council on Wednesday will take up Mayor Rahm Emanuel's $8.2 billion budget, with only a handful of aldermen at most expected to oppose it. Advertisement That's because aldermen already did the heavy lifting in September, when they approved a new tax on city water and sewer service that will top 30 percent once it's fully phased in after four years. The $239 million it is expected to raise will be used to help increase contributions to the city's pension funds for municipal workers. The budget includes a 7-cent fee for each store-provided disposable bag, adds hundreds of new parking meters and raises parking fees at city airports. It also calls for adding 545 new cops to the Chicago Police Department's ranks next year, spending $36 million over three years to expand teenage mentoring programs, and lending $100 million during that same period to neighborhood businesses and projects through a new Community Catalyst Fund. Advertisement Other fee increases include so-called surge pricing to $4 from $2 at 820 parking meters near Wrigley Field starting two hours before a game or event. Plans to do the same at 670 parking meters near Soldier Field were put on hold so that 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell can have further talks with local businesses. The Emanuel administration plans to add 685 parking meters -- 460 in the Loop and surrounding business district, plus 225 in the neighborhoods to raise $5.4 million to partly offset the $12 million the city pays each year to Chicago Parking Meters LLC for meters that are out of service. And drivers also would pay to use commercial loading zones with hourly parking rates set at $14 downtown and in two nearby wards. Once fully in place, the administration expects to collect $13 million to $18 million a year. But the big impact to taxpayers will come in the form of property taxes. As a result of a vote taken last year, city property taxes will go up by $109 million next year, with the revenue going into the pension funds for police and firefighters, and Chicago Public Schools property taxes will increase by $245 million, with most of that money going into the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund. (Hal Dardick) What's on tap *Mayor Rahm Emanuel will preside over the Chicago City Council meeting. He's scheduled to take reporters' questions afterward. *Gov. Bruce Rauner will again meet with legislative leaders at the Capitol. That's at 9 a.m. Then he's out at a business event in Springfield at 10:30 a.m. *The General Assembly continues the fall session. The Senate could take up a Rauner veto of a measure aimed at making voter registration automatic in Illinois. There weren't enough Democrats in town on Tuesday to hold the vote. What we're writing *Taxpayer-funded business group will pay for Emanuel's Rome trip to see Cupich made cardinal. *Madigan stays the course despite loss of four House seats: No Rauner agenda items as part of budget talks. Advertisement *Rauner-appointed labor board rules administration, AFSCME at impasse. *Cook County Board approves Preckwinkle's budget, which relies on new soda pop tax money. *"Fast Eddie" Vrdolyak indicated again, this time on tobacco tax settlement rap. *SOS Jesse White rolls out new Lincoln-inspired license plate design. *Illinois' newly elected Democrats get tour of GOP-led Congres they'll be joining. *Aaron Schock attorneys ask judge to postpone first court date to next month. Advertisement *UIC students, who helped get March Trump rally cancelled, rally against his election as president. What we're reading *As Chicago crime surges, South Loop, other neighborhoods caught in its grip. *Sen. Dick Durbin faces Senate Democratic leadership election today. *Which movie franchise will run out of steam first: Star Wars or Harry Potter? From the notebook *Race issue resurfaces at County Board meeting: Debate over a Cook County budget amendment to take more than $700,000 in funding from Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown and give it to the public defender's office took a turn into the issue of race Tuesday. Advertisement Speaking in opposition, Commissioner Richard Boykin noted that Brown is African-American, triggering a heated response from Commissioner John Fritchey. (A few months ago, the two commissioners clashed when Boykin suggested that Fritchey's backing of the successful referendum to merge the recorder of deed's office, held by an African-American, into the clerk's office was racially motivated.) On Tuesday, Fritchey called out Boykin on the floor, saying he was "offended" and Boykin should not inject race into the issue, prompting Boykin to respond: "I did not mention his name, but if the shoe fits, wear it." Finance Committee Chairman John Daley, D-Chicago, urged commissioners to move on, and Commissioner Larry Suffredin, D-Evanston, said the issue was about providing more money for the public defender to hire investigators. He said the aim of the amendment was to reduce "phenomenal redundancy and waste" in Brown's office. Last week, Brown won election to a fifth term despite a federal investigation into her office for the potential "purchasing of jobs and promotions." Commissioner Peter Silvestri, R-Elmwood Park, who earlier this year abandoned a move to make Brown's post appointed when faced with racial allegations, decried the further mention of race on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, this conversation has delved into an unacceptable place," Silvestri said. Advertisement The amendment to take money from Brown's office failed, with five voting in favor and nine against. (Hal Dardick) Follow the money *Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here. Beyond Chicago *Trump staff shake-up slows presidential transition. *Speaker Ryan will continue in job despite talk of revolt. *Obama warns against "crude sort of nationalism" taking root in U.S. Advertisement *McCain strikes back on Trump thawing relations with Russia. From left, Chris Kennedy, former Gov. Pat Quinn, venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker and state Sen. Kwame Raoul are among Democrats who could challenge Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018. (Chicago Tribune photos) U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin ruled himself out of the 2018 Illinois governor's race after keeping his Washington leadership post on Wednesday, leaving Illinois Democrats in a quandary as they look for someone to challenge Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. "I kept telling people of Illinois, I've got a pretty important job working in the United States Senate in the No. 2 Democratic position," said Durbin, who has been Senate whip for his party since 2005. "It was interesting to me that the day after the (Nov. 8) election, many of them came up to me and said, 'Stay in the Senate. We need you.'" Advertisement Durbin was the most buzzed-about potential Rauner challenger at July's Democratic National Convention, doing little then to quell the speculation. Since then, though, Durbin had been more dismissive of the idea, saying he was focused in Washington, where he hoped Democrats could take back the Senate from Republicans. That didn't happen, but Durbin survived talk of a challenge for his leadership position as Senate Democrats reorganized with the pending retirement of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Durbin's decision leaves a wide-open race back home as Democrats look to defeat Rauner, the first-term Republican who previously has said he would seek re-election in two years. Advertisement U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., appears, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Lauren Victoria Burke / AP) The former private equity investor has spent tens of millions of dollars on his successful 2014 bid for governor and on this year's attempt to take away state House and Senate seats from Democrats. That could put a premium on a wealthy Democrat who could help fund his or her own bid, which some Democrats say could cost at least $40 million. The party estimates Rauner and his deep-pocketed allies could spend as much as $100 million. At this early point, the Democratic field is in the name-floating stage. Before the July convention, political operatives pushed the idea of a run by Chris Kennedy, son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and former chairman of the University of Illinois board of trustees. Addressing the Illinois delegation in July, Kennedy delivered a speech critical of Rauner. But afterward, Kennedy fled reporters questioning him about his potential interest in running for governor. Kennedy's name has been mentioned in the past for U.S. House, U.S. Senate and governor. The name of J.B. Pritzker, a venture capitalist and co-founder and managing partner of the Pritzker Group, came up in a Wednesday Chicago Sun-Times bold-names column. A wealthy heir of the family that founded the Hyatt Hotel chain and a major Democratic donor, Pritzker did not respond to email for comment. But multiple prominent Democrats, at the state Capitol for the legislature's fall session, said they were unaware of any interest by Pritzker, whose lone bid for office was a third-place finish in a 1998 primary bid for Congress. In Springfield, talk has centered on a handful of names at this early point. As usual, there have been discussions about Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who last time ruled out a bid because her powerful father, Michael Madigan, remains the House speaker. "I feel strongly that the state would not be well served by having a governor and speaker of the House from the same family and have never planned to run for governor if that would be the case," Lisa Madigan said in a July 2013 statement. "With Speaker Madigan planning to continue in office, I will not run for governor." Since then, Rauner's Republicans have made a multimillion-dollar push to tarnish Michael Madigan's image in hundreds of commercials on behalf of GOP legislative candidates. That certainly doesn't help a Lisa Madigan bid, some Democrats say privately. In addition, there's no sign that Michael Madigan is leaving his legislative post anytime soon. To do so would look to Democratic allies as if he'd thrown in the towel against Rauner. Advertisement Beyond that, first-term Democratic state Treasurer Michael Frerichs of Champaign may be eyeing a bid, although his name recognition among voters is still somewhat low, some Democrats say. Some state lawmakers also may be looking at the nomination, Democrats said. They include state Sens. Kwame Raoul of Chicago and Daniel Biss of Evanston. Raoul won re-election this month, and his Senate seat is not on the ballot in 2018. Biss, who orchestrated a multimillion-dollar federal super political action committee that worked to link Rauner to President-elect Donald Trump, would have to give up his Senate seat, which is up next election. Also potentially looking at a bid is former Gov. Pat Quinn, whom Rauner vanquished in 2014. Quinn has been working to keep himself in the public eye by proposing ballot initiatives that include term limits for the Chicago mayor. But several leading Democrats are not enthused about the prospect of a return bid by Quinn. As for Durbin, the 71-year-old from Springfield won a fourth six-year term in the Senate in 2014. If he chooses to run for a fifth term, the election would be in 2020. A native of East St. Louis, Durbin was elected to the U.S. House in 1982 and served seven terms before winning election to the Senate in 1996. He is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and the Georgetown University Law Center. He cut his teeth on Capitol Hill as an intern in the office of Sen. Paul Douglas of Illinois. Another early job was as legal counsel to then-Illinois Lt. Gov. Paul Simon in the late 1960s and early '70s. Advertisement Durbin has been the party whip for U.S. Senate Democrats both when his party was in the majority and, as it is now, in the minority. He will work under Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., the next Senate minority leader. After eight years of working with President Barack Obama, a close Durbin ally, Democratic senators are girding for the upcoming Trump administration. Durbin's protege is Sen.-elect Tammy Duckworth, the U.S. representative from Hoffman Estates who on Nov. 8 captured the seat held by the state's junior senator, Republican Mark Kirk of Highland Park. rap30@aol.com kskiba@chicagotribune.com Mayor Rahm Emanuel listens to aldermen speak after he addressed the Chicago City Council about his budget on Nov. 16, 2016. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) Aldermen had just gotten done Wednesday voting 48-0 to approve a new budget when Mayor Rahm Emanuel started a round of back-patting from the dais in City Council chambers. "You can say Chicago tomorrow is better because of the work you have done over the last five years," Emanuel told aldermen. Advertisement At one point, the mayor even went so far as to say they had "fixed" Chicago's financial woes, before quickly dialing back that assessment to Chicago merely being "on the right path." Rarely one to remain silent on such occasions, Ald. Ed Burke, a longtime City Hall power broker, ladled out some praise. Advertisement "I'm even seeing smiles on the faces of my colleagues, which makes us feel very, very confident not only that this is not only a good budget, but that it is looking very, very good for Chicago's future," said Burke, 14th, an alderman since 1969, just before the vote. "Things are indeed looking up." Left unsaid during all of this optimism? The average family will pay nearly $1,700 more a year to the city and Chicago Public Schools than they did before the mayor took office in 2011 once all of Emanuel's tax and fee increases take full effect. There's been a series of property tax hikes. There was a water and sewer rate increase, plus a new tax on top of that. Not to mention a new garbage hauling fee, 911 phone tax hike, vehicle sticker fee increase and a tax on cable television. Even with all of that, taxpayers may be asked for more money in the coming years. Emanuel's plans for shoring up long-neglected city worker pension funds will require the city to come up with hundreds of millions of dollars more by the early to mid-2020s. "We shouldn't be running around giving high fives until we're clearly on a path to solvency," Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, said after the budget vote. Glossed over during what turned out to be just minutes of discussion on the budget Wednesday was that the $8.2 billion spending plan relies on one significant new tax to balance the books a more than 30 percent charges on city sewer and water bills once fully phased in four years from now. The $239 million a year raised will go into the city's pension fund for municipal workers. "I think people need to remember that tax increases, fee increases on some things, like the water, were done weeks ago outside of the budget process," Waguespack said. "That's what we were saying, that things like that need to be part of the budget so people understand 'You are still getting a tax hike.'" That's not the only tax increase Chicagoans will be hit with next year. The budget aldermen approved last year contained four years of property tax hikes. Next year, City Hall property taxes will go up by $109 million, following this year's $318 million increase. The money is earmarked for police and firefighter pension funds. Shoppers carry their plastic shopping bags in the Loop Nov. 16, 2016. Mayor Rahm Emanuel's 2017 budget carries at 7-cent plastic bag fee. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) And Chicago Public Schools property taxes will increase by $245 million in 2017, with most of that money going into the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund. Advertisement Add it up, and the owner of a $250,000 home can expect to pay about $348 in additional property taxes next year. Throw in the $53 in estimated new water and sewer taxes for the typical homeowner, total additional taxes next year would come to about $400. That won't be the end of the pension-related property tax increases. Total property tax increases of $106 million for the police and fire pension funds are slated for 2018 and 2019. The vote Emanuel enjoyed broad approval of his budget on Wednesday as no aldermen voted against it. The city will spend about 4.8 percent more than last year's $7.8 billion. Earlier, three aldermen voted against an ordinance attached to the budget that included the creation of the so-called Community Catalyst Fund. It's the brainchild of city Treasurer Kurt Summers and will allow the city to put $100 million over the next three years into loans to businesses and projects in struggling neighborhoods. Members of the Progressive Reform Caucus, who often are critical of the mayor, unsuccessfully sought stronger guarantees that the money would be invested in areas identified as economically struggling under the federal Community Reinvestment Act. After the vote, Summers said such a guarantee could not be baked into the ordinance because he's counting on outside investors to put far more into the program than the city, and they might resist doing so if there were tighter restrictions. Advertisement Emanuel's budget includes a new 7-cent fee for each store-provided disposable bag, designed to raise about $13 million next year. It replaces a city ban on plastic bags that was deemed largely ineffective. People can avoid paying that tax by bringing reusable bags to the store. The mayor also plans to add 685 new parking meters, with 460 in the Loop and surrounding business district and 225 in neighborhoods. The $5.4 million raised by the new meters would partly offset the $12 million the city estimates it will pay to Chicago Parking Meters LLC for meters that are out of service. Parking rates at O'Hare International and Midway airports would rise, with the daily fee going up by as much as $12.25 under a complex system that varies by the type of lot used. The proceeds will be plowed back into city airport improvements and operations. Other fee increases include so-called surge pricing to $4 from $2 at 820 parking meters near Wrigley Field starting two hours before a game or event. Plans to do the same at 670 parking meters near Soldier Field were put on hold so 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell can have further talks with local businesses. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Mayor Rahm Emanuel presents his 2017 budget to the Chicago City Council on Oct. 11, 2016, at City Hall. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Drivers also would pay to use commercial loading zones with hourly parking rates set at $14 downtown and in two nearby wards. Once fully in place, the administration expects to collect $13 million to $18 million a year. For their money, Chicagoans stand to see 545 new cops added to the Chicago Police Department's ranks next year and $36 million over three years spent on expanding teenage mentoring programs. Advertisement Five-year tally The series of tax and fee hikes pushed by Emanuel and approved by aldermen adds up to about $1,692 a year once they take full effect. Here's a breakdown: *About $994 in property tax hikes for City Hall and CPS. That's based on a $250,000 home. *$50.40 for the 911 phone tax passed in 2014. That's based on a total of three phone lines, cell or land. *$355 from water and sewer fees that were doubled in 2011. *$134 from the water and sewer tax passed in September. That's for metered service. People without meters can expect to pay $229. Advertisement *$25 from a 2011 city vehicle sticker hike. The increase was $10 per car and $15 for SUVs. *$19.40 from a cable tax hike approved in 2014. That's based on an $80 monthly bill. *$114 a year for garbage pickup approved in 2015. That's based on $9.50 per unit a month for a single-family home. Much of the money is going to the underfunded government worker pension systems, which are $18.6 billion short. The 911 tax is going to the laborers' retirement fund at about $40 million a year. The city property tax hikes are being poured into the police and firefighters' funds at $543 million a year. Another $250 million or so a year is going to the CPS retirement fund. The new water and sewer tax will result in an additional $239 million a year for the municipal workers' pension fund. All the major tax, fee and fine increases enacted or set in motion by the city and CPS during the past five years approach $1.9 billion. That doesn't include new sales and beverage taxes approved by the County Board under board President Toni Preckwinkle, which are slated to eventually raise another $698 million. Cost containment Advertisement During Emanuel's tenure, the city budget has increased from about $6.2 billion to about $8.2 billion. Part of that 34 percent increase is due to the city continuing to pay for programs that the federal government stopped funding and more money being spent on water and sewer construction projects. Day-to-day spending for city operations has risen to roughly $3.7 billion from about $3.3 billion, around a 14 percent increase. Much of the increase is covering city worker raises. The mayor has cut the city workforce by about 5 percent. To be sure, Emanuel faced significant financial hurdles when he took office in the aftermath of the Great Recession. To keep the city afloat and avoid tough decisions, former Mayor Richard M. Daley was using one-time revenue, like the $1.15 billion payment to the city for leasing out its parking meters, and relying on costly, frowned-upon borrowing practices. The pension funds were losing money and headed toward insolvency. The bulk of the tax increases enacted under Emanuel are being used to try to fix the pension funds, with much of the rest going to shore up a city water and sewer system that was deteriorating. The mayor also is phasing out costly borrowing practices though he's not all the way there yet and has nearly eliminated the use of one-time revenue to keep the city afloat. Emanuel also in the final stages of phasing out health care insurance subsidies for most retired city workers to save about $90 million a year, has moved the city to a more efficient grid-based garbage system that his administration says has freed up about $30 million for other city services, and has eliminated or started to phase out special taxing districts that drain city property taxes from day-to-day operations. Chicago Tribune's Bill Ruthhart contributed. Advertisement hdardick@chicagotribune.com jebyrne@chicagotribune.com Twitter @ReporterHal Twitter @_johnbyrne Syrians evacuated from the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo during the ceasefire arrive at a refugee camp in Rashidin, near Idlib, Syria, on Dec. 20, 2016. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Russia, Iran and Turkey are ready to act as guarantors in a peace deal between the Syrian government and the opposition. He spoke on Tuesday after a meeting of the three countries' foreign ministers in Moscow. (STR / AP) BEIRUT Airstrikes hammered rebel-held zones in Syria's besieged Aleppo Wednesday, badly damaging a children's hospital as staff members and patients huddled in a basement, doctors said. The attacks came a day after Syrian government forces and their Russian allies resumed offensives across northern Syria, including Russian cruise missile strikes from a warship in the Mediterranean. Syrian forces, meanwhile, launched heavy bombardment in rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo in an attempt to break one of the last urban strongholds of the opposition. Advertisement Loss of the rebel footholds in Aleppo would be a major blow to armed factions and others fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. It could also hasten the fall of their remaining strongholds across the country Staff at the children's facility in Aleppo's al-Shaar neighborhood said they were hiding in the basement, counting the bombs above their heads. The young patients and their parents cowered alongside in one of the few hospitals still operating in rebel-held parts of Aleppo. Advertisement East Aleppo's central blood bank, located near the hospital, also was hit in the raids, residents said. Russia said Tuesday that it had launched a major offensive against rebel-held areas in Idlib and Homs provinces, but denied involvement in the new attacks on Aleppo. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been divided between rebel and government control since 2012 along one of the most intractable front lines of the war. Its recapture by Assad's forces could hasten the collapse of the armed opposition across northern Syria. Speaking from the basement of the children's hospital, its director - who identified himself only as Hatem - said his staff were trapped. "The planes are up above. We can't get out. Maybe we can protect ourselves in this room," said Hatem, who gave only one name in fear of possible reprisals against his family. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said Wednesday that at least 17 civilians were killed in the first 24 hours of the government offensive. Residents said an ambulance driver was among the dead, underscoring the dangers facing rescue workers who venture out to save lives. Video footage from the al-Shaar area appeared to show the aftermath of fierce bombardment. Fires licked the edge of cars and buildings, and air was filled with dust. The Independent Doctors Association, a nonprofit group, said the children's hospital had been badly damaged. It was the fifth attack on a medical facility in the space of three days. The United States condemned those attacks Tuesday, calling them violations of international humanitarian law. East Aleppo is surrounded by an array of government-allied forces - including Syrian troops and Iran-backed militias - and its supply routes have been cut. The United Nations said last week that aid workers in the area had handed out the last of their food stockpiles. Advertisement On Wednesday, a Syrian state-owned television channel, Ikhabariyah, reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in Aleppo. It claimed their assault was imminent and that "zero hour" would soon begin. The Syrian and Russian governments have framed the fight against armed opposition groups as a war on terrorism. In an interview with Portuguese television, aired Tuesday, Assad suggested that President-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" to the Damascus government if he is "genuine" about fighting "terrorists" in Syria. But attacks have repeatedly targeted civilian infrastructure, often bombing areas where moderate rebel factions operate. Assad's troops have also lain siege to dozens of towns and villages, adopting a policy toward civilians that the UN has labeled 'surrender or starve'. Although it began with peaceful protests, Syria's rebellion is increasingly dominated by jihadist factions including an al-Qaida-linked group, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, which focuses on building a popular constituency among the communities it says it protects. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Wednesday that Russian airstrikes had resumed in Idlib, a province where Jabhat Fatah al-Sham operate among civilians and other rebel groups. Sherif al-Khalaf, a journalist from the area, said the bombing had struck 34 areas since Tuesday, killing six and wounding dozens. "The damage is immense and people are frightened," he said. Advertisement Syria's five year war has claimed the lives of an estimated half a million people and touched off the largest refugee crisis since the World War II. Russian Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev (C) arrives at the Basmanny district court in Moscow, Russia, November 15, 2016. (Maxim Shipenkov / EPA) A high-profile corruption case shook Russia's establishment and appeared to shed light on a power struggle within President Vladimir Putin's inner circle on Tuesday, after authorities detained the country's economic development minister on suspicion that he demanded and accepted a $2 million bribe over a controversial privatization deal. Alexei Ulyukayev became the highest-ranking official to be charged with corruption during Putin's tenure as Russia's leader and the first national minister to be arrested while in office since Joseph Stalin's dreaded security chief Lavrenti Beria was detained in the Kremlin in 1953 after the Soviet dictator's death. Advertisement Some Putin critics saw Ulyukayev's arrest as a tactic by the Russian leader to keep his senior lieutenants in check. "The arrest of such a loyal and important official as Ulyukayev is a powerful act of intimidation, first of all, for the benefit of officials," Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the liberal Yabloko party, said in a Facebook post. "Everyone should know: Anything can happen to you at any moment; that's the main message." Advertisement Authorities on Tuesday said that Russia's Federal Security Service had been listening to Ulyukayev's phone conversations for months, and Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters that the Russian president had been aware of the investigation all along. "These are very serious accusations, and only a court can pass a verdict," Peskov said, according to news agencies. Russia's Investigative Committee, the state agency that looks into major crimes, said Ulyukayev was caught "in the act" of receiving the $2 million bribe in exchange for signing off on the $5 billion acquisition last month by the state-run oil giant Rosneft of a 50 percent stake in a smaller state-owned company, Bashneft. The sale was reported in the Russian media to have caused dissension between rival factions in the Kremlin. Rosneft's top official, Igor Sechin, a Putin confidant, pushed for the right to purchase Bashneft. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev headed a second group that believed Bashneft should be sold to private investors, not a state-owned company. Ulyukayev, 60, a minister in Putin's cabinet since 2013 who has been overseeing the sale of state assets, initially opposed the Bashneft deal on the grounds that a state-owned company purchasing a state-owned company is not privatization. He eventually signed off on the sale, which was pushed by Putin as a way to close the country's budget deficit, which is widening in the face of low oil prices. According to the Investigative Committee, Ulyukayev demanded a bribe from a Rosneft representative in return for a positive appraisal of the deal. "The defendant threatened to create impediments for the company's future operations by use of his official capacities," said Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee. Ulyukayev could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. After a court hearing Tuesday, he was placed under house arrest. Russia's political leadership lined up to cheer the arrest as a sign that top officials in a country long associated with official corruption can no longer operate outside the law with impunity. Advertisement Vyacheslav Volodin, a former Putin aide and now the speaker of the lower house of the Russian parliament, said the arrest means that there are "no untouchable people" in Russia. Others took the case as a sign of political tension. Gleb Pavlovsky, a former Putin strategist, pointed out how odd it was that Putin apparently knew that the minister was under investigation for months but let him stay in office instead of firing him. "This proves that things are very bad at the top," Pavlovsky told TV Dozhd. "Very bad." Others pointed to the oddities surrounding the investigation. The Investigative Committee emphasized that although Ulyukayev was arrested on charges of taking money to facilitate a deal, the deal itself had been completed legally and was not subject to investigation. Advertisement The man whom Ulyukayev is alleged to have strong-armed, Sechin, is perhaps one of the most powerful people in Russia and someone who has Putin's ear. No special investigation would have been needed for that. Sechin could have just told his boss that he was being shaken down. "One would have to be crazy to extort a bribe from he most influential person in the country," said Alexander Shokhin, who served with Ulyukayev in the earliest post-Soviet Russian governments, which sought to privatize state-owned companies to kick-start a transition to a market economy, a process that was marred by widespread corruption among Kremlin insiders. Shokhin, who heads Russia's biggest business lobbying group, also pointed out how odd it was that Ulyukayev would have asked for a bribe when the company sold at market price. "If Aleksei Ulyukaev had been charged with hitting an old babushka while driving his Mercedes G-Class at high speed at night in Moscow, it would've looked more plausible," Shokhin told the Meduza news agency. Many in Russia's political ranks hold old "reformers" such as Shokhin and Ulyukayev responsible for selling out Russia to the West after the Cold War. That sentiment pervaded the comments by lawmaker Nikolai Kovalyov, a former head of the Federal Security Service, who referred to verses Ulyukayev wrote in 2011 for his son: "Go my son, go from here; On this globe you will find many places; where one step forward does not mean 500 steps back; Where they don't say everything backward all the time." Advertisement "I am not surprised" by the arrest, Kovalyov said. "I expected something of this kind to happen when I read his verses calling on his son to leave Russia." In June 2009, shortly after President Barack Obama wrapped up his visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the Washington Times ran an opinion piece suggesting that the newly inaugurated president might be the first to be a Muslim. It starts slowly, saying that Obama might be the "first Muslim president" in the same sense that Bill Clinton was once dubbed the "first black president" - which is to say that he's not Muslim, he's just sympathetic to the community. But a few paragraphs later, that conceit evaporates. Advertisement "With Mr. Obama's unbelievably ballyhooed address in Cairo Thursday to what he calls 'the Muslim world'," columnist Frank Gaffney wrote, "there is mounting evidence that the president not only identifies with Muslims, but actually may still be one himself." That evidence? Obama referred to the "Holy Koran." He said he knew about Islam. And he used the phrase "peace be upon them" when mentioning Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. Obama, Gaffney wrote, was engaged in "the most consequential bait-and-switch since Adolf Hitler duped Neville Chamberlain over Czechoslovakia at Munich." This was not the beginning of Gaffney's push to raise questions about the role of Muslims in the United States, but it marked a new phase for him and his organization, the Center for Security Policy. The group hit a new high this week, when its highly questionable survey from June became the centerpiece of Donald Trump's proposal this week to ban any Muslims from entering the country. Advertisement CNN's Chris Cuomo, confronting Trump about the proposal on Tuesday, told Trump that CNN "wouldn't even put that poll on the air. It's a hack organization with a guy who was dismissed from the conservative circles for conspiracy theories. You know that." (Trump disagreed.) Gaffney wasn't always an anti-Muslim conspiracist and gadfly. After years of service in Washington, including staffing senators from both sides of the aisle, he went to work for Ronald Reagan's Defense Department. During Reagan's second term, Gaffney was named acting assistant secretary of defense after his boss, Richard Perle, stepped down. Gaffney didn't get the job, though, and when Frank Carlucci became secretary in November 1987, Gaffney was "forced out," as The Washington Post reported at the time. "By midnight Friday," Sidney Blumenthal (of all people) wrote for the paper, "Gaffney's belongings were boxed and he was gone. On the spot, Gaffney called a press conference to express his 'worries' about the Reagan administration's eagerness for an arms control agreement." Out of government service, he founded the Center for Security Policy as a think tank on foreign policy issues. It provided Gaffney with a prominent platform to weigh in on political topics. Within the past decade, though, he has made headlines mostly for questionable and outrageous comments such as his suggestion about Obama. During the 2008 election, Gaffney wrote about the "jihadist vote" in another Washington Times piece, suggesting that a large number of Muslims were backing Obama's candidacy financially and with votes. Oh, and that Obama wasn't born in America. (He reiterated that argument before the 2012 election.) Once Obama was in office, Gaffney was one of the main drivers of the idea that there was a deep-rooted Muslim infiltration of the government and that Muslims wanted to create an alternative system of law in the United States. Gaffney opposed the "Ground Zero mosque," a proposed Muslim center that was to be built near Ground Zero in Manhattan. After he opposed a Muslim community center in Tennessee, the largest paper in that state included Gaffney in a report linking anti-Muslim rhetoric to big paychecks. His insistence that a group called the Muslim Brotherhood had worked its way into the American political sphere (including in the person of top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin) eventually meant accusing prominent conservative Grover Norquist of ties to Islamic infiltrators. Gaffney wrote an entire book - published by the Center for Security Policy - accusing Norquist of links to that group and others, which in 2011 ended up getting Gaffney banned from the high-profile annual Conservative Political Action Conference. In another famous incident, Gaffney suggested in 2010 that a logo for a missile defense group incorporated the Obama campaign logo and an Islamic crescent. It didn't. The Daily Beast credited Gaffney in 2012 with driving the state and federal push for anti-sharia laws. When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie defended his appointment of a Muslim to the state judiciary against charges that the governor was abetting the implementation of sharia, Gaffney suggested on a radio show that Christie might be turning a blind eye to treason. Advertisement The conspiracies aren't all Obama-centric. On MSNBC's "Hardball" in March 2009, Gaffney argued that Saddam Hussein was behind the Oklahoma City bombing. Earlier this year, Gaffney hosted a white supremacist on his radio show to discuss Muslim immigration and later said he didn't know about his guest's full views. (He did, however, welcome Jared Taylor as "the author of six books, including 'White Identity.'") The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate speech, has labeled Gaffney an "extremist." On Monday, we evaluated the poll that Gaffney's Center for Security Policy had put together, assessing the attitudes of American Muslims toward sharia law and violence toward the United States. The poll itself has serious methodological problems, but the organization and the man who created and paid for that poll should inspire some skepticism of the results, as well. As chair of the theater department at Lewis University in Romeoville, and later as head of the Performing Arts Centre at St. Patrick High School on the Northwest Side, Chester "Chet" Kondratowicz encouraged generations of theater students to chase their dreams. Known for his light directorial touch, the Chicago resident was quick to recognize talent and inspired his students to trust their gut in developing their characters. Advertisement "I speak not just for myself, but for hundreds, maybe thousands, of former students when I say he was the one who got me interested in theater in the first place," said Chicago native and 1979 Lewis graduate John Caponera, a television actor and stand-up comedian now living on the West Coast. "In college, Chet was like a second father to me. He was a motivating figure in my life in so many ways. "He was the one," Caponera added, "that got me thinking I could actually make a living doing the thing I loved most." Advertisement Kondratowicz, 85, formerly of Joliet, died of an apparent heart attack Nov. 5, at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, family members said. For the past 13 years, Kondratowicz was a member of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee, reviewing hundreds of stage productions, from small community plays to full-blown Broadway-style productions, for the annual Chicago theater awards. "Chet truly understood what it takes to mount a successful production, from beginning to end," said David Liesse, chairperson of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. "He had a passion and compassion for the theater that extended way beyond what happens on stage, but to everything and everyone involved at every level. "Chet was a wonderful reviewer," Liesse said. "He'd walk into a theater with a completely open mind, without any preconceived notions. He had a deep appreciation for everything a show has to offer and all the work that goes into making a connection with an audience." During his tenure at Lewis, Kondratowicz spearheaded the construction of the school's Philip Lynch Theatre, named in memory of a speech and theater professor at Lewis. It opened in 1976, following a $100,000 renovation of an old, vacant airplane hangar on campus. Theater staff and students physically worked on the job. "It was a labor of love," he told the Tribune in 1995. Born in Chicago, Kondratowicz received a bachelor's degree from DePaul University, and later a master's degree in English from Loyola University and another in theater from the University of Minnesota. He joined the faculty at Lewis in 1965 and was appointed chair of the newly formed theater department in the early 1970s, while also serving as theater director. He retired from teaching at the university in 1995 but stayed on for several more years to occasionally direct productions. Advertisement "I was working 12-hour days," he told the Tribune in 1995. "I loved what I was doing, but if I didn't stop the world and get off, I was afraid they'd end up carrying me off." Kondratowicz was described by those he worked with as a no-nonsense director with a big heart. "He was encouraging, supportive and never stingy with his compliments, especially when you nailed your character," recalled Linda Waner, a 1976 Lewis graduate who performed in numerous campus productions. "He gave us these wonderful, handwritten notes after every show that I've held on to and still read from time to time." During his tenure at Lewis, Kondratowicz also helped establish the Arts & Ideas Series, bringing renowned theatrical touring groups to the university, including the National Shakespeare Company. In 2001, he was honored by the university with the St. Genesius Award, named for the patron saint of actors and the arts. In more recent years, Kondratowicz served as director of fine arts programming at the Performing Arts Centre at St. Patrick High School. He is survived by a brother, Walter. Advertisement Services were held. Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter. Donald Trump has vowed to rebuild the nation's roads, bridges, airports and railways, but the path to delivering on that promise might lead to a dead end. (Antonio Perez, Chicago Tribune) "We've got shovel-ready projects all across the country. And governors and mayors are pleading to fund it. The minute we can get those investments to the state level, jobs are going to be created." President-elect Barack Obama, December 2008 Advertisement "There's no such thing as shovel-ready projects." President Obama, September 2010 Advertisement Boosting federal investment in infrastructure has never had so many enthusiasts. During the presidential campaign, it was the rare chorus that Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders could all join in singing. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says she's eager to work with Trump on it. Her GOP counterpart, Kevin McCarthy, expects Republicans to cooperate with their president. Both the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are in favor. And why not? Not only will we get more modern facilities, we are told, but the gusher of money will invigorate the economy and create lots of blue-collar jobs. But such investments don't always work out the way they're supposed to. Pouring money into highways, bridges, airports, dams and other projects is easy. Spending money wisely is hard. What beckons on the horizon, as Obama discovered after getting his $840 billion stimulus in 2009, often turns out to be a mirage. There are several reasons for deep skepticism about this whole proposed endeavor. One is that the federal government has a lousy record of investing for the maximum payoff. Harvard economist Edward Glaeser has noted that the transportation funding in Obama's package "was twice as generous, on a per-capita basis, to the 10 least dense states than it was to the 10 densest states, even though higher-density areas need more expensive infrastructure." Remember that "bridge to nowhere" that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin bragged about stopping? It was part of a federal highway bill. When Washington lavishes money on transportation, it typically puts politics above economic merit. There are doubtless many infrastructure fixes that could be done with more spending. But why should the federal government assume responsibility for them? The majority serve mostly local needs and can be financed by the beneficiaries. Mayors and governors are less accountable when such projects are financed by taxpayers who live elsewhere. People in Los Angeles, Houston and Pittsburgh know better than anyone else what the local priorities are. If taxpayers in those places aren't willing to shore up the bridges or resurface the roads they use every day, it's a signal the money shouldn't be spent. In the 1960s, notes economist Lee Ohanian of the Hoover Institution, capital outlays made up 20 percent of California's state budget. Today they're 3 percent. Advertisement Nor will infrastructure spending yield a harvest of new jobs. A study by the Congressional Budget Office calculated that the 2009 stimulus, of which infrastructure was only a part, created no more than 200,000 jobs by 2014 out of the 9 million the economy added during that period. Andrew Garin, a Ph.D. candidate in economics at Harvard, studied the results of the 2009 package and detected "little to no county-level impact of highway spending on local employment outcomes reported by employers. There appears to be no effect on local highway-construction employment, overall construction employment or total private-sector employment." The prospect of a blue-collar boom is a feat of imagination. Out-of-work coal miners and autoworkers don't necessarily have the skills contractors need to expand airports or replace bridges. The unemployment rate for construction workers is just 5.7 percent. Government infrastructure projects may not put the unemployed to work but merely move the employed from the private sector to the public. What about the claim that a massive infrastructure program will be a 5-Year Energy shot for the economy? Standard economic theory says that such an effort to boost total national demand can be helpful during a recession. But in the eighth year of a recovery, it will just crowd out private spending, nullifying any macroeconomic benefit. One likely consequence of this type of program, whether financed with direct spending or tax credits, is to add to the federal debt, to the detriment of future taxpayers. The CBO concluded that Obama's stimulus had modest short-term benefits for the economy but negative long-term effects, because "increased debt tends to reduce the stock of productive private capital." Trump and others in Washington see an infrastructure push as a superhighway to prosperity. Most likely, it's a grander, shinier bridge to nowhere. Advertisement Steve Chapman, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/chapman. schapman@tribpub.com Twitter @SteveChapman13 www.facebook.com/stevechapman13 It was gratifying that after Wisconsin voted him into the presidency, the gentleman did not talk about putting Hillary in prison. That was a nice surprise. And when he met with Obama of Kenya, the white sahib was well-behaved, listened to what the African had to say, did not interrupt or call him stupid, and in fact thanked the alien for meeting with him. He did a good impersonation of modesty. Say what you will, the man is flexible. The wall on the border, his reliable applause line this past year, has been downgraded to a fence in some places and may eventually turn into a line of orange highway cones. The 11 million deportees are down to two or three. Hillary may be let off with an ankle bracelet. Advertisement While he's making alterations, he should consider getting a presidential hairdo rather than the hair of a hotel lounge pianist in 1959. It's distracting to watch a man talk about national security, looking like he may suddenly burst into "Volare."A makeover would take about 15 minutes max. And might a speech therapist try to smooth out the Tony Soprano accent and give him a presidential voice like Nixon's or Reagan's and cut out those irritating repetitions for emphasis do you know what I mean? Am I right? Am I right? You know I'm right. You better believe I'm right. He will never be my president because he doesn't read books, can't write more than a sentence or two at a time, has no strong loyalties beyond himself, is more insular than any New Yorker I ever knew, and because I don't see anything admirable or honorable about him. This sets him apart from other politicians. The disaffected white blue-collar workers elected a Fifth Avenue tycoon to rescue them from the elitists fine, I get that but they could've chosen a better tycoon. One who served in the military or attends church or reads history, loves opera, sails a boat something anything raises llamas, plays the oboe, runs a 5K race now and then, has close friends from childhood. I look at him and there's nothing there. Advertisement But politics is not everything. Life goes on. A person has to keep that in mind. The day after the election, my wife and I set out to replace some burnt-out light bulbs in some interesting fixtures chosen by an elderly interior decorator years ago. We are from Minnesota and we hesitate to impose our taste on others, even when we're paying the bill. So we have several truly ugly and impractical light fixtures that use odd rare bulbs not sold at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware, or even at boutiques with names like Let There Be Light Bulbs. Long cylindrical bulbs. Perhaps handmade by Cistercian monks on a mountaintop in Montana. I voted for Hillary, so I'm an elitist, but still. We use regular old G.E. light bulbs. My wife is a violinist so she has excellent small motor skills, plus a better sense of logic and smaller hands, so she's the foreman, and my job is to stand by the stepladder, hold her by the hips, hand her the Allen wrench yes, these fixtures, unique in the Western hemisphere, require hexagonal wrenches receive loose screws and the burnt bulb, hand her the fresh bulb while bracing the loose fixture and not letting it fall, and maintaining an upbeat attitude. It's interesting to hold a kind, gentle Episcopalian lady by the hips and hear how well she can swear while trying to replace a light bulb in a fixture that how many liberals does it take? Three. One to turn the bulb, one to hold the ladder, and one to make sure the manufacturer offers good health care and pension plans to its employees. This is what pulls a couple together. Every marriage has its bumps but when she stands on a stepladder and I brace my shoulder against her rear end to leave my hands free to hold the big glass shade as she screws the bulb into the socket and takes the Allen wrench from me and the screws and drops one and I bend down, my hand still on her haunch, and reach for the fallen screw, and we both start laughing, this is a sweet moment that momentarily transcends politics. I hope that Mr. Trump does not make Wisconsin regret having elected him president, but it's still the same old story about love and glory and a case of do or die and lovers must replace their light bulbs as time goes by. Washington Post Garrison Keillor is an author and radio personality. I'm the guy who never answered the phone when caller ID said "Number Unavailable." I don't want every opinion, every perspective, and every trend to be visible to those who would mold public opinion. I am suspicious that had the power brokers in Washington known what was coming, they'd have found a way to get Hillary Clinton into office. I didn't want that. I'm fed up. Enough is enough. I want my country back. This is supposed to be a government of the people not of the banks, lobbyists and foreign donors. I am one of an endangered species called the American middle class. An aging baby boomer one of the last generation, it seems, who inherited a future brighter than his parents. I grew up in manufacturing in the Rust Belt, and embraced the application of new technologies for innovation. My career spans more than four decades at companies like John Deere and Boeing and Emerson Electric. I have worked in many jobs from laborer to vice president of operations. I've lived and worked all over the world. Advertisement I am not an enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter. In fact, Trump was the very last candidate among the Republicans I wanted to see in this position. He was boorish, inarticulate and ill-informed. He has been crass, bombastic and coarse throughout the campaign, in ways that made me physically wince. How I wish we could have selected someone with Newt Gingrich's command of the facts, Sen. Marco Rubio's eloquence, Mike Huckabee's character, Sen. Ted Cruz's deep love of the Constitution, Carly Fiorina's clarity of thought and Ben Carson's humility and gentleness. Perhaps we'll get some of these things in President-elect Trump's Cabinet; I hope so. Election cycle after election cycle, we sent politicians to Washington to fix these things, and cycle after cycle they failed us. But in the meantime, I am hearing some of you pollsters lamenting that you missed me in your polling, and wondering how almost all of you got it so incredibly wrong. Astonishingly, filmmaker Michael Moore, with whom I disagree about almost everything, got it right. I am angry, and I am frustrated. Advertisement Since Ronald Reagan, I have not seen a politician deliver on his or her promises to the American people; not Democrats and not Republicans. George H.W. Bush told us to read his lips, there would be no new taxes; but of course there were. President Obama promised that if you like your health-care plan and doctor, you can keep your health-care plan and doctor, and your costs will go down. We couldn't, and they didn't. He and his surrogates, including Sen. Claire McCaskill, D, here in Missouri, promised back in 2012 that there would be huge infrastructure projects, producing thousands of "shovel-ready jobs." They never materialized. Hillary Clinton said the events in Benghazi were caused by a video. They weren't. She also promised that she'd never handled any classified material on her private server, though she had. The leaders in both parties thought I'd forget, and just continue to let all this slide. They thought I didn't understand how they have been lining their own pockets by funneling the money through devices like the Clinton Foundation. They thought I would accept their push to move American governance under the umbrellas of international agreements, alliances and trade deals designed to enrich a few corrupt politicians at the expense of American workers. They thought I would voluntarily remain impotent as the median U.S. household income declined, illegal immigrants continued to enter the United States and the sovereignty of our borders was shredded. They thought I'd just get over the way the Internal Revenue Service was used to target conservative organizations, and the way the Justice Department simply ignored laws like the Defense of Marriage Act that were disliked by the current administration. Election cycle after election cycle, we sent politicians to Washington to fix these things, and cycle after cycle they failed us. In fact, they betrayed us. When Rep. Paul D. Ryan signed on to President Obama's latest budget, I finally realized that it isn't just the Democrats or liberals in general that are the problem. We desperately need to clean house on both sides of the aisle. We need term limits for all members of Congress. We need to return government to sane, responsible adults. We must stop pandering to the tiny minority who would throw away every vestige of our heritage and our religious underpinnings. We must renew our commitment to the principles that made us the greatest country humanity has ever known. But you, the pollsters and the incredibly biased "mainstream" media, wouldn't listen to me. You have been too busy promoting your own poisonous agenda. You did everything you could to brand conservatives as homophobic, xenophobic, greedy racists. You focused on spurious issues like genderless bathrooms and celebrity sex changes. You rebranded "pro-abortion" as "pro-choice." You rebranded radical Islamic terrorism as "workplace violence." You have continued your Machiavellian spinning of information and public perception, purposely drowning the voices of reason in your wake, year after excruciating year. America is not intolerant, it is kind and welcoming and insists only that people follow the rule of law and assimilate if they come here. America is not dull; it teems with innovation and invention and productivity at levels unmatched by anyone in the world. America is not evil; in fact, it remains even with all its flaws the single greatest force for good in the world, as it has since the early 1900s. I know, because I the normal, faceless American citizen am the heart and soul of this country. You fail to understand this because you are listening exclusively to America's worst critics; people who believe only in tearing down the traditions, perspectives and governmental foundations that made us great. You were trained up by liberal professors, most of whom have seen little of the world outside their classrooms. And now, you scratch your heads, wondering how you could have been so clueless. You spend endless television and radio hours interviewing not the typical Americans like me, but one another asking what happened. How would the person seated next to you in a New York City television studio know? Seriously, you should get out more. Washington Post Advertisement Bill Duncan is a technologist and writer who lives and works in St. Louis, Mo. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama walk off stage after speaking at a rally at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. (Andrew Harnik / AP) We've heard an awful lot in recent days about the decisive election loss of a certain well-known woman. What we've pondered much less is the even more important election loss of another well-known Democrat. Barack Obama wasn't on any ballot anywhere. But as he himself pointed out in repeated vain pleas to support his heir apparent Hillary Clinton, the political legacy of the man's entire presidency was on the line. Advertisement It lost. Because Obama built so much of his record on unilateral executive fiat and partisan congressional votes, much of it seems likely to be swept away by Republican majorities still controlling both houses of Congress working with an adopted Republican president, Donald Trump. Advertisement The fact is Obama's two terms will end with his Democrat Party in smoking ruins in Washington and across the country. But voters and a fair number of courts have consistently rejected Obama's record of high-handed arrogance and executive overreach. He may have achieved much of what he wanted in the short-term. But that's made it much easier for any successor, especially one whose party controls Capitol Hill, to erase much or all of it. Here's a revealing comparison: During his first week in the White House in January 2001, President George W. Bush had all the Democratic Party leaders of Congress over to the White House to chat, munch snacks and talk about things they might work on together. Fast-forward to the Obama administration whose Democrat Party controlled both houses when he first took office in 2009. Obama with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid rammed through their plans, especially Obamacare without one single GOP vote. In fact, the former senator who promised to end Washington's bitter partisan divide, the former university lecturer on constitutional law about the equal branches of government, first invited Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell to chat at the White House fully 542 days into his presidential reign. Just two years into Obama's White House lease, midterm voters gave House control back to Republicans. In 2012, Obama was re-elected with nearly 3.6 million fewer votes than his record 69.5 million in 2008. And the GOP kept the House. Come 2014's midterms, Obama campaigned that he wasn't on the ballot but his policies were. Boom! Democrats lost additional House seats plus the Senate. Now, in 2016, Republicans still control the House, and while defending a whopping 24 Senate seats, lost only two to maintain thin control. In the next midterms, Democrats must defend 23 seats. Advertisement Clinton won the party's nomination this year because it was her turn, not because she was the most dynamic or strongest candidate. Republicans had 17 presidential wannabes, probably two-thirds of them qualified. There is no such Democratic political bench to draw from. Democrats basically have no minor leagues to develop experienced, savvy top-tier candidates at state levels. Starting with the anti-Obama tide of 2010, Republicans have built a stranglehold on state legislatures and governors' offices. They now control 33 governorships to Democrats' 15. The GOP will control 69 of the country's 99 state legislative chambers, including every one across the South. They will control both legislative chambers and the governorships the so-called trifectda in 25 states.Democrats will have trifectas in only six states. That not only drives the Republican Party's conservative agenda but grants priceless experience and name recognition to future rising stars. In the Nov. 8 election, the GOP captured blue-collar workers, once a key Democratic component. Who is left now to rebuild the Democratic Party? A struggle looms over who'll chair the troubled Democratic National Committee. Tim Kaine, Clinton's running mate, remains a senator. And that's it. New names like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren perhaps will rise. But Obama's bright star will be gone in nine weeks and he faces becoming what Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer calls an "historical parenthesis." Advertisement As his vice president, Obama picked elderly Joe Biden, who posed no internal challenge, but is too old to pick up the mantle. In contrast, Ronald Reagan mentored George H.W. Bush as his political successor, which produced the only three-consecutive term party control of the White House since the 1940s. Obama will go off to his rented Washington mansion to make a small fortune on a book and lecture tours. Bush 43 chose silence during Obama's early years, not wishing to second-guess his successor. Given the current political outlook for dismantling much of his work, Obama will not lack for subjects to complain about if he speaks out in retirement. Tribune Content Agency Andrew Malcolm is an author and veteran national and foreign correspondent covering politics since the 1960s. Senate President John Cullerton and House Speaker Michael Madigan, left, skipped a meeting Nov. 14, 2016, with Gov. Bruce Rauner, but they all met the next day. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Hear ye! Hear ye! Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan agreed to meet with Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders Tuesday for a budget meeting. This was presented as "breaking news" by several media outlets. That should tell you something. Advertisement After skipping a meeting scheduled for Monday even though he was spotted in the Illinois State Capitol building, Madigan graced his fellow elected officials with his presence for a brief and unproductive gathering the following morning. Madigan's back-scratcher, Senate President John Cullerton, dutifully followed his lead, also failing to show up for the first meeting but attending the next one when the boss said it was OK. Fortunately, at least one adult was in the room Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, who rightly called out her egomaniacal Democratic brethren for their first no-show stunt. What could be more important to Madigan and Cullerton than trying to resolve a budget impasse that is harming Illinois citizens? Advertisement Their hubris. That's what. By dictating where and when they'll agree to meet, if at all, Madigan and Cullerton continue to commandeer the process. The General Assembly's fall session is off to a pathetic start. Cullerton had shown a glimpse of reasonableness when, after last week's election, he peeked out from Madigan's shadow to acknowledge it was time to put policy ahead of politics. "Look, the numbers on each side of the aisle may change, but our problems haven't," Cullerton said following the election. "The sooner everyone can set aside politics and focus on policy, the better." What a meteoric flash of reason. Cullerton quickly reverted to his role as Tattoo, sidekick to Mr. Roarke, proprietor of Fantasy Island of the late 1970s TV series "Fantasy Island." "What are we going to do today, boss? More stonewalling?" Madigan says he won't budge on any element of the governor's so-called "turnaround agenda," which most voters, lawmakers and members of the media have not bothered to study or understand. They're just fine with Madigan's talking point that the agenda is anti-middle class. It isn't. The status quo is. So where are we today? Exactly where we have been for months. Madigan expects Rauner to go along with his out-of-balance budgets, agree to a tax increase and get no reform in return no reduction in workers' compensation insurance costs for Illinois businesses, no property tax reform, no term limits, no redistricting changes, no tweaking of Illinois' labor laws that heavily favor organized labor over rank-and-file taxpayers. No and no. Madigan insists that Rauner adhere to "the same framework" of budget agreements in the past the framework that got this state in the condition it's in, facing an alarming pile of debt, an exodus of families and businesses, and a toxic political environment stoked by stubbornness and male ego. Advertisement Madigan's self-importance the childish behavior, the pouting, the inability to get along with others is reminiscent of someone else. Someone who was just elected president. In a matter of weeks, Madigan and Cullerton will be up for re-election to their leadership posts. Madigan started earlier than usual, rounding up commitments from his members to support him for another term as speaker. Cullerton is expected to make his pitch to members soon, I'm told. It will be the only chance for rank-and-file members to reject this nonsense. Will they revolt? Or will they brandish their credentials, again, as helpless mushrooms? So far, they have demonstrated they prefer the darkness and they'll swallow the spoon-feedings. Kristen McQueary is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board. kmcqueary@chicagotribune.com Twitter @statehousechick "Evangelical" used to be a word that I could stomach as a term of identity. It sounded respectable a heck of a lot better than "holy roller," "fundamentalist" or "religious." I now view it as an epithet. I haven't abandoned my faith, but I feel like the people I thought were something akin to family have left me. Advertisement With their embrace of Donald Trump, white evangelicals have lost all credibility, every last shred of it. Jesus said that the world at large would know his disciples by their love, but I see judgmental attitudes and hate where there should be empathy and compassion. I see little resemblance to the Savior we purport to serve. The Christian Scriptures tell us: "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." This has not been followed. Advertisement Egged on by the propaganda of Fox News, right-wing websites and a fairy-tale book of conspiracy theories that's thicker than an unabridged dictionary, evangelical Christians have stomped on and destroyed their moral compass at a time when I sense that a globe careening out of control would very much like to find something, or someone, to begin to make sense of it all. Even before Trump's presidential victory, how many children were robbed of at least some innocence by exposure to talk about Trump's casinos, his hatred of Muslims and immigrants and, yes, grabbing women by the crotch? Now, with the narcissist and his minions empowered, we are seeing more fallout within days of his victory, despite his loss in the popular vote reports of thugs ripping hijabs off Muslim women, Hispanic middle school students subjected to chants of "build the wall" by classmates, African-Americans told to go back to Africa and white women threatened and grabbed by assailants. I lay these incidents at the feet of evangelicals and declare us accessories to the violence. None of my friends or acquaintances who voted for Trump would actually commit these acts themselves. They are rightly horrified by them. Unfortunately, that does not absolve them of complicity. Evangelicals overlooked Trump's unending string of lies. They brushed aside his sexual assaults. They ignored it when he mocked a reporter with a disability. (As the father of a special-needs son, I am still furious about that.) So-called Christians did all these things ostensibly on the hope that Trump would nominate Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. But if you read the Bible, beginning to end, you get the idea that, if this God is to be believed, he's not a big fan of situational ethics. The end does not justify the means. I wonder: Have any of these Christians spoken with or interviewed women who have had abortions? I have. They do not take it lightly and often carry guilt for the rest of their lives. Yes, abortion has been declining for some time. But if you want to cut the abortion rate significantly, we all should focus on male responsibility. It is common for women to feel forced into abortions by their male partners, who often are unwilling to share the responsibility for preventing pregnancy in the first place. Yet I rarely hear abortion foes talk about the men. There is much eloquence on what it means to be pro-life and not just anti-abortion in the writings of Rachel Held Evans and Shannon Dingle. The Bible shows us that Jesus valued women much more than evangelicals do, or Donald Trump does. Jesus came into the world as an infant in need of a woman's body, care and protection. The prostitute Rahab is listed proudly and defiantly in his lineage. He defended women from brutish men and mobs in an age when females were viewed more as personal property than equal partners. Mary Magdalene was granted the honor of being the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection. (Most of the apostles didn't believe her.) Advertisement So how about Hillary Clinton? The evangelical community swallowed shaky narratives about her email server and her handling of the attack in Benghazi, Libya, while ignoring far worse offenses by George W. Bush's administration including the millions of emails lost or destroyed under him or the number of diplomats killed during his presidency. Evangelicals left no room for error from Clinton, a situation women say is common: they have to outperform their male counterparts to have the slimmest chance for equal treatment. On a sociological level, white evangelicals have bought into the propaganda that America is some sort of modern Eden. It hasn't been idyllic for those lacking pale European skin. The betrayal and oppression of Native Americans continues to this day. And I can't imagine the multigenerational trauma that slavery, Jim Crow and unrelenting discrimination have wrought on African-Americans, whose ancestors have been here longer than my family. Yet even though the Bible is thoroughly sympathetic to immigrants, white evangelicals seem uninterested in the plight of people unlike themselves. The New Testament tells Christians that, just like immigrants, they are "aliens and strangers" on this planet, but too many of us appear more interested in desperately trying to maintain a white-knuckle hold on the American Dream. Jesus' focus was on demonstrating love, healing the sick and raising the dead. Empowering a demagogue such as Donald Trump wasn't on the list. On the cross, Jesus said this of the religious people who murdered him: "Forgive them, Father. They don't know what they're doing." They still don't. Advertisement Patrick Kampert is a Chicago writer and a former Chicago Tribune editor and reporter. There was a moment during Barack Obama's 2014 State of the Union address that spoke volumes about the state of our government. The president said he would like to work with Congress, but he made it clear he was not about to let mere legislators impede his policy ambitions. "So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do," he told those lawmakers. You might have expected them to rise up en masse to protest this usurpation of their authority. But Democrats in the House chamber gave that line a standing ovation cheering Obama's plan to make their branch of government, and them, as irrelevant as he possibly could. Advertisement Obama will be remembered for using every opportunity to expand the authority of the president. It was good for his policy priorities while it lasted, but the time is almost up. And it may be dawning on Democrats that the same powers Obama put to use soon will be in the hands of Donald Trump. Obama couldn't get Congress to pass an increase in the minimum wage, so he issued an executive order requiring federal contractors to pay their workers at least $10.10 per hour. He told states they could weaken work requirements for welfare recipients, which had been established by federal law. When he couldn't get Congress to approve the DREAM Act, barring the deportation of young people whose parents are in the U.S. without legal permission, he acted unilaterally to implement that policy something he had earlier said he lacked the power to do and eventually extended the shield to their parents. Those are just a few examples of his aggressive approach. Advertisement His immigration orders were overturned by the courts. But more often than not, Obama has been able to dispense with those inconvenient men and women whom Americans elect to pass legislation and, sometimes, to reject a president's proposals. George W. Bush was hardly timid on this front. When Congress approved a ban on torture, Bush signed it with a statement asserting his right to ignore it. He claimed broad latitude to keep presidential records secret, flouting a federal law requiring transparency. The framers would have expected Congress to jealously guard its prerogatives against presidential encroachment. But the impulse on Capitol Hill has often been to escape political responsibility by ceding control. Obama was a daily lesson to Republicans of the dangers of this approach. Democrats who found it irresistible under Obama have to feel queasy about how President Trump will exploit it. So maybe there is a chance for a bipartisan consensus among lawmakers to reclaim their rightful role. "We've spent the Bush-Obama years making an already imperial presidency vastly more powerful," Cato Institute analyst Gene Healy, author of "The Cult of the Presidency: America's Dangerous Devotion to Executive Power," tells us. "We just watched the two most widely reviled and distrusted major-party candidates in the history of polling fight it out to see who gets powers no one fallible human being should have. If that doesn't concentrate the mind wonderfully on the need to re-limit presidential power, what will?" Some Republicans may be content to let Trump treat Democrats to a generous serving of their own medicine. But those who believe in the design of the Constitution and the importance of its separation of powers ought to take a longer view and find ways to restrain the person occupying the Oval Office. They may find people on the other side of the aisle unusually receptive. Remember, neither party particularly likes the president-elect. If they fail to impose some firm limits, GOP lawmakers will mourn the missed opportunity as soon as the next Democratic president arrives. And given Trump's unpredictable nature, the regret may set in even sooner. Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. As low pressure develops in the central Plains and heads for the upper Great Lakes, an intensifying south-to-southwest flow will push Chicago-area temperatures into the 60s Wednesday and near record-setting 70s Thursday. On Tuesday, dense fog and low-level clouds deprived the area from morning warming, and highs struggled to reach the mid-50s. But Thursday looks to have a shorter period of fog and less clouds, allowing readings to rise into the 60s by midafternoon. Strengthening southwest winds should enhance that warming, likely into the 70s by Thursday afternoon; the Chicago record for that day is 74 degrees in 1975. Advertisement The center of low pressure will intensify as it reaches Lake Superior on Friday, with the associated cold front accompanied by showers and thunderstorms swinging through the area from the west during the afternoon. Temperatures will begin to fall behind the cold front, dropping through the 60s, 50s and 40s into the 30s overnight. Saturday temperatures will be stuck in the 30s with possible snow showers, with readings falling deep into the 20s Saturday night. A Christmas tree decorated by Aurora's Dominican Literacy Center is contending for a $2,500 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. (Cantigny / Handout) Aurora's Dominican Literacy Center has entered a Christmas tree in the seventh annual Community Trees contest at The Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. If the center's tree one of seven decorated by area charities -- wins the most votes by visitors, the center will receive a $2,500 grant from Robert R. McCormick Foundation, according to a press release. Advertisement With volunteer tutors and free instruction, the center helps immigrant women learn to read, write and speak English. The tree exhibit will run from Nov. 18 to Dec. 29. The seven DuPage and Cook County charities with trees are Midwest SOARRING Foundation, Aspire, PAWWS, Active Transportation Alliance, Donka Inc., Youth Outlook and Dominican Literacy Center. Advertisement Visitors to the museum can vote on their favorite tree, according to Cantigny officials. The McCormick Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Oswego resident Alison Brzezinski, Dominican Literacy Center tutoring coordinator, led center students and tutors who decorated the tree with ornaments reflecting their cultural heritages from dozens of countries, center officials said. The McCormick Museum is housed in the former home of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Opened in 1958, the museum is located at Cantigny Park, the 500-acre estate that McCormick left as a gift to the public. Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora will host a live nativity and also collect donations for the parish's food pantry. The event will run from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 in the parking lot of Holy Angels, 720 Hardin Ave. in Aurora. Advertisement The display will include a live nativity re-enactment; animals on display, courtesy of Staudacher Farms; a live narration of the nativity, courtesy of the Holy Angels Advanced Choir; a sing-along to Christmas carols performed by the Holy Angels Choir; and complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of the Holy Angels Home and School Association. The event is free and open to the public, but guests are encouraged to donate canned food to benefit the parish's food pantry. For information, contact Rebecca Fick at rfick42@gmail.com or call Holy Angels Catholic School at 630-897-3613. Advertisement Holy Angels Catholic School was founded in 1911. The school, with an enrollment of over 450 students, is one of the largest Catholic schools in the Rockford Diocese, school officials said, and serves students from preschool through eighth grade. Barrington officials plan to keep chugging along with plans to secure funding for a multi-million dollar railroad underpass, even though a referendum gauging public support for the project passed favorably by a mere 36 votes. Voters were asked whether Barrington officials should spend public funds to construct a Route 14 underpass, along with the re-routing of Lake Zurich Road needed to make the underpass work. Advertisement According to election results from Cook and Lake counties, 50.34 percent (2,661 votes) voted "yes" on the question while 49.66 percent (2,625 votes) voted "no." Even though the outcome on the advisory referendum was close, the village still plans to negotiate outside funding for a transportation project that will help ease congestion and make it easier for emergency responders to navigate Barrington, said Village President Karen Darch. Advertisement "I believe the 'no' votes were based on comments from people who also support both projects," she said. "But they want to ensure the village continues seeking funds from Canadian National (Railway) and at the state and federal levels, so it's not a burden to village taxpayers." Barrington officials have said they would want Canadian National, which controls the railroad line, and state and federal agencies to cover $45 million of the project. Local taxing dollars could cover about $403,317 of the project, Darch has said. If constructed, the underpass and grade separation would allow motorists to pass through Route 14 without interruption when freight trains rumble over the Canadian National crossing above. Currently, motorists have to stop at all four rail crossings on Barrington roads and wait until trains pass. The Lake Zurich Road project is estimated to cost $5.4 million, moving it southeast to the intersection of Route 14 and Berry Road. The realignment would allow the more than 3,000 vehicles that travel daily on Lake Zurich Road to share a traffic light at Berry Road that meets Route 14, near the proposed underpass, Darch has said. Barrington resident Deborah Cotopolis helped put the non-binding advisory referendum on the ballot, collecting 575 signatures from residents. Before the Nov. 8 election Cotopolis said she wanted to pose the question to voters since they never were formally asked by village officials whether they supported the underpass project. She did not return requests for comment on the outcome following the election. Advertisement During the election, some voters at polling locations in Barrington didn't want to comment on the advisory referendum. Others questioned the necessity of the project. Resident Janet Hursch said that spending public money on the underpass and grade separation was fiscally wrong. "I don't think public funds should be going to it," she said. "There are too many other things that need fixing in our area." Barrington resident Laura Dragosz said she saw both sides of the issue. "I have mixed feelings about it," she said. "Something has to be done about the traffic, but it's impinging on Citizens Park." The Lake Zurich Road realignment would reroute the road farther east and through a portion of Citizens Park, a 45-acre park that was dedicated in 2007. Advertisement Going forward, Darch said they will continue to secure funding for both transportation projects, but local officials don't have a definitive timetable for when work on both projects could begin. But the projects are worth the pursuit, she said. "In the interest of public safety, we want to make sure the village has at least one grade-separated roadway in the community for access to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital," Darch said. tshields@pioneerlocal.com Twitter @tshields19 A 39-year-old Buffalo Grove High School teacher, Stephanie Ramos, pictured here, died in the school building Monday evening, prompting officials to delay the start of the school day on Tuesday morning. (Township High School photo) A 39-year-old Buffalo Grove High School teacher died in the school building Monday evening, prompting officials to delay the start of the school day Tuesday morning, according to Township High School District 214. Stephanie Ramos, an English Language Learners and World Language teacher, was found in a room that night. Officials with the Cook County medical examiner's office said Ramos died of natural causes brought on by cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscles. Advertisement "She was a teacher who everyone knew, and who everyone loved," Buffalo Grove principal Jeff Wardle said. "We had the two-hour late start this morning because we knew that all of our staff needed time here to process and grieve together first, before we could give our best to our students." Video camera footage shows Ramos suddenly collapsing at about 4 p.m., Buffalo Grove Police Lt. Tom Nugent said. The camera was in the hallway but Ramos was in its line of sight, he said. Advertisement Four hours later, a janitor entered the room and found Ramos' body on the floor, Nugent said. Emergency responders from the Buffalo Grove Fire Department were called to the high school at 8:30 p.m. Monday, the fire department said. The video shows no one else in the room when Ramos falls, Nugent said, only her going about what looks like a teacher's typical end-of-day activities. "It doesn't appear that there's anything suspicious about this," Nugent said. "Whatever event it was, it was sudden," he said. Wardle said crisis counselors from the district and Omni Youth Services were at the school on Tuesday to support and assist students and staff. Ramos, a Wheeling High School graduate, began her career in District 214 in 2001, serving as a substitute teacher at John Hersey, Prospect and Wheeling high schools, district spokeswoman Jennifer Delgado said. Ramos taught at The Newcomer Center in 2002, took time off to complete her master's degree in 2006, and became a teacher at Buffalo Grove in 2007, Delgado said. Advertisement In addition, Ramos coordinated the district's Latino Family Night presentations and summer school ELL program. At Buffalo Grove, she organized a Latino Parent Organization, which provided scholarships to Latino students and gave Latino parents an opportunity to get involved at the high school, Delgado said. kcullotta@tribpub.com Twitter @kcullotta Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 students, parents and teachers addressed what a later start time at Daniel Wright Junior High would mean for students. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press) As Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 board members discussed their options for possible later school start times, they learned how the debate already has started inside district classrooms between teachers and students. During a board meeting Tuesday, parents, students and representatives with the district's teacher union addressed why and why not board members should push back classroom start times, a change other school districts in Lake County have adopted recently. Advertisement Members of the Lincolnshire-Prairie View Teachers Association urged board members to reject the later start idea for various reasons, but some parents shared how teachers in the district have told students how later start times would be bad for them a revelation that irked Board President Gary Gordon. "That, to me, is inappropriate," Gordon said, adding how he doesn't know for sure whether teachers are telling students about later start times. "If we have conversations and issues to address as adults, I hope we can do that without involving the children." Advertisement Although the board didn't make a decision on later start times Tuesday, members did reveal possible options following their own research on the issue. Numerous sleep-science studies have said teenagers and younger kids perform better at school when they're allowed to sleep longer. Members of the district's teacher union declined to speak about whether teachers have been trying to influence students on the issue of later start times at District 103. But Kristine Rickert, a representative of the Lincolnshire-Prairie View Teachers Association, detailed a list of problems that could happen if their students ultimately have to end their day later in the afternoon. Older children going through a later school day may not be able to supervise younger siblings before their parents come home from work, she warned. Students also might have to walk home in the dark during the winter months, while parents who drive their junior high students to and from games would face worse rush-hour traffic, she said. Michelle Rivkin, a mother with children in Daniel Wright Junior High, said she was alarmed after she started hearing that a few teachers at school were using classroom time to sway students about later start times. She pointed to the numerous studies done on later start times as reasons why District 103 should make the change. "Some (teachers) have been telling their kids both the good and the bad," Rivkin said. "Some of them have just been telling them the bad parts." Advertisement A group of three District 103 students also addressed board members, explaining that Daniel Wright students may not necessarily sleep longer even if they get to sleep in later. The options being considered by the board would push back the start time at Daniel Wright from 7:50 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., starting in the 2017-18 school year, while the first bell at Sprague Elementary would ring at 9 a.m. 45 minutes later than the current start time of 8:15 a.m. The schedule at Half Day School would not change, according to district board documents. If the options are approved, Daniel Wright would end its day at 3:35 p.m. Sprague students would leave school at 2:45 p.m. During the meeting Tuesday, parents, students and teachers mostly focused their comments on the possible changes at Daniel Wright Junior High. The board could vote on the issue as early as December, once Superintendent Scott Warren makes a recommendation to board members, Gordon said. Advertisement Although he didn't provide a formal direction, Warren addressed the need for district officials to do something to accommodate teenagers. "It is a biological fact that children's time clocks do shift," Warren said. "The amount of sleep they're getting, as they're getting older, is decreasing." Other area school districts recently have wrestled with the idea of later start times. Earlier this month, board members at Barrington School District 220 pushed back start and end times at the district middle schools and Barrington High School after discussing the issue and gathering community feedback for 18 months. After the final vote, some Barrington High School students raised concerns about not being able to take care of younger siblings at home and also not being able to sleep longer since they still have to juggle homework and extracurricular activities. But they generally were supportive of the move. In 2015, board members at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire voted to push back the high school start time from 8:05 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., acting off a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, said Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey. Advertisement But Stevenson kept the end time for school the same, opting instead to shave three minutes off each class period. If officials tried to change the end time of 3:25 p.m., they would have created too many problems for families and students in extracurricular activities, Conrey said. "We haven't taken a formal survey but anecdotally, it's been a big hit," Conrey said of the later start. "The general vibe around school has been much more relaxed." Officials at Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 in Buffalo Grove also pushed back the start time at Aptakisic Junior High in August. Junior high students now start their day at 8 a.m., 20 minutes later than they did last year, said Vickie Walter, public relations coordinator at District 102. rwachter@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer A Joliet man who claimed he never intended to kill his mentally disabled brother-in-law was found guilty by a Will County jury Tuesday of involuntary manslaughter. Francis Zabala faced a murder charge for the 2013 death of his 49-year-old brother-in-law Bob Meredith, who lived with Zabala and his wife Janice in their Joliet home. Prosecutors charged Zabala beat Meredith to death after Meredith urinated on himself and the carpeting. Advertisement Zabala's defense attorneys did not deny Zabala hit Meredith with a stick and punched him in the back or that Zabala handled the situation improperly. But they argued Zabala never planned to kill him and that his was a "classic case" of involuntary manslaughter. Though Zabala was not charged with involuntary manslaughter, jurors were allowed to consider the lesser charge. "We're grateful to the jury in that they listened to the evidence carefully and reached what we felt was the right verdict all along," Joliet attorney Chuck Bretz said, adding that the case should have been charged as involuntary manslaughter, not murder. Advertisement Bretz and his co-counsel, Neil Patel, noted that Zabala has shown regret. "Frank has been nothing but remorseful," Patel said. According to testimony, Zabala was watching television with his wife and his brother-in-law, when Meredith urinated on himself and the carpeting. Zabala, who testified Monday, told jurors he felt as though Meredith should clean up the carpet and tried to get him to use the carpet cleaner. At one point, he got a stick used to stake tomatoes and hit Meredith in the back because he was not cleaning the carpet. Zabala said he then took the cleaner from Meredith so he could clean the carpet, but when his brother-in-law started laughing at him, he punched him in the back several times. Though he acknowledged hitting Meredith several times, Zabala insisted he never intended to hurt Meredith and that he did not think he was hitting him that hard. "I just wanted him to clean up his mess," he said during his testimony Monday. During the trial, defense attorneys pointed to other factors that contributed to Meredith's death, including his poor health, a higher than normal amount of prescription drugs found in his system and his severe anemia. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "You don't expect when you hit someone in the back that they're going to die from it," Bretz said during closing arguments. Advertisement Prosecutors, however, argued that Zabala could reasonably assume he would cause harm to Meredith. "It's not just discipline; it's murder," Will County Assistant State's Attorney Dan Walsh said during closing arguments. " 'I didn't mean it' is not a defense." Bretz said he will file a motion seeking clarification on the sentencing range for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors Tuesday suggested Zabala was eligible for up to 10 years in prison because the death involved a family member. However, Bretz argued that case law requires jurors rule that the death involved a family member and since they were not instructed to do so, the most Zabala would be eligible for is a five-year prison term that could be served at 50 percent. Zabala has been in the Will County Adult Detention Center since his arrest in September of 2013. Zabala's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13. Alice Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. An Oak Forest man was sentenced to six years in state prison last week after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography, according to court records. Thomas P. Schickel pleaded guilty to the charge in Cook County court on Nov. 9 and was sentenced the same day, court records state. Advertisement Schickel, 37, was charged in September 2015 after investigators in Oak Forest found more than 65 child pornography images on his cellphone, including pictures of nude high school girls, authorities said. At that time, Schickel also was charged with charged with solicitation of child pornography and inducing another to provide child pornography. According to authorities, Schickel was investigated by Oak Forest detectives and the Cook County State's Attorney's Internet Crimes Against Children task force operating on a report from a southwest suburban high school student. Advertisement Several 16- and 17-year-old girls sent numerous nude photos of themselves in private group electronic messages to each other, authorities said. Schickel had obtained some of the images. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Schickel had been part of that text message exchange that began in September 2012 where the teens also discussed school and their social lives, authorities said. The text messages continued until March 2015, when one of the girls talked to the dean at her school about what was happening, authorities said. Schickel allegedly used threats to force a relative to keep asking for nude photos of her friends, authorities said. One of the teen girls confronted Schickel's relatives about the images, and the relative then confessed to the coercion, authorities said. Investigators found numerous pieces of other digital evidence from his home, including laptops, cell phone and hard drives, authorities said. Schickel had been held on $1 million bail at Cook County jail. Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Two years ago, Consolidated High School District 230 officials began exploring the option of providing Intervention Rooms at each of our three district schools Victor J. Andrew, Carl Sandburg and Amos Alonzo Stagg for students who may need extra help with coping with the rigors of a school schedule or who may need assistance with handling their academic workload or other issues. A committee consisting of Kim Dryier, assistant superintendent for Instructional Services; Dana Bergthold, director of Student Services; guidance directors Meredith Sheriff, Brian Nolan and Katie Meader; head deans Andy DeCraene, Mike Murphy, Mary Pat Carr; and associate principals Brian Klene, Abir Othman, Ian MacLeod convened to make the necessary recommendations. Advertisement During the time they were considering this endeavor, Illinois Senate Bill 100 was passed, which provides for guidelines and reform for school suspensions and disciplinary action. Combining these two efforts, District 230 personnel acted to create a space for students to gain skills, take control, and receive counseling and guidance to navigate the high school years. Advertisement I spoke with Sheriff, guidance director at Sandburg, who provided information on this program. "Beginning this school year, students who may need transitional help acclimating to school, struggling to manage competing demands, or may need social/emotional support, may take advantage of the Intervention Room. It is available throughout the day, but must be prescribed it's not a drop in service." In addition, students who need credits to meet graduation requirements, need to repeat a class, or students who need additional credits in order to graduate on time may utilize an accredited online educational platform called Edgenuity in the Intervention Room. The Intervention Room staff also works to assist students in transitioning into school after an extended absence, transferring in from a smaller school, or students that transfer in after a semester is in progress. One support staffer and one certified teacher are available the entire school day. The target number of students that can participate in this program each class period is under 15. Sheriff said personnel who staff the room have had training to handle a range of issues. A training manual was compiled by Denise Ledvina, department chair of Special Services at Stagg. It is a concise resource for teachers to be able to elicit a positive outcome and guide students to better decision making. All District 230 schools utilize a Response to Intervention Model in order to meet the academic and social/emotional needs of all students. Tier 1 interventions are available to every student; Tier 2 and Tier 3 are prescribed interventions based on individual student need. The Intervention Room is utilized as either a Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention based on the individual student. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > This is a fluid program, in that changes can be made and adjustments can be accommodated. For example, if the student needs a few extra credits in order to graduate (either failed a class, or transferring in and not having the requisite credits) they may take a class in the Intervention Room to "catch up". If they have a full day of classes and cannot fit another class in their schedule, the Intervention Room can accommodate a half class session during lunch. Advertisement This is not necessarily meant for serious disciplinary issues; however, the ESP and teachers are prepared to guide and counsel students who may have minor disciplinary issues. Instead of punishing students for acting out, the staff will provide behavioral guidance and discussion on how to handle issues that may arise. Instead of pulling a student out of school for a suspension for nuisance infractions, the Intervention Room provides counseling and allows the students to be able to keep up with their coursework. While students may still be suspended out of school for serious disciplinary infractions, Illinois Senate Bill 100 mandates that schools provide additional, appropriate available interventions to assist students with making better choices. While students receiving services through the Intervention Room may generally be in the room for one class period during the day; some students may be in the room for the entire day. How do students qualify for this service? Pupil Personnel Services teams consisting of guidance counselors, deans, social workers, a school psychologist, and a student assistance coordinator meet weekly and report on students that are at-risk academically and/or social-emotionally. At the end of the week, the head dean and associate principal meet with the PPS team to create a plan. Parental permission is then requested along with student acceptance for placement into the Intervention Room. To date, no student/parent has declined. Exploring the Intervention Room, we met head dean Andy DeCraene who explained, "This room provides students a place to gain the skills necessary to head into a school of 3,000 students. This is a big school, and some students are overwhelmed." Sheriff said, "We can help a student who is struggling with their organizational skills, make the transition from a smaller or parochial school easier or provide an opportunity to catch up on credits to graduate which is going to make our students more successful in the long run." Laura Hinderman is a freelance columnist. Three local high school students attended the Illinois Boys State and Illini Girls State leadership programs at Eastern Illinois University this summer thanks to sponsorship by Burlington-Hampshire American Legion Post 680 and American Legion Post 680 Ladies Auxiliary. The three students and their families were invited to attend American Legion Post 680's November meeting at St. John's Lutheran Church hall in Hampshire to talk about their experiences. The meeting included dinner and a prize drawing. Advertisement Pingree Grove resident Ellis Daugherty is a senior at Hampshire High School. After graduation, she plans to major in social science at University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She came to the meeting with her mother, Lisa, and her brothers, Braden, 15, and Dresden, 7. "I want to thank the Burlington-Hampshire American Legion Auxiliary for the opportunity to attend Illini Girls State," Ellis said. "It was an experience that I will never forget. I ran for the position of treasurer and helped other girls campaign for larger roles such as governor. Each girl had to present a law that they would enact. I pushed for a law that all photoshopped pictures should carry a disclaimer. I'm helping to pick the girl who will attend the program next year." Advertisement Plato Center resident Ryan Cilano is the senior class president at Burlington Central High School. He has been accepted at Purdue University, Bradley University and other colleges, but he has not yet decided which he will attend. He came to the meeting with his parents, Greg and Karen. Matt Marckini, a junior at Hampshire High School, was presented with a trumpet player statue. (Denise Moran / The Courier-News) "Before I left for Boys State, I talked to Vishnoo Vivekananthan," Ryan said. "He went to Boys State last year and said it was the best time of his life. I was elected to the House of Representatives. I also passed a bill about the Ultimate Frisbee. I tried to make Boys State co-ed, but the Senate didn't approve. I loved the opportunity to learn what it's like to live on my own and the importance of voting. It was eye-opening to meet other class presidents." Matt Matras of Gilberts, a senior at Hampshire High, was unable to attend the meeting. Every year, high schools nominate students who would benefit from attending Boys State or Girls State. The programs educate students on how to run for office on the village, county, state and national levels and how to hold elections. Former American Legion Post 680 Commander Dale Dopkins presented a statue of a trumpet player to Hampshire resident Matt Marckini, a junior at Hampshire High. "I've known Matt since he was a little boy," Dopkins said. "He is our choice to attend Boys State next year. He has been playing taps on his trumpet for funerals." Matt's older brother, Andrew, attended Boys State two years ago. Andrew is currently attending Grand Valley State University in Michigan where he is majoring in history and social studies. Dopkins acknowledged Dennis Maher and Mike Schmidt at the meeting. Maher, a retired Hampshire High history teacher, and Schmidt, a Burlington Central High social studies teacher, have both recommended students for Boys State and Girls State. Advertisement American Legion Post 680 Auxiliary President Connie Von Keudell said it is important for young adults to learn about leadership and the importance of voting. "It gives us hope for our future," she said. Burlington Central High School teacher Mike Schmidt with Burlington Central High student Ryan Cilano who attended Illinois Boys State this summer. (Denise Moran / The Courier-News) Four Burlington-Hampshire American Legion Post 680 members gather for a photo. From left: Dale Dopkins, Bill Crane, T.R. Smith and Scott Marckini. (Denise Moran / The Courier-News) Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. East Dundee officials are concerned about a stormwater detention pond in front of the Gardiner Place building that is not draining properly and is now about 15 feet deep. (Erin Sauder / The Courier-News) The developer of River Haven and Gardiner Place has been given two weeks to put in writing estimated completion dates for several lingering punch list items. East Dundee officials are especially concerned about a stormwater detention pond in front of the senior apartment building that is not draining properly and is now about 15 feet deep. Advertisement Jim Bergman, who brought the affordable housing campus to the northwest corner of routes 25 and 72, was not at Monday's meeting but several representatives were there on his behalf. "I want a solution for this," Village President Lael Miller told them. "I don't think it's acceptable to have a 15-foot hole with a playground next door. If fencing is an option, tell me what it's going to look like. A chain link fence with a padlock is not going to be the answer. Come back to me and tell me how we're going to make this better." Advertisement A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in June 2013 to celebrate the development, dedicated primarily for veterans and low-income seniors. Other items that still need to be complete on the punch list include right-of-way improvements, lighting, and grading and landscaping. A letter dated June 28, 2016, from engineering firm Gerald L. Heinz & Associates, Inc. to Bergman, states "this list has for the most part remained the same for the last two years." "You guys received this letter in June and it's now November. I would suggest addressing every item on that and quickly," Trustee Allen Skillicorn said Monday. Brian Fritz of the Wisconsin-based Pioneer Property Management, the firm that oversees Bergman's property, said Bergman feels "he has been trying to hit a moving target." "His opinion is that there are things that keep being added. He's not trying to be difficult. We want this done just like you," he said. "It is a simple lack of understanding of what is actually wanted. It is of the opinion, agree or disagree, that pond was finished. I understand what you're saying this is not what you thought you were going to get." Bergman's team said they dug down at least 20 feet and were still unable to get the water to drain. They also filled the hole with rip rap stone but said that caused the water to rise. Village Administrator Bob Skurla said the request of the Village Board is to eliminate the standing water. Advertisement "I don't know that I completely agree that you can't drain the pond," he said. "The problem," Miller added, "is we went from the assumption it would be a mostly dry area to something that's now over 15 feet deep. We see that as a safety concern. And it's a real concern of the board that this be addressed somehow." In a memo to Skurla in August, village engineer Joe Heinz gave his assessment of the pond. The original plan for both of the detention facilities on the property called for a dry bottom pond with French drains to promote infiltration into the existing sand/gravel layer. The smaller detention pond behind the River Valley Square development is infiltrating the storm water and staying relatively dry. "The main pond in front of the senior apartments building has been holding water and is not operating as planned," Heinz said in the memo. "We believe that during construction the earth moving operations and poor erosion control within the pond has contributed to plugging up the necessary voids to maintain the required infiltration." His team recommends the pond be filled with stone, topped with a geo-filter fabric, and restored with topsoil and a deep rooted vegetation mix. Before the stone is placed, the surface should be stripped in a few areas to expose the virgin gravelly soils to maintain the hydraulic connection. "I understand the complication but if we can put a man on the moon I'm almost certain we can get this pond dry," Trustee Jeff Lynam said. "I have a hard time believing what was engineered to be a dry detention area can't be made that way. I'm not saying it's not going to be complicated or even expensive." Advertisement Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. District 113 Superintendent Chris Dignam has come down in favor of using random and unannounced dog searches during non-school hours to reduce the likelihood that students will bring drugs and alcohol into Highland Park and Deerfield high schools. The school board had asked Dignam for a recommendation on whether to implement dog searches by a private firm, as requested by the police chiefs in Highland Park, Deerfield, Highwood, Riverwoods and Bannockburn. Advertisement "We feel strongly that this is one area of security that is missing in the high schools," Highland Park Police Chief Paul Shafer told the school board Nov. 1. Dignam said Monday he believes dog searches today are less intrusive and disruptive than in times past. He recommended the district move ahead with developing a search program and communicating the change to students and the community. Advertisement "My impression from speaking with police chiefs is that this has changed over the years, and is very different from how searches may have been conducted 25 years ago," Dignam said. The district would hire a private firm, as do other school districts in the northern suburbs that conduct searches. "The school district has the discretion to design how it looks, rather than the police coming in with dogs unannounced thatthe school doesn't know about," Dignam said. Generally speaking, a dog trained to detect drugs, alcohol and firearms by scent is led down a corridor with student lockers. If the dog's reaction suggests the presence of contraband, school personnel may open the locker. Highland Park High School Principal Tom Koulentes said his administrative council felt it important thatdog searches not be the school's only strategy for addressing drug and alcohol use and abuse. Board member David Small, a member of the Community The Anti-Drug coalition, said it's time the school board took a leadership role in addressing the high levels of substance abuse in the two high schools. "Unfortunately for our students, prior boards have not been willing to address this," said Small, contending the inaction of past boards has contributed to the high levels of use by students. "It's important for our students to recognize that many businesses today require drug-free and substance-free work environments," Small added. "This is not some unusual step. This is part of our culture, where success in the work environment means that you are substance free." Advertisement kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com @KarenABerkowitz A Chicago man has been charged in connection with a robbery at a cellphone store in Westchester in September in which two clerks were tied up. Kantrill Robinson, 22, of the 10800 block of Eberhart Street, Chicago, was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Advertisement Westchester police public services coordinator Frank Esposito said police believe Robinson is one of two men who walked into the Sprint Store, 10356 Roosevelt Road, at 3:12 p.m. Sept. 30, tied up two clerks and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and various cellphones. The kidnapping charge relates to the two clerks being tied up, he said. Esposito said Robinson was arrested after investigators learned about a similar crime in another town. Advertisement "They sent what is called a critical reach to local agencies and a similar incident helped trace him back to our case," he said. Esposito said the department is still investigating and is looking for the other person involved in the robbery, in which he said it was implied that they had a gun. Police also looked at surveillance videos from nearby stores to try to identify the suspects. Although the clerks saw the suspects, Esposito said they were not able to provide a good description because they were shaken up by the incident. In that situation, "you're panicked. You have tunnel vision. You don't know what's going to happen." Esposito said a robbery in the middle of the day was brazen. "In today's day anything can happen," he said. "It's unusual that someone would have the brass do to it in the middle of the day in a busy strip mall." Esposito said at the time that the robbery may have been prompted by the release of the iPhone 7. amannion@tribune.com Advertisement Twitter @triblocalam The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center received two grants worth more than $1.6 million to expand mental health services in the county, the department announced Tuesday. The grants come from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, a statewide nonprofit. Advertisement The federal grant, worth up to $400,000 annually for four years, will support ongoing efforts to integrate mental health and primary care services at the county's behavioral health center in Libertyville. According to health department officials, the logic that if a mental health patient can receive primary care treatment at the same facility, it lowers the risk of death or illness. The money will specifically focus on conditions like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the county said in a news release. Advertisement People with chronic mental illness "tend to die 20 to 25 years earlier than the general population," said Mark Pfister, the health department's interim executive director, in the release. "These deaths are often due to a lack of engagement in care of treatable and preventable medical conditions. To address this concern, we recently added primary care services to our Outpatient Mental Health Services program in Libertyville to provide its mental health patients with easy access to medical care. The grant will substantially reinforce this initiative." Patients will also have access to counseling on substance abuse, tobacco cessation and nutrition, the department said. Psychiatry, therapy and general medical care are already available at the site. Leslie Piotrowski, a health department spokeswoman, said the initiative is "for the convenience of our mental health patients" and to detect "health issues that just tend to go unaddressed." "Let's say they have an appointment with a therapist," she said. "They can also, at that same time or right afterward, make an appointment for a primary care visit." The second grant, from the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, is a two-year award worth $84,500. It will support a mental health first-aid training program for individuals and agencies throughout the county that serve children. The training sessions will begin in the spring. The grant will target employees at schools, juvenile justice agencies, faith-based organizations and youth-oriented nonprofits. It will also fund two part-time counselors in the county's Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services Program at the health department's Waukegan location, at 3010 Grand Ave. The program will train workers to identify mental health disorders among young people and connect them to treatment resources, according to the release. lhammill@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @lucashammill Dillon Hollingsworth offers samples of his gelato at Sunset Foods in Libertyville. (Courtesy of Barry Hollingsworth) The other week while offering samples of gelato to customers at Sunset Foods in Libertyville, at least three shoppers came up to Dillon Hollingsworth with questions. "They asked where toothpaste or soybeans were," he said. "They just thought I was some teenager who worked there." Advertisement While he is a teenager he's 13 years old and an eighth grader at Deer Path Middle School he doesn't work for Sunset Foods. Instead he supplies the grocer with his gelato. He is the founder and owner of Dillon Hollingsworth Gelato Company. His three flavors of gelato are currently sold at Poeta's Food Market in Highwood, Caputo Cheese Market in Lake Forest and the five groceries operated by Sunset Foods. Advertisement His father Barry Hollingsworth has handled some of the "boring stuff" such as incorporating the company and arranging insurance, but it was Dillon who pitched his gelato to potential sellers. "Myself and all our grocery directors were at one of our biweekly meetings," said Jim Cortesi, director of purchasing at Sunset Foods. "It's kind of like Shark Tank. There are 10 to 15 vendors at a meeting." Though Sunset Foods sells about 60,000 products in each of its five stores, Cortesi said this is the first time anyone as young as Hollingsworth has presented a product. "He's my first 13-year-old," Cortesi said. "(All the grocery directors) said they wanted it. He's local, his name is on the product, its all natural and it is a fair price. And the gelato is good." Dillon Hollingsworth Gelato Company evolved from a family trip to Italy in 2013. "I liked ice cream but I'd never really had gelato before," Hollingsworth said. "My first night there, in Rome, we went to a place. It's creamy, it's rich. It's really good there. There are these old family recipes that have been slowly refined to create the best gelato over the years." Gelato, he explained, is different from ice cream. "It's churned a lot slower," he said. "Ice cream is almost whipped, which created a lot of air bubbles, which makes it less dense. (Gelato) uses different milk with more milk fat, which adds to the rich creamy taste. It fills you up quicker." Advertisement When he returned from Italy, he sampled American brands of gelato. Unimpressed, he used his Christmas and birthday money to buy a small gelato maker for about $100. In January 2014, he began experimenting with recipes in his parent's kitchen in Lake Forest. After six or seven months he was happy with his vanilla, mint chip and double chocolate recipes. By early 2015, Hollingsworth decided his hobby could grow into a business. He created a website, designed packaging using colors preferred by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian and, with effort, found a dairy that would produce the gelato using his recipes. Though his parents drove him to grocers, it was Hollingsworth who met with grocery owners or representatives to pitch his product. "When I met with Sunset Foods, they had a whole board meeting with 13 members," he said. "This was the first time I had ever spoken to a board of people. I stood in front with me talking for 15 minutes. The hardest part was you have to wait for a phone call. Also you're worried what if I did something wrong, what if they don't like the product." Sunset Foods did say yes and about a month ago began selling Dillon Hollingsworth Gelato. Hollingsworth is currently developing new recipes he anticipates sea-salt caramel will be out soon and is seeking new stores and stopping by current sellers on weekends to offer samples. Advertisement "If things keep on going, I think in 2017 we'll hit a profit by the end of the year," he said. Hollingsworth is scheduled to offer samples of his gelato at the Sunset Foods in Lake Forest, 825 S. Waukegan Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 20. mlawton@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @reporterdude In this surveillance video, a 10-week-old Pomeranian puppy is allegedly stolen from a Naperville Petland store on Sept. 4, 2016. (Petland) (Courtesy of Petland/Chicago Tribune) An Aurora man was sentenced Tuesday to 60 days in DuPage County jail and ordered to make $2,500 restitution to a Naperville pet store for stealing a purebred Pomeranian puppy that is still missing. Benjamin Ocasio Jr., 27, of the 200 block of Spruce Street in Aurora, pleaded guilty Tuesday in DuPage County Circuit Court in Wheaton to a felony charge of retail theft. He admitted the Sept. 4 theft from the Petland store in Naperville's Fox River Commons shopping center, near Aurora Avenue and Route 59. Advertisement Judge John J. Kinsella sentenced Ocasio to jail, giving him 27 days of credit for time he has spent there since being arrested in the case. Kinsella also ordered Ocasio to pay $2,500 restitution to Petland the value of the stolen puppy, named Bella and serve two years on probation, according to court records. He also ordered Ocasio to undergo counseling and stay away from Petland in the future, records showed. Advertisement Benjamin Ocasio Jr. (Kane County Sheriff's Office / Handout) Companion charges of burglary and retail theft with a previous conviction were dismissed Tuesday in exchange for Ocasio's plea, records indicated. Ocasio proved to be the man whose image was captured on Petland video surveillance tape. He and a woman walked out of the store with Bella, a 12-week-old, black and white, female Pomeranian dog. Naperville police Cmdr. Jason Arres said an investigation led to Ocasio being charged with the theft. But "the facts of the case led to only Ocasio being charged (while) the female who was with him" was not charged with wrongdoing, Arres said last month. Police began looking for the puppy following the theft. Ocasio and the woman claimed to have abandoned Bella in the backyard of a home near New York and Root streets in Aurora. Despite "extra effort" by police that Arres said included posting fliers and canvassing parts of Aurora, the puppy remains missing. "However, we remain hopeful at some point the dog will turn up," he said. Ocasio is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Kane County Circuit Court in connection with an alleged June burglary in Aurora. Petland owner Carl Swanson was not available Tuesday night at his store to comment on Ocasio's conviction. A Naperville Crime Stoppers reward of up to $1,000 for information about Bella's whereabouts remains unclaimed. Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 630-420-6006 or www.napervillecrimestoppers.com, and tipsters can remain anonymous. Advertisement wbird@tribpub.com On Wednesday evening, to fete the 30th anniversary of the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage, the college president, along with staff at the MAC, plan to screen a tribute video and cap it off with a champagne toast. Typically, school policy prohibits alcoholic beverages to be served on the school premises unless the college president makes an exception. Advertisement But the toast falls within board policy and did not need her approval because the MAC has a liquor license and the champagne is donated, College of DuPage President Ann Rondeau said. "There's no cost to the taxpayer," she said in an interview Monday, adding there "wouldn't be anyway because the MAC is a ticket-paying, customer-supported entity that does wonderful things." Advertisement Since she assumed her post July 1, Rondeau has authorized only one exception to the alcohol policy -- for a gathering of the school's program advisory board at the college's Student Resource Center. Rondeau said she approved the service of a "basic red and a basic white" wine by the college's culinary students to about 300 people at the roughly two-hour gathering late last month. "We were not only noting the pro bono contributions of business leaders around the region and the district to helping us keep our curriculum relative and current, but it was also a very good opportunity for the culinary school to also practice its lessons," she said. "It was kind of a laboratory in some ways," adding that students made the food and served the wines. The college, she said, paid a total of $1,133 for wine at the October event. In April 2015, when Robert Breuder was president of the College of DuPage, a Tribune investigation found that he and other school officials spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on food and alcohol at the school's Waterleaf restaurant, which was run mainly by a professional staff at the time. The restaurant is now run entirely by students and staff from the school's culinary program. Rondeau said the policy against serving alcohol on college premises unless the president makes an exception dates back to 2009. In April 2015, the board of trustees passed a series of resolutions focusing on trustee reimbursements. She said she and the board "are taking a look at all of our policies across the board with an eye toward clarity and uniformity." Joe Moore, spokesman for the College of DuPage, said "the spirit of the board policies enacted were to ensure proper standards set," adding that Wednesday's champagne toast complies with all policies. In deciding whether to make exceptions for alcohol service, Rondeau said she relies on four criteria: "One, does this make sense for the taxpayer? Two, is it limited? I mean, I certainly would not endorse or exempt many long hours of drinking.And three, is it for the good for the college, the students and the mission?...Fourth, frankly, is my good judgment, and I have high confidence in my good judgment." Advertisement Erin Chan Ding is a freelance reporter. Nicole Newkirk plays MJ McMann, the Soapbox Playhouse stage manager, in a rehearsal for "Inspecting Carol," being staged at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville Thursday through Saturday. (Jane Donahue / Naperville Sun) Everyone could use a good laugh. That's what director Will Schaub is banking on this week when Neuqua Valley High School presents "Inspecting Carol," a comedy by American playwright Daniel Sullivan. "I wanted to do a comedy and I wanted to fill the seats," Schaub said. "People like to laugh, so I really wanted to put out something that people would be excited to see and where they'd have a good time." Advertisement "Inspecting Carol" delivers a double dose of comedy. The play within a play that will be staged Thursday through Saturday examines a small professional theater company that is on the verge of going broke as they are set to open a production of "A Christmas Carol." When they learn an inspector will determine if they will receive a grant to keep them in business, a mistaken identity leads to mayhem. "It's one of those shows where you aren't just laughing in your head; it's hilarious," sophomore Kate Waldron, 15, said. "It's different and because it's a show within a show, there are so many dynamics and characters you can relate to." Advertisement Waldron plays the role of Zorah Bloch, Soapbox Playhouse's owner and founding director, who is juggling the theater's financial woes and the drama among her troupe of actors "Zorah is definitely stretching me in a lot of different ways," Waldron said. "I've played characters, but it's different to deliver lines in a more human way rather than as a character." Schaub shared the sentiment, saying that the roles in "Inspecting Carol" have challenged the teen actors. "They are playing outside their life experience roles ranging from ages 12 to 70 and they have proven themselves to be very capable," Schaub said. "Like they say, comedy is serious business, and the cast has embraced it." Twelve student actors and a crew of about 30 have been working on the production since early October. Senior Dylan Bryant, who plays the role of Larry, said it's a tight-knit group and that makes "Inspecting Carol" even better. "I love the small cast size because it allows time for chemistry to develop," Bryant, 17, said. "If you are going to portray an excellent show, you need that chemistry and those relationships. Everyone here cares and values each other and wants to make you a better actor." Waldron shared the sentiment. "It's a cool mix of people; some people are in their first show and others have been in a number of shows," Waldron said. "We have been able to connect so well as a cast and that makes things even better on stage. I am very proud of this production." Advertisement 'Inspecting Carol' When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday Where: Neuqua Valley High School, 2360 95th St., Naperville How much: $8-$11 Information: www.NVHStheatre.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2712470 The Naperville City Council is considering an ordinance change that would increase the legal age to purchase and use tobacco products from 18 to 21. (Voyagerix / Getty Images/iStockphoto) Naperville City Council members Tuesday night weighed the benefits of raising the minimum purchasing age for tobacco products from 18 to 21. Most council members agreed that raising the age to buy tobacco products might help keep people from becoming addicted to nicotine as teenagers. Most also agreed the onus of a new regulation should fall on those selling the tobacco product, not those using it. Advertisement "I'm certainly not interested in punishing people who are trying to use it," Councilwoman Judith Brodhead said. Raising the age for consumption or possession of tobacco, as the city's Liquor and Tobacco Control Commission unanimously recommended, would create a "huge enforcement problem," Councilman Kevin Gallaher said. Advertisement "We don't want out police walking up and down the streets questioning kids to see how old they are," Gallaher said. Councilman Kevin Coyne said that while he likes being relatively bold, he thinks 18-year-olds should be able to make their own decisions when it comes to smoking or using alternative tobacco products. "I'm very much against the government making health decisions for legal adults." Coyne said. "That is a health decision for them to make." Councilman Paul Hinterlong largely agreed with Coyne. Naperville Police Department detective Dan Riggs said raising the age to purchase tobacco products wouldn't create any additional enforcement work for the department. Officers would simply have to ensure anyone under 21 isn't buying tobacco products, instead of anyone under 18. Most violations for underage smoking are found at schools, where officers are generally aware of students' ages, Riggs said. Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico and Councilman John Krummen asked that an exemption be made for hookah bars, which offer specialty pipes to smoke flavored tobacco, usually in groups. More than 180 municipalities including Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park across the country have already raised the smoking age. Two states California and Hawaii have raised the age statewide. The Naperville City Council will consider the new regulations again Dec. 5. Advertisement ehegarty@tribpub.com A man was shot Monday night in Norwood Park during a robbery attempt, police said. The 33-year-old victim was walking in the 7300 block of West Higgins Avenue near the Harlem Blue Line station around 8 p.m. Nov. 14 when he was approached by an unknown man who started a conversation with him, according to Officer Kevin Quaid, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department. Advertisement The man pulled out a firearm and announced a robbery, demanding the victim's belongings. The victim tried to get the gun away from the man when it discharged, and the victim was shot in the hand, police said. The man ran, and the victim went to Presence Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, where he was listed in good condition, Quaid said. Advertisement Police said none of the victim's belongings were taken by the would-be robber, who was described by police as a man in his 20s wearing dark clothing. Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. Amtrak wants to build new sidings in Northbrook and Glenview to expand service on its Wisconsin-bound trains, like this one speeding through downtown Northbrook. (Irv Leavitt / Pioneer Press) Northbrook joined several other North Shore communities Tuesday trying to slow plans for new railroad sidings that would allow Amtrak to increase its Hiawatha service, which links Chicago, Glenview and Milwaukee. The Village Board passed a resolution 5-0 against the findings of an environmental assessment of the project. Glenview, Deerfield, Bannockburn and Lake Forest have filed similar resolutions in opposition to the assessment, according to officials. Advertisement Northbrook Village President Sandy Frum said that she was not necessarily against the project that would increase service from seven daily round-trip trains to 10, but she needed her concerns about idling trains in neighborhoods and blocked fire truck routes answered. The assessment, created by the Illinois and Wisconsin departments of transportation and the Federal Railway Administration, downplays the impact of two versions of the proposed project, while Northbrook officials say that they need more information before they'll feel comfortable with the changes. They say they expect the railroad administration to decide soon whether to call for a more detailed "environmental impact study" or move forward with project plans. Advertisement The resolution calls for more study, more public comment time and meetings between municipalities and railroad officials. The assessment includes an examination of two options for building a freight train holding track that would allow freights to pull over and get out of the way of the 79 mph Amtrak trains: an 11,000-foot-long siding on the west side of the existing Amtrak/Metra tracks from West Lake Avenue to Techny Road, or a 10,000-foot siding on the east side of the existing tracks in the same area. Both options include a new railroad bridge built over Shermer Road, alongside the existing bridge, just south of Willow Road. Frum said she wanted to know how much traffic disruption erecting a new bridge would require. She remembers Shermer Road being closed for months to rebuild the existing bridge after it collapsed in 2012. The siding themselves don't seem to be positioned close enough to Northbrook homes to cause complaints, Frum said, but there are other worries. The trains are long, and there is no information in the assessment, she said, about whether they could cause noise and other ill-effects as they move slowly north and south of the sidings. They might also block Techny Road just east of one of Northbrook's three fire stations. "The siding can hold a 10,000 foot train," she said. "We're talking about a very long train that will either be slowing down to a dead stop or speeding up from a dead stop." She and village manager Rich Nahrstadt said later that they suspect the added trains would benefit Wisconsin much more than Illinois, in the hopes that Chicago-area vacationers will be a little more likely to visit Wisconsin. Conversely, more conveniently-scheduled Amtrak trains would be unlikely to bring Wisconsin visitors to the northern suburbs, the head of the North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau said. Executive director Gina Speckman said that in the past, efforts to bring Wisconsin visitors to the North Shore and Chicago via the Hiawatha Line have fallen flat. Advertisement "People on the train literally go to the places they can walk to from the station. They won't take a train and then a bus," she said. "And if they are going to rent a car, they might as well drive in the first place. It's only an hour." Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the line serves more than 800,000 people. "People use this for daily travel," Magliari said. "People who work on both sides of the border, for family reasons, medical reasons." He said every reason people use Interstate 94 applies to people who take this train line. In the last 12-month period for which statistics are available, Amtrak set a new record of over 807,000 riders. Amtrak data indicates that Hiawatha 2013 ridership was 807,000 in 2013, dropped to 792,000 in 2015, and rose to the record 807,700 in fiscal year 2016. ileavitt@pioneerlocal.com Advertisement Twitter @IrvLeavitt Jennifer Costanzo and Colby Lewis, architects with Chicago-based STR Partners, explain elements of the new District 97 administration building, at 260 Madison St. in Oak Park, to those touring the building Nov. 14. District staff moved into the building Oct. 12, one year after construction began. (Caitlin Mullen / Pioneer Press) As Al Roberts admired the work tables and upholstered chairs next to clusters of windows within the new Oak Park District 97 administrative building Nov. 14, he said there's no comparison to the amount of collaboration staff can do in the new space, versus what was possible in the old building. "From a strictly facilities standpoint, it was pretty dysfunctional," Roberts, former District 97 superintendent who retired last year, said of the previous space, at 970 Madison St. "This is a 50-year legacy, not new digs for the current administration." Advertisement During a tour of the new two-story, 22,155-square-foot building at 260 Madison St., board members and architects emphasized the stark differences between the old and new, and the long-overdue nature of the modern facility. "It was not a hasty process," said Jim Gates, president of the District 97 Board of Education, adding that the district occupied the former building "temporarily for 45 years." Advertisement The new building, with more than 20 individual offices and almost as many open office stations, seven conference rooms and one large board room that can be converted into three conference rooms, has features that emphasize collaboration among staff. The building, rife with windows to bring in light, is fully accessible, including an elevator. "This is something this community should be very proud of, in terms of the money that was invested," Roberts told the tour group. Construction began in October 2015; district staff moved in Oct. 12. The building's construction cost came to $8,127,249, according to Alicia Evans, the district's assistant superintendent for finance and operations. Jennifer Costanzo, principal with architect STR Partners in Chicago, noted they were tracking under budget for the project. A majority of the funding came from the approximately $6.3 million from the village's Madison Street tax increment financing district; additional funds will come from the sale of 541 Madison St., the district's maintenance headquarters and warehouse, appraised at $800,000. The 970 Madison St. property is being ceded to the village as part of an intergovernmental agreement. Before the second tour began the evening of Nov. 14, Joy Hudson of Oak Park commented on the building's welcoming appearance and said the entrance is obvious, in contrast to the district's former building. During a series of community meetings, clarity like a visible entryway and transparency both literal and figurative were often brought up by those who provided input, said Colby Lewis, principal with STR Architects. Lewis and Costanzo emphasized the community aspect of the building, with meeting space open to the public on the building's east side. Rather than a designated board-only room, they wanted to create a space intended to be used every moment it's open, Lewis said. Advertisement Gates said Oak Park has made a commitment to education, and the new building, designed to be both a community center and education center, is representative of that commitment. "This is your facility, your building," Gates told tour-goers. Offices fill the west side of the building and the second floor; the building also houses Oak Park Education Foundation staff. Student art is a focal point of the building's lobby, with 348 original art tiles and a display area that allows for student art to rotate in and out. "One of the most important ones was they wanted a place that celebrated kids," Lewis said of community input architects received. Energy efficiency and sustainability were important to the community as well, Lewis said. Some of the building's sustainable features include a rainscreen exterior wall system allowing continuous wall insulation, LED lighting that can be adjusted based on daylight and is based on occupancy, a variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling system and a permeable paver parking lot behind the building to allow for stormwater management. Bamboo paneling on the interior and metal panels made to look like wood on the exterior convey a warmth, Lewis and Costanzo said. One wall within each conference room is painted a different color, for identification purposes. Advertisement Gates joked that tour-goers wouldn't find any bidets or other extravagant features within the space. "It's a functional space that is dedicated to working for you," he said. Tony Black, an Oak Park father of two, was curious about the new facility and was pleased to see energy efficiency was a priority. He also said he appreciates the effort to make the building feel open to the community. "I was pretty impressed. You can tell they put in a lot of thought and a lot of work," he said. "It does feel like it's partly our building." Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. An Illinois Lottery drawing is shown at WGN Studios in Chicago in this 2010 photo. A convenience store in Park Ridge sold a winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $350,000 for the Monday evening drawing on Nov. 14. (Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune) A convenience store in Park Ridge sold a winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket worth $350,000 for the Monday evening drawing on Nov. 14, according to a news release issued by the Illinois Lottery. The ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 976 N. Northwest Highway. It matched all five numbers 14, 17, 26, 34, 40. According to the release, the retailer will receive $3,500, or 1 percent of the prize amount. Advertisement The release indicated that the winner can sign the back of the ticket and visit one of the Illinois Lottery's prize centers. They are located in Des Plaines, Chicago, Rockford, Springfield and Fairview Heights Winners have one year from the drawing date to claim the prize. Murder and attempted murder charges have been filed against a Gary man in a shooting reported Saturday in Gary. William Galloway, 24, was charged with murder in the shooting of Jonquell Golida, 23, and with attempted murder in the wounding of Timothy Fryerson, whose age was unavailable. Advertisement Police were called at about 9:30 p.m. to 49th Avenue and Massachusetts Street, where they found Golida dead in the middle of the street just south of 49th Avenue in Gary. Fryerson, who was found further down the street, was transported to an Illinois hospital for treatment. Police reviewed surveillance video from a gas station at 49th Avenue and Broadway in which Golida and Fryerson appeared to be in a verbal argument, the probable cause affidavit states. The gas station attendant heard Golida say to Fryerson, "I'm not going to fight you, you're drunk," the probable cause affidavit states. Advertisement A red Dodge Durango driven by co-defendant Kendall Vaughn pulled up at the gas station. Vaughn got out and walked inside the gas station. When the two men walked past the red Dodge Durango as they were leaving, it appeared on the surveillance footage that there was an exchange of words between the two victims and the two back seat passengers of the Durango, records state. The two men walked east across Broadway, and the Durango pulled out on to Broadway, then went east on 49th Avenue and south on Massachusetts Street, out of the camera view. Vaughn, 20, of Gary, is charged with assisting a criminal. Vaughn's girlfriend, Tammarashea Jones, 21, of Gary, is charged with misdemeanor false informing for allegedly lying to police about the incident. Court records state that both Vaughn and Jones gave varying accounts of what transpired during the shooting incident. Police found several spent bullet casings, bullet fragments and a live round in the street. Lake County crime scene investigators determined there were two different caliber bullets, .45-caliber and 10 mm, court records state. Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. The new house built at the southwest corner of Brown Street and University Drive replaced a early 20th century neighborhood home that Valparaiso University tore down, and the University on Monday stopped a rezoning petition it filed. (James D. Wolf Jr. / Post-Tribune) Residents of the neighborhoods north and east of Valparaiso University received good news as a planned rezoning was pulled by the university. The university had petitioned the city to rezone the house at the southwest corner of Brown Street and University Drive from neighborhood conservation to campus. Advertisement However, after getting a favorable recommendation Oct. 11 from the Plan Commission and having a public hearing on the rezoning at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, the university stopped its request. City Planner Tyler Kent told the council on Monday that the university asked that the rezoning request be pulled from the agenda. Advertisement The university had torn down an early 20th century house on the property that VU's General Counsel Darron Farha said was not salvageable and built a new 3,500-square-foot home there for a home for the residential housing coordinator who'll oversee the new sororities on Union Street to the south. No university representatives were there to comment, but Kent said, "it's a permitted use, so it's not necessary." Fahra was not available for comment on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a person in his office. At the Sept. 19 Plan Commission meeting and at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, residents and members of the Upper Brown and Monroe Neighborhood Association protested the rezoning as another infringement by the university on the neighborhood. In September, Brown Street resident Richard Stith said rezoning it to campus designation would give the university "a blank check," for land use in the future, despite it being on the end of a residential street. City Council Member Diana Reed, D-1st, who is also secretary for the Neighborhood Association, had called measure "spot zoning" at a Plan Commission meeting. Other residents noted the house now faces University Street instead of Brown. Also at the meeting, the council approved renewal of the three-way liquor license for Good Husband Inc. for Fork & Cork restaurant at 66 E. Lincolnway and formerly known as Bonne Femme. Advertisement However, the council tabled approval of the license for Furinkazan Sushi & Bar at 21 E. Lincolnway at the owners' request as negotiations are continuing with Margarita's Bar & Grill for the purchase of the site and license transfer. In Indiana, three-way liquor licenses that allow sales of beer, wine and hard liquor are allotted by population, but Valparaiso has gotten state permission to have 10 three-way licenses for its historic downtown. James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Sandhill Cranes prepare to land at the wildlife area near sunset. The full moon, called a super moon because it is at its closest orbit to the earth in almost seven decades, coincided with the Sandhill Crane migration at Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, near Medaryville. (Mark Davis / Post-Tribune) Birders and nature enthusiasts gathered near sunset Monday at the observation deck at Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Center to get a look at the migrating sandhill cranes under the light of the super moon. Scattered clouds blocked the moonrise but the burnt orange sunset set the background for crane watchers to see the birds as they flew off in the distance from the farm fields to the marshland where they spend the night. Advertisement People from around the Midwest and beyond made the trek to see the spectacle. Sue Hamilton, of Griffith, has been visiting the park to see the sandhill crane migration for more than 10 years. Advertisement "The number of amazing birds you can see here is amazing," Hamilton said. "I just appreciate birds as part of the beauty of our world." She said it seems the cranes are picking fields further away from the observation station to land, so the volume of birds seems less than it is. Hamilton said he receives the email alerts from the park advising of the weekly bird count. "We came tonight to see if we could combine the cranes and the super moon," Hamilton said. She expects to make a return trip in December when the bird count is expected to be higher. More than 10,000 cranes were reported at Jasper-Pulaski Nov. 10, the last count date, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Up to 20,000 birds are expected during the peak of the fall migration mid-December. Hamilton said Northwest Indiana residents who don't make the trip to witness the migration are missing something people from around the country come to see. "They are just missing out on one of nature's spectacles," she said. Ben Duebelbeiss, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Romeoville, Ill., office, said the full moon appeared to be about 30 percent brighter and about 14 percent larger than usual for those who caught a glimpse Monday. Cirrus clouds blocked the view of the super moon at sunset, the time when the cranes are most active at Jasper-Pulaski. The cloud cover did not last, giving star gazers a view of the super moon before the night was over. "Most of the area, at least at some point, had clear skies overnight," Duebelbeiss said. Advertisement The last time the moon was this close to Earth was 1948 and it will not make another pass this close until 2034. Ray Boehmer, of Urbana, Ill., made the day trip to Jasper-Pulaski with his wife, two friends and two dogs. The last time he made the trip to Medaryville to witness the migration was about five or six years ago. "I'm a bird watcher. Nobody has to twist my arm to come," Boehmer said. He did not expect the moon to put on much of a show with the late afternoon cloud cover. He also did not expect it to appear much bigger than usual if it did manage to peak out of the clouds, he said. Boehmer said Internet photos of a giant moon tend to be misleading. "Of course it will look nothing like that," he said. Friends Mudg Poster of West Bloomfield, Mich., Lou Waldock of Howell, Mich., and Bob Lacey of Union Lake, Mich., brought their camera equipment to capture photos of the cranes against the sunset. They were hoping to grab moonrise shots as well, despite the overcast skies. Advertisement Waldock served as a tour guide for the group, having made the trek to Jasper-Pulaski eight to 10 times over the years, he said. This trip was Lacey's first and Poster's second. The trio spent their day in the fields taking photos before winding up at the observation station. Poster said the park makes for a great place to witness the migration. "We thank Indiana for doing this," she said. The friends were staying in Valparaiso and said the drive down U.S. 421 past the Shahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield offered an interesting backdrop for their photos of the cranes passing in front of the towers. "We were hoping for the super moon," Lacey said. "With wildlife photography, you never know what you are going to get," Poster said. Advertisement Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Libby Baker, new executive administrative assistant at the Wilmette Park District, talked to Pioneer Press about the fun of park districts, causes she cares about, and more. (Kathy Routliffe / Pioneer Press) Libby Baker says much of her life has revolved around recreation. Baker recently made the move from the Winnetka Park District to the Wilmette Park District. She spoke with Pioneer Press on Nov. 15. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Advertisement A: I grew up in Des Plaines, and I now live in Gurnee. My major in college was therapeutic recreation, and my first job out of college was working at the NSSRA (Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, which provides recreation programs for people with disabilities on the North Shore.) Q: What do you like about working in the parks and recreation field? Advertisement A: I think it's the people. The people who choose a career in parks and recreation are happy, fun people. They're creative. I've worked with some great people. My husband's in parks and recreation; in fact, we met through work. Q: You've been working at the Wilmette district for a few months now; do you have any favorite facilities? A: I can't say I have a favorite facility, and I haven't been to all the district's parks, but if I had to pick,, I'd say the Lakeview Center. That's because I love the water Q: Do you have any causes or charities you'd like people to be aware of? A: The first is Lory's Placewww.lakelandhealth.org/lorys-place). It's a grief counseling and education facility in southwest Michigan. It ... provides services for people who have lost a loved one, or are losing one. It's named after Dr. Lory Schults. She is my older sister and she was killed 13 years ago in a car accident. The second is Riddick's Ride (www.riddicksride.org), named after a little boy born with complex medical conditions. He passed away on his third birthday, and his parents wanted to help others who deal with similar situations. Q: What would you like to tell people about the Wilmette Park District? A: I'd tell people to come and check out what the district has to offer them, because there's a lot here to experience. Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut. Advertisement Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @pioneer_kathy The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced on Tuesday that it's hosting in the coming April a major exhibition on ancient Chinese artifacts and art works dating back nearly 2,000 years. The exhibition, named "Age of Empires: Chinese Art of the Qin and Han Dynasties (221 B.C.-A.D.220)," features more than 160 rare pieces of art loaned from 31 museums and archaeological institutions in China, said Thomas Campbell, the Met's director, at a press briefing. Thomas Campbell, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, introduces a major exhibition on ancient Chinese artifacts and art works at a press briefing in New York, Nov. 15, 2016. [Photo / CNS] Among the exhibits are the world famous terra-cotta warriors from the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.), or life-sized clay soldiers buried with the emperor to guard him in the afterlife, and a jade suit sewn with gold thread, the luxurious burial clothing for the royals of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.). Though short-lived, Qin was the first Chinese feudal dynasty that achieved national unification. The succeeding Han Dynasty built a great Eastern empire as powerful and influential as its Western peer of almost the same era, the Roman Empire. "People in the West know much about the Roman civilization and its profound impact on the Western civilization, but their knowledge about the great Han civilization is far from enough," said Maxwell Hearn, the Met Curator of Asian Art. He believes that the upcoming exhibition, which kicks off on April 3, 2017, will greatly appeal to the art lovers worldwide, and also help people examine ancient China's relationship with the outside world. According to the Met, most of the works to be put on display, including "extremely rare" ceramics, metalwork, textiles, sculpture, painting, calligraphy and architectural models, have never before been seen in the West. Over the past decades, the Met has developed a very close relationship of cooperation and exchange with Chinese museums, hosting joint exhibitions and supporting each other in loan exhibitions, Hearn told Xinhua. Meanwhile, the number of Chinese visitors to the New York-based museum has kept rising over the years. Last year the Met received nearly 300,000 Chinese visitors, one of the largest sources of foreign visitorship for the 146-year-old museum. Samsung has recalled 52 (out of 55) defective Samsung Galaxy Note 7 which had been sold in the country, The South African consumer watchdog, National Consumer Commission (NCC) said on Tuesday. The South Korean company (Samsung) is recalling the product in the world after realizing it had problems of charging, over heating which in other instances resulted in fire. Samsung was scheduled to launch the phone in the country in November and had to shelve it after discovering the phone's deficiency. "Samsung informed the NCC that 55 devices were sold as pre-launch sales. The latest report received by the NCC indicated that 52 out of the total pre-launch sold devices had been recovered to date. The phone has not been launched in South Africa," said Trevor Hattingh, NCC spokesperson. The NCC said they are relieved that the product is being recalled before being widely sold in the country. They noted that the use of the defective gadgets could be hazardous especially to the children. "The NCC is still monitoring the recall, and Samsung will provide it with a final report as and when the recall is concluded," Hattingh said. Samsung South Africa refused to talk to Xinhua over the issue about how they are compensating those who bought the product. Samsung has however established exchange kiosks in the country's major airports. The NCC said a full monetary refund or value equivalent device exchange should be given to the consumers who bought the phones. A court in China's Fujian Province on Tuesday sentenced Han Xiancong, a former senior political advisor in east China's Anhui Province, to 16 years in prison for taking bribes and abuses of power. Han, former vice chairman of Anhui Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will also have personal property worth one million yuan (about 146,000 U.S. dollars) and his illegal profits confiscated, according to the first-instance ruling. Han sought profits for others in land transfers, bidding, construction, appointments and promotions from 2003 to 2014. He accepted bribes worth more than 23.3 million yuan (about 3.6 million U.S. dollars). Han was also found to have caused damage to state property worth 222 million yuan due to his acts of favoritism, including helping enterprises obtain land use right at below market price. According to a statement by the court, Han repented, confessed and returned his illegal gains "in an active manner"; all grounds for leniency. Flash Russian and Syrian warplanes struck several rebel-held positions in the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday, as Russia declares a broad offensive on Syria rebels in central and northern regions, activists said. The military operation, which included heavy airstrikes, started after the rebels rejected repetitive warnings by the Syrian army to leave eastern Aleppo city before a wide-scale offensive launched by the military forces and backed by Russia. The airstrikes targeted the Masaken Hanano, Haydariyeh, Qaterji and Qadi Askar areas in eastern Aleppo, according to opposition activists. Activists also said ballistic missiles were fired on rebel-held areas, including the Tal Hadid area in the southern countryside of Aleppo as well as Jabal al-Hus. The Syrian national TV, meanwhile, said that airstrikes targeted eastern Aleppo, spelling no further details. Syrian and Russia airstrikes were halted on Oct. 18 to give a pause for the rebels who want to leave eastern Aleppo. However, the rebels didn't leave amid official Syrian claims that the rebels prevented the civilians from leaving. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said tension prevails eastern Aleppo, as civilians attacked warehouses of humanitarian aid in that part of the city. This comes as the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said Tuesday that jets from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean had launched their first strikes on Syria in the northwestern province of Idlib and the central city of Homs. "Today at 10:30 and 11 am (0730 and 0800 GMT), we started a major operation to conduct mass fire damage on the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front's positions in the Idlib and Homs provinces," Shoigu was quoted as saying by TASS news agency. "For the first time in our naval history, the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov started taking part in combat," he added. Shoigu said that the Russian Admiral Grigorovich frigate targeted terrorists in Syria with Kalibr cruise missile strikes. Idlib has emerged as the main stronghold for the rebels, as the entire province is under their control, except two Shiite towns that are still loyal to the Syrian government. Flash China on Tuesday handed over aid materials worth about 160,000 U.S. dollars to the Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) to strengthen its disaster preparedness. Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing, said at the handing-over ceremony that the TRCS has played an important role in disaster management and contributes to social development of the country and well-being of its people. The materials donated by China include an ambulance, computer sets, gasoline water pumps, tents and mosquito nets among others. TRCS acting President Mwadini Jecha extended gratitude to China, saying the donation does not only symbolize the long standing cordial relations between the two National Red Cross Societies but also marks another milestone in the various endeavors aimed at strengthening the disaster preparedness and response capacity of TRCS. "We hope this spirit of collaboration between our two National Red Cross Societies (Tanzania and China) will continue," he said. Flash U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declared Tuesday that the Saudi-led Arab coalition and Yemen's Shiite Houthi rebels have tentatively agreed to a cessation of hostilities in Yemen commencing November 17. Yemeni children carry jerrycans after they filled them with clean water provided by a charity group in Sanaa, Yemen, on Nov. 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Kerry said that the Yemeni warring sides agreed to form a consensus government that will be announced before the end of the this year. Kerry announced his statement while speaking to reporters in Abu Dhabi after conducting recent U.S.-brokered talks between representatives from the Shiite Houthis and the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Oman's capital Muscat. However, Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdul-Malik Mekhlafi refused the comments made by the U.S. Secretary of State, saying that "Yemen's government doesn't know anything about Kerry's plan about ceasefire." The Yemeni Minister said that "Kerry's reports are just attempts to reach an agreement with Houthis with no participation from the legitimate government side." He added that "Kerry's statement doesn't concern Yemen's government anyway as we aren't aware of it and any unilateral agreement will definitely fail." Another government source told Xinhua that "the current U.S. administration is trying hard to make achievements before the end of its term by forming baseless agreements that only foil peace efforts in Yemen." Earlier this month, Yemen's internationally recognized President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi announced his rejection of a plan submitted by the UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh, saying that 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. Flash China and Djibouti have vowed to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. This came on Tuesday when visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met and held talks with Djiboutian Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed in Djibouti on ways of further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Li, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, noted that China and Djibouti have been enjoying fruitful cooperation in various fields. China and Djibouti have maintained long-term friendship, he said. Since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 37 years ago, the two sides have always treated each other with sincerity, helped each other and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, said Li. China appreciates Djibouti's unwavering support for China in issues related to China's core interests on the international stage, said Li. The vice president further said that China and Djibouti have valuable development opportunities ahead in terms of cooperation. He expressed China's willingness to consolidate mutual political trust with Djibouti and actively implement the outcome of the Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held last December, as well as the consensus reached between the two heads of state during the summit. Cooperation between the two countries in the areas of infrastructure, talent training and people's livelihoods will be enhanced, to promote greater development in China-Djibouti relations, he said. The CPC is ready to work with Djibouti's People's Rally for Progress to deepen inter-party exchanges and cooperation and promote the development of state-to-state relations, he said. Kamil said that Djibouti is very satisfied with the friendly relations and cooperation with China. He also expressed deep gratitude to the selfless assistance provided by China over a long time. Under the framework of 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans proposed by President Xi Jinping during the FOCAC Johannesburg summit and the Belt and Road Initiative, Djibouti hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in areas including infrastructure, energy and industrial park construction, Kamil said. Djibouti will, as always, adhere to the one China policy, said the prime minister. The prime minister said that the People's Rally for Progress hopes to strengthen exchanges at all levels with the CPC and learn from its successful experience. Flash The Chinese Navy's frigate Handan on Tuesday docked at Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi to participate in bilateral joint drills in Pakistani waters. The frigate that belongs to the 24th Chinese Navy fleet convoy for the Gulf of Aden was warmly welcomed by the senior officials of Pakistan Navy, Chinese officials and diplomats at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. During its stay, Handan will take part in the joint drills with Pakistan Navy from Nov. 15 to 21, aiming at enhancing bilateral training level, promoting tactics exchanges and sharing experiences on anti-piracy. The exercises will include about a dozen tasks such as port leaving under threats, shooting and nighttime patrol surveillance. During a short meeting between the two sides, Commodore Zaka Ur Rehman of Pakistan Navy expressed his appreciation at the role that the Handan has played in the Gulf of Aden against piracy and said that "China is Pakistan's best friendly and brotherly country. We have arranged bilateral exercises, which hopefully will be very successful, useful and rewarding and will further strengthen our bilateral relations." For his part, Chi Qingtao, the chief officer of the joint drills from the Chinese side, said that "we hope that our joint bilateral exercises will be a great success. It's a great cooperation between the navy of the two friendly countries." Chi also briefly introduced the 24th Chinese Navy fleet convoy to Rahman. Flash A total of nine Taliban militants including two main commanders have been killed and 15 others injured in the northern Saripul province on Tuesday, provincial governor Mohammad Zahir Wahdat said. "Taliban militants launched coordinated attacks on the southern part of provincial capital Saripul city early today morning but fled away after suffering casualties and leaving nine dead bodies including two key commanders Gul Hamid and Mabariz behind," Wahdat told reporters here. Fifteen more militants have been injured and sporadic fighting between security forces and Taliban fighters is going on in some villages in the outskirt of provincial capital the Saripul city 360 km north of Kabul, the official added. He also confirmed that six security personnel have been killed or injured in the fighting. Taliban militants who are active in parts of Saripul province, have not commented. Flash The Nigerian government said on Tuesday it had rescued 50 persons from human trafficking in the past four days in northwest State of Kano. Shehu Umar, the State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition for Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), told reporters that the victims were intercepted by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Katsina on their way to Europe through Niger and Libya. He said the victims included women and children, noting that the victims hailed from Abia, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Kwara states. Umar told reporters that the zonal office had rescued a total of 343 victims this year, comprised of 321 females and 122 males. The official added that the victims were discovered due to three main reasons -- lack of legal documents, lack of enough fund and use of illegal routes. You are here: Home Flash The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), on Tuesday captured Mir-tugo village in the central Somali region of Middle Shabelle from Al-Shabaab militants. Army official Abdullahi Mohamed told reporters the joint forces captured the area without any resistance from the militants. "SNA and AMISOM captured Mir-tugo location near Mahaday town in Middle Shabelle region this morning. We were responding to complaints from locals here but the terrorists escaped when we advanced to the area," Mohamed said. The latest military development comes as lower house elections are due to start in Jowhar town, the capital of Middle Shabelle region. Islamist group Al-Shabaab has been driven out of major towns to rural areas in southern and central Somalia, but still carries out frequent attacks in the country. The group has vowed to disrupt the ongoing elections in Somalia, prompting the joint forces to beef up security around polling centers. Somalia prepares for presidential election due on Nov. 30. Parliamentary elections are ongoing in various parts of the country. Flash The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has strengthened disease detection and response in war-torn South Sudan to help prevent further disease spread. WHO Representative in South Sudan, Abdulmumini Usman, said Tuesday the WHO was working to detect and respond to multiple disease outbreaks and to ensure South Sudan's health ministry and partners have skills and knowledge to do their part. The efforts included the training of more than 1,300 health workers in such areas as disease detection, outbreak investigation and response, Usman said in a statement released in Juba. WHO estimates that 12.3 million people in South Sudan are at risk due to disease outbreaks. Frequent disease outbreaks are driven by multiple factors, including conflict that has led to displacement of people and poor environmental conditions. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than two million displaced since civil war erupted in December 2013. "South Sudan is a challenging work environment because of insecurity and a limited ability to access some of the country's most vulnerable people," said Usman. According to the WHO, infectious diseases pose a major public health challenge and cause significant levels of illness, disability and death in South Sudan. The country's weak public health systems aggravate the situation. Malaria is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in South Sudan with nearly three million cases reported since 2015. Cholera is also a major public health concern with more than 4,500 cases reported since 2015. Measles and kala azar are also major concerns. In 2015 and 2016, the WHO helped to identify, investigate and respond to 49 disease outbreaks in the country, including outbreaks of cholera, measles, viral haemorrhagic fever, malaria and hepatitis E virus. The WHO says it has helped strengthen the abilities of the country's national public health laboratory to confirm cholera, measles, meningitis, and bacterial pathogens like salmonella and shigella that can cause serious gastroenteritis. Flash German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on employers on Tuesday to hire more refugees and help improve their integration into the labor market. Merkel made the remarks at the annual meeting of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations, which was attended by 1,500 representatives from politics, businesses and society. Merkel thanked the business community for their engagement in and dealing with the refugees' integration, saying "we don't have to worry about our country, if new situations could be handled and resolved with passion." The improvement measures include the legal protection for refugees in vocational training and the possibility of refugees' temporary employment, etc. Merkel has also called for better mobility of the labor force within Europe and advocated the free trade agreements with Canada and the United States. You are here: Home Flash Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Monday held talks with Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan in Tehran. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan (3rd R Front) and Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan (2nd R Front) inspect guards of honor in Iran's capital Tehran, Nov. 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Chang said the development of bilateral relations between China and Iran is not only positive for mutual interest of Chinese and Iranian peoples, but also positive for world peace and stability. Witnessing increased mutual visits and personnel training cooperation between the armed forces in recent years, Chang said he is confident that the friendly relations between the two countries as well as the armed forces will be further reinforced. Dehqan hailed Chang's remarks, voicing the hope that further military exchange and cooperation between Iran and China will continue to play a positive role in safeguarding regional peace and world stability. Chang arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a three-day visit at the invitation of Dehqan. Flash Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Tuesday rejected concerns posed by the European Union (EU) over its missile program, Tasnim news agency reported. An Iranian man walks past Sam-6 missiles displayed in the street during a war exhibition to commemorate the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war at Baharestan square, south of Tehran on September 26, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Qasemi said that Iran's defense capabilities, including missile tests, can never be subject to any negotiation, "Iran's missile tests are conducted within the framework of the country's defense policies, and Iran's defense capabilities would by no means be negotiated or compromised on," Qasemi was quoted as saying. His comments came in reaction to a recent statement by the Council of the European Union, which expressed "concern with the regional military build-up, including Iran's missile program." In the statement, the EU institution urged Iran "to refrain from activities which may deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests." Qasemi said earlier that Iran's missile program is not a violation of any resolution of UN Security Council, and has nothing to do with the nuclear deal or JCPOA reached between Iran and the world powers in July last year. Iran's missile program is solely developed for deterrence purposes to meet national security needs, and the pressures by the West will not have any impact on the country's resolve to boost its defensive capabilities, he said. News / Local by Stephen Jakes Caption: His Worship the Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo today welcomed Evangelist Dag Heward Mills of the Healing Jesus Campaign. The Evangelist will be holding a Crusade at the White City stadium from Tuesday, 15 November 2016 to Thursday, 17 November 2016." The Mayor of Bulawayo Martin Moyo on Tuesday welcomed the international acclaimed Evangelist Heward Mills in his city as the charismatic preacher is engaged in a series of crusades in the country.Bulawayo City Council's senior Public Relations Officer Nesisa Mpofu posted photos on Facebook: News / Local by Stephen Jakes An Egyptian national was arrested in Bulawayo for remaining in Zimbabwe illegally.Lofty Khedr (32) pleaded guilty to the charge of remaining in Zimbabwe illegal when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya.The magistrate convicted him and ordered him to pay $150 fine with an option of 60 days in jail.He also ordered that he be deported to his country immediately.The court heard that on November 2 this year at 8am detectives from border control unity received a tip that that Khedr was in the country illegal and had been arrested and kept at the Hillside Police Station.They went to interview him. He confessed being an Egyptian who entered Zimbabwe through Harare International Airport in March this year and remained in the country since then.He failed to produce any form of identification later alone valid travel documents.This led to his arrest. Chinese 100 yuan banknotes are seen on a counter of a branch of a commercial bank in Beijing, March 30, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] China released a contingency guideline on Monday for handling local government debt problems, a move that analysts said is part of the country's fiscal reform to strengthen budget management and prevent its government debts from ballooning. The guideline specifies for the first time four types of "debt risk events" and corresponding emergency responses. Local governments will take full responsibility for paying debt through such emergency measures as scaling down infrastructure investment, reducing government expenditures, making use of land sales and selling assets. It also sent a warning to local governments that they would not be bailed out in the event of any local debt crisis. In addition, officials and bank managers responsible for any crisis would be held accountable. The implementation of the guideline will help improve the capabilities of local governments in the monitoring and early warning of risks and ensure that no regional financial crisis would erupt, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance on Monday. "The guideline is part of the country's consistent budgetary balance strategy in recent years," said Dong Yuping, an economist of the Institute of Finance and Banking at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "It does not mean there is any imminent danger of debt crisis eruption." China's local government debt totaled 16 trillion yuan ($2.34 trillion) at the end of 2015. Even if the central government debt is taken into account, the ratio of China's government debt to GDP remains low, analysts said. China began trying to put local government debt under control soon after the implementation of the country's massive 4 trillion yuan stimulus plan in late 2008, which led to a strong rise in local government borrowing. In 2009, China issued a document to strictly control local financing platforms, such as city investment companies, that were used by local governments to circumvent central regulation and borrow. To meet the financing demand of the local governments, China revised the Budget Law in 2014, after which local government could directly issue bonds. News / National by Staff reporter FIVE dangerous Zimbabwean criminals awaiting trial in South Africa escaped from police custody at Musina Police Station, amid fears that they could have crossed back into the country through illegal crossing points.The quintet is linked to a series of murder, armed robbery and housebreaking charges committed in the neighbouring country.South African police spokesperson for Limpopo Province Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the five escapees broke out of the cells through a brick wall on Friday night.He said the five dangerous criminals may have escaped back to Zimbabwe.He identified the suspects as Bruce Hungwane (26), who was arrested for rape, John Job Ndlovu (23) who is facing a murder charge, Samuel Lucky Tawanda Masotsha (21), an armed robbery suspect and two teenagers who could not be named for legal reasons.The two minors who are both aged 18 are facing charges of theft from a motor vehicle and unlawful entry.Lt Col Ngoepe said under South African law anyone who is under 21 years is considered a minor, hence he could not name the two teenagers.The quintet was supposed to appear in court this week to answer to the charges they are facing. News / National by Adam Cruise Zimbabwe Minister wants to sell her country's supposed US$10 billion ivory stockpile to China using a possible international legal loophole. However, experts reply that not only is the minister misinformed that such a loophole exists but her assessment of the size and value of her nation's stockpile is grossly overestimated.Zimbabwe's environment minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri informed the Zimbabwean parliament recently that as a CITES (Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species) member, Zimbabwe can legally take out a reservation against the current global ban on ivory as long as it's within 90 days of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17), which ended in Johannesburg on the 5th October.A reservation, the minister hopes, means Zimbabwe could commercially trade ivory if another CITES member nation, like China, also entered such reservation within the 90-day period.However, Stella Reynolds, Barrister from the United Kingdom and expert in international law, says the reservation Muchinguri-Kashiri had proposed is simply unobtainable. She explains the southern African nation would only be allowed a reservation if two-thirds of the member countries had voted for a change in Appendices listings at the meeting in Johannesburg. That did not happen.Elephants in Zimbabwe remain listed under Appendix II, which previously allowed Zimbabwe, together with Namibia and Botswana, to sell of their ivory stockpiles to Japan in 1999 and again, with South Africa added to the trio, to China and Japan in 2008. But since then annotations added to the listing have all but prevented any future stockpile sales.Furthermore, media reports from within Zimbabwe have stated that the nation sits on a whopping 96,000 tons of ivory valued at US$ 10 billion dollars.This, says Alejandro Nadal, Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies, El Colegio de Mexico who specializes in wildlife trade, is a gross overestimation. "The minister is not only confusing kilos with tons, but also millions with billions."According to CITES value estimates at the time of the 2008 sale, Zimbabwe sold around 4 tons at around US$ 500,000, according to a CITES press release at the time. It means based on these estimates the nation has a stockpile value of around US$ 5 million-US$ 10 million, depending on sale prices. (China and Japan colluded in 2008 to keep the prices of stockpiled ivory down so they could sell it on to dealers for a profit). Nevertheless, this is a far cry from the purported US$10 billion.It was reported that Muchinguri-Kashiri hoped to use the funds to help relieve Zimbabwe's foreign debt however, Muchinguri-Kashiri has been misinformed about how the funds may be spent. Under the agreement reached by CITES in July 2007, the countries that sold the ivory were "obliged to use the funds raised exclusively for elephant conservation and community development programs within or adjacent to the elephant range." She therefore may not use any funds from potential future sales in sectors beyond conservation.The reservation and size, value and distribution of funds of her nation's stockpile were not the only areas where Muchinguri-Kashiri has erred. She railed against other African countries that wanted fuller protection for elephants: "There are certain countries in Africa, such as Botswana, Kenya and Chad that no longer have wild animals and they are pushing for a ban on the sale of ivory," she told parliament.However, Botswana is home to the largest single elephant population on the continent, about a third of all Africa's elephants and Kenya, according to the latest figures from the Great Elephant Census, has showed an increase in its elephant populations over the past decade, while Zimbabwe's have showed a decline over the same period.Zimbabwe has an exemption under CITES allowing it to trade in worked ivory carvings for non-commercial purposes. Providing that a person purchases a valid CITES certificate (which retailers are obliged to provide) and the value of the items in question are less than US$500 and no more than 10kgs, they are permitted to take ivory souvenirs out of the country.An Investigation into elephant management and ivory trade in Zimbabwe by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2006, revealed that some sellers of ivory have little regard for the CITES permit requirements. Consequently, Chinese dealers have transported large quantities out of Zimbabwe using this exemption.Both Kenya and Chad have recently destroyed their ivory stockpiles sending a clear message to consumers that it's no longer acceptable to buy ivory, while China and the USA have begun a process of closing down their own domestic markets, which will practically close the door to any ivory stockpile sales from Zimbabwe. News / National by Staff reporter Amid ongoing talk about the need for another interim governing structure to stem Zimbabwe's deepening political and economic crises - in the mould of the 2009 to 2013 unity government which brought relative stability to the country - opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai says he has no intentions of ever working with President Robert Mugabe again.At the same time, the former prime minister in that inclusive government also told the Daily News in an exclusive interview yesterday that the country's meddlesome security sector was likely to have a major say in who would succeed Mugabe within the nonagenarian's warring Zanu-PF."I currently have no real relationship with Mugabe. In fact, I last saw him on the eve of the last elections in 2013. I made a number of attempts to see him but was told that first I had to recognise him as the winner of that sham election. So, I have not met him and he has kept his distance, just as I have kept mine."If there are people who are talking about another GNU (government of national unity) of sorts I am not aware of that and given the bad experiences we had in the GNU it will honestly be a hard-sell," he said.Tsvangirai, who appears to be on the road to full recovery after falling ill earlier this year and undergoing chemotherapy treatment in South Africa, said he had little doubt that the country's military chiefs - who Zanu-PF insiders say are supporting Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the ruling party's brutal factional and succession wars - would have a major say on who succeeds Mugabe.And as the country hurtles towards the crunch 2018 elections, the indefatigable former trade union leader also called upon Zimbabweans to not just brace up for even tougher times ahead, but also actively participate in demanding much-needed electoral reforms in the country if their lot was to improve."History has taught us that Zanu-PF will not move unless it is cornered. While they did that with the Constitution, we now have a new Constitution. And they didn't like a GNU but were also forced into it through pressure."So, we are saying Nera (the National Electoral Reform Agenda) is a good platform to put pressure on Mugabe to change. If we don't do this, holding any election with a semblance of credibility is going to be impossible," Tsvangirai said.It was in this light that he felt that the role of the military would continue to be important going into the future."The military issue is still an important factor as the security establishment is part of the ruling elite. So, they should be made to understand that they are part of the solution and not the problem."When you hear them (military) talking about corruption, you will know that indirectly the military will have a say in Zanu-PF's succession wars. It is a fair assessment to say very little takes place in Zanu-PF without their involvement," he said.On Mnangagwa, Tsvangirai said the Midlands godfather and Mugabe were "birds of the same feather" - adding that even though he appeared to have the support of the military, the odds were against him with regards to succeeding the nonagenarian."It is an almost impossible task for Mnangagwa to take over. Even if he did, we would still have more of the same problems, unless if the system is changed fundamentally."At the moment, any change would simply be just replacing one individual with another, with the same problems and system characteristics in place. In that sense, it would be foolhardy to think that replacing Mugabe with Emmerson, without fundamental reforms that are needed to transform government, would help anyone."In fact, it would be a waste of time because it would be a perpetuation of the same character and evil system," Tsvangirai said."There is an urgent need to change the system and it can be done . . . as was done during the GNU. People are suffering. People are living in dire straits and like they say, when elephants fight it is the grass that suffers. We need to end the current madness."As the MDC, we are committed to playing our part in solving the problems, but we are not government. Zanu-PF should give in now and pave the way for a proper election to finally take place in the interest of the country," he added. A customer tries a Harman International Industries Inc's JBL branded speaker at Harman store in Tokyo, Japan. [Photo/Agencies] One of the first things Samsung Electronics Co President Young Sohn said when talking about the South Korean company's $8 billion deal to buy Harman International Industries Inc is that the electronics giant has no intention of building a car. The emphasis was intentional. Samsung's target customers are carmakers who'd love to give their vehicles smartphone-like capabilities but are wary of surrendering unfettered access to their dashboards. They have largely kept a distance from Google, which could mine driver data for its own uses, or Apple Inc, which until recently had designs on building its own car. Samsung wants to marry its consumer electronics expertise and the fast 5G cellular network it is developing with Harman's presence in dashboards all over the world. If it works, they can offer carmakers a lightning-quick connected system for infotainment, mapping, concierge services and autonomous drivingand all without the worry that the automakers would be helping a future competitor. "This is not about building a car," Young said in an interview. Several automakers "came to us and asked us to help with technologies like 5G, or artificial intelligence or memory. We can harness technologies to provide a better experience to automakers." Deals like Samsung's for Harman could be welcome by automakers, who want to control the revenue from connected car services and the customer data it generates as much as possible, said Jim Hines, a research director at Gartner. Bloomberg One-third of the people listed by Interpol as China's 100 most-wanted corrupt officials and businesspeople have returned to the country to face justice and atone for their crimes. Zhang Yi reports. "I feel ashamed of what I did, stealing public funds and fleeing to Singapore to avoid jail time in China. I don't deserve to be a Chinese citizen. I realize there is no point living a miserable life in a foreign country, because the rest of my days would be a mere existence on earth." Those words, from a confessional letter written by Li Huabo, No 2 on a list of arrest warrants for China's 100 most-wanted economic fugitives published by Interpol last year, were made public for the first time at the weekend. Li returned to China in May last year, after serving 15 months in a Singaporean jail for depositing stolen money in bank accounts in the island state. The 55-year-old former official at the finance bureau in Poyang county, Jiangxi province, is suspected of embezzling 94 million yuan ($14 million) in government funds. In the confession, he said he felt relieved when he agreed to return to China and turn himself in. He is just one of 33 people on the Interpol list who have returned to China to face the music. Thanks to a global dragnet, the country's most-wanted economic fugitives are discovering that they can run, but in the end, they will be brought to justice. According to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the nation's top anti-graft body, to date, one-third of the fugitives on the Interpol list have now returned to China, either by force or of their own volition. Yang Xiuzhu is the latest name to be crossed off Interpol's list. Last month, Yang - who is accused of accepting bribes worth 250 million yuan and left the country in 2003 - abandoned attempts to gain political asylum in the United States, and through her lawyer, expressed a wish to return to China as soon as possible for treatment for an undisclosed medical condition. The 70-year-old former official in the southeastern province of Zhejiang was apprehended in 2014, when US authorities charged her with entering the country illegally. Since then, she has been held at an immigration detention center in Houston, Texas. Sun Xin, the No 1 fugitive on Interpol's list, was tried shortly after he returned in June last year. Although Sun faced a maximum sentence of life imprisonment after being found guilty of embezzling 20 million yuan of public funds, he was given a lenient sentence of 14 and a half years in jail. Crackdown intensifies In the first half of this year, 381 other fugitives returned from 40 countries, leading to the recovery of 1.24 billion yuan in illicit assets. In 2014, China's efforts to net overseas fugitives picked up steam, and a national coordination office was established on Oct 10 of the same year. Led by Huang Shuxian, deputy head of the CCDI, the office comprises senior officials from eight central government bodies, including the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Bank of China and the country's top judicial bodies. The CCDI also set up an international cooperation department in 2014, to better facilitate operations against fugitives overseas. The Ministry of Public Security launched a special operation codenamed "Fox Hunt", while the Supreme People's Procuratorate began an operation targeting people who were set to be tried for dereliction of duty but absconded overseas before their case could come to court. Last year, the CCDI started "Skynet", a program to coordinate efforts to bring errant fugitives to justice. "Suspected government officials and crooked businesspeople in the private sector are on the Interpol list. Those who worked for State-run departments or enterprises have chosen to hide in economically advanced countries, such as the US, Canada and New Zealand, because they can access a favorable living environment and a well-rounded legal system which they believe will favor their interests," said Huang Feng, a professor of international criminal law at Beijing Normal University. Huang said prospective fugitives plan their disappearances long in advance, and in some cases, they spend years making preparations to flee. "Before they are targeted as corruption suspects, they apply for immigrant status for their families and obtain permanent resident status in another country," Huang said. "Then they launder the illicit money and move it offshore." Searches continue This year, there has been no letup in the efforts to net fugitives overseas. Cai Wei, deputy head of the CCDI's international cooperation department, said the commission will announce a second batch of names subject to Interpol's intervention in May. However, the anti-graft authorities are looking for more than just the 100 most-wanted fugitives on the Interpol list. Cai underscored the need for efficient work practices at all levels of anti-graft work, and urged improvements in the suspects' information system, more-stringent customs checks and stronger measures to freeze illicit assets. At the international level, by the end of last month, China and 71 countries had signed treaties related to judicial assistance and extradition, plus combating separatism, extremism and terrorism. "It's been encouraging to see China signing an average of five new treaties related to judicial assistance with other countries every year in the past decade," Huang said. "In the years to come, the anti-corruption authorities are likely to require international assistance. "The judicial departments have a long way to go in stepping up international collaboration. At the moment, it's important for justice officers to become familiar with international rules and procedures in judicial cooperation, so they will become more competent and more efficient at netting fugitives overseas," he said. Contact the writer at zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn A court in Hebei province announced that a man convicted of murder was executed on Tuesday morning, despite his case sparking controversy. Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court posted a statement on its micro blog announcing that it had implemented the order handed down by the Supreme People's Court to execute Jia Jinglong. The convict was allowed to meet his family members before the execution, according to the statement. It said that Jia, 30, a villager in Shijiazhuang, was sentenced to death on Nov 24 last year for homicide, and that the sentence was upheld by the Hebei High People's Court on May 17 and submitted to the top court for review. The top court found that Jia had a dispute with He Jianhua, the village chief, after the former's house was demolished as part of a reconstruction project in 2013, adding that Jia had held a grudge and sought revenge. The convict bought three nail guns and one imitation gun. On Feb 19 last year, the first day of Spring Festival holiday, he took them to a village party and shot He with a nail gun in an act of revenge, the top court said. Jia then fled in a car he had parked near the location earlier that day, it added. "Jia committed homicide. The murder was cruel and had a negative impact on the local community," the top court said. It added that after reviewing the case, it approved Jia's execution as the lower courts had provided clear and sufficient evidence to justify such punishment. The case received wide public attention and commentary by legal experts after Jia's sister requested a halt to his execution. Some legal professionals said Jia deserved a more lenient punishment as the village had also committed wrongdoings in demolishing his house. In response, an official from the top court's No 3 Criminal Tribunal said that Jia's execution was justifiable. "He spent two years preparing the murder, including planning where, when and how to murder the village chief, as well as using a gun, which is illegal in China. Murdering someone is a ruthless act," said the official who did not give his name." After he shot the village chief, other villagers attempted to apprehend him, but he escaped by driving toward people in his car and threatening to shoot them," he said. In addition, he committed the crime during Spring Festival, China's most important holiday for family reunion, "which showed his deliberate malice". As for the demolition, the official explained that the village's reconstruction project had been approved by the Shijiazhuang government at the time and Jia's other family members had agreed to move out of their house. "Although the village committee behaved improperly during the demolition process, it was not a decision made solely by He. It does not excuse Jia's actions and does not mean he deserved a more lenient punishment for murdering the village chief," he added. caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn Staff workers check ballots at a polling station in Dashuiyu village in Beijing's Huairou district on Tuesday. Zou Hong / China Daily President Xi Jinping cast his ballot at a voting booth in Beijing on Tuesday to elect new lawmakers for the local people's congress in his district, with a total of 9 million voters in the capital electing more than 15,000 lawmakers. Xi cast his vote at a polling station in Huairentang, Zhongnanhai electoral district, in Xicheng district, along with more than 1,200 other voters. The president said county and township-level elections are a major political event for the country, requiring adherence to the Party's leadership, democratic spirit and acting in accordance with laws to ensure the people's right to vote and the right to be elected. He called for zero tolerance on any violations of the regulations and laws on elections. Six other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, including Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang, also cast their votes at polling stations in Beijing. The deputies - 4,373 at district and 9,946 at township level - after being elected, will vote for the new lineup of local governments at the grassroots legislature's plenary session. In the capital, there are a total of 12,260 polling stations in the districts and counties. Song Huiying, from Xicheng district, who visited a polling station to cast her ballot, said: "Our community has severe problems concerning the environment. I hope the deputies we select address our concerns and help us solve such problems." Zhu Guangwei, 84, who has voted in such elections since 1954, said that "the 17 voters' cards have witnessed me exercising my democratic political rights". Like Beijing, many cities have started or will commence elections for new lawmakers at township and county levels. More than 900 million voters nationwide will elect more than 2.5 million new deputies at the grassroots level, according to a statement by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. Xinhua contributed to this story. Move is expected to prevent secret deals between judicial departments and convicts The top court has issued a revision to the regulation on seeking commutation of sentences and parole, specifying the circumstances to prevent unjust reduction of prison time. The revision, announced by the Supreme People's Court on Tuesday, will come into effect on Jan 1. Yang Weidong, a professor on rule of law at China National School of Administration, said the document clarifies the standards for those applying for commutation of sentences and parole, and reiterates the importance of applying the same standards across the nation. "The provisions were announced and explained at a media briefing held by the top court, making the standards for seeking commutation of sentences and parole clearer for the public. The move will help prevent under-the-table deals between judicial departments and convicts," he said. The new regulation has 42 provisions based on the 29 clauses of the previous version, which was issued in 2012. It clarifies eligibility for remission and details about applying the rules of the Criminal Law. Those being sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve should serve at least 15 years of prison time after commutations, according to the regulation. For those sentenced to life in prison for corruption or dereliction of duty, it requires a mandatory minimum prison time of three years before they apply for commutation of sentence, and the prison term should not be reduced to less than 20 years upon their first application. Xia Daohu, head of the trial supervision department of the Supreme People's Court, said: "Problems have emerged with commutation of sentences and parole in recent years. Those who possess money or power are usually able to serve shorter terms of imprisonment and are easily granted parole, which has put judicial credibility in jeopardy." "The regulation is in line with requests by the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission calling for stricter punishment of those guilty of corruption," Xia said, adding that the regulation is more lenient on certain groups, including senior convicts, those who are under 18 years of age and disabled people. An average of 600,000 cases involving commutation of sentence and parole are processed across the country each year, said Teng Wei, deputy head of the trial supervision department of the Supreme People's Court. The regulation is of great significance to standardizing the application of the qualification, Teng said. "The commutation of sentences and parole is an important part of law enforcement. Therefore, standardizing the application of executive rules will determine whether justice can be demonstrated," Yang said. A 9-year-old boy known as "Mini Jack Ma" is expected to get financial help from the internet tycoon. Fan Xiaoqin, who is from a poor family in Jiangxi province, attracted public attention after a video went viral earlier this month showing his resemblance to Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group. Taken by a local villager, the video depicts the boy's disabled parents and their poor family from Yanhui village, Yongfeng county. Fan's father has had one leg amputated, while his mother has polio and his grandmother has Alzheimer's. He also has a 13-year-old brother, according to Chongqing Morning Post. The family has few electronic devices at home, the newspaper said. When he first saw a picture of the boy, Ma said he thought that a family member had uploaded one of his childhood photos. Ma said on Nov 9 that he would offer financial support for Fan's studies until he graduates from university, according to The Paper, a Shanghai-based news portal. Ailbaba Group said on Sunday that the story high-lights that many people are still living in poverty in China, and that the education and growth of many kids in some rural areas remain critical issues. Sophie, a cancer patient who died last year, with a pediatric nurse at the Butterfly Home. Lyn Gould For China Daily The concept of palliative care for minors with terminal illnesses is gaining ground in China. Zhao Xu reports. Lyn Gould spent just one day with Alexa, a 10-week-old girl who had been abandoned by her parents after an operation, but she will not forget the toddler, who died late last year. "Her tiny body was fragile and encumbered with drains and post-operative wounds," said Gould, co-founder of the Butterfly Children's Hospices, an NGO that runs the Butterfly Home in Changsha, Hunan province, in an email exchange with China Daily. The hospice is the first in the country devoted solely to children with terminal illnesses. "For some of our new staff, Alexa was the smallest baby they had ever seen. At first, our carers - ayi as we call them in Chinese - were afraid their hands would bruise or break this tiny hummingbird of a girl," Gould said. "Yet with quiet resolve, our staff put their fears aside - to see Alexa's ayi holding her close and singing was incredibly beautiful. Her time was close and she had experienced only hurt in her life so far. But for the brief time she was with us, she knew only love," said the 67-year-old, who set up the Butterfly Home in 2010, after working as a pediatric nurse in the United Kingdom for nearly 40 years. Emotional support Fu Xiaoli, the home's director, said love is at the heart of palliative care, a term that is becoming increasingly common in the Chinese medical world. "Palliative care is specialized, all-around care for people with severe, often terminal, illnesses. Rather than providing active treatment aimed at a cure, palliative care focuses on the relief of symptoms and offering mental, emotional and social support for patients and their families. Quality of life and a comfortable and peaceful end of life is what we have in mind," she said. To provide a sick, abandoned child with a sense of peace is a daunting task, and the absence of a loving family is just one of many undermining factors. Zhou Xuan, an oncologist at the Beijing Children's Hospital, clearly remembers seeing a dying boy pressing his face against the window beside his bed. "He was about 2, and had acute myeloid leukemia. For most of the four months he stayed on the ward, he longed to go outside and play, a request repeatedly turned down by his mother who was worried about his physical condition," she said. "Weeks later, I came across the boy's mother at the hospital. She was traumatized by his death, and by the fact that she had refused his 'one last wish'," Zhou said. "Sadly, regrets are common among parents, who are focused too single-mindedly on seeking a cure for their dying child." She said the success of children's palliative care in China will depend on whether parents can accept that the process is not about "giving up", but about "making peace with oneself while having a dignified, less-painful exit from life's stage. In the West, this is done by specially trained teams of doctors, nurses and social workers who work together with a patient's doctors to weave an extra layer of support for the patients and their families. In China now, my team of doctors and nurses have to undertake dual roles." Strangely, this arrangement may better suit the current situation: Chinese parents are generally skeptical about the notion of palliative care, and consequently may need advice from people they trust, such as medical staff who treated their child. "We advocate an integrated approach, whereby palliative care is offered to patients at a relatively early stage, along with curative treatment," Zhou said. "Later, as the illness progresses, we gradually raise the level of palliative care while reducing the role of active treatment." In reality, breakthroughs often come at unlikely - sometimes painful - moments; for example when active intervention has failed or wreaked considerable damage on the child. "When parents feel vulnerable, they tend to be more open to ideas that they might otherwise immediately dismiss," said Wang Xumei, a veteran pediatric nurse in Zhou's department. "Symptom control and making terminally ill patients feel as comfortable as possible is embodied in the definition of palliative care. A lot of trust and understanding is gained when we lift children out of physical suffering with morphine-based medication," she said. SALT LAKE CITY, the United States - China's Sunway TaihuLight has unsurprisingly taken the crown of the world's fastest machine again, according to the latest edition of the semiannual Top500 list of supercomputers released Monday. The massive supercomputer, built entirely using processors designed and made in China, made its first public appearance in June, when it easily dethroned the former champion, Tianhe-2, also a Chinese system but built based on Intel chips. TaihuLight is capable of performing 93 million billion calculations per second (petaflop/s). That's almost three times as fast as Tianhe-2, which had claimed No. 1 spot in the Top500 list for the past three years. That means a Chinese supercomputer has topped the rankings for eight times in a row, indicating the rise of China in the high performance computing (HPC) field. In the previous list released in June, China overtook the United States in the number of total supercomputers installed. That was first time that the United States has not dominated this category since the list was started 23 years ago. This time, the number of systems installed in China increased to 171 from 168 on the last list, but the United States also made "a slight recovery" and now has 171 systems, up from 165 in the previous list. "The 48th edition of the Top500 list saw China and the United States pacing each other for supercomputing supremacy," Top500 editors said in a statement released at an HPC conference in Salt Lake City. "A year ago the United States was the clear leader with 200 systems, while China had 108." In addition, China and the United States are "neck-and-neck in the performance category" with the latter holding 33.9 percent of the overall installed performance while the former is second with 33.3 percent of the overall installed performance, said the statement. In the latest rankings, Titan and Sequoia, two systems from the United States, remained No. 3 and No. 4 positions, but the top 10 list did receive "a mild shakeup." The Cori supercomputer, a new system installed at the U.S. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, slipped into the fifth slot with a performance of 14.0 petaflop/s. Right behind it at No. 6 is the new Oakforest-PACS supercomputer that is running at Japan's Joint Center for Advanced High Performance Computing with a performance of 13.6 petaflop/s. The addition of Cori and Oakforest-PACS pushed every system below them a couple of notches down, with the exception of Piz Daint, a supercomputer installed at the Swiss National Supercomputing Center, which maintained its spot at No. 8 as a result of a massive 3.5 petaflop/s upgrade. When it comes to companies making these systems, the America-based Hewlett-Packard Enterprise has the lead with 112 supercomputers, which is followed by China's Lenovo with 92 systems. There are three other Chinese companies in the vendor list: Sugon (No. 4 with 47 systems), Inspur (No. 8 with 18 systems) and Huawei (No. 9 with 16 systems). "Chinese manufactures like Lenovo and Huawei are doing well globally," Jack Dongarra, professor of the University of Tennessee and editor of the list, told Xinhua. The Top500 list is considered one of the most authoritative rankings of the world's supercomputers. It is compiled on the basis of the machines' performance on the Linpack benchmark by experts from the United States and Germany. Hong Kong's High Court disqualified two legislators-elect on Tuesday because they altered their oath of office and insulted the Chinese nation while being sworn in last month. The ruling favored the Hong Kong government's legal opinion submitted to the court that the pair's oath-taking on Oct 12 had "no legal effect" under the Basic LawHong Kong's mini-constitutionor under the city's Oath and Declarations Ordinance. Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying welcomed the judgment. He said the government will study the recent Basic Law interpretation by the National People's Congress Standing Committee and the court ruling, and consider future actions in accordance with law. Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, said that within 21 days, the LegCo secretariat will officially publish that there are two vacancies arising from the disqualification and that a special election will be arranged by the Electoral Affairs Commission. The decision is expected to draw to a close the public outrage over the pair's behavior, broadcast live, in which Sixtus Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching deviated from the prescribed oath, added pro-independence terms such as "Hong Kong nation" and used derogatory language to insult the Chinese nation. They also displayed banners proclaiming "Hong Kong is not China". Justice Thomas Au Hing-cheung agreed with the government's view that Sixtus Leung and Yau "did not truthfully and faithfully intend to commit themselves" to uphold and abide by the Basic Law as the oath states, as they "objectively, clearly" did not recognize the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the importance of "one country". The legal precedent from the city's Court of Final Appeal in 1999 states that "one country" is the foundation for the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the People's Republic of China and of the city's constitutional model under the Basic Law. Au stressed the authority of the interpretation by the Standing Committee of the NPC, the nation's top legislature, is binding on all Hong Kong courts. Moreover, Au dismissed the argument made by the two separatist lawmakers-elect challenging the court's authority over matters concerning the legislature, and reiterated the Basic Law's "supreme" status in the city. The High Court also ruled that the LegCo president had no power to arrange for the pair to take the oath again. Insufficient implementation of pollution control efforts and deterioration in some regions due to over-exploitation of resources were found by top inspectors in Heilongjiang, Jiangsu and Henan provinces, according to inspection results released on Tuesday by the environmental protection authority. More than 2,200 officials have been held accountable in the three provinces, where top-level inspections by the central government began in mid-July, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. In the three provinces, central inspectors exposed more than 4,900 cases involving environmental pollution. The provincial governments completed their subsequent investigations, and 167 people were detained. In Jiangsu, the provincial government has required more than 2,700 companies to improve their facilities for environmental protection, and polluting companies were fined more than 97.5 million yuan ($14.2 million). The central inspectors also said the top leadership in the three provinces did not fully push forward measures to improve the environment. In Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan, air quality has worsened since 2013, and the city was third from the bottom in air quality among the 74 major cities with pollution in the first half of this year, said Wang Wanbin, head of the inspection team for Henan. Despite its poor environmental performance, the city was assessed as excellent last year for economic growth, which shows that the leadership lacks knowledge of the importance of environmental protection, according to the inspectors. In Jiangsu province, inspectors also found high risk of contamination due to insufficient anti-pollution measures, noting that only 30 percent of the more than 6,300 chemical plants were located in industrial zones where the government has installed equipment to reduce pollution. Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang, was warned about its ineffective restrictions, after nine of its 16 coal-fired power plants discharged pollutants excessively for a long time, said Yang Song, head of the inspection team for Heilongjiang. Within a month, the three provincial governments are to release their plans for correcting the problems. News / National by Staff reporter MDC vice president Thokozani Khupe has said President Robert Mugabe must resign to his rural Zvimba home and give Morgan Tsvangirai a chance to lead the country.Addressing scores of women gathered in the Harare CBD to campaign against gender-based violence yesterday, Khupe said Mugabe had failed in his 36-year rule."The time has come for us to change, to say no to Mugabe and Zanu PF. Mugabe and Zanu PF do not have any moral nor political authority to stay in office any day longer."Vanofanirwa kubva and mese munoziva munhu anofanirwa kuenda kuState House, anogona kukuyambutsai (they must leave and you all know who should be at the State House, who can be able to take the country forward), that person is none other than . . .Tsvangirai," she said."Ipai mukana Tsvangirai (give Tsvangirai a chance)," Khupe demanded.She claimed Tsvangirai's takeover would "bring peace in our homes and once we have peace in our homes, we will have peace in the whole world, we will have peace in our country"."Izvezvi (right now) there is no peace . . . because we have no jobs, we don't have money, we can't even send our children to school, we can't even pay for our health bills, we can't even pay for electricity and water," Khupe said, adding that "Mugabe must pack his bags and leave for Zvimba (his rural home)".Following Khupe's address, the women marched to Harvest House - MDC's headquarters.The march - organised by MDC women - was in line with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, commemorated from November 25 to December 10 every year.Khupe claimed that domestic violence in Zimbabwe was being instigated by Mugabe's failure to properly run the country and bring meaningful change to the suffering masses." . . . saka ini ndinoziva kuti (what I know is that) physical violence inokonzerwa ne (is caused by) violence of poverty and starvation . . . the biggest culprit we (of) violence and starvation is none other than . . . Mugabe and Zanu PF," Khupe said.She said Mugabe had failed to fulfil his 2013 election campaign promise to create 2, 2 million new jobs and that had led to untold suffering of many, adding that this has resulted in physical abuse in many families and the nation at large."The ball is now in your court, as women you are supposed to be change agents. It is high time for us as women to say enough is enough, Mugabe and Zanu PF have failed the people in the last 36 years," she said."As women, let's rise up and declare that enough is enough, Mugabe and Zanu PF must go. We gave them 36 years to change the people's welfare but they have failed, and that is the reason why we have so much domestic violence." Any changes to immigration policies that might be proposed by US president-elect Donald Trump won't affect the growing number of Chinese students studying in the United States, a US consulate official said on Tuesday. "We are glad to see more Chinese students choosing to study in the US for undergraduate, graduate and optional practical training," which contributed $11.43 billion to the US economy in 2015, said Brian Gibel, chief of the public affairs section at the US consulate general in Shanghai. Although Trump said he would seek changes to immigration policy, any changes would not affect Chinese students unless they decided to live in the US after their studies are completed, Gibel said. China, for the seventh consecutive year, is the top country of origin for those going to the US to study, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report released by the US embassy on Tuesday. More than 320,000 students from China attended higher education institutions in the US in the 2015-16 academic year, it said. The number of Chinese students enrolled in US institutions of higher education in the period increased from 304,040 to 328,547, which was a year-on-year increase of 8.1 percent and accounted for 31.5 percent of all international students studying in the US, the report said. More than 1 million international students attended US colleges and universities in the 2015-16 academic year, an increase of 7.1 percent from the previous year. Since the US and China agreed in 2014 to extend student visas from one year to five, the waiting time for a visa application has been shortened to an average of six days. "Students no longer have to spend their holiday in China making their appointments for another visa and going through another visa application, but can get some rest and return more refreshed," said William J. Weissman, US consular section chief in Shanghai. In addition, for the second year in a row, there are more Chinese students pursuing undergraduate degrees than graduate degrees. "We've noticed that business, science, technology, engineering and math are no longer the only choices of Chinese students, and that they now prefer to apply for majors they are more interested in, such as visual arts," said Xie Pianpian, an adviser at Education USA, a US State Department network of centers that advise international students. President Xi Jinping casts his ballot at a voting station in Zhongnanhai, the central government compound, in Xicheng district, Beijing, as the city's voters choose district-level lawmakers on Tuesday.[Photo/Xinhua] President Xi Jinping cast his ballot at a voting booth in Beijing on Tuesday to elect new lawmakers for the local people's congress in his district, with a total of 9 million voters in the capital electing more than 15,000 lawmakers. Xi cast his vote at a polling station in Huairentang, Zhongnanhai electoral district, in Xicheng district, along with more than 1,200 other voters. The president said county and township-level elections are a major political event for the country, requiring adherence to the Party's leadership, democratic spirit and acting in accordance with laws to ensure the people's right to vote and the right to be elected. He called for zero tolerance on any violations of the regulations and laws on elections. Six other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, including Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang, also cast their votes at polling stations in Beijing. The deputies4,373 at district and 9,946 at township levelafter being elected, will vote for the new lineup of local governments at the grassroots legislature's plenary session. In the capital, there are a total of 12,260 polling stations in the districts and counties. Song Huiying, from Xicheng district, who visited a polling station to cast her ballot, said: "Our community has severe problems concerning the environment. I hope the deputies we select address our concerns and help us solve such problems." Zhu Guangwei, 84, who has voted in such elections since 1954, said that "the 17 voters' cards have witnessed me exercising my democratic political rights". Like Beijing, many cities have started or will commence elections for new lawmakers at township and county levels. More than 900 million voters nationwide will elect more than 2.5 million new deputies at the grassroots level, according to a statement by the National People's Congress Standing Committee. Xinhua contributed to this story. Yu Xu, a female J-10 fighter pilot, died in an accident during a routine flight training on Nov 12, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua] BEIJING - The Chinese military has conferred the title of "revolutionary martyr" on pilot Yu Xu. Yu, the first Chinese woman to fly the J-10 fighter jet, died in an accident during a routine flight training on Saturday. Born in 1986, in Chongzhou in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Yu joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in September 2005, and had flown four types of aircraft. She was one of the pilots selected to fly over Tian'anmen Square during the 2009 National Day parade and had flown the J-10 in air shows at home and abroad, according to Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke. From country girl to China's first female J-10 pilot, Yu devoted her most precious years to the building of a strong army, Shen said. Yu's death has sadden the country, with people across the country mourning her in various ways. About 10 million people laid virtual wreaths at an online mourning hall set up for her. Senior judiciary official in central China stands trial for graft Xinhua | Updated: 2016-11-16 14:50 ZHENGZHOU -- A court in Central China's Henan province on Wednesday heard the graft case of a former senior judicial official who acquired large amounts of cash and property. Li Jinhua, former deputy head of the provincial procuratorate, was accused of taking bribes of over 8.68 million yuan ($1.26 million dollars) during various official positions from 2004 to 2014, said an official with the Puyang City Intermediate People's Court. The court also found he could not explain the sources of a further 13.22 million yuan found on his property. Li confessed and told the court he regretted his crimes. The ruling will be announced at a later date. A procuratorate in Fujian province is reviewing the case of a duck farmer who was charged with negligent homicide after a poultry thief he was chasing fell and died of his injuries. According to a statement released by the procuratorate in Zhangpu county on Wednesday, the farmer, surnamed Lan, was alerted to the thief's presence by the sound of ducks quacking at about 4 am on March 19. Lan, 51, gave chase to the thief, a 57-year-old surnamed Chen, and got close enough to pull on his left sleeve. Chen tried to get wriggle free, but slipped on a patch of wet ground and fell, hitting his head on the concrete. Despite being sent to a hospital, he died the next morning of severe brain damage. On March 29 local police requested the procuratorate issue an arrest warrant for Lan on the charge of negligent homicide, but this was declined. The procuratorate stated that the facts of the case were unclear and there was not enough evidence to support the charge. Last month the police tried again, transferring the case to the county procuratorate, which was asked to review the case and make a decision on prosecution. The procuratorate said on Wednesday that it had not yet reached a decision on whether to prosecute Lan, adding that its decision will be announced within 45 days of the case being transferred. Meanwhile, local media have reported that Lan had, in fact, tried to save Chen. "It was raining heavily and the temperature was cold. I even asked my husband to help him up and held an umbrella for him after he fell down," Lan's wife was quoted as saying. It was reported that Chen had twice been detained by police in December 2015 for stealing poultry and a bike he had used was found abandoned near Lan's home, next to yellow plastic sack that had four chickens in it. Hong Daode, a professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said that judging from the details available, Lan's action did not amount to negligent homicide. "Chen's death was unforeseeable. Unless there is evidence showing that Lan deliberately made Chen fall and hit his head to kill him," said Hong. video video video China has promised to work together with the world to build a community of common future in cyberspace, said President Xi Jinping during the 3rd World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday. "China will work together with the international community to ensure the common well-being of humanity, uphold cyber sovereignty, promote more fair and equitable global internet governance and bring about an open, inclusive and secure cyberspace, that features equality, mutual respect, innovation and orderly development", Xi said in a video message on the opening ceremony of the summit. The Third World Internet Conference is under way in Wuzhen, Tongxiang of East China's Zhejiang province, until Nov 18. The conference, whose theme is "Innovation-driven Internet Development for the Benefit of All Building a Community of Common Future in Cyberspace", is composed of forums, an expo, and a launch event in addition to the opening and closing ceremonies. It will hold 16 forums covering 20 hot issues, such as internet economy, internet innovation, internet culture, governance in cyberspace and international cooperation on internet. The annual event comes against the background of China's evolution into the world's second-largest economy with the world's largest base of internet users and a dynamic homegrown internet-driven industry. The event has attracted more than 300 enterprises from across the world this year. BEIJING - Liu Hui's parents used to chastise him for spending all day online chatting, they soon changed their minds, however, when he found a way to make money from it. Two years ago, Liu, 21, who is from a tiny, rural village in Hebei Province, came across the website cuncunle.com. Cuncunle translates to "happiness in every village." The website appeared to be a social network, with forums and classifieds. Unusually, this website was not full of urbanites posting about their cosmopolitan lives, it was for people, like Liu, who lived in the countryside. Liu was drawn to the classifieds section, which featured casual work offers, many of which were for people who could paint. Liu had worked as a painter and decorator for two years, so he applied at once. He earned 2,000 yuan (293 U.S. dollars) in six days. Purportedly China's biggest website for rural communities, 640,000 villages now have a homepage on Cuncunle, where they share photographs, find new friends, write blog posts and post classifieds. "I envisioned Cuncunle as a rural version of Alibaba," Hu Wei, who founded the website in 2010, said. Hu, 41, is from Shizhuang Village in the central province of Henan. When he was growing up he would tune in to any radio show about computer science, and when the time came around for him to apply to college, he was in no doubt that he wanted to study the subject. "When I received my admission letter from college, everyone from the village came to congratulate me and handed me money stuffed in red envelopes to help me with my tuition fees," he said. "Those who did not have enough money brought dumplings. In return, I wanted to do something for them." As villagers began using the website it began to grow organically. "It became more than just a social tool, users began to use it as a support network, a place to tips on how best to feed swine, or how to grow fruit." One man, a veteran soldier from Taiwan, even found his long-lost brother through Cuncunle. In the website's early days, the electrical appliance manufacturer TCL approached Hu about using the site to run a survey on rural residents use and opinions of television sets. "No company would have attempted to do a survey like this before, they were put off by having to physically travel from village to village," he said. The survey showed TCL where its potential rural customers lived, so it asked if it could advertise for a sign writer on cuncunle.com. "In China's rural areas, people often paint advertisements on walls, usually those opposite shops, these shops are often many people's only line to the outside world," Hu said. Hu posted the job opportunity on his website, the first of many to follow. Nowadays, Cuncunle has an app that makes posting classifieds much easier. Some village officials even began posting opportunities on the website, asking for people who could paint publicity slogans. The characters they painted reflected the changes occurring in China's rural areas. "In the past they painted things like; 'have less children and plant more trees,' while now their slogans are mostly about using the Internet and traffic safety," he said. Hu told Xinhua that after four years of the website being live, it had helped decorate walls with adverts and slogans equal to 20 times the size of Tian'anmen Square. In 2011, 76 percent of wall ads were for agricultural products, three percent were automobile related and e-commerce ads were unheard of. By 2015, however, agricultural ads' share had dropped to eight percent, automobile adverts had risen to 23 percent, and e-commerce now held the lion's share of 42 percent. "Now that many rural residents have smart phones, the Internet is becoming more important in their day-to-day lives," Hu said. According to a report by China Internet Network Information Center this August, China had 710 million Internet users as of June, among whom 191 million, or 27 percent, were from rural areas. The government has said it will connect at least 50,000 villages to the country's broadband network by 2020. If successful, by 2020 about 98 percent of China's rural areas will be online. Cuncunle has come a long way since 2010, it now has 12 million registered users and it employs 200 people. Hu Wei said that not even in his wildest dreams did he expect his small idea would have been such a success. He likes visiting the villages, he said, and has already been to 300 across 100 counties. "I hope that one day I can say that I have visited all the villages that have pages on our website," he said. Wuzhen Internet Hospital opened in Zhejiang province during the 2nd World Internet Conference, offering online medical services. [Photo/Xinhua] HANGZHOU - Trying to see a doctor in China's public hospitals can be a painful experience, often involving queueing overnight just to get a consultation lasting a few minutes. A Chinese Internet firm is attepting to address the problem by providing Chinese patients online access to licensed doctors in more than 2,400 hospitals across the country. The Wuzhen Internet Hospital based in Wuzhen, a riverside town in Eastern China's Zhejiang Province, was founded in December 2015 to provide services via an app it has developed called We Doctor. Zhang Guimin, marketing director of the company, described the firm as the medical version of Uber, where patients can describe their illness and arrange appropriate doctors. "Doctors can pick up orders on their own and confirm an appointment for an online diagnosis when they have time," Zhang said. The medical service is the online equivalent to a hospital outpatient service. Users can get prescriptions and pay bills on their cellphones, and have medicines delivered afterwards. They can also make face-to-face appointments with doctors through the app. "It is better to see a patient in person in the case of a serious illness," said Chen Aiguo, head of the surgical department at Tongxiang No 3 People's Hospital, Zhejiang, "The app is very helpful for making appointments and conducting further consultations. You can just do it with your phone." Zhang is among 26,000 doctors registered on We Doctor. The app sees an average of 31,000 appointments made each day. "The app helps connect well-known doctors with patients from not only major cities but also rural areas," Zhang said. "It helps balance unevenly distributed medical resources." Home to the world's largest online community, 710 million people as of June 2016, more than 95 percent of China's cities, towns and villages now have broadband. Wuzhen Internet Hospital set up a branch in southwest China's Sichuan Province in October to facilitate remote diagnosis services in the poverty-stricken Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Qiu Jipo, 47, lives in the mountainous Qiaodi Township and was among the first to use the service. Suffering from femoral head necrosis and arthritis, Qiu has a five-hour walk to the nearest clinic that can treat him. Through a remote video system set up by We Doctor's Sichuan branch, Han Sijing, a veteran doctor from 416 Hospital in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, is able to diagnose Qiu, and supervise a local specialist in the township's clinic to treat him. "Seeing a doctor outside the town or a doctor from a top-level hospital had been unthinkable before," Qiu said. Besides the Internet hospital in Sichuan, Wuzhen Internet Hospital has branches in 16 cities and provinces, including Beijing, northwest China's Gansu Province and southwest China's Guizhou Province. The Internet firm plans to set up 100 branches over the next three years, providing online medical consultations and e-prescription via cellphones or remote video systems. BEIJING - The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced Wednesday that in the last six months 260 missing children had been found thanks to a mobile app. In May 15, the MPS launched "Tuanyuan," or reunion, an app where police release information on missing children. Over the past six months, more than 280 updates on missing children have been posted on the app, and the 260 children found include 18 who had been trafficked, 27 reported lost, 152 who had run away from home, as well as 52 who had died from drowning or other reasons, according to the MPS. The app helps to ensure efficient information sharing and collaboration between police in different regions, and encourages witnesses to report the whereabouts of missing or trafficked children, the MPS said. A new version of the app was launched Wednesday, which will expand its reach through cooperation with other popular mobile apps. Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court began hearing the appeal on Tuesday of a 27-year-old woman who was left partially disabled by an injury she suffered on the subway. According to the Beijing Times, the unnamed woman fell over on a subway train when the emergency brake was applied during her morning commute on Jan 14, 2015. She fractured the base of her skull and was in hospital for more than two weeks. In November that year, she was assessed to be partially disabled affecting her ability to work, study and socialize. In the original trial, the subway corporation was ordered to pay 117,000 yuan ($17,000) compensation, as it was adjudged to be 90 percent responsible for the woman's injuries. The corporation refused to accept the result of judgment and launched an appeal. "She was playing on her cell phone and not holding on to the handrail when the accident occurred," the corporation said in a statement. The woman, meanwhile, is seeking increased compensation of 240,000 yuan. "My daughter was hurt because of the train's emergency braking, so they should shoulder the whole responsibility," her father was quoted as saying. Shi Huilin contributed to this story. No substantial interactions without acknowledging 1992 Consensus: spokesman Xinhua | Updated: 2016-11-16 16:56 BEIJING - A mainland spokesman said on Wednesday that no substantial interactions will be carried out between the two sides of the Strait if Taiwan authorities refuse to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus. Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular press briefing. Ma said that adherence to the 1992 Consensus is the political foundation for peaceful development and stability of cross-Strait relations and also a foundation for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to carry out substantial positive interactions. "If Taiwan authorities refuse the 1992 Consensus, the political foundation that embodies one-China principle, no substantial positive interactions will be carried out between the two sides of the Strait," Ma said. Ma said that Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings should be in line with the one-China principle and the relevant memorandum of understanding. "Our attitude has not changed," Ma said. In response to a question about arms sales by the United States to Taiwan, Ma said that China hopes the new U.S. government will abide by the one-China policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques to properly handle issues related to Taiwan. The 2016 Romanian Film Festival in China, hosted jointly by the Film Bureau under the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and the Romanian National Film Center, opened in Beijing on Monday. Organized by China Film Promotion International, Romanian Cultural Institute, Romanian company Cinemagix-Film Distribution, and the Romanian-Chinese House, the event will last through Nov 24 and then tour Shanghai and Xi'an. A Romanian delegation of 22 members, including officials, directors and critics, attended the opening ceremony in Beijing. During the festival, five Romanian films, including To Paris with the Identity Card directed by Serban Marinescu and Carmen directed by Doru Nitescu, will be shown to Chinese audience. The selected films, which fall into a variety of themes and genres, represent the highest standards of Romanian films, according to the festival organizer. For example, Sieranevada by director Cristi Puiu, was shortlisted for the Palme d'Or Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and is selected as the Romanian entry for the best foreign language film at the 2017 Academy Awards. In a memorandum of understanding signed in 2014 between Romanian Film Center and the Chinese State Administration for the Media, Radio and Television, with the support of Romanian-Chinese House, the two nations agreed to organize film festivals in both countries to boost cultural exchanges. The Chinese Film Days was held in Romania in 2014, as one of the events to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Chinese movie stars Jackie Chan and Zhang Ziyi attended the opening ceremony. Several Chinese films, such as Chinese Zodiac (2012) and Beijing Love Story (2014), were shown to Romanian audiences. 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 In his meeting with the leaders of Central Asian and East European countries early this month, Premier Li Keqiang said building China into an emerging country oriented toward services would deepen cooperation with countries in these regions. Li said the international order China advocates differs from the previous one which was dominated by the will of Western countries, because the cooperation China promotes, instead of only serving big countries' interests, is mutually beneficial and originates from the practical needs of partners. China is using its wisdom and following its own path to prove there are alternative cooperation models. Li said China is happy to see the prosperity and development of its partners, and does not enforce any political conditions upon bilateral cooperation. Li said the government is constructing China into a regional or even global services-oriented country to create and provide international public goods to the international community. Experts say Li's remarks show China does not believe in the Western mentality of antagonism, and is providing a new approach that is outside the box of the Western hegemony-dominated paradigm in international relations. China encourages some people to get rich first, and then lets them play an important role in helping the rest out of poverty. Li said this practice is also of reference value for some less-developed countries and regions on the Eur-asian continent. US President-elect Donald Trump speaks at election night rally in Manhattan, New York, US, November 9, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] The election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States naturally has many observers nervous about the policy consequences. Here in the US, the reactions of many of Trump's political opponents were apoplectic at first; overseas, many are reacting to these domestic responses, and drawing dire conclusions. Douglas Paal [China Daily] The lack of deep policy debate during this presidential campaign has left many to try to weave policy interpretations together from terse sound bytes and random responses to the twists and turns of campaign politics. Therefore, it is wise to look to fundamentals rather than emotional outbursts. Beyond questions of campaign tactics and the tone of this election, it can be said fairly that the election of Trump turned on at least several important public perceptions: Stagnation of American incomes and opportunity, perceived as coming from the unfair effects of globalization and incorrect domestic policy preferences; overextension of US military power on peripheral threats and weakness at the core; and inattention to the US' domestic economy and infrastructure. Trump appealed to his voters by offering to negotiate better terms for America's economic and security arrangements with the rest of the world. He did not say he would isolate the US, but that as a successful businessman, he knows how to drive a better bargain. He promised to address the gaps and shortfalls in US defenses that have developed during years of budget "sequestration". He will ask America's security partners and allies to remain together but to do more in their own defense and rely less on US security largesse. And he reflected the observable twin impulses of the American people to be less involved in non-vital domestic or regional conflicts, but also to be vigilant and effective against threats such as from the Islamic State group. Trump has signaled his intention to stimulate the anemic US economy through, among other things, construction to repair crumbling infrastructure and new infrastructure for a 21st century economy. As a New Yorker, he knows how the city was raised to greatness in large measure through massive infrastructure improvements led by the visionary Robert Moses. It is time for a new vision. He pledges to trim back over-regulation imposed in recent years on the economy and society to find new sources of growth. How should China react to all this? First, the dramatic redirection in US administrations is an opportunity for Beijing to reframe constructively the recent narrative in US-China relations. Since the Barack Obama administration announced its "rebalance" or "pivot" to Asia policy, the mix of competition and cooperation has steadily seen the competitive aspects, including military deployments, assume a larger role than the cooperative, such as the agreement on climate change. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a post Republican Convention campaign event in Cleveland, Ohio, July 22, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] After Donald Trump is sworn in as the president of the United States on Jan 20, the biggest foreign policy challenge for his new administration will be how to deal with the fast-developing situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Zhang Zhixin [China Daily] The top priority of Trump, as such, will be to form a reliable team that can help retain the trust of the US' Asia-Pacific allies in the new administration. One of the ugliest election campaigns in US history has left American democracy badly bruised. Therefore, Trump has to move quickly to announce his foreign security policy team to offer some assurance to the American people as well as the international community about the workability of its domestic and global policies. Besides, since Trump, during his election campaign, threatened to reduce, if not end the US' defense commitments toward its Asia-Pacific allies such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, he either has to pay early visits to those countries or explain that there will be no change in his administration's Asia-Pacific policy to reassure them of continued US support. Trump did try to do that in his victory speech by saying: "We will get along with all other nations ... willing to get along with us ... We will have great relationships." But that will not be enough. Trump's second, and perhaps more important, challenge will be how to treat the China-US relationship. The strategic competition between Beijing and Washington is mostly in relation to a third partyfor example, China's dispute with Japan in the East China Sea and its disputes with some other neighbors in the South China Sea. Which means future China-US relations will largely depend on Washington's policy toward Beijing and Sino-US interactions. Whether or not the US continues to take measures to slow, if not contain, China's rise will determine regional peace and prosperity. If the Trump administration were to include Taiwan into Washington's "rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific" strategy, it could lead to a much-dreaded standoff between China and the US. But no one expects it to do so. Trade and economic frictions are expected to increase, though, because being a businessman, Trump has his own ideas about trade and during his election campaign, he vowed to act tough on China. And although the US Congress is not likely to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, the Trump administration may put it back on the policy agenda after revising it, because it is aimed at furthering American interests. Besides, the deadlock of TPP will be a chance for China to promote the negotiations on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and enhance its cooperation with ASEAN in the talks of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the competition between Washington and Beijing to write the trade rules will continue. The most pressing security challenge for the region is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea nuclear issue. The "strategic endurance" policy used by the Barack Obama administration to deal with the issue has not succeeded, as many in the US strategic circle say. The DPRK is pushing the envelope by testing missiles and conducting nuclear tests. To prevent Pyongyang from mastering advanced missile technology and thus becoming capable of striking the US homeland, many experts suggest Washington launch preemptive strikes on the DPRK, which would lead to a greater crisis. Given that diplomacy in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa is not likely to yield significant results for the US, the DPRK nuclear issue could probably be the first foreign policy target in the first year of the incoming Trump administration. And with the Six-Party Talks being suspended, Trump has to find a new way to negotiate with the DPRK, which could really restructure the regional security situation. The author is the head of American Political Studies at the Institute of American Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. HOUSTON - The Will Rogers airport was closed Tuesday afternoon following a shooting near the airport's terminal in Oklahoma City, capital of the US state of Oklahoma. The shooting happened in a parking lot outside the terminal shortly before 1:00 pm local time and one person was shot, and police were looking for a possible second victim, according to local English newspaper the Oklahoman. Police have confirmed the shooting, saying that they have blocked off the streets around the airport and are asking people to avoid going to the airport. Airport officials said that all in-and out-bound flights have been suspended while police are investigating the incident. Witnesses said that helicopters are hovering over the airport and a fire engine rushed to the airport. The victim has been sent to a hospital for medical treatment, and the condition of the person is not clear. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the opening of the joint High-Level Segment of the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) and the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP12) in Marrakech, Morocco, on Nov 15, 2016. The joint High-Level Segment of COP22 and CMP12 opened here Tuesday.[Photo/Xinhua] - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." Chinese tourists have been safely evacuated from the disaster area to Christchurch in New Zealand by helicopters on November 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] CHRISTCHURCH - About 125 Chinese tourists trapped in a tourist resort by a strong quake in New Zealand, have been safely evacuated from the disaster area to Christchurch by helicopters. The magnitude-7.5 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck the country's South Island after midnight on Monday, killing two people. More than 1,300 tourists, including the Chinese, were confirmed stranded in Kaikoura, a popular tourist destination famed for its coastal scenery and whale-watching activities. Most of the evacuated Chinese tourists will continue their tour in New Zealand, and some of them already hit the road southward on Tuesday to areas unaffected by the strongest quake in five years. Roads to Kaikoura, on the northeast coast of the South Island, remained blocked by landslides, with airlifting the only way out. The Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch was told early Monday morning about the stranding of Chinese tourists in Kaikoura. Two helicopters were arranged to evacuate 41 Chinese tourists in the day. On Tuesday, five helicopters were used to transport the rest tourists and altogether 18 flights were made for the rescue. Li Wei and her Italian husband were among the last batch of the evacuees. "The Chinese government is the only foreign government that has organized evacuation, which has been quite a relief for us," Li said. US President Barack Obama speaks as he and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras hold a press conference at Maximos Palace in Athens, Greece November 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] LOS ANGELES - The Obama Administration should protect those "dreamers," who were brought to the United States illegally but later granted legal temporary status to stay, a US congresswoman said on Tuesday. The Obama Administration in the remaining term should take legal action to prevent those who enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Deferred Action for Parents of American and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs from being deported, said Judy Chu, the first Chinese American congresswoman. Chu, who was elected as the US Representative for California's 27th congressional district since 2009 and won her seat in the election early this month, served on the House Judiciary Committee. People who applied for DACA or DAPA provided "extensive" sensitive information such as finger prints and relatives' home addresses to the government knowing that it will not be used against them, the Democratic congresswoman said in a statement. California, which had more than 2 million undocumented immigrants, the most in the country, became the battle ground for many state officials over immigration issues. Data estimated that as of 2016 about 1,932,000 people in the United States are eligible for the DACA program, and about 30 percent of them lived in California. The Los Angeles Police Department pledged on Monday that it would not participate in deporting undocumented immigrants, nor would it honor government requests to help deport people. PARIS - Former French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday he will join the 2017 presidential race as an independent candidate. "I'm ready. I'm a candidate for the presidency of the Republic because I believe that we can succeed, that France can succeed," Macron said. "This decision is the fruit of an intimate and deep conviction," he added. Macron, 38, joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg. Two years after, he quit the job to focus on his political career. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move), vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory." Recent polls suggested he was a popular candidate for the French presidency, trailing former Prime Minister Alain Juppe and far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen. LIMA - Peru and China are in the right time to further promote their economic ties to higher level, said Peruvian economist ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the South American country. "The most important task is now to consolidate the advances in economic relations made since Peru and China began their free-trade agreement (FTA) in 2010," said Peruvian economist Fernando Gonzalez. In terms of China's vision of Peru, the director of the APEC Studies Center, explained that "China has a very clear strategy based on continued results, boosting its own production chain for industry and services, and seeing ever more sophisticated technological development." "China is a country of high efficiency. These capacities are not limited to production but extend to how to make pragmatic public policies," added Gonzalez. He said that, after the visit of Peru's Pedro Pablo Kuczynski to China in September and the upcoming visit by President Xi Jinping to Lima in November, the two countries "must resolve any problems that remain and focus on the fundamentals." According to Gonzalez, both sides need to improve cooperation in mining areas and allow China's ICBC bank to open up more financial services in the country. Moving on to the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), Gonzalez said this was an initiative to minimize divisions within the region and help to create one large free-trade zone. "This is a project that unites China and the US, and it drives to work together while managing their rivalries in the most civilized possible. This is the central topic for the future of the Asia-Pacific, for peace and prosperity in the region," he continued. It would essentially unite the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), between ASEAN, and six other Pacific economies, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The academic concluded that "it is an honor for Peru to host the one more step of the Beijing Roadmap being taken this year." LIMA - Among visitors from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Chinese visitors rank the first in doing business and investing in Peru. According to figures released on Monday by Peru's immigration agency (SNMN), just over 71,000 international visitors from APEC member economies traveled to Peru in the past five years. Of those, 67,713 traveled on business and 3,732 came for investment, with the great majority coming from China. From 2011 to 2015, 21,456 Chinese business people visited Peru. Chile ranked second, with 17,840, followed by the United States, with 12,413 and Mexico, with 8,525. China also leads in the investment field, with 1,240 Chinese investors coming to Peru, closely followed by Chile (1,200) and the US (666). Starting Monday, Peru's capital Lima is playing host to the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week. The gathering aims to promote the creation of a free-trade zone in the region. He will seek deeper cooperation during stops in Ecuador, Peru and Chile President Xi Jinping will leave Beijing on Wednesday for a three-stop South American tour that will deepen cooperation with Ecuador, Peru and Chile, despite global economic headwinds, analysts said. On his visit, Xi will discuss cooperation in multiple areas, including e-commerce, production capacity, industrial parks and infrastructure, according to the Foreign Ministry. Xi will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, on Saturday and Sunday. Most Latin American countries are at an initial stage of industrialization, and they need capital and technology to improve manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on the export of raw materials and boost economic transformation, said Xu Shicheng, a senior researcher of Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The president's third Latin American trip comes at a time when opportunities abound to expand relations in the region, since China has advantages in capital and equipment as well as experience in infrastructure construction, Xu said. Xi has already visited the region twice since becoming president in March 2013. He traveled to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico in 2013, before visiting Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Cuba in 2014. Jorge Heine, Chilean ambassador to China, said that Chile hopes to export to China more food and agricultural products, including cherries and wine. "We have 26 Chilean companies in Qingdao. We are diversifying our exports to China," he said early this month. Heine said the Chilean government welcomes more investment from China. "We are keen to have more Chinese investment," he said. According to the ambassador, Chile's SQM, one of the world's leading producers of lithium, iodine and nitrates, is for sale. The two contenders to buy the company, which is worth $4 billion to $5 billion, are both Chinese companies, he said. Wu Baiyi, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Latin America Institute, said Latin American countries "are currently affected by a weaker global market and the falling prices of commodities, and as a result, China's investment will be of great importance". China's excellent production capacity, especially in areas including high-speed rail, hydropower and telecommunication, could be exported to Latin America to improve the infrastructure there, he added. anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn Schedule of President Xi Jinping's trip to Latin America Xia Diwen / China Daily (China Daily 11/16/2016 page4) Google And Facebook To Ban Fake News From Ad Networks Trending News: Google, Facebook To Crack Down On Fake News Sites Long Story Short Google and Facebook have both announced plans to ban fake news sites from using their advertising networks. The move comes as both companies try to assuage serious and mounting criticism over the role their sites played in disseminating fake, usually pro-Trump news during the election campaign. Long Story By trying to hit them where it hurts most their bottom line tech giants Google and Facebook are banning fake news sites from using their critically important advertising networks. The proliferation of fake news sites, many of them pro-Trump, became a serious issue during and immediately after the election, with many critics blaming the sites for not doing enough to halt the misinformation campaigns. According to Reuters, Google said it is working on a policy change to prevent websites that misrepresent their content from using their AdSense network; Facebook is updating its advertising policies against the dissemination of misleading or deceptive content to include fake news. But Facebook wont touch fake news stories shared by users, and Googles change wont stop fake news stories, such as those claiming Donald Trump won the popular vote, from appearing in its search results. Fake news is designed to resound in reader echo chambers and appeal to Google and Facebook algorithms. A hysterical, clickbait-y headline will get a click and send users to a site that, as BuzzFeed News reported recently, may very well have been created by a bunch of teenagers in Macedonia. The more the article is shared, reacted to and commented on, the bigger the cut its creators receive. Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg has been forced to state repeatedly that the social networking site didnt play a significant role in the election or its final result and stated that he believes that Of all the content on Facebook, more than 99% of what people see is authentic. Only a very small amount is fake news and hoaxes. Facebook also came under fire when it removed human editors and automated its Trending News feed this summer, a move many believe helped the spread of fake news stories. Google uses a combination of AI algorithms and humans to monitor and review sites hoping to be or are already a part of AdSense. The company knows a lot is at stake, and is jealously guarding its reputation out of fear that legitimate publishers and advertisers will be angry at seeing their brands damaged by appearing near dubious news sources. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Do we need to teach people how to read the news, just so they can have the critical faculties to separate the real from the fake? Drop This Fact Even semi-legit news sources traffic in fake news, according to another BuzzFeed News report from last month. So-called hyperpartisan sites like Freedom Daily and Addicting Info regularly publish fake or partially fake news. According to BuzzFeed News analysis, the practice is much more acute on right-wing sites: a stunning 38% of articles posted by Freedom Daily, Right Wing News and Eagle Rising were deemed mostly or partially false. On the left, just under 20% of posts by Occupy Democrats, Addicting Info and The Other 98% were mostly or partially false. Jason Momoa Drinks Beer And Throws Axes, As One Does Trending News: Jason Momoa Throws Axe, Drinks Beer And Generally Wins At Life Quick Take Jason Momoa shot to fame on HBOs Game of Thrones, where he played Khal Brogo a fearsome mountain of a man with terrifying strength and biceps bigger than a normal mans head. And it would seem that the real-life Momoa is pretty much as macho as his on-screen character. Momoa will play Aquaman on our screens in 2018 and has already posted videos on his Instagram of his hardcore gym training regime to become the superhero, but his latest post has taken his macho levels off the scale. I love beer and throwing Hawks mahalo @jackaxesinc BOOM A video posted by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on Nov 11, 2016 at 5:24pm PST The Hawaii-born star greets viewers by saying: I like beer and throwing tomahawks, takes a swig of beer, picks up his trusty throwing ax and hurls it to hit the bullseye an impressive distance away to the delight of the audience in the background. He celebrates in the only suitable way, swearing to the camera and taking another sip of his beer. They say you should never meet your heroes because theyll be a disappointment in real life, but that doesnt seem to be the case with Momoa in fact he seems as much of an action hero in his downtime as he is on film. We can only eagerly await how badass hes going to be in Aquaman and whether he intends to throw that trident around a little. Drop This Fact Momoa performed the ancient Maori war dance, the Haka, in his Game of Thrones audition and it was absolutely spectacular. (Photo : Getty images) A photo of China's first aircraft carrier. Advertisement China's navy has reached a whole new milestone with the Liaoning, the country's first ever aircraft carrier which is now fit for combat. Captained by the political commissar Li Dongyou, the Liaoning officially set off from its yard in Qingdao, East China and began a new training mission. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement During a Monday briefing to the Global Times, Captain Li explained that China's military is at its best, but they were working to better themselves if the need to go to war arises. "At this moment, we are doing our best to promote strength and use it to prevent war," said Captain Li. He added that although the US is still superior to China in combat technology and capability, US officials who had visited the aircraft carrier gave positive reviews. "Senior US officials who visited the Liaoning before all gave a positive evaluation of the management of the carrier," he said. "Officers and soldiers' daily lives and training are well organized and the equipment maintenance is fine." The 24th Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the 30th and 31st Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, and Admiral John M. Richardson respectively are the three US officials who reviewed the Liaoning. Captain Li revealed that the Liaoning had over a thousand committed officers who were on guard and at work on the aircraft carrier. "Among them, we have 42 Chief Petty Officers with an average age of 40, with over 20 years experience of serving in the navy," he said. "As China's first generation of Non-Commissioned Officers' on the carrier, these officers' capability on how to operate, repair and maintain equipment is irreplaceable." The Liaoning was purchased from the Ukraine years ago while it was still being constructed. It began operations in 2013 under the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Naval Surface Force. The Liaoning has been fully loaded with Navy machine, according to the PLA. Advertisement Tagschina, Liaoning Aircraft Carrier, People's Liberation Army Navy (Photo : YouTube) Nokia's Ozo 360 degree camera costs $45,000 in China. Advertisement Sony Pictures recently announced that it will use the Nokia Ozo 360-degree camera in order to create contents for the virtual reality platform. Sony Pictures said that it will use both the hardware and software platforms of the Nokia Ozo. Sony Pictures signed a partnership agreement with Nokia Ozo that will allow the former to capture, edit, create, and distribute contents for the virtual reality platform. Sony Pictures added that it will integrate the Ozo Play System Development Kit into the firm's Privilege Plus app for the Android platform. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In a statement acquired by Venture Beat, Nokia Technologies vice president of digital media Paul Melin said, "We're thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and its talented storytellers to apply our technology and create experiences only possible with Ozo - like 3D 360 live VR broadcast." Nokia will provide the necessary hardware equipment and virtual reality software in order to support Sony Pictures in its goal of creating highly immersive VR contents. On the other hand, Sony pictures will use the hardware and other products provided by Nokia Ozo live in order to create a streaming service that will allow fans to access live company events, according to Engadget. Some tech analysts are puzzled as to why Sony, which has a long and diverse experience in the camera industry, would tap Nokia in its latest undertaking. It appears that Sony is trying to take advantage of the Live VR broadcasting feature of the Nokia Ozo. Moreover, Nokia's hardware supports 4K virtual reality output, as long as the user has a powerful PC or Mac system that can handle the processing requirements. Advertisement Tagssony, Sony Pictures, VR, Virtual Reality, Nokia, Nokia OZO (Photo : Getty Images) China remains its title as the home of two of the world's fastest supercomputers. Advertisement China and United States are tied at the top spot for the numbers of supercomputers with 171 systems each. However, China leads the pack as two of its supercomputers are at the top of the rankings. China's Sunway TaihuLight holds the first position with its 93 petaflops, while the second spot is held by Tianhe-2 with 34 petaflops specification. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to the latest TOP 500 Supercomputer Ranking, Germany holds the second spot behind China and the US. The third spot is held by Japan, followed by France and the United Kingdom. The United States holds 33.9 percent of Linpack performance while China has 33.3 percent. China has reported 10 suprcomputers in November 2015, while United States had 200. In June, China went past the United States for the first time with 167 systems. The US had 165 systems at that time. TaihuLight took the top supercomputer position in June this year. The supercomputer is entirely built using processors, which were designed and made in China. Its predecessor Tianhe-2 had held the top spot for nearly three years. TaihuLight is installed at the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi. Intel is the top vendor for the supercomputer chips. The company's chips are incorporated in 462 supercomputers out of the top 500 list. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the top supercomputer manufacturer with 112 supercomputers. China's Lenovo holds the second spot with 92 systems. Other Chinese companies included in the list are Sugon at the fourth spot, Inspur at the eighth, and Huawei at no. 9. Jack Dongarra, professor of the University of Tennessee and editor of the list, told Xinhua, "Chinese manufactures like Lenovo and Huawei are doing well globally." Advertisement TagsTaihuLight, Tianhe-2, Supercomputer (Photo : Getty Images) Hong Kong on Tuesday sided with China's top court, refusing two pro-independence lawmakers from assuming office. Advertisement In a much awaited judgement, Hong Kong's high court on Tuesday ruled that the two pro-independence lawmakers are not qualified to take the office. The verdict follows last week's landmark ruling by China's top legislative body disqualifying both lawmakers from assuming office. "By seeking to make a mockery of China... in a derogatory and humiliating manner, it is objectively plain that Mr Leung and Ms Yau refused to pledge allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as an inalienable part of (China)," Judge Thomas Au said in judgement. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Au also stated in summary of the 58-page judgement that he would have delivered the same verdict, with or without the interpretation of Hong Kong's mini constitution by China's parliament last week. Responding to the judgement, the lawmaker pair - Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung - said that their move to appeal has turned out to be a 'heavy decision' and that they might end up being bankrupt. Yau questioned the creditability of the verdict by claiming that the court was bullied by the government. "I think the government used so many ways to give pressure to the court. Under such pressure, it is expected that the court may make such a judgment," Yau said. Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who had filed the lawsuit against the two lawmakers, told reporters that he welcomed the judgment and the government would soon implement the verdict. The semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong has been on a boil since the oath taking ceremony controversy on Oct. 12. The controversy happened after Yau, 30, and Leung, 25, allegedly used certain derogatory terms during their oath taking to instigate the feelings of Chinese people. The two young lawmakers also unfurled anti-Chinese banners during the ceremony to convey their opposition against China's sovereign control over the semi-autonomous city. The actions were immediately condemned by the officials and their oath was overruled as "illegal." The controversy soon snow bowled into street protest, with thousands joining the protest rally in support of the two pro-independent law makers. The protest revived the pro-democracy wave that had swept across Hong Kong city in 2014. Meanwhile, Chinese president Xi Jinping vowed in a state address this week that China would not allow any group to split the country, giving a stern message to pro-democracy protestors. Advertisement TagsHong Kong, Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, Hong Kong and China, Yau Wai-Ching, Sixtus Leung (Photo : WPAPOOL/GettyImages) Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan is currently on a three-day visit to Iran on the invitation of Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan. Advertisement China and Iran have agreed to collaborate for defense and military cooperation. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan is currently on a three-day visit to Iran on the invitation of Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan. Both the defense ministers inked a deal for holding join military drills. The agreement also provided for cooperation between the two countries for fighting terrorism. Iran and China will also work towards creating "a collective movement to confront this threat" of terrorism. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The agreement provides for the transfer of military expertise for countering terrorism and other threats to safety and stability. Iran said that it is ready for contributing towards collective action against terrorism and extremism. Chang said that enhanced cooperation between the two countries is not only beneficial for China and Iran but also for the global stability and peace. He also said that more frequent interaction between the two nations and their armed forces will be further increased. Iranian defense minister also echoed similar sentiments. Dehqan said continued cooperation between China and Iran will lead to regional and global peace. He said that Middle East currently faces a wave of terrorism that may pose danger to stability in the region and the world. Dehqan added, "Today, the threat of Daesh and terrorism has turned into an important regional and international challenge." He also said that "China can play a very important role" in making a collective move against fighting the threat of terrorism. Chang arrived in Tehran on Sunday. He is expected to meet several senior officials and dignitaries in Iran. Advertisement TagsChang Wanquan, Hossein Dehqan, Iran (Photo : SeanGallup/GettyImages) China has pledged to peak its emissions by 2030 as per the terms of the Paris global climate pact. Advertisement World carbon emissions remained flat for the third consecutive year in 2016. The stall is mainly due to the reduced coal consumption by main contributors China and the US. The emissions were expected to rise 0.2 percent on year over year basis to 36.4 billion tonnes in 2016. According to The Global Carbon Project annual analysis, the flattening of carbon emission growth rate is a good sign. The emissions have remained stagnant despite the expansion in global economy, signaling that the relation between economic growth and emission rate may have been severed. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement However, co-author Glen Peters of the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo said, "It's far too early to say we've reached a peak in emissions." He also added that innovations in the area of wind, solar, and natural gas energy will help in reducing the use of coal in US electricity production. Coal is one of the biggest sources of carbon emission. US emissions are expected to dip by 1.7 percent in 2016, whereas China is on its way to show 0.5 percent decline. China accounts for nearly 30 percent of global emission, making it a major stakeholder in overall global emission control plan. Its emissions had declined 0.7 percent in 2015, while the US had registered 2.6 percent decline during the same time period. China has pledged to peak its emissions by 2030 as per the terms of the Paris global climate pact. However, many analysts expect China to achieve its targets much earlier. However, the emissions rate from developing countries continue to grow. India's emission rate grew 5 percent in 2015. Advertisement Tagschina, USA, Carbon emission, India (Photo : Getty Images) US President-elect Donald Trump received praises from Chinese media. Advertisement US President-elect Donald Trump has been lauded by Chinese state-run media who said that his emergence could herald a "reshaping" of China-US relations. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation earlier this week. In the discussion, President Xi said that the two world powers have a mutual interest in cooperation. In turn, Trump's office said that the two leaders have established a mutual respect for each other. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In an editorial, China's Global Mail claimed the conversation between the two leaders was diplomatically impeccable and that it had bolstered bilateral relations for the next four years. The editorial went on to say that Barack Obama's foreign policy towards Asia was hugely influenced by the cold war-shaped outlook of the American elites. "Trump is probably the very American leader who will make strides in reshaping major-power relations in a pragmatic manner," it read. This was a major turn-around from the same newspaper's editorial the day before. In it, the incoming US president had received a stark warning not to implement his campaign promise levy heavy tariffs on Chinese goods. The paper warned that if Trump made good on his threat, China would retaliate by targeting US cars, aircraft, soybeans, and iPhones. During his campaigns, Trump frequently attacked China. He went as far as calling the Asian behemoth America's "enemy." He also accused China of artificially lowering its currency to boost its exports. Trump also threatened to impose a 45 percent tariff on Chinese goods while also pledging to stand up to a country that he believes views the United States as a pushover. However, some have questioned whether his actions will match his campaign promises. Advertisement Tagschina, trump, USA, Apple Inc. (Photo : PLAN) Made in China. NNS Unity, a patrol boat of the Nigerian Navy. Advertisement A "no questions asked policy" and cheap prices are making warships made by China a popular choice among developing nations in Asia and Africa. State-owned media said China exported more than 20 military warships, each with a tonnage in excess of 1,000 tons to Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement There are no conditions attached to the export of any equipment or technology from China, said Du Wenlong, a researcher with the PLA Academy of Military Science. He also claims China's military technological cooperation with other countries does not aim to forge military alliances as alleged by China's detractors. He said China's decision to export warhips is based on the importers' specifications and military needs. Chinese media noted Chinese light weapons and equipment -- especially armed aerial drones -- are popular in developing countries in Asia and Africa. China's developing nation clients say weapons and equipment manufactured by the U.S. and European countries are too expensive and can't satisfy their needs. China not only takes its clients' combat requirements into account, but also offers an affordable price within their budget. China also doesn't use military technology to bind any country. The difference in price can be staggering. The F-22P Zulfiquar-class naval frigate jointly produced by China and Pakistan costs $200 million per ship. In contrast, the USS Freedom (LCS 1), a Freedom-class littoral combat ship or frigate, costs $637 million each. Given that the USS Freedom packs more sophisticated weapons and equipment, the cost of acquiring even a single ship of this type is out of the reach of most developing nations. Du said the fundamental technologies and weapon compatibility of Chinese warships have reached a high level. He also claims Chinese weapons and equipment have excellent technical specifications and are reasonably priced. In 2014, the Bangladesh Navy added two new Chinese-made frigates to its surface fleet: BNS Abu Bakar and BNS Ali Haider. It plans to acquire two more Type 053H2 frigates from China with all these four warships costing some $420 million. It will also operate four Type 056 class corvettes made in China. The export version of this corvette is designated P-18. Early this month, another Chinese-made warship, the "NNS Unity," an offshore patrol vessel, arrived in Nigeria after a two month-long voyage from China. NNS Unity is a P18-class corvette, which is the export version of China's Type 056 corvette. It's the first P18-class corvette delivered to Nigeria. Other P18s are being built for the Bangladesh Navy. The Type 056 entered service in February 2013. It's suited for mid-range missions and littoral duties but not for major blue-water combat operations. This warship has crew of 78. It has a top speed of 46 km/h and a range of 6,500 km at 30 km/h. Advertisement Tagschina, warships, warship exports, developing countries, Asia, Africa (Photo : Getty Images) In this handout image supplied by Host Photo Agency/RIA Novosti, A group photograph of the SCO heads of state, the heads of observer states and governments, and international organisation delegation heads. First row, from left: President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambaev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. Advertisement The next Russian-Chinese-Pakistani consultations on Afghanistan is scheduled in Moscow next month, with the aim of establishing a wider regional partnership on the issue, Zamir Kabulov, director of the Second Asian Department, announced on Monday. "We are discussing this with the Chinese, the Iranians, Indians, and Pakistanis. There is work on specifics... For example, we are planning the next Russian-Chinese-Pakistani consultations in December," Kabulov told RIA Novosti as reported by Nation. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Kabulov said the meeting would "lay the ground" for a regional project concentrated around Afghanistan, The Hindu reported. He noted that it is in the natural interests of stakeholders to protect themselves from terrorism, stressing that containment efforts should be in the form of an "Afgan-regional" project, according to IOL. However, of note, even though both India and Iran were named regional stakeholders, they were not included in the consultations, The Hindu reported. On the other hand, the Value Walk noted that the Russian-Chinese-Pakistani superpower triangle will permit them to carry out effective measures to curb terrorism and radicalism. Furthermore, it will also stand up to the United States' increasing influence in the region. According to SIPRI, Russian, China, and Pakistan have a total of about 7,620 nuclear warheads combined. Given such fact, the nuclear power trio makes an intimidating nuclear force to be reckoned with, the Value Walk noted. During the BRICS summit last month, Pakistan received support from Russia and China against India-sponsored resolution to declare Islamabad a "terrorist state." Both countries reportedly stepped up their diplomatic efforts to prevent India from turning Pakistan into a pariah state. Meanwhile, the initiative comes amid a number of massive assaults in Afghanistan by the militant group Taliban who refused to surrender to the government. The group's latest Thursday attack was on the German consulate in Mazar-eSharif, which the Taliban group said is a "revenge attack" for the US air strikes this month in the province of Kunduz that killed at least 32 civilians. Advertisement TagsRussia, china, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russian-Chinese-Pakistani consultations, "Afgan-regional" project, regional stakeholders, BRICS summit (Photo : Getty Images) Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s supported by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. Advertisement China's Consumers Association (CCA) has requested Apple Inc. to investigate complaints against its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s devices problem. According to the submitted reports, the problem that CCA points out is the spontaneously shutting off of the devices despite having over 50 percent of battery power left, the Wall Street Journal noted. Other problems include the uncontrolled shutting off when in room temperature or colder environments and most of the Chinese users say that they were not able to turn their iPhones back on even with continuous battery charging. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In view that Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s series cellphones in China have a considerable number of users, and the number of people who've reported this problem is rather many, China Consumer Association has already made a query with Apple, the CCA said in a public statement on its official website. CCA said it has already informed Apple about the issue and would continue to monitor it. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant has not released any statement regarding the matter yet. Apples iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s are not the first high-end smartphone models manufactured by popular tech firm to have issues in the Chinese market. South Korean tech giant Samsung, Apples biggest rival, is currently having problems too in China as it recalls Galaxy Note 7 in the country, Phone Arena reported. In September, South Korean phone maker announced a worldwide recall of at least 2.5 million units of Note 7 smartphones because of faulty batteries that cause some fire problems. Local smartphone manufacturer like Oppo, Vivo, Huawei, and Xiaomi continue to dominate the Chinese smartphone market. Advertisement Tagsapple, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, Samsung, china, China's Consumers Association, shutdown iPhone, Galaxy Note 7 (Photo : getty images.) To counter China's growing influence, Indian government will rush its Defence minister to Bangladesh in a bid to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. Advertisement As China expands its defense cooperation with Bangladesh, India is all set to dispatch its Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar to Dhaka in coming weeks in a bid to balance China's influence in the region. The two visit will aim to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, a move that comes day after Beijing delivered two naval submarines to Bangladesh government. The two-day visit will start on Nov. 30. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Sources from the Indian government claim that Parrikar will discuss new defense cooperation framework during his two-day visit. The framework will aim to enhance cooperation in key defense areas such as military supplies, technology transfer, and joint exercises. Sources said that development during Parrikar's visit will be "inked when Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina visits India in December." Talking specifically about new defense cooperation, people close to New Delhi said "India can supply OPVs (offshore patrol vessels) to Dhaka through innovative financing mechanisms. The training of Bangladeshi personnel in Indian military establishments will also be increased under the overall capacity-building." It must also be noted that both countries are currently carrying out the sixth edition of their joint military exercise, known as "Sampriti" near Dhaka city. All these efforts being undertaken by New Delhi are apparently aimed at countering China's growing influence in Bangladesh. India is making similar efforts to balance Beijing's strategic influence in other neighbouring regions like Nepal and Sri Lanka. Defense experts say that India is wary about China increasing its footprint across South Asian region, a region that has been traditionally dominated by New Delhi. China's relationship with Bangladesh Beijing's relationship with Dhaka has been on an upward trajectory for several years now. The bonhomie resulted in President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh in October, the first by a China's top leader in 30 years. Both countries have also forged close defense ties over the years, with Chinese government successfully delivering its first ever naval submarine to Bangladesh on Tuesday. There also have been hiccups in the relationship, with Sheikh Hasina government cancelling a major port project with Chinese company. The decision was reportedly made following pressure from Indian government. Advertisement Tagschina, China and India, Bangladesh, China and Bangladesh, India and Bangladesh (Photo : Kremlin.ru) Best buds: Seagal and Putin. Advertisement Putin worshipper and former Hollywood action star Steven Seagal has renounced his American citizenship to become a citizen of the Russian Federation last Nov. 3. He was granted Russian citizenship by his "luchshiy drug" ("best friend"), Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he more than once praised as the greatest leader in the world. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The decree naturalizing Seagal published on the Kremlin website read: "Naturalized in Russia. Seagal Steven Frederic, born April 10, 1952 in the United States of America." Seagal hasn't commented on his reasons for turning his back on the land that made him a millionaire and a household name, or when he plans to live in Russia. The Aikido martial arts expert and devout Buddhist, however, has appeared many times on Russian state television to shower praise on Putin. In a 2013 interview with a state-owned TV channel, Seagal called Putin "one of the greatest world leaders if not the greatest world leader alive today." "He cares more about Russia than anybody I know and he's not afraid to stand up and do what needs to get done," said Seagal. In another interview in 2014, this one with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Seagal described Putin as "one of the great living world leaders." Seagal, 64, said he "would like to consider (Putin) as a brother," and expressed support for Russia's armed conquest of Crimea. Seagal has been insistent for a long time in asking to be granted Russian citizenship, said Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "This (was his) desire, he had really applied. He had been really persistent for a long time and been asking to grant him citizenship," said Peskov. "He is actually renowned for his quite warm feelings toward our country. He never made a secret out of it, at the same time he is quite famous, as you know, actor." In August 2014, Seagal appeared at a Night Wolves-organized show in Sevastopol, Crimea supporting Russia's annexation of Crimea (which rightfully belongs to Ukraine) and depicting Ukraine as a country controlled by fascists. The Night Wolves are a jingoistic Russian motorcycle club ferociously loyal to Putin. Advertisement TagsSteven Seagal, Russian citizenship, Vladimir Putin, luchshiy drug, Kremlin, Hollowood star, Crimea (Photo : PLAN) CNS Liaoning escorted by her J-15 fighters. Advertisement China's lone aircraft carrier, the CNS Liaoning (CV-16), is being described as "a training ship for the next generation of officers who will serve on the country's aircraft carriers" by a website of the People's Liberation Army instead of a warship "prepared for war" as claimed by the ship's communist party political commissar. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement A lengthy online story with the title "A floating college of naval expertise," revealed the training being undergone by the ship's company that consists mostly of new naval recruits. Training these rookies is the responsibility of 42 senior officers, most of whom were members of the carrier's refitting team in 2009. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) said each of these officers trained three or more squad leaders on average, accounting for 70 percent of the young officers aboard the Liaoning. These officers said transforming the Varyag, a heavy aircraft carrying cruise of the Soviet Union, into the Liaoning was the biggest challenge they had ever faced. "It was a floating junkyard," said Liu Debo, a first class petty officer with 26 years experience in boiler rooms upon seeing the run-down Soviet ship for the first time. Varyag arrived in Dalian in 2002 where its hull, engine, and radar and electronics systems were fully upgraded. "There were no design layouts, no models and no experience to rely on," said Liu. "We had to start everything from scratch." PLAN considers Liaoning a training ship designed to train a cadre of aircraft carrier crew and pilots that will man the next two Chinese carriers currently under construction. Because it is a training carrier, Liaoning will likely never engage in combat against any of the U.S. Navy's much larger and better armed Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The Liaoning's Communist Party commissar Senior Captain Li Dongyou, raised a storm of controversy by alleging the carrier is "always prepared for war and our combat capacity also needs to be tested by war. At this moment, we are doing our best to promote our strength and use it to prevent war, and are prepared for actual combat at any time." Commissioned into the PLAN in 2012, Liaoning displaces 67,000 tons and has a crew of 1,900 sailors and an air group of 630 men. Major General Liu Zhe is Captain of the Liaoning. Advertisement TagsCNS Liaoning, People's Liberation Army Navy, Senior Captain Li Dongyou, Major General Liu Zhe, Aircraft carrier (Photo : SeanGallup/GettyImages) BLU is one of the Android smartphone brands that have the rogue firmware installed on their products. Advertisement Some Android phones sold in the US have been found to have a rogue firmware installed on them. The software can collect users' data and send it to a third-party company based in China. The personal data so transmitted includes call logs, text messages, user's location, and app usage data. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to a report released by security firm Kryptoware, the company in charge of the rogue firmware stated that the software was created for a Chinese company selling devices in the country. The company named Adups also claims that the firmware was accidently installed on the phones to be sold in the United States. The complete list of brands affected by this firmware has not been provided. However, at least one brand, BLU, has been identified. The company released a statement saying, "BLU Products has identified and has quickly removed a recent security issue caused by a third-party application." It is likely that nearly 120,000 smartphones were affected before the update to neutralize the firmware was pushed. Adups also collaborates with other companies such as ZTE and Huawei. Google acknowledged that it was not aware of the issue until it was contacted by security firm Kryptoware. It is believed that the transmitted data was encrypted by Adups during the transit. However, Kryptoware was able to detect the key and decrypt text content. Kryptoware stated that the incidence strengthens the case for "more transparency at every stage of the supply chain." The security firm said that it has forwarded its findings to the US government. Advertisement TagsAndroid, BLU, Kryptoware Vietnam making progress, but still has a long road to religious freedom 16 November, 2016 by Staff , | WASHINGTON (Christian Examiner) Vietnam has made progress in inching toward religious freedom, but still has miles to go to see it fully implemented, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has said in a press release. Vietnam's designation as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) was removed a decade ago as the U.S. State Department began to further normalize relations with its former enemy. Since then, Vietnam has become a significant trade partner with the U.S. and the U.S. has allied with the country over Chinese military expansion into Vietnam's territorial waters and airspace in the South China Sea. Vietnam is at a crossroads. Its government needs to stop oppressing believers and enact legislation that respects religious freedom. If it does not, USCIRF will have to continue calling for its designation as a country of particular concern. USCIRF said it is watching "with concern" a new law governing religion that is working its way through the country's National Assembly. Freedom of religion is ostensibly guaranteed in the country's constitution, but that protection extends only so far as religious belief is not opposed to the will of the people (or those communist officials elected to the governing body). "Vietnam is at a crossroads," USCIRF Chair Thomas J. Reese said. "Its government needs to stop oppressing believers and enact legislation that respects religious freedom. If it does not, USCIRF will have to continue calling for its designation as a country of particular concern." USCIRF has recommended Vietnam as a CPC since 2001, though the State Department is not bound to abide by the recommendation. Still, in its report in 2016, USCIRF noted: "The government has made dramatic openings with respect to religious freedom, including considering more space for charitable work by religious organizations and, according to government officials, allowing more houses of worship. Also, government officials informed USCIRF during the year that interactions between the government and individuals they referred to as 'religious dignitaries' have increased, improving communication and understanding." "Nevertheless, the government continues to view some groups and activities as threatening to the state and to Vietnam's unified national identity. This has had mixed results for religious organizations, as evident in the contrasting experiences of state-sponsored religious organizations versus independent groups, or of registered organizations versus unregistered ones. Some have broad freedom to freely practice their faith, and others have comparatively little," USCIRF's 2016 report said. Vietnam's National Assembly will consider its "Draft Law on Religion" by year's end. The measure includes, USCIRF notes, some "positive language." It could extend "legal personality" to smaller religious organizations, reduce the time it takes for religious groups to obtain registrations or permits, encourage the establishment of religious schools, and exempt churches from permitting mechanisms (seeking a permit for a pastor to leave one church to go to another). USCIRF called on Vietnam's government to cease its intrusive behavior in the internal operation of religious groups, allow groups to assemble, and protect believers from abusive officials. Doing so would benefit small religious groups, and especially churches amond the indigenous Montagnards (ethnic minority mountain tribes). "USCIRF urges the United States to continue discussions with the Vietnamese government about its religious freedom policies, including the religion law and its implementation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international human rights standards," the statement from USCIRF said. A movement called Ukraine without Orphans is shutting down orphanages in Ukraine. Many families are choosing to adopt the children in the Ukrainian orphanages, lessening the need for orphanages in the country. The average carer I met had taken in more than seven children, Krish Kandiah, Christian Today contributing editor, writes in a column. I met one couple that had adopted 11 children. The motivation for these carers was not infertility as the vast majority had their own birth children. They were not wealthy people, they were not celebrities, or film stars with large mansions. They were ordinary people mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, and youthworkers who felt compelled by God to do something radical. Kandiah visited Ukraine and spoke at a conference for adoptive parents sponsored by Orphans Promise. He says the church in Ukraine isnt just sending toys or clothes to children. Theyre not sponsoring children or starting new educational programs. Theyre giving the children families. This was no easy ministry, especially in Ukraine, he said. The country is in the middle of a major military conflict with Russia. For many people the long-term exposure to conflict has given them traumatic stress disorder. And yet they still heed the call to step up to care for vulnerable children. Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com Publication date: November 16, 2016 The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will be hosting a seminar for religious leaders to raise awareness on the holiday blues, or symptoms of depression and anxiety that occur particularly during the holiday season. The holiday season is a time when many people are happy and have fun, but in contrast, it also is a time that is spent by many others in deeper sadness, disappointment, worry, and anxiety, said Young Ahn of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). The seminar will equip pastors and ministry leaders to learn about the symptoms and causes of the holiday blues, as well as those of other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Pastors will also be able to learn ways to prevent such mental illnesses and to intervene when necessary. The LACDMH will be hosting the seminar on Thursday, November 17 at Mi Joo Peace Church from 10 AM to 12 PM. Those who are interested must RSVP (email joolee@dmh.lacounty.gov) for snacks. The seminar is one in a series of gatherings that the LACDMH hosts on a bimonthly basis with religious leaders and clergy in the Los Angeles community. Rich and Mildred Loving love each other. Its as simple as that. Living in a seemingly serene pocket of rural Virginia, the two travel to Washington, DC, after Mildred gets pregnant and marry in the simplest of ceremonies. The Lovings want what any couple in 1958 wants: to own a home close to their families, to raise a family of their own, and to live in peace. However, the outside world cant see anything but what theyve deemed unacceptable: a white man married to a black (and Native American) woman. Someone calls in a tip to the police, who break into the Lovings home in the middle of the night and arrest them. Despite the marriage certificate hung proudly on the wall and Mildreds pregnancy, the Lovings are banished from the state of Virginia for being married to each other. When Mildred grows weary of DC, she writes an appeal to Robert Kennedy. Their case makes it to the Supreme Court, and the rest isliterallyhistory. Loving v. Virginia is a landmark case for civil rights and marriage equality, and I expected such a historic decision to produce a court-focused movie, but Loving isnt about that at all. Theres less than a minute dedicated to the Supreme Court hearing, cutting back to focus on the Lovings and their children. When they win the case, we hardly notice the reporters as the couple embraces. This story is about them. Loving is a slow, tender portrait of a marriage, focusing on the way that husband and wife support and care for each other in the day-to-day. Loving is a quiet film with the same sensory enjoyment and attention to detail that director Jeff Nichols lavished on Mud. Its slowat times, perhaps a bit too slowbut it takes its ... 1 The arrival of millions of African Americans to the industrial North from the agrarian South over the course of the 20th century had more than just an economic and cultural effect. While many migrants joined churches in their new cities, helping to build key institutions that would ground their communities, others found the message of organized religion lacking. Some left for Islam and off-shoots of Judaism and African spiritualism. Many found a home in urban folk religious movements. These sects often spoke directly to the plight of African American workers, most of whom had left Jim Crow only to find segregated Northern cities, racist labor unions, and race riots. These sects often preached that Christianity was the white mans religion and offered a non-Christian and non-white centered paradigm for black people to liberate themselves from their oppression. Today many Christians, especially those who live outside the city, may be unfamiliar with the history and context of those sects, which exist today predominantly in the inner city. Heres three of the most common sects: the Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA), Nation of Islam (NoI), and Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI). Moorish Science Temple of America (MSTA) The MSTA first began in the early 20th century under the guidance of Noble Drew Ali. Born in 1886, Ali was outraged by the treatment of black people during the Jim Crow era. He channeled this frustration into an attempt to provide a broader religious identity for black people. Ali became obsessed with the idea that salvation for black people lay in their discovery of their true origindescendants of the ancient Moabites. (In the Bible, Moabites are the descendants of an incestuous ... 1 I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up. home US 2 churches threatened with expulsion from Texas Baptist association over LGBT policies The Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) has sent notices of expulsion to two churches for their affirming stance toward the LGBT community. The officials of BGCT sent letters to the First Baptist Church of Austin and Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas informing them that they are effectively choosing to "withdraw itself from harmonious cooperation" with the convention due to their decision to accept members of the LGBT community to their church, Dallas News reported. In response, the First Baptist Church of Austin wrote a letter stating: "As a church, we did our diligent theological work, being guided by the spirit, meditating on sacred scripture and hearing the stories and struggles of our own members. As a result of that thoughtful process, we are proudly and openly welcoming and affirming of all God's beloved children." The Austin church suggested that BGCT's decision was influenced by other churches who threatened to stop giving money to the convention until the church was expelled. In the case of Wilshire, BGCT threatened to exclude the church from the convention depending on the results of a recent vote regarding its policy on hosting same-sex marriages and appointing gays and lesbians as deacon. "Should your church choose to publicly affirm same-sex sexual behavior, the BGCT will no longer be able to accept funds from the church, seat its messengers to the annual meeting, allow the church to express affiliation with the BGCT or allow its members to serve on the BGCT boards, committees or other roles," the letter stated, as reported by The Baptist Standard. Wilshire Pastor George Mason said that the BGCT decision was "provocative" and "premature," adding that the vote by the congregation is yet to be completed. BGCT Executive Director David Hardage maintained that the decision is consistent with previous actions taken by the convention. In 1998, BGCT's Administrative Committee and Executive Board decided not to accept donations from the University Baptist Church in Austin after a gay man was ordained as a deacon. In 2010, the executive board took a similar action toward Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas when it also appointed gay deacons. home World Aid worker expects Muslims to leave Islam and come to Christ as situation in Iraq worsens A Christian ministry director in Iraq is expecting Muslims to abandon Islam and turn to Jesus Christ as the situation in the country gets worse. The ministry director, who works in the autonomous region of Kurdistan, told Christian Aid Mission that Mosul was once considered as a city that was most hesitant toward the gospel. His ministry now has distributed Bibles, led Bible studies and provided discipleship training for the displaced people for more than two years and he has seen many turn to Christ. "So now they see the true face of Islam, they saw the teachings of Islam and they know what it means to be under the Islamic State. I believe a lot of heart-breaking stories will come out of Mosul with people who are ready to leave Islam and beg for Christ to take their lives and give them healing," said the ministry director. An Iraqi-led coalition recently launched an operation to retake Mosul from ISIS. Hundreds of thousands of the city's residents are expected to leave the city as the coalition liberates more towns and villages. The director is worried that ISIS is committing more atrocities as they lose ground in the city. It was reported that the militant group recently took 550 families from villages surrounding Mosul to be used as human shields. The militant group also executed at least 284 men and boys on Oct. 20 and 21. Even the newly liberated towns are not safe for return, according to the director. He stated that ISIS have left snipers in the territories it once controlled. "Qaraqosh is 90 percent liberated, and the other 10 percent doesn't have any soldiers but they have snipers there; ISIS has snipers everywhere. They have built tunnels from house to house so it's not 100 percent secure," he said. The director said that the ministry is preparing to aid the hundreds of families that are going to be evacuated to the refugee camps as the Mosul offensive continues. He hopes to put a Bible in every house in the city after it is liberated. home World Assyrian Christians congratulate Trump and ask support to return to Iraq An Assyrian Christian group wrote to President-elect Donald Trump to congratulate him and ask for his help in returning to their ancestral lands in the Nineveh Plains in Iraq. In an open letter to Trump, Carlo Kooktapeh Ganjeh, chapter secretariat of the Assyrian Universal Alliance Americas Chapter, raised the issue of genocide committed by ISIS against Christians and other indigenous people of Iraq, Syria and Turkey. The letter urged the president-elect to support the Assyrians in their bid to return to their homes in the Nineveh Plains and help them in their training to defend themselves. "The Assyrian people need your support to return to their ancestral lands and remain a viable segment of the fabric of the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria. We need your support to equip and train the Assyrians in Northern Iraq to defend themselves and their homes on their ancestral lands in the Nineveh Plains in a self-governed Assyrian province," the letter stated. It also asked Trump to support the establishment of a special zone for indigenous people in the Nineveh Plains. The letter also stated that the region should not become the battleground in the conflict between the regional powers and the Kurds who are fighting for independence. "We need your support to encourage the Iraqi government to approve the creation of the Nineveh Plains province and rebuilding it so that the displaced Assyrian people may return to their homes and live free on their ancestral lands in a self-governed Assyrian province," it concluded. Assyrian Christians had been appealing for the establishment of an autonomous province in the Nineveh Plains. According to a report from Al-Monitor, over 250,000 Christians left the Nineveh Plains when ISIS took over the region in 2014. Some Christians have said that around 120,000 are now ready to return to their hometowns. Before the election, Iraqi Christians who just returned to the newly-liberated town of Qaraqosh have complained that outgoing U.S. president Barack Obama failed to protect them against ISIS. They have expressed their hopes that Trump would help them and bring a different approach to the crisis faced by Iraqi Christians. home World Boko Haram victims find healing in Christian couple's trauma care ministry A Christian couple's gospel ministry in Nigeria tries to alleviate the spiritual and emotional pain caused by Boko Haram by caring for the souls of the terror group's victims. Ray and Denice, who works for Voice of the Martyrs, Canada, are not just providing physical relief to Nigerians who are traumatized by Boko Haram. The couple, who serves as field officers and developers of the ministry, tells Mission Network News that their work involves providing spiritual and emotional relief they call "soul care" to the victims of the militant Islamic sect. "We bring them into these trauma response ministries and we pray for them, we minister the Word of God to them, we cry with them, we hold them," says Ray. One of the victims cared for by the couple is a Christian woman named Deborah. Her husband, who served as an elder in a church, was shot dead by Boko Haram after he refused to convert to Islam. Boko Haram also threatened to kill Deborah's two nieces, aged 9 and 11. The brave young girls refused to renounce their Christianity so the terror group abducted them. "We saw a picture of [Deborah] holding a photo of those girls and we saw the trauma she was carrying, watching her little girls as they were abducted. She has been searching for those little girls since 2012 in refugee camps," says Ray. Two years ago, Ray had given the names of all the kidnapped Chibok girls to the church to pray for them. He believes that the release of 21 schoolgirls last month was a direct answer to their prayers. Ray adds that the prayers and support for Voice of the Martyrs have a significant impact on the Church in Nigeria. The ministry is involved in Christmas outreach as well as clothing, food and medical projects. Denice says that Nigerian believers are remaining steadfast in their faith in Christ despite the risk of losing everything. She recalls the courage and conviction of a Nigerian pastor and his wife, whom the couple nicknamed Abraham and Sarah. "They have chosen to remain in their city and this pastor is determined to be there as long as he has a member of the church there. So he has said for him and his wife, they will remain strong and be that witness in that community," says Denice. home World British Christian family flees from UK home to escape persecution A British Christian family had to be escorted by the police as they left their home in Bradford, West Yorkshire to escape from increasing attacks committed by strict Muslims in the community. Nissar Hussain, a father of six, had converted from Islam to Christianity in 1996. The persecution started when his family appeared in a documentary that detailed how Muslims who converted to other religions were treated. Last year, Hussain was punched, kicked and hit with a pickaxe handle 13 times, resulting in a broken hand and a kneecap. "Freedom [and] liberty should have been afforded us. The situation is dire when it comes to converts because you lose your immediate family, you don't have anybody. There is no middle ground of acceptance, there is no tolerance when it comes to conversion to Christianity from a Muslim background," he told Premier. The Hussains had already relocated previously but even after they moved, Hussain felt that he and his family were prisoners in their own home. Police have verified that there is a credible threat to the lives of the Hussain family. They had been attacked in the streets and the windscreen of their car had been broken multiple times. The All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief released a statement regarding the case of Hussain saying: "This incident, the APPG believes, typifies a trend of individuals targeted and, on rare occasions, killed for their beliefs in the UK and highlights a wider problem of integration of different individuals with different beliefs in UK communities." On Nov. 3, the Hussain family started packing their belongings when the police arrived at their home in Bradford, according to Metro. The West Yorkshire Police issued a statement expressing their disappointment that the family had to leave Bradford adding that there had already been efforts made by the police and its partners to resolve the situation. The police further noted that other people had not experienced persecution due to their faith or conversion to another faith while stressing that hate crimes will not be tolerated. home US Creationism may be removed from science curriculum in Texas The Texas State Board of Education may decide to remove certain passages that relate to creationism from its science curriculum standards. The board members are scheduled to vote on the curriculum changes early next year. According to Americans United, the Texas Education Agency already removed several passages promoting creationism in the state science standards last September. The final decision now lies with the Texas State Board of Education. One of the passages removed by the agency was the requirement for students to evaluate scientific evidence for "sudden appearance" which argues that the sudden change in the fossil record is incompatible with the long periods of change required in evolution. The agency also decided to remove the passage which requires students to "evaluate scientific explanations concerning the complexity of the cell." Hugh Ross, an astrophysicist and founder of the creationist organization Reasons to Believe, said that the board would be "throwing out the baby with the bathwater" when they remove the creationist passages from the curriculum. He contends that students must be presented with all sides of the argument. "[Evidence] can have sides. The book of nature and book of Scripture significantly overlap and therefore we can use science to put to the test what the Bible says," Ross told The Christian Post. He noted that one common critique against creationist models in the Texas standards is that they are not testable or falsifiable. He argued that the models can be testable if details were examined more thoroughly. Ross believes that creationism will gain more traction if its proponents are able to "attach" dates to their models. "I think one reason why it's not getting the attention it deserves is that proponents are unwilling to attach dates. If they were willing to attach dates, they would have a much stronger scientific case for their position and they would remove the appearance of deception," he stated. Ross added that scientists are inclined to think that they are being deceived when creationists dodge questions about "the designer" or the age of the universe. home US Hate crimes targeting Muslims in US up by 67 percent in 2015, says FBI report Anti-Muslim hate crimes have increased in 2015 by 67 percent, the highest level since the aftermath of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, according to the statistics released by the FBI on Monday. The Hate Crime Statistics report has revealed that there were 257 reported incidents of crimes directed specifically against Muslims in 2015 compared with 154 incidents in 2014. "That is the highest number since 2001, when the al Qaeda attacks on New York and elsewhere drove the number to its highest ever level, 481 hate crimes," Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) told CNN. There was also a rise in hate crimes against other minorities, according to the report. Hate crimes against Jews increased by nine percent while those against blacks rose up by almost eight percent. Hate crimes against Latinos remained the same but there was almost a five percent increase in hate crimes targeting members of the LGBT community. The report came just after the U.S. presidential election which fueled the racial and religious tensions in the country. President-elect Donald Trump has been accused of inciting Islamophobia and xenophobia during the campaign period. In his interview with Lesley Stahl on "60 Minutes," Trump told his supporters to stop committing violence against minorities. "I am so saddened to hear that," the president-elect said when Stahl mentioned that minorities are being harassed. "And I say, 'Stop it.' If itaif it helps, I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: 'Stop it,'" he urged. According to a report from USA Today, the SPLC has recorded more than 200 complaints of hate crimes since the election. SPLC president Richard Cohen says that it is much higher than the usual number of complaints the organization receives each day. Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) fears that hate crimes against Muslims will get worse under Trump's administration. "We witnessed a spark in the number of hate crimes against Muslims in late 2015, and this number increased further during Donald Trump's election campaign. We expect the situation to get worse in the future, based on the fact that Donald Trump had mainstreamed Islamophobia," Hooper told Al Jazeera. home US ISIS mocks Donald Trump, says it will 'destroy America' on its own ISIS militants mocked president-elect Donald Trump and called him a "donkey" and a "fool" while declaring that they will take over America after the Republican destroys the country himself. The jihadists branded Trump's victory as "an indication of the end of the American empire." One of the militants stated that the terror group wants the U.S. to be delivered at the hands of "a donkey like Trump who will destroy it," The Mirror reported. "In the end, they are all our enemies and we will only meet them on the battlefields. It is either them or us. We ask Allah to make their destruction caused by their own plans and their death come among themselves," added the militant. The statements from ISIS came after al-Qaeda said Trump's election will give extremists in the Middle East a common enemy, which caused concerns about a major attack in the U.S. One tweet declared, "On 9-11 US struck with disaster at the hands of al-Qaeda. On 11-9, US struck with disaster at the hands of their own voters." The FBI revealed last week that it was investigating a major attack planned on the day of the election in several states such as Texas, New York and Virginia. There were no incidents on the day of the polls but some tweets emerged taunting the president-elect. "Don't try to hide, Donald. The mujahideen are ready," one post warned. Before election day, the terror group released a document threatening to slaughter American Muslims who planned to vote. The document criticized the Muslims who allied themselves with both the Republican and Democratic presidents in the past 16 years hoping to protect Muslim interests but ended up in disappointment. Throughout his campaign, Trump had repeatedly vowed to be tough on the Islamic radicals. "Nobody would be tougher on ISIS than Donald Trump. Nobody," he declared. He did not offer specific details on how he will eliminate the terror group but he stated that he is open to working with Russia in order to eradicate the jihadis. home World Pakistani Christians denied visas to UK because they're not 'wealthy enough' Two Pakistani Christians, who were supposed to be a part of a delegation to the Church of Scotland, were dismayed after the U.K. government denied their visas to visit the country because they were "not wealthy enough." The Church stated that it will be taking care of the expenses of the delegates but the immigration officials still refused to grant the visas, Premier reported. "I am not satisfied the bank statement is an accurate reflection of your financial circumstances. Given the above, I am not satisfied you are genuinely seeking entry as a general visitor for a limited period as stated by you not exceeding six months," the refusal document stated. The delegates were supposed to take part in the Church's efforts to create a twinning link between the Glasgow Presbytery and the Diocese of Hyderabad. The Church claimed that the two delegates' attempts to enter the country had been repeatedly frustrated. The presbytery's joint clerk, Rev. Graham Blount, stated that he is still committed to building the link with Hyderabad despite the setback. "We are deeply concerned at the refusal of the UK Government to grant visas to two of our invited partners. Despite the Church of Scotland guaranteeing their travel arrangements as well as their accommodation and subsistence while they are here, the refusal seems grounded in their personal financial circumstances," he said. Presbytery members have considered writing to the government and local MPs to raise the issue. Blount is concerned that the visa refusal would also frustrate other major international events such as the World Council of Churches General Assembly. Wilson Choudhry of the British Pakistani Christian Association told Christian Today that less than 150 Pakistani Christians apply for asylum in the U.K. each year. He noted that despite the low numbers, Pakistani Christians are often denied U.K. visas even when organizations and individuals have met all government guidelines. Those who intend to visit the U.K. are required to provide evidence that they are a genuine visitor and have an intention to leave the country. They must also be able to maintain and provide accommodation for themselves without having to work or use public funds. home World Priest says Iraqi Christians are praying for God to have mercy on ISIS An Iraqi priest said that Christians in Iraq are following the commandment of Christ to love their enemies and they are praying that God would have mercy on the militant group ISIS. Father Martin is one of the priests who leads the families that are living in a complex run by the Chaldean Catholic Church in Erbil. Many Christians fled to city when ISIS overran northern Iraq in the summer of 2014. The complex currently houses nearly 130 families. Ithara Assis, a mother of three who resides at the complex, hopes that Mosul will be liberated soon so that they can head back to their village and live a normal life. Martin remarked that Christians are facing uncertainty about their future but they have not lost their faith. "Yeah, of course, their faith is veryamaybe it was empowered by these difficulties. They areaevery time they are prayingaevery time. They are also praying for ISIS to a to God have mercy on them, to make them a good people. They are praying for their a for their enemies," he told CBN. Martin believes that Christians are the "salt" of Iraq and they will bring hope to the country. "So we can take, like a salt give a taste for the food, so we can give a taste for this country. They can see that we have hope, we have charity because we are living [for] the guy we call Jesus Christ," he said. The Church gave Martin the chance to live with his family in San Diego but he chose to serve the people in Iraq instead. The priest believes that it is possible to change the world from Iraq just as Christ changed the whole world from Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the Christian advocacy group Open Doors started a global petition, called "Million Voices of Hope," urging the U.N. to protect the rights of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. Open Doors is planning to hand the petition the new U.N. Secretary General in June 2017. home US Saeed Abedini says Donald Trump will be greatest president in US history Saeed Abedini, an American-Iranian pastor who was imprisoned in Iran for three-and-a-half years, expressed his belief that Donald Trump will be the best president in the history of America. "What I believe about Donald Trump is that he will be the best President of United States of America ever, even better than Ronald Reagan," the pastor wrote on Facebook last Friday. He compared the casino owner to Cyrus, the king of ancient Persia who was mentioned in the book of Isaiah as a ruler anointed by God to help the Israelites return to their homeland. "He is a modern day Cyrus and he has a special calling and anointing for what he has been called by God to do. Mr. Trump will take the whole world NOT just America to the new level that the world never has never seen before," Abedini continued. The pastor claimed that it was revealed to him by God that Trump is the modern day Cyrus and he has felt strongly about the president-elect since he received the revelation. "Mr. Trump is the answer of all the people's prayers. I believe Lord will help our President-Elect in a supernatural ways from heaven," he concluded. Before election day, Abedini claimed to have received a vision that Trump would be the president. He said that the vision came to him while he was in solitary confinement in Iran. He said that he looked through the 19 candidates in 2015 and was disappointed when he did not see the man in his vision but was astounded when he saw a picture of a man with blond hair and blue eyes who turned out to be Trump as a young man. The pastor expressed his support for Trump in late October and revealed that the business magnate gave $10,000 to his family while he was still in prison. Abedini was arrested in Iran in 2012 and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for evangelizing. Trump spoke out in support for the pastor as early as 2013. Abedini's wife, Nagmeh, met with the real-estate mogul to personally thank him for helping the campaign to secure Abedini's release. home World Samaritan's Purse vows to stay in Mosul even after defeat of ISIS The Christian humanitarian aid organization Samaritan's Purse has no plans to leave the city of Mosul in Iraq even after the militant group ISIS is defeated. ISIS took over the city in June 2014 displacing at least half a million people including 70,000 Christians. As the Iraqi-led coalition slowly moves into the city to liberate it from ISIS, the 1.5 million people remaining there are trying to get out as fast as they can. Matt Nowery, the country director of Samaritan's Purse in Iraq, told Christian Today that there have been thousands of refugees over the last week. The organization has been in the country since 2008 and it is now trying to provide the refugees of Mosul with food rations, shelter, clean water and cooking stoves. It also serves the spiritual needs of Christians, Yazidis and other people who have escaped from ISIS. "If you could picture several kilometers of cars with military escorts, everyone with a white flag to show they're a civilian. There are dump trucks with a hundred people aboard. They are in shock," he remarked. Many of the refugees are physically exhausted and emotionally traumatized when they arrive at the camps. Nowery noted that ISIS split the city in half and families were not able to contact each other. The refugees end up looking in every car and dump truck for other family members. He is concerned that the organization will not be able to meet all the needs of the refugees as their number rises to 40,000. Nowery said that almost all of those who are fleeing now are Muslims but Samaritan's Purse serves the needy without distinction. He believes that the refugees will one day remember who helped them in their time of need. He noted that ISIS has left the city in ruins and there is much work to be done to rebuild it. "We have been here since the beginning and we have no plans to leave. We're going to help rebuild. We want to help provide education and health. This is a critical time and Christians are fleeing a Samaritan's Purse wants to put its arm around them and remind them Jesus loves them, and figure out what we can do to help them get on their feet," he said. 13,000 Former Child Soldiers Pin Hopes On Brussels Conference A Christian charity is urging global leaders to secure the future of thousands of children forced to take up arms on behalf of militia in the Central Africa Republic (CAR). Government leaders, European Union representatives, NGOs and donors will meet in Brussels tomorrow to discuss reconstruction in CAR. Development agency World Vision is calling for commitments to help restore peace and security and revive CAR's economy. Moussa Sangara, World Vision CAR's response director, said: "Violence has scarred a generation of children. They have witnessed and committed crimes that no child should be exposed to. "This conference is pivotal to the future of children and their families in CAR. We need leaders to commit to social and economic action that will bring about real change. And we need children, communities and faith leaders to be a part of this as, ultimately, they will be the ones who can make peace a reality". He added: "The former child soldiers I work with are desperate for an end to the violence. Over 1400 former child soldiers in our 'Peace Clubs' have turned their lives around. They've rejected violence in favor of peace, and they are telling their friends and families to do the same." Conflict erupted in Central African Republic in 2013, when the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power triggering revenge attacks by Christian militias. More than 13,000 children have been conscripted by various militia since then. World Vision cited the example of Francis* who was recruited into one of the several militia groups. Francis said: "I joined the militia after my brother was killed. I didn't want his death to go unpunished." At the age of 13 he joined a local armed group, and by 14 he had used a knife to kill four children and one adult. He was eventually able to escape and received counseling and educational support from World Vision. Christian Governor Of Jakarta To Face Trial After Allegedly Insulting Islam The Christian governor of Jakarta has been named as a suspect in a case of alleged blasphemy. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama caused outrage in the capital of the world's most populous Muslim nation when he was accused of insulting the Qur'an. Purnama, popularly called "Ahok", is a Christian from a Chinese ethnic group and the case is seen as a test for Indonesia's commitment to religious freedom. The police announcement came after mounting pressure and mass protests from religious hardliners who demanded the politician be arrested and charged. "Police have decided to declare Basuki Tjahaja Purnama a suspect and bar him from travelling abroad," national police chief detective Ari Dono Sukmanto said on Wednesday morning. "After long discussions, we reached a decision that the case should be tried in an open court," he added. The naming of Purnama means prosecutors can bring him to trial and if found guilty he will face up to five years in prison. He is accused of blasphemy after he cited the Al Maidah 51 verse in a campaign speech and said it had been used to deceive voters into thinking Muslims should not be led by non-Muslims. He later apologised and said he had not meant to cause offence. But an altered version of his comments made to seem more extreme and offensive was circulated online, according to the Guardian, prompting a mass demonstration in Jakarta demanding his arrest. The protests have since taken an anti-Chinese dimension with tensions between Indonesia and China an ever-present reality. Purnama is not barred from the February election to be re-elected governor and said he would still part in the campaign. But a human rights expert has said now that he has been named as a suspect by police, it will be difficult for him to escape prosecution. "I have studied more than 200 blasphemy cases in Indonesia since it was written by President Sukarno in 1965. Over this 50-year period I think there was only one case where the suspect was acquitted," Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch told the Guardian. "I don't think Ahok can survive this prosecution, he is very likely to end up in jail." He added: "I think it is going to be difficult for Ahok to defend himself. Why? This is a law, in Bahasa Indonesia, we call it pasal karet, a rubber article. It is always political." Gafcon Gay Clergy List Prompts Hundreds To Sign 'Proud List Of Violators' Hundreds of Anglicans have signed up to a website signalling their dissent at the Church of England's teaching on homosexuality. Lambeth110.com was launched on Tuesday and hours later more than 250 individuals and organisations had signed up. The site was prompted by an initial "partial list" of clergy known to be in same-sex relationships or who have officiated over gay unions, which was released by the conservative lobby group GAFCON UK. The original list was published as a 'briefing' for conservative Anglican bishops on the situation in the CofE. A spokesman for GAFCON insisted there was never an intention to 'name and shame' individuals. The document lists "violations" of the landmark Anglican resolution on sexuality known as Lambeth 1.10 and urged bishops to "restore order and a credible Christian witness". The briefing added church leaders "would need to take constructive steps to rectify the numerous public (and presumably private) breaches that have been strategically taken by some to undermine the teaching of the Communion." But gay clergy and those who support changing the Church's teaching on same-sex relationships mocked the document as a "list of heroes" and a "list of fame". Lambeth110.com was launched as a "proud list of violators" of the resolution. The signatories include Christians from the United States, Canada and Scotland as well as England and Wales. The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) have also announced their own "Rainbow List" and have asked followers to nominate "out and proud LGBT Christians". The row comes at a time of increased tension within the CofE as senior bishops meet to discuss whether to introduce some form of official welcome or blessing in church for gay couples. The bishops will make recommendations before the ruling general synod votes on the change in February. Lambeth 1.10 was agreed on by the bishops across the worldwide Anglican Communion in 1998. Every ten years the bishops meet to express "the mind of the communion" and resolutions passed are influential but have no legal effect as all the separate national and regional churches are autonomous. Lambeth 1.10 is seen as the pillar of conservative theology within the Church. It recognises that "there are among us persons who experience themselves as having a homosexual orientation." It goes on: "We commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ." Although it says "homosexual practices" are "incompatible with Scripture", it "calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals, violence within marriage and any trivialisation and commercialisation of sex." A Church of England spokesman declined to comment when asked about the list. How Can Life Go On? By Making Sure We 'Never Forget' "Never Forget. Never Again." These are words drummed into post-war generations coming to terms with the horrors inflicted by man on man in the Holocaust. We are taught these words to ensure it really never does happen again. At school in the 1970s, many of us were shown horrifying black-and-white newsreel footage of the liberation of the death camps, images of skeletal figures of the victims imprinted forever in our memories. We learned of the gradual restrictions imposed on the liberties of Germany's Jews and how this culminated in the terror of the "final solution" with six million murdered, millions of these in gas ovens in death camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau. And surely we've all heard of the famous "First they came ..." poem by Pastor Martin Niemoller, who was calling out Germany's intellectual elite that rationalised support for Nazi purges. My own great great aunt, Eleanor Rathbone, was a prominent MP from a family of Unitarians, who was honoured recently with a plaque at Hoop Lane Cemetery in Golders Green for her tireless if not always successful campaign to persuade Britain to admit more Jewish refugees. This year has seen a series of events marking the 70th anniversary of her death. Churches have for decades been coming to terms with the consequences of centuries of Christian antisemitism. As long ago as 1965, in its seminal document Nostra Aetate, the Catholic Church redefined its relationship with the Jewish people, denounced antisemitism and rejected "every persecution against any man". Just this week, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis launched a new Jewish-Christian dialogue project. Welby admitted: "The national church has to own its own history of intolerance and deep-seated anti-Semitism and we have to own that history." As leader of the Church of England, he said, he was very aware of this history. "I am more than ready to be answerable and held to account for both unwitting implicit anti-Semitism, and the wilful and cavalier use of language, historical analogy or political example, by members of the clergy or laity. It happens. We know it happens. It is excruciatingly painful to us when we see it and hear it and recognise it, and we try and deal with it sharply and severely." So much important work has been done in this area, on both sides of the Atlantic. Britain's Jews are still mourning the loss of Sir Sigmund Sternberg, who died recently aged 95. Deeply involved in the Council of Christians and Jews and its international counterpart, Sir Sigmund helped bring about the Vatican's recognition of Israel in 1992. He became the first ever Jewish Papal Knight. He also set up the Three Faiths Forum to bring together Muslims, Christians and Jews. Tomorrow in London, hundreds of young people will gather at a the forum's interfaith summit, coinciding with National Interfaith Week. The summit is an "interactive, youth-led space for people of all faiths and beliefs to connect, explore, and act, together." Similar work of the kind done by Sir Sigi, as he was known, and more is going on, all the time, in the United States. Holocaust memorials and museums promote remembrance in Israel, London, Washington and elsewhere. Surely, then, with all this, we will can never forget. And remembering must mean not repeating the mistakes of past. Mustn't it? So it was with a sense of disbelief I found myself writing yesterday a news story of soaring anti-Muslim hate crimes. And that's just the 2015 figures. Does anyone dare to guess what the 2016 stats might tell us? And then today, to my mounting sense of horror, was this story: 'Heil Trump' And 'Whites Only' Among Nazi-Style Slogans Appearing On US Churches. Slogans like this were a hallmark of the rise of Nazism. When I look back at that history, like many people, I imagine myself on the side of the resistance, doing the kinds of things Eleanor Rathbone did. The ignominy she endured for battling for an unpopular cause admitting more Jewish refugees to Britain was considerable. She made many enemies. But battle on she did. I like to think that in today's more enlightened world, a world where we all understand the importance of not forgetting, she would have had more success. But the dreadful possibility now has to be faced. Maybe she wouldn't. The theme of the next Holocaust Memorial Day is "How Can Life Go On?" It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure it does. For everyone. Hundreds Of Mosques Raided As Germany Bans Hardline Islamist Group Almost 200 mosques, flats and offices were raided in Germany on Tuesday because they had links to the radical Islamist group, "True Religion". Thomas de Maiziere, the German interior minister, announced the group had been banned because it was a "collecting pool" for jihadists. The group, also known as READ as a command to read the Qur'an, is one of the most recognisable proselytising Muslim groups in Germany. But De Maiziere said it had persuaded 140 people to join militants in Iraq and Syria. The move comes as German Chancellor Angela Merkel is under pressure to harden her line on security after several attacks claimed by Islamic State across Europe. De Maiziere said Tuesday's raids in 10 German states were the biggest crackdown on any group since the government shut down a movement known as Kalifatstaat (Caliphate State) in 2001. The group is known for distributing English or German translations of the Qur'an to young people. But de Maiziere said this was not the reason for the ban. "Today's ban is rather directed against the abuse of religion by people propagating extremist ideologies and supporting terrorist organizations under the pretext of Islam," he said. The Bundesverfassungsschutz, Germany's equivalent of the UK's MI5 as a domestic intelligence agency, estimates that there are about 40,000 Islamists in Germany, including 9,200 ultra-conservative Islamists known as Salafists. Hans-Georg Maassen, head of the agency, told Reuters on Tuesday: "There are about 500 people that the police consider dangerous. "We remain a target of Islamic terrorism and we have to assume that Islamic State or other terrorist organizations will carry out an attack in Germany if they can." Fears about the number of migrants entering the country have boosted support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), a populist party that says Islam is incompatible with the constitution and has siphoned off support from Merkel's conservatives. Additional reporting from Reuters. Is It Wise to Date a Non-Christian? Find Out What the Bible Says Love comes in the most unexpected places, but Christian singles have often been advised not to date non-believers because their faith might be compromised in the long run. Andre Adefope, head of Relationship Development for Visible Ministries, wrote in an article for Christian Connection that it is wrong for Christians to ask if they should be dating non-believers. Instead, they should ask themselves: "What kind of relationships do I want to build?" After which, they can decide if their romantic interest can help build that relationship regardless of whether or not they are Christian. "Many have probably been told by someone in the church that it's wrong, it's bad and they shouldn't do it. This probably made them feel guilty or feel bad," said Adefope. "But they want to be in a relationship and there is nothing wrong with that. They also clearly want God to be involved, otherwise they wouldn't even be asking the question, they would just get on with it." But Adefope said going out with a Christian does not necessarily guarantee that their relationship will honour God. He has witnessed a lot of Christian relationships head south because both partners just aren't well-suited and they have set a lot of unhealthy expectations. "Dating a Christian isn't a pass to automatic dating happiness. And dating a non-Christian isn't a route to unthinkable dating horrors either. Honouring God requires a deeper question," he said. Adefope said the Bible never talked about dating because it's written in an arranged marriage culture. However, the Bible does have a couple of things to say about intimate romantic relationships and marriage to non-believers. "While we can't just apply Bible verses about marriage to modern dating dilemmas, it can help us think through some helpful principles," he said. The Apostle Paul talked about marriage as being above the culture in Ephesians 5:21-33. In it, Paul said husbands should lay down their lives for their family, while the wives should submit to their husbands. The only way this belief can be enforced is if spouses believe in Christ and His achievements. "Paul realises it isn't black and white all the time, and God still wants to be involved in their relationship no matter what. However, Paul thinks the ideal for marriage is rooted in the couple's relationship with God," said Adefope. Personally, Adefope thinks Jesus wants Christians to go deeper than the rules and laws when it comes to living for Him, including the area of relationships. He wants Christians to consider what their romantic partner's priorities are, and what are the things they hold dear in life. "It becomes more than ticking the 'right' or 'wrong' box, and about preparing, with God in mind, how we can build something worth having with that potentially special someone," he said. Jerry Falwell Jr Launches Stinging Critique Of Pope Francis...Then Deletes It Jerry Falwell Jr, president of the evangelical Liberty University and bastion of the religious right, has rowed back from a spat with Pope Francis. As one of Donald Trump's major protagonists in the US church, the two are likely to disagree on many issues. But on Monday evening Falwell tweeted a stinging critique of the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics before hastily deleting it. "I do not judge people or politicians," the pope told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica when asked about Trump. "I only want to understand what suffering their behaviour causes to the poor and the excluded." Falwell tweeted in response: "Pope Francis lost all credibility when he failed to call out US Left for policies that impoverished inner cities for Dem political gain." The tweet was almost immediately deleted and Falwell later told RNS his wife Becki and 16-year-old daughter Caroline had made him take it down. But he stood by the tweet and said it was him "thinking out loud" about Francis' politics. "I couldn't help but think, 'Where were you the last eight years when Obama's policies were further impoverishing the inner cities through these welfare programs that give people just enough to survive but to keep them dependent on the government?'" he said. "It's my opinion the Democrats do it for their own political gain. I would like to see the pope speak out against that." He added: "I was just curious why he was taking sides. It seems like the policies of the right to bring jobs back and fair trade deals and to provide jobs to folks in poverty would be something he would cheer for or something he would appreciate." Earlier this year the Pope and Trump fell out after Francis questioned the Republican's attitude towards immigration during a trip to Mexico. "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the gospel," Francis said after his official visit. Trump responded by saying Francis' remarks were "disgraceful". But the majority of Catholics ended up voting for the New York billionaire, according to exit polls that showed 52 per cent backing Trump and 45 per cent supporting Clinton. Catholic bishops have since voiced concern about Trump's leadership and on the first day of their autumn conference called on the President-elect to change course over his immigration policy. "Children are afraid; men and women are worried and anxious, thinking about where they can run and hide. This is happening tonight, in America," said Mexican-born Archbishop Jose Gomez who is in line to become the first Latino to lead the American hierarchy. "Tonight we promise our brothers and sisters who are undocumented we will never leave you alone," he added. "In good times and in bad, we are with you. You are family. We are brothers and sisters." Pope Francis' Call Is Answered: Cuba Pardons 787 Prisoners Cuba has pardoned 787 prisoners after Pope Francis called for amnesty. The state-run newspaper Granma made the announcement on Tuesday and said the pardons were "in response to the call by Pope Francis to heads of state in the Holy Year of Mercy". The pontiff visited the communist state last year and played a key role in reconciling its political leaders with President Obama and the US. Prior to his visit in September 2015 Cuban authorities released more than 3,500 prisoners as "a goodwill gesture", but human rights groups say dozens of political prisoners are still being held. Days before the end of Francis' year of mercy, Cuba granted his request and released hundreds more. Those pardoned this week include women, sick and young prisoners but not individuals who had committed "extremely dangerous" crimes such as murder or rape, a statement read. It added that the Council of State had chosen who to release based on what crimes they had committed and how many years they had served. Those charged with "murder, corrupting minors, rape, drug trafficking and other extremely dangerous crimes" were not released. But it was not clear if political prisoners were among those released. Despite numerous accusations, President Raul Castro has denied imprisoning political opponents. When asked about it at a news conference during US President Obama's visit in March, he told a US reporter to provide a list of names. Although Cuba's relationship with the Catholic Church is much improved since Pope Francis' ascension, the government continues to crack down on religious groups. Between January and July 2016, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) recorded 1,606 violations of religious freedom. These included the demolition and confiscation of church buildings, the destruction of church property and arbitrary detention. CSW has accused the government of targeting church properties "to tighten its control over the activities and membership of religious groups and thus eliminate the potential for any social unrest." The US State department's 2016 report on religious freedom stated that the Cuban government "monitored religious groups" and "continued to control most aspects of religious life". Pope Francis Faces Unprecedented Challenge From Conservative Cardinals Over Divorce Pope Francis is facing an unprecedented rebellion from conservative cardinals who are furious at his apparent attempts to relax the Catholic Church's ban on remarriage after divorce. Four cardinals wrote to the Pope challenging his teaching after his statement in September that divorced and remarried Catholics can in "some cases" receive Holy Communion without living as "brother and sister" and without getting an annulment. Pope Francis had written to bishops in his home country of Argentina offering his own interpretation of Amoris Laetitia, his exhortation that published after the two synods on the family. The synods were dominated by controversy over the status of divorced and remarried Catholics. The Church is divided between those say there can be no flexibility over the teaching that marriage is for life and those who argue that to exclude people communion even where they were the innocent party in a marriage breakdown is cruel. Pope Francis, whose Jubilee Year of Mercy has just ended, wants to make the Church more compassionate and has argued: "No one can be condemned forever". The four cardinals, American Raymond Burke, Italian Carlo Caffarra and Germans Walter Brandmuller and Joachim Meisner, wrote to Pope Francis in September and have this week published the letter because they received no reply. They call on Pope Francis to to "resolve the uncertainties and bring clarity". The four cardinals accuse the Pope of publishing "divergent" and "conflicting" advice, thereby provoking "uncertainty, confusion, and disorientation among many of the faithful." Conservative bloggers in response to the controversy have become vituperative about the Pope, who throughout most of the rest Christendom and beyond has soared to unprecedented levels of popularity. Rorate-Caeli comments: "Bergoglioland has finally reached full Banana Republic status." Commentator Father John Zuhlsdorf writes: "I'd be willing to bet that The Four are merely the tip of the spear. I'd wager that they represent a large gang of quiet Cardinals who want answers, but because they are presently in curial or diocesan positions they are hesitant to raise their heads too high." Conservative Catholic Chris Gilligrand told Christian Today: "This is a low point in the modern Papacy, a Pope who seems unable to articulate the content of the Catholic Faith." Chiesa Espresso quotes Matthew's Gospel at the Pope: "If your brother does not listen, take with you two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the assembly". Cardinal Burke told the National Catholic Register the letter was not political but an "act of charity". He said: "The initiative is aimed at one thing only, namely the good of the Church, which, right now, is suffering from a tremendous confusion on at least these five points." He said Jesus taught: "He who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery." But if a person in an "irregular marriage union", which in these cases means a civil and not a Catholic marriage, can receive holy Communion, then either marriage really is not indissoluble or holy Communion is not communion with the Body and Blood of Christ. But both of these contradict Church teaching. He says: "It is the duty in such cases, and historically it has happened, of cardinals and bishops to make clear that the Pope is teaching error and to ask him to correct it." Samsung Galaxy Note 8 release date, specs rumors: New Galaxy Note coming as SM-N950? Previously, Samsung may have inadvertently confirmed that it is continuing the Galaxy Note series despite the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco. Speculations suggest that the next flagship is already in the works, complete with assigned model numbers. According to noted tipster and perennial leaker Evan Blass, Samsung is already conceptualizing the Galaxy Note 8 handset. Interestingly, the development seems to be on track, as the upcoming flagship already has an assigned model number, SM-N950. Although Blass has not directly connected the ongoing SM-N950 development to the Galaxy Note 8, it should be noted that the previous Galaxy Note flagships are internally codenamed as SM-N930 and SM-N920. Meanwhile, the industry follower also let it drop that the development for Samsung's other flagship is also on track, as the South Korea-based tech maker is assembling SM-G950 and SM-G955. The SM-G series has been associated with the Galaxy S lineup, so it is likely that Blass is talking about the two supposed models of the upcoming Galaxy S8 series. Interestingly, Samsung has skipped SM-G94, the follow-up to the Galaxy S7's SM-G930 and SM-G935 models. It may be a hint that the next Galaxy S flagship will introduce major improvements that Samsung will skip model versions. As for the Galaxy Note 8, Samsung is silent on what fans may expect from the new flagship, since it is expected that the iteration will appear in the latter part of 2017. However, it is expected that should the Galaxy S8 forego regular screens, the next Galaxy Note may also likely be a lineup with dual-edge displays. As a full-fledged phablet, Samsung is also likely to carry over its anticipated AI-supported digital assistant to the new Galaxy Note. In addition, it is already expected that the hardware components for a successful Galaxy S8, like its battery hardware, will make it to the Galaxy Note 8's late 2017 release. Teen Girls Defend Christian Faith From Muslim Attack - End Up In Jail For 'Inciting Religious Violence'. More than 11,000 people have been detained in Ethiopia in recent months. Five hundred people have died in violent anti-government protests in the last year. And now four more people have been sentenced to serve time in jail, on the serious charge of "inciting religious violence" These allegedly violent criminals are four Christian girls, called Eden, Gifti, Mihiret and Deborah. Eden is 15 years old. Gifti and Mihiret are just 14. Deborah is 18. Their crime appears to have been trying to distribute some Christian literature "to counter widely-circulated polemics by a well-known Islamic critic", World Watch Monitor reports The three teenagers and one older woman are to be sent to a tough adult prison in Gelemso in the largely Muslim region of Oromiya. All hope is not lost. He did also allow for an appeal, once they have been moved. According to World Watch Monitor, the four women have been convicted of distributing a Christian book, written in Ethiopia's main Amharic language by a local author titled: Let's speak the truth in love: Answers to questions by Ahmed Deedat. The book countered attacks on Christianity by the late Deedat, who was said to have links with Osama Bin Laden, and who regularly ridiculed the Christian faith, in particular the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Muslims in Ethiopia complained that they found the book's defence of Christianity insulting to them. The Oromiya region is at the heart of Ethiopia's current unrest. The region's people have long been persecuted and attempts to stand up for their human rights invariably lead to extreme action against them. More than 20 people in the last few days have been charged with inciting violence in the region's schools and with planning terror acts. Nearly half of Oromos are Muslim but evangelical Christianity is the fastest-growing religion. In addition, many still follow the region's traditional religion. Last month, nearly 700 people were massacred without provocation at the peaceful Irreecha cultural thanksgiving festival, causing international outrage and leading to a state of emergency being declared. Soon after they were arrested Eden, who was beaten up on her first night in prison, told a World Watch Monitor source: "This suffering is an honour for us. We should expect persecution. We are not afraid. We are singing and praying here in prison." Deborah said: "It is an honour to be jailed for God's Kingdom". Ethiopia ranks at number 18 on the Open Doors World Watch Persecution list. Which Bible Book Bans Interracial Marriage, And Why? One of the saddest parts of the Bible, in purely human terms, is in the book of Ezra. It's set after the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon and is closely linked to Nehemiah the oldest manuscripts of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, treat them as one book. After years of being away from their own country, the Jews have to re-establish the worship of God in the temple, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and become a functioning country again. They are desperate to recover the purity of their faith, and the returned exiles are presented with a big problem. The (male) Jews who have remained in the land during the Exile or who had returned in the years before Ezra the priest made the long journey home have intermarried with women from other nations, the traditional enemies of the Israelites (Ezra 9:1). There's no mention of the female Jews who might have married non-Jews. When Ezra learns about this a few months after his arrival he is horrified: "I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled" (9:3). He prays for the people's forgiveness. One of the leaders of the community suggests divorcing the women. Ezra calls a great meeting of the Jews and they meet in the rain in front of the temple. The upshot is that all those who have married foreign women have to divorce them and send them away, with their children (10:44). Whatever love there was between the couples counts for nothing; there's no indication that the women and children were even provided for. How are we to understand this terrible story? There are three things to remember. 1. The Bible is not racist. When Moses marries a Cushite woman a black Ethiopian and his sister Miriam opposes him, she is made to suffer from leprosy (Numbers 12:10) a terrible judgment. Exodus 12:48-49 says a "sojourner" can partake of the Passover if he is circumcised, a clear indication that it's religion, not race, that defines someone's place within the people of God. Jesus' own ancestors included Gentiles. In the New Testament, John sees a vision of a multitude "from every nation, tribe, people and language" in heaven (Revelation 7:9). 2. This was about religion, not race. It wasn't that they'd married foreigners that was the problem, but that these foreigners had their own gods and goddesses and brought them into the marriage. The situation in Israel/Judah after the extinction of the Jewish kingdom was confused, with many old social structures breaking down. It's not surprising that there was intermarriage, but the Jews were and are passionate in their belief that there is only one God. A Jewish settlement in Elephantine, Egypt, contemporary with Nehemiah and Ezra, saw much intermarriage with local people and disappeared. Ezra was determined that it shouldn't happen in Israel. 3. These were special circumstances. At this time the survival of the Jewish people as the people of God was at stake. They were at serious risk of disappearing from history, with their unique testimony to the grace of God lost forever. They survived because of the strength of their faith, and part of that was the strength of their community. Ezra believed what he did was necessary. Christians today would never counsel divorcing a non-Christian partner a practice explicitly forbidden in 1 Corinthians 7:12. But we should be just as vigilant as Ezra when it comes to threats to our faith. There are all sorts of ways, subtle as well as overt, in which our faith can be compromised by the world. The most dangerous are the ones we don't even notice. A Godly spouse might be one way in which we're preserved from this, but there is no substitute for prayer and reflection in humility about how we live and what we believe. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods Why Ukrainian Christians Are Closing Down Orphanages Maybe you remember the heart-breaking images of children chained into cots rocking themselves to try and get some sensation and stimulation in their lives. Maybe you remember their shorn hair and expressionless faces as portrayed on the news a few decades ago. There were many thousands of children in these situations right across Eastern Europe. Children whose parents were too poor to care for them or who had died were put into appalling conditions in institutional care. The images spurred many Christians to get involved in these orphanages, doing both short term and long term work to help show the children some love and to fight for an improvement in their conditions. But over the last 10 years God has been mobilising the church to do something revolutionary for the sake of these children. I have spoken to many church leaders around the world who seem to be catching the same vision. This week I was in Ukraine to see first hand the remarkable things God is doing. Through a movement called "Ukraine without Orphans" the church is being mobilised. Not just to lobby government to improve children's care homes. Not to send clothes or toys or volunteers. Not to raise sponsorship, train choirs or start educational programmes. But to close orphanages down, bring the children out and ensure each one has a safe and loving forever family. In Kiev last week I met hundreds of adoptive and foster families. The average carer I met had taken in more than seven children. I met one couple that had adopted 11 children. The motivation for these carers was not infertility as the vast majority had their own birth children. They were not wealthy people, they were not celebrities, or film stars with large mansions. They were ordinary people mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, and youthworkers who felt compelled by God to do something radical. Many of the children had additional needs or scars from early neglect and abuse. And yet these families were queuing up to welcome them into their homes and lives. During an address I gave at a conference sponsored by "Orphans Promise" for adoptive parents in Ukraine, I praised the adopters for offering their nation as a living parable of the gospel of God. The grace of God that had been poured out into our lives as Christians was being poured out into the lives of children rejected and discarded by society. This was no easy ministry, especially in Ukraine. The country is in the middle of a major military conflict with Russia. For many people the long-term exposure to conflict has given them traumatic stress disorder. And yet they still heed the call to step up to care for vulnerable children. Tamara Dudnik who lives close to the Russian border explained: "It is difficult to live in this continual state of war. We are so close to the frontline, but God has anointed us to be missionaries in the frontline. I have noticed in my town that the attitude to the evangelical church in our town has changed as it was the only that church that stayed, everyone else left." I also spoke to a young couple Kotya and Olya who had opened their home for young people in transition. Previously young adults aging out of the orphanages had not been given the life skills they needed to survive in the wider world. This couple have seven young adults aged between 18 and 24 living with them and they are helping them to learn how to cook, work, plan and save for the first time from a safe and supportive base. They had discovered that some of the orphanages closed during the holidays and the children were sent to hospitals. They could not believe that healthy children were spending weeks in hospital beds just because there was nobody able to care for them. Hearing about this challenged Olya and Katya to get involved in caring for vulnerable children. Oleg Shelashsky, who is the Vice President of the Alliance for Ukraine Without Orphans, observed that most of the orphanages around the world are run by Christians. Many think they are doing something good for children, protecting children from living on the streets. This is true, but orphanages also prevent children from living in families. Oleg's vision for Ukraine is to close all the orphanages in his country because he believes the best place that children can flourish is in loving families. He wanted to challenge UK Christians. Is your church supporting an orphanage somewhere in the world? Rather than cutting off the funding and leaving those institutions in the lurch is there a way you and your church can use its influence to encourage a planned and appropriate transition to family-based care? Too often Christians in the west export our our songs, our way of doing church, our programmes as if we have all the answers, all the theology, all the blessing. I am coming home from Ukraine having been challenged that the church there has something to teach the rest of us they set a new standard for the rest of us as to what mission looks like. Dr Krish Kandiah is a contributing editor to Christian Today and the founding director of Home for Good. Follow him on Twitter @krishk. Inside a cabinet of curiosities Angus Wilkie considers his friend Seward Kennedys fascinating collection of art and objects, acquired from across the globe Seward Kennedy assembled his cabinet of curiosities over a period of more than six decades, seeking out treasures from across the world, which came to layer the surfaces of his residences in London, Paris and New York City. Kennedy, who was a successful lawyer, rejected the title collector, instead seeing himself as a custodian of remarkable objects. These are 10 of the most exceptional. 1 An Outsiders image of a bullfight Seward Kennedy was guided solely by instinct and inner dialogue, buying objects and artworks because they captivated him. He nurtured a passion for all representations of animals and hung this image, by Outsider artist Edward Patrick Byrne, over his brass four-poster bed. 2 A mythical merlion The merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Standing sentinel outside Kennedys Park Avenue bedroom door, this phantasmagorical form always seemed otherworldly. We often debated its country of origin and I once offered (to no avail) to buff the protective layer of soot covering its surface so as to appreciate more fully the carving and patina of its incredible curlicued tail. 3 A tantric vision of Shiva Seward began to explore Indian art, and Tantric art in particular, in the late 1960s. He was doubtless encouraged by his close friendship with George and Jean-Claude Ciancimino, who held several exhibitions of Tantric works at their London galleries. 4 The great divider An engineer by training, Seward had a practical side and appreciated tools and scientific instruments, as well as base materials. He delighted in the early signature and decorative quality of this 17th-century implement, which hung from a nail in the entrance hall. 5 A bronze carnival mask mould This unusual 19th-century bronze mould was used to make carnival masks. Its a particularly intriguing object, and speaks to Sewards interest in form and function, as well as his affinity for artworks and objects that represent the human face. Ironically, he kept its striking Janus-face hidden from view; I had never seen it until now. 6 A Japanese bronze vase The graphic balance and commanding scale of this elegant Japanese bronze vase cannot be overstated. Unusually for Seward, it was displayed alone, placed on the top of an 18th-century English mahogany architects table as an eye-catching feature in his Park Avenue living room. 7 Relics from ancient Egypt Antiquities always captivated Seward. In the 1950s and 1960s he worked as a lawyer for Mobil Corporation, travelling extensively in Egypt, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece. He had a strong interest in ancient civilisations, and sought out small-scale relics. It was an interest that continued to preoccupy him until his death in 2015. 8 Two scholars objects Fantastic is a word Seward reserved for his most prized possessions. Nothing could better describe this pair of rare Chinese scholars objects, comprising tortured burrwood emerging from malachite, and a large stone on a rootwood stand. 9 A walnut stool Practical furniture was scarce in Sewards world. This barley-twist stool, simple and inviting with its upholstered seat decorated with a needlework pineapple, was one of the few signs of common hospitality I can remember. One never got too comfortable perhaps Seward intended to keep visitors on their toes. 10 A Lucie Rie vase A Louisiana sheriff's deputy critically injured during an attack that killed three of his colleagues in Baton Rouge, La., in July is being transferred to Houston to continue his rehabilitation. Nick Tullier, who was working as an East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputy on July 17, flew from Louisiana to Texas on Wednesday. A 10-year-old boy pulled a pistol out of his backpack on the way to school Tuesday morning and shot his father, according to Houston police. The 40-year-old man was driving his two children, both 10 years old, when his son shot him once through the back of the driver's seat around 7:05 a.m. at 7000 Bissonnet. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Environmentalists scored a major victory a few years ago when a lawsuit they filed triggered new regulations aimed at curbing air pollution from refineries. Those rules, issued last December by the Environmental Protection Agency, required sweeping changes for the nation's 140-plus refineries. Among other things, they required companies to establish fence-line air monitors and adhere to new emission limits. While clean air advocates cheered many of the changes, they objected to some of the exemptions granted to refineries and urged the EPA to reconsider. The EPA has agreed to take a second look at certain parts of its order and is hosting a hearing tomorrow from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hartman Community Center, 9311 E. Avenue P. Since this is the only hearing EPA plans to hold on the issue, environmentalists and industry groups from around the country are expected to attend. What the two sides agree on is that the rules could be better. Industry officials have said rules are unnecessary because the risk to communities near refineries was already minimal. They sued to block implementation. Environmentalists want the agency to rescind most exemptions granted to refineries. Those permit companies to exceed pollution limits during system malfunctions, power failures and other unforeseen events. Neil Carman, clean air director for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said companies should never get a free pass to pollute. "When you're pulled over for speeding, the policeman doesn't say, 'That's OK. You get three more exemptions,' " Carman said. "It's outrageous in this day and age that EPA would propose such a thing." Clean air advocates also want EPA to require companies to continuously monitor for the carcinogen benzene, not just during set time periods. Whatever the agency settles on will have a large impact on Texas, which has 27 refineries, eight in the Houston area. For years, residents of Houston, Port Arthur and other southeast Texas cities where refineries are located have complained about air pollution Those concerns were what triggered the 2012 lawsuit filed by nonprofit environmental groups on behalf of people living near oil refineries in California, Louisiana and Texas. The groups argued that the EPA used decades-old methods for estimating emissions from refiners. As a result, they said, the agency did not have reliable data to develop pollution controls, set emissions limits and guide enforcement. It's unclear, however, what will ultimately happen to the rules given President-elect Donald Trump's vow to scrap all regulations that might hinder American jobs. The fact the new rules haven't been implemented yet might not bode well for its longevity. "With this administration, who knows what will happen?" Carman said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate People across the country continue to protest Donald Trump's election victory, sparking clashes with authorities. In Portland, police said protesters refused orders to leave city streets, culminating in the arrest of 112 people over the weekend, with 71 arrested on Saturday night alone. According to a release from the department, road flares, bottles and other projectiles were thrown at officers during the protests. ATTACK ON A HORSE: Anti-Trump protester in Houston accused of hitting police horse A Portland police cruiser was also reportedly vandalized with an anti-Trump message. However, while people took to the streets to denounce the president-elect, they apparently didn't have the same fervor at the voting booth. News station KGW in Portland reports that at least 39 of the protesters did not return an election ballot. Another 35 of the demonstrators taken into custody weren't registered to vote in Oregon, according to KGW. According to the Associated Press, the protests against Trump in Portland have led to smashed windows and vandalism. The demonstrations have reportedly led to $1 million in damage. REGRET: Austin man apologizes for misleading tweet about Trump protesters The AP reports young people in Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle continued to rally against the president-elect, chanting "not my president" and "love trumps hate." During his campaign, Trump's comments about people of color and women came under fire. Meanwhile, in Houston, more than 100 UH students walked out of class on Monday to show their frustration with the outcome of the election. Trump told "60 Minutes" on Sunday that people shouldn't fear him. He called for unity between his supporters and critics. Walter Eggers didn't need medals to thank him for doing his duty in the Vietnam War. "I just went over there did what I was supposed to do," said Eggers, 74, of Deer Park. But when a Veterans Benefits Administration clerk advised Eggers that an omission on his discharge papers could affect his benefits, Eggers called his congressman. "He needed to prove that he had received the Vietnam Campaign Medal so he could receive certain VA benefits," said Beverly Ferguson, a Deer Park resident who is the regional director of community relations for U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-Woodville), whose 36th Congressional District includes portions of southeastern Harris County and has an office in Deer Park. The National Personnel Record Center not only confirmed that Eggers was due the Vietnam Campaign Medal for serving in Vietnam for either more than 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, but Ferguson said, "They also found that Mr. Eggers hadn't received several other medals. Mr. Eggers was quite surprised and emotional when he was told that he was due a total of eight medals." The NPRC reviewed his official military personnel file and determined he was entitled to: the Vietnam Service Medal (with four bronze star appurtenances), National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. He also was entitled to a cluster of foreign awards including Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit citations. Babin presented the overdue American medals to Eggers at a Veterans Town Hall meeting Oct. 11 at Lee College in Baytown. "This was a very emotional time for Mr. Eggers because he received more medals than he expected," Ferguson said. Among friends of Eggers who attended and applauded his presentation of medals were Pasadena residents Bobby and Lynn Hooper, Walter and Susan Stewart and Gene Stone, as well as Martin Lemkie, a Deer Park resident who served in the U.S. Marines. Eggers was born in Seneca Falls, New York and adopted by relatives in Louisiana, who brought him to Pasadena when he was a youngster. He graduated from Pasadena High School in 1963, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1967. Eggers served twice in Vietnam, first as a construction electrician who performed maintenance on runway lighting. Then he providing security, riding shotgun on convoys. "I was never in the position of being shot at, or had to shoot at anybody, but I watched it going on, on another hill," he said of the fighting. While watching scenes of Vietnam fighting on The History Channel on Veterans Day, Eggers added, "I don't feel like anything special. The ones that are special to me are the ones who died or came back disabled." Eggers, who is divorced, lives in Deer Park with two of his three sons. Both of them work in computerized, call-center operations at Houston's Texas Medical Center. He retired eight years ago as dock man from a Texas Petrochemicals plant in Houston. Eggers is recovering from a heart attack he suffered after mowing the lawn on Oct. 18, a week after receiving his overdue medals. He worships at Watters Road Church of Christ in Pasadena. Ferguson said that Babin's local office helped a 91-year-old veteran get a prisoner of war medal. "Overall, in the entire district, our offices have helped veterans get their Purple Heart, Bronze Star and various medals," she said. To contact the Deer Park office, call 832-780-0966. A Texas man has been charged with murder in the death of his 16-year-old girlfriend and remains a suspect in the death of the girl's mother and sister in their Baytown home, police said Tuesday. Jesse Dobbs, 21, is being held on $500,000 bond in the Galveston County Jail in the death of Kirsten Fritch, whose body was found in a wooded area in Texas City. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Even with online sales tugging at in-store numbers, traffic projections show drivers must continue to pack extra patience with Black Friday crowds. Inrix, the Kirkland, Wash.-based transportation analytics company, estimated 102 million people participated in in-store shopping during the kickoff weekend to the 2015 holiday shopping season despite a 17 percent increase in online sales. Inrix's message is drivers beware: Congestion at the nation's busiest shopping centers this Black Friday will push travel times as high as 90 percent longer than normal, according to the company's annual Thanksgiving Traffic Forecast. At The Galleria in Houston, Inrix forecasts the worst Black Friday traffic will peak between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. that day, lengthening travel times to the retail destination 54 percent above normal. RELATED: Traffic data reveal where Houston drivers are most prone to crashes Inrix's travel delay projections are based on Thanksgiving weekend traffic trends between 2010 and 2015 and ongoing shifts around the nation's busiest shopping centers, according to the company. Getting to and from airports also won't be much better. "Historically, Thanksgiving has been the busiest weekend of the year to fly, and this year will be no different," Inrix senior economist Bob Pishue said in a statement. "Travelers should plan on commute times to airports to be about double longer than normal." At Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, Inrix forecasts the worst travel time from downtown Houston along U.S. 59 northbound will hit between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Travel times for that journey will rise about 30 percent above normal, averaging 23 minutes. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Five years after the murder of her son, Rhonda Wills' home in Livingston has become a shrine. Sitting in her small living room, images of Carl surround her. The room's two windows and a chair are covered by throws with Carl Tyrell Wills' image printed on them. One wall holds a line of photos from Carl's infancy through adulthood. Other photos line the floor and a T-shirt reading, "Justice for Carl," is hanging on the wall next to the kitchen. It's clear Rhonda has not shaken off her child's murder and she vows she never will, especially since the killer's identity remains unknown. "I try to stay strong each and every day. I want to make sure that whoever is responsible for taking my son's life is held accountable. They chose to play God and take his life," she said. "I won't stop until I get closure and justice for my son." On Sept. 1, 2011, Carl's body was found by a fisherman in a roadside ditch on CR 2132, also known as Plantation Road, in north Liberty County, just a few miles south of Rye. Carl, 22, died from gunshot wounds to his back and head, and from all evidence available at the time, it appears he was killed elsewhere and his body dumped on the country road. Investigators with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office tracked down several leads but none led to suspects named and arrested. Five years later, the case is still active and unsolved, according to Sgt. Investigator Billy Knox. VICTIM'S LAST DAYS A few days before his murder, Carl was released from the Polk County Jail, having been incarcerated for nearly a month for unpaid traffic tickets. "He got out of jail on Aug. 27 and was dead by Sept. 1," his mother said. Rhonda said it was apparent that something was troubling her child after he returned home but he wouldn't open up to her about the details. "My child had a bad look on his face. I will never forget that look. I could tell something was wrong but I didn't know what and he wouldn't tell me," she said. "I couldn't get it out of him." On Aug. 30, the last day Rhonda saw her son alive, she found him sitting outside her home at a table, reading his Bible. "He told me he was fine but I could see it in his eyes. Something was hurting him. I didn't know what," she said. Rhonda claims she encouraged her son to leave Livingston, Texas, and restart his life in Detroit, Mich., with his father and 2-year-old son. "I told him, 'Son, there is nothing for you here. You need to leave this place.' He was just finding himself," she said. "He had agreed and was planning to move to Detroit when he was murdered." The last time Rhonda saw Carl was when he was picked up by a young woman he was dating. His mother believes that Carl's penchant for dating white women might also have been a factor in his murder, though she has no evidence to support that claim. She clings to the hope that one day the killer's conscience or that of people close to the killer will lead to an arrest. Until then, she vows to remain vigilant. "There is no such thing as a perfect murder. They are going to get caught. One of these days someone is going to come forward," Rhonda said. "I won't stop until I get justice and find out who did this and look them in the eye." Glancing up at her son's photo, she continued, "I like to look at my baby's face. He is smiling down on me knowing that I won't rest until his killer is found." Anyone with information on the murder of Carl Wills is asked to contact the Liberty County Sheriff's Office at 936-336-4500. As Cy-Fair ISD prepares to open three campuses in the 2017-18 school year, trustees are studying proposed changes to attendance boundaries and are expected to make a decision in January. Between now and then, the district will collect comments from parents about the proposals that are a result of opening of Jim and Pam Wells Elementary in Bridgeland, Janet Hoover Elementary next to Jowell Elementary at 6355 Greenhouse Road in Katy and the replacement campus for Matzke Elementary at 13102 Jones Road. Two early comments came from parents at the Nov. 14 school board meeting. A Miramesa parent wants students to stay at Rennell and not be moved to Postma, noting the subdivision is slated to get a new school in 2020-21, which would mean three transfers in six years. She questioned if Rennell's opening to transfer students affected enrollment projections that led to the proposed change. A Canyon Lakes West parent said he and his wife would prefer that their daughters not be transferred from Postma to Andrea, which is rated lower than the campus his children would attend. He added it would be the third time in seven years that the neighborhood is being moved to another school. Those proposed moves are the product of a 13-member attendance boundary committee that worked with the district's external demographer. General administration director Kristi Giron told trustees at a Nov. 10 board work session that 22 schools are affected by proposed boundary changes. Visit http://www.cfisd.net/en/schools-facilities/our-schools/attendance-boundaries/ for details. The proposed changes rely on five-year enrollment projections, said Teresa Hull, associate superintendent. Other considerations include geographical proximity of schools to students;community input; location of thoroughfares, creeks, easements and other structures used to draw boundaries; school capacities and minimizing changes and future moves for students in an area. Before the board makes its decision Jan. 23, the district every Friday will send to trustees all community input it receives regarding the boundaries, said Hull. In general, elementary schools provide lots of take-home communications that they share with parents, she added. Wells Elementary Wells Elementary, formerly known at Elementary 55, will pull from Pope Elementary in Bridgeland on a 128-acre multi-campus site between Mason Road and the Grand Parkway, where much growth is anticipated in the next five years. Giron said Wells, which will have a student capacity of 1,092 students, will open with 467 students, leaving Pope with 673. Trustee Don Ryan observed that people are pretty transient going back and forth and the district in all likelihood could revisit boundaries because of that growth. "It's unfortunate but also unavoidable that you might be buying multiple spirit shirts." "We feel pretty confident this will take us out about five years," Hull said. "It depends how quickly the area develops. Even in a community like Fairfield with three elementaries, we're still making shifts to accommodate growth," Hull added. Hoover Elementary The district proposes to move to the Hoover/Jowell campuses 709 students who now attend Andre Elementary and live in Yaupon Ranch, Remington Grove and Westgate West of Creek. The proposed change will keep the community together, said Giron. The move will boost attendance to Jowell and the new campus to 1,633 at Greenhouse Road and Rebel Yell Drive. That includes 784 students who will be in grades 3-5 at Jowell and 849 students who will be in the younger grades at Hoover. "We will expand Jowell attendance zone so can serve twice as many students in the area and provide enrollment relief to campuses in that area of the district," said Hull. The 569 students who live in both Canyon Lakes subdivisions around Andre Elementary and now attend Postma Elementary will be reassigned to Andre, making it a community school, said Giron. "The Canyon Lakes community will stay together." Cypress Springs subdivision will stay with Andre where enrollment will be 961. Another proposed change would move 126 students from Rennell Elementary to Postma Elementary putting together the original Miramesa subdivision and Miramesa South. "Miramesa is one of the fastest growing areas along with Towne Lake," said Giron. "Miramesa South is starting to grow really fast." The proposed move would leave enrollment at Postma at 832 students and allow Rennell's 704 students to be almost entirely from Towne Lake. "Towne Lake is growing so fast, we would have to offer some relief," Giron said. Matzke Replacement Proposed changes for the Matzke replacement campus include moving 177 students who live in Mills Crossing and Tallow Wood North from Hancock to Matzke, then 97 students from Matzke to Millsap who live in Millridge Forest, Regency Forest Place and Regency Oaks Apartments. Ryan raised the possibility of making Grant Road a boundary with students living south of it going to Matzke. Giron said officials would re-examine this proposed change. The district also proposes shifting about 40 middle school students in these three communities from Bleyl to Hamilton. Enrollment relief Giron then listed proposed changes to help elementary campuses that need enrollment relief. This includes: moving students in Hunters Valley/Forest, Western Estates and Lakewood Forest X East from Moore to Hamilton; moving students in Fairfield South to Swenke from Ault; moving students in Cypress Park N. of 290 and Fair Meadows from Keith to Ault; moving students in Villages of Cypress Lakes SE of Mueschke and Grand Cypress Apartments from Ault to Robison; moving students in Weiman Motor Home Park from Owens to Hairgrove; moving students in White Oak Bend from Danish to Bang; moving students in Sommerall Park from Lowery to Holmsley and moving tudents in Fountains at Copperwood from Holmsley to Lowery. Of all the Trumps, Americans know the least about 10-year-old Barron Trump. He appeared on the campaign trail only three times, because his mother didn't want his life upturned. For any animal owner the ideal scenario is being able to travel with your pets, but often that is not the case, which means people have to go through the hassle of finding a good place to board them. The holiday season is here, finding the perfect "hotel" for your pet has likely taken priority, and with so many pet hotels in Houston, the task seems rather daunting. The oil and gas industry decline has meant an increase in the need for low-cost healthcare in northwest Houston. TOMAGWA Healthcare Ministries, an organization that provides care for low-income residents in the Tomball, Magnolia and Waller areas, is opening a new Magnolia clinic in early 2017 to respond to that need. "There is an increased demand for primary care in our clinic due to the oil and gas downturn in the Houston area that has led to thousands of people losing their jobs and insurance benefits," said TOMAGWA's development director and pastor, Rev. Steven G. Lightfoot. "Many people in TOMAGWA's service area are in oil and gas related support industries." In addition, the clinic has seen an increase in patients since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, Lightfoot said. The number of patients increased 30 to 35 percent after the healthcare bill passed in 2014, he said. TOMAGWA's clinic is open five days a week and typically sees 60 to 75 patients a day. In the last year, the healthcare clinic recorded over 12,000 patient visits. The nonprofit's dental clinic saw over 4,000 patients last year. Construction will begin soon on the new clinic, which will be located on the second floor of the Landmark building on FM 1488 in Magnolia. It will be funded by a group of Magnolia residents and business owners. "The community has remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring their neighbors in need have access to quality health care," Lightfoot said. The new clinic will take some of the patient load from the Tomball clinic. "We have been, for several years now, building momentum to open a new charity clinic in Magnolia," Lightfoot said. "About 50 percent of the patients that come to the clinic in Tomball are Magnolia residents. So we knew the need was great here." TOMAGWA has a satellite clinic located at The First Baptist Church in Magnolia, which is just down the street from where the new clinic where be located. The Landmark building is a perfect fit for TOMAGWA, Lightfoot said, because many collaborative medical partners are located there, including a satellite for Tomball Regional Medical Center and Magnolia Pharmacy. The new clinic will help TOMAGWA expand its services to neighboring communities, Lightfoot said. The growth in population in the region has meant an increase in the number of people needing services. Many residents currently work jobs that are only paying minimum wage, with no healthcare benefits, said Carole Little, president and CEO of Northwest Assistance Ministries. Two years ago, TOMAGWA closed on Fridays and stopped seeing new patients after the nonprofit's financial resources could not keep pace with an influx of new patients. A year ago, TOMAGWA reopened on Fridays and began seeing new patients again. The clinic has received an outpouring of support from the community. In addition, TOMAGWA received a grant from Tomball Regional Health Foundation, a private foundation. The clinic, which is fully funded by the community and receives no federal funding, has continued to receive donations from its regular donors. Though TOMAGWA is always seeking additional contributions and volunteers. Each visit costs the clinic $125, though patients only pay $15 each. "We can only help as many people as we have dollars to help them, so we're on a constant search for new funding and having people step up to help," Lightfoot said. To donate online, visit www.tomagwa.org or mail a check to TOMAGWA HealthCare Ministries, 455 School St., Ste. 30, Tomball, TX 77375. To tour the clinic, contact Tami Sabey at TamiS@tomagwa.org or call 832-559-5222. A Houston-area high school teacher is behind bars after allegedly having sex with a female student in his car. Cypress-Fairbanks math teacher Alfredo Campos, 30, was hit with two felony counts of sexual assault of a child under 17, according to court records filed Friday. Cy-Fair ISD officials started investigating after a parent anonymously tipped off the administration with a Nov. 2 phone call. The concerned caller said that their own child had heard rumors about the Cypress Ridge High School teacher having sex with a female student - so the assistant principal called campus police to investigate. The girl told campus police that the two chatted through social media and that at one point Campos sent a picture of himself in boxers - and asked her to return the favor, according to court documents. In fall 2015, Campos allegedly asked her if she could get away to spend a weekend with him. Through it all, she saved screenshots of messages, sending them to a friend for safekeeping when her phone stopped working and had to be replaced. Initially, though, the girl only told police that they'd kissed and that Campos had touched her breasts and buttocks. But when authorities talked to the teacher, they got a different story. Campos readily admitted that he tutored the girl a few times a week last school year. He said she would confide in him and that he tried to give her moral support because she was having trouble at home, according to court documents. At first, he said that nothing untoward happened - but once police confronted him with screenshots of the pair's conversations, he changed his tune. After a moment of silence, Campos admitted that they'd had sex "probably twice" in his car, court documents allege. He said he had fallen for her and that any sex they had "would have been consensual," according to court filings. When police went back to the teen for further questioning, she admitted that last year they'd had intercourse four to five times, all at Bear Creek Park. At one point, Campos wanted oral sex. The teen said didn't like it but she was scared to stop because Campos talked about being suicidal - and because she was afraid he'd fail her in class. Campos was arrested Friday and, as of Monday evening, is still sitting in jail with $30,000 bail on all charges. After the arrest, the district issued a statement, noting that Campos had been removed from the campus once the allegations surfaced. "Violations of student trust will not be tolerated," the district said. "We fully support the swift prosecution of anyone caught compromising student safety." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A middle school teacher accused of having a long-term sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy, pleaded guilty Wednesday in exchange for a cap of 30 years in prison and an agreement to be sentenced by the judge. Alexandria Vera, 24, a former Aldine ISD teacher, accepted a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, which has a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, under the plea deal, her possible punishment is capped at 30 years and she is eligible for deferred adjudication probation. "We're very much hoping for deferred adjudication," said defense attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. Deferred adjudication is a form of probation that would leave her without a conviction on her record if she successfully completes the term without incident. State District Judge Michael McSpadden will undertake a pre-sentence investigation, in which he will accept letters of support and opposition, review the facts and decide an appropriate punishment at a hearing in January. Vera has been free on a $100,000 bail, but has had to wear a GPS ankle monitor, stay away from schools and have no contact with the teen who allegedly impregnated her. She later had an abortion, according to court records. Vera had faced a punishment range of 25 years in prison to life if convicted of continuous sexual assault of a child, a felony with a heightened punishment, even for first offenders The case was complicated because the victim's family allegedly knew about the relationship and supported it. Authorities got involved after officials with Child Protective Services were notified about a possible sexual relationship and found out during their investigation that Vera had gotten pregnant. Vera and the underage student apparently met when he was a student of hers in summer school at Stovall Middle School, according to court records. brian.rogers@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When a Baylor University student said she was "shoved" off a campus sidewalk last week because of her skin color, the community rallied together online and in person to ensure she felt safe on her next route to class. On Nov. 9, Natasha Nkhama's testimony of a racially charged incident she encountered on the Waco campus was posted on Twitter by her friend, Jaileene Maite. RELATED: ACU students expelled after wearing blackface makeup in a Snapchat video In the minute-long clip, Nkhama described her walk to class, when she said a student went "out of his way" to "bump" and "shove" her off the sidewalk and voice a racial slur. Another student, a stranger to Nkhama, defended her. The alleged attacker student responded: "I'm just trying to make America great again," Nkhama said in the video. The phrase was used by President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign. Shortly after, the #IWalkWithNatasha Twitter campaign ignited and on Nov. 11, a sloth of Baylor Bears comprised of students, staff, faculty, administration and Waco residents surrounded Nkhama to show their support while she walked to class. The outpouring was commended by the university, which also condemned the actions of the unidentified student who approached Nkhama last Wednesday. RELATED: Texas State probes pro-Trump fliers calling for 'torture' of school leaders over 'diversity garbage' Baylor said they are working with Nkhama "to ensure she feels safe and supported" following the "deeply disturbing" incident, in an official statement. A group of student leaders also issued a joint statement, mentioning a "series of racially motivated incidents on campus" which have left the community "hurting." David E. Garland, the university's interim president, supported the walk, which he called an "amazing experience," in his official statement. "When we love others like this, we make ourselves so much greater," he said. "It means one walk in solidarity is not enough. Walking with our brothers and sisters must become a daily walk on and off this campus." RELATED: Anti-Trump protesters march downtown for second night Baylor is urging students who feel they have been the subject of "any bias-motivated action based on race, nationality, religion, gender or age" to report the complaint here. Nkhama told the Waco Tribune newspaper she filed a report with the university, but is unsure if she will file a police report. "To me it doesn't matter, because now he knows that he can't do that anymore and he can't get away with it on campus," she said in the interview. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye The man accused of killing Harris County sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth last year is still incompetent to stand trial, his lawyers said Wednesday. Shannon Miles, 32, was arrested shortly after Goforth's murder in northwest Harris County but found incompetent to stand trial. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A Texas man accused of murdering his Baytown girlfriend stabbed her more than 50 times in a brutal triple slaying and told detectives he killed "not the real Kirsten but the fake Kirsten," according to court documents filed in Galveston County. Jesse Dobbs - a 21-year-old with a history of domestic violence - is facing a murder charge for the death of his girlfriend, 16-year-old Kirsten Fritch. The Livingston man is still considered a suspect in the slaying of Fritch's mother and sister, 37-year-old Cynthia Morris and 13-year-old Breanna Pavilicek. THE CRIME: Mother, 13-year-old daughter shot to death When police interviewed the accused man, he brazenly admitted to one of the killings, according to court records. "Kirsten is dead, I killed her," he allegedly said. He went on to claim it was the "fake Kirsten" he killed. The tragedy began to unfold in the early hours of Nov. 8. Around 2 a.m., a neighbor heard gunshots in the area of the Morris' Louise Street home in Baytown. Just before 10:30 a.m., police arrived at the house to do a welfare check after Morris didn't show up for work and her family found they couldn't reach her. THE ARREST: Person of interest held in Baytown double murder When law enforcement entered the home, they found Morris and her younger daughter, apparently shot to death in the master bedroom. Hours later, authorities put out an Amber Alert for Kirsten - who'd gone missing along with her boyfriend and the family car. Around 10:30 a.m., a Texas City man spotted the couple in his apartment complex when Dobbs asked him for a cigarette. Then around 8:30 p.m., Dobbs called an ex-girlfriend and asked her to take him to Louisiana so he could see his kids one last time. GRUESOME FIND: Searchers find body of missing Baytown teen Kirsten Fritch The woman called police, who found the phone number matched Shenanigan's bar in Texas City. Initially, authorities picked him up at the bar - wet and shoeless - and held him on a resisting arrest charge. Police found the missing car at the apartment complex across the street. Although Dobbs allegedly confessed when investigators showed up at the Texas City jail to question him, he apparently didn't offer information as to Kirsten's whereabouts. After a two-day search, a rescue team found Kirsten's body in a field, 200 yards from Shenanigan's - and 400 yards from the complex where he'd been spotted asking for a cigarette. THE CHARGES: Boyfriend charged with murder in brutal slaying of Baytown teen The girl had a total of 53 to 60 stab wounds covering her face, neck and torso, as well as possible defensive wounds on her arms, the medical examiner later found. The autopsy also found that the likely murder weapon would be a single-edge blade. On Saturday, a search and recovery team found a backpack hidden under water in a drainage ditch near where Kirsten's body was found. In it was a journal bearing Kirsten's name - and a single-blade knife wrapped in clothes detectives believe belonged to the teen. On Tuesday, Dobbs was charged with murder and held on $500,000 bail. "People are relieved, because that's the first thing you want to happen. It's a relief," said long-time family friend Audri-Annie Sweatt. Assistant District Attorney Bill Reed said the Galveston County case does not have the elements for a capital murder charge. But if Dobbs is charged in the two murders that occurred in Harris County, it could become a death penalty case, Reed added. Police did not release any information as to a possible motive. Just months before the killing, Dobbs was charged in a domestic violence case in Polk County, about 70 miles north of Baytown. In May, he was convicted of the Class A misdemeanor and accepted a sentence of just over a month in jail. In 2015, he agreed to a two-month sentence for another Class A misdemeanor, hindering a secured creditor. A memorial service for Kirsten is scheduled for Thursday at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral is slated for Friday afternoon at Second Baptist Church. A Houston-area man was sentenced to 30 years in prison in a Medicare fraud case, authorities announced on Tuesday. Chimaroke Echenwune was found guilty of trying to scam more than $1.3 million from Medicare and Medicaid through an ambulance company he ran with his wife, according to a press release from the Texas attorney general. That company, Diamex EMS, billed mentally handicapped patients for hospital transports that never occurred, sometimes at up to three times the original cost of the service. In some instances, Diamex billed for transport to hospitals when patients were actually being taken to daycare facilities, a destination not covered by Medicare. Two co-defendants testified that they falsified patients' records at Echenwune's behest. A doctor even testified that his signature looked forged on a medical authorization form. The investigation was initiated by a private federal contractor specializing in medical claims audits. After the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit found evidence of criminal behavior over a two-year period, prosecutors filed charges in 2014. The case wound its way through court for two years. Last week, a jury found Echenwune guilty of engaging in organized crime. His lawyer filed a notice of appeal the next day, according to court records. A federal jury on Wednesday awarded more than $5 million in damages to a Houston construction contractor who claimed he lost school district business because he did not pay bribes to onetime trustee Larry Marshall. The decision in the civil lawsuit comes six years after the Gil Ramirez Group sued Marshall and others, casting a cloud of cronyism and corruption over the Houston Independent School District. "The culture of corruption at HISD took a serious blow today," Kelly Greenwood Prather, an attorney for Gil Ramirez Jr., said after the verdict, which prompted tears of joy from her client. The lawsuit alleged Marshall received kickbacks from school district vendors or potential vendors by hiring his political campaign treasurer and longtime friend, Joyce Moss-Clay, as a consultant. Moss-Clay paid Marshall between 65 percent and 75 percent of the fees she received, according to court records. In 2009 alone, she gave Marshall $59,175. Marshall, now 84, denied wrongdoing, saying he did legitimate consulting work for Moss-Clay. Marshall was expressionless after the verdict. The jury found that Marshall, Moss-Clay and two construction companies, Fort Bend Mechanical and RHJ-JOC, violated the federal racketeering law and awarded the Gil Ramirez Group $450,000, an amount that is tripled to $1.5 million under law. The jury also found the group interfered in contracts and awarded $3.4 million in punitive damages, plus $676,000 in actual damages. An appeal is possible, and the damage award may not end up being paid in full. Marshall left the board in 2013, but the district has continued to be plagued by allegations of improper activity. The district's onetime chief auditor, Richard Patton, filed a whistleblower lawsuit against HISD in August. He alleged the board suspended him for reporting suspected illegal acts involving construction contracts and undisclosed issues to law enforcement. The district has denied the claims. The school district was dismissed as a defendant in 2015, with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals deciding it was exempt as a governmental entity. The civil case caught the attention of federal authorities several years ago, although no criminal charges have been filed. The Houston Chronicle reported in 2013 that a grand jury had subpoenaed documents related to the bribery lawsuit and that a potential witness had been contacted by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The federal agencies do not confirm or deny criminal investigations. Chronicle reporter Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate She's known only as "Smurfette" - an apparent teenage girl found dead inside a garbage bag by the side of the road in northwest Houston in 2012. Four years later, detectives still don't know who she was. Or what happened to her. "Somewhere her family is out there, and I know they would like to know what happened to her," Dr. Sharon Derrick, a forensic anthropologist with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences told KHOU. ONGOING MYSTERIES: A look at unsolved cases tied to Houston A man searching for a lost hubcap found the girl on Oct. 16, 2012 on Walters Road near FM 1960, an area once known for sex trafficking. The girl was wearing a "Smurfette" t-shirt, cargo pants and, oddly to investigators, adult women's lingerie. The last detail conflicted with what investigators thought her age might be - between 15 and 17 years old. Since then, investigators have done a digital reconstruction of what the girl may have looked like as well as put out fliers with her information. Her information has also been entered in the National Unidentified and Missing Persons database, where she's one of 289 unidentified people listed. MYSTERY SOLVED: After 20 years, murder victim identified The hope is, someone will recognize the girl, either as someone they knew or had seen. There are several puzzling aspects of the case to investigators. The girl appeared to have been well-cared for - at least for a while. She had good teeth and dental care, an unusual trait in unidentified remains. "She had the most beautiful hair, just really glossy and slightly wavy, looked like she had put some purple coloring in it at some point," Derrick said. THE UNKNOWN: Photos show life, belongings of immigrants on U.S.-Texas border Harris County Sheriff's Sgt. Felipe Rivera extended the search to Mexico and Central America, looking for family. "It's very difficult for us guys that have been working homicides for a long time. It's just sad that no one can come up and say, 'Hey, this is my loved one, and we'd like to know what happened to them,'" Rivera told the television station. But, time isn't slowing or stopping investigators seeking a name for the girl known only as "Smurfette." "She deserves to have her identity back," Derrick said. SAN ANTONIO About 300 people gathered in downtown San Antonio on Tuesday afternoon to protest the highly contentious Dakota Access oil pipeline, one of dozens of demonstrations held across the U.S. Organized by a group calling itself San Antonio Stands with Standing Rock, protesters gathered outside the downtown Convent Street offices of Bank of America, which is helping to finance the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile pipeline that would carry oil from western North Dakotas Bakken region to Illinois, crossing four states and running beneath the Missouri River. 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. 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. New eTA Requirement for Visa-Exempt Travelers to Canada Now Fully Operational CIC News Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Pre-screening process catches some visitors by surprise After a roll-in period that has lasted for more than a year, Canadas new pre-screening system for visa-exempt travelers known as electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA came into full force on November 10, 2016. Most visa-exempt visitors coming to Canada by air were aware of the approaching date in the run-up to full implementation, but others have been caught unaware over recent days. As a result, some individuals have missed their scheduled flight. Take British comedian Robin Ince, for example. Ince was expecting to do a show with astronaut Chris Hadfield in Toronto last weekend. He arrived at Heathrow Airport in London with plenty of time to check in, but was then asked to present his eTA. Unfortunately for the man who tells jokes for a living, this was no laughing matter. After quickly applying for his eTA on his phone and paying the $7 CAD fee, Ince live-tweeted his airport experience, beginning with some advice for others. The waiting game continued, but Ince never left British soil . . . But at least his live tweets were getting the news on eTA out to other travelers to Canada . . . Eventually, Ince was approved to travel. The problem was he had applied too late and ended up missing his own show in Toronto. In a blog post he wrote hours later, Ince admitted that his lack of preparation meant Much money wasted. Much time wasted. The chances are he will not be the only individual caught by surprise at the new requirement, which is similar to the ESTA system that has been used by the United States since 2010. About the eTA The eTA is intended to make air travel to Canada safer and more efficient for foreign nationals who do not require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The screening process allows Canadian immigration authorities to assess visa-exempt travelers who may be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as having a criminal record, or posing a potential health threat. To obtain an eTA, individuals complete an online form for themselves and for each accompanying family member, if applicable. Families cannot obtain a single eTA for all members, including minors. Visa-exempt travelers planning a trip to Canada by air complete an online form, in which they provide some personal information and answer a few basic questions relating to criminality or medical issues, as well as questions about their immigration history. Most applications are processed within minutes. Some applications (such as the one submitted by Robin Ince) may take longer to process, in which case applicants may expect to receive an email from IRCC within 72 hours outlining the next steps. The eTA is linked electronically to the holders passport and is valid for a period of five years from the day on which it is issued to the applicant or until the earliest of the following days, if they occur before the end of five years: the day on which the applicants passport or other travel document expires; the day on which the eTA is cancelled; or the day on which a new eTA is issued to the applicant. To complete the online form, applicants need: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country; a credit card to pay the $7 CAD fee; a valid email address; and access to the internet and a few minutes of time. The eTA includes the applicants name, date and place of birth, gender, address, nationality, and passport and/or travel document information. If the applicant is unable to make the application by means of the electronic system because of a physical or mental disability, it may be made by another means, including a paper application form. Since August 1, 2015, when the eTA system was first partially rolled out, study permits and work permits issued to individuals from visa-exempt countries already have an eTA tied to the permit. Consequently, there is no need for these individuals to apply separately or pay an additional fee. However, individuals who received their study or work permit before August 1, 2015, must obtain an eTA if they wish to leave and return to Canada. Exceptions to the rule There are exceptions to the requirement for an eTA. In addition to the following list, citizens of countries whose citizens normally require a TRV in order to enter Canada, but who are permanent residents of the United States (holders of a Green Card), are able to enter Canada with an eTA rather than a TRV. Foreign nationals from countries whose citizens require a TRV to enter Canada do not need an eTA in addition to the TRV. How can future visitors to Canada determine what they need to do? A new, easy-to-use tool has been developed by the team at CanadaVisa.com. The free and exclusive Visiting Canada Tool allows users to get information about the steps they need to take in order to make a smooth entry to Canada. By answering a few basic questions about their country of citizenship, status in the United States (if applicable), and the intended method of transport that will be used to enter Canada, users are provided with a detailed explanation relating to their particular situation. Moreover, users are provided with additional resources, such as contact details for applicable legal services, on the page that explains the next steps. It takes less than one minute to complete the questionnaire. To use the Visiting Canada Tool and determine what you need to do to visit Canada, click here. If you have any questions or concerns about the process of obtaining an eTA and gaining entry to Canada, please send a detailed email to eta@canadavisa.com. For a list of frequently asked questions regarding the eTA, visit the comprehensive eTA FAQ page. 2016 CICnews All Rights Reserved Tomasz Wasilewskis United States of Love may take place just after 1989s felling of the Berlin Wall but little of the eras euphoric optimism transfers to the Polish writer-directors dispassionate yet engrossing third feature. Broken down into loosely formed chapters whose pages overlap and intersect with purposeful randomness, Wasilewskis film sees his nation on the point of transition from its barren communist past to a new era of potential enlightenment: clothes, electronic goods and Whitney Houston posters no less. However, it is the day to day lives and struggles of four women who are our focus. Routines of work, husbands, childrens schooling and the austerity of overbearing religion all provide a framework for their existence but this merely constitutes a front for repressed, incommunicable desires and anxieties. Taken behind closed doors three of the women live in the same monumental apartment building there is an inner fragility to all whom we meet which risks fracturing at any moment. Dropped into dinner party conversation with Agata (Julia Kijowska), her husband Jacek (Lukasz Simlat) and friends, an early line suggesting that a largely colourless pair of acid-wash jeans are too bright induces an ironical guffaw from a spectator. Cinematographer Oleg Mutu, whose most known work is perhaps Cristian Mungius 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, drains the film to such an extent that figures around the table appear almost ghostly, such is their lack of vitamin D. Thick plumes of smoke further blanket the muted palette in cloudy greys. This unhealthy porcelain skin tone is echoed in frozen exteriors where a roaming camera follows people with hunched shoulders braced against the cold, trudging to the factory, church or school. Few are leaping for joy as East meets West in 1990 here. Theres a definite irony to the films title as characters who pass like ships in the night are more often than not drifting ever further apart rather than moving closer together. As Jacek gets into the bath, Agata vacates; arms are frequently crossed; glances betray no tenderness and people pass uncomfortably in doorways. There is an unspoken before here that casts a pall over daily life which will never be made clear. The regime? Something more personal? And all of a sudden a fiercely passionate, entirely loveless sex scenes breaks the monotony. What is this couples state of love? The why in all areas is left opaque throughout but none more so than in chapter two where a doctor buries his wife. Was her death a suicide? Did she find out about his long-running affair with school headmistress Iza (a strikingly elegant but waspish Magdalena Cielecka)? There is less subtlety to this thread but in her jealousy and resentment, and in one steadily held Mutu long-shot, her character provokes the films most devastating moment. The performances are uniformly excellent but it is Dorota Kolak, as schoolteacher Renata, who really raises the bar. Her bitter loneliness, through wounded eyes and a timid forced smile and the engineering of a friendship by any means necessary is awful to behold but supremely well articulated. Not all of the longing here is of a sexual nature and her care for misguided young neighbour Marzena (Marta Nieradkiewicz) may have its ulterior motives given her seclusion but it does offer the faintest glimmer of positivity in this chilling, remarkable human drama. Wasilewski is a name to watch out for given the extraordinary maturity of his United States of Love. During a career thats spanned three and a half decades, Ted Conover has guarded hardened criminals in Sing Sing, snuck across the US border with Mexican immigrants, inspected poultry as a USDA employee, and roamed the nation as a railroad hoboall in pursuit of his next big story. Along the way, hes become one of the prominent practitioners of immersion writing, steeping himself in other worlds that are typically off-limits to reporters and the public. For some books and articles, Conovers gone undercover. For others, hes left home to live among disenfranchised subjects. In his new book Immersion: A Writers Guide to Going Deep, Conover distills decades of hard-won knowledge into a how-to guide for journalists. Among his topics: how to gain access to new communities, how to behave ethically once inside, and how to craft a powerful story when its all over. The following interview was conducted over email during November 2016, and has been edited for length and clarity. You write that Immersion is the book you wish youd had with you when you were 22 years old, immersing yourself in the world of railroad tramps. At the time, you were researching your college thesis, which later morphed into your first book, Rolling Nowhere: Riding the Rails with Americas Hoboes. What inspired you to finally commit these techniques and advice to paper? What was the spark? And how long had the idea for Immersion been gestating? Sign up for CJR 's daily email Immersion is just one of the ways Ive researched stories. All of my books before this one are based on it, but Ive never thought of it as a separate class of research. I know that other people have, though. One of them was an editor at the University of Chicago Press (Jenny Gavacs) who suggested to me that I write this book. With the nation bitterly divided following Donald Trumps electionand lots of hand wringing in the mainstream press over having misread the mood of the electoratewhat role, if any, do you think immersion writing can play in bridging the cultural divides in this country? And how might immersive projects help address those aforementioned reportorial blind spots? I think that immersion research makes it harder to think of any group of people simplistically. No part of the electorate is merely angry. Less educated also seems like an unhelpful descriptor, unless maybe its paired with some words and phrases that havent commonly been used to describe Trump supporters, such as disadvantaged or at risk of going broke. I write that immersion implies leaving homeor at least spending significant amounts of time outside itengaged in daily exposure to your subjects and the problems they face. Writing that proceeds from this can answer complaints about the superficiality of journalism. It offers cures on several levels, one of which is the level of commitment. Immersion tells the reader: This is no drive-by. I did more than get a quote. I lingered and I listened. I got to know them as multidimensional. In your experience, what part of the immersion process do young writers and journalists struggle most with? Is there a common point at which newer practitioners of the craft hit a wall? Whats the hardest part of the process for you, personally? Id say that access is often the hardest for younger journalistsit can be a real challenge getting people to let you in, particularly if youre not on assignment from some recognizable news source and dont yet have a track record. Next hardest may be what I call reporting for story: learning what to look for, the kind of notes your research needs to generate (i.e., characters, conflicts, the passage of time, and other elements of narrative). Access is a perpetual problem for me as well, particularly since Im interested in setting a high bar, in trying to do things that havent been done before. Technology is transforming the way we gather information and tell stories. How is it affecting immersive writing, specifically? Has it changed the way you and your peers and/or students working in the genre operate? Well, I dont think the essential tools have changed: you need a pen and a notebook. You need to be able to listen and you need to be able to explain yourself. You need to notice. But technology definitely has expanded the number of possibilities for telling these stories, in ways which really havent been fully explored yet. Back when only wealthier, tech-savvy people had smart phones, you had to worry about taking out your smart phone in certain settings. Now, though, it seems practically everybody in the US has oneI was in a Starbucks in Denver last week where two homeless men were charging their phones. A third had taken his laptop from his cart and was using the stores Wifi. This is great, because adding video and still photography to our reports can expand the audience, the options for telling a story, and the richness of the story itself. And, of course, it can help empower people who previously were only the subjects of our stories to tell stories of themselves. You write of students sometimes wanting to dive directly into immersion writing, without first mastering the tenets of traditional journalism or third-person nonfiction storytelling. What is the ideal training for a writer before they embark on an immersive project? I do think its helpful to know the basics of journalism before you set outconventions around quotation, using anecdotes to help illustrate a larger theme, the importance of topicality, that sort of thing. Immersion research can take a long time, and experience in turning reporting into story can help insure that time wont be wasted. Ted Conover is author of Immersion: A Writers Guide to Going Deep, and an associated professor of journalism at New York University. His other books include Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing; Rolling Nowhere: Riding the Rails with Americas Hoboes; and Coyotes: A Journey Across Borders with Americas Mexican Migrants. If theres one book of immersive writing you could recommend to a young journalist, what would it be and why? I think the most important book or article is one you love, the one that speaks to you. Such a book for me is Stanley Booths brilliant Dance with the Devil: The Rolling Stones and Their Times. (I wrote an appreciation of it in CJR in 2006.) Its full of joyful literary risk-taking. But its also a cautionary tale about what can happen when you get too close to the flame, when you go too deep. Finding models is super-important in this endeavor, which is one reason I assembled a detailed bibliography at the end of Immersion. Each of those books and articles, to me, is a possible inspiration. The time commitment for immersive projects can be huge. How can a writer know theyve found a worthwhile story? I guess its like the commitment a writer makes to any big story. It needs to be about something that matters, a topic you might be able to make readers care about, and one youre likely to care about for the time it takes. You need a fairly good prospect of ongoing access; having a Plan B in place should that access fall apart is not a bad idea. It can help to have friends who dont think the idea is crazy, and even better is to have an agent or editor whos intrigued. In the paperback afterword to Newjack, you wrote of having nightmares related to your experience working as a correction officer at Sing Singdreams a psychiatrist suggested were the result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Full disclosure: I received a diagnosis of PTSD after reporting my book on a Bloods/Crips gang war in New York, and your mention of PTSD in the afterword was one of the things that encouraged me to seek treatment in the first place.) Do you consider dealing with mental health issues to be an unavoidable hazard of immersion work? Im glad you raised the possibility that research can take a toll on the researcher. PTSD among journalists is real, and not just for war reporters and photographers. Immersion is probably not the best approach for a journalist who is not feeling pretty centered and stable to begin with. The trick then becomes how to maintain your equilibrium should conditions become stressful. Having a wife I love, who believed in my project, really helped me endure the months I spent working as a CO. And having little kids at home, though they at times contributed to my exhaustion, Im sure ultimately helped keep me steady. With projects that are less emotionally fraught, like my stint as a USDA meat inspector, the main challenge can simply be managing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Again, having somebody waiting for you at home can be indispensable. You write that immersion writing has huge potential for sowing empathy in the world, and that an immersion writer cannot help but come to appreciate the others point of view, hopefully in a way that is both visceral and nuanced. Newjack sowed empathy for both corrections officers and prisoners. What lessons/insights from that book would you want to impart on journalists covering the American corrections system today, and the ongoing efforts to reform it? Acknowledge the pain on both sides. Dont demonize the civil servants. All of us are actors in systems that make us behave in certain ways. The challenge is to reform the system. The amount of media available to American consumers has grown exponentially in recent years. But immersion writing seems to always find its audience. What can immersion writing do that other forms of storytelling cant? Why does it endure? I think its power comes from how quickly it can lead a reader to the emotional core of a story. Immersion writing is almost never dry. Its also as personal as its creators, which is to say every good project seems to invent its own trajectory. As a genre it has been with us for a long time, at least as far back as Sir Richard Burtons excursions to Arabia in the mid-19th century; and yet every season seems to bring us another example of somebody adventurous opening a window into a world we realize weve never seen before. Conover paused for a photo with migrants while reporting for his book Coyotes: A Journey Across Borders with Americas Mexican Migrants. Can you point out some of the best immersion journalism youve seen recently? I admire Jennifer Percys Demon Camp: A Soldiers Exorcism, an up-close, lyrical depiction of PTSD; Suki Kims Without You, There Is No Us, about teaching English in North Korea; Matthew Desmonds Evicted; and Shane Bauers undercover account of working in a private prison in Mother Jones. Here are some other significant works of immersion writing Conover highlights in his book: Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich Among Schoolchildren by Tracy Kidder The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman Among the Thugs by Bill Buford Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo Holy Days by Lis Harris Collision Low Crossers by Nicholas Dawidoff Methland by Nick Reding Mississippi Drift by Matthew Power My Enemy, My Self by Yoram Binur Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning criminal justice journalist and author of two books: The Triangle: A Year on the Ground with New Yorks Bloods and Crips, and the forthcoming Pill City: How Two Honor Roll Students Foiled the Feds and Built a Drug Empire, to be published Jan. 31. He teaches journalism at Queens College. Every day, millions of Pennsylvania motorists drive on or under one of the commonwealths more than 22,000 bridges without ever thinking about its safety and durability. Researchers at Penn State, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), however, are thinking about it and are trying to improve the bridges in the process. Aleksandra Radlinska, assistant professor of civil engineering, along with associate professors Farshad Rajabipour and Gordon Warn, recently conducted a study to identify the key factors that contribute to premature cracking in concrete bridge decks. The team also assessed the effects of the cracks on the long-term durability of the bridges. When the current infrastructure was built in the 1950s under President Eisenhower, it was built for current times and traffic demands, with little focus on maintenance, Radlinska said. Few, if any, expected the number of vehicles in the nation to increase by 300 percent and the nations population to increase by 91 percent. The result is an aging infrastructure in need of major repair. According to the Federal Highway Administrations 2015 National Bridge Inventory, of the 22,783 bridges in Pennsylvania, 21 percent are classified as structurally deficient and another 19 percent are classified as functionally obsolete. The estimated cost to repair those bridges numbers in the billions. One of the primary causes of early bridge deterioration is the premature cracking of the bridge deck. These cracks significantly decrease the durability and service life of the bridge and enable chlorides and moisture to penetrate into the concrete leading to accelerated corrosion of the steel reinforcement. Until now, only a limited amount of information has been available as to how premature cracking truly affects long-term performance of bridge decks. In order to improve this deficiency, the researchers conducted a comprehensive two-part study, the largest of its kind. First, they sent a survey to 71 key PennDOT employees representing the design, construction, bridge inspection, and materials units. The surveys objective was to collect and document details about the experience of PennDOT employees with early-age cracking as it relates to long-term bridge deck performance. Second, inspection data from both newly constructed and older concrete bridge decks was collected and analyzed. The team inspected 40 existing concrete bridge decks and obtained 19 core samples that were extracted from the decks and analyzed at Penn State laboratories. In addition, PennDOT crack inspections from 163 newly constructed bridge decks were also summarized and analyzed. In total, 203 Pennsylvania bridge decks were evaluated to identify the main factors that contribute to early-age cracking and to assess the effects of cracks on the long-term durability of bridge decks. The study, recently published in the Transportation Research Record Journal, determined that higher concrete strength was associated with higher deck crack density; lower total cement-based materials and higher Portland cement replacement with supplementary materials resulted in less cracking; decks constructed with half-width procedures cracked four times more than decks constructed with full-width procedures; and epoxy-coated rebar was effective in resisting corrosion, even in cracked concrete and at the location of cracks. Additionally, the researchers were able to create a deck performance database to enable a more extensive and detailed data collection process and better monitoring of Pennsylvania bridge decks over time. One of the project tasks was focused on creating a database for PennDOT to record all the relevant bridge deck information in one central location and have it available for ongoing and future research needs, Radlinska said. The database will store key information related to bridge design and construction, including the type of bridge, along with the support, span, length, and traffic pattern during its construction. The database will also allow the development of detailed deterioration models that will help predict the future performance and service lives of concrete bridge decks and improve the maintenance costs over their lifespans. There is no one solution to fix it all, Radlinska said. Every bridge is different, so we have a lot of data points that connect to specific models which will allow PennDOT to determine the best remediation strategies for these deteriorated bridges. Additional researchers in this study included graduate students Travis Hopper and Amir Manafpour and collaborators Parisa Shokouhi, associate professor of civil engineering, and Ilgin Guler, assistant professor of civil engineering. Partners included Quality Engineering Solutions Dennis Morian, director of engineering, and Shervin Jahangirnejad, senior project manager. Technical advising was provided by Robert Watral of PennDOT. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation funded this work. Source: Penn State College of Engineering The goal of six year old Uber is to provide reliable transportation to everyone, everywhere. Uber is currently in 596 cities and dealing with global regulations requires an insurance product that is diverse and fluid, according to Kathleen Waitzman, legal director of Global Insurance & Claims for the ride-hailing giant. Without insurance there would be no ride-sharing economy, said Waitzman, who has been with the company since its founding in 2009. The legal director spoke at the recent International Association of Claim Professionals annual conference held in Sonoma, Calif. Uber uses four platforms to offer low cost to luxury rides that appeal to many different price points. The ride-sharing company wants to reach everyone through cell phones and everywhere through its partner drivers. The four platforms available to passengers include economy, premium, accessibility and carpool. The peer to peer delivery models economy, accessibility and carpool are covered by non-owned commercial auto insurance. The premium platform which offers a professional, licensed livery driver is insured via traditional auto insurance. Waitzman explained that there are three relevant insurance periods during a rideshare trip: The app is on and the driver is waiting to connect with a rider. During this period, the insurance is provided by Uber liability coverage when necessary with 50/100/25 limits. When the driver is en route and the trip is accepted. The insurance coverage provided (in some states it is considered primary insurance, others it is contingent) is $1 million liability, $1 million uninsured/underinsured limits with contingent collision and comprehensive coverage. While on the trip, at time of arrival and when the driver picks up and drops off a passenger The insurance coverage is the same as # 2 above. James River Insurance Company is the insurance provider for all three periods. Waitzman said that a model bill, which some states have passed, requires the insurance offered by Uber to be primary. In that case, she said, there is $1 million combined single limit liability coverage, with no reliance on personal auto insurance while en route or during the trip. Uber claims advocates, former transportation workers and insurance litigators process claims, defend insurance litigation and manage coverage issues. The San Francisco-based ride-sharing company monitors social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, for reports of claims. Upon receipt of a claim, Uber provides notice of the loss to James River and acts as a liaison between the insurer and claimants for auto liability and general liability claims. Because some cities have more restrictive regulations, Uber does have geofencing capabilities within the app, she explained. Passenger Safety Questioned The deadly shooting rampage by an Uber driver in Michigan earlier this year raised concerns that Uber rides may be less safe than standard taxis. According to an Associated Press article, the San Franciscos district attorney filed suit against Uber alleging Uber misled passengers into believing its driver background checks are the most comprehensive available. In their lawsuit, San Francisco prosecutors highlighted that police there and in Los Angeles found 25 Uber drivers that had serious criminal histories that were not flagged during the background check or may have been disregarded by Uber. Waitzman said that partner drivers are qualified through a background check that reviews criminal history going back seven years and includes a sex offender search and driving history review. Drivers are also rated through anonymous feedback provided by customers. Taxi companies contend that the background check should include a fingerprint search, because law enforcement experts say its the most comprehensive way to conduct a background check. Taxi regulators usually require it. Uber said that fingerprint checks, which are run through the FBIs national database, are imperfect. In a separate lawsuit settlement, the ride-sharing firm can no longer claim its background checks are industry-leading. Uber agreed to pay $28.5 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged such safety claims were false. As part of the settlement, Ubers safe ride fee will become a booking fee. While Lyft re-checks driver backgrounds each year, Uber doesnt. According to Waitzman, the ride-sharing firms insurance requirements meet and often exceed the amount taxis and limousines are required to carry. (Associated Press writers Paul Elias in San Francisco and Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this story, along with AP news researchers Rhonda Shafner and Jennifer Farrar in New York.) AKRON, Ohio -- Protestors at Akron's anti-Trump rally on Tuesday, Nov. 15, kept with the event's purpose to promote peace not hate. Among the the first to arrive at the rally point in a Highland Square parking lot was the newly formed Akron chapter of Food Not Bombs. The group offered free hot vegan squash, apple crisp, yogurt, bread and water. Nearby, a man set up a table with a free hugs sign. Marchers with myriad signs bearing both anti-Trump statements and messages of peace began arriving in groups about 10:30 p.m. and quickly filled the parking lot. Dominant chants throughout the four-hour protest were "love trumps hate" and "this is what democracy looks like." A handful of Trump supporters attended, but remained on the opposite side of Market Street from the marchers. Hundreds of marchers walked east, from the Chipotle parking lot to McDonald's, and back. Police patrolled, blocking intersections to let protestors cross, while event marshals kept people on sidewalks and encouraged chanting. Organizer Stephen Kaledecker said the event started with a group of friends on Facebook and grew quickly. The intent was to protest the divisiveness Americans have heard and experienced during Trump's campaign. "It's more important than ever for everyone to be heard, that we won't stand for the bullying, misogyny and homophobia, which is all we've heard," he said. The group was also troubled by the number of people who didn't vote, or left the presidential box unchecked on their ballots. "A lot of people sat it out and we can't let that happen again," Kaledecker said. "We don't want to let hate take over. If we stay silent we're forgotten. If we keep this up and stay visible it will make a difference." Here are other quotes from the protest. Margaret Bradford: "I'm terrified for the LGBT community and for minorities and women," said Bradford, an organizer who wore pants emblazoned with the American flag and is active in the transgender community. "This protest is to show that we are making a commitment to love and support one another, and to stand in solidarity with those who fear for their future." Kelsie Dunner: "This is about organizing with like-minded others who don't agree with Trump's sexism and racism," said Dunner, who had marched earlier in the day at an Akron protest over the Dakota Access Pipeline. Toussaint English: "For me this is to put Trump on notice that we're not going anywhere," said English, an Akron musician said he had campaigned intensely for Hillary Clinton, knocking on doors in cold rain. "His campaign was narcissistic, racist and anti Semitic. We're not going to stand for it." Cole Wojdacz: "This is a way for us to come together and love on each other and show that we're not going down," said the Kent State University student who was wearing a sheet that read "resistance." Tina Gavin: "There was already racism," said of Gavin, of Cuyahoga Falls, who marched on behalf of her family and mixed-race grandchildren."Now Trump has allowed those people to bring it out. He's made it OK for students to go into their schools and tell Hispanic kids 'we're going to build a wall' and tell black kids "we're superior.'" Will Chritton: "So many people didn't vote because there was so much negativity. They felt they were screwed either way," said the event marshal, who came out to raise awareness about the societal inequality minority groups face. "We want to encourage people to fight the sexism and racism, and most importantly not to be silent." David Hillis court pic David Hillis sits in a Summit County Common Pleas courtroom Wednesday as he receives his sentence. Hillis pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter in August in connection with a 2015 deadly home invasion. (Summit County Prosecutor's Office) AKRON, Ohio - An Akron man who fatally shot a robbery suspect outside his house has been sentenced to one year in jail. A Summit County judge sentenced David Hillis, 22, on Wednesday in the shooting of Marcus Glover, the Summit County Prosecutor's Office said in a new release. Hillis received a six-year prison sentence, but the judge ordered him to serve one year in jail and spend the last five years on probation, the prosecutor's office said. Hillis pleaded guilty in August to one count of voluntary manslaughter in the Aug. 7, 2015 shooting outside his house. Glover, 25, and a second man, Terry Tart, held Hillis at gunpoint inside the house. The duo fought with Hillis over drugs before they ran outside, police said. Hillis grabbed a gun and fired at the pair from his front porch. Glover was off of Hillis' property when a shot struck his head, police said. Tart was also charged in connection with Glover's death, as authorities say Glover would not have died if it had not been for the aggravated burglary. He was sentenced Oct. 26 to nine years in prison. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. IMG_3103.JPG Suzie Graham, president & CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership, outlines the planning principles that will help shape redevelopment of strategic areas of Akron under the city's Downtown Akron Vision & Redevelopment Plan. AKRON, Ohio - The city of Akron and Downtown Akron Partnership on Tuesday unveiled the first phase of a plan to redevelop strategic areas of the city. Early findings from the Downtown Vision and Redevelopment Plan were detailed at a press conference inside the vacant Landmark Building on Main Street, a building set to be redeveloped in the heart of Akron's central business corridor. Officials outlined 10 planning principles identified in phase 1 that will be prioritized and integrated into new public and private developments. The plan is expected to be finalized in the next eight to 12 months. The top 10 planning principles include: Focus on Main Street Build vitality through residential development Address business vacancy Create a coordinated incentive for redevelopment Make great public spaces Continue to program downtown Prioritize street design that enhances health and safety Expand on successful areas of activity Build on Akron's rich history Strengthen downtown connections with surrounding neighborhoods and institutions The planners also identified five Akron sites in which development is recommended as the most critical to activate the city's growth. Of the sites prioritized, Lock 3 and Lock 4 on Main Street, and the intersection of Main and Exchange were deemed the most critical. Other areas of focus include the areas surrounding Akron Children's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic/Akron General, the Northside District, the University of Akron area, the Innerbelt Freeway and Maiden Lane. Phase 2 of the process will include broad community engagement, additional market studies and implementation strategies. Huntington Bank announced the financial institution would pick up $60,000 of the $120,000 cost of phase 2. Participants in the planning process, led by Downtown Akron Partnership, included 37 representatives from large and small local businesses, government, health systems, financial, nonprofits and other Akron organizations. Brecksville Council D.JPG Brecksville City Council, on Tuesday night, approved three contracts related to the proposed new police station-emergency dispatch center on Brecksville Road. BRECKSVILLE, Ohio - The cost of designing the city's proposed new police station and jail rose by more than $200,000 Tuesday night. City Council approved increasing the architectural fee from $464,740 to $665,580. Perspectus Architecture in Cleveland is designing the police station, which will stand on Brecksville Road south of Ohio 82, across from City Hall. The architectural fee spiked because the estimated cost of construction has risen from $6 million to $8 million. Since Perspectus unveiled its initial design in 2014, the city added a regional emergency dispatch center and a 75-foot-long firing range to the building. Brecksville and Independence will share the regional dispatch center, as well as each other's jails. Broadview Heights has also considered joining the Brecksville dispatch center. Also on Tuesday, council agreed to pay Chagrin Valley Engineering Ltd. in Cleveland $7,600 to identify federally protected wetlands on the police station site. If wetlands are disturbed, the city must create wetlands elsewhere in the Cuyahoga River watershed, which consists of all land that drains storm water into the Cuyahoga. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers checked for wetlands on the police station site in 2014. A new wetlands study is needed now because the site has grown from about 2 acres two years ago to between 3.5 and 4 acres today, said city Engineer Gerald Wise. In a Nov. 9 letter to the city, Chagrin Valley Engineering said the 2014 wetlands study found .15 acres of wetlands. The city, if it disturbs those wetlands, would have to create .3 acres of wetlands elsewhere at a cost of about $21,600. Chagrin Valley Engineering will also search for bat trees on the police station property. The northern long-eared bat has been identified as a threatened species, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Finally on Tuesday, council hired CTL Engineering Inc. in Columbus to measure the stability of the police station site. The city will pay the firm $5,900. CTL will drill 7 holes, each about 10-25-feet deep, and determine how much weight the soil can hold, Wise said. Mayor Jerry Hruby has said that Brecksville needs a new police station because the city has outgrown the existing one, which is part of City Hall. The Police Department had about 12 officers when the existing station was built. Now, the department employs more than 30 police officers. Screen Shot 2016-11-15 at 4.48.10 PM.png Kevin Sutton has been camped outside of a Best Buy near the Florida Mall in Orlando for the past 22 days as part of his annual effort to raise awareness and collect canned goods, clothing, toiletries and donations for homeless families in Central Florida. (Screen grab from Best Buy video) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ten days before Thanksgiving, two shoppers are already camped out in front of their local Best Buy stores in Arizona and Florida, awaiting first crack at the retailer's Black Friday door-busters starting at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Kevin Sutton has been camped outside of a Best Buy near the Florida Mall in Orlando for 22 days as part of his annual effort to raise awareness and collect canned goods, clothing, toiletries and donations for homeless families in Central Florida. Jarvis Johnson set up his canopy, couch and bed outside the Best Buy on Nov. 10, hoping to be first in line for a Toshiba 49" LED 2160p 4K Ultra HD TV. Normally $449.99, limited quantities will be available for $199.99 in-store starting on Thanksgiving. Both men are featured in Best Buy's Black Friday commercials this year, and Best Buy confirmed they are the first in line at its U.S. stores. No one is camped outside any Best Buy stores in Ohio, a spokesman said. Got #BlackFriday questions? Cleveland Black Friday shoppers, do you think it's still worth hitting the stores on Thanksgiving/Black Friday? What would motivate you to brave the crowds this year? Tell us what you most want to know about Black Friday. Email: jcho@plaind.com Sutton, program director of Boot Camp for New Dads, a nonprofit fatherhood program that teaches parenting skills in area hospitals, has dedicated this year's campout to the Coalition for the Homeless. He says he was motivated after watching a man scrounging for food out of a garbage can near where he was camped out. He shared his own meal with the homeless man and found a new cause. In a daily radio show for ESPN 580 Orlando that broadcasts live from Best Buy, he talks about ways to help the more than 13,000 homeless in Central Florida. He and his wife, Mayra Uribe, say his 2014 "Campout for a Cause" raised three tons of food over 15 days, all of which he donated to Catholic Charities. Related Plain Dealer coverage: Last year, he camped out for 37 days for The Love Pantry, which works with Orange County Public Schools to provide meals for needy families outside of school. In addition to collecting canned goods and clothing, Sutton also buys several fancy televisions at Black Friday prices, then auctions them off to support Boot Camp for New Dads or programs for the homeless. By the time Black Friday is over, he will have spent 33 days lying on a sleeping bag and foregoing showers to remind him of the challenges homeless people face. When asked if he plans to buy anything for himself, Sutton said: "I'm looking at a laptop, but my wife is eyeballing all the appliances." "Mr. Black Friday" Jarvis Johnson says this is the ninth straight year he has camped out in front of the Best Buy in Avondale, Arizona. In Avondale, Arizona, "Mr. Black Friday" Jarvis Johnson says this is the ninth straight year he has camped out in front of that Best Buy. In addition to daily visits from his wife, Tinosha Lavalle, 2-year-old daughter Genesis and 1-year-old son Micah, Johnson has also enlisted sponsors this year to help make his wait more enjoyable: Damri Muay Thai, a local Thai fighting studio, has provided his canopy, and Wadaa Street Tacos, Cinnabon is giving him iced cinnamon rolls, and Gus' New York Pizza and Bar. His couch and loveseat were provided by Rent-A-Center, and Fry's Food Stores sent over a barbecue grill. He says he's not crazy; he just wants to get his family a nicer-than-he-can-afford TV at a crazy-low price. "I work 50 weeks out of the year, and take two weeks off to get something nice for my family," Johnson said. "If my wife wants something nice, like a nice TV, then this is what I'm going to do." Here's Jarvis Johnson's Black Friday commercial for Best Buy, for which he was paid an amount he said he'd rather not divulge. Follow @janetcho BEDFORD, Ohio - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently allowed Xellia Pharmaceuticals to begin packaging and distribution operations at the site of the old Ben Venue Laboratories, which closed in 2013. Manufacturing won't begin until early 2018, said Niels Lynge Agerbaek, general manager at the plant. Still, the federal agency allowing Xellia to begin the packaging and distribution of drug products is the first sign the plant is on track to becoming fully operational. "It is a great milestone," he said. "It means that the hard work we have been doing the past year has been fruitful and the strategy up to now has been the right step." The company produces sterile anti-infective injectable products, including those used to treat life-threatening infections. Until manufacturing returns to the Northfield Road site, products will be made at Xellia's Copenhagen facility then brought to Bedford for packaging and national distribution. Several months before shuttering, Ben Venue had about 1,100 employees. In 2014, United Kingdom-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC bought the facility, but never resumed manufacturing. Last November, Denmark-based Xellia purchased the facility with the goal of making it a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant again. Xellia has hired more than 90 people since then. The company, which continues to hire, hopes to have about 170 employees once manufacturing begins. (For information about jobs:Xellia.com) Cheryl May, who is in charge of environmental health safety and security, had worked at Ben Venue and then for Hikma. "People are so excited to get things up and running," she said. "Right now, this is a really fun place to be. There is a lot of enthusiasm. People are engaged. You get to see progress every single day -- from the demolition of the old areas to creating new packaging and manufacturing areas. We have made a ton of progress in just a year." Timothy Wine, a senior aseptic operator, was working at a pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Columbus area when a former boss, now at Xellia, suggested he consider the Bedford plant. He is glad he made the move. "There is just a positive energy here," he said. "When I saw how professional these people are and how they are all working together as a team, I really wanted to be a part of it. "We're all trying to do our best because we all want this to be 100 percent successful," Wine said. The Boehringer Ingelheim Group of Companies, which owned Ben Venue, had voluntarily shut down production at the Bedford plant in November 2011 after FDA inspections showed numerous deviations from good manufacturing and quality control. In January 2013, the company entered into a consent decree with the FDA, allowing it to manufacture critical cancer drugs the federal agency said were in short supply. Despite spending $350 million to improve the facility and operations, Ben Venue's owners described it as an aging plant that would be difficult to bring up to standards. However, Xellia saw the plant as an opportunity to increase its capacity for production in the U.S., where there were anti-infectives shortages. The recent go-ahead from the FDA, which followed an inspection required as part of a modified consent degree, brings the company closer to fulfilling that mission. Improving an existing facility means Xellia could begin manufacturing in less than half the time if it had created a new one. Forty percent of the company's sales were generated in the U.S. in 2015. Xellia also has a facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. Currently only part of the Bedford site is being used. Much of the rest of it is under construction. "We are doing the necessary upgrades to the facility and getting all the documentation in place (required for production)," Agerbaek said. "That is a big job." May, who has worked at the site since the late 1990s, said she is happy to help play a role in this type of manufacturing returning to Bedford. "I am excited about having the opportunity to be part of the effort to get things right and bring jobs back to the community," she said. Follow: @OPinfo Luke MacGregor | Bloomberg | Getty Images An unlikely job led Damian O'Farrill to catch the coding bug: salsa dance instructor. O'Farrill was teaching salsa lessons in Mexico. He didn't have a tech background, but he knew there had to be a better way to keep track of his students' progress and keep up on billing than with old-fashioned pen and paper. He turned to low-code platforms products that allow users to build applications with very little coding knowledge. Low-code platforms focus more on dragging and dropping prebuilt components than writing code. Using a low-code platform from Salesforce.com and instructional videos from Salesforce.com 's Trailhead website, O'Farrill built his own application to monitor his students' levels and payment schedules. But it didn't stop there. O'Farrill caught the coding bug, inspired by all he could do with low-code platforms. He started trying more tools and learning programming languages online. A few years after O'Farrill built his first application to monitor salsa dance lessons, he began searching for jobs in the United States. He knew it would be particularly difficult finding work as a foreigner who needed sponsorship. "If I didn't have my Salesforce knowledge, I'm pretty sure I would not have been sponsored by any company," he said. Today he is in charge of marketing and sales automation at software design and services company Autodesk . "I was really doing creative work then. I had nothing to do with coding," O'Farrill said. "Now people perceive me as the tech guy." $15B emerging market to battle with traditional IT Low-code platforms are giving rise to a new generation of coders like O'Farrill. They're called citizen developers. These developers don't necessarily have formal computer science education. Nor do they work in IT. But with low-code platforms and online tutorials to help build new applications, citizen developers often solve problems encountered in their day-to-day work. Anyone can build a web or mobile application with minimal coding knowledge using programs from low-code platform vendors like QuickBase, Caspio and Zudy, or from tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, which offer PowerApps and Lightning, respectively. By 2020 at least half of all new IT line-of-business applications will be created through such platforms, according to Gartner . A Forrester report has identified more than 40 companies in this space and projects a $15 billion market by 2020. "Citizen development is a revolution," said Adam Seligman, executive vice president and general manager of the App Cloud at Salesforce. "I think it's going to take over every industry, every segment, every country, every sector." More from Tech Drivers: Uber for orchestras A new reason for small business to hate Amazon Why Cher loves emojis The traditional IT department grew in size and scope as computers flooded the office markets in the 1990s. But today, executives are turning to citizen developer platforms instead. While some see this as a risky maneuver meant to circumvent the security and compliance safeguards of a traditional IT department, others say it is an inevitable outcome of the push for businesses to be faster and nimbler in their problem-solving abilities. Why should an employee wait weeks or months for IT to address a work ticket if they can build their own technical solution using low-code software in a few days? Global food services giant Sodexo has staff in operations, finance, human resources and procurement that use QuickBase software to build applications. The initiative has brought down the time it takes to complete project plans for new clients from a week to one hour. "We have been able to empower non-technical individuals to become citizen developers. The outcome is always better because the people that need the outcome are the ones that are building solutions," said Bruce Squibb, senior director of program development corporate services at Sodexo North America. Even tech companies, such as Alphabet , are turning to low-code platforms to speed up the development of simple applications. The bullet is much larger and the gun is much larger, so if you shoot yourself in the foot, you'll blow your whole foot off, not just the toe. Mark Driver Gartner analyst, on the need for IT departments to retain a critical role That doesn't mean IT departments will become obsolete. Gartner analyst Mark Driver said complex projects will still require experts with a background in programming, and technical expertise will be vital to ensuring the security, scalability and efficiency of applications created by non-coders. There is greater potential than ever to lose data, overload systems or bring about other technical nightmares. "The bullet is much larger and the gun is much larger, so if you shoot yourself in the foot, you'll blow your whole foot off, not just the toe," Driver said. The long-term success of citizen developers depends on a partnership with IT, he added. QuickBase, which has been selling low-code software since 2000, now has more than 500,000 business subscribers, including 50 percent of the Fortune 100 and companies like Google and Procter & Gamble . Microsoft made its new PowerApps platform generally available earlier this month after a pilot period. Many experts attribute the recent increase in such low-code platform offerings to the growth of cloud and mobile technologies, which have fueled citizen development. Nearly 2 billion people in the world own smartphones, and 95 percent of businesses use cloud technology. "Citizen development in one form or another has been around since the beginning of the PC," Driver said. "What is new is the breadth and depth of these kinds of applications. Twenty to 30 years ago, work that was done in the business unit had a technical limitation. ... Today we have cloud. You can subscribe to a platform and build applications with worldwide users." A Forrester study commissioned by QuickBase found that businesses on average will reap a 260 percent return on investment for low-code platforms due to the reduction in the time and cost to develop applications and the need for fewer IT hires. "You're empowering people who are closest to their work to help solve their own problems," said QuickBase board member Allison Mnookin. Mnookin transitioned out of the QuickBase CEO role on Nov. 16, which is now being assumed by existing QuickBase board chairman Rick Willett. watch now Self-made billionaires Bill Gates and Richard Branson have more in common than their ten-figure fortunes. They're both devoted note-takers, Branson points out in a post on his blog. "Despite being renowned for his computer genius, [Gates] is not above the humble pen and paper," says the Virgin Group founder. The two men recently shared the stage at a conference in London, and as Gates "made a closing speech he pulled some pieces of paper out of his pocket," Branson recalls. "I was delighted to see Bill's notes were scribbled on some crumbled paper he had been carrying in his jacket pocket," says Branson. "It was folded down the middle, and he had to keep pushing the crease down so he could read [it]." Warren Buffett beats up on few industries with the regularity of American airlines. In a 2007 investor letter, the Sage of Omaha, still smarting from an errant $358 million investment in US Air two decades earlier, called the sector a "bottomless pit" for capital. He quipped that investors would've been better served if aviation pioneer Orville Wright had been shot down at Kitty Hawk. Now his Berkshire Hathaway is sinking more than $1.3 billion into the four largest U.S. carriers. What gives? It's simple Buffett's love of competitive moats has trumped his fear of flying. More from Breakingviews : Draining the swamp starts with Trump's own team The octogenarian Buffett inspired a generation of value investors to seek out companies with defensible advantages that can help protect profit or "moats" in his investment argot. For years, airlines did not fit that definition. They were burdened by high fixed costs, yet prone to price warfare as a gaggle of established carriers and a flock of new entrants like Richard Branson and others, abetted by cheap credit from leasing companies, jockeyed for business from fickle fliers. That's no longer the case. America's airlines have cut costs, slashed debt (mainly through bankruptcy courts) and squelched rivals mostly thanks to a string of mergers that turned a free-for-all into something like an oligopoly. The four firms Berkshire invested in American , Delta Air Lines , United Continental and Southwest Airlines control about two-thirds of the market between them and posted a record $22 billion combined profit in 2015. As Buffett may now attest, the Wright brothers weren't the problem a competitive marketplace was. For more independent commentary and analysis from Reuters Breakingviews, visit breakingviews.com Lacy O'Toole | CNBC | NBCU Photo Bank | Getty Images Facebook 's enterprise tool, Workplace, won't have a fake news problem. At least, not one that Facebook has to worry about. Facebook launched Workplace last month, and the product works exactly like its regular social network, but connects users to their co-workers instead of their friends and relatives. That means Workplace also has its own News Feed, a News Feed powered by the same algorithms and technology used in the main Facebook app. There's one key difference though: News Feed inside of Workplace will be monitored and patrolled by the companies themselves. Not Facebook. Which means the "fake news" controversy Facebook is currently dealing with around the election won't be Facebook's problem if it crops up in your inter-office discussions. "Every company that uses Workplace controls their own data. They establish their own policies, their own guidelines, their own rules of engagement," explained Monica Adractas, director of Facebook Workplace in the Americas, onstage at the Code Enterprise conference on Tuesday. "So I don't think the last week has had any impact on Workplace." More from Recode: Dropbox is all in on collaborative work, COO Dennis Woodside says Philz Coffee can't pay baristas $25 an hour, but it can help make their lives better TaskRabbit is generating operating income in every city it's in Just like regular News Feed, users can flag posts as inappropriate inside of Workplace, but those posts are reviewed by a company administrator. "It would be impossible for us given the complexity and cultural differences across countries ... even if we wanted to it would be literally impossible for us to set those standards. It is much much better to let each individual company decide for themselves," Adractas added. Since the election, Facebook has come under fire for promoting fake news that many say worked to sway the election in favor of President-elect Donald Trump. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has denied that claim, saying that it was "extremely unlikely" fake news impacted the election. A BuzzFeed report on Monday found that some Facebook employees are taking it upon themselves to look into the possible influence. Adractas wouldn't get into details about how things were unfolding internally at the social giant. "I don't think it's my area ... to comment," Adractas said, instead pointing people to Zuckerberg's recent post on the issue. Of course, it seems unlikely that Workplace and its company-only Feed will foster the same environment around misleading or fake news that core Facebook does. But with thousands of customers some like the Singapore government with hundreds of thousands of employees monitoring the Workplace News Feed won't necessarily be a simple task. Following the U.S. election, tech giants must re-examine the "unintended consequences" of their platforms on society, big tech executives said. "It is incumbent upon all of Silicon Valley anyone responsible for technology that can reach beyond historically what was possible to think about the unintended of what we're doing," said Jeff Weiner chief executive officer of LinkedIn , which is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft . Those discussions were indeed happening behind closed doors at Alphabet 's Google, Diane Greene, senior vice president for Google's Cloud businesses, said. The election highlighted just how divided the country was and has sparked a conversation about what Google can do to help repair it, said Greene. Owners of Remington's popular Model 700 rifle can now examine for themselves literally millions of pages of internal company documents that have led critics to conclude that the guns are unsafe. The documents more than 130,000 files in all have been assembled in a searchable online database by the advocacy group Public Justice. The organization, which battles against secrecy in the courts, fought successfully last year to make the documents public. "These documents show the extreme danger of court secrecy," said Public Justice Chairman Arthur Bryant. "They prove that court secrecy kills. Literally." With millions sold since the design first went on the market in the 1940s, Remington claims its Model 700 is the best-selling bolt-action rifle ever made. But lawsuits have alleged that for decades the company covered up a deadly design flaw that allows the guns to fire without the trigger being pulled, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. The company has denied the allegations. The documents show Remington engineers wrestling with what they called a "very dangerous" situation as early as 1947 before the guns went on sale. Company officials eventually decided that a design change was not worth the added cost, a conclusion they would reach again and again. By 1995, with complaints "constantly increasing," the company drafted a warning notice to customers. "The gun may accidentally fire when you move the safety from the 'safe' position to the 'fire' position, or when you close the bolt," the proposed notice read. Company officials ultimately rejected the warning as "too strong," and never sent it out. The company also decided against multiple internal proposals over the years to recall the guns. watch now The election revealed the country's extreme anxiety over the future of jobs, but fears about robots and automation are overblown, technology executives said Tuesday. Bots are over-hyped and not always that intelligent, said Twilio CEO Jeff Lawson. Messaging platforms that allow people to volley questions and answers back and forth with robot customer service agents are a long way off the type of technology that will replace actual human jobs, he said. The comments came at Code Enterprise, a conference in San Francisco about the future of work. Companies have figured out that people prefer to interact with bots for simple problems like changing a flight reservation, but people still need help from other people to handle more complex problems easily, Lawson said. There's too much optimism about where the technology is today, he added. "We typically over-estimate the short term impact and under-estimate the long term impact and I think bots and AI probably falls in that camp," he said. Automation has become a nice word and some things will be automated quickly, but machines will not replace people entirely, said TaskRabbit CEO Stacy Brown-Philpot. TaskRabbit connects 60,000 gig economy workers with 1 million users in 19 cities and is profitable in every city it operates, said Brown-Philpot. Stacy Brown-Philpot, CEO of TaskRabbit. Asa Mathat | ReCode For its workers concerned about automation displacing jobs, the foreseeable future is safe, she said. TaskRabbit workers, which the company calls "Taskers," will continue to be employed in roles that require human-to-human interaction and trust. They will get hired over robots for jobs that require more complex skills, like household chores. Beyond the next decade, it could be a different story, she admitted. The company has a responsibility to think about its role in shaping the future of work, Brown-Philpot said. "As the future of work changes we will continue to focus on those jobs where people are needed," she said. "The emotional side of humans interacting with each other is what makes TaskRabbit what it is." Russia's Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev appears in Moscow's Basmanny District Court for a hearing into his case. Artyom Geodakyan | TASS | Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev on Tuesday over allegations he extorted a $2 million bribe from top oil producer Rosneft , a case that could expose fault lines in the Russian leader's inner circle. Ulyukayev, a 60-year-old technocrat whose ministry oversees a politically-charged sale of state assets, is the highest-ranking Russian official to be detained while in office since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. His case heralded a possible standoff between Rosneft boss and Putin ally Igor Sechin and those in the government who have resisted Rosneft's ambitions to acquire more state assets at a time when low oil prices and Western sanctions are biting. Such infighting risks triggering potentially destabilizing clan infighting in the run-up to a presidential election in 2018 when Putin is widely expected to run for a fourth term. Ulyukayev, who a Moscow court ruled should be put under house arrest for two months until Jan. 15, faces up to 15 years in jail if found guilty. Wearing a blue suit, Ulyukayev told a Moscow court he did not accept his guilt. It was in his own interests to cooperate with the investigation as he valued his reputation, he said. The Investigative Committee, the state agency that investigates major crimes, said Ulyukayev had extorted the bribe in exchange for approving Rosneft's $5 billion purchase of a stake in mid-sized oil producer Bashneft . watch now Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin had dismissed Ulyukayev after losing trust in him. When asked if the Bashneft deal would be reviewed, he said: "This does not concern the deal in any way." In a twist reminiscent of the Soviet era, Ulyukayev's detention was announced in the early hours of the morning, with state TV and pro-Kremlin politicians calling it part of the fight against corruption. Investigators praised Rosneft for tipping them off about Ulyukayev's alleged wrongdoing early so they were able to catch him "red-handed" in what law enforcement sources told Russian media was a carefully planned sting operation. His phones had been tapped and his electronic communications monitored, the same sources said. Ulyukayev's lawyer, Timofei Gridnev, told Reuters his client had been detained at Rosneft's Moscow offices. Investigators said Ulyukayev had threatened to use his position to cause problems for Rosneft unless it paid him. They said they were not challenging the legality of Rosneft's purchase of the Bashneft stake or investigating it. Putin was informed about the case when the investigation was first launched, Peskov told reporters. "These are serious allegations," Peskov said. "Only a court can deliver a verdict." Previous high-profile prosecutions during Putin's rule have been a cover for settling commercial or political scores, according to people involved in those cases. The Kremlin and law enforcement agencies deny that, saying they only target criminals. Turf war Rosneft's acquisition of Bashneft last month was the focus of a major turf war between rival Kremlin camps, sources close to the deal and in the government have told Reuters. Sechin lobbied hard for the green light to buy Bashneft, but the deal was fiercely opposed by economic liberals in the government, some with ties to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who believed Bashneft should go to private investors. Ulyukayev initially opposed Rosneft buying Bashneft, one of the most lucrative state assets to be privatised in years, but eventually signed off on the deal. watch now "This is a great entrepreneur who wants to change health care as we know it." "Elizabeth Holmes is a great example of maybe why the women are so frustrated. She is a woman entrepreneur who built a fabulous company, did great things for consumers and she got attacked," the founding partner of Draper Associates and Draper Fisher Jurvetson said in an interview with " Closing Bell ." Holmes has been under fire since a series of reports by The Wall Street Journal suggested the blood-testing start-up's testing devices were flawed. Embattled Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes is a victim who has been "totally attacked," venture capitalist Tim Draper told CNBC on Tuesday. Theranos was founded by Holmes in 2003 to develop a blood-testing device that would deliver quicker results using only a drop of blood. While Theranos has disputed The Wall Street Journal's claims, the company failed federal lab inspections and Holmes was banned from owning or operating a medical laboratory for two years. Walgreens has also severed its partnership with Theranos and earlier this month filed a lawsuit against the company for $40 million for breach of contract. In a statement, Theranos said it would respond vigorously to Walgreen's "unfounded allegations." In October, the biotech company closed its clinical labs and Wellness Centers and said will focus its undivided attention on its miniLab platform. Draper, who contributed the first $1 million to Holmes for the start-up, believes the company's technology will happen, whether it is through Theranos or another company. "People don't want vampires taking gallons of their blood every time they get tested. There is a great opportunity to do a finger-prick blood test, and I think it's fabulous what they've done," he said. Reuters contributed to this report. New York Police Department (NYPD) officers guard the main entrance of the Trump Tower, where US President-elect Donald Trump holds meetings, in New York on November 14, 2016. Jewel Samad | AFP | Getty Images Trump Tower has long been a magnet for millionaires, a mecca for tourists, and a monument to one man's need to put his name on everything. Now that its owner-occupant has been elected president, the 58-story glass tower smack-dab in the heart of Manhattan is something new: a headache for the Secret Service and the NYPD. And with Donald Trump reportedly thinking about commuting between his Fifth Avenue penthouse and the White House, it could turn into a full-blown migraine. More from NBC News: Teacher Suspended Over Trump Comments Oil and Gas Industry Ensnarled in Spate of Oklahoma Earthquakes Obama: Trump 'Thought It Was OK to Lie' About N.C. Rally Incident "It's an unprecedented challenge," said William Bratton, who was New York City's police commissioner until two months ago. "You are in one of the busiest cities in the world, on one of the busiest streets in the world, and one of the most well-known buildings in the world." Pedestrians walk by new police security posts outside of Trump Tower that have been installed since Donald Trump became the president-elect on November 14, 2016 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images Jonathan Wackrow, who was a Secret Service agent on three presidential details, said he has no doubt the agency and the NYPD can meet the challenge. "Trump Tower will be secure. Period. That's not even a question," he said. "The bigger issue here is the impact that those security measures will have on the people of New York." Other presidents have used retreats the compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, or the ranch in Crawford, Texas, for the Bushes but they were in easily protected locations. Trump Tower, on the other hand, has hundreds of tenants in 263 apartments, according to its website. That's on top of 26 floors of offices and a five-story public atrium with stores ranging from Starbucks to Gucci . Trump has not left the building since Thursday, and SWAT teams, barricades and sand-filled trucks are already fixtures along with protesters. The sky above it is a no-fly zone until the inauguration at least. "It's like living in the White House," said resident Rachel Adjmi Kaimowitz, who voted for Trump but isn't thrilled about all the new security in her building. "It's distracting, it's nerve-wracking, it's a big problem." Law enforcement agencies are meeting this week to discuss plans for securing the skyscraper going forward. Possible scenarios include closing lanes on Fifth Avenue, home to Tiffany's and other world-famous retailers, NBC New York reported. watch now watch now Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. An apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump team's ability to coordinate with President Barack Obama's White House. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. A short time later a tweet appeared on Trump's account: "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Tweet watch now That was the only public statement from the president-elect on the transition itself. Meantime, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments - including their own futures - as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nation's top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trump's transition team was reviewing Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the country's nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. watch now The switch slowed Trump's ability to coordinate with the White House. Not until Tuesday evening had Pence signed a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pence's promotion made it invalid. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centers in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them "equal partners." Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. "That organization right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. watch now Trump loyalists fired Chris Christie, who spent the latter months of the campaign setting up a legitimate transition process. Foreign leaders are reportedly blindly dialing the Trump Tower to try to reach the president-elect who is speaking to them without any official briefings from Obama administration officials. Donald Trump 's presidential transition is in complete chaos. His team failed to show up for meetings at the Pentagon and other critical agencies. Two of the top officials handling national security issues, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Matthew Freedman, have already been fired. In a Washington Post op-ed, Eliot Cohen, a national security expert who served under President George W. Bush, wrote that one interaction with Trump's team convinced him that no serious conservative should attempt to work for the incoming president. "He is in the midst of a transition team that was never well-prepared to begin with and is now torn by acrimony, resignations and palace coups," Cohen wrote. "The president-elect is surrounding himself with mediocrities whose chief qualification seems to be unquestioning loyalty." And Trump himself is back to using his Twitter account to try to settle grievances, going on a rant Tuesday morning against The New York Times for its reporting on the transition. The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition. It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders. "I have recieved [sic] and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan," Those who worry about Trump's fondness for Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be comforted by the first country on that list. On Tuesday night, Trump ditched his press pool, breaking with long-standing tradition, to go to dinner at the 21 Club and promised diners he would "get your taxes down, don't worry." None of this should come as any surprise. Trump ran his campaign as an improvisational carnival unmoored from any traditional political norms. It worked. He won the Republican nomination in a crowded, inchoate field. And then he narrowly defeated an unpopular Democratic nominee beset by massive email hacks and the unfortunate timing of an FBI letter about her use of a private email server while secretary of state. And it's not as if Trump won a smashing victory, even though he claims he did. He won the Electoral College with slim margins in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Florida. He trails Hillary Clinton in the popular vote by nearly 1 million. Trump now calls the Electoral College "genius." In 2012 he called it a "disaster for democracy." All of the chaos has profound implications for Trump's ability to govern. When he takes office on Jan. 20, he will be in full control of a sprawling federal bureaucracy with thousands of jobs to fill. Transitions are difficult and complex for every incoming administration Bill Clinton's in 1992 was notably rocky but the level of disarray now appears unprecedented in recent history. watch now No one is sure what President-elect Donald Trump will do to simultaneously boost the American economy and the country's standing abroad, but one of his apparent moves will be to cancel the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In the wake of Trump's election, that proposed free-trade bloc which would include 12 countries accounting for more than a third of global trade has been more or less pronounced dead. Although extensive analysis on the terms of the deal had concluded that any of its economic benefits would likely be meager, proponents of the deal had insisted it was a key component of the American geopolitical "pivot" toward the Asia-Pacific region. A copy of the local Chinese magazine Global People with a cover story that translates to 'Why did Trump win' is seen with a front cover portrait of US president-elect Donald Trump at a news stand in Shanghai on November 14, 2016. Johannes Eisele | AFP | Getty Images In other words, the TPP would have allowed the U.S. to further define labor, environmental and copyright rules of the global economy, and demonstrated the country's resolve and commitment to cooperation in a strategically important region. A failure to ratify the deal, the thinking goes, would therefore see China benefit at America's expense. That reasoning has become commonly accepted in D.C. policy circles, and President Barack Obama himself argued the point in a May op-ed in The Washington Post. "Increasing trade in this area of the world would be a boon to American businesses and American workers, and it would give us a leg up on our economic competitors, including one we hear a lot about on the campaign trail these days: China," the president wrote. "The world has changed. The rules are changing with it. The United States, not countries like China, should write them," Obama added. That sentiment was mirrored earlier this week by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who heads the second-largest economy in the would-be bloc, when he warned that a Beijing-backed deal could rise to the region's political forefront. "There's no doubt that there would be a pivot to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership if the TPP doesn't go forward," Abe told lawmakers on Tuesday, according to The Japan Times. "RCEP doesn't include the United States, leaving China the economy with the largest gross domestic product." But these warnings may not be accurate, according to geopolitical and trade experts. The world's reliance on fossil fuels is far from over, despite investments in renewables and international deals to fight climate change, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday. Though international agreements are expected to cut energy-related carbon emissions from an average of 650 million tons per year since 2000 to around 150 million tons per year in 2040, the IEA said that current efforts aren't strong enough. "While this (reduction) is a significant achievement, it is far from enough to avoid the worst impact of climate change as it would only limit the rise in average global temperatures to 2.7 (degrees Celsius) by 2100," the IEA said in its new world energy report. The Paris Agreement the first climate deal supported by China and the U.S. entered into force last week and aims to limit the increase in global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius. The IEA said that the target is "a major step forward" but politicians need to speed up the implementation of low carbon technologies and energy efficiency across all sectors. Ultimately, "government policies will determine where we go from here," Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, said in a statement. There are concerns that President-elect Donald Trump will reverse the commitment of the previous administration to the Paris climate agreement. Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari unveiled a plan on Wednesday to prevent future government bailouts by forcing the largest U.S. banks to hold so much capital that they would probably decide to break themselves up. Kashkari's plan would also penalize large asset managers, with the idea that so-called "shadow banks" can create systemic risks similar to that of big banks. "We expect that institutions whose size doesn't meaningfully benefit their customers will be forced to break themselves up," the Minneapolis Fed said in a summary of its plan. The plan, which would double the amount of loss-absorbing equity capital for large U.S. banks and impose a new tax on hedge funds and other asset managers, is sure to face fierce opposition from Wall Street. It may also be a tough sell for policymakers who have already imposed rules intended to eliminate the notion that some banks are "too big to fail," or TBTF. However, its prospects may be better under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump and the new Congress. Trump has been critical of Wall Street, and indicated he would support dismantling 2010 financial crisis legislation known as Dodd-Frank, but it is not clear whether he would support Kashkari's approach. However, lawmakers such as Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, who runs the House Financial Services Committee, have also argued for ratcheting up capital requirements to a level that would prompt big banks to split apart. Senate Banking Committee members Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and David Vitter, a Republican, have also introduced legislation seeking to raise capital requirements. "I believe the biggest banks are still TBTF and continue to pose a significant, ongoing risk to our economy," Kashkari said in planned remarks he was to deliver at the Economic Club of New York on Wednesday. Kashkari has made "too big to fail" his signature issue since being appointed head of the Minneapolis Fed in January. He has held symposiums on the topic to get views from policymakers, academics and industry leaders about the best way to prevent future bailouts. A former Goldman Sachs banker who administered the U.S. Treasury Department's bailout program during the financial crisis that erupted in 2008, Kashkari has positioned himself as a reformed Wall Street banker who knows best how to fix the problem. He also ran for governor in California in 2014, but has declined to comment on future political ambitions. Kashkari's initial comments about breaking up big banks earlier this year drew praise from then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont. Dodd-Frank advocates have argued that it will prevent future bank bailouts. But the Minneapolis Fed proposal argues there is still a 67 percent chance of one over the next 100 years. Kashkari's plan would reduce the likelihood of a future financial crisis over the next 100 years to roughly 9 percent, according to the proposal. The increased equity requirement for banks would replace an existing requirement that allows banks to use equity and long-term debt. The plan would also require the Treasury Secretary to certify that the banks subject to the rule are not "systemically important." Otherwise, they would face even tougher capital requirements. Banks subject to the rule will have $250 billion in assets, a group that would include Bank of America , JPMorgan Chase , Wells Fargo , and Citigroup , among others. A group of so-called "shadow banks," with more than $50 billion in assets, like Blackrock Inc would face a tax of at least 1.2 percent on their debt. If the Treasury indicates any of those firms are systemically important, the tax would rise to 2.2 percent. "The tax would effectively make the cost of funds roughly equivalent between large banks and nonbanks," according to the plan, which was released Wednesday. Banks with less than $10 billion in assets would see looser regulations, since they do not pose a threat to the U.S. economy, Kashkari said. Insurers would also escape the rule, because their funding model is different. Neel Kashkari will appear on CNBC's "Squawk Box" Thursday at 6 a.m. ET. President-elect Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers want to expand access to health savings accounts. If that happens, people who use these tax-advantaged plans to pay for health costs as well as investors who treat HSAs as another retirement option could benefit. Trump has proposed making it easier to pass on HSAs to heirs while House Republicans want a nearly-twofold increase in contribution limits. "We feel the election outcome certainly seems to lean more favorably toward HSAs, however, it may take time for that to play out," said Jon Robb, senior vice president of research and technology at HSA consulting firm Devenir. Americans had opened 18.2 million HSAs as of June 30, up 25 percent from a year earlier, according to Devenir. Assets had grown to an estimated $34.7 billion by June, up 22 percent year over year. (See chart below.) HSAs, introduced in 2003, offer you triple tax advantages. First, contributions to the account are tax-deductible. Second, those contributions can be invested and grow tax-free. Third, withdrawals aren't taxed as long as you use them for qualified medical expenses. If you use an HSA to pay for unqualified medical expenses, the tax penalty is 20 percent, unless you are 65 or older, when you can take money out for whatever you want, but the withdrawals will still be subject to regular income taxes. A drawback of HSAs is that they are paired with a high-deductible health plan. Such a plan means you'll have to pay a deductible of at least $1,300 for individual coverage and $2,600 for families. The maximum annual out-of-pocket costs for these plans are $6,550 for individuals and $13,100 for families. In 2017, you (and your employer) can contribute up to $3,400 to an HSA for individuals and $6,750 for families. Account holders age 55 and older can contribute an extra $1,000. HSA proposals on the table The Trump administration and Congress would have to hammer out details next year before any changes to HSAs could be made. The president-elect has proposed HSAs "would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty." Currently, there is no tax penalty for HSAs inherited from a spouse, but those inherited from someone other than a spouse are included in an heir's income. House Speaker Paul Ryan and fellow Republicans want to increase the HSA contribution limits to the maximum out-of-pocket limits for high-deductible health plans. So if those rules were in effect next year, the individual HSA limit would rise to $6,550 from $3,400 and the family contribution limit would grow to $13,100 from $6,750. House Republicans also want to allow spouses to make catch-up contributions to the same HSA account and permit qualified medical expenses incurred before HSA-qualified coverage begins to be reimbursed from an HSA as long as the account is established within 60 days. HSAs can be a bipartisan force that drives better outcomes for all. Michael Trilli senior consultant at Aite Group Another way the Trump administration and Congress could juice the adoption of HSAs would be by repealing the so-called Cadillac tax. The tax is a key part of the Affordable Care Act, levying a 40 percent excise tax on high-cost health plans. The tax is scheduled to go into effect 2020. Last year, a divided Congress pushed back the start of the tax by two years. "The employer Cadillac tax could be abolished immediately and will propel HSAs," said Michael Trilli, senior consultant at financial services consulting firm Aite Group. "HSAs can be a bipartisan force that drives better outcomes for all." However, Trilli worries that while HSAs have been popular as employee benefits, the accounts have struggled to gain traction among people who are not offered them in the workplace. He sees government subsidies, similar to those provided by employers, as a way get more consumers to start contributing their own funds to HSAs and an area of potential bipartisan compromise. Nearly half of employers may offer a high-deductible health plan within two years. William Ziebell executive vice president at insurance brokerage Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Regardless of what a Trump administration or Congress does with HSAs, you will probably hear more about them at your workplace. "Nearly half of employers may offer a high-deductible health plan within two years," said William Ziebell, executive vice president at insurance brokerage Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. His prediction is based on a survey Gallagher did of 3,107 U.S. employers in March. The survey found that about 31 percent of employers offer an HSA-compatible health plan now and 15 percent said they are likely to adopt those health plans by 2018. How to pick an HSA Thanksgiving travel isn't likely to make the list of "things we're thankful for" anytime soon. An estimated 27.3 million Americans are expected to fly during Thanksgiving week, according to a report from Airlines for America. That's an increase of 2.5 percent compared with last year roughly 55,000 more passengers. Passengers arrive and depart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Getty Images Holiday crowds can trigger long airport lines and jammed overhead bins, and make it tough to get on another flight if your original one is delayed or canceled. "As much as you can, start thinking about Plan B," said Ed Perkins, a contributing editor for SmarterTravel.com. "If there is a problem, what are you going to do?" Get ready Some of the best travel tactics require planning picking a nonstop flight instead of one with a layover, for example, applying for trusted traveler status to gain access to priority security lines and avoiding airports prone to bad winter weather and other delays. But even at the last minute, plenty of strategies can help travelers troubleshoot travel woes. Download the airline app Most let you check in for your flight via an app and get a digital boarding pass, allowing you to skip the airport check-in line. Sign up for alerts relating to your flight they're often the first you'll hear about a gate change or sudden delay, helping you react quickly, said James Cury, editorial director of ThePointsGuy.com. Invest in a priority pass Depending on the airline and airport, these may get you access to special check-in or security lines (which are often faster), or early boarding on the flight itself (for first dibs on overhead bin space), said George Hobica, publisher of AirfareWatchdog.com. Buy in advance, or even at the airport. United, for example, charges as little as $15 per flight segment for such services. (The airline announced on Tuesday that passengers holding a "basic economy" ticket will be limited to one bag that fits under your seat.) JetBlue offers expedited security for as little as $10. Assess bag-check options One line might be shorter than another, Perkins said. Depending on the airline and airport, you may have access to curbside bag check, or special lines or drop points for already-ticketed passengers who just need to hand over their bag. Compare security lines The TSA advises arriving at least two hours early for domestic flights during the peak holiday season in anticipation of longer lines. It also helps to know your options. See if you have multiple security checkpoints open to you, Hobica said. There can be multiple checkpoints per terminal, and many terminals are interconnected, he said, so you might be able to trade a longer walk for a shorter line. Some airports, like Phoenix Sky Harbor International, also display average security wait times on monitors in the airport to keep travelers up to date. Compartmentalize carry-on bags If your carry-on bag won't fit beneath your seat, consider packing a smaller tote as well, Cury said. That way, if you're forced to check your bag at the gate, you can pull out any valuables. Come up with a plan B U.S. stock futures were under pressure, after the Dow closed Tuesday at another record, up seven straight sessions. The small-cap Russell 2000 was on an eight-day win streak, and also coming off a record. The S&P 500 was about 10 points away from an all-time high. (CNBC) Lowe's (LOW) this morning missed estimates with earnings, revenue, and same store sales outlook. The stock was under heavy pressure in the premarket. (CNBC) Target (TGT) shares were surging in premarket trading, after reporting this morning earnings and revenue that beat forecasts. The retailer also raised its fourth quarter and full-year sales outlook. (CNBC) St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, speaking in London today, said one interest rate increase, possibly next month, may bring U.S. rates to neutral. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker also speak today. (Reuters) Oil was slumping this morning, as industry data showed a larger than expected U.S. inventory build. The government is out with stockpiles data at 10:30 a.m. ET. U.S. crude soared nearly 5.8 percent Tuesday on hopes for an OPEC production cut. (Reuters) The world's reliance on fossil fuels is far from over, despite investments in renewables and international deals to fight climate change, the International Energy Agency said, predicting oil demand won't peak before 2040. (CNBC) watch now watch now watch now watch now The U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union will mean that British companies will be left outside the single market, the EU's top finance minister told CNBC, dashing any U.K. hopes that businesses might still be able to have free access to Europe after Brexit. "If you choose to leave the EU, you basically choose to be outside the single market," Jeroen Dijsselbloem, president of the Eurogroup, told CNBC on the sidelines of a UBS conference in London. The leader of the group of 19 euro finance ministers added that once "you are no longer part of the club, you don't get the perks" of its membership. His comments follow reports that Boris Johnson, the U.K.'s foreign secretary, said that Brexit would likely mean a departure from the EU's customs union - a policy that allows European countries to trade between themselves without tariffs - but would still mean free trade with Europe. Dutch Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem. Yves Herman | Reuters However, according to Dijsselbloem, Brexit means that U.K.-based firms, which currently have full access to the European market, would see some of the benefits of the custom union disappear. "I don't think he is being realistic and fair to the British electorate on what's possible," Dijsselbloem told CNBC. The British government has clarified that a decision on the customs union had not yet been taken. The Dutch finance minister said that the EU has "certainly not seen" any Brexit plan and urged the U.K. government to have a clear strategy before triggering Article 50 next year and officially starting negotiations. "If there's no plan, no clear choice...that's going to cost even more time," he said, adding that the longer the period of uncertainty the more economic dangerous the situation will get. Trade and free movement of people are likely to be the hardest points in Brexit negotiations. EU officials claim that the U.K. cannot keep its full access to the single market and restrict the movement of people. "Everybody now has it in their head that every human being has some fundamental God-given right to move wherever they want. It's not true. That was never the case. That was never a founding principle of the EU. Total myth," Johnson said during a visit to Czech Republic. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said Tuesday that the EU cannot separate its four freedoms movement of services, people, capital and goods, to accommodate the U.K.'s goal to restrict immigration. However, she said she was open to discuss the framework of the free movement, the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper reported. There's no point in being disappointed with Trump Tape decks. Tape decks everywhere. If you ever owned a car from the '80s, you had a tape deck. And it was probably the least bad thing about your automobile. "The '80s was not a good time," says Jay Leno, host of "Jay Leno's Garage" on CNBC. "The cars had not caught up to the regulations. The government said, 'You must be able to do this.' Well, they just jury-rigged whatever they had to do." So, in terms of mileage, for example, auto makers simply leaned out the fuel, which is to say that inside the engine, they added more air to the mix. Up until the late '80s and early '90s, many cars also used carburetors, so engines often became hot and then overheated. In modern cars, carburetors have been replaced by fuel injection systems. For those looking to get into older cars, Leno suggests trying other decades: "You're better off going early '70s or '60s for reliability." Getty Images You might survive going to the emergency room but the "surprise" bill you get later could be a real killer. A new study that looked at more than 2 million emergency department visits found that more than 1 in 5 patients who went to ERs within their health-insurance networks ended up being treated by an "out-of-network" doctor and thus exposed to additional charges not covered by their insurance plan. And the average out-of-network bill those patients faced, unless their insurance plan ultimately agreed to cover it, was more than $622, according to the study by two researchers from the Yale School of Public Health and the Yale School of Management. But the bills can be much higher than that, according to the researchers, who pointed out that one patient they were aware of faced a potential balance bill of more than $19,600. On average, out-of-network emergency department doctors were paid nearly 2.7-times what in-network doctors were paid for the same services, according to the research. "Our results are deeply troubling," wrote the authors, Zack Cooper and Fiona Scott Morton, in an article summarizing their findings in the "New England Journal of Medicine." The authors noted that the Federal Reserve has found that almost half of all Americans could not afford to pay $400 in unexpected expenses without selling assets or borrowing money. "Most patients with health coverage go to in-network emergency rooms and rightly expect to be treated by in-network doctors," said Cooper, assistant professor of public health and economics at the Yale School of Public Health. "Our study shows that nearly a quarter of people who visited in-network emergency rooms were exposed to potentially major costs. This is just wrong and we must do better. People should not face financial ruin from medical bills they cannot reasonably avoid." A month after Sen. Jon Thune called on Donald Trump to withdraw from the race, the South Dakota Republican told CNBC on Wednesday the GOP is ready to work with the president-elect. Hours earlier, Thune was re-elected chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, making him third in line in the party's leadership in the chamber. Only a month ago, Thune said Trump should step aside for Mike Pence at the top of the ticket. "That's behind us," Thune said on "Squawk Alley." "It was a painful and difficult campaign for a lot of us, but he's now our president-elect and we're looking forward to working with him." As conference chairman, Thune is responsible for creating and implementing the communications strategy for the Republican Conference. Also on Wednesday, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was re-elected Senate Republican leader, and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was re-elected as Senate Republican whip. When asked about Trump's transition process, Thune said the president-elect has made some good appointments. He also said Congress will work to repeal the Affordable Care Act quickly, but he expects some features to be retained. He expressed support for the ban on insurance companies denying people coverage for pre-existing conditions, something Trump also recently suggested would remain in place. On immigration, Thune said he doesn't think there is support for a broad deportation process. "Border security will be a high priority. I think the wall will be a component of that," he said. "Whether that wall is a physical wall or a virtual or technological wall remains to be seen, but I do think it is an element of the discussion about border security that's important." "He is not credible enough. He is not popular enough to win against Le Pen," Karel Lannoo, chief executive officer at the Centre for European Policy Studies, told CNBC over the phone. His background in finance, a "traditional French way of thinking" and center policies could limit his chances amid rising support for populist policies on the left and right - including Marine Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigration National Front. Emanuel Macron, France's former economy minister, announced Wednesday that he was standing for the French presidency in 2017, despite polls suggesting he has a very slim chance of winning. Lannoo added that Macron had an "old-fashioned" way of thinking that he could change the world. Macron, who belonged to the current French socialist government, decided to run as an independent, potentially to avoid clashing with President Francois Hollande, who has yet to decide whether he will run for a second term in office. "It's difficult to understand why he is running for president," Gregory Claeys, research fellow at the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel told CNBC over the phone. Claeys explained that Macron faced the challenge that all centrist politicians do: "He doesn't appeal to the right; he doesn't appeal to the left," Claeys told CNBC. Macron has never been elected and worked in investment banking before being appointed to become a minister. Such facts could hinder his chances among left-wing voters. Macron's future is also dependent on who the right-wing party, Les Republicains, pick as its candidate. At the moment former President Nicolas Sarkozy and ex-prime minister Alain Juppe are leading the field. "Macron is hoping that Sarkozy will be victorious on the right and that former Juppe supporters will chose him instead," Citibank said in a note. As for Le Pen, "she will do very well in the first round of the presidential election," Clayes said, but should get about only 40 percent of the vote in a second round, when she would be against only one other candidate. Amid this tough battle, Macron needs a strong manifesto that conveys his message of a pro-business and reformist candidate the Citi note said. "Macron needs to propose a program containing some headline-grabbing measures after various leaks last week that he was about to run were drowned in the outcome of the US elections," the bank said. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. watch now Saudi Arabia has warned Donald Trump that the incoming U.S. president will risk the health of his country's economy if he acts on his election promises to block oil imports. In a sign of the difficulties Mr Trump faces over his campaign pledges to create "complete American energy independence" from "our foes and the oil cartels", Saudi Arabia's energy minister pointedly reminded the president-elect that the U.S. "benefits more than anybody else from global free trade", adding, "energy is the lifeblood of the global economy". "At his heart President-elect Trump will see the benefits and I think the oil industry will also be advising him accordingly that blocking trade in any product is not healthy," Khalid al-Falih, who is also chairman of Aramco, the state-run oil company, told the Financial Times in Marrakesh, where he is leading Saudi Arabia's delegation in UN climate talks. Mr Falih, whose kingdom is the world's largest exporter of crude, said that, although the US imported millions of barrels of oil, it had also "benefited hugely" from being able to freely sell "significant amounts" of exported products. Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih arrives for an informal meeting between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, in the Algerian capital Algiers, on September 28, 2016. Ryad Kramdi | AFP | Getty Images This free trade had underpinned a thriving refining industry and a shale revolution that had been able to "create a lot of jobs and value", he said. "The U.S. is sort of the flag-bearer for capitalism and free markets," he added. "The US continues to be a very important part of a global industry that is interconnected, that is dealing with a fungible commodity which is crude oil. So having equalization through free trade is very healthy for oil." Mr Falih said Saudi Arabia was still waiting to see exactly what Mr Trump does once he takes office in January and some of his campaign rhetoric had amounted to "50,000 feet announcements" that could change. "It is common that once presidents start governing then a lot more substance comes out," he said, adding that Saudi Arabia believed the new administration should be given time to "digest all the issues", including how it implements the Paris climate deal being discussed in Marrakesh. More from the FT: Saudi Arabia will stick to Paris accord climate change pledges Mohamed Alabbar to launch $1bn ecommerce platform SaudiArabia set to reveal depth of oil reserves Mr Trump has vowed to "cancel" the accord that almost 200 nations sealed in December and has called climate change a "hoax" fabricated by China to hurt U.S. industry. Saudi Arabia has been among a vocal group of countries insisting that the US election outcome will not affect their plans to curb greenhouse gases under the Paris deal, which Mr Falih described as "a watershed agreement" and "a great thing" that needed to be implemented "sooner rather than later". However, the minister also said Mr Trump had made some "positive" comments about the importance of fossil fuels. "We need to address climate change, we need to limit the temperature rise globally to the maximum extent but we cannot do it at the expense of keeping people in poverty and stopping their economic development," the Saudi minister said. watch now While the world's use of fossil fuels would inevitably "decline over time" as renewable energy became cheaper and better, he said oil and gas were going to remain "a significant part of the energy mix" for years. The Paris agreement allowed all countries to tackle climate change according to their own capabilities, which meant no one was suggesting the U.S. had to be put in "a straitjacket", the minister said. Reflecting the frustration of many countries in Marrakesh, Mr Falih said the industrial and technological strength of the U.S. meant it would find it easier to abide by the Paris accord than poorer nations. "If you think of economies like India and China and other energy intensive economies, I think the U.S. has a lot more flexibility to meet Paris with less sacrifices," he said. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker told CNBC on Wednesday that he's being considered by the Donald Trump transition team to become secretary of state. The Tennessee republican said on "Squawk Box" he's "in the mix" for the job, but said others closer to the campaign are also interested. "Sure we've had some conversations with them," he said. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, is rumored as the leading candidate for secretary of state in Trump's incoming administration. At a Monday night event in Washington sponsored by The Wall Street Journal, Giuliani said that he "won't be attorney general," perhaps seen as a more natural role for the ex-federal prosecutor. Corker had been mentioned over the summer as a possible Trump vice presidential choice. Trump ended up choosing Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. Addressing the reported turbulence in Trump's transition team, Corker said some turmoil would be expected when considering how tough it is to form a new government, especially for a businessman who's new to politics. Pence, who served six terms in Congress, is well-suited to lead the process, he said. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump Spencer Platt | Getty Images For weeks, Kevin O'Connor was the quiet Trump campaign transition leader for the Department of Justice. O'Connor is the managing director and general counsel of Point72 Asset Management, hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen's private firm. He also worked for the law firm Bracewell & Giuliani (as in Rudy) and for the Justice Department under President George Bush. O'Connor's appointment was likely to attract both praise for his deep knowledge of the Department of Justice, and criticism for his role at the side of a billionaire whose firm was involved in a massive insider trading case. But never mind all that, because O'Connor is gone. watch now An apparent victim of a purge of top level transition officials, O'Connor joins former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and a bevy of other well connected Trump transition officials who suddenly find themselves on the outside looking in. Some of those departures were reportedly related to a broad ouster of aides who were perceived as being close to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who led the Trump transition until last week. On Wednesday, the Trump purge accelerated, now with an effort to push out lobbyists close to the effort. NBC News confirmed that Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who has taken over the transition leadership, had ordered the removal of all lobbyists from the team. That move came in the wake of criticism for Trump's use of lobbyists on his transition team despite his pledge to "drain the swamp" and clean up Washington ethics. In an interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," Donald Trump seemed to express frustration that his team had to depend on lobbyists for expertise. "That's the only people you have down there," Trump said. "Everybody's a lobbyist down there." At the same time, he pledged to make changes: "We're going to phase that out. You have to phase it out." Murray Energy CEO Robert Murray told CNBC President-elect Donald Trump has an obligation to follow through on his vow to revive the coal industry. "Mr. Trump has a mandate to carry out what he said," Murray said in an interview shown on "Squawk on the Street" on Wednesday. "It's going to be difficult to do it all, but he's got to do it. And, he's got to do it in a short-time frame." Murray Energy is a privately owned coal company based in Ohio, and produces about 65 million tons of bituminous coal each year, according to its website. Trump won over the U.S. coal industry by repeatedly promising to revive the troubled sector and put miners back to work by ending regulations and encouraging mining on federal lands. But Trump has not acknowledged that the U.S. natural gas boom is a primary reason for the decline in coal use. Tom DiChristopher contributed to the report. Coal is excavated. Jim Urquhart | Reuters President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to put coal miners back to work and deliver 1,000 years of clean coal, but the world's leading energy authority on Wednesday delivered a starkly different forecast. The International Energy Agency sees little respite for the coal industry in its 2016 World Energy Outlook. Over the next five years, the agency projects U.S. coal companies will continue to cut capacity to battle falling demand, a global oversupply and slumping prices. "With no global upturn in demand in sight for coal, the search for market equilibrium depends on cuts to supply capacity, mainly in China and the United States," the IEA said. That sets up a difficult backdrop for Trump's first term. The Republican has promised to turn the tide for U.S. coal miners by rolling back regulations and ending President Barack Obama's moratorium on new coal mining on federal land. The IEA sees global market forces standing in the way of a U.S. coal recovery. Abundant and low-cost natural gas will continue to eat into coal's share of electricity production. Climate change policies will expedite the retirement of old, inefficient coal-fired plants. The share of steel produced in coal furnaces will continue to fall. Nearly half of U.S. coal production is wrapped up in bankruptcy right now, and the industry needs to take some bitter medicine before it gets better, the IEA says. U.S. coal companies must further cut capacity above and beyond today's wave of consolidation and mine closures for the industry to become economically sustainable, in its view. The IEA believes about three-quarters of current U.S. coal capacity can operate profitably once the industry works through a painful debt restructuring. It assumes the remaining coal companies return to health in the early 2020s. But even then, the IEA considers a scenario in which "cutthroat competition" keeps global markets swimming in too much coal, putting a lid on prices and extending the crisis. If this happens, coal industry wages could spiral downward as workers settle for lower pay over unemployment. "Although many mines have been idled or closed, the effect on markets has been more than offset by expanding production from lower cost producers, which effectively impeded the market from finding its way back to balance," IEA said. IEA sees little opportunity to boost the U.S. coal industry through exports. It forecasts the three-year decline in U.S. coal exports will continue as consumption in China declines, shipments from Mozambique crowd out American coal in Brazil and Europe, and Colombia wields a price advantage in the shrinking European market. U.S. coal exports fell 23 percent in 2015 and had fallen another 32 percent through the first six months of this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. On Monday, well-known investor Warren Buffett recently revealed he has purchased stock in airlines, a move that United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz likened to a "Good Housekeeping seal of approval" for the industry and his company. "It also provides what I call an anchor tenant in this industry and our stock," he said during a Tuesday interview on CNBC's "Closing Bell." Buffett revealed that he has purchased a stake in the four major airline companies American Airlines , United Continental Holdings, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines . It is a reversal of a long-held stance for Buffett after an investment in US Airways in 1989 turned out to be a headache for the Berkshire Hathaway CEO. News of Buffett's investment sent airline stocks sharply higher. The S&P airlines industry is up 4.9 percent week to date, while United Continental has risen 9.6 percent. Regarding the impending Donald Trump presidency, Munoz said he is wait-and-see mode. "We are very focused on running a great airline, but at the same time, we will obviously be monitoring and closely watching what this new administration might or might not do," he said. watch now Axel Weber, UBS chairman and a former policymaker at the European Central Bank, told CNBC that he was bullish on the outlook for the U.S. but there would be little chance of a "full rollback" in banking and financial regulation. Weber, who was a member of the European Central Bank Governing Council from 2004 to 2011, told CNBC Wednesday that investors should not price in an overhaul of regulation. Investors have been keenly watching President-elect Donald Trump for any clue on what his financial policies might be - including a repeal of the Dodd-Frank act. "We are probably overshooting, at this point in time, the need for some of this re-regulation so there will be adjustment around the edges." "I don't expect a full rollback of regulation but I expect much less regulation to come," he added. The UBS chairman has spoken on numerous occasions of his belief that in comparison to the U.S., Europe is far too reliant on monetary policy to solve the continent's problems and should place much more of an emphasis on fiscal policy instead. 'It's politics stupid' watch now The UBS chairman has spoken on several occasions of his belief that, in comparison to the U.S., Europe is far too reliant on monetary policy to solve the continent's problems and should place much more of an emphasis on fiscal policy instead. However, Weber argued that political uncertainties with volatile consequences in the financial markets are no longer a phenomenon for just emerging markets. The industrial world is now just as vulnerable to political events causing a lasting impact. "We have seen two sobering events (in Brexit and the U.S. elections) where we all need to be humbled about the use of projections and polls to predict the right outcomes of political events," said Weber at a conference hosted by UBS. "A lot of investors used to say 'it's the economy stupid'. I would now say we are in a world where 'it's politics stupid' because political events matter and they have very long-dated consequences on where economies go," he added. Global investment Martha Pollack will become the 14th president of Cornell University on April 17, 2017. She currently serves as provost and executive VP of academic affairs at the University of Michigan. Photo credit: Cornell University website ITHACA, N.Y. The Cornell University board of trustees on Monday unanimously elected Martha Pollack as the schools 14th president. Pollack currently serves as provost and executive VP for academic affairs at the University of Michigan, Cornell said in a news release. Pollack will assume the presidency at the Ivy League school on April 17, 2017. Cornells presidential-search committee selected Pollack. The university formed the committee following the March 6 death of then-president Elizabeth Garrett. Hunter Rawlings III, who has served as Cornells interim president since April 25, will remain in his current role through April 16, 2017, the university said. Pollack said she is humbled and honored to be the choice. As a private university with a public mission, Cornell is the embodiment of my own deeply held belief in the ability of knowledge to improve the human condition. I cant wait to get started, and I look forward to meeting and working with Cornells outstanding faculty, students, staff and alumni in Ithaca, New York City and around the globe, Pollack said in the release. Cornell has about 21,900 total students, 1,650 faculty, and 8,100 employees, according to its website, citing Fall 2015 statistics. The university, founded in 1865, has 14 colleges and schools. Work at Michigan Pollack has served in her current position at the University of Michigan since 2013. As Michigans chief academic officer and chief budget officer, she is responsible for the academic enterprise, overseeing the academic programs. Michigan has more than 43,000 students with over 16,000 faculty and staff, generates annual operating revenues of $3.4 billion, and includes 19 schools and colleges. Prior to becoming provost, Pollack served the University of Michigan as vice provost for academic and budgetary affairs, dean of its School of Information, and associate chair for computer science and engineering in the universitys department of electrical engineering and computer science. She has been on the faculty at Michigan since 2000, according to the release. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com 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 Foundation adds another $25M to Kinder Institute The Kinder Foundation is giving the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy another $25 million, bringing its total to $60 million. The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property. The Personal Lines segment writes insurance for personal autos and recreational vehicles (RV). This segment's products include personal auto insurance; and special lines products, including insurance for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, watercrafts, snowmobiles, and related products. The Commercial Lines segment provides auto-related primary liability and physical damage insurance, and business-related general liability and property insurance for autos, vans, pick-up trucks, and dump trucks used by small businesses; tractors, trailers, and straight trucks primarily used by regional general freight and expeditor-type businesses, and long-haul operators; dump trucks, log trucks, and garbage trucks used by dirt, sand and gravel, logging, and coal-type businesses; and tow trucks and wreckers used in towing services and gas/service station businesses; as well as non-fleet and airport taxis, and black-car services. The Property segment writes residential property insurance for homeowners, other property owners, and renters, as well as offers personal umbrella insurance, and primary and excess flood insurance. The company also offers policy issuance and claims adjusting services; and acts as an agent to homeowner general liability, workers' compensation insurance, and other products. In addition, it provides reinsurance services. The company sells its products through independent insurance agencies, as well as directly on Internet through mobile devices, and over the phone. The Progressive Corporation was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Mayfield, Ohio. Audrey Hatten-Milholin has worked at the University of California, San Francisco for 17 years. But come February, her job in the IT department as a system architect will be taken over by a worker from India. Even worse, Hatten-Milholin has been asked to train her replacement. Its horrible. Really horrible, she said on Tuesday. You want to treat people decently. But on the other hand, Im pretty ticked off I have to do this. Hatten-Milholin was among about 80 laid-off IT workers who held a rally on Tuesday, calling for an end to the university's outsourcing program. The IT department workers, including permanent staff and contract employees, will be replaced by workers from an India-based IT services firm called HCL. More than a dozen of those affected workers and their supporters attended the rally outside the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. They carried signs that read, American workers, not foreign labor, and Protect our private data. We need to stand up. Enough is enough, said Kurt Ho, another IT worker who is being laid off. Experts who study IT outsourcing say the UCSF case is a rarity but could influence IT practices throughout higher education. CIOs at many other universities are eyeing what happens with the (University of California) case, said Ron Hira, a professor at Howard University who studies immigration and offshoring policies. If UCSF isnt pressured by the public or politicians to reverse the decision, other universities may decide the practice is acceptable, he said. "Ive never heard of a case where university workers were being forced to train replacements," Hira said. UCSF said the outsourcing will help it save more than $30 million over five years. The school has contracted with three outside vendors, including HCL, Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm FireEye and Dell, to support its IT services. The vast majority of UCSFs IT services will remain in house, the university said in a statement following the rally. It has said the IT department numbers about 565 employees. UCSF has followed all applicable laws and UC policy in determining to restructure a small portion of its IT services/operations. Michael Kan UCSF IT workers held a rally on Tuesday The university also says the outside contractors will improve its IT services. The workers who are being laid off don't think so. Ho, who is 57 years old, said he has been training Indian workers who are in their 20s, a shift away from the diverse staff UCSF is laying off. Now we're going to be replaced by a very young, inexperienced work force, from one part of the world, he said. I dont think this is right. The workers who attended Tuesdays rally are also concerned with the federal H-1B visa program. Allegedly, companies have been using loopholes in the program to bring in foreign IT workers to replace citizens. A lot of people think that jobs are being sent overseas, but outsourcing is happening right here in our country of America, said 43-year-old Vinny Tateo, another laid-off worker. He said it's been difficult for him to find a new job. UCSF said it's working with the other University of California campuses to find jobs for the affected employees. The school also says it doesn't plan to use the H-1B visa program to bring in foreign IT workers. However, since the layoffs became public, the university has posted Labor Condition Applications notices, which are required by law when H-1B workers are being placed. Some of the laid-off workers plan to challenge their dismissal through legal channels. About 10 of the workers are filing a formal complaint with California's Department of Fair Housing and Employment. They claim the outsourcing is discriminatory because it replaces a diverse workforce with an all-Indian staff. IT workers at other University of California campuses are also worried about future outsourcing. Joining Tuesdays rally was 35-year-old Ryan Detert, a programmer in the IT department at the University of California, Davis. If UCSF thinks this is worthwhile for them, then this could very easily spread to the other campuses, he said. Direct ownership of solar power panels will overtake third-party ownership next year as more consumers are choosing to buy, rather than lease, their panels. According to GTM Research's latest report, U.S. Residential Solar Financing 2016-2021, 55% of all U.S. residential solar capacity installed in 2017 will be purchased by customers paying either in cash, or through a solar loan financing arrangement; that number is expected to grow to 73% of all solar systems installed in 2021. GTM Research Residential TPO Penetration and Installations by Ownership Type from 2001 through 2021 Third-party ownership through leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) hit a five-year low of 56% in the first half of 2016. Solar leasing and PPAs, which in 2014 represented 72% of all solar installations, has been declining and is now expected to represent about 45% of all systems installed in 2017. GTM had previously predicted that direct ownership of rooftop solar systems wouldn't surpass third-party options until sometime after 2021. From 2017 through 2021, consumers are expected to spend $24.7 billion on purchasing their solar power systems, much of which will need to be financed with a loan, GTM said. One popular loan comes through the government's property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program; it can be used for both solar and energy-efficiency improvements and is repaid as an assessment on the customer's property tax bill. Thirty-three states and Washington, D.C. have passed PACE-enabling legislation, according to GTM, but there are active residential PACE programs only in Florida, Missouri and California. California by far has the largest number of residents using the PACE program, which accounts for 10% of residential solar systems financed through a loan. The Mosaic company has also become an early leader in the loan market, "but we are far from knowing which companies will dominate that space and which will disappear altogether," GTM said. Vikram Aggarwal, CEO of solar system marketplace EnergySage, has said his company's data shows that consumers are trending away from leasing in favor of owning their solar systems, "either with a loan or with cash." Founded in 2009, EnergySage is similar to Expedia or Kayak in that it's a free online service that allows users to input their information and retrieve standardized quotes for a service -- in this case, the installation of a rooftop solar system. EnergySage makes money from fees paid by solar suppliers and is part of a nascent industry that includes other, smaller players such as Geostellar Inc. This week, EnergySage announced its first Community Solar Marketplace, which allows property owners and renters to research and sign up for community solar farms. Like its rooftop panel purchasing marketplace, the Community Solar Marketplace allows consumers to locate and compare costs for multiple community solar projects in their area. Community solar farms, which parse out clean energy to a group of shareholders, have emerged as the next largest solar market in the U.S. Over the next two years, community solar is poised to see its market size increase seven-fold, and by 2020 it will be expanding by half a billion watts annually, according to GTM Research. Not everything, however, is sunny for the solar industry, and the downturn in PPAs and leases has hurt businesses that relied on them. SolarCity Workers from SolarCity install rooftop photovoltaic panels. After growing at more than 50% annually four years in a row, the U.S. residential solar market is facing new challenges and is expected to see a slower growth rate of 16% this year. Growth has slowed among all solar installation companies, but more so for the nation's top three providers: SolarCity, Vivint Solar and Sunrun. For the first time since 2013, the three leaders will together install less than half the market's solar power systems as their growth slows to just 12%. Growth among the remaining solar power installation market will slow to 36% year-over-year, GTM said. SolarCity and Vivant Solar -- the first and second largest solar installers in the U.S. -- have relied heavily on PPAs and leases to grow their business. BlueWave Capital and SunEdison The Raffaele Road Solar Project is a 5.7MW photovoltaic solar project developed by BlueWave Capital and SunEdison at a former sand-and-gravel quarry in Plymouth, Mass. The project is now producing 7.4 million kWh of clean energy every year, with the City of New Bedford as the offtaker. Until the second quarter of this year, nearly 100% of Vivint Solar's business was through PPAs and leases. But the company began offering Mosaic loans in Utah and has expanded the loan product to all of their markets. Vivint still installs more solar power than its closest competitor, Sunrun -- but the gap is closing and by 2017, Sunrun is expected to become the second largest installer in the U.S. Direct ownership by consumers, however, continues to drive a robust market. "Despite declining costs and slowing growth, the total size of the overall market in dollar terms will be 50% larger over the next five years than it has been over the previous five years," GTM said. Cllr Joel Davidson is a councillor for Brondesbury Park Ward in Brent and was the Conservative London Assembly candidate for Brent and Harrow in May. Earlier this year, I wrote on ConHome about the launch of my task group into the business rates devolution policy. Last Tuesday the task group published its report, but the mass media somehow buried the good news it entailed. The evidence we have produced, from the widest possible group of stakeholders, shows that: The policy represents a great opportunity for councils to be innovative and to drive their own business agenda, reflecting their local environment. In order to do this effectively, Councils should be lobbying for extra powers to be devolved to them from the Government, such as skills and apprenticeships within their area. Our report also highlighted that Councils should be working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs in order to develop common strategies that will grow the London economy. The policy will also have implications for housing developments, which must be accountable to local residents and must therefore include opportunities for local commerce and local employment. Finally, political accountability will be enhanced by this policy, as councils which fail to demonstrate a growth in business rates income will be punished by the electorate. Council Leaders will also need to be far more accountable than at present, and will no longer be able to fall back on the tired excuses of lack of funding from central government, since the Revenue Support Grant will be phased out completely by 2020. The report is attached here, and further detailed examination of this far-reaching policy will clearly be required. This business rates devolution policy remains in development, and Im anxious to hear from all those in the business community and other local councillors who are practically involved. Please feel free to email me at cllr.joel.davidson@brent.gov.uk Alex Morton was a member of David Camerons Downing Street Policy Unit. Donald Trumps election was the most obvious symptom of a rising discontent with globalisation and, as part of it, the critical issue of immigration. Earlier this week, Theresa May argued that we must understand and respond to this discontent without abandoning our core principles. Liberal conservatives have long struggled to shape an immigration policy that works. But to defeat populists on the right, we must show that immigration, like globalisation, benefits this country and its people, rather than start from the nonsensical premise that nations are irrelevant. As May said, you are a citizen of a country first, not just a citizen of the world. Our obligation to those outside the UK is not the same as the obligation to those within the UK. For example, almost no one, even on the Left, genuinely thinks we as global citizens should spend the same on healthcare for a sick British pensioner as a pensioner abroad. It is not particularly liberal to say countries dont matter. Nationhood might be an accident of birth, but so is higher IQ or inherited wealth. It is not the job of government to dismantle such a misfortune. Being born in a poor country is a misfortune, it is not an injustice. Nationhood is analogous to a collective right to participate in institutions like a family. Anyone should be free to leave a nation like a family but that does not mean any other specific nation must take you in, any more than any family must take in a disowned stranger. Immigration must clearly benefit Britain, not just the migrant coming to the UK. Create a Cultural Compatibility Test and Economic Permit System In general, people want less immigration for three broad reasons. The first is that it places a strain on public services and housing. The second is that is places a strain on cultural integration where the migrants hold different values to ours. The third is that it lowers wages. I would argue the cultural issue is the most valid reason, with some truth about low skill worker wages being depressed if immigration is allowed at very high levels. There is nothing liberal about limiting migration due to infrastructure or housing concerns. We should not bar intelligent, English-speaking, culturally compatible skilled workers from coming to the UK than we should ban people from moving within the UK. We need a flexible system of housing and public service provision for both internal and external migration. We need to ensure cultural differences and low skill migration are handled sensibly. The public, deep down, seem to agree. Certainly they have widely different views on migration depending on the country of origin. 58 per cent of people support absolutely free movement of people between Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Boris Johnson, our foreign Secretary, has also supported this view in the past. The map of the world above, based on YouGov polling, shows that people in general are much more sympathetic to some countries than others. People are very focused on the cultural issue in immigration. Race seems much less important (i.e: Japan beats Argentina, and India is well above Pakistan). However, we cannot just assign numbers based on polling that will fluctuate and is subjective. To capture this cultural context, which immigration policy must do in order to retain public support, a four-part test could be created. This four-part test would focus on: Basic Freedoms and Womens rights. Religious freedom, legality of homosexuality, and womens rights. Functioning Democracy. States with a history of a functioning democracy and free speech. Income levels. The levels of income in a country. English speaking. If a country has near universal English usage as a primary language. Countries that achieve all four could have open borders. For each other country, we would score them and allocate similar -coring countries a limited number of permits based on an auction with the permit system based on that proposed by Nobel winning economist Gary Becker. Within this, we would offer higher scoring countries a greater number of permits. We could use the money raised by auction permits to support infrastructure and it could be substantial if the average permit is valued at 20,000, then each 100,000 permits would raise 2 billion. The net effect of this would be that we would probably have the same levels of immigration as now, but we would have more high-skilled, English-speaking workers who integrate and pay more tax than they ever receive in state benefits, while low skill workers would be from culturally similar English speaking countries (which also receive migrants back from the UK). This would still let in a high skill Chinese or Indian student into Cambridge university or a French or American accountant into London for the City, benefitting our economy. Those high skill workers who will pay the visa will either be incredibly wealthy or speak English and be working/studying, so integration will not be an issue. Instead of an increasingly strained set of systems based around asylum, student visa, family reunion and so on, we would have a policy that as liberals we can defend as simple, recognising cultural concerns, and benefitting our economy. Our humanitarian obligations cannot be fulfilled by our immigration policy It is sometimes argued we have an obligation to accept those suffering in other countries as part of a moral immigration system. But immigration is not about humanitarian obligations. There are roughly 60 million displaced people globally. On top of that, hundreds of millions, if not billions of people, have a legitimate claim to asylum. Women, gay/bisexual people, ethnic and religious minorities across most of Africa and the Arab world would be legitimate. We should have an aid budget and use it to help refugees, to support human rights groups working with religious and sexual minorities, to support women (e.g. as I have argued before on access to contraception). But we need to be vigorous in making the common sense case that mass immigration is not, and cannot, be part of our humanitarian obligations. To defeat populists, liberal Conservatives must continue to put this country first, without ignoring our wider obligations. Fortunately, globalisation is not a zero sum game, and we can do both. May has promised action and we need systems that reflect peoples concerns before they start to have an impact at the balance box. Do not shoot Jeremy Corbyn. He is doing his best, and was today slightly better than usual. After a feint toward the Chagos islanders, he chose the right subject, which is Brexit. Mr Corbyn wanted to know what the Prime Minister thinks of Boris Johnsons remark, made in the Czech Republic, that Brexit probably means leaving the customs union. Here were dangers for Theresa May. She could be tempted into making a joke about Mr Johnson, in which case she would be accused, as he so often is, of a lack of seriousness. Or she might get drawn into discussing the actual issue, which she is not yet ready to do. She avoided both mistakes, and kicked her opponent instead: Were getting on with the job. Hes not up to the job. The Leader of the Opposition adopted the Pooterish tone of wounded dignity which comes so naturally to him: We need a better answer than shes given us. Mr Pooter is one of the most loveable figures in English literature, and Mr Corbyn does him to perfection. Let him week by week express the severe misgivings which would be aroused in Mr Pooter by Mr Johnson. Such solemnity, respectability and stupidity would suit the Leader of the Opposition, and become rather wearing for Mrs May. Angus Robertson, for the Scottish Nationalists, also asked about Brexit and the single market. She retorted that only a couple of years ago, the Nats wanted to take Scotland out of that market, which was an inaccurate enough account of their view to annoy them. Richard Bacon (Con, South Norfolk) raised a question which has been troubling a number of us: Following the election of Mr Trump and given the very welcome progress made in our society both by women and by those from ethnic minorities, what message of reassurance does the Prime Minister have for fat middle-aged white men who may feel that we have been left behind? Mrs May might have said she still finds room in her Cabinet for the odd token fat middle-aged white man, such as Mr Johnson. But instead she flirted with Mr Bacon, who is if anything even fatter: Perhaps the honourable gentleman would like to come up and see me sometime. Mae, or May, West is alive and well and living in Downing Street, where she is enjoying being Prime Minister. Close 'The Walking Dead' Season 7 has taken off on a brutal start with the killings of two major characters in the show. Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Abraham (Michael Cudlitz) were killed by Negan and he doesn't look like he is in a mood to stop. The question is: Who will die next? There is no contention that Rick (Andrew Lincoln), Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) are pivotal characters and they will not be the ones to die next. Similarly, Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) have a lot to offer to the storyline of Season 7 and will not die anytime soon according to TVGuide. Of the ones who are predicted to die soon in the hands of Negan,Rosita (Christian Serratos) could be the next victim. She has been sneaking guns in Alexandria and asking Eugene (Josh McDermitt) to make bullets for her. In fact,that makes the two of them who are predicted to die next if Negan finds out what the two have been up to. It can be recalled that Negan took guns off from all people of Alexandria and had then warned Rick that there would be dire consequences if he catches someone with a gun. Another one possibly to qualify in the hit list of Negan could be Spencer (Austin Nichols) for not trusting Rick as their leader, CinemaBlend reported. The outlet wrote, "The Walking Dead" appears to be setting up Spencer's comic book storyline and death. In Robert Kirkman's comic, Negan pays another visit to Alexandria but Rick is not present. Using this opportunity, Spencer approaches Negan and tells him Rick should be killed. This backstabbing doesn't go down well with Negan, who then slices Spencer's stomach open with a knife. Carol (Melissa McBride) has been repeatedly saying she wants to die, unaware about Negan or deaths of Glenn and Abraham. Her wish could very well come true next. Stay tuned to Counselheal for recent news, updates and spoilers on 'The Walking Dead.' See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Continue Reading Below Advertisement So less 'Sexy Twilight-esque' vampire and more 'Locked out of his castle on a sunny morning' vampire. It's a sort of full-body dandruff, with the excess piling up around you like tiny snow drifts. "I have a broom I keep in my bedroom to sweep up because my skin flakes off so much on my bed," Courtney says. "I've also learned to shake out anything that generates heat. I had so much flake dust get into a space heater that some of it started burning and charring." If you've ever smelled dead burning flesh, stop reading right now and go turn yourself in, but if not, suffice it to say "that heater went into the trash." Continue Reading Below Advertisement She also has to avoid sharp things, which is generally good advice for everyone, but it's particularly dire for someone whose body is going to throw a big scaly hissy fit at every dermatological disruption. Courtney's boyfriend, who also has psoriasis, "was once slashed by an iguana smacking him with its tail," she says. "And you know exactly where it happened because on his arm is a straight line of red psoriasis scales." The important thing to take away here is, holy shit, stay away from iguana tails. Unsplash/Pixabay Continue Reading Below Advertisement If there were animals who'd be compassionate to those with skin issues we thought it'd be you, traitors. So they're already dealing with reenacting Voldemort's death scene for their entire lives, but that's not the worst part. Cloud News Microsoft Aligns With OpenAI To Drive Benevolent Artificial Intelligence, Opening New Doors For Partners Joseph Tsidulko Share this Microsoft took steps to make broader artificial intelligence capabilities accessible to partners Tuesday with the introduction of Azure instances geared for AI workloads, a cloud service for developing automated internet bots, and an alliance with an organization looking to keep the technology from destroying the world. With the new Azure cloud products and partnership with OpenAI, a nonprofit founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Y Combinator CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft hopes to make it easier for its partners to deploy cutting-edge services at an "incredible moment in technology history," blogged Harry Shum, executive vice president of Microsoft's AI research. "Weve made major strides in artificial intelligence just in the past five years, achieving milestones many people who have devoted their lives to the field wouldnt have thought possible," Shum said. "Now, we have the opportunity to help our partners and customers use these breakthroughs to achieve their goals." [Related: The Race Is On: IBM, Google, Microsoft And AWS Aim To Deliver Machine Learning As A Cloud Service] OpenAI, founded less than a year ago with the stated goal of preventing advances in AI from threatening humanity, will become a user of Microsoft's new N-Series of Azure VMs, which hit the market in December. "These virtual machines are designed for the most intensive compute workloads, including deep learning, simulations, rendering and the training of neural networks. They also enable high-end visualization capabilities to allow for workstation and streaming scenarios by utilizing the Nvidia GRID in Azure," Shum said. "This is indeed a very big step," said Dj Das, CEO of Third Eye Consulting, a Microsoft partner based in San Francisco. "More for Microsoft than OpenAI." The partnership with the nonprofit gives the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant much-needed credibility in the data sciences market. And OpenAI benefits from obtaining large discounts on the N-Series instances powered by GPUs, Das said. Shum said on Microsoft's blog that the new Azure Bot Service gives developers cloud-based capabilities to employ Microsoft's framework for building bots that perform automated tasks on the internet. The service is serverless, running on Azure Functions, an event-driven platform that can execute code without spinning up Azure VM instances, according to Shum. Sarosh Hussain, practice lead at Credera, a Microsoft partner based in Dallas, described Microsoft's new cloud products as "a great leap towards democratizing AI." Vital technologies driving advances in artificial intelligence -- big data storage and processing, powerful GPU-based compute, machine-learning tools for developing and manipulating algorithms -- are now accessible to anyone with a credit card, Hussain said, unlocking innovation for small companies and enterprises. "Until recently these technologies were only accessible to researchers, startups and some large organizations," Hussain told CRN. "The skill requirements do not diminish, but the barrier to entry becomes lower due to things such as Microsoft's bot framework and Azure bot as a service." Just about any application, be it greenfield or brownfield, can be enhanced or completely transformed using AI capabilities, Hussain said. But he also cautioned that "while access and availability to those technologies is being consumerized, enterprises will need specialized skills to take advantage of these technologies." New roles will likely emerge such as AI developers, AI architects and AI engineers, Hussain said. Data center News Park Place Buys Ardent For More Data Center Expertise Phil Harvey Share this Cleveland-based Park Place Technologies bought Ardent Support Technologies, Dover, N.H., for an undisclosed sum, the companies said this week. Ardent provides third-party maintenance for data center hardware. Park Place provides third-party maintenance for storage, servers and data center networks by offering post-warranty maintenance services. Park Place was founded in 1991 as a hardware reseller and now has, including the Ardent acquisition, about 475 employees and 6,500 customers across 90 countries, according to Park Place COO Chris Adams. The company's early days, including its journey from reseller to MSP, are covered in this 2006 CRN interview. "They've been a strategic partner of ours for several years providing expertise on specific platforms that was a little deeper than what we previously had," Adams said of Ardent. As a company that is growing and providing 24-hour support to companies all over the globe, "you want that kind of depth," he told CRN. Third-party maintenance is a fragmented but quickly growing market in North America, Adams said. The ability to provide global services is a strategic advantage, especially for customers who simply want one number to call and one company to support the dozens of different platforms in their data centers around the world. Solution providers often partner with third-party maintenance companies to provide ongoing warranty support for hardware that often costs less than what is provided by the OEMs. Those relationships are growing, too, and, in less than five years, Gartner predicts that 80 percent of North American VARs will have active commission-based sales with at least one independent third-party maintenance provider. Against that backdrop, Park Place has emerged as one of the few providers big enough to compete with Charlotte, N.C.-based Systems Maintenance Services and Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Curvature, two of the largest names in this space. In a Gartner report published in March, Ardent was listed as having revenue of less than $10 million and Park Place's revenue was listed at north of $100 million. "We did have some customer overlap and [Ardent] had been growing to a point where they were starting to compete with us. They're in our industry so we picked up the revenue and effectively removed a competitor," Adams told CRN. The company's customers range from small and midsize businesses to Fortune 500 organizations to government, higher-education and health-care institutions. Park Place supports storage, server and networking equipment across vendors such as Brocade, Cisco Systems, Dell EMC, Hitachi, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Juniper Networks, NetApp and Oracle. Gartner's report on third-party maintenance providers said two-thirds of Ardent's revenue came from supporting Dell EMC, HPE and NetApp products. Park Place is now majority-owned by GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm that also holds stakes in network operator Zayo Group and XIFIN, a cloud software and services company. Park Place was one of CRN's Triple Crown Winners in 2016, meaning the company appeared in the 2016 CRN Solution Provider 500, Fast Growth 150 and Tech Elite 250 lists. Park Place's Ardent acquisition is the company's second strategic buy this year. "We've got a very robust pipeline," Adams said. He notes that GTCR's business model is to find growing companies in growing markets and that means Park Place won't be sitting still. "I expect that next year we'll do another two or three acquisitions," he said. Mobility News Samsung Acquires Advanced Messaging Infrastructure With Buy Of NewNet Canada Kyle Alspach Share this Samsung Electronics announced its second acquisition of the week as the South Korean technology giant looks to find its direction following the disastrous Galaxy Note7 saga. The deal for messaging technology firm NewNet Communication Technologies Canada brings Samsung a provider of what are known as Rich Communications Services (RCS), which provide infrastructure for messaging and content sharing. The financial terms for the acquisition of NewNet Canada, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, were not disclosed. [Related: Samsung Revs Up Efforts In Connected Car Space With $8B Deal For Harman] Samsung said that users of its devices, such as the hugely popular Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones, "will benefit from an advanced messaging experience" as a result of the deal. New features that could be coming to Samsung devices include group chat, enhanced calling and easier sharing of large files. "Unlike other messaging apps in the market, users will be able to communicate on any network, with an RCS-enabled device as well as SMS-only devices," Samsung said in a news release. The company added that, as a result of the acquisition, it will also be able to offer new server solutions for mobile operators without RCS infrastructure. "This acquisition is a critical milestone not just for Samsung but also for the communications industry," Samsung said. NewNet Canada, which Samsung is buying from Lombard, Ill.-based NewNet Communication Technologies, will continue to operate independently, Samsung said. NewNet Canada had operated under the name NewPace before it was acquired by NewNet Communication Technologies. The acquisition follows Monday's announcement that Samsung reached a deal to acquire connected car technology developer Harman for $8 billion. It also follows Samsung's back-to-back flubs around the Galaxy Note7, which was prone to catching fire both in its original and replacement versions. Samsung responded by halting production of the Galaxy Note7 and issuing a recall of all original and replacement Galaxy Note7 devices. The incidents have cost Samsung at least $5 billion in direct losses and are expected to further hurt the company by delivering a hit to its reputation in the market. Networking News Partners: Sprint, T-Mobile Could Merge Under A Republican Administration Gina Narcisi Share this The recent election of Donald Trump is resurrecting rumblings within the telecommunications industry regarding a merger possibility between two of the largest wireless providers in the U.S., Sprint and T-Mobile. President Barack Obama's administration blocked Sprint's previous merger attempt with T-Mobile. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by current Chairman Tom Wheeler who was appointed by Obama in 2013, expressed concerns over any consolidation that would eliminate one of the four major wireless competitors. Wheeler is expected to step down following Trump's inauguration, and Jeffrey Eisenach, a telecom consultant and known critic of Wheeler's policies -- including net neutrality -- is said to be his successor. Eisenach is on Trump's transition team and is already helping to select new FCC members. With power changing hands, the regulatory environment could favor more telecom consolidation, partners say. [Related: What A Trump Presidency Could Mean For Net Neutrality, Cybersecurity And Telecom Consolidation] A majority-Republican Congress typically indicates a friendlier environment for big business mergers. Republican politicians tend to be more for markets regulating themselves, as evidenced by their stance against net neutrality, according to one solution provider executive that requested anonymity. The solution provider, which partners with several wireless providers including Sprint, pointed to Sprint's stock climbing 12 percent and T-Mobile's stock also rising by 3 percent the day after the election. "I think we are going to see even more mega telecom mergers go through in an environment that doesn't believe in regulation. I think that laissez-faire attitude is certainly reflected in Trump's transition team," said Natasha Royer Coons, managing director of San Diego-based TeraNova Consulting Group, a telecom expense management provider for wireless solutions that partners with both Sprint and T-Mobile. However, Coons said that if T-Mobile and Sprint, the number three and number four U.S. wireless providers, decided to merge, there would be little impact for partners. "I do like competition. I think it keeps companies delivering high-quality services for great prices, [but] I'm not against mergers that make sense and provide a more seamless delivery of services," she said. A merger between the two wireless providers wouldn't necessarily diminish competition for businesses and consumers, partners said. "Mobility is being redefined, so I'm not sure that customers would be hurt if Sprint and T-Mobile merge," the anonymous executive added. For its part, Sprint's CEO Marcelo Claure indicated in August that if the regulatory environment were favorable, the Overland Park, Kansas-based carrier would still be interested in merging with Bellevue, Wash.-based T-Mobile. However, Trump has not been a typical Republican candidate, so it's yet to be seen whether the regulatory climate under his administration will encourage consolidation, the anonymous solution provider executive said. During his campaign, for example, Trump did single out some large-scale mergers -- including AT&T and Time Warner -- as an example of a deal he would not allow under his administration. But if the two wireless providers don't merge, an acquisition of either Sprint or T-Mobile by a larger company, such as Comcast or CenturyLink, is also possible, the anonymous partner said. Along with Comcast, DISH Network and Google are also being singled out as possible buyers for either Sprint or T-Mobile by industry analysts. A wireless service provider would let Comcast bundle TV, voice, internet, and wireless for its customers, effectively zero-rating its own content, like AT&T does to boost its DirecTV service. However, the Philadelphia-based cable giant may have its own homegrown service in the works. Comcast said that it would be launching its own wireless practice by mid-2017. The service, according to the company, will use leased airwaves from competitor Verizon Wireless, as well as its own network of 15 million Wi-Fi hot spots. Many of the large, incumbent carriers are starting to think seriously about offering more than just the pipes, as evidenced by AT&T's potential acquisition of Time Warner and Verizon's takeover deal with Yahoo. In addition to content, wireline providers are also looking at wireless as a way to go beyond their core connectivity offerings, Coons said. "These content-related mega mergers, like Verizon/Yahoo, have really set the stage for [carriers] to wonder: 'What's the next frontier?' And wireless could be it for providers that don't have a [mobility] play," she said. Aranui Cruises is offering what it called an "impressive" shipboard credit on select Aranui 5 cruises in French Polynesia. The offer is for all new bookings for Aranui 5s March 7, 25 and April 13, 2017 departures made by January 31, 2017 will receive an onboard credit of approx. $425. The cruises are 14-days, sailing to nine unique islands in the South Pacific,. During the roundtrip cruise from Papeete, the freighter line dispenses cargo while guests disembark and explore a range of complimentary excursions including hikes, 4WD tours, visits to archaeological sites and a picnic on a secluded beach in Bora Bora. The massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack last month on Dyn, the New Hampshire-based Domain Name System (DNS) provider, was mostly an inconvenience. While it took down a portion of the internet for several hours, disrupted dozens of major websites and made national news, nobody died. Nobody even got hurt, other than financially. But the attack, enabled by a botnet of millions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, inevitably led to speculation on what damage a DDoS of that scale or worse could do to even a portion of the nations critical infrastructure (CI). Clearly it could go well beyond inconvenient. Businesses, households, emergency services, the financial industry and yes, the internet, cant function without electricity. That has already been demonstrated on a relatively small scale. Earlier this month, a DDoS attack took down heating distribution in two properties in Lappeenranta, a city in eastern Finland. General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center have come up with what they call the "most extreme off-road-capable" midsize pickup. The most impressive feature about the new Colorado ZH2, announced Monday, is that it runs off clean energy, even with its reinforced interior and exterior, imposing 6 1/2-foot height and camouflage coloring. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT The city school board wont go far to find someone to lead the school district between the time its interim schools superintendent leaves and a new one comes on board sometime next year. A call will go out this week for someone already working in the district, who holds a superintendent certificate and preferably a doctorate degree, the board decided. That narrows the field considerably. Fewer than a handful of current district leaders hold the superintendent certification, according to the state Department of Education. They include Assistant Superintendent Aresta Johnson, Career and Craftsmanship principal Wayne Alexander, Director of Science Angela Bhushan and Bassick Principal, Tomas Ramirez. Applicants have until Nov. 28 to apply and will be interviewed the first week in December. The board hopes to have made a selection before Interim Schools Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz leaves on Dec. 30 so that a transition can made. My concern is bringing someone from the outside is probably by the time they get up and running in a place of I know everyones name, they are pretty much out the door, Maria Pereira, a board member, said. Pereira said she would rather have someone who is already in the trenches and knows what is going on. Although the stint will be short, it will be filled with heavy lifting as the cash-strapped district looks for a larger 2017-16 operating budget in a year when the state is facing a tremendous deficit. That the gap superintendent will be internal should smooth that process, board members decided. How many hold the 093 certificate and are interested in the assignment remains unclear. Under state law, someone without an 093 certificate can fill the role of superintendent but only for 90 days without state approval. Alexander was recently named a finalist for interim superintendent in New Haven. The spot went to former New Haven Superintendent Reginald Mayo instead. On Wednesday, Alexander, who once served as a schools superintendent in Florida, said he would be honored to be considered for the post and has plenty of ideas for the district. The certification is different than a doctorate and different from an administrator and supervisor certificate, which all school administrators are required to hold. The 093 is required in the state to fill the role of superintendent except in limited circumstances. The lack of one is what led the state to pass a special law when Paul Vallas was in charge of the district. The school board this fall hired a search firm to find a permanent superintendent. The proposed timeline wouldnt have the board making a selection until March and it is likely the new superintendent, if he or she is working somewhere else, would not start until July. The new interim superintendent would make a salary yet to be determined and also would not be barred from applying for the permanent job. That individual would have no role in the permanent search. BRIDGEPORT - Was City Librarian Scott Hughes, one of the few black department heads, fired over his political involvement? Or did his political ambitions hurt his job performance? Those questions are heading for state Superior Court. Hughes is suing his bosses, the library board, over members decision last month to terminate him after over nine years. The firing came after months of tension during which Hughes was placed on probation from his $116,000 position to improve his management style and his communication skills. Hughes wants his job back and unspecified compensatory damages and attorneys fees. At this rate the paper trail of Hughes battle with his bosses will deserve its own library wing. He has a pending lawsuit against the board questioning its legitimacy. And Hughes also filed a discrimination complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities alleging he was being held to different standards than previous, white librarians. The latest legal complaint puts to paper another line of attack Hughes and his allies have for months lobbed at the board - that when he became politically active beginning in 2014, members soured on the librarian and saddled him with new responsibilities, ultimately resulting in his ouster in October. The friction, according to Hughes, began two years ago when he was elected to the Democratic Town Committee - the power brokers who nominate candidates - and then unsuccessfully challenged then-state Sen. Andres Ayala in a party primary. The lawsuit claims Library Board Chairman James ODonnell stated his displeasure to Hughes over his legislative bid and also voiced his concerns to the Connecticut Post. ODonnell in an interview at the time with the newspaper said he was worried about the impact Hughes work as a part-time legislator would have on his day job. Operating the Bridgeport Public Library is a full-time responsibility, ODonnell said. As the lawsuit notes, state statutes prohibit an employer of 25 people or more from discriminating against, disciplining or discharging employees who choose to campaign for and serve in the General Assembly. However employers can withhold earnings for time lost. The legal complaint also reasserts Hughes claim that he became active in Democratic politics in large part because of his belief that he could provide greater support and assistance for the library by involvement in the political process. Hughes goes on to claim that he was also fired because of his support for ex-Mayor Joseph Ganims political comeback. Ganim ran the city from 1991 until he was convicted of corruption in 2003 and imprisoned for seven years. Ganims ultimately successful decision to challenge incumbent Democratic Mayor Bill Finch in 2015 was met with stiff opposition from many community leaders, including ODonnell and another library board member, Donald Greenberg. After Finch lost the primary to Ganim, ODonnell publicly supported petition mayoral candidate Mary-Jane Foster over Ganim in the general election. Appearing with Foster at a press event just a few days ahead of Election Day, ODonnell questioned how Ganim can be trusted. Hughes lawsuit alleges ODonnell and Greenberg advised the librarian to abstain from voting in the Democratic Town Committees nominating convention contest between Finch and Ganim and to remain neutral. Hughes ultimately voted for Ganim which, he believes, further damaged his working relationship with the board. On multiple occasions during the (mayoral) campaign, ODonnell stated ... negative comments about Mayor Ganim to (Hughes) on practically every occasion that he saw (him), the lawsuit states. ODonnell could not be immediately reached for this, and Greenberg said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on a pending lawsuit that mentions him. The library board in recent months has praised Hughes for his community outreach, but complained that his work running the library system suffered. The basic things of minding the store ... just didnt matter anymore, board member Anne Cunningham said at the February meeting when she and others voted to place Hughes on probation rather than fire him. ODonnell that same night said of Hughes: I dont know if he has his heart in the job.. Hughes at that time said he was getting out of politics. I do need to spend more time focusing on the library, he said. United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. RONALD E. MUTH v. DENNIS A. WOODRING; JEFFREY M. SHRIVER; CITY OF HARRISBURG, PA; DAUPHIN COUNTY, PA; STATE FARM FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY Jeffrey M. Shriver, Appellant No. 15-4101 Decided: November 15, 2016 Before: JORDAN, GREENAWAY, JR., and RENDELL, Circuit Judges. OPINION* Jeffrey Shriver, a detective with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, appeals the partial denial of his motion to dismiss the complaint brought against him by Albert Muth. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Shriver violated Muth's constitutional rights, and therefore is liable under 42 U.S.C. 1983, because Shriver maliciously prosecuted Muth for several felonies. Shriver argued in his motion to dismiss that he was entitled to qualified immunity. For the reasons discussed below, we will vacate the District Court's order to the extent it denied Shriver's motion and remand the matter for further consideration. I. Background Muth owned a rental property in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, that was damaged by fire. Shriver investigated the fire and deemed it suspicious. Four months after the fire, Shriver filed three state law felony charges against Muth. Attached to the charging form was Shriver's affidavit of probable cause supporting the enumerated charges. Based on that affidavit, a warrant was issued and the Pennsylvania State Police promptly arrested Muth at work and took him to be arraigned. He was released on a $50,000 unsecured bond and was subject to nonmonetary bail conditions. Three years after Shriver filed the charges and probable cause affidavit, the Commonwealth filed an application for nolle prosequi, abandoning Muth's prosecution on all charges. Muth subsequently filed this federal civil action against Shriver, another investigator, his insurance company, and Dauphin County. His principal allegation is that the defendants acted, both jointly and individually, to violate his Fourth Amendment right against unlawful seizure, as incorporated against the states by the Fourteenth Amendment, by engaging in malicious prosecution. Various defendants, including Shriver, filed motions to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). In his motion, Shriver asserted that Muth had failed to adequately claim any violation of the Fourth Amendment. The Court granted the motion to dismiss in part, but it did not dismiss the malicious prosecution count against Shriver. This timely appeal followed. II. Discussion 2 Whether an officer is entitled to qualified immunity is a question of law. We [thus] exercise plenary review over the District Court's qualified immunity rulings. Argueta v. U.S. Immigration & Customs Enf't, 643 F.3d 60, 69 (3d Cir. 2011). Qualified immunity is not merely immunity from liability, but rather immunity from suit, operating to free the recipient from the burdens of litigation. Plumhoff v. Rickard, 134 S. Ct. 2012, 2019 (2014). Because of that, the Supreme Court and our cases have stressed the importance of resolving immunity questions at the earliest possible stages of litigation. Curley v. Klem, 298 F.3d 271, 277 (3d Cir. 2002) (applying Hunter v. Bryant, 502 U.S. 224, 227 (1991)). Here, the District Court properly considered Shriver's qualified immunity at the threshold of litigation, before discovery, in the context of a motion to dismiss. The Court did not, however, complete the analysis. When evaluating a claim of qualified immunity, courts engage in a two-pronged inquiry. The first prong probes whether the allegations, [t]aken in the light most favorable to the party asserting the injury, show the officer's conduct violated a [federal] right[.] Saucier v. Katz, 533 U.S. 194, 201 (2001). The second prong asks whether the law was clearly established at the time of the violation. Kelly v. Borough of Carlisle, 622 F.3d 248, 253 (3d. Cir. 2010). The focus is on whether the law, at the time of the challenged incident, is sufficiently clear to provide[ ] fair warning to the defendants that their alleged conduct was unconstitutional. Tolan v. Cotton, 134 S. Ct. 1861, 1866 (2014) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). It is the defendant official's burden to establish that he is entitled to qualified immunity. Kopec v. Tate, 361 F.3d 772, 776 (3d Cir. 2004). We have recognized that courts are free to examine the two prongs of the qualified immunity analysis in either order. Kelly, 622 F.3d at 253-54. For efficiency, a court may elect to consider the clearly established prong first because, if that prong is not satisfied, then qualified immunity applies. Pearson v. Callahan, 555 U.S. 223, 242 (2009). In that circumstance, no conclusion is made about the constitutionality of the officer's conduct. Id. at 241 (noting that resolving a case solely on the basis of the clearly established prong is consistent with the principle of constitutional avoidance) If, however, a court elects to first consider whether the conduct violated a constitutional right, then both prongs of the test must be completed to determine if qualified immunity applies. See Pearson, 555 U.S. at 232 (explaining that the driving force behind creation of the qualified immunity doctrine was a desire to ensure that insubstantial claims' against government officials [will] be resolved prior to discovery (citation omitted) (first alteration in original)). In this instance, the District Court proceeded by first considering whether Muth had pleaded a legally sufficient case for malicious prosecution such that his Fourth Amendment rights had been violated. The Court said that the allegations of Plaintiff's amended complaint suffice to state a claim for malicious prosecution pursuant to Section 1983 . (App. at 26a.) But it then explained that it had not reached a definitive determination that Defendant Shriver violated Plaintiff's constitutional rights[.] (App. at 26a.) It is not clear, therefore, whether the Court completed the first prong of the qualified immunity inquiry. Regardless, the District Court should not have reached a decision on Muth's motion to dismiss without completing the second prong of the qualified immunity analysis. Even if Muth had plausibly claimed a violation of his Fourth Amendment rights, the Court should have still considered whether, in light of the specific context of the case, Mullenix v. Luna, 136 S. Ct. 305, 308 (2015) (quoting Brosseau v. Haugen, 543 U.S. 194, 198 (2004)), Shriver would have been on notice that his actions were unlawful. Failing to do so was error and requires us to return this matter to the District Court. III. Conclusion For the foregoing reasons, we will vacate the District Court's order to the extent it denied Shriver's Rule 12(b)(6) motion and will remand the case for additional proceedings to fully evaluate whether Shriver is entitled to qualified immunity. FOOTNOTES . Muth was charged with (1) Arson Endangering Persons (Felony 1), 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. 3301(a)(1)(I); (2) Causing or Risking Catastrophe (Felony 3), 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. 3302(b); and (3) Insurance Fraud (Felony 3), 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. 4117(a)(2). . The District Court had jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1331. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1291 because the denial of qualified immunity is an immediately appealable order. Mitchell v. Forsyth, 472 U.S. 511, 530 (1985). . We take no position on whether qualified immunity should apply. JORDAN, Circuit Judge. More Information The full text of the Congress members' letter to the President-elect Dear President-elect Trump: Immediately following your victory, many Americans were optimistic and hopeful that you would take the steps necessary to unify our country following the divisive and contentious election. In your election night speech you said, "Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division. It is time for us to come together as one united people." Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country. As elected representatives of millions of Americans from diverse backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities, we strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to appoint Mr. Bannon to White House Chief Strategist. Since the election there have been a number of incidents across the country in which minorities, including Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans, have been the targets of violence, harassment and intimidation. Mr. Bannon's appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your Administration. Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns. As the Executive Chairman of Breitbart News, Mr. Bannon repeatedly and aggressively pushed stories that promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism. During an interview last summer, Mr. Bannon bragged that Breitbart was "the platform for the alt-right," a movement that upholds White Nationalism while strongly rejecting diversity in any form. Under Mr. Bannon's leadership, Breitbart has referred to a leading Republican who opposed your election as a "Renegade Jew," suggested "Young Muslims in the West are a ticking time bomb," declared that the "Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage," and praised the alt-right as a "smarter" version of "old-school racist skinheads." Disturbingly, leading white nationalists like former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke, American Nazi Party Chairman Rocky J. Suhadya, Richard Spencer, Peter Brimelow, and Brad Griffin have praised the news of Mr. Bannon's appointment. We believe it should concern you that civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, are widely opposed to Mr. Bannon's appointment. We strongly believe that Mr. Bannon's appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few. Once again, we strongly urge you to rescind this appointment immediately and build a diverse White House staff who are committed to the core American values of inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance. BRIDGEPORT Police are searching for five young black men they say were involved in the theft of a vehicle shortly before noon on Wednesday. The incident began at Norman Street and Railroad Avenue and police engaged in a foot pursuit chased the suspects to the Iranistan Avenue area near Bassick High School. United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. JANICE HAAGENSEN, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MYRTLE SHELBURNE HAAGENSEN, Appellant v. BETTY MAY REED; EDWARD ABERSOLD; ANNIE AND RUFUS K. HERSHBERGER; RICHARD RAPONE, TAX COLLECTOR OF LAWRENCE COUNTY; J.R HARDESTER, DIRECTOR OF ASSESMENTS OF LAWRENCE COUNTY; KAREN MAGNONE, PROPERTY TAX COLLECTOR OF NORTH BEAVER TOWNSHIP, IN AN INDIVIDUAL AND OFFICIAL CAPACITY No. 16-1660 Decided: November 15, 2016 Before: SMITH, Chief Judge, McKEE, and RESTREPO, Circuit Judges OPINION1 In 2006, Janice Haagensen, as personal representative of her mother's estate, initiated a quiet title action in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The state court ruled against her in March 2011, concluding that she failed to establish a right to immediate exclusive possession as required to succeed in her quiet title action. Her untimely appeal to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court was unsuccessful. In December 2011, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied her petition for allowance of appeal. In 2014, Haagensen turned to the federal courts and filed this pro se civil rights action against the neighbor defendants in her state court quiet title action, the state court trial judge who presided over that action, and the tax assessment office and tax collector (tax entities). A district judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania dismissed her action. He concluded that the Rooker-Feldman doctrine barred her action against the neighbor defendants and the state court judge, and that the statute of limitations barred the claims against the tax entities. Haagensen sought reconsideration, which the District Court denied. Within days, the neighbor defendants moved for sanctions pursuant to the court's inherent power to levy sanctions, claiming that Haagensen initiated this action to harass her neighbors. See Roadway Express, Inc. v. Piper, 447 U.S. 752, 765-66 (1980) (acknowledging that a court may impose sanctions pursuant to its inherent power when a losing party has acted, inter alia, vexatiously or for oppressive reasons) (citation omitted). Immediately thereafter, Haagensen filed a notice of appeal. Acknowledging that appeal, the District Court entered a text-only entry on the docket stating: In light of the appeal filed by Plaintiff, said Motions for Sanctions are dismissed without prejudice pending the resolution of the appeal. We affirmed the dismissal of Haagensen's claims in their entirety. Haagensen v. Wherry, 610 F. App'x 210 (3d Cir. 2015). Relevant to the appeal we now consider, we agreed that Rooker-Feldman barred the claims against the neighbor defendants. After our mandate issued, Haagensen filed a petition for a writ of certiorari. Following the Supreme Court's denial of that request, the case returned to the District Court. The neighbor defendants filed their second motion for sanctions asking the court to exercise its inherent power. Haagensen opposed the motion, contending only that the District Court lacked jurisdiction to consider that motion. The Court disagreed and awarded monetary sanctions in the amount of $4,298.40 in attorney's fees and costs. The Court declined, though, to enjoin Haagensen from filing any further pro se pleadings. Haagensen next filed a timely motion for reconsideration, which the District Court denied. This timely appeal followed. Haagensen does not take issue with the amount of the attorney's fees or the propriety of the sanctions being imposed pursuant to the inherent power of the court. Rather, she contends that the District Court's dismissal under Rooker-Feldman for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, as well as our affirmance, deprives the District Court of authority to do anything further in the case. Despite Haagensen's prolix brief in support of her argument, we are not persuaded. The District Court had federal question jurisdiction over Haagensen's civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. 1983 against the neighbor defendants, the state court judge and the tax entities. 28 U.S.C. 1331. Thereafter, the neighbor defendants raised the Rooker-Feldman doctrine in their motion to dismiss. That doctrine bars the District Court from reviewing and rejecting an unfavorable state court judgment. See Exxon-Mobil Corp. v. Saudi Basic Indus., 544 U.S. 280, 284 (2005). Rooker-Feldman's application, however, is limited to those cases brought by state-court losers complaining of injuries caused by state-court judgments rendered before the district court proceedings commenced and inviting district court review and rejections of those judgments. Id. Thus, Rooker-Feldman does not apply simply because a party attempts to litigate in federal court a matter previously litigated in state court. Id. at 293. As a result, courts must scrutinize a plaintiff's federal complaint to determine if the claim at issue is barred by Rooker-Feldman or is viable because it is actually an independent, non-barred claim. Great W. Mining & Mineral, 615 F.3d at 166. Having determined that Haagensen's claim against the neighbor defendants complained of an injury from the state court judgment in the quiet title action, the District Court properly ended its analysis of the merits of her 1983 claim at that point under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. Haagensen, 610 F. App'x at 211. Although barred from reviewing the merits of that claim, see Exxon-Mobil Corp., 544 U.S. at 284, the District Court appropriately exercised its federal question jurisdiction over Haagensen's other 1983 claims against the tax entities and managed other matters separate and distinct from the merits of the claim barred by the Rooker-Feldman doctrine, such as the neighbor defendants' motion for sanctions. In light of Haagensen's appeal, the District Court permissibly denied the motion for sanctions without prejudice, thereby allowing the neighbor defendants to renew their request following the conclusion of the appeal. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(d)(2)(B), (E) (providing that, when the sanctions requested are neither for violation of the rules or under 28 U.S.C. 1927, a court order may establish when a motion for attorney's fees may be filed). Our mandate affirming the District Court's judgment on the first appeal returned the case to the District Court for whatever additional proceedings were appropriate or necessary. See Ostrer v. United States, 584 F.2d 594, 598 (2d Cir. 1978) (The effect of the mandate is to bring the proceedings in a case on appeal in our Court to a close and to remove it from the jurisdiction of this Court, returning it to the forum whence it came.). In the absence of a renewed motion for sanctions, the District Court's action would have been to close the civil action in accordance with the mandate as there was nothing more for the court to do. The renewed motion for sanctions, however, raised an issue that the District Court was authorized to resolve. We conclude that the District Court had the authority under 1331 to resolve this motion for sanctions. See Willy v. Coastal Corp., 503 U.S. 131, 138 (1992) (reiterating that [i]t is well established that a federal court may consider collateral issues after an action is no longer pending [and] therefore does not raise the issue of a district court adjudicating the merits of a case or controversy over which it lacks jurisdiction) (quoting Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp., 496 U.S. 384, 395 (1990); Cooter & Gell, 496 U.S. at 396 (concluding that the imposition of a Rule 11 sanction is not a judgment on the merits of the action and that it require[d] the determination of a collateral issue: whether the attorney has abused the judicial process, which may be made after the principal suit has been terminated). For that reason, we will affirm the District Court's judgment. FOOTNOTES . See Rooker v. Fidelity Trust Co., 263 U.S. 413 (1923), and District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462 (1983). . Ordinarily, we review an award of sanctions for abuse of discretion. Lazorko v. Pa. Hosp., 237 F.3d 242, 248 (3d Cir. 2000). Because Haagensen challenges only the District Court's jurisdiction to award the sanctions, and not the decision to assess the sanctions or the amount, our review is de novo. See Great W. Mining & Mineral Co. v. Fox Rothschild LLP, 615 F.3d 159, 163 (3d Cir. 2010). Inasmuch as the order awarded sanctions in a specific amount, it is a final order, and we exercise appellate jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1291. Lazorko, 237 F.3d at 248. . One of the neighbor defendants was Edward W. Abersold. According to a suggestion of death, Abersold died on July 13, 2016 and no estate has yet to be opened. Under all the circumstances, Haagensen's motion for substitution is denied. Furthermore, because we will affirm the order granting the motion for sanctions, the motion to amend the caption is moot. Haagensen's other motions are denied. SMITH, Chief Judge. STORY LINK GBP/EUR Exchange Rates Weaken after UK Labour Market Data Strong Number of New Jobless Claims Tips Pound Sterling Back into Decline EUR/GBP Exchange Rates Edge Higher; Lacklustre Euro Benefits from Pound Sterling Weakness GBP/EUR Exchange Rate Forecast; UK Sales Data Could Support Pound Sterling Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound Sterling to Euro exchange rate was unable to recover from Tuesdays sell-off after labour market data worried markets.After yesterdays sell-off on the back of a concerning report suggesting the government still had no plans for Brexit, GBP/EUR exchange rates had started the morning on the rise. This was quickly ended, however, turning into a gradual decline after the release of the latest labour market data.Initially the figures looked positive, with the ILO unemployment report for the three months until September showing an 11-year low. However, more recent data for October showed a surprise 9,800 more people claimed out of work benefits than the previous month, up nearly fivefold on the forecast. After being estimated at 700 last month, the previous increase in those claiming jobseekers allowance was revised markedly higher to 5,600.According to Hargreaves Lansdown Senior Economist Ben Brettell;There could be storm clouds gathering on the horizon. The claimant count which in a quirk of the data is a more recent figure than the unemployment rate jumped by 9,800 in October, with Septembers figure revised upwards from 700 to 5,600. All in all, it does seem likely that unemployment could tick up somewhat during the coming months, though dire predictions made in the immediate aftermath of the vote appear wide of the mark.A quiet data day saw rudderless Eurozone trading, with EUR still in positive territory after yesterdays advance on the back of hopes Eurozone banks would benefit from the current global bond rout.However, the Euro was kept soft by the continuing argument over Germanys budget surplus. Berlin spent 18.5 billion less that it received in revenues during the first half of 2016 and has long been under pressure to invest more in boosting the economy. The European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been two strong advocates of greater fiscal spending from Germany.The German government is keen to hold onto its surplus while it can; with the worlds second-oldest population, the current lucrative levels of employment will soon begin to decline, cutting tax revenues and squeezing public finances.According to DIW think-tank head Marcel Fratzscher;If you look at it without immigration, the German labour force is already declining. From 2019, the labour force will start shrinking. The good budget situation will probably last another three or four years, but that wont still be there in five or 10 years time.UK retail sales growth is expected to pick up again after markedly disappointing forecasts in September. Month on month sales are expected to return to positive growth, while year-on-year growth is projected to rise from 4% to 5.4%.Although the figures could provide additional tailwinds for the British Pound, the Euro may find support from multiple developments on the economic calendar as well. On top of construction output and finalised Eurozone CPI figures for October, the ECBs Mersch and Praet will be making public appearances. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Currency Predictions Daily Currency Updates Euro Forecasts United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. JAVIER SEBASTIAN ANDRES, Defendant - Appellant. No. 15-10428 Decided: November 15, 2016 Before: TASHIMA and M. SMITH, Circuit Judges, and KORMAN,** District Judge. MEMORANDUM* Defendant Javier Andres imported a 16-year-old girl (the Victim) from rural Guatemala to Arizona. Andres arranged the Victim's passage in return for an agreement that she work in his home for three years to repay her purported smuggling debt. Andres and his wife told the Victim that she could not leave until she personally paid her debt. Indeed, they declined an offer by her brother-in-law to pay it. Moreover, they threatened to have her hunted down if she left without permission. Later, Andres raped and impregnated the Victim, who suffered severe pain and a second-degree perineal tear during delivery. After he was indicted, Andres agreed to plead guilty to one count of Harboring an Alien for Private Financial Gain. See 8 U.S.C. 1324(a)(1)(B)(i). The plea agreement stipulated that he would receive a within-Guidelines sentence, which the PSR ultimately calculated to be between 21 and 27 months. At sentencing, the district court rejected the agreement after finding that the stipulated range would not reflect the seriousness of Andres's conduct. Nevertheless, when the district judge offered him the opportunity to withdraw his guilty plea, Andres declined to do so. Sentencing then proceeded unbound by any agreement. The district judge adopted the PSR's factual findings. While he also adopted the PSR's calculation of the Guidelines range, the judge ultimately departed upwardsentencing Andres to 40 months imprisonment. Andres appeals his sentence, contending that the district court erred by rejecting his plea agreement, and by imposing certain sentencing enhancements. We find no merit in his challenges, and affirm his sentence. 1. Andres complains that the district judge erred by not considering the sentencing factors enumerated at 18 U.S.C. 3553(a) before rejecting the stipulated sentence. This argument fails because 3553(a) specifies the factors a judge must consider in determining the particular sentence to be imposed. Rejecting a plea agreement that contains a stipulated sentence, however, does not determine a particular sentence. Indeed it does not determine any sentence at all. Moreover, in substance, the district judge made the findings that 3553(a) would otherwise require. Specifically, he found that Andres's conduct was of a very serious nature, that the plea agreement did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offense conduct, and that a significant sentence would deter more human trafficking. The same findings also satisfied the district judge's obligation to give Andres's plea agreement the individualized consideration required by Morgan v. U.S. Dist. Court (In re Morgan), 506 F.3d 705, 712 (9th Cir. 2007). The district judge emphasized specific circumstanceshis coercion and sexual exploitation of the Victimthat distinguished Andres's conduct from the essential elements of his harboring conviction, and warranted a greater sentence than that stipulated in the plea agreement. The district judge likewise properly weighed the public deterrence that might flow from a heavier sentence than the plea agreement would have allowed. Stretching back before the Sentencing Guidelineswhich, of course, require sentencing judges to take public deterrence into account, 18 U.S.C. 3553(a)(2)(B)a policy of individual assessment has never barred consideration of a potential sentence's broader effects. See, e.g., United States v. Barker, 771 F.2d 1362, 136869 (9th Cir. 1985). 2. The remainder of Andres's contentions on appeal pertain to the district judge's calculation of his Guidelines range. Andres challenges the court's application of an enhancement for Involuntary Detention under 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) (2014) of the Sentencing Guidelines, and one for causing Serious Bodily Injury under 2L1.1(b)(7)(B) of the same. Section 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) of the Sentencing Guidelines applies [i]f an alien was involuntarily detained through coercion or threat, or in connection with a demand for payment while being harbored in the United States. Andres argues that the Victim could not have been involuntarily detained because the phrase requires the use or threat of physical restraint or injury. He is incorrect. Courts interpret the Guidelines just like statutes: the plain text, read in light of its context and structure, is controlling. United States v. Rivera-Constantino, 798 F.3d 900, 90304 (9th Cir 2015). Something is involuntary if it is [d]one against someone's will. Involuntary, THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH, http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/involuntary. And here, the text clearly states the means through which an alien may be involuntarily detainedthreat or coercion. A threat, of course, need not be to use physical force. And the ordinary meaning of coercion is not limited to coercion by physical force. See Coercion, BLACK'S LAW DICTIONARY (10th ed. 2014) (Compulsion of a free agent by physical, moral, or economic force or threat of physical force.). Moreover, the Sentencing Commission's statement of reasons, to which a court looks for guidance, United States v. Ornelas, 825 F.3d 548, 554 (9th Cir. 2016), specifically explains that 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) is meant to account for involuntary detainment [that] may not involve physical restraint, U.S. SENTENCING GUIDELINES MANUAL app. C, vol. III, at 180 (Amendment 692). Andres also fails in his attempts to cast doubt on the district judge's finding that the Victim was in fact involuntarily detained through coercion or threat, or in connection with a demand for payment. The Victim wanted to leave, but Andres and his wife repeatedly told her that she was not allowed to do so, and threatened her with recapture if she left without permission. The main reason the Victim stayed was that these threats convinced her that escape would be hopeless. Voluntariness is a question of fact, see, e.g., United States v. Meza-Corrales, 183 F.3d 1116, 1125 (9th Cir. 1999), and the district court's finding that the victim was involuntarily detained through threat was not clearly erroneous. Neither was it clear error to find that this detention was connected to a demand for payment, where the Victim was told she could leave, but only if she paid $1,000. We need not reach the merits of the Serious Bodily Injury enhancement. The district court found that Andres's base offense level was 12, and his adjusted offense levelafter imposing both enhancementswas 18. Nevertheless, even without the Serious Bodily Injury enhancement, Andres's adjusted offense level would have remained 18, because the Involuntary Detention Enhancement requires a minimum adjusted offense level of 18. U.S.S.G. 2L1.1(b)(8)(A) ([If the enhancement applies], increase by 2 levels. If the resulting offense level is less than level 18, increase to level 18.). Under these circumstances, reversing the Serious Bodily Injury enhancement would not change Andres's offense level. There is no need to consider it further. AFFIRMED. Democrats saw a surge in new voters in Pennsylvania as midterms near Queen of Scotland, November 16 Source: www.ewtn.com Born about 1045, died 16 Nov., 1092, was a daughter of Edward "Outremere", or "the Exile", by Agatha, kinswoman of Gisela, the wife of St. Stephen of Hungary. She was the granddaughter of Edmund Ironside. A constant tradition asserts that Margaret's father and his brother Edmund were sent to Hungary for safety during the reign of Canute, but no record of the fact has been found in that country. The date of Margaret's birth cannot be ascertained with accuracy, but it must have been between the years 1038, when St. Stephen died, and 1057, when her father returned to England. It appears that Margaret came with him on that occasion and, on his death and the conquest of England by the Normans, her mother Agatha decided to return to the Continent. A storm however drove their ship to Scotland, where Malcolm III received the party under his protection, subsequently taking Margaret to wife. This event had been delayed for a while by Margaret's desire to entirereligion, but it took place some time between 1067 and 1070. In her position as queen, all Margaret's great influence was thrown into the cause of religion and piety. A synod was held, and among the special reforms instituted the most important were the regulation of the Lenten fast, observance of the Easter communion, and the removal of certain abuses concerning marriage within the prohibited degrees. Her private life was given up to constant prayer and practices of piety. She founded several churches, including the Abbey of Dunfermline, built to enshrine her greatest treasure, a relic of the true Cross. Her book of the Gospels, richly adorned with jewels, which one day dropped into a river and was according to legend miraculously recovered, is now in the Bodleian library at Oxford. She foretold the day of her death, which took place at Edinburgh on 16 Nov., 1093, her body being buried before the high altar at Dunfermline. In 1250 Margaret was canonized by Innocent IV, and her relics were translated on 19 June, 1259, to a new shrine, the base of which is still visible beyond the modern east wall of the restoredchurch. At the Reformation her head passed into the possession of Mary Queen of Scots, and later was secured by the Jesuits at Douai, where it is believed to have perished during the French Revolution. According to George Conn, "De duplici statu religionis apud Scots" (Rome, 1628), the rest of the relics, together with those of Malcolm, were acquired by Philip II of Spain, and placed in two urns in the Escorial. When, however, Bishop Gillies of Edinburgh applied through Pius IX for their restoration to Scotland, they could not be found. The chief authority for Margaret's life is the contemporary biography printed in "Acta SS.", II, June, 320. Its authorship has been ascribed to Turgot, the saint's confessor, a monk of Durham and later Archbishop of St. Andrews, and also to Theodoric, a somewhat obscure monk; but in spite of much controversy the point remains quite unsettled. The feast of St. Margaret is now observed by the whole Church on 10 June. (Taken from Catholic Encyclopedia) The same night the United States elected its 45th President, Arkansan voters passed a bill that legalized medical marijuana in their state. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, otherwise known as Issue 6, sought to establish a system for the cultivation, acquisition and distribution of medical marijuana for qualifying patients. Arkansas officials have 120 days to establish a Medical Marijuana Commission and kick-start the process. The commission will be made up of five elected officials and is responsible for awarding licenses to cultivation facilities and dispensaries before the 120-day period is up. On the public health side of things, the Arkansas Department of Health uses this time to focus on the patients. The department will set up a medical marijuana card registry for qualified patients and then monitor the amount of marijuana that patients are given at each dispensary visit. Megan Mirivel, public information officer at the Arkansas Department of Health, calls this 120-day period a time for rulemaking and planning. We are currently in the beginning stages of rules and regulations that will govern this process, she said. Issue 6 states that in order to be considered an eligible patient, a person must provide a written note from his or her physician proving a qualifying medical condition: cancer, PTSD, Alzheimers Disease, Tourettes syndrome and any other medical illness approved for medical marijuana by the Arkansas Department of Health. David A. Couch, attorney at law from Little Rock, Arkansas, created the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment and passionately saw it through until the day it passed. If I wanted to get marijuana in Arkansas, I could walk out my front door and most likely find someone selling pot within 10 minutes, Couch said. What this new amendment does is put sick people who are buying it illegally into a system where they can purchase marijuana to ease their pain without breaking the law. Couch said he thinks this new amendment will have a huge impact on Memphians. He said Memphians and other out-of-state residents could take advantage of this new amendment by crossing the bridge to Arkansas, acquiring a medical marijuana card and consuming marijuana. It is, however, illegal to cross the Arkansas-Tennessee state line while in possession of marijuana. Despite the limitation of the 120-day period for the Department of Health and the Medical Marijuana Commission to finalize the distribution process, Couch said he does not expect the first medical marijuana card to be issued until around this time next year. The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment was projected to narrowly pass, which it did, but what sponsors didnt expect was its impact and affect on the rest of the world. The day after the amendment passed, I received positive and congratulatory calls from all over the freakin world, David Couch said. My full-time job is a trial lawyer, so I created this bill for fun because its something Im passionate about. Look what that passion and fun got for my state. This is the tale of two computer hackers who have been on the receiving end of radically different treatment from the authorities. One is a hacker on an industrial scale who meant to cause damage to the United States and almost certainly succeeded in doing so. He has been lionised by many on the Left and was, for a time, feted by the Guardian and the New York Times. This man is completely sane and very calculating. And yet, despite many efforts and court cases, there is no apparent prospect of his ever being extradited. His name, of course, is Julian Assange. Lauri Love with father Alexander and mother Sirkka. The 31-year-old is set to be extradited to the USA The other hacker is a little-known young man who has been diagnosed by one of this countrys leading experts as suffering from a very severe form of Aspergers. He is called Lauri Love. Four years ago, he allegedly hacked into several U.S. government computers in what appears to have been a prank. It is not at all clear he did any damage and he doesnt even know what criminal charges he might face. Unfairness While Assange is safely holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in Londons Knightsbridge (where, on Monday, he was brought a tray of snacks by the former glamour model Pamela Anderson), Mr Love could soon be on a plane to America, where he faces 99 years in jail if convicted. His distraught father, the Rev Alexander Love, has warned that, if despatched to America, his brilliant, though disturbed, 31-year-old son could take his own life, as he has threatened to do. But two months ago, Judge Nina Tempia ruled at Westminster Magistrates Court that he should be extradited and, on Monday, the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, backed the decision. We live in a world of injustice, but one would have to search very far indeed to find another instance of such grotesque unfairness. The egregious Assange has had numerous defenders and supporters, but who will speak for poor Lauri Love? The first body that should be ashamed of itself is the U.S. government. It has not sought the extradition of Assange, though it has claimed, with a good deal of plausibility, that some of his WikiLeaks revelations may have damaged American security. Mr Love's family think he may take his own life if he is forced to the US Theres no question that Assange set out to wreak havoc. WikiLeaks published the names, villages, relatives identities and precise GPS locations of Afghans who had co-operated with Nato troops. These details were published by the Guardian and New York Times. These newspapers were besotted with Assange, though they later fell out with him. And while its true WikiLeaks threw a discreditable light on some American dealings in Iraq, it is impossible to defend some of its revelations, such as the whereabouts of American tactical nuclear weapons, as well as the location of key U.S. facilities, including pipelines and communication hubs. Despite all this, it is the Swedish not American authorities that have tried to extradite Assange. And they have done so on the basis of an allegation of rape, not sedition. Isnt it bizarre that the American government, while sparing Assange, should have chosen to run Mr Love to earth? In much the same way, it tried several years ago to get its hands on another Aspergers sufferer, Gary McKinnon, also accused of hacking into U.S. government computers. Damage There was much quaking and many trembling knees in British Government circles, and it seemed we would cave in to the Americans. But the then-Home Secretary Theresa May eventually stepped in and insisted that McKinnon would stay here. Washington had no choice but to put up with her brave decision. Nor have the Americans been at all specific as to what harm Mr Love is supposed to have done. He is said to have affected the computer systems of U.S. military and federal government agencies in New York, New Jersey and Virginia. But no evidence has been produced that he did any damage, or in any way aided Americas enemies. Why cant the U.S. authorities allow Mr Love to stand trial in this country, as he is anxious to do, not least because the maximum sentence would be three years if he were convicted? It is obvious they want to make an example of him in a way they have declined to do with Julian Assange. The root of the problem is the 2003 Extradition Treaty between the U.S. and this country, which was ludicrously one-sided. Since 2003, 77 people have been extradited from the UK to the U.S., while only 38 have gone the other way. Mr Loves lawyers argue, just as Mr McKinnons did, that whatever crimes may have been committed by him took place on British soil and should therefore be examined by a British court. Indeed, under the new rules introduced in 2013 after the McKinnon case, in order to make it harder for Britons to be extradited, the principle was established that our courts could refuse extradition if a substantial amount of the alleged crime had taken place in the UK. Plainly, this applies to Mr Love. His case will now go to the Court of Appeal, and we must hope that its judges will stand up for Mr Loves right to be tried in this country. If they dont, and if further appeals to higher courts fail, the issue could return to Amber Rudds desk. She claims that, as a result of the new rules introduced in 2013, she is unable to intervene as Home Secretary in the way Mrs May did over Gary McKinnon, and must leave it to the courts to decide. Mr Loves lawyers dispute this. They say Mrs Rudd does have a right to oppose Mr Loves extradition on the basis that the 2003 treaty is flawed. Assange is safely holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in Londons Knightsbridge (where, on Monday, he was brought a tray of snacks by the former glamour model Pamela Anderson) Compare Mr Loves plight with the situation of Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy. While it is true that his quarters may be somewhat cramped, he has been royally treated by his indulgent hosts. On Monday, he was finally confronted by the Swedish authorities in the embassy on the allegation of rape, but so protective were Ecuadorian diplomats of their precious charge that they insisted on asking him all the questions, even though the Swedish assistant special prosecutor and a police inspector had travelled from Stockholm. Assange has been ordered by a succession of British courts to go to Sweden to answer the allegation of rape, but has been unable to summon up the courage to face his accusers. Sinister As a result, British taxpayers have been saddled with a bill for 12.5 million (the cost of mounting a round-the-clock police guard) while Assange is fed, watered and pampered by the generous Ecuadorians, whose government is of a Left-wing bent. But then, even though he has fallen out with many of his fans and cheerleaders, Assange remains a Left-wing pin-up. The harmless Lauri Love, by contrast, is being harried by the American government and is scarcely championed in the media. I was shocked, though hardly surprised, to hear him interviewed in a notably aggressive way by the BBCs Sarah Montague on Radio Four yesterday. Doubtless she meant no harm, but she failed to grasp his vulnerability. She tried to persuade him to defend himself against charges that havent been made effectively inviting him to incriminate himself. I wonder whether Assange, with his many thousands of supporters and his status as a Left-wing hero, has ever been subjected to an interview as half as hostile on the BBC. We've all had that heart-sinking feeling when the online grocery order arrives and a much-anticipated treat has been substituted. Major supermarkets will replace items with something similar when they're not in stock, but sometimes their substitutions can be wildly off the mark. From a woman who received a stuffed toy instead of a chicken for her roast dinner to another left baffled by hummus flavoured crisps instead of pesto, bewildered shoppers have been sharing the most bizarre product substitutions on Twitter. Andrea Farmer was left baffled when Sainsbury's sent a stuffed children's toy in place of the chicken she'd ordered for a roast dinner The person who missed out on a bunch of flowers would probably not have been very happy to be presented with these spring onions It's anyone's guess how Domeofchrome ended up with a bottle of posh ginger beer instead of the panini he'd ordered Andreafarmerart at least saw the funny side when her husband accepted a Sainsbury's order containing a child's stuffed toy instead of the chicken she was planning to roast. The supermarket also got it wrong when the flowers xxChrissiexx ordered were out of stock and they sent a bunch of spring onions instead. Perhaps the long green stems could be said to bear some resemblance to flowers. But it's anyone's guess how Domeofchrome ended up with a bottle of posh ginger beer instead of the panini he'd ordered. DeanBrown8181 was also left scratching his head when a white linen scented candle in a jar arrived instead of the car air freshener he'd ordered from Tesco Pinotnoirgirl was expecting pesto and somehow ended up with hummus flavoured crisps Luckily Frebs' partner checked the packaging before cleansing as she was given a packet of intimate wipes, instead of the make-up removing variety she'd ordered An equally confusing substitution was the healthy hummus flavoured crisps Pinotnoirgirl received when she was expecting a jar of pesto. There was a similar crisp fail for DwarfMaiden who asked for dates which were strangely replaced with a bag of ShakarPara - a crunchy Indian snack. DeanBrown8181 was also left scratching his head when a white linen scented candle in a jar arrived instead of the car air freshener he'd ordered from Tesco. The dates ordered by DwarfMaiden were strangely replaced with a bag of ShakarPara - a crunchy Indian snack AimeeDot_Blog had been looking forward to a dairy-free Easter egg, but was no doubt to receive several packets of wheat-free chocolate wafer bars instead Tesco's website suggested that AutomatedTester might like to purchase sanitary towels instead of the out-of-stock protein powder he wanted And it's lucky that Frebs' partner checked the packaging before cleansing as she was given a packet of intimate wipes, instead of the make-up removing variety she'd ordered. HappyGlaBirchy experienced a similarly strange substitution when Sainsbury's sent a fudge caramel bar instead of roll-on deodorant. 'Someone's going to be sticky and sweet,' she joked. Oliverrudy felt short changed when he received a packed of ham instead of the crispy meat feast pizza he was looking forward to HappyGlaBirchy experienced a strange substitution when Sainsbury's sent a fudge caramel bar instead of roll-on deodorant AimeeDot_Blog had been looking forward to a dairy-free Easter egg, but was no doubt to receive several packets of wheat-free chocolate wafer bars instead. Fortunately, AutomatedTester checked on a suggested substitution with Tesco before placing his order, as the website suggested he might like to purchase sanitary towels instead of the out-of-stock protein powder he wanted. Students at one of the world's top universities have taken time out of their studies to strip naked in a bid to find out who has the best derriere. Over a dozen Cambridge University students have been named as finalists in the Cambridge's Best Bum competition. Applicants stripped naked at famous landmarks including ancient rooftops, the university library, and even the local fish and chip shop, before submitting their saucy photos - but just 18 have made the final cut. Scroll down for video Nicola, who studies Modern and Medieval Languages at Downing College. poses for a photo on a Cambridge rooftop. She is one of more than 12 finalists in the Best Bum competition And while Russell Group students are best known for their magnificent brains, these ones seem more interested in showing off their posteriors. Student newspaper The Tab has today released its list of the university's top bums, in a fiercely competitive contest that celebrates the best rears every year. Entrants remain largely anonymous, revealing only their first name, their college, and the subject they are studying. In the running this year is Theology student Godfrey who bared his behind to the heavens as he posed nude on a rooftop. While Katie, who studies History, bravely posed from a balcony over a canal, presumably much to the surprise of unsuspecting rowers. Theresa studying Classics at St Catherine's, left, and Michael studying Economics at Trinity, right, stripped off aboard boats on the River Cam for their entries Liam, who studies Mathematics at Magdalene, bared his buttocks with an historic Cambridge building as his backdrop. Applicants stripped naked at famous landmarks around the city Polly, studying Law at Homerton, had the cheek to strip off in a university lecture hall. Dozens of students submitted photos to be in with a chance of winning the Best Bum competition Rupert, who studies Land Economy at John's, left his clothes in a pile on the floor outside a university building for his entry, and made the group of finalists vying for the Best Bum title Another entrant, Politics student Chris, showed off his assets in the library, with a bum that would stun anyone into silence. Meanwhile Sarah, who studies Architecture, opted to recline on her bed wearing nothing but black knee-high boots. Law student Polly restored order in a lecture hall, with a rear that would leave little room for legal argument. Fellow entrant, mathematician Liam, stripped off on his college green with cheeks so perfect they could have been drawn by a compass. Cameron, who is studying English at Medwards, posed outside a fish and chip shop at night. Student newspaper The Tab has today released the list of the university's top bums Katie, who studies History at Clare College, chose a scenic riverside backdrop for her nude One student known only as Nigel, who is studying Engineering at Jesus, chose a vertiginous rooftop location for his photo Johnson studying Natural Sciences at King's, and Angela studying Psychology at Selwyn, wear just a few pieces of sportswear to cover their modesty as they post inside a chapel English student Cameron opted to bare her bum in front of her local chip shop at night, while some students decided two bums were better than one. Classics student Theresa stripped off with economics student Michael on a pair of rowing boats, mirroring the Greek Gods she studies. And Geographer Andrea teamed up with Computer Scientist Emmanuel to watch the fireworks - but their bums were the real show of the night. Jacob, who studies Medicine at Churchill, bares all as he poses for a snap for his entry. Entrants remain largely anonymous, revealing only their first name, college and chosen subject Sarah studying Architecture at Sidney, opted to recline on her bed wearing nothing but black knee-high boots in front of a window with the curtains wide open Godfrey, who studies Theology at Corpus, strikes a pose on top of a scenic rooftop Marie, studying History of Art at Trinity Hall, chose a night sky as the backdrop for her entry, balancing precariously on top of a wall overlooking the street Chris, who studies Politics at Queens', took time out of his late-night library session to pose for a snap - and appeared to be enjoying a glass of wine whilse simultaneously reading a book Andrea, studying Geography at Wolfson, left, and Davis, studying Computer Sciences at Emmanuel, right, must have been chilly as they watched the fireworks in the buff The competition is judged by the public and anyone who wants to vote can do so online, and draws in voters from all around the globe. On The Tab's website, Polly appeared to be a front runner in the competition, drawing in plenty of appreciative comments. Cambridge University has been approached for a comment. In past years, one entrant used Kim Kardashian as his muse as he replicated her infamous Paper magazine cover by donning long black gloves, a pearl necklace and little else. Little Miller Cashen still smiles despite knowing he will never walk or talk again. The six-year-old's brain is wasting away as he battles a rare degenerative illness which is likely to claim his life one day. In just over a year the bright and energetic little boy's condition has already deteriorated to the point where he struggles to move and cannot speak or eat. Tragic: Miller Cashen was struck down by a rare genetic condition last year Brave: Despite losing the ability to walk or talk, Miller's mother said he had not once cried or complained The decline in Miller's health has been caused by pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), a disease associated with the accumulation of iron deposits in the brain. PKAN is a neurodegenerative genetic condition that will gradually see Miller lose brain function and control of his muscles. Other symptoms of the disease include involuntary, rapid muscle movements and occasionally seizures. Mother Sophie, from the Sunshine Coast, told Daily Mail Australia about the heartache of watching her 'cheeky' little boy's steep decline. 'It's already taken his ability to talk, eat and walk,' she said. 'It's happening quite quickly. Within 10 days last year he went from his normal self to not being able to do these things.' Happy: Miller's mother Sophie said her son loved going to school when he could Devastating: Miller's mother Sophie (pictured) was devastated by her son's rapid deterioration It is estimated that PKAN affects just one in every one million people and research is so scarce that Sophie has little idea what the future holds for her son. WHAT IS PKAN? PKAN is a rare disease that affects approximately four thousand people worldwide. The characteristic sign of PKAN is the accumulation of iron deposits in the brain. PKAN causes the deterioration of the brain and the central nervous system. Symptoms include random muscle movements and difficulty with speech and walking. It typically develops within the first 10 years of life. There is no specific treatment for PKAN, and remedies typically focus on relieving pain and certain symptoms. Source: National Organisation for Rare Disorders Advertisement 'We don't really know enough to tell how the regression will happen,' she said. 'I ts basically day by day. We dont know his life expectancy or anything.' Miller is 100 per cent dependent on his mother, who washes him, feeds him and gives him his medication every day. 'He is fed through a tube in his belly. I do that for him four or five times a day,' she said. 'I have to give him medicine 13 times a day for comfort. Showering and bathing are big jobs too.' Despite needing such dedicated care, Miller still went to school when he could and absolutely loved being around his classmates, Sophie said. Another thing that made him smile was visiting the zoo and seeing animals. 'Last year we had a big birthday at the local zoo. Thats when I found out he has a very deep connection with the animals. 'Any type of animal. He loves animals and he loves his friends and family.' Keeps me going: Sophie said knowing her son was happy despite the condition was enough for her. He had a particular love for animals, she said Although Miller could no longer speak to his mum, his beaming smile was enough for her to know when he was happy and comfortable. 'Its strange how you dont need words to communicate. With his eyes he says so much. 'He is the strongest person Ive ever met. Not once has he complained. 'He never cried about it. He just wakes up and deals with it. Thats what keeps me going - knowing that he is happy.' Sophie said she was sharing her story in the hope of one day finding a cure for her son's condition. 'Miller is going through some things at the moment,' she said. 'I can see him weakening from the waist down. 'No one has even heard about PKAN. If more people know and donate money for research we might be able to save our kids.' Anyone looking for more information on Miller's disease can visit his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Millersjourneywithdisabilities/ Sophie said that anyone wishing to fund PKAN research should visit the website of Amelia Cragen, a little girl in America who is also battling the disease. Advertisement When Angel was born, her mother Cypres Salon, from the Philippines, was concerned when she didn't hear her daughter cry. But it wasn't until she saw her baby for the first time five days later, that she realised the severity of the situation. Little Angel had been rushed to another hospital for treatment after being born with encephalocele, a rare brain hernia. The hernia, which is more common in children from South-East Asia than elsewhere, is caused when the skull and tissue surrounding the brain doesn't completely close up in the womb. Angel, four, from the Philippines, was rushed to another hospital for treatment shortly after being born after being diagnosed with encephalocele, a rare brain hernia 'When I saw her for the first time, I cried a lot,' Ms Salon told The Age. 'I cried every moment I looked at her and I blamed myself for her condition.' Angel had surgery at just four months after her parents raised $5,500 for surgery in the Philippines, but despite it helping to stop her 'brain spilling into the hernia,' it was still covering most of her left eye. The hernia made it hard for Angel to live a regular life and prevented her from being able to sleep, breathe and play like other kids her age - Angel often having to lift the lump up or move it so she could see. Angel was also labelled a 'monster' by her peers but when a four-year-old boy approached her and said it to her face, the optimistic little girl simply 'patted him on the shoulder and said "Hi".' The hernia made it hard for Angel to live a regular life and prevented her from being able to sleep, breathe and play like other kids her age - Angel often having to lift the lump up or move it so she could see 'I was so amazed by her response,' Ms Salon told The Age, adding that Angel knew children were scared of her. 'I was so proud of her.' After struggling to raise another $8,000 for Angel's hernia to be removed completely, Ms Salon and her husband Dale were referred to the Children First Foundation - a non-profit that aims to 'transform the lives of children by giving hope, exceptional care and pathways to a brighter future.' Ms Salon was referred to the foundation by Interplast, a group of Australian and New Zealand volunteer surgeons, nurses and allied therapists who provide free surgical treatment and medical training to people in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region. 'Her [Angel's] parents first contacted us in 2014, and she was seen by an Interplast team later that year,' the organisation wrote on Facebook. The Children First Foundation flew Angel (pictured after the operation) and her father to Australia for surgery and the craniofacial unit at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital performed the procedure in September 'They recommended that she be brought to Australia for more complex surgery, and we referred her to our friends at Children First. 'Organisations such as Interplast and Children First are changing futures for children such as Angel, who is now happy and home with her family.' The Children First Foundation flew Angel and her father to Australia for surgery and the craniofacial unit at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital performed the procedure in September. The four hour surgery, performed by surgeon Walter Flapper, involved cutting the 200 gram lesion off Angel's face before using bone taken from her hip to seal the hole in her forehead. The surgery was a success and Angel was later able to see clearly for the first time. WHAT IS ENCEPHALOCELE? WHAT IS IT? Encephalocele is a rare type of birth defect of the neural tube that affects the brain. The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord. Encephalocele is a sac-like protrusion or projection of the brain and the membranes that cover it through an opening in the skull. Encephalocele happens when the neural tube does not close completely during pregnancy The result is an opening anywhere along the center of the skull from the nose to the back of the neck, but most often at the back of the head, at the top of the head, or between the forehead and the nose. WHAT IS INSIDE IT? Abnormal brain tissue and fluid. WHAT CAUSES IT? Although the exact cause of encephalocele is unknown, scientists believe that many factors are involved including genetics and certain environmental causes. Advertisement She will also undergo surgery to shape her nose (it was pushed to one side due to the weight of the hernia) in the coming months and will be flown back to Australia to do so. When Angel's family saw her for the first time, they were overjoyed and celebrated with a birthday party on November 5th. 'We celebrated it with children in our neighborhood and other relatives,' Ms Salon said. 'She was so happy.' Since sharing their story, Angel and her family have been flooded with supportive comments from people touched by their story. 'I have so much wonderment at how this family has soooooo much courage and love. So pleased the out come has been sooooo successful,' one woman wrote on Facebook. Five years ago 33-year-old Gemma Flanagan was living her dream life. Through her job with British airways she travelled the world and 'didn't give many things a second thought', until tragedy struck. Ms Flanagan was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that left her wheelchair-bound. But rather than letting it get the better of her, she fought back. Scroll down for video #TheNewSexy: Gemma Flanagan, 33, is mainly uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with the autoimmunie disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome five years ago Five years after her diagnosis Ms Flanagan mostly uses a wheelchair after spending a year in intensive care and rehabilitation. But today Ms Flanagan is one of many diverse models taking part in an innovative campaign for the London lingerie label Scantilly by Curvy Kate. She hopes to challenge society's preconceived perception of what constitutes 'sexy' through her work as a model. Challenging society's perceptions: She is modelling for London lingerie label Curvy Kate as part of their Scantilly #TheNewSexy campaign 'I had to find my own identity again and learn to love my new (slightly different body),' she said. 'Although its been difficult, I know I am a much stronger, nicer, more caring person now, than I ever was before. 'I am proud that I have come through something so negative and I try to use it in a positive way wherever I can.' Changing face of beauty: 'Diversity isnt a novelty that should be "used". It should just be the norm,' Ms Flanagan said Ms Flanagan, from Liverpool, UK, said she was inspired by the Models of Diversity movement. 'The message that everyone should be represented within fashion really hit home with me as I had gone from being an "average" girl looking in magazines and seeing images which I could empathise with, to now being a girl in a wheelchair with no one at all in these mags that I could relate to in any way,' she said. "The world we live in is diverse but yet the fashion industry is a very "perfect cookie cutter" type world that is so unrelatable to the majority of people. 'We are the customers and we buy the clothes, but we are not all represented. 'Diversity isnt a novelty that should be "used". It should just be the norm.' Embracing diversity; Ms Flanagan features in the campaign alongside a diverse range of women with different skin types, body shapes, backgrounds and abilities Ms Flanagan featured in #TheNewSexy Scantilly by Curvy Kate's campaign. The well respected label is known for using women of different skin types, body shapes, backgrounds, abilities and ages in their shoots. Starring alongside her in the campaign is US model Paige Billiot, 24, who was born with a Port-Wine Stain birthmark across her face and head and Yasmin Taylor, 24, who suffers from Alopecia. Beautiful: Also featured in the campaign is Paige Billiot who was born with a Port-Wine Stain birthmark across her face and Yasmin Taylor who suffers from Alopecia Curvy Kate head of PR and marketing Hannah Isichei said #TheNewSexy campaign isnt a one-off. 'Women of all shapes, sizes and looks model our collections as we believe a larger variety of models should be seen by all,' she said. 'Society isnt made up of one woman and we know our customers are all different, so why not give them someone they can recognise.' The fourth Scantilly collection includes peep-hole briefs, sexy suspenders, half cup balcony bras and sheer basques is available in sizes DD-HH cups and S-XL. For many teenagers, this time of year means that they are letting off steam after Year 12 exams and getting ready to let loose somewhere with sun and sand. This annual pilgrimage to the beach is known as Schoolies, with locations like the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Bali some of the most popular for teens. And with the influx of young people to these places, comes the stories of partying, drugs, drunkenness, sex, and arrests. Every year Australian school leavers celebrate the end of exams at 'Schoolies' parties in Surfer's Paradise (above), Byron Bay and Bali Now one company is spruiking a solution for parents worried about their children going to the hedonistic parties the annual event is famous for. Travel Insurance Direct (TID) is offering parents a free 'Schoolies survival guide' that includes condoms, lip balm, sunscreen and a beach ball. 'The kit contains lip balm to stave off "pash rash" (the unsightly red blemishes that appear around the mouth after a lot of kissing), condoms, a kit to test if a drink has been spiked, and helpline details from 1800 RESPECT,' the company said. Now one company is giving free schoolies survival kits (above) to parents to pass on to their kids, which include condoms, lip balm and sunscreen Many parents worry about their children at Schoolies, are there is usually large amounts of drinking (stock image) Sydney Psychologist Jocelyn Brewer said that many parents worry about their children going to events like Schoolies. 'Many parents fear that young people get caught up in the proverbial "heat of the moment" and make snap choices or decisions that may result in harm, or regret,' she said. 'These can range from getting tattoos, having a few too many drinks or hooking up with someone that they might not be so happy to see afterwards.' 'They also see the media reports of what happens at Schoolies and they want to protect their teenager from the potential risks when the fun goes awry.' But the survival guide urges parents to let their children go. 'This is what youve been readying them to do', it states (stock image) In addition to the kit, TID has a survival 'guide' for parents, which urges them to let go of their children. 'Youve raised your child to be strong, independent, and resilient. This is what youve been readying them to do. Its a happy sad, but time to give yourself a pat on the back too,' the guide reads. It's not normally something you would make a song and dance about. But the spotlight is shining on that time of the month - and unless you're already hunched over with period cramps - it's going to make you laugh. Sydney comedy trio Skit Box has released a song called 'I Got That Flow' dedicated to getting you period, and rapping about feeling bloated is just the beginning. Scroll down for video Blood red: Sydney comedy trio Skit Box have done a rap video about women getting their periods Talking truths: The rap covers everything that comes with that time of the month from mood swings to bloating Skit Box, who are best known for their parody video that mocks women in active wear, start I Got That Flow off innocently enough. The three women - Sarah Bishop, Gerta Jerkson, Adele Vuko - are sitting together at a table in a restaurant when one of them announces: 'I just got my period, has anyone got a tampon?' The question prompts a disgusted look from two male diners sitting beside them who label that time of the month 'grotesque'. Confronting stigma: The women created the skit to address the stigma that all female comedians write about is period jokes The horrified reaction from the men prompts the women to question just what they find so disgusting. '[Is it] our natural reproductive system just doing its job?' one asked. ' One of the fundamental foundations of human existence?' said another. Skit Box member Sarah Bishop told Daily Mail Australia the video addressed the stigma that all female comedians write about is period jokes. For the men: They song was co-written with Christiaan Van Vuuren from the Bondi Hipsters, who helped with lines that played into men's fears and confusion around periods Hilarious: In the video men dressed in maxi-pads dance along to the rap 'We decided to confront that stigma head on by dedicating a whole rap song to deal to cover every aspect of the issue,' she said. 'We first premiered it at our live show - we would end the show by saying: "Wow - as female comedians we managed to get through a whole show without one period joke". 'Then we would launch into the song and start jumping all over the stage trying to channel our inner gangster rappers - which is not easy when you're three white Aussie chicks and especially not when you're talking about pads and tampons.' They song was co-written with Christiaan Van Vuuren from the Bondi Hipsters, who helped with lines that played into men's fears and confusion around periods. Food cravings: 'Someone give me something tasty like a chocolate or a pastry,' they rapped The hilarious rap covers every aspect of getting your period, from mood swings to bloating. The song is peppered with facts about women's periods, including how long they last. It also covers food cravings. 'Someone give me something tasty like a chocolate or a pastry,' they rapped. 'I need to eat some high-carb s***, cos my emotions hurt a bit [sic].' At one point they start pouring cans of tomato soup over themselves to mimic blood. 'Try hard': The women are known for their parody video on women wearing active-wear in everyday life Funny: The video showed women in active wear doing a variety of mundane daily chores, like grocery shopping The video was uploaded to YouTube on November 13, where is has already had more than 11,500 views. The video received a positive response from viewers, who thanked Skit House for taking candidly about that time of the month. The trio are known for their hilarious parody video of women wearing active wear. But people are skeptical about the combination of the two Chocolate cheese has never been available in Australia before It is then covered in cocoa The delicacy consists of blue cheese ripened in Choco 21 chocolate Chocolate and cheese have long been considered two of the greatest foods on earth. But while they are delicious separately, it's not often you hear of them paired together...until now. One Melbourne cheesemonger, Curds and Whey, has decided to import chocolate cheese to sell at the Queen Victoria Markets. New addition: A Melbourne cheesemonger is now selling chocolate cheese (above) Rich: The cheese is covered in cocoa and topped with milk and white chocolate chips The creation is exactly what it sounds likecheese that has chocolate in it. To be specific, it's blue cheese ripened in chocolate liqueur, covered in cocoa powder, and topped with chocolate chips. It's imported directly from Italy, and has apparently never been available in Australia until now. Match made in heaven? The Italian blue cheese is ripened in Choco 21 chocolate liqueur 'Amazing combination': Customers are split on how to feel about the chocolate cheese, with some excited and others wary Curds and Whey posted a photo of the cheese to its Instagram page with an excited note about the new arrival. 'Choco 21 cheese has arrived! Each wheel of this mild & delicate blue is ripened with Choco 21 Liqueur, rubbed with cocoa and decorated with chocolate chips,' the caption said. There was a mixed reaction from the cheese supplier's followers, with some excited and others skeptical. One patron remarked that it was an 'amazing combination' while another said they 'don't know how to feel' about the cheese. Not so unusual: Chocolate Camembert is common in France (above) 'Creamy and mature': US brand Trader Joe's sells chocolate cheddar cheese (above) While it may sound very unusual, pairing chocolate and cheese has been done before. American store Trader Joe's sells a cheddar cheese which has chocolate curls in it, and Camembert with chocolate is common in France. A mother cured her stress-induced eczema with the help of soap she made using her own breast milk - but admits her husband found the concept 'disgusting'. Now Kimberly Gladman, 31, who is originally from Ayr in Scotland, has pledged never to return to shop-bought soap, after her unlikely solution cleared up the rash from her arms and thighs where steroid creams and traditional remedies had failed. The mother-of-three, now based in Australia, has set up a company that turns other mothers' spare breast milk into soap, and says she's proof that 'breast really is best'. Scroll down for video Scottish mum Kimberly Gladman, 31, seen with her mother Linda, has now set up a company that turns women's spare breast milk into soap Kimberly says her breast milk soap cured her rash when more traditional remedies failed 'I'd tried all sorts to get rid of it, but nothing had helped,' Kimberly says of the rash on her arms and legs. 'The breakout wouldn't respond to any prescription medication. 'Then my breast milk helped immediately. I was amazed.' Kimberly, a masters student at James Cooke University in Queensland, had started making her own soaps to help make bath time more fun for her oldest daughter, now four. The mother popped some spare, frozen breast milk into a recipe earlier this year, then says she put it away in the kitchen cupboard and forgot about it - until she developed eczema on her legs, thighs and arms after an extended period of stress. Neither natural remedies nor a steroid cream prescribed by a doctor got rid of the rash, prompting a desperate Kimberly, who also has a three-year-old and a one-year-old, to reach for her own concoction. Kimberly mixes up batches of soap in her kitchen (left), and says the breast milk soap cured her rash, seen right both before and after using her remedy 'I tried everything... and the only thing that helped was the breast milk soap,' says Kimberly, who left the UK for Australia seven years ago. 'The only reason I stopped using it was I stopped breast feeding my son.' Kimberly was so impressed with how well it worked she set up a company for other mums which offers to turn their spare breast milk into soap. Kimberly says her 48-year-old husband found the concept of breast milk soap 'disgusting' The mother used a simple pour-in method to make her first soaps, and eventually moved onto making soap in a more traditional - and complex - way. 'This involves mixing water and caustic soda and boiling it,' she says. 'You have to be careful as caustic soda is dangerous. It involves wearing gloves. It was in February this year that she came up with the breast milk version. 'It was just an idea,' she says. The masters student, seen left and right in photos with Snapchat filters, says she was 'amazed' by how effective the breast milk soap was at clearing up her rash The mother of three has set up a company selling her handmade novelty soaps She was inspired to go into business after her friends tried the soaps she created at home 'But it worked really well and after the soap set I realised I had a good product that other people might like.' Her doctor prescribed a steroid cream, which had no impact, and she also tried a natural lotion from a healthcare store. This worked for a few days, but the rash soon returned, leaving her blotchy and in pain. That's when she decided to scrub herself with the breast milk soap and was astounded by how well it worked. Word of Kimberly's breast milk soap spread among her friends and know she sells it online Kimberly moved from the UK to Australia seven years ago, and is now a student in Queensland Kimberly, who studied at Glasgow Caledonian University before moving to Australia, following a stint backpacking and meeting her now 48-year-old husband says: 'I told my husband about it, who thought it was disgusting. 'So he'll drink goats' milk but won't wash with the breast milk from someone he knows. 'I don't mind though. I appreciate not everyone agrees with what I'm doing. I welcome differences of opinion.' Other friends were more supportive and one, Laura, asked Kimberly to make her some soap. Her friend was so impressed, she passed it on to other friends to try. 'I personally wouldn't offer around bars of my own breast milk, but she did and people seemed keen,' Kimberly says. 'Since then I've had other orders. Two brave children made their first television appearance to open up about their decision to become transgender. Matt, 12, who was born a female named Matilda, and Ashley, 8, born a male named Aston, were joined by their mothers Rachel and Terri on ITV's This Morning, and quickly divided the opinion of viewers. While many at home were moved and inspired by their bravery to speak, others suggested the parents had made the wrong decision to allow them to live as the opposite sex at such a young age. Ashley happily told Phillip Schofield why she wanted to speak out, maturely explaining: ' I want to help others express what they feel in life. I think they will uinderstand what transgender is all about. You only live once, you are only young once.' Matt, 12, and Ashley, 8, are two of Tavistock Clinic's youngest patients. They appeared on This Morning to talk about their transgender experience Ashley was joined by her mother Terri and Matt was sat beside his mum Rachel, who both explained how their children knew at a young age they were born the wrong sex Viewers were divided over the children's decisions to change gender at such a young age. While some praised the pair for being brave, others thought it 'wasn't a good idea' Taking to social media, one viewer said: 'Kids on This Morning transgender, are absolutely incredible. I genuinely wish them all the best. They're amazing.' 'Totally back up these children on This Morning imagine not feeling happy with who you are at that age, good on you,' said another. 'It's brilliant they're tackling transgender issues on the programme,' said one while another added, 'What brave and beautiful children! Gender is such an interesting subject and has so many levels of shame that people cannot see it.' However, their views had others confused, and prompted criticism towards their parents that they had made the wrong decision to allow them to live as the opposite sex at their young age. 'I don't think it's a good idea to encourage transgender at such a young age as they might regret the change,' shared one concerned viewer. Another worried poster said: 'It seems so drastic for a child so young to go through all that #ThisMorning.' 'Nothing wrong with a sex change, just at two years old or maybe ten nobody knows who they are or what they want to be at that age,' added one. The families appear in Channel 4's new series focusing on transgender children, Kids on the Edge, following their journey's Matt had full support from his mum Rachel when he decided at a young age he didn't want to wear dresses. Ashley's mum Terri said she was 'proud' of her daughter for speaking out Some viewers were concerned their decision was 'drastic' for Matt and Ashley's young age, but it was pointed out by one that 'the love for your child is unconditional' Both Matt and Ashley's mums spoke about their children discovering at young ages that they knew they wanted to be someone else. Phillip Schofield praised Matt and Ashley for bravely appearing on This Morning and taking part in the documentary series Terri, mum to Ashley, told Phillip and Holly Willoughby: 'W hen she was about three and a half. She always wanted to dress in girls clothes. She started asking questions as to why she was referred to as he.' She continued: I dont think I ever thought of it as a phase. Her remark appeared to surprise Phillip, as she went on to add: 'It was something more to just dressing up. More to Ash being a gay male. It was more than that.' She later added about her daughter taking part in the show: 'I am so proud of her doing it.' T erri explained how she moved Ashley to another school to try and combat the bullies but that her daughter then struggled with keeping her secret. It was her new school that then referred the family to the specialist Tavistock Clinic. It is the only Gender Identity Development Service in the UK for children that is NHS-funded, and has seen a 100 per cent increase in referrals in the last year. Rachel said that she first noticed changes in Matt aged two: 'At a very young age as soon as they become little people. He was adamant that he didnt want to wear dresses. Ashley appearing in the documentary Kids on the Edge. She was born a boy but now lives as a girl. She said being a boy felt like she was 'telling a lie' Terri, Rachel and Dr Polly Carmichael a Consultant Clinical Psychologist Director at Tavistock, discuss treating the children at the UK's only NHS-run gender clinic for children and young people with gender dysphoria 'He preferred boys' toys. I actually thought it would be a faze and grow out of it,' she added and went on to explain that they were then referred to the clinic by doctors. Doctor Polly Carmichael a Consultant Clinical Psychologist Director at Tavistock said a key part of the treatment process is understanding the process. Of the Channel 4 series she said: I really feel the film speaks for itself. Huge testament to the families involved. What comes over are they are ordinary people. 'Its a process. It's not always certain and young people are developing over time. Supporting people so they have as much opportunity to explore their feelings.' Helen Bang a 47-year-old actress from London, estimates that trimming her own hair has saved her around 26,000 Hers is a hairstyle to be envied. Perfectly layered with a warm red hue, Helen Bangs flatteringly choppy bob exudes the polish of a woman whos just stepped out of the salon. Except she hasnt. Believe it or not, the immaculate Helen cant remember ever having been to the hairdressers. Instead, shes one of a growing band who are seizing the scissors cutting, colouring and styling their hair themselves. You might wonder why any woman would do that. Surely, some things are best left to experts? After all, theres nothing worse than the indignity of growing out a dodgy do. But, as hairdressing refuseniks on internet forums testify, some simply arent willing to endure hours trapped in a styling chair, not to mention the risk of encountering a scissor-happy hairdresser. And the steep bills incurred for salon visits are also driving more women to become self-stylists indeed, the average price of a cut and colour today is around 100, but may cost hundreds (or even thousands) in our most upmarket salons. Thankfully, however, the results of DIY hairdressing can be surprisingly glamorous. Here, five women explain why theyre happy to shun the salon. An actress from London, Helen, 47, achieves her fabulous look thanks to three pairs of 9 hairdressing scissors. The process sounds simple. Every few weeks I just stand in front of a mirror and chop off the ends of my hair, she says I also do my own hair colour. In fact, I do everything: waxing, hair dye, make-up, pedicures the lot. And Helen, who lives with her husband, Peter, her son, 14, and daughter, 11, cant recall setting foot in a hairdressers something she estimates that has saved her around 26,000. My mother used to cut my hair, so perhaps thats where I got the habit. Then I started doing my own hair when I was 15. Ive always experimented a great deal, though things havent always gone to plan. Aged 11, I cut half my fringe off, decided I didnt like it then left the other half on. It was wonky for a few months. Four years ago I decided to dye it dark brown, but it went black. Trying to rescue things, I cut it very short not a good look. But within a few weeks, Id put a lovely russet wash through and it had grown a little, so no harm done. The salon experience just never appealed. The thought of paying to sit still for hours is tedious, small talk bores me, I havent got time to waste and I suppose in some ways Im pleased Ive cheated a system. I get a great do for a fraction of the price and its no hassle doing it myself. Thankfully, my trusty scissors have seen me through this far. My home dye costs around 6. Ive even done my own highlights with silver cooking foil. HERE'S HOW TO DO IT... Celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford says trimming your own hair couldnt be easier: 'Try a haircut ponytail. Its virtually idiot proof. Tip your head upside down and secure a neat ponytail in the middle, at the front of your hairline. 'Work out where you want the first layer to fall to the chin, or longer do leave a margin for error and cut in a straight line. If you have wavy or curly hair, Id straighten it first and always do it dry for best results. 'When you turn your head the right way up again, your hair should fall in neat layers.' Advertisement Undoubtedly, the cost of visiting the hairdresser is a major factor in fuelling the boom in self-stylists. Indeed, the hairdressing industry makes around 5 billion a year in the UK alone, and the average woman spends 40,000 on haircuts and treatments in her lifetime a substantial outlay. Melissa Mehan, 41, a childrens learning support assistant, became infuriated with the costly bills for a cut she didnt want or like and took on the task herself, something she estimates has saved her around 26,000. While Ive always cut my own hair from the age of 11 I also took it upon myself to learn how it could be coloured, she says. The hairdresser always left me feeling disappointed, especially after a disastrous perm. I just dont understand the inflated prices, or the fact that stylists think they know what suits me. My style was quite high maintenance. In the early 2000s, I had sleek blonde hair, a little like Princess Diana. It would cost around 70 at a salon to colour, but as my hair is thick and grows extremely fast I realised it would set me back over 600 a year. Melissa who lives in Andover, Hampshire, with her computer analyst husband, Thomas, 45, and daughter Erin, six, acted quickly. I bought three at-home hair highlighting kits they have those caps with holes in, through which you pull your hair. I layered them on top of each other, creating different tones, then touched it up every few weeks. Melissa adds: All you need to get good hair is a steady hand and a reasonably artistic eye, as well as confidence. Every four to six weeks, it takes me around half an hour in front of the mirror to give it a trim. Nancy Williams, 23, has always trimmed her own hair and she often lets her sisters cut it, too, something thats saved her around 2,000 As its so thick, it doesnt matter if I take a little too much off. And I use an at-home hair dye every few weeks. After all, the money I earn is for my family, not for wasting on fripperies such as haircuts. Nancy Williams, 23, who works in technology, is also family-minded while she has always trimmed her own hair, she often lets her sisters cut it, too, something thats saved her around 2,000. Having my hair cut is a relaxing family bonding process, rather than taking place in a noisy salon, says Nancy. Every few months, if I think my hair is getting too long I simply call one of my sisters, now aged 27 and 19, and ask whether theyll be at our parents house in Cambridgeshire that weekend. If so, we have a catch-up while all cutting our hair. Blessed with thick dark tresses, Nancy, who lives in London with her boyfriend, keeps things simple: We all have the same technique, cutting in a straight line. I cant see any reason to set foot in a salon. Gemma Oakes, 34, from Manchester, is also pleased with the savings shes made some 15,000 so far. But it was the trauma of a bad cut which first led to her turning her back on the hairdressers. Aged 12, she asked for a sleek bob like film star Jennifer Aniston. Melissa Mehan, 41, a childrens learning support assistant, became infuriated with the costly bills for a cut she didnt want or like Only when she heard the buzz of a razor behind her did she realise things had gone badly wrong. The hairdresser had shaved the back of Gemmas hair into a triangle. Mortified, she began two decades of strictly DIY. Sadly, her first attempt at 14 gave her a fringe like a monk. Then I read up about how to do it myself, and employed the technique mentioned by celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford tying my fine hair into a ponytail at the front and chopping it in as straight a line as possible, says Gemma, a mother of three who is training to be a teaching assistant. I also do my two little girls hair. They love it. Am I creating a new family tradition? Id like to think so. A DIY hairdressing tradition is something Panayiota Soteriou, 65, of Cheltenham, knows all about. Shes cut her hair for 50 years saving herself more than 42,000. When my hair starts to annoy me, every few weeks, I know its time to give myself a trim, she says. Cutting my hair is almost second nature now. Im pleased Ive managed to avoid going to the hairdresser saving time and money. Panayiota, who works as a school crossing patrol lady, says shes worked hard to keep up with trends. My hair was thick, curly and blonde when I was young. In 1967 I wore it shoulder length, and Id flick it outwards. In the Seventies I grew it longer, in a nod to hippie fashion. For special occasions Id tie it back in a ringleted ponytail and made a hairpiece from my old clippings, which Id fix into the back for extra thickness and length. It took 15 minutes, and because my hair was curly it didnt matter if it wasnt an exact straight line. For four decades I used the same scissors, then my husband bought me some new ones. Now, my hair is short and my husband no longer with me. But every time I chop my hair, I am filled with memories. The pastry is only available until November 30 It is 16 times more expensive than Greggs' famous 1.25 steak bake Greggs may be many things but being posh isn't one of them - and that's the way its customers like it. But now a renowned steak restaurant group is going head to head with the high street bakery after launching a luxury version of one of Greggs' most famous pastries. Hawksmoor, which has six restaurants in London and one in Manchester, has launched what may be the poshest bar snack of all time: the 20 Steak Slice. In appearance, it is very similar to Greggs' famous steak bake - which is 16 times cheaper at 1.25. Is this poshest pastry ever? Hawksmoor has launched a 20 Steak Slice - rivalling Greggs' famous 1.25 steak bake But there the similarities end as Hawksmoor's high-end version is made with a 200g 35-day-aged rare breed ribeye as well as other premium ingredients. The meat inside has been braised with red wine before being wrapped in puff pastry and topped with Colston Bassett Stilton. Hawksmoor said it was inspired by the '24-hour petrol station', rather than Greggs - and added that the pastry would be best enjoyed either at a Hawksmoor bar or 'with a Manhattan and flat cap outside a petrol station'. Hawksmoor said the limited edition pastry is best enjoyed either at a Hawksmoor bar or 'with a Manhattan and flat cap outside a petrol station' Hawksmoor tweeted a photo of the premium ingredients which go into its posh Steak Slice -including 35-day-aged rare breed ribeye Unlike Greggs' pastry, which is available all year round, Hawksmoor's is only available until November 30 at all its restaurants. The launch of the rival steak bake prompted a bit of playful banter between the esteemed restaurant group and Greggs. Greggs replied to Hawksmoor's announcement on Twitter about its steak slice with a picture of its own steak bake and a Star Wars reference: 'I am your father'. Hawksmoor fans were tweeting their excitement on social media. The launch of the rival pastry prompted Greggs to retaliate on its Twitter account with some playful banter Richard Dixon wrote: 'The Hawksmoor steak slice will be the most FOMO instagrammed thing in coming weeks.' And Ben Norum asked: 'Can a steak slice be worth 20? Maybe when it comes from @HawksmoorLondon...' Lucy Pinkstone questioned: 'But will it really be better than Greggs?' Sean was more cynical and wrote: 'So I've just found out Hawksmoor are doing a w***y upmarket version of a Greggs Steak Slice and it costs 20 lol. *whispers* still want one.' A baby who developed a cancerous tumour the size of an orange while he was still in the womb is now healed after it shrunk on its own. Rylee Brady was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma - a rare form of the disease more common in childhood - just days after he was born. Doctors warned he may have to undergo chemotherapy in an attempt to save his life. But they advised his family to wait and see how the tumour developed before starting any treatment. Despite the agonising wait to see how the growth responded naturally, it was revealed that his tumour had began to shrink. And now, the one-year-old is cancer-free and is a happy, healthy little boy, according to his family. Rylee Brady was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma - a rare form of the disease more common in childhood - just days after he was born Doctors warned he may have to undergo chemotherapy in an attempt to save his life. But they advised his family to wait and see how the tumour developed before starting any treatment His mother, Shelbie Barnes, 23, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, said: ' It was awful. I had heard of other kids who had neuroblastoma and I knew how ill they were so to hear my little baby had it was really difficult. 'I didnt know whether we should take the chance or not. I had to either put Rylee through chemotherapy, or leave this hateful tumour inside my baby boy. 'I decided to follow the doctors advice and just wait and see. 'When they first told me it was going away by itself, I didnt believe them. He is a miracle. 'Now hes completely healthy. He will need regular check-ups but, hopefully, he will be discharged completely after his second birthday. 'His first birthday was great. He had such a rough start but now hes a happy and healthy one year old and now hes above average for his height and weight and everything.' Tests revealed the tumour had began to shrink on its own, and now the one-year-old is completely cancer-free His mother, Shelbie Barnes, 23, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, said: 'When they first told me it was going away by itself, I didnt believe them. He is a miracle' (pictured with Rylee's father Michael Brady, 27) When Ms Barnes went into labour in October last year, she had no idea anything was wrong with her son. Told at her 30 week scan that he was heavy for his age, she assumed she was having a big baby. But when arrived three weeks early, he weighed just 5lb 5oz and was already very ill. Because he wasn't breathing, he was immediately rushed to neo-natal intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and taken for tests. Ms Barnes added: ' It was so scary for me. He was taken away and I wasnt able to see him. I didnt know what was going on. 'His daddy [Michael Brady, 27] didnt even get to hold him, because they had to take him away straight away. 'I didnt want him to go anywhere and I just cried and cried. He was so small and sick and I hadnt even been able to hold him properly at that stage.' At this stage, doctors didnt know that he already had neuroblastoma which develops from the nerve cells as a baby grows. He was struggling to breathe or feed and then they discovered there was a tumour the size of an orange in his abdomen. Doctors revealed he needed an urgent biopsy, but was so seriously ill that any operation carried a high risk of him bleeding to death. Told at her 30 week scan that he was heavy for his age, Ms Barnes assumed she was having a big baby. But when arrived three weeks early, he weighed just 5lb 5oz and was already very ill Doctors discovered a tumour the size of an orange in his abdomen and revealed he needed an urgent biopsy, but was so ill that any operation carried a high risk of him bleeding to death When he was just three days old, the family were told he needed to be transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital so experts could attempt to carry the procedure out. It meant an hour long plane journey across the Irish Sea, accompanied by a doctor. But Ms Barnes was reluctant for him to go - fearing he may not make the journey. However, she knew he needed the treatment. CHILDHOOD CANCER AFFECTS LESS THAN 100 YOUNGSTERS A YEAR Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues. Fewer than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed each year with the disease and most are diagnosed when they are younger than five. It is the second most common solid tumour in childhood, and it makes up eight per cent of the total number of children's cancers. Neuroblastoma commonly occurs in either one of the two adrenal glands in a child's tummy or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. The cancer can spread to tissues beyond the original site, including bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. As with most cancers the cause of neuroblastoma is unknown. The symptoms vary depending on where a child's tumour is. Treatment depends on the age of the child, as well as the size and position of the tumour and whether the disease has spread. Source: Macmillan Cancer Support Advertisement At the hospital, medics performed more tests and gave his parents the heartbreaking news he had a neuroblastoma. Over the next two weeks, medical staff stabilised his breathing and feeding to try and build up his strength. The family were warned that he may need chemotherapy to shrink the tumour. In mid-October, he returned to Belfast alongside a nurse - but weighed just 5lbs, less than when he was born. The oncologist revealed that a neuroblastoma can start to shrink by itself - advising the family to wait before starting chemotherapy. Rylee was still struggling to feed and had to stay in hospital, where they inserted a tube directly into his small intestine. At seven weeks old, he was taken off oxygen and his parents were able to take him home for the first time. Ms Barnes said: ' It was so brilliant to have him home. 'I was finally able to be a mum. It was hard because he still had feeding tubes, but it didnt matter what he was coming home with - I was just happy to have him there. 'None of our families had met him and his dad had only held him a week before that, so it was just brilliant.' He had to have scans every few days to keep an eye on the tumour and in May, at eight months old, he was declared tumour free. Britain's 'cruel' drug rationing system leaves sick patients begging for medicines, experts have warned. Professor David Taylor, of University College London's school of pharmacy, called for the rigid system by which drugs are assessed to be abandoned - and a more flexible approach to be adopted. Launching a report into the future of NHS drug funding yesterday, he said patients were being 'thrown out of the lifeboat'. And he pointed out that 25 times as much money in the UK is spent on fast food than on cancer drugs. Professor David Taylor, of University College London's school of pharmacy, called for the rigid system by which drugs are assessed to be abandoned 'The current approach in the UK is on occasions cruel, uncaring and unacceptable in the sense that some individuals are having to beg for better care,' Professor Taylor said. 'It doesn't mean the whole system is wrong but it seems to me to have an edge of uncaringness.' He said if drugs were paid for appropriately then definitive treatments for cancer and Alzheimer's could be developed in 20 to 30 years. But the NHS is in danger of 'underspending' on medicines, he said, with cost-saving exercises coming ahead of human health. NICE - the NHS watchdog which decides which drugs are to be funded - has not updated its rules for drug evaluation since 2001. Decisions on each drug are based on a 'quality-adjusted life year' score, by which the cost is calculated of giving a patient an extra 'quality' year of life. If that score is deemed to be above 30,000, or 50,000 for seriously ill patients, the drug is not funded. But critics say that this system has not moved with the times, with targeted, gene-based drugs now often costing in excess of 70,000 a year. Launching a report into the future of NHS drug funding yesterday, he said patients were being 'thrown out of the lifeboat Professor Taylor said these thresholds were 'inherently stupid'. 'It has the feel of being scientifically right, but it has no scientific basis,' he said. Instead, he called for each drug to be assessed purely on its clinical merit, on a case by case basis, with the NHS as a whole deciding how much of its budget should be spent on drugs. And that should substantially increase, Professor Taylor said. The current approach in the UK is on occasions cruel, uncaring and unacceptable in the sense that some individuals are having to beg for better care. Professor David Taylor, of University College London's school of pharmacy Professor Taylor's report, entitled 'Affording the Future' said Britain spends 1 per cent of its GDP on pharmaceuticals but in France, Germany and the US this figure stands at 1.5 per cent. He added: 'Anti-cancer medicines cost a little over 0.1 per cent of GDP. If we take fast food alone we are talking between 1.5 per cent and 2 per cent of GDP. 'You could say the same for soft drinks, they cost as much as all NHS medicines.' The proportion of NHS money spent on medicines has remained largely the same for the last five decades - with around 10 per cent of the health service's resources spent on drugs, according to the report, which was funded by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. At the launch of the report, Prof Taylor said: 'We are in danger of pursuing savings at any cost. 'Badly pursued, simplistic health economics is encouraging people to behave as though there is no tomorrow - it's stacking the desire to consume now and get things as cheaply as possible and rewarding that against the long term issue. But the NHS is in danger of 'underspending' on medicines, he said, with cost-saving exercises coming ahead of human health 'We know if we go on investing appropriately over the next 20 or 30 years we really will have definitive treatments for most cancers, we really will be able to manage most neurological disease. 'We have created a culture which is in danger of putting cost saving before health improvement.' Sir Andrew Dillon, chief executive of NICE, said: NICEs approach to making recommendations for new drugs is widely regarded as the fairest and most robust in the world. We use quality adjusted life years to help us decide when a new drug represents good value for money because that allows us to decide when a new treatment provides more benefit to patients than spending the same amount of money on something else. This is essential in making sure that the NHS uses its funding wisely and fairly. Germany funds its health service differently from the NHS and the system it uses to decide what treatments to fund takes account of those differences. A baby boy has been born with his parasitic twin's head and arms hanging down from his chest. Both newborns share the same liver and a large portion of their blood but have a seperate heart and lungs. The yet-to-be named baby is fully formed but his undeveloped brother is missing his genitals and legs. Doctors believe it is likely they will be able to detach the pair but the operation will be risky. Scroll down for video Both newborns share the same liver and a large portion of their blood but have a seperate heart and lungs. The yet-to-be named baby is fully formed but his undeveloped brother is missing his genitals and legs Hemlata Singh, 28, from Rajasthan, India, had never had an ultrasound and was expecting a home delivery for her pregnancy. However, last week when her baby failed to come out she was rushed to Ummed Women's Hospital in Udaipur. But to the shock of medics, who helped her deliver the baby, they discovered he weighed 8lbs 1oz and was not alone - he had an undeveloped twin attached to him. Dr Anurag Singh, Professor of Paediatrics at the hospital said the newborns were a rare case of parasitic twins but could hopefully be detached in a surgery soon. Doctors believe it is likely they will be able to detach the pair but the operation will be risky Cases of parasitic twins are rare and believed to account for just one per one million live births (pictured in hospital) 'It is definitely a rare case of parasitic twin where the second baby is not fully formed,' he said. 'They luckily have separate hearts but share the internal mammary artery. This could make it little complicated to operate but chances of saving the baby is high as it is healthy.' 'We are monitoring the condition of the strong baby and taking help of cardiologist to plan a surgery as soon as their condition is stable.' Parasitic twins are usually a result of a delay in the separation of embryos during conception. They are formed when one embryo maintains a dominant development at the expense of the other. Unlike conjoined twins, one is incompletely formed or wholly dependent on some bodily functions of the complete fetus. Cases of parasitic twins are rare and believed to account for just one per one million live births. A father-of-two and his son have both been diagnosed with the same rare type of tumour. Nathan Lewis, 30, and three-year-old Thiago, from Huddersfield, were both born with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Mr Lewis did not know he suffered from the genetic condition until tests revealed he had developed a rare form of tumour as a result of having it in 2009. While his son was diagnosed with the same type of growth after doctors were unsure what had cause a two inch difference in the size of his legs. But after an initial operation to remove the mass, Mr Lewis has been told it has now developed into a form of cancer. However, the NHS won't fund his treatment. His only hope of being cured means raising 75,000 for pioneering cancer therapy abroad. Nathan Lewis, 30, and his three-year-old son Thiago, from Huddersfield, were both born with neurofibromatosis type 1 Mr Lewis, a support worker, said: 'The NHS said there was nothing else they could do for me. 'We have asked about funding for the treatment abroad but I do not match their criteria. 'They dont think there is anything they can do here but they do send patients to America for this treatment. 'We have seen patients in a worse condition then myself have treatment but yet they say mine is not curable. 'I just dont understand why I cant have the treatment. The whole thing has been rough for everyone and we are still in the same situation. 'We are looking to try and see if we can have treatment in America or for a little cheaper in Europe.' Mr Lewis did not know he suffered from it until tests revealed he had developed a tumour as a result of having it in 2009 While Thiago was diagnosed with the same type of growth after doctors were unsure what was causing his legs to grow at different speeds Mr Lewis was born with NF1 but had no idea until he developed a benign tumour in 2009. Surgeons removed his plexiform neurofibroma in 2011 - but it slowly began to grow back. Last year, when Thiago was just one, tests revealed he had plexiform neurofibromas in his leg - which is not cancerous. WHAT IS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS? Neurofibromatosis the name for a number of genetic conditions that cause swellings or lumps. Although many people who have the condition inherit it from one of their parents, up to 50 per cent develop it randomly from a gene mutation before they are born. Despite their alarming appearance, the growths and swellings - called neurofibromas and caused by a growth of cells - are not cancerous or contagious. NF1 is a condition someone is born with, although some symptoms develop gradually over many years. The severity of the condition can vary considerably from person to person. People with NH1 are more likely to suffer from learning difficulties and behavioural problems. Around 10 per cent of people with NF1 will have vision problems, high blood pressure and a curved spine. They are also more likely to develop a type of cancer known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Advertisement His family visited their GP after they noticed one of his legs was longer than the other one - caused by the condition. Surgeons warned they were unable to operate on him due to the tumours proximity to his spinal cord. Doctors now monitor him every six months to check his tumour hasn't developed further. Mr Lewis added: 'It was very difficult finding out Thiago has NF1. The frustrating thing about is that nothing can be done for him and we have no idea when the tumour can be removed. We can only hope that everything will be OK.' But it was only while Thiago was seeing a consultant earlier this year that Nathan raised concerns over his neck. He was urgently sent for MRI scans, chest X-rays, PET scans a biopsy before doctors diagnosed him with a soft tissue sarcoma - which is cancerous. They believe it developed from his plexiform neurofibroma but is now so large that it is inoperable in the UK. A cure is unlikely as soft tissue sarcomas tend to respond poorly to chemotherapy and radiotherapy won't shrink the tumour enough for it to be worthwhile. However, Mr Lewis decided to go ahead with the radiotherapy and has so far seen a significant reduction in his tumour. His family are friends are now trying to raise more than 75,000 for proton beam therapy in the US or Europe - his only hope of a cure. AFM is a rare virus but the CDC has recording a recent surge in infections 3 more kids diagnosed with AFM in Seattle, bringing total to 11 patients AFM (acute flaccid myelitis) is a fever which can lead to paralysis in kids Three more children have been hospitalized with a rare polio-like disease in Washington state, bringing the total number of patients to 11. According to the state's Department of Health, the newly-diagnosed children are aged between three and 14 years old. They join eight other children currently being treated for the life-threatening neurological disease at Seattle Children's Hospital. Acute flaccid myelitis, a fever which can lead to paralysis and death in children, was first detected in 2014. Doctors say they are not sure if there is one root cause of this year's outbreak across the US. Scroll down for video Three more children have been hospitalized with a rare polio-like disease in Washington state, bringing the total number of patients to 11 (file image) The CDC issued a report in September warning that there has been a recent surge in the number of children contracting AFM this year, and that this outbreak may be worse. 'You hate to be an alarmist, but there's reason to have some concern,' Dr Avindra Nath, chief of the section of infections of the nervous system at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, told The Washington Post. 'What we don't know is where are these cases. Are they clustered? Do they all look alike? Getting more information on these cases would be helpful.' The term 'myelitis' means inflammation of the spinal cord. Transverse myelitis is the broad name of the disease, and there are various sub-types. It is a neurological disorder which inflames the spinal cord across its width ('transverse'), destroying the fatty substance that protects nerve cells. That can lead to paralysis. AFM is an unusual sub-type of transverse myelitis. Patients starts with the same spinal inflammation, but their symptoms are different and the disease develops differently. Primarily, AFM patients are weak and limp, while patients with general transverse myelitis tend to be rigid. Most AFM patients start to struggle with movement of the limbs, face, tongue, and eyes. They then begin to lose control of one limb or sometimes the whole body - though many maintain control of their sensory, bowel and bladder functions. Unlike transverse myelitis, which has been around for years, doctors are still in the dark about why and how AFM manifests itself. Last year, Keith Van Haren, a child neurologist at Stanford University School of Medicine, told The Atlantic that doctors don't know how to treat or prevent the illness. 'It actually looks just like polio, but that term really freaks out the public-health people,' he said. Although officials do not know the specific cause of the illness, the CDC reports that the polio-like illness is most similar to illnesses caused by enteroviruses, West Nile virus, herpesvirus, and the adenovirus. Rebecca Whitney, of the Transverse Myelitis Association, told Daily Mail Online the organization has seen an uptick in families seeking support this year - particularly for children. For families seeking support, families can contact the organization for advice via their website. Whitney, whose child has transverse myelitis, also advised families to consider taking part in the study CAPTURE to help identify causes and treatments. They also run a summer camp, usually in Scottsville, Kentucky, for families and patients. Outlawed: Zakir Naik The Centre has decided to outlaw an NGO promoted by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for five years in relation to alleged terror activities. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, a Home Ministry official said. A formal notification will be issued by the Home Ministry soon. The move comes after investigation by the Home Ministry found the NGO allegedly had dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism, the official said. Scroll down for video... A poster for one of Naik's speeches back in 2002 at the Kamaraj Memorial Hall in Chennai Politicians and writers took to Twitter to show their support for the decision Others registered their disapproval at the proposal to declare the IRF 'unlawful' According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Maharashtra Police has also registered criminal cases against Naik for his alleged involvement in the radicalisation of youths and luring them into terror activities, officials said. Naik also transferred IRFs foreign funds to Peace TV for making objectionable programmes. Presiding: Narendra Modi Most of the programmes, which were made in India, contained alleged hate speeches of Naik, who had reportedly urged all Muslims to be terrorists through Peace TV, they claimed. An educational trust run by Naik has already been prevented from receiving foreign funds and agencies are looking into their activities. He came under the scanner of security agencies after the Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. The Islamic State has made efforts to recruit Indian youths to carry out terror attacks, and Naik is alleged to have urged Muslims to be terrorists through Peace TV He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. As you come out of the Paro International Airport in Bhutan, the first thing which strikes you is that the Land of the Dragon (Druk-yul) is different from any the other place you may have visited. Though a modern state, it has retained its architecture, traditional dresses, language, among others. As importantly, Druk-yul has also kept its independence, which has not been the case of its once powerful northern neighbour, Tibet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck While both Himalayan states functioned in a complete autonomous (and often reclusive) manner for centuries, Tibet became a colony of China in 1950. One question comes immediately to mind: how did Bhutan manage to keep its 'independence'? History Tibet's recent history is well known: a brutal force, with its strategic and ideological designs, took over the peaceful land of the Dalai Lamas. The communist invasion was so violent that more than one million Tibetans perished during the first decades. It is perhaps due to some kind of good karma that Bhutan did not have to go through such an ordeal, though its location is extremely strategic. Bhutan has retained its architecture, traditional dresses, and language Tibet's Chumbi Valley, sandwiched between Haa district of Bhutan and Sikkim, commands the entry to the vulnerable 'Siliguri Corridor'. India's support to the Happy Kingdom has been vital. Article I of the 1949 Treaty of Peace and Friendship says: 'There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between the Government of India and the Government of Bhutan.' The Article II assures Bhutan against any interference: 'The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan.' However during a few decades, the Royal Government agreed 'to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations.' In 1971, it is Delhi who sponsored Bhutan's candidature to the UN; it was then wisely decided that Thimphu would have no diplomatic relations with any of the permanent members of the Security Council (India has had an embassy in Thimphu since 1968). In 1981, Bhutan became 'global' and joined the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and a year later the World Health Organisation and UNESCO. Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama and India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru An active SAARC member, Bhutan has today diplomatic relations with 52 states and the European Union. But this does not explain how Bhutan has kept its Buddhist tradition so remarkably alive. My conclusion, after a 10-day sojourn in Bhutan, is that the Royal Government has successfully managed to tackle the 'migrants' issue. Migration' is everywhere a sensitive matter. The French authorities have decided to evacuate over 2,000 migrants from a makeshift camp located near the Stalingrad metro station in Paris. Earlier in the week, Reuters reported: 'Demolition teams finished tearing down unoccupied shacks and tents in the northern seaside town on Monday after last week's evacuation of thousands of migrants from the 'Jungle' camp where more than 6,000 people were living, most in the hope of making it across the Channel to Britain.' Dilemma Some 10 years ago, Bhutan faced its own eviction dilemma when the Lhotshampas, or Bhutanese of Nepali origin, had to be resettled to third countries, primarily the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. In the late 1980s, the Bhutanese government had estimated 28 per cent of the Bhutanese population to be of Nepalese origin (unofficial estimates ran as high as 30-40 per cent). The result of the census led to name Nepali refugees as 'illegal immigrants'. A year later, Thimphu decided to stand by its own identity: the national dress code was made mandatory. All citizens, including the Lhotshampas, were required to follow the dress code in public during business hours. Then, the government removed Nepali as a language of instruction in schools, making Dzongkha, the national language, compulsory. The Human Rights organisation pointed an accusing finger at Thimphu, which stood by its decision, because Nepali influx has not been something new to Bhutan. Already in March 1954, volunteers of the Bhutan State Congress (defending the Nepali 'cause') marched from India across the border to launch a satyagraha at Sarbhang in southern Bhutan, where thousands of Nepali Bhutanese lived. They were protesting against the treatment of the 'migrants'. Tibetan orphans arrive in Pathankot, India on April 1963, with american military planes to reach by bus Dharamsala where Dalai Lama took refuge Identity The Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had to write to his Nepali counterpart: 'A number of Nepali organisations are organising satyagraha in Bhutan. 'They have made their base in Indian territory This is exceedingly embarrassing to us as it must be to your government.' Nehru continued, 'We cannot encourage Indian territory to be made the base of operations. 'I am sure that your government also cannot approve of this method. Governments do not function in this way Any difficulties in Bhutan should be dealt with in a different and governmental way.' Human Rights activists have remained vociferous about the Nepalis' rights, though it is now clear that the Royal Government took the right decision. Today Bhutan would have been unable to promote Gross National Happiness if the ticklish migrant issue had not been solved; it ultimately greatly helped the nation to preserve its own identity and culture. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, inspects the guard of honour during the ceremonial reception of Bhutan's King on January 25, 2013 in New Delhi, India One can always argue that we are living in a global village and nobody can stop forces of globalisation, but the fact remains that part of the happiness which Bhutan is famed for is due to the absence of tension between the local population and emigres. As part of its campaign against black money, the BJP high command has instructed all its party men to stay away from Gali Janardhan Reddy's daughter's lavish wedding in Bengaluru. The party feels its image may get dented if it associates itself with the extravagant wedding, which comes amid the chaos and politics over the government's demonetisation scheme. Many Karnataka ministers and city VVIPs have also expressed their regrets over not attending the marriage bash. The lavish five-day wedding of businessmen and ex-state minister G Janardhana Reddy's daughter, Brahmani, is estimated to cost about 5 billion rupees Gaali Janardhan Reddy and Aruna Lakshmi's daughter Brahmani The invites to the wedding scheduled on November 16 were sent on LCD devices. Helium balloons with photos of the Reddy family hover over the Bengaluru Palace grounds, the venue of the wedding, which is likely to be attended by 50,000 people. A host of Bollywood and Kannada stars including Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are expected to perform at the wedding. Photos of the bride-to-be Brahmani decked in kilos of gold and diamond have been circulating on social media for a while. Reddy, a former BJP minister and one of the richest politicians in Karnataka, is one of the main accused in the Bellary illegal mining scam. Disapproval of the lavish nuptials exploded across Twitter and Modi's demonetisation is questioned against such a costly event LCD invitation: The ostentatiousness of the wedding has angered many The mining baron's daughter Brahmani's lavish wedding kick-started with larger than life settings and rituals with money being lavishly spent on LCD invites, star guests and other lavish settings. Gali Janardhan Reddy is known as one of the richest politicians of Karnataka who has served term after being charge-sheeted illegal mining in the state. The world's oldest profession is passing through its 'lowest-ever phase' in the National Capital after the Union government withdrew high-value currency notes to curb black money and terror funding. The sex-trade in Delhi-NCR is a cash-only business and the 'agents' that spoke to Mail Today disclosed that from high-end escort agencies operating in the colonies to moderate brothel houses at GB Road, there was a 60- 80 per cent decline in customer flow, even though Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were being accepted by them. 'This is unprecedented. We have never witnessed such a decline before,' said an agent who operates from Saket and Mahipalpur in South Delhi. The sex-trade in Delhi-NCR is a cash-only business but money is scarce 'All we can do to sustain ourselves is to give discount and accept banned notes. We have convinced girls to accept old currency promising help in depositing those in bank,' he said. Mail Today called up a couple of escort agencies all of which agreed to accept old currency notes. 'Sex industry runs on hard cash,' explained Prince, an agent who operates from Green Park. 'People don't have new currency to pay and even that supply is limited. Those who have new currency are busy buying basic commodities while Rs 100 notes are being hoarded for emergency use. In this situation, the pleasure industry is bound to be hit.' Brothels have reported a 60- 80 per cent decline in customers. An Indian man displays a new 2000 rupee note after exchanging his old 500 and 1000 rupee notes at a bank in New Delhi. To deal with low demand, most agents disclosed that they have slashed the rates by 30 per cent. 'The services that came for Rs 5,000, are now available at Rs 3,500. We are have been informing our regular customers about lowered prices through message services on phone,' said another agent. Not only is it the high-paid sex workers but Delhi's notorious red light area GB Road has also reported sharp decline in footfalls in the last week. Rabia, a 25-year-old sex worker at one of the kothas said she hasn't entertained any customer for last seven days. 'I used to get seven to eight customers everyday but now no one is coming,' Rabia said. Others, who refused to disclose their identities, said Rs 100 notes had become a hoarder's item and customers were unwilling to part with it. 'Initially, we were wary of accepting Rs 500 notes after the news on TV but our middle-men advised us to go ahead. But now the customers are nowhere to be seen.' There are about 5,000 sex workers operating from nearly 150 kothas in GB Road, most of whom do not have any bank accounts and rely on old chests to keep their earnings. 'Since, a lot of us have come from West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orrisa, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh, we do not have Aadhar or Ration cards,' said Dimple. Girls looking out of a window secured with bars in New Delhi's Redlight District (file pic) 'Bank staffs demands documents to exchange old notes which we do not have. We can only rely on our middleman to get our savings exchanged into new notes,' she said. According to estimates, the flesh trade in Delhi-NCR witnesses daily cash transactions running into crores of rupees. With the recent currency ban, the business has been dealt with a 'rude blow'. An escort agency agent, who identified himself as Jeetu, told Mail Today that most of the girls in up-market flesh trade are into this business for quick money on a part-time basis. With little access and knowledge of money-transfer gateways, most lowly-paid sex workers are quick to blame political masters for their situation 'Girls come to us on a weekly or daily basis against payment of fixed amount. They maintain bank accounts and it is not difficult for them to deposit Rs 15,000-20,000 in a day,' Jeetu said. 'The problem is at the demand end.' Agents said social messaging apps are in high use to lure new and loyal customers. 'We are busy drafting attractive messages and sending them to our contact lists. We are surviving somehow,' said Jeetu. While up-scale sex trade is finding new ways to stay afloat, the hopes are running thin at their modestly priced fellow traders. With little access and knowledge of money-transfer gateways, most lowly-paid sex workers are quick to blame politicians for their situation. 'We are sex workers but it does not mean we are not humans. We are forced to live in pathetic condition and Modi has created a disastrous situation for us,' said Savita, a 52-year-old sex worker at GB Road. Proposal also sets out to better help families of military like Lance Naik Hanumanthappa K who died earlier this year Recognising the valour of Indian soldiers, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has more than doubled the compensation for widows and families of soldiers dying while fighting for the country. The move comes at a time when several Indian soldiers have been killed in the cross-border firing incidents with Pakistan following India's surgical strike across the Line of Control. The revision of compensation for the families paid for by the government funds was first done by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998 and the second revision has been done after a gap of more than 16 years. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (far left) pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti on Kargil Vijay Diwas in New Delhi The hike approved by Parrikar will also help in giving more money to families of soldiers like Lance Naik Hanumanthappa K, who died earlier this year, as they would be covered under the Seventh Pay Commission that would come into effect from January 1 2017. While reviewing the compensation, the Defence Minister also enhanced the areas and type of actions in which the compensation would be given to the soldiers who die for their country, defence ministry officials told Mail Today. According to a defence ministry circular issued recently, the ex-gratia lump-sum compensation to the next of kin of the deceased defence forces personnel has been revised in five major categories. Indian soldiers patrol in the Kargil sector against a Pakistani-backed armed intrusion into India's side of Kashmir in 1999 (file picture). 'For deaths occurring due to accidents in the course of performance of duties, the compensation has been increased from the existing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh,' the circular stated. This amount is payable to the kin of soldiers who die in road or train accidents or some other accident while performing their duties. Defence ministry officials also clarified that the enhanced amount is paid totally from the welfare fund of the government and is separate from the insurance and other funds for which soldiers are entitled. For the families of those soldiers who die while directly taking part in border skirmishes and action against militants and extremists, the compensation amount has been increased by Rs 20 lakh. 'This means that the families of soldiers who died in skirmishes in the recent incidents on the Line of Control (LoC) would get Rs 35 lakh as compensation, which was earlier Rs 15 lakh,' an official said. With the Navy expanding its area of operations to counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and near the coast of Somalia, Parrikar has also included these actions under the enhanced compensation ambit. India lost 527 troops when Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants took up positions on the Indian side of the Line Of Control (file picture) Operations against sea pirates started in 2008, but fortunately, so far, no Indian Navy person has become a casualty there. The ex-gratia amount to be paid to the families of soldiers dying in high altitude areas such as Siachen has also been enhanced to Rs 35 lakh from the existing Rs 15 lakh. 'For deaths occurring during enemy action in war or war-like engagements, in a war-torn zone in foreign country, the compensation has been increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 45 lakh,' the official added. The government has also included the operations of the Navy and Air Force to evacuate Indian nationals from foreign countries in times of crisis. After the Modi government came into power, Indian forces have been deployed in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other conflict-torn countries for evacuating Indian nationals who were stuck there. Rising number affected: The number of elderly people needing care will hit an estimated 4.1 million by 2030 (file picture) A couple of elderly family friends have two full-time carers living in their large home in Dorking, Surrey. Even though John and Jenny are comfortably off in their retirement, the NHS pays the bill. Why? Because, since a recent hospital visit, Jenny has been unable to get out of bed without two people lifting her, so qualifies for something called continuing healthcare. That means the only costs to John, who can walk unaided, albeit not as quickly as in his rambling days, are the carers' meals (he sends them with cash to nearby restaurants) and board (a room each). Now imagine a less well-to-do neighbouring couple in their leafy North Downs valley, who both develop Alzheimer's or Parkinson's and need daily help washing, dressing and collecting their shopping. The NHS won't necessarily foot their care bills, so they face annual fees of at least 5,000, unless a family member steps in or their assets tally less than 23,250. As the number of elderly people needing care soars from 2.5 million today to an estimated 4.1 million by 2030, working out whether you will qualify for this type of funding will become a vital topic for families across the country. Yet the stories you tell us suggest care funding is deeply flawed. Our wonderful NHS, the envy of our European and American neighbours, gives us free healthcare in our working lives but, as soon as our mental and physical powers start to diminish, the state washes its hands of us. Despite paying taxes and National Insurance for years, the elderly are forced to take crude tests to decide if the NHS will fund their needs. Obtaining so-called continuing healthcare funding, as my Dorking friends enjoy, can be a monumental struggle, particularly for someone with dementia. You qualify only if a 'healthcare professional' decides you need serious help around the clock. But that is an incredibly grey area, and there is evidence that many people are treated unfairly. In a report this week, 13 major charities, including the Alzheimer's Society and Age UK, say support is being denied those who should be eligible. For instance, eating and drinking is considered a 'social' need, rather than a 'healthcare' need (don't ask me to explain the difference ). As a result, the Continuing Healthcare Alliance (CHA) says anyone struggling to feed themselves might not qualify unless they were 'at the point of death'. Equally, an elderly relative who has serious bed sores might qualify for support if they have broken skin, but not if they are moved regularly and the skin is unbroken. Patients getting care funding are also put through unsettling reassessments each year, even if they have conditions that worsen over time, such as Alzheimer's. Hundreds of people gave testimony to the CHA. Some families said they had been refused time and again before being granted help; others had vital funding withdrawn. Of the families who needed care, 60 per cent were unaware of this funding until very late in some cases, so far down the line that their relatives died before being assessed. We face a care crisis in Britain, with homes closing because of Government funding cutbacks. Last year, nearly 650,000 hospital days were lost because people could not get the vital help that they required. Next week Chancellor Philip Hammond will deliver his Autumn Statement and explain what he is going to spend our taxes on. To my mind, he must put looking after our elderly at the top of his list. We need more state-run care homes, more help for families who look after relatives and an end to this care fees lottery. Our fight goes on Finally, we have a cap on the ripoff fees insurers charge savers to cash in their pensions. From next April you will pay no more than 1 per cent to access your money before your insurer wants you to. Money Mail has campaigned against these fees, but this is a shameful compromise. Why has the Government outlawed exit fees on new pensions, yet allowed firms to continue charging 1 per cent on older plans? The truth is insurers badgered the authorities until they got a pathetic cap, rather than a ban, to protect their precious profit margins. This is a perfect example of how the cosy Westminster and City elites stitch us up even when they are purporting to help us. It is also why Money Mail will not rest until we have fair play for all savers who want to use the so-called pension 'freedoms' to cash in their pots. If you support our campaign to find a way for savers to cash in annuities they don't want or need, let me know. We will be doing some lobbying of our own on your behalf in Westminster and the City over the next few weeks. Delivery disservice Did you know Royal Mail has stopped forwarding your mail free of charge? A letter to me was accidentally sent to my parents' home in Sussex and the Post Office refused to redeliver it without a new stamp. Back in London, I got a card on my doormat saying 'postage not paid' and then the local sorting office charged me 2 because the corner of the stamp was slightly damaged. Our posties do a terrific job but there is no need for Royal Mail to rip us off. Even in tough times, charging 2 because a stamp is crumpled in transit is nothing more than exploitation. The worst bit was opening the envelop to find junk mail from my bank offering me a loan. No wonder families get into so much debt. He dismissed them as death traps for investors just three years ago but legendary investor Warren Buffett has changed his tune about airlines. The billionaire was scathing about returns offered by carriers in 2013, saying they had delivered nothing positive for a century. But Buffett's business Berkshire Hathaway invested in four US flight operators in the third quarter of the year, and now has an 805million stake in American Airlines alone. Buffett had previously told an audience at his company's annual meeting the industry was 'a death trap for investors'. Buffett shunned the airlines after losing cash from a 1989 bet on US Air which went bankrupt and saw him almost lose all of his investment. In 2003, the Sage of Omaha joked that he called an emergency 'air-aholic' hotline whenever he felt the urge to buy airline stocks. But lower oil costs and a decision to resist price wars helped firms to record profits last year. In profit: First Group has swung into profit thanks to its US school bus business First Group has swung into profit thanks to its US school bus business. The operator of the Croydon Tramlink, Great Western Railway and First Hull Trains said a strong performance from its services in the US helped it move from a 7.5million loss last year to a 11.1million profit. In a half-year report, the transport group also posted a 5.1 per cent increase in revenue, helped by growth in First Student and First Transit, which run school buses and public and private transport in North America. Chief executive Tim OToole said the company expected good progress this year helped by the fall in the pound but also warned of uncertain economic conditions in the UK. Arun Nayar, pictured with Liz Hurley, was a director in failed Uber rival Karhoo Elizabeth Hurley's ex husband lost money after Uber-rival Karhoo collapsed following a scandal over lavish executive spending. Wealthy textile heir Arun Nayar was a director in the London based start-up, which claimed to have thousands of customers but crashed into administration last month. It later emerged that Daniel Ishag, its flamboyant founder and chief executive, had gone on a spending spree in the months before the firm's demise. Nayar, who is worth a reported 161m, was an early investor, helping with the technology and becoming its third director. He was among the investors who lost huge sums of money when it folded leaving debts of 30m. Now it has emerged that the 52- year-old has widened his losses by dipping into his own pockets to compensate staff who were left unpaid. One former employee, who asked not to be named, said: 'He is the only guy that comes out of this with any credit. 'When staff in London were told they wouldn't get paid, he was the only one who put his hand in his pocket to help people.' It is understood Nayar was an old friend of Ishag, and was 'furious' at Ishag's spending, which included thousands on designer clothes and vet bills for his pet pug. It's a dispute over a beauty spot beside the Indian Ocean which has dragged in a former Government minister and seen accusations of foul play levied at a retired African general. Yesterday, British firm Pathfinder Minerals won the latest stage in a titanic legal battle to get permission to mine in Mozambique. Pathfinder, which is based in London and is listed on the AIM, was allowed to sell 8million shares held by former Mozambique senior minister General Jacinto Soares Veloso and lawyer Diogo Jose Henriques Cavaco in a court case which has cost more than 1.1million. British firm Pathfinder Minerals has won the latest stage in a titanic legal battle to get permission to mine in Mozambique Since August it has been allowed to sell 19million shares held by the pair. Today it announced it has actually sold 8million held by Cavaco. It reserves the right to sell a further 11m held by Veloso. It is the latest stage in a row over the right to mine in heavy sands on the Mozambique coast that began in 2011, when Veloso and Cavaco alleged that Pathfinder didn't have the proper permission to mine in the region. Pathfinder had acquired a local firm which had held licences to mine there. But Veloso and Cavaco claimed that this did not mean Pathfinder now had permission. So the pair transferred the licences to a different company of a very similar name, claiming they were entitled to do so as Pathfinder had never validly acquired its subsidiary. In 2012 Pathfinder won a case at the High Court against Veloso and Cavaco over the rights to mine in heavy mineral sands on the country's Indian Ocean coast. But both fought on even claiming that the court case in London should never have been heard, and neither have paid the 1.1million costs owed. Then in 2014 Pathfinder appointed former Parliamentary Under-Secretary in the Foreign Office, Sir Henry Bellingham as non executive chairman, a barrister, to help them fight the claim. Tory MP Bellingham was engulfed in scandal immediately on being appointed after it emerged he had sent letters supporting Pathfinder before being appointed to his position. The North West Norfolk MP earns 4,000 a month for four to seven hours work advising on strategy and corporate governance for Pathfinder. Yesterday the firm sold 8m shares to four buyers for 73,360 having won a High Court ruling to force Veloso and Cavaco to abide by the original 2012 court decision. Pathfinder is also allowed to sell just over 11million shares held by Veloso's company, JV Consultores Internacionais Limitada. Pathfinder said yesterday it hoped some of the proceeds from the sale of shares could help in its fight to recover its mining licences and get to work. It has lodged a new case with Mozambique's supreme court asking it to recognise the 2012 High Court judgment, and is also trying to influence politicians. There is little indication of how long the legal and political processes might take, but Pathfinder said it 'hopes to return to developing a mine in Mozambique's Zambezia Province soon, creating hundreds of jobs in a region where employment and infrastructure are sorely needed'. A company spokesman said: 'The board is optimistic that the Mozambique Supreme Court will recognise the English High Court judgment because there is precedent there for recognising a foreign judgment. 'There are many foreign companies interested in doing business in Mozambique, given the country's vast natural resources, so it is natural that foreign investors will want to have comfort that the jurisdiction of their country's courts will be recognised there,' the spokesman said. Bellingham is understood not to be leading negotiations with the Mozambique government. 'Sir Henry Bellingham is a non-executive director of Pathfinder and provides valuable strategic counsel to the board and an appropriate level of governance oversight,' the spokesman said. 'His interest in developing business opportunities for British companies in Africa and his deep knowledge of the region make him ideally suited to helping steer Pathfinder.' Tesco Bank denies that a rogue employee helped hackers to raid 9,000 customer accounts last week. It refuses to explain what happened while the National Crime Agency investigates. But the bank will say customers do not need to change their passwords as their data was not 'compromised'. Aftermath of raid: Tesco Bank refuses to explain what happened while the National Crime Agency investigates That suggests crooks got directly into its systems, rather than obtaining customers' details by so-called email 'phishing' scams or similar. A spokesman for Tesco Bank says: 'We'd like to reassure our customers that none of their personal data has been compromised.' Those affected have been refunded to the tune of 2.5 million. The temporary ban on online debit card payments has also been lifted. Service tricked her into giving up her property rights for $700,000 She has alleged the Roads and Ms Young says the houseboat is a danger but can't make any changes due to a protracted legal battle ' with mould building up on the walls and moisture weakening the timber Advertisement A woman with million-dollar views of Sydney Harbour is being forced to live in 'squalor' as a 30-year legal dispute has left her unable to maintain her houseboat. Maureen Young's home floats in Mosman's exclusive Pearl Bay and is one of only four houseboats permanently moored in Sydney Harbour. But her unique residence is a far cry from the beautifully maintained and modern facilities her neighbours call home - instead it is riddled with rotting wood, peeling paint and mould. 'This is a disaster waiting to happen - it's just a matter of when, not if,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video Maureen Young (pictured) has with million dollar views of Sydney Harbour but claims she is being forced to live in 'squalor' as a 30 year legal dispute has left her unable to maintain her houseboat Water seeps through the walls when it rains which has weakened the timber and leaves an awful damp smell lingering in the air. Ausgrid have done a safety inspection of the boat and warned a recent storm that battered Sydney moved the structure off its site on the seabed and fear it could be completely pulled off if there is another serious weather event, Ms Young said. The ceiling has started to collapse, the deck is rotted and the roof is covered crudely with a large blue tarpaulin. Water rings stain the interiors which are stacked with boxes as Ms Young has been forced to stop renovations to a second level which would double the space she has to live in. 'Nobody argues that that the houseboat is derelict but they should be acting on it so I am not in danger and others are not in danger,' she said. The one-bedroom dwelling floats in Mosman's exclusive Pearl Bay and is one of only four houseboats permanently moored in Sydney Harbour But her unique residence (left) is a far cry from the beautifully maintained and modern facilities her neighbours call home (right) and is instead riddled with rotting wood, peeling paint and mould Water seeps through the walls when it rains which as weakened the timber and leaves an awful damp smell lingering in the air The top deck - which has an expansive view of Pearl Bay - is covered in a large blue tarpaulin to stop water leaking in The timber surrounding the boat and the wooden walkway have been weakened by moisture and are dangerous to use Ms Young has been forced to use temporary fixes inside the house boat which she purchased in 1983 Water rings stain the interiors which are stacked with boxes as Ms Young is unable to expand the pokey home Renovations for a second level were abandoned amidst the legal battle which has been raging for almost 30 years Ms Young describes her houseboat 'Tanderra' as a 'disaster waiting to happen', while Mosman deputy mayor Simon Menzies proclaimed it should be 'towed out to sea and sunk', Property Observer reported. 'It is totally derelict. The old super structure was lifted by a crane in 1988 and has had a tarp on it since then,' Ms Young said. 'The timber is warped, the windows have to be pegged up - the whole thing is out of sync,' she added. Ms Young would love to convert the eye-sore into a luxury residential dwelling, but claims she is powerless to renovate or sell it as she has been locked in a legal battle with the Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) since 1987. She purchased Tanderra - which is tucked away in the heart of an exclusive Sydney suburb where houses with similar views sell for millions - for $123,000 in 1983 with hopes the value would skyrocket. In 1987, the RMS asked Ms Young to start paying rent, which is when she claims they fooled her into giving up her property rights. She accepted a settlement figure of $700,000 in 2009 and agreed to a 20-year lease that recognised she had an interest in the seabed her boat was attached to, known as a residential lease. But Ms Young said she was duped and instead placed on a domestic lease, which she claims restricts her rights as a home owner and has scared lenders off meaning she can't get a loan to complete renovations. Ms Young purchased Tanderra - which is tucked away in the heart of an exclusive Sydney suburb where houses with similar views sell for millions - for $123,000 in 1983 with hopes the value would skyrocket In 1987, the RMS asked Ms Young to start paying rent, which is when she claims they fooled her into giving up her property rights (Pictured: Bedroom) Ms Young has million dollar views of the harbour that can not be obstructed by developments directly from her bedroom The beautiful views are in stark contrast to the rotting timber, peeling paint and rusted paint buckets on the deck A domestic lease is used for 'boating facilities that front residential waterfront properties, such as jetties, ramps, pontoons' and has created ambiguity around what the property is defined as, and what it can be sold as, Domain reported. Ms Young believes she should be provided a replacement property which matches what Tanderra has to offer - a north facing aspect with views of the harbour in the Mosman area. Court documents state Ms Young has attempted to claim damages worth $89 million for the 'various wrongdoings' relating to her the financial interest in the houseboat and the land its attached to. She attempted to sell in 2012 after having plans drawn up for a luxury three-bedroom, two bathroom dwelling with a large modern living area which she said would cost around $600,000. But buyers were put off as the lease - which costs around $3,700 a year to maintain - does not define the houseboat's use by law. She attempted to sell in 2012 after having plans drawn up for a luxury three-bedroom, two bathroom dwelling with a large modern living area But buyers were put off as the lease - which costs around $3,700 to maintain - does not define the houseboat's use by law John Melville from McGrath Mosman said it was impossible to place a value on the houseboat, 'no matter the quality'. 'Houses along Pearl Bay Avenue sell from $2 to $10 million, however this is not a house,' he told Daily Mail Australia. He said complications surrounding the lease, the ability to renovate and long term viability of living in a house boat would turn buyers off. 'There is so much uncertainty about what the property is buyers wouldn't even know exactly what they were purchasing.' Mr Melville said the cost of maintaining a property in the affluent area would far exceed the cost of the lease as residents are expected to fork out 'at least ten times' the $3,700 fee in land taxes. Floating homes are now prohibited under the Sydney Harbour Regional Environmental Plan 2005 and leases for house boats are no longer granted by RMS. Acosta-Sanchez had fled police after they let him go back to get his wallet Had tried to help police catch Acosta-Sanchez in the previous days Claimed he fired in self-defense as he held Acosta-Sanchez at gunpoint A man who fatally shot a rape suspect he was trying to turn in to police was found guilty of manslaughter on Monday. David Carlson, 46, claimed he fired his gun in self-defense in October 2013 as he held Norris Acosta-Sanchez at gunpoint so a neighbor could call police. Acosta-Sanchez had been charged with statutory rape of a teenage girl and had been staying at a summer cabin by Carlson's home near the Pennsylvania border. Carlson was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter by a jury in neighboring Orange County after more than seven days of deliberations. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced in January. David Carlson (left), 46, who fatally shot rape suspect Norris Acosta-Sanchez (right) in October 2013, was found guilty of manslaughter Monday in Orange County, New York Carlson's supporters say he's more a victim than a vigilante, but prosecutors said he was the aggressor. 'Justice was done,' Acosta-Sanchez's relative Charles Nieves told the Middletown Times Herald-Record after the verdict. Carlson had been trying to help police catch Acosta-Sanchez in the days leading up the shooting. Acosta-Sanchez, who was wanted in the nearby town of Ramapo after being accused of sleeping with a 14-year-old girl, allegedly confessed to his crime. Over the next few days, Carlson and his wife, Sarah, hatched two plans to try to help police catch Acosta-Sanchez, the New York Post reported. On one occasion, they told an officer about the situation and said they would deliberately speed down a stretch of road with the accused rapist in the car. When they were pulled over, police would have their man. Carlson (pictured) tried to help police catch Acosta-Sanchez before the shooting That plan failed. They tried a similar plot a second time, and this time they were pulled over. Acosta-Sanchez, who was in the car at the time, gave police a fake name and was driven back to the cabin where he was staying. But the moment the police car pulled in, he pushed his way out of the back-seat - where he had not been handcuffed - and escaped into the woods. The third time also failed, despite police obtaining a 'no knock warrant', according to the Post. The Orange County Sheriffs Office sent 23 of its most highly trained officers, including two snipers and a dog squad, to the property to make an arrest. Again Acosta-Sanchez escaped. Acosta-Sanchez on one occasion fled police after they let him go back to the cabin he was staying in to get his wallet. Defense lawyers said Acosta-Sanchez showed up at Carlson's home before the shooting. They said Carlson came out with his shotgun, and the two men began walking to a neighbor's house so Carlson could call police. Carlson was remanded to county jail on bail of $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash. The state of Wisconsin has made a last ditch attempt to keep Making A Murderer's Brendan Dassey in prison, saying he poses a 'serious public safety issue' if he is released. Dassey was due to be freed after his conviction for first degree murder, second degree sexual assault, and mutilation of a corpse was overturned in August. His case was thrown into question after he was featured on the hit Netflix series. Dassey and his uncle Steven Avery were convicted of killing local photographer Teresa Halbach, who disappeared on October 31, 2005. Scroll down for video Brendan Dassey is escorted out of a Manitowoc County Circuit courtroom in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Dassey's homicide conviction was overturned after his case was profiled in the Netflix series Making A Murderer Her charred remains were later found in a car on the Avery family property, and the two men were sentenced to life in prison. During the investigation, Dassey, who is of below average intelligence and was 16 years old at the time, underwent a series of interrogations without counsel or parent present. While being interrogated, Dassey confessed to being a co-conspirator to the rape and murder, but his confession was later described as 'clearly involuntary in a constitutional sense'. Avery, whose conviction was also thrown into doubt on the Netflix series, is currently serving a life sentence for the crimes. He is pursuing his own appeal. A federal court order was made on Monday to release Dassey, but Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel asked that it be put on hold, saying the harm in releasing him is 'real and substantial.' Schimel also appealed the order to release Dassey, who is now 27, to the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals. Steven Avery, left, is escorted out of a Manitowoc County Courtroom. He is currently serving a life sentence Schimel asked US Magistrate Judge William Duffin to decide on the request to put on hold Duffin's ruling releasing Dassey by 4 pm today. The state also will be filing an emergency motion in the federal appeals court, Schimel said. Dassey remained in prison in Wisconsin while the legal fight played out. His attorneys had to tell probation officers by Tuesday where he planned to live upon release. The location is subject to inspection before Dassey is released. Photographer Teresa Halbach disappeared on October 31, 2005. Her charred remains were later found in a car on the Avery family property Dassey's attorney, Steve Drizin, said on Monday that he hoped Dassey would be home by Thanksgiving. Dassey's family lives in north-east Wisconsin. Drizin did not immediately return phone or email messages Tuesday seeking comment on the state's appeal of the order to release Dassey. The judge ruled in August that investigators tricked Dassey into confessing he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape, kill and mutilate photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005 at the Avery family salvage yard in Manitowoc County. Brendan Dassey, left, listens to testimony at the Manitowoc County Courthouse. Dassey's supervised release is contingent upon him meeting multiple conditions Dassey was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilating a corpse. He was sentenced to life in prison in 2007. Court documents describe Dassey as a slow learner who had poor grades and has difficulty understanding language and speaking. Dassey's conviction was overturned in August on the grounds that his confession was coerced. In its court filings Tuesday, the state argued that regardless of any legal challenges to Dassey's confession 'the record does not support a claim that Dassey is actually innocent.' Making a Murderer accomplice Brendan Dassey is on the cusp of freedom, but family and friends fear that it will come at a price - and his incarcerated uncle Steven Avery will be made to pay. Wisconsin federal judge William Duffin demanded on Monday that 27-year-old Dassey should be released while he awaits a retrial, although the state has filed an emergency motion to keep him behind bars. Duffin denied the state's motion on Wednesday morning and ordered Dassey to be released from custody of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections by 8pm on Friday. But family confidant and prison campaigner Shaun Attwood warns that Dassey's release spells bad news for his uncle, Steven Avery, 54. Brendan Dassey's release could mean the state would focus more resources toward keeping his uncle, Steven Avery, according to a family friend A federal judge has ordered that Brendan Dassey be released from prison immediately. Dassey is pictured on the left, being led from Wisconsin court on March 3, 2006. He's pictured on the right in his 2006 police interview Avery was sentenced to life without parole for killing 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach on October 31, 2005, alongside his nephew Dassey, then 16, who at the time had a mental age of nine, and was interrogated by police without an adult present. At the time of his arrest, Avery was suing Manitowoc County for $36 million over being wrongfully imprisoned after facing 18 years for sexually assaulting Penny Beersten. Dassey had his original conviction quashed by Judge Duffin in August, who said investigators tricked him into a confession, but that ruling is being appealed by the State. According to Attwood, supporters have been thinking it's a 'foregone conclusion' that Avery will be set free because his lawyer Kathleen Zellner is demanding the court uses new forensic DNA testing methods, which she says will prove that Avery's blood had been planted in Halbach's Toyota RAV4 car - and is actually older than the vehicle itself. High profile Chicago-lawyer Zellner has headed up Avery's legal team since Making A Murderer became a global Netflix sensation. She specializes in wrongful convictions and, so far, has a 100 per cent success record, exonerating 18 innocent people. She says that new evidence will not only clear Avery, but promises to reveal the identity of the real killer. Yet, 47-year-old Attwood says that Wisconsin state prosecutors - led by Attorney General Brad Schimel - will do anything to keep Avery locked up and are armed with tens of millions to fight a 'dirty' legal battle. Family confidant and prison campaigner Shaun Attwood says that prosecutors will 'cling tighter' to Avery's conviction, saying they 'still have their man' even if Dassey was not an accomplice Avery, pictured above with an unidentified friend, was sentenced to life without parole for killing 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach on October 31, 2005 Attwood has written a book on the case called Un-making A Murderer: The Framing of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, which gave him access to the Avery and Dassey families, as well as in-depth case details. He says that the State is desperate not to lose face, money, and avoid possible corruption charges. He adds: 'It is bad for Steven because the State will now cling tighter to his conviction on the basis that if Brendan hadn't helped kill Teresa, they still have their man. 'After Brendan's release, Schimel will pull every dirty trick he knows to keep Steven inside, so that the corruption involved in framing both of them - that goes right to the top of the Wisconsin justice system - will never be exposed. Theresa Halbach (pictured) was killed on Halloween 2005, after she visited the Avery family's salvage yard in Manitowoc County. Investigators allege Avery lured her there by asking her to take photos of a minivan 'We're talking tens of millions in taxpayers money prosecuting these guys, it's going to be a dirty battle, that State will fight it tooth and nail. Expect it to take a long time, it could take five years [before Avery is released]. 'But Zellner has filed the most comprehensive testing motion ever in the state of Wisconsin. Science has advanced since the conviction, so the testing should bring new facts to light such as the date of the blood in the RAV4. 'Why would the state have to focus resources on keeping him in prison? To prevent the same situation as the first wrongful conviction, i.e. paying out compensation. 'If the Avery case opens the floodgates, how many more lawsuits could come about from other inmates suing the Wisconsin State for phoney DNA results? It could run into the hundreds of millions. 'These prosecutors and governors run on being tough on crime and adhering at all costs to saying that these guys are guilty, that's why the resources of the entire state of Wisconsin is stacked up against Steven and Brendan.' Attwood says that the plea bargaining between the lawyers and the State will be starting now behind-the-scenes - and could even involve Dassey saying Avery is guilty. Atwood, who served six years in prison for dealing ecstasy while making millions on the stock market. He has been around the world advocating for the release of Dassey and Avery Dassey will not be allowed to contact his co-defendant and uncle Steven Avery (pictured left in a recent jail picture, and on the right in a 1985 mugshot) He says: 'They'd want Brendan to say Steven did it, which the family would be dead set against. If a prosecutor knows that Brendan is going to be let out anyway, then they will just want to sign a deal, which at least keeps one of them in there for as long as possible. 'This would be a legal agreement where Brendan signs something saying that I'm getting released, but I can't testify on Steven's behalf. This could be enough to keep Steven in.' The news of of the Dassey's release order has been greeted with delight by his supporters, including his aunt Carla Chase, who wrote on Facebook: 'I want to thank everyone personally for all the continued support & fighting with us for months 'The support that everyone has given has been awesome & we greatly appreciate everything. We consider you our extended family & we will try to keep you updated with the latest news coming in.' His mother, Barb Tadych, admitted to the Daily Mail that he is a 'little bit of scared of going into the outside world' and the family will be 'starting from zero'. They are desperate for donations as he will be released penniless and with no clothes. Family friend Wendy Davis begged Making a Murderer fans to donate to the GoFundMe page set up by Barb to help her son - and also fund a dream trip to Wrestlemania, which he watched every year while he was in prison. She says: 'He has nothing, he will need clothes, shoes, a bedroom set, toiletries, hopefully some things to keep him busy and much, much more. 'So if you're able, please consider donating to him so he can have what he wants and needs, he definitely deserves it. 'He will get to see Wrestlemania, get to spend the holidays with his loved ones, he will finally have the freedom he deserves and that was stolen from him.' Dassey has written letters to his supporters thanking them for following his story and donating to his cause THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS SIGN PETITIONS FOR BRENDAN DASSEY'S AND STEVEN AVERY'S RELEASE Petitions for the release of Brendan Dassey and Steven Avery have over 750,000 signatures Making a Murderer was a global hit in more than 190 countries, and many viewers believe that Avery and Dassey are innocent. There are two main petitions - on change.org and one direct to the White House - that have so far had more than 535,770 and 129,950 signatures respectively, asking for Steven Avery to be pardoned. There's a separate one for Brendan Dassey to be set free, which is now up to more than 93,000 signatures. Dassey's mother Barbara Tadych has set up her own petition for a new Wisconsin State Law made under her own name, which means that no one will suffer the same fate as Dassey, who was interrogated without any adult present. The petition has garnered the support of more than 11,330 people, as she asks: 'Brendan's case highlights the need for the enactment of legislation which would require that an attorney be present during a custodial interrogation of a minor. 'Require that an attorney be present during any custodial interrogation of a minor. This should be viewed as a non-waivable right. 'Require law enforcement to inform a minor before an interrogation begins that he or she could be charged as an adult based on information obtained during an interrogation.' Advertisement But is it so far fetched that Dassey could turn on his uncle - or, at the very least, fail to testify on his behalf? Family relations between the Averys and Dasseys have been tense for the best part of a decade. There's long been a suspicion that certain family members are just jumping on the publicity bandwagon, with Steven's former fiance Sandra Greenman calling them 'vultures'. Greenman says: 'Lots of vultures in the family. This is what Steve does with his hands [she then rubs her thumb and forefinger], he says: "They all want this." 'His mom and dad stood by him when he was at the other correctional facility Boscobel, which is a three-hour drive, and I was there all the time. Now they're coming in droves, they all go'. Avery admits that he doesn't have anyone on the outside he can trust to look after a release fund for when he gets out of jail. According to his best friend Curtis Busse, all donations from fans are being directed to his lawyer Kathleen Zellner for her legal costs. The hotshot attorney is otherwise working 'pro bono', which means for free as it's in the public interest. Busse adds: 'Donations to Zellner will be for his legal fees, not for a release fund. As of now he has no money for his life outside of prison. 'This was his request because he can't trust anyone to hold a go fund me page for him, he trusts me but I would never be involved in any of his money due to drama.' When Making a Murderer was first aired on Netflix in December last year, the family set up the AveryDassey Fund, which accepts PayPal and Bitcoin. At the bottom of the website, it states, vaguely, why the fund is necessary. The site says: 'The amount of investigation and defense it will take to untangle this web of manipulation, beyond comprehension twisting of facts and tainted testimony will be like that never undertaken if we expect fair results and representation.' Dassey has been in jail since March 2006. He's pictured above being led to the Manitowoc County Courthouse on April 16, 2007 But some supporters have demanded to know where their money has gone if Avery isn't receiving a penny from the fund. Amber Schaefer says: 'Where has all the donated money from previous go fund me pages go? I'm glad I didn't donate before because I would be pissed if my hard earned money goes to others to steal. Tera Bock Hardisty adds: 'I have wondered the same thing, somebody said there was over $30,000, my question is the same. Where is it, did somebody take it from the guys. When will the injustice end for them?' Attwood has made his intentions clear when writing his book. He knows the prison system very well after serving six years - two in Maricopa County jail system, in Arizona, which has been dubbed America's most dangerous prison and nicknamed 'Tent City Jail' - for dealing ecstasy while making millions on the stock market. He says reading 1000 books in prison saved his life and now donates books for school children. He says he'll be splitting the proceeds for his new book between this and Steven Avery's legal fees. When Avery does eventually get released, Attwood believes, he just wants a simple life 'with a good woman'. Attwood wrote Un-making A Murderer: The Framing of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey, which gave him unfettered access to the family Avery has already gone through two fiancees while in prison, the last being Las Vegas blonde Lynn Hartman, who professed her love on Dr Phil, before being dumped the next day after being branded a 'gold digger'. Attwood says it's only Avery's supporters that have stopped him from going 'insane'. He says: 'I served just under six years and I'd been institutionalized, my mom said I was like a puppy dog following her around waiting for orders. 'Now he's on 27, 28 years of incarceration. If he was on the brink of going insane, the level of worldwide support has pulled him from the brink, and bolstering his spirit right now. 'What I've seen of Steven, his needs are quite simple - he just wants to be around his family members and have a good woman in his life. 'It was that about him that made everyone warm to him so much. I think the people who articulate the political aspect will herald him and his particular case, and he will be involved to an extent, but I think the family stuff will be his priority.' Close friend Busse - Avery is the godfather to his daughter Jordan - told his followers on the 'Steven Avery Project' Facebook group that the sequel to Making A Murderer 2 promises to be a thriller, with lawyer Zellner sitting on undisclosed evidence which will destroy the prosecution. Busse, who regularly visits Avery at Waupun Correctional Institute, Wisconsin, posted: 'Here is some more good news not very often discussed since Kathleen Zellner submitted her brief, she has only provided a handful of evidentiary aspects to this case. 'Wait until you see the amazing abundance of evidence she really has that proves the whole crime scene was staged. 'We are really super duper excited for the world to see this abundance of evidence and then in time Zellner will use this case as "Text Book on What Not To Do" for publicly elected officials in office and police department. 'All this evidence will also be in the new MAM2 series everyone is excited to see. By the release of that we would hope both boys are home with their families, enjoying the very freedoms they were both robbed of.' He then added that Avery hasn't even seen the original Making A Murderer, the very show that has made him so famous. Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles' star James Harris is a recovering alcoholic, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. The British-born reality show realtor, 32, made the revelation during an exclusive interview, and tells that he is now 'seven years sober' and is much happier having ditched his party lifestyle for work and family. 'I was definitely an alcoholic,' he admitted. 'It's not even that I was drinking a whole lot, it was the mentality of not really caring and not having to worry about responsibility or having a business or having a wife or having children. 'So, others would say, of course you're not [an alcoholic] but I look at my life today versus eight years ago and I don't think I could be where I am today if I'd continued with that.' Harris said his wife, Valeria, 29, and children Sofia, seven, and Chloe, three, were behind his decision to quit drinking. Scroll down for video Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles' star James Harris told DailyMail.com that he is a recovering alcoholic - and that he ditched the booze to focus on work and his family 'I was definitely an alcoholic,' the realtor, 32, admitted. Harris said he stopped when his wife, Valeria, 29 (right) was eight months pregnant with their first child 'For me, my life changed when I met my wife,' he said. 'She got pregnant and at eight months into her pregnancy, I decided to get sober. 'Thank God, because I really didn't have the best relationship with my own father. I had two paths to kind of go down. 'I had Path A, which was continue the way I am and I'll end up being an absent father and someone I can't be very proud to be. 'Or go down Path B which was getting sober, cleaning up my act, creating a business and become a person I'm proud to be. 'So I went down that path and I swear, I have never looked back and I'm so grateful everything happened the way it did.' Harris, who moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago to set up Bond Street Partners with fellow reality star realtor David Parnes, 34, was once a fixture on LA's party scene. The product of a middle class upbringing in London's leafy suburb of West Hampstead, the 32-year-old struggled at school but always longed to work. 'I hated school, absolutely hated it,' he says. 'I had extreme ADHD and I was not the best candidate for school. 'I always wanted to work, work, work and I wanted to get a job, so I ended up becoming a paper boy and I was delivering newspapers at the age of 15 before school. 'So I'd wake up at 5am, pick up the Daily Mail and the [London] Evening Standard, about 100 of them, and I'd get on my bicycle and I'd deliver them to all the local houses.' Harris moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago to set up Bond Street Partners with fellow reality star realtor David Parnes, 34 (right, pictured with Harris on Million Dollar Listing LA) Harris was once a fixture on LA's party scene Harris said his life changed when he met his wife. 'Thank God, because I really didn't have the best relationship with my own father,' he said. Pictured, with daughters Sofia, seven (right), and Chloe, three (left) But his life of grind changed in 2004 when he moved to LA to take up Parnes' offer of a partnership in the realtor business he was thinking of setting up. From the start, he says, the pair wanted to focus on the 'high, high end' of the market eschewing $600,000 sales for big-bucks mansions. Getting the business off the ground involved long hours. 'We went door knocking, we set up open houses, we connected with guys who had no idea who we were and started knocking on properties we thought that they would buy,' Harris said. But the hard work eventually paid off in spectacular style. 'One of our first deals was a $6 million tear-down which is now finished,' notes Harris, not without a slug of self-satisfaction. 'And we'll be selling [it] for $40 million probably middle of next year. It's all about having the drive.' But there was a flip side to Harris' work ethic socializing. 'I came out here with a vision of LA just being this incredible party place,' he remembers. 'I had zero responsibilities at that time in my life and I thought life was all about having parties, going out all night. Every night of the week I was out. Every single night of the week.' Pictued, one of the swanky properties Harris lists on his Instagram feed. This one in West Hollywood costs $15,999,999 This house comes with a swimming pool and its own movie theatre Boozing became the focal point of his life but meeting wife Valeria changed all that and Harris says he now socializes totally sober. 'Some people I'm sure would struggle with [sobriety] but I'm out in restaurants and bars and nightclubs all the time,' he says. 'I love to socialize and I'm a people person. I love being around people and I really don't struggle with it at all. I guess if I was without my wife, maybe I would struggle a little more. 'But she's a great support for me and makes it all very easy. I love to go out, socialize and have fun. It doesn't need to be with alcohol, that's for sure.' Now comfortably ensconced in a 4,000 square foot Cape Cod style new construction home with five bedrooms and a pool in the upmarket Colefax Meadows area of LA, Harris says his biggest challenge now is juggling marriage and family life with work. 'It's all about healthy balance, it really is,' he explains. 'I'm the first to admit that it's extremely hard but if I'm working until late one evening, the next evening, I'll make a point of making sure I'm home before they [the children] go to bed. 'I spend several hours at least with them on the weekend on both days. Whether it's spending time with them in the pool, taking them to the mall, doing something we can do as a family together. 'That is so important because unfortunately, these kids don't get younger so every day you have to cherish.' But despite juggling a business and family, Harris also makes time for his A-list friends among them comedian James Corden and rapper Tyga, 26. Harris also makes time for his A-list friends among them comedian James Corden and rapper Tyga, 26 Harris says Tyga is a 'great guy' who always pays his rent - while Corden jumped into the swimming pool naked while the pair were filming The latter, says Harris, is unfairly maligned. 'I've become very good friends with Tyga and Kylie [Jenner] and I think Tyga gets a terrible rap in the tabloids,' he says. 'But actually, he's a great guy and he means well.' What's more, says Harris, the Compton-born rapper is a reliable tenant and, despite the rumors, is far from bankrupt. Larry Flynt, 74, turned up to meetings with Harris in a wheelchair plated with 24 carat gold and two hulking guards 'The guy is awesome,' he insists. 'He's just a good guy and he does pay his rent on time. I leased him a number of houses where his rent gets paid on time, the house is left in great condition and I don't think it's what everyone thinks it is. He's a good dude. He adds: '[The rumors are] absolute nonsense. The guy has just been signed to Kanye West's label, he's making new music, he's permanently touring and he's a good guy. 'I really don't have a bad word to say about him, from a friend perspective and a business perspective. And he's got a great relationship with Kylie.' Another favorite is Hustler Magazine mogul Larry Flynt, 74, who turned up to meetings in a wheelchair plated with 24ct gold and two hulking guards. 'He is one of the most interesting men I've ever met,' says Harris who just sold the former Hustler HQ in Hollywood on Flynt's behalf. 'I mean, the guy wheeled into the conference room in a 24ct gold wheelchair, flanked by two security and had someone clipping his hair for him during our meeting. It was absolutely hysterical.' But aside from close friend Parnes, it is fellow Briton Corden, 38, who has made the biggest impression not least because he once stripped off in front of him. 'We shot the Take A Break [skit] with Corden in this $16m house in the Hollywood Hills and he jumped into the swimming pool naked,' says Harris. 'I still don't know how I feel about it but he is amazing.' Despite describing the comedian as a 'genius', however, the 32-year-old says he has no plans to hang out with him naked again. A criminal who makes thousands of pounds by arranging sham marriages has been exposed trying to offer up a bogus bride on a petrol station forecourt. The conman, known only as Anton, was caught on camera as he introduced the Romanian woman to an undercover reporter posing as a criminal middleman. For 10,000, Anton claimed he could provide a woman willing to marry a stranger who was desperate to remain in the UK after entering the country on a visitor visa. He promised the groom would have 'the rights, the passport, the whole thing.' Anton also revealed he runs another lucrative illegal business: flogging Romanian identity cards to illegal immigrants. The documents, made using the names of dead Romanian citizens, allow an individual to stay and work in the UK and can be used to travel abroad, Anton boasted. Scroll down for videos Caught on camera: The 'fixer', known only as Anton (left), was filmed as he and an associate (right) introduced undercover journalist Paul Connolly to a would-be fake bride (centre) Brazen: The men arranged for Connolly and another journalist to meet the woman, whose name has been redacted and face obscured, in a car wash, believed to be in Manchester Illegal scheme: Anton (centre) and his associate (right) claimed the woman had been in the UK for two years. The plan was for her to marriage a man who entered the country on a visitor visa Asked whether the card would be of a good enough quality, Anton said: 'I am working with the same ID. I come from Romania only with ID. No passport.' He has been exposed by investigative journalist Paul Connolly as part of a five-part Channel 5 documentary series, Undercover Criminal. In a bid to uncover those facilitating illegal immigration, Connolly posed as a criminal looking to bring people into Britain and help them disappear once they are here. After months of undercover work, the journalist was introduced to Anton, who revealed he not only operates a trade making Romanian identity cards for illegal immigrants but also has a sinister side business brokering sham marriages. T he problem is widespread. The Home Office estimates that 4,000 to 10,000 applications a year to stay in the UK are made on the basis of sham marriages. In hidden camera footage filmed in a car in Manchester, Anton is captured offering to make the documents for Connolly. All claims all he needs is a date of birth, a photograph and a down payment of 500. The identification documents hold a home address, date of birth and even parents' details - all stolen without the knowledge of the deceased's relatives. Hidden camera: Journalist Paul Connolly, right, filmed Anton, left, and other conmen as part of a Channel 5 documentary series investigating those helping illegal immigrants in Britain Bargaining: In front of the Romanian woman, the men begin to barter over how much the service will cost. They eventually agree on a price of 10,000, to be paid in two installments Sham marriage: Anton, left, and his accomplice, right, check with the would-be groom, apparently referring to the woman as 'it'. The groom was supposedly to marry for visa reasons The journalist makes clear the man who needs the ID card is in the country illegally and asks asks: 'He wants to work here, he wants to travel, so will these documents be good enough?' Anton replies: 'If he go with bus, if he go with car, it's no problem' but warns the card should not be used at airports, explaining the border control checks are 'very strong'. When asked where the identity comes from, Anton says: 'The guy from Romania. The birthday is exactly the same as the guy from Romania... The guy from Romania is died [sic].' Anton also reveals the part he plays in arranging sham marriages. Sham marriages are used by non-EU migrants as an illegal means of trying to secure the right to live in Britain. A deal is struck: Before leaving the car park, the would-be groom is told to shake the woman's hand. Connolly arranges to meet Anton at a later date under the pretense of paying him Conman: The 'fixer' identified only as Anton. He met with Connolly a number of times over the course of the undercover investigation with the encounters captured on a hidden camera Marriage to an EU citizen does not give migrants an automatic right to reside in the country, the migrant would still have to apply for permission to stay, however being able to produce a marriage certificate adds weight to the application. Connolly claims to know a man who is interested in marrying a Romanian woman in order to remain in the UK, and Anton is quick to offer to arrange the whole service. He says the woman who he has ready is even willing to 'live with' the 'husband' - a bonus that he claims is unusual. In another scene from the documentary, Anton meets with Connolly and another undercover journalist posing as the groom at a petrol station in Manchester. There they are introduced to the would-be bride, a Romanian woman who Anton claims has been in the country for two years. Illegal business: In a meeting in a parked car in Manchester, Anton, pictured, told Connolly he could make Romanian identification cards using stolen personal details Chilling: The fixer appeared proud of the fact that he used the details of dead people to make the documents. He boasted that the cards were so well made they could be used to travel The men shake hands with the woman, just feet from what appears to be a Morrisons supermarket. Anton and his business partner shamelessly barter with the journalists in front of the woman, eventually agreeing on a price of 9,000. It is decided that 5,000 will be paid upfront and the rest settled once lawyers are involved. At the end of the meeting, the journalist posing as the groom is instructed: 'Shake your bride's hand'. When Connolly arranges to meet Anton in a car park under the pretence of finalising the deal, he confronts the criminal with the allegations. Anton does not respond but instead flees the car park on foot. The university denounced the fliers and said they have no place there Origins aren't known, but the fliers are credited to the alt-right movement Shockingly racist fliers that tell women not to date black men in case they are abused or have low-intelligence children have been found at Southern Methodist University. Titled 'Why White Women Shouldn't Date Black Men,' the fliers contain appalling racist slurs and were found in two buildings on the university's campus Sunday. The sheets include titles such as 'Your kids probably wouldn't be smart' and 'You should probably just avoid black men,' WFAA reported. Shocking: Appallingly racist flyers were found on two buildings at the Southern Methodist University (pictured), which denounced them. It's not known who placed them there The two leaflets were found in the Armstrong Commons Dorm and in the Science building. Among the claims made in the leaflet are that black men are abusive, are more likely to have STDs and are less intelligent than white men. None of those claims cite any sources, and some make dubious assertions about inherited low intelligence. There is also a series of sensational murder stories, all illustrated by pictures of smiling blond-haired white women and stern-faced black men, and referred to as 'horrific and sadly predictable' The identity of the people who placed the flyers is unknown, but a logo in the bottom-right corner credits the alt-right, a loose term that incorporates everything from white supremacism to right-wing online trolls. Appalling: The leaflet (pictured) made a series of appalling, racist statements accusing black men of having low IQs and being more likely to abuse white women 'To be honest, I think it's quite offensive,' Malachi Haines, an SMU law student, told WFAA. 'I think the key to changing these peoples minds is education.' Members of the SMU Association of Black Students have met with administrators and issued ten demands focused on diversity and inclusion. And the university itself released a statement in which it said it 'condemns the racist and hateful message in these fliers.' It added: 'These messages have no place at SMU and are in opposition to SMU's values and commitment to an environment free from discrimination.' The same leaflet was also found this week at the University of Oklahoma and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and in September at the University of Michigan. Underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro 'bragged' about being an informant for a crime commission, 'rorted' $1 million from a gang and was a key suspect in the murder of a gangland hitman. The 35-year-old was shot dead by two hooded hitmen while he sat in a silver Mercedes outside the home of an associate in Earlwood, in Sydney's southwest, on Monday. But the exact motive behind the killing remains unknown and police are left chasing dozens of leads over the brutal execution of a man described as 'pure evil'. So just what are the possible reasons behind why the criminal kingpin was targeted? Scroll down for video Underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro 'bragged' about being an informant for the Crime Commission, 'rorted' $1 million from a gang and was a key suspect in the murder of a hitman Sydney crime figure Pasquale Barbaro has been shot dead in Sydney's south-west on Monday He 'bragged about being an informant for the Crime Commission' Barbaro was rumoured to have been called to give evidence before the New South Wales Crime Commission after becoming a high-ranking informant. Police believe he may have been targeted in the same way his grandfather was in 1990. Peter Pasquale, also known as 'Il Principale', was due to give evidence against 30 mafia figures after feeding information about the criminal organisation's cannabis crops and revenge murders to the National Crime Authority in 1989. He was ambushed outside his home in Runcorn, south of Brisbane, when he went to collect the paper and shot dead. Many believe Barbaro was targeted for the same reasons and social media users were quick to claim he was a police informant after the news broke he had been killed. 'He was the biggest dog in NSW. He's been working for the crime commission for years,' one man wrote. 'He bragged about [being an informant] all the time. He thought he was untouchable - it was common knowledge around town,' another said. Barbaro was rumoured to have been called to give evidence before the New South Wales Crime Commission after becoming a high-ranking informant Many believe Barbaro was targeted for the same reasons and social media users were quick to claim he was a police informant after the news broke he had been killed, saying it was 'common knowledge' Police believe Barbaro he may have been targeted in the same way his grandfather was in 1990 'He was the biggest dog in NSW. He's been working for the crime commission for years,' one man wrote He was involved in a number of criminal offences, including drugs Barbaro was due to front the Sydney District Court in December over charges of manufacturing two kilograms of the drug 'ice'. Police allege he and three others manufactured the drug on properties near Goulburn and at Cobbitty, in Sydney's south-west, between October 2010 and November 2011. The drugs had a street value of about $2 million. Barbaro appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court just last week and applied to have his bail continued. He had been on $350,000 bail since he was charged in 2012, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. A friend, identified only as Marco, said 'a lot of people' would want to kill Barbaro. 'He just has a lot of enemies,' Marco told Nine News. Barbaro's cousin, who goes by the same name, is serving a life sentence for the importation of 15 million ecstasy tablets with a street value of at least $122 million. He 'rorted' $1 million from a gang Underworld sources claim Barbaro owed $1 million to a gang and would wear a bullet proof vest for protection. He would only take the vest off to meet with close associates. Barbaro was not wearing it on the night he was shot dead outside associate George Alex's house, The Daily Telegraph reported. Barbaro was not wearing his bulletproof vest on the night he was shot dead outside associate George Alex's (pictured in 2015) house Police were called to Larkhall Avenue in Earlwood at about 9.40pm on Monday night and arrived to find his heavily tattooed body lying on the footpath in a pool of blood An officer lays an evidence markers next to the blood stains before taking a photograph outside George Alex's house Barbaro's cousin, who goes by the same name, is serving a life sentence for the importation of 15 million ecstasy tablets with a street value of at least $122 million He was a key suspect in the murder of hitman Hamad Assaad A police source told Daily Mail Australia Barbaro was the key suspect in the murder of underworld stand-over man Hamad Assaad. The 29-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in front of his 12-year-old nephew on October 25. In 2015, Barbaro was shot at six times in Leichhardt and it believed Assaad was the shooter, prompting suggestions Monday's murder was a retaliation attack. Police said Barbaro had been 'playing with fire' and his association with Sydney's criminal underworld meant he would always have a target on his back, The Daily Telegraph reported. A police source told Daily Mail Australia Barbaro was the key suspect in the murder of underworld stand-over man Hamad Assaad (pictured) Underworld stand-over man Hamad Asaad, 29, was gunned down in front of his 12-year-old nephew in his driveway in Sydney's south-west, on October 25 (pictured) He was close with Brothers 4 Life boss Farhad Qaumi Phone conversations between the criminal underworld boss and Barbaro were played in court as evidence on Tuesday - just 12 hours after he was shot dead. The pair discussed mostly fishing and referred to Qaumi as 'The Afghan'. It has been alleged they were speaking in code about a third man who asked Barbaro questions about Qaumi to intercept the conversations on a phone tap, The Daily Telegraph reported. Star Casino CCTV footage was also played in court and showed the pair scrolling through a mobile phone with their arms around each other. Qaumi and his brother, Mumtaz, are accused of hiring a shooter to kill debt collector Joe Antoun after allegedly receiving a contract to carry out the hit, but have both pleaded not guilty. Barbaro is not a suspect in Mr Antoun's murder. Mr Antoun was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door, Crown Prosecutor Ken McKay SC told the court. '[Mr Antoun's wife] went to a window and looked out and saw a person and called out to that person, asking who it was. She heard the person say, "It's Adam. I've got a package for Joe",' Mr Mckay said. 'As he opened the door, Mr Antoun was shot a number of times and died in his house.' Mr Antoun was in business with George Alex. Barbaro was shot dead out the front of Alex's Earlwood home on Monday. Star Casino CCTV footage was also played in court for Joe Antoun's murder trial and showed the pair scrolling through a mobile phone with their arms around each other (pictured) Phone conversations between underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro and a Brothers 4 Life boss were played in court as evidence for a murder trial of Joe Antoun (pictured) Mr Antoun (pictured) was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door Horrifying footage shows a hooded man approach Antoun's Strathfield home, knock on the front door and shoot him, before fleeing on foot He might have been involved in a domestic dispute The incident could have been related to a 'simple domestic dispute,' police sources told The Daily Telegraph. 'If you play with fire you were going to get burnt. It could be anything, it could be drugs it could be over sleeping with someone's missus - you never know with these guys,' the source said. Similarly, crime journalist Keith More said many Calabrian crime figures have been murdered for sleeping with 'the wrong person'. 'It could boil down to something as simple as a domestic - there have been a number of Calabrian crime figures murdered because they've left their wives or slept with the wrong person,' he said. Barbaro was headed home to see his girlfriend at their Harrington Park home when he was gunned down. 'He was on his way to see me last night but never made it,' his girlfriend said on Tuesday, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Claims officers shot one through closed door; cops say dog charged them Pitbull owner has filed a civil rights lawsuit after her three dogs were killed At least 21 Detroit dogs have been shot so far in 2016, according to records One officer has shot 39 in his career, another killed 67, reports show Dog killings by Detroit police officers are a widespread occurrence - with two officers alone shooting 100 canines, a new investigation has revealed. Two officers at the Detroit Police Department have alone shot more than 100 dogs in the course of their careers, according to police reports reviewed by Reason magazine. At least 21 dogs have been shot by Detroit police officers since the beginning of 2016, and 25 were killed last year by police, reports have shown. Pit bull owner Nikita Smith, whose three dogs were shot and killed during a drug search at her home earlier this year, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City and five police officers. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT Dog owner Nicole Motyka also filed a lawsuit in August after two of her three pit bulls (pictured) were shot and killed during a narcotics search at her home in Detroit She claims cops killed one of the dogs by firing through a closed door - but police officers say the dog was in fact charging towards them. Detroit police officers shot at least 21 dogs in the first eight months of 2016, according to reports reviewed by Reason. One officer was bitten by a dog during that period. Two fatal dog attacks meanwhile were reported over the course of 2015 and 2016. The victims weren't police officers, but a 71-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy. One Detroit officer has shot 39 dogs in the line of duty and another has killed 67 during his career, according to police reports reviewed by Reason. The report for the 67th killing, which was filed on April, reads: 'Once the front door was breached, there was an Adult Size Vicious Pit Bull that would not allow the Crew entry inside the home. 'The canine viciously growled, showing his teeth. The action of the canine left no other alternative but to fire, putting the canine down [...] Crew members continued to clear the location, to find no one inside.' There might have been more dog shootings in Detroit. The police reports didn't account for at least seven incidents reported by the media or in lawsuits, according to Reason. Detroit officials told the magazine during a public records request that they hadn't received reports for these incidents. Up to 25 to 30 dogs - about 10,000 a year - are killed by police each day across the United States, Department Of Justice official Laurel Matthews told Police magazine in 2012. That number remains an estimate. Matthews called fatal dog shootings by police an 'epidemic'. Pit bull owner Nikita Smith has filed a lawsuit after her three dogs where killed during a drug search (one of the dogs is pictured in the bathroom) Some shootings in Detroit occurred as officers struggled against large, aggressive dogs that couldn't be contained. Some of them tried in vain, for several hours, to control the dogs without killing them, records show. But some dog owners have challenged the police's version of what happened prior to some of the shootings. Smith is one of them. The pit bull owner filed a civil rights lawsuit in May after losing her three dogs Debo, Mama and Smoke during a drug search. Most of the killings reported by Reason happened during narcotics busts. Smith claims officers executed the three dogs without provocation. She says she put two dogs in the basement and one in her bathroom. Debo, according to Smith, went back upstairs after the officers entered her home. She says they shot Debo as it was sitting down next to her. The officers, according to Smith's suit, then went into the basement and killed Mama, who at the time was pregnant. Ultimately, the suit states, they found the third dog, Smoke, behind the door of the closed bathroom. One officer opened the door, looked inside and closed it again, asking: 'Should we do that one, too?' the suit alleges. Two cops fired through the closed door and killed Smoke, according to Smith's filing. Graphic photos released by the police show a ghastly scene with the dog lying dead on the bathroom floor and blood splattered all over the walls. 'They produce two photos of the dead dog in the bathroom,' Chris Olson, Smith's attorney, told Reason. 'It looks like The Shining. The dog is in the back of the bathroom and just covered in blood. But their story is that the dog opened the door itself and was coming to eat them. The problem is the door handle wasn't a latch. It was a knob. That's how f****d up it is. That's their story in federal court.' The police officers however said in reports that no one answered when they showed up at the house and that, after they entered, a 'vicious grey pit bull' charged towards them. The cops say the dog was shot eight times. Then, according to the police, they found another 'vicious white pit bull' in the basement that also charged at them. That dog, the police say, was shot five times. The third dog, the police reports state, charged out of the bathroom towards the cops and was shot. Smith was charged for possession of marijuana after the search, Reason wrote, but the charges were dismissed when the officers didn't appear at her court date. Dog owner Nicole Motyka also filed a lawsuit in August after two of her three pit bulls were shot and killed during a narcotics search. She claims one officer shot the two dogs 'without provocation' while they were 'afraid and cowering in the corner of the kitchen'. Motyka's suit, which she filed with her husband Joel Castro, claims that their constitutional rights were violated due to a lack of proper training and monitoring of police officers. One of the officers testified the dogs were coming 'viciously' and one said the dogs charged. Kamel Harris has been arrested over the murder of two-year-old Kyrian Knox whose body parts were found in a Chicago lake in September 2015 A man has been arrested over the murder of a two-year-old boy whose body parts were found in a Chicago lake more than a year ago. Kamel Harris, who was caring for toddler Kyrian Knox and reported him missing from Rockford in September 2015, was charged with his murder on Monday night. Police say the boy's blood was found in the carpeting of the 41-year-old's vehicle. Chicago Police Commander Kevin Duffin said investigators believe Harris 'snapped' and killed the child. They say the child, who was lactose-intolerant, had ingested milk and had been crying most of the day before he was killed. Kyrian's remains were found in the Garfield Park lagoon on Chicago's West Side last year. The FBI positively matched the boy's DNA with that of a dismembered body found in the lagoon two weeks before he was reported missing. The toddler's mother told police last year the child was staying with Harris and his girlfriend while she moved from Rockford to Iowa. Kamel Harris, 41, who was caring for toddler Kyrian Knox and reported him missing from Rockford in September 2015, was charged with the boy's murder on Monday night In November 2015, police said Harris and his girlfriend had been uncooperative with the investigation. Harris was being held on an unrelated charge at the Winnebago County Jail in northern Illinois when he was arrested on Monday night in the boy's death. Authorities didn't say what he's charged with in the other case. Duffin said Kyrian is believed to have been killed in Rockford, but that Harris is charged in Cook County because the child's body was found in Chicago and police in that city did extensive work on the case. Kyrian's remains were found in the Garfield Park lagoon on Chicago's West Side last year A brave 70-year-old man refused to back down when he was confronted by a teenager with a gun during a carjacking attempt. The elderly man refused to leave his car despite having a gun pointed at him in an attempted carjacking in Melbournes north, the Herald Sun reported. On the evening of Friday, October 21, the man had parked his van on Dalton Road, Lalor when a blue Ford Falcon with no registration plates stopped in front of him. Victoria Police released a computer generated image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries A man got out of the Falcon, approached the victim and was armed with a black hand gun. He then demanded that the victim get out of his vehicle but the man refused to. Instead he lay down in his van for protection, before the offender lost his nerve, and got back in the Falcon before driving away. The offender was described as being only a teenager, and drove off along Childs Road in Lalor. The teenager was driving a blue Ford Falcon with no registration plates (stock image) The attempted carjacking took place on Dalton Road, Lalor (pictured) on Monday Police described the offender as aged between 16 and 18 years old with dark black hair shaved on the sides. He was wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt and black pants at the time. Footage from a New Mexico policeman's body cam that captured the moment he was fatally shot during a traffic stop has been released ahead of his alleged killer's trial. Albuquerque officer Daniel Webster had stopped 34-year-old Davon Lymon in a Walgreens car park in October last year for driving a suspected stolen motorcycle. The officer's lapel camera captured the driver - who was identified by police as Lymon - sitting on the motorcycle, repeatedly ignoring Webster's requests to put his hands up. Footage from Albuquerque police officer Daniel Webster's body cam shows him approaching Davon Lymon with his gun drawn in a carpark in October 2015 'This hand won't reach back there, sir,' Lymon says. He claims Webster is hurting him and is heard struggling with the officer. Webster, who had his gun drawn throughout the ordeal, can eventually be seen securing handcuffs around one of Lymon's hands. Multiple gunshots rang out seconds later. 'Shots fired! Shots fired!' an injured Webster yelled as he tried to take cover. He died in hospital a week later from his injuries. Lymon was charged with Webster's murder and is now set to stand trial. He was convicted last month by a federal judge on charges of illegally possessing the gun police say was used to kill the officer. Webster was allegedly shot by Davon Lymon and died in hospital a week later from his injuries Davon Lymon, 34, is accused of fatally shooting the Albuquerque police officer after being pulled over for driving a suspected stolen motorcycle in October last year The officer's lapel camera captured Lymon struggling with Webster as he sat on the motorcycle, repeatedly ignoring requests to put his hands up The footage from Webster's body cam, along with surveillance footage and his police interview, were released by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Monday - more than a year after the officer's death. THE FINAL EXCHANGE Webster: 'Get your hands up! Hands up!' Lymon: 'I'm trying to help you out, sir!' Webster: 'Well you need to do it quick.' Webster: 'But no, you need to move this arm this way, this arm this way.' Lymon: 'Ow!' Webster then calls for backup. Webster: 'Have units step it up, he's wanting to 32.' Multiple shots fired. Webster: 'Shots fired! Shots fired!' Advertisement It follows a legal battle over whether to release the videos after Lymon's lawyers and Webster's widow Michelle Carlino-Webster asked for them to remain sealed, the Albuquerque Journal reports. A judge rejected the request on Monday given the videos were played in open court in Lymon's recent trial where he was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a gun. The footage of Webster being shot does not show the wounded officer. Surveillance footage from Walgreens, which does not have any audio, captured Webster running away after being shot. A video of Lymon's police interview was also released in which he speaks with officers for 30 minutes as they take DNA samples. 'If you see that person, that guy's family, tell them I'm so sorry. Please?,' he said in the footage. 'I honestly don't know what the f*** happened, don't remember it.' A four-year-old boy was found crying alone outside his kindergarten after a teacher let him out early because she thought his father had arrived. The boy's parents drove to the Westerngate Kindergarten in Deer Park, west of Melbourne, five minutes early on October 27 when they found their son standing alone, The Herald Sun reported. Children can only be taken out of the centre once parents arrive and sign them out. But the boy's father said he was furious when a staff member told him she let her son out simply because she thought he was waiting outside, an incident report revealed. A four-year-old boy was found crying alone outside Westerngate Kindergarten (pictured) after a teacher let him out early because she thought his father had arrived 'He was crying and said the teachers told him that Daddy was there,' he told the publication. 'I had smoke coming out of my ears. Me and my wife, our heartbeats were running at 100 miles an hour, we were fuming. 'Someone could have got him, or he could have been hit by a car.' The parents arrived at the Melbourne centre to find their son standing alone (stock image) He said the worker apologised to the family and admitted she made a mistake when she allowed the boy to leave without his parents. The father has spoken out about the ordeal because he didn't want any other parent to go through a similar incident. Victorian Premier says he will make no Up to 40 teenagers who trashed a Melbourne youth prison over two nights of rioting belong in adult jails, Premier Daniel Andrews says. The state government will 'expedite' rebuilding the Parkville youth justice centre over the next three years, meaning some inmates will go to adult prisons while construction is under way. Mr Andrews said the teenagers' behaviour was 'unacceptable' and made 'no apology' over sending the juveniles to an adult facility. On Monday 20 teenage inmates caused a riot climbing on roofs and destroying property. Pictured is a riot which occurred in Melbourne last month Tactical police in riot gear were sent to Monday's incident to try and bring control 'They are going to adult jail, where they belong,' the Victorian Premier said on Tuesday. 'The behaviour that we have seen at Parkville is completely unacceptable. I'm sick of it, the Victorian community is sick of it. 'Those inmates will be going to adult prison and I make absolutely no apology.' Teenagers rioted on Saturday night and then again early on Monday morning, barricading themselves inside a unit for most of the day. Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said the current therapeutic model of youth rehabilitation would not work unless the government was prepared to dramatically increase staffing levels. 'Quite clearly, I think it's time to move on, time to stop holding hands and singing "Kumbaya",' Mr Iddles told 3AW. Premier Daniel Andrews says he will not apologise for sending the youths to adult jails The relocation will occur as construction is undertaken at Parkville youth justice centre over the next three years 'That model is really based around one-on-one, it's around an extra $65,000 a year for each young person in care if it's properly implemented. I don't think it's ever been properly implemented.' Mr Iddles said the system had not worked, so it was time go back to the older model. 'They're incarcerated, they're given some education, but they're treated as if they are prisoners,' he said. Victoria will move some of the offenders out of Parkville so it can be repaired for short-term use, before the full rebuild comes within three years. Opposition leader Matthew Guy was worried the premier was just acting tough to get the story out of the headlines New laws will also be introduced so teenage prisoners who assault corrections officers will have that assault taken into account when they go before the youth parole board. Opposition leader Matthew Guy was worried the premier was just acting tough to get the story out of the headlines. 'What concerns me is they make these pronouncements about sending these people to adult prisons and then they don't,' Mr Guy told reporters. Greens MP Nina Springle said the government's refusal to deal with problems in child protection and youth justice had created the crisis. Hundreds of harrowing first-hand accounts of the day of the Battle of the Somme, written by the men who fought in it, are to be made public for the first time. The mostly hand-written experiences of the Brits who went over the top on July 1 1916, give a breathtaking insight into the death, chaos and devastation of the bloodiest day in British military history. Almost 60,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were killed or wounded on that fateful day and there would be more than a million casualties on both sides by the end of the 141-day offensive, 100 years ago on Friday, November 18. The reminiscences, written more than half a century on from the conflict for an author writing about the battle, have been donated to the Imperial War Museum and will be added to its online records of British soldiers who fought on the battlefield in Northern France. Almost 60,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were killed or wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme There would be more than a million casualties on both sides by the end of the offensive. This picture shows German prisoners helping to carry British wounded back to their trenches The mostly hand-written experiences of the Brits who went over the top on July 1 1916, give a breathtaking insight into the death, chaos and devastation The reminiscences, written more than half a century on from the conflict for an author writing about the battle Anthony Richards, head of documents and sound at the IWM, said the accounts ranged from some short and quite basic accounts, to others that were 'like a chapter from a book'. He said: 'It's a real cross-section, officers and men. It covers people from all sorts of backgrounds, under age soldiers...one who even changed his name in order to get in. 'They cover all the different experiences on the first day. Most of them cover the feeling of being in the trench, getting ready to go over the top. 'But then some people talk about being wounded straight away, others talk about being captured and taken as a prisoner of war, others talk about actually reaching the enemy trenches and having hand-to-hand combat. You get the complete cross-section really. 'All these accounts were written in the late 1960s and this was 50 years after the events they are talking about. 'But the vast majority are still very, very detailed and I think that shows you how important those events were to these people that they can remember really small details. Among those in the IWM collection was that of Private John Kirkham, a 20-year-old in the 20th Battalion Manchester Regiment in 1916, who described attacking a German soldier with a 'knobkerrie', a steel-headed club used in hand-to-hand fighting. He wrote: 'I hit out with my knobkerrie and it sank deep into his forehead, in the scuffle, his helmet flew off, and I saw that he was a bald-headed old man. I have never forgotten that bald head, and I don't suppose I ever will (poor old devil).' Among those in the IWM collection was that of Private John Kirkham, a 20-year-old in the 20th Battalion Manchester Regiment in 1916 Another correspondent was Lance Corporal Charles Bartram, 23, who had been at the front with his mortar unit for a matter of weeks. He described seeing his senior officer killed by a sniper right in front of him as they waited to go 'over the top'. He added: 'Zero hour (mortar) dismantled all ready to go over, then the word came to retire, we retired through the tunnel back to the reserve trench, most of the time on our hands and knees over dead and dying, from that moment all my religion died, after that journey all my teaching and belief in God had left me - never to return.' One correspondent was Lance Corporal Charles Bartram, 23, who had been at the front with his mortar unit for a matter of weeks Another whose memoirs are included is Private George Mayne. The 19-year-old Royal Fusilier, a former clerk from Honor Oak in south-east London, went over the top of the first day of the Somme and made it to the German lines. He wrote: 'I then went on to the second line trench, and jumped in to immediately see a German soldier lying on the parapet, with fixed bayonet I approached, then I saw his putty coloured face which convinced me he was mortally wounded. 'This German, lying brought up an arm and actually saluted me, all fear of him had gone from me, and all fear of me had gone from him. Another whose memoirs are included is Private George Mayne. The 19-year-old Royal Fusilier, a former clerk from Honor Oak in south-east London, made it to the German lines 'I understood no German language then, but the poor chap kept muttering two words, 'wasser, wasser' and 'mutter, mutter'. It took me a minute or so to realise he wanted a drink of water. The second word I could not have cottoned on to. 'I am glad to this day that I gave him a drink from my precious water, before having to carry on forward.' Private H Schofield wrote of going over the top with his unit, which was shot down as it neared the German trenches. He took shelter in a shellhole with a wounded colleague, Tom. 'After bandaging Toms wrist I took a look round, but there seemed to be nothing but dead and wounded laying about. It was a sight never to be forgot, the dead some kneeling some on their wire, others just as they had been firing. 'I saw some lads creep up on their own, and throw bombs at the Germans. Our Captain had barely shouted 'Who will follow me', when he fell, our platoon officer rushed into the Huns' trench never to return. 'I watched eight men bravely coming up to help, and although seven were shot down, the eighth came bravely on. I found myself in a funny position for it was useless me trying to fire on my own, for if I had fired at one place I should have been sniped from another. 'Some of our wounded who tried to get back were real targets for the enemy who have no mercy, for they killed the wounded whenever they tried to get back.' Private H Schofield wrote of going over the top with his unit, which was shot down as it neared the German trenches A sapper with 209th Field Company, Royal Engineers, originally from Reepham, Norfolk, George Anderson went over the top to help clear obstacles for the infantry. He wrote: 'As we were about to go into no-man's land from our old front line trench our Lt (lieutenant) was seized with shell shock and could hardly be held by his burly batmen. 'Next the man in front of me started screaming that he was hit. I heard no bullet and as his haversack was hard on my chest I said 'shut up you silly ... do you want to cause a panic?' 'But a bullet had entered his chest and it killed him. Somewhere in his body it was deflected for it didn't come out of his back. And I had sworn at it - I couldn't take it back and I couldn't help him. God forgive me.' A sapper with 209th Field Company, Royal Engineers, originally from Reepham, Norfolk, George Anderson went over the top to help clear obstacles for the infantry The stories were written for author Martin Middlebrook for his book, The First Day On The Somme, first published in 1971. He appealed for first-hand accounts in over 90 local and national newspapers and, in response, 526 British and 20 German veterans gave Middlebrook their personal recollections. But he only used around 10 for his book and now the British accounts have been donated to the museum by the Felix Fund, a charity which helps military and police personnel who have worked in bomb disposal units. They were given in memory of Holly Angharad Davies, who passed away in 2014 and was awarded a British Empire Medal for her work with the charity. An adorable little girl is definitely her sister's keeper. Melissa Nunez and her two young daughters were dining at a Cici's Pizza restaurant when the cutest thing happened. Nunez posted the video to her Facebook that shows her pretending to scold her oldest daughter, as her youngest little girl intervened. Melissa Nunez (left) and her two young daughters were dining at a Cici's Pizza restaurant when the cutest thing happened. Nunez posted the video to her Facebook that shows her pretending to scold her oldest daughter (center), as her youngest little girl (right) intervened Nunez said: 'Don't do that Emma! You're going to get in trouble Emma!' The oldest child (center) then pretended to cry as her mother was 'scolding' her. But the youngest child (right) wasn't having it and as she pointed her finger at her mother she yelled: 'No mommie!' The child repeatedly said 'No mommie no' as her sister pretended to cry 'Don't do that Emma! You're going to get in trouble Emma! Don't do that!' Nunez said as she pointed her finger. The oldest child then pretended to cry as her mother was 'scolding' her. But the youngest child wasn't having it and as she pointed her finger at her mother she yelled: 'No mommie!' Nunez responded: 'What? Emma's being bad! Bad Emma! The little girl then popped her mother's hand and said: 'No mommie no!' Her older sister then hugged her as the child continued to say: 'No mommie no.' Her older sister then hugged her as the child continued to say: 'No mommie no' Little did the child know, her mother and her oldest sister were in cahoots and had faked the entire thing. Nonetheless, she protected her sister anyway Nunez kept saying that Emma was being bad and the little girl jumped in again to protect her and says to their mother: 'No!' She then grabs and pops her mother on the arm 'But she's being bad,' Nunez says to the child who is has now put on a serious face as she consoles her crying sister. 'You better stop that right now,' Nunez says to Emma. Emma's sister jumps in again to protect her and says to their mother: 'No!' She then grabs and pops her mother on the arm. 'No don't hit me,' Nunez says as her daughters embrace again. Emma then reassures her sister that she's okay, before Emma and her mother laugh at the joke they just played on the feisty little girl. It's believed that the adorable moment was captured in Texas. Sumpter fumed that her mom had given the book back but it wasn't logged Acquista's $10 check had bounced and she never paid up, they said The sheriff's office says the DA's office took out the warrant Janice Acquista, 65, is the mom of the 'Gossip Girl' and 'Rid e Along' star The mother of 'Gossip Girl' and 'Ride Along' actress Tika Sumpter, 36, thought she was getting a book from her local library, but she ended up being booked instead, after an overdue fine of just $10 led to her arrest. Retired corrections officer Janice Acquista, 65, was arrested Monday in Johnson County, North Carolina, resulting in a furious tirade from her daughter. 'Make sure you turn in your library books North Carolina,' she tweeted, according to The New York Daily News. 'My mom was just arrested for having a late fee of 10 dollars on an overdue book!' Arrested: Actress Tika Sumpter was furious after her mom, Janice Acquista (pictured right in mugshot and left with Sumpter), 65, was arrested Monday for a $10 late library fee Angry: Sumpter announced her mom's arrest on Twitter. She later said that her mom had already returned the book - it just wasn't logged onto the library's system 'An overdue book should NEVER result in a warrant,' added Sumpter, who played Michelle Obama in romantic biopic 'Southside With You,' 'This is a legal scam.' Worse, Sumpter said, her mom - who had never before been arrested - had already given the book back to the library. 'Be safe out there. What you think can't happen to you, can,' she said. 'P.S. My mom returned the book a while back, someone didn't put it in the system.' The Johnston County Sheriff's Office said that Acquista had been arrested because the check she used to pay the overdue fine bounced, and she never paid up. The DA's office took out the warrant, the sheriff's office said; the Public Library Of Johnston County & Smithfield denied on twitter that it was responsible for the arrest. 'Scam': Sumpter called the arrest a 'legal scam.' The Johnson County Sheriff's Office said the DA's office issued the warrant because a $10 check bounced and Acquista didn't pay up 'We love our patrons; we would never have them arrested for fines! #wronglibrary' it tweeted, after Sumpter included them on a tweet. Exactly which library Acquista used was not clear. Acquista was released on $500 bail, according to the sheriff's office. Her booking record shows her charge as 'simple worthless check.' A handgun used by James Dale Ritchie (pictured), 40, early Saturday morning to ambush Anchorage, Alaska, police officer Arn Salao has been linked to five unsolved homicides The handgun used to wound an Anchorage police officer last weekend has been linked to five previously unsolved homicides this year in Alaska's largest city, police said Tuesday. Lt. John McKinnon, head of the city police's homicide division, said the Colt Python .357 revolver was linked through ballistics to two double homicides and one other killing. 'It is just heartbreaking,' Anchorage Police Chief Chris Tolley told reporters. The gun was used by James Dale Ritchie, 40, early Saturday morning to ambush police officer Arn Salao, who was responding to a report that a man hadn't paid a cab fare. Even after he was shot repeatedly, Salao returned fire as he jumped out of his police cruiser. Sgt. Marc Patzke arrived at the same time and also shot at the suspect, Tolley said. Police officer Arn Salao (pictured) was hit at least four times in the lower part of his body, with bullets fracturing bones, ripping apart muscles and going through the intestine and lodging in his liver Ritchie was killed in the exchange. McKinnon said the guns had been used in the July 3 shootings deaths of Jason Netter and Brianna Foisy, whose bodies were found on a trail near downtown Anchorage. It was also connected to the July 29 death of Treyveonkindell Thompson, who was found on an isolated street. Victims: Treyveonkindell Thompson (left) and Bryant De Husson (right) were killed by the gun used by Ritchie Victims: Brianna Foisy (left) and Kevin Turner (right) also died from gunshots connected to the weapon that Ritchie used Police said they believed the gun was also used in the August 28 deaths of Bryant De Husson and Kevin Turner, who were both shot in the Valley of the Moon Park near downtown Anchorage. Detectives continue to look into Ritchie's past, and McKinnon asked the public to provide any information they could about him. 'He hadn't been on our radar for a while in Anchorage, so that's part of what they're trying to determine is, where he's been, who he'd lived with, what other contacts he had,' said Anchorage District Attorney Clint Campion. 'He hasn't had any real police contact in the last decade in Alaska.' Campion said the five homicide cases remain open because the link to the gun provides investigative leads that need to be pursued. He said Anchorage police would be working with various agencies in the state in the investigation. The gun was not registered to Ritchie, police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro said. Lt. John McKinnon (pictured), head of the city police's homicide division, said the gun was linked to the other deaths 'What I'd be looking at is to see what the evidence is and which way that points us,' Campion said. 'I think the firearm is a significant lead in that direction, and there's other investigation that need to be done.' Tolley said actions of Salao and Patzke in returning fire at Ritchie were heroic and 'made sure that this individual will not hurt any one of you or any one of the citizens of Anchorage. I'm so very, very proud of them.' Salao was hit at least four times in the lower part of his body, with bullets fracturing bones, ripping apart muscles and going through the intestine and lodging in his liver, Tolley said. He underwent seven hours of surgery on Saturday. A Colt Python .357 revolver (stock image) was used in the murder of all five Alaska residents Tolley said the officer is recuperating at an Anchorage hospital, and has been moved out of the intensive care unit. 'The officer is a fighter,' Tolley said, adding Salao is determined to live. Salao has been a patrol officer since joining the force in October 2011. Josh Goudswaard, 32, (pictured) has been missing after he travelled to Bali with a woman he met on match-making app Tinder A 32-year-old New Zealand-born man who disappeared after he went to Bali with a woman he met on Tinder is now believed to have flown out of Indonesia after his credit card was used in the UK. Josh Goudswaard's disappearance has left his family and friends fearing he may have met with foul play. His phone has been disconnected, but his credit card was reported to have been used for a purchase in Britain on November 5, the West Australian reported. He was expected to return home to his home in Perth on the evening of November 6 after telling his colleagues he was travelling with a woman known only as Anita. A spokesman for Mr Goudswaard's family, Aaron Smith, said relatives had been told by Indonesian police that he flew out of Bali on November 1 to an unnamed country. Scroll down for video Loved ones have set up a social media campaign in a desperate effort to track him down However, Mr Smith said loved ones are still fearing he may have met with foul play after he failed to board his flight home. 'It's totally out of character. He has never done anything like this before and he has left a lot of things in limbo,' Mr Smith told 9 News. 'We just hope we find him soon. I just hope there's no foul play at foot.' The New Zealand national, who lives in Cottesloe, Western Australia, had met the woman on the match-making app just two days before he embarked on his trip to Indonesia. The last transaction on his bank statement was made on November 5 as authorities claimed his account has links to the UK. 'Phones been disconnected & not replying to emails,' Mr Smith wrote on Facebook. 'The last transaction on his bank statement was for a small amount registering in Stroke On trent in the UK.' During his trip, he told friends he might be out of reach for a couple of days because he was going trekking. The alarm was raised after Mr Goudswaard, who runs a fitness business in Armadale, failed to show up at work after telling his colleagues about his flight home. A West Virginia mayor has resigned following backlash over a racist Facebook post about Michelle Obama. Mayor Beverly Whaling's resignation was accepted on Tuesday afternoon by the Clay Town Council after she posted a response to a racist comment about the First Lady shortly after Donald Trump was elected president. 'It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels,' wrote Clay County Development Corporation director Pamela Ramsey Taylor. Whaling responded: 'Just made my day Pam.' Clay mayor Beverly Whaling from West Virginia resigned on Tuesday following backlash over a racist Facebook post about Michelle Obama Whaling's resignation follows mounting pressure for the Mayor to be fired. Taylor told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she was put on leave. Council member Jason Hubbard issued a brief statement condemning the 'horrific' post and said 'racial intolerance isn't what this community is about.' He apologized on behalf of the town to anyone who is offended, including Michelle Obama. The Facebook post, which was first reported by WSAZ-TV, was deleted but not before it was shared hundreds of times on social media. The Facebook pages of Taylor and Whaling couldn't be found Monday. The two women have since apologized for their remarks. A West Virginia mayor Beverly Whaling has resigned after she posted a response to a Facebook post written by Clay County Development Corporation director Pamela Ramsey Taylor (pictured) that described Michelle Obama as an 'ape in heels' 'It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels,' wrote Taylor Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling responded: 'Just made my day Pam'. She resigned on Tuesday following backlash from the post Whaling issued a written apology to news media outlets saying that her comment wasn't intended to be racist. 'I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not in any way racist!' Taylor also said sorry on her Facebook account, which she has set to private. Earlier, their comments sparked a huge furor in the small county with many branding the post 'racist' and 'vile' and demanding that both officials stand down. Tinna-Jamie Conner, addressing the two officials, said in a Facebook post: 'Here's a news flash for you deplorable classless beings. OUR First Lady, Michelle Obama personifies and exudes beauty, grace, class, intelligence, humility, strength, patience, passion and HOPE. It has sparked furor in the small county with many branding the post 'racist' and 'vile' and demanding that both officials stand down Taylor described Michelle Obama (left) as an 'ape' and said she was looking forward to having a 'classy, dignified' First Lady in Melania Trump (right) 'Neither of you idiots could hold a candle to her on your hottest day. Say what you will, but your hate and racism is ugly.' Dianne Degen Joyce added that Taylor's comments was not only 'vile' but incorrect. Others agreed: 'That goes without saying. Michelle Obama is the epitome of class, grace and style,' Celeste DuMas Reinhard said. Some Facebook users pointed out that president-elect Trump's wife Melania had previously stripped off for modelling jobs, while Michelle Obama had been involved in politics. African-Americans make up about 4 percent of West Virginia's 1.8 million residents, according to the U.S. Census. How many prominent people do you think are being investigated by British police over allegations of historical sex abuse? A couple of dozen? As many as 50? That would seem unlikely but who knows, given the feverish speculation surrounding recent claims that ageing television personalities and deceased politicians were secret child molesters? Actually, we do know. The number of politicians, celebrities and other dignitaries dead and alive accused of historical sex offences now stands at 3,000. In the past six months alone, the total has risen by 700. A 21-strong police team are working on an investigation into historical sexual allegations made against former prime minister Sir Edward Heath Those figures are incredible. But another astonishing number has also emerged that no fewer than 21 officers and staff are working on an investigation into historical sexual allegations made against former prime minister Sir Edward Heath. Its hard to think of a more surreal waste of police time. Conveniently for the police, Sir Edward died in 2005. He is not around to answer their more fatuous questions. For example, they want to know why a protester at a European summit in Brussels threw printer ink over him, calling him a homosexual. The protest had nothing to do with sexual abuse. It happened in 1972. But that hasnt stopped the police throwing resources at investigating shaky allegations about a man who is long dead. In recent times, the Heath investigation has been overshadowed by other allegations for example, completely unproven claims against Sir Cliff Richard, who is now suing the BBC for its gloating live coverage of a police raid on his home. Arguably, however, the police reaction to allegations about Heath tells us more about the corruption of its procedures than anything about the former prime minister. In the first place, it does not just expose the credulousness of the Metropolitan Police when allegations are made against public figures. Sir Edward had retired to Salisbury, so Wiltshire Police got in on the act, too. They set up their own investigation into him, Operation Conifer. (Attention-hungry police cant do anything these days without calling it Operation this or that. Youd think they were planning D-Day.) Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor has called for an end to this anarchical, fanciful and hysterical period in British policing, which demeans the British criminal justice system Operation Conifer is still going on, and still soaking up public money 674,472. The result thus far is that on Tuesday night the police announced they had arrested then bailed two men in relation to Operation Conifer, while a spokesman said the force was investigating a number of separate allegations made by alleged victims. Was it purely coincidence that the announcement of the arrests came just hours after a former MP and Sir Edwards godson had launched separate, scathing public attacks on Operation Conifer, whose conduct has indeed been bizarre. Edward Heaths godson, Lincoln Seligman, described the investigation into the former PM as vindictive and said that the officers who visited him had only a hazy idea of the background to the case. But note one detail. Wiltshire Police began their investigation with a televised appeal to survivors outside Sir Edwards former house which just happens to be situated in the most picturesque cathedral close in England. This speaks volumes. Salisbury Cathedral provides a fabulous backdrop worthy of Morse or Midsomer Murders. You can imagine senior officers wondering who would play them in the true-crime thriller based on their exploits. As part of Operation Midland, detectives raided the home of the late Leon Brittan, a former home secretary It has been obvious for years that the policemen preening themselves at Press conferences watch far too much television. What they should be doing is developing a keener sense of where their resources can best be deployed. Now some of those targeted for investigation by the police either the Wiltshire force or the Met in recent times are hitting back. The former Tory MP Harvey Proctor is alleged to have been involved in a murderous paedophile ring with Sir Edward Heath. Indeed, one victim claimed that Mr Proctor had to be stopped from violently assaulting him by the physical intervention of the portly Sir Edward during a sex party. You may not be surprised to learn that the victim was the man now infamously known as Nick, whose macabre fantasies persuaded the Metropolitan Police to set up Operation Midland to investigate historical sex allegations made against several public figures. On Sunday, Mr Proctor called for an end to this anarchical, fanciful and hysterical period in British policing, which demeans the British criminal justice system. And he did something that, a few years ago, he could never have imagined himself doing. He stuck up for Sir Edward Heath who, when Mr Proctor was a Right-wing Tory MP, was one of his political enemies. Heath despised me and disliked my views. He would never speak to me in the House of Commons but would snort at me as he passed me in the corridor. The feeling was entirely mutual, he said. Little did I think that 44 years later I would be defending the same Edward Heath from absurd charges of historical child sexual abuse. In a report today, the Mail reveals how Mr Proctor is suing the Met and could be awarded up to 1 million. As part of Operation Midland, detectives raided the home of the late Leon Brittan, a former home secretary, and Field Marshal Lord Bramall, 92, former head of the British Army. No charges were brought for the good reason that they were completely innocent. Claims that they were involved in an establishment paedophile ring were fantasies invented by Nick. Astonishingly, during his time overseeing Operation Midland, Detective Superintendent Kenny McDonald said publicly that officers who had spoken to Nick thought his account was credible and true. Indeed, no charges were brought against anyone and last week the mistakes of Operation Midland were mercilessly exposed in a report by Sir Richard Henriques, a retired judge. The report, which identified 43 separate blunders in the inquiry, said it was time for police to stop automatically believing the accounts of alleged victims. It also revealed that the vast majority of the 400 complaints to an overarching Scotland Yard inquiry into historical sex abuse were without merit. In a damning disclosure, it was found that one prison inmate made allegations against 40 people, including celebrities, and all were false. Yet just days after that report was published we now learn a team of officers are still working on allegations against Edward Heath. None of this is to say that our police forces should not be chasing current child abusers. Big W chief executive Sally Macdonald has resigned from her job just 11 months after taking on the role. Ms Macdonald, who has been at the helm of the Woolworths-owned discount retailer since January, announced she was leaving her post on Wednesday morning. 'It is apparent that the transformation of BIG W will take three to five years to complete,' Woolworths managing director Brad Banducci said in a statement on Wednesday. 'Unfortunately this time horizon is inconsistent with Sally's expectation when she joined.' Sally Macdonald, the chief executive of Woolworths-owned discount retailer Big W since January, announced her resignation on Wednesday morning Woolworths managing director Brad Banducci said 'the transformation of BIG W will take three to five years to complete' which was inconsistent with Ms Macdonald's expectations Ms Macdonald's resignation comes after the Australian discount chain was slammed over the removal of Santa from their stores for the Christmas period. 'What the?? Just rang Parabanks store in Salsibury SA and there's no Santa this year,' Tanya Elliot posted on the Big W Facebook page. Fellow mum Lisa Lamont, was also distressed to learn there would be no appearance of Santa Clause at her South-West Sydney store. 'My kids always have a photo with Santa ever since they have been born extremely disappointed shame on you,' she wrote. A Big W spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the decision comes as a result of their work with shopping centres where their stores are located. 'BIG W has a strong tradition of celebrating the festive season,' they said. We work closely alongside centre management across our store locations and they encourage us to support the official Santa located in the centre.' Ms Macdonald's resignation comes after the Australian discount chain was slammed over the removal of Santa's from their stores for the Christmas period Lisa Lamont was distressed to learn there would be no appearance of Santa Clause at her South-West Sydney store David Walker will replace Ms Macdonald as acting CEO. Ms Macdonald will support Mr Walker during the transition, the Woolworths statement read. He became the CEO of Woolworths Home Improvement businesses in February this year, which includes their failed home-improvement chain Masters. Masters made losses of more than $600 million over four years before Woolworths confirmed it would close all 63 stores across Australia. David Walker (pictured) will replace Ms Macdonald as acting CEO. He became the CEO of Woolworths Home Improvement businesses in February this year, which includes their failed home-improvement chain Masters It was another blow after Big W posted a $14.9 million slump in their earnings earlier this year, compared with $111.7 million in 2015 Woolworths said there were plans to revamp Big W stores to improve productivity and overhaul stock It was another blow after Big W posted a $14.9 million slump in their earnings earlier this year, compared with $111.7 million in 2015. Despite this, 10 new Big W stores were reportedly in the works over the next five years, according to the ABC. Woolworths said there were plans to revamp Big W stores to improve productivity and overhaul stock. The organisation added that there was a lack of visibility on how it would perform financially in 2017 'At this stage of the year, and consistent with our previous announcements, we will not provide full-year profit guidance,' Woolworths told the ABC. Supporters of a young man accused of going to Syria to take part in conflict and supporting others to travel to the area clashed with the media outside court. A violent confrontation took place outside a Sydney court after Muhammad Abdul-Karim Musleh, 22, was granted bail on Tuesday afternoon. A supporter of Musleh was unable to be held back by family as he charged aggressively towards the media. Supporters of Muhammad Abdul-Karim Musleh, 22, lashed out at the media outside of Paramatta court The 22-year-old was arrested by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team at his southwestern Sydney home on Tuesday in relation to four July 2013 offences and appeared at Parramatta Local Court. Musleh was charged with three counts of giving money or goods to promote foreign hostile acts and one count of preparing to engage in foreign hostile activities. The offences were said to have occurred between June 13 and July 11, 2013. Magistrate Karen Stafford said on Tuesday she was willing to grant Musleh bail under strict conditions including that he report daily to police, give up his passports, abide by a curfew, and that his parents commit to pay a surety of $250,000 if he fails to appear at his next court date. Musleh's parents will remortgage their Holsworthy home to make the surety money available, defence lawyer Greg Scragg said. The supporters charged aggressively towards the media threatening to come closer and risk physical contact Musleh's parents will remortgage their Holsworthy home to make the surety money available, defence lawyer Greg Scragg said. Police seized electronic items from Mr Musleh's Wattle Grove home along with his Jordanian and Australian passports, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media claim a large amount of cash was also taken, but Mr Musleh said he had reason for the money. The publication claim Mr Musleh was sent to Syria by Hamdi Alqudsi and it is alleged he planned to engage in overseas conflicts and played a role in supporting other men enter the conflict zone. The charge comes after recruiter Hamdi Alqudsi was jailed for six years back in August for recruiting men to join terrorists in the Middle East. After appearing in Parramatta Local Court, Mr Musleh was granted bail despite the Magistrate Jennifer Giles having 'great concerns' whether he would show up to future court dates. Jailed extremist recruiter Hamdi Alqudsi (pictured) recruited men to join Jahbat al-Nusra Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Michael Kelsey said it is hard gathering evidence from overseas countries but their investigation was thorough. 'We will continue to look at those who have returned from foreign countries and put appropriate strategies in place to investigate those who have committed offences against Australian law,' said Kelsey. Extradition laws being used against a computer hacking suspect are a breach of his human rights, it was claimed last night. Lawyers for Lauri Love, who has Aspergers, say Home Secretary Amber Rudd should have refused to send him to the US for trial. The 31-year-old student yesterday called his extradition an aberration of justice as his legal team pointed out that no other UK citizens accused of hacking had been extradited to the US. Lauri Love, 31, (centre) faces extradition to the US after being accused of hacking their government systems, but calls are being made to protect his human rights. Pictured with father Alexander Love (left) and mother Sirkka Love at their home in Stradishall near Newmarket More than 40 people have faced international cybercrime charges and their cases were heard in Britain. Mr Love faces a 99-year prison sentence if convicted of accessing government databases, including those of the US Army, the Department of Defence, Nasa and the FBI. The vicars son allegedly hacked the websites from the house he shares with his parents near Newmarket, Suffolk, while he was suffering a nervous breakdown. Mr Love, who has Asperger's Syndrome, lost his extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court Yesterday, his lawyers urged Miss Rudd to speak to her US counterparts to seek a trial in the UK. Karen Todner said the Home Secretary should have refused to extradite Mr Love because the US-UK extradition treaty was unfair. Theres quite a lot of evidence now that America doesnt comply with its speciality arrangements. People extradited for one matter can face fresh charges when they get to the US, she said. The treaty is very unfair and should be repealed and so Amber Rudd could have refused Lauris extradition but she chose not to. The other aspect is that as someone who has a high risk of suicide it is essentially condemning him to the death penalty to send him abroad. That means that theres a breach of his human rights. The vicars son has recruited the services of Ben Cooper, who previously represented Gary McKinnon, the computer hacker who was spared extradition when Theresa May intervened in his case following a Mail campaign. Their cases are described as almost identical as they are both Aspergers sufferers. Labour MP Barry Sheerman, who is leading the campaign to prevent Mr Loves extradition, said: No one wants him to evade justice, least of all him, but he can be tried here. Mr Love faces a 99-year prison sentence if convicted of accessing government databases, including those of the US Army, the Department of Defence, Nasa and the FBI Mr Loves legal team is appealing against a judgment in September that approved his extradition. The Home Office said: The secretary of state, having considered all relevant matters, signed an order for Lauri Loves extradition. Two U.S. soldiers killed in an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan have been identified by the Department of Defense on Monday. Private first class Tyler R. Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa, Illinois, and sergeant John W. Perry, 30, of Stockton, California, died from injuries sustained in the blast on Saturday. Two American contractors were also killed in the explosion. Additionally, 16 service members and a polish soldier were injured. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said the blast was executed by a suicide bomber who worked inside the base. Private first class Tyler R. Iubelt (left) , 20, of Tamaroa, Illinois, and Sargent John W. Perry (right), 30, of Stockton, California, have been identified as the two soldiers killed in and IED blast in Afghanistan Vice President Joe Biden stand as an Army carry team moves the remains of Iubelt at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on Tuesday A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said it had been planning the attack for four months. Former Taliban member Qari Enayatullah had joined the peace process in 2008 and had been an employee at Bagram. It is unknown what he did or how long he had worked at the airbase, district governor Haji Abdul Shokor Qudosi told the BBC. After the attack, Enayatullah's relatives were detained and his home was raided by Afghan security forces. An investigation is ongoing as the attack is considered a major security breach of one of the most protected places in the country. Rockets being fired at the Bargram Airbase is a regular occurrence and the insurgent group often attacks from the outside perimeter. Fox News reported that Iubelt and Perry were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas Iubelt, who attended Tamaroa Grade School in Illinois, was remembered for his 'quick wit and a twinkle in his eye, the school's Facebook page said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said the blast was executed by a suicide bomber who got inside the base A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said it had been planning the attack for four months Iubelt had graduated from the school in 2011. 'We are so proud of him for his willingness to leave his family and community to serve our country. 'We mourn his loss and the loss felt by his family and friends,' the post said. Friends of Iubelt's were in disbelief when they learned of his death. Matthew Doerflein, a close friend of Iubelt's said: 'No one could believe it in such a small community that something like that would happen.' The explosion occurred around 5.30am local time as military personnel and others were gathering for a 'fun run' organized in conjunction with Veterans Day at Bagram Vice President Joe Biden was present when Iubelt's body landed in Delaware on Tuesday. The US Embassy in Afghanistan closed following the deadly attack on an American military base. In a statement late Saturday, the embassy says it will be 'closed for routine services' Sunday 'as a temporary precautionary measure.' The unusual decision came after the four Americans were killed on Saturday at Bagram, which is approximately 30 miles north of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Rockets being fired at the Bargram Airbase (stock, pictured) is a regular occurrence and the insurgent group often attacks from the outside perimete The US Embassy in Afghanistan closed following the deadly attack at Bagram Airbase (pictured) The explosion occurred around 5.30am local time as military personnel and others were gathering for a 'fun run' organized in conjunction with Veterans Day, according to NBC News. Two days earlier, insurgents attacked the German Consulate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, killing six people and wounding more than 100. The US Embassy in Kabul regularly warns Americans against travel to Afghanistan, where a Taliban-led insurgency is in its 16th year. The insurgency has become more virulent since most international combat troops withdrew in 2014. Small's whereabouts are a mystery and he has rarely been seen since the bike ride Residents in Newfoundland, Canada, said they saw the boat there in 2015 A note in his name said the houseboat was destined to a homeless youth A mysterious houseboat has washed up on the coast of a tiny Irish village, seemingly all the way from Canada. The caravan-sized boat, which is believed to be solar-powered, emerged on Sunday in Ballyglass, according to the village's coast guard unit. There was no one on board. But a note written inside the boat said it belonged to Rick Small, a Canadian adventurer who last year cycled across the country on a solar-powered bike. The message referenced Newfoundland, an island off the east Canadian coast. 'I, Rick Small, donate this structure to a homeless youth to give them a better life that Newfoundlanders choose not to do! No rent, no mortgage, no hydro,' the note read. Scroll down for video A houseboat (pictured) washed up Sunday on the coast of Ballyglass, a tiny village in Ireland - seemingly all the way from Canada A note inside the boat read: 'I, Rick Small, donate this structure to a homeless youth to give them a better life that Newfoundlanders choose not to do! No rent, no mortgage, no hydro' Small (pictured), whose name was written inside the boat, is a Canadian adventurer who biked more than 4,000 miles across the country last year Mystery also surrounds the whereabouts of Mr Small as it is unclear where he is currently living and he has yet to comment on the boat. Several residents near where he was living in Newfoundland say he has rarely been seen since completing his bike ride. When he was spotted, he would be working on the boat but the Irish coastguard do not believe he tried to cross the Atlantic on the vessel. However, photos shared by the Ballyglass Coast Guard show the boat on the Irish coast, with the handwritten note inside. Several Canadian residents have spoken out after seeing photos of the houseboat on Facebook, saying they had spotted it last year in Newfoundland, Ballyglass Coast Guard officer Michael Hurst told ABC News. One resident of Newfoundland even sent a photo of the houseboat stationed off the island in September last year. That resident, Timothy Legrow, said he had spoken to Small on the day he saw the boat. Several Canadian residents reached out after seeing photos of the houseboat on Facebook, saying they had spotted it last year in Newfoundland. The boat is pictured being retrieved The houseboat (pictured) had solar panels on its roof and seemed habitable, according to a Ballyglass coast guard officer 'He told me his plan was to take the boat and prove that solar power could sail it across the Atlantic,' Legrow told ABC News. 'I never saw him again after that.' 'From the message inside, he likely abandoned that idea and just left the boat on a dock for homeless people. It probably broke off and somehow made its way across the ocean to here,' Hurst said. The houseboat, Hurst told the BBC, had solar panels on its roof and seemed habitable. Small previously rode more than 4,000 miles across Canada on a solar-powered bike. He told CBC at the time: 'It's been a blast. It's been really easy.' They say 'start 'em young, raise 'em right' - but whoever came up with that phrase had probably never met this burglar. Police in Victoria are hunting for a thief after he was recorded breaking into a medical centre while two young children followed him around. Officers say the man was filmed inside the Caroline Springs Medical Centre, to the north of Melbourne, at around 5.30pm on November 3. Police are hunting for a man who broke into a Melbourne medical centre while taking care of two children before rooting around behind the counter In security footage the man can be seen looking through a cash drawer and rooting around under desks as the young boy and girl stick close by his side. The group spend around two minutes inside the store, as the man checks behind the desk and then examines the front door. It is not clear what exactly the man was looking for, and police say nothing appears to have been taken. The trio spent around two minutes inside the store, looking through a cash register and under desks, though officers say it appears nothing was taken Investigators believe the man came into the medical centre to inquire about opening hours before returning around an hour later after it had shut. It is not clear whether the boy and girl in the footage are the man's children, or whether he was just looking after them at the time. Police are now asking for anyone who might be able to identify the man to come forward with information. Chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall criticised hotels for running breakfast buffets which result in vast quantities of good food ending up in the bin Hotels are under fire for running breakfast buffets which result in vast quantities of good food ending up in the bin. The attack came from renowned chef and TV campaigner, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, in evidence to a food waste inquiry by MPs. He also blasted supermarkets for feeding a food waste mountain with bogus use by dates and deals encouraging shoppers to overfill baskets. Details emerged during evidence to MPs on the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. The chef runs his own restaurant and has made enormous efforts to cut waste, but he said others in the hospitality industry must do more. He criticised business hotels that run breakfast buffets from 6.30am through to 10am, constantly topping up the croissants, eggs, bacon and pastries. The breakfast buffet is one of the big nightmares. It is a bit like a supermarket shelf in that it must always be inexhaustible and full and look perfect, he said. It must look like that when the first guests come down at 6.30 in the morning and when the last guest goes on their way. You can imagine what happens to the food, the still perfect looking breakfast buffet, at hotels all over the UK and all over the world, a few minutes after the last person walks away. He said hotels might tackle the problem by warning people who do not get up early for breakfast that the range will diminish through the morning as part of a policy to reduce food waste. And he pointed to the way some hotels do not automatically change towels and sheets to save on washing and energy. He criticised business hotels that run breakfast buffets from 6.30am through to 10am, constantly topping up the croissants, eggs, bacon and pastries (file photo) The TV campaigner was giving evidence alongside food waste expert, Tristram Stuart, of the group Feedback. They criticised supermarkets, saying they: Put use by dates on food which encourage people to throw products away when they are still good and safe to eat. Routinely overfill shelves with food they will not sell. Encourage customers to overbuy fresh produce with deals such as buy one get one free (BOGOF). Impose unfair cosmetic standards on fresh produce that means tonnes of fruit and veg are rejected and then left to rot on farms. Bully farmers by using cosmetic standards to falsely reject orders when they have too much stock. Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said people rely on use by dates on food products to eat safely. But, he said they appear on lots of foods where they are not necessary. You need to start with a core number of products where the public needs genuine protection from a biological hazard if the food should turn. But it is a very small number of products, he said. Tristram Stuart told MPs: The purpose of the use by date is to inform customers when that food is likely to become a hazard to health. He also blasted supermarkets for feeding a food waste mountain with bogus use by dates and deals encouraging shoppers to overfill baskets But he said, companies producing pork pies and cold meats routinely use much shorter use by dates than are necessary. That confuses customers and makes people believe they have got to throw away food...when in fact, by no stretch of the imagination, is it a risk, he said. MPs were told retailers and government advisors wrongly blame families for being responsible for more than half of food waste. The TV campaigner described attempts to blame families as mysterious, adding: The real area we need to focus on is the (supermarket) supply chain. He said: Retailers are complicit in the problem of domestic food waste because of the way they sell us food. They are very good at making us buy quite a lot more than we need. They do it through advertising and buy one get one free offers. The culture is dictated by supermarkets and the way they market food to us. If supermarkets are over-stocked, which they are, they will have excess which will become waste. He said supermarkets should be required to publish food waste figures, including among suppliers, to get a full picture of the problem. And he argued the Government should set legally binding food waste reduction targets in the same way as there are for carbon emissions to tackle global warming. A chilling post has emerged warning travellers about the dangers of the Mozambique town where Melbourne woman Elly Warren was raped and murdered last Wednesday. A South African traveller posted to Trip Advisor urging visitors to Tofo in Mozambique to be 'very careful'. A user going by the name Peggypenguin posted to the travel forum in 2013 warning tourists about the notorious 'Beach Boys'. Scroll down for video Elly Warren, from Melbourne, was travelling Africa before she tragically died last Wednesday 'Visitors to Tofo should be very careful of the Beach Boys that frequent the local bars and backpackers, on the lookout for easy prey,' they said. 'They generally have dreadlocks and sell drugs.' The beach they are referring to is in Tofo, a small town in south eastern Mozambique, the same place Elly Warren, 20, was found dead in a toilet cubicle on November 9. 'Visitors to Tofo should be very careful of the Beach Boys that frequent the local bars and backpackers,' the South African poster said Miss Warren (pictured) had been holidaying and doing a volunteer stint in Mozambique The Melbourne woman was reportedly raped and attacked when she walked home alone from a party in Mozambique. The Trip Advisor post goes on to warn people the 'Beach Boys' use superficial charm to take advantage of unsuspecting travellers. 'Tourists are also befriended by the beach boys, who can be extremely charming,' they said. 'Once they know when the tourist will leave Tofo, the tourist is robbed on the night before their departure. 'With international flights pending, although the case may be reported to the police, nothing happens as the victim has to depart.' An autopsy on her body has been conducted and she will be flown back to Australia on Sunday Peggypenguin finishes the post with a chilling warning about sexual harassment in the southern African nation. 'Be careful in the local bars as drinks can be laced with drugs that cause amnesia and unsolicited sexual encounters,' they said. The post was met with feedback from others who had travelled to Tofo and wanted to share their own frightening experiences with the notorious 'Beach Boys'. Travellers were warned about the dangers of Tofo (pictured) in south-eastern Mozambique 'I visited Tofo two years ago. Was hanging out with the beach boys a lot,' one user warned 'I visited Tofo two years ago, was hanging out with the beach boys a lot,' a woman from south London said. 'They speak perfect English, but are extremely dangerous. 'They prey on females in particular.' The woman who posted under the username Nats6686 said she was targeted by one of the Beach Boys on her last night in the town. 'My phone was robbed I'm not sure who, but as we were all in the same room it was definitely one of them.' The woman also urged women in particular to stay vigilant. 'Ladies take care. Many of them have numerous girlfriends from overseas as their aim is probably to make it overseas,' she said. Ms Warren (pictured) has been killed while on a volunteer holiday to Mozambique, Africa 'One Beach Boy in particular - (thinks) himself something of a pariah among the Beach Boys,' one user posted to Trip Advisor Another user also commented on the post claiming the dangers were very real. The American ex-pat living in Tofo, who posted under the username Mecklen, advised travellers to avoid one Beach Boy in particular. '(He thinks) himself something of a pariah among the Beach Boys,' Mecklen said. '(He) has stolen even from them operates out of a local low-end guest house bar. 'Avoid him at all cost.' The chilling warning came three years before Kristy Warren would post her own warning urging travellers to be vigilant following the death of her sister. 'I want to say if you are thinking of going travelling or going overseas, please be careful who you go with,' Ms Warren said. Tofo in Mozambique (pictured) where Elly Warren was raped and murdered on November 9 'Rest in peace you angel, even though I hated you I still loved you so much,' Kristy Warren posted to Facebook after her sister was murdered After discovering her sister had tragically died in the African nation, Ms Warren took to Facebook to express her grief at losing Elly. 'Words can't even begin to describe to you how much I miss you right now,' she said. The body of slain backpacker Elly Warren will be returned to Australia at the weekend, following an autopsy conducted in Mozambique capital Maputo. Children of working mothers develop faster than those who stay at home, a study has found. Going to nursery or spending time with grandparents improved everyday skills such as talking, social interaction and tasks such as getting dressed. In contrast, those with mothers who stayed at home were less advanced, scientists at Oxford University and the London School of Economics suggest. Going to nursery or spending time with grandparents improved everyday skills such as talking, social interaction and tasks such as getting dressed. File image The study tested children against four measures of development and found that children whose mothers were not working had lower capabilities. In fact, researchers found it had a five per cent negative impact on both their everyday and social skills. Meanwhile, attending nursery delivered a 10 per cent positive impact on everyday skills while more time with grandparents led to a five per cent boost in talking and 10 per cent better social skills. Laurence Roope, of Oxford University, who co-wrote the paper, said it was clear time spent in day care had a 'strongly positive effect' on children. 'It should give parents some reassurance that nurseries are not going to harm their children, and are likely to be beneficial,' he said. 'It seems that what is important is engaging in interactive activities. It could be there is a trade-off. Going out to work brings in more money for the family, which leads to more financial security and the ability to partake in more activities. Those with mothers who stayed at home were less advanced. File image 'But it might mean that the bond between parent and child is not as great, particularly if the parent is tired or stressed.' The researchers said children were often exposed to more stimulating activities at nurseries and interacted with both new children and adults. The report, based on a survey of more than 800 mothers by the German Socio-Economic Panel, found the benefits of nursery seemed to increase as children spent more time there. Reading and visiting other families was found to improve speech capabilities while singing songs and arts and crafts seen to have a positive impact on dexterity. It asked about their socio-economic status and their children's progress at age two and three, using questions such as 'Can your child cut pieces of paper with scissors? 'It's very important for policymakers to support working mothers through flexible working and providing good quality nurseries,' Roope added. Higher-education among mothers also played a role but having older parents was disadvantageous to children, when assessed against all four criteria. Professor Paul Anand, the report's lead author, said it showed that different activities promote different skills. Laura Perrins, co-editor of The Conservative Woman website and an advocate for stay-at-home-mothers, said the report made it seem mothers cannot be trusted with their children. A new government survey has revealed full-time female employees take home nearly $27,000 less than their male counterparts on average. The survey also found the gender wage gap has narrowed to 23 per cent. Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), which is a government agency charged with promoting workplace equality, surveyed 12,000 employers and four million employees, the ABC reported. Its findings showed the average full-time female employee took home $26,853 less than the average male employee in 2015-16. A new government survey has revealed that full-time female employees take home, on average, nearly $27,000 less than their male counterparts (stock image) The wage difference is even worse at the top level of management, where the salary difference increases to $93,884. WGEA director Libby Lyons said recent research showed the main reason for the gender pay gap was 'bias and discrimination', but that the gender pay gap has narrowed 1.6 percentage points to 23.1 per cent. 'I think in 2016 we shouldn't still be talking about a pay gap. But, I think that there are some positive signs on the horizon,' Ms Lyons said. 'I think the obvious reason for the decline in the gender pay gap are the fact that organisations are recognising that this is a problem. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency carried out the research, and the organisation's director Libby Lyons (pictured) said the gender pay gap was based on 'bias and discrimination' Australian women are earning 23 per cent less than their male counterparts in the workplace 'It is not fair that women are paid less than men and are actually taking their own action to do a gender pay gap analysis, and to sort the problem out in their own workplace.' She also confirmed that for the first time the data showed that over 70 per cent of employers have policies in place to improve gender equality in their workplace. A spate of Apex gang-related criminal activity has swept across Melbourne, with police recording a whopping 13 per cent increase in recorded offences over the past 12 months. Just this week, an Apex teenager and two accomplices were arrested on the West Gate Bridge for their alleged involvement in two armed robberies after a high-speed car chase and 11 young people were charged over a series of thefts at Officeworks stores across the state. But not all the offending is Apex-related, with authorities struggling to contain 40 rioting inmates at Parkville Youth Detention in the city's north at the weekend. Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton said there is an issue of 'disconnected youth' across the state and authorities should focus on 'engaging with their future' instead of continually charging re-offenders. But the State Opposition believe police are not doing enough, and have announced their own controversial idea to publicly name and shame young offenders after they commit two crimes. Victoria's shadow police minister Edward ODonohue said frontline police numbers had been cut and accused Premier Daniel Andrews of ignoring 'the increasing lawlessness on Victorian streets'. Scroll down for video Two members of the balaclava-clad trio are seen smashing several glass cabinets (pictured) before a high-speed car chase, ending on the Westgate Bridge On Tuesday, a group of young African teenagers were brawling on Melbourne's Chapel Street and decided to use a wheelie bin in the attack 'We have been advocating for many months that frontline police numbers had been cut and as a result, police stations were severely understaffed and having to close or reduce their opening hours under Daniel Andrews,' Mr O'Donohue told Daily Mail Australia. 'Police members are stretched to the limit and simply cannot keep up with the demand for police assistance in response to the crime tsunami particularly across Melbourne's growth corridors.' The Opposition's radical plan would see a two-strike policy introduced and young offenders would be publicly named depending on the severity of their crime. In Victoria, the name of a young offender fronting Children's Court cannot be released. On Tuesday, a group of young African teenagers were brawling on Melbourne's Chapel Street and decided to use a wheelie bin in the attack. A man can be seen holding the bin above his head and throwing it forcefully onto another man's. Also on Tuesday, one Reddit user was left shocked after he witnessed Protective Service Officers 'give up' and allow a gang of 13 fare-evading 'African teenagers' through the gates at Melbourne Central station on Tuesday. The man said the group lingered out the front of a Hungry Jack's after jumping the station gates and were not approached by Metro staff. If you're old enough to commit armed burglary, you're old enough to go to jail 'I did notice one or two of the teens with their phones pointing at the officers and I wonder if the filming and threat of a 'racist altercation' made the Metro staff & PSOs simply give up?' he wrote. 'I'm just wondering if I'm missing something here?' Earlier this month, a 17-year-old Apex gang member was killed in a horrific accident in a stolen car in Narre Warren. Dru Peterson was often pictured flashing gang signs in photos with his friend Shok Mou, who is now clinging to life in a Melbourne hospital following the same devastating accident. Victorian Commissioner Graham Ashton said there is an issue of 'disconnected youth' across the state and believed continued arrests was not the answer (stock image) On Tuesday, a group of young African teenagers were brawling on Melbourne's Chapel Street and decided to use a wheelie bin in the attack (pictured) Some feared authorities were not doing enough and one shocked Reddit user even said he witnessed Protective Service Officers 'give up' and allow a gang of 13 fare-evading 'African teenagers' through the gates at Melbourne Central station on Tuesday On Monday, three Apex teenagers were arrested on the West Gate Bridge for their alleged involvement in two armed robberies Police arrest one of the men who allegedly led police on a high-speed chase after two armed robberies Police forced the allegedly stolen green Holden Commodore to a stop on top of the bridge The teenage boys were among six people crammed into an allegedly stolen car which sped through two red lights before flipping when it collided with another car in Melbourne's east. The 15-year-old driver has been charged. On Monday, three Apex teenagers were arrested on the West Gate Bridge for their alleged involvement in two armed robberies. They are going to adult jail, where they belong - Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews One of the offenders beat two students with a hammer in April and demanded they perform sex acts on each other as he tried to film the incident on his phone, the court heard, according to The Herald Sun. The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was charged with a eight offences on Tuesday - including armed robbery, burglary, theft of motor vehicle and reckless conduct. Police said the three offenders came to their attention when the owner of a jewellery store in Lalor alleged they stormed into the shop armed with crow bars. 'If you're old enough to commit armed burglary, you're old enough to go to jail,' the shop owner Matt Santoro said. Teenage prison riots broke out at Parkville youth justice centre at the weekend and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the inmates belong in adult jails. He said the teenagers' behaviour was unacceptable. 'They are going to adult jail, where they belong,' the premier said on Tuesday. 'The behaviour that we have seen at Parkville is completely unacceptable. I'm sick of it, the Victorian community is sick of it.' Teens rioted on Saturday night and then again early on Monday morning, barricading themselves inside a unit for most of the day. Last month, a 17-year-old inmate was rushed to hospital after his skull was cracked during an attack by a rival gang member. 'The place is antiquated in sections, it's overcrowded. There needs to be a much different approach put in place,' Community and Public Sector Union spokesman Julian Keneally said. The men snatched pieces of expensive jewellery from the broken cabinets before fleeing and leading police on a high-speed car chase on Monday 'If you're old enough to commit armed burglary, you're old enough to go to jail,' the shop owner Matt Santoro said This comes as almost a dozen youths were charged just this week after brazen robberies at Officeworks chain stores across the state, including in South Yarra (pictured) This comes as almost a dozen youths were charged just this week after brazen robberies at Officeworks chain stores across the state. On November 5, witness Chris, who chose to keep his surname anonymous, said he watched in horror as a gang of 15 teenagers took headphones and speakers from the South Yarra store and left 'cheering and dancing'. They were happily ransacking the Officeworks shelves He said the teenagers, believed to be members of the notorious Apex gang, set off the store alarms and the staff could on watch on in shock. Chris said a staff member told him similar incidents were frequent and they were 'soft targets' on the weekends with reduced staff. A woman who heard Chris' account, said she was driving along Nepean Highway on the same day when she saw a similar group emerging from a house and heading toward the Moorabbin Officeworks. Witness Julia said the group were milling out the front of the store, but 'nervously legged it' down Highett Road when they heard police sirens approaching. A 17-year-old member of the notorious Apex gang, Dru Peterson, recently died in a horrific car accident on November 5 Shok Mou was also seriously injured in the crash and is clinging to life in a Melbourne hospital The teenage boys were among six people crammed into an allegedly stolen car which sped through two red lights before flipping when it collided with a car in Melbourne's east At the weekend, authorities struggled to contain 40 rioting inmates at Parkville Youth Detention in the city's north Last Wednesday, Bill Tang, a 19-year-old Apex member, was sentenced to two years and eight months in youth detention after he terrorised a family in their Brighton East home in April. Tang, 19, and other hooded gang members allegedly broke into the Brighton East home at 3am and pelted rocks at the male resident as he tried to defend his property. After the group tried to drive his BMW X5 out of the garage, the resident opened the driver door to stop them leaving, but was dragged down the street and suffered injuries to his legs and shoulder, according to The Herald Sun. There has been a drastic increase in crime across the state, with assault offences up 11 per cent, Negligent acts endangering others up 23 per cent and burglary up 12 per cent in the past 24 months. An armed thug (left) was allegedly chased by a rival gang (right) into a milk shop in Melbourne during what was reportedly a fight about turf The group of around 20 men surrounded the shop owner and father-of-three, Joe Risoli, as they allegedly chased a thug who had escaped into the Coburg shop in Melbourne Last month a video emerged of rival gangs storming into a milk bar armed with wooden and metal weapons. The group of around 20 men surrounded the shop owner and father-of-three, Joe Risoli, as they allegedly chased a thug who had escaped into the Coburg shop in Melbourne. From July 2015 to June 2016, 20,484 of the alleged offenders were males aged between 15 and 19, according to Crime Statistics Victoria. Commissioner Ashton said authorities need to look at the 'long-term' solution for re-offending youths. 'We can keep arresting them when they're offending and we're certainly arresting them in great number, but the longer term solution has got to be about engaging with the future looks like for them and how you actually provide opportunities,' he told the ABC. A member of the Melbourne-based Apex gang is pictured Underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro was allegedly pursuing debt collector Joe Antoun for millions of dollars but an attempt on his life was foiled by his wife and children. A court has heard how Barbaro had gone to Antoun's Strathfield home, in Sydney's inner-west, over a wine deal that had soured and millions worth of ecstasy pills. But the door was answered by Antoun's wife and children, and he could not go through with the killing, The Daily Telegraph reported. Scroll down for video Pasquale Barbaro, 35, was killed in Earlwood, Sydney, on Monday. He had previously attempted to kill Antoun Barbaro, it is alleged Joe Antoun (pictured with his wife, Teagan) was killed by a hitman in December 2013. Barbaro is alleged to have earlier attempted to kill him but couldn't when Antoun's wife and children answered his door Mr Antoun (pictured) was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door The 35-year-old tried to run for his life before he was shot dead by two hooded hitmen outside the home of an associate in Earlwood on Monday at 10pm Antoun, 50, was eventually killed by a hired hitman in December 2013. Barbaro, 35, was himself killed on Monday outside the home of an associate in Earlwood, in Sydney's south-west. His attempt on Antoun's life was heard in court during the trial of Brothers 4 Life gang leaders Farhad and Mumtaz Qaumi for the debt collector's murder, The Daily Telegraph reported. Detective Sergeant Peter Smith investigated the killing and was asked in court by Defence Barrister John Stratton SC if another criminal figure told police Barbaro and his associates had gone to Antoun's house and failed to kill him. Horrifying footage shows a hooded man approach Antoun's Strathfield home, knock on the front door and shoot him, before fleeing on foot The detective agreed but was asked by Supreme Court Justice Peter Hamil if he agreed it actually occurred or if it was hearsay evidence, the Telegraph reported. Barbaro, of course, could not give evidence. Barbaro is the fourth underworld figure killed in Sydney in the past eight months. The 35-year-old was shot several times on Monday night after visiting the home of underworld figure George Alex, who the unions royal commission had suggested be investigated for possible corruption over his construction industry dealings. Mr Barbaro, who was due to face court in early December on drugs charges, was "born into the Calabrian mafia", according to author Keith Moor, whose book Busted examines the well-known family. Moor speculates the mafia may have silenced Mr Barbaro because it was rumoured he had broken its code of omerta and become an informant for the NSW Crime Commission. The Quami brothers' trial continues. Barbaro was shot dead outside associate George Alex's (pictured in 2015) house A short course based around the wisdom of Homer Simpson has attracted a huge amount of interest at Glasgow University A British university is to use US cartoon The Simpsons to teach students philosophy in a new course. Glasgow University will examine the wisdom of Homer Simpson and his family alongside the words of great thinkers such as Aristotle, Socrates and Voltaire. The short course, entitled D'oh! The Simpsons Introduce Philosophy, has attracted a huge amount of interest and is expected to be massively oversubscribed. John Donaldson, a tutor of philosophy at the university, has created the course and insisted using The Simpsons was a legitimate means of stimulating interest in the subject. He said: 'Matt Groening, the man behind The Simpsons, was a student of philosophy, and that comes through in each episode. 'The Simpsons is a very sophisticated work of popular culture, with a broad scope and depth, and is full of philosophical themes. 'Very pleasingly, the course has proved to be incredibly popular on social media. It has gone viral. We've never really had a response like this before.' Dr Donaldson will consider the deeds of Homer, the beer-swilling head of the family from Springfield, and ask whether Aristotle would have regarded him as a virtuous figure. He said: 'Homer definitely has some moral failings. He's gluttonous, he struggles to tell the truth and can be quite violent, however there's a lot to be said in his defence. 'He is a faithful husband, a family man who is open-hearted and, in his own way, good-natured.' Promotional material for the unorthodox class at the university claims it will 'introduce students to some of the key ideas of some of the great thinkers in the history of philosophy'. It adds: 'The Simpsons is one of the modern world's greatest cultural artefacts partly because it is so full of philosophy. 'Aristotle, Kant, Marx, Camus and many other great thinkers' ideas are represented in what is arguably the purest of philosophical forms: the comic cartoon. 'Come along for a day of learning and explore some of philosophy's most inspiring ideas as presented in The Simpsons.' The Simpsons debuted on TV screens in 1989 and is the longest running American sitcom The course, which is open to all and costs 30 a head, take places on Saturday, January 14. It will also consider morality and free will by examining an episode in which Bart, the family's eldest child, is sent to a school for gifted children after cheating in a test. Ned Flanders, the Simpsons' next door neighbour, will be used to introduce divine command theory, the school of thought that holds that morality revolves around obeying the commands of 'God'. Mr Donaldson is not the first academic to suggest that the hugely popular series has an intellectual depth. Julian Baggini, founder of The Philosophers' Magazine, wrote an essay in 2012 in which he said: 'The Simpsons is much more than a funny animated cartoon, it's a work of philosophy. It does philosophy better than most philosophers. 'Comedy is the most truthful art form we have. It's great at puncturing any illusions we may have that we're wise or important.' The Spanish man who Jeremy Clarkson accused of kicking him off a flight, saying 'I'm from Argentina so f*** you', has been pictured arriving back to work following the controversy. The presenter, 56, was due to leave Stuttgart, Germany , with Richard Hammond and James May on Monday night after filming their new show The Grand Tour. But the star, who was chased out of Argentina in 2014 for driving a Porsche with a provocative Falklands number plate, claims airport employee Manuel Pereira deliberately stopped them boarding. In a rant Clarkson called the worker a 'ignorant little worm' who will 'pay for it', adding: 'He marched off looking pleased with himself, no doubt to enjoy a disgusting dinner of refried beans'. But this morning, Stuttgart Airport bosses told MailOnline that Clarkson and his team had 'missed several calls' for the flight and insisted the worker involved was Spanish not Argentinian. The worker also said he is from Spain and denies it ever happened saying: ' I would never say such a thing'. Pictured: Manuel Pereira, who Jeremy Clarkson accused of kicking him off a flight, saying 'I'm from Argentina so f*** you' Mr Pereira is seen arriving back to work at Stuttgart airport clutching a newspaper in his hands Jeremy Clarkson claims Mr Pereira deliberately prevented him from boarding a flight when he was with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May Jeremy Clarkson, pictured at the BBC Radio 2 studios last night, claims an airport worker stopped him from boarding a British Airways flight from Stuttgart, Germany, on Monday Clarkson told The Sun that he and Grand Tour co-host James May and Richard Hammond had a beer in the airport lounge before heading to the gate 'on time'. He said that his security team then said they were not allowed to board and accused the airport worker of stopping them getting home to Britain He said: 'I said to this little bald guy, 'What's the problem?' He had a big smile on his face. He said, 'You've missed it.' We said we had left the lounge when we were told, and he said, 'I'm from Argentina so f*** you'.' But in an emailed statement to MailOnline, Stuttgart Airport said: 'In this case Mr. Clarkson and his team missed several calls in the lounge while the other passengers have been already boarded. Due to airline policy after a certain time of absence the luggage will be removed from the aircraft and the missing passengers will be withdrawn from the passenger list. 'From this point there is no chance for boarding, even if the passengers show up.' But the airport added that the 'personal behaviour of the staff member... does not conform to our approach on customer service at Stuttgart Airport' and that its partner S.Stuttgart Ground Services is investigating. Clarkson claims that police were called and were '100 per cent on our side for once' and are treating it as as a hate crime. Clarkson, left, and Richard Hammond, pictured arriving in Heathrow in September this year Mr Pereira, wearing a grey jacket and a blue and black-striped shirt, was seen speaking to a colleague on the check-in desk at Stuttgart Airport Stuttgart Airport bosses told MailOnline that Clarkson and his team had 'missed several calls' for the flight and insisted the worker involved was Spanish not Argentinian. The airport is pictured In 2014 Clarkson sparked a diplomatic incident by driving through Argentina in a Porsche bearing a provocative H982 FKL numberplate, pictured Response: Clarkson thanked easyJet for getting them home - but did not mention his row at the gate He also gloated that they were helped on to an EasyJet flight that actually got them back to Britain quicker. He said: 'It's England 1, Argentina 0 again. He's a stupid, bitter and twisted little man who can't get it into his head that Argentina's armed forces are completely useless.' The airport worker accused of delaying tactics has denied Clarkson's version of events. The Sun confronted him in the airport yesterday and he said: 'I would never say such a thing. I wasn't rude. I was polite and professional.' In 2014 Clarkson sparked a diplomatic incident by driving through Argentina in a Porsche bearing a provocative H982 FKL numberplate. Despite the Corporation insisting it was a 'unhappy coincidence', Clarkson and his team were harangued out of Argentina as veterans accused the show of goading them over the Falklands. Clarkson, centre, Richard Hammond, left, and James May, right, had been due to fly back to London after filming their new show The Grand Tour. Pictured, on location in Johannesburg Amazon Prime is reportedly paying over 160 million for 12 shows of The Grand Tour (pictured) a year for three years, giving them a staggering budget of 4.5 million per episode Jeremy Clarkson returned to the BBC last night but snubbed the One Show, forcing James May and Richard Hammond to do an awkward interview on their own. The trio's new show The Grand Tour launches on Friday but ringleader Clarkson chose to promote it on Radio 2 instead. Meanwhile May and Hammond were forced to arrive on the One Show set in a cardboard car and Top Gear was not mentioned by name. It then got more awkward as presenters Alex Jones and Angellica Bell made comments about how much Amazon were paying them after they quit the BBC. Clarkson was referred to as 'he who shall not be named' and afterwards he sent a series of sarcastic tweets about the show. He said: 'I could have done The One Show but Richard and James really really wanted to do it on their own. They love the humour'. He added: 'James and Richard are in their element. They love talking about pension scams'. Afterwards One Show viewers said May and Hammond were treated badly on their BBC return, with one tweeting: 'The interview with @MrJamesMay & @RichardHammond was shockingly bad - jealous and snide comments not needed #TheOneShow'. Another wrote: 'Very awkward interview on #TheOneShow there. Sounded like they were forced to have Hammond and May on, but hate them with a passion.' Checking in: Dressed in jeans and grey suede shoes he made his way to reception followed by female aides Welcome back: Richard and James suffered an awkward return to the BBC earlier in the evening, more than a year after Jeremy's controversial sacking from Top Gear Hours after the alleged incident, Clarkson was spotted arriving at the BBC Radio 2 studios. Clarkson, May and Hammond are on the promo trail in the lead up to The Grand Tour's launch on Amazon Prime on Friday. In a bid to drum up publicity, a car has been 'crashed' into the ground on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Another has been made to look like it's erupting from the ground in Berlin's Hackescher Markt. AMAZON SLASHES MEMBERSHIP FEE AHEAD OF GRAND TOUR LAUNCH Amazon has slashed the price of its Prime subscription to mark the launch of The Grand Tour. Fans who sign up to the Amazon Prime service between now and Friday will be able to do so for 59. The deal will save viewers 20 on the usual 79 annual membership fee. The deal ends on Friday. Advertisement Amazon Prime is reportedly paying over 160 million for 12 shows a year over three years, giving them an astronomical budget of 4.5 million per episode. The forthcoming twelve-episode show will take in locations across the United States South Africa, England, the Netherlands, Finland and Germany before culminating in spectacular fashion at the foot of the world's tallest building, The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. Amazon Prime members can watch The Grand Tour via the Amazon Video app on smart TVs, streaming media players, Android phones and tablets, and on the web. 'Crashed' cars appeared in various locations today in public stunts to mark the launch of the Grand Tour. This car was spotted at the Hackescher Markt in Berlin Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie have arrived in Cuba on their first stop of a week-long tour of the region. The Trudeaus waved as they emerged from their plane at Jose Marti airport in Havana on Tuesday before later meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro at Revolution Palace. In discussions with Trudeau, the country's president told him Cuba will not progress any faster than it currently is, according to The Canadian Press. 'Even though I have said we have to move slowly, you can go too fast. I have said slowly, but steady,' Raul Castro told Trudeau through an interpreter. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau arrived in Cuba on Tuesday on an official visit Justin and Sophie's visit comes four decades after Trudeau's father made a historic visit to the Communist-ruled island It comes as Trudeau tries to boost trade opportunities with the island nation. 'The friendship between your family and mine is long and deep, but it's nothing compared to the true friendship between all Canadians and all Cubans and I look forward to continuing to build on that,' Trudeau said. Trudeau and his wife were earlier greeted at the airport by Cuba's Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel. They were quickly whisked off to a ceremony at the Jose Marti monument in Havana's Revolution Square where Trudeau laid a wreath. The official visit is the first stop en route to Argentina and Peru an attempt to strengthen ties and boost trade in the region. It comes four decades after his father Pierre Elliott Trudeau made a historic visit to the Communist-ruled island and struck up a friendship with revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Trudeau met with Raul Castro, Fidel's younger brother and successor as president, on Tuesday. Canada has long been one of Cuba's closest Western allies. The Canadian Prime Minister met with Cuban President Raul Castro at Revolution Palace on Tuesday The pair reviewed the guard of honour during a ceremony at Revolution Palace Trudeau was pictured laying a wreath at the Jose Marti monument at Revolution Square in Havana on Tuesday It is their first stop of a week-long tour of the region with stops scheduled for Argentina and Peru The Candian Prime Minister and his wife were greeted by Cuba's Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel on arrival The couple was whisked off to a ceremony at the Jose Marti monument in Havana's Revolution Square shortly after arriving, backdropped by a monument depicting Cuba's revolutionary hero Ernesto 'Che' Guevara Canada and Mexico were the only two nations in the Americas to have kept ties with Cuba after the 1959 revolution, and trade, tourism and investment from the two countries has filled in some gaps from the U.S. embargo. 'Cuba and Argentina are two of our closest partners in the hemisphere,' Trudeau said in a statement ahead of the visit. 'I look forward to working with President Castro and President Macri to stimulate more trade and investment with Canada, grow the middle class, and foster closer people-to-people ties for the benefit of all our citizens.' Cuba and Canada trade over $1 billion worth of goods per year and Canadian companies have significant investments in mining, power, oil and gas, agribusiness and tourism in Cuba. Trudeau and Castro were in discussions at Revolution Palace on Tuesday Cuba's president Raul Castro (pictured) told Trudeau Cuba will not progress any faster than it currently is Justin and Sophie were solemn as they attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Jose Marti Monument in Havana The Trudeaus waved as they emerged from their plane at Jose Marti airport in Havana on Tuesday Trudeau, pictured at a wreath-laying ceremony, is set to meet with Raul Castro, Fidel's younger brother and successor as president, during his visit Many countries are rushing to renew ties with Cuba since its detente with the United States in hopes of capturing a share of Cuban business. Trudeau will follow his stay in Havana with a visit to Argentina, ruled by center-right President Mauricio Macri, on his way to Peru to participate in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting. It comes after Trudeau revealed he spoke to Donald Trump following his election win to congratulate him and to invite him to Canada at the earliest opportunity. Farhan Mirza (pictured arriving at Cardiff Crown Court), 38, is accused of targeting three women An Asian man secretly filmed himself having sex with Muslim women he met on a dating website before threatening to put the footage online, a court has heard. 'Sexual predator' Farhan Mirza, 38, is accused of targeting three women, secretly filming them during intimate situations and then threatening to bring shame upon them and their families by publishing the videos. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Mirza - who met the women on Asian dating site Shaadi.com - then demanded the women give him money and gifts to stop the videos being released. Mirza, of Abertillery, South Wales, is now standing trial accused of voyeurism, blackmail, theft and fraud, including pretending to be a doctor in order to commit a string of offences. On the first day of the trial, the jury of four men and eight women watched a series of video clips, which included one woman having sex with the defendant and another alleged victim getting dressed after having had a shower. Timothy Evans, prosecuting, told the jury told that the case was very sensitive and the three alleged victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were Muslim women with connections to other countries. 'It is the prosecution's case that Mr Mirza is a particular kind of sexual predator and he chooses his victims carefully,' he said. 'Each of these ladies, to a greater or lesser extent, ended up having a relationship with Mr Mirza. The prosecution suggest that via those relationships he tried to get money and services from them. 'The position, the prosecution suggest, is this. Because of their religious and ethnic backgrounds he targeted them because of the terror, embarrassment and humiliation that each of these ladies would have felt in their minds by what this defendant did to them. 'He put each of them in a position where there were videos of them, which they didn't know about until he landed them with potential humiliation. 'It is one thing to persuade a partner to help you out or beg. It is reprehensible generally to lie to a partner to achieve something and what the prosecution suggests is that Mr Mirza went further than that.' He allegedly told one woman he was a 'wealthy doctor' but used a fake name. Their relationship, which lasted a few months, ended after she found out about his lies. But the court heard he kept 'embarassing' footage - showing her in just a bath towel before taking it off to put on her bra which she says she never knew was being filmed. The two women were contacted by police after an investigation involving a third woman who reported being threatened by Mirza. She told police Mirza had threatened to release a video to her family in Pakistan of them having sex. She also said Mirza persuaded her to give him thousands of pounds in cash during their relationship, and then blackmailed her with the sex video if she didn't continue funding him after they split up. She said she found 70,000 in cash in his wardrobe. He added: 'After they split up, he demanded 2,000, telling her there were "consequences" if she didn't pay.' Cardiff Crown Court heard that Mirza (seen leaving the court) is accused of voyeurism, blackmail, theft and fraud - including pretending to be a doctor - in order to commit a string of offences Mirza allegedly threatened to make her 'famous' by releasing the sex tape - and the court heard she continued giving him money for two years until she went to police. He was also said to have stolen jewellery, clothes, and a laptop from her home. Police arrested Mirza after he allegedly began sending the woman a video showing 'various images of death' which she took as a threat. His laptop and phone were confiscated, and information on them led police to the two other women. Mirza, of Abertillery, South Wales, denies four charges of blackmail, three of voyeurism, one of theft and one of fraud by false representation. The trial, expected to last five days, continues. He behaviour has sparked controversy among web users and media Brother, 23, was diagnosed with leukaemia, his condition deteriorating She is trying to sell her body to raise funds for her brother's medical costs A high-school student has tried to sell her virginity in an attempt to earn enough money to fund her brother's cancer treatment, according to Chinese media. The 19-year-old woman, named Xu Yanhua, was spotted on Monday on a subway train in Hangzhou, where she was selling her body for 200,000 yuan (23,405). Xu held a signboard which said: 'The treatment will cost more than 200,000 yuan. My family can't afford it. Which kind-hearted person can save my brother?' A teenage girl is selling her virginity in an attempt to earn enough money to fund her brother's cancer treatment When he was met by his sister at the Hangzhou hospital, the man said he was in the dark about his sister's attempt to sell her virginity According to a report on 163.com, Xu even claimed to have a hospital-issued certificate proving she was in fact a virgin. Xu explained she was selling herself in a last-ditch attempt to make enough money to fund her brother's expensive medical bills. In her signboard, Xu said that she came from Qiubei County in Yunnan Province and was a high-school student. Xu said her brother, 23, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago and her family was too poor to afford the treatment he needed to survive. The young woman said her family had spent all their savings on a bone marrow transplant, but her sibling had experienced a negative reaction to operation. With her brother's body deteriorating, the young woman said it was her final plea for help. At the bottom of her signboard, Xu left her contact details, including her phone number and a social media screen name. The 19-year-old woman is selling her virginity for 200,000 yuan, which is about AU$40,000 The woman advertised herself on the Hangzhou Metro explaining why she was so desperate for money A reporter from 163.com visited Xu's brother at his hospital ward in Zhejiang People's Hospital. The 23-year-old's fingernails were allegedly falling off, he could no longer shed tears and he had succumbed to a variety of other diseases in his poor health. When he was met by his sister and the reporter at the hospital, the man said he was in the dark about his sister's attempt to sell her virginity. 'Now I know how foolish she is,' he told the reporter. He said he was crippled by the burden he put on his family and just wanted his sister to return back home and continue her studies. While the 19-year-old Xu Yanhua's advertisement garnered interest from commuters on the train, it also caught the attention of authorities. Police officers took the woman back to the local police station where she explained her motives for selling her virginity, reported 163.com. While they acknowledged her good intentions, officers explained what she was attempting to do was illegal. She even claimed to have a hospital issued certificate proving she was in fact a virgin Besides the authority, Xu's action has also caught her friends in surprise. Her roommate, Ji Jiayan, said Xu was a 'simple and kind-hearted girl'. Ji, who also had leukaemia, said Xu had tried to solve the problem in a 'very innocent way', according to a report on Hangzhou.com. Ji said Xu had tried to search on Google for the best way to save her brother and later came across the idea of selling her virginity. Fang Yangfan, a commentator on current affairs, told Hangzhou.com that Xu's behaviour had not set a good example to the society. Fang told Hangzhou.com: 'If the help seekers only want to grab attention from the public, it will cause our charity industry to be vulgar and overly sensationalised, and this will prevent the existing rescue system from developing.' Police officers took the woman back to the local police station where she explained her motives for selling her virginity In China, a woman's virginity is highly treasured. As a result, more than 73,000 people have commented on Xu's fund-raising method on 163.com. Many people expressed sympathy towards the woman, including one commentator who asked: 'If she didn't do that, who would care about her?' Another person put the blame on China's social system: 'There are so many families in similar situations. The real cause is the flawed medical and social allowance system. ' Some people wondered if there are better alternatives. One said: 'If I were your brother, knowing what you have done, I would live in pain for the rest of my life even if I recovered.' Had pre-existing conditions before their deaths on Man, 76, and woman, 74, reportedly had heart attacks at Michaelmas Cay Two French tourists have died while snorkelling at a popular dive spot on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Water police have arrived at Michaelmas Cay off the coast of Cairns, where an elderly man, 76, and a woman, 74, were found unconscious in the water just after 11am local time after both suffering from suspected heart attacks. A third French tourist travelling with the group is believed to have had an anxiety attack and has been taken to hospital. Scroll down for video Two French tourists, a 76-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, have died while snorkelling at Michaelmas Cay (pictured), a popular dive spot on Australia's Great Barrier Reef The pair, who were not related, were part of a group of 21 elderly French tourists on board the Passions of Paradise catamaran (pictured returning after incident) Passions of Paradise CEO, Scotty Garden said the man and woman 'had pre-existing medical conditions and were accompanied by a guide when they were in the water' (boat pictured returning to Cairns' Marlin Marina) Traumatised passengers that witnessed the two deaths (pictured) lashed out at media as they left the marina in Cairns just before 6pm One woman (not pictured) snapped at waiting media saying 'it was an awful day on the reef' The three were part of a group of 21 elderly French tourists on board the Passions of Paradise catamaran, traveling to Michaelmas Cay on Wednesday. Passions of Paradise CEO, Scotty Garden said the man and woman who died 'had pre-existing medical conditions and were accompanied by a guide when they were in the water.' A lookout on the beach had spotted a man floating in the water and pulled him onto the sand where he performed CPR. Another lookout on the boat then saw a woman floating in the water and pulled her onto the catamaran where an attempt to resuscitate her was also made. A doctor from a nearby boat 'Ocean Spirit' helped with resuscitation efforts. Tragically, despite using oxygen and defibrillation equipment, the two could not be saved. Lookouts (one on the boat, pictured, and one on the sand) had seen the man first and then the woman floating in the water before attempts to resuscitate them were made Despite using oxygen and defibrillation equipment and aided by a nearby doctor, the two could not be saved (boat pictured returning after the tragedy) Tragically both of the deceased tourists had their next of kin on board the boat (pictured are the passengers returning after the incident) Passions of Paradise crew helped passengers off the boat after a traumatic day Queensland Police Inspector Peter Mansfield said that tragically both of the deceased tourists had their next of kin on board the boat at the time. He added that police would continue investigating the circumstances of the 'very unfortunate event' as part of the 'coronial process', while Workplace Health and Safety would conduct a separate inquiry. Traumatised passengers who witnessed the death of two French tourists held onto each other for comfort and kept back tears as they stepped off the Passions of Paradise catamaran and onto Cairns' Marlin Marina at 6pm on Wednesday. One woman snapped at waiting media saying 'it was an awful day on the reef', while another simply said 'it has happened, that's life,' the Cairns Post reported. Queensland Police are continuing their investigation as part of the 'coronial process', while Workplace Health and Safety will conduct a separate inquiry Michaelmas Cay is a popular destination for tourists on Australia's Great Barrier Reef Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators executive director Col McKenzie said the tour operators and an off-duty doctor worked hard to treat the tourists. 'We think the gentleman that died and was retrieved onto the beach had a heart attack,' Mr McKenzie told Daily Mail Australia. 'The lady (who) died had indicated some significant health issues but I'm not sure whether it's a heart attack or one of those other issues.' A third person was taken to Cairns Base Hospital but is 'up and walking around'. Mr McKenzie believes they may have had 'an anxiety attack'. 'He's obviously seeing his friends in this instance getting in serious trouble,' he said. Mr McKenzie said there was 'no possibility' jellyfish stings caused the two deaths. None of the local Irukandji a venomous box jellyfish which populate the water between November and May - were seen in the water nearby at the time. Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators executive director Col McKenzie said he believed the two tourists may have had a heart attack Mr McKenzie believes the third person, who was taken to Cairns Base Hospital, may have had 'an anxiety attack' Passions of Paradise has operated in the Cairns region since 1989 and has taken over 400,000 people to the reef. They have had one other fatality in 1997 after an 80-year-old died from a heart condition. A Queensland Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'At this stage, we don't believe the deaths are suspicious.' The incident follows a spate of snorkelling deaths off Far North Queensland in recent months. A Japanese tourist, 67, died after snorkelling off Green Island last month. A Korean tourist, 23, died snorkelling at Lizard Island, near Cooktown, earlier in October. Mr McKenzie said there was 'no possibility' jellyfish stings caused the two deaths Police say two people accused of beating and robbing a star of the hit reality TV series Deadliest Catch over the weekend have been arrested. The Spokesman-Review reports 30-year-old Amanda Ritter and 29-year-old Jorel Fultz were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail Tuesday on suspicion of robbing Jake Harris, 25. Reality TV star Harris was brutally attacked Saturday night along Highway 526 in Washington. Scroll down for video A man and a woman have been arrested for beating Deadliest Catch star Jake Harris (left). He and his family, including his late father Captain Phil Harris (right), have been featured on the Discovery Channel show about fisherman in Alaska for 10 years Amanda Ritter, 30, and 29-year-old Jorel Fultz (pictured) were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail Tuesday His brother, Josh Harris, wrote on social media that his sibling had been severely injured. His half-sister Andrea Scarpa added on Tuesday: 'Thankfully when I spoke to his nurse last she said that he was resting comfortably. They have him on some really good meds to help ease his discomfort and pain. 'His other sister has been at the hospital with him and has kept me well updated. We won't know the extent of his injuries for a little while but I'm praying for a full recovery for him.' Writing on Facebook, she said Harris met Ritter and Fultz at a casino and asked them for a ride home. She claims they they beat, robbed and threw him from a moving car. The Everett Police Department said they received a report of 'a male victim of an assault'. Harris (pictured left, with his brother Josh, right) was brutally attacked Saturday night along Highway 526 in Washington on Saturday Harris was hospitalized after the attack for severe injuries. Above, the family's boat, the Cornelia Marie Police spokesman Aaron Snell told The Seattle Times the victim was found by a passer-by who called 911. 'At the scene, he was conscious, alert and answering questions,' Snell said, adding that Harris had been injured in an altercation. Police told the newspaper that Harris refused medical attention and was taken home by police. Police say Harris told officers his wallet and $2,400 was missing. 'He was later taken to the hospital by friends or family members,' Snell said. Scarpa updated friends and family Wednesday, explaining Harris has since checked himself out of hospital against doctors' orders and is now at home. After winning a primary election that effectively clinched the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump paused to laud a boyish-looking 35-year-old who ultimately proved to be an indispensable figure on the path to the White House. 'Honestly, Jared is a very successful real estate person. But I actually think he likes politics more than he likes real estate,' Trump said of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, standing to his right during a victory speech after the Indiana party primary election in May. 'But he's very good at politics.' Kushner is the son of Charles Kushner, a real estate developer, philanthropist and major Democratic donor whose reputation was left in tatters after a lurid criminal case. In 2004, Chris Christie, who was the US Attorney for New Jersey at the time, indicted Charles on several charges, according to Esquire. Charles was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations. Jared Kushner (right in 1998) is the son of Charles Kushner (left), a real estate developer, philanthropist and major Democratic donor whose reputation was left in tatters after a lurid criminal case In 2004, Chris Christie (pictured), who was the US Attorney for New Jersey at the time, put Charles behind bars on charges of tax evasion, making false statements about campaign contributions and hiring a prostitute to have sex with his brother-in-law Charles (center) was sentenced to two years in prison. Jared, who was 24 years old at the time and still in law school, took over his father's business. Kushner's father, Charles (right) was a major Democratic donor. He's pictured with Democrat Senator Frank Lautenberg (left), Former President Bill Clinton (center), Bruce Schonbraun (second from right) During the case, Charles admitted to smearing his brother-in-law, who had cooperated with prosecutors, by hiring a prostitute to have sex with him in a motel room, then sending a secretly recorded video of the encounter to the man's wife, Charles Kushner's own sister. Jared, who was 24 years old at the time and still in law school, took over his father's business. Kushner became a major player in real estate in his mid-20s, after his father's conviction. At 26, he orchestrated what was the most-expensive single-building purchase in US history in 2006 with the $1.8 billion acquisition of a 41-story skyscraper at 666 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Kushner became a major player in real estate in his mid-20s he orchestrated what was the most-expensive single-building purchase in US history in 2006 at $1.8 billion Kushner told The Real Deal trade magazine afterward: 'In New York, you have to act quickly, or else you get left in the dust.' The slender, clean-cut real estate scion who married Trump's daughter Ivanka in 2009, helped guide the Republican Trump to victory last week over Democrat Hillary Clinton and is poised to remain an influential adviser during his presidency. He emerged as an important voice early in Trump's campaign, launched in June 2015. He was involved in almost every aspect of Trump's campaign, offering advice on key personnel decisions, strategy, speeches, fundraising and other areas. Late in the campaign, he began laying the groundwork for a possible Trump-run television network, in the event his father-in-law lost, according to a person familiar with the matter. Kushner spearheads his family's real estate development company, Kushner Companies, and is the publisher of the New York Observer weekly newspaper, which he acquired at age 25. While a federal anti-nepotism law prohibits a president from hiring family members to serve in his administration, Kushner is set to remain a key insider and trusted confidant. On Tuesday, CNN reported that Kushner is at the center of the 'infighting' inside Trump's transition team. Kushner married Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump (left in 2009 and right in 2014), in 2009 and last year became an indispensable figure for Trump's campaign to the White House Kushner (left) emerged as an important voice early in Trump's campaign, launched in June 2015. He was involved in almost every aspect of Trump's path to the White House, offering advice on key personnel decisions, strategy, speeches, fundraising and other areas But on Tuesday, CNN reported that Kushner is at the center of the 'infighting' inside Trump's transition team. Multiple sources told the network that Kushner has been rubbing allies the wrong way in his recent efforts to purge the transition team of Gov Chris Christie associates Multiple sources told the network that Kushner has been rubbing allies the wrong way in his recent efforts to purge the transition team of Gov Chris Christie associates. In an unusual twist, the man who prosecuted Charles was Christie, who also has served as an adviser to Trump. However, one of Christie's associates, told CNN that there was no 'purge' of Christie's staff and that such a characterization is 'overblown'. Some of Christie's staff have left, but others have stayed on the team. The associate told the network that it makes sense that Vice President-elect Mike Pence would want some of his own people involved now that he is running the effort. Reince Priebus, appointed Trump's White House chief of staff on Sunday, told NBC's 'Today' show on Monday that Kushner 'obviously' will be very involved in decision-making. Kushner serves on Trump's transition executive committee. Kushner is a Harvard graduate with a New York University law degree and a master's in business administration. Like Trump, Kushner followed in the footsteps of a real estate powerhouse father. In an unusual twist, the man who prosecuted Charles was Christie, who also has served as an adviser to Trump. However, one of Christie's associates said that there was no 'purge' of Christie's staff and that such a characterization is 'overblown'. Kushner pictured on Nov 9 Some of Christie's staff have left, but others have stayed on the team. The associate said that it makes sense that Vice President-elect Mike Pence would want some of his own people involved. Kushner talks with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough on Nov 10 Kushner is an Orthodox Jew whose wife, Ivanka, converted to Judaism before they married. The family keeps kosher, observes the Sabbath and attends an upscale synagogue on New York's Upper East Side. Steve Bannon, former head of the right-wing Breitbart News website, took a leadership post in the campaign in August after it became clear that Trump, his children and Kushner trusted his advice and analysis, a source said at the time. Breitbart News is closely associated with the 'alt-right' movement, a loose online group of white supremacists, anti-Semites and others opposed to multiculturalism. Trump, who takes office on January 20, named Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor on Sunday. Dana Schwartz, a Jewish reporter for Kushner's newspaper, in July criticized Trump for his Twitter post accusing Clinton of corruption using a Star of David image and a background of $100 bills. Schwartz then wrote an open letter to Kushner after being deluged with anti-Semitic tweets. Schwartz asked Kushner, 'how do you allow this? Because, Mr. Kushner, you are allowing this. ... When you stand silent and smiling in the background, his Jewish son-in-law, you're giving his most hateful supporters tacit approval.' Kushner responded by writing in the Observer, 'In my opinion, accusations like 'racist' and 'anti-Semite' are being thrown around with a carelessness that risks rendering these words meaningless.' He went on to write that his grandmother and grandfather survived the Nazi Holocaust while other relatives did not. A Chinese student who kicked a teenager whose skull had been fractured in a brutal attack in Melbourne has been fined $5000. Sirui Luo, 21, kicked the Chinese high school student on April 15 minutes after he was repeatedly kicked and punched in the head The Age reports. The court was told that the teenager was later taken to hospital with severe skull fractures and a brain haemorrhage. He later died from his injuries. Sirui Luo (pictured), 21, kicked a Chinese high school student after he was repeatedly kicked and punched in the head In Melbourne Prosecutors allege the attack took place after a dispute between a teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons and the victim, over the victim's girlfriend. Shengliang Wan is charged with the boy's murder, and is remanded to appear in the Magistrates Court next year. In Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday Magistrate Charles Rozencwajg called her crime a her crime was a 'despicable act' as he fined her $5000 for one count of common law assault. Parents of the victim have requested that their son's name not be reported. Parents of the victim have requested that their son's name not be reported CCTV footage showed Luo standing in front of the 19-year-old as he sat in an alcove in a Chinatown alley, before stepping forward and kicking him. She was then restrained by others standing nearby. As she waited for her pre-sentence hearing last week, the victim's mother slapped and kicked Luo and as she was removed from a courtroom. The court heard that Luo was not the girl at the centre of the dispute between the two teenagers. She had earlier pleaded guilty to assault and affray in the Children's Court, and promised the court she would leave Australia after her sentencing. Bernie Sanders joined thousands of people across the country protesting against the $3.8billion Dakota Access oil pipeline, just hours after the US Army halted construction of the controversial project, which has drawn the ire of Native Americans in North Dakota. Last night, after attending a demonstration in Washington DC, he tweeted: 'I am honored to be with a worldwide community that are demanding the Dakota Access Pipeline not be built.' The former presidential candidate said: 'We have got to tell Trump and everybody else that we are not going silently into the night. The stakes are too high for the future of this planet.' Bernie Sanders (pictured), who lost out on the Democratic nomination to Hillary Clinton, told a crowd of protesters in Washington DC the 'stakes are too high' to give up on the pipeline The company building the pipeline has asked a federal judge's permission to circumvent President Barack Obama's administration and move ahead with a disputed section of the project in North Dakota, as opponents held protests across the country against the pipeline. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners and a subsidiary asked the court to let them lay pipe under a Missouri River reservoir, a plan the Standing Rock Sioux tribe says threatens its drinking water and cultural sites. The Army Corps of Engineers halted the work on Monday, saying it needed more time to study the impact of the plan. A woman holds up a protest, echoing the anti-Trump slogans used last week, as she protests outside the Army Corps of Engineer's headquarters in Dallas (left). Jeremy Browning (pictured, demonstrating in Dallas) is one of many people who believe the pipeline would be a breach of the treaties the US signed with Native American tribes in the 19th century While President-elect Donald Trump, a pipeline supporter, likely would greenlight the project when he takes office in January, the company is trying to win federal approval or a court order to allow it to go forward sooner. The delay has already cost nearly $100million, the company said in court documents, 'and further delay in the consideration of this case would add millions of dollars more each month in costs which cannot be recovered.' In a statement Tuesday, the company blamed the Obama administration for 'political interference' in the pipeline review process. Protesters demonstrate outside of the US Army Corps of Engineers office in West Virginia Dakota Pipeline protesters stand arm-in-arm at the intersection of Rosser Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Bismarck, North Dakota this week Protesters demonstrate outside of the US Army Corps of Engineers office, in Huntington, West Virginia, in solidarity with opponents of the Dakota Access oil pipeline The Army Corps referred a request for comment to the Justice Department, which declined comment. Protests were held across the country Tuesday, from California to Vermont. Activists called for demonstrations at Army Corps of Engineers offices and at banks financing the pipeline construction. More than two dozen people were arrested near Mandan, North Dakota, after a group of about 400 protesters put a truck and tree branches on BNSF Railway tracks near a pipeline work staging area and tried to set it on fire, Morton County sheriff's spokesman Rob Keller said. 'They had a rope soaked with kerosene,' he said. 'A (Highway Patrol) trooper with an extinguisher doused it so it wouldn't light.' Dakota Pipeline protesters stand arm-in-arm in front of the state Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota Protesters demonstrate in solidarity with members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota over the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline, in Philadelphia Protesters demonstrate in solidarity with members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota over the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline, in Philadelphia Protesters demonstrate in solidarity with members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota over the construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline, in Philadelphia Trains were delayed three hours, railroad spokeswoman Amy McBeth said. Officers in riot gear used pepper spray and in one instance a stun gun against protesters who refused to leave. Mandan is about 50 miles north of a camp where hundreds of protesters have gathered in recent months to oppose the pipeline. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and president of the New York-based Waterkeeper Alliance, which seeks to protect watersheds worldwide, visited the camp Tuesday, speaking out against the arrests of protesters and a project he says will benefit billionaires and not the American people. 'What they are doing here is a crime, an environmental crime, and there are real victims,' he said. Protesters demonstrate outside of the US Army Corps of Engineers office in Huntington, West Virginia A pair of Dakota Pipeline protesters stand in front of a line law enforcement personnel at the intersection of Rosser Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Bismarck Opponents of the Dakota Access oil pipeline gather in the main protest camp Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota Mike Olson, of Milwaukee, joins protesters as they voice their concerns as part of National Day of Solidarity with Standing Rock and against the Dakota Access Pipe Line Why is the Dakota Access pipeline such a big issue? The Dakota Access pipeline would stretch 1,172 miles from the Bakken and Three Forks oilfields in North Dakota to a refinery at Patoka, Illinois. What is proposed is an underground pipeline measuring 30 inches in diameter, which would carry upwards of 470,000 barrels per day. The company behind it say it would enable 'light sweet crude oil from North Dakota to reach major refining markets in a more direct, cost-effective, safer and environmentally responsible manner'. Among its opponents are Native Americans, including the Lakota (Sioux) tribe on the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota, who say it will cross their sacred land and is a breach of the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty. Opponents also point out it will cross the vital Ogallala Aquifer, a huge underground reserve of water which serves a large part of the Midwest. If it became polluted by an oil leak it would ruin drinking water reserves for hundreds of thousands of people. The pipeline is not the only project of its kind facing opposition. The Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring Canadian oil from the tar sands of Alberta down to Texas, via South Dakota and Nebraska, is also hugely unpopular for similar reasons. Advertisement In Columbus, Ohio, police reported an activist blocked traffic by handcuffing himself under a vehicle at a downtown intersection. In Montpelier, Vermont, more than 100 people gathered outside a bank, chanting, singing songs and holding signs saying 'Water is Life' and 'Standing With Standing Rock.' 'It may seem hopeless, like David against Goliath, but we believe that if we're persistent and we recruit, that this movement will grow and hopefully these kinds of projects will stop,' said protester Lee Shen of Thetford Center, Vermont. The Corps on Monday called for more study and input from the Standing Rock Sioux before it decides whether to allow the pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe. The 1,200-mile pipeline that's to carry North Dakota oil through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois is largely complete except for that stretch, which will skirt the tribe's reservation. Governor Jack Dalrymple said Tuesday that an additional delay 'does nothing but prolong and intensify the public safety issues imposed on Morton County and the state of North Dakota since the beginning of August,' when protests against the pipeline broke out. In his statement, Dalrymple said a decision on the project easement 'is long overdue' and that the pipeline would be safe. The Corps in July granted Energy Transfer Partners the permits needed for the project, but it said in September that further analysis was warranted, given the tribe's concerns. Its announcement on Monday came amid speculation that federal officials were on the brink of approving the crossing. ETP last week began preparing equipment to bore under the river. ETP disputes that the pipeline would endanger the tribe, and CEO Kelcy Warren noted earlier that Army Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy had informed company officials and Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault that the Corps' previous permit decisions 'comported with legal requirements.' ETP contends that the Corps has no legal justification for the delay. The pipeline is not the only controversial pipeline being planned. The Keystone XL pipeline, which would bring oil down from Canada to Texas is also set to get the go ahead under President-Elect Trump. It crosses Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska and critics say it would also endanger the Ogallala aquifer. Protesters in Milwaukee voice their concerns as part of National Day of Solidarity with Standing Rock and against the Dakota Access Pipe Line Protesters voice their concerns as part of National Day of Solidarity with Standing Rock and against the Dakota Access Pipe Line in Milwaukee Protesters voice their concerns as part of National Day of Solidarity with Standing Rock and against the Dakota Access Pipe Line (DAPL), outside the Wells Fargo Bank, in Milwaukee Beard Club Development Vitamins Side Impacts Beards are stylish and are everywhere from star-studded honors shows to work and are a popular design choice for guys throughout the country. Beards arent simply versatile, but they can also improve the appearance of your face, as well as permit you to try out various options for cutting. If you are looking for a beard, youll youre not able to do so. Find more about Beard Club Development Vitamins Side Impacts, in this article. 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He joined two men from New Jersey and three women to visit the son of a well-known jeweler who lives in the luxurious Grand Sutton Tower, the New York Daily News reported. Scroll down for video Missing: Joseph Comunale (pictured), who goes by the name Joey, was reported missing at 8am on Tuesday by his father in Stamford after he never returned home from a weekend trip to New York City. The NYPD K-9 team also found blood evidence on one of the luggage cart's used by a resident in the building and they confiscated it as evidence (above) Authorities carried out bags of evidence from the luxury co-op building located in Midtown East on Tuesday evening as the search for Comunale focused within the complex After the women had left the posh apartment in the building about 6:30pm on Sunday, the host inside called the front desk to request a luggage cart. Not long after, a man was recorded on surveillance video using the cart to transport two pieces of luggage out of the building. Comunale, who attended Hofstra University, was recorded on surveillance video entering the apartment on late Saturday Not long after, a man was recorded on surveillance video using the cart to transport two pieces of luggage out of the building A building employee was later asked by the party host how long video surveillance was kept before it gets erased, WCBS reported. Authorities found a pair of pants that are believed to belong to Comunale, and bloody sheets inside of a garbage bag near the apartment building on East 59th Street and First Ave., WCBS reported. The NYPD K-9 team also found blood evidence on one of the luggage cart's used by a resident in the swanky building. Authorities found a pair of pants that are believed to belong to Comunale, and bloody sheets inside of a garbage bag near the apartment building on East 59th Street and First Ave. with the help of a K-9 (above) In addition, the NYPD received an unrelated 911 call about a man dragging a suspicious trash bag out of the fancy co-op building, which is located at 418 East 59th Street in Midtown East, sources told the TV station. As authorities investigated the suspicious bag call, it was determined that Comunale, who worked as a sales associate at for security product company Tri-Ed Ltd., had visited the exact same luxury building. On Tuesday, the NYPD was speaking with a person of interest, but he did not cooperate Comunale, who attended Hofstra University, was recorded on surveillance video entering the apartment on late Saturday. On Tuesday, the NYPD was speaking with a person of interest, but he did not cooperate. But his friends left Sunday and he stayed behind. His disappearance is being investigated by police as a homicide. Comunale's disappearance is being investigated by police as a homicide. Above small bags of evidence are carried out of the luxury building by a crime scene investigator on Tuesday A woman saw former Bandido bikie 'enforcer' Bronson Ellery kill his ex-girlfriend in a Gold Coast apartment, she has told police. Ellery, dubbed Lizard Man because of his countless tattoos, and his former partner Shelsea Schilling, 20, were found dead in the common area of a Southport unit in Johnson Street last Friday. A young woman has come forward to tell police she was in the unit when Ellery, 24, allegedly killed Ms Schilling, The Courier Mail reported. Scroll down for video Shelsea Shilling (left) and Bronson Ellery (right) were found dead in a Southport, Gold Coast apartment A woman saw former Bandido bikie 'enforcer' Bronson Ellery (right) kill his ex-girlfriend Shelsea Schilling in a Gold Coast apartment, she has told police Ellery shows off his heavily tattooed face, including skull features and the number 23 A young woman has come forward to tell police she was in the unit when Ellery, 24, allegedly killed Ms Schilling (Bronson Ellery pictured) The woman, accompanied by her lawyer Lisa Searing from law firm Buckland Allen, spent hours with detectives giving details of incident. Jodi Allen who is a partner at the firm said the woman was terrified, but determined to come forward to help the investigation. 'The witness is only a young lady who has been through a traumatic experience and is extremely distressed but is doing her best to assist the investigation,' Ms Allen said. The slain lovers' deaths were reported as a double-homicide as recently as Monday, but police have now confirmed they are treating the deaths as a tragic murder-suicide. Queensland police told Daily Mail Australia no charges had been laid, and didn't expect that to change. Police said they were still deep in investigations with friends and family of the pair, but were convinced it was a murder-suicide, with Ellery the suspected murderer. Bronson Ellery pictured with his former girlfriend Shelsea Shilling Bronson was known to police as 'Lizard Man' because of his countless tattoos Ellery posing for photographs while holding different weapons - a pitsol and a shotgun Police have been able to rule out the involvement of any other persons in the killings following post-mortem examinations. Ms Schilling lived in fear of her ex-boyfriend after he breached a domestic violence order she had taken out on him in 2015, according to those who knew her. The domestic violence order was taken out against Ellery, also known as the in September last year, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports. When he breached the order in November the same year, police and court documents confirmed Ms Schilling reached out for help. A former work colleague of Ms Schilling said she quit her job at a Harbour Town dress shop, changed jobs, and disappeared in order to run from Ellery. He was sentenced to three months in jail for the domestic violence order breach, eligible for release in January 2016. But true to the pair's on-off toxic relationship, they rekindled their love in the weeks before they were found dead. Ellery (right) was sentenced to three months in jail for the dv order breach against Ms Schilling (left), eligible for release in January 2016 Bronson's body was totally covered in tattoos in what he would describe as his 'hallmark' to friends A younger, less tattooed Bronson Ellery A smiling Bronson Ellery is pictured here, with his face still partially visible The scene where the bodies of former Bandido bikie Bronson Ellery and his ex-girlfriend Shelsea Schilling were discovered on the Gold Coast Hamad Assaad, killed last month, was suspected to have been behind an attempt on Barbaro's life last year Hamad Assaad, killed last month, was suspected to have been behind an attempt on Barbaro's life last year Sources said he regularly wore a bulletproof vest, was an informant, and 'rorted' $1 million from a gang Sources said he regularly wore a bulletproof vest, was an informant, and 'rorted' $1 million from a gang Barbaro's friend Marco said 'a lot of people' would want to kill him because he had 'a lot of enemies' Barbaro's friend Marco said 'a lot of people' would want to kill him because he had 'a lot of enemies' Barbaro's last words were 'open the f***ing door' before he died on the footpath on Monday night Barbaro's last words were 'open the f***ing door' before he died on the footpath on Monday night A stolen Audi believed to be linked to the underworld murder was found a A stolen Audi believed to be linked to the underworld murder was found a blaze and abandoned nearby Advertisement The underworld figure with extensive family links to the Italian mafia shot execution-style managed to scream 'open the f***ing door' before he died on the footpath. Pasquale Barbaro had tried in vain to run for his life when he was shot in the head by two hooded hitmen while he sat in a silver Mercedes outside the home of underworld figure George Alex in Earlwood, southwest of Sydney's CBD. Barbaro, 35, had managed to crawl to Alex's home and screamed 'open the f***ing door' before he died on the footpath, about 10pm on Monday, neighbours told Daily Telegraph. Scroll down for video WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT Pasquale Barbaro (pictured), 35, was executed with a shot to the head by two hooded hitmen while he sat in a silver Mercedes outside the home of underworld figure George Alex in Earlwood, south west of Sydney's CBD Barbaro was shot about 10pm on Monday by two hooded hitmen, witnesses said 'That was his last words 'open the f***ing door',' the man said. Neighbour Gabrielle Binton said she heard Barbaro screaming the same last words. Another neighbour said the hail of bullets broke Barbaro's car windows and struck him in the shoulder before he attempted to escape on foot. 'He was in his car when they started shooting at him so he tried to run but they shot him down just two three houses down from where he was,' he told Daily Mail Australia. The local man said Barbaro often visited the area but had never stopped to speak with him. 'I always see him around, here and down the street at the shops,' he said. Detectives were doorknocking in the area again on Wednesday. Sydney crime figure Pasquale Barbaro has been shot dead in Sydney's south-west on Monday Mr Barbaro, 35, was a well-known crime kingpin who narrowly avoided an attempted execution in Leichhardt last year Barbaro was headed home to see his girlfriend at their Harrington Park home when he was gunned down. 'He was on his way to see me last night but never made it,' his girlfriend said, according to Sydney Morning Herald. In November 2015, Barbara was shot at six times as he ran down a Leichhardt laneway and started to wear a bulletproof vest to protect himself, according to the Daily Telegraph. Hamad Assaad, who was shot dead last month outside his Georges Hall home, was suspected of being behind the attempted murder. No one was ever charged. Barbaro wore the protective vest almost everywhere, except for meetings and with those close to him. Blood spatters could be seen on the street as police collected evidence following Monday's murder He was not wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot dead at George Alex's house. Barbaro was rumoured to be a high-ranking informant to the Crime Commission, which could have attracted unwanted attention from crime syndicates. He reportedly owed a criminal gang $1 million. On Tuesday, just hours after his death, phone conversations between Barbaro and a Brothers 4 Life boss were played in court as evidence for a murder trial. Barbaro is not a suspect in the murder, but was seen on Star City CCTV footage with the man accused of the killing, Brothers 4 Life crime boss Farhad Qaumi, just 18 days before Antoun's death. Qaumi and his brother Mumtaz are accused of hiring a shooter to kill Antoun after receiving a contract to carry out the hit, but have both pleaded not guilty. A neighbour said the hail of bullets broke Barbaro's car windows (pictured shattered glass) and struck him in the shoulder before he attempted to escape on foot An officer lays an evidence markers next to the blood stains before taking a photograph outside George Alex's house One woman on social media, who claimed to have known him for years, described Barbaro as 'the biggest dog in NSW' for working for the Crime Commission for years. After news of his death spread, a man wrote on Facebook: 'Dead dogs don't bark.' Others wrote on social media: 'Nobody called him a dog when he was alive.' But as one source said, 'it could be anything' that got the 35-year-old killed. 'If you play with fire you are going to get burnt,' the source told Daily Telegraph. Witnesses said Barbaro was seen coming in and out of George Alex's home (pictured) on the day he was shot down A stolen car was found torched and abandoned in Concord after the shooting Barbaro was shot outside George Alex's home in Earlwood and had been seen coming in and out of his house that day A friend, identified only as Marco, said 'a lot of people' would want to kill Barbaro. 'He just has a lot of enemies,' Marco told Nine News. 'I guess things just caught up with him. 'He had a good heart. Just because he did bad things, doesn't mean he was a bad person.' The Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad warned of further hits on underworld figures. 'There'll be four or more bodies before you see the end of this,' an insider told The Daily Telegraph. More than $250 cash was seen in the centre console of Alex's car the day after the gang-related shooting Islamic State terrorists Khaled Sharrouf (bottom right) and Mohamed Elomar (bottom left) trained at his home in 2013 and he was also a known associate of gangster Mick Gatto (top left) and Hells Angels bikies Steve Mitrovic (top right) Terrified neighbours ran outside after the shots rang out in the quiet residential street, but the men had already taken Barbaro's life with a final shot to the head and left his heavily tattooed body lying on the footpath in a pool of blood. Ms Binton told Daily Telegraph she heard a man 'screaming open the f**king door' and that Barbaro had been seen entering the property owned by George Alex earlier that day. Alex was convicted of sending death threats to his ex-girlfriend in March 2015 but has denied handing over weekly payments of $2,500 and providing sex workers to heads of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union in exchange for special treatment, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Police suspect the shooting was motivated by Barbaro's ties with the criminal underworld and say he was 'playing with fire' Two officers with brown evidence bags take note of an irregularity on the path as the scoured the area on Tuesday Islamic State terrorists Khaled Sharrouf and Mohamed Elomar trained at his home in 2013 and he was also a known associate of gangster Mick Gatto and Hells Angels bikies Steve Mitrovic and Peter Sidirourgos. Barbaro's family have been heavily involved in the criminal underworld, with his grandfather and cousin - who shared his name - also paying their debts to the crime world with their lives. Pasquale 'Peter' Barbaro, 58, was stabbed and shot in 1990 as his new wife begged for his life in Brisbane, while Pasquale 'Little Pat' Barbaro was gunned down in a van next to gangland figure Jason Moran in 2003 as his children wept in the back seat. Police believe Monday's shooting was another targeted attack following recent a string of underworld shootings in Sydney, including the death of the hitman accused of shooting at Barbaro in 2015. Underworld stand-over man Hamad Asaad, 29, was gunned down in front of his 12-year-old nephew in his driveway in Sydney's south-west, on October 25. Concerned neighbours watched on as police searched for evidence following the murder in a quiet suburban street Barbaro's friend, identified only as Marco, said the slain mafia kingpin had 'a lot of enemies' He was the key suspect in the shooting of gangland boss Walid 'Wally' Ahmad who was executed in broad daylight at Bankstown in April. Journalist Keith Moor, who has written a book on the Barbaro family, believes the 35-year-old may have been killed for the same reason his grandfather was - talking out of school. 'The homicide squad will be looking at whether the Calabrian mafia decided themselves to silence Pasquale Barbaro because the suggestion is he was breaking the code of omerta and had become an informer,' the author of Busted told AAP on Tuesday. Moor said Monday night's shooting will be difficult to solve because traditionally the mafia are reluctant to talk to authorities. He thinks the Barbaro family will instead conduct their own 'investigation' into what happened. Underworld stand-over man Hamad Asaad, 29, was gunned down in front of his 12-year-old nephew in his driveway in Sydney's south-west, on October 25 (pictured) Asaad (pictured left and right) was a key suspect in the attempted hit on Barbaro in Leichhardt in 2015 Police have cordoned off the scene and officers from the New South Wales Riot Squad were seen performing a sweep of the area for any further evidence on Tuesday morning. Barbaro was jailed in 2004 for his role in an elaborate drug ring supplying methamphetamine. The 35-year-old appeared in the Downing Centre District Court just last week where he applied to have his bail continued ahead of a court trial for serious drug charges. He and three others were due to trial early next year on charges of manufacturing two kilograms of the drug 'ice'. Police allege the group manufactured the drug on properties near Goulburn and at Cobbitty, in Sydney's southwest, between October 2010 and November 2011. He was also the key suspect in the shooting of gangland boss Walid 'Wally' Ahmad (pictured) who was executed in broad daylight at Bankstown in April Officers from the New South Wales Riot squad were seen arriving at the scene of the shooting on Tuesday morning Barbaro has been on bail since he was charged in 2012. An Audi Q7 - worth at least $100,000 - was found ablaze at nearby Goddard Park half an hour after the shootings. Police suspect the burnt-out luxury car was involved in the brutal Earlwood murder and are investigating any links between the owner and the Barbaro crime family. Horrified neighbours piled into the Earlwood street on Monday night after hearing 'five gun shots' echo in the street. The team were ordered to scour the area for any evidence that could lead to an arrest 'I was watching TV inside and just heard what sounded like somebody banging something next door - but it was five gun shots,' neighbour Theo Paraskevaides said. 'By the time I sort of come out, I was half asleep ... I went out to the back yard and didn't see anything. I came out to the front and saw a couple of people outside and that's when I ... realised that somebody had been shot. 'I've been here all my life. It's one of the quietest streets in Earlwood. It's quite shocking to be honest. An abandoned silver Mercedes believed to be Barbaro's sat in the middle of the road with its brake lights on and front door open not far from where he lay face-down on the footpath. TIMELINE OF UNDERWORLD SHOOTINGS IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS Four underworld figures have been gunned down on Sydney streets in the past eight months, with two of the executed men potentially linked to another shooting 12 months ago. November 14, 2016 Pasquale Barbaro, 35, executed outside an Earlwood home in south west Sydney. Barbaro's grandfather and cousin were both killed in gangland hits and there were unconfirmed rumours he was an informant. October 25, 2016 Hamad Assaad shot dead in broad daylight by at least two gunmen in the driveway of his Georges Hall home. Assaad, 29, was a key suspect in the murder of underworld figure Walid Ahmad. April 29, 2016 Gangland kingpin and convicted killer Walid Ahmad, 40, killed in a spray of bullets on the rooftop car park of Bankstown Central shopping centre. Ahmad's murder was believed to be in retaliation for the fatal shooting of Safwan Charbaji outside a Condell Park panel beater several weeks earlier. April 9, 2015 Safwan Charbaji, 32, fatally wounded and another man seriously injured after a gunfight outside a Condell Park smash repair business linked to Ahmad. An outstanding debt dispute was reportedly one of the possible motives being investigated for the fatal shooting. November 9, 2015 Barbaro targeted in a non-fatal gun attack outside a Leichhardt business. Police reportedly believed Assaad was a suspect in the bungled shooting. Source: AAP Advertisement Police have cordoned off the street so investigators can search for evidence Two officers scrounge through a bush outside the scene of an underworld shooting Officers have been at the scene since being alerted to the shooting at 9.40pm on Monday Two officers get down on the ground to search underneath a car on the street where a man was shot on Monday night Investigators want to leave no stone unturned as they search for evidence relating to the murder of Pasquale Barbaro Officers continued collecting evidence on Tuesday afternoon but have not indicated if there are any suspects in the murder A police officer lays down evidence tags at the scene of the shooting which claimed the life of Pasquale Barbaro The murder took place on Larkhall Avenue in Earlwood, located south west of Sydney's CBD Neighbours came outside to observe the spectacle, with dozens of police officers remaining on the scene on Tuesday Half an hour later police responded to reports of a burnt-out luxury Audi Q7 nearby, which they suspect was involved in the brutal murder Horrified neighbours piled into the Earlwood street on Monday night after hearing 'five gun shots' Paramedics were called to Earlwood but were unable to revive Mr Barbaro A pair of drunken stag do revellers missed their trip abroad after claiming there was a bomb on the plane they were about to board in Scotland. Louis Dodds and Mark Harkness were about to fly to Alicante from Glasgow in June to celebrate their friend's wedding when they made the claims to other passengers. The police were contacted and concerned officers raced to the scene but found the drunken pair asleep on the floor in the departure lounge. Louis Dodds (pictured) and Mark Harkness claimed there was a bomb onboard a plane they were about board from Glasgow to Alicante in June this year to celebrate a friend's wedding Dodds, 28, and Harness, 30, missed their Jet2 flight and were hauled in front of judges after pleading guilty to being drunk at the airport and threatening and abusive behaviour. They were not charged in relation to the bomb jokes. Jet2 banned them from the airline for life and they were fined 750 - 250 for being drunk in the airport and 500 for behaviour 'likely to cause fear or alarm' - at Paisley Sheriff Court. Sheriff James Spy also said airports must change to avoid such problems, commenting: 'Disruptive behaviour at Glasgow Airport is becoming endemic...due to the availability of duty free alcohol in airport precincts.' The Airline, Jet2, has already banned the sale of alcohol before 8am - the first European carrier to do so - and is calling on UK airports to do the same. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'This decision proves that there are consequences if you act in an aggressive and abusive fashion either onboard or before boarding an aircraft. 'The behaviour of Mark Harkness and Louis Dodds was completely unacceptable and we have banned them from flying with us for life as a result. 'Incidents like this are the result of a cumulative effect, involving increased retail opportunities, such as offers on alcohol in duty free shops, bars and even fast-food outlets and coffee shops. 'This is why we are calling for airports and retailers to adopt the same sensible approach that we have taken towards the sale and consumption of alcohol.' Details of the incident emerged yesterday when the pair appeared in the dock yesterday after earlier pleaded guilty to the offences at around 3.15pm on June 1. The details emerged yesterday when the pair appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court (pictured, Harness outside) over the events of June 1 this year They admitted being 'drunk or under the influence of drugs' in a restricted area of the airport and making other passengers 'suffer fear or alarm' with their threatening and abusive behaviour. Procurator Fiscal Depute Colin Wilson told the court: 'Two drunk passengers were heard to say, "there's a bomb on your flight". 'Police attended a few minutes later and found the two male passengers to be sleeping on the floor.' The pair were then taken to the police station but were too drunk to be cautioned or charged. Defence solicitor David Nicholson appeared for both men telling Sheriff Spy they were 'deeply ashamed of their actions' and had been banned by Jet2. He explained: 'They were due to attend a stag and clearly the missed out. 'I understand the drink was consumed at the airport in the departure lounge as they were waiting for the flight - it appears airports have this effect for some people.' A British woman facing jail in Dubai for 'extra-marital sex' after she was allegedly raped by two men from the UK says 'it is petrifying being out here alone' as she fights to clear her name. The 25-year-old tourist claimed she was attacked by two men while she was on a five-day holiday in Dubai last month and reported the incident to police. But officers then charged the IT consultant with 'extra-marital sex' and, despite being bailed, is not allowed to leave the country. A British woman allegedly raped by two men from the UK faces jail in Dubai (file picture) after police accused her of having sex outside marriage The two men involved are understood to have flown back to Birmingham, according to The Sun. But the alleged victim, who needs 24,000 for legal fees, now fears a long jail term after being accused of breaking strict United Arab Emirates laws on sex. In a Facebook page set up by a friend, the woman is quoted as saying that she is currently staying with a family and trying to keep herself occupied with arts and crafts, yoga and meditation. The post said: 'It's petrifying out here alone but I have to stay strong and positive because otherwise they will win and I will not let this happen. 'There are many hurdles to cross and many emotional fearful times ahead it is absolutely not over by any means but please continue sending your kind words because it helps me so much.' Reports say she met the two British men in a hotel before they lured her to a room. The woman's family have said the men filmed themselves raping her before flying back to the UK just hours later. The 25-year-old tourist claimed she was attacked by two men while she was on a five-day holiday in Dubai last month and went to police to report the incident (file picture of Dubai police) A friend of the family told The Sun: 'They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified. 'She went to the police as the victim of one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal.' In the UAE, wedded couples are barred from having sex outside marriage. A single person is also banned from sex with someone who is married. A couple split acrimoniously after a man named Banana threw a plant pot at his girlfriend called Orange, a court heard. Magistrates heard care worker Themba Banana, 29, had been in a volatile long-term relationship with Sarah Orange at their home in Blackburn, Lancashire. Blackburn Magistrates' Court was told a furious row erupted early one morning last August when she caught him whispering on the phone - and feared he had a secret lover. Police were called and initially persuaded Banana to leave the house to calm the situation - but he returned hours later and the couple argued again, ending with Banana throwing the pot into Miss Orange's midriff. Themba Banana, pictured, admitted assaulting his ex-girlfriend Sarah Orange by throwing a plant pot at her when they rowed at their former home in Blackburn Their relationship is now over and Banana was slapped with a community order and given 100 hours unpaid work after admitting assault. Prosecutor Catherine Allen told magistrates how the care worker had been drinking wine prior to the incident with Miss Orange at their former home. Miss Allan explained how Miss Orange told police how Banana had 'hit her' previously but he 'got as good as he gave'. On the day of the offence he had returned from a night shift. Miss Allan said: 'An argument started because he was whispering on the phone and she thought he was talking to another woman. 'The police were called and told him to leave and sober up.' While Miss Orange was on the phone, Banana was heard to make 'obscene, racist comments', the court was told. Banana, now of Preston, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sarah Orange and causing an offensive message to be sent by means of a public communications network. The incident took place at the couple's former home in Melville Drive, Blackburn, pictured He was given a community order with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. Banana was also ordered to pay 175 compensation, 85 victim surcharge and 85 costs. Aftab Bakhat, defending, said Banana had called the police first and had left the house when they asked him to. 'The wine he had drunk affected him because he hadn't slept since finishing work,' said Mr Bakhat. China's most wanted fugitive, who is accused of embezzling $40million from public funds, has returned to the country after 13 years on the run. Yang Xiuzhu, a former deputy mayor in the eastern city of Wenzhou, arrived in Beijing on Wednesday after hiding in countries across Asia, Europe and North America. She was filmed on live state television being led off a plane by two policewoman before going to a room to hear the charges against her read out by a prosecutor. Fugitive Yang Xiuzhu is escorted down a plane upon arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday The 70-year-old topped topped a list of China's 100 most wanted corruption suspects who Beijing has asked international crime agency Interpol to help catch The 70-year-old topped topped a list of China's 100 most wanted corruption suspects who Beijing has asked international crime agency Interpol to help catch. Her arrest was seen as the latest success for President Xi Jinping's battle against politicians abusing their public office for personal gain. The Communist Party's anti-corruption watchdog says it has taken custody of 37 of the 100 most-wanted corruption suspects since launching its 'Sky Net' campaign to catch them in April 2015. They include both Yang and her brother, businessman Yang Jinjun, who is suspected of corruption in public office and bribery. He returned to China late last year. China has also stepped up efforts to combat possible terrorist threats and fraudsters who target Chinese over the internet from abroad. A Chinese police official was elected president of Interpol last week, concerning human rights campaigners who worry about abuses and a lack of transparency within China's legal system. They are also concerned about the potential misuse of the police organisation's resources to attack Beijing's political opponents. Yang was taken into a room at the airport to hear the charges against her read out by a prosecutor Her arrest was seen as the latest success for President Xi Jinping's battle against politicians abusing their public office for personal gain American and Chinese diplomats and law enforcement officers plan to meet in Beijing next week to discuss fighting international crime. With Chinese investigators closing in, Yang Xiuzhu fled first to Hong Kong in 2003, then Singapore, France, the Netherlands and Italy. After her asylum requests were turned down, she fled again to the U.S. in 2014 and filed another petition for asylum, it said. Authorities used law enforcement and diplomatic efforts to pressurise Yang, and also said she would receive relatively lenient treatment if she turned herself in. Eventually, she withdrew her asylum application and returned to China. An ultra-conservative strand of Islam supporting sharia law in the West is now part of German youth culture, an expert has claimed - a day after raids on Salafist groups suspected of having links to ISIS. Strict rules promoted by Salafism, the extremist doctrine which drives ISIS, are an 'answer to uncertainty' felt by increasing numbers of young Muslims in Germany, according to Susanne Schroeter from Goethe University in Frankfurt. The hardline strand of Sunni Islam has become a 'protest culture in an era where other protest cultures no longer elicit a reaction,' the professor of ethno-religious studies added. Her comments come a day after hundreds of German police launched coordinated raids in ten of the country's 16 states hunting for ISIS supporters and recruiters among a Salafist group calling itself 'The True Religion'. Hundreds of German police launched coordinated raids in ten of the country's 16 states hunting for ISIS supporters and recruiters among a Salafist group calling itself 'The True Religion'. Police are pictured during raids in Berlin Armed police and elite SEK anti-terror units were involved in the raids on more than 200 apartments and offices belonging to organisers and supporters of the group which publicly backs the aims of ISIS. At the same time as the raids across Germany at 6.30am, the government announced that the group was being banned for good. Professor Schroeter reportedly told dpa that the way Salafists approach Muslim youths in the country was 'very cool, very contemporary and in a way that is appreciated by young people - of course that hits home.' She added that schools had a duty to encourage youngsters to be 'resistant' to approaches by radicals, eblnews reports. Many of the 800 Germans who went off to the Middle East for the so-called caliphate declared by ISIS in Syria and Iraq were Salafists. German police launched dawn raids on mosques, apartments and offices in ten German states yesterday Salafists believe in a traditional interpretation of Islam, based on Sharia law. They have caused controversy in Germany with a project called 'Lies!' to hand out 25 million translations of the Koran for free. Many of the 800 Germans who went off to the Middle East for the so-called caliphate declared by ISIS in Syria and Iraq were Salafists. One of the places stormed yesterday was an apartment in a high-rise building in Bonn where the sect's leader Ibrahim Abou-Nagie, 52, lives. He was hauled out of bed and off for questioning along with hate preacher Said El Emrani 34, who goes by the name Abu Dujana. Abou-Nagie has called for worldwide Sharia law to be introduced to replace traditional justice systems. In Berlin (pictured) almost 20 places were stormed, in Baden-Wurttemberg 15, in Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hamburg approximately five each Fifteen searches were carried out at properties in Frankfurt alone and dozens of boxes of ISIS recruiting material and other Jihadist literature seized. In the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria there were 35 raids while in Lower Saxony searched officials more than 20 properties. In Berlin almost 20 places were stormed, in Baden-Wurttemberg 15, in Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hamburg approximately five each. Search warrants were also issued against a mosque Association in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Hamburg. The authorities said the group is 'unconstitutional and against the idea of international understanding.' Its propaganda material along with its cash assets are being seized, said the government. It says the membership 'glorifies Holy War and terrorist attacks as well as building up a unique melting pot for recruitment of Jihadists.' At least 140 members of The True Religion have travelled to the Middle East to fight with ISIS. The Federal Office for the Proetection of the Constitution - the BvF or internal intelligence service - estimates the number of radical Islamist Salafis in Germany at 9,200 and continues to rise. A Christian governor in Indonesia's capital has been named as a suspect in a blasphemy case after claiming his opponents were using the Koran to influence Muslim voters. The remarks by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is the first member of the country's ethnic Chinese minority to lead capital Jakarta, sparked widespread protests in which one person died and 100 were injured. The governor - currently favourite to win re-election in the polls - had accused his opponents of using a Koranic verse, which suggests Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in order to trick people into voting against him. Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama faces up to five years in prison if he is convicted of blasphemy Police have separately interviewed a social media user who allegedly posted a subtitled version of Purnama's September speech online with a key word missing - leading viewers to believe he was criticising Islam rather than his opponents. Investigators have now ruled he should go on trial, and the politician has been ordered not to leave the country. He could be jailed for five years if found guilty. Police have been accused of pursuing the case despite having weak evidence in order to avoid more violent protests. The video went viral and incensed moderate and hardline Muslim groups alike. Police are investigating the social media user and have questioned up to 70 witnesses in the case against Purnama. National police chief Tito Karnavian conceded there were 'sharply dissenting opinions' and the decision was not unanimous The case is being viewed as a test of religious tolerance in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, where a spike in attacks on minorities has eroded a reputation for pluralism, and analysts said the decision was a 'setback'. More than 100,000 people took to the streets in Jakarta on November 4 demanding that Purnama be prosecuted. After night fell, the demonstration turned violent, with one person killed and 100 injured. Earlier this week Habib Rizieq, spiritual leader of the hardline Islamic Defenders Front, one of the organizers of the last protest, said his group and others would take to the streets again if Purnama was not prosecuted. After a lengthy investigation that involved questioning scores of witnesses, national police chief detective Ari Dono told reporters: 'Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has been named a suspect.' The decision to name Purnama as a suspect was announced at Jakarta Police headquarters National police chief Tito Karnavian conceded there were 'sharply dissenting opinions' and the decision was not unanimous, but added investigators had eventually concluded the case should go to trial. Naming someone a suspect is a formal step in the Indonesian legal system that means authorities believe they have enough preliminary evidence to consider filing charges. After the announcement, he said: 'This is not the end, there will be a court process which we hope will be open.' Indonesian President Joko Widodo has accused 'political actors' of fanning the violence A spokesman for President Joko Widodo, an ally of Purnama, urged all involved to respect the legal process. Observers expressed surprise at the decision - police had been expected not to pursue the case as the evidence was viewed as weak - and said it could be a compromise to avoid further violence. 'This is a calculated move by the government and police,' Tobias Basuki, a political analyst from Jakarta-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. However he added the decision marked a 'huge setback for Indonesia'. Purnama has apologised for his remarks made in September, saying he was criticising his political rivals who were using the verse rather than the Koran itself. Widodo, who was forced to cancel a trip to Australia after the unrest, has accused 'political actors' of fanning the violence. A factory boss has claimed that a dead rat found sewn into the hem of a dress bought by a shopper from retailer Zara was probably put there by a disgruntled worker. Factory owner Teddy Sadaka, who owns Apparel Production Inc in New York, which makes garments for brands such as Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs, told the New York Post: 'I'm thinking it had to be done intentionally.' 'It looks like a prank from a worker being paid a couple of cents and saying, "Take that, America!" 'Its too crazy. I really cant imagine a mouse that would run around those loud sewing machines.' Last week, New Yorker Cailey Fiesel launched a lawsuit against the Spanish brand after she purchased the $40 scoop neck dress from their store in Greenwich, Connecticut, and found the rat's remains. New Yorker Cailey Fiesel is suing Zara after she found a dead rodent inside the hem of her dress. One leg is seen portruding from the seam. Fiesel bought two dresses from the Spanish clothier's Greenwich, Connecticut store in July and noticed a pungent smell the first time she wore one to work The first time she wore the dress to work, Ms Fiesel says she noticed a pungent smell and initially thought she could see what she thought was a loose thread along the garment's hem. But according to court papers, she then realized it was actually the rat's leg poking out along the seams, with the rest of its body still trapped under the fabric. Now a New York City factory owner has spoken out about the case saying he believes the dead animal could have been sewn in the dress on purpose. Ms Fiesel launched her lawsuit against Zara in Manhattan Supreme Court last week, and papers state: 'While at work, she started to notice a disturbingly pungent odor and was unable to identify the source. Fiesel (pictured) is suing Zara for unspecified damages 'Despite getting up from her desk and walking around, she was unable to escape this odor.' Court papers state that as the day went on she could not escape the smell and started to notice what 'felt like a loose string from her dress rubbing against her leg' and tried to remove it. 'To her utter shock and disbelief, as she ran her hand over the hem of the dress she felt an unusual bulge and suddenly realized that it was not a string that was rubbing against her leg but was instead a leg rubbing against her leg. The leg of a dead rodent that is,' court papers claim. Ms Fiesel's coworkers crowded around her desk after she jumped out of her chair in shock, and she ran to take the dress off. The lawsuit also included photographs of the dress ' conspicuously depicting the dead rodent with at least one of its appendages protruding,' according to court papers. Fiesel claims she broke out in a rash, with doctors saying it was caused by a 'rodent born disease,' the lawsuit states. She is suing Zara for unspecified damages, saying the dress caused her both personal injury and emotional distress, the lawsuit states. She is suing Zara for unspecified damages, saying the dress caused her both personal injury and emotional distress (pictured, the Greenwich, Connecticut store) The lawsuit also added: 'Zara breached its duty to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, inspecting, distributing, delivering, supplying, inspecting, and/or selling its products by negligently releasing into the marketplace a product that was defective by containing disease-causing rodents.' A spokesperson for Zara said: 'Zara USA is aware of the suit, and we are investigating the matter further. For the 4th year, Linda Huguelet, co-leader of the Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group is joining over 25,000 hematologists and healthcare professionals from around the world at the 58th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego on Dec. 2-5. Ms. Huguelet is one of twelve cancer patients and support group leaders attending this year. While at the conference, Ms. Huguelet will be brought up-to-date on the latest research, therapies, and tools available to myeloma patients. In turn, she will report the news to patients back home, using social media tools like blogs, Twitter, and video. You can follow on Twitter Linda at @IMFlindaMYELOMA. Ms. Huguelets participation at the conference is sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation. Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a cancer of cells in the bone marrow that affects production of red cells, white cells and stem cells and can damage bone. Its currently incurable and is being contracted by an increasing number of people and is particularly affecting younger people, officials said. Ms. Huguelet, a Signal Mountain resident, who was diagnosed with myeloma in 2010 at the age of 46, typically follows news from medical conferences online on the IMF website, said, The amount of research taking place is so encouraging and there are many emerging new treatments under development. To many people, research is a pretty dry subject, but its progress is very personal to me. "She will pass along news about all the encouraging research taking place when the Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group meets after the first of the year," officials said. The Chattanooga Multiple Myeloma Networking Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at the Memorial Center for Cancer Support located next to Memorial Hospital. Visit MyelomaChattanooga.org for more information on the group which provides information and support to patients and caregivers in the Chattanooga area. Imran Khan, 37, suffered horrific burns after teenage thugs squirted him in the face with acid from a Lucozade bottle A takeaway boss suffered horrific burns after teenage thugs squirted him in the face with acid from a Lucozade bottle. Father-of-five Imran Khan, 37, was attacked twice within minutes by a gang of teenagers as he tried to deliver pizza in Barking, Essex. He has been left in 'shock' and fears he could be scarred for life after after one of the thugs sprayed the acid through his car window last week. 'My face was burning - it was horrible,' he said. 'I was in a lot of pain and couldn't even open my eyes it was that bad.' Minutes before he had been surrounded by a group of 13 or 14 teenagers who started swearing at him and throwing the pizza in his face. 'There were a group of 13 or 14 of them - they just surrounded me,' he said. 'They started swearing at me and I didn't know what to do. They took the food off me and threw it at my face.' A shocked passer-by alerted police and the gang of teenagers ran off. But Mr Khan was forced to return to the road to re-deliver the order from his takeaway business in nearby Dagenham. He then drove a short distance to pick up his wife Farina Bibi, 33, from her sister's house. He has been left in 'shock' and could be scarred for life after after one of the thugs sprayed the acid through his car window last week, pictured (right) before the attack The takeaway boss was attacked twice within minutes by a gang of teenagers as he tried to deliver pizza in Barking, Essex But before he could even get out of his car Mr Khan was targeted by two teenage boys suspected to have been involved in the first incident at about 6pm. One of the teenagers fired acid at his face as he sat helplessly in his car before fleeing. The businessman screamed for help from a shopkeeper based just yards away. The quick-thinking Good Samaritan poured a big bottle of water on Mr Khan's scalded face in a bid to cool him down. 'I think that's what saved me.' he said. 'The burns didn't go too deep thank goodness.' Mr Khan was rushed to Queen's Hospital, Romford, and spent a night having intensive treatment before being allowed home the next day. He is now treating his burns with two different types of creams and antiseptic eye-drops, pictured with his wife Farina Bibi He has been left with burning eyes and horrific injuries to his cheeks and neck. The father-of-five is now treating his burns with two different types of creams and antiseptic eye-drops. He has also been referred to a scar specialist at London's Whipps Cross University Hospital. But Mr Khan has opened up about how he is still severely shaken by the shock attack. 'It was shocking, I'm still in shock,' admitted Mr Khan, who fears he'll be scarred for life. 'I'm more angry than anything. They should be punished for what they've done to me. 'If they did this to me, what could they do to more vulnerable people?' The British man accused of murdering a Bali policeman has been visited by his vicar father as his co-accused Australian girlfriend claims the case against her is based on 'imagination'. David Taylor and Byron Bay mother-of-two Sara Connor, 46, held hands as they arrived at their trial on Wednesday for the alleged murder of officer Wayan Sudarsa. His bloodied body was found on Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17, with deep wounds believed to have mostly been caused by a beer bottle in an alleged fight over Ms Connor's missing handbag. Scroll down for video British DJ David Taylor and Byron Bay mother-of-two Sara Connor, 46, are pictured arriving at Denpasar District Court on Wednesday Mr Taylor's vicar father visited Mr Taylor before his second trial at Denpasar Court Mr Taylor's father, a vicar, had visited the British DJ before his second trial at Denpasar Court in Bali on Wednesday, along with his mother and sister. Mr Taylor and Ms Connor are facing charges of charges of unpremeditated murder, violence causing death, and assault causing death. Ms Connor's lawyers plan to claim the allegations against her are 'based on imagination' and 'speculation' when her trial resumes next week, Daily Telegraph reported. Ms Connor is seen inside a holding cell on Wednesday ahead of her second trial Her lawyers will present a 19-page 'excepsi' or challenge to the charges against her. 'We, as the lawyers, feel that we need to give this objection because the indictment was made, not based on the examination, but based on imagination and speculation, so that generally it is made up,' the challenge obtained by Daily Telegraph reads. The only logical charges against Ms Connor could be for concealing evidence, the lawyers will claim. She has previously admitted to cutting up the officer's ID cards before the clothes she and Mr Taylor wore were burned. For that charge, Ms Connor could face nine-months in prison. Ms Connor's will deliver a 19-page challenge to the charges against her Mr Taylor waits inside a holding cell in Bali awaiting trial The Byron Bay mother-of-two is pictured at court on Wednesday A panel of three judges could take a week to consider the challenge, Nine News reported. Mr Taylor's lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, said his family were trying to arrange a meeting with Mr Sudarsa's widow, Ketut Arsini, to offer an apology, Daily Telegraph reported. Mr Taylor has already written her a letter. The prosecution alleges the couple were jointly responsible for the officer's death. He had been struck with a beer bottle, binoculars and a mobile phone. The fight allegedly began when Mr Taylor 'frisked' the officer in search of Ms Connor's lost purse. Ms Connor shields her face and holds co-accused Mr Taylor's hand as they walk to the holding cell at court on Wednesday Ms Connor looks on during her trial at Denpasar District Court on Wednesday The 46-year-old is escorted out of court on Wednesday The British DJ listens to judges during his second trial at Denpasar District Court on Wednesday Mr Taylor talks to his lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, on Wednesday Mr Taylor speaks with his lawyers before his trial on Wednesday Mr Taylor enters Denpasar District Court for his second trial Mr Taylor's lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, said his family (mother and father pictured) were trying to arrange a meeting with Mr Sudarsa's widow, Ketut Arsini, to offer an apology Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa's bloodied body was found on Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17 Mr Taylor has previously written Mr Sudarsa's widow, Ketut Arsini, a letter expressing his regret British DJ Mr Taylor (left) and his Australian girlfriend, mother-of-two Sara Connor, 46, are co-accused over the death of the Balinese police officer A nurse convicted of killing 11 elderly people after starting a fire in a nursing home has lost his bid to challenge his 11 life sentences. Roger Dean's appeal was rejected by the High Court on Wednesday after being rejected initially in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal last December. The 40-year-old registered nurse of 15 years pleaded guilty to murdering the patients at Quaker's Hill nursing home in Sydney's west in November, 2011. He lit two fires after discovering police were investigating his theft of 200 prescription pills from the home. Scroll down for video Roger Dean (pictured), a 40-year-old nurse who was convicted of killing 11 elderly people after starting a fire in a Sydney nursing home, lost his bid to challenge his 11 life sentences in the High Court on Wednesday After the fire, Dean told journalists he braved the smoke to help rescue those inside Police had questioned Dean, then aged 35, about stealing prescription drugs just hours before he lit the blaze. He was the head nurse on the night of the blaze. Eleven residents aged between 73 and 90 died immediately and there were three further deaths due to injuries. He received 11 life sentences in 2013. His barrister Tim Game SC argued various grounds in the High Court, including criticising "the structure" of the sentence imposed. But Kara Shead, for the crown, said after taking into account the evidence in this case - no matter what processes were involved - "no other conclusion could have been reached". The two judges, sitting in Sydney, refused to give him the go-ahead to appeal, concluding there would be no prospects that a challenge would be successful. The nurse of 15 years pleaded guilty to murdering the patients at Quaker's Hill nursing home (pictured) in Sydney's west in November, 2011 A paramedic assists one of the victims after the fire in November 2011 In the Court of Criminal Appeal on December, Dean argued that Supreme Court Justice Megan Latham was wrong in finding no sentence other than life in prison would properly reflect his moral culpability. Such sentences were 'manifestly excessive', he argued, according to the report. Dean's state of mind when he lit the fire and ability to foresee what would happen as a result were key to his case. Relatives of his victims were disgusted by the appeals. Elly Valkay, daughter of Neeltje Valkay, who was in the nursing home at the time, said Dean 'made it seem like it was nothing'. She asked how he could not be culpable. 'He knew that they were immobile because he was the registered nurse there. They died in their beds and that's it,' she said. Elly Valkay, whose mother died in the fire, said Dean 'made it seem like it was nothing' Nearly 90 elderly people, many immobile, lived in the nursing home when it was set on fire An inquest heard the nursing home had failed to check Dean's work references and did not make him undergo a mental health check. Among his work history was an incidence of being suspended from his previous job because he was frothing at the mouth on drugs. An inquest into the deaths of 14 people after the 2011 fire also heard Roger Dean had previously vandalised a former boss's car. Among the patients residing in the home at the time of the fire were blind people, others confined to their beds and some with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the inquest was told. The fire was Sydney's worst nursing home disaster since 1981 The inquest heard Dean used a staff member's cigarette lighter to set a sheet on a bed on fire in two rooms in the nursing home. He later appeared on television describing his efforts to rescue trapped people in the nursing home. After the fire, Dean told journalists he had braved the smoke to rescue those trapped inside as the home's 88 residents were evacuated. He said: ' I just quickly did what I could to get everyone out.' Following the tragedy , NSW fire commissioner Greg Mullins described the blaze as 'a firefighter's worst nightmare'. The fire was Sydney's worst nursing home disaster since 16 elderly residents died in a blaze in suburban Sylvania Heights in 1981. Murdered British aid worker Alan Henning was taken to Syria on a convoy linked to extremists, a court has heard. Mr Henning, of Salford, Greater Manchester, was beheaded by ISIS executioner Jihadi John in 2014 after travelling to the Middle East in convoys with men now on trial for terror offences. The aid convoys were allegedly used as cover to send thousands of pounds in money and equipment to terrorists as part of a scheme to set up a team of 'night snipers' in Syria. Aid worker Alan Henning was taken to Syria on a convoy used by extremists, a court heard Pervez Rafiq was on the convoy with Mr Henning. He is now accused of aiding terrorists Syed Hoque, 37, from Luton, Bedfordshire, allegedly sent 4,500 to Syria so that his nephew Mohammed Choudhury, could buy a sniper rifle and offered to fund a number of others. Choudhury went to Syria in 2013 and fought for Jabhat al-Nusra, the terrorist wing of Al Qaeda in Syria, the court heard. He has never returned. Hoque was allegedly helped by a 'quartermaster' called Mashoud Miah, 27, and two other men, who sourced the equipment and helped get it to Syria. The court heard that co-defendant Pervez Rafiq, had told police he had been on a convoy arranged by a charity called al-Fatiha Global with Alan Henning in December 2013, and had taken part in an appeal for his safe return. The court had earlier been told that Hoque and Miah had been on an earlier convoy, organised by a charity called Children in Deen, and were carrying 'substantial amounts of cash' when they left the country. Prosecutor Annabel Darlow QC told the Old Bailey: 'The defendants made use, or so it would appear, of aid convoys as a means of moving money and other property out of the United Kingdom to Syria.' Syed Hoque (left) is said to have supplied cash to his terrorist nephew Mohammed Choudhury and discussed beheading of'non-believers'. Mohammed Hussain (right) also faces a charge Pictures allegedly sent by Choudhury to Hoque include one of a fighter with a Kalashnikov Ms Darlow added: 'The prosecution do not suggest that the aid convoys themselves did not have an overall charitable purpose, or that those participating did not intend by the provision of food and medicine to help the civilian population suffering in Syria. 'However the convoys would have provided a useful conduit for these defendants to abuse the spirit of the convoys to convey money and property to terrorists.' Messages between Hoque and Choudhury show them discussing extremist violence, the court heard. In a message in February 2014, a year after his arrival in Syria, Choudhury told his uncle: 'My desire is nothing but to destroy the kuffar [non-believers] in the most humiliating way. 'I would lyk 2 cut der heads, wrap der heads on a car, and drag it along...Ameen...It boils my blood wen I c det faces...Dey r pigs!' The photos said to have been exchanged include an armed pick-up truck and an Islamic flag A photo of a Draganov sniper's rifle was also sent between the men. Prosecutors say they were attempting to help terrorists become 'night snipers' Choudhury had boasted to his uncle that he was getting married to a 'very young' 16-year-old bride. But Choudhury he later changed his mind after arriving in Syria and said he was too busy fighting to get married and wanted to be a martyr. Syed Hoque faces three counts of funding terrorism after allegedly providing 3,000 and 1,500 on December 21 2013. Along with the three other defendants, he also faces a charge that they made material available with a reasonable cause to suspect it was for terrorism between December 1 2012 and May 31 2014. Hoque, 37, from Luton; Mashoud Miah, 27, from Mile End; Mohammed Hussain, 30, also from Mile End; and Pervez Rafiq, 46, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, all deny the charges and the trial continues. investigation into how his face ended up on packets A Spanish man is suing health officials after discovering a photo of himself having spinal surgery being used as a cigarette health warning. The picture of the 54-year-old from Galicia shows him hooked up to breathing apparatus with the warning, 'smoking can cause embolisms and disability'. He thinks the picture, which is being used on cigarette packets, was taken while he was knocked out and undergoing surgery at Satiago de Compostela hospital in April three years ago. A Spanish man is suing after discovering a photo of himself having spinal surgery being used as a cigarette health warning Identified only by the initials FJTA, the man filed legal action against the hospital last week saying neighbours had spotted the picture and recognised him. He said he is being Talking to La Voz de Galicia the picture was taken of him in his hospital bed while receiving treatment for long-term back problems, and had nothing to do with smoking. The Spaniard was getting a titanium plate inserted into his spine. Health officials have launched an investigation into how the picture of the non-smoker's has ended up on cigarette and snuff packets across the region without his consent. But number of people killed by terrorism worldwide fell by 10 per cent Deaths due to terrorist attacks on the West have increased by 650 per cent in a year, according to a new study. The 2016 Global Terrorism Index report - which covers all attacks across the world up until the end of 2015 - blames the rise on a variety of factors including youth unemployment and distrust of politicians and elections. But more than half of the 577 people killed in the West alone were linked to ISIS, including the massacres in Paris in November 2015 and the Charlie Hebdo shootings the previous January. The figure rose by 500 from the 77 people murdered by terrorists in the West in 2014. Scroll down for video The Global Terrorism Index report has revealed 577 people were killed in the West in terrorist attacks in 2015, including 130 in the Paris shootings and bombings, pictured Half of those killed in the West were murdered in ISIS-linked incidents, such as the 38 people shot in Tunisia in June 2015 (pictured) which included 30 British tourists But the number of terror-related deaths across the globe actually dropped by 10 per cent in 2015. The report does not include more recent atrocities such as the March attacks in Brussels and Istanbul and the Bastille Day horror in Nice which killed 87 people. The report, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) said military operations against ISIS and Boko Haram reduced terror deaths in Iraq and Nigeria but that jihadis have spread to other regions. Steve Killelea, executive chairman of the IEP, said: 'The attacks in the heartland of Western democracies underscore the need for fast-paced and tailored responses to the evolution of these organisations. 'Isil (another term for ISIS) foreign fighters who have gone to Syria generally have high levels of education but low incomes, with many fighters joining in part due to a feeling of exclusion in their home countries. 'Understanding the drivers of terrorism is crucial if we are to develop counter-terrorism strategies that help combat radicalisation.' The report calls for a 'fast-paced and tailored response' to the evolution of terrorist groups such as ISIS in the wake of atrocities such as Paris, pictured The deaths in the West also included the 12 people killed in the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January 2015, pictured The report defines the 'West' as the 35 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an international body set up in 1961 to boost world trade. Of those countries, 21 experienced at least one attack, with the majority of fatalities taking place in France and Turkey, the report said. There were 313 deaths in OECD countries in 2015, a huge increase from the 18 recorded in 2014. In Paris, 130 people died in co-ordinated attacks on sites including the Bataclan theatre and the Stade de France. Top judges are in line for a pay hike of up to 27,000 despite austerity being imposed on the rest of the public sector, it has emerged. The mooted rise of 12 to 15 per cent for High Court judges has been branded 'unthinkable' as ordinary families struggle with rising bills. The increases for 106 members of the judiciary who are currently paid 179,768 a year, have yet to be formally signed off by ministers. The move - intended to tackle a recruitment crisis - would add between 21,572.16 and 26,965.20 to that from April. Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Sir Roderick Newton are among the judges suing the government It will cost taxpayers up to 3 million annually, according to The Times, and is many times more than the average 1 per cent limit for the public sector as a whole. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, told the newspaper: 'The sheer scale of this payrise is bound to raise questions as colleagues across the public sector face only a modest pay rise if they are lucky. 'To families struggling with rising bills, a pay rise of this magnitude will be unthinkable.' Christina McAnea, head of health at the union Unison, said: 'NHS staff will be hoping this signals an end to the government's squeeze on pay. 'Health and other public service employees' wages have been frozen or capped for years, causing real financial hardship.' The scale of the increase only emerged during a tribunal where six judges are suing the Lord Chancellor over changes to their pension scheme. The claimants say they were appointed to the High Court at a 'relatively early age' and were being discriminated against after the introduction of 'highly disadvantageous' new retirement arrangements. The case, being heard by the Central London Employment Tribunal, has been brought by Sir Nicholas Mostyn, 59, Sir Roderick Newton, 58, Sir Philip Moor, 57, Dame Lucy Theis, 55, Sir Richard Arnold, 55, and Sir Rabinder Singh, 52. The judges bringing the case - who include Sir Philip Moor (left) and Dame Lucy Theis (right) - claim the new pension scheme is discriminatory Younger judges are either automatically enrolled on to the new scheme, which the claimants' lawyers say is less favourable in terms of benefits, or come on to it after a transitional period. Counsel for the judges Michael Beloff QC said the pay rise was to compensate the judiciary for a 25,000 tax charge they suffered by having to move into a new pension scheme. Mr Beloff said all the claimants were appointed to the High Court bench between 2008 and 2014. He said: 'All of course are high flyers ... which explains their appointment at a relatively early age.' Lord Chancellor Liz Truss is contesting the employment tribunal brought by the judges He said judges within 10 years of retirement were protected from the changes, whereas the younger set were exposed to the 'highly disadvantageous' scheme. Mr Beloff said the Government's alterations were to the younger judges' 'substantial financial detriment' and affected compensatory benefits that could have contributed to the decision to give up a career as a successful barrister. He said: 'None of them could've had any inkling that those changes would be made. 'They're all, in a real sense, in a trap.' The tribunal also heard a career as a judge was 'a one-way street' because one could not return to the bar or act as a solicitor again after being appointed. As well as age discrimination, they claim there is indirect race and indirect sex discrimination under the scheme, saying women and ethnic minorities tend to be under-represented in the judiciary and the scheme acts as a disincentive. The conditions imposed on the younger judges were at odds with a 'fundamental constitutional principle' that the pay of serving judges should not be diminished during their term in office, Mr Beloff added. But the tribunal heard the respondents opposed these arguments, claiming the pension entitlement changes did not infringe the constitutional edict the judiciary be free of 'influence by the executive'. The case of the six judges, who also include Sir Richard Arnold and Sir Rabinder Singh, is expected to last two weeks in the employment tribunal Counsel for 204 other judges also involved in the case, Andrew Short, QC, also suggested the idea older judges should be spared changes because they have less time to adjust before retirement was illogical because the older appointees would, by this measure, be exposed to the changes for a shorter period of time. Mr Short also questioned the first witness, treasury official Julian Kelly, about whether he agreed the changes introduced in 2015 had a 'disproportionate impact' on judges compared to other public servants. 'I don't think that the change to the pension scheme itself had ... a materially different impact on judges as opposed to others,' Mr Kelly replied. In his opening remarks, Martin Chamberlain QC, for the Lord Chancellor and the Ministry of Justice, said there was no constitutional principle requiring sitting judges to be insulated from adverse pension changes when other public servants were not. He told the tribunal it was legitimate to enforce a transitional protection period for those judges who, being closer to retirement, were more likely to have made 'concrete plans' about their financial futures based on the existing scheme. Priti Patel, pictured at No 10 yesterday, faces claims her aid department has scaled up aid to India and China Britain is still pouring millions of pounds of aid into India and super-rich China despite a pledge to stop rolling out cash to economic powers, a report found. The Government has maintained its controversial pledge to spend 0.7per cent of national income on foreign aid a figure which means the UK will continue to lavish 12billion on aid every year. Following widespread concern that money was being frittered away, the new International Development Secretary Priti Patel promised an overhaul to make the system 'deliver for our national interests'. While many schemes offering direct aid to wealthier nations have been cut, a major new report has concluded 'significant' cashflows have continued through 'other channels'. A watchdog, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), accused the Government of actually 'scaling up' assistance it was offering foreign powers, while 'creating an impression all aid was being phased out'. In India a country rich enough to have its own space programme the Department for International Development (DFID) terminated 'financial aid', the review said. But it continued with technical assistance to help India spend its money, and aid-funded loans and equity investments, according to the body which scrutinises taxpayer-funded UK aid. Current aid spending includes: Some 70million is still handed to India out of Britain's aid budget, according to the figures. A total of 30million was for assistance in how to use their own money to help alleviate poverty for 2016-17. A further 40million was earmarked for 'development capital investments', delivered in the form of loans or equity investments to Indian firms and financial institutions. In China, up to 10million a year of aid money is being used to help the country assist third world countries, although the aid is not given directly to China. Theresa May visited India earlier this month to discuss a post-Brexit trade deal with Indian PM Narendra Modi, pictured The ICAI graded DFID's performance on exiting and transitioning from countries as 'Amber-Red' requiring significant improvement. AID TO INDIA WAS DUE TO HAVE STOPPED IN 2015 UK Aid to India was due to have been stopped by last year. In 2012, the then international development secretary, Justine Greening, announced all financial assistance from the UK to India would end from 2015. The move followed criticism of the government for maintaining aid to India, which has a booming economy and its own space programme. Ministers also issued repeated assurances that aid to China has stopped, saying in 2010 that it was 'not justifiable' to send millions to an economic superpower. The review said: 'In each country the end to financial aid did not necessarily mean an end to all forms of aid, with flows including technical assistance, centrally managed programmes and spending by departments other than DFID, continuing.' Advertisement The report added: 'In all of the cases we examined, even where DFID's in-country programmes were brought to an end, significant aid flows have continued through other channels. 'In China, DFID terminated all assistance on domestic development issues, but continues to spend 8-10 million per year from centrally managed programmes on helping China to become a more effective donor and investor in developing countries.' The report added there was 'substantial UK aid flowing to India through other channels'. China has poured billions into its space programme. The landing of its Jade Rabbit lunar rover on Saturday was watched on state TV by 1.4billion Chinese. Francesca Del Mese, the ICAI commissioner who led the review, said: 'DFID must strengthen how it plans for change in its aid relationships with countries, and ensure it communicates to UK taxpayers clearly to avoid the risk of confusion.' She added: 'Managing the transition from traditional aid to new kinds of development partnerships is increasingly important for DFID in the current aid landscape. The UK aid programme expanded dramatically under David Cameron as the former PM pushed the budget to meet international targets of 0.7 per cent of national income 'This review stresses the importance of clear objectives, effective planning and strong communication. 'Without a robust process, there is the risk of misunderstanding and miscommunication about what remains as part of the UK's aid relationship, both in the countries themselves, and with the UK public.' A DFID spokesman said: 'We are disappointed that ICAI has rushed the publication of this inaccurate report that simply does not tell the whole story. 'As countries build upon their economic development Britain is determined to strengthen strategic partnerships that facilitate trade, boost business and combat poverty. The Institute for Government criticised Theresa May, pictured leaving No 10 today for Prime Minister's Questions, over her 'secretive approach' to Brexit plans Theresa May's plans for Brexit appear 'chaotic and dysfunctional,' a leading Westminster think tank has warned. The Institute for Government warned that the process for leaving the EU posed an 'existential threat' to the operation of government departments whose budges and staffing had been cut sharply in recent years. Some departments will find the burden of preparing for Brexit 'unsustainable' unless Chancellor Philip Hammond uses next week's Autumn Statement to commit more resources to the task. The IfG's damning report singles out Mrs May for criticism. It said her 'secretive approach' was causing 'significant uncertainty' for Whitehall departments. This approach is preventing civil servants from planning far enough ahead, the respected think tank said. The IfG, which has been talking to key figures inside and outside Whitehall ahead of a report to be published next month, warned the Prime Minister: 'Silence is not a strategy'. The warning came amid a furious row over a memo from accountancy firm Deloitte, which claimed that Cabinet splits were delaying the Government's ability to agree a Brexit negotiating strategy ahead of the March 2017 deadline set by Mrs May for triggering Article 50, the formal mechanism for cutting ties with Brussels. The document predicted the Government will need to hire an extra 30,000 civil servants to cope with the increased workload of leaving the EU - including negotiators - and criticises the Prime Minister for micromanaging. The document, titled 'Brexit Update' and sent to government departments last week, said ministers had a poor understanding of what leaving the EU means for industry. But No 10 said the memo came from an external consultant working for the accountancy firm Deloitte, which campaigned for Remain during the EU referendum campaign. The Prime Minister's spokeswoman dismissed the memo as an 'unsolicited document that is nothing to do with the Government - the individual is not working for the Cabinet office on this issue'. Downing Street accused Deloitte of 'touting for business' by leaking the note. Some departments will find the burden of preparing for Brexit 'unsustainable' unless Chancellor Philip Hammond (pictured with Theresa May and China's Vice Premier, Ma Kai in No 10 last week) uses next week's Autumn Statement to commit more resources to the task The IFG's Joe Owen said that, while he may not recognise all of the accountancy firm's figures, some of its claims did chime with the thinktank's findings. 'Whitehall has most of the technical skills required to deliver Brexit,' said Mr Owen, in a blog on the IFG website. 'What Whitehall does not have is the capacity to deliver Brexit on top of everything else to which it is already committed. 'The work required to deliver Brexit has been described to us as an 'existential threat' to how some departments operate. Managing this whilst continuing to deliver existing priorities with the smallest civil service in decades is unsustainable.' Budget cuts of up to 25 per cent expected from some departments over the coming five years 'must now be considered undeliverable', said Mr Owen. Theresa May (pictured delivering her first speech to the Lord Mayor's Banquet at Guildhall on Monday night) is singled out for particular criticism in the IfG report 'There are departments upon which Brexit will have a huge impact. We hope the Autumn Statement will show the commitments the Government intends to keep, and what it will drop, so resources can be focused on the Brexit task.' Mr Owen said civil servants in charge of departmental responses to Brexit knew 'little more than the general public' about Mrs May's plans. 'There is a huge amount of work already under way, in both the Department for Exiting the EU and the rest of Whitehall, but the lack of publicly visible direction and secretive approach at the top means much of it is too reactive,' he said. 'The planning horizon is days or weeks in most departments, not months.' And he added: 'Brexit has caused significant uncertainty for businesses and departments, and in the absence of certainty there is a need for confidence and clarity about the process. The current political approach and the absence of a clear overarching plan for exiting the EU means there is neither.' While accepting that going public on her Brexit plans would create 'party political management' problems for the PM, Mr Owen warned: 'Silence is not a strategy. Failure to reveal the Government's plan to reach a negotiating position is eroding confidence among business and investors, and encouraging unhelpful speculation about what the final destination might be.' The FDA union for senior civil servants warned that ministers appeared to be hoping to implement Brexit 'on the cheap'. 'Whilst politicians squabble about hard and soft Brexit, there is a deafening silence from ministers over whether any additional resources will be provided to deliver this momentous task,' said FDA chairman Dave Penman. Advertisement An adorable orphaned goat has been adopted by two unlikely parents - enormous St Bernard dogs. The unlikely trio came together when Hans the goat arrived on a farm in Belgium after his mother had died, and the goat's owners realised they couldn't bottle-raise the new-born. Hans immediately gravitated towards the farm's two gigantic pooches, named Julie and Basiel. Best of friends: Hans has been adopted by giant St Bernards Julie (left) and Basiel (right) after he arrived on a farm in Belgium Three's not a crowd: The adorable baby goat 'learns a lot' from the two giant dogs, according to his new owner, Isolde Mattart The St Bernards have shown Hans the ropes and formed an unlikely bond with the endearing goat. Hans' new owner Isolde Mattart said: 'He learns a lot from the dogs. 'He loves sunbathing with the dogs, he loves going for walks with me and the dogs, but he likes napping with the dogs the most.' Playful: Hans, pictured with adopted parent Julie, has formed an unlikely bond with the two giant dogs, who would normally terrify smaller animals The cute young goat has been adopted by the two St Bernards, and often snuggles up to them at nap time Hans the orphaned goat hanging out with 'parent' Julie, who has shown the tiny animal the ropes on the Belgian farm Pictures demonstrating the remarkable inter-species connection show Hans standing on Julie and cuddling up together for nap-time. Julie, aged six, and Basiel, three, have a history at being with peace with farmyard animals. While most small creatures might be terrified of the sight of one of the world's largest breeds of dog, Hans and co clearly don't mind. Happy goat: Hans with Julie, who he met after his mother died. Julie and Basiel have taken on parental duties for the tiny animal Friendly: Julie and Basiel may be giant St Bernards, but they've made plenty of friends with smaller animals Julie is happy to let a baby calf called Alfie rest his head on her while she sleeps Two tiny chicks sit on Julie's head in a picture posted on Instagram by owner Isolde Mattart Pictures from Isolde's Instagram account show baby chicks sitting on the giant head of Julie. The St Bernards have been snapped having a cuddle with one of the farm's cows and taking a quick snooze with the grown-up chickens. Isolde says: 'Julie is an incredibly tolerant dog so we're really lucky that she's so big hearted. 'Basiel is younger and when he arrived here Julie was so welcoming towards him, it made him tolerant as well. 'I think he copied her behaviour towards himself and the others.' Gentle giant: A tiny chick resting on one of the paw of one of the dogs. The St Bernards have shown they enjoy parenting smaller animals A chicken sleeps next to the two St Bernards, who would usually be terrifying to tiny animals A new Jimmy Johns at 330 Frazier Ave. is now open and ready to serve to the Chattanooga community. Ben and Aaron Frizzell own the new Jimmy Johns store, which is the third location in Chattanooga. Employees at an Indian-based security firm are allegedly selling the phone records, numbers and home addresses of Optus, Telstra and Vodafone customers for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars. AI Solutions, and possibly other private companies, have sold the private information of Australians to third parties for $350 to $1,000 over several years, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The data breach calls into question the security of off-shore call centres. Employees at AI Solutions, an Mumbai-based security firm, are allegedly selling the phone records, numbers and home addresses of Optus, Telstra and Vodafone customers for hundreds of dollars (stock image) Although the content of messages sent by customers of any of the three telecommunication companies cannot be accessed, a third party can see where a phone call was placed and to who, as well as other data. The personal details of celebrities, police and politicians are will cost more, according to a text message sent from an AI Solutions insider to a Melbourne security company. 'There are 3 major telecom numbers details I can provide you. Telstra, Vodafone and Optus,' the employee wrote in a message, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. 'VIP, politician, police, celebrity, charges are different,' they continued. A Money Gram or transfer through Western Union is encouraged for the information. AI Solutions, and possibly other private companies, have sold the private information of Australians to third parties for $350 to $1,000 over several years, a Sydney Morning Herald investigation shows (stock image) Although the content of messages sent by customers of any of the three telecommunication companies cannot be accessed, a third party can see where a phone call was placed and to who (stock image) Spokesmen for Optus, Vodafone and Telstra told Sydney Morning Herald they were aware of such activity. A representative from Optus said the company had contacted the Australian Federal Police about the issue. 'We would urge anyone who may have information about potential privacy breaches to report it to us for investigation and referral to authorities,' a Vodafone spokesperson said in a statement. The Federal police told the Sydney Morning Herald they talked to representatives with Optus and Vodafone and contacted Indian authorities. The parents of a 16-year-old student who allegedly knifed five classmates before stabbing himself in the neck have written a letter publicly apologizing for the 'pain and injury caused'. The five boys were stabbed in a locker room at Mountain View High School in Orem, north of Provo, around 8am on Tuesday as they got changed for gym class. The suspect, who is a sophomore and described as a straight-A student with no disciplinary problems, was taken into custody at Slate Canyon Detention Center. He has not been identified, nor have his parents, but Orem Police took the unusual step of tweeting a picture of a letter they have written. In it they said: 'We express our deepest condolences to the five boys who were harmed at Mountain View High School this morning and to their families. 'None of the victims had done anything to harm him. This was in no way racially or ethnically motivated. We are at a loss to explain how deeply sorry we are for the pain and injury caused. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the boys and their families.' Scroll down for video A family hugs as they reunite outside Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah, on Tuesday after several students were stabbed at the school Police patrol cars are pictured outside the school. A 16-year-old suspect has since been taken into custody Orem Police took the highly unusual step of tweeting a copy of a letter written by the parents of the suspect, who has not been named, in which they apologized for the 'pain' caused School officials said the suspect started at Mountain View High in August and was previously homeschooled. There were no indications he was having problems or being bullied, district spokeswoman Kimberly Bird said. The stabbings took place on Tuesday morning as the students were preparing for a morning physical education class, Bird said. Aisea Unga and his mother, Seta, hold each other as they walk away from Mountain View High School following the stabbings Each victim was stabbed at least once with a knife that had a three-inch blade, Lt. Craig Martinez said, suffering injuries to their necks and torsos. Alpine School District released a statement confirming the incident and indicated the suspect knifed five other students before stabbing himself. School employees boxed the teen into a corner before the first police officer arrived, risking their lives to stop the bloodshed, Orem Police Chief Gary Giles said. The boy was then Tasered and apprehended by the school resource officer. The suspect was also hospitalized with a self-inflicted wound. Two of the boys are now in a critical but stable condition in Utah Valley Hospital while two others are said to be in a 'fair' condition and the fifth has already been released. Police are seen outside the school doors in the aftermath of the stabbing on Tuesday Families reunite outside the high school following the violent spree on Tuesday Students described a gruesome scene, with victims covered in blood running from the locker room. Junior Karen Martinez said she saw three victims run to the school's office, one stabbed suffering from a head wound and another with an injury to his neck. One victim had blood running down the back of his shirt, she said. 'It was awful,' said Martinez, her eyes filled with tears. 'It was so terrifying. I didn't know any of the kids but still it was like an awful feeling to see all those kids getting hurt.' Officials said that the stabbing happened near the school's gym, while Martinez and other students told reporters they occurred inside the boy's locker room just before classes were about to begin. Students were later allowed to remain in school or leave for the day, and dozens of parents arrived at the school, hugging their children before taking them home Students Albany Cox, right, and Holly Hilton comfort each other as they leave the high school on Tuesday Orem Police confirmed five male students were knifed in the boy's locker room at Mountain View High School. Paramedics arrived at the school shortly after Students seen leaving the school. Students described a gruesome scene, with victims covered in blood running from the locker room Sophomore Paxton Ransom said he saw blood on the locker room floor and thought it was fake until he saw a person who had been stabbed on the floor. He ran into the gym's weight room. Eduviges Sanchez had just dropped her son off at the school when she saw a student outside with a cut in the side of his neck. Counselors and social workers were made available to students and staff following the incident. Utah Governor Gary Herbert said his prayers are with the students and staff. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said his prayers are with the students and staff An emotional mother is pictured outside the school following the stabbings 'My children went to @mvhsbruins. It's a community close to our hearts. My prayers are with the students and staff. #utpol,' Herbert tweeted. The school, which has 1,300 students, was put on lockdown after the stabbings for about an hour until police determined there was no danger for students. Hundreds of frightened parents arrived at the school, hugging their children before taking them home or letting them return to class. A student is comforted by her loved one following the violent spree at Mountain View High School Police are still trying to figure out a motive in the violent spree and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The school plans investigate if the suspect had had been acting in a way recently that should have been addressed by school officials prior to the attack, Bird said. Around 88 per cent of Orem's population is Mormon and crime levels are not high. Forty years ago the town hit the headlines when Gary Gilmore murdered a gas station employee in Orem during a crime spree. Gilmore was executed by firing squad, the first execution since the death penalty was ruled legal by the US Supreme Court, after a four-year ban. A BBC presenter went into labour minutes after reading the news on live TV - and gave birth to a baby boy with a fellow newsreader by her side. Victoria Fritz, who reads the business news on BBC Breakfast, had been discussing easyJet's latest figures on Tuesday morning's show. But she had more important news to deliver and found her waters breaking shortly after leaving the studio in Salford, Manchester, three weeks before her due date. When fellow presenter Sally Nugent discovered Victoria's husband, Dan, was stuck on the motorway, she said she would stay with her at the hospital until he arrived. Victoria Fritz went into labour minutes after reading the business news on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday - three weeks before her due date The presenter, who reads the business news on BBC Breakfast, had been discussing easyJet's latest figures on Tuesday morning's show But because of heavy traffic on the M6, Victoria's husband did not get there on time, and Nugent ended up being birthing partner for the arrival of a baby boy. After welcoming the baby boy at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, Victoria tweeted her thanks, describing it as a 'BBC Breakfast team effort'. 'My heartfelt thanks to @sallynugent & St Mary's drs&midwives who helped me deliver my little boy yesterday. A @BBCBreakfast team effort!' she tweeted. Sally also took to social media to say: 'You won't believe what happened after work yesterday. Huge congrats to our very clever @VFritzNews' Victoria was rushed to St Mary's Hospital in Manchester and gave to a baby boy on Tuesday After welcoming a baby boy, Victoria tweeted her thanks, describing it as a 'BBC Breakfast team effort' She added: 'It's going to make a brilliant story for his 21st birthday! What an incredible day xx' A BBC spokeswoman said: "When Sally heard that she'd gone into labour she offered to be there until Victoria's husband got there. But her husband never arrived so she found herself at the birth." The baby had been due to arrive in early December. Producer Kate McGough also took to Twitter to say they shouldn't have 'joked' about the baby arriving in the studio. 'Massive congrats! Maybe we shouldn't have joked yesterday about him arriving in studio! This must guarantee a northern accent,' she tweeted. Speaking on BBC Breakfast today, newsreader Naga Munchetty explained why another presenter, Sean Farrington, was reading the business news. She joked that Victoria had 'decided to be even more productive that she is in the workplace'. Her husband, Dan, (left) was stuck in traffic on the M6, so co-presenter Sally Nugent, 45, stepped up as Victoria's birthing partner Victoria Fritz, who reads the business news on BBC Breakfast, had been discussing easyJet's latest figures on Tuesday morning's show Victoria joined the BBC in 2008, having previously worked for 'breakingviews', a financial commentary site that is now part of Reuters BBC Breakfast also congratulated Victoria on the official Twitter account following the birth Naga said: 'There she was, you know, just presenting very happily, not an issue in the world. 'And then she decided to have a bit of an event later on.' Co-presenter Dan Walker added: 'Sally was reading our sport yesterday. 'Because Victoria's partner was stuck on the M6, Sally was the birthing partner.' He also tweeted: 'If you're wondering why @seanfarrington is a late sub today... huge CONGRATULATIONS to @VFritzNews ItsABoy.' Dan later added: 'Thank you for all your suggestions for baby names but I think Baby McBabyFace might not make the grade @BBCBreakfast.' Presenter Ben Thompson also wrote: 'Huge congrats to partner-in-crime @vfritznews who did the @BBCBreakfast shift yesterday and then gave birth to a baby boy! #earlystarts.' Victoria joined the BBC in 2008, having previously worked for 'breakingviews', a financial commentary site that is now part of Reuters. Her husband, Dan, was stuck in traffic on the M6, so co-presenter Sally Nugent, 45, (shown) stepped up as Victoria's birthing partner Sally also took to social media to say: 'You won't believe what happened after work yesterday. Huge congrats to our very clever @VFritzNews' During Tuesday's show, her baby bump was concealed under a black jacket and green top A World War Two paratrooper who survived being shot four times in the conflict died on Remembrance Sunday while the Last Post played at 11am. Ralph Jones, 93, was severely wounded in the Normandy landings while a member of the 13th Battalion 6th Airborne Division during the Allied invasion in June 1944. He survived the war and was due to be reunited with two old comrades this weekend after his family planned a surprise party for his 94th birthday. But he passed away while holding hands with nurses at Salford Royal Hospital last Sunday. Former World War Two paratrooper Ralph Jones, pictured, died in hospital aged 93 at 11am on Remembrance Sunday as the Last Post played across the nation Mr Jones, originally from Staffordshire, was shot in his arm, stomach and foot after jumping into Caen, France, and was rushed off the battlefield in an air ambulance. The bullet in his stomach was lodged there permanently. Mr Jones had vividly described his experience in the Normandy landings before his death. He said: 'The moon is out and there are 90 of us gliders in the air. 'It's beautiful actually, very beautiful. But the porthole blows before we're even close to the ground. The whole glider is screaming with the wind. Absolutely murderous. 'The glider overturns once, rights itself and we go right through the brick wall of a house and then slide along for about 100 yards. Three of the guys are gone. 'We're under heavy fire and it's quite a struggle to get out. Then I get shot - one, two, three times. 'Next thing I know the rest of them have disappeared. They must've left me. I spot my mate on the ground too, in bad shape, worse than me. 'I try to revive him. Nothing. I see the Jeep from the glider close by - I put him in the back. I try to revive him again but he's gone. Then one of my mates from the regiment joins me and tells me to get in. 'Eventually we make it to the beach but the cliffs are too steep. We have to go on foot - and I'm in no state for walking that distance. There are more soldiers there but they seem reluctant to drag me out. As if it's going to be a hassle. 'Finally they say well come on then and drag me down to the boathouse. Grenades are going off everywhere. We're taken up in this air ambulance. 'There's wounded Germans in there too. I can't believe it. "We've been ruddy fighting you", I say. 'And as it's going up I think about the bullet in my arm, the bullet in my stomach, my foot shot up, and all I can think is "the wife is going to kill me".' Mr Jones, pictured in 1944, was shot in the arm, foot and stomach after jumping into Normandy but recovered and took part in another air drop into Germany in 1945 He recovered and went on to jump again in 1945 in Operation Varsity, in which 16,000 paratroopers crossed the Rhine into northern Germany. Mr Jones jumped into Wesel, north-west Germany, and helped capture and hold the villages of Schnappenberg and Hamminkeln, clear part of a forest near the Rhine and take over bridges over the smaller River Issel. Alongside the US 17th Airborne Division, they held the objectives until the Allied Army arrived and then joined the advance across the Rhine and deeper into Germany. With 16,000 paratroopers and several thousand aircraft involved, it was the largest airborne operation in military history to take place over one day in one location. Mr Jones lived at Broughton House, a care home for ex-servicemen in Salford, after moving there last year from his home in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. He was due to see Ken Oldham and Ray Schulk, who fought alongside him during the Allied invasion, at the party at the care home. They were among 100 guests invited to the event, with his daughter-in-law also due to fly over from the US and a military band set to perform. Ty Platten, chief executive of Broughton House, said: 'Paratrooper Ralph Jones was a veteran of the Normandy Landings and the Rhine Crossing. Ralph was a man shot four times during both engagements. 'That alone did not define Ralph as a man. What did was his modesty and humility as a man. 'Ralph was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things from 1940 to 1945, when his people and his country's sovereignty were threatened, he not only defended the rights of his fellow countrymen but he went into Europe and defended the rights of his fellow Europeans. The parents of Matthew Leveson have wept as they walked through the bushland their young son is believed to be buried in. Mark and Faye Leveson shed tears on Wednesday afternoon at the Royal National Park site police are searching, south of Sydney, for their 20-year-old son. Matthew's older boyfriend, Michael Atkins, had led police to the potential burial site last week after he was offered immunity, nine-years after the disappearance. Scroll down for video Matthew Leveson (right) has been missing since September 2007 when he was 20-years-old. His then-boyfriend Michael Atkins (left) last week led police to a possible burial site Matthew's parents, Mark and Faye Leveson, shed tears on Wednesday after speaking to police at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney The parents were led through the site police are excavating for the first time on Wednesday The 20-year-old was last seen in September 2007 when he left Arq nightclub in Darlinghurst in the early hours of the morning. Search crews have spent seven days excavating thousands of square metres of scrub in the roadside area near Waterfall for Matthew's body. Matthew's family and friends have stood by watching the search for a week, but were led onto the dig site for the first time by detectives on Wednesday afternoon. The loved ones, some in tears, walked around the site. Matthew's family and friends have stood by watching the search for a week, but were led onto the dig site for the first time by detectives on Wednesday afternoon Search crews have spent seven days excavating the site at Royal National Park, south of Sydney Matthew's mother Faye Leveson walks through the potential burial site Investigators did not elaborate on what was said and soon after closed off the surrounding area to media. On Wednesday evening, the Justice for Matthew Leveson Facebook page wrote: 'One of the hardest days so far, our family walking over where Matt might be buried.' A white sneaker unearthed at the site on Friday is still being examined by forensics to determine whether it had any connection with Mr Leveson. A second, unidentified item, believed to be insignificant, was found on Saturday but quickly bagged and taken away by police. A white sneaker unearthed at the site on Friday is still being examined by forensics to determine whether it had any connection with Mr Leveson A second, unidentified item, believed to be insignificant, was found on Saturday but quickly bagged and taken away by police Police indicated they would return on Thursday but the search could wrap up by the end of the week if there were no breakthroughs A sniffer dog is pictured at the site on Tuesday where Matthew Leveson's body is believed to have been buried Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott, who has presided over the inquest into Mr Leveson's disappearance, and legal counsel for Mr Atkins visited the site and spoke to detectives on Tuesday afternoon. Both visitors, who arrived separately on Tuesday, surveyed the scene with investigators for about two hours. Police indicated they would return on Thursday but the search could wrap up by the end of the week if there were no breakthroughs. Mr Atkins had been acquitted of Matthew's murder in 2009. In the nine years since the disappearance, Mr Atkins had given no indication to investigators or the Leveson family of where the missing man's remains could be found. But he led detectives to the potential burial site after he was offered immunity from prosecution for perjury and contempt of court in return for providing police with information after giving evidence at the ongoing inquest in Mr Leveson's death. A bouquet of flowers is pictured next to police tape at the site of Matthew's possible burial site Matthew disappeared when he was 20-years-old in September 2007 Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott is pictured at the site on Tuesday Coroner Truscott spent about two hours at the site on Tuesday afternoon There has been a coronial inquest into Matthew's disappearance Matthew's older boyfriend Michael Atkins (left) was acquitted of his murder in 2009 A World War Two veteran who was photographed gazing at his beloved Spitfires as 'last wish' has died at the age of 95. Ken Farlow, an electrical engineer during the war, said he wanted to see the aircraft 'one last time' as he battled terminal colon cancer. His daughter Helen Nook captured the poignant moment her father laid eyes on the iconic planes from his wheelchair through an airfield fence. A World War Two veteran who was photographed gazing at his beloved Spitfires as 'last wish' (pictured) has died at the age of 95 Ken Farlow (pictured), an electrical engineer during the war, said he wanted to see the aircraft 'one last time' as he battled terminal colon cancer The grandfather, who said the visit had been a 'wish come true', has now lost his battle with cancer. His family said he was admitted to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on November 10 but died 20 minutes later. She said: 'He had a long life, he relished every moment. He was never self-pitying and as he got older and frailer, instead of cussing, he just got on with it. 'He would often say "I'm one of the lucky ones". He was an utterly marvellous ambassador for his generation.' She added that he had been unwell for a while but kept 'fighting'. 'He kept joking that he would still be here at 100,' she said. Ms Nook took her father to Gloucestershire Airport where the vintage planes were being maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crew. After she posted the photograph on Facebook, it was spotted by the airport director of operations who was so moved he invited Mr Farlow for a VIP visit. The father-of-three, from Painswick, Gloucestershire, then spent hours talking to the pilots and ground crew, who were captivated by his stories. After his daughter posted the poignant photograph, Mr Farlow, 95, was given a tour of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (pictured) Mr Farlow (left, at the airport),from Painswick, Glos, was an electrical engineer during the war, carrying out vital work to keep the Spitfires and Hurricanes in the air in Syria and Palestine. He is pictured while he served in the RAF Mr Farlow had a tour of the hangar and a pint in the bar while talking to the pilots who proudly posed alongside him for photographs. The team also arranged for him to visit Royal Airforce Coningsby and attend the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford. Speaking about the visit, he said: 'I'm so relieved and so happy I have done this. It's a wish come true.' William Kenneth Farlow - known as Ken - joined up in 1939 at the age of 19 and served as an engineer in the RAF with 38 Squadron in the Middle East. He then served with the Royal Australia Airforce 450 Sqn in North Africa and Syria and then back in England with 91 Squadron. Mr Farlow was headed to university before he joined the RAF where he reached the rank of corporal. Mr Farlow's daughter Helen, 52, took him to the airport to fulfil his 'last wish' - leading to the wonderful reunion between man and machine (pictured) The grandfather spent hours talking to the pilots and ground crew, who were captivated by his stories (pictured) He became a chartered electrical engineer when he left the forces. The former serviceman married his wife Jean in 1962, and she passed away from cancer in 2007. Speaking about the visit, Ms Nook said her father had been bedridden when he declared he wanted to see the aircraft. 'I was having a normal conversation with him and I asked in a roundabout way what would he like to see,' she said. 'He mentioned a few things and then said he would love to see the Spitfire again. He knows time is precious, especially now. We now have some wonderful photos and video - lots of memories to go in that memory box. Speaking about the visit, Ms Nook said her father had been bedridden when he declared he wanted to see the aircraft. A Spitfire is pictured above 'And it all started from a photo of Dad sitting in front of the fence at Gloucestershire Airport. 'Couldn't take the smile away from Dad. He had a wonderful time chatting to the ground crew who were all so lovely.' Darren Lewington, director of operations at the airport, who arranged the VIP tour said: 'I generally look after the Facebook page, and I saw the picture online. It is such an evocative image. 'It was an absolute pleasure to welcome him to the airport and to put everybody in touch with each other.' Hans-Georg Maassen has accused Moscow of spreading toxic lies Germany's spy chief fears that Russia may try to interfere in Germany's national elections next year. Hans-Georg Maassen, head of the domestic BfV intelligence agency, has accused Moscow of spreading toxic lies in a bid to influence German public opinion. He cited the high-profile case last year of a young Russian woman from Berlin who Russian media said was kidnapped and raped by migrants, a claim later refuted by the German government. 'This could happen again next year and we are alarmed,' Maassen told Reuters in an interview late on Tuesday. 'We have the impression that this is part of a hybrid threat that seeks to influence public opinion and decision-making processes.' German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised similar concerns last week, saying there were signs of Internet attacks and misinformation campaigns from Russia. Maassen said it was important to publicly expose such campaigns. 'When people realize that the information that they are getting is not true... then the toxic lies lose their effectiveness.' It comes on the back of Donald Trump's successful US election campaign, which was dogged by accusations of Russian meddling which were denied by Moscow. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured with Putin) raised similar concerns last week, saying there were signs of Internet attacks and misinformation campaigns from Russia Hillary Clinton accused Russia of assisting Trump's campaign with cyber attacks resulting in the leak of her emails from a private server. Trump responded in their third live TV debate: 'I don't know Putin.' French intelligence services have also warned of possible Russian influence in the country's spring 2017 election campaign. Former Rose Tattoo drummer Paul DeMarco has admitted to being part of a plot to supply thousands of dollars worth of guns. The 55-year-old ex-rocker pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply firearms in the Sydney District Court on Wednesday, following guilty pleas from his associates, Jazz Dior and Elvis Mileski, on Monday. DeMarco was involved in multiple gun dealings, which were recorded by an undercover police officer, at his home in north-west Sydney between October 2013 and March 2014, a court heard. Former Rose Tattoo drummer Paul DeMarco (pictured) pleaded guilty in the Sydney District Court on Wednesday to being part of a plot to supply thousands of dollars worth of guns The weapons included two Uzi-style semi-automatic pistols, pump action shotguns, revolvers and machine guns and ammunition totalling almost $100,000, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. DeMarco was arrested in April 2014 along with Dior, who is the sister of former bikie boss Sam Ibrahim and nightclub owner John Ibrahim, and her partner Mileski. Phone calls intercepted by police show Sam Ibrahim, Mileski and Dior 'actively planned' to supply guns to DeMarco for him to sell, according to a statement of facts presented to the court this week. In his phone calls with the undercover officer, DeMarco said he was waiting on an arrival of Glocks, but used code words such as 'motors' and 'a variety of cars' to avoid speaking directly about the firearms, the statement said. Dior, 46, and Mileski, 44, pleaded guilty in the District Court in Sydney on Monday to one charge of conspiring with each other to unlawfully supply firearms in early 2014. An agreed statement of facts tendered in court said phone taps captured Mileski negotiating to obtain firearms and sell them with Dior's help between January and March 2014. The 55-year-old ex-rocker was involved in multiple gun dealings with his gun-supplying associates, Jazz Dior (pictured), her brother Sam Ibrahim, and her partner Elvis Mileski, at his home between October 2013 and March 2014 Ms Dior is the sister of nightclub owner John Ibrahim (pictured) She is also the little sister of former bikie boss Sam Ibrahim (pictured), who will appear in court on Thursday At the time of the raids and their arrest, police said they seized 18 weapons, including an M1 military-grade assault rifle, a standard rifle, three pistols, two shotguns and 11 handguns. According to the agreed facts, a February 2014 phone tap picked up Mileski telling Dior that he needed another $23,000 on top of the $10,000 he had for six 'brand new things, in the boxes', meaning firearms. He told Dior the price of each was 'five and a half' and he'd already 'knocked off 15K on the deal'. Ms Dior (pictured) and her partner Mileski, 44, pleaded guilty in the District Court in Sydney on Monday to one charge of conspiring with each other to unlawfully supply firearms Dior (pictured), Mileski and DeMarco were arrested in April 2014 after police raided properties in Sydney and the Illawarra region Mileski was heard saying he needed to hire a car to pick up the goods rather than use his and Dior's car, because he didn't want to take risks. Later phone intercepts captured the couple discussing when Mileski planned to pick up the firearms. The pair are due to face a sentence hearing in June next year. After they pleaded guilty the Crown applied to revoke their bail, but Judge Paul Conlon refused the bid. He noted they had previously offered to forfeit sums of money as security, and ordered they begin reporting to police twice a week to further reduce the risk of a bail breach. DeMarco will be sentenced in March and Ibrahim will appear in court on Thursday, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. A rookie cop whose father is the head of the New York police union has been placed on modified duties by the NYPD after he failed to report an incident where his friend fired a gun inside a car. Kevin Lynch is the son of top cop Patrick Lynch, the Patrolmens Benevolent Association president. Lynch, 23, and his friend and fellow cop Robert Smilove, 22, were reportedly sitting in Smiloves mother's car in Queens, down the block from Smiloves home, when the shooting happened just before 11pm on Sunday. Smilove, who joined the force in January, had recently bought a five-shot .38-caliber revolver, which sources said he had not informed the department he had purchased. NYPD cop Patrick Lynch is head of the Patrolmens Benevolent Association of New York City He was showing the gun to Lynch, who has been an NYPD officer since July 2014, when it inadvertently fired, launching a bullet through the car window. Both men ran off, but police were arrived on the scene after they received a call saying shots had been fired. Officers found the abandoned car, and when they ran a check on the plates it led them to the home of Smiloves mother, where he also lives. Smilove handed over the weapon, which had four live rounds and one casing inside, sources said. It was not immediately clear how police knew Lynch was also in the car, according to NY Daily News. Lynch has been described as being the most powerful police union chief in the world, having served in this role since 1999 and winning reelection to a 5th term in 2015 Both officers are assigned to the 113th Precinct of NYPD, and are based in Jamaica. The force suspended Smilove following the shooting, while Lynch was placed on modified duty for not reporting the incident, sources said. A high ranking police source said Lynch is unlikely to face dismissal, but Smilove could be fired - especially given he is still on probation. Parents said they were 'overjoyed' to see him even though he was 'grubby and rather smelly...but otherwise none the worse for his experiences' Found: Schoolboy Arthur Heeler-Frood, 15 A grammar school boy who ran away from home because he was 'bored of his life' has revealed he slept rough in some of Britain's biggest cities. Arthur Heeler-Frood, 15, was reunited with his family after being found by police when a member of the public spotted him on a train near Exeter on Tuesday afternoon. His parents, Jeremy and Caroline, endured more than two months of angst waiting for news of any sightings. Speaking today, Arthur said: 'I have spent the last 10 weeks exploring London, Birmingham and Manchester by foot, sleeping rough at night. 'I am very grateful to everyone who has helped my family in trying to ensure my safe return. I apologise to the police for the time they spent looking for me and for the worry I have caused family and friends.' Before he disappeared, Arthur was reading George Orwell's Down And Out In Paris And London. He also worked in a restaurant kitchen, just as Orwell had done in Paris. In a statement his parents said: 'We are overjoyed to have Arthur home with us again; tired, grubby and rather smelly but otherwise none the worse for his experiences. We feel extremely lucky that he is safe and sound. 'Many thanks to Devon and Cornwall Police for their professionalism and their tireless search for Arthur. 'Thank you also to the media for their help in raising awareness of his disappearance and our deep gratitude to all our friends and family who have supported us through this difficult time. 'We now wish to spend some time in private with Arthur to settle him back home and to make some plans for his future.' Location: Arthur Heeler-Frood, 15, was found by police after a member of the public spotted him on a train near Exeter on Tuesday afternoon Message: Arthur had sent a postcard to his parents telling them he had run away from home because he was 'bored of my life' Arthur was on a train in the Exeter area at about 4.30pm yesterday when he was spotted by a member of the public, who tipped off the police, his mother said. The teenager was met off the train by officers at Honiton, a few miles from his home in Membury, and taken to a police station. Mrs Heeler-Frood, an award-winning painter, said: 'He was recognised on a train. He was coming home. The police picked him up at Honiton. He is fine and well.' Police posted this tweet announcing that Arthur, 15, had been found and was 'safe and well' The teenager was also reunited with his brother Reuben, 20, and sister Hester, 18, who led a social media campaign to find him. The 15-year-old vanished after pretending to cycle to school. His parents had made desperate appeals on national television for him to contact them. Hours before the schoolboy was found, his boss at the Italian restaurant in Axminster where he worked in the kitchen in his spare time said he had no doubt the teenager had gone 'on an adventure'. Close family: Arthur, 15, on holiday with his sister Hester, 18, and brother Reuben, 20 DOWN AND OUT BY ORWELL George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London is a memoir in two parts on the theme of poverty in the two capital cities. The first part details life on the breadline in Paris and the experience of working in the kitchen of a restaurant. The second part chronicles life on the road in and around London from the tramp's perspective, with descriptions of the types of hostel accommodation available and some of the characters found living at the lower end of society. Advertisement Ray Pisani said: 'There is no doubt in my mind what he is doing. He's a very bright boy, very resourceful and he can look after himself. 'I took him on because he was very presentable and personable. In the four months he was here he turned out to be the best worker I have ever had and I am not just saying that because of what has happened. 'He was very instinctive...I told him I had no doubt he would go a long way in life and he should aim high and work hard and he would get there. 'He did very well at school and I think he was happy there. You do not get the sort of grades he got if you are unhappy but I think he found it a bit easy. He wanted a tougher challenge.' His discovery comes just days after Facebook finally bowed to pressure and agreed to release details of activity on Arthur's account. Mrs Heeler-Frood said the social media giant had ignored six letters begging them to help after he vanished. The US-based tech firm finally agreed at the weekend to work with police and assist in the investigation. Caroline and Jeremy were desperate to know whether Arthur, pictured, was safe and well Arthur disappeared from the family home in the affluent village of Membury on September 6, taking 350 in cash with him but leaving his passport, bank card and phone at home. The teenager was last sighted at 7.30am that morning, when he set off on his bike from his home to travel the seven miles to Colyton Grammar School, one of the country's top state schools. The day after he disappeared he sent a letter home which read: 'I have run away because I am bored of my life. Please don't try to find me or make me come home. I don't know how long I will be away for, but it won't be any longer than a year. 'You will find my school uniform in a bin bag in a small barn in the field on the green, down the road from Membury church. My bike is chained to the fence, there is a spare key to the lock on the window. Anguish: Arthur's parents Caroline and Jeremy hadn't seen their son in nine weeks 'Please can you apologise to the restaurant and tell them that I will no longer be able to work there.' He ended the letter with the words: 'I know you will be upset, but understand I have to do this. From Arthur.' The teenager had just received 12 GCSEs at A* and A grades at GCSE and had just started his A-levels at the prestigious grammar school. Mr Heeler-Frood, 54, said: 'Arthur didn't run away from home like a lot of kids because they're in a really bad place. 'That wasn't the case for him. It was more he had...he has a zest for life.' In a tearful appeal on ITV's This Morning last week, Mrs Heeler-Frood said her son had spent a lot of time in his bedroom over the summer. She said: 'He said he was happy at home. I went up to his room to find out what he was doing. He is an avid reader and read a lot. We talked a lot about what he did online but he wasn't too forthcoming.' Arthur was reading Orwell's Down and Out before he disappeared. He was also a fan of the Jason Bourne movies, in which the spy takes on a new identity, as well as Bear Grylls survival challenge programmes. His mother added: 'For the last two summers, his brother Reuben has hitchhiked across Europe. He travelled extensively into eastern Europe. His sister Hester went inter-railing. I think he was inspired by all that.' A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said last night: 'Officers would like to thank the member of the public who called in and also thank everyone who has assisted with the appeal to find Arthur over the last two months.' Arthur disappeared from the family home in the affluent village of Membury on September 6 Police had appealed for locals to study the Colyton Grammar School pupil's photo Desperate: The Heeler-Froods appeared on This Morning on ITV to appeal for information The Chattanooga Citizen's Police Academy is a nine-week law enforcement education program. The purpose of the academy is to create positive interaction and enhance communication between the CPD and the citizens it serves, officials said.A graduation ceremony is held at the conclusion of each nine-week academy. This academy's graduation ceremony for 16 graduates will be held on Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Police Services Center, 3410 Amnicola Hwy. In 1999, the Chattanooga Police Department offered its first Citizens Police Academy with 19 people attending. Seventeen years later, more than 700 people have graduated from the CPA. "The Citizens Police Academy offer citizens an in-depth look inside the Chattanooga Police Department and how it works. Class participants are taught by police officers who cover topics such as Use of Force, SWAT and EOD, Patrol, Narcotics and Special Investigations, just to name a few, officials said. The EU's Brexit negotiating team, run by the French ex-European Commission vice-president Michael Barnier (pictured), is planning for a draft deal for Britain's EU exit to be completed by autumn 2018 Britain faces an EU divorce bill of up to60billion to cover pensions, debts and budget commitments, new research forecast today. The EU's Brexit negotiating team, run by the French ex-European Commission vice-president Michael Barnier, is planning for a draft deal for Britain's EU exit to be completed by autumn 2018. Its plans assume Britain will go for a 'hard' Brexit that would see Britain exit the single market to enable it to strike new trade deals. Under this clean separation, it has factored in a significant divorce payment for Britain. The estimates, calculated by the Financial Times after talking to key members of the EU's Brexit negotiating team, would see Britain facing a bill between 40-60billion. These costs relate to unpaid budget commitments to the EU - which are agreed years in advance - loan guarantees and EU spending on UK-based projects. The bill will also cover Britain's share of pension liabilities for EU staff and MEPs. The total liability of Brussels' pensions liabilities stands at an estimated 50billion, with annual payments currently at around 1.2billion. Some 1,730 Britons currently make up nearly 8 per cent of the 22,000 retired EU officials. The EU's negotiating team is basing its plans on the assumption that Theresa May, pictured with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker last month, will trigger Article 50 - the formal mechanism for cutting ties with Brussels - by the end of March next year But the European Commission is set to face a fierce battle with Britain's Brexit negotiators, in particular over its assumption that Britain should continue to contribute to the EU's long-term budget after its departure in 2019. The Commission believes Britain should remain liable to pay money that the EU promised to member states. The timetable Mr Barnier's officials are working on assumes Theresa May will trigger Article 50 - the formal mechanism for leaving the EU - in March next year, which would mean Britain leaving the Brussels club by April 2019. Based on this timetable, it is aiming to complete a draft exit deal by autumn 2018, leaving six months to make a sign a formal agreement and prepare for the EU's new relationship with Britain after it leaves. Troops in Indonesia have shown they do not need a boat in order to navigate through troubled waters. A drill to mark the 71st anniversary of the country's military being founded has been held - during which marines were made to walk through waist-deep water. Pictures showing troops wearing distinctive purple berets and camouflage gear show the unusual ceremony celebrating the formation of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI). Indonesian Marine Forces take part in drills at the anniversary event to mark 71 years since the country's military was formed The marines were pictured in waist-deep water during the event, where weapons systems were also showcased At a briefing event in West Java, Indonesia's President, Joko Widodo, described the military as the 'glue of national unity' in the country. He said it was important for the country's diverse ethnic and religious population to stand united, and said a 'true soldier' must foster self-esteem. He said Indonesian special forces can be deployed at any place where the country's people are in need. Troops carried out exercises at the Suramadu beach in Surabaya - the site of a battle between pro-independence Indonesian soldiers and militia against British and British Indian troops in 1945 The anniversary showcase displayed all the weapons systems of the Indonesia Navy, Army and Air Force. Troops carried out exercises at the Suramadu beach in Surabaya - the site of a battle between pro-independence Indonesian soldiers and militia against British and British Indian troops in 1945. The country's armed forces are estimated to be around 400,000-strong. Navigating troubled waters: Marines in Indonesia taking part in drills to mark 71 years since the founding of the country's military in 1945 But he responded by saying Italy would lose trade to one country while the UK would suffer losses to all of the EU-27 Carlo Calenda claimed Johnson demanded single market membership without signing up to free movement of people Italian economic development minister Carla Calenda (file picture) has accused Boris Johnson of being a 'bit insulting' in his Brexit talks Boris Johnson has been labelled 'insulting' by an Italian minister for outlining Britain's Brexit plans in 'insulting' terms. Carla Calenda said the Foreign Secretary apparently told him Britain wanted to be in the single market without free movement and threatened Italy with lower prosecco sales to the UK if the proposal was not endorsed. Italian economic development minister Mr Calenda rebutted the claim that even if Italy lost sales to one nation, Britain stood to lose sales of fish and chips to 27. And he told Mr Johnson: 'Putting things on this level is a bit insulting.' The exchange, revealed to Bloomberg, is the latest jibe from a leading EU politician at the efforts of Theresa May's government to get Brexit underway. The EU has refused to have outline discussions in advance of Britain filing an official notification it is leaving under Article 50 of the treaties. Instead, senior ministers are having bilateral conversations with their counterparts in other EU countries to get the lay of the land before the two years of formal talks begin. The confusion today prompted Jeremy Corbyn to accuse Mrs May of presiding over a 'total shambles' at PMQs. Boris Johnson, pictured leaving No 10 yesterday, is said to have said Britain wants access to the single market without free movement Mr Calenda said it was causing chaos, adding: ' Somebody needs to tell us something, and it needs to be something that makes sense. 'You can't say that it's sensible to say we want access to the single market but no free circulation of people. It's obvious that doesn't make any sense whatsoever. 'There's lots of chaos and we don't understand what the position is. It's all becoming an internal UK debate, which is not OK.' Recounting his conversation with Mr Johnson, he said: '(He) basically said, ''I don't want free movement of people but I want the single market''. 'I said, ''no way.'' He said, ''you'll sell less prosecco.'' 'I said, ''OK, you'll sell less fish and chips, but I'll sell less prosecco to one country and you'll sell less to 27 countries.'' 'Putting things on this level is a bit insulting.' Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem last night accused Mr Johnson of asking for the 'intellectually impossible' and 'politically unavailable'. The Foreign Secretary yesterday claimed it was a 'myth' and 'nonsense' that free movement was a founding principle of the EU. Theresa May, seen leaving No 10 today, is yet to formally start Brexit talks with the EU But Mr Dijsselbloem told Newsnight: ' I think he's offering to the British people options that are really not available. 'For example, to say we could be inside the internal market but be outside the customs union, this is impossible, it just doesn't exist. 'The opposite does exist. We have a customs union with Turkey but Turkey is not part of the internal market. 'He's saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable, so I think he's not offering the British people a fair view of what is available and what can be achieved in these negotiations.' It's a total shambles! After Downing Street plays down Boris Johnson's customs union claim, Jeremy Corbyn demands Theresa May to get a grip Jeremy Corbyn has branded the Government's preparations for Brexit a 'total shambles'. The angry clash at PMQs came after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson suggested leaving the EU would probably also mean quitting the European customs union. The Labour leader went on the attack over the customs union at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, accusing Theresa May of having 'no plan' for the withdrawal talks which she has pledged to open by the end of March 2017. But Mrs May insisted the Government has a plan to deliver on the June 23 referendum vote for Brexit, and accused Labour of being mired in 'confusion' over its position. Jeremy Corbyn has branded the Government's preparations for Brexit a 'total shambles' as he challenged Theresa May at Prime Minister's Questions today Mr Johnson told a Czech newspaper on Tuesday that the UK wanted a 'dynamic trade relationship' with the EU following Brexit, but added it would 'probably' have to involve leaving the customs union, which allows members to trade goods free of customs levies. Downing Street was quick to play down the remark, but Mr Johnson was accused by Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem of offering voters a vision of life after Brexit that was 'intellectually impossible' and 'politically unavailable'. Following Tuesday's row over a memo from accountants Deloitte suggesting the Government might need 30,000 more civil servants to deliver Brexit, Mr Corbyn told the House of Commons that even Mrs May's ministers are 'desperate for an answer' about what she is planning. 'Isn't the truth that the Government is making a total shambles of Brexit and nobody understands what her strategy actually is?' asked the Labour leader. 'We have a Brexit team with no plan for Brexit and a Prime Minister who is not prepared to answer questions on what the actual Brexit strategy is.' Mrs May insisted the Government was 'preparing carefully' for the Brexit talks due to begin next year But Mrs May responded: 'We are preparing carefully for the formal negotiations. What we want to ensure is that we have the best possible trading deal with the European Union once we have left.' She insisted: 'We do have a plan. Our plan is deliver the best possible deal on trade. Our plan is to deliver control of movement for people from the EU into the United Kingdom. Our plan is to go out there across the world and negotiate free trade agreements around the rest of the world.' Accusing Labour of being confused over its position on Brexit, the PM said: 'This Government is absolutely united in its determination to deliver on the will of the British people and to deliver Brexit. His shadow cabinet can't even decide whether it supports Brexit or not... Curbing immigration is the public's key demand in the Brexit negotiations but they would also prefer to stay in the EU single market, according to a major study. Some 70 per cent want to see limits on numbers coming from the EU - and nearly three quarters suggest there should be visa-style work permits similar to those required from the rest of the world. A majority of both Leave and Remain voters believe the issue needs to be addressed in our new relationship with the Brussels club. The research by respected think-tank NatCen found the public supported were keen to say in the EU single market but a majority prioritised curbing immigration However, there is a deep divide over whether ending 'free movement' rules should be prioritised over maintaining free trade. The figures emerged in research by the respected NatCen think-tank published today - the most detailed so far into the public's attitude to the looming talks with the EU. It found that some 90 per cent supported staying in the European single market - with Brexit voters almost as keen as those who wanted to maintain full EU membership. But seven in 10 think the UK should be able to limit the number of people from the EU who come here to live and work. The figure rises to 85 per cent among Brexit supporters - but 55 per cent of Remain supporters agree. Some 74 per cent believe that potential EU migrants should apply to come here in the same way as those from outside the bloc - raising the prospect of visa-style work permits. The starkest divide is over whether the government should prioritise curbing free movement above a trade deal. Around 70 per cent of Remain voters think the UK should 'definitely' or 'probably' allow unfettered immigration for EU citizens if that is the only way to keep free trade. But the same proportion of Leave voters say the government 'definitely' or 'probably' should not strike such a deal. Overall voters are split 49 per cent to 51 per cent - with a narrow majority thinking controlling immigration is more important. NatCen senior research fellow Professor John Curtice said: 'Irrespective of how they voted, voters in Britain do not feel that the UK's exit from the EU should necessarily be a choice between a 'hard' or a 'soft' withdrawal. Theresa May insisted during PMQs today that the government does have a strategy for securing the best possible deal after Brexit 'Rather, many back options on both menus. Consequently, the kind of deal that is most likely to prove electorally popular is one that maintains free trade but permits at least some limits on EU migration. 'That, of course, is the deal that many in the EU insist will not be possible. 'In those circumstances, the UK government will be faced with a tough choice. Images have appeared of the lavish 59million wedding of an Indian tycoon's daughter which has rocked the poverty-stricken country. Former politician-turned-mining boss Gali Janardhan Reddy has taken over a royal palace and flown in Brazilian dancers to celebrate the wedding of his daughter as the country reels from a cash crisis. Up to 50,000 people are expected at the sprawling Bangalore Palace, a mock Tudor castle in southern India, to celebrate in a Hindu ceremony today. Local media criticised the extravagance at a time when many Indians are struggling to find the cash to eat after the government's shock move to pull high-value notes out of circulation in a bid to tackle tax evasion. Scroll down for video Images have appeared of the lavish 59million wedding of an Indian tycoon's daughter which has rocked the poverty-stricken country Video footage obtained by MailOnline shows dozens of dancers on stage moving to booming music Local media criticised the extravagance at a time when many Indians are struggling to find the cash to eat after the government's shock move to pull high-value notes out of circulation in a bid to tackle tax evasion Part of the ceremony was also filmed as adoring guests watch the couple get married The lavish bash is said to have cost businessmen and ex-state minister Reddy an estimated 5bn rupees - which is equivalent to 59million or $74million Guests are gathered in front of the stage akin to a concert with many holding up their phones to take videos and photos Ex-state minister G Janardhana Reddy is estimated to have spent 5bn rupees on his daughter's wedding - which is equivalent to 59million or $74million The lavish bash is said to have cost businessmen and ex-state minister Reddy an estimated 5bn rupees - which is equivalent to 59million or $74million. Video footage obtained by MailOnline shows dozens of dancers on stage moving to booming music. Guests are gathered in front of the stage akin to a concert with many holding up their phones to take videos and photos. Part of the ceremony was also filmed as adoring guests watch the couple get married. The wedding invitations arrived in a gold-plated box, containing a card setting out details of the affair, and with an LED screen fitted into the lid. The video that plays on the screen shows Reddy's daughter Brahmani wearing a series of fancy gowns, while her fiance Rajeev Reddy is flanked by five white horses. Guests were invited to daughter Brahmani's wedding with gold-plated invitations, while Bollywood stars were believed to have performed The video that plays on the lavish invitation shows Brahmani wearing a series of fancy gowns On the video Janardhan Reddy and his wife lip-synch to a song that was composed especially for the wedding The bride's wedding sari cost 2million, while her jewellery cost another 10million Meanwhile, Janardhan Reddy and his wife lip-sync to a song that was composed especially for the wedding. The wedding kicked off just days after the Indian government announced an overnight ban on 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a crackdown on illegal cash holding. The government scrapped the two notes, making redundant the vast majority of currency that Indians use on a daily basis in the country's largely cash-based economy. The move has hit low-income Indians hard, including traders and ordinary savers who rely on the cash economy. Many have been standing in long queues at banks to deposit expired money and exchange notes for smaller denominations, and frustration in the country is widespread. His daughter's fiance Rajeev Reddy is shown in the video flanked by five white horses Weddings in India are often opulent affairs, and it is not unusual for payments for services to be made in cash. WHAT THE WEDDING COST Gold-plated invitations: 118,296 Bride's wedding sari: 2million Bride's jewellery: 10million Total cost of wedding: 59million Advertisement Mr Reddy reportedly said he had mortgaged properties in Bangalore and Singapore to fund the celebration, and had made all payments six months ago, when the planning started. The main event of the almost-week-long celebration will be held today at sprawling venue the Bangalore Palace. Preparations for the event began months in advance, and eight Bollywood directors were reportedly hired to create sets resembling ancient Hindu temples, to form a backdrop to the ceremonies. Mr Reddy has been criticised and ridiculed on social media after details of the wedding became known to the public Mr Reddy was a former member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, the state which has Bangalore as its capital Guests will be ferried about in luxury bullock carts and fed in a purpose-built village inside the grounds, while 3,000 bouncers and 300 policemen will ensure the event is secure, with the help of sniffer dogs and bomb squads. Mr Reddy has been criticised and ridiculed on social media, with some users joking about how long he had had to queue at the bank to exchange enough money to pay for the expensive wedding. His political opponents also used it as an opportunity to question whether the prime minister's crackdown on illegal 'black money' would include elites. Mr Reddy was a former member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka, the state which has Bangalore as its capital. He recently spent three years in jail on corruption charges, which he denies, but was freed on bail last year. A police force has deleted Twitter posts about Islamophobia Awareness Month after users pointed out its logo was similar to a hand gesture popular with ISIS jihadis. Bedfordshire Police defended its use of the logo by saying it was done 'in good faith' in support of a campaign led by Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend). The force has since confirmed to MailOnline that the logo was produced by Mend, a not-for-profit company accused in the past of having links to extremists. Gaffe: Bedfordshire Police has deleted Twitter posts about Islamophobia Awareness Month after users pointed out its logo was similar to a hand gesture popular with ISIS jihadis Bedfordshire Police tweeted its support for the annual campaign yesterday afternoon but removed the offending social media posts today after a public outcry. However, Mend has since called on the force to reconsider its decision, adding: 'We would not consider removing symbols such as the crucifix or St George's cross from use in national campaigns simply because they are frequently abused by far right and Neo Nazi movements.' The logo features a hand with the index finger pointing upwards, a favoured gesture of followers of ISIS in propaganda photographs. But Mend say the finger is a common symbol for the letter 'I' which represents Islamophobia. Despite this explanation, hundreds of Twitter and Facebook users pointed out the ISIS connection to Bedfordshire Police, with one accusing the force of 'naivety'. In April last year Mend was said to have claimed it could influence up to 30 seats at the UK general election. The group was said to have boasted that they could act as 'kingmakers' when the country went to the polls. Mend, which wants to let British Muslims fight in Syria without fear of prosecution, allegedly bragged at the time that it was in talks with both the Conservatives and Labour, according to the Daily Telegraph. Hundreds of Twitter and Facebook users pointed out the connection to Bedfordshire Police Paris massacre ringleader Abdelhamid Abaaoud performs a similar one-fingered salute Azad Ali, who has supported the killing of British soldiers, is Mend's director of engagement. It is also reportedly linked to extremist Abu Eesa Niamatullah and promotes hate preacher Haitham al-Haddad. In a statement on social media, Bedfordshire Police said: 'It has come to our attention the pointing finger logo used to illustrate social media posts around Islamophobia Awareness Month is similar to that used by ISIS. 'The logo was produced by a national charity and was used in good faith. 'As a consequence and to avoid offence, Bedfordshire Police has deleted these posts and will not tolerate Islamophobia or any other form of hatred or discrimination.' A spokesman added: 'We had a number of people point it out and we have removed it. I could not tell you what faith they came from.' Response: Bedfordshire Police defended its use of the logo by saying it was done 'in good faith' in support of a campaign led by Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) A Mend spokesman said: 'Mend would like to advise that Islamophobia Awareness Month has been running in the UK since 2012 and was launched by Muslim and non-Muslim organisations together and it predates the emergence of Daesh (sometimes referred to as IS). 'Islamophobia Awareness Month plays a vital role in highlighting the many positive contributions of British Muslims alongside exhibiting the scale of Islamophobia in the UK. 'Mend and iAM totally abhor the murderous cult of Daesh and their actions have no place in Islam. 'It makes no sense that the IAM campaign logo be dropped by a police force because it purports to resemble a symbol of Da'esh.' He added: 'The use of the finger as part of the logo is a common symbol for the letter I which represents Islamophobia. 'We would not consider removing symbols such as the crucifix or St George's cross from use in national campaigns simply because they are frequently abused by far right and Neo Nazi movements. Russia is set to withdraw from the world's first permanent war crimes court, claiming it is 'not truly independent'. Vladimir Putin has signed an order to pull out of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying it is 'one-sided and inefficient'. It follows a dispute over Russia's war with Georgia in 2008, and comes as calls are mounted for the Russian military to be referred to the ICC over its air strikes in Syria. Vladimir Putin made the decision 'not to be a participant in the ICC statute', the Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed The Kremlin is poised to formally withdraw its signature from the founding statute of the court. Russia signed the Rome Statute in 2000, setting up the war crimes court, but never ratified the treaty. 'The court did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent,' Russia's foreign ministry said, describing its work as 'one-sided and inefficient'. The statement continued: 'It is revealing that in its 14 years of work the ICC has pronounced just four verdicts and spent over $1 billion.' Russia is currently under international pressure over its campaign of air strikes in Syria, with some human rights activists and US officials accusing it bombing civilians and civilian targets. Russia has denied these allegations. Russia said the ICC's response to the 2008 war with Georgia brought its independence into question Moscow said the court ignored aggression by Tbilisi against civilians in South Ossetia - a pro-Moscow separatist region of Georgia - when examining the country's conduct in the short war. In January the ICC authorised an investigation into claims that war crimes had been committed during the war by both sides. 'In these conditions one cannot speak of trust in the International Criminal Court,' the ministry said, adding that the decision to 'not be a participant in the ICC statute' was taken by President Vladimir Putin and entails 'withdrawing the signature from this document'. The move came 24 hours after the UN General Assembly's human rights committee condemned Russia for abuses including discrimination following its 2014 annexing of Crimea. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said after South Africa, Burundi and Gambia withdrew from the ICC that it could 'send a wrong message on these countries' commitment to justice' On Monday Gambia announced it would be leaving the ICC, a move which has already been taken by South Africa and Burundi. Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have also said they are considering pulling out. The ICC opened in 2002 and has 124 member states, and responsible for dealing with cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. After the three African nations announced they would be leaving, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it could 'send a wrong message on these countries' commitment to justice'. The US is not a member of the ICC either - former President Bill Clinton signed the Rome Treaty, but George W Bush renounced it in 2002. Justine Henshaw-Bryan, 24, pictured outside court, is accused of knocking down a cyclist in north London in February A driver accused of knocking a cyclist off his bike today denied causing him serious injury. Justine Henshaw-Bryan, 24, allegedly rear-ended Damien Doughty, 37, in Stoke Newington, north London at around 9.30pm on February 10 this year. Dressed in a smart black suit Henshaw-Bryan appeared at Wood Green Crown Court today. Henshaw-Bryan, of Hackney, denied one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Judge Noel Lucas QC released her on conditional bail to return for a four-day trial on May 2 next year at Wood Green Crown Court. Henshaw-Bryan is a full time carer for her disabled mother. Justine Henshaw-Bryan, 24, allegedly rear-ended Damien Doughty (pictured), 37, in Stoke Newington, north London at around 9.30pm on February 10 this year This heart-stopping video shows the shocking moment a teenager leaped off a light pole and into a river. Dramatic mobile phone footage shows the boy, who clambered up the post on a bridge near the Queensland border, hurling himself into the air. In the footage, the boy's friends are heard yelling 'go!' as he sits atop the pole before making the perilous jump into the water. This heart-stopping video shows the shocking moment a teenager leaped off a light pole and into a river The video, which was obtained by 9 News, shows the teenager's classmates looking over the side of the bridge and filming his stunt as he plummets into a creek. The identity of the boy, who is believed to be a pupil at Kingscliff High School, is not known and it is not clear whether he was injured. The incident took place on a bridge over the Cudgen Creek, which is near the school in north east New South Wales. Footage of the dangerous feat emerged as the authorities in Queensland beef up security ahead of the school holidays. Dramatic mobile phone footage shows the boy, who clambered up the post on a bridge near the Queensland border, hurling himself into the air As the teenager falls into the water, his friends are seen looking over the side of the bridge and filming his stunt The schoolies start next week for some students and police fear it could lead to an increase in bad behaviour. Nightvision cameras have been installed at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, where eight people have drowned at night in the last 10 years. Tony Abbott says Malcolm Turnbull is growing into the role of prime minister and applauded him for acting like a 'centre-right' leader should. Mr Abbott said he was pleased the man who ousted him from the top job was standing up for the public on issues like the impact of renewable energy policies on power prices, border protection and union corruption. 'What we now have is another centre-right prime minister who is talking like a centre-right prime minister should,' he told Sky News on Wednesday night. Tony Abbott said on Wednesday Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) is growing into the role of prime minister and applauded him for 'talking like a centre-right prime minister should' He suggested Mr Turnbull's complaints about the so-called 'elite media' during an interview with the ABC on Monday showed he had changed. 'I think this is a sign that Malcolm is growing into the role of prime minister,' he said. 'He appreciates that it's one thing to appeal to a certain constituency when you are the would-be, but when you are the man you're constituency is first-and-foremost the party room and secondly the people who are going to vote for the coalition or who you want to vote for the coalition at the next election.' Mr Abbott acknowledged his successor was a life-long Liberal who well and truly 'came home' when he joined the party as federal treasurer. 'He's now governing as an entirely orthodox centre-right prime minister.' Mr Abbott (pictured) said he was pleased the man who ousted him from the top job was standing up for the public on issues like renewable energy policies on power prices, border protection and union corruption In a wide-ranging interview, Mr Abbott said he regretted not doing more long-form media interviews while PM to show Australia he was 'fair dinkum' and not living in a bubble. 'I tried the best I could but it didn't always come through.' Mr Abbott also spoke on Donald Trump's election, climate change, racial hate laws and the government's deal to send refugees to the United States. He summed up Mr Trump's victory as the 'revenge of the deplorables' - the people who were sick of being called racist, sexist, homophobic, islamaphobic, because they don't comply with the canons of political correctness. 'All of those people saw Donald Trump as, in some way, their champion.' 'I think this is a sign that Malcolm is growing into the role of prime minister,' Mr Abbott said 'One of the encouraging things about his election was that we should finally be able to look at global warming in better perspective.' While it was a significant issue, the moral panic about it has been completely over the top, he said. 'All I know is that we haven't had any floods, any droughts, any storms in recent times to exceed those that we know we have had,' Mr Abbott said. 'This idea that every weather event is somehow evidence of climate change I find deeply implausible.' Mr Abbott also labelled the Human Rights Commission a 'crook organisation' and the behaviour of its president Gillian Triggs as unedifying in his argument that section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act needed to change. Avocet Hospitality Group confirmed Tuesday that a design team has been selected for the multimillion-dollar renovation project planned for the historic Read House hotel. Local architecture firm, Artech Design Group, will work hand-in-hand with Texas-based company, ForrestPerkins, to restore and refresh the iconic property in downtown Chattanooga. AHGs Director of Project Management, Rod Gerber; Artech Principles, Rick Thompson and David Hudson; and ForrestPerkins President, Deborah Forrest, have already begun drafting plans for the $20 million renovation project, which is slated to begin in June 2017. The vision that Avocet Hospitality has for the Read House as a luxurious hotel and gathering place for Chattanoogans has excited our entire team," said Rick Thompson, principal in charge for Artech Design Group. "The concept strongly reinforces the commitment to the renaissance of downtown Chattanooga. We look forward to leading the design team and making their vision a reality, while respectively addressing the historic significance and architectural integrity of the building. Our goal is to revitalize the iconic stature of the Read House and enhance the quality of our community." Deborah Forrest, president of ForrestPerkins, said, ForrestPerkins is known for designing distinctive, luxurious hotels, both modern and classic, including brands such as St. Regis, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Ritz-Carlton. The design of each hotel tells a unique story, crafted to personalize the guest experience, inspired by a sense of place and in the case of historic hotels such as Read House, the hotels legendary past. By the end of 2018, the Read House hotel will feature completely renovated common areas, meeting rooms, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and 242-guestrooms boasting updated technology, redesigned bathrooms, and all new furnishings. The hotel will launch a new website and refreshed brand by April 2017, which will serve as a tool to keep the community informed on the progress of the project. Donald Trump has requested a top-secret security clearance for his son-in-law, according to reports that surfaced Wednesday, even as he denied seeking similar status for his adult children. The president-elect has chosen Jared Kushner, the husband of his elder daughter Ivanka, to accompany him to daily presidential intelligence briefings. Trump has also tapped retired Army General Mike Flynn to be a briefing companion, but Flynn already has the required security clearance, NBC News reports. CBS News reported on Monday that Trump was on the verge of creating a conflict-of-interest situation by requesting security clearances for Ivanka and his two eldest sons Donald Jr. and Eric. Donald Trump insisted Wednesday that he's not seeking 'top level security clearances' for his adult children, but his son-in-law is a different matter Donald Trump is believed to have requested top-level security clearance for his son-in-law Jared Kushner (right) so he can participate in daily presidential intelligence briefings Despite the news that Kushner (2nd right) is applying for security clearance, Trump denied that he was also requesting such status for his adult children Eric (left), Donald Jr. (4th right) and Ivanka (3rd right) Those three Trump children are slated to run The Trump Organization, the family's real estate business, when their father moves into the White House. Senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, however, insisted Tuesday that while someone may have asked an 'informal' question about security clearances for family members, no such plan was in the works. Father-of-three Kushner, a real estate investor like Trump, was an indispensable figure during his run for the White House Trump himself, in his typically pugnacious style, clobbered media outlets Wednesday morning for stirring the pot with flawed reporting. 'I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story,' he tweeted. His son-in-law, however, presents a different situation. Kushner holds a real estate portfolio of his own and owns the New York Observer, which was complimentary of Trump's candidacy. He served as a key Trump adviser on Israel during the presidential campaign and wrote at least two speeches for the then-candidate including an address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Kushner is an orthodox Jew. Ivanka Trump converted to that faith when the pair married in 2009. The 35-year-old is the son of Charles Kushner, left, a real estate developer, philanthropist and major Democratic donor whom then-federal-prosecutor Chris Christie sent to prison in 2005 He also accompanied the president-elect to the White House last week, walking he grounds with current chief of staff Denis McDonough while Trump met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. Kushner is reportedly the driving force behind a house-cleaning of presidential transition advisers who have ties to former transition chairman Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey. Christie was pushed aside after two of his former senior aides were convicted on criminal charges related to his 'Bridgegate' scandal. The pugnacious Trump endorser may have found himself in Kushner's crosshairs or another reason, however: Christie once presided over the successful prosecution his father for 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign donations. Even large snakes need to hitch a ride from time to time. Blair Hoolihan got the fright of his life when he saw a 2.5 metre Carpet Python had slithered onto his ute to join for his work commute from Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland to Caboolture. A snake catcher snared the python and gave it a ride back home, bringing his hitchhiking adventure to an end, reports Sunshine Coast Daily. Blair Hoolihan got the fright of his life when he saw a 2.5 metre Carpet Python had slithered onto his ute 'I had probably driven 30km when I got out of the car and I closed the door, and I just saw the snake up between the cabin and the tray,' he said. The coastal carpet python stretched out to catch some sunlight after Mr Hooliahan pulled over. 'It gave me a hell of a shock when I closed the door and saw that snake.' Mr Hoolihan said he had no idea how long the snake had been lurking behind the cabin. The scaly traveller was released back to his national park home. Carpet pythons can grow up to 4 metres large and survive preying on birds and lizards. Gloating pictures of life inside reveal prisoners boasting about their easy lives in jail - swigging booze, enjoying takeaway fish and chips and taking drugs. One inmate posted a series of pictures with the mocking hashtag 'jailfies' as well as a picture of suspicious looking substances with the caption 'party night'. The shocking pictures were discovered by a builder who was accidentally added on Facebook by an inmate and was shocked to learn of the prisoners' alcohol and drug-fuelled lifestyle. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, was added earlier this year by an inmate at HMP Guys Marsh, in Dorset. The latest report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found control at the jail had 'been all but lost' with gangs able to operate freely at the 580-inmate prison. An investigation has now been launched by the Ministry of Justice who said prisoners found with mobile phones 'face extra time behind bars'. A picture taken from inside HMP Guys Marsh by inmate Richard Parsons of takeaway burgers and fish and chips, which were smuggled into the jail. In the top left corner is a substance suspected to be cannabis, with an estimated street value of more than 100 An inmate posted this picture of thick cuts of steak given to prisoners in the Category C jail - it is not clear how they came into the prisoners' possession. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said an investigation has been launched A group of inmates including Ryan Phillips (far left), Richard Parsons (right, in grey jumper), Russell Bennett (middle with blonde hair) and Carl Brennan (shirtless, bottom right) pose for a photo taken from inside HMP Guys Marsh Richard Parsons posted a picture of a wad of five 20 notes he had amassed while serving his sentence in another gloating Facebook post This picture, taken behind bars by Parsons, which he captioned a 'box of hash', a 'box of pollen' (another slang word for marijuana) and a 'few other bits and bobs'. This stash is thought to be worth more than 300 Since he accepted the 'friendship' on Facebook, his feed on social media has been filled by pictures of prisoners larking around 'like students'. The builder, 38, said: 'They're having a great time, messing about and that. 'Prison can't be that much of a punishment - they look more like they're having a right laugh like students.' He added: 'I didn't think anything of the add on Facebook until they started posting all this stuff about drinking and taking drugs and I realised something wasn't right and they were in prison. 'It's wrong, they're in prison, they should be punished, not allowed phones and takeaways, it makes a blatant mockery of the justice system. 'I'd like to see them punished, you've got to feel for their victim's families, they have been through hell and I'm sure if they saw this they would be devastated.' A builder was added by an inmate on Facebook and was shocked to find them 'living like students' - this picture was taken by Parsons and shows a group of inmates posing for the camera inside a cell In this picture taken by Parsons he boasts of his 'en suite' room at prison, which contains a television. The light green walls are covered by posters and personal photographs The 38-year-old builder who discovered the Facebook page said the pictures 'make a blatant mockery of the justice system'. Here prisoners, one wearing face paint, pose for the camera All the photos were taken at HMP Guys Marsh, a Category C jail near Shaftesbury, Dorset. This shows a group of inmates gathered on a cell block. It is illegal to use a mobile phone inside a prison Parsons posted this picture of his prison card, as well as what appears to be hash. This is thought to be worth upwards of 60, based on an estimation using current UK street prices A group of the prisoners pictured eating around a table at HMP Guys Marsh. This image would have been taken on a smuggled mobile phone Pictures also showed the group tucking into takeaways, enjoying thick cuts of steak and swapping prison work-out tips. It is not known how the food and suspected drugs were smuggled into the prison. The Ministry of Justice said an investigation is underway. In videos, they were seen partying in their cells and brawling with each other. They are also pictured on their mobile phones with wads of cash, with joints in their mouths and brandishing bottles of home-made vodka. Parsons uploaded this series of nine pictures in HMP Guys Marsh with the caption '#jailfies'. All the inmates pictured are easily identifiable as their faces have not been obscured The Facebook feed involves up to eight inmates all serving their sentences at the category C prison, which holds prisoners on life sentences and indeterminate periods. The builder said: 'Some of them are drug dealers, others have done robberies, one did a machete attack - there's about five or six of this group that are getting away with doing whatever they want. 'One post was for a friend's birthday and they were bragging about getting drunk. 'One is in jail for drug dealing and they are bragging about taking steroids.' Parsons posted a picture of with the caption 'needles hench' implying he wanting to bulk up (the post refers to using drugs to help you gain muscles) In this post, prisoner Callum Morris boats about putting a syringe - though to contain body-building drugs - into fellow inmate Richard Parsons' bottom. Morris gloated about how he 'left him hanging' A prisoner was also pictured playing on an Xbox at HMP Guys Marsh, in Dorset In one post, prisoner Callum Morris boasts of sticking a syringe in the buttocks of fellow inmate Richard Parsons. Shayne Joyce, who was jailed for his role in a major drugs operation in Cheltenham, wrote in one bragging Facebook post: 'Jokes today boiz :-) lol... F**ked now early nite ! Safe.' He also writes: 'I cannot wait to get out and spend sum quality time wid [sic] my little princess, roll on 2017. 'Poggerd [sic] the office up and all the screws ran off the Wing lol crazy.' Another inmate pictured was Russell Bennett, who along with fellow Guys Marsh inmate, Benjamin Barrett, 31, pumped cash machines full of oxygen and blew up two banks to steal 80,000. Bennett, 22, from Bristol, was jailed for eight years, while Barrett received eight-and-a-half years inside. This picture showed home-made vodka, thought to have been brewed inside the jail, being drunk by inmates out of an orange squash bottle Prisoners uploaded this selfie with the caption 'Sunday funday' in another gloating post Parsons with fellow inmates wearing gold tinsel to celebrate Christmas at HMP Guys Marsh, in Dorset Parsons posts a photo of an enormous joint and a lighter. This image is not thought to have been taken from inside prison, as cannabis plants are seen in the background Parsons uploaded this picture of an omelette with the caption 'sick kids' - a friend commented on the post saying 'looks like your sweet up there lol' [sic] Parsons took this picture of eggs being fired on a grill in another example of the prisoners' cushy life inside the Category C jail Parsons takes a selfie with another prisoner on the toilet in one of the many he uploaded to Facebook A prisoner lies naked in bed holding a wooden stick. It is not known how the mobile phone that was used to take the photos was smuggled into the jail Earlier this year a source said Spice - linked to scores of deaths in the UK - was smoked routinely in the jail while short-staffing meant inmates were given 'free reign'. The source told the Sun: 'There is all sorts going on in the prison and a lot of it is quite disgusting. 'The prisoners have free reign and seem to be getting away with drugs, drinking and abuse.' Tensions over safety and security have been rising, leading to this weeks illegal strike by up to 10,000 prison officers. They were forced to call off their walkout after Justice Secretary Liz Truss secured a High Court injunction. But union bosses have warned the system is in meltdown with a string of high-profile incidents in recent days. Last week two prisoners escaped from HMP Pentonville in north London in an Alcatraz-style breakout, sparking a manhunt in which they were eventually recaptured. Philip Davies, a Tory member of the Commons justice committee, said: 'This should shame the Prison Service. 'All those people who say that jail is not cushy ought to reflect on these pictures. What must the victims of the crimes these people committed think? 'The Government needs to clamp down and make sure prisons are a place of punishment they should not be a holiday camp.' Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: 'Prison is supposed to be about rehabilitation and paying for the crime you have committed, and not look like you are on a Club 18-30 holiday.' 'This is what happens when the Tories cut prison staff numbers. The Government is failing when it comes to the prisons crisis and they need to get a grip. It is frankly a national scandal.' Parsons uploaded this picture complete with the caption 'night on the Valium'. The drug, which is often prescribed for anxiety, can be addictive when abused A prison service spokesman said they had referred the matter to the police for investigation and have had the social media profiles removed The man who saw the pictures on Facebook said his feed on social media had been filled by pictures of prisoners larking around 'like students' (they are pictured here painting a wall) A Prison Service Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'This behaviour is unacceptable. We will be referring this matter to the police for investigation and have had the social media profiles removed. 'We are stepping up measures to find and block mobile phones in prisons and those found with them face extra time behind bars.' The Ministry of Justice said last night four of the six prisoners involved in the posts had been moved to other jails. All of them could face prosecution for having illicit phones. An earlier version of this article wrongly recorded the offence Richard Parsons was in prison for. We are happy to confirm he is serving a three year sentence for assault. We apologise for the error and for any embarrassment and distress caused. Mobile phones are not allowed in jail - yet these inmates uploaded their pictures to Facebook and made no effort to hide their faces The pictures reveal further chaos inside UK prisons with photos of them drinking alcohol, taking drugs and organising fights Parsons (right) was pictured with a joint, which may contain cannabis, in another illegally taken photo inside his cell Parsons posted for the camera with a cigarette in his mouth with the caption 'birthday trim' the popular donuts chain for $5 million over 'false and misleading business practices' Krispy Kreme is being sued for $5 million over claims its advertised real fruit ingredients are fake. Jason Saidian, of Los Angeles, filed a suit in a U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Wednesday, accusing the popular donut chain of 'false and misleading business practices'. He claims Krispy Kreme's 'Chocolate Iced Raspberry Filled,' 'Glazed Raspberry Filled,' 'Maple Bar,' and 'Glazed Blueberry Cake' products don't actually contain real raspberries, maple or blueberries but use 'nutritionally inferior ingredients.' Krispy Kreme is being sued for $5 million over claims its advertised real fruit ingredients are fake. Pictured is the Glazed Blueberry Cake donut, which the lawsuit claims is being falsely-advertised as being full of fruit In one example, he lists the ingredients for the chain's 'Blueberry Sugar Bits' which contain sugar, corn syrup, palm oil, artificial flavors and colorants - but no fruit, Fox News reports. While most of us don't immediately think of donuts as one of our five a day, Saidian says he would never have purchased the items if he had been aware that they did not contain real fruit. He adds that other Krispy Kreme products, such as the firm's Glazed Lemon Filled and Glazed Strawberry Filled doughnuts, do contain real fruit. 'Unbeknownst to Plaintiff and other consumers, the Raspberry Products do not contain actual raspberries, the Maple Products do not contain actual maple syrup or maple sugar and the Blueberry Products do not contain actual blueberries,' the lawsuit reads. Jason Saidian, of Los Angeles, has accused the popular donuts chain (pictured) of 'false and misleading business practices'. Saidian is now demanding $5 million in damages from the North Carolina-based chain, which was founded in in 1937. A Krispy Kreme spokesman declined to comment on ongoing litigation. The donuts brand is not the first big chain to be hit with a frivolous lawsuit. Starbucks rejected a $5million lawsuit earlier this by a customer who claims she was being ripped off by the amount of ice inside their iced drinks. Stacy Pincus from Chicago filed papers in federal court claiming the company is engaged in false advertising and consumer fraud as it was making customers overpay for the hand-blended iced coffee, teas and other drinks because up to half of the product contains ice. This is the hilarious moment a young panda tried to escape its cage under its keeper's watch. The cub secretly squeezed through two metal bars while its keeper was busy dealing with two other cubs. However, the little bear was soon spotted by the keeper who caught it and put it back to its enclosure. A young panda (top) tried to escape its cage while its keeper was dealing with two other cubs The little bear was soon spotted by the keeper who caught put it back to its enclosure in China The footage, captured by a surveillance footage, was posted to a Weibo page managed by iPanda on November 16. It was believed to be filmed at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The clip showed three panda cubs kept at two cages separated by metal bars. The panda cub, which was to escape, was kept in a cage alone and had a rocking horse to its own. A female caretaker, who was in blue uniform, opened the gate and entered a neighbouring cage, which hosted two cubs. Leaving the door open, the keeper squatted down at the entrance of the cage to check the condition of the two cubs. Unexpectedly, the naughty cub, which lived in the enclosure next door quietly squeezed its chubby body through the metal gates behind her. The busy female worker then picked up one of the cubs and left the room with gate widely open. Apparently, the sneaky cub had been practising its prison-breaking skills at its leisure time It had been caught practising its squeeze through the bars on multiple occasions in CCTV clips He often succeeded its escape attempts during practice runs at a breeding centre in China By that time, the fluffy animal, gifted with a small head and flexible body, had already passed through the metal bars and entered a large room - meaning an unblocked access to the outside world. The sly cub sneaked out of the room without hesitation, leaving its playmates behind. However, its freedom didn't last long. Seconds later, the keeper noticed the cub was gone and she immediately caught the animal on the run. She picked up the bear and put it back at the enclosure. Apparently it is not the first attempt for the sneaky cub to squeeze through the bars. The latter part of the video showed its other attempts to break free when it was not being watched. The video produced by iPanda has attracted 190,000 views in less than one day. Theresa May vowed to stand up to Donald Trump if he goes ahead with his election campaign pledge to ban Muslims from entering the US. She said she would 'ensure the dignity of our citizens' in response to questions from MPs demanding she stands up to the President-elect over his immigration policy. Downing Street suggested the Prime Minister and her aides will attempt to persuade Mr Trump to ditch the controversial pledge before he enters the White House in January. But Mrs May's response was branded 'shameful' by shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who accused the Prime Minister of failing to condemn Mr Trump. Theresa May, pictured at Prime Minister's Questions today, vowed to fight Donald Trump if he goes ahead with his election campaign pledge to ban Muslims from entering the US At Prime Minister's Questions today in the Commons, SNP MP Tommy Shepherd demanded she stands up to Mr Trump to 'respect the dignity of all of our citizens, irrespective of their race and religion'. The Prime Minister responded: 'The special relationship we have with the United States is very important I think for both the United States and the United Kingdom. 'We will be continuing to build on that special relationship that was very clear with the conversations I had with President-elect Trump shortly after his election as President-elect. 'But we of course want to ensure the dignity of our citizens. It is up to the United States what rules they put into place in terms of entry across their borders. But we will be ensuring that special relationship continues and continues in the interests of both the UK and the US.' The Prime Minister's spokesperson suggested later today that Mrs May and her aides will attempt to persuade Mr Trump and his team to ditch the pledge in the coming weeks. Donald Trump, pictured giving his victory speech last week, was still the outsider for the Republican nomination when he shocked the world in December last year when he called for a 'total and complete shutdown' to Muslim immigration to the US Mrs May's response was branded 'shameful' by shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who accused the Prime Minister of failing to condemn Mr Trump Asked what Mrs May would do to 'ensure the dignity' of British Muslims, the PM's spokeswoman said: 'Let's wait until the President-elect takes office; we will be engaging with his team in the transition period and when they take office to make sure that we're standing up for British values.' There are doubts over whether the Republican President-elect will follow through on his pledge to ban Muslims from entering the US after the policy temporarily disappeared from his campaign website. It reappeared shortly afterwards. The then outsider for the Republican nomination shocked the world in December last year when he called for a 'total and complete shutdown' to Muslim immigration to the US. It came in the wake of the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, where a Islamic extremist killed 14 people. Mr Trump called for a ban on Muslim immigratants 'until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on.' It drew angry reactions in Britain, where MPs even debated a motion to ban Mr Trump from entering the UK. Donald Trump's transition team is getting a make-over that will leave it free of lobbyists. Transition head and Vice president-elect Mike Pence showed lobbyists the door on Tuesday, Fox News reports, replacing the team that Chris Christie had constructed when he was in charge with one that 'makes good' on Trump's promise to drain the swamp. Confronted by 60 Minutes' Lesley Stahl in an exclusive that aired Sunday, Trump said his operation was full of lobbyists because 'thats the only people you have down there.' Transition head and Vice president-elect Mike Pence showed lobbyists the door on Tuesday, replacing the team Chris Christie had constructed with one that 'makes good' on Trump's promise to drain the swamp. Pence is seen here arriving at Trump Tower on Tuesday with his wife Karen 'Everybodys a lobbyist down there,' the New Yorker said of the seat of government. 'Theyre lobbyists or special interests.' Trump insisted that he's 'trying to clean up Washington.' 'But everybody that works for government, they then leave government and they become a lobbyist, essentially. I mean, the whole place is one big lobbyist.' The president-elect told his flabbergasted interviewer, 'Im saying that they know the system right now, but were going to phase that out. You have to phase it out.' Since the sit-down Trump took a hard look at his own operation, which was comprised not only of lobbyists, but corporate lawyers and old school bureaucrats. Mike Rogers, a former House Intelligence Committee Chairman and national security expert, was also kicked off the Trump train this week. Rogers was part of Christie's team and was purged from the transitional government along with other advisers who came in with the New Jersey governor. 'Sometimes in politics ... there are people who are in and people who are out,' Rogers said on CNN Tuesday evening. 'And the people who have been asked to move on have some relationship with Chris Christie.' Trump ditched his press pool to have dinner with his immediate family and their spouses on Tuesday evening. A reporter just happened to be present. She said he was at 'Keene's' but he was actually at Club 21 Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, pictured, whom the president-elect has reportedly requested security clearance for, is driving the shake up. Christie put Kushner's father away for two years Rogers estimated that five individuals with ties to Christie were let go. 'And you know what? That's absolutely the campaign's prerogative,' he said. Christie led Trump's team until last Friday, when he layered by Pence and forced into the role of vice chair, a title he shares with New Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn and Senator Jeff Sessions. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, whom the president-elect has reportedly requested security clearance for, is driving the shake up, sources have said. Christie prosecuted and sent Kushner's father Charles to jail in 2004. Charles Kushner spent two years in prison for tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions and witness tampering. Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters camped out in Trump Tower today that reports pegging Kushner as a source of conflict, 'Couldnt be further from the truth.' 'Jared did a fantastic job with the campaign. Obviously the president elect seeks and respects his counsel very much,' Miller stated. 'The way that you described it I would say is completely inaccurate.' The staff changes are a move toward implementing the president elect's vision, Miller claimed. 'And of course the president elect is going to have his vice president elect in charge of the transition team because he spent all this time with him on the campaign trail. 'He knows exactly what the president elect wants to see. He knows the types of people hell want to put in place.' Responding to a question about the chaos, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said Wednesday, 'I just dont see it that way. Its just not that way. Those are false' Responding to a question about the chaos, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said Wednesday, 'I just dont see it that way. Its just not that way. Those are false.' Pence told reporters Tuesday evening as he left Trump Tower that it was a 'good day' as they pummeled him with questions about the messy transition effort. Trump projected calm in Tuesday evening tweet, sent hours after he ditched his press pool to have dinner with his immediate family and their spouses. 'Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! he said. Giuliani, a cabinet contender, told the New York Times the discord was completely normal. Pence told reporters Tuesday evening as he left Trump Tower that it was a 'good day,' as they pummeled him with questions about the messy transition effort It happened in the Reagan transition. Clinton had delays in hiring people, he said, referring to past presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Giuliani said, This is a hard thing to do. Transitions always have glitches. This is an enormously complex process. Miller said Wednesday that Trump and his team are 'not going to rush' the process. An eastern Pennsylvania couple will plead guilty to sneaking a homeless Nigerian woman into the United States so she could work as their nanny for the couple's children. Gilbert Scutti is the attorney for the Palmer Township couple charged by federal prosecutors in Allentown. He tells The (Allentown) Morning Call that John and Godever Ibechem native Nigerians but now U.S. citizens learned of the woman through relatives in their native land. The couple is accused of employing the woman at less than minimum wage. An eastern Pennsylvania couple will plead guilty to sneaking a Nigerian woman into the country so she could work as their nanny (stock) The woman was homeless and posed as John Ibechem's mother so she could enter the United States in 2009. The couple was charged last week with conspiracy to violate immigration laws and not paying the woman at least minimum wage. She's called 'R.O.' in a court filing, the newspaper reports. John Ibechim sent her his dead mother's passport in June 2009, the Morning Call says. The woman worked for the couple until September 2014. Scutti tells the newspaper there was a dispute and R.O. left that month, and would come to the attention of US immigration officials, which prompted the investigation. A guilty plea hearing hasn't been scheduled. The two-year-old has spent the last 193 days in A little boy who lost all four limbs after a shock meningococcal diagnosis has finally been able to go home after spending more than six months in hospital fighting for his life. Riley Nixon, two, woke up vomiting with a temperature in May this year, and was taken to the doctor when he 'could barely move a muscle'. The Adelaide boy soon broke out in a horrific rash head-to-toe and was diagnosed with meningococcal B. Scroll down for video Riley Nixon, two, (pictured left with his father Chad Nixon) who lost all four limbs after a shock meningococcal diagnosis has finally been able to go home For now Riley uses the above device to get around, but his mother hopes he will be eligible for prosthetics in the future On Tuesday Riley spent his first night at home in 193 days On Tuesday Riley spent his first night at home in 193 days. 'It's amazing to have him home,' his mother Amy Wales told the Advertiser. For now Riley uses a device with wheels to help him get around, but his mother hopes he will be eligible for prosthetics in the future. Speaking of her son's ordeal in September Ms Wales said he was 'sedated, put on a breathing tube and pumped full of antibiotics'. 'The first 24-hours were critical and he had a very high chance he wouldn't make it through,' Ms Wales said doctors informed her. But the two-year-old pushed through. 'Riley surprised everyone with how strong he was and how hard he was going to fight for his life. 'Riley surprised everyone with how strong he was and how hard he was going to fight for his life,' his mother, Amy Wales said (pictured with Riley's father, Chad Nixon) Riley Nixon, two, woke up vomiting with a temperature in May this year, and was taken to the doctor when he 'could barely move a muscle'- he has spent the last six months in hospital 'He has won the battle but not without sacrifices.' Riley has had all four of his limbs amputated, and has had skin grafting on the majority of his body, Ms Wales said. The family has launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for little Riley's prosthetics and 'gadgets to help him with everyday tasks'. The GoFundMe page, called Rally Round Riley, has raised $48,000 of their $50,000 goal to provide him with the ongoing care and support he needs. Teachers at an elite Manhattan public school reportedly gave permission for students to skip class to protest President-elect Donald Trump. Around 200 pupils from Beacon High School in Hell's Kitchen were granted permission by a group of history teachers to leave school at around 11am, the New York Post reports. However, some teachers in the school's English department vehemently opposed the idea and warned students they would be punished for leaving. Despite this, the teenagers joined hundreds of other students from across the city outside Trump Tower. They demonstrated in the pouring rain as the president-elect huddled inside with Vice president-elect Mike Pence to nail down cabinet appointments. Scroll down for video High school students from several New York City schools demonstrate in the rain outside Trump Tower on Tuesday 'No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists' the students shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: 'Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.' Some in the crowd shouted 'My body my choice,' giving voice to concerns about reverses on women's rights to abortion under Trump, who has vowed to put pro-life justices on the nation's high court. Others referenced his infamous 'p****' tape in which Trump was recording speaking about grabbing women's genitals without permission that he later dismissed as 'locker room talk.' 'Whose p***** grabs back?' a woman at the protest shouted at the crowd on Tuesday. 'My p**** grabs back!' 'No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists' the students shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: 'Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here' They demonstrated in the pouring rain as the president-elect huddled inside with Vice president-elect Mike Pence to nail down cabinet appointments Trump Tower - where dozens of police stood guard - has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaire's election. The parents of Beacon High School students were never alerted about their children attending the protest and only found out from the teenagers, according to the Post. The school is very racially diverse and almost half of the students, who are academically screened for admission, are black, Hispanic, Asian or come from another minority background. But at least one student at the school was not interested in protesting, however, telling the newspaper: 'Kids are crazy. They fail to realize that America voted for him.' Trump Tower - where dozens of police stood guard - has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaire's election Officials with the Department of Education said no students in the city were officially permitted to leave campus Meanwhile, some students from the private Poly Prep High School in Brooklyn where tuition fees can be up to $41,850 told the Post they'd also been granted permission to protest. But officials with the Department of Education said no students in the city were officially permitted to leave campus. Those who did could be penalized. Youths across the country have staged similar walkouts since Trump's shock victory on November 8 - including in Seattle, Los Angeles and Miami. On Tuesday, hundreds of students in Washington marched through the heart of the US capital before descending on the White House. They carried signs with messages like 'spread love,' 'my black is beautiful' and 'make America gay again.' Young protesters marched across the Mall, the grassy esplanade that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. High school students hold signs in front of the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington on Tuesday Students protest outside the Supreme Court in Washington on Tuesday, holding a sign that says: 'Make America great for us' Anna, a 17-year-old immigrant from El Salvador, said she was 'uncertain about my future.' 'I'm worried that when this man gets into office we won't be safe on the streets anymore.' Trump has pledged to end Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy protecting youth like Anna who arrived in the country illegally as children. But the president-elect has not indicated whether ending the program would result in the deportation of those already enrolled. 'Even if we don't make a difference, we'll know that we fought to the end,' she said. Wearing a shirt with the phrase 'Nasty Woman' - a nod to Trump's dig aimed at Hillary Clinton during the final presidential debate - Nell called Trump 'an extremely dangerous man in an extremely powerful position.' Hundreds of students in Washington marched through the heart of the US capital before descending on the White House Hundreds of students in Washington, D.C. staged a walkout to protest Trump's election From left, Makeda Lydia, 14, Sarah Tewodros, 14 and Serwah Lydia, 17, protest on Capitol Hill in Washington 'There's so much anger and frustration because it's not fair - almost everyone here who's protesting can't vote,' the 13-year-old said. 'This is their way of showing that there needs to be a change and that things aren't right.' Eva, 16, said the protests gave hope for the future. 'You're looking at it,' she said, motioning to the hundreds of rallying students as they marched toward the White House, Trump's future residence. She hoisted a poster that said 'Get out of my swamp' - a reference to Trump's vow to drain Washington of corruption. She said candidates in the next election need 'to do a better job of actually talking to people who are disaffected, who are upset. 'There needs to be more work in small towns.' An 80-year-old grandfather has escaped a sentence that would have seen him rot in jail after sending vile emails about sexually assaulting children as young as one. The man, from Gladstone in Queensland, wore hearing aids in Rockhamption District Court on Wednesday as he pleaded guilty to an extensive list of child sex charges. The court heard that one image seized by officers in 2015 showed the grandfather standing with an erect penis next to an innocent photo of his step-granddaughter, who was wearing a polka-dot dress that revealed her underwear. He was jailed for 25 years, but that sentence was suspended after serving just two days in pre-sentence custody, the Gladstone Observer reported. An 80-year-old grandfather has escaped a 25 year jail sentence after sending vile emails about sexually assaulting children as young as one (stock image) The man's perverted actions were brought to the attention of Federal Police in 2015 after his internet behaviour and image uploads to a Yahoo account were flagged. Officers seized his computer that year and found sexually explicit content, including non-sexual images of his step-granddaughter which he had sent to seven other 'like-minded' individuals. The court heard that he described performing sexual acts on the girl and then encouraged the other online users to leave sexual comments about her too. Judge Michael Burnett said the man's offenses were 'terribly disturbing' and described his behaviour as 'truly revolting,' the Gladstone Observer reported. He said the man's actions were a 'grave breach of trust' to his step-granddaughter, who had no idea he was sending images of her with sexually-charged messages to other perverts. The court heard a report from a psychologist, who said the man suffered from a lack of intimacy with his wife of 25 years, and enjoyed the 'attention' and 'sense of power and superiority'. The man's suspended sentence means he will be allowed to live freely within the community, and he was also sentenced to 18 months probation. Theresa May attacked Jeremy Corbyn for 'posturing' on Brexit today after he branded the government's approach a 'total shambles'. The Prime Minister laid into the Labour leader as he grilled her over Boris Johnson's suggestion that leaving the EU would probably also mean quitting the European customs union. Mr Corbyn said the comments, in a Czech newspaper, showed Mrs May's team was divided and clueless about how to negotiate our departure from the Brussels club. But Mrs May dismissed the idea of splits and said ministers 'do have a plan' - insisting Labour was the party unable to unite on how to proceed. Jeremy Corbyn has branded the Government's preparations for Brexit a 'total shambles' as he challenged Theresa May at Prime Minister's Questions today The brutal clashes came at the angriest - and loudest - PMQs face-off yet between the two leaders. Mr Johnson told a Czech newspaper on Tuesday that the UK wanted a 'dynamic trade relationship' with the EU following Brexit, but added it would 'probably' have to involve leaving the customs union, which allows members to trade goods free of customs levies. Downing Street was quick to play down the remark, but Mr Johnson was accused by Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem of offering voters a vision of life after Brexit that was 'intellectually impossible' and 'politically unavailable'. Following Tuesday's row over a memo from accountants Deloitte suggesting the Government might need 30,000 more civil servants to deliver Brexit, Mr Corbyn told the House of Commons that even Mrs May's ministers are 'desperate for an answer' about what she is planning. 'Isn't the truth that the Government is making a total shambles of Brexit and nobody understands what her strategy actually is?' asked the Labour leader. 'We have a Brexit team with no plan for Brexit and a Prime Minister who is not prepared to answer questions on what the actual Brexit strategy is.' But Mrs May responded: 'We are preparing carefully for the formal negotiations. What we want to ensure is that we have the best possible trading deal with the European Union once we have left.' Mrs May insisted the Government was 'preparing carefully' for the Brexit talks due to begin next year She insisted: 'We do have a plan. Our plan is deliver the best possible deal on trade. 'Our plan is to deliver control of movement for people from the EU into the United Kingdom. 'Our plan is to go out there across the world and negotiate free trade agreements around the rest of the world.' Accusing Labour of being confused over its position on Brexit, the PM said: 'This Government is absolutely united in its determination to deliver on the will of the British people and to deliver Brexit. His shadow cabinet can't even decide whether it supports Brexit or not... 'The confusion he has got on his benches in relation to the issue of Brexit is yet another example with Labour where they talk, we act. A Democrat senator is to introduce a bill to abolish the electoral college, after Hillary Clinton lost the presidency but continues to have an advantage over Donald Trump in the popular vote count. California senator Barbara Boxer introduced the bill Tuesday to the Senate in an attempt to abolish the 'outdated, undemocratic' structure, which has resulted in Trump becoming the fifth president to lose the popular vote and yet still be able to claim the White House. Clinton is more than 1.1 million votes ahead of the Republican, at 62,403,469 to Trump's 61,242,652, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report vote tracker. Votes are still being counted but that means the Democrat has 47.8 per cent of the popular vote, against Trump's 46.9. Scroll down for video California senator Barbara Boxer introduced a bill Tuesday to the Senate in an attempt to abolish the 'outdated, undemocratic' electoral college structure Trump skipped out on his official press entourage to grab dinner at an upscale New York steakhouse on Tuesday evening HOW DOES THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE WORK? The electoral college is made up of 538 voters - 435 Representatives and 100 Senators, plus three electors for the District of Colombia. A candidate needs to win a majority of 270 electoral college votes to become President. This voters' college are supposed to make their pick based on which candidate receives a majority of votes in their corresponding states. That candidate receives all that state's electoral college votes. It is possible to win the electoral college vote and lose the popular vote - as with George W Bush in 2000. The creators of the Constitution set up the system as a limit on direct democracy - or in Alexander Hamilton's words, as a way of preserving 'the sense of the people' - in other words to avoid a malicious majority forming. An electoral college coup is unlikely, particularly as it's improbable that any Republican elector would vote for Clinton - but protest votes would be possible. That could lead to another Republican taking the presidency. According to a CNN study, around 10 per cent of electors in the past three cycles have considered going against the grain. The electors cast their votes anonymously on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December (this year, December 19) and are counted in Congress on January 6. The new President is then sworn in on January 20. Advertisement In the electoral college vote, Trump has 290 votes to Clinton's 232. The New York Times estimates that Clinton could end up ahead by more than 2 million votes and more than 1.5 percentage points in the popular count. That is a wider percentage margin lead than Al Gore in 2000, Richard Nixon in 1968 and John F. Kennedy in 1960. 'When all the ballots are counted, Hillary Clinton will have won the popular vote by a margin that could exceed two million votes, and she is on track to have received more votes than any other presidential candidate in history except Barack Obama,' Boxer said in a statement. 'This is the only office in the land where you can get more votes and still lose the presidency. The Electoral College is an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately. Every American should be guaranteed that their vote counts.' Abolishing the electoral system would require amending Article II of the Constitution. As Clinton's popular count rises, some are campaigning to get electoral college voters to go against their state's votes when they cast their ballots on December 19 - so-called 'Faithless Electors', a rare breed. A Change.org petition to 'Make Hillary Clinton President on December 19' has over 4.3 million signatories. And Flipthe37 - a reference to the number of electors who would need to 'flip' their votes for Clinton to win - has been encouraging dissatisfied citizens to pressure their electors. Trump himself has claimed that if the electoral college did not exist he would have campaigned differently. 'If the election were based on total popular vote I would have campaigned in N.Y. Florida and California and won even bigger and more easily,' the president elect tweeted Tuesday. Trump claimed on Twitter that if the electoral college did not exist he would have campaigned differently He slammed the system back in 2012 'Every American should be guaranteed that their vote counts,' says Boxer (pictured at a Senate hearing in July) In 2012, before he announced his candidacy, Trump labeled the college system 'a disaster for democracy', and during his campaign he claimed repeatedly that it was 'rigged'. In a 60 Minutes interview Sunday Trump said his views were mostly unchanged. 'I'm not going to change my mind just because I won,' he told interviewers. 'But I would rather see it where you went with simple votes. You know, you get 100 million votes and somebody else gets 90 million votes and you win. 'There's a reason for doing this because it brings all the states into playElectoral College, and there's something very good about that. But this is a different system. But I respect it. I do respect the system.' The current structure means candidates generally ignore states which they know will vote for their party, and instead spend most of their time courting 'swing' states - those which could land either way, and which in many cases count for chunky portions of the electoral vote. A popular vote system would mean candidates have to woo voters across the board, fundamentally changing the way presidential campaigns are run. Kelly also refused to reveal who she voted for in the election and says she is yet to make a final decision on her new Fox contract by Ailes. She does not identify her Kelly claims that there was another high-profile female host at the network who was Megyn Kelly is revealing more details about Roger Ailes' final weeks at Fox News, including the fact that his own wife, Elizabeth, asked her to defend him against the sexual harassment claims being made by Gretchen Carlson. The Fox News host reveals this in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, stating that she did not speak with Ailes after the lawsuit, which resulted in her getting a message from his wife Beth. Kelly was one of the few women who did not defend Ailes, and instead spoke with other women at the company to tell them that she had been sexually harassed by the CEO and was going to go on the record and reveal this during the network's internal investigation. Scroll down for video Photo shoot: Megyn Kelly posed for a sexy photo spread (above) in the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter Opening up: The 45-year-old Fox News host spoke in her interview about the sexual harassment scandal at the network Reaching out: Kelly revealed that Roger Ailes' wife Elizabeth (above in 2015) asked her to defend the CEO in the wake of Gretchen Carlson's sexual harassment claims She also reveals that she was joined by another female host as they spoke to other women. That anonymous star was also a victim of Ailes', and Kelly describes her as 'a fearless soldier in what would become an underground army of women.' Ailes has denied her claims that he ever sexually harassed her, and said in a statement: 'I categorically deny the allegations Megyn Kelly makes about me.' Kelly's close friend Dana Perino, the former White House Press Secretary and current co-host of Fox News' The Five, also spoke about the harassment scandal at the network, and the role that Kelly played in helping other women. Perino said that in July while she was at the Republican National Convention a young woman approached her and was upset about what was happening at the network. 'I had never seen anyone so distressed. The abuse was ongoing. It wasn't something that was 10 years in the past, like Megyn's, it was something that was happening within the last six months,' said Perino. 'I've never been a victim of sexual harassment, and it really opened my eyes to what some women have gone through in the workplace over the years.' Perino said she immediately put the young woman in touch with Kelly. 'It took such guts for these women to come forward,' Kelly says. Keeping quiet: Kelly also shared that she did not speak to Ailes or Carlson after the lawsuit was filed in July 'Not me. If the company came down on me, fine. I can go get another job. But that wasn't true of a lot of the women who came out. And they were very scared, very scared. 'And somehow they found the courage to do the right thing at a time when no one thought he was going to get fired.' Kelly went on to say: 'I never asked to be outed. I never asked to make any of this public. But I think that if this thing stays under the rug without any of the prominent people involved coming out and really telling the story, we do ourselves no good. 'And I really want corporate America to be put on notice that this is a problem, that this does happen at corporations, even to smart, powerful, confident women.' Teamwork: Kelly claims that there was also another high-profile female host at the network who was harassed by Ailes. She does not name her Hitting shelves: Kelly has done an interview with Hollywood Reporter to promote her new memoir, Settle For More Kelly also took some time to speak about working with Rupert Murdoch. 'He's scaring the s*** out of people,' joked Kelly. 'He's walking up and down the halls, popping in on people unexpectedly. It's great fun. He has brought a new wave of energy into the building.' November has already gotten off to a banner start for Kelly, who kicked off the month by learning she had managed to beat all other cable news programs in the key demographic this October. Among individuals aged 25 to 54, Kelly pulled in an average nightly audience of 641,000 viewers, putting her 20,000 viewers ahead of fellow Fox News host Bill O'Reilly. And with Kelly lining up a number of high-profile interviews and appearances prior to her book's release, there is also much speculation as to whether or not she will stay at Fox News when her contract is over next July. Reports claim that Kelly is looking to make $20million a year if she stays at the network. She implied to Hollywood Reporter that negotiations are ongoing: 'I am trying to not confine myself'. Kelly was also asked who she voted for in the election, but refused to say, stating that she had voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past. She then added: 'I've lived in New York state almost my entire life, so my votes never count. Who the hell cares whom I vote for? I make no difference.' Good friend: Kelly's Fox News' co-worker Dana Perino (above) applauded her co-worker's bravery for speaking out about Roger Ailes' sexual harassment of employees Kelly did not say much about Trump, though she does write about him throughout her memoir Settle For More. She said that before one of the Fox News debates she was standing backstage when her daughter Yardley said to her: 'I'm afraid of Donald Trump. He wants to hurt me.' When Kelly asked why she would say that and told her that it was not true, the young girl replied: 'Well, he wants to hurt you, so he wants to hurt me too.' In the book, Kelly writes that her troubles with Trump began shortly before that first debate, which she had been selected to moderate by then-Fox news CEO Ailes. Kelly claims that Trump became angry with her over a segment she ran on her show The Kelly File, and demanded that she personally phone him to address it or else he would not show up for a previously scheduled appearance on the program. When Kelly did call Trump, she claims he told her: 'I almost unleashed my beautiful Twitter account against you, and I still may.' Troubles: Kelly also details the problems Trump (above) had with her prior to the first debate in her new book Reassurance: Megyn Kelly has revealed her five-year-old daughter (center with her brothers) said she was scared of Donald Trump. Kelly never shares pictures of her children's faces online Kelly also writes about how some people began to perceive Trump around the time of the first debate, stating: 'Folks were starting to worry about Trump - his level of agitation did not match the circumstances. 'Yes, it was his first debate. But this was bizarre behavior, especially for a man who wanted the nuclear codes.' In the book, Kelly writes that her troubles with Trump began shortly before that first debate, which she had been selected to moderate by then-Fox news CEO Roger Ailes. Kelly claims that Trump became angry with her over a segment she ran on her show The Kelly File, and demanded that she personally phone him to address it or else he would not show up for a previously scheduled appearance on the program. When Kelly did call Trump, she claims he told her: 'I almost unleashed my beautiful Twitter account against you, and I still may.' He attacked the host on social media and in interviews, saying at one point that Kelly 'had blood coming out of her ears, blood coming out of her wherever.' Some on his staff also called for a boycott of Kelly's Fox News program. 'Every time he started in, Id get a call from Roger [Ailes] (who was getting calls from Trump),' writes Kelly. 'Was I being fair to Trump? Was I being too hard on him? He felt the bar for skeptical Trump coverage should be higher.' Fox News did little to combat Trump's attacks writes Kelly, thought she does note that Ailes would speak to Trump daily 'trying to calm him down.' A war hero who was dubbed the 'Jewish Oskar Schindler and credited with saving thousands of lives during the Holocaust was actually a Nazi collaborator, a new book has claimed. New research, based on Holocaust survivor testimonies, suggests that Rezso Kasztner (also known as Rudolph) helped the Third Reich murder almost half-a-million Jewish men, women and children. Until now, the Hungarian was considered a hero for rescuing fellow Jews from the clutches of the Gestapo. New research, based on Holocaust survivor testimonies, suggests that Rezso Kasztner (also known as Rudolph), pictured, helped the Third Reich murder almost half-a-million Jewish men, women and children It is thought he smuggled them out of Budapest on a secret train bound for the free world following the German invastion. But an expert on Kasztner, Paul Bogdanor, claims he has uncovered disturbing new evidence he says presents a different picture of the man. He says newly scrutinised testimonies of Holocaust survivors suggest that Kasztner struck a 'horrifying' deal with SS officer Adolf Eichmann to lure his fellow Jews to their deaths. Mr Bogdanor says he can prove he only managed to secure the agreement in return for helping Eichmann to deport the rest of Hungary's nearly 800,000 Jews to Auschwitz. Newly scrutinised testimonies of Holocaust survivors suggest that Kasztner struck a 'horrifying' deal with SS officer Adolf Eichmann, pictured, to lure his fellow Jews to their deaths Only a fraction of the Jewish men, women, and children who boarded the Nazi trains were heading for safety, as he told them. The rest had to endure a one-way journey to Auschwitz and the gas chambers. Rumours and unsubstantiated charges that Kasztner sacrificed the lives of Jews are not new. The claims led to a controversial libel trial in Israel in the 1950s. But it is the first time that he can be shown 'beyond all doubt' to have played a role in the genocide and to have knowingly betrayed his people. Mr Bogdanor uncovered what he calls the 'grim truth' whilst researching his new book, Kasztner's Crime, out now. He said: 'This is the true story of Schindler's List in reverse. Schindler was a Nazi who became a hero. Kasztner was a hero who became a Nazi tool. 'Kasztner has always been a controversial figure, with a minority calling him a collaborator, but most people have believed that he did what he could to help save lives in an extremely difficult and bleak situation. 'The more evidence I uncovered, however, the more I realised to my grave surprise that the accusations against him had been right. Sadly, I am certain of it.' Kasztner became the de facto leader of the Budapest Aid and Rescue Committee in 1942. Under his leadership, the committee claimed to have saved as many as 25,000 Jews who had been smuggled into Hungary from Nazi-controlled countries like Poland. His reputation was such that the Nazis began bargaining with him and made him their key Jewish contact when Hungary came under German power in March 1944. It has been claimed in a new book that Kasztner helped Eichmann to deport nearly 800,000 of Hungary's Jews to the Auschwitz death camp, pictured He tried at first to save his fellow Jews by offering to pay for their emigration. But when he received proof of the Nazi plan to massacre the country's Jewish population, Kasztner - a 'ruthless megalomaniac' - negotiated a sinister pact with Holocaust mastermind Eichmann. It granted the safe passage of 1,684 named individuals - including his own friends and close family - out of Hungary. But shocking new evidence suggests that Kasztner only managed to secure the agreement in return for helping Eichmann to deport the rest of Hungary's nearly 800,000 Jews to Auschwitz. Eichmann and Kasztner called this their 'rescue secret'. Mr Bogdanor, who spent ten painstaking years researching Kasztner's connection with the Nazis, uncovered the terrible truth after examining a number of unequivocal - and until now overlooked - testimonies of Holocaust survivors. He also delved into Kasztner's own post-war report and other documented evidence, much of which has never been translated into English before. These include an account from Holocaust survivor Yosef Reiss, who described how Kasztner, who was assasinated in 1957, tricked the Jewish community in Kolozsvor into believing that they would be resettled and given farming jobs elsewhere in the country. The new claims have come to light after author Paul Bogdanor analysed previously uncovered testimonies of Holocaust survivors Instead, those 18,000 men, women, and children were sent to the gas chambers. The testimony, 'totally ignored by historians thus far,' said: 'Kasztner was well aware that the young people wanted to escape and he spread it among the people that they should not escape and cause trouble for their families, that they would all be sent to southern Hungary and families would remain together and work in agriculture.' Paul Bogdanor, claims he has uncovered disturbing new evidence he says presents a different picture of Kasztner Another testimony, given by Ruth Landau, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, read: 'Like many others, my mother personally heard Kasztner in his home town, in the Kolozsvor Ghetto, assuring the town's Jews who were collected there before being sent to Auschwitz that they were going to work.' The case against Kasztner is strengthened by his own admissions. Under orders from the Nazis, for instance, he lied to his fellow Jews about an escape route to Romania being blocked. In fact, the route wasn't blocked and those Jews who had used it lived to tell the tale. Previously unscrutinised testimony from Kasztner said: '[A Nazi officer] asked me to tell my friends in Kolozsvar that they had increased the guard at the Romanian borderaEuro 'I had to tell those who wanted to escape to Romania to be more careful and to use other ways.' Historians estimate that 437,000 people - more than half of Hungary's Jewish population - boarded the Nazi death trains. Mr Bogdanor says that many of them were victims of Kasztner's treacherous ties with Eichmann and he believes the history books will now be rewritten. He explained: 'Kasztner had always been ruthlessly ambitious. He decided to work for the Nazis as a route to power and importance. Mr Bogdanor uncovered what he calls the 'grim truth' whilst researching his new book, Kasztner's Crime, out now 'He was a megalomaniac who saw dealing with the Nazis as a safer bet than going underground, so he betrayed his own community.' 'The memory of the victims and survivors of Auschwitz is being insulted by the continued portrayal of Kasztner as a hero when in reality he is the last traitor from the Holocaust era to be exposed. It's a great injustice and the truth must be told.' Police believe Pasquale Barbaro's car may have bugged Enemies of underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro's car may have bugged his car so they could track him down and execute him. The 35-year-old was shot dead by two hooded hitmen while he sat in his Mercedes outside the home of his associate George Alex in Earlwood, in Sydney's southwest, on Monday. Detectives are investigating if a tracking device was planted on the Mercedes so the hitmen could catch Barbaro as he let his guard down while having dinner with Alex, according to The Daily Telegraph. While it is not suggested Mr Alex was involved in his death, the exact motive behind the killing remains unknown, leaving police to chase dozens of leads over the brutal execution of a man described as 'pure evil'. Detectives are investigating if a tracking device was placed on his Mercedes so his enemies could track him and kill him The 35-year-old tried to run for his life before he was shot dead by two hooded hitmen outside the home of an associate in Earlwood on Monday at 10pm The infamous mobster 'bragged' about being an informant for a crime commission, 'rorted' $1 million from a gang and was a key suspect in the murder of a gangland hitman. So just what are the possible reasons behind why the criminal kingpin was targeted? He 'bragged about being an informant for the Crime Commission' Barbaro was rumoured to have been called to give evidence before the New South Wales Crime Commission after becoming a high-ranking informant. Police believe he may have been targeted in the same way his grandfather was in 1990. Peter Pasquale, also known as 'Il Principale', was due to give evidence against 30 mafia figures after feeding information about the criminal organisation's cannabis crops and revenge murders to the National Crime Authority in 1989. He was ambushed outside his home in Runcorn, south of Brisbane, when he went to collect the paper and shot dead. Many believe Barbaro was targeted for the same reasons and social media users were quick to claim he was a police informant after the news broke he had been killed. 'He was the biggest dog in NSW. He's been working for the crime commission for years,' one man wrote. 'He bragged about [being an informant] all the time. He thought he was untouchable - it was common knowledge around town,' another said. Barbaro was rumoured to have been called to give evidence before the New South Wales Crime Commission after becoming a high-ranking informant Many believe Barbaro was targeted for the same reasons and social media users were quick to claim he was a police informant after the news broke he had been killed, saying it was 'common knowledge' 'He was the biggest dog in NSW. He's been working for the crime commission for years,' one man wrote Underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro 'bragged' about being an informant for the Crime Commission, 'rorted' $1 million from a gang and was a key suspect in the murder of a hitman He was involved in a number of criminal offences, including drugs Barbaro was due to front the Sydney District Court in December over charges of manufacturing two kilograms of the drug 'ice'. Police allege he and three others manufactured the drug on properties near Goulburn and at Cobbitty, in Sydney's south-west, between October 2010 and November 2011. The drugs had a street value of about $2 million. Barbaro appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court just last week and applied to have his bail continued. He had been on $350,000 bail since he was charged in 2012, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. A friend, identified only as Marco, said 'a lot of people' would want to kill Barbaro. 'He just has a lot of enemies,' Marco told Nine News. Barbaro's cousin, who goes by the same name, is serving a life sentence for the importation of 15 million ecstasy tablets with a street value of at least $122 million. He 'rorted' $1 million from a gang Underworld sources claim Barbaro owed $1 million to a gang and would wear a bullet proof vest for protection. He would only take the vest off to meet with close associates. Barbaro was not wearing it on the night he was shot dead outside associate George Alex's house, The Daily Telegraph reported. Barbaro was not wearing his bulletproof vest on the night he was shot dead outside associate George Alex's (pictured in 2015) house Police were called to Larkhall Avenue in Earlwood at about 9.40pm on Monday night and arrived to find his heavily tattooed body lying on the footpath in a pool of blood An officer lays an evidence markers next to the blood stains before taking a photograph outside George Alex's house Barbaro's cousin, who goes by the same name, is serving a life sentence for the importation of 15 million ecstasy tablets with a street value of at least $122 million He was a key suspect in the murder of hitman Hamad Assaad A police source told Daily Mail Australia Barbaro was the key suspect in the murder of underworld stand-over man Hamad Assaad. The 29-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in front of his 12-year-old nephew on October 25. In 2015, Barbaro was shot at six times in Leichhardt and it believed Assaad was the shooter, prompting suggestions Monday's murder was a retaliation attack. Police said Barbaro had been 'playing with fire' and his association with Sydney's criminal underworld meant he would always have a target on his back, The Daily Telegraph reported. A police source told Daily Mail Australia Barbaro was the key suspect in the murder of underworld stand-over man Hamad Assaad (pictured) Underworld stand-over man Hamad Asaad, 29, was gunned down in front of his 12-year-old nephew in his driveway in Sydney's south-west, on October 25 (pictured) He was close with Brothers 4 Life boss Farhad Qaumi Phone conversations between the criminal underworld boss and Barbaro were played in court as evidence on Tuesday - just 12 hours after he was shot dead. The pair discussed mostly fishing and referred to Qaumi as 'The Afghan'. It has been alleged they were speaking in code about a third man who asked Barbaro questions about Qaumi to intercept the conversations on a phone tap, The Daily Telegraph reported. Star Casino CCTV footage was also played in court and showed the pair scrolling through a mobile phone with their arms around each other. Qaumi and his brother, Mumtaz, are accused of hiring a shooter to kill debt collector Joe Antoun after allegedly receiving a contract to carry out the hit, but have both pleaded not guilty. Barbaro is not a suspect in Mr Antoun's murder. Mr Antoun was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door, Crown Prosecutor Ken McKay SC told the court. '[Mr Antoun's wife] went to a window and looked out and saw a person and called out to that person, asking who it was. She heard the person say, "It's Adam. I've got a package for Joe",' Mr Mckay said. 'As he opened the door, Mr Antoun was shot a number of times and died in his house.' Mr Antoun was in business with George Alex. Barbaro was shot dead out the front of Alex's Earlwood home on Monday. Star Casino CCTV footage was also played in court for Joe Antoun's murder trial and showed the pair scrolling through a mobile phone with their arms around each other (pictured) Phone conversations between underworld figure Pasquale Barbaro and a Brothers 4 Life boss were played in court as evidence for a murder trial of Joe Antoun (pictured) Mr Antoun (pictured) was at home with his wife and two young daughters at 9.35pm on December 16, 2013 when a CCTV monitor in his home showed a man at the front door Horrifying footage shows a hooded man approach Antoun's Strathfield home, knock on the front door and shoot him, before fleeing on foot He might have been involved in a domestic dispute The incident could have been related to a 'simple domestic dispute,' police sources told The Daily Telegraph. 'If you play with fire you were going to get burnt. It could be anything, it could be drugs it could be over sleeping with someone's missus - you never know with these guys,' the source said. Similarly, crime journalist Keith More said many Calabrian crime figures have been murdered for sleeping with 'the wrong person'. 'It could boil down to something as simple as a domestic - there have been a number of Calabrian crime figures murdered because they've left their wives or slept with the wrong person,' he said. Barbaro was headed home to see his girlfriend at their Harrington Park home when he was gunned down. 'He was on his way to see me last night but never made it,' his girlfriend said on Tuesday, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Rudy Giuliani, a leading candidate to be President elect-Donald Trump's secretary of state, is under fire for his overseas and corporate connections made during a lucrative legal and consulting career after leaving office as 'America's mayor.' Giuliani banked $16.1 million during a 16 month period five years after leaving office as New York Mayor, according to the financial report he made during his failed presidential campaign. He made $11.4 million giving paid speeches the same activity he and Trump slammed Hillary Clinton for engaging in during the campaign. Giuliani disclosed getting $300,000 for a speech to private equity firm Sage Capital, $350,000 to Japanese communications firm Forval Corporation. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is being mentioned as a leading contender to run the State Department for President-elect Donald Trump. His work for foreign nations and paid Wall Street speeches are getting new scrutiny For $100,000 each, he spoke to Wall Street giants Lehman Brothers (now shuttered), Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, and LaSalle. A subsidiary of his firm, Giuliani Partners, advised the state oil company of Qatar. The emirate is a strategic U.S. ally, but also once thwarted an effort to arrest Sept. 11th mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad. Giuliani also worked for Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen e-Khalq when it was on terror list, theNew York Times reported. Giuliani told the paper his work was to try to get the group delisted, an effort that was successful. 'My ties to them are very open,' Giuliani said. 'We worked very hard to get them delisted by Hillary Clinton, by the way,' he told the paper. 'I have friends all over the world,' he added. A subsidiary of the law firm Giuliani joined lobbied on behalf of the subsidiary of the Venezuelan oil company while strongman Hugo Chavez was running the country, Politico reported. He also did work for TransCanada, the firm seeking to build the KeystoneXL pipeline. The State Department played a role in the review of the project, since it involves a project running from Canada to U.S. refineries on the Gulf of Mexico. To serve in the cabinet, Giuliani would have to clear the Republican Senate, where a single senator could try to hold up his confirmation through a filibuster. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is a leading contender to be Donald Trump's secretary of state, although he doesn't have formal diplomatic experience Rudy Giuliani, vice chairman of the Trump Presidential Transition Team, speaks at the Wall Street Journal CEO Council in Washington Monday GOP Senator Rand Paul send a stern warning Tuesday. 'It is worrisome, some of the ties to foreign governments, because that was a big complaint about many of us with Hillary Clinton and her ties and the money she received from foreign governments,' he told CNN. Paul has also raised concerns about another leading contender, former UN ambassador John Bolton, who was a proponent of the Iraq war. Giuliani was a constant companion at President-elect Donald Trump's side as he campaigned around the country, and now the former New York City mayor is in leading contention to jet around the world as Trump's secretary of state. 'If Rudy wants it [State] he'll get it,' said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has also been mentioned as a contender for the post, told Fox News on Monday. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway was more noncommittal in comments on Tuesday. 'He could be. He certainly is a very close adviser of President-elect Trump's,' she said of Giuliani on NBC's 'Today' show. 'The mayor has an enormous skill-set, would be an excellent member of the cabinet and that's where I'll leave it,' she said. Giuliani has little foreign policy experience, and his national government work fell under the Justice Department's purview - he was a U.S. attorney and assistant attorney general. A senior Trump official told the Associated Press Giuliani is the leading candidate for the job. Former UN Ambassador John Bolton, a frequent Fox News commentator who himself ran for president, is also under consideration. New York City does have the nation's largest police force, with more than 30,000 officers and it's own intelligence apparatus that tracks security threats. Giuliani talked his views on global affairs at a Wall Street Journal gathering of CEOs on Monday night, addressing threats around the globe including ISIS. He also declared that he 'won't be attorney general' a post for which he was thought to be under consideration. Senate Foreign relations chairman Bob Corker, who would oversee confirmation to the post, got asked if there was any problem with Giuliani on Tuesday. 'Look, I think we let this process complete. We know who the person is. It is gonna be my job to lead the confirmation process, to handicap people at this moment would just be inappropriate. Let's let it play out,' he said. SWEET GIG: Giuliani was s a constant companion of Donald Trump's during the presidential campaign GOOD COUNSEL: Giuliani was regularly at Trump's side during the campaign, including at a fundraiser in New York City in July TRANS-ATLANTIC RELATIONS: Giuliani as secretary of state would be expected to maintain U.S. alliances with key European allies, negotiate Trump's favored reconciliation with Moscow, battle Islamist terrorism, and grapple with China. In 2000, then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani revived his smash role as a woman by appearing in drag for his rebuttal to the Inner Circle Show BUSOM BUDDIES: Giuliani was Trump's frequent confidante on the campaign trail. In the Inner Circle skit, Trump played a very forward suitor as Giuliani played the role of a woman Giuliani, businessman Donald Trump, and Giuliani's wife, philanthropist Judith Giuliani in 2005 Jockeying for critical domestic and national security posts has intensified within Trump's tight circle, with one source describing it to CNN as a 'knife fight.' At least one of Giuliani's overseas contacts caused a flap during his failed presidential campaign. His firm provided security advice to the government of Qatar, as theWall Street Journal reported, at a time it was under scrutiny for its relationship with Al Qaeda. Giuliani's language hasn't always been diplomatic. At a New York dinner in 2015, he said: 'I do not believe, and I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the president loves America. He doesn't love you. And he doesn't love me. He wasn't brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country.' Employment in Britain is at record highs despite fears the Brexit vote would drag down the economy. Almost 95 per cent of the increase was accounted for by 430,000 non-UK born workers. Across the labour market, the number of workers rose by 461,000 to 31.8 million. Yesterday's employment data also revealed the number of east Europeans in the workforce leapt by another 50,000 in the three months after the Brexit vote. The rise from July to September 2016 took the total number of workers from the 'EU8' countries to 1,077,000 from 1,029,000 in the previous three months. A year ago, the figure stood at 987,000 and it has risen from 689,000 since the same three month period in 2011. The EU8 includes Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia. The number of eastern European workers in Britain increased to 1,077,000 from 1,029,000 over the past three months, continuing a rise that saw the total pass one million The number of non-UK nationals working in the UK increased by 241,000 over the past year to 3.4 million. The rise was almost entirely down to EU nationals, the number of whom in the work force rose by 221,000 to 2.26 million. Lord Green of Deddington, chairman of campaign group Migration Watch UK, said: 'This is yet another large increase in the labour force driven by an increase in foreign workers. That increase amounts to just over a million in three years. 'This continuing influx helps explain why the British people voted for Brexit and is a sharp reminder that the forthcoming negotiations must get these numbers down.' Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said: 'While we are all keen to read the tea leaves of the employment statistics to get some clues about how migrants are responding to Brexit, the figures don't yet provide a clear picture. 'There is no evidence at this point of either an increase or decrease in EU migration or employment due to Brexit. 'In fact, it could be many months before there is enough data to get a good sense of whether migration has changed meaningfully following the referendum.' Migration Watch chief Lord Green said the figures showed a 'large increase' in the number of eastern European people working in Britain The data came as Britain was faced the prospect of a pre-Brexit surge of jobless migrants from across the continent under a Brussels plan to give extra handouts to encourage more people to flood in. EU chiefs are preparing to unveil the benefits boost that will lead to a fresh wave of arrivals after admitting they purposefully kept it quiet during the Brexit referendum campaign. The European Commission wants to increase migration even further by getting people to leave areas of mass unemployment such as Greece in search of work. At the moment, jobseekers who move between EU countries can continue receiving unemployment benefits from their home country for up to three months. The overall unemployment rate for the period from July to September stood at 4.8 per cent, down from 5.3 per cent a year earlier and the lowest since 2005, pictured But officials want this to be doubled to six months in the hope it will encourage more people to pack up and move. The plan could be put in place before Britain leaves the EU, meaning it triggers a new rush of people into the country before Brexit. When the plan was discussed at a behind closed doors meeting of EU chiefs in Brussels last month, Marianne Thyssen, the European Commissioner for employment and labour mobility, admitted it had been initially dreamt up last year but 'had been put on the back burner because of the UK referendum on EU membership in June'. Valerie Castile, his mother, has called for peace in wake of charges Officer could face up to ten years in jail and a $20,000 The Minnesota cop who shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop has been charged with manslaughter after prosecutors claimed the use of deadly force was not justified. St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Castile, 32, seven times in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St Paul, on July 6 while his girlfriend and her four-year-old daughter were sat in the car. His girlfriend Diamond Reynolds, who was in the passenger street, live streamed the gruesome aftermath of the fatal shooting live on Facebook, and sparked widespread protests when it was posted online. She insists that her boyfriend was reaching for his ID when he was shot dead. Castile had just told Yanez that he had a gun permit and was armed. Yanez's attorney, Tom Kelly, argued his client had been reacting to the presence of a gun, and insisted one reason Yanez pulled Castile over was because he thought he looked like an armed robbery suspect. But Ramsey County Attorney John Choi found that force was not justified, adding that 'unreasonable fear cannot justify the use of deadly force'. He also revealed that Castile's last words were: 'I wasn't reaching for it'. 'No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, would've used deadly force,' Choi said at a press conference on Wednesday. Scroll down for video Philando Castile, 32, was shot and killed by cop Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, on July 6 Prosecutors said Yanez's use for force was not justified, and said he will now be charged with second-degree manslaughter, Yanez is pictured above 'The mere mention or presence of a firearm alone cannot justify the use of deadly force,' he added.'Unreasonable fear cannot justify the use of deadly force.' 'Unreasonable fear cannot justify the use of deadly force.' Choi says evidence shows Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker, never tried to remove his gun, which was a foot deep in the front right pocket of his shorts, and that Reynolds' Facebook live video shows that the 32-year-old had not been resisting arrest or had any criminal intent. No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, would've used deadly force Ramsey County Attorney John Choi Yanez's statement was 'inconsistent' with the statement he made immediately following the incident, the prosecutor added. He also found the shooting endangered the safety of Castile's girlfriend and her young daughter who had also been in the car at the time. On Wednesday, Yanez was officially charged with second-degree manslaughter over the fatal shooting. He is expected to turn up to court voluntarily on Friday for his first hearing. If found guilty, he could face up to ten years in jail and a $20,000 fine. The shooting's gruesome aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Castile's girlfriend, who was with him in the car along with her young daughter PROSECUTOR RECOUNTS CASTILE'S LAST MOMENTS Officer Yanez asked Castile to produce his driver's license and proof of insurance. Castile first provided him with his insurance card. Castile then, calmly, and in a non-threatening manner, informed Officer Yanez, 'sir, I have to tell you that I do have a firearm on me.' Before Castile completed the sentence, Officer Yanez interrupted and calmly replied, 'okay' and placed his right hand on the holster of his own, holstered, gun. Officer Yanez then said, 'okay, don't reach for it, then.' Castile tried to respond but was interrupted by Officer Yanez, who said, 'don't pull it out.' Castile responded, 'I'm not pulling it out,' and Reynolds also responded by saying, 'he's not pulling it out.' Then Officer Yanez screamed, 'don't pull it out!' and quickly pulled his own gun with his right hand while he reached inside the driver's side window with his left hand. Officer Yanez pulled his left arm out of the car, and then fired seven shots in rapid succession into the vehicle. The seventh and final shot was fired at 9:06 and two seconds p.m. After the final shot, Reynolds frantically yelled, 'you just killed my boyfriend!' Philando Castile moaned and uttered his final words: 'I wasn't reaching for it.' To which Reynolds loudly said, 'he wasn't reaching for it.' Before Reynolds completed her sentence, Officer Yanez again screamed, 'don't pull it out!' Reynolds responded by saying, 'he wasn't.' Advertisement Yanez is the first officer to have been charged in more than 150 police-involved deaths in Minnesota since 2000. His mother, Valerie Castile, has said she is thankful for the charges being brought, but has called for peace in Minnesota - after the furious protests that erupted immediately after he son was shot and killed in July. The director of the state's police officers association called the charges 'disappointing' and called for the public to refrain from judging Yanez. Choi got the case in late September and began reviewing the evidence for possible charges. He resisted pressure immediately after the shooting to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He also enlisted the help of national use-of-force consultants. Choi's office has said a key question in his review was determining whether Yanez was justified in believing deadly force was necessary. The announcement comes a day after the anniversary of the high-profile police killing of Jamar Clark in Minneapolis. No charges were filed in that case. Castile's shooting became the center of national outrage when Reynolds live streamed the aftermath on Facebook. Reynolds herself was taken into custody shortly after the incident and was released only at 5am the next morning after hundreds of protesters had gathered outside Governor Mark Dayton's mansion in St. Paul. Relatives told Daily Mail Online, shortly after the shooting, that they believed Castile, was the victim of racial profiling. Speaking from his home in St Paul, Minnesota, his cousin Damion Pickett, 37, said last July: 'He was stopped because they think every African-American does crime but it doesn't happen like that. 'He was 'DWB' driving while black. 'They think that of everybody, especially guys with dreads. Reynolds cried outside the governor's residence in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, July 7, 2016 Castile's family (pictured with mother Valeria) have questioned whether he was racially targeted 'You cannot label one person just off a few people because every black person is not that.' Castile's shooting prompted furious protests, including demonstrations outside the governor's mansion and one rally that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers, after police said they were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. No charges were filed in that case. When looking at whether to file charges, authorities must determine if the officer believed he or she, or fellow officers, were in danger in the moment the decision is made to shoot. If the fear of danger is deemed reasonable, charges are typically not filed. To prove a serious charge such as murder, prosecutors must also show that the officer was not just reckless, but had ill intentions. Dana Rivers (pictured) was charged with three counts of murder on Tuesday A 61-year-old woman is accused of killing a family of three and setting fire to their home before trying to flee on a motorcycle while covered in blood, police said. Dana Rivers was charged with three counts of murder on Tuesday for shooting and stabbing Patricia Wright, 57, her wife Charlotte Reed, 56, and their 19-year-old son, Toto 'Benny' Diambu-Wright at their Oakland, California, home on Friday. Rivers made headline news because she was fired from teaching at a Sacramento high school in 1999 after she told her boss she would be transitioning to a woman. Police responded to reports of gunfire after midnight Friday, and found Diambu-Wright, who went by the name Benny, bleeding from a stab wound, according to probable cause statements cited by NBC. Benny's parents, who adopted him from West Africa, were found shot and stabbed inside their home. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Police heard a 'loud bang' from the garage and said Rivers emerged from the home on the 9400 block of Dunbar Drive covered in blood. Rivers was about to ride off on Reed's motorcycle, but was arrested and found with ammunition and knives in her pockets, police told the East Bay Times. The 61-year-old also made 'spontaneous statements about her involvement in the murders' during her arrest, according to police. Rivers, who was accused of setting the house on fire to destroy any evidence, has also been charged with arson and possession of brass knuckles. Police found Toto Diambu-Wright, 19 (center), bleeding from a stab wound outside his Oakland, California home. His parents (left and right) were found dead inside Patricia Wright, 57, (right of left) and her wife Charlotte Reed, 56 (left of left) had been shot and stabbed. The couple married just last year. Pictured right, son Diambu-Wright On Friday, police responded to reports of gunfire at the home on Dunbar Drive and said Rivers emerged covered in blood She could face life in prison without parole, or capital punishment, for the 'special circumstance murders' the East Bay Times reported. Firefighters managed to put the fire out quickly. Wright, who was a semi-retired teacher at Esperanza Elementary School, had been married to Reed, an Air Force veteran and businesswoman, for more than a year. They had a total of three children between them. Wright's other son Khari Campbell-Wright said Rivers was an acquaintance who was part of a motorcycle club. The married couple are pictured on Facebook riding a motorcycle after their wedding, and Rivers is said to have tried to escape the scene on Reed's motorcycle. But it remains unclear what Rivers' connection was to the family, and Campbell-Wright suggested it was a random act of violence, telling the East Bay Times: ' My mom had no part of it. My brother had no part of it. Wrong place, wrong time.' It's unclear what Rivers' connection was to the family, although she is said to be an acquaintance (left: Wright and Reed, right: Diambu-Wright) More than 100 people gathered at the Berkeley High School Academy of Medicine and Public Service to hold a vigil for Benny, who graduated this past spring. He was remembered as a 'kind and sweet young man' who made new students feel welcome at the school and envisioned a world without poverty and violence, according to Berkeley Side. Rivers was licensed to carry a weapon as a security guard, NBC reported. She was an award-winning teacher known as David Warfield in the 1990s. She notified her boss about her plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery, only for Center High School to put her on administrative leave before firing her. She filed a lawsuit against the school and eventually reached a settlement. Kick off the Christmas season with the Tri-Octaves at the 14th Annual Christmas Concert to benefit The Bethlehem Center. There will be two shows - the first Friday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. and then Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E. Brainerd Road. Admission is free and donations will be accepted for the Bethlehem Center Youth and Children's Programming. Review for the performances: This year "The Tri-Octaves" spin on Christmas is all about some of our favorite "TV Sitcoms" from time past. The Tri-Octaves: Willie Kitchens, Jr. (of the Impressions), Doug Richesin, and Michael Rodgers bring together three different styles of music to blend their voices in soulful harmony. These Tennessee natives have been involved in music their whole lives and all currently serve at United Methodist congregations. This tremendously talented trio will be sure to fill you with Christmas cheer. The Bethlehem Center is a 95 year-old faith-based nonprofit organization empowering South Chattanooga children and families to live stable and productive lives. They have after school and summer programs, leadership opportunities for high school students, and adult GED classes. For more information contact Christ United Methodist Church at 892-9363 or The Bethlehem Center at 266-1384. Advertisement Two trains loaded with coal and phosphate rock collided in Florida, derailing and causing at least 20 rail cars to tumble over and spill fuel. Authorities said two people sustained minor injuries in the incident at a crossing on Northeast 175th Street and Pine Church Road in Citra at around 4.15am on Wednesday. CSX Corp. owns both trains and said a fuel spill has been reported at the site. Scroll down for video Two trains loaded with coal and phosphate rock collided in Florida, derailing and causing at least 20 train cars to tumble over The two derailed CSX trains collided at a crossing on Northeast 175th Street and Pine Church Road in Citra on Wednesday A hazardous materials team has been called in to contain it and assess the situation as a precaution, according to reports. But CSX said there was no immediate hazmat threat to the public as phosphate rock is not hazardous, Florida Today reports. Four crew members were involved in the incident. Two employees on one train were treated for minor injuries, but the two staff aboard the other train were not hurt. CSX said the phosphate train was traveling to Chicago with three locomotives and 100 loaded cars. The coal train was headed to Tampa with 110 loaded cars. Photos posted by Marion County Fire Rescue show a number of mangled open-top train cars after Wednesday's crash CSX said the phosphate train was traveling to Chicago with three locomotives and 100 loaded cars. The coal train was headed to Tampa with 110 loaded cars. Above, the fuel is pictured falling out of a mangled train car Two CSX crew members sustained minor injuries in the collision and are being treated, the company said on Wednesday CSX Corp., which owns both trains, said a fuel spill has been reported at the site in Florida. A hazardous materials team has been called in to contain it Photos posted by Marion County Fire Rescue show a number of mangled open-top train cars filled with coal. In a post on Facebook, the Marion County Sheriff's Office urged people to avoid the area as the road has been blocked off by a portion of the train. Marion County sheriff's deputies, Marion County Fire Rescue and CSX are investigating. A Hong Kong billionaire has taken out full-page adverts to announce he has split with his girlfriend and given her 200million. Joseph Lau used the announcements to say he had split from Yvonne Lui in 2014 - and that she would not be receiving any more money. The 65-year-old retail tycoon has two children with 37-year-old Ms Lui who he met 15 years ago at a Luis Vuitton shop in London. But in his newspaper adverts this week, Mr Lau said there was 'no more relationship between Ms Lui and me' and that he does not 'intend in the future to give her money or other gifts.' Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau (left)) has taken out full-page adverts to announce he has split with his girlfriend Yvonne Lui (right) and given her 200million In his newspaper adverts this week, Mr Lau said there was 'no more relationship between Ms Lui and me' and that he does not 'intend in the future to give her money or other gifts' However, he accepted that she was allowed to 'live in the house and use the vehicles and private aircraft' he provides for his children - so she can care for and accompany them on trips. He said in the five-point announcement: 'Prior to the break-up, I maintained and took care of Ms Lui and gave her lots of money, jewellery and other gifts, the total value of which exceeded HK$2 billion. 'Ms Lui has accumulated considerable wealth and she is now a very wealthy woman. She can maintain a luxurious lifestyle by herself without my financial support.' The billionaire, who according to Forbes has a net worth of $12.5billion, met former beauty pageant contestant Ms Liu while she was studying for a chemical engineering degree in London in 2001. They were reportedly not married and he is now understood to be in a relationship with former assistant, Kimbie Chan, according to the Daily Telegraph. In his adverts, Mr Lau said: 'Ms Lui and I formally broke up in 2014 and since then we have no relationship of any kind except that she is the mother of my two infant children ("my children"). Joseph Lau used the announcements (pictured) to say he had split from Yvonne Lui in 2014 - and that she would not be receiving any more money 'My contact and correspondence with Ms Lui since the break-up arises from the fact she is the mother of my children and for no other reason. 'I maintain my children and pay for their living costs, education and other expenses and I will continue to fulfil my responsibility as their father notwithstanding my separation from Ms Lui.' He went on to chart the arrangement they have for caring for their children. 'Considering the young age of my children, I allow Ms Lui to live in the house and use the vehicles and private aircraft which I provide for my children so Ms Lui can take care of and accompany my children,' Mr Lau wrote. 'I also pay the maintenance costs of my children to Ms Lui for the sake of convenient management on behalf of my children.' Mr Lau hit the headlines last November when he spent 32million on the 'Blue Moon Diamond' (pictured) which he gifted to his daughter, renaming the 12.03-carat jewel 'Blue Moon of Josephine' But he clarified: 'All these arrangements do not represent or imply my care or love towards Ms Lui but are made solely for the benefit of my children. The said arrangements may be changed from time to time depending on the situation and I can alter or vary them at any time as I see fit.' He said he had placed the announcements in response to 'untrue reports' about his relationship with Ms Lui. Mr Lau hit the headlines last November when he spent 32million on the 'Blue Moon Diamond' which he gifted to his daughter, renaming the 12.03-carat jewel 'Blue Moon of Josephine'. The 65th richest man in the world is a self-made billionaire who built up an astonishing property empire as the owner of Chinese Estates. Ranked as the 6th richest person in Hong Kong, he is famous for his lavish spending. Advertisement Spooky images have emerged of a real-life Hogwarts Express that mysteriously ground to a halt in picturesque woodland. Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter train, it appears as though it has magically materialised between the thriving trees. And much like the teenage wizard's beloved flying Ford Anglia, nature is reclaiming this coal-fired machine in what is likely its final destination. Spooky images have emerged of a real-life Hogwarts Express that mysteriously ground to a halt in picturesque woodland Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harry Potter train, it appears as though it has magically materialised between the thriving trees And much like the teenage wizard's beloved flying Ford Anglia, nature is reclaiming this coal-fired machine in what is likely its final destination Its front end is now covered in moss, with the peeling paint falling off, but the strong exterior is still intact Its once proud exterior has given way to rust and intrepid explorers can now only glimpse at its former glory Leaves now fill the train's hopper, with bracken growing from the floor in what once would have been a working area, constantly filled up and emptied out when the train travelled the tracks years ago Although old and faced, it remains colourful and is a striking sight poking out from the greenery of the trees in the forest A German import from Bosch, which still exists today, is marked on the inside and another list offers direction to the crew Local man Larry Perkins said: 'Lots of people round round here know about the train, but it's a complete mystery where it came from. 'Sometimes we joke that it might have been magically dropped here as it does look a bit like the Hogwarts Express.' Its once proud exterior has given way to rust and intrepid explorers can now only glimpse at its former glory. Tendrils of ivy have started snaking between the mighty wheels of the 15ft-tall machine and moss peppers its hard metal exterior. The once complex system of pressure gauges and dials that helped navigate the magnificent machine is now obsolete but remains a fascinating reminder of another industrial era A plaque on the side of the train indicates that the corroding train was made in 1953, making it more than 60 years old Buffers stand firm, protruding from the peeling red paint on the side of the train, but they are unlikely to be needed again The once roaring boiler (left) which would have fuelled its 50mph journeys has now been deadened for the last time - with leaves and twigs piling up inside it, and its heavy duty front end moves forward no more Tendrils of ivy have started snaking between the mighty wheels of the 15ft-tall machine and moss peppers its hard metal exterior Originally designed to endure the brutal Finnish winters, years of exposure on the Essex and Suffolk border have made a telling mark to the historic train Built at some point between 1940-57, this model was among the last steam-powered trains built by the Scandinavian state-owned company VR, which still exists today It is not known how the TR1, nicknamed Risto, after fifth Finnish President Risto Ryti, travelled across the North Sea but it appears this quiet piece of English countryside is its last stop Incredibly, a bird has made a nest in the cobweb-covered cab, which is protected by broken and smeared windows. The once roaring boiler which would have fuelled its 50mph journeys has now been deadened for the last time - with leaves and twigs piling up inside it. Originally designed to endure the brutal Finnish winters, years of exposure on the Essex and Suffolk border have made a telling mark to the historic train. Built at some point between 1940-57, this model was among the last steam-powered trains built by the Scandinavian state-owned company VR, which still exists today. Prince Harry is set to pay for a personal bodyguard for his girlfriend Meghan Markle, it was revealed today. The glamorous American actress has become the centre of attention on both sides of the Atlantic since the prince announced their relationship earlier this month. Harry is now considering paying for round-the-clock security for the 35-year-old, possibly using a retired member of Scotland Yard's royal protection squad, it was reported this afternoon. Prince Harry, left, is considering paying for a bodyguard for girlfriend Meghan Markle, right A source told The Evening Standard's Robert Jobson: 'His Royal Highness has made it clear that he believes Miss Markle's personal safety is paramount.' But, the source added; 'It comes down to a matter of cost, who is paying for what.' Prince Charles is understood to have made a similar arrangement with one of his former bodyguard's to protect the Duchess of Cornwall when she was still Camilla Parker Bowles. Meghan is said to think Harry's idea is 'charming', but unnecessary. It is understood the cost of such protection would be around 50,000 a year. However, one security company contacted by MailOnline quoted a figure of 306,600 for round-the-clock security for a year. This was based on a team of two bodyguards working together in 12 hour shifts. UK Personal Protection Ltd, which supplied the estimate, provides security for celebrities, MPs and members of the royal families of a number of countries. Its staff are fully licensed and have served in the British Army. In a strongly worded statement last week, Harry accused the media of intrusion and lashed out at the 'sexism and racism of social media trolls'. His message, via his communications secretary Jason Knauf, was that their relationship 'is not a game it is her life and his'. The statement added that Harry was 'worried about Miss Markle's safety' and 'deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.' It was reported yesterday that Miss Markle is very keen to make their relationship work It was reported yesterday that divorcee Miss Markle has fallen 'head over heels' for the prince, with a friend saying she will 'give up all that she is doing' in order to make their relationship work. The pair have made a number of trips to see each other although they have not yet been seen together in public. Prince Harry jetted off to Canada to stay with Miss Markle last month and the actress is believed to have returned the visit with a mini-break in London just last week. She was seen shopping in upmarket Whole Foods on Kensington High Street, just down the road from Kensington Palace. The visit is the clearest indication yet that the relationship between the divorcee and the fifth-in-line to the throne is serious. The New York Police Department plans to beef up security for next week's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after a recent edition of a magazine published by the Islamic State called the event an 'excellent target'. The Department of Homeland Security said November 24 presented 'opportunities for violent extremists' at 'public events and places where people congregate'. The November 11 edition of Rumiyah, the terrorist group's English-language propaganda magazine, focused on vehicular attacks - like the one in Nice, France, in July in which 86 people died when a truck drove into a crowd on Bastille Day. It specifically highlighted the iconic parade through Manhattan. Around 3.5 million people are expected to line the two-and-a-half mile route. Last year (pictured) three million people lined the route of Macy's Thanksgiving parade in Manhattan. It is a tradition that began way back in 1924 NYPD'S deputy commissioner of intelligence and counter-terrorism, John Miller, said police had already implemented precautionary measures for such an attack. Miller said he goes to the parade every year and advised both New Yorkers and visitors alike to still show up next Thursday. He added: 'What you see is the psychological warfare of printing materials that indicate to be afraid, be very afraid. We never cede to that. 'On the other hand, we have seen instances where (ISIS) has put out the call and people have risen to that call, which is why we have one of the most robust, complicated counter-terrorism programs in the world, and why we invest so many resources into it.' Macy's Thanksgiving parade, which began in 1924, has been televised every year since 1952 NBC reported that NYPD were planning to park sand-filled trucks and concrete barriers as blockades along the parade route just in case the jihadists managed to rent a truck and planned to drive it into the procession or the crowds. NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill said the parade route would be the safest place in New York City. There are fears that, with ISIS on the retreat and fighting a desperate battle to defend the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, sympathizers or 'lone wolves' could attack soft targets in support of the so-called 'Caliphate'. A Department of Homeland Security online bulletin said: 'Though we know of no intelligence that is both specific and credible at this time of a plot by terrorist organizations to attack the homeland, the reality is terrorist-inspired individuals have conducted, or attempted to conduct, attacks in the United States.' In July a man drove a truck into a packed crowd on the waterfront in Nice, France, killing 86 people before he was gunned down by police. ISIS later claimed responsibility although Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel appeared to have organized the attack without help from the jihadist network. NYPD say the parade route will be the safest place to be in New York on Thursday They may look like models posing for the camera on the set of their latest photo shoot. But the women in the images are actually Russian police officers who have entered a bizarre beauty contest to show women can be beautiful and strong. The competition, which started as part of the Day of Police celebrations in Russia, aims to find the country's 'prettiest' female police officer. Kristina Luneva, left, and Viktoriya Krivosheeva, right, who have both entered the beauty contest Inna Nechaeva from Moscow poses for the camera in her entry picture for the beauty contest Elizaveta Kadetova, also from Moscow, left, hopes to impress the judges with her long hair while Karina Kuznetsova, right, poses in her uniform And since this year's competition was launched earlier this month, entries have been flooding in. Among those taking part is officer Kristina Luneva from the city of Volgograd and her colleague Inna Nechayeva. Viktoriya Krivosheeva from Moscow also entered the competition and in her entry picture can be seen tipping her hat towards the camera. Since the competition was announced earlier this month, entries have been flooding in. Pictured is contestant Milana Erbulatova Anna Seergeeva, left, and Irina Lebedeva, right, are also hoping to impress judges with their looks She is also joined by Elizaveta Kadetova, also from Moscow, who hopes to impress the judges with her long hair. Representing the city of Voronezh are Kristina Shubina and Anna Sergeeva, who both posed for pictures in their full police uniform. Residents in the town of Chekhov in western Russia will be supporting their contestant Karina Kuznetsova while Milan Erbulatova will be representing Volgograd. Russian police say the event is intended to show that people can be strong as well as beautiful. Pictured is contestant Kristina Shubina The final contestant is Irina Lebedeva from the city of Nizhny Novgorod in western Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, whose black curls hang down below her holster. Russian police say the event is intended to show that people can be strong as well as beautiful. Danny Kelly (pictured), 23, drowned off the coast of Zante after he ran into the sea trying to escape a Serbian bouncer on the first day of his 'lads' holiday' in August last year A British holidaymaker who drowned on a Greek island after being chased into the sea by a Serbian bouncer was unlawfully killed, an inquest has heard. Danny Kelly, 23, drowned off the coast of Zante after he ran into the sea trying to escape Nikola Miscevic, 32, on the first day of his 'lads' holiday' in August last year. The father-of-two and his two friends had been at the Cameo club when he ended up in the sea having rocks thrown at him. The inquest heard how, during the assault, Mr Kelly's friend, Martin Spencer, filmed the attack on his mobile. But Miscevic punched him to the head and ripped the phone from his hands, the court heard. Miscevic was arrested, charged and convicted for assault and theft in regards to Mr Spencer, but the Greek authorities did not link his assault with Mr Kelly's death. Miscevic's passport was returned and he was allowed to leave Zante just four days after the incident and he was sentenced in his absence. He is believed to be back in Serbia. In September, it was reported that the Greek public prosecutor had agreed to reopen the criminal investigation against the doorman. Following the verdict today, Mr Kelly's family said they hoped the Greek authorities would bring up charges against Miscevic. Mr Kelly's mother Colette said she believes her son's death has been covered up. His stepfather Tom Gallon added: 'Hopefully it gives us a bit more sway to press the Greek authorities as well. 'We want the Greek authorities to take some action now, bring up charges against Miscevic. 'We think he is back in Serbia now but he is beyond the law there, unless he goes back to Greece.' During the two-day hearing, Mr Kelly's family and friends heard statements from Miscevic and staff at the Cameo Island Club claiming Danny had in jumped in the water of his own accord and they had been trying to get him out. Following the verdict today, Mr Kelly's family said they hoped the Greek authorities would bring up charges against Miscevic. Mr Kelly is pictured above Miscevic claimed he had thrown some pebbles near Mr Kelly (left and right) to get his attention while he swam in the water, but the coroner said the explanation was 'implausible' Miscevic claimed he had thrown some pebbles near Mr Kelly to get his attention while he swam in the water. Speaking today, senior coroner Martin Fleming described this explanation as 'implausible'. 'I record as a matter of fact that Danny was chased directly into the sea, no attempt to rescue him was made,' he said. He told the hearing they may never know exactly what happened in the run up to Mr Kelly's death, adding: 'The only reason he entered the sea was to take refuge from his attacker.' He went on to say he believes Miscevic threw rocks and pebbles at Danny to keep him out at sea. 'I am satisfied they are significant contributions to his death.' The inquest heard Mr Kelly, Mr Spencer and Robert North headed to Cameo Island Club for the White Party at around 7pm on August 23. The father-of-two and his two friends had been at the Cameo club on the island of Zante when he ended up in the sea having rocks thrown at him At around 11.30pm, Mr Kelly told Mr Spencer 'we have to go'. Mr Spencer told his friend he would meet him on the club steps after finding Mr North. Mr Spencer told the inquest that he failed to find Mr North and went to find Mr Kelly, who was not on the steps. He said he began walking towards the rope bridge to the mainland when he saw Mr Kelly running from the opposite direction towards the sea, chased by a larger man. The inquest heard the man allegedly chasing Mr Kelly was Miscevic, who claimed he had been socialising at the White Party. Mr Spencer told the inquest the man stopped chasing Mr Kelly but 'straight away started picking rocks up and throwing them'. He added that the man on the beach was screaming in a language he couldn't understand. Mr Kelly was heard to say from the water: 'I haven't done anything'. Mr Spencer told the hearing he last saw Mr Kelly after he went behind a boulder to avoid the rocks. He said he made his way down to the beach and starting filming what was happening on his mobile phone. 'This guy is a pretty big guy and I thought if I was filming him he would stop,' he told the inquest. The court heard Miscevic then chased Mr Spencer, punched him in the head and stole his phone. He said he immediately went to the Greek police. A search was launched and Mr Kelly's body was found around 3pm the next day. Miscevic admitted he was the man involved and gave the phone he had taken back to Mr Spencer, but the mobile no longer worked. The Serbian and another person associated with the club said they saw Mr Kelly leap off the second floor of the club into the sea on his own accord. They claimed when staff took out a boat to pick Mr Kelly up, he was pulled into the boat but jumped back out again. They said when they finally got him to shore Mr Kelly ran to the end of the jetty and jumped back into the sea again and that's where they left him. Democratic moneyman George Soros and his wealthy friends spent the last three days huddled in Washington contemplating their missteps in the 2016 election. Before the hush-hush meeting of the Soros-founded Democracy Alliance, megadonors to the Democratic Party who helped Hillary Clinton raise more than $1 billion for her White House bid were urged 'to resist the assaults that are coming' from Donald Trump and his allies and 'take back power' from Republicans. 'You dont lose an election you were supposed to win, with so much at stake, without making some big mistakes, in assumptions, strategy and tactics,' Gara LaMarche, president of the Democracy Alliance, admitted in his opening statement. Yet, LaMarche said the group must push forward with its work, according to Politico, even as it undergoes a reassessment. Democratic moneyman George Soros and his wealthy friends spent the last three days huddled in Washington contemplating their missteps in the 2016 election Self-reflection 'must take place without recrimination and finger-pointing, whatever frustration and anger some of us feel about our own allies in these efforts,' he told the group Sunday, per his prepared remarks. 'It is a process we should not rush, even as we gear up to resist the Trump administration.' Soros and the late Peter Lewis formed Democracy Alliance in 2004 in the wake of John Kerry's disastrous electoral loss to George W. Bush. The group was determined to push Democrats to the left by putting pressure on them through outside groups. DA's elite members must donate at least $200,000 a year to an approved list of left-wing organizations such as Media Matters and the Center for American Progress. Dues alone are $30,000. They money pays for the salaries of DA's staff and retreats like the one in Washington this week. Politico estimates that DA members have given more than $500 million to leftist causes since 2005. Their two-election streak ended last week when Clinton, a liberal who was yanked to the left by her primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, lost the White House to Trump, a billionaire businessman who centered his campaign on job creation. Liberals who gave under the banner of the the Democracy Alliance in the last the election donated to Clinton's SuperPAC, Priorities USA, as well. The Washington Post reviewed Clinton's fundraising in October and found that a fifth of the money that went to her campaign, joint fundraising committee, the nominating convention host committee, her PACs and the Democratic Party came from 100 individuals or unions. Five mega-donors and their wives were responsible for one in every $17 dollars that had been spent on Clinton's campaign to that point. Among them: Soros, a hedge fund manager, who donated $9.9 million and Donald Sussman, another hedge fund manager who bet $20.6 million on Clinton. Sussman is also a member of the Democracy Alliance. Hillary Clinton, a liberal who was yanked to the left by her primary opponent, Bernie Sanders, lost the White House to Trump, a billionaire businessman who centered his campaign on job creation, despite a large Democracy Alliance's three-day affair in Washington, D.C. was cram-packed with panels featuring lawmakers such as Elizabeth Warren, left, and Keith Ellison, right, a progressive congressman and a candidate for chair the DNC 'The DA itself should be called into question,' a Democratic strategist attending the meeting told Politico, reflecting on the setback. 'You can make a very good case its nothing more than a social club for a handful wealthy white donors and labor union officials to drink wine and read memos, as the Democratic Party burns down around them.' The three-day affair in Washington, D.C. that began last Sunday was cram-packed with panels featuring lawmakers such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Congressman Keith Ellison, a progressive and a candidate for chair the DNC, and leading liberal figures. A panel on Trump's first 100 days in office described the president-elect's plans as 'a terrifying assault on President Obamas achievements and our progressive vision for an equitable and just nation.' CAP President Neera Tanden, a confidante of Clinton's who routinely complained about liberals helping Sanders in emails to John Podesta that were published by Wikileaks, was a scheduled speaker. Monday afternoon attendees discussed Trump's election through the lens of misogyny 'and the Right's continued assault on women' that 'demonstrates that sexism is still very much manifest in our country.' A Tuesday morning session considered the possibility that the election was 'hacked' by the Russians. A panel on Trump's first 100 days in office described the president-elect's plans as a terrifying assault on President Obamas achievements and our progressive vision for an equitable and just nation.' Trump's seen above on Capitol Hill last week Considerable time was allotted for conversations about 'what happened and what we need to do to go forward.' Warren spoke at a Monday lunch that was listed as 'what happened and why.' Soros was listed as a speaker Tuesday morning, suggesting a sturdy commitment on the Hungarian-born financier's part to future giving to combat Trump. He lived through 'Nazism and Communism, and had devoted his foundations to protecting the kids of open societies around the world that are now threatened in the United States itself,' the agenda said. A British man accused of murdering a Bali policeman has been visited in jail by his vicar father - as his co-accused girlfriend claims the case against her is based on 'imagination'. David Taylor, 34, is on trial accused of murdering officer Wayan Sudarsa, whose bloodied body was found with deep wounds believed to have mostly been caused by a beer bottle. The policeman's corpse was found on Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17. Prosecutors claim he was killed in a row over a missing handbag belonging to Taylor's Australian girlfriend, Sara Connor, 46, who is also accused of murder. Scroll down for video British DJ David Taylor and Byron Bay mother-of-two Sara Connor, 46, are pictured arriving at Denpasar District Court on Wednesday Taylor's vicar father, Rev John Taylor, visited his son before his second trial at Denpasar Court Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa's bloodied body was found on Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17 Taylor's father, Rev John Taylor, visited the British DJ before his second trial at Denpasar Court in Bali today, along with his mother and sister. Taylor, from Stoke Newington in London, and Connor are facing charges of charges of unpremeditated murder, violence causing death, and assault causing death. Police say he flew into a rage and hit the policeman repeatedly over the head with a beer bottle, although his defence lawyer says he was first pushed by the officer. Ms Connor is seen inside a holding cell on Wednesday ahead of her second trial The pair fled the scene, but were later tracked down after witnesses reported the incident to police. Taylor told the court, The Australian reports: 'It is not true that I committed murder, I was only defending myself.' Connor's lawyers plan to claim the allegations against her are 'based on imagination' and 'speculation' when her trial resumes next week, the Australian Daily Telegraph reported. Taylor's lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, said his family were trying to arrange a meeting with Mr Sudarsa's widow, Ketut Arsini, to offer an apology. David Taylor waits inside a holding cell in Bali awaiting trial for the murder of a police officer Previously-dreadlocked Taylor has written to the policeman's wife expressing regret at his death Taylor has already written her a letter. The prosecution alleges the couple were jointly responsible for the officer's death. He had been struck with a beer bottle, binoculars and a mobile phone. Mr Taylor's lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, said his family (mother and father pictured) were trying to arrange a meeting with Mr Sudarsa's widow, Ketut Arsini, to offer an apology British DJ Mr Taylor (left) and his Australian girlfriend, mother-of-two Sara Connor, 46, are co-accused over the death of the Balinese police officer Before the trial it was revealed last night that Taylor - who has shaved off his dreadlocks - has written a heartfelt letter to Ketut Arsini, the widow of the slain police officer. It stated: I really cannot believe that my terrible actions may have contributed to the taking of anothers life. The British DJ, whose dreadlocks have been cut off since the policeman's death, listens to judges during his second trial at Denpasar District Court on Wednesday The fight allegedly began when Taylor 'frisked' the officer in search of Connor's lost purse. Her lawyers will present a 19-page 'excepsi' or challenge to the charges against her. 'We, as the lawyers, feel that we need to give this objection because the indictment was made, not based on the examination, but based on imagination and speculation, so that generally it is made up,' the challenge obtained by Daily Telegraph reads. The only logical charges against Connor could be for concealing evidence, the lawyers will claim. Mother-of-two Sara Connor has admitted cutting up the officer's ID cards, but has rubbished allegations that she is guilty of murder She has previously admitted to cutting up the officer's ID cards before the clothes she and Taylor wore were burned. For that charge, Connor could face nine-months in prison. A panel of three judges could take a week to consider the challenge, Nine News reported. Ms Connor shields her face and holds co-accused Mr Taylor's hand as they walk to the holding cell at court on Wednesday Mr Taylor talks to his lawyer, Haposan Sihombing, on Wednesday A decorated Royal Navy veteran who risked his life on secretive scouting missions during the Second World War has died. Tributes have poured in praising the remarkable bravery of John Bowden, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) and Legion d'Honneur for his service. The 95-year-old was part of a covert group tasked with preparing the Allies for beach attacks during the war. Tributes have poured in praising the remarkable bravery of John Bowden (pictured in the 50s) He was part of the Combined Operations Pilotage and Reconnaissance Parties (COPP), an elite team tasked with scouting beaches prior to major Allied invasions. He would lay unseen, take notes of the beaches and listen into enemy conversations - just yards away from the Nazi guards. He volunteered for the role in 1943 and carried out five missions that helped signal the attack on Sicily in July of that year. His role enabled 150,000 allied troops to land on Sicily in an invasion that forced fascist leader Benito Mussolini to resign. For that he received the Distinguished Service Medal. Bowden, at the front of the canoe, from where he carried out secret scouting missions He carried out similar operations in Normandy in preparation for the D-Day invasion where 150,000 Allied troops took the Germans completely by surprise by landing on five beaches. Although they sustained heavy casualties they gained control of a crucial beachhead which enabled the liberation of France to begin. For that, he received France's top medal for bravery, the Legion d'Honneur. Paying tribute to his father, his son Michael, 70, from Gloucestershire, said: 'John was a devoted family man and always encouraged the children to do their best. 'He found the love of his life with his late wife Doreen - a love that was missing from his early childhood years. 'Although he was short, he was full of energy, was positive, cheerful, keen and enthusiastic.' Mr Bowden, pictured with his late wife Doreen, ended his life in Gloucestershire Mr Bowden was born on July 12, 1921, in central London. By the age of four, he and his four siblings were abandoned by their parents and taken into the care of Portsmouth Corporation, where he stayed until joining the navy at 16. Having completed his gunnery training at HMS St Vincent in Gosport, Hampshire, he joined the doomed HMS Hood as war broke out. By May 1940 he was on the converted merchant ship HMS Foylebank and survived a deadly attack by German bombers in July 1940, which killed 70 people. After recovering, he joined fast patrol boat HMS Dielette where he again cheated death when a German shell passed through the craft's hull without exploding during a raid on Dieppe, France, in August 1942. After the war, John continued to serve in the Navy until 1964, before working with manufacturers Hawker Siddeley in Portsmouth. More than 4,000 people are expected to descend on Coolidge Park to burn off some Thanksgiving pre-meal calories while celebrating a long time Chattanooga Thanksgiving tradition on Thursday, Nov. 24, at the 17th Annual Grateful Gobbler Walk presented by First Tennessee Bank. The family fun event will begin promptly at 8 a.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the Walk will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families located onsite at the Community Kitchen on 11th Street in Chattanooga. This emergency shelter features 13 units with 64 beds and is the first of its kind in Chattanooga, as it provides a stable environment for an intact family to remain together as they search for permanent housing solutions. Since 2014, more than 200 families, comprising of over 500 men, women, and children, have benefited from the programs including meals, case management, and job training provided by the Maclellan Shelter for Families. There will be onsite registration on Thanksgiving morning beginning at 6 a.m. and will continue until 7:45 a.m., just before the start of the 17th Annual Grateful Gobbler. The cost to participate is $25 for walkers/runners 13 year and older and $10 for ages 12 and under. For those who are planning to travel out of town for the holiday or sleep in on Thanksgiving morning, they can still support the Grateful Gobbler by registering either as a Virtual or Sleep Walker for $15. Coolidge Park will be festive and buzzing with Grateful Gobblers beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23, as walkers will be able to pick up their registration packets and T-shirts between 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Pavilion located in Coolidge Park. Twenty six years, three months and 10 days after Ian Manuel, then a 13-year-old boy, shot Debbie Baigrie in the face, the two unlikely friends reunited in Florida for Manuel's first meal as a free man. Baigrie, a 54-year-old model and mother-of-two from Tampa, had spent years fighting for Manuel's release after he was sentenced to three life terms in connection to the shooting. Although Baigrie was the victim in the incident and Manuel was her assailant, the two formed a special bond and became pen pals. Scroll down for video From foes to friends: Debbie Baigrie and Ian Manuel, the man who shot her in the face nearly 27 years ago, celebrated his early release from prison last week. The victim and shooter became unlikely friends during Manuel's incarceration Baigrie, a mother-of-two and a model, showed Manuel, 39, photos of her grandchild on her phone during their touching reunion Having forgiven him for the violent attack, Baigrie also became Manuel's biggest champion, attending many of his court hearings over the years. Baigrie was on hand during the November 10 hearing when a Hillsborough County judge ruled that Manuel, now age 39, was eligible for an early release, having served nearly 27 years of his reduced 65-year sentence. Speaking to WFLA this week, Baigrie, the owner of a monthly health and fitness publication called Natural Muscle Magazine, recounted how she gave Manuel the thumbs up and the two smiled at one another in the courtroom. Hours later, Manuel and Baigrie met at a pizzeria just a few blocks from the spot where he shot her in the face in 1990 for a celebratory meal. It was like this reunion with a long lost son,' she said. I got out of the car, and we just hugged for two minutes. It was very like 26 years in the making.' Forgiveness: Baigrie, left, had spent years advocating for Manuel's release from prison. He was 13 years old when he shot her in the mouth in Tampa, Florida Baigrie later shared selfies from their reunion, showing Manuel hugging her and looking at photos of her grandchild on her cell phone. In a world of racial divide, political divide, lack of compassion and forgiveness... Here we sit, Ian and I, 27 years after he shot me when he was 13, she wrote in a caption. He was released today after 26 years and I was so happy to share his first meal. Baigrie, who was 28 in 1990 and had just welcomed her second child, was walking to her car in downtown Tampa when 13-year-old Ian Manuel came up to her with a friend and demanded change for a $20 bill. Seconds later, the teen pulled out a gun and shot the young mother in the mouth. Baigrie required multiple rounds of facial reconstructive surgery while Manuel was charged with attempted murder and sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in an adult prison, but a 2010 US Supreme Court decision stating that juveniles could not be given life without parole for charges other than murder led to his term being reduced. Worlds apart: Baigrie required multiple rounds of facial reconstructive surgery while Manuel was charged with attempted murder and sentenced to three consecutive life sentences Their correspondence began the second Christmas of Manuel's sentence when he decided to call her. She asked him bluntly why he tried to kill her, he said it was a 'mistake'. He then sent her a card with a picture of a hand reaching through prison bars to offer a red rose. Baigrie said: 'I was in such pain. I couldn't eat. I was angry. But I'd go back and forth. He was just a kid.' The pair had spent two decades corresponding. In one letter Manuel wrote: 'You are about one in a million who would write to a person thats tried to take their life.' Baigrie came to feel sympathy for the shooter, because he was so young at the time, and was troubled by the racial discrimination in the case. 'If he was a cute white boy at 13, with little dimples and blue eyes, there's no way this would have happened,' she told the New York Times in 2014. During her interview, Baigrie praised Manuel for his courage and strength, having endured 20 years of solitary confinement and emerging not as a hardened criminal but as a 'nice guy' who used his time behind bars to educate himself. High praise: Baigrie (left and right) praised Manuel for his courage, having endured 20 years of solitary confinement and emerging not as a hardened criminal but as a 'nice guy' In the days following his release, Manuel relocated to Alabama for a re-entry program that would help him re-integrate into society. He says he is now looking for work and plans to write a book about his experience. Donald Trump met with Ted Cruz on Tuesday to discuss how Senate Republicans can help him implement a 'first 100 days' agenda. But at the same time, his presidential transition team was auditioning the Texas lawmaker for the job of attorney general. The president-elect flayed and fried Cruz as 'Lyin' Ted' during the Republican primary season, undercutting his natural base of support on the evangelical Christian right. A furious Cruz later plotted a series of unsuccessful maneuvers designed to deny Trump the GOP nomination at the Republican National Convention, and ultimately waited months to endorse him. Transition officials wondered whether the resulting tensions had dissipated enough to permit an alliance once the new administration has its kickoff, a Trump aide told DailyMail.com. SMILIN' TED: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz visited Trump Tower on Tuesday to talk about Senate cooperation with the incoming administration, but Trump's aides were eyeing him for attorney general NEW ALLIANCE? Trump and Cruz fought a bitter battle during the Republican primary season FALLOUT: Cruz's refusal to endorse Trump at the Republican National Convention in July left him facing the possibility of a primary challenge in 2018 and created new enemies among fellow GOP senators who would like to be rid of him in Congress The aide also said Cruz, a 45-year-old Canadian-born lawmaker, was asked for his opinion about potential hires for undersecretary-level positions at the Justice and Homeland Security departments. Bloomberg Politics first reported that Cruz was under consideration for an appointment to serve as attorney general. Trump communications adviser Jason Miller told reporters Wednesday at Trump Tower in New York City that Cruz would work with the new administration 'whether there is something within the administration, or whether it's as an ally on Capitol Hill.' 'I think Senator Cruz is happy that were going to have a president whos going to push for conservative reforms, whos going to make sure that were appointing the right kind of Supreme Court choices. And I think Senator Cruz will be a strong ally for President-elect Trump,' he said, without disclosing anything about the thinking upstairs. The conservative firebrand Cruz, who argued nine U.S. Supreme Court cases as the Texas solicitor general, also dodged a question about his status when he spoke to reporters Tuesday night. 'I am looking forward to fighting hard, to actually accomplish and deliver the promises we made,' he said, according to a pool reporter. Voters 'have given Republicans a historic opportunity putting a Republican in the White House, electing a Republican House and a Republican Senate. And it is now time for us to deliver,' he said. NOT SAYING: Cruz wouldn't tell reporters anything about the possibility of his accepting a cabinet-level position SPECULATION: A Bloomberg Politics reporter was first to write about the possible rapprochement between the former bitter rivals Miller said Wednesday morning on 'Fox & Friends' that Cruz 'could be a big asset going down the road.' He didn't comment on whether the senator would be appointed to lead the Justice Department. But CNN, citing a source, reported that Cruz was on a 'long short list' of potential attorneys general. Cruz struck a conciliatory tone after last week's presidential election, saying in a statement that he wanted to help Trump repeal Obamacare, appoint conservative justices and 'drain the swamp' in Washington. 'I am eager to help lead the fight in the Senate to pass the conservative agenda that President-elect Trump promised to the American people,' he added. A Trump spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about Cruz's meeting with Trump and his team. Cruz faces his own home-state political crisis that erupted after his July convention speech in Cleveland, Ohio. When he declined to endorse the man who had beaten him for the nomination advising convention delegates to vote their 'conscience' instead GOP fundraisers and party grandees in Texas began talking about a move to back a Senate primary challenger in 2018. If Cruz remains in Congress, he will need help from the Republican Party to win re-election. ADVICE: An aide said Cruz, shon at right debating Trump in January, was asked for his opinion about potential hires for undersecretary-level positions at Justice and Homeland Security Moderate Republicans would like to see him move into the administration, an aide to a member of the GOP Senate leadership told DailyMail.com. Cruz has become a thorn in their side, filibustering bills and threatening procedural government shutdowns over issues where party bosses would rather be flexible. Another high-profile potential AG, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has signaled that he doesn't want the job. He is now being vetted as a potential secretary of state. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who spoke at several of Trump's Sunshine State rallies and is thought to be on the Justice Department short-list, also visited him at Trump Tower on Tuesday. The New York Times framed the vetting process as a disjointed and chaotic knife fight in Trump Tower. Trump fired back on Twitter. 'Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!' he tweeted. The president of the Czech Republic has taken up Ivana Trump's pitch that she be named U.S. ambassador to the nation where Donald Trump's, saying President-elect Donald Trump's ex is ideally suited to the task. Ivana Trump floated her own name in an interview with the New York Post on Friday, just days after her husband's stunning electoral win. The Czech-speaking former model noted her cultural ties to the country and professional experiences. 'I will suggest that I be ambassador for the Czech Republic,' she told the paper. Ivana Trump has made known her interest in being named U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, in what would be a return to her homeland '[That] is where Im from and my language and everybody knows me. Im quite known all around the world. Not only in America. I have written three books, and they were translated in 40 countries in 25 languages. Im known by the name Ivana. I really did not need the name Trump.' Now, Czech President Milos Zeman is throwing his support behind the idea. He had given support to Donald Trump during the presidential campaign, at a time when other foreign leaders were recoiling at the prospect of his election. 'They could not send a better U.S. ambassador to Prague,' Zeman told her in a telephone call on Wednesday, the president's office said in a statement. Ivana Trump is mother to Donald Jr., Eric, and Ianka Trump. All are closely involved in their father's business, and have been boosters, advisors, and companions during his presidential campaign. NICE VIEW: St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle Archiepiscopal Palace and Prague Castle - Prague, Czech Republic Ivana Trump attends the Massimo Gargia Birthday Party at Hotel de Paris of Saint Tropez on August 21, 2016 in Saint-Tropez, France Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovska Zahrada), Hradcany Castle, St. Nicholas Church Ivana Trump pictured during her appearance on the Italian reality tv series "Celebrity Survivor" Season 7 on Wild Dog Cay in Nicaragua According to the American Foreign Service Association, 30 per cent of President Obama's ambassadorial appointments went to political appointees rather than career civil servants. The 67-year-old socialite was born in Zlin in what was then Czechoslovakia. Although her divorce from Donald Trump made for tabloid fodder, Ivana Trump was supportive of her ex husband's presidential campaign. 'I'm rooting for him,' she said in April. In July of 2015, after the DailyBeast published a report based on a 1990s deposition where Ivana Trump had said Donald Trump had made her feel 'violated' during an 1989 episode in their marriage, she issued a statement knocking down the story. 'I have recently read some comments attributed to me from nearly 30 years ago at a time of very high tension during my divorce from Donald,' she said in the statement. 'The story is totally without merit. Donald and I are the best of friends and together have raised three children that we love and are very proud of. I have nothing but fondness for Donald and wish him the best of luck on his campaign. Incidentally, I think he would make an incredible president.' Her suggestion about the ambassadorship, reported by Czech media over the weekend, has been welcomed by other politicians but most enthusiastically by the president's office, whose spokesman said on Twitter it was a great choice. It was another sign of a sharp pro-American U-turn by the Czech presidential administration. Zeman was one of the few European politicians who vocally backed Trump in his campaign for the U.S. presidency. After the real estate billionaire won the election in a surprise victory a week ago, Zeman held a rare press briefing in which said he was "very happy" with Trump's victory and that the two shared opinions on immigration and terrorism. Like Trump, the outspoken Czech president has often railed against "elites" critical of his leadership and has warm views towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Unlike Trump, Zeman is very keen on deepening ties with China. Despite his country's NATO membership, Zeman has often repeated the Russian line on the conflict in Ukraine and was not invited to the White House under President Barack Obama. He has had an open feud with current U.S. ambassador to Prague, Andrew Schapiro. In 2015, he "closed the door" of Prague Castle to the envoy for a time, after he made comments perceived as critical of the Czech president's decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow. It was towed into open water and destroyed at 4pm today The Royal Navy today destroyed an unexploded 500lb German World War Two bomb which closed Portsmouth harbour for six hours when dredging workers discovered it on the sea bed. Nearby shopping centres, houses and a train station were evacuated as experts carefully removed the torpedo which had lay dormant in the harbour for over 70 years. Passengers on board cross-channel ferries faced hours of disruption prior to the controlled explosion, which happened at 4pm today. The Royal Navy today destroyed an unexploded 500lb German World War Two bomb Contractors completing works ready for the arrival of the Royal Navy's new 65,000 tonne state-of-the-art ship HMS Queen Elizabeth discovered the German UXB torpedo while dredging Portsmouth Harbour, Hampshire, this morning. Bomb disposal experts rushed to the scene after it was brought to the surface while work was carried out west of Victory Jetty. The bomb was towed from Portsmouth Harbour, Hants, out to open waters 1.5 miles east of the Isle of Wight. Contractors at Portsmouth Harbour found this unexploded torpedo, pictured, this morning The discovery of the 500lb World War Two explosive caused the harbour, pictured, to be sealed off by police It was the third time in just over two months that the harbour was closed due to an unexploded World War Two bomb being located by dredgers. Contractors found it at 5am this morning as they prepared for the arrival of the Royal Navy's new 3.1bn 65,000 tonne state-of-the-art ship HMS Queen Elizabeth. Overnight ferries from France and Spain were held out at sea while the harbour was sealed off, with a 500 metre exclusion zone put in place. Bill Oliphant, Captain of Portsmouth Naval Base, said: 'This is the third piece of historic ordnance found in the harbour during the dredging works since September. 'We worked closely with Hampshire Police and Portsmouth City Council to ensure we dealt with this incident in the safest way possible, at the same time causing least disruption to the city.' Commander Del McKnight, in charge of the bomb disposal team involved in the operation, added: 'Everything went smoothly. 'We were pleased to be able to get the operation completed in daylight today. Despite being old, these devices still pose a very serious threat when they are moved.' The Royal Navy confirmed the 70-year-old bomb would be towed to open water and then destroyed It is the third time in just more than two months the harbour, pictured, has been closed due to the discovery of unexploded bomb Police cordoned off a 550-yard area and stopped all cross-channel ferries from operating This morning three Brittany Ferries were also being held out at sea - two from Caen and St Malo in France and the other from Bilbao in Spain. Since work started on the dredging the seabed September, two other unexploded devices have been discovered by workmen - the first on September 10 and the second on September 29. Both were taken safely out to sea before being safely destroyed by bomb experts off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Driver Hector Fraire (pictured) was arrested for reckless driving and felony eluding A 19-year-old man was arrested after authorities say he traveled at 208 mph on an Oklahoma highway. Driver Hector Fraire is accused of going 138mph over the speed limit in the Saturday incident. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said Monday: 'On Saturday morning, November 12th, Trooper Ryan Smith #629 was working stationary radar on the Kilpatrick Turnpike in Oklahoma City. 'He checked a Mustang twice at speeds of 85 and 84 mph (in a 70mph zone) and turned around to stop the vehicle.' The OHP added that 'The Mustang quickly accelerated and Trooper Smith checked the speed at 176 mph and an additional time at 208 mph. Scroll down for video Driver Hector Fraire is accused of speeding Saturday on the Kilpatrick Turnpike 'The driver also turned off the headlights and break lights, attempting to elude Trooper Smith.' Fraire was driving a 2011 Ford Mustang, Fox 25 reported. A deputy with Canadian County told the trooper he saw a similar vehicle, OHP said. The highway patrol said: 'Trooper Smith caught up to the Mustang at a red light at Northwest Expressway and HWY 3 and initiated a traffic stop. 'The driver of the Mustang turned south, pulled over and dropped his keys out of the drivers window.' Fraire was arrested for reckless driving and felony eluding, and the deputy determined Fraire's in a local racing group. In what has been hailed a 'milestone for McDonald's', the chain is adding a little heat to its Big Mac, changing the recipe for the iconic burger for the first time in 50 years. The fast-food chain is currently testing out a new version of its Big Mac at select locations in Ohio that will include a spicy Sriracha Mac sauce. Customers will also get a chance to dunk their fries and McNuggets into the sauce that will also be offered a la carte as a dipping sauce, according to Business Insider. McDonald's is currently testing out a new version of its Big Mac at select locations in central Ohio that will include a spicy Sriracha Mac sauce The Sriracha Big Mac will be tested at 126 locations in central Ohio from now through the end of the year, and if the test goes well, McDonald's could start offering it nationwide, the company said. The traditional Big Mac consists of two 1/10-pound beef patties, a sesame seed bun with an extra layer in the middle, two slices of cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and is topped off with Big Mac sauce. The recipe for the new, spicier creation has been slightly tweaked, adding the Sriracha hot chili sauce. Becca Harry, a McDonald's spokeswoman, has called the move a 'milestone for McDonald's.' The recipe for the new, spicier creation has been slightly tweaked, adding the Sriracha hot chili sauce (pictured) McDonald's already tested out signature Sriracha sandwiches and sauce at stores in Southern California and Seattle this summer. The Sriracha Big Mac comes after news that McDonald's will be rolling out mini and mega versions of the Big Mac early in 2017. The Mac Jr will be made with a single 1/6lb patty and the Grand Mac will be made with two 1/6lb patties. The two new sandwiches were tested earlier this year in Ohio and Dallas. McDonald's chef Mike Haracz said McDonald's looked at several different spices and sauces before pairing the Big Mac with Sriracha. 'There's so much testing up front before we even take a product to market,' he told Columbus Business First. 'Sriracha is still very popular. When we combined that with our Big Mac sauce, the purchase intent went through the roof.' McDonald's is not the only fast-food chain to have dabbled with recipes including Sriracha sauce as Jack in the Box, Burger King and Wendy's also have too. A heartwarming video has captured the moment a Florida teacher was serenaded by her young students all dressed in pink when she returned to school after beating breast cancer. Jill Bass, a third-grade teacher at the Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication in Bradenton, came back to work on Monday after five weeks off to recover from surgery. The 35-year-old was led from her classroom to the schools courtyard by students under the pretense of taking a class picture. But instead, she was greeted with a sea of pink the rest of the school, parents, friends, family and her four-year-old son Nathan who waved pink pom-poms and waved signs before bursting into a rendition of Rachel Plattens Fight Song. A heartwarming video captured the moment Jill Bass (above) was serenaded by her young students all dressed in pink when she returned to school after beating breast cancer The song, which has become an anthem for those battling cancer, was already one of her favorite songs but has now taken on a new meaning. I was overwhelmed with tears in my eyes and I just couldnt believe it, Bass told Inside Edition. She added: I like the song anyway, and it has such a personal meaning now, even more so than it ever did before. Almost every time I was at chemo, I would listen to that song just to kind of get me through. The third-grade teacher at the Rowlett Academy in Bradenton, came back to work on Monday Bass's students, family and friends gathered in the school's courtyard to welcome her back The idea was thought up by Linda Sheldon, another teacher at the school, who executed her plan with her colleagues. Shes a pretty private person, so when we came up with this I wasnt sure how shed react, but it was perfect, she told the Bradenton Herald. Bass, who has worked at Rowlett Academy for 13 years, said that support is an integral part of the schools culture. Nine-year-old Jade Campbell, one of her students agrees. Bass (above) says she is now cancer-free, but will have to continue undergoing chemotherapy treatments once a week I think that our school is a very supporting school, she told the Herald. Bass said shed noticed changes to her right breast in early 2015, but she ignored it. She was diagnosed in May. Knowing that shed miss the end of the last school year and the beginning of this year for her treatments, shed written a letter to the parents of her pupils. The crowd sang Rachel Platten's 'Fight Song' to Bass, who said she listened to the song during chemotherapy Children formed a marching band and waved pink pom-poms during the celebration They were incredibly supportive, she said, and some of them made up the crowd welcoming Bass back to school. Bass says she is now cancer-free, but will have to continue undergoing chemotherapy treatments once a week. President Elect Donald Trump met with New York mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday, and the left-wing city leader said he lost no time in letting the Republican billionaire know how he and New Yorkers felt. De Blasio said he had a 'candid' and 'substantive' discussion with Trump during a 62-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan. Before the election, the mayor had made no secret of his opposition to the candidate. 'I think the right way to start a relationship is to put your cards on the table,' he said in a press conference held outside the midtown skyscraper. 'I obviously supported another candidate. And she won the popular vote substantially as we all now know, but my job as mayor of New York City is to work with the president-elect while maintaining very clearly my beliefs, what I think is in the interest of the people of this city. 'There still has to be a dialogue under any situation. It was a 62 minute meeting, so clearly there was a lot of give and take, but the proof will be in the pudding,' he said. NYC mayor Bill de Blasio said he had a 'candid' and 'substantive' discussion with Trump during a 62-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan 'I think the right way to start a relationship is to put your cards on the table,' de Blasio said in a press conference Wednesday Since his election, Trump has huddled with advisors and met with people who could staff his administration. He met with President Obama at the oval office and spoke by phone with Hillary Clinton. But he hasnt given himself many opportunities to get an earful with someone opposed to his agenda. De Blasio said he tried to describe to Trump the attitude of the people of New York - a city where one subway boasts walls full of anti-Trump Post-it notes. 'I let him know that many New Yorkers were fearful, and that more had to be done to show that this country can be open,' De Blasio said, citing concerns over anti-Semitism and other hate crimes. He said he had also highlighted the controversial appointment of Steve Bannon, former head of right-wing news site Breitbart, as the White House's new chief strategist. 'I made my views clear and my deep concerns about Mr Bannon. In fact, I thought many people were afraid because of things they had seen in Breitbart News and the fear they have that that suggested divisive policies, so I made those views clear,' De Blasio said. De Blasio added that among the issues he and Trump discussed were immigration policies and his campaign's suggestions of setting up a deportation force. 'I reiterated to him that this city and so many round the country will do everything it can to protect its residents and make sure families are not torn apart,' he said. He said that the NYPD had concerns that deportation drives would 'cause a rift' between police and community and make it 'impossible' for the two to communicate. De Blasio has been an outspoken opposer of Trump. Pictured, the two at the 9/11 memorial ceremony on September 11 this year in New York 'There still has to be a dialogue,' de Blasio told reporters The pair also discussed stop-and-frisk - a controversial policy which Trump has supported, and which has been ruled unconstitutional in terms of how it had been applied in New York. De Blasio reiterated his view that 'since we changed the policy, the city has gotten safer.' One reporter asked about traffic concerns in midtown. Traffic has been snarled in the area due to Trump's motorcade and additional security around Trump Tower where he lives. 'I will not tell you that Gucci and Tiffanys are my real concerns in life,' de Blasio said, in reference to the luxury stores which neighbor the tower. 'But I will say that traffic situations are a real problem,' he added, noting it was something his team was talking over with the Secret Service. He sounded a cautious note of optimism that he and the President Elect would be able to maintain some sort of relationship. 'Its well known we have v substantial differences in beliefs and ideology. At the end of the meeting we agreed this is a conversation that can continue,' he said. 'Im not going to assume based on one meeting what the outcomes will be...were it goes from here will tell us a lot. Ive certainly made it clear that Im open to a dialogue. But nothing in peoples fundamental beliefs changed in the meeting, obviously. The balls in his court. A jury has convicted a man for fatally shooting a student and wounding two others at a small private Seattle university in 2014. On Wednesday, the King County jury found Aaron Ybarra guilty of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and one account assault for the attack at Seattle Pacific University that killed 19-year-old Paul Lee, of Portland, Oregon. He faces a sentence of 88 to 111 years in prison and will be sentenced on January 27. Ybarra had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Jurors began deliberating the case on Monday afternoon following several weeks of testimony and rejected Ybarra's insanity defense. A jury has convicted Aaron Ybarra (above, being led into the courtroom on Wednesday) for fatally shooting a student and wounding two others at a small private Seattle university Defense attorney Ramona Brandes had sought at trial to show that Ybarra suffered from a debilitating mental illness and limited intellectual function and that he believed God was directing him to shoot. But prosecutors had argued the crime was premeditated and that Ybarra knew what he did was wrong. King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Richardson told jurors during closing arguments that Ybarra didn't mention God, Satan or Lucifer directing him to carry out the rampage until months after the shootings. The trial, which began October 10, included testimony from Ybarra as well as student and safety monitor Jon Meis. Aaron Ybarra listens to the jury's verdict at Superior Court while sitting next to his defense attorney, Ramona Brandes on Wednesday Paul Lee (pictured left) was shot dead by Ybarra at Seattle Pacific University on June 5, 2014 Meis was hailed as a hero for taking down the gunman during the shooting on June 5, 2014. He testified at trial that he waited to hear the shooter reload his shotgun, took pepper spray out of his backpack and sprayed the gunman in the face twice. Surveillance video showed Meis wrestling the shotgun away, stashing it in an office and returning to tackle Ybarra again as Ybarra struggles to pull a knife. Prosecutors had argued the crime was premeditated and that Ybarra knew what he did was wrong. Above, Ybarra appears in court on June 6, 2014 Ybarra also testified over two days and told jurors he was compelled by the voices of God, Lucifer and Satan to carry out a campus shooting, The Seattle Times reported. He also said he identified with Eric Harris, one of two student gunmen responsible for the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. But Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kristin Richardson said Ybarra never mentioned God, Satan or Lucifer until months after the shooting took place. Jurors also took a short field trip to the campus hall where the shooting occurred. The annual Christmas tree harvest is underway after the first fir from one of Britain's biggest plantations got the chop. More than a quarter of a million trees are set to be sold to households across the country after ten years of growing in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Experts said the trees have benefited from prime weather conditions, with an early spring, warm summer, mild and early autumn and light frost before harvest. Scroll down for video More than a quarter of a million trees are set to be sold to households across the country after ten years of growing in Ellon, Aberdeenshire And they will now be transported across the country to be sold in DIY shop B&Q - the country's biggest Christmas tree supplier. Those cut are replaced, with more new trees planted than the number harvested. Hans Rafn from the Green Team in Ellon said: 'It's quite the task harvesting quarter of a million Christmas trees in such a short period of time. 'However, it's really rewarding to see eight to 10 years of hard work come to fruition. 'This year has been a great one for harvesting trees, and we can't wait to get them in people's homes.' More people are opting for real Christmas trees, with a Nordman Fir a favourite species. Friday of November to be a service to others. A month devoted to celebrating family, friends, and demonstrating gratefulness, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga staff and Board of Directors designated the secondof November to be a service to others. We rely solely on volunteers to help us transform communities and build decent, energy efficient, and affordable homes for working families enrolled in Habitat for Humanitys homeownership program, said David Butler, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. Each year, we devote a full day of service in November so that Habitats staff and Board of Directors can work alongside each other as a team to give back. Its indeed a blessing to be a blessing! No arrests have been made at this time, but police are reportedly looking at James Rackover, the adopted son of sources claim that Comunale was stabbed multiple times and his body was put in a suitcase before it was buried The body of a 26-year-old Connecticut man who went missing after attending a party in Midtown Manhattan has been found buried in a shallow grave. Joseph Comunale, who goes by the name Joey, was discovered in a wooded stretch on the Jersey shore early Wednesday. His partially-burned remains were found inside a suitcase that had been buried behind Foggia's Florist in the town of Oceanport. There were multiple stab wounds on the victim's body. Comunale was reported missing at 8am on Tuesday by his father after he never returned home from his weekend trip to New York City. His family is travelling to New Jersey at this time to identify the body. No arrests have been made at this time, but the New York Daily News is reporting that police are looking at James Rackover. He is the adopted son of famed jeweler Jeffrey Rackover, who has designed baubles for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and was responsible for Melania Trump's $3million engagement ring. Scroll down for video Missing: Joseph Comunale (pictured), who goes by the name Joey, was reported missing at 8am on Tuesday by his father and his body was discovered on Wednesday Two men were taken into custody on Tuesday, and one of the men reportedly told authorities the location of the body (one of the men being taken in above) James Rackover (above) is reportedly being looked at by police at this time Rackover is the son of jeweler to the stars Jeffrey Rackover (above), who has an apartment in the building Police were reportedly able to locate the body immediately after being tipped off by the killer (above in Oceanport) NBC News report that Comunale was with two men at a club on West 14th Street on Saturday night and that at the end of the evening they headed back to the apartment on 59th Street with three women. The three women then left early that morning, and Comunale was seen reentering the building around 7:30am. It is not known why he left the building or what for at that hour. A woman, who police identified as a friend of the victim, is consoled by another woman on the long driveway that leads to the rear of Foggia Florist in Oceanport, New Jersey on Wednesday Oceanport police control access on the long driveway that leads to where the body was found on Wednesday On Wednesday night, NYPD investigators could be spotted outside of the luxurious building as crime scene tape blocks off a section On Wednesday evening the search around the posh apartment building continued Some time after he returned the men reportedly got into a fight and Comunale was stabbed multiple times. Then at some point a person inside called the front desk to request a luggage cart. Not long after that, a man was recorded on surveillance video using the cart to transport two pieces of luggage out of the building. A building employee was also reportedly asked by the an individual in the building how long video surveillance was kept before it gets erased. Rackover's grandfather spoke to the Daily News and said of his grandson: 'To me, he was a sweet loving kid. I dont know him in any other sense. Its a shock. I love that kid. I cant see him doing something like that.' He then added: 'Who knows what went on at that party?' Rackover reportedly hired a lawyer on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening the search around the building continued, with one DailyMail.com reporter discovering police officers combing the bushes outside with flashlights Police were later seen shining flashlights outside the building onto the ground below Comunale reportedly did not know the host of the party, and had only met him that night Friends left tributes to Comunale (above) on Tuesday after he was reported missing Comunale's parents were reportedly heading to New Jersey to identify his body (above with friends) On Tuesday, authorities found a pair of pants that are believed to belong to Comunale, and bloody sheets inside of a garbage bag near the apartment building on East 59th Street and First Avenue. The NYPD K-9 team also found blood evidence on one of the luggage cart's used by a resident in the swanky building. On Wednesday evening the search around the building continued, with one DailyMail.com reporter discovering police officers combing the bushes outside with flashlights. They were also spotted leaning out of the apartment building's windows shining flashlights below and on the side of the building. Police are said to have found blood evidence in both the apartment and car, despite attempts to clean both. Earlier this year Comunale posted a photo with his friends at a Giants game Comunale, who attended Hofstra University, was recorded on surveillance video entering the apartment on late Saturday An NYPD K-9 team found blood evidence on one of the luggage cart's used by a resident in the building where Comunale was last seen and they confiscated it as evidence (above) Authorities carried out bags of evidence from the luxury co-op building located in Midtown East on Tuesday evening as the search for Comunale focused within the complex Jeffrey Rackover (above with Lorraine Bracco) has an A-list clientele that includes Jennifer Lopez and multiple Real Housewives cast members Jeffrey was also the man responsible for Melania Trump's engagement ring Also on Sunday night, the NYPD received an unrelated 911 call about a man dragging a suspicious trash bag out of the fancy co-op building, which is located at 418 East 59th Street in Midtown East, sources told the TV station. As authorities investigated the suspicious bag call, it was determined that Comunale, who worked as a sales associate at for security product company Tri-Ed Ltd., had visited the exact same luxury building. A man on a first date was shot dead outside an Atlanta bar after getting into an argument with another man and making a comment about voting for Donald Trump. Mitchell Mormon Jr, 32, was gunned down outside of Church bar on Edgewood Avenue around 3am on Saturday in a double shooting, WSB-TV reported. At the time, he was on a date with Shaunita Walker, 25, who was also shot and suffered injuries to her arm. She is now recovering out of state. Scroll down for video Mitchell Mormon Jr, 32, (pictured left and right) was gunned down outside of Church bar on Edgewood Avenue around 3am on Saturday in a double shooting Police tape is pictured around the bar following the shooting outside Mormon, a father-of-three, and Walker had met a week before during an orientation for new employees. Mormon had only just accepted his new job. Their date started out as a good evening but quickly turned deadly after Mormon got into an argument with a man who pulled a gun on him as he and Walker left the bar. The tragic ordeal reportedly unfolded as Walker went back into the bar to get her phone when the alleged gunman, who she said is Hispanic, tried to talk to her and said something disrespectful. She said she told Mormon what happened and he then confronted the suspected shooter, according to WSB-TV. Mormon and the man began arguing and at one point Mormon jokingly told the man he voted for President-elect Trump and he would be gone next week, Walker said. The two men continued arguing before the suspected shooter left, went around the corner and returned with a gun, opening fire, Walker told WSB-TV. Police respond to the scene of the early Saturday shooting above Mormon had reportedly gotten into an argument with a man outside Church bar (pictured) when he made a comment about voting for Donald Trump and the man later opened fire 'When I heard the first shot and it went into my arm, I just grabbed my arm and began to scream,' Walker said. 'And then I heard two more shots and I saw Mitchell on the ground.' Walker said she tried to comfort Mormon after he was shot, telling him to breathe and that everything was going to be okay. Police have since released video footage of two men they are working to identify in connection with the shooting. Police released video footage of two men (circled) they are working to identify in connection with the shooting Those two men include a one who appears to be Hispanic, wearing a white jacket and blue jeans and a white male in a hooded sweatshirt, carrying a backpack (shown above) Those two men include one who appears to be Hispanic, wearing a white jacket and blue jeans and a white male in a hooded sweatshirt, carrying a backpack. Walker said she does not think Mormon's Trump comment played a role in the shooting. She told WSB-TV the gunman was looking for trouble from the very beginning. Now, she is asking the public to come forward with any information about who is responsible for the shooting. 'He took somebody's life for no reason,' she said of the gunman. As police search for those responsible, Mormon's parents (pictured) said they have already forgiven their son's killer, they just want closure at this time Mormon pictured above with his mother. He leaves behind three children ranging in age from three months to eight years old As police search for those responsible, Mormon's parents said they have already forgiven their son's killer, they just want closure at this time, WGCL-TV reported. Mormon leaves behind his three children age three months old, four years old and eight years old, according to his mother Gloria. His father, Mitchell, described his son as a 'lovable person' who enjoyed playing sports. 'He loved getting everybody else involved playing. He was just a lovable person and everybody loved him,' He said. Diana Gomez learned the horrifying news her daughter had been shot dead from her hospital bed A mother-of-three who was shot in a robbery on Monday woke up in her hospital bed the next day to be told that her youngest daughter was killed in the attack. Diana Gomez, 27, was unloading groceries from her car Monday evening, when she and her three children were approached by a group of men who demanded that she hand over her purse. When she refused, the men started shooting - killing Gomez's four-year-old daughter Ava Castillo and seriously injuring her other daughter Betzida, age 10. Gomez's five-year-old son Isaiah was also there, but was uninjured. The mother and her two daughters were rushed to the hospital, where Ava later died. Betzida, nicknamed Betsy, was grazed by a bullet and has since been released to stay with her father, who is also caring for Isaiah. Gomez was hooked up to a breathing tube when she regained consciousness on Tuesday, but she was able to communicate with family members with pen and paper. The first thing she asked was how her daughters were doing. Scroll down for video Diana Gomez (left) woke up in the hospital on Tuesday to find that her four-year-old daughter Ava Castillo (right) had been killed in a robbery the night before Gomez (right) was unloading groceries when robbers approached and demanded her purse. When she refused, they started shooting at her and her children. Elder daughter Betzida (top) was grazed by a bullet. Ava pictured bottom Around 1pm, family members came into her room to inform her that Ava had died. 'She couldn't speak. All she could do is cry. But you could definitely see the pain in her face,' Gomez's sister Julie told the Houston Chronicle. Julie described her niece as a 'sweet little girl' who was 'always so happy' and jolly. 'I think out of the three she was the spotlight,' Julie added. 'She loved messing with her brother and sister.' Gomez's family have rallied around her hospital bed to comfort her as she processes her daughters death. Family members include her two brothers, her fiance, as well as Ava's father and his family. Gomez's parents live outside of the country but were arriving Wednesday. A man was taken in for questioning on Tuesday in relation to the shooting. Above, a view of the scene Gomez was in critical condition after the shooting but is expected to make a recovery. Above, a view of the scene Sheriff's Deputy Thomas Gilliland called the incident 'horrendous' and said they are reviewing surveillance video (pictured, a makeshift memorial outside the apartment) A GoFundMe has been started to help raise money for Ava's funeral. Gomez was in critical condition after the shooting but is expected to make a recovery. Police believe as many as three people were involved in the armed robbery. On Tuesday, police took one man into questioning at a motel just six miles away from the scene. A gun was recovered at the motel, similar to the one used in the murder. Twitter suspended several accounts belonging to prominent members of the alt-right movement the same day it announced new measures to combat online abuse. Richard Spencer, head of the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist think tank, says his personal Twitter account, as well as the accounts for the institute, his magazine, and publishing company, were all suspended this week without notification. The Twitter accounts of alt-right personalities Paul Town, Pax Dickinson, Ricky Vaughn and John Rivers also were suspended. Richard Spencer (pictured), a white nationalist who coined the term 'alt-right', says his personal account, along with accounts for his think tank and magazine were suspended The alt-right has been especially prominent after Steve Bannon, the former head of Breitbart, was appointed as Donald Trump's Chief Strategist. Bannon once described the conservative news website as the 'platform for the alt-right.' 'The Alternative Right is a set of far-right ideologies, groups and individuals whose core belief is that white identity is under attack by multicultural forces,' according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Spencer, a white nationalist who is credited with popularizing the term 'alt-right,' told the Washington Post: 'Twitter and probably Facebook too...I think they are deeply triggered by Trumps election. Steve Bannon (pictured), the former chairman of Breitbart, was appointed as Donald Trump's Chief Strategist 'I think theyre triggered by this narrative that social media helped elect Trump and they think that they have to do something about it. Well, the fact is social media did help elect Trump,' he added. He also posted a YouTube video after his account was suspended, and likened Twitter's actions to the Night of Long Knives, an operation led by Hitler to purge his own political party of potential enemies. He said: 'I am alive physically, but digitally speaking there have been execution squads across the alt-right.' Spencer added: 'It is corporate Stalinism. There is a great purge going on, and they are purging people based on their views.' Spencer said: ' I and a number of other people who just got banned were not even trolling. I was using Twitter just like I always used Twitter, to give people some updates and maybe comment on a news story here and there.' But Twitter pointed to its 'hateful conduct' policies when asked why the accounts were suspended. They state: 'You may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease.' The company also issued a statement that said: 'The Twitter Rules prohibit violent threats, harassment, hateful conduct, and multiple account abuse, and we will take action on accounts violating those policies.' The Twitter accounts of alt-right personalities Paul Town, Pax Dickinson (pictured), Ricky Vaughn and John Rivers also were suspended Spencer also mentioned Milo Yiannopoulos, a controversial writer for Breitbart whose Twitter account was revoked twice and then permanently suspended after he attacked Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones this summer. After Jones faced a barrage of sexist and racist attacks from countless Twitter users, the social media platform was criticized for not stepping in sooner. The company acknowledged its shortcomings in July, and issued a statement that said: 'We are continuing to invest heavily in improving our tools and enforcement systems to better allow us to identify and take faster action on abuse as its happening and prevent repeat offenders.' On Tuesday, Twitter announced it was expanding a 'mute' feature, to block certain keywords, phrases, and conversations from appearing as notifications. President-elect Donald Trump has captured the White House, but he may have to wait a while to ensconce himself inside the Oval Office. Former George W. Bush advisor Karl Rove said Wednesday that major security upgrades are planned for the ceremonial office and seat of presidential power and that it could put the office out of commission for up to a year. If that occurs, he said, President Trump might have to spend up to a quarter of his term working out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building across the street where President Richard Nixon labored and made some of his infamous White House recordings. 'My understanding is that for the first year of his time in office, President Trump will not have the Oval Office,' Rove told Fox News on Wednesday. DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE: President-elect Donald Trump would have to relocate across the street if renovations to beef up security in the Oval Office were to take place 'President Obama could have told the Secret Service, I know you want to modernize the Oval Office with security enhancements literally strip it down to the bare walls and build it back up so weve got bullet proof glass and so forth and so on, security arrangements in it, in my last year in office,"' Rove said. 'But Instead he said, "Why dont you do that [with] whoever comes next so the president of the United States, President Trump, my understanding is, will spend most of his first year using Richard Nixons old office in the Old Executive Office Building across executive drive and up the Navy steps." He was referring to the renamed Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the ornate building on the White House grounds that houses many top government officials. Trump, a real estate mogul, is particularly attuned to the importance of location, architecture, and all that it signifies. He repeatedly stressed during the campaign that his new luxury hotel located in the former Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C. was 'under-budget and ahead of schedule.' The building dominates the DC skyline, and is located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. RESOLUTE: President Obama worked out of the Oval Office throughout his tenure, though President-elect Donald Trump might not be so lucky Obama administration employees stand on a balcony of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in hopes of catching a glimpse of President-Elect Donald Trump's arrival at the White House November 10, 2016 in Washington, DC COULD USE SOME WALL-TO-WALL: The Oval Office was renovated in 2001 Richard Nixon, seen here with Vice President Gerald Ford, used the Oval Office mainly for ceremonial purposes AT LEAST THE APPLES ARE PORTABLE: Trump would have to vacate the office for up to a year during renovations A worker refurbishes the Oval Office for President Kennedy's arrival Trump currently is holding transition meetings from inside Trump Tower on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. A Secret Service spokesman wouldn't comment on or confirm the existence of any such renovation plans. 'That would have to come from the White House staff,' Shawn Holtzclaw of the Secret Service told DailyMail.com. The White House didn't immediately provide comment while President Obama was overseas. Back in 2013, around the time of a major construction project that occured on White House grounds, RealClearPolitics reported on construction of a replica Oval Office to be housed inside the OEOB during a planned two-year West Wing renovation. The report also referenced a 'down-to-the-studs' overhaul. The article by Alexis Simendinger noted that Herbert Hoover had to endure substantial repairs to the 1909-designed office following a 1929 electrical fire. President Nixon used the Oval Office for ceremonial purposes. He made Room 180 inside the OEOB his working office, and used it to record many of the Watergate tapes in the 1970s. Vice President Joe Biden hosted his successor, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, for a two-hour lunch today at the Naval Observatory, telling reporters afterward that he would be 'available to him 24-7.' 'So I plan on being available to Mike as senior staff for him as he moves,' Biden said. 'He'd be smart to reject most of my ideas, but I think he'll listen,' the vice president then quipped. The veep and the Indiana governor were joined by their spouses Jill Biden and Karen Pence. Daughter Charlotte Pence was also on hand, but didn't join the families for lunch. Scroll down for video Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (left), the incoming vice president, spent two hours at the Naval Observatory today with Vice President Joe Biden (right) and his wife Jill (center) Vice President-elect Mike Pence, along with his wife Karen (left), got a tour of the vice presidential digs with the current residents Jill and Joe Biden (right) The Pences got a tour of the Naval Observatory during the visit today. 'I hope they enjoy this home as much as Jill and I have,' Biden said. He also told reporters that he thought their meeting went 'very, very well.' Asked if he believed the Trump Administration would be ready on day 1, Biden responded, 'No administration is ready on day 1,' adding that that was the case for the Obama Administration as well. 'I've never met one that's ever been ready on Day 1, but I'm confident on Day 1 everything will be in good hands and they'll be able to handle everything,' Biden said. Reporters also asked the current veep if he was worried that team Trump would dismantle the work he had accomplished over the past eight years. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (left) gives Vice President Joe Biden (right) a pat on the back, as Biden tells reporters he'll be available to Pence '24-7' 'He'd be smart to reject most of my ideas, but I think he'll listen,' Vice President Joe Biden (right) said of incoming Vice President Mike Pence (left) 'No I'm not,' Biden said, pausing as Pence's motorcade pulled up to whisk the vice president-elect away. 'No I'm not worried about it. Look, they ran on a platform they're gonna try to move,' Biden continued. 'I think there's a lot of things that were done where [we] can reach some accommodation.' As Pence's motorcade pulled away, Biden told reporters covering him that the weather at the Naval Observatory was always like this in the 60s and sunny though both men had just missed a little rain. The vice president and the vice president-elect met for the first time last week in Biden's West Wing office, around the same time President Barack Obama was meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. The two pols 'spoke about their time working together in Congress and their friendship dating back many years.' Before Pence headed back to Indiana to become governor of the Hoosier State, he served in the House of Representatives. 'The vice president talked with the vice president-elect about the key duties of the vice president, and discussed a number of specific policy portfolios that have been a critical focus for him during his time in office, including NATO and eastern Europe and expanding access to the middle class,' according to the vice president's office. Veteran radio host Bianca Dye will replace her friend Robin Bailey after she was hired weeks before the breakfast broadcaster was axed. The Brisbane radio personality was told she would be sacked after 10 years of service to the 97.3FM Breakfast show on Monday morning and was 'completely blindsided'. The mother-of-three had celebrated her 46th birthday with her co-hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher in the studio just 24 hours earlier. On Thursday, it was revealed Dye, whose Gold Coast radio career spans 20 years, was hired as Bailey's replacement last month and will start in January. Scroll down for video Veteran radio host Bianca Dye (pictured) will replace Robin Bailey and was hired weeks before the breakfast broadcaster was axed Just hours before she was sacked, Robin Bailey was joined by her fellow co-hosts Terry Hansen (second from right) and Bob Gallagher (second from left) as they sang happy birthday to her ARN National Content Director Duncan Campbell is believed to have secured Dye's contract last month. In a statement on Thursday, Mr Campbell said they hoped to re-sign Bailey, but information provided to the ARN they were 'were led into a position where we were unable to proceed with contract renewal'. 'Bianca was only signed very recently, and only once it was made clear that we couldnt meet contract expectations with Robins management,' he said. Dye, who has been friends with Bailey for years, will be leaving her afternoon hosting gig at Southern Cross Austero after less than 12 months. Last year, Dye announced she would step back from radio to focus on starting a family after publicly speaking about her fertility issues. But in November 2015, doctors performed their last egg retrieval, ending her IVF journey. 'After an emotional 2 years of IVF (miscarriages/being told i need an operation to contain my endometriosis asap etc) my doc pretty much said this egg retrieval today will be my last [sic],' Bianca wrote on Facebook at the time. She returned to Gold FM's Drive show in February. On Tuesday, Bailey spoke of the 'distressing' moment she found out she had been sacked - coming just a year after she broke down on air as she opened up about her husband's suicide. On Thursday, it was revealed Dye, whose Gold Coast radio career spans 20 years, was hired as Bailey's replacement just last month and will start in January Bailey (pictured) was told she would be sacked after 10 years of service to the 97.3FM Breakfast show on Monday morning and was 'completely blindsided' Dye (pictured), who has been friends with Bailey for years, will be leaving her afternoon hosting gig at Southern Cross Austero after less than 12 months 'I find this really distressing, this is just so awful,' she The Courier Mail. 'I'm just honestly completely at a loss. 'The fact that they say (Australian Radio Network) they tried really hard is a joke.' Her comments comes after content director Duncan Campbell said they were unable to renew the contract due to both parties 'We tried very hard to keep Robin at 97.3,' Mr Campbell said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'While we won't comment on specific elements of contract negotiations for privacy reasons, what we can say is this negotiation was ongoing for a long period of time with Robin's management. 'We are very disappointed we weren't able to agree to terms, but unfortunately, based on the information ARN was consistently given throughout the negotiation process, we were led into a position where we were unable to proceed with contract renewal.' Bailey's husband of 16 years Tony Smart (left, with Bailey) committed suicide in September 2014 after a long battle with depression. She broke down on air last year over his tragic death The breakfast show took to Twitter to reveal Bailey was not returning after sudden shake-up On Tuesday morning, co-hosts Hansen and Gallagher expressed their shock on air over Bailey's sudden departure. 'We've had some shock news with the departure of our friend Robin,' Hansen said. 'But she's a fighter and she will bounce back. We will miss you Rob.' Gallagher added 'we wish Rob the best and the show must carry on.' Bailey broke down on air last year after she opened up about her husband's suicide She said she had been negotiating the terms of her contract for 'some time' and believed they were progressing well, Mamamia reported. 'The announcement today that I am leaving the 97.3FM breakfast team has come as a complete shock,' she said following her departure. 'I have been blindsided by ARN's decision not to renew my contract.' She said she expected a more respectful approach to the process and thanked her listener for their support. Bailey thanked her audience for their support on Monday afternoon and vowed to return to the airwaves. 'I love radio and I have loved my 10 years on air at 97.3FM,' she said. 'It was not only a job for me, it has been my home, my family and you the listeners have been my friends and supporters in the good times and the bad. 'After such a long and positive relationship at 97.3 I would have anticipated a more respectful approach to my departure.' Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher are to remain and will be joined by a new host. ARN intended to provide information about the new version of the show in the near future. Bailey's husband of 16 years Tony Smart committed suicide in September 2014 after a long battle with depression. Computer sciences student Peter Odukoya, 27, was jailed after police heard the woman, 20, pleading: 'I don't want this' A brave young woman trapped a sex attacker by secretly recording her ordeal on her mobile phone. Computer sciences student Peter Odukoya, 27, was jailed after police heard the woman, 20, pleading: 'I don't want this. I'm very drunk'. Cardiff Crown Court heard Odukoya offered the 20-year-old a lift home with friends on a girls night out after she recognised him from the same university. He dropped the other friends off first - and headed back to his own flat with the drunken young woman. But her 'instincts kicked in' in the car and turned on her phone's recording app. Her phone recorded her pleas for him to stop saying 'Please, I have a boyfriend' and 'I don't want this. I'm very drunk'. The court heard how he sexually assaulted her after she slumped on his settee despite her pleas. She managed to push him off and lock herself in his bathroom, before ringing a friend to pick her up. The girl later gave the disturbing recordings to police, and Odukoya was found guilty of sexual assault at Cardiff Crown Court. Harry Baker, prosecuting, told the court: 'She was left humiliated. It affected her grades. 'She says 'it completely took my dignity away'.' Andrew Davies, defending, said Odukoya had been suspended from his computer sciences course after the sex assault. He said he had brought 'shame' to his family in Nigeria, who had saved up to send him to study in the UK. Mr Davies said: 'His father has completely disowned him and cut him off from his family, which will affect him for the rest of his life.' Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Eleri Rees QC told Odukoya: 'This girl sat on your settee, and without warning you pulled down her trousers and her knickers. Cardiff Crown Court heard Odukoya offered the 20-year-old a lift home with friends on a girls night out after she recognised him from the same university 'She pleaded with you to stop. She was extremely distressed. 'You have showed no remorse. You said nothing of a sexual nature occurred which was undermined by the recordings. 'You took advantage of a young woman who was very vulnerable.' Odukoya, a computer science student, of Treforest, Pontypridd, was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault. A Rutgers University professor was reportedly taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation after making 'threatening' comments about shooting white people, flag burning and gun control in light of Donald Trump's election. Kevin Allred - best known for his women and gender's study class 'Politicizing Beyonce' - was at his Brooklyn home when police arrived on Tuesday night. Police had responded to his home after Rutgers police told NYPD that had Allred made 'threats to kill white people,' according to the New York Daily News. Scroll down for video Rutgers University professor Kevin Allred said he was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation after making 'threatening' comments about flag burning and gun control in light of Donald Trump's election Allred recounted the whole ordeal on Twitter and said police told him he was a threat 'based on political statements' he made on 'campus and on Twitter' Officers said they were there after several failed attempts to get in touch with him by Rutgers officials, but Allred told the Daily News he has no record of school officials trying to reach him. Cops then loaded the adjunct professor into an ambulance and took him to Bellevue Hospital where he spent two hours and underwent an evaluation. When he was released, he tweeted, calling the ordeal a 's*** show' and said it was part of a crackdown on free speech amid Trump's election. Rutgers officials said a student had filed a complaint about Allred, but did not elaborate. 'The Rutgers University Police Department responded to a complaint from a student and took all appropriate action,' a Rutgers spokesman told NJ.com. 'We have no further comment.' Allred tweeted as he was taken from his Brooklyn home by police and to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. He later tweeted after his release, saying it was a 'proof positive Trump's crackdown on free speech has absolutely begun' Allred recounted the whole incident on Twitter and said police told him he was 'a threat based on political statements' he made on 'campus and on Twitter.' 'They've forced me to now undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the hospital,' he tweeted. 'They brought me by ambulance tho i'm not under arrest technically.' 'And this is for exercising my f***ing first amendment rights. i'm being labeled a threat and put in a psych hospital,' he added. This 'is proof positive that Trump's crackdown on free speech has absolutely begun,' he tweeted. Allred told the Daily News that during class on Tuesday he had asked students about the presidential election and flag burning as a form of protest. Allred made headlines for his women and gender's study class 'Feminist Perspectives: Politicizing Beyonce' (pictured) Cops loaded the adjunct professor into an ambulance and took him to Bellevue Hopsital (file photo above) where he spent two hours and underwent an evaluation Later on Twitter, he said he asked if conservatives would care as much about the Second Amendment if guns killed more white people. 'In class, we talked about flag burning generally as a form of protest, and what does the flag mean to different people,' Allred told the Daily News. 'Then I made a comment, essentially saying, "Would people feel the same way about being so lenient with the Second Amendment if people went out and got guns to shoot random white people?"' He had also tweeted asking for the university's response in addressing 'the fears of MANY RU students for their safety in Trump's Amerika (sic)' following the election. After spending two hours at the hospital, Allred said he was released after doctors agreed he had no 'psychological issues.' Allred said he was deemed a threat after asking if conservatives would care as much about the Second Amendment if guns killed more white people (shown above) He said they thought it was 'ridiculous' he had been brought in for an evaluation. 'Even the doctors thought it was ridiculous to take me to a psychiatric hospital and force me into evaluation. it was f***ing intimidation,' he tweeted. Allred indicated that he was later forced by Twitter to take down the post about the Second Amendment on Wednesday or risk having his account shut down. He also tweeted that students should participate in a walk-out to protest Trump's election that was set to place on the university's New Brunswick campus. 'Now more than ever it's important to fight back, make your voices heard, push for change in WHATEVER way you can. cuz Trump wants us silent,' he tweeted. 'And the new regime will go to even greater lengths to silence us. Trump has already proved it true before taking office. let's not let him.' Allred's ordeal comes as students across the country are staging walkouts since Trump's shock victory on November 8, carrying signs with messages like 'spread love,' 'my black is beautiful' and 'make America gay again.' Rutgers officials said a student had filed a complaint about Allred, but did not elaborate. File photo of the university above Allred's ordeal comes as students across the country are staging walkouts since Trump's shock victory on November 8, carrying signs with messages like 'spread love,' 'my black is beautiful' and 'make America gay again' (protest on Wednesday at Rutgers shown above) Students at the University of Chicago participate in a walk-out and rally to protest President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday On Wednesday, college students planned rallies and walkouts to call on school administrators to protect students and employees against immigration proceedings under Trump's presidency. Walkouts were planned at at dozens of schools, including Yale in Connecticut and Rutgers in New Jersey. Organizers are calling for their schools to become havens for people who may face deportation and rallying supporters on social media with the hashtag #SanctuaryCampus. Yale student organizer Ramon Garibaldo said the actions are inspired by demonstrations that broke out at high schools around the country last week following the Republican's presidential election victory. Said Democrats should not 'mimic' Trump in order to win more election ' - and refused to criticize Hillary Clinton for losing to him Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison, a leading candidate for party boss, is practicing his barbs against the Republican president-elect. 'Donald Trump is the single worst person ever to win the nomination of a major party,' Ellison said in an episode of Vice News Tonight. Trump is a 'bad person' who made numerous racist and sexist comments throughout the course of the 2016 campaign, said Ellison, an African-American Muslim who represents Minnesota in Congress. 'It's just deplorable,' Ellison said, catching himself. Democratic Congressman Keith Ellison, a leading candidate for party boss, is practicing his barbs against the Republican president-elect. 'Donald Trump is the single worst person ever to win the nomination of a major party,' Ellison said Losing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton generated a media firestorm when she referred to Trump's supporters as a 'basket of deplorables' over the summer. Clinton noted that she was being 'grossly generalistic' before she unloaded on Trump voters as 'racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic -- you name it.' Ellison told Vice News Correspondent Evan McMorris-Santoro that he was talking about Trump and 'the way he campaigned in this election,' not his supporters. A 10-year veteran of Congress, Ellison announced his intent on Monday to run for Democratic National Committee Chairman. He told Vice New Tonight in an interview that aired Tuesday the Democratic Party must do some 'soul-searching' before the next set of elections. 'It should never have been this close,' he said of last week's election. The progressive lawmaker refused an opportunity to berate Clinton for her part in the defeats that Democrats endured at every level of the federal government. 'I'm not here to talk about what she should have done,' he said. 'I'm sure we'll have some talks about what have gone differently, but even that is speculation as to whether it would have worked.' Ellison said the superdelegate process must be reformed and so should the party's fundraising mechanism so it is 'paid for by the people.' Trump is a 'bad person' who made numerous racist and sexist comments throughout the course of the 2016 campaign, said Ellison, an African-American Muslim who represents Minnesota in Congress. Trump is pictured in the Oval Office last Thursday The black congressman echoed President Barack Obama, who said Monday that he didn't win states like Iowa because the demographics worked in his favor - his success was based on his 87 visits to the state, and said, 'white people voted for Obama two times in a row.' 'I think if you look someone in the eye and you listen to them and show them you respect them, then they get that. That means something to them,' he said. And, it's not as if Democrats turned out as many blacks or Latinos as they had in the past, either. 'So this idea that it's just the white working class, I think is a misnomer,' Ellison said of Trump's electoral success. Democrats shouldn't try to 'mimic' Trump to win the next round, he likewise said. 'Being who we are, fighting for the people that we care about is gonna be good enough.' Ellison, a deputy whip in the House, has quickly consolidated support from fellow lawmakers representing every corner of the Democratic Party since his Monday announcement. Outgoing Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is backing him. So is Reid's replacement, Chuck Schumer. Democrats shouldn't try to 'mimic' Trump to win next time, Ellison argued. 'Being who we are, fighting for the people that we care about is gonna be good enough.' Students are seen here protesting Trump in Chicago yesterday One of the few legislators to endorse Bernie Sanders in the party primary for president, the independent senator, who caucuses with the Democrats, is repaying the favor, mobilizing his national network to help the Minnesota congressman win the influential position. Ellison also has the blessing of Rep. Raul Grijalva, who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus with him. Grijalva's name came up early on as an acceptable chair within progressive circles, but he's indicated that he believes the job should go to Ellison. Progressive groups like the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and MoveOn are throwing their weight behind Ellison, too. Former DNC Chair Howard Dean is also elbowing his way into position. Dean led the party to victories in the House, Senate and White House and says he can do it again. Ellison cannot, he's said, citing the congressman's day job. The defendant charged with multiple violations related to the illegal killing of a bull elk during last months Tennessee elk hunt has pleaded guilty to all charges. Timothy C. Copeland, 56, of Crossville, pleaded guilty in Campbell Co. General Sessions Court yesterday to four charges including: Shooting from a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting in a closed area, and possession of illegally killed big game. TWRA Wildlife Officer Michael Cavins reports that on Tuesday, around 6:30 p.m., Copeland spotted a bull elk while driving a truck in the Adkins Mtn. area of the NCWMA. He then exited the truck and shot the elk from the roadway. Copeland was drawn to hunt in Elk Zone 5 but harvested the animal in Elk Zone 2 in violation of his permit that requires hunters to stay within their drawn zone. Copeland and two accompanying observers then took the elk to the NCWMA headquarters for analysis by TWRA, and biologists became concerned when Copeland could not produce accurate GPS coordinates or identify the location of the kill. Officers began investigating the incident leading to seizure of the 5x6 bull weighing 580 lbs. that had been taken a meat processor in Crossville. A Browning 30-.06 rifle was also collected. Copeland appeared before Judge Amanda Sammons in Campbell Co. General Sessions Court yesterday at 9 a.m. pleading guilty to all charges.The Campbell Co. District Attorneys Office negotiated a plea agreement with the defendant who was not assessed fines on the charges, but was ordered to pay a court cost of $325.50 in addition to $9,750 in restitution for the bull elk. The firearm belonging to Copeland was returned and his privileges to hunt in Tennessee have been revoked for one year. Additionally, he is not permitted to enter into the TWRA elk drawings for 10 years. The hide and antlers were forfeited to TWRA to be used for educational purposes and the meat is to be donated to worthy recipients. In New York, residents of one apartment complex were having the Trump name taken off of their buildings on Wednesdays. But in Russia, residents of one town called Ryazan want to name a street after the U.S. President-elect. Earlier this month, a Change.org petition was started to change the name of the 2nd Bezbozhnaya Street to become the Street of Donald Trump. 'Recently elected U.S. President Donald Trump is a big friend of Russia and is a supporter of traditional values,' the petition reads. Citizens in Ryazan, Russia (seen above) are petitioning to have a street named after Donald Trump 'Recently elected U.S. President Donald Trump is a big friend of Russia and is a supporter of traditional values,' the petition reads. Bezbozhnaya Street translates to 'Godless Street' in Russian. It is one of two streets with the same name in Ryazan, both were named shortly after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. In overthrowing Tsarist rule, the new Communist rulers sought to vanquish religion for good, encouraging Atheism. But some modern Russians now find the name 'Godless' as offensive. 'In itself, the street name "Godless" is contrary to Russian values and insulting the feelings of believers,' the petition reads. The petition has apparently been a success, gaining enough attention for official review by local leaders. But it's unlikely that the street name will actually be changed because streets are usually only named after famous persons five years after their death. The 2nd Bezbozhnaya Street s seen from above in Ryazan, Russia Many commenters on the post still thought it was a good idea. 'This will strengthen the friendship between our two fraternal peoples,' a man named Ruslan Kuvatov from Moscow wrote. Jordan Nikolai, from Fort Worth, Texas, added: 'I'm signing because I was born in Ryazan and Trump is a great person and will change everything for the better.' Others were more skeptical of the idea. New charges: Anna Yocca, 32, of Tennessee, has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, attempted procurement of a miscarriage and attempted criminal abortion A Tennessee woman accused of attempting to perform an abortion on herself using a coat anger last year now faces three new charges of aggravated assault with a weapon, attempted procurement of a miscarriage and attempted criminal abortion. Anna Yocca, of Murfreesboro, was served with the new counts against her on Saturday. She was originally charged with attempted first-degree murder, but that count was later reduced to aggravated assault. The three new counts filed by a Grand Jury replace that charge. Yocca was arrested in December 2015 after the failed attempt to end her pregnancy in September, according to police. The woman was 24 weeks pregnant when officials said she filled a bath tub with water and attempted to perform an abortion on herself using a coat hanger, according to The Daily News Journal. After Yocca began bleeding profusely, her boyfriend rushed her to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. She was then transferred to Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, where doctors delivered her preterm baby, a boy, weighing just 1.5lbs. The newborn survived, but doctors said the child will require medical attention for the rest of his life due to injuries to his eyes, lungs and heart sustained during the attempted abortion, according to WGNS Radio. Yocca, pictured, was arrested in December 2015 after the failed attempt to end her pregnancy in September; her baby son survived but suffered injuries The baby boy was placed at the time in the custody of the Department of Children Services. It is unclear where he is now. Two U.S. officials say the engineer of a commuter train that slammed into a New Jersey station at double the 10mph speed limit in September, killing a woman, suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnea. One of the officials says investigators are looking at it as a potential cause. The officials were briefed on the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter. Scroll down for video The engineer of a commuter train that slammed into a New Jersey station at double the 10 mph speed limit in September suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnea Thomas Gallagher, 48, right, was diagnosed with sleep apnea after the crash. Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, left, was killed while standing on the platform They told the AP on Wednesday that 48-year-old Thomas Gallagher was diagnosed with the condition after the Sept. 29 crash in Hoboken. The National Transportation Safety Board said it wasn't able to confirm specifics of the engineer's health. Gallagher told investigators he had no memory of the crash and remembered waking up on the floor. A union representing Gallagher didn't immediately respond to a message. Lawyer Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, was killed while she stood on the platform. She had just dropped her toddler off and was on her way to work when killed. Donald Trump and Mike Pence have spoken with more than two dozen heads of state since their stunning election victory eight days ago, their transition office said Wednesday. The list includes Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, leader of the nation Trump bashed the most on the campaign trail. The two men met in Mexico City on August 31. It also includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, the bogeyman blamed by the Democratic Party for interfering in America's election by allegedly orchestrating a vast email hacking enterprise aimed at undermining Hillary Clinton. Trump's transition team released a list of 'foreign leaders who have offered their congratulations on winning this historical presidential election.' The transition's press office did not respond to a question about whether Trump, or Pence, or both men had spoken to the foreign leaders. HELLO, MR. PRESIDENT-ELECT: Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence have spoken with a telephonic parade of foreign leaders since their election eight days ago PHONE TREE: Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (center) lead countries Trump lambasted on the campaign trail, and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) was rumored to have intervened in the Nov. 8 election itself SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the second world leader to reach Trump on the phone, after Egypt's president The catalog of names is dominated by nations in two regions of the world, with the largest number coming from the Middle East, followed by Europe. Trump has vowed to firmly engage in Middle-Eastern conflicts including long simmering Israeli-Palestinian tensions and the increasingly long-tentacled global battle against the ISIS terror army. In addition to longtime Trump ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the president-elect and vice-president elect took calls from heads of state in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. European well-wishers included leaders in Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Chinese President Xi Jinping called, as did Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Missing from the Trump team's list is President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, a U.S. ally, where lawmakers three months ago considered banning Trump from their country after he said some terrorists being admitted to the U.S. have come from the island nation. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (left), United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (center) and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (right) were among Middle Eastern heads of state to wish Trump and Pence well Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's president (left), King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al Hussein (center) and President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi (right) also made it through IN PERSON: Trump met with the U.S. president, Barack Obama, last week in the White House Duterte said in March that Trump's proposals to restrict or monitor Muslim immigrants in the United States were unacceptable. 'Donald Trump is a bigot. I am not,' he said then. Muslims comprise less than 6 per cent of the Philippine population, but they represent the second most active religion in the nation where 86 per cent of citizens are Roman Catholics. Duterte changed his tune on Tuesday, declaring at a news conference that he wants to establish strong relations with Washington. 'We have no quarrel,' he told reporters in Manila. 'I can always be a friend to anybody, especially to a ... president, chief executive of another country.' Other presidents and prime ministers with Trump Tower on their call list since November 8 have hailed from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Colombia, Canada and India. In addition, either Trump or Pence spoke with outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who predicted on Tuesday that Trump will ultimately change his mind about the urgency of combating global warming. British Prime Minister Theresa May (left), Danish Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen (center) and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (right) had Trump Tower on their call lists ... ... and so did Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko (left), Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel (center) and French President Francois Hollande Trump tweeted a partial list on Wednesday, reacting to a New York Times story that mentioned only calls from the leaders of Egypt, Israel, Russia and Great Britain The presidential transition's telephonic parade of nations was released following a New York Times story that mentioned only calls from the leaders of Egypt, Israel, Russia and Great Britain. 'I have spoken to many foreign leaders. I have recieved [sic] and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said,' Trump said Wednesday morning in a series of three tweets. 'Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. Advertisement Syria's brutal dictator who used chemical weapons on his own people said yesterday Donald Trump will be a natural ally in fighting terrorism. Bashar al-Assad said Mr Trump would be a friend to his regime, Russia and the Iranians if he lived up to his promises and tore up existing Western policy. The U.S. President-elect has said it was madness to oppose both Syrian forces and Isis terrorists and that fighting Syria could lead to fighting Russia. Trump said on Friday he would most likely seek an agreement with Vladimir Putin. He said: Ive had an opposite view to many people regarding Syria. Current U.S. policy is to strike against Isis while supporting moderate rebels opposed to Assad. Graphic shows attacks launched by the Russian military this week on the Syrian cities of Aleppo, Idlib, and Homs Meanwhile, Putin withdrew from the International Criminal Court yesterday amid calls from Britain for his military to face prosecutors over air strikes against civilians in Syria. It means Russia cannot now be tried for war crimes in the court in The Hague. Tomorrow, PM Theresa May and other European leaders will meet President Obama to discuss an extension to sanctions against Russia. But as Edward Lucas outlines here, Donald Trump has very different ideas. The restoration of the Soviet empire is under way and America is not going to stop it. That is the chilling conclusion we must draw from Donald Trumps first few days as President-elect, in which he received what he termed a beautiful letter from Vladimir Putin, followed by an amicable phone call in which the two pledged to restore friendly relations between Washington and Moscow. Then, yesterday, Syrias President Assad said that Mr Trump would be a natural ally alongside Russia in the bloodsoaked Syrian civil war if he fulfils his pledge to fight terrorism. Assad and Putin are, of course, at the forefront of the aerial bombardment that began on Tuesday against rebel-held areas of the city of Aleppo after several weeks of relative calm. The U.S. President-elect has said it was madness to oppose both Syrian forces and Isis terrorists and that fighting Syria could lead to fighting Russia. Pictured is a jet taking off from Russia's Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier The assaults were launched by war planes and via missile attacks from a Russian aircraft carrier stationed off the Syrian coast, and came just a few hours after Trump and Putin had their first conversation since last weeks American election. The message could hardly be clearer that the U.S. President-elect does not see it as a priority to stop Russian aggression outside its borders. It seems not to matter that the sanctions America has imposed on the Kremlin regime are a result of its aggression against Ukraine, and human rights abuses inside Russia. Or that the frontline states of Nato Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland rely on a U.S. security guarantee to bolster their own defences. Trump prizes strength in other leaders. And he wants to do deals with them. Cherished American principles such as liberty and justice count for nothing. He has no time for Americas traditional Western allies, regarding them as a costly bunch of free-loaders who do not pay their fair share towards Natos military capabilities. If, in appealing for military or diplomatic support, these countries invoke their past loyalty and sacrifice during Americas wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, they fear the answer from Trump will be: Sorry, suckers. Trump said on Friday he would most likely seek an agreement with Vladimir Putin. He said: Ive had an opposite view to many people regarding Syria. Pictured is a Russian airstrike in Syria This blustering, cynical and short-sighted outlook is a gift for Russia, whose bellicose leader termed the collapse of the Soviet Union a geopolitical catastrophe, and who is determined to put it back together. That is why I believe its no exaggeration to say Putin, not Trump, is the biggest winner of the American presidential election. The irony is that at home, President Trump will be constrained by his inexperience, and by Americas solid political institutions. The real damage will be done abroad to us and to others who depend on strong defence and intelligence ties with America. Intelligence experts fear Putin will offer President Trump a Grand Bargain some time in 2017. The outline would be simple. The West drops sanctions, stops pestering the Putin regime about its appalling human rights record, accepts that the Kremlin has a sphere of military and political influence in Eastern Europe, and treats Russia as a serious global player. In return, Putin would offer counter-terrorism co-operation against the constant threat of Islamist attacks around the world, a brokered peace in Syria (meaning an end to the floods of refugees to Europe), and an easing of military tensions around Russias western borders. He would promise no doubt oozing sincerity a future of peace and friendship. The deal-loving tycoon, still settling into the Oval Office, would jump at this Grand Bargain, regarding it as a piece of international statesmanship. He would boast about saving billions of dollars by being able to pull American troops out of Europe. In truth, this deal would be as shameful as the Yalta summit of 1945 at which Stalin outmanoeuvred Britain and America, consigning Eastern Europe to misery and captivity within the Soviet Empire. It would also have echoes of the Munich Agreement of 1938 in which our Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain sought to appease Hitler by letting him dismember our ally, Czechoslovakia. Either way, the Grand Bargain would be both cynical and astonishingly dangerous. Current U.S. policy is to strike against Isis while supporting moderate rebels opposed to Assad. But Donald Trump has very different ideas. Pictured, Russian aircraft on the Admiral Kuznetsov Countries such as Estonia would fight, just as Ukraine has, rather than submit to a Kremlin take-over. We would be drawn in and would face an emboldened and powerful Russia and without American help. Putins goal is both stealthy and simple: the end of the West as a coherent cultural and political entity. Russia loathes the idea that the rich democracies of North America and Europe should run the world. Their rules-based international order takes no account of Russias history as a great power and its need for a sphere of influence on its borders. In theory, we should be winning what, in my 2008 book, I termed a New Cold War. The advanced democracies have a combined population of roughly one billion, and a combined GDP of 35 trillion. Russia has a population of 140 million and GDP of a mere 1 trillion. Russian spies have already showed their capabilities brazenly in the U.S. presidential election. Pictured, cruise missiles launched from the Admiral Grigorovich But Putins arsenal of money, propaganda, mind-games and dirty tricks has given him outsized clout. Even this week, we have seen the influence of Moscow spreading beyond Russias borders. Russian-backed candidates have won presidential elections in Bulgaria, a Nato member, and Moldova, Europes poorest country, on the Black Sea. Russia also has the keen support of Hungarys strongman leader Viktor Orban. The fact is Moscow stokes instability and division across swathes of Europe helped, of course, by the dismal performance of the eurozone economy, and public fears about unchecked migration. Trumps weakness is vanity. He has a colossal ego, responds with childlike eagerness to flattery, is over-confident in his own abilities and unwilling to admit mistakes. Putin described him as a yarkiy (vivid) character. But the same word in Russian can also mean bright. Trumps interpretation surprise, surprise was that the Russian leader had called him a genius. Russian spies have already showed their capabilities brazenly in the U.S. presidential election. In an unprecedented public pronouncement, Americas intelligence chiefs blamed Russian hackers for breaking into computers at the headquarters of the Democratic Party during the early summer. Russia then leaked emails showing that party bosses were trying to help the establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton, and stymie her party rival, the firebrand Left-wing senator Bernie Sanders. Trump then actually called on Russia to hack into Clintons emails unashamedly encouraging foreign interference in the worlds most important election. Shockingly, the Trump campaign included several figures with links to the Kremlin. One key aide, Paul Manafort, benefited from multi-million-dollar business deals with pro-Russian oligarchs. Trump himself is the biggest cheerleader for Russia. He refuses to discuss what appear to be extensive, long-standing and mysterious business connections there. Pictured, a Russian missile launch at an unknown location in Syria He advised Viktor Yanukovych, the now-disgraced Ukrainian president and Putin ally toppled in 2014. Dogged by allegations of gangland ties, Yanukovych fled to Russia shortly before the Kremlin launched its war against Ukraine. Manafort spent the best part of a decade polishing the image of this man a Kremlin stooge reviled by his own people. Another Trump aide showed similarly flawed judgment. General Michael Flynn, a former spy chief, stunned observers by joining celebrations including a dinner where he sat near Putin marking the tenth anniversary of RT, the Kremlins foreign propaganda network. Even more controversial is the career of Carter Page, a Trump intimate who spent much of his career advising the firm Gazprom. Nominally Russias national gas company, this outfit stands accused of being a highly politicised branch of Kremlin foreign policy which is battling charges of systematic market-rigging in eastern Europe. Page has defended Putins policies and decried even the limited sanctions imposed on Russian banks, energy companies and arms makers for invading Ukraine. Rescuers and civilians inspect a destroyed building in the Syrian village of Kfar Jales, on the outskirts of Idlib, following air strikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes on November 16 A Russian missile is launched near Aleppo, which is being pounded by airstrikes as part of an offensive against rebel-held areas But Trump himself is the biggest cheerleader for Russia. He refuses to discuss what appear to be extensive, long-standing and mysterious business connections there. He praised an anti-Western polemic by Putin as a masterpiece, and has repeatedly lauded the Russian leaders (in truth dismal) leadership in bringing stability and prosperity. Some wonder if Trumps Russian connections mean that he is a witting Kremlin stooge. Thats unlikely: his useful idiocy, in Lenins phrase, is enough. True, the two men share a nihilistic world-view, in which might is right, and values mean little. The difference is Putin is a ruthless former KGB officer, skilled in the arts of deception and recruitment. Trump is the shallow and self-indulgent scion of a wealthy family, who has escaped numerous well-deserved comeuppances through bluff and bombast. It is easy to see which of the two men will come off best in a tussle of wills and wits. Trump prizes strength in other leaders, such as Vladimir Putin. And he wants to do deals with them. Cherished American principles such as liberty and justice count for nothing With Putin holding most of the cards, the outlook for the democracies of Europe and North America ranges from bleak to terrifying. Without the weight of America to hold it together, the West squabbling, weak-willed and ill-led is now easy prey for the Kremlin. And having pulled up the drawbridge, President Trump can shrug and turn his back on the chaos his isolationism has unleashed. Americans may live to regret that. But in the meantime we will be paying the price. The University of Pennsylvania says a former University of Oklahoma student who sent racist text messages to black Penn freshmen had been offered admission to the Ivy League school in May. Officials at the Philadelphia university say the student who hasn't been publicly named decided to enroll at Oklahoma instead. Because he was offered admission, the student had access to a private Facebook group for Penn's class of 2020. That's how he got students' contact information and added students to a chat group describing 'n***** lynching' by racist Trump supporters on Friday. Oklahoma officials say the student who sent the messages referencing lynching and racial slurs through the GroupMe messaging app is no longer enrolled there. Black freshmen at the University of Pennsylvania were added to racist GroupMe chats by anonymous users who threatened them with lynchings Penn officials are working to prevent similar student access issues in the future, and Penn police are working with Oklahoma officials on an FBI investigation. One of the chat group threads was titled 'Trump love', while another was called 'Mud Men'. The ringleaders of the group hid behind usernames including 'Daddy Trump'. The terrified freshmen took to social media after alerting university officials to the hateful groups which were started in Oklahoma. In one group, titled Mud Men, one member by the name of Ashlyn Ball created a 'daily lynching' event. The chat group icon was a photograph of a black man in a prison jumpsuit. In another group called Trump Love, the administrators called black freshmen 'stupid n******' and 'slaves' Officials at the university (above) said the chats had been started in Oklahoma In another titled 'Trump Love', one person called another a 'stupid n*****' while others referred to them as 'c**ns'. University of Pennsylvania staff said they were 'appalled' by the messages and were working to find out who was behind them when the messages first emerged. 'We are absolutely appalled that earlier today Black freshman students at Penn were added to a racist GroupMe account that appears to be based in Oklahoma,' a statement released by President Amy Gutmann read. 'The account itself is totally repugnant: it contains violent, racist and thoroughly disgusting images and messages. This is simply deplorable. Black students took to Twitter and Facebook to say they were 'petrified' after being added to the groups 'Our police and information security staff are trying to locate the exact source and to determine if any steps can be taken to block the account.' The freshmen took to Facebook and Twitter to share their fears after being added to the groups. ' Quite honestly I just can't stop crying. I feel sick to my stomach. I don't feel safe. 'This is personal. To all my fellow black students, the Vice Provost office is open for you as a safe space,' said one. 'I am petrified and all I want to do is cry,' another said. Trump graduated from The University of Pennsylvania in 1968. His daughter Tiffany is also an alumnus. President-elect Trump graduated from the university's Wharton School of Finance in 1968 (above with his father, Fred) Thousands of college students across the country have held 'walk outs' in an attempt to make campuses a 'sanctuary' for undocumented immigrants, gay people, Muslims and other minorities. The protests were part of the '#SanctuaryCampus' movement, and took place at some of the country's most prestigious schools on Wednesday afternoon. The walk outs took place at more than 100 colleges, including NYU and Columbia in New York City, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Notre Dame, Stanford, USC, Rutgers, the University of Michigan, and Oberlin College in Ohio. Scroll down for video Hundreds of NYU students are seen in Washington Square Park in Manhattan during protests to make college campuses 'sanctuaries' for undocumented immigrants The action is designed to ensure campuses become safe spaces for the most vulnerable people in America - 'undocumented immigrants, Muslims, Black people, Queer people, and all people of color,' according to Cosecha Movement. The protests were especially focused on immigrants, with protesters saying they fear what could happen to them once Donald Trump takes office. 'Actions are not necessarily directed at school administration, but about supporting undocumented students on campuses and their fears about what can happen to them and their families under a Donald Trump administration,' organizer Vera Parra told CNN. NYU students gathered in Washington Square Park in Manhattan, with many chanting and carrying signs. A massive crowd of students is seen outside Columbia University in New York on Wednesday afternoon The protests took place at more than 100 schools across the country, including the University of Michigan (pictured) 'We as students are walking out today because we recognize undocumented students are among the most vulnerable on our campus and so we are rallying to say that, as citizens or students with privilege, we will put our bodies on the line between them and a Trump presidency,' Hannah Fullerton, a student who helped organize the protest, told the New York Post. Another NYU student who is in the US under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program - which Trump has pledged to cancel - said she fears her family could be torn apart by the President-elect. 'I had have some of the most difficult conversations of my life this past week,' the student, who only wanted to be known as Claudia, told the Post. Students protest at Brown University on Wednesday, Nov. 16, to demand that students and employees be protected against immigration proceedings following Donald Trump's win Many in the huge crowd of students that filled Washington Square Park in Manhattan carried signs and chanted during Wednesday's protest 'Ive spoken to my mother about things like where my 8-year-old brother should go and who he should stay with. We are torn apart.' Almost 2,500 students, teachers and alumni at Oberlin College in Ohio sent a letter to the school's Deans to make it a sanctuary campus. 'This action will honor Oberlin's stated commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion, while extending its history of providing refuge for those seeking freedom,' the letter read. 'We urge you to immediately investigate how to make Oberlin College a sanctuary campus. A student holds a sign as she joins a large crowd gathered at Rutgers University to protest Donald Trump's planned immigration policies NYU students hold signs during a demonstration on Wednesday, joining with colleges across the US participating in #SanctuaryCampus, a protest against President-elect Donald Trump Richard Brown, a student at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, holds a sign that reads 'Immigrants Make America Great' during a protest on Wednesday 'Doing so will demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that Oberlin remains an institution of higher learning that actively protects the safety of all members of our community.' More than 750 signed similar letters at Notre Dame, along with 1,000 at Northwestern, 2,000-plus at Yale, and almost 4,500 at Harvard. Trump has repeatedly promised to deport two to three million undocumented immigrants once he takes office. There are at least 720,000 recipients of DACA status, according to a government report released in June. Rutgers University junior Carimer Andujar, of the Dominican Republic, shouts to a large crowd gathered to protest some of Donald Trump's immigration plans on Wednesday Rutgers students are seen marching through the streets near campus as part of a protest against Donald Trump's immigration platform on Wednesday An autistic teenager was barred from boarding his plane in China yesterday because of his condition, according to Chinese media. The 13-year-old was waiting to board his flight from Zhengzhou to Zhuhai when he was turned away from the boarding gate by staff at the Yangtze River Airlines who thought he had acted strangely, reports said. A spokesman from the company told media that their ground crew made the decision 'to ensure the safety of other passengers'. Staff at the Yangtze River Airlines yesterday stopped a passenger from boarding because he had autism (file photo) According to a report on People's Dailly Online, the teenager's father, surnamed Cui, said he and his son were waiting for flight Y87582 yesterday afternoon in Zhengzhou, the modern provincial capital of Henan Province. Their three-hour-long flight had been delayed for five hours at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. Mr Cui said he had taken his son to Zhengzhou to visit his family a week earlier; and that they were on their way back to their home in Zhuhai. The father told a reporter from local newspaper Dahe Daily: 'Why didn't they let an autistic person take a flight?' He added: 'At the time, [my son] did make some loud noise. Then the cabin crew banned him from boarding. 'My child does not have mental illness, and he is not aggressive.' Mr Cui said he got into an altercation with the ground crew after his son was denied flight, which irritated his son.' The 13-year-old traveller was waiting for his plane with his father at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in China (file photo) The father said he had travelled with his son between Zhengzhou and Zhuhai on a yearly basis and had never had any problem boarding the planes. WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. In children with ASD, the symptoms are present before three years of age, although a diagnosis can sometimes be made after the age of three. It's estimated that about one in every 100 people in the UK has ASD. More boys are diagnosed with the condition than girls. There's no 'cure' for ASD, but speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, plus a number of other interventions are available to help children and parents. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement He added that the ground crew asked him to provide a doctor's note before they could allow his son on the plane. He said: 'We had waited at the airport for five hours. The plane was about to take off, then the staff asked for a doctor's note to prove my son was suitable to fly. 'How could I produce such a note at that time.' Mr Cui said it was discrimination. MailOnline has tried to contact Yangtze River Airlines for comments. We called the company's head office in Shanghai as well as its 24-hour customer service hotline on multiple occasions, but the phone calls went unanswered. A spokesman from the Yangtze River Airline told Dahe Daily yesterday that their staff thought the teenager's behaviour was strange because he had 'walked around the airport constantly' and 'screamed loudly'. The spokesman said the ground crew asked Mr Cui and his son to wait for a while, but the teenager continued to 'act strangely'. The ground crew found out the teenager had autism after asking his father. The pair had come to Zhengzhou, a modern city and the provincial capital of Henan Province, to see family (file photo) The spokesman cited China's Civil Aviation Law, saying airlines were allowed to stop passengers from boarding if the staff deemed the travellers were not suitable to fly. He added: 'We rejected his boarding with the purpose of ensuring the safety of the passengers on the plane and the entire journey.' The company has reportedly agreed to refund the flight tickets for Mr Cui and his son. Founded in 2002, Yangtze River Airlines flies more than 40 routes to Chinese and international destinations. Advertisement Over 32,000 people sharing a common surname gathered for an ancestor worship event in southern China this week. Thousands of tables were set up to cater to the attendees at the Xiasha Culture Square of Shenzhen city, reported People's Daily. The spectacular event, held on November 13, was hosted by a family association, whose members are all surnamed 'Huang', a common Chinese family name. Over 32,000 people sharing a same family name gathered for an ancestor worship event in Shenzhen, southern China A total of 3,200 tables were set up to serve traditional Cantonese cuisine in large basins made of wood, porcelain and metal The event has been held annually since 1980 and is historically significant. Many overseas Chinese travelled from 28 countries including United States, Thailand and Malaysia, to attend the annual gathering in Shenzhen, reported Nanfang Metropolis Daily. Representatives of Huang's family from over a dozen Chinese provinces also joined the event in Xiasha of Shenzhen city. The association picked Xiasha Culture Square as the venue to commemorate their ancestors because this is the area which the Huang people have made major contribution to in its development. Many overseas Chinese travelled from 28 countries including United States, Thailand and Malaysia, to attend the gathering Representatives of Huang's family from over a dozen Chinese provinces joined the event in Xiasha district this week The crowds gathered to watch cultural performance while enjoying a traditional Cantonese meal named 'big bowl feast'. To satisfy the huge amount of attendants, a total of 3,200 tables were set up to seat the members. Meals were served in large basins made of wood, porcelain or metal. The 'big bowl feast', known as 'poon choi' in local dialect, comprises of nine to 12 layers of food put in the big container. A typical big bowl feast includes pork, beef, lamb, abalone, chicken, duck, shrimp, crab, various mushrooms, Chinese radish and tofu, according to Hong Kong Tourism Board. OpenAI, the non-profit artificial intelligence (AI) research firm backed by Elon Musk is partnering with Microsoft to develop 'cloud brains', it has been revealed. The firm has signed an agreement to run most of its large-scale experiments on Microsoft's flagship cloud service, Azure. OpenAI will use Azure for its experiments in deep learning and AI, and Microsoft will collaborate with the company on advancing research and creating new tools and technologies. Scroll down for video OpenAI will use Azure for its experiments in deep learning and AI, and Microsoft will collaborate with the company on advancing research and creating new tools and technologies. Musk, along with venture capitalist Sam Altman, co-chairs OpenAI, whose backers apart from Musk include Amazon.com Inc's Amazon Web Services and tech investor Peter Thiel and LinkedIn Corp co-founder Reid Hoffman. OpenAI is an early adopter of Microsoft's Azure N-Series Virtual Machines service, which will be generally available from December. These cloud-computing services, which are powered by Nvidia Corp graphics chips, are designed for the most intensive computing workloads, including deep learning and simulations. 'In the coming months we will use thousands to tens of thousands of these machines to increase both the number of experiments we run and the size of the models we train,' OpenAI said in a blogpost. () The non-profit was created last December for the purpose of creating AI that augments human capabilities. ELON MUSK'S AI FIRM: HOW DOES OPENAI WORK? Open AI is a collaborative non-profit artificial intelligence company set up at the send of last year by Elon Musk and president of start-up incubator Y Combinator, Sam Altman. It received more than $1 billion in funding when it launched and sees robotics, chatbots and games as practical fields where it develop and can flex its AI muscle. The firm set out its goals this week, which extend to using 'off the shelf' robots rather than building them from scratch, tweaking the robots to become mechanical maids. DGX-1 was designed with the sole purpose of deep learning, which will help AI researchers train other systems much faster with more data. To understand the speed of this supercomputer, a conventional computer's computations take 250 hours compared to the 10 hours on the DGX-1 'As a non-profit, our aim is to build value for everyone rather than shareholders. 'Researchers will be strongly encouraged to publish their work, whether as papers, blog posts, or code, and our patents (if any) will be shared with the world. 'We'll freely collaborate with others across many institutions and expect to work with companies to research and deploy new technologies.' Advertisement The investors have committed $1 billion to the startup, but OpenAI said it expects to spend only a 'tiny fraction' of that in the next few years. OpenAI will continue to release open-source software to make it easier for people to run large-scale AI workloads on the cloud, and will provide Microsoft with feedback to ensure that Azure's capabilities keep pace with its advances in AI. Peets Coffee, Chattanooga will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, street music, live painting, and coffee tastings, on Friday at 9 a.m. at 819 Chestnut Street, in the City Park Building. The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will coordinate this event. Peets Coffee is a Berkeley-born chain featuring signature coffee, tea and blended drinks alongside baked goods. The new Chattanooga location is part of the effort to overhaul the area around 800 block of Chestnut Street, spearheaded by Defoor Development. For more information, contact Jay Reynor at 901 210-1351. This diluted the particles and created an acidic haze that covered the city Study has now found that sulfuric acid particles mixed with natural fog It's known that coal burning was to blame, but In 1952, a mysterious fog swept through London, blanketing the city in a dense layer of pollutants that killed thousands of people and animals and made it difficult to breathe for days. While the exact cause has long remained unknown, an international team of researchers now says its solved the mystery and the same air chemistry can be seen today in China and other areas. In a new analysis, the researchers have pinpointed the chemical processes that combined with natural fog as a result of coal burning, eventually creating a deadly acidic haze that turned the sky completely dark. Researchers have pinpointed the chemical processes that combined with natural fog as a result of coal burning, eventually creating a deadly acidic haze that turned the sky completely dark THE KILLER FOG REVEALED Using data from modern pollution in China, researchers have determined that the catastrophic event was the result of sulfuric acid particles mixing with natural fog to cover the entire city. According to the researcher, a similar chemistry frequently occurs in modern China, which hosts 16 of the worlds most polluted cities. Advertisement When the fog first rolled through in December of 1952, residents took little notice; fogs have long enveloped the city. But in the days to follow, visibility was reduced to just three feet in some areas, transportation was shut down, and thousands of people suffered from breathing problems. After the devastating event, it was thought that at least 4,000 people had died, along with thousands of animals, and more than 150,000 people were hospitalized. Later studies, however, estimate that the death count may actually have exceeded 12,000. Now, using data from modern pollution in China, researchers have determined that the catastrophic event was the result of sulfuric acid particles mixing with natural fog to cover the entire city. People have known that sulfate was a big contributor to the fog, and sulfuric acid particles were formed from sulfur dioxide released by coal burning for residential use and power plants, and other means, says Renyi Zhang, University Distinguished Professor and the Harold J. Haynes Chair of Atmospheric Sciences and Professor of Chemistry at Texas A&M University. But how sulfur dioxide was turned into sulfuric acid was unclear. LONDON'S KILLER FOG: THE HAZE THAT KILLED 12,000 Pictured, a London bus makes its way along Fleet Street in heavy smog, 6th December 1952 The deadly fog first rolled in during December of 1952. It enveloped London in a thick blanket of pollutants, reducing visibility to just three feet in some areas and causing transportation to shut down. According to researchers, the sky during this time turned completely dark and thousands of people suffered from breathing problems. The fog finally lifted on December 9, but at the time, it was thought that at least 4,000 people had died, along with thousands of animals, and more than 150,000 people were hospitalized. Later studies, however, estimate that the death count may actually have exceeded 12,000. While its long been known that coal burning was the cause, researchers have struggled to identify the exact chemical processes that made this event, also known as the Great Smog of 1952, so deadly. When the fog first rolled through in December of 1952, residents took little notice; fogs have long enveloped the city. The image reveals heavy smog in Piccadilly Circus, London, 6th December 1952 Advertisement 'Our results showed that this process was facilitated by nitrogen dioxide, another co-product of coal burning, and occurred initially on natural fog. Another key aspect in the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfate is that it produces acidic particles, which subsequently inhibits this process. 'Natural fog contained larger particles of several tens of micrometers in size, and the acid formed was sufficiently diluted. Evaporation of those fog particles, then left smaller acidic haze particles that covered the city. According to the researcher, a similar chemistry frequently occurs in modern China, which hosts 16 of the worlds most polluted cities. A man feels his way cautiously from the pavement to the Underground in Westminster in 1952, battling through the haze that enveloped the city. But, Chinas pollution problem is not exactly the same. The country has experienced massive industrial and manufacturing growth over the past few decades, and the emissions largely come from power plants, automobiles, and fertilizers. The difference in China is that the haze starts from much smaller nanoparticles, and the sulfate formation process is only possible with ammonia to neutralize the particles, Zhang said. In China, sulfur dioxide is mainly emitted by power plants, nitrogen dioxide is from power plants and automobiles, and ammonia comes from fertilizer use and automobiles. Charles Chaplin (Charlie Chaplin, 1889-1977) pictured with his wife Oona (1926-1991) on the roof of the London hotel (unnamed) where they were staying in 1952.Behind them, the haze is clearly visible Again, the right chemical processes have to interplay for the deadly haze to occur in China. Interestingly, while the London fog was highly acidic, contemporary Chinese haze is basically neutral. The 1952 event is considered to be the deadliest air pollution event in European history, and spurred the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1956 by British Parliament. And, while China has been making attempts in recent years to cut back on its emissions, the researchers note that the poor air quality still often necessitates breathing masks during much of the day. Tourists wearing masks in Temple of Heaven in haze-covered Beijing, China. Studies show pollution is causing the deaths of up to 500,000 people in the country a year. By solving the mystery of the London fog, they say they may also have uncovered insight that could help in China. A better understanding of the air chemistry holds the key for development of effective regulatory actions in China, Zhang said. The government has pledged to do all it can to reduce emissions going forward, but it will take time. We think we have helped solve the 1952 London fog mystery and also have given China some ideas of how to improve its air quality. In a world first, Chinese scientists have injected a human with cells genetically modified to fight cancer. The team used a controversial technique known as 'CRISPR-Cas9' which works like a pair of genetic scissors to cut very specific sections of DNA. The tool allows researchers to cut out inherited genes that might cause cancer from cells and replace them with healthy DNA. It is hoped the technique might provide a new treatment against cancer for patients who have not responded to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Scroll down for video Oncologists at Sichuan University's West China Hospital in Chengdu delivered cells modified using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique into a patient with aggressive lung cancer (pictured in a lung cancer cell) The trial at Sichuan University's West China Hospital in Chengdu received ethical approval from a hospital review board in July. The researchers removed immune cells from the patient's blood, and then disabled a gene in them using the controversial technique. The technique uses tags which identify the location of the mutation, and an enzyme, which acts as tiny scissors, to cut DNA in a precise place, allowing small portions of a gene to be removed. By editing this tag, scientists are able to target the enzyme to specific regions of DNA and make precise cuts, wherever they like. In this case, the cut turned off the gene which makes the protein, PD-1. The technique uses tags which identify the location of the mutation, and an enzyme, which acts as tiny scissors, to cut DNA in a precise place, allowing small portions of a gene to be removed This protein normally puts the brakes on a cell's immune response: cancers take advantage of that function to spread. The team then cultured the edited cells, increasing their number, before injecting them back into the patient. HOW WAS IT DONE? The researchers extracted immune cells from the blood of the patient. A gene coding for a protein called PD-1 was then knocked out in the cells using a technique called CRISPR-Cas9. The technique uses tags and an enzyme to cut DNA in a precise place, allowing small portions of a gene to be removed. By editing this tag, scientists are able to target the enzyme to specific regions of DNA and make precise cuts, wherever they like. The PD-1 protein normally puts the brakes on a cell's immune response: cancers take advantage of that function to proliferate. The team then cultured the edited cells, increasing their number, before injecting them back into the patient. They hope that the edited cells will go on to attack and defeat the cancer. Advertisement They hope that the edited cells will go on to attack and defeat the cancer. Lu You, who led the study, told Nature: 'Treatment options are very limited. 'This technique is of great promise in bringing benefits to patients, especially the cancer patients whom we treat every day.' The researchers told Nature that the treatment went smoothly, and that the participant will get a second injection, but declined to give details because of patient confidentiality. A total of ten people are scheduled to be treated, each who will receive up to four injections. The trial is primarily to test the safety of the technique, and patients will be closely monitored for six months to determine whether there are any side effects. The achievement by Chinese scientists could spark a biomedical race between China and the US, experts claim. 'I think this is going to trigger "Sputnik 2.0", a biomedical duel on progress between China and the United States, which is important since competition usually improves the end product,' Carl June, who specializes in immunotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia told Nature. Oncologists around the world have expressed their excitement about the potential use of CRISPR editing in cancer patients. Dr Naiyer Rizvi, of Columbia University Medical Centre in New York City told Nature: 'The technology to be able to do this is incredible.' But Dr Rizvi is apprehensive as to whether this trial will work. CRISPR-Cas9 is a technique that borrows from the way bacterial cells defend themselves against infections by viruses known as phages. The Cas9 enzyme complex (green and grey in picture above) uses a tag (shown in red) to precisely target and cut DNA so that a section can be removed to silence a gene He said that the process of extracting, modifying and multiplying cells is 'a huge undertaking and not very scalable.' A CONTROVERSIAL TOOL Some people are voicing their opposition to the gene-editing technology. Earth Open Source, a European NGO funded by the Maharishi cult, recently attacked the claim that CRISPR was more accurate than previous genetic engineering tools. However, the claim has since been disputed by Genetic Literacy Project, who said that 'the cult's description has little to do with the use of the technology in plants.' David Stern, a plant biologist and president of the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, recently warned in a statement that people might perceive gene editing as 'playing God.' But he added: 'I think this is a price that must be paid for the many benefits gene-edited crops can bring to the agricultural space.' Advertisement He added: 'Unless it shows a large gain in efficacy, it will be hard to justify moving forward.' The trial comes as several groups in the US have also been given approval to carry out gene-editing trails in humans. In June, the US National Institutes of Health gave approval for a project that will use a similar approach in a trial involving 18 patients with several different types of cancer. However, this trial also requires approval from the US Food and Drug Administration before it can go ahead. Previous trials have attempted to block PD-1 using antibodies but it is hoped silencing the gene that produces it will be more effective. Timothy Chan, an immunotherapy expert at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, who is not involved in the trial, said the gene editing technique promised to be a more powerful way of targeting cancer than with the approach using antibodies. But the trial has raised some fears that researchers may be moving faster than is perhaps safe. Dr Chan said there was a chance the CRISPR-Cas9 editing of T cells could induce an excessive immune response that could lead to them attacking healthy tissues in the patient's body. A top university degree may be a bridge too far for a Japanese robot boasting artificial intelligence. The robot, named Torobo-kun by its creators, failed an entrance exam to the prestigious Tokyo University for the fourth year running. Torobo-kun's creators claim that after four gruelling years without success, the robot has accepted defeat and will now have to work a 'real job' in industry. Scroll down for video A robot designed to test the limits of artificial intelligence has failed an entrance exam to the prestigious Tokyo University for the fourth year running. Its creators say that the robot has accepted defeat and will now have to work a 'real job' in industry THE GRUELLING TEST Torobo-kun tackled a mock exam designed by education-publishing company Benesse Corp. The exam consisted of eight tests in five subjects and the robot scored a respectable 525 out of 950. It improved on last year's performance, scoring 14 points higher than in 2015. But it only managed to achieve an average score of 57.1 per cent, a long way off the 80 per cent required by the University of Tokyo. All was not lost for Torobo-kun though, as it could still have made the cut for a host of other Japanese universities. Advertisement 'As the robot scored about the same as last year, we were able to gauge the possibilities and limits of artificial intelligence,' said Noriko Arai, a professor of information and society research at the National Institute of Informatics in Tokyo who heads the team behind Torobo-kun. 'From now on, we will grow its abilities in the fields it's doing well in and aim to improve them to levels that can be applied in industry,' she said. The name Torobo-kun is short for 'Todai' (University of Tokyo) Robot Project. 'Kun' is a term of endearment commonly added to the end of names in Japanese. The AI robot entered the National Center Test, a standardised exam used by Universities across Japan, for four years running. Ranked 39th in the world by Times Higher Education, the institute is commonly listed as one of Asia's top universities. For this year's attempt, Torobo-kun tackled a mock exam designed by education-publishing company Benesse Corp. The exam consisted of eight tests in five different subjects and the robot scored a respectable 525 out of 950. The robot improved on last year's performance, scoring 14 points higher than in 2015. But it only managed to achieve an average score of 57.1 (per cent), a long way off the lofty score of 80 required by the University of Tokyo. All was not lost for Torobo-kun though, as it could still have made the cut for a host of other Japanese universities. The robot's score meant it had a four in five chance of getting into 1,373 departments at 535 Japanese universities. This number includes 23 high-ranking national and public institutions. The AI robot has entered the National Center Test, a national Japanese entrance exam, for four years running. The robot improved on last year's performance but its score of 57.1 (per cent) was below its target score of 80, required for entrance to the University of Tokyo Some of these schools are still incredibly difficult to get into, including Japan's renowned MARCH group: Meiji, Aoyama Gakuin, Rikkyo, Chuo, and Hosei universities. From 2013 to 2015, the robot received overall standard scores of 45.1, 47.3 and 57.8 respectively. This year the robot's standards score was actually lower than last year's effort, as more students across Japan performed better in the test in 2016. Torobo-kun improved its score in Physics this year, which leaped from 46.5 in 2015 to 59. The engineers behind the robot had focused on boosting its physics score this year by upgrading the programme that assesses complex physics conundrums, such as the forces behind balancing springs and the precise angles of slopes. Whilst the robot's score meant it would not get into the university of Tokyo, it would have a four in five chance of getting into 1,373 departments at 535 other Japanese universities. This number includes 23 high-ranking national and public institutions The robot also bettered its score in world history, which it is particularly skilled in. Scoring an impressive 66.3, Torobo-kun digested reams of information from textbooks and websites before producing rounded answers to tough questions. The robot struggled with English most, as it has done every year, where it struggled to link together multiple sentences and phrases to arrive at logical conclusions. It received standard scores of 36.2 in listening and 50.5 in written English this year. After a fourth consecutive failure to gain entry to the University of Tokyo, the team will now focus Torobo-kun on new pastures. They plan to better the robot's ability to pick out specific answers from massive sets of data - a task it has already shown great skill in from its excellent scores in world history each year. The search is on for the oldest ice on Earth. Later this month, European scientists plan to drill 1.8 miles (3km) into Antarctic ice sheets in an attempt to uncover ice that is more than 1.5 million years old. Their project aims to answer questions on big shifts in the Earth's climate throughout its history. A team of scientists will head to a remote post in East Antarctica later this month to drill for secrets behind the history of our climate. The researchers will survey new site 'Little Dome C,' which is located 30 miles (50km) away from the French-Italian station of Concordia (pictured) WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Understanding what triggered the shift in Earth's ancient glacial cycles is key to our understanding of climate change. If rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, alongside a slight tilt in the Earth's rotation, caused the shifts over a million years ago, then the secrets packed under the Antarctic ice could help the scientists understand better how ice sheets will behave as the world warms in future. 'We need to understand the interaction between the Earth's atmosphere and climate in very different conditions in the past if we are to be sure we can predict the future climate response to increasing greenhouse gases,' said Dr Robert Mulvaney from the British Antarctic Survey. 'There is no other place on Earth that retains such a long record of the past atmosphere other than the Antarctic ice sheet. Advertisement The researchers' project, named 'Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice' (BE-OI), will investigate a new site on the desolate White Continent. The project intends to extract tiny air bubbles from deep beneath the ice's surface. These bubbles will reveal the levels of heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide that were once in our atmosphere. The chemistry of this ice can also be reveal past temperatures on our planet. Once the scientists have found a good site to drill, they will also embark on a study spanning several years in which they extract a 1.8 miles (3km)-deep core of ice to the surface. Laboratories across Europe will then study the ice to unveil how our climate and atmosphere have interacted over the past 1.5 million years. 'We've got a very good record of what's been happening over the last 800,000 years but there are some aspects which we cannot fully explain,' Dr Robert Mulvaney from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) told the BBC. 'By studying ice that's 1.5 million years old, it should give us the underpinning belief that we really do so deeply understand the climate system that we can be absolutely sure that what we're projecting for the next few hundred years is based on a complete knowledge of the science.' The researchers' site is located 30 miles (50km) away from the nearest human settlement - the French-Italian station 'Concordia.' Concordia is based at the current oldest ice core site ever found, known as Dome C, one of the most hostile environments on the planet. Average temperatures often dip below -54 degrees Celsius, and blizzards whip through the camp on a regular basis. The researchers will investigate the ice sheet's thickness, its physical properties and the topography of the underlying bedrock at two different sites - Dome C, and on the East Antarctic plateau at Dome F (pictured) The researchers will study a new, nearby site labelled 'Little Dome C.' Supported by those at Concordia Station, they will travel hundreds of miles by tractor and skidoo over featureless snow. 'In the early 2000s we drilled an ice core from Antarctica that gave us a climate record going back 800,000 years,' explains Dr Mulvaney said. 'Now we want to double the length of that record to investigate an important shift in Earth's climate around one million years ago, when the planet's climate cycle between cold glacial conditions and warmer interludes changed from being dominated by a 41,000-year pattern to a 100,000 year cycle.' Understanding what triggered the shift in Earth's ancient glacial cycles is key to our understanding of climate change. If rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, alongside a slight tilt in the Earth's rotation, caused the shifts over a million years ago, then the secrets packed under the Antarctic ice could help the scientists understand better how ice sheets will behave as the world warms in future. Ice core scientist Dr Robert Mulvaney (pictured) and his team hope to understand how Antarctica's ice sheets change as our atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase, providing new insight into how the continent will cope with global warming 'We need to understand the interaction between the Earth's atmosphere and climate in very different conditions in the past if we are to be sure we can predict the future climate response to increasing greenhouse gases,' Dr Mulvaney says. 'There is no other place on Earth that retains such a long record of the past atmosphere other than the Antarctic ice sheet. 'It is tremendously exciting to be embarking now on the journey to recover this record.' The team will investigate several sites dotted around Little Dome C using a radar towed behind a specially modified tractor. They will drill test boreholes to inspect each site for suitability and to analyse the brittle bedrock that lies under Antarctica's thick ice sheets. The researchers will inspect the thickness of the ice sheet, its physical properties, and the topography of the bedrock below at two different sites - Little Dome C and on the East Antarctic plateau at Dome F. They say that how thick a sheet of ice gets is just a first indicator of past ice, as different snow accumulation, ice flow behaviour and the temperature at the bottom of the sheet also determine whether old ice remains. 'During previous studies we determined key regions where we expect the oldest continuous ice record on Earth' says Professor Olaf Eisen, project coordinator and glaciologist at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). For the second time this year, hackers claimed theyve cracked into Mark Zuckerbergs social media accounts. Despite recently beefing up his security and enabling two-factor authentication, hacking group OurMine was able to change the Facebook CEOs Pinterest bio on Tuesday, ZDNet reports. Along with this, the group claims it has gained access to the password and phone number associated with his Twitter account. Despite recently beefing up his security and enabling two-factor authentication, hacking group OurMine was able to change the Facebook CEO's Pinterest bio on Tuesday, and has gained access to the password and phone number associated with his Twitter account THE FIRST HACK Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Pinterest and Twitter accounts were previously hacked this past June. Saudi-based group OurMine claimed responsibility, using Zuckerberg's own accounts to post messages. The group claims it found his password 'dadada' in the recent leaks of the LinkedIn in password dump from 2012, in which usernames and passwords associated with more than 160 million accounts were compromised. Advertisement The group previously claimed it had found the information through a LinkedIn password dump, but this time, they said it did not use a leaked database. Saudi-based OurMine made known its most recent hack on Tuesday in an email to ZDNets security editor Zack Whittaker. Though the post was quickly removed, the group temporarily changed Zuckerbergs Pinterest tagline to read, Dont worry, we are just testing your security, and added its web address. While the group has not said how it carried out the hack, the hackers claim they have an exploit on Pinterest. But, as ZDNet points out, the last time OurMine made this type of claim, it turned out to be fake. In the email, the hackers also shared Mark Zuckerbergs public Twitter username and the password for the account, and says the CEO enabled two-factor authentication following the first incident. They claim the number associated with the account ended in 86, and that his current Twitter password was his former Gmail password, which was changed six months ago, ZDNet reports. Though the post was quickly removed, the group temporarily changed Zuckerbergs Pinterest tagline to read, Dont worry, we are just testing your security, and added its web address Zuckerberg was targeted by the same group this past June, who also claimed similar attacks on Googles Sundar Pichai and Uber founder Travis Kalanick. In the previous incident, OurMine claimed responsibility for hacking Pinterest and Twitter accounts belonging to the billionaire using the password 'dadada.' The group said it had found his password in leaked LinkedIn in password dump. Twitter user @Ben_Hall posted a screen grab of the Facebook founder's Twitter and Pinterest account, giving his password 'dadada' and the hackers' calling card. Mr Hall wrote: 'Ouch. Mark Zuckerberg's social media accounts have been hacked.' In June, OurMine, the group confirmed on Twitter (left) it had obtained the password through the recent Linked in password dump, with Zuckerberg's Pinterest account @Zuck proclaiming 'Hacked By OurMine Team' (pictured right) Twitter user @Ben_Hall posted a screen grab of the Facebook founder's Twitter and Pinterest account, giving his password 'dadada' and the hackers' calling card. Mr Hall wrote: 'Ouch. Mark Zuckerberg's social media accounts have been hacked.' According to Sky News, the group claimed it had accessed the accounts to 'test security', with a tweet, now deleted, reading: 'Hey we got access to your Twitter & Instagram & Pinterest, we are just testing your security, please direct message us.' The Twitter account @finkd, which was created in February 2009, has more than 414,000 followers, but only has 19 tweets associated with it. While the Pinterest account @Zuck has more than 13,000 followers and 700,000 five star reviews associated with it. OurMine, whose own Twitter account has been suspended, have claimed responsibility for a number of high-profile hacks on YouTube, including Markiplier. The Twitter account @finkd, which was created in February 2009, has more than 414,000 followers, but only has 19 tweets associated with it In the latest hack, the group claims to have obtained Zuckerberg's passwords from theLinkedIn password dump - a security breach four years ago in which more than 160 million accounts were compromised after usernames and passwords were leaked. Leaked details have recently emerged on the dark web, where cyber criminals have bid for the information. One hacker recently claimed to have 117 million LinkedIn log-in account details and has put them up for sale on the dark web. Amazon is giving its customers the power of x-ray vision. iOS users can see inside each box they receive from the e-commerce giant with a new feature called Package X-ray. Users simply scan a barcode on the side of the box with the Amazon app camera and all the goods inside of the package are shown. Scroll down for videos Amazon is letting iOS users inside each box they receive from with a new feature called Package X-ray. Users simply scan a barcode on the side of the box using the Amazon app camera icon and all of the goodies inside will be displayed on the screen HOW DOES IT WORK? Users must download the latest version of the Amazon app. Then click on the camera icon located at the top of the page. Once the camera is open, select the Package X-ray button and hold the camera frame over the barcode on the side of the box. Each item inside will be displayed on the screen, which users can click for more details. Advertisement The new feature is part of the firms latest update that was released on Wednesday. To get a quick look inside your packages, simply open the latest version of the Amazon app and tap the camera icon located near the What are you looking for search box. Once the camera is open, select the Package X-ray button and hold the camera frame over the barcode located on the side of the box. All of the times will then appear on the screen for you to look over. The items displayed on your smartphone screen are also clickable, allowing you to see the items page on Amazon. And users can see a list of everything in the box, similar to how Your Orders is displayed in the app. However, this technology is designed to only work for the user who ordered the packages - blocking any snoopers from taking a peak. Simply open the latest version of the Amazon app and tap the camera icon located near the What are you looking for search box. Once the camera is open, select the Package X-ray button The new feature is part of Amazons big news that announced the firm is offering members more than 35 days of Black Friday Deals. In order to keep up with the volume over the holiday season, the firm has more than 1,000 staff members inside its 550,000 sq ft warehouse in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Bosses said they had the busiest Black Friday to date on November 27 last year, selling more than 7.4 million items - a rate of around 86 items per second. Next, hold the camera over the barcode on the side of the box that is designed to reveal the information inside of the box. All of the times will then appear on the screen at once for you to see The firm hired an extra 15,000 temporary staff across its UK distribution centers last year to cope with increased demand. This year they have created an additional 20,000 seasonal and 3,500 permanent jobs across its offices and began their biggest ever sale on Monday. The deals - which has seen up to 80 per cent slashed off some items - will run up until Black Friday next week. This new feature was part of Amazons big news this morning, which is offering its members more than 35 days of Black Friday Deals All of the times will then appear on the screen at once for you to see. The items displayed on the screen are clickable, allowing you to see the items page on Amazon. Users can also see a list of everything in the box, similar to how Your Orders is displayed in the app Alongside the discounts on popular items, Amazon has also slashed the cost of its Prime subscription service. Doug Gurr, Amazon's UK country manager, said: 'In response to positive customer feedback for Black Friday deals, we are introducing The Black Friday Sale - 12 days of fantastic deals on must-have gifts and products, saving our customers millions of pounds. The 1980 animated feature film Animalympics featured an ice-skating flamingo who competed for gold against a whole range of other sporting animals. In the second edition of BBC nature programme Planet Earth II, this cartoon seemed to have turned into reality. Sort of. The flocks of flamingos filmed high in the Andes Mountains were certainly skating along on their frozen pools, though they didn't quite provide a medal-winning performance. Scroll down for videos The flocks of flamingos filmed by BBC's Planet Earth II (pictured) high in the Andes Mountains were certainly skating along on their frozen pools. For a bird as fragile-looking as the flamingo, this bleak, icy wetland would seem a strange place to call home ICE SKATING FLAMINGOS Flocks of flamingos have been seen skating along the frozen pools in the Andes Mountains. The footage of the Andean flamingos promenading across your TV screen is part of getting everyone focused on reproduction. It takes a lot of time and effort to rear a flamingo chick, and success is greatest if the whole flock breeds as one. Because environmental conditions are not always perfect, flamingos will delay breeding until they feel it is worth the effort. And if this is your reproductive strategy then you need to live for quite a while. Advertisement For a bird as fragile-looking as the flamingo, this bleak, icy wetland would seem a strange place to call home. Yet many of them do, and Planet Earth features two of my favourite species: the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and the James' flamingo (P. jamesi), also known as the puna flamingo, after the local term for these high plateaus. The Andean is the rarest of the six flamingo species, with fewer than 40,000 remaining in the wild. Their movements and breeding cycles are hard to predict and tricky to study. So vast is the Andes plateau that the James' flamingo was considered extinct until 1956 when it was suddenly rediscovered in Bolivia's remote Laguna Colorada (Red Lake), 4,000 metres above sea level. Flamingos do a good disappearing act; whole flocks will vanish overnight as they travel between mountain lakes searching for the best food supply. Flamingos are often associated with tropical beaches, palm trees and pina coladas. But this is far from the truth. All six species are highly adapted to living in inhospitable and unfriendly environments such as very salty or very alkaline wetlands. FLAMINGOS APPLY 'MAKE-UP' DURING MATING SEASON Flamingos use make-up to enhance their natural good looks, research shows. And perhaps not surprisingly, their preferred colour is... pink. A three-year study of the iconic birds revealed that the preening oil they use to waterproof their feathers doubles up as a cosmetic. Rubbed onto the neck, breast and back, the pigments in the waxy substance brighten the signature pink hue of their plumage. With the substance applied most frequently and most vigorously just ahead of the breeding season, it seems that flamingos, like people use make-up to attract a mate. And, just like in the human world, the female of the species uses make-up more often. The fascinating insight into the life of the greater flamingo, the largest of the species, comes from a study of birds living in the wetlands of southern Spain. The researchers noticed that, as well as smoothing and tidying their feathers, many birds deliberately rubbed their cheeks against glands near the base of their tails and then immediately onto their neck, breast and back feathers. Tests showed that the oil to be rich in pigments called carotenoids. The same compounds were found in the birds' feathers. The main source of the birds' pink colour comes from pigments in the food they eat. Advertisement More than a million lesser flamingos breed in Tanzania's Lake Natron, for instance, a lake fed by hot springs with water so alkaline that it can strip away human skin (one pioneering flamingo researcher named Leslie Brown spent months in Nairobi General Hospital after burning his legs wading out to observe where the birds nested). Yet flamingos thrive in conditions like these. And they thrive because, in each location, they have discovered an untapped food source they can collect with little competition from other species. Flamingos are often associated with tropical beaches, palm trees and pina coladas. But this is far from the truth. All six species are highly adapted to living in inhospitable and unfriendly environments such as very salty or very alkaline wetlands So vast is the Andes plateau that the James' flamingo was considered extinct until 1956 when it was suddenly rediscovered in Bolivia's remote Laguna Colorada (Red Lake) (pictured), 4,000 metres above sea level Flamingos have very specialised diets. And their food is responsible for their famous pink colouration. The two species in Planet Earth II eat a lot of floating microscopic algae, which contains carotenoid pigments, the same types of chemical that make carrots orange. These pigments turn their feathers pink, orange and red without them, flamingos would be white. The only feathers on the birds that do not get stained pink are their black wing feathers. Flamingos are heavy birds and black primary feathers are more resistant to wear-and-tear. As the wetlands in which they find their carotenoid pigments are few and far between, flamingos really do have to bump along in a crowd. But they have used this restriction on habitat choice to their advantage. The James' flamingo (pictured), also known as the puna flamingo breeds on the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. It is related to the Andean Flamingo, and does a dance across bodies of water to attract a mate FLAMINGOS AREN'T JUST FOUND IN TROPICAL PARADISES All six species are highly adapted to living in inhospitable and unfriendly environments such as very salty or very alkaline wetlands. They thrive because, in each location, they have discovered an untapped food source they can collect with little competition from other species. Flamingos have very specialised diets. And their food is responsible for their famous pink colouration. The two species in Planet Earth II eat a lot of floating microscopic algae, which contains carotenoid pigments, the same types of chemical that make carrots orange. These pigments turn their feathers pink, orange and red without them, flamingos would be white. The only feathers on the birds that do not get stained pink are their black wing feathers. Flamingos are heavy birds and black primary feathers are more resistant to wear-and-tear. Advertisement Evolution has moulded them into a highly gregarious species, and the organised society that flamingos live in is integral to their whole way of life. This even extends to reproduction. To feel comfortable enough to breed, as many birds as possible need to be 'in the mood' at once. The wonderful footage of the Andean flamingos promenading across your TV screen is part of getting everyone focused on reproduction. It takes a lot of time and effort to rear a flamingo chick, and success is greatest if the whole flock breeds as one. The Andean (left and right) is the rarest of the six flamingo species, with fewer than 40,000 remaining in the wild. They thrive in these frigid conditions because they have discovered an untapped food source they can collect with little competition from other species Because environmental conditions are not always perfect, flamingos will delay breeding until they feel it is worth the effort. And if this is your reproductive strategy then you need to live for quite a while. Flamingos take this to extremes. The world's oldest bird, a greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) died in Adelaide Zoo in 2014 aged 83, and wild flamingos have been clocked into their fifties. The Andean flamingos I study at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, have been around since the 1960s and are still going strong. The birds are all ringed so I am able to tell them apart and identify the real characters in the group. The wonderful footage of the Andean flamingos promenading across your TV screen is part of getting everyone focused on reproduction. It takes a lot of time and effort to rear a flamingo chick, and success is greatest if the whole flock breeds as one I'm fascinated by the soap opera of their individual social lives and have made this the key focus of my research. The combination of erratic, collective reproduction and long lifespans has served flamingos well for many years. But the birds cannot always cope with human-caused changes to climate, alterations to wetland systems, and encroachment into their feeding and breeding areas. Researchers have affixed a tiny headcam to a Goshawk in a bid to find out exactly how hawks hunt. The incredible footage reveals that in fact, they think a lot like us. A Northern Goshawk named Shinta was fitted with a tiny head-mounted camera as part of the groundbreaking study. Scroll down for video A Northern Goshawk named Shinta was fitted with a tiny head-mounted camera as part of the groundbreaking study. HOW THEY DID IT To gather data, researchers examined archived videos of hunting raptors recorded from the ground, but they also got some hawk's-eye footage with the help of Shinta the Northern Goshawk, a falconry bird raised in captivity. Wearing a head-mounted camera to record her head movements, Shinta hunted pheasants and rabbits under the supervision of her handler, Robert Musters. Advertisement Suzanne Amador Kane of Haverford College, Michael Ochs of The College of New Jersey wrote inThe Auk: Ornithological Advances that the neural processes underlying visual search behavior in hawks are similar to those in humans. Raptors such as hawks and eagles are visual predators, using their eyesight to navigate their environment and locate and capture prey. To do so, they alternate periods of rapid head or eye movement called saccades with periods where their vision is fixed on a specific point. By studying the mathematical distribution of intervals between saccades, Suzanne Amador Kane of Haverford College, Michael Ochs of The College of New Jersey, and their student collaborators determined that the head movements exhibited by hunting hawks are not regular and predictable; instead, hawks alter the patterns of their head movements based on environmental information, with the time between saccades changing as a bird detects a potential target. This decision-making strategy is similar to patterns seen in human search behavior. To gather data, Kane and her colleagues examined archived videos of hunting raptors recorded from the ground, but they also got some hawk's-eye footage with the help of Shinta the Northern Goshawk, a falconry bird raised in captivity. Wearing a head-mounted camera to record her head movements, Shinta hunted pheasants and rabbits under the supervision of her handler, Robert Musters. 'Robert has been a phenomenal falconer to work with on several studies now,' says Kane. WHAT THEY FOUND: HOW A HAWK REALLY HUNTS Raptors such as hawks and eagles are visual predators, using their eyesight to navigate their environment and locate and capture prey. To do so, they alternate periods of rapid head or eye movement called saccades with periods where their vision is fixed on a specific point. The team found the head movements exhibited by hunting hawks are not regular and predictable. Instead, hawks alter the patterns of their head movements based on environmental information, with the time between saccades changing as a bird detects a potential target. Advertisement 'He's been extremely creative in designing the helmets used to hold the miniature video cameras, as well as expertly flying Shinta during the actual fieldwork.' 'Experienced falconers know that after removing the hood from a bird that is ready to hunt, it will exhibit very characteristic head movements. 'The really experienced falconer can even read their bird and predict when it is about to take off in pursuit of prey just by watching these head movements,' according to Graham Martin, a University of Birmingham professor and expert in raptor hunting behavior who was not involved with the study. Other fan favourites listed include The Walking Dead, Star Wars , The Hobbit, Friends and Star Trek drive through the UK stops at the home used as 4 Privet Drive Advertisement Ever wished you could leap through the TV screen and join your favourite characters' adventures? Well, you can't. But you can set off on a road trip and tour their iconic filming locations instead. A six-day, 218-mile Harry Potter-focused drive through the UK, for example, will take you to London's grand Australia House, where Gringotts bank was shot; the Berkshire home which stood in for 4 Privet Drive and Pembrokeshire in Wales, the beach where Dobby's death scene was filmed. If your tastes lie in the more macabre, perhaps a road trip based around The Walking Dead would be more your cup of tea. A three-day American jaunt will kick off at Georgia's Bolton Road NW, where Rick wakes up from his coma right at the start of the show, and land you at the Gin Property, where Alexandria is filmed. As for movies, there are driving routes available for hits such as Star Wars, shot in Tunisia and The Hobbit, filmed in New Zealand. Other fan favourites to appear on AttractionTix's new infographic include Friends, shot in New York, Game of Thrones, shot in Ireland and Croatia, and Downtown Abbey, shot around the UK. She's been travelling around Sydney with her partner Megan Marx, visiting the tourist hotspots around the city. And on Tuesday, The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon bid the east coast city goodbye as she posed in front of the iconic Harbour Bridge - which she had climbed just days earlier. Cutting a casual figure Tiffany was spotted pointing to the top of the bridge, marvelling at the prime position in which she and Megan posed for photos on Monday. Scroll down for video 'Last day in Sydney': The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon (pictured) posed in front of the iconic Harbour Bridge just days after climbing to the top with partner Megan Marx as she bid farewell to Sydney in an Instagram post on Wednesday Tiffany had her long blonde locks pulled back in a neat bun and was seen wearing a blue shirt and a short patterned pencil skirt. She paired the outfit with white sneakers and a brown backpack as she stood on the Opera House side of Sydney Harbour. Tiffany captioned the snap: 'Look that's where we climbed! Last day in Sydney today playing tourist, thanks for having me! 'Pretty thang': On Monday Tiffany (L) was seen enjoying the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb with girlfriend Megan (R) 'Home time tomorrow after 3 weeks East, the beach is calling,' she finished the post adding the hash-tags, 'west is best', 'west coast', 'I'm coming home'. Meanwhile, on Monday Tiffany was seen enjoying the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb with girlfriend Megan. The two blonde beauties - who hail from Perth - cosied up to one another as they soaked up the idyllic view. Bikini babes: Megan (L) and Tiffany (R) have been enjoying some time together in Sydney, including some fun in the sun at Bondi Beach on Saturday (Pictured) Clad in their climbing jumpsuits, the duo were all smiles as they made their way to the top of the bridge. Megan shared a snap of herself online, describing Sydney as a 'pretty thang' (sic) while Tiffany said the experience was a tick off the 'bucket list.' For months Megan and Tiffany dropped hints on Instagram that they are in a same-sex relationship with one another. Sweet: The couple confirmed their romance to Daily Mail Australia last week at Maxim's Hot 100 part at The Star in Sydney In one snap, the girls sent the internet into meltdown as they posed topless together to recreate the iconic spaghetti eating scene from Disney's Lady and the Tramp. And last week, the busty girlfriends officially confirmed their romance at the Maxim Hot 100 party at The Star, Sydney. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, Tiffany confessed that the pair fell in love during a holiday in Bali, Indonesia in June. Loved up: For months Megan and Tiffany dropped hints on Instagram that they are in a same-sex relationship with one another 'While we were in the show, it was just a friendship. It probably wasn't until we were in Bali together that it was like ''Oh, this is more'',' said Tiffany. Her partner Megan also confessed she wasn't expecting to fall for another woman while filming the TV dating series, starring Richie Strahan. 'We had very different experiences when we were on the show. Obviously I found Tiffany very attractive but I was there to get to know Richie,' she said. Two girls, one plate!: In one snap, the girls sent the internet into meltdown as they posed topless together to recreate the spaghetti eating scene from Disney's Lady and the Tramp 'But instantly we knew there was a very strong connection. I was so excited to meet her in Bali,' Megan added. The couple revealed 'no one seemed to notice' they had become more than friends during that fateful holiday - and it took 'months' for anyone to find out. 'It started in June and it wasn't until October that people noticed! So it was quite a long time,' Tiffany revealed. Local celebrity chef, Philippe M. Gehin, is taking on a new challenge as he steps into his role as the executive chef of Creekside at Shallowford this month. After years of schooling in France, Mr. After cooking for the likes of President Barack Obama, Harrison Ford and Madonna, Mr. Gehin will be at the helm in the kitchen of Creekside at Shallowford. Much of Mr. Gehins experience comes from various settings throughout Tennessee including his role as program director at Virginia College in Chattanooga and executive chef at the Frist Center of the Visual Arts in Nashville. He has spent the last two years preparing meals at The Brando Hotel in French Polynesia. He stars in one of the hottest new Australian TV dramas alongside Jessica Marais. And The Wrong Girl actor Rob Collins has revealed he truly felt like he'd made it during a particular moment throughout the show's promotional period. The 33-year-old, acting in his first prime time TV role, told the Daily Telegraph he felt extremely proud of himself when he spotted a Sydney bus with his face on it. Scroll down for video 'The universe keeps me grounded': The Wrong Girl star Rob Collins reveals to the Daily Telegraph he felt extremely proud of himself when he spotted a Sydney bus with his face on it 'One [bus] pulled up and when I saw it for the first time, I was feeling pretty special about myself,' he explained. He admitted he was so excited to board the bus, he forgot his Opal card was out of funds and had to sneak off again. However, the actor didn't appear to be embarrassed by the situation in the slightest as he happily retold the tale. 'When I saw it for the first time...': As Rob's first prime time TV gig he says he felt 'pretty special' when the bus pulled up alongside him and was eager to hop on Rob, who plays celebrity chef Jack Winters on the show, said he is enjoying playing the love interest of main character Lily Woodward (Jessica Marais). 'Im usually at pains to avoid watching anything Im in but looking back at the show so far, Im really happy with it,' he said. No free rides! In the excitement of boarding the bus with his face plastered large along the side, he forgot his Opal card was low on funds and had to hop off again in a moment he said was the universe's way of keeping him grounded It's the second ever TV gig for the NIDA graduate, following his role in ABC's Cleverman. In a previous interview with the Daily Telegraph he explained he watched YouTube videos of world famous chefs to prepare for the prime time breakout role. Rob revealed Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver were his biggest inspirations for playing the part of chef Jack, and he studied videos of the famous cooks to get mannerisms around the kitchen just right. Less heat in the kitchen: Rob revealed he looked to Gordon Ramsay 'more so for his expertise rather than his temperament' Kitchen prep! He admitted studying Gorgon and Jamie Oliver to get the mannerisms rick to perform as a convincing cook However he hinted that viewers wouldn't be seeing Rob behaving badly on screen, The young father confessed he doesn't posses a high level of cooking expertise, alike character Jack, admitting he only gets as fancy as a Guinness pie or Lebanese chicken when cooking at home. The drama series is based on the novel of the same name by Zoe Foster Blake. Rob appears alongside Zoe's husband Hamish Blake in the series, as well as actors Hayley Magnus, Cecelia Peters, Madeline West and Christie Whelan Brown. The series' finale airs on Wednesday, with its success already landing it a renewed season for 2017. The Wrong Girl premiere airs on Network Ten at 8.30pm on Wednesday, with a renewed season confirmed for 2017. Co-stars: The TV star will appear alongside Jessica Marais (left), Hayley Magnus (center) and Ian Meadows (right) on the Network Ten series On Wednesday executive producer of Nine's Today Show Mark Calvert reignited the war of words over ratings with Seven's Sunrise in a bold Instagram post. In the photo, which depicts the Today Show's million dollar call competition, the three words to win are 'Australia's number one'. Underneath the photo, Mark simply captioned the photo by writing 'Nuffsaid'. Scroll down for video 'Nuffsaid': Today show executive producer Mark Calvert's cheeky Instagram post on Wednesday reignited the war of worlds over which breakfast show is the most watched The executive producer followed the cheeky words with the brave hash-tag 'sosueme'. Mark's Instagram post comes after stars of both breakfast shows previously claimed on social media they 'won' the ratings war. In October, Nine's Today host Lisa Wilkinson and Seven's Sunrise host Samantha Armytage congratulated their own shows as being the most-watched Australian breakfast show, on Twitter. War of words: The latest Instagram post comes after Mark (pictured) previously claimed Sunrise were acting like narky kid' and 'bad losers' in an email sent to his staff The tweets came after a legal case was settled before hitting the Federal Court after Nine reportedly agreed to not refer to the Today show as 'number one'. According to News.com.au Nine released a statement claiming Seven had seen fit to drop the case against the Today show, and the hosts took to social media to express their opinion. Backing down? Today Show co-host Lisa Wilkinson tweeted in October saying Channel Seven had backed down Confusing: Seven's Sunrise host Samantha Armytage also tweeted claiming Channel Nine conceded More Tweets: Lisa Wilkinson followed up with a tweet after the case was settled claiming Today's ratings can't be beaten in 2016 in capital cities More stats: Sam Armytage posted these ratings under the Sunrise logo on her instragram a few hours after sending out tweets on the ratings war The feud ignited when Calvert accused Seven of acting like a 'narky kid' and 'bad losers' in an email sent to his staff. The Seven Network launched legal action after Nine sent out a press release claiming the Today show had 'triumphed' in the 2016 ratings as Australia's favourite breakfast program. Seven fired back, saying its breakfast program Sunrise has more viewers when regional audiences are counted. 'They're behaving like the narky kid who gets beaten in a kick-about on the oval,' Nine's executive producer Calvert told staff, a leaked email obtained byMumbrella revealed. Leaked email: Today show's Calvert accused Seven of acting like a 'narky kid' and 'bad losers' in an email sent to his staff Action The Seven Network (Sunrise hosts David Koch and Samantha Armytage pictured) launched legal action in October after Nine sent out a press release claiming the Today show had 'triumphed' in the 2016 ratings as Australia's favourite breakfast program Today Show co-host Lisa Wilkinson (right) with her co-host Karl Stefanovic (left) 'They're Donald Trump, only accepting the result if he wins. 'They're bad losers. They've forgotten that breakfast television is fun'. Calvert signed off the email by saying his network was 'undeniably and indisputably' number one in the five capital cities. He also thanked his staff producing 'the greatest breakfast show on TV'. The legal case was settled on 27 October 2016 before the hearing after Nine reportedly agreed to not refer to the Today show as 'number one'. But, Today show co-host Lisa tweeted saying Channel Seven had backed down. 'Channel 7 drops its court case & now concedes Today Show has won the official OZTAM breakfast show ratings for 2016,' she wrote. Settled: The legal case was settled before the hearing after Nine reportedly agreed to not refer to the Today show (hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson pictured) as 'number one' Claims: Seven claimed its breakfast program Sunrise (pictured) has more viewers when regional audiences are counted Nine had claimed their Today breakfast show was the number one program in the early morning time slot with 21 of the 40 official ratings weeks in Australia's five major cities, the Australian reported. But Seven hit back, claiming their programme had more viewers when audiences in metro and regional regions are counted. Seven lodged a statement of claim in the federal court. Seven believed Nine's representations were false, misleading and deceptive because they did not consider about 7 million Australian viewers. Co-host of the Today breakfast Show Lisa was quick to celebrate the show's apparent success in a Tweet at the time. 'A huge thank you to all our fabulous, loyal viewers who have just made @TheTodayShow the No1 breakfast show in the country,' she posted to her 220,000 followers at the time. Even the estranged wife of Today co-host Karl Stefanovic, Cassandra Thorburn, celebrated the success of Nine in a Facebook post in October, where she also addressed how his job impacted their family. 'Apparently Today Show finally won a year,' Ms Thorburn wrote online. 'This took a huge toll on my family and I, and I'm congratulating myself today for all the effort that went into making that (the ratings) happen.' She's known for her bubbly personality as the host of a popular Australian breakfast television show. So it was no surprise that First Dates' Shadi Alexander tried to pick Samantha Armytage up during an appearance on Channel Seven's Sunrise on Wednesday morning. Much to his disappointment, the confident breakfast host appeared to cringe at the awkward attempt to win her over, adding: 'Humour, usually works'. Scroll down for video 'Women are looking for genuine': Sam Armytage cringes at awkward pick up line directed at her by First Dates Shadi Alexander after he blatantly describes her as his perfect woman Appearing alongside co-host Chris Reason, Sam appeared uncomfortable when used for an example pick up line the First Dates star planned to use on women. 'Some of the material you have been using, one of your great lines, is the line, "Is your surname, internet, because I'm feeling a strong connection",' started Chris. 'And you say lines like that have not work?' Chris finished. 'And you say lines like that have not work?': Appearing alongside Sam was co-host Chris Reason who asked the reality star whether any of his pick up lines have worked in the past Shadi admitted that, although that line was one of his classics, he had a mixed bag selection, including a new one that he'd been hoping to use. 'I have a new one that I am trying, "Are you an interior decorator, because you've been lighting up the room?",' he said directing his comment at Sam. 'I don't think women really ... It doesn't seem that genuine,' responded Sam seemingly uncomfortable with the line. 'I have a new one that I am trying': Shadi attempts to woo Sam with a new line which ends in the breakfast host appearing uncomfortable and unimpressed by his attempt 'Women are looking for genuine,' she finished. Shadi, who split from his ex-wife after 44 days, admitted that he had 'learned that' over time, adding: 'I have been telling them genuine things, I've been doing better'. Continuing the conversation, Chris stepped in and asked: 'Apart from not wanting Chewbaccas, what are you looking for?' 'Are you an interior decorator, because you're been lighting up the room?': Shadi appeared impressed by his efforts and later begins to describe Sam as his 'type' Shadi quickly quipped: 'Maybe, tallish, blonde, a little bit older, a little bit more experienced, a journalist perhaps?' 'Oh my God! Thank you. Off you go,' responded Sam to the blatant description of herself. 'Give me a call, and I will pass a number on,' added Chris before ending the interview with Shadi. Popular: Sam is known for her role as the confident and bubbly media personality on Channel Seven's breakfast show Sunrise 'He is funny. Humour usually works. Usually. He's funny, seems harmless,' added Sam. Sam has remained steadfastly single since splitting with playboy hotelier Peter De Angelis more than three years ago, yet is resolutely upbeat about finding 'the one.' She has previously confessed to dating 'dangerous guys' and admitted to looking to her father Mac as a role model. Rebecca Judd is making sure her followers don't go without updates on her newborn twins. She gave birth to sons Tom and Darcy just over five weeks ago and has been posting photos of them online ever since. The latest is a bed selfie with mummy herself, looking radiant without an inch of make-up on her face. Scroll down for video Babes in bed: Rebecca Judd posted a selfie with her twins boys Tom and Darcy on Wednesday, posing make-up free for the photo 'Morning fellas!' Bec, 33, captioned the post, with one of the twins staring at his mum while the other one tried to get in a few more winks. The wife of former Carlton and West Coast Eagles captain Chris Judd have birth to the twins on September 29. Tom and Darcy are the younger brothers to four-year-old Oscar and two-year-old daughter Billie Kate. Tummy time! The former Myer racing ambassador often shares snaps of her babies since giving birth on September 29 Many of her followers have commented on how quickly Bec has managed to get her pre-pregnancy body back, but that might be because of the routine she kept during the nine months with her buns in the oven. On her lifestyle blog, the mother-of-four explained that she continued to do excercise while pregnant. 'I try and stay fit and toned throughout my pregnancies by doing Great Expectations exercise classes and clinical pilates,' Bec explained. Cute: Bec regularly keeps her followers updated with baby pics According to fitpregnancy.com, research suggests pregnant women who exercise might put on seven pounds less than they would normally. Since giving birth Bec has been making sure to show off her post-pregnancy body in a number of figure-hugging dresses. She wowed at Derby Day in a strapless blue and white gown that hugged her figure. Strong bonds have already been formed as the current crop of contestants settle into their first week of jungle life on the sixteenth series of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! But feathers may well be ruffled when two new campmates make a comparatively peril-free entrance to the purpose built site on Wednesday evening. Having touched down in Brisbane this week, presenters Danny Baker and Martin Roberts will become the eleventh and twelfth celebrities to enter the fray. Scroll down for video Here we come! Having touched down in Brisbane this week, presenters Danny Baker (L) and Martin Roberts (R) will become the eleventh and twelfth celebrities to enter the jungle for the sixteenth series of I'm A Celebrity... Get me Out Of Here! Posing alongside indigenous koalas and kangaroo after confirming their arrival, the pair were in high spirits as they look ahead to what promises to be a testing three weeks in rural Queensland. Roberts, 53, is best known for his hosting role on popular daytime renovation show Homes Under The Hammer, as well as Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and travel programme Wish You Were Here? In the first official images to be released ahead of his appearance, he appears to be taking some useful tips from Bear Grylls by reading a book by the legendary survivalist. Getting to know the natives: Danny has wasted no time in befriending some of Australia's more wholesome indigenous wildlife, but he can expect a rather more hostile welcome when he enters the jungle Colourful: Baker, 59, had enjoyed a versatile career across TV and radio, with hosting roles on BBC Radio One, Virgin Radio and former daytime shows Win, Lose or Draw and Pets Win Prizes Little white lie: Baker's imminent appearance comes just one week after he dismissed claims that he had agreed to feature on the show, branding them 'preposterous' Fellow newcomer Baker, 59, had enjoyed a versatile career across TV and radio, with hosting roles on BBC Radio One, Virgin Radio and former daytime shows Win, Lose or Draw and Pets Win Prizes. More recently the presenter has worked as a writer on ailing BBC flagship Top Gear after being drafted in by his close friend, Chris Evans. Baker's imminent appearance comes just one week after he dismissed claims that he had agreed to feature on the show, branding them 'preposterous'. Essential reading: Roberts appeared to be taking some useful tips from Bear Grylls by reading a book by the legendary survivalist Main man: The presenter is best known for his hosting role on popular daytime renovation show Homes Under The Hammer, as well as Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and travel programme Wish You Were Here? Taking to Twitter, he wrote: 'Sitting here seeing I am going in the Jungle next week. Chums, the very idea is preposterous. And to people I'm now working with: calm down.' He continued: 'To be fair, I did have talks with #IACGMOOH this year but when I said my luxury item had to be a case of white wine the f***ers backed out.' The pair will join current contestants Ola Jordan, Jordan Banjo, Wayne Bridge, Larry Lamb, Scarlett Moffatt, Lisa Snowdon, Sam Quek, Adam Thomas, Carol Vorderman and Joel Dommett. Previously: Baker has recently worked as a writer on ailing BBC flagship Top Gear after being drafted in by his close friend, Chris Evans She's a model by profession. But Olivia Culpo demonstrated on Tuesday that even off-camera, she's a master of staying in the center of attention. The 24-year-old brought serious amounts of sex appeal as she headed to a photo shoot in Los Angeles. Va va voom! Olivia Culpo brought serious amounts of sex appeal to a photo shoot in Los Angeles on Tuesday Olivia provided plenty of va-va-voom with a pair of waist-high leather trousers that clung to her extremely toned physique. The model also rocked a fluffy, off-the-shoulder sweater that flashed her lacy black strap. Her brunette tresses were slicked back into a no-fuss top knot, and her complexion radiated with peach blush. Dressing the look up were Olivia's large, aviator-style sunglasses as well as a tiny pair of hoop earrings. Twice as nice! But it wasn't the only outfit Olivia turned heads in, as the ex-girlfriend of Nick Jonas was also spotted leaving the photo shoot in a flirty black mini dress that flashed some of her legs Orange crush! The 24-year-old couldn't hide her happiness as she strolled outside with a pumpkin in her grasp She strode ahead in knee-high leather boots that matched perfectly with her trousers. But it wasn't the only outfit Olivia turned heads in, as the ex-girlfriend of Nick Jonas was also spotted leaving the photo shoot in a flirty black mini dress that flashed some of her legs. The starlet was in top spirits as she smiled brightly following a long day of photo shoots. Her boots were made for walking! The starlet was in top spirits as she smiled brightly following a long day of photo shoots In an interview she gave to Socialyte last year, the starlet had opened up about the influences that had helped shape her fashion sense. 'I like to take a little from everyone, really,' she explained. Today it's easy to see what everyone is wearing easily on social media. You can get a sense of everyone's personal style.' Getting more specific, she revealed: 'Some of the people I really admire would be Victoria Beckham (and I love her new line as well) and Olivia Palermo has a very interesting style.' The Rhode Island native delved a bit into the past as well. 'Audrey Hepburn is a huge role model for me, her style was so classic and timeless that it still applies today; she's also a great example of simplicity and the whole idea of less being more.' Skin is in! Culpo's long-sleeved mini showed off her supremely toned legs He has remained relatively silent on the recent split of his pals Karl Stefanovic and Cassandra Thorburn. But Kyle Sandilands, 45, has weighed in on the situation by admitting that he was Cassandra's celebrity 'hall pass' during her marriage to Karl. In a segment on KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show this Wednesday, the shock jock recounted the moment Kyle discovered that Cassandra found him attractive. Scroll down for video 'He just came up to me and said heres my wife and by the way youre her hall pass': Kyle Sandilands, 45, has admitted that he was Cassandra's celebrity 'hall pass' during her marriage to estranged husband Karl Stefanovic 'Karl told me I'm her hall pass. I laughed and Karl said: 'What are you laughing at? Im not joking.' He just came up to me and said heres my wife and by the way youre her hall pass,' Kyle said. 'How awkward for me! She was looking at me up and down like: 'hmmm. Thats the feeling I got. She was lovely however,' he added. The racy admission comes a year after Karl suggested that Kyle invite him and Cassandra around so that his wife could 'take advantage of you and get it out of her system.' Racy! The admission comes a year after Karl suggested that Kyle invite him and Cassandra around so that his wife could 'take advantage of you and get it out of her system' What would Imogen Anthony say? Kyle responded by positing that Karl was trying to engineer a wife-swapping situation, remarking: 'Are you trying to get me to throw you into my missus?' Kyle responded by positing that Karl was trying to engineer a wife-swapping situation, remarking: 'Are you trying to get me to throw you into my missus?' The radio presenter was referring to his long-term girlfriend Imogen Anthony, 26. But Stefanovic was resolute, repeating only his wife's intentions: 'She wants to have a beer with you, she thinks you're kind of cool.' 'It's as if she has been given a new lease on life now': Now, a year later, newly-single Cassandra is said to be open and 'excited' to be getting back into the dating scene following her split from Karl Now, a year later, newly-single Cassandra is said to be open and 'excited' to be getting back into the dating scene following her split from Karl. 'It's as if she has been given a new lease on life now,' a source recently told New Idea. 'It's very early days, but Cass has some close friends who would love to set her up,' the insider said. 'She is excited to see where it goes,' they added. She famously gave up a full ride to chasing her modelling dreams, and while that paid off, this star is hitting the books at college once again. Cindy Crawford revealed she is back in the classroom on Tuesday. The 50-year-old posted a snap of her desk as she prepared for a day of learning at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. Back to school: Cindy Crawford revealed on Tuesday she is studying at UCLA's Anderson School Of Management The modelling icon is currently brushing up on her business and money management skills at the Anderson School Of Management. Tough choice: The 50-year-old (pictured last week) was given a full scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University but gave it up to pursue modelling While many attend the school to get their MBAs it appears the model is doing a course rather than getting her degree. Cindy is studying as part of a Women's Financial Boot Camp presented by Merrill Lynch. Posting a picture of her desk which had her workbook, her coffee, her name and glasses ready to go, the star seemed very prepared. But is seems Cindy was a little nervous as she captioned the image: 'Will these [glasses] make me look smarter?! Back to school...' Cindy started on a college degree previously but never finished her education. She is certainly not just a pretty face as the 50-year-old was the valedictorian of her high school and was given a full scholarship to study chemical engineering at Northwestern University. The model dropped out however, after just a few months as her career started to take off. She went from living the Hollywood dream to settling down with husband Chris Hemsworth in a Byron Bay nook, far away from the lights and cameras of the red carpet. And Elsa Pataky, 40, has revealed how moving to a laid-back coastal town in New South inspired her to embrace her inner 'hippy'. Speaking to Vogue Australia at the recent launch of cult brand Spell's new swimwear line in Byron Bay, the Fast and Furious star proclaimed: 'I love a mix of hippy, but [my style] touches on rock 'n' roll, with colours and prints.' Scroll down for video 'I love a mix of hippy, but [my style] touches on rock 'n' roll, with colours and prints': Elsa Pataky, 40, has revealed how moving to the laid-back coastal town of Byron Bay inspired her to embrace her inner 'hippy' 'I always had it there, but coming here to Byron, it did come out a bit more to work with this lifestyle.' The busy mother-of-three also revealed a shift in her priorities when it comes to self grooming, telling the glossy magazine: 'I don't have time to fuss in the mirror for hours,' she went on. Despite her impeccable red carpet style, Elsa recently revealed that her husband prefers her natural. 'I don't have time to fuss in the mirror for hours': The Fast and Furious star and mother-of-three also revealed a shift in her priorities when it comes to self grooming 'Like most men, he likes me with no makeup': Despite her impeccable red carpet style, Elsa recently revealed that her husband prefers her natural 'Like most men, he likes me with no makeup,' she told WHO magazine. Elsa has been often pictured running errands around Byron Bay wearing bohemian-inspired attire, sometimes even going barefoot for the occasion. In September 2014, she and her Thor actor husband Chris decided to abandon their California digs and splash out on a $7.2 million property in Byron Bay. Free spirit: Elsa has been often pictured running errands around Byron Bay wearing bohemian-inspired attire, sometimes even going barefoot for the occasion Starting anew: In September 2014, She and her Thor actor husband Chris decided to abandon their California digs and splash out on a $7.2 million property in Byron Bay Of his relocation from California to Australia, Chris told Modern Luxury: 'I love what I do as an actor, but when you are surrounded by it constantly, it becomes a bit suffocating.' 'Its nice to have conversations with people and be a part of a community that doesnt live and breathe that world. He continued: 'We were living shoulder to shoulder in the suburbs and thought thats not how we want our kids to grow up.' The pair share four-year-old daughter India Rose, and two-year-old twin sons Tristan and Sasha. Finally able to breathe: Of his relocation from California to Australia, Chris told Modern Luxury: 'I love what I do as an actor, but when you are surrounded by it constantly, it becomes a bit suffocating' Former TOWIE star Pascal Craymer looked to be getting into the Christmas spirit early when she took to the ice rink at the Tower Of London on Tuesday evening. The 29-year-old arrived all-smiles in a sparkling black leotard tucked into skinny dark jeans and metal-studded heels. She wore an eye-catching pink trench and a delicate black choker around her neck as she entered the Tower. Scroll down for video To the Tower: Pascal Craymer showed off her pert behind in skinny jeans as she glided gracefully across the rink at the Tower Of London on Tuesday night TOWIE of London: The 29-year-old arrived all-smiles in a sparkling black leotard tucked into skinny dark jeans and metal-studded heels Atop her head she sported a black woolly hat, featuring an elaborate pair of fur bobbles at the very peak. Once inside, the brunette beauty shed the coat and got her skates on (literally) - wasting no time getting onto the rink and showing off her moves across the slick ice. And by the looks of it, she was a natural. She was spotted gliding effortlessly around the ice, laughing as she lapped the rink, occasionally stopping to take photos with her friend or push her around on an ice sleigh. TOWIE on ice: Once inside, the brunette beauty shed the coat and got her skates on (literally) - wasting no time getting onto the rink and showing off her moves across the slick ice. Graceful: She was spotted gliding effortlessly around the ice, laughing as she lapped the rink Bobble along: Atop her head she sported a black woolly hat, featuring an elaborate pair of fur bobbles at the very peak At one point she became so warm from skating that she was seen whipping off her bobble hat. The reality personality showed off her curvy frame as she jutted out her pert rear to balance herself, her impressive figure accentuated by her tight top and skinny jeans. Five years ago, Pascal went under the knife for a boob job - going from a 34B to a 34DD. She said last month that watching the Kardashians inspired her to change her appearance. Off with her hat: At one point she became so warm from skating that she was seen whipping off her bobble hat Ice queens: Occasionally Pascal stopped to take photos with her friend Speaking to The Sun she said: 'When you watch the Kardashians it makes you want to have your lips and face and almost everything done! 'Kim K is famous for a certain thing but in our world and reality, and when you want to settle down and have kids thats not natural.' Pascal added that she hated looking out of proportion and would revert back to her original size if it were possible. The reality starlet, who used to date Mario Falcone, told the publication: 'When I was around 16 I used to self-harm with a razor. Ive never told anyone before but I didnt know how to cope with my body changing, and I was bullied because of it.' Enjoying herself: The reality personality showed off her curvy frame as she jutted out her pert rear Pushing it: Pascal's impressive figure was accentuated by her tight top and skinny jeans Last year, Pascal talked about her regrets over appearing on TOWIE, where viewers saw her relationship with Essex heartthrob Mario crumble to pieces. Clearly moving on from her turbulent stint on reality TV however, the busty brunette is now turning her hand to acting. It was recently announced that she would be appearing in crime thriller The Dark Return of Time - and is set to join the cast in Paris for filming over the next few weeks. Tennessee Home Health on Wednesday announced that it has been named a top agency of the 2016 HomeCare Elite, a recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. For more than ten years, HomeCare Elite has annually identified the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies and highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. This is the eighth year that Tennessee Home Health has been named to the prestigious HomeCare Elite list. Tennessee Home Health is part of LHC Group, a national provider of post-acute care services with 11,000 employees operating more than 350 locations in 25 states. We commend our team members at Tennessee Home Health for their hard work and dedication in achieving this honor, said Keith G. Myers, LHC Group chairman and CEO. Quality patient care is the top priority at all LHC Group locations and providers. We are proud to have 179 locations more than 60 percent of our home health agencies earn HomeCare Elite recognition. The ranking is developed by ABILITY Network, a leading information technology company helping providers and payers simplify the administrative and clinical complexities of healthcare; and sponsored by DecisionHealth, publisher of: Home Health Line, The Complete Home Health ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding Manualand The Home Health Coding Center. Winners are ranked by an analysis of publicly available performance measures in quality outcomes, best practice (process measure) implementation, patient experience (Home Health CAHPS), quality improvement and consistency, and financial performance. In order to be considered, an agency must be Medicare-certified and have data for at least one outcome in Home Health Compare. Out of 9,406 agencies considered, 2,353 are recognized on the 2016 HomeCare Elite winners list. Improving quality of care and the patient experience continue to underpin a rapidly evolving healthcare environment, said Christine Lang, senior director, product management, for ABILITY Network. At the same time tracking, measuring and interpreting data that support these efforts is becoming more complex. The 2016 HomeCare Elite winners have demonstrated the highest-quality care in their communities, which is a remarkable achievement. We congratulate Tennessee Home Health on being one of the top home care agencies in the country. We are proud to recognize the HomeCare Elite agencies for demonstrating a commitment to improving quality patient care at low costs, said Marci Heydt, senior content manager, DecisionHealth. The clinical best practices and data tracking skills these agencies have implemented can position them for future success in government programs such as value-based purchasing and star ratings. She attended the press launch of new musical School of Rock on Monday night. And the following evening Myleene Klass swapped the guitar solos and drum beats for something a little more refined when she visited the Royal Opera House, London. The 38-year-old looked stunning as she stepped out of her vehicle in a glitzy, thigh-skimming red dress. Scroll down for video Glamorous: Myleene Klass, 38, looked stunning as she stepped out of her vehicle in a glitzy, thigh-skimming red dress outside the Royal Opera House, London, on Tuesday night The mother-of-two showed off her slim pins and strutted her stuff in a pair of knee-high black boots. She wore her dark locks in a tidy updo, while her makeup application was flawless. Myleene's spotless complexion emanated a healthy glow, her chestnut peepers were enhanced with lashings of mascara and her plump pout was given a slick of pink lipstick. Glitzy: The mother-of-two showed off her slim pins and strutted her stuff in a pair of knee-high black boots Pretty as a picture: She wore her dark locks in a tidy updo, while her makeup application was flawless The star finished her looked with a deep red manicure, earrings and a metallic watch. Myleene's passion for the arts is well-known, with the beauty having been trained in classical piano as well as presenting a regular show on Classic FM. Earlier this month, Myleene enjoyed a helicopter ride with her fashion PR beau Simon Motson. Mind your step: Myleene received a helping hand as she stepped out of the Mercedes Refined: Myleene's passion for the arts is well-known, with the beauty having been trained in classical piano as well as presenting a regular show on Classic FM The smitten couple's appearance came after Myleene raved about their near year-long romance in an interview with the Daily Mirror. She gushed: 'He is so hot. Its lovely. Im enjoying myself.' It was previously reported Myleene made Simon wait nearly six months before agreeing to be seen with him in public, while he finalised a divorce from his ex wife. Myleene was previously married to bodyguard Graham Quinn, 41 - the father of her daughters Ava and Hero. He ended their six-month marriage and decade-long relationship when he walked out on her on her 34th birthday in April 2012. The couple were granted a divorce in April 2013. Tom Hiddleston arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday after flying in from London. The chiseled British star was spotted leaving the arrivals terminal at LAX looking somewhat weary after his long-haul flight. The 35-year-old carried his own luggage wheeling a large suitcase on rollers and with a large rucksack on his back. Scroll down for video Back in La-La Land: Tom Hiddleston was spotted leaving the arrivals terminal at LAX on Tuesday as he returned to Tinseltown after a trip to London The Night Manager hunk wore dark skinny jeans with a black belt and a dark gray v-neck shirt. He paired the ensemble with a dark jacket and a pair of gray Aquatalia shoes. His hair was gelled lightly back from his face and his beard was neatly trimmed. Hunk: The British actor, 35, wore dark skinny jeans with a black belt and a dark gray v-neck shirt. He paired the ensemble with a dark jacket and a pair of gray shoes Traveled thousands of miles: Tom appeared a little weary after his long flight as he wheeled his own luggage and carried a large backpack The actor recently completed production on the Thor sequel that filmed in Australia. He is currently lending his voice to the currently in production Aardman Animations and StudioCanal animated feature Early Man. Tom, of course, has seen his celebrity profile skyrocket thanks to his brief relationship with Taylor Swift. The couple got together shortly after Taylor's split from Calvin Harris, leading Tom to insist their relationship wasn't a 'showmance' in July. He and Taylor, 26, split in September when the pop star telling Dailymail.com that she felt 'uncomfortable' with his desire to be 'so public' about their romance. Byron Bay may have influenced Elsa Pataky's boho style, but underneath her clothes is a much more sultry story. The Spanish actress, 40, proved that by becoming the face - and body - for Women's Secret, and in stunning images from the brand we can see why they wanted her. The mother-of-three's absolutely fabulous body look to be the perfect model for the brand's sexy lingerie. Scroll down for video Work it girl: Elsa Pataky stuns in campaign photos for Women's Secret The high-res images show Elsa in an assortment of underwear, matched with a tailcoat and top hat to keep in with the vaudeville/musical theme of the campaign. In the accompanying video, Elsa puts on a racy display as she performs the 1920s-style choreography and mimes to the music. The look was a far cry from the bohemian wardrobe she's been rocking since moving to New South Wales. Wow: Elsa looks incredible after having three children Touch ups: The actress gets her make-up reapplied during the video shoot Speaking to Vogue Australia at the recent launch of cult brand Spell's new swimwear line in Byron Bay, the Fast And Furious star proclaimed: 'I love a mix of hippy, but [my style] touches on rock 'n' roll, with colours and prints. ''I always had it there, but coming here to Byron, it did come out a bit more to work with this lifestyle.' Elsa and husband Chris Hemsworth moved from Melbourne to Byron Bay earlier this year with their three children - four-year-old daughter India Rose, and two-year-old twin sons Tristan and Sasha. Move: Elsa recently moved to Byron Bay with Chris Hemsworth and their family Apart from posing for lingerie brands, Elsa can be expected to be seen on screen next year in the eighth Fast And Furious sequel. She'll reprise her role as Elena alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Vin Diesel. The film - directed by Straight Outta Compton's F. Gary Gray - welcomes Oscar winners Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren to the cast. BRIAN VINER: Philippa lives in Edinburgh, where she works in a dreary sales job and is passed over for promotion. 'You are at the right level for you,' says her condescending boss. Amber Heard and gal pal Cara Delevingne recently enjoyed some outdoors retail therapy together. The 30-year-old actress and 24-year-old model kept it casual yet chic on Sunday while hitting a Los Angeles flea market. Amber wore a short-sleeved yellow peasant top along with faded cuffed blue jeans and thick black boots. Flea market: Amber Heard teamed up with gal pal Cara Delevingne on Sunday for some outdoor shopping at a flea market in Los Angeles The Friday Night Lights star had her blonde hair up in a messy bun and accessorised with sunglasses, bracelets and rings. Cara meanwhile donned a thin white tank top over a dark bra along with black skinny pants and black sneakers. The Paper Towns star had her blonde hair down around her shoulders and accessorised with necklaces and sunglasses. Amber and Cara carried several shopping bags after picking up items and a bite to eat at the flea market. Top model: Cara kept it casual in a tank top and black skinny jeans Casual chic: Amber and Cara were casual yet stylish for their trip to the flea market Bag ladies: The actresses carried several shopping bags from the outdoor market Good times: Amber and Cara smiled as they strolled together They were also spotted together earlier this month at the Shamrock Social Club tattoo parlor. Amber was seen inking the model's arm. The next morning Amber and Cara enjoyed some shopping at the outdoor Melrose Trading Post. Blonde beauties: Cara had her blonde hair down while Amber opted for a messy bun Meal break: Cara and Amber stopped for a bite at the flea market Best buds: Amber has been spending time with Cara since her split from ex-husband Johnny Depp Amber and Cara starred in the recent crime thriller London Fields that also featured Amber's ex-husband Johnny Depp. Johnny, 53, and Amber co-starred in the 2011 film The Rum Diary. They married in February 2015 after his split from longtime love Vanessa Paradis. Lean frame: Cara accentuated her lean lean frame in black capri skinny trousers Amber filed for divorce in May and sought a restraining order against the Hollywood star whom she accused of abuse. They reached a divorce settlement in August with Amber receiving $7 million, which she donated to charity. Amber has been cast as Mera in the 2017 superheroes film Justice League and also the 2018 stand-alone movie Aquaman. Cara can be seen in Tulip Fever due for release in February 2017 and Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets due in theaters in July 2017. Model turned actress: The English model has been picking up film roles She is expecting baby number two with longtime love Guillaume Canet. And Marion Cotillard put her growing baby bump on display while attending a screening of her film Allied on Tuesday. The actress, 41, arrived to the New York City event in an Egyptian inspired sequinned outfit. Scroll down for video She's got that glow: Marion Cotillard put her growing baby bump on display while attending a screening of her film Allied on Tuesday The screening was hosted by Paramount Pictures with The Cinema Society & Chandon at iPic Fulton Market in the Big Apple. Marion stars in the romantic thriller Allied with Brad Pitt; the movie is set in 1942 North Africa. For the evening event, the Academy Award winner tucked her silky blouse into her gold, black and copper striped and sequined skirt. The La Vie en Rose actress complemented the ensemble with a black and gold blazer. Wow factor: The actress, 41, arrived to the New York City event in a sequined striped skirt with similar patterned blazer Glamorous in the Big Apple: The La Vie en Rose actress complemented the ensemble with a black and gold blazer The cover up had three-quarter length sleeves and a blue and yellow beaded element embroidered by her left shoulder. The French actress paired the look with strappy black heels and delicate jewelry. Marion pulled her brunette tresses back into a low bun, opting for a deep side part. Beautiful lady: For the evening event, the Academy Award winner tucked her silky blouse into her gold, black and copper striped and sequined skirt On her way in: The cover up had three-quarter length sleeves and a blue and yellow beaded element embroidered by her left shoulder Strike a pose: Marion stars in the romantic thriller Allied with Brad Pitt; the movie is set in 1942 North Africa; Marion and Brad on November 9 in Westwood, CA at a fan event Marion rocked smokey brown eye makeup with coral glossed lips and rosy blush on her cheeks. The movie star is mom to five-year-old son Marcel with her beau Guillaume, 43; the lovebirds started dating in October 2007. Also at the Allied screening on Tuesday was the film's director Robert Zemeckis and his wife Leslie Harter Zemeckis. Swedish model Alex Lundqvist looked dapper in his blazer, jeans and tie while posing on the carpet with his spouse Keytt. Louisa Krause looked lovely in a silky black belted dress and silver heels; she paired the look with red lipstick and slicked back hair. Allied will hit US theaters on November 23. Power couple: Also at the Allied screening on Tuesday was the film's director Robert Zemeckis and his wife Leslie Harter Zemeckis Date night: Swedish model Alex Lundqvist looked dapper in his blazer, jeans and tie while posing on the carpet with his spouse Keytt There's nothing Devin Brugman and Natasha Oakley enjoy more than taking photos of themselves in bikinis - as their Instagram pages are filled with them. And once again the dynamic duo were flaunting their beach bodies in skimpy swimsuits at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Wednesday. Devin and Natasha showed off their sizzling natural curves as they held hands and walked across the sand following a dip in the ocean. Scroll down for video More bikinis! Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman hit Sydney's Bondi Beach on Wednesday Social media stars! 'Tash and Dev' are known for their popular blog A Bikini A Day Happy to be home: Natasha is Down Under just in time for the start of summer Summer days! Natasha wore a triangle bikini and styled her blonde hair in loose natural waves Natasha wore a colourful triangle bikini with a matching sarong while Devin opted for a simple cream design. She arrived at the beach in a black sarong and sunglasses, which she took off before her dive into the water. Natasha arrived with a wide brim straw hat and coconut water, which she put aside to show off her stylish bikini. Work it! The twentysomething models certainly know their way around a bikini photo shoot Fun times: The best friends looked like they were thoroughly enjoying each other's company Like a boss! The bloggers have mastered the art of Instagram and getting the perfect angles Work the hair: Tash holds up her blonde locks as she purses her lips for the camera The bloggers have mastered the art of Instagram and getting the perfect angles to showcase their swimwear and figures. On Monday, Tash did upload a new bikini snap to acknowledge her new campaign partnership with Seafolly Australia. 'So excited to announce that my reason for being home in Sydney is because of my collaboration with @seafollyaustralia to celebrate the beginning of the Australian summer,' she captioned the picture. Best of friends: The pair held hands as they walked in from the shore All eyes on her: Devin opted for a simple cream design, which showcased her ample cleavage Long time: Tash and Devin have been working together since 2012 Hat's off to her: Tash kept the sun out of her eyes with a straw hat Cover up: Devin wore a black sarong as she arrived onto the beach 'I will be hosting two really exciting events within Australia that I can't wait to share with you! Stay tuned!' Devin and Tash recently flew into Sydney from their LA homes to take part in a special pop-up event for their website A Bikini A Day. Tash and Devin rose to fame through their blog filled with bikini-clad snaps and recently launched an activewear line following on from the success of their swimwear line. Sarong sisters: Both bikini businesswomen rocked a cover-up American girl: Devin hails from Hawaii but lives in Los Angeles Monday Swimwear: The ladies have their own line of bikinis on sale Their first swimwear collection sold out over a couple of months and they now share a combined following of 3 million followers, and rising, on Instagram alone. Speaking of how she keeps in shape, Tash told Women's Health devices often worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, are 'extremely unhealthy'. 'I would never in a million years endorse something like waist-trainers,' she said emphatically. Chat: Natasha stopped to speak to her boyfriend, Friench model Gilles Souteyrand This must be the life: Spending the day at the beach is a better office than most She is 47-years-old and shows no sign of fading. Christy Turlington looked flawless at the 2016 Museum Of Modern Art Film Benefit - A Tribute To Tom Hanks in New York on Tuesday. The Vogue model wore a black dress and diamonds with her hair worn up highlighting her incredibly photogenic face. Beauty in black: Christy Turlington made a stylish appearance on the carpet at the Tom Hanks benefit at the MOMA in NYC on Tuesday Flawless: The model has not changed much since she started modeling with Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista as a teen The wife of actor Ed Burns had on a short-sleeved dress that appeared to have sheer fabric over a grey camisole. The skirt part went below her knees, most of it sheer, showing off her legs. Strappy heels added even more va-voom. Diamond on her ears sparkled, making her look like a modern-day Holly Golightly. She's the tops: The wife of actor Ed Burns had on a short-sleeved dress that appeared to have sheer fabric over a grey camisole The mother of two has said that she keeps her curves by doing yoga and jogging. And the workouts have paid off as the veteran still lands modeling gigs, most recently for John Galliano. Also at the event was Emma Watson, who won points with her classy velvet dress and matching choker. British beauty: Emma Watson wowed on the black carpet at the swanky event The star tied her ombre locks away from her face and went for a natural palette of make-up. The young actress stars in the upcoming live feature Beauty And The Beast alongside British actor Dan Stevens. The official trailer was released on Monday and has already become the most watched trailer in 24 hours. Stunning: The light brunette actress wowed in a classy velvet black dress, as she accessorized with an edgy black choker necklace The highly anticipated film hits theatres March 17. Of course the man of the hour, Hanks, was in attendance with his beautiful wife Rita Wilson. Rita looked beautiful in a black lace number, while Hanks dressed up in a navy suit. Lovely: Of course the man of the hour, Tom Hanks, was in attendance with his beautiful wife Rita Wilson Plus ones! The iconic actor also brought along Lorrie Sullenberger and Chesley Sullenberger, who were the inspiration for the movie Sully The guys: Both men were wearing similar suits except Lorrie who opted to wear a purple tie The iconic actor also brought along Lorrie Sullenberger and Chesley Sullenberger, who were the inspiration for the movie Sully. Aaron Eckhart, who was Hanks' co-star in the film, looked suave in a classic black suit and white shirt. Also in attendance at the lavish event was Steve Martin and Homeland's Damien Lewis who both looked dapper in their attire. Talk show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert made a cute couple on the red carpet. Another couple: Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg made a smart couple on the carpet, both opting to wear black for the occasion Dapper: Aaron Eckhart, who was Hanks' co-star in the film, looked suave in a classic black suit and white shirt Leelee Sobieski and Rachel Roy also made an appearance at the event. Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg made a smart couple on the carpet, both opting to wear black for the occasion. While Emma stunned on the carpet for Hanks' event, it won't be long until she is the belle of the ball. The lads: Also in attendance at the lavish event was Steve Martin and Homeland's Damien Lewis who both looked dapper in their attire Smart: Talk show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert made a cute couple on the red carpet Milla Jovovich led the celebrity crowd that turned out to support filmmaker David O. Russell in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. The Joy and American Hustle director partnered with Prada to create a short film called Past Forward which will be featured on the fashion house's website. Milla, 40, was a standout in a stylish ensemble of dark cropped pants paired with a semi sheer white blouse over a black bra. Prada night: Milla Jovovich put on a stylish display as she led the celebrity crowd that came out to support the LA premiere of David O. Russell's short Past Forward The Ukranian actress added a pair of pointed toe pumps with silver embellishments on the top and a tan belt at the waist. Her dark bob was sleekly bow dried and she carried a small black shoulder purse. She added bright red lip color and wore a gold statement necklace. Spouses: Milla, 40, was accompanied by her husband and Resident Evil director Paul W.S. Anderson His night: Director David O. Russell whose short film Past Forward was made in collaboration with Prada mugged for the cameras on the arrivals carpet with actress Sarah Paulson In on the joke: The People v. O.J. Simpson star had the Joy and Hustle filmmaker in stitches Russell mugged for the cameras on the arrivals carpet with actress Sarah Paulson. The director was dapper in a shiny charcoal suit with white shirt and black tie. Sarah looked lovely in a black dress that fell below the knee and had a ruffled neck and half sleeves with ruffled cuffs. The People v. O.J. Simpson star added a pair of chunky platform heels that revealed her red toenail polish. Fashionable: Sarah looked lovely in a black dress that fell below the knee and had a ruffled neck and half sleeves with ruffled cuffs and she carried a turquoise purse Sleek: Singer and actress Mandy Moore wore a pretty patterned dress with a black cape and black sandal heels Striking: Zoey Deutsch was dressed in a black mini dress with a sheer overlay and a formal collar. She wore platform sandals and carried a black and red purse Demi Moore showed up looking radiant in a gossamer white dress with pink, green and blue floral detailing. The Hollywood star's dress with sheer overlay featured a high collar with a bow and long sleeves. She wore nude stiletto heels with funky brown stocking socks that were pulled up to above the ankle. Demi carried a metallic clutch and a brown coat. Raven-haired beauty: Demi Moore showed up looking radiant in a gossamer white dress with pink, green and blue floral detailing Eclectic style: The G. I. Jane star's dress had a sheer overlay and featured a high collar with a bow and long sleeves The actress and former wife of Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher wore nude stiletto heels with funky brown socks pulled up to above the ankle and carried a metallic clutch and brown coat Kate Mara arrived with boyfriend Jamie Bell in tow. The actress kept it simple in a black mini dress cinched at the waist with a slightly pleated skirt. The sleeveless number featured a high collar and she carried a contrasting red purse. Kate rocked a platinum blonde bob and towering black and red platform heels as she posed with Jamie who kept it low key in a suit with shirt and tie. Pretty: Actress Kate Mara sported a new platinum blonde do and a black sleeveless mini dress Had a date: Kate, who wore a pair of black and red chunky heels, accessorized with actor beau Jamie Bell Sunny side up: Michelle Monaghan was pretty as a buttercup in a bright yellow strapless dress with orange and purple flowers Actress Michelle Monaghan was pretty as a buttercup in a bright yellow dress with orange and purple flowers. The strapless number featured a sweetheart neckline and a flounced hem at the knee. Olivia Munn chose an eclectic ensemble of black culottes with a black waistband and a navy blue buttoned-up blouse with contrasting light blue bow. She wore her dark hair sleeked back from her face and added a black shoulder purse on a gold chain and black pumps. Stand out: Olivia Munn chose an eclectic ensemble of black culottes with a black waistband and a navy blue buttoned-up blouse with contrasting light blue bow Glittering: Frieda Pinto was a delight in a silver blue frock with a shift under a semi sheer patterned short-sleeved dress Black to basics: Fuschia Sumner stepped out in a stylish all-black ensemble Strike a pose: Freida Pinto and Demi Moore posed for a snapshot as they mingled with guests Frieda Pinto was a delight in a silver blue frock with a shift under a semi sheer patterned short-sleeved dress. She paired it with matching silver heels and wore her dark locks in a sophisticated updo. Also on the guest list for the night were Mandy Moore, Zoey Deutsch, Connie Britton and Jackie Weaver. Mandy wore a patterned dress with a black cape and black heels. Down to earth: Connie Britton opted for a black knee-length dress dotted with green and white floral patterns Back to black: Model Caroline Vreeland also opted for an all-black ensemble for the big event Stole the show! She teamed a turtleneck sweater with a patent mini-skirt and a faux fur stole Colorful: Girls star Allison Williams was pretty in a white frilly dress with orange, pink and black swirls and flowers Chic: Zoey Deutch turned heads in a floaty semi-sheer number with a signature Prada purse Zoey was dressed in a black mini dress with a sheer overlay and a formal collar. She wore platform sandals and carried a black and red purse. Connie Britton opted for a black knee-length dress dotted with green and white floral patterns. She left her reddish-gold hair loose and falling in waves around her shoulders. Trio: Freida Pinto and Allison Williams posed with British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen Stylish figure: He cut a stylish figure in a black leather jacket with dark rinse skinny jeans You've got to hand it to them! David and Sacha posed with their hands in their pockets Listen up! Sacha enthusiastically chatted with David as they prepared to take their seats Catching up: Sacha garnered a considerable amount of attention when he made his arrival Squad: (L-R) Connie, David, Sacha, Kuoth Wiel and Allison got together for a group shot Meanwhile, Girls star Allison Williams was pretty in a white frilly dress with orange, pink and black swirls and flowers. Her dark hair was loose and she added a pair of pointed tow orange pumps. Australian actress Jackie Weaver wore a bright red dress with a scoop neck and a pair of silver embellished sandals. Classic: Australian actress Jackie Weaver wore a bright red dress with a scoop neck and a pair of silver embellished sandals Monochrome: Zosia Mamet kept it simple in black and white with a splash of scarlet lipstick Metallic: Nicola Peltz wore a black mini dress embellished with gold studs and a black blazer draped over her shoulders Lookalikes: Nicola and Zoey were dressed in similar ensembles but had no problem posing side by side for photographers Dapper gent: Christoph Waltz looked decidedly dapper as he arrived in a fitted Prada suit Jovial: The Oscar-winning actor appeared to be in jovial spirits as he greeted photographers Mingling: As Freida and David mingled, they were seen catching up with Miuccia Prada Read or not...: The well-heeled guests eventually took to their seats at the exclusive event Tom Hanks was honored on Tuesday evening at the 2016 Museum Of Modern Art Film Benefit in New York City. And it looks like the Oscar winner invited some of his power pals. The 60-year-old Sully star and his actress wife Rita Wilson posed with longtime collaborator Steven Spielberg as well as his spouse Kate Capshaw. Power double date: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were joined by Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg at the MOMA benefit honoring the actor on Tuesday Lovely: The actors have been married since 1988 and have two children together Rita, 60, looked beautiful in a black lace number with a belt and shawl. Diamond sparkled around her neck and on her fingers. Hanks dressed up in a navy suit with tie. And Steven, 69, and Capshaw, 63, were nicely coordinated in black. They have been married since 1991. Hanks brought along Lorrie Sullenberger and Chesley Sullenberger, who were the inspiration for the movie Sully. Plus ones! The iconic actor also brought along Lorrie Sullenberger and Chesley Sullenberger, who were the inspiration for the movie Sully The guys: Both men were wearing similar suits except Lorrie who opted to wear a purple tie Christy Turlington also looked elegant at the event. The Vogue model wore a black dress and diamonds with her hair worn up highlighting her incredibly photogenic face. Beauty in black: Christy Turlington made a stylish appearance on the carpet at the Tom Hanks benefit at the MOMA in NYC on Tuesday Flawless: The model has not changed much since she started modeling with Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista as a teen The wife of actor Ed Burns had on a short-sleeved dress that appeared to have sheer fabric over a grey camisole. The skirt part went below her knees, most of it sheer, showing off her legs. Strappy heels added even more va-voom. Diamond on her ears sparkled, making her look like a modern-day Holly Golightly. She's the tops: The wife of actor Ed Burns had on a short-sleeved dress that appeared to have sheer fabric over a grey camisole The mother of two has said that she keeps her curves by doing yoga and jogging. And the workouts have paid off as the veteran still lands modeling gigs, most recently for John Galliano. Also at the event was Emma Watson, who won points with her classy velvet dress and matching choker. British beauty: Emma Watson wowed on the black carpet at the swanky event The star tied her ombre locks away from her face and went for a natural palette of make-up. The young actress stars in the upcoming live feature Beauty And The Beast alongside British actor Dan Stevens. The official trailer was released on Monday and has already become the most watched trailer in 24 hours. Stunning: The light brunette actress wowed in a classy velvet black dress, as she accessorized with an edgy black choker necklace The highly anticipated film hits theatres March 17. Aaron Eckhart, who was Hanks' co-star in Sully, looked suave in a classic black suit and white shirt. Also in attendance at the lavish event was Steve Martin and Homeland's Damien Lewis who both looked dapper in their attire. Talk show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert made a cute couple on the red carpet. Dapper: Aaron Eckhart, who was Hanks' co-star in the film, looked suave in a classic black suit and white shirt Colourful outfit: Poppy Delevingne stood out in a long colourful dress Fan favourite: Meg Ryan attended the benefit after party Leelee Sobieski and Rachel Roy also made an appearance at the event. Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg made a smart couple on the carpet, both opting to wear black for the occasion. While Emma stunned on the carpet for Hanks' event, it won't be long until she is the belle of the ball. The lads: Also in attendance at the lavish event was Steve Martin and Homeland's Damien Lewis who both looked dapper in their attire Smart: Talk show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evelyn McGee-Colbert made a cute couple on the red carpet Eight area Food City locations will be selling copies of David Carrolls new book from Nov. 18 until Dec. 31. Recently voted the Chattanooga areas Best Columnist/Reporter and Best TV Personality, David Carroll has just published his second book, Volunteer Bama Dawg. Mr. Carroll previously published Chattanooga Radio and Television, a pictorial history of local broadcasting. The new book is totally different from the first, Mr. Carroll said. While I was out promoting the first book, I spoke to several clubs and churches, telling stories about my career and the people Ive met. People seemed to enjoy it, so Ive put together my best stories, all in one place.The title, Volunteer Bama Dawg, is based on Mr. Carrolls life, and on one of his most popular stories. It represents the three states Ive loved all my life, he said. I grew up in Alabama, I now live in Tennessee, and I drive through Georgia just about every day. Its who I am. Recently, he found the one spot where a person can stand in those three states at one time. I tell the story of the border that connects Marion, Dade and Jackson counties, he said. You can have your big toe in Tennessee, your heel in Alabama, and your other foot in Georgia. Its become quite the little tourist attraction.The book includes more than 60 photographs, and stories ranging from comical, to historical, to sentimental. I write about the worst songs ever, fun facts about our local history, my family, famous folks Ive met, and some I never did. I write about my career in radio and TV, covering the schools, and I included more than a few jokes. Some of them are actually funny.He added, The new book also gives me a chance to follow up on the local personalities who were such a big part of my first book. People love reading about Luther Masingill, Miss Marcia, Tommy Jett, Harry Thornton and his wrestlers, Jim Nabors, and so many others. In this book, I can tell the stories I didnt have room for in the first book. Mr. Carroll is a longtime radio and TV broadcaster in Chattanooga who currently anchors the evening news on WRCB Channel 3, and hosts a weekend radio show The Vinyl Express on Chattanoogas Big 95.3 FM. I hope folks will come by Food City and check out this new book, Mr. Carroll said. If youve been trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything, this just might be it. I love meeting people, and signing the book. Weve had a lot of bad news this year, and the book is filled with humorous, informative, and inspiring stories. Book signings will be held at the following Food City locations: Saturday, Nov. 26, 12-2 p.m. at Ocoee Crossing in Cleveland. Saturday Dec. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Trenton store, followed by a signing from 1-3 p.m. at the Tennessee Avenue store in St. Elmo. Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m.-noon at the store at 5604 Hixson Pike, followed by a signing at the Battlefield Parkway (Fort Oglethorpe) store from 2-4 p.m. Those locations will have Mr. Carrolls book for sale through Dec. 31, along with Food City stores in Soddy-Daisy, East Brainerd, and Signal Mountain Road. The book is priced at $19.95, and is published by Fresh Ink Press. Mr. Carrolls book is also available via online purchase (PayPal and credit card) at ChattanoogaRadioTV.com, and by mail ($19.95 plus $4.00 shipping) at P.O. Box 15185, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415. Mr. Carroll personally autographs each book. She's the Instagram superstar whose famous curves never fail to turn heads. And Devin Brugman, 26, wasn't shy to hide her cavernous cleavage as she flounced on Bondi Beach with bestie Natasha Oakley this Wednesday. Her DD-cup assets were barely contained by a flimsy white string bikini, while her bronzed posterior was barely covered by a matching bikini bottom. Scroll down for video Ample assets! Devin Brugman, 26, wasn't shy to hide her cavernous cleavage as she flounced on Bondi Beach with bestie Natasha Oakley this Wednesday The California-born paraded her legs and toned stomach as she giggled and posed with her blonde pal, who was similarly clothed in a scant bikini top. Devin appeared to wear a full face of makeup for the shoot, while leaving her hair to hang freely in natural chocolate-brown curls. Following the candid beach photo shoot, Devin shielded her visage behind a pair of round-framed sunglasses while covering up her lower section with a black sarong. The breast of friends! Her DD-cup assets were barely contained by a flimsy white string bikini, while her bronzed posterior was barely covered by a matching bikini bottom BFFs! The California-born paraded her legs and toned stomach as she giggled and posed with her blonde pal, who was similarly clothed in a scant bikini top Busting out! Devin appeared to wear a full face of makeup for the shoot, while leaving her hair to hang freely in natural chocolate-brown curls She was then seen packing her belongings away in a large plastic travel bag. Tash and Devin rose to fame through their blog filled with bikini-clad snaps and recently launched an active-wear line following on from the success of their swimwear line. The bloggers have since mastered the art of posing in angles that perfectly showcase their swimwear and figures for the camera. Staying shady: Following the candid beach photo shoot, Devin shielded her visage behind a pair of round-framed sunglasses while covering up her lower section with a black sarong Behind the scenes! She was then seen packing her belongings away in a large plastic travel bag Their first swimwear collection sold out over a couple of months and they now share a combined following of 3 million followers, and rising, on Instagram alone. Speaking of how she keeps in shape, Tash told Women's Health devices often worn by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, are 'extremely unhealthy'. 'I would never in a million years endorse something like waist-trainers,' she said emphatically. She's the Australian reporter known for her 20-year TV career at Channel Seven. But, Christine 'Chris' Bath appears to be trading her screen time for air time in 2017, having announced a return to radio. Sydney's 702 ABC station announced their excitement for the 49-year-old officially joining the team in 2017 in a Twitter post on Tuesday. Scroll down for video Returning to her roots: Chris Bath is returning to radio, joining Sydney's 702 ABC station, presenting the program Monday-Thursday Chris started her successful career at radio station 2UE, with the move signifying a return to the medium that launched her journey. ABC's post said 'Welcome aboard Chris!' and detailed how she would be absorbed into their existing evenings team for the permanent role. 'Chris will present the program Monday-Thursday,' they confirmed. The journalist is set to replace current host Chrisine Anu, who is reportedly moving to a Friday and Saturday evening slot. Exciting news: 702 ABC Sydney made the announcement on Twitter Since leaving her post at Seven last year, she has freelanced for the station, taken gigs on rival network Ten and filled Chris joined The Project as co-host alongside Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar for their summer programs earlier this year, as well as Studio Ten. However, it may have been her three-week stint filling in for Sydney ABC drive radio host Richard Glover earlier this year that prompted her new job offer. Veteran: Chris is known for her 20-year TV career at Channel Seven 'I have had an ongoing conversation with 702 since I left Seven and the opportunity came up to fill in for Richard and I first though, wow, and then I thought, huge shoes to fill,' Chris previously told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'I think back to 1988 and I still think the year I spent at 2UE I learnt more in that year than in the ensuing 27 years afterwards,' she reflected. The media personality also claimed she was nostalgic for radio as she loves 'those breaking news stories', claiming 'radio is like three hours of rolling coverage, so I know I will get that adrenaline rush.' Other projects: Chris was a fill-in presenter on The Project over Summer earlier this year When Chris appeared on Channel Seven she helmed the nightly news and popular current affairs show Sunday Night. In a statement released by the network in 2015 when she left, she said: 'This has been a very big decision. I'm very grateful for the past wonderful 20 years at Seven. 'I want to thank the Network for giving me the chance to enjoy every broadcast journalism experience possible.' Rumours had surfaced she left the network due to an ongoing feud with journalist and presenter Samantha Armytage. She always waxes lyrical about their deep love and even nicknamed him Goldenballs. But that did not stop Victoria Beckham from begging David Blaine to make her husband vanish on the magician's latest TV special on Tuesday. The former Spice Girl delivered the best line of the night on the programme, despite the fact she was not even on-camera at the time, on ABC's Beyond Magic. He really did do the impossible: David Blaine managed to outsmart sagacious soccer star David Beckham on his Beyond Magic TV special on Tuesday She spoke out from another room after hearing awestruck former England player David bleat, 'How is that even possible?' following one of the jolly mage's demonstrations of the arcane arts. With surprisingly effective comic timing Posh Spice chimed in: 'Has anyone made David disappear yet?' Chance would be a fine thing, but the retired midfield plodder instead shared a verbose description about what he had witnessed, with producers helpfully adding footage during his monologue. Former Manchester United star David said: 'You have no idea what happened. This is ridiculous.' Classic misdirection: It seemed David was being led up the garden path when he was asked to think of an animal What a tangled web he weaves: For the powerful mage then decided to sew his mouth closed A real spooler: The footballer and the fans at home were no doubt stumped by his trick He's no Wayne Dobson: But he had his namesake gripped as he sewed his mouth Elucidating further, David explained: 'He says name an animal he can keep alive in his hand. I said frog. 'So he sewed his mouth shut with needle and thread I thought the sewing the mouth was the trick, forgot about the frog bit.' Which made it all the more shocking for the former MLS star when, 'Live frogs came out of his mouth!' Adding a final blasphemous flourish to his description David added, 'Oh my God.' Totally taken in: David screwed up his face as he watched his friend perform the improbable A frog in his throat: He delivered a stunning climax by spitting a frog from his sewn mouth Devestated: Perhaps the last time he looked so emotional was when he blazed his penalty over the bar in England's devastating Euro 2004 loss to Portugal Star of the show: Victoria was not even on the screen when she delivered her verbal coup de maitre Piff paff poof: The Great Soprendo himself would have been proud of David's trick But David was not the only one to take the Lord's name in vain after seeing one of the powerful wizard's awe-inspiring miracles. Indeed prominent Scientologist John Travolta was the surprising culprit after the potent enchanter penetrated his ring with a clothes hanger. After swallowing the piece of jewellery David requested the hanger, which he rammed down his throat then pulled it out again with the band threaded on. As he held the trinket on the piece of wire, the Saturday Night Fever star said, 'Oh my God,' no doubt suppressing the urge to exclaim 'Eighth Dynamic' instead. For his next trick: Schwarzenegger fans were doubtlessly hoping David would make Arnold's ridiculous hat disappear 'See you at the party Richter': The Austrian Oak surely asked for his business card after the show 'Oh my God': Prominent Scientologist John Travolta could not resist blaspheming Gobsmacked: Kelly Preston could not believe the jolly mage had managed to penetrate her husband's ring with a wire coathanger Other stars who were astounded by the 43-year-old's acts of astonishment included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emma Stone and Johnny Depp, who told his new showbiz pal, 'that was amazing' after he performed the same trick he did for Travolta. Indeed staging the same effect for different people was a recurring theme, as he executed both his ring and frog routines, with the odd minor variation, for a number of the stars, the latter thrilling both Drake and Dave Chapelle as well as Beckham. And Australian lovely Margot Robbie was left almost speechless for once after the charismatic conjurer managed to read her and a friend's mind not once, but twice. The 26-year-old blonde beauty was particularly blown away the second time, after he correctly guessed one of the letters of a word she had chosen was R, before writing 'numerous' on her chum's hand. Mind Control with David Blaine : Mr Magic stunned Margot Robbie and her pal when he managed to read their thoughts R you kidding? The actress could not believe he guessed one of the letters of her word Amazing feat: David managed to leave the Australian lovely speechless for once Stupefied: No doubt Margot has not been so amazed since she learned Suicide Squad was a hit Mindfreak: Criss Angel will be jealous he was not the one doing magic for Margot In many ways the show's main function was to promote David's first ever live tour, after almost 20 years as a world famous magician, and he spent much of the episode hyping up his version of the bullet catch. The dangerous illusion has been performed by such global luminaries as Scotland's Great Wizard Of The North John Henry Anderson in the 1800s and most famously Chung Ling Soo, who was killed while performing the effect in London in 1918. David's version saw him hold a metal cup in his mouth, protecting his teeth with a mouthguard, and having a rifle round fired into his face at point blank range. Depp-ly disturbed: Johnny was another who was amazed after David swallowed his ring Dave vs Dave: But Blaine seemed to have outsmarted Chappelle by coughing up frogs It beats watching Dynamo: Drake was amused and repulsed by the charismatic conjurer Hard to swallow: David's first attempt at sword swallowing did not go according to plan Steel-ing the show: But he soon picked up the skill as he prepared to catch a bullet Miraculously he was not killed after performing the stunt, though one of his concerned lackeys threatened to quit his job if he continued to perform the trick. He was concerned as David's mouthguard broke during the performance, causing him to get a slight cut inside his mouth. But David promised to solidier on for the amusement of his audience, exclaiming, 'It's fine. It's not your fault... I'm alive.' One bullet, one cup: David's finale was firing a bullet into his mouth from close range Pulling the trigger: The moment was caught in slow motion after he shot the bullet Ouch: His bald sidekick looked concerned as his boss held his mouth in pain Cut: David was told by his doctor that he had suffered a minor wound She has been starring alongside Krysten Ritter as Trish Walker in the Netflix original series based on the Marvel comic book Jessica Jones. And Rachael Taylor, 32, has been spotted filming another Marvel inspired Netflix show with Krysten - as her character Trish for the new season of The Defenders. The Australian actress appeared focused as she walked the New York set in a blue coat and navy blouse as she filmed her episodes set to release in 2017. Scroll down for video Starlet: Rachael Taylor, 32, has been spotted in New York filming the Marvel inspired Netflix original series The Defenders in her second role alongside Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter She was seen carrying a black umbrella which matched her large black handbag as she walked beside Krysten during one of their scenes together. Rachael paired her outfit with black heeled boots and dark jeans while her blonde locks were pulled back in a neat ponytail for the shoot. Krysten was seen rocking a black leather jacket and grey woolen neck wrap as she stepped out in flat heeled boots and a blue stonewashed jeans for the scene. The pair appeared heavy in conversation as they sipped on cups of coffee as they filmed the episode. Comic book heroes: Rachael plays the role of Trish Walker in the Netflix series Jessica Jones alongside Krysten who plays the starring role of Jessica Rachael was later seen looking straight at the photographer while pointing at something off camera. The natural beauty was seen wearing a slick of maroon lipstick and had lashings of mascara. This isn't the first time the pair have worked together on a Netflix original series having starred alongside one another in the comic book inspired Jessica Jones. Making a point: Rachael was seen looking straight at the photographer while pointing at something off camera Rachael appeared excited to be back in New York and took to social media to share her joy with her 135,000 followers Posting a picture of the city, Rachael captioned the image, 'Hello old friend', adding the hash tag 'so excited'. Season two of Jessica Jones is set to appear on Netflix next year, while the couple of episodes which Rachael appears in for the defenders is also set to release in 2017. After five years she has finally wrapped up her role on hit HBO show Girls, which airs its final season next year. And while Allison Williams has expressed great sadness over the ending of her career making television show, she seemed to be in high spirits on Tuesday. The 28-year-old daughter of celebrated TV journalist Brian Williams made an appearance at an industry event in Los Angeles. Flower power! Allison Williams made an appearance at an industry event in Los Angeles on Tuesday The actress, who once tried her hand at playing Peter Pan on live television to disappointing results, attended a night honouring David O. Russell's collaboration with Prada to create a short film called Past Forward which will be featured on the fashion house's website. Allison was pretty in a white frilly dress with orange, pink and black swirls and flowers. Gorgeous: The 28-year-old daughter of celebrated TV journalist Brian Williams looked in high spirits at the event Her dark hair was loose and she added a pair of pointed tow orange pumps. Meanwhile, Allison's show Girls, which details the foibles of four young women who live in New York City, premiered in April 2012, and will air its closing episodes next year. The evening was in honour of David O. Russell's collaboration with Prada to create a short film called Past Forward which will be featured on the fashion house's website In September Williams posted an Instagram photo of Lena Dunham standing pigeon-toed, completing the nervous child look with a toothy smile and a slouch. 'It's this little nugget's last day of school today,' the 28-year-old wrote. '6 years of her blood, sweat and tears (literally, by the way) come to a close. I cannot imagine what this will be like for her, but I'm sticking by her side til the bitter end.' Karlie Kloss put her best foot forward as she headlined the 2016 Whitney Art Party in New York City on Tuesday night. The model, 24, had flown back from Spain in time to attend the benefit gala at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Karlie wore a ballerina-inspired black mini dress for the event with her hair styled into a sleek updo. Scroll down for video Tutu beautiful: Karlie Kloss wore a ballerina-inspired black mini dress and a big smile as she headlined a benefit gala at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC Tuesday night The pretty blonde's dress featured a tutu-style skirt with a high-neck bodice and long sleeves that had huge ruffles. She went bare-legged and sported a pair of black pointed toe pumps. She accessorized with a small black clutch and black and white earrings. Karlie's makeup was dramatic with light brown arched brows and heavily kohl-lined eyes, paired with some pink blusher and lip color. Stunner: The model's dress featured a tutu-style skirt with a high-neck bodice and long sleeves that had huge ruffles. The 24-year-old went bare-legged in a pair of black pointed toe pumps Bared some skin: Karrueche Tran opted for a vivid floral number that featured an off-the-shoulder crop top and a full-length skirt with a tied waist Also in attendance was model Karrueche Tran in a vivid floral number that bared her midriff. The ensemble featured an off-the-shoulder crop top and a full-length skirt with a tied waist. The dark-haired beauty added a simple necklace and left her long locks loose. Also on the guest list was former American Pie star Jason Biggs and his wife Jenny Mollen. For the cause: Former American Pie star Jason Biggs and his wife Jenny Mollen supported the event dubbed the Whitney Art Party Aurora James showed off her cleavage in a barely-there black bodice paired with long skirt with front slit and Stacey Bendet wore an arty full-length skirt with a sleeveless black top Jason wore jeans with a buttoned-up black shirt and blue jacket while Jenny opted for an asymmetrical multi-colored dress and a black leather jacket. Also joining in the celebrations were designers Aurora James and Stacey Bendet. Aurora showed off her cleavage in a barely-there black bodice paired with long black skirt with front slit. Stacey wore an arty full-length skirt with a sleeveless black shiny top. Poppy Delevingne showed off her style at the Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit in New York on Tuesday night. The British model and socialite, 30, wore a distinctive full-length dress that featured bold colors and leaf patterns. The sleeveless number fell to her ankles and featured a broad white collar at the top of a white stripe with buttons on it down the front. Eye-catching: Poppy Delevingne, 30, wore a distinctive full-length dress that featured bold colors and leaf patterns as she attended the MOMA Film Benefit in NYC Tuesday night Poppy added a pair of black heels and a black purse. She wore her blonde hair tied back into a pony tail and sported large dangly earrings. She completed the look with a couple of wide bangles on her right wrist. Vibrant: The British model and socialite looked pretty in the sleeveless number fell to her ankles and featured a white collar at the top of a white stripe with buttons on it down the front Partied solo: Poppy, who was without husband James Cook, posed for pics with Welsh actor Luke Evans who also attended the star-studded event that honored Tom Hanks The blonde is doing the rounds of social event sin the big Apple right now. On Monday she showed up at the opening of the Letters To Andy Warhol exhibition in New York. She was without husband James Cook both nights. Poppy found success as a fashion model in 2008, and went on to star in campaigns for Anya Hindmarch, Agent Provocateur, Diesel, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Last month, she made an appearance on Loose Women, where she candidly discussed her struggles with gender reassignment. And India Willoughby, 50, who is Britain's first transgender newsreader, is set to return to the ITV chat show on Wednesday, as she makes her debut as a panellist. 'Im still still pinching myself to make sure it's not a dream,' she said in a statement ahead of her appearance, which will take place during Transgender Awareness Week. 'Ive always loved the show so I just can't believe Im going to be a part of it.' Scroll down for video Big debut: Britain's first transgender newsreader India Willoughby is set to make her debut as a panellist on ITV's Loose Women on Wednesday afternoon India will appear on the show alongside regulars Ruth Langsford, Martine McCutcheon and Janet Street Porter, with celebrity guests set to include Priscilla Presley and Russell Watson. She added: 'Hopefully my history will bring something new to the mix. All the Loose Women have overcome some sort of adversity, they all carry battle scars and thats what makes them interesting people. 'Mine just happened to my body throughout the journey to become my true self. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now and I cant wait to get live and loose.' Making history: India, who appeared as a guest on the show last month, is Britain's first transgender newsreader and until 2010 presented the ITV news as Johnathan Willoughby During her appearance on Loose Women last month, India revealed that she lived a double life for five years. India, who lived as Johnathan until 2010, joined presenters Coleen Nolen, Janet Street-Porter and June Sarpong, where she spoke about her struggles. The ITV news presenter returned to the air last month, six years after she left her post to transition from Johnathan to India. Double life: Speaking on the show last month, India said that she lived a 'split life' for five years spending weekends away as a woman During her appearance on the show India revealed that her moment of clarity came when she reached middle age and she realised she could no longer live a double life. She said: 'The moment it actually hit me I was around 40. Its like holding your breath under water and occasionally I would come up for air by going away for the weekend by myself and live my life as a woman.' In desperate times India, who was scared about losing her friends and family and especially her son attempted to lead a double life. Transition: India underwent a 14,000 gender reassignment surgery in Brighton last year 'I decided to have my cake and eat it too.' she says 'I would live my life as Johnathan at the weekend in one city and live as the real me in Newcastle during the week. I had two lives in two cities for five years'. During her appearance on the talk show today India was congratulated on her explanation of what its like to be transgender. She explained: 'Growing up only 50 per cent of me actually felt alive. Gender identity: India lived as Johnathan until 2010 and says she was aware of her gender identity from the age of four 'It's a complex subject but essentially the science bit is that the template of the embryo is female that then goes through washing process. 'But for transgender people it's like the washing machine doesn't quite fill up which causes disparity in the brain.' India explained that for her this disparity began at a young age and her behaviour was picked up by those around her. Back to work: After deciding she wanted to return to her 'dream job' of broadcasting, she rejoined ITV Border last month in a freelance role She said: 'I knew something wasn't right when I was about three or four but I didn't know it was gender. 'My grandma caught me playing with a lipstick. She didn't tell me off in a nasty way but more pointed out rules pink and blue.' During the segment on the show India is shown a VT of herself presenting the news as Johnathan which she admits is a difficult watch. Supportive: India said that her son was supportive of her decision, adding it 'changed nothing' Despite her initial fears India says that her son, now 17, was extremely understanding when she told him the news. She explained: 'I told him last year. I found it hard to articulate it so I had to write it down. I sat on a park bench and he came over and said "it changes nothing"'. India ended her appearance on the show by issuing advice to those going through the same journey. Praise: Viewers took to Twitter after the show suggesting that India was enlisted as a panelist She said: 'I think in this day and age there's nothing weird about it's just a characteristic like having freckles. A lot of people think these things are a whim but it's a real thing.' Following her appearance on the show this morning India was showered with praise from viewers who took to Twitter calling for her to join the panel show permanently. Electric Zoo commented: 'How amazing is @IndiaWilloughby ? She NEEDS to be made a member of the loose women oanel! Such a fascinating story!' User going with the flow tweeted: 'make India a permanent loose woman! Fabulously at ease woman to watch! True acceptance then by loose women!' Impressed: Many were in high praise of India describing her as an 'inspirational' woman India made her transition permanent last September and had a 14,000 operation in Brighton. After deciding she wanted to return to her 'dream job' of broadcasting, she rejoined ITV Border last month in a freelance role. Speaking of her return this week she said: 'ITV have been fantastic, it hasn't been weird or awkward and they have just welcomed me back. 'I didn't feel nervous at all when I walked back through the door again, they made me feel like I was home. Smooth return: India said that her return to ITV 'hasn't been weird or awkward' 'I am just getting my toes back into the water for now, I have a lot to catch up on from over the last 10 years and all of the technology has changed massively. 'There are obviously a lot of new faces but I can still have the same banter with the old ones - they have realised that I am the still the same person, I just look different on the outside. 'I don't think that there have been people like me in the public eye in this country before - I wouldn't want to make myself out to be some kind of an example or anything but it just shows how the nature of TV has changed for the better. 'I don't think that I would have been accepted a few years ago.' Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV at 12:30pm. Billy Bob Thornton showed his tender side on Tuesday while promoting his raunchy sequel Bad Santa 2. The 61-year-old actor during an appearance on Late Nigh With Seth Meyers discussed being a fan of the My Little Pony franchise. The Oscar winner explained that he read the My Little Pony children's books with his daughter Bella when she was a little girl. Holiday film: Billy Bob Thornton promoted his new movie Bad Santa 2 on Tuesday on Late Night With Seth Meyers He said that since Bella is age 12 they now watch the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls spin-off that features anthropomorphized versions of the pony characters. 'She likes Twilight Sparkle. I like Rainbow Dash ... and Fluttershy because she talks like Marilyn Monroe,' Thornton revealed. The Arkansas native was promoting the upcoming sequel to his 2003 Christmas black comedy Bad Santa. 'This one is creepier,' Thornton promised. Favorite character: The actor revealed that Rainbow Dash was his favorite My Little Pony: Equestria Girls character Chat show: Billy Bob explained to Seth that he became a My Little Pony fan because of his daughter Bella Thornton said it was 'shocking' how many people of all ages mention the R-rated holiday film to him while he's out in public and gave an example of an exchange at a mall. 'A little kid will say, 'Mommy, there's bad Santa'', what kind of parents are you?' Thornton said. The sequel also will feature Tony Cox as accomplice Marcus and Brett Kelly as Thurman Merman from the original movie. Hollywood star: The actor won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Sling Blade Raunchy comedy: Billy Bob is shown with Christina Hendricks in a still from Bad Santa 2 Christina Hendricks, Kathy Bates and Ryan Hansen have joined the cast for the sequel. The film is directed by Mark Waters, 52, who previously directed Mean Girls and Freaky Friday. The R-rated sequel Bad Santa 2 is due in theaters on November 23. Being a fashion designer and a former model she's never short of inspiration for a red carpet ensemble. And on Tuesday evening Alexa Chung once-again showcased her own quirky, but seriously chic, fashion sense as she attended a charity bash at MOMO, in New York. Arriving at the Film Benefit Honoring Tom Hanks, the 33-year-old designer flashed her lithe legs in a leather mini-dress accentuated by a white ruffled detailing. Scroll down for video Pins on parade: On Tuesday evening Alexa Chung once-again showcased her own quirky, but seriously chic, fashion sense as she attended a charity bash at MOMO, in New York The journalist and fashionista - who is dating film star Alexander Skarsgard - made sure all eyes were on her as she it the red carpet solo. Slipping her lithe frame into the thigh-grazing LBD, the British beauty ensured that her slender frame was subtly accentuated. The A-line mini featured a quirky twist on the neckline and sleeves, with a ruffled, layered monochrome embellishment. Hell for leather: Arriving at the Film Benefit Honoring Tom Hanks, the 33-year-old designer flashed her lithe legs in a leather mini dress accentuated by a white ruffled detailing While the thigh-grazing hemline certainly ensured her lithe legs were thrust into the limelight, Alexa added extra definition to her pins thanks to a pair of black stilettos. Keeping the focus on her outfit, the former T4 star kept her accessories to a minimum, only adding a handful of rings, some sparkling earrings and a Chanel handbag to her ensemble. Alexa wore her chestnut locks in a tousled manner, brushing her hair back off her face and allowing it to fall to her shoulders. A leggy display: While the thigh-grazing hemline certainly ensured her lithe legs were thrust into the limelight, Alexa added extra definition to her pins thanks to a pair of black stilettos The man himself: The bash was throne in honour of Hollywood icon Tom, who arrived at the event with his wife Rita Wilson Dapper gents: Joining the cinema icon in the famed New York landmark for the swanky bash were the likes of Damien Lewis and legendary comic Steve Martin The English rose allowed her naturally striking looks to shine through, with Alexa only wearing a minimal palette of make-up which complemented her pale complexion. Alexa joined a host of A-List names to honour Oscar-winner and Hollywood legend Tom Hanks. Joining the cinema icon in the famed New York landmark for the swanky bash were the likes of Damien Lewis, Steve Martin, and Alexa's fellow fashionista Poppy Delevingne. Fashionable friends: Alexa found some fellow fashionistas at the event in the form of Lauren Santo Domingo (L) and Poppy Delevingne (R) As Tennessees waterfowl season approaches, wildlife managers in Region IV are battling the drought in an effort to create waterfowl units on wildlife management areas. Wildlife Managers Bill Smith and David Sams have been working overtime in an effort to fill their waterfowl units, but the drought conditions have been a major setback. We can only pump half the water we normally can and its taking twice as long, said Mr. Smith. If were lucky, we might have decent water levels by mid-December. We are about a month behind. For Mr. Sams, the lack of rainfall and dry soil has been an unusual challenge: The ground is so dry that there are cracks over one-foot deep. Usually, the ground is already wet, but its taking a long time to prime the soil to get it saturated enough to hold water. Mr. Sams and Smith have both been pumping water around the clock but dont have much available water to utilize. I have one five horsepower electric pump going at Kyker right now and its trickling, said Mr. Smith. Mr. Sams is also fighting a unique battle where he has to move what little water he can find into a pool and then into the waterfowl units. The pumps are running around the clock and we are having to fuel up every eight-to-ten hours to keep the water moving, he said. This Saturday, at 1 p.m. will be the first drawing for waterfowl hunting permits on the South Mohawk, Skinner, and Foxgate Units of Lick Creek Refuge. Successful permit holders then get the choice to hunt on Tuesday or Saturday the following week. Normally, Mr. Sams draws permits for hunters on ten hunting units, however only four of the ten units have water at this time. This year, TWRA may have to reduce the number of permits in the drawing, as there will likely be less available units. Mr. Sams said, We will draw every Saturday at 1 p.m. and will give updates according to water conditions. Mr. Smith also foresees less available waterfowl hunting opportunities on Whites Mill Refuge. he said, Right now, we only have two units with some mud puddles. He's the son of acclaimed actor Clint Eastwood. But Scott Eastwood had all eyes on him, as he led the arrivals at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday. The 30-year-old actor showed off his movie star looks in a tailored Giorgio Armani suit, crisp white shirt and slim black tie. Scroll down for video Dashing good looks! Actor Scott Eastwood, 30, cut a suave figure in a Giorgio Armani suit as he led the arrivals at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday Scott took to the red carpet in well-suited attire. The tailored fit of the jacket skimmed over his muscular frame, while a pair of slim-fitting pants covered his lean legs. Teaming the look with a crisp white shirt and slim black tie, the Invictus star accessorised with a pair of patent dress shoes and dark sunglasses held in one hand. No faults here: The Invictus star sported a tailored Giorgio Armani suit, teamed with a crisp white shirt and slim black tie Well groomed: Scott sported just a small amount of stubble on his bronzed complexion Sporting just a small amount of stubble on his bronzed complexion, Scott appeared to have applied a touch of product to his short locks. Since arriving two weeks ago, Scott has been making the most of his time Down Under. The Hollywood heartthrob has been spotted enjoying the surf at Sydney's Bronte Beach, causing jaws to drop as he sported just a pair of dark boardshorts. Tressed to perfection: Scott also appeared to have applied a touch of product to his short locks Just days earlier, Scott revealed he has found 'some of the nicest humans on the planet' in the city of Sydney as he films Pacific Rim 2. Taking to his Instagram account, he spoke in glowing terms about his Australian experience as he sat down to dinner with some of the movie's cast and crew. The caption read: 'Great dinner tonight with some great people in Sydney. The hospitality here is off the charts!!!' He's a fan! Just days earlier, Scott revealed he has found 'some of the nicest humans on the planet,' taking to Instagram to gush about Australia's top hospitality He added: 'Some of the nicest humans on the planet here.' The Suicide Squad star has embraced his time Down Under, tweeting 'this place is the best' as he grabbed a meat pie from a food outlet outside Capitol Theatre in October. Scott's upcoming film Pacific Rim 2, which is scheduled for release in 2018, charts humanity's battle against Japanese monster Kaiju, who has invaded earth. Filming has begun at the Fox Studios in Sydney, with some location shooting in Queensland also scheduled. Familiar faces: Scott is the son of acclaimed actor Clint Eastwood (centre) 86. Pictured also with musician Michael Buble, 41 Just a few days ago, she returned to British shores following a sun-soaked weekend in Barcelona with a group of female pals. And Lottie Moss, 18, showed no signs of slowing down as she was spotted leaving London hotspot Tape at 3:30 on Wednesday morning. The rising model, whose older half-sister is runway veteran Kate Moss, wowed as she emerged wearing a plunging blush pink playsuit, which allowed her to show off her endless tanned and lean legs. Scroll down for video Partying 'til the break of dawn: Lottie Moss was spotted leaving London hotspot Tape at 3:30 on Wednesday morning Her skimpy outfit was cinched at the waist with a matching sash belt, while the low neckline gave her the opportunity to show off her bronzed decolletage. Staving off the wintry chill with the aid of a stylish black blazer, Lottie accessorized with a pink clutch bag, while gold strappy heels helped her stand even taller. Lottie's platinum blonde tresses rested about her shoulders in subtle waves with a centre parting, while her natural beauty was enhanced with a light dusting of makeup. Pretty in pink: The rising model wowed as she stepped out in a blush pink playsuit Tanned: The pretty 18-year-old showed off an enviable tan from her recent trip to Barcelona Golden girl: She lengthened her perfect pins with a pair of vertiginous golden heels Despite having partied the night away until the wee hours of the morning, she looked flawless as she made her exit holding a female pal's hand. Lottie, who made her first public appearance at Tophsop Unique in 2014 with big sister Kate, visited Barcelona over the weekend to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday. Posting a snap of the girls enjoying drinks on Instagram, she wrote: 'Had an amazing time in Barcelona with the girls.' The blonde beauty is rumoured to be dating Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton, 25. Exit: The younger sister of supermodel Kate Moss held hands with a pal as she made her exit She's got it in the bag: Lottie carried a blush pink clutch bag, which matched her ensemble The pair have been inseparable for the past few weeks, hitting London bashes together on numerous occasions. Lottie has immersed herself with Alex's Made In Chelsea crowd following a romance with Alex's friend, Sam Prince. The blonde beauty has been linked to several suitors in the past - having enjoyed lunch in June with pop star Conor Maynard, and flirted with Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio on Twitter. Covering up: She staved off the wintry chill by throwing a black blazer over her enesemble Let me in! Earlier in the night, she was seen making her way into the popular nightclub Belting up: Her plunging playsuit was cinched at the waist with a matching sash belt It was only at the end of July that Lottie was seen cosying up to boyfriend Josh Goldin outside Conchiglia restaurant in London. The then loved-up pair were seen leaning in for plenty of kisses on the street outside the eatery - although they had fuelled rumours of a potential split that same week after both retweeting messages about infidelity. And, back in February 2015, Lottie caused controversy on Twitter when she wrote to her followers after a night-out at 4am: 'You know it's a successful night when you throw your drink in your ex boyfriends face.' Alex, meanwhile, has had ill-fated long-term romances with two of his Made In Chelsea co-stars, Binky Felstead and Nicola Hughes, both of which ended in him admitting to having been unfaithful. Girls just wanna have fun: Lottie spent the weekend in Barcelona, where she celebrated a friend's 21st birthday She recently expressed her regret over her surgically-enhanced chest, admitting she favoured a more 'natural' look instead. But Chloe Sims didn't mind flaunting her eye-popping assets in all their glory as she headed for a night on the town at London's DSTRKT nightclub on Tuesday. Well and truly upstaging her cousin Frankie Essex at her fitness DVD launch, the TOWIE star, 34, stole the spotlight as she struggled to contain her cleavage in a daringly low-cut velvet dress. Scroll down for video She's got front! Chloe Sims, 34, flaunted her eye-popping assets in all their glory as she headed for a night on the town at London's DSTRKT nightclub on Tuesday The reality TV sensation risked a serious wardrobe malfunction as the perilously plunging maroon garment bared her impressive decolletage. Chloe's slinky number drew emphasis to her tiny midriff with a waterfall of frills before falling at a midi length. A racy split ran up the garment, allowing the mother-of-one to flaunt her toned pins, which were accentuated with a pair of black and perspex strappy heels. Not foregoing any element of glamour, the Essex girl tied her platinum blonde locks into a chic, messy ponytail, while sporting heavy make-up. Impressive: Well and truly upstaging her cousin Frankie Essex at her DVD launch, the TOWIE star, 34, stole the spotlight as she struggled to contain her cleavage Dare to bare: The reality TV sensation risked a serious wardrobe malfunction as the perilously plunging maroon velvet garment bared her impressive decolletage Chloe accessorised with a matching choker and dainty silver necklace. Oozing body confidence, it's difficult to believe that the bubbly beauty isn't pleased with the results of her two breast augmentations. Speaking to Fabulous magazine in August, Chloe confessed: 'My boobs are a bit of a regret. They're like 1990s perky ones, instead of the more natural-looking boobs you see now'. The reality star also credited the fear of something happening to her as the reason why she never wants to go under the knife again. Flaunting what she's got: A racy split ran up the garment, allowing Chloe to flaunt her toned pins, which were accentuated with a pair of black and perspex strappy heels Chloe, who has also had a 4,500 Brazilian butt lift in 2012, revealed: 'When I had my second boob op, taking me from a 34DD to a EE cup, I really panicked before the procedure. I kept thinking: What if I dont wake up? I dont want to go through that again.' However, taking care of herself has paid off, as she said: 'I feel quite good for 34. I never look in the mirror and think: Oh, god. I actually think I look the same age as a lot of 20 year olds!' Chloe recently claimed that being associated with popular ITVBe series TOWIE has hindered her work prospects and even stopped her from being granted entry to clubs. Party girl! Chloe was joined at the popular London hot-spot by her cousin Frankie Essex who stunned in a statement black LBD as she launched her new fitness DVD Ready to let loose: Frankie was all smiles during her night out as she celebrated losing an impressive two stone in weight Speaking to the Daily Mirror, she explained: 'I've been refused entry to a nightclub three times because I'm on the show.' The reality star also claimed that she was once refused entry to a venue because Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt was inside. She said: 'Once I got told I wasn't allowed in because he was there. What's that got to do with me?' 'My boobs are a bit of a regret': Chloe recently expressed her regret over her 'perky' surgically enhanced boobs, admitted she favoured a more 'natural' look instead She's become hot property, thanks to flaunting her DD-cup assets on social media. And Devin Brugman certainly turned heads as she took to the red carpet at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday. The 26-year-old swimsuit model showed off her voluptuous assets in a black frock with a daringly low neckline. Scroll down for video Putting her BREAST foot forward! Devin Brugman, 26, flaunted her DD-cup assets in a plunging black frock, as she attended GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday Devin took to the red carpet in a thigh-skimming black frock by designer label Bianca Spender. The short hemline highlighted her bronzed legs, while the plunging neckline offered a good look at her generous bust. Elongating her frame with a pair of nude strappy heels, the swimwear designer carried her belongings in a simple black studded clutch. Revealing: The Bianca Spender design highlighted the star's bronzed legs and toned arms Curves in all the right places: Subtle draping of fabric just under the bust, drew attention to Devin's slender waist Devin allowed her short brunette locks to fall in relaxed waves around her face and shoulders. Her striking facial features were enhanced with a flawless complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a coat of matte nude lipstick. In profile: Devin was sure to work her best angles for the camera From every angle: Devin's pert derriere was also on display, with the fabric skimming over her curves The starlet made sure to work her best angles for the camera, offering a good glimpse of her stunning side profile. Also in attendance was Devin's best friend and business partner Natasha Oakley. Tash also took the plunge in a black frock by The Undone store. Bosom buddies: Also in attendance was Devin's best friend and business partner Natasha Oakley (left), who opted for a floor-length frock Details: A low neckline on Tash's frock highlighted her delicate decolletage and ample assets Tech savvy: Devin proudly took to Instagram to share a snap on the red carpet, alongside Tash A low neckline highlighted her delicate decolletage and ample assets, while the floor-length design allowed the fabric to skim over her lean curves. Sporting a statement gold choker, the blonde beauty styled her tresses in glamorous waves over one shoulder, and opted for an elegant makeup palette. A bronzed complexion, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a coat of coral lipstick, finished off the look. Lovers: Tash was later joined by partner Gilles Souteyrand, who cut a dapper figure on the red carpet Tash was later joined by partner Gilles Souteyrand. The hunky model looked dapper in a tailored black suit, teamed with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie and pair of patent dress shoes. Sporting a bronzed complexion, Gilles appeared to have applied a small amount of product to his tresses. When they were spotted enjoying a break together on the sun-kissed shores of Mexico last week, it was all but expected that they'd be rekindling their romance. But sources are now revealing that, despite Scott Disick's efforts, Kourtney Kardahsian has ruled out a reunion as she's 'over' the father of her three children. 'Scott has always hoped he could win Kourtney back, and he did set up this trip,' a source told Us Weekly. 'Of course he hopes one day she will see the light and come back to him. Thats why he went to rehab. Scroll down for video She's 'over' it: Kourtney Kardashian has no intentions of reuniting with her ex Scott Disick, sources have told Us Weekly 'He has tried everything, but its Kourtney who wont go there. I still think it could happen one day, but so far Kourtney has not been willing to go back there.' To make prospects even more grim for Scott, 33, the magazine reports that the 37-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians beauty is seeking out a new romance. 'Kourtney is actively dating,' another source told the publication. 'Shes over Scott, shell never get back together with him.' Shock: The report comes as a surprise, as the pair had just enjoyed a break together in Mexico 'Actively dating': Sources also told Us Weekly that Kourtney is 'actively dating' since the split The way they were: The lovebirds' relationship was documented on hit reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians Just a few days ago, there were expectations that the amicable exes were set to be a couple once more, as they were spotted at a luxury resort in Cabo San Lucas. In a recent episode of hit E! reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kourtney and Scott's relationship became a hot topic of discussion. Her younger sister Khloe Kardashian insisted: 'You know they're totally getting back together one day.' Great body of work: Since becoming single, she has been showing off her enviably slim frame Proud parents: The famous exes, who had been together for nine years, share three children Kourtney then revealed that on some days she felt she may get back together with Scott, while on others she felt that there was no chance of them reuniting. The pair's nine-year romance came to a crashing halt last year, after Scott was seen getting affectionate with his ex Chloe Bartoli in the South of France. Scott checked into rehab for drug and alcohol abuse as the couple continued to raise their offspring Mason, six, Penelope, four, and Reign, who turns two next month. It's the most highly anticipated movie to hit screens this year. And on Wednesday, Australian stars gathered as they received the first-look at the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Sydney premiere. Despite having an early start with his breakfast radio show, 2DayFM's Rove McManus attended the screening along with his wife Tasma Walton. Fangirling: Rove McManus wears a Hogwarts T-shirt as he attended the the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them premiere in Sydney with wife Tasma Walton The father-of-one showed off his inner-child and dressed in a Hogwarts T-shirt, which he attempted to cover with an opened blue shirt. He paired the garment with black jeans and black sneakers that had a white leather edge. Tasma opted for a touch of colour with her chosen look, slipping into a bright patterned skirt and a simple black T-shirt. Eye-catching: Love Child star Sophie Hensser made a statement at the event as she donned a multi-coloured dress, which flared outwards to the knee Finer details: The ensemble featured a high collar and oversized shoulder pads and sleeves Beauty: As she slicked her blonde hair back, she showed off her blemish-free complexion through her nude-base makeup The actress accessorised with black leather knee-high boots and a white beaded neckline, which fell down the front of her slender frame. Love Child star Sophie Hensser made a statement at the event as she donned a multi-coloured dress, which flared outwards to the knee. The unusual ensemble featured a high collar and oversized shoulder pads and sleeves. As she slicked her blonde hair back, she showed off her blemish-free complexion through her nude-base makeup. On show: Former The Voice star Prinnie Stevens highlighted her curves on the night as she slipped her figure into a tight knee-length dress Bits and pieces: She accessorised her simple choice of evening wear with white peep-toed heels and a silver chained necklace Natural: To showcase her naturally blended makeup and piece hazel eyes, she pulled her brunette locks back and tied them back into a high bun Former The Voice star Prinnie Stevens highlighted her curves on the night as she slipped her figure into a tight knee-length dress. She accessorised her simple choice of evening wear with white peep-toed heels and a silver chained necklace. To showcase her naturally blended makeup and piece hazel eyes, she pulled her brunette locks back and tied them back into a high bun. Former Home And Away actor Tai Hara also made an appearance at the movie premiere but was noticeably without his fiancee Fely Irvine. Alone: Former Home And Away actor Tai Hara also made an appearance at the movie premiere but was noticeably without his fiancee Fely Irvine Dressing down: The good-looking hunk dressed casually in a pair of black skinny-jeans and a denim blue button-up shirt The good-looking hunk dressed casually in a pair of black skinny-jeans and a denim blue button-up shirt. He finished off his outwit with faded black tie-up boots and rocked a roughly shaven face. His Home And Away co-star Johnny Ruffo also walked the red carpet and he too dressed in a pair of tight jeans. The former X Factor Australia contestant matched the piece of attire with a white button-up shirt and black and white sneakers. As the two actors reunited at the event, they wrapped their arms around one another and posed up a storm for the cameras. Side by side: His Home And Away co-star Johnny Ruffo also walked the red carpet and he too dressed in a pair of tight jeans She never gets a foot wrong on the red carpet. And Lisa Wilkinson, 56, stunned once again, as she made an arrival at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday. The Today Show co-host cut a flawless figure in a chic white pantsuit, that skimmed over her slimline curves. White on the mark! Lisa Wilkinson, 56, cut a flawless figure in a chic pantsuit, as she attended GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday Lisa cut an elegant figure as she posed for photos on the red carpet. A chic white pantsuit skimmed over her lean physique, elongated further with a pair of metallic strappy heels. Carrying her belongings in a gold clutch, the television presenter sported a pair of drop earrings and her wedding rings. Allowing her signature brunette tresses to fall effortlessly in relaxed waves, Lisa enhanced her striking facial features with a flawless complexion, defined brows, a touch of blush on the apples of her cheeks and a glossy nude lip. Ageless: The brunette always cuts a radiant figure on the red carpet Waking up to Today: In 2007, Lisa joined co-host Karl Stefanovic (second left) on Channel Nine's the Today Show. Also pictured with Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Gilbert Lisa has been a familiar face on morning TV since co-hosting Weekend Sunrise on Channel Seven in 2005. Two years later, she switched to rival network Channel Nine where she joined Karl Stefanovic as the host of Today. As well as her thriving breakfast TV career, the presenter is showcasing her skills behind the lens as part of her new art exhibition Women of Influence, which was unveiled in Melbourne's SmartArtz Gallery last month. New role: The presenter is showcasing her skills behind the lens as part of her new art exhibition Women of Influence, which was unveiled in Melbourne's SmartArtz Gallery last month High profile: The media maven is married to journalist and author Peter FitzSimons The wife of journalist and author Peter FitzSimons told the Daily Telegraph why she decided to showcase her work - in a completely new field - to the world. She told the publication: 'I've been incredibly blessed in my career to have done different things from magazines to radio, print, online and TV, and I would encourage others to push boundaries, step outside your comfort zone and try new things.' When Canon, for whom she's a brand ambassador, asked her to create an exhibition, Lisa set about putting more of her time into something which has been a hobby for 'years and years.' Lisa's exhibition will features photos of actress Asher Keddie, producer Deborra-Lee Furness and athlete Turia Pitt among others. Jeremy McConnell has denied being the father of ex-girlfriend Stephanie Davis' unborn child since she confirmed her pregnancy in May. And the Irish model, 26, let rip at his former flame yet again after being questioned about a future reconciliation in light of him deleting all negative comments about Stephanie on Instagram. 'I will never be getting back with her, to clarify what Ive said for months,' the former Beauty School Cop Outs star told the Daily Mirror. Scroll down for video Not happening: Jeremy McConnell, 26, has revealed he will 'never get back with' his pregnant ex Stephanie Davis Jeremy and Stephanie first met on Celebrity Big Brother at the start of the year and became embroiled in a dramatic four month on/off relationship. And echoing his previous denial of being the former Hollyoaks star's baby daddy, Jeremy added that he was 'definitely getting a paternity test'. However, Jeremy proved to have softened recently when he deleted all his negative traces about his ex on social media following her early labour scare. Earlier this month Stephanie was rushed to hospital, but has since assured fans that she's doing just fine. Needs proof: The Irish model, 26, has also echoed his previous denial of being Stephanie's baby daddy by stating he was 'definitely getting a paternity test' Taking to her blog for OK! Online, Stephanie posted a message for her fans which read: 'Hi everyone just wanted to let you all know I'm finally home and on the mend. 'Thank you so much for all your lovely messages and continued support over the last week. It really means a lot. Love always Stephanie and Bump xxx.' Jeremy - whose numerous public spats with Stephanie once resulted in him branding her a 'sex worker' - took to his social media to delete all derogatory posts, sparking rumours he may be have been hoping to reconcile. But that doesn't seem to be the case with his recent claims, which reiterates his initial pessimistic stance when Stephanie announced she was expecting. The beginning: Jeremy and Stephanie first met on Celebrity Big Brother at the start of the year and became embroiled in a dramatic four month on/off relationship On the mend: Earlier this month, Stephanie was rushed to hospital due to an 'early labour' scare, but has since assured fans that she's doing just fine The former Mr.Ireland runner-up shared a lengthy post on his Instagram page - which has since been deleted - admitting he wasn't sure if he believed Stephanie was pregnant. He wrote: 'Just to clear if what is circulating is true, I'll always be responsible for my actions and I explained to Steph I'll speak to her, and do everything for her, if she stops drinking and partying knowing she's "pregnant". 'I'm sick of tit for tat but I won't let anyone slander me, I haven't been ideal in the relationship what so ever, I'm trying to move on peacefully, it's a shock to most, but a kid can't fix a broken relationship.' However, Stephanie seems to doing just fine as a single mum-to-be and on Tuesday she shared a snap of herself soaking in a warm bubble bath. The former Hollyoaks actress is expecting her first child in a mere matter of weeks. Sofia Vergara believes her ex-partner Nick Loeb is using their frozen embryos to gain 'public exposure'. The Modern Family star, 44, and the businessman, 41, are locked in a legal battle over the future of the female embryos, which he filed a suit to protect last year. And following the latest court appearance to determine their future, the actress' legal team released a statement saying Nick's pro-life stance is an effort to gain more exposure in the public domain. Scroll down for video Locked in a legal battle: Sofia Vergara believes her ex-partner Nick Loeb is using their frozen embroyos to gain 'public exposure' Speaking to the New York Post's Page Six column, Sofia's lawyer, Fred Silberberg, said in a statement: 'Oddly, Loeb wants us to believe that he supports a woman's right to privacy and to make a choice concerning reproduction. 'However, he seems to believe that his celebrity ex-fiancee, Sofia Vergara, does not have those same rights, especially if it means giving him more public exposure.' Silberberg went on to blast Loeb's pro-life stance, referencing the face two of his former girlfriends had abortions. He said: 'Loeb, while claiming to be in support of the "right to life", disclosed that he had gotten two different women pregnant prior to his relationship with Vergara and that the pregnancies were terminated.' Battling: The Modern Family star, 44, and the businessman, 41 (pictured), are locked in a legal battle over the future of the female embryos, which he filed a suit to protect last year He went on to say that he wished to question both women in court as their own action contradicted Loeb's current argument. He went on to claim that 'Loeb's actions prior to his relationship with Vergara seem contradictory to the claims he is making in this lawsuit'. Silberberg finished his statement asking why the businessman would want to bring the embryos to full-term with Sofia while two previous lovers had had terminations. Responding to the statement, Nick told MailOnline: 'The constitutional right of privacy is used to allow a woman to end a pregnancy, but now California has waved it to end a life. 'So is it really about privacy or about ending lives, how can one use contradictory arguments to accomplish the same result? The truth is this is about the ability to destroy life, no matter at what the cost.' At war: Sofia's lawyer said: 'He seems to believe that his celebrity ex-fiancee, Sofia Vergara, does not have those same rights, especially if it means giving him more public exposure' 'Loeb's actions prior to his relationship with Vergara seem contradictory': The lawyer went on to blast Loeb's pro-life stance, referencing the face two of his former girlfriends had abortions Regarding his past partners' decision to terminate pregnancies, he said: 'I always contended my beliefs in right to life came after and as a result of this, I never contended and have conceded that I didnt have strong beliefs one way or another before this. And have never contradicted that. 'This is Sofias attempt to expose, intimidate, and humiliate women who have had abortions in order to get her way. We all know she has a pattern of this.' The former couple have gone to court to decide the future of the two embryos they had frozen while they were a couple. While the actress is believed to want the embryos destroyed, her ex wants to have them implanted in a surrogate to realise his dream of becoming a father. His response: Addressing the claims, Loeb told MailOnline: 'The constitutional right of privacy is used to allow a woman to end a pregnancy, but now California has waved it to end a life He added: 'So is it really about privacy or about ending lives, how can one use contradictory arguments to accomplish the same result? this is about the ability to destroy life, no matter at what the cost' He hit back at his ex, saying: 'This is Sofias attempt to expose, intimidate, and humiliate women who have had abortions in order to get her way. We all know she has a pattern of this' The couple are said to have a written agreement stating neither can take action over the embryos without the other's consent, and Nick is keen to use a surrogate to have children and raise them alone without any parental or financial support from Sofia. During a court session to determine the outcome, a California judge ruled he must name two of his former girlfriends who underwent abortions 20 years ago. However, Nick has appealed the decision, which has led to Sofia's lawyer outlining his reasons for wanting to call the women to the stand. In December 2015, a pro-life law firm joined Nick's fight to secure the embryos he claims are his 'daughters'. Questions: Silberberg finished his statement asking why the businessman would want to bring the embryos to full-term with Sofia while two previous lovers had had terminations At odds: Sofia and Nick have gone to court to decide the future of two embryos they had frozen while a couple - with Nick wishes to raise the children and Sofia wants them destroyed Thomas More Society - a Chicago-based law firm which defends Christian causes with a focus on those involved in the pro-life movement - filed an amicus brief, which is also known as a friend of the court brief, in Los Angeles. The law firm did so to aid Nick on his quest to gain control of the embryos and on the behalf of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Catholic Bioethics Center. The couple - who have been split for a year - planned to have a baby via surrogate Nick claims. In the court brief, seen by the DailyMail.com, the firm offers to support the Onion Crunch entrepreneur to get custody of two embryos, which they claim are human beings and female. The brief reads: '[Nick is the] "father" of the female embryos before the Court, whom he views as "his daughters," and that the "Female Embryos have been conceived." 'A review of the current relevant science establishes that the embryos are human beings at fertilisation and may not be treated, as some courts have done, as property, or as less than fully human, and without rights to parental or governmental protection.' How they were: The Hot Pursuit actress and the businessman (pictured in 2011) started dating in 2010, and subsequently got engaged in 2012 before splitting in 2014 Nick first filed a lawsuit in California against Sofia in April 2015, seeking custody of the embryos in order to be able to implant them via a surrogate. In October 2015, a judge ruled that Nick could move forward with a civil case which is due back in court next month. Court documents alleged Sofia bullied Nick but told her ex-fiance she had started IVF for him to become a father. The legal papers claims the 43-year-old actress told Nick she was pro-life and that she promised each embryo created would ultimately be implanted into a surrogate. The Hot Pursuit actress and the producer started dating in 2010, and subsequently got engaged in 2012 before splitting in 2014. Sofia is now married to Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello and has a son Manolo, 24, from her first marriage to childhood sweetheart Joe Gonzalez. As host of E! Australia, she's all too familiar with a red carpet. And Ksenija Lukich simply stunned as she arrived at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday. The 26-year-old highlighted her leggy figure in a neutral-hued thigh-skimming frock. Thigh's the limit! Ksenija Lukich, 26, stunned in a neutral-hued thigh-skimming frock, as she arrived at GQ Australia's Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday Ksenija turned heads as she posed for photos on the red carpet. A nude strapless design by Misha Collection skimmed over her enviable curves, while lace-up detailing added an extra dimension. Elongating her frame with a pair of nude strappy heels, the popular personality accessorised simply with her sparkling wedding rings. Flawless: A nude strapless design by Misha Collection skimmed over the star's enviable curves, while lace-up detailing added an extra dimension Allowing her signature brunette locks to fall in relaxed waves, Ksenija sported a neutral makeup palette of a flawless base, defined brows, lashings of mascara and a coat of glossy nude lipstick over her plump pout. The Sydney-based star took to Instagram to gush over meeting Mad Men star Jon Hamm, 45, who was also in attendance. 'MAD MEN everywhere! Especially this dapper dude,' the beauty captioned a snap, that saw her posing next to a suave-looking Jon. The actor and producer sported a tailored black suit, teamed with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. All in a day's work: The Sydney-based star took to Instagram to gush over meeting Mad Men star Jon Hamm, 45, who was also in attendance Ksenija married her love of eight years, Dan Bragg, late last month in Sydney. The lovebirds were spotted in Sydney's Centennial Park, following an earlier church ceremony. Ksenija stunned on her big day in a semi-sheer lace wedding gown that showed off her enviable figure. The happy couple appeared overjoyed at the reception, sporting massive grins throughout the entire experience. Dan proposed in February last year on the presenter's 25th birthday. The pair are believed to have had a traditional Serbian service at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Ingleside, followed by their wedding photos and reception at Centennial Park. Tying the knot: Ksenija married her love of eight years, Dan Bragg (right), late last month in Sydney Lee Universitys School of Nursing will host Poster Days on Friday from 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:45-2:30 p.m. The event will take place on the second floor of Lees Nursing Building on Parker Street. Nursing students graduating in the spring or winter of 2017 worked on a project to address a well-developed clinical question on a topic of their choice. Topics covered include treatment of measles in Africa through vaccination, treating compassion fatigue in critical care nurses through mentorship, and reducing heart failure readmission through education, among others. The goal of the project is to focus on improvement of quality healthcare and the nursing profession. Each student created a scholarly poster displaying thorough research on his or her topic, a strategy to improve the practice in a real-world setting, the barriers and benefits of the plan, and the outcome they hope to achieve. These students have done amazing work on these posters, and they certainly demonstrate the potential effect that our graduates can have on future patients, their profession, and the healthcare system, said Kathleen Rose, assistant professor of nursing at Lee. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Poster Days or the School of Nursing, contact Kathleen Rose at krose@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-8526. She has dubbed herself 'hardcore' since entering the jungle days ago. And Carol Vorderman's tough talk will truly be put to the test on Wednesday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, as she is forced to eat turkey testicles in a shocking Bushtucker Trial. The 55-year-old former Countdown host sat alongside Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, 25, as they prepared for the I'm A Celebrity Big Bush Bake Off in which they were served with revolting feasts. As the Bushtucker Trial was underway, Carol truly put her bravery to the test as she braced herself for eating the nauseating meal. In-keeping with the Bake Off theme of the task, the testicles were served like macaroons, sandwiched between light pastry, and delightedly announced as: 'French Knackaroons'. The maths whizz could not contain her shrill laughter as a trussed-up, terrifying version of Mary Berry, dubbed Scary Berry, brought out the trays. Keeping herself calm about the situation, Carol said: 'It is coming up to Christmas!' as she acknowledged the situation. Revolting: Following the ladies' initial panicked discussion on what lay ahead of them that morning, Carol took herself to the Bush Telegraph and mused: 'How bad can it be?' Not too appetising: The 55-year-old former Countdown host sat alongside Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, 25, as they prepared for the I'm A Celebrity Big Bush Bake Off in which they were served with revolting feasts Meet Scary Berry: The maths whizz could not contain her shrill laughter as a trussed up, terrifying version of Mary Berry, dubbed Scary Berry, brought out the trays Scarlett meanwhile was faced with the prospect of Chocolate Nip cookies, which Ant and Dec told her she is about to devour camel udders, which she replied: 'Why is it so hairy!?' So far, the current famous residents of the I'm A Celebrity... jungle have dived from a helicopter, canoed across a swamp and been entombed with 120,000 creepy crawlies. But the one task noticeably absent from the present season so far is the kind that involves celebs forcing undesirable items down their throats but that all changes in Wednesday night's edition of the reality series. A hairy situation: Scarlett meanwhile was faced with the prospect of Chocolate Nip cookies, which Ant and Dec told her she is about to devour camel udders, which she replied: 'Why is it so hairy!?' Yuck! Scarlett gagged as they took part in the latest I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Bushtucker Trial, which will hit screens on Wednesday Oh dear! Keeping herself calm about the situation, Carol said: 'It is coming up to Christmas!' as she acknowledged the situation Both Scarlett and Carol were voted by the public to undertake the latest Bushtucker Trial on Monday. Designed as a horror show version of iconic TV baking contest The Great British Bake Off, Scarlett and Carol were told the theme of their trial the morning they were due to do it. Scarlett said: 'I dont know why but when I woke up this morning, I had like a Mystic Meg moment and I just knew that I would be doing the Bushtucker Trial. I just knew.' Big Bush Bake Off: One task noticeably absent from the present season so far is the kind that involves celebs forcing undesirable items down their throats Don't panic: Wednesday night's edition of the reality series sees Scarlett and Carol face the first eating task of the season Down the hatch: Designed as a horror show version of iconic TV baking contest The Great British Bake Off, Scarlett and Carol were told the theme of their trial the morning they were due to do it Speculating to Carol about what they might be faced with, she added: 'It might be an anus muffin. If theres garnish on the side Ill be fine. I love a bit of garnish.' Carol then came up with a plan to see the task through. 'Weve got to imagine weve been walking through the desert for days and were really starving and well eat anything,' the mathematician plotted. How does it taste? Ant and Dec watched on as the celebs downed the first of the odd delicacies No one wants a soggy bottom: Ant and Dec introduced the Im A Celebrity Big Bush Bake Off to the pair, quipping: 'Now theres not a soggy bottom in site yet' Keeping it down: Carol then came up with a plan to see the task through. 'Weve got to imagine weve been walking through the desert for days and were really starving and well eat anything,' the 55-year-old mathematics whiz plotted 'One of my favourite foods is doner meat and a doner isnt even like a real animal,' Scarlett went on. 'I dont know what Im eating when I eat that so I think Ill be fine on this Trial.' Following the ladies' initial panicked discussion on what lay ahead of them that morning, Carol took herself to the Bush Telegraph and mused: 'How bad can it be? Get it down you. Do you have to swallow? 'I mean after all, how many opportunities in life do you have to eat horrible things? Mind you, you havent tasted my cooking.' Garnish or garish? Speculating to Carol about what they might be faced with Scarlett said 'It might be an anus muffin. If theres garnish on the side Ill be fine. I love a bit of garnish' The worst challenge yet? Scarlett has already spent ten minutes in a tomb of rats and spiders this season Close to tears: Viewers will get to watch the Trial on Wednesday night's episode where they will see Carol and Scarlett be introduced to Scary Berry - the chef behind their exotic meal Before they were whisked off to start the trial, Scarlett reassured her campmate that they would be fine, adding: 'As my dad always says, what wont stick in your throat, wont stick in your arse.' Viewers will get to watch the Trial on Wednesday night's episode where they will see Carol and Scarlett be introduced to Scary Berry - the chef behind their exotic meal. It was at this point that Scarlett began to panic, telling Carol: 'Im really going to struggle. Im just really gaggy in general. I dont know how Im going to handle it.' Carol then revealed that she promised her mother that she wouldnt eat anything rude on the show, to which Scarlett replied: 'Tell her to go and make a cup of tea.' Spectating: The hosts of the show enjoyed watching on and not having to indulge in any Sick-Toffee Pie themselves 'I'm really gaggy': Before they were whisked off to start the trial, Scarlett reassured her campmate that they would be fine, adding 'As my dad always says, what wont stick in your throat, wont stick in your arse' Not impressed: Scarlett began to panic, telling Carol 'Im really going to struggle. Im just really gaggy in general. I dont know how Im going to handle it' Mum better not be watching: Carol revealed that she promised her mother that she wouldnt eat anything rude on the show Asked by hosts of the show Ant and Dec why she thinks she's been voted to take on the challenge, Scarlett said: 'Im hoping because they think Im going to smash it and get ten stars but it probably isnt the reason Im thinking.' Ant and Dec introduced the Im A Celebrity Big Bush Bake Off to the pair, quipping: 'Now theres not a soggy bottom in site yet.' Viewers will watch the hosts explain that there are five rounds and that for each round completed, they would win a star and therefore a meal for camp. Delicacies featured in the task included chocolate nip cookies (camel nipples); French knackeroons (turkey testicles); Bum-offee Pie (cow anus) and Sicktoria sponge (vomit fruit). Im A CelebrityGet Me Out Of Here! continues on Wedneaday night at 9pm on ITV. He is one of the sexiest males to ever grace the screens of Hollywood movies. So it was no surprise on Wednesday when Chris Hemsworth was crowned this year's GQ Man Of The Year during a function in Sydney. After being awarded the title, the Thor actor thanked his supporters and all the women in his life via a video link as he holidays throughout the U.S. No surprise: Chris Hemsworth was crowned this year's GQ Man Of The Year during a function in Sydney on Wednesday 'Thanks to all the great men out there that have inspired me,' the Daily Telegraph reported the hunk commenting. 'And thanks to my wife, and all the great women of the world who make us men truly what we.' The landing of the GQ Men Of The Year Award comes as no surprise, after he was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2014. Grateful: After being awarded the title, the Thor actor thanked his supporters via a video link: 'Thanks to my wife, and all the great women of the world who make us men truly what we' Chris ventured back over to the U.S. earlier this week with good pal and personal trainer Luke Zocchi. While he continues to work overseas on his latest project, his model-actress wife Elsa Pataky has been staying in her native country of Spain with their three children. It is not yet known whether the couple will return to their Australian beachside home for Christmas and New Year. Hunk: The landing of the GQ Men Of The Year Award comes as no surprise, after he was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2014 The trip to the country comes after he recently wrapped the third Thor movie, Ragnarok, which was being filmed on Australia's Gold Coast. The film is the latest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and will take place predominantly in Asgard. Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum and Tessa Thompson joined the cast alongside Mark Ruffalo whose Hulk will make his debut in the Thor film franchise. Thor: Ragnarok is in cinemas from October 27, 2017. Corey Feldman has got engaged thanks to the presidential election results. The 45-year-old actor has proposed to Courtney Anne because he's afraid his girlfriend will be deported. Last weekend as they celebrated their fourth anniversary in Palm Springs, and admitted he was so nervous about popping the question, he wrote her a simple note instead. Nervous: Corey Feldman proposed to Courtney Anne because he's afraid his girlfriend will be deported thanks to Trump He said: 'I was of course a bit nervous, as any man will admit, you never truly know what a woman is thinking. So as much as I assumed she would be happy and say "yes," there's always that insecure part of my brain that regresses immediately to my childhood and thought maybe not.' 'So I kinda chickened out and did a written proposal by writing a note with two check boxes, one for yes and the other for no.' However, it looks like it was all good news: 'Of course there was a ring in there with the note. Luckily she said "yes!" ' Wedding bells: Last weekend they celebrated their fourth anniversary in Palm Springs The Goonies star admitted the 27-year-old beauty was very surprised by his proposal as they had previously both been 'anti-marriage'. However, he felt it was important to legalize their relationship following the election of Donald Trump, who has vowed to tighten up immigration when he takes the presidential office in January. Corey told People magazine: 'She was very surprised, excited and started crying. She was surprised because we had both been so anti-marriage since we met. 'But seeing as she's Canadian and with Trump coming in, we didn't want to risk being separated by new immigration laws.' Old times: The Goonies star (pictured second from left) admitted the 27-year-old beauty was very surprised by his proposal as they had previously both been 'anti-marriage' 'We both know that we make a good team, and don't want to be separated for any reason. So this is the best decision to protect our relationship.' And the Stand By Me actor - who has 12-year-old son Zen with ex-wife Susie Sprague - will be tying the knot sooner rather than later. He said: 'We are planning a small, secret wedding just for family, very soon. 'We will likely have a big public wedding for friends and media to attend within a year.' Iconic: Corey was in the 1985 hit film The Goonies But one thing the couple won't be rushing into is having children together. He said: 'I have always said I wanna make sure I get it right the first time, and [that] Zen comes out perfectly, well balanced, before I even think about taking on any more responsibility. 'Courtney is young and she has a career in modeling and music, she would rather keep her body in good shape for now. She's getting good practice with Zen.' Meanwhile, the child actor recently performed on the Today Show, which received mixed reviews. According to People, the actor took to Facebook Live to defend himself, chatting with Courtney Anne, one of the Angels in his band, and now fiance, though he later deleted the video. Ricky Martin officially announced his engagement to Arab artist Jwan Yosef on Wednesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It's a first for the 44-year-old Puerto Rican pop star - who came out in 2010 - and he proudly showed off his engagement band on the morning programme. The Grammy winner gushed that he was in love with the Syrian-born, Swedish-raised 32-year-old, whom he met over a year ago through his conceptual paintings. Scroll down for video Congrats! Ricky Martin officially announced his engagement to Arab artist Jwan Yosef on Wednesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show Betrothed! It's a first for the 44-year-old Puerto Rican pop star - who came out in 2010 - and he proudly showed off his engagement band on the morning programme 'I saw his art and I went crazy because I really love what he does. Really original. And I contacted him and then I collected him,' Ricky - born Enrique Morales - told Ellen. Jwan's current exhibition Maskings runs through December 3 at Stockholm gallery Stene Projects. Martin nervously popped the question by declaring he 'got something' for Yosef rather than the more traditional 'will you marry me.' 'Bad! And then he was like, "Yes." I said, "I want to spend my life with you" and he was like, "what is the question?" "Would you marry me?"' the Vente Pa'ca hitmaker recalled. I do! The Grammy winner gushed that he was in love with the Syrian-born, Swedish-raised 32-year-old, whom he met over a year ago through his conceptual paintings (pictured April 15) Ricky - born Enrique Morales - told Ellen: 'I saw his art and I went crazy because I really love what he does. Really original. And I contacted him and then I collected him' Minimalist: Jwan's current exhibition Maskings runs through December 3 at Stockholm gallery Stene Projects 'And then he was like, "Yes!"' Martin nervously popped the question by declaring he 'got something' for Yosef rather than the more traditional 'will you marry me' 'Yeah it was very beautiful and then you know it was very beautiful. And then 30 minutes after I said, "Did you say yes?" Yes, he said "yes."' The Central Saint Martins grad is excited to be a stepfather to Ricky's eight-year-old twins sons Matteo and Valentino. 'They love each other! It's been perfect, Ellen. It's been very special,' the Menudo alum - who split with economist Carlos Gonzalez Abella in 2014 - smiled. The Perdoname singer and his painter fiance made their social media debut March 30 in Tokyo, and their red carpet debut April 15 in Sao Paulo. Family: The Central Saint Martins grad is excited to be a stepfather to Ricky's eight-year-old twins sons Matteo and Valentino The Menudo alum - who split with economist Carlos Gonzalez Abella in 2014 - smiled: 'They love each other! It's been perfect, Ellen. It's been very special' Lovebirds: The Perdoname singer and his painter fiance made their social media debut March 30 in Tokyo, and their red carpet debut April 15 in Sao Paulo Martin's other big announcement on Ellen was that he will soon kick off a series of concerts at the brand new 5,200-seat Park Theater inside Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. 'I'm going to be in Vegas! I have a residency in Vegas!' said the former soap star, whose tickets go on sale Monday. The handsome tenor will next take his 106-date One World Tour to the Figali Convention Center in Panama City this Thursday. Vegas baby! Martin's other big announcement on Ellen was that he will soon kick off a series of concerts at the brand new 5,200-seat Park Theater inside Monte Carlo Resort and Casino The former soap star - whose tickets go on sale Monday - said: 'I'm going to be in Vegas! I have a residency in Vegas!' Taboo from The Black Eyed Peas has revealed his secret battle with testicular cancer for the first time. The 41-year-old, real name Jaime Luis Gomez, spoke about his private health battle on The Doctors in the hope that it will help others going through the same thing. Taboo also told People that he experienced pain in his back and stomach but at first assumed he was just suffering from the flu. Scroll down for video Sharing his private battle: Taboo from The Black Eyed Peas (pictured in August) has revealed his secret battle with testicular cancer for the first time 'I was so busy working that I wasn't worried about it, but I went to the emergency room to get checked out,' he shared. 'Suddenly, the doctors were telling me I had stage 2 testicular cancer, and the next day I went into surgery to have the "mother ship" removed. But my fight had just begun.' Taboo said that while his bandmates were 'in shock', they all rallied around him to give him the help and support he needed. 'Will.i.am instantly reached out to a great doctor who helped me figure out a treatment plan,' he explained. 'I was racing against the clock and ultimately had to go through 12 weeks of intense, aggravated chemotherapy.' 'Will.i.am instantly reached out to a great doctor': The musician said his bandmates (L-R apl.de.ap, Fergie and will.i.am, pictured in 2011) rallied around him Taboo first revealed his private cancer battle on The Doctors show and said that the course of chemo afterwards was 'like war, torture and a nightmare, all in one'. He also revealed that he couldn't hold his children for six months after having his right testicle removed and was terrified that he wasn't going to make it after first receiving his diagnosis. 'The first thing I thought about was my kids, my wife, my family and am I going to live,' he admitted. Cancer-free: Taboo is pictured in October 2014 a month after being told he is cancer-free. He had his right testicle removed and did 12 weeks of intense chemotherapy Taboo told People that while the odds were against him, he and his wife have since welcomed another child. 'After I was told I was cancer-free in September 2014, my wife and I decided to try and have another child,' he said. A fertility doctor said that it might be impossible, but we began trying on our own and within a month my wife was pregnant. 'Our daughter is a miracle baby, and having time with her and my sons means everything to me - they're why I kept fighting.' Beating the odds: The 41-year-old and his wife Jaymie Dizon, seen here in February 2012, welcomed a daughter eight months ago after being told it 'might be impossible' Taboo welcomed his daughter with wife of eight years Jaymie Dizon eight months ago, and they also share sons Jimmy, seven, and Journey, five. He additionally has 23-year-old son Joshua from a previous relationship. It has been five years since The Black Eyed Peas went their separate ways, but Taboo is still working on his music and using his talent to help others. He recently released his song Fight, in conjunction with American Cancer Society's new campaign called The Fight, and debuted the song exclusively on The Doctors. He is frequently seen pedalling his bicycle around New York, often with his two boys hitching a ride. But Liev Schreiber added a bit of oomph to his transportation when he was spotted out in the city's Tribeca district on Wednesday. The 49-year-old actor zipped around the wet streets on a snazzy white scooter. Forget pedal power: Liev Schreiber was spotted zipping around the Tribeca district of New York on Wednesday on his snazzy white scooter Liev was dressed in black from head to toe. On a chilly day he donned an overcoat, black skinny jeans, a beanie, gloves and sneakers. The only pop of colour came from the white soles of his black sneakers. He added a black crash helmet for safety when he was on his scooter and very dark shades to protest his eyes. Safety first: The 49-year-old actor wisely wore a black crash hat The man in black: Liev wrapped up in an overcoat, skinny jeans, a beanie, gloves and sneakers Liev stars in Showtime's Ray Donovan, which films in Hollywood. The drama wrapped season four on September 18 and season five has yet to set a start date. Liev's extended stays on the West Coast were cited as one of the contributory factors in his split with longtime love Naomi Watts in September. Meanwhile, he is using the break to star as the amorous Vicomte de Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuse on Broadway. Out with the boys: Liev, who split with his longtime love Naomi Watts in September after 11 years, is more usually seen out on his bicycle, often with their sons Alexander and Sam The couple, who had been together 11 years, share two sons, Alexander, nine, and seven-year-old Samuel, and the family are based in New York where the boys go to school. Meanwhile, Naomi, 48, has been staying close to home for the sake of their boys. Born in the UK and raised in Australia, she has been shooting Netflix psychological thriller series Gypsy in New York with Billy Crudup. Her drama-thriller Shut In hit theaters last Friday. Brooke Mueller, Charlie Sheen's ex-wife has reportedly agreed to a psych evaluation after a bizarre 24 hours in which she was seen arguing barefoot with her nanny in a Salt Lake City bar and then 'beating' her children at a nearby car wash. Mueller's behavior in the late hours of Tuesday and early hours of Wednesday had prompted police to launch a search for her seven-year-old twins Bob and Max as well as her. She is said to have arrived barefoot in a bar with the boys and asked people for a cigarette late on Tuesday night, before getting in a fight with the children's nanny, according to TMZ. Tracking them down: Police have called off a search for Charlie Sheen's children with Brooke Mueller, seven-year-old twins Max and Bob (pictured in 2014) In police audio obtained by TMZ, a dispatcher can be heard describing an incident where a woman in black was seen 'beating her kids.' An eye witness had earlier told the website he recognized Mueller, saying she was 'swinging wildly at her kids', adding that she seemed 'high as a kite'. He added that the twins were in pajamas with no shoes, with one of them begging: 'Don't call the cops, they are going to take my mommy away!' Before police arrived, Mueller and the boys were picked up by a black Escalade along with a nanny. Law enforcement sources reportedly that Utah's state police have spoken to Brooke and they no longer believe the children are in danger. Mueller has agreed to go to a hospital while accompanied by police, a family source told The New York Daily News. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that a woman claiming to be Mueller's mom asked Utah state troopers to determine if she was mentally unstable. 'Brooke and the boys are fine. She's getting the help she needs, and the boys are with their nanny,' the source said. 'She did go off her meds and she needs to go back on them. She wasn't on anything last night, at least that we know of.' The source added that the boys were never without the nanny. Earlier, a hotel clerk at the Skyline Inn hotel, where Mueller checked in around 4am, claimed that she said three women had tried to rob her, adding that she 'seemed like she needed help,' according to E! news. Police reportedly called Sheen about the situation after Mueller apparently told people in the bar that she was his ex-wife and gave them his phone number. Sheen told the publication before the car wash sighting: 'I'm just trying to get my kids home safe. I have no other details that relate to the ongoing event.' A Salt Lake City police official told ET online that the situation 'was basically a welfare check that got blown way out of proportion.' 'About 6.30 this morning, officers were sent on a disturbance at a different location of our city. When the officers arrived, they was nobody there for them to talk to. 'The information that we have was there was some kind of disturbance in that area. 'I do know that we are not looking for anybody at this time. The people we were sent to look for have been located and are being talked to by another agency, so as far as on our end, no crimes have been committed, the children are safe and the mother is safe.' Worrying: Early reports claimed Mueller (seen in 2009 with Sheen) arrived barefoot in a bar in Salt Lake City, Utah with the boys and Max and asked people for a cigarette, before getting in a fight with the nanny Mueller and Sheen separated in 2011 after three years of marriage, going through a nasty divorce and custody battle. As recently as October, a source close to Mueller said she was 'on the right track' after suffering with addictions and multiple trips to rehab. She reportedly returned to rehab back in January - for the 20th time - just two months after Sheen revealed he is HIV-Positive. Both she and her sons are not HIV-Positive. In August, he reportedly reached an agreement with both Mueller and ex Denise Richards (mother of his daughters Sam, 12, and Lola, 11) which will halve his monthly payments to them. Mueller claimed in April that Sheen sold off his profit right from Two And A Half Men to ensure his child support payments to her were reduced. Sheen netted $26.75 million, but it meant he lost his $613,000 in monthly income. She also accused him of owing her $89,000 in child support payments, calling him a 'deadbeat dad'. In 2011, Max and Bob were removed from Sheen's home after Mueller obtained a restraining order against him. 'I'm just trying to get my kids home safe': Charlie, pictured last week at LAX, has been contacted by police Two years later, custody of the twins was given to Mueller's brother Scott after officials took the children on a warrant, however the court returned full custody to Brooke in December 2014. Mueller moved with the twins to Park City, Utah and earlier this year spent some time in rehab. She is said to have been in rehab 20 times to date. Meanwhile, Sheen's third wife apparently has a new man in her life. Nasty split: Charlie and Brooke, pictured here in 2011, have been involved in a bitter battle over child support According to Page Six, Mueller has been dating skincare guru Peter Thomas Roth since the summer, following his separation from wife of 20 years Noreen. 'Brookes mother and stepfather introduced them in June,' a source claimed. 'He was in LA and they brought Brooke to dinner. 'He enjoys her company and has even visited her in Salt Lake City, where she lives. They are officially dating.' Kaitlyn Cardwell has had surgery to have her extra thumb removed. The four-year-old Here Comes Honey Boo Boo bravely went under the knife to have the appendage removed recently. According to TMZ, her mom Anna - who is the daughter of 'Mama' June Shannon - made the decision last month to have the finger from her right hand removed. Brave: Kaitlyn Cardwell has had surgery to have her extra thumb removed Before: The four-year-old had an extra thumb growing on her right hand The procedure went well and recovery went even faster than expected so she had the cast removed early according to the gossip site. Her mother had explained to the site previously that the surgery was done to preventing teasing and to avoid a future medical issue. Anna, 22, had previously revealed that her daughter would be entering surgery on October 18. All better: According to TMZ, her recovery went faster than expected and she had her cast removed early as her hand is shown without the extra appendage The reality star wrote in a Facebook post: 'Well today is this the day my baby girls surgery for her thumb in less than 4 and half hours we have to be at the hospital and me to go in mommy mode and stress worrying if everything is going to be okay which I know it will just everyone pray everything goes smooth.' Kaitlyn's thumb was addressed on her family's now-cancelled reality show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. In an episode that aired in 2014, Mama June accompanied Anna and Kaitlyn to a doctor's appointment as they discussed surgically removing the thumb. Close look: On a 2014 episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Kaitlyn's second thumb was seen in an X-ray Protective: Kaitlyn's mother Anna Cardwell, pictured in 2014, told her Facebook followers on October 18 that she would be entering 'mommy mode' as she took her daughter to the hospital for surgery Anna decided not to take the doctor's advice to have the thumb removed right away. 'I want to wait a year first,' she said, citing concerns about paralysis and problems with anesthesia. The decision did not come easily for the teenager. Weighing their options: In an episode that aired in 2014, Mama June accompanied Anna and Kaitlyn to a doctor's appointment as they discussed removing the thumbg Proud grandma: June Shannon, pictured in New York in 2013, is Kaitlyn's grandmother 'Its hard being a mother,' she sobbed as she weighed up her options. 'I'm worried people are gonna start picking on her if I dont get it removed,' she said. Anna welcomed her second child, daughter Kylee Madison, last year. The child was her first with her husband Michael Cardwell, who she married in Georgia in 2014. Maggie Gyllenhaal celebrated her 39th birthday with a fun stroll with her daughter in Brooklyn New York on Wednesday. The talented actress prowled through the streets in a playful cat coat with little Gloria, 4. She added a print skirt, bright fedora and thick black boots to her eclectic fall look. The cat's whiskers: Maggie Gyllenhaal wore a eye-catching coat on a stroll with her daughter Gloria, 4, in Brooklyn New York on Wednesday The 40 Days and 40 Nights actress tied her brunette locks into a messy bun as she went for a stripped back make-up look. Her daughter wore a pale pink dress, stripy black and white tights and a puffy purple jacket over the top. Maggie has another daughter, ten-year-old Ramona with Peter Sarsgaard, who she has been married to since 2009. Birthday fun: Maggie turned 39 on November 16 Her husband Peter is also an actor with a pretty impressive acting resume. He will star in the 2017 film Escobar, directed by Fernando Leon de Aranoa, that follows a journalist who strikes up a romantic relationship with notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Javier Bardem will play the infamous Pablo Escobar while Penelope Cruz, his wife in real life, will play Virginia Vallejo. Fall style: She added a chic crimson fedora and a pair of thick black boots to her autumnal look Laid back: The 40 Days and 40 Nights actress tied her brunette locks into a messy bun as she went for a stripped back make-up look Peter is set to play a character called Neymar. Maggie has had a relatively quiet year with just three film shorts, Home, The New Empress and Beauty Mark. However the sister of Jake Gyllenhaal has an exciting TV series coming out next year called The Deuce. Quirky: Her daughter wore a pale pink dress, stripy black and white tights and a puffy purple jacket over the top It is a look at life in New York City during the 1970s and '80s when porn and prostitution were rampant in Manhattan. James Franco will play Frankie Martino, while Maggie will play Eileen 'Candy' Merrell The first series will premiere sometime in 2017. Jump! The duo looked they were having a blast on their way to school His close bond with son Teddy has been unaffected by a highly contentious separation from the boys mother, Megan Tomlin. And it would appear the apple has not fallen far from the tree as doting Dan Osborne poses alongside his oldest child in a series of new promotional shots on behalf of menswear brand Father Sons. In posts shared across social media on Tuesday the former The Only Way Is Essex star, 25, and his three-year old son model a series of smart shirts from the London based brand. Scroll down for video Chip off the old block: It would appear the apple has not fallen far from the tree as doting Dan Osborne poses alongside his oldest child Teddy in a series of new promotional shots on behalf of menswear brand Father Sons One image finds the pair dressed in matching plaid as they stand hand in hand, while another finds them mirroring one another in smart grey polo shirts as a proud Dan rests his hands on the boys shoulders. In a third shot, the hulking TV personality towers over Teddy as the youngster gazes up at him. Captioning the cute image, Dan wrote: 'I cant get enough of these pics of Teddy!! @fathersons_ have smashed it with their kids clothes!' Me and my boy: Dan has maintained a close bond with Teddy following his acrimonious split with ex-partner Megan shortly after his son's birth Doting dad: In one shot the hulking TV personality towers over Teddy as the youngster gazes up at him. Dan has maintained a close bond with Teddy following his acrimonious split with ex-partner Megan shortly after his son's birth. The tattooed fitness fanatic has since moved on with actress Jacqueline Jossa, who gave birth to his second child, daughter Ella, in February 2015. In a searingly open message to Teddy, published by Now magazine last August, Dan insisted insisted had to end his 'miserable' 18-month relationship with the child's mother. Hand in hand: In posts shared across social media on Tuesday the former The Only Way Is Essex star, 25, and his three-year old son model a series of smart shirts Proud: Dan holds his son's hand as they pose for a shot on behalf of the London based menswear brand 'I hope you appreciate it was the right thing to do for me to not be with your mum,' he wrote. 'We weren't in a good relationship and I didn't want us to be miserable, so I hope you understand it's for the best this way.' The letter, addressed to both his children, also talks about how he was scared his children would never meet one another. 'A while ago, I feared you might never meet each other and it was heartbreaking,' he wrote. 'So I know how lucky I am that you get to spend as much time together as possible.' The TV personality had a bitter falling out with Megan last year after allegedly threatened to stab her in a series of recorded conversations that led to his subsequent sacking from TOWIE. She has walked the runway wearing pricey gowns for a host of celebrity designers including Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior to name just a few. But supermodel Chanel Iman looked like a million dollars when she was spotted out in a frock that cost just $68 on Wednesday morning. The beautiful 25-year-old slipped her slender figure into a black dress from Kohl`s as she left the Roxy Hotel in the Tribeca district of New York. Cut-price chic: Supermodel Chanel Iman was spotted out in a Kohl's frock that cost just $68 as she left the Roxy Hotel in the Tribeca district of New York on Wednesday morning The maxi-length garment is from the budget brand's k/lab range and features a sprinkling of tiny stars on a diaphanous, stretchy mesh overlay, revealing a mini dress underneath and a thigh-high side split. Chanel teamed the dress with black suede ankle bootees as she sashayed across the road. The Victoria's Secret Angel bent over at one point, revealing her long legs thanks to the split. The biracial beauty, whose mother is half-Korean, left her long raven tresses to cascade over her shoulders. Pin-up girl: The 25-year-old's maxi-dress is from the budget brand's k/lab range and featured a sprinkling of tiny stars on a black diaphanous, stretchy mesh overlay with a thigh-high split Crosswalk runway: The celebrity paired the dress with black suede ankle boots And was perfectly made-up for the outing with smokey colours around her eyes and peach lipstick. Chanel's only accessory appeared to be the cell phone she carried as she walked along. Aside from her successful modelling career, Chanel is making the move into acting. Sashaying in style: Chanel looked every bit the supermodel as she strolled Looking back: The rear view of Chanel's Kohl's dress showed her long legs under the sheer mesh overlay Last year she starred as Lily in comedy crime drama Dope. And Chanel is presently filming Crackle comedy, Mad Families, written by David Spade, about three families competing for a camping spot during a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. She plays Shantaysia with Charlie Sheen, Leah Rimini and Charlotte McKinney. New details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of Below Deck star Nico Scholly's younger brother Tristen. The 21-year-old was killed after falling from a third floor balcony following a night of drinking, according to the incident report which was obtained by Radar Online. The document states that Tristen had been staying at his brother's apartment in Chicago after attending a concert. Tragic death: Nico Scholly's brother Tristen was killed after falling from a third floor balcony following a night of drinking, according to the incident report obtained by Radar Online The brother in question does not appear to be Nico, as the reality star was sharing Instagram posts from Norman Island at that time. Tristen's brother had helped him to bed because he had been drinking heavily, before the brother headed to a bar. 'A friend of the victim contacted [redacted] about an hour later and notified [redacted] that the victim had woken up and went outside on the back balcony to smoke a cigarette,' the report states, according to Radar. 'It appears that that victim may have hit a dumpster before landing.' Terrible accident: The 21-year-old (seen with Nico) was found 'laying in the alley, unresponsive and with a deep laceration to the forehead' after falling when he went outside for a cigarette There were no witnesses to the fall, and Tristen was found 'laying in the alley, unresponsive and with a deep laceration to the forehead' before being rushed to hospital. The report states: 'It was determined that the victim had multiple skull fractures, blood on the brain, and his brain had shifted from the fall. The victim also has a broken left arm.' Bravo star Nico released a statement to the channel's Daily Dish about his brother's death on Tuesday. 'My family and I are truly devastated,' he said. 'We ask that our privacy be respected at this tragic and very difficult time.' So close: Below Deck's Nico posted this Instagram of himself with his brother Tristen after announcing his death Nico revealed on Twitter on Monday that his brother had passed away. 'My younger brother of 21 is now an [angel]. So please pray for my family,' the 23-year-old wrote. 'I've never felt this pain before. I never understood the term broken-hearted til now. I just want to wake up.' Nico paid tribute to his 'brave' brother's selflessness in an Instagram shot of them suited up at what looked like a wedding. He captioned it: 'This brave amazing guy is donating his lungs, heart, and other organs. He will save 4 different individuals' lives. I love u so much.' Announcing the news: The 23-year-old shared the tragic news on Twitter on Monday Family shot: Nico, left, shared this shot of himself and Tristen, centre, at a family event, saying, 'This brave amazing guy is donating his lungs, heart, and other organs. He will save 4 different individuals' lives. I love u so much' The other organs also included his eyes and liver. On Tuesday, he revealed that the organ transplant surgeries had gone well and he planned to meet the people who had received them. 'Surgery was a success! My brother just saved four people's lives all live in Chicago as well! I can't wait to meet them in 6 weeks!!!!' he wrote. Nico also tweeted a thank you for all the donations to the Tristen Scott Scholly Memorial Fund (which so far amount to almost $13,000) with a photo of his brother in his hospital bed, hooked up to monitors and surrounded by friends and family. Sending their love: Below Deck alum Adrienne Gang and present chief steward Kate Chastain tweeted their love and support to the Scholly family And the reality star remembered his 'best friend' and 'other half' in other touching posts on Instagram. 'My heart is completely broken,' Nico captioned a photo of himself and his late brother. 'I'm going to miss you so much Tristen. [You're too] young to say goodbye so I'll see u again brother.' Another of them at a Chicago Cubs game he captioned: 'Always making me laugh you little smart ass. Never a dull moment. I miss u so much already #chicago #brotherlove #tristen #belowdeck.' Two of Nico's fellow Below Deck yachties, chief steward Kate Chastain and alum Adrienne Gang, have sent love and support to the deckhand and his family during this difficult time. Real Housewives of New York star Jules Wainstein and her estranged husband Michael traded accusations of drug use, negligent parenting and outrageous spending in a contentious hearing in a New York City courtroom Wednesday. Lawyers for the reality stars, according to TMZ, let the dirt fly at a hearing intended to hash through the split couple's child and spousal support arrangements. Jules, 35, whose background is Japanese and Jewish, said that Michael, a 44-year-old venture capitalist, leaves their two children, Rio and Jagger, with a nanny during their stays with him, and shouldn't get more visitation with them than every other weekend. Scroll down for video Not smiling: Jules Wainstein, 35, and her estranged husband Michael, 44, traded accusations of drug use, negligent parenting and careless spending in a Manhattan hearing on Wednesday Too soon? Michael was soon spotted holding the hand of another woman, Elyse Bensusan, 36, after his divorce filing, but he claims he had no affair on his socialite spouse Michael, through his lawyer Morghan Richardson, painted Jules as a prolific spendthrift, saying she burned through $2,000 on Uber rides in two weeks last month, and racked up a $40,000 American Express bill last year. The couple is deep in debt, Richardson told the court, noting that they have three maxed out credit card accounts and an Upper East Side property on the brink of foreclosure. Jules - who told the court she took in $60,000 as a newcomer on Bravo's Big Apple staple last season, 'was then trying to keep up with her peers on the show,' and spending beyond her means, Richardson said, according to the NY Post. Michael said that Jules has a drug problem, pointing to a televised incident on the reality show, but Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Michael Katz wasn't receptive to considering anything that has been broadcast as evidence. Sleek stunner: The reality star looked fresh faced in a striped white jumper as she posed with her now-estranged husband in 2013 in the Hamptons In the incident in question, Jules joked about drugging food she was cooking for her co-stars with prescription drugs. She told Carole Radziwill in the episode, broadcast on Bravo in June, 'Im going to put Percocets, Lidocaine in [the food] ... somebody needs to take this party up a notch and it looks like its going to be me.' Katz - who declined to order Jules to take a drug test - said during the hearing, 'I dont decide my cases on what may or may not be on television - what proof do you have?' No determinations were made on Wednesday, as Katz said that more clarity was needed on the estranged duo's financial situation. He warned both parties about the consequences of a nasty court battle, telling the estranged couple, 'At the end of the day, the two people that are going to be harmed are the kids.' Tough times: A judge in the case between Michael and Jules Wainstein urged them to think of what's best for their two children in a hearing Wednesday. Michael was seen here with their kids, Rio and Jagger, in Watermill, New York in August. Tale as old as time: The couple was married for eight years before their split this past summer. Here, Jules was seen at a Beauty and the Beast event with the children in September Better times: The couple, seen here at a New York City event four years ago, tied the knot in 2008 Blac Chyna cannot stop sharing photos of her new daughter Dream, born in Los Angeles on November 10. And the reality star was at it again on Wednesday when she posted a Snapchat image of the little girl in profile. That same day People reported the former model and her fiance Rob Kardashian are getting along much now that the child is in their lives. Scroll down for video Proud mama: Blac Chyna shared a new Snapchat with her daughter Dream on Wednesday Better than ever: That same day People reported the former model and her fiance Rob Kardashian are getting along much now that the child is in their lives They're in love with this baby: On Wednesday evening they added a sunglasses filter During their E! series Rob & Chyna, the two fought viciously with Chyna kicking the Keeping Up With The Kardashian star out of her Calabasas house and him calling her a 'psycho.' But that has all changed now that they have a baby girl to coo over. 'Rob seems extremely happy,' a source told People. 'He and Chyna have been getting along too. Rob is very impressed with how Chyna is recovering. He thinks she is great with the baby too.' Also new: Chyna shared this collage on Tuesday that shows Rob holding the child Dreamy: Here the baby is in her crib in a new outfit Hand holding: The little tot held onto Chyna's manicured finger As far as Rob's parenting skills, he seems to be off to a great start. 'Rob is getting used to taking care of his daughter. He was a little nervous at first because she is so tiny. He seems very eager to learn how to care for her. He is changing diapers and very hands on,' said the friend. And the former recluse is besotted with the child. She has help: 'Rob is getting used to taking care of his daughter. He was a little nervous at first because she is so tiny. He seems very eager to learn how to care for her,' added the source Having fun with her Dream: Here Chyna put a filter on the tiny child More to Dream about: Though it is not known if there will be another season of Rob & Chyna, there is a special coming next month 'He keeps saying that Dream is the most beautiful baby he has ever seen,' said the pal. Though it is not known if there will be another season of Rob & Chyna, there is a special coming next month. On December 18 a Rob & Chyna Baby Special will air on E! The program is one hour long. They'll be back: On December 18 a Rob & Chyna Baby Special will air on E! The program is one hour long She brought new joy: 'Rob seems extremely happy,' a source told People. 'He and Chyna have been getting along too' Meanwhile, his sister Kim, 36, continues to be a semi recluse after her October 3 robbery in Paris that left her bound and gagged. On Wednesday Kim's friend Stephanie Sheppard posted old photos from the beauty's trip to Thailand on the star's site kimkardashianwest.com. 'Going to Thailand is such a special memory for me, because it was the first time I went on vacation with Kim and her family,' wrote Stephanie. 'It was also where Kim shot her first "Selfish" book cover! We had the best time on this trip, so I wanted to share some never before seen polaroids I took while we were there!' In one image Kim is in a blue bathing suit while on a boat. In another shot, the siren is in a white dress in front of a building, New Kim: Meanwhile, his sister Kim, 36, continues to be a semi recluse after her October 3 robbery in Paris that left her bound and gagged. On Wednesday Kim's friend Stephanie Sheppard posted old photos from the beauty's trip to Thailand She's been hit by some jaw-dropping allegations this week, regarding her stint on Strictly Come Dancing. But Laura Whitmore brushed off the controversy on Wednesday night as she headed for a fun night out in central London. The Irish beauty looked gorgeous in a cosy pink coat as she joined her pals at the launch of the Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason ice rink. Is there a chill in the air? Laura Whitmore brushed off controversy about her Strictly stint on Wednesday night as she headed for a fun night out in central London Laura, 31, wrapped up warm against the dreary London weather in her statement furry coat in a bubblegum pink shade. Hot pink stars adorned the arms, while the fashion fan kept the rest of her ensemble simple with a pair of black leggings and heeled ankle boots. She finished off her look with a personalised pink shoulder bag emblazoned with her initials. Time for some fun: The Irish beauty looked gorgeous in a cosy pink coat as she joined her pals at the launch of the Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason ice rink Super chic: Laura, 31, wrapped up warm against the dreary London weather in her statement furry coat in a bubblegum pink shade Keeping warm: Laura clutched a hot drink as she checked out the festive event Laura looked in good spirits as she joined a celeb crowd at the event, including fellow Strictly 2016 star Daisy Lowe. Her night out comes on the same day rumours emerged of her frosty relationship with her Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice, 26. Missing out: The star told her Instagram fans that thanks to her ankle injury on Strictly she couldn't skate at the event Drama: Laura's night out comes on the same day rumours about her frosty relationship with professional dance partner Giovanni emerged Laura (pictured out on Wednesday morning) left the competition in week 7 Show stoppers: They illuminated the ballroom floor for seven weeks prior to their shock elimination from the current series of the hit BBC show Sending a message? Laura posted a pic on her Instagram page on Tuesday amid the rumours about her feud with Giovanni Laura and Giovanni left in Week 7 of the competition after a bottom two dance-off against Ore Oduba, who is due to compete in the Blackpool stage of the ballroom show next week. Welling up: Laura broke down being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing A source told MailOnline: 'She's been a Strictly fan for so long. She isn't a submissive person and they had a few professional disagreements. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Laura Whitmore and a spokesperson for Strictly Come Dancing for comment. Their professional relationship was understood to be on rocky ground from day one due to Laura's friendship with actress Georgia May Foote, who dated Giovanni after her own Strictly Come Dancing appearance in 2015. Separate sources also claim the Italian dancer 'got frustrated' with her reluctance to film the short pre-recorded videos that feature between every performance. Causing tension: It's thought that Laura's friendship with actress Georgia May Foote, who dated Giovanni after her own Strictly Come Dancing appearance in 2015, could have driven a wedge between them A source told The Sun: They clashed during rehearsals as Laura got increasingly agitated with Gios tone and general rudeness. They pulled it together for the live shows but behind the scenes it was a different story. Theres certainly no love lost between them and its doubtful theyll remain in contact when the series is wrapped up later this month. Laura and fellow competitor Ed Balls made a grand entrance together on Strictly Matters reportedly worsened after Giovanni opted to defy convention by conducting a solo dance move during the couple's final dance, a move which didn't go unnoticed by the show's judges. Laura fought back tears after stumbling through her dance-off samba routine, resulting in the judges' unanimous vote to send her home. After learning of her fate she told co-host Tess Daly of her time on the show: 'I dont think anyone realises how much goes on here, the make-up, the costume, everything and just to be part of that for a little while is amazing.' Giovanni added: 'I would like to say again thank you for being such a great partner, an amazing person to work with, you teach me a lot and I will never ever forget this journey.' The Kardashian-Jenner clan officially earned more - $122.5M (before taxes) - between June 2015-June 2016 than any other reality TV stars. The Keeping Up with the Kardashian stars nabbed six of the seven all-female spots on Forbes' first-ever list of docu-series multi-millionaires (excluding competitions). Kim Kardashian West scored the No. 1 spot with $51M, thanks mostly to her combined 165.6M social media followers eager to buy whatever she endorses for $200K paydays on Instagram. Scroll down for video Ka-ching! The Kardashian-Jenner clan officially earned more - $122.5M (before taxes) - between June 2015-June 2016 than any other reality TV stars On top! The Keeping Up with the Kardashian stars nabbed six of the seven all-female spots on Forbes' first-ever list of docu- series multi-millionaires (excluding competitions) However, the 'shaken yet unharmed' 36-year-old has been uncharacteristically reclusive following her armed robbery at the Hotel de Pourtales in Paris. The Selfish author has certainly come a long way since her infamous 2007 sex tape, easily out-earning her husband Kanye West's $17.5M this past year. Surprisingly, 40 percent of Kim's income came from her mobile game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, and she splits her Kimoji revenue with app developer Whalerock. 'It's funny when people are like, "What does she really do?"' the Calabasas socialite told Forbes in June. '#ad @sugarbearhair': Kim Kardashian West scored the No. 1 spot with $51M, thanks mostly to her combined 165.6M social media followers eager to buy whatever she endorses for $200K paydays on Instagram Laying low: However, the 'shaken yet unharmed' 36-year-old has been uncharacteristically reclusive following her armed robbery at the Hotel de Pourtales in Paris (pictured October 2) Breadwinner: The Selfish author has certainly come a long way since her infamous 2007 sex tape, easily out-earning her husband Kanye West's $17.5M this past year (pictured October 3) Enterprising: Surprisingly, 40 percent of Kim's income came from her mobile game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, and she splits her Kimoji revenue with app developer Whalerock 'I know reality TV isn't respected the way that I believe it should be, but it's changing. People get that it is a job.' Kardashian's 19-year-old half-sister Kylie Jenner came in second with an impressive $18M, thanks to her 2016 cosmetics start-up bringing in nine figures. 21-year-old Kendall Jenner ranked third place with $17M for her lucrative Society Management modeling gigs for Victoria's Secret, La Perla, and Calvin Klein Underwear. Further down the list were Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, and Khloe Kardashian - who raked in $11.5M, $10M, and $15M, respectively. Youngest on the list! Kardashian's 19-year-old half-sister Kylie Jenner came in second with an impressive $18M, thanks to her 2016 cosmetics start-up bringing in nine figures Vogue cover girl: 21-year-old Kendall Jenner ranked third place with $17M for her lucrative Society Management modeling gigs for Victoria's Secret, La Perla, and Calvin Klein Underwear Moneymakers: Further down the list were Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, and Khloe Kardashian - who raked in $11.5M, $10M, and $15M, respectively Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner, Rob Kardashian, and his fiancee Blac Chyna didn't even qualify for the list's stringent multi-million dollar minimum gross. The Real Housewives of New York City's Bethenny Frankel was the only woman on the list not related to the Kardashians, thanks to her $8.5M Skinnygirl cocktail profits. Catch more of the fame-hungry family on the 12th season of KUWTK, which airs Sunday on E! Rob got $2M: Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner, Rob Kardashian, and his fiancee Blac Chyna didn't even qualify for the list's stringent multi-million dollar minimum gross Cheers! The Real Housewives of New York City's Bethenny Frankel was the only woman on the list not related to the Kardashians, thanks to her $8.5M Skinnygirl cocktail profits Kim Kardashian has still not returned to social media since her harrowing October 3 robbery in Paris. But her friends are continuing to step in on her site kimkardashianwest.com. And on Wednesday it was Stephanie Sheppard's turn. The personal assistant used the post as an opportunity to share never-seen-before photos of the 36-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star while in Thailand. A reminder: Kim Kardashian in a never-seen-before snap shared to kimkardashianwest.com on Wednesday by her friend Stephanie Sheppard. The photo was taken in Thailand Pure: In this image, the 36-year-old appeared relaxed and comfortable One of the most striking images was of Kim on a yacht wearing a blue bathing suit. Her arm was up and her back was arched, and because the photo was taken from the side, her famous bottom could be spied. In another shot, Kim is seen looking innocent in a white long dress as she sits by a tiled wall. A 10 still: Last week a photo of Kim in a purple belly dancer Halloween costume was shared More KKW: Before that the star was seen in a Jasmine number that matched what daughter North was wearing Hands-on parent: The reality diva has been spending a lot of time with North and Saint since the Paris incident Stephanie also shared about a dozen other photos, most of them with Kim posing and pouting like a pro. Sheppard wrote: 'Going to Thailand is such a special memory for me, because it was the first time I went on vacation with Kim and her family. 'It was also where Kim shot her first Selfish book cover! 'We had the best time on this trip, so I wanted to share some never before seen polaroids I took while we were there!' Last week a photo of Kim in a purple belly dancer Halloween costume was shared. Before the attack: The E! queen in Paris on October 3, the day before the robbery Before that the star was seen in a Jasmine number that matched what daughter North was wearing. The only time Kim has been seen out in public is when she hit Kanye's LA concerts and also when she picked up frozen yogurt with best friend and KUWTK guest star Jonathan Cheban in Beverly Hills. Even her October birthday was low key. A source told People magazine: 'Kim had a quiet birthday celebration with Kanye, their kids, her sisters and Kris. 'It was Kim's choice to not have a big celebration. She seemed very happy with her.' On TV: Kim, however, has been seen regularly on new episodes of Keeping Up With The Kardashians 'She is still figuring out her life. She still has no plans for any work appearances, but her outlook on life seems more positive. She has calmed down a lot since the robbery.' The beauty has also been spending as much time as she can with her two children North, aged three, and Saint, 10 months. Her sister Kourtney Kardashian previously revealed Kim is relying heavily on her family to get her through the tough time. She shared: 'She's not doing great. I think we're all really still shaken up and I just - you know.' 'I think she has a big supportive family and I know that all the traumatic things that we've been through, we get through them together as a family.' Gold bangle jangle: Conflict of interest in Trump era? A $10,000 gold bracelet worn for Donald Trump's television interview, followed the next day by a message promoting the bangle: Ivanka Trump, daughter of the US president-elect, was awash in a mini-scandal Tuesday. The affair signaled the potential conflicts of interest that could snarl the brash Republican billionaire businessman's transition to power in January as he involves his grown children as advisers. It started with a "style alert" email sent Monday by Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry to fashion journalists around the world. Ivanka Trump walks through the lobby of Trump Tower, November 11, 2016 in New York City Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP) The message, designed to highlight the upscale brand, featured a gold and diamond bracelet from her company's "Metropolis" collection, with a cost ranging above $10,000. The email also had a photo of Ivanka Trump wearing the bangle as she sat with her father and siblings Sunday for the family's first television interview since his Donald Trump's November 8 win. The CBS "60 Minutes" program drew 20 million viewers. The "style alert" quickly spread on social media, raising a storm of criticism as some saw it as blurring the lines between business and politics as the real-estate tycoon prepares to take office on January 20. Ivanka Trump's company did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. But the head of the Ivanka Trump brand, Abigail Klem, was quoted by The New York Times as saying the "style alert" had been sent by "a well-intentioned marketing employee at one of our companies who was following customary protocol, and who, like many of us, is still making adjustments post-election." Klem said new policies and procedures were being "proactively" discussed with all of Ivanka Trump's partners. Some social media critics pointed out the irony between the luxury bracelet she wore and the disadvantaged voters who Donald Trump has vowed to represent. In July, Ivanka Trump raised eyebrows when she plugged a sleeveless sheath dress from her own collection that she wore to the Republican Party's national convention that nominated her father. Immediately after the convention, she sent a Twitter message with a link directing fans who wanted to "shop Ivanka's look" to retailer Macy's website where they could buy the same dress for $138. UN condemns Syria over civilian attacks UN member states on Tuesday overwhelmingly condemned escalating attacks against civilians in Aleppo and called for a ceasefire to pave the way to a settlement of the five-year war in Syria. A resolution drafted by Saudi Arabia, which is backing rebels fighting the Syrian government, was adopted by a vote of 116 to 15, with 49 abstentions, in the General Assembly's human rights committee. Russia and Iran, Syria's allies in the war, were among the 15 who voted against the measure, which is expected to go to the full assembly next month. The UN rights committee has voted every year to condemn Syria over the human rights crisis since the war began in March 2011 Georges Ourfalian (AFP/File) The UN rights committee has voted every year to condemn Syria over the human rights crisis since the war began in March 2011. Saudi Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi recited poetry about Aleppo and invoked the fate of Aylan Kurdi, the Syrian toddler whose lifeless body washed ashore in Turkey last year, as he appealed for support. Syria's Ambassador Bashar Jaafari shot back, saying the "Saudi regime should be the last to talk about human rights" and defending his government for waging what he termed as a war against terrorism. The resolution expresses outrage and grave concern at the violence in rebel-held east Aleppo and demands that humanitarian aid be delivered to all Syrians in need. It deplores the attack on an aid convoy in rural Aleppo on September 19 and calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Backed by Russia, Syria launched a fresh assault on rebel strongholds on Tuesday as diplomatic efforts to end the war remained deadlocked. More than 300,000 people have died in the war that began with anti-government protests. US won't turn away from Asia: admiral The United States will not end up turning away from Asia in coming years, a top US military official said Tuesday, as Donald Trump's White House win kept regional allies fretting. The US president-elect sounded fairly isolationist on the campaign trail; in contrast, President Barack Obama, who grew up partly in Indonesia, made the region a priority. Trump annoyed Japan by saying it was not paying enough in the US-Japanese military relationship. He even suggested it might become a nuclear power in order to not rely on the United States to defend it. Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr, (L), Commander of United States Pacific Command, is welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) during a courtesy call at Abe's official residence in Tokyo on July 26, 2016 Toru Yamanaka (Pool/AFP) "It would be inappropriate for me to speculate on a potential policy initiative of the next administration or certainly for me to wade in politics," said Admiral Harry Harris, commander of US Pacific Command. "That said, I have no doubt that we will continue our steadfast commitment to our allies and partners in the Indo Asia Pacific. "I want to ease any concerns from our partners and our potential adversaries: the Indo Asia Pacific is as important to America as it ever has been," Harris said. "I believe that our nation remain the security partner of choice in the region and will remain so well into the future," he added. US mayor resigns after racist Michelle Obama post A mayor from West Virginia has resigned amid a furor over a racist Facebook post that described First Lady Michelle Obama as an "ape in heels," US media said. Beverly Whaling, the mayor of the tiny town of Clay, had appeared to applaud the incendiary comment and stepped down Tuesday amid the ensuing firestorm. Local television news channel WSAZ confirmed that Whaling had resigned. Michelle Obama emerged as a hugely popular surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail Jewel Samad (AFP/File) According to WSAZ, Clay County Development Corp. director Pamela Ramsey Taylor had posted after Donald Trump's election: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam." The comments were later deleted and both women's Facebook pages were eventually taken offline, The Washington Post reported citing local media. Staffers at the Clay County Development Corp. told WSAZ that Taylor had been removed from her position. Barack Obama's eight years in office have been marred by racial slurs against the nation's first African American president and his family. Clay has a population of less than 500, according to the 2010 census, and is the seat of Clay County in West Virginia. The furor over the racist comment, and the mayor's seemingly agreeable response, prompted an online petition drive to have the two women ousted. The text on www.thepetitionsite.com gathered nearly 160,000 signatures from across the country. Whaling had apologized in a statement Monday to The Washington Post, writing: "My comment was not intended to be racist at all." Michelle Obama emerged as a hugely popular surrogate for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail. Relieved tourists escape New Zealand quake town Rescuers in New Zealand on Wednesday completed a mass evacuation of tourists stranded after a devastating earthquake, as officials in the capital Wellington sealed off dozens of potentially dangerous office blocks. The last of the trapped holidaymakers boarded the navy ship HMNZS Canterbury late Wednesday at Kaikoura, the South Island seaside town that bore the brunt of the powerful 7.8 tremor. "We got them all out, it was a superhuman effort," Red Cross spokesman Simon Makker told AFP from the stricken town. Stranded tourists are being evacuated from Kaikoura to a naval ship on November 16, 2016, after an earthquake hit New Zealand two days earlier CPL Amanda McErlich (New Zealand Defence Force/AFP) "The last of them were cheering and dancing down the street on their way out. It was pretty cool." Vessels from the United States, Canada and Australia are also steaming toward the town to provide emergency supplies and logistical support. At the time of the quake, Kaikoura's population of 2,000 was bolstered by about 1,000 tourists, attracted by the region's renowned whale-watching cruises. They were stranded when the tremor, which claimed two lives, severed road and rail access, leaving the town short of water and with little power. Makker said most of the visitors were airlifted out by military helicopters, with about 250 set to depart on the HMNZS Canterbury for nearby Christchurch late Wednesday. "There might still be a few stragglers left, but the focus now turns to the welfare of the residents," he said. The tremor was felt across the country, causing violent shaking in Wellington about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away. The capital was initially thought to have escaped serious damage but the local council said Wednesday that engineering inspectors had raised concerns about some 60 downtown buildings. At least one has been rated at imminent threat of collapse and will be carefully demolished, while another was a new government office block that was supposed to be quake-proof. Prime Minister John Key said he was "staggered" at the building's failure given the strict building codes in Wellington, which sits on a network of fault lines. "Questions need to be asked and that's going to happen," he told Radio New Zealand. - International rescue - The tremor, one of the most powerful ever in the quake-prone South Pacific nation, has been followed by more than 1,700 aftershocks, complicating relief efforts. The quake triggered numerous landslides that dumped mountains of rocky debris on a main highway and ripped railway lines 10 metres (30 feet) off their track bed, while huge fissures opened up in roads and houses were rocked off their foundations. New Zealand's official GeoNet said reconnaissance flights had noted between 80,0000 to 100,000 landslips. The devastation on land forced rescuers to turn to air and sea resources. The ships were due in Auckland this week for celebrations marking the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary but instead diverted to the disaster zone. "It's heartening to see overseas partners so willing to alter their plans and offer their assistance," Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said, adding that the international vessels were Canada's HMC Vancouver, Australia's HMAS Darwin and the US destroyer USS Sampson. A further three New Zealand warships are also involved and Wellington has accepted unspecified aid from Japan and Singapore. The Sampson is the first US warship to visit New Zealand waters in 33 years, ending a ban sparked by a Cold War-era diplomatic spat over Wellington's ban on nuclear-powered vessels. US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to New Zealand on Sunday that its presence was a historic moment marking "the normalisation of our security cooperation". The 7.8 quake is the joint second strongest ever recorded in New Zealand. It stirred painful memories for residents of Christchurch, which was devastated five years ago by a 6.3 tremor that killed 185 people. The country is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. New Zealand earthquake - (AFP Graphic) A heavily damaged house is seen in Waiau town, some 80 kms to the south of Kaikoura, on November 16, 2016, after an earthquake hit New Zealand's South Island two days earlier Matias Delacroix (AFP) BMW expands ReachNow mobile services German automaker BMW announced in Los Angeles that it is expanding its ReachNow program with new mobile tools and adding a city location: New York's trendy Brooklyn borough. BMW ReachNow, launched in Seattle, Washington state in April, is adding services to its initial offering, the chief executive of the new program Steve Banfield said at a news conference on the first day of AutoMobility, a car show focused on mobile technologies. Among the new services offered on the ReachNow app is a car-sharing service, rivaling Uber and Lyft, that allows a person to hail a ride and personalize it by selecting temperature, music or even a "do not disturb" feature. BMW ReachNow, launched in Seattle, Washington state in April, is adding services to its initial offering including a car-sharing service, rivaling Uber and Lyft Christof Stache (AFP/File) It will launch in test mode in Seattle on December 8 before being tested in other cities. ReachNow also is expanding its shared car rental service, similar to Zipcar and launched in April that until now was available only in Seattle and Portland, Oregon with 800 BMWs. That service for the first time will leave the West Coast and head east, to Brooklyn, where 250 BMWs and Minis will be waiting for customers. In Manhattan, a pilot program for residential buildings will give residents access to a fleet of electric BMW i3 or BMW Series 3 vehicles that will remain onsite for their exclusive leasing. ReachNow also will allow longer-term car rentals of two to five days with members able to schedule a vehicle to be delivered at their preferred time and location. This reserve service will begin in Seattle in early 2017. Another pilot program for owners of MINI 2016 or 2017 model year vehicles will be launched in Seattle. The Share program enables MINI owners to rent their vehicles when they do not need access to it, helping to offset the cost of car ownership. The Share service faces competition from other companies such as Turo or Car2go. BMW and other big automakers like General Motors, Ford and Mercedes are racing ahead to develop full suites of mobile technologies. AutoMobility LA is being held through Thursday at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event combines the former Connected Car Expo and the press days of the LA auto show. Pie in the sky: New Zealand makes pizza drone delivery The world's first pizza drone delivery was claimed on Wednesday by the New Zealand division of fast food giant Domino's, as it looks to grab a slice of a potentially hot future market. Domino's said it used an unmanned aerial vehicle to deliver two pizzas to a customer at Whangaparaoa, just north of Auckland. The firm's boss Don Meij said drones were set to become an essential part of pizza deliveries. A drone designed to deliver pizzas in seen in Whangaparaoa, New Zealand, on November 16, 2016 Domino's Pizza (Domino's Pizza/AFP) "They can avoid traffic congestion and traffic lights, and safely reduce the delivery time and distance by travelling directly to customers' homes," he said. "This is the future. Today's successful delivery was an important proof of this concept." He said tests would continue at Whangaparaoa this week, with a view to expanding the delivery area next year. Domino's said it was also examining using drones in Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Japan and Germany. Pakistan's top diplomat says he will visit India Pakistan's top foreign affairs official has said he plans to visit India next month for a regional conference, the first high-profile visit since tensions spiralled between the arch-rivals after a deadly attack on an Indian army base. Sartaj Aziz, adviser to Pakistan's prime minister Nawaz Sharif and de facto foreign minister, said he will attend the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan, to be hosted by India in December, "to defuse the tension". "We want to prove that Pakistan is with the multilateral process by attending the Heart of Asia Conference as Afghanistan is our top priority," he told reporters in Islamabad on Tuesday. Pakistan's top foreign affairs official Sartaj Aziz (pictured) is adviser to prime minister Nawaz Sharif and de facto foreign minister It was not immediately clear if he would hold any bilateral talks with Indian officials during the visit. The decision came after months of surging tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours sparked by a September attack on an Indian base in disputed Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers and which New Delhi blames on Pakistan-based militants. Tensions reached dangerous levels as India said it had retaliated to the raid by carrying out "surgical strikes" across the heavily militarised border, sparking a furious reaction from Islamabad, which denied the strikes took place. There have since been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians. India also sought to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the militant raid, pulling out of a key South Asian summit set to be held in Islamabad in November in a major snub. Other countries scheduled to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit followed suit, eventually forcing Islamabad to cancel it entirely. In his comments Tuesday, televised by Pakistan's biggest private TV channel GEO, Aziz condemned India for that decision. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in full and have fought two wars over the mountainous region. The border skirmishes come against the backdrop of months of deadly protests against Indian rule of Kashmir, sparked by the killing of a popular rebel leader in July. The Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process was established in 2011 as an initiative by Afghanistan and Turkey to foster regional cooperation and long-term peace in Afghanistan. Oil rebels claim attacks on Nigerian pipelines The Niger Delta Avengers militant group claimed attacks on three oil pipelines in southern Nigeria on Tuesday, saying they would slash the OPEC-member's production by 300,000 barrels per day. Attacks on pipelines by several militant groups have cut Nigeria's oil output, helping to tip the country into recession as it struggles to adapt to the low price of crude globally. The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), blamed for a wave of such attacks since the start of the year, said the latest bombings were to protest the government's handling of problems facing the oil region. Attacks on pipelines by several militant groups have slashed Nigeria's oil production helping to tip the country into recession Stefan Heunis (AFP/File) "At about 11.45 pm November 15, 2016, our Elite Strike Team 03 struck Nembe 1, 2 and 3 truck line operated by Agip, Oando and Shell with supply capacity of 300,000 barrel per day," the NDA said in a statement. "We are only reiterating our strong resolve that time is running (out) against the Nigerian government, that there is doom ahead," it said. "The Nigerian government needs our cooperation more than we need the government as it concerns the extraction of the crude oil and hydrocarbon resources in our God-given land," it said. There was no immediate confirmation of the attacks from the government. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said on Wednesday that an Agip pipeline in Bayelsa was attacked on Monday. "I got a report from my men in the field that two explosions rocked the pipeline located in Southern Ijaw," Bayelsa state NSCDC commandant Desmond Agu told AFP. Nigeria has deployed troops to end the renewed insurgency in the region and has initiated peace talks with the oil rebels. But divisions between rival militant groups appear to be frustrating the government's efforts to strike a lasting peace deal. Muslim Bangui caught between guns and trade "We're not jihadists, we're not bandits, we're defending our community," insisted the leader of a militia group in a powder keg Muslim district of the Central African Republic's capital Bangui. Outside the group's improvised base, a short distance from the mosques and shops of Bangui's flashpoint PK5 district, a youth from the so-called "50/50" self-defence group guarded the headquarters with an M16 assault rifle. Another man concealed a weapon under a red blanket. Three years of conflict and massacres that pitted Muslims against Christians and displaced hundreds of thousands have spawned several of the so-called "50/50" armed groups. Three years of conflict and massacres in the Central African Republic capital Bangui that pitted Muslims against Christians have spawned several armed groups Marco Longari (AFP/File) They take their name from demands by Muslims, who make up as much as 20 percent of the country's population of 4.5 million, to be guaranteed the same rights as Christians. The militias are adamant that they will not sign up to the disarmament process pushed by the weak central government and the United Nations until their equal rights are guaranteed. And this week's donor conference in Brussels could throw Central Africa a crucial lifeline but will likely throw up criticism of the embattled central government's effort to neutralise armed groups like the 50/50 militias. Back in PK5, six men -- the general staff of the militia group -- sat on a carpet inside a house to plot the future of their movement after its chief was killed in violence that left about 10 dead at the end of October. The shootout was one of the latest episodes of recent violence to strike the country as it struggles to shrug off the shadow of the civil war between mainly Muslim rebels of the "Seleka" coalition and the militias known as "anti-balaka" (anti-machete) that emerged in Christian communities. Massacres were carried out by Seleka forces who overthrew then president Francois Bozize in March 2013 and took power for 10 months. The atrocities led to the creation of anti-balaka militias and both sides slaughtered civilians, with the worst mass killings witnessed during the first year of the chaos. "We're not Boko Haram," said Abdoulaye Mabo Koudoukou, the self-proclaimed "deputy chief of staff" of the Muslim militia, referring to the Islamists active in northern Nigeria and beyond. "We're not bandits. We are demanding freedom of movement for all Muslims throughout the Central African Republic." The country's flag hangs on the wall, alongside the movement's mottos: "Equality, justice, brotherhood" -- and "No to Violence". The armed Muslim groups formed following the attempted Seleka takeover are "a necessary evil" according to the general secretary of the Traders' Association of PK5, Hassan Ben Seid. - 'We're trapped' - "We (Muslims) are abandoned to ourselves. The state doesn't exist. You don't see the police, nor the gendarmerie (paramilitary police)," said the owner of a hardware store at the edge of PK5, beside a road leading to other parts of the capital. PK5 gets its name from its location -- five kilometres (three miles) from the centre of Bangui. Many Muslims no longer feel safe to make that short journey by foot for fear of being attacked if they leave their enclave. Some residents even abandoned other districts to take refuge in PK5. "We're trapped. MINUSCA (the UN mission in the Central African Republic) encircles us, but does not protect us. For a month, we've no longer had access to the Muslim cemetery on the far side of the airport," Ben Seid told AFP. "The students no longer go to the university." Yet his Christian clients can still come to PK5, he says. The best-known Christian in Bangui, Roman Catholic archbishop and future cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga, regularly joins the Muslim imam in organising peace marches in the troubled district. And despite patrols by UN peacekeepers and streets that are deserted after nightfall, PK5 looks like any other commercial neighbourhood, with shops stocking everything from mattresses to mechanical spare parts, and stock spilling out onto the roadside. Pedestrians still make their way down wide streets of beaten earth, weaving between cars, delivery vans, motorcycle taxis and small vegetable stalls. But normality grinds to a halt every time there is a fresh outbreak of violence. "Before, it took one gunshot for the market to empty in a split second. Then we had to wait for weeks for activity to resume. When people were killed (in late October), the market was open again 48 hours later," said Lazare Ndjadder, a Christian customs agent. "Kilometre 5 is a small republic in Central Africa, with Muslims, Christians and atheists," said Ndjadder, who was a losing candidate in legislative elections held alongside last February's presidential vote. "It's not difficult to be a Christian in PK5, when you have done nothing wrong, like me." French soldiers of the Sangaris operation, the military intervention in Central African Republic, patrol the PK5 Muslim district in Bangui Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File) A soldier from the Central African Republic army stands guard as Muslims gather at the PK5 Mosque in Bangui Edouard Dropsy (AFP/File) Syrian, Russian jets pound rebel areas: monitor Syrian and Russian warplanes bombed rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib province overnight, a monitor said, a day after Moscow announced a fresh offensive against opponents of its Damascus ally. "Russian military planes were seen all night until morning in several regions of Idlib" in northwestern Syria, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "The regime air force bombed eastern sectors of Aleppo," Syria's divided second city, Abdel Rahman told AFP. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people across the country since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests Georges Ourfalian (AFP/File) The Britain-based monitor says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved. Forces supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched a wide-ranging assault on Tuesday, backed by Russian air strikes, on what they say are jihadist groups. Syrian government aircraft struck rebel-held areas of east Aleppo with air strikes and barrel bomb attacks, according to the Observatory and an AFP correspondent. It was the first government bombardment of Aleppo since October 18. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke of a "major operation" which saw the first missions carried out by warplanes taking off from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier that arrived off Syria last week. The offensive drew strong condemnation from the United States, which said it had received reports of hospitals and clinics being bombed. Over 100 tigers killed and trafficked each year: report With fewer than 4,000 left in the wild, tigers are on a precipice -- yet more than 100 of the big cats are still killed and illegally trafficked each year, according to fresh analysis published Wednesday. The latest estimate comes as experts and dignitaries, including Britain's Prince William, gather in Vietnam's capital for an international wildlife conference which kicks off on Thursday. The two-day meet joins governments, NGOs and activists to combat illegal wildlife trade and is being hosted in a country that has become a nexus for smuggling and consumption. A Siberian tiger carries its cub at the Besancon zoo on November 14, 2016 Sebastien Bozon (AFP) Traffic, which campaigns to protect endangered animals and help governments catch those who trade in their parts, published a new analysis looking at 16-years of tiger seizure data from across the globe. They estimate an average of 110 tigers became victims of the trade each year since 2000. The study also illustrates the growing role breeding centres play in fuelling the trade, especially in Southeast Asia. Researchers singled out Thailand, Laos and Vietnam as among the world's top countries for tiger farms. "These countries have clearly made little meaningful progress in controlling this source of supply," Kanitha Krishnasamy, a co-author of Traffic's report said in a statement. "Any further stimulation of demand could have a more disastrous impact on wild tigers." Around 30 percent of tiger parts seized between 2012 and 2015 now come from captive tigers compared to just two percent between 2000 and 2003. Animal rights groups argue that by keeping demand for tiger parts going, farms simultaneously perpetuate the destruction of tigers in the wild. Laos recently announced plans to close its tiger farms while Thailand has initiated investigations after a long tussle with a controversial Buddhist "tiger temple" that for years had been at the centre of allegations of complicity in the trade. But both countries have a long history of corruption and policing crackdowns that rarely result in permanent successes on the ground. Animal rights groups hope the Hanoi conference will pile pressure on governments to redouble efforts to stem the trade and close down farms. "Ending tiger farming would ease the pressure and help law enforcement agencies focus on the poachers and traffickers of wild tigers," Michael Baltzer, from the World Wildlife Fund said. Syria regime bombs rebels as Aleppo food aid runs out Syrian government and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held parts of northern Syria Wednesday, including battered second city Aleppo, where food aid rations were near-depleted after months of regime siege. The renewed bombardment killed at least 35 people in Aleppo city in 24 hours, and sparked anger from Washington and the United Nations. It came as President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview that US president-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fights "terrorists". Rescuers and civilians inspect a destroyed building in the Syrian village of Kfar Jales, on the outskirts of Idlib, following air strikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes on November 16, 2016 Omar haj kadour (AFP) Damascus considers all those who oppose Assad's government to be "terrorists" like the Islamic State jihadist group, which Trump has said should be the focus of US involvement in Syria. The regime and its ally Russia launched a wide-ranging assault on rebels on Tuesday, shattering a month of relative calm in the rebel-held east of devastated Aleppo. But Moscow denied carrying out air strikes on east Aleppo. "Planes of the Russian air force have not been carrying out strikes on Aleppo for the past 29 days," said Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the defence ministry. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said six children were among the 35 killed in government strikes and artillery fire on besieged opposition-held districts since Tuesday. The Independent Doctors Association, a medical group, said barrel bomb attacks had damaged two facilities it supports in eastern Aleppo -- the children's hospital and the only blood bank in the area. Medical facilities have regularly been hit, and sometimes completely destroyed, in the government's fight against rebels, though Damascus and Moscow deny they target hospitals. - Food aid runs out in Aleppo - The Observatory also reported 21 people were killed in Batabo, a village on the border between Aleppo and Idlib province, where Russia and Syria were carrying out strikes. The monitor said it was not immediately clear if the strikes on Batabo were carried out by Russian or Syrian planes. The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires. The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, fearing moving into government-held territory. Food aid stockpiled in the east is all-but-exhausted, with international organisations and their local partners saying they have distributed final rations in recent days. No aid has entered the eastern neighbourhoods since government troops surrounded them in mid-July. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people nationwide since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Russia intervened in September 2015 in a bid to bolster the government, and Tuesday said its forces were launching a "major operation" in Idlib and central Homs province, targeting IS and former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front with air strikes from a carrier in the eastern Mediterranean. But the bombardment has been criticised by both the UN and Washington, with the General Assembly's human rights committee voting overwhelmingly Tuesday to condemn escalating attacks on civilians. - Assad open to Trump alliance - Washington said it had received reports that the latest bombing raids had damaged civilian infrastructure in rebel areas. "We strongly condemn the resumption of air strikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. "The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it's a violation of international law." Washington was an early backer of the uprising against Assad, and has supported the rebels fighting his government. But that could change under the next administration, with Assad telling Portugal's RTP state television Tuesday he welcomed Trump's campaign comments suggesting Washington's involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad said. Washington already leads an international coalition carrying out strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, but it does not coordinate with Damascus and Assad's government has condemned it as ineffective. The coalition is supporting an operation by the Kurdish-Arab alliance known as the Syrian Democratic Forces to capture the IS bastion of Raqa. "We are advancing even though IS is mining the villages as they flee," SDF commander Rodi Derik said Wednesday in the village of Tuwaylaa, recently captured from IS. The Russian presence in Syria Paz PIZARRO, Thomas SAINT-CRICQ, Iris ROYER DE VERICOURT (AFP) Civilians check destroyed buildings in the Syrian village of Kfar Jales, on the outskirts of Idlib, following air strikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes on November 16, 2016 Omar haj kadour (AFP) Syrian families receive aid packages by Al-Sham Humanitarian Foundation in a rebel-held neighbourhood of Aleppo on November 15, 2016 Karam Al-Masri (AFP/File) Israel gives initial backing to bill to legalise settler homes The Israeli parliament gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill to legalise thousands of West Bank settler homes, a measure drawing international anger and posing the government's biggest test since 2015 polls. The measure, which would apply to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank, requires three more full parliamentary votes to become law. There have been reports that a behind-the-scenes compromise could see the bill now stall. Buildings under construction in the Kiryat Arba Jewish settlement on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Hebron on July 6, 2016 Hazem Bader (AFP/File) The vote in the Knesset, or parliament, was 58-50. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially opposed the bill, fearing an international backlash and legal implications, but voted in favour on Wednesday. Netanyahu faces pressure to hold his right-wing coalition together and not be seen as moving against the powerful settler movement. There has been speculation that the bill could even cause the government to collapse -- though a number of analysts caution that a compromise seems more likely for now. The bill has been pushed by hardline members of Netanyahu's coalition who defied his pleas not to move forward, while the country's attorney general says it will never hold up in court. But those who support it say the move is urgently needed to protect a Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank called Amona. The outpost, where some 40 families live, is under a high court order to be demolished by December 25 because it was built on private Palestinian land. The bill however goes far beyond legalising Amona and would allow an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the West Bank built on Palestinian land to be legalised. Palestinian landowners would be offered compensation in exchange, but Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit says the move would undermine private property laws. US President Barack Obama's administration says it is "deeply concerned." "This would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that's inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also break longstanding Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. The international community considers all Israeli settlements in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the West Bank to be illegal, whether they are authorised by the government or not. The Israeli government differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not. The progress of the bill, approved earlier by a committee of ministers on behalf of the government, has demonstrated the power of the settler movement. Netanyahu's government is seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, and key members of his coalition advocate annexing most of the West Bank while openly opposing the idea of a Palestinian state. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog, who heads the Labour party, said the bill contravened Israeli and international law while justifying "theft." - Hardliner 'dictated agenda' - Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the hardline Jewish Home party and has been the driving force behind the bill, has made no secret of his position. Last week after the election of Donald Trump as president in the United States, he called for the end of the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the basis of years of negotiations. He said "the era of a Palestinian state is over." Netanyahu's government currently controls 66 of the 120 seats in parliament. Finance minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, has been key and had initially threatened not to vote. In the end, he voted for Wednesday's initial backing but said he would withdraw support in the future if it "harms" the country's high court. The statement was a reference to Amona and the high court ruling against it -- signalling that the bill could stall in the future if the outpost is not removed from it. Some Israeli analysts have spoken of the outsized power Bennett has accumulated with the help of the settler movement, saying it could seem Netanyahu was serving in his cabinet rather than the other way around. Bennett's party has only eight seats in parliament. But both men have little interest in new elections for now, a number of analysts said. S. African farmers in court for shoving black man into coffin Two white South African farmers briefly appeared in court on Wednesday on assault charges after an online video emerged showing them pushing a black man into a coffin and threatening to burn him alive. Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson, both 28, were remanded in custody after their lawyer decided not to apply for bail. Magistrate Jongilizwe Dumehleli ordered the pair to return for another hearing on January 25. Willem Oosthuizen (right) and Theo Martins Jackson face charges of kidnapping and assaulting a colleague as they appeared at the Middleburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 Mujahid Safodien (AFP/File) The men face charges of kidnapping and assaulting 27-year-old Victor Mlotshwa over an incident that occurred in August at a farm near the town of Middelburg in the eastern province of Mpumalanga. They were arrested on Monday after the video, apparently shot on a mobile phone by one of the two white men involved, went viral last week. The 20-second clip shows one of the assailants shoving a black man, clearly in distress, into the wooden coffin and trying to force down the lid. "Come, come. We want to throw the petrol on," said one of the men, speaking Afrikaans, according to the News24 website. They are also accused of threatening to put a snake in the coffin. Mlotshwa told ENCA television he was walking to the town of Middelburg and decided to use a short cut when the two men spotted him. "I was in a hurry I had to use some path, a footpath, that was the shortest to go to Middelburg," he said. "They accused me of trespassing. Then they beat me up and I had to run away," he said, adding he tried to flee but they caught him. "They tied me with cable tie and took me to the nearest farm. They beat me up and forced me into the coffin." - 'Drive them to the sea' - Political leaders who attended the trial used the event to highlight cases of racially motivated aggression around the country, telling their supporters to act against racism. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party and the ruling African National Congress held separate rallies outside the court to protest at the alleged assault and racism in South Africa. "We will make sure that those who are still racist, especially white people who are still racist, we will drive them to the sea so that they go back to where they come from," ANC's youth league deputy president, Desmond Moela, said during the rally attended by Mlotshwa. "They want to torture our people when they are on our land." At another rally, the spokesman of the radical EFF Mbuyiseni Ndlozi told party members that it is "impossible" for white South Africans to see blacks as fellow human beings or as equals. "This country has a very painful past which still seems to be our present, in which black people continue to be treated like animals," he said. "We are still in the same position we were under apartheid." - 'Dehumanising and humiliating' - Despite its long history of institutionalised racism under the apartheid regime, South Africa does not have legislation that criminalises racism and it remains beset by deep-rooted inequality 22 years after the end of white-minority rule. Cases of racism have erupted regularly on social media in recent years. A South African estate agent was in June fined for labelling blacks as monkeys littering the beaches in a Facebook post she posted in January. In August, a previously whites-only girls school was ordered to suspend allegedly racist hairstyle regulations after black pupils said they had been called monkeys by teachers for wearing banned "afros". Early this year, the ANC acknowledged the need for a law that criminalises racism, given the country's "painful past". The FW de Klerk Foundation said it "unreservedly" condemns the racial incident against Mlotshwa, calling it "dehumanising and humiliating". De Klerk was South Africa's last apartheid era president and in 1993 shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela. Victor Mlotshwa -- who was filmed being pushed into a coffin -- listens to evidence at the Middleburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2016 Mujahid Safodien (AFP) Trump win makes 'no difference' to Iran: Khamenei Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that the result of the US election made "no difference" to the Islamic republic despite president-elect Donald Trump's aggressive stance. "We have no judgement on this election because America is the same America," he told thousands of people during a public speech in Tehran, broadcast on state television. "In the past 37 years, neither of the two parties who were in charge did us any good and their evil has always been directed toward us." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech in a suburb of Tehran on June 3, 2016 - (Khamenei.ir/AFP/File) It was his first reaction to the election of Trump, who during his campaign labelled last year's nuclear deal between Iran and world powers a "disaster" and threatened to tear it up. "We neither mourn nor celebrate, because it makes no difference to us," Khamenei said. "We have no concerns. Thank God, we are prepared to confront any possible incident." Khamenei pointed to several bitter encounters with different US administrations, including the 1988 shooting down of an Iran Air passenger jet by the USS Vincennes that killed 290 people. Tehran and Washington have not had formal diplomatic ties since 1980, when Islamist students stormed the US embassy and held staff hostage for 444 days. 'Uphold climate pact', companies urge Trump More than 360 mostly American companies and investors, including a dozen Fortune 500 firms, called Wednesday on Donald Trump to uphold the 196-nation Paris climate pact. An open letter released at high-level UN climate talks in Marrakesh called on the US president-elect to back "continued US participation in the Paris Agreement, in order to provide the long-term direction needed to keep global temperature rise below 2C," or two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Trump has called global warming a "hoax", and said he would "cancel" the agreement. A Moroccan guard at the COP22 Climate Change Conference at the Royal Palace in Marrakesh on November 15, 2016 Stephane de Sakutin (AFP) Ministers gathered at the UN conference on Wednesday to discuss the hot-button issue of finance for staving off dangerous climate change, while America's top diplomat is expected to hammer home the perils of not acting swiftly. A day after dozens of heads of state and government addressed the annual UN climate huddle, more than 100 foreign, energy and environment ministers are gathered in Marrakesh under a long shadow cast by Donald Trump's election to the White House. Trump has promised to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming. The Marrakesh meeting has started drafting a roadmap for putting the agreement's goals into action, but many fear Trump will withdraw from the process, destroying the political momentum built up over years of tough negotiations. The Paris pact sets the goal of limiting average global warming to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Countries, including the United States, have pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources. But Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal. Developing nations are insisting in Marrakesh that rich countries, which they blame for historic emissions, keep their commitments to provide the funds needed to make the costly shift away from cheap, abundant coal. They are specifically seeking more money for "adaptation" -- shoring up their defences against the effects of climate change -- rising seas, harsher droughts and storms, and disease spread. Adaptation finance will top the agenda of a ministerial meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. - Urgency - On Tuesday, leaders of African nations and island states at high risk of climate change, urged rich nations ramp up finance. "Implementation of the Paris Agreement is subject to mobilisation, availability and direct accessibility of adequate financial resources by developed countries for developing countries," said President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. The UN, too, called for more money for adaptation -- building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems, or growing climate change-resistant crops. Less than a fifth of climate funding goes to adaptation today. The bulk is to help developing countries make the costly shift from fossil fuels to greener energy sources -- called "mitigation" in UN climate jargon. In 2009, rich nations pledged to mobilise $100 billion (93 billion euros) per year from 2020 in overall climate aid. But the UN's environment organ, UNEP, said as much as $300 billion may be needed by 2030 for adaptation alone, and up to $550 billion by 2050. While the world waits for official word from Trump, US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Marrakesh on Wednesday morning seeking to give the talks a morale boost. He will give a speech "that highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and the importance of continued ambitious climate action around the world," Washington's top climate envoy Jonathan Pershing said on Monday. After Trump's election last week, Kerry said he would not change his plans to travel to Marrakesh, and that his presence was "perhaps even more important". Donald Trump has said climate change is a hoax George Mulala (pool/AFP) Developing nations want finance to provide the funds needed to make the costly shift away from cheap, abundant coal Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP) 2016 'very likely' hottest year on record: UN Kun Tian, Thomas Saint-Cricq, Jean Michel Cornu (AFP) Obama in Europe urges 'course correction' on globalisation US President Barack Obama arrived in Germany on Wednesday on the final leg of a European tour aimed at reassuring key allies about transatlantic ties under his successor Donald Trump. Obama touched down in Berlin for a visit due to last until Friday, during which he will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain. The outgoing US president arrived from Athens where he had delivered a sweeping speech warning of threats to modern democracy, acknowledging that globalisation had fuelled a "sense of injustice" and needed a "course correction" to address growing inequality. US President Barack Obama is greeted by a guard of honor after disembarking from Air Force One on November 16, 2016 at Berlin's Tegel airport Tobias Schwarz (AFP) "When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes... this feeds a profound sense of injustice," he said. But Obama also offered a ringing defence of liberal democracy, saying: "I firmly believe that the best hope for human progress remains open markets, combined with democracy and human rights." Trump has been a critic of global free trade agreements and welcomed Britain's shock vote in June to leave the European Union, which was fuelled by a populist campaign harnessing anger over immigration and a perceived loss of power to bureaucrats in Brussels. But Obama argued that "when people have opportunity and they feel confidence in the future, they are less likely to turn on each other and less likely to appeal to some of the darker forces that exist in all our societies, those that can tear us apart". In a joint article to coincide with his arrival in Germany, Obama and Merkel voiced support for the controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, making a strong case for trade in stark contrast to Trump's protectionist stance. "There will be no return to a world before globalisation," they argued in business magazine Wirtschaftswoche. "We owe it to our companies and our citizens, indeed to the entire world community, to broaden and deepen our cooperation." - 'My closest partner' - As Europe desperately seeks clues to future US policy, Merkel, leader of the continent's biggest economy, is being widely touted as the new standard bearer of liberal democracy since the shock election of brash populist and political novice Trump. Obama has described Merkel as "probably... my closest international partner these last eight years." European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russia's orbit, have been shaken after Trump appeared to call into question Washington's near 70-year security guarantee by saying he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way. Obama has been at pains to stress that Europe -- and NATO -- would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. The US-led NATO grouping is "absolutely vital" to US interests and a strong, unified Europe was good for America and the world, the president said in comments aimed at calming old partners' fears. "We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up... the 20th century was a bloodbath," he said pointedly on Tuesday. - Greece's 'extraordinary compassion' - Obama was generally welcomed in Greece, though his visit was also met with anarchist-led street protests denouncing US "imperialism", with police firing tear gas Tuesday to push back 2,500 demonstrators trying to reach the city centre. Elsewhere, Athenians young and old waited patiently in line to catch a glimpse of the leader on his last foreign trip as president, which will wrap up with a stop in Peru after Germany. "It's fantastic to be here," said 17-year-old pupil Anais Karayanis. "He has plenty of things to teach us, advice to give. I would have come to see Trump as well, but only out of pure curiosity because I don't support him." Betty Kazakopoulos, a PR consultant in her 60s, said Obama was "a man I admire. Perhaps the last of the great American leaders." During his visit to the cradle of democracy, Obama has also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society -- a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis. He lauded Greek islanders' "extraordinary compassion" for the hundreds of thousands of people who have landed on their shores since the start of Europe's worst migrant crisis since World War II. And he pledged support for its economy, as Greek leaders seek a fresh US pledge to help alleviate the country's enormous public debt, a measure actively sought by the International Monetary Fund but opposed by leading European lender Germany. Obama's overseas visits Jonathan Storey (AFP) The German and US flags fly on the car of US President Barack Obama as it makes its way towards the Adalon Hotel on November 16, 2016 Ralf Hirschberger (DPA/AFP) New Trump tweetstorm denies talk of transition turmoil Donald Trump's latest tweetstorm pushed back Wednesday against rumors his transition team is in disarray, and denied a news report that foreign leaders have struggled to reach him by phone. The New York Times wrote that the president-elect's inner circle were "improvising" as they went about the critical task of hiring top staff to replace the administration of outgoing President Barack Obama. The daily also wrote that foreign leaders were "blindly dialing" Trump Tower, the billionaire's opulent office, to try to speak to him -- a charge Trump strongly denied. One week after Trump's shock election win, rumors have swirled of a messy presidential transition hampered by bickering and backstabbing as he prepares to take the reins of power in just nine weeks Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) "I have received and taken calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said," the Republican tweeted to his 15 million followers. "Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them," he said. "@nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me." One week after Trump's shock election win, rumors have swirled of a messy presidential transition hampered by bickering and backstabbing as he prepares to take the reins of power in just nine weeks. However, Trump's frenzied flurry of tweets denied rumors of internal disorder among his team. "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," he wrote late Tuesday, scoffing at media speculation about the frontrunners for key administration posts. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" he tweeted. Several US news outlets have reported that former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is tipped for secretary of state. Hawkish former UN ambassador John Bolton and retired general Michael Flynn reportedly are also among those shortlisted for top jobs. Other sightings at the iconic Trump-branded skyscraper included Ted Cruz -- the arch-conservative Texas senator who Trump belittled as "Lyin' Ted" during the Republican primaries. Trump also dismissed press reports that he was trying to get family members cleared to attend high-level briefings. "I am not trying to get "top level security clearance" for my children. This was a typically false news story," he tweeted on Wednesday. Media said Trump has requested top-secret clearance for his son-in-law Jared Kushner -- husband to his daughter Ivanka -- so he can join the daily presidential briefings. The Washington Post reported that Kushner purged several transition team members allegedly linked to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was demoted Friday when Trump reshuffled his transition team and placed Pence in charge. Prince estate sues Jay Z streaming service Prince's estate has sued the Tidal streaming service of rap mogul Jay Z, demanding it take down most of the catalog of the late pop icon. Prince, who had a famously fraught relationship with the music industry, last year announced a deal through which Tidal would exclusively release the prolific star's album "HITnRUN Phase One." In a lawsuit, Prince's estate said that Tidal only had exclusive rights to the album for 90 days and that the deal did not cover the rest of Prince's catalog. Jay Z arrives to the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez (AFP/File) Tidal and Jay Z's Roc Nation company "did not communicate" with the estate "to expand the offering of Prince works on the Tidal service," said the lawsuit filed Tuesday in a federal court in Prince's native Minnesota. The estate asked for a jury trial to force Tidal to remove Prince's catalog and pay damages. The streaming service did not immediately reply to the lawsuit and Prince's vast catalog was available on Tidal as of Wednesday. Tidal, which has struggled to take a greater market share from streaming leader Spotify and new competitor Apple Music, has heavily promoted exclusives including the Prince catalog. Prince, who died from an accidental overdose of painkillers, did not leave a will. Bremer Trust, which is in charge of his estate, has since been looking for ways to ensure steady revenue and has been negotiating future releases with labels. Prince in the early 1990s changed his name to the unpronounceable "love symbol" and wrote "slave" on his cheek to protest his terms Warner Brothers Records, which had tried to put controls on his constant output. Migrant carnage unabated in Med More than 240 people have died in migrant boat sinkings in the Mediterranean this week, officials said Wednesday as horrifying new testimony emerged from survivors of another tragedy. Departures from Libya are continuing unabated despite worsening weather in the Mediterranean, with over 3,200 people rescued from crowded and unseaworthy dinghies since Saturday. The total is the same as for the whole month of November 2015. The new death toll was based on information gathered by the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR) from 15 survivors, who said some 135 people had drowned or lost when a dinghy sank on Monday. Migrants and refugees wait to be rescued off the Libyan coast on November 5, 2016 Andreas Solaro (AFP) Some 95 others are presumed dead after another dinghy sank on Tuesday. Nine bodies have been recovered in total after both incidents, while a 10th person was seen to have drowned but could not be pulled from the sea by rescue teams. Italy's coastguard said 580 people had been brought to safety Wednesday in five separate rescue operations, with one body recovered. The deaths were not limited to the perilous crossing between Libya and Italy. On Wednesday the bodies of four male migrants, aged between 20 and 40, were found in a boat that ran into trouble off Greece. The Greek coastguard said it had spotted the boat some 15 nautical miles off the island of Thassos "with a total of 19 people on board, four of whom had lost consciousness", probably due to hypothermia. - Death toll likely 'much higher' - The survivors of Monday's shipwreck off Libya -- overwhelmingly from sub-Saharan Africa -- arrived Wednesday in the port of Catania in Sicily, where they spoke of their ordeal. They had set off from Libya on Sunday night with about 150 people on board, "so there would be about 135 missing," UNHCR spokesman Iosta Ibba told AFP. "Their dinghy, which was already in a poor state, began taking on water several hours after they set off. It then overturned, tipping all 150 into the sea. Only 15 managed to survive by clinging to a part of the vessel which floated," he said. "They stayed like that several hours before help arrived," he added. The latest deaths lift the total number of migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year to just over 4,500, according to a UNHCR count based on bodies recovered and survivor accounts. The Malta-based charity MOAS, which deploys two rescue boats in the area, said the true toll is higher "as it is highly likely that many boats sink without ever being reported". - 'Departures organised in waves' - The charity blamed "the changing approach of smuggling networks" which it said showed "an attempt to maximise opportunity and meet demand on the part of the smugglers". "Whereas in past years, crossings were organised in more manageable trickles, perhaps a few a day, this year our crews have seen departures organised in large waves," it said in a statement. "Despite tireless efforts to save lives by both civil society and European navies... search-and-rescue efforts in the Mediterranean are more challenging than ever," it added. Over 167,000 people have been brought to safety in Italy since the start of the year, according to the interior ministry. The figure has already passed the 153,000 number recorded in 2015 and is closing in on the 170,000 figure recorded in 2014. Fleeing across the Mediterranean Laurence Chu, John Saeki (AFP) A rescuer takes a migrant baby aboard the ship Topaz Responder off the Libyan coast on November 5, 2016 Andreas Solaro (AFP) Senate Democratic leader Schumer ready to battle Trump US Senate Democrats on Wednesday elected Chuck Schumer as their leader, a position from which he will head opposition to Republican President-elect Donald Trump beginning in January. Senator Bernie Sanders, the independent self-declared socialist from Vermont who challenged Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primaries, made his debut in party leadership, as chair of outreach, a sign that the bruised Democrats have learned from Clinton's defeat in last week's presidential election. In all, the 48 Democrats elected a team of 10 senators tasked with defining party strategy until the mid-term elections of November 2018. US Senator Charles Schumer leaves after an election meeting of Senate Democrats at the Capitol on November 16, 2016 Alex Wong (Getty/AFP) Liberal firebrand Senator Elizabeth Warren is also part of leadership, as vice chair of the Democratic conference. Senator Dick Durbin remains the number two Democrat, while Senator Patty Murray was promoted to the third slot. "We are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Republicans -- working with soon-to-be President Trump on issues where we agree," Schumer, who replaces retiring Senate minority leader Harry Reid, said in a statement after the internal elections. "But we will go toe to toe against the president-elect whenever our values or the progress we've made is under assault." Despite Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, Trump will need to deal with the Democrats in the Senate, where the chamber's rules grant strong powers of obstruction to the minority party. Most Senate legislation will require a 60-vote threshold in the 100 member chamber in order to overcome opposition, but Republicans will only have a maximum of 52 seats from January. A seat for a senator from Louisiana will be decided in a runoff election December 10. Schumer, a 65-year-old New Yorker known for his abrasive personality, is a shrewd political strategist capable of forging compromises with opponents but also able to launch harsh attacks to achieve his ends. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he expected "the good, the bad and the ugly" out of Schumer. "The good: he's a dealmaker. The bad: he can throw a punch. When it comes to politics, he knows how to play it, he's from New York, he can get kind of ugly." Republicans re-elected Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to head their caucus. Twitter suspends white supremacist accounts Twitter accounts of white supremacy advocates who cheered Donald Trump's election victory were mute on Wednesday, suspended as the social network battles hateful vitriol spewed by "trolls." Terminated Twitter accounts included that of Richard Spencer, a leader in an 'alt-right' white nationalist movement in the US, and accounts associated with his magazine and "think tank." "I think Twitter, Facebook and others are deeply triggered by this election and that social media helped elect Trump," Spencer said in a video posted on YouTube. Twitter is rolling out a new weapon in the fight against harassment by "trolls" whose often abusive onslaughts can make the messaging service an unwelcoming place Leon Neal (AFP/File) Spencer compared the account suspensions to Adolf Hitler in 1934 wiping out opposition to his Nazi Party to consolidate power in Germany in what is referred to in history as the Night of the Long Knives. "Basically, my entire digital presence on Twitter has been suspended," he said in the video. "It is corporate Stalinism; there is a great purge going on." In response to an AFP inquiry, Twitter referred to its rules prohibiting "violent threats, harassment, hateful conduct," and its promise to take action on accounts violating those policies. - Bully bane - The account suspensions came after Twitter on Tuesday began rolling out a new weapon in the fight against harassment by "trolls" whose often abusive onslaughts can make the messaging service an unwelcoming place. Online social networks have been struggling to balance free speech with intimidation and aggression that make many fearful of speaking freely. Twitter in February suspended more than 125,000 accounts, most of them linked to the Islamic State group, as part of increased efforts to eradicate "terrorist content" on the popular messaging platform. "The amount of abuse, bullying, and harassment we've seen across the internet has risen sharply over the past few years," Twitter said as it announced an expanded "mute" feature that enables users to block accounts sending inappropriate messages. Twitter will let users eliminate, or mute, notifications based on keywords, phrases or entire conversations they are not interested in seeing, according to the San Francisco-based company. - Inciting harm - Twitter already prohibits hate speech based on race, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation. In its response to AFP, Twitter pointed out a section of its policy stating that it does not allow accounts "whose primary purpose is inciting harm towards others." Measures announced on Tuesday included providing a more direct way for people to report abusive behavior, even if they are a witness to it and not the target. Twitter support staff have been retrained on its policies and internal processes have been tuned to deal more effectively with reports of abusive behavior, with a goal of being faster and more transparent in handling situations, Twitter said. Reasoning included making Twitter a more welcoming platform, ideally ramping up the number of users and the amount of time they spend engaged on the platform. The moves come after a series of complaints and high-profile instances of abuse on the social network. In July, "Ghostbusters" star Leslie Jones briefly quit Twitter after what she said was a stream of abuse fueled by comments from an editor at the conservative news site Breitbart. Twitter said that it has seen a growing trend in people taking advantage of the openness of the service to abuse others. "We don't expect these announcements to suddenly remove abusive conduct from Twitter," its statement said. Gambia leader urges peace at start of presidential campaign Gambian President Yahya Jammeh urged his supporters to abstain from violence Wednesday, as rights groups raised concerns over the arrest of journalists at the outset of a presidential election campaign. The call came as one of the three detained members of the press -- photojournalist Alagie Manka, who was arrested last week for taking pictures of the president's supporters -- was released late Wednesday, officials said. Human Rights Watch has expressed alarm over the detention of Momodou Sabally, the director-general of Gambia's state television and radio broadcaster, and his colleague Bakary Fatty. President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia urged his supporters to abstain from violence on November 16, 2016, adding, "Therefore let us campaign peacefully, vote peacefully and then celebrate our victory" Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File) "Intimidation and threats against the media need to stop for voters to be able to make informed decisions," said Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. A two-week campaign period began Wednesday with canvassing in rural areas, as electoral favourite Jammeh seeks his fifth term in power. "Our campaign is focusing on peace and security and not for violence. Violence is like bushfire. You can know where it starts but you won't know where it will end," Jammeh told activists in a speech broadcast over state-owned Gambian radio and television. "Therefore let us campaign peacefully, vote peacefully and then celebrate our victory," he added. Jammeh, 51, took power in a bloodless coup in 1994 and has run the tiny west African country with an iron fist ever since, surviving successive coup attempts. His regime is regularly accused by rights groups of arranging the forcible disappearance and arbitrary arrest of opponents. The three journalists had all been arrested by the Gambia's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) -- Sabally and Fatty for broadcasting images of the opposition when Jammeh's wife was due to appear. "Alagie Manka has been released from our custody. We have not proffered any charges against him. He has not been maltreated by any of our agents," a senior NIA official told AFP late Wednesday. Opposition parties have decided to join forces to field a single candidate, Adama Barrow, to take on Jammeh on December 1. The only other candidate is a former ruling party MP, Mama Kandeh, who has been accused of being used to split opposition votes. Defeated Democrats grapple with loss of working class whites Shut out of power, US Democrats are in the throes of self-examination, trying to figure out how to reconnect with a neglected constituency: white Americans disenchanted with globalization. "We just got a shellacking, we got an unexpected defeat. And we've got to recalibrate, and decide how we go forward," said GK Butterfield, a representative from North Carolina, amid the tumult of the US Capitol. "It's like death, there are different stages of grief that you go through," he said. For the first time since 2006, Democrats are outside the White House and in the minority in both houses of Congress Nicholas Kamm (AFP) For the first time since 2006, Democrats are outside the White House and in the minority in both houses of Congress. Hillary Clinton, who went down to a stunning defeat as her party's standard-bearer in the November 8 presidential elections, has refused to indulge in a mea culpa. But Democrats looking to make a comeback in the 2018 and 2020 elections are doing it for her, spreading out the electoral maps as they conduct a postmortem of the party's devastating loss. In the industrial Midwest and Great Lakes, a region running from Pennsylvania through Ohio and Michigan to Wisconsin, whites turned out en masse to vote for Republican Donald Trump. The celebrated coalition of minorities -- mainly African Americans and Hispanics -- that elevated Barack Obama to the White House in 2008 proved insufficient to overcome the pro-Trump wave among blue collar workers and less-educated whites. Nationwide, 67 percent of whites without a college degree voted Republican, according to exit polls. "We have to talk to blue collar workers. We need blue-collar workers to vote blue," said Tim Ryan, a 43-year-old congressman from Ohio, the epicenter of the Trump earthquake. "In order to do that we need the message and the messengers to connect with them and pull them back into the Democratic camp," he said on CNN. Hakeem Jeffries, a member of Congress from New York, attributed the loss to economic anxiety among working class whites that Trump succeeded in exploiting. "We have got to reevaluate how we are communicating our message because on the ideas we are right," he said on C-Span, the television channel that covers congressional proceedings. "Obviously there are people out in America who are not hearing that in a compelling fashion," he said. - Leadership battle - The rebuilding began with the party's leadership in Washington, where the jousting for position is already underway. Filmmaker Michael Moore, who had warned that Democrats were facing defeat because of working class disaffection, called for "a clean sweep in this party." "They all have to go," he said on Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" show. "And they have to make room for the progressive Democrats, who are going to come in here, are going to be needed to fight the things that Trump is going to do to the people of this country and the world." One of the leadership candidates getting attention is Keith Ellison, one of the first members of Congress to endorse Bernie Sanders against Clinton in their primary battle. It was a daring move at a time when the entire Democratic establishment was firmly behind the former secretary of state. "It is not enough for Democrats to ask for voters' support every two years. We must be with them through every lost paycheck, every tuition hike, and every time they are the victim of a hate crime," he said as he announced his candidacy for chairman of the Democratic National Committee. But Ellison, an African American Muslim, represents an urban district in Minnesota that is unlike the rural areas and suburbs that Democrats hope to recover. Another candidate for the post is Howard Dean, a populist who made an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. - 'New voices' - A bigger leadership contest is unfolding in the marble halls of Congress, the nerve center of US politics, as Democrats decide whether to re-elect their longtime leader in the House, Nancy Pelosi. A leadership vote was to have taken place this week but was delayed until November 30, a sign that the 76-year-old Pelosi could face competition. Among the potential challengers is Ryan, seen as the leader of a younger generation of lawmakers. His Ohio roots could be a plus for wooing back blue collar voters. "The House leadership race is really going to be an important signal to many Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans of what the new Democratic Party looks like," Ryan said Wednesday on MSNBC. As President Obama sees it, the party's renewal will require it to "compete everywhere," -- not just in the large urban centers Democrats have long relied on. Obama weighed in subtly on the looming leadership battle on Monday, saying: "I think we want to see new voices and new ideas emerge." US Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York said, "We have got to reevaluate how we are communicating our message because on the ideas we are right" Drew Angerer (Getty/AFP/File) Keith Ellison, an African American Muslim, represents an urban district in Minnesota that is unlike the rural areas and suburbs that Democrats hope to recover Brendan Smialowski (AFP/File) Iraqi paramilitaries say reached airport west of Mosul Iraqi paramilitary forces announced Wednesday that they had entered the Tal Afar airport west of Mosul and were fighting to clear pockets of Islamic State group jihadists inside it. The airport is located some six kilometres (four miles) south of the town of Tal Afar, the ultimate target of an operation billed as an attempt to cut off jihadists in Mosul from territory they control farther west. Fighting towards Tal Afar has so far been the main task for the Hashed al-Shaabi, an umbrella organisation for pro-government paramilitaries that is dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias, in the massive operation aimed at recapturing Mosul that was launched on October 17. Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary organization announced, on November 16, 2016, that they had entered the Tal Afar airport and were fighting to clear IS jihadists inside the building Ahmad Al-Rubaye (AFP/File) "An operation to pursue pockets of (IS) hiding inside the airport is happening now," Hashed al-Shaabi spokesman Ahmed al-Assadi said in a statement. The airport will be "a launch point for Hashed al-Shaabi forces to liberate the centre of the Tal Afar district, and cut the last (IS) supply lines between Mosul and Tal Afar," Assadi said. Hashed forces have been pushing their way toward Tal Afar from starting points south of Mosul for more than two weeks, retaking a series of villages from IS along the way. There has been opposition both inside and outside Iraq to the idea of Shiite militia forces, which have been repeatedly accused of rights violations against Sunnis, being involved in the battle for predominantly Sunni Arab Mosul. The Hashed push for Tal Afar, which had a Shiite majority prior to being seized by IS in 2014, gives these forces a role in the battle but so far only federal forces have entered the city. IS seized Mosul along with swathes of other territory in June 2014, but Iraqi forces have since regained much of the areas they lost two years before, and the city is now the country's last major population centre still in jihadist hands. New Zealand navy ships 'shellshocked' quake tourists to safety There were tears and hugs in New Zealand Thursday as "shellshocked" tourists who were stranded for days by a massive 7.8 earthquake finally disembarked safely from a warship. The HMNZS Canterbury docked just outside Christchurch carrying about 450 holidaymakers, who gingerly made their way down the ship's gangplanks in the darkness clutching suitcases and backpacks. They were the last of about 1,000 travellers trapped in the disaster zone when Monday's tremor devastated parts of the South Island coast and killed two people. Stranded tourists relaxing on the HMNZS Canterbury after being evacuated from Kaikoura, following an earthquake in New Zealand CPL Amanda McErlich (New Zealand Defence Force/AFP/File) "They're a little bit shellshocked over the last few days," the ship's commander Simon Rooke told Radio NZ as it steamed away from the seaside town of Kaikoura, which bore the brunt of the tremor. "Now they're in a safe environment I think they're making the most of it for the first time in over 24 hours, being able to relax, even if only a little bit. "Some people are quite quiet, others are quite bubbly and want to tell us all sorts of things... I've had a couple of tears and couple of cuddles and thanks." The ship's arrival was the culmination of a mass evacuation operation that swung into action after huge landslides cut road and rail access to Kaikoura. The rest of the tourists, mostly international backpackers attracted by the region's renowned whale watching, were choppered out on Tuesday and Wednesday. More warships from the United States, Canada and Australia have arrived at Kaikoura to provide emergency supplies and logistical support. The tremor, the second most powerful ever recorded in New Zealand, caused major infrastructure damage when it hit just after midnight Monday. It tore apart roads and buckled rail tracks, as well as triggering an estimated 100,000 landslides that will take months to remove. With the South Island's main highway blocked by mountains of rocky debris in several places, Transport Minister Simon Bridges said the repair bill was likely to run into billions of dollars. "These (land)slips are massive... there will need to be some realignment, there will need to be complex engineering work," he told TV3. - Aftershock danger - With the area set to remain isolated as peak tourist season approaches, the government announced an economic support package to help local businesses survive. The quake has thrust up the seabed by metres in some places, meaning the whale watching boats that once lucratively plied Kaikoura Harbour may no longer be able to dock there. The ocean floor has altered to such an extent that the impact on marine life is unclear, casting a shadow over the local fishing industry. "It is clear that if we don't move quickly, much of the employment in the area will dry up," Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said. More than 2,000 aftershocks, some measuring over 6.0, are complicating the clean-up. The tremor was felt across the country, causing violent shaking in Wellington about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away. The capital was initially thought to have escaped serious damage but subsequent inspections have raised concerns about some 60 downtown buildings, which have been sealed off. At least one has been rated an imminent threat of collapse and will be carefully demolished, while another was a new government office block that was supposed to be quake-proof. Engineers were carrying out painstaking inspections, mindful of building failures during a 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch five years ago that killed 185 people. New Zealand is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. New Zealand earthquake John Sakei (AFP) Teen in Utah school stabbings booked on attempted murder SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Utah teenager accused of stabbing five classmates in a high school locker room was booked Wednesday on suspicion of five counts of attempted murder, police said. The 16-year-old suspect was being held in a juvenile detention center and has not yet been formally charged by county prosecutors, Orem Police Lt. Craig Martinez said. His name was being withheld because of his age. Martinez said investigators believe they have discovered a motive for the attack at Mountain View High School in Orem, a city of about 90,000 people south of Salt Lake City. Parents and family members react as officials respond to Mountain View High School where several students were stabbed Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah. Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after the stabbings. (Sammy Jo Hester/The Daily Herald via AP) But he declined to provide details because the suspect is under age 18 and because investigators "are not medical professionals." He declined to elaborate, but he added that investigators have concluded the teen's attack was not motivated by race, ethnicity or because he had been bullied. The victims just happened to be near the suspect in the locker room when he attacked, Martinez said. Police and school officials have said the suspect is a straight-A student with no record of disciplinary action against him who was in his first year at the high school after being home-schooled. Police determined the teen stabbed himself in the neck when a police officer assigned to the school arrived to the locker room where teachers had cornered the student, Martinez said. The victims are all expected to survive. The two most seriously injured teens had their conditions upgraded from critical to serious condition Wednesday, Utah Valley Hospital spokeswoman Janet Frank said. The rest of the victims have been released, she said. The attack spread fear and panic among students who described a panicked and gruesome scene immediately after the stabbings, with victims running from the locker room covered in blood and the school placed on lockdown. Police said the knife used in the attack had a 3-inch blade. On Wednesday, authorities released chilling 911 recordings of callers inside the school pleading with police for help. One caller told dispatchers: "There's someone at Mountain View killing people! He's stabbing people! He's stabbing people!" In another call, a woman said a boy was in the school's attendance office with stab wounds to his neck and that another victim was on the way. "We just need some help," she said. Orem police posted an apology letter online they said was from the unidentified parents of the suspect. The parents in the unsigned letter said that none of the victims had done anything to hurt their son and that the stabbings were not racially or ethnically motivated. "We are at a loss to express how deeply sorry we are for the pain and injury caused," the letter said. The suspect's parents were just as shocked as anyone by their son's actions, Martinez said. "They're trying to figure out why this happened, just like the rest of us are," Martinez said about the parents. "They are obviously distraught about the situation." Family members embrace after reuniting Mountain View High School where several students were stabbed Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah. Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after the stabbings. (Dominic Valente/The Daily Herald via AP) Students Albany Cox, right, and Holly Hilton leave Mountain View High School where several students were stabbed Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah. Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after the stabbings. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) A student looks from a window at Mountain View High School after several students were stabbed inside their high school Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Kimberly Bird, assistant to superintendent for the Alpine School District, speaks as Orem Police Chief Gary Giles looks on during a news conference after several students were stabbed inside Mountain View High School Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah. Giles said Tuesday that school employees boxed the teen into a corner before the first police officer arrived, risking their lives to stop the bloodshed. He says the injured students suffered wounds to their necks and torso. They are being treated at area hospitals and their conditions range from critical to fair. The suspect was also hospitalized. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Police stand outside Mountain View High School after several students were stabbed inside the high school Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in Orem, Utah Police say a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody after the stabbings. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Beer? Wine? Or weed? Denver voters approve pot in bars DENVER (AP) A glass of wine with dinner? Or maybe some marijuana? Denver voters have approved a first-in-the-nation law allowing willing bars and restaurants to give patrons the option to use marijuana alongside a cocktail or meal. The catch: Smoking pot won't be allowed inside, and the locations would have to first get the approval of neighbors. Denver voters approved Proposition 300 on the same day that the nation's largest state of California and two others legalized pot for all adults and five more states approved pot for sick people signs of society's increasing tolerance for the drug. FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2016, file photo, business owners in the new marijuana industry mingle at a political fundraiser in Denver. Denver has approved a first-in-the-nation law allowing people to use marijuana in bars and restaurants. Denver voters weighed in on Proposition 300 as eight other states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes last week. The city measure would let a certain number of bars and restaurants to apply to allow marijuana use. Some ballots remained uncounted. (AP Photo/Kristen Wyatt, File) "It's the sensible thing to do," said Emmett Reistroffer, a Denver marijuana consultant and campaign manager for the pot-in-bars measure. "This is about personal responsibility and respecting adults who want to have a place to enjoy cannabis." Denver's measure takes effect immediately, but it has a lot of caveats. First, interested bars and restaurants would have to show they have neighborhood support before getting a license to allow marijuana use. In addition, patrons would have to bring their own weed to comply with state law banning the sale of both pot and food or drink at a single location. Patrons at participating bars could use pot inside as long as it isn't smoked. The law does provide for the possibility of outside smoking areas under restrictive circumstances. The law also allows for non-service establishments, such as yoga galleries or art galleries, to set up pot-smoking areas or hold events serving both pot and food and drink. Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the national Marijuana Policy Project and a Denver proponent of the consumption law, said the measure would reduce instances of tourists smoking pot on sidewalks and in parks because they have nowhere private to consume weed. A Denver billboard promoting the measure featured a large arrow pointing to a sidewalk below, telling voters that without a provision for social pot use, folks will keep smoking pot in plain view. "We are setting up a system that is still more restrictive than what we see with alcohol consumption," Tvert said. Supporters of the measure had no guess on how many establishments would apply for the permits or how long it would take for them to demonstrate community acceptance and receive permits. So it could take many months before Denver sees any Amsterdam-style coffee shops. The measure sunsets in 2020, unless city officials renew the licenses or voters make the pot-in-bars measure permanent. Current Colorado law allows jurisdictions to decide for themselves when pot could be used in public. The result is a hodgepodge of local ordinances related to marijuana clubs. Denver is the first city to allow use in bars and restaurants. "The entire goal of this initiative is to provide adults with private places where they can consume cannabis so they're not consuming in public," said Tvert, who said the initiative helps not just tourists but adults who may not want to use pot in front of their kids, or tenants whose landlords exercise their right to ban pot use. Alaska is the only state that expressly regulates on-site consumption at pot retailers. However, the state doesn't allow use in bars or restaurants, and it's still working on rules for how those pot-shop "tasting rooms" would operate. California's recreational marijuana measure approved last week allows pot clubs, and legalization measures approved in Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada don't rule out on-site pot consumption on private property. Opponents of the Denver measure predicted neighborhoods would resist bars, restaurants and other venues seeking pot licenses. They warned the measure won't properly protect the public from stoned patrons leaving a bar that allows smoking and drinking at the same time. "How can these businesses possibly monitor patrons for marijuana intoxication?" opponent Rachel O'Bryan said in a statement Tuesday. The measure would require any interested bar or restaurant to specially train staff in marijuana use and submit an operations plan to show how it would prevent marijuana use by underage patrons. Applicants must also specify strategies and procedures for identifying and responding to the potential over-intoxication of consumers. Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider a bill next year to give all jurisdictions a green light for allowing pot clubs or cafes, though marijuana activists hoped for a similar measure last session and were disappointed. ___ Associated Press writer Kristen Wyatt can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/APkristenwyatt FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2016, file photo, farmworkers transport newly-harvested marijuana plants, at Los Suenos Farms, America's largest legal open air marijuana farm, in Avondale, southern Colorado. Denver voters approved Proposition 300 as eight other states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes last week. The Denver vote was so close that it took an entire week for supporters to claim victory and opponents to concede. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File) FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016, file photo, diners chat and smoke marijuana, before eating dishes prepared by chefs during an evening of pairings of fine food and craft marijuana strains served to invited guests dining at Planet Bluegrass, an outdoor venue in Lyons, Colo. Chefs and pot growers trying to explore fine dining with weed face a legal gauntlet to make pot dinners a reality, even where the drug is legal. Denver has approved a first-in-the-nation law allowing people to use marijuana in bars and restaurants. Denver voters weighed in on Proposition 300 as eight other states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes last week. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File) Trump: No transition turmoil, efforts going 'so smoothly' NEW YORK (AP) President-elect Donald Trump and his team on Wednesday vigorously rejected charges of turmoil and infighting roiling efforts to set up his White House, national security and economic teams. A week after his upset victory, Trump said the enormous endeavor was proceeding "so smoothly." Trump dished out his rebuttal on Twitter, spending yet another day ensconced in his New York skyscraper, beyond the public eye. Aides and allies vouched for the transition efforts on his behalf, suggesting some commotion was to be expected. "The beginning of any transition like this has turmoil because it's just the nature of the process," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said as he left Trump's transition headquarters in Washington. He said the picture of Trump's administration would become clearer over the next two or three weeks. Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager for President-elect Donald Trump, speaks to media at Trump Tower, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Others close to the transition process described advisers "fighting for power." Trump has long stoked internal rivalries among his staff both in his businesses and his campaign and has created ambiguity in his transition about who has authority to make key decisions. Eric Trump, one of the president-elect's sons, raised expectations of imminent progress Wednesday, telling reporters in the morning that appointments were "likely" to come during the day. Then, other Trump aides suggested a slower pace. "We're not going to rush to put names forward until we're absolutely sure," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said hours later. "We're going to make sure that they're people we're confident will pass confirmation and we think can implement the president-elect's vision." Trump's team noted that President Barack Obama waited until a few weeks after the 2008 election to announce many of his Cabinet appointments. And former Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra, who has informally advised members of Trump's national security team, blamed Trump's detractors for the reports of drama. "When you're doing a transition that is trying to push the kind of change that Mr. Trump wants to be doing, it's going to be even harder," said Hoekstra, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The incoming Republican administration also got a boost of support from outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, who met with his successor, Mike Pence, continuing the Obama administration's show of public support for the transition. "No administration is ready on Day One," Biden said following the meeting at the Naval Observatory, which serves as the vice presidential residence. He expressed confidence that by Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, "everything will be in good hands." Trump's team was essentially starting from scratch, scrapping much of the preliminary transition work New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie conducted during the campaign. After winning the election, Trump demoted Christie and put Pence in charge. The result has been a series of new additions to the transition team and several departures, mainly among those aligned with Christie. Kevin O'Connor, a former senior Justice Department official, joined that group. Trump appeared to be weighing an eclectic mix of individuals for top Cabinet posts, including longtime loyalists, former rivals and even a Democrat. Transition officials said Trump met Wednesday with Eva Moskowitz, a former New York councilwoman and charter school founder who is being considered for education secretary. Others who passed through the marble lobby of Trump Tower included Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., a potential pick for Health and Human Services, and Ray Washburne, a Dallas businessman and top GOP fundraiser in the mix for Commerce secretary. New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft also entered the gilded elevators for meetings and Trump officials said later that the president-elect also met with Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., and Wall Street financier and economic adviser Steve Feinberg. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who arrived Wednesday afternoon, has been angling for secretary of state, though his consulting work for foreign governments has emerged as a potential roadblock. Trump is also said to be seriously considering John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, for the top diplomatic job. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who tangled ferociously with Trump during the Republican primary but ultimately endorsed the businessman, could get a top job such as attorney general. An official said, however, Cruz is not viewed as a top contender. The official, like others, wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the transition talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. Others mentioned for Cabinet posts: Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a Kansas Republican, said someone close to the transition contacted him about becoming agriculture secretary. South Carolina Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, a former U.S. attorney and state attorney general, said he was asked if he would be interested in being attorney general. McMaster also said he was told South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was being considered for secretary of state. Trump aides have released few details about the president-elect's schedule or phone calls since the election. They tried to play catch-up Wednesday, releasing a list of 29 world leaders who have spoken with Trump or Pence in recent days. Most of the calls had previously only been confirmed by those leaders' governments. Trump planned to meet Thursday in New York with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first get-together with a world leader as president-elect. The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Trump's transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan. Other scheduled meetings include Haley, the South Carolina governor, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Florida Gov. Rick Scott. ___ Pace reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Jon Lemire and Matthew Pennington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Ken Thomas and Julie Pace on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/kthomasdc and http://twitter.com/jpacedc Eric Trump, son of President-elect Donald Trump, arrives at Trump Tower, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Steven Mnuchin, national finance chairman of President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, waves after speaking to media at Trump Tower, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., waits for an elevator as he arrives at Trump Tower, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) The Latest: Trump to bar officials from lobbying for 5 years WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on Donald Trump's transition to the presidency. (All times EST): 8:50 p.m. Donald Trump's transition team says the incoming president is planning to require officials to pledge that they won't lobby the government for five years after leaving the Trump administration. Security personnel stand at entrance of 21 Club Restaurant, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York, where President-elect Donald Trump is having dinner. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Transition spokesman Sean Spicer says Trump will require new government officials to terminate their role as either state or federal lobbyists before joining the administration. And he says government officials will agree to a five-year lobbying ban after leaving. Trump has vowed to "drain the swamp" when he begins his White House administration next year. Spicer says people leaving government "won't be able to use that service to enrich themselves." ___ 6:28 p.m. Kansas congressman Tim Huelskamp says someone "close to the transition" of President-elect Donald Trump has contacted him about becoming agriculture secretary. Huelskamp lost the GOP primary in his agriculture-heavy Kansas district this year after he was booted from the House Agriculture Committee amid fights with Republican leadership. He also opposed a five-year farm law enacted in 2014. The Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association and National Association of Wheat Growers endorsed Huelskamp's challenger, Roger Marshall. Huelskamp said Wednesday that the USDA needs major reform, including stronger work requirements for food stamps. Some other possible candidates for agriculture secretary include Charles Conner of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, a former Bush USDA official; former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue; Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller; and Nebraska cattle rancher Charles Herbster. ___ 5:45 p.m. South Carolina's lieutenant governor says a member of Donald Trump's transition team has asked if he's interested in being attorney general. Henry McMaster also says he's been told that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is being considered for secretary of state. McMaster tells The Associated Press he was contacted Wednesday. The former U.S. attorney and two-term state attorney general declined to specify who on the team called him. McMaster was an early backer of Trump. Haley endorsed and campaigned with Sen. Marco Rubio for South Carolina's first-in-the-South presidential primary. When Rubio dropped out, she backed Ted Cruz and continued to criticize Trump. ___ 5:15 p.m. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence have received their first looks at the President's Daily Brief the highest level intelligence document prepared in the United States. Trump received his on Tuesday and Pence was briefed on Wednesday in Washington, according to an individual familiar with the briefings schedule. The individual, who was not authorized to discuss the briefings, spoke only on condition of anonymity. Intelligence officials briefed Trump and Pence after the GOP convention, but the President's Daily Brief has more detail, including information about U.S. covert operations. President Harry S. Truman started the practice because he first learned about the U.S. project to develop an atomic bomb only 12 days into his presidency. He pledged not to leave his successor in that position. ___ 3:08 p.m. Donald Trump is considering charter school advocate Eva Moskowitz to serve as education secretary, according to a senior Trump official. The official says Moskowitz, the founder of Success Academy Charter Schools, was at Trump Tower Wednesday meeting with the president-elect's team. Moskowitz is a former New York City councilwoman and a Democrat. She's clashed with Mayor Bill de Blasio over the expansion of some of her charter schools. De Blasio was also at Trump Tower Wednesday meeting with the president-election. The Trump official discussed Moskowitz on the condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to publicly discuss the internal transition process. --By Julie Pace ___ 2:40 p.m. Vice President Joe Biden says he's not worried about the incoming administration's readiness to take over the White House. Biden told reporters after meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Wednesday that he's "confident on day one everything will be in good hands." Addressing reports of infighting within President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, Biden said that "no administration's ready on day one. We weren't really on day one." Biden and his wife Jill spent nearly two hours with their successors Wednesday afternoon, sitting down for lunch with the Vice President-elect and his wife, Karen, and giving them a tour of the vice presidential residence and grounds. Biden also said he's not worried about the new administration dismantling his legacy, despite the President-elect's very different policy agenda. Biden said that he hopes the Pences enjoy the home at Washington's Naval Observatory as much as he did. ___ 2:30 p.m. The top Republican in the Senate says "it's time for the election to be over." Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also declined to answer questions about President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as senior counselor, saying he wouldn't comment about White House staffing. Bannon's hiring has come under fire because of his Breitbart news site's derogatory comments about blacks, Muslims and women. McConnell told reporters on Wednesday that he would not go back and re-litigate what was said during a hotly contested presidential race. He said the focus is on working with Trump to repeal and replace the health care law, overhaul the tax system and deal with other issues. He also declined to comment on Trump's call for a ban on all executive-branch officials from lobbying for five years after leaving their government jobs. ___ 1:55 p.m. House Democrats have sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking him to rescind the appointment of Breitbart News executive Steve Bannon as a senior White House adviser. The letter, which has signatures from 169 out of the 188 Democrats in the House, says the appointment of conservative flame-thrower Bannon undermines Trump's ability to unite the country. It points out stories from the website that are derogatory toward Jews and Muslims, among other groups. "Millions of Americans have expressed fear and concern about how they will be treated by the Trump Administration and your appointment of Mr. Bannon only exacerbates and validates their concerns," the letter reads. Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-R.I, organized the effort. "Bigotry, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia should have no place in our society," he said. ___ 1:10 p.m. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says he met with President-elect Donald Trump and "let him know that so many New Yorkers are fearful" of what his administration could bring. De Blasio spoke to reporters after his hour-long meeting at Trump Tower Wednesday, which he categorized as "respectful" and "candid" with a real "give-and-take." The mayor, a liberal Democrat, and Trump have previously clashed. He said concerns with Trump's support of aggressive policing tactics, his tax plans and any move to deport immigrants living in the United States illegally. De Blasio said that Trump "loves this city" and added that he urged the Republican president-elect to send a "sign of unity" to his hometown, which overwhelmingly voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton. ___ 11:50 a.m. A spokesman for President-elect Donald Trump says the transition team is "not going to rush" to put forward potential Cabinet selections. Jason Miller said Wednesday that Trump's team wants to feel confident their choices will be able to be confirmed by the Senate and can implement the president-elect's vision. Miller told reporters at Trump Tower in New York City that President Barack Obama did not have "his entire Cabinet formed within the first week" after his election in 2008. He said the transition team has a "very solid plan" and they're taking a "methodical approach" to filling Trump's Cabinet and White House. ___ 11:35 a.m. Over 300 U.S. businesses have signed a statement calling on President-elect Donald Trump to support the Paris Agreement on climate change including General Mills, eBay, Intel, Unilever, and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies. Their statement reads "implementing the Paris Agreement will enable and encourage businesses and investors to turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy and prosperity to all." The statement is addressed to Trump, President Barack Obama and members of Congress. It calls on elected U.S. officials to maintain the country's policy and financial commitments to lower carbon emissions. Lara Birkes, chief sustainability officer of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, says "the Paris Agreement was a vital step forward, but its power is in our collective action." ___ 11:32 a.m. Czech President Milos Zeman has called U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's former wife, Ivana, to thank her for her "courage" and interest to become the new U.S. ambassador to Prague. In a Wednesday statement, Zeman said he's pleased with that because "the U.S. cannot send a better ambassador to Prague" than her. Zeman said he would be delighted to meet her at the Prague Castle, the seat of presidency and is looking forward to introduce her to his wife, also named Ivana. Ivana, Trump's first wife and the mother of his three oldest children, is of Czech origin. Zeman was among several European leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who endorsed Trump during the campaign. Zeman said he shared Trump's views of migration and the fight against the Islamic terrorism. Trump's presidential transition team provided no readout of the conversation between the Czech leader and his ex-wife. ___ 9:15 a.m. The White House Correspondents' Association says it is "unacceptable" that President-elect Donald Trump is traveling without a regular pool of journalists to inform the public of his whereabouts. Trump left his residence Tuesday night for a family dinner after his transition team had told journalists he would not be in public the rest of the day. A protective pool of journalists is supposed to join the president or president-elect's motorcade to record their whereabouts and be on hand in the event of breaking news. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks has said the team plans to respect the traditions of press access at the White House. WHCA President Jeff Mason says "the time to act on that promise is now." Mason says it is critical that journalists covering the president-elect "be allowed to do their job." __ 7:50 a.m. Ohio congressman Tim Ryan says Democrats should get back to economic basics of manufacturing, not veer to its liberal wing in the wake of Republican Donald Trump's election victory. Ryan is considering challenging Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader because he says the party risks sliding back into an ideological past rather than moving forward. He told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Wednesday that Democrats "have to grab that idea of making things in America again." "No one wants to hear about job retraining," he said. "They want jobs." ___ 6:30 a.m. President-elect Donald Trump is denying reports that efforts are underway to get security clearances for his adult children. In a post on his verified Twitter account @realDonaldTrump early Wednesday, the billionaire businessman who's to be inaugurated as the nation's 45th president on Jan. 20, said, "I am not trying to get top security clearances for my children." Trump, who has been immersed in transition planning at his office skyscraper in New York in recent days, added, "This was a typically false news story." There had been rampant speculation in recent days that such an effort was being attempted. Asked about it earlier this week, Kellyanne Conway, who was Trump's campaign manager, said in a broadcast interview she wasn't "intimately' familiar with the issue and indicated she couldn't confirm it. 4:20 a.m. Turkey's president has criticized protests in the United States against Donald Trump, saying the president-elect should be respected and given time to show how he will govern. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday before a visit to Pakistan, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the protesters were "attacking" Trump because "the person they wanted wasn't elected president." Erdogan said: "Hold on a second. The election process just ended, show some respect! How will he govern, let's see that first." The Turkish leader added: This is important in terms of showing who respects democracy in the world." 3:30 a.m. President-elect Donald Trump hadn't been seen in public for days when he walked into New York's 21 Club to applause from fellow diners. The unannounced evening out with family was a contrast to the behind-the scenes machinations that suggested a struggling transition as names surfaced and sank for top administration positions. Not to worry, Trump suggested in a Tuesday night tweet: "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Before dinner at the midtown Manhattan restaurant he broke with protocol and left his press contingent behind Trump met with the head of his transition team, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, but another day passed without a Cabinet announcement. President-elect Donald Trump, right, kisses his son Eric farewell after dining at the 21 Club, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner walk past the Paley Center for Media as they leave the 21 Club after dining with President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Vice President-elect Mike Pence walks past media as he leaves Trump Tower with his wife Karen, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his wife Karen arrives at Trump Tower, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his wife Karen arrives at Trump Tower, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Vice President-elect Mike Pence walks past the media as he leaves Trump Tower with his wife Karen, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) New York Mayor Bill de Blasio holds a news conference in front of Trump Tower following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. De Blasio said that Trump "loves this city" and added that he urged the Republican president-elect to send a "sign of unity" to his hometown, which overwhelmingly voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) New York Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks during a news conference in front of Trump Tower following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. De Blasio said that Trump "loves this city" and added that he urged the Republican president-elect to send a "sign of unity" to his hometown, which overwhelmingly voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right, accompanied by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. leave a Senate Republican conference leadership election meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, after Senate Republicans re-elected McConnell to be majority leader in the upcoming 115th Congress. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Vice President-elect Mike Pence places his hand on the back of Vice President Joe Biden as their wives, Dr. Jill Biden and Karen Pence, talk in the background following lunch at the Vice President's residence, the Naval Observatory, in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Malaysian arrested in Philippines for drugs after US tipoff MANILA, Philippines (AP) Philippine authorities said Wednesday a tipoff from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allowed them to arrest a Malaysian man who allegedly tried to smuggle 4.6 kilograms (10 pounds) of suspected cocaine into the country. Bureau of Customs officials presented Nasir Uddin Bin Mohd Hasnan to the media at Manila's international airport, where he was arrested on Wednesday. The 22-year-old, wearing a hooded jacket, covered his face with his hands as television cameras rolled. Officials said he was arrested Monday after arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa and Togo. Malaysian national Nasir Uddin Bin Mohd Hasnan covers his face as he is presented to the media by Deputy Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. Nepomuceno said a tipoff from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allowed them to arrest the Malaysian man who allegedly tried to smuggle 4.6 kilograms (10 pounds) of suspected cocaine into the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) They said he was carrying in his bag several canisters of chocolates containing 216 pieces of pellets of alleged cocaine valued at 23 million pesos ($468,000). Malaysian national Nasir Uddin Bin Mohd Hasnan covers his face as he is presented to the media by Deputy Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. Nepomuceno said a tipoff from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration allowed them to arrest the Malaysian man who allegedly tried to smuggle 4.6 kilograms (10 pounds) of suspected cocaine into the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Video: Minnesota Cop Charged In Fatal Shooting of Philando Castile By Rachel Cromidas in News on Nov 16, 2016 7:01PM ST. PAUL, MN - JULY 07: A sign reading, 'Justice for Philando,' and police tape are draped over the entrance of the Governor's Mansion following the police shooting death of a black man on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Philando Castile was shot and killed last night, July 6, 2016, by a police officer in Falcon Heights, MN. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) The Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Philando Castile, a black man from St. Paul, during a traffic stop earlier this year has been charged with second-degree man slaughter. Yanez was also charged with two felony counts of intentional discharge of a dangerous weapon, according to the NYTimes. He has a court appearance on Friday. The Ramsey County attorney prosecuting the case said that "no reasonable officer...would have used deadly force under these circumstances." Castile's tragic July 6 shooting drew national attention after his girlfriend Lavish Reynolds, who was in the car with him and her 7-year-old daughter at the time, streamed a disturbing video of the aftermath on Facebook. Officer Jeronimo Yanez pulled Castile, 32, a St. Paul Public Schools employee, over in his car while he was looking for an armed robbery suspect. Yanez then shot Castile several times as Castile reached for his ID. According to Castile's girlfriend, Castile told Yanez that he had a gun permit and was armed during the traffic stop. Authorities have said Yanez may have shot Castile because he was concerned that Castile had a gun in his car. Castile's family has argued that he was racially profiled and would not have been shot dead in his car that day if he wasn't black. The gruesome killing has joined other killings of black men by police officers around the U.S. in inspiring the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-police protests. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton condemned the shooting last summer as a "horrible" and "senseless tragedy," and said he would do make sure local and state authorities investigated the killing. Friends and family described Castile to reporters as a calm man who had been pulled over in traffic stops many times before and would not have reached for his gun. Ramsey County attorney John J. Choi, who is prosecuting the case, said that Castile had "calmly and in a nonthreatening manner" told Yanez that he had a gun and Yanez replied "OK, don't reach for it, then." "Castile tried to respond but was interrupted by officer Yanez who said, 'don't pull it out.' Castile responded, 'I'm not pulling it out,' and Reynolds also responded by saying 'he's not pulling it out,'" according to Choi. "Then Officer Yanez screamed 'Don't pull it out' and quickly pulled his own gun with his right hand while he reached inside the driver's side window with his left hand. Officer Yanez pulled his left arm out of the car and then fired seven rounds in rapid succession into the vehicle." "After the final shot, Reynold's frantically yelled, 'you just killed my boyfriend.' Philando Castile moaned and uttered his final words, 'I wasn't reaching for it," Choi added. Another officer who was on the scene told authorities that he did not see Castile make any indication that he was going to reach for his gun. You can watch a segment of Choi's remarks, below: Brexit ambassador Boris Johnson frustrates EU leaders LONDON (AP) Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is Britain's top diplomat, tasked with winning international friends as the country prepares its exit from the European Union. So far, that's turning into mission impossible, as EU leaders accuse him of offering insubstantial and unrealistic visions of the U.K.'s future outside the 28-nation bloc. The latest critic is Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who told the BBC on Tuesday that Johnson "is offering to the British people options that are really not available." British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, center, speaks with Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, right, and Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Juhani Soini, left, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. EU foreign ministers meet Monday to discuss strained ties with Turkey and trans-Atlantic ties after the U.S. election results. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) "There is no win-win situation" with Brexit, Dijsselbloem said. "It is going to be a lose-lose situation." Johnson is one of Britain's best-known politicians, famous at home and abroad for his tousled hair, rumpled appearance and florid speeches studded with Latin phrases. A leader of the victorious "leave" campaign in Britain's EU membership referendum, he was named foreign secretary when Prime Minister Theresa May took office in July. For the last few months he has been touring EU capitals ahead of formal exit talks, expected to start next year. British officials have been reluctant to provide details of what deal they hope to strike with the bloc. But Johnson was quoted this week by the Czech newspaper Hospodarske Noviny as saying the U.K. would likely have to leave the EU customs union, while retaining access to the bloc's single market in goods and services. The customs union and the single market are both pillars of the EU's model of tariff-free trade within its bloc of 500 million people. Members of the customs union trade tariff-free, but impose common levies on imports from outside the union. Dijsselbloem who also heads the group of 19 countries who use the common euro currency said Johnson "is saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable." "To say, 'We could be inside the internal market, keep full access to the internal market, but be outside the customs union' this is just impossible, it doesn't exist," Dijsselbloem told the BBC's "Newsnight" program. "The U.K. will be outside the internal market and there will be some hindrances," he said. "The full free movement within the internal market can only be available if the U.K. also accepts the other freedoms of Europe, including migration within Europe." Immigration was a major issue for many Britons who voted to leave the EU, and British officials insist they will end the free movement of people from the bloc into Britain although few details of the plan have yet been provided. Johnson is widely mistrusted in Brussels from his time as a journalist there, when he helped cement the EU's image in Britain as a bureaucratic behemoth obsessed with cumbersome regulation. That friction has not abated. Johnson declined to attend a special meeting Sunday of EU foreign ministers to discuss the win of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and told his EU counterparts to stop the "collective whinge-o-rama" over the U.S. election result. He recently drew skepticism in Italy when he said the country should continue free trade with the U.K. because Britons consume a lot of prosecco. Similarly, in Germany, he stressed the large number of German cars bought in the U.K. fostering a sense that Britain takes other EU countries for granted. After Johnson said in September that it was "complete baloney" to suggest an automatic link between free movement and single-market membership, Germany Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said he'd be happy to send him a copy of the EU's central Lisbon Treaty and explain it "in good English." Charlotte Galpin, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen who studies Euroskepticism, said Johnson's diplomatic efforts are appearing counterproductive. "My sense ... is that they listen to him saying these things and think "What is he talking about? This is not how the EU works,'" she said. ___ A Connecticut school superintendent has apologized to parents who are upset after a mural featuring a silhouette of President Barack Obama was removed from an elementary school on Election Day. Windsor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Cooke said Tuesday the mural at Oliver Ellsworth School was painted over to make way for something that would showcase student work. He says it was done November 8, when the school was closed, so students and staff wouldn't inhale harmful odors in the paint. Scroll down for video Before: A Connecticut school superintendent has apologized to parents who are upset after a mural that featured a silhouette of President Barack Obama was removed from an elementary school on Election Day After: Windsor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Cooke said the mural at Oliver Ellsworth School was painted over to make way for something that would showcase student work The 2009 mural featured student signatures and other historical events of that time. There's now a picture frame on the painted-over wall featuring a photo of Obama from the mural and the students' names, Fox 61 reported on Tuesday. Parent Ayana Taylor told the TV station: 'I was definitely immediately thinking about the election, political climate, but at the same point, Windsor is different. 'I'm also saying to myself, not my town, it's not what was meant to happen.' Cooke says the timing for replacing the mural 'couldn't have been worse' and apologized for the 'mistake'. Cooke told parents at a meeting Tuesday that district officials will work to replace the mural. There's now a picture frame on the painted-over wall featuring pictures of the old mural and the list of students involved Parent Donna Douglas told WFSB: 'I'm glad they addressed it, I'm glad they admitted that it was a mistake and if we can all work together and if that's good that comes out of it then that's a positive.' Cooke said in a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday: 'As a district we are looking at options to memorialize the mural in its original location. 'We intend to place a large canvas or photograph of the mural at Oliver Ellsworth. A plaque naming the artist and an explanation of the mural will also be displayed. Cooke said in a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday: 'As a district we are looking at options to memorialize the mural in its original location'. He added that the timing of the removal 'could not have been worse' Oliver Ellsworth Elementary School in Windsor, Connecticut, is seen in this image 'While we considered having the mural repainted by the original artist, we would not be able to match its design, which included student signatures. The Latest: Iraqi forces push deeper into Mosul neighborhood MOSUL, Iraq (AP) The Latest on the campaign to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group (all times local): 5:20 p.m. Iraqi special forces say heavy fighting has broken out in Mosul's eastern Tahrir neighborhood, where a suicide car bomber set off explosives that disabled an Abrams tank belonging to the Iraqi army. An Iraqi boy sits on a school wall while oil fires burn in the background, after the school reopened today, in Awasaja, Iraq, Tuesday Nov. 15, 2016. For the first time in two years, children in this small village about 30 miles south of Mosul are finally going back to school. Awsaja was reclaimed by the Iraqi military just a few months ago after being under Islamic Stage control for two years. (AP Photo/Fay Abuelgasim) Brig. Gen. Haider Fadhil says the special forces now control 70 percent of the district, which is still full of most of its residents. The army is trying to evacuate them. Fadhil says the troops have killed dozens of militants, and are advancing carefully to try spare civilians from getting caught in the crossfire. In the same district, security forces arrested four IS militants, two Iraqis and two non-Iraqi Arabs who surrendered, locking the men in the back of a Humvee. The men were blindfolded and had their hands bound behind them. Some wore traditional Arab clothes, called dishdasha, and others wore tracksuits. ___ 5:10 p.m. A spokesman for an influential Shiite militia taking part in the Iraqi government's operation to retake Mosul says his fighters have pushed deeper into areas west of the Islamic State-held city. Jaafar al-Husseini of the Hezbollah Brigades says fierce clashes were underway Wednesday at the perimeter of the Tal Afar military airport. He did not elaborate. The Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen TV broadcast footage showing thick black smoke rising from the airport as armored vehicles and troops were seen deploying nearby. The troops were also seen blowing up a speeding suicide car bomb before its driver managed to detonate the explosives' load. The Shiite militias are leading an assault to drive IS from Tel Afar, which had a majority Shiite population before it fell to the militants in the summer of 2014. ___ 3 p.m. Iraqi forces are assessing the damage to the ancient site of Nimrud, south of Mosul, after it was retaken from the Islamic State group over the weekend. Maj. Gen. Dhiaa al-Saadi, the deputy commander of Iraqi ground forces who oversaw the operation, says IS almost completely destroyed the town's ancient Assyrian archaeological site. He said that even before he saw the site, he had heard by radio that "it was gone." As the operation to retake Mosul progresses, al-Saadi said he expects to find more ruined heritage sites. Iraqi troops entered Nimrud on Sunday in what was the most significant gain in several days for government forces. The late 1980s discovery of treasures in Nimrud's royal tombs was one of the 20th century's most significant archaeological finds. The government said militants, who captured the site in June 2014, destroyed it the following year. ___ 9:30 a.m. Iraqi special forces have begun a new push deeper into the northern city of Mosul, backed by airstrikes but under attack by rockets and suicide bombers from the Islamic State group. Troops have established a foothold in the city's east, and drove northward Wednesday into the Tahrir neighborhood, where families left their houses to flee the fighting. Artillery and airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition supported the advance, sending plumes of smoke into the air over the city. Iraqi troops are converging from several fronts on Mosul, the country's second largest city and the last major IS holdout in Iraq. The special forces have been the tip of the spear, driving the furthest into the city itself, but they are still fighting over neighborhoods in the city's far east. Putin withdraws Russia from International Criminal Court MOSCOW (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court, which rules on such grave charges as genocide and crimes against humanity. Russia in 2000 signed the Rome treaty that established the Hague-based court but never ratified it. Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, comes a day after the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea" and blamed Russia for rights abuses such as discrimination against some Crimean residents, such as Tatars. Russian President Vladimir Putin heads a meeting on military industry issues in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 from Ukraine following a hastily called referendum, a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A separatist insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month, backed by Russia. The ICC on Monday issued a preliminary report where it described what happened in Crimea as "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, explained the withdrawal by "national interests" and argued that since Russia never ratified it Wednesday's decree was just a formality. Peskov also dismissed the ICC's accusations of an "armed conflict" in Crimea, arguing that Crimea joined Russia after a legitimate popular vote. Russia's foreign ministry insisted in a statement that Russia wants everyone implicated in grave international crimes to face justice but expressed frustration over the court's work in recent years. "The court has unfortunately failed to match the hopes one had and did not become a truly independent and respected body of international justice," the ministry said, adding that in the ICCs' 14 years of work "only four verdicts" have been passed while $1 billion was spent on expenses. Just hours before Russia's announcement, the U.N. human rights chief made a spirited defense of the ICC, entreating countries not to leave it. Several African nations have recently announced plans to leave the treaty. ___ EU unveils new security check system for travelers BRUSSELS (AP) The European Union on Wednesday unveiled plans for a new system of security checks on travelers permitted to enter Europe without visas in an effort to crack down on extremists. People from 60 visa waiver countries, including the U.S., will have to pay 5 euros ($5.36) and fill out an online form to obtain clearance to travel within Europe's 26-nation ID check-free area. The EU's security commissioner, Julian King, said that "by spotting problem individuals and stopping them from coming, we'll enhance Europe's internal security." FILE - In this March 23, 2016 file photo, German police officers guard a terminal at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, after security measures were increased after the Belgium attacks the previous day. The European Union unveiled plans on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, for a new system of security checks on travelers permitted to enter Europe without visas in an effort to crack down on extremists. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File) The automated system would cross-check travelers against visa, criminal and stolen document databases. The European Commission says filling out the form should take less than 10 minutes. It will be valid for five years and multiple trips. Most people should get immediate approval, although some requests could take 72 hours to come through. The EU's top migration official, Dimitris Avramopoulos, said the system will help identify people who "may pose security threats, also irregular migration, or health risks, before they arrive at our borders. It will bridge somehow the existing information gap by gathering information that could be vital to national authorities." The United States introduced a similar travel authorization system after the Sept. 11 attacks. In the past, EU officials routinely complained that it was tantamount to reintroducing visas. But the deadly attacks on Paris and Brussels last year, in which a total of 162 people were killed, have spurred Europe's own security clampdown. Plans are also in the pipeline for an entry and exit scheme that would check all travelers, including European citizens, entering or leaving the passport-free area known as Schengen. That system is aimed at catching so-called foreign terrorist fighters who train or wage war in Syria and Iraq. The Commission hopes that both this system and the new travel clearance will be up and running in 2020. FILE - In this March 23, 2016 file photo, an arrivals and departure board is seen behind blown out windows at Zaventem Airport in Brussels. The European Union on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 unveiled plans for a new system of security checks on travelers permitted to enter Europe without visas in an effort to crack down on extremists. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File) Egyptian policeman sentenced to life for killing vendor CAIRO (AP) A Cairo criminal court has sentenced an Egyptian policeman to life in prison for the killing of a street vendor in an incident that ignited demonstrations against police brutality. Egypt's state-run news agency says El-Sayed Zeinhom Abdel-Razzeq was sentenced Wednesday after being charged with killing the vendor and attempting to kill two others earlier this year in an argument over the price of a cup of tea. The killing brought angry crowds into the street, and photo and video clips posted online at the time showed them smashing a police vehicle and blocking a road. Anger at police brutality was one of the main grievances behind the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak. The Latest: Airport victim died from single gunshot to chest OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Latest on a fatal shooting at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport (all times local): 5:25 p.m. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office says a Southwest Airlines employee shot and killed outside of an Oklahoma City airport died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Oklahoma City police officers gather information from vehicles leaving Will Rogers World Airport, Tuesday Nov. 15, 2016, in Oklahoma City. The airport was put on lockdown after a shooting in the main terminal. (Steve Gooch/The Oklahoman via AP) Office spokeswoman Amy Elliott said Wednesday that 52-year-old Michael Winchester's death was ruled a homicide. Oklahoma City police say the suspect in Tuesday's shooting was 45-year-old Lloyd Dean Buie, a former Southwest Airlines employee who likely shot Winchester in retaliation for circumstances that led to his leaving his job last year. Elliott says Buie's death has been ruled a suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head. Southwest Airlines says Buie quit his job last year after he refused to take an alcohol screening. Police say Buie shot and killed Winchester from the fourth floor of a parking garage. ___ 1:20 p.m. The Kansas City Chiefs are rallying around long snapper James Winchester, whose father Michael was killed by a former Southwest Airlines employee outside of an Oklahoma City airport. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Winchester, who like his father played college football at Oklahoma, has returned to the state to be with his family. Reid says he's not sure if Winchester will be back for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt says he spoke to Winchester, who told him: "Obviously this is a tough time for my family, but I appreciate the thoughts and prayers." Police say a former Southwest Airlines worker shot and killed Michael Winchester on Tuesday in retaliation for something that contributed to the attacker quitting his job with the airline last year. The attacker then killed himself. ___ 12:45 p.m. Southwest Airlines says a former employee who killed one of its current workers outside of an Oklahoma City airport quit his job last year after he refused to take an alcohol screening. Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King says Lloyd Dean Buie was hired as a ramp agent in Kansas City in November in 1999. She says he resigned in April 2015 after "he was exhibiting signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol while at work." King says the victim in Tuesday's shooting, Michael Winchester, was a ramp supervisor and had worked for the airline for 29 years. King declined to say if Winchester was involved in the encounter that led to Buie's resignation or to describe on-the-job interactions between the men. She says the airline is focused on supporting Winchester's family and other Southwest employees following the shooting. ___ 10:05 a.m. Police say a man who fatally shot a Southwest Airlines employee outside of Oklahoma City's airport likely did so in retaliation for circumstances that led to the attacker leaving his job with the airline last year. Capt. Paco Balderrama identified the shooter as Lloyd Dean Buie, of Oklahoma City. He says Buie resigned from Southwest Airlines in April 2015 and that investigators believe he shot and killed 52-year-old Michael Winchester on Tuesday in retaliation for circumstances that led to Buie leaving the job. Balderrama says he doesn't know what Buie did for Southwest or why he resigned. He says Winchester was not Buie's immediate supervisor. Buie was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after Tuesday afternoon's shooting. ___ 6:40 a.m. Flights are operating normally at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport, where a Southwest Airlines employee was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon. Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney says air traffic control implemented a ground stop after the shooting of 52-year-old Michael Winchester. The ground stop was lifted at about 6 p.m. Tuesday and flight operations resumed, though 25 flights were canceled because of the incident. Fifteen of the canceled flights were operated by Southwest Airlines. The company's CEO, Gary Kelly, said on Twitter that the airline "will do everything we can to support Mike's family." Oklahoma City police have not released the name of the suspected shooter, who was found dead inside a pickup truck from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. ___ 12:01 a.m. Oklahoma City police investigators are trying to figure out why a man waited to gun down an airline employee outside Will Rogers World Airport in an ambush that prompted authorities to shut down the state's busiest airport for hours. Police Capt. Paco Balderrama says the suspected shooter was found dead inside a pickup truck on Tuesday from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. They believe he watched airport employees come and go before shooting and killing 52-year-old Michael Winchester, a Southwest Airlines employee. Balderrama said late Tuesday that investigators hadn't positively identified the shooter, but that the man apparently knew Winchester's schedule and routine and that the two men likely knew one another. The 1 p.m. shooting set off a scramble at the airport, with police immediately closing the sprawling complex. In this photo taken Oct. 8, 2007, Michael Winchester, second from right, poses for a photo with children, from left, Emily, Carolyn, James and Becca in Washington, Okla. Police say, Lloyd Dean Buie killed Michael Winchester on Tuesday. Nov. 15, 2016, as Winchester was leaving work for the day and walking to an employee parking lot at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Buie was later found dead in his pickup truck in the garage. (Matt Strasen/The Oklahoman via AP) Oklahoma City Police Capt. Paco Balderrama briefs reporters about the fatal shooting Tuesdayat Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport Wednesday Nov. 16, 2016. Police say the man accused of fatally shooting an Oklahoma City airport employee used to work for Southwest Airlines and that the attack was likely in retaliation for circumstances that led to the attacker's 2015 resignation. Balderrama identified the shooter as Lloyd Dean Buie, of Oklahoma City. (Steve Gooch/The Oklahoman via AP) Israeli minister wants new settlement approach under Trump JERUSALEM (AP) Israel's defense minister said Wednesday that Israel should seek a deal with President-elect Donald Trump to allow expanded construction in major West Bank settlements while freezing building in isolated areas of the occupied territory a proposal that, if accepted, would mark a sharp break from the policy under the Obama administration. Avigdor Lieberman's comments came as Israeli lawmakers are trying to gauge how Trump will address the issue of Israel's West Bank settlement construction, which the U.S. and much of the international community view as illegal and an obstacle to peace. Nationalist and pro-settler Israeli legislators have welcomed Trump's election, seeing his rise as offering Israel a freer hand in settlement policies. FILE - In this Wednesday, May 18, 2016 file photo, Amona, an unauthorized Israeli outpost in the West Bank, is seen east of the Palestinian town of Ramallah. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, The Israeli parliament has given preliminary approval to a proposal that would legalize hundreds of homes built in West Bank settlements that sit on private Palestinian land. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File) Lieberman spoke shortly after the Israeli parliament gave preliminary approval to a contentious bill that would retroactively legalize hundreds of homes in West Bank settlements that sit on private Palestinian land. Although the bill has drawn heavy international criticism and faces tough legal questions, many hard-liners are also hopeful things will change after Trump takes office in January. Under President Barack Obama, settlement construction became a major flashpoint between Israel and its most important ally. The Palestinians want the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem areas Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war for their future state. Nearly 600,000 Jewish settlers now live in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Israel has argued that groupings of settlements known as "blocs" where a majority of settlers live should remain in Israel under any peace deal with the Palestinians, with other smaller settlements deeper in the West Bank, including the one where Lieberman lives, relinquished. "If we get permission by the administration" to expand building in the settlement blocs, "we have to grab it with both hands," said Lieberman, who as defense minister also helps oversee settlement policy. His comments could rankle pro-settler lawmakers in the governing coalition, who oppose limits on Jewish construction in the West Bank. During his campaign, Trump has appeared to be more sympathetic to Israel than the Palestinians, which has energized nationalist Israelis. He has vowed not to impose any solutions on Israel and promised to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, a step that would undercut the Palestinian claims to the eastern part of the city. The unpredictable Trump also raised some concerns in Israel during the election campaign by suggesting he would stay "neutral" on the conflict and that Israel should repay the billions of dollars of military aid it receives from the United States. Trump's campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, and many of his close advisers hold hawkish, pro-Israel views. Since being elected, he has indicated interest in brokering a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The pro-settlement nationalists that dominate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition notched a victory with Wednesday's parliament vote on the settlement bill. The proposed bill was sparked by a 2014 order from Israel's Supreme Court to evacuate the illegally built settlement outpost of Amona by Dec. 25. The court set the deadline after determining the outpost was built in the mid-1990s on private Palestinian land. The legislation would retroactively legalize Amona and dozens of other outposts, as well as neighborhoods in existing settlements found to have been built on private Palestinian land. In all, an estimated 2,500 homes would be affected, while Palestinian landowners would be eligible for compensation. Members of the Jewish Home, a nationalist party affiliated with the settler movement, sponsored the legislation. They say the affected residents have lived in these homes for years, sometimes decades, and should not be uprooted. "A nation cannot be an occupier in its own land," Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the Jewish Home said ahead of the vote, berating Israel's opposition parties for standing against the draft bill. Opponents say the bill is illegal and is a dangerous attempt to override the nation's highest court. Israel's attorney general, who was appointed by Netanyahu, has said he will not be able to defend it in court. "Never in the history of the state of Israel, never, did the Knesset vote totally against the state's laws, the rule of law and international law," said opposition leader Isaac Herzog. "This is a law that recognizes robbery and theft." The bill still must pass three more votes in parliament meaning it could be watered down or frozen in various committees. The U.S. State Department said this week that it was "deeply concerned" about the legislation. Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau called it an "unprecedented" step that would break from previous Israeli policies. "This legislation would be a dramatic advancement of the settlement enterprise, which is already gravely endangering the prospects for a two-state solution," she said. Egypt, a key Arab ally of Israel, has also condemned the legislation. Mexican immigrant seeks sanctuary at Philadelphia church PHILADELPHIA (AP) A Mexican immigrant who had been living in Philadelphia has relocated to a church, where he is now seeking sanctuary from deportation by federal authorities. Juntos, a Philadelphia immigrant support group, says 40-year-old Javier Flores moved into Arch Street United Methodist Church on Sunday. The father of three U.S.-born children is eligible for a "U-Visa," which the federal government provides to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse. If Flores' visa application is denied, he will be deported after 90 days. Flores recently spent 16 months at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. Insiders called on Chinese carmakers to emphasize workable, fundamental research and development on advanced intelligent innovations. At the same time, the leading global companies are trying to localize their connected technologies for China. The consensus of automotive authorities is that every carmaker needs to transform itself into a smart mobility solutions provider since the industry is changing rapidly thanks to the introduction of disruptive technologies. "An immense evolution is coming, we should accelerate developing the technology and transform the industry from big to strong," said She Weizhen, director of the equipment industry division at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Wang Ruixiang, president of the China Machinery Industry Federation, agreed with the future direction of intelligence and digitalization, but pointed out that the Chinese automotive industry "is weak in independent innovation." However, the automotive intelligence competence of China lags behind the world's auto powers in terms of development level, professional expertise and other related criteria. German firm Roland Berger Strategy Consultants' Automated Vehicles Index Q3 2016 indicated that China and Italy ranked the lowest in research expertise in autonomous driving, among nine countries including Germany, the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and France. Germany and United States are way ahead in the state of automated driving development, according to the Roland Berger index. Many international carmakers have been working on autonomous driving, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. Volvo Cars tested autonomous driving on highways in 2015 and Nissan did so in January. Zheng Yun, principal at Roland Berger Greater China, said: "It is important that this growth be driven by Chinese OEMs in coordination with a whole system that includes automotive suppliers. "The government should take on a supportive role in guiding the industry's development. Once established, a sound legal framework and greater acceptance of the technology by consumers will rapidly accelerate the growth of China's automated-vehicle industry." An enclosed environment for intelligent connected vehicles' non-highway tests in the National Intelligent Connected Vehicle Testing Demonstration Base in Shanghai opened in June. China's first national-level demonstration base is expected to facilitate R&D and help formulate standards and policy, in addition to testing the technology itself. China's auto industry regulator warned automakers in July against conducting public highway trials before the country releases regulations, as many companies and individuals conducted road tests in the country. The country released on Oct 26 its blueprint for intelligent and connected vehicle development to guide and standardize the burgeoning sector and help local car makers and related companies progress speedily. The term "intelligent and connected vehicle" used in the Chinese industrial blueprint is equivalent to Europe's autonomous driving vehicles or the US' automated vehicles. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expects those with semi-autonomous functions, such as driving assistance and autonomous parking, to account for 50 percent of cars by 2020. Fu Yuwu, president of the Society of Automotive Engineers of China, told China Daily: "The Chinese auto industry is learning intelligence and connectivity technologies from scratch, and demanding specialty support. An alliance, formed by almost every related company, is developing industrial standardization." According to the ministry's roadmap, China will aim for 10 to 20 percent of vehicles to be highly autonomous by 2025, with 10 percent of cars to be fully autonomous in 2030. "The transformation during the next 10 years in the automotive industry may overtake that of the past five decades," said Wang Xia, chairman of the automotive committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He said: "The connected intelligence technologies have been developing much faster than people's expectations. The cars are becoming more and more powerful, and autonomous driving vehicles are now a reality ... intelligence, connection and electrification have evolved to be a clear trend." The automotive industry is experiencing radical innovation and internet giants are making inroads into the automotive industry. For instance, Baidu Inc is working on autonomous driving, Alibaba Group is joining hands with SAIC Motor Corp Ltd to produce internet-based cars, and Tencent Holdings Ltd is partnering with Foxconn Technology Group to produce electric, connected cars. Marco Fischer, director of automotive and customer practice at PwC China's Experience Center, said: "The challenge remains for the auto industry to adopt the right mix of technology that is fit for China's driving conditions and moves toward dominating the global share of intelligent connected cars." MIIT has progressively participated in the related global regulations and standards being established through the United Nations Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. And, the Automotive Branch of the China Standardization Association and related ministries have held international forums to discuss the standards and regulations on intelligent connected vehicle technology this year and last year. Experts recognize that the systems in mass products currently on the market are far from truly autonomous driving. Jia Xinguang, a seasoned auto analyst in Beijing, said that the piloted driving or autopilot systems are not even close to real autonomous driving technologies, which require heavy investment in radars, lidars, sensors, maps and more. "Automated driving is still in its infancy. Those found in mass products are advanced driver assistance systems, a kind of proactive safety technology," said Jia. Mexico plans to strengthen consular protection for migrants MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico's government said Wednesday it will set up a toll-free number for Mexicans in the United States to obtain information or report any incidents as it moves to strengthen consular protection for its citizens. The foreign relations department announced the measures on Wednesday, one week after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election. Trump wasn't mentioned in the statement, but the American president-elect has said he plans to deport 2 million to 3 million immigrants soon after taking office. FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 file photo, President-elect Donald Trump smiles as he arrives to speak at an election night rally, in New York. Mexico is starting to seriously contemplate the possibility that millions of its migrants could be deported under the proposals put forward by President-elect Trump. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Mexico's government will strive to "strengthen the dialogue with state and local authorities" in the U.S., the department said, with a network of 50 consulates north of the border reaching out to Mexican citizens. The department also advised Mexicans living in the United States "to avoid any conflict situation." "There is some nervousness because we don't exactly know what is going to happen, and that is why we are strengthening the role of the consulates," Carlos Sada, Mexico's ambassador to the United States said at an event in Mexico City. He said "the first step is for (Mexicans) to be well informed." The U.S. business community has also been rattled by Trump's promises to make changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which benefits many U.S. firms in Mexico. Jodi Hanson Bond, vice president for the Americas of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said "we have to make the case. We saw in this election that you don't win by being silent, you can't shape the conversation without engagement." Police: Man shot during chase, but not by pursuing officer SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) Police say a man was fatally shot during a foot chase in Savannah but not by the officer pursuing him. Savannah-Chatham County police said the shooting happened at about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday after an officer stopped a pedestrian on the city's suburban south side. The pedestrian fled and the officer chased him on foot. Police say in a news release that "during the foot chase the officer reported hearing a shot and observing the individual fall. The officer did not discharge his firearm." The man shot during the chase was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His name was not immediately released. The Latest: Manchin says Dems didn't address people in need WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest developments on Congress' leadership elections (all times EST): 1:25 p.m. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia says his party lost the presidential election because "there was no plan" to help people in his state and other rural states who are struggling to survive economically. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, flanked by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, walk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, after a caucus organizing meeting to elect their leadership for the 115th Congress. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Manchin said Democrats not only didn't have a plan, but also "people think you didn't care." Manchin, who has joined Senate Democrat's leadership team, said people in his state "feel like a returning Vietnam veteran. My little state of West Virginia has done everything this country's asked of us and then they turn their back on us." He said West Virginians were so angry they were willing to overlook "offensive rhetoric" from Donald Trump, adding: "If that's not a wake-up call I really don't know what is." __ 11:28 a.m. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has formally announced she is seeking re-election to the job. In a letter to House Democrats Wednesday she tells them she already has support from two-thirds of the caucus. Democrats disgruntled about last week's election results had pressured Pelosi to delay leadership elections that had been scheduled for this week. They will take place Nov. 30 instead. But it's not clear anyone will emerge to challenge Pelosi especially now that the California Democrat, who is known for her vote-counting skills, has declared that she has the votes. ___ 10:28 a.m. Democrats have a new leadership lineup for next year and the all-Republican government. New York's Chuck Schumer will be minority leader, Illinois' Dick Durbin will be the No. 2 Democrat as minority whip and Washington's Patty Murray will be the assistant leader. Schumer told reporters Wednesday that they will work with Donald Trump on issues where they agree but challenge him when values or progress is under assault. Schumer said that "when you lose an election like this you can't flinch." In other changes, Sen. Patrick Leahy will be the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and Sen. Dianne Feinstein will fill that post on Judiciary as the Senate considers a Supreme Court nominee. ___ 10:25 a.m. Senate Democrats have elected Chuck Schumer to be their new minority leader when Congress convenes in January. The New Yorker will be Washington's most powerful Democrat as the party confronts an all-Republican government led by Donald Trump. Democrats unanimously picked Schumer at a closed-door meeting Wednesday. He will succeed Harry Reid, the combative Nevada Democrat who is retiring in January after 30 years in the Senate. Republicans will control the White House, the House and Senate. Republicans will have a 52-48 edge in the Senate. Democrats will have some leverage because on important issues, they'll likely force Republicans to garner 60 votes to end filibusters. It won't always be possible for Schumer to keep Senate Democrats together because many will seek re-election in two years from GOP-leaning states. __ 10:20 a.m. Senate Republicans have re-elected Kentucky's Mitch McConnell to be majority leader when the new Congress convenes in January and starts working on Donald Trump's agenda. McConnell is widely popular among Republicans and his election was by acclimation on Wednesday. The 74-year-old is considered a clever tactician who mixes conservative leanings with a willingness to cut bipartisan deals when necessary. McConnell was Senate minority leader for eight years before becoming majority leader when the GOP took control in 2015. He enraged Democrats by refusing to let the Senate consider President Barack Obama's nomination of federal judge Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy last February. That paid dividends when Trump was elected president. McConnell distanced himself from Trump during the campaign, but says he's ready to work with him. __ 10 a.m. Senate Democrats and Republicans are meeting separately to pick their leaders for the Congress that convenes in January. Their selections of Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are expected to produce little drama. That's the opposite of the House, where both parties' leadership elections have been more theatrical. There, Republicans voted Tuesday to re-nominate Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., after recalcitrant conservatives and Trump backers upset by Ryan's frigid campaign-season treatment of Trump fell into line. Democrats postponed their leadership election until Nov. 30 after junior lawmakers demanded more time to digest the party's disappointing Election Day showing, a warning shot at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. arrives for a caucus organizing meeting to elect their leadership for the 115th Congress, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ICC supporters call for unity after withdrawals, Russia snub THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) Supporters of the International Criminal Court appealed for unity Wednesday in the aftermath of three African nations announcing plans to withdraw and Russia symbolically turning its back on the court. The departures of the African states South Africa, Burundi and Gambia buzzed through the corridors on the first day of the annual meeting of the court's member states, the Assembly of States Parties, in The Hague. Before their announcements, no country had ever left the court, which was set up in 2002 as the first criminal tribunal with a global reach. Russia snubbed the court Wednesday when President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to withdraw from the court. However Moscow never ratified the Rome Statute that created the court, despite signing the treaty in 2000, meaning Russia wasn't a member. Russian President Vladimir Putin heads a meeting with senior military officials at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. A massive modernization effort has turned nation's military power, that was a crumbling and demoralized structure just a few years ago into a more modern and agile force of 1 million. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) The court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, sought to downplay the impact of the departures, saying, "this is not a crisis for the Rome Statute system, but a set-back in our joint efforts towards achieving a more peaceful and just world." Bensouda, who comes from Gambia, said that "to address these crimes and deliver justice to victims across the world, it is essential that states' participation in the Rome Statute is not only maintained and reinforced, but enlarged." Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion used his speech to the 124-nation assembly to deliver an impassioned plea for support for the court, saying it is necessary to ensure accountability for those who commit the most serious crimes. "We created the court together. We must keep it together," he said. But South African Justice Minister Michael Mathura continued his country's criticism of the court, saying it is ignoring atrocities in other parts of the world. All but one of the court's full-scale investigations are in Africa, though the majority were referred to the court by the African countries themselves and two by the U.N. Security Council. "They choose to turn a blind eye and rather focus on one geopolitical space to the exclusion of all others," Mathura told reporters in The Hague. "That, they must explain. The principle of universality of the application of rule of law has to be at the heart of the institution. If they are not willing to uphold that principle, their credibility will continue to be eroded." The court has been criticized for not stepping in to prosecute atrocities in Syria, but it doesn't have automatic jurisdiction there as the country is not a member of the ICC. A resolution by the U.N. Security Council to refer the Syrian war to the ICC was vetoed in May 2014 by Russia and China. The African anger also stems from the fact that the ICC went after two sitting heads of state in the continent, Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta and Omar al-Bashir of Sudan. The court ultimately withdrew all charges against Kenyatta while al-Bashir remains a fugitive. Human Rights Watch urged member states not to water down the court's core principles, such as its refusal to recognize head of state immunity, in a bid to prevent more departures. "The ICC withdrawals risk becoming a bargaining chip by countries looking to make the world safer for abusive dictators," said Elizabeth Evenson, HRW's associate international justice director. She urged ICC members to "make clear the court's mandate is not up for sale." Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, came a day after the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee condemned Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea" and blamed Russia for rights abuses such as discrimination against some Crimean residents. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 from Ukraine following a hastily called referendum, a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A separatist insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month, backed by Russia. The ICC on Monday issued a preliminary report where it described what happened in Crimea as "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." Amnesty International slammed Russia's step back from the court. "Russia never demonstrated any genuine intention to ratify the Rome Statute, and this announcement appears as nothing but contempt for the aims of the ICC - putting an end to impunity for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity - and is an affront to all victims of these appalling crimes," Sergei Nikitin, Director of Amnesty International Russia, said in a statement. ____ Associated Press writer Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow contributed to this report. 149 years for 2 men in killing of Puerto Rico prosecutor SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A Puerto Rico judge has sentenced two men to 149 years in prison for killing a prosecutor. Daniel Vazquez and Rafael Aponte declined to speak before the judge who issued Wednesday's sentence for 1st degree murder. Prosecutors say the suspects followed prosecutor Francelis Ortiz home after she left her office at the main court in San Juan late one night in January. Authorities classified the crime as an attempted carjacking. But her husband, attorney Fermin Luis Arraiza, said he believes she was targeted because of her job. He noted the suspects did not steal her car. Ortiz and Arraiza have a young daughter. The Latest: Defense begins case in black motorist death CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) The Latest on the trial of a former South Carolina police officer charged with murder in the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist (all times local): 6:30 p.m. The defense has called its first witness in the trial of Michael Slager, the white former South Carolina patrolman charged with murder in the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist. William Williams testifies in the murder trial of former North Charleston police officer, Michael Slager, at the Charleston County court in Charleston, S.C., Wednesday. Nov. 16, 2016. Slager is charged in the shooting death of Michael Scott, an unarmed black motorist. (Grace Beahm/Post and Courier via AP, Pool) Slager faces 30 years to life if convicted of the charge in the death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, who was shot while fleeing from a traffic stop in North Charleston in April of 2015. The shooting was captured on dramatic cellphone video. Court adjourned for the day Wednesday after jurors heard from the first defense witness. David Hallimore, an audio expert, played enhanced audio from Slager's uniform microphone taken at the time of the shooting. Slager can be heard shouting "Taser! Taser! Taser!" as he ran after Scott. The defense contends that Scott was shot after getting control of Slager's stun gun. ___ 4:30 p.m. A South Carolina judge has refused to dismiss the case against a white former patrolman charged with murder in the shooting death of an unarmed motorist. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday in the trial of Michael Slager who is charged in the death of Walter Scott as Scott fled a traffic stop in April of 2015. Cellphone video of Scott being shot in the back was captured by a bystander and stunned the nation. After the state rested, defense attorney Andy Savage asked Circuit Judge Clifton Newman to dismiss the case against his client. Savage argued that the prosecution had not shown there was malice on Slager's part as required by South Carolina law. But the judge ruled that the jury could infer malice from the fact that a deadly weapon was used and that Scott was shot in the back. ___ 4:15 p.m. The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of a white former South Carolina patrolman charged in the shooting death of an unarmed black motorist. The final state witness on Wednesday was an investigator from the State Law Enforcement Division who recorded a 3-D computerized scan of the crime scene that was shown to the jury. Earlier a state witness showed an animation of the shooting compiled from cellphone and dashcam video, police radio chatter and drone footage of the scene. Former North Charleston Patrolman Michael Slager is charged with murder in the shooting death of Walter Scott as Scott fled from a traffic stop in April of 2015. The shooting was captured on dramatic cellphone video recorded by a bystander. The prosecution rested after calling 32 witnesses over nine days. ___ 10:50 a.m. The jury in the trial of a white former South Carolina patrolman is seeing an animation of the shooting of Walter Scott. Michael Slager is on trial for murder in the shooting death of Scott, an unarmed black motorist killed as he fled from a traffic stop in April of 2015. The shooting in North Charleston was captured on dramatic cellphone video that stunned the nation. A state witness, Bill Williams, compiled the animation from the cellphone video as well as dashcam video, drone footage of the scene and police call audio. He said he spent 500 hours putting it together and was paid $15,000 by the state. The defense attempted Tuesday to block the animation from being entered as evidence arguing that Williams lacked the formal training to be considered an expert in crime scene re-creation. But Judge Anthony Newman ruled prosecutors could introduce the video. ___ 3:20 a.m. Jurors in the murder trial of a white former South Carolina patrolman who shot an unarmed black motorist will see an animation of the shooting before the prosecution rests its case. Michael Slager is charged with murder in the April 2015 death of Walter Scott as the motorist fled a traffic stop. The shooting was captured on cellphone video. The prosecution was expected to rest Tuesday, but lawyers spent much of the day arguing over the state's final witness. The witness, Bill Williams, compiled the animation from cellphone and dashcam video, drone footage of the crime scene and police call audio. The defense argued that Williams, who's largely self-taught, didn't qualify as an expert. Judge Clinton Newman ruled he could testify and jurors will see the animation Wednesday. Former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, listens to testimony at his trial at the Charleston County court in Charleston, S.C., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Slager is charged in the shooting death of Michael Scott, an unarmed black motorist. (Grace Beahm/Post and Courier via AP, Pool) Police in Rio shoot tear gas during protest over budget cuts RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Military police on Wednesday shot pepper spray at demonstrators who broke down barrier fences outside a meeting where legislators were considering austerity measures to cope with a deepening financial crisis that has kept thousands of public workers from being paid. The federal government sent hundreds of military police to help after a similar protest last week became violent. Wielding shields and pepper spray guns, helmet-clad police formed lines in front of the legislative assembly of Rio de Janeiro state. Over several hours, protesters broke fences in various areas in attempts to get inside. "It's regrettable that our own police are protecting a chamber of thieves," said Alexandre Neto, a retired police commissioner who was protesting. "That is what is really happening." Demonstrators tear down a barrier outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Violent protests "don't bring any benefit," Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao told reporters earlier in the day, urging protesters to "take their ideas inside parliament to resolve this crisis, which isn't just in Rio de Janeiro, but in all of Brazil." The state is mired in fiscal crisis just months after its signature city, Rio de Janeiro, hosted the 2016 Olympics. Thousands of state employees and retirees have not been paid, or have been paid months late. The federal government has said it won't bail the state out, fearing that a cascade of states could ask for help. Latin America's largest economy is suffering its worst recession in decades. Both unemployment and inflation are over 10 percent, and announcements of layoffs are a daily occurrence. Measures being discussed by Rio legislators include trimming social services and lowering the salary of top officials. Meanwhile, a group of protesters broke inside the lower house of congress, the Chamber of Deputies, in Brasilia on Wednesday. Images on Globo news showed about 50 people interrupting a session. They gathered in the middle of the plenary, chanting that they wanted a return to military rule. The transmission of the session was stopped and police arrived shortly thereafter. ____ Associated Press journalist Renato Spyrro contributed to this report. Demonstrators run amid tear gas fired by police outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Demonstrators kneel before police outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Photographed through a fence, police stand guard amid red smoke fired by protesters outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A demonstrator stands amid tear gas during a protest outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) A police officer pepper sprays demonstrators who broke past a barrier fence outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. The state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis while Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades, and thousands of state employees have not been paid, or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Demonstrators gather outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Demonstrators kick down a barrier fence outside the state of Rio de Janeiro's legislative assembly building, where lawmakers are discussing austerity measures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Brazil is suffering its worst recession in decades while the state of Rio de Janeiro is mired in a fiscal crisis, and thousands of state employees have not been paid or have been paid months late. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Timeline of events in police shooting of Philando Castile ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Philando Castile was fatally shot July 6 during a traffic stop in the St. Paul suburb of Falcon Heights. The gruesome aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Castile's girlfriend, who says Castile was shot while reaching for his ID after he told the officer he had a gun permit and was armed. Family members claim Castile, a 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker who was black, was racially profiled when he was pulled over by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez, a Latino. Here's a timeline of some key events: July 6: Castile is fatally shot after Yanez stops his car in Falcon Heights. Castile's girlfriend livestreams the aftermath on Facebook and the widely shared video draws protesters to the scene. July 7: Protesters converge overnight at Gov. Mark Dayton's official residence in nearby in St. Paul. The Democratic governor says he doesn't think the shooting would have happened if Castile had been white. More than 1,000 people gather that evening at the school where Castile worked, and hundreds walk back afterward to the governor's residence. July 8: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi says he'll decide later whether he or a grand jury will decide on any charges against Yanez. July 9: Attorney Thomas Kelly says Yanez was reacting to the presence of the gun when he opened fire on Castile. He says the shooting had nothing to do with race. Police use chemical irritants to clear rock-and-bottle-throwing demonstrators from Interstate 94 in St. Paul. Officers arrest over 100 people. Police say 21 officers were hurt; none seriously. July 10: The governor condemns the shutdown of I-94 as "unlawful and extremely dangerous." July 11: Forty-six people are charged with rioting for the I-94 protest. Kelly says Yanez thought Castile looked like "a possible match" for a suspect in a recent armed robbery. July 12: Castile's family says they will file a lawsuit in his death. July 13: Police arrest 42 protesters who block traffic on Interstate 35W near downtown Minneapolis during the morning rush. July 14: A funeral for Castile at the St. Paul Cathedral draws thousands of mourners. July 26-27: Police arrest 69 protesters outside the governor's residence as officers clear out the blocked street in front of the mansion. July 29: Choi adds former U.S. Department of Justice attorney and former Hamline University Law School Don Lewis, who is black, to his team as a special prosecutor in a bid to enhance trust in the results of the investigation. Aug. 24: The St. Anthony Police Department says it put Yanez back on administrative leave after he had briefly returned to limited duty, citing "concerns and other feedback from the community." Sept. 28: The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it has completed its investigation and turned over its findings to Choi. Brazil police arrest former Rio de Janeiro state governor RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazilian federal police have arrested a former Rio de Janeiro state governor for his alleged involvement in a vote-buying scheme. Inspector Alessandro Rodrigues says Anthony Garotinho was arrested Wednesday morning at his home in Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo beach area. Rodrigues says Garotinho is suspected of involvement in a scheme to fraudulently enroll people in a poverty reduction program in exchange for votes in municipal elections in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes. Officer charged in shooting that was streamed on Facebook ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) When Philando Castile was pulled over in July, he calmly told the officer he had a gun and was licensed to carry it, according to prosecutors. Moments later, the officer fired on the motorist, and a bleeding Castile uttered his last words: "I wasn't reaching for it." On Wednesday, that officer was charged with second-degree manslaughter following an investigation by prosecutors, who concluded that Jeronimo Yanez was wrong to use his weapon in the traffic stop, which was seen by millions after Castile's girlfriend streamed his final gruesome moments live on Facebook. "No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, would've used deadly force under these circumstances," Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said. FILE - This Jan. 8, 2013, file photo provided by Christian Dobratz shows St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez outside the city council chambers in St. Anthony, Minn. Prosecutors announced Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, that Yanez, the officer who fatally shot Philando Castile during a traffic stop on July 6, 2016, in Falcon Heights, Minn., has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing. (Christian Dobratz via AP, File) Prosecutors believe Castile never tried to pull his handgun from his pocket, and Yanez's unreasonable fear did not justify the shooting, Choi said. If convicted, the officer could face up to 10 years in prison. Diamond Reynolds was sitting next to her boyfriend in the car. She said he was shot repeatedly as he reached for his ID after telling Yanez about the weapon and the gun permit. The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. No charges were filed against the officer in that case, but Brown's death led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. Yanez, who worked in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Anthony, was scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday. His attorney, Tom Kelly, has said Yanez, who is Latino, was reacting to the presence of a gun. Kelly has also said that one reason Yanez made the stop was because he thought Castile looked like a possible match for an armed robbery suspect. Choi said Wednesday that Castile was not a suspect in that robbery. Castile's relatives have said they believe the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was racially profiled. Kelly did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment Wednesday. Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, said her family was pleased with the charge. "It is necessary for everyone to understand that we want peace," she said. "We don't want any protests to get outrageous." Castile's shooting prompted numerous protests, including a demonstration outside the governor's mansion that went on for weeks and one protest that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers who were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. About 100 protesters gathered early Wednesday evening outside the JJ Hill Montessori School in St. Paul where Castile was a longtime cafeteria worker. Some carried signs that read "No Justice, No Peace" and "Black Lives Matter." The group said they would continue to advocate for justice until the case is resolved. "We haven't won the war, but we won a battle," activist Loretta VanPelt told the crowd. Choi resisted pressure to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but he added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He said Wednesday that he reviewed the case himself instead of sending it to a grand jury in the interest of transparency. He gave a detailed account of the shooting, describing a routine traffic stop that turned frantic after Castile told the officer he was carrying a gun. He was not required to do so by law. Yanez had his hand on his holster before Castile could finish his sentence and repeatedly shouted "Don't pull it out" as Castile insisted he wasn't, Choi said. Within a minute of the initial stop, Yanez unholstered his gun and fired seven shots at Castile. There was no sign Castile reached for a gun or posed any threat, Choi said. Yanez's partner at the scene did not take out his own gun. Castile's weapon was later found deep in a front pocket of his shorts, with a loaded magazine but no bullet in the chamber. "His dying words were in protest that he wasn't reaching for his gun," Choi said. "There simply was no objective threat posed to officer Yanez." Squad car video captured the entire event, including audio and subsequent conversations Yanez had with other officers, Choi said. Prosecutors have no plans to release the video at this time because it is evidence in the case against Yanez. Reynolds and her attorney recalled how quickly she pulled out her phone and began streaming, saying the video was a factor in Choi's decision. "Without my recording," she said, "we wouldn't be here today." ___ Forliti reported from Minneapolis, AP reporter Jeff Baenen contributed from St. Paul. FILE - In this July 25, 2016, file photo, a memorial including a photo of Philando Castile adorns the gate to the governor's residence where protesters continue to demonstrate in St. Paul, Minn., against the July 6 shooting death of Castile by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minn. Prosecutors announced Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, that Yanez has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announces that Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez will face three charges in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile during a July 6 traffic stop. Yanez has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing of Castile, a black man whose girlfriend streamed the gruesome aftermath of the fatal shooting live on Facebook. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP) Ramsey County attorney John Choi announces that Minnesota police officer Jeronimo Yanez will face three charges in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile during a July 6 traffic stop. Yanez has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing of Castile, a black man whose girlfriend streamed the gruesome aftermath of the fatal shooting live on Facebook. (David Joles/Star Tribune via AP) You are here: Home Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2016 shows a night scene in Wuzhen Township of Tongxiang City, east China's Zhejiang Province. The third World Internet Conference (WIC) is scheduled from Nov. 16 to 18 in Wuzhen. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) The third World Internet Conference (WIC), to be held in Wuzhen between Nov. 16 and Nov. 18, will collect government officials, bushiness bosses and academics to discuss the future of the digital economy. The following are some highlights to be closely watched for this year's event. --- China's leadership to update Internet policy Last year's keynote speaker Chinese President Xi Jinping will address this year's conference by video, according to the organizer, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). This year, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will address the conference on innovation in Internet development. China considers the Internet a key driver of future world economic growth and has introduced policies accordingly. The CPC Central Committee acknowledged in October that the country needs breakthroughs in high-performance computing, mobile communication, quantum communication, core chips and operating systems. More guidelines on innovation are expected at the conference. --- Baidu's smart cars The WIC is an opportunity for tech firms to show off their latest products. This year, driverless cars designed by Chinese search engine giant Baidu take center stage. On the day before the conference, a fleet of 15 blue-striped cars cruised one of Wuzhen's main thoroughfares. The cars can analyze traffic flow and control their maneuvers automatically, according to Cao Haitao of Baidu's artificial intelligence unit. Baidu's senior vice president Wang Jin said the company has sufficient expertise in high-precision electronic mapping, positioning, sensing and decision-making and control systems to mass produce smart vehicles by 2020. --- Brainstorming among Internet gurus A number of Chinese enterprises are now considered some of the world's top tech firms, and their bosses some of the most talked-about gurus. This year's conference will open the floor to Alibaba's Jack Ma, Tencent's Pony Ma, Baidu's Robin Li, Xiaomi's Lei Jun, Sohu's Charles Zhang and JD.com's Richard Liu. Their foreign counterparts will include LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Qualcomm president Derek Aberle, Microsoft vice executive president Shen Xiangyang, and Nokia's chair Risto Siilasmaa. Also invited are foreign government officials and telecom regulators, who will brainstorm ways to better govern cyberspace. --- Ancient water-town's rebirth in the age of the Internet The town of Wuzhen is well-known for its extensive network of canals. Drawing on traditional water-town architecture, prize-winning architect Wang Shu designed the imposing Wuzhen Internet International Convention Center in keeping with its surroundings. Wang, the first Chinese to win the Pritzker Prize, believes his design, as well as Wuzhen's canal network, encapsulates the spirit of the Internet. "The town's land is fragmented, but all the pieces are connected by water. Scattered around are low residential buildings instead of high rises," Wang said. "This is the spirit of the Internet - non-integrated on surface but connected underneath." Today, Wuzhen is a vibrant Internet town. Connections are widely available and the Internet is part of most residents' day-to-day activities. Feng Peixiang, a local retiree, has his health monitored and reads the news by iPad every day. He wears a watch that sends a signal to the rescue center if he is in difficulties. He has even consulted doctors in Shanghai without leaving home. "It is amazing to live in the time of the Internet," he said. Zhejiang Province, home to Alibaba, is at the forefront of Internet industries. According to the CAC, about 80 percent of the nation's online retail, 70 percent online exports, and 60 percent online B2B transactions are conducted through Zhejiang. Puerto Rico warns of cash crunch when debt moratorium ends SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Puerto Rico's government warned in a liquidity report made public on Wednesday that it will run out of money in less than three months as the U.S. territory pushes to restructure nearly $70 billion in public debt. The report notes that the island could be up to $3 billion in the red as it faces a $1.3 billion debt payment in February, when a temporary debt moratorium imposed earlier this year expires, and another $934 million in bond payments due from March through June. Puerto Rico has already defaulted on nearly $1.4 billion worth of bond payments since August 2015, angering creditors who have filed multiple lawsuits and accuse the government of exaggerating its situation. Government officials warned on Wednesday that if the moratorium is not extended, the island will run out of cash to provide essential services. The report also warned that the island's pension system, which is underfunded by more than $40 billion, will run out of cash in 2018 unless the government takes steps such as increasing contributions. "Puerto Rico's economic crisis and insolvency is not a secret," said Victor Suarez, the island's secretary of state. The government released the report two days before a federal control board charged with overseeing the island's finances meets in Puerto Rico for the first time. Additional details released later Wednesday state that the local government is creating a registry of all those who own Puerto Rico bonds, identifying so far 350,000 owners that hold 68 percent of the island's debt. At least $6 billion of that debt is held by Puerto Rico residents. Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla has been urging the board to authorize a debt restructuring so Puerto Rico can re-enter the markets and pull itself out from a decade-long economic crisis that is only deepening. His administration has declared a state of emergency at several government agencies and implemented austerity measures including deferring payments to the island's police and agriculture departments, among others. Garcia announced late Wednesday that he would hold an extraordinary session on Thursday to debate several bills, including one that would address the pension system's deficit. The report was released on the same day that Ricardo Rossello, Puerto Rico's governor-elect, met with bondholders and credit rating agencies in New York. Rossello has pledged to improve Puerto Rico's credit rating and re-enter the markets after agencies downgraded the island's debt to junk status. Judge in Will Smith shooting case to sequester jury NEW ORLEANS (AP) A judge says the jury hearing the murder case of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith will be sequestered during the upcoming trial. Local media outlets report Judge Camille Buras also decided Wednesday to move the start of jury selection back four days, to Dec. 5. Prosecutors have charged Cardell Hayes in Smith's April 9 death. They had asked the judge to limit the jury's exposure to outside influences, citing national media coverage. Hayes' attorney argued against sequestration, saying it would be difficult for lower-income jurors who might have to pay for things like care for children or older relatives. Deputy wounded in ambush moved to new hospital BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) A sheriff's deputy who was critically wounded in a shootout that killed three other Baton Rouge, Louisiana, law-enforcement officers in the summer was transferred Wednesday to a rehabilitation hospital in Texas. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas Tullier had been treated at a hospital in Baton Rouge since the July 17 shooting. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center said in a statement that Tullier was discharged Wednesday morning and transferred to a hospital in Houston. A lone gunman, 29-year-old Gavin Long, fatally shot two Baton Rouge police officers and one sheriff's deputy before a SWAT officer gunned down Long. Two other officers besides Tullier were wounded in the attack outside a convenience store. Police said Long, an Army veteran from Kansas City, Missouri, was seeking out law enforcement and ambushed the officers. Tullier was shot in the head and stomach in his patrol car, authorities said. "It has been our honor to serve Deputy Tullier, and we pray for his continued healing as he begins the next phase of his recovery," Our Lady of the Lake President and CEO K. Scott Wester said in a statement. The shooting occurred less than two weeks after 37-year-old Alton Sterling, a black man, was fatally shot by police in Baton Rouge in a confrontation that sparked nightly protests and has reverberated nationwide. Tullier, a father of two teenage sons, joined the sheriff's office nearly two decades ago, serving for the past 10 years in the traffic division. Israeli proposal to quiet call to prayer draws Muslims' ire JERUSALEM (AP) A proposal to make mosques reduce the loudspeaker volume of their call to prayer has sparked an uproar among Israel's Muslims, underscoring their fraught relationship with the country's Jewish majority. Supporters of the bill, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have painted it as a matter of quality of life. But it has deepened a sense among the Arab minority that it is being increasingly marginalized by his hard-line government. "The call to prayer came before the racists. The call to prayer will remain after the racists," said Ayman Odeh, head of a joint list of Arab parties in parliament. The minaret of a mosque is seen in Lod, a mixed Jewish Muslim and Christian city in central Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is championing a bill that would force mosques in Israel to reduce the volume of the Muslim call to prayer intoned through loudspeakers five times a day. The bill is unlikely to advance in its current form, but it echoes similar concerns from the rising right-wing in Europe _ and touches upon the deep fissure the country has with its Arab citizens. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) The bill, which received initial support from a committee of Israeli ministers this week, proposes to limit the volume of public address systems of all houses of prayer in Israel. But the bill's sponsor, a lawmaker from a nationalist Jewish religious party, made clear the target is mosque loudspeakers, and it has been dubbed the "muezzin bill," referring to the man who delivers the call to prayer. Devout Muslims pray five times a day, beginning around 5 a.m. In Israel, the call to prayer is often loud enough to wake up residents in Jewish neighborhoods or towns who live in close proximity to Muslim communities. "I cannot count the times, they are simply too numerous, that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise," Netanyahu told his Cabinet this week. "Israel is a country that respects freedom of religion for all faiths. Israel is also committed to defending those who suffer from the loudness of the excessive noise of the announcements," he added. But Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel see the initiative as yet another affront by an increasingly hostile Israeli society and leadership. Arabs make up one fifth of Israel's citizenry, but they are generally poorer and less educated than Jews and suffer from discrimination and substandard public services. Some politicians have questioned their loyalty to the state. On election day last year, Netanyahu galvanized his hawkish supporters by warning that "Arab voters are going in droves to the polls." The comments drew accusations of racism, and Netanyahu later apologized. Some detractors have said the bill is unnecessary, since Israel already has rules regulating excessive noise. Still, it has garnered support from many secular liberals who normally are at odds with Netanyahu's conservative government. Zvi Barel of the liberal Haaretz newspaper said he would support efforts to limit the place of religion in the Israeli public sphere if the bill wasn't discriminatory. "Israeli liberals, whether Jewish or Arab, can't support this excellent bill, because it is intended to harm Muslims," he wrote in an op-ed. A planned vote on Wednesday was blocked after ultra-Orthodox Jewish lawmakers raised concerns that it could also affect the sirens that announce the start of the Jewish Sabbath and holidays in many communities. "I think the whole law is unnecessary," Health Minister Yaakov Litzman told Israeli Army Radio Wednesday, adding that he would support an amended bill that made an exception for Jewish sirens. A ministerial committee will revisit the bill. Netanyahu has claimed that many European cities and Muslim countries place limits on loudspeaker volume. In Ireland, Muslims seeking to build mosques must agree that there will be no public call to prayer. Local Muslim leaders have accepted the restriction, citing religious teachings on showing respect for neighbors, and more than a dozen mosques have been built since 1996. In Germany, only about 30 of the 160 official mosques have a call to prayer, according to the DPA news agency. While residents often complain, authorities say it is covered by the right to religious freedom, though still subject to general laws against making excessive noise. The nationalist Alternative for Germany and various far-right parties have tried to exploit the issue, so far to little avail. Yet the party has done very well in local elections by campaigning against Islam and is surging as the country heads into a major election year in 2017. In Britain, local city and town councils mediate occasional disputes over early morning prayer calls. There is an online petition in support of allowing areas with high Muslim populations to have "a loud call for prayer" at least three times a day, but it has not yet generated the 100,000 electronic signatures required to put it before Parliament. While France has no ban, French mosques don't sound public calls to prayer, apparently out of respect to the country's secular traditions. Likewise, very few mosques in the U.S. blast a call to prayer. Ibrahim Hooper of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said most American mosques are not located in the heart of Muslim communities. "Even if they broadcast it, the likelihood is that people are not close enough to hear it," he said. Dawud Walid, director of CAIR's Michigan chapter, said the call to prayer rings out from some mosques in Detroit and the suburbs of Hamtramck and Dearborn, all with large Muslim populations. In a 1979 decision, a Detroit judge ruled a mosque had a constitutional right to broadcast its prayer call. Loud calls to prayer are ubiquitous across the Middle East. Pakistan bans its Ahmadiyya community, who are reviled by mainstream Muslims as heretics, from broadcasting the call to prayer. It also prevents religious leaders from blaring their sermons, fearing incitement. Egypt has attempted to install a system where mosques would use a simultaneous, recorded call to prayer. But the proposal has struggled to get off the ground. Officials say the Ministry of Religious Endowments, which looks after mosques, is negotiating the purchase of equipment for the plan. __ Associated Press reporters Shawn Pogatchnik in Dublin, Kathy Gannon in Islamabad, Gregory Katz in London, Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Frank Jordans in Berlin, Jeff Karoub in Detroit, and Hamza Hendawi and Mariam Fam in Cairo contributed. The minaret of a mosque is seen in Lod, a mixed Jewish Muslim and Christian city in central Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is championing a bill that would force mosques in Israel to reduce the volume of the Muslim call to prayer intoned through loudspeakers five times a day. The bill is unlikely to advance in its current form, but it echoes similar concerns from the rising right-wing in Europe _ and touches upon the deep fissure the country has with its Arab citizens. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Missouri court weighs cap on fees begun after Ferguson JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Supreme Court judges heard arguments Wednesday over the constitutionality of a law passed in the wake of unrest in Ferguson that would cap traffic fines and court fees. Legislators passed the law in an attempt to address concerns raised about law enforcement and court tactics after the fatal 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in the St. Louis suburb. A U.S. Department of Justice report last March said Ferguson had a profit-driven municipal court system and a police force that frequently targeted blacks. So Missouri lawmakers passed legislation capping the amount most cities can keep from traffic fines and court fees at 20 percent of their budgets, down from 30 percent. St. Louis County municipalities face a lower 12.5 percent limit. Several other provisions of the law, including requirements for law enforcement accreditation and written policing policies, are also set to only take effect in St. Louis County. Some heralded the law as a step toward municipal and police reform. But a dozen St. Louis County cities sued, arguing that it unfairly targets municipalities in that area. The Missouri Constitution has bans on many "special" laws, which are measures that single out specific areas and don't apply across the state. Assistant Attorney General Andrew Hirth agreed when asked by Judge Zel Fischer whether legislators directed the law toward areas they considered problematic. In his argument, Hirth said there's "no question" St. Louis County is treated differently. But he countered that the Supreme Court "has never held that the Legislature can't legislate by neighborhood." "There are local problems in different parts of the state that require different remedies," Hirth said. He said there are dozens of laws on the books that similarly single out areas based on population, adding that other counties could fall under the law depending on population growth or mergers. He also said the legislation doesn't fit that category because it impacts the dozens of municipalities within St. Louis County. Philadelphia-based attorney David Pittinsky said based on current population trends, it could take at least 150 years before Jackson County, the next highest-population county in the state, to qualify. He said that makes the law narrowly tailored toward a certain area and described it as a "classic" special law. "I don't think there's any debate about whether they singled out municipalities in St. Louis County," he said. "They clearly singled them out." Pittinsky also argued it violates the separation of powers by empowering the state revenue director to call on local circuit courts to shut down municipal courts that don't follow the rules. He said it defies the state constitution's limits on unfunded mandates because it imposes new requirements without providing financial help, such as requiring St. Louis County municipalities with their own police departments to have them accredited. Hirth disputed both those points, saying it's up to the circuit courts to take action against noncompliant municipal courts and that cities can choose to form police departments or contract with another municipality in order to avoid accreditation costs. Court rules Notre Dame can keep campus police reports secret INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The University of Notre Dame's police department doesn't have to release crime reports about student athletes to ESPN, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The court said in unanimous ruling that the private university's police department isn't a public agency that falls under the state open records law. The state's highest court reversed a state appeals court decision from March that said the law applied because the department has legal authority from the state to make arrests and has jurisdiction beyond the university's campus. The Supreme Court justices found the public records law didn't apply to Notre Dame police because the department isn't part of any level of government. "A grant of arrest powers enabling university police departments to keep order on their private campuses does not transform those officers or the trustees who oversee them into public officials and employees," Justice Mark Massa wrote. Bristol, Connecticut-based ESPN said in a brief statement that it was "extremely disappointed by the ruling and what it represents for public transparency." An ESPN attorney told the Indiana justices in September that the ability of Notre Dame police officers to arrest and apprehend represented "the core powers of the state." ESPN sued Notre Dame in January 2015, asking a judge in South Bend to order the school to release campus police records detailing allegations against athletes. That St. Joseph County judge ruled in Notre Dame's favor three months later, finding that Indiana's private schools aren't subject to its open records law. Peter Rusthoven, an attorney for Notre Dame, had argued that Indiana's law includes the wording "such as" in describing which law enforcement entities are subject, but lists only public agencies, not private entities. He said that if Notre Dame's police department had to comply with Indiana's records law, other aspects of the university's functions would be forced to as well. Notre Dame spokesman Paul Browne said Wednesday that the university follows federal requirements on disclosing campus crimes and that it was pleased with the Supreme Court's decision. An ESPN reporter initially sought any campus police reports involving any of 275 Notre Dame athletes as a victim, suspect, witness or person who reported the incident, according to court records. "The ESPN request was so broad that even if we were a municipality we think that it would've been lawfully denied," Browne said. Hoosier State Press Association Executive Director Steve Key, whose group filed legal briefs supporting ESPN, said he was disappointed the court didn't see the Notre Dame police as operating the same as a city or public university police department. "I think most people would agree that the public should have the same understanding of what crime is being reported and how it's being handled whether it's being done by a private university's police department or any other police department," Key said. Professor accused of posting anti-Semitic statements fired OBERLIN, Ohio (AP) An Ohio college has fired a professor accused of posting anti-Semitic statements on Facebook. Oberlin College's trustees announced Tuesday they voted to dismiss Joy Karega. The assistant professor of rhetoric and composition has been accused of posting that Israel was behind the Sept. 11 attacks. The Board of Trustees says it fired Karega for failing to meet the college's academic standards and to demonstrate intellectual honesty. The board says Karega refused to "acknowledge and remedy her misconduct" and attacked colleagues questioning her description of the connection between her scholarship and her statements. Idaho business leaders praise China trade mission NAMPA, Idaho (AP) Business leaders who traveled with Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter on his recent trade mission to China say the trip was a success. Business leaders say they will likely see a lasting impact as a result of the trade meetings, KIVI-TV reported (http://bit.ly/2fgKgFh ). "The interest we received in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou was a reflection of the great products and services we were promoting, along with the tremendous market potential that remains in China," Otter said. Otter and representatives of the state's milk, potato, wheat and hay industries visited Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou between Oct. 28 and Nov. 5 to promote trade among the cities. Otter said personal relationships are important to business deals in China, meaning the trip was invaluable for future deals. "Status and title mean everything," Idaho Potato Commission Vice President Seth Pemsler said. "By introducing key prospects and customers to the Governor, who was gracious to take pictures with everyone that asked, we began the process of a relationship that leads to business success in China." Idaho's exports to China totaled $560 million in 2015 an increase of more than 16 percent from 2014 that makes China the second-largest export market for Idaho. Jos Zamzow, Chief Operating Officer for Catalyst, a division of Dynamite, said the trade mission to China was a major success. "The state staff set up great meetings with new potential customers, helped us arrange to meet with our current customers, and even helped with the logistics," he said. "To top it all off, we got to have the Governor sit in on a meeting with one of our customers. His friendly, likable demeanor and tremendous experience really sealed the deal." Kirk Hansen, Kyani Founder and Chairman of the Board, said the meetings with Otter will open doors for future success in the Chinese market. "Governor Otter and the Idaho Commerce Department were able to open doors for us we would not have been able to open on our own," he said. ___ UN warns mass atrocities real risk in South Sudan UNITED NATIONS (AP) U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warns that there is a real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, following a sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement. In a report to the Security Council released Wednesday, Ban said that U.N. peacekeepers in South Sudan lack the manpower and capability to stop mass atrocities should they occur. "There is a very real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, in particular following the sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement in recent weeks," the report states. "While the secretariat will continue to make every effort to implement the mandated task of protecting civilians through the use of 'all necessary means,' it must be clearly understood that United Nations peacekeeping operations do not have the appropriate reach, manpower or capabilities to stop mass atrocities." In the report, Ban repeated earlier calls on the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on the country which he said is "inundated with weaponry." He also said that government restrictions on the peacekeepers movements have led to mission paralysis and are undermining humanitarian operations in the world's youngest nation. The director of U.N. humanitarian operations John Gink, who had just returned from a visit to Haiti, Sudan and South Sudan reinforced Ban's concerns at a news conference Wednesday. "Of the three countries I visited, South Sudan is the one that causes the most alarm in terms of the trajectory the country is on," Gink said. "In every element of the functioning of the country you are seeing a deterioration." He said he visited the country together with the U.N.'s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng who last week warned that South Sudan risked spiraling into genocide. South Sudan has been riven by ethnic violence since shortly after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. In 2013, the country was plunged into civil war when government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, battled rebels led by his former vice president Machar, who is a Nuer. A peace agreement was signed in August 2015, but fighting continues. Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 2 million displaced. Argentina considers bill to ban greyhound racing BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Argentine lawmakers are debating a bill to ban greyhound racing as a way to reduce the risk of animal cruelty. The senate approved the bill last year and the lower house was considering it Wednesday. The measure includes jail terms of up to four years and fines of about $5,000 for anyone who organizes, participates in or promotes dog races. A supporter of greyhound racing stands with his dog outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing in the country. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) About 200 demonstrators backing and opposing the bill gathered outside Congress in Buenos Aires. Greyhound breeders showed off their dogs and chanted slogans while animal rights activists shouted back at them: "Murderers!" President Mauricio Macri says he's in favor of the measure so people can stop profiting "from the suffering of animals." Numerous jurisdictions across the United States and the world have banned greyhound racing. Supporters of greyhound racing stand outside Congress with a banner that reads in Spanish "Legalization yes, prohibition no," as police stand guard in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing in the country. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) Activists against greyhound racing shout slogans against supporters as both groups gather outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing nationwide. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) A supporter of greyhound racing shows off a tattoo of his dog outside Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Lawmakers are expected to vote Wednesday on a law that would prohibit greyhound racing nationwide. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) China's supreme people's court has issued a new regulation aimed at further standardizing the commutation of sentences and granting of parole with the goal of preventing corruption arising thereof. The new regulation sets stricter than ever limits on the application of commutation of sentencing and parole for those charged with duty crimes, financial crimes and organized crime. It specifically stipulates that commutation and parole cannot be applied in the cases of criminals sentenced to life imprisonment for taking bribes. It also rules an inmate will still serve at least 15 years in prison after his reprieved death sentence is commuted. Xia Daohu with China's top court says the regulation is expected to unify standards for granting commutations and parole and prevent related misconduct. "In order to specifically define the circumstances in which commutation and parole can be applied and discourage any possible misconduct, the first thing the regulation does is to clarify that both commutation and parole are part of a system aimed at encouraging inmates to remorse. An inmate can have his sentence commuted or be released on parole only if he outperforms others." The regulation warns against the role of personal influence and social relationships in deciding whether an inmate qualifies for either commutation or parole. Teng Wei also with the Supreme Court said neither commutation nor parole applies to certain inmates. "Qualification for commutation or parole mainly relies on how much inmate remorse. Some criminals have broad social networks and have caused huge economic losses to the nation and society. Anyone who refuses to reimburse illegal earnings faithfully, or who uses illegal means in an attempt to gain privileges for commutation or parole will not be qualified." The new rules also underscore the role of parole in inmate rehabilitation. Different from commutation, parole is the provisional release of a prisoner who agrees to certain conditions prior to the completion of the maximum sentence period. Xia Daohu of the Supreme People's Court said parole, though already widespread overseas, has yet to be widely applied in China and it is time to increase its use. "The current judicial environment in China has created favorable conditions for expanding the implementation of parole policies. In some regions, community correction systems have been established, giving a significant role to communities in helping integrate prison inmates back into society. The new regulations give priority to parole over commutation if an inmate is qualified for both." The new regulation will take effect on January 1st next year. Lawyer: Officer responsible for fatal shooting of black man WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) A lawyer for the family of a mentally ill black man fatally shot by a white police officer told a jury on Wednesday that even if the shooting was a mistake the officer should be held responsible for letting a simple medical call escalate into violence. "This situation got out of control," lawyer Randolph McLaughlin said in his closing argument in federal court. "What the officers did that day was way out of control." A jury is deliberating whether White Plains Officer Anthony Carelli was right to shoot Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. during a standoff at his home in 2011, the Journal News reported (http://lohud.us/2eHaXXE ). The deadly encounter at Chamberlain's apartment in suburban White Plains was a precursor to the national debate over use of force by police in communities of color and in response to calls involving emotionally disturbed people. Carelli and White Plains, just north of New York City, were sued by Chamberlain's family for $21 million. The lawsuit went forward after a grand jury declined to indict the officer. Lawyers for Carelli and White Plains insisted the shooting was justified, saying the officer used deadly force only as a last resort. Chamberlain's son, Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., called his father a victim of "systematic racism" by law enforcement. At the time of the shooting, Chamberlain was living alone and was suffering from bipolar disorder, arthritis and respiratory illness, conditions that prompted his family to give him a LifeAid medical alert device in case he needed help. On Nov. 19, 2011, Chamberlain, a former Marine Corps veteran, accidentally set off the alert, prompting police to go to his door. During a confrontation, authorities said, officers used a stun gun and a bean bag weapon to try to subdue him before shooting him. Carelli testified he "had no other option" but to shoot Chamberlain because he believed Chamberlain was about to harm a police sergeant. In closing arguments, McLaughlin said he did not believe Carelli fired maliciously. "He was nervous," he said. "I don't believe he's an evil person. Not at all. He made a mistake." ___ Bombs away! WW II-era munition found, detonated in Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Boom with an explosion heard several miles away and felt for several city blocks, an Air Force explosives team detonated a World War II-era bomb unearthed at a construction site Wednesday near the Florida State University campus. The blast went off about 9:30 p.m. in a trendy neighborhood with restaurants, shops and a brewery less than a mile from the state Capitol. A construction crew unearthed it hours earlier and called Tallahassee police. "It was like really loud thunder, and you could hear the windows shake," said Shannon Glassner, a Florida State sophomore who lives in a sorority house about three blocks from the site. "A couple of people screamed. I could hear them come out of their rooms and run into the hallways." Earlier, the Tallahassee police bomb squad supervisor, using binoculars from a distance, examined the artifact and determined it could indeed be a bomb, police spokesman David Northway said. "They didn't get very close to it," Northway added. Several streets around the construction site were cordoned off with yellow tape, and officers blocked traffic and pedestrians from approaching. An ambulance and a firetruck were on standby. In a multistory apartment just beyond the yellow caution tape, women on several floors hung out of their windows asking officers questions, including how big the potential bomb is. An officer stretched both arms wide. "Will we be notified if there's a concern?" a student yelled from a second-story window. An officer replied, "The entire building will be evacuated." Kaylee Madden, a junior sociology major, lives directly across the street from one evacuated apartment complex. "It's sketchy," she said, with a laugh. "I heard it might not work. It's old. I'm not that scared unless it's actually going to blow up. It's weird." But later the 325th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight out of Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City arrived and confirmed it was a World War II-era bomb. Police haven't indicated how it came to be there. The Museum of Florida History website says Tallahassee had an airfield during WWII that was used for training. The neighborhood was cleared, a large hole was dug and the bomb covered in dirt to ensure fragments wouldn't be sent flying. The blast shook buildings within a few blocks of the site. Glassner said that Florida State sent an email to students just moments before the bomb was detonated. Grand jury will look into possible cover-up in McDonald case CHICAGO (AP) A special prosecutor says a grand jury has been impaneled to hear evidence into a possible cover-up by Chicago police officers in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. Patricia Brown Holmes on Wednesday told Chief Criminal Court Judge LeRoy K. Martin Jr. the special grand jury will begin issuing subpoenas over the next 30 to 45 days. She did not say if the jurors have already heard any evidence. Martin named Holmes to look into whether officers lied to justify the October 2014 shooting of the 17-year-old McDonald. FILE - This undated file photo shows Patricia Brown Holmes, a former federal prosecutor who was named special prosecutor to consider if Chicago police officers were involved in a cover up in the 2014 fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald in Chicago. Holmes said Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, that a grand jury has been impaneled to hear evidence into the possible cover-up. (Rummana Hussain/Chicago Sun Times via AP, File ) Video released last year showed officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to murder. Engineer in crash had undiagnosed sleep apnea The engineer of a commuter train that slammed into a station going double the 10 mph speed limit, killing a woman, suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnea, his lawyer said Wednesday, and a U.S. official told The Associated Press that investigators are looking at it as a potential cause. The official, who was briefed on the investigation, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter. Engineer Thomas Gallagher, 48, was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after the Sept. 29 crash in Hoboken, attorney Jack Arsenault said in an email. FILE This Oct. 1, 2016, file photo provided by the National Transportation Safety Board shows damage from a Sept. 29, 2016, commuter train crash that killed a woman and injured more than 100 people at the Hoboken Terminal in Hoboken, N.J. Thomas Gallagher, the engineer of the commuter train that slammed into the station going double the 10 mph speed limit, suffered from sleep apnea that had gone undiagnosed, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. (Chris O'Neil/National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File) Sleep apnea robs its victims of rest because they are repeatedly awakened as their airway closes and their breathing stops, leading to dangerous daytime drowsiness. "The undisputed facts available to us immediately following this tragic accident led us to find and refer Tom to a specialist," Arsenault said. "The result of this diagnosis is a material fact in this inquiry to be assessed by people far more qualified than me." Arsenault said the results were forwarded to investigators on Oct. 31. He said Gallagher underwent a physical in July and was cleared for duty. The same condition went undiagnosed in the engineer of a commuter train that sped into a curve and crashed in New York City in 2013, killing four people. NJ Transit said federal rules prohibited it from discussing specifics about the crash during the investigation. The agency has a sleep apnea screening program but said it is not authorized to discuss any employee's medical or personal information. Another official briefed on the investigation said given the screening program, it's "not clear why he wasn't screened or if he was, how he passed." A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said the agency was not in a position to confirm specifics of the engineer's health. "These are matters that are being looked at as part of the NTSB's comprehensive investigation of the Hoboken accident," said NTSB spokesman Christopher O'Neil. The Federal Railroad Administration said it will issue a safety advisory in the coming days to "once again push railroads to address worker fatigue" and accelerate the installation of inward- and outward-facing cameras. "FRA has long believed it is important for railroads to address worker fatigue more aggressively, and to implement a program that puts cameras in locomotives," said Matthew Lehner, public affairs director for the FRA. "While FRA has regulations in the works to address both of these challenges, railroads should not, and do not, need to wait to take action." Gallagher, a NJ Transit engineer for about 18 years, told investigators he had no memory of the crash and only remembered waking up on the floor of the engineer's cab. He was pulled from the wreckage, treated at a hospital and released. The throttle on the train went from idle to the fourth position, about half-power, 38 seconds before impact, and the speed increased to 21 mph, according to investigators. The throttle went back to idle and Gallagher hit the emergency brake about a second before crashing into a bumper at the end of the track. Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, a 34-year-old lawyer and mother, was standing on a platform when she was killed by falling debris. More than 100 people were injured. Gallagher told investigators he felt fully rested when reporting to work at 6:46 a.m. that day. He said the train operated normally and he remembered it was going 10 mph as he approached the station. The NTSB recommended sleep apnea testing for engineers, and Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road started requiring it after finding the engineer in the 2013 crash had fallen asleep at the controls because he had a severe, undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. The engineer in that crash, William Rockefeller, told investigators he felt strangely "dazed" right before the crash, which occurred as he sped through a 30 mph curve at 82 mph. __ Hong Kong democracy activist appears at US Capitol WASHINGTON (AP) A prominent young Hong Kong democracy activist urged president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to support human rights in the semiautonomous city that he says are under threat from Beijing. Twenty-year old student Joshua Wong spearheaded huge 2014 street protests in Hong Kong against Beijing's plan to restrict elections. He spoke at an event on Capitol Hill organized by a U.S. congressional panel that monitors rights issues in China. Wong said the international community has a moral responsibility to "keep their eyes on Hong Kong" as the communist government on the mainland was eroding freedoms enshrined in the agreement that underpinned the handover of the former British colony to China in 1997. Wong said that Hong Kong's 7 million people deserve democracy, and the free market system in what is a global financial center is threatened when Beijing "hijacks" the rule of law. "Being a businessman, I hope Donald Trump could know the dynamics in Hong Kong and know that to maintain the business sector benefits in Hong Kong, it's necessary to fully support human rights in Hong Kong to maintain the judicial independence and the rule of law," Wong said. Last week, China's top legislature effectively barred two legally elected separatist lawmakers from taking office in Hong Kong's Legislative Council after they altered their oaths of office by adding anti-China insults. That spurred fears that Hong Kong's own courts were being circumvented. A High Court judge has since ruled that the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, was violated by the lawmakers. Wong is secretary-general of the Demosisto party, which wants a referendum on "self-determination" on the future status of Hong Kong, which is in the middle of a 50-year transition period to Chinese rule. He predicted massive protests if more pro-democracy lawmakers were disqualified. Two Republican senators on Wednesday introduced legislation that would punish Hong Kong or Chinese mainland officials who suppress basic freedoms in Hong Kong. There is little time remaining in the current congressional session to achieve its passage into U.S. law. "Beijing has consistently undermined the 'one country, two systems' principle and infringed on the democratic freedoms the residents of Hong Kong are supposed to be guaranteed," said Sen. Marco Rubio, a co-sponsor of the legislation. Djokovic edges out Raonic to seal ATP World Tour Finals last four spot Novak Djokovic wobbled but ultimately stood tall to beat Milos Raonic and book his place in the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals in London. The four-time defending champion has only lost one of his last 21 matches at the O2 Arena and is guaranteed to finish top of the Ivan Lendl group after his 7-6 (8/6) 7-6 (7/5) victory. It was certainly not straightforward for Djokovic, who again had lapses and had to save a set point in the second set, but victory put the pressure back on Andy Murray in their world number one battle. Novak Djokovic, pictured, defeated Milos Raonic to book his place in the semi-finals at the O2 Arena The Serbian said: "I t was a very close match. I think very few points separated us. It really could have gone either way. "I was fortunate to get through the first set tie-break. I was down very early in both tie-breaks. But I just managed to stay committed and put pressure on his second serves. "I should have done my job earlier, to be honest. I'm not very pleased to drop my serve twice against Milos, especially the second time. I was 4-3, 30-0, then just four pretty bad unforced errors. "But in general, this definitely can serve as a great wind in the back for the next matches to come." Raonic now faces a straight fight with Dominic Thiem, a 6-3 1-6 6-4 winner over Gael Monfils earlier, for the second semi-final place when they meet on Thursday. The fourth seed needed to win in straight sets to book his passage through on Tuesday night, which, considering he had won just one set in seven previous meetings, was asking a lot. At their match in Indian Wells in March, the Canadian managed only two games, but that was against the all-conquering Djokovic. The question was whether that Djokovic would show up at the O2 Arena or the distinctly less threatening version of the last few months. The 29-year-old has appeared ill at ease on and off the court, and his victory against Thiem on Sunday was overshadowed by a terse exchange with a journalist in the press conference. Djokovic insisted he does not feel vulnerable, and Raonic did not detect too many differences in the Serbian's game. "He's pretty much where he's always been," said Raonic. "Sometimes he slips up one or two points, sometimes he lets it be three points now. I think that's the only difference. Before it would be very rarely you would see two successive poor points from him." Djokovic, meanwhile, has been relaxing away from the court by spending time with two-year-old son Stefan, and Tuesday morning's activity was a trip to Hyde Park. The 29-year-old said: " We take a stride. We play with the ducks and swans, ball, playground. It keeps me relaxed. It keeps me grounded, as well. It's very important." Raonic played surprisingly well against Monfils in his first match for a man who doubted he would be in London after suffering a thigh injury. His tactic was unsubtle but also effective - serve big and do as much damage with his forehand as possible. Raonic was generally on top in the first set, forcing break points in Djokovic's opening two service games and keeping his opponent at arm's length with his own mighty serve, which regularly hit 140mph. But the Canadian could not take his chances and, after fighting back from 3-5 in the tie-break and saving one set point, he double-faulted on the second. The 25-year-old's hopes were hit further when he twice trailed by a break in the second set but Djokovic, who had seemed to be growing in confidence, inexplicably let his opponent back in. At 5-6, Djokovic found himself facing set point but a tense exchange ended with Raonic netting a forehand. The tie-break again could have gone either way but Djokovic dug out a remarkable backhand half-volley at 4-5 and then took his first match point when Raonic pulled a backhand wide. Earlier, Thiem won the battle of the debutants against an ailing Monfils to post his first victory at the tournament. Monfils, who double-faulted three times in the final game, arrived at the O2 nursing a rib injury and said afterwards he may not play his third match against Djokovic. Ethnic minority defendants 'more likely' to be jailed for some crimes Black and ethnic minority defendants are more likely to be jailed for some crimes than whites, official analysis suggests. For every 100 white women handed custodial sentences at crown courts for drug offences, 227 black women were given prison terms, researchers found. For black men, the figure was 141 for every 100 white men. Among those found guilty at crown courts in 2014, the study found that 112 black men were given a custodial punishment for every 100 white men. David Lammy is leading the investigation. And of those convicted at magistrates' courts for sexual offences, 208 black men and 193 Asian men received jail terms for every 100 white men. The findings were outlined in a study compiled for a landmark review into race and the criminal justice system ordered by former prime minister David Cameron earlier this year. Labour MP David Lammy, who is leading the probe, said: "These emerging findings raise difficult questions about whether ethnic minority communities are getting a fair deal in our justice system. "We need to fully understand why, for example, ethnic minority defendants are more likely to receive prison sentences than white defendants. "These are complex issues and I will dig deeper to in the coming months to establish whether bias is a factor." The study considered evidence from the point of arrest onwards, applying data analysis techniques used in the US. Its findings included: :: Of those convicted at magistrates' court, custodial sentences were more likely for black and mixed race young males than white young males :: But for other groups jail was less likely, with black men about 20% less likely to be jailed at magistrates court :: Black women were about 25% more likely than white women to be sent to prison at crown court - while custodial sentencing was proportionate for all other black, Asian and minority ethnic women (BAME) :: B lack men were greater than three times more likely to be arrested than white men :: BAME men were more likely than white men to be remanded in custody :: In prisons, BAME males are almost five times more likely to be housed in high security for public order offences than white men. There were decision points where the analysis indicated BAME representation was either proportionate or lower than for white groups, including charging decisions and convictions at crown court. The report said: "When viewed against the CJS (criminal justice system) junctures where disproportionality was more pronounced, one might surmise that there were characteristics of the decision process at the proportionate junctures that differentiated them to some degree. "For example, charging decisions and Crown Court convictions are subject to the rules of evidence, established guidelines and some degree of institutional oversight. "Conviction in Crown Court is also routinely subject to collective decision-making. On the other hand, decisions to arrest, remand, conviction at magistrates' court and adjudication may have some degree of individual discretion. "Sentencing, though subject to guidelines, also has some discretion involved." It added: "One overarching hypothesis worth investigating may be that established principles of oversight, guidance and collective decision-making reduce the effects of any unconscious racial bias that play out in areas of the system where decision-makers exercise a higher degree of individual discretion." Dawn Butler, shadow minister for diverse communities, said the report "suggests there is a serious problem in the criminal justice system", adding: "There are many areas which need to be investigated." Justice Secretary Liz Truss said: "Part of building a fair justice system that works for everyone is drawing on the best talents from every background in Britain. "That's why I have announced a range of measures to make it easier for talented people to become senior judges based purely on merit, and why I have asked David to broaden his review to cover judicial ethnic diversity across tribunals, civil and family courts." Earlier this year Prime Minister Theresa May launched an audit of public services to root out racial disparities as part of a drive to tackle inequality. Jeremy Corbyn hits out at Government over Brexit 'shambles' Jeremy Corbyn has branded the Government's preparations for Brexit a "total shambles", after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson suggested leaving the EU would probably also mean quitting the European customs union. The Labour leader went on the attack over the customs union at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, accusing Theresa May of having "no plan" for the withdrawal talks which she has pledged to open by the end of March 2017. But Mrs May insisted the Government has a plan to deliver on the June 23 referendum vote for Brexit, and accused Labour of being mired in "confusion" over its position. Jeremy Corbyn accused the Prime Minister of having no plan for Brexit Mr Johnson told a Czech newspaper on Tuesday that the UK wanted a "dynamic trade relationship" with the EU following Brexit, but added it would "probably" have to involve leaving the customs union, which allows members to trade goods free of customs levies. Downing Street was quick to play down the remark, but Mr Johnson was accused by Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem of offering voters a vision of life after Brexit that was "intellectually impossible" and "politically unavailable". Following Tuesday's row over a memo from accountants Deloitte suggesting the Government might need 30,000 more civil servants to deliver Brexit, Mr Corbyn told the House of Commons that even Mrs May's ministers are "desperate for an answer" about what she is planning. "Isn't the truth that the Government is making a total shambles of Brexit and nobody understands what her strategy actually is?" asked the Labour leader. "We have a Brexit team with no plan for Brexit and a Prime Minister who is not prepared to answer questions on what the actual Brexit strategy is." But Mrs May responded: "We are preparing carefully for the formal negotiations. What we want to ensure is that we have the best possible trading deal with the European Union once we have left." She insisted: "We do have a plan. Our plan is deliver the best possible deal on trade. Our plan is to deliver control of movement for people from the EU into the United Kingdom. Our plan is to go out there across the world and negotiate free trade agreements around the rest of the world." Accusing Labour of being confused over its position on Brexit, the PM said: "This Government is absolutely united in its determination to deliver on the will of the British people and to deliver Brexit. His shadow cabinet can't even decide whether it supports Brexit or not... "The confusion he has got on his benches in relation to the issue of Brexit is yet another example with Labour where they talk, we act. They posture, we deliver. We're getting on with the job, he's not up to the job." The customs union (CU) covers not only the 28 EU members, but also Turkey and Monaco and some non-EU British territories like the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Members can trade goods free of customs levies but must agree to impose common tariffs on imports from outside the union, making it impossible to negotiate individual trade deals with non-European countries. The Government is yet to make clear whether it will seek to retain membership of the CU as it takes the UK out of the EU in negotiations under Article 50 of the EU treaties scheduled to be completed by 2019. But Mr Johnson told Czech newspaper Hospodarske noviny: "We probably will have to come out of the customs union, but that's a question I am sure will be discussed." Pressed by SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson over whether she is ready to give up membership of the CU, Mrs May would say only that the issue is "not just a binary decision". Mr Dijsselbloem had said the Foreign Secretary's comments did not make sense. "I think he is offering to the British people options that are really not available. To say 'we could be inside the internal market, keep full access to the internal market, but be outside the customs union' - this is just impossible, it doesn't exist," he told BBC2's Newsnight. "The opposite does exist. We have a customs union with Turkey but Turkey is not part of the internal market. So he is saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable, so I think he is not offering the fair approach that gives the British people a fair view of what is ahead." Asked how there was no binary choice between staying in or pulling out of the customs union, Mrs May's official spokeswoman said: "There are many aspects to the customs union and as the Prime Minister said it's right that therefore we work through the detail on all of this as part of preparing for the negotiations. "There are things such as the tariff, there's the paperwork and kind of bureaucracy, there's rules of origin, so there are many aspects to the customs union." Labour sources reiterated Mr Corbyn's wish for the Government to reveal its Brexit plans to Parliament before triggering Article 50 and said he was "not ruling out change" to the customs union. Staunchly pro-EU Conservative MP Anna Soubry said major UK firms like Rolls-Royce were concerned about the possibility of Britain quitting the customs union. 800m NHS contract to outsource care 'collapsed after catalogue of failures' A "catalogue of failures" resulted in the collapse of an 800 million NHS contract to outsource care of older and mentally ill people, the Commons spending watchdog warned. An influential committee of MPs concluded that the NHS lacked expertise in procurement and it was "worrying" that untested contracting arrangements could form part of the plans being drawn up for further changes to services across England. The Public Accounts Committee was scathing about the doomed deal between Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and UnitingCare Partnership, which collapsed after just eight months. The deal to outsource care of older and mentally ill people ended after eight months following a catalogue of failures, a watchdog said The cash-strapped CCG awarded a five-year contract to UnitingCare, an NHS consortium of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, but the deal was scrapped in December 2015 after it ran into difficulties. The MPs said: " The procurement exercise was undermined from the start by poor commercial expertise, a lack of realistic pricing, and weak oversight. "The CCG accepted the lowest bid on the table, without seeking proper assurance that the two trusts, which had combined to form the UnitingCare Partnership, could deliver for that price. "It was then grossly irresponsible of the trusts and the CCG to rush ahead with the contract without having resolved significant differences in their understanding of the contract price or indeed the scope of services that were included in that price." In a strongly-worded report the committee said the "astonishing array of errors" in the contract showed that the health sector was not "getting the commercial basics right". The committee called on NHS England and NHS Improvement to ensure that safeguards are put in place to avoid similar problems in the wave of changes currently being planned. Health managers in 44 areas of England have been ordered to draw up sustainability and transformation plans (STPs), setting out how they will reduce costs, change services and improve care in the wake of a record 2.45 billion deficit. The MPs said that t he "elaborate" UnitingCare deal "exposed gaps in regulatory and oversight arrangements" which could reoccur in local initiatives proposed as part of STPs. The committee has already warned the NHS that it needed to improve its commercial skills but the UnitingCare fiasco showed it "still lacks the expertise to ensure that patient services are procured effectively". "This is all the more worrying as local initiatives proposed in sustainability and transformation plans may still include CCGs using new or untested contracting arrangements. "With the NHS budget so stretched, innovative solutions are likely to be part of attempts to make the NHS financially sustainable. "NHS England and NHS Improvement must improve the oversight and supervision of contracting arrangements and avoid such catastrophic failures in future." The Public Accounts Committee found that the termination of the contract led to unfunded costs of least 16 million, which had to be shared between the two NHS trust partners and the CCG. The committee's Labour chairwoman Meg Hillier said: "It beggars belief that a contract of such vital importance to patients should be handled with such incompetence. "The deal went ahead without parties agreeing on what would be provided and at what price - a failure of business acumen that would embarrass a child in a sweet shop, and one with far more serious consequences. "Services for patients are likely to suffer and we will be expecting the clinical commissioning group to come clean about precisely how much damage has been done in terms of future service provision and finances." She said it was understandable that health chiefs were looking for new ways of providing services but "w hat is not acceptable is for services to be farmed out to the lowest bidder without due regard for the interests of patients and taxpayers in general". Police watchdog seeks to have own report on Taser death overturned The Independent Police Complaints Commission is asking the High Court to quash its own report clearing police officers of any serious wrongdoing following the death of a man shortly after he was Tasered. Factory worker Jordon Begley, 23, from Gorton, Manchester, died in July 2013 two hours after being shot at his home with a 50,000 volt stun gun from a distance of 28in (70cm). He was also punched and restrained by armed officers, who believed he had a knife. In the first case of its kind, lawyers for the IPCC told two judges sitting in London the report on the investigation into Mr Begley's death was legally flawed and there should be "a new and lawful" investigation. Jordon Begley's mother Dorothy outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London The 2014 report under challenge concluded no officers should be prosecuted or face misconduct proceedings. The officers involved are opposing the IPCC request to have the report overturned. Jeremy Johnson QC, appearing for both the IPCC and its chief executive, said there had been "a serious departure" from statutory requirements, and the investigator who prepared the report had not applied the correct legal test and did not accurately summarise the evidence, or attach or refer to all relevant documents from the investigation. The QC told Lord Justice Elias and Mr Justice Males a new investigation is the appropriate way of vindicating the right of Dorothy Begley, the mother of the dead man, to a proper inquiry under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. An inquest jury delivered a narrative verdict in July 2015, saying Mr Begley had been "inappropriately and unreasonably" Tasered and restrained. The jury found officers were "more concerned with their own welfare" than Mr Begley's. Ms Begley, who attended the High Court hearing on Wednesday, said: "It has been more than three years and I am still fighting for someone to say sorry for destroying my family and taking my son's life. "I will fight on not matter however long it takes. I will never give up." Mr Johnson said the 2014 report had inadequately dealt with evidence on whether the five officers involved should face misconduct proceedings. The report did not summarise contradictory statements from the officers on the position of Mr Begley's hands before he was Tasered. The issue was potentially important to the question of whether the officers' use of force was justified because of fears that Mr Begley had a knife when they were called to his home, said Mr Johnson. One officer had said Mr Begley's hands were in his pockets while another said they were clenched in fists. The report also did not summarise evidence that one of the officers had said he delivered two "distraction strikes" to Mr Begley and that this "knocked the wind" out of him while efforts were continuing to subdue him. This also went to the question of whether excessive force was used. Djokovic showdown in London final would be perfect way to finish season - Murray Andy Murray admitted a final clash with Novak Djokovic for the number one ranking would be the perfect finish to the season, and he still has work to do to secure it despite an epic win over Kei Nishikori. Murray and Nishikori played the longest three-set match in ATP World Tour Finals history - the Scot eventually prevailing 6-7 (9/11) 6-4 6-4 after three hours and 20 minutes. The first set alone took 85 minutes, Nishikori winning it on his fifth set point, but Murray's well of fighting spirit never runs dry and he dug himself out of several holes on his way to a 21st consecutive victory. Andy Murray roars during his epic win over Kei Nishikori at London's O2 Arena It is the first time since the tournament moved to London's O2 Arena in 2009 that Murray has won his opening two matches, but his place in the semi-finals is not yet guaranteed after Stan Wawrinka defeated Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/3) 7-6 (7/3). Murray needs to take a set off Wawrinka on Friday to be sure, while Cilic is eliminated and can turn his attention to Croatia's Davis Cup final clash with Argentina next weekend. Should Murray win the group, he would avoid Djokovic in the last four, setting up the mouth-watering prospect of a final on Sunday with the number one ranking on the line. Murray said: "I think for the tournament and stuff, for everyone interested in tennis, that would probably be the perfect way to finish the year. "For me and I'm sure for Novak, both of our goals would be to try to win the event. For him, whether that's by beating me, someone else, or, for me, if it's winning against Novak or another player, it doesn't change for us as players." For all Murray's achievements during 2016, this was the first time he had played a top-five opponent since losing to Djokovic in the French Open final in June. And it would have been no surprise to Murray that this turned into an epic encounter. This was his fourth meeting of the year against Nishikori and two of the previous ones, in the Davis Cup in March and the US Open in September, were five-set marathons. Murray lost the one in New York, the 29-year-old clearly fatigued at the end of a long summer that included Wimbledon and Olympic glory. Nishikori was the better player in the opening set but looked to have blown his chance when he was pegged back from 6-3 in the tie-break, Murray pulling off a miraculous winning backhand at full stretch. However, it was Nishikori who took it in the end when Murray, not for the first time, missed a forehand. The world number one was a picture of frustration, which he took to expressing with a sarcastic grin. "I didn't feel like I was hitting the ball as well as I would have liked," said Murray. "He was dictating so many of the points. "As the match went on, I was getting kind of frustrated, then becoming sarcastic with myself that I couldn't seem to hit the ball as clean as I wanted to. "It didn't matter whether I tried to hit the ball a bit harder, adjusted my position on the court, nothing was making me hit the ball cleaner. I don't often do that, but I was definitely being more sarcastic towards myself than usual." Having seen an early break in the second set slip away, Murray forged ahead again with a break for 5-4 and eventually served it out after a tense final game. It was not until Murray won five straight games in the third set to lead 5-1 that he could start to relax a little, but Nishikori kept fighting right to the end. The Scot headed for the ice bath afterwards in a bid to recover for Friday's match against Wawrinka. Murray said: "I'm a bit tired, obviously. I was in the ice bath after the match. That helps make you feel a bit better. "But 10, 12 hours afterwards the body starts to stiffen up. I'm sure I'll be a bit sore (on Thursday). But it's positive I get a day's rest." The prospect of Murray and brother Jamie both finishing 2016 ranked at the top of the standings moved a step closer when Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert crashed out of the doubles tournament. The French pair are currently ranked number one but reaching the final would definitely now be enough for Murray and Brazil's Bruno Soares, who have won both matches so far and play Marcelo Melo and Ivan Dodig on Thursday. Julian Assange lawyers set to appeal to Donald Trump to end criminal probe Julian Assange's legal team has raised the prospect of appealing to US President-elect Donald Trump to end a criminal investigation into the WikiLeaks founder. Mr Assange was interviewed inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London this week in the presence of prosecutors from Sweden, where he faces a sex allegation, which he denies. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said it will take a view on the continuation of its investigation. Julian Assange was interviewed inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London this week in the presence of prosecutors from Sweden Mr Assange's lawyer Jennifer Robinson said the WikiLeaks founder had co-operated fully with the interview and hopes the Swedish prosecutor will give "impartial and objective" consideration so the matter can be closed. She told the Press Association: "It is important to remember that he has never been charged and has already been cleared once by the previous prosecutor. "We hope and expect that the prosecutor will come to the same conclusion." She added that Mr Assange had been under criminal investigation in the US for his publishing work with WikiLeaks since 2010 under the Obama administration. "During that time we have repeatedly called for the investigation to be closed on the grounds it violates the First Amendment , and places a chill on freedom of speech and reporting. "Through US counsel, we had reached out to the Obama administration, most recently just a few months ago, and we will continue to do so with future US administrations until the investigation is closed." Ms Robinson said the "absurd politicised situation" must come to an end. Sweden's assistant prosecutor Ingrid Isgren and police inspector Cecilia Redell were present while questions were put to Mr Assange on Monday and Tuesday. William joins Vietnamese pupils learning about rhino conservation The Duke of Cambridge has visited a Vietnamese primary school to learn how children are being encouraged to protect endangered rhinos - with the help of a story book. William is on a two-day official visit to the Asian country to highlight the damaging effects the illegal trade in wildlife has on some of the world's best-loved animals like the rhino and elephant. In the capital Hanoi, he joined a class at Hong Ha primary school, where the youngsters were reading I'm A Little Rhino - one of a series of books produced to educate children about endangered animals and why they are threatened. Prince William plays football at Hong Ha primary school (Kensington Palace/PA) The book tells the story of a young white rhino growing up in Africa, who describes their way of life and how they are targeted by poachers because some people wrongly believe their horns have healing properties. It ends with a strong plea not to buy the animal parts. William was pictured at a table with a group of children reading the book, and later posed with a large number of youngsters for a photograph. Teresa Telecky, the book's author and wildlife department director for the animal protection organisation Humane Society International, which co-produced the publication, said: "We are thrilled that Prince William is helping to bring attention to the plight of rhinos and the dire poaching crisis they face, which is decimating their wild populations in Africa and Asia. "Driving the crisis is the demand for rhino horn for its use in traditional medicines and health tonics despite the horn having no medicinal value. "Our I'm A Little Rhino book educates children about rhinos and the threats to their survival and encourages them to ask adults in their lives not to buy or consume rhino horn." During his visit to the school, William, who is president of the Football Association, found time to play football which some of the children as their classmates watched, and clearly enjoyed himself. He later toured the old quarter of Hanoi, visiting medicine shops and a cafe as part of his efforts to encourage the work of Vietnamese people to stop the use of things like rhino horn in traditional medicine. While its use is reported to be declining, traditional medicine is still a strong part of Vietnamese culture. On a walk down Lang Ong Street, the home of traditional medicine, the Duke was shown round one of the many shops lining the narrow road to understand more about the properties of the plant-based ingredients used in traditional medicines. In one of the premises he was shown some of the medicinal plants and other substances being sold, and held a handful of one up to his nose to smell the aroma. Before leaving the district, William joined traditional medicine experts, activists, journalists and NGOs in a typically Hanoian coffee shop for a discussion about social attitudes towards the use of illegal wildlife trade products and what actions the individuals are taking to help change them. Vietnamese singer-songwriter and wildlife activist Thanh Bui said: "Having travelled to South Africa and experienced the tragic plight of the rhino first-hand, I can only condemn the barbaric trade in rhino horn. "As a nation, Vietnamese people must take action to protect these critically endangered animals by not buying or using rhino horn." The prince acted as a wide defender (Kensington Palace/PA) William welcomed to Hong Ha primary school (Humane Society International/PA) William is on a two-day official visit to the Asian country (Kensington Palace/PA) Duke of Cambridge during a tour of the old quarter of Hanoi (Kensington Palace/PA) He visited traditional medicine shops in Hanoi's old quarter (Kensington Palace/PA) William met students at Hong Ha primary school (Humane Society International/PA) The students were keen to meet their royal visitor (Humane Society International/PA) The children are being educated about endangered animals and why they are threatened (Kensington Palace/PA) Prince William joined classes at the school (Kensington Palace/PA) The prince earlier met Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi (AP) Prince William during a meeting with Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi (AP) The Duke met Vietnamese vice-president Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (AP) Jeremy Clarkson embroiled in flight boarding row as airport says he missed calls Jeremy Clarkson became involved in a "verbal dispute" with an airport official after he was unable to board a flight from Stuttgart Airport, German police said. The former Top Gear star and a film crew were stopped from boarding the BA flight to Heathrow after missing several calls from the lounge, both a police spokesman and an official from Stuttgart Airport said. Clarkson was suspended and then later fired by the BBC last year after a "fracas" that saw him punch Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon. Jeremy Clarkson eventually made his way home on another flight On Tuesday the 56-year-old claimed he and his team were barred from getting on the flight by airport worker Manuel Pereira, who he said told him at the departure gate: "I'm from Argentina, so f*** you." Spokesman for the Reutlingen police department, Christian Worner, said Clarkson and the film crew "paused in the lounge and thereby they did not hear the call for the delayed flight to London." "Mr Clarkson did not want to accept this and there was a verbal dispute with the airport employee." Mr Worner added that Mr Pereira was "definitely not Argentinian" and an official from Stuttgart Airport confirmed he was Spanish. Clarkson stirred up a diplomatic row in 2014 when he and Top Gear co-hosts James May, 53, and Richard Hammond, 46, were forced to flee Argentina while filming a Christmas special. They had been driving around the South American country in a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some locals suggested could refer to the Falklands conflict of 1982. Mr Worner said it is "not comprehensible" to link the 2014 incident to the reported airport debacle and added that the TV star was able to book a later flight. He added that for the police to investigate the incident further, Mr Clarkson or the airport employee would need to file a complaint. Clarkson told The Sun that the comments at the airport were heard by Hammond and a producer on the trio's new Amazon show, The Grand Tour, and said Mr Pereira tried to claim the team were too drunk to board the aircraft. He told the newspaper: "The police said it was a hate crime and he would be arrested. Yes, even the Germans were 100% on our side - for once." Clarkson went on to tell the paper the team got an easyJet flight back to Gatwick, arriving in the UK before their original flight, which had subsequently been delayed. The TV presenter mentioned his easyJet flight in a tweet on Monday, writing: "Credit where credit is due. @easyJet first class service from Stuttgart this evening. Hannah especially." Mr Pereira told The Sun he is Spanish and denied swearing, adding: "I would never say such a thing. I wasn't rude. I was polite and professional." A Stuttgart Airport spokesman said the incident would be investigated with staff, adding that Mr Pereira is "Spanish, not Argentinian". A statement read: "The ground services for the mentioned flight were operated by our partner, S Stuttgart Ground Services. "In this case, Mr Clarkson and his team missed several calls in the lounge while the other passengers have been already boarded. "Due to airline policy, after a certain time of absence the luggage will be removed from the aircraft and the missing passengers will be withdrawn from the passenger list. From this point there is no chance for boarding, even if the passengers show up. "Nevertheless the personal behaviour of the staff member described in the article does not conform to our approach on customer service at Stuttgart Airport. Companies warn Trump over need for low-carbon economy Top international companies have warned US President-elect Donald Trump that failing to build a low-carbon economy will put prosperity at risk. More than 360 businesses and investors, including Nike, Mars, Unilever, Kellogg Company, Starbucks and L'Oreal USA, issued a statement of support for the Paris Agreement, the world's first comprehensive treaty on tackling climate change. Concerns have been raised that Mr Trump's presidency could derail international efforts to drive down the greenhouse gas emissions behind rising global temperatures. Donald Trump has been urged to back the Paris Agreement He has previously labelled climate change as a hoax by the Chinese, promised to pull out of the Paris Agreement, which entered into force earlier this month, and boost US coal. The treaty commits countries to take action to limit temperature rises to "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to keep them to 1.5C, which would require cutting emissions to net-zero in the second half of the century. A statement released by businesses, as countries meet for the latest round of United Nations climate talks in Morocco, focused on implementing the Paris Agreement and called for action to continue the shift to a low-carbon economy. The call comes from companies ranging from major firms to small, family-owned businesses across more than 35 US states. They called for American leaders including the president-elect to continue low-carbon policies to allow the US to meet its commitments to cut emissions, and increase the country's future ambition. The statement also urged leaders to continue i nvestment in the low-carbon economy at home and abroad, to give clarity to investors and boost confidence worldwide. And there should be c ontinued US participation in the Paris Agreement, in order to provide the long-term direction needed to keep global temperature rise below 2C, they urged. The statement said: " Implementing the Paris Climate Agreement will enable and encourage businesses and investors to turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy prosperity to all. "Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk." Barry Parkin, from Mars Incorporated, said: "It is vital that the business community demonstrates its ongoing commitment to tackling climate change. "This is an important moment in global political and economic history, and we absolutely must come together to solve the immense challenges facing the planet. "Climate change, water scarcity and deforestation are serious threats to society. It is imperative that global businesses, like Mars, do their part to face down those threats." Lara Birkes, chief sustainability officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, said: "The Paris Agreement was a vital step forward, but its power is in our collective action. Rungs on social mobility ladder growing further apart, report warns Britain's deep social mobility problem is getting worse for an entire generation of young people, with middle income families now among those being left behind, the Government has been warned. A growing sense of "us and them" is having a "deeply corrosive" impact on the country and governments have been too slow to respond, the Social Mobility Commission found. Its annual report to Parliament warned that so-called treadmill families are running harder but are standing still. Theresa May's controversial plans to allow more grammar schools need a "rethink", the commission said People born in the 1980s are the first generation since the war not to start work with higher incomes than their immediate predecessors, and only one in eight children from poor families is likely to become a high earner when they grow up. The commission found an "entrenched and unbroken" link between social class and success. Professions are still overwhelmingly dominated by those from affluent backgrounds, with just 4% of doctors, 6% of barristers and 11% of journalists coming from working class backgrounds. In the North East, not one child on free school meals went to Oxbridge after leaving school in 2010, it found. The commission calls for a radical overhaul of education, employment and housing policies to tackle the gap. Some three million homes must be built in the next decade to deal with the housing crisis, a third by the public sector. But Prime Minister Theresa May's controversial plans to allow more grammar schools need a "rethink", it said. Commission chairman Alan Milburn said: "The rungs on the social mobility ladder are growing further apart. It is becoming harder for this generation of struggling families to move up. "The social divisions we face in Britain today impact many more people and places than the very poorest in society or the few thousands youngsters who miss out on a top university. Whole sections of society and whole tracts of Britain feel left behind. "The growing sense that we have become an 'us and them' society - where a few unfairly entrench power and wealth to themselves - is deeply corrosive of our cohesion as a nation. "As the EU referendum result showed, the public mood is sour and decision-makers have been far too slow to respond. "We applaud the Prime Minister's determination to heal social division and foster social progress. That is a big ambition. It will require big action. "Fundamental reforms are needed in our country's education system, labour market and local economies to address Britain's social mobility problem. That should be the holy grail of public policy, the priority for Government and the cause which unites the nation to action." Mr Milburn said rather than the traditional north south divide, the gap was now between major cities and the rest of the country. The new " geography of disadvantage" includes coastal areas such as Blackpool, Great Yarmouth and Minehead, and older industrial towns such as Mansfield and Stoke. " The problem is not just social division, but a widening geographical divide between the big cities - London especially - and too many towns and counties across the country that are being left behind economically and hollowed out socially," the report states. Theresa May swept into No 10 in July with a promise to lead a ''one nation'' government that works for all, not just the ''privileged few''. The Prime Minister insisted that the Conservatives ''do everything we can to help anybody, whatever your background, to go as far as your talents will take you''. A Government spokesman said: "We want to make this a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Whether it's education, jobs, or housing, this means giving families more control over their lives - and doing more to help those who are just managing. Charles admits age has given him greater understanding of elderly care A 68-year-old Prince of Wales has joked about understanding "exactly" what it takes to look after the elderly - as Aled Jones treated him to a rendition of Happy Birthday. Charles celebrated his birthday on Monday and the belated rendition of the song came during a reception to mark the 60th anniversary of Abbeyfield, a national charity providing housing with care to older people. The heir to the throne has been the organisation's patron for almost 40 years, and he invited supporters, staff, volunteers and residents to St James's Palace to mark its milestone. Charles recently celebrated his 68th birthday Jones, another Abbeyfield patron, attended and at the end of the reception was invited on stage to lead the guests in singing Happy Birthday, but joked his voice was not in great shape as he had recently returned from Canada. After the singing stopped the prince, attending his first official event since his birthday, gave an impromptu speech and made his guests laugh with the words: "It's been for me an enormous pleasure to be your patron for 37 years, which I discovered to my horror this morning. You've been very good to put up with me for this long." He went on to thank staff and volunteers for their hard work over the years, and he said about Abbeyfield: "It is one of the great examples of how elderly people can be cared for and thank goodness you're there to do exactly that. "So, ladies and gentlemen, many congratulations and I hope there will be many, many more years of even greater success in looking after elderly people - having reached the age I have, I begin to understand exactly what it's all about." The first Abbeyfield house was established in 1956 by Richard Carr-Gomm, who recognised that many older people were living alone and feeling isolated in their own communities. He wanted to provide them with a safe and secure home where they could find friendship and support and soon after purchasing a house in Bermondsey, and inviting two local residents to move in, he bought five more and formally set up the Abbeyfield Society. He inspired other volunteers around the county to form their own societies and the dream of a nationwide charity providing high quality housing, support and companionship in later life had become a reality. Today the organisation has more than 500 houses and homes manned by staff and more than volunteers in the UK. Worldwide there are now around 9,000 residents living in 850 houses and homes. Jones explained his involvement with the charity: "I got involved with them quite a few years ago, they asked me to work with them on a Christmas campaign they were doing and I just really loved the ethos, I loved what they were about really and the fact they're not too massive a charity, you feel it's manageable." He added: "I've brought my children up to always value what their elders say because they are the ones with experience. "It's a horrible thing in our society, we forget about these people and treat them as rather a nuisance and this charity is totally the opposite." The charity has launched a new initiative called Golden Moments, to counter the growing epidemic of loneliness felt by the elderly. Abbeyfield chief executive Natasha Singarayer said: ""It is time to generate possibilities for older people across the country which we is why we have created Golden Moments. "And what could be a greater 'Golden Moment' for us all to treasure than hearing Aled singing Happy Birthday to His Royal Highness and Abbeyfield. Harry 'considering hiring minder' for girlfriend Meghan Markle Prince Harry is said to be considering hiring a retired Scotland Yard personal protection officer to guard his American girlfriend Meghan Markle, according to reports. Harry has already publicly stated, through his Communications Secretary Jason Knauf, how "worried" he is about her safety and "deeply disappointed" he has not been able to protect her. The statement released earlier this month by Mr Knauf described the "wave of abuse and harassment" Harry's girlfriend had been subjected to when news of their relationship first broke. Meghan Markle is Prince Harry's girlfriend Ms Markle lives and works in the city of Toronto where she films the hit series Suits - but has been besieged by the media over the past few weeks. The Evening Standard quoted a senior inside security source, who told the newspaper: "There have been initial discussions about this matter. "HRH has made it clear that he believes Miss Markle's personal safety is paramount and that the behaviour of some elements of the media and press has been grossly unacceptable." The paper claimed Harry was prepared to fund the protection himself. Members of the Royal Family can develop strong friendships with their protection officers and Harry could be in contact with officers he has known in the past. Kensington Palace declined to comment. Ms Markle was in London for a few days last week and it is thought she stayed with Harry at his home in the grounds of Kensington Palace. Staying with her royal boyfriend would have given her the protection and security Harry felt was lacking. It had been widely anticipated she would make an appearance with Harry at Twickenham on Saturday, when he attended England's rugby match against South Africa, but royal fans were left disappointed. Former royalty protection officer Ken Wharfe said employing an ex-personal protection officer would have obvious advantages over a security firm. He said: "The benefits are quite considerable, the royalty protection department is a highly unique department funded by the state. "Although you're not able to carry a firearm when you leave you still have the expertise and the contacts. Scotland Yard are likely to be more welcoming to an ex-protection officer than an outside body." He added that if the ex-officer was to work in North America he would probably receive the same professional respect from authorities because of his background. He added: "Whether Harry goes down that road I'm not certain, but one thing is certain Scotland Yard would not provide protection for Meghan Markle. Labour condemns Russia's withdrawal from International Criminal Court Labour has condemned Vladimir Putin's decision to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court, which rules on charges such as genocide and crimes against humanity. But Downing Street said that the decision was a matter for Russia, and that Prime Minister Theresa May's focus would be on continuing to urge Moscow to uphold humanitarian law in conflict zones like Syria. Mrs May's spokeswoman pointed out that, while the Russian president signed the treaty establishing the Hague-based court, Moscow has never ratified it and was never a full member. Emily Thornberry condemned the decision Mr Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, came a day after the UN General Assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russia's occupation of Crimea as well as abuses including discrimination against some of the Ukrainian peninsula's population. For Labour, shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said: "We utterly condemn this appalling decision, and its deplorable and cynical timing. "It is a severe blow to all those who want to see international justice upheld around the world, and the fact that not all countries are currently bound by the ICC is no excuse for those that are signatories to abandon it. "We call on the Russian government to reconsider, and to work with the international community to defend the ideal of universal justice." The announcement was "particularly alarming" because of this week's resumption of air strikes on the Syrian city of Aleppo, she said. Asked about Mr Putin's move, Mrs May's spokeswoman said: "It is a decision for Russia. It's important to be clear that Russia had never ratified the Rome Statute so they were already not a full member of the ICC, so in that sense they are not withdrawing from it. "From the UK's perspective, we will continue to stand up for a rules-based international system, in particular upholding international law in scenarios, events and situations on the ground where we see it - for example with the work we have been doing to urge Russia to respect international law in Syria." Britain continues to regard the annexation of Crimea as illegal, said the spokeswoman. Dutch GDP grows 2.4 pct in Q3; unemployment falls most in a decade AMSTERDAM, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The Dutch economy grew 2.4 percent year-on-year in the third quarter and unemployment fell sharply in welcome news for Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government, which trails the far-right Freedom Party four months before a parliamentary election. Unemployment declined to 5.9 percent from 6.3 percent in the second quarter, the largest quarter-on-quarter decline in a decade, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) said. The economy grew 0.7 percent from the previous quarter. That compares with a revised 0.7 percent growth in the second quarter of 2016, and 2.3 percent year on year. The agency described growth as "steady", with 10 consecutive quarters of growth. The economy is benefiting from a strong recovery in housing prices, which is boosting consumer confidence and spending, as well as a continuing large trade surplus. "Apart from a dip in February and March of this year, the mood among consumers has been positive for almost two years," CBS chief economist Peter Hein van Mulligen said. He said consumer confidence, especially willingness to make major purchases, rose in October to its highest level since 2007. The housing boom was contributing to both declining unemployment and strong growth in investment, he said. U.N. envoy urges Trump to back Syrian political devolution By Tom Miles GENEVA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Tuesday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump was right to seek to work with Russia to beat Islamic State in Syria, but urged him to help push for political reforms to stop the militant group gaining recruits. Speaking on the BBC's Hardtalk programme, de Mistura said it was crucial to fight IS, also known as Daesh, but that a long-term victory required "a completely new approach" to a political solution. "In other words, some type of political devolution in Syria. Otherwise many other people, unhappy in Syria, may join Daesh while they are fighting Daesh," he said. De Mistura presided over a fitful Syrian peace process in the first half of this year, but it finally stalled because cooperation collapsed between its two chief backers, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. While Russia has maintained strong support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom it regards as a bulwark against "terrorists", the United States has said Assad must leave power under any political transition. Although the U.N. Security Council has mandated a political transition process, Assad's government has refused to consider any formula that might involve a dilution of his power. Many of Trump's opponents fear that his stated intention to work more closely with Russian President Vladimir Putin means the United States would withdraw support for Syrian opposition groups and agree to Assad staying in power. De Mistura said he had not yet been contacted by anyone in Trump's team, but that was to be expected because of the focus on U.S. internal politics. But he looked forward to hearing from, and briefing, Trump's foreign policy pick. Saudi energy minister to attend oil talks in Doha ahead of OPEC DUBAI, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih is expected to travel to the Qatari capital, Doha, this week for meetings with oil-producing countries on the sidelines of an energy forum, three sources familiar with the matter said. Falih was expected to meet other energy ministers from OPEC and possibly Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak on Friday, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meetings were not made public. It was not immediately clear whether Falih would meet Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, the sources said, as there was no confirmation from Tehran yet on whether Zanganeh would attend the gas forum. The 18th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) will convene on Nov. 17 in Doha. Qatar and Russia are members of the GECF, while Saudi Arabia is not a member. In September, OPEC agreed at a meeting in Algeria on modest, preliminary, oil output cuts in the first such deal since 2008, with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars and sanctions. But Iran, which remains the main stumbling block to a final deal, has refused to cap production below 4 million barrels per day (bpd) as it seeks to regain market share lost under sanctions. Tehran said it pumped 3.92 million bpd in October. Ukraine's Poroshenko, Trump agree to meeting -Kiev KIEV, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko agreed during a telephone call to hold a bilateral meeting, Poroshenko's office said on Tuesday. It said Poroshenko also stressed the need for resolute U.S. support of Ukraine in countering what it called Russian aggression. It did not specify when a meeting could take place. Rio gives Christmas gift to itself and the iron ore market: Russell By Clyde Russell LAUNCESTON, Australia, Nov 16 (Reuters) - There are two ways of looking at Rio Tinto's decision to close one of its major iron ore mines over the Christmas period: to take the company's explanation of operational reasons at face value or to see the move as part of a wider strategy. Rio told its employees at the Hope Downs 4 mine in Western Australia that it would close the operation for two weeks at the end of the year. The 440 workers affected can either take leave, bring forward leave or apply for shifts at Rio's other mines in the remote region of Western Australia, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported. The reason for the closure was that the mine will have achieved its annual production target early, with the email expressing congratulations "on a fantastic effort throughout 2016 as we safely deliver our planned production at the right cost", the AFR said. The face value explanation of Rio's move is quite simple: the mine has achieved its goals and extra output isn't needed at the current time. There is also the likelihood that Rio's rail and port capacity wouldn't be able to handle the extra tonnes mined should Hope Downs 4 continue operating as usual over the festive season. The face value explanation is certainly plausible, however, it also pays to consider the wider dynamics at work in the iron ore market in order to put Rio's decision into context. Iron ore has enjoyed a stellar year, with the spot price almost doubling so far in 2016, notwithstanding a sharp drop on Tuesday as profit-taking finally hit the market. Iron ore futures in China, which buys about two-thirds of seaborne supplies, have also rallied hard this year, jumping 161 percent since the end of last year to Tuesday's close of 617 yuan ($90) a tonne. IRON ORE CORRECTION? The problem is that hardly anybody, including the major miners, believes these sort of prices are sustainable over the medium to longer term for iron ore. Certainly, the Dalian Commodity Exchange's forward curve points to lower prices next year, with November 2017 futures trading at 504.5 yuan a tonne, an 18.2-percent discount to Tuesday's close for the front-month contract. Iron ore remains a well-supplied market, and the last of the two major projects built over the past decade, Australia's Roy Hill and Vale S11D, are currently ramping up, thereby adding millions of new tonnes to the market. Prices have rallied this year largely because Chinese steel output has risen modestly rather than falling sharply as most analysts had expected, and also because Chinese domestic iron ore output and the grade of ore produced have been declining. If Chinese steel output remains steady in 2017, there is a reasonable expectation that iron ore imports will also be steady to potentially somewhat higher as Chinese steel mills favour higher quality imported ore. However, it's still likely that the iron ore market will be in a state of oversupply next year, just perhaps not by as much as many in the industry fear. Rio hinted at this in the email to its Hope Downs 4 workers, saying the temporary shuttering of the mine would "reduce operating costs and maximise cash to strengthen the business", the Financial Times quoted the email as saying. By taking some tonnes out of the market, Rio may well keep prices higher for longer into the start of the new year, delaying what many see as an inevitable correction. There is also a political angle to Rio's actions, as it shows that iron ore mining is still vulnerable at a time when one of the political parties in the ruling coalition in Western Australia state wants to raise taxes. Voters in the state, Australia's biggest by area but only fourth out of six by population, go to the polls in March to elect a new state government, with the ruling Liberal-National coalition struggling in the polls against the opposition Labor Party. The National Party, which is the junior partner in the coalition and has its base in rural areas, wants to raise the production rental fee for Rio and rival BHP Billiton to A$5 ($3.77) a tonne from 25 cents currently. This levy would only apply to Rio and BHP and not to smaller rivals like Fortescue Metals Group, which holds its mining leases under a different arrangement. The production rental is also in addition to the 7.5-percent royalty the iron ore miners already pay, a charge well above the 2 percent levied by Brazil, home to top-ranked miner Vale. While it's most likely that Rio is closing a mine for a couple of weeks for operational reasons, it certainly doesn't hurt that it gets to send a message to politicians and the broader market at the same time. The Rolling Stones bring their exhibit of memories to New York NEW YORK, Nov 16 (Reuters) - British rock band The Rolling Stones celebrated the arrival of their travelling exhibition of memories and memorabilia in New York with a star-studded party on Tuesday. "Exhibitionism" features nine galleries of costumes, instruments and personal notes collected by band members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts over more than 50 years. "There's a sense of nostalgia, but I think I walked away from it with how much the Stones mean to so many people. And that was kind of humbling in a way," guitarist Richards said of the exhibition. U.S. television host Jimmy Fallon and designer Tommy Hilfiger were among the party attendees on Tuesday. Turkey eyes reset with U.S. under Trump, but honeymoon may be brief By Nick Tattersall and Orhan Coskun ANKARA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - In the hours after Donald Trump secured the U.S. presidency, supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan triumphantly took to social media, hailing the election of a man who had threatened to ban Muslims from entering the United States. At first glance, Trump seemed an unlikely hero for millions of Turks who support the Islamist-rooted AK Party founded by Erdogan in the predominantly Muslim nation. But in his victory, many saw a blow to a Washington establishment they say has failed Turkey as an ally and worked against its interests. Anti-American sentiment in Turkey - a NATO ally key to the U.S.-led fight against Islamic State in neighbouring Syria and Iraq - has risen sharply since a failed military coup in July. Erdogan and the government blame the abortive coup on Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic cleric who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999. Government supporters have been incensed by what they see as U.S. reluctance to extradite Gulen, who denies involvement in the plot, as well as Western criticism of a crackdown on his suspected followers. "We can't hide the disappointments we've felt during the Obama term," said one senior member of the AK Party, speaking on condition of anonymity because Erdogan, who sets the tone of Turkish policy, has himself made little comment so far, beyond congratulating Trump. "Trump's pre-election comments on Muslims disappointed us, but these will be relegated to the context of campaigning. Real politics is different ... I think there will be much better dialogue between our president and Trump than with the previous administration," the official said. But Erdogan, like other leaders in the region, will be kept guessing by a Republican U.S. president-elect who has yet to make his policies in the Middle East clear. Many Turks have also been angered by U.S. support for a Kurdish militia fighting Islamic State in Syria, seeing them as an extension of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants who have waged a bloody three-decade insurgency in Turkey. Trump's policy on this is unclear. He has indicated, though, that his priority in the multi-sided Syrian conflict will be fighting Islamic State - not forcing President Bashar al-Assad to leave power as Ankara has long desired. This could not only put him at odds with Erdogan, but help shift the course of the Syrian civil war in favour of Assad and his allies. 'CONTROLLING HAND' In Ankara's corridors of power, few had expected Trump to win. But in his victory, senior officials sense an opportunity to reset an alliance that has been strained under Barack Obama, with whom Erdogan has had increasingly testy relations. Trump, a real estate billionaire, and Erdogan, the son of a poor sea captain, are from different worlds but their leadership styles bear striking similarities - both are populists who command a devoted following but are deeply polarising, and are not afraid to speak their mind. There is a "high chance" of good chemistry between the two leaders, said a second senior Turkish official, even if they are unlikely to always see eye to eye. "They'll sit down without any pretence. Berlusconi was a bit like that," the official said, referring to the former Italian prime minister, who enjoyed close relations with Erdogan. Following Trump's victory, Hilal Kaplan - a prominent journalist with the pro-government Sabah newspaper, which is run by the brother of Erdogan's son-in-law - tweeted: "We're happy to see the U.S. establishment cracking." "Turkey is one of those countries that rejects America's controlling hand across the globe," she later told Reuters. "Trump's election is a blow to this international status quo." But deep divisions are likely to persist. There may not be any swift progress on Gulen to remove a significant obstacle to smooth Turkish-U.S. ties Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has already urged Trump to extradite the cleric, but that will ultimately be an issue for the U.S. judiciary, not the president, and a legal deliberation process that could take years. Disagreements over Syria could also test relations. Trump has questioned the wisdom of backing rebels fighting Assad and has suggested cooperating with Russia - the Syrian leader's most powerful military ally - against Islamic State. And while Hillary Clinton, the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate, stoked Turkish anger during the campaign by suggesting she would arm Kurdish militias fighting the jihadists, Trump has not explicitly ruled out such a move. 'HONEYMOON' "We'll witness a period of honeymoon, post the end of the Obama period, where the relationship had become quite acrimonious," Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and analyst at Carnegie Europe, said of Turkish-U.S. ties. "Going forward, however, we are likely to see points of divergence," he added. "Trump policies would certainly empower both the regime in Syria, the regime-friendly forces, and also Russia. That is against what Turkey has tried to do since 2011 in terms of regime change and backing the opposition." Trump's backing of Israel will also worry Ankara, a major supporter of the Palestinians and a donor to the Hamas-run Gaza Strip. During campaigning, Trump won support in Israel with a promise that Washington would recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war, as capital of the state they aim to establish alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Trump's threat to abandon NATO allies in Europe if they do not spend enough on defence, and his arguments against international trade agreements of the kind that could benefit Turkey, are also cause for concern in Ankara. But as the world waits to see how Trump will shape his foreign policy, Ankara officialdom is remaining cautiously optimistic. "Generally, Turkish governments are more at ease with Republican administrations in the United States than they are with Democrats," said Halil Karaveli, managing editor of The Turkey Analyst, a policy journal. Romania - Factors to watch on Nov. 16 Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Wednesday. Q3 GDP Romania's economy expanded 4.4 percent on the year in the third quarter, slightly below market expectations, a flash estimate from the National Statistics Board showed on Tuesday. ENERGY STRATEGY Romania's energy sector needs about 20 billion euros ($21.45 billion) worth of investment in power, oil and gas production, mining and related infrastructure by 2030 to be more self-sufficient, a draft energy ministry document showed on Tuesday. ELECTRICA Romanian state-owned power utility Electrica said its net profit fell to 130.45 million lei ($31.02 million) on the year in the third quarter, down roughly 15 percent, driven by lower prices. Its nine-month net profit rose 9 percent on the year to 466.4 million lei. TRANSELECTRICA Romanian state-owned power grid operator Transelectrica said on Tuesday its net profit fell 24 percent on the year to 71.5 million lei ($17.08 million) in the third quarter. CEE MARKETS Central European government bonds gained on Tuesday after weeks of decline, as euro zone and U.S. debt prices also rebounded. The bonds gave up some ground after weaker-than-expected economic output figures and a slight rise in U.S. Treasury yields. BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO British American Tobacco Plc (BAT) BATS.L plans to expand output at its Ploiesti factory in Romania by 20 percent in 2017 after a German facility closure and to invest 1.0 billion euros over the next five years. For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on Poland - Factors to Watch Nov 16 Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Wednesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour): DATA Statistics office will release trade data for Jan-Sept period at 1300 GMT. GDP Poland's economic slowdown in the third quarter was probably temporary, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said on Wednesday. AIRPORT Polish prime minister told Gazeta Polska daily that there are ongoing discussions on the construction of a new airport in central Poland. The PM added that she will travel to China at the start of 2017 to present the project. ELECTRICITY Polish parliament will discuss on Thursday a plan to retrofit the existing 200-megawatts power stations, that could help make the electricity system more flexible, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna said. ENERGA Poland's No. 4 energy firm Energa said on Tuesday that it plans to increase EBITDA to 2.4 billion zlotys ($580 million) in 2020, and 3.0 billion zlotys in 2025. ****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.**** Copper execs cast doubt on 'irrational' price rally SHANGHAI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Global copper markets will be oversupplied for at least two years, executives at some of the world's major producers of the metal and traders said on Wednesday, casting doubt on the chances of a prolonged rally in prices. That tempered assessment of the market at an industry conference in Shanghai came after benchmark copper prices last week recorded their biggest weekly gain since 2011, largely fuelled by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's promises of infrastructure spending. "In 2017, it will still be a relatively oversupplied market. In 2018 it will not be better than 2017," said Yuneng Wu, vice president of Jiangxi Copper Co, China's largest copper producer. Global markets for the metal, used in everything from wiring to construction, have been burdened by oversupply as mines ramp up output in places such as Chile and Zambia. Some bullish traders and analysts had embraced last week's rally as the first sign the market was poised for a prolonged bull run, ending a years-long rout that saw prices fall more than a third since July 2014 as demand growth in China faded. But while prices may have bottomed out for now, they will not trade beyond $5,000-6,000 per tonne going into 2017, said Jinbi He, founder and president of Maike Metals Group, one of China's top metals traders. Prices stood around $5,500 on Wednesday. He also called on China's government to control what he described as "overspeculation" in the local futures market, hit by volatile trading over the last week as it was whipsawed by speculative cash. "We want a market that is supervised rationally and reasonably, otherwise the market will be hurt," he said. Jiangxi Copper's Wu described recent market moves as "irrational". "I've never seen this rocketing of prices ... Some irrational factors were driving up the prices," he said in a panel discussion at the Metal Bulletin Cesco copper conference. China Minmetals Non-Ferrous Metals Co general manager Xiaoyu Gao told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference that there would probably be "more volatility and more uncertainty" in 2017. Meanwhile, Duncan Wanbald, head of base metals and minerals at Anglo American Plc, said he only saw a "slow" increase in prices over the next two years before a deficit emerges in 2019. But other executives said that China's mammoth infrastructure spending would translate into higher manufacturing demand for 2017, also buttressed by supply-side reforms, pushing up the floor for copper prices. Czech Republic - Factors To Watch on Nov 16 PRAGUE, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Czech financial markets on Wednesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Czech Republic: GMT + 1 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA========================== Real-time economic data releases.................... Summary of economic data and forecasts........... Recently released economic data.................. Previous stories on Czech data............. **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/2E/events-overview ==========================NEWS================================== ECONOMY: Czech growth slowed in the third quarter as industrial output dragged, potentially making it harder for the central bank to exit its weak crown policy as soon as it hopes, in mid-2017. Story: Related stories: DEFAMATION: A group of Czech lawmakers, including some from the ruling coalition, have proposed making defamation of the president a criminal offence, a sensitive move in a country where such a law was used to lock up dissidents during the communist era. Story: Related stories: CEE MARKETS: Central European government bonds gained on Tuesday after weeks of decline, as euro zone and U.S. debt prices also rebounded. Story: Related stories: ---------------------- MARKET SNAPSHOT ------------------------ Index/Crown Currency Latest Prev Pct change Pct change close on day in 2016 vs Euro 27.008 27.027 0.07 -0.04 vs Dollar 25.189 25.165 -0.1 -1.32 Czech Equities 904.68 904.68 -0.05 -5.4 U.S. Equities 18,923.06 18,868.69 0.29 8.6 Pvs close or current levels vs prior domestic close at 1600 GMT ======================PRESS DIGEST============================= MORTGAGES: The average mortgage rate decreased to 1.80 percent in October from 1.82 percent in the previous months, data from Hypoindex showed. The overall volume of mortgages also dropped. Hospodarske Noviny, page 1 (Reuters has not verified the stories, nor does it vouch for their accuracy.) For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX For updates on CEE currencies TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets Prague Newsroom: +420 224 190 477 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (Reporting by Prague Newsroom) U.S. President Barack Obama (L) reviews a presidential honor guard during the official welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Athens, Greece, Nov. 15, 2016. U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Athens Tuesday for a two-day visit amid draconian security measures as his trip marks the first to the country by a U.S. leader since 1999. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) The last two months of Barack Obama's presidency will not be ideal and harmonious for the charismatic leader. The defeat of his preferred candidate, Hillary Clinton, in the U.S. presidential election puts a bitter end to his hopes to find a successor. The transition period until the inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2017 will be difficult not only because he and his wife, Michelle Obama, had taken an open position against him in the pre-election campaign but also because some of his policies might be reconsidered in the future by the Republican politician. Obama's most recent visit to Europe - namely to Germany and Greece - is taking place at a stage during which transatlantic relations are marked by a spirit of solidarity. In spite of some disagreements - for example, on the role of American intelligence services and spying charges as well as some different priorities for the conclusion of TTIP - the U.S. and the EU have experienced a period of close collaboration and mutual understanding. Obama deserves a credit for this success. His predecessor George W. Bush ignored the principle of multilateralism, being almost solely responsible for the serious crisis in transatlantic relations from 2002 until 2008. From January 2009 onwards, the 44th U.S. President restored America's image, contributed to a decline of anti-Americanism and largely respected Europe's views. Obama's Europe trip contains a strong symbolic meaning. He's visiting the strongest and weakest countries in the Eurozone, sending a clear message regarding the need for unity and preservation. The U.S. and Germany have contradictory views in dealing with the debt crisis. The former believes in the need of growth, a greater role of the state and fiscal stimulus, while the latter advocates for extended austerity along with difficult structural reforms. The German approach saved the Eurozone, as Berlin has been the driving force behind unprecedented EU decisions providing a lifeline to bankrupted countries in exchange for painful measures. Nonetheless, this method has caused some dramatic results. Greece, a victim of continuous cuts in salaries and pensions as well as tax rises, has lost approximately 25 percent of its GDP in a period of six years and sees no light at the end of the tunnel. The interpretation of the current situation by Obama is based on an amalgam of economics and geopolitics. On the one hand, he is attempting to put pressure on Germany to lay more emphasis on growth and spending as well as to accept a mild restructuring of Greece's debt, and on the other hand he sees the integrity of the Eurozone as a critical element of American strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean. As long as Greece is suffering, its stability cannot be taken for granted. Washington seeks to prevent an additional turmoil in a neighborhood - the Balkans and the Middle East - where peace and democracy are often undermined. This U.S. approach goes hand in hand with China's interests. Greece is a key country in China's Silk Road strategy. The investment of COSCO in the port of Piraeus also signals an acknowledgment by the Chinese administration of Greece's critical geopolitical significance. This said, both the U.S. and China want Greece to stay in the Eurozone and for scenarios of uncertainty to be removed. Moreover, it is worth-mentioning that Washington does not see Chinese investments in Greece in a negative way - as opposed to Russian ones. These investments are considered as steps which can kick off the Greek economy and promote growth. From an American perspective, it can hardly be argued that political motivations and ambitions, which might alter the balance of power in Eastern Mediterranean, are diagnosed in the case of Chinese investments in Greece. However, the current period is a highly sensitive one for Chinese investments in Europe. Irrespective of Greece, the EU and some other European countries - including Germany - have recently started to show skepticism. A few days ago, for example, Germany withdrew approval for the 670m takeover of chip equipment maker Aixtron by a group of Chinese investors. A debate is flourishing on whether funds provided by businessmen from China should lead European companies to sell their know-how, especially in technology. All in all, Obama visit to Europe is taking place amid fears of a deterioration of the transatlantic partnership. The President of the European Commission, Jean Claude Juncker, calls Trump "ignorant of the EU and its workings." But Beijing should not immediately expect a deterioration. By contrast, it first needs to focus on straightforward repercussions of the U.S.-EU constraints in their trade with China. Particularly worrying is the fact that the new U.S. President might be prepared to exert a strict line. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Barratt cuts the price of some of its most expensive London homes By Costas Pitas LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Britain's biggest housebuilder Barratt said it was cutting the price of some of its most expensive London homes by up to 10 percent in the latest sign that the market has cooled after property tax increases and the Brexit vote. After an initial dip following the June 23 referendum, demand for new homes in most of Britain, including outer London, has bounced back according to builders and surveys, but it remains weak in the capital's wealthiest central areas. The Brexit vote followed an increase in property tax on buy-to-let and second homes which particularly affected central London. Some prospective buyers are investors seeking a rental income and have bought cheaper homes instead or pushed for price cuts to offset higher taxes. "We do recognise that at price points about 600,000 pounds ($750,009), particularly at price points once you move above 1 million, the (London) market is clearly slower," Barratt CEO David Thomas told Reuters. "You are seeing commentary about prices backing off year-on-year on a 5 to 10 percent basis so I think that it's in that sort of order," he added. The vote to leave the EU will contribute to a 9 percent fall in prices in prime central London, which includes mansions and luxury apartments in Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Chelsea, according to estate agents Savills. Thomas attributed the softening London market to more homes coming to market and the increase in stamp duty, property tax, rather than the EU vote. PRICED OUT House prices are key to consumer confidence in Britain, where many gauge the strength of the economy by rises in the value of their most valuable asset. However, complaints about the affordability of homes have risen to the top of the political agenda. The average price of houses in Britain is around 220,000 pounds, with many struggling to buy, particularly in the capital where prices are much higher. While Britain's largest housebuilders have reported strong growth in recent months, there have been mixed signs on the progress of Britain's commercial property market, which was first to be hit by Brexit as investors pulled cash from funds. London-based property company British Land, which specialises in retail and office space, said on Wednesday the value of its portfolio fell 3 percent in the six months to the end of September. Shares in Barratt fell 2.8 percent to 469 pence at 1053 GMT and shares in British Land were down 2.1 percent to 593 pence. Britain's Prince William arrives in Vietnam for conservation visit HANOI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Britain's Prince William met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc after arriving in Hanoi on Wednesday at the start of a two-day trip to promote wildlife protection. The Duke of Cambridge is the president of United for Wildlife, an umbrella body of seven conservation organisations united to end illegal wildlife trade. The British royal will attend the third Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in Hanoi on Thursday, aimed at encouraging efforts to stamp out the use of endangered animal parts, such as rhino horns, in traditional medicine. Pakistan expels Turkish staff from schools said linked with Erdogan foe By Syed Raza Hassan KARACHI, Pakistan, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Pakistan has ordered Turkish teachers at schools with alleged links to a Turkish cleric opposed to President Tayyip Erdogan to leave the country, as it prepares to host the Turkish leader on Wednesday. The teachers and their families, totalling about 450 people, were given three days notice to leave, PakTurk International Schools and Colleges said in a statement late on Tuesday. PakTurk educates more than 10,000 students in Pakistan and denies any affiliation with the cleric Fethullah Gulen, or his "Hizmet" movement. Erdogan has accused Gulen, a former political ally, of being behind a coup attempt in July, and Turkey has previously asked Pakistan to shut down any groups in the country with links to the cleric. "PakTurk International Schools and Colleges are deeply concerned over the abrupt decision of the government requiring the Turkish teachers, management and their family members...to leave the country within three days," the school said. It added that staff were asked to leave because of "non-approval of their requests for extension of visa". The Islamabad High Court has set a hearing for Thursday on a petition by the school management challenging the decision, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported. The Interior Ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Before his departure from Ankara, Erdogan praised Pakistan's actions against what his government calls the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO). "Pakistan's decision to have people linked to FETO leave the country by Nov. 20 is very pleasing," Erdogan said. "Just like Turkey, Pakistan is carrying out a relentless fight against terror. Turkey supports Pakistan's battle until the end." Erdogan will arrive in Pakistan on Wednesday and address its parliament on Thursday. Turkey and Pakistan have traditionally had close ties, which have warmed further under the leadership of Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, preaches Sunni Islam together with a message of interfaith dialogue. He denies any involvement in the failed coup in which more than 230 people were killed. Turkey has applied pressure to other countries that are home to institutions backed by Gulen, whose "Hizmet" movement runs about 2,000 educational establishments in about 160 countries. PakTurk said the schools would continue operating and told students and their family members it was opposed to "ingress of some other organization into the teachers and staff of the schools". Dawn, citing sources, said Turkey's government had suggested that management of the schools be transferred to an international non-government body with links to Erdogan's administration. Turkish military to add over 30,000 personnel in next 4 years -official ANKARA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Turkey's armed forces will recruit more than 30,000 new personnel over the next four years, a defence ministry official said on Wednesday, to help plug staff shortages after widespread purges following a failed coup. More than 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended in the military, civil service, judiciary and elsewhere in a security crackdown that followed the putsch in July. Some 20,000 people have been removed from the military system alone, among them 16,000 military students, the official told Reuters. Human rights groups and some of Turkey's Western allies have voiced concern at the scope of the purges, fearing President Tayyip Erdogan is using the abortive military coup as a pretext to curtail dissent. The 30,159 new personnel will be admitted into the armed forces through the naval and army military academies, while the rest will be employed as officials, sergeants and in other posts, the defence ministry official said. A Turkish military spokeswoman confirmed new personnel would be hired, though she could not confirm the number. The armed forces said in an e-mail that it currently employs nearly 360,000 military personnel. Ankara accuses the U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen for orchestrating the July 15 coup bid, in which rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, fighter jets and helicopters to attack the parliament and attempt to overthrow the government. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied involvement and condemned the coup. Boko Haram militants seen weakening in Cameroon - ICG By Emma Farge DAKAR, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Boko Haram has dramatically scaled back attacks in Cameroon in recent months, analysts said on Wednesday, suggesting a regional security force is gaining ground against the militants. The Islamist movement - which controlled an area the size of Belgium in northeast Nigeria last year and raided Cameroon and other neighbours to expand its "caliphate" - had since suffered a string of defeats, International Crisis Group (ICG) said. The report came days after security and U.N. sources said hundreds of Boko Haram fighters and their families had surrendered on another frontline in Chad. There was no comment from any of the factions of Boko Haram which is still seen as one of the main security threats in West Africa. "We've seen a dizzying downwards spiral in the number of attacks and suicide bombings," said Hans De Marie Heungoup, one of the report's authors. Two years ago, attacks were happening on an almost daily basis, he said. But the number had falled to between six and eight a month since September. "[Boko Haram] has suffered heavy losses and seen its conventional capacities reduced," the study said, partly thanks to last year's formation of a 10,000-strong regional force with troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Benin. Up to 1,000 fighters with heavy weaponry and armoured vehicles joined strikes in Cameroon's Far North Region in 2014-15, the report said. But attacks were now focused on the northernmost tip of the region where fighters continued to control part of the fishing industry of Lake Chad amid a labyrinth of waterways. Recruitment is also faltering in Cameroon although forced enlistment remains a risk, ICG said. Up to 4,000 Cameroonians are thought to have joined the group and some were given sign-on bonuses of up to $2000 and a motorbike, according to the study, citing interviews with locals. Those who proved their loyalty by killing their parents often enjoyed quick promotion, it added. Nigeria's Forcados crude oil exports unlikely to resume until early 2017 -traders LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Exports of Nigeria's Forcados crude oil are unlikely to resume until early 2017, traders said on Wednesday. The grade has been under force majeure since February following a militant attack on its main export pipeline, the Trans Forcados. OFFICIAL-UPDATE 1-Hundreds of Rohingya flee Myanmar army crackdown to Bangladesh-sources By Serajul Quadir and Wa Lone DHAKA/SITTWE, Myanmar, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims are fleeing a military crackdown in western Myanmar to Bangladesh, trying to escape an upsurge of violence that has brought the total number of dead confirmed by the army to nearly 90. Some of the Rohingya were gunned down as they tried to cross the Naaf river that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh, while others arriving by boat were pushed away by Bangladeshi border guards and may be stranded at sea, residents said. The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the lack of oversight of the military by the seven-month-old administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya, shutting out aid workers and independent observers. The army has intensified its operation in the last seven days and has used choppers to reinforce, with dozens reported killed. Aid workers, camp residents and authorities in Bangladesh estimated at least 500 Rohingya had fled Myanmar since the October attacks. The refugees are now staying in four Rohingya camps on the Bangladeshi side of the border, they say. But on Tuesday, Bangladeshi border guards pushed back a large group of Rohingya trying to cross. "Early Tuesday, 86 Rohingya including 40 women and 25 children were pushed back by the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) from the Teknaf border point," said Lt. Col. Anwarul Azim, commanding officer of the Cox's Bazar sector in eastern Bangladesh. "All of them tried to enter Bangladesh and came by two engine-operated boats. Now we have beefed up our patrolling and additional forces have been engaged to ensure security in the border area," he said. Reuters sources said the Rohingya group was unlikely to have gone back to the villages in Myanmar and might be stranded at sea. The stateless Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Col. Htain Lin, Border Affairs Minister of the Rakhine state government, refused to comment on the situation. Police Major Kyaw Mya Win, from the Maungdaw police, said the people were trying to escape because they tried to attack the military. "The villagers have become insurgents, including women in the village," said Kyaw Mya Win. A series of recent skirmishes and attacks had increased to 69 the tally of suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers killed since Oct. 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 17, according to state-owned media. MANY DEAD BODIES Four Rohingya from northern Rakhine contacted by Reuters by telephone on Wednesday confirmed that hundreds were trying to escape and cross the river to Bangladesh. They said some were gunned down. "The residents told me nearly 72 people were killed near the riverbank, that the military shot into the crowd on the river bank," said a Rohingya community leader who declined to be identified. Another man from Maungdaw said women and children from around 10 villages were trying to flee to Bangladesh and some were killed as they were trying to get into the boats. "A lot of dead bodies were floating in the sea," said the man. He added that these people were not travelling together, but that they had separated into groups of 20 or 50 to get on to the boats. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes in the recent violence. The government and army reject the accusations. Diplomats have also appealed for an independent and credible investigation, but the government has not announced any plans to carry it out, instead cautioning against a "misinformation campaign" by a "violent group based in Rakhine". "They are using our country, our region as a base...with the intention of disrupting the area, causing unrest, chaos in the area, they are doing this to get international attention, to pressure Myanmar," said Aye Aye Soe, director general of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, run by Suu Kyi. She said the group was doing this to get financial support with the intention of "getting their political agenda through". The "extremist group" did not want peace in Rakhine, she said. The suspected Rohingya militants have identified themselves as the previously unknown Al-Yakin Mujahidin in videos posted online. In a fresh clip, a man who has appeared in previous videos stands in front of several men prostrated on the ground with wounds on their back and bloodied legs. "We are Rohingya and we want to restore our usurped rights," the man shouts to the camera. "We deserve our rights and we are not terrorists." Peace brings home climate uncertainties in rural Sri Lanka By Amantha Perera MAHAVELITHANNE, Sri Lanka, Nov 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - In the last quarter century, Mohamed Azur fled his home three times as civil war raged around him, returning when the fighting subsided for a time. "Life was not hard, if you knew how to avoid the guns and the bullets. There was enough land, water and everything else for everyone here," said the 62-year-old, standing on the doorstep of his small mud hut covered with tin-sheet roofing. But since Sri Lanka's long civil war ended in 2009, this remote hamlet in north-central Polonnaruwa District finds itself facing vexing new worries: more extreme weather linked to climate change, and shortages of both land and water. Like many isolated villages in Sri Lanka, Mahavelithanne, about 300 km from the capital Colombo, relies on agriculture and little else. From the mid-1960s, successive governments brought in poor families from outside areas, gave them free land to farm, and provided irrigated water through a system of reservoirs and canals, under a national development programme. The plan worked until the mid-1990s, when the raging civil war in the region put a halt to development. Many people like Azur spent years displaced. Since 2009, however, after the end of the war, families forced to flee by the conflict have been returning and in turn raising children of their own. That is putting pressure on local resources, Azur said. "Because families are becoming larger, there is more demand for land, (and) because people are staying on and cultivating the land, there is more demand for water," he said. FLOODS AND DROUGHT Equally troubling, returned farmers have discovered that, in the three decades they were away, rainfall patterns have changed. "There will be floods and then there will be long bouts of dry weather. Right now we have gone without any substantial rain for over six months," Harsha Bandara, the top government official for Welikanda Division, under which Mahavelithanne falls, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in October. The region's water distribution network and agriculture management were not keeping step with the shifting climate patterns, he said. "For example, we need people to be much more careful in ground water extraction - even consider what time of the day is optimal to use the pumps," he said. "That knowledge is lacking. Instead what we have is people using industrial-level pumps to dig deeper and deeper, even down to the bedrock." Though rain late last month broke the long dry spell, over 35,000 people in Welikanda struggled with the drought, many surviving on water trucked in from outside. Bandara also said that since the end of the war, large numbers of cattle have also been brought into the region by dairy companies, increasing the demands on resources. And "there are large herds of elephants in the jungles in this region and now they keep coming into villages more often, looking for water and food," he said. "On top of that, when the soil is dry, the electric fence set up to prevent such incursions malfunctions." The government's Disaster Management Centre said that more than 870,000 people had been hit by the drought island-wide. CROWDED TOWN The struggle for water and land is far more chronic in Kattankudi, a small town about 100 km east of Mahavelithanne but more urbanised because it straddles the main road. M.M. Shafi, secretary of the Kattankudi Urban Council, said that at least 500 families had returned to the town since 2009. Today, over 53,000 residents live packed into an area of under 4 square kilometres, at a population density 20 times the national average. "We have big problems when it comes to water, flood protection and even garbage disposal," Shafi said. During the conflict, concerns were manageable since the population did not grow and demands were minimal, he said. "Now we have businesses coming up all the time, farmers looking for more land and water, and there is no way we can provide that," he said. Paddy rice farmer Wickrama Rajapaksa, who chairs the Sinhapura village farmers' association village in Welikanda, said the new challenges are a disappointment for those who had hoped to return after the war and build a good life. "During the war, most of us who were here just wanted survive. Now, we want to prosper, be rich. But to do that, first we need to deal with all these natural changes in rain, temperature and river water," he said. "That is harder than running away from bullets." EU regulator warns Monte dei Paschi investors of losses By John O'Donnell and Francesco Guarascio FRANKFURT/BRUSSELS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Investors in Italy's Monte dei Paschi di Siena risk compulsory 'bail-in' losses, one of Europe's top regulators told Reuters, warning this could be the only choice if the bank's plans to raise fresh capital fall short. Elke Koenig, who heads the Single Resolution Board (SRB), a bank crisis response body, made her remarks as Monte dei Paschi prepares for a multi-billion euro debt-for-equity swap and to seek fresh money from investors to mend its finances. "They are building on a private solution," Koenig said of the attempt to raise fresh capital, describing this as "very challenging". "If not, there are various ways and forms but normally they don't go without bail-in," she said, referring to European Union rules that impose losses on bondholders and other creditors. Koenig, who has the authority to wind down a failing bank in the euro zone, said she stood ready to act, if needed. "There is a resolution plan for Monte dei Paschi, as there is for every large European bank," she said. "You have to be ready for whatever comes." Her remarks underscore the gravity of the problems facing the Italian bank, as it seeks to convince investors to back its third recapitalisation in as many years. A failure of the world's oldest lender, Europe's weakest bank in July stress tests, could wipe out the savings of thousands of small investors, drag down other Italian banks and deal another blow to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. In order to avoid this, the bank's management has offered bondholders the choice of switching their debt into bank shares, a step analysts estimate could raise between 1 billion and 1.5 billion euros - filling part of a 5 billion euro capital hole. But a Dec. 4 Italian referendum on constitutional reform to make lawmaking easier has turned into a vote of confidence in Renzi's government, whose economic reforms have become unpopular. Opinion polls are predicting defeat for Renzi, which could lead to his resignation and sap market confidence, making it hard if not impossible for Monte dei Paschi to attract investors. The Tuscan bank announced late on Monday the terms of the voluntary debt conversion, which targets subordinated bonds held by both retail and institutional investors. The bank continues to search for anchor investors to back a large chunk of a share issue it expects to complete immediately after the referendum. Regulators, however, have long expressed scepticism about the plan. The just-ended U.S. election, won by Donald Trump to become the 45th President, brought to the fore the issue of cyber security. U.S. accusations of Russia hacking the former's networks, followed by Washington's fears that Moscow's cyber intrusions could influence the presidential election - regardless of the truth of the charges - underscore that cyber security is a matter of global concern today. In fact, the high state of cyber alert on the part of both the U.S. and Russia to ward off any attack on polling day is a reminder that this is the new frontier where states would be pitted against each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and security. A nation's "territorial integrity" is no longer merely geographical - it extends to its cyber world as well. Actually, the cyber territory is the first line of defense. The growing recognition - and importance - of this new reality is all too evident in cyber security emerging as the principal focus of the third World Internet Conference (WIC) being held in Wuzhen from November 16-19. Wuzhen, an ancient water town in Zhejiang Province to the south of the Yangtze River, is the permanent venue of the WIC Summit, a Chinese platform for international exchange, which is a landmark in the history of Internet development worldwide. This year's WIC brings together 1600 cyberspace tycoons and officials from governments, international organizations, corporations, technical communities and non-governmental associations from across the world. This year's theme is "Innovation-driven Internet Development for the Benefit of All - Building a Community of Common Future in Cyberspace." However, the hot topic that may dominate is expected to be cyber security. At the WIC last year, President Xi Jinping spoke of "Internet sovereignty" and exhorted the world to "respect each country's Internet sovereignty, respect each country's right to choose its own development path and management model of the Internet." The second WIC released the Wuzhen Initiative, calling on all countries to promote Internet development, foster cultural diversity in cyber space, share the fruits of Internet development, ensure peace and security in cyber space, and improve global Internet governance. Xi's proposals on global Internet governance to "jointly build a community of shared future in cyberspace" were a signal that China would work to usher in an "orderly system." As an Internet power - with 710 million Internet users and broadband access in all cities and towns, and 95 percent of the villages - China is in a position to pursue its agenda. And, in keeping with the thoughts of President Xi, it was inevitable that cyber security would emerge as a priority sooner rather than later. Thus, on November 7, China's top legislature adopted a cybersecurity law to safeguard sovereignty in cyberspace, national security and citizens' rights. Predictably, this law, avowedly to combat hacking and terrorism, has triggered protests by foreign business and Western interest groups. The controversial clauses which are being objected to include requirements for "critical information infrastructure operators" to store personal information and important business data in China, provide unspecified "technical support" to security agencies, and pass national security reviews. Although Chinese officials have reassured that it would not interfere with foreign business interests, the debate continues with over 40 global business groups still protesting some of the provisions in the draft law. However, the law does provide individual protections by restricting the amount of personally identifiable information that can be collected, how it can be transferred, and giving individuals the right to seek removal of information. Interestingly, many of the cyber security law's provisions have been used previously as they are common to other laws on public security and national security. Thus, there is merit in China's claim that the new law is formal codification of what is already in practice, and equally applicable to all - domestic and foreign - businesses. Equally true is China's statement that the law is similar to rules in other countries, at least when compared to India's National Cyber Security Policy unveiled in July 2013. Although India has a different political system from that of China, the government hastened to draft its Cyber Security Policy after whistleblower Edward Snowden's disclosures revealed that much of the U.S. National Security Agency's surveillance was focused on India's domestic politics, and its strategic and commercial interests. The vision, mission, objectives and strategies of India's Cyber Security Policy are not very different from that of China's; and, like in China's cyber security law, "Protection and Resilience of Critical Information Infrastructure" is an important strategic element of India's policy, too. Laws and restrictions relating to cyber space are bound to be resisted and, for that reason, would always be controversial because historically individual freedom has always been at odds with the interests of the state. Much like this historical tension, ambiguities in national policy and legislation will also persist. In the event, the WIC at Wuzhen cannot end the debate for all time, but it may serve the purpose of clarifying the new law. And, towards that end, state agencies are expected to release details about the regulations related to implementation of the law. Shastri Ramachandaran is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/ShastriRamachandaran.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Bulgarian parliament approves resignation of centre-right government SOFIA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's parliament approved on Wednesday the resignation of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov's centre-right minority government, opening the way to months of political uncertainty and a likely snap election in early 2017. Borisov had tied his government's fate to the outcome of Bulgaria's presidential election and he quit after the victory, in Sunday's second round of voting, of political novice Rumen Radev, who favours improved ties with Russia and had the backing of the opposition Socialists. "The country is now facing several months of political turmoil with a caretaker government that will not undertake major policy reforms in the meantime," said Andrius Tursa of Teneo Intelligence. "The results of the presidential elections on Sunday made it clear that society wants a change," Borisov told parliament. "The vote requires a change in the political situation." Borisov's move underscores politicians' failure to persuade voters they are serious about fighting rampant corruption after the prime minister's GERB party beat the Socialists in 2014 on a tough anti-graft ticket. Many Bulgarians also appear increasingly disappointed with their political elite as well as with the European Union, which is struggling to deal with various challenges including the migrant crisis and Britain's decision to leave the bloc. All parties in parliament backed the government's resignation. If, as expected, no party accepts the mandate to attempt to form a new government out of the current legislature, outgoing President Rosen Plevneliev will begin consultations to appoint an interim administration to steer Bulgaria towards an early parliamentary election, most likely in the spring. Plevneliev, a centre-right former minister in a Borisov-led government, has said he will also consult with his successor, Radev, in any talks on forming an interim government. Radev, a former air force commander who says Bulgaria must revive strained ties with Russia while remaining anchored in NATO and the European Union, will become president in January. Analysts say Bulgaria's political turmoil could prove prolonged as another parliamentary election seems unlikely to produce a stable majority government able to implement the economic and other reforms the country needs. France sets up fund for Sanofi epilepsy drug victims By Matthias Blamont PARIS, Nov 16 (Reuters) - France is setting up a fund to meet compensation claims from people affected by an epilepsy treatment made by Sanofi that is believed to cause birth malfunctions and slow neurological development. The French parliament voted to create a nationwide compensation fund and amended the 2017 budget bill late on Tuesday to set aside an initial 10 million euros ($10.7 million) for claims relating to Depakine, a brand name for valproate, which is also used to treat bipolar disorder. Parents of those affected say the French state and Sanofi were too slow to warn of the side effects of the drug, which has been used to successfully treat epilepsy since 1967, after the risks to foetuses became clear by the early 1980s.. More than 14,000 women were prescribed Depakine despite the potential risks in pregnant women, authorities say, while an association representing victims says it could have affected more than 50,000 people in France over the years. "The 10 million euros are a starting point," Health Minister Marisol Touraine told lawmakers in the lower house of parliament. "In future years, the sums should be much higher." Touraine told parliament later on Wednesday that compensation would ultimately be paid by "those deemed responsible" without giving details. "I regret that Sanofi didn't seek an amicable settlement as a matter of principle. I hope (Sanofi) will change its position," she said. A Sanofi spokeswoman had no comment on the minister's remarks and referred to a statement earlier on Wednesday in response to the vote to set up the fund. "The text of the amendment adopted by the National Assembly does not draw any conclusions ... as to the responsibilities of the various actors that may be involved," the Sanofi spokeswoman said in the emailed statement. In an October interview with Reuters, Sanofi said it would accept any blame attributed by a court over the harmful effects of the treatment and the company had so far made no financial provisions for compensating victims. French social affairs inspection agency IGAS estimated earlier this year that between 2006 - when the medicine started carrying a health warning - and 2014 - when prescription rules were further tightened - some 425 to 450 babies suffered congenital birth defects or were still-born due to the drug. A judicial investigation was launched last year after a group of families lodged a legal complaint, but no trial has been announced. Depakine is also prescribed under other brand names and in more than 100 other countries. It lost its patent in 1998. The Sanofi spokeswoman said there has been single claims in three other countries, without giving further details. As oil palm expands, African nations agree to protect forests By Alex Whiting ROME, Nov 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Central and West African countries have promised to protect their tropical forests from being cut down to make way for palm oil crops, in a declaration signed on Wednesday by governments representing more than 70 percent of Africa's tropical forests. Palm oil, one of the world's most widely used vegetable oils, is a fast-growing business and a major cause of tropical deforestation worldwide. The seven countries that signed the declaration in Marrakesh, where international climate talks are taking place, want to expand into the $50 billion global palm oil market. The countries, however, also are home to about 13 percent of the world's remaining tropical forest, particularly in the Congo Basin region. Those are at risk as the palm oil market expands, toward an estimated $88 billion a year by 2022, according to the World Economic Forum. "It's really exciting and important that these countries which are about to expand into the market have learned from the path that (Malaysia and Indonesia) took," Dominic Waughray, head of public-private partnerships at the World Economic Forum, said in a telephone interview. Indonesia and Malaysia export about 85 percent of the world's palm oil. Malaysia has already cleared much of its forests to grow the crop, and Indonesia is in the process of doing so, Waughray told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The World Economic Forum hosts the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020, a partnership of governments, companies and non-governmental organisations, which produced the Marrakesh Declaration. About half of global tropical deforestation is driven by beef, soy, palm, and paper and pulp. But palm oil is probably the biggest driver of the four commodities, Waughray said. It is used in a host of everyday goods, from soap to breakfast cereals, as well as for frying and fuel. PRESSURE FROM BUYERS Some of the pressure on governments to protect forests comes from major buyers such as Kellogg's, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble, which aim to strip deforestation from their palm oil supply chains by 2020, Waughray said. Paul Polman, chief executive officer of Unilever - a major palm oil buyer - welcomed the signing of the declaration. "Palm oil, if produced sustainably, can play a key role in poverty alleviation by helping farmers thrive economically while adopting sustainable agricultural and business practices," he said on Wednesday. Under the declaration, governments have also promised to protect the human rights and livelihoods of indigenous people and smallholder farmers, and help them access the booming market. "Deforestation has often been linked to human rights violations," said Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, co-chair of the International Indigenous People's Forum on Climate Change. "People are losing access to the land they have always lived on and farmed. I hope this declaration will be an example to the rest of the region and encourage other tropical forest African countries to follow in the commitment," she said in a statement. The seven governments are the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Liberia, the Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone. The declaration "is not just about environmental sustainability, it's also transparency in that supply chain (including) respecting and managing the rights of indigenous peoples groups," Waughray said. Iraqi militia threatens Islamic State's supply route to Syria By Ahmed Rasheed, John Davison and Dominic Evans BAGHDAD/BASHIQA, Iraq, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Iraqi Shi'ite militias said on Wednesday they had driven Islamic State fighters from an air base west of Mosul, a victory which would threaten the Sunni group's supply route from Syria to its last major stronghold in Iraq. "The airport of Tal Afar has been liberated," Yusif al-Kallabi, a spokesman for Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Iranian-backed militias, told Iraqi state TV. The capture of the base, if confirmed, could be a significant development in the campaign to recapture Mosul, Islamic State's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014 and set up a self-declared caliphate in a swathe of Syria and northern Iraq. Tal Afar lies about 60 km (38 miles) west of Mosul on the main road to Syria. Its seizure could also alarm Turkey, which is wary of Iraqi Shi'ite involvement in the civil war in Syria. "Tal Afar will be the starting block for the liberation of all the area...to the Syrian border and beyond the Syria border," said Hadi al-Amiri, head of Badr Organisation, Popular Mobilisation's largest component, in a video clip. While the Shi'ite coalition is fighting Islamic State west of Mosul, regular army and police units are trying to advance from the other sides, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters deployed in the north and the east. Iraqi counter-terrorism forces breached Islamic State defences in east Mosul two weeks ago but have faced resistance from the militants, who have fought back with suicide car bombs, snipers and waves of counter-attacks. The campaign that began on Oct. 17 with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition is the biggest military operation in Iraq in more than a decade of turmoil unleashed by the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Popular Mobilisation, known locally by its Arabic name Hashid Shaabi, has said it plans to use Tal Afar base to take the battle against Islamic State into Syria, fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran. Although it officially reports to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, it is mainly trained and equipped by Iran. Popular Mobilisation's advance towards Tal Afar, which had a mixed population of mainly Shi'ite and Sunni Turkmen before Islamic State captured it in 2014, has raised the prospect of sectarian strife and alarmed neighbouring Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said last month that Turkey was reinforcing its troops on the border with Iraq and would respond if the militias "cause terror" in Tal Afar. Iraq's Abadi has sought to calm fears that the operation to recapture Tal Afar would ignite sectarian tension or escalate problems with Turkey, saying the attacking force that would enter the town will reflect its religious and ethnic make-up. The Nineveh region surrounding Mosul is a mosaic of ethnic and religious communities - Arabs, Turkmen, Kurds, Yazidis, Christians, Sunnis, Shi'ites - though Sunni Arabs comprise the overwhelming majority. KURDS MAY KEEP TERRITORY The autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) suggested on Wednesday it would try to expand the area it rules in northern Iraq to include surrounding villages and towns captured by Kurdish fighters from Islamic State. Kurdish Peshmerga forces "will not retreat from areas retaken" from Islamic State militants in Iraq, Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani said, according to Rudaw TV station. Barzani's comment could rile the central government in Baghdad, which opposes his plans to expand the autonomous area, even though the two sides have been fighting together against Islamic State in Mosul. The collapse of the Iraqi army two years ago in the face of Islamic State allowed the KRG to extend its rule over the oil-rich region of Kirkuk. The government forces have been fighting in a dozen of the roughly 60 neighbourhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River. They have yet to enter from the northern and the southern sides. Iraqi officials say the militants have used the city's more than one million remaining residents as human shields, firing from rooftops of inhabited houses and using a network of tunnels to launch ambushes in the midst of residential areas. While the presence of civilians has slowed the advance, Iraqi officials say some of their operations have been assisted by information provided by residents about Islamic State military positions. Trying to stop the flow of any information out of Mosul, the militants have cracked down on communications, banning the use of mobile phones and also confiscating satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by Iraqi forces. The group has also killed civilians suspected of helping the attacking forces, sometime putting their bodies on display around the city. Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in the city at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units. Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the campaign overall - either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted hundreds of casualties in enemy ranks. Nearly 57,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to U.N. estimates. The eleven suspects of the Aava group arrested by the TID in connection with committing offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) were ordered to be remanded till November 30 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Attigalle. They were arrested by the TID in Jaffna for committing offences under the section 7(2) of the PTA. (Shehan Chamika Silva) Video by Courts Prasanna ITC Country Programme Director Ashish Shah (left) and Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and to the Maldives, Ambassador and Head of Delegation Tung-Lai Margue shaking hands (right) in the presence of Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (centre) Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi By Zahara Zuhair In order to help Sri Lanka increase its trade competitiveness both in regional and European markets, the European Union (EU) launched a Rs.13 billion project in Colombo this week. It will be implemented over a period of four years by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United National Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Department of Commerce. The financing agreement in this regard was inked on 16 March 2016, between the Commissioner for International Corporation and Development Neven Mimica and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. It was noted that under the project specific attention will be given to enhancing value chains in the spice, food, and IT Business Process Outsourcing sectors. The Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and to the Maldives, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation Tung-Lai Margue said that the project is a national request made by the Sri Lankan government at Brussels, to provide trade related technical assistance. He said the project is designed with the aim of improving competitiveness gaps and expanding international trade. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen said that as the government wanted to expand global trade by entering into many new and powerful free trade agreements (FTAs) while positioning small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), exports and value chains to become growth drivers in the economic development roadmap, the Rs.13 billion project is a timely intervention that catalysed Sri Lankas accelerated journey towards the upper ranges in global middle income ranks. As the expansion of exports remains a prime objective of the government, he said, however the country continued to face rising trade deficit, owing to increase imports and decline in exports. He also said that the overall trade between the two trading partners (SL and EU) had increased from Euro 3.8 billion in 2014, to Euro 4.7 billion in 2015, an increase of 27 percent. European Union continues to be the number one export market for Sri Lanka, exports accounting for approximately 32 percent of Sri Lankas total exports to the world, he said. Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs Secretary M. I. M. Rafeek stressed the need of a coherent trade strategy, to enable SMEs to participate more dynamically and pro-actively in the trade led development body. ITC Country Programme Director Ashish Shah said, SMEs in Sri Lanka, like in most developing countries faced critical constraints to their growth and the key to help these countries was to unlock those bottlenecks. The constraints are wide-ranging, they are related to non-conducive polices and regularity environment for SMEs, weakness in the institutions environment for providing business support service for SMEs, he said. He said that this project posed a comprehensive approach to address these constraints. More specifically these projects will help, Sri Lanka to implement a forward looking SME focused trade strategy, he said. As 80 percent of businesses in Sri Lanka are SMEs, representing 35 percent of total employment, he said that strengthening the export capacities of SMEs in sectors with high potential for job creation is therefore a critical contribution to ensuring inclusive growth in Sri Lanka. For trade to flourish and achieve its full potential, it is important to focus on small and medium sized enterprises, he said. Meanwhile, he said that existing factory infrastructure, skilled and unskilled workers, attractive wage cost structure and logistical linkages make Sri Lanka an attractive location for production and investments. In addition, he said Sri Lanka is the only country to have FTAs with both India and Pakistan, giving duty free access to a market of 1.3 billion consumers, adding that Sri Lanka is ranked as the most liberalised economy in South Asia. UNIDO Chief Standards and Trade Facilitation Division Steffan Kaeser said that Sri Lanka today demonstrates full compliance with the international trade related standards and has increased access to the international market. He said that Sri Lankas quality infrastructure is the key catalyst for improving the quality and the compliance of products and services on a national scale and along entire value chains. By improving this essential part of the business environments for national industry, national quality infrastructure increases the competitiveness of the nations economy, makes attractive at the same time for foreign investments and ultimately it increases the ability to integrate to global trade value chains, he said. The king who is situated anywhere immediately on the circumference of the conquerors territory is termed the enemy. The king who is likewise situated close to the enemy, but separated from the conqueror only by the enemy, is termed the friend (of the conqueror). This is the earliest recorded note on the issue of friends and foes in the matter of governance. It has subsequently been used in other contexts of course and is generally reduced to the familiar dictum my enemys enemy is my friend often attributed to Mao Zedong. What is important to note here is that neither Kautilya nor Chairman Mao proposed it as a general theory, but rather one which could be applied to given situations. Perhaps this is why we have that other adage which could be considered a corollary of sorts, there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics. The recently concluded US Presidential Election prompted animated response from Sri Lankans of different political/ideological shades both here and in the USA. They are as divided, one might say, as the people of the USA, perhaps for reasons that are not too dissimilar, reasons that appear to be drawn from the above political observations on friendship and enmity. Its probably not surprising considering that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were said to be the most unpopular candidates in remembered history. After all, Republicans were told hold your nose and vote Trump even as their Democratic counterparts pleaded, hold your nose and vote Hillary. It was a close race and one where the winner lost the popular vote. Naturally, the Democratic camp felt cheated by the elections system or rather the system of selection in the USA. On the other hand, if system was at fault, then the die-hard Clinton supporters cant really complain, for they were happy when system-flaw hoofed out Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Primaries. Trump was not the first winner who lost the popular vote, he was the fifth, following the election of John Quincy Adams (1824) which helped launch the Democratic Party, Rutherford B Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888) and George W Bush (2000), when the Supreme Court in a split decision refused to sanction a re-count in Florida. One can only speculate whether the Democrats or rather the anti-Trump camp (which is broader than the support base of Clinton) would have been as vociferous in their protests had it been some other Republican that had secured the White House. As for Trump supporters who are yelling that the Clinton camp is in denial and telling them to shut up and accept the result, they are silent on the kind of denial that the most racist and bigoted of their camp demonstrated when Barack Obama won in 2008. As of now, it appears that a lot of people, across the so-called political divide, are trying to get on non-existent moral high horses. Trump came with a lot of baggage that has upset a lot of people in the USA and elsewhere. Women and minorities, in particular, have reasons to fear a Trump administration given his brash sexism, racism and homophobia. Trumps victory has in fact emboldened the worst elements of Intolerant America (of the US) and promised legislation to overturn key progress on resolving grievances of women, minorities and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer) groups could only make things worse. His trigger-happy brashness is certainly worrisome given that the Republicans have control of the Senate and Congress and not just for US citizens that have reservation about Washingtons foreign policy prerogatives of late. On the other hand, there would be those who think that it is best to have the true face of US foreign policy in the top seat because it would all be straight-up without the frills, double-speak and subterfuge. Others might just shrug shoulders and say same old, same old. These fears, more than the issue of a President elect who lost the popular vote, appear to be the fuel for the Dump Trump protests that have mushroomed all over the USA. We didnt see the Obama administration being progressive about the pipeline crossing sacred burial grounds and the Missouri, the main water source of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Would Hillary do better? Is she more progressive than Obama? These are not questions that we hear from the Dump Trump campaign. It must be noted, however, that although the anti-Trump protests are putting Arab Spring to shame, but the self-righteous Western media are given them the proverbial cold shoulder, just like the human rights squads that were so gung-ho about Middle Eastern dictators not too long ago. Apart from the real felt fears of the aforementioned groups within the USA, the truth is that it is meaningless to think of Republicans and Democrats as Right and Left respectively. They are so in relation to one another, but on the broad political spectrum both parties are far right, if you want to be serious about this. Even Bernie is not really left, but looks so in relation to Hillary and certainly in relation to Trump. Sure, Obama The Progressive didnt have the cushions in Congress and Senate that Trump has, but he didnt exactly make the world safer did he? The truth of the matter is whether one is Right or Left (relatively speaking), there are always operational limits imposed by the system, be they in domestic or foreign policy, be it climate change or war (declared or undeclared). In short the interests of the corporate class will be served while the interests of special groups such as the Jews will determine policy in the Middle East. US policy is not about resolution, but containment, or management which is the more fashionable word. Even domestic policy will be informed by the larger need to ensure that things do not get out of hand neither the KKK or the anarchists in the Dump Trump efforts are likely to do as they please, subject of course to the caveat that the KKK types will probably get a pat on the back with the friendly now enough while the anarchists, if there are any, will be roughed up. One might say that there could be a (dangerous) shift when it comes to environmental issues since Trump has selected a well known climate-change skeptic to head his US EPA transition team, Myron Ebell. On the other hand, despite Obamas rhetoric, the US conceded nothing voluntarily by way of multilateral efforts in this sphere. The track-record, compared to other countries, is embarrassing. With Trump, the one positive is that theres less likelihood of spin, foot-dragging and (again) subterfuge again not something thats worthy of popping the champagne. From this end, i.e. Sri Lanka, we had M.L. Shivajilingam of the Tamil National Alliance organizing an event to smash coconuts and light candles to bless Clinton ahead of the election. Everyone knows that Clinton categorically stated that she did not want the LTTE defeated. Its hard to put any spin on that. Why should any Sri Lankan who abhors terrorism be unhappy about a Clinton defeat under these circumstances, one can ask. Again, its about friends and enemies, not in an absolute sense but at least in terms of specific contexts. However, to think that a Trump Presidency would see a policy regime on Sri Lanka that is more informed, more acknowledging of contexts, fair etc., etc., is to be optimistic. Thats not how Washington has worked. To be thrilled about the result on account of justified antipathy to Clinton is certainly uncalled for. Kautilya was correct, but only so in a specific context determined by time and space. Our enemies are not always our enemies and our friends are not our friends forever. Our current enemies may in time and in different contexts become their friends. Where would that leave us? Ask Clinton if shes changed her stand on Sri Lanka (vis-a-vis the LTTE) and she will cautiously skip around it but essentially end up standing against Sri Lanka. Ask Trump and he might not know where Sri Lanka is, but if pushed, he might find himself rubbing shoulders with Hillary. So the USA had an election. So Donald Trump was elected or selected if you want to have it that way. I feel for all those who feel less belonged than ever before in that country. I am not sad that Clinton lost and I am indeed glad that I didnt have to hold my nose and vote for either of these two. I dont think theres reason to celebrate Trumps triumph or Clintons defeat. I could say cheers for less spin on US foreign policy, but then again, going by history, I doubt I would be cheering for too long. The truth is that the US still holds the trumps in certain global card games. Theyve got one with a name in the White House. Doesnt make too much of a difference. Malinda Seneviratne is a freelance writer. Blog: malindawords.blogspot.com Email: malindasenevi@gmail.com . Twitter: malindasene. Addressing an inter-cultural literary festival in Kilinochchi, President Maithripala Sirisena has again appealed to all people and political parties to come together in a spirit of unity in diversity and take the country towards sustainable, eco-friendly and all-inclusive development. The festival, in which Sinhala,Tamil, Muslim and other literary groups participated, was organized by the National Reconciliation and Unity office headed by former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who played a key role in bringing President Sirisena and the National Government to office and is now taking the front line in the reconciliation mission. President Sirisena has expressed deep regret that some political groups -- apparently with personal or party political agendas -- were spreading propaganda, accusing the National Government of trying to bring about federal reconciliation. He said it was a now-or-never situation for the country because for the first time the two major parties -- the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) -- were working together. There were differences of opinion and problems on some issues, but the two parties had reached consensus on major issues including the 2017 budget and the reconciliation process through a devolution of power and resources to the provinces. The President, apparently referring to pro-Rajapaksa politicians who have formed a new party, warned the Government would take stern action against anyone trying to stir up racial or religious tension. Since 1951, when S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike broke away from the Government of Sri Lankas first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake, the country has been plagued and has paid a colossal price for racial and religious strife. Mr. Bandaranaike, though he introduced the Pancha Maha Bala Wegaya or people power, also created the worst ever division through the Sinhala Only Act. It alienated the minority communities and led to the 30-year civil war in which hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans were killed or injured with the material damage going beyond estimation. But to his credit, Mr. Bandaranaike realized his blunder and repented within two years. Behind the scenes, he worked out the BandaranaikeChelvanayakam pact for regional councils which had far less power than the present provincial councils. But some opposition parties then led by the UNPs J.R. Jayewardene accused Mr. Bandaranaike of trying to divide the country and this led to the 1958 racial riots, forcing Mr. Bandaranaike to abandon the BC pact. On September 26, 1959 he was shot dead by a Buddhist monk, though many analysts believe it was part of a deeper conspiracy within the party. In 1965, the UNP, then led by Dudley Senanayake, formed a National Government including the main Tamil group, the Federal Party. A Dudley-Chelvanayakam pact for district councils was worked out, but the then opposition SLFP and some government ministers forced the Prime Minister to abandon this pact also. After 1970, the situation became worse. In the aftermath of the April 1971 armed insurrection by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Sirimavo Bandaranaikes United Front Government worked out a Republican Constitution. This had many positive dimensions, but the main negative was the exclusion of a provision which guaranteed minority rights. This move and other factors, mainly the district quota system for university admissions, led to crisis after crisis and conflict within conflicts, ultimately exploding in the civil war. In the 1980s, during the executive presidency of J.R. Jayewardene, Sri Lanka was shattered by the July 1983 riots, the 1986 Indo-Sri Lanka agreement which brought hundreds of thousands of Indian troops here and the 1987 reign of terror. In 1999, the then Executive President Kumaratunga -- apparently trying to fulfil what her father could not do -- introduced a devolution package worked out by Neelan Tiruchelvam and the then Constitutional Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris, who is now leading a new party opposing the National Governments reconciliation process. The way some of these politicians change their policies is similar to what the United States President Donald Trump is doing. While urging the National Government to be sincerely committed to this policy and give the people servant leadership, we also urge the people to go beyond selfishness or self-centredness and commit themselves to work for the common good by becoming country-first citizens. Q As a civil servant involved in administrative activities in the North and the East in the past, how do you see the importance of power devolution? When you say power devolution, it is mostly identified with Federalism. Federalism is a concept used for unifying two or more countries as one country. In Sri Lanka, we do not see such a situation. Power devolution took place for the first time in England in 1700s. England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales were united in this manner. England is the main county, and others are its allies with devolved power. The concept of devolution originated with that. Federalism, as a concept, was born in Germany after the World War II. In Germany, there were numerous tribes. The country called Greater Germany was born then after unifying all. In Sri Lanka, there is Thesawalamai law in the North. This is similar to a law that prevailed among tribes in Germany. Otherwise, it is not a law that was brought from Tamil Nadu or elsewhere. Federalism is applicable, in my view, to India. India was actually formed after unifying 18 principalities by the British. A Commission was appointed in the 20th century to decide on power to be given to local nationals. The Commission submitted its report in 1925 and had recommended the creation of States given cultural, ethnic , religious and other forms of diversities in that country. They brought out three yardsticks in this case- the language, religion and culture. If these three are same in a particular area, it should be declared a State despite geographical size. We find similar features of this Commissions report implemented in Sri Lanka as well. The powers were categorized as reserved and transferred. Under the reserved category, powers to be vested with the centre were determined. Others were powers to be transferred to states. In Sri Lanka, they implemented what happened in India which is a country with 18 languages and 18 States (Daha Ata Dese , Daha Ata Baase). Q How did it impact Sri Lanka? Going by this concept only, in Sri Lanka, the idea was mooted for the amalgamation of the northern and eastern provinces. The Tamil language, the Hindu religion and the culture were considered as the element needed in this case. Nobody talks about it. The basis for the idea was laid in the report submitted by that commission in India. We were taught about it at school during our time. Initially, the five provinces in Sri Lanka were created according to the report of the Colebrooke Commission. That happened after the British unilaterally violated the 1815 Kandyan Treaty. They appointed five Boarder Commissioners for these five provinces. Later, these five provinces virtually became irrelevant. Only the Government Agents appointed at district level were functioning. In Sri Lanka, the foundation for power devolution to the provinces was laid under the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord. In this accord, the North and the East were seen as the traditional homeland of Tamils. There was no historical and archaeological evidence to prove that these were Tamil homelands. In South India, there were enough and more evidence in the form of ancient temples, literature, statues, folklore, inscriptional materials etc. But, here in the North and the East, we do not find them. During archeological excavations, only Buddhist antiquities were found. When the Portuguese ruled the coastal areas of Sri Lanka, there was no map for the identification of the countrys boundaries. Portuguese historian Queroz referred to administrative units of the country at that time as kingdoms: The Gampola Kingdom, The Raigama Kingdom etc. Jaffna was also seen as a kingdom. In English, kingdom connotes a country. In this manner, there were 14 such units in Sri Lanka at that time. Q In your opinion, how important is political power devolution or power sharing? Legislature is the political authority. It consists of representatives elected by people. For one country, there should be one legislature. It makes laws. Governing a country means law-making, implementation of law and punishing those violating the laws. Technocrats have introduced different terminologies to convince people on the devolution of powers of legislature. That is called political power devolution. It is not the thing to be done. What is to be done is the devolution of administrative or executive powers. In the hierarchical order, there are Ministers, Ministry Secretaries, and Additional Secretaries etc. They should be given increased authority in the discharge of their duties. When Felix Dias Bandaranaike was the Public Administration Minister, he said that people always found it difficult to reach the District Secretariats for their needs. Therefore, he advocated that Assistant Government Agents (AGA) should be appointed. Before that, a land related issue should have to be reported to the Government Agent (GA) of the district concerned. Then, the AGAs were empowered to attend to such matters of people. In this manner, work related food rations and social services were transferred to officials at divisional levels. In fact, a person should be able to reach the Divisional Secretariat in his area and get his work done. That way, administrative power has to be decentralized. Q In your view, how has the lack of administrative power at grassroots level hindered the work of officials? For example, when I was the AGA for Agalawatte, people used to come the previous day to attend to their work the following day. They used to camp on the wayside near my office. At that time, transport facilities were scant. The situation was even worse in areas such as Anuradhapura and Vavuniya. People should be able to get their work attended to, in their own localities. For that purpose, administrative power should be decentralized to Divisional Secretaries. In England, even passports are issued over the counter at post offices. It has not led to corruption. In Sri Lanka, I do not understand why Divisional Secretariats have not been given power to issue passports. We have to work out modalities. Today, you see the passport office in Colombo where people swamp it from all corners of the country. Q Actually, those seeking political power demand authority for policy-making. How could it be addressed by decentralization of administrative power? Only the Central Government should make national policies taking into account the various conditions in different localities. For example, even policies related to develop Palmyra industry in Jaffna could be made at the centre. Yet, through its implementation, power could be assigned to the authorities in the area. The Moragahakanda Irrigation Project is now underway. It is to provide water to the North as well. Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran is asking for power to have control over it. Yet, the project originates from elsewhere in the country. Q What is the role you play to create public awareness on decentralization of administrative power? Today, people are divided politically. Then, a National Movement only could do it. In the past, people had been organized politically under ethnic identities such as Sinhala Maha Sabha and all. Tamils were organized under the All Ceylon Tamil Congress and Muslims under the Muslim League. These parties went before the British Governor in 1945 seeking parliamentary representation. Then, the government stressed on them to have democratic political parties. Parliamentary system cannot function without democratic political parties. There were Marxist revolutionary parties. Then, all these Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim groups turned back. Finally, it was found that the system was going to ensure 80% of representation for Sinhala people. Later, they wanted to devise a mechanism to unite under one banner, and thereby gave birth to various political parties. Stress budget proposal to redistribute lands held by RPCs will have ruinous impact Say proposal limiting each RPC to 5,000 acres lacks clarity Claim if implemented, banks, which have extensively lent to RPCs, will be in jeopardy Caution against detrimental impact the proposal could have on investor confidence Charge govt. for lack of consultation before such serious proposal The Planters Association of Ceylon (PA), the industry body representing the countrys regional plantation companies (RPCs), yesterday raised serious concerns over the 2017 budget proposal to redistribute sections of the lands held by the RPCs, stressing that such a move could have a ruinous impact on the countrys plantation sector and the overall economy. The 2017 budget, which was presented last week, called for a reduction in the maximum acreage that can be held by any standalone plantation company. Without being allowed to consolidate, each RPC is proposed to be drastically reduced down to a maximum extent of 5,000 acres. The government also issued assurances in the budget that employment for estate workers would not be disrupted as a result of the new proposals. The association noted with strong concern a distressing lack of clarity around the core aspects of last weeks budget proposal from its overarching goal of fragmenting the countrys plantation estates, which would compromise the sectors ability to compete with economies of scale, to a complete lack of any legal, regulatory or procedural mechanisms to enforce the overhaul called for by the governments proposal, the PA in a statement said. As it pointed out, in the case of some RPCs, the proposal could result in a slash of RPC estates from 25,000 acres down to 5,000, all with no clear mechanisms for objective evaluation of the lands, a review and appeals process or plans for the relocation of estate communities as a result of the proposed restructuring. With substantial extents of RPC land having previously been advanced as collateral to obtain bank borrowing, the PA cautioned that the countrys banking sector could also be placed in jeopardy by the radical alterations proposed in budget 2017 as a result of the high exposure that the banking sector maintains to date in the plantation industry. Similarly, the PA cautioned against the detrimental impact that the proposal could have on domestic and international investor confidence, given that the governments proposed measures would only be possible through the revocation of the 53-year lease agreement, which was the legal basis upon which the RPCs were charged with taking over the management of Sri Lankas plantation sector. With 23 years currently completed on the lease, the governments proposal to disregard this agreement and totally disrupt the investments that have been made into these estates, half-way through a lease agreement, could only be seen as arbitrary and retroactive in nature, the PA charged. In addition to concerns over the instability the proposals could directly cause in the plantation and banking sectors, the PA also warned against the injustice that such measures would cause to RPC shareholders, which are comprised of a diverse spectrum of respected institutional investors and private investors. All the RPCs are publicly listed companies at the Colombo Stock Exchange. Meanwhile, the PA also protested against the total lack of transparency and consultation in the formulation of the governments budget proposals, despite the countrys finance minister claiming that wider consolations were obtained from all stakeholder, professional and trade union groups. The association noted with dismay and disappointment that the government had excluded all major stakeholder groups from the discussion when formulating such a radical policy for the plantation sector. The association noted that such a lack of clarity would only serve to create uncertainty and instability among stakeholder groups, the PA noted. The PA concluded its statement by calling on the government, even at this late stage, to enter into discussions with them and all the major plantation stakeholders as a matter of urgency to engage in an open and fair discussion to arrive at an equitable and fair arrangement to all stakeholders which furthers the long-term sustainability of the plantation sector. A further point of serious contention was the lack of consideration afforded to the impact of the proposals on RPC liabilities, which in turn are funded through borrowing from the countrys domestic banking sector, the PA noted. Flash The Russian military launched on Tuesday a large-scale offensive against terrorist targets in Syria with the participation for the first time of the country's aircraft carrier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said. The major operation conducted large-scale strikes against the Islamic State and Nusra Front in the provinces of Idlib and Homs, Shoigu said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the top brass of the country's Armed Forces. Russia's sole aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has joined in combat action for the first time in the history of the Russian Navy, according to the minister. Another vessel of the Russian naval group in the Mediterranean, the Admiral Grigorovich frigate, has fired Kalibr cruise missiles against terrorist positions, Shoigu said. The Bastion coastal defense missile systems were also used in the campaign, he said, adding that terrorist facilities producing toxic substances were among the main targets of the intensive strikes. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe chats with Australian Andrew Goledezinowski at the 11th Ad Hoc Group Senior Officials Meeting on the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime that took place in Colombo yesterday. Representatives from 48 countries attended the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana Police said they arrested a resident of Moratuwa today in connection with the shooting incident where a Sub Inspector was killed and two constables were injured at Maspotha in Kurunegala last night. They said the shooting had taken place when the SI and the two PCs were conducting a search operation in the area. Police are on the trail of the other suspect who had fled the crime scene. In an interview with Mirror Business, W.A. Wijewardena, retired Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka says that the country has fallen into a high indebtedness since independence and the solution now lies in attaining fiscal discipline. Following are the excerpts of the interview. What are Sri Lankas public debt structure and its characteristics? Sri Lankas public debt can be defined narrowly consisting of only the debt of the central government and broadly composed of both the central government and other public entities. These other entities include government corporations, government statutory boards, government academic institutions, government banks, etc. For instance, the borrowings by Kotalawala Defence University (KDU) to set up its medical school and NSBM to establish the green University was included in these broad public sector borrowings. There are many, but these are just two examples. In popular parlance, what is commonly meant, as public debt is a narrow definition. Since it hides more than it reveals the exact position of the debt owed by a nation, countries have now moved to this broad definition of public debt. This is because even when public sector entities borrow money, they eventually become a liability of the countrys taxpayers if they are unable to service the same. For instance, if KDU or NSBM fail to repay their debt, it is the Treasury which will have to pay it ultimately. The Central Bank has now broadened the external sector borrowings to include all the public sector entities regarding the guidance given in the balance of payments manual number 6, known as BOPM6, issued by IMF. However, it has so far not added the domestic borrowings of all public sector entities to total domestic debt and continues to report the numbers separately. When one looks at this broad listing, the picture is different from what is shown in the narrow listing. Thus, the total public sector debt at the end of 2014 amounted to US $ 77.6 billion or 97 percent of GDP. It consisted of a foreign debt of US $ 41.6 billion and domestic debt of US $ 36 billion. The comparable figure for 2015 was a total public sector debt of US $ 83.2 billion or 101 percent of GDP consisting of a foreign debt of US$ 43.2 billion and a domestic debt of US$ 40 billion. But according to the narrow definition, it is not such an alarming picture. The total central government debt in 2014 amounted to US $ 57 billion or 71 percent of GDP. In 2015, it amounted to US $ 61 billion or 75 percent of GDP. Apparently, the narrow definition is misleading since it does not show the true indebtedness for which the taxpayers are responsible. What is Sri Lankas current public debt level and how has it changed over the past 50 years? The current debt level is as given above. But in the last 65 years, they have ballooned to unacceptable levels. For the year 1950, we do not have the broad public sector debt levels, and we have only the foreign and domestic borrowings of the central government. Accordingly, the total external debt of the central government was US $ 26.3 million or 3 percent of GDP. In the same year, the domestic debt was US$ 111 million or 14 percent of GDP. The total central government debt amounted to US$ 137 million or 17 percent of GDP. These numbers show that the country has fallen into a high indebtedness since independence. If the government fails to raise the necessary funds to meet its debt obligations, what are the steps taken to rectify this issue? The only way to meet the expenditure is by printing money through the Central Bank if the government is unable to cut its expenditure or raise revenue. What is the purpose behind the excessive increases in borrowing, specifically external debt? First, Sri Lankas domestic savings, historically, has been very low. For instance, on average, Sri Lankans save only about Rs 17 out of Rs 100 that they earn. Thus, to maintain a high investment of about 25 percent of GDP, it has to borrow money from people outside the country naturally. That is why Sri Lanka has relied on foreign borrowings and those borrowings have increased. Second, Sri Lanka has had a deficit in the current account of its balance of payments continuously since about 1953. To fill this gap, it had to borrow from external sources. Third, the governments revenue has been at a low level compared to its expenditure commitments. To fill the governments budget deficit, it had to borrow from both the domestic and foreign sources. The solution now lies in attaining fiscal discipline as announced by the Prime Minister in the economic policy statement delivered in Parliament in November 2015. Is Sri Lankas external debt sustainable in the long run? No, because its reliance on commercial and non-concessionary borrowings have increased in the recent past. About ten years ago, Sri Lanka was able to borrow from external concessionary sources because the country was classified as a poor country. But, when Sri Lanka graduated to a lower middle-income country around 2004, it also lost the opportunity for borrowing from this concessionary window. Now it has to borrow from commercial and non-concessionary sources and they accounted for about 69 percent of total external borrowings in 2015, up from 66 percent in 2014. What are the legislations in place pertaining to powers to borrow, invest, issue guarantees and undertake transactions on behalf of the government? Total central government borrowings are regulated by Parliament through the Appropriation Act which it approves while approving the annual budget of the government. It gives the breakdown of both the domestic and foreign borrowings which the government is authorized to raise in the following year. There is no restriction for domestic borrowings of public sector entities if they are authorized to do so in the in the statutes under which they have been set up. However, the foreign borrowings are regulated by the Controller of Exchange, with respect to the Exchange Control Act. What are the internal governance structures and practices in place to manage public debt? The central government borrowings are affected as per the authorization is given in the Appropriation Act. As for the domestic borrowings, the Treasury issues instructions to the Public Debt Department of the Central Bank as and when it needs money to incur local payments. Foreign borrowings are approved by the Cabinet and if they are from individual countries or institutions like the World Bank or ADB, they are raised by the External Resources Department for the government. Any commercial borrowing by issuing sovereign bonds is done by the Central Bank, which is expressly authorized to do so by the Cabinet. What role does the Sri Lankan Parliament, IMF and independent commissions play in public debt governance? In terms of the Constitution, public finance is managed by Parliament and it does so through the approval of the Appropriation Act. There is no role for IMF or independent commissions in this regard. How would the Right to Information Act assist with improving transparency in terms of public debt? Public debt is not an excluded subject under RTI. Therefore, theoretically, the citizens have a right to obtain such information. However, one has to wait till the implementation of the Act to see whether it is effectively done. Finally, what are the governments future strategies for managing public debt? As announced by the government, it plans to reduce the budget deficit to 4.5 percent of GDP by 2020; it would provide some relief to the government in the form of slowing down the growth of public debt in the country. The full solution comes if the government is able to go for a zero budget deficit or a budget surplus as has been done in Thailand and UK recently. (Cathrine Weerakkody is a CIMA Passed Finalist, a graduate in Financial Management (UK) and currently reading for a masters degree in Financial Analysis in the UK) As you come out of the Paro International Airport in Bhutan, the first thing which strikes you is that the Land of the Dragon (Druk-yul) is different from any the other place you may have visited. Though a modern state, it has retained its architecture, traditional dresses, language, among others. As importantly, Druk-yul has also kept its independence, which has not been the case of its once powerful northern neighbour, Tibet. While both Himalayan states functioned in a complete autonomous (and often reclusive) manner for centuries, Tibet became a colony of China in 1950. One question comes immediately to mind: how did Bhutan manage to keep its 'independence'? History Tibet's recent history is well known: a brutal force, with its strategic and ideological designs, took over the peaceful land of the Dalai Lamas. The communist invasion was so violent that more than one million Tibetans perished during the first decades. It is perhaps due to some kind of good karma that Bhutan did not have to go through such an ordeal, though its location is extremely strategic. Tibet's Chumbi Valley, sandwiched between Haa district of Bhutan and Sikkim, and commands the entry to the vulnerable "Siliguri Corridor". India's support to the Happy Kingdom has been vital. Article I of the 1949 Treaty of Peace and Friendship says: "There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between the Government of India and the Government of Bhutan." One can only wish that the Bhutanese remain happy. (Photo credit: Reuters) The Article II assures Bhutan against any interference: "The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan." However during a few decades, the Royal Government agreed "to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations." In 1971, it is Delhi who sponsored Bhutan's candidature to the UN; it was then wisely decided that Thimphu would have no diplomatic relations with any of the permanent members of the Security Council (India has had an embassy in Thimphu since 1968). In 1981, Bhutan became "global" and joined the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and a year later the World Health Organisation and UNESCO. An active SAARC member, Bhutan has today diplomatic relations with 52 states and the European Union. But this does not explain how Bhutan has kept its Buddhist tradition so remarkably alive. My conclusion, after a ten-day sojourn in Bhutan, is that the Royal Government has successfully managed to tackle the "migrants" issue. Migration everywhere is a sensitive matter. The French authorities have decided to evacuate over 2,000 migrants from a makeshift camp located near the Stalingrad metro station in Paris. Earlier in the week, Reuters reported: "Demolition teams finished tearing down unoccupied shacks and tents in the northern seaside town on Monday after last week's evacuation of thousands of migrants from the 'Jungle' camp where more than 6,000 people were living, most in the hope of making it across the Channel to Britain." Dilemma Some ten years ago, Bhutan faced its own eviction dilemma when the Lhotshampas, or Bhutanese of Nepali origin, had to be resettled to third countries, primarily the US, Canada, Australia and the UK. In the late 1980s, the Bhutanese government had estimated 28 per cent of the Bhutanese population to be of Nepalese origin (unofficial estimates ran as high as 30-40 per cent). The result of the census led to name Nepali refugees as "illegal immigrants". A year later, Thimphu decided to stand by its own identity: the national dress code was made mandatory. All citizens, including the Lhotshampas, were required to follow the dress code in public during business hours. Then, the government removed Nepali as a language of instruction in schools, making Dzongkha, the national language, compulsory. The Human Rights organisation pointed an accusing finger at Thimphu, which stood by its decision, because Nepali influx has not been something new to Bhutan. Already in March 1954, volunteers of the Bhutan State Congress (defending the Nepali "cause") marched from India across the border to launch a satyagraha at Sarbhang in southern Bhutan, where thousands of Nepali Bhutanese lived. They were protesting against the treatment of the "migrants". Identity The Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had to write to his Nepali counterpart: "A number of Nepali organisations are organising satyagraha in Bhutan. They have made their base in Indian territory This is exceedingly embarrassing to us as it must be to your government." Nehru continued, "We cannot encourage Indian territory to be made the base of operations. I am sure that your government also cannot approve of this method. Governments do not function in this way Any difficulties in Bhutan should be dealt with in a different and governmental way." Human Rights activists have remained vociferous about the Nepalis' rights, though it is now clear that the Royal Government took the right decision. Today, Bhutan would have been unable to promote Gross National Happiness if the ticklish migrant issue had not been solved; it ultimately greatly helped the nation to preserve its own identity and culture. One can always argue that we are living in a global village and nobody can stop forces of globalisation, but the fact remains that part of the happiness which Bhutan is famed for is due to the absence of tension between the local population and emigres. One can only wish that the Bhutanese remain happy, with their own identity, for many decades to come. A stable situation is also good for India. In Grimms' fairy tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Queen asks her magic mirror every morning, "Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Whos the Fairest of Them All?" Almost every opposition party in Parliament would be doing the same during the month-long winter session from November 16 to December 16, wondering who amongst them is the most oppositionist of them all when it comes to putting the Narendra Modi government on the mat over the tardy implementation of its sudden decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in the name of fighting black money. For over a week after Modi addressed the nation on November 8 to announce demonetisation, there have been long unending queues of desperate people thronging bank counters and ATMs for a handful of cash to meet their daily expenses and fight the crisis of liquidity thrust upon them so suddenly. As ATMs and banks rapidly ran of cash, so did the patience of the people. As the ATMs and banks rapidly ran of cash, so did the patience of the people, most of whom were left stranded, hungry, thirsty and angry. And now their anger is reverberating in Parliament as the opposition and treasury benches slug it out on the impact of demonetisation on the lives of every citizen and the benefits that the government claims will accrue to the country. Fault lines show up Groups of opposition parties had met on November 14 and 15 to chalk out a joint offensive against the government, which had indicated that it would not be defensive on a decision that would "cause people inconvenience temporarily but benefit the country in the long run". But they could not paper over the differences that divided them, or forge a consensus on how to go for the ruling partys jugular. While all of them welcomed the governments intent to battle black money, their emphasis and approach was different. It ranged from those who attacked it for its timing, faulty implementation, ill-preparedness to deal with the aftermath of demonetisation. Some attacked the government for using demonetisation when there were other tools to unearth black money, which is largely held in real estate, bullions, securities, stocks and other such instruments. The Trinamool Congress, for instance, demanded a rollback of demonetisation and proposed a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan; the Congress suggested a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into demonetisation, and the CPM wanted a step-by-step approach. But there was more between the lines taken by the different opposition parties: the communists would not like to be seen to be joining forces with the Trinamool, its rival in West Bengal, notwithstanding chief minister Mamata Banerjees overtures for a joint strategy; the Congress and the TMC are battling it out to take a lead in any opposition offensive; and with elections coming up in UP, the SP and the BSP would not like to be seen on the same side of the fence no matter what the issue. Initially ATM meant "All time Money" now it is "Aayega tab milega": WEst Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/Yukd84U49M ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Indeed, even while targeting Modi, these parties are competing with each other to be seen as the most virulent critic of the half-baked demonetisation move that has upset the daily lives of people. The parties are attempting to capture the attention of their respective social constituencies and are seeking to grab the eyeballs as the most oppositionist of them all. The Trinamool and AAP were among the first off the block in slamming demonetisation, with Mamata Banerjee even reaching out, among others, to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, JD-U leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, and BJD leader and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. So, on November 16, while the rest of the opposition was intent on assailing the government in Rajya Sabha the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day because of the death of an MP during the inter-session period Mamata led a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Delhi: Mamata Banerjee leads the protest march to the President's House, other Opposition parties also participate #demonetisation pic.twitter.com/DlnSgrrQiV ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Her success lay in getting BJP ally Shiv Sena to break ranks with the NDA and join the march, which also included Omar Abdullah and his National Conference. Although Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was in support, he kept away from the march as the Shiv Sena was part of it. This is not the first time that the fault lines in the opposition parties showed up despite their common stand against the BJP-NDA on an issue. It has happened on earlier occasions as well, partly because the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha is just a shade ahead of the others. Congress seen as one among many Cast an eye on the 2014 Lok Sabha results when Modi won a clear majority for the BJP and formed a BJP-led NDA coalition. The Congress was reduced to a paltry 44 seats barely ahead of the 37 and 34 that J Jayalalithaas AIADMK and Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress got in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal respectively. Naveen Patnaiks BJD won 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha. The CPI-M, which often acted as the oppositionin-chief, plunged from 16 seats to just nine in the new House, and thereby, lost the considerable moral force it used to exercise in national politics. The Congress could not even claim the status of leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha as the 44 seats it had were 11 short of the number required for the position. It suffered the ignominy of being relegated to the category of just one of them in the opposition camp, though with a slightly larger number. There is no investigation or action taken against Modi ji's industrialists friends: Rahul Gandhi on #demonetisation pic.twitter.com/rKzsdzN35u ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Not surprisingly, in the first few months, the party saw the AIADMK and the Trinamool presumably to deflect attention from the Saradha scam in West Bengal and the BJPs attempts to carve out a base in her state which was poised for Assembly elections often trying to outdo it as an opposition party. Mamata Banerjees MPs often took the lead in any agitation in Parliament. They carried black umbrellas into Parliament to flag the governments failure to bring back black money stashed abroad and waved red diaries to emphasise the charge that BJP president Amit Shahs name figured in a red diary recovered from Subrata Roy, the Sahara chief. To take another example, when it came to taking a united stand in Parliament against hate speeches, including Sadhvi Niranjan Jyotis objectionable comments against Muslims in December 2014, the CPM did not join the black band protest of opposition MPs lest it be seen on the same side as the Trinamool. The AIADMK and the BJD stayed away from it to maintain equidistance, and parties like the SP, BSP and the JD-U were keen to end the matter following Jyotis "regret" and the PMs statement in the Lok Sabha. Cut to 2016. With the Presidential polls in mid-2017 in which each party would like to be counted and the general elections in 2019, it seems a going back to the same game again: of proving more pro-people and anti-government on the demonetisation issue than the other. It is easy to misread Donald Trump's victory in the United States presidential election as a win for nativist forces. Brexit was similarly misread. Neither presages anti-globalisation. Post Brexit Britain will emerge a stronger international player, not an isolationist island. Initial fears over the British economy sliding into recession have already been allayed by strong growth numbers in the July-September quarter. The pound is recovering. In America, paranoia over a Trump presidency heralding economic isolationism and racial armageddon has been fed by a discredited, out-of-touch media. The real takeaway from Trump's win is that it could fashion a new global power axis. One pivot of that axis will be a burgeoning partnership between the US, India, Japan and Russia on nuclear security, counterterrorism, trade and technology. The second pivot in this emerging quadrilateral world order is China with its rogue allies North Korea and Pakistan. The third pivot is Western Europe, sclerotic and ageing but economically advanced and, with NATO, militarily powerful. The fourth and most unstable pivot is the Middle East, a breeding ground for Islamist terrorism and despotic governments. The outcome of the geopolitical contest between these four pivots will determine the winners and losers in the second quarter of this century. The US-India-Russia-Japan alliance could emerge as the world's most powerful if its components play their cards well. PM Narendra Modi with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. (Photo credit: PTI) The Narendra Modi-Shinzo Abe bilateral summit in Tokyo over the weekend is a pointer in this direction. It was reported that "India and Japan agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation in developing the strategic Chabahar port in Iran that will help India access Afghanistan and Central Asia by bypassing Pakistan. "The Chabahar project's strategic importance is also enhanced by it being seen as a counter to China's development of Gwadar port in Pakistan which is to be linked to the Chinese province of Xinjiang by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. "The decision by India and Japan to deepen their strategic cooperation despite China's unease was further reflected by the reiteration that international law should prevail in settled claims and disputes in the South China Sea. "The reference, which reflects Japan's concerns over China's muscle-flexing, was reciprocated by direct reference to Pakistan in the context of the 26/11 and Pathankot terror attacks. "Despite China warning India and Japan against any dalliance over the South China Sea, the subject found specific mention in the joint statement issued after PM Narendra Modi's summit meeting with his counterpart Shinzo Abe." War on ISIS Trump's major foreign policy challenge meanwhile is the war on ISIS, now entering its decisive phase in Mosul and Raqqa. Mosul is the last major Iraqi city held by ISIS. Its fall will turn US and Russian attention to Raqqa in Syria. Raqqa is the de facto capital of ISIS. Most of its senior commanders have gathered there to defend the pincer assault from the Syrian army, backed by Russian air strikes, from the south and the surge of Syrian rebels, backed by American air power and Kurdish Peshmerga, from the north. The other major Syrian city Aleppo, partially held by ISIS, is under attack by the Syrian army and Russian forces. It could fall any day. According to the Barack Obama doctrine, which Hillary Clinton co-authored as secretary of state in 2011, the priority in Syria was to evict President Bashar al-Assad from power. Towards this end Syrian rebels fighting Assad were trained, armed and funded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in flagrant violation of Syria's sovereignty. By 2014, ISIS had seized a third of Syrian and Iraqi territory, taking advantage of a Syrian army weakened by US air strikes and an Iraqi army similarly devastated by the earlier US invasion of that country. When Obama's legacy is examined by history, his role in Syria will be seen as among the most pernicious aspects of his eight-year presidency. Not only did Obama's obsession with removing Assad from power in Syria create space for ISIS, it turned the Middle East into a cauldron of sectarian strife. Even when ISIS is finally defeated in Mosul and Raqqa, its last two major territorial possessions, Syria will likely never fully regain its sovereignty. The Kurds will carve out the north. The Turks have already occupied a broad swathe of Syrian territory on the border. New world order The US-Russian relationship is at its worst since the early phase of the Cold War in the 1950s. The key reason is not only Russia's annexation of Crimea and invasion of eastern Ukraine but conflicting interests in Syria. Vladimir Putin's Russia backs Assad. Obama's America despises him. That is about to change. Trump's America will not seek Assad's ouster. The real enemy, as Trump said throughout the presidential campaign, is the Islamic State caliphate of terror, not Assad. The chances of the US and Russia working together in Syria to defeat ISIS have brightened. It will be Trump's first foreign policy test when he takes office in January 2017. Where do India and Japan fit in? As a rising regional power, India has excellent relations with the US, Russia and Japan. It now has civil nuclear deals with all three. Japan is protected by America's nuclear umbrella. Trump may ask Tokyo to bear some of that cost. But with China emerging as Washington's principal rival, Trump will be careful to keep Tokyo on his side, given Japan's ongoing dispute with Beijing in the East China Sea. Western Europe, the weakest of the four pivots in an emerging new world order, has been paralysed by its Arab refugee crisis, slow economic growth, ageing population and the threat of lone wolf terror attacks on its cities even after ISIS is evicted from Syria and Iraq. Next year could prove a geopolitical inflection point. Four of the world's largest economies (the US, Japan, Russia and India) with strong leaders are poised to form a new power axis that could reorder the world in 2017. Flash U.S. President Barack Obama reiterated on Tuesday Washington's steady and strong support to Greece's efforts to address the debt crisis while visiting Athens as part of his last European tour. U.S. President Barack Obama (L) reviews a presidential honor guard during the official welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Athens, Greece, Nov. 15, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] During talks with the Greek political leadership, the outgoing U.S. leader urged an end to austerity and called for debt relief in combination with Greece's commitment to the path of reforms. "Austerity cannot be the formula for growth. The Greek economy needs space to recover," Obama said in joint statements with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras broadcast live on Greek national broadcaster ERT. The U.S. president acknowledged that Greek people faced very difficult times during the seven-year crisis that brought the country at the brink of economic meltdown and Greece was now on the right path to recovery. Obama sent several times a clear message of support to Greek people dealing with the economic crisis. Athens hopes this official support will help its case in forthcoming talks with its international creditors. Greece is pushing for debt relief as soon as possible to ensure sustainable growth. In addition, during Tuesday's talks, Obama praised Greek people's compassion for refugees and promised that the United States would continue to help in coping with the refugee crisis. "In my message to the rest of Europe, I will continue to emphasize our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity. It is going to be important both with respect to debt relief and other accommodative strategies to help the Greek people during this period of adjustment," he said at the Greek prime minister's office. Before an official dinner hosted by Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Obama also reiterated the U.S. government's willingness to support ongoing efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue. The Greek authorities have taken strict security measures, cordoning off a large part of the city centre with approximately 4,500 Greek police officers deployed across Athens. On Wednesday, Obama is scheduled to visit the Acropolis Hill and deliver a speech at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center before leaving Greece for Berlin. Flash An investigation is under way into the tens of thousands of dead fish spotted floating in a canal off the Long Island, New York. Dead fish spotted floating in a canal off the Long Island, New York, on Nov. 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] The closing of the Shinnecock Canal at 3:00 a.m. on Monday trapped within the Canal a large, dense school of bunker (Atlantic menhaden) and other bait fish, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said in a statement emailed to Xinhua Tuesday afternoon. The large school of fish was most likely chased into the canal by other predatory fish, and the fish kill does not suggest any impacts to the health of Shinnecock Bay,around three hours drive east of Manhattan, New York. A preliminary field analysis suggested that the fish likely died because of "a lack of dissolved oxygen and the high density of fish," the conservation department added. DEC staff have collected additional samples for further analysis. The Canal and locks are operated by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works. The canal locks and gates were reopened at 10:00 a.m. Monday, allowing the live and dead bunker to enter Shinnecock Bay. As a precaution, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has also collected water samples to test for pathogens, nutrients and pesticides. This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Learn more . The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest, and most recognizable, stock exchanges in the world. The NYSE is in New York City, New York at 11 Wall Street. The NYSE has been in existence since the earliest days of the United States becoming a nation, in 1792 and is primarily made up of blue-chip companies with large market capitalizations. In fact, many of the stocks that make up the Dow Jones Composite Index (i.e. The Dow) are listed on the NYSE. This article gives a brief history of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it covers topics such as what kind of stocks trade on the exchange, what are the listing requirements, how trading is performed, and what the daily price movement of the NYSE tells investors about investor sentiment. What Were the Origins of the NYSE? Today, the New York Stock Exchange is known as the center of the financial universe. However, the exchanges origin is far more humble. On May 17, 1792, 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement creating a centralized exchange to help provide order to the securities market in what was still a young nation. The "Buttonwood Agreement comes from the tree of the same name under which the founders signed the agreement. An initial benefit of the exchange was how it removed the need for auctioneers when trading commodities like wheat and tobacco and to set a commission rate. The exchange initially focused on government bonds. However, the exchange had no formal home. Business was usually conducted informally in the local coffeehouses. In 1817, the exchange changed its name to the New York Stock & Exchange Board which later became the New York Stock Exchange. At this time, the exchange adopted a constitution that set the rules for trading. A group of stockbrokers met twice a day at 40 Wall Street to trade 30 stocks and bonds. Over time, the exchange moved became the financial hub of the country and moved to its current location in 1865. What Kind of Stocks Trade on the NYSE? As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. Although the NYSE trades stocks of all market capitalizations, its best known for trading the stocks of large cap companies. These have the benefit of being mature companies in mature industries. And many of these companies reward shareholders with dividends. However, that also means that many of these companies are better suited for value investors as opposed to growth investors. In bear markets this stability can be a benefit for investors as these stocks tend to perform less bad than more volatile stocks. But in a bull market, these stocks are not likely to provide investors with the growth that they look for. An interesting fact about how the NYSE and NASDAQ operate is that the companies with the five largest market caps on the NYSE are also listed on the NASDAQ exchange. What Are the Listing Requirements For the NYSE? The NYSE has strict guidelines that govern the types of companies that can list on the exchange. Here are the major requirements that all companies must meet: The company must have at least 2,200 shareholders The company must trade over 100,000 shares per month The company must have a market valuation of over $100 million The company must generate more than $75 million in annual revenue However, there is at least one advantage of having such stringent requirements. That is the companies that meet the requirements generally find it easier to get more investors funds when they hold their initial public offering (IPO). Once a company begins trading on the NYSE, it must continue to meet these requirements. If it doesnt it can be delisted. In addition to these requirements, the stock must continue to trade above $1. If the price of a stock drops below $1 for more than 29 consecutive trading days, the stock receives an Initial Price Violation Notice. At that point, the company has 10 days to provide the exchange with a plan for bringing their shares above $1. How are Trades Executed on the NYSE? For over a century, the floor of the NYSE was the place for investors to be. This meant trades were conducted by traders who ran buy and sell orders across the trading floor looking to broker a deal for their clients. But with the birth of the NASDAQ exchange in 1971, the New York Stock Exchange began conducting electronic trading. However, the NYSE continues to conduct trades in an auction style. Brokers purchase stocks on behalf of their clients or firms. Every order features a broker who will enter the order electronically and a specialist who serves as the market maker for that stock. The specialist posts bid and ask prices and manages the actual execution of the trades. And there are still a handful of stockbrokers who still traffic buy and sell orders physically on the floor of the exchange. How Does the NYSE Signal Investor Sentiment? Like its counterpart, the NASDAQ, the NYSE measures the risk appetite of investors. When the NYSE is moving higher over a length of time, it signals that a risk on environment. Conversely when the NYSE moves lower over a significant period, it signals that investors are moving to a risk off position. Some Final Thoughts on the NYSE Financial news networks plan their programming schedule around the opening and closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Its still considered a distinguished honor when individuals or groups are invited to ring the opening bell. In fact, Warren Buffett is attributed with saying that in the short term, the stock market acts like a voting machine. A fact that many U.S. presidents will attest to. The NYSE is the oldest and most recognizable of all the stock exchanges. It also has the most stringent requirements for inclusion. And those requirements must be maintained even after a stock begins publicly trading on the exchange. Although the NYSE still has a small in-person Trading Floor, much of the trading is done electronically to provide traders with the speed to execute trades. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry. The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time. The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services. Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America. The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government. The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans. Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody. The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers. 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Read More The Chippewa Falls City Council on Tuesday approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Lake Hallie to complete the 2.4-mile gap of the Chippewa River State Trail in the two municipalities jurisdiction. The agreement is the result of several years of work to close the final gap of the trail, which extends from Cornell down to Durand, Mayor Greg Hoffman said. This really is the last piece of the puzzle, Hoffman said. Im excited to see it completed ... and Ive had a lot of people say theyre excited to see it completed. The plan received federal funding in September through the Wisconsin Department of Transportations Transportation Alternative Program. According to the agreement, state/federal funding will be capped at $507,982. The total cost of the project is $634,977.75, of which the remaining will be split between the city and the village for the portions of the trails in their jurisdiction. The trail will pick up at 40th Avenue in Lake Hallie, go alongside Highway 124 to Park Avenue, follow Park Avenue until the Highway 124 overpass and then connect to the other section of trail. The original plan took the path down through the railroad bed on Canal Street, which he said may have been more picturesque. However, it was more expensive and perhaps more dangerous for bikers. This is so much simpler, more efficient and a far better plan, Hoffman said. Rick Rubenzer, city engineer, said if all goes well construction will take place in late 2017 and hopefully be completed by 2018. The city received federal funding for this project several years ago when the original plan was proposed, but a possible business in Lake Hallie that would have obstructed the right of way halted that plan. Go Chippewa Falls Tourism Director Jackie Boos provided an update to the Council on the Chamber of Commerces new branding Go Chippewa Falls. The branding includes a new logo for the city, a new printed visitors guide to be distrubted throughout the state and region and plans for two new billboards on Highway 53 and one on Highway 29. Those are currently being approved by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. We wanted to make sure we highlight something that represents four seasons without getting too full of imagery and verbiage, Boos said of the billboard. The Chamber of Commerce also launched a Snapchat account in August, under the username gochippewafalls. They are also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Its fun to see how were hitting different generations, Boos said. Social media is something well continue to do. Their social media also got a boost with the Chicago Tribunes recent article highlighting Chippewa Falls charm. She said that article reached 27,000 people on Facebook. It also generated website visits. 46 percent of visits that week alone came from the Chicago area. People saw that, and wanted to get to know better who we were, she said. The political ground shifted suddenly last week underneath Wisconsins Scott Walker and other Republican governors who might have been eyeing the White House in 2020. As the Republican Governors Association convened its annual meeting this week, Walker and his colleagues found themselves adjusting to life with Donald Trump as president, with many reassessing their plans for a future presidential run. Walker, who will formally become the associations chairman on Wednesday, said he isnt worried about his own national aspirations for now. Im 21 years younger than the president-elect, the 49-year-old said in an interview late Monday. I dont worry too much about age. My only focus is going to be on 2018. Im not term-limited, so, should I choose to run, I can continue to be relevant. The meeting at a resort near Walt Disney World is the first major gathering of Republican office holders following an election that propelled Trump to the White House and saw Republicans winning three governorships previously been held by Democrats in New Hampshire, Vermont and Missouri. The party emerged from the balloting with at least 33 governorships, its highest total since 1922. North Carolinas race between Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper and Gov. Pat McCrory is still too close to call. The Republican Party is very much alive and well and that recovery has been led by the states and it was reaffirmed in Washington on Tuesday, Walker said. The one thing I can say good about this president is that he probably helped reestablish the strength of the Republican Party, inadvertently, in America because when he came in there were 28 Democratic governors. By January, there will be as few as 16. Republicans also control roughly two-thirds of state House and Senate chambers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The partys sweeping gains in state legislative seats and governors offices in 2010 and 2014 have been used to cut taxes, restrict abortion and collective-bargaining rights, and implement new voting requirements. Theyve also redrawn legislative districts to their advantage. The dominance at the state level, however, could also come with some awkwardness. Some Republican governors renounced Trump during the campaign and major policy disagreements may also loom on issues like trade, health care and immigration. Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who ran unsuccessfully in the Republican presidential primary and harshly criticized Trump, is perhaps the most dramatic example of someone contemplating a 2020 bid who is now largely obscured by a giant political shadow. Kasich had planned a speech in Washington less than 48 hours after the polls closed to present his vision for the future of the Republican Party, but the speech was scuttled after the election results became clear, according to the Columbus Dispatch. A Kasich spokesman didnt respond to an email seeking comment on whether the governor fears any retribution for Ohio during a Trump administration. Besides the repeal of Obamacare, Walker said he wants to see Trump rescind nearly every executive order and action Obama has taken. Speed, he said, is of the essence. If they want to sustain it in two, four, six years and beyond, theyve got to be big and bold and theyve got to do it early, he said. Before getting on board with the Trump campaign, Walker had been one of the partys earliest adopters of what came to be known as the stop-Trump movement. When he dropped out of the presidential primary race in September 2015, he said he was doing so to give the rest of the field a better chance to stop Trump, someone he portrayed as a threat to his party and nation. The governor mostly kept his distance from Trump during the rest of the campaign, although he did speak in support of him at the Republican National Convention in July and appeared with him in Wisconsin, including at a campaign event a week before the election. Trumps Wisconsin win, the first time a Republican presidential candidate has carried the state since 1984, was a key element in his national victory. While state-level policy had been viewed as increasingly important with Congress and President Barack Obama gridlocked, that view could change with Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress starting next year. Walker disagrees with that premature assessment. Theres a real possibility that we could play a role as well, both in promoting and advocating for what theyre doing in Washington, but also helping them make the case that more of the power and responsibility should go to the states and the people, he said. Should he decide to run again for the White House, extra time might not be helpful for Walker. His signature achievement a successful 2011 fight with public-sector unions that launched him into national prominence is quickly fading in the rear-view mirror of history. At the time of his exit from the presidential race, Walkers advisers said part of his thinking was that he felt he was young enough to preserve his viability and run in the future. For now, hes ruled out taking a position in Trumps administration and is expected to make a decision next year on whether hell seek a third term. His current one expires in January 2019. On Tuesday, the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump was in a state of disarray following infighting, firings and revelations that allies of the U.S. were dialing blindly into Trump Tower in an attempt to reach Trump. Just a week after the upset victory by Trump in the U.S. national election, his team working the basic traditions of the transition of power included not having official briefing material from the State Department in first conversations they have with foreign leaders. Get Warning: Undefined variable $CompanyName in /home/acctdp/public_html/wp-content/themes/responsalambre/single.php on line 65 alerts: Two people who handled national security on the transition team, former U.S. Rep Mike Rogers from Michigan and lobbyist Matthew Freedman who consults with foreign governments and corporations were both fired. The two were part of what was described by an official as a purge that Jared Kushner orchestrated. Kushner is the son in law of Trump and one of his close advisers. The two dismissals followed Fridays abrupt firing of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who held the transition teams top job, but was replaced by Trump with Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Kushner, said one official, was dismissing people systematically like Rogers, who had ties to Christie. Christie, while a federal prosecutor, sent Kushners father to prison. Prominent U.S. allies were scrambling trying to figure out when and how to talk to Trump. Occasionally, they reached him at his luxury office tower without warning, said one Western diplomat. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the first foreign leader to reach Trump last Wednesday followed by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, that was 24 hours prior to Britains Prime Minister Theresa May being patched through, which is a striking break from protocol given the close alliance between Britain and the U.S. Despite Trumps early conversations being of a haphazard nature with world leaders, his close advisers said the team was not going through any unusual setbacks. Trump lashed out at his critics with a message on Twitter that said he was the only person who knows who his final Cabinet members are. Former mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani said the process was normal. He has emerged as the leading candidate to be named as secretary of state in Trumps Cabinet. Giuliani, who spoke to reporters by telephone, said the transition is very hard and glitches always take place due to its complexity. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. 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Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. Read More MADISON The states chief of schools is asking Gov. Scott Walker and Republican lawmakers to send millions to rural schools so they can keep their teachers. As part of State Superintendent Tony Evers $13.6 billion request for the 2017-19 biennium, Evers would direct $5.5 million in the 2018-19 school year to provide schools in rural areas with money to give their teachers retention grants, or $750 per full-time teacher. Evers first floated the idea in September, saying the money would help to level the playing field among school districts by giving extra money to schools in rural areas who have trouble matching salaries offered by wealthier districts. The grants would be for teacher compensation and tuition reimbursement, the budget request said. Since Walker and Republicans passed the collective bargaining measure known as Act 10, school districts have been able to abandon salary schedules usually included in contracts with teachers unions. One result has been wealthier districts having a greater ability to offer compensation packages that include regular bonuses or paying moving expenses to teachers licensed in hard-to-fill subject areas, regardless of their experience or education level. We are reviewing the request and appreciate Dr. Evers proposal, said Tom Evenson, a spokesman for Walker. Governor Walker is committed to investing more to help every child succeed. Evers budget request notes teachers in rural areas are less likely to have advanced degrees and more likely to be teaching students living in poverty. Students living in rural districts also have performed more poorly than students living in urban and suburban areas. Rural districts compete with urban and suburban districts for teachers facing the obstacles of not being able to offer high pay, being located in isolated areas, requiring teachers to cover multiple subjects and not being able to offer a lot of training opportunities, the request said. In future years, these barriers will be further exacerbated by declining enrollment in rural districts and the overall decrease in the number of college students entering teacher education programs, the request said. Overall, Evers is seeking about a $707 million increase in spending including a $525 million increase in general school aid and other changes that would comprise a funding formula overhaul. The request seeks a 2.7 percent increase in overall spending in the 2017-18 school year and a 5.4 percent increase in the 2018-19 school year. Changing the funding formula The request marks the fourth time Evers has asked the Legislature to change the states funding formula. Part of the overhaul would eliminate a special funding stream to pay for students living in high poverty and factor more money into the main funding formula for the same purpose. The budget also asks for increases in state-imposed revenue caps and would set a minimum amount of money the state sends to schools, regardless of how wealthy the district is. Each district would receive a minimum of $3,000 per student under the request. Twenty school districts dont receive general state aid in the 2016-17 school year because of the high property wealth in the district, according to DPI. The same proposals have been rejected in three previous state budgets since they were first introduced by Evers in 2010. But the Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature and Walker have signaled a shift in attitude toward K-12 funding, which was significantly cut in Walkers first budget and virtually held flat in the last budget. Walker has repeatedly said this year that more money must be invested in K-12 schools. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said last week that K-12 funding will likely be a priority in the upcoming budget. A spokeswoman for Fitzgerald said Tuesday he is still reviewing the proposal. Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, and Commercial Renewables. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, renewable generation, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. It also engages in the wholesale of electricity to municipalities, electric cooperative utilities, and load-serving entities. This segment serves approximately 8.2 million customers in 6 states in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States covering a service territory of approximately 91,000 square miles; and owns approximately 50,259 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation natural gas customers; and owns, operates, and invests in pipeline transmission and natural gas storage facilities. It has approximately 1.6 million customers, including 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as 550,000 customers in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The Commercial Renewables segment acquires, owns, develops, builds, and operates wind and solar renewable generation projects, including nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage services to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and corporate customers. It has 23 wind, 178 solar, and 2 battery storage facilities, as well as 71 fuel cell locations with a capacity of 3,554 MW across 22 states. The company was formerly known as Duke Energy Holding Corp. and changed its name to Duke Energy Corporation in April 2005. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Reports show that a traumatic brain injury caused the death of a UW-Stout student from Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 2 a.m. on Oct. 30, Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, was found unconscious and bleeding from his nose and mouth in the 400 block of Main Street East in Menomonie. Airlifted to Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Alnahdi regained consciousness early the following morning, but died that afternoon. Witnesses reported Alnahdi was assaulted by a 6-foot man who fled the scene. An international student who came to UW-Stout in 2015, he was a junior majoring in business administration. Menomonie Police Chief Eric Atkinson released the preliminary findings about the cause of Alnahdis death after conferring with Dunn County Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Marcie Rosas. The final autopsy report will be released following results of Alnahdis toxicology tests from the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. The investigation of Hussain Alnahdis death is progressing, and we are still interviewing people that may have information, Atkinson said. He also asked for the publics help in identifying two people in surveillance photos. By Tuesday morning, both women had been identified and were in the process of being interviewed to determine whether they have information relating to the case. We appreciate the publics continued assistance, patience and support with this death investigation, Atkinson said. In addition to consulting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Menomonie police have partnered with UW-Stout police and the Dunn County sheriffs office to investigate Alnahdis death. A reward of $20,000 has been established for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Alnahdis death. Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information relating to Alnahbis death is asked to contact MPD Investigator Kelly Pollock at (715) 231-8511, or by texting TIPDUNN followed by a message to 274637 (CRIMES). Information can also be provided through Dunn County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-3866, at http://dunncocrimestoppers.com. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Charlottesville Police Foundation seeks donations and messages of thanks for its Treat A Cop to Dinner event, which will be on Saturday. Details and online donation access are available at cvillepolicefoundation.org. (434) 298-4101. City of Charlottesvilles deadline for payment of personal property and real estate taxes is Dec. 5. Payments may be made in person at City Hall, online at Charlottesville.org/i-want-to-/pay or by calling (866) 660-5185. City of Charlottesville seeks citizen input to create a budget that best addresses the needs of the community through the online Balancing Act tool. The site, with instructions, is available at charlottesville.org/budget. Paper surveys are available by calling (434) 970-3333. Flu vaccines are available at local health departments, including the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department at 1138 Rose Hill Drive, (434) 972-6200; Fluvanna County Health Department at 132 Main St. (U.S. 15) in Palmyra, (434) 591-1960; Greene County Health Department at 50 Stanard St. in Stanardsville, (434) 985-2262; Louisa County Health Department at 540 Industrial Drive in Louisa, (540) 967-3703; and Nelson County Health Department at 4038 Thomas Nelson Highway in Arrington, (434) 263-8315. Hollymead After-school Program holds an ongoing drive for toys and new or gently used clothing for children in different areas of the country. Donations can be dropped off at 2775 Powell Creek Drive. (434) 566-0108. Jefferson Area Board for Aging offers insurance counseling during the open enrollment period through Dec. 7. Appointments are available at JABAs Hillsdale Road office, as well as at mobile units that will be traveling to locations in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson counties. Details are available at jabacares.org/insurance-counseling and (434) 817-5248. NAACP Culpeper Branch, servicing Madison County, meets at 7 p.m. Thursday at Culpeper County Library at 271 Southgate Shopping Center in Culpeper. naacpculpeper.com. (540) 727-1305. Old Rag Master Naturalists, serving Madison, Greene and Orange counties, accepts applications through Dec. 31 for its Master Naturalists Training Program, which will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays beginning March 17. Details and applications are available at oldragmasternaturalists.org. (540) 407-0552. Piedmont Virginia Community College offers Getting Started information sessions, providing an introduction to PVCCs degree and certificate programs, as well as information about placement tests, student services and other resources. A Getting Started session is held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville. pvcc.edu/outreach. (434) 961-5275. Scottsville Chamber of Commerce conducts its Christmas wreath and poinsettia sale. Orders are accepted through Tuesday for delivery on Dec. 3 and 10. Proceeds benefit the works of the SCCC. Orders are taken by email to stotsreele@aol.com or at (434) 286-2054. UVa Red Cross Club holds a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday in Newcomb Hall Ballroom at 180 McCormick Road. (321) 704-3999. Pastor Rick Warren and Bishop Robert Barron to Highlight Concerns About Assisted Suicide in Upcoming Webcast NAPA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 / Pastor Warren is the founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church. Bishop Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Both leaders have been outspoken about their opposition to assisted suicide laws. Life Legal filed a lawsuit earlier this year to challenge California's assisted suicide law, the End of Life Option Act. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops has "Pastor Warren and Bishop Barron understand the difficulties faced by those who have received a terminal diagnosis and how important it is that society not abandon the vulnerable in their time of greatest need," said Alexandra Snyder, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. "In the short time that assisted suicide has been legal in California, we have already seen cases where people are pressured to choose suicide over more costly life-sustaining treatment." Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist and Director of Medical Ethics at UC Irvine School of Medicine, will share his concerns about the lack of patient safeguards inherent in assisted suicide laws. Stephen Larson, a former federal judge and partner in the Los Angeles firm of Larson O'Brien LLP, and Katie Short, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Life Legal, will discuss Life Legal's lawsuit seeking to overturn California's End of Life Option Act. The Webcast will be aired on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 pm Pacific. Listeners can register at About Life Legal Defense Foundation Life Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit Share Tweet Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 212-717-7371NAPA, Calif., Nov. 16, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Pastor Rick Warren and Bishop Robert Barron will be featured speakers in a Webcast event on Thursday to discuss why assisted suicide is wrong and how to cope with difficult end of life circumstances in a way that respects human dignity and the sanctity of life. The Life Legal Defense Foundation is hosting the Webcast, which will be moderated by lawyer, author, and radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt.Pastor Warren is the founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church. Bishop Barron is an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Both leaders have been outspoken about their opposition to assisted suicide laws.Life Legal filed a lawsuit earlier this year to challenge California's assisted suicide law, the End of Life Option Act. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops has formally endorsed the lawsuit , stating that the End of Life Option Act "fosters the unequal and inhumane treatment of an extremely vulnerable group of our citizens solely because they suffer from a life-threatening illness.""Pastor Warren and Bishop Barron understand the difficulties faced by those who have received a terminal diagnosis and how important it is that society not abandon the vulnerable in their time of greatest need," said Alexandra Snyder, Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation. "In the short time that assisted suicide has been legal in California, we have already seen cases where people are pressured to choose suicide over more costly life-sustaining treatment."Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist and Director of Medical Ethics at UC Irvine School of Medicine, will share his concerns about the lack of patient safeguards inherent in assisted suicide laws. Stephen Larson, a former federal judge and partner in the Los Angeles firm of Larson O'Brien LLP, and Katie Short, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Life Legal, will discuss Life Legal's lawsuit seeking to overturn California's End of Life Option Act.The Webcast will be aired on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 pm Pacific. Listeners can register at lifelegaldefense.org About Life Legal Defense FoundationLife Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone. Charlottesville officials announced Tuesday that they will pay $2.85 million for a pair of Market Street properties that could bring a new mixed-use development downtown that includes structured parking with several hundred new spaces. According to City Manager Maurice Jones, it may be three to five years before redevelopment begins on the half-acre lot where the Lucky Seven convenience store and Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant stand near the intersection of Ninth and Market streets. Ownership of this parcel affords the city many options, including the possibility of a future public-private partnership for mixed-use development that includes parking on the site, Mayor Mike Signer said. We feel confident this is a good investment for the city. This is a critical piece in the citys efforts to have a parking plan and assets for our businesses, residents and visitors, Councilor Bob Fenwick said. The anticipated but now confirmed acquisition is expected to help resolve the citys much-publicized parking issues, which have been pivotal in two significant public conflicts: the citys legal dispute with the Charlottesville Parking Center and the potential relocation of Albemarle Countys court system. Ultimately, the property acquisition and redevelopment of the site would be the most costly component in a trilateral Parking Action Plan that expands city government and public transportation services in order to meet demand for parking infrastructure. Officials said Tuesday that the parking plan was developed based on public policies that the council devised with support from consultants and city staff in recent years. This [comprehensive plan] reflects many years of the public telling us they needed parking, Councilor Kathy Galvin said. It also reflects really sound research ... that we needed to make sound policy. With that policy, we were able to give very clear direction to staff. In addition to new structured parking on Market Street, as well as on West Main Street, potentially, the plan includes: $10 million dedicated to creating structured parking, or $2 million per year in the citys five-year Capital Improvement Program; Development of new public-private partnership guidelines that would direct how the city establishes such partnerships for significant infrastructure projects; A Park and Ride location on Avon Street, which complements the new Charlottesville Area Transit Route 2 service from the Downtown Transit Station to the 5th Street Station retail center; and Extended weekend hours at the Water Street Parking Garage on a trial basis. Another aspect of the plan is the development of a city parking division, to which the city allocated $500,000 earlier this year by way of a parking enterprise fund. Fenwick said the city had hired a new parking manager, who is expected to begin his job next month. A city-staffed Parking Action Team also has been created to coordinate execution of the citys new plan, which includes a pilot parking meter program that will take up 150 prime parking spaces surrounding the Downtown Mall. Regarding the possibility of Albemarle relocating its courts from downtown, its uncertain whether the citys Market Street acquisition will convince county officials to reconsider that option. Along the corridor, the city and county share ownership of the Seventh and Market Street parking lot. A source privy to the city-county negotiations had said plans for new structured parking there had been considered as a way to accommodate for the countys growing court traffic, but nothing had materialized. Signer said Tuesday that the city could potentially work something out with the county to combine the half-acre parking lot with the neighboring property. However, he said just the Ninth Street plot would be adequate to effectively provide enough parking for both official county court use and downtown patrons and workers. I would say this would be a very important piece of information for the county and their stakeholders to know, Signer said. The city has put its money where its mouth was in terms of making firm commitments to substantially increase parking in the downtown area. As for the Charlottesville Parking Center, which sued the city earlier this year after both sides in the public-private partnership were unable to settle on rates at the Water Street Parking Garage, city officials said their new property acquisition has no bearing on the dispute. However, as the citys plan mentions the possibility of extended hours at the Water Street Parking Garage, CPC officials are drafting a new annual budget potentially with new rate proposals that includes the extended hours. If approved, the garage would stay open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, it would be open from 9 a.m. to midnight. CPC would test those new weekend hours for a 90-day basis, CPC General Manager Dave Norris said. Norris said city officials will meet with CPC officials to discuss the annual budget for garage operations on Nov. 30. The Parking Action Plan will be an agenda item for the City Council meeting Monday. Flex, Lenovo Open Server Plant in Hungary Published: 16 November 2016 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow SARVAR, HUNGARY -- Flex and Lenovo this week opened a manufacturing plant for servers headed for customers in the EMEA region. The site will build x86 servers under the Lenovo brand, and will perform final system assembly and custom integration. The new plant is expected to employ 250 workers. Lenovo has outsourced to Flex for seven years will produce their six millionth PC this December, according to the companies. RICHMOND The U.S. Justice Department has filed a brief in a lawsuit raising constitutional concerns about Virginias policy of automatically suspending drivers licenses when people cant afford court costs and fines. Last week, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a class-action case against the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, brought this summer by the Legal Aid Justice Center, a Virginia nonprofit, on behalf of four people whose licenses were suspended because of a failure to pay costs, fines and fees assessed by courts. One is from Charlottesville and another lives in Fluvanna County. The statement of interest advances the United States position that suspending a drivers license is unconstitutional if it is done without providing due process and without assessing whether the individuals failure to pay was willful or the result of an inability to pay, the Justice Department said in a statement. As the Supreme Court has affirmed, the constitution prohibits punishing a person because of his or her poverty. The suit alleges that the state relies upon suspension to coerce payment of money owed to the courts. While those who can afford to pay generally do, for those who cannot, suspension of their drivers licenses is automatic and mandatory upon default, without inquiry into the reasons for nonpayment or consideration of the debtors financial circumstances. The Legal Aid Justice Center says that more than 900,000 Virginians had suspended drivers licenses because of unpaid costs or fines last year, according to information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. In the same year, the DMV issued 366,773 suspension orders for those reasons, with about 40 percent of the underlying offenses wholly unrelated to driving, the center said. For many, this means giving up their only mode of transportation to work, forcing them to choose between losing their jobs and risking incarceration for driving illegally, the center says. There are about 5.7 million regular drivers licenses issued by the state, the DMV says, not including nearly 209,000 commercial drivers licenses and about 167,000 active learners permits. The federal brief maintains that a drivers license is a constitutionally protected interest under clear Supreme Court precedent that cannot be suspended without adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard first. The Virginia Attorney Generals Office had no comment on the brief, said Michael Kelly, a spokesman. However, in a memorandum in support of a motion to dismiss the suit, filed last month, the state argued that the plaintiffs are making a policy argument, not a legal one, since it is Virginia state courts and court clerks who issue suspension orders in accordance with state code, not the DMV commissioner. State law says that any person, whether licensed by Virginia or not, who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the commonwealth shall thereby, as a condition of such driving, consent to pay all lawful fines, court costs, forfeitures, restitution and penalties assessed against him for violations of the laws of the commonwealth; of any county, city, or town, or of the United States. At the time of conviction, courts are directed to order people who cant fully pay fines and costs within 30 days to pay in installments in individual arrangements with the clerk of court. Failure to do so results in an automatic suspension, though drivers can pay a fee to have their license reinstated and enter into a payment program with the court. Drivers can also petition for restricted licenses that allow them to get to work. Clerks are required to send drivers written notice of the suspension of the license, effective 30 days from the date of the conviction, if fines and costs are not paid. The notice can be provided at the time of trial or sent by mail. Courts also have discretion to give defendants more time to pay their costs, the state argues. Although plaintiffs have set forth what could be described as a persuasive argument that courts should give indigent criminal defendants greater latitude with respect to the imposition or repayment of fines and costs, what they have presented is, at its heart, a policy argument and this is not a policy-making forum, the filing says. It is a court of law, and it is legal standards that govern whether this case must rise or fall. And by every legal standard that could conceivably be applied, their suit fails. A new rule from the Supreme Court of Virginia that takes effect Feb. 1 is intended to ensure that all courts approve deferred and installment payment plans in accordance with state law and to further the legal values of predictability, fairness and similarity in the collection of fines, court costs, penalties and restitution throughout the courts of the commonwealth. It sets out definitions for fines and costs and installment payment plans and requires courts to offer defendants who are unable to pay to be offered some type of deferred or installment payment plan. Courts cannot deny payment plans because of past defaults or a referral to collections, among other criteria, and must provide written notice of all available payment alternatives and community service programs. The rule also sets limits on down payments, allows payments made within 10 days of the due date to be considered timely, and requires courts to take into account the defendants financial resources in light of the defendants financial obligations, including defendants indigence, as well as the fines and costs the defendant owes in other courts, among other provisions. Though Angela Ciolfi, an attorney with the Legal Aid Justice Center, called the rule a very positive step forward, she said it wont affect the merits of the suit, which is scheduled for trial on Dec. 11, 2017. The Justice Department brief signals that this is a civil rights issue with national implications, she said. Unbelievable. A group of University of Virginia students, faculty and staff want the universitys president to stop quoting the universitys founder. Why? Because of Thomas Jeffersons involvement with the racist history of the university. Such connections make him unfit to serve as a moral compass for the university today. Oh, really? Such narrow-mindednessin fact, such moral blindnessignores the sublime accomplishments of one of historys most pivotal figures. UVas own president should not quote the man who not only founded the university, but also helped found the nation? UVas president should not quote the man who articulated the ideology of liberty that not only is fundamental to the nation he helped establish, but that also has inspired freedom movements across the globe? UVas president should not quote the man whose concepts of independence not only eventually helped create the moral compass that led to freedom and civil-rights movements within this flawed nation, but also thus generated the very freedoms now enjoyed by his critics? Puh-leeze. The critics are exercising freedom of speech even as they seek to curtail the presidents right of free speech. Ironic, dont you think? These critics penned a complaint letter in response to an email sent by university President Teresa A. Sullivan the day after the election. Sullivan asked students who were upset by the result not to become cynical about Americas democratic system and instead to effect change, referring to Jeffersons belief in the high caliber of UVas students. Those students, he said, are not of ordinary significance only: they are exactly the persons who are to succeed to the government of our country, and to rule its future enmities, its friendships and fortunes. Thats a wonderful sentiment, eminently appropriate for our times and a great compliment to the students. To eliminate that and other bits of Jeffersonian wisdom from the public debate is unconscionable. At this juncture, we must wonder not whether Jefferson meets the standards set by his critics, but whether they meet his standards. We rather think not. President Sullivan replied to the letter with this: Quoting Jefferson (or any historical figure) does not imply an endorsement of all the social structures and beliefs of his time, such as slavery and the exclusion of women and people of color from the University. This should be obvious to anyone with discernment. Jefferson was not perfect, but that is no reason to expunge him from the conversation at his own university, or anywhere else. Who among us is perfect? Who is pure? No one. But flawed individuals are capable of great accomplishments that greatly serve humanity. Ones ability to accept such ambiguities is a mark of maturity and, indeed, of learning. Heres hoping the critics can achieve that wisdom and maturity. Last year, the bilateral trade between Guangdong and India reached $14.4 billion, which stands 20 per cent of the total amount of the India-China bilateral trade. Mumbai: Bilateral trade between India and China presently at $70 billion can be doubled in five years and Indias exports can reach $30 billion with more access to Chinese markets. China accounts for over 16 per cent of Indias imports and less than 4 per cent of Indias exports and India represents one of the fastest growing markets for Chinese goods said trade body CII. Guangdong as a trillion-dollar economy and home to about 3,000 Indians is a preferred destination. Last year, the bilateral trade between Guangdong and India reached $14.4 billion, which stands 20 per cent of the total amount of the India-China bilateral trade. Chinese investments are welcome in Indias Make in India campaign across sectors such as electronics, automotive, and engineering goods, among others. Mumbai: Actor Nana Patekar says the soldiers, who serve on the borders to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country, are the real heroes. "The soldiers, who serve in uniform are at the front are our real heroes, they fight a battle everyday to protect the integrity of the nation," Patekar said while interacting with the Jawans of Border Security Force (BSF) in Kathua district. Patekar, who was on a day long visit to the Indo-Pak International border in Hiranagar and Kathua, appreciated the hardships and sacrifices being made by the BSF Jawans during the recent cross border firing. "It is a great opportunity for me to come and meet BSF troops. The whole nation stand firmly with them," he said. Patekar said the greatest strength of the country was not the big weapons but the Jawans. A senior BSF officer said such visits raise the morale of troops. "Recognising the immeasurable service rendered by world largest border grading force tasked to guard vast Indian frontier in western and eastern corridor help raise their morale. He was last seen in the Gujarati film, Sathiyo Chalyo Khodaldham. Mumbai: Actor Mukesh Rawal, best known for portraying Vibhishan in Ramanand Sagars Ramayan, passed away in a train accident on Wednesday morning, confirmed a family member. The actor was on his way to dub for an upcoming Gujarati film, when the accident occurred. His dead body was found today morning at a railway track in Mumbai. He died in a train accident. We havent got the body yet for the last rites. It is still in the morgue, Indian Express quoted his cousin sister-in-law Tejal Rawal as saying. Since his body was found on the railway track near Kandivli, media reports speculating suicide had begun circulating. "His body was found yesterday at 9.33 AM, but the actor's kin identified him this morning," Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik told PTI. "His son-in-law came at the Kandivali railway station in search of Rawal, who had gone missing. The officials sent him to a hospital where he identified the body," the Commissioner added. The actor will be cremated tonight, in Mumbai. Rawal, who was a popular Gujarati artist, has also appeared in Bollywood films like Zid, Satta, Auzaar and Kasak. He was last seen in the Gujarati film, Sathiyo Chalyo Khodaldham. Mumbai: After tasting success with Bajrangi... Bhai will now be producing Lion of the Sea which is based on the infamous Komagata Maru incident. Shooting begins mid-2017 with schedules in India, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Canada. In 1914, a group of 376 passengers from India, all British subjects, headed towards Canada on a Japanese steamship named Komagata Maru with an aim to immigrate. The steamship sailed from Hong Kong, via Shanghai, China, Yokohama and finally to British Columbia (Canada) only to be denied entry. The group of passengers comprised of 340 Sikhs, 24 Muslims, and 12 Hindus, out of which only 24 were admitted, forcing others to return to India. This was the first instance of Canada and the US implementing their exclusion laws on people of Asian origin from entering their countries. This story of racial discrimination and mens struggle against it will see Irrfan Khan playing the character of Gurdit Singh, one of the Sikh passengers on board. Lions of the Sea is a film that depicts heroism of all those who were on board and challenged the racial policies of the British Empire Its a powerful human story of struggle and triumph in which Irrfan will play a Sikh named Gurdit Singh. The story of those Sardars, Muslims and Hindus is relevant even today as we hear and read about the refugee crisis and racial profiling constantly. We have begun work on the preproduction and will announce the director and the rest of the cast in the next few days, confirmed Amar Butala, Chief Operating Officer of Salman Khan Films to a leading daily. Irrfan is currently busy shooting for Homi Adajanias Takadum and will start preparing for this intense role sometime next year. Addressing the media, Ajay Virmani, Salmans partner for this project, added, It is imperative to tell this story as it mirrors the current global refugee crisis. Lions of the Sea will allow us to embrace multiculturalism, diversity and bring humanity closer together. Salman Khan Productions is going to recreate Indo-Western history on big screen. The actor has agreed to collaborate with Toronto-based Indian tycoon Dr Ajay Virmani to make a historical film titled Lions Of The Sea. The story is based on the celebrated 1914 incident when the Japanese ship Kamagata Maru sailed with more than 349 Sikh passengers to Canada but was denied entry. Irrfan Khan will play the stellar role of the Sikh lawyer Gurdit Singh who fought for those passengers right to enter the country. At a time when Donald Trump has unleashed an unprecedented backlash against ethnic races and the politics of racial exclusion in America, the saga of the valorous Sikhs who attempted to sail into Canada 102 years ago acquires a renewed relevance. Thats what Khan may have felt when he heard about the project and immediately expressed a desire to climb on board. Says Virmani, Its an honour to partner with Salman and SKF once again to ensure this historic story which has challenged many racial laws in the western world is finally being told. We were pleased and humbled that the honourable prime minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year recognised and apologised in the House of Commons for the unjust treatment committed against these migrants. We are excited to announce this production will commence in 2017 as we celebrate Canada, its diversity as well as its 150th anniversary. This film will be co-produced by Vinay Virmani and Pauline Dhillon. Chennai: Trumps victory might have stunned people across the world as different reactions from shock to joy are pouring in, as people are expressing their protest through various means. But there are also many in India who are happy about the result and have decided to pay tribute to Americas president elect. The owner of a restaurant called Suprabaa in Chennai, C.P Mukund Das decided to express his admiration for the new US President by introducing a special dish dubbed the Trump Dosa, as a tribute. The man, who says he is a Trump fan because of his speeches and facial expression, said that he always knew Trump was going to win as a banner outside the eatery has a huge poster of the US President inviting people to try the Trump themed Dosa. Referred to as the white dosa by customers, its priced at Rs 50, comes on a banana leaf with various special chutnies and also has a cup full of butter to go with it. The restaurant has been selling 130 Trump dosas a day after the announcement. Although some people criticised the move, C.P Mukund Das intends to let this continue and said that while artists paint their favourite personalities, a tribute is the least he can do. Patrons would have to bring their own weed, to comply with state law banning the sale of both pot and food or drink. (Photo: Pixabay) Denver: Denver has approved a first-in-the-nation law allowing people to use marijuana in bars, restaurants and other public spaces, such as art galleries or yoga studios. The catch: those places would have to seek neighbors' approval first, and patrons wouldn't be allowed to smoke inside. Denver voters approved Proposition 300 as eight other states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational purposes last week. The Denver vote was so close that it took an entire week for supporters to claim victory and opponents to concede. "It's the sensible thing to do," said Emmett Reistroffer, a Denver marijuana consultant and campaign manager for the pot-in-bars measure. "This is about personal responsibility and respecting adults who want to have a place to enjoy cannabis." The city measure takes effect immediately, but it has a lot of caveats. First, interested bars and restaurants would have to show they have neighborhood support before getting a license to allow marijuana use. Patrons would have to bring their own weed, to comply with state law banning the sale of both pot and food or drink. Patrons at participating bars could use pot inside as long as it isn't smoked, with the possibility of outside smoking areas. Supporters of the measure had no guess how many establishments would apply for weed permits, or how long it would take for them to demonstrate community acceptance and receive permits. In other words, it could take many months before Denver sees any Amsterdam-style coffee shops. The measure sunsets in 2020, unless city officials renew the licenses or voters make the pot-in-bars measure permanent. Colorado law neither currently allows nor bans public marijuana use. The result is a hodgepodge of local ordinances related to marijuana clubs. Denver is the first city to allow bars and restaurants to permit marijuana use, though the state Legislature is expected to consider a bill next year to clarify that communities can allow on-site pot consumption if they wish. Alaska is the only marijuana state that allows on-site consumption at dispensaries. But Alaska doesn't allow use in bars or restaurants, and that state is still working on rules for how those pot shops' "tasting rooms" would operate. Opponents of the Denver measure predicted neighborhoods would resist bars, restaurants and other venues seeking pot licenses. They warned the measure won't properly protect the public from stoned patrons leaving a bar that allows smoking and drinking at the same time. "How can these businesses possibly monitor patrons for marijuana intoxication?" opponent Rachel O'Bryan said in a statement Tuesday. The measure would require any interested bar or restaurant to specially train staff in marijuana use and submit an "operations plan" to show how it would prevent marijuana use by underage patrons. Applicants must also specify "strategies and procedures for identifying and responding to the potential over-intoxication of consumers." Mason Tvert, spokesman for the national Marijuana Policy Project and a Denver proponent of the consumption law, said the measure would reduce instances of tourists smoking pot on sidewalks and in parks because they have nowhere private to consume weed. A Denver billboard promoting the measure featured a large arrow pointing to a sidewalk below, telling voters that without a provision for social pot use, folks will keep smoking pot in plain view. "We are setting up a system that is still more restrictive than what we see with alcohol consumption," Tvert said. An elderly man in Kolkata has landed in jail after he paid his former spouse the alimony amount in the now-banned currency notes. The Indian government had demonetised currency notes of denominations Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 recently rendering them worthless overnight. Bijoy Seal, 70, had been ordered to pay an alimony amount of Rs. 8000 every month by the court but had not given any money to his former wife in the last four years. It was by November this year that the total amount had accumulated to Rs. 2.25 lakh which resulted in his arrest. However soon after his arrest, his brother collected around Rs. 2 lakh by taking loans and appeared before the court with the entire amount. As the Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes had ceased to be legal tender, the court refused to accept the money. His ex-wife also stated that she would only accept new currency notes of Rs. 500 or Rs. 2000 and refused to accept payment via cheque and demand draft, according to reports. Cailey Fiesel, from Greenwich in the United States, found a decaying rodent sewn in to her outfit that she had purchased from Zara. (Photo: Cailey Fiesel) The worst that a customer can expect after buying something fancy is probably finding out that the product was made of cheap material or is in a damaged condition. However a US womans experience of coming to know that a dead rat was sewn into her new dress is beyond most peoples nightmares. Cailey Fiesel, from Greenwich in the United States, found a decaying rodent sewn in to her outfit that she had purchased from Zara a popular Spanish clothing and accessories retailer. She had reportedly noticed a pungent odour when she put on the dress but continued to go about her work. She noticed something like a loose string rubbing against her leg and upon looking closely realised that it was a dead rats foot. Zara is now slapped with a lawsuit for gross negligence and said that they will investigate the matter further, reports New York Daily News. Child rights activists rescued the girl from his house in Green Hills Colony on Tuesday and approached the police. (Representational image) Hyderabad: An advocate and his son on Wednesday surrendered before Hyderabad police for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old girl. The girl was working at the advocates office and house since six months. Child rights activists rescued the girl from his house in Green Hills Colony on Tuesday and approached the police. The girl alleged that she was beaten up several times by the rapists and the family when she tried to resist their sexual assault. Police booked a case against advocate M. Sudhakar Reddy, 60, and his son Bharath Kumar Reddy, 30, for raping and assaulting the girl. Both went absconding after finding out about the case. The girl, who hails from Suryapet, was brought to the advocates house to do household work and odd jobs. Since the day she came she was subjected to sexual assaults by the suspects, police said. I was sodomised by the father often and his son repeatedly raped me. When I tried to complain other members of the family beat me up, the girl said. The girl had to suffer torture and sexual assaults for many days till she was rescued by child rights activists. Activists said the suspects had committed two offenses simultaneously by forcing the child into bonded labour and by raping her. After the rescue, police sent the girl for medical examination to verify the allegations and pregnancy. Chaitanyapuri inspector G. Guru Raghavendra said that a case under Section 376 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 were registered. Child rights group Balala Hakkula Sangham demanded that the girls pregnancy should be medically terminated to save her future. They also demanded that the government should support her by sponsoring her accommodation and education. New Delhi: The NIA has charged an alleged key Indian Mujahideen operative Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, who was arrested in Delhi in May this year, with channelizing funds from Pakistan into India via Dubai for conducting terror activities in the country. The probe agency made the submission in its charge sheet filed before Special Judge Rakesh Pandit. "During investigation, the role and involvement of the accused has been established as a channelizer of the funds received from IM operatives in Pakistan via Dubai for use by IM operatives based in India for conducting terror activities," the charge sheet said. It added that the money was also regularly sent to the IM operatives lodged in jails and their families besides its absconding activists. "Investigation has disclosed that the IM had extensively used Hawala channel for providing funds to its cadres in India," it said. The charge sheet said, "From the probe, it is established that accused, as a member of proscribed terrorist organisation IM, entered into criminal conspiracy along with other co-operatives for commission of terror acts against Indian government, with intent to threaten unity, integrity, security and sovereignty of India and with intent to strike terror in people of India by causing death and injuries of people, and loss, damage and destruction of property." "The accused voluntarily and actively participated in the conspiracy and made efforts to wage terror activities with intent to support and strengthen the conspiracy hatched by IM operatives. "The accused assisted the terror activities by means of channelizing the requisite funds meant for survival of the IM operatives and for the procurement of material required for affecting destruction with intent to strike terror in India, by causing death/injuries to persons and cause loss/damage to the property," the final report said. 32-year-old Siddibapa, a resident of Bhatkal in Karnataka and a cousin of Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal, was held at the IGI Airport here on May 20 after he landed from Dubai. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier filed two charge sheets in the case against several other accused including Yasin Bhatkal. The final report also said that the accused was strongly radicalised and was of the "jihadi mind" as he used to support the subversive activities carried out by the IM operatives at different places in India. According to NIA's FIR lodged in September 2012, members of IM, in association with their sleeper cells based in the country and outside, were conspiring to commit terror acts by making preparations for targeting various important places in India, especially in Delhi, by causing bomb blasts with the active aid and support from their Pakistan-based activists and associates which amounted to waging war against India. The court had on November 6, 2013, issued a non-bailable warrant against Siddibapa, which was extended from time to time to time, following which a Red Corner Notice was issued against him on December 3, 2013. The charge sheet was filed against him under section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC, read with several sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Mumbai: Police in western Maharashtra's Kolhapur town are baffled after a thief stole items worth around Rs. 75,000 from a state government office and pinned an "I'm sorry" note on a table. The thief, who targeted the Animal Husbandry Office, decamped with three computers and a photocopy machine on Saturday evening after the staff had left for the day. The incident came to light when the office reopened on Monday, following which a police complaint was filed. "In last 20 years, I have yet to come across a similar incident," an inspector of Juna Rajwada police station said. He said the thief had not only expressed regrets for stealing the articles but has also assured that he will return the items after five years. Police will probe whether this was an act by a student in need, the police officer said. Tom Falco, Editor/Publisher All content in the Coconut Grove Grapevine is copyrighted by law. This means text, photos, ads and all images. NO CONTENT may be picked up and used in full or part in full or altered. This especially is true of photos and graphics. No photo or image may be picked up, morphed and reused. If content is used on-line, ONLY an actual clickable link must go back to the source on the Grapevine and the images and text may not be copied and used in any way, shape or form. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for any violations. NOTE: the Copyright Law required a copyright notice to protect works until 1977. In 1978, however, the law changed and abolished the requirement for copyright notice. This means that every published work (be it on paper or digital media) automatically gets copyright protection, whether expressed with a notice or not. The Coconut Grove Grapevine is protected under the section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, this protects us from what others say in the comments section and it also gives us legal reason to sue those who cyber stalk and harass us on a continual basis. In 2015, only 33 terrorists could infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: Showing a three-fold jump, as many as 105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir in the first nine months of 2016, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said altogether 105 terrorists have successfully infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border till September 2016. While there were 201 attempts of infiltration from Pakistan during the period, 24 militants were killed, 72 others returned and two militants have surrendered. In 2015, only 33 terrorists could infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. There were 121 infiltration attempts and 46 militants were killed by security forces in that period. Ahir said that there has been a spurt in infiltration attempts from the Pakistan side. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the prior permission category. The government on Tuesday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2, 2016. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: Pakistan has violated the ceasefire 369 times in Jammu and Kashmir in the first ten months of this year, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2, 2016. He said 159 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control in the state. In the year 2015, there were 253 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border and 152 such incidents along the LoC, the minister added in reply to a written question. New Delhi: Congress on Tuesday opposed the move to reintroduce compulsory Class 10 board examination for CBSE schools from the 2017-18 academic year. "The government should not decide what the child should do. This is my firm belief. CBSE Class 'X' Board were optional. Whichever child wants to take, he should be allowed to take the exam. If he does not want, he need not take it. Why should the government have to decide what the child must take?" party spokesman Kapil Sibal told reporters. Sibal, a former HRD Minister, was asked to react on the decision of his successor Prakash Javadekar of reintroducing the exam. Javadekar had on Monday announced that the government will reintroduce compulsory class X board examination for CBSE schools from the 2017-18 academic year. According to Mr Rao, a majority of the 250 engineering colleges in TS spend Rs 20-50 lakh on wages for teaching and non-teaching staff. (Representational image) HYDERABAD: A majority of private educational institutions have been pushed into a tight corner and have little hope that the government will release money to reimburse students fees in view of the demonetisation that is adversely affecting the states own coffers. Even the option of borrowing from external sources to meet monthly expenses has dried up. Staff salaries are the first to be targeted and college managements have in fact expressed doubts about their ability to pay salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff. N. Goutham Rao of the Telangana Private Engineering and Professional Colleges Management Association said that the state government had released Rs 300 crore recently out of the total Rs 2100 crore that is due as fee reimbursement. The next instalment was to follow soon. In this dicey situation, we cannot approach the government about its promise. A good number of colleges are taking loans from known sources to meet monthly expenses, including salaries. But, in the present situation, nobody has sufficient cash to meet their expenses, leave alone lending to others, he said. According to Mr Rao, a majority of the 250 engineering colleges in TS spend Rs 20-50 lakh on wages for teaching and non-teaching staff. The Private Degree and PG Colleges Association echoed his views. Joint secretary, Gouri Satish, said that they are spending sleepless nights due to the financial worries. College managements had pinned their hopes on quick release of fee reimbursement arrears. We have no idea whether the government will release the amount now, he said. AIADMK government on Wednesday said Centre's demonetisation decision would hit its crop loan target for the year. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Chennai: Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday said Centre's decision to demonetise old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes would hit its crop loan target for the year and also severely affect the food production. This has also 'impaired' the cooperative credit sector that caters to the farming community. Cooperation Minister Sellur K Raju on Wednesday held a review meeting to discuss the scenario, a state government release in Chennai said. It said the RBI notification demonetising the high value notes has affected Primary Agriculture Cooperative Credit Societies and Central Cooperative Banks. While farmers were "unable" to repay their loans on time, the societies were not able to receive new fixed deposits and were therefore 'completely impaired', it said, adding, they were also facing difficulties in receiving repayments on crop loans and other credits. The societies were unable to disburse crop loans at a time when samba paddy crop was underway in Tamil Nadu, it said. The Centre's decision will particularly affect the department's target of crop loan disbursal for the year, which was Rs 6,000 crore. As of November 7, 2016, Rs 2,075.41 crore has been disbursed to over 3.38 lakh farmers as against Rs 3,512.80 crore to over 6.38 lakh farmers last year during this time, it said. "A situation has come up wherein the crop loan target for the year (2016-17) cannot be completely met on account of the RBI notification (on demonitisation). Further, Tamil Nadu's food production will also be severely affected," it said. A majority of villagers had savings accounts in such credit societies but could not deposit the now defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, it said. The FD receipts of these credit socities stood at a little over Rs 54,000 crore but the demonetisation has resulted in them unable to receive new deposits, "affecting their commercial growth," besides causing hardships to rural poor. Many services like provision of seeds and receiving premium on crop loans in over 4300 primary cooperative credit socities were affected even as cash transactions in both these societies as well as Central Cooperative banks (CCBs) were not happening following an RBI notification in this regard, it said. "Because of this, 23 district CCBs and 813 of their branches and lakhs of their customers have been affected. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said there should be no government interference in the functioning of media but advised self-regulation by making appropriate changes with times, asserting that things will not change from external control. He also expressed concern over recent murders of journalists, saying it was very "painful" and a "most dangerous" way of suppressing truth. His remarks came against the backdrop of murder of two journalists in Bihar. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of Press Council of India (PCI), Modi also quoted Mahatma Gandhi to support his assertions seeking self-regulation by the media. "Mahatma Gandhi had said uncontrolled writing can create huge problems but he had also said that external interference would wreak havoc. Controlling it (media) externally cannot be imagined," he asserted. "Government should not do any interference. It is true that self-introspection is not easy... It is the responsibility of the PCI and those associated with the press to see to it that what appropriate changes you can make with time. Things do not change from external control," he said. Though the Prime Minister did not refer to any specific changes, he said unlike journalists in past when they had ample time to make corrections, now because of the fast-paced nature of electronic and digital media there is no such opportunity now. Referring to the Kandahar hijack in 1999, he said new channels' round-the-clock reportage of angry reactions of the families of passengers in the Indian Airlines flight made terrorists emboldened as they thought they can get anything from the Indian government with this kind of public pressure. The episode set off introspection in the media which later came with norms for the coverage of such incidents, Modi said. As he spoke about self-regulation, Modi gave the analogy of a mother telling her child to eat a little less or not to eat. The child would listen to his mother but not to an outsider, he said. Speaking about media, he said it should also be regulated from within and things should be resolved within the family in the interests of the society. Governments should not even venture close to having an intention of interfering, he added. The Prime Minister suggested that issues relating to self-regulation should be seen through the medium of organisations like the Press Council and drawing from the experience of senior people and in the interests of the society. He added that self-regulation is not an easy task. The Prime Minister said that after the Kandahar attack, the media organisations introspected and and dissected their own errors. "After 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, another moment of introspection came yet the matter is still incomplete," he said, adding, "I believe mistakes are committed by us and by you....the media should not be assessed by its mistakes." "Till the time there is a section of responsible people, who want to remove the weaknesses and make it better, I believe it is a positive effort in this sector and it should continue," he said. Modi said that when Emergency was declared in 1975, the Press Council was shut and it was reborn when the Morarji Desai government came to power in 1977. He said that people in Press Council should also think of how to improve things. He said even the government can be told how to improve its communication. "Unfortunately even the government sometimes indulges in selective leaking to favoured journalists," he said, adding if there are some discussions in Press Council regarding this they should be put forward to the government. Modi said there should be communication to improve the institutions for which the people should benefit. The Prime Minister also said that media should encourage healthy competition like ranking states on their performance in the area of 'swacchta' or cleanliness. New Delhi: Just before the Winter Session was to begin in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Parliament premises on Wednesday and made a last minute appeal to the Opposition for their co-operation to achieve a 'fruitful' session. In the winter session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties. In last session an important bill like GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then, Modi said. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress however, were seen sloganeering and protesting against demonetisation inside the premises of the Parliament. 'Withdraw financial emergency,' said the placards held by the TMC MPs in front of the iconic Gandhi Statue in the Parliament. The government on Tuesday had braced itself for a stormy Winter Session of Parliament beginning Wednesday with the opposition presenting a united face in seeking to corner it over the demonetisation issue calling it a "currency scam" that needs to be probed. The opposition also has a string of other issues like the surgical strikes across LoC, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, OROP and the plight of farmers to rake up during the session that will last a month. A demand for constitution of a JPC to go into the demonetisation is also on the opposition agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier met opposition leaders and sought their cooperation in the fight against black money and corruption for which, he said, the demonetisation exercise was undertaken. In his concluding remarks at an all-party meeting on the eve of the Winter Session, Modi spoke in support of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. He pitched for state-funding of elections and asked parties to debate the issue. The government is willing to discuss all issues and answer the questions raised by the opposition, Modi said, hoping for a fruitful session as he recalled the passage of the GST Bill in the last session with the cooperation of all parties. "We have launched a crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency, which is also behind cross-border terrorism. All parties should come together on this issue of national interest," he said. However, an unrelenting opposition decided to step up its fight against the government during the session. Presenting a united face, arch rivals TMC and Left parties and SP and BSP, got together at a meeting convened by the main opposition Congress to formulate a joint strategy. There were some reservations in the opposition over TMC's proposal for a march to Rashtrapati Bhawan today to petition the President against demonetisation. The majority of the parties did not want to exhaust the option of going to the President on the very first day of the session and instead wanted to keep it for a later stage. An unfazed TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, asserted that she would go ahead with around 40 of her MPs to the President. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged the decision to invalidate Rs. 1000/500 currency notes was leaked in advance to some people, including BJP leaders, and called it probably the "biggest scam". He, however, added that his party is not for a rollback of the drive. An official said the government has stepped up printing of new 500 rupee notes so that it can be made available to people. (Photo: Representational Image) New Delhi: With seemingly never-ending queues in front of banks and post offices, the government on Wednesday said it will take one more week to recalibrate half of the cash vending two lakh ATMs to dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes. An official said the government has stepped up printing of new 500 rupee notes so that it can be made available to people. Currently, the ATM withdrawal limit from savings bank accounts stands at Rs 2,500 a day, but most ATMs are dispensing only Rs 2,000 notes or Rs 100. "It will take another one week for 50 per cent of the ATMs to be recalibrated so that they can dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes," the official said. The government is now focusing on making cash available on offsite ATMs as well, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 said Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes will cease to be legal tender and asked people holding such notes to deposit or exchange the same with banks. He had said new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes would be introduced with different color and design. To dispense these new design notes, the ATMs need to be recalibrated. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday that it will take up to three weeks for all two lakh ATMs in the country to be recalibrated. Police said that for the promised exchange, the middleman asked the complainant to take Rs 50 lakh in old currency notes in the latter's four-wheeler from Secunderabad to Attapur area last night. (Photo: Representational Image) Hyderabad: Two persons, one of them posing as a policeman, allegedly extorted Rs 50 lakh in demonetised currency notes from a man in Rajendra Nagar area in Hyderabad, police said on Wednesday. The man from whom the money was looted is a friend of a businessman, police said. A middleman promised the complainant that he would arrange for exchange of Rs 50 lakh in old currency notes outside the banking system. Police said that for the promised exchange, the middleman asked the complainant to take Rs 50 lakh in old currency notes in the latter's four-wheeler from Secunderabad to Attapur area last night. On the way, two persons on a motorbike followed the four-wheeler and once it reached at an isolated place, they overtook the car and stopped it. "They demanded from him to show the ID proof, and questioned him on the huge amount of cash he was carrying," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Rajendra Nagar Division) K Ganga Reddy said. "They further threatened him that 200 per cent penalty will be imposed on him. Besides, a case will be filed against him and asked him to give the cash bag to them and leave the place. When he resisted, the duo snatched away the bag and fled," the ACP said based on the complaint. "One of the bike-borne persons told the victim that he is a police constable and checked the four-wheeler and took away the cash bag," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shamshabad Zone) P V Padmaja told PTI. A case under IPC section 384 (extortion) was filed and further investigation was on to nab the accused, she said. The DCP appealed to the citizens not to fall into the trap of such rackets which claim of changing the old currency notes with new ones outside the banking system. "If anyone has old currency notes in high value they should directly go and deposit in banks or post offices rather than going to the middlemen and inform the police about such activities," ACP Reddy said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six Americans (48 million) will become ill from a food-borne illness this year, 128,000 will be hospitalized and 3,000 will die. The holiday meal and its preparation is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving celebration and safe food handling in the kitchen is very important. To keep your friends and family safe from food poisoning there are certain steps that everyone should know: DO * DO ask all kitchen helpers to wash their hands using warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. * DO keep turkey in its original wrapping, refrigerated until ready to cook. * DO defrost a frozen turkey by refrigeration or cold running water. * DO allow one day for every 4-5 pounds to defrost in the refrigerator. In a cold water bath, change the water every 30 minutes. Make sure the water is not able to leak through the wrapping. Cook turkey immediately after thawing. * DO use a meat thermometer to check if turkey is done. The turkey should cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F. * DO remove the stuffing immediately after the turkey is cooked. * DO store the turkey and stuffing separately. * DO store leftover turkey in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days. * DO store leftover stuffing and gravy in the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days. DONT * DONT defrost a turkey at room temperature. Bacteria can multiply to unsafe numbers on outer layers before inner layers have defrosted. * DONT leave an uncooked thawed turkey out of the refrigerator longer than two hours. * DONT partially cook the turkey one day and continue roasting the next day. * DONT rinse your turkey before cooking. Let the cooking process take care of the bacteria and avoid the risk of cross contamination. * DONT set your oven lower than 325 F. * DONT prepare food if you are sick or have a nose or eye infection. * DONT leave leftovers out on the counter longer than two hours. * DONT store leftover stuffing in the turkey. * DONT re-freeze a completely thawed uncooked turkey. * DONT stuff turkeys as it makes it difficult for the internal temperature to reach 165F within a safe period of time. If you must stuff your turkey, stuff it lightly before cooking and leave room for the oven to cook the interior of the turkey and stuffing. Contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center by calling toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. New Delhi: Congress on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his 97-year-old mother Hiraben visited a bank at her village in Gujarat to replace now-defunct banknotes with new ones, saying "no good son" would ever want this. "I am very sad. No good son ever wants that his 97-year-old mother has to (face such a situation) and they boast of a 56-inch chest," party spokesman Kapil Sibal told reporters. According to reports, party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi too took a dig at Modi over the issue and said "I'm not like Modi, I won't comment on his mother." Congress leader Rashid Alvi, speaking separately, accused Modi of not following "putra dharma" (duties of a son). "If a son cannot look after his own mother, how can one expect him to look after the people of the country?" he asked. Accompanied by relatives, Hiraben, who was in a wheelchair, came to a branch of Oriental Bank of Commerce at Raisan village on the outskirts of Gandhinagar this morning and got notes worth Rs. 4,500 exchanged. Modi had on November 8 announced scrapping of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes to curb black money menace. After the announcement, people have been queueing up at banks across the country to get their old high denomination notes exchanged for the new notes. New Delhi: Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a fierce debate on the recent note ban imposed by the Modi govt. Congress leader Anand Sharma led the Opposition's charge, asking Centre why 'were all Indians being criminalised' by the move. "86% of the currency in the markets was 500/1000 notes, was scrapped by just one announcement. Was it all black?," Sharma asked the House. BJP hit back at Congress for criticising demonetisation and said despite facing hardships the common man in India was lauding the government's 'surgical strike' against black money. Here are live updates from Rajya Sabha: This is historic step against corruption and only Prime Minister Narendra Modi could do it. Yes, there were shortcoming, but PM is holding review meetings and we are taking steps. There are separate lines for aged at banks and ATMs, toll free highways, etc., says Venkaiah Naidu in Rajya Sabha. The ban will put an end to large amounts of counterfeit currency, put an end to aiding, abetting and terror funding. I know there is heartburn and some people are angry at Prime Minister Modi. He is not just the tallest leader in India, but is being recognized as that in the world, said Naidu. Naidu attack Congress, saying under whose rule was the coal scam and 2G scam? You (Congress) should be mindful of your words, it will boomerang and hurt you because you have ruled and ruined the country for years. Those who side with the offenders will be taken to task. This is war on black money, opposition should choose its side. People are saying it was sudden. Should people be warned to take precautions and move the money elsewhere and make necessary arrangements? Swachh means clean India and Swachh has to be mann se, tann se and dhan se, said Naidu. Temporary pain for long term gain and I can assure if your money is valid, it will not become invalid, added Naidu. Even after all the inconveniences, people across the country are praising Prime Minister Modi, said Naidu. Terrorists, smugglers, Maoists, separatists etc are using black and counterfeit money - is their fundamental right? Congress must take a stand if they do or don't support the notes ban, said Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu. It seems like India has shutdown and many people have lost their lives due to this move. It would have been better if Prime Minister was present in the discussion, said Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. Besides the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) and investigation, till alternate arrangements are not made, government should allow old currency notes must be used for white transactions, said Yechury. "People are suffering and the suffering is increasing by the day. Why are you agonising people. What is this fascistic way of controlling people's personal lives. There is a 'chamakta' (shining) India, for those electronic wallets are viable but what about the 'tarasta' (troubled) Bharat. What is the mayhem you have created? There so many suicides and people can't get their father, mother treated in hospital," Yechury said. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury compared Modi to French Queen Mary Antoinette and said, now we have Modi Antoinette who is telling the common man, If you don't have paper, use plastic what is the coverage of your plastic money? Black money is not going to be solved by this (demonetisation), black money is not a stock, it keeps flowing, this way you are killing the small fish, whereas the crocodiles are enjoying their lives, Sitaram Yechury said. JDU chief Sharad Yadav took on the Modi government over demonetisation and accused it of shutting down India for many days. Its as if the government has pushed all Indians out of a running train, Yadav said. "The RBI is called the custodian of the Indian economy, but it has totally failed the rural Indians," said AIADMK leader Satyanarayan Jatiya. He cited the example of an Andhra Pradesh farmer who committed suicide after the government scrapped old notes because she feared she would lose all her savings. The AIADMK MP said Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa is completely against black money, but the Central governments move to demonetise notes was punishing those who have nothing to do with illegal transactions. A man wishes to celebrate his daughters wedding with pomp and fervour, but such a situation has been created in the country that parents are forced to either postpone the wedding or break it off, Samajwadi Party said. Rajya Sabha was briefly adjourned for an hour at 1 pm. Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav hit out at government over demonetisation and said, This is the first time that I have seen people turning into beggars despite having money at their disposal. 10-12% of the people in this country hold 90% of the countrys wealth, can you tell me if even a single person from that 10-12% is standing in queues outside banks. Farmers are unable to buy fertilisers for their crops, a potato farmer told me nobody is buying his produce and it is rotting away. Are these farmers holding black money? Ram Gopal Yadav said. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad requested the government to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Rajya Sabha session and listen to what the Opposition parties had to say on various issues. "We are not revealing the names of those who have stashed their money in Swiss banks, because once we make the names public, then the notices that we want from the foreign governments, we will stop receiving them. Does the Congress want us to give the names to public so that the culprits can find an escape route?," BJP asked Congress. This step is a celebration of honesty; everybody agrees that the trouble caused by the note ban is only temporary. The people of the country are ready to suffer a little because they know that this step has been taken by Narendra Modi to fight black money, corruption, drugs and terrorism, BJP said. "Many people have been facing problems due to demonetisation and we sympathise with them, but we will have to make sacrifices to eliminate black money. Despite hardship, India is supporting Modis decision to demonetise big notes," BJP leader Piyush Goel said, hitting back at Congress. BSP chief Mayawati interrupted BJP leader Piyush Goel and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take part in the discussion. Congress alleged that govts decision to ban higher denominations was secretly leaked, claiming that BJP deposited crores before demonetisation was imposed. "The Prime Minister has criminalised the common man of India who has been lining up outside banks for the past 5-6 days," Congress alleged. "If you were fully prepared for the move, then why was there no cash in banks? They later said it would take time for ATMs to be recalibrated." Black money is stashed by the rich, why are the poor being punished for their crimes. Do farmers have credit cards? Which economy works without cash? said Congress. The government has created an environment where nobody is allowed to question the decisions of those in power, Congress alleged. New Delhi: The case of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed is likely to be raised in Parliament by the Opposition, with senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad saying that the matter was not just about a student, or a minority person, but about very humanity. The Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha said the issue was raised during one of the meetings held on Tuesday ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament starting today. "Three important meetings were held, one was about our own party with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha leaders present, the other was of Congress and other like-minded parties and the third was the all-party meeting with government and the opposition. "During the meeting, various issues were raised, from demonetisation to SIMI (activists encounter) case, OROP. And, the case of Najeeb also came up. The leaders want that Najeeb's case be discussed in Parliament," Mr Azad said. He was a addressing a gathering here at a seminar organised here by National Tricolour Association of India, a non-profit organisation. Azad, however, did not specify, the issue of the missing JNU student was raised in which of the three meetings. Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP the night before. The senior Congress leader also met Najeeb's sister Sadaf and JNU student leader Shehla Rashid at the event. "I must tell that this is not just about Najeeb or a Muslim person, but about very humanity. A university student disappears, and there is no action, then it is matter of concern. And, even if it was Hindu boy, we would have been equally concerned, and fought it with the same zeal," Mr Azad said. Earlier during the programme, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, face of the party in Uttar Pradesh polls, sought to reach out to the Muslim community and said her party will always stand behind them. "Our Muslim brothers should not fear anything and live in this country like any other member of any other community," she said. Ms Dikshit, before leaving met Sadaf and Shehla on the stage. Shehla, who also addressed the gathering, took the occasion to hit out at the right-wing student outfit in the campus. "He went missing on October 15, but why no sniffer dogs were used later, or CCTV cameras footage checked. Some even said, he had joined ISIS and was mentally unsound. These are all nonsense theories being rounded up," she claimed. "This fight anyway is not just about Najeeb, but a fight to preserve the fabric of India. It is fight about what we we forget and what we will remember. But, we will fight for justice for Najeeb," she said. Peter Mukerjea with his wife Indrani Mukerjea who is accused of murdering her daughter Sheena Bora. Mumbai: Former media baron Peter Mukerjea's lawyer on Tuesday told the Bombay High Court that his client never objected to the relations between his son Rahul and Sheena Bora, his wife Indrani's daughter from earlier relationship. Only Indrani, the main accused in Sheena murder case, was opposed to this relationship, said advocate Aabad Ponda, seeking bail for Peter. Arguing before Justice NW Sambre, Mr Ponda said Peter was not aware of any conspiracy allegedly hatched by Indrani, her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and her driver Shyamwar Rai to kill Sheena. Peter, arrested by CBI in the case last November, has moved the High Court for bail after the sessions court rejected his plea. CBI has contended that Peter, with Indrani and Sanjeev Khanna, entered into a criminal conspiracy to kill Sheena as they were opposed to her relationship with Peter's son Rahul. "Peter was not against Rahul and Sheena's relationship. Indrani was against the relationhip and in fact Peter and Indrani had frequent quarrels over this. Peter was only against Rahul and Sheena living together without getting married and with no job. Peter objected only to them living together in 2007 and he separated them," Mr Ponda argued. He claimed that when Peter came to know in 2011 that Rahul and Sheena had got engaged, he sent an SMS to his son from his driver's phone congratulating him and giving them his blessings. "He did not have any hatred towards Sheena. The only fault of Peter was that he obeyed everything Indrani told him which is why he is in jail now. When Indrani told Peter to stop talking to Rahul he agreed. But he was not aware of what conspiracy Indrani was hatching," Mr Ponda said. Citing confessional statement of the driver Rai, Mr Ponda said, "The statement clearly says Indrani wanted to kill both Sheena and Mikhail Bora as they were both threatening to reveal to everyone that they were her children and not siblings as she had claimed and they demanded money from her." Bengaluru: Days after Karnataka Education Minister, Tanveer Sait, came under fire after he was allegedly caught watching porn on his mobile phone during a Tipu Jayanti programme, a report on Wednesday stated that the minister was allegedly looking at photographs of Melania Trump, wife of US President-elect Donald Trump. The report quoted senior police officers, who sourced the video footage of Sait, saying, The photographs the minister was allegedly watching were of Melania Trumps photo-shoot from her modelling days. Among the many messages sent to the minister's WhatsApp account, Melania photographs, too, popped up on the screen. Sait was allegedly caught glancing at these photos when a cameraman of a private news channel zoomed in on the ministers cell phone. In his capacity as the district in-charge minister, Sait was sharing the dais with member of Parliament B.V. Naik, former legislator Syed Yasin and government officials at Tipu Jayanti celebrations organised jointly by the zilla panchayat, city municipal council and department of Kannada and Culture. The unsavory incident occurred soon after Saits speech on the ruler of Mysore. As Dr Arun Jolad Kondali of Hampi University began to speak, the minister picked up his cell phone and was caught flipping through the videos. The minister's act of indiscretion was a godsend for Opposition leaders, in particular, BJP leaders who staged protests against Tipu Jayanti celebrations. They demanded Sait's resignation on grounds that he has brought disrepute to the education department. The second resolution said the State government should take up the matter with the Centre and neighbouring states for levying cost and royalty on the release of water. (Photo: PTI) Chandigarh: A special session of the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed two resolutions on the SYL issue, directing the state government not to "hand over land to any agency" and also "not to allow anyone to work for the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal." The second resolution said the State government should take up the matter with the Centre and neighbouring states for levying "cost and royalty" on the release of water. The special session of the assembly was convened today on the issue of SYL issue after the Supreme Court on November 10 held the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, passed by Punjab to terminate water sharing pacts with neighbouring states as "unconstitutional". Yesterday the Punjab cabinet had announced to denotify the land acquired for the SYL project and return it to the "original owners" at no cost. However, Congress MLAs were absent from the House as they had resigned from the Assembly last week, though the Assembly Speaker had earlier said that the "matter was under consideration". The first official resolution was moved by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs minister Madan Mohan Mittal, sought fromthe House to direct the state government to take up the matter with the Centre, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi to levy "cost and royalty" on water being supplied to these states. The second resolution was moved by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in which he sought directions from the House to "the Punjab government, Cabinet and all government officers and officials not to hand over the land of Punjab for the construction of Sutlej, Yamuna link Canal, neither allow anybody to work on it, not to cooperate for the said purpose". Addressing the special session, Badal reiterated that the state has not even a single drop of river water to spare and no water would be allowed to flow to Haryana while attacking Congress for allegedly meting out step motherly treatment with the state. The resolution was seconded by the cabinet minister Daljit Singh Cheema, BJP MLA Manoranjan Kalia and minister Tota Singh who spoke in favour of the resolution. Earlier, the Parliamentary Affairs minister Madan Mohan Mittal moved an official resolution, seeking from the House to recommend the state for levying royalty on water being released to neighbouring states of Haryana and Rajasthan. Thane: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was on Wednesday granted bail by a court in Bhiwandi near Mumbai in a defamation case over his alleged comment against the RSS on Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. Rahul, who reached the Bhiwandi magistrate court in neighbouring Thane district around 10.30 AM amid tight security along with his supporters, appeared before Judge Tushar Waze, who adjourned the case till January 30, 2017. Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for the Congress leader. The case against Rahul was filed by a local RSS functionary, Rajesh Kunte, over the former's speech in Bhiwandi on March 6, 2014 in the run up to Lok Sabha polls. During the rally, Rahul had allegedly claimed, "The RSS people had killed Gandhi." The complainant's counsel Nandu Phadke told the court that if Rahul was ready to accept his "mistake" then he was willing to withdraw the case against him as the complainant (Kunte) believed in "forgive and forget." Also, Rahul should give an undertaking that he will not repeat it in the future, Phadke demanded. When Rahul's lawyer Ashok Mundargi requested for a date and sought the court to exempt him from personal appearance, owing to his political commitments, the complainant's lawyer said Rahul may be treated as an "ordinary citizen". On September 1, Rahul had preferred to face the trial as an accused in the defamation case, submitting before the Supreme Court that he stood by "every word" of his statement. The Congress vice president had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the apex court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. He then withdrew the appeal filed by him against the Bombay High Court judgement refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahul's plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had taken cognisance of the complaint of an RSS functionary by summoning him as an accused in the case. Last evening, Rahul reached Mumbai to a rousing welcome by party workers and state leaders. Several party workers carried placards which read: "Bapu ke samman mein, Rahul Gandhi maidan mein" (For Mahatma Gandhi's honour, Rahul Gandhi joins fight"; "Gandhiji ke hatyaro se sangharsh rahega jari" (fight against Gandhi's killers will continue) and "Rahul Gandhi sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hai" (Rahul Gandhi carry on the fight, we are with you). New Delhi: Search engines like Google, Yahoo and Microsoft were on Wednesday asked to "delete" within 36 hours the advertisements, hosted by them, pertaining to pre-natal sex determination in India by the Supreme Court which directed the Centre to appoint a nodal agency to monitor the websites. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said that the nodal agency would inform these search engines about any such advertisements on the websites and Indian arms of Google, Microsoft and Yahoo would delete them within 36 hours. "We direct the Union of India to constitute a nodal agency which would give advertisements on TV, radio and in newspapers....that if anybody comes across anything which identify a girl or a boy (at pre-natal stage), it should be brought to the notice of the nodal agency. "Once it is brought to the notice of the nodal agency, it shall inform the search engines and they, after receiving the information, are obliged to delete it within 36 hours and inform the nodal agency," the bench said. The apex court, which fixed the matter for further hearing on February 17 next year, said the "interim arrangement" would continue till the issue pertaining to advertisements relating to pre-natal sex determination was "debated" upon before it. During the hearing, the bench expressed concern over the declining sex ratio and said, "Whether one will have a boy or a girl, that kind of information is not necessary in India. The sex ratio is going down here and we are concerned about that." "We had passed an order recently on this. Whether you are making money or not we are not concerned with that. The 1994 (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act says nobody shall propagate (pre-natal sex determination) and if anyone is propagating, it has to be stopped," it said. "Whatever is prohibited under the Act cannot go through it (websites)," the bench observed, adding, "If anyone comes across anything which offends or has an impact on the sex ratio in India, it shall be removed by the search engines within 36 hours." Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for Google India Pvt Ltd, said they have complied with the earlier order passed by the apex court in the matter and they have already taken steps to block any such advertisements. The counsel appearing for the other search engines also said that they have taken steps to comply with the provisions of the Act. However, they contended that the matter requires further debate. Regarding the submissions by search engines about access to information, unless it is not prohibited under the Act, the bench said this issue has to be debated upon during further hearing. Advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for petitioner Sabu Mathew George who is seeking the court's intervention in view of decreasing sex ratio, claimed that despite the order of the apex court, one can see advertisements and information pertaining to gender determination on such websites. He said that the search engines were raising the issue of commercial angle and freedom of access to information. During the hearing, the bench also asked the Centre about what steps it has taken in this regard. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) P S Narsimha said that the intent of the law is to prohibit any advertisement pertaining to pre-natal sex determination and search engines should devise their own methods to stop it. He said that the Centre has filed an affidavit in this regard before the court. The apex court had on September 19 said that these search engines were under "obligation" to check advertisements about pre-natal sex determination in India and had directed them to develop in-house methods to prohibit such content. The direction had come after Solicitor General (SG) Ranjit Kumar had said that these search engines have agreed to follow the law on sex determination and would not allow advertisement or "publish any content" on the issue on their respective search engines. The SG had told the court that all the three companies have developed a technique called "auto block" which prohibits advertisements on sex determination the moment any "advertisement or search" is introduced in the online system. He had also submitted a list of "proposed" 43 key words in respect of which, when commands are given, there would be "auto block" with a warning and nothing would be reflected on the internet. The lawyers appearing for the online search engines had informed the court that if anyone fed any of the proposed 43 keywords, the principle of 'auto block' would be immediately applied and such advertisements and messages would not be shown. Earlier, the apex court had pulled up online search engines for failing to check advertisements pertaining to pre-natal sex determination, saying they patently violated law. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 was enacted to stop female foeticides and arrest the declining sex ratio in India. It had banned pre-natal sex determination. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday said she is in AIIMS because of her kidney failure, adding that presently she is on dialysis. "Friends : This is to update you on my health. I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, on dialysis.undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless," Swaraj tweeted. I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016 Swaraj was admitted to AIIMS on November 7 and is being monitored by a team of doctors. She has been suffering from diabetes for almost 20 years. The 64-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader was admitted to AIIMS in April also when she underwent treatment for pneumonia and other health issues. Other members of the ruling BJP and a few senior journalists responded to her tweet, wishing her a speedy recovery. @SushmaSwaraj My prayers & good wishes with you, Sushma ji. May you get well soon. Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj ji Wishing you speedy recovery. B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj Our sincere thoughts and deepest prayers are with you Sushmaji. Hope everything goes well and you emerge totally healed. Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) November 16, 2016 @SushmaSwaraj Wish you all the best Sushmaji, am confident you will come through this difficult period stronger. Our thoughts are with you. Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 16, 2016 Chandigarh: Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday demanded the immediate imposition of President's Rule in Punjab till the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal is constructed. "The President must impose President's Rule in Punjab because the government in the neighbouring state is defying the Supreme Court's verdict on the SYL issue, putting a question mark on the federal structure of the country," the senior Congress leader said after a meeting with party MLAs on the issue in Chandigarh. President's rule should be imposed till the SYL canal is constructed, Mr Hooda said, assuring the party's support to the BJP-led state government. "Every drop of water is property of the country," he asserted questioning the stand of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's on the water sharing issue. Shortly after the Supreme Court's judgment on November 10 favouring Haryana on the contentious SYL canal issue, Mr Badal had asserted "not a drop of water" will be allowed to be taken out of the state. In its judgment, the top court held that the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 was "unconstitutional" and that the state could not have taken a "unilateral" decision to terminate the water sharing agreement with neighboring states. Earlier, Mr Hooda in a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had asked him to take a bold stand on the issue. "Now or never," Mr Hooda said referring to the SYL canal's construction for inter-state sharing of water from the Ravi and Beas river. Mr Hooda even urged the Chief Minister to call a special Assembly session on the issue. "A meeting of party workers has also been called on December 11 in Jind to decide the future course of action in connection with the issue," he informed. On Congress leaders in Punjab being against the construction of the SYL canal, he said, "It was because of this reason that the Haryana Congress demanded immediate imposition of President's Rule in the state (Punjab)." Denying any factionalism in Congress in the state, Mr Hooda said, "All the party leaders in the meeting were for the construction of the SYL canal." Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar held a separate meeting on the issue. COLUMBUS A 37-year-old Columbus woman accused of stealing an Oklahoma womans identity to work illegally for the last eight years at a local manufacturing plant has been bound over for trial in Platte County District Court. Maria Vega-Medina will be arraigned Dec. 9 on two charges of identity theft for allegedly using the Oklahoma womans name and Social Security number to work illegally at Behlen Mfg. Co. since 2008. She faces two identity theft charges, one a Class 2A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and the other a Class 3 felony with a penalty of up to four years in prison and two years of post-release supervision. Vega-Medina was freed from jail after posting a $25,000 bond, 10 percent allowed for release, last month. Court documents describe a Platte County Sheriffs Office investigation that got underway when Investigator Dane Jensen was contacted by Grace A. Moreno of Okemah, Oklahoma, who claimed to be the victim of identity theft. The 35-year-old victim said that for the last several years Behlen in Nebraska appeared on her tax documents reporting she earned income from the company, Jensen wrote in his probable cause arrest statement. Grace believed that someone was working at Behlen Manufacturing using her identity, including her name, Social Security number and date of birth, the investigator wrote in his statement. Jensen said the Oklahoman was able to provide a copy of her birth certificate, Social Security card, an Oklahoma identification card, Oklahoma drivers license and other documentation. I determined that a female was employed (at Behlen Mfg.) by the name of Grace A. Moreno and was using the same Social Security as Grace A. Moreno of Okemah, Oklahoma, Jensen wrote. During questioning the Columbus woman admitted her name was Maria Vega-Medina and she was born in Mexico and working under the false identity since 2008, the investigator said. New Delhi: In an announcement which may start a political debate, government on Wednesday said that around two crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants are staying in India. "As per available inputs, there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha replying a written question. Rijiju said there are reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid travel documents. Since entry of such Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such Bangladeshi nationals living in various parts of the country, he said. Rijiju said deportation of illegal staying foreign national is continuous process. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that "Bangladeshis" will be deported if he comes to power. "They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed," Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation between 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for many students, social and political organisations in the Northeast. The 2014 election manifesto of BJP said that the party will review and improve the border management and "punitive measures will be introduced to check illegal immigration". The BJP said it will address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this will include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometer long international border. New Delhi: Opening the debate in Rajya Sabha on the first day of Winter Session, the Congress on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led NDA government over its move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, accusing the Prime Minister of punishing the poor for the crimes of the rich. "The Prime Minister has criminalised the common man of India who has been lining up outside banks for the past 5-6 days," Congress leader Anand Sharma said. He slammed the government over the implementation of the move, which he said is affecting the poor, not rich people. "If you were fully prepared for the move, then why was there no cash in banks? They later said it would take time for ATMs to be recalibrated. Black money is stashed by the rich, why are the poor being punished for their crimes. Do farmers have credit cards? Which economy works without cash? Sharma said. He even questioned the limit imposed by the government on the withdrawal of cash from banks and ATMs. Which law has given you the right to impose limit on the withdrawal of cash from our own accounts, he asked the Centre at Rajya Sabha. He even sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement in Goa, mocking the people who are standing in queues. Sharma claimed that the government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss Banks and demanded that Modi reveal their names. After Sharma attacked the central government, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad requested the government to ask Modi to attend the Rajya Sabha session and listen to what the Opposition parties had to say on various issues. New Delhi: In what could trigger a political controversy in the days ahead, the Government on Wednesday disclosed in Parliament that there were as many as two crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the country at present. In reply to a written question in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said, as per available inputs, there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India. The minister said there were reports that some Bangladeshi nationals had entered the country without valid travel documents and since such entry is clandestine and surreptitious it was not possible to maintain proper data. Mr Rijiju also added that deportation of foreign national staying illegally was a continuous process. In the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had claimed that illegal Bangladeshi migrants would be deported. They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed, Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for the states in the North-East and West Bengal. The BJP, too, had assured during Assam assembly pollsthat it will address the issue illegal migrants from Bangladesh. In fact, the Home Ministry has already initiated a major plan to seal the entire Indo-Bangla border by next year end. During the UPA Government the then state home minister Sriprakash Jaiswal had informed the Parliament in July, 2004, that there were more than 12 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the country. Mr Jaiswal had stated that there are about 5 million illegal migrants in Assam while West Bengal topped the list with 5.7 million. The issue had led to protest by the then Congress Government in Assam and Mr Jaiswal was forced to retract his statement. Hyderabad: Finance minister Etela Rajender said the state government is doing everything to ensure that its employees get their full salaries on December 1, despite severe financial constraints on account of demonetisation. The minister's assurance came in the wake of fears that the government may have to pay its staff only half their salary since the state's revenue has fallen by over 50 per cent this month as all kinds of business activities across the state came to a halt since November 8. Mr Rajender held a video conference with all district collectors at Secretariat on Wednesday to take stock of the situation arising out of demonetisation. He later told reporters, Its true that the states finances took a hit due to demonetisation. No business activity has been taking place since November 8 as everyone is busy running around banks and ATMs to exchange currency and make deposits. The government is not getting revenue from commercial taxes, excise, stamps and registration, transport departments. Naturally, all these factors have pushed state into a financial crisis and adjusting funds to pay salaries has become a tough task. Mr Rajender said that the government doesnt want to trouble employees. The government will consider imposing cuts on welfare schemes and development programmes, if the situation so demands but would not impose restrictions on salaries. However, the minister remained non-committal over the salary situation in January, if there is no improvement in situation. We are not thinking that far now. We hope the Centre will come out with a solution by then. This problem is not confined to Telangana alone but all states are experiencing similar situation, Mr Rajender said. The minister expressed confidence that the government could adjust Rs 2,500 crore required to pay salaries and pensions for staff on December 1 by utilising the tax collections of October, that will be remitted to treasury this month. Mr Rajender also urged the Centre to enhance cash withdrawal limit to Rs 10,000 per day for all and for traders in the range of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Even payments of those departments for which tokens were already issued have been stopped.(Photo: Representational Image) Hyderabad: The TS government is all set to put in place austerity measures to tide over the current financial crisis. A ban on purchase of new vehicles, furniture, creation and filling up of new/ old vacancies on regular / temporary basis are on the cards. The restrictions will be applicable till March 2017, the end of this fiscal. The other measures include a ban on holding of government seminars / conferences / events in star hotels, restrictions on foreign trips and flight travel. With the financial condition of government turning upside down due to demonetisation, the government has been forced to launch an austerity drive, to cut down expenditure. The government which normally earns Rs 5,400 crore per month due to tax collections is expected to witness over 50 per cent fall this month due to business activities grinding to a halt under the impact of demonetisation. The remaining four months of this fiscal (December 2016-March 2017) are crucial for TS government as it has to meet budgetary targets for 2016-17. The first seven months of this fiscal (April-October 2016) was encouraging with all revenue earning departments witnessing a growth rate of nearly 30 per cent over last year. However, the sudden announcement on demonetisation on November 8 reversed the situation. There is no business activity across the state due to which the collection of taxes came to a halt. The government recently filled up several nominated posts for various corporations, who include chairmen, members etc. The government has been receiving requisition letters from them for purchase of new vehicles, furniture, renovation of offices/ residential quarters etc. The finance department has issued instructions to all departments to put all such proposals on hold till further orders. The treasuries department has been asked to freeze all payments till further orders. Even payments of those departments for which tokens were already issued have been stopped. The payment of bills for contractors taking up irrigation projects and Mission Bhagiratha were also stopped. Hyderabad: A farmer and his father died while his wife and son were hospitalised after they consumed food allegedly laced with pesticide in Siddipet district in Telangana as he was worried over "fall" in rate of his land in the wake of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Balaiah (45) last night allegedly mixed pesticide in chicken curry and chapatis, which he ate along with his father Galaiah (65), wife Lakshmi and son Prashant, a B.Tech student, at their residence in Dharmaram village, police said. "After some time all of them complained of ill health and Balaiah died on the spot while Galaiah died on the way to a hospital. Balaiah's wife and son, who were not aware that pesticide was mixed in food, are undergoing treatment at a hospital," said Dubbak police station Circle Inspector Niranjan. Balaiah, who owns around six acres of agriculture land, wanted to sell it and initially he was told that it will fetch Rs 6-7 lakh per acre, but suddenly in the last couple of days he was told that the rates had drastically come down to Rs 2-3 lakh per acre. The farmer had taken loans and in view of the sudden fall in the market rates of land he got worried on how to pay back the debts and discussed the same with his father last night before resorting to the extreme step, he said quoting the complaint lodged by the 16-year-old daughter of the deceased. As per the complaint, Balaiah's family was facing financial problems. Accordingly, police have registered a case under section 174 CrPC and further investigation is underway. However, some villagers alleged that in view of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 tenders, the market rates of land had come down and there was a talk that no one would pay big amount to purchase the land, the inspector said. He, however, clarified that Balaiah's daughter did not mention so in the complaint. "We will record the statements of Lakshmi and Prashant also," the police officer added. Chennai: A week after the demonetisation announcement by Prime Minister Modi, there was a ripple effect among the errant government staff and a section of them associated with Hindu Religious Endowment Charities and state-run Tasmac liquor outlets are in trouble, facing memos for accepting demonetised currencies. Tasmac salesmen who had been accepting demonetised currencies in the state-run liquor outlets were identified and were being issued charge-memos. About 20 shops across the city were identified as having accepted the scrapped currencies beyond November 9, a highly placed source told DC adding that the Tasmac authorities have now raked the issue in all 31 TN districts covering 6,323 liquor outlets. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department also cautioned the temple authorities against the backdrop of demonetisation with a stern direction, insisting that staff deposit the collections from the hundials only in the respective bank accounts of the temples and not to barter the withdrawn notes for smaller denominations. Meanwhile, the banks began focussing on account holders giving preference to them and making the token system compulsory for those who want to exchange currency. Unlike ATMs in Delhi dispersing new notes, ATMs in TN dispersed only the old Rs 100 notes along with new Rs 2,000 currency till Tuesday night. Thiruvananthapuram: Grassroots MBA, a concept that had worked wonders for poor women in Caribbean Islands like Jamaica, has been recommended to stoke entrepreneurial spirit in the rural areas of the state. The Planning Board, which has mooted the idea, wants 'grassroot MBAs' to be created with the involvement of top business schools like Kozhikode IIM and Indian School of Business. It is felt that the ground is fertile in the state for the introduction of the grassroots experiment in managerial education. We already have lower middle class women engaged in various entrepreneurial activities through the Kudumbashree project. We are attempting to take off from such experiences, a top Planning Board official said. Tourism is another area where local-level enterprise is growing in the state. (The grassroots MBAs in Jamaica, mostly women, are mainly in the field of tourism.)The Grassroot MBA project has been recommended as a measure to add to the employment and skills development activities of the state. The experiment will not just inculcate entrepreneurial fervor among youth but it also up-skill persons at the bottom of the pyramid. That unemployment among the skilled is increasing is the biggest argument for grassroots MBAs. As per the figures of the Directorate of Employment, the number of professional and technical work seekers as on September 2012 is `1.70 lakh. Data as on September 2014 reveals that ITI certificate holders and Diploma holders together constitute 89.10 percent of the total professional and technical work seekers. This indicates that unemployment is increasing among skilled persons, a report of the Planning Board states. The number of registered engineering graduates increased from 8,143 in 2010 to 14,477 as on September 2014. This suggests another failure of the system. Our youth are not appropriately trained, the source said. The need of the hour is to develop appropriate training modules for the development of both skills and managerial capabilities, he added. The trick is to pull out entrepreneurs out of wage/salary earners. Phishing is one of the most widespread cyberthreats that users may encounter during holidays. (Photo: Pixabay) The number of financial phishing attacks is expected to rise during the holiday season, which starts unofficially on so-called Black Friday and continues through Cyber Monday and Christmas. A retrospective research by Kaspersky Lab specialists shows that, over the last few years, the holiday period was marked by an increase in phishing and other types of attacks, which suggests that the pattern will be repeated this year. A peak season for sales is obviously also a peak hunting season for criminals. Retailers offer lots of hard-to-resist deals and people plan on spending money on gifts for themselves, their friends and relatives. So, while e-commerce customers are making wishes for the upcoming sales, the retailers themselves are preparing their stores for a massive rise in the number of visitors, and financial infrastructure owners banks and payment systems are getting ready for a huge increase in the number and value of transactions; cybercriminals are preparing too. At least, that was the case in previous years. As Kaspersky Lab threat statistics shows, in 2014 and 2015 the proportion of phishing pages that hunt financial data (credit cards details) detected by the company during Q4 (which covers the holiday period) was around 9 percentage points higher than the average for the year. In particular, the result for financial phishing in all of 2014 was 28.73 per cent, while the result for Q4 was 38.49 per cent. In 2015, 34.33 per cent of all phishing attacks were financial phishing, while in Q4, that type of phishing was responsible for 43.38 per cent of all attacks. Holidays influence the type of financial targets that criminals are after. Both in 2014 and 2015, researchers witnessed a significant (several percentage points) increase in phishing attacks against payment systems and online stores. Attacks against banks also grew, but at a lower rate. When trying to steal payment data, criminals use different schemes. They may create a fake payment page of a famous payment system, or they copy legitimate online retailer sites or even create 100 per cent fake shops with incredibly attractive offerings. And of course, criminals exploit the Black Friday theme itself. While doing research into the threat landscape, in October 2016, researchers spotted a Black-Friday themed phony internet shop offering products at attractive prices. Which means that weeks before the actual start of the holiday sales, the criminals are already preparing. In 2014, we conducted some research into how the phishing threat landscape behaves itself in the holiday period, and discovered that the number of attacks against particular targets payment systems and famous retail networks - increased during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. In 2015, the situation repeated itself and this makes us think that in 2016 it will happen again. So we urge users to be as cautious as possible when shopping online this season, said Andrey Kostin, senior web content analyst at Kaspersky Lab. In order to avoid becoming a victim of holiday phishing scams during the upcoming Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas periods, Kaspersky Lab experts advises the following measures: Do not click on any links received from unknown people or on suspicious links sent by your friends on social networking sites or via e-mail. They can be malicious; created to download malware to your device or to lead to phishing webpages aimed at harvesting user credentials. Do not enter your credit card details on unfamiliar or suspicious sites, to avoid passing them into cybercriminals hands. If these websites are offering advantageous deals that look too good to be true, they most likely belong to criminals. Always double-check the webpage is genuine before entering any of your credentials or confidential information (at least take a look at the URL). Fake websites may look just like the real ones. Install a security solution on your device, with built-in technologies designed to prevent financial fraud. For example, Safe Money technology in Kaspersky Labs solutions creates a secure environment for financial transactions on all levels. Phishing is one of the most widespread cyberthreats that users may encounter during holidays, but it is not the only one. Read more about other types of threats to customers, retailers and banks that are likely to emerge in the coming holiday period in Kaspersky Lab Holiday cyberthreats Review on Securelist. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. It is unclear if the move would succeed in hampering Uber in Taiwan as removing the app would not prevent alternative ways to download it. Taiwan plans to ask Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to pull apps of Uber Technologies available in Taiwan on their app stores, a government official said, upping pressure on the ride-hailing firm that is locked in a dispute with the island. Uber operates in Taiwan as an internet-based technology platform rather than a transportation company, which Taiwanese authorities have said is a mis-representation of its service and has ordered it to pay back taxes. However, Uber has said it is communicating with Taiwan authorities and complies with local regulations. "Uber has not done what it says it will do, so we are looking at another way by requesting its apps be removed from Apple and Google (app stores)," Liang Guo-guo, a spokesman for Taiwan's Directorate General of Highways, which is handling the matter, told Reuters by phone on Wednesday. Liang said the request would include the removal of UberEATS app, which Uber launched in Taiwan on Tuesday as part of its effort to expand beyond its core taxi-hailing business around the world. It is unclear if the move would succeed in hampering Uber in Taiwan as removing the app would not prevent alternative ways to download it. It is also not clear how apps that have already been downloaded by users will be dealt with. Uber and Apple did not immediately respond with comments. A Google spokesperson pointed to policies on Google Play, its app store, which indicate that the company does not allow apps that facilitate or promote illegal activities, but declined to comment further. Taiwan transport authorities have begun penalizing UberEATS by fining motorcyclists who deliver the takeaways and suspending vehicle licenses for two to six months, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said in a statement issued on Tuesday. Uber has been facing similar legal scrutiny in markets across Asia. It entered the Taiwan market in 2013, and its growing popularity has triggered anger from domestic taxi drivers, who staged a massive protest against Uber earlier this year. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. COLUMBUS Few people in Columbus today would recognize the name Chauncey Hall "C.H." Sheldon. But his contributions are evident in the fields of Shorthorn cattle, family farms passed through generations, downtown buildings, underground infrastructure, Columbus Family YMCA and Federated Church. When the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce announced Sheldon's nomination for the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame, Platte County Historical Society Museum executive director Cheri Schrader submitted research on the local man and Mary Faimon, one of Sheldon's surviving great-grandchildren, added to the information. Their research portrays a philanthropic man with business savvy who laid the foundation for the future success of Columbus and his family. Sheldon was born in Jefferson, Ohio, in August 1841, the son John B. and Sarah Ann (Seely) Sheldon, who were raised on the East Coast but moved to Ohio in 1837. After serving in the Civil War, Sheldon moved to Clifton, Illinois, where he farmed. He re-enlisted to fight in the Civil War and was wounded in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and discharged. Sheldon returned to Illinois and farming, but his wife, Mary, had health problems. Their family doctor recommended they move to Nebraska, saying the climate would be better for her health. In 1882, Sheldon purchased a large tract of prairie and moved his family to Platte County along with his herd of Shorthorn cattle. Two of Sheldons great-grandchildren, Faimon and her brother Tom Hall Hunter, still own some of that original plot of land. The Sheldons moved with the family of Henry M. Winslow, who also brought Shorthorns, establishing the largest herds in Platte County. Sheldon also introduced a farming system where he provided land, equipment and capital to an operator, who could use the savings to purchase an interest in the livestock and equipment. One source said this system was so successful that a number of farmers owe their start to this plan, which is still in operation in the Sheldon family. Sheldon was also heavily involved in banking and real estate, and also organized the Columbus Sewer and Drainage Company, which constructed the first sanitary sewer in Columbus. He was one of the organizers and president of the Commercial National Bank for 20 years, then became a director and one of the vice presidents of the German National Bank, which changed its name to the Central National Bank during World War I before becoming First National Bank. Sheldon was director of the Columbus Real Estate and Improvement Company, which built the Thurston Hotel. Comfort and elegance were the keynotes of the Thurston, which publicized its steam heat, billiard parlors and fire alarms, Margaret Curry wrote in her "History of Platte County" book. At one time, the only brick building in town, it compared favorably with other hotels of similar size all over Nebraska. The Federated Church building at 15th Street and 27th Avenue was built partly thanks to Sheldons efforts to unite the Congregational and Presbyterian churches and raise funds for the buildings construction. He had a hand in starting the 13th Street business district through his role in developing buildings west of 26th Avenue, now occupied by First National Bank and Tooley Drug and Home Care. Sheldon raised money to build Columbus first YMCA, and Camp Pawnee was originally named Camp Sheldon after his son donated the land for $2 in his fathers name. All these landmarks provide a direct connection for Faimon to her great-grandfather. The home Sheldon built still stands at 14th Street and 29th Avenue. During a reunion in 2000, the home's owners allowed members of the Sheldon family to step inside and check out their ancestor's house. There were a lot of tears, said Faimon. How many people can be so connected to their ancestors like that, to in the house where they raised their family? Our roots go deep. Our family members dont take that for granted. Faimon, Hunter, their brother and a cousin plan to attend Tuesday's Business Hall of Fame banquet at the Ramada-Columbus, where Sheldon's accomplishments will be recognized. Conversations with officials in Europe over the past few months resulted in the social network deciding to only tapping into WhatsApp user data there for purposes such as fighting spam, according to the source. San Francisco: WhatsApp has temporarily suspended giving parent company Facebook information about users in Europe for ad targeting, responding to concerns there over privacy, a source close to the matter said Tuesday. Conversations with officials in Europe over the past few months resulted in the social network deciding to only tapping into WhatsApp user data there for purposes such as fighting spam, according to the source. The break was described as an effort to give regulators time to share privacy concerns and for Facebook to consider ways to address them. German data protection authorities in September cited privacy concerns when they blocked Facebook from collecting subscriber data from WhatsApp there. "It has to be (the users') decision whether they want to connect their account with Facebook," Hamburg's Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information Johannes Caspar said at the time. "Facebook has to ask for their permission in advance." WhatsApp announced in August that it would begin sharing data with Facebook, in a bid to allow better targeted advertising and to combat spam on the platform. Users of the instant messenger were given the ability to opt out of sending information to Facebook through settings in WhatsApp's applications on smartphones. European data protection group G29 formally expressed its concerns at the end of October. The G29 sent letters asking Facebook and WhatsApp to stop sharing data until appropriate legal safeguards were in place. The sharing of WhatsApp user information with Facebook went beyond what subscribers consented to in the original terms of service, the G29 reasoned. Facebook bought WhatsApp about two years ago in a deal valued about $19 billion. In mid-September, the European Commission recommended tighter privacy and security requirements for services including WhatsApp and Microsoft-owned video calling service Skype, saying they should be regulated more like traditional telecoms. Under the proposal, the commission would require companies like WhatsApp or Skype to offer emergency-calling services when customers dial traditional phone numbers as well as obey stricter privacy rules. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Marrakesh : France and the United Nations on Tuesday stepped up warnings to US President-elect Donald Trump about the risks of quitting a 2015 global plan to combat climate change, saying a historic shift from fossil fuels is unstoppable. French President Francois Hollande, addressing almost 200 nations meeting in Morocco on ways to slow global warming, said that inaction would be "disastrous for future generations and it would be dangerous for peace". Both he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Trump, who has called man-made global warming a hoax, to drop a campaign pledge to cancel the global 2015 Paris Agreement that aims to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energies. "The United States , the largest economic power in the world, the second largest greenhouse gas emitter, must respect the commitments it has undertaken," Hollande said to applause. The agreement was "irreversible", he said. In such UN meetings, it is very rare for leaders to single out others for even veiled criticism. Both Hollande and Ban were among the architects of the Paris Agreement. "What was once unthinkable has become unstoppable," Ban said at a news conference of the Paris deal, agreed by almost 200 governments last year after two decades of tortuous negotiations. The accord formally entered into force on Nov. 4 after a record swift ratification. Ban said Trump, as a "very successful business person", would understand that market forces were driving the world economy towards cleaner energies such as wind and solar power, which are becoming cheaper, and away from fossil fuels. "I am sure he will make a fast and wise decision" on the Paris Agreement, Ban said, saying he had spoken to Trump by telephone after his victory and planned to meet him. Ban, who has made climate change a core part of his 10-year UN stewardship ending this year, said climate change was having severe impacts from the Arctic to Antarctica and that 2016 is on track to be the warmest year on record. Trump has said he wants to boost the US coal, oil and shale industries, abandoning President Barack Obama's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. KERRY TO SPEAK The Paris accord, aiming to phase out net greenhouse gas emissions this century, was driven by increased scientific certainty that man-made emissions drive heat waves, floods and rising sea levels. Ban said that companies including General Mills and Kellogg , states such as California and cities such as Nashville and Las Vegas were working to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Trump's victory has overshadowed the Nov. 7-18 Marrakesh meeting, which had opened with congratulations after the entry into force of the agreement on Nov. 4. It now has formal backing from 110 nations including the United States . Dozens of nations, from Chile to Liberia , reaffirmed support for the Paris Agreement at the talks, with many saying they were already suffering from rising temperatures. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that OPEC's biggest producer was "committed to meeting the worlds energy needs via the gradual transition towards a more environmentally sustainable future." "It's a matter of life and death," Zimbabwe 's President Robert Mugabe said of tackling climate change, accusing rich nations of often ignoring the needs of the poor. "Let's not squander the Paris Agreement through old bad habits," he said. US Secretary of State John Kerry will be among those addressing the conference on Wednesday. Trump's victory has lifted shares in coal producers, while knocking renewable energies. Shares in coal producer Peabody, in bankruptcy proceedings,[BTUUQ.PK] have surged 63 percent since the election, and shares in Arch Coal in the United States were up 19 percent. By contrast, the S&P Global Clean Energy Index has fallen to around its lowest level since June. Shares in Denmark 's Vestas, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, are down 6 percent from the US election day on Nov. 8. Benjamin Sporton, chief executive of the World Coal Association, told Reuters that although Trump would "make life a little bit better for coal in the United States " it would not solve many underlying problems. "The fundamental pressure is from the low prices of shale gas and that means that there will be a lot of challenges to the expansion of coal," he said. A source on Trump's transition team said the president-elect is seeking ways of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement within a year, by-passing a theoretical four-year wait. The 20-second clip shows one white man shoving the black man into the coffin and forcing the lid down. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab) Middelburg, South Africa: Two white South Africans accused of forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire appeared before a judge on Wednesday as demonstrators protested against racism outside the courthouse. Members of the ruling African National Congress party and opposition parties gathered outside the court in Middelburg in Mpumalanga province, where the judge postponed the case against the two detained farmers until Jan. 25. A video showing the racially charged incident has circulated on social media, intensifying debate about South Africa's legacy of white minority rule, which ended in 1994. The video shows a man cowering and moaning in a coffin as a tormentor pushes part of the lid over his head and upper body. A man is also heard threatening to pour gasoline in the coffin. Another threat is to put a snake in the coffin. The assaulted man, identified as Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, had been accused of trespassing on farmland, according to South African media. Protesters at the courthouse included members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, an opposition party that wants land held by the white minority to be redistributed to poor blacks. "They still benefit out of a crime, a crime against humanity," Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a spokesman for the opposition group, said of the white minority. He said it was wrong to forgive whites after apartheid but "still keep them in a position of dominance." South Africa won praise for reconciliation efforts among racial groups when apartheid ended, but many black South Africans express frustration that they have failed to reap the economic benefits they expected from democracy. The income of the average white household is six times that of a black household, according to 2011 census data. The foundation of F.W. de Klerk, South Africa's last apartheid-era president, said the assault on Mlotshwa was dehumanizing and humiliating. "We hope the justice system will reach an outcome that restores a measure of dignity to Mr. Mlotshwa," the foundation said. Justin Ross Harris wass charged with malice murder and other crimes in the June 2014 death of his 22-month-old son, Cooper. (Photo: Facebook/ AP) Brunswick: Obsessed with seeking sex outside marriage, a Georgia man who left his 22-month-old son to die inside a hot SUV car, was found guilty and was convicted for murder. In their judgment, the jury stated that the accused purposely left his son in the car to perish. "Today is not a day we consider a victory. It's not a verdict we celebrate. I believe categorically, unequivocally, that justice was served today," said Cobb County District Attorney Vic Reynolds while announcing the judgement. Justin Ross Harris wass charged with malice murder and other crimes in the June 2014 death of his 22-month-old son, Cooper. Authorities said Cooper died after sweltering for seven hours in the parking lot of the Home Depot office where his father worked as a computer technician in the Atlanta suburb of Cobb County. Harris told police he watched cartoons with his son that morning, took him to breakfast at a Chick-fil-A restaurant and kissed Cooper while strapping him into his car seat. But Harris said he forgot to drop his son off at day care and drove to work, forgetting the boy was in the back seat. Caly: A West Virginia mayor resigned on Tuesday following a backlash after she posted a response to a racist comment about first lady Michelle Obama on Facebook. The Clay Town Council accepted Mayor Beverly Whaling's resignation in a meeting late Tuesday afternoon and said it would act quickly to name a replacement for the remaining three years of her term. The resignation came after another woman whose racist post Whaling responded to was placed on leave as director of the Clay County Development Corp. Council member Jason Hubbard issued a brief statement condemning the "horrible and indecent" post and said racism and intolerance "isn't what this community is about." He apologised on behalf of the town to Michelle and anyone who was offended. "This community is a helpful, hopeful, empathetic and God-loving community," Hubbard said. "Please don't judge the entire community for one or two individual acts." Clay County Development director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Republican Donald Trump's election as president, saying: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." Whaling responded: "Just made my day Pam." Town council member Joyce Gibson said that after news of the post circled the globe, the small office's voicemail system quickly filled to capacity with irate callers. An online campaign calling for Taylor and Whaling to resign drew tens of thousands responses. Gibson wants anyone who judges the town to "come see us. Spend a day with us." The non-partisan town council has five members, plus the town recorder and mayor. Whaling's seat was empty during the meeting in a small office attended by a few local residents along with several journalists and some people from outside the area who wanted to see justice served. Annie Thacker of Barrackville drove 117 miles to the meeting. "I saw what was happening in small town West Virginia," she said. "I'm from small town West Virginia. I wanted to see hate put down in West Virginia, especially after this election cycle. Everyone's watching." Lish Greiner of Belpre, Ohio, said she had volunteered during flood cleanup in West Virginia over the summer and returned for the town council meeting because "I will not tolerate hate in my home and in my area." Whaling earlier issued a written apology to news media outlets saying her comment wasn't intended to be racist. "I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not in any way racist!" Taylor, who told WCHS-TV on Monday night that she was put on leave, did not return a call seeking comment. The non-profit Clay County Development Corp. provides services to elderly and low-income residents in Clay County. It is funded through state and federal grants and local fees. It is not affiliated with the town of Clay, which is about 50 miles east of Charleston. The uproar occurred as the town of about 500 residents is still trying to recover from severe flooding in late June along the nearby Elk River. Clay County also has been hit by hundreds of layoffs in the coal industry this decade. Gibson was asked what was worse, the flood or the backlash from the Facebook post. "I'll have to think about that," she said. "This (backlash) will go away." Last week in Kentucky, Republican Dan Johnson won state House of Representatives seat from Bullitt Count despite a series of posts he put on Facebook depicting President Barack Obama and his wife as monkeys. And last month in West York, Pennsylvania, the town council accepted the resignation of Republican Mayor Charles Wasko after an uproar over racist posts on his Facebook page, including two depicting apes with captions referring to Barack Obama and his family. Three men were sentenced Monday; two who cooperated were given lighter sentences, but another who didn't help prosecutors was sentenced to 10 years. (Photo: Representational Image) Minneapolis: A Minnesota man told a judge on Tuesday that he was a terrorist - then was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to join the Islamic State group in Syria. Hanad Musse, 21, is one of nine friends in Minnesota's large Somali community who are being sentenced this week for conspiring to join the militant group. Earlier Tuesday one of his co-defendants, Hamza Ahmed, received 15 years on charges connected to the plot. Before he was sentenced, Musse apologised for lying to his family and acknowledged that he committed a serious offence. The judge asked Musse directly whether he was a terrorist, and Musse replied: "I am a terrorist, your honour." Musse, Ahmed and two other men took a Greyhound bus from Minneapolis to New York in November 2014 and were stopped by federal agents as they tried to travel overseas from JFK Airport. Prosecutors said they were part of a group of friends who began inspiring and recruiting each other to join the Islamic State group in the spring of 2014. Some of their friends made it to Syria, but the nine who were prosecuted did not. Three men were sentenced Monday; two who cooperated were given lighter sentences, but another who didn't help prosecutors was sentenced to 10 years. Musse and Ahmed are among group members who pleaded guilty but did not cooperate with prosecutors. Four others await sentencing, include three who went to trial and were also convicted on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder outside the U.S., which carries a possible life sentence, though prosecutors are seeking sentences of 30 or 40 years. During his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Musse's attorney, Andy Birrell, said he wouldn't say his client is reformed, but he did think he could be saved. When the judge asked Musse why he didn't cooperate with the government, Musse replied that he felt he would have lost the support of the community. Before he was sentenced, Ahmed told the court he was grateful he was pulled off the airplane as he was about to head overseas, acknowledging it probably saved his life. He also acknowledged that he has some work to do. "I want you to understand I am not completely changed," Ahmed told U.S. District Judge Michael Davis. "I'm in the process, but nobody changes overnight. I'm trying every day. I want to reach that point." Davis, who has handled all of Minnesota's terror conspiracy cases, had the six defendants who pleaded guilty evaluated by a German expert on deradicalisation and is taking those findings into consideration. The sentencing cap a long case that shined a light on terrorism recruitment in Minnesota, the state with the largest concentration of Somali immigrants in the U.S. The FBI has said about a dozen people have left Minnesota to join militant groups in Syria in recent years. Before that, more than 22 men were recruited to al-Shabab in Somalia since 2007. Washington: Angela Merkel will run for a fourth term as German Chancellor, a senior member of her party has said. She will run for chancellor, Norbert Roettgen, of the Christian Democratic Union, told CNN. She is absolutely determined, willing, and ready to contribute to strengthen the international liberal order, he said, adding But we cant see the chancellor or Germany as last man standing. Germany has been waiting with bated breath to find out whether Ms Merkel will run for a fourth term in next years elections. Another stint would be significant because majority of the Germans are looking for stability after the Brexit vote, Donald Trumps shock victory and the rise of populist movements in several European countries. According to political experts, Ms Merkel will be the favorite to win, if she decides to run for the elections, even though she is facing backlash over her refugee policies. Germany had decided to accept hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and other nations. Two months ago, he party had suffered a setback in Berlin when it was knocked out of a ruling coalition with the center-left Social Democrats after winning just 17.6 per cent of the vote, the CNN reported. Washington: Describing India as incredibly important, Pramila Jayapal, the first ever Indian-American woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives feels there is a lot to be done to make sure the US continues to support India on everything from poverty to clean energy. Ms Jayapal, 51, was elected to the US House of Representatives from the Seventh Congressional District of Washington State. She is the first Indian-American woman to be ever elected to the House. I think India is not only incredibly important to me not only because I was actually born in India. I am very deeply tied with India. My parents still live in India. They live in Bangalore. My son was born in India. For me the relationship between the US and India is not only a political relationship, but also a personal relationship. It is actually what I live every day, Ms Jayapal said. Born in Chennai, she left India at the age of five for Indonesia, Singapore and then came to the US at the age of 16. Ms Jayapal said she believes there is still work to be done to make sure the US continues to support the forward movement of India on everything from poverty to clean energy. Police said the allegations against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is also the first member of Indonesia's ethnic Chinese minority to lead Jakarta, should go to trial and ordered him not to leave the country. (Photo: AP) Jakarta: Jakarta's Christian governor was formally named a suspect in a blasphemy investigation on Wednesday, after allegations that he insulted Islam sparked a violent mass protest by Muslim hardliners in the Indonesian capital. Police said the allegations against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is also the first member of Indonesia's ethnic Chinese minority to lead Jakarta, should go to trial and ordered him not to leave the country. The case is being viewed as a test of religious tolerance in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, where a spike in attacks on minorities has eroded a reputation for pluralism, and analysts said the decision was a "setback". Religious groups had demanded that Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok and Jakarta's first non-Muslim leader in half a century, be prosecuted for allegedly insulting the Koran while campaigning in elections for the governorship. The governor currently favourite to win the polls had accused his opponents of using a Koranic verse, which suggests Muslims should not choose non-Muslims as leaders, in order to trick people into voting against him. The blasphemy allegations sparked much anger among Muslims both moderate and hardline and more than 100,000 protesters took to the streets in Jakarta on November 4 demanding that Purnama be prosecuted, with the demonstration later turning violent. After a lengthy investigation that involved questioning scores of witnesses, national police chief detective Ari Dono told reporters: "Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has been named a suspect." National police chief Tito Karnavian conceded there were "sharply dissenting opinions" and the decision was not unanimous, but added investigators had eventually concluded the case should go to trial. Naming someone a suspect is a formal step in the Indonesian legal system that means authorities believe they have enough preliminary evidence to consider filing charges. Not the end Purnama, who could be jailed for up to five years if found guilty under Indonesia's tough blasphemy laws, pledged not to pull out of the Jakarta election in February following the announcement. "This is not the end, there will be a court process which we hope will be open," he said, urging his supporters to back him in the vote. A spokesman for President Joko Widodo, an ally of Purnama, urged all involved to respect the legal process. Observers expressed surprise at the decision police had been expected not to pursue the case as the evidence was viewed as weak and said it could be a compromise to avoid further violence. "This is a calculated move by the government and police," Tobias Basuki, a political analyst from Jakarta-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. However he added the decision marked a "huge setback for Indonesia". The demonstration earlier this month, which was the biggest in recent years in Indonesia, was peaceful during the day but as night fell descended into chaos, with hardliners torching police cars and hurling rocks in the heart of Jakarta. Scores of police officers were injured and one man died in the clashes close to the presidential palace. Purnama has apologised for his remarks made in September, saying he was criticising his political rivals who were using the verse rather than the Koran itself. However his election opponents -- the son of an ex-president and a former cabinet minister -- seized on the remarks and have faced accusations of whipping up popular anger as they seek to stop him winning a second term. Widodo, who was forced to cancel a trip to Australia after the unrest, has accused "political actors" of fanning the violence. Purnama won huge popularity with his no-nonsense style and determination to clean up Jakarta, a crowded, polluted metropolis of 10 million, but his once enormous poll lead has dwindled to a few percentage points since the blasphemy scandal broke. The protests against Purnama have often taken on anti-Chinese overtones in a country where the minority regularly faces discrimination. In 1998, many ethnic Chinese Indonesians were killed in the rioting that preceded the fall of long-serving dictator Suharto. Manila: The Philippine president, who has been hostile to Barack Obama for criticising his deadly anti-drug crackdown, has congratulated Donald Trump for a "well-deserved victory" and said he is excited to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin at an upcoming Asia-Pacific summit. President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been criticized for his foul language and the drug crackdown, gave upbeat remarks about the president-elect and Putin in a late Tuesday news conference in Manila. Asked whether his ties with America can improve under Trump, Duterte replied, "I'm sure, we have no quarrel. I can always be a friend to anybody, specially to a president, chief executive of another country." Duterte, who has been compared to Trump due to his devil-may-care irreverence to rivals and critics, said the US president-elect was "the chosen leader of the people of the most powerful country in the world." "I trust in his judgment," said Duterte, adding he expected Trump to be fair in dealing with illegal immigrants. Filipinos make up one of the largest expatriate groups in the US. Duterte, 71, has had a frosty relationship with Obama and the U.S. government since he US spoke out against his anti-drug war that is thought to have left more than 4,000 drug suspects dead since July. At the height of his public outbursts, he told Obama to "go to hell" and announced his "separation" with America, his country's treaty ally, during a state visit to China last month. Duterte later walked back on that, saying what he meant was his desire to chart a foreign policy that would not overly lean on America. But Duterte has publicly vowed to stop joint combat drills with the US military and scale back other security engagements with Washington, although he has also softened up on those threats. Philippine defense officials announced last week that Duterte had agreed to allow a smaller number of joint military exercises, adding that overt assault drills would be discontinued. The push away from Washington has been accompanied by Duterte reaching out to China and Russia. Duterte said he wants to meet with Putin, who he adds also loves guns and hunting, at this month's APEC summit in Peru, and that he wants their countries to have strong ties. "I will not ask for anything. I want to be friends with him, I just want the two countries to be the best of friends," he said. Two security officials were among the dead in the bombing, which occurred close to the defence ministry. (Photo: AP) Kabul: A suicide bomber on foot struck a government vehicle in Kabul on Wednesday, killing at least four people and wounding 11 others, officials said, in the latest attack in the Afghan capital. No insurgent group has so far claimed responsibility for the bombing during morning rush hour, which comes as the Taliban are intensifying nationwide attacks on the Western-backed government. "A suicide attacker on foot targeted a vehicle belonging to security forces in downtown Kabul, leaving four people dead and 11 others wounded," interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP. He added that two security officials were among the dead in the bombing, which occurred close to the defence ministry. Another security official told AFP the targeted vehicle belonged to the government's VIP protection unit. The assault underscores rising insecurity in Afghanistan nearly two years after US-led NATO forces formally ended their combat operations. The attack comes after four Americans were killed on Saturday in a suicide bombing inside Bagram Airfield, the largest US military base in Afghanistan in a major breach of security. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing, which left 16 other US service members and a Polish soldier wounded. And last Thursday, a powerful Taliban truck bomb struck the German consulate in northern Mazar-i-Sharif city, killing at least six people and wounding more than 100 others. The latest deaths add to a tally of 4,271 mostly African people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the UN refugee agency. (Photo: AFP) Rome: Around 100 people were missing, feared drowned, in the Mediterranean on Tuesday after a migrant dinghy capsized off Libya, according to rescue teams frantically searching for survivors in darkness and rough seas. German NGO Jugend Rettet, whose boat was at the scene, said 23 survivors had been rescued by an oil tanker which was first to reach the stricken boat. The crews are searching for survivors in the water and recovering dead bodies, it added in a tweet. The survivors and four recovered corpses were transferred from the tanker to the Acquarius, a boat operated by another charity group, SOS Mediterranee. A survivor told one of that organisations staff that the dinghy had begun to sink at 6.00 am, four hours before the tanker arrived. We were 122 on the boat, no children under 15, but there were 10 women travelling with us and only one survived, the survivor was quoted as saying. We waited in the water, taking any floating thing to remain afloat, but most of the people drowned, including my little brother. He was 15. At 10 the tanker came and rescued us. I want to call home to tell them that my brother died, the survivor said. Attempts to find any survivors were continuing but were being hampered by very rough conditions and the chances of finding anyone alive appeared slim. Second disaster The latest tragedy in the Mediterranean came the day after another incident in which it is feared dozens may have drowned after the sinking of another dinghy, from which there were only 15 survivors. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) officials said Tuesday that dozens of people likely perished before a merchant ship reached that dinghy, which was of a type that normally have had 100-150 passengers packed on board. The survivors were on Tuesday onboard an Italian coastguard ship the Diciotti en route for the Sicilian port of Catania. Exactly how many people died will not be known until it arrives but it would be unusual for traffickers to set sail from Libya with as few as 15 people onboard. The coastguard said a total of 298 people were rescued in three operations on Tuesday, taking the total rescued since Saturday to 2,600. The coastguard confirmed the recovery of five corpses on Monday and SOS Mediterranee staff said they had seen another one floating in the water but had been unable to recover it. The migrants rescued by the Aquarius included a large number of minors -- 24 on Monday, including three under five, and 47 on Tuesday. One young boy who was plucked unconscious from the water on Monday was said to be in a stable condition on the Italian island of Lampedusa after being helicoptered off the rescue boat. Record death toll He had inhaled fuel fumes and sea water but happily we got him in time, said Sarah Giles, one of the on-board doctors working for the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity. He was unconscious for two hours but we were able to stabilise him before he was evacuated. Other survivors, the doctor said, were suffering from symptoms of extreme trauma, hypothermia and intoxication and burns caused by fuel fumes. Many were in a critical condition. Nobody should have to endure such conditions, said Mathias Menge, coordinator of the SOS Mediterranee rescue team. This latest tragedy underlines once more the dangers of the Mediterranean and the pressing need to maintain search and rescue operations throughout the winter. The latest deaths add to a tally of 4,271 mostly African people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the UN refugee agency. This year is already the deadliest on record for migrants trying to reach Europe with uncertainty about the situation in conflict-torn Libya fuelling a higher volume of departures in difficult weather conditions at the onset of winter. Athens: US President Barack Obama will on Wednesday sketch out his vision of democracy at a time of mounting global populism, seeking to soothe European allies anxious over a Donald Trump presidency. On the second day of a European farewell tour, Obama will build on a topic he outlined on Tuesday the "frustration and anger" of an electorate that feels it has been left behind by rapid globalisation. "The lesson I draw and I think people can draw a lot of lessons but maybe one that cuts across countries is we have to deal with issues like inequality," said Obama. The 55-year-old Obama has chosen the "cradle of democracy" Greece to deliver a speech addressing the uncertainties that have led to the rise of populists like Trump. Trump was able to tap into "a suspicion of globalisation, a desire to rein in its excesses, a suspicion of elites and governing institutions," Obama noted. Obama's visit to Europe his last foreign trip as American leader has been all about reassuring traditional allies worried about Trump's campaign rhetoric. Trump welcomed Britain's shock vote in June to leave the European Union and has cast doubts on the NATO alliance that has guaranteed relative peace on the continent for decades. However, Obama was at pains to stress that Europe and NATO would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. The US-led NATO grouping is "absolutely vital" to US interests and a strong, unified Europe was good for America and the world, Obama said in comments aimed at reassuring old partners. "We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up the 20th century was a bloodbath," he said pointedly. Obama was expected to visit the Acropolis ahead of his much-anticipated speech before heading to Germany to visit Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he has described as "probably my closest international partner these last eight years". During his time in Berlin, he will also huddle with the leaders of Britain, France and Italy, as European leaders desperately seek clues to future US policy in a Trump world. Extraordinary compassion While Obama has generally been welcomed in Greece, some demonstrators hit the streets to protest against his visit. Some 2,500 people brandishing banners denouncing US "imperialism" and calling Obama "non grata", or not welcome, were turned away by police firing tear gas and stun grenades as they tried to breach barriers and head toward the city centre. Many Greeks are suspicious of the United States after it helped install a repressive seven-year dictatorship in the country in the 1960s, and trade unions, leftist and anarchist parties denounce US involvement in wars in the Middle East. Several hundred of the protesters appeared to be from Greece's vocal anarchist movement, police told AFP. On the first day of his visit, Obama also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society, a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis. He lauded the Greek people's "extraordinary compassion" to hundreds of thousands of people arriving during Europe's worst migrant crisis since World War II. He also pledged support for Greece's economy, as Greek leaders seek a fresh US pledge to help alleviate the country's enormous public debt, a measure actively sought by the International Monetary Fund but opposed by leading European lender Germany. "In my message to the rest of Europe I will continue to emphasise our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity," Obama told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. Some 400 officers were deployed as part of an investigation into clandestine immigration, the forgery of residency permits and criminal association. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Rome: Italian police on Tuesday launched a crackdown on illegal immigration from China, on the day President Xi Jinping was due to arrive for a stopover visit. In an operation dubbed "White Collars", the GDF financial police said they had ordered 15 arrests and 111 raids on premises across five regions as well as placing another 83 people under formal investigation. The moves were ordered by a prosecutor based in Prato, an outlying suburb of Florence that is home to one of Europe's largest Chinese communities. Some 400 officers were deployed as part of an investigation into clandestine immigration, the forgery of residency permits and criminal association, the GDF said in a statement. It added that the investigation was focused on a number of Italian and Chinese professionals and businessmen, most based in Prato. Xi was due to spend Wednesday on the Italian island of Sardinia in a stopover en route for a three-country tour of Latin America. The Chinese President was to be treated to dinner by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who has made improved trade and investment ties to China one of the priorities of his administration. Relations between the police and the Chinese community in Prato were strained earlier this year when a raid on a textile factory suspected of breaching labour laws ended in violent clashes involving 300 people, two arrests and injuries to four policemen. Beijing made representations to the Italian authorities over the June incident, urging them to ensure that Chinese nationals were not being targeted unduly. Days after the mini-riot, police made a series of raids connected with an investigation into a Chinese association suspected of organising vigilante patrols of Prato's Chinatown which allegedly targeted African and Arab residents. Italy is home to more than 270,000 Chinese nationals. A fifth of them are self-employed and the Leone Moressa foundation estimates that the community contributes six billion euros a year to the Italian economy. But the Chinese are also regularly accused of showing no interest in integration, of sending millions in untaxed profits back to China and of sidestepping labour and immigration laws. Officials in Prato say sweatshop exploitation in the textile sector has diminished since a 2013 fire in a garment factory left seven people dead. It emerged afterwards that the workers had been living in the factory and were unable to escape because the windows were barred. Prato is officially home to some 16,000 Chinese nationals out of a total population of 191,000. But local sources say the real figure could be closer to 50,000. London/New Delhi/Moscow: A multi-billion-dollar Russian deal to buy Indian refiner Essar was nearly sunk at the eleventh hour by a rival bid from Saudi Arabia as the two oil superpowers vie for supremacy across the world. The deal between Essar and a consortium led by Kremlin oil giant Rosneft appeared dead in the water two months ago after Saudi state energy firm Aramco weighed in, according to seven Russia, India and Saudi-based industry sources familiar with or involved in the negotiations. It was salvaged due to the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who were keen for it to go through, and after the consortium agreed to pay $13 billion - more than double what Rosneft had initially valued Essar at, sources told Reuters. This made the refiner the biggest-ever foreign acquisition in India and Russia's largest outbound deal. The tussle for Essar - a state-of-the-art plant in the world's fastest-growing fuel market - illustrates the growing battle for oil markets between Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world's two largest crude exporters. It also sheds light on the challenges OPEC member Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia - which are also fighting a proxy conflict in Syria's civil war - will face in trying to clinch a global agreement to limit output growth to prop up oil prices. The full details of how the Essar deal was struck remain unclear. Two industry sources said it was rescued thanks to the involvement of Putin and Modi while three other sources said Rosneft had simply outbid Saudi Aramco. Officials in Modi's office declined to comment while Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied there was any Kremlin intervention in the deal. "Naturally, we defend the interests of our companies. Of course we lobby for them, especially on such large deals," said Peskov, but added that in the case of Essar "there were no orders from the Kremlin". "It was a corporate decision by Rosneft to gain synergies via cooperation with India," he said. Rosneft and Saudi Aramco declined to comment. Essar said it had held discussions with several potential buyers but had gone with the Rosneft consortium because their offer was considered the most attractive. It denied there was any intervention from Putin or Modi. Showdown Rosneft boss Igor Sechin is keen to buy refining assets around the world to guarantee outlets for Russian oil. He had been negotiating since 2014 to buy 49 percent of Essar from its owners, Indian brothers Ravi and Shashi Ruia, and the two parties had been in exclusive talks since July 2015 when a preliminary deal was signed. While the exact amount Rosneft was prepared to offer for the stake at that stage is unclear, Russian and Indian industry sources said it valued the whole of Essar at about $5.7 billion. However it became apparent that there were problems with the deal in early September, when Sechin travelled to India to meet the Ruia brothers, flying from Hangzhou, China, where he had been part of Putin's G20 summit delegation. Sechin walked into the meeting with the Ruia brothers soon after landing in India at 1 a.m., determined to close the deal, according to sources briefed on the discussions. As the meeting started, one of the brothers told Sechin the deal process had been going on for too long, the exclusivity period had expired in July and Essar was now talking to other parties. Those other parties included Saudi Aramco, he said. According to the sources familiar with how the meeting unfolded, Sechin responded by saying that if Essar walked away from the deal it risked losing Russian financial and oil-supply support. The Ruia brothers then said the talks with Rosneft were over and called an abrupt end to the meeting. "People started leaving the room, embarrassed," one of the sources said. Another source said the Essar management had drafted a statement to say the deal with Rosneft was off. Rosneft and Essar declined to comment on what transpired at the meeting, or on whether such a statement had existed. Sechin and the Ruia brothers could not be reached for comment. Three Saudi-based sources familiar with details of talks between Essar and Saudi Aramco said the firm was seriously considering buying Essar. One of the sources said Aramco was prepared to pay up to $9 billion for all or most of the refiner. Aramco declined to comment on whether it had made a bid. Too Big to Fail In the end, however, the Rosneft-Essar deal proved to be too big to fail. For India, a deal collapse or a delay because of talks with another party would set back Modi's drive to clean up India's $140 billion mountain of bad debt given Essar's multi-billion-dollar debts to local and foreign banks after years of rapid expansion. For Russia, the deal in the huge Indian market represented an important milestone in building a global oil empire despite Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Facing the Saudi competition, Rosneft formed a consortium that bought 98 per cent of the refiner plus a fuel terminal for $13 billion. The Kremlin oil firm bought 49 percent - below the 50 percent level that would have fallen foul of Western sanctions - with Swiss trading house Trafigura and Russian private investment group UCP buying the other 49 percent. According to the Indian and Russian industry sources, Rosneft and Essar returned to the negotiating table within days of the spat in early September, and the deal was finally struck. One of the sources said there was a fierce battle between Essar and Rosneft over the terms. They said the Russian-led consortium was forced to outbid the Saudi offer, which they said comprised a combination of cash, long-term low interest credit and oil supplies. Trafigura declined to comment on how the deal came together, while UCP did not reply to a written request asking for comment. Washington said the deal did not violate sanctions. The deal was signed in Mauritius on Oct. 14, a day before a formal announcement on the sidelines of a BRICS summit in Goa where Putin and Modi met. The leaders also oversaw the signing of a raft of other transactions including India agreeing to pay $5 billion for Russian long-range air defence missile systems. Two industry sources said the Essar deal had first been discussed by Putin and Modi as far back as May 2014 on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Russia's main investor show. It was unclear what form - if any - high-level government intervention might have taken after the September dispute. But the two sources said that without political will in Moscow and New Delhi, an agreement could not have been struck. "Putin and Modi saved that deal," said one. London: India's "aggressive posturing" will affect peace in South Asia, Pakistan's interior minister has told British Prime Minister Theresa May during a meeting here. Nisar Ali Khan had a scheduled meeting with Britain's National Security Adviser, Mark Lyall Grant, at 10, Downing Street yesterday when the British premier "dropped in", according to UK government sources. "India's hegemonic stance and aggressive posturing is a threat to peace and stability in the region," Khan said. "The world and our friends needed to do more to counter Indian designs against Pakistan and should stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism...Pakistan would not cow down to bullying tactics...we reserve the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of our soldiers...The people of Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil," he added. May reportedly conveyed her good wishes to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani minister congratulated her on her assumption of office as prime minister. The Pakistani minister told reporters from the Pakistani media after the meeting that May was "looking forward" to visit Pakistan in the first half of 2017. He emphasised that May's visit to Pakistan would be timely in the context of regional scenario prevailing in South Asia, and would open new channels of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination. On peace in the region, he told Lyall Grant that "a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan". He stressed that friendly relations of Pakistan with its neighbouring countries were based on the principle of reciprocity, which is a fundamental and important element of Pakistan's foreign policy. Khan also held a meeting with UK home secretary Amber Rudd earlier this week. Exterior view of the new headquarters of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo: AP) Moscow: Russia said on Wednesday it is formally withdrawing its signature from the founding statute of the International Criminal Court, saying the tribunal has failed to live up to the hopes of the international community. Russia in 2000 signed the Rome Statute setting up the ICC, the world's first permanent war crimes court, but never ratified the treaty. "The court did not live up to the hopes associated with it and did not become truly independent," Russia's foreign ministry said, describing its work as "one-sided and inefficient". Moscow said it is unhappy with the ICC's treatment of the case on Russia's short war with neighbouring Georgia in 2008, saying the court ignored aggression by Tbilisi against civilians in South Ossetia -- a pro-Moscow separatist region of Georgia. "In these conditions one cannot speak of trust in the International Criminal Court," the ministry said, adding that the decision to "not be a participant in the ICC statute" was taken by President Vladimir Putin and entails "withdrawing the signature from this document". The authorities have ordered an autopsy to ascertain the cause of the infants death. (Photo: AFP/Representational) Vienna: An Austrian woman was arrested for allegedly throwing her newborn baby in a dustbin at Vienna's Schwechat International Airport in Austria. According to a report in the Mirror, the wailing newborn was found by the cleaners at the airport. It was wrapped in a plastic bag, said cleaners who then reported the matter to the authorities. About half an hour later, police found the newborns mother sleeping in the airports waiting area, covered in blood. The Nigerian-origin mother of the newborn claimed that it was stillborn. However, police refused to believe her. The authorities have ordered an autopsy to ascertain the cause of the infants death. While the authorities were trying to determine the cause behind the gruesome act, some media reports stated that the accused who was flying from Minsk, Belarus to Washington DC, threw her baby in the bin in order to not miss her connecting flight. The accused has been arrested and put in pre-trial detention. According to Article 79 of the Austrian Criminal Code, the accuseds offence can land her in prison for a minimum term of six months that can go up to five years. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), which audits tax-payer funded spending by the British government, said the UK continued to give millions of pounds to these middle-income, fast developing countries. (Photo: AP) London: The UK continues to give millions of pounds in aid to India, Brazil and China, an expenses watchdog on Wednesday said, rebuking the British government for misleading the public into believing that aid to these countries have been phased out. The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), which audits tax-payer funded spending by the British government, said the UK continued to give millions of pounds to these middle-income, fast developing countries. "The UK may no longer have a traditional aid relationship with these countries but it is spending [official development assistance] in Brazil, India and China and it is rather diffident about admitting this," the report said. The British government had announced an end to its aid budget for India at the close of 2015 to establish a new kind of developmental relationship. But despite a public announcement on this change, the UK continued to give indirect aid to India, including 30 million pounds for technical assistance and 40 million pounds for "development capital investment", ICAI claims. The commission also criticises UK's Department for International Development (DfID), now led by Indian-origin minister Priti Patel, for "significant shortcomings" in the way it plans for change in its aid relationships with countries. "While DfID's public statements on the subject have been accurate, the earlier publicity given to exit from China and India potentially created an impression that all aid was being phased out. Against that background, the reasons for continuing and then scaling up assistance have not been clearly communicated to the UK public," the report said. In a statement, DfID described the review as inaccurate and not reflecting the whole story. A DfID spokesperson said: "DfID is a world leader in helping countries leave aid dependency behind and stand on their own two feet, building a safer, more prosperous world. "We are disappointed that Icai has rushed the publication of this inaccurate report that simply does not tell the whole story. "As countries build upon their economic development, Britain is determined to strengthen strategic partnerships that facilitate trade, boost business and combat poverty. DfID's work supports these partnerships in a manner that provides value for money, always helps the world's poorest and is open and transparent to the British public." Dubai: A British tourist who was gangraped by two men last month, has been arrested and charged with 'extra-martial sex' in Dubai after she filed a police complaint regarding sexual assault. According to a report in The Sun, the 25-year-old victim said that she was on a holiday to UAE when she was attacked by two men. Following the incident, the victim lodged a police complaint. Instead of helping her out, police officials arrested her for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex. The woman was later released on bail. However her passport was confiscated which meant that she could not travel back to her home country and could face trial for the offence and be awarded punishments such as flogging, jail, deportation or even stoning to death. "They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal, a family member of the victim was quoted as saying. Rape cases in UAE often require proofs such as a confession from the rapist or witness statements from adults -- due to which most cases are are often dismissed or turned around to prosecute the victim. Damascus: Syria's Bashar al-Assad said in an interview aired on Tuesday that Donald Trump will be a "natural ally" if the US president-elect fulfils his pledge to fight "terrorists". In his first reaction to Trump's election victory last week, the Syrian president struck a note of caution and said he was unsure the American billionaire would be able to keep his word and step up the fight against jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," he told Portugal's RTP state television. Asked about Trump's campaign comments suggesting the United States should focus more on fighting the ISIS, Assad said he would welcome such a move but was cautious. "I would say this is promising, but can he deliver?" said Assad, who was speaking in English. "Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the mainstream media that were against him? How can he deal with it?" he said. "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. "That's why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasn't in a political position before," said Assad. The United States leads an international coalition that is conducting air strikes against ISIS jihadists in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, and also backs rebels fighting the Assad regime. In an interview with The New York Times on March 26, Trump said he thought "the approach of fighting Assad and ISIS simultaneously was madness, and idiocy". "You can't be fighting two people that are fighting each other, and fighting them together. You have to pick one or the other," said Trump. And during campaigning, Trump also pledged to improve America's ties with Assad's main backer, Russia. 'Police Of The World' After his election victory, Trump told The Wall Street Journal: "I've had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria". He also said that if the United States attacks Assad "we end up fighting Russia". In his interview with RTP, Assad accused the United States of interfering in the affairs of other countries. "They think that they are the police of the world. They think they are the judge of the world. They're not," he said. Asked to give his assessment of the next UN chief, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, Assad insisted the "United Nations is not the secretary-general" even if the role is "important". "The United Nations is the states within this organisation, and to be frank, most of the people say only the five permanent members" of the UN Security Council, said Assad. "This is the United Nations because they have the veto, they can do whatever they want and they can refuse whatever they want. "If you ask me 'what do you expect from such a new official in that important position,' I would say I need two things: the first one is to be objective... the second one... is not to turn his office into a part or branch of the State Department of the United States. "That's what we expect now," said Assad. The Syrian president went on to criticise his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a "sick person". "He's (a) megalomaniac... He's out of touch with the reality," said Assad. Turkey has embarked on an ambitious operation inside Syria dubbed "Euphrates Shield" to support Syrian opposition fighters in a bid to remove ISIS fighters from its border and stop the advance of Syrian Kurdish militia. The conflict in Syria has killed more than 300,000 people since it started in March 2011 with anti-regime protests. Syria's main opposition has urged Trump to protect civilians and help end the bloodshed in the country. Searches for the Chinese words Jin San Pang on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. (Photo: AP) Beijing: Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty the Third," a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words "Jin San Pang" on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. The nickname pokes fun at Kim's girth and his status as the third generation of the Kim family to rule the world's only hereditary communist dynasty. It's especially popular among young, irreverent Chinese who tend to look down on their country's would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the North's nuclear weapons program, which China has condemned along with South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. But Beijing continues to support the Kim regime with limited trade and diplomatic backing. North Korean officials, fearing that Kim would find out about the nickname, lodged a formal request with China recently to prohibit names disparaging Kim from appearing in the media, according to Hong Kong newspaper reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday that reports of the banning of "Jin San Pang" didn't "comply with facts." "The Chinese government stays committed to building a healthy and civilized environment of opinions," he added. "We disapprove of referring to the leader of any country with insulting and mocking remarks." "Kim Fatty the Third" is such a widely used term in China that it is sometimes suggested by auto-complete algorithms on web portals such as Baidu, China's leading search engine. While searches for "Jin San Pang" returned no results this week, Baidu left untouched results for other versions of the nickname, such as "Kim Fat Fat Fat." Baidu spokeswoman Tracy Hu declined to comment. The Beijing-based company has typically said that its policy is to provide accurate search results while also complying with Chinese regulations. Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda has reaffirmed his commitment to the "One-China" policy in a meeting with the new Chinese envoy in Kathmandu, during which the proposed visit of President Xi Jinping was also discussed. Prachanda, who met ambassador Yu Hong at his official residence at Baluwatar, discussed matters relating to Xi's proposed visit to Nepal, sources said. However, the date of the visit has not yet been spelt out. Xi was expected to visit Nepal in October but he cancelled the visit. The cancellation was then attribbuted by local media reports to Nepal's "pro-India" stance after Prachanda took over power from KP Sharma Oli, who was seen as pro-China. Reports then said that Xi was unhappy with Nepal also due to its disinterest in fulfilling commitments made by Oli, among them transit agreemnents that would have ended Nepal's decades-old dependency on India for daily supplies. During the meeting with the new Chinese envoy yesterday, Prachanda expressed his gratitude for China's support in the development endeavours and post-earthquake reconstruction. During the courtesy call by the Chinese envoy, Prachanda also hoped that Yu's tenure in Nepal would be successful. Ambassador Yu said during her term in Nepal she would focus on further consolidating the China-Nepal ties. Under the "One-China" policy, Beijing insists that countries recognise Tibet and Taiwan as part of the mainland. Lahore: Pakistan has ordered more than 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by November 20, in a apparent move to please Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who starts his two-day visit to Islamabad on Wednesday. According to the interior ministry, the teachers of Pak-Turk schools have been asked to leave the country along with their family members within three days. Some 108 Turkish teachers have been serving in the Pak-Turk Schools in the country. They along with their family members have been denied extension to their visas on the request of the Erdogan administration as these schools were run by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen whom Erdogan blamed for Julys failed military coup. The Pak-Turk Schools administration has expressed shock over the governments decision which it believes has been taken under pressure. Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges are extremely concerned over the abrupt decision of the government, said Pak-Turk Education Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Alamgir Khan. Since we have removed all Turkish principals with the Pakistanis and publicly announced that it has no connection with Gulen movement there has been no justification of this decision, an official of the Pak-Turk Schools told PTI. He said now these schools have been operating under a local NGO registered with the Pakistani government. However, these schools will remain functional under the Pakistani administration, he said. In August, Pakistan had promised Turkeys visiting Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that it would investigate the network of schools Ankara wanted shut for its alleged links with Gulen. It is not secret that Gulens organisation has institutions or their presence in Pakistan and in many other countries. I am sure the necessary measures will be taken. We have to be very careful with such organisations and their causing risk and threat for the security and stability of every country that they have presence, Cavusoglu had said. The network of Pak-Turk schools and colleges was launched in 1995 under the international NGO registered with the Turkish government. Initially funding was made from Turkey to establish state of art campuses in Pakistan. But for the last 15 years or so it is generating its own funds here, offering free education and boarding facilities to 35 per cent of the students besides awarding foreign scholarships to them, the official said. The chain of 28 schools and colleges is functioning in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Jamshoro and Quetta. Some 11,000 students from pre-school to A levels are studying there. Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the country's powerful army chief left on Wednesday for a strategically located secret area bordering India to witness a military exercise of ground and air power amid increasing tension with India over Kashmir. Planes, tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons will be used during Wednesday's exercise, which is aimed at checking preparedness of the army in reacting to any hostile situations, two officials said. The drills come three days after Indian fire in Kashmir killed seven Pakistani soldier. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media, said Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif will witness the exercise less than two weeks before he retires after completing his three-year term. The government has not announced who will be the new army chief. Tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals have increased in recent months after militant attacks on Indian military facilities in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attacks, a charge Pakistan denies. Despite pleas from the United Nations, the two sides have continued to exchange fire in the disputed Himalayan region. The violence has forced thousands of villagers on the Pakistani side to flee for safety. India says it has been retaliating for Pakistani violations of a 2003 cease-fire. Two of the three wars between India and Pakistan since 1947 have been fought over their competing claims to Kashmir. Each has administered part of Kashmir since 1947. Islamabad: Pakistan's top foreign policy official said on Tuesday he plans to attend the Heart of Asia conference in India and suggested the visit could be used to "defuse the tension" between the nuclear armed neighbours. Sartaj Aziz's trip to India would be the first by a senior Pakistani official since gunmen raided an army base in Kashmir and killed 19 soldiers in September, an attack New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants. The killing of Indian soldiers soured relations and led to a weeks of diplomatic quarrelling, with both Islamabad and New Delhi accusing opposing diplomats of spying and then expelling them. "Its a good opportunity to defuse the tension," Aziz, who is an adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on foreign affairs, told the state-run PTV channel. Artillery duels and skirmishing have recently intensified along the disputed frontier running through the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Pakistan on Monday said seven of its soldiers were killed by Indian shelling. Despite hinting at a possible detente, Aziz said there was no official meeting scheduled with Indian officials. "Its early to say. Depends upon the situation," he said. The Heart of Asia conference focusing on Afghanistan is due to be held in the first week of December in the northwestern Indian city of Amritsar, close to the Pakistani border. The conference will seek ways to help improve security and bring peace to Afghanistan, which has been mired in conflict since a U.S.-led coalition toppled the hardline Islamist Taliban government in 2001. Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have also been strained over the past year, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of harbouring the leaders of Taliban and seeking to meddle in Afghan affairs. Pakistan denies the charge. "Heart of Asia is for Afghanistan and Afghanistan is our priority," said Aziz. Around 100 people were missing, feared drowned, in the Mediterranean today after a migrant dinghy capsized off Libya, according to rescue teams frantically searching for survivors in darkness and rough seas. German NGO Jugend Rettet, whose boat was at the scene, said 23 survivors had been rescued by an oil tanker which was first to reach the stricken boat. "The crews are searching for survivors in the water and recovering dead bodies," it added in a tweet. The survivors and four recovered corpses were transferred from the tanker to the Acquarius, a boat operated by another charity group, SOS Mediterranee. A survivor told one of that organisation's staff that the dinghy had begun to sink at 6.00 AM (local time), four hours before the tanker arrived. "We were 122 on the boat, no children under 15, but there were 10 women travelling with us and only one survived," the survivor was quoted as saying. "We waited in the water, taking any floating thing to remain afloat, but most of the people drowned, including my little brother. He was 15. "At 10 the tanker came and rescued us. I want to call home to tell them that my brother died." Attempts to find any survivors were continuing but were being hampered by very rough conditions and the chances of finding anyone alive appeared slim. The latest tragedy in the Mediterranean came the day after another incident in which it is feared dozens may have drowned after the sinking of another dinghy, from which there were only 15 survivors. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) officials said today that dozens of people likely perished before a merchant ship reached that dinghy, which was of a type that normally have had 100-150 passengers packed on board. The survivors were today onboard Italilan coastguard ship the Diciotti en route for the Sicilian port of Catania. Exactly how many people died will not be known until it arrives but it would be unusual for traffickers to set sail from Libya with as few as 15 people onboard. The coastguard said a total of 298 people were rescued in three operations today, taking the total rescued since Saturday to 2,600. The coastguard confirmed the recovery of five corpses yesterday and SOS Mediterranee staff said they had seen another one floating in the water but had been unable to recover it. The migrants rescued by the Aquarius included a large number of minors -- 24 yesterday, including three under five, and 47 today. One young boy who was plucked unconscious from the water yesterday was said to be in a stable condition on the Italian island of Lampedusa after being helicoptered off the rescue boat. The latest deaths add to a tally of 4,271 mostly African people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the UN refugee agency. A senior bureaucrat of the Delhi government has sought an apology from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his alleged misbehaviour during a meeting last week. The officer claimed Kejriwal shouted get out at him in the meeting and he suffered grave humiliation, embarrassment and anguish during the interaction at Chief Ministers residence. The entire episode has hurt me emotionally and disturbed professionally as I am not able to concentrate on my work since the event. Therefore, I would at least expect an apology from you to relieve me from this grave humiliation and embarrassment caused during the meeting, wrote K R Meena, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The episode relates to Meenas meeting with Kejriwal and Industries Minister Satyendar Jain at the Chief Ministers residence on November 10. The meeting was called to ask Meena expedite the process of DSIIDC handing over alternative plots to an industrialist whose current property was needed to be acquired partly to build a colony pathway for residents of Raja Vihar near Badli industrial area in northwest Delhi. Meena in his letter mentioned that the urgency for handing over the alternative plots was there so that Jain could inaugurate the pathway on November 12. Kejriwal wanted Meena to release the land on the Urban Development Departments assurance that the Department would pay in future the cost of alternative plots proposed to be given to the industrialist, said the letter. He alleged Kejriwal lost his cool when he told him that an advance payment had to be deposited in DSIIDC by the Urban Development Department before any alternative plots could be given to the industrialist. The Chief Minister lost his cool and shouted at me like anything and directed me to leave his office. The literal word which was used was get out in a highest possible tone with utter disrespect, Meena wrote, adding that he left the room with grave humiliation, embarrassment and anguish. The 1993 batch Indian Administrative Service officer wrote to Kejriwal: The entire episode shows your desperation and utter disrespect to the system and senior officers. This has happened without any fault of mine. Meena alleged that the meeting was called to humiliate him and for this no other official. The Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta was marshalled out of the Delhi Assembly for disrupting the address of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on alleged crisis due to demonetisation. The BJP leader, who was thrown out of the House within 15 minutes of the start of proceedings, said he would complain to President Pranab Mukherjee and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung about the biased manner in which the proceedings in the House were being handled. I raised an objection under Rule 64 against Kejriwal naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Assembly. The Rule forbids naming a government functionary who is not present in the House but the Speaker refused to take congnisance of my objection, said Gupta. The BJP leader said Kejriwal used the privileged House whose elected member enjoy shield against inviting defamation charges for their statements and lied blatantly about the PM. Gupta said the ruling AAP used its brute majority to malign the PM and the Opposition was muzzled and prevented from voicing its concerns. He said that he will shortly meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung to complain against the Chief Minister for misusing the privilege of the House to mislead the public by making wild allegations against the Prime Minister. The Chief Minister knows that no case will be made against him if he makes such allegations in the House. He cannot be sued for telling lies. It is, in fact, an act of cowardice on the Chief Ministers part. His only aim is to derail the momentum of PMs fight against black money, said Gupta. Leader of Opposition said that CM did not choose the forum of press conference because he could be sued for telling lies outside the House. He is already facing a contempt petition in case of the Finance Minister Arun Jaitly and he wanted to escape all legal hassles this time. Earlier, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel warned Gupta not to disrupt the proceedings of the House by raising objections against naming of Modi by Kejriwal. As Gupta refused to sit down silently, Goel called in at least 10 marshals to take him out of the Assembly. Just before the proceedings of the Assembly, the Delhi BJP held a demonstration outside the premises to protest against Kejriwal opposition to demonetisation. The BJP workers raised slogans against the alleged support to black money given by Kejriwal. The demonstration continued for half an hour and after which the Delhi Police took the demonstrators to Maurice Nagar Police Station. Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse the tension" between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed today. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. "Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the prior permission category". The government yesterday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. With seemingly never-ending queues in front of banks and post offices, the government today said it will take one more week to recalibrate half of the cash vending two lakh ATMs to dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes. An official said the government has stepped up printing of new 500 rupee notes so that it can be made available to people. Currently, the ATM withdrawal limit from savings bank accounts stands at Rs 2,500 a day, but most ATMs are dispensing only Rs 2,000 notes or Rs 100. "It will take another one week for 50 per cent of the ATMs to be recalibrated so that they can dispense the new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes," the official said. The government is now focusing on making cash available on offsite ATMs as well, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 said Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes will cease to be legal tender and asked people holding such notes to deposit or exchange the same with banks. He had said new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes would be introduced with different color and design. To dispense these new design notes, the ATMs need to be recalibrated. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday that it will take up to three weeks for all two lakh ATMs in the country to be recalibrated. A 48-year-old man died today allegedly after he suffered heart attack while standing in line for over eight hours to exchange now-defunct notes for new ones even as banks and ATMs continued to be crowded by hassled Delhiites eight days after the demonetisation move. Saud Ur Rehman, a resident of Old Delhi, became unwell while standing at a queue outside a bank in Lal Kuan and was rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital where he died. "Rehman had been visiting bank for the last two days. He would reach the branch around 5 AM and wait for hours in queue, but by the time his turn would come, either the bank went out of cash or the counters closed. "Today also he was standing in the queue for a long. I got a call from him around 11.45 AM and he told me that he was feeling unwell. I immediately reached the spot. I took him to the hospital where he died around 1 PM. Doctors said he died because of the strain, lack of rest and proper food," a family member, Siraj Ahamad, claimed. Police, however, denied having received any such information.Dr J C Passey, medical director of the hospital refused the comment on the matter. Eight day since the demonetisation of high value currency notes, Delhiites' woes seem to have no end as they waited for cash in long queues at banks and ATM and struggled to pay for basic necessities. People's patience ran thin as the ATMs ran out of cash. "I waited for two hours in queue to withdraw Rs 2,500 and it (the ATM) ran out of cash when my turn was about to come. "ATMs don't have cash, banks have endless queues too. How do we manage? It is not frustrating to wait in line but not getting money even after that," said Rishika Bajaj, a TCS employee. The queues at Mother Dairy and other cooperative stores where old currency notes are being accepted till November 24 were also long and people were seen buying the products in bulk. At various hospitals in the city, patients and their family members faced inconvenience in buying medicines, food and availing transportation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and had said new currency notes will be introduced. Banks had been instructed to work extra hours and even over the weekend to deal with the massive rush. People are not only having a harrowing time withdrawing cash but also commuting by autos and rickshaws and paying for necessities like grocery and milk. The debate over demonetisation of currency reveals that real estate dealers have transacted business only to the extent of 5% cash and 9% on promise. The gap is huge but it reflects the honesty and understanding of both sides. The Narendra Modi government fails, however, to convey the impression of integrity. The motive is being questioned and the purpose doubted. And the deb-ate, unfortunately, has got derailed beca-use of too much emphasis on inconvenience to the people, not on the step itself. There is no doubt that the money stacked abroad or lying with the anti-national elements goes out of currency. But the baby has been thrown out of the bath tub. Many honest businessmen abroad will be put to hard and arduous task of converting the currency lying with them. Some may go out of business. But if it serves the overall purpose, the step is worth taking. Why the opposition parties have got together is understandable. The unaccounted money with which they operate will not be simply there. The BJP is also being blamed for having told its own people about demonetisation beforehand to enable them to send their money to the bank. West Bengal is an example where some currency was deposited on the eve of demonetisation. Good or bad, the step has been taken and it is in the national interest to get together to make the step a success. There are very few top civil servants or leading politicians without the blemish of having a foreign bank account. But the pressure to bring back black money stashed abroad has been relentless and this demand has become part of a movement to eliminate corruption. Instead of taking any concrete step, the government seems to be trying its best not to let the gamut of black money come to light. That is the reason why the government is seeking clarifications on the Supreme Courts indictment: The issue of unaccounted monies held by nationals and other legal entities in foreign banks is of primordial importance to the welfare of the citizens. This is not the first time that the Supreme Court has taken the government to task for dragging its feet on corruption. Earlier, the Supreme Court expressed unhappiness over the way in which the government was investigating the cases connected with black money. The court had warned the government not to presume that the money hidden in Switzerland was from the tax evasion. It could be laundering of the money earned through drugs, terrorism or some other criminal act. The government is yet to give justification for preferring the way of entering into double taxation pacts with foreign countries for having access to the names of evaders. Indian black money in Swiss banks, according to Swiss Banking Association report in 2006, was the highestas much as $1,456 billion. The amount is reportedly more than the deposits by all other countries put together. Amountwise, the figure is about 13 times larger than the countrys foreign debts. With this am-ount, it is estimated that some 45 crore people in India can get Rs 1 lakh each. After clearing the entire foreign debts, it is calculated that we would be left with a surplus, almost 12 times larger than the total foreign debts. If this surplus is invested, the amount of interest will be more than the annual budget of the Central government. So even if all the taxes are abolished, even then the Central government will still have a cushion. Expressing lack of faith in probe, the Supreme Court constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by two retired SC judges to chase all black money-related cases. The court itself is supervising the pace of investigation. While pronouncing the verdict, the SC observed: politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen are known to park their funds abroad and then try to get them into the country through foreign institutional investors route. Pursue cases Very pinching remarks but every word is true. I wonder if there would be any effect on the government which has shown little agility to pursue the cases of black money abroad. Now the government has been caught on the wrong foot. It received some time ago as many as 26 names from Germany under the double taxation treaty. Berlin had got hold of names of hundreds of beneficiaries and had offered them to all the countries for their asking. New Delhi could not afford to say no. But why the then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said that the names of beneficiaries could not be disclosed? If they are under obligation not to disclose them, the fault is that of New Delhi. The SC has overruled the contention and has asked the government to make the names public. Still, the government is not agreeable to do so. The BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance have said that they have no money abroad. This statement should act as a pressure on the Congress and its allies. Some of the allies may begin to keep distance from the government. It has no option except to make the 26 names public. Then the fat will be on fire. I have never seen India so deeply immersed in corruption as it is today. At the same time, I have not heard so much criticism of government before. What I miss is the resistance and someone from the society getting up and calling a spade a spade. Scrutiny by due process is understandable, but the process is so slow and so manoeuvred through corruption itself that it is not possible to catch or punish the guilty for years. The government must devise a machinery whereby allegation of corruption is sifted for a prima facie case within days. The activists of the Popular front of India (PFI) staged a protest in Madikeri on Wednesday condemning the recent incident of burning Quran, at a mosque in Igooru village, Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district. Scores of PFI activists who gathered at Chowki in Madikeri town, also condemned the incident of bid to set the car of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangha (RSS) leader K S Padmanabha, on fire. They blamed it on invisible forces to who were trying to trigger communal unrest in the district. It all began with the stoning of mosque at Igooru and Kushalnagar, followed by the burning of religious scripture and also charpoy used for prayer. The protesters said that MLA Appachu Ranjan instead of making attempts to ensure peace and tranquillity, had been blaming the PFI for no fault of it. They charged the MLA of sheidling the culprits behind the incidents. They said that the MLA had formed his opinion even as the police were to launch their probe. The deeds of the MLA will influence the investigation. If he has any evidence to substantiate his charges, let him submit it to the police instead of airing his opinion in the public, they said. Kodagu is known for communal harmony and hence the police should take stern action against any idividual or organisations attempting to disturb law and order by delivering inflammatory speeches. PFI district committee president T H Abubakker, secretary Ibrahim Gonikoppal, Madikeri town unit president Mansoor, secretary Mustaf and others took part in the protest. DH News Service . Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential race could have serious consequences for West Asia. So far, Trump has made his intention clear on only one front: the Syrian war. He has reiterated his campaign pledge to join Damascus and Moscow in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) and rejected calls for weapons and political support from the Syrian opposition bent on ousting President Bashar al-Assad. In his first interview as president-elect, Trump told the Wall Street Journal he would not continue the Obama Administration's policy of backing so-called moderate Syrian armed groups fighting Damascus. Ive had the opposite view of many people...My attitude (is) youre fighting Syria, Syria is fighting IS, and you have to get rid of IS. He pointed out that Russia and Iran are aligned with Syria while the US is backing rebels against Syria, and, as he put it, ...we have no idea who these people are, referring to mostly jihadi groups receiving training, arms and equipment from the US. He warned if the US attacks Assad, we (will) end up fighting Russia, fighting Syria. He has repeatedly spoken of reconciling with Russia rather than adopting the confrontational approach of the Obama administration and European partners. While fighting IS, Trump could also join Russia in the battle against al-Qaedas Jabhat al-Nusra with the aim of preventing al-Qaeda from reasserting itself on the global scene. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have, apparently, reduced support for Nusra but Trumps shift could roil Turkey, the funnel for jihadi fighters, funds and arms to the Syrian battleground. However, Trumps military adviser former General Michael Flynn has called for closer relations with the increasingly authoritarian regime of Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This could mean more military support in Erdogan's ongoing war against dissident Turkish Kurds. To raise money, Trump has pledged to demand allies in Europe, Asia and West Asia pay more for US protection. This policy could threaten US arran-gements with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman at a time when they suffer from falling oil reven-ues. If protection is demanded, Gulf states could resist US pressure to join the fight against IS. Trump could exacerbate the conflicts in Yemen and Libya by staying aloof and failing to promote political solutions. Once wars in these countries Syria and Iraq have been brought to an end he could refuse to provide financial aid to rebuild the devastation wrought by civil conflicts and the proxy wars involving the US. Generally generous Gulf donors could very well follow the US example. This would produce precisely the sort of alienation and anger that have prompted thousands of Arabs to join IS and al-Qaeda and could encourage them to carry out attacks in Europe, the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and the US. Lifting of sanctions Trump has said he will cancel the deal providing for Irans dismantling of its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting of sanctions. While Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies could welcome US withdrawal, the agreement was the work of the UN Security Council's five permanent members and Germany and is not Trumps treaty to abrogate. Tehran has carried out its obligation and the other signatories remain committed. They seek to benefit from an end to sancti-ons by purchasing Iranian oil and taking part in the reconstr-uction of Iran oil infrastructure and the opening up of its marke-ts to foreign goods and services. One of Trumps first actions was to invite Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who has welcomed his election, to visit the White House. During the campaign, Trump surrounded himself with pro-Israeli advisers and pledged to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital by moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the contested holy city. This would outrage Arabs and Muslims and infuriate rulers already facing serious challenges from disaffected citizens and anti-US and anti-Israeli radical groups. Such a move could also bring down the marginalised, dysfunctional, and corrupt Palestinian Authority and mobilise Palestinians for a widespread violent struggle. The dangers posed by Trumps Jerusalem stance has been exacerbated by an adviser who has said the new administration will reverse the policy followed by all its predecessors and no longer consider as obstacles to peace Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusa-lem, occupied by Israel in 1967. The presence of more than 8,00,000 Jewish settlers in these areas prevents Israeli acceptance of the two-state solution supported by the international community, involving the emergence of the promised Palestinian state. In the absence of a Palestinian state, Arab governments cannot contemplate recognition of Israel and the resolution of the 68-year old Arab-Israeli conflict. Finally, Trump considers global warming a hoax and says he will revoke US regulations limiting carbon emissions, liberating polluting industries, and pull out of international agreements imposing on the US the target of reducing emissions by 20% by 2023. Already suffering from drought, soaring temperatures and desertification, West Asia could become uninhabitable and millions of its citizens could seek refuge in Europe and elsewhere. Spending time within Alaska was crucial, we thought, during the familys planned cruise recently. So, we reserved a fortnight just for this, the core of our Alaskan adventure! From the warm coastal Atabaskan native villages of ancient Alaskans around Anchorage, to the cooler frozen climes of the Denali National Park, into the virgin habitats of the grizzly bears inside the Clarkes National Preserve in the south-west, and the suspension bridge over the Yukon within Canadian Alaska during the White Pass Yukon Route Trail by the antique Frontier Rail, to the dwarfed and stunted vegetation of the tundra and the taiga (or the snow forest) characterised by coniferous pines, spruces and larches we saw it all. We remembered the Klondike God Rush of 1898 and witnessed the stunning views of the Hurricane Gulch from 300 feet above the canyon again when we took the luxurious Gold Star for our return ride to Anchorage! For the helicopter ride into Lake Clarke National Preserve to encounter the grizzlies, we went to Homer claimed to be the Halibut capital of the world; on the way to which we took a diversion to break the monotony of the drive from Whittier. This was to the beach at Ninilchik where my grandchildren collected smooth flat-stone pebbles from the non-sandy waterline as souvenirs to inscribe each of our names on. On our way out of Homer, remembering the cute little Russian Orthodox Church with onion-shaped domes I had seen earlier, we decided to explore it further at Ninilchik village. At the Ninilchik Orthodox Church and its freshly maintained cemetery complex, we stumbled on to a fascinating tale of bygone days. Ninilchik in Kenai Peninsula, with a population of less than a 1,000, overlooks the volcanoes of Cook Inlet Mount Spurr, Mount Redoubt, Mount Iliamna and Mount St Augustine. Historically an area used by Denaina Indians for fishing, we found Ninilchik to be also the oldest settlement on the peninsula. Even though Russian-Americans had reportedly dwindled down to almost nil in the present times, the spotless and charming beauty of fresh flowers with which the graves in the cemetery were decorated spoke another story! We learnt that Ninilchik was established by a Russian fishing company in the 1820s for its elderly and disabled employees, who could not endure the long journey back to Russia. However, local legend credits the Russian community here to have evolved from one single family the Russian Grigorii Kvasnikov, his Russian-Alutiiq wife Mavra Rastorguev, and their children. Other Russian settlers soon congregated, and in 1901, they constructed the communitys Russian Orthodox Church perched on a hill overlooking the village below against the backdrop of acres of the pink fireweed swaying in the breeze. After Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, most residents elected to stay, and today, their descendants are many times removed form the core of the present community. And the fairy tale iconic place attracts a pack of tourists too, many of whom we believed to be of Russian descent! Ninilchik boasts of a small fishing harbour and is known for its Salmonfest, with Halibut, in the nearby Cook Inlet, and the popular Pacific Razor Clams for digging when the tides are low enough on the beaches near Ninilchik. Panoramic views of the four Cook Inlet volcanos, the historical Old Village, the iconic Russian Orthodox church, the River and Deep Creek watersheds, abundant wildlife, and the bluff-lined beaches here are attractions that have indelibly planted this little village in the minds of everyone who encounters it. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday targeted corporate funding of political parties and demanded state funding of elections during the discussion on demonetisation and black money. The senior Marxist leader said in Rajya Sabha that corporate funding of all political parties should stop. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked Yechury to bring a Private Member Bill in the House on state funding of elections. Yechury charged that the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act was changed for foreign funding of political parties. The finance minister contradicted the charge and said the amendment was made for Indian companies having foreign component in their business. Yechury dismissed the advice that people should use plastic money instead of cash. He said only 2.6 crore of the 130 crore Indians have credit cards. He took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and referred to Queen Marie Antoinettes remark during the French revolution: People can eat cakes when they dont have bread. We have Modi Antoinette who says, If you don't have paper, use plastic, said Yechury. DH News Service Launching a major offensive against the governments demonetisation drive, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of helping out his industrialist friends and putting common man through severe inconvenience. While you people are being made to stand in queues, the money would go to 15 to 20 industrialists he is running the government of those people you all know their names, Rahul said, addressing a gathering at the powerloom town of Bhiwandi, nearly 50 km from Mumbai. Rahuls statement comes a day after he said that common man was being put through a hard time because of one mans thinking, while big black money players like Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya had gone scot-free. Promising that he would raise the issue in Parliament, the Congress scion further said, You will see that the money will be used for the benefit of these industrialists. The common man is standing in queues (in banks and ATMs), while no action is being taken against the black marketeers and the prime ministers industrialists friends they go in Modis aircraft and have over Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore there is no investigation against them, he said, adding: You do not see a rich person, a big industrialist standing in line. Rahul was in Bhiwandi to appear before the magistrates court with regard to a defamation case, whereby he held RSS responsible for Mahatma Gandhis assassination. In an embarrassment to the Narendra Modi government, key ally Shiv Sena marched with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest the financial chaos unleashed in the country by demonetisation. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and AAP member Bhagwant Mann joined Mamata, who had demanded the rollback of the draconian decision that has caused hardship to millions. All major political parties stayed away from the March to Rashtrapati Bhavan apparently unwilling to allow the Trinamool supremo to assume centre stage on the issue. Mamata was miffed at the boycott by other Opposition parties. You ask for interviews, but you feel bad when you dont get it, she quipped when asked about the other political parties not joining her in the march. With the much-touted march failing to deliver the desired results, the mercurial Trinamool chief has directed party MPs to disrupt proceedings of Parliament till their demand for moving an adjournment motion against the government decision was accepted. In a memorandum submitted to President Pranab Mukherjee, the Trinamool Congress demanded his intervention for immediate suspension of the dictatorial and draconian step of demonetisation. The country was at peace but they have introduced disaster through demonetisation, Mamata told reporters, terming the Centres decision as a Tughlaqi firman. About six Shiv Sena members who joined the Trinamool in the march, submitted a separate memorandum, urging the President to direct his government to ease the suffering caused to the citizens. Asked whether the Senas participation amounted to double standards, party spokesman Arvind Sawant countered: This is a larger issue of public good. What is wrong? Even Modi (last week) shared the dais with Pawar, whose party he had called as the Nationally Corrupt Party. What should we deduce when Modi refers to the same Pawar as his political guru. The central government should have discussed a multi-dimensional plan with the states for attacking black money. In fact, the entire step of demonetisation is a black scam, the Trinamool said in the memorandum submitted to the President. CPM unhappy with Bengal CMs move The Left disapproved of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan over the issue of demonetisation, DHNS reports from New Delhi. The party questioned her integrity to lead a protest march of this kind when she is protecting scamsters in West Bengal. In the past two days, the party staged protests across the country, demanding that the usage of old notes be allowed till alternative arrangements are in place. She is protecting the offenders of the chit fund scams and leads a march here. She has the blessings of the Modi government in protecting scamsters, said CPM leader Mohammad Salim. How can she take on the government when she is protecting the culprits of the Saradha and Narada chit fund scams? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been helping her stall the investigations into these cases, Salim told reporters. Salim also took a dig at Mamata for having the Shiv Sena join her in the march. The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Union government to appoint a nodal agency to ensure an online blackout of all material, including advertisements, on sex determination tests. The apex court ordered the deletion within 36 hours from search engines of Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Though Google claimed that it was taking steps to remove relevant material, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said, We cannot permit anything which is violative of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994. "Whatever is prohibited under the Act cannot go through it (websites)," the bench said. During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the declining sex ratio after advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for PIL petitioner Sabu Mathew George, contended that information pertaining to sex determination tests continued to be on search engines. Whether one will have a boy or a girl, that kind of information is not necessary in India. The sex ratio is going down here and we are concerned about that, the bench said. The court directed Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, appearing for the Centre, to set up a nodal agency, which would ensure removal within 36 hours of all informative material from the search engines. The law officer said that the intent of the law is to prohibit any advertisement pertaining to pre-natal sex determination and search engines should facilitate it. The counsel, representing the search engines, said the intermediaries could not stop flow of all information unless it was barred under the law. The court posted the matter for further consideration on February 17. The Union Health Ministry is set to undertake a major male sterilisation drive next week, in tune with an order from the Supreme Court. The court asked the government to overhaul the family planning programme and do away with female sterilisation camps. With more than 95% sterilisation in females, Indias male sterilisation counts are extremely low though it comes with far less chances of complications. Between April and September 2016, there were more than 13 lakh tubectomy cases as against 29,600 vasectomy cases. For the first time, we are going to have a 15-day special programme all over the country to mobilise the people for male sterilisation, with active participation from state governments, said a health ministry official. Central and state officials met here on Wednesday along with other partners to finalise strategies for carrying the male sterilisation campaign forward. The apex court in September asked the government to revamp the countrys reproductive and child health programme and remove the female sterilisation camps permanently in three years. The court pointed out glaring gaps in male sterilisation schemes. The sterilisation programme is virtually a relentless campaign for female sterilisation. In 2013, more than 95% sterilisations were for females whereas the numbers went up to 96.7% in 2014, the top court said. Data from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey for 15 states showed no change in the mindset of Indian men over the years. From progressive Tamil Nadu and Kerala to economically backward Bihar and West Bengal, Indian men dont seem to prefer sterilisation surgeries, but they ask women to undergo such family planning surgeries. The number of male sterilisation cases declined gradually in the last 10 years in the absence of policy support after reaching a peak around 2006-07 when more than three lakh NSV cases were recorded all over the country, health ministry sources told DH. The jury is still out on whether the men are ignorant, innocent or guilty. It will take another two-three years for the results to show, but men must be a part of the family planning strategies, said Poonam Muttreja from the Population Foundation of India. Availability of surgeons skilled in NSV, particularly in populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, would be a challenge as many lost their skills in the absence of practice, sources said. DH News Service External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter early Wednesday morning to make it public that she was suffering from a kidney ailment. Sushma, who has been very active on social media, posted that she was undergoing dialysis at the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The minister also said she might require a kidney transplant. I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis, posted the 64-year-old BJP leader, who has 6.53 million followers on Twitter. I am undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless me, added the minister. Sushma, who has diabetes, has not been well since early this year. The minister had to cancel her proposed visit to Myanmar in early May after she fell sick. She was admitted to AIIMS and was discharged only about a fortnight later. She, however, visited Myanmar in August. She also visited New York to lead Indias delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, although some of her proposed foreign visits were either deferred or cancelled. Her two colleagues Ministers of State for External Affairs V K Singh and M J Akbar undertook most of the foreign visits in the past few months. Sushma, who was admitted to the hospital on November 7 again, was allowed to go home on Wednesday after the doctors at AIIMS examined her and conducted certain tests. She would go to the hospital again on Thursday. Sources said that since a suitable donor had not yet been found, Sushma might have to wait for a few weeks before she could go for a kidney transplant. She has been under the care of a team of doctors comprising Dr Sandip Mahajan, Professor (Nephrology), Nikhil Tandon, Head of Department (Endocrinology), Dr Randeep Guleria, Head of Department (Pulmonary Medicine) and Balram Airan, Chief of the Cardio Thoracic Centre. Sources in New Delhi said Sushma would possibly continue to hold the external affairs portfolio, unless Prime Minister Narendra Modi allotted the job to someone else in his Cabinet. Akbar and Singh would take care of most of her work at the South Block. Sushma has been extensively using social media to reach out and help Indians who land in trouble while travelling abroad. Many Twitterati wished her early recovery after the External Affairs Minister made public her health conditions. A Twitter user Rahul Verma even offered his own kidney toSushma. Politicians cutting across party lines also wished her speedy recovery. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. A complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against Public Works Minister H C Mahadevappa, his officer on special duty (OSD) H M Janardhana and Secretary to Public Works Department (PWD) Siddagangappa for selling grants for various works to select contractors. The complaint stated that the beneficiaries of such grants have formed an association with its office at Chamaraja Mohalla in Mysuru, the home district of the minister. According to the complaint filed by R B Basavegowda of Maddur in Mandya district, the selling of grants to select contractors has been going on unabated for last three years. He stated that Janardhana was working as assistant executive engineer at PWD in Tirumakudal Narasipur, Mahadevappa's Assembly constituency. After he was appointed as OSD to the minister, Janardhana takes the call on awarding KW-4 contracts. The members of Mysuru Circle Dambar (asphalt) Mixing Unit Owners Association have a nexus with Janardhana. They are approached whenever certain works have to be executed. These contractors submit recommendation letters from MLAs and ministers and approach Janardhana, who in consultation with Mahadevappa prepares a list of contractors to be awarded the grant. The officials make sure that only a dummy contractor takes part in the tender process and ensure the contract is awarded only to one of the members of this association. The officials accept even forged documents, such as invoices and details of the ongoing works. Almost all the KW-4 contracts in Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hunsur divisions are awarded to these select contractors, Basavegowda stated. The complainant has claimed to have provided CDs containing audio conversations, including that of Mahadevappa instructing officials to award the grant to a particular contractor. The documents submitted along with the complaint include an official letter of the ministers personal secretary instructing officials not to release grants without taking prior approval of the minister, a letter by an executive engineer pointing out fake financial statement submitted by one such contractor and a letter by a chief engineer in which the official denied any responsibility in view of awarding of grants illegally. The office of the ACB in Bengaluru has received the complaint. A senior official said that a preliminary enquiry will be conducted. In such complaints, the ACB will have to seek permission from the competent authority to proceed further, if there is a prima facie case. Minister for Health and Family Welfare K R Ramesh Kumar has urged private hospitals to accept the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on humanitarian grounds. He was speaking at the launch of an awareness programme on importance of handling a patient during emergency and critical situations in the city on Wednesday. The (scrapped) notes are being accepted at government hospitals. But private hospitals are refusing them and we have been receiving several complaints in this regard. However, we are helpless and have no powers to take action against them, he added. The Reserve Bank of India has issued a circular stating that DCC Banks are not permitted to accept Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes. What will someone whose transactions are with co-operative banks or local banks do?" he said. There seems to be reluctance on the part of the Revenue department officials to transfer government land grab cases to the special courts established to exclusively handle land-related fraud cases. The Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Special Courts were inaugurated at Kandaya Bhavan in Bengaluru in August 2016. These courts are meant only to expedite cases related to government land encroachment. Any land case in any government department across the state has to be now referred or transferred to these special courts. But, so far just a single case has been transferred by the Revenue department to these courts. After the establishment of the special courts, officials such as deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and tahsildars are barred from dealing with land encroachment cases. As the government is not transferring the cases, the courts are voluntarily registering cases based on media reports or complaints from individuals. Why are officials disinclined to refer the cases to the special courts? Usually moneyed people, politicians and realtors, are involved in land encroachment cases. By colluding with officials, particularly with those from the Revenue department, illegal land deals including creating fake documents are carried out. Enquiries by courts are least appreciated by those involved in illegal land deals, say sources in the Law department. Special Courts Chairman Justice H N Narayan, a retired judge of Karnataka High Court said, We are not getting cases from the Revenue department or any other government agencies. There is no positive response from the government departments. So far, only one case has been referred by the Bengaluru special deputy commissioner. The government has directed the entire department heads to transfer the cases to the special courts. Asked about the reasons for the governments reluctance to hand over the cases, Justice Narayan said, I am not aware. May be the Revenue minister and officials would be able to answer. We are sitting here without much work. We have been hearing that thousands of land grabbing cases have been reported from in and around Benglauru. The city is famous for that. Hope the Revenue department officials will take some interest. Illegally taking away any government land, including those belonging to the Forest department, religious institutions, irrigation works etc, have to be handled only by the special courts. To a question whether the delay in transferring of cases is due to the procedures involved, Justice Narayan said, That cannot be the reason. All one needs to do is to index the cases being handled and refer the same to us. The chairman said that in all, the courts have received about 60 cases and of these, five to six have been dismissed since August 31. An order passed by the special courts can be questioned in the high court. In all, three judges, including the chairman and two revenue members, are functioning in the special courts. Some banks on Wednesday started applying indelible ink on right index fingers of customers exchanging old notes to check multiple cash withdrawals. The move, however, started only in 11 branches of state-run State Bank of India, making a little impact on long queues outside banks and ATMs elsewhere. Officials said it will take one more week to recalibrate ATMs to dispense the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. An individual is allowed to exchange old notes totalling up to Rs 4,500 on a single day. According to guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, the facility for exchanging old notes for new ones would be available only once. Bank branches and post offices would put indelible ink marks on the right index finger of the customer so as to identify that he/she has exchanged old currency notes only once, the guidelines said. The procedure would be introduced in the metro cities and expanded to other areas later. The government has made arrangements to airlift the ink in all regions of the country. Indelible ink is supplied to the bank or post offices by Indian Banks' Association (IBA) in consultation with the RBI. Officials said the government has also stepped up printing of new Rs 500 denomination notes so that it can be made available to people but most of the ATMs will take one more week to recalibrate to dispense the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. At present, the ATM withdrawal limit from savings bank accounts stands at Rs 2,500 a day. In view of the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in January, Bengaluru Development Minister K J George directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to take up beautification of the central business district (CBD) area. At a meeting convened with Mayor G Padmavathi, Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Mahendra Jain and BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad, George asked BBMP, Namma Metro and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to work in tandem and give a facelift to the city. He also suggested inviting corporate leaders to seek their co-operation in this venture. The minister also announced Rs 2.5 crore out of his discretionary fund to the horticulture division of the BBMP to beautify the city. He said a matching grant will be spent by the BBMP thus, making Rs 5 crore available for the beautification of the city. The minister however, expressed his displeasure over some corporate companies not ensuring maintenance of medians as agreed upon earlier. He instructed officials to convene a meeting with the companies at the earliest and set right the anomaly. Jain suggested that the specifications for advertisings should be provided by the government so that there would be orderliness. Minister for Science and Technology M R Seetharam on Wednesday clarified that the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium would not be relocated from its present location on Raj Bhavan Road. In fact, the planetarium, which is presently being upgraded at a cost of Rs 12 crore, would be thrown open for the public in January 2017. The minister said that there were concerns that the governments proposed steel flyover project between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal would obstruct the sky viewing from the planetarium. Stating that the ramps of the proposed flyover would not disrupt the sky dome educational programme, the minister added that the National Green Tribunal had presently stayed the project. The minister also said that mobile planetariums would be launched in each of the revenue divisions at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore. This project would benefit students from remote rural areas, he said. While two mini digital planetariums were being established in Bagalkot (University of Horticulture Sciences campus) and Vijayapura (Karnataka State Womens University campus) at a cost of Rs 5.75 crore, a 3D digital planetarium was being set up at the Dharwad Regional Science Centre at Rs 22 crore. Seetharam also said that one more Regional Science Centre was being established on the campus of University of Mysore with the support of the Union Ministry of Culture at a cost of Rs 14.50 crore. A state-of-the-art planetarium with latest technological facilities will also be established at the Pilikula Regional Science Centre in Mangaluru at a cost of Rs 25 crore. The minister also said that one of the largest science galleries would be established in the Indian Veterinary Research Institute campus, Hebbal, by the department in association with the Science Gallery International, Ireland. DH News Service Nearly 600 doctors under the aegis of Indian Medical Association staged a protest in the city against the proposed National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill which is supposed to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI). The protest was part of a nationwide protest called for by the IMA. Protests were held at various district headquarters of the state as well. The MCI is functioning well. Why have another body? The proposed National Medical Commission is not democratic. They will not understand the doctor's problems, Dr Rajashekar Bellary, president, IMA, Bengaluru, said. He said the protesting doctors have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar and Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala. One cannot convert a regulatory body into a nominated body. The proposed bill calls for the establishment of a nominated body in place of MCI and is unacceptable, the doctors said. DH News Service People who turned up at various banks on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Wednesday were a disappointed lot. For, they could not get notes of smaller denominations, particularly Rs 100. Also, some banks did not entertain exchange of banned notes with new ones for want of indelible ink to mark fingers of customers. Following an increase in the number of withdrawals of smaller denomination currency notes and slow refills, most banks and post offices issued only Rs 2,000 notes to customers. I came to the bank to exchange old currency worth Rs 2,500. But when I reached the bank, I was told that they do not have Rs 100 notes. So, I will have to re-fill the form and settle for one note of Rs 2,000. But that note will be of little use to me, rued Govinda Gowda, a resident of Nelamanagala. An official at Karnataka Banks branch at Kengeri said, We have not received any cash since last two days. We are struggling to manage with whatever we have as every one is asking for Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes. An official from State Bank of Mysore, Jigani branch, said: We are trying hard to explain to people that there is shortage of Rs 100 and Rs 50. Only some understand, it is difficult to convince everyone. Shortage of Rs 100 and Rs 50 currency has severly hit daily wage workers and vendors at Jigani and Anekal. The number of customers has reduced and vegetables and fruits have started to rot. We have also tied up with community banks. We pay money to them once a week and they too are not accepting Rs 500 notes stating that they have no change, said Kantharaju, a vendor. No ink, no cash After walking for over three kms, Radha M, a resident of Uttarahalli was told by bankers that currency will not be exchanged as they do not have the indelible ink to mark fingers. Till afternoon, we were exchanging money without marking fingers with indelible ink. Later, we received instructions from the head office to put everything on hold till the ink reaches banks, said a State Bank of Mysore official. Some of the nationalised banks in Kengeri and Nelamagala had put up boards stating No Exchange Today. Bankers said that as they had no indelible ink, they decided to load the ATMs with whatever cash they had so that people can withdraw cash from the machines. At the counters, banks were only allowing deposits and withdrawals. The process of marking fingers, checking customer details and issuing cash takes around five to seven minutes per person. This has increased anxiety and frustration among people as they have to wait longer, a staff at Vijaya Banks branch in Kengeri said. DH News Service The chief executive of a Del Mar-based cyber security firm has resigned over social media comments he made about assassinating President-elect Donald Trump, it was announced today. PacketSled President and CEO Matt Harrigan admitted to posting the seemingly threatening rhetoric -- including the statement, Im going to kill the president. Elect.' -- on his Facebook page as voting results were coming in Tuesday night, though he would later describe his remarks as a flawed joke. Harrigans resignation took effect immediately, according to a company statement issued early Tuesday. PacketSleds Chief Technology Officer Fred Wilmot will serve as interim CEO while the companys board of directors searches for a replacement. We want to be very clear, PacketSled does not condone the comments made by Mr. Harrigan, which do not reflect the views or opinions of the company, its employees, investors or partners, according to the statement. The Del Mar-based company said in a statement Monday that it had immediately reported this information to the Secret Service. It was not immediately clear if the statements had prompted an official law enforcement investigation. In Harrigans online rant, which was subsequently deleted but later reappeared in screenshots on Reddit, he wrote that he would be getting a sniper rifle and perching myself where it counts. Apparently addressing Trump, the post continued, Find a bedroom in the white house (sic) that suits you (expletive). Ill find you. When a Facebook friend suggested that the comments could provoke a federal investigation, Harrigan replied, Bring it. Bring it secret service. Harrigan also posted, In no uncertain terms, f--- you America.Seriously. F--- off, and Really San Diego? Trump? Go f--- yourself San Diego. On Sunday, Harrigan apologized on Twitter for what he characterized as an ill-conceived attempt at humor. My humble apologies that a flawed joke has become public/out of context, he wrote. My poor judgement (sic) does not represent the views of @packetsled, customers, investors or the officers of @packetsled. I have no malicious intention towards the (president-elect), and apologize to all for my lack of judgement (sic) and offensive commentary. I wish you all well. SALT LAKE CITY-- November 16, 2016 Enyx is pleased to announce the 25G version of its enterprise-class TCP/IP, UDP/IP and MAC Intellectual Property (IP) Cores for FPGAs and SoCs. This new edition is presented on the high-performance BittWare XUPP3R PCIe board, which features a VU9P FPGA from Xilinxs new top-of-the-line 16nm UltraScale+ family. Enyx, a world-class pioneer in ultra-low latency FPGA-based technology and solutions, has released 25G Ethernet connectivity for its IP Cores to address the growing throughput needs of the datacenter space, opening the road to future 50G and 100G implementations. TCP offload engines are key to sustaining high throughput and computational demanding applications which are becoming a real challenge for standard CPUs. Enyx IP Cores perform network protocols offloading in dedicated hardware, including network security enabled NICs, Smart NICs, custom packet filtering switches and high bandwidth bridges. Enyx IP Cores allow soft-hardware developers to easily and quickly implement network connectivity in their FPGA and SoC enabled projects. In addition, Enyx IP Cores are also offered to non-soft-hardware developers through Enyx Design Services as part of a complete and customized Smart NIC or Smart Switch solution. End customer profile industries range from high performance computing, defense, aeronautics and aerospace to hedge funds and top-tier investment banks. Adoption of the new 25G Ethernet network connectivity in the datacenter space has made hardware offload more and more important to keep up with processing an increasing volume of data in real-time. We are more than confident that our network protocols offload technology running at 25G and beyond will help the datacenter and network industry meet these new challenges, said Eric Rovira Ricard, VP Business Development in charge of the Technology/IP branch at Enyx. We are pleased to see Enyx quickly take advantage of our latest Xilinx 16nm FPGA boards, bringing a robust ultra-low latency 25G solution and paving the way to 50/100G. Our partnership with Enyx is a valued one as our companies share a focus on the highest performance solutions for the most demanding applications and industries, said Ron Huizen, VP Horizontal Products at BittWare. Enyx nxTCP and nxUDP IP Cores feature full RTL Layers 2, 3, 4 implementations with integrated 25G/10G/1G MAC, compliant with the IEEE 802.3 standards, supporting ARP, IPv4, ICMP, IGMP and TCP/UDP protocols, aim to reduce latency while offloading the server CPU from TCP/UDP network management. nxTCP and nxUDP are architected to work seamlessly on Intel FPGA (formerly Altera) and Xilinx FPGA and SoC designs. Enyx nxTCP 25G TCP and MAC implementation on Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ VU9P devices features latencies of 194.56 ns in transmission and 199.68 ns in reception, and supports a line rate packet processing performance of 37 million packets per second. BittWares XUPP3R is the first commercially available PCIe board supporting the 16nm Xilinx UltraScale+ family of FPGAs. The 3/4-length board has four QSFP28 cages, each of which support 10/25/40/100 GbE, and can be combined for 400 GbE. Two PCIe Gen3 x16 interfaces are provided. Memory options include up to 256 GBytes of DDR4 SDRAM. The XUPP3R is designed for ultra-high bandwidth and systems demanding processing of massive data flows. BittWare is a certified board partner of Enyx. Enyx IP Cores are available as a downloadable package from the Enyx website, and starting in December 2016, the 25G version package will be available including a reference design for BittWares XUPP3R PCIe board. Enyx IP Cores can be purchased directly from Enyx or from certified distributors, and include a variety of integration examples and reference designs for Enyx certified board partners. Enyx made this announcement today at the SC16 conference at Salt Lake City, where it is currently presenting its technology product line and services. About BittWare For over 25 years, BittWare has designed and deployed high-end network processing, signal processing, and high performance computing platforms that significantly reduce technology risk and time-to revenue for our OEM customers. Our products utilize the latest FPGA technologies on industry-standard COTS form factors, including PCIe, and are available either as boards or in boxes. We also provide a great deal of value-add with IP, software, support, and services. When customer requirements make it difficult to use industry-standard boards, BittWare can provide modified solutions and/or licensed designs. For more information on BittWare and its innovative FPGA COTS solutions, visit www.bittware.com. About Enyx Enyx is a leading developer and provider of FPGA-based ultra-low latency technologies and solutions. Enyx Technology & IP division provides soft-hardware design services and connectivity IP cores for FPGA and SoC, for tailored Smart NICs and Smart Switches. Enyx Technology & IP division has engaged with over 50 customers world-wide, including hedge funds, exchanges, top-tier investment banks, telecom operators, research labs, universities, and technology manufacturers for the defense, aeronautics, aerospace and high performance computing industries. www.enyx.com Angola Cables has selected Etix Everywhere as its partner to build its critical infrastructure globally as part of a project to offer a lower latency route between the USA and Africa. The first element of the deal includes the construction of a landing station in Fortaleza (Brazil) and a data centre in Brazil for Angola Cables new South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) and Monet submarine cable networks, which will link the Americas and Africa. According to Antonio Nunes, CEO of Angola Cables This partnership will help us to quickly develop and operate state-of-the-art data centres as we continue to build digital bridges to connect continents and the world. Currently, when data travels from Africa to Latin America, it is transmitted through Europe. Angola Cables new submarine cables Monet and SACS will dramatically reduce the latency between the USA, Latin America and Africa. The Monet submarine cable, a partnership between Angola Cables, Google, Antel and Algar Telecom, is scheduled to be ready for service mid-2017, linking Miami, Florida to Fortaleza and Sao Paulo, Brazil. This route will offer resilient connectivity and better latency between the two continents. Latin America is a booming market, and the internet penetration in this area is tremendous. The SACS submarine cable, currently being deployed by Angola Cables, will be a direct connection between Latin America and Africa. Data will no longer have to pass through Europe, offering lower latency and better bandwidth quality between Africa and South America, and therefore the USA. "With these projects, Angola Cables is transforming the face of African IT infrastructure, explained Nunes. "Africa has been home to the worlds fastest-growing telecoms sector in the last five years. By offering better connectivity, Angola Cables is making way for a new era of economic growth." The cable landing station and the data centre will be flagship infrastructure projects for Etix Everywhere. These projects will follow the companys innovative architecture design model, encompassing three scalable power sources and world-class equipment. Each of them will offer 500 kVA of hosting capacity, with the ambition of reaching a PUE lower than 1.5 on a Tier III design. "Considering the extreme weather conditions in Fortaleza, this PUE is a challenging goal, declared Benoit Parisse, CTO of Etix Everywhere. "However, Etix Everywhere has extensive experience in terms of operating in extreme weather conditions." The cable landing station and the data centre will be delivered mid-2017, in time to be connected with the new submarine cables. "50% of our workforce is dedicated to creating smart data centres," said Antoine Boniface, Managing Director of Etix Everywhere. "The mission of Etix Everywhere is to provide fully automated data centres, using automation and artificial intelligence to improve facility operations and create a better user experience." Nearly 1,20,000 phones of American phone manufacturer, BLU Products had been affected by Adups software Software bundled with some Android smartphones are acting as a backdoor to send text messages to China every 72 hours, according to security research firm Kryptowire. Kryptowire says Adups software installed in some Android smartphones transmitted the full contents of text messages, contact lists, call logs, location information and other data to a Chinese server. Security contractors discovered the preinstalled software in some Android phones monitoring where users go, whom they talk to and what they write in text messages. It is unclear whether the software was preinstalled for secretive data mining or Chinese government-sponsored state surveillance. The software created by Shanghai Adups Technology Company comes preinstalled on more than 700 million phones, cars and other smart devices. Nearly 1,20,000 phones of American phone manufacturer, BLU Products had been affected and the company has updated the software to eliminate the feature, reports The New York Times. Adups in a document provided to BLU Products says it intentionally designed the software to help a Chinese phone manufacturer monitor user behaviour. The company says the software was not intended for American smartphones. "This is a private company that made a mistake," Lily Lim, a lawyer representing Adups told The New York Times. While the scope of installation of third party software on smartphones is not clear, it could have proven to be a potential privacy risk to user data. The software also shows how Chinese companies and government are monitoring smartphone behaviour. Adups provides software to ZTE and Huawei - two of the biggest telecommunication business houses based in China. Adups is responsible for a code that lets companies remotely update the firmware of their devices. "Normally, when a phone manufacturer updates its firmware, it tells customers what it is doing and whether it will use any personal information. Even if that is disclosed in long legal disclosures that customers routinely ignore, it is at least disclosed. That did not happen with the Adups software," Kryptowire told The New York Times. Google says it has told Adups to remove the surveillance ability from phones running Google Play Store. Android phones sold in China do not offer Google Play services because of censorship concerns. At this moment, Adups seems to have disabled its software from devices sold outside of China and claims to have deleted the data collected from users of 120,000 affected BLU smartphones. While the vulnerability doesn't seem to be severe, its worth noting that such surveillance can have a catapulting effect on privacy. Jio's phones will run on the Android OS, and will sport keypads and cameras on both sides. Reliance Industries may soon launch feature phones with VOLTE support in India. The move is aimed at introducing a new category of mobile devices in India and at the same time increasing Reliance Jios user base by targeting users from tier-2 and tier-3 towns, who use cellphones primarily for making calls. The move also targets first-time data users. The Economic Times quoted sources who stated that the new devices would be priced from Rs 1000 to Rs 15000 and will have unlimited voice and video calling. Jio wants to tap all the segments in the country and sees huge potential in the rural areas, which it now aims to tap with VoLTE feature phones, stated a source The 2G feature phone is still a big market in India, he added. Today Reliance Jio is the only telecom major in India to offer VoLTE only network and has garnered over 25 million users since the launch of its services on September 5 2016. The company is now targeting 100 million subscribers by March 2017, and tapping customers who use feature phones is essential to achieve this target. Currently, VoLTE is offered on most smartphones. If Jio launches VoLTE feature phones at Rs 1,000, it can potentially shake up the market because the target audience in that segment may prefer to choose phones with free calling inbuilt, Navkendar Singh, senior research manager with International Data Corp told ET. Another source revealed that Reliance may launch two feature phones priced at Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 during the January-March 2017 period. The devices will work much like smartphones and will use data to make calls, the only difference being that feature phones do not have touchscreens. The company is working with handset maker Lava International and some Chinese manufacturers to build the devices. According to ET, the company will subsidise some of the selling price to ensure that the 4G VOLTE feature phones will be available to the public at about Rs 1,000 (about $15). The cost of making the phones is about $25 and they are usually sold for about Rs 2,500. Jio may also soon face competition for feature phone users. Chinese handset manufacturer Transsion, which sells feature phones in Africa under the Itel brand, has revealed its intentions for bringing 4G feature phones in India by April 2017. Sudhir Kumar, Head of Itel India, stated The platform for this technology is being tested and all the development is happening in China.Were watching Reliance closely, for their model will shape our strategy. Jios VoLTE feature phones will run on Android operating systems and will sport a keypad and rear and front cameras. These devices will also come armed with Jios content applications such as Jio Chat, Live TV and video on demand and Jio Money Wallet, Jios digital wallet service. For VOLTE support, the devices will use chipsets that Jio may source from Chinese company Spreadtrum or from Qualcomm and Mediatek sources stated. AB Dynamics , the AIM-listed automotive testing systems designer, reported a rise in profits in line with expectations for the year to the end of August. Revenue increased 23.9% to 20.5m driven by increased demand from the global automotive testing sector. Operating profit increased 16% to 4.4m and the final dividend was 1.8p per ordinary share to mean the total payout was lifted 10% to 3.025p. The groups current orders cover revenues into the third quarter of 2017. Chief executive Tim Rogers said: We have had another good year, with all three business areas - Track Testing, Laboratory Testing and Test and Monitoring Systems - performing in line with management expectations. The company has spent more on research and development this year than in previous years and has seen the performance, quality and reputation of its products improve leading to steady growth in their uptake. The group is delivering on its commitment to improve customer support with a new team of field support engineers in UK, Germany and Japan. A new commercial director has also been appointed in in Germany to support the German original equipment manufacturers. The manufacturer has also started construction on a new factory, which is on target for completion on the third quarter of 2017. The share price fell 1.6% to 460p at 0953 GMT on Wednesday. Mineral exploration and development company Beowulf Mining provided an update on the application process for Kallak North in Sweden on Wednesday. The AIM-traded firm said it understands that the County Administrative Board for Norrbotten County has been granted an extension to 28 February 2017 by the Mining Inspectorate of Sweden to respond to the inspectorate's questions. It said this was part of the further review of the Kallak North application as directed by the Government of Sweden, and in the light of the Supreme Administrative Court judgement in February 2016 in the case of Norr Karr. During the last two weeks, the company said its expert Swedish team has been preparing a paper, which analyses the formal statements made since October 2014, by different parties involved in the Kallak North application process. The objective is to demonstrate that the company's application has satisfied the requirements of Swedish law, and that the work done by the company and the reviews by the CAB to date are in alignment with the SAC judgement in the case of Norra Karr. Beowulf said the paper will be completed shortly and submitted to the Mining Inspectorate and the CAB. While an extension of time for CAB to complete their work may disappoint shareholders, the review being conducted by the CAB is very important, said CEO Kurt Budge. The legal framework over the last two years, for assessing our application, has not changed. The perspective of the reviews completed, covering the Concession Area, those activities necessary to support a modern and sustainable mining operation, included in our Environmental Impact Assessment, and transport options, is entirely consistent with the SAC judgement in the case of Norra Karr. Budge said the company's analysis of formal statements made by parties involved in the Kallak North application process will demonstrate that it has met the requirements of Swedish law. I was in Jokkmokk and Lulea last week, and I will be in Stockholm next week, so I assure stakeholders that we are leaving nothing to chance as we work towards getting the Exploitation Concession for Kallak North. Rare Earth Minerals reported the analytical results for the confirmation drill holes CIW-13, CIW-14 and CIW-18 at the Cinovec Lithium-Tin-Tungsten Project on Wednesday. The AIM-traded company holds a 17.64% economic interest in the project, increasing to 20.84% following its annual general meeting, through its direct equity stake in European Metals Holdings. It said the analytical results confirmed or exceeded the expected lithium content and mineralisation widths. The best results are from CIW-14, with 82 m averaging 0.48% Li2O, and 175m averaging 0.40% Li2O. REM said the first interval includes high-grade intervals 4m at 1.07%Li2O and 4m at 1.58%Li2O. Drilling was continuing in the western part of the Cinovec deposit, targeting high grade zones near the rhyolite/granite contact, and in the central part, targeting near-surface mineralisation on the flanks of the historic underground mine. The results - and the previously announced drill holes - will now be used to enable an interim update of the resource model to be completed. That resource is anticipated to be released in the next two weeks. I am very pleased to receive these results as it will allow us to now undertake an interim update of the resource model for the pre-feasibility study, said CEO Keith Coughlan. The update is to be used in more detailed mine planning for the study as we expect a significant portion of the deposit to be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource status. Coughlan said he looked forward to reporting that update in the next two weeks. In the meantime, drilling will continue to both expand the resource and increase its level of confidence to allow a further resource upgrade in the first half of 2017. Tungsten Corporation , an e-invoicing network, has received UK regulatory approval to sell its bank to Liberty house billionaire Sanjeev Gupta's Wyelands Holdings for 30m, which is expected to complete on 21 December. The sale of Tungsten Bank has gained regulatory approvals from the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, and there are no further conditions to be made. Tungsten has agreed to a staged completion with Wyelands Holdings, on behalf of industrial entrepreneur Sanjeev Gupta and his family, whose interests include Liberty House Group, which is part of the Gupta Family Alliance. The bank will be relaunched as Wyelands Bank to provide financial solutions to the commodities, steel and engineering industries. The 30m represents net assets of about 25m plus a premium and the AIM-listed company has so far received 3.95m in part payment of the premium, with the outstanding consideration to be paid in cash. Under the terms of the deal Wyelands Holdings will cover all ongoing expenses of the bank during the period to final completion. Shares in Tungsten Corporation were up 1.41% to 54p at 0946 GMT. Former finance minister Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday confirmed his candidacy for France's 2017 presidential election, throwing the race wide open. Macron quit Francois Hollandes Socialist government in August to work on his centrist political party, En Marche, and his decision ends month of speculation on whether he would run. The former investment banker is pro-business and a reformer of the French economy, but has never held an elected office, although popular amongst the public. His candidacy is likely to split votes on the centre and left. Incumbent Hollande, who is widely unpopular with the electorate, is not expected to run again with prime minister Manuel Valls expected to run instead for the Socialists. A poll by Odoxa in October found that 49% of people thought he would make a good president from the left of centre candidates, while Valls had 42%. Polls have showed that any candidate from the Socialist party would fail to make past the first round of the election. Macron could erode votes from former prime minister Alain Juppe who is campaigning for the centre-right nomination with Les Republicains. He could also consolidate chances of far-right Front Nationals Marine Le Pens chances of reaching the second round, going against either Juppe, former president Nicolas Sarkozy, or Francois Fillon, who are trying to claim the centre-right ticket. Le Pen is buoyed by her chances after Donald Trumps recent election victory and the Brexit vote in June. However, Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg, said the risk that Le Pen will win the presidential election on 7 May still looks small, as it whoever wins the centre-right primaries on 20 and 27 November will be in pole position to be the next French president instead. Whereas pro-reform Alain Juppe is significantly more popular than ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy among French voters, most polls suggest that Sarkozy could have an edge over Juppe among core centre-right supporters. The outcome of the primaries remains too close to call. Bruno Jeanbert, deputy managing director at OpinionWay told Bloomberg, that a Trump-style victory is less likely in France as the country has a history of protest votes, which pollsters had learnt from. In 2002, the French rallied to defeat Le Pen's father, Jean-Marie when he reached the run-off. Jacques Chirac won comfortably by 82.2% of the vote. Supermarket chain Morrisons expanded its partnership with online retail giant on Wednesday, announcing a new service called 'Morrisons at Amazon'. The FTSE 100 grocer said Amazon Prime customers in selected areas in London and Hertfordshire could now order a full Morrisons shop online via the Prime Now app. Orders will be picked at a local Morrisons store and delivered same day by Amazon either within one hour for 6.99 or in a two-hour slot for free. Morrisons said the new initiative broadens the wholesale supply services available to Amazon customers, which was launched in June and was said to have started well, having already been extended to thousands of Morrisons products. The initiatives are capital light for Morrisons, the board explained, and although still in their early stages, will contribute to the 50m-100m incremental profit opportunity it outlined in its 2015/16 preliminary results. As food maker and shopkeeper, we have unique skills to help build a broader new Morrisons through capital light growth, said chief executive David Potts. 'Morrisons at Amazon' is another exciting joint opportunity and makes Morrisons good quality, great value-for-money products available to even more customers. House broker Shore Capital said it believed the agreement suggests chief executive David Potts'; initial experiences with Amazon (and vice versa) have been encouraging. While it has not adjusted forecasts, ShoreCap said the extension of the agreement "bodes well for the ongoing wholesaling activities of the group, so bolstering the capability of management to deliver on its aspiration of 50-100m of additional PTP to emerge from profit streams outside the core chain". "With more robust profitability we believe Morrisons has growing scope to further deleverage, generate visibility into a rising dividend and even consider further shareholder friendly initiatives." Analysts also pointed out that this is a tie-up that links Amazon Prime customers to Morrisons' offer and so is separate from Morrisons.com, albeit rival Ocado's shares could react negatively to this news. Indeed, while Morrisons shares were up 1.2% to 224.5p, Ocado's were down 5.4% to 266.95p. Chairman of UK Financial investments (UKFI), the agency that manages Britain's stakes in bailed out banks, James Leigh-Pemberton said that the Royal Bank of Scotland s potential fine from the US Department of Justice is hindering the governments share sale plans, according to a report by Reuters. The banks fine is for a settlement over its role in selling mortgage-backed securities in the lead up to the 2008 financial crisis. "It could be $5bbn, it could be $12bn, and based on what happened to Deutsche Bank it could be more," Leigh-Pemberton told the Treasury Select Committee. The committee was questioning UKFI on its management of the governments sale of its RBS stake. Deutsche Bank was initially fined $14bn from the DoJ and is currently fighting against that. Investors are unlikely to want to buy RBS shares until the fine has been resolved due to the likely impact on its capital position. "The direct impact of the settlement number on the bank's book value and capital is an almost penny-for-penny impact on the share price," Leigh-Pemberton said. He also added that UKFI has raised the settlement with the government and that the Treasury is "acutely conscious of the impact of this litigation" on RBS and its share value. Alongside the US case the bank also has to resolve the disposal of branches under the Williams & Glyn name in order for investors to gain interest in its stock, according to Leigh-pemberton. The bank has said that the delays in the sale of Williams & Glyn are due to the complexities of creating a standalone technology platform. RBS has not made a profit since it was bailed out by the government for 46bn during the financial crisis. The share price fell by 1% to 210.37p at 1717 GMT on Wednesday. Chief executive Mark Abrahams said: The group's results were ahead of our expectations at the time of the Annual General Meeting in January 2016, assisted by currency. Management actions have started to outweigh market pressures. The groups revenue for the year ended 31 August 2016 fell to 572.5m from 666.7m and loss before tax rose to 30.3m from 5.3m. Operating cash flow fell to 62.2m from 69.2m leading to year-end net debt of 150m. The group reported an improved performance in the second half by both its Advanced engineered products (AEP) and Engineered Conveyor solutions (ECS) divisions. Oil and gas businesses increased shares in difficult markets with AEP medical businesses achieving an improved result. ECS North America restructuring is delivering to plan with further progress in Australia. Looking ahead Abrahams said: We now anticipate that the outcome for the current year will be modestly ahead of our previous expectations. In addition, the Group is experiencing a tailwind from the translation of overseas earnings into sterling, with the year-on-year impact on underlying operating profit from currency movements estimated to be 4m based on exchange rates prevailing during the early part of the new financial year Underlying earnings per share fell from 15.5p to 8.4p and dividend per share fell to 3p from 12p. The share price rose 12.73% to 265.75p at 1500 GMT on Wednesday. Global Head Duncan Owen said: The investment themes underpinning the strategy continue to focus on winning cities and towns with a competitive advantage in terms of higher levels of GDP, employment and population growth; well developed infrastructure; and places where people want to live as well as work. Capital expenditure increased by 5.5m in the first half, which the company believe should deliver higher future returns and improve the portfolios defensive characteristics. For the six months ended 30 September 2016, the groups Net Asset Value (NAV) fell to 316.8m from 322.6m in March 2016. The trusts portfolio returned +1.8% over the period compared with -1.1% from the MSCI Benchmark Index, placing the portfolio on the 9th percentile. European public real estate association (EPRA) earnings per share increased by 10% to 1.3p. Loan to value, net of all cash, remains stable at 30% which is within the long term target range of 25% to 35%. The group has also disposed of five smaller non-core secondary retail assets worth 13.7m during and since the period end reflecting an average net initial yield of 3.9% and 2.2% premium to valuation at the start of period. Refurbishments of vacant assets in Bristol and Cardiff are near completion leading to a portfolio rental value of 34.1m per annum, reflecting a reversionary yield of 7.6% over the benchmark of 6.1%. Letting transactions totaled at 35 during and since the period including 23 post Brexit. Looking forward Chairman Lorraine Baldry said: With forecasts now pointing to a period of lower returns from UK commercial real estate, the Company's focus is on increasing earnings further and reducing risk, whilst ensuring it remains in a position to capitalise on any market correction. For that reason the Board and Manager will continue to consider disciplined and accretive growth where equity can be deployed to enhance income and total returns. The share price fell 0.10% to 2,903p at 1315 GMT. 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. 4 takeaways from Fox News town hall with Tim Ryan, J.D. Vance Republican J.D. Vance and Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan participated in a town hall in Columbus hosted by Fox News Tuesday night. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE (AP) Federal regulators have finalized water-quality rules for Washington state tied partly to how much fish people eat, approving many aspects of the state's plan but also setting some stricter limits than the state wanted. The Environmental Protection Agency's action Tuesday comes years after contentious debate over how clean the state's rivers and bays need to be so people can safely eat fish from those waters. . . . Subscriber content preview Equity Residential, which owns and manages the New York skyscrapers, said a neutral building identity might hold more appeal to current and future residents. By JAKE PEARSON Associated Press NEW YORK Donald Trump's name is being stripped off three luxury apartment buildings after hundreds of tenants signed a petition saying they were embarrassed to live in a place associated with the Republican president-elect. In all, about 600 residents of the three rental towers in Trump Place signed the online petition, which began circulating weeks ago after the public release of a decade-old recording of Trump boasting about groping women and kissing them without their consent. . . . India and Israel have agreed to strengthen their defence partnership and make it more broad-based through production and manufacturing partnerships. The two countries also vowed to intensify their cooperation in combating forces of extremism and radicalisation that threaten all peace-loving nations. During talks between visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries also agreed to prioritise practical and specific engagement in the cyber domain, besides expanding cooperation in agriculture and in other areas of mutual interest. ''We noted the strength of our growing defence partnership. And, agreed on the need to make it more broad-based through production and manufacturing partnerships,'' Prime Minister Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India-Israel engagement as multi-dimensional and wide-ranging. ''We are partnering in: enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency; boosting research and innovation linkages; employing applications of science and technology for the benefit of our societies; forging strong trade links and investment ties; building defence ties to secure our people; and enhancing people to people ties through greater cultural and tourism linkages. The growing number of Indian students, going to study in Israel and vice versa can be an important bridge in our bilateral partnership, the prime minister added. Rivlin will address think-tanks and sign agreements on education in the capital today. He will also visit Karnal and Chandigarh. Next week, he will hold business meetings. During talks, both Prime Minister Modi and President Rivlin agreed that there are several strong areas of ongoing cooperation between the two countries. ''We are familiar with Israel's advances in agriculture, and its expertise in micro-irrigation in drought-prone areas and water management. We have identified water management and conservation, and collaboration in scientific research and development as two areas of priority engagement. ''We both agreed that the current trajectory of the Indian economy opens up many promising opportunities for Israeli companies. Our economic initiatives and programmes, and emphasis on innovation, research and technological development match well with Israel's strengths and capacities. Israeli companies can scale up their tie-ups with our flagship schemes of Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, and Smart Cities. I would encourage the private sector stakeholders on both sides to take lead in utilizing this perfect opportunity to build business ties of commerce and investment between our two countries in these areas. Indian and Israeli companies can also work together in high-technology manufacturing, and services sectors. ''Make in India and as President Rivlin told me in our discussion, Make with India can generate jobs and benefit both geographies. Our partnership can generate jobs and benefit both geographies. IT services is an area where our partnership can make a difference for both our economies. The two leaders emphasised the need for a strong and growing partnership to secure peoples and countries constantly threatened by forces of terrorism and extremism. ''We recognize that terrorism is a global challenge, knows no boundaries and has extensive links with other forms of organised crime.'' Modi regretted Pakistan's role in the growth and spread terrorism and its networks in the region and across the globe and said the international community must act with resolve and determination against terror networks and states that harbour them, adding that any failure to act and silence of speech only encourages the terrorists. ''We agreed to intensify our cooperation to combat the forces of extremism and radicalisation that threaten all peace-loving nations. We also prioritised practical and specific engagement such as in the cyber domain. ''We noted the strength of our growing defence partnership. And, agreed on the need to make it more broad-based through production and manufacturing partnerships,'' he said He said India is also grateful to Israel for its clear support to India's permanent candidature in a reformed UN Security Council. China is pushing its Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as an alternative to US-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership, which looks headed for a sudden demise after President-elect Donald Trump takes over administration from Barack Obama. Trump's election agenda of asserting America's economic leadership has dashed hopes for a US-led deal that would have taken in about 40 per cent of the global economy. With President-elect Trump saying the Barack Obama-championed TPP would be ''catastrophic'' for the US economy and the chance of it passing increasingly remote, China is hoping that more nations will back away from the pact backed by a protectionist US. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to use this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the Peruvian capital of Lima to push the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which China has championed in recent years as a counterweight to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. While the TPP has left out China, the RCEP would give China greater economic prestige in a region where it is seeking to displace US influence. Meanwhile the state-owned China Daily has said president-elect Donald Trump should consider supporting the Beijing-backed free trade deal in the Asia-Pacific as an alternative to the doomed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). China has championed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade talks, in which the United States is not involved, as an alternative to the TPP, which was part of President Barack Obama's plans for an ''Asian Pivot'' of US influence in a region where Beijing is keen to boost its influence and keep Washington at bay. China was fearful that the US would marginalise Beijing by forging alliances with its would-be partners in the region, especially as tensions have been running high with many of Beijing's neighbours over China's ambitions in the South China Sea. ''Of course, Beijing is understandably relieved that the exclusive, economically inefficient, politically antagonising TPP is looking ever less likely to materialise by the day,'' the English-language China Daily said in the commentary. In fact the RCEP has gained traction with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday confirming his nation is looking at RCEP, despite the omission of US in the pact. Abe, however, plans to stop off in New York en route to Lima to meet Trump and make a last-ditch sales pitch for the TPP. Also, the China-led pact is seen as an option by countries in America's own backyard. Peru, a smaller economy even among South American countries, has started talks with China about joining the RCEP, even as it holds out hopes that US President-elect Donald Trump might renege on his vow to scrap a rival US-led deal. Trade minister Eduardo Ferreyros said he hopes Peru will someday be part of both proposed tariff-slashing deals - the Trans Pacific Partnership with the United States and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with China. Peru, which signed the TPP along with 11 other countries early this year, told Beijing in September that it is interested in joining RCEP, which includes India and a dozen more members. A number of nations are cautious about the discussions around lowering tariffs on agricultural products, with others potentially opposed to changing negative lists on foreign investment, the official added. China will push Australia and Japan in particular to take the lead in moving forward, the person said. While the RCEP is a mere trade pact, TPP was presented as a centerpiece of Obama's economic and military rebalancing to Asia and still represents a significant milestone. But, with Trump's election win dashing hopes of a deal, RCEP stands a chance. The 16 countries involved in RCEP include all 10 members of Asean as well as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. They represent about 30 per cent of global gross domestic product and almost half the world's population. A Letterkenny grandmother is one of four regional finalists who is in with a chance of winning the prestigious title of Specsavers Irelands Grandmother of the year. Margaret McConnell who has won Ulster grandmother of the year, was nominated by her grandchild Chloe Campbell, 7, and has beat off stiff competition from grandparents throughout the province to compete for the national title. The team at Specsavers Letterkenny recently presented Margaret with her prize which comprised a framed certificate, bottle of champagne and a Specsavers voucher. The Grandparent of the Year award was launched by Specsavers in association with Third Age to recognise the benefits of an ageing population and celebrate the special role that grandparents play in the lives of Irish families and the community. Grandchildren of all ages were asked to nominate their grandparents with a written entry on why they deserved the title. Margaret said: I am absolutely delighted to be named Specsavers Ulster Grandparent of the Year and to be one step closer to winning the national title. It is a real honour and even more special because I was nominated by my granddaughter. Paul ODonoghue, Specsavers Letterkenny store director said: Congratulations to Margaret on this much deserved achievement and her granddaughter Chloe for her fantastic entry which we were touched by. At Specsavers, we recognise that older people, and particularly those with hearing loss, are vulnerable to social isolation and these awards are an opportunity for younger generations to celebrate the many ways that grandparents and older people enrich our lives and communities. We wish Margaret the very best of luck in the final. Margaret has a very close relationship with Chloe who she sees almost every day. In her winning entry Chloe says she always has fun when she is with her grandmother, knitting and baking together at Margarets house. Chloe loves her grannys sense of humour and says they often play jokes on her grandfather together. Chloe described how special Margaret is to her, hoping to be just like her when she grows up. The overall winner will be chosen by a panel of judges, including campaign ambassador Micheal O Muircheartaigh, at the end of November and will win a weekend away in Ireland, a Specsavers voucher and the Grandparent of the Year trophy. The grandchild who nominated the winning grandparent will receive an iPad Air. The other regional finalists are: Moya Connelly from Blanchardstown, Betty Crosbie from Killarney and Olivery Ryan from Galway. Twenty-six patients were reported waiting on trolleys at Letterkenny University Hospital today, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. The INMO daily Trolley Watch Report for today reported that 45 patients in total were awaiting beds at the Letterkenny hospital, including 26 patients on trolleys in the emergency department. Yesterday, November 15th, the INMO figures reported 32 patients were waiting on a bed at the Letterkenny hospital, including 18 patients on trolleys. The Setanta University Health Care Group, of which Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) is a member, reported that the LUH emergency department remained extremely busy this morning, with significant numbers of patients awaiting admission to the hospital. In a statement, the health care group said, "We apologise to patients and their families for these delays." The Full Capacity Protocol has again been implemented at LUH and all efforts continue to be made to identify patients who are appropriate for discharge. It has also been necessary to defer non urgent elective procedures, Setanta reported. Management at the hospital are advising people who are attending the emergency department at LUH that they can expect delays. They are encouraging the public to attend the emergency department only in the case of real emergencies and say they should contact their GP or GP out-of-hours service in the first instance. Letterkenny University Hospital again apologises to all patients and their families for any distress caused as a result of these delays. Today's INMO Trolley Watch Report also said 13 patients were on trolleys at Sligo University Hospital. 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. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Association (INMO) has described the overcrowding situation at Letterkenny University Hospital as a crisis and has called on the HSE to enlist the help of hospitals across the border. The INMO had reported there were 45 patients waiting for beds at the hospital on Wednesday morning. The figure was the joint-highest in the country. The INMO said the Emergency Department National Escalation Policy had been applied, with management opening three escalation areas to house some patients and others nursed in treatment rooms or ward corridors. The situation has worsened in the past two weeks, the INMO said, saying the hospital has seen a 10 per cent increase in emergency department attendances since January. They called record overcrowding further evidence that measures taken to date are insufficient to deal with the increase. INMO Industrial Relations Officer, Maura Hickey described the situation at the hospital as a crisis. This volume of overcrowding in Letterkenny University Hospital is not sustainable and cannot be allowed to continue. It is imperative that additional bed capacity (in both acute and continuing care) and extra home help and home care packages are provided, with full funding, immediately, to ease this crisis situation, she said. This is such a crisis the INMO is also calling on HSE management to immediately engage with neighbouring health services, including in Northern Ireland, to see what additional capacity it can supply in the interests of patient care. Vomiting bug Meanwhile there has been a number of confirmed cases of the vomiting bug at the hospital. The HSE is asking people to comply with visitor restrictions on medical 3 and in the coronary care unit. Visiting is limited to compassionate grounds only and must be prearranged with the ward managers. The hospital is asking anyone who has experienced nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea within the last 48 hours, or who has a family member who has experienced such symptoms, not to visit the hospital. Members of the public who are experiencing these symptoms are asked to first phone their local GP before presenting at the local practice. Children should not visit the hospital as they may be particularly susceptible to the illness. An awards ceremony was held at The Lisdoo, Newry Road Dundalk recently to celebrate the many achievements of Dundalk Youthreach learners. Awards were presented by Councillor Oliver Tully, chairman of LMETB (Louth and Meath Education and Training Board) and Sadie Ward-McDermott Director of Further Education and Training LMETB. Numerous awards were presented to include the following: QQI Level 3 awards in a number of modules, Leaving Certificate Applied certificates, Silver Gaisce Awards, Bronze Gaisce Awards, HSE Cook-it Healthy Eating Awards and a Debating Award. The debating competition was run between all eight Youthreach centres in LMETB and Dundalk were the overall winners under the guidance of their English teacher Colleen Hardy. Youthreach has been successfully running QQI programmes since the mid-nineties. LCA was introduced in 2002. Gaisce was introduced in 2014 and 2016 was the first year Youthreach took part in the in both the Cook-it programme and Debating. The Co-ordinator Margaret McDonnell praised the hard work of both learners and staff and the support given by parents and LMETB. She expressed great pride in the learners success and wished them well in their further studies. Youthreach is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union under the European Social Fund. Africa and agriculture are two topics stressed by the Moroccan government at the United Nation's 22nd climate summit that is taking place in Marrakesh, Morocco. Countries in the Northwestern Maghreb-region are very much aware their agriculture sector is facing more extreme droughts. The existing, mostly traditional, agriculture crops have only a very limited drought tolerance, so adaptation to new methodes is inevitable. More resilient and more productivity At the COP22 this was marked by the launch of the Adaptation of African Agriculture (AAA), highlighting a sustainable increase in productivity and agricultural income, as well as adaptation and climate change resilience. The new initiative aims to contribute to the roll-out of specific agricultural projects. The launch shows that climate adaptation is gaining more momentum at the annual cimate summit that used to focus only on the transition to renewable energy. Holland pavilion at COP22 in Marrakesh. Drastic reduction of agricultural water use The Holland pavilion at the climate summit also adressed the drought risk for African farmers by showing two Dutch supported initiatives that can drastically reduce the amount of water used in farming. At the pavilion Nicolaas Visser, agricultural counsellor for Northern Africa at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Morocco, pointed out that both initiatives have a potential of up to 90% water reduction by efficiently delivering water directly to plants. One of the initiatives is a greenhouse project near the Moroccan coastal city of Adagir. Together with the Moroccan ministry of agriculture the Dutch embassy is creating a centre of excellence in horticulture to pilot new innovative greenhouse technologies to increase the productivity per square meter. Hydroponic cultivation Together with the Wageningen University a green house has been designed that specifically meets the local climate conditions with extreme temperature and decreasing water availability. "Farmers are growing tomatoes in greenhouses that were originally designed for bananas", says Visser. "By introducing circular substrate, we think we can reduce the water from 40 liter water per kilogram tomatoes to only 4 liter". The construction of the first 1 ha greenhouse is expected to start early next year. "It will be a demonstration greenhouse so we can optimize the inside growing conditions to local circumstances", Visser adds. The second initiative shown at the Holland pavilion at the COP22 is the El Oued sustainable water project for potato production in Algeria. Nico Visser explaining the unique 'fertigation' method to be used to grow potatoes in Algeria. Underground fertigation "Algeria is importing potatoes and is interested in smart methods to increase their own national production", Visser explains. "Currently their potatoes are grown in ten thousands of 1 ha circular pivot irrigated fields that use groundwater from an ancient underground aquifer. Nobody knows to what extend the water withdrawal inluences the acquifer." With support from the Dutch governement a project has started to replace the current potato cultivation with a totally new methode, combining underground fertilisation and irrigation. The underground irrigation delivers the water closely to the roots of the potato plant. This limits the current water loss due to evaporation. "In the Netherlands a machine has been developed that can create a ridge, plant the potato and burry the drip drain. All in one go", Visser continues. Mid-2017 the first plot of 5 ha is expected to be constructed. Visser expects a water saving of 80 percent. The Holland pavillion shows a real greenhouse with hydroponic cultivation. A group of Dutch suppliers is present as the Desert Growing collective for the turn key delivery of greenhouses in this water scarce North African region. Read alsin thid on this website COAG25: Sustainable agricultural water use starts with improving the soil, 28 September 2016 Kenyan farmers supported for better access to 'smart water' products and services, 15 June 2016 Adaptation Futures 2016: A pat on the back and off to COP22 in Morocco, 13 May 2016 COP21: Adaptive planning for river deltas calls for flexible strategies, 10 December 2015 Country: Morocco Expertise: Water and AgriFood More information Dutch embassy in Maroc Rabat, the Netherlands +212 537 219 600 www.maroc.nlambassade.org (in French) Desert Growing turnkey greenhouse concepts Riyadh, Saudi Arabia +966 1477 6700 www.desertgrowing.com Launched in January 2014, ScheduGram is a software as a service (SaaS) that exists because Instagram missed a beat; namely, the platforms standard Application Programming Interface (API) doesnt allow people to schedule posts. Well, one companys oversight is someone elses gain. Founded by Melbourne-based entrepreneur Hugh Stephens, Schedugram schedules Instagram posts on the behalf of its clients, which include small businesses. The service now has thousands of users all over the globe and this customer base grows by 5 to 10% per month. While the biggest markets are the US and Europe, Schedugram also has customers in Asia, the Middle East and Australia, which accounts for 15 to 20% of the customer base. Last financial year, the business contributed substantially to the $3m revenue generated by its parent company Dialogue Consulting the social and digital media consulting business Hugh started in September 2011 while studying medicine at Monash University. [Side note: While it now counts small businesses, ASX200 companies and federal government amongst its clients, Dialogue Consulting had somewhat of an unconventional origin. Hugh explained, It evolved out of my experience consulting with mental health professionals about how to apply medico-legal risk management principles to their use of social media to engage with their colleagues, those under their care, and the broader public yes, its very specific! Phew! We now return to our main feature] Market demand was apparent we addressed a pain point The 26-year-old Melburnian told Dynamic Business that ScheduGram was spun out of conversations he had with Dialogue Consulting clients about time-wasting marketing activities. Quite a few mentioned the process of managing their Instagram accounts, he said. It was seen as time-intensive, difficult even impossible (e.g. you cant post while youre asleep!). I began discussing a whole series of potential solutions with my housemate who suggested I create a service that fixed the problem using smartphones rather than what youd normally do integrate with an API. Unfortunately, there isnt an API to do it. I told him it was a ridiculous idea; it would never scale; and it would be practically impossible to do. Well, when the consulting business began gearing down for Christmas in 2013, we had an opportunity to build a prototype and get some people testing it. Eight weeks in, we landed our first paying customer and from there is just grew. Market demand for the service became apparent after only a couple of months due to the explosion of Instagram as a core channel coupled with the massive pain point of having to manually post to it. Although services already exist to help businesses manage their social media accounts, Hugh is confident that ScheduGram offers a superior Instagram experience. We actually post on Instagram for our customers whereas other services like Hootsuite send the account holder a push notification/reminder when its time to post and the account holder still needs to have their phone on them to physically post it themselves, he said. Unlike us, Hootsuite does support other platforms but that also means that its hard for them to provide the kind of features that best suit a highly visual platform like Instagram as compared to (more) text-based services like Facebook or Twitter. Being a quasi-developer helped me bootstrap the business Schedugram is run by a team of six distributed around the world: development occurs in India and Bulgaria; customer support in the Philippines; and account management in the US. Hugh said that employing an offshore development team has enabled Schedugram to tap into a bigger talent pool while servicing a global customer base around the clock without having to embrace strange sleeping habits. One downside, Hugh explained, is that Schedugram cant claim the R&D concession for the work performed by staff outside Australia: While we can make some minor cost savings, it probably ends up costing us more in the long run to hire overseas, but thats offset by not needing to work as hard to get the right kind of talent. Rather than turning to venture capitalists, Hugh bootstrapped Schedugram using revenue from Dialogue Consulting, his credit card and his skills as a quasi-developer. Im self-taught, having had a knack for it since I was a kid, and although Id never be able to work as a software engineer full time, I was able to create the MVP myself, he said. Later, once wed generated enough revenue, we were able to hire proper dedicated technical talent. Simply put, I Bootstrapped the business because I could. By doing so, Ive avoided having to deal with other people or entities, meaning all the strategic decisions remain with the business. Focusing on one project at a time is challenging In the immediate future, Hugh and the ScheduGram team are responding to consumer research they conducted into Schedugram: It has informed a big rewrite of our underlying engine and user interface. And in the longer term? Who knows, Hugh said. Some customers have been asking us to head into Pinterest, which has similar challenges to what Instagram was like several years ago (visually-focussed and emerging as a channel). While Schedugrams future is wide-open, one thing is for certain: Hugh will be keeping busy. He is also behind SocialSitter , which like Schedugram is part of the Dialogue Consulting family. We launched SocialSitter in 2013 because some of our government clients who needed some kind of cost-effective solution for after-hours social media monitoring/moderation. It was never a big thing in terms of revenue or number of customers (the market is relatively small) but it continues to be a profitable business for us, because it scales pretty well linearly. As for our other projects, there are always little bits and pieces that I tinker with. Whether its HR analytics (we are beta testing a different way of measuring employee engagement, but I dont know if it will end up launching or not weve discovered a lot of things along the way!) or health technology, my biggest challenge is usually maintaining focus on one thing at a time. This is my first time to try fencing. Ive always wanted to do it because of Richard Gomez, Zorro and the Three Musketeers! Haha! Anyway ,Fencing is known as a very elite sports in the Philippines because of the expensive equipment, but now you can try it out without having to buy a thing! Just [] Googles Pixel smartphone, which made its debut last month, has gathered some high praise from reviewers. The Google Pixel is now the best Android smartphone you can buy, wrote Joanna Stern in The Wall Street Journal. The other leading contender was disqualified due to spontaneous combustion, she added, referring to Samsungs doomed Galaxy Note7, which was recalled for safety reasons. Stern was impressed with Pixels display; its high pixel count made the blacks in photos appear deeper, colors more vibrant, and everything sharper. The AMOLED display makes photos look better even ones taken on an iPhone, she wrote. Keep Your Pixels Dry Pixel offers the look and competence of an iPhone with a truly great camera and loads of innovative software and services, David Pierce noted in a review for Wired. It changes my answer to the question I hear most often: What phone should you get? You should get a Pixel, he wrote. The immediate joke everyone, including me, made on Twitter after the Pixel launch was that Google made an iPhone, Pierce added. Well, thats true. As it turns out, an iPhone running Android is exactly what Ive been waiting for. Pixel is a standout compared to other heavyweights in the market, according to Lisa Eadicicco, who reviewed it for Time. All told, the Pixel is Googles first smartphone that can go toe-to-toe with Apples iPhone and Samsungs Galaxy flagship, she wrote. Its on equal footing with those phones in most of the areas that really matter, although its lack of water resistance is a setback. Still, Android fans who pick up the Pixel should be pleased, so long as they keep it dry. Smooth Performance Google hit a home run with its first branded smartphone, said Cnet reviewer Lynn La. With Pixel, Google stepped up to bat, called its shot and knocked it out of the park, she wrote. Its a departure from Googles earlier Nexus smartphones, because you dont have to be an Android enthusiast to appreciate what Google has accomplished with the Pixel. The only thing youll have to be enthusiastic about is owning a phone thats beautiful, takes awesome photos, and has smooth performance, La wrote. If you are, the Pixels for you. The Pixels performance was won kudos from Jason Cross, writing for PC World. Android fans often complain about phones (especially Samsungs) that lead benchmark charts, but still somehow seem to stutter, chop, and sputter when you use them, he explained. The Pixel XL does none of that, he wrote. At every turn it is smooth, fast, and most of all, responsive. Indeed, this may be the smoothest and most responsive Android phone Ive ever used, he added. Rain on Pixels Parade Some reviewers were unimpressed by Googles smartphone offering. The absence of a major competing Android device works out especially well for Google because the Pixel is, relatively speaking, mediocre, Brian X. Chen wrote for The New York Times. It is slower than Apples iPhone 7 and the Galaxy S7, Samsungs smaller flagship phone, he noted. Photos shot with Pixels camera dont look as good as the iPhones, Chen continued. And Googles built-in artificially intelligent virtual assistant, called Assistant, is still fairly dumb. Pricing may be an issue with the Pixel models, noted David McQueen, research director for consumer devices and strategic technology at ABI Research. The Pixel is priced at US$650 and the larger Pixel XL is selling for $770. This is quite expensive for what youre getting, and the build quality isnt as good as other flagship phones in the market, McQueen told TechNewsWorld. Its going to be a bit problematic for Google to create differentiation for the hardware at that price point. Googles Hardware Future However, baking Google Assistant into Pixels hardware could do that, McQueen continued. Since its the first device to carry Google Assistant, that will be a differentiator in an Android market where its very difficult to make any sort of differentiation on the hardware, he said. Indeed, Google Assistant may not only be Pixels prime asset, but also a key component of Googles hardware future. The Pixels greatest strength is really not anything in the hardware side, said Mark Hung, a research vice president at Gartner. Its Google Assistant, which is only available on Pixel, he pointed out. Its the future of not only Pixel, but of the Google hardware ecosystem, Hung told TechNewsWorld. Google is looking to make artificial intelligence the next platform after mobile and social. Gunning for Apple Reviewers taking the measure of Pixel never failed to mention the iPhone. Theres a simple reason for that. Theyre going after iPhone customers and other high-end phone buyers, said Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research. It may be difficult for Pixel to make headway in that target market, though. In developed markets, were seeing a lot of saturation, Rubin noted. Its a pretty late time to be a newcomer to the space, even if you have all the advantages that Google has. iPhone users were Pixels target market, but the product also will benefit from the recall of the Samsung Note7, pbserved Kevin Krewell, a principal analyst at Tirias Research. The Pixel will be the major alternative to the Note7, he told TechNewsWorld, even though it lacks the Samsung products stylus and wider carrier distribution. Airbnb recently proposed changes to its listing policies for short-term rental property owners in New York City and San Francisco, possibly in response to threats of aggressive action from state and local lawmakers. With respect to New York operations, Airbnb on Wednesday proposed a set of five changes in a New York Post article penned by Chris Lehane, the companys global head of public policy: Limit rentals to a single home within New York Citys five boroughs; Require New York State short-term rental owners to register, and authorize online platforms like Airbnb to register hosts on the states behalf; Give landlords the opportunity to set clear rules for short-term rentals in their buildings and set aside part of the revenue to support ongoing maintenance; Require hosts to provide insurance and online platforms to provide a dedicated 247 hotline for neighbor complaints; and Authorize Airbnb to collect and remit taxes to the state on behalf of hosts. Airbnb supports a three-strikes policy that would bar landlords from offering short-term rentals if they repeatedly broke the rules. The company reportedly made a similar proposal to the City of San Francisco. However, its too little, too late, said San Francisco Supervisor David Campos, one of the leaders in the fight for affordable housing and an outspoken critic of the company. The proposed exceptions create a loophole you could drive a truck through, he told the E-Commerce Times. Airbnb alrealdy has banned hosts with multiple listings in New York and San Francisco, according to reports. The company did not respond to our request to provide further details. Under the Legal Gun Lawmakers in New York and San Francisco recently have been squaring off with Airbnb. Governor Mario Cuomo is poised to sign a bill that would ban Airbnb users from listing some short-term rentals. In San Francisco, a proposal to limit vacation rentals in private homes to 60 days a year last week was presented to the Board of Supervisors. However, the 1,650 hosts who have registered with the city in compliance with the law would keep their existing cap of 90 days a year for unhosted rentals of entire houses, and unlimited rentals when a host is present, such as the rental of a room in a home, for example. There are an estimated 10,000 short-term rental property owners in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Airbnb has filed suit against the City and County of San Francisco in federal court, opposing the requirement that short-term rental hosts register with the city. Putting Airbnbs Offer in Perspective Affordable housing advocates in San Francisco arent buying Airbnbs proposal. The offer is a defensive move, said Peter Cohen, a codirector of the Council of Community Housing Organizations. Its great to hear them say the right things, but this is a corporation that demonstrated last fall with Prop F how much theyre willing to spend, and how much energy theyre willing to commit to manipulate the publics view of the issue, he told the E-Commerce Times. Airbnb last year spent a considerable sum to defeat Proposition F, also known as the Airbnb Initiative, a November ballot proposal that sought to restrict short-term private rentals to 75 days a year. Given [Airbnbs] behavior up to this point, I think we have to see what substantive action theyll take, Cohen said. The shortage of rental properties in San Francisco is reaching crisis proportions, and has driven up rental prices to the point where the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco offers a housing assistance program for home buyers earning up to US$103,000 to purchase a home within commuting distance of the city. Still, its not as though Airbnb and short-term rentals are singlehandedly the problem, Cohen noted. Its another manifestation of real estate speculation. You have to add second homes, blocks of apartments companies rent for staff, and investment properties to short-term rentals, Cohen said. Airbnb is one critical piece of the puzzle. Samsung Electronics this week revealed plans to unveil its flagship Galaxy S8 mobile phone with a new digital assistant powered by AI. The assistant will be based on technology gained with Samsungs recent acquisition of Viv Labs. The plans call for Samsung to incorporate the AI into its family of electronics and appliances, ranging from mobile devices to wearable technology and home devices. Rhee Injong, CTO of Samsungs mobile communications business, was one of several executives who briefed Reuters on the plans. Samsung may delay the introduction of the new phone past the Mobile World Congress in February, pushing the launch to as late as April, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company may add a button on the side of the S8 to launch the AI capabilities, similar to the buttons for launching Siri on Apple devices. Samsung is excited to begin integrating initial AI capabilities into its future products and we look forward to sharing further details at a later date, a spokesperson said in a statement provided to TechNewsWorld by company rep Ashley Wimberly. Smart Enough? In the aftermath of the Galaxy Note7 debacle, there is skepticism that Samsungs revelations concerning plans for a digital assistant amount to much more than face-saving hype. Personally, Im a little wary about Samsungs ability to compete in this space, said Jitesh Ubrani, a senior research analyst at IDC. Without search and large amounts of user data, it will be quite difficult for Samsung to differentiate their AI from others, he told TechNewsWorld. Amazon, Google, Microsoft and others have years of consumer data to build on artificial intelligence platforms that rely on learned user preferences to work in an optimal way, Ubrani noted. Their existing AI technologies include Amazons Alexa, Googles Assistant and Microsofts Cortana. The proof will be in the pudding as to whether Samsung truly can assemble a new AI digital assistant that can compete, said industry analyst Jeff Kagan. There are many different versions of AI, he told TechNewsWorld. Some are really advanced and interesting and real. Others are just there to let a company use the term to gain media attention. The real question is which is Samsungs AI? Kagan asked. Although Viv Labs is a startup, it is not a babe in the woods when it comes to AI systems. Its founders are Siri developer Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham. The open AI technology they developed for Viv Labs is designed to allow third-party developers to integrate digital assistants using natural language into their apps. Viv Labs will coordinate closely with Samsung but continue to operate essentially as an independent company. Major Flameout The plans come at a critical time for Samsung, which is working to extract itself from one of the biggest debacles in the history of mobile electronics. The company had to recall millions of Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones due to safety issues. Many phones overheated and some caught fire in dozens of incidents around the world. The devices were banned from commercial flights amid reports of some spontaneously catching fire on board aircraft. Samsung last week announced that it had collected 85 percent of the recalled devices and said it would be issuing a software upgrade that would limit the power from the unreturned phones batteries to 60 percent. Working with the U.S. Product Safety Commission, Samsung launched a recall of the defective phones, found a different supplier of lithium-ion batteries, and offered replacements. However, some of the replacement devices were vulnerable to the same type of random overheating that had occurred in the original phones. Samsung issued a recall of all Note7s, including the replacement phones, and warned its customers to stop using them immediately. While the recall of Galaxy Note7 phones was ongoing, the company found it necessary to recall another product: top-loading Samsung washing machines sold between 2011 and 2016. The CPSC last week ordered the recall of 34 different models of Samsung washers a total of 2.8 million machines warning that the top of the machines might unexpectedly detach from the chassis, posing a potential risk to users. There have been 733 reported episodes of strong vibrations or detachment of the tops of the machines and nine reported injuries, including a broken jaw and an injured shoulder. The recalls were particularly damaging to Samsung, which had enjoyed a reputation of making high-quality products and being responsive to customers. Samsungs brand reputation has been hurt by the recalls, but consumers will regain trust in the company over the long term, suggested Tuong Nguyen, principal research analyst at Gartner. I feel there is a little bit of weariness, he told TechNewsWorld, but I think its a short-term impact. 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A new federal rule seeks to curb significant waste and benefit our nation by reducing the output of one of the largest contributors to global warmingmethane gas. Oil and gas wells on public lands spew methane pollution into our atmosphere. WildEarth Guardians / Flickr The new rule aims to reduce natural gas waste and its associated methane pollution from all oil and gas operations on lands the BLM leases to oil and gas companies for drilling. If implemented correctly, over several years the BLM rule is expected to reduce the waste of natural gas from federal oil and gas operations by more than 40 percent. Will the Rule Last Under Trump? This is a major victory in the fight against climate change, but like other Obama administration orders and priorities, we expect it may come under attack in the Trump administration. It will be difficult, but not impossible, for the next administration and Congress to undo the progress made on methane pollution. This rule has broad support across the political spectrum because of its immense economic benefits, not to mention preventing natural gas waste is a bipartisan concern. It is up to us and all Americans to ensure that all future presidents and congresses understand stopping natural gas waste and methane pollution is a promise that needs to be kept. The Wilderness Society has advocated for this new rule through its years in making, and we will fight for it under the new Trump administration. It will improve outdated, decades-old BLM regulations for oil and gas production on public lands by requiring oil and gas producers to adopt current technology and practices that will reduce waste. Other benefits are limiting climate emissions and air pollution that is harmful to human health. Natural gas wells in the Roan Plateau (Colorado) are sources of methane pollution that need to be better regulated. Ecoflight / Flickr Rule Will Help Slow Global Warming Almost 21 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, can be traced to oil, gas and coal extracted from federal lands. In fact, the oil and gas industry is estimated to be the highest largest source of methane emissions in the U.S. The BLM rule would help move us toward agreements to cut U.S. methane emissions by 40 to 45 percent by 2025, building on 2015 U.S. commitments in Paris to reduce emissions and slow global warming, which were finalized in early November. Importantly, this rule applies to all oil and gas wells on public landsthose already in operation, as well as new wells. This is crucial, since it is estimated that nearly 90 percent of methane emissions in 2018 will come from sources that existed in 2011. Provisions of the rule: 1. Limit wasteful venting and flaring of natural gas. Venting natural gas directly into the atmosphere is one of the worst ways to add to climate emissions, yet the practice is widely accepted by oil and gas companies for disposing of uneconomical gas. Thats because many companies see it as a short-term advantage to vent gas straight from a well, instead of capturing it for sale later. More than 90 percent of natural gas is made up of methane and methane is a greenhouse gas 84 times more harmful to our climate than carbon dioxide. The rule seeks to limit this polluting practiceexcept for in emergenciesand reduce the amount of natural gas burned off through flaring, aiming to halve the amount of methane vented and flared from federal oil and gas infrastructure compared to 2013 rates. 2. Stop preventable leaks. Through the rule, operators of oil and gas wells on BLM lands must inspect wells and infrastructure for leaks and repair faulty equipment as the rule is implemented over the course of a few years. This is a reasonable provision, given that affordable technology like infrared cameras makes it easier for operators to more quickly and easily identify leaks, also helping to stop what could be a growing problem for methane emissions. 3. Minimize natural gas waste. The industry must submit a feasible plan to capture excess or unwanted natural gas before a permit to drill is issued. Between 2009 and 2014, its estimated that enough natural gas was wasted through venting, flaring and leaks to supply 5.1 million homesabout the size of Denverfor a year. 4. Improve royalty rates to give taxpayers a fair share. The rule clarifies how royalty rates will be applied to ensure taxpayers get a fair share on energy development on land they own. In the past, the rate was set at 12.5 percent of the total revenue generated from the sale of federal oil and gas, where it has remained for many years. The rule reinforces BLMs authority to raise the rate as the market and prices changes. This rule comes at a time when we need to be more accountable for pollution on our public landspollution that we recently reported threatens tens of thousands of people in five western states with high drilling activity. Pollution from natural gas infrastructure threatens those living nearby in Douglas, Wyoming. Kris Mogen / WORC Lets Continue Fighting Climate Change Fighting climate change often feels like an uphill battle, but this rule provides steps to curb methane emissions that are a big contributor to global warming. As we move to a new administration, we will continue will work to ensure that these regulations to curb harmful climate emissions are fully implemented. It will be incumbent on the new Department of the Interior to continue to move forward and with important reforms of energy development, like oil and gas, on our shared public lands, and The Wilderness Society will be leading the charge to ensure that progress continues. Researchers in Louisiana have found carbon from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the feathers and digestive tracts of seaside sparrows, proving for the first time that oil from the disastrous 2010 spill has entered the food chain. Seaside sparrows show signs of BP Deepwater Horizon oil. The study, published today in Environmental Research Letters, was conducted by scientists from Louisiana State University and Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. They found oil carbon signatures consistent with the Deepwater Horizon event in each of 10 birds tested. These marsh-dwelling sparrows inhabit an area known to have been contaminated by the spill. Sediments from the site also tested positive for oil with the same fingerprints as that found in the tested birds. The Deepwater Horizon accident followed the blowout of the wellhead at the Macondo oil rig and lasted for 87 days. Eleven workers died and 4.9 million barrels of oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. It became the largest oil spill in U.S. history and was called the worst environmental disaster the U.S. has faced by White House Energy Adviser Carol Browner. Oil sheens continued to be seen as much as three years after the event. The source of many were never discovered, but the containment dome failed and had to be plugged in 2012. The immediate effects of such major spills are readily apparent. Oiled birds, dead fish and beaches covered in crude-oil sludge are often the first, horrific results. Disasters like Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon and the Santa Barbara oil spill damage critical wildlife habitat and destroy fisheries. Longer-term, the pernicious oil enters the food chain. The first signs of Deepwater Horizon oil were found in blue crab larvae in 2010. Oil likely entered the food chain through zooplankton. A 2012 study found traces of oil in zooplankton impacted by the BP oil spill. BP oil spill led to baby dolphin deaths and diseases along the Gulf Coast. Truth Wire By November 2010, nearly 7,000 dead animals had been collected. They included more than 6,100 birds along with 69 sea turtles, 100 dolphins and other mammals. A 2016 Oceana report concluded that 600,000 to 800,000 birds had died from the spill in the six years since. In 2014, Dr. Paul Montagna of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi examined the deep-sea effects of the BP accident. He found severe impacts to life over nine square miles. The things that live on the bottom are very important for different reasons, Montagna explained. They serve as food for higher trophic (food chain) levels, particularly for fish and other organisms that come and feed on the bottom sediments. Fish can consume phytoplankton poisoned by oil, fish eat fish and carry on the absorption of toxins, marine mammals and birds eat fish and could potentially carry on toxic properties to other predators, wrote wildlife biologist Jenna Bardroff in One Green Planet. Seaside sparrows mostly eat insects, but also consume small crabs and the seeds of cordgrass and saltbush. The small birds can be prey to larger shore birds, snakes or mammals. In previous research, this same population of seaside sparrows was shown to have suffered reproduction problems in the years immediately following the oil spill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s41JXq-Lj8o There have been 11,700 reported oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico since Deepwater Horizon. Gulf oil producers lose one gallon of oil for every 20,000 they produceand they produce 20 billion gallons of crude in the Gulf each year. A drilling platform owned by Taylor Energy was damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan and has been leaking oil ever since. In May, Shell leaked 90,000 gallons of oil into the Gulf. The spill was reported by a helicopter pilot who was flying in the area. Monitoring the leak, SkyTruth called the concept of oil spill cleanup nothing more than a convenient fantasy. They found that oil spill response vessels often arrive late and fail to fully recover the lost oil. Our government is indulging in a troubling fantasy that is eagerly abetted by the oil industry and pro-drilling politicians, dressing up deepwater offshore drilling as a safe operation so they can continue to rubber-stamp permit applications that contain laughable oil-spill response plans, SkyTruth concluded. Thousands of people protested in North Dakota and outside Army Corps of Engineers offices, banks and energy companies in different parts of the country after indigenous leaders and climate activists called for a national day of action. Amazing pictures coming in of huge Standing Rock protests in Chicago, SF #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/J6sneHdZd8 Bill McKibben (@billmckibben) November 15, 2016 Protesters in DC were joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders outside the White House who asked the government to cancel the Dakota Access Pipelines permit. Bernie's full speech to a massive crowd in front of the White House tonight for #NoDAPL. "We will not go silently into the night." pic.twitter.com/rlc9JJ4YhK Our Revolution (@OurRevolution) November 16, 2016 All across the country, we are bringing the proverbial fires of the Oceti Sakowin to the doors of the U.S. Army Corps, demanding action to stop this bakken oil pipeline, Dallas Goldtooth, Keep It in the Ground organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network, said. Now is the time for the White House administration and its Department of Army to support Indigenous rights and sovereignty by rescinding the pipeline permits and ordering a full EIS. We all stand in solidarity with Standing Rock, because we know this is a fight worth winning. Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the pipeline, filed papers in federal court Tuesday, in an attempt to override the delay caused by the Army Corps of Engineers Monday decision to get more input from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe before proceeding with construction. 17 million people rely on the Missouri River for clean water. Running crude oil under the river is a crime against public health. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/icSWtE1tqz RoseAnn DeMoro (@RoseAnnDeMoro) November 15, 2016 When elders at Standing Rock asked people from around the country to turn out in support of their campaign, I knew that people around the country would answer their call, Bill McKibben, cofounder of 350.org, said. Their encampment is the moral center of the continent right now, and its good to have some of that spirit across the nation today. https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1333980263281574/ For a deeper dive: News: Reuters, NBC, Columbia Missourian, InsideClimate News, AP, New York Times, The Hill, Bloomberg Businessweek, NPR, Mashable, CW55, Bellingham Herald, ThinkProgress Commentary: The Inquirer, Will Bunch column For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News. To prevent one of the nations most egregious environmental injustices, Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joined the fight at Standing Rock Sioux Reservation Tuesday, speaking in protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Since September, the people of Standing Rock have camped along the Missouri River in peaceful protest of the pipeline to protect their homeland, historic and sacred sites and the drinking water of millions of Americans. https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1351328738213393/ Today, we stand in solidarity with the people of Standing Rock and commend the Sioux Nation for taking on this courageous fight on behalf of our country, humanity and democracy, Kennedy said. Across the nation, communities of color face environmental and public health threats most communities dont have to think about. This historic peaceful protest declares that all communities deserve clean water. Kennedy denounced that the state of North Dakota has deployed its police power and advanced military power against peaceful citizens who dare to stand up against the thuggery of corporate interests. https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1333980263281574/ Early proposals for the pipeline planned to cross the Missouri River north of Bismarck, North Dakota. After evaluating the plan and finding it was too close to Bismarcks well-water supply and homes in the community, the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers changed the route to go under Standing Rock Sioux Reservations Lake Oaheon the Missouri River. Kennedy met with the Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David Archambault II, toured the camps and held a press conference where he called on President Obama to halt construction immediately. He also called for a full Environmental Impact Statement to assess the cumulative impacts, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act for a project of this size. Currently, president-elect Donald Trump is considering oil tycoon Harold Hamm for energy secretary and climate change denier Myron Ebell to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency transition. Trump plans to rollback President Obamas environmental and energy policies and deregulate production of oil, coal and natural gas. Donald Trump has millions invested directly in oil companies and stakeholders like Energy Transfer Partners, whose stock will rise significantly at the expense of Standing Rocks health and rights, Kennedy said. It is not a question of if, but when. Oil pipelines leak and break and poison our waters. Each year in the U.S., oil pipelines spill an average of 11 million gallons. The Dakota Access Pipeline breaking would dump crude oil into the Missouri River, poisoning the drinking water of the tribes and communities along the Missouri River Basin, potentially 18-million people. There have already been 220 'significant' pipeline spills already this year. https://t.co/RXergs8OTO via @EcoWatch NRDC ?? (@NRDC) October 28, 2016 Pipeline projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline require an Environmental Impact Review before government approval to begin construction is granted. However, Energy Transfer Partners, the corporation behind the Dakota Access Pipeline, wants to avoid the review process by gaining permits meant for low-risk projects like power lines. By requiring the environmental analysis, we resolve to fully understand the options, implications and footprint before we cant go back, Kennedy added. After finding little oil and natural gas, Royal Dutch Shell announced today it would end its controversial Arctic drilling operations in the Chukchi Sea off Alaskas coast for the foreseeable future. Shell said the amount of oil and gas found in the Burger J well is not sufficient to warrant further exploration. The well will be sealed and abandoned in accordance with U.S. regulations, the company said. The oil giant is also making efforts to safely demobilize people and equipment from the Chukchi Sea. Shell continues to see important exploration potential in the basin, and the area is likely to ultimately be of strategic importance to Alaska and the U.S., said Marvin Odum, the director of Shell Upstream Americas. However, this is a clearly disappointing exploration outcome for this part of the basin. Shell said its decision to cease drilling was also based on the high costs associated with the project, and the challenging and unpredictable federal regulatory environment in offshore Alaska. According to the Associated Press, Shell spent more than $7 billion on Arctic offshore exploration. The company said it expects to lose approximately $4.1 billion as a result of ceasing operations. There are a number of reasons why the search for Arctic oil is not worth the risk. Oil prices have been sinking around the globe at less than $50 a barrel. Even former BP boss Lord Browne said Arctic drilling was not a supporter due to cost, safety and environmental risks. Of course, there are many planetary reasons why we must never drill our pristine and treasured Arctic, including its strain on wildlife, carbon pollution, spills, rising sea levels and much more. Shells decision to stop explorations in the Arctic was hailed by environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, who has actively protested the risky operations. This is a victory for everyone who has stood up for the Arctic, said Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard. Whether they took to kayaks or canoes, rappelled from bridges, or spread the news in their own communities, millions of people around the world have taken action against Arctic drilling. Today they have made history. Leonard also called on President Obama to cease any future drilling and declaring the U.S. Arctic Ocean off limits to oil companies. While this is a victory for everyone who hoped to avoid a catastrophic spillor catastrophic climate changefrom Shells plans, its also proof positive that drilling in the Arctic is too costly to be effective and a bad bet for other energy companies, she noted. Its time to start making the shift to renewable energy instead of pursuing extreme fossil fuels. Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo echoed similar sentiments. Its time to make the Arctic ocean off limits to all oil companies, Naidoo said. This may be the best chance we get to create permanent protection for the Arctic and make the switch to renewable energy instead. If we are serious about dealing with climate change we will need to completely change our current way of thinking. Drilling in the melting Arctic is not compatible with this shift. Greenpeaces campaign to save the Arctic will continue with passion and increased strength. We are campaigning for a protected sanctuary in international waters around the North Pole, and we hope that vision is one step closer after today, Naidoo said. Other environmentalists have also spoken out. Those working to protect the communities and wildlife throughout Americas Arctic can rest a bit easier tonight knowing that the immediate threat of disastrous offshore oil spills has diminished, Brad Ack, the senior vice president for oceans at the World Wildlife Fund said. The Arctic Ocean once again proved to be the challenging and unpredictable environment we know it to be. We must stop expending resources and time seeking to exploit fossil fuels from the most hostile and remote places on the planet and risking irreversible environmental damage, he added. We need to redirect that energy to accelerate our nations transition to a future powered by clean, renewable energy. Todays announcement marks a pivotal moment for the people and wildlife of the Arctic, and our climate, said Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Marissa Knodel. As one of the largest corporations to pursue Arctic oil and gas, Shells retreat from a $7 billion gamble sends an important message: Arctic drilling is too dangerous and too expensive and should be stopped altogether. Arctic oil and gas is unburnable in our carbon-constrained world and must be kept in the ground. With this announcement, President Obamas climate legacy has been given a reprieve. He should seize this opportunity to revoke Shells drilling permit and cancel all future leases in the Arctic Ocean. Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director for the Center for Biological Diversity, told the Associated Press, Polar bears, Alaskas Arctic and our climate just caught a huge break. Heres hoping Shell leaves the Arctic forever. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE Arctic Reality: If We Want to Limit Global Warming We Cannot Drill for Oil in the Chukchi Sea Hundreds Rally in Alaska to Tell Obama Climate Leaders Dont Drill the Arctic Arctic Drilling: A Giant Gamble for the Planet and Shells Bottom Line Far away from TV cameras and under the radar of the nightly news, oil has been continuously leaking from a damaged production platform located just 12 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexicocausing an oily sheens on the surface that stretch for miles and are visible from space. Taylor Energys Mississippi Canyon 20 platform, before its destruction in 2004. Photo credit: Taylor Energy These underwater oil wells have been leaking since 2004 and continue to leak as you read this. Unless it is plugged, the government estimates the leak might continue for 100 years until the oil in the underground reservoir is finally depleted. The platforms owner, Taylor Energy, has no plans to stop the leak and is lobbying behind the scenes for permission to walk away from its mess. The Risks of Offshore Oil Production In September 2004, Hurricane Ivan slammed into the Gulf and unleashed an underwater mudslide which toppled the Mississippi Canyon 20 (MC20) oil platform. The offshore platform was located in 450 feet of water near the outlet of the Mississippi River. After the mudslide, the platform ended up on the seafloor, 900 feet from its original location and plumes of oil began seeping from the broken well casings of more than 20 wells that had been connected to the platform. Although the company began working to contain the leak, the mudslide made traditional well containment tactics difficult. Taylor Energy was more effective at keeping the oil spill under wraps and information about it was not made public until 2010, when BPs Deepwater Horizon disaster brought added scrutiny to the region. While reviewing satellite imagery of BPs oil slick, the watchdog group SkyTruth noticed a smaller slick coming from the MC20 location. Measuring the size of the oil slick in satellite images, SkyTruth was able to estimate a leakage rate ranging from 37 to 900 gallons per day. Over the years, that rate adds up to between 300,000 and 1.4 million gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf. To put those numbers into perspective, the MC20 leak could be the equivalent of last years Refugio Beach spill in Santa Barbara, Californiahappening every year for a decade. Dodging Their Responsibilities Even after it was finally revealed to the public in 2010, the leak has been shrouded in a frustrating level of secrecy. For years, Taylor Energy had reported estimates of the spilled oil to the National Response Center that were extremely smalland in many cases flatly contradicted by the images analyzed by SkyTruth. In 2015, following rigorous documentation by SkyTruth and an investigation by the Associated Press, the U.S. Coast Guard released a leak estimate that was 20 times larger than what had been claimed by Taylor Energy in court filings. Landsat 8 image from June 21, 2014 showing the oil slick from the Taylor Energy site. Photo credit: SkyTruth The Associated Press also reported that the company has been reluctant to share information about the leak and their attempts to plug it, citing trade secrets and proprietary information. The lack of transparency led to a lawsuit by Waterkeeper Alliance and other environmental groups. As part of that settlement, Taylor did host a public meeting on Jan. 20 and provided some additional information to the public. Although the flow of oil shows no signs of abating, its clear that the company would like to wash its hands of the whole situation. Taylor Energy has mostly ceased to exist as a company and company president William Pecue is its last remaining employee. Pecue has called the leak an act of God for which Taylor cannot legally be held responsible. The company and their hired experts maintain that any further action to halt the leaks would be worse for the environment and therefore they propose to not take any affirmative action at the site. (Image: http://hoaxes.org/photo_database/viral_images) One of the latest stars named in the fake news scandal for stories spreading on social media is Pope Francis who got entangled during the U.S. presidential election stirring a strong debate on the role of the likes of Faebook and Google. A webpage had claimed the pontiff backed U.S. president designate Donald Trump being widely shared and it appeared on millions of people's news feeds despite it being false, premier.com reports. The only comment Francis had made during the U.S. election was to say that building walls is not Christian, which many people construed to be a reference to Trump's plan to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico. The fake news story was not taken down or flagged as false by either Google or Facebook and even contained a hoax quote from the Pope. "I have been hesitant to offer any kind of support for either candidate in the U.S. presidential election but I now feel that to not voice my concern would be a dereliction of my duty as the Holy See," Pope Francis was quoted as having said. Crux News reported that Trump's stunning win was due to a plethora of factors including a poor economy, and the anger of those who felt "left behind". "But front and center were the feelings of religious voters - and above all their fears of a Democrat candidate perceived as against them," the Catholic publication said. It noted that in 2016, most of the polls were wrong and polls predicting that Hillary Clinton would run away with the Catholic vote proved more wishful than accurate. In the run-up to the election, only the IBD-TIPP poll consistently pointed to a Trump win among Catholics, as CRUX had noted and almost all the others suggested a significant margin of victory for Clinton. After voting is over, however, preliminary results indicated Trump decisively won a majority of those self-identifying as Catholics, by 52 to 45 percent. By contrast, President Barack Obama won Catholics narrowly, by a margin of 50 to 48 percent, in 2012. GOOGLE AND FACEBOOK 'TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS' Meanwhile, Google and Facebook have announced plans to fight the spread of fake news by placing tighter restrictions on how such sites make money from advertising. Their announcement followed criticism of social media over the role it played in the U.S. presidential election, and the alleged spread of false information that may have influenced some voters. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied claims that the social network played any role in influencing the election result, claiming that "99 percent" of the content on Facebook was authentic. Foreign Policy ran a story Nov. 15 entitled "Can Facebook - and the Republic - Solve the Fake News Problem?" Elias Groll wrote in FP, "This election season, Facebook turned into a cesspool of false news. A fake story about Pope Francis endorsing Donald Trump spread like wildfire. "An article purportedly describing how an FBI agent investigating Hillary Clinton's email server had killed his wife and shot himself flew across the platform. Neither story was true - and now the social media giant faces an outcry that it effectively aided and abetted Donald Trump's electoral victory last week." He noted that Zuckerberg has called the notion "crazy," but said he's clearly sensitive to the criticism at a time when nearly half of Americans consume news through Facebook. "What's more, the entire business rationale of the social media site is to generate advertising revenue - dollars predicated on the notion that what Facebook tells its users, they take to the bank." In an op-ed in the New York Times Nov. 15 Zeynep Tufekci, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accused Zuckerberg of being in denial. She noted how Trump's supporters were no doubt heartened in September, when, according to an article shared nearly a million times on Facebook, the candidate received an endorsement from Pope Francis. Their opinions on Clinton may have soured even further after reading a Denver Guardian article that also spread widely on Facebook, which reported days before the election that an F.B.I. agent suspected of involvement in leaking Clinton's emails was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. MADE-UP NEWS The only problem with those articles: They were totally fake. "The Pope, a vociferous advocate for refugees, never endorsed anyone. The Denver Guardian doesn't exist," Tufekci observed. Still, thanks to Facebook, both of these articles were seen by potentially millions of people and despite corrections circulated on the social network, they barely registered compared with the reach of the original fabrications. Tufekci wrote, "The problem with Facebook's influence on political discourse is not limited to the dissemination of fake news. "It's also about echo chambers. The company's algorithm chooses which updates appear higher up in users' newsfeeds and which are buried. "Humans already tend to cluster among like-minded people and seek news that confirms their biases. Facebook's research shows that the company's algorithm encourages this by somewhat prioritizing updates that users find comforting." Fake news sites that feed false, inflammatory information to a gullible public have risen as means to make easy money, Quartz reports. It cites a BuzzFeed investigation that traced 140 websites dedicated to U.S. politics to a small Macedonian town called Veles with a population of 45,000, where young men pumped out stories "aggregated, or completely plagiarized, from fringe and right-wing sites in the U.S." As it is cheap to register a domain, and set@an up shop overseas, junk sites like worldpoliticus.com, TrumpVision365.com, and USConservativeToday.com can be easily created and let loose on social media networks, where the hits can be turned into revenue. Google was sucked into this type of news. Quartz said recent weeks have seen fake articles rise to the top of Google's sought after rankings, with obscure websites promoting the (false) idea that Trump is leading in the popular vote placing above reputable news organizations in searches. ''Being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. With those words, the Northwest Ordinance, a body of law passed by the Second Continental Congress on July 13, 1787, firmly established education as a regional responsibility. In fact, 9 1/2 weeks later, when the delegates signed the first draft of the U.S. Constitution, they would not see education or educate among the documents 3,500 words. But 80 years later, in 1867, disheartened by rampant illiteracy and the decrepit condition of public schools in Americas 37 states during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, President Andrew Johnson saw a role for the federal government in education. Through an act of Congress, he established the first federal Department of Education and gave its four-person staff the mandate of collecting such statistics and facts as shall show the condition and progress of education in the several States and Territories. The departments commissioner was ordered to report its findings to Congress annually. Only two reports were ever filed. Concerned the data gathered by the department would give the federal government controlling power over the school systems of the states, Congress promptly downgraded it to the Office of Education in 1868, and for the next 111 years, federal education efforts were orphaned from one federal agency to another. The U.S. Department of Education finally found a home during the Jimmy Carter administration. In his campaign for the White House, Carter formed a political alliance with the National Education Association and promised to elevate the Office of Education to Cabinet status. This alliance is described in detail in a 46-page memo chief of staff Hamilton Jordan wrote to the president in July 1978, in which he bluntly offered this advice: I would strongly recommend that you support the creation of a separate Department of Education for the following reasons: Your unequivocal promise in the campaign to do so. The teachers of this country have been our political friends in the past and can be our valuable political allies in the future. While much of the Department of Educations public notoriety since it began operations in the spring of 1980 has focused on reauthorizations of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, its seminal contribution to the country continues to be quite Johnsonian: an unwavering commitment to collect and report, in an unbiased manner, data on the condition and progress of education in the several States and Territories. Is America content with the current public education system we have in place?" The Department of Educations 1983 report A Nation at Risk warned against a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people. Thirty-three years later, the condition and progress of education in the United States remains mired in mediocrity. That is a reasonable conclusion one can make after reviewing the 2016 results of Education Weeks Quality Counts annual report this past January , which ran with this headline for its national summary report online: Nation Earns a C on Quality Counts Report Card. When Education Weeks results are factored in with the poor performance for U.S. 15-year-old students in the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, it is difficult to find fault with former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncans comment, We can quibble, or we can face the brutal truth that were being out-educated. So heres an idea. Harken back to the regional educational mandate of the Northwest Ordinance and the federal big-data mandate of the Andrew Johnson administration. Why not restructure the U.S. Department of Education as the Federal Education Board? And then segment it into 12 regions that align with the 12-district structure of the Federal Reserve Board. Led by a chairperson appointed by the president to a six-year term, the Federal Education Board would then report to Congress, just like President Andrew Johnsons original mandate for the Department of Education. Each education region would be managed by a president elected to a 10-year term by the regions chief state school officers. The key responsibilities for regional presidents would be to (1) collaborate with the regional state chiefs to fashion educate-to-employ policies that map to the primary economic activity of the region, like manufacturing in the Midwest, computer science on the West Coast, or biopharma in the Northeast; and (2) work closely with the chairperson of the Federal Education Board to manage the distribution of ESEA funding within the region. Every quarter, the Federal Education Board would meet in Washington, D.C., to discuss the Johnsonian mandate of reviewing the condition and progress of the overall American education system. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Federal Education Board would release a letter-grade report for each region on teacher quality, infrastructure, technology, student performance, digital curricula, public-private partnerships, and job readiness/unemployment. In this new alignment, the statistics-gathering efforts of the National Center for Education Statistics would be moved into the 12 regions. And eight times a year, similar to the Beige Books released by Federal Reserve districts, regions would be mandated to release statistical reports about education quality in their region. Is a Federal Education Board, and 12 regional Baby Ed.s, the answer to the plethora of challenges facing public education in America? That is not the key question to ask. A more important two-part question is this: Is America content with the current public education system we have in place? And does our nation believe we need a serious, bipartisan, national discussion, and subsequent long-term strategy that transcends presidential-election cycles on what changes must be made to the American public education system? The answer to these questions will determine the future trajectory of our nations economy, the global employability of Americans, and the strength of our national security. To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. TV licence scheme gets approval A scheme to make TV licences free for over 75s has been given the go-ahead by the Island's parliament. Tynwald agreed to abolish the charge for the elderly last month before passing a scheme to fund the move at its November sitting. However, Treasury Minister Alf Cannan warns that it's a short-term fix, and will cost the Government around 600,000 per year. Since September, those aged 75 and over have had to pay for their TV licences after the previous administration refused to fund them. Those who have already had to pay for the licence will now be able to seek a refund. In the UK, the BBC funds TV licences for older people. Rocke, standing alongside Johannesburgs new Mayor Herman Mashaba, addressed the audience of the sod turning ceremony and confirmed that the well reputed building contractor Adamson Nielsen Construction had commenced with excavations for the four level basement and were set to complete the fifteen storey skyscraper around the middle of 2018. Rocke added that, The investment value of approximately R475 million including VAT would add around six hundred temporary jobs to the economy, one hundred and twenty of which would become permanent. The significance of this particular investment is that the private businesses who will make up the majority of end-users in the building are shareholders in the development company and will take transfer of their office suites at cost price. The cost price nature of the end-product has enabled those businesses to easily secure the necessary funding as the banks perceive higher values when considering LTV ratios. Rocke then introduced the Honourable Executive Mayor Councillor Herman Mashaba to those in attendance. Mayor Mashaba immediately emphasized the important role which the private sector plays in job creation saying, It is the responsibility of the Government to support and encourage private initiatives such as this property development by FWJK, the reason being that the rates and taxes generated by the private sector provide the income that the Government needs to create opportunities and programmes which benefit the majority of South African citizens. Mayor Mashaba went on to challenge Gauteng property developers to propose solutions to fast-tracking the re-development of inner city buildings which could give new life to the City of Johannesburg, provide additional jobs and create safe and affordable spaces for the citys residents. The Illovo Point mixed-use development will offer 15 750m of premium AAA Grade office space as well as quality ground floor restaurants. Jean Pisani-Ferry and a Team (Bruegel) The British decision to withdraw from the European Union means the end of a decades-long era when it seemed that Europe was experiencing the end of history and that the Old Continent was headed towards the future of an ever-closer integration and the creation of supranational institutions. To recover from this shock and improve the prospects for the continuation of peace and prosperity, the Union and the United Kingdom will have to find a new model of continental partnership, which will be deeper than a free-trade zone but much looser than the full EU membership. What should such a continental partnership possibly look like? For the EU, Brexit means a further weakening of the block as well as an increase in uncertainty at already fairly difficult times when the Eurozone economies have for long been stagnating and when war is raging in the vicinity of its borders in Libya, Syria and Ukraine. While the EU and Britain will admittedly need each other in order to overcome these problems, they must also first of all find a reasonable model of mutual relations within which cooperation can develop. Unfortunately, it seems that the UK will not find any of the existing forms of partnerships with the EU appropriate. For example, the so-called Norwegian model assumes that Britain would be passively adopting a large part of the EU legislation and remain fully engaged in the system of free mobility of people in the common market. This would be, however, humiliating and unacceptable for a populous and economically powerful Britain. Another option is to conclude a free trade agreement, which would give the British a more equal role but this solution would also have many disadvantages. Above all, it would not include cooperation on foreign policy and security issues that are the areas in which Britain is traditionally strong and has a lot to offer to the Union. It is therefore necessary to create a new model of partnership between the EU and the UK, in which Britain would remain part of the common market but which would give London the option to keep control of the mobility of EU citizens in its territory. It would be sensible for the sake of an effective functioning of the market and cooperation in security issues if Britain had the opportunity to further participate in the creation of rules and EU decision-making, although it would not have formal voting rights. If this model proves to be successful, the EU will be able to offer it in the future to its neighbors, such as Norway, Switzerland, but also, for example, Turkey or Ukraine. By that, the EU would facilitate the creation of a new model of differentiated European integration, in which the tightly integrated heart of the continent will be surrounded by a ring of associated countries. (The study can be downloaded here) And in large part it isnt even about science. Thats the takeaway from an entertaining review at The American Spectator by Larry Thornberry of Tom Wolfes The Kingdom of Speech: Darwins theories are not, in the modern phrase, settled science. They arent even unsettled science. They are educated guesses at best. To be science, Wolfe reminds us, There are five standard tests for a scientific hypothesis. Has anyone observed the phenomenon in this case, Evolution as it occurred and recorded it? Could other scientists replicate it? Could any of them come up with a set of facts that, if true, would contradict the theory? Could scientists make predictions based on it? Did it illuminate hitherto unknown or baffling areas of science? In the case of Evolution well no no no no and no. Darwin made several lame attempts to explain how man got his gift of gab from lower animals through his exotic selection process. Wolfe catalogues these in Kingdom for our amusement. Later comes Professor Noam Chomsky of MIT, who dismisses the question of speech by claiming that humans have an organ for speech, which organ, misfortunately for those hoping to cling to this easy out, has never been captured by an X-ray, MRI, or CAT-Scan. It has never been turned up by exploratory surgery or autopsy. No one, least of all Chomsky, knows where it resides. It fails all the tests above. But Chomsky, for reasons Wolfe elaborates, is a scientific Bigfoot. So woe be to the assistant professor who challenges Chomskys anatomical equivalent to the unicorn. Chomsky is better known to those outside of the small, closed, and some might consider dreary world of linguists because of his left-wing politics, which he has broadcast fortissimo for decades. Chomsky has no more expertise in foreign affairs, and the other matters he pontificates on, than your Aunt Eunice. But in todays leftist academy, and with todays relentlessly left-wing media, this is no handicap. In fact, as Wolfe lays out for readers, this may be the main reason for his prestige in linguistics, and why his highly questionable theories are catechism, not to be questioned by cheeky researchers. I know well-informed people with differing views on Chomsky. Our friend the neuroscientist Michael Egnor, for one, thinks Chomsky on language is fundamentally right. But the extreme reverence in which hes held is determined much more by his politics than anything else. In that sense, the politics drives the science. In fact hes rarely out of the spotlight for very long hes back in it today, as a matter of fact for just that reason. Or did you think thats exclusively because of his theories on grammar and recursion? We always have to bear in mind the extent to which discussion of even such a learned scientific subject as evolution is, for its true believers, an incognito negotiation over worldview, power, and personal status. Addressing the relevant science, as we do obsessively here, only gets you so far if you dont recognize that. Thats why in the Darwin controversy, Darwinists consistently flee from a debate on that science. Photo: Noam Chomsky in Toronto, by Andrew Rusk [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons. Im on Twitter. Follow me @d_klinghoffer. Strong labour market figures enabled the Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar exchange rate to hold onto minor gains. Pound Sterling to Canadian Dollar Exchange Rate News: GBP/CAD remains steady. GBP/CAD remains steady. GBP Unsettled by labour market data: Unemployment falls, but signs of trouble ahead Unemployment falls, but signs of trouble ahead CAD Slides on Oil Market Speculation: Saudi Arabia to release secret oil reserves figures. Saudi Arabia to release secret oil reserves figures. GBP/CAD exchange rate forecast: Retail sales data could further support Pound Sterling. Despite this weeks oil price rally unwinding on Thursday, the Canadian Dollar remained in a stronger position than its risk-correlated peers as OPEC output cap hopes held strong. Investors were generally encouraged to pile into the Pound following stronger-than-expected UK retail sales, which pointed to the continued resilience of domestic consumer sentiment. The Canadian dollar has rallied across the board after comments from Russian energy minister boosted the price of oil on Wednesday afternoon. The GBP/CAD currently trades around 0.3% lower on the day with other currencies also being outperformed by the Canadian currency. The Pound to Canadian Dollar conversion was able to hold away from Wednesdays worst levels by the afternoon, but stronger demand for the Canadian Dollar on oil price optimism also kept Sterling from advancing. As it stands, GBP/CAD has been one of the Pounds worse-performing exchange rates this week, with the Pound having entirely lost last weeks gains and thus far seeming unable to recover them. This afternoons US crude oil inventories figure could put further pressure on oil prices if stockpiles are shown to have risen further. On the other hand, a lower-than-expected reading could encourage a fresh rally for the commodity, which would bolster the Canadian Dollar by extension. Although the UKs latest labour market figures were mixed, GBP/CAD exchange rates held recent advances on the news the ILO employment rate for the three months to September fell to an 11-year low. However, muting further upwards movement were warnings about the alarming 10k increase in jobless claims in October (claims data is a month ahead of the unemployment rate) and that employment growth was at its slowest pace since March. Experts also warned that the labour force could be severely hit as EU workers leave the UK in the wake of the Brexit vote, with ONS statistician David Freeman explaining; The Labour Force Survey also includes information on the nationality and country of birth of workers. That limited evidence suggests the referendum outcome and subsequent devaluation of sterling has had little impact so far on the number of EU workers in the UK labour force. A look at the days latest Canadian Dollar FX rates; On Wednesday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1 Today finds the pound to pound spot exchange rate priced at 1. The GBP to USD exchange rate converts at 1.15 today. At time of writing the pound to australian dollar exchange rate is quoted at 1.794. Please note: the FX rates above, updated 2nd Nov 2022, will have a commission applied by your typical high street bank. Currency brokers specialise in these type of foreign currency transactions and can save you up to 5% on international payments compared to the banks. News that the Saudi Arabian government would soon reveal the size of its oil reserves made investors nervous recently, weakening Canadian Dollar exchange rates. As it prepares for the initial public offering (IPO) of Saudi Aramco, the government of Saudi Arabia has stated it will soon release independently-verified figures for the amount of raw oil still sitting below the kingdom. Investors believe the worlds largest oil exporter has reserves of around 260 billion barrels, but how much oil is left to be pumped has remained shrouded in mystery. Markets are nervous ahead of the release, dragging crude oil and the Canadian Dollar lower, as a larger-than-expected figure would mean Saudi could continue to produce oil for longer-than-expected, adjusting the outlook for future global oil supply. Data for October is expected to show that UK retail sales recovered from the previous shock slowdown, which could support Pound Sterling higher. Pound Sterling exchange rates could find further support from tomorrows retail sales figures. Month-on-month sales growth in October is expected to have re-entered growth territory during October, after a -0.2% contraction in August and a stagnation in September. Year-on-year growth is predicted to climb from 4.1% to 5.3%, after dropping significantly more than forecast in September from 6.6%. Saudi Oil Reserve Speculation to Dominate CAD Exchange Rates until Friday With no impactful data set for release from Canada until Friday, trading is likely to remain dominated by speculation over the extent of Saudi oil fields in the interim. According to Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih; This is going to be the most transparent national oil company listing of all time Everything that Saudi Aramco has, that will be shared, that will be verified by independent third parties. The data calendar will likely draw focus again at the end of the week thanks to the scheduled release of the Canadian consumer price index figures for October on Friday. Hi All, My mother-in-law visited us in the UK on a 6-month visitor visa. She went back home on 29th August before her visa expired on 21st September. My question is that if she wants to visit us again in the UK (ideally on a 2 year visitor visa), what would be the earliest date that she can apply (i.e submit an application)? I do understand that she can stay a maximum of 6 month in a year, but I am a bit confused on when she can re-apply. Is it 6 months from the date she left the UK, or 6 months after her previous visa expired? Many thanks Amir Welcome to the News Release Wire Selection Control Panel. Instant News Wire Wednesday, November 16, 2016 The Herman Trend Alert November 16, 2016 Gender Bias is Alive and Well "There is no creation without risk." This Herman Trend Alert is a combination of research and opinion, and as such, it is a risk. I trust you will take it in the spirit in which it is written---to provide a thought-provoking look into "what is" (as we see it) as well as "what will be". An op-ed that raised controversy The radio personality and consultant Bob Pritchard wrote about the op-ed piece penned by John Greathouse, a partner at Rincon Venture Partners, and published in the Wall Street Journal. According to Pritchard, the opinion piece written by Greathouse, "a prominent venture capitalist", suggested that women in technology would advance their careers by hiding their identities as women. Moreover, they would be more advantaged, if only they weren't women at all. More specifically, he recommended that women use their initials, not their full names and remove their photos from their LinkedIn and Twitter accounts---thus pretending to be men. In other words, women in Tech should conceal their genders in anyonline presence. The unfortunate truth The sad reality is that gender bias is alive and well in many aspects of our society. Recently, we wrote about software that performed better at being gender neutral than interviewers who were certain that there was no gender bias in their hiring. Blind auditions produce more gender balanced orchestras. And finally, we cannot overlook the abundance of research detailing that men---and many women---will trust the work of a man, before that of a woman. As a result, women in many fields are grossly underpaid and under-appreciated compared with their male counterparts. The Twitterverse exploded Many were outraged at Greathouse's comments and suggestions; we were not among them. In the current gender biased environment, for some, that advice may make a lot of sense. Asking women to sacrifice their careers to "advance the cause" is not sensible. Attitudes of gender bias are ingrained and though no one would dispute the unfairness of the situation, to ignore "what is" is illogical. The real question is "How do we eliminate this bias?" A very public double standard case study in the US For 18 months, here in the United States, we watched the gender bias double standard play out on a very public stage. The two presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were clearly held to different standards*. But the US is not alone. A worldwide issue Though women have risen to positions of power in many countries across the globe, gender bias is alive and well in business from Australia to Asia and the Middle East, as well as South America. Women are regularly passed over in favor of the male candidates; they are denied privileges of citizenship, and in some countries, even sold into slavery. Not a pretty picture moving forward The best companies are the ones that promote women into leadership, because as we have detailed, in study after study, women are rated as better leaders than men. Yet, as we look into future, we do not see gender bias going away anytime soon. What we do see is that more women are graduating from colleges and universities than men and there are more women than men in graduate schools. Regrettably, relatively few organizations are valuing the contributions of women equally to their male counterparts. Eventually, perhaps in 20 years, organizations will wake up and realize the tremendous asset women can be. Until then, women will continue to struggle. * Gender bias was not the only reason Trump won, but it certainly contributed to his success. ********* A healthy discussion is ahead on the North American Free Trade Agreement as the Donald Trump administration takes over in Washington, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in San Antonio on Tuesday. Well continue to have free trade, and it will expand over time, but it will on a negotiated basis, Hegar said at a speech in San Antonio discussing a new report that outlines the economic impact of Port San Antonio. During his campaign, Trump often criticized NAFTA and threatened to terminate the trade agreement or renegotiate it. Texas is widely acknowledged to be the state with the largest positive impact of U.S.-Mexico trade in the more than two decades since the trade pact was signed. Hegar said Texas exported about $250 billion in goods last year, with 40 percent of that going to Mexico. Even more trade passes through Texas on its way to and from Mexico, he added. Offshore manufacturing is returning to Texas, however, because of cheap energy and more reliance on technology to produce goods, making labor a smaller portion of manufacturing costs, Hegar said. Roland Mower, Port San Antonio CEO and president, said several of the ports tenants rely on doing business with Mexico. The port recently compiled a five-year vision document that is flexible and nimble, Mower said. Longterm, business has always found a way to do business across borders. It wont stop. Were bullish on the future. Port San Antonio generates 27,000 direct and indirect jobs locally, and adds $5.2 billion to the area economy, producing $3 billion in goods and services in 2015, according to the comptrollers report on the industrial park. The payrolls total $1.8 million in disposable personal income a year. The 1,900-acre complex, formally Kelly AFB, has more than 70 tenants, led by Boeing Co.s maintenance and repair operation, a $200 million facility that employs about 10 percent of the inland ports workforce. The port and its tenants employ about 12,000 workers directly. We like to say Port San Antonio is a place for building futures, Mower said, adding that 600 new jobs were created at the port this year. 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. Besides Boeing, other tenants are in the aerospace, manufacturing, cybersecurity, U.S. Department of Defense, logistics and energy sectors. The port is one of Texas two intermodal facilities, meaning it receives parts by air, rail or truck, which are assembled into larger components and then distributed to the next destination by air, rail or truck. The other Texas facility capable of using three modes of transportation is Dallas-Fort Worths Alliance Airport. Port San Antonios 11,500-foot runway is used mainly for military aircraft arriving and departing in connection with repair services by the ports aerospace tenants. Of about 10,000 rail cars at the port last year, nearly 8,000 delivered sand used for energy fracturing drilling in South Texas. In all, Texas has 29 ports of entry and inland ports that generated $631 billion in trade in 2015, according to the report. The activity supported 1.6 million Texas jobs last year and added $224.3 billion to the states economy, helping Texas reach the status of being the worlds 10th largest economy. The first ex-official of FourWinds Logistics a bankrupt frac-sand company with ties to state Sen. Carlos Uresti pleaded guilty to a felony charge Tuesday for his role in an alleged scheme to defraud investors. Eric Nelson, who served as FourWinds e-commerce and marketing director, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces up to five years in prison, as much as a $250,000 fine and up to three years supervised release. I think it takes a lot of guts to do what hes done, Robbie Ward, Nelsons lawyer, said of his guilty plea. Most people dont want to take responsibility for things nowadays. Nelson, who was released after agreeing to sign a $50,000 unsecured bond and to surrender his passport, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6 by Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra. Nelson was accused of altering a a Chase bank statement from May 2014 to reflect a grossly inflated account balance, according to a Nov. 2 charging document. He emailed the statement to an unidentified co-conspirator, who then emailed it to potential investors. FourWinds went bankrupt in August 2015, triggering allegations that the San Antonio company was a fraud that caused a handful of investors to lose at least $5 million. Total claims against the company, which went out of business, exceed $14 million, a bankruptcy court document shows. Uresti was hired by FourWinds to provide legal services and later became its outside general counsel for four or five months in late 2014. He has disclosed owning shares in FourWinds and receiving a commission for steering a former client to invest with the frac-sand company. The client lost about $800,000. He also received a $40,000 loan from the company that he initially failed to in his state financial disclosures. Uresti previously said he has been contacted by the FBI as a witness in an investigation of FourWinds and its former CEO Stan Bates, who investors say wasted their money on personal expenses, expensive gifts, exotic car rentals and lavish vacations. Bates has denied the allegations. FourWinds demise was chronicled in a San Antonio Express-News article in August. At the time, Bates who founded FourWinds to trade frac sand, which is used in fracking to extract oil and gas from shale rock said he had met with FBI investigators and said the agency has been after Uresti for a long, long, long time. Uresti called that absurd. Last month, people familiar with the investigation said Uresti was the target of a Justice Department grand jury investigation weighing possible public corruption charges against him. Nelson is the first former company official charged in connection with the FourWinds saga, though he likely wont be the last. He worked for FourWinds for about a year, with his employment ending in May 2015. At a bankruptcy court hearing in January, Nelson said he used Photoshop image-editing software to inflate the actual balance shown on the FourWinds bank statement at Bates request. Bates planned to use the bank statement as proof of funds to purchase frac sand, Nelson said at the hearing. Nelson added he initially resisted the request because he knew it wasnt the right thing to do. He said he eventually altered the bank statement out of fear. Asked to explain, Nelson said on the witness stand that Bates told him hed be putting the company and his co-workers jobs at risk. 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. I resisted some more and he said if I didnt do it he would fire me and then shoot me in back of the head, Nelson testified during the bankruptcy court proceeding. Nelson said he turned over the altered bank statement to Bates. Subpoenaed bank records in Bates personal bankruptcy show FourWinds had $96,918.03 in the Chase bank account at the end of May 2014 and never had more than $1.4 million at any one time during the month. But San Antonio businessman, Richard Thum, who invested with FourWinds, told the Express-News earlier this year that he was given a May 2014 bank statement showing FourWinds had more than $18.8 million in the account. Bates exercised his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at a December bankruptcy hearing when asked whether there ever was more than $18 million in the account. pdanner@express-news.net This article has been updated to include the sentencing date. For a guy who turned 83 in April, Willie Nelson keeps popping up everywhere while unveiling new projects. The latest from the iconic country star whose career spans seven decades is Pretty Paper, a hard-cover, inspiring Christmas fable based on Nelsons song that became a hit for Roy Orbison in 1964. Released last month and written with David Ritz, the book takes a fictional approach to answer Nelsons questions about the real-life, legless street vendor he came across the week before Christmas selling wrapping paper in front of Leonards Department Store in Fort Worth. Pretty Paper takes the songs premise further to tell the mans story of heartache and tragedy that leads to a last shot at redemption and embodies the holiday spirit. Nelson is sure to sing it when Willie Nelson & Family returns to the intimate landmark Majestic Theatre Tuesday and Wednesday. Rising Texas Music star John Baumann, who grew up in San Antonio, will open. While you never know who will show up at a Willie Nelson & Family show, this one will include his sister, Bobbie Nelson, on keyboards and his sons Lukas, 27, and Micah Nelson, 26, on guitar. More Information In concert Who: Willie Nelson & Family with special guest John Baumann When: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday Where: Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St. Tickets: $50-$70 box office, 210-226-3333, ticketmaster.com, majesticempire.com See More Collapse It was announced last week that Willie Nelson & Family will return to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Feb. 16. Nelsons book falls on the heels of For the Good Times: A Tribute to Ray Price, released in September. Price, Nelsons lifelong friend, died Dec. 16, 2013. Nelson joined Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys in 1961. They recorded the first of three projects together with San Antonio Rose in 1980. The tribute album reprises every part of Prices career, including Crazy Arms, Heartaches by the Number and For the Good Times. Ray was as a close a friend as you could have, Nelson told Rolling Stone magazine. We traveled together, lived together, played music together, partied together and had a lot of good times. Nelson always is up for a good time. Earlier this month, he appeared on ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live! during a Three Ridiculous Questions segment taped while drinking at a bar. One was which animal would he chose if he were to die fighting one. A rabbit, Nelson replied. I think Id last longer. Last Saturday in Fort Worth, Nelson helped celebrate the 35th anniversary of Billy Bobs Texas before a sold-out crowd. Like at all his shows, Nelson kicked it off with Whiskey River, written and first made a hit by San Antonian Johnny Bush, another lifelong friend. At this point in Nelsons touring career, crowds almost expect that tune to come up first because it sets a tone: As soon as you hear those first few chords, its impossible to mistake that youre in the presence of a man who deserves a great deal of credit for country musics best tunes, a reviewer for theboot.com wrote. Nelsons catalog features too many songs to sing at one show. So, like he does at many shows, Nelson crammed as many as he could into medleys, including the gospel classics Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Ill Fly Away and I Saw the Light. He also provided humor with Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die. Fans figure that song also refers to Nelsons penchant for smoking marijuana. After all, last year he released Willies Reserve, a line of cannabis products. When a reporter for the Denver Post asked Nelson last month if he considers himself to be a connoisseur of cannabis, he replied with a laugh, I guess if anybody is, I would be. Another album he released this year is Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin, a collection of 11 songs from the famed composer George Gershwin. Last year, Nelson became the first country artist to be awarded with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, which honors lifetime achievement. And Nelson, who began recording as a 12-year-old in his hometown of Abbott, is far from finished. john@johngoodspeed.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate To watch Ceasar Zepeda work a dining room is to appreciate the lost art of the neighborhood restaurateur. Hes not just the owner, the waiter, the fixer and the host of Sangria on the Burg. Hes the mayor. Every table gets a minute of his time. Then another. Then a handshake, a clap on the back, a brotherly smile. Zepedas disarming charm makes Sangria tick. Or buzz. The place has become a beehive since it opened in September, a humble spot with circus letters out front, a string-lighted deck on the side and white tablecloths inside. People come for a simple menu of tacos and sliders. A simple menu, but not simple food. Those tacos and sliders are driven by a grill burning a mix of oak and mesquite that chef Julio Sanchez uses to perfume every bite with the spirit of a backyard barbecue. A strong value, theyre $10 for two with a side: fries, grilled vegetables or a festive salad of mixed greens and strawberries. People come for brisket. Brisket ground into a hamburger, smoked brisket shredded into a taco, grilled brisket shaved into a gooey cheese steak slider, nuggets of fatty brisket tumbled over nachos. More Information Sangria on the Burg ** (2 stars) 5115 Fredericksburg Road, 210-744-1448, sangriaontheburg.com Quick bite: A congenial neighborhood bar and grill with sweet sangria concoctions and wood-fired sliders, tacos and steak with real kitchen craft behind them. Hit: Sangria flight, salmon slider, mac and cheese, grilled rib-eye Miss: Fish and chicken tacos, break-apart tortillas Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday Price range: Sliders and tacos, $10 for two with a side; chili and fideo, $3-$8; salads, $12-$13; sides, $4; dinner appetizers and entrees, $10-$22; desserts, $5. Alcohol: Cocktails, sangria, beer and wine **** Superior. Can compete nationally. *** Excellent. One of the best restaurants in the city. ** Very good. A standout restaurant of its kind. * Good. A restaurant that we recommend. (no stars) We cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. See More Collapse And people come for sangria. The bar clientele here arent the crafty artisans who worship at the altar of bitter and dry. They want cold and sweet, and Sangria obliges with sangrias that are less about the wine and more about the flair. The frozen red sangria is a sweet and slushy brain freeze waiting to happen, not nearly as interesting as its unfrozen cousins, a variety of sangrias infused with pineapple, grapefruit, ginger, Southern Comfort, Irish whiskey and saints preserve us Big Red. A flight of four buys a lot of fun for $8, even if the general fruit-punchiness makes them taste alike after a while. The more discriminating cocktaileer will appreciate a margarita with a smart interplay of jalapeno, cucumber and tequilas dry backbite. Sangria also blends a standout daily agua fresca, with combinations such as grapefruit-honey and orange-hibiscus. Sangrias a neighborhood bar and grill with good food, good value and sweet drinks. Its a formula that works, except when it doesnt. The place was swamped on a Friday night, with two eight-top office parties doing happy hour, and tables that filled through dinner and finally built to a 45-minute wait. The place just wasnt ready to handle it all. Service that at lunch had been as tight as any well-run bistro scattered into chaos at dinner. No fewer than six people made disparate cameos at my table, including a hostess lost in the glare of the dinner-rush headlights. Mayor Zepeda himself can only stretch so thin. The staff needs to keep up. The situation takes on a sense of urgency as Zepeda looks toward adding a full dinner menu. For now, nights at Sangria bring specials like grilled rib-eye, ancho-guajillo chicken and smoked pork ribs under a blanket of fried onions with ancho-blackberry barbecue sauce. For just $10, the fall-away ribs are a taste of something Zepeda brought over from his years at La Fonda on Main, where theyre on the menu to this day. The steak reminded me that while brisket is the hardest-working cut in the house, rib-eyes still the star. In its cameos, it was an ideal canvas for the wood grills smoky, shrink-wrap sear. At $22, the plate included grilled vegetables and a preloaded baked potato. Try matching that value a steakhouse. The downside? The server didnt think to ask how I wanted the steak cooked; the mayor had to step in for that. The gallery of good dishes at Sangria has to include its daily special fideo, the cornbread that comes with a beef-and-bean stew called chili for convenience sake and a slider with panko-fried salmon. A creamy, three-cheese mac and cheese side dish gets a crown of barbecue Fritos, and Zepeda has taken rice pudding and turned it into fried arroz con leche bites with ice cream that will thrill your half-drunk inner child. And although Im aware of the cycles of ascendance and derision accorded pork belly, is it OK if we just eat it now? Sangria grills a thick slab of the fatty marvel in a taco with mango pico de gallo and avocado. On the other hand, a fried drum taco came out thin and dry with a pronounced fishy flavor, and a fried chicken taco was dense and tough, softened not at all by a sweet mustard sauce that swamped and wrecked an already fragile tortilla. If this taco thing is going to work out, it needs a stronger backbone than these undersized, break-apart tortillas. Make them bigger, double them up. Hell, make em harder, better, faster, stronger. Whatever it takes to support the administration of the new mayor of Fredericksburg Road. msutter@express-news.net Twitter: @fedmanwalking Trustee Erma Casarez was ousted Monday night from her position as president of the Harlandale ISD board and replaced by Carlos Quezada, who had been vice president. The source of contention revolved around Casarezs job as Texas operations assistant for the Libre Initiative, a non-profit funded by the Koch brothers thats dedicated to increasing Latino presence in conservative politics. It also promotes school choice and charter school presence in San Antonio. As Casarez began to explain her advocacy for school choice at the board meeting telling a story of how her nieces and nephews education improved when they transferred from a poorly performing Harlandale campus to a private school fellow trustee Thomas Uresti, the District 118 State Representative-elect, cut in. If youre going to knock on Harlandale, you might as well just resign. Dont sit there as president and try to talk down this district, he said. I was saying, said Casarez, after a few back-and-forths with Uresti, that I believe its every parents option to have the choice to put their child in the school they believe is in the best interest of their child, whether that be public school, whether that be private school, whatever the case may be. Uresti, Quezada, Christine Carrillo and David Abundis voted to remove Casarez as president, while Casarez and Ricardo Moreno voted against; Juan Mancha abstained. Moreno was chosen as the new vice-president. Casarez was elected in 2013 and she retains her seat despite being ousted as president. Board members elect their own officers. When she joined the board, Casarez was elected secretary. In May, she was elected president. Uresti said he was unaware of Casarezs work at Libre until recently. I had heard rumors for months back, and about a month or so ago is when I started getting phone calls every day about it, Uresti said. People were very upset about the issue. They dont want their school district to be represented by someone who is basically working against the district. He emphasized that charter schools take taxpayer dollars away from public schools. But Casarez said her employment doesnt have anything to do with her being a school board member. For me school choice is about whats in the best interest of our students, its not just the best interest of the Harlandale district, its our students, she said. And a lot of times, unfortunately, Harlandale has not been able to step up to the plate and do what it can for its kids. Carrillo said her main beef with Casarez was her speaking at a Texas Senate Committee on Education hearing in August, a move Carrillo said is a violation of school board policy. Casarez did identify herself as president of the Harlandale board at the committee hearing, but she said Tuesday that she was there as an individual. Casarez said she suspects the board members have ulterior motives for removing her as president, including the proposed sale of a district-owned piece of land. She said it was on the agenda earlier this year and the board voted against selling it, but that recently shed been pressured to put it back on the agenda, which she did not want to do. sfosterfrau@express-news.net AUSTIN State education board members on Tuesday grilled the publisher of a controversial Mexican-American studies textbook about alleged errors, all but promising to reject the proposed book later this week. Members of the State Board of Education are poised to vote Friday on whether to adopt Mexican American Heritage, a textbook that university professors and historical experts argue is riddled with errors, cherry-picks sources and claims immigrants radical ideas pose a cultural and political threat to American society. This book offers one thing. It offers hatred. It offers hate toward Mexican-Americans, said Ruben Cortez Jr., a member from Brownsville. Board members from both parties spent nearly two hours of a public hearing peppering Momentum Instruction CEO and owner Cynthia Dunbar about reported errors in the proposed textbook. You have submitted a textbook that will be rejected from the states preferred textbook list, said board member Erika Beltran, D-Fort Worth, who criticized Dunbar for failing to recall the credentials of the books authors. Were not just talking about a textbook on Mexican American heritage, were talking about the education of 5 million kids. Debate about the text, which refers to Mexican-Americans as lazy, has brought one board member to tears, prompted hundreds to protest in the capital city and caused 15,000 people to petition for its rejection since it was proposed last spring. The textbook was submitted to the board by Dunbar, a conservative Republican and former state board member known for characterizing public education as tyrannical and a tool of perversion. She argued to board members that the public uproar over the book is unfair, and said some concerns involve outdated versions of the text. She said her publishing company followed the rules required to get the book approved and hinted that a rejection could spur litigation. The board would really have to step into some kind of unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination to censor the book, she said. Its very saddening to us that, when we really cared about this course and trying to get a good book forward, that its being viewed as having some hidden agenda to attack an entire people group. Vice Chairman Thomas Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, who said in September the book was dead on arrival, stressed the board needs to focus on the errors that Dunbar has refused to fix. Im not a scientist, but I know enough to know that communism does not cause natural disasters, said Ratliff, referring to a passage in the textbook that links the two. Dunbar said the passage was not a verified factual error, then later agreed to change the sentence. Emilio Zamora, a University of Texas at Austin professor who reviewed the text, accused the authors and publisher of arrogance by refusing to acknowledge the problems. Not once do they agree with any of our findings of error not once, said Zamora, shaking his fist behind a podium before the state board. He and a team of professors reported finding 407 errors in the latest version of the book. Before embarking on a five-hour public hearing, the state board sought to diffuse tension among Latinos by agreeing to put out a call for more ethnic studies textbooks. The board said it plans to ask publishers to pitch books on topics such as African-American or Mexican American studies, which can later be added to the states preferred list of textbooks. Texas public schools can use any book they see fit without board approval. More than 50 people signed up to speak against the disputed textbook, including a bus load of students from the Houston Independent School District. When I go to ninth grade in high school, I do not want to learn about racist stereotypes of my people and have it accepted as fact, said Cain Trevino, an eighth-grader. I want a book written by a real expert in this field, a real Mexican-American. Andrea.zelinski@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A San Antonio protest march Tuesday against a pipeline companys project in North Dakota drew 12 times more people than the movements first protest here in September. About 60 people gathered at 3 p.m. outside the downtown Convent Street offices of Bank of America, which is helping to finance the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile Dakota Access Pipeline that would carry oil from western North Dakotas Bakken region to Patoka, Illinois. The crowd later swelled to around 300 as protesters holding signs, beating drums and wearing Native American traditional dress marched to the Alamo and back. Water is life, and People over profits, they chanted, in keeping with protests organized across the country Tuesday. Ongoing rebellion against the pipeline company and authorities in North Dakota have inspired solidarity protests across the country over the past few months, including those in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston. I was so surprised that anything was going on near here, said Southwest School of Art student Samantha Flores. Flores, who said her family is Potawatomi Indian, Sicilian and Mexican and mainly from Michigan, said she had never attended such a protest before. She said she wanted to call attention to threats to North Dakota tribes water and sacred lands. Like many protesters, she appreciated how the movement is drawing mainstream attention to Native American issues. There is a stronger community than I saw coming and a lot more people that care, she said. The protest originally included plans for a sit-in outside Bank of America with some protesters willing to face arrest, but organizers abandoned that idea ahead of the event, said organizer Daryn Ocean-Sun Rinterra, a Northwest Vista College student. In September, 25 people, led mainly by students, gathered outside the San Antonio offices of Energy Transfer Partners, the Dallas-based company that is building the North Dakota pipeline and the controversial Trans-Pecos Pipeline to ship natural gas through West Texas to Mexico. On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a statement it would not yet allow pipeline builders to cross corps land along Lake Oahe, a reservoir of the Missouri River. The statement cited the history of the Great Sioux Nations dispossessions of lands and the importance of Lake Oahe to the Tribe, among other factors. The company sought permission from a federal judge Tuesday to circumvent the order, the Associated Press reported. Police arrested 28 protesters after a group tried to set a truck and tree branches near the worksite on fire, according to the AP. Several San Antonio protesters said they wished they could be in North Dakota to help protesters near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation protect the Missouri River and traditionally Native lands. This is the most I could do right now, but Im hoping to go there, said Victoria Salas of the Tehuan Band of Mission Indians of San Antonio. She described images of protesters in Standing Rock clashing with police and pipeline security personnel, many times armed with tear gas and rubber bullets. In at least one instance reported by Democracy Now! in September, security guards used dogs that bit some protesters. All this trauma that has taken place over 500 years is happening again, Salas said. San Antonios protest was peaceful, with police only closing off one block of Convent Street. San Antonio police officers on bicycles encircled protesters and kept them on the sidewalks, while Homeland Security officers looked on and a helicopter circled overhead. By 6:30 p.m., protesters had circled back and forth between the Bank of America and the Alamo twice. bgibbons@express-news.net Twitter: @bgibbs This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A janitorial services contractor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that his company over-billed the city $500,000 for cleaning the Alamodome. Geoffery Comstock and one of his employees, Anna Becerra, were indicted in October on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and abetting each other to commit wire fraud. The indictment came a few months after the city ended the longtime contract it had with Comstocks Frio Nevado Corporation, which does business as Go Professional Environmental Management (Go Pro). Go Pro had contracted with the city since March 2002 until discrepancies in its billings led the city to first suspend its contract in October 2015 and terminate it in March 2016, said Jeff Coyle, a spokesman for the city. A periodic review of the contract uncovered the discrepancies and city officials worked with the Homeland Security Department which began investigating Go Pro as part of a worksite enforcement protocol that includes examining I-9 employment verification forms, according to Coyle and court records. In such inspections, federal agents verify whether a firms employees are truly who they say they are, and whether they are in the country legally and eligible to work. The city and Homeland Security (then) worked to identify billing discrepancies for hours billed without support, Coyle said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an arm of the Homeland Security Department, declined to say whether it found illegal workers as a result. ICE confirms that Homeland Security Investigations is leading the investigation but because the case remains active in litigation, we are not in a position to provide any details at this time, the agency said in a statement. Comstocks lawyer, Alan Brown, disputed the charges against his client. Theyre complaining about technical things, Brown said of the indictment. Its a paperwork issue. Im very surprised on why it went to a criminal prosecution, rather than administrative. He did excellent work, Brown said. Hes factually not guilty, but he may have had some mistakes on the paperwork. The indictment said Comstock and Becerra, who has also pleaded not guilty, devised a scheme in which they submitted invoices which inflated the number of hours their employees worked at the Alamodome. When asked to provide supporting documentation, Comstock and Becerra either personally prepared, or directed other employees to prepare and submit, false timesheets, the indictment states. The timesheets would be false in that they would not accurately reflect the number of man hours expended on a particular project and would not accurately reflect the names and number of employees working a particular project, the indictment said. Investigators identified $504,015 that was overbilled to the city between June 23, 2014 and Oct. 8, 2015, Coyle said. My understanding is that the assets of the company and the owner were frozen, Coyle said. Its our hope we are going to be able to recover some assets for the city. gcontreras@express-news.net Twitter: @gmaninfedland David J. Phillip, STF / Associated Press (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Donald Trump is considering nominating Texas Senator Ted Cruz to serve as U.S. attorney general, according to a person familiar with the matter. Cruz, 45, was at Trump Tower in New York on Tuesday. When approached by reporters on his way out, Cruz said the election was a mandate for change but didnt say he was under consideration for a job. WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump denied Wednesday that his transition is in disarray, assailing media reports about firings and infighting and insisting in an early-morning Twitter burst that everything is going so smoothly. But legal and procedural delays by Trumps transition team continued on Wednesday, all but freezing the traditional handoff of critical information from the current administration more than a week after Trump won the presidential election. The president-elect criticized a report in The New York Times about his early telephone contacts with foreign leaders. In a post on Twitter at 7:17 a.m., he said he had made and received calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan. In fact, The Times reported that Trump had taken calls from the leaders of Egypt, Israel, Russia and Britain, but said they had been conducted haphazardly and without State Department briefings that traditionally guide conversations with foreign leaders. Of the transition effort, Trump wrote: It is going so smoothly. White House aides said Obama administration officials at agencies across the government remained legally barred from delivering the normal guidance and briefings to Trumps transition team because essential documents had still not been completed. A wholesale shake-up of Trumps team replacing Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and the transition staff he had assembled has forced Christies replacement, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, to sign a new memorandum of understanding, a legally required document. White House officials said Pence delivered that document late on Tuesday. But by Wednesday, Trumps team still had not delivered a series of required, supporting documents, including certifications that each transition member would abide by a code of conduct and would not divulge sensitive information about the inner workings of the government. The next step is for the president-elects transition team to provide us with the names of the individuals they have authorized to represent their transition effort across the government, said Brandi Hoffine, a spokeswoman for the White House. Once we have received those names and related materials, those individuals will be able to receive the briefing materials we have prepared and begin to communicate with their Obama administration agency counterparts. Trump has announced his chief of staff and chief strategist, but the transition process has been marred by a purge of transition team members who had connections to Christie and his original staff. Trump, who has been ensconced in his office at Trump Tower for days as he deliberates, ditched the press corps waiting in the lobby Tuesday night and made his way to the 21 Club on West 52nd Street, where he and his family had dinner for about two hours. People familiar with Trumps deliberations about top positions in his administration said that the president-elect was focused on rewarding his most loyal campaign allies. Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is the leading candidate to become secretary of state. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama is in line to be secretary of defense or attorney general. Eric Trump, one of the president-elects sons, said as he arrived at Trump Tower on Wednesday that it was likely that some people would be named to positions by the end of the day. But even as his father settles on names for key positions at the top of the government, the clock is ticking. Teams of Obama administration officials have prepared detailed briefing packets to help inform their soon-to-be successors as they prepare to take control of the agencies Jan. 20. Those teams have been told to remain on standby until Trumps transition operation has completed the legally required documents. In the flag-bedecked lobby of the State Department, next to the main reception desk, there is a sign that says Transition. It has been very quiet. The State Department confirms that, like the Pentagon and the Justice Department, it has not heard from anyone on Trumps team, a week after the election. We have not been contacted, said John Kirby, the press secretary. How would Henry Munoz III be a disaster as chairman of the Democratic National Committee? Let us count the ways. The San Antonio architectural-firm executive has been making noises over the past few days that he would be willing to throw his silk guayabera in the ring for the chairmanship of his party, which is reeling from a devastating national election last Tuesday. Munoz, who has served as DNC finance chairman for nearly four years, said Monday that he is seriously considering jumping into the race for DNC chair. He declined to be interviewed for this column, but a close associate said he is still in the process of reaching out to party members and deciding what he wants to do. No one can deny that Munoz is a formidable fundraising bundler. His one true talent is an ability to separate people whether they are school-board trustees, council members or political mega-donors from their (or their taxpayers) money. And an important prerequisite for any party chair is the ability to keep the coffers full. But this is a special time for Democrats. A time for regrouping and soul searching, if you want to put a positive spin on it. A time of crisis management, if youre less charitable. The overriding lesson from Hillary Clintons defeat to Donald Trump in the presidential race was that voters are fed up with old-school politics. They hate the idea of a permanent political class that insinuates itself into positions of influence and plays the angles to advance its own interests. Munoz is the poster boy for that kind of politics. He collects political IOUs and cashes them on the regular, and when things get messy he leaves other people to clean up the wreckage. As a young man, he leveraged his fundraising work for the late Gov. Ann Richards into an appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. During his time there, he passed on insider information to a Mexican construction company who lavished him with flights, hotels and meals, according to a state audit. As the founding director of the much-hyped Museo Alameda, he raised $12 million from public and private sources, and delighted in the glittery bashes that accompanied the Smithsonian-affiliated museums 2007 opening. But when the expensive parties were over, he grew bored with the daily grind of making the museum a functioning enterprise. He walked away in 2009, with the museum on the verge of financial ruin. Later, as board chairman for VIA Metropolitan Transit, Munoz had the responsibility of steering a $210 million streetcar project to completion. But the integrity of the project was seriously compromised in 2013 by the revelation that a company partly owned by Munoz had bought a building one block from the streetcar systems proposed eastern hub. Three months later, Munoz announced that he would resign as VIA board chair. The streetcar plan collapsed the following year. For a Democratic Party that needs the fresh face of populist reform, Munoz would offer a rehash of a retread. On the plus side, theres little danger that DNC members would consider electing Munoz. Over the past 20 years, the position has gone to people who either held or were building strong political platforms of their own. Ed Rendell was the mayor of Philadelphia and would go on to become the governor of Pennsylvania. Howard Dean was the former governor of Vermont and a 2004 presidential candidate. Terry McAuliffe was a Clinton sycophant who would go on to become the governor of Virginia. Tim Kaine was the governor of Virginia and would later get elected to the U.S. Senate. The much-derided Debbie Wasserman Schultz was a Florida congresswoman and a cable-news fixture. At the moment, progressives are rallying behind the candidacy of Keith Ellison, an African American Minnesota representative who was the first Muslim ever elected to Congress. Dean wants to make a return engagement, and there also has been talk of former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley and outgoing Labor Secretary Thomas Perez. By comparison with any of these options, Munoz is an obscure figure and his haughty manner would make him a poor messenger for the Democratic cause. His past experiences also suggest that he would lack the discipline required for the unglamorous infrastructure building required of a party chair. Before DNC members think of biting on a Munoz candidacy, they should remember the Alameda. ggarcia@express-news.net Twitter: @gilgamesh470 The Pennsylvania state legislature enacted the Clean and Green Act in 1974 as a tool to encourage protection of the Commonwealths valuable farmland, forestland and open spaces. Currently, more than 7 million acres are enrolled statewide. 1What is it? Preferential Assessment of Farmland and Forest Land in Pennsylvania is better known as the Clean and Green Act. Clean and Green is a land conservation program that lowers the property tax rate for the vast majority of landowners who enroll in the program. Property taxes are based on use values rather than fair market values. Landowners are obligated to devote their land to agricultural use, agricultural reserve use, or forest reserve use in order to qualify for lower property taxes. 2Eligibility requirements A property must be 10 acres in size, and in agricultural use, agricultural reserve or forest reserve. Agricultural Use applications may be less than 10 acres in size if the property is capable of generating at least $2,000 annually in farm income. 3Use value determination The Department of Agriculture supplies County Assessment Offices county-specific use values annually. The county has the option of implementing these values, or using lower values. Agricultural Use and Agricultural Reserve values are based upon the income approach for land appraisal. The formula takes into consideration the state crop profit margin percentage for corn production, an average value of crop receipts per acre by county, a Soil Index Factor, and an average capitalization rate. Forest Reserve values are based on the average value of timber in a particular county, or the average value of six timber types by county. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources calculates this value annually. 4Program removal A landowner cannot voluntarily remove their land from Clean and Green without a land use change. When a land use change takes place, and rollback taxes have been paid, the landowner has the option of removing any portion of land that remains eligible, or the land that remains eligible will be re-enrolled. 5Change use penalty A landowner who breaches the covenant is subject to seven years of rollback taxes at 6 percent interest per year. The rollback tax is the difference between what was paid under Clean and Green versus what would have been paid, had the property not been enrolled, plus 6 percent simple interest per year. 6Property division The act allows for two types of divisions or conveyances: Split-offs and Separations. Split-off is a division, by conveyance or other action of the owner, of land, into two or more tracts, for use of constructing a residence. Generally, no more than two acres may be split-off per year. Cumulative split-offs from subsequent years may never exceed 10 acres, or 10 percent of the total land originally enrolled, the lesser of the two. Separation is a division, by conveyance or other action of the owner, of land into two or more tracts of land, which continue to be in Agricultural Use, Agricultural Reserve, or Forest Reserve. The tracts must generally be 10 acres in size and continue to meet the qualifications. No rollback taxes would be due. 7To apply Contact your county tax assessment office in order to obtain an application. The deadline is June 1 of each year, in order to be considered for the following tax year. This deadline is extended to Oct. 15 in the year of a reassessment. Once enrolled, a landowner need not reapply. Landowners must, however, notify their county tax assessment office of any changes to the status of their enrolled land. Sources: Courthouseonline.com, Clean and Green Factsheet, Penn State Law-The Penn State Dickinson Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center. (Farm and Dairy is featuring a series of 101 columns throughout the year to help young and beginning farmers master farm living. From finances to management to machinery repair and animal care, farmers do it all.) More Farming 101 columns: An 80-year-old farmer from Kent has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges after beating two swans to death. David Thompson, 80, of Whitehall Farm in Snargate pleaded guilty to killing the birds when he found them in a field among rape seed crop on his farm in April. A helicopter camera captured the footage which was shown to the court, with police later searching the property and finding the dead birds. "In order to receive that injury there must have been considerable force," Prosecutor Sophie Read. "A third [surviving] swan was just able to hold its head up. Examinations of the wing and rest of the body should no other injuries. "It was about two weeks for it to eat for itself and showed signs of considerable stress while it was in the care of the vet. In 18 days it was released from the vet." Defending Matthew Knight said: "When the defendant is around the farm he always carries a crook so when a sheep is in trouble he can handle it. He admits if you are foolish enough to strike a swan you are going to cause it harm. But he didnt intend to kill or injure but accepts in hindsight that it could be very likely to do them serious injury, and that is what happened." RSPCA inspector Dave Grant told Kent Online: "There is no doubt these poor swans would have suffered - they were bashed about the head brutally and repeatedly. It would not have been a quick death. "When we arrived one of the swans was already dead, and a second barely alive - just raising his head weakly. It was so sad. Thankfully there was a happy ending for a third swan, who was treated by a vet and nursed back to health in our care, before being released back to the wild." Mr Thompson is due to be sentenced on November 29. Up to 300 million a year could be wiped off the value of the Irish beef sector if certain EU trade deals are agreed upon, the Irish Farmers' Union have said. IFA National Livestock chairman Angus Woods called on the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan to use findings in a report as a warning against trade deals that would be bad for EU agriculture. A recent report said that the value of EU beef production itself could be reduced by 8bn, with producer price falling by over 15%, in future trade agreements. "Cattle farming is undertaken by 100,000 farmers in Ireland, contributing to economic activity in every parish in the country. The Commissioner must ensure that, in future trade negotiations, the interests of the vitally important beef sector are secured." 'Important beef secures sensitive product status' The report conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission estimated the impact of the trade agreements on EU producer prices, production volumes and overall value of the different agriculture sectors. Mr Woods said that the report highlights how important it is that sensitive product status is secured for the beef sector in future negotiations, with limited TRQs and the retention of tariffs on products. He added: "Individual negotiations must take account of the cumulative impact of any previous concessions on market access that have been given in the beef sector." Mr Woods said it is clear from the analysis that the Mercosur trade deal is the major problem for the beef sector. He said the report is somewhat restricted in its analysis, in that it takes no account of the impact of Brexit and the UK leaving the EU or the significance of the beef sector to countries such as Ireland and France. He said the reality is that if these aspects were built into the analysis the impact on a country like Ireland would be far greater. He pointed out that a 15% reduction in producer prices would translate to a loss in value for the Irish beef sector of 350m. The report identified that the dairy sector would gain from the reduction in tariff barriers, with the potential for growth into export markets. However, it would be important that non-tariff barriers, which may prevent real entry into new markets for the EU dairy sector, would also be removed. Farmers who have entered into the Glastir Organic scheme are being reminded to submit their Glastir Organic Business Plan (GOBP) by the end of the year. The GOBP must be completed and submitted to Rural Payments Wales (RPW) by 31 December 2016. Glastir Organic is an element of the Welsh Government's Glastir Scheme. It provides support to organic farmers and producers, who deliver positive environmental land management. The scheme will be open to new organic conversions and to existing contract holders who wish to bring extra land into their agreements. Farmers Union of Wales Policy Officer Charlotte Priddy said: It is absolutely vital that members submit their GOBP by no later than 31 December as their 2016 annual claim will not be validated otherwise. A business plan template is available for existing Glastir Organic contract holders on the Welsh Government website, which members may find helpful. Mrs Priddy added: If your Organic Control Body ceases to certify any of the land included in your Glastir Organic Contract, that land will be removed from your Glastir Organic Contract and any payments received to date may be recovered. Lidl has today announced that it is introducing a new range of Welsh Cheddar cheese under Lidls Valley Spire brand. The new product will be available exclusively in Wales. This will be the first time that Lidl will stock an exclusively Welsh cheese range in Wales, complementing the other regional cheeses currently offered in stores. All of Lidls Valley Spire cheeses will be made using Welsh milk produced by farmers based in and around North and Mid Wales. Lidl says it is part of the retailers commitment to sourcing its products as locally to stores as possible. 'Extending our range to include Welsh Cheddar was an important and natural progression' The range will include specialties such as: Welsh Mild Cheddar, Welsh Medium Cheddar, Welsh Mature Cheddar and Welsh Extra Mature Cheddar. The product selection will be supplied by a new contract between Lidl UK and South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC), which is owned by its 130 farmer member suppliers, located in North and Mid Wales. The SCC will provide authentic Welsh Cheddar to Lidl and also continue to supply the grocer with a Mature Cheddar from their own brand, Dragon, in Lidls Welsh stores. Nick Beadman, National Account Manager at South Caernarfon Creameries said: We are extremely pleased to be supplying Lidl with its first Welsh Cheddar range to be sold nationally. Having recently opened our new cheese production facility at South Caernarfon Creameries, this new relationship with Lidl is significant for both our co-operative as well as the local economy. Joshua Smith, Senior Buying Manager at Lidl said: Extending our range to include Welsh Cheddar was an important and natural progression. South Caernarfon Creameries produce authentic Welsh quality products, which gives our Valley Spire range local provenance. We are incredibly proud that two thirds of the products that we permanently stock in our stores are sourced from British suppliers, including a number of Welsh suppliers with whom we have very strong relationships and remain part of our commitment to championing local farmers. The RSPCA should be stripped of its power to prosecute in animal welfare cases because there is a 'conflict of interest', a Commons select committee has been told. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee questioned whether it was appropriate for the charity to bring forward prosecutions while being involved in campaigning and fundraising for the issue. They called on ministers to change the law so the RSPCA could continue their welfare work, but hand over criminal charges to the Crown Prosecution Service. But the RSPCA defended its work and said the move was not supported by the government or animal welfare groups. The charity has also heavily committed itself to livestock cases. For example, an appeal for information was issued by the RSPCA after six sheep were attacked by dogs in Berkshire, and a Bedfordshire man has been disqualified from keeping livestock for life after 100 cows were found in distressing conditions, due to the investigations conducted by the RSPCA. David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, told Sky News: "If you hand it over to the CPS - of course they will have other more important high-profile things; murders, rapes, those sorts of things. "You'd expect them to take priority over animal cases - my fear is that animals will go to the bottom of the list." 'Not convinced' RSPCA chief executive Jeremy Cooper rejected the MPs' criticism Committee chair Neil Parish said the RSPCA does important work investigating animal welfare cases. "I would like to see its dedicated and professional staff continue that vital work. The committee is not convinced, however, that the RSPCA is in a better position than the Crown Prosecution Service when it comes to prosecuting animal welfare cases. "It should step back from making prosecutions itself, continuing instead to work closely with the police and prosecution service to protect the welfare of animals." Sir Edward Garnier, a former Conservative Solicitor general, told the Telegraph: "It would be much safer if we have a clean break and put the prosecutions in the hands of the CPS, rather than in the RSPCA. If it requires legislation then the government should introduce the legislation as soon as possible." In Scotland and Northern Ireland, animal welfare groups have the power to investigate cases, but the decision to prosecute lies with the state. Opposing committee members stressed that anyone had a right to bring forward a private prosecution and "to single out the RSPCA as not being able to do this would be invidious, as it has the experience and skills and it furthers its charitable objectives". The RSPCA prosecuted the Heythrop Hunt, former prime minister David Cameron's local hunt, at the end of 2012 with success only coming after huge sums were spent. 'Proud of our 92% success rate' RSPCA chief executive Jeremy Cooper rejected the MPs' criticism: "We are extremely proud of our near 200 years of experience investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and our 92% success rate - which is currently a higher percentage than the CPS. For us the key test will be if the recommendation improves animal welfare and we suspect the answer in this case would probably be no." "Our research shows that 89% of the general public back our prosecutions work and they will be confused why a small number of MPs would suggest stopping the RSPCA carrying out a role which we are very good at and which is paid for by public donations rather than out of taxes. "This recommendation is not supported by the Government, vets, other major animal welfare charities and local authorities, and flies in the face of the majority of evidence put before the committee. We will consider this report carefully while we will continue to prosecute those who starve, beat, stab, burn and abuse animals." Further evidence of pyrethroid resistance in diamond-back moths (DBM) has been uncovered by a new study funded by AHDB Horticulture. Three DBM samples, from Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Scotland, tested by researchers at Rothamsted Research in 2016 were resistant to this class of insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are a special chemical class of active ingredients found in many of the modern insecticides. Rothamsteds Dr Steve Foster, who led the research, said: "Pyrethroids are normally the first choice of insecticides against moth pests but these tests indicate that resistance is present in the UK DBM population over a wide geographical spread." Although a pest of a broad range of brassica, including oilseed rape, control of DBM is particularly important in horticultural crops, as the pest can damage the marketable part of the plant. To give the industry an opportunity to discuss the implications of the findings on future pest management, AHDB Horticulture is planning a workshop in Peterborough on 24 January 2017. About diamond-back moths Diamond-back moth may infest crops throughout the UK and the larvae can cause damage to the foliage of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout, kale, Chinese cabbage, swede, turnip, oilseed rape and radish. Large infestations can cause damage to up to 100% of plants but yield losses will depend on the impact of damage on plant growth and quality. Good control is particularly important where the marketable part of the plant is damaged (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout). Plants with low levels of damage usually survive but this may affect uniformity within the crop. Infestations are sporadic, so control may not be necessary in every crop in every year. Weather that favours migration from continental Europe increases the risk of infestation, as the diamond-back moth does not overwinter in the UK in large numbers at present. The moths are relatively poor flyers but may be transported long distances by the wind. The diamond-back moth is an important pest worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. Over the years, populations in these areas have developed resistance to almost all of the insecticide groups to which they have been exposed repeatedly. Waitrose has issued a letter to its suppliers asking them not to speak to the media or use social media without asking the retailer first. Numerous suppliers have expressed dissatisfaction of the retailer's 'gagging' tactics after receiving a letter of warning which lists 'rules of engagement' suppliers must follow, including not talking to the media without permission. The retailer has been wary of past, and ongoing, criticism of the use of non-British meat in Waitrose's products. For example, the use of the Duchy label to sell meat not of UK origin, and recently, selling British lamb products which actually contain meat from New Zealand. The retailer's antics garnered mainstream attention when the story was broadcast on BBC Watchdog on 9 November. Farmers who supply Waitrose must not acknowledge they supply Waitrose or allow any filming on their farm without advanced permission from those above. Farmers who supply Waitrose, who also write articles in the media are to be checked - they must be approved in advance. Convert 10% of arable land to agroforestry, Woodland Trust says Multiple crews needed to help control the blaze By Diego Flammini Assistant Editor, North American Content Farms.com Fire crews continue to battle a barn fire in Monck, Ontario, near Mount Forest and Grand Valley, that broke out Monday evening. Theyre still working and removing debris, said Wellington North fire chief Dave Guilbault told Farms.com during a phone interview. Theres 640 acres of hay within the building. So obviously a big building thats still burning as we speak and has been since about 6:00 yesterday evening. Firefighters from Wellington North, Dundalk, Grand Valley and Shelburne were called to the scene. Upon arrival, the barn was fully engulfed, forcing firefighters into a defensive approach to save the surrounding buildings. Firefighters continue to battle a barn fire in Monck, Ontario. Photo: Wellington Advertiser/Twitter According to the Confederate, officials on scene said the barn was recently constructed and completely made of steel. In addition to hay, baling equipment and a hay dryer were housed inside. The cause of the fire is still undetermined and until one is known, the fire will be treated as suspicious. All fires are treated as suspicious until I can get the Fire Marshal here and we determine that its not, Guilbault said. Theres been a lot of barn fires in southwestern Ontario. Guilbault said no animals were in the barn when the fire began and no injuries have been reported. Damage is estimated at around $3 million. Since the beginning of 2016, Farms.com has covered nearly 20 fires at farms and barns across Ontario. An Ashburn man will spend 10 years in prison for the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend with whom he was in the midst of a heated custody bat Two 14-year-old boys have been charged in connection with having a gun at Unity Reed High School in Manassas this week. The gun was not brandished toward other students and was not part of an Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits troops at Fort Bragg The commander of Fort Bragg and the 18th Airborne Corps said, "Welcome Home," to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin when he arrived on post Tuesday. Monday marked the beginning of a new phase in Israels fight against overseas graft. For the first time, a charging sheet was filed by the Tel Aviv District Prosecutors office against an Israeli company for violating Israels Bribery of Foreign Public Officials statutes. Nikuv International Projects Ltd. or NIP agreed to plead guilty and pay a fine of 4.5 million NIS (about $1.2 million) and have additional sanctions. It was charged with advancing its business interest in Lesotho by paying bribes of more than $500,000, according to the charge sheet. As part of the plea, NIP and its principals agreed to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in Lesotho, including providing evidence and testimony in local courts. The company also undertook to implement an anti-corruption compliance program and necessary monitoring and audit procedures to assure future compliance. No charges were brought against individuals. This is the first enforcement action under Israels Bribery of Foreign Public Officials statute (Section 291A of the Penal Law 1977). The law was enacted in 2008 as part of Israels ratification of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery. The lack of enforcement had led to criticism from the OECD and anti-corruption NGOs. In response to the OECD Working Group in June 2015, Israel said it was investigating 14 cases of foreign bribery. The NIP case is the first to result in actual charges. Based on Mondays charge sheet, during 2010 through 2012, NIP engaged local agents in Lesotho to help it win a government tender for the development and integration of a population registration, border control, and electronic ID card system. NIP hired a local intermediary, Motsotua Makoa, who had connections to the then Director General of the Ministry of the Interior, Retsilisitsoe Kheti, the charge sheet said. At the beginning of 2012, Kheti agreed to help NIP in return for a bribe through Makoa. NIP transferred over $500,000 to Makoa in four installments under purported consultancy invoices. Most of the money went to Kheti. In addition, NIP gave Kheti a mobile phone worth $2,000. At the beginning of 2012, NIP executed contracts with the government of Lesotho for the systems. The contracts were worth at least $30 million. * * * With Mondays enforcement action and signs more will follow, Israeli companies and other companies doing business in Israel are on notice to establish and implement anti-corruption compliance programs that meet internationally accepted best practices. ___ Chaim Gelfand, pictured above, is a Partner at Shibolet and Co. and head of its Anti-Corruption Compliance Practice one of the first (if not the first) dedicated anti-corruption compliance practices in any of Israels first tier law firms. Gelfand has been dealing with anti-corruption compliance in large multinationals companies for almost a decade. He can be contacted here. Adele was left terrified when a bat attacked a crowd member during her latest show. Adele The 28-year-old star couldn't believe her eyes when one of the webbed mammals dove down and pounced on one of the audience members after she performed 'Don't You Remember' at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, Mexico on Monday (14.11.16). The panicked star shrieked: "Is that a f***ing bat? Oh my God! There's a f***ing bat! It landed right on your head! Welcome to Mexico. It's really good to be here - but a f***ing bat?" Fortunately, Adele - who has four-year-old son Angelo with partner Simon Konecki, 42 - calmed down enough to recount a story of when a bat flew into her house, leaving her equally as terrified. According to The Sun newspaper, she told her fans: "One time a bat got into my house. I was on my own, it was very scary." The star has one more show left on the current leg of her 112-date 'Adele Live 2016' tour in Phoenix in the US on November 21, and she has recently added five more dates in Australia for next year. However, Adele might have to look out for more bats Down Under as they are around 75 species in Australia. In June, it was reported Aussie coastal town Batemans Bay had been taken over by tens of thousands of large bats - 140,000 of the mammals were there in April - robbing locals of their sleep and taking down electricity. The New South Wales town is near Melbourne, where Adele will conclude her tour and final date in Australia. Corey Feldman has got engaged - because he's worried his girlfriend will be deported. Corey Feldman The 45-year-old actor proposed to Courtney Anne last weekend as they celebrated their fourth anniversary in Palm Springs, and admitted he was so nervous about popping the question, he wrote her a simple note instead. He said: "I was of course a bit nervous, as any man will admit, you never truly know what a woman is thinking. So as much as I assumed she would be happy and say 'yes,' there's always that insecure part of my brain that regresses immediately to my childhood and thought maybe not. "So I kinda chickened out and did a written proposal by writing a note with two check boxes, one for yes and the other for no. "Of course there was a ring in there with the note. Luckily she said 'yes!' " The 'Goonies' star admitted the 27-year-old beauty was very surprised by his proposal as they had previously both been "anti-marriage", but he felt it was important to legalise their relationship following the election of Donald Trump, who has vowed to tighten up immigration when he takes the presidential office in January. Corey told People magazine: "She was very surprised, excited and started crying. She was surprised because we had both been so anti-marriage since we met. But seeing as she's Canadian and with Trump coming in, we didn't want to risk being separated by new immigration laws. "We both know that we make a good team, and don't want to be separated for any reason. So this is the best decision to protect our relationship." And the 'Stand By Me' actor - who has 12-year-old son Zen with ex-wife Susie Sprague - will be tying the knot sooner rather than later. He said: "We are planning a small, secret wedding just for family, very soon. "We will likely have a big public wedding for friends and media to attend within a year." But one thing the couple won't be rushing into is having children together. He said: "I have always said I wanna make sure I get it right the first time, and [that] Zen comes out perfectly, well balanced, before I even think about taking on any more responsibility. "Courtney is young and she has a career in modeling and music, she would rather keep her body in good shape for now. "She's getting good practice with Zen. "If we ever were to choose that option it would be much further down the road. Paul McCartney style." Kourtney Kardashian will "never get back together" with Scott Disick. Kourtney Kardashian The 37-year-old TV personality enjoyed a nine-year relationship with her former boyfriend - with whom she shares three children, Mason, six, Penelope, four, and Reign, 23 months - but it seems the brunette beauty is moving on despite Scott's best efforts to get her back during a brief holiday in Mexico. A source said: "Scott has always hoped he could win Kourtney back, and he did set up this trip ... of course he hopes one day she will see the light and come back to him. That's why he went to rehab. He has tried everything, but it's Kourtney who won't go there. I still think it could happen one day, but so far Kourtney has not been willing to go back there." The source even claimed that the 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star is actively dating other people. They added to Us Weekly magazine: "Kourtney is actively dating... She's over Scott, she'll never get back together with him." The pair last split in July 2015 after Scott was spotted getting up close and personal with his ex-girlfriend Chloe Bartoli in France. Previously, it was reported that Kourtney wanted to "make it work" with Scott, as she wanted to have more children in the future and didn't want them to have different fathers. A source said at the time: "Kourtney and Scott have finally gotten to a place where they can both be completely honest about everything. And it is totally obvious to them now that they are meant to be together, so they just have to do whatever it takes to make it work. "Obviously she wants all of her kids to have the same father." Meanwhile, 33-year-old Scott has been doing all he can to win his former flame back with a romantic trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over the weekend. An insider claimed: "Scott set it all up and [it] was a way to try and make things work again with Kourtney. He surprised her and whisked her away on this trip." Tony and Joy are ARUK Champions and Spokespeople for the Santa Forgot Campaign. We spoke to Tony to ask him about being married to Joy who has early onset Alzheimer's and hat advice he has for other couples in the same situation. Relationships on Female First Did you have a good understanding of Alzheimer's before Joy was diagnosed with the early onset? Sadly, both my parents and two uncles had dementia, so I had seen the disease at its worst. Joy spent most of her working life alongside people living with dementia, so we were very aware of the dementia journey. Please tell us how you felt when you found out about Joy's early onset Alzheimer's. My first reaction when we received the diagnosis was relief. We had been trying to get a diagnosis for 6 years, and at last- we had a diagnosis and could start to get support. Joy lives at home with your help, so what help do you have to offer her on a daily basis? My main role is preparing meals, organising medication and helping to plan journeys for Joy's awareness work. Joy is a very independent person and I want to encourage that for as long as possible. Joy has given up work but does a lot in the local community, so can you tell us a bit more about this and how has it helped her? Joy's awareness raising work is one of the main reasons that she is so independent. Keeping active and having to think about talks that she gives is keeping her brain alert and is doing more than any medication could do to help her. Joy started by producing a customer facing staff booklet and visiting nearly 200 local shops to encourage them to be dementia friendly. She was instrumental in setting up the only support group for young onset dementia in the Manchester area. She is now a media ambassador for Alzheimer's Research UK and The Alzheimer's Society. She is a dementia associate for Salford University and recently received an Honorary Doctorate for her work. Her self-doubt and anxiety levels were such that she had to leave work- so how did you cope during this time? It was a very difficult time for us both, but much more difficult for Joy. It was very hard to encourage Joy when we didn't know the cause of Joy's difficulties. I think the worst part was when Joy was not taken seriously. Some of the doctors wouldn't believe that anyone so young could be developing dementia. It wasn't until we moved from Kent to Salford in 2012 that we managed to get the diagnosis that we urgently needed. Joy didn't receive a diagnosis for three years following the tests, so how did it make you feel to not be able to attribute her anxiety and self-doubt to anything specific? We had feelings of frustration and anger during this period. We went through many stages of asking questions but receiving no answers. We almost gave up trying several times. What have been the biggest highs and lows during this process? There have been several highs and lows. Joy's frustration at forgetting names or losing items is very difficult to live with. I can't imagine how she feels sometimes and trying to reassure her is often enough to send her into a depression or rage. The highs have come about due to Joy's passion for helping everyone to understand dementia. Joy has won several awards for her voluntary work including a Points of Light from the Prime Minister and an honorary doctorate from Salford University. She has met and spoken to many famous people, from politicians to actors, and shared her experiences with them. What is a typical day like in your world now? Every day is different. It could involve teaching at the university or sharing with a local group or business. Sometimes we plan a day off, which is great until the phone rings. We are very close to Media City, so are often called upon to talk about dementia. We never turn anyone down if we can possibly help it, because Joy's motto is "While I Can, I Will". What advice do you have for other people who are supporting their partner or spouse with Alzheimer's? Don't try to do it on your own. Join a carers' support group and find/make time for yourself. Today, Wednesday 16 November, Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK), launches Santa Forgot, a disruptive and beautiful animation that imagines a world where the magic of Christmas has been lost because Santa is living with the effects of dementia and no longer visits children across the world on Christmas Eve. The attention-grabbing concept highlights the varied symptoms and social isolation of dementia and raises awareness that the diseases that cause it, most commonly Alzheimer's, strike indiscriminately and really can affect anyone, even Santa. Santa Forgot's central character is a young girl called Freya, who has grown-up in a world where Santa has stopped visiting on Christmas Eve. On learning about Santa's condition, Freya travels to the North Pole. She offers her own support and re-mobilises the redundant elves as researchers, explaining her belief that 'if Santa has a disease, research can find a way to fix it'. Through the depiction of Freya and Santa's elves, ARUK showcases that only with world leading research, new approaches and innovative thinking can the diseases which cause dementia be defeated. Dementia is the world's greatest medical challenge, not only for the individuals affected and their families, but also for society as a whole. Over 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, and the condition has an economic impact in the UK of over 24bn a year, more than cancer and heart disease combined. It is also the leading cause of death amongst women in the UK. Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "Santa Forgot is a poignant and powerful reminder that dementia doesn't discriminate. We have to be provocative about dementia, to help fight misconceptions and fatalism around the condition and to demonstrate that pioneering research holds the answers. Santa is an important cultural figure, but the idea that he too could be affected drives home the point that dementia can strike those most special in our lives." "Dementia is one of our most feared conditions, but misunderstanding persists that it is an inevitable part of ageing. Santa Forgot, like previous campaigns from Alzheimer's Research UK, makes the simple point that physical diseases drive dementia, most commonly Alzheimer's. We have made enormous strides against diseases like cancer and AIDS, and with the right research we can do the same for dementia. Santa Forgot reminds us to believe in the power of research." Stephen Fry, narrator of Santa Forgot, said: "From the moment I was told about Santa Forgot I wanted to lend my support - it is an inspiring and beautiful take on a Christmas tale. I urge people up and down the country to get behind the campaign so we can fuel the fight against dementia and take a step forward to making it history." Liz Ayre an Alzheimer's Research UK Champion: Liz lost her husband Mike to early-onset Alzheimer's in 2013 aged just 51. Their daughter Ciana voices Freya in the animation. Liz said: "Santa Forgot is beautiful, sad and hopeful all at once and stirred so many different emotions when we watched it. The film shows that dementia doesn't discriminate: it affects people from so many different backgrounds from nurses and teachers to world leaders and eloquent writers. "If we're ever going to change how society views, or often ignores, dementia, we have to be a bit confrontational and challenge people's misconceptions. I hope Santa Forgot gives people two minutes to think about the impact of dementia this Christmas, and be inspired by how we can change the future with research. I'm proud that my family has been involved in the campaign, and to hear Ciana bring Freya's voice to life in the animation is a special moment for us and a great tribute to Mike." by Lucy Moore for relationships.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Linda Gray has a crush on all her male co-stars in 'Hollyoaks'. Linda Gray The 'Dallas' beauty has just joined the Channel 4 soap as feisty mother Tabitha Maxwell-Brown and, although she's only just started shooting her scenes, she's already developed a soft spot for the majority male cast and can't resist staring at them when she's meant to be working. Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Linda explained: "All the men on 'Hollyoaks' are just yummy. They're delicious. It was like going to an art gallery. "I could appreciate what was in front of me, but I didn't take it home. I've relaxed into life. This is the best time of my life and I have more fun now." And, although she's settled in already, the 76-year-old actress had no idea what 'Hollyoaks' was when she was dished out the script from producers and had to rely on her British friends to explain. She said: "I love England, I read the script, she's feisty, I love the feisty ones. "I asked all my British friends 'What is 'Hollyoaks'?' and they all said it was a great idea. "I'm 76 and I feel amazing - Maybe better than I did when I was younger. My motto is 'choose wisely' - and I think I've chosen wisely." Linda - known for portraying long-suffering wife Sue Ellen Ewing in 'Dallas' between 1978 and 1989 - announced she had joined 'Hollyoaks' last month and was "thrilled" she had been chose by bosses. She said at the time: "I'm thrilled to be going from one iconic series to another and can't wait to work with the fantastic cast. "'Hollyoaks' viewers are going to love it when Tabby whips up a storm just like Sue Ellen did." Although Linda's appearance in the show will only last a week, bosses have left the door open for a future return. 'Hollyoaks' Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood explained: "When we came to discuss who could possibly play Marnie's [Lysette Anthony] mother the list was very small. "Lysette Anthony has fast become a fabulous soap bitch so having Linda Gray play her mother Tabitha is the perfect fit.We can't wait to have an international TV icon arrive in Chester and become part of the 'Hollyoaks' family." Victoria Fritz went into labour while reading the headlines on 'BBC News'. Victoria Fritz gives birth (c) BBC Breakfast Instagram The brunette beauty was presenting 'BBC Breakfast' on Tuesday morning (15.11.16) when she started to have pains shortly after she read figures about EasyJet airlines. Victoria's co-presenter Sally Nugent, 45, was forced to step in as her birthing partner as the journalist's husband Dan was stuck in a traffic jam on the M6 motorway. The broadcaster gave birth to an adorable baby boy, who is yet to be named, at St. Mary's Hospital in London shortly afterwards and has thanked the midwives and medical staff for delivering her little bundle of joy. She wrote on Twitter: "My heartfelt thanks to @sallynugent & St Mary's drs&midwives who helped me deliver my little boy yesterday. A @BBCBreakfast team effort! (sic)" Victoria's colleague Sally replied saying that she will able to look back on this "incredible" day and laugh about it with her son when he's older. She said: "It's going to make a brilliant story for his 21st birthday! What an incredible day xx (sic)" The 'BBC Breakfast' team later shared a picture of the newborn in his mother's arms in a hospital bed. Alongside the photo, they wrote: "Congratulations @VFritzNews! Victoria should have been our biz presenter today - but instead has some more exciting news to deliver! (sic)" On Wednesday's (16.11.16) morning news, Naga Munchetty - who was recently voted out of 'Strictly Come Dancing' - had to explain why Victoria was absent. She said: "There she was, you know, just presenting very happily, not an issue in the world. And then she decided to have a bit of an event later on." And Naga's co-presenter, Dan Walker added how Sally had to read yesterday's (15.11.16) sport news because of Victoria's husband being stuck on the motorway. He added: "Sally was reading sport yesterday. Because Victoria's partner was stuck on the M6. Sally was the birthing partner." John Lewis, a 100-year-old department store, was ranked first in terms of customer service in the UK by close to 32 per cent of the respondents of a survey conducted by a customer experience management solutions provider in the country . Tesco is also among the leaders in providing the kind of customer service that consumers have grown to expect. About half of the consumers who were surveyed said that they would stop buying a brand's products if it neglected their concerns. Clarabridge conducted the survey to examine customer expectations of brands in the UK. The company interacted with over 1,150 consumers between the ages of 18 and 59 living in the UK. Clarabridge's survey results define the state of the UK market in 2016 and highlight critical customer service improvement points that will dictate the ongoing success of UK brands on a global scale. They underscore the necessity for brands to deliver a superior customer experience in today's digital climate where consumer expectations for timely and effective service are at an all-time high. John Lewis, a 100-year-old department store, was ranked first in terms of customer service in the UK by close to 32 per cent of the respondents of a survey conducted by a customer experience management solutions provider in the country. Tesco is also among the leaders in providing the kind of customer service that consumers have grown to expect.# Consumers in the UK seeks improvements in customer service over social media channels as only a third of problems (33 per cent) that UK residents tweet at brands are resolved, and those that are handled have little sense of urgency. Close to 50 per cent of the problems tweeted at brands take more than 2 hours to be resolved, with only 11 per cent of problems being resolved in less than 10 minutes. As for customer service calls, a mere 5 per cent of customers felt 'completely satisfied' with their call experience and more than half of customers (64 per cent) found their calls to be neutral to 'not at all satisfying'. Call centres are responsible for 53 per cent of customer's biggest frustrations when interacting with brands/companies. Of any industry, UK customers perceived retail stores to have more superior customer service than any other industry (38 per cent). At Clarabridge, we believe in the power of listening to customer feedback across multiple channels to understand the voice of the customer and make changes that drive business success. It is time for all UK brands to embrace social media for customer service. These findings offer new insight into the expectations of British consumers and illuminate multiple opportunities for brands to change the way they interact with them, saving time and money with improved results for everyone involved, said Susan Ganeshan, CMO of Clarabridge. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, organised the Fashion Forward seminar in Bordeaux, France to imagine the future of fashion. Over 110 industry stakeholders including manufacturers, brands and retailers from 21 countries attended the event. The industry players shared perspectives on the future of design, product development and manufacturing and took a closer look at how advanced technologies enable businesses to effectively meet the existing challenges. Market specialists explored a range of pivotal subjects set to impact the fashion and apparel industry. They discussed four fundamental elements in particular - millennials, digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and China. Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, organised the Fashion Forward seminar in Bordeaux, France to imagine the future of fashion. Over 110 industry stakeholders including manufacturers, brands and retailers from 21 countries attended the event.# Demonstrating the power of Industry 4.0, Jami Dunbar, vice president, Lighthouse Apparel, Under Armour presented the new facility that focuses on harnessing change. Dunbar said, The Lighthouse is a first of its kind, state-of-the-art facility that is revolutionising the way all products are made. It is our secret weapon to develop new technology and make products on a smaller scale allowing for improvements to both efficiency and quality. Celine U, head of merchandising at Chinese childrens wear brand Les Enphants, provided context on new challenges that companies are facing in the region. She explained how adopting the Lectra Fashion PLM software is helping the company pursue its goal to expand across Asia. For Matalan, Lectras 3D is making the world a lot smaller; it makes it possible for us to achieve our targets when it comes to faster product development, more accurate and consistent fit, improved cost control, and better collaboration with suppliers, said Zeta Beckett, 3D senior pattern technologist for UK-based retailer Matalan, about the influence of technology on product development. Examining the impact of the millennials on the future fashion industry, Edwin Keh, CEO, The Hong-Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) said, Millennials are new consumers, massively influencing and reshaping the supply chain. How we make things is becoming the central question. The answer has to engage the hearts and minds of this new consumer and reflect their high standards - to be smart and green. In addition, the brand has to bear up to scrutiny. A recurring theme throughout the event was the notion that locking-in the right partnerships, with the right innovations, will enable fashion and apparel companies to turn challenges into opportunities. By anticipating change, and placing customers needs at the heart of its technology, Lectra is committed to continually innovating, helping its customers to succeed in a fast-evolving industry, concluded Celine Choussy Bedouet, chief marketing and communications officer, Lectra. (KD) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India China will offer technical support to help improve standards of jute mills in Bangladesh that produce viscose. A minutes of discussion (MOD) was signed between the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and China Textile Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation for balancing, modernising, rehabilitating and expanding the mills. "China would provide technical support to improve standard of local jute mills and we have signed an MOD to this end, said Mirza Azam, Bangladeshi state minister for textile and jute at the signing ceremony in Dhaka. Bangladesh also aims to improve friendly ties between the two countries with the signing of the MOD, according to Bangladeshi media reports. The country is keen to expand trade with China in the textile and jute sector. (KD) China will offer technical support to help improve standards of jute mills in Bangladesh that produce viscose. A minutes of discussion (MOD) was signed between the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and China Textile Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Cooperation for balancing, modernising, rehabilitating and expanding the mills.# Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Shima Seiki, Japanese flat knitting machine manufacturer, has opened a wholly owned subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in November 2016, to strengthen its sales, service and demonstration capacity for its product line. The establishment of a subsidiary linked directly with Shima Seiki headquarters should provide peace of mind for customers in Vietnam.With its economically advantageous wages and plentiful workforce combined with investments from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea in light of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union going into effect in 2018, Vietnam is seeing a flourish in its textile industry with growing demand for Shima Seiki computerised knitting machines and computerised cutting machines. Shima Seiki, Japanese flat knitting machine manufacturer, has opened a wholly owned subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in November 2016, to strengthen its sales, service and demonstration capacity for its product line. The establishment of a subsidiary linked directly with Shima Seiki headquarters should provide peace of mind for customers in Vietnam.# For its open house event, Shima Seiki will host a private show in its premises, on November 25 and 26, 2016. The company will display SVR122, one of the industry's benchmark for computerised flat knitting machines that features such Shima Seiki innovations as digital stitch control (DSCS) and spring-type moveable sinker system; the compact and economical SSR112 computerised flat knitting machine; P-CAM182 multi-ply computerised cutting machine suited to the automotive industry, and the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system capable of realistic simulation that allows for virtual sampling, minimising the need for costly, time and resource-consuming sample-making.Additional exhibits at the private show include Shima Seiki's new web-based fashion archive service staf, Shima KnitPLM knit product lifecycle management software, as well as knitwear produced on the latest line of computerised knitting machines, including revolutionary seam-free WHOLEGARMENT knitwear that features superior fit, comfort, and draping characteristics. (GK) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India World ending stocks of cotton are forecast to decrease by 7 per cent to 17.8 million tons at the end of 2016-17 as China continues to reduce its stocks. Ending stocks in China, where much of the excess stocks are held, dipped 13 per cent to 11.3 million tons as the government sold over 2 million tons from its reserves from May through September 2016. From 2009-10 to 2014-15, world ending stocks increased by 140 per cent and reached a world record of 22.2 million tons. In 2015-16, the drop in world production led to a 14 per cent reduction in stocks to 19.1 million tons. Meanwhile, the Chinese government restricted import quota to the volume required by its WTO commitments in 2015 and 2016. The government has also announced that it will continue to sell from its reserves next year, beginning March 2017 when the majority of the new crop will have been sold. World ending stocks of cotton are forecast to decrease by 7 per cent to 17.8 million tons at the end of 2016-17 as China continues to reduce its stocks. Ending stocks in China, where much of the excess stocks are held, dipped 13 per cent to 11.3 million tons as the government sold over 2 million tons from its reserves from May through September 2016.# As a result of the government selling from its reserves, cotton stocks in China are expected to decline by 15 per cent to 9.6 million tons by the end of 2016-17. However, stocks outside of China may rise by 4 per cent to 8.2 million tons, after falling by 16 per cent to 7.9 million tons, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) said in a release. The stock-to-use ratio for the world less China is projected at 34 per cent, which is about four months of consumption, and in line with the 10-year average. In 2016-17, world cotton production is projected to increase by 7 per cent to 22.4 million tons as a 9 per cent increase to 753 kg-ha in the world average yield offsets a 2 per cent contraction in world cotton area to 29.7 million hectares. India will remain the world's largest cotton producer, although its production is forecast to remain unchanged from 2015-16 at 5.8 million tons. Output in China is projected to decrease by 4 per cent to 4.6 million tons while production in the US is expected to grow by 24 per cent to 3.5 million tons. After a 34 per cent drop in production due to adverse weather, competition with other crops, low prices and an outbreak of pink bollworm, Pakistan's cotton production is expected to recover by 24 per cent to 1.9 million tons in 2016-17. After facing lower inventories in 2016 due to strong export demand, cotton production is forecast to increase by 8 per cent to 1.4 million tons in Brazil. In 2016-17, world cotton consumption is projected to remain unchanged at 23.8 million tons, despite the widening gap between polyester prices and international cotton prices. Mill use is expected to rise in three of the top ten consuming countries Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the United States, where consumption is forecast to increase by 12 per cent to 1.2 million tons, 13 per cent to 1.1 million tons and 1 per cent to 762,000 tons, respectively. This will offset losses in China, Turkey and Brazil, where mill use is projected to decrease by 2 per cent to 7.2 million tons, 3 per cent to 1.45 million tons, and 12 per cent to 645,000 tons, respectively. (RKS) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India HON. PM VOREQE BAINIMARAMAS STATEMENT TO THE MEDIA DURING COP 22 ABOUT THE UN CONFERENCE ON OCEANS November 2016: MOROCCO Excellencies, Members of the media,The health of the worlds oceans and seas is an issue of the greatest importance to humanity. So Im delighted to be here with the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of the UN General Assembly to give you all a briefing on the UN Conference on Oceans in New York next June.As many of you already know, Fiji and Sweden are co-hosting this gathering of the nations of the world to address the issues of pollution and overfishing. And as a Pacific Small Island Developing State whose coastal communities are totally dependent on our marine resources, Fiji is proud to be at the forefront of this effort.We intend to work as hard as we can over the coming months to bring the worlds attention to the urgent need to reverse the degradation of our oceans and seas. And I know that the Swedish Government shares our determination to place this issue at the top of the global agenda.For a maritime nation like Fiji, confronting the threat to the health of our seas is just as important as confronting the threat of extreme weather events and rising sea levels. And I hope that the New York conference next June is viewed with the same importance by other nations as our joint deliberations on climate change.Before the three of us take your questions, can I thank the Swedish Deputy Prime Minister (Isabella Lovin) for her own Governments commitment to championing this cause. And, of course, in pressing our case, Fiji has been very fortunate that our Permanent Representative to the UN (Peter Thomson) is the current President of the UN General Assembly.As you know, he has made the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 14 on the oceans and seas the key priority of his presidency. And there is no doubt about our commitment to seeing this process through.As a former naval commander, I have a particular personal interest in the health of our oceans and seas. I have been unfortunate enough to witness, at first hand, the decline in the health of the seas around Fiji over the years. Whereas we once had waters teeming with fish, there is now clear evidence of overfishing, with all that entails for the welfare and prosperity of our coastal communities. Because, of course, not only do we rely on fish for food but it is also a major source of income for our people.Ive also seen the gradual worsening over time of water quality our seas increasingly polluted by plastic bottles and containers and other refuse. Much of this is carried to us by the ocean currents from the nations of the Pacific Rim. And we must all work in a concerted manner to persuade the nations of the world to stop dumping their rubbish in the Pacific and other oceans and seas.Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be in New York next June as one of the Conference Co-Presidents. So I want to use this opportunity to urge my fellow leaders from around the world to join us. And to urge you the men and women of the media to highlight the importance of this conference for everyone on the planet, no matter where they live.We must act now to save our oceans and seas. Not only for ourselves but for the sake of the generations to come.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. HON PM VOREQE BAINIMARAMA NATIONAL STATEMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE (COP-22) - 2016 Mr Chairman/ Madam Chair,Your Excellencies, Heads of State and fellow Heads of Government,Distinguished delegates,We have made a strong start with the Paris Agreement and we especially welcome the rapid entry into force of that agreement, which Fiji led by becoming the first nation in the world to lodge its ratification instruments. But fellow leaders and delegates - it is not enough. Not nearly enough. And I urge the global community to go even further than the Paris commitment to keep global temperatures well below two degrees Celsius above the temperature of the world in the pre-industrial age.The Pacific nations under the Suva Declaration are pressing for a fresh cap of 1.5 degrees Celsius. And it is becoming increasingly clear from recent scientific evidence that even that may be too high. And that even deeper cuts in carbon emissions are needed to avert catastrophe.I want to make a special appeal to the President-Elect of the United States, Donald Trump, for a personal change of heart and a public change of policy on the issue of climate change.Sir, you have said that you do not believe that climate change is man-made and you intend, as president, to cut off Americas contribution to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. I am especially alarmed by reports that you intend to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, which would be disastrous for every person on earth.I appeal to you to show the leadership that the rest of the world expects the United States to take on this issue. Please take another look at the overwhelming scientific consensus on the man-made effects of global warming. Please come as a matter of urgency to see for yourself the devastating impact that rising sea levels and extreme weather events are already having on our people and our way of life.President-Elect Trump, I formally invite you to Fiji and promise you the warmest of welcomes. We will show you how we are already having to move entire communities out of the way of the rising seas. And you can meet the families of the 44 Fijians who were killed last February by the biggest tropical cyclone ever to make landfall in the southern hemisphere.I repeat: The world looks to America for leadership as we work together to confront this challenge to our survival and the wellbeing of our planet. President-Elect Trump, I appeal to you for humanitys sake to show that leadership and to join our common cause.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. Regulatory News: United Company RUSAL Plc (Paris:RUSAL) (Paris:RUAL): Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement. UNITED COMPANY RUSAL PLC (Incorporated under the laws of Jersey with limited liability) (Stock Code: 486) CONTINUING CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS SALE OF RAW MATERIALS The Company announces that, on 15 November 2016, UC RUSAL TH, a member of the Group, as seller, entered into the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement with Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM - Novosibirsk Electrode Plant", an associate of Mr. Blavatnik, as buyer. ADDENDUM TO GREEN PETROLEUM COKE SALE AGREEMENT The Company announces that on 15 November 2016, a member of the Group, as seller, entered into an addendum to the green petroleum coke sale agreement with an associate of Mr. Blavatnik, as buyer, with major terms set out below (the "Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement Date of addendum Seller (member of the Group) Buyer (associate of Mr. Blavatnik) Raw materials to be supplied Estimated delivery volume for the year ending 31 December 2017 Estimated consideration payable for the year ending 31 December 2017 excluding AT (USD) Scheduled termination date Payment terms 1 15 November 2016, which is an addendum to the contract dated 1 April 2016 which was de minimis UC RUSAL TH Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM - Novosibirsk Electrode Plant" Green petroleum coke 93,310 tons (+/-10%) 10,686,712 (Note 1) 31 December 2017 Payment will be made upon delivery within 25 calendar days from the date of receipt of invoice of goods shipped Total estimated consideration payable for the year 10,686,712 Note: 1. The contract price is agreed between the parties and based on per unit price up to USD104.12/ton. The consideration under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement is to be paid in cash via bank transfer. THE ANNUAL AGGREGATE TRANSACTION AMOUNT Based on the terms of the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement, the annual aggregate transaction amount that is payable by the associate of Mr. Blavatnik to the Group is up to approximately USD10.687 million for the year ending 31 December 2017. The annual aggregate transaction amount is the maximum amount of consideration payable under the terms of the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement based on the delivery volume for the year ending 31 December 2017 estimated by the Directors and the demand from the buyer. The consideration payable under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement is calculated by multiplying the unit price per ton by the volume of supply. The unit price is set out in the note to the table above. The consideration payable under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement has been arrived at after arm's length negotiation by reference to market price and on terms no less favourable than those prevailing in the Russian market for green petroleum coke of the same type and quality and those offered by members of the Group to independent third parties. REASONS FOR AND BENEFITS OF THE TRANSACTIONS The Directors consider that the transactions contemplated under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement are for the benefit of the Company. The green petroleum coke to be sold by the Company under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement will be used by Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant" to produce the calcined petroleum coke, which will be sold by Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant" to the Group. Therefore the entering into the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement would enable the Group to obtain raw materials of the necessary quality for production. The Directors (including the independent non-executive Directors) consider that the transactions contemplated under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement was entered into on normal commercial terms which are fair and reasonable and the transactions contemplated are in the ordinary and usual course of business of the Group and in the interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. None of the Directors have a material interest in the transactions contemplated under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement, save for Mr. Blavatnik, a former non-executive Director who is indirectly interested in more than 30% in Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant". LISTING RULES IMPLICATIONS Mr. Blavatnik, a former non-executive Director, indirectly holds more than 30% of the issued share capital of Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant". Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant" is therefore a connected person of the Company under the Listing Rules. Accordingly, the transactions contemplated under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement constitute continuing connected transactions of the Company. The estimated annual aggregate transaction amount of the continuing connected transactions under the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement for the financial year ending 31 December 2017 is more than 0.1% but less than 5% under the applicable percentage ratios. Accordingly, pursuant to Rule 14A.76 of the Listing Rules, the transactions contemplated under this addendum is only subject to the announcement requirements set out in Rules 14A.35 and 14A.68, the annual review requirements set out in Rules 14A.49, 14A.55 to 14A.59, 14A.71 and 14A.72 and the requirements set out in Rules 14A.34 and 14A.50 to 14A.54 of the Listing Rules. These transactions are exempt from the circular and shareholders' approval requirements under Chapter 14A of the Listing Rules. Details of the Addendum to Green Petroleum Coke Sale Agreement will be included in the relevant annual report and accounts of the Company in accordance with Rule 14A.71 of the Listing Rules where appropriate. PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES The Company is principally engaged in the production and sale of aluminium, including alloys and value-added products, and alumina. Closed Joint Stock Company "ENERGOPROM Novosibirsk Electrode Plant" is principally engaged in the production of graphite electrodes, carbon electrodes, cathode blocks, calcined petroleum coke and electrode paste. DEFINITIONS In this announcement, the following expressions have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires: "associate(s)" has the same meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules. "Board" the board of Directors. "Company" United Company RUSAL Plc, a limited liability company incorporated in Jersey, the shares of which are listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange. "connected person(s)" has the same meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules. "continuing connected transactions" has the same meaning ascribed thereto under the Listing Rules. "Director(s)" the director(s) of the Company. "Group" the Company and its subsidiaries. "Listing Rules" the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange. "Mr. Blavatnik" Mr. Len Blavatnik, a former non-executive Director. "percentage ratios" the percentage ratios under Rule 14.07 of the Listing Rules. "Stock Exchange" The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. "USD" United States dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America. "VAT" value added tax. By Order of the Board of Directors of United Company RUSAL Plc Aby Wong Po Ying Company Secretary As at the date of this announcement, the executive Directors are Mr. Oleg Deripaska, Mr. Vladislav Soloviev and Mr. Siegfried Wolf, the non-executive Directors are Mr. Maxim Sokov, Mr. Dmitry Afanasiev, Mr. Ivan Glasenberg, Mr. Maksim Goldman, Ms. Gulzhan Moldazhanova, Mr. Daniel Lesin Wolfe, Ms. Olga Mashkovskaya, and Ms. Ekaterina Nikitina, and the independent non-executive Directors are Mr. Matthias Warnig (Chairman), Mr. Philip Lader, Dr. Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Mr. Mark Garber, Mr. Dmitry Vasiliev and Mr. Bernard Zonneveld. All announcements and press releases published by the Company are available on its website under the links http://www.rusal.ru/en/investors/info.aspxhttp://rusal.ru/investors/info/moex/ and http://www.rusal.ru/en/press-center/press-releases.aspx, respectively. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006196/en/ Contacts: United Company RUSAL Plc SAN FRANCISCO (dpa-AFX) - Apparel retailer Gap Inc. (GPS) said it has appointed Teri List-Stoll as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective January 17, 2017. She will report to Gap chief executive officer Art Peck and will serve on the company's senior leadership team. List-Stoll will succeed Sabrina Simmons, whose departure was previously announced on November 2, 2016 and will have oversight of the company's global finance function, as well as loss prevention and corporate administration divisions. Once List-Stoll joins Gap in mid-January, Simmons will shift into an advisory role through the end of the company's fiscal year. Most recently, List-Stoll held the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer for Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc (DKS). Previously, she served in senior finance roles, including chief financial officer for Kraft Foods Group, Inc. List-Stoll spent almost two decades growing her career at Procter & Gamble Co. (PG), where she ultimately served as senior vice president and treasurer. She began her career at Deloitte & Touche LLP. 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. CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/15/16 -- Pengrowth Energy Corporation (TSX: PGF)(NYSE: PGH) ("Pengrowth" or the "Company") announces the calling of a meeting of the holders (the "Debentureholders") of its 6.25% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due March 31, 2017 ("the Debentures") to amend certain terms of the outstanding Debentures. Pengrowth has been focused on improving its balance sheet and has taken steps to bolster its cash position in 2016 in anticipation of the forthcoming debt maturities in the first seven months of 2017. Following the monetization of its 2018 and 2019 commodity risk management contracts, the Company exited the third quarter with $139.5 million of cash on the balance sheet. Subsequent to the end of the quarter and through the monetization of its foreign exchange hedges and significantly all of its 2017 commodity risk management contracts, Pengrowth's cash balance increased to approximately $225 million as at November 15, 2016. Following these transactions, in addition to its 2016 hedges as set out in its third quarter financial results, the Company has 8,000 barrels per day of expected 2017 crude oil production hedged at a Canadian dollar equivalent price of $61.51 per barrel and no natural gas contracts in place. The Company also re-entered into foreign exchange contracts on a significant portion of the principal amount of U.S. dollar denominated term notes at an average fixed exchange rate of Cdn/USD $0.748. The monetization efforts have resulted in the Company having a substantial cash position, providing Pengrowth with additional financial flexibility for its debt reduction efforts. With the Company having already repaid all drawings under its revolving credit facility and in keeping with its debt reduction objective, at this time, Pengrowth feels its best course of action is to use the cash on hand for the early retirement of approximately $127 million of outstanding Debentures. Should the amendments be approved by Debentureholders and the Company proceed with the early redemption, the Company's balance sheet strength is expected to improve by reducing its overall debt position. Following the redemption, the Company expects to exit the year with approximately $100 million of cash on hand. Indenture Amendments If approved, the amendments would permit Pengrowth, at its option, to redeem all of the outstanding Debentures for cash consideration of $1,031.16 for each $1,000 Debenture (the "Amendments"). This is equivalent to par plus interest to March 30, 2017. If the proposed Amendments are approved, it is expected that the Company will redeem the Debentures on December 30, 2016. Meeting to Approve Indenture Amendments The meeting of Debentureholders will be held at 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on Thursday, December 22, 2016. The record date for determining the Debentureholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting will be November 17, 2016. At the meeting, Debentureholders will be asked to approve the Amendments by an extraordinary resolution authorizing Pengrowth and the trustee of the Debentures to amend the terms of the outstanding Debentures. For the Amendment to be approved, holders of not less than 25% of the principal amount of the Debentures outstanding must be represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, and the extraordinary resolution must be passed by Debentureholders' votes representing no less than 66 2/3% of the principal amount of the Debentures represented at the meeting. A proxy form and a management information circular will be mailed to Debentureholders in connection with the meeting. Pengrowth's board of directors has unanimously concluded that the proposed Amendments are in the best interests of the Company and recommends that Debentureholders vote FOR the proposed Amendments. How to Vote Pengrowth Debentureholders with questions or need help voting are encouraged to contact the proxy solicitation and information agent Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1487 toll-free within North America, or 1-416-867-2272 (for collect calls outside North America), or e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com. To vote for the Amendments please complete the applicable proxy form to be provided by your broker or other intermediary no later than 9:00 a.m. (Calgary time) on December 20, 2016. About Pengrowth: Pengrowth Energy Corporation is an intermediate Canadian producer of oil and natural gas, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Pengrowth's assets include the Lindbergh thermal oil, Cardium light oil, Swan Hills light oil and the Groundbirch and Bernadet Montney gas projects. Pengrowth's shares trade on both the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PGF" and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PGH". PENGROWTH ENERGY CORPORATION Derek Evans, President and Chief Executive Officer For further information about Pengrowth, please visit our website www.pengrowth.com or contact: Investor Relations, E-mail: investorrelations@pengrowth.com. Advisory on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning, but not limited to: the Company's plans in respect of the Amendments to the Debentures; the timing for the redemption of the Debentures; and hedging in place for 2017 production and the weighting thereof between crude oil and natural gas; and the positive effect of the Debenture redemption on the Company's financial position. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievement since such expectations are inherently subject to significant business, economic, operational, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. As a consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Pengrowth's control, and many factors could cause Pengrowth's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by the Company, including, but not limited to: changes to the meeting, including anticipated dates; the benefits of the Amendments to the Debentures; the impact of the Amendments to the Debentures on the Company's stakeholders and on the Company and its financial position, liquidity and outlook; ability to obtain approval of the Amendments to the Debentures by extraordinary resolution; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the reports and filings made with securities regulatory authorities by the Company. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions made by Pengrowth in light of its experience and perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, including, but are not limited to: that the Company will successfully negotiate agreements; receipt of required regulatory approvals; the Company's ability to obtain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the regulatory framework governing royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which the Company conducts and will conduct its business; future capital expenditures to be made by the Company; geological and engineering estimates in respect of the Company's reserves and resources; the geography of the areas in which the Company is conducting exploration and development activities; conditions in general economic and financial markets; current commodity prices and royalty regimes; availability of skilled labour; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future operating costs; uninterrupted access to areas of Pengrowth's operations and infrastructure; that Pengrowth will have sufficient cash flow, debt or equity sources or other financial resources required to fund its capital and operating expenditures and requirements as needed; that Pengrowth will have the financial ability to redeem the Debentures; that Debentureholders will approve the Amendments; that Pengrowth will have the ability to develop its oil and gas properties in the manner currently contemplated; current or, where applicable, proposed industry conditions, laws and regulations will continue in effect or as anticipated; that the estimates of Pengrowth's reserves and resource volumes and the assumptions related thereto (including commodity prices and development costs) are accurate in all material respects; and other matters. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Pengrowth 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. Contacts: Pengrowth Wassem Khalil Manager, Investor Relations (403) 233-0224 or Toll free 1-855-336-8814 Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/ TOKYO, Nov 16, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - SUSE and Fujitsu today announced they are strengthening their strategic alliance to commit resources, from development to marketing and sales, within the open source community to hybrid cloud products, mission-critical support and future container technologies.The hybrid cloud products will enable customers to have access to a wider variety of open source-based technologies that enable efficient transfer of workloads between the public and private cloud. The mission-critical support will optimize operational and maintenance costs for customer systems. Future container technology development will increase availability and stability in customer environments. In addition, future combinations of jointly developed technologies will work to give customers swift access to open source technology that both companies are rapidly developing."This further strengthened collaboration with SUSE is a logical extension of our productive relationship for more than a decade and follows our mutual commitment to smoothly and swiftly support customers with open source systems," said Yoshiya Etou, Vice President, Linux Development Division, Platform Software BU, Fujitsu. "We put to use the technology and track record we have cultivated over the years to support customers' mission-critical systems, utilizing the latest open source technologies which are delivered to our customers through collaboration with the open source community."Philip Cockrell, SUSE Vice President of Global Alliances, said, "This is a very exciting development for both SUSE and Fujitsu. We have worked together for many years, and what we're announcing today takes our relationship to a truly strategic and global partnership around mission-critical and hybrid cloud solutions that will solve business issues for our customers."Related links:For up-to-date information about SUSE's strategic alliance with Fujitsu, visit www.suse.com/fujitsu.About SUSESUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, interoperable Linux, cloud infrastructure and storage solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 20 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed - today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.suse.com.About Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company, offering a full range of technology products, solutions, and services. Approximately 159,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702; ADR:FJTSY) reported consolidated revenues of 4.7 trillion yen (US$41 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. For more information, please see http://www.fujitsu.com.* Please see this press release, with images, at:http://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/Source: Fujitsu LtdContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Microwave provider extends into Asia at the lowest known latency. TOKYO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- McKay Brothers International (MBI) is now live with its first Asia route, offering private bandwidth at the lowest known latency between Tokyo and Singapore. The route between the @Tokyo (CC2) and SGX data centers delivers data less than 63 milliseconds round trip. MBI will also offer Asia-sourced market data on its Quincy Extreme Data (QED) service utilizing its hybrid microwave and fiber path. "We are thrilled to offer Asia traders and risk managers a level playing field for the best latency between Tokyo and Singapore," says MBI managing director Francois Tyc. "We will expand with other Asia routes in the near future." Representatives of McKay Brothers will be attending the FIA Asia Derivatives conference in Singapore on December 6-8, 2016. Meeting requests can be made at contact@mckay-brothers.com . McKay Brothers debuted its first US microwave route in 2012, offering the lowest known latency between Chicago and New Jersey. MBI opened its first European routes between London and Frankfurt in 2014, also at the lowest known latency. The QED market data service utilizes both those networks to distribute US and Europe-sourced market data. A hallmark of the company's services is that the best latency is offered to each subscriber. "Our commitment to an equal latency for all subscribers is a core principle of McKay," added Tyc. "We believe that markets are stronger and fairer when the best latency is available to all participants." McKay Brothers' private bandwidth service offers private microwave bandwidth between Illinois and New Jersey as well as the UK and continental Europe. The company also offers millimeter wave service between key data centers within Illinois, New Jersey and the London metro area. The QED service distributes select data from eleven exchanges in the US and Europe and has more in development. The company's eighteen points of presence are located at major trading hubs in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, and Singapore. About McKay Brothers International, SA McKay Brothers International, SA is a proven provider of extremely low latency private wireless bandwidth and microwave market data. The Quincy Extreme Data service is an integrated and normalized feed of select market data sourced from financial exchanges globally and is offered in exchange colocation centers around the world. MBI services in Japan are offered through its affiliate, Josada Telecommunications. Regulatory News: Total (Paris:FP) (LSE:TTA) (NYSE:TOT) and Corbion are joining forces to develop bioplastics by creating a 50/50 joint venture to produce and market polylactic (PLA) polymers. The two partners plan to build a world-class PLA polymerization plant with a capacity of 75,000 tons per year at Corbion's site in Thailand that already has a lactide (PLA monomer) production unit that will become part of the joint venture. Corbion will supply the lactic acid necessary for the production of the PLA and the lactide. The new company will be based in the Netherlands and will launch operations in the 1st quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals. "I'm very pleased with this joint venture, which aims to become a major player in the growing bioplastics market. This investment is consistent with our One Total ambition of expanding in biofuels and bioplastics, in addition to our more traditional oil- and gas-based products," commented Bernard Pinatel, President of Total Refining Chemicals. "Corbion's unique position in the lactic acid and biopolymers value chain makes it a natural choice for Total. The joint venture will allow us to supply an innovative material that is 100% renewable and biodegradable and that responds to sustainability concerns." Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, stated: "PLA is one of the first renewable, biodegradable polymers able to compete with existing polymers. The joint venture, which will combine Total's technical and marketing knowledge and leading position in polymers with Corbion's expertise in lactic acid and biopolymers, will enable us to supply innovative products and will accelerate market acceptance." PLA is a biobased, biodegradable polymer obtained by fermenting renewable resources (sugar or starch) to produce lactic acid. PLA is mainly used for food packaging, disposable tableware and textiles, as well as in numerous other industries such as oil and gas, electronics, automotive and 3D printing. PLA is a fast-growing polymer market segment, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10 to 15% to 2025. About Total Total is a global integrated energy producer and provider, a leading international oil and gas company, and the world's second-ranked solar energy operator with SunPower. Our 96,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, more innovative and accessible to as many people as possible. As a responsible corporate citizen, we focus on ensuring that our operations in more than 130 countries worldwide consistently deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. total.com About Corbion Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals and vitamins. The company delivers high performance biobased products made from renewable resources and applied in global markets such as bakery, meat, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, home and personal care, packaging, automotive, coatings and adhesives. Its products have a differentiating functionality in all kinds of consumer products worldwide. In 2015, Corbion generated annual sales of 918.3 million and had a workforce of 1,673 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. corbion.com This press release contains inside information for Corbion within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006889/en/ Contacts: TOTAL Media Relations: +33 (0) 1 47 44 46 99 presse@total.com or Investor Relations Mike Sangster, Nicolas Fumex, Kim Housego, Romain Richemont, 44 (0)207 719 7962 Robert Hammond (U.S), 1 713 483 5070 or CORBION Director Investor Relations Jeroen van Harten +31 (0)20 590 6293 +31 (0)6 21 577 086 or Director Corporate Communications Karin Roeleveld +31 (0)20 590 6324 +31 (0)650 576 912 Andy Ahn Head of Marketing, Suprema Inc. Email: andyahn@suprema.co.kr SEOUL, KOREA, Feb 22, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Suprema, a global leader in biometrics and ID solutions, has announced the availability of BioSign 2.0, a game-changing mobile fingerprint authentication solution featuring the world's fastest matching speed. Suprema will be showcasing BioSign 2.0 at Mobile World Congress 2017, Feb 27 - Mar 3 in Barcelona.Using advanced AI technology, BioSign 2.0 yields matching speeds up to 2x the fastest speeds available, while far outpacing others in terms of accuracy (FRR) and security (FAR). Moreover, the new BioSign 2.0 offers enhanced robustness and accuracy over time, and extra flexibility in integration by supporting various types and sizes of sensor.BioSign 2.0 is designed to deliver best performance with low-end application processors (APs) as well, providing for low-cost smartphones and other mobile devices to adopt fingerprint authentication solutions. BioSign 2.0 performs matching speeds of 50ms with high-end APs and 100ms with low-end APs, while maintaining security levels (FAR) under 0.0005%.While current technology often results in poorer performance over time, BioSign 2.0 actually gets 'smarter'. Powered by a 'self-learning' mechanism in its algorithm, BioSign 2.0 'learns' continuously about changes in a user's scanning habits and skin conditions, and self-evolves to accomodate such change, with even better accuracy over time.BioSign 2.0 allows extra flexibility in design, providing for an extensive range of sensors in terms of form factor and type. From the world's smallest fingerprint sensor at only 13 mm2, BioSign 2.0 integrates most form factors and sensor types including capacitive, optical and under-glass."Fingerprint authentication has become an essential feature of today's smartphone. It's a 'must' on all premium models, and is increasing in mid- to low-range models. By providing super-fast matching with low-end performance, BioSign 2.0 is set to change the game, and lead to widespread support in the mid-range smartphone market. BioSign provides the most economical and effective method of fingerprint authentication," said Brian Song, CEO at Suprema.Suprema launched BioSign 1.0 at MWC 2016. BioSign 1.0 drew attention from a number of major smartphone manufacturers, and will be embedded on production models this year. At MWC 2017, Suprema will introduce BioSign 2.0 - as a game-changer in accelerating widespread fingerprint authentication on mid-range smartphones.To experience the latest Suprema BioSign 2.0, please visit Suprema (#1A02) at Mobile World Congress 2017 or visit us at www.supremainc.com.About Suprema Inc.Suprema is a global leader in biometrics and security technology. With world renowned biometric algorithms, Suprema designs and develops industry leading products and solutions. Suprema's extensive portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema (KQ:094840) has a global sales network (130+ countries) and is an 'a&s Security 50' company. For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.Source: Suprema Inc.Contact:Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Prudential plc (PRU.L), the UK-based financial services group, Wednesday said that its new business profit totaled 1.970 billion pounds for the first nine months, with APE sales of 4.55 billion pounds. The new business trends experienced in the first half of the year have continued in the third quarter of 2016, driven by Asia and selective participation in the US and the UK. In its business trading update, the company said it continues to benefit from the favourable structural opportunities in its key markets and its well established leadership positions. In Asia, nine-month life APE sales increased 25 percent, driven by continued focus on regular premium sales, which were up 18 percent. New business profit was 34 percent higher, reflecting volume growth and specific management actions to drive value. In asset management, Eastspring's total funds under management were 115.3 billion pounds at 30 September 2016, compared to 89.1 billion pounds at the start of the year. Jackson continues to experience overall positive separate account net flows, totaling $4.6 billion for the first nine months despite variable annuity new premium levels 28 percent lower, the company said. The UK life business' new business profit from retail sales was 41 percent higher, with APE sales increasing by 65 percent. As a result, PruFund assets under management rose 38 percent to 22.8 billion pounds. The company also announced that its Board will maintain its focus on delivering a growing ordinary dividend. In line with this policy, Prudential aims to grow the ordinary dividend by 5 per cent per annum. Mike Wells, Group Chief Executive, stated that the firm will provide detailed updates on the operational progress of each businesses and the sustainable profitable growth prospects of the Group in today's Investor Conference. The company on November 20 announced its agreement to sell Korean life business to Mirae Asset Life Insurance Co., Ltd. for about 119 million pounds. The proposed sale is consistent with Prudential's strategy of allocating its capital to markets where it is well positioned to generate attractive long-term returns for its shareholders. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Bouygues (BOUYY.PK) reported that its net profit attributable to the Group for the first nine months of 2016 grew 3% to 345 million euros from 334 million euros last year. Net profit attributable to the Group in the first nine months of 2015 notably included the impact of the sale of thestake in the A28 motorway concession company. Excluding exceptional items (non-current charges and disposals), net profit attributable to the Group improved by 29% to 412 million euros. Current operating profit rose 20% to 714 million euros. Operating profit increased16% to 570 million euros. This included 144 million euros of non-current charges, essentially related toTF1 and Colas. Non-current charges in the firs t nine months of 2015 were 106 million euros. Sales for the period declined 3 percent to 23.11 billion euros from the prior year Bouygues Telecom confirmed its return to long-term sales and earnings growth,and maintains its EBITDA margin target of 25% for 2017 with a plan to save at least 400 million in 2016 versus end-2013. Net capital expenditure is expected to reach around 800 million in 2016. The Group's operating profit in 2016 will be affected bynon-current charges of around 270 million euros, including the roll-out of network sharing withthe SFR group and adaptation plans in the business segments, before taking into consideration non-current income related tothe sale of towers byBouygues Telecom. 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. TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - NTT Communications Corp., the ICT solutions and international communications business within Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT), announced Wednesday the launch of new submarine cable-laying vessel 'Kizuna' in Japan. Kizuna will be owned by NTT FINANCE CORP. and leased to NTT World Engineering Marine Corp. or NTTWEM when required. NTTWEM's parent company NTT Com and other telecommunication companies and service providers will utilize Kizuna and three other vessels operated by NTTWEM to lay and maintain submarine cables used for delivering network and cloud services. Construction of the 8,500 ton ship will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2016. The ship measures 109 meters in length and 20 meters in width, and which will have a planned average cruising speed of 13 knots and a capacity of up to 60 crew. NTT Com said it plans to deploy the new ship Kizuna predominantly for cable laying in Japanese waters, with the existing Subaru being used mostly overseas, with both vessels offering fast and competitive undersea cable laying and maintenance. The name of the new vessel was chosen following an internal poll of NTT Com Group employees. The Japanese word 'kizuna' signifies the connection between people and between people and things. 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. NastyDress mobile app, which promises to make online shopping a breeze for the existing and future buyers, is now in the testing phase. SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NastyDress is a developing e-commerce brand that strives to bring the latest designs to its patrons at regular intervals. The e-commerce store works day and night in outlining and finding the most recent styles for its clients. Recently, NastyDress owners released a statement, revealing that their mobile app is under development and will soon be rolled out in the online app marketplace. The app is in the final testing phase. NastyDress offers more affordable options in apparel and accessories categories than many of their competitors. Since most of their online traffic comes from mobile shoppers, the company decided to roll out an app that would bring a lot of convenience to their buyers. "In this day and age, the importance of mobile apps in the e-commerce landscape cannot be underestimated. Although our mobile commerce app was all set for release, our testing engineers found a few bugs that need to be fixed. We can say that the app is in the final stage of development and we are just testing it on different platforms. Soon, the app will be ready for rollout and we will announce the grand launch very soon," assured Sara Lau, a top marketing executive of NastyDress. According to Sara, the working Beta version of their mobile shopping app is available now and the full version will be released on November 17th this year. The application is the third in line, as their sister sites, DressLily and Rosewholesale already released their apps on November 8th this year. Twinkledeals, another sister site which sells apparels, accessories and jewelery, launched their app back in September. "Mobile commerce is growing rapidly, as more than 50% of online shopping done this year was through mobile phones and tablets. At NastyDress, we completely understand this and we have worked closely with DressLily developers. The DressLily app has more than 80% positive ratings on Apple's App Store and that inspires us. Customers who would be using our app can get high discounts and special offers," Sara hinted. Related links: NastyDress on Google Play Rosewholesale on iTunes Twinkledeals on iTunes Regulatory News: The Skanska (STO:SKAB) Senior Executive Team will make several changes to, among other things, further take advantage of the international experience and competence within Skanska. Roman Wieczorek, today responsible for our construction units in Central Europe, will leave Skanska as he has decided to end his professional career. Roman has worked for Skanska for 18 years, the last seven years as a member of the Senior Executive Team. "I know I speak for many all over Skanska when I extend a warm thank you to Roman Wieczorek for his time in the organization. He is highly respected and appreciated as a leader with strong values and has moreover been instrumental in building up a sound foundation for the Construction business in Central Europe", says Johan Karlstrom, CEO and President, Skanska AB. Other changes in the Senior Executive Team: Mats Williamson takes on the responsibility for Skanska Poland, Skanska Czech Republic and Slovakia. Anders Danielsson takes on Skanska Infrastructure Development and Skanska UK. Pierre Olofsson, previously Business Unit President for Skanska Sweden takes on the position as Senior Executive Team member with responsibility for Skanska Sweden, Skanska Norway and Skanska Finland. "I want to welcome Pierre as a Senior Executive Team member. He has during his five years as Business Unit President successfully led the profitable Skanska Sweden operations. Not only delivering a steady profit but has also developed our work in important Sustainability areas such as Ethics, Safety and Diversity and Inclusion positioning Skanska as building for a better society", says Johan Karlstrom. Gunnar Hagman, present Business Development Director and management team member, Skanska Sweden, succeeds Pierre Olofsson as Business Unit President. "I feel confident with Gunnar Hagman taking over the responsibility for Skanska Sweden. Gunnar has extensive experience from many positions in Building, Civil and Project Development and has been responsible for many large complex projects. He has strong values and a dedicated customer focus", says Johan Karlstrom. All changes will be effective as of December 1, 2016. This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com The information provided herein is such as Skanska AB is obligated to disclose pursuant to the EU market securities act (EU) no. 596/2014. Skanska is one of the world's leading construction and project development companies, focused on selected home markets in the Nordic region, other European countries and North America. Supported by global trends in urbanization and demographics, and by being at the forefront in sustainability, Skanska offers competitive solutions for both simple and the most complex assignments, helping to build a sustainable future for customers and communities. The Group currently has 43,100 employees in selected home markets in Europe and North America. Skanska's sales in 2015 totaled SEK 155 billion. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161115006906/en/ Contacts: Skanska AB Edvard Lind, Head of Media Relations, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 08 or Direct line for media: tel: +46 (0)10-448 88 99 Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection to provide continuous threat protection with a minimal footprint LONDON, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Conosco, the market leading MSP that couples IT support services with strategic consulting, has announced a partnership with Webroot, the market leader in next-generation endpoint security and cloud-based collective threat intelligence, to provide comprehensive cybersecurity to its customers. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121016/LA94090LOGO Through this partnership, Conosco customers will be protected by Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection, which provides real-time protection against malicious threats through cloud-based threat intelligence. With Webroot, service providers can quickly deploy and secure any number of endpoints and easily manage them through a streamlined management console. With an incredibly small footprint, Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection is easily installed on managed endpoints in just a few seconds, virtually eliminating impact on end user productivity and shortening endpoint security deployment. In addition to protecting Conosco customers, the partnership has streamlined the internal operations and mitigated complexities common to managing traditional security solutions. Since implementing Webroot's security solutions, Conosco has reduced time spent on managing security-related issues by 80 percent. Additionally security-related support tickets have decreased by 25 percent since Webroot's deployment. "Choosing Webroot was an easy decision, and enabled us to provide better support and faster installation times," said Noel Thompson, remote operations director at Conosco. "Having support directly from Webroot has been an additional time saver. We enjoy the peace of mind, knowing that our customers are fully protected." "Conosco has incredibly high standards in choosing partners and a proven record in providing effective IT support and services," said Adam Nash, EMEA sales manager at Webroot. "Adding Conosco to our list of over 7,000 managed service providers globally helps expand our footprint in the U.K." For a limited time, Conosco is offering free Webroot setup (worth for 900) for London-based businesses. About Conosco Founded in 2002, Conosco are market leaders in combining IT support services with strategic consultancy, providing these services to London-based businesses with 30-500 employees. The key sectors in which we operate are property management, professional services, financial services, retail, publishing and private healthcare. Our founders began with a vision of how IT support could be so much more than reactive problem-solving - by building strategy into everything we do, we have created a strong reputation for the commercial effectiveness of our IT support services. We were also one of the first companies to align our interests with our clients' by offering IT support at a fixed cost. Today, our goal is to give our clients the competitive advantage they need to succeed by providing solid IT support, service and strategy. www.conosco.com Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn About Webroot Webroot delivers next-generation endpoint security and threat intelligence services to protect businesses and individuals around the globe. Our smarter approach harnesses the power of cloud-based collective threat intelligence derived from millions of real-world devices to stop threats in real time and help secure the connected world. Our award-winning SecureAnywhere endpoint solutions and BrightCloud Threat Intelligence Services protect tens of millions of devices across businesses, home users, and the Internet of Things. Trusted and integrated by market-leading companies, including Cisco, F5 Networks, Aruba, Palo Alto Networks, A10 Networks, and more, Webroot is headquartered in Colorado and operates globally across North America, Europe, and Asia. Discover Smarter Cybersecurity' solutions at www.webroot.com. Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook 2016 Webroot Inc. All rights reserved. Webroot, SecureAnywhere, Webroot SecureAnywhere, and BrightCloud are trademarks or registered trademarks of Webroot Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Trilliant, the global leader in enterprise-wide smart energy communications, has now connected more than four million devices - including gas meters, electric meters and in-home displays -- as part of British Gas' smart meter rollout. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150127/171757LOGO The Trilliant Smart Communications Platform connects consumers' in-home displays and provides meter data to the retailer, delivering information each can use to manage energy efficiently. "The milestone effectively demonstrates the benefits that energy retailers and their customers can gain from an investment in advanced metering paired with clear motivation to change energy use patterns," said Andy White, Trilliant CEO and president. Trilliant was selected for its unifying platform, which allows multiple RF technologies -- including 5GHz SecureMesh WAN, 2.4GHz SecureMesh NAN, LTE/GPRS and 2.4GHz RPMA -- to communicate across the varied terrain and needs of the retailer's enterprise. Trilliant's unique approach represents the energy industry's only enterprise-wide communications platform based on a secure, standards-based, multi-technology, open spectrum solution. This means that it can manage and monitor today's needs and those of an increasingly interconnected future, bringing a strong ROI to energy suppliers in several additional ways: Eliminates redundant costs for multiple vendors, redundant infrastructure, multiple training programs. Streamlines management of enterprise communications. Enables IT/OT synergies, lays foundation for purpose-built analytics. Greater bandwidth to protect against obsolescence (with growing data load). Simplifies staffing, maintenance, updates, costs; eliminates potential for incompatibilities of multiple patches. Trilliant invests a significant percentage of its annual revenues back into digital innovation. Trilliant has been developing pioneering communications technologies for the British Gas deployment that will continue to evolve with the market. About Trilliant Trilliant offers the energy industry's only enterprise-wide Smart Communications Platform for connecting the internet of things (IoT) through a secure, standards-based, multi-technology, open spectrum solution. With three decades' experience and the most field-proven and globally compliant solution, Trilliant maximizes smart grid and smart city investments and makes operations future-ready. www.trilliantinc.com LJUBLJANA (dpa-AFX) - Slovakia's harmonized consumer prices continued to decline in October, the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic showed Wednesday. Harmonized consumer prices dropped 0.3 percent, following a 0.5 percent decrease in September. Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages and housing decreased 3.2 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. On a monthly basis, the harmonized index of consumer prices gained 0.3 percent after staying flat in September. This was the first increase in four months. 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. All-new Mazda CX-5 (with North American specifications) Corporate Communications Division Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan +81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo] +81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima] mailto: media@mazda.co.jp HIROSHIMA, Japan, Nov 16, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation today unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV. The fully redesigned model, which refines every element of Mazda's design and technology to offer new dimensions of driving pleasure, will be launched in Japan in February before being rolled out to global markets.The slogan for development of the all-new CX-5 was "an SUV all customers will enjoy," and Mazda aimed to add a new dimension by offering driving pleasure that everyone on board can enjoy-not just the driver. The model is engineered in line with human sensibilities to deliver responsive performance that conforms to the driver's expectations. It also prioritizes passenger comfort, with a quiet cabin and pleasant ride feel, and adopts G-Vectoring Control, the first of the SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS vehicle motion control technologies. Designed under the KODO-Soul of Motion design theme, the exterior is both bold and sensual, and the interior has been crafted to give occupants a pleasant feeling. The body color lineup includes the newly developed Soul Red Crystal, which highlights the beauty and quality of Mazda's KODO designs.The powertrain lineup comprises the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and 2.5 gasoline, and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engines. All three options offer powerful, linear driving performance and outstanding environmental performance.The all-new CX-5 will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public Nov. 18-27.(1)Launched in 2012, the CX-5 was the first new-generation model featuring SKYACTIV technology(2) and KODO design. It has since grown into a core model that is sold in over 120 countries and accounts for approximately one quarter of Mazda's global sales volume.(3) It has won around 90 awards worldwide, including 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year.(4)By providing driving pleasure to everybody who drives or rides in one of its vehicles, Mazda aims to enrich people's lives and become a brand with which customers feel an emotional connection.(1) Mazda will hold a press conference at the show at 12:50 p.m. on Nov. 16, the first of two press days.(2) SKYACTIV is an umbrella term for Mazda's next-generation technologies, including gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, body and chassis, developed to provide both driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance, based on the company's Sustainable Zoom-Zoom long-term vision for technology development.(3) As of November, 2016. Based on in-house data.(4) As of November, 2016. Based on in-house data.About MazdaMazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.comSource: MazdaContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Idarucizumab immediately reversed the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in 100 percent of patients 1 Updated results of 494 patients from largest study investigating a reversal agent for a novel oral anticoagulant in real-world emergency settings 1,2 Data presented at AHA Scientific Sessions 20161 Boehringer Ingelheim announced updated results from data for 494 patients participating in the ongoing phase III RE-VERSE AD study, which showed that administration of 5g of idarucizumab immediately reversed the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, the active ingredient in Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate).1 Idarucizumab, marketed as Praxbind, is the first and only approved specific reversal agent for a non vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and RE-VERSE AD is the largest patient study investigating a reversal agent for a NOAC.2-4 The updated results were presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana.1 This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005651/en/ RE-VERSE AD includes the types of patients healthcare professionals may treat in real-world emergency settings.2 The study enrolled patients treated with dabigatran who had uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding (Group A, n=298, 60 percent) or required emergency surgery or an invasive procedure (Group B, n=196, 40 percent).1 This includes severely ill or injured patients (e.g. patients in an automobile accident with multiple injuries, patients with aortic aneurysm or patients receiving an organ transplant) who as such require urgent reversal of dabigatran.2 The primary endpoint of reversal of the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran within four hours was 100 percent1,2, as measured by diluted thrombin time (dTT) and ecarin clotting time (ECT) (95% CI, 100-100).1,2 Of note, reversal was evident immediately after administration of idarucizumab.1 For Group A patients with extracranial bleeding, median time to confirmation of haemostasis was 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on anatomical location.1 The source of bleeding was similar to the previous interim analysis (45 percent gastrointestinal, 33 percent intracranial haemorrhage).1,5 In Group B, 93 percent of patients experienced normal haemostasis during surgery, and the median time to the operating room was 1.6 hours after administration of idarucizumab.1 No safety signals attributed to idarucizumab were detected. All serious adverse events reported were considered to be related to the index event or comorbidities rather than to study treatment. Thrombotic events occurred in 6.3 percent (31/494) of patients within 90 days after idarucizumab administration. Approximately two-thirds of these patients received no anticoagulation prior to the event. Mortality rates were 12.3 percent (Group A) and 12.4 percent (Group B) at 30 days, and 18.7 percent (Group A) and 18.5 percent (Group B) at 90 days. 1 "The availability of idarucizumab as a reversal agent for dabigatran is an important development in anticoagulation care, and RE-VERSE AD is the most robust examination of its real-world use and impact," said Dr. Charles Pollack, lead investigator of RE-VERSE AD, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, US. "These results further support that, although idarucizumab is likely to be rarely used in light of the safety profile of dabigatran, a specific reversal agent provides an important therapeutic option for physicians and patients." "With these results, we have an unprecedented wealth of data on the use and effects of idarucizumab in urgent situations," said Professor Jorg Kreuzer, Vice President Medicine, Therapeutic Area Cardiovascular, Boehringer Ingelheim. "These insights, together with the confirmed safety profile of dabigatran, can truly give physicians confidence in choosing a NOAC that provides a new level of care for their patients." This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business. ~ENDS~ Please click on the link below for 'Notes to Editors and References': http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/updated-phase-iii-results-reinforce-safety-and-efficacy-of-praxbind View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005651/en/ Contacts: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Friederike Middeke Phone: +49 6132 77 141575 Fax: +49 6132 77 6601 E-mail: press@boehringer-ingelheim.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/Boehringer or More information www.boehringer-ingelheim.com LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Revolutionary adhesive napkin company Gant Innovations are celebrating this week after claiming the title Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) Company of the Year: Tissue and Hygiene Industry Award. The Leicester-based firm's efficient, quality and cost-effective solution to a long term problem within their sector saw them achieve a partnership deal with a huge multi-national adhesive company. As a result their product is the first adhesive paper napkin manufactured without silicone tape or reinforcement. The adhesive paper napkin remains on the user's lap or clothing when eating and has led to numerous discussions with interested companies in the fields of dental and medical practice, as well as nursing homes, janitorial product, tissues, children's bibs, automotive and precision engineering wipes. In an independent survey commissioned by the company around 75 per cent of users described the new adhesive napkin as "excellent," with a further 59 per cent confirming they would purchase the napkin if available. "Winning this award has put a seal on what we've been attempting to achieve for the past six years," said company MD Gail Shaw. "We're delighted and hope it's just the start of what will prove to be an incredibly busy and successful future for the company." No tape or reinforcement is necessary for the napkin to work since the adhesive solution activates the minute the napkin is opened. It can also be removed and re-used at a later date. The GANTIK' product was launched at the Barcelona trade fair in the spring of 2015 and is surging ahead in popularity within the Tissues and Hygiene market, which was valued at around 5 billion earlier this year. Shaw came up with the idea for an adhesive napkin after watching a TV programme where diners were obviously having difficulty getting napkins to remain put. "Having watched this awkwardness, and the inappropriate method of keeping a paper napkin in place, it made me think how much cleaner and easier it would be to have a napkin which you could just open and have it stick to you," she said. "It seems others obviously shared my view." A spokesman for BWM praised Shaw and the Gant Innovations concept. "In a world full of entrepreneurs it's only the exceptional products which really make it through to the mainstream and Gant's adhesive napkin we are positive will be one of them," he said. "We were really impressed both by the technology itself and all the years of research and dedication that went in to taking this from a concept to a market-ready product. The company is undoubtedly a deserving winner of our Company of the Year Award for their sector." More information on the adhesive napkin and Gant Innovations can be found at the website http://www.gantinnovations.com An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2016/11/07/a-gentle-innovation-that-sticks/ For more details on Business Worldwide Magazine Awards 2016, go to http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. http://www.bwmonline.com/ Contact Peter Brown Awards Department E:peter.brown@bwmonline.com W:http://www.bwmonline.com Actress and series highlight women's rights and personal power LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Award winning Chinese actress and producer Xiaoqing Liu stars in Empress, the new American series about the formidable 7thand 8thcentury Empress Wu Zetian, the only reigning Empress in China's 4,000 year history.This is Liu's fifth rendition of the Empress role, and who better to play it than the actress Xiaoqing Liu who is considered a living treasure in China. As she informed President Obama when they met, "in China everybody knows you, but everybody loves me." American audiences will soon be under Liu's spell. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161111/438501 Known for her ageless beauty and commanding presence, the Chinese actress dazzles at 61.Liu will join forces withGame of Thronesexecutive producer Christopher Newman; Starlight Media; and Kia Jam, CEO of K.Jam Media on the new American TV series Empress airing in late 2018. Speaking of the new Empress series, actress and co-producer Liu explains, "The Empress went through a lot of men, but she was loyal only to one, her husband. There are two elements we didn't show in the Chinese versions; her desire for killing and for sex.She killed all her ministers who didn't agree with her."Then she adds philosophically,"Being a human being is difficult, being a woman is more difficult. However the most difficult thing is being a famous woman." Adored in China,she has won many of China's highest acting honors including fourHundred Flowers awards and aGoldenRooster. It was during the worldwide tour of her play about Wu Zetian that Peter Luo of Starlight Media approached Liu about developing the Empress saga for American TV. With Empress, Liu wants to bring women's rights to the forefront by embodying a character who bravely demanded those rights before such rights existed. "... there is a huge wave of feminism that flows in this country, so the show could have a meaningful impact. Throughout the Empress' story, I hope that audiences can realize that history and feminism can neither be ignored nor separated. It existed before and it will happen again." PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/The Empress Returns(ID-9145a0f1edee).pdf VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- American Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE: LI) (FRANKFURT: 5LA) (OTCQB: LIACF) ("American Lithium" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Edward Bruner as the Company's Chairman. Mr. Bruner is based in Denver, Colorado and brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the natural resource sector both from an operational and a financial capacity. Mr. Bruner will deploy his experience to work with management to develop the Company's existing properties and the properties it recently announced it intends to acquire, as well as expand the Company's investor base. Mr. Bruner commented: "I am very excited to be joining the American Lithium team at this stage of development where I can apply my experience and my relationships both financially and operationally in the development of the Company's land position in Nevada. With the team and assets the Company has put together, American Lithium is positioned to become a leader in the Lithium exploration and development in Nevada. I am also excited to have the opportunity to personally invest in the Company, as I am confident our team will be able to unlock significant value from the properties it has been able to put together." Mr. Bruner intends to participate in the private placement for a minimum of 1,000,000 units ($300.000). Mr. Bruner has served as President of GeoSands Energy Advisors LLC from 2013 to the present, advising clients as an independent energy consultant on domestic energy acquisition and divesture transactions in both the upstream and the oil service sectors. From 2009- 2013, Mr. Bruner also advised and assisted clients as an independent energy consultant on structuring finance for international and domestic energy transactions. From 2002-2009, Mr. Bruner served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Denver-based Galaxy Energy Corporation, a Powder River Basin coalbed methane producer that was a publicly-traded company on the American Stock Exchange. He also led exploratory operations in the Piceance Basin. Prior to founding Galaxy Energy Corp., from 1996-2002, Mr. Bruner worked as a Series 7 registered representative as well as a financial consultant to the energy sector. Mr. Bruner holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. Private Placement The Company also announces that it will offer a minimum of 10,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") in the Financing, at a price of $0.30 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Each "Unit" will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant, exercisable to acquire a further common share at a price of $0.60 for a period of twenty-four months. The warrants will be subject to accelerated expiry in the event the twenty-day volume weighted average closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange exceeds $1.00. The Company expects to pay finders' fees to certain eligible persons who have introduced qualified investors to the Company. Mike Kobler, American Lithium's Chief Operating Officer, commented: "We look forward to Marc joining our team. His experience and relationships will be an enormous asset to the company as we build out, what we believe, is one of the most exciting Lithium Exploration and Development opportunities in North America. American Lithium Corp. American Lithium Corp. is actively engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of lithium deposits within mining-friendly jurisdictions throughout the Americas. American Lithium holds options to acquire Nevada lithium brine claims totaling 22,332 acres (9,038 ha), including 18,552 contiguous acres (7,508 ha) in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County; 2,240 acre (907 ha) San Emidio Project in Washoe County; and the 1,540 acre (623 ha) Clayton-Valley-1 Project. The Company's Fish Lake Valley lithium brine properties are located approximately 38 kilometers from Albemarle's Silver Peak, the largest lithium operation in the U.S. American Lithium is listed on the TSX Venture under the trading symbol "Li". For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com or call 1-604-689-7422. On behalf of the Board, American Lithium Corp. - Michael Kobler, Executive Director, COO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements Statements in this release that are forward-looking information are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here. 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 American Lithium 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 American Lithium's most recently filed MD&A. 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: American Lithium Corp. www.americanlithiumcorp.com 1-604-689-7422 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ML)(OTCQB: MLNLF) ("Millennial" or the "Company") reports it has commenced the Phase I lithium brine drilling program at its Pastos Grandes Project in Salta Argentina. The Phase I program consists of drilling a pair of holes at two or more sites in the salar to establish stratigraphic and porosity data, trial brine extraction and evaporation trials. At each site, an HQ core hole will test the salar to as deep as 350 metres, or deeper if warranted, providing valuable depth-specific lithological information, samples for brine analysis and permeability testing of individual brine aquifers. Each core hole will subsequently be used as a monitoring well for an adjacent pumping test well. Pumping test wells will be completed with 10-inch casing to allow a greater pumping extraction rate than previously tested at this salar. Brine extracted from the wells will be tested on-site with detailed analysis to determine evaporation, concentration and lithium extraction characteristics being completed at a certified laboratory. Previous drilling at Pastos Grandes determined the presence of lithium-bearing brine to depths of as much as 170 metres. The previous drilling program, which targeted the halite in the basin, did not identify the base of the mineralized brine-hosting formations, nor did it confirm the results of geophysics that appeared to indicate the presence of deeper brine bodies. In contrast, Millennial, targeting the porous sediments, plans on drilling to much greater depths as subsequent results of more advanced lithium projects in the Puna de Atacama or Puna Plateau in the Andes Region of Northern Chile and Argentina have concluded that brine can be found at greater depths, and in some cases occurs in the coarser sediments that were deposited early during the filling of those basins. Coarser sediments, with larger and more interconnected pore spaces have the potential to increase well yields. Such has been found to be the case at Centenario-Ratones and Cauchari-Olaroz. Millennial has engaged Hidrotec S.R.L., a Salta-based drilling company with extensive recent experience in drilling and testing salar-hosted lithium brines, to complete the Phase I core- and well drilling program. Millennial has engaged Mike Rosko of Montgomery and Associates Inc, a US-based hydrogeological consultancy to provide program guidance and act as the Company's qualified person for reporting results. This news release has been reviewed by Iain Scarr, VP of Development and Exploration of the Company and a qualified person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. MILLENNIAL LITHIUM CORP. Graham Harris, Chairman, Director NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$, fluctuations in the market for lithium, changes in exploration costs and government royalties or taxes in Argentina and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause 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. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Contacts: Millennial Lithium Corp. Investor Relations (604) 662-8184 info@millenniallithium.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 16, 2016) - Cruz Capital Corp (TSXV: CUZ) (OTC Pink: BKTPF) (FSE: A2AG5M) Shares of Cruz are now trading on a post-split basis. Common shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 18, 2016, will be mailed additional certificates. The new certificates will be mailed on or about on Nov. 23, 2016. The push-out method will be used to affect the split. The Cusip No.: 22888P105 remains unchanged James Nelson, President of the Company states, "We are looking forward to the added liquidity this split should provide. Cruz is focused on the Cobalt sector, which management feels will be a strong mover in 2017 as the battery demand from Electric Vehicles continues and of which cobalt is a significant component. Cruz has established itself as the one of the earliest movers in this space and was able to acquire 8 separate high quality cobalt prospects. We are fully funded for the first phase of operations and look forward to very active 2017." Cruz is actively engaged in acquiring and developing Cobalt assets globally. Cruz has acquired numerous high grade cobalt assets located in North America. Seven cobalt projects are in Canada and one in Idaho. The goal of the company is to make Cruz the foremost cobalt project generator and developer on the TSX Venture Exchange. Management feels that cobalt is at the early stages of a significant bull market and we are pleased to be positioning Cruz at the forefront of this cycle. If you would like to be added to Cruz's email list please send an email to info@cruzcapitalcorp.com or twitter @CruzCapitalCorp James Nelson President 604.899.9150 www.cruzcapitalcorp.com twitter @CruzCapitalCorp This press release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information can include without limitation statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance of Cruz. 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 LONDON, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- UK Security Expo, 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2016, London Olympia Despite UK businesses doubling spend on security budgets, companies are still in the dark as to how many cyber-attacks are hitting their business, according to a recent PwC survey. The cost of security incidents are rising and the volume of attacks are also increasing. No longer can physical and cyber security be looked at separately since an attack on an organisation's systems can cause physical infrastructure to fail. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161115/439639LOGO ) Following the 1.9b cyber strategy outlined by the Chancellor Philip Hammond, UK Security Expo will demonstrate the importance of integrating cyber solutions with physical security technologies. John Unsworth , CEO of the Mayor of London Digital Security Centre talks about making London the safest city for digital innovation by grasping cyber risks , CEO of the Mayor of London Digital Security Centre talks about making the safest city for digital innovation by grasping cyber risks The Security Director's Practical Guide to Cyber Security Workshops run by Cyber Rescue includes an interactive crisis simulation role play The Great Cyber Debate will discuss whether the threat to CNI has been grossly exaggerated Chris Hurran OBE, Senior Associate Fellow, UCL Institute for Security & Resilience Studies talks about mitigating insider risk and which cyber insiders should most concern the boards of CNI organisations Qinetiq, Sungard AS, JTOL and other leading companies demonstrate the latest products and technologies to protect against risk Kevin Duffey, Managing Director, Cyber Rescue, forecasts that "News coverage of cyber attacks on business will quadruple, as every successful attack will fuel further crime, while regulators will require notification when attacks get through. CEOs will demand that Security Directors earn their pay, by leading on business continuity and risk mitigation against cyber attacks." Peter Jones, Chief Executive, Nineteen Events added "Security Directors already face a colossal challenge in tackling a broad spectrum of threats in keeping their operations, assets and people safe and secure. UK Security Expo offers case studies, discussions, debate, an interactive workshop plus a showcase of products to help them face up to the challenge ahead." Notes to Editors: UK Security Expo is the UK flagship security event attracting over 8,000 global end-users of security. The high level educational programmes are open to all visitors free of charge and feature CPD verified conferences, workshops, live demonstrations and more. Tickets are available at UK Security Expo. Press passes are available for b2b trade journalists. Contact jmayer@nineteen-events.com, +44(0)20-8947-9177 Tiziana Life Sciences plc (AIM: TILS, the "Company"), the clinical stage biotechnology company developing targeted drugs for cancer and autoimmune diseases, announces new data from animal studies demonstrating the potential of its novel oral therapy with foralumab (NI-0401) for NASH, diabetes and other life-threatening inflammatory diseases. Tiziana's foralumab is the only fully human engineered anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in clinical development to date. Highlights Oral efficacy in humanized mouse models with foralumab (NI-0401), is a major milestone and a potential breakthrough for treatment of NASH and autoimmune disease Unique oral technology that stimulates the natural gut immune system and potentially provides a therapeutic effect in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with virtually no toxicity Positive therapeutic effects of foralumab were consistently demonstrated in animal studies conducted by Prof. Kevan Herold (Yale University) and Prof. Howard Weiner (Harvard University) "Until recently it has been generally accepted that despite the convenience and appeal of oral therapies, immunotherapies could not be administered orally because they would be degraded and inactivated by the harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract," commented Gabriele Cerrone, Chairman of Tiziana Life Sciences. "New data demonstrating oral efficacy in animals with foralumab is a major milestone and potential game-changer for the treatment of NASH and autoimmune diseases." Foralumab, a long half-life therapeutic mAb candidate, with high affinity and potency for CD3 epsilon, has shown consistent efficacy via oral administration in pre-clinical studies conducted by Prof. Kevan Herold, a member of Tiziana's Scientific Advisory Board, at Yale University. "This study demonstrates that oral administration works consistently in our pre-clinical models with human immune cells. This suggests that oral CD3-specific mAb has the potential for treating NASH, diabetes, and other autoimmune diseases in humans an entirely novel approach for the treatment of currently unmet needs," commented Prof. Kevan Herold. Further animal studies conducted by a member of Tiziana's Scientific Advisory Board, Prof. Howard Weiner, in his laboratory at Harvard University supports the potential of oral treatment with foralumab for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in humans. A recent publication in J. Autoimmunity1 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27745778) by Prof. Weiner provides additional support to this novel approach utilizing a murine anti-CD3 mAb (OKT3) in mouse models. "Our data suggest that oral treatment with anti-CD3 mAb induces an anti-inflammatory response through induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs)," noted Prof. Weiner, "This proof of concept of foralumab in humanized mice demonstrates that this approach could be used successfully in humans as well." In prior published studies, oral therapy with anti-CD3 mAb (OKT3) to patients with NASH was safe and well tolerated, and the therapy produced positive clinical effects in several hepatic, metabolic and immunologic parameters. These recently published findings in J. Clin Immunol2,3. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25876706), provide further support for future clinical trials to investigate the effect of oral treatment with foralumab in patients with NASH and autoimmune diseases. "We are very excited with these recent findings and are now moving forward to conduct a proof-of-concept clinical trial in NASH patients with foralumab, said Dr. Ilan Yaron, Director of the Department of Medicine at Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center, Israel. "Oral immunotherapy using anti CD3 holds promise as an effective anti-inflammatory treatment with high safety profile enabling chronic use of the drug". References Ref (1): C. Kuhn, et al., Mucosaladministration of CD3-speci?c monoclonal antibody inhibits diabetes in NOD mice and a preclinical mouse model transgenic for the CD3 epsilon chain, Journal of Autoimmunity (2016), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2016.10.001 Ref (2): G. Lalazar et al., Oral Administration of OKT3 MAb to Patients with NASH, Promotes Regulatory T-cell Induction, and Alleviates Insulin Resistance: Results of a Phase IIa Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial J. Clin Immunol. 2015 May;35(4):399-407. doi: 10.1007/s10875-015-0160-6 Ref (3): Ilan Y et al, Induction of regulatory T cells decreases adipose inflammation and alleviates insulin resistance in ob/ob mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 May 25;107(21):9765-70. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0908771107. About NASH Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the causes of fatty liver, which occurs when fat is deposited (steatosis) in the liver due not related to alcohol use. It affects 30% of the western world population. Non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe type of NAFLD. NASH occurs when the accumulation of liver fat is accompanied by inflammation and cellular damage. The inflammation can lead to fibrosis (scarring) of the liver and eventually progress to cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer and liver failure. According to a market research report Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment Market 2015-2025 published by iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc., the global nonalcoholic steatohepatitis treatment market is estimated to reach USD 19.5 Billion in 2025, expanding at a current annual growth rate of 10.0% from 2016 to 2025. Currently there is no approved therapy for NASH. About Kevan Herold, MD Dr. Kevan Herold is Professor of Immunobiology and of Medicine (Endocrinology) as well as Deputy Director, Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, Director of the Yale Diabetes Center and the TrialNet Center at Yale. His investigative work has focused on developing new ways to prevent and treat autoimmune diseases, using novel translational immunologic strategies. He is a leader particularly in the field of Type 1 diabetes and had led several investigative trials for prevention and treatment. He is involved with national and international consortia that are developing new treatments for diabetes and other immune system disorders. His laboratory studies focus on understandings the mechanisms of autoimmune disease and the treatments that are being developed. His clinical interests are as an endocrinologist who specializes in management and treatment of diabetes. About Howard L. Weiner, MD Howard L. Weiner is the Robert L. Kroc Professor of Neurology at the Harvard Medical School, Director and Founder of the Partners Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center and Co-Director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham Women's Hospital in Boston. He has pioneered immunotherapy in MS and has investigated immune mechanisms in nervous system diseases including MS, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke and brain tumours. He has also pioneered the investigation of the mucosal immune system for the treatment of autoimmune and other diseases and the use of anti-CD3 to induce regulatory T cells for the treatment of these diseases. About Ilan Yaron, MD Prof. Ilan Yaron is the Director of the Department of Medicine at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem Israel and served as the Vice Dean of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School. He has pioneered the development of oral immunotherapy for NASH, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. He developed several products which target the immune system of the gastrointestinal tract as a mean for alleviating immune-mediated disorders without the need for immunosuppression. He holds over 50 patents for discoveries based on his research mainly in oral immunotherapy and mucosal immunology. His clinical interests are in the management of NASH and diabetes by targeting the inflammation-associated with these diseases by using products with high safety profile enabling their chronic use. He is involved in multiple clinical trials using oral immunotherapy-based compounds. About Tiziana Life Sciences Tiziana Life Sciences plc is a UK biotechnology company that focuses on the discovery and development of novel molecules that treat human disease in oncology and immunology. The Company is focused on its lead compound, milciclib, a molecule which blocks the action of specific enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) involved in cell division as well as a number of other protein kinases. Milciclib is currently completing phase II clinical trials for epithelial thymic carcinoma and/or thymoma in patients previously treated with chemotherapy and has filed an IND to enroll patients in an exploratory trial in Hepatic Cellular Carcinoma (HCC). The Company is also in clinical development of foralumab. Foralumab is the only fully human engineered anti-human CD3 antibody in clinical development. This phase II compound has potential application in a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, where modulation of a T-cell response is desirable. Tiziana Life Sciences' clinical development teams are working on its Bcl-3 candidate; which has a prominent role in the metastasis of mammary cancers, and has elucidated the mechanism of Bcl-3 action to be a regulator of cancer cell motility and has also determined that Bcl-3 inhibition suppresses cell motility in triple-negative, HER-2-positive PR- and ER-positive breast cancer sub-types, suggesting that Bcl-3 may be a master regulator of this metastatic property not only in aggressive breast cancers, but across the clinical spectrum of breast disease. The Company is preparing the IND package with the intention of progressing to clinical trials early 2017. For more information go to http://www.tizianalifesciences.com This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005678/en/ Contacts: Tiziana Life Sciences plc Gabriele Cerrone, Chairman and founder +44 (0)20 7493 2853 or Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nominated adviser) Liam Murray +44 (0)20 7148 7900 or Beaufort Securities Limited (Broker) Saif Janjua +44 (0)20 7382 8300 or FTI Consulting Simon Conway Natalie Garland-Collins +44 (0)20 3727 1000 Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111 TOKYO, Nov 16, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) and Ningbo Jansen NMR Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company, made an agreement to jointly develop a high performance MRI Magnet and Sub-system on November 7, 2016.Hitachi's Healthcare Business, one of the four major focuses in the Social Innovation businesses, ranges from diagnostic and clinical areas, such as ultrasound, MRI systems, particle beam oncology treatment systems, to informatics including services utilizing IT and providing community care systems. Hitachi provides a full line up of MRI systems from open MRI systems to 3T super conducting MRI systems. With a concept of Patient Friendly Hitachi has developed the less claustrophobic examining space which has been accepted by customers widely.Jansen is a leading manufacturer of both permanent and super conducting MRI Magnet in China. Jansen has been providing permanent MRI Magnet to Hitachi since 2003, and we have established a good relationship.The ageing society and the economic development of emerging markets are both contributing to the growth of healthcare business, having a CAGR of 8% with an expected market size of $450 billion in 2018. Both advanced countries, having MRI and other medical systems for preventive medical care, and emerging countries, having improving the medical infrastructure, contribute to the stable market for medical imaging systems. China, as of 2015, has approximately 1500 MRI systems installed, making it the largest MRI systems market in the world.Hitachi and Jansen will further cooperate and combine their expertise in MRI magnet and system development to co-develop an optimum control sub-system of super conducting MRI Magnet, high radiofrequency circuits and gradient coils, etc., for a high reliability and superior image quality MRI system.Hitachi shall offer the co-developed MRI systems not only in China, but also world-wide in order to expand its medical imaging business.Hitachi and Jansen continuously develop new products based on the needs of customers to contribute the society using medical devices.About Ningbo Jansen NMR Technology Co., Ltd.Ningbo Jansen NMR Technology Co., Ltd., headquartered in Cixi City, Zhejiang Province, China, is a leading manufacturer of MRI magnet. Jansen's products involve permanent magnets, superconducting magnets, NMR magnets, and gradient coils for MRI scanner. For more information on the company and its products, please visit its website at http://www.healthcredit.cn/a/ENGLISH/.About Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- James Huang, president of Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates, today announced the launch of its new Pacific Rim office in Koreatown under the leadership and supervision of Mr. Sukhee Kang, the former mayor of Irvine. Mr. Kang will serve as Chairman, Pacific Rim, expanding the presence of Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates and opening new affiliate offices in Asia for this full-service, commercial real estate company providing investment sales, leasing and management services. Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates is an affiliate of BRC Advisors, Inc., one of the top real estate brokerages in Greater Los Angeles. "Mr. Kang is best known for his forward-thinking role as the vibrant former Mayor of Irvine," says Mr. Huang. "Sukhee is one of the most influential and accomplished business leaders here in Southern California with strong ties to the Pacific Rim countries. There is no one more capable to lead Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates' new Pacific Rim division." In his new role as Chairman, Pacific Rim, Mr. Kang will be working in partnership with Mr. Huang to expand Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates' K-Town office by bringing in additional, highly-qualified and experienced brokers. On a global level, his plans include launching a global connection of real estate affiliates in South Korea, China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other Pacific Rim countries, with four new affiliates poised to launch soon in South Korea and China. "By joining Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates, I want to maximize its potential to expand into the Pacific Rim countries so we can all enjoy and create a more vital economy in this 21st century," says Mr. Kang. "I'm very excited about this new opportunity and hope many real estate professionals will join us in enhancing this higher-level real estate business opportunity, not only in our domestic market but internationally." Mr. Sukhee Kang brings over 30 years of extensive business experience to Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates having achieved many notable "firsts" as a first generation Korean immigrant. He was the first Korean American Mayor elected to serve a major U.S. city in 2008, then overwhelmingly re-elected in 2010 with 64.1% of the vote. During his two terms, his top priority was building the economy, which he achieved by working with the Chambers of Commerce and business communities to create new job opportunities. One of his proudest achievements as mayor was leading the effort to approve a major development project at the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station creating over 16,500 new jobs during the worst recession. Kang's public career encompasses serving on California Governor Gray Davis's California Workforce Investment Board, on the State Water Quality Control Board (Santa Ana Region). He also served as Special Advisor to the Chancellor of UC Irvine and as Adjunct Professor and Chancellor Fellow at Chapman University. In his distinguished public service career, Mr. Kang has won numerous awards for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments including the Irvine Chamber of Commerce's "Business Leader of the Year Award" and "Father of the Year Award" by the American Diabetes Association, Orange County. Sukhee's amazing and inspiring life story was chronicled in an autobiography published in 2014, "The Power of Possibility - My American Journey." He was recently honored for his community involvement and citizenship activities by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, winning its annual "Immigrants: The Pride of America" designation. About Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates, LLC: Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates, LLC is headquartered in Irvine with 12 offices located throughout the Western United States. Unique to Sperry Commercial Global Affiliates, LLC is a system of tools for affiliates that include a comprehensive real estate intranet and transaction management platform, Sperry CENTRAL, and a custom-designed marketing support software system, SperryLINK. With its continually evolving, leading-edge support systems enhancing its affiliates, Sperry CGA is poised to offer the highest level of commercial real estate services, enhanced by its thoughtful, cooperative, and ethical practices. For more information, visit www.sperrycga.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3080998 Media Inquiries, please contact: Richard Enderlin Sperry CGA Chief Operating Officer Call: 213 610-6216 Email: Email Contact LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Mediator & Attorney Mark Baer today announced that Australia21, a not for profit, non-political think tank that deals with public policy, has validated his assertion that more empathy and compassion is needed in politics. Given the divisive nature of the recent U.S. presidential election, which has resulted in national protests, including grade and high school students ditching classes to protest the election results, Baer's plea for the use of empathy in political decision-making is well-timed. "Until we have empathy conversations as an integral part of the shaping of public policy," says Mediator Baer, "people are going to continue to feel like outsiders in their own country." Australia21 recently corroborated Mediator Baer's conclusion, reached in his Huffington Post blog "The Power of Empathy," in which he stated, "If a mediator, a judge, a politician, a scientist, or anyone else for that matter has a limited worldview as a result of their personal background and life experiences, how does that impact their assumptions and ultimately the decisions they make, both personally and professionally? Unless a person has become more empathic by being a member of a minority group that is discriminated against, what personal relationships shaped their learning process? In a diverse society, how do limited or otherwise sheltered worldviews affect the level of civility and commitment to fairness?" Dr. Lynne Reeder used Attorney Baer as a source of factual information in her study, "Empathy Conversations -- Testing their effectiveness as a policy making instrument -- A Pilot Study." Reeder is director of Australia21, which specializes in promoting new evidence-based thinking about the big issues confronting Australia in a rapidly-changing global environment. The pilot study involved interactions between two groups of participants with significant differences in their lived experiences, including financial wealth, organizational influence, and educational attainment. All participants were provided with training and background materials to support them in connecting with, rather than judging one other. The result was that participants were able to 'humanize' each other by discovering what they shared in common. Therefore, this multi-disciplinary pilot suggests that guided empathy conversations can assist in bringing those with 'unlike' lived experiences into a shared connection and common experience of humanity within a policy setting. Reeder credits Baer by stating, "I thought the point he made in his article 'The Power of Empathy' was such an important one -- particularly in the application of empathy and compassion to the sort of 'real world' challenges he is dealing with." As set forth in the study itself, Reeder said, "In today's global and uncertain world, it could be argued that policy challenges require an ability to become more aware and sensitive to the suffering of others. For that to happen, empathy and compassion need to be intentionally included and rewarded in policy and decision making settings." "Having my conclusion in 'The Power of Empathy' utilized in this very important study by a think tank focused on solutions to complex real-world problems, is beyond anything I could have possibly imagined," states Baer. "As a Family Law Attorney, Mediator, Collaborative Law Practitioner and Conflict Resolution Consultant, my opinions are sometimes considered controversial or 'too forward thinking,' so it is with pleasure that I accept the role of an internationally-recognized expert on the psychological concept of empathy. As collaboration expert Stephen Willis, Ph.D. says, "Empathy is a key skill that enables people to collaborate more effectively." On November 11th, Mediator Baer joined Psychology Today's expert community. His debut blog is "Bridging Our National Divide Demands Empathy and Compassion -- Solving Problems Facing Our Nation Requires Empathy and Emotional Intelligence." A five-time Southern California "Super Lawyer," Mediator and Attorney Baer was crowned "Best Child Custody Mediator -- Los Angeles" by Corporate America Legal Elite 2016, and "Best in Family Law Dispute Resolution -- California" in Acquisition International's 2016 AI Legal Awards. Since 2008, he has authored a psychology and Family Law column for the San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association's award-winning newsletter. In February 2015, "Putting Kids First in Divorce," a book in which he collaborated with ten other leading divorce, co-parenting, and relationship professionals, was published and quickly became a best seller on Amazon. To order Putting Kids First in Divorce in Kindle format, visit: https://mogulymedia.clickfunnels.com/kids-first Embedded Video Available Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3081189 Embedded Video Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3081214 Media Inquiries: To schedule an interview with Attorney Mark Baer, please call: Mark B. Baer, Esq: (626) 389-8929 E-mail: Email Contact VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - Integra Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ICG) (OTCQX: ICGQF) Press Release Highlights: Triangle deposit (3.0 g/t Au cut-off): indicated resources increased 17.5% from 627,810 gold ("Au") ounces to 737,590 Au ounces grading 7.01 g/t Au and inferred resources increased 15.2% from 871,530 Au ounces to 1,004,170 Au ounces at an average grade of 6.94 g/t Au. Triangle deposit (5.0 g/t Au cut-off): indicated resources increased 15.2% from 503,420 Au ounces to 580,150 Au ounces grading 8.96 g/t Au and inferred resources increased 14.5% from 676,960 Au ounces to 774,880 Au ounces at an average grade of 9.03 g/t Au. 23,800 meters ("m") of new drilling incorporated into resource estimate announced today. Next resource estimate (Q1 2017) will incorporate an additional 105,000 m (290 drill holes) of diamond drilling at the Triangle deposit ("Triangle") with an estimated assay database cut-off date of December 31, 2016. Triangle indicated and inferred resources are now 247% and 505% larger, respectively, than the resource estimate used for the Company's most recent PEA (January 2015, 5 g/t Au cut-off). An updated PEA using the resource estimate announced today is underway with an expected completion date in early Q1 2017. Not included in the Lamaque Property global resource estimate summary (Tables 1 and 2) are the lower grade vein clusters at the No. 4 Plug deposit ("P4 Clusters") which account for indicated resources of 185,720 Au ounces grading 3.93 g/t Au and inferred resources of 188,900 Au ounces grading 3.12 g/t Au. When included in the total for the Lamaque Property resource estimate, global indicated resources increased by 13% while global inferred resources increased by 44%. Six drill rigs currently active on the Lamaque Property, 22,550 m in drill assays currently pending, Lamaque Deep hole has reached target depth of 2,200 m and first wedge is planned to start shortly, exploration decline has advanced 370 m towards Triangle and the Company has $43 million in the treasury not including marketable securities. Integra Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ICG) (OTCQX: ICGQF) ("Integra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed a global resource estimate on its 100% owned Lamaque South Gold Project ("Lamaque" or the "Property") in Val-d'Or, Quebec. This update includes resource estimates on the Triangle, No. 4 Plug, Sixteen, Fortune, No. 6 Vein, and Parallel deposits. Resource estimation work was completed by Christian D'Amours of GeoPointCom, Val-d'Or, Quebec. The resource estimates announced today will be used for an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") which the Company anticipates completing in early Q1 2017. Management felt it was prudent to move forward with both the resource estimate announced today and the subsequent PEA as this resource represents a three-fold increase when compared to the resource used for the previous PEA (see news release dated January 13, 2015). In the mine plan outlined in the Company's January 2015 PEA, a total of 228,000 Au ounces were recovered from the Triangle deposit and 62,000 Au ounces recovered from the No. 4 Plug deposit ("No. 4 Plug"). The Triangle resource estimate (at 5 g/t Au cut-off) as of today's disclosure is at 580,150 Au ounces indicated and 774,880 Au ounces inferred, respectively 247% and 505% larger than the resource estimate used in the January 2015 PEA and 15.2% and 14.5% larger than the Company's November 2015 resource estimate. A total of 23,800 m of drilling completed at the Triangle deposit was included in the resource estimate announced today. An additional 105,000 m of Triangle drilling (approximately 70% infill / 30% step-out) was not included in this resource estimate which is expected to have a material impact on the next Lamaque resource estimate. Modelling work to incorporate these new results has already begun with an updated resource estimate expected to be completed in late Q1 2017. Based on the orientation of the steeply dipping C Structures as outlined in this updated resource, the Company is anticipating a mine plan for the upcoming PEA in which a minimum of 80% of the gold at Triangle will be potentially amenable to being mined by way of long-hole mining methods. The previous mine plan prepared for Triangle projected that less than 30% of the gold to be mined by way of long-hole mining methods. "Our exploration team has done an outstanding job in delivering consistent resource growth year after year and based on the exceptional expansion and infill drill results we've had since the database for this resource estimate closed, we are optimistic this trend will continue," commented Company President and CEO, Stephen de Jong. "As Triangle continues to prove itself as the backbone of our Company we are also encouraged by what we are seeing at the No. 4 Plug and other satellite deposits as we continue to execute on our strategy of proving up the case for an expanded mine plan which draws mill feed from multiple sources. The exploration ramp which will be used for close spaced underground drilling of the Triangle deposit as well as a bulk sample and resource reconciliation work continues to advance towards the deposit, with 370 m of the main ramp completed to date." Resource Estimate Summary The extensive 2015 and 2016 drill programs completed on deposits and targets across the Property have contributed greatly to refining the Company's understanding of the geology, especially in regard to gold mineralization distribution and controls. This has led to refinements on a number of key resource estimation parameters relative to previously used parameters. These refinements are briefly discussed in subsequent sections of this news release and will be discussed in more detail in the NI 43-101 Technical Report which will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days. The global resource for Lamaque is presented in the following tables. In all cases the estimation methodology used is Ordinary Kriging ("OK"). For consistency with previous resource disclosure, the tables outline the resources at 3 g/t Au and 5 g/t Au cut-offs. Integra's team anticipates using a cut-off of between 4.5 g/t Au and 5.5 g/t Au for each area of the various deposits when optimizing potentially mineable resources in the upcoming PEA mine plan. At the No. 4 Plug, resource estimation work was completed on the high angle shear structures which are similar to the C Structures present at Triangle. A second pass (see Table 10) was completed to assess the potential for a lower grade, bulk mineable resource which involved completing resource estimate work on the shear zones in conjunction with extensive geological modeling as well resource estimate work on the surrounding vein clusters ("P4 Clusters"). For comparison purposes and to ensure consistency with prior resource disclosure, only the high angle shear structures for No. 4 Plug have been included in the Lamaque global resource tables below. In the section of the press release that discusses the No. 4 Plug vein clusters and the associated high angle structures ("P4 Shears") outside the clusters, it has been separated with additional information provided. Table 1 November 2016 Global Lamaque Resource Estimate (3 g/t Au Cut-Off) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposit Indicated Inferred --------------------------------------------------------- Grade Ounces Grade Ounces Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Triangle (1) 3,273,000 7.01 737,590 4,500,400 6.94 1,004,170 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 4 Plug (2) 505,448 6.67 108,443 915,903 6.84 201,464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parallel (3) 761,100 7.48 182,920 382,100 5.72 70,290 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 6 Vein (4) 462,800 5.60 83,450 362,000 6.40 74,240 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fortune (5) 330,200 5.10 53,660 28,100 4.60 4,160 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sixteen (6) 91,700 5.20 15,440 1,800 4.20 250 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 5,424,248 6.78 1,181,503 6,190,303 6.81 1,354,574 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 2 November 2016 Global Lamaque Resource Estimate (5 g/t Au Cut-Off) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Deposit Indicated Inferred ------------------------------------------------------- Grade Ounces Grade Ounces Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Triangle (1) 2,014,600 8.96 580,150 2,668,700 9.03 774,880 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 4 Plug (2) 300,417 8.56 82,634 579,432 8.59 160,028 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Parallel (3) 426,800 10.29 141,210 184,100 7.70 45,560 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 6 Vein (4) 201,300 7.90 51,280 239,800 7.50 58,080 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fortune (5) 155,000 6.30 31,620 9,400 6.60 1,990 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sixteen (6) 41,800 6.90 9,250 400 6.40 90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 3,139,917 8.88 896,144 3,681,832 8.79 1,040,628 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Triangle: Effective date is March 15, 2016; Specific gravity of 2.8 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; capping of 20 g/t Au on composites when estimated cells are more than 15 m from drill hole otherwise uncapped; composited to 1 m downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. (2) No. 4 Plug: Effective date is October 28, 2016; Specific gravity of 2.80 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; capping of 20 g/t Au on composites when estimated cells are more than 15 m from drill hole otherwise uncapped; composites are 1 m in downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. (3) Parallel: Effective date is February 05, 2016; Specific gravity of 2.80 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; capping of individual gold values at 100 g/t Au then capping of 20 g/t Au on composites when estimated cells are more than 15 m from drill hole otherwise uncapped; composited to 1 m downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. (4) No. 6 Vein: Effective date is June 17, 2016; Specific gravity of 2.80 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; capping of 20 g/t Au on composites when estimated cells are more than 15 m from drill hole otherwise uncapped; composited to 1 m downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. (5) Fortune: Effective date is April 06, 2015; Specific gravity of 2.82 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; individual gold values uncap; composited to 1 m downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. (6) Sixteen: Effective date is November 18, 2013; Specific gravity of 2.80 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; individual gold values capped at 35 g/t Au; composited to 0.7 m downhole length before geostatistical analysis; 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. Links to Lamaque Property and Resource Estimate Images/Diagrams: To view a plan map showing location of all deposits on the Property please click on the following link: www.integragold.com/i/pdf/PointsofInterestMap_20161115.pdf To view an idealized section through the Triangle and No. 4 Plug deposits illustrating the structural domains and geological model for resource estimation please click on the following link: http://www.integragold.com/i/pdf/Triangle_Cross_Section_with_Thumbnails.pdf Comparison of November 2016 Resource Estimate with November 2015 Resource Estimate The following tables have been prepared to show the variance in tonnage, grade and ounces since the last resource estimates were completed at the Triangle and No. 4 Plug deposits as well as the global estimate for the Lamaque Property. Table 3 November 2016 Triangle Resource Estimate Compared with November 2015 Resource Estimate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Resource Grade Date Indicated Inferred ----------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 g/t November Au 2015 2,648,000 7.37 627,810 3,934,700 6.89 871,530 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 3,273,000 7.01 737,590 4,500,400 6.94 1,004,170 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance +625,000 -0.36 +109,780 +565,700 +0.05 +132,640 ------------------------------------------------------------ +23.6% -4.9% +17.5% +14.4% +0.7% +15.2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 g/t November Au 2015 1,664,800 9.40 503,420 2,384,200 8.83 676,960 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 2,014,600 8.96 580,150 2,668,700 9.03 774,880 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance +349,800 -0.44 +76,730 +284,500 +0.20 +97,920 ------------------------------------------------------------ +21.0% -4.7% +15.2% +11.9% +2.30% +14.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 4 November 2016 No. 4 Plug Resource Estimate Compared with November 2015 Resource Estimate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Resource Grade Date Indicated Inferred ----------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 g/t November Au 2015 1,325,100 5.60 237,450 0 0 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 505,448 6.67 108,443 915,903 6.84 201,464 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance -819,652 +1.07 -129,007 +915,903 n/a +201,464 ----------------------------------------------------------- -61.9% +19.1% -54.3% n/a n/a n/a ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 g/t November Au 2015 522,900 8.30 140,280 0 0 0 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 300,417 8.56 82,634 579,432 8.59 160,028 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance -222,483 +0.26 -57,646 +579,432 n/a +160,028 ----------------------------------------------------------- -42.6% 3.1% -41.1% n/a n/a n/a ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is important to note that in Table 4 the number of indicated ounces in the No. 4 Plug has declined while the inferred has increased. Several holes used in the earlier analysis were excluded as they were found to have had inaccurate downhole surveys, caused by an abundance of magnetite which makes historic downhole deviation measuring techniques imprecise. The current resource estimate is based on 54 drill holes representing 43,202 m (29,459 samples), a 47% reduction in total meters when compared to the previous resource estimate, even after including new results from the 2015-16 drill program (11,719 m). The Lamaque global resource estimate as presented in Tables 1 and 2 includes the high angle shears hosted at the No. 4 Plug. These tables do not include the associated, lower grade vein arrays, the P4 Clusters, which contain indicated resources of 185,720 Au ounces grading 3.93 g/t Au and inferred resources of 188,900 Au ounces grading 3.12 g/t Au. The P4 Clusters are not included in the global resource estimate due to different estimation parameters used, notably cut-off grades, and also to prevent "double counting." The P4 Clusters highlight yet another example of the upside on the project and the Company will continue to drill this target with the objective of further enhancing its geological model as well as expanding its resource base. Table 5 November 2016 Lamaque Global Resource Estimate Compared to November 2015 Resource Estimate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Resource Grade Date Indicated Inferred ----------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 g/t November Au 2015 5,346,200 6.78 1,164,600 4,551,300 7.03 1,028,050 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 5,424,248 6.78 1,181,503 6,190,303 6.81 1,354,574 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance +78,048 0.00 +16,903 +1,639,003 -0.22 +326,524 ----------------------------------------------------------- +1.5% 0.0% +1.5% +36.0% -3.2% +31.8% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 g/t November Au 2015 2,998,300 9.04 872,850 2,743,000 9.08 800,620 -------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2016 3,139,917 8.88 896,144 3,681,832 8.79 1,040,628 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Variance +141,617 -0.16 +23,294 +938,832 -0.29 +240,008 ----------------------------------------------------------- +4.7% -1.8% +2.7% +34.2% -3.2% +30.0% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Triangle Deposit Sees Meaningful Increase in Ounces with Addition of only 23,800 m of New Drilling For the purposes of preparing a new resource estimate for the upcoming PEA that enhances the understanding and predictability derived from the C Structure modelling, only 23,800 m of the approximate 120,000 m of diamond drilling completed at Triangle in the last 12 months was used. This is significant given the success in recent infill and step out drilling which points to the remaining growth potential of Triangle. The Q1 2017 resource estimate which will utilize a year-end database cut-off date of December 31, 2016 and will incorporate an additional 105,000 m to 110,000 m (approximately 290 - 300 drill holes). No additional drilling has been completed on the other five deposits since their respective database cut-off dates. This is the second resource estimate completed at Triangle since the Company identified the steeply dipping (45 to 75 degrees) structures ("C Structures") and their relationship with the more shallow dipping (25 to 75 degrees) structures ("C-Splay Structures"). The Company no longer refers to the secondary C-Splay Structures as C Flats as many of these structures have an orientation steeper than 45 degrees and are often sub-parallel to the main C Structures, thereby making the "flat" reference inaccurate, especially considering the potential impact this could have on how the steeper C-Splay Structures are potentially mined. The C-Splay Structures consist of gold bearing shear hosted quartz-tourmaline veins, very similar to the principal C Structures. However, they are generally narrower and less continuous. Table 6 November 2016 Triangle Deposit Resource Estimate (3.0 g/t Au and 5.0 g/t Au cut-off grades) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Grade Indicated Inferred -------------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 g/t Au 3,273,000 7.01 737,590 4,500,400 6.94 1,004,170 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 g/t Au 2,014,600 8.96 580,150 2,668,700 9.03 774,880 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ongoing exploration and extensive data interpretation continues to support the C Structure geological model in all of its aspects. The positive impact of the steeply dipping C Structures has been substantial on several fronts including among other attributes, a net increase in resources and an indication of potential utilization of lower cost mining methods (long-hole mining versus room and pillar mining methods) which will be explored in the upcoming PEA study scheduled for Q1 2017. Using a 3 g/t Au cut-off grade, gold mineralization contained within the C Structures accounts for 63% of Triangle's total indicated ounces, and 72% of the inferred ounces. The discovery of the C Structures and the quantity and quality of gold ounces within them represents a transformational change regarding the Company's future exploration and potential development plan for Triangle. Table 7 November 2016 Triangle Deposit Resource Estimate Separated by Hosting Structures (C and C-Splays) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Grade Host Indicated Inferred Structure ---------------------------------------------------------- Grade Ounces Grade Ounces Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) (Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.0 g/t C Au 2,034,700 7.08 462,980 3,084,600 7.29 722,500 -------------------------------------------------------------------- C-Splays 1,238,300 6.90 274,610 1,415,800 6.19 281,670 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 3,273,000 7.01 737,590 4,500,400 6.94 1,004,170 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5.0 g/t C Au 1,356,600 8.66 377,730 1,924,400 9.33 577,230 -------------------------------------------------------------------- C-Splays 658,000 9.57 202,420 744,300 8.26 197,650 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 2,014,600 8.96 580,150 2,668,700 9.03 774,880 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- For informational purposes the following table presents some basic statistics for the C and C-Splay Structures: Table 8 Dip, Width, and Maximum True Thickness of C and C-Splay Structures ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average True Maximum Host Structure Dip(degrees) Thickness (m) True Thickness (m) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C 45 to 75 2.4 to 4.6 11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C-Splay 25 to 75 2.2 to 3.2 16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.integragold.com/i/pdf/C1-C6_bare_and_countour_vUSE.pdf No. 4 Plug Deposit: Resource Continues to Expand Despite Reduction of Drill Database The No. 4 Plug database used for the prior resource estimate (November 2015) contained 279 surface and underground diamond drill holes which accounted for 81,505 m of core and 50,980 samples. In 2016, validation work completed as part of the Company's rigorous QA/QC program highlighted a significant lack of precision in a number of historic, previously drilled holes concerning survey information (due to an abundance of magnetite that caused errors in downhole orientation surveys). The decision was made to resurvey all available holes with a Gyroscope, a downhole survey method that is not influenced by the rocks magnetic properties. The lack of correlation between the Gyroscope results and previously used survey methods led to a decision to only use holes where Gyroscope survey data was available for the resource estimation. The total number of holes retained in the final No. 4 Plug database was 54 drill holes representing 43,202 m and 29,450 samples, a reduction of 47% in meterage, even after including drilling from the 2015-16 drill campaigns (11,719 m). The significantly reduced database explains, in part, the change in resource classification (from indicated to inferred) for a portion of the resource at No. 4 Plug. Gold mineralization at the No. 4 Plug differs slightly from that at Triangle. Both deposits host steeply dipping C type structures within its intrusive core, but mineralization at No. 4 Plug appears to be more constrained with very little mineralization occurring outside the intrusive. Table 9 November 2016 No. 4 Plug Deposit Resource Estimate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut-off Indicated Inferred ----------------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 g/t Au 505,448 6.67 108,443 915,903 6.84 201,464 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 g/t Au 300,417 8.56 82,634 579,432 8.59 160,028 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. 4 Plug continued: First Ever Estimation of Low Grade Vein Clusters (P4 Clusters) Completed In addition to the high angle shear structures (Table 9 above), large zones of tension vein arrays (herein referred to as P4 Clusters) occur inside the intrusive host unit. The tension vein arrays in the clusters appear to be genetically associated with the high angle shear veins. As illustrated in the resource estimate below the clusters contain substantial gold mineralization. In consideration of the two types of distinct mineralization styles, different modelled domains and a different estimation method was used to better estimate gold resources contained in the P4 Clusters. A Monte Carlo simulation method of resource estimation was used to estimate the gold resources within the P4 Clusters. This same method is used for resource estimation at Agnico Eagle's Goldex deposit in Val-d'Or, Quebec, situated 10 kilometers ("km") to the east of Lamaque. The similarities of the P4 Clusters to Goldex style gold mineralization represents the rationale for using the Monte Carlo method of resource estimation. The P4 Clusters cannot be reported using a specific cut-off grade due to their geological characteristics and related estimation methodology, hence the P4 Cluster values being identical in both parts of the following table which includes the P4 Shears at both 3 g/t Au and 5 g/t Au cut-off grades. The P4 Shears outside the P4 Clusters (essentially a sub-domain of the global P4 Shears domain with resources presented in Table 9 above) were estimated with an Ordinary Kriging ("OK") interpolation methodology, while constraining mineralization by using the lithological and structural models. This model was also constrained on a minimum true thickness of 2 m. The P4 Shear resource estimate in the table below differs from the No. 4 Plug resource estimate included in the Lamaque global resource estimate (Tables 1 and 2) as a result of some ounces reporting to the P4 Clusters instead of the P4 Shears when the two estimates overlap each other. Careful analysis and rigorous QA/QC checks were completed throughout the process to ensure resources were not double counted. Due to the reduced database, additional drilling of the P4 Clusters will be required to increase confidence in the geological model and the P4 Cluster resource estimate. For the upcoming PEA the Company anticipates using only the No. 4 Plug resource estimate as presented in Tables 1, 2 and 9 while additional work on the P4 Cluster model is undertaken. Table 10. November 2016 No. 4 Plug Deposit Resource Estimate ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Host Structure Indicated Inferred ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grade Grade Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) Tonnes (g/t Au) Ounces(Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4 Shears (3 g/t Au cut-off) (1) 268,600 6.13 52,930 650,100 6.66 139,230 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4 Clusters(2) 1,468,500 3.93 185,720 1,881,000 3.12 188,900 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,737,100 4.27 238,650 2,531,100 4.03 328,130 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4 Shears (5 g/t Au cut-off) (1) 143,700 8.08 37,340 398,700 8.43 108,100 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4 Clusters(2) 1,468,500 3.93 185,720 1,881,000 3.12 188,900 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,612,200 4.30 223,060 2,279,700 4.05 297,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- P4 Shears (high angle shear veins structures outside vein clusters), effective date is October 28,: Specific gravity of 2.80 g/cm3; geologically constrained model with hard boundary; capping of 20 g/t Au on composites when estimated cells are more than 15 m from drill hole otherwise uncapped; composites are 1 m in downhole length); 2 m minimum true thickness, if required diluted with in situ grade when assay results are available otherwise diluted with "zero" grade; ordinary kriging; 3 g/t cut-off calculated for official resource numbers. No. 4 Plug vein clusters ("P4 Clusters"), effective date is October 28, 2016: Part of No. 4 Plug deposit that corresponds to areas containing multiple gold bearing shears and tension vein arrays varying in dip from flat to up to 65 degrees; it is anticipated that some of these resources could be developed using bulk mining methods. A Monte Carlo estimation approach involving a bootstrapping average procedure that can be applied to a specific volume of rock if the number of samples inside the reference volume is sufficient to reasonably capture the sample distribution pattern was used for P4 Clusters. For this method to be appropriate samples must be reasonably equally distributed within the reference volume, and up to a certain point, a proper de-clustering process may address a lack of uniformity, also lithology inside the volume not need to be unique but the proportionality and relation between them must be constant. The bootstrapping average can be considered as representative of the entire volume of reference; this method is non-parametric and it does not relay on any assumption about the shape of the distribution; it allows for properly estimating intervals of confidence for non-parametric distribution; average estimation is verified only for the entire volume of reference; it does not allow for subsequent mining selectivity. Due to the proximity of the No. 4 Plug to Triangle, there may be an opportunity to utilize future planned underground infrastructure at Triangle to access the No. 4 Plug. This could potentially reduce the development infrastructure required to access No. 4 Plug mineralization, lowering the threshold required to justify a potential bulk tonnage-style mining operation. A trade-off study is currently underway to determine what the approximate minimum resource threshold will be to justify a bulk mining scenario at the No. 4 Plug versus the more selective mining of the P4 Shears that will be focussed on in the upcoming PEA. Regardless of the outcome of this study, more drilling will be required to better define and potentially expand the resource which will take place in 2017 and beyond. The No. 4 Plug resource estimate was completed by Christian D'Amours of GeoPointCom, Val-d'Or, Quebec. It should be noted Mr. D'Amours is familiar and has a detailed understanding of the Monte Carlo estimation methodology used at Goldex having been involved closely in the early stage of Goldex resource modelling and estimation. Details on modelling, estimation methodologies, and results will be presented in an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report to be filed on SEDAR within 45 days. To view a 3D geological model of No. 4 Plug including resource domains for P4 Shears and P4 Clusters please click on the following link: www.integragold.com/i/pdf/P4-Geological-Model_20161115.pdf Next Steps All drilling completed on the various satellite deposits (Parallel, No. 6 Vein, No. 4 Plug, Fortune, Sixteen) has now been incorporated in the current resource estimate. The one significant exception is Triangle, where a total of 103,850 m of both infill (70%) and step-out (30%) drilling has been completed since the database cut-off for the current estimate. These drill results, which have been disclosed on a timely basis throughout the year, clearly illustrate the potential for additional resource growth at Triangle (see 2016 News Releases). Modelling is now underway for a full Triangle resource update which will include all of the drill data referenced above. This resource estimate is expected to be completed in Q1 2017. The Company currently has six diamond drills active at Lamaque, including four at Triangle, and estimates that the total drilling conducted in 2016 will amount to approximately 120,000 m. In 2017, the drilling rate will remain high in the coming winter months and will continue to focus on Triangle and No. 4 Plug in addition to key exploration targets throughout the property including the Lamaque Deep and priority Gold Rush Challenge targets. The Company has commissioned a PEA which will incorporate the resource estimate disclosed in this news release. This PEA is anticipated to be completed in early Q1 2017 and will focus on four of the six deposits for which resources exist at Lamaque. The Fortune and Sixteen deposits, which account for minimal resources, will not be included in the upcoming PEA. Project and Company Profile Integra Gold is a junior gold exploration company advancing projects in Val-d'Or, Quebec, one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world. The Company's primary focus is its high-grade Lamaque South project. In 2014, Integra completed the accretive acquisition of the Sigma Mill and Mine Complex, a fully permitted 2,200 ton per day mill and tailings facility. With major federal and provincial permits in place, existing infrastructure, an excellent resource base, and exploration potential, this acquisition removed major costs and shortened timelines typically associated with mine projects. Integra has raised over $120 million since 2013, at successively higher share prices, despite depressed gold prices. In August 2015, Eldorado Gold Corporation completed a strategic investment in Integra, acquiring 15% of the outstanding common shares. Integra was recently named to the TSX Venture top 50 performers in 2015 and the OTCQX Best 50 award for 2015. Qualified Person The Lamaque South and Sigma-Lamaque exploration projects, jointly known as the Lamaque project, are under the direct supervision of Herve Thiboutot, Eng., Senior Vice-President of the Company, and Jacques Simoneau, P. Geo., Exploration Manager of the Company. Mr. Thiboutot and Mr. Simoneau are Qualified Persons ("QPs") as defined by the National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Christian D'Amours, P. Geo., OGQ #226, from GeoPointCom, is responsible for the completion of the resource updates and is an independent QPs as defined by the National Instrument 43-101. The Company's QPs have reviewed the technical content of this release. Quality Assurance -- Quality Control ("QA/QC") Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the project including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in all drill holes. The core samples are submitted directly to the Bourlamaque and ALS Laboratories in Val-d'Or for preparation and analysis. Analysis is conducted on 1 assay-ton aliquots. Analysis of Au is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish, with a gravimetric finish completed for samples exceeding 5 g/t Au. Results published are from the gravimetric finish if above 5 g/t Au and from the AA finish if lower than 5 g/t Au. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen de Jong CEO & President Follow Integra Gold On: Twitter: http://twitter.com/integragoldcorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company, including that the Company is able to obtain any government or other regulatory approvals required to complete the private placement and Company's planned exploration activities, that the Company is able to complete the private placement, that the Company is able to procure personnel, equipment and supplies required for its exploration activities in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis and that actual results of exploration activities are consistent with management's expectations. Although the Company considers these 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, that the private placement will not be completed, that actual results of the Company's exploration activities will be different than those expected by management and that the Company will be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required government approvals or be unable to procure required equipment and supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Inquiries: Chris Gordon chris@integragold.com Or visit the company website: www.integragold.com TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. ("Kirkland Lake Gold") (TSX: KLG) is pleased to announce Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"), the leading independent proxy advisory firms that provide voting recommendations to institutional investors, continue to recommend shareholders of Kirkland Lake Gold vote in favour of the proposed plan of arrangement with Newmarket Gold Inc.("Newmarket") to merge the two companies ("Business Combination"). Their recommendation stands after new details were released of proposals by Gold Fields Limited ("Gold Fields") and Silver Standard Resources Inc. ("Silver Standard"), which were all non-binding, subject to due diligence, and determined to be financially inferior by the Kirkland Board. Kirkland Lake Gold reminds shareholders that there is only one transaction before them, which is the business combination with Newmarket. Shareholders are required to vote their proxies before 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on November 23, 2016. In its alert to Kirkland Lake Gold shareholders for informational purposes only ISS noted that "the previously published vote recommendation remains unchanged." Glass Lewis noted: "We updated the Kirkland Lake Gold Proxy Paper following the release of additional details regarding an alternative, unsolicited acquisition proposal for Kirkland, as it relates to Kirkland's proposed merger with Newmarket. Our voting recommendation remains unchanged, as we continue to recommend that shareholders vote FOR the proposed arrangement with Newmarket." In its initial report, ISS recommended that both Kirkland Lake Gold and Newmarket shareholders vote FOR the respective resolutions relating to the plan of arrangement for a number of reasons, including the fact that "the arrangement makes strategic sense" for both companies "as it will result in the creation of a larger, more diversified company with a portfolio of high-quality assets, while the Combined Company will have a stronger financial position and greater cash resources" than Kirkland Lake Gold or Newmarket alone. Glass Lewis' original report recommended that both Kirkland Lake Gold and Newmarket shareholders vote FOR the respective resolutions relating to the plan of arrangement for a number of reasons, including the fact that the strategic and financial benefits offered in the proposed combination, as compared to other opportunities, offers the prospect of enhanced shareholder returns rather than the standalone scenario. In connection with the Business Combination, shareholders of Kirkland Lake Gold will receive 2.1053 Newmarket shares (on a pre-consolidated basis) for each Kirkland Lake Gold share held which will be approximately one Newmarket share on a post-consolidation basis. Pursuant to the consolidation, shareholders of Newmarket will receive 0.475 of a post-consolidation share for every one pre-consolidation share of Newmarket held. Existing Kirkland Lake Gold and Newmarket shareholders will own approximately 57% and 43% of the combined company, respectively, on a fully-diluted in-the-money basis. Management of both companies believes that the Business Combination will provide shareholders with significant benefits to each that would not be available if each company remained as a standalone entity. Shareholders of Kirkland Lake Gold are encouraged to read the Joint Management Information Circular, a copy of which is available under their respective profiles on the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com). How To Vote Shareholders must vote their proxy before 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on November 23, 2016. Kirkland Lake Gold shareholders with questions or who need help voting are encouraged to contact Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-877-659-1824 toll-free within North America, or 1-416-867-2272 (for collect calls outside North America), or e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com. About Kirkland Lake Gold Kirkland Lake Gold is an intermediate gold producer with assets in the historic Kirkland Lake gold camp, and east of the Timmins gold camp along the Porcupine-Destor Fault Zone, both in northeastern Ontario. Kirkland Lake Gold is currently targeting annual gold production of between 280,000 to 290,000 ounces from its cornerstone asset, the Macassa Mine Complex and the Holt Mine Complex which includes the Holt, Holloway and Taylor mines. Kirkland Lake Gold is committed to building a sustainable mining company that is recognized as a safe and responsible gold producer with quality assets in safe mining jurisdictions. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of Kirkland Lake Gold with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and include information regarding: (i) expectations regarding whether the proposed transaction with Newmarket will be consummated, including whether conditions to the consummation of the transaction will be satisfied, or the timing for completing the transaction, (ii) expectations for the effects of the transaction or the ability of the combined company to successfully achieve business objectives, including integrating the companies or the effects of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, (iii) the potential benefits and synergies of the transaction with Newmarket and (iv) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect Kirkland Lake Gold's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Kirkland Lake Gold believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the ability to consummate the transaction with Newmarket; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the ability of Kirkland Lake Gold and Newmarket to successfully integrate their respective operations and employees and realize synergies and cost savings at the times, and to the extent, anticipated; the potential impact on exploration activities; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the transaction on relationships, including with regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors; the re-rating potential following the consummation of the transaction; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; and the diversion of management time on the transaction. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of Kirkland Lake Gold and market conditions. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by Kirkland Lake Gold with the Canadian securities regulators, including Kirkland Lake Gold's annual information form, financial statements and related MD&A for the financial year ended December 31, 2015 and its interim financial reports and related MD&A for the period ended September 30, 2016 filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although Kirkland Lake Gold has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Kirkland Lake Gold does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Contacts: Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. Media: Ian Robertson, Kingsdale Shareholder Services Executive Vice President, Communication Strategy Direct: +1 416-867-2333; Mobile: +1 647-621-2646 irobertson@kingsdaleshareholder.com Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. Investors: Suzette N Ramcharan, CPIR Director of Investor Relations Direct: +1 647-361-0200; Mobile: +1 647-284-5315 sramcharan@klgold.com GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage Canadian Heritage is looking for volunteers interested in helping with this major winter celebration. Residents of the Ottawa-Gatineau region are invited to join the team of volunteers for the 39th Winterlude, which will take place from February 3 to 20, 2017. Enjoy a rewarding volunteer experience while savouring the joys of winter in a gigantic snow playground. As a volunteer, you could be assigned to one of the following positions: information officer, activities assistant, crowd control officer or snow slide assistant. You might even get to entertain visitors of all ages by dressing up as your favourite Ice Hog! There are lots of ways to lend a hand and have fun at the same time! Visit our website to see a complete list of Winterlude volunteer opportunities, with descriptions. For more information, contact the Canadian Heritage Volunteer Centre at 819-956-2626 or PCH.centredesbenevoles-volunteercentre.PCH@canada.ca. Metro is the exclusive sponsor of the Winterlude Volunteer Program. Quotes "Volunteers play a key role in helping Winterlude activities run smoothly. I invite you to join a dynamic team of people who, like you, want to contribute to the success of this popular winter gathering. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, it's an opportunity to give back to your community and connect with your fellow citizens in a fun atmosphere!" -The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage Quick Facts Winterlude would not be possible without the valuable support of the 700 volunteers who contribute to its success. As a token of our appreciation, volunteers receive: -- An invitation to the Winterlude appreciation night -- A Winterlude souvenir (with a minimum of 12 hours of volunteer work) Associated Links Volunteer at Winterlude Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr. Contacts: Pierre-Olivier Herbert Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage 819-997-7788 Media Relations Canadian Heritage 819-994-9101 1-866-569-6155 PCH.media-media.PCH@Canada.ca MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- analyticsMD announced today that it has secured $13M in funding to accelerate the delivery of its artificial intelligence software platform to U.S. health systems. Silicon Valley venture capital leaders Norwest Venture Partners and Mayfield co-led the round, with participation from renowned accelerator Y Combinator and the Stanford-StartX Fund. analyticsMD plans to use the capital to ramp product development and expand go-to-market efforts. The analyticsMD award-winning platform has been adopted by a growing number of health systems across the U.S. Leading community, academic and public hospitals have implemented the analyticsMD solution to improve operations, increase efficiency and enhance patient experience, including: Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, El Camino Hospital, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Medstar Montgomery Medical Center, Natividad Medical Center and Mercy. In response to market demand, analyticsMD is growing its team and has named new key hires from Castlight Health, Evolent Health and Infoblox to lead critical functions: Srinivas Mantripragada - Head of Engineering Michael Mucha - Head of Sales Natalie Sunderland - Head of Marketing "We are excited to partner with Mudit and the team; they bring a laser focus on their mission, as well as tremendous business acumen and technology depth," said Ursheet Parikh of Mayfield. "That team DNA, along with the value proposition of reducing cost while improving care, has contributed to their escape velocity with healthcare providers, with many more milestones to come." The analyticsMD platform is a virtual "air traffic control" for hospital operations. It takes in massive amounts of messy healthcare data and processes it in real-time, learning as it does so; it knows exactly what's going on at any given time and is intelligent enough to predict issues and outcomes. The platform then goes well beyond predictive analytics solutions by closing the gap between intelligence and action; it recommends immediate course-corrections, which are sent to frontline teams in the form of a 'nudge'. That way, better decisions can be made and issues can be dealt with before they even arise. And with the power of machine learning, the system gets smarter with every interaction. The platform addresses operational challenges across the hospital including emergency departments, perioperative areas, inpatient and outpatient. "The analyticsMD solution has the potential to improve patient safety and increase hospital efficiency. Through the application of AI technology, the behavior and decisions of hospital providers and workers can be nudged in real time," said Dr. Robert Mittendorff, Partner, Norwest Venture Partners. "As an emergency physician, I was immediately struck by the significant utility of the solution and its ability to address two of the largest problems in healthcare today -- safety and efficiency." Hospital costs represent nearly $1 trillion of total US healthcare spend. Health systems across the nation struggle under the weight of increased regulatory burdens; for many, it's become difficult to meet the demand of their communities while providing high-quality care at a reasonable cost. Moreover, the implementation of electronic medical records, while improving some aspects of patient care, have made hospital operations much more complex. "When it comes to health systems, operations is highly neglected. But it's important. It's where you'll find the bulk of a hospital's costs and it's also where we can really move the needle on patient satisfaction. We believe that it's time to overhaul hospital operations," said Mudit Garg, CEO. "analyticsMD's solution can help do this by turning unusable big data into the right data, as well as delivering right actions and right outcomes. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their common vision of transforming the way their health systems provide care." About analyticsMD With hospital operations becoming increasingly expensive and complex, Silicon Valley-based analyticsMD offers an AI-based software platform that helps health systems increase efficiency and improve margins while also enhancing patient experience and reducing provider burnout. Acting as a virtual air traffic control, analyticsMD allows hospital administrators and frontline teams to make the best decisions at the moment when it matters the most. analyticsMD works with leading public, academic and community hospitals across the United States. The company's solution was recognized by 2016 Fierce Innovations Awards in Healthcare winning for Best Financial/Operations Solutions and Best New Product/ Service. Media Contact Natalie Sunderland natalie@analyticsmd.com (347) 224-4121 DUBAI, UAE, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award held its first-ever meeting at the offices of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), to discuss the general policies of the Award. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151123/290068LOGO ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440065 ) The meeting - chaired by H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Secretary General of the Award - was attended by Members of the Board, Nick Rawlins, Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Oxford; David Bennett, Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships at National Geographic; Dr. Ali Ahmed Al Ghafli, Vice Dean for Social Sciences at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UAE University; Alexander J.B. Zehnder, Visiting Professor and Member of the Board of Trustees of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. The Award's main objective is to galvanise the shift towards a knowledge economy in the UAE, the region, and the world, as well as to establish a culture built on exchanging knowledge and honouring intellectual and creative achievements that serve to produce and disseminate knowledge. H.E. bin Huwaireb said: "The Knowledge Award seeks to raise awareness about the importance of spreading knowledge as a means to achieve sustainable development by honouring the pioneers working to revolutionise the knowledge industry." The Board of Trustees will hold a series of executive meetings to determine application requirements and selection criteria for the winners, H.E. bin Huwaireb revealed, as well as to prepare for the Award ceremony, part of the Knowledge Summit 2016 (December 5-7). Meanwhile, Dr. Al Ghafli said that the Arab World played a pivotal role in spreading knowledge in past centuries; the Award places Arabs back on the right track to reclaim that commendable history. Professor Zehnder lauded the Award, noting that it would benefit all of mankind, underlining the role that knowledge plays in their lives and, consequently, motivating them to participate in the creation and dissemination of knowledge. David Bennett said that the award is an important initiative honouring those who make knowledge available to people everywhere. Professor Rawlins, meanwhile, pointed out that the University of Oxford has extensive experience in evaluating contributions to the field of knowledge and will, therefore, play an active role within the Board of Trustees. The Award seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of the UAE and the world. The monetary value of the award is a generous $1 million. In late 2015, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Decree No. 36 of 2015, establishing the Knowledge Award. H.H. also issued Decree No. 17 of 2016, establishing the Board of Trustees and appointing its members for three renewable years. The Board is headed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Chairman, with H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb as Vice Chairman. Members include representatives from the United Arab Emirates University; the University of Cairo; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; the University of Oxford; and National Geographic. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Mettrum Health Corp. ("Mettrum" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: MT), a vertically integrated health and wellness company focused on research, development, production and distribution of cannabis products, is pleased to announce that it has acquired 100% of the shares (the "Acquisition") of Apollo Applied Research Inc. ("Apollo"). Under the terms of the Acquisition, Mettrum paid $1 million in cash and issued 522,684 shares from treasury at closing. These shares will be subject to a four-month hold and the Company is required to inform the TSX Venture Exchange of this transaction. In addition, the Company will issue additional shares, over the next 5 years based on Apollo achieving certain operational metrics. Apollo will operate independently as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mettrum. Based on Mettrum's evaluation of Apollo's historical performance and future growth prospects, the Acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Mettrum. Apollo generates revenue from OHIP as well as other provincial health insurance plans, research grants and private insurance payments which are secured on behalf of its patients. Apollo Applied Research has a proven track record of growth in active patients, revenue and research. Apollo is dedicated to identifying the most effect strains of medical cannabis for patients suffering with chronic pain as well as many other medical conditions. Apollo offers an evidence based approach to treating patients with medical cannabis by running two of Canada's largest medical cannabis studies. Apollo's continuing research helps better evaluate the benefits of medical cannabis and allows Apollo to discover and better understand the most effective strains for each condition. Apollo has been conducting clinical research on chronic pain since 2014 and in March of 2016 Apollo launched its newest study analyzing the effects of medical cannabis on patients with PTSD. Apollo's research has been published in multiple medical journals and is regularly called upon to present at medical seminars and conferences including the Clinical Research Association of Canada. Apollo's strong emphasis on research sets the company apart and is consistent with Mettrum's commitment to advancing the understanding of cannabis in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. "Apollo facilitates access to medical cannabis by putting patients together with qualified health care professionals. The Apollo staff are dedicated professionals who specialize in training, support, education and advocacy for qualified patients for whom cannabis may be used medically," said Michael Haines, Chief Executive Officer of Mettrum. "Bryan Hendin, Apollos's Founder and President, will continue to run the company, and I would like to welcome the Apollo team to the Mettrum group of companies. We are all very excited and look forward to working together while realizing synergies and creating value for all stakeholders." "We are extremely excited to be joining the great team at Mettrum and working together to accelerate growth across the board. Apollo has been researching strains of medical cannabis for several years and our new collaboration with Mettrum will allow us to work together to offer patients the most effect cannabis products" said Bryan Hendin. "I am very impressed with the focus which Mettrum brings to quality assurance and how effective this is in dealing with the demands of patients." For additional information on Apollo, please visit www.apolloresearch.ca About Mettrum Health Corp. Mettrum Health Corp. is a Tier 1 Industry Issuer listed on TSX Venture Exchange. Mettrum Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a Toronto-based company and a licensed producer of medical cannabis under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (formerly the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations) issued pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) (the "ACMPR"). Mettrum received its first license from Health Canada on November 1, 2013 and began production of medical cannabis at its first production facility in Bowmanville, Ontario. Mettrum received its second license from Health Canada on December 11, 2014 for its other wholly-owned subsidiary, Agripharm Corp., at the Mettrum Creemore facility in Clearview, Ontario. Mettrum received its third license from Health Canada on December 17, 2015 for Mettrum Ltd. at its new 60,000 square foot production and distribution facility in Bowmanville, Ontario. With the Company's three licenses, Mettrum is a leading producer and vendor of medical cannabis under the ACMPR system. In addition, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Mettrum Hempworks, Mettrum also is a licensed producer and distribution of industrial cannabis (hemp) products, including Mettrum's functional food line, Mettrum Originals, under the Industrial Hemp Regulations (Canada) issued pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada). CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and the results of operations. 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. The Company and Mettrum disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither 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 Press release. Contacts: Mettrum Health Corp. Ali Mahdavi Director, Investor Relations 416.962.3300 amahdavi@mettrum.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, 2016-11-16 14:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCBB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1) ("Cypress" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has received results from a property wide grid sampling program at Cypress' 1520 acre Glory Lithium Brine/Claystone Project located in Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. Cypress' Glory Project is located within a 0.5 mile of lithium brine wells belonging to the Albemarle Silver Peak Mine and the property shares its western boundary with the lithium resource area of Pure Energy's Clayton Valley South project.In August 2016, Cypress optioned its Glory Project to Pure Energy Minerals with Cypress remaining the operator of the project until Pure Energy earns a 51% interest. The agreement allows the Company to advance its Glory Project while working with and utilizing the geological expertise of the Pure Energy team.Cypress Glory Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada location map: http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP_Clayton_Valley_South_Cypress_Ad dition.jpgHighlights:-- 239 Glory samples were collected on a systematic 100m X 100m grid -- 133 Glory samples assayed greater than 900 ppm Li -- New Glory zone discovered with a high grade of 3830 ppm Li -- Several open zones of 1400 to >2000 ppm Li have been identified -- 3 km long by 1 km wide zone of strong lithium mineralization is present at surface on the Glory property -- Data supports that the lithium is from uplifted and exposed lake bed sediments -- Grid sample results definitively confirm earlier samples reported by CypressCypress Development has now completed a grid sampling program over the exposed mineralized mudstone - claystone rocks package and the surrounding thin gravel units. Thin volcanic ash units, which occur within the mudstone section, were also sampled. A total 239 samples were collected on a 100m X 100m grid pattern.Assay results of the grid sampling program are displayed in Table 1 below. Lithium mineralization averaging >900 ppm Li was returned from 133 samples of thick bedded to massive mudstone and claystone outcrops. These occurrences are typically from high calcareous and saline sediments that formed in a lake bed setting prior to being uplifted. The grid sample results definitively confirm the earlier samples collected and reported by Cypress Development.Uplifted lithium claystone stratigraphy at Cypress Glory Clayton Valley, Nevada: http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP_Clayton_Evaporite_Stratigraphy. jpgIncluded in the mudstone samples is a newly discovered zone of strong lithium mineralization in a previously un-prospected area in the north central portion of the Glory Lithium property. Sample number RKCV-00224 returned 3830 ppm lithium from a highly saline and calcareous claystone outcrop. This northern area of the Glory property, and on the adjacent portions of Cypress' Dean Lithium property, is characterized by outcrops of mudstone and claystone poking above widespread, thin gravel cover units occurring in several square kilometers of very low topographic relief.Cypress considers this highly mineralized area as a prime target for developing a large surface footprint of lithium mineralization averaging >2000 ppm. Detailed follow-up channel sampling of the area is being planned to determine the size of the higher grade zone which would become a focus area for further development work.Table 1: Cypress Glory Grid Sampling ResultsLithology Type Number of Average Li High Li Low Li Samples Assay ppm Assay ppm Assay ppm Mudstone/Claystone 133 906 3830 340 Volcanic Ash Tuff 46 366 1060 20 Gravel Cover 51 112 250 40*Note ppm = parts per million, Li = lithium metalGlory Clayton Valley Nevada grid sampling map: http://www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com/i/maps/CYP-Glory-2016-Grid-Samples-small.j pgAs Table 1 shows, samples of thin volcanic ash and volcanic sandstone units were taken where they were encountered on the sample grid. These units are locally well mineralized but overall contain lower lithium values. These units are generally >0.5 meter thick versus the multi-meters exposed thickness of surrounding mudstones.The assay results in Table 1 of thin gravel cover units on the grid shows lower level but still highly anomalous lithium values in these thin, variably indurated cover channel wash units.The proposed next phase of exploration will consist of the collection of a series of bulk samples for further metallurgical testing for developing extraction methods to extract lithium from the large area of defined surface mineralization.One of the keys to Cypress' project is to determine if lithium can be economically extracted directly from the highly mineralized claystones. Preliminary lab testing by ALS Chemex in Reno has shown an average recovery of 35% lithium using a deionized water leach and an average recovery of 95% lithium using a modified Aqua Regia leach.Discussion of Grid Sample ResultsAs was stated earlier, the results of the systematic sampling fully confirm and in several important cases, surpass the previously announced results of sampling done by Cypress in the early stages of exploration of the Glory property. A 3 km long by 1.5 km wide zone of essentially continuous lithium mineralization within uplifted lake bed sediments is present at surface on the Glory property. The assays of mudstones and claystones average >900 ppm lithium and several open zones of 1400 to >2000 ppm lithium have been identified as a result of the grid sampling.The lithium assays in the thin gravel cover units supports the notion that lithium is being leached from uplifted and exposed lake bed sediments.For Cypress, this process of leaching of lithium from the strongly mineralized mudstone/claystone rock sections on the property has important implications. First, it appears likely that higher lithium values may be found in the subsurface versus in the surface exposures.Cypress believes that lithium bearing brines could exist on its Glory property within the water table below the exposures of lake bed sediments as a result of vertical infiltration along zones of higher porosity, fault zones for example.Quality Control and Quality Assurance:All samples were submitted to ALS Chemex Labs in Reno, Nevada, for analysis using an ME-ICP61, 33 element four acid digestion ICP method.Robert Marvin, PGeo, Exploration Manager for Cypress Development Corp., is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has approved of the technical information in this release.About Cypress Development Corp.:Cypress development Corp is a publicly traded lithium and zinc exploration company that continues to acquire and develop potentially viable mineral projects in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.Cypress is very active in Clayton Valley, Nevada with its team committed to systematically exploring its properties for both a lithium-brine resource and expanding exploration relating to the potential for lithium that exists within the recently discovered non-hectorite "claystones", that has seen recent high lithium assays recovered from these same "claystones".Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 27.9 million shares issued and outstanding.To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP."Don Huston"DONALD C. HUSTON PresidentFor further information contact myself or: Don Myers Director Cypress Development Corp. Telephone: 604-687-3376 Toll Free: 800-567-8181 Facsimile: 604-687-3119 Email: info@cypressdevelopmentcorp.comNEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. NCR achieves 99 percent availability and provides real-time health information via the NCR Pulse Banking app NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a leader in omni-channel solutions, will take over the complete operations of the ATM network of Sparkasse Jena in July 2017. This is an expansion of the existing managed services agreement covering incident and cash management, which has been in place since July 2016. This is first time that NCR's Pulse Banking app, which displays the operating status of the self-service device network in real time, will be used for operation management at a financial institution in Germany. NCR was selected in the course of a modernization project during which Sparkasse Jena replaced the Microsoft Windows XP operating system throughout the self-service device network. Sparkasse Jena took advantage of this technology renewal to re-visit their overall business strategy and re-focus their staff to support the savings bank's core business activities. Sparkasse Jena had already commissioned a cash-in-transit (CiT) company with cash logistics and cash management in 2013. When around 100 self-service systems had to be replaced in 2016, the bank decided to place the maintenance and operational responsibility for their ATM network as well as the management of the CiT company, in the hands of a single service provider. The decision was made in favor of NCR's managed services model. NCR's APTRA Opticash solution is being used by NCR's Cash Analysts to cost effectively manage cash demand. NCR's managed services implementation saw a smooth transition from the on-going operations and in only three months after beginning the service agreement NCR was achieving 99 percent ATM availability. "It was a very ambitious project, with a tight implementation time," explains Mike Neubert, department manager operations at Sparkasse Jena. "We knew NCR as a reliable partner from a previous migration project. NCR had already proved itself as a project partner at that time and did again in the new tender. Both sides learned and adapted quickly and we both will benefit from the insights in future projects." NCR Pulse Banking app is being used for the first time in Germany at Sparkasse Jena. The app, which is unique in the financial industry, combines the various data sent from the ATM network and presents it graphically on a mobile device. NCR Pulse Banking includes real-time, high-level network performance analytics, as well as detailed incident management data, geographic status display and system status alerts. In the event of a malfunction, the NCR team can immediately identify the issue and resolve it quickly. Sparkasse Jena is considering making the status information available to their customers at a later stage, enabling them to always find the nearest functioning ATM. "NCR has one of the most experienced service teams in the world: every three seconds we receive a service notification, and every six seconds our technicians make a service call," said Wolfgang Kneilmann, Vice President Financial Services DACH, CEA and Russia at NCR. "In the project, we were able to demonstrate the full range of our experience and expertise as well as our customer orientation. Entrusting the entire operation lead in our hands is a huge vote of confidence that we are very proud of." About NCR Corporation NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in omni-channel solutions, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 550 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier. NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. Web site: www.ncr.com Twitter: @NCRCorporation Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005342/en/ Contacts: NCR Corporation Ortrud Wenzel, +49 821 405 8191 ortrud.wenzel@ncr.com DUBLIN, Nov 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market 2016-2020" report to their offering. The global advanced combat helmet market to grow at a CAGR of 3.92% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global advanced combat helmet market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the provides a comprehensive overview of the market, market shares, and growth opportunities by end-user and growth prospects by region. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. One of latest trends in the market is toward lightweight raw material. There is an increased demand and need for improved and lightweight PPE for soldiers, homeland security personnel, and security guards. However, the weight of helmets used by this personnel persistently affects their efficiency and stamina. The leading military nations endeavor to decrease troop numbers owing to various reasons (such as defense budget cuts and development of more unmanned systems). These efforts necessitate enhanced protection for existing battalion, which has propelled procurement programs for ballistic protection equipment (including ACHs). According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is mounting security threats. Internal and external security threats affect a country's growth and development as well as its international image. The homeland security or the law enforcement agencies of a country safeguards the internal and external security from internal or domestic terrorism and also prevent terrorist attacks and organized crimes. They also face life-threatening situations when unexpected terrorist attacks and riots occur. It has been noted that almost 95% of injuries are the result of falling or flying glass, mortar shrapnel, and explosive fragments. Therefore, ACH plays a vital role in protecting armed personnel against such attacks and injuries. Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is heavyweight protection equipment. The global warfare scenario is constantly changing with increasing violence and terrorist attacks, thereby raising the demand for ballistic protection for soldiers, homeland security personnel, and law enforcement personnel. However, when ballistic protection systems are modified, the weight increases, and this limits the bearer's flexibility and mobility. Key vendors ArmorSource BAE Gentex Honeywell Other prominent vendors ArmorWorks Enterprises Ceradyne Eagle Industries Morgan Advanced Materials Point Blank Enterprises Survitec Group Key Topics Covered: Part 01: Executive summary Part 02: Scope of the report Part 03: Market research methodology Part 04: Introduction Part 05: Market landscape Part 06: Market segmentation by end-use Part 07: Geographical segmentation 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: Vendor landscape Part 14: Key vendor analysis Part 15: Appendix For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gldcj8/global_advanced 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 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Producer Price Index or PPI of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for October is expected at 8.30 am ET Wednesday. Economists call for consensus of a gain of 0.3 percent, in line with last month. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the greenback held steady against the yen and the pound, it advanced against the franc and the euro. The greenback was worth 1.0699 against the euro, 109.59 against the yen, 1.2428 against the pound and 1.0037 against the franc as of 8:25 am ET. 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. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Following the release of U.S. producer prices for October at 8.30 am ET Wednesday, the greenback declined against its major counterparts. The greenback was trading at 1.0717 against the euro, 109.27 against the yen, 1.2447 against the pound and 1.0027 against the franc around 8:31 am ET. 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. CHARLOTTE, NC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Kavaliro, an award-winning, national staffing and services company, announces today the opening of its new uptown Charlotte office. Driven by the desire to be closer to its client base, the company is now located within The Foundry, a collective of renovated office and workshop spaces for distinctive local businesses in Charlotte's Third Ward neighborhood. With the recent move, Kavaliro nearly doubles its physical infrastructure with close to 3,500 square feet, providing room to increase the company's internal staff by seven to ten employees over the next year. "Charlotte is a beautiful city with a thriving market of highly skilled tech candidates. As Kavaliro grows, so does our ability to help connect these top workers with local companies seeking the best talent," says John Mahony, COO of Kavaliro. "Our new, larger office space is expected to allow us to increase our consultant and permanent placements over the next year." Considered a top regional delivery center for many of Kavaliro's national accounts, the Charlotte branch has been honored by the Charlotte Business Journal as a top Executive Search Firm, Women Owned Company and Temporary Staffing Company. Now located in the up-and-coming area, the company's new office space allows Kavaliro to further invest in the community and contribute to the growth in the local market. Kavaliro plans to increase its consultant and permanent placements by 35 to 45 percent over the next 12 months. "Kavaliro has been growing rapidly over the past several years, so it's only natural that we would upgrade our space in Charlotte to continue that trajectory," says Mark Moore, president of Kavaliro. "There are many exciting opportunities that come with opening this larger office. We look forward to increasing our footprint in the area and giving back to a community that has already given us so much." Kavaliro currently boasts a clientele portfolio of 35 Fortune 500 companies, and is sourcing high-paying, coveted positions in the tech, IT, engineering and financial industries. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla. with additional offices in Jacksonville and Tampa, Fla., Petaluma, Calif., and Washington, D.C., Kavaliro has added 14 employees to the team across the nation this year, maximizing its capabilities for every client in each market. Kavaliro's Charlotte office is now located at 619 South Cedar Street, Suite M, Charlotte, NC 28209. All other contact information including phone numbers remain the same. To learn more about Kavaliro, visit www.kavaliro.com. Media Contact Stephanie Plucinsky Uproar PR for Kavaliro 321-236-0102 Email Contact VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Affinor Growers (CSE: AFI)(CSE: AFI.CN)(CNSX: AFI)(OTCQB: RSSFF)(FRANKFURT: 1AF) ("Affinor" or the "Corporation), a diversified agriculture and biotechnology company with proprietary vertical farming systems, is pleased to announce the results of the Annual General Meeting held November 9, 2016. The Directors of Affinor including Dr. Alan Boyco, Mr. Brian Whitlock, Mr. David Mack and Mr. Rick Easthom were re-elected for the ensuring year. Mr. Jarrett Malnarick, President and CEO commented that "Affinor is excited to have an experienced and committed board to help execute its goals and long term vision." The shareholders also re-appointed the Company's auditors DeVisser Gray LLP at the meeting. A presentation, including achievements in the prior year and goals and objectives for 2017, was given by the CEO at the meeting. For more information about the board and management team, please visit our website, www.affinorgrowers.com. Affinor is also pleased to announce that is has received over $500,000 due to the recent exercise of warrants, finders' warrants and options by the Company's early investors. These funds will help Affinor continue to execute its goals and objectives as outlined at the AGM and announced in the shareholders update news release issued on October 14, 2016. About Affinor Growers Inc. Affinor Growers is a publicly traded company on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ("AFI"). Affinor is focused on growing high quality crops such as romaine lettuce, spinach, strawberries using its vertical farming techniques. Affinor is committed to becoming a pre-eminent supplier and grower, using exclusive vertical farming techniques. On Behalf of the Board of Directors AFFINOR GROWERS INC."Jarrett Malnarick"President & CEO The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This News Release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this News Release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. This News Release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Contacts: Jarrett Malnarick President and CEO 604.837.8688 jarrett@affinorgrowers.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Mariana Resources Ltd ("Mariana" or the "Company") (AIM: MARL)(TSX VENTURE: MARL) the AIM and TSXV listed exploration and development company with projects in Turkey, Cote d'Ivoire and South America, announces that the following warrants and options have been exercised into ordinary shares, with funds received. -- 28,530 Warrants exercised at 43.4p -- 300,000 Warrants exercised at 30p -- 1,132,696 Warrants exercised at 25p -- 47,550 options exercised at 43.4p -- 45,000 options exercised at 20p The Company will issue and allot 1,553,776 new ordinary shares. Admission to AIM Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and the TSX. Dealings are expected to commence on or about 21 November 2016 ("Admission"). Following Admission, there will be a total of 123,610,094 ordinary shares on issue. For further information please visit website at www.marianaresources.com. About Mariana Resources Mariana Resources Ltd is an AIM (MARL) and TSXV (MARL) quoted exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of gold, silver and copper projects in South America and Turkey. Mariana's most advanced asset is the Hot Maden gold-copper project in north east Turkey, which is a joint venture with its Turkish JV partner Lidya (30% Mariana and 70% Lidya) and rapidly advancing to development. An updated mineral resource estimate of 3.43 Moz gold Equivalent (Indicated Category) and 0.09 Moz gold Equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the main resource zone as well as a maiden 351,000 Moz gold Equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the new southern discovery zone was reported for Hot Maden on July 25, 2015. Elsewhere in Turkey, Mariana holds a 100% interest in the Ergama gold-copper project. In southern Argentina, the Company's core gold-silver projects are Las Calandrias (100%), Sierra Blanca (100%), Los Cisnes (100%), Bozal (100%). These projects are part of a 160,000+ Ha land package in the Deseado Massif epithermal gold-silver district in mining-friendly Santa Cruz Province. In Suriname, Mariana has a direct holding of 10.2% of the Nassau Gold project. The Nassau Gold Project is a 28,000 Ha exploration concession located approximately 125 km south east of the capital Paramaribo and immediately adjacent to Newmont Mining's 4.2Moz gold Merian project. In Peru and Chile, Mariana is focusing on acquiring new opportunities which complement its current portfolio. Safe Harbour This press release contains certain statements which may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this press release and include, without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, the realization, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource estimates, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, and requirements for additional capital. The words "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimate", "forecasts", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will", or similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the effects of general economic conditions; the price of gold, silver and copper; misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; risks associated with international operations; the need for additional financing; risks inherent in exploration results; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters; currency and commodity price fluctuations; title matters; environmental liability claims; unanticipated operational risks; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; political risk; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual financial statements for the most recently completed financial year which is available on the Company's website at www.marianaresources.com. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, 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 forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts: Mariana Resources Ltd Glen Parsons CEO +61 2 9437 4588 Mariana Resources Ltd Eric Roth COO +56 9 8818 1243 Mariana Resources Ltd (Canada) Karen Davies IR +1 604 314 6270 RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) Rob Adamson +61 2 9250 0041 RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) Will Souter +61 2 9250 0050 In U.K. Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) Oliver Stansfield +44 20 3463 5061 Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) Jonathan Evans +44 20 3463 5016 Blytheweigh (Financial PR) Camilla Horsfall +44 20 7138 3224 Blytheweigh (Financial PR) Megan Ray +44 20 7138 3203 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Columbus Gold Corp. (TSX: CGT)(OTCQX: CBGDF) ("Columbus") is pleased to announce that it has received a permit for drilling and associated road building and drill pad construction at Target 5 of its 100% owned Eastside gold project in Nevada. Target 5 is a geological and geochemical target located about 7 km south-southwest of the "Original Target", which is the site of essentially all previous drilling at Eastside so far. A maiden resource estimate is expected at the Original Target in the coming weeks. Columbus is planning to carry-out additional drilling at Eastside in 2017 at both the Original Target and at the recently permitted Target 5. The location of Target 5 relative to the Original Target at Eastside can be viewed at the following link: www.columbusgoldcorp.com/i/nr/2016-11-16-map-location.pdf Columbus geologic and alteration mapping, along with surface geochemical sampling, indicates that Target 5 is geologically identical to the Original Target. At Target 5 a rhyolite dome complex intrudes tuffs and volcanic breccias which were extruded as the rhyolite was emplaced. The rhyolite dome and eruptive complex was emplaced on a basement of Tertiary andesite lavas and lahars and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. Hydrothermal alteration is widespread at Target 5, consisting of widespread iron staining, replacement silicification, and zones of quartz veining, with large areas of acid leaching or steam-heated ground. The steam-heated ground, interpreted to have formed at surface above boiling hydrothermal solutions at depth, consists of opaline silica, kaolinite, and fine-grained alunite. North, northwest, and northeast-trending structures are present at Target 5 and control hydrothermal alteration in places. A geological map can be viewed at the following link: www.columbusgoldcorp.com/i/nr/2016-11-16-map-geo.pdf Geochemical sampling at Target 5 consists of about 150 surface samples of outcrop and float. Sampling results are similar to those at the Original Target where gold, silver, arsenic, antimony, and molybdenum are anomalous. Target 5 surface samples contain gold (ranging from 0-1.08 g/t gold), silver (ranging from 0-99 g/t silver), arsenic (ranging from 0-464 ppm), antimony (ranging from 0-240 ppm), and molybdenum (ranging from 0-69 ppm). On a regional basis, Eastside gold mineralization occurs in a discrete package of overlapping, rhyolite flow dome complexes which were emplaced and/or erupted 7.2 million years ago. These flow dome complexes are confined to an outcrop belt about 3.2 km (2 miles) wide and 11.2 km (7 miles) long which is completely enclosed in Columbus Gold's claim block. Detailed mapping and sampling of the entire claim block by Columbus geologists has yielded numerous targets at Eastside. ABOUT EASTSIDE The Eastside project has outstanding infrastructure for mining and processing, is 32 km (20 miles) west of Tonopah, Nevada, and lies 9.7 km (6 miles) north of paved highway US 95, the main road route from Las Vegas to Reno. A good County-maintained, gravel road from the highway, along with a major power transmission line both pass through the claim block. The current drilling area is on the east flank of the Monte Cristo Range and a portion of the claim block extends well into the adjacent flats, which would provide excellent operating sites. The valley is known to have shallow water available in the same aquifer, which provided water for milling the Tonopah ores in the early 1900's. The area is high desert with sparse vegetation, and year-round drilling is possible. Eastside is a district scale project consisting of 725 claims covering 57.7 sq. km (22.55 sq. miles), in an area of outstanding infrastructure. Significant gold values of up to 27.9 g/t have been obtained in surface sampling at Eastside and so far seven (7) large geochemical anomalies have been identified, however drilling to date has been confined almost exclusively to one target (referred to as the Original Target), in an area of only approximately 1,250 X 800 meters, or about 1 sq. km., of the large 57.7 sq. km land package. Thorough oxidation is remarkably deep at Eastside in certain areas, exceeding 300 meters in places. Preliminary metallurgy indicates that gold at Eastside is amenable to cyanide leaching, whether oxide or sulfide. QA/QC and Qualified Person Andy Wallace is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. Mr. Wallace is the principal of Cordilleran Exploration Company (Cordex), which is conducting exploration and project generation activities for Columbus Gold on an exclusive basis. Robert F. Giustra, Chairman & CEO This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting Columbus' expected time frame to complete a National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource estimate (the "Technical Report"), and its intended plans to complete a drilling program in 2017. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: the ability to complete the Technical Report within the expected time frame or at all; the ability to acquire necessary permits and other authorizations; environmental compliance; cost increases; availability of qualified workers and drill equipment; competition for mining properties; risks associated with exploration projects including, without limitation, the accuracy of interpretations; mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors and ability to complete the intended drilling program); dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title risks; and general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about: market prices, exploitation and exploration success; that the design of the drill plan is appropriate for the site; general business and economic conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; continued availability of capital and financing; power prices; ability to procure equipment and supplies including, without limitation, drill rigs; and ongoing relations with employees, partners, optionees and joint venturers. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Columbus undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law. Contacts: Columbus Gold Corp. Investor Relations (604) 634-0970 1-888-818-1364 info@columbusgoldcorp.com Colt Grows North American Team to Address Growing International Demand of Customers in the Region As part of its ongoing growth initiatives,Colt Technology Services, a multinational network, voice and data center provider, today announced the expansion of its sales and support teams into North America. Colt's growth in the region is further evidence of the company's commitment to provide its multinational customers with global high bandwidth communications services, while providing North American customers with localized market expertise and in-region support. Headquartered in London with offices in 20 countries across Europe and Asia, Colt has expanded its presence in North America with two regional offices, one in Chicago, IL and one in Jersey City, NJ. Colt has also established a new leadership team in the region with three new executive hires, including Mike Buchner who will serve as the new Senior Vice President of North America and Global Carriers. Buchner will work with Colt's new Vice President of Direct Sales, Elgin Lemmon, and Colt's new Vice President of Indirect Sales, Mike Kopp, to develop existing customer relationships, expand channel partnerships and add new clients. Patrick Ferretti will serve as Colt's Head of Marketing, working closely with Buchner, Lemmon and Kopp to spearhead Colt's marketing strategy. Beyond the leadership team, Colt plans to increase its North American staff by 30 percent within the next 12 months in order to meet growing demand and deliver the highest levels of service and support for its customers. With a number of multinational companies headquartered in the U.S. requiring ultrafast speeds and secure network connectivity to operate on a global scale, Colt is primed to help the North American market with its cutting-edge network and wide array of data, voice and data center services in Europe and Asia. Further, as more organizations migrate to cloud-based infrastructures, network demands are driving an increased need for reliable, fast and dynamic connectivity across geographies. "With our expansion into North America, Colt continues to execute on its strategy of providing world-class network and communications services, coupled with premier customer support," said Mike Buchner, Senior Vice President, North America and Global Carriers, Colt. "The localized expertise of our team in the region, strengthened by our strong assets and deep experience in Europe and Asia, will allow us to meet organizations' bandwidth and connectivity needs across the globe." About Colt Technology Services Colt provides high bandwidth services for enterprise, cloud and wholesale customers in North America, Europe and Asia's largest business hubs. Customers include 18 of the top 25 bank and diversified financial groups and 19 out of the top 25 companies in both global media and telecoms industries (Forbes 2000 list, 2014). In addition, Colt works with over 50 exchange venues and 13 European central banks. Colt customers benefit from our unique, purpose-built, intelligent network which is fully-integrated with the Cloud. This means connectivity to almost 500 data centres around the globe, with over 24,000 on-net buildings and growing. We employ the best talent globally, so wherever in the world our customers are, they benefit from local expertise. And because we are owned by Fidelity, Colt is one of the most financially sound competitors in our industry. All of this means Colt provides the best customer experience at a competitive price. To learn more about Colt, visit www.colt.net or on Twitter @Colt_USA. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116005207/en/ Contacts: March Communications Hanah Johnson, +1 617-960-8892 Colt@marchcomms.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Minco Gold Corp. (TSX: MMM): The Company is pleased to announce a proposed change of its business focus from mineral exploration to an investment strategy with more ability and flexibility to capitalize on steadily improving market conditions in the mineral resource sector. Under the new strategy, the Company will utilize its strong working capital position, its extensive industry contacts and internal expertise to build a portfolio of high-quality investments, primarily in publicly traded and privately held corporations as well as direct ownership stakes in resource projects. Types of investments include common shares, preferred shares, warrants, royalties, convertible debentures, bridge loans, and other investment vehicles selected to create the best value and return for the shareholders while limiting downside risk. Dr. Ken Cai, President & CEO commented; "the background to this decision started in 2015, when we sold our 51-per-cent interest in the Changkeng gold project to Minco Silver. Since that time, we have evaluated numerous projects outside of China in search of new mineral resource assets to acquire. We have now determined that a diversified investment portfolio approach has the potential to generate more opportunities for the company and create better long-term growth for shareholders." After extensive review and discussion, the Company determined that the best way to implement this strategy and to provide the greatest degree of flexibility was to undertake a Change-of Business ("COB") to an Investment Issuer under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). A switch to the TSXV was chosen since the TSX Exchange ("TSX") does not have an investment issuer category. As an Investment Issuer on the TSXV, the Company is not required to own mineral exploration properties or hold direct interests in mining assets to maintain its listing. The Company has approximately $8.5 million in working capital (as at September 30, 2016), a significant portion of which will be allocated to new investments that will be directed by an Investment Committee and guided by the Company's Investment Policy. The nature and timing of the Company's investments will depend, in part, on available capital at any particular time and the investment opportunities identified and available to the Company. In addition to the overall merits of the strategy, the Company already holds a significant equity investment in Minco Silver Corporation ("Minco Silver") consisting of 11,000,000 common shares, representing approximately 18.26% of Minco Silver's outstanding share capital. As at the close of trading on November 10, 2016 the current market value of the Minco Silver stake was approximately $12.43 million. Minco Silver holds a 90% interest in the Fuwan silver deposit, situated along the northeast margin of the prospective Fuwan Silver Belt in Guangdong, China and 51% interest in the Changkeng gold project, located contiguous to, and part of the same mineralized system. Further information with respect to Minco Silver may be found at Minco Silver's website, www.mincosilver.ca. The Company has applied for conditional approval to be listed on the TSXV as a Tier 1 Investment Issuer. As part of the TSXV listing requirements, the Company prepared a Filing Statement containing details of the COB. The Filing Statement includes an Investment Policy, which will be adopted by the Company to govern its investment activities. The Investment Policy set outs, among other things, the investment objectives and strategy. The Filing Statement and Investment Policy have been posted for review under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.mincogold.com. In conjunction with the new strategy, the Company has begun the process of divesting all remaining mineral property interests held in China. There will be no immediate changes to the Board of Directors or management of the Company following completion of the COB. Completion of the COB is subject to a number of conditions, including TSXV acceptance. The COB cannot close until TSXV's acceptance is obtained. There can be no assurance that the COB will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement in connection with the COB, any information released or received with respect to the COB may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the COB and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Contacts: Minco Gold Corporation Jennifer Trevitt (604) 688-8002 pr@mincogold.com www.mincogold.com NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - PharmaCyte Biotech (OTCQB: PMCB) has arrived at the door of U.S. FDA and awaits a pre-IND meeting with the agency. After years of surrounding its signature live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box , with some of the brightest minds in pancreatic cancer and fine-tuning its therapy and clinical trial design, the small biotech has reached the final test before it can begin its pivotal clinical trial in advanced pancreatic cancer. PharmaCyte made two recent announcements that would be big for any company, but for a small biotech, the announcements are big news for shareholders who have been patiently waiting. First, it announced that oncologist, Dr. Manuel Hidalgo, who is the Chief of the Division of Hematology-Oncology at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has accepted the role of Principal Investigator for PharmaCyte's planned clinical trial. And the company followed up that news with the announcement that it has requested a pre-IND meeting with the FDA for its upcoming pancreatic cancer clinical trial. In PharmaCyte's clinical trial, Dr. Hidalgo will once again be teamed up with renowned pancreatic cancer expert Dr. Daniel Von Hoff. Dr. Von Hoff is the Chief Development Officer at Translational Drug Development (TD2), the nation's premiere oncology CRO and the company responsible for organizing and conducting PharmaCyte's clinical trial. Dr. Von Hoff and Dr. Hidalgo worked together on the clinical trials that brought the industry what is now the gold standard and the FDA approved treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer, Abraxane plus gemcitabine. PharmaCyte has already named a handful of clinical trial sites that are being considered which include the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center in Boston, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, the Baylor Cancer Center in Dallas, the City of Hope Cancer Center in Los Angeles and sites in Germany and Spain. Creating an "Artificial Liver" to Target Pancreatic Cancer PharmaCyte's pancreatic cancer therapy is made up of pinhead-sized, porous capsules that are filled with thousands of genetically modified cells that act as a type of "artificial liver." PharmaCyte's Cell-in-a-Box is not a drug delivery system. There are no drugs encapsulated inside the porous capsules for any of its treatments. Instead, the capsules are filled with about 10,000 live cells that are capable of converting an inactive chemotherapy drug (ifosfamide) into its active cancer-killing form -- just as the enzyme system in a patient's liver would normally do. Because the chemotherapy drug ifosfamide is a prodrug or an inactive drug, it can travel all over the body and have no effect whatsoever until it is activated in the liver. PharmaCyte's therapy essentially moves the "normal" conversion site of that inactive drug (the patient's liver) closer to the cancerous tumor by using Cell-in-a-Box capsules and the live cells inside them to do the job of the patient's liver or to act as an "artificial liver." How Does PharmaCyte Biotech Do It The encapsulated live cells (Cell-in-a-Box capsules) are placed as close to the patient's cancerous tumor as possible. Once implanted, ifosfamide, the aforementioned chemotherapy drug that needs to be activated in the body, is given to the patient intravenously at one-third the normal dose. The ifosfamide is then carried by the circulatory system to where the encapsulated cells have been placed. When the ifosfamide, which is normally activated in the liver, comes in contact with the encapsulated live cells in the Cell-in-a-Box capsules, the chemotherapy drug is activated into its cancer-killing form right at the site of the cancer. This is "targeted chemotherapy" in the truest sense, and the company's therapy has proven effective and safe to use in past clinical trials. Chemotherapy with No Side Effects The obvious question is why move the conversion site of the chemotherapy drug at all. Well, there are actually a number of reasons to move the activation site closer to the tumor. We'll start with the chemotherapy drug itself. Ifosfamide, when activated, has a very short half-life (time before it decays and no longer offers any effect), so by using the cells inside the Cell-in-a-Box capsules to activate the drug at the site of the tumor, ifosfamide can immediately be the most effective when it's the most potent before dying off minutes later. Without a treatment like PharmaCyte's, ifosfamide would be given to the patient intravenously and then activated "normally" in the liver, the activated drug would then affect tissues and organs other than the pancreas, and by the time it reached the pancreas, it undoubtedly would have lost much of its effectiveness. So, to be effective against a pancreatic tumor when the Cell-in-a-Box capsules are not used, a large dose of the drug has to be administered. Using ifosfamide in such large doses has proven to be damaging for tissues and organs including the patient's liver, and because the activated drug would come in contact with such other organs and good cells throughout the body on its way to the pancreas, the side effects would be intolerable; in fact, this is known to be the case. By moving the conversion site as close to the tumor as possible, PharmaCyte is able to give a much smaller dose of the chemotherapy drug (one-third the normal dose), which patient's are able to tolerate, and because of the smaller dose, the treatment can be administered without any side effects from the chemotherapy. Next Stop FDA Clinical Trial With a list of oncologists and clinicians that reads like a who's who now in place to lead PharmaCyte's clinical trial, the company is now awaiting a pre-IND meeting with the FDA. After submitting questions to the FDA as part of a pre-IND meeting request where aspects of the content of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application itself (CMC section, clinical trial description, etc.) will be discussed, PharmaCyte is ready to fully engage with the FDA on its way to receiving the final approval it needs to begin its planned clinical trial in pancreatic cancer. Once PharmaCyte navigates the pre-IND process and files its IND application, then the FDA will have 30 days to make comments, and if no comments are made, then PharmaCyte is effectively "approved" to begin its pivotal clinical trial. About Stock Market Media Group Stock Market Media Group is a Content Development IR firm offering a platform for corporate stories to unfold in the media with research reports, corporate videos, CEO interviews and feature news articles. This article was written based upon publicly available information. PharmaCyte Biotech has not endorsed this article, and Stock Market Media Group was not compensated for its production. Stock Market Media Group may from time to time include our own opinions about the companies, their business, markets and opportunities in our articles. Any opinions we may offer about any of the companies we write about are solely our own, and are made in reliance upon our rights under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and are provided solely for the general opinionated discussion of our readers. Our opinions should not be considered to be complete, precise, accurate, or current investment advice, or construed or interpreted as research. Any investment decisions you may make concerning any of the securities we write about are solely your responsibility based on your own due diligence. Our publications are provided only as an informational aid, and as a starting point for doing additional independent research. We encourage you to invest carefully and read the investor information available at the web site of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at: www.sec.gov, where you can also find all of PMCB's filings and disclosures. We also recommend, as a general rule, that before investing in any securities you consult with a professional financial planner or advisor, and you should conduct a complete and independent investigation before investing in any security after prudent consideration of all pertinent risks. We are not a registered broker, dealer, analyst, or adviser. We hold no investment licenses and may not sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. Our publications about any of the companies we write about are not a recommendation to buy or sell a security. For more information: www.stockmarketmediagroup.com. Contact: Stock Market Media Group info@stockmarketmediagroup.com SThree (STHR) SThree: Holdings in Company 16-Nov-2016 / 13:57 GMT/BST Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. *For filings with the FCA include the annex* *For filings with issuer exclude the annex* *TR-1: NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR INTEREST IN SHARES i* *1. Identity of the issuer or the underlying issuer of existing shares to which voting rights are SThree plc attached: *ii *2 Reason for the notification *(please tick the appropriate box or boxes): An acquisition or disposal of voting rights *X* An acquisition or disposal of qualifying financial instruments which may result in the acquisition of shares already issued to which voting rights are attached An acquisition or disposal of instruments with similar economic effect to qualifying financial instruments An event changing the breakdown of voting rights Other (please specify): *3. Full name of person(s) Franklin Templeton subject to the notification Institutional, LLC obligation: *iii JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London Bank of New York, London *4. Full name of shareholder(s)* The Northern Trust Company, (if different from 3.): iv London State Street Bank and Trust Company, London National Westminster Bank Plc, London *5. Date of the transaction and date on which the threshold is 14 November 2016 crossed or reached: *v *6. Date on which issuer 15 November 2016 notified:* *7. Threshold(s) that is/are crossed or* Below 11% *reached: *vi, vii *8. Notified details:* *A: Voting rights attached to shares* viii, ix *Class/type *Situation of* previous* *shares* *to the triggering* *Resulting situation after the triggering if possible *transaction* transaction* using the ISIN CODE *Number* *Number* *Number* *of* *of* *of *Number of voting* *% of voting *Shares* *Voting* shares* *rights* rights* x *Rights* *Direct* *Direct* *Indirect* *Direct* *Indirect* xi xii ORD GBP.01 13,741,9 13,741,9 14,134,650 10.95% GB00B0KM9T71 19 19 *B: Qualifying Financial Instruments* *Resulting situation after the triggering transaction* *Type of *Expiration* *Exercise/ * *Number of *% of financial* *date* xiii *Conversion voting* voting* *instrument* * *rights that *rights* *Period* xiv may be* *acquired if the* *instrument is* *exercised/ converted.* *C: Financial Instruments with similar economic effect to Qualifying Financial Instruments* xv, xvi *Resulting situation after the triggering transaction* *Type of *Exercise *Expiration *Exercise/* *Number *% of voting financial* * * *Conversion of rights* xix, xx *instrument* *price* *date* xvii * voting *period* * xviii *rights instrum ent * *refers to* *Nominal* *Delta* *Total (A+B+C)* *Number of voting rights* *Percentage of voting rights* 14,134,650 10.95% *9. Chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the* *financial instruments are effectively held, if applicable:* xxi *Proxy Voting:* *10. Name of the proxy holder:* *11. Number of voting rights proxy holder will cease to hold:* *12. Date on which proxy holder will cease to hold voting rights:* *13. Additional information:* Lori A. Weber *14. Contact name:* Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc. *15. Contact telephone 954-847-2283 number:* Language: English ISIN: GB00B0KM9T71 Category Code: HOL TIDM: STHR Sequence Number: 3605 Time of Receipt: 16-Nov-2016 / 13:57 GMT/BST End of Announcement EQS News Service 521505 16-Nov-2016 (END) Dow Jones Newswires November 16, 2016 08:59 ET (13:59 GMT) AUSTIN, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- AVEW HOLDINGS Inc. (OTC PINK: AVEW) today announced that the company has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding to acquire Azrock Holdings LLC (Azrock). AVEW will acquire 20% of Azrock in 2016 and additional 20% first quarter of 2017. The remaining 50% of Azrock will be acquired by end of 2017. Azrock Holdings LLC is a privately held Arizona Limited liability company located in Prescott Arizona. Mr. Larry Nunley, owner and President of Azrock, has been heavily involved in the precious metals recovery and smelting business in the last 8 years. Azrock uses an eco friendly process in leaching of gold and silver from ore bodies. Mr. Nunley has fine-tuned and proved this process through the years. Current operations are ready to process one ton of ore per day with capacity to process up to 3 tons per day. Near future plans is to upgrade the plant equipment to increase production to10 tons per day. AVEW and Azrock are working on a definitive asset purchase, which is anticipated to finalize end of November 2016. Mr. Nunley will remain and continue to manage and operate Azrock until such time that AVEW completes a full acquisition. A new chemist/operator will be hired at full acquisition and Mr. Nunley will continue to support AVEW/Azrock in the development of new processes and new business opportunities in the precious metals recovery and smelting business. Mr. Nunley will be participating in the AVEW Advisory Board of Directors. Commenting on the transaction, CEO Jose Chavez stated, "We are very fortunate that Azrock has chosen AVEW as a business partner/owner. The cash flows and new opportunities in the precious metals business are significant to the growth and success of AVEW." About AVEW HOLDINGS, Inc. AVEW Holdings is in the retail and wholesale business of precious metals. AVEW Holdings Shareholder Relations 512-243-8498 New list of researchers with world's most highly cited papers now available PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters, today announced the publication of its annual Highly Cited Researchers. The list is a citation analysis identifying scientists - as determined by their fellow researchers - whose research has had significant global impact within their respective fields of study. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413983LOGO More than 3,000 researchers, in 21 fields of the sciences and social sciences, were selected based on the number of highly cited papers they produced over an 11-year period from January 2004 to December 2014. The methodology that determines the who's who of researchers draws on data and analysis performed by bibliometric experts from Clarivate Analytics. It uses InCites'Essential Science IndicatorsSM, the world's leading web-based research analytics platform and a unique compilation of science performance metrics and trend data based on scholarly paper publication counts and citation data from the Web of Science', the premier web-based environment for scientific and scholarly research with the most accurate, normalized citation counts available. The Highly Cited Researchers data from Clarivate Analytics form a key component of the Academic Ranking of World Universities, one of the longest established and most influential annual surveys of top universities globally (http://www.shanghairanking.com/index.html). Bibliometrician and sociologist of science Lutz Bornmann, Division for Science and Innovation Studies at the Max Planck Society in Munich, Germany, said, "In quantitative research evaluation, there is hardly another freely accessible database which can bring to expression the high reputation of researchers in a similar way to the list of the Highly Cited Researchers." "It is precisely this type of peer recognition, in the form of citations given and rooted in the collective and objective opinions of scientific field experts that makes achieving highly cited researcher status meaningful," said Jessica Turner, global head of government and academia at Clarivate Analytics. "We are proud that our list of Highly Cited Researchers has earned global respect among the academic and scientific community and has the potential to present new opportunities for career advancement, recruitment and institutional enrollment." The 2016 Highly Cited Researchers list can be seen in its entirety by visiting: http://hcr.stateofinnovation.thomsonreuters.com Clarivate Analytics Clarivate' Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas, faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we've been assisting our customers for over 60 years. Now as an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in more than 100 countries around the world, we remain expert, objective and agile. For more information, please visit us at Clarivate.com. NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- In support of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Veteran's week, ReadyCap Commercial, LLC a leading nonbank small business lender, is proud to announce an exclusive military veteran franchise SBA lending program. Called the Military Veteran Franchise Business Ownership (MVP) Lending Program, this platform reaffirms ReadyCap's commitment to supporting the SBA's mission of empowering military veterans through entrepreneurial training and special access to capital programs. President of ReadyCap John Moshier, himself a veteran, is dedicated to helping military veterans achieve business ownership and economic freedom. According to Moshier, "Honorable veterans have sacrificed so much for our country. At ReadyCap we felt a responsibility to set up this program, which helps veterans join exceptional franchise systems as business owners. ReadyCap will be working with an exclusive set of franchise brands that have gone through a rigorous vetting process by the leader in franchise performance and analysis, FRANdata." The program will provide specialized access to lending programs and terms that open doors to entrepreneurial veterans who wish to enter franchising. "Veterans are historically some of the most successful owners of franchise brands because of the training and discipline they learned during their service. When you couple their drive and their ability to execute with franchising's unique capacity to train, support and guide, you end up with a powerful combination," notes Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdata. "By leveraging FRANdata's franchise credit scores (FUND scores) and expert advice in their vetting process, ReadyCap is able to align with high performing franchises, resulting in the best possible outcomes for all involved -- veterans, franchisors, SBA, taxpayers and our shareholders." "As the largest small business lending company (SBLC) chartered by SBA with a small business loan portfolio of more than $1.0 billion, ReadyCap is well positioned to meet the franchise financing needs of the military veteran community. FRANdata is proud to support ReadyCap in this endeavor," says Wiseman. About ReadyCap Lending ReadyCap Lending, LLC, is a licensed small-business lending company offering SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million to small businesses throughout the United States. Based in New Providence, NJ, ReadyCap Lending is a subsidiary of ReadyCap Commercial, LLC, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Sutherland Partners, L.P., the general partner of which is Sutherland Asset Management Corporation ("Sutherland"). Sutherland, which is organized as a real estate investment trust, acquires, originates, manages and finances commercial real estate loans, and to a lesser extent, asset-backed securities where the underlying pool of assets consists primarily of commercial real estate loans and other real estate-related investments. ReadyCap Lending is an SBA Preferred Lender, and has a dedicated Veteran Community Development program for military veterans. For more information, visit readycaplending.com, or call 800-713-4984. About FRANdata FRANdata is the leading independent research and advisory company that focuses solely on tracking and analyzing franchise companies and their performance. Leveraging the largest database of franchise information in the world, FRANdata provides their clients with the most comprehensive and in-depth analysis of franchise businesses and their corresponding industries' available. FRANdata is proud to be a strategic partner of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and is often cited as an expert in such leading media as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Forbes. Additional information is available on the company's website, www.frandata.com. Media Contact Amy Kauffman Email Contact Responds to Channel Demand to Combine Best-of-Breed Products for Comprehensive Data Storage Solution WESTBOROUGH, Massachusetts, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --ExaGrid, a leading provider of disk-based backup storage with data deduplication, today announced a collaboration with Pure Storage, the market's leading independent solid-state array vendor, to deliver end-to-end data storage solutions. Due to high demand from customers and partners, Pure and ExaGrid in collaboration with Veeam have released a Reference Architecture entitled, "Advanced Pure Storage FlashData Protection Using Veeam Backup & Replication' and ExaGrid Backup Storage," available here. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151117/288171LOGO This collaboration provides data storage solutions that comprehensively address an organization's data storage needs. While Pure Storage provides all-flash primary storage, ExaGrid's target-side backup storage appliances are best suited for organizations with longer-term backup retention needs, typically four weeks or more. Organizations that work with both ExaGrid and Pure Storage benefit from the price/performance of these next-generation products over the established brand solutions that offer earlier generations of data storage products. "ExaGrid is receiving requests in record numbers from resellers who are seeing increasing demand for the next generation of best-of-breed storage solutions," said Bill Andrews, CEO of ExaGrid. "This includes the combination of Pure Storage for primary storage and ExaGrid for backup storage, particularly in combination with Veeam for virtualized backup. In response, we are conducting an unprecedented number of end-user events that includes these next-generation storage companies." "Successful partnerships are those that blend the strengths of complementary products to deliver value beyond cost and speed," said Andy Vandeveld, Vice President of Global Strategic Alliances at Veeam. "High-caliber products such as Pure Storage and ExaGrid further strengthen the performance that Veeam provides to its 'Always-On' customers. Today's IT teams continue to be understaffed and have tight budgets, so introducing an end-to-end solution that puts an end to the traditional problems inherent to storage and backup brings immeasurable value. Our customers are the guardians of the data, and it's expected to be there - not sometimes, not some of it, not two days from now; but 24.7.365. Only best of breed can deliver that availability with excellence - consistently and reliably. That's the drumbeat that IT is expected to march to, and that's what this partnership uniquely delivers." Customer validation has come from many segments, including the healthcare industry. Tennessee-based Williamson Medical Center has been using the three products together, and Sam Marsh, Engineering Team Lead, reports reliance on the integrated solution to work flawlessly. "In our virtualized environment, storing, backing up, and restoring data easily and efficiently is really important.The combination of Pure Storage All Flash, Veeam Backup & Replication, and ExaGrid disk-based backup with deduplication have provided us with superior end-to-end performance.Mission-critical applications require highly optimized storage, and I get incredible speed and performance with Pure Storage.ExaGrid provides not just the shortest backup window, but the fastest - and most reliable - data restores.Both Pure and ExaGrid have a scale-out architecture, so I can expand without taking the entire system down.Veeam connects the two and is highly integrated with ExaGrid to maximize backup speed and data deduplication.The three products couldn't be easier to install and manage, and the capability and user experience are amazing." "We have seen tremendous demand from our enterprise customers to support the combination of Veeam and ExaGrid for protection of their business critical workloads running on all-flash storage. In particular, the solution is well-suited to customers in heavily-regulated industries, where long-term retention is required," said Matt Kixmoeller, VP Products at Pure Storage. "Pure Storage has committed resources across engineering, marketing, sales, and support to bring this solution to market, and we look forward to working with Veeam and ExaGrid to deliver a world-class experience to customers in this important market segment." Supporting this best-of-breed solution are a number of industry awards and recognition. Gartner positioned ExaGrid as the sole "Visionary" in its most recent "Magic Quadrant for Deduplication Backup Target Appliances"1 while also naming Veeam a Leader in its 2016 "Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software"2 and Pure Storage a leader in its "Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays" for the last three years3. ExaGrid was also named "Most Valuable Product" by Computer Technology Review and received Network Computing's "Return on Investment" award. ExaGrid and Veeam were recently honored by Storage magazine/Searchstorage.com as "Products of the Year" in Backup Hardware and Backup & DR Software and Services, respectively. Veeam has received over 100 industry awards and was most recently recognized by Ovum as "The Leader" in its 2016 ODM report. ExaGrid provides second-generation backup storage with adaptive data deduplication, a unique landing zone, and differentiated scale-out storage architecture. In contrast, first-generation appliances perform deduplication inline and have a scale-up architecture that does efficiently store deduplicated data but also slows down backups, restores, and VM boots. ExaGrid's approach provides faster backups by performing deduplication after landing backups to disk. ExaGrid maintains the most recent non-deduplicated backups in a landing zone for fast restores and VM boots, and stores longer-term deduplicated retention data in its repository storage. Due to ExaGrid's scale-out architecture, which adds compute with capacity, the backup window stays fixed in length even as data grows. Additional materials on this solution: Datasheet: Next Generation Primary Storage and Backup Reference Architecture: Advanced Pure Storage FlashData Protection Using Veeam Backup and Replication and ExaGrid Backup Storage About ExaGrid Organizations come to us because we are the only company that implemented deduplication in a way that fixed all the challenges of backup storage. ExaGrid's unique landing zone and scale-out architecture provides the fastest backup - resulting in the shortest fixed backup window, the fastest local restores, fastest offsite tape copies and instant VM recoveries while permanently fixing the backup window length, all with reduced cost up front and over time. Learn how to take the stress out of backup at www.exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Read how ExaGrid customers fixed their backup forever. Disclaimer: 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. 1 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Deduplication Backup Target Appliances" by Pushan Rinnen, Dave Russell and Robert Rhame, September 25, 2015. 2 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software" by Dave Russell, Pushan Rinnen and Robert Rhame, June 8, 2016. 3 Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Solid-State Arrays" byValdis Filks,Joseph Unsworth,Arun Chandrasekaran, August 22, 2016.ID:G00281142. The Gartner document is available upon request from Pure Storage. ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Media Contact: Christine Murphy ExaGrid cmurphy@exagrid.com 508-898-2872 x248 VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - The European Commission recommended a fiscal expansion of up to 0.5 percent of GDP next year for the euro area that is expected to contribute to a balanced policy mix, to support reforms and to strengthen the recovery. The recommendation also highlights the need to pursue structural reforms and improve the quality of public finances, the executive arm of the European Union said Wednesday. The Eurozone current account surplus, the largest in the world, is expected to rise again this year, the commission said. The surplus is 'symptomatic of weak domestic demand dynamics in the past few years and of debt reduction efforts across sectors and Member States', it added. Based on a review of the Draft Budgetary Plans of Eurozone member countries, the European Commission said six countries - Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Slovenia, Finland - 'pose a risk of non-compliance with the requirements for 2017' under the Stability and Growth Pact. 'The DBPs of these Member States might result in a significant deviation from the [fiscal] adjustment paths towards the respective medium-term objective,' the report said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WASHINGTON, DC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Known for its prime location in the heart of Washington, D.C. and its historically grand accommodations, The Mayflower Hotel offers one of the city's most renowned venues for meetings and events. As part of the luxury hotel's top-to-bottom, multi-million-dollar renovation project, the hotel's historic ballrooms and event spaces have been restored to their original glory. The nearly 43,000 square feet of available event space combine a timeless design with the latest technology to continue providing guests with an unmatched experience. New for 2017, The Mayflower Hotel is offering exclusive access to all prime ballrooms on the Promenade Level to visitors booking guest rooms in groups of 200 - 400, per peak night. GRAND BALLROOM The Grand Ballroom experienced an extensive, sensitive conservation process to restore the space to its original grandeur. Gold Leaf Studios, a locally-based D.C. company, worked diligently to preserve the existing 23-karat gilding. With a ceiling height of 21 feet, a unique wrap-around balcony and the option to extend into the connecting Chinese Ballroom for an additional 10,000 square feet of function space, the Grand Ballroom is the perfect venue for your next event. STATE & EAST BALLROOMS Formally known as The Mayflower's Presidential Dining Room, the State & East Ballrooms offer an ideal meeting space for group meals and breakout sessions. DISTRICT BALLROOM With an architectural style that firmly embraces a Jeffersonian aesthetic, the District Ballroom offers groups another unique space to meet surrounded by inspiring decor. MEZZANINE LEVEL Our welcoming Mezzanine Level offers plush seating and a historic atmosphere, perfect for breakout sessions. Guests can peruse the Presidential Lending Library. PRESIDENTIAL-THEMED BREAK PACKAGES In keeping with the hotel's legacy of hosting famed leaders, including every presidential inaugural ball from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Reagan, The Mayflower Hotel offers a variety of presidential-themed meeting breaks, inspired by many of these past visits to the hotel. The Reagan Jelly Bean Break - President Ronald Reagan personally thanked the hotel associate who served these colorful candies at his 1981 Inaugural Gala held in the Grand Ballroom. The Churchill High Tea Break - In 1945, Winston Churchill sipped on his favorite Lapsang Souchong tea when he infamously made an off-color joke, which was carried by the acoustic dome ceiling of the hotel's Chinese Ballroom, much to the surprise of host Franklin D. Roosevelt and his guests. The Eisenhower Surf & Turf Break - President Eisenhower served his guests lobster, filet mignon and asparagus tips at The Mayflower in 1960, inspiring our selection of afternoon tea-style sandwiches. The Banana Nut Bread Break - Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan were all served The Mayflower's famous banana nut bread during their Inaugural Galas at the hotel. 53 years later, The Mayflower bakes over 10,000 loaves per year. SPECIAL OFFER: BOOK BY PRESIDENTS' DAY 2017 Schedule your next meeting before Presidents' Day (February 20, 2017) with a minimum of 200 peak room nights over a two-night stay and receive: Exclusive access to the Promenade level, Grand Ballroom and Presidential dining halls Complimentary wireless Internet in meeting rooms and guestrooms Complimentary meeting room rental with 70% guestroom pick-up 30% allowable guestroom attrition 20% discount on all in-house audio visual Double Marriott Rewards points About The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection Effortlessly blending historic tradition and modern luxury in the heart of the nation's capital, The Mayflower Hotel inspires with timeless style and grandeur. The hotel's luxury suites delight with a sophisticated blend of historic elegance, contemporary accents and a prime Washington, D.C. location. From its commanding post on Connecticut Avenue, The Mayflower Hotel places guests in the heart of the capital, surrounded by The National Mall, DuPont Circle, Foggy Bottom, the U Street Corridor and Georgetown. For more information on The Mayflower Hotel, please call 877.255.6036 or visit www.TheMayflowerHotel.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3081473 The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection 1127 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, District of Columbia 20036 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasak-the-mayflower-hotel-autograph-collection Media Contacts: Lisa Glover / Ashley MontBlanc Day Laura Davidson Public Relations 212-696-0660 Email Contact / Email Contact DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Apto, the leading web-based software platform for commercial real estate brokers, has been selected as one of OUTSIDE Magazine's Best Places to Work 2016. This marks the third time this year that Apto has been awarded for its outstanding company culture as the company continues to expand its team and market presence. Each year, OUTSIDE recognizes the top 100 companies in the United States that help their employees strike the ideal balance between work and play. These companies encourage employees to lead an active lifestyle, are eco-conscious, and prioritize giving back to the community. The entire list of winners appears online at outsideonline.com/2134736/best-places-work-2016. "It's an honor to be included on this list and a reflection of Apto's values-driven culture and engaged, passionate team members," said founder and CEO Tanner McGraw. "Research shows that happy workplaces are more productive workplaces, and we strive to create an environment where employees are inspired and enabled to reach their full potential at work, while still leaving time for rich personal lives." OUTSIDE's list of 100 finalists showcases companies that make employee health and happiness a point of pride. To find the best places to work in the United States in 2016, OUTSIDE conducted a rigorous vetting process in partnership with the Best Companies Group to assess the policies, practices, and demographics of hundreds of companies. Outside's Best Places to Work 2016 was driven by employee reviews of their workplaces, taking into account factors like corporate culture, role satisfaction, work environment and overall employee engagement. The Best Places to Work list represents the cream of the crop: companies that are empowering their employees to live bigger, better lives. Apto is one of 36 Colorado-based companies to make the 2016 list and credits this recognition to its collaborative culture as well as employees' passion for the product. From monthly outings that include family-fun activities, team outings and volunteer-centric events, to weekly happy hours, Apto offers employees numerous opportunities to spend quality time away from their desks getting to know each other and enjoying the beautiful state of Colorado. Finally, the sense of excitement surrounding Apto's success as a product and business fuel the team's continuing drive to innovate for the commercial real estate industry. Apto is currently hiring for a variety of positions. To learn more visit apto.com/careers. The complete list of Best Places to Work winners is featured online at http://www.outsideonline.com/2134736/best-places-work-2016. About Apto: Created by and for commercial real estate brokers, Apto is the leading web-based software platform for managing customer relationships, properties, listings, deals and back-office. Apto serves thousands of commercial brokers and is the CRM of choice for 5 of the top 7 CRE brands. Apto's world-class CRM platform is optimized to meet the needs of CRE brokers, and can be further customized to brokerage workflows and business requirements. Apto is the only platform that allows brokers to manage the full lifecycle of a deal anywhere, from any device. Interested in Apto, our customer success stories or working for us? Visit www.apto.com, call 888-633-6424 or email info@apto.com. About OUTSIDE: OUTSIDE is America's leading active lifestyle brand. Since 1977, OUTSIDE has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. The OUTSIDE family includes OUTSIDE magazine, the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, The Outside Buyer's Guides, Outside Online, Outside Television, Outside Events, Outside+ tablet edition, Outside Books, and now Outside GO, a revolutionary, 21st-century adventure-travel company. Visit us online and on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. ABOUT THE BEST COMPANIES GROUP: Best Companies Group works with national and local partners around the country and internationally to establish and manage "Best Places to Work," "Best Companies," and "Best Employers" programs on a national, statewide, regional and industry basis. Through its thorough workplace assessment, utilizing employer questionnaires and employee-satisfaction surveys, BCG identifies and recognizes companies who have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence. Press Contact: Cassady Nordeen Blast PR on Behalf of Apto 718-644-0273 Email Contact VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a latest report published by Future Market Insights titled "Portable Oxygen Concentrators Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026," the global portable oxygen concentrators market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2026 in terms of value. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161020/430874LOGO ) Portable oxygen concentrators supply oxygen to patients suffering from respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The concentrator separates nitrogen and oxygen from air in the environment and then supplies 95% pure oxygen to patients. POCs are easy to carry as they are smaller in size compared to stationary concentrators. Moreover, POCs are of great use to mountaineers and travellers in places where oxygen is inadequate. Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1061 According to Future Market Insights, the global portable oxygen concentrators market is likely to witness substantial growth owing to increasing prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, growing consumer awareness for oxygen therapy devices, and a changing consumer lifestyle. Further, adoption of new technologies in medical devices, increasing government expenditure towards healthcare and medical devices development and production, and a rise in investment by companies manufacturing homecare products is likely to boost the growth of the global portable oxygen concentrators market during the forecast period (2016 - 2026). However, high product costs and stringent FDA regulations pertaining to medical devices are some of the factors likely to restrain the growth of the global portable oxygen concentrators market during the forecast period. Segmentation highlights The global portable oxygen concentrators market has been segmented on the basis of Product into Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrator and Pulse Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrator; and on the basis of End User into Hospitals, Homecare, Ambulatory Surgical Centres, and Travel Agents. The Pulse Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrator product segment is projected to be valued at US$ 1890.3 Mn by 2026, registering a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period by 2026, registering a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period The Homecare end user segment is projected to be valued at US$ 1820.5 Mn by 2026 and is likely to witness a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period Preview Analysis on Global Portable Oxygen Concentrators Market Segmentation By Product - Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrator and Pulse Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrator, By End User - Hospitals, Homecare, Ambulatory Surgical Centres and Travel Agents: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/portable-oxygen-concentrators-market Regional market projections The global portable oxygen concentrators market is segmented into the seven key regions of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, MEA, and Japan. Growing geriatric population consequently increasing the requirement for homecare settings particularly in high income countries with increasing number of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases is expected to result in significant growth of the North America portable oxygen concentrators market. The North America region is expected to report incremental opportunity of US$ 781.7 Mn between 2016 and 2026. Evolution of health insurance system is expected to contribute largely to the revenue generation potential and attractiveness of the Eastern Europe portable oxygen concentrators market. Rising adoption of portable oxygen concentrators in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients for better care is expected to fuel revenue growth in the Japan portable oxygen concentrators market over the forecast period. High product cost of portable oxygen concentrators is expected to hamper sustainable adoption in the APEJ region. Lack of product awareness is expected to hamper market growth in the APEJ and MEA regions. Speak with Analyst for any Report Related Queries:http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1061 Vendor insights The report profiles some of the top companies operating in the global portable oxygen concentrators market such as Koninklijke Philips N.V., Inogen Inc., Chart Industries Inc., Resmed Inc., Invacare Corporation, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Precision Medical Inc., Besco Medical Co. Ltd., Oxus America, Inc. (Oxus), Foshan Keyhub Electronic Industries Co. Ltd., O2 Concepts LLC, and GCE Group. Key strategies adopted by leading market players in the global portable oxygen concentrators market include product approvals and commercialisation, efficient entry into markets in emerging countries, and adoption of latest innovative technologies in healthcare, thus strengthening regional proficiency and addressing customer needs effectively. New product launches, product innovation, and geographical expansion are anticipated to form the core of these strategies during the forecast period. Note to Members of Press: Analysts who have compiled this report are available for interviews and quotes at press@futuremarketinsights.com More From FMI's Cutting-edge Intelligence: Hypercalcemia Treatment Market Segmentation By Product Type - Bisphosphonates, Calcitonin, Glucocorticoids, Denosumab, Calcimimetics; By End-User - Hospitals, Clinics, and Independent Pharmacy and Drug Stores: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/hypercalcemia-treatment-market Special Purpose Needles Market Segmentation By Product Type - Fine Aspirating Needles, Biopsy Needles, Hypodermic Needles, Pen Needles, Suture Needles, and Others; By Application - Sample Collection, Drug Delivery; By Distribution Channel - Hospital Pharmacies, Private Clinics, Retail Pharmacies and Drug Stores, E-Commerce: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/special-purpose-needles-market Ambulatory Surgical Centre Market Segmentation By Centres Type - Single and Multi-Specialty Centres; By Modality - Hospital-Based and Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical Centres; By Services - Diagnostic and Surgical Services; By Specialty Area - Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Pain/Neurology, Urology, Dermatology, and Others: http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/ambulatory-surgical-centre-market About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights and an aerial view of the competitive framework and future market trends. Browse More Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Medical devices Market Insights Contact Us 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790 Sales: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc. (CSE: EAC)(CSE: EAC.CN) ("Earth Alive" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian Clean-Tech company, developer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art microbial technology-based products for sustainable agriculture and mining, is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Agriculture in Ecuador has issued a final registration free of sale document for the Company's microbial biofertilizer, Soil Activator. Ecuador's agriculture market, and specifically its banana sector, is crucial for the national economy, employment and the country's trade-balance. Ecuador is the largest banana exporter worldwide with a 30% share of total bananas exported,(1) supplying between 5.3 and 6 million tonnes of banana to world markets.(2) Banana exports from Ecuador were worth US$2.8 billion in 2015, the highest in the world.(3) Earth Alive Soil Activator received registration following a complex and rigorous regulatory process requiring the product to satisfy technical and legal standards established by the national regulatory agency, and to demonstrate agronomic efficacy in official field studies performed in Ecuador. Michael Warren, Earth Alive's VP Agriculture Global Operations, commented, "Ecuador is a key market and an important player in several high-value export crops. Earth Alive's entrance into the Ecuadorian market means being able to introduce Soil Activator to the banana capital of the world. It represents a great opportunity to consolidate our expertise in various crops and provide Ecuadorian growers with effective organic tools to improve their productivity and livelihood. We strongly believe that the use of Soil Activator will promote environmentally sustainable agriculture." Guido Sandoval, Technical Director for Brenntag Ecuador stated, "My sincere congratulations to Earth Alive in receiving the registration after satisfying all the requirements that our government demanded. We have been evaluating the product's positive effect in several crops and particularly in banana - this achievement is an important step for our farmers to have access to the benefits that Soil Activator generates in the field. We have identified over 160 thousand hectares of banana production, 12% of those are organic and 88% are conventional. In terms of gross production value, bananas are the fourth most important food crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize. Our clients in the banana industry demand performance and profitability, not only for the immediate effect on productivity, but also for the value of regenerating the soil's biological richness." "We have commenced significant commercial trials in bananas, rice, roses and ornamental flowers, and broccoli, and the preliminary results are very encouraging," stated Ms. Paola Correal, Director of Agriculture Operations for Earth Alive. Ms. Correal added, "We look forward to continuing our work with the Brenntag Ecuador agriculture team - it is the largest and one of the most profitable branches of Brenntag Latin America's agriculture business. We are working strategically throughout the entire country, from the interior mountain zone to the coastal zone, in order to serve the vast variety of crops produced in Ecuador." Mr. Sandoval stated, "Brenntag is a significant player in Ecuador's mineral fertilizer market, with sales of 95,000 MT per year representing approximately 20% of the Ecuadorian market. Our main interest is to work towards sustainable agriculture where organic and biological inputs work together to show their benefits. Soil Activator is giving us satisfactory results: we have produced and sold 600 MT of mineral fertilizer inoculated with Soil Activator into the banana and rice sectors, and we are finding positive synergies. In my 24 years of experience with mineral fertilizers, I am seeing how organic and biological technologies are the present and future of agriculture. Our Biormix fertilizer line which blends mineral fertilizers with organic-biological inputs is registering some of the highest banana yields in the country. All this is thanks to Soil Activator and its beneficial effects on the most valuable part of agricultural production: the soil biota." Shipments of Soil Activator to Ecuador are expected in December 2016. Sources: (1) PROECUADOR, www.proecuador.gob.ec online: http://www.proecuador.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PROEC_AS2016_BANANO.pdf (2) FAO,www.fao.org, online: http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/est/COMM_MARKETS_MONITORING/Bananas/Documents/Banana_Information_Note_2014-_rev.pdf (3) Worldstoexports,www.worldstoexports.com online: http://www.worldstopexports.com/bananas-exports-country/ About Earth Alive Clean Technologies: Earth Alive aims to be a key player in world markets of environmentally sustainable industrial solutions. The company works with the latest innovations in microbial technology to formulate and patent innovative products that can tackle the most difficult industrial challenges, once only reserved to environmentally harmful chemicals and additives. The company is focused on environmental sustainability in 1) dust control for the mining industry, and 2) the agriculture industry. For additional company information, please visit: www.earthalivect.com The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" occur. Although Earth Alive believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contacts: For media information and interview requests: Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc. Mr. David Gilmour 514-814-2899 dgilmour@earthalivect.com www.earthalivect.com For investor relations: Mr. Frederick Chabot 438-863-7071 frederick@contactfinancial.com DUBLIN, Nov 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Ophthalmic Lasers Market by Product Type, Application, & End User - Global Forecast to 2021" report to their offering. The ophthalmic lasers market is projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2021 from USD 970.2 million in 2016, at a CAGR of 5.1%. Increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, rising geriatric population, increasing regulatory approvals, and increasing initiatives to prevent vision impairment are some factors driving the growth of the global ophthalmic lasers market. On the other hand, high cost of the equipment and therapies is expected to restrain the growth of the market. However, increasing number of hospitals and clinics in emerging economies such as China, India, and Pacific countries are providing growth opportunities for the ophthalmic lasers market. In 2016, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global ophthalmic lasers market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). North America's large share is attributed to the increasing prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing regulatory approvals. In the coming years, the ophthalmic lasers market is expected to witness the highest growth in the Asia-Pacific region, with emphasis on India, China, and Japan. This can be attributed to factors such as high prevalence of ophthalmic disorders, introduction of initiatives for prevention of blindness and treatment projects for various ophthalmic disorders, and rising aging population. Companies Mentioned: Abbott Medical Optics, Inc. Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Bausch & Lomb Incorporated Carl Zeiss Meditec AG Ellex Medical Lasers Limited Iridex Corporation Lumenis Ltd. (A XIO Group Company) Nidek Co., Limited Topcon Corporation Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 5 Market Overview 6 Ophthalmic Lasers Market, By Product 7 Ophthalmic Lasers Market, By Application 8 Ophthalmic Lasers Market, By End User 9 Ophthalmic Lasers Market, By Region 10 Competitive Landscape 11 Company Profiles For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mvngfg/ophthalmic_lasers 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 Regulatory News: Skanska (STO:SKAB) Richard Kennedy has been appointed Business Unit President Skanska USA Building. He will take on his new position as of November 16. Richard Kennedy has been with the company for 12 years. He has been the Chief Operating Officer for the Metro New York region since 2009. In that position he has played a key role in winning major projects such as the 4 billion dollar redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, and he has overseen the successful execution of complex projects such as the United Nations Headquarters Renovation, the World Trade Center Transportation HUB and MetLife Stadium. Richard succeeds Bill Flemming who will leave Skanska. "Richard has very strong commercial skills that will move our company forward in a competitive landscape. Richard has a deep understanding of where the company is headed and working in complex projects he's always had a one Skanska mindset, actively working to team up with different business units in Skanska. I also want to thank Bill Flemming for his years of dedicated work in Skanska, and we wish him well in his future endeavors", says Richard Cavallaro, Executive Vice President, Skanska AB. The information provided herein is such as Skanska AB is obligated to disclose pursuant to the EU market securities act (EU) no. 596/2014. Skanska is one of the world's leading construction and project development companies, focused on selected home markets in the Nordic region, other European countries and North America. Supported by global trends in urbanization and demographics, and by being at the forefront in sustainability, Skanska offers competitive solutions for both simple and the most complex assignments, helping to build a sustainable future for customers and communities. The Group currently has 43,100 employees in selected home markets in Europe and North America. Skanska's sales in 2015 totaled SEK 155 billion. This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006019/en/ Contacts: Skanska AB Edvard Lind Head of Media Relations tel +46 (0)10 448 88 08 or Direct line for media tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - Currently, thousands of innocent South Sudanese civilians are streaming into the once small town of Bidibidi, Uganda. The overwhelming majority of which are women and children. A civil war is raging in their country and they are fleeing destruction, hunger, and other atrocities of war. Uganda is exceptionally welcoming to refugees and maintains possibly the most progressive refugee policy in the world. But with the influx of refugees reaching 4,000 a day, resources are becoming scarce. The constant stream of displaced civilians over the last few months has ballooned the settlement's population to over 200,000 refugees. And the United Nations recently cut food rations by 50% to the area. "While Dr. John Dowdle and I were touring the refugee camps in south Uganda, an existing crisis is exploding in neighboring South Sudan. Violence and civil war are forcing the population of mostly women and children to flee to Uganda...The situation is growing worse and the camp is estimated to double in the near future. We are nearing a humanitarian crisis," said Jim Wolford, CEO & Co-Founder of Atomic Data. The American Refugee Committee (ARC) and Atomic Data are stepping in to help. They're looking to fulfill the needs of those displaced by the civil war in South Sudan by providing protection, shelter, water and sanitation to Bidibidi. Minnesota's Give to the Max Day is November 17, 2016 and ARC is looking to raise at least $25,000 for the settlement. Atomic Data has offered to match all donations, up to $25,000. "This huge refugee camp popped up in the middle of nowhere, in no time. The people living there need everything," said ARC President Daniel Wordsworth. "We have an emergency response team in place in Bidibidi -- the United Nations has assigned us Zone 5 of the settlement. Our team is currently identifying children who came there alone or may be at-risk in the settlement and is working to find them all safe living situations. The team will also look to address the shelter, clean water, and protection needs of the refugees in Bidibidi." Atomic Data and ARC have worked together for years to raise money for refugees around the world. And Bidibidi is in urgent need of help. Donations can help provide shelter, protection for unaccompanied children, potable water, sanitation facilities and support for survivors of abuse or sexual violence in Bidibidi. To donate, visit Atomic Data or Give MN. Atomic Data's match offer is tied to the Give to the Max Day campaign, but you can give to ARC anytime at arcrelief.org. About American Refugee Committee American Refugee Committee programs are built from the ground up. We work with people at the most vulnerable points in their lives, when they have lost everything to war or disaster. They let us know what they need most, and we work together to develop ways to help them get it. Our programs are as diverse as the people we serve, but they all work together for the same goal: to help people take back control of their lives. We have worked with refugees around the world for more than 30 years, and our 1600 staff members help nearly 3 million people a year throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East. ARC is also building a 21st Century humanitarian organization rooted in co-creating with committed people to provide more meaningful solutions to humanitarian crises worldwide. We are based in Minneapolis, MN. To learn more, visit www.ARCrelief.org. About Atomic Data Atomic Data is a Minneapolis-based IT solutions provider delivering sophisticated, custom tailored IT solutions to companies large and small, single site or multinational, in-house or in the cloud. Atomic Data works with your IT department or acts as your IT department to design, equip, and maintain the solutions for today's challenging IT environments. Atomic Data's areas of expertise include: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, The Atomic Cloud private virtualization, data center colocation, disaster recovery consulting, private connectivity, 24x7 network monitoring and Service Desk support, on-site support, custom software development, voice solutions and web hosting. For more information, visit http://www.atomicdata.com/. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/15/11G122148/Images/MS-U026_copy-755413deefe0b3fd982ec358dac64f26.jpeg Scott Evangelist sevangelist@atomicdata.com 612-466-2000 Pharmacologic treatment recommendations are tailored to patients' needs based on symptoms and exacerbation history1 LAMA/LABA therapy now an essential cornerstone for COPD treatment across the spectrum of people with COPD in GOLD groups B-D1 Clearer guidance for physicians on which subset of patients may benefit from the addition of ICS1 Boehringer Ingelheim welcomes the updated 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Strategy which now positions a combination of a LAMA (long-acting anticholinergic) and a LABA (long-acting beta2-agonist), as a mainstay treatment for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in GOLD groups B-D.1 This represents a significant change versus previous GOLD guidelines.1 This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006085/en/ Professor Claus Vogelmeier, MD, Chair, GOLD Science Committee, Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany (Photo: Business Wire) The new Strategy classifies people with COPD by symptoms and history of exacerbations only. It still uses the A, B, C, D system, with each category having its own treatment algorithm supporting a more tailored approach addressing patient needs. For GOLD groups B-D, LAMA/LABA therapy plays a critical, central role in the treatment recommendations.1 "This is a major revision of the GOLD document since 2011 and is a step forward for individualised COPD management. The updated pharmacotherapy recommendations are now based solely on two factors, symptoms and exacerbation history," said Professor Claus Vogelmeier, MD, Chair, GOLD Science Committee, Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany. "Our 2017 Global Strategy aims to help people with this chronic but treatable condition by offering holistic treatment guidance that covers pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The 2017 GOLD Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease reflects the latest evidence from published scientific research.1 The added benefits of treatment with a LAMA/LABA beyond the monocomponents alone, and versus LABA/ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) for people with COPD, have been consistently confirmed by a number of randomised, clinical trials.2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 The evidence includes results from the large-scale, Phase III TOviTO clinical trial programme. The data also demonstrate Spiolto Respimat (tiotropium+olodaterol) provides significant improvements in patient outcomes over Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium), right from the initial stages when people with COPD need maintenance therapy.6,7,8,10,11 The new GOLD Strategy provides clear guidance on when, and in which patients, ICS can be added or withdrawn.1 All COPD patients should be treated with therapies that optimise lung function first. Only those who have =2 exacerbations per year or =1 exacerbation leading to hospital admission may be considered for an ICS-containing therapy after LAMA/LABA. In addition, the new GOLD Strategy suggests that ICS therapy may be withdrawn safely in people with COPD who are in GOLD group D and stable, by using a LAMA/LABA regimen.1 Several studies, including the Withdrawal of Inhaled Steroids During Optimised bronchodilator Management (WISDOM) study,12,13,14,15 have helped inform the de-escalation path. "Boehringer Ingelheim is pleased that our extensive, ongoing clinical trial programme in COPD has contributed to the latest GOLD Strategy. We are committed to continuing research into the optimal management of COPD to achieve the best possible outcomes for people with COPD," said Dr William Mezzanotte, MD MPH, Vice President and Head of Respiratory Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim. COPD is a serious but manageable lung disease, which is estimated to affect 210 million people worldwide.16 Total deaths from COPD are projected to increase by more than 30 percent in the next 10 years; COPD is predicted to become the third leading cause of death globally by 2030.17 Once daily Spiolto Respimat is Boehringer Ingelheim's advance in COPD maintenance treatment, and has been approved in more than 50 countries worldwide. For 'Notes to Editors' and 'References' please visit: http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/boehringer-ingelheim-welcomes-central-role-lamalaba-therapy-within-2017-gold-strategy View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006085/en/ Contacts: Boehringer Ingelheim Corporate Communications Media + PR Kristin Jakobs Phone: +49 6132 77 144553 Mobile: +49 151 6894 7444 Fax: +49 6132 77 6601 Email: kristin.jakobs@boehringer-ingelheim.com www.boehringer-ingelheim.com LOS ANGELES, CA and LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - Electro Rent Corporation today announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Microlease from Lloyds Development Capital. The transaction is expected to close during Q1 2017. Financial terms were not disclosed. Microlease CEO Nigel Brown said the combination will create a premier platform with a global footprint. "Both companies are leaders in testing and measurement equipment rental, sales, and asset management services," said Nigel Brown, CEO of Microlease. "Combined, we believe we can serve customers better through a significantly expanded equipment fleet and stronger geographical coverage, ensuring better availability levels and a higher level of technical service." Electro Rent is a portfolio company of Platinum Equity, which acquired the business in August 2016. "This is a transformational opportunity that puts the combined company in a better position to serve customers in a global market poised for significant growth," said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson. "We are delivering on our pledge to invest in Electro Rent's long-term strategic plan and will continue looking for new opportunities to expand organically or through additional acquisitions." Mr. Brown will be appointed CEO of the combined company once the transaction is completed. The company's North American operation will be headquartered in Van Nuys, California and its EMEA operations will be headquartered in London, United Kingdom. About Electro Rent Electro Rent Corporation (http://www.ElectroRent.com) is one of the largest global organizations devoted to the rental, leasing and sales of general purpose electronic test equipment, personal computers and servers. It has almost 50 years of experience in advising customers on their best acquisition approach, including rent, purchase and leasing options and combinations. The company is headquartered in Van Nuys, California, USA. About Microlease Microlease (https://www.microlease.com) is a leading equipment services and distribution provider to the test and measurement industry across Europe, Asia, and the US. It helps clients deploy equipment when and where needed in the most cost-effective manner via services including rental, leasing, and asset management. The company was founded in 1979, and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. About Platinum Equity Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with a portfolio of approximately 30 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations -- a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O -- acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics. Over the past 20 years, Platinum Equity has completed more than 185 acquisitions. Media contacts: Tanya Jamison Director of Worldwide Marketing Electro Rent Corporation +1 303 396 2361 Email contact George Acris Marketing Director Microlease +44 (0) 20 84 200 200 Email contact Dan Whelan Principal Platinum Equity +1 310 282 9202 Email contact GOODWOOD, England, November 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to be honoured with the 'Best British Luxury Craftsmanship' award at the 2016 Walpole British Luxury Awards. The award was presented during a glittering ceremony attended by luminaries of the British luxury scene by Rory Reid, BBC Top Gear presenter, at the Dorchester, London. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440175 ) The annual awards recognise individuals and companies in the luxury industry who exemplify British excellence and leadership in a field that contributes 32 billion every year to the British economy. The esteemed judging panel of luxury leaders, representing the most highly regarded tastemakers in the industry was led by Michael Ward (Managing Director of Harrods and Chairman of Walpole) and included Lucia van der Post (Luxury Commentator), Conrad Bird, (Director, GREAT Britain Campaign), Peter Ting (Curator, Ceramic Designer and Crafts Council Trustee), Gillian de Bono (Editor of FT How to Spend It) and Marcus Wareing (Chef Patron, Marcus). Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, "We are delighted and honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award, building on our previous Walpole success of 'British Luxury Brand of the Year'. Every Rolls-Royce is hand-built at the marque's global centre of excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex. Our success is borne of a profound understanding that patrons of true luxury seek to curate, commission and collect extraordinary objects, crafted to their exacting specifications at true global centres of excellence. It is this approach that ensures we proudly fly the flag for British manufacturing and design across the world." He continued, "Rolls-Royce is the most celebrated luxury house in the world, built on the foundations of the skill and application of the world's finest craftspeople. It is therefore a most gratifying affirmation of the work of these 1,600 extraordinary men and women to be recognised for this award." On receiving the award, Torsten used his acceptance speech to celebrate the vibrancy of the British Luxury scene, reiterating the importance of adhering to the key principles of true luxury - rejecting proliferation and the derogation of their craft through volume, to protect this art. He reaffirmed the importance of an intimate understanding of patrons of true luxury - those who seek to commission deeply personal expressions of their tastes, lifestyles and desires, executed with the finest materials at the hands of the world's most skilled artisans at globally recognised centres of excellence. Michelle Emmerson, CEO Walpole, said, "Rolls-Royce are such worthy winners of this award. The superior craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes in to creating every car is second to none. They are true ambassadors of British luxury and work hard to nurture and support the next generation of talent. Congratulations to the entire team." Formed in 1990, Walpole is a not-for-profit organisation that furthers the interests of the British luxury industry by harnessing and sharing the collective knowledge, experience and resources of its membership. Confirming its position as the authoritative voice of British luxury, Walpole leads an active programme of thought leadership, research, political engagement, initiatives and events to promote and inspire British luxury worldwide. - Ends - Further information: You can find all our press releases and press kits, as well as a wide selection of high resolution, downloadable photographs and video footage at our media website, PressClub. You can also find the communications team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on Twitter and Instagram (RollsRoyceMedia). Contact: Andrew Ball, +44(0)1243-384064 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- EEStor Corporation (TSX VENTURE: ESU) ("EEStor" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all share purchase warrants issued in the Company's September 2014 private placement have been exercised. A total of 5,076,922 warrants have been exercised for gross proceeds to EEStor of approximately CDN$1.98 million. Ian Clifford, CEO and Founder stated: "I would like to acknowledge the deeply important support from our long time and new shareholders. Having 100% of our warrant holders exercising is a very positive sign." Clifford continued: "As a pre-revenue company, without your support, moving our technology forwarded is impossible. I am extremely pleased with our recent progress and look forward to disclosing our advancements on a regular basis." The Company intends to use the proceeds from the warrant exercises for technology advancement in both its standard epoxy and advanced polymer programs, licensing negotiations and for working capital and general corporate purposes. About EEStor Corporation The Company's mission is to be the provider of leading edge electrical energy storage and related capacitor technologies. The Company operates on the principle and belief that a fundamental breakthrough in energy storage will be the catalyst for positive environmental and economic change globally. The Company's current business strategy is focused on licensing and partnership opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries and applications building on its recent technology achievements related to capacitors. The Company holds an approximate 71.3% as-converted equity and voting interest and certain technology rights to a solid-state capacitor and related energy storage technologies currently under development by EEStor, Inc. The acquisition of the controlling interest in EEStor Inc. aligned the businesses of both companies and now allows EEStor Corporation to benefit from other revenue streams that should be available to EEStor, Inc., including applications throughout the capacitor industry and not limited to high density energy storage applications. The Company's success depends on the commercialization of the technology developed by EEStor Inc and there is no assurance that it will be successful in the completion of the various enhancement phases to warrant the anticipated licensing opportunities in the technology. Readers are directed to the "Risk Factors" disclosed in the Company's public filings. 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: Ian Clifford Chief Executive Officer EEStor Corporation 416-535-8395 ian.clifford@eestorcorp.com Industry-leading IP geolocation technology enriches analytics and data segmentation Digital Element, the leading provider of IP geolocation technology, today announced that Siteimprove, an industry leader in web governance solutions and website optimisation, has deployed its NetAcuity Edge hyperlocal IP geolocation technology to enrich its analytics and audience segmentation capability. Siteimprove offers Software as a Service (SaaS) to help more than 5,000 global customers create a better experience for their website visitors, by providing tools to make website management, maintenance, and optimisation easier and more affordable. The company's products remove the manual task of finding website errors while helping teams create a strong content strategy through insightful analytics data. By incorporating Digital Element's highly accurate IP geolocation technology into its analytics platform, Siteimprove has dramatically improved its ability to accurately track users' locations for its clients' websites, all in a privacy sensitive manner. This enables their clients to make more informed decisions for website optimisation and better segment visitors. The deployment of NetAcuity Edge produced some incredible results in a short period of time; for example, the number of unknown visitor locations to its customers' sites has dramatically reduced from 25% to less than 1%. "Geolocation data is an important part of our business and the data we were receiving from our previous provider was outdated and inaccurate. Digital Element is known for its high level of precision, that can't be surpassed, and we've already seen hugely impressive results," explained Ivan Bager, Director of Innovation, Siteimprove. "We are looking forward to utilising Digital Element's data in more ways to further improve the quality of the service we provide our clients." Digital Element is the global leader and industry pioneer in IP geolocation technology. Its intelligence solution provides the most detailed, hyperlocal dataset available worldwide today that complies with the highest standards of end-user privacy. Kate Owen, Digital Element's Vice President, Northern Europe, commented: "We are very excited to work with Siteimprove now and in the future to provide the most accurate IP intelligence available. It's fantastic that Siteimprove has already experienced such a step change in performance for its customers by utilising our data. It's always very gratifying to see, in real-life examples such as these, that investing in best-quality data really does pay off: the results often provide dramatic improvements in accuracy, service quality, depth of insight, and better customer value." Siteimprove joins some of Digital Element's other high-profile analytics, data management and advertising platform clients including Stroer Group, Microsoft, Qubit Digital, Adform, Webtrends, Crimtan, Weborama, Vibrant Media, Admedo, Wiredminds, Eyeota, Infectious Media, MediaMath, Cxense, Lotame, Krux, AOL's ADTECH and Visual DNA. About Digital Element Since 1999, Digital Element has been providing global geolocation solutions that bring anytime, anywhere relevance and context to online initiatives from desktops to mobile devices. The company's patented technology has been certified and accredited to deliver real-time access to accurate and reliable location intelligence without invading Internet users' privacy. For more than a decade, many of the world's largest websites, brands, ad networks, social media platforms and mobile publishers have trusted Digital Element's technology to target advertising, localise content, enhance analytics, and manage content rights as well as detect and prevent fraud. Visit http://www.digitalelement.com for more information on how to bring the power of location to the online world. Headquartered in Atlanta and London, Digital Element is a division of Digital Envoy Inc. About Siteimprove Since 2003, Siteimprove has provided industry leading Web Governance tools to thousands of organisations worldwide. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Siteimprove has a strong presence in dozens of countries across North America, Europe, and the Pacific. Siteimprove's Web Governance Suite is offered via Software as a Service (SaaS), providing tools that are scalable and used by both small start-up companies and large Fortune 500 companies to manage and maintain their large websites through web quality assurance, web accessibility, web analytics, SEO analysis and web performance alerts. Visit: https://siteimprove.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005411/en/ Contacts: Press GingerMay PR Naomi Whittome naomi.whittome@gingermaypr.com Tel: +44 (0)203 642 1124 AUGSBURG, GERMANY -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Huawei today announced it has been honored with a Platinum Award at the IT Awards 2016 & Readers' Choice Awards in the UPS and PDU category, held by Vogel IT Media, a top German media agency. At this year's "Readers' Choice Awards," six IT specialist portals pre-selected major IT providers from around the world, before readers were asked to cast their votes for their IT company of the year. The deciding factors for pre-selection included innovative new technologies, outstanding products and concepts, or groundbreaking strategies. Categories including Infrastructure management, cooling system, monitoring system, consultation & design, cabling, power supply and distribution, as well as virtualization management are all covered. Huawei UPS can be found in applications across industries and boasts a variety of customers. Winning a Platinum award confirms German customers think very highly of Huawei UPS from both a technology and concept perspective. Huawei UPS, with the company's core values of "simplicity, efficiency, and reliability," was honored with the Platinum Award, because it provides customers with the best power supply solution to help them deal with problems encountered on overburdened power grids Huawei UPS has previously won a number of industry-wide awards and recognition, including the "Customer Satisfaction Brand Award 2015," "Customer Satisfaction Solution Award 2015," and "Data Center Product Application Award." In addition, both UPS2000-G and UPS5000-E have been certified by ENERGY STAR. Click here to learn more About Huawei Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Our aim is to enrich life and improve efficiency through a better connected world, acting as a responsible corporate citizen, innovative enabler for the information society, and collaborative contributor to the industry. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei's 170,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers. Our innovative ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world's population. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3081582 Huawei Miranda Liu miranda.liu@huawei.com EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) today announced that it, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, EPCOR Natural Gas Limited Partnership, has entered into an agreement to acquire the natural gas distribution assets of Natural Resource Gas Limited (NRG). NRG is a natural gas distributor to over 8,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ontario's Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Norfolk counties. The transaction is subject to approval of the Ontario Energy Board and customary closing conditions. "This acquisition extends the business platform EPCOR is building in Ontario, and underscores the same commitment we have made in Southern Bruce to bring clean and cost-effective natural gas to residents, businesses and farms," said Stephen Stanley, EPCOR Senior Vice President, Commercial Services. "We look forward to serving our new customers and becoming a strong part of these communities." "NRG employees are excited about working for a progressive Canadian company with a proven track record of performance and community involvement," said Brian Lippold, NRG General Manager. NRG also extends a sincere thank you to its customers for the privilege of serving them over 45 years and is pleased that they will continue to receive outstanding service from EPCOR. EPCOR and NRG are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for customers. About EPCOR Utilities Inc. EPCOR's wholly owned subsidiaries build, own and operate electrical transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. The Company's subsidiaries also provide electricity, water and natural gas services and products to residential and commercial customers. EPCOR, headquartered in Edmonton, is an Alberta Top 70 employer. EPCOR's website address is www.epcor.com. About Natural Resource Gas Limited NRG is an Ontario corporation with its head office in London, Ontario. NRG carries on the business of selling and distributing natural gas to over 8000 customer throughout Elgin, Middlesex, Oxford and Norfolk Counties in southwestern Ontario. NRG's website is www.nrgas.ca. Contacts: EPCOR Utilities Inc. Tim le Riche External Communications Specialist 780-969-8238, 780-721-2013 (cell) tleriche@epcor.com Natural Resource Gas Limited Brian Lippold General Manager 519-773-5321, 519-494-7865 (cell) Brian@nrgas.on.ca Endeavour Mining Responds to Media Speculation Click to view in PDF format (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2071197/778289.pdf) George Town, January 13, 2017 - Endeavour Mining Corporation (TSX:EDV)(OTCQX:EDVMF) notes the recent press speculation regarding a potential corporate transaction between Endeavour and Acacia Mining plc. Endeavour reiterates that while it routinely evaluates business development opportunities, its strategic focus is the organic prospects in its existing asset portfolio. As part of its regular discussions with peer group mining companies, Endeavour confirms that preliminary discussions have taken place with Acacia on a confidential basis. This may or may not result in agreement of a transaction. Contact Information Martino De Ciccio VP - Strategy & Investor Relations +33 (0)1 70 38 36 95 mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com (mailto:mdeciccio@endeavourmining.com) DFH Public Affairs in Toronto John Vincic (416) 206-0118 x.224 jvincic@dfhpublicaffairs.com (mailto:jvincic@dfhpublicaffairs.com) Brunswick Group LLP in London Carole Cable, Partner +44 7974 982 458 ccable@brunswickgroup.com (mailto:ccable@brunswickgroup.com) Endeavour Mining | Corporate Office: 5 Young St, Kensington, London W8 5EH, UK This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to, statements with respect to Endeavour's plans and operating performance, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of future production, future capital expenditures, and the success of exploration activities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts", and "anticipates". Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Please refer to Endeavour's most recent Annual Information Form filed under its profile at www.sedar.com for further information respecting the risks affecting Endeavour and its business View News Release in PDF Format (http://hugin.info/171882/R/2071197/778289.pdf) This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Endeavour Mining Corporation via Globenewswire A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" of Kelvin Re Limited (Kelvin Re) (Guernsey). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) remains stable. The ratings reflect Kelvin Re's strong risk-adjusted capitalisation, an experienced management team that has produced positive earnings since inception in 2014, and a solid risk management framework. Offsetting rating factors include the company's underwriting concentration in natural catastrophe reinsurance, the high level of dependency on Credit Suisse's Insurance-Linked Strategies team, and the increased investment risk arising from a non-traditional investment strategy, with approximately 50% of investments allocated to blue-chip hedge funds. Kelvin Re is a privately owned start-up company based in Guernsey that provides short-tail property and specialty lines reinsurance. Since it commenced operations in late 2014, the company has derived its business solely from the distribution reach of Credit Suisse's Insurance-Linked Strategies, a leading insurance-linked hedge fund, which has approximately USD 7.1 billion of assets under management. During 2016, the company has generated a globally diversified portfolio of natural catastrophe reinsurance exposures in excess of USD 150 million of gross premiums. Kelvin Re's risk-adjusted capitalisation is strong, as a result of moderate underwriting leverage and a flexible retrocession programme managed to minimise counterparty credit risk. Capital requirements are mainly driven by Kelvin Re's exposure to hedge fund investments; however, to absorb the volatility of these assets the company maintains a high level of capital and surplus, which stood at USD 643 million in 2015. Prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation is expected to remain strong as the company expands its portfolio. Furthermore, the company has good financial flexibility with an irrevocable and unconditional letter of guarantee of USD 200 million from a lender with superior credit quality. Given its higher risk profile, Kelvin Re has developed a robust risk management framework, which centres on advanced modelling capabilities and flexible retrocession arrangements to manage underwriting risk. Due to its changing profile, the company also performs regular stress testing to ensure that its capital position remains supportive. In addition, the company utilises the expertise of specialist third party investment advisors to manage its exposure to hedge funds. Current headwinds in the global reinsurance market continue to present challenges for Kelvin Re's business plan. So far in 2016, the company has been able to secure top-line revenues in line with its original targets, and is expected to report a profit for the year, but underwriting margins and investment yields remain subject to the pressure of the current challenging operating environment. Moreover, Kelvin Re's investment in hedge funds generates the potential for a reduction in liquidity and increased investment risk. However, these risks are partially offset by alternative sources of liquidity. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best's Credit Ratings A.M. Best is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2016 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161116006323/en/ Contacts: A.M. Best Pablo Vasquez, +44 20 7397 0311 Financial Analyst pablo.vasquez@ambest.com or Ghislain Le Cam, CFA, FRM, +44 20 7397 0268 Associate Director, Analytics ghislain.lecam@ambest.com or Christopher Sharkey, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5159 Manager, Public Relations christopher.sharkey@ambest.com or Jim Peavy, +1-908-439-2200, ext. 5644 Director, Public Relations james.peavy@ambest.com CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Signal, a global leader in real-time, people-based marketing technology, today announced that for the second year in a row it is included on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Signal earned the number 94 spot on the list due to revenue growth of 1,008 percent during the period from 2012 to 2015. Signal was founded in 2010 to help marketers recognize customers across channels and build an always-on identity foundation to fuel more relevant marketing interactions. Since then, the company has achieved several significant growth milestones. Signal has secured a total of over $70 million in venture capital funding to date, consistently achieved a high double-digit growth rate, created more than 150 jobs, and has thousands of clients using its technology in the US, APAC, EMEA, and South America. "Signal is honored to be on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list for the second consecutive year as a result of our strong, sustained growth," said Mike Sands, Signal CEO. "The company's success is a result of continuing our mission to help marketers around the world recognize and understand their hyperconnected customers, and use that information to create better experiences, build loyalty, and improve marketing ROI." Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent. To learn more about Signal, visit www.signal.co. About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies -- both public and private -- in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. About Signal: Signal is a global leader in real-time, people-based marketing technology. With one platform, Signal's integrated technology combines data collection, persistent identification, data onboarding and media activation for real-time cross-channel engagement. By leveraging Signal's platform, brands and publishers gain immediate knowledge of buyers, access to high quality audiences and a simplified activation process to engage consumers within minutes of recognition. Today, Signal's technology runs on more than 45,000 digital properties in 158 countries. The platform facilitates billions of data requests monthly, supporting top brands around the world that generate more than $1.5 trillion in commerce, including Allstate, Audi, Crate & Barrel, DeVry University, GAP, JetBlue Airways, Macy's, 1-800-Flowers.com, Starcom MediaVest Group, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and many more. Signal has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being named one of the fastest growing companies on the 2015 and 2016 Inc. 500 lists. Visit www.signal.co to learn more and follow Signal on LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact Kari Brownsberger Director of Global PR kbrownsberger@signal.co MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. (TSX: QRM) announced an agreement with Straightline Aviation (SLA) to provide dedicated air services for the transport of ore concentrate, supplies and personnel using Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Airships. The airships will provide shuttle transportation between Quest's Strange Lake complex mine site in Northern Quebec and Schefferville, a town with a direct rail link to the Port of Sept-Iles. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SLA will operate a fleet of seven of the world's first heavy-lift cargo Hybrid Airships, the LMH-1. The airships will transport personnel, critical supplies for mine operations, and carry more than 200,000 tonnes of rare earth ore concentrate annually for delivery to Quest's Becancour refining facilities. Rare earth metals are critical to hundreds of high tech applications, many of which define our way of life and are key to the emergence of green technologies. Developed and built by Lockheed Martin, the LMH-1 is well suited to Quest's transportation challenges due to its remote northern Quebec mine site location. The airship has the ability to land on virtually any surface including snow, ice, gravel and even water, with no runways required or other expensive infrastructure. The helium-filled, heavier-than-air airships can carry 20 metric tons of cargo and up to 19 passengers. Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada have agreed on the newly developed Hybrid Airship certification criteria, which is being used to complete the type certification. First commercial deliveries are scheduled in 2019. Hybrid Airships combine the technology of lighter than air aircraft with airplanes, helicopters and hovercraft. Helium provides 80 percent of the lift, while the remaining lift comes from the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft and its four thrust vectoring engines. The airship also features a unique hovercraft-like Air Cushion Landing System that facilitates taxiing and grips the craft firmly on the ground. The airships present a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution to Quest's transport challenges. The LMH-1 is not only designed to use less fuel, emit less carbon dioxide and produce less noise than conventional aircraft, it also eliminates the need for costly ground-level infrastructure, avoiding impact on the area's wildlife habitat compared to road transport and trucking along a road corridor to the Labrador Sea coast. This new transportation solution will also stimulate employment and business opportunities for regional and Indigenous communities increasing the socio-economic benefits to the area around the mine site. The service agreement represents a value of approximately US$ 850 million, including fuel costs, over a 10-year period that starts in 2019, with further extensions of up to 20 additional years in line with the current projected life of the mine. Supporting Quotes Pierre Lortie, Executive Chairman of the Board, Quest "Quest and SLA make ideal partners - we are well positioned to fully leverage the cost efficiencies and environmental advantages of the LMH-1, and are truly excited to be among the first companies to implement such an innovative transport solution." Mark Dorey, Chief Operating Officer, Straightline "We are looking forward to working with Quest, and believe that our Hybrid Airships will provide significant benefits in reaching remote locations such as the Strange Lake complex. Removing the need for expensive, intrusive infrastructure, it is a significant step in re-defining the way transport works in remote regions." Rob Binns, Chief Executive Officer, Hybrid Enterprises "Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Airship represents a revolution in remote cargo delivery. The Quest Strange Lake Project is a prime example of how our Hybrid Airship enables a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to accessing strategically important mineral deposits." Charles Bouchard, Chief Executive Lockheed Martin Canada "I am thrilled to see Lockheed Martin's advanced technology coming to the province of Quebec and indeed being sought after to solve transportation challenges in some of the most isolated and northern regions of Canada. It is an ideal country to use the highly innovative Hybrid Airships and I applaud the collaboration between Hybrid Enterprises, Straightline Aviation and Quest Rare Minerals in pursuing such an environmentally-friendly solution in Canada." ABOUT Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. ("Quest") is a Canadian-based company focused on becoming an integrated producer of rare earth metal oxides and a significant participant in the rare earth elements (REE) material supply chain. Quest is led by a management team with in-depth experience in chemical and metallurgical processing. Quest's objective is the establishment of major hydrometallurgical and refining facilities in Becancour, Quebec, to separate and produce strategically critical rare earth metal oxides. These industrial facilities will process mineral concentrates extracted from Quest's Strange Lake mining properties in northern Quebec and recycle lamp phosphors utilizing Quest's efficient, eco-friendly "Selective Thermal Sulphation (STS)"1 process. Straightline Aviation is headquartered in the United Kingdom with offices in New York and Los Angeles, SLA was co-founded by a team of highly experienced airship and aviation executives with the sole purpose of bringing Hybrids into operation. Chief Executive Officer Mike Kendrick previously founded and ran the Virgin Group's extensive airship interests, including the Virgin Airship and Balloon Company (VABC). Mark Dorey was the Chief Operating Officer of VABC and is now SLA's COO. David Tait OBE, the President of SLA's U.S. operations, was a founding member of the team that created Virgin Atlantic Airways and was the Executive Vice President of Virgin Atlantic Airways' U.S. operation for 18 years. Hybrid Enterprises is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Hybrid Enterprises is the exclusive reseller of Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Airships. Hybrid Enterprises is comprised of industry professionals who have sold, leased and operated cargo aircraft in over 120 countries on six continents. Hybrid Enterprises is solely focused on sales and marketing of Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Airships. Quest Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information and statements may include, among others, statements regarding the future plans, objectives or performance of Quest, including the Strange Lake Rare Earth Project's technical and pre-economic feasibility, future financing by Quest, or the assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether-or the times at or by which-such future performance will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, including the development of the Strange Lake Rare Earth Project or any financing by Quest, or if any of them do so, what benefits Quest will derive from them. Forward-looking statements and information are based on information available at the time, and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events, and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Quest's control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, estimates relating to capital costs and operating costs based upon anticipated tonnage and grades of resources to be mined and processed, and the expected recovery rates, together with those described under "Risk Factors" under "Risk Factors" in Quest's annual information form dated January 25, 2016, and under "Risk Factors" in Quest's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, all of which are available on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Quest does not intend, nor does Quest undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable law. Photo of the Signing Ceremony Introduction to Rare Earths Overview of Quest's Project Straightline Aviation Introduction ( 1) Patent Pending Contacts: Immediate requests: Howard Fremeth Senior Consultant National +613-854-5336 Quest Rare Minerals Julie Masse Vice-President, Communications + 514-502-8837 info@questrareminerals.com Straightline Aviation Mark Dorey Chief Operating Officer Office: +44 1384 904035 Cell.: 44 7 771 365 807 info@straightlineaviation.com WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - Suzanne Groah, MD, MSPH, has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support screening for urinary tract infections (UTIs) among patients with spinal cord injuries at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network. "Urinary tract infection is the most common bacterial infection seen in the outpatient setting and the most common healthcare-associated infection, making it a major worldwide public health problem," said Dr. Groah. In addition, spinal cord injury patients are at high risk for recurrent UTI, which is known to cause significant pain and discomfort; however, mobility limitations often create barriers to these patients receiving comprehensive care. The study, "Development of a Urinary Symptom Questionnaire for People with Neuropathic Bladder," will develop a questionnaire for individuals being treated for bladder dysfunction due to spinal cord injury to assist them in self-assessments of their health. The process of creating the questionnaire is centered on working with patients with spinal cord injuries, focusing on utilizing their feedback to develop usable tools for others through focus groups and interviews. Focus groups will help develop the questionnaire, which will be validated and assessed by a large, diverse, national sample of people living with spinal cord injury. The goal is that other patients will be able to use the tool to self-assess if their symptoms may be related to a UTI. "When the study team surveyed people with neuropathic bladder due to spinal cord injury and spina bifida, we found that UTI is a problem for more than 80 percent of people," Dr. Groah said. By creating this tool, Dr. Groah's research team will have an enhanced diagnostic approach to UTIs within this population that will be useful in future research, clinical care, patient education, and patient and clinical decision-making. This research is building on a study that currently is recruiting patients, "The Impact of Self-Management with Probiotics on Urinary Symptoms and the Urine Microbiome in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida," which was funded by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute grant in 2014. Dr. Groah is the director of Spinal Cord Injury Consultation Liaison Service and of Spinal Cord Injury Research at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network and associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at Georgetown University. The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's funding is dedicated to supporting both programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those affected by and living with spinal cord injury. About MedStar Health Research Institute The MedStar Health Research Institute is the research arm of MedStar Health, the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region. MHRI provides scientific, administrative and regulatory support for research programs throughout the MedStar Health system. MHRI's expertise includes translational research into disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. These programs complement the key clinical services and teaching programs in the 10 MedStar hospitals and other MedStar entities. For more information, visit MedStarResearch.org. About MedStar Health MedStar Health is a not-for-profit health system dedicated to caring for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. MedStar's 30,000 associates, 6,000 affiliated physicians, 10 hospitals, ambulatory care and urgent care centers, and the MedStar Health Research Institute are recognized regionally and nationally for excellence in medical care. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University, MedStar trains more than 1,100 medical residents annually. MedStar Health's patient-first philosophy combines care, compassion and clinical excellence with an emphasis on customer service. For more information, visit MedStarHealth.org Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/15/11G122146/Images/MNRH_Washington_Suzanne_Groah_physiatrist-aa6f07df51b5b890bb1c56fee82698a3.jpg Eva Hochberger Marketing & Communications Phone: 301-560-2917 Cell: 202-573-0304 eva.b.hochberger@medstar.net WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Democrats have added Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as a member of their Senate leadership team, although the self-described democratic socialist will not become an official member of the party. Sanders was named chair of outreach for Senate Democrats on Wednesday and will be in charge of reaching out to blue-collar voters who flocked to President-elect Donald Trump, according to The Hill. 'Real change doesn't take place on Capitol Hill,' Sanders said in a statement. 'It takes place in grassroots America.' 'It takes place when millions of working people, young people and senior citizens come together to demand that our government works for all of us and not just the 1 percent,' he added. 'When the people lead, the leaders follow.' Sanders was also named ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee and said he will do everything possible to make sure the budget represents the needs of working families and a shrinking middle class. Despite joining the Democratic leadership, a Sanders aide told Politico the Vermont senator would remain an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Sanders unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic presidential nomination against Hillary Clinton, who would go on to lose to Trump in a shocking upset. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. OTTAWA, November 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- What: Straightline Aviation will make an announcement at the Canadian Aerospace Summit in Ottawa, Canada, about an agreement to bring Lockheed Martin Hybrid Airships to the region. When: 10:00 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 16 Where:Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Room 209 (Media Room) Interview/Photo Opportunities:There will be an opportunity to photograph the formal signing agreement and participate in a Q&A session following the announcement. Background: The Hybrid Airship has the ability to land on virtually any surface including snow, ice, gravel and even water, with little to no runways required. Hybrid Airships combine the technology of lighter than air aircraft with airplanes, helicopters and hovercraft. Helium provides 80 percent of the lift, and the remaining lift comes from the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft and its four thrust vectoring engines. Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada have agreed on the newly developed Hybrid Airship certification criteria which is being used to complete the type certification. First deliveries are scheduled in 2019. To Cover: Please contact Mark Dorey at mdorey@straightlineaviation.com to RSVP. For additional information, visit our website: http://www.straightlineaviation.com/ . About Straightline Aviation Headquartered in the United Kingdom with offices in New York and Los Angeles, SLA was co-founded by a team of highly experienced airship and aviation executives with the sole purpose of bringing Hybrids into operation. Chief Executive Officer Mike Kendrick previously founded and ran the Virgin Group's extensive airship interests, including the Virgin Airship and Balloon Company (VABC). Mark Dory was the Chief Operating Officer of VABC and is now SLA's COO. David Tait OBE, the President of SLA's U.S. operations, was a founding member of the team that created Virgin Atlantic Airways and was the Executive Vice President of Virgin Atlantic Airways' U.S. operation for 18 years. Media Contact: Mark Dorey, +44-1384-904035, mdorey@straightlineaviation.com OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Canada is home to several unique marine environments that, due to their sensitive ecosystems and increasing amounts of human pressure, need to be conserved and protected for the benefit of our natural aquatic wildlife and all Canadians. Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, together with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced the establishment of a new Marine Protected Area in the Arctic. Located in the Beaufort Sea near the community of Paulatuk, Northwest Territories, the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area was created in collaboration with the Inuvialuit, as well as partners from industry, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. This newly recognized Marine Protected Area was designated based on the best available scientific information, which shows that the area is highly ecologically productive and provides an important habitat for a number of marine species, such as Arctic char, cod, beluga whales, polar bears, ringed and bearded seals, and various birds. Further, the area is home to the only thick-billed murre bird colony in the western Canadian Arctic, and is a feeding ground for the nearby Cape Parry Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This is Canada's first Marine Protected Area with conservation objectives based specifically on Indigenous traditional knowledge. To help maintain and safeguard the marine environment and species of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area, activities within the area that could disturb, damage, or destroy these living organisms and their habitats will be prohibited, with the exception of some activities that are vital for the long-term prosperity of the local community, such as navigation activities and dredging for the purpose of resupplying goods to the community. The designation of this new Marine Protected Area marks an important step in Canada's commitment to reaching its conservation targets of protecting 5% of marine and coastal areas by 2017, and 10% by 2020. Quotes "Today's designation of the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area is a concrete example of the Government of Canada's commitment to achieving our conservation targets of protecting 10% of our marine and coastal areas by 2020. It is also an example of the integral partnerships needed with local coastal communities to accomplish meaningful conservation objectives. I look forward to sustained collaboration with the Inuvialuit as we continue the important work of marine conservation in the Canadian Arctic. " - Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard "The commitment of the Inuvialuit to this Marine Protected Area reflects our culture and priorities to sustain the marine ecosystem. This reaffirms the Inuvialuit and Canada's obligation to work collaboratively to implement the Inuvialuit Final Agreement: 'To preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity and values within a changing northern society.'" - Duane Smith, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation "As with the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area, the FJMC will be very involved in Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area (MPA) management to support the goals of maintaining and safeguarding the marine environment and species, as per the third principle of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement: 'to protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, environment and biological productivity'. The FJMC supports the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam MPA designation, and would like to complement the efforts of the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee, the Paulatuk Community Corporation, the citizens of Paulatuk, the IGC, the IRC, the Western Arctic MPA Steering Committee, and the DFO and FJMC staff who worked so hard to make the Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam MPA a reality." - Gerald Inglangasuk, FJMC Inuvialuit Member, Fisheries Joint Management Committee "It's good to see that the we (the Inuvialuit) can collaborate with partners, in this case DFO, to work toward protecting areas that have been identified by our people and that are important to us, the wildlife, environment and marine ecosystem."- Patrick Gruben, The Inuvialuit Game Council "Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam is an important step in helping us as Inuvialuit people of the land, water and the skies, living with what the creator has provided us, protect and conserve tradition, culture, biodiversity and all that sustains us." - Lawrence Ruben, The Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee "The Government of Canada is excited to take this important step to ensure the protection of this critical habitat which is home to a rich array of fish, marine mammals and other species. Collaboration with local communities is essential in continuing to protect our ecosystems and marine species." - Michael McLeod, M.P., Northwest Territories Quick Facts -- The Government of Canada has committed to increasing environmental protections for Canada's marine and coastal areas and is working to see the total area conserved grow to 5% by 2017, and to 10% by 2020. -- Budget 2016 proposed $123.7 million over five years to support marine conservation activities, including the designation of new Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas and to continue work on developing new national parks and National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs), including the Lancaster Sound NMCA, Nunavut and Thaidene Nene National Park, Northwest Territories. -- Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam is named in honour of Nelson Green, a highly respected former Inuvialuit elder from Paulatuk, Northwest Territories. -- Collaboration with local communities for the proposed Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area has been facilitated through the Beaufort Sea Partnership and included participation from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Fisheries Joint Management Committee, the Inuvialuit Game Council, the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. -- Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam is the second official Marine Protected Area in the Arctic, following Tarium Niryutait's designation in August 2010. Related Products Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area Associated Links For more information on Canada's existing Marine Protected Areas and Areas of Interest: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/mpa-zpm-aoi-si-eng.html Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO Contacts: Media Relations Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-990-7537 Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Office of the Minister Fisheries and Oceans Canada 613-992-3474 Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft). Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/16/16 -- Zazu Metals Corporation (TSX: ZAZ) ("Zazu" or the "Company") announced today that, further to the press release of October 5, 2016, the common shares of the Company have been accepted for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") through the TSXV streamlined listing procedures. The Company expects that trading on the TSXV will commence at the opening of the market on December 1, 2016. The trading symbol of the common shares will remain "ZAZ". The Company expects a seamless transition from trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") to the TSXV and will voluntarily delist from the TSX effective at the close of the market on November 30, 2016. About Zazu Metals: Zazu is a Canadian-based exploration company with a 50% operating interest in the Lik zinc - lead - silver deposit in Northwest Alaska, which is large tonnage, high grade and potentially open pittable. Zazu completed a positive PEA in 2014 and has the exclusive right to obtain 80% of the property by meeting certain spending commitments by 2018. Additional information about Zazu including a company presentation is available at www.zazumetals.com. Forward-looking statements: This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of project development, capital and reclamation costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; discrepancies between estimated and actual resources and metallurgical recoveries; uncertainties inherent to economic studies in respect of the preliminary economic assessment; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; ability to construct the necessary extension to the road access and any requirements for port modifications; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory (including licenses and permits), political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contacts: Matthew Ford President 210 858-7512 mford@zazumetals.com IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - December 06, 2016) - JustEnough Software Corporation, a leading provider of demand management solutions for retail, wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses worldwide, today announced a new version of its industry leading Assortment Planning solution. New capabilities introduced today help retailers move from seasonal planning to continuous omni-channel assortment planning so they can keep ahead of fast-changing customer preferences and demand. Traditional seasonal retail planning has come under pressure in today's world of always connected, unpredictable and demanding consumers that expect to find what they want, whenever they want it. To survive in this age of the customer, retailers must be able to anticipate demand and sense and respond to changing demand patterns. Many are working to replace seasonal planning and one-time buys with planning that continuously adjusts to demand shifts and emerging trends and uses more frequent buys. The result is more flexible assortments that engage and delight customers. New capabilities of JustEnough Assortment Planning that support omni-channel, continuous planning include: Dynamic Clustering for Cross-Channel Assorting: Creates clusters based on key measures and attributes and then dynamically shifts the makeup of clusters based on relevant seasonal shopping patterns. The result is highly targeted assortment plans that address localized shopper needs across all stores and channels without planning assortments at the individual store level. Enhanced Demand Modelling: Going beyond traditional methods of demand planning, JustEnough makes raw historical data more powerful providing enhanced demand plan recommendations that reflect the true potential of selling helping retailers to avoid over assorting and markdowns. Integrated Buying and Inventory Management: Integrates stock buying and execution ensuring inventory is allocated in line with assortment plans and gets to the channel and store where it can sell for the highest possible price. Assortment Smart Start: Automatically generates assortment plans based on financial targets, including open-to-buy budgets, optimizing the width and depth of assortments while accounting for carry over inventory. Placeholders are automatically created with associated sales plans, buy plans and user-definable attributes. "We are finding retailers increasingly worried about missing trends or recognizing a trend and not being able to react quickly enough to capture the demand," said Peter Leith, vice president of product strategy, JustEnough. "The speed of retail today requires the continual planning of assortments both pre- and in-season in order to keep up with quickly changing consumer trends and demand. Retailers that embrace continual planning will experience fewer markdowns, higher revenues and increased customer loyalty." JustEnough will showcase its new Assortment Planning version at National Retail Federation's (NRF) Retail's BIG Show 2017 in New York City, January 15-17. Attendees interested in learning how JustEnough Assortment Planning continuous omni-channel planning are encouraged to visit Expo booth 3976 or schedule a time now to meet with JustEnough experts at NRF. About JustEnough JustEnough is a leading provider of omni-channel Demand Management solutions for retail, wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses and is serving the planning needs of many of the world's leading brands. Available OnSite and OnCloud, JustEnough's innovative solutions help companies to forecast customer demand; plan assortments, allocations and inventory; shape demand with markdowns and promotions and then execute on those plans. To learn more about JustEnough, visit www.justenough.com or email info@justenough.com. Follow JustEnough on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. JustEnough Press Contact Caroline Proctor Chief Marketing Officer Phone: (919) 301-0487 Email: Caroline.Proctor@justenough.com CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/19/17 -- NXT Energy Solutions Inc. ("NXT Energy" or the "Company") (TSX: SFD)(OTCQB: NSFDF) advises that its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Corporation (the "AGM") for the 2016 fiscal year end will be held at 2pm on Wednesday June 21, 2017 at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright LLC., located at 400 3rd Avenue SW, Suite 3700, Calgary Alberta T2P 4H2. For further information about NXT, please contact NXT's Head office at nxt_info@nxtenergy.com NXT Energy is a Calgary based company whose proprietary Stress Field Detection ("SFD") survey system utilizes quantum-scale sensors to detect gravity field perturbations in an airborne survey method which can be used both onshore and offshore to remotely identify areas with exploration potential for traps and reservoirs. The SFD survey system enables our clients to focus their hydrocarbon exploration decisions concerning land commitments, data acquisition expenditures and prospect prioritization on areas with the greatest potential. SFD is environmentally friendly and unaffected by ground security issues or difficult terrain, and is the registered trademark of NXT Energy Solutions Inc. NXT Energy provides its clients with an effective and reliable method to reduce time, costs, and risks related to exploration. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) nor the OTC QB Markets accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: NXT Energy Solutions Inc. Bev Stewart V-P Finance & CFO 403-206-0807 nxt_info@nxtenergy.com www.nxtenergy.com Kin Communications Investor Relations 1-866-684-6730 / 604-684-6730 sfd@kincommunications.com Mavenlink, an Irvine, Calif-based software platform for modern services organizations, raised $39m in Series D funding. The round was led by Goldman Sachs Growth Equity. In conjunction with the funding, Mark Midle of Goldman Sachs Growth Equity, has joined Mavenlinks board of directors. The company, which has raised $84m to date, intends to use the funds to continue for its additional expansion in Europe and other global locations while growing its current San Francisco engineering and product headquarters. Led by Ray Grainger, CEO and co-founder, Mavenlink provides an enterprise-class Software as a Service (SaaS) technology solution that unifies all essential functions of services organizations, allowing them to plan and deliver work, manage project financials and resources, and collaborate with distributed teams and clients. The client base includes progressive companies like Genpact, Salesforce.com, Cornerstone OnDemand, and Buzzfeed, as well as thousands of other consulting firms, IT services organizations, creative agencies, and professional services teams around the globe. FinSMEs 16/11/2016 Now Interact, a Stockholm, Sweden-based machine learning platform that offers omnichannel intelligence to enterprise B2C brands, raised $5M in Series A funding. The round was led by SEB Venture Capital and Inventure with participation from existing investor Industrifonden. The company will use the funds to continue investing in its platform, and expand the business to the US. Led by Magnus Astrom, CEO and Founder, Now Interact provides AI powered machine learning applications that use real-time omnichannel data including online, contact center, telesales and bricks & mortar to drive personalized customer journeys and accelerate the digitalization of sales and service. The company works with innovative broadband, e-commerce, energy, financial services, insurance and telecoms companies including Centraal Beheer, ComHem, SEB, Folksam, Tele2 and Three UK. It has offices in London, Amsterdam and Palo Alto. FinSMEs 16/11/2016 Sikhs have often been stereotyped in Hindi cinema in comic roles, barring a few films like the recently released 31st October. Salman Khan aims to change this trend as he is all set to produce Lions Of The Sea, a period film on Sikhs, transporting the viewers to 1914 when the Japanese ship Kamagta Maru sailed with over 350 passengers to Canada. They had escaped from Hong Kong, a British colony then, and sailed to Canada only to be denied entry into the country. Hindustan Times reports that Khan will collaborate with Toronto-based Indian tycoon Ajay Virmani to co-produce the historical. Irrfan Khan will play the character of Gurdit Singh, the Sikh lawyer who fought for the passengers right to enter Canada. According to a report by Darpan Magazine, Virmani shared his excitement on making this film which has gained even more relevance in contemporary times. Its an honour to a partner with Salman and Salman Khan Films (SKF) once again to ensure this historic story, which has challenged many racial laws in the western world, is finally told. Salman is already working on a period drama in Kabir Khans Tubelight based on the 1962 Sino Indian war. By Serajul Quadir and Wa Lone | DHAKA/SITTWE, Myanmar DHAKA/SITTWE, Myanmar Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims are fleeing a military crackdown in western Myanmar to Bangladesh, trying to escape an upsurge of violence that has brought the total number of dead confirmed by the army to more than 130.Some of the Rohingya were gunned down as they tried to cross the Naaf river that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh, while others arriving by boat were pushed away by Bangladeshi border guards and may be stranded at sea, residents said.The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the lack of oversight of the military by the seven-month-old administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers.They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya, shutting out aid workers and independent observers. The army has intensified its operation in the last seven days and has used choppers to reinforce, with dozens reported killed.Aid workers, camp residents and authorities in Bangladesh estimated at least 500 Rohingya had fled Myanmar since the October attacks. The refugees are now staying in four Rohingya camps on the Bangladeshi side of the border, they say.But on Tuesday, Bangladeshi border guards pushed back a large group of Rohingya trying to cross."Early Tuesday, 86 Rohingya including 40 women and 25 children were pushed back by the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) from the Teknaf border point," said Lt. Col. Anwarul Azim, commanding officer of the Cox's Bazar sector in eastern Bangladesh."All of them tried to enter Bangladesh and came by two engine-operated boats. Now we have beefed up our patrolling and additional forces have been engaged to ensure security in the border area," he said.Reuters sources said the Rohingya group was unlikely to have gone back to the villages in Myanmar and might be stranded at sea. The stateless Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.Col. Htain Lin, Border Affairs Minister of the Rakhine state government, refused to comment on the situation. Police Major Kyaw Mya Win, from the Maungdaw police, said the people were trying to escape because they tried to attack the military."The villagers have become insurgents, including women in the village," said Kyaw Mya Win.The recent upsurge in violence has brought the number of suspected militants killed to 102 since Oct. 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 32, according to a Reuters tally based on state media releases. MANY DEAD BODIES Four Rohingya from northern Rakhine contacted by Reuters by telephone on Wednesday confirmed that hundreds were trying to escape and cross the river to Bangladesh. They said some were gunned down."The residents told me nearly 72 people were killed near the riverbank, that the military shot into the crowd on the river bank," said a Rohingya community leader who declined to be identified.Another man from Maungdaw said women and children from around 10 villages were trying to flee to Bangladesh and some were killed as they were trying to get into the boats. "A lot of dead bodies were floating in the sea," said the man. He added that these people were not travelling together, but that they had separated into groups of 20 or 50 to get on to the boats. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes in the recent violence. The government and army reject the accusations.Diplomats have also appealed for an independent and credible investigation, but the government has not announced any plans to carry it out, instead cautioning against a "misinformation campaign" by a "violent group based in Rakhine"."They are using our country, our region as a base...with the intention of disrupting the area, causing unrest, chaos in the area, they are doing this to get international attention, to pressure Myanmar," said Aye Aye Soe, director general of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, run by Suu Kyi.She said the group was doing this to get financial support with the intention of "getting their political agenda through". The "extremist group" did not want peace in Rakhine, she said.The suspected Rohingya militants have identified themselves as the previously unknown Al-Yakin Mujahidin in videos posted online. In a fresh clip, a man who has appeared in previous videos stands in front of several men prostrated on the ground with wounds on their back and bloodied legs."We are Rohingya and we want to restore our usurped rights," the man shouts to the camera. "We deserve our rights and we are not terrorists."Authorities have denied independent journalists access to the area, so Reuters has been unable to independently verify either the military accounts or the accounts of the residents. (Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Myanmar and Mohammad Nurul Islam in Bangladesh; Writing by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alex Richardson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Arno Schuetze | FRANKFURT FRANKFURT Iran expects to see "more rationality" on the part of Donald Trump once he assumes the role of U.S. president and leaves behind what was merely campaign rhetoric, an Iranian central bank official said. At a conference in Frankfurt, other Iranian bankers also said they did not expect long-term adverse effects from Trump's win, even though he ran for president opposing a landmark nuclear deal the United States signed last year with Iran. "What has been said during the election (campaign) was for the election competition. We expect to see more rationality on the position that Trump is going to take after becoming president," Iranian Central Bank Vice Governor Peyman Ghorbani told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference."The (U.S.) administration will come to the point that they have to honour the (agreement) and that's the only right way forward," he said. Vali Zarrabieh, chairman of Tehran-based Saman Bank, agreed and said he expected Trump to decide on a pragmatic Iran policy, beneficial to the American people. "Trump is at the end of the day a businessman ... I don't see major issues coming up."Trump, who assumes office on Jan. 20., has made contradictory statements on Iran, making it unclear how he will act. The 2015 deal allowed sanctions imposed on Iran by the West over its nuclear programme to be lifted, but European banks are still reluctant to finance deals out of fear they could run afoul of existing U.S. sanctions and incur massive penalties down the line. Ghorbani said the central bank saw no reason for companies to be afraid of coming to Iran and that sooner or later banks would thaw towards doing business again. "Sooner or later the big European banks will come to the understanding that they have to break the ice and start to work with Iran," he said, lauding Total's "smart" decision to return to the country in a deal signed earlier this month.Lenders such as BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank or Commerzbank have paid billions of dollars to settle allegations of breaching Western sanctions, putting off other big financial institutions from renewing ties with Iran. The Frankfurt conference was attended by plenty of representatives of the Iranian financial services groups and advisors, but hardly any German bankers. Saman Bank's Zarrabieh said that he was talking to all large European banks about possibly doing business. "...but it is very difficult for them to ringfence their Iran business, to create Chinese walls in order not to touch U.S. dollars or a U.S. person and that makes it very difficult for very large banks to run these operations," he said. Bank Hekmat Iranian, a medium-sized Iranian commercial bank, has tried to get in touch with the large European lenders. "But we have had no response," said vice president Nader Hasanpour.Instead, Iranian banks have started doing business - in areas like trade finance or payment processing - with a slew of medium-sized European banks, said Mansour Tafazoli, vice president at bigger Parsian Bank. "Most of the trades are done in euros, some in Indian rupees, Korean won or Chinese renminbi. Not too much in pounds," he said. (Additional reporting by Andreas Kroner, Georgina Prodhan and Carolyn Cohn; Editing by Victoria Bryan and Raissa Kasolowsky) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Devika Krishna Kumar | NEW YORK NEW YORK Oil prices jumped 6 percent on Tuesday, with U.S. crude notching its biggest daily percentage gain in seven months, on renewed expectations that OPEC will agree later this month to reduce a global supply glut.OPEC secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo will travel to member nations, including Iran and Venezuela, over the next several days to discuss the deal ahead of the group's meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to an outline of the deal in September but with two weeks to go before the next meeting, disagreements persist among OPEC members and non-OPEC Russia on the exact details of the deal.Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih is expected to travel to the Qatari capital, Doha, this week for meetings with oil-producing countries, including Russia, on the sidelines of an energy forum, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Traders and analysts also said last ditch efforts by OPEC to reconcile triggered a wave of short covering that helped to boost prices. "There were a lot of new speculative shorts in the market because of the growing skepticism that they would be able to clinch a deal," said Andrew Lebow, senior partner at Commodity Research Group in Darien, Connecticut, adding that those shorts got squeezed as a deal seemed more likely. "You add to that some increased optimism over an OPEC deal and you get a $2 a move." U.S. crude CLc1 ended the session $2.49 higher at $45.81 per barrel, a 5.8 percent gain, its biggest daily percentage increase since early April. Brent LCOc1 futures settled at $46.95 a barrel, up $2.52, or 5.7 percent, its biggest percentage gain since Sept. 28.Both benchmarks also rebounded from three-month lows on Monday. Prices pared some gains in post-settlement trade after data from industry group American Petroleum Institute (API) showed U.S. crude inventories rose 3.6 million barrels in the week to Nov. 11, versus analysts expectations of a 1.5 million-barrel build. The U.S. Department of Energy report is due at 10:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) on Wednesday.News of an attack on a major oil pipeline in Nigeria, the Nembe Creek Trunk Line in the southern Niger Delta, gave an additional push to prices. Oil markets have not yet fully determined the effects of a Donald Trump victory in the U.S. presidential elections, analysts have said.The Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia warned Trump that the incoming president will risk the health of his country's economy if he acts on his election promises to block oil imports.From a technical point of view, there was some buying in U.S. crude above the 200-day moving average, said Tony Headrick, an energy market analyst at CHS Hedging LLC."The extent of today's move is, I think, based in part on technicals." (Additional reporting by Christopher Johnson in London and Mark Tay in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Adrian Croft) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Doina Chiacu | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday denounced reports of disorganization in the team overseeing his transition to the White House in January, singling out the New York Times for saying world leaders have had trouble getting in touch with him. Trump took to Twitter to list several world leaders he had spoken with since his upset victory in the Nov. 8 presidential election. The Republican real estate magnate said he had received and taken "calls from many foreign leaders despite what the failing @nytimes said. Russia, U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Japan." "Australia, New Zealand, and more. I am always available to them. @nytimes is just upset that they looked like fools in their coverage of me," Trump continued.The Times, a frequent target of Trump's Twitter blasts, said on Tuesday that U.S. allies were "scrambling to figure out how and when to contact Mr. Trump" and blindly dialling in to Trump Tower in New York to try to reach him.The newspaper said Trump, who has never held public office, was working without official State Department briefing materials in his dealings with foreign leaders. "The failing @nytimes story is so totally wrong on transition," he tweeted, without specifying what it was in the article that was incorrect. "It is going so smoothly. Also, I have spoken to many foreign leaders." Trump has mostly stuck to normal practise for a U.S. president-elect with the order in which he has spoken to foreign leaders since his surprise election victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.But some of his contacts have stretched the limits of the usual protocol, leaving some U.S. allies rattled about Trumps foreign policy instincts and priorities. INCOMING PHONE CALLS Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, an army general who seized power three years ago, appears to have been the first leader to speak to Trump after the election, ahead of closer allies like the leaders of Britain and Germany.Sisi's office called Trump last Wednesday and the incoming U.S. president told him it was "the first international call he had received to congratulate him on winning the election." Trump also has talked on the phone in recent days to the leaders of Britain, Germany, Turkey and other allies. But a phone call on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the two men agreed to aim for "constructive cooperation," raised eyebrows among Democrats and traditionalist Republicans worried about a resurgent Moscow.Trump also met Britain's anti-EU Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage at Trump Tower last weekend, way ahead of any meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday will be the first foreign leader Trump meets with as president-elect. They will hold talks in New York and an adviser to Trump said the Republican would reaffirm the U.S-Japan alliance, despite campaign rhetoric that raised questions about it. In a tweet on Tuesday night Trump had said he was "the only one who knows who the finalists are" for appointed positions in his administration, which takes over on Jan. 20.When Trump's son, Eric, entered Trump Tower in New York on Wednesday morning he was asked by reporters if any positions would be announced on Wednesday and responded, "Likely."Despite fevered speculation, Trump has yet to say who will fill Cabinet positions such as secretary of state, treasury secretary or defence secretary. His team said this is not unusual and is in line with the timing of the transition of Barack Obama to the White House after he won the presidency in 2008.On the ground floor of the State Department, more than a dozen empty conference rooms await Trump's transition team. State Department officials said Trump's team had not yet contacted the department's counsellor, Kristie Kenney, who is overseeing the transition there.As of Wednesday morning, the Trump team also had not contacted the Pentagon about the transition, officials said.Trump denied he was trying to get security clearance for his children and son-in-law, which would allow them access to classified government information. (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Idrees Ali and Lesley Wroughton in Washington and Emily Stephenson in New York; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Bill Trott) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. "We, the Reddy Brothers of Bellary, have solemnly resolved to constitute Bengaluru Palace Grounds into an opulent, ostentatious, extravagant Republic of Bellary and to secure all its politician friends." Disgraced mining tycoon and former Karnataka Tourism minister in the BJP government, Gali Janardhana Reddy could well have written this preamble to his daughter Brahmani's wedding in Bengaluru. This week, this once-upon-a-time-powerful-politician showed he is still not a political touch-me-not. With senior BJP leaders in attendance, Reddy mocked at those who dared to question his vulgar display of wealth. The high-profile political presence was like giving Reddy an ISO 9001 certification. While the figure of Rs 500 crore spent on the wedding may be exaggerated, it is quite evident from the kind of over-the-top arrangements made that nothing short of Rs 150 crore would have been spent. The Vijayanagara empire has been recreated because Reddy believes he is King Krishnadevaraya reincarnated. So has been Bellary with its different streets to make the bride feel at home. Replete with chariots and foreign dancers, helipads, 1,500 hotel rooms, 2,000 cabs and 3,000 bouncers, the big fat wedding that hosted some 50,000 VIP guests, is clearly injurious to the sensibility of India. Especially at a time when much of Bengaluru and India is in queues outside banks and ATMs, struggling to take out Rs 4,500 to make ends meet. And that's why the political presence reeks of hypocrisy. The fact that BS Yeddyurappa, the man who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka if BJP comes to power in 2018, chose to attend the event, showed the party does not believe in walking the talk. It is the same party that lauds its prime minister for his financial surgical strike on black money and in the same breath, embraces a man who allegedly minted black money, making mountains vanish in the process. The BJP bhakts dub anyone who questions the merits of demonetisation or cribs about the inconvenience due to rationing of money as corrupt and anti-national. Ironically, it died when senior BJP leaders posed for photographs with Janardhana Reddy at the wedding. Did the party leadership think of the optics and the message it sent out when Yeddyurappa and Jagdish Shettar, two of its former chief ministers embraced the occasion? It is all very well for BSY to say that there is a life beyond politics. That there is social etiquette involved. That Brahmani has literally grown up in front of his eyes and that he knows Reddy for more than two decades. But at a time when so many Indians are running from banks to ATMs trying to get their own money out to buy medicines for ailing parents or even to buy food, the BJP leadership's conduct is duplicity at its perverse worst. The timing was horribly wrong and even otherwise, to grace an obscene show of personal wealth, does not win the ruling party at the centre any marks. Rewind to 2008. That is when Reddy bankrolled the attempt to ensure a majority for Yeddyurappa's minority sarkar. The Bellary brothers were the toast of Karnataka, virtually holding the BJP government to ransom. It was only in 2011 when Janardhana Reddy was arrested in the illegal mining case, the BJP showed him the door. Will the wedding and the embrace with Reddy open the BJP's doors once again to the tainted mining baron? Next to impossible. In 2008, the BJP was vulnerable and Reddy took full advantage of the situation. The BJP is wiser from the experience. Now Reddy needs the BJP more than the party needs Reddy. Besides, he also has to extricate himself out of the legal tangle he is in. But politics isn't played out only on the stage. Much of it happens behind closed doors. Reddy through his Man Friday, B Sriramulu still controls Bellary. And it's important to have Reddy on your right side if you have to win Bellary. That's not all. The wedding was an occasion for Reddy to tell the political world and that includes the non-BJP parties as well that despite the investigating authorities tightening the screws on him, he is still a loaded man. His money show would have certainly sent the right political message. And anyone who knows Karnataka will tell you that it is a high-spending state during election time. Not that the Congress behaved differently from the BJP. Its Karnataka home minister and PCC chief G Parameshwara led the ruling party brigade. Oblivious to that, Congress activists protested against the BJP leaders attending the Reddy bash. Classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. The political excuse for attending the Reddy bash is that he is not a convicted man. And that CBI charges cannot be the basis for making him a social pariah. What if he is acquitted tomorrow, is the counter-query. After the wedding, the newly married couple and their families will fly to Bellary. Reddy will be happy to note that he is ready to take off again. Mumbai: North Mumbai BJP MP Gopal Shetty on Wednesday faced opposition flak after his comment on deaths of people in bank queues "kuchh pane ke liye, kuchh khona padta hai (to gain something, something must be lost)." Shetty made the remark when he was asked to speak on the deaths of some persons who joined long queues outside banks or ATMs to exchange the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes or make withdrawals. "Every year, 3,500 commuters die on railway tracks, five lakh people are killed in road accidents, many more die in terror attacks and other incidents, but nobody speaks about them. For gaining something, you have to lose something," Shetty told a private news channel. The opposition pounced on the lawmaker terming his statement as "insensitive" and divorced from the ground realities of the huge suffering experienced by the common citizens across the country. Lashing out at Shetty, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded action against the MP for his remarks which he said added "salt to the wounds" of the people spending so many hours daily in long queues. Bharatiya Janata Party ally at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena's spokesperson Arvind Sawant termed Shetty's statement as "far from the ground reality." "He should first step outside and experience the sufferings of the people who have been hit by demonetisation before making such statements," Sawant said. Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik verbally flayed Shetty saying BJP has lost touch with the ground situation and are not concerned about the pain of the people. So far, at least five persons have died in incidents directly linked with the 8 November demonetisation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While a 73-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died in Mulund on Friday, an infant lost his life a day after when he was denied admission to a Govandi hospital as his parents only had the old currency notes for paying the deposit. A 42-year-old man, Chhotelal Jaiswal, suffered a heart attack after waiting for over five hours in a queue in Kalwa suburb of Thane on Tuesday and later died in a hospital. On Wednesday, tragedy struck twice. A 50-year-old man, Deepak Shah, collapsed and died after standing in a queue for over two hours in Bhayander town, Thane. In Nanded, a 60-year-old man, Digamber Kasbe, faced a similar fate after waiting several hours to exchange old notes at a PSU bank. A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre will be banning Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, at least 33 people have been reported dead in demonetisation-related incidents, according to Huffington Post. As soon as the announcement was made on 8 November, a Faizabad-based businessman started feeling chest pain and died soon thereafter due to the shock, added the report. Although the move is meant to flush out black money and put a leash on corruption, the unexpected announcement has caused a lot of inconvenience and panic among citizens across the country. There are reports of senior citizens collapsing and dying of heart attack as a result of standing in long queues outside ATMs and banks to exchange demonetised currency notes. A 70-year-old man standing in a queue outside a bank in Maharashtra's Nanded district died on Wednesday, reported PTI. Digambar Mariba Kasbe, who was standing outside a branch of the State Bank of India at Tuppa, collapsed and died, they said. His body has been taken to Vishnupuri hospital for post-mortem. According to reports, a 73-year-old man died of heart attack in Mulund, and a 48-year-old man fell from the second floor of a bank in Kerala while trying to deposit old notes on Friday. All ATMs were shut for two days last week to help banks reload cash. However, not enough cash was available when the ATMs and banks opened after two days as many of the cash vending machines were not functioning. And the cash in few ATMs exhausted soon unable to meet the demands, PTI reported. Some banks, however, distributed only Rs 100 denomination notes and the queues outside such banks got significantly longer due to easy exchangeability of Rs 100 notes at various shops and commercial establishments. A farmer, 47, from Tarapur town in Ahmedabad had died on Saturday after suffering a heart attack while standing in a queue for over two hours outside a local bank. A 69-year-old man, who was standing in a queue in Limbdi town of Surendranagar district in Gujarat, died due to a heart attack on Sunday. Men and women stood in serpentine queues for hours to exchange or deposit their spiked notes with new ones or withdraw cash to meet their daily expenses. Some of them were successful and many others lost patience when they couldn't get any money. There was no respite from the chaos at banks. The security personnel had a tough time controlling crowds. Lakshminarayana, 75, from Andhra Pradesh collapsed while waiting in a long queue for over two hours at an Andhra Bank branch in Marredpally in Secunderabad. A teenage son of a Border Security Force officer in Bulandshahr allegedly committed suicide over not possessing smaller denomination notes on Tuesday, reported PTI. A class 12 student of Jaypee Vidyapeeth, Sumit, was found hanging from the ceiling at his house in Anoopshahr area on Tuesday. He had asked his mother to give him smaller denomination notes, but she refused him as she herself was running out of cash, police said. Chaotic scenes and seemingly never-ending queues could still be seen outside banks and ATMs as people hustled to get valid currency notes for meeting their daily expenses. Adding to the customer woes, there have been reports of bank servers facing technical glitches. It may take two more weeks before ATMs start dispensing new high-value Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Currently, they are mainly dispensing Rs 100 notes. More and more people across the country are complaining about problems with regard to their daily basic needs as local stores have stopped lending goods and other essential items on credit. The ongoing chaos has even led to law and order problems in parts of the country. Over a hundred people were booked for pelting stones and clashing with the employees of a bank in Sujru village in Uttar Pradesh over exchanging of old currency notes. Grappling with unending queues and frayed tempers in banks and to check the operation of syndicates, the government on Tuesday decided to introduce a system of marking customers exchanging defunct currency notes with indelible ink from today onwards in major metro cities. With inputs from agencies New Delhi: Over Rs 5 crore of cash and gold have been intercepted by agencies at country's few major civil airports post the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes by the government last week. Officials said a special surveillance was launched by the CISF and the air intelligence units of the Income Tax department and the interceptions have been made at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Guwahati airports from 10 November. "The total cash and gold intercepted since November 10 is about Rs 5 crore. While the currency is all in the scrapped denomination of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the gold detected as suspicious is about 15.62 kilogramme," they said. They added that while the interceptions were largely made by the officials of the Central Industrial Security Force, the cases were later handed over to the I-T department for further investigations. "These figures and instances are under investigation and we are looking if there is a tax evasion angle to it," a senior tax department official said. The Finance Ministry had recently written to police and paramilitary forces to check the movement of huge cash, particularly of the demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes at civil airports, Delhi Metro, railway stations and bus stations and hence the special vigil has been launched. The CISF, tasked with security of 59 civil airports and Delhi Metro, has also enhanced vigil after the Finance Ministry directive. On Tuesday morning, Rustom-2, the unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), completed its first flight in Challakere, about 200 km from Bengaluru. Rustom-2, India's long endurance Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) is in the medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) category of vehicles. The Times of India cited ADE sources which developed the drone and said that the first flight "met all the expectations". The UCAV was first scheduled to take flight in 2013, but it got delayed by three years, and so, Indian armed forces were trying to meet the demand for these combat drones from countries like Israel. Rustom-2 is based on the Rustom-H model and scientists compare it to predator drones (drones which track people). Developers claim that the aircraft is unlike any other UAC in the ranks of Indian forces. It has a wingspan of 20m and an endurance of 24-30 hours, as opposed to Rustom-I which has an endurance of 12 hours and Rustom-H having an endurance of 24 hours. Citing ADE sources, The Times of India report said that the current version of Rustom is comparable to some of the best drones in the world. "Besides, it will also have automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, this version of Rustom is comparable to some of the best in the world," it said. On 11 November, the Nuclear Suppliers Group met in Vienna to discuss the membership of the Non-Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) countries. As the meeting took place under the shadow of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Japan where the historic India-Japan civil nuclear energy deal was signed, the Indian media did not report or give even reasonable coverage to the meeting. Interestingly, the run-up to the 11 November 2016 meeting of the NSG had some media coverage. The June 2016 plenary meeting of the NSG had got massive coverage. Besides, a section of the media discussed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikars personal statement on nuclear doctrine. The NSG secretariat and the website also did not tell much about the meeting. So, as usual, very limited information on the NSG meeting is available. The release of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, gave some idea of the action in the meeting. Earlier in a conference of the European Union Consortium on Nonproliferation and Disarmament, the Argentinian ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi, the outgoing chair of the NSG who has been appointed the facilitator by the current chair of the NSG, had this to say about the 11 November meeting. "... what we are looking for is something which is of general application. We are not working on the basis of Country A or Country B or Country C. We are working on something that, if successful, it is a big if because it is a big issue and the problems are big. If successful, this is not something which is going to be for the benefit of Country A or for the benefit of Country B or for the benefit of Country C. It is, if I may put it like this, an attempt to address the challenge or the question put to the group by the existence of three non-NPT countries which actively aspire to become members of the NSG. This is as much as I think I could say," Grossi told the conference when a participant asked whether the 11 November meeting would complete a two-stage or two step process for deciding the membership of the non-NPT countries. What the two-stage process meant was that in the first stage criteria or principles for the membership of the NPT would be decided and in the second stage, the individual countrys application for the membership will be decided. He told that there was nothing called a two-step or stage process designated by the NSG, but he admitted that in practice, something like this was happening. So, what really happened on 11 November 2016 and what were the member countries or the participant governments of the NSG expecting to happen? Grossi informed that he had undertaken the consultation process as per the desire of the present chair and participating governments of the NSG to build a consensus about new members. Of course, India is a prime candidate whether spoken openly or not. Quite significantly, the consultation process of the facilitator has demonstrated a massive interest in all Participating Governments. That the meeting of 11 November was convened to discuss membership of non-NPT countries has been endorsed by even China which is seen opposing Indias membership on technical grounds. It issued a press release informing that on 11 November, NSG met in Vienna "to discuss Technical, Legal and Political Aspects of Non-NPT States' Participation in the NSG, in accordance with the mandate adopted by the Seoul Plenary in June this year." The release noted that China along with several countries had submitted papers regarding the membership of the Non-NPT countries. It stated that Chinas participation was constructive and contributed its substantive inputs. The Chinese government also observed that for the first time in the history of the NSG (ever since it had been formed in 1975), the issue of the membership of the non-NPT countries had been taken up in an open and transparent manner. It is not clear what China wants to convey. If it indicates openness and transparency regarding proceedings of the NSG meet, it may be debatable. If it means that for the first time the matter of non-NPT countries was taken, it is a distortion of the NSG history. It is an open secret that the NSG was formed to bring a non-NPT country like France into a control framework. This fact can be endorsed not only by diplomats who had participated in the process of the formation of the NSG but also by available archival materials. Leave alone a number of articles in journals and newspapers and several books on the subject. In fact, available archival materials in the US and Canadian libraries also inform that a non-NPT country like India, which had conducted Peaceful Nuclear Explosion in 1974, was also considered for the NSG membership in the very beginning. The outcome of the 11 November NSG meeting, if the Chinese press release is to be believed, remained inconclusive. For China, the convening of this meeting was necessary for taking the first step of the two-step process. The release further notes that China supports the continuation of this open and transparent inter-governmental process, in accordance with relevant rules of the Group, and to ensure a solid first step taken towards an early formula on the above issue, so that the Group can proceed to the second step of taking up country specific membership application by non-NPT states at an early date." The statement implies that even the first step of formulating principles is to be completed before considering any individual application. The most intriguing part of the release reflecting the Chinese thinking is any formula worked out should be non-discriminatory and applicable to all non-NPT states; without prejudice to the core value of the NSG and the effectiveness, authority and integrity of the international non-proliferation regime with the NPT as its cornerstone; and without contradicting the customary international law in the field of non-proliferation." It is a common knowledge that China is playing the Pakistani card to block Indias entry into the Group. Janes Group and the Kings College London published a report highlighting the dubious proliferation track record of Pakistan. Several reports on the Pakistani proliferation network are already in the public domain. The entire world knows what Pakistan is doing with non-proliferation norm and practices. In fact, about a year ago, an American Congress Committee discussed the idea of a 2008 India type waiver to Pakistan, and overwhelmingly, the committee rejected the idea. China knows it fully well that Pakistan needs more than the two-stage process for the NSG membership. What is going to happen next? India is going to get the membership soon. The signal emitting from other member countries suggest that China is being forced to decide. Apparently, in the 11 November meeting, the leading countries of the NSG conveyed China the cost of resisting Indias membership. Before conveying this, seemingly, some of the countries, which in principle support Indias membership but had participated in the discussion led by China in the Seoul Plenary for evolving criteria for non-NPT members, were asked to join the consensus. Now it appears that there is a solid block minus China supporting Indias membership for the NSG. The idea was to isolate China completely. The reading between the lines of the Chinese press release tips off that even China has started reconciling about membership of the NSG to a non-NPT country like India. It may take an extra meeting or two of the NSG to finalise Indias membership. India should continue its bilateral discussions with China and communicate that a cooperative, not confronting approach with India is the need of the hour for global and Asian governance. Jaipur: The anti-terrorist squad of Rajasthan today arrested an alleged Islamic State (IS) operative in Sikar district who was involved in collecting and transferring funds for the terror organisation from Dubai. "The accused identified as Jamil Ahemad (41) works in Dubai. He is a sympathiser and operative of IS. He had been raising funds from India, Bangladesh and UAE and transferring to the IS for the last two years through hawala," ADG-ATS Umesh Mishra said. "He was on our radar for some time. He came to India recently and visited his ancestral house in Fatehpur eight days back. He was picked up by us interrogation and was placed under arrest," he told PTI. Ahemad was in touch with other IS operatives on social media platform. An MBA graduate, Ahemad was working as the Assistant Financial Manager at a reputed firm in Dubai since 2003. He has a house in Mumbai where his wife and children live, Mishra said. "Our one team is in Mumbai and conducting searches at his house with the help of Mumbai ATS," he said today. Mishra said that the accused, who has been arrested under Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act, has revealed his connections in the IS and says that he has no regret. "He is completely remorseless and supports the organisation. He said that those (terrorists) are fighting for a cause," the officer said, adding, that he is being interrogated. Mumbai: Trouble seems to be mounting for the DY Patil group as Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) filed an FIR on Tuesday against its hospital in Nerul for treating patients despite warned not to do so. In July, Income Tax Department's raid of the group's offices had revealed unaccounted cash and gold. On 30 September, the NMMC had cancelled the licence of DY Patil Hospital after it failed to renew its registration despite a six-month grace period, a senior official from the health department of the NMMC told Firstpost. As per The Bombay Nursing Home Act, it is mandatory for every hospital and nursing home to register with their local municipal body in every three years. It is also required to obtain a no objection certificate from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to operate in the state. "We have filed a FIR against the hospital's present dean Dr Shirish Patil and the DY Patil Hospital at the Nerul Police station on orders from commissioner Tukaram Mundhe," the NMMC official said on the condition of anonymity. Laziness of DY Patil Hospital? According to the official, the DY Patil Hospital's registration license expired on 31 March 2016. But the hospital management has not bothered to renew it yet. NMMC had informed the hospital of the same on 1 April 2016. The NMMC had also given a grace period of up to 29 September to the hospital to renew its registration licence and submit NOC certificate. But the hospital failed again. Hence, on 30 September, the NMMC cancelled the hospital's registration licence, the official told Firstpost. A notice was issued to the managing trustees including Dr DY Patil, Ajeenkya Patil and Vijay Patil, but there has been no response yet. The cancellation of registration meant the hospital was not allowed to attend to or admit new patients from 30 September, however, it could continue treating patients who were already admitted, the health official said. But despite that the hospital continued to attend to new patients through its OPD section. It was then that commissioner Mundhe directed the health officer to lodge a FIR against DY Patil Hospital for illegally treating patients, the offiical said, adding that if the hospital fails to produce the NOC from MPCB then the police can seal the hospital. Mundhe has CM's support The interesting thing is that according to our sources, two days ago Mundhe had travelled with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a helicopter from Navi Mumbai to Mumbai. It's learnt that in those 20 minutes Mundhe explained the scenario of NMMC to the CM. Sources confirmed that the CM had given a green signal to Mundhe's actions against the hospital. So, after running bulldozer on illegal buildings, gaothans and unauthorised construction, Mundhe's eyes are now fixed on the big fish. And the FIR against the hospital is a part of that, the official said. Repeated attempts to contact DY Patil Hospital dean Dr Shirish Patil failed, but commissioner Tukaram Mundhe confirmed that the corporation has filed a FIR against the DY Patil Hospital, and if the hospital continues to take new patients, it would seal the hospital as per rule. "I appeal to patients to not visit the hospital because it is operating illegally. Nobody is above the law. NMMC's executive health officer repeatedly reminded them but they just ignored," Mundhe told Firstpost. Nerul Police station Senior Police Inspector A Pol confirmed that a FIR was filed against the DY Patil Hospital and action will be taken soon. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged on the floor of Delhi Assembly that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was paid Rs 25 crore as bribe by the Aditya Birla Group while he was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012. According to a report in International Business Times, Kejriwal showed some documents and a laptop seized during the Income Tax raid at the Birla Group in 2013 during which huge stash of unaccounted cash was also recovered. The documents, the Delhi Chief Minster told the house, suggested certain payments were made to the "Gujarat CM" and the investigation agencies were brushing it under the carpet. "For the first time in the history of independent India, a sitting prime minister's name has come up in black money transactions," the report quoted Kejriwal as saying in the Assembly. He also alleged that the Congress, who was at the helm in the Centre, also chose to keep mum. Kejriwal has alleged serious graft charges against the prime minister at a time when he claims his government is waging a war against corruption. In a surprise move, the prime minister in his address to the nation on 8 November, announced that all Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes will no longer be legal tender, sending the entire nation into a scurry to exchange old currency. The move has gathered much flak, with the opposition alleging that it is inconvenient to the common people who are struggling to make even day-to-day paltry payments. While the congress party termed the move insensitive, Kejriwal alleged that Modi had selectively leaked the information to his "friends" who have already parked their wealth elsewhere. These fresh allegations, if proved, can severely hurt the Modi government, which rode to power in 2014 on the anti-corruption wave against the Congress. The BJP, however, has denied all charges stating that it shows Kejriwal's "mental bankruptcy and nervousness" over the popularity of the move to fight black money, reported The Indian Express. These allegations were made on the day when senior advocate and former AAP leader Prashant Bhushan filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging a cover-up in the case which could have implicated prominent BJP and Congress leaders. Bhushan had initially filed the writ petition in 2015, alleging a lack of proper probe in the seized documents which hint that massive payments could have been made between 2012-14 to prominent politicians. He then filed a fresh application on Tuesday, alleging that the Central vigilance Commissioner, KV Chowdhary failed to pursue the probe in his previous job when he was heading the Income Tax department, according to a report in The Wire. What are Birla Papers? According to a report in The Hindu, when the CBI was probing the coal block allocations to the Aditya Birla Group, certain raids were conducted in which incriminating documents were recovered apart from a huge stash of unaccounted money. The CBI, however, did not launch a probe for uncited reasons and simply forwarded the reports and proofs to the I-T department. "Instead of examining the contents of the highly incriminating documents, the CBI simply transferred all the documents to Income Tax Department, though the documents showed corruption, bribery, black money, disproportionate assets, and also income tax violations," The Hindu quoted Bhushan's complaint. Another report in The Hindu, states that some notes and a laptop seized from Shubhendu Amitabh, the then Group Executive President of Adtiya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (ABMCPL), mention a payment of Rs 12 crore to "Gujarat CM." Gujarat CM-25 cr (12 Done-rest?), read the note according to the report. However, The Indian Express report states that Amitabh said the note was for personal consumption and referred to a group company Gujarat Alkali Chemicals. But when Amitabh was asked to disclose whether he or any other company official had referred to Gujarat Alkali Chemicals as Gujarat CM in the past, he evaded a direct reply. The Hindu report also quotes an I-T report that states that an enquiry is imperative in the case because of Amitabh's "evasive replies and unsubstantiated claims." The documents, according to the report in The Wire, "revealed that a payment of Rs 7.08 crore was made during the period from 09.01.2012 to 02.02.2012 under the heading Project-J-Environment & Forest". The article further adds that around 13 projects of the Aditya Birla Group were cleared by the then Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, in the UPA-II government led by the Congress party. It is interesting to note here that feathers were ruffled on the question of environmental clearances during Natarajan's tenure earlier as well. She was sacked as a minister in a sudden move, as Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi perpetually accused her of creating bottlenecks for certain important projects, according to this report in The Times of India. She then resigned from the Congress in February 2015, alleging that Rahul Gandhi interfered in decision making during her tenure and "used her as a scapegoat when he wanted to be friendly with the industrialists," according to a report in The Hindu. In absence of a CBI probe, the Birlas have filed three petitions in the Settlement Commission for settling the alleged tax irregularities, according to The Indian Express, but these enquiries will not cover the graft charges, if any. Rahul Gandhi was on Wednesday granted bail in the defamation case filed against him for allegedly blaming Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) and the next hearing on the matter has been deferred to 30 January, according to ANI. Coming out after the proceedings in the court, a combative Rahul asserted he would carry on with his fight for the ideology of the Father of the Nation and win that battle. Addressing party workers, after the court hearing, Rahul invoked Mahatma Gandhi's principles to take a dig at the ruling dispensation and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I am happy to be fighting for the principles of Gandhiji," Rahul told a cheering crowd of Congress party workers gathered outside the court. Lashing out at the BJP and RSS, Rahul said that drunk on its power, the BJP is keen on making India bow in front of it. "On the one hand is the ideology of freedom and on other is the ideology of slavery. Those I am fighting against want to bend India so that they can rule the country," he said. Expressing his determination to keep the fight on, Rahul further said, "They (BJP and RSS) are yet to understand the power of Hindustan. This country can never be bent. We will fight against them and win." He also took the opportunity to criticise the government's move to demonetise higher currency notes. Alleging that the move was a covert mean to transfer the poor man's wealth to the hands of a handful of his "industrialist friends," Rahul asked the Congress workers whether any one saw a rich man standing in the queues. He asked the gathering whether anyone got to see a Rs 2,000 note yet. "Modi's demonetisation decision is causing inconvenience to all of you, can anyone spot even one rich man here? I'll tell you what is happening. You are being forced to stand in queues and all your money will be handed over to the 15-20 industrialists. He is running a government only for 15 people," Rahul said. Earlier Rahul reached the Bhiwandi magistrate court in Thane district amid tight security along with his supporters and state leaders around 10.30 am and appeared before Judge Tushar Waze, who adjourned the case till 30 January 30, 2017. Former Union Minister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for the Congress leader. A criminal defamation case was filed against the Congress vice president by a local RSS functionary, Rajesh Kunte, for claiming, at a 2014 election rally, that the RSS had killed Mahatma Gandhi.. Addressing a rally in the run-up to the 2014 general elections in the powerloom town on the outskirts of Mumbai, Rahul had claimed, "The RSS people had killed Gandhi." On 1 September, Rahul had preferred to face the trial as an accused in the defamation case, submitting before the Supreme Court that he stood by "every word" of his statement. He had expressed his readiness to face the trial after the apex court refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. He then withdrew the appeal filed by him against the Bombay High Court judgement refusing to quash the defamation case and summons issued to him by the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahul's plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had taken cognisance of the complaint of an RSS functionary by summoning him as an accused in the case. Rahul's lawyer Ashok Mundargi today also sought exemption from personal appearance for the Congress leader but it was objected to by the complainant counsel, who told the court that he may be treated as an ordinary citizen. With inputs from agencies One need not be surprised if this turns out to be among the toughest Parliament sessions Modi-government has ever confronted since its ascension to power in May 2014. Most opposition parties, led by a rejuvenated Congress, are united to attack the government using the trump card they have the severe cash crunch that has crippled the normal life post the demonetisation announcement. There is continuing chaos, panic and distress among different sections of the population as ATMs continue to run dry and bank branches mobbed for exchange and deposit. The cooperative banking sector is in a grave crisis in states like Kerala since they arent allowed to accept old notes and issue new ones. Continuing tax, vigilance raids have resulted in a fear psychosis. The opposition parties have smelled the opportunity here. They have grouped and schemed to corner the government in Parliament on this issue. Besides the cash crunch, the OROP suicide too may come up. For Modi, who dared to initiate one of the biggest economic cleansing exercises in post-British era, the challenge is to make a convincing point before a confronting opposition that short-term pain is inevitable while executing the demonetisation plan, admit that there has been flaws and lack of planning on governments part and assure that the government will do everything possible to ease the common mans pain. Of course, this wouldnt be easy. The strong reminder from the Supreme Court on Tuesday on the problems faced by the public due to the cash crunch too will mount pressure on Modi administration. The SC observed that the demonetisation exercise appears to be a carpet bombing rather than a surgical strike. The nation is still in the painful process of swallowing a bitter pill administered by Modi after he announced, on 8 November, an abrupt ban of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. The side effects of this pill are still being manifested across the country in the form of severe disruptions to normal life and cash crunch. How things went out of control By any yardsticks, the demonetisation process initiated by the Modi government is the biggest ever crackdown on fake currency dalals and black money hoarders in this country after a similar crackdown by the Morarji Desai government in 1978. Many are lauding Prime Minister Modi for showing the political will and courage to take on the parallel economy announcing what was sure to be an unpopular step. Modi stood victorious in the eyes of everyone who saw the move using the yardsticks of a big economic reform and show of political will to cleanse the deep-routed parallel economy in this country, long exploited by corrupt politicians, cronies and crooks. As Firstpost said on Tuesday, Modis move was welcomed by even his worst political enemies and critics in the beginning in larger national interest, but the entire attention turned to peoples problems when the government failed miserably to think ahead with respect to the panic-driven cash demand in the system. When people began hoarding Rs 100 notes in anticipation of tougher days ahead, things went out of control. It is this mood of public unrest that the opposition political parties will exploit to their best as they step into Parliament building on Wednesday. One can expect a heavy exchange of arguments and counter arguments on the issue of public agony post the demonetisation announcement. Political parties have surely done their homework on how to corner the government on the issue. Politics of demonetisation The opposition parties should share the blame of overly politicising the issue instead of offering constructive criticism. What has happened so far is attempts to make political mileage out of the whole mess. This was evident when Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi joined an ATM queue in Delhi, Mamta Banerjee made a war cry from West Bengal and Akhilesh Yadav cried foul from Uttar Pradesh. All this will reflect in Parliament beginning Wednesday. As mentioned earlier, what one needs to watch out for is how effectively the Modi government can counter the onslaught of accusations and get over it, to progress to the business of house, mainly the passage of remaining crucial bills in Parliament for the much awaited 1 April rollout of the GST Central and integrated GST Bills. There are few possible questions the opposition will likely raise against the government: One, Why did the government not anticipate the chaotic situation and panic when it says that for the last six months or so the planning was on for the demonetisation process? Why werent the bank branches and ATMs equipped to meet the crowds, even though maintaining secrecy of the operation was a challenge? Doesnt the government have the constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure public life isnt hit hard during the implementation of a well-thought out decision? Two, did the government leak out the information to the BJP and its friends well in advance, as alleged by certain political parties including Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi party? Last week, Kejriwal had accused that the government for allegedly facilitating the hoarders of unaccounted cash to push their money into safer destinations, including whitening part of it by depositing in the banking system. Kejriwal also cited an incident involving Sanjeev Kamboj, co-convenor, BJP law and legal affairs, Punjab, revealing on Twitter pictures of Rs 2,000 notes on 6 November, two days ahead of Prime Minister Modi's announcement on 8 November. Kejriwal also raised concerns over an unusual surge in bank deposits in the July-September quarter. The government needs to tell us who they had warned among friends about this announcement about black money, said the Delhi Chief Minister . Three, how do the government and the RBI explain the unusual surge in bank deposits in the July-September quarter. During the quarter, the bank deposits rose by a record Rs 6.65 lakh crore to Rs 102.08 lakh crore, a record level which has surprised economists given that in the previous quarters most banks have reported a negative growth in deposits. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has, however, pointed out that the rise in the deposit was because of 7th Pay Commission arrears that may have been channelled into the bank accounts. But these arrears, Rs 70,000 crore and add any other inflows including subsidies, this amount will not go beyond Rs 1-1.5 lakh crore at the most. Economists and financial experts are perplexed with this sudden spike. They point out that the black money hoarder who knew about the ensuing measures would have used benamis to put the unaccounted cash into different bank accounts to escape tight scrutiny and tax penalty implication that would happen on such deposits post the demonetisation announcement. The government has warned that cash deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh threshold during the 50-day window could attract tax plus a 200 percent penalty in case of income mismatch. Modi government will have to answer these tough questions in Parliament. For sure, there will be political chaos and mudslinging, especially given that key state elections are due. But, the key is to build the political consensus and get back to business as early as possible. Marrakech: Over 20 countries, including Brazil and France, have become signatories to the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance -- an initiative that is the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The framework agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA) was opened for signatures here yesterday on the sidelines of CoP22 with Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave saying that with this legal framework in place, the ISA will be a major international body headquartered in India. Over 20 countries, including Brazil and France, became signatories to it soon after the process began, an Environment Ministry official said. Indian climate experts termed it as a "good" initiative which will aggregate demand, improve quality and reduce the cost of solar energy in developing countries but cautioned that achieving these objectives will require countries to have "confidence" in ISA. "The Framework Agreement of ISA was opened for signature in Marrakech on the sidelines of the CoP22 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This will make ISA an innovative, action-oriented and sui generis international and inter-governmental treaty-based organisation that will be registered under Article 102 of the UN charter," an official statement said. ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Modi and French President Francois Hollande at the CoP21 in Paris last year where representatives from around 70 countries including more than 30 Heads of the States and government participated. ISA is an initiative by India where an alliance of 121 solar resource-rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn, have come together. The Framework Agreement will be kept open as many more countries are expected to join the ISA in the coming weeks, the statement said. During the ceremony, Dave thanked the countries for their continued support for concretising the concept of ISA and reaching Wednesday's milestone in the shortest possible time. "Within 11 months of launch, ISA activities have increased significantly, and many initiatives are under implementation. With legal framework in place ISA will be a major international body headquartered in India," he said while thanking the French government. He said creating common buyers' market for solar finance, technology, innovation, capacity building and others will lead to higher quality, lower costs, products better tailored to needs, collaborative innovation and technology ownership. LIMA At least four people died in a fire in a movie theatre at a popular seaside mall in Lima on Wednesday, ahead of a global summit bringing together presidents from the United States, Russia, China and other countries this week.The victims appeared to be two men and two women, but the bodies were so charred that it would be hard to determine their sex and identities, Police General Hugo Begazo said on local broadcaster RPP. Begazo added that 13 people were missing at the Larcomar commercial centre.Larcomar put out a statement, saying the fire was in the movie theatre and the causes are under investigation.Firefighters were trying to find several missing people in Larcomar, said Miguel Eduardo Yi, a fire department chief in Lima. U.S. President Barack Obama was scheduled to stay at a hotel in front of the mall during the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that Peru is hosting this week, local media reported. The White House declined to comment. The British embassy in Lima, less than a block from the mall, was closed due to a fire in its vicinity, the British government said in a statement.Images on local television showed smoke billowing from Larcomar, the mall in the upscale district of Miraflores that is popular with tourists. Obama and other world leaders were scheduled to arrive in Peru between Thursday and Friday.Larcomar is managed by Chilean company Parque Arauco SA PAR.SN. (Reporting by Lima Newsroom; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Bernard Orr) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Ahmed Rasheed | BAGHDAD BAGHDAD An Iraqi Shi'ite militia said on Wednesday it was on the verge of driving Islamic State fighters from an air base west of Mosul, a victory which would threaten the Sunni group's supply route from Syria to its last major stronghold in Iraq.Some Islamic State fighters have already pulled out of the Tal Afar base and moved to the town of the same name, said Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for Kata'ib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group."The battle will be finished today," he said.Should Kata'ib Hezbollah succeed, it would be a significant development in the campaign to recapture Mosul, Islamic State's de facto capital since its forces swept through Iraq in 2014 and set up a self-declared caliphate in a swathe of Syria and northern Iraq.The base lies about 60 km (38 miles) west of Mosul on the main road to Syria and its recapture would endanger Islamic State's supply route for Mosul.But the development could also alarm Turkey, which is wary of Shi'ite involvement in the civil war in Syria.Kata'ib Hezbollah is a main component of the Popular Mobilisation, a coalition of mainly Shi'ite militias taking part in the battle for Mosul.While the Shi'ite coalition is fighting Islamic State west of Mosul, regular army and police units are trying to advance from the other sides, backed by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters deployed in the north and the east.Iraqi counter-terrorism forces breached Islamic State defences in east Mosul two weeks ago but have faced resistance from the militants, who have fought back with suicide car bombs, snipers and waves of counter-attacks.The campaign that began on Oct. 17 with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition is the biggest military operation in Iraq in more than a decade of turmoil unleashed by the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Popular Mobilisation, known locally by its Arabic name Hashid Shaabi, has said it plans to use Tal Afar base to take the battle against Islamic State into Syria, fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran.Although it officially reports to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, it is mainly trained and equipped by Iran.Popular Mobilisation's advance towards Tal Afar, which had a mixed population of mainly Shi'ite and Sunni Turkmen before Islamic State captured it in 2014, has raised the prospect of sectarian strife and alarmed neighbouring Turkey.Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said last month that Turkey was reinforcing its troops on the border with Iraq and would respond if the militias "cause terror" in Tal Afar.Iraq's Abadi has sought to calm fears that the operation to recapture Tal Afar would ignite sectarian tension or escalate problems with Turkey, saying the attacking force that would enter the town will reflect its religious and ethnic make-up. The Nineveh region surrounding Mosul is a mosaic of ethnic and religious communities - Arabs, Turkmen, Kurds, Yazidis, Christians, Sunnis, Shi'ites - though Sunni Arabs comprise the overwhelming majority.ADVANCES STALLED The government forces have been fighting in a dozen of the roughly 60 neighbourhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River. They have yet to enter from the northern and the southern sides.Iraqi officials say the militants have used the city's more than one million remaining residents as human shields, firing from rooftops of inhabited houses and using a network of tunnels to launch ambushes in the midst of residential areas. While the presence of civilians has slowed the advance, Iraqi officials say some of their operations have been assistedby information provided by residents about Islamic State military positions.Trying to stop the flow of any information out of Mosul, the militants have cracked down on communications, banning the use of mobile phones and also confiscating satellite dishes to prevent people from seeing the progress made by Iraqi forces.The group has also killed civilians suspected of helping the attacking forces, sometime putting their bodies on display around the city.Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in the city at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units.Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the campaign overall - either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted hundreds of casualties in enemy ranks.Nearly 57,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to U.N. estimates.The figure does not include the tens of thousands of people rounded up in villages around Mosul and forced to accompany Islamic State fighters to cover their retreat towards the city. (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Angus MacSwan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Andrew Callus and Emmanuel Jarry | PARIS PARIS Former economy minister Emmanuel Macron launched his bid for the French presidency on Wednesday, a move likely to take votes from mainstream candidates in a tight race that promises a strong turnout for far-right leader Marine Le Pen.The 38-year-old quit the cabinet of Socialist President Francois Hollande in August to prepare a campaign and will stand as an independent in next year's election.Opinion polls show Hollande himself and the left in general face a rout because of a perceived poor record on unemployment, national security and immigration - issues that lifted Le Pen.Macron, an ex-investment banker who introduced labour reforms for Hollande, has yet to set out his policies in any detail. Although one of France's most popular politicians he has never held elected office and has no party apparatus behind him. Some say his campaign may struggle. However, Macron is widely seen as likely to take votes from conservative Alain Juppe, the favourite to win the presidency. Juppe is fighting a tightening race for the centre-right nomination in a presidential primary election of Les Republicains party and its centre-right allies, which starts on Sunday.At his election bid announcement, Macron said he wanted to move France away from "clan-based politics", adding: "I've witnessed the shallowness of our political system from the inside." He batted aside criticism from the Left and Right that he was betraying his former boss and now potential rival Hollande and the Socialists."I want to unite the French, I'm not reaching out to the Left or the Right, I'm reaching out to the French," Macron said in a prime-time evening news interview.The best way for France to deal with globalisation was closer ties with the rest of Europe, in contrast to the inward-looking policies of some other contenders, Macron said. Juppe is fighting on a similarly pro-European and centrist platform, positioning himself to the left of his main rival, Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy, an ex-president, competes with the far-right National Front's appeal to populist voters with sharp criticism of EU policy and a hard line on security and immigration. MORE SURPRISES MAY BE ON THE WAY Macron is not the only new cloud to arrive on Juppe's horizon this week.Polls had for months consistently been showing 71-year-old former prime minister Juppe winning the primaries. However, fresh poll readings in recent days ahead of a last television debate on Thursday point to a "third man", ex-premier Francois Fillon, potentially complicating the Sarkozy-Juppe contest.In the background too is a feeling that more surprises might be on their way after the populist votes that swept Donald Trump to power in the United States last week and will likely take Britain out of the EU.These events have raised the prospect that surveys might be wrong, even though French pollsters say they account for "hidden" far-right votes. France's two-round, majority vote system makes Le Pen's task hard because a winner has to secure the support of more than 50 percent of those who vote. "BANKS' CANDIDATE" Le Pen was in a confident mood on Wednesday. "Macron is the banks' candidate," she said at the launch of her campaign headquarters, accusing him of being out of touch with voters.Juppe went on the attack too, saying Macron had stabbed Hollande in the back by quitting, but his more immediate problem is Fillon, Sarkozy's prime minister between 2007 and 2012.An Opinionway poll out on Tuesday shows Fillon neck-and-neck with Sarkozy in the first round of the primaries and then potentially beating Juppe in the second round to take the nomination.An Elabe poll published on Wednesday saw Juppe's lead over Sarkozy and Fillon also narrowing in the first round but suggested he would still easily beat the former president in the runoff round.Fillon has espoused Thatcherite free-market policies in determinedly dirigiste France, and wants to cut up to 600,000 public sector jobs - even more than Sarkozy, but is also seen as a "lightweight" version of his former boss on security and immigration although he is more conservative on gay marriage and other social issues. The primary is open to any voter who wants to pay two euros and sign a paper of allegiance. Left-wing voters are expected to take part to try to influence the outcome, a potential boost for Juppe, but also making the result even harder to call."BOMB HAS EXPLODED" Macron quit the French government at the end of August to set up his own political movement called "En Marche", which translates as "Forward" or "Onwards" and his bid had been widely anticipated.Campaign organisers for Macron said they had amassed 2.7 million euros ($2.89 million) of funding from 6,400 donors to date. The official spending cap in the 2012 campaign was about 21 million euros. An October poll by Odoxa made Macron the most popular of potential presidents from the left, with 49 percent considering him a good head of state. Prime Minister Manuel Valls came second on 42 percent. Hollande trailed behind others on 13.So Macron's presence in the contest is also likely to further fragment the divided left-wing vote, as speculation grows that Valls will stand instead of the deeply unpopular Hollande against an array of others.Hollande's trade minister Matthias Fekl described Macron's candidacy as "a time bomb placed at the heart of a political family.""The bomb has exploded," he said on RMC radio. ($1 = 0.9353 euros) (Additional reporting by Marine Pennetier, Ingrid Melander and Leigh Thomas; Editing by Giles Elgood and Peter Millership) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. More than 360, mostly American companies and investors, including a dozen Fortune 500 firms, called Wednesday on Donald Trump to uphold the 196-nation Paris climate pact. An open letter released at high-level UN climate talks in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh called on the US president-elect to back "continued US participation in the Paris Agreement, in order to provide the long-term direction needed to keep global temperature rise below 2C," or two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Trump has called global warming a "hoax", and said he would "cancel" the agreement. Implementing the Paris deal, which entered into force earlier this month, would help businesses "turn the billions of dollars in existing low-carbon investments into the trillions of dollars the world needs to bring clean energy and prosperity to all," the letter read. DuPont, Gap Inc, Hewlett Packard, Hilton and Nike were among the multi-billion dollar companies supporting the appeal. Starbucks, General Mills, Kellogg Company, and Levi Strauss & Co, along with European giants Schneider Electric and Unilever, also signed the letter. "Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk," it said. Diplomats, CEOs and observers at the UN talks tasked with implementing the far reaching Paris accord were stunned by Trump's ascendency to the White House, which threatens to destabilise a still-fragile consensus decades in the making. "This is an important moment in global political and economic history, and we absolutely must come together to solve the immense challenges facing the planet," said Barry Parkin, head of sustainability for Mars Inc. Other US companies underlined the risk of the US getting left behind in the global transition from dirty to clean energy required to stave off destructive climate change. "Building an energy-efficient economy in the US, powered by low-carbon energy, will ensure our nation's competitiveness and position US companies as leaders in the global market," said Michael Kobori, vice president of sustainability at Levi Strauss. US Secretary of State John Kerry was set Wednesday to address the UN talks, which run through Friday. New York: Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled on Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. An apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump team's ability to coordinate with President Barack Obama's White House. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. With no public statements from Trump on the transition itself, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nation's top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trump's transition team was reviewing Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorised to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the country's nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch slowed Trump's ability to coordinate with the White House. Not until Tuesday evening had Pence signed a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pence's promotion made it invalid. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centres in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them "equal partners." Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. "That organisation right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trump's team on Twitter, calling them "angry, arrogant." After exchange w Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They're angry, arrogant, screaming "you LOST!" Will be ugly. Eliot A Cohen (@EliotACohen) November 15, 2016 Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trump's team, he had "changed my recommendation." Meanwhile, Trump made time to call New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to pass on his sympathies for the powerful earthquake there that killed two people. In the call, which was announced not by Trump's office but by Key's, the two also discussed New Zealand's economy and trade issues. With Trump's team divided, emboldened Republicans on Capitol Hill moved forward with a united front. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter during the campaign, unanimously won his GOP colleagues' votes for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had Trump's support, and heralded "the dawn of a new, unified Republican government." Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. "If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. "As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously." Trump's team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trump's selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take US foreign policy. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, a loyal Trump ally and immigration hard-liner, is said to be a contender for defense secretary. Trump also is considering Richard Grenell as US ambassador to the United Nations, which would bring some experience and diversity to his nascent administration. Grenell, who served as US spokesman at the UN under President George W Bush, would be the first openly gay person to fill a Cabinet-level foreign policy post. By Samia Nakhoul and Michael Georgy | ERBIL, Iraq ERBIL, Iraq A few weeks ago, a person inside Mosul began to send text messages to Iraqi military intelligence in Baghdad.Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Islamic State, "has become intemperate," said the early November message, written by an informant inside the city who has contact with the group but is not a member of it."He has cut down on his movements and neglects his appearance," the message read. "He lives underground and has tunnels that stretch to different areas. He doesn't sleep without his suicide bomber vest so he can set it off if he's captured."The text message, which Reuters has seen, was one of many describing what was happening inside Islamic State as Iraqi, Kurdish and American troops began their campaign to retake the group's northern Iraqi stronghold of Mosul.The texts, along with interviews with senior Kurdish officials and recently captured Islamic State fighters, offer an unusually detailed picture of the extremist group and its leader's state of mind as they make what may be their last stand in Iraq. The messages describe a group and its leader that remain lethal, but that are also seized by growing suspicion and paranoia.Defectors or informants were being regularly executed, the person texted. Baghdadi, who declared himself the caliph of a huge swathe of Iraq and Syria two years ago, had become especially suspicious of people close to him. "Sometimes he used to joke around," one text said. "But now he no longer does."While Reuters has verified the identity of the informant who has been texting Iraqi military intelligence, the news agency couldn't independently confirm the information in the messages. But the picture that emerges fits with intelligence cited by two Kurdish officials Masrour Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Security Council, and Lahur Talabany, who is chief of counter-terrorism and director of the KRG intelligence agency.Talabany and other intelligence chiefs said the military coalition is making slow but steady progress against Islamic State. The coalition has formidable assets inside Mosul, they said, including trained informers and residents who provide more basic surveillance by texting or phoning from the city's outskirts. Some of the informants have families in Kurdistan whom the KRG pays.The Kurds believe that the military assault on Mosul, which began on October 17, is fueling Islamic State's sense of fear and mistrust. In the short term, they said, the group's obsession with rooting out anyone who might betray it may help rally fighters to defend Mosul. But the obsession also means the group has turned inwards right as it faces the most serious threat to its existence in Iraq since seizing around a third of the country's territory in the summer of 2014. The number of executions is a clear sign Islamic State is beginning to hurt, said Karim Sinjari, interior minister and acting defence minister with the KRG, which controls the Kurdish area in northern Iraq.As well, he said, many of the group's local Iraqi fighters lack the "strong belief in martyrdom that the jihadis have.""Most of the die-hard Islamists who are fighting to the death are foreign fighters, but their numbers at the frontline are less than before because they are getting killed in battle and in suicide attacks," he said.Barzani said the growing paranoia has pushed Baghdadi and his top lieutenants to move around a lot, further hurting the group's ability to defend the city. Baghdadi, Barzani said, "is using all the different tactics to hide and protect himself: changing positions, using different ways of traveling, living in different locations, using different communications."If the military coalition does push Islamic State from Mosul, the Kurdish officials said, the group is likely to flee to Syria, from where it will pose a nagging threat to Iraq through regular suicide attacks and other guerilla tactics.DANGERS OF A SIM CARD Islamic State has always been paranoid. Its rule in Syria and Iraq has relied in large part on a vast intelligence network that uses everyone from children to battle-hardened former Baathists to spy on both subjects and its own officials. [Link to: here]That paranoia appears to have reached new levels as Islamic State's enemies advance. Suspicion grew in the weeks before government troops began to encircle Mosul in mid October. Early last month, Islamic State leaders uncovered an internal plot against Baghdadi, according to Mosul residents and Iraqi security officials. Hatched by a leading Islamic State commander, the plot was foiled when an Islamic State security official found a telephone SIM card that contained the names of the plotters and showed their links to U.S. and Kurdish intelligence officers.Retribution was brutal. Islamic State killed 58 suspected plotters by placing them in cages and drowning them, according to residents and Iraqi officials.Since then, Islamic State has executed another 42 people from local tribes, Iraqi intelligence officers said. Those people were also caught with SIM cards.Possession of SIMs or any form of electronic communication now amounts to an automatic death sentence, according to residents in Islamic State areas. The group has set up checkpoints where its militants search people, and regularly mount raids on areas hit by U.S. air strikes because Islamic State officials assume locals have helped to identify targets.The informant texting from Mosul is aware of the dangers. "I am talking to you from the rooftop," began one recent message. "The planes are in the skies. Before I go back down I will delete the messages and hide the SIM card.""THE CUBS OF THE CALIPHATE" Islamic State relies on a network of child informers, the so called ashbal al khilafa or "cubs of the caliphate.""These young boys eavesdrop and find out information from other kids about their fathers, brothers, and their activities", said Hisham al-Hashemi, an Iraq government adviser and Islamic State expert. "In every street there are one or two ashbal al khilafa who spy on the adults." The huge network of informants also hurts Islamic State, according to Lahur Talabany, chief of counter-terrorism for the KRG. Overwhelmed by information, the group is devoting a lot of its energy to its own people rather than its enemies. That fuels further paranoia."There are regular (internal) plots against Baghdadi" Talabany told Reuters. "We see incidents like that on a weekly basis, and they take out their own guys."Until a few months ago, Talabany said, he had a mole inside Baghdadi's inner circle: an Islamic State commander who had once belonged to al-Qaeda."He was a Kurd born in Hawija", the Kurdish spy chief said, declining to name the man. "He was one of my detainees. I released him a year before Daesh (Islamic State) arrived."After Islamic State seized Mosul, the commander-turned-agent infiltrated the group and was made a military officer. From that position, he began feeding the Kurds "valuable daily information."The agent told Talabany that Baghdadi consulted closely with top aides, including Saudis who he said were experts on Sharia law. Saudi Arabia has said that there are Saudi nationals in Islamic State."He told me Baghdadi has got charisma, and has connections, but that he is a front. And that the committees around him take the main decisions, even on the military side," Talabany said.The agent told Talabany he had met Baghdadi a few times and was plotting to kill the Islamic State leader. But before the commander could act, Islamic State discovered he was working as an agent. A few months ago, Talabany said, Islamic State publicly executed him. CUTTING THROATS The group's brutal methods were recounted in a rare interview with two captured Islamic State fighters last week. Reuters met the fighters at a Kurdish counter-terrorism compound in the town of Sulaimaniya. A Kurdish intelligence official and an interrogator sat in on the interviews but did not interfere.Ali Kahtan, 21, was captured after he killed five Kurdish fighters at a police station seized by Islamic State in the northern town of Hawija.Kahtan's path to militancy began at the age of 13, he said. He became a member of al Qaeda and then joined Islamic State when a friend took him for religious lessons and military training at a Hawija mosque. The training, he said, involved learning how to use a machine gun and pistol. Trainees were also shown how to cut someone's throat with the bayonet from an AK-47.Kahtan said that a year ago, a local emir ordered him to cut the throats of five Kurdish fighters. The emir stood over him while he did it, he said."One after the other with a knife, a Kalashnikov blade, I did it. Really, I felt nothing." Afterwards, he said, he returned home. "I cleaned up and sat down to have dinner with my parents."Kahtan said Islamic State fighters no longer talk about taking over Baghdad, but focus solely on Mosul, and how to recruit more fighters to protect it.A second detainee, Bakr Salah Bakr, 21, who was caught as he prepared to carry out a suicide attack in Kurdistan, said Islamic State initially tried to recruit him through Facebook to join the fight in Mosul. They are desperate for Iraqi fighters, he indicated, because the influx of foreign fighters dried up after Turkey slowly closed its borders a year ago.THE BATTLE Iraqi intelligence officials say they believe Baghdadi is not in Mosul but in al-Ba'aj district, a bedouin town on the edge of Nineveh province, which borders Syria. Ba'aj has a population of about 20,000 and is dominated by extremists loyal to Islamic State.The area is heavily fortified, with long tunnels that were built after the fall of Saddam when the town became a staging post for smuggling weapons and volunteers from Syria into Iraq.Even if Mosul and Baghdadi fall, said Kurdish counter-terrorism chief Talabany, Islamic State is likely to persist. "They will go back to more asymmetric warfare, and we will be seeing suicide attacks inside KRG, inside Iraqi cities and elsewhere."Security chief Barzani agreed. "The fight against IS is going to be a long fight," he said. "Not only militarily, but also economically, ideologically."Barzani, who is the son of veteran Kurdish leader and KRG President Masoud Barzani, estimated there are around 10,000 Islamic State suicide bombers in Iraq and Syria. He said Islamic State had prepared waves of fighters it was now deploying to defend Mosul."You see the first group come to the frontline and they know they're going to be killed by the planes overhead, but they still come. And then the second group come to the same place where the others were hit," he said. "They see the limbs and the bodies all over and they know they will die, but they still do it. They see victory in dying for their own cause." (Edited by Simon Robinson) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. LONDON Britain's courts are more likely to send people from ethnic minorities to prison for certain types of crime than white people convicted of the same offences, a government-commissioned review into race and the criminal justice system has found.Lawmaker David Lammy, who is heading the review, wrote in an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday that most people from minorities who were born in Britain believed there was discrimination in the system."Our criminal justice system has a trust deficit," he wrote.May has expressed concern about the issue in the past. In her first address as prime minister, in July, she said: "If you're black, you're treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you are white."In preliminary findings, the Lammy review reported that for every 100 white women sent to prison by Crown Courts for drug offences, 227 black women were jailed. For every 100 white men, 141 black men were imprisoned. The exact level of disproportionality varied depending on types of offences and categories of courts, but the overall pattern was that the outcomes were worse for people from minorities."These emerging findings raise difficult questions about whether ethnic minority communities are getting a fair deal in our justice system," Lammy said in a statement. He did not give an explanation for the disproportionality, saying he would dig deeper to understand the issue and whether bias played a part. The review is due to produce a final report with recommendations next Spring.The scope of the review has been extended by Justice Secretary Liz Truss to include the issue of lack of diversity among the ranks of the judiciary. Only 6 percent of court judges are from ethnic minority backgrounds, compared with 13 percent of the wider population. Lammy is a member of the opposition Labour Party who is black and a qualified lawyer. He was widely praised for his sensitive response to the outbreak of riots in 2011 in his electoral district of Tottenham, north London, which were partly linked to distrust between black residents and the police.His review into race and the criminal justice system was commissioned by May's predecessor, David Cameron, in January. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. More than 30 Asia-Pacific stakeholders in the novel foods space have come to an agreement on using cultivated as the standard descriptor for novel... Read More Ford Motor Company (F 0.22%) is giving one of its best-selling SUVs an overhaul -- just in time to introduce it to the United States. The 2018 Ford EcoSport, unveiled in Los Angeles on Monday night, is an updated and face-lifted version of the small SUV that the Blue Oval has sold in other world markets for years. The revamped EcoSport will arrive at U.S. dealers in early 2018. And in a twist, it's coming to the U.S. from a surprising source: India. The little EcoSport is finally headed for the United States The EcoSport is a small "crossover" SUV, about nine inches shorter than the compact Escape. Originally developed for emerging markets, the EcoSport has evolved into a global best-seller: Ford sold over 250,000 EcoSports in 2015, in 140 different countries. Ford gave the EcoSport a revamp for its U.S. debut. Its quirky styling has been smoothed and refined, giving the EcoSport a strong family resemblance to its bigger Escape and Explorer siblings. The interior has been updated and taken a bit further upscale, and the suspension has been revamped to give a smoother ride. It will be offered in the U.S. in four trim levels, and with a choice of two powertrains: Ford's well-regarded 1.0 liter three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo engine will be standard with front-wheel drive, and its 2.0 liter four-cylinder will be optional with all-wheel drive. Pricing, power levels, and fuel-economy figures will be announced closer to the EcoSport's U.S. launch date, Ford said. The EcoSport is the first of four new SUVs or crossovers expected to join Ford's U.S. lineup over the next few years. Why Ford will import EcoSports from India Yes, the EcoSport will come to the U.S. from India -- from Ford's plant in Chennai, to be specific. There's a good business reason why: Back in 2011, Ford made a big investment in India, beginning construction of two manufacturing sites that are now open and have a combined capacity of 440,000 vehicles a year. But they haven't been working at close to that capacity, because the Indian new-car market hasn't grown as quickly as Ford expected. In a change in strategy, Ford said in 2013 that it would use India as an export hub, a low-cost manufacturing base that would supply vehicles to other Asian markets. That hasn't been enough, and Ford CEO Mark Fields said in September that the Blue Oval was "re-evaluating" its strategy and business model for India. It appears that the new strategy involves building EcoSports in India for the U.S. market, something that should quickly add 60,000 units or more to the Chennai factory's annual production. I doubt that most buyers will notice, or care: Ford's India plants are modern, high-tech factories that build vehicles to global quality standards. And in any event, U.S. demand for the EcoSport is likely to be brisk, no matter where it's built. The 2018 EcoSport will join a fast-growing market segment The EcoSport will join a booming U.S. market for small crossovers. The overall U.S. market for "light vehicles" (cars, pickups, and SUVs) has been roughly flat in 2016, but sales of subcompact crossovers as a group are up 32% through October, according to data from Automotive News. Some have done much better than that. The EcoSport won't have the Jeep Renegade's off-road cred, but that's unlikely to hurt its prospects. Ford is a big, established player in the SUV market, and the revamped EcoSport looks the part: Buyers will give it serious consideration. I expect that when we revisit this chart in 2019, the EcoSport will be among the top sellers. Drug prices are rocketing higher, and that's a big problem for state healthcare budgets. In California, a bid to crimp runaway drug spending by tying its drug prices to the prices paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs appeared on last Tuesday's ballot. That measure -- Proposition 61 -- could have cut California's drug spending significantly, yet voters rejected the measure after deciding that the risk of unintended consequences was too great. In this clip from The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare podcast, analyst Michael Douglass and contributor Todd Campbell discuss California's decision and its potential impact on the drug pricing debate. A full transcript follows the video. This podcast was recorded on Nov. 9, 2016. Michael Douglass: That's talking about individual state ballot questions. And my oh my, there was quite a bit about healthcare. Do you want to start with California Prop 61, Todd? Todd Campbell: Yeah, we'll take this one because it's easy and it segues nicely into what we were just talking about as far as drug pricing and the future of drug pricing. California had something on the docket. It was the California Drug Price Relief Act, also known as Proposition 61. Proposition 61 sought to tie California's healthcare spending, the state's spending on drugs, to the prices that are paid by the Veteran's Affairs Department. The concept there was the Veterans Affairs Department can typically pay 40% to 50% of whatever the list price happens to be for an individual medicine. Therefore, by passing this, they're basically saying, "We're going to get whatever the lowest price is that the VA is passing on these drugs." Theoretically, that could save California as a state a lot of money. Douglass: Right. And it didn't pass. Campbell: Didn't pass. Douglass: The drug industry spent over $100 million lobbying against it. It's believed to be the most ever spent on a California ballot measure. Campbell: Yeah, $106 million or $109 million, depending on who you listen to, was spent defeating this proposition. There were a lot of different things that could have happened, even if it had passed, they may have escaped some of the meat of the proposition. But, regardless, it's a nonevent because it was defeated. Proponents battled that $106 million or $109 million with $17 million. That tells you a little something. It suggests, we're still hunting for ways to control the cost of increasing drug prices. But, at least as far as California voters are concerned, tying it to the price that's paid by other government organizations or government payers such as a VA is not the way to go. Douglass: Yeah. There is a large conversation going on about drug pricing in the United States, and that the drug industry is engaged in as well, with other stakeholders, including payers and patients and patient advocacy groups and hospitals, etc. So, this is definitely a conversation that's going to continue, just not in this particular way. I do not think that the drug pricing conversation is over, by any means, and I don't think anyone really thinks it is, either. It's definitely going to be something that continues, and continues to be an issue that people are talking about and voting on. Things are back on track, with Donald Trump and Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal after the Saudi Arabian billionaire called for the President-elect to exit the primary race last year. I was critical of what he said about Islam. I never interfere in U.S. politics, I never talked about his policy on immigration, about fiscal plans, about building the wall, etc. I only was critical of him when he attacked Islam. But as you know, Mr. Trump has [removed] from his website all those comments that were offending to our religion Islam. Accordingly, all the reasons that caused the skirmishes between me and Mr. Trump have disappeared," he told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo. When it comes to defeating terrorism and ISIS, the prince said Saudi Arabia will support Trump. We are seeing right now the major fight in Mosul where we hope that Mosul will go back to the Iraqi regime and this will be [a] big setback for ISIS. So rest assured that Saudi Arabia and [the] Arab world [and] the whole Islamic world will back Mr. Trump in his effort to fight ISIS and eradicate them because ISIS is a common enemy of Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, the whole world, he said. He also discussed the perception of America abroad. Theres no doubt that really the image of the United States and [the] Arab world and Islamic world is very wobbly that we are not sure that we can count on the United States. But I hope with the incoming administration, a firmer stand and firmer position will be put to us and we know exactly the position of the United States, he said. The chairman of Kingdom Holdings Company, whose portfolio includes shares of several U.S. companies, was also positive about Trumps impact on the markets. We have been investing in the United States[for] three decades. And we [are] always looking for opportunities in the United States and clearly the market was very optimistic with the election of President TrumpI think this is somehow very optimisticabout what Mr. Trump will do, and he is looked at as being positive to the market which is something we are welcoming, he said. More On This Saudi Prince Alwaleed optimistic on Trump, markets The prince also shared his investment strategy. We always take a rifle gun approach. We never take a short gun approach and clearly some companies now are very much overvalued but some companies are undervaluedThere has been a rotation in the market whereby the banking shares have been rallying dramaticallyWe have seen how some technology companies have been hit badlyWe will wait and see. We will not rush at all and take our time, he said. Kingdom Holding Company holds a stake in the FOX Business Networks parent company, 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ:FOXA). Image source: iStock/Thinkstock. The more I dig into the impact of the presidential election on banks, the more it seems like Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) will benefit tremendously under a Donald Trump presidency. One of the biggest ways the North Carolina-based bank could gain is from a loosening of regulations around capital distributions -- dividends and share buybacks. Regulatory oversight of capital plans Current regulations give the Federal Reserve the authority to veto a bank's decision to increase its dividend or buy back stock. The Fed hasn't been shy about using this power either. In 2011, it denied Bank of America's request to boost its dividend for the first time since the financial crisis. The following year, Bank of America didn't even ask to do so. The net result is that Bank of America has only increased its dividend twice over the past eight years. It boosted its then nominal $0.01 per-share payout in 2014 to $0.05 per share. And it did so again this year, raising its quarterly distribution by an additional 50%, to $0.075 per share. BAC Dividend data by YCharts. This stands in stark contrast to many of Bank of America's closest competitors, banks like JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC). JPMorgan Chase has raised its dividend every year since 2011. The nation's largest bank by assets now pays out more per share than it did before the financial crisis. JPMorgan Chase's current dividend is $0.48 per share. And the story is the same for Wells Fargo. Just like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo has boosted its quarterly payout in each of the past six years. Wells Fargo now distributes $0.38 per share each quarter. The net result is that, from the perspective of income investors, Bank of America has been left in the dust by Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. Likely regulatory changes Under a Trump administration, the playing field could soon be leveled for Bank of America. One of Trump's signature policy proposals is to roll back significant portions of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was passed in the wake of the financial crisis and vests the authority to stress test banks in the Federal Reserve. And while it's too early to know exactly what these changes will entail, there's reason to believe that they'll eliminate the Fed's authority to deny bank capital plans. You can get a sense for this by looking at the so-called Financial CHOICE Act, proposed by Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling, who's purportedly being considered by Trump for Treasury Secretary. Among other things, the CHOICE Act would no longer allow the Fed to deny a bank's capital plans if it maintains a leverage ratio of at least 10% -- meaning that its assets are no more than 10 times its tangible equity. It's no exaggeration to think that this could translate into a dramatically higher dividend for Bank of America's shareholders. This follows from the fact that Bank of America distributes half as much of its earnings each year when compared to JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Bank of America's payout ratio is currently 16%, while JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo's are each above 30%. It remains to be seen what path Trump's administration will take when it comes to financial reform. However, if there's any truth to the rumors that the incoming president could use Hensarling's approach as a guidepost, then Bank of America's shareholders may soon be on the receiving end of a much bigger quarterly dividend. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Bank of America Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now and Bank of America wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 John Maxfield owns shares of Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Zoe's Kitchen. Share's ofZoe's Kitchen (NYSE: ZOES)moved lower on Tuesday following another rough quarter out of the fast-casual chain specializing inMediterranean dishes. The stock is closing in on last month's all-time low. I singled out three things that Zoe's Kitchen had to do to get back on track last month, and it has fallen short on all three fronts. Let's revisit those three items, and how things haven't gone Zoe's Kitchen's way. 1. Fast casual needs to win back Wall Street's respect A lot of fast-casual concepts went public in recent years, riding the coattails of Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG). The burrito roller shook up the industry with its assembly-line eats, offering casual dining quality food with the convenience of fast food. Zoe's Kitchen was a solid company before its 2014 IPO, but its debut as a publicly traded company probably wouldn't have happened if underwriters weren't knocking on the doors of growing fast-casual concepts that they could market as the next Chipotle. Fast casual was hot, and Zoe's Kitchen was one of the many market beneficiaries. We've seen how things have fallen apart at Chipotle since food-borne illness outbreaks smacked the brand late last year. It hasn't been able to bounce back, cranking out four consecutive quarters of double-digit declines in comps. Its latest results were rough, sending the stock to a fresh three-year low. Zoe's Kitchen was the right stock at the right place when it went public in 2014, but now it's definitely not in the right place. 2. The market needs to redefine its valuation parameters Investors overlooked the lofty valuation at Zoe's Kitchen because it was the price of admission to ride a darling in the once hot fast-casual niche. As I pointed out last month, when Zoe's Kitchen stock peaked at $46.61 during the summer of last year it was trading at 466 times that year's eventual earnings and 3.96 times that year's revenue. Now that we've seen the stock shaved by more than half as Zoe's Kitchen's top-line grows andZoe's Kitchen's P/E and P/S multiples now check in at 205 and 1.6, respectively, based on this year's analyst targets.No one is going to argue that Zoe's Kitchen is cheap even after the stock's massive haircut. However, if it pits its revenue-based multiple to Chipotle, it's looking pretty good for a chain that is still posting positive comps and top-line growth. 3. Nov. 14 needs to go well The third and final stipulation to get this turnaround going is that Zoe's Kitchen had to impress the market with its third-quarter results. It was a mixed showing out of the 201-eatery chain. Revenue climbed 19%, just shy of expectations. Its adjusted profit of $0.04 a share fell short of last year's bottom-line results, but in line with expectations given the contracting contribution profit margin that Zoe's Kitchen is experiencing. The news gets worse as we belly up to guidance. For the second quarter in a row, we see Zoe's Kitchen hosing down its revenue, comps, and contribution profit margin forecasts for the entire fiscal year. This was the news thatclobbered the stocklast time out, and the carnage would've been ugly today if it hadn't already shed so much of its value over the past three months. Zoe's Kitchen investors can find silver linings in the streak of positive comps that is still intact and that the chain is still profitable, at least on an adjusted basis. Marching its way back to market fancy won't be easy, but one way for that to start is for Zoe's Kitchen to stop having to tweak its forecasts lower every three months. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Zoe's Kitchen Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Zoe's Kitchen wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 Rick Munarriz owns shares of Zoe's Kitchen. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and Zoe's Kitchen. 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 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will arrive at U.S.dealers next spring. Image source: General Motors. General Motors (NYSE: GM) took the wraps off a new plug-in hybrid version of its big Cadillac CT6 sedan on Tuesday. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid (that's the official name) will go on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2017. And in a twist that might (or might not) have some interesting political implications, the new plug-in Cadillacs will be imported from China. About the 2017 CT6 Plug-In Hybrid GM said that the new CT6 Plug-In Hybrid has two electric motors along with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, making total system power of 335 horsepower. The motors and engine work together with an all-new "rear wheel drive electric variable transmission" to produce what brisk acceleration: zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds, GM estimates. And that kind of gets to the point of this model: At least for the U.S. market, GM seems to be emphasizing the "hybrid' side of the equation rather than the "plug-in" side. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid's all-electric range is a modest 30 miles, but GM talked up its "total driving range" of over 400 miles and its expected 65 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) rating. The new hybrid obviously shares a great deal with the gasoline-powered CT6. It's a big and plush luxury sedan with unusually good handling for its size, thanks in large part to some advanced construction techniques that make it considerably lighter than its similarly sized German-brand rivals. That lighter weight is a factor in the good acceleration of the hybrid version, too. This cutaway photo shows how the hybrid's battery packs are installed inthe CT6's frame. Image source: General Motors. The 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will have a starting price of $75,095, and a trim level comparable to the current "Premium Luxury" version of the CT6, when it goes on sale in the spring. Why is it coming from China? As first reported by the Detroit Free Pressin January, and subsequently confirmed by GM, the plug-in version of the CT6 will be imported from China. It will be built alongside other Cadillacs intended for the Chinese market in a new high-tech factory near Shanghai. All the other CT6s intended for the U.S. market are built in GM's advanced Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Michigan. That plant also builds the plug-in Chevrolet Volt. So why can't it build the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid? I suspect that it could. But I think GM decided that it wasn't worth the cost of tooling up its "D-Ham" plant to make the hybrid Cadillac, because sales volumes in the U.S. are likely to be very low. Low gas prices have made hybrids a tough sell here recently. That leads us to the "secret" behind the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid: It was developed for China first and foremost. And it's about pollution rather than fuel economy. Several Chinese cities have imposed aggressive policies to fight smog that limit access to the city centers to electrified vehicles only during certain times. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid's ability to run in battery-only mode should grant it access -- without the costs or hassles of an electric-only model. Will Americans buy a Chinese-made Cadillac? Well, they're already buying a Chinese-made Buick. The CT6 Plug-In Hybrid will be the second GM product to be imported from China to the U.S. The first, the Buick Envision crossover SUV, caused a bit of a fuss in the media when GM first announced that it would be built in China -- but it has sold well since its U.S. debut earlier this year, and most buyers don't seem to care. The Buick Envision is selling well, hasreceived strong reviews -- and is imported from China. Image source: General Motors. The question is whether the idea of a Chinese Cadillac will catch the attention (and ire) of the incoming Trump Administration. During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump regularly called out Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) decision to build a new factory in Mexico. Of course, lots of automakers have factories in Mexico, and roughly 2 million vehicles are imported into the U.S. from Mexico every year. But that said, importing autos from China is still very much a new thing. I suspect it won't be a big deal, if only because the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid is a niche product, the total sales numbers are likely to be small, and GM's high-tech Chinese factory seems fully capable of delivering competitive quality. 10 stocks we like better than General Motors When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and General Motors wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 John Rosevear owns shares of Ford and General Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Investors can often overlook great stocks for different reasons. A company may not catch the headlines or grab your attention as much as a high-flying stock or sometimes it's just an unloved company we're averse to owning in the first place. We asked three of our investors for their most overlooked stock and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP), Quintiles IMS Holdings Inc. (NYSE: Q), and Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) bubbled to the top of the list. Here's why you should start paying attention to these companies today. This dividend growth stock looks expensive (but it's actually a solid value) Jason Hall (Brookfield Infrastructure Partners): One of the most important aspects of investing is making sure you pay a reasonable price. There are many wonderful companies out there, with great prospects and solid businesses, but if you pay too high a premium for your shares, you not only reduce your margin of safety but also the potential returns. But at the same time, a stock might look expensive, but actually be a bargain, if you don't use the right valuation metrics. And I think that's the case for large real estate and infrastructure asset owner Brookfield Infrastructure Partners right now. Trading for around 44 times trailing earnings, Brookfield Infrastructure looks very expensive. However, the price-to-earnings ratio isn't the best way to value this master limited partnership. This is because the majority of its assets are both real estate and long-lived infrastructure assets, which will appreciate in value over time, even though the company is able to take non-cash depreciation and amortization expenses against its earnings. The result are cash flows that are substantially higher than GAAP earnings. For this reason, funds from operations -- or FFO -- is a better proxy for earnings for real estate-based entities like Brookfield Infrastructure. By this measure -- price to FFO -- Brookfield Infrastructure trades for around 11 times. That's a good value for such a well-run, stable business with a solid track record of dividend growth, and good long-term prospects for expansion. A safer way to play on the biotech boom Brian Feroldi (Quintiles IMS Holdings): The Food and Drug Administration estimates that less than 10% of new drugs that enter clinical trials will find their way to market. Given the low odds of success and long development timeline, drug developers are willing to spend heavily to give their compounds a better shot at success. That's why many of them look to outside experts for help, which is great news for Quintiles IMS Holdings. Quintiles is the global leader in providing information and contract research services to the life sciences industry. It employs an international army of scientists, researchers, and commercialization experts that have decades of experience with the drug development process. The company's global reach and deep industry knowledge make it the go-to partner for the drug development process. As a testament to its importance, consider that Quintiles helped to develop or commercialize 98 of the top 100 best-selling pharmaceutical products on the market in 2015. For investors, owning shares of a leading provider of information and contract research services has a few key advantages. First, the clinical trial process takes years to complete, so each time Quintiles lands a new contract, it gains a lot of visibility into its future revenue stream. As of the most recent quarter, it reported more than $9.6 billion of work in its backlog. Since only a third of that total is expected to be converted into revenue over the next year, investors can rest easy knowing that this company's top line is in great shape over the next few years. Second, pharma companies tend to need a lot of help with the commercialization process, too. Quintiles can help here as well since it has data on more than 530 million patient medical records worldwide. When paired up with the company's analytical capabilities, Quintiles can help pharmaceutical companies with physician targeting to help make their drug launch successful. When combined, these two businesses provide predictable profits that can be used to reward shareholders. Last quarter, the company spent more $1.3 billion on stock buybacks and it still has another $850 million of repurchases authorized. Those are meaningful numbers when compared to its market cap of about $20 billion. Looking ahead, the aging of the global population suggests that the demand for drugs will continue to grow for years to come. That should prove to be a nice tailwind for Quintiles' investors. With shares trading around 18 times next year's earnings estimates, I think that right now is a great time to give this little-known growth stock a closer look. The investment you'll love to hate Travis Hoium (Comcast): There may not be a company in the country as loathed as Comcast today. No one likes paying their cable bill, and Comcast takes the brunt of the frustration over high prices and the plethora of channels customers rarely watch. But a company that's not liked by customers can be a great buy for investors. In many of Comcast's market, it has essentially a monopoly on the cable and broadband market, which will keep generating revenue for decades to come. You can see below that Comcast's net income has surged over the past decades, despite constant complaints about the company. On top of the strong earnings from cable and broadband, Comcast set itself up well for the future when it bought NBC Universal from GE in 2011, adding an industry-leading content company. The company has explored streaming content, including charging fees for live sporting events, something that could be a growth platform in the future. It's easy to look past an unloved and boring company like Comcast, but it keeps growing and churning out profits year after year. And with shares trading at just 21 times earnings, this is a solid value the market is overlooking. 10 stocks we like better than ComcastWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Comcast wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of July 6, 2017 Brian Feroldi has no position in any stocks mentioned. Jason Hall owns shares of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Quintiles IMS Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: P&G. Many things went wrong for consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) this past year. Fiscal 2016 marked its second straight year of decelerating sales growth as it lost market share in key product categories. P&G also underperformed its own profit target, with core earnings declining 2%. Yet the company blew past management's long-run targets on cutting costs. And executives are hoping to keep that momentum going by squeezing even more cash out of its expense structure over the next few years. Success at slicing costs Five years ago, P&G outlined a plan to knock $1.2 billion out of its annual cost of goods sold. With initiatives like production, packaging, and infrastructure tweaks, the company hit that target for fiscal 2012 before blowing right past it over the next four fiscal years. Overall cost of goods savings for the five-year period amounted to $7.2 billion, or $1.4 billion per year. P&G's cost-cutting. Image source: P&G investor presentation. P&G supplemented those cuts with significant savings elsewhere in the business. Manufacturing expenses plunged, as did overhead costs. The company also gained from reducing complexity in its supply chain and from cutting down the network of marketers and advertising firms that it employs. As a result, the business is becoming more profitable while growing easier to manage. Most of those profit gains were swamped last year by the combination of several negative trends, including a strengthening U.S. dollar and lost growth from P&G's brand divestment initiative. Now that its portfolio is down to the size it wants, though, more of the savings can flow down to the bottom line. Core earnings improved by 5% to start off fiscal 2017, reversing last year's slight decline. The savings plan With its five-year savings plan complete, management rolled out an even more aggressive plan for the next five years. From now through fiscal 2012, CEO David Taylor and his team aim to slice as much as $2 billion out of annual costs for a total savings of $10 billion. PG Cost of Goods Sold (TTM) data by YCharts. Executives plan to plow most of the resulting windfall into initiatives aimed at boosting sales growth. These include the critical research and development (R&D) category, which has held steady at $2 billion per year. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), in contrast, has raised its R&D commitment to $9 billion, up 10% over the last three years. P&G hasn't launched a new $1 billion brand in over a decade, and hefty investments in this area could help turn the tide. Another big piece of the savings will go toward advertising. Increased spending here was a key driver behind last quarter's surprisingly strong sales volume gains. P&G expects to increase advertising support for key brands like Tide detergent and Gillette razor blades while also directing resources toward its very profitable trial programs. The company got its Pampers diapers into the hands of 70% of new moms thanks to its partnerships with hospitals around the country. Its latest Gillette razor blade, meanwhile, made it to around 80% of men on their 18th birthday. Investor returns After reinvesting in the business, the cost savings should still leave room for increased cash returns to shareholders. In fact, P&G aims to deliver $22 billion directly to investors this year through dividends and stock repurchases on the way to meeting its massive $70 billion return goal by 2019. In the current weak sales environment (P&G only expects 2% organic sales growth this year), the company likely couldn't hit that aggressive capital return target while still investing in the business. But significant efficiency gains are giving the company plenty of flexibility in how it chooses to meet its financial targets. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Procter and Gamble Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Procter and Gamble wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 Demitrios Kalogeropoulos has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson and Johnson. 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 What happened Shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEMKT: NAK) are up 10% as of 11 a.m. EST Wednesday after the company released earnings. The thing is, the earnings report doesn't show anything that changes the investment thesis of the company. So what One thing to keep in mind is that Northern Dynasty doesn't generate any revenue right now. The company is looking to build a multibillion precious-metals mine in Alaska, but so far little progress has been made on that front. This most recent earnings report didn't really change that, either. I could get into the numbers, but they don't matter nearly as much as this statement from management, which gives a good description of what investors need to know about the company right now: Why today's share price increased is anyone's guess. The numbers the company released didn't even meet analyst expectations, if those numbers mattered much at all anyway. Now what If you are looking to get in on a precious-metals exploration company in the very early stages, then maybe Northern Dynasty Minerals has come across your radar once or twice. For investors who have bought into this idea, just know that this is a story that hasn't changed in over 15 years. NAK data by YCharts. Even if the company does ever get the proper permits for this mine, development is going to take billions of dollars, something that this company doesn't have nor is likely going to be able to access with no prior history of operations or development. There is no way to make this conclusion any clearer: Northern Dynasty Minerals' stock should be avoided at all costs. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Northern Dynasty Minerals Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Northern Dynasty Minerals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 Tyler Crowe has no position in any stocks mentioned.You can follow him at Fool.comor on Twitter@TylerCroweFool. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Wikipedia Commons. It's still too early to know exactly what the incoming Trump administration will mean for the nation's biggest banks, but if it follows through on its designs to deregulate the financial industry, then JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) could be on the verge of making a lot more money.There are a number of reasons for this, but the biggest all of could come from changes to bank capital requirements. The regulatory pendulum In the wake of the financial crisis, regulators scaled up the type and amount of capital that banks have to hold against the assets on their balance sheets. It was believed that by doing so, banks could survive the next crisis without needing to be bailed out by the government. Not only would banks have to hold more capital than they did previously, but the quality of the capital would need to be better. No longer would debt instruments and even certain types of preferred stock count as loss-absorbing capital. That role could now only be filled by common equity. The impact was particularly severe for the nation's biggest banks -- those like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. Because these banks are now designated as global systemically important banks, or GSIBs, they're obligated to hold even more capital than their smaller, simpler peers in the regional banking space. JPMorgan Chase must maintain a so-called GSIB surcharge of an added 3.5 percentage points' worth of high-quality capital relative to its risk-weighted assets. Bank of America and Citigroup's surcharges come out to 3.0 percentage points above non-systematically important banks. The net result is that capital requirements have more than doubled for large banks. Going into the crisis, JPMorgan Chase faced a Tier 1 capital ratio of 4%. Now, after all the current rules are phased in, that figure is 10.5%. Data source: JPMorgan Chase. Chart by author. JPMorgan Chase alone holds so much capital now that it could absorb the combined losses of America's 31 largest banks under the most extreme version of the Federal Reserve's latest stress test. As CNN noted earlier this year: Because this reduces the amount of leverage banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup can use, it weighs directly on their bottom lines. It's one of the main reasons that banks are struggling nowadays to earn their costs of capital by generating returns on equity above 10%. Higher liquidity requirements, too To make matters worse, regulators also now require banks to keep a larger share of their assets in high-quality liquid assets than they did before the 2008 crisis. The thought process is that these assets can be readily converted to cash in the event of a bank run, similar to what brought down Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual in 2008. At the end of the third quarter, JPMorgan Chase had $539 billion worth of high-quality liquid assets. To put that in perspective, that's only slightly less than the $587 billion market cap of Apple, the largest company by market cap in the United States. The problem is that highly liquid assets yield less than loans. The $409 billion that JPMorgan Chase kept as an average balance in deposits at other banks last quarter yielded only 0.44% on an annualized basis. Meanwhile, its average loan yielded 4.23%. This means that for every $100 billion that JPMorgan Chase allocates to highly liquid assets as opposed to loans, it forgoes almost $1 billion worth of interest income each quarter. That's a lot of money when you consider that the New York-based bank tends to earn around $6 billion on a quarterly basis. Dismantling Dodd-Frank The good news for JPMorgan Chase is that all of this could change under a Trump administration, which has promised to "dismantle" the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that empowered regulators to raise both capital and liquidity requirements. Trump's camp has been notoriously scant with details about possible changes to financial regulations (or, for that matter, anything), but we can get a sense for their thinking by looking at the Financial CHOICE Act proposed by Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling, who's purportedly being considered for Treasury Secretary in the incoming administration. The central component of the proposed legislation would be to exempt banks from many of the heightened capital and liquidity requirements so long as they maintain a base level of capital. One could argue that this would reduce the soundness of the banking sector, as it almost certainly would, but there's little doubt that it'd serve as a potent stimulant to banks' bottom lines, and few more so than JPMorgan Chase. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than JPMorgan Chase Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and JPMorgan Chase wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 John Maxfield owns shares of Bank of America. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has the following options: long January 2018 $90 calls on Apple and short January 2018 $95 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Vale. 2016 has been a solid year for the stock market, which has resisted some events that many would have expected to send stocks lower. Nevertheless, 2016's year-to-date gains of 8% or so for the broad S&P 500 aren't exactly lighting up the performance charts, leaving some investors feeling uninspired by the market. However, some stocks have produced much better returns, having doubled so far in 2016. Below, we'll take a closer look at Vale (NYSE: VALE), MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), and Oneok (NYSE: OKE) to see why they rose and whether there's any upside left for new investors in these stocks. VALE Total Return Price data by YCharts. Vale steels its resolve Brazilian mining giant Vale has been a big victim of the poor performance of commodity markets lately. In particular, as one of the biggest iron ore producers in the world, Vale has struggled as demand for the raw material for steel production has fallen, following the lack of construction and infrastructure activity throughout much of the global economy. Yet times started to turn for Vale earlier this year, when iron ore prices finally hit bottom and started to recover. In addition, what could have been a catastrophic financial hit due to the breach of a containment dam turned out to be not nearly as bad as many investors had feared. That's what drove most of Vale's strong performance early in the year. More recently, better prospects for the steel industry globally have also helped push Vale higher. If the optimistic opinion that some investors have for steel's rebound pan out, then Vale could have further gains ahead of it. MasTec feels more energetic Another loser from the commodities bust was MasTec, which offers infrastructure construction services with an emphasis toward helping oil and natural gas companies with projects tailored to the industry's unique needs. Many feared that when energy companies felt the pain of plunging crude oil prices and weak conditions in the natural gas market, they would have to cut spending and hurt MasTec's future prospects as well. However, even with poor conditions in energy, MasTec has still been able to get more business through its doors. In its most recent quarter, the company managed to boost its revenue by 43%, and adjusted net income more than tripled from the prior year's third-quarter results. In particular, sales to energy customers soared by four-fifths, and adjusted pre-tax operating earnings from the oil and gas business more than doubled. That was just the latest in MasTec's defiant approach toward serving the industry, and looking ahead, many think that the company has more than enough positive momentum to keep climbing in the future. Oneok delivers the goods Another energy-industry player that has done well is Oneok. The midstream general partner of the Oneok Partners master limited partnership took it on the chin last year, as investors punished just about every company with any connection to oil and gas. However, higher volumes flowing through Oneok Partners' pipelines generated higher fee income that boosted the share that Oneok receives as general partner, and investors are hopeful that future projects will continue to generate further upside potential both for Oneok and its MLP. Looking ahead, Oneok has high hopes for the future. Healthier cash flow will help the company and its MLP potentially reduce its leverage. As financial conditions improve, Oneok will be in a position to take advantage of opportunities that arise within the industry, buying assets from competitors in a weaker financial position and getting good deals to produce future profits. In addition, if energy prices recover, then higher production among pipeline customers should only serve to heighten future growth. It's rare to see stocks double in a single year, and you can't count on lightning striking twice with strong performance from those stocks in the future. For Vale, MasTec, and Oneok, however, the conditions that contributed to their success show few signs of letting up. If things keep improving in their businesses, then the stocks could keep rising from here. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Companhia Vale Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election: Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Companhia Vale wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016 Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends ONEOK. The Motley Fool owns shares of Companhia Vale. The Motley Fool recommends MasTec. 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. State securities regulators said they may have to rely more heavily on local laws to police banks and finance companies if President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress roll back federal reforms introduced after the financial crisis. For example, New York has the Martin Act which gives prosecutors more leeway to bring charges. Several white collar defense attorneys said they expect this law and others to be used more often during the Trump presidency. Trump has pledged to dismantle Dodd-Frank, a sweeping Democrat-led reform of Wall Street designed to protect Main Street investors. On the campaign trail, Trump characterized Dodd-Frank, which became law in 2010, as sprawling, bureaucratic and an impediment to economic growth. [nL1N1DC1IB] "It sounds like were going to be under the same type of problems there were prior to the Great Recession,with securities and financial services being 'lightly regulated,'" said William Galvin, the top securities regulator in Massachusetts. "I think thats a problem." Regulatory powers can be uneven and limited from state to state, frustrating local authorities if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) becomes weaker during the Trump administration. Nevertheless, some state regulators have been first to ferret out major market abuses that later have been recognized as national problems. One example was the mutual fund industry's market timing scandal in 2003, when it was revealed some funds were involved in illegal after-hours trading. "We may be back to that," said Galvin, secretary of state for Massachusetts, who is credited with shining a light on late trading at mutual funds. Mary Jo White's plan to step down as head of the SEC in January will enable Trump to appoint a successor with huge influence over the regulation of Wall Street trading. "I think the biggest impact on state regulators will come from the choice of the leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission," said Jay Brown, a professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Brown said an SEC leadership that favors deregulation of Rule 506, for example, could make it more difficult for state regulators to investigate fraudulent private placements. New York has the Martin Act, the envy of securities regulators nationwide, including at the SEC. It allows an attorney general or the Manhattan District Attorney to bring civil and criminal cases without having to prove a defendant's intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Prosecutors need only to establish that a misrepresentation or omission of a material fact occurred when promoting a security, for example. Every time there has been a noticeable drop in SEC enforcement,New York prosecutors and regulators have used the Martin Act to great effect to police the securities market, said Michael Miller, a white collar defense lawyer for Steptoe & Johnson LLP in New York. Former New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer became known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street" using the Martin Act as a cudgel against investment banks. Ten of them agreed to pay more than $1 billion in 2003 to settle claims they misled investors with biased stock research. More recently, current New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued Barclays Plc , accusing the bank of misleading investors about the presence of high-frequency traders on a stock trading platform. Only a few states - Alabama, Kansas and New Mexico - give their securities regulators the authority to bring criminal cases, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). But most state securities regulators work closely with state attorneys general, local prosecutors and law enforcement on criminal enforcement actions, NASAA spokesman Bob Webster said. State securities agencies throughout the United States collectively reported 253 formal criminal enforcement actions, according to NASAA's most recent enforcement report, based on 2015 data. Galvin said that while states can and have been a driving force on financial regulation, a strong national regulator is better. "You need a national regulator; and if they cant, the states need to do the job and should," he said. (Reporting by Tim McLaughlin in Boston and Suzanne Barlyn in New York. Editing by Carmel Crimmins, David Gregorio and Lisa Shumaker) As President-elect Trump mulls cabinet appointments, those who will help shape and police national security have their work cut out for them. Challenges facing national security continue to be front and center on Main Street and in Washington. Whether it is the constant threat of terrorist actions, or the war against cops, security matters continue to be a primary reason Americans are losing sleep. Thats why the formulation and implementation of a valid and reliable national security plan and team will be imperative. As such, these are the top five issues that will require prompt and effective implementation plans within the President-elect's first 100 days in the Oval Office. 1. The Police Community Divide Cities across the U.S. continue to wrestle with the role and authority of modern day law enforcement. Setting the tone and path for the future will require leadership from our commander in chief. Specifically, a White House selected facilitator will need to enlist the help of our informal community leaders, from barbers to beat cops, to begin navigating safely and expeditiously to a place free of the anti-police sentiment that fuels our communities today. So-called community leaders and high ranking/out of touch police administrators need to sit this one out. 2. Islamic Terrorists and the Omnipresent Threat on American Soil The clock is ticking and we need a forthright, multi-pronged approach, free of political correctness, aimed at re-defining the see something say something mantra. Monitoring social media, given its role in recruitment, and a true public-private partnership with America's major corporations are a few effective countermeasures to start with. Tech-giants including Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) and Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) can play a larger, valuable role in keeping America safe. 3. The Global Cyber War is Raging The historic Trump vs. Clinton presidential race made it crystal clear we are in the genesis of a cyber war with non-state actors from countries such as Russia, China and North Korea. The new POTUS will need to significantly improve our personnel recruiting efforts for the U.S. cyber defense team. The U.S. Department of Defense, the CIA and the FBI need to solicit the brightest white hat cyber technologists into our corner in to safeguard our personal and public infrastructures. We then need our government agencies to work in concert to outsmart the enemy we cannot see. Further, Trump must draw upon his business acumen to educate chief executives about their own cyber risks and encourage them to preemptively fortify their systems. 4. Gun Violence, Gun Control & the Right to Bear Arms Perhaps the most long overdue unresolved matter threatening our way of life is guns. Every day, 90 Americans are killed from gun violence, as noted by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, leaving an epidemic the President-elect is inheriting and will need to judiciously and expeditiously manage. While this may be a difficult pill to swallow, it is our constitutional right to bear arms. That said we need to extend this right to only those free of mental illness given its causal relation to gun violence. 5. Emergency Healthcare Preparedness Our new President will need to appoint the most diversely intelligent Surgeon General in history to defend our ill-prepared country from threats ranging from biological agents to pandemics. We simply can't wait for Islamic terrorists to exploit this blatant vulnerability, or for the next virus, whether it be Zika, Ebola or a Superbug, to test our ability to combat an outbreak. The authority has been granted. Now it's time for action. Paul is the author and lead editor for Jane's Publishing's book "Workplace Security and Contributing Editor for Jane's. He is co-author of "Silent Safety Best Practices for Protecting the Affluent. He appears regularly on the FOX Business Network as well as other national television and radio outlets. Paul holds the distinction of Honorary Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, a Master of Public Administration, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy. Authorities in Washington state said Tuesday that two people accused of beating one of the stars of the TV series Deadliest Catch over the weekend were arrested. The Spokesman-Review reported that Amanda Ritter, 30, and Jorel Fultz, 29, were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of robbing Jake Harris. Everett police said they received a report of a male victim of assault Saturday after Harris had been found on the side of the road in Everett. Police spokesperson Aaron Snell said personal items were taken from Harris. The TV personality reportedly told police that he and three others were in a car coming back from a casino when a man sitting behind him began to attack him. His brother Josh Harris said that Jake was severely beaten and suffered a cracked skull. "He's pretty messed up," Josh Harris said in an additional video posted to Facebook on Monday. "Hopefully, one day, we'll get him back fishing again." Josh Harris took to Facebook early Wednesday morning to thank fans for their support. "Thank you to (sic) all the awesome messages and all the help from the fans and the police department for doing such a great job. [Our] family thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts," he wrote after the two suspects were arrested. Jake Harris and his family were featured on the Discovery Channel show about fisherman in Alaska for many years. A Discovery representative told FOX411, We wish him the best with his recovery. In 2010, Jake and Josh Harris' father, Phil Harris, died after suffering a stroke. An episode of "Deadliest Catch" captured Phil Harris' last moments. The brothers released a book about their father in 2013. Fox News' Blanche Johnson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. One of the stars of Bravos Below Deck has revealed he is dealing with a major family tragedy. Nico Scholly wrote on social media that his heart is completely broken after the death of his 21-year-old brother. The reality star did not reveal his younger brothers cause of death. My younger brother of 21 is now an angle. So please pray for my family #chicago #belowdeck #familycomesfirst Nico Scholly (@NicoScholly93) November 14, 2016 Scholly is a deckhand on the Bravo series, which takes place on a luxury yacht. He said on Twitter that his brothers organs were donated to four people in Chicago. Scholly's co-stars expressed their condolences via social media. Salt Lake City Police have confirmed to FOX411 Brooke Mueller, her 7-year-old twins and nanny are safe and accounted for after a disturbance call was made this morning that raised concern for the children's well-being. "Police were called [at] 6:30 this morning on a disturbance call here in Salt Lake City. When our officers arrived, the people that were called [about] were not on scene. They had left." A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City police told us the women and children left in a vehicle registered to Mueller. "At that point, the disturbance called turned into a welfare check. We wanted to check on the status of these folks Another agency got a call from someone that wasn't us, and wanted a welfare check done on the mother and two children that agency then located them and was able to talk to them and they are all safe and accounted for." TMZ reports concerns were raised after Mueller showed up barefoot to a Salt Lake City bar with her twins. Sheen told TMZ on Wednesday, "I'm just trying to get my kids home safe. I have no other details that relate to the ongoing event." Sheen and Mueller separated in 2010 after two years of marriage. Mueller moved to Utah earlier this year. The 38-year-old mother has a history of substance abuse issues and has been to rehab 20 times. Sheen has not responded to FOX411's request for comment. Sex expert Layla Martin has helped thousands of men and women across the country reclaim and revamp their sex lives. Watching her blog videos on how to explore tantric sex or master your pleasure zone, many people are surprised to learn she once struggled with sex for decades and is a survivor of sexual abuse, a traumatic event that can permanently scar individuals emotionally. Thirty-two-year-old Martin was sexually abused by her father from age 3 until she was about 7 years old. She struggled with depression and broken relationships for years. To try to heal from the trauma, she used traditional and non-traditional therapies, some of which she learned about when she studied sexuality at Stanford University and in the jungles of Asia with tantric masters. Fox News Julie Banderas recently sat down with Martin to talk about her story and how others can help rehab their lives in the face of struggle, too. [Sexual abuse is] one of the secret killers inside of people, and contributes to so much depression [and] self-hatred, they have difficulty with relationships, sexuality, finances, Martin told FoxNews.com. It goes so much deeper than most people realize and I dont think what we do as a society is as much as it needs to be to stop it. In the United States, one in two women and one in five men are sexually abused in their lifetime, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One of the biggest challenges victims face is speaking out and admitting they were abused. According to the National Sex Offender Public website, about 70 percent of sexual assault cases are not reported to authorities. I actually did try to tell my mother when I was young, Martin said. A lot of children they feel such shame and they take it on themselves, I certainly took it on as being my fault. When Martin reached her early 20s, she felt ready to share her story. Her journey to sexual healing started with talk therapy, but that only took her so far. I eventually realized that talking about it wasnt quite enough, she said. It was really sitting in my body it was tension, it was pain, it was numbness. So I went to Asia to actually learn the deep healing practices of tantra, and I spent about seven years working on releasing the trauma and the pain. Yoni Massage Yoni massage was one of the practices Martin learned from her tantra teachers. She describes it as therapeutic vaginal massages performed by your partner or a trained practitioner though she cautions her clients to be careful when choosing a specialist as there are many frauds in the business. Its actually designed to be a healing and a release because so many women whove been abused, they never actually have a way to revisit the area and do really deep healing, Martin said. Yoni massage was really good for me to release the pain and tension that was inside my body. Tantric bioenergetic healing practice In this practice, patients locate the trauma in their body, and use the breath to clear bad memories and fill that space with positive memories or thoughts instead, Martin said. [The practice] allowed me to actually feel the amount of pain that I was really in and then to be able to gently release it through sounding, through movement, so that my body felt more free of them, Martin said. Eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR is a type of psychotherapy where patients recall a disturbing traumatic memory while a therapist moves his finger or an object in front of them and asks them to track the movements with their eyes. Gradually, the therapist asks the patient to switch his or her thoughts to pleasant ones. [It] has to do with the bilateral movement of the eyes. It brings the left and right brain hemispheres together into integration because what trauma does is it actually separates pieces of the brain, Martin said. A lot of therapies work with the person being able to revisit the trauma but from a place of integration, and that creates healing. Dr. Daniel Bober, a psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at the Yale University Child Study Center, said EMDR is an Evidence Based Treatment for the treatment of trauma. The goal of these treatments is to reprocess the trauma by changing the physiological responses to it and manage the anxiety in a way that the memories of the trauma are not consuming the individual, so that they are able to live a happy and productive life," Bober told FoxNews.com. Trauma releasing exercises (TRE) This therapy entails a series of exercises that helps the body release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma. The exercises are designed to cause an intentional, self-controlled muscular tremor deep in the body. Many TRE therapists do this by physically fatiguing muscles in the body. For example, when you do a classic wall-sit where you position your back against a wall, and after sitting on an invisible chair for about five minutes, your legs begin to shake. Evoking these types of tremors is thought to restore homeostasis in the body. You start making yourself shake originally, and then what will happen is your body will take over, and it will complete the freezing mechanism that originally happened that locks the trauma into the body, Martin said. Although large studies have not proven the efficacy of TRE, Dr. Lisa Palmer, a psychotherapist in West Palm Beach, Florida, said the exercise may hold promise. This certainly can be helpful to a person with sexual trauma to help them further integrate the connection between body and mind that has been severed through the traumatic sexual experience, Palmer said. However, in my clinical opinion, the disassociation that happens as a result of sexual trauma needs deeper forms of subconscious repair to further integrate the connection between body and mind, and allow the person to retrieve the part of their soul lost through the traumatic experience." If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, you can get help from the National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling (800) 656-HOPE. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Betty Elkes faced cancer multiple times and received her last diagnosis in 2010. Before going in for treatment, she would always put on her red lipstick, a gesture that stuck with her granddaughter, Renata Helfman. In the years since Elkes' passing, Helfman, 46, a professional makeup artist, started Lipstick Angels, a non-profit that brings volunteer makeup artists into hospitals to treat them with facials, makeovers and massage treatments using natural and/or organic products vetted by Helfman and the Cedars-Sinai Volunteer Department and the Epidemiology Department. It was [my grandmothers] way of going in there with dignity feeling like herself, like a woman, Helfman, who is based in Los Angeles, told FoxNews.com. I think having a healthy state of mind in all different ways, not only how you choose health care, but the people that surround you and really support you is part of what can actually make someone get out and really heal from that. Lipstick Angels has programs in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial, City of Hope and in New York at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Since their launch at Cedars-Sinai in 2012, the group has served over 2,500 patients. Helfman specifically wanted the 20-minute treatments to take place in a hospital setting, to make it easier for patients, and also to be with them at a vulnerable time. To transport them out of that moment and to do these treatments is huge, Helfman said. These outpatients are going out into the world again. They pick up the mirror and they see themselves, they dont see a cancer patient. The 33 volunteer Angels are trained as hospital volunteers and each commits to going to the infusion centers twice a month, for at least three hours per visit. They just need to show up with love and artistry, Helfman said. Commitment is really big; that is what is unique about us. Were really building relationships with these women and men. Caring for compromised skin A significant part of that relationship is properly caring for patients whose skin has been affected by their cancer treatment. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, the most common side effects to skin are dryness, flakiness, and irritability due to the decreased amount of natural lubricants produced since chemotherapy destroys certain cells. Other possible effects include skin discoloration and heightened susceptibility to sunburn. For patients who also get radiation therapy, the treatment essentially burns the skin, adding to complications. At NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, hospital staff educates patients on the changes theyll experience and advises them to change their skincare products a few days before they start chemotherapy in order to prepare. Patients are told to take lukewarm showers or baths, rather than long hot showers. Heating up the skin promotes redirection of circulation of the blood to the skin and you can have already irritated, inflamed areas. Increased blood flow actually promotes inflammation, Dr. Sebastian Mayer, a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, told FoxNews.com. Within 15 minutes of showering, patients should apply a gentle moisturizer to their skin. Patients should use fragrance free-, irritant free- and preservative-free skin and body care products, and also buy similarly simple laundry detergent, to avoid any possible irritation. We vastly give preference to natural or organic products due to the lack of preservatives and irritants, Mayer said. Lipstick Angels gets most of its natural, safe beauty products through donations and natural beauty store Credo gives 1 percent of its sales to Lipstick Angels. Their makeup and skincare supplies remain at the hospitals and each Angel is required to use disposable tools and applicators to avoid the risk of infection. Losing hair is a big burden for women, especially, and while they can cover up their heads with a wig or scarf, losing eyelashes and eyebrows can be devastating, Mayer said. The Angels work together with nurses to tailor treatments to each patients status, and if shes about to lose her eyebrows, will have eyebrow stencils at the ready. Having the Lipstick Angels flying in with some, to my mind, highly sophisticated technology to provide remedies, is a beautiful thing, Mayer said. I look forward to what comes of [the program]. Sometimes makeup gives you a little bit of a lift For their launch at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, the team spent months vetting and training volunteers to work with the nurses there to make the addition of the program seamless. Angel training includes studying hospital codes, privacy policies and learning emergency exits. Its not like strange girls walking around with carts and lipstick. Everyone is informed, educated and already talking about [the program]. It really makes a difference to have the staff engaged, Helfman said. The nurses at each hospital are the Lipstick Angels allies, and help identify patients for treatment. The Lipstick Angels have already changed the chemo treatment experience for Toni, 50, a colon cancer patient from New York City. It kind of becomes, I have an appointment for a facial, rather than, Im going to the hospital for chemo, Toni, who did not disclose her last name for privacy, told FoxNews.com. I was transported from a place that is clinical, with people being treated in cubicles, and suddenly I could look across and see the Lipstick Angel working with someone and you see joy. Its a sweet, comforting alterative treatment. Toni was diagnosed with colon cancer in Dec. 2014 and now goes for treatment every two weeks for around four hours per session. The part-time occupational therapist had her first Lipstick Angels treatment, a hand massage, on Oct. 21 and is planning to have a facial the next time she goes to the infusion center. Toni is gradually converting her makeup and skincare products to natural choices, and, as a self-proclaimed lipstick fiend, was thrilled to get the Angels gift each patient gets a lipstick or lip balm and tips. I know that theyre external things, but it kind of works both ways. It makes you feel good on the inside even when youre working on stuff on the outside. They work hand in hand, Toni said. Sometimes makeup gives you a little bit of a lift. We must be doing something right Most of the Angels have some personal connection to cancer that led them to the group, Helfman said. Clarisse Aoanan, 22, an aspiring medical school student, was close to her sisters best friend, who fought for five years before dying at 19 from the breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain. I witnessed so many things women shouldnt have to experience, especially at that age. My involvement with Lipstick Angels is an homage to Erika, she told FoxNews.com, adding that she practiced her technique on Erika and even went to makeup school. In spite of the fact that Angels encounter patients at such a difficult time in their lives, Aoanan said shes only had positive experiences as a volunteer at City of Hope. People tell me theyre so consumed with other things that putting on makeup or moisturizer is the last thing on their minds, Aoanan, who lives in Los Angeles, said. I know for a fact that after Im done with a treatment the patient looks fantastic, but I think that if people keep asking to see the Lipstick Angels, we must be doing something right. After they make it through the selective application process, the Angels are specially trained to work with cancer patients to be both compassionate and to set healthy boundaries, such as refraining from sharing their personal phone numbers. Some people are going through this eight-hour treatment by themselves and dont have anyone there to accompany them, Aoanan said. Being a Lipstick Angel, at least we can provide some type of company and a confidant, someone to listen. Mayer noted that, while as oncologists and doctors are focused on saving lives, being aware of patients psychological burdens has become increasingly important. People want to feel good about themselves, feel attractive even if theyre battling a life-threatening disease and the overt effects of treatment is visible on your face, it also serves as a constant reminder of what youre going through, he said. I think its perfectly OK to cover that up so youre not always looking in the mirror and reminded of your cancer. The Lipstick Angels are constantly fundraising most of the money goes toward vetting, training and managing volunteers and recruiting, Helfman said, and they hope to expand to at least one more location in both New York and LA in 2017. Its so much more than the act of putting on makeup or providing simple facial treatments. Were using beauty products to transport somebody to a better place, Aoanan said. Its a special kind of healing and I want people to understand that its really the simplest gestures that can make a big difference in peoples lives. Throughout the year, news organizations have feasted on stories of terror attacks, saber-rattling provocations and outright wars. Is the world really as dangerous as all that? And is the militarys ability to protect us against these dangers really on the decline? Unfortunately, the answers to both questions are: yes. The adequacy of U.S. military power must be assessed in terms of what our troops must be prepared to deal with: the bad actors that threaten our vital interests. And, across the board, our greatest rivals and enemies grew increasingly powerful and belligerent during 2016. In quick review: Russia systematically intimidated our NATO allies. It conducted massive snap exercises (that included nuclear attack elements) near the Baltic States and violated the territorial waters and airspace of the Nordic countries, the UK, Canada, and even the U.S. It continued to foster civil war in Ukraine and used its fire power to support the Assad regimeand hit civilian targetsin Syria. And it continued its extraordinary commitment (at least 5 percent of GDP) to military modernization. China has now fully militarized the islands it has built in the South China Sea. Some now boast 10,000-foot runways and air defense systems. Two decades of annual, double-digit increases in defense spending has produced the J-20 5th generation stealth fighter and a stronger deep-water navy that includes a nascent aircraft carrier capability. All the while, it has aggressively asserted ever-expanding territorial claims in the South and East China Seas and the Sea of Japan. Iran expanded its destabilizing activities across the Middle East, supporting Houthi rebels (Yemen), and Shia militia units (Iraq) as well Hezbollah and Hamas. And its negotiating a $10 billion arms purchase from Russia to better protect its nuclear development program. North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests in 2016, advanced its intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities and tested submarine launched ballistic missile systems. With over one-million soldiers and a willingness to sell its technology to other regimes, it poses a clear threat to U.S.-ally South Korea and stability across East Asia. Terror groups , from ISIS to Boko Haram and a resurgent Al Qaeda, wreaked havoc across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe during 2016. The instability created by these murderous attacks spilled over into other countries, releasing a flood of refugees into Europe. What does all this matter to the U.S.? America suffers whenever the bad guys disrupt markets, suppress freedom and threaten our friends and partners. The surest protection against such dangers is a military force large enough, strong enough, and modern enough to deter the bad guys from acting up and, if they choose to make trouble anyway, to stop them before they cause substantial harm. Unfortunately, Washington over the last five years has cut investment in our armed forces by 25 percent. As a result, our military is only two-thirds the size it should be to counter these growing threats. And only a third of those diminished forces are combat-ready. Acquisition programs needed to replace worn out and rapidly aging equipment are being postponed or cancelled. Pilots fly half the hours they should and in airplanes approaching 30 years old. Soldiers operate aging tanksand theres no program to replace them for another 15 or 20 years. A Navy fleet that should number 350 ships has dwindled to 273; its budget for building new ships is barely three-quarters what the Navy says it needs to get to just 300 ships over the next 20 years. Funding our troops at a reasonable levelone commensurate with the missions they may be required to undertakeisnt about militarizing U.S. foreign policy, seeking to be interventionist, or subsidizing the defense-industrial complex. Its about deterring the forces of disorder, ensuring our homeland is protected, incentivizing other countries to be on our team rather than our competitors, and maintaining a secure domestic environment in which freedom, opportunity and prosperity can flourish. A strong, confident, and engaged America is good for the world. That has been the case since the close of World War II when America took up the mantle of leadership in opposition to the authoritarianism of the Soviet Union. Today, the free world needs a force for good that is able to stand against the darker future presented by terrorism and the repressive regimes in Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang. The abusively biased mainstream media that got the election completely wrong and was so out of touch with the American people is now attacking and trying to discredit President-elect Donald Trump's picks for key White House posts. For example, they're losing their minds trying to discredit Stephen Bannon, who Trump named to a key advisory post. But keep in mind, the mainstream media is now suffering from a massive credibility crisis. They're the ones who wrote off, laughed at and even mocked the idea of Donald Trump winning the presidency. NEWT GINGRICH: SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES Here's my advice to President-elect Donald Trump: When it comes to the media, dont listen. Ignore the haters. These are the same people who, as WikiLeaks exposed, were openly colluding with Hillary Clinton's campaign in violation of every ethical standard they are supposed to honor and uphold. We also found out that the mainstream media is really a tool the alt-radical left uses to advance their agenda. They're just another cog in the wheel for the well-oiled Democratic machine. The media was wrong at every turn about the election, wrong about the Trump movement and about the policies a Trump administration will put into place. The media is trying to force President-elect Trump to move to the middle. He must ignore them. The same goes for the Washington political establishment, which is going to try to push and pull Trump in different directions because they don't want real change. Trump must hold strong, and stick to his promises. Remember, just like the media, the establishment said Trump would never win and didn't fully support his campaign. Finally, President Obama is trying to make nice with President-elect Trump. Yet, he then purposely tried to undermine Trump's presidency on the world stage. Trump should ignore the media, the establishment and the man who will be his predecessor. The 45th president need only trust his gut and the people who voted him into the White House. Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue of Nov. 15, 2016 An Oregon bureaucrat who waged political jihad against the owners of a Christian bakery was given the heave-ho by voters. Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian was defeated by Republican Dennis Richardson in his bid to be Secretary of State. Click here to join Todds American Dispatch: a must-read for Conservatives! It's the first time a Republican has been elected to a statewide office in Oregon since 2002. So consider this Avakian was too liberal for what is arguably one of the most liberal states in the country. Avakian, a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA crowd, was thrust into the national spotlight when he declared war on a Christian bakery in 2013. Aaron and Melissa Klein, the owners of Sweet Cakes By Melissa, declined to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couples ceremony. The Kleins, who are devout Christians, explained that participating in a same-sex wedding would violate their deeply-held religious beliefs. Click here to get your Im Politically Incorrect t-shirt! Avakian launched a very public and very ugly assault on the Klein family alleging they had discriminated about the lesbian couple. They faced boycotts and picket lines and other wedding vendors were threatened with similar action if they did business with Sweet Cakes. The familys young children received death threats and the stores social networking platforms were overrun by militant LGBT activists posting obscene and profane messages. The Kleins were eventually ordered to pay $135,000 in emotional damages to the lesbians. They were also forced to shutter their retail location and eventually shut down their family bakery. The goal is never to shut down a business. The goal is to rehabilitate, Avakian told The Oregonian in 2013. Avakian was just as ruthless in his attacks on a Portland bar that turned away transgender patrons. The owner of the Twilight Room Annex did not want his establishment to be known as a gay bar. The bar was slapped with a $400,000 judgment and was forced to shut down. The Kleins are represented by First Liberty Institute, one of the nations most prominent religious liberty law firms. They are appealing the fines levied by Avakians office. We will never know if Mr. Avakians unprecedented attack on religious liberty played a role, but we are hopeful that there is a path toward justice, attorney Hiram Sasser told me. Everyones beliefs deserve respect and tolerance even if some disagree with those beliefs. Sasser said Americans should have the freedom to live according to their own conscience without the force of government being used to punish those who disagree with government officials like Avakian. Perhaps this will serve as a point of reflection for government leaders that the people of Oregon and indeed most Americans believe in tolerance and respect and the dignity of each person to live their lives according to the dictates of their own consciences, Sasser said. Voters saw Avakian for who he really was an anti-Christian bully with no regard for the U.S. Constitution. Nobody likes a bully especially a liberal bully. In just over a week as president-elect, Donald Trump has done more for peace and economic security than eight years of Barack Obama. They ought to give him a Nobel Peace Prize. Barack Obama famously received that award less than nine months into his tenure just for creating a new climate. Obama undoubtedly helped his case before the Norwegian-based Nobel Committee by not being George W. Bush and for embarking on an apology tour around the world. Before long, the Middle East would be in flames and U.S. interests would come under attack globally, revealing the Nobel Committees laughable decision to be just another indication of Old Europes moral decay. NEWT GINGRICH: SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES Fast-forward eight years and we actually have an incoming president whose mere election has, unlike Obamas, actually improved Americas security and economy. Fast-forward eight years and we actually have an incoming president whose mere election has, unlike Obamas, actually improved Americas security and economy. Start with North America. Shortly after Trumps victory, Canadas left-wing prime minister said he is willing to renegotiate NAFTA, remarking, Its important that we be open to talking about trade deals. Canadas ambassador added, Were ready to come to the table. Down Mexico way, President Enrique Pena Nieto, who had the foresight to invite Trump to Mexico City during the campaign, was one of the first to congratulate Trump on his victory and expressed a willingness to negotiate. Trump understands the lopsided importance of Mexicos continued access to the U.S. economy. Pena Nieto understands that Trump is willing to wield this underappreciated tool of statecraftunlike any of his modern predecessors. Who knows, Washington could finally get some constructive help from Mexico on trade and illegals. Turn next to Japan, whose prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is coming to New York for an unprecedented meeting with the President-elect. Contrary to media predictions, dont expect Abe to cry over spilt milk regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is now as dead as Julius Caesar. Instead, Abe will search for common ground, especially on security. Many in Tokyo actually welcome Trumps admonition that allies should spend more on their own security, and pressure from Washington could help a Japan threatened by China and North Korea raise its defense spending from just one percent of GDP to substantially more. Russia has also changed its tune with Trumps election. Hillary Clintons reset of relations with Moscow failed because it was based on pageantry instead of national interests, and it conveyed weakness. Trump projects the strength that Putin respects and is willing to explore common interests with Moscow like fighting ISIS in Syriaan obvious step that is somehow beyond comprehension by preening moralists of both parties in Washington who demand war against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Trump has also heartened those who contemplate the future of the U.S. economy. Experts who predicted a collapse in the stock market if Trump won were as wrong as pollsters and media pundits about the election. There is a growing expectation that the economy will eventually return to normal growth after a lost decade of malaise. This confidence is self-reinforcing, drawing out investors and businesses who can now plausibly hope that Obamacare and other adventures in central planning and hyper-regulation will soon be just a bad memory. The odd man out from the improving diplomatic and economic picture is Old Europe, typified by Jean-Claude Juncker, the arrogant boss of the EU, who remarked that, We will need to teach the president-elect what Europe is and how it works. He added, I think we will waste two years before Mr. Trump tours the world he does not know. These statements arent just insults to Trump, who actually has extensive business experience in Europe, but to the American people and their decision. No matter. European globalists and multiculturalists like Juncker face their own reckoning with voters. Britain wont be the last country to opt out of the EU and its slow economic and cultural euthanasia at the hands of central planners and Islamists. The outlier of consequence is of course China, which is almost as upset as the mainstream media about Trumps election. A Chinese government mouthpiece threatened U.S. universities with the withdrawal of Chinese students and also said Silicon Valley companies like Apple and other giant corporations would suffer if the trade status quo were altereda radical overestimation of the debt Trump owes to academia, tech, and Wall Street, which is precisely zero. Regardless, the Pacific still became instantly safer when Trumps victory was sealed. Trumps election means that Washington finally rejects the myth that trade will tame Chinas communist regime. Resolve can be contagious, especially when its demonstrated by the president of the United States. Trumps election indicates that America and our allies will expend more on defense and dispense with dangerous wishful thinking about China, its aggression, and its military buildup. The situation is similar to when Ronald Reagan won the presidency. His election also made the world safer before he did anything in office, with a concerned Iran releasing the American diplomats it held hostage on Reagans first day in office. His approach to the Soviet Union, which involved a similar mix of clarity and resolve, resulted in one of the most peaceful decades for America in history and ultimate victory in the Cold War. No, Donald Trump wont really be a candidate for the Nobel Prize any more than Reagan was. But both men did more for peace and prosperity in the days after their elections than Obama did in eight lousy years. There ought to be a prize for that. A leading Republican voice on national security matters has declared as "unacceptable" any attempt by the incoming Trump administration to reset relations with Russia. In a statement issued Tuesday, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said the price of starting anew with Moscow would be U.S. complicity in the "butchery of the Syrian people" being carried out by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Assad. "That is an unacceptable price for a great nation," McCain said. "When America has been at its greatest, it is when we have stood on the side of those fighting tyranny. That is where we must stand again." McCain, the Armed Services Committee chairman, dismissed Putin as a former KGB agent who has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political rivals and threatened U.S. allies. President-elect Donald Trump and Putin spoke by telephone Monday to discuss future efforts to improve U.S.-Russian ties. Trump's office said in a statement that he is looking forward to having a "strong and enduring relationship with Russia." Trump spoke favorably of Putin during the presidential campaign, but he outlined few specifics as to how he would go about recalibrating ties with Russia that had become badly frayed during Barack Obama's presidency. "The Obama administration's last attempt at resetting relations with Russia culminated in Putin's invasion of Ukraine and military intervention in the Middle East," McCain said. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected claims of interference in the U.S. election. Russia's state-controlled media, however, made no secret of their sympathy for Trump. McCain offered Trump only lukewarm support during the campaign and earlier this year backed former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney's broadside against the real estate mogul. Romney warned that if the GOP chose Trump, "the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished." In a statement following Romney's speech, McCain said Republicans should "think long and hard about who they want to be our next commander in chief and leader of the free world." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a foreign policy hawk and close friend of McCain's, said Tuesday he plans to hold hearings on "Russia's misadventures throughout the world." Among the areas he wants to examine is whether Russia had a role in the hacking of Democratic Party organizations before the election. "When it comes to all things Russia, I am going to be hard ass," said Graham, who chairs the Senate subcommittee that controls foreign aid spending. Republicans can't "sit on the sidelines" and let allegations that a foreign government interfered in a U.S. election go unanswered because it may have been temporarily beneficial to the GOP's cause, he said. "This is a defining moment for the country," Graham said. "I want a good relationship with Russia, but things have to substantially change." Lawmakers in the House are expected to overwhelmingly pass new legislation on Wednesday that would prohibit the Obama administration from facilitating the sale of U.S. aircraft to Iran, according to senior congressional sources who told the Washington Free Beacon that Iran is likely to use American-made planes to rebuild its aging air force. The legislation is viewed as an early test for the incoming Trump administration, which has broadly opposed last years comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran and intimated that it would be more confrontational with the Islamic Republic. Senior congressional sources told the Free Beacon that House leaders scheduled the vote on this bill immediately following the election to signal that lawmakers are frustrated with the Obama administrations ongoing diplomacy with Tehran. If approved, the new bill would bar the Obama administration from granting legal exemptions to corporations such as Boeing, which is working to finalize a multi-billion dollar landmark deal with Iran. The Obama administration has already vowed to veto the legislation. The American people gave us a mandate to fight radical Islamic terrorism. Preventing aircraft sales to the worlds leading terror state is a pretty good start, said one senior GOP aide familiar with the legislation. Clearly this is a top priority for House Republicanswe are making this the first bill we put on the floor after the election. The Boeing-Iran sale is a great opportunity for President-elect Trump to claim an early national security win. Click for more from The Washington Free Beacon. Retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., introduced long-shot legislation Tuesday to scrap the Electoral College, in the latest protest from Democrats following last week's election where Hillary Clinton appeared to win the popular vote despite losing to Donald Trump. Trump, as with all presidential election victors, won the election because he garnered the most Electoral College votes. But he likely will be the fifth president in American history to do so while losing the popular vote. The last president to win the presidency in such a manner was President George W. Bush, who beat Democrat Al Gore in 2000 despite Gore gaining more overall votes. This is the only office in the land where you can get more votes and still lose the presidency. The Electoral College is an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately, Boxer said in a statement. The legislation is almost certainly doomed in a Republican-dominated Congress. In the unlikely event it passed, the measure would still require ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years of passage, as it would seek to amend the Constitution. Boxer noted that in 2012, Trump had tweeted his dislike of the Electoral College. Trump said in a "60 Minutes" interview that aired Sunday that he would be fine seeing the college replaced by a vote that favors simple votes. He later tweeted that if that were the case, he would have campaigned differently and still beaten Clinton. He also called the Electoral College genius. If the election were based on total popular vote I would have campaigned in N.Y. Florida and California and won even bigger and more easily Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 The Los Angeles Times notes that Boxer has co-sponsored bills to abolish the Electoral College before, and none have been considered by Congress. Lobbyists are being purged from official roles in President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, sources told Fox News late Tuesday. The move to get rid of lobbyists in key roles was one of the first decisions made by Vice President-elect Mike Pence in his role overseeing the construction of a Trump administration. One source said the decision to remove the lobbyists "makes good on [Trump's] vision of how he wants his government constructed." Tuesday evening, Pence formally signed a memorandum of understanding putting him in charge of the transition team. A similar document had been signed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. TRUMP COMPLETES FIRST INTEL BRIEFING AS PRESIDENT-ELECT The switch slowed Trump's ability to coordinate the transfer of power with the Obama administration. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine told the Associated Press the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. Pence ignored questions from reporters Tuesday, both as he entered Trump Tower with a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. A person familiar with the transition efforts told AP different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." "That organization right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. The group organized by Christie had featured a litany of lobbyists, former bureaucrats, academics and corporate lawyers. That caused consternation from Trump, who won cheers on the campaign trail for his repeated promises to "drain the swamp" in Washington. It had also drawn the attention of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who repeatedly attacked Trump during the campaign on behalf of his opponent, Hillary Clinton. On Tuesday, Warren called on Trump to replace more than 20 members of his transition team with ties to Wall Street firms and other corporations. "If you refuse," Warren wrote, "I will oppose you, every step of the way, for the next four years. I will champion the millions of Americans you will fail to protect. I will track your every move, and I will remind Americans, every day, of the actions you take that fail them." Among those who departed Trump's transition team Tuesday was former Rep. Mike Rogers, a Christie recruit and a respected Republican voice on national security issues. The Wall Street Journal reported that Frank Gaffney, a former defense official in the Reagan administration, had been brought in to assist on national security issues, along with Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. PLANNED PARENTHOOD AFFILIATE FUELING PROTESTS? Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trump's team on Twitter, calling them "angry, arrogant." Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trump's team, he had "changed my recommendation." Trump's transition team was also reviewing secretary of state candidate Rudy Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. A short time later a tweet appeared on Trump's account: "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Fox News' Nick Kalman and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. Senate Democrats as expected selected New York Sen. Chuck Schumer on Wednesday to replace retiring Sen. Harry Reid as their leader, while Republicans tapped Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell for a second term as Senate majority leader. Schumer, who until Wednesday was the third-ranking Senate Democrat, secured the top position with little opposition after Reid, D-Nevada, announced his retirement this summer. And he managed to hold onto the post, despite Democrats boasting for years about retaking control of the Senate in 2016, only to gain two seats and fall short of winning a majority. I am humbled and honored by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me, Schumer said after the balloting. I am going to wake up every single day focused on how Senate Democrats can effectively fight for Americas middle class and those struggling to make it. The palace intrigue about Capitol Hill leadership posts now focuses on whether California Rep. Nancy Pelosi will remain as the top House Democrat, a position shes had since 2002. House Democrats on Tuesday delayed leadership votes scheduled for Thursday, saying they needed to time to sort out their legislative agenda after a similarly lackluster performance on Election Day. However, they privately acknowledged a need to rethink Pelosis leadership, considering she vowed that Democrats would retake control of the House, lost in the 2010 wave election. Pelosi on Wednesday formally announced her bid. And in an apparent effort to try to solidify her standing as Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan and other rank-and-file Democrats consider a challenge, Pelosi said she was pleased to report the support of more than two-thirds of the caucus. The House Democratic leadership vote is now scheduled for Nov. 30. On Tuesday, House Republicans re-nominated Rep. Paul Ryan for House speaker, despite some earlier rumblings from the chambers most conservative caucus about ousting Ryan after he further distanced himself from Donald Trump in the closing weeks of the fellow Republicans successful White House bid. The final vote for House speaker will be on Jan. 3, with members of both parties voting on the House floor. Schumer, 65, has a history of being a savvy partisan combatant willing to strike compromises, such as on a 2013 bipartisan immigration overhaul that ended up dying. He vaulted past No. 2 Senate Democratic leader Dick Durbin of Illinois and will lead Democrats' last line of defense against the Trump White House and GOP-controlled House. Durbin was reelected to his post, minority whip. And Washington Sen. Patty Murray was elected as assistant Democratic leader, which now makes her the chambers third-highest-ranking Democrat. (The position when held by Schumer was titled vice chairman of the Democratic Conference.) Senate Democrats -- outnumbered 52-48, including two independents who back Democrats -- could prevent McConnell from getting the 60 votes he'll need on some important issues. Schumer has said he'll seek opportunities to work with Republican President-elect Donald Trump but will face pressure from disappointed Democratic activists to adopt a hard line. He expanded his leadership team to include West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin; Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent. Like Schumer, Sanders and Warren are progressives. Sanders votes with Democrats and ran in the 2016 White House race as a Democrat. It's unclear how Schumer will balance the demands of Warren and Sanders against red-state senators facing re-election in 2018 and needing protection from politically damaging votes. McConnell, 74, was Senate minority leader for eight years before the GOP took control of the chamber for 2015 and 2016. He's pushed a conservative agenda while cutting budget deals with the Obama administration, and boldly refused to let the Senate consider Obama's nomination of federal judge Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy that occurred last February. That move paid dividends when Trump was elected. McConnell opened the Senate's first session of the lame-duck Congress calling for unity. "We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first," said McConnell, who early in Barack Obama's presidency said his goal was to limit him to one term. His entire leadership team also was reelected Wednesday. Texas Sen. John Cornyn remains as Senate Republican whip; South Dakota Sen. John Thune is Senate Republican Conference chairman; Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso is Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman and Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt is Senate Republican Conference vice chairman. The only change is the addition of Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman. Its an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader, McConnell said. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for. Ryan will need 218 votes -- a majority -- to be approved when the full, new House convenes in January. With the GOP on target to have 241 seats next year, Ryan can afford just 23 defectors, but many Republicans expect Ryan to be safe in the GOP afterglow of Trump's win. Aiding Ryan is support from Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, which Ryan and others underscored to Republican lawmakers before they voted. Fox News Kara Rowland and The Associated Press contributed to this report. An Iowa lawmaker is looking to slash funding for public colleges spending money on grief counseling and other kid-glove treatment for students upset over last weeks presidential election results -- telling snowflakes everywhere: Suck it up, buttercup. Since Donald Trumps upset victory last Tuesday, colleges across the country have brought in therapy dogs, canceled exams and held cry-ins on campus. But Republican state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann says he will introduce a suck it up, buttercup bill in January when the Iowa State Legislature resumes, in a bid to fight back against campus coddling. The bill would hit taxpayer-funded state universities with a budget cut for double the amount they spend on such election-related activities. Kaufmann emphasized that existing therapy and mental health services are not being targeted. I saw schools with rising, skyrocketing tuition costs where they are also finding money and expenditures for things such as cry rooms. I heard reports of rooms where you can play with Play-Doh, where you can color on books and talk about your feelings, and I was hearing reports of some schools that were bringing in ponies to be able get students through the election, he told "Fox & Friends" on Wednesday. After receiving hundreds of emails of support from across the country, Kaufmann also has set up a website where supporters can "Adopt a Trump protester" and get a "suck it up, buttercup" hat for $17.76. He says he hopes other states pursue similar legislation. "I believe I'm the first," he told FoxNews.com, when asked if other lawmakers were following his example. "I wanted to fire a political warning shot." The kind of creative counseling that concerns him extends well beyond Iowa campuses. Kaufmann isn't the only one worried about the post-election feel-gooderies either. The University of Michigan law school canceled a Post-Election Self-Care with Food and Play event this week after inevitable Internet ridicule. The event offered students the chance to work out their Trump anxiety with stress-busting self-care activities including coloring, blowing bubbles, sculpting with Play-Doh and positive card making. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CANCELS PLAN TO HELP STUDENTS 'COPE' WITH TRUMP But Kaufmann says thats a waste of money, and can actually hurt students as it doesn't prepare them for the real world. And in life, when your car breaks down, your kids get sick or you have to take a second job to pay your mortgage, you dont get to go to a cry zone, you dont get to pet a pony, you have to deal with it, he said. However, at least one state university has pushed back against the bill, saying its important for students to be able to express themselves about election results I think universities are the perfect place to have these types of conversations, Scott Ketelsen, director of university relations at the University of Northern Iowa, told the Des Moines Register. Its where people learn. Its where they share ideas. I dont consider it coddling. The bill also establishes new criminal penalties for protesters who shut down highways. Kaufmann cited a recent anti-Trump protest that shut down a highway in Iowa City. I encourage protest, I encourage dissent. But you dont have a constitutional right to block the constitutional rights of others, he told "Fox & Friends." Some lawmakers in other states have taken the opposite approach. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called on Monday for more disruption in the city, which has seen some of the highest-profile protests since Trump was elected. We have to recognize that all over this country, the more disruption thats caused peacefully the more it will change the trajectory of things, he said in a radio interview on Monday. FoxNews.com's Adam Shaw contributed to this report. If President-elect Donald Trump wants to fulfill his campaign promise of stemming the flow of drugs coming across the United States border with Mexico, he may want to start by looking at China. Manufacturers and organized crime groups in the worlds most populous country are responsible for the majority of fentanyl -- the synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin -- that ends up in the U.S. and the majority of precursor chemicals used by Mexican drug cartels to make methamphetamine, according to numerous published U.S. government reports. The Mexican cartels are buying large quantities of fentanyl from China, Barbara Carreno, a spokesperson with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), told FoxNews.com. Its much easier to produce than waiting around to grow poppies for heroin and its incredibly profitable. The DEA estimates that a kilogram of fentanyl, which sells for between $2,500 and $5,000 in China, can be sold to wholesale drug dealers in the U.S. for as much as $1.5 million and that the demand for the drug due to the prescription opioid crisis in places like New England and the Midwest have kept the prices high. What is fentanyl Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, 50 times more potent than heroin, that's responsible for a recent surge in overdose deaths in some parts of the country. It also has legitimate medical uses. Doctors prescribe fentanyl for cancer patients with tolerance to other narcotics, because of the risk of abuse, overdose and addiction, the Food and Drug Administration imposes tight restrictions on fentanyl; it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. The DEA issued a nationwide alert about fentanyl overdose in March 2015. More than 700 fentanyl-related overdose deaths were reported to the DEA in late 2013 and 2014. Since many coroners and state crime labs don't routinely test for fentanyl, the actual number of overdoses is probably much higher. Trump, along with numerous other presidential hopefuls, promised while on the stump in states hard-hit by drug addiction to quickly tackle the widespread use of drugs like fentanyl and heroin. While heroin addiction has been a concern for decades, in recent years the number of users of heroin and fentanyl -- and its more potent derivatives like carfentanil -- has skyrocketed as the government clamps down on the abuse of prescription opioids like OxyContin and Percocet. "We're going to build that wall and we're going to stop that heroin from pouring in and we're going to stop the poison of the youth," Trump said during a September campaign stop in New Hampshire. The problem with cracking down on fentanyl and its derivatives is that while these substances may be banned in the U.S., they may not be illegal in their country of origin. China, for example, only last year added 116 synthetic drugs to its controlled substances list, but failed to include carfentanil a drug that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and has been researched as a chemical weapon by the U.S., U.K., Russia, Israel, China, the Czech Republic and India. It can kill you if just a few grains gets absorbed through the skin, Carreno said. While Mexican cartels obtain these substances in large quantities through the murky backwaters of the Chinese black market, anybody with a credit card and Internet access can call one of the numerous companies in Chinas freewheeling pharmaceutical industry that manufactures fentanyl and its more potent cousins. Earlier this year, The Associated Press found at least 12 Chinese businesses that said they would export carfentanil to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium and Australia for as little as $2,750 a kilogram. Besides synthetic opioids, Chinese companies are also producing massive amounts of the precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine. As the methamphetamine industry evolved over the last decade or so from small, homegrown operations in the U.S. to the super-labs run by Mexican cartels, cooks and producers of the drug have begun to rely more and more on China for their ingredients. Mexico now supplies 90 percent of the methamphetamine found in the U.S., and 80 percent of precursor chemicals used in Mexican meth come from China, according to a study by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. China is the major source for precursor chemicals going to Mexico, David Shirk, a global fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, told FoxNews.com. The problem is finding who the connection is between organized crime groups in China and organized crime groups in Mexico. Shirk added that law enforcement and drug war experts generally have a good picture of the major players in Mexican organized crime, but the Chinese underworld is less well mapped and it is more difficult to pin down the major players in the drug trade there. Despite U.S. efforts to crackdown on both the fentanyl and methamphetamine trades, U.S. government officials acknowledge that much of the onus lies with the Chinese. Chinese state officials take allegations of drug-related corruption seriously, launching investigations when deemed appropriate, but a U.S. State Department report found that drug-related corruption among local and lower-level government officials continues to be a concern. When he takes office in January, Trump has a few things working in his favor in respect to combatting the drug trade. One is the continued fracturing of some of Mexicos largest and most powerful drug cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel, for example, was seen for years as an impenetrable drug organization until cracks began to appear in its armor following the re-arrest earlier this year of its leader, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and the power struggle that ensued. When the violence goes up, business always goes down, Shirk said. Another factor that will help Trumps war on drugs is U.S. anti-drug officials claim that their work in collusion with their Chinese counterparts is already helping greatly. Six months after China added a slew of synthetic drugs to its controlled substances list, monthly seizures in the U.S. of acetylfentanyl -- a weak variant of fentanyl -- were down 60 percent, the DEA reported. Were continuing to work with the Chinese to see if they might control more of these substances, Carreno said. When they put controls on these substances it makes a huge difference. The worlds earliest-known stone inscription of the Ten Commandments is going up for auction in Beverly Hills Wednesday evening. The two-foot square marble slab, which is owned by the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn, New York, has an opening bid of $250,000. The auction of Bible-related artifacts begins at 9 p.m. ET. Bidders can also participate online. Inscribed in an early Hebrew script called Samaritan, the tablet likely adorned the entrance of a synagogue destroyed by the Romans between A.D. 400 and 600, or the Crusaders in the 11th century, according to auction house Heritage Auctions. CHRIST'S TOMB UNCOVERED: THIS IS WHAT EXPERTS DISCOVERED The tablet is inscribed with 20 lines of Samaritan letters. Based on the letter forms, experts think that the stone was probably carved in the late Roman or Byzantine era between A.D. 300 and 500. David Michaels, Director of Antiquities for Heritage Auctions describes the artifact as a remarkable piece of Biblical history in a statement. There is nothing more fundamental to our shared heritage than the 10 Commandments, he said. Potential bidders are required to place the tablet on public exhibition, as stipulated by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which has designated the artifact a National Treasure of Israel. 3,800-YEAR-OLD 'TABLEAU' OF EGYPTIAN BOATS DISCOVERED "We seek either an institutional buyer or a private one who will agree to exhibit the 10 Commandments Stone so that all can see, enjoy and learn from it," said Michaels, in the statement. Weighing about 200 pounds, the stone was first uncovered in 1913 during excavations for a railroad station near Yavneh in western Israel, and was used as flooring in a private owners courtyard. The tablet was acquired by Y.Kaplan who brought in experts to study it. Antiquities Dealer Robert Deutsch bought in the artifact in the 1990s and Rabbi Saul Deutsch obtained it for his Living Torah Museum in 2005. The magnitude-7.8 earthquake that rattled New Zealand early Monday morning local time (Sunday morning EST), killing at least two people and stranding many others in the region, also had a strange side effect: eerie blue and green flashes of light in the sky during the shaking. Only in recent years have seismologists taken reports of these so-called earthquake lights seriously. It turns out that researchers still don't fully understand the phenomenon, but they do have a few clues about where and why it occurs. The strange light shows which may appear as sizzling flames emanating from the ground, flashes of lightning, ghostly globes or blue and green shimmers usually occur at rifts where huge chunks of Earth are pulling away from each other, according to a 2014 study published in the journal Seismological Research Letters. [Elves, Sprites & Blue Jets: Earth's Weirdest Lightning] Also in 2014, researchers showed that shifting grains surrounding a fault may generate an electrical charge, though exactly why this happens is poorly understood. Unexplained phenomenon Observers have documented shimmering earthquake lights more than 60 times over the past several centuries. In 2009, for instance, before a major earthquake struck L'Aquila, Italy, bystanders reported what looked like flames sizzling from the sidewalk, and in Canada's Yukon Territory in the 1970s, ghostly green orbs that were floating in the sky were initially thought to be UFOs but were later determined to be tied to a nearby quake. But until recently, many researchers discounted these reports as hearsay. "Earthquake lights are totally underreported," Friedemann Freund, a crystallographer (someone who studies the atomic structure of materials) at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, and San Jose State University, previously told Live Science. "They are often things that happen within a fraction of a second." But with the widespread availability of smartphones, these strange events are now being documented more frequently. In 2014, Freund and his colleagues showed that 97 percent of earthquake lights documented since the 1600s occurred at faults that were within continental plates, rather than at subduction zones, where one plate is diving beneath another. They found that 85 percent of the incidents occurred where Earth buckles and creates a steep ravine or drop in the Earth. This fissure allows magmatic rocks that originate deep belowground to gradually migrate up toward the surface, where they discharge energy. Because of how the atoms in these rocks are organized, they may generate an electrical charge more easily, flow upward to the surface, ionize the air and generate the light show, the researchers speculated. In this scenario, earthquake lights may not even be tied to earthquakes. Changes in stress at a fault can occur either due to a catastrophic rupture or because of a slower release over days, and both forms could generate an electrical charge that ionizes the air, according to the research. "Crackpot physics" In a separate study detailed at the 2014 American Physical Society meeting in Denver, researchers filled Tupperware containers with mixtures of plastic discs, glass particles and powders, such as flour, and watched what happened as they stuck and slipped past one another. These mixtures were meant to mimic the way grains of Earth move in an earthquake zone. The researchers found that the mixtures reliably generated high voltages when tipped, even though they could not explain why. "Except for the fact that we cannot get these voltages to go away, I would call this 'crackpot physics,'" Troy Shinbrot, an applied physicist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, previously told Live Science. "And even as it is I wish I could hedge my bets, but the voltages are very repeatable, and we have so far failed to account for a spurious influence that might cause them." Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Just about everyone associates Bran Castle with Draculaexcept its owner. For Archduke Dominic Habsburg, the Romanian fortress is the former home of his grandparents, Queen Marie and King Ferdinand I, who made it "a happy place of light and flowers." Today, however, few know anything about the castle except that it served as inspiration for Dracula's lair in Bram Stoker's 1897 vampire tale and might've once held Vlad the Impaler. Habsburg, 79, who lives in New York, blames the Romanian government, reports the Wall Street Journal. After the fall of communism in 1989, the government played up the castle's links to Dracula to boost tourism and portrayed its former royal inhabitants "as the mean exploiters of the poor," Habsburg says. More from Newser In reality, the townspeople loved Queen Mariewho was Queen Victoria's granddaughterso much that they gave her the 14th-century fortress in 1920, Habsburg says. Since he and his sisters inherited the castle in 2006, they've tried to rid it of its sinister feel by adding furnishings and teaching visitors about its history as a royal residence. Soon, "the queen's tea house, where she used to receive international visitors," will become a restaurant, Habsburg says. Yet he knows Bran Castle's ties to Dracula aren't going anywhere. Most of the 800,000 tourists who visit the castle each yearand pass through a parking-lot souvenir area selling everything from plastic fangs to Dracula salad dressing"come for Dracula," he says, "but they leave with the queen." (The castle just hosted a Halloween sleepover.) This article originally appeared on Newser: It's Known as Dracula's Castle, to Its Owner's Dismay Need to get to London in less than four hours? Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson is one step to closer to bringing the next generation of Concorde-style jet engines to the masses-- or at least travelers who can afford a $5,000 ticket. On Tuesday, Branson and Denver-based Boom Technology unveiled a new prototype for a supersonic passenger jet that can take passengers from New York to London in just 3.5 hours, reports The Guardian. I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights, Branson said Tuesday at the prototype's unveiling ceremony. As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactics decision to work with Boom was an easy one. Were excited to have an option on Booms first 10 airframes. Through Virgin Galactics manufacturing arm, the Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions. SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT PROMISES TO FLY FROM NEW YORK TO LONDON IN 11 MINUTES Blake Scholl, Boom's founder and CEO (who happens to be a former pilot and Amazon.com executive) is ready to bring supersonic jet travel back into the mainstream. Test flights will begin next year in southern California, Scholl said, with plans to launch the first commercial departures in 2023. he also said he's confident that these flights will be different than the Concorde due to advances in technology and lighter materials. The company plans on fabricating the planes with lightweight carbon fiber composites-- which it says makes it a quieter and more fuel efficient jet. The XB-1, nicknamed the "Baby Boom," has a cruising speed of Mach 2.2-- 1,451 miles per hour-- which is 10 percent faster than the Concordes previous speed of Mach 2. It's also 2.6-times faster than the average commercial airliner. At $5,000, tickets on the Baby Boom jet would cost about the same as tickets in business class," Scholl says. I dont know a single person who wouldnt want to get there in half the time, rather than have some free champagne, he said. It wont be a bucket-list purchase any more. There is a huge market and the margins are enormous. 7 URBAN ADVENTURES FOR SERIOUS THRILL-SEEKERS The Baby Boom will have around 50 seats, whereas the Concorde had 92 to 128. Boom says it plans to initially fly from London to New York, San Francisco to Tokyo and Los Angeles to Sydney. The Concorde, a British-French supersonic jet operated commercially from 1976 to 2003. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The handgun used to wound an Anchorage police officer last weekend has been linked to five previously unsolved homicides this year in Alaska's largest city, police said Tuesday. Lt. John McKinnon, head of the city police's homicide division, said the Colt Python .357 revolver used by Ritchie was linked through ballistics to two double homicides and one other killing. "It is just heartbreaking," Anchorage Police Chief Chris Tolley told reporters. The gun was used by James Dale Ritchie, 40, early Saturday morning to ambush police officer Arn Salao, who was responding to a report that a man hadn't paid a cab fare. Even after he was shot repeatedly, Salao returned fire as he jumped out of his police cruiser. Sgt. Marc Patzke arrived at the same time and also shot at the suspect, Tolley said. Ritchie was killed in the exchange. McKinnon said the guns had been used in the July 3 shootings deaths of Jason Netter and Brianna Foisy, whose bodies were found on a trail near downtown Anchorage; in the July 29 death of Treyveonkindell Thompson, who was found on an isolated street, and the Aug. 28 deaths of Bryant De Husson and Kevin Turner, who were both shot in the Valley of the Moon Park near downtown Anchorage. Detectives continue to look into Ritchie's past, and McKinnon asked the public to provide any information they could about him. "He hadn't been on our radar for a while in Anchorage, so that's part of what they're trying to determine is, where he's been, whose he'd lived with, what other contacts he had," said Anchorage District Attorney Clint Campion. "He hasn't had any real police contact in the last decade in Alaska." Campion said the five homicide cases remain open because the link to the gun provides investigative leads that need to be pursued. He said Anchorage police would be working with various agencies in the state in the investigation. The gun was not registered to Ritchie, police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro said. "What I'd be looking at is to see what the evidence is and which way that points us," Campion said. "I think the firearm is a significant lead in that direction, and there's other investigation that need to be done." Tolley said actions of Salao and Patzke in returning fire at Ritchie were heroic and "made sure that this individual will not hurt any one of you or any one of the citizens of Anchorage. I'm so very, very proud of them." Salao was hit at least four times in the lower part of his body, with bullets fracturing bones, ripping apart muscles and going through the intestine and lodging in his liver, Tolley said. He underwent seven hours of surgery on Saturday. Tolley said the officer is recuperating at an Anchorage hospital, and has been moved out of the intensive care unit. "The officer is a fighter," Tolley said, adding Salao is determined to live. Salao has been a patrol officer since joining the force in October 2011. Patzke has been with the force since November 2007. ___ Associated Press reporter Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 A florist who was sued for refusing to provide services for a same sex-wedding says she was exercising her First Amendment rights, but Washington state Supreme Court justices repeatedly questioned Tuesday whether ruling in her favor would mean other businesses could turn away customers based on racial or other grounds. The court heard arguments in the closely watched case against Barronelle Stutzman, a 71-year-old florist in Richland, Washington, who was fined by a lower court for denying service to a gay couple in 2013. Stutzman had previously sold the couple flowers and knew they were gay, but told them she couldn't provide flowers for their wedding because same-sex marriage was incompatible with her Christian beliefs. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the couple sued her, saying she broke state anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws, and the lower court agreed. It's one of several lawsuits around the country including some involving bakers and wedding photographers about whether businesses can refuse to provide services involving causes they disagree with, or whether they must serve everyone equally. "A Muslim graphics designer should not be compelled to create designs promoting a Jewish Friends of Israel group, a gay public relations manager shouldn't be forced to promote the Westboro Baptist Church, and a Christian floral designer shouldn't be forced to create custom wedding designs for a wedding that is not between one man and one woman," Stutzman's attorney, Kristin Waggoner, told the court. Waggoner immediately ran into questions. Justice Susan Owens brought up the state's first and only black justice, the recently deceased Charles Z. Smith, who had to stay in separate hotels from other attorneys when he traveled the country while working for the Justice Department in the 1960s. "How is this different?" Owens asked. "Because I'm sure some of the owners of those hotels would profess they had strongly held religious beliefs that prohibited racial integration." For one thing, Waggoner responded, renting out a hotel room isn't a form of artistic expression or speech deserving of protection. Stutzman's floral arrangements do constitute expression protected by the Constitution, the lawyer said, and the government can't compel that expression. "If we even get to the point where we might acknowledge that making floral arrangements is freedom of expression, what's the limiting principle?" asked Justice Mary Yu. "Is it the landscape architect next? Is it the bartender?" Justice Steven Gonzalez wanted to know why a business could refuse a gay couple but not an interracial couple. Waggoner suggested that her client's objections were based on a message her opposition to same-sex marriage rather than about targeting people for who they are, as the "unique evils of racial segregation" did. Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud interrupted: "So racial discrimination would be based on a bad religious belief, according to you, but this discrimination would not be based on a bad religious belief. Doesn't that task the courts with what's a good religious belief and what's a bad religious belief?" Waggoner said it doesn't. "The context of marriage is very different," she said, noting that millions of people believe marriage should be between one man and one woman, and those beliefs aren't necessarily rooted in religion. Michael Scott, a Seattle attorney who worked with the American Civil Liberties Union to represent Robert Ingersoll and Curt Freed the couple denied the flowers said he didn't believe Stutzman's floral creations constituted speech. By providing flowers for a same-sex marriage, he argued, "she's not endorsing same-sex marriage. She's selling what she sells." Ferguson said the state's argument rests on longstanding principle, and uprooting it would severely weaken antidiscrimination law. "'No shoes, no shirt, no service'; 'We do not use profanity in our messages' a business can absolutely have policies in place about the services they provide, as long as they apply that policy equally and not discriminate or refuse service or say, 'We do not serve your kind,'" Ferguson said. After the arguments, held in a packed theater at Bellevue College, a large crowd of Stutzman's supporters greeted her outside, chanting her name and waving signs with pictures of roses that said "Justice For Barronelle." She told them she still feels fondly for Ingersoll, her old customer. "To me, marriage is a very sacred event," she said. "The government is asking me to choose between my affection for Rob and my faith." ___ Follow Gene Johnson at https://twitter.com/GeneAPseattle A former Southern California doctor who faked his own death and hid overseas for 14 years has pleaded guilty to unlawfully fleeing prosecution. City News Service says Tigran Svadjian (Tee-GRAHN' SVAHD'-jee-ahn) entered a federal plea Tuesday and could face up to five years in prison. Prosecutors say the Newport Beach physician faked his death in Russia in 2002 while facing charges that he bilked California's Medi-Cal program out of nearly $2.5 million through phony billings. He hid in Russia and in Egypt, where he was arrested this July. Most recently, he had worked as a part-time scuba instructor. A California man with a history of weapons arrests was free on bail when prosecutors say he shot and killed a sheriff's deputy last weekend in the line of duty, according to charges filed Tuesday. David Machado, 37, pleaded not guilty to gunning down Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Dennis Wallace on Sunday near Modesto, then stealing a car to drive 150 miles to a small town where he was arrested after trying to steal a woman's purse. He is charged with the deputy's first-degree murder, making him eligible for a death sentence. The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, however, has not said what punishment it intends to seek. Machado on Tuesday made his first appearance in a Modesto courtroom to hear the charges that also include first-degree robbery, carjacking and being a felon in possession of a gun. He had been convicted in 2009 of a felony for possessing a dangerous weapon, the complaint said, without specifying the type of weapon. More recently, he posted bail after being arrested in August and charged with being the felon in possession of a firearm. Machado failed to appear for trial Oct. 31, said Chief Deputy District Attorney John Goold. Wallace was killed two weeks later. Goold declined to comment on the circumstances of Machado's arrest in August, and the prosecutor said he did not know the bail amount. On Sunday morning, Wallace, a 20-year veteran of the sheriff's department, came upon a parked van and reported it to dispatchers. It came back as stolen, so Wallace requested backup. Fellow deputies found Wallace shot twice in the head. Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson has called the deputy's killing an "execution." Machado was arrested four hours later in the small Central California town of Lindsay, after a woman fought him off in an attempted purse-snatching and called for help, authorities have said. Machado remains in jail on the murder charge with no possibility of release on bail. The Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office, which represents Machado, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press. Police say one person has been shot at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. The police department's Twitter account confirmed the incident. Officer Megan Morgan said there was a shooting at the airport Tuesday afternoon, but had no other details. Police asked people to avoid the airport, which is in southwest Oklahoma City. The Afghan immigrant accused of setting off bombs in New York City and New Jersey this past September was indicted Wednesday on multiple charges in connection with the case. Ahmed Khan Rahimi, 28, faces eight counts in the Sept. 17 attacks, which included a bomb blast that injured 30 people in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. EXCLUSIVE: FEDERAL COMPLAINT AGAINST BOMBING SUSPECT OMITS JOURNAL'S ISIS REFERENCES A pipe bomb was also detonated along the rounte of a Marine Corps Charity race in Seaside Park, N.J. Rahimi was arrested two days later in Linden, N.J., after a police shootout. After Rahimi's arrest, authorities recovered a handwritten journal containing praise for ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, former Al Qaeda leaders Usama bin Laden and Anwar al-Awlaki, and Nidal Hassan, who shot and killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas in 2009. Rahimi remained in New Jersey recovering from gunshot wounds until last week, when he made an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. His lawyer, David Patton, said then that Rahimi would plead not guilty when indicted. NY, NJ BOMBING SUSPECT FACES JUDGE; LAWYER SAYS HE'LL PLEAD NOT GUILTY Rahimi previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of attempted murder of a police officer and weapons offenses in connection to the shootout in which he was captured. Rahimi faces life in prison if convicted on the most serious charge of using a weapon of mass destruction. He was scheduled to be arraigned at the federal court in New York Thursday afternoon. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An activist who was pushed down a flight of stairs during an anti-Donald Trump rally on Monday at Ohio State University says he hopes the charge against his assailant is dropped. A video went viral showing 24-year-old OSU student Shane Stanton pushing Tim Adams during the anti-Trump rally. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Stanton has Asperger's syndrome, which was suggested following the viral video. Stanton's father confirmed Tuesday that his son does have the condition. Asperger's is a form of autism that often consists of difficulty with social interaction and impulse control. Stanton was charged with misdemeanor assault. The Columbus Dispatch reported the student was released from jail after a $2,500 bond was posted. OSU police haven't said whether the charge will be dropped. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click here for more from the Columbus Dispatch. Investigators on Wednesday reportedly found the body of a 26-year-old man from Connecticut who partied at a luxury apartment in New York City over the weekend -- then vanished. The remains of Joseph "Joey" Comunale, from Stamford, turned up in a shallow grave in a wooded area near the Jersey Shore, sources told the New York Daily News. Earlier, investigators found a garbage bag filled with blood-stained clothes apparently belonging to Comunale near the Manhattan apartment, sources told the New York Post. Police found bloody sheets as well, the Daily News added. MISSING UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND STUDENT SPOTTED ALONE, BOARDING BUS The unidentified host of the party also asked a worker how long the building kept surveillance video before erasing it, sources told the Daily News. Surveillance footage showed Comunale entering the Grand Sutton tower near the corner of East 59th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, after attending the Saturday night party. MAN ARRESTED IN DEATH OF BOY FOUND DISMEMBERED IN CHICAGO After the party, the host asked for a luggage cart -- which later turned up also stained with blood, the Daily News added, reporting that the party's guests were Comunale, two men from New Jersey and three women. A man identifying himself as Comunale's father told the Post he was working with police to track down his son, who worked in sales for a security firm. Joey Comunale was visiting the son of a popular jeweler who lived in the apartment building, the newspaper added. Friends told WNBC-TV that Comunale wasn't the type to get into trouble. Police sent out search dogs in an attempt to locate Comunale on Tuesday night. A resident of the apartment where Comunale was last seen was taken into custody Monday on an unrelated charge. Click for more from the New York Post. The Associated Press contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 A fundraising campaign to help save Benjamin Franklin's damaged gravestone is no longer livin' on a prayer. Rocker Jon bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea, on Tuesday donated $5,000 to the Christ Church Preservation Trust to quickly push it past its $10,000 goal. The marble ledger tablet marking Franklin's grave at Philadelphia's Christ Church Burial Ground has developed a significant crack on top of the pitting caused by the ritual of tossing pennies onto Franklin's grave. Thousands of coins are thrown onto the marker each year in a tribute to Franklin's adage, "a penny saved, is a penny earned." Franklin, who died in 1790, is one of seven signers of the Declaration of Independence buried across from Independence Mall. The trust received grants to cover most of the restoration costs. ___ Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com The Utah teenager suspected of stabbing five high school classmates in a boys' locker room before turning the knife on himself Tuesday was a straight-A student with no record of disciplinary trouble, police said. The 16-year-old suspect, a sophomore in his first year at Orem's Mountain View High School after being home-schooled, also stabbed himself in the neck. He was cornered Tuesday by school workers until a police officer assigned to the school got to the locker room and subdued him with a Taser shot. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT BUYS NEW SHOES FOR BULLIED CLASSMATE Police said it appeared the victims weren't singled out for any reason other than being nearby when the attack started. School district spokeswoman Kimberly Bird said there were no indications the suspect was having problems or being bullied, she said. Officials did not identify the suspect by name because of his age. Junior Karen Martinez was arriving for her first class when she saw three boys run from a locker room toward the school's central office, one with a head wound and another with a neck injury. One had blood running down the back of his shirt. STUDENTS ACROSS USA STAGE MASS WALKOUTS IN PROTEST OF TRUMP "It was awful," said Martinez, her eyes filled with tears. "It was so terrifying. I didn't know any of the kids but still it was like an awful feeling to see all those kids getting hurt." The five other boys, who were changing into gym clothes at the time, were all expected to survive, hospital officials said. The two most seriously injured were in critical but stable condition and two others were in fair condition, Utah Valley Hospital told Fox 13. The attack spread fear and panic among students who described a gruesome scene immediately after the stabbings. Police said the knife used in the attack had a 3-inch blade. Orem police posted a letter online they said was from the parents of the teen, apologizing. They said none of the victims had done anything to hurt their son and the stabbings were not racially or ethnically motivated. "We are at a loss to express how deeply sorry we are for the pain and injury caused," the letter stated. Investigators were talking to students who witnessed the attack and who knew the suspect as they tried to determine a motive, said Gary Giles, the police chief in the city of Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. "Is it a fight? Is it somebody who is upset with somebody? Is there more to it than that?" Giles said. "I don't have those answers." Student Paxton Ransom was in the locker room when it happened. He said he saw blood on the floor and thought it was fake until he looked around the corner and saw someone on the ground who had been stabbed. He ran away and hid with other students in the school's weight room, texting his mother, "There's been a stabbing but I'm ok." She joined hundreds of parents who rushed to the school to find out whether their children were safe, letting him go back to classes after giving him a hug. The school, with 1,300 students, was put on lockdown after the stabbings for about an hour until police determined there was no danger for students. Some parents took their children home and others allowed them to finish the school day. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's children attended the school years ago, and he tweeted, "It's a community close to our hearts. My prayers are with the students and staff." The school bans weapons but doesn't have metal detectors or other security procedures to check students each day, she said. It's unlikely they'll implement any of those now, either, because they don't want to make the school feel like a prison, Bird said. Click for more from Fox 13. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A special prosecutor says a grand jury has been impaneled to hear evidence into a possible cover-up by Chicago police officers in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. Patricia Brown Holmes on Wednesday told Chief Criminal Court Judge LeRoy K. Martin Jr. the special grand jury will begin issuing subpoenas over the next 30 to 45 days. She did not say if the jurors have already heard any evidence. Martin named Holmes to look into whether officers lied to justify the October 2014 shooting of the 17-year-old McDonald. Video released last year showed officer Jason Van Dyke shooting McDonald 16 times. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty to murder. No other officers have been charged in the incident that prompted numerous protests after video of the shooting was made public. The National Rifle Association tried to set a world record Monday for the number of people firing two rounds at the same time -- but they claimed the Guinness World Records committee shot it down. NRA spokesman Jason Brown said Guinness World Records emailed him to say the organization did not have such a record -- and had no plans to create it. Still, he told USA Today it wasn't too big a deal, saying the NRA was the ultimate authority on gun-related record-keeping. MISSOURI JOINS STATES ALLOWING CONCEALED CARRY WITHOUT PERMIT Theres something that just seems right about making history today, NRA board member Pete Brownell said at the special event in Phoenix, called the 1000 Man Shoot. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder outdoors at a shooting facility, 1,000 men and women stood ready, aimed and fired. Two minutes later, they fired again to a big cheer, the activists said. Guinness World Records did not give a public response. The organization has certified some gun-related records in the past, including "largest gun mounted on a ship" and "fastest rate of fire in a submachine gun (prototype)." "To fire for our Second Amendments rights, you can't explain a better feeling," Melissa Howe, who traveled to the event from West Virginia, told KPNX. The president of the company that supplied the guns said he expected the event would raise $1 million for the NRA. A judge has ruled a hearing over whether Dylann Roof is competent to stand trial for the killings of nine black people in a Charleston church will happen behind closed doors. Judge Richard Gergel issued an order Wednesday saying he had to keep the public out of the hearing to protect Roof's right to a fair trial. Gergel says there will be interviews with Roof and evidence presented at the hearing that he is still deciding on whether to allow at the death penalty trial. Prosecutors and several media organizations want to keep the hearing open. They can argue against Gergel's order Thursday. Gergel says the competency hearing will be Monday. Jury selection is tentatively scheduled to start on Nov. 28 if Roof is found competent. A judge says the jury hearing the murder case of former New Orleans Saints player Will Smith will be sequestered during the upcoming trial. Local media outlets report Judge Camille Buras also decided Wednesday to move the start of jury selection back four days, to Dec. 5. Prosecutors have charged Cardell Hayes in Smith's April 9 death. They had asked the judge to limit the jury's exposure to outside influences, citing national media coverage. Hayes' attorney argued against sequestration, saying it would be difficult for lower-income jurors who might have to pay for things like care for children or older relatives. The judge cited juror safety, trial integrity and the need to "minimize pressure" on the panel in making her decision. The Latest on the sentencings of the final three of nine Minnesota men convicted of plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group. (all times local): 3:30 p.m. A federal judge has handed down a 35-year prison term for the last of nine Minnesota men sentenced for plotting to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State group. U.S. District Judge Michael Davis told 22-year-old Guled Omar he didn't believe his tearful apologies. However, the 35-year sentence was less than the 40 years prosecutors sought. Two other members of what Davis calls a "terrorist cell" were sentenced earlier Wednesday to 30 years in prison apiece. A jury convicted all three in June of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to commit murder outside the U.S. Six other defendants, who pleaded guilty, were sentenced Monday and Tuesday to terms ranging from time served to 15 years, with long terms of supervised release. ___ 3 p.m. A judge has sentenced two Minnesota men to 30 years in prison apiece for their roles in a plot to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State group. The sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael Davis on Wednesday match what federal prosecutors were seeking for 22-year-old Mohamed Farah and 22-year-old Abdirahman Daud. The sentencing hearing is underway for the last of the nine Minnesota men convicted in the case. Prosecutors are seeking 40 years for Guled Omar, who was a leader of a group that the judge has deemed a "terrorist cell." Sentences handed down Monday and Tuesday for other six defendants, who pleaded guilty instead of going to trial, ranged from time served to 15 years, with long terms of supervised release for all. ___ 6:45 a.m. Sentencing hearings are wrapping up for nine men convicted of plotting to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group. The final three defendants Guled Omar, Mohamed Farah and Abdirahman Daud will be sentenced Wednesday. Prosecutors say the 22-year-old men are part of a group of friends in Minnesota's large Somali community who inspired each other to join the militant group. Six men who pleaded guilty were sentenced on Monday and Tuesday. Omar, Farah and Daud took their case to trial and were convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as a more serious count of conspiracy to commit murder outside the U.S. That count carries a possible life sentence, but prosecutors are seeking sentences of 40 and 30 years. The Latest on a fatal shooting at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport (all times local): 6:40 a.m. Flights are operating normally at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport, where a Southwest Airlines employee was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon. Airport spokeswoman Karen Carney says air traffic control implemented a ground stop after the shooting of 52-year-old Michael Winchester. The ground stop was lifted at about 6 p.m. Tuesday and flight operations resumed, though 25 flights were canceled because of the incident. Fifteen of the canceled flights were operated by Southwest Airlines. The company's CEO, Gary Kelly, said on Twitter that the airline "will do everything we can to support Mike's family." Oklahoma City police have not released the name of the suspected shooter, who was found dead inside a pickup truck from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. ___ 12:01 a.m. Oklahoma City police investigators are trying to figure out why a man waited to gun down an airline employee outside Will Rogers World Airport in an ambush that prompted authorities to shut down the state's busiest airport for hours. Police Capt. Paco Balderrama says the suspected shooter was found dead inside a pickup truck on Tuesday from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. They believe he watched airport employees come and go before shooting and killing 52-year-old Michael Winchester, a Southwest Airlines employee. Balderrama said late Tuesday that investigators hadn't positively identified the shooter, but that the man apparently knew Winchester's schedule and routine and that the two men likely knew one another. The 1 p.m. shooting set off a scramble at the airport, with police immediately closing the sprawling complex. While we embrace our full-active military service members who bravely enforce foreign policies and buttress American interests abroad, a highly-specialized cadre of military veterans and federal agents combat a home-based battle. As there are foes (nations) whose political objectives are carried out by its military forces, so too are there nemeses on American soil whose perversions are abated by heroes. Who are these gallant gatekeepers? Composed of federal law enforcement agents and disabled military veterans, a new program is thriving in the arena of national-level investigations. Specifically, federal agents with Homeland Security and wounded military veterans teamed-up to abate child predation, using a national net to ensnare perpetrators and decimate the scourge of perversion. Once a Hero, Always a HERO Dubbed H.E.R.O. (Human Exploitation Rescue Operative), the program launched in 2013 and has bloomed to 100-plus former U.S. soldiers implementing their military training and skills. Those same robust skills are forged with law enforcement tactics and training provided by federal investigators. Predominately, the military veteran contingent conducts meticulous, needle-in-a-haystack operations in the realm of digital forensics analysis, navigating the labyrinth of computer instrumentations in search of evidentiary material. Culling through vast stores of online information, veterans produce data for inclusion in ongoing investigations targeting child predators. CHILI'S MANAGER TAKES AWAY VET'S FREE MEAL ON VETERANS DAY Upon completion of forensics training, wounded military vets are assigned to Homeland Security offices located in key cities around the country. Vets assigned to these federal sites undergo 40 weeks of field training administered by federal officials. In-tandem, federal law enforcers and military veterans conduct child sex-trade investigations. Cumulative case work is stored at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cyber Crimes Center, the clearinghouse aggregating all the data largely distilled by wounded warriors. One can imagine the exorbitant amount of concentrated work-hours involvedjust as one can revel in the life-saving results culminating in salvation of children. Solidarity 101 In collaboration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and the non-profit National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT) developed the Child-Rescue Corps. Under the Homeland Security umbrella of agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spearheaded the investigative conglomerate which has achieved remarkable success, including providing significantly injured military veterans more heroic opportunities. Partnering with Homeland Security, the Wounded Warrior Project is a catalyst in terms of staffing the HERO program withheroes, undeniably. Click for more from OpsLens.com. A University of Maryland student was seen boarding a bus headed for Washington and Virginia after she was reported missing, campus police announced Tuesday. NC MAN INDICTED AFTER 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOUND CHAINED TO TREE University of Maryland police released a photo showing 21-year-old Kaitlyn George boarding the Greyhound bus. Police also released details of her travel itinerary in hopes that someone will recognize her and tell authorities about her whereabouts. According to Fox Baltimore, university police were notified Nov. 10 around 6:30 p.m. that George may be missing after she was supposed to meet her boyfriend at the Eppley Recreation Center to go on a hike at 5 p.m. Her boyfriend went straight to the police after she failed to show up. ALABAMA TEEN WEIGHING 55 POUNDS HOSPITALIZED AFTER 2 YEARS IN BASEMENT The following day, a witness told police that they saw George on a Charm City Circulator bus at around 8:40 a.m. More than 10 hours later, George was seen walking into a Baltimore bus station. Police said she bought a ticket and she boarded a bus heading for Norfolk, Va., at around 1:33 p.m. The bus was scheduled to stop in Washington, Richmond, Va., and Hampton, Va. Investigators believe that they have no reason to suspect foul play. Our team of investigators will continue to work on this case until we have located Kaitlyn and have verified that she is okay, university police said in a statement. Police urge anyone with information to call university police at 301-405-3555. George is described as being about 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing about 120 pounds. She has hazel eyes and blonde hair. Click for more from Fox Baltimore. A school bus driver recently sent a note home to the parents of two siblings who ride her bus to and from school every day. While some parents might cringe if they receive a note from the bus driver, this note was different. It actually praised good behavior. OPINION: THE INCREDIBLE NIGHT MY AUTISTIC SON TAUGHT US ALL A LESSON ABOUT FAITH At a time when plenty of college kids are crying, protesting, and harassing those with opposing views -- it's heartwarming to remember there are kids who show compassion and a spirit of service. Bus driver Cindy Clausen couldn't keep quiet about what she witnessed aboard Bus #50 -- and now her note, posted on Nov. 13 to the Facebook page Love What Matters, is going viral. Clausen is from Princeton, New Jersey, according to lovethispic.com. SEVEN SECRETS OF A LASTING MARRIAGE After the two children, named Jorge and Annaliese, had repeatedly shown kindness to another boy named Jackson, Clausen wrote the following: "I am compelled to write to tell you how beautiful your children are, inside and out! This can only come from the home, your patience and guidance, the examples that you set and teach," she began. "Every day your children ask if they can sit with Jackson. Some days Jackson is a little sad getting on the bus but as soon as he sees Annaliese and Jorge, he smiles. Jackson has difficulties walking and it takes a bit for him to get to his seat." On one particular day, however, Annaliese "looked out from around her seat and said, 'Come on, Jackson, you can do it,' and when we arrived at school Jorge took it upon himself to carry out his backpack!" Cindy then concluded, "I know you know how wonderful your children are, but I wanted you to know that it shows!" An outstretched hand of friendship at school is crucial for kids with disabilities. Samantha Gibbs of Reading, Massachusetts, has Down syndrome and knows what loneliness feels like. "The problem is sometimes kids can't get into a friend group," Gibbs, 15, told LifeZette. "They don't know how to." "I love this," Heather Arnold Murphy posted to Facebook of the viral note from the driver. "I teach kindergarten inclusion this year so I have students in my class with special needs. To see my students without special needs take their peers under their wing & make sure to include them makes my heart smile daily. Man, I'm so lucky to have such amazing kiddos in my life." Another mom posted, "Thank you for this! My daughter has Down syndrome and there was a boy last year who had been so kind to her, helping her and looking out for her all year. This year, it's a girl she's made fast friends with. She has some of the best friends in her inclusion class!" A Minnesota police officer has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the July shooting of Philando Castile, a black man whose death was streamed live on Facebook, prosecutors announced Wednesday. Officer Jeronimo Yanez, 28, shot Castile, 32, during a July 6 traffic stop in Falcon Heights. Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was with him in the car, streamed the shooting's gruesome aftermath on Facebook Live. She said Castile had been reaching for his ID after telling Yanez he had a gun permit and was armed. IOWA WOMAN DRAWS BACKLASH AFTER TAUNTING POLICE OFFICERS WEARING BLACK BANDS Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said the officer was not justified in believing deadly force was necessary. "I cannot allow the death of a motorist lawfully carring a firearm under these facts and circumstances to go unaccounted for." Yanez's attorney said the officer made the stop because Castile looked like a possible match for an armed robbery suspect, and Yanez reacted to the presence of a gun. Family members claim Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker, was racially profiled. Yanez is Latino. Castile was black. Choi said Castile's last words were "I wasn't reaching for [the gun]." GUN USED TO SHOOT ALASKA POLICE OFFICER TIED TO FIVE MURDERS There was no immediate response from Yanez. In Minnesota, second-degree manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter, carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. The officer was set to make his first court appearance Friday morning, Fox 9 reported. The attorney got the case in late September and began reviewing the evidence for possible charges. Choi resisted pressure immediately after the shooting to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He also enlisted the help of national use-of-force consultants. Castile's shooting prompted numerous protests, including a weekslong demonstration outside the governor's mansion and one rally that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers, after police said they were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. Deadly shootings at the hands of police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. No charges were filed in that case. Police have faced charged in other cases, though. Michael Slager, a white officer in North Charleston, South Carolina, who has since been fired, is currently on trial for murder in the 2015 death of 50-year-old Walter Scott, an unarmed black man who was shot while running from a traffic stop. More recently, Betty Jo Shelby, a white Tulsa, Oklahoma, police officer was charged with first-degree manslaughter in the Sept. 16 shooting of Terence Crutcher, a 40-year-old unarmed black man whose car was stopped in the middle of the road. When looking at whether to file charges, authorities must determine if the officer believed he or she, or fellow officers, were in danger in the moment the decision is made to shoot. If the fear of danger is deemed reasonable, charges are typically not filed. To prove a serious charge such as murder, prosecutors must also show that the officer was not just reckless, but had ill intentions. Click for more from Fox 9. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A pizza shop customer shot and killed one robber and injured another after they tried to hold up the restaurant Tuesday night, Pennsylvania officials said. The incident took place at Porfirio's Pizza and Pasta in Levittown, about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Police said the customer shot both men after they allegedly pistol-whipped him. The two male robbers apparently told the employees and the customer to get on the ground. They began pistol-whipping the customer. At that point, the customer produced a handgun and shot both of the robbers, Middletown police Chief Joseph Bartorilla said. One of the robbery suspects was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot in the chest. The second was in serious condition after suffering injuries in the neck and shoulder. The robber was being transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia, according to Levittown Now. Police said the customer and two pizza shop employees were the only people in the restaurant when the two armed suspects walked in. Police said the customer's gun was properly registered, but they're unsure if he had a concealed carry permit. Levittown Now reported that the suspects were local residents, but further details werent released. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click here for more from Levittown Now. An Oberlin College professor whose anti-Semitic social media rants stoked controversy and angered alumni was fired from the Ohio liberal arts school Tuesday after extensive consideration by the Board of Trustees. Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition Joy Karega first came under fire in February after a series of anti-Semitic Facebook posts blaming Israel and Jews for 9/11, the Charlie Hebdo terror attack and the creation of ISIS. At the time, FoxNews.com reported that Oberlin President Marvin Krislov appeared to defend Karegas freedom of speech in a letter to the college community. But after a comprehensive review and recommendations from multiple faculty committees and Krislov, the Board of Trustees voted to dismiss Karega for failing to meet the academic standards that Oberlin requires of its faculty and students. LOUISIANA STUDENT CITED FOR HATE-CRIME HOAX Dr. Karega attacked her colleagues when they challenged inconsistencies in her description of the connection between her postings and her scholarship, the board said in a statement released Wednesday monring. Karega told FoxNews.com that her social media posts were taken out of their original context and grossly misrepresented in published reports. Since the publication of the posts, I have been inundated with HUNDREDS of [pieces of] hate mail filled with slurs (racial, misogynist, classist), harassment, and threats, Karega told FoxNews.com in an email. Oberlin College has campaigned to implicate my professional fitness using arbitrary, inequitable, and discriminatory practices -- indeed, the college launched an assault on my substantive rights. Conservative columnist and Oberlin alum Michelle Malkin, who called for Karegas ouster in March, said she was glad to see her alma mater take action. Good riddance to Joy Karega, Malkin said. She was an untenured and unhinged loon whose anti-Semitic diatribes and barely literate social media rantings shamed Oberlin and all of American higher education. Malkin told FoxNews.com that during her studies at Oberlin, she witnessed similar Israel-bashing and anti-Semitism, and a stubborn intolerance of diverse political viewpoints. Karega vowed not to accept the ruling without a fight. I will challenge the colleges decision and assault on my substantive rights through all the avenues I have available to me, Karega said in her email. The Oberlin community doesnt deserve this racist, arbitrary attack which has damaged the name and reputation of Oberlin. A human smuggling ring that charged thousands of dollars to move people across the Mexico-U.S. border and into New York City and other locations nationwide was exposed with charges against 10 defendants, authorities said Wednesday. Six defendants arrested in Texas and another arrested in Brooklyn were held for initial appearances in federal courts on charges they conspired to accept money to take people across the border and relocate them in the United States. Three defendants remained fugitives. Prosecutors said the smuggling scheme operated from June 2015 until last month. Those arrested in Texas had residences in San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen and Round Rock. According to papers filed in Manhattan federal court, the defendants carried out various roles in the conspiracy, including finding places to stay for people being smuggled into the country and transporting them across the border. One defendant rented vehicles to move the people around the United States, an indictment naming eight defendants said. Two defendants were identified in a criminal complaint signed by a Department of Homeland Security agent. The agent, Luis Santana, wrote in the court papers that the arrests stemmed from a broader investigation that began in June 2014 into an international criminal organization suspected of smuggling previously deported people back into the United States from the Caribbean and Central and South America. He said the smuggling organization is believed to have smuggled people from the Dominican Republic and other countries through Guatemala and Mexico, among other places, and across the Texas border before they were moved to New York and other U.S. destinations. Santana said the smuggled people are frequently required to make separate payments to smugglers to progress to further destinations. A professor at Rutgers who created a politicizing Beyonce course was reportedly taken to a New York City hospitals psych ward Tuesday night for political statements he made on campus and on Twitter. Kevin Allred told The New York Daily News that he spent about two hours at the hospital before he was released. Allred recalled a class he taught a day after Donald Trump was elected president. SAN FRANCISCO TEACHERS UNION OFFERS LESSON PLAN CALLING TRUMP RACIST, SEXIST In class, we talked about flag burning generally as a form of protest, and what does the flag mean to different people. Then I made a comment, essentially saying, Would people feel the same way about being so lenient with the Second Amendment if people went out and got guns to shoot random white people? The NYPD told the paper that campus police said Allred made threats to kill white people and he was subsequently taken to Bellevue Hospital for evaluation. Allred also sent a tweet questioning the schools response to Trumps election last week: hey Rutgers, did you send out an email addressing the fears of MANY RU students for their safety in Trumps amerika yet? did i miss it? Rutgers spokesman E.J. Miranda said Wednesday the universitys police department responded to a complaint from a student and took all appropriate action. He said the school would have no further comment on the matter. The Associated Press contributed to this report. History teachers at an elite New York City high school reportedly allowed their students to skip class Tuesday to join protests at the Trump Tower despite objections from fellow educators. Sources told the New York Post reported that about 200 kids from Beacon High School in Manhattan joined other students in the city to demonstrate in front of Trump Tower. However, English teachers at the same school firmly opposed the history teachers decisions. The students English teachers told them that theyd be penalized if they skipped out on their class. Department of Education officials told the paper that no students were officially allowed to cut classes Tuesday and those who did leave school will face punishment. Sources said told the paper that parents werent alerted about the protest decision and only found out from their children. No Trump, no KKK, no racist USA! some were heard chanting as they protested Donald Trumps election. One student told the paper that they wouldve preferred to be in class. Kids are crazy, she said. They fail to realize that America voted for him. Click for more from the New York Post. A jury on Wednesday convicted a man for fatally shooting a student and wounding two others at a small private Seattle university in 2014. The King County jury found Aaron Ybarra guilty of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder and one account assault for the attack at Seattle Pacific University that killed 19-year-old Paul Lee, of Portland, Oregon. GUNMAN IDD IN DEADLY OKLAHOMA CITY AIRPORT SHOOTING He had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Jurors began deliberating the case Monday afternoon following several weeks of testimony and rejected Ybarra's insanity defense. Defense attorney Ramona Brandes had sought at trial to show that Ybarra suffered from a debilitating mental illness and limited intellectual function and that he believed God was directing him to shoot. DETAILS EMERGE ON SUSPECT IN UTAH HIGH SCHOOL STABBING Prosecutors had argued the crime was premeditated and that Ybarra knew what he did was wrong. King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Richardson told jurors during closing arguments that Ybarra didn't mention God, Satan or Lucifer directing him to carry out the rampage until months after the shootings. The trial, which began Oct. 10, included testimony from Ybarra as well as student and safety monitor Jon Meis, who was hailed as a hero for taking down the gunman during the June 5, 2014, shooting. Meis testified at trial that he waited to hear the shooter reload his shotgun, took pepper spray out of his backpack and sprayed the gunman in the face twice. Surveillance video showed Meis wrestling the shotgun away, stashing it in an office and returning to tackle Ybarra again as Ybarra struggles to pull a knife. Ybarra also testified over two days and told jurors he was compelled by the voices of God, Lucifer and Satan to carry out a campus shooting, The Seattle Times reported. He also said he identified with Eric Harris, one of two student gunmen responsible for the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. Jurors also took a short field trip to the campus hall where the shooting occurred. On the second day of deliberations, jurors asked to see the police video of Ybarra's interrogation, KING-TV in Seattle reported. China has banned a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Chinese websites are censoring "Kim Fatty The Third" - which pokes fun at Kim's size and ancestry. The move comes after Pyongyang officials reportedly asked their Chinese counterparts to ban names mocking Kim from appearing in the media. SOUTH KOREAN POLICE BOOK 15 OVER ANIMAL SMUGGLING Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday: "The Chinese government stays committed to building a healthy and civilised environment of opinions. "We disapprove of any country with insulting and mocking remarks." Searches for the Chinese words "Jin San Pang" on the country's leading search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. However, Baidu left untouched results for other versions of the nickname, such as "Kim Fat Fat Fat". Click for more from Sky News. Greek authorities say they have located and rescued 19 refugees or other migrants in a crippled boat in the north Aegean Sea, about 17 hours after receiving a distress call. The Merchant Marine Ministry says three of the boat's passengers were unconscious. All are being taken to the northern port town of Kavala. Their nationalities were not immediately clear, the ministry said. The boat was located Wednesday afternoon east of the island of Thassos, following a large search operation involving helicopters and coast guard vessels. Greek authorities got a distress call from the vessel late Tuesday night. More than 170,000 people have reached Greece by sea from Turkey this year, most before a series of European border closures in March. Some 61,000 remain trapped in Greece. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Officials at a chain of international schools in Pakistan say that 400 Turkish nationals affiliated with the schools have been ordered to leave the country within 72 hours. The move was announced on the website of the Pak-Turk International chain of schools and colleges, and confirmed by two school officials. Both spoke on condition of anonymity saying they feared for their safety when they returned to Turkey. The school operates 28 campuses throughout Pakistan. Turkish officials have accused the school of being affiliated with the movement of U.S. based dissident cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to arrive in Pakistan later Wednesday on a two-day visit. He has accused Gulen supporters of staging a failed July 15 coup attempt. A Belgian police station apparently was so cluttered that investigators didn't realize a missing phone that belonged to one of the Paris suicide bombers was hiding under a giant pile of paperwork, local media reported Tuesday. The phone belonged to 31-year-old Brahim Abdeslam, who killed himself in the massacre in November 2015, the BBC reported. His younger brother, Salah Abdeslam, was the only surviving attack suspect, and was sent to a French jail. STING REOPENS BATACLAN 1 YEAR AFTER PARIS ATTACKS AMID HEAVY SECURITY Belgian police were supposed to hand off the recovered phone to anti-terror investigators -- but mistakenly kept it at the station in Molenbeek, according to local media. Police reportedly intended to use the phone to investigate possible drug links. "The phone's contents had been backed up before it was lost. All the information was in our system so the loss had no impact on the investigation," Brussels West police spokesman Johan Berckmans told the BBC. DISNEYLAND PARIS SEES RECORD LOW ATTENDANCE AMID TERRORISM CONCERNS The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attacks, citing France's military operation against extremists in Iraq and Syria alongside U.S. and other forces. Seven attackers were killed the night of the attacks, either by blowing themselves up or being shot by police. Two others were killed in a police raid five days later. Salah Abdeslam managed to stay one step ahead of investigators until they finally caught him four months later in Belgium. Other members of the network survived, plotting new violence from family apartments in Belgium and Islamic State bases in Syria or Iraq. Days after Abdeslam's arrest, three attackers set off bombs in the Brussels airport and a Brussels subway train, killing 32 people. France has long been a favored target of religious fundamentalists because of its strict secularism, including laws banning Muslim headscarves in schools and face veils in public. Many of the attackers were French Muslims from communities frustrated by decades of failed integration efforts and entrenched discrimination. The Associated Press contributed to this report. After a spike in use around Brexit and the election of Donald Trump the word post-truth has been named as Oxford Dictionaries word of the year. Usage of the adjective, which describes circumstances where emotions and personal beliefs are more influential than facts, increased by around 2,000 percent since last year, research showed. A SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS SALUTE: 6 ROALD DAHL WORDS ADDED TO OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY It was first coined with this meaning was in a 1992 essay from playwright Steve Tesich in The Nation magazine, according to Oxford Dictionaries. Its rise in popularity has coincided with the use of the phrase post-truth politics, which has been used this year in conjunction with the EU referendum and the U.S. presidential race. WHY YOU DON'T KNOW AS MANY WORDS AS YOU THINK YOU DO Post-truth was chosen from a shortlist that included Brexiteer, alt-right and hygge, a coziness associated with contentment in Danish culture. Casper Grathwohl, president of Oxford Dictionaries, said: Its not surprising that our choice reflects a year dominated by highly-charged political and social discourse. Fuelled by the rise of social media as a news source and a growing distrust of facts offered up by the establishment, post-truth as a concept has been finding its linguistic footing for some time. We first saw the frequency really spike this year in June with buzz over the Brexit vote and again in July when Donald Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination. Mr Grathwohl added: Given that usage of the term hasnt shown any signs of slowing down, I wouldnt be surprised if post-truth becomes one of the defining words of our time. According to Oxford Dictionaries, the first time the term post-truth was used in this context was Tesichs essay on the Iran-Contra scandal and the Gulf War, writing that we, as a free people, have freely decided that we want to live in some post-truth world. The publisher said: There is evidence of the phrase post-truth being used before Tesichs article, but apparently with the transparent meaning after the truth was known, and not with the new implication that truth itself has become irrelevant. It pointed to the recent expansion in meaning of the prefix post-, saying that rather than simply referring to the time after a specified situation or event as in post-war or post-match, in post-truth it had taken on the meaning of belonging to a time in which the specified concept has become unimportant or irrelevant. Normally a separate word is chosen for the U.S. and U.K. editions of the dictionary, but Katherine Connor Martin, the head of the American version, explained: What we found especially interesting is that [post-truth] encapsulated a trans-Atlantic phenomenon Often, when looking at words, youll find one thats a really big deal in the U.K. but not in the U.S. Previous winners of the word of the year include omnishambles in 2012, big society in 2010 and last years hotly-debated face with tears of joy emoji. This story first appeared in The Sun. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court, which rules on such grave charges as genocide and crimes against humanity. RUSSIA BOMBARDS SYRIA HOURS AFTER PUTIN SPEAKS WITH TRUMP Russia in 2000 signed the Rome treaty that established the Hague-based court but never ratified it. Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, comes a day after the U.N. General Assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea" and blamed Russia for rights abuses such as discrimination against some Crimean residents, such as Tatars. RUSSIAN MINISTER ACCUSED OF TAKING $2 MILLION BRIBE Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 from Ukraine following a hastily called referendum, a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A separatist insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month, backed by Russia. The ICC on Monday issued a preliminary report where it described what happened in Crimea as "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." His spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, explained the withdrawal by "national interests" and argued that since Russia never ratified it Wednesday's decree was just a formality. Peskov also dismissed the ICC's accusations of an "armed conflict" in Crimea, arguing that Crimea joined Russia after a legitimate popular vote. Russia's foreign ministry insisted in a statement that Russia wants everyone implicated in grave international crimes to face justice but expressed frustration over the court's work in recent years. "The court has unfortunately failed to match the hopes one had and did not become a truly independent and respected body of international justice," the ministry said, adding that in the ICCs' 14 years of work "only four verdicts" have been passed while $1 billion was spent on expenses. Just hours before Russia's announcement, the U.N. human rights chief made a spirited defense of the ICC, entreating countries not to leave it. Several African nations have recently announced plans to leave the treaty. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Donald Trump's election in the U.S. has given a fresh boost to conservative leaders in what may be the next major populist battleground, France, where far-right leader Marine Le Pen is convinced that her anti-immigration, anti-Islam views can lead her to the presidency in five months. Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, running to get his job back, said in a rally in Nice on Tuesday night that Trump's election shows that politicians must listen to "the wrath of the people". Polls show Sarkozy faces two major contenders former prime ministers Alain Juppe and Francois Fillon in his party's two-round primary that starts Sunday. Le Pen opens her campaign headquarters for next year's election in an upper-class neighborhood in Paris on Wednesday. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem has accused British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of giving Britons an unachievable vision of the U.K.'s future outside the European Union. Dijsselbloem told the BBC that Johnson "is offering to the British people options that are really not available." Johnson has been touring European Union capitals as Britain prepares to start exit negotiations with the 28-nation bloc. He was quoted by a Czech newspaper as saying the U.K. would likely have to leave the EU customs union, but could retain access to the bloc's single market in goods and services. Dijsselbloem said Johnson "is saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable." On Tuesday the British government strongly rejected a report by a consultant for Deloitte claiming it had no coherent plan for Brexit. Windows 10 Promo Code Receives New Savings Opportunities On Microsoft Operating System Windows 10 is the flagship operating system from Microsoft, and Windows 10 Promo Code has received new discount offers for both the home and office editions. -- Windows 10 is the most advanced version of Windows Microsoft has ever produced. For over a year, the operating system was available for a free upgrade to existing Microsoft users. Unfortunately for many however, that was not long enough, and they now find themselves having to pay for the software from the Microsoft store. To soften the blow, Windows 10 Promo Code has been able to secure exclusive discounts on the software platform direct from the Microsoft store, so that Microsoft users can get the OS at the best possible price. The Windows 10 discount codes available have come just in time for Black Friday. They offer the newest and best Windows 10 Home promo code, money saving deals on Windows 10 Professional, Student discounts on the operating system, and even preferential rates to those updating from older versions of Windows. The deals are simple and easy to redeem, clicking a single button to be taken to the Microsoft store with the code at the ready. The website also has comprehensive information on Windows 10 itself, so those undecided on an upgrade can see the unique features and advantages it offers. A spokesperson for Windows 10 Promo Code explained, "Windows 10 Promo Code is pleased to be able to secure some of the very best deals available on the industry leading Windows operating system in time for Black Friday. Many may be looking to buy new hardware in the Black Friday sale, and will be seeking an upgrade to their software as well. Equally, many may wish to get the best out of their existing tech by using a faster, more stable operating system than they currently have installed. In all cases, we are able to provide moneysaving deals for both business and home users. We look forward to helping more people than ever get Windows 10 at the best price." About Windows 10 Promo Code: Windows 10 Promo Code is an online resource center dedicated to helping people get the best deals on Microsoft operating systems. The website is regularly updated with the latest deals and offers direct from Microsoft themselves, thanks to longstanding relationships with the Microsoft Store. The site aims to help everyone save money on their most essential Microsoft purchase. For more information, please visit http://www.windows10promocode.com/ Contact Info: Name: PRWhirlWind Organization: PRWhirlWind Source: http://marketersmedia.com/windows-10-promo-code-receives-new-savings-opportunities-on-microsoft-operating-system/146632 Release ID: 146632 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) Ann Soek Publishes Her Journey With The Kayla Itsines BBG Workout On New Website Ann Soek is sharing her personal learning journey online, sharing her experience with the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide in order to inspire others to take control of their fitness. -- Winter is coming, and with it the instinct to stay in the house, be lazy and pile on the pounds with an array of rich comfort foods. Many people however already have one eye on next spring and summer, and want to use the many dark hours ahead to prepare themselves for a transformation. As such, interest in workout regimes is increasing. Ann Soek is an ordinary 29 year old living in Scotland, but unlike many, has transformed her body by using the Kayla Itsines BBG Workout. She has now created a website to help share her story and inspire others. The website features a full and comprehensive history of Ann's journey, moving from the time she first discover Kayla Itsines' plan to the present day, where she has completed both the original guide and the BBG 2.0, which offers even more comprehensive instruction on both exercise and nutrition. She also shares photos of her progress to encourage others and demonstrate that change is possible. The website comes with cautions too. Ann discourages people from using the Sweat With Kayla app, and encourages people to seek out promotional offers that can save people up to 80% on the cost of the original Bikini Body Guide. Combined, it offers an inspiration and a plan of action to those wanting to transform their body for the better. A spokesperson for AnnSoek.com explained, "Ann's journey has been transformative and inspirational, because her position is so relatable. She was an ordinary woman who felt she would like to improve her body, and has exceeded even her own expectations thanks to the Kayla Itsines guide. By sharing her experience, she is encouraging other people to do the same, and undertake an exercise regime that is rewarding and fun. All for less than people might think." About Ann Soek: Ann Soek is a Dutch woman living Scotland with her cat, with a healthy metabolism and historically little interest in exercise. She has recently undertaken the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body program and has created a website in order to share her experience of using the program. The site features a comprehensive guide to her experiences as well as recommendations to readers. For more information, please visit http://www.aansoek.com/ Contact Info: Name: Ann Soek Email: annsoek@yahoo.com Organization: AnnSoek.com Source: http://marketersmedia.com/ann-soek-publishes-her-journey-with-the-kayla-itsines-bbg-workout-on-new-website/146591 Release ID: 146591 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) Visual 2000 International Releases End2End Website in Spanish and Portuguese Montreal-based End2End fashion software provider, Visual 2000 International, announces the release of a new website translated in Spanish and Portuguese. -- Montreal-based End2End fashion software provider, Visual 2000 International, announces the release of a new website translated in Spanish and Portuguese. This initiative is inline with Visual 2000's vision to allow fashion businesses across the globe to visualize their business processes in a unique and intuitive way by removing the element of uncertainty in a shifting market. With offices and partners in the key fashion capitals of the world, including recent partnership with Mexcostura of Mexico, Visual 2000 is dedicated to empowering businesses of all geographic markets with tailored software solutions to effectively and cost efficiently reach their next business milestone. Charles Benoualid, VP of Research and Development, explains, "With up-and-coming fashion capitals such as Sao Paulo, Barcelona and Los Angeles, it's becoming increasingly important for technology providers to adapt to local customs and present a clear message across all channels." With a growing number of companies selling their products and services online to a global market, the future lies in being more social and mobile, while adapting to local cultures. A study by the European Commission revealed that 9 out of 10 users would change the language on a website when given the choice and that 42% would never search on a website not translated to their native language. With a growing number of Internet users speaking Spanish or Portuguese, Visual 2000 is dedicated to offering a personalized experience for industry professionals looking to master the fashion lifecycle. Within the upcoming years, Visual 2000's ultimate goal is to keep building new relationships in emerging global markets. About Visual 2000 International Visual 2000 provides End2End software for apparel, footwear and fashion accessory companies. More than 600 companies around the world take advantage of Visual 2000?s End2End advanced ERP, PLM, supply chain management, warehouse optimization and business intelligence software. For more information, please visit http://www.visual-2000.com For more information, please visit http://www.visual-2000.com/ Contact Info: Name: Julien Belisle Email: julien@visual-2000.com Organization: Visual 2000 International Inc. Address: 8960 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H2N 1Y8 Release ID: 146454 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) CLEforME.com Publishes CA MCLE Ethics Course "Cyber Threats and The Duty of Confidentiality" California Minimum Continuing Legal Education ethics course helps attorneys understand the nature of the confidentiality risks in the digital age and suggests some approaches for risk mitigation. -- CLEforME.com, the California Bar-approved provider of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), announced today that has published a new ethics course for California attorneys on the topic of "Cyber Threats and the Duty of Confidentiality." The course was created because new types of cyber threats essentially change the terms of the attorney confidentiality discussion. Today, practicing California attorneys face increased exposure to malpractice, ethics complaints and civil litigation due to cybersecurity issues. The course helps attorneys understand the nature of the confidentiality risks in the digital age and suggests some approaches for risk mitigation. "The ethics rules for confidentiality were devised with postal mail and paper file storage in mind," said Hugh Taylor, CEO of CLEforME.com and the course's instructor. "We are simply in a different world today, with many new threats that turn the existing confidentiality paradigm on its head." California attorneys owe their clients a duty of confidentiality under Rule 3-100. A massive change in the scale and scope of cyber threats, however, have added new challenges to complying with this rule. In addition, Section 952 of the California Evidence Code bans disclosures of client information to third parties - something that is literally impossible on the Internet. This course explores ways that attorneys are newly vulnerable to ethics complaints, malpractice complaints and civil litigation in the new era of cyber security. The course also suggests some approaches to risk mitigation that are practical for large and small law firms. To purchase the course, visit http://cleforme.com/product/et161005-cyber-threats-and-the-duty-of-confidentiality/. About the Instructor Hugh Taylor, who was a lecturer at Berkeley Law from 2009 to 2011, has spent the last 20 years working in the information technology industry. He writes frequently about cyber security and compliance. Certified in Information Security Management, Taylor has done marketing and product management for security startups and global IT companies involved in cyber security. Available at http://www.cleforme.com, the company's California Legal Ethics MCLE courses cover these topics and more. They are intended to enable California attorneys to satisfy their continuing legal education requirements. The State Bar of California requires its members to complete 36 hours of CLE every three years, including four hours of ethics and one hour each of Bias and Professional Competency. CLEforME.com offers a convenient way to comply. Its popular CA MCLE Power Pack contains these six "hard to find" course hours. The compliance deadline for California attorneys this year is February 1, 2017. This year, "Group 3," attorneys with last names beginning with letters N-Z, must be in compliance for the period between February 1, 2014 and January 31, 2017. (Some refer to the requirement as "Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.") CLEforMe.com is a CA Bar approved multi-course MCLE provider. Provider #15304. END # # # For more information, please visit http://www.cleforme.com Contact Info: Name: Hugh Taylor Organization: CLEforME.com Address: 1568 South Green Road, #21661 South Euclid, OH 44121 Phone: 800-887-7134 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/cleforme-com-publishes-ca-mcle-ethics-course-cyber-threats-and-the-duty-of-confidentiality/146760 Release ID: 146760 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) Web design Ireland & Dublin - Web Design Packages Just EUR497 to celebrate Xmas Craig Murray Digital is celebrating the launch of its new EUR497 All In Web Design Ireland Package service online by Offering Irish Businesses Full Web Design Packages For Just EUR497 . Further information can be found at http://www.craigmurray.ie. -- In a Unique change of pace, Web Design Specialist "Craig Murray", will be celebrating the launch of his new EUR497 All In, Web Design Ireland Package. Offering Irish Businesses Full Website Packages, featuring domain, hosting, e-commerce compatibility and training For Just EUR497 . It's reported the offer will only be available Until early 2017. In a space where most competitors simply talk about how great they are, yet Do Not Deliver value to their clients and fail to cause much of a stir, Craig Murray has opted to be a little more Unique with the inception of its new EUR497 All In Web Design Package. Craig Murray, Founder / Owner at Craig Murray Digital, says: "We wanted to be Unique with our EUR497 All In Web Design Ireland Package because we want to get as many Irish Businesses and Individuals as possible online and making money by selling their products and services. We wanted to allow companies and individuals looking to take advantage of having their business online, do it affordably and easily without the hassle that most web developers and designers give potential clients." It should be really worthwhile and we hope that it will Help Irish Businesses Get Online Easily and Build Their Business. It should go great unless People Do Not Like Deals! Craig Murray Digital has always thrived on the idea of standing out and making a commotion. It's all part of the fun and it's going to No Body Is Offering Websites At This Cost and That Are Developed With Such Quality, which is better than businesses who choose to do things the 'regular' way. This offer is just one of the many ways Craig Murray Digital achieves that goal. When asked about the EUR497 All In Web Design Ireland Package service, Craig Murray said: "We think it's going to be a real hit because There Is Nothing Around Like This Deal And Our Clients Are Having Great Success With It. We have signed up over 300 clients in just 2 months of launching. That's 300 Irish businesses online thanks to our affordable package". Craig Murray Digital's EUR497 All In Web Design Ireland Package service is set to 'go live' Until 2017. To find out more about the service and Craig Murray himself, it's possible to visit http://www.craigmurray.ie For more information, please visit http://www.craigmurray.ie Contact Info: Name: Craig Murray Organization: Craig Murray Digtal Address: Unit 1A, Boghall Road Boghall Shopping Center Release ID: 146497 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) 3 Things To Expect When Social Media Doral Releases Social Media Management Social Media Marketing Doral releases teaser information on the upcoming launch of its new Social Media Management service. Further information can be found at http://1800seo.com. -- Social Media Marketing Doral today announced the official launch date of its upcoming Social Media Management service. Rumours are already starting to circulate among observers and die-hard fans within the Social Media world, as the 'Live' date of the Social Media Management service draws near. Social Media Marketing Doral has also released three things fans, reviewers and critics can expect from inception time in 2016. The first thing folks should expect is a big improvement in management of social media accounts. Social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Youtube and LinkedIn. Social Media Marketing Doral makes this happen by improving rankings, feedback and organic followers who will help the brand or business to grow the social presence. This is to be expected from a business who places this much value on helping their customers get real results. As well as that, Social Media Marketing Doral will be celebrate the live day event by offering a free SEO and social audit to the first 50 clients, including a full website audit and each social account that the business is using for marketing. Don't waste any moment and take advantage of this offer filling the contact form located on the website http://1800seo.com. It is their hope that this will this will create awareness of the new solutions on the market and reach new customers. Finally, for die hard fans of the industry, they'll be interested to know what went into the creation of the Social Media Management service. It has taken 6 months to put together, from start to finish, from the initial idea to fully implementing the service, taking care of the minimal detail to avoid any mistake and offer the best service at this moment. For further information about Social Media Marketing Doral or the new Social Media Management service, it can all be discovered at http://1800seo.com For more information, please visit http://1800seo.com Contact Info: Name: Hugo Guerreiro Email: seo@1800seo.com Organization: clover games usa Address: 7791 nw 46th st ste 218, Miami, FL, Phone: (305) 597-0880 Release ID: 146499 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) Sign up for Free Times Weekend newsletter! Let us help you find something to do around town. Receive a breakdown of the weeks best concerts, shows and other happenings to your inbox from Free Times! But outside of the famed PSL, there are a multitude of drinks to put you in the fall mood. That's why we here at Free Times have put together a list of some of the top offerings at Columbia coffee shops. Read moreTired of pumpkin spice lattes? Here are other options from Columbia coffee shops this fall. By Stef Gijssels We love solo bass albums, and it seems that they keep coming in great numbers. The overview below is indeed nothing more t... 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. Purchasing livestock is the most likely way of introducing disease into a herd, but that risk can be removed. Andrew Cobner president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association outlines disease avoidance strategies. A plan drawn up in collaboration with the farm vet is key and should include knowing the health status of your own herd first. You can then decide what health status you aspire to. Establish the health status of any herd you buy from. See also: Neospora added to health scheme list What is the single most important measure a farmer can take to avoid importing diseases? Some diseases such as Johnes are difficult to test for, so you need to know the herd situation. Ask whether your vet can make contact with the vendors vet; if they arent open to this, alarm bells should ring. A single animal can damage the health of your herd, for instance introducing one Persistently Infected BVD carrier. What quarantine procedures should be in place? No direct contact should take place between purchased animals and their by-products such as faeces, urine and milk and the existing herd. The gold standard is a separate building or a field with a 3m separation fence around the perimeter. Some advice suggests housing animals in the same building as existing animals will suffice with a 3m gap between both groups, but I wouldnt recommend this because the animals share the same airspace. Consider where dung and urine is draining to, because these can transmit diseases; for instance, the animals may be in a separate shed, but if their by-products are draining through the yard where your existing stock is, these animals are at risk. How long should animals be kept in quarantine before they are introduced to other stock? That time period will depend on the disease. For instance, bovine TB should be tested for 60 days after the animals arrival, so the quarantine period for TB is at least 60 days. For IBR, the animal could be released into the herd a month after purchase if its test result is negative. The advice on quarantine periods is therefore not straightforward and veterinary advice should be sought. What diseases should your vet screen for? Bovine TB, BVD and Johnes will already be on the radar because of national campaigns. Others to screen for will depend on an individual farms situation, but will include IBR, leptospirosis, campylobacter foetus venerealis, neospora caninum and salmonellosis. But there are other diseases to look out for, such as digital dermatitis and infectious mastitis, because these can cause huge damage if not already present on the farm. What treatments should animals be given on arrival? You are not only protecting your herd from the purchased animal, but that animal from diseases already present in the herd. So during the quarantine period vaccinate against diseases you know you have. You may want to treat for worms and fluke if that is part of your protocol. What are the common pitfalls farmers make when it comes to quarantine and treatment? Another common mistake is applying stringent rules when buying a cow or bull, but forgetting this when it comes to what I would term as a casual acquisition, such as buying a replacement calf for a cow that has lost hers. That acquisition can pose a significant risk because that calf may be a BVD carrier. The risk from by-products can also be forgotten, so consider drainage and avoid feeding milk from a bought-in cow to calves already on the farm. How can dairy animals be managed separately through the parlour? Very few dairy farms have a separate milking facility, so the best you can aspire to is to milk those animals after everything else, return them to the separate building or field and clean the parlour as usual. Story Highlights 51% in U.S. say they are "more confident" in Trump's ability to serve Similar to post-election confidence in Bill Clinton, George W. Bush 19% of Hillary Clinton supporters more confident in Trump since election WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fifty-one percent of U.S. adults say they are "more confident" in President-elect Donald Trump's ability to serve as president based on his statements and actions over the past few days. The percentage "more confident" in Trump a few days after his election is similar to ratings when Bill Clinton and George W. Bush won their respective elections in 1992 and 2000. U.S. Adults' Post-Election Confidence in President-Elect More confident Less confident No difference/No opinion % % % Donald Trump 51 40 9 George W. Bush 54 28 18 Bill Clinton 53 26 21 Gallup; Nov 9-13, 2016; Dec 15-17, 2000; Nov 10-11, 1992 The fact that similar percentages of Americans say they have more confidence in Trump in the days after his election as did so for Bush and Clinton is notable, given that Trump is much less popular as president-elect than they were. Trump's favorable rating measured 42% in the Nov. 9-13 survey, compared with Bush's 59% and Clinton's 58% after they were elected. The difference between the 1992 and 2000 situations and today's is that a higher percentage of Americans say Trump's statements and actions over the past few days have made them "less confident" in his ability to serve as president than in those previous elections. Forty percent of Americans say they are "less confident" in Trump, as opposed to 28% for Bush in 2000 and 26% for Clinton in 1992. Fewer Americans say they have "no opinion" or say Trump's actions and statements make "no difference" than was the case for the two former presidents. Sharp Differences Between Trump, Clinton Voters on Trump Confidence Trump and Hillary Clinton voters differ significantly in their confidence in Trump's ability to serve as president since the election. While 95% of Trump voters say they are "more confident" in the president-elect, 19% of Clinton voters say the same. Only 2% of Trump voters say they are "less confident" in Trump, but 75% of Clinton voters express less confidence. Post-Election Confidence in President-Elect, by Candidate Preference More confident Less confident No difference/No opinion % % % Donald Trump Trump voters 95 2 3 Clinton voters 19 75 7 George W. Bush Bush voters 85 3 12 Gore voters 29 49 22 Bill Clinton G.H.W. Bush voters 23 53 23 Bill Clinton voters 84 1 16 Perot voters 37 36 27 Gallup; Nov 9-13, 2016; Dec 15-17, 2000; Nov 10-11, 1992 After the contested 2000 election, which took five weeks and a Supreme Court decision to resolve, Americans were somewhat less polarized about their confidence in President-elect Bush than they are about Trump. In 2000, 85% of Bush voters were "more confident" in their candidate after the election's resolution, compared with 29% of Gore voters. In the 1992 three-way election, 23% of George H.W. Bush voters were "more confident" in Bill Clinton in the days after he was elected, while 84% of Clinton voters said the same. Ross Perot's voters were evenly divided, with 37% saying they were "more confident" in Clinton and 36% saying they were "less confident." More Men, Whites Have Confidence in Trump Post-Election Trump's campaign was embroiled in controversy over remarks he made about women and minorities. In the days after the election, 60% of men said they were "more confident" in Trump's ability to serve as president, while 42% of women held the same opinion. Similarly, 61% of whites expressed more confidence in Trump, compared with 27% of nonwhites. Post-Election Confidence in Donald Trump, by Gender and Race More confident Less confident No difference/No opinion % % % Male 60 30 9 Female 42 50 9 White 61 30 9 Nonwhite 27 63 9 Gallup, Nov 9-13, 2016 Bottom Line Trump's victory has triggered a wave of protests across the U.S., with calls to abolish the Electoral College and denunciations of the president-elect's policies. At the same time, many Trump supporters are excited to see their candidate take the country in a new direction. As it stands now, the overwhelming majority of Trump supporters remain confident in their candidate in the days after the election, while Trump has yet to win over Hillary Clinton's supporters. Overall, roughly the same percentage of Americans are "more confident" in Trump's ability to serve as president based on his recent statements and actions, as was the case with Bush and Bill Clinton after they were elected. Trump's similar results on this measure to Clinton's and Bush's are notable given Trump's much lower favorability rating, which may portend a low approval rating once Trump assumes the presidency two months from now. At the very least, the higher percentage of Americans who express less confidence in Trump than they did in Bush and Clinton at similar junctures likely suggests that Trump may be more polarizing overall. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Nov. 9-13, 2016, with a random sample of 1,019 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting. Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. L-R: Martin Timusk, Kevin Von Appen, Neil Schneider at Immersed 2016 Ever since Immersed 2016 when I had the opportunity to witness the incredibly positive reaction to virtual reality from the general public as they tried the technology for the first time, I felt energized in that I saw a new path for our market to grow, and my mind has been buzzing with opportunities and ideas since. As a follow-up, I've been heavily researching the market; not just from the point of view of product sales or what's readily available - I wanted to understand the customer experience so that a side project I've been working on would hit its mark. Is it enough to have an amazing product? Is the barrier of entry price? How can we bridge the gap between the magic of virtual reality and having consumers buy in as much or even more so than we have? What are the challenges and how can our industry overcome them? These are the questions I wanted answered, and I made some difficult discoveries along the way. Based on what I've researched and seen with retail virtual reality customer policies, I'm concerned that the holiday VR sales will be handicapped, and I wrote this article to take proactive action to explain why before the analysts, critics and pundits dismiss virtual reality without having a grasp of the core issues. The handicap has little to nothing to do with demand, price, quality, ease of use, or availability. This is nearly 100% about how the retail virtual reality experience is inadvertently designed to fail, and I'm hoping that what is shared here will result in positive reforms in how VR is marketed through customer channels. L-R: Sony PSVR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (Source: Animeinferno) The 2016 virtual reality season is dependent on Facebook's Oculus Rift, the Sony PlayStation VR HMD, the HTC Vive, and possibly future devices by Microsoft. Samsung Gear VR less so because of their exploding Note 7 woes, and Google's Daydream VR has promise in the mobile space, though I think its release is too current to make a big dent this holiday season. It's the top level product lines that everyone is counting on for the proof of concept needed to raise further investment or sell enough product. Customers living in the USA are in pretty good shape. There are several EB Games (Gamestop) shops showcasing the Sony PlayStation 4 for limited hours each day, and with the exception of opened software, you can return what you don't like (and really, why wouldn't you like VR?!?). Facebook's Oculus also has demos running at several Best Buys across the USA, and again, Best Buy has a solid return policy in the off chance that there is a dissatisfied customer. The HTC Vive is being showcased at Microsoft Stores - no problem there. Same customer satisfaction plan. Unfortunately, just north of the border in Canada, things fall short in more ways than one. First, product demonstrations are not easy to come by. I live just outside of Toronto, North America's fourth largest city, and out of all the Best Buys in the province of Ontario, only two have Oculus Rift demonstration stations - and they are each in the outskirts of Toronto (Etobicoke and Oakville, Ontario). Quebec has a single Oculus Best Buy demo in Laval (where I grew up), yet not in the far more well known city of Montreal just a hop, skip, and a jump away. PSVR Demos Within 100 Miles of Toronto, Canada In the case of Sony PlayStation VR, there are about 35 demonstration stations for PSVR in a 100 mile radius in the USA versus just 10 for a similarly populous area in Canada. Having enough demonstrations isn't enough to turn the tide though. Even if there was a demo station in every single store in the world, and even if the hours of operation weren't so limited (they really are limited), this represents just one helpful ingredient for completing the consumer purchase. Here's the clincher: Best Buy and EB Games (Gamestop) will not accept product returns for opened virtual reality products in Canada . This means that if you buy a Sony PlayStation VR HMD or Oculus Rift and you are dissatisfied with it, you can't return it. As pictured above, this isn't some obscure hard to find condition that only I know about. Best Buy Canada and EB Games effectively slap you across the face with it when you look at VR products on their websites which is one of the reasons I found it so concerning. Found on EB Games PSVR Purchase Page I reached out to the Best Buy, Gamestop, Oculus, and Sony PlayStation media relations teams for comment and/or explanation as to why VR devices have a unique policy compared to their other product lines in Canada. Only Best Buy responded with the following statement: The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority. To that end, we can only accept returns on unopened virtual reality headsets within 30 days of purchase. For more information on our return policy please visit our website. - Christine Tam, Best Buy Canada spokesperson When asked to elaborate, Best Buy continued: "Similar to our policy for headphones, earphones and 3D glasses, virtual reality headsets fall under this policy for hygienic reasons. " - Christine Tam, Best Buy Canada spokesperson Best Buy did not explain why their return policies are different from their US counterpart, and I can't reconcile how they have public demonstrations to so many people, and yet they have this unusual return policy for VR equipment. Incidentally, the Oculus Touch hand controllers also can't be returned after being opened, though other game controllers can. I did some Googling to see if other customers had product return difficulties, and they are indeed happening in other parts of the world too. In the case of Oculus, their standard return policy is stipulated in their international Terms and Conditions: 4.4 Your Right to Cancel or Return Physical Goods. You may cancel your order or pre-order of physical goods at any time prior to shipping and Order Acceptance. After shipping the goods to you, you have the right, within 30 days from the date of your receipt of the goods, to cancel our contract with you and return the goods. This right does not apply to any goods that have been used, or are stated by us to be non-returnable, including any items or goods that have been personalized or modified in accordance with your instructions. The goods must be fully returned in the original packaging with the applicable proof of purchase and you will be responsible for the cost of returning the goods to us. If, on return to us, it is determined that the goods have been used, damaged, are missing components, or is not in a resalable condition we may charge a 15% restocking fee, or otherwise reduce the amount of your refund to take account of this damage, use, or missing components. In other words, you can only return the item if it is unopened. If it is opened, don't try to return it. If you do try to return it, and you get caught with a used item, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee. One of the only retailers marketing the Sony PSVR and Oculus Rift outside the USA is Amazon. Their written general return policy stipulates that opened products can't be returned: You may return most new, unopened items sold and fulfilled by Amazon within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. During the holidays, items shipped by Amazon between November 1st and December 31st can be returned until January 31st. I contacted Amazon directly through online chat and phone call as a prospective customer to see what the practice is with the Oculus Rift and Sony Playstation VR devices. After some research time, the online representative said that the items could be returned even if opened. In the case of the phone representative, they said that situations like this are handled on a case by case basis, and it's possible that the customer would not get the full refund for the opened item (e.g. they would have to at least pay the return shipping fee). In my opinion, the Amazon return policy for opened items such as the Oculus Rift and Sony PSVR is a negotiation. Flagship Microsoft Store in New York (Source: Microsoft) The exception to this development are the HTC Vives that are sold via the Microsoft Store. I've spoken with two separate Microsoft stores in Canada, and not only do they demonstrate the device to customers, they will accept returned items that are opened without question. By now you are probably wondering why a huge virtual reality advocate like myself is so concerned about easy product returns. If VR is so great, why is this a big deal? The big deal is that between having limited opportunities for consumers to try the technologies before they buy, and the relatively high price for experiential products that are sight unseen (Rift is $849.99 Canadian Funds, PSVR is $549.99 Canadian funds), the return policy is the only thing maintaining the customers' trust so they can buy with confidence. I'm very concerned that this unusual retail policy is going to seriously hamper virtual reality sales, and this has little to nothing to do with customer demand. I completely appreciate why the retailers are implementing these closed box return policies if it has nothing to do with VR hygiene. There is a practice called "showboating" where consumers buy a TV for the weekend to watch the Super Bowl or they buy expensive camping equipment on a Thursday that gets returned the following Monday all muddy with use - I get it. However, this sealed box return policy is unusual for the likes of Best Buy and EB Games in Canada - it practically goes against their brand. Oculus has part of the solution in that they have a 15% restocking fee (when forced). I suspect most would be ok with an up-front restocking fee given the hygienic nature of virtual reality devices. I do think that it's important that there be more demo stations so consumers can try before they buy, though I know that having all customers try first is unrealistic. Ever see a mad store rush from a retailer's perspective? Those sales need to be closed quickly or you won't be able to satisfy all the customers. There's no time for demos! Sell! Sell! Sell! How do you handle a scenario where someone bought a VR device as a gift, and the person on the receiving end doesn't like it once opened? Things happen. As I still don't understand why the policy is different between the American Best Buy and American EB Games and their Canadian equivalents, I'm interested to learn how returns are handled in other parts of the world. The silver lining in my research is that when I went to visit the local EB Games to see how virtual reality was being represented, the store manager received a call from a prospective customer inquiring about the Sony PlayStation VR HMD. He expressed that the Sony PSVR bundle was sold out, though they have the solo HMD units readily available. So the customer interest and demand is there; it just sucks that when that prospective consumer arrives at the door, he will be questioning himself as to how big a financial risk he wants to take with this purchase all because of the store policy. According to Donna Ball, the Store Supervisor at the Yorkdale Mall Microsoft Store location in Toronto, the HTC Vive units are selling well and they've had very few returns. She explained that the primary reason for the product coming back is that people buy the unit without having an adequate computer waiting at home. Donna Ball, Store Supervisor, Microsoft Store (left), Neil Schneider (right) I was very impressed by the positive energy showcased in the Microsoft store, the pride in the VR product, the ecstatic reaction from the public, and the effort being invested to show others what all the excitement is about with modern virtual reality. Just having knowledgeable staff showing people - SELLING to people - made all the difference for me. The Microsoft Store was the exception to the rule in more ways than one, and I was so thrilled with their work, I drove in special to interview them for a pre-Black Friday shopping guide for consumers that I'm having published at the end of the week. I tried to do the same thing for Best Buy so people would see how they could try the tech out for themselves, but that didn't come to fruition because Best Buy couldn't schedule anything before Friday, and I never heard back from EB Games. I very much want the holiday season to be a success for all vendors, and the best way for that to happen is for all retailers to firm up their customer satisfaction process and give more opportunities for customers to try VR before they buy - or at least let them return what they don't like. For now, the Microsoft Store showed me how it's done with salespeople that care, round the clock demonstrations, and a customer satisfaction program that reflects our industry's confidence and trust. I thoroughly enjoy virtual reality, I'm certain customers will be happy with it, and it's a worthwhile investment. Everyone needs to play the part - especially the retailers. This Friday, I'm publishing a consumer-focused shoppers guide on Meant to be Seen and the ITA website. It's not for you! It's for the customers. Let's all start thinking about the customers. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 News, Specs, Release Date: To Come With New AI Features; Returns To Removable Batteries?; Likely Launch at Mobile World Congress Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is believed to come with a new AI feature. But the consumers may have to wait until April to have a first look, as the company is known to follow a trend in launching its new Galaxy devices during the Mobile World Congress in February. The internal prototypes of the premium Samsung Galaxy S8 include a button on the side edge that may be used to launch a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence, similar to Apple's Siri. Reports suggest that postponing the launch until after the event could give the Korean-based company ample time to work on the AI feature and the rest of the phone's features. Other reports also indicate that executive vice president Rhee Injong believes in all the potentials of the AI features, as developers will be enabled to upload and attach to this agent. Meantime, Samsung's caution is likely due to the impact of AI in its long-term business model, which is also encouraged by the Galaxy Note 7 debacle earlier this year. After losing over $5 billion, the company has been criticized for rushing the production process instead of taking necessary precautions to prevent manufacturing defects. Earlier reports suggest that avoidable punctures in the lithium-ion batteries have caused the smartphone to overheat, Salon reported. Meanwhile, as tech experts believe that Galaxy Note 8 would be released in February during the Mobile World Congress, or in January at the CES 2017, nothing is confirmed yet about the handset's specs and features. However, rumors claim that the new device is likely to have an Exynos 8895 chipset, a 6GB of RAM and a 4K resolution, including a rear dual camera with 8MP and 16MP sensors. An updated S Pen and fingerprint scanner are also expected to be included. There are also speculations that Samsung may return to the use of removable batteries,according to International Business Times. A Thorough Dive Into 'Kingdom Hearts III,''Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8,' 'Kingdom Hearts 1.5 Remix,' 'Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5' Although Square Enix guaranteed to remain silent when it comes to "Kingdom Hearts III" until after "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8" Final Chapter Prologue releases next year, the official Twitter account of "Kingdom Hearts" posted two new images today. The new screenshots released are intended to tide fans over. Apart from the announcement that "Kingdom Hearts 1.5" ReMix and 2.5 ReMix will be bundled and be available to PS4 next year, two short glimpses of "Kingdom Hearts III" also debuted as reported by IGN. As the tweets explain, the first screenshot shows the newest Drive Form for Sora. Titled Guard Form is the latest iteration of Sora's expanding wardrobe and appears to transform the keyblade into a shield. The Hercules world, on the other hand, also showed up in the previous "Kingdom Hearts III" trailers. However, the two, new images, both provide a new look at a place previously unexplored in any iteration of Hercules' location. Sora seems to be on Mt. Olympus instead of the Coliseum as in Underworld or "Kingdom Hearts." The second image is probably more puzzling as it comes saddled with caveat from the "Kingdom Hearts" official Twitter account. The image showed Sora's hand placement on the keyboard, which is a bit odd, suggesting an intense attack-focused Drive Form. Meanwhile, Square Enix announced that both "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5" and "Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5" Remix will be made available for PlayStation 4 on March 28, 2017 in North America and March 31, 2017 in Europe. The collection includes six "Kingdom Hearts" titles to Sony's newest console. "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5" ReMix includes the Final Mix, Re:Chain of Memories, and 358 Days. The Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix, on the other hand, includes the Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix, Birth by Sleep Final Mix, as well as Re:coded. The new entry in the series, "Kingdom Hearts III", was announced in 2013 based on the report of GameSpot. It doesn't have an exact release date yet, though it is certain that it will be available to both Xbox One and PS4. Watch "Kingdom Hearts 3" - DRIVE FORMS RETURN! NEW SCREENSHOTS! 'Westworld' Updates: Season 2 Officially Ordered One of the biggest HBO projects ever "Westworld" can come back to TV screens. New season has been ordered and viewers can expect another round of robot/cowboys violence treat in some time. The time of airing has not been said yet, but it is rumored that it will be sometime in 2018. However, not everybody is delighted with this news since there are opinions that the show was not satisfying. Telegraph UK says that "Westworld" will return for season 2. HBOs head of programming, Casey Bloys, says that high rating paired up with high interest from fans on social media are definitely the strategy to make the second season happen. One of the shows stars, Jimmi Simpson, said that the ending of the first season in episode 10 will close some plotlines, but it will open new ones to be awaited in "Westworld" season 2. James Marsden, another star, said that creators are having plans for at least 5 more seasons. As a possible air date is said to be sometime in 2018. The Verge as well confirms that the comeback of "Westworld" is certain, along with other two series "Insecure" and "Divorce". "Westworld" takes viewers into a Western-themed park where visitors are allowed to do anything they want. The series was a huge hit and it is awaited to see if the sequel will be the same. Not everybody, though, are excited about "Westworld" comeback. Corey Atad, writer for the Esquire, said that the show did not satisfy. Huge number of characters, regardless of some great acting names among them, is not a winning formula. According to him this is just another branding opportunity for HBO. Over violent and plot-burning series did not meet the standards set by the amount of money invested in it. This is just not art, he says. Meaning and purpose of characters are not clear and, he wonders, why we should invest in them. The only character worth watching is Maeve (Thandie Newton), built just a drop in a sea of bad plots and stereotypes. Viewers should now definitely wait and see whether he was right or the series does deserve their full attention. Microsoft Surface Phone Release Date, Specs and Updates: How Will Windows 10 Mobile Change Phone's Functionality? Microsoft fans are eagerly waiting for the release of the Microsoft Surface Phone next year. There is still no announcement yet from the company but many are hoping Microsoft will proceed with the smartphone. If ever the Surface Phone is introduced by Microsoft, it is expected to come with a "Windows 10 Mobile" hardware. The project was recently reported to be in the works and under the team of Microsoft executive Panos Panay. Windows 10 Mobile The so-called Microsoft Surface Phone would appear as a smaller version of the Surface devices but with the ability to make calls because of the Windows 20 Mobile hardware. There is still an ongoing debate if it should really dubbed as a "phone" given its features and functionality. Expected to be released in April 2017, the Microsoft Surface Phone is rumored to come in three variants: the consumer model, business edition and "enthusiast" variant. The last version is said to be the most high-tech model of the Microsoft Surface Phone. Features and specs When it is released, users can also choose from various storage options from 64 GB to 128 GB while the RAM will start at 4GB to 6GB. It is also thought to come with a 20MP camera equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens for better photo captures and video shots. Many Microsoft users are also hoping that the Surface Phone will come with a Snapdragon 830 processor which is set to be released during the first quarter of next year. The USB-C feature could also be included in the device. Other highlights The much-anticipated Microsoft Surface Phone is also believed to come with a fingerprint sensor on its display. There will also reportedly be support for Win32 applications when the Microsoft instalment launches next year. Are you excited for the Microsoft Surface Phone's release? 'Designated Survivor' Episode 6 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: President Kirkman Elects New Members in Congress, Who's The Next VP? "Designated Survivor" Episode 6 is said to open with sleepless nights for the low-level cabinet member turned US President Kirkman. The President is rumored to elect new members in congress in Episode 6. Moreover, troubles persist in the governor's summit but the President is reportedly fixed on going on with it. "Designated Survivor" Episode 6" is said to deliver more unexpected twists. The series only began this year and yet the ratings are said to be very high. Moreover, the upcoming episode is said to be an evidence of the conspiracy awaiting to be watched The Governor's Summit reportedly experienced a series of shots aimed at ruining the settlement with the government. However, President Kirkman is said to continue the summit despite being questioned of his decision. Apparently, "Designated Survivor" Episode 6 will see a President who aims to lay the foundation of a stable government. President Kirkman is reportedly expected to impress the Governors in "Designated Survivor" Episode 6. This is due to his aims to find nominees for the senate. The President is said to be offered only one option to be reviewed by him along with the 50 governors that have been appointed as juniors to the President, Mobi picker reported. Meanwhile, "Designated Survivor" Episode 6 entitled "The Interrogation" is said to continue with FBI Agent Hannah Wells on an investigation of the Capitol bombing. The agent is said to be making one of her most shocking discoveries yet about Room 105. Apparently, the room has been secretly added to the renovation plans of the Capitol building, BuddyTV reported. "Designated Survivor" Episode 6 is also said to reveal a new announcement regarding the country's next Vice President. Episode 6 will come with a shocking twist as the Chief of Staff Aaron Shore and the Presidential Advisor Emily Rhodes will reportedly go with the President's orders in search of the VP. Apparently, MacLeish has been chosen by President Kirkman for the position. Watch: Designated Survivor 1x06 Sneak Peek "The Interrogation" (HD) Google Nexus 7 Release, Specs & Price: Device Launch Still Worries Customers Despite Potential; Is it Worth The Wait? The Google Nexus 7 device is still being talked about quite consistently, which at this point is still a heap of utter speculations. As much as the device may be close to happening, there are still contradictions as to when it will arrive - even more with what it can do. Rumors have been rising that the Google Nexus 7 will come with a slew of rather powerful feats, some of which could make it one of the best choices for devices this year. However, the news regarding the supposed hardware makes it quite mysterious albeit the rumors around the said device. According to recent reports, the Google Nexus 7 could don 54GB worth of storage, 4GB RAM, a 7-inch QUAD-HD pressure-sensitive display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor. More than that, it is said to support up to 2TB for the MicroSD and have a 13 Megapixel rear camera, with the Adreno 530 among others. Interestingly, the Google Nexus 7 may not even be named as such, as it could simply be labelled as Pixel 7 respectively. Other previous speculations also say that that the Google Nexus 7 will run on the Andromeda operating system, as well as being classified a Huawei device. While this may be great, the release date is still to be argued over, as there is only so much withhold for the time being. One of the biggest concerns is the tendency for the device to launch before the year ends that as of the moment looks quite bleak. As this may be something to look forward to before the holidays, the device can be known to, at the earliest, release by 2017. It is said that the Google Nexus 7 could land at approximately 199, which may be pricy to some. Nonetheless, there are those that believe how it could be a fair rate given that it has the guns to back it up. That being said, stay posted for further news and updates here at GamenGuide. Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 Release Date, News &Update: Phone Confirmed for February 2017 Release? Several Variants Coming? Impressive Features & Specs Detailed With the much-anticipated Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 geared for a 2017 release, the tech giant is definitely upping the ante to compete with other flagship smartphone manufacturers. With fans excited for the comeback of the tech giant in the mobile arena, how will the Surface Phone fare against the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8? Microsoft Surface Phone and Windows Mobile It has been reported that the tech company is already in the final stages of development for the Microsoft Surface Phone 2016. The new Surface lineup will effectively replace the Lumia range in the arsenal of Microsoft's products. According to a report, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Panos Panay is working with his team on the Microsoft Surface Phone 2016. The new devices are said to undergo a paradigm shift, which aims to deliver a revolutionary Windows-based smartphone. The Surface Phones, in turn, are expected to shift the public view on smartphones based on the Windows Mobile platform. For years now, the platform lags behind Android and iOS. Microsoft Surface Phone Specs and Features According to many reports, the 2017 Microsoft flagship would come in three size variants. The upcoming Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 would also pack a whopping 8GB of RAM and 512 of internal storage capacity. The devices will be powered by Intel's powerful Kaby Lake chipsets. The partnership with Carl Zeiss would also continue with a 20MP rear camera. The display of the new Surface Phones would adopt the AMOLED technology at a Quad-HD resolution, effectively rivalling the Samsung offerings. The fingerprint scanner would then be embedded on the screen, which would be a new technological innovation integrated on the Microsoft Surface Phone 2016. The bezel-free and curved edge display may also be featured in the upcoming Microsoft Surface Phone 2016. There would also be native support for the Surface Pen and a peripheral keyboard. Continuum would continue to be a key feature of the Windows Mobile device. Possible Release Date According to some reports, Microsoft may unveil the Surface Phone during the Mobile World Congress on February next year. This would then coincide with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S8 should the company do so as well. Stay tuned to GamenGuide for more Microsoft Surface Phone 2016 news and updates! Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date, Latest News & Updates: New Samsung Smartphone Will Improve Upon S7, Include Its Own Version of Siri With the massive controversy surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S7, with all its overheating and semi-exploding glory, Samsung is looking to bounce back strong with their new, upcoming smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is shaping to be quite the impressive device and might just be the gadget that Samsung is hoping for to regain their reliability, fandom, and overall reputation. What kind of features will the Samsung Galaxy S8 have? According to CNET, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to have next-generation tech features pre-installed for the user's enjoyment. One of these features is rumored to be an ultra 4K resolution that consists of 3840x2160 pixels on-screen. The S8 is also rumored to have dual cameras at the back of the phone, taking inspiration from the iPhone 7 Plus. A myriad of other new features such as a pressure-sensitive screen is also expected to be included in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8. Rumors suggest that Samsung will follow its tradition and provide two options of the smartphone for consumers to choose from, taking inspiration from the Samsung Galaxy S7 and its more advanced counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The two expected models of the Galaxy S8 is rumored to have a 5.1 inch dual-curved display for the first model, and a 5.5 inch dual-curved display for the second; mirroring those of the S7. However, one of the coolest features Samsung is rumored to have in place for the S8 is the addition of a feature called Bixby. As reported by Express UK, Bixby is a heavily rumored artificial intelligence assistant being developed by Samsung. If rumors are to be believed, the Bixby AI will come installed with every Samsung Galaxy S8 once it releases and will be accessible to the user to interact with via voice commands and/or a dedicated Bixby button. This is Samsung's apparent answer to Apple's own digital assistant Siri. There is no true release date yet available for the Samsung Galaxy S8. But, experts expect it to be released sometime in April of next year. Fake Internet News 2016: Google & Facebook Vow To Crack Down On Fake News Sites; How? Two of the world's social media giants have announced to track and crack down on scammers using ads on fake news sites. Google and Facebook has vowed to update their policies after social media platforms were lambasted over the key role that these "fake news" played on the U.S. presidential elections. Fake Internet News 2016: Incorrect News Might Have Tilted The U.S. Elections According to Business Insider, social media platforms Google and Facebook said that they are working on their current policies after the proliferation of "fake news" might have swung the elections in Donald Trump's favor. Despite Mark Zuckerberg's defense of Facebook, many experts believe that some misleading information might have pivoted a large number of voters during the campaign period. Google said that it is working on its policy regarding its AdSense advertising networks, noting that it aims to prevent websites to use the advertising network to spread fallacious news. Facebook also released a statement that it will be updating its advertising policies to monitor and prevent fake news from proliferating on its platform. However, the current policy updates do not really decipher and take out misleading content. The measures are aimed to assure that publishers that publish content are legit. Since Facebook cannot really take out fake news that are shared by users, the social media platform said that it would only focus on its ad policy. The advertisements are essentially the key for "fake news" publishers to make money. Google even vowed to eliminate financial incentives that appear to be a big factor on the production and spread of fake news. Fake Internet News 2016: Fake News Might Be Created By Political Activists? According to Digital Trends, some of the fake news that circulated among social media platforms were created by social activists trying to boost their candidates chances of winning. Some of these fake news clearly had political affiliations, as most of those that came out during the days leading to the elections were driven by destructive dialogue against both the presidential candidates. Experts have recommended that social media platforms must start to monitor and discern information coming out of their websites. 'The 100' Season 4: Roan, Luna's Return Won't Be Easy; Lexa Now Out Of The Picture Every time casts and crews of "The 100" take the stage at Comic-Con, they always never miss to reveal one character who will make a comeback in the series' succeeding season. Last year, showrunners announced the return of Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey), this year, on the other hand, producer Jason Rothenburg revealed that Roan (Zach McGowan), also known as King of Ice Nation, will make a comeback in "The 100" Season 4, Fab Newz reports. Yibada states that Luna (Nadia Hilker) will also make a return in the series. Actress Hilker has been seen multiple times shooting for "The 100" Season 4. Reports say that Luna's return is key to defeat another apocalypse coming to Earth. It is bad news, though, for fans who want to still see Lexa on "The 100" Season 4 as showrunner Rothenburg already confirmed at the San Diego Comic-Con that it will be hard for their team to include Lexa in the upcoming season. One of the most favorite characters of the series had a controversial death in the previous season, Mic says. Rothenburg specifically said that "The City of Light is gone, the flame exists, and all the minds of the commanders are in the flame," hinting that it will be hard to bring back Lexa that fast. "So Lexa's gone, she's not coming back to the show, but ultimately the flame is an important thing, it's a political artifact," he added. "The 100" is a sci-fi drama TV series adaptation of a book with the same name released in year 2013. The story focuses on a group of teens who survived a nuclear apocalypse and was able to go back to Earth after the devastation. The CW Network renewed the series with 13 additional episodes for its fourth installment last March 11, 2016. Fede Alvarez Says He Has The Greatest Idea For 'Dont Breathe 2' A sequel for "Don't Breathe", inarguably one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year, makes sense. The movie reeled in approximately $150 million worldwide and caught the attention of critics and pundits. Sony, without surprise, is looking to make a second movie. The deliberately open-ended conclusion of the movie allows for a sequel. The first movie followed a trio of young delinquents who break inside the home of an elderly blind man. Unbeknownst to them, the old man is more than capable of wiping them out, owing to a tragic past and his vet experience in the army. "Don't Breathe" starred Jane Levy ("Evil Dead"), Daniel Zovatto ("It Follows"), Dylan Minnette ("Goosebumps"), and Stephen Lang ("Avatar"). Alvarez has a busy couple of years ahead of him what with the recent announcement of his involvement as director of the upcoming film adaptation of David Lagercrantz's "The Girl in the Spider's Web". At first understandably reluctant about the idea, Alvarez finally agreed to do the movie after coming up what he says is the "greatest idea" for the sequel. In an interview with CinemaBlend, he said: "Right now, yeah, Don't Breathe 2 is something we definitely want to do. The challenge is obvious - we just don't want to do the same movie again, slap a "2" on it. We'll feel so embarrassed if we do that. Our first reaction when they told us, 'Do you want to do it?' was like, 'No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. That's Hollywood! That's the devil! We don't want to make a sequel just because we can.' But then we got an idea that we're really excited about, and I won't tell you what it is because it will spoil the whole thing." Sam Raimi, director of horror cult classics "The Evil Dead" and "Evil Dead II", expressed his support for the young director, saying: "It's only the greatest idea for a sequel that I've ever heard! I'm not kidding!" "Don't Breathe 2" is currently in the early stages of development and thusly has no official release date yet, but you can bet on us spilling the details as they come. Source: ScreenRant Ryan Reynolds Named GQS Man of The Year Reveals Secret Battle With Anxiety Ryan Reynolds. GQ Man of the Year of 2016. Nothing surprising about that. Of course he would be GQ Man of the Year. Hell, at the rate he's going, he could be GQ's main man every year. He's definitely every woman's dream man at this point. Reynolds was named one of GQ's Men of the Year 2016. The 40-year-old Deadpool star was featured on this particular issue along with Usain Bolt and Warren Beatty. He revealed his secret battle with anxiety and how he fell in love with his wife of 4 years, Blake Liveley. The actor told the magazine he was diagnosed with anxiety when he finished filming Deadpool. "When it finally ended, I had a little bit of a nervous breakdown. I literally had the shakes", he said. He further added, "I went to go see a doctor because I felt like I was suffering from a neurological problem or something. And every doctor I saw said, "You have anxiety." I say this with the caveat that I completely recognize the ridiculously fortunate position that I am in. But the attention is hard on your nervous system-that might be why I live out in the woods. And I was banging the loudest drum for Deadpool. I wasn't just trying to open it; I was trying to make a cultural phenomenon". When asked how he fell in love with his wife, Blake Lively, with whom he has two children, "Probably after the sex," Reynolds said smiling. Clearly just kidding around and having fun. Classic Ryan Reynolds. Always naughty with his sense of humor. Later on he said, "No, we were hanging out at this little restaurant in Tribeca that's open really late, and this song came on and I was just like, "Want to dance?" "No one was in there, so it was just totally empty. And it was just one of those moments where halfway through the dance, it was like, "Oh, I think I just crossed a line." And then I walked her home. And, uh, you know, I don't really need to go into what happened after that." You can catch more of Ryan Reynolds when you grab a copy of the 2016 GQ Men of the Year issue which hits newsstand in New York and LA on November 15 and nationwide on November 22. 1933 2016 Richard Bergey passed away at his home in Lebanon on Nov. 13, 2016, at the age of 83. Richard was one of seven children born to Oliver Detweiler Bergey and Elizabeth (Ruth) Bergey in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. While attending Hesston College, Richard met Lila Kauffman whom he married in 1952. They spent the next two years doing Mennonite Voluntary Service at the LaJunta, Colorado, hospital, after which they moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. There Richard worked in the coal mines nearly four years before beginning his lifelong vocation as a carpenter. In 1962, Richard moved his family to Albany. Richards work took him to Watsonville, California, in 1982. He married Sydne Adkins in 1988. Following his retirement in 2004, Richard and Sydne returned to Lebanon. Richard became a Christian and a member of the Mennonite Church at a young age. His faith and love for the Lord remained strong throughout his life. Richard had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He sang in a quartet while in high school, the choir at Hesston College, and for many years in the Valley Mens Chorus. Richard was often the song leader at the churches he attended and would always be sure to organize a mixed or male quartet to sing in. Richard lived a life of service. He had conducted weekly services and read to patients at a nursing home; gone to Tonga on a building project; and went on numerous relief missions following natural disasters. He also spent countless hours volunteering his carpentry skills on building projects for non-profits, the elderly, the poor, and for his children. Richard found a special satisfaction in his volunteer work for numerous Assembly of God churches, the Cannon Beach Conference Center, and building wheelchair ramps through Love INC. Richard is survived by his wife, Sydne, and her son, Jerry; children Ron, Ric, Dale, Donna, Candy, Jay and Derek; sisters Grace Brenneman, Lois Swartzendruber and Eunice Hess; brothers John, Chester and Ted; 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a great grandchild. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Lebanon Mennonite Church. Those wishing to make a contribution in Richards memory may do so to Teen Challenge, P.O. Box 108, Shedd, OR 97377. The only full-line music store in the mid-Willamette Valley is getting ready to close its doors, although parts of the business will live on in other forms. Gracewinds Music, 137 S.W. Third St., will be closed on Friday after 31 years in business, then reopen Saturday to begin liquidating its inventory. The company will maintain its online sales division, however, and will continue to carry its 750 or so rent-to-own instrument contracts. The band and orchestra instrument retail department and repair service will pop up in Philomath under new owners and a new name, Windsmith Music, around the first of the year. Eventually, the instrument rental business will migrate to Windsmith as well. Were striving for a seamless transition, said Gracewinds co-owner Travis Oefelein. (For full details on Gracewinds Musics closing plans, including how they will affect rental customers, consignment sales and warranties, see the online version of this story at www.gazettetimes.com.) Oefeleins parents, Ken and Sharon Oefelein, launched the business as an instrument repair shop in their South Corvallis garage in 1985, trading in their teaching careers for a home-based enterprise in order to spend more time with their young children. They added instrument sales and rentals and moved into a downtown storefront in 1990, growing steadily and moving two more times before landing at the Third Street location, a cavernous structure with 17,500 square feet of floor space spread out over two stories plus a basement and mezzanine level. The top floor, dubbed the Lesson Loft, is used for recitals and music lessons by 10 local instructors. The basement serves as a warehouse and provides space for instrument repair and the companys online sales division, Musical Supply Direct. The ground floor and mezzanine are crowded with a dazzling array of musical instruments, from horns and woodwinds to pianos and electronic keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, drum kits and exotic percussion instruments. Gracewinds also stocks a wide range of recording equipment, musical accessories and sheet music. By 2014 Gracewinds was ranked the nations 125th-largest music retailer, with an estimated $4.6 million in annual sales, according to Music Trades magazine. The company's extensive rent-to-own instrument program serves schools throughout Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties. Travis Oefelein gradually took on more and more of the daily responsibilities of running the business as his parents began phasing into retirement, but his family responsibilities were growing at the same time. With three young children at home two girls aged 1 and 3 and a boy aged 4 he decided to follow in his parents footsteps and set aside his career to focus on his family. When we were in the middle of planning for (Gracewinds) 30th anniversary, something changed in me, he said. The love and passion is still there, but a lot of it is directed at my kids these days. Oefelein said hes looking forward to becoming a stay-at-home dad while his wife, Cathleen, is looking forward to resuming her own career as a schoolteacher. His parents, meanwhile, are looking forward to moving into full retirement. I think the business has been good for us, Sharon Oefelein said. It served our family well. But it did kind of take over. On Saturday, the store will begin selling off its extensive inventory, valued at more than $2 million. The sale will continue, with progressive discounts, until sometime in January. At some point, the remaining band and orchestra instruments will be sold to two of Gracewinds 20 employees, repair technicians Mark and Katie Rasmussen. The couple have purchased a 2,700-square-foot building at 1305 Main St. in Philomath and have begun renovating it as a home for their new store, which they plan to call Windsmith Music. They hope to be open for business by December or January. Katie Rasmussen said the focus will be on instrument repair and service to start with but will expand to include sales and rentals. Weve done this before, she said. We had a music store in San Diego for seven years, called The Windsmith. Rasmussen added that at least two of their Gracewinds co-workers are expected to make the move to Philomath with them. We should be open before Gracewinds closes, she said. If were busy enough, wed like to bring more onboard. We just dont know yet. Once the liquidation sale is finished, Travis Oefelein will find a new space to operate Musical Supply Direct, the online division of Gracewinds Music, which has grown to the point were it generates roughly 75 percent of the companys revenue. He said he plans to bring some or all of the divisions five employees with him. But he also made it clear that he wants to streamline the operation, focusing on perennial best-sellers and avoiding growth plans that could take too much time away from his kids. Its got to be simple and profitable, Oefelein said. Well keep it stripped down to the core of what we do. Since Donald Trump won the presidency last week, there has been endless discussion of just why he won. And a peace activist speaking at the Whiteside Theater Tuesday night was no exception to the discussion. Author and Iraq war veteran Paul Chappell said Trump won not because he promised material success to people, but because he showed respect and gave a sense of purpose to a portion of country that many liberals and peace activists have demonized. "Donald Trump speaks to these people like they have worth," Chappell said. Trump, Chappell said, told them they would belong in the America he would create and gave them a mission: making America great again. "I think he won more because of spiritual pain than financial pain," Chappell said. More than 60 people attended the Oregon State University sponsored event, which included a panel discussion with some university faculty. Chappell, the peace leadership director with Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, began his presentation by questioning assumptions about human needs that place material needs above things that he defined as spiritual needs, like purpose and meaning, belonging, self worth and explanation. He pointed to people being willing to die for a cause as evidence that purpose and meaning are more important than food. "If you deprive all humans of food, humanity will go extinct. But if you deprive humans of purpose and meaning, wouldn't we also go extinct?" Chappell added that people who become mass shooters, serial killers or terrorists are often alienated people. Joining groups like ISIS gives them a sense of belonging, he said. "People can suffer terribly from material poverty, but people suffering from poverty of the other kind is far more dangerous," he said. But Chappell cautioned that viewing people who are materially poor as worthless damages them spiritually, and politically alienating them can deprive them of a sense of belonging. "What if the greatest problem in the world is not material poverty, but injustice?" Chappell said the point of his talk was to open people up to see the humanity in other people and understand that even if they disagree on the methods, people are all trying to meet the same basic spiritual needs. Liberals and peace advocates can be hypocritical about this, he said, because while they claim to be tolerant, they often do not tolerate people they believe are racist. "It's easy not to be bigoted against trans people," Chappell said. "It's hard not to be bigoted against bigots." Chappell said he wanted everyone show each other respect and have understanding for the traumas other humans face. "Every culture in history finds listening respectful. Every culture in history finds not listening disrespectful. ... And the key to listening is empathy." Chappell will have another discussion today at the Memorial Union Horizon Room on the Oregon State University campus at 1 p.m. Chances aren't good that this will be included in the future on the curriculum vitae of University of Oregon law professor Nancy Shurtz: On Halloween night, while preparing for a private party at her house with students and faculty, Shurtz assembled a costume that was meant in part to pay homage to Damon Tweedy, an African-American doctor who wrote a book titled "Black Man in a White Coat." Tweedy's book, which has drawn praise nationwide, is a memoir about his experiences dealing with race and bias during the course of what has been a distinguished medical career. So the costume Shurtz wore included, appropriately enough, a hospital gown and a stethoscope wrapped around her neck. It also included, inappropriately, blackface makeup. She said the costume was meant to spark a thoughtful conversation on racism; she since has apologized. But that isn't the end of the story: Word got out, of course, about the costume. The reaction was fast and angry, as reactions tend to be these days: Nearly two dozen of her colleagues at the law school signed a letter calling on her to resign. The letter said, in part: "We are angry. You need to resign. It doesn't matter what your intentions were. It doesn't matter if (your conduct) was protected by the First Amendment." University of Oregon President Michael Schill sent a note to the campus the day after the party, saying that the costume was "anathema to the University of Oregon's cherished values of racial diversity and inclusion." The dean of the law school and the university's chief academic officer and dean of inclusion signed onto the note. The law school dean placed Shurtz on administrative leave while the university investigated the incident. That action triggered an additional wave of criticism: The Oregon Association of Scholars said that, while Shurtz's costume "may have been unwise," the university's response was "even more unwise." The association said the university owed Shurtz an apology. Well, there's no doubt that Shurtz, a distinguished professor at the law school and a former chair of its diversity committee, did something foolish in her choice of costume; it's almost inexplicably stupid. She should have known better, especially since she surely would have known about the racial stereotypes associated with blackface. But here's the rub: Intentions do matter. And it's also undeniable that Shurtz's actions, misguided as they may be, did not flow from a desire to make some sort of racist statement. In fact, no one has questioned her stated desire behind the costume, to launch a thoughtful discussion on racism. She got that discussion, all right, but it's not clear how much of it truly has been thoughtful. What is clear is that this controversy has illuminated the difficulties college campuses are experiencing in trying to build an inclusive culture for students and others while at the same time maintaining a climate where free speech (and, yes, occasionally offensive speech) is allowed. Shurtz remains on administrative leave. She has not resigned, and she should not. The university should not fire her, in part because such a decision would preclude an option that actually could prove to be useful to everyone concerned, and to the larger university community as well. Handled properly, this incident could help spark a discussion about how to have meaningful conversations about race and speech in America today. But that won't happen if the university shows Shurtz the door, washing away all those possible lessons in a wave of bitter recriminations and vicious finger-pointing. (mm) Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. World Climate Conference 2017 : Next Climate Summit will be in Bonn BONN The next UN World Climate Conference will be hosted in Bonn. Diplomats and politicians from all over the world will meet in November of 2017 here in Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken During this years United Nations Climate Conference in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, it was announced that Bonn would play host to the next UN Climate Conference, November 6 - 17, 2017. But the presidency will not go to Germany, rather it was awarded to the Republic of Fiji in the South Pacific. Salafist group The True Religion : Raid in Bonn to stop Salafists BONN Police carried out a raid throughout Germany on Tuesday. The head of the Salafist organization The True Religion lives in Bonn. Authorities have deemed the group illegal. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken In 2012, a radical form of Islam, Salafism became visible in Bad Godesberg. The group began an initiative called Lies!, meaning Read! and started handing out free Korans in public squares. They set up a table at Theaterplatz in Bad Godesberg and began with their mission in German society. Every German household should have a German language version of the Koran. Handing them out was ringleader Ibrahim Abou-Nagie. In the past years, the initiative has spread to almost all major German cities. Officials have now put a stop to it. Abou-Nagies apartment was included in a major raid on Tuesday and Koran distribution by the group has been outlawed. At 6:30 a.m., the raid began in an apartment house on Carl-Justi-Strae in Endenich. Neither Abou-Nagie nor his partner were at home. The goal of the special forces was to confiscate material that could provide evidence of two major suspicions: that donations collected at the Koran distribution initiatives were funneled to Jihadists, and that they recruited for Islamists at the stands. Four other homes were raided in Bonn. One was on Hubert-Peter-Strae in Friesdorf, where the home of Said-El-E. was searched - he is a long time ally of Abou-Nagie and is known in Islamic circles as Abu Dujana. Clemens F., a German convert to Islam, lives in the north part of Bonn and wrote to his friend on the internet that police confiscated his cell phone and computer. Other targets of the raid were on Wurzerstrae in Plittersdorf and Siegweg in Friesdorf. In Pulheim, police had heavier work to do. Stored in a shed surrounded by fields were stacks and stacks of the Koran. A man from Cologne had rented the storage shed from a farmer. The last signs of Abou-Nagie were in Brazil this past summer. He is now believed to be in Malaysia. At the beginning of this year, he appeared in a Cologne court on charges that he unlawfully took in welfare payments of about 54,000 euro. He received a suspended sentence of 13 months so he was able to move about freely. The married man with three children, and a long-time live-in partner, had been unemployed for many years. Neighbors say the couple moved in a short time ago with a small child. The woman had a German name, and a veil covered her face. Abou-Nagie himself appeared creepy. Three days into his carjacking trial in 2005, James Ochoa faced a daunting choice: Risk spending the rest of his life in prison if convicted by a California jury or plead guilty and be released in two years. Ochoa, then 20 and on probation for drug possession, had already rejected two plea offers and wanted to prove his innocence. But the judge made it clear the odds were against him because he had been identified by the victims as the perpetrator. If convicted, Ochoa feared he would never see his young son again. "I felt like I was gambling with my life," he said from his home in the Dallas area. He pleaded guilty to armed robbery and spent about a year in prison before DNA linked the crime to another man in 2006. Ochoa was cleared and released within days. Hundreds of others have faced the same dilemma. More than 300 of the more than 1,900 people who have been exonerated in the U.S. since 1989 pleaded guilty, according to an estimate by the National Registry of Exonerations. The registry is maintained by the University of Michigan Law School using public information, such as court documents and news articles. Last year, 68 out of 157 exonerations were cases in which the defendant pleaded guilty, more than any previous year. Critics say the numbers reflect an overwhelmed criminal justice system with public defenders who have more cases than they can handle and expedience on the part of court officials, who can save the government money with plea bargains compared with costly trials. "Our criminal justice system has lost its way," said David O. Markus, a prominent Miami defense attorney. "For a long time, it was our country's crown jewel, built on the principle that it was better that 10 guilty go free than one innocent be wrongfully convicted. Now sadly, the system accepts and even encourages innocent people to plead guilty." In the 1970s and 1980s, state and federal lawmakers reacted to rising crime rates by imposing mandatory minimums and other sentencing laws to crack down on felons. As the penalties and risk of going to prison grew, so did the percentage of defendants who opted to plead guilty. Last year, more than 97 percent of criminal defendants sentenced in federal court pleaded guilty compared with about 85 percent more than 30 years ago, according to data collected by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. The increase in guilty pleas has been a gradual rise over the last three decades. No entity gathers statistics for all state courts, but prosecutors, defense attorneys and law professors say they have also seen more cases at that level resolved by guilty pleas and fewer cases going to trial. "When the penalties are so high, no one wants to take the risk of going to trial because if you lose, you're going to go away for a long, long time," said Jed Rakoff, a federal judge in New York. No one knows exactly how many innocent people are behind bars for pleading guilty. Sociologists have estimated that between 2 and 8 percent of people who plead guilty are in fact innocent, said Rakoff, who has studied the issue for years. In Ochoa's case, he was charged with two counts of armed robbery and carjacking. Authorities said the crime occurred outside a nightclub in Buena Park, California. He faced 15 years to life in prison. Ochoa's attorney, Scott Borthwick, said he tried to talk him out of pleading guilty. Ochoa's DNA wasn't on anything inside the stolen car, but the carjacking victims positively identified him. Borthwick said the judge told him during a meeting in his chambers that if Ochoa was convicted by jurors, the judge would give him the maximum: life. About 10 months after he pleaded guilty, another man was arrested in a different carjacking. The DNA found in the car in Ochoa's case matched the man, who confessed to the crime. After Ochoa's release, he joined his family, who had moved to the Dallas area. He was turned down for jobs at Walmart and other places because the violent felony still showed up on his record, he said. An officer for the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board initially recommended that Ochoa not receive any money for his imprisonment, saying Ochoa contributed to his erroneous conviction by pleaded guilty. But in the end, the board granted Ochoa $31,700. He also got $550,000 to settle his lawsuit against the city of Buena Park and its police department. Ochoa used the money to buy a house and began working as an electrician. That's how he now supports his wife and two kids. Even those who are close to Ochoa don't understand why he pleaded guilty. His brother calls him dumb and his dad says he wouldn't have signed the deal, Ochoa said. "It's hard for a person that hasn't been through that to understand the way it is," Ochoa said. "I didn't want to plead guilty for something I didn't do. I wanted to fight it." Judge Robert Fitzgerald, who heard Ochoa's case, declined through a spokeswoman for the Orange County Superior Court to comment. Orange County District Attorney Anthony Rackauckas, whose office prosecuted it, said he was not immediately available for comment. Those who were exonerated after pleading guilty often have prior criminal records, like Ochoa, and come from poor backgrounds and are not well-educated. They're typically represented by public defenders juggling dozens of cases in a day and looking to cut good deals for their clients. Many were cleared of wrongdoing by taking a new look at DNA evidence in blood or other body fluids, according to the University of Michigan database. Some were the victims of prosecutorial misconduct, while shoddy police work was to blame in other cases such as a mistaken FBI hair analysis or falsified fingerprint evidence. Some falsely confessed because of improper interrogation techniques while others, like Ochoa, maintained their innocence throughout. It's not just prosecutors and defense attorneys who seek to cut plea deals. Many judges prefer that route. Judges who resolve cases rather than let them languish tend to be seen as more successful. Similarly, prosecutors who close cases tend to rise faster in their careers. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Lee Brannon of West Palm Beach, Florida, outlined his reasoning for a deal-first approach in a recent case involving victims of a serial sex molester. The victims had sued the federal government because the molester, a wealthy and well-connected financier, was allowed to plead guilty to lesser charges without the victims' advance knowledge. Brannon urged the two sides to settle. "If you go to trial, you're going to lose control of the outcome. Nobody knows for sure how this is going to turn out," he said. "Settle the case. That's the way to move on." 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. WhatsApp to Extend its Support for BlackBerry and Nokia Phones Until June 2017 News oi -Samden Sherpa WhatsApp has reversed its decision to stop supporting some specific phones which include Blackberry OS, Blackberry 10, Nokia S40 and Nokia Symbian S60 at the end of this year. While BlackBerry and Nokia Symbian OS may be on a list of endangered platforms, there are a fair number of users who are still using devices based on these platforms. In what could be described as relieving to Blackberry and Nokia users, the world's largest messaging platform WhatsApp has extended their support for Blackberry OS and Nokia Symbian until June 2017. SEE ALSO: WhatsApp Video Calling is Here: 5 Other Features WhatsApp Users Are Craving For Previously, WhatsApp had announced that the messaging service will be dropped for several mobile operating systems from December 2016 including BlackBerry's and Nokia's operating systems. The company had stated in one of their blog posts, as they develop their roadmap, they want to focus their efforts on the mobile platforms that are used by a majority of people. SEE ALSO: Reliance Jio GigaFiber vs Airtel V-Fiber vs BSNL Broadband: And the Winner is... In light of celebrating their 7th anniversary, WhatsApp tracing back their history also mentioned that these mobile devices have been an important part of their success story. But now, as they don't offer the kind of capabilities and while WhatsApp needs to expand their app's features in the future, the company has taken such a step. Surprisingly, according to their latest post on their support page, WhatsApp has revealed that they will be extending their support for BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, Nokia S40 and Nokia Symbian S60 platforms until June 30, 2017. It comes as a welcome relief for millions of people who can now have some more time to use WhatsApp before discarding their unsupported devices for compatible ones. On the contrary, WhatsApp has confirmed that users on Android 2.1 and Android 2.2 as well as Windows Phone 7 won't be able to use WhatsApp from January 2017. In addition, the messaging app will no longer be supported on iPhone 3GS or devices running iOS 6 as well. WhatsApp has recommended the users to upgrade to a newer Android running OS 2.3+, a Windows Phone 8+, or an iPhone running iOS 7+ before the end of 2016 to continue using the messaging app and its services. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications PHILADELPHIA A federal judge has ordered the FBI and other federal agencies to turn over any potential evidence they spied on Occupy Philadelphia protesters. The FBI, CIA and National Security Agency have 60 days to comply with the order from Senior U.S. District Judge Berle M. Schiller. The order follows another right-to-know case that revealed the FBI was monitoring Occupy Wall Street activities in New York and spinoff efforts from Florida to Alaska. Civil rights lawyer Paul Hetznecker hopes to learn if the agencies surveilled demonstrators who encamped outside Philadelphia City Hall for seven weeks in 2011 to protest income inequality. The FBI has turned over seven redacted pages in response to his right-to-know lawsuit. The judge plans to review the unredacted FBI document and information from the CIA and NSA to determine if the material should be made public. Press investigations have shown that federal intelligence agencies have infiltrated Muslim groups, civil rights groups and other lawful organizations since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Hetznecker argued. A right-to-know request filed by the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund in 2012 led the FBI to disclose its efforts to monitor Occupy Wall Street activities. The documents released showed the FBI sharing information about Occupys plans with banks, businesses and local police, even as it acknowledged the protesters nonviolent mission. The government should not be investigating its citizens simply because theyve raised their voices in dissent, whether its against government or corporate policy, Hetznecker said Tuesday. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia, which is defending the government, declined to comment on the pending case. The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported Tuesday on Schillers order from late last week. The Occupy Wall Street movement began in New York and spread to cities across the country. The Philadelphia encampment outside City Hall ended when city officials evicted the group to begin a $50 million renovation of the public plaza in late November 2011. About 80 people arrested during the eviction and other key demonstrations were later acquitted, Hetznecker said. The city this year agreed to pay $200,000 to settle lawsuits filed by some of those arrested. OnePlus 3T is Official: Here are 10 Highlighted Features of the Phone Features oi -Samden Sherpa Given the company saying that OnePlus 3 was its best seller, in a strange turn of events, OnePlus has announced its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 3T. After many rumors and leaks in the internet, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer has finally made it's latest flagship OnePlus 3T official. Subsequently, OnePlus 3T's imminent announcement probably means that people won't be able to purchase OnePlus 3 anymore. SEE ALSO: Shocking News: Reliance Jio to Immediately Interrupt Free 4G Services, Find Out Why While visiting the company's website right now OnePlus 3 has gone out of stock. Most likely, the company wants people to check out the powerful OnePlus 3T before making their final buying decisions. SEE ALSO: 5 Ways OnePlus 3T Is Different From the Original OnePlus 3 However, the new phone comes as an upgrade over the currently available OnePlus 3. OnePlus 3T with improvements in various segments such as camera, storage, battery, and processor will be a good reason for people to upgrade to the better performing gadget. Here are 10 features of the new OnePlus 3T that you need to know. Faster Processor OnePlus 3T looks to be more powerful as it features a 2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, which is faster and efficient. On the contrary, it still has got 6GB of RAM that we saw in the OnePlus 3. More Storage OnePlus 3T brings 64GB of storage in its base model, but users also have an option to upgrade to 128GB of internal storage. Larger Battery The OnePlus 3T brings a slightly larger battery at 3,400 mAh compared to 3,000 mAh on the 3. Impressively, OnePlus has managed to fit in the extra battery without changing the device's footprint at all. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Upgraded Front Camera The front camera system also gets an upgrade. The 8MP front facing camera has been scrapped and is replaced by a 16MP camera which is integrated with Samsung 3P8SP sensor, f/2.0 aperture, and full HD video recording. The rear camera, however, remains the same as 16 MP. Screen and Body The OnePlus 3T comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p, Optic AMOLED display with a pixel density of 401ppi, Gorilla Glass 4 protection and anodised aluminium unibody just like the OnePlus 3. Android 6.0 While we were expecting the OnePlus 3T to run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, but it comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS. However, OnePlus has promised Nougat update within a couple of months. Color Options The OnePlus 3T brings new color variant, "Gunmetal." This new color replaces "Graphite" from the OnePlus 3, although the "Soft Gold" clolor option is still available. Some Other Features The phone has a fingerprint sensor at the front and a USB Type-C connector. The battery continues to support OnePlus' DashCharge technology for fast charging. The OnePlus 3T supports dual-SIM,4G LTE (Cat. 6), dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, USB 2.0 with Type-C port, Google Cast, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Bluetooth 4.2 (with LE), and a 3.5mm audio jack. Price Tag The good news is the OnePlus 3T won't be as expensive as we would have expected. The 64GB internal storage variant is priced at $439 (Approx Rs. 30,000) and the 128GB variant will come for $479 (Approx Rs. 32,000). Launch Dates The device will go on sale November 22 in the US and November 28 in Europe. However, no word about when the 3T will be launched in India. On a positive note, the sale might soon follow after the launch in U.S. and European markets. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Apple Adds Panic Button Exclusively for Indian iPhone Users News oi -Samden Sherpa Apple's third developer's beta has been launched recently Apple has added SOS button functionality for iPhone users in India exclusively. Well, Apple may not launch its iOS 10.2 update until the end of this year, but their second beta version of iOS 10.2 brought a host of features to iPhone and iPad models. It has been aimed at making the user experience more interesting and exciting. However, Apple's third developer's beta has been launched recently and it gives us a glimpse of some of the features coming to iOS devices especially for the Indian community of iPhone users. SEE ALSO: Have No Cash? This is How FreeCharge Aims to Promote Cashless Payments While one of the features, SOS button was included in the second beta version, it has been removed in the third beta version. The third beta has removed it from all other parts of the world except India. And that might be good news. India-only Feature Correspondingly, the Emergency SOS feature on iPhone is kept due to the Indian government's recent mandate stating that all mobile phones must have an SOS button for emergency situations. This ruling will come into effect from January 1, 2017, though mobile phone manufacturers have asked the government to defer it to April. Default Emergency Number The default emergency number in the software will be 112, the new emergency number that India will adopt starting January. Users can also add more phone numbers to send emergency alerts. Click Here for New Tablets Best Online Deals How to set up Emergency SOS on iPhone To make an Emergency SOS call on iPhone, users can simply tap the power button five times rapidly. So once you tap the power button, a three-second countdown starts during which users have the option to cancel the call. If the process isn't cancelled, your iPhone will automatically call the emergency services number for assistance. Default Setting Emergency SOS is activated by default in iOS 10.2 beta 3. To ensure it's active, or to deactivate it, you need to go into Settings>General>Emergency SOS. Furthermore, in this menu, users can also find a shortcut to the Health app. Here you can assign different emergency contacts who will receive an alert when you trigger the Emergency SOS feature. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals Best Mobiles in India Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 15, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 strikes in Syria: -- Near Raqqah, two strikes destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Ayn Isa, five strikes engaged five ISIL tactical units and destroyed two fighting positions. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes damaged an ISIL supply route and destroyed three oil wellheads. -- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. Strikes in Iraq Rocket artillery and attack, fighter, bomber and remotely piloted aircraft conducted nine strikes in Iraq: -- Near Baghdad, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Haditha, a strike destroyed an ISIL mortar system. -- Near Mosul, six strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and a staging area; destroyed five storage containers, five mortar systems, two vehicles, a vehicle bomb, and a weapons cache; damaged five tunnels; and suppressed two ISIL tactical units. -- Near Qayyarah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a mortar system and an ISIL-held building. -- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed an ISIL bunker. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gains Made for Mosul, Tough Fighting Remains, DoD Spokesman Says By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2016 Iraqi forces and Kurdish peshmerga are making gains in the approach to Mosul, but fierce fighting is expected in the dense terrain inside the northern Iraqi city, the Pentagon's press operations director said today. The effort to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is a tough fight that is only going to get tougher, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters at the Pentagon. Progress is being made on the northern, eastern and southern sides of the city, he said. In fact, Iraqi counterterrorism forces are inside the city in the east, he added. "They're clearing those eastern neighborhoods of Mosul city, doing this in a deliberate and incremental manner so as to safeguard the civilian population as much as possible," Davis said. However, he noted there is no direct relation between how much area of eastern Mosul has been cleared and how much of the battle remains. "It may be one-third cleared in terms of acreage, but it's not one-third clear in terms of challenge and task ahead," he said, "because as they get closer to the center of the city, it's going to get more dense and more fierce in the fighting." Over the last 24 hours, the U.S.-led coalition conducted seven strikes in support of this operation, including six near Mosul and one near Qayyarah, according to Davis. The strikes included 53 munitions, bringing to 3,988 the number of munitions the coalition has used in the effort for Mosul since Oct. 17, when the battle for the city began, he said. Progress in Syria Syrian Democratic Forces continue to make gains in efforts to isolate the key Syrian city of Raqqa, Davis said. The SDF are closing in on two axes in northern Syria and are within two kilometers of each other to cut off a pocket of ISIL control, Davis said. "Yesterday, over 30 square kilometers were cleared in this effort," he said. Davis said the coalition delivered nine munitions from aircraft against ISIL targets in support of the SDF operations yesterday. The latest munitions used bring to 241 the total number of munitions delivered in support of the SDF since the offensive for Raqqa began Nov. 5, Davis said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the European Council NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 15 Nov. 2016 (As delivered) So good morning. I'm looking forward to meet the EU Defence Ministers and next month High Representative Federica Mogherini will meet with the foreign ministers of NATO so this is just yet another example of the close cooperation between the EU and NATO. And today we will discuss how we can further strengthen the cooperation between the EU and NATO. In July I signed a joint declaration with president Tusk and president Juncker and we will today discuss how we implement that declaration in many different areas, for instance like maritime cooperation, like exercises but also on the issue of development of capabilities in NATO and the EU. A stronger NATO-EU cooperation will also strengthen the European defence and I welcome the decision made yesterday by the defence ministers and foreign ministers of the EU on the implementation of security and defence of the global strategy and my message has been, since I became Secretary General of NATO, that Europe has to do more, Europe has to step up, Europe has to invest more in defence and that is what we see is happening so I welcome that after many years of cuts in defence spending Europe is now increasing defence spending as a response to a more dangerous and more challenging security environment. This has been my message since I became Secretary General and I will continue to convey the strong message of more defence spending in Europe to respond to a more challenging security environment. Question 1: Julian Barnes, WSJ: Mr. Secretary General, in your op-ed you talked about the relationship between Europe and America being based on shared values. Mr. Trump has talked about a more transactional relationship based on increased spending. Are you worried that Mr. Trump's election is going to change the basis of the alliance, change the dynamic of the alliance? Secretary General: President-elect Donald Trump stated during the election campaign that he is a big fan of NATO and I am certain that he will be a President of the United States which will live up to all of the commitments of the United States in the alliance, because a strong NATO is important for Europe but it is also important for the United States. He also pointed out the importance of increased defence spending - but Europeans are stepping up their efforts to invest more in defence - and I absolutely agree with him that has been a message from American leaders, US leaders for many years. And the good thing is that we now see that Europeans are actually investing more in defence, they are investing more in defence in Europe and they are also contributing to a fairer burden-sharing. Question 2: There was a talk between President-elect Trump and President Putin. Do you think that the time is right to try to normalize relations with Russia? Secretary General: First of all I think, this is normal thing that President-elect Donald Trump speaks to world leaders, including of course the leader of Russia. And the message from NATO has been that we want dialogue with Russia. Russia is our biggest neighbor, Russia is there to stay and especially when tensions run high, especially when we face many different security challenges, it is important to have dialogue, to have a chance for a political dialogue open with Russia. That is NATO's message and there is no contradiction between strong defence and political dialogue. We think it is important to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations, including Ukraine. Therefore we will never respect or accept the violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and that is the reason why we have responded in a way we have to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Question 3: Mr. Secretary General, Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry today's statement and they say that joint Georgian-NATO exercises are threats for the region. What is your response? Secretary General: What NATO does is defensive, it is proportionate and it is fully aligned with our national obligations and we will continue to work with our close partner Georgia, and I visited Georgia recently and I welcome very much the development and the strengthened partnership between NATO and Georgia. In general I believe that is important that we stay calm and cool-headed, and that we sit down and find ways to avoid escalating tensions and continue to talk with Russia to address different issues, not least risk reduction transparency related to increased military activity close to our borders and NATO will continue to do so. We are planning to hold a new meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in the near future and that is one way of keeping the channels for political dialogue open with Russia to convene a new meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. Question 4: Are you not afraid that NATO will come not relevant anymore, the EU is focusing on its own military defence and like the US, we have Donald Trump now, we had Brexit so how will the role of NATO will develop and are you afraid that EU is more concentrating on itself? Secretary General: In times with uncertainty as we live in now with the turmoil and violence that we see in Iraq and Syria but also a more assertive Russia in the east, NATO is as important as ever and therefore I welcome that we see a strengthening of the cooperation within NATO and we see also that the European allies are stepping up after many years of cuts in defence spending, we now see increased In defence spending across Europe and Canada. So I am absolutely certain that NATO will continue to be the bedrock of our security and I also welcome the decision of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union yesterday to strengthen European defence, because that will be important, both for Europe, the European Union and for our transatlantic bond. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address When people are generally passionate about things, they sometimes exceed the bounds of reason. Donald Trump won the electoral vote in the dark hours of Wednesday morning, and the clocks stopped. This was followed by the Amazon River evaporating into the mists of the Brazilian jungle, Mount Aetna erupting and swallowing half of Sicily, the polar ice caps melting, and every resident of South Philadelphia finding a parking space within less than five minutes. A miracle, I tell you. Of course, it wasnt a miracle to those who had been listening to the voices of working-class Americans, mostly white, mostly unnoticed by the establishment that addresses the loudest and most obvious voices of anger and grievance. Trump had found a way to capture lightning in a bottle by speaking to their despair, their worries about lost jobs, vanished opportunities and crushing poverty. Before the election, I posted this on Facebook, anticipating a presidential loss for this flamboyant populist-cum-showman: If you voted for Trump, and he lost, understand that the message was a good one, that there is indeed too much entrenched corruption and inbreeding in Washington, but the messenger mangled the words before they could be understood and digested by everyone not wearing a Make America Great Again hat. Keep fighting the good fight, alongside of the Americans of all colors and creeds who agree with you that, as Sam Cooke sang, a change is gonna come. I was wrong. The truth is that much of what has been labeled vicious and un-American, the attempts to link our future president to the KKK, the allegations that sick racists who scribble graffiti on walls and burn down Southern churches are his responsibility, the absolutely ridiculous accusations that he lusted after 10-year-old girls and had a vaguely incestuous relationship with his daughter, the conflation of his campaign commercials with the Protocols of the Elders of Zion and all of the other hysterical attempts to turn the man into evil incarnate didnt stop the forgotten classes from listening to his message. And that message was not Lets keep them out, but rather Lets bring you in. While not a #nevertrumper, I wasnt a fan of the man, and my inbox overflowed with insults from those who linked me to the hoity-toity mainstream media. But I fully understand why he won in such a convincing fashion on Wednesday morning, and I do not blame the Americans who embraced his message. I also do not blame the people who hoped for shards of that glass ceiling to come raining down on us this week for their absolute devastation. They were tricked into believing it was there, only a few electoral votes away. But I do blame these people for their violent, cruel, absolutely inexcusable reactions. I blame them for filling up my social media newsfeeds with accusations of racism, with hysterical finger-pointing and threats, with bitter salty tears, with doomsday prophecies, with ridiculous exclamations about a lost America, with slanderous descriptions of the uneducated Neanderthals who dared deprive their icon of her rightful place in history, with images of bloody coat hangers and Kristallnacht for immigrants, with all of the basest and most histrionic things that people who have had a rude awakening can summon from the depths of their embittered souls. Yes, I said I was depressed after Obama won a second term. I got grief for it, and I understand why. But I never looked across the aisle at a person who voted for him and said, You despise me, and you despise America. How dare anyone say that, now, to others who simply stood in line and said, I matter, too. USS William P. Lawrence Joins Hawaii-Based Ships Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161115-19 Release Date: 11/15/2016 1:58:00 PM From Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Nov. 14, as part of a homeport swap with USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), which departed Hawaii earlier in the year for its new homeport of San Diego. "The Navy 'ohana' (family) in Hawaii welcomes USS William P. Lawrence Sailors and families to their new home and new homeport," said Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. "We have a robust plan in place to formally welcome our shipmates and their loved ones, and show them the 'who, what, when, where, why, and how' about living here in the 50th state." Over the past year, William P. Lawrence has sailed as part of the Great Green Fleet, supported Oceania Maritime Security Initiative, operated in the South China Sea during a seven-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, and participated in Rim of the Pacific exercise. "The William P. Lawrence crew has proved time and time again to be tenacious, taking on any given task safely, effectively, and professionally," said Cmdr. Brandon Burkett, commanding officer. "Included in that task list is our homeport shift to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As with every mission in the past, it was no surprise that the crew has taken on this assignment with fervor and urgency. It was not an easy transition, as the crew had to move their families and lives across the Pacific all while on deployment, but William P. Lawrence executed, and we are glad to be in our new home!" William P. Lawrence, commissioned in 2011, is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer that performs key roles in support of a carrier strike group, expeditionary strike group, or surface action group. "To each of our new shipmates, I say congratulations," said Fuller. "You are joining a winning team. You are coming to the gateway of Asia-Pacific where you will have an opportunity to make a difference in defending of our nation. And you are coming to, arguably, our nation's most beautiful state, where we treasure the environment, diversity, and the spirit of 'aloha.' Welcome aboard!" The destroyer's namesake is for Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence. Lawrence served in the Vietnam War as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 143. He earned the Silver Star for a strike against a heavily-defended target in North Vietnam. He was later captured after his aircraft crashed in June 1967 and was a prisoner of war until March 1973. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during his time captured with other POWs. DDGs are capable of sustained combat operations supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. These combatants operate in a network-centric warfare environment and execute multi-mission tasking to include air, surface, undersea, space, and cyberwarfare. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan, US Forces Complete Amphibious Operations during Keen Sword 2017 Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161115-18 Release Date: 11/15/2016 1:50:00 PM From Mine Warfare Force/Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) combined to complete a series of amphibious operations as part of Keen Sword 2017, Nov. 11. Keen Sword is a joint and bilateral exercise held biennially off the coast of Japan, and for the first time held simultaneously off Guam and Tinian. Keen Sword tests U.S.-Japan interoperability in a number of mission areas to include integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), and for the first time amphibious operations. The amphibious portion combined Japanese personnel, aircraft, and U.S. Marines, who launched from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships. Helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) served as command ship for the operations, with embarked Mine Warfare Force staff who oversaw maneuvers of three other Japanese ships and amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) with embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Amphibious actions were supported from close air support sorties from Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), and U.S. Air Force aircraft. For the culminating amphibious raid, ground personnel from both forces were transported to Tinian in several waves by JGSDF CH-47 Chinook aircraft, with support from AH-64D Apache helicopters, JASDF F-2 fighters, and Air Force B-1 bombers. Marines from the 11th MEU conducted a demonstration of amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) from Comstock as an amphibious feint. Once JGSDF and U.S. Marines landed ashore, they transited across Tinian to reach a simulated objective. The amphibious raid was achieved through advanced navigation by ground personnel and positive communication with command staffs on Hyuga. Per amphibious doctrine, the command relationships seamlessly transitioned from Commander, Amphibious Task Force (CATF) to Commander, Landing Force (CLF) when forces were ashore. "This exercise was a good test for Japanese and U.S. forces," said Maj. Gen. Shinichi Aoki, deputy chief of staff, Western army, and CLF for the exercise. "Training like this allows us to learn and increase our proficiency of operating at sea and conducting operations from JMSDF ships." For many of the JGSDF, this was their first time embarking on Japanese ships. The ground personnel developed communication and planning processes to move personnel from ship to shore. Working side-by-side, JMSDF sailors gained experience in supporting their JGSDF counterparts. "I am pleased with the success of the exercise and the training that will allow us to advance our joint and bilateral amphibious capability," said Rear Adm. Hideki Yuasa, Mine Warfare Force commander and CATF for the exercise. "I am certain we have learned from each other and also from the U.S. personnel who have joined us for the exercise." The sentiments were shared by Rear Adm. Marc Dalton, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, who embarked on Hyuga to participate in the exercise and build on the command's bilateral partnership with JMSDF's Mine Warfare Force command. "Keen Sword amphibious operations were well-planned, with many firsts and productive lessons," said Dalton. "USS Comstock, 11th MEU, Marines from 3rd Marine Division, and U.S. maritime patrol aircraft conducted amphibious operations with all of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces branches. I look forward to continued opportunities to train with the joint forces of the JSDF." Originating in 1986, the Keen Sword exercise has been a recurring exercise meant to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and increase combined combat readiness within the framework of the alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Newest Navy Destroyer Has Significant Ties to Logistics Community Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161115-17 Release Date: 11/15/2016 1:45:00 PM By Glen Van Vorst, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville, Deputy Director, Industrial Support Department PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, future USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) was successfully launched at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard Nov. 12. The ship was named in honor of Paul Robert Ignatius, who served as secretary of the Navy under President Lyndon Johnson from 1967 to 1969. The launch of the ship took place on Veterans Day weekend, coinciding with the Veterans Day birthday of its namesake, Ignatius. The launch of a ship marks the first time it enters the water. Long before the launch, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville logisticians, embedded with Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) Gulf Coast, were already taking steps to ensure the ship would be "ready for sea." Logisticians processed the ship's first incremental stock number sequence list, which resulted in more than 1,300 Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) requisitions for government-furnished material. These outfitting requisitions for operating space items and storeroom items form the basis of the ship's consolidated shipboard allowance list. The launch of this ship is especially significant for the logistics community. Prior to being appointed as SECNAV, Ignatius was the Army logistics chief in May 1961 and December 1964, assistant SECNAV (Installations and Logistics)(I&L). It was during Ignatius' tenure as ASN (I&L) the Department of Defense reorganization order of March 6, 1966, was signed which led to the abolishment of Bureau of Supplies and Accounts (BUSANDA) and subsequent birth of NAVSUP, May 1, 1966. Ignatius also founded the prestigious Logistics Management Institute (LMI), a nonprofit consultant group designed to seek solutions to highly-complex logistics problems, and served as LMI chairman of the board from 1987 to 1993. Pre-Commissioning Unit Paul Ignatius is scheduled to deliver to the Navy June 2018. NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other joint and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support. NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Carney Departs Piraeus, Greece Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161115-11 Release Date: 11/15/2016 10:20:00 AM By Petty Officer 3rd Class Weston Jones, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Det. Europe PIRAEUS, Greece (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Piraeus, Greece, after a scheduled port visit Nov. 14. Carney's visit strengthened existing maritime relationships between U.S. 6th Fleet and regional allies. Quote: "Carney had a wonderful time in Piraeus and Athens, and the port visit has been a complete success. The crew has performed phenomenally during this patrol and deserved a great port visit. Athens is the cradle of democracy, and we were fortunate to experience Greece's ancient culture and wonderful cuisine, all while building closer ties with our NATO allies." - Cmdr. Peter Halvorsen, commanding officer, USS Carney (DDG 64) Quick Facts: Halvorsen met with the Chief of Police for Piraeus, Brig. Gen. Konstantinos Foskolos; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Municipality of Piraeus, George Davakis; and the Deputy Harbor Master, Hellenic coast guard Capt. Georgios Alexandrakis, during various office calls in Piraeus. Sailors aboard Carney toured many ancient sites including the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, the Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi. Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Greece demonstrates the shared commitment to promoting safety and stability in the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with allies like Greece. The ship's presence in the Mediterranean is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to NATO and the collective security of the European region. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Decatur, USS Spruance Return to San Diego Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161115-07 Release Date: 11/15/2016 8:50:00 AM By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Decatur (DDG 73) returned to San Diego, Nov. 14, following a seven-month Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG) deployment in the western Pacific. As part of the inaugural PAC SAG, Decatur and Spruance were joined by the Everett, Washington-based USS Momsen (DDG 92), as well as embarked "Devil Fish" and "Warbirds" detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49, also based in San Diego. During the deployment, the PAC SAG was under the direction of Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 31, from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG conducted routine patrols, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation activities with allies and partners to enhance regional security and stability. Since deploying in April, the PAC SAG conducted several multilateral exercises with Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and France, and joint exercises with the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps assets. "I am honored to have served on the first PAC SAG with these hard-working Sailors," said Capt. Charles Johnson, commander, CDS-31. "Their loved ones should be proud of the perseverance they demonstrated these past seven months, and we are thrilled to be home." Along with Momsen, Spruance spent part of the deployment participating in Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) patrols. OMSI is a secretary of defense program which uses Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania. Spruance and Decatur are homeported in San Diego and are part of U.S. Naval Surface Forces and U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy, working constantly with U.S. 7th Fleet. The forces of both fleets complement one another across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Philippine, U.S. troops to conduct small scale joint exercises this year People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 18:01, November 15, 2016 MANILA, Nov. 15 -- Philippine and U.S. troops will conduct a month-long joint military exercises, Philippine military announced on Tuesday. "Based on its annual program, the Philippine army will engage in a one-month joint and combined training exercise with the United States special operations forces in November to December this year," Army Col. Benjamin Hao, a spokesman for the Philippine army, said in a statement. He said that at least 18 American soldiers from the U.S. Special Operations Forces and 56 Philippine army soldiers will take part in the exercises called "Balance Piston" that will be held starting Wednesday until Dec. 14 at a maritime training facility in Puerto Princesa and at a military camp in Rizal, in Palawan. Hao said the training will focus on "enhancing the war fighting capabilities and interoperability of both the Philippine army's special operations command and the U.S. special operations forces." Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that the Philippines and the U.S. armed forces will push through with the scheduled joint war games next year. However, he said that the joint exercises planned for next year would be "scaled down," adding that the three big exercises would be "whittled down to just one." Lorenzana said that the exercises would focus more on human assistance and disaster response. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has given the go-ahead for the small scale exercises but voiced hope that it would be the last, saying he does not want foreign troops on Philippine soil. Besides Duterte said that the war games benefit the U.S. troops more than the Philippine troops. The U.S. and the Philippines traditionally conduct three major joint exercises - Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder, CARAT and PHIBLEX - and 28 minor cross-training exercises every year, including the so-called Passing Exercises between the U.S. and Philippine navies in the South China Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Egypt court overturns Morsi death sentence, orders retrial People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 19:46, November 15, 2016 CAIRO, Nov. 15 -- An Egyptian court on Tuesday overturned a death sentence against ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and ordered a retrial in a mass jailbreak during the 2011 uprising, official news agency MENA reported. The Court of Cassation, Egypt's highest degree court, ordered that Morsi and five co-defendants, including the supreme guide of the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, will also be retried. Morsi was sentenced to death in June 2015 in connection with a mass jailbreak during the country's 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. He, along with 129 members of the Brotherhood, was charged of assaulting a prison, killing officers and fleeing in cooperation with Palestinian Hamas movement's affiliates. The jailbreak helped more than 20,000 criminals escape the prison and spread chaos in the country. Morsi, the first democratically elected president, was overthrown by the army in response to mass protests against his one year rule in July 2013. He received several prison sentences in other cases related to spying and espionage, in which he appealed. Tuesday court's ruling cancelled the only execution sentence he was facing. In another case related with voilence and killing protesters outside the presidential palace in 2013, Morsi was handed his first final sentence, 20 years in prison. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 75k children could die in northeastern Nigeria, UN warns Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:18PM The United Nations has warned that thousands of children will be at risk of dying in "a few months" across the militancy-riddled areas of northeastern Nigeria. Peter Lundberg, the UN humanitarian coordinator, said in the Nigerian capital Abuja on Tuesday that thousands of children could die from famine in the troubled region, adding that 400,000 children were in critical need of assistance, while 75,000 could die "in (the) few months ahead of us." Elsewhere in his remarks, the UN official said, "Currently our assessment is that 14 million people are identified as in need of humanitarian assistance." Lundberg added that crisis was unfolding at "high speed" in Nigeria's troubled northeast. The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, warned in July that some 49,000 children would die of malnutrition in northeastern Nigeria if they did not get treatment. Most of the children are in areas that had been inaccessible before a multinational force liberated them from the Boko Haram Takfiri terrorist group earlier this year. Doctors Without Borders, also known by its French acronym as the MSF, had earlier warned of a "catastrophic humanitarian emergency" in the city of Bama, where, it said, 200 people died in June. Despite the government's fight against Boko Haram, the security situation remains volatile in Borno and specifically Maiduguri, because Boko Haram terrorists still carry out attacks. Boko Haram started its campaign of militancy in 2009 with the aim of toppling the central government in Nigeria. It has so far taken the lives of more than 20,000 people and forced over 2.7 million others from their homes. The group has pledged allegiance to the Daesh Takfiri terrorists operating mainly in Syria and Iraq. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemenis agree on truce beginning November 17: Kerry Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 1:40PM Warring sides of the conflict in Yemen have agreed on a swift ceasefire agreement starting in the coming days, US Secretary of State John Kerry says. Kerry said on Tuesday that both the Houthi Ansarullah movement and an alliance of militants loyal to Yemen's former President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, who fight under the support of Saudi Arabia, had agreed to a cessation of hostilities starting on November 17. Kerry, who was speaking to journalists in the United Arab Emirates, said the two sides had also agreed to work for the establishment of a unity government by the end of the year. Kerry embarked on a regional tour on Monday meant for resolving the conflict in Yemen and Syria. In his first stop in Oman, he held talks with senior officials of the Sultanate in a bid to use their influence on Yemen's Houthi fighters. Oman is the only Arab country in the Persian Gulf region that has refused to contribute to Saudi Arabia's deadly campaign against Yemenis. Kerry then flew to Abu Dhabi for talks mostly centered on Syria. Kerry's bid to find a solution to the crisis in Yemen comes months after the United Nations failed to clinch an agreement between representatives of the Houthis and Hadi at the end of months-long negotiations in Kuwait. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives since Saudis started the campaign against Yemen in March 2015. The Houthis say most of those killed have been civilians directly targeted in Saudi airstrikes. Rights campaigners and UN bodies have also confirmed the killing of civilians on a massive scale as a result of the Saudi campaign. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO chief says Trump will live up to all US commitments Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 12:54PM The secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has expressed confidence that Donald Trump would live up to all US commitments to the military alliance. "President-elect Donald Trump stated during the election campaign that he is a big fan of NATO," Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels on Tuesday. "And I am certain that he will be a president... who will live up to all the commitments of the United States in the alliance, because a strong NATO is important for Europe but it's also important for the United States," he stressed. The comments came just days after Stoltenberg warned Trump not to distance the US from NATO, saying the West is facing its greatest security challenge in a generation. Trump's surprise victory over heavily-favored Hillary Clinton last week rattled nerves in Europe after he called NATO an "obsolete" military alliance and raised doubts whether the US under his command would assist a NATO ally under attack. During his bombastic campaign, the billionaire businessman also appeared to be conciliatory towards Russia, praising President Vladimir Putin as a much stronger leader than President Barack Obama. Asked about a telephone call between Trump and Putin on Monday in which they discussed ways to improve US-Russian relations, Stoltenberg denied this was cause for concern. "First of all, I think it is a very normal thing that president-elect Donald Trump speaks to world leaders, including of course the leader of Russia," he said. "The message from NATO has been that we want dialogue with Russia ... especially when tensions are high, especially when we face many different challenges, it is important." Stoltenberg's upbeat tone appeared to be a departure from his stern warning in an article in British daily The Observer on Sunday, in which he wrote that "going it alone is not an option... this is no time to question the partnership between Europe and the United States." During a press conference at the White House on Monday, President Obama also reassured US allies that his Republican successor will be committed to NATO. Obama said Trump "expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships" when they met at the White House last week. The US accounts for nearly 70 percent of the NATO budget and has long urged its European allies to step up their contributions, particularly in the face of what Washington calls the "Russian aggression" in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 20 nations sign framework agreement of International Solar Alliance Published: November 16, 2016 Over 20 countries, including India, Brazil and France have signed the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The framework agreement of ISA was opened for signatures on the sidelines of CoP22 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at Marrakech, in Morocco. The signing of the framework agreement has to be followed by ratifications by countries. The agreement will become operational after at least 15 countries have ratified it. About International Solar Alliance (ISA) ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande at CoP21 in Paris in November 2015. The initiative is brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is Indias first international and inter-governmental organization comprising 121 Countries. ISA is an alliance of 121 solar resource-rich tropical countries lying fully or partially between two tropics and who are also UN members. The institutional structure of ISA consists of an Assembly, a Council and a Secretariat. The secretariat of the ISA is to be located in India. Its members will take coordinated actions through programmes and activities that will aggregate demands for solar finance, solar technologies, innovation, R&D and capacity building. What are objectives of ISA? Boost global demands which will result in further reduction in prices of solar energy deployment. Boost R&D, particularly in areas of efficient storage systems. Promote standardisation in the use of equipments and processes for generating electricity. Standardisation will make the manufacturing of equipments and other hardware cheaper. What is purpose of ISA? More than 120 countries are geographically located in the tropics i.e. between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, either fully or partially. These places get ample sunlight throughout the year, making solar energy easily available resources. These countries also happen to be ones where maximum growth in energy demand in the coming years, but their current production is woefully short of requirement. Thus, the ISA will ensure that as these countries rapidly ramp up their electricity production, predominantly by using clean solar energy and avoid fossil fuels. It is also an attempt to accelerate the global demand for solar energy and gives India an opportunity to take global leadership in the fight against climate change. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: Environment International International Solar Alliance Naitonal Latest E-Books Egypt court annuls death sentence against ex-president Morsi Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 10:33AM Egypt's Court of Cassation has overturned a death sentence issued against ousted President Mohamed Morsi and ordered a retrial, judicial officials say. Egypt's first democratically-elected president was sentenced to death in June 2015 on charges of participating in prison breaks and violence against policemen during the 2011 uprising which toppled former dictator Hosni Mubarak. In its Tuesday ruling, the Court of Cassation also quashed the death sentences of five other leaders of Morsi's now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group, including its leader Mohamed Badie, in the same case. The court further struck down life sentences passed in the same case against 21 Muslim Brotherhood members. While the new ruling spares him from the threat of execution, Morsi is serving three lengthy jail sentences totaling 60 years in addition to a life sentence. In December 2012, Morsi was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole on charges related to the killing of protesters. He was further sentenced to 40 years on charges of spying for Qatar and handed a life sentence on charge of spying for Hamas. Morsi was immediately arrested after being overthrown in mid-2013 by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi who was the head of Egypt's armed forces at the time. In June 2014, Sisi won the subsequent presidential election and began a campaign to crush the Muslim Brotherhood. The group was later blacklisted as a terrorist organization in a bid to prevent its affiliates from running in elections. Since Morsi's ouster, thousands of protesters have been sentenced to jail by civilian and military courts. According to human rights bodies, the clampdown has led to the deaths of more than 1,400 people and arrests of 22,000 others, hundreds of whom have been sentenced to death in mass trials. Human rights groups, meanwhile, have slammed the regime under Sisi for what they see as aggressive policing and the reversal of fragile gains since the country's 2011 uprising. According to New-York based Human Rights Watch, Sisi has presided over a "state of impunity that has allowed security forces to get away with mass killings while imprisoning hundreds of peaceful protesters." US-based non-governmental organization Freedom House has described Egypt's courts a "tool of repression rather than a pillar of justice." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen forces hit Saudi command center in Najran Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:54AM Yemeni forces have fired two ballistic missiles in counteroffensives against the southwestern Saudi Arabia region of Najran, hitting targets that included a Saudi military command center. The command center, which hosted the largest number of Saudi troops in the region, was targeted with a Tochka missile on Tuesday, Yemen's al-Masirah television reported. The forces also fired a Zalzal 3 missile at the Rajla military base there. Possible casualties were not reported. The Saudi military, however, later claimed that it had intercepted and destroyed the projectiles before impact. The Yemeni army and Houthi Ansarullah fighters have been jointly defending Yemen against a war Saudi Arabia has been waging on the country since March 2015 in an unsuccessful attempt to reinstate Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a staunch Riyadh ally who has resigned as Yemen's president. The war has killed at least 11,400 civilians, according to a recent tally by a Yemeni monitoring group. There have also been countless reports about the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure by Saudi forces and mercenaries. According to al-Masirah, Yemeni troops also launched a mortar attack against a gathering of Saudi mercenaries in the Dhubab district of the southwestern Yemeni province of Ta'izz. In two separate locations across Ta'izz, the army's artillery unit also carried out attacks against pro-Hadi forces and killed an unspecified number of the mercenaries who were trying to advance in the province. Dozens of the mercenaries also died or suffered injuries when Yemeni forces engaged them as they were trying to advance through the country's northwestern Hajjah Province. Saudi attacks Meanwhile, Saudi warplanes targeted the College of Military Engineering in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, and pounded the Bani Matar District in Sana'a Province. The aircraft also staged repeated bombings against the Sirwah District of the west-central Ma'rib Province of Yemen. In Yemen's extreme northwest, Saudi fighter planes targeted a residential house in Sa'ada Province's Baqim District, killing four members of a family. Daesh beheading In a separate development, Daesh terrorists attacked a residence in the western al-Bayda Province in Yemen and beheaded a Yemeni civilian in front of his family. The Takfiri terror group, which is mainly active in Iraq and Syria, as well as al-Qaeda militants have been using the Saudi invasion of Yemen to gain a foothold and advance in the impoverished country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hague Prosecutors Say U.S. Tortured At Least 61 Prisoners In Afghanistan RFE/RL November 15, 2016 Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court say they have "reasonable basis" to believe the United States committed "war crimes" by torturing prisoners in Afghanistan. The U.S. military subjected at least 61 detainees in Afghanistan to "torture, cruel treatment, [and] outrages upon personal dignity," an initial investigative report said on November 14. A further 27 people were tortured by the CIA, it said, with the majority of the alleged crimes occurring between 2003 and 2004 when President George W. Bush was in office. The United States never ratified the treaty establishing the court, but because the alleged abuses occurred in countries that ratified the treaty -- Afghanistan, Poland, Lithuania and Romania -- the court has jurisdiction. The report claims the crimes were not "isolated," but were part of "approved interrogation techniques" aimed at extracting "actionable intelligence" from detainees. The court was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. It said it would decide "imminently" whether to commence a full investigation. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the United States did not believe a full investigation is "warranted or appropriate." "The United States is deeply committed to complying with the law of war, and we have a robust national system of investigation and accountability that more than meets international standards," Trudeau said. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would reinstate waterboarding -- a torture method that simulates drowning that was abandoned by the Obama administration -- and techniques that are "a hell of a lot worse" to obtain information from "terrorists." With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/hague-prosecutors-say-us-tortured- 61-prisoners-afghanistan-war-crimes/28117333.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 Thousands Trapped by Fighting in South Sudan Receive Emergency Aid Tito Justin November 15, 2016 The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said it is distributing life-saving items to more than 6,000 vulnerable families trapped by fighting in Yei River state over the last six months. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) say they welcome the relief aid but want to be allowed to safely return to their home villages so they can harvest the crops they planted. The food rations they are receiving are not enough to survive on. UNHCR officials said more than 10,000 families were displaced from their homes in Yei County after fighting broke out between government forces and armed opposition groups aligned to former First Vice President Riek Machar. U.N. agencies say humanitarian conditions deteriorated quickly because aid workers were not able to access the area due to rampant insecurity. Aid is welcomed Ana Roba and her seven children are some of the displaced villagers receiving food assistance from UNHCR. The Roba family was displaced two months ago from Day Star, an area about two kilometers from Yei town. Roba and her children now stay with relatives near the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan offices in Yei. Roba said she welcomes the food aid provided by UNHCR, but worries about others still hiding in the bush. "I have a suggestion: If they are distributing these items, let's receive them because they help other colleagues be happy. It's not only you who received food that will be happy. They [also] need [to reach our] brothers and sisters, too. If everybody receives, I think there will be nothing bad. We don't want it [to be] that others are sad when we are happy," Roba said. Food rotting in fields Mawa Fredrick was displaced from Lopapa village near Yei along with nine members of his family. He said the food being provided to the IDPs is not enough. He said all he wants is access to his land so he can harvest the crops he has been growing. "We have food which is rotting in the field whether being cassava, sweet potatoes, G-nuts and so on, but the difficulty is how to access it to bring it home. When this food has come, it has helped us," Fredrick said. Fredrick said South Sudan's leaders should restore peace so he can return to his village where he can lead a normal life without the sound of guns. "We need peace in our country so that we can also build our country, not always going to neighbors as if we are orphans depending on uncles to [bring] us up, like now our children are going to get education outside," Fredrick said. UNHCR is distributing blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, soap and other items to IDPs. Call for peace Richard Ruati is UNHCR's Assistant External Relations Officer for South Sudan. He is calling on the warring parties in Yei to cease hostilities and ensure a stable environment for humanitarian actors to reach vulnerable people in remote villages. "We are all appealing to the government and the armed groups who are operating in some of the areas we are supposed to deliver services in, to give corridor to humanitarian actors and the displaced persons to move freely," Ruati said. Aid workers and local leaders say thousands of Yei residents have been forced to flee to neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the rampant insecurity. The U.N. also said at least 100,000 Yei residents have been stranded within the town, with no means of escape. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Burundi Risks Genocide, Rights Groups Warn Lisa Bryant November 15, 2016 Human rights groups warn the tiny African country of Burundi is at risk of genocide, calling for international action as they released a new report Tuesday that documents widespread abuses under the government of President Pierre Nkurunziza. Burundi descending into chaos, pulled apart by ethnic hatred that fuels mass killings... even genocide. This is not happening right now, but a movie trailer released by rights groups under the hashtag #StopThisMovie suggests it is entirely possible. "We're not saying the genocide is coming now. We are explaining that all the mechanisms, all the intention and all the bodies of the repression are ready to commit a possible genocide," said Florent Geel, Africa director for the Paris-based umbrella group International Federation for Human Rights. Violence, disappearances A joint report with Burundian rights group ITEKA describes killings, tortures, rapes and disappearances in Burundi since popular protests erupted last year against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term. The report says more than 1,000 people have died, hundreds have gone missing and thousands more are being detained or fleeing the country. It says many of the abuses were committed by youth militias and government security forces. The groups are calling for an international peacekeeping mission and political dialogue to resolve the crisis. "Each day, a few people are arrested, disappeared, are killed. This is not a massive violation where all the cameras are coming, but it's a daily violation," said Geel. Ethnic killings ITEKA's president, Anschaire Nikoyagize, currently lives in exile in Uganda, and he says a new government census counts among the tools aimed at getting Hutus to side with the government, and to turn a political conflict into an ethnic one in a country scarred by a history of ethnic killings. United Nations investigators also have warned of the risk of a genocide in Burundi, and the International Criminal Court is considering a full investigation into alleged atrocities. The government, which denies its forces are involved in abuses, recently announced it was pulling out of the ICC. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kabila Defends Deal to Stay in Power Until 2018 William Clowes November 15, 2016 In a rare public appearance, Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila addressed parliament Tuesday one day after his government resigned in accordance with a deal that keeps him in office until elections scheduled for 2018. But much of the opposition continues to call for Kabila to step down. President Joseph Kabila was cheered to the platform to address the DRC's National Assembly and Senate. His 45 minute speech was punctuated by frequent applause. Kabila used a rare public address to defend an October 18 agreement between his political alliance and an opposition faction. The deal permits the president to remain in power beyond December 19, the final day of his second, and under the constitution final term, until the next election, which has been provisionally scheduled for April 2018. Kabila's prime minister resigned on Monday and the DRC is awaiting the formation of a new government of national unity to lead the country towards the election. A larger opposition group, known as the Rassemblement, boycotted the deal and demanded the president step down on December 19. During his speech, Kabila urged the Rassemblement to sign the agreement, saying it was his "most ardent wish." Kabila aimed a warning at the opposition coalition, saying as the guarantor of Congolese institutions, he cannot allow the country to be taken hostage by a fringe of the political class. Kabila said he would shortly appoint a new prime minister to lead the DRC to elections. The president indirectly addressed the widespread concerns that he plans to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term. Kabila said, the constitution will be respected in all its dispositions. But for many Congolese this statement is not enough. VOA spoke with the president of the African Association for the Defense of Human Rights, Jean-Claude Katende. The question that needs to be answered, Katende said, is whether the speech responded to the preoccupations of Congolese people. Katende says the Congolese people think Kabila should have taken the opportunity to announce he will leave power on December 19. Katende described the speech as "totally disconnected from the aspirations of the Congolese population." According to Katende, Kabila's promise to respect the constitution does not rule out the possibility of him seeking to modify the constitution. "We remain very worried about the political future of President Kabila", Katende said. Kabila has led Congo since succeeding his father, Laurent Kabila, in 2001, initially as an unelected head of state and since 2006 as the elected president. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Egypt's Top Appeals Court Quashes Death Sentence Against Ousted President Morsi Edward Yeranian November 15, 2016 Egypt's top appeals court has quashed a death sentence against former President Mohamed Morsi, along with sentences against five other top Muslim Brotherhood leaders. Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected civilian president, was ousted in 2013 by the military - led by general-turned-president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi - following popular protests against his one-year rule. He will still have to serve lengthy sentences in separate cases. The Court of Cassation overturned a June 2015 death sentence against Morsi in a case relating to his breaking out of prison during the country's January 2011 revolution against long-time Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. Five of Morsi's associates also had their sentences reduced in the case. Morsi will continue to serve 20- to 40-year sentences in three cases. The most serious involves the alleged transmitting of secret government documents to the Arab Gulf state of Qatar. Qatar was an ally and supporter of the former president and the Muslim Brotherhood group. Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud, a lawyer for the now outlawed group, told the Reuters news agency that he believes the appeals court acted in a fair and impartial manner. "The ruling," he insists, "was expected, because (the original conviction) was flawed." Egyptian editor and publisher Hisham Kassem tells VOA that he does not believe the ruling has any political implications and that the appeals court is not generally subject to political manipulation. "The Cassation Court is known for its independence. The government's ability - (under) different regimes, from Mubarak, to Morsi, to Sissi, now - their ability to manipulate these high level courts is very limited. They basically look (to see) if due process has been observed, and if not, then they order a retrial." Kassem believes that Morsi, while president, antagonized Egypt's judiciary, attempting to force many judges to resign, in a bid to Islamicize the country's courts. Rulings, involving mass death sentences that were made after Morsi's ouster, were often the result of ill-feelings by judges against the Muslim Brotherhood. Some behind-the-scenes attempts to reduce tensions with the Muslim Brotherhood are under way, Kassem thinks, but he doesn't believe that Tuesday's court ruling is part of that effort. "There happen to be the beginnings, the very shy beginnings of political reconciliation, but I don't think it's related to what we're seeing from the courts." Under Sissi, the Egyptian government has sharply cracked down on Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood. The group was once banned under Mubarak, and after Morsi's overthrow, was declared a terrorist organization with most of its leaders arrested. In a separate case, the court ordered the release of two sons of former President Hosni Mubarak, Ala'a and Gamal. Both men were being held over alleged financial improprieties dealing with government property. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonia - Politics After the re-establishment of independence, national elections have been held on 20 September 1992, 5 March 1995, 7 March 1999, 2 March 2003, 4 March 2007, on 6 March 2011 and on 01 March 2015. The next regular elections will take place in 2019. Estonia's post-Soviet political landscape has been characterized by youthful leadership. Beginning with the first post-independence Estonian government of Mart Laar in 1992 to the Andrus Ansip government elected in 2007 and Taavi Roivas selected in 2014, young and influential decision makers have been a common element of the Estonian political elite. Ushered into power through a policy designed to cleanse the political echelons of ties to its communist past, many of Estonia's current politicians have been in power since the early 1990s. Still young, many of these politicians are likely to remain as key figures for many years to come. At the same time, there are a number of note-worthy up-and- comers making their mark on Estonian politics. In 1992, a constitutional assembly introduced amendments to the 1938 constitution. After the draft constitution was approved by popular referendum, it came into effect July 3, 1992. Estonia's new era of democratic politics began slowly in the 1990s with the adoption of a new constitution and the formation of stable political groupings. Several mechanisms in the constitution were beginning to function to ensure a balance of power and steady government. Citizenship issues, however, caused tensions among the country's 500,000-strong Russophone population, most of whom had been denied automatic citizenship rights in 1991. Their naturalization and integration into Estonian society remained a significant challenge. The election in September 1992 of a new parliament, the Riigikogu, and the formal restoration of the Republic of Estonia marked the opening of a new political era. Not only was a new set of deputies elected, but Estonia took a further step in defining its political forces and developing a new political culture. As expected, right-wing parties did best in the electoral poll, promising "to clean house" and offer a fresh beginning after the Soviet era. The contest for the 101-seat Riigikogu yielded a three-party center-right coalition government holding fifty-two seats. The Fatherland Party (Isamaa) led the coalition with thirty seats, the Estonian National Independence Party (Eesti Rahvusliku Soltumatuse Partei) had ten seats, and the Moderates (Moodukad--made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Rural Center Party) had twelve seats. In opposition were the Coalition Party (Koonderakond), the Rural Union (Maaliit), the Estonian Center Party (Eesti Keskerakond), the Royalist Party (Rojalistlik Partei), and the Estonian Citizens Union (Eesti Kodanike Liit). Because noncitizens were not allowed to vote in the election, most of Estonia's Russian population was excluded from the poll. Consequently, the new Riigikogu was 100 percent ethnic Estonian. The 1992 elections also saw a special contest for the largely ceremonial post of president, with Lennart Meri eventually emerging as victor. Lennart Meri served two terms as president, implementing many reforms during his tenure. Meri was constitutionally barred from a third term. Although the new constitution stipulates that the president shall be elected by the parliament, the Constitutional Assembly in early 1992 succumbed to popular pressure and agreed to have the country's first president elected by the people. In the resulting poll, the incumbent chairman of the parliament, Arnold Ruutel, topped the list. But with only 41.8 percent of the vote, he did not muster the majority needed for direct election under the special rules. Although a former communist, Ruutel had been widely admired for his steady, balanced leadership during the independence struggle. Yet, his electoral shortfall was enough to throw the final decision into the Riigikogu, where the runner-up, with 29.5 percent, Isamaa candidate and former foreign minister Lennart Meri, had the advantage. At the parliament's opening session on October 5, Meri defeated Ruutel by a vote of fifty-nine to thirty-one. In mid-October Mart Laar, the thirty-two-year-old chairman of Isamaa, was appointed prime minister by President Meri. The youngest person ever to hold that post, Laar promised immediately to expand Estonia's free-market reforms and defend Estonian national interests. During his first fourteen months in office, Laar cut tax rates and maintained control over expenditures. He also posted some foreign policy successes, such as Estonia's admission to the Council of Europe in May 1993. His cabinet, however, was plagued by inexperience. Four months into office, Laar's choice for economy minister resigned after accusations that he was not up to the job. In January 1993, the defense minister, an emigre Estonian, Hain Rebas, caused a scandal when he allowed some 250 Russian soldiers to enter Estonia just as the country was negotiating their withdrawal with President Yeltsin. In August a mutiny by a handful of Estonian soldiers in western Estonia prompted Rebas to resign altogether. In December 1993, President Meri was obliged to dismiss Minister of Interior Lagle Parek, a longtime dissident during Soviet rule, for several scandals involving her management of ministerial affairs. In June 1993, Laar's government suffered its greatest turmoil when a major political crisis erupted over passage of a law meant to regulate the status of noncitizens (mostly Russians) in the country. Russian groups criticized the 1993 Law on Aliens as discriminatory, and for the first time some of Estonia's key Western allies, including the United States, the Scandinavian states, and the European Union, raised objections. The Law on Aliens as originally adopted would have required all noncitizens to reapply for residency permits within two years without any guarantee of acceptance. In July, after President Meri vetoed the law and requested a review of it from the Council of Europe and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the Riigikogu agreed to amend the measure and guarantee most noncitizens new permits. The domestic crisis prompted President Meri to establish the Nationalities Roundtable for future discussion of minority affairs. The United States and Sweden immediately supported the roundtable with financial contributions to cover its operating costs. In the ensuing months, the roundtable met several times, but no major decisions were reached. The results of Estonia's first post-Soviet local elections, held in October 1993, reflected public reaction to the government's series of setbacks and the continuing hardships caused by economic reform. In all the major cities, Isamaa did poorly. Former prime minister Tiit Vahi's Coalition Party was the big winner, especially in Tallinn, where it won eighteen of sixty-four seats. Russian parties also reemerged on the political scene, supported mostly by noncitizen voters, who, under a special constitutional provision, were allowed to vote. In Tallinn the moderate Russian Democratic Movement won eighteen seats. Despite this midterm upset and a continuing decline in public opinion polls, the Laar government later easily survived a vote of no confidence in parliament. In December it succeeded in passing a tax cut as well as a budget for 1994. To shore up the Isamaa-led coalition, in January 1994 four key portfolios in the Council of Ministers (defense, economy, finance, and foreign affairs) were reshuffled. However, the coalition disintegrated in June 1994 after a series of embarrassments, most notably the allegation that the prime minister had been involved in the secret transfer of a large sum of Russian rubles to the breakaway Russian republic of Chechnya in 1992. In September 1994, Laar lost a vote of no confidence in the Riigikogu. After President Meri's nomination of Bank of Estonia president Siim Kallas to succeed Laar was rejected, the Riigikogu confirmed Andres Tarand, the outgoing minister of environment, as prime minister in October. Tarand was to serve as a caretaker until the general elections in March 1995. Nearly 70% of the electorate voted in parliamentary elections held March 5, 1995. The Coalition Party (former PM Vahi) and the Rural Union (ex-ESSR Chairman Ruutel)-"KMU"-garnered one-third of the vote for a plurality. The Reform Party (Estonian Bank Director Siim Kallas) got 16% of the vote, and the Centrist Party (former PM Savisaar) 14%. Pro Patria (former PM Laar) and the National Independence Party received 7%, the Moderates (acting PM Tarand) 6%, "Our Home is Estonia" (Russians) 6%, and the right-wingers (Riigikogu chairman Nugis) 5%. The new government, led once again by Tiit Vahi, has continued to pursue the same style of economic reform and Western integration that characterized Estonia since 1992. Dissatisfaction among elderly and rural voters, who had yet to experience the benefits of Estonia's economic revival, was an important factor in that country's general election in March 1995. Political infighting and bitter disputes among members of former Prime Minister Mart Laar's government, as well as charges of corruption, were other reasons that many voters rejected the center-right grouping of the Fatherland Party (Isamaa) and the Estonian National Independence Party, which received less than 8 percent of the vote. With nearly one-third (32.2 percent) of the vote, the victorious center-left Coalition Party-Rural Union alliance, led by former Prime Minister Tiit Vahi, took forty-one of the parliament's 101 seats. Next came the staunchly pro-market Estonian Reform Party with 16.2 percent of the vote and the moderate Estonian Center Party with 14.2 percent. Six percent of the vote was garnered by Our Home is Estonia!, an alliance of two ethnic Russian parties. Thus, Estonia's Russophone community secured parliamentary representation. After negotiating a coalition agreement with Edgar Savisaar, leader of the Estonian Center Party, Vahi was confirmed as prime minister in April and Savisaar became minister of interior. Although somewhat more mindful of the agrarian sector's concerns, the new government pursued policies essentially similar to those of its predecessor. In October, however, Savisaar was implicated in the bugging of conversations of several Estonian political leaders. Consequently, President Lennart Meri relieved Savisaar of his ministerial duties, and the government resigned. President Meri characterized the scandal as a crisis for democracy. Overcoming such crises posed yet another challenge for the nascent democratic institutions of the Baltic states. With the August 1995 discovery that some Estonian politicians had been subjected to illegal surveillance, including wiretaps (referred to as Estonia's "Watergate"), the country faced its most severe political and constitutional test since regaining independence in 1991. After dismissing Interior Minister Edgar Savisaar for his implication in the scandal, Prime Minister Vahi submitted his cabinet's resignation. President Meri subsequently tapped Vahi to form a new coalition, which resulted in Vahi's alliance with the Reform Party. In meeting that test, Estonia again demonstrated that it is a normal democratic country based on rule of law and with a vibrant free press. In 1996, Estonia ratified a border agreement with Latvia and completed work with Russia on a technical border agreement that Estonia is ready to sign. President Meri was re-elected in free and fair indirect elections in August and September. Free and fair nationwide municipal elections were held in October. In November, the Reform Party pulled out of the government when its majority partner, the Coalition Party, signed an agreement with the rival Center Party to cooperate in the municipal government councils. The Coalition Party survived the cabinet crisis as a minority government when the Prime Minister appointed several popular non-partisan candidates in ministerial posts. During parliamentary elections in 1999, the seats in Riigikogu were divided as follows: the Center Party received 28, the Pro Patria Union 18, the Reform Party 18, the Moderates 17 seats. Pro Patria Union, the Reform Party, and the Moderates formed a government with Mart Laar as prime minister whereas the Center Party with the Coalition Party, People's Union, United People's Party, and Members of Parliament who were not members of factions formed the opposition in the Riigikogu. In Fall 2001 Arnold Ruutel became the President of the Republic of Estonia. In January 2002 Prime Minister Laar stepped down and President Ruutel appointed Siim Kallas the new prime minister. The Reform Party and the Center Party formed a new coalition government in power January 28, 2002. Since fully regaining independence, Estonia has had 10 governments with 7 different prime ministers elected: Mart Laar, Andres Tarand, Tiit Vahi, Mart Siimann, Siim Kallas, Juhan Parts, and Andrus Ansip. In March 2011 Ansip was reelected as Prime Minister. The Reform Party and the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union formed the majority government with 33 and 23 seats in parliament, respectively. Other parties in the parliament include the Center Party and the Social Democrat Party. Reform Party Chairman Andrus Ansip was the Prime Minister of the coalition government. Toomas Hendrik Ilves became president in 2006. He was a member of the Social Democrat Party, a former Ambassador to the United States, two-time Minister of Foreign Affairs, a member of the Estonian parliament, and a former member of the European Parliament. President Ilves narrowly defeated incumbent Arnold Ruutel in an electoral-college vote in September 2006, and he took office on October 9, 2006. As of 1 January 2006, the total population of Estonia was 1,345,000 persons, some 68 per cent of whom were Estonians and 32 per cent of other nationalities. The largest ethnic minority groups are Russians (25.7 per cent), Ukrainians (2.1 per cent), and Belarusians (1.2 per cent). Geographically, the minority population is concentrated in Tallinn, where they comprise 46 per cent of the population, Narva (95 per cent) and Kohtla-Jarve (82 per cent). Estonia has made efforts to integrate national minorities, including through a law on cultural autonomy. Most political parties are not formed on a national or ethnic basis but attempt to include minorities to various degrees. Prime Minister Juri Ratas stepped down 13 January 2021 amid corruption allegations against a key official at his Center Party. The Estonian Public Prosecutors Office announced it suspected the Centre Party and five individuals, including its Secretary-General Mihhail Korb, were involved in possible corruption in relation to allegations of influence peddling and bribery over the Porto Franco property development project in Tallinn. Ratas said that while he had been told he was not personally implicated in the allegations and had never knowingly made any malevolent or knowingly wrong decisions during his time as PM, he was taking political responsibility and stepping aside. Under the constitution, Ratas resignation would lead to the dissolution of the current government, with Ratas likely continuing to act as a caretaker prime minister until a new one is formed. Kaja Kallas became the Baltic country's first female prime minister on 01 February 2021 after her center-right party sealed a deal to form a new government. The previous government collapsed following a corruption scandal. Kaja Kallas, who heads the economically liberal Reform Party, took on the role of prime minister after reaching a coalition agreement with the left-leaning Center Party. In a joint statement, the parties said they "will form a government that will continue to effectively resolve the COVID-19 crisis, keep Estonia forward-looking and develop all areas and regions of our country." Under the agreement, the parties put forward a gender-equitable Cabinet, splitting the government's 14 minister posts equally between each party. "The idea behind the composition of my government was to strike a balance between men and women and between experience and novelty," Kallas told reporters, according to Estonian public broadcaster ERR. Kaja Kallas took the reins of the Reform Party in 2018 as the first woman to chair the party. Her father, Siim Kallas, is one of the co-creators of Estonia's Reform Party. He previously served as the country's prime minister who went on to serve in two European Union commissioner posts. Her party emerged the victor during Estonia's 2019 general election, but was blocked from forming a government after a three-party alliance formed between the Center Party, the far-right EKRE and the conservative Fatherland party. President Kersti Kaljulaid, despite her popularity in the country, did not have a chance to run for a second term. Estonian law provides for presidential elections in parliament. In this case, the candidate can only be a person who agrees to run and has the support of at least 21 deputies out of 101. Allegedly very few, but this figure was impossible for the incumbent president. the Kaljulaid presidency (since October 2016) has been praised for its international affairs, but in domestic affairs and politics, most parties believe that its activities are more like those of an activist or an active party politician than a president. Estonia's new president-elect Alar Karis said on 31 August 2021 he intended to communicate with all political forces in the country. Speaking at a press conference at the Riigikogu immediately after his election, Karis, who was the sole candidate, said: "I am the president, I will try to communicate with all political forces and find a way for Estonia to develop further." The Center Party recently said it will table a bill to make presidents elected directly by the people, a policy the opposition Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) has also proposed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aircraft carrier the Liaoning ready for battle at any time: senior officer People's Daily Online (Global Times) 08:25, November 15, 2016 China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning recently left a shipyard in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province to start a new training mission, with the political commissar of the carrier saying it is constantly prepared for war. Li Dongyou, the political commissar of the Liaoning, told the Global Times that "As a military force, we are always prepared for war and our combat capacity also needs to be tested by war. At this moment, we are doing our best to promote our strength and use it to prevent war, and are prepared for actual combat at any time." The Liaoning as the first aircraft carrier commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Surface Force, has always been described as a surface platform for tests and training by the PLA's official media, but now it has formally been described as having a real combat capacity. Three US senior officers and military commanders have visited the Liaoning in the past, the 24th Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the 30th and the 31st Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert and Admiral John M. Richardson "As a combat platform, regarding technology and capability to execute missions, China still lags behind the US, but three high-ranking US officials who visited the Liaoning before all gave a positive evaluation on the management affairs on the carrier: officers and soldiers' daily lives and training are well organized and the equipment maintenance is fine" Li said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong court dismisses anti-China lawmakers from parliament Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 3:10PM A court in Hong Kong has disqualified two lawmakers from the Chinese city's parliament after Beijing ruled that they should be barred from taking office over anti-China remarks. Hong Kong's High Court ruled on Tuesday that Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching invalidated their oaths of office last month after misreading the texts and using expletives that violated China's sovereignty. "Mr. Leung and Ms. Yau have been disqualified from assuming and have vacated the office of a member of the Legislative Council," said a written ruling from the court, adding, "The oaths purportedly taken by Mr. Leung and Ms. Yau on Oct. 12, 2016... are invalid and void and have no legal effect." China's parliament has furiously reacted to the independence-seeking conduct of the two lawmakers. A final ruling came from Beijing last week, saying that any oath taker must follow the prescribed wording of the oath, adding that Leung and Yau took the oath in a manner that was not sincere or not solemn. Independence activists criticized China's interpretation of Hong Kong's mini constitution, known as the Basic Law, saying China should respect the judicial independence of the territory under a 1997 deal with Britain, known as the one country, two systems. Hong Kong's pro-China leader said on Tuesday that his administration would be tough on activists pushing for independence from China. "Those who are advocating for independence and other forms of splitting from the country are a small minority but I cannot lower my guard and cannot (give them) any tolerance," Leung Chung-ying said, adding, "Members of the Hong Kong independence (movement) cannot appear in the political system." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Facebook sets wireless world record by transmitting data at 20 Gbps Published: November 15, 2016 Facebooks Connectivity Lab has set a world record transmitting at nearly 20 Gbps for 13.2 kilometers using Milli Meter Wave (MMW) technology. The Connectivity Lab achieved a data rate of nearly 20 Gbps in a point-to-point land-based test from a mountaintop in Malibu, California to a building rooftop in Woodland Hills in United States. The line-of-sight distance for the point-to-point test was of 13.2 km. With this Facebook broke the previous record set in May 2016 by German scientists of 6 Gbps data transmission over 37 km using MMW technology. Earlier in February 2016, a team of Japanese researchers had hit 100 Gbps by batching multiple 10 Gbps signals but not in the MMW spectrum. What is Millimeter waves (MMW)? Millimeter waves (MMW) is electromagnetic waves with the wavelength from 1 to 10 millimeters. This waves share the features of microwaves and far infrared waves since its wavelength ranges between these two waves. MMW application in communications: It is generally used for point-to-point transmission technology. Basically the band of radio spectrum between 30 Ghz and 300 Ghz of MMW is used for this purpose. It is mainly used for connecting internet service to distribution points. It is difficult and uneconomical to use MMW for individual residential connections. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: Facebook MMW Technology Science and Technology Latest E-Books Chinese first aircraft carrier prepared for 'war': Navy Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 8:45AM China says its first aircraft carrier is ready for a deterrent "war", a change from its previous status as a training ship, intended to allow the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) to practice with carrier usage. The conventionally-powered CNS Liaoning (CV-16) "is always prepared for war and our combat capacity also needs to be tested by war," said Liaoning's political commissar Captain Li Dongyou on Tuesday. In an interview with the state-run Chinese newspaper Global Times, he said the aircraft carrier "is constantly prepared to fight against enemies." "At this moment, we are doing our best to promote our strength and use it to prevent war, and are prepared for actual combat at any time," Li further said. The aircraft carrier was laid down as Riga at the Black Sea Shipyard in Ukraine in 1985 and joined the Soviet navy in 1988 and was renamed Varyag in 1990. China purchased the stripped hulk in 1998 and towed it to a shipyard in Dalian, the second largest city in the northeastern province of Liaoning. The 60,000-ton aircraft carrier then was completely rebuilt and underwent sea trials, and was handed over to the PLAN on September 23, 2012, two days before she was commissioned under the new name of Liaoning, in honor of the province in which she was retrofitted. Liaoning is capable of tearing through the waves at the top speed of 37 kilometers per hour and can embark 36 aircraft. China is currently manufacturing its second aircraft carrier. Beijing has not described specifically how it plans to use the ship, but it seems that she can help reinforce China's fleet in the disputed South China Sea in the face of challenges from the US Navy and others. China claims sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea which is also partially contested by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam as well as the Philippines. Washington has time and again risked heightening tensions with Beijing through military presence in the South China Sea, questioning China's insistence on sovereignty over the disputed waters. China has, in response, accused Washington of meddling in regional issues and deliberately escalating the situation in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India Confident of Strategic Partnership Under Trump Anjana Pasricha November 15, 2016 A strategic partnership built between India and the United States in the last two years is expected to deepen under a Trump administration. However, India's famed information technology sector could suffer, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to turn the country into a manufacturing hub, if President-elect Donald Trump acts on campaign pledges to restrict immigration and bring jobs back to the United States, some Indian analysts and observers say. "When the dust settles down, I don't think India will have cause for complaint under a Trump presidency," said Lalit Mansingh, a former Indian ambassador to the United States He added that Modi, who has vowed to diplomatically isolate Pakistan for its alleged support of cross-border terrorism, will hope to get more support from Trump, who advocated a tougher stance on terrorism during the campaign. India accuses Islamabad of backing Islamic militant groups fomenting terrorism in India, a charge Pakistan strongly denies. Mansingh predicted Trump would be a stronger ally on terrorism: "I expect that he will go a step further than what his predecessors did in applying pressure on Pakistan, because all the previous administrations have said the right things but have hesitated from putting pressure on Pakistan because it might affect their operations in Afghanistan. I think Trump may be more forthcoming." But there is much more uncertainty about how a Trump administration will affect wider Asian geopolitics. Concerns about China's growing assertiveness in Asia and its expanding influence in India's neighborhood helped prompt Modi to deepen India's military cooperation with the United States, shedding its traditional hesitations about moving too close to Washington. Modi optimistic For his part, Modi has sounded an upbeat note on the future of India-U.S. ties under Trump. In a phone call to the president-elect after his victory, Modi said he hoped the two nations would continue to build on the "bedrock of strong Indo-U.S. ties" and tweeted about taking bilateral relations "to a new height." But Jayadeva Ranade, a foreign policy analyst in New Delhi, warned of major changes in Asia Pacific geostrategic landscape if the U.S. opts for a more insular policy. He pointed to the possibility of the U.S. scaling back its presence in the South China Sea. "What he [Trump] has said about not wanting to be engaged in military terms in the Asia Pacific in effect would mean ceding space to China," Ranade said. New Delhi, conversely, wants to see Washington deepen its engagement in the region. Economic concerns India's bigger uncertainty relates to how a Trump administration will redraw economic and trade policies at a time when New Delhi has been wooing U.S. companies for more investment and business to boost its economy. If election rhetoric targeting both immigration and outsourcing translates into policies, India's $150 billion information technology sector, already battling a slowdown, could face more turbulence. The United States, one of India's largest investors, employs millions there and accounts for 60 percent of the country's software exports. The biggest perceived threat is to H-1B visas, which allow foreign professionals to work in the U.S. and are heavily used by Indian software companies. Indians received more than two-thirds of the H-IB visas in 2014. Trump's earlier statements that these visas hurt American workers and serve as a "cheap labor program" have raised fears that his administration may move to restrict or raise costs. This would hit Indian IT companies, according to Shivendra Singh, who heads global trade development for the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), which represents India's technology industry. Singh said he hopes the flow of professionals from India will not be restricted. "It is not that we don't want to hire locally. Definitely that is not the case," he said. But until the United States can address a domestic shortages of STEM skills in science, technology, engineering and math "this approach has proven well." Investment concerns The possibility of growing U.S. protectionism under Trump also has raised fears of a slowdown in investment flows from the world's biggest economy. Since taking office, Modi has been wooing foreign firms to set up manufacturing bases in India, hoping to usher in a manufacturing revolution of the kind that China has experienced. But many analysts feel that India does not have much to fear. They point out that the U.S. is also looking for export markets, and India's growing economy and huge middle class will lure American companies. Among those who think that Trump will look favorably on strengthening economic ties with India is Mansingh. "Particularly as Trump himself comes from a business background," the former ambassador observed, "he will be sympathetic to a greater role for business on both sides." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US President Obama reaffirms Iran's commitment to JCPOA IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency New York, Nov 15, IRNA -- American President Barack Obama confirmed Iran's commitment to the content of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Obama made remarks in a press conference on Monday, his first since Donald Trump was elected as the US new president during the Nov 8 presidential elections. He stressed that the July 2015 deal was 'not just an international agreement between us and the Iranians,' the TIME magazine quoted President Obama as saying. However, he noted, it was an agreement 'between the P5+1, other countries. Some of our closes allies.' 'And for us to pull out would then require us to start sanctioning those other countries in Europe or China or Russia, that were still abiding by the deal, because from their perspective, Iran had done what it was supposed to do,' he said. President Obama's remarks came in answer to a question wether he was worried about what the president-elect Trump has already threatened to do by unraveling the nuclear deal with Iran. About the deal, Obama added 'Iran is a good example of the gap, I think, between some of the rhetoric in this town, not unique to the president elect, and the reality. I think there was a really robust debate about the merits of the Iran deal before it was completed. 'And I actually was pretty proud of how our democracy processed that. It was a serious debate. I think people of good will were on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, we were able to persuade members of Congress and the public, at least enough of them, to support it.' On Iran's commitments to the JCPOA, the US president said 'We now have over a year of evidence that they have abided by the agreement. That's not just my opinion. It's not just people in my administration. That's the opinion of Israeli military and intelligence officers who are part of a government that vehemently opposed the deal.' "To unravel a deal that's working and preventing Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon would be hard to explain, particularly if the alternative were to have them free from any obligations ...," the president said. Iran and the six world powers, the US, the UK, France, Russia, China and Germany, reached a landmark nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA on July 15, 2015. 'Implementation Day' of the deal was announced in January, 2016, as the anti-Iran sanctions were lifted after Iran's peaceful nuclear program was verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Also on November 11 in Prague, the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held a joint press briefing with his Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek stressing that the JCPOA was an international agreement not a bilateral one so every party of the deal has to remain committed to it. 1483**1424 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France believes Trump will not scrap JCPOA Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 10:27PM French President Francois Hollande says he doubts that US President-elect Donald Trump would scrap Iran's nuclear agreement made with world powers. "This accord gives us all security ... could the US with Donald Trump put into question this accord? I don't think so," Hollande said during an interview with France 24 television on Tuesday. Trump, who became US president-elect after defeating his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in last week's election, had repeatedly promised during his campaign that he would "tear up" the deal and renegotiate its terms if he was to become president. "There is a principle of reality and this deal gives us guarantees. The absence of an accord would be very serious," Hollande noted. The agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was struck between Iran on the one side, and the US, France, China, Britain, Russia, and Germany on the other in June 2015. On Monday, US President Barack Obama said that Trump is unlikely to alter the JCPOA, stating that after it was reached there was an argument that Iran might not comply with the agreement, but so far it has been proven otherwise. "My suspicion is that when the president-elect comes in and is consulting with his fellow Republicans on the Hill, that they will look at the facts," he said. "To unravel a deal that's working and preventing Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon would be hard to explain," he added. Under the JCPOA, Tehran agreed to roll back certain aspects of its nuclear program including the volume of its uranium stockpiles enriched to the 20-percent level and provided international atomic monitors enhanced access to its nuclear facilities. In return, Iran's partners agreed to terminate all nuclear-related sanctions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address One-third of east Mosul purged of Daesh terrorists: Iraq Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 3:8PM Daesh Takfiri terrorists have been driven out of one-third of the eastern side of Mosul, Iraq says as the army forces and their allied fighters are conducting a major operation to liberate the strategic northern city. "More than a third of this (eastern) side has been liberated by the military forces. This area was restive even before the presence of the terrorist, Daesh," Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesman, Brigadier General Saad Maan, said at the Qayyarah air base near Mosul on Tuesday. Maan also noted that the districts recaptured in eastern Mosul "are very important and their liberation is a key to the liberation of other areas." The Iraqi army, volunteer Shia and Sunni fighters as well as Kurdish Peshmerga forces launched a long-awaited offensive on October 17 to retake Mosul, the last Daesh bastion in the Middle Eastern country. Government forces are currently attempting to consolidate their gains in Mosul's eastern neighborhoods. Elsewhere in his remarks, Maan said that 955 militants had been killed and 108 others captured on the southern frontlines of the Iraqi city since the beginning of the operation. 'Iraqis in liberated areas need food' Separately on Tuesday, Iraqi Major Salam al-Obeidi warned that some 700 locals had spilled into the streets of the recently liberated neighborhoods of Zahra and Qadisiyah in eastern Mosul to demand food from the military. The Iraqi troops were sharing their food rations with the civilians, he further pointed out. "This is a problem for us because the food we have is not enough for them and we're waiting for more food to be sent from the government," al-Obeidi said, adding, "Now the Iraqi soldier is giving his food to the civilians." Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River, fell to Daesh in 2014, the year the terror outfit began its campaign of death and destruction in northern and western Iraq. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN relief agencies deploy emergency humanitarian aid and resources to conflict-torn Mosul 15 November 2016 A UNICEF-led multi-agency humanitarian convoy with emergency supplies for 15,000 children was the first to enter the Iraqi city of Mosul, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues tracking displaced population movement and constructing emergency sites. "UNICEF has entered Mosul city for the first time in over two years," stated UNICEF Iraq Deputy Representative Hamida Ramadhani, adding that the teams, which entered the city this past Sunday, are moving quickly to provide immediate support to communities affected by the fighting. According to UNICEF, 14 vehicles filled with enough emergency supplies to last 15,000 children and families a total of 30,000 people for a month, arrived to the Gogachly neighbourhood in eastern Mosul. Supplies included 5,000 kits of water purification tablets, high energy biscuits, jerry cans, buckets, soap, toothpaste and baby supplies. Despite a hostile and dangerous environment, the distribution of supplies was completed in six hours. At least 56,000 people have been displaced from in and around Mosul, including 27,000 children and families, and up to 1.5 million remain trapped inside the city, 6000,000 of the children. UNICEF has assisted over 30,000 children in re-taken communities since 17 October. Other UN agencies, such as IOM are also carrying out relief operations in Mosul, targeting newly displaced people who have fled to more stable areas. "We were caught in the crossfire we fled our village on foot. We had to leave everything behind including our livestock and cars," said one man from a village west of Mosul, who fled with his 14-member family. "Once we arrived in safe areas we were transported by truck to Haj Ali. The school where we are sheltering does not have enough space for all the families. The local community has provided some support, but we still urgently need more help." IOM Iraq's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), used by the Government and humanitarian agencies to guide the humanitarian response, currently indicates that close to 98 per cent of all those leaving Mosul are displaced within Ninewa governorate in northern Iraq, where IOM continues to add capacity in shelter and other inputs in anticipation of growing numbers of displaced families. IOM works closely with the Government of Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) to identify locations and develop emergency sites for the displaced population. IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Thomas Lothar Weiss said: "With the support of the MOMD, preparations at IOM's emergency sites are well underway. Through IOM's emergency response, as well as assistance for those displaced longer term, we aim to provide support to improve conditions for those who have suffered so greatly." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence stranded on Bangladesh border Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 4:24PM Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims fleeing a surge in violence in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine are stranded on the Bangladesh border. Rohingya community leaders said on Tuesday that Bangladeshi border guards pushed back the Rohingya Muslims, mostly women and children, to the Myanmar side on Monday. "We heard they are 200 in number. They are mostly women and children, who were only seeking a safe place to stay. They have no homes to go back," AFP cited one of the Rohingya leaders from a refugee camp in Bangladesh's Teknaf border town. Sources said the stranded Rohingya Muslims had crossed the Naf River, which divides the two countries, by boats in the early hours of Monday. Bangladesh's border guard spokesman, Major Abu Russell Siddique, confirmed that dozens of Rohingya Muslims were immediately sent back by Bangladeshi forces. The official, however, denied the community leaders' claim that the Rohingya, who were pushed back were victims of recent violence in Rakhine. Mohammad Towhid, 19, who had managed to cross into Bangladesh by avoiding the border guards, said Myanmar's soldiers had shot dead his sister. "They (Myanmar army) shot dead my sister before my eyes. I hid underneath heaps of cow dung during the attack. As the night fell, I rushed to the border," Towhid said, adding, "I left my mother alone at home. I don't know whether she survived or not." He added that Myanmar's troops had torched hundreds of Rohingya homes over the past days. Rakhine, home to a large number of Rohingya Muslims, has been under a military lockdown since an alleged attack on the country's border guards on October 9 left nine police officers dead. The government accused the Rohingya of being behind the assault. According to the UN, the Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. The government denies full citizenship to the 1.1 million-strong Rohingya population, branding them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. However, many believe the Rohingya are a community of ancient lineage in Myanmar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan, China Jointly Open New International Trade Route Ayaz Gul November 15, 2016 Pakistan and China this week activated a new international trade route through the southwestern Pakistani port of Gwadar to showcase a multi-billion-dollar economic cooperation agreement between the two close allies. Beijing's $46 billion investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will lead to construction of road, rail and communication networks and power projects in Pakistan along the route linking China's western Xinjiang region to Gwadar. Chinese officials say CPEC is "the major and pilot project of the Belt and Road" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. It will ultimately turn the deep water Gwadar port, developed with Chinese financial and technical assistance, into a gateway for imports and exports from Xinjiang to international markets. The port sits at the convergence of three of the world's most commercially important regions, the oil-rich Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia. It also lies at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani and Chinese officials gathered Sunday at the port to welcome the first convoy of trucks from China. Containers were loaded on two Chinese ships before they sailed to overseas destinations from Gwadar. The trade convoy passed 3,000 kilometers along the Karakoram Highway through western Pakistan after entering at the Khunjerab Pass, the world's highest paved border crossing. "It proves the connectivity of the local roads and realization of the concept of one corridor with multiple passages," noted Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weeding in Gwadar. "This trade convoy is the best reflection of the spirits of mutual consultation, joint construction, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation. I believe these spirits will serve as the solid basis for the future construction of CPEC," said the Chinese diplomat. Pakistani leaders hope the economic corridor will bring development and prosperity to billions of people in the region. "Pakistan is located at the intersection of three engines of growth in Asia - South Asia, China and Central Asia. CPEC will help in integrating these regions into an economic zone offering great opportunities for people of the region as well as investors from all over the world," Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told Sunday's ceremony at Gwadar. For China, the proposed CPEC route will offer the shortest possible access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Chinese ships currently travel through the Strait of Malacca and it takes about half a month to transport goods to or from China. The Pakistani government is under fire at home for allegedly maintaining secrecy around CPEC-related projects and diverting much of the Chinese investment to the populous province of Punjab, a traditional stronghold of Sharif's ruling party. The prime minister and his spokespeople have repeatedly denied the allegations. "CPEC is for entire Pakistan and no province and region will be left out of it. The whole nation is united and determined to make CPEC a model of success and a flagship project of Pakistan and China friendship to take our friendship to greater heights," said Sharif, while speaking in Gwadar. Despite security and political concerns, Chinese and Pakistani officials say that CPEC-related projects have entered into full implementation and are making "remarkable progress." They say 16 out of 24 "early harvest projects" are under construction and expected to be completed by 2018, creating tens of thousands of new jobs for local people. Pakistani critics, however, point to a lack of structural reforms, corruption and mismanagement in government institutions for their skepticism about CPEC. They insist that existing infrastructure needs a major overhaul to be able to absorb pressure that CPEC-related activities will generate in the coming years. Economist Athar Maqsood Ahmad at Islamabad's National University of Sciences and Technology, known as NUST, says signs of improvement already exist in Pakistan, even without CPEC. "The expected (official) growth rate with the help of CPEC is not much higher than what we have achieved on our own in the past," he noted. The professor said much of the public debate is based on assumptions. He said it is not possible to examine the cumulative dividends of CPEC to Pakistan because documents at relevant Chinese and Pakistani ministries do not provide the same information. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S.Korean political heavyweights demand Park's resignation, impeachment over scandal People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 18:03, November 15, 2016 SEOUL, Nov. 15 -- South Korean political heavyweights on Tuesday demanded President Park Geun-hye step down or be impeached over a scandal involving Park's longtime confidante. Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition Minjoo Party and one of major presidential hopefuls, told reporters that he will initiate a nationwide campaign to let President Park step down, saying the campaign will last until the president declares her unconditional resignation. Moon said people's frustration, shown in Saturday's mass rally, cannot be cured only by Park's resignation, noting it is high time to replace the current era and overhaul the root of the country. Over a million South Koreans took to the streets in Seoul alone in the third weekend rally to demand Park step down. Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and Mayor Lee Jae-myung of Seongnam city in Gyeonggi province, who are two major presidential hopefuls of the main opposition party, welcomed Moon's proposal and expressed willingness to join the campaign. Ahn Cheol-soo, former chairman of the minor opposition People's Party, said that President Park's resignation is a way to save the country, urging the scandal-hit president to declare a political resignation before being investigated by prosecutors. Prosecutors requested a direct probe into President Park no later than Wednesday, but Park's attorney asked its delay citing lack of time and preparations. Rival parties on Monday agreed to a bill to appoint an independent counsel who will investigate the scandal involving Choi Soon-sil, the president's decades-long friend suspected of meddling in state affairs behind the scenes. Under the country's constitution, a president has immunity from criminal execution, but investigation is allowed if the indictment is suspended by the end of presidency. A presidential election is required to be carried out within 60 days if a president steps down. Kim Moon-sung, former chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party and one of presidential hopefuls in the ruling bloc, said that it would be correct to impeach President Park as the hurried presidential election, which would be conducted within 60 days after Park's resignation, may fail to verify presidential candidates. Kim, one of key non-President Park faction members in the governing party, urged the party leadership to resign, saying the leadership blindly following Park cannot normalize the current situations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia aircraft carrier jets conduct first Syria anti-terror strikes Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 1:37PM Russia says warplanes flying from its aircraft carrier, which was recently deployed off Syria, have conducted their first strikes against foreign-backed terrorists active in the war-torn Arab country. Russia's TASS news agency quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as making the announcement in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday. "Today at 10:30 and 11 (0730 and 0800 GMT), we started a major operation to conduct mass fire damage in the Idlib and Homs provinces" targeting positions held by terrorist groups of Daesh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front," Shoigu said, adding, "For the first time in our naval history," Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, took part in combat operations. The Russian defense minister further noted that jets will target ammunition depots, training camps and armaments factories, whose products are used against civilians in Syria. The Admiral Kuznetsov was deployed from the Arctic to the eastern Mediterranean last month, joining around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast. Syrian aircraft target terrorists in Aleppo Meanwhile, unnamed Syrian special sources told state television that Syrian jets had carried out air raids against terrorist strongholds and supply depots in the old city of Aleppo on Tuesday. The announcement came as Russian and Syrian warplanes had not conducted any anti-terror aerial attacks in Aleppo since October 18. Moscow has introduced a series of unilateral truces in Aleppo to allow civilian and terrorists to quit the city's militant-held eastern parts. It, however, argues that the cessation of hostilities had no tangible results as militants opened fire on people coming in or out of the city irrespective of the truces. Residents in Aleppo's eastern regions said on Sunday that they had received text messages from the Syrian army urging terrorists to leave the city within 24 hours. "Those who want to save their lives must put down their weapons and their safety will be guaranteed. After the end of this period, the planned strategic offensive will begin," the message read. Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies. Russia has been conducting air raids against Daesh and other terrorist groups in the Middle Eastern country at the Damascus government's request for more than a year now. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India, ADB sign $500 million loan to build longest river bridge across Ganges River Published: November 16, 2016 The Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked a $500-million loan agreement to build a 9.8 km long road bridge across the Ganga River in Bihar. It will be countrys longest river bridge and shall provide better connectivity between North and South Bihar and also Patna and its surrounding areas. In addition to the loan, ADB will $900,000 in technical assistance. The state government will provide $215 million for the project. It is expected to be completed by end of December 2020. Key Facts The new Ganga Bridge will be located near Patna. It will span both channels of the Ganga River and serve as an alternate route to the existing Ganga Bridge, which has begun to deteriorate. The project will include building of embankments, viaducts and toll facilities. The bridge will be constructed using the latest engineering techniques. It will serve as an alternative to the existing bridge and will be linked to the National Highway network. It will be first of its kind in India with its height and length customized to deal with climate- related issues such as rise in water levels while ensuring minimum impact on the river. About Asian Development Bank (ADB) The ADB is a regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. It was established on 19 December 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB now has 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. The ADB has been modelled closely on the World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan is the largest shareholder (capital subscription) of ADB having 15.7% shares. US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India (6.4%), and Australia (5.8%). Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: ADB Bihar Ganges River infrastructure National Latest E-Books Russian economy minister arrested over bribe allegation Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:54AM Russian Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev has been detained on suspicion of taking $2 million of bribe in exchange for his ministry's support for a massive oil deal, investigators say. Authorities said Ulyukayev was detained on Tuesday during an operation by the FSB security service and that President Vladimir Putin was informed of the investigation. The detention came a day after the minister allowed state oil giant Rosneft to acquire a majority stake in another Russian oil company and allegedly received money for the endorsement. "This is about extortion of a bribe from Rosneft representatives accompanied by threats," Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said. Ulyukayev, she said, was caught red-handed as he received the bribe and that he would be charged shortly. "This is a very serious accusation that requires very serious proof. In any case only a court can decide," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax news agency. Russian news agencies said Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has called for painstaking investigation into the case and discussed the investigation with President Putin. They said Ulyukayev was detained as part of "sting operation" after investigators received "serious evidence" from "tapping his conversations and the conversations of his associates." If found guilty, Ulyukayev could face a jail sentence of between 8 and 15 years, as well as a fine ranging from 80 to 100 times the sum of the bribe taken. The controversy revolves around Rosneft's acquisition of a 50.07 percent stake from the state in Bashneft in a $5.2 billion deal last month. The sale came after months of wrangling that saw Rosneft face opposition from many in the government, who have demanded the country's economy be liberalized. The Bashneft sale "confirms that Russia is knowingly building state capitalism and monopolizing the economy," leading business daily Vedomosti said at the time when the deal was signed. "It's impossible to call the sale of one state company to another state company privatization," it added. It was said at the time that the government had received only two bids and the other one had been less than Bashneft's independently assessed value. In September, President Putin voiced his concern over the potential seizure of one state-controlled company by another. "Probably it's not the best option when one company under state control acquires another purely state company," the Russian leader said. Bashneft, an oil producer based in the central city of Ufa in the Russia's southwestern Republic of Bashkortostan, was originally privatized in the early 2000s. In late 2014, however, a Moscow court ordered the nationalization of a Bashneft's stake of some 72 percent held by billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov after he was jailed on money laundering charges. Bashneft operates 140 oil and natural gas fields in the country and has an oil production of 16 million tonnes annually. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address News Analysis: Ulyukayev Arrest Could End Up Costing Russia Dearly Valentin Baryshnikov, Lyubov Chizhova, Robert Coalson November 15, 2016 The arrest of Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev -- the most senior official to face trial in post-Soviet Russia -- threatens to shake the country's political and economic structures to their foundations. Moreover, while the particulars of the case relate to the controversial sale of a $5 billion chunk in one state-owned oil company to another, analysts suggest the real risk could be the government's planned selloff of a major share in the world's largest publicly traded oil company, Rosneft, and the fortunes of the Kremlin insider who runs it. "The moral and psychological consequences will be similar to those that came with the arrest of [former oligarch Mikhail] Khodorkovsky in 2003," Valery Solovei, a political science professor at the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations (MGIMO), told RFE/RL in a reference to the exiled former Yukos oil CEO and Putin critic who spent a decade as Russia's best-known prisoner. Ulyukayev was detained overnight on November 14-15 on suspicion of accepting a $2 million bribe in exchange for approving the state's sale of the Bashneft regional oil company to Rosneft, which is also controlled by the Russian state. President Vladimir Putin fired him on November 15, the Kremlin said, after a court ordered him placed under house arrest. Rosneft is effectively controlled by Igor Sechin, a member of Putin's closest inner circle who is widely considered one of the most powerful people in Russia. Putin said in September that the government hoped to bring in $11 billion with the sale of a 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft, which was to be overseen by Ulyukayev. "It seems clear that this whole matter will, if not stop the privatization of Rosneft entirely, at least make it much more difficult," said Moscow-based political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin. "The privatization would, on the one hand, weaken Sechin's position as head of Rosneft and, on the other, help the government's economic managers to solve the budget-deficit problem." Falling Revenues Russia has seen budget revenues plummet amid a prolonged drop in global oil prices and economic woes brought on in part by Western sanctions over Moscow's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine and Russian countersanctions. "After the latest events, it is perfectly obvious that there will be much fewer players who are willing to buy into Rosneft and defend their stockholder interests against Sechin," Oreshkin added. "So I am sure that the privatization of Rosneft will be postponed, if not entirely canceled." Prosecutors were quick to state publicly that Rosneft was not under investigation and that the Bashneft privatization was not in question. But Mikhail Krutikhin, a partner in the RusEnergy consulting firm, suggested that Ulyukayev's arrest was "a beautiful way out of an ugly situation" for Sechin that will "close the matter of a Rosneft deal." Unable to control the privatization, Krutikhin speculated, Rosneft could have come to see Ulyukayev's arrest as "Plan B." Novaya Gazeta quoted unnamed law-enforcement sources as saying that Oleg Feoktistov, the head of security at Rosneft and a high-ranking Federal Security Service (FSB) officer who was seconded to the company, actively participated in the investigation against Ulyukayev. Rosneft spokesman and longtime Kremlin-friendly state-television commentator Mikhail Leontiev told Gazeta.ru that the arrest of Ulyukayev was "excellent work" by the security services. Rise Of The Siloviki? More broadly, Ulyukayev's arrest could signal the ascendency of the so-called siloviki bloc -- shorthand for those connected with the security agencies and the military -- over relative liberals in the sphere of economic policy, said Solovei. Ulyukayev, 60, was a member of the economic-reform team of 1990s acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar. He is considered an advocate of the liberalizing reforms -- including reducing the role of the state in the economy -- advocated by former Putin-era Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin. "Not many people realize that there is an alternative economic program that one might call 'moderately directed,'" Solovei told RFE/RL. He suggested that scheme was "being prepared with the support of the siloviki and the oil companies." Solovei distinguished the siloviki program from the "fully directed," state-dominated economic model advocated by leftist presidential adviser Sergei Glazyev. That model, he argued, is a red herring, intended to make the siloviki proposals seem more moderate. "Since the government liberals were standing in the way of the 'moderately directed' model, it would seem that they struck at the weakest link," Solovei said. "Ulyukayev does not have particular influence in this arena and doesn't have powerful connections." 'Preemptive Strike' Moreover, Solovei cited unconfirmed speculation that Ulyukayev planned to resign in the near future over disputes with Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. "They carried out a preemptive strike in order to show what happens to anyone who stands in their way or dreams of some sort of 'cursed liberal reform,'" he alleged. Asked whether the arrest of Russia's economy minister could rattle foreign investors and darken the investment climate, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "I don't think so," according to the TASS news agency. "On the contrary," Peskov said, "understanding that the fight against corruption, irrespective of positions, is held on a regular and consequential basis, is an extra plus to the investment appeal of any country." "It is absolutely clear that Russia's prestige and the investment climate will not be improved by this development," analyst Oreshkin said. "That is, the victories of administrative influence are achieved by sacrificing real economic growth. Under the current system of power, the most important people are those with their hands in the vault, rather than those who are concerned with making sure the vault is full." Written by RFE/RL correspondent Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL Russian Service correspondents Valentin Baryshnikov and Lyubov Chizhova Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ulyukayev-arrest- analysis-sechin/28119183.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 Putin Fires Economics Minister Charged In Shock $2 Million Bribe Case RFE/RL November 15, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin has fired Economic Development Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev, whose arrest on charges of large-scale bribe taking has jolted Russia's ruling elite. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on November 15 that Putin dismissed Ulyukayev due to a "loss of trust," Russian news agencies reported. Ulyukayev's dismissal comes less than 24 hours after he was detained on charges of taking a $2 million bribe for facilitating state-owned oil giant Rosneft's takeover of another state-held oil company, Bashneft, in October. His arrest sent shock waves through the country's ruling elite. A Moscow court on November 15 ordered Ulyukayev under house arrest. Ulyukayev's detention in connection with the case is the highest-level arrest to have occurred during Putin's 16 years in power and has stunned the political and financial classes. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said it was "beyond my comprehension." The charges come amid a high-profile antigraft campaign and recent shake-ups among senior Russian officials that observers have tied to the presidential election due in March 2018, in which Putin is widely expected to seek a new six-year term. Svetlana Petrenko, a spokeswoman for Russia's federal Investigative Committee, said Ulyukayev "was caught red-handed as he received a bribe." The agency, a Russian analogue of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Ulyukayev has been charged with extortion and "grand bribe taking" and that it asked the court to allow him to be held under house arrest. Moscow's Basmanny District Court on November 15 granted that request, ordering Ulyukayev to remain under house arrest until mid-January. Ulyukayev's lawyer, Timofei Gridnev, said that Ulyukayev has "not admitted his guilt" and that he thinks his detention is "a provocation against a state official." Russian investigators also said Ulyukayev has denied that he is guilty. The Investigative Committee said the case was initiated after Rosneft reported extortion of $2 million. It added that Bashneft's $5 billion sale to Rosneft is indisputable. Rosneft is controlled by Igor Sechin, a Kremlin insider who is regarded as one of the most powerful people in Russia. Medvedev told pro-Kremlin lawmakers on November 15 that "what has happened" in the Ulyukayev case "is beyond my comprehension" but added that "neither a minister, nor a lawmaker, nor a governor, nor any other state servant has immunity if they are involved in corruption-related crimes," the state-owned TASS news agency reported. Medvedev issued a statement earlier in the day calling for a "thorough investigation" and said he had discussed Ulyukayev's case with Putin. He also appointed Deputy Economy Minister Yevgeny Yelin as acting economy minister. The criminal charge Ulyukayev faces is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Aleksandr Shokhin, head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, which is often labeled "the oligarchs' union," said he believes Ulyukayev is innocent. "This could trigger a serious government shake-up," he told Gazeta.ru. Ulyukayev, 60, has overseen the massive privatization of state companies, capped by regional oil firm Bashneft's sale to state-controlled Rosneft in a controversial deal last month. The deal was postponed in August after Ulyukayev and other ministers objected to Rosneft's participation, arguing that a state company cannot participate in a privatization process. Putin himself intervened, ruling that Rosneft could participate because it is partially owned by British Petroleum. Rosneft was the only bidder for the stake after rival Lukoil dropped out shortly before the deadline. Interfax quoted an unnamed law-enforcement source as saying the government is not investigating Rosneft. Rosneft spokesman Mikhail Leontyev told TASS that no one is questioning the Bashneft privatization, which was "absolutely aboveboard." Ulyukayev was appointed economic development minister in 2013 and had been deputy chairman of Russia's central bank for a decade before that. He is seen as a member of the more liberal camp in circles surrounding Putin, who observers say seeks to maintain power and control by balancing various forces in the elite and playing them off one another. Ulyukayev's detention is the latest in a spate of high-profile official corruption cases in Russia in recent weeks. In June, then-Kirov Oblast Governor Nikita Belykh was arrested and accused of accepting a 400,000 euro bribe. In September, Interior Ministry Colonel Dmitry Zakharchenko was arrested after police found $120 million during a raid on his Moscow apartment. With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Reuters, TASS, AFP, Interfax, and Business FM Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russian-economy- minister-ulyukayev-arrested-taking-2-million-dollar-bribe- facilitate-rosneft-takeover-bashneft/28117331.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 Republican Senator Warns Trump Over Russia Stance RFE/RL November 15, 2016 WASHINGTON -- A senior Republican senator has warned President-elect Donald Trump against softening U.S. policy toward Russia, saying any "reset" of relations would be dangerous move. The comments by John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Service Committee and a persistent critic of Russia, suggest tensions between Trump and congressional Republicans who want tougher action against Moscow. McCain on November 15 alluded to a telephone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin called for improved bilateral ties. McCain said: "We should place as much faith in such statements as any other made by a former KGB agent who has plunged his country into tyranny, murdered his political opponents, invaded his neighbors, threatened America's allies, and attempted to undermine America's elections." McCain also alluded to outgoing President Barack Obama's attempts to mend ties with Russia after Moscow's invasion of Georgia in 2008. he effort was known as a "reset." "At the very least, the price of another 'reset' would be complicity in Putin and [the] butchery of the Syrian people," he said. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/mccain-trump -russia-reset/28119302.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 Russia's Extortion Charges Against Economy Minister Seen as Politics Daniel Schearf November 15, 2016 Russian prosecutors charged Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev with extortion Tuesday and requested he be placed under house arrest in the highest-level corruption case of its kind in decades. Ulyukayev's lawyer said he denies the charges. Analysts and observers question the charges as politically motivated and say the arrest of Ulyukayev more likely exposes an internal Kremlin battle between those for and against more state control of the dwindling Russian economy. Ulyukayev was detained late Monday after a sting operation carried out by Russia's Federal Security Services (FSB), according to Russia's Investigative Committee (SK). The SK claims Ulyukayev received $2 million he demanded from state oil company Rosneft in return for a positive assessment from his ministry on a controversial October deal that saw Rosneft purchase a 50 percent government stake in another government-owned oil company, Bashneft. Prosecutors allege Ulyukayev threatened to obstruct the acquisition if the bribe was not paid. Fight against corruption? Russian state media declared it the first arrest of a sitting minister in President Vladimir Putin's fight against corruption. The speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said the prosecution of Ulyukayev shows there are "no untouchables in Russia" and that "everyone is equal under the law," reported Russia's Tass state news agency. The government was selling a 50.1 percent share of Bashneft as part of a privatization drive that has supporters and detractors. A number of officials and economists, including Ulyukayev, criticized the participation of state-run Rosneft in the bidding. Rosneft head Igor Sechin, a close friend and ally of Putin, had been pushing for the deal, which would consolidate more of Russia's oil industry under his control. Putin eventually supported Rosneft's $5 billion bid for the government's stake in Bashneft. Analysts poured doubt on the possibility that Ulyukayev or anyone else would demand a bribe from a company controlled by such a powerful and well-connected person as Sechin, let alone make threats. Ulyukayev fell victim to the escalating political struggle inside the ruling class, says Vasily Koltashov, head of the Center of Economic Research at the Institute of Globalization and Social Movements. "The law enforcement bodies do not act without a command." Rosneft officially cleared Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state media Putin was informed about the investigation of Ulyukayev from the beginning and noted the charges were "very serious" and would require "very serious evidence." Peskov said there was no connection between Ulyukayev's case and the legality of the Bashneft purchase, echoing Russia's Investigative Committee, which declared the Rosneft-Bashneft deal was "completed on legal grounds." Alexei Portansky, a senior research fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of the World Economy and International Relations, called Ulyukayev's arrest a "very painful blow" to the government's economic policy-making team. Liberals vs. State control Kremlin watchers say with Russia's economy contracting as a result of low oil prices, Western sanctions, and lack of diversification, a struggle has erupted among the elites for control of key assets. Russia's Vedomosti newspaper in September cited Federal Antimonopoly Service statistics showing state-controlled companies dramatically increased their share in Russia's GDP, from 35 percent in 2005 to 70 percent by 2015. Russian authorities in 2014 seized control of Bashneft from oligarch owner Vladimir Yevtushenkov, who was charged with money-laundering and acquiring the company illegally, charges that were later dropped. Critics called it an asset-grab by the state and reminiscent of the government's seizure of Yukos Oil Company from Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky in 2003. Most of the broken-up Yukos entities ended up controlled by Rosneft and Gazprom, Russia's state-controlled natural gas monopoly. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who had originally opposed the Rosneft-Bashneft deal until Putin spoke in favor of it, discussed Ulyukayev's case with the president and called for a thorough investigation. Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, an advocate of economic reforms, said the accusations against Ulyukayev raise lots of questions. He called for an objective investigation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria urges OPCW probe chemical attacks by terrorists Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 4:41PM Syria has called for an investigation by the Hague-based agency responsible for eliminating chemical weapons into the use of chemical agents by terrorists against civilians in the country's battered city of Aleppo. Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates made the request on Tuesday in two identical letters sent to the United Nations Secretary General and the head of the UN Security Council. In the letters, the ministry condemned the crimes committed by terrorist groups such as Daesh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, using toxic materials such as chlorine gas in several Aleppo areas and demanded that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) send experts to the city to probe the atrocities. The ministry further accused Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey of providing the militants with the banned arms. The UN and the OPCW pay no attention to the cases in which the extremists use chemical weapons against the Syrian people, but they act differently when it comes to baseless allegations accusing the Syrian government of such incidents, the letters read. On November 13, terrorists in eastern Aleppo fired mortar shells containing chlorine gas on Aleppo's al-Nairab area, injuring civilians and causing cases of asphyxiation among 30 military personnel, according to the letters. Terrorists also targeted Aleppo's residential neighborhoods with poisonous gas more than once, among them al-Hamadaniye and al-Assad on October 31 and Manian on November 3, the letters added. All those injured in the chemical attacks were taken to hospital, where doctors said that the victims inhaled toxic materials such as chlorine gas, the Syrian ministry said, adding that Russian authorities have also verified the use of chemical agents. Moreover, the ministry urged the OPCW not to politicize the issue as hiding or falsifying facts under threats will not protect humanity from the use of weapons of mass destruction. Syria has been gripped by deadly foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. Over the past few months, terrorists have suffered major setbacks as the Syrian army has managed to liberate several areas. Backed by Russian air cover, the Syrian military is engaged in an operation to rid the country of all terrorist groups. Daesh awards elements using chemical weapons Separately on Tuesday, the Kurdish media network Rudaw reported that the Peshmerga forces had found documents near the Daesh held-city of Mosul in Iraq showing that the terror outfit awards those elements using chemical weapons with a prize. According to the report, Daesh gives the extremists, who use rockets and mortars containing mustard and chlorine gas in the battlefield, 10 Syrian dirhams equal to $5. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria forces uncover tunnels used by militants near Damascus Iran Press TV Tue Nov 15, 2016 9:25AM Syrian military forces have discovered a network of long tunnels used by foreign-sponsored militants during a clear-up operation on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus. Army soldiers and pro-government fighters from popular defense groups found the tunnels, some of which stretched as long as 700 meters, in the town of al-Maranah southwest of Damascus on Monday, Syria's official news agency SANA reported. Terrorists with the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as the al-Nusra Front, reportedly used the tunnels to carry munitions and transfer reinforcements to the area and to flee in the wake of Syrian Air Force bombardments. Meanwhile, scores of militants were killed and their vehicles destroyed as Syrian fighter jets bombarded militant hideouts in the Marana, Karfus and Kabana villages of the country's western coastal province of Latakia on Monday. Earlier in the day, an army unit had killed and injured several terrorists in an offensive against al-Hayat Farm in the northern part of the province. Additionally, Syrian fighter jets struck militant positions in the Khan al-Asal, Mansoura, Rashideen and Maskanah towns in the strategic northwestern province of Aleppo, killing a large number of militants. Several command centers and vehicles used by terrorists were destroyed as well. Elsewhere, in the west-central province of Hama, Syrian jets bombed militant bases in the town of Soran as well as the Tal Hawash, Kafr Nabudah and Qasabiyah villages, killing and injuring tens of militants. The development came shortly after militants from the so-called Jaish al-Izzah and Jaish al-Nasr terrorist groups launched an assault against a military position in the northwestern part of Hama. Also on Monday, Syrian government forces thwarted a militant assault on the hilly Tallet Breidej region on the northwestern flank of Hama Province and killed many Takfiris. Moreover, scores of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorists were killed in the Dara'a al-Balad district of the southwestern city of Dara'a, located about 90 kilometers south of Damascus. Six vehicles belonging to Daesh terrorists were also destroyed on the outskirts of the southern city of Sweida. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura recently estimated that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Warplanes Strike Syrian Targets, as Barrel Bombs Hit Aleppo VOA News November 15, 2016 Warplanes from Russia's lone aircraft carrier and a missile frigate struck targets in Syria on Tuesday, bombing areas southwest of the embattled city of Aleppo, as Syrian government aircraft renewed barrel bomb attacks on the city itself. The first-ever Russian strikes from the Mediterranean-based carrier Admiral Kuznetsov were described by the Kremlin on Tuesday as targeting extremists in Idlib and Homs provinces. The Russian Defense Ministry said a navy frigate also launched long-range cruise missiles at targets in northern Idlib an area about 60 kilometers southeast of Aleppo. However, the ministry insisted the Russian strikes were limited to Islamic State and other extremist targets, and ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov rejected media reports alleging that Russian warplanes were involved in strikes on a hospital in Aleppo. "Aircraft of the Russian Aerospace forces have delivered no airstrikes in Aleppo for the past 28 days," he said. In Washington, the State Department blasted Moscow for the new attacks. "We strongly condemn the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians," spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. She also accused Russia of blocking shipments of food and other aid to Aleppo during the bombing lull a move she said led residents to "starve while [Moscow sought] praise from the international community for halting indiscriminate strikes." Separately, Syrian news reports said government aircraft bombed "terrorist strongholds" in eastern Aleppo, a territory populated by as many as 300,000 civilians and rebel forces seeking to topple the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Monitors from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes were the first to hit eastern Aleppo since October 18. The renewed violence in Aleppo comes a day after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin the Syrian government's strongest ally in the five-and-a-half-year civil war. Putin said Monday that he and Trump agreed to "combine efforts to tackle international terrorism." However, it remains unclear whether the two governments can agree on a formula for easing the conflict, which the United Nations says has claimed more than 400,000 lives since 2011. Moscow and Damascus categorize all rebels seeking to oust the Assad government as terrorists, a definition both governments use to justify the deadly and apparently indiscriminate bombings in eastern Aleppo. Western governments and the United Nations have framed the Aleppo onslaught as a vast humanitarian crisis, with diplomats and human rights organizations arguing that both Damascus and Moscow could face future war crimes inquiries for their roles in the destruction of eastern Aleppo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defense costs could rise under new U.S. administration: NSB ROC Central News Agency 2016/11/14 13:14:22 Taipei, Nov. 14 (CNA) The National Security Bureau (NSB) believes the United States could ask Taiwan to upgrade its self-defense capabilities after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, leading to an increase in Taiwan's military spending. The bureau's assessment is based on comments made by the billionaire businessman during the election campaign, according to an NSB report on the potential impact of recent U.S. presidential and congressional elections on Taiwan. The report was presented to a hearing of the legislative Foreign and National Defense Committee on Monday. At the hearing, NSB officials said they believe the U.S. will maintain its basic policy on cross-strait issues under President Trump. However, based on statements made by the President-elect, the new administration is expected to be more conservative in international affairs. If the United States strategically retreats from the Asia-Pacific region, that would create a power vacuum that China will seek to fill the NSB said, noting that such a scenario would impact regional stability. The bureau also believes the Trump administration will ask U.S. allies to shoulder more responsibility for military operations whether directed against North Korea, the South China Sea or Syria. The new U.S. government is likely to first assess Taiwan's strategic value to U.S. interests before deciding how much it is willing to spend defending Taiwan against potential attacks from China, the bureau said. As such, the U.S. is likely to ask Taipei to upgrade its self-defense capability, the NSB said, adding that although that would mean an increase in defense expenditure, Washington would also be more amenable to approving arms sales to Taiwan. (By Tai Ya-chen and Elizabeth Hsu) ENDITEM AW / NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsai outlines goals of `New Southbound Policy' at forum ROC Central News Agency 2016/11/15 17:46:29 Taipei, Nov. 15 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () said Tuesday that the government is moving steadily forward in line with its "New Southbound Policy," and that it will pool its resources to promote related work in the short term. She cited as examples the holding of exhibitions on Taiwan in major cities in Southeast Asia, strengthening the role of the Taiwan Agricultural Development Co., and strengthening recruiting campaigns for overseas Chinese students and students from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). She expressed hope that through official exchanges, business investment and private cooperation, there will be more room for Taiwan's development. The president made the remarks at a forum on dialogue between Taiwan and ASEAN that was co-sponsored by Taiwan resarch institute Prospect Foundation, the Indonesian Council on World Affairs and the Habibie Centre. Tsai spoke of the three goals she hopes to achieve under the "New Southbound Policy" -- enhance understanding, promote bilateral exchanges and strengthen partnership relations -- with ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She said that Taiwan, located between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, has economic development that is complementary to the region. ASEAN, with a population of more than 600 million, is Taiwan's second-largest trade partner, and is also Taiwan's second-largest export market, she said. Taiwan also has frequent exchanges with ASEAN, Tsai said, adding that 40 percent of Taiwan's foreign students came from ASEAN countries last year. "Taiwan will seek to cooperate with think tanks of all nations and improve understanding of their societies, economies and political environments," Tsai said. "Taiwan will also invest in second-generation overseas Chinese, as they are the best bridge between Taiwan and local governments and societies," she added. The government will also set aside NT$1 billion (US$31.43 million) for scholarships to encourage Taiwanese students to study in ASEAN countries and for students from ASEAN countries to come to Taiwan, the president said. The second goal will be to develop bilateral exchanges, the president said, as well as pushing for exchanges of visits between high-ranking officials, and exchanges in culture, tourism, agriculture, medicine, science and technology. Tsai said that Taiwan has already streamlined its visa procedures for people from ASEAN countries visiting Taiwan, noting that more than 120,000 tourists from ASEAN visited Taiwan in September, up 19 percent from the same period of last year. The third goal will be to strengthen comprehensive partnership relations, she said, adding that the government will assist Taiwanese businesses to devise southbound strategies, expand cooperation in key areas of ASEAN and push for the signing of economic cooperation agreements with major trade partners. Also attending the forum were Foreign Minister David Lee (), Prospect Foundation Chairman Mark Chen () and Indonesian Council on World Affairs Chairman Makarim Wibisono, as well as former ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan. (By Tang Pei-chun and Lilian Wu) ENDITEM/J NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India, China Joint Training Exercise Hand in Hand 2016 begins in Pune Published: November 16, 2016 The sixth edition of India-China Joint Training Exercise Hand in Hand 2016 has started in Pune, Maharashtra. The aim of the bilateral military exercise is to share the expertise in drills and practices while tackling insurgency and terrorism between Indian Army and Peoples Liberation Army of China. Thus, it seeks to promote healthy military to military relations between the two armies and developing joint strategies for conducting operations in a counter terrorism environment. Key Facts The 2016 Hand in Hand Exercise has been planned at the company level with respective battalion headquarters controlling the training. The exercise will be supervised by a joint directing panel comprising senior officials of both the nations. It will be conducted in three phases. The first phase will consists of familiarization with weapons and equipment. The second phase will consist of basic training that includes combat conditioning, support weapon and practice of drills like establishment of covert observation post, firing of personal weapon, house clearing, cordon and search and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The third phase of the exercise is the conduct of joint exercise. This exercise will enrich the two contingents of both armies in further honing basic military skills. Background The Hand-in-Hand joint training exercise is in continuation of the series of joint exercises between both countries. The first exercise in the series was held in China at Kunming in Yunnan province in 2007. The exercise between two neighbours contributes immensely in developing mutual understanding and respect for each others military. The last exercise was held in October 2015 at the Kunming Military Academy in China. Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016 Topics: Defence India China Indian Military Exercises Military Exercises National Latest E-Books Britain Has No Overall Plan For Brexit, Leaked Memo Says November 15, 2016 Britain has no overall plan for Brexit and a negotiating strategy for leaving the European Union may not be agreed by the government for six months, a leaked memo suggests. The memo, seen by The Times and the BBC, also warns that the government is working on 500 Brexit-related projects and could need 30,000 extra civil servants. However, there is still no common exit strategy "because of divisions within the cabinet," the document adds. The memo, dated November 7, also criticizes Prime Minister Theresa May for her tendency of "drawing in decisions and details to settle the matter herself." A government spokesman said it "didn't recognize" the claims made in the memo, which was prepared for the Cabinet Office by an unnamed consultant. May hopes to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which kicks off two years of talks to leave the EU, by the end of March. Based on reporting by Reuters and the BBC Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/uk-brexit-memo- government-has-no-plan/28118259.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 NATO-Ukraine Commission discusses situation in eastern Ukraine NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 15 Nov. 2016 NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and Allies welcomed Vadym Chernysh, Minister of Ukraine for the Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, to NATO Headquarters for the first time on Tuesday (15 November 2016). In a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, Minister Chernysh briefed Allies on the security situation in Ukraine, as well as the challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced people. Allies expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone, as well as human rights abuses in Crimea. They also underscored the importance of the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Allies reiterated that NATO will continue to provide strong political and practical support to Ukraine as the government pursues vital reforms in the defence and security sectors. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's Poroshenko Calls On Trump To Help Counter 'Russian Aggression' RFE/RL November 15, 2016 Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for Washington's "resolute support...in countering Russian aggression," as he and President-elect Donald Trump spoke by telephone for the first time since the U.S. election. In a statement posted on November 15 to his website, Poroshenko said he was ready to work with Trump's new administration to strengthen bilateral ties. He said the two agreed to meet in the future and that the groundwork was being laid for Poroshenko to visit Washington early in 2017. However, Poroshenko did not mention a specific date. The statement said Poroshenko also stressed the need for Washington's support for Ukraine to implement "crucial reforms." It made no mention of Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula that Russia seized and illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. That annexation has been rejected by the United States and nearly all United Nations member states. There was no immediate comment from Trump's transition team about the phone call. The conversation came one day after Trump held a similar talk with Russia's President Vladimir Putin and both issued optimistic statements abuout the prospects of improving U.S.-Russian relations. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-poroshenko-trump-phone- call-russia-crimea/28119373.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 Hague Prosecutor's Finding On Ukraine Conflict Gives Kyiv Legal Heft, But Little Else Mike Eckel November 15, 2016 The lead prosecutor for the International Criminal Court has for the first time said the simmering conflict in Ukraine should be considered an international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As a practical matter, the determination by Fatou Bensouda, issued on November 14, will change nothing on the ground in eastern Ukraine, where fighting between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces has increased and decreased since April 2014 and continues despite cease-fire deals. Nor will it change Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which has been rejected by the vast majority of United Nations member states. Moreover, Russia is not a member of The Hague-based court, whose mandate includes prosecution of war crimes and related crimes. Ukraine is also not a member, though it has accepted the court's jurisdiction on a limited basis. But the finding, included in a report released November 14 by Bensouda's office, adds legal heft to arguments in Ukraine, and much of the West, that Russia is to blame for instigating the war. "According to information received, the situation in the Crimea and Sevastopol is equivalent to the international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation," the report said. "This international armed conflict started not later than February 26, when the Russian Federation employed members of its armed forces to gain control over parts of the territory of Ukraine without the consent of the government of Ukraine." Sevastopol is a Crimean port city and the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The report labels the situation in Crimea an occupation by Russian forces and highlights the plight of Crimean Tatars, who have faced persecution, kidnappings, and killings on the peninsula for their opposition to the Russian annexation. It also concludes that shelling by both sides in eastern Ukraine and Ukraine's detention of Russian military personnel there "points to direct military engagement between Russian armed forces and Ukrainian government forces that would suggest the existence of an international armed conflict." Russia has repeatedly denied its forces are involved in the conflict, despite overwhelming evidence documented by international observers, journalists, and others. The finding that the fighting constitutes an international armed conflict could also trigger more legal scrutiny for how prisoners of war are treated, as well as heightened protections for civilians affected by the fighting. The report was released as part of an annual accounting of the preliminary investigations that ICC investigators have conducted in 2016. Under the court's rules, if the prosecutor concludes there is enough evidence to merit a full investigation, he or she must then seek court authorization. The United Nations says at least 9,600 people have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine since April 2014 and hundreds of thousands displaced. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/the-hague-ukraine-conflict-russia- international-armed-conflict/28119274.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 Kyiv Locked Down As Hundreds Protest Ukraine's Government Christopher Miller November 15, 2016 KYIV -- Ukrainian authorities locked down the heart of the capital on November 15 as hundreds of demonstrators protested outside government buildings over poor economic conditions and rising prices for vital necessities such as natural gas and bread. Police vehicles and officers in riot gear blocked streets around Kyiv's government quarter and stood guard with bomb-sniffing dogs in front of the presidential administration, the central bank, and parliament, where crowds braved freezing cold to demand lower utility prices and higher pensions. Government officials claimed the protests marked the start of a Kremlin-orchestrated plan to "destabilize" Ukraine, which faces economic difficulties and a simmering war against Russia-backed separatists who hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in the east. Organizers of the protest included leaders of Opposition Bloc -- created from the remnants of the defunct party of former President Viktor Yanukovych, who was driven from power by protests known as the Euromaidan and fled to Russia in 2014 -- and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's Batkivshchyna party. "Three years after the [Euromaidan protests], we can say that Ukraine's clan system has been revived. Unfortunately, we again have a president who is an oligarch of the highest level," Tymoshenko said of President Petro Poroshenko in a call to protest published on the party's site on November 14. Her critics claimed she was merely fomenting unrest to further her own political ambitions, though some participants told RFE/RL that they had heeded Tymoshenko's call to protest out of frustration with the government. Others, however, said they were apolitical and had come out to earn some money. Anya, a 60-year-old pensioner who declined to give her last name because she feared having her $130-per-month pension taken away by the government for protesting, said she and her two friends answered an online advertisement that promised $5 for five hours of demonstrating. Oleksandr Tkachuk, chief of staff of Ukraine's domestic SBU security service, said that security was particularly tight because the authorities fear that the protests marked the start of a Kremlin-managed plan to undermine the government by supporting former political allies of Yanukovych and encouraging early parliamentary elections. "We have previously stated that we have the information proving Russia's attempts to hijack Ukrainian politics and internal affairs, exploit different grievances to provoke mass revolt and destroy the existing political system," Tkachuk told RFE/RL. He was referring to a document leaked by Ukrainian hackers last month which they claim was taken from the e-mail of a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The document's authenticity has not been confirmed. "It does not necessarily mean that today's demonstrations are completely organized by Russia's puppets," Tkachuk added. He provided no specific evidence of a Russian role in the protests. Many analysts believe Russia is continuing to seek to foment divisions and instability in Ukraine after forcibly seizing the Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and backing the separatists in eastern Ukraine, where the conflict has killed more than 9,600 people since April 2014. But observers also say that Poroshenko's government uses warnings about a Russian threat to deflect criticism over pressing problems such as corruption and economic troubles. Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kyiv- hundreds-protest-government-poor- conomy-rising-prices/28119136.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 Gulf Bridge International (GBI) has updated the North Route of its subsea cable through Iraq, improving route diversification and enhancing the resilience of internet connectivity to and from the region. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss the latest local news again by signing up to our Daily Newsletter More needs to be done to help Gloucester children gain places in the city grammar schools, say Ewa Sawicka and Amanda Chong, the headteachers of High School for Girls and Ribston Hall. They will consider changing admissions criteria to the girls' schools in 2018 to support Gloucester children. Their comments come as we reveal that around 400 children travel from outside Gloucestershire to the county's seven grammar schools every day. Some children are travelling from as far as Shropshire and Slough in a daily commute that many adults would find grueling. Just under 300 children travel from the Swindon area to the grammar schools in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud, while others come from Bristol, south Wales, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show. Only a quarter of the 6,600 children at the county's seven grammars come from Gloucester postcode areas GL1 - 4, despite four of the schools being located in the city. The grammar schools admit children by ability, following a competitive admission test in Year Six. Our Freedom of Information request to the seven schools has revealed just how far children as young as 11 are travelling to school. And it seems hundreds of parents are prepared to spend time and money on the journey. Pate's Grammar School, which is ranked among one of the top state secondary schools in the UK has barely more children from the large urban population of Gloucester, just a few miles away, than it does from outside Gloucestershire. Only 18% of Pate's children come from the entire Gloucester city postcode area of GL1, GL2, GL3 and GL4. There is considerable traffic the other way though, with 1,000 children from Cheltenham postcodes travelling to Gloucester grammar schools daily. Gloucester city has four grammar schools, Sir Thomas Rich's, The Crypt, High School for Girls and Ribston Hall, yet only 50 per cent of their pupils come from Gloucester postcode areas. But Ribston Hall and High School for Girls are both looking at ways to help local children attend the schools. Mrs Chong, headteacher at Ribston explained that the current school policy states that 120 places will be available to girls who achieve the qualifying standard. However an additional geographical requirement could be introduced for the school if it is over-subscribed. Whilst we would encourage children who live locally to attend their nearest selective school, we appreciate that parents have a choice and will choose the school which best meets their child's needs. As a school we are considering a geographical criterion as an over-subscription criteria for September 2018 Entry," she said. High School for Girls has similar plans, although details have not yet been agreed. It's parental choice about whether children sit the grammar school exam, but from the school's point of view we would be very interested in having more children from Gloucester, because this is a Gloucester school," said Mrs Sawicka. We are drafting an admission policy for 2018 and the governors have agreed to put in a certain stimulation for a number of places based on geography." Girls will still need to meet the required standard to be admitted to the school. "It is something we have been discussing with Richard Graham," said Mrs Sawicka. Gloucester MP, Richard Graham, has said he would like to increase the numbers of local children at the city grammars. The two things I want to see are bringing back catchment areas so we have a higher percentage of local pupils and more pupils on free school meals, which attracts the pupil premium, which means more money for the school," he said. Stroud High School also has one of the highest out of county" rates, with 11 per cent of its 939 girls not living in Gloucestershire. Every day almost 100 girls travel from Swindon area to the school. said headteacher Mark McShane. It is testament to the education we provide for girls that parents choose to apply to our school and we are proud to provide this choice in Stroud and the surrounding villages as well as for parents who live in areas where there is currently no similar provision," he said. Nicholas Dyer, headteacher at The Crypt School, where only two per cent travel from beyond the county, said; We currently are very pleased that over 50% of our intake comes from the City and because of the popularity of the school other children are welcomed from Cheltenham, the Forest, with a smaller number from other places. We remain very much a city school serving our local community. Our plan to create a primary school on site, which will serve the immediate community will further strengthen our links with the local area in which we are proud to be part." The Figures Total number of children in Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools, 6,654 Number of children from non-Gloucestershire postcodes: 382 Number from Swindon area: 298 Number Cheltenham children (postcodes GL50 - 54) in Gloucester grammars: 1,046 Number of Gloucester children (postcodes GL1 - 4) in Gloucester's four grammar schools, 1,875 The Crypt Total 928 boys Cheltenham postcodes -149 Gloucester postcodes - 647 Bristol 3, Herefordshire 4, Swindon 12, Worcestershire 2 Marling School Total 938 Bristol 5, Cheltenham 11 Swindon 59 Ribston Hall Total 836 Cheltenham 103, Gloucester 458, Swindon 10, Oxfordshire 1, Worcestershire 1, Herefordshire 2, Newport 1 Stroud High School Total 939 Bristol 1, Cheltenham 26, Swindon 98, Slough 2, Worcestershire 1 Pate's School Total 1096 Gloucester 196, Cheltenham 480, Bristol 17, Hereforshire 3, Newport 4, Oxfordshire 7, Swindon 85, Shropshire 1, Worcestershire 14 High School For Girls Total 959 Cheltenham 351, Gloucester 400, Bristol 6, Herefordshire 7, Oxfordshire 1, Swindon 13, Worcestershire 9 Sir Thomas Rich's Total 958 Cheltenham 372, Gloucester 370, Herefordshire 9, Newport 7, Swindon 19 Postcode key Gloucester postcodes GL1 Quedgeley, The Docks, Central Gloucester Gloucester GL2 Arlingham, Cambridge, Churcham, Churchdown, Down Hatherley, Elmore, Framilode, Frampton on Severn, Hardwicke, Hempsted, Highnam,Longford, Longlevens, Longney, Maisemore, Minsterworth, Moreton Valence, Norton, Over, Podsmead, Priors Norton, Quedgeley, Rudford, Sandhurst, Saul, Slimbridge, Tibberton, Twigworth, Walham, Waterwells Business Park, Whitminster Forest of Dean, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury GL3 Barnwood, Brockworth, Churchdown, Coopers Hill, Gloucester Business Park, Great Witcombe, Hucclecote, Innsworth, Little Witcombe, Witcombe Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury GL4 Abbeydale, Abbeymead, Barnwood, Birdlip, Brimpsfield, Brookthorpe, Cranham, Harescombe, Matson, Tuffley, Upton St. Leonards, Whaddon Cotswold, Gloucester Cheltenham Postcode area GL50 Prestbury Cheltenham, Tewkesbury GL51 Badgeworth, Bamfurlong, Bentham, Boddington, Cheltenham Trade Park, Elmstone Hardwicke, Gloucestershire Airport, Hayden, Kingsditch Trading Estate, Knightsbridge, Leckhampton, Little Shurdington, Shurdington, St. Marks, Staverton, Staverton Technology Park, Swindon Village, The Reddings, Uckington, Up Hatherley Cheltenham, Tewkesbury GL52 Battledown, Bishops Cleeve, Charlton Kings, Cleeve Hill, Gotherington, Oxenton, Prestbury, Southam, Stoke Orchard, Woodmancote, Woodmancote Park Cheltenham, Tewkesbury GL53 Caudle Green, Charlton Kings, Coberley, Coberley Village, Colesbourne, Cowley, Elkstone, Leckhampton, Leckhampton Hill, Seven Springs, Syde, Ullenwood, Upper Coberley Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury GL54 Aldsworth, Andoversford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Brockhampton, Calcot, Charlton Abbotts, Charlton Kings, Chedworth, Clapton, Cold Aston, Coln Rogers, Coln St. Dennis, Compton Abdale, Condicote, Cutsdean, Didbrook, Eastington, Farmington, Fossebridge, Great Rissington, Greet, Gretton, Guiting Power, Hailes, Hampnett, Hawling, Hazleton, Icomb, Little Rissington, Lower Chedworth, Lower Coscombe, Lower Dowdeswell, Lower Slaughter, Lower Swell, Maugersbury, Middle Chedworth, Naunton, Northleach, Notgrove, Old Hinchwick, Salperton, Sevenhampton, Sherborne, Shipton Oliffe, Stanley Pontlarge, Stanway, Stow on the Wold, Temple Guiting, Toddington, Turkdean, Upper Dowdeswell, Upper Rissington, Upper Slaughter, Upper Swell, Whittington, Winchcombe, Withington, Wood Stanway, Wyck Rissington, Yanworth : , 10 5 TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - November 15, 2016) - Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) ("Wesdome" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update of drilling progress at its 100% owned Kiena Mine Complex located in Val d'Or, Quebec. The new drilling continues to intersect high-grade gold values near the Kiena Deep drill results announced on August 24 and September 15, 2016. Highlights from the recent phase of drilling are listed below: HIGHLIGHTS (uncut and cut assay averages over core lengths*) 49.68 g/t gold over 2.10 m uncut (18.74 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 71.42 g/t gold over 1.50 m uncut (34.28 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 38.89 g/t gold over 1.2 m uncut (18.06 g/t cut) in hole 6124C 30.34 g/t gold over 2.17 m uncut (30.34 g/t cut) in hole 6130A 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m uncut (7.69 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 28.97 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (28.97 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m uncut (7.69 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 749.96 g/t gold over 0.60 m uncut (34.28 g/t cut) in hole 6131A 9.17 g/t gold over 6.80 m uncut (6.28 g/t cut) in hole 6152 20.22 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (20.22 g/t cut) in hole 6152 30.43 g/t gold over 1.00 m uncut (30.43 g/t cut) in hole 6149 32.21 g/t gold over 1.50 m uncut (19.17 g/t cut) in hole 6124B 20.22 g/t gold over 1.10 m uncut (16.35 g/t cut) in hole 6124B *Assay intervals include values cut to an arbitrary, historic 1 oz/ton or 34.28 g/t. **The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood. Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. Compilation of the new drilling combined with previous results support the presence of at least two multi zone centres of mineralization that remain open to depth and along strike. 1) High-grade quartz veins in basalt centred at 1,100 metres depth (Upper Quartz Vein Zone), and 2) High-grade albitized stockwork vein-breccia systems centred at 1,200-1,300 metre depths (Lower Stockwork Zone) Mr. Duncan Middlemiss, President and CEO, commented, "The high-grade nature of these recent results have brought a renewed focus to this asset, especially in view of the property's substantial resource base. The Kiena Complex is fully permitted, with a 930 metre shaft, a ramp system that accesses the 1000m Level, and a 2,000 tonne per day mill all in excellent condition. The potential for relatively low capital expenditure and a reduced development timeline is evident. We are concentrating efforts to advance this asset and are adding a fourth drill to expedite this exciting program." RESULTS New results are tabulated in the attached Table 1. Assay intervals in the detailed table include values cut to an arbitrary, historic 1 oz/ton or 34.28 g/t. Locations of the drill holes are shown in Figure 1, an isometric view looking northwest. Figure 2 provides the current wireframe interpretation of the Kiena Deep discovery. Figure 3 shows the ore outline of the S50 Zone on the 330 m level along with the location of the current drilling. We are testing a model that this S50 geometry potentially repeats at depth. PAST WORK - CURRENT INTERPRETATION The first exploration drilling to depth was conducted in the period of 2010 - 2012. Approximately 20 holes were completed with the purpose of tracing a southeast plunging trend projected as a potential extension of the S50 Zone. Pre-2016 drill results are tabulated in the attached Table 2. The results of this work were described in Press Releases dated March 29, 2010, and September 4, 2012, available in the Press Release archive at www.wesdome.com. Drilling was eventually abandoned due to slower than expected progress due to blocky ground conditions in the upper halves of holes drilled from the 910 m level. These conditions continue to slow the generation of drill results. This early work supported the interpretation of three southeast trending zones occurring below the 1,000 metre level. They support an Indicated Resource estimate(1) prior to 2016 drilling, and are being targeted now in the current drilling program. Zone Cut Grade Tonnes Ounces (cut to 34.28 g/t) S50 Deep A 10.87 173,111 60,511 S50 Deep AH 8.53 68,722 18,855 S50 Deep B 3.21 514,100 53,100 (1) Reference: Technical Report for the Quebec Wesdome Project (according to National Instrument 43-101 and Form 43-101F1) dated December 16, 2015 prepared by Bruno Turcotte, P.Geo., Denis Gourde, Eng., Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo. of InnovExplo Inc. The 2016 drill program commenced in June and generated exceptional early results (Press Releases dated August 24 and September 15, 2016). The program was predicated on the model that mineralization may be much more extensive and replicate the characteristic Z-fold geometry observed in the S50 Zone which supported the bulk of historic production at Kiena from 1981 - 2013 (Figure 3). Early results support this thesis and have also identified a new high-grade quartz vein system at shallower depths (Upper Quartz Vein Zone). Compilation of Upper Quartz Vein Zone Drill Results (uncut assay averages over core lengths) 30.43 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6149 (2016 new) 32.21 g/t gold over 1.50 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 48.68 g/t gold over 2.00 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 38.89 g/t gold over 1.20 m in hole 6124C (2016 new) 71.42 g/t gold over 1.50 m in hole 6124C (2016 new) 20.22 g/t gold over 1.10 m in hole 6124B (2016 new) 3.44 g/t gold over 8.30 m in hole 6124 (2016 new) 94.35 g/t gold over 17.40 m in hole 6124 (2016 previously released) 80.24 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 5172 (Pre-2016) 17.42 g/t gold over 6.60 m in hole 4809 (Pre-2016) 13.95 g/t gold over 1.15 m in hole 4808 (Pre-2016) 11.46 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 4929 (Pre-2016) Compilation of Lower Stockwork Zone Drill Results (uncut assay averages over core lengths) 9.17 g/t gold over 6.80 m in hole 6152 (2016 new) 20.22 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6152 (2016 new) 27.80 g/t gold over 2.40 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 7.95 g/t gold over 3.80 m in hole 6125 (2016 new) 28.97 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 749.96 g/t gold over 0.60 m in hole 6131A (2016 new) 30.34 g/t gold over 2.17 m in hole 6130A (2016 new) 192.95 g/t gold over 16.95 m in hole 6125 (2016 previously released) 238.81 g/t gold over 5.00 m in hole 6125 (2016 previously released) 8.43 g/t gold over 8.20 m in hole 6130A (2016 previously released) 112.12 g/t gold over 6.00 m in hole 5974 (Pre-2016) 16.72 g/t gold over 5.40 m in hole 5974 (Pre-2016) 12.31 g/t gold over 12.80 m in hole 4928 (Pre-2016) 20.66 g/t gold over 10.50 m in hole 4929 (Pre-2016) 51.86 g/t gold over 7.50 m in hole 5966 (Pre-2016) 4.64 g/t gold over 4.55 m in hole 4724 (Pre-2016) 30.57 g/t gold over 1.60 m in hole 5971 (Pre-2016) 72.37 g/t gold over 0.30 m in hole 4810A (Pre-2016) 28.23 g/t gold over 1.00 m in hole 4320 (Pre-2016) 11.86 g/t gold over 4.50 m in hole 4830 (Pre-2016) 12.22 g/t gold over 3.70 m in hole 5965B (Pre-2016) 7.29 g/t gold over 9.50 m in hole 5967 (Pre-2016) 10.17 g/t gold over 5.40 m in hole 5967 (Pre-2016) 41.74 g/t gold over 3.20 m in hole 5965B (Pre-2016) 4.17 g/t gold over 14.70 m in hole 4566 (Pre-2016) 3.09 g/t gold over 12.00 m in hole 5972 (Pre-2016) 3.92 g/t gold over 13.00 m in hole 4317 (Pre-2016) 3.20 g/t gold over 8.00 m in hole 4568 (Pre-2016) **The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood. Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. THE PATH FORWARD Figure 1 illustrates the steeply inclined, deep nature of drilling to date. We have mobilized a third drill to the 770 m level and will soon add a fourth to the 960 m level. Drilling continues northeast through massive basalts targeting the controlling basalt-komatiite contact area alteration and deformation zone that hosts at least four zones of mineralization interpreted to date. More drills, better attack angles, and shorter holes coupled with our evolving technical and practical experience with these conditions are expected to accelerate results. Our goal is to generate reasonable confidence in a critical mass to justify progressive development of a ramp system to better position drills and eventually access both known centres of mineralization. KIENA COMPLEX The Company's wholly owned, contiguous Val d'Or properties cover approximately 7,000 hectares and encompass four former producers, eight shafts and a network of underground workings. A NI43-101 mineral resource report dated December 16, 2015 was prepared by independent consulting firm InnovExplo Inc. (www.sedar). Based on economic parameters, InnovExplo established that Wesdome's Quebec Properties contain: Measured Resources of: 63,700 tonnes grading 4.05 g/ton gold (8,300 ounces) Indicated Resources of: 2,439,000 tonnes grading 5.62 g/t gold (441,000 ounces) Total Measured and Indicated Resources of: 2,500,600 tonnes grading 5.59 g/t gold (449,300 ounces) Inferred Resources of: 1,563,300 tonnes grading 7.97 g/t gold (400,400 ounces) The Kiena Mine Complex is a fully permitted, integrated mining and milling infrastructure which includes a 930 metre production shaft and 2,000 tonne per day capacity mill. From 1981 to 2013 the mine produced 1.75 million ounces of gold from 12.5 million tonnes at a grade of 4.5 g/t. The bulk of this production came from the S-50 Zone between depths of 100 and 1,000 metres. In 2013, operations were suspended due to a combination of declining gold prices and lack of developed reserves. The infrastructure has been well preserved on care and maintenance status. TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE The technical and scientific disclosure in this press release has been prepared and approved by Marc Ducharme, P. Geo., Chief Exploration Geologist of Wesdome and "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 disclosure standards. Analytical work was performed by Techni-Lab (ActLabs) of Ste-Germaine-BoulA (Quebec), a certified commercial laboratory (SCC Accredited Lab #707). Sample preparation was done at Techni-Lab (ActLabs) in Val d'Or (Quebec) and assaying was done by fire assay methods at Techni-Lab (ActLabs) laboratory in Ste-Germaine-BoulA (Quebec). In addition to laboratory internal duplicates, standards and blanks, the geology department inserts blind duplicates, standards and blanks into the sample stream at a frequency of one in twenty to monitor quality control. Assaying from the period 2010 - 2012 was determined by fire assay methods at the Kiena Mine assay office. This work involved internal duplicates, standards and blanks. Additionally, the geology department inserted blind standards and blanks at a frequency of one in twenty. The qualified person monitoring quality control at this time was also Marc Ducharme, P.Geo., OGQ and Chief Exploration Geologist, Kiena Mine, Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. ABOUT WESDOME Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. is in its 29th year of continuous gold mining operations in Canada. The Company is currently producing gold at the Eagle River Complex located near Wawa, Ontario from the Eagle River and Mishi gold mines. Wesdome's goal is to expand current operations at both mines. Wesdome has significant upside through ownership of its two other properties, the Kiena Mine Complex in Val d'Or, Quebec and the Moss Lake gold deposit located 100 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. These assets are being explored and evaluated to be developed in the appropriate gold price environment. The Company has approximately 130 million shares issued and outstanding and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WDO". This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial 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 press release 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. 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has included in this news release certain non-IFRS performance measures, including, but not limited to, mine operating profit, mining and processing costs and cash costs. Cash costs per ounce reflect actual mine operating costs incurred during the fiscal period divided by the number of ounces produced. These measures are not defined under IFRS and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or cash flow from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of our financial performance or liquidity. 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. Table 1: Kiena Deep 2016 Highlights Hole No. From (m) To (m) Corelength (m)** Grade (g/t Au) Cut Grade* (g/t Au) Index of Highlights (Fig 1) 6124 440.70 449.00 8.30 3.44 3.44 3 6124 491.50 508.90 17.40 94.35 18.03 7 6124B 438.40 439.90 1.50 32.21 19.17 2 6124B 457.80 458.90 1.10 20.22 16.35 5 6124C 456.70 458.80 2.10 48.68 18.74 4 6124C 468.70 469.90 1.20 38.89 18.06 6 6124C 510.00 511.50 1.50 71.42 34.28 8 6125 695.05 712.00 16.95 192.95 18.80 11 6125 714.50 718.30 3.80 7.95 7.95 13 6125 740.00 745.00 5.00 238.81 15.71 15 6130A 604.00 612.20 8.20 8.43 3.82 17 6130A 670.20 672.37 2.17 30.34 30.34 18 6131A 422.10 424.50 2.40 27.80 7.69 12 6131A 449.50 450.50 1.00 28.97 28.97 14 6131A 478.90 479.50 0.60 749.96 34.28 16 6134 797.45 797.75 0.30 VG VG 19 6149 276.80 277.80 1.00 30.43 30.43 1 6152 358.50 365.30 6.80 9.17 6.28 9 6152 373.00 374.00 1.00 20.22 20.22 10 6155 402.10 402.60 0.50 VG VG 20 6155 422.00 423.20 1.20 VG VG 21 Note: * High assays arbitrarily cut to 34.28 g/t Au (1.0 oz/ton) ** The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. The true widths for the Lower Zones vary between 50 to 100% of core lengths. VG Visible Gold Assays pending Previously released August 24th 2016 Previously released September 15th 2016 Table 2: Kiena Deep Pre-2016 Highlights Hole No. From (m) To (m) Corelength (m)** Grade (g/t Au) Cut Grade* (g/t Au) Index of Highlights (Fig 1) 3491 162.00 170.80 8.80 2.17 2.17 E 3500A 986.40 993.40 7.00 2.97 2.97 G 4317 432.40 445.40 13.00 3.92 3.92 U 4320 379.00 380.00 1.00 28.23 28.23 H 4566 400.00 414.70 14.70 4.17 3.74 S 4568 462.00 470.00 8.00 3.20 3.20 V 4724 456.00 460.55 4.55 4.64 4.64 W 4808 160.50 161.65 1.15 13.95 13.95 D 4809 160.00 166.60 6.60 17.42 10.61 C 4810A 602.95 603.25 0.30 72.37 34.28 Y 4830 366.00 370.50 4.50 11.86 8.64 K 4928 387.80 400.60 12.80 12.31 8.42 N 4929 155.00 156.00 1.00 11.46 11.46 B 4929 417.00 427.50 10.50 20.66 12.11 P 5169 244.50 247.50 3.00 7.41 7.41 F 5172 156.00 157.00 1.00 80.24 34.28 A 5965B 387.30 391.00 3.70 12.22 9.29 L 5965B 456.00 459.20 3.20 41.74 6.90 Q 5966 466.90 474.40 7.50 51.86 21.49 R 5967 426.00 435.50 9.50 7.29 2.72 M 5967 440.80 446.20 5.40 10.17 8.20 O 5971 557.50 559.10 1.60 30.57 23.61 X 5972 473.20 485.20 12.00 3.09 3.09 T 5974 378.10 384.10 6.00 112.12 13.95 I 5974 393.60 399.00 5.40 16.72 7.04 J Note: * High assays arbitrarily cut to 34.28 g/t Au (1.0 oz/ton) ** The geometry of the upper quartz veins is not currently understood Thus true widths are, at this time, not determined. The true widths for the Lower Zones vary between 50 to 100% of core lengths. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/15/11G122200/Images/November_15Figure1_Kiena_Deep_3D_Isometric_View_31-88c976ecf5afbf9280bab8a403590614.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/15/11G122200/Images/Nov15Figure2_Kiena_Deep_Composite_Wireframe_Model4-f39d34d0254996809275682d54097373.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/15/11G122200/Images/Nov15Figure3_Kiena_Deep_Gold_Discovery_Planview4_(-9e1397a079778788a4fb0e13ebbeeb58.jpg Before last Tuesday night, there had been no record of a woman being elected sheriff in Missouri. Now, there are two, including one here. Katy McCutcheon, won the race for Madison County Sheriff, 3,278-2,023 in the Nov. 8 General Election. Cindi Mullins was elected Saline County Sheriff on Tuesday, as well. When people first suggested to me that I run, I wasnt sure if Madison County was ready for a female sheriff, McCutcheon said. McCutcheon began her law enforcement career in 2001, working for the Fredericktown Police Department. She became a Madison County deputy in 2005 and stayed in that position until 2013. She is currently director of the Madison County 911 Communications Center. McCutcheon is also the countys deputy coroner. She is in her ninth year with the Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department. David Lewis served as Madison County Sheriff from January of 1997 until December of 2012. During Lewis 16 years in office, McCutcheon was a deputy for eight of them. During those eight years, she was very hungry to learn everything there was to know about running a sheriffs department, Lewis said. She was involved in every aspect of the department. She is very personally committed to the citizens of this county. Im very confident in her ability to take care of any situation. Shes very intelligent. She did a great job for me and the citizens of this county when she was working for me. Current Madison County Sheriff Bobby Spain said he thinks McCutcheons election is a good thing. I supported her after the primary, he said. Shes going to have some obstacles to overcome in the position. Its been a male-dominated position in Missouri. But, I think shell do a good job at it. Ive dealt with those obstacles as a deputy, Ive dealt with them as deputy coroner, and Ive dealt with them working for the funeral home, McCutcheon said. She says all of the positions shes held, except with 911, are more male-dominated. So Ive heard the whole, a female cant do the job, but I have, and I can, she said. The current sheriff and the sheriff-elect both said they are cooperating to make the switch in January go smoothly. Weve already spoken and were working on the transition right now, Spain said. Hes willing to work with me to make this an easy transition, and hes going to allow me make changes as needed to make the transition easier, McCutcheon said. If the employment numbers stay the same as they are now, McCutcheon will be managing a department which includes 10 deputies, three jailers, and one administrative office assistant. I think shes very professional, and I think shell do a fine job, Associate Circuit Judge Rob Fulton said. My past experience working with her shows shes level-headed and people like her. McCutcheon said one of her top priorities, if elected, will be to build a better working relationship among all law enforcement, medical, fire, and state agencies within the county so the citizens and even visitors of Madison County can receive the utmost protection and best possible assistance when needed. I didnt run to make history, McCutcheon said. I never mentioned gender in my campaign. I did it for the people of this county. In less than two months, the first women elected sheriff in Missouri will be sworn into office. Im ready to get started, ready to serve the citizens of Madison County, McCutcheon said. Other Madison County election results Voters in Madison County packed the polling places in Marquand and at the National Guard Armory, Nov. 8. The General Election saw 5,422 ballots cast, representing 66.72 percent of Madison Countys 8,127 registered voters. The City of Fredericktowns Sales Tax proposal was defeated by a 1,088-465 margin. In uncontested Madison County races, Tom Stephens received 2,057 votes for District I County Commissioner. Larry Kemp received 2,540 votes for District II County Commissioner. Sue Harmon Yount received 4,596 votes for County Assessor. Collin Follis received 4,552 votes for County Coroner. Douglas McFarland received 4,356 votes for County Surveyor. Carol LaChance received 4,663 votes for Public Administrator. The rest of the races included votes from areas outside of Madison County. The following vote totals are for Madison County only: For Circuit Judge (Circuit 24, Div. 2), Wendy Wexler Horn received 3,949 votes. For State Representative (Dist. 145), Republican (REP) Rick Francis received 3,743 votes. Democrat (DEM) Ronald Pember received 1,177, and Constitution Party (CST) candidate Victoria Proffer received 250. For State Senator (Dist. 27), Wayne Wallingford (REP) received 3,377 votes and Donnie Owens (DEM) received 1,751. For U.S. House of Representatives (Dist. 8), Jason Smith (REP) received 3,684 votes, Dave Cowell (DEM) received 1,079, and Jonathan Shell (Libertarian) received 460. For Governor, Eric Greitens (REP) received 3,405 votes and Chris Koster (DEM) received 1,707. For U. S. Senate, Roy Blunt (REP) received 3,203 votes and Jason Kander (DEM) received 1,766. For President, Donald J. Trump (REP) received 4,102 votes, Hillary Rodham Clinton (DEM) received 1,005 votes, Gary Johnson (LIB) received 150 votes, Darrell L. Castle (CST) received 31, and Jill Stein (GRN) received 30. For constitutional amendment 1, Madison County voted 3,639 yes and 1,546 no. Amendment 2 was 3,430 yes votes and 1,683 voting no. Amendment 3 went 3,636 no votes and 1,602 yes votes. Amendment 4 was 3,416 yes and 1,745 no. Amendment 6 was 3,609 yes votes and 1,567 voting no. Democratic state Assemblyman John Wisniewski announced Tuesday he is running for governor, hoping to succeeded Gov. Chris Christie, the man whose political career he rocked by spearheading the investigation into the Bridgegate scandal.Wisniewski, who served in the Assembly since 1996 and once headed the state's Democratic committee, declared in an email he's "proud to announce I'm running for governor of New Jersey" and asked supporters for donations.He's the third Democrat to declare a gubernatorial bid."I'm in," Wisniewski told NJ Advance Media on his way to Atlantic City for the state League of Municipality's annual conference, a traditional launching pad for statewide races.Wisniewski's primary competition for the moment is against former banking executive Phil Murphy, whose early support of top officials and deep war chest largely cleared the field of Democrats eyeing a statewide run. Headed into Election Day, political experts and polling data predicted many of Missouris races would go down to the wire with Republicans favored in some contests and Democrats in others. After the dust settled late Tuesday night, the pollsters and pundits were proven wrong as Republicans surged to convincing victories in all the contests for statewide office, and the House and Senate maintained veto proof super majorities. Missouri is now set to have a Republican governor for the first time since 2009, and Republicans will now hold the offices of Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and continue to hold the office of Lieutenant Governor. The only statewide office still held by a Democrat is State Auditor, which was not on the ballot in 2016 but will be up again for re-election in 2018. When the House convenes for the 2017 session in January, the breakdown will be 117 Republicans to 46 Democrats. The margin gives Republicans 8 more votes than necessary to override a gubernatorial veto. In the Senate, Republicans will continue to have a veto proof majority as they will hold 24 of the 34 seats. However, with a Republican now set to hold the governors office, the legislatures historic number of veto overrides in recent years will likely come to a halt as the legislative and executive branches instead work together on shared priorities. Missourians Say Yes to Voter ID and Contribution Limits but No to Cigarette Tax Increases As Tuesday began, Missourians had a number of important ballot initiatives to consider ranging in subject matter from enacting limits on campaign contributions to increasing the tax on cigarettes. As Tuesday night came to a close, voters had decided to reject both proposed cigarette tax increases, but support the other measures on the ballot. Below is a more detailed look at the changes to the state constitution voters decided to enact. Constitutional Amendment 1 Missouris Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax More than 80 percent of Missouri voters chose to support Constitutional Amendment 1. The ballot measure will continue the states one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used to support soil and water conservation, and for state parks and historic sites. The tax was first approved by voters in 1984, and then again in 1988, 1996, and 2006. The renewal of the tax is re-submitted to voters every 10 years under the state constitution. The tax generates approximately $90 million each year for soil and water conservation, and for the operation of the state park system. Since the tax was last approved by voters in 2006, more than 61,000 conservation practices have been implemented through $348 million in cost-share grant projects. The funds have helped to prevent millions of tons of soil from eroding into Missouris rivers and lakes. Funding is also utilized to maintain and improve Missouris 88 parks and historic sites. Constitutional Amendment 2 Campaign Contribution Limits Nearly 70 percent of Missouri voters decided the state should re-establish campaign contribution limits. The state previously had limits in place that were approved by voters in 1994. The limits were repealed by the General Assembly in 2008. Now, with the voters approving Constitutional Amendment 2, Missouri is set to re-implement limits. The change to the state constitution will limit contributions to individual candidates to $2,600 per election. It will limit contributions to political parties to $25,000 each election. The amendment is also designed to prevent individuals and entities from intentionally concealing the source of the contributions. Additionally, the amendment will create a complaint process and penalties for violating its requirements. Constitutional Amendment 4 Prohibition on New Sales and Use Taxes Constitutional Amendment 4 received 57 percent of the vote and is now set to go into effect to prohibit new state or local sales or use taxes on services. In effect, the proposal will ensure that governmental entities do not create new taxes on services such as a haircut or a repair service for a vehicle. In recent years states like North Carolina and Washington have enacted taxes on services. North Carolinas new tax extends to services like auto repair, sign painting, and some heating and plumbing work. States have enacted the new taxes in an effort to make up for lagging revenues from lower sales tax collections. Amendment 4 will ensure similar taxes cannot be put into place in Missouri. Constitutional Amendment 6 Voter Identification With more than 63 percent of the vote, Constitutional Amendment 6 received strong support from Missouri voters who want to see the state implement a system of voter identification. Because of the passage to the state constitution, and legislation approved by the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri voters will now need to show a valid form of photo identification before voting. Valid forms of identification will include photo IDs issued by the state, the federal government or the military. The proposal also will require the state to pay for individuals to obtain a valid ID if they do not have one, or to obtain documents necessary for an ID. Additionally, the new law contains a provision that will allow a voter without a valid photo ID to vote with a regular ballot by showing another form of identification. Supporters of the voter identification system say it is important to protect the integrity of the elections system. They say requiring a photo ID will prevent voter fraud at the polling place by requiring each voter to prove that they are who they say they are. They also note the provisions of the new law make it easy for anyone without an ID to obtain one. Idaho's Republican electoral college electors have been getting a lot of phone calls both from Idahoans and from other states who are trying to get them to change their vote, and some of the calls are "crossing into what could reasonably be considered harassment," according to the Secretary of State's office.The callers are trying to convince the four electors to change their votes from Donald Trump, the Republican president-elect who won Idaho in a landslide and who also won the Electoral College nationwide even though more people nationally voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton."While there is no federal requirement binding electors to their pledge, and while Idaho is one of 21 states that does not have state-level legislation to force an elector to comply, attempting to sway an elector's commitment to their party through insults, vulgar language, or threats, simply lacks civility," Secretary of State Lawerence Denney, who oversees the state's elections, said in a statement. "These are people who have volunteered to represent our state and their party in a process that goes back to the founding of our nation. If the presidential election had been different, the presidential electors would be from a different party and would still deserve the same respect. They don't deserve to be mistreated by someone just because that person doesn't agree with the outcome of the election."Electors are named by the parties before the election, and the four Republican electors who will be casting the state's votes in the Electoral College are Melinda Smyser, a former state senator from Canyon County; Jennifer Locke, a precinct committeewoman from Kootenai County; Caleb Lakey; and Layne Bangerter, a longtime staffer for U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo who was Trump's state campaign director. All four of them were Trump delegates (or alternates in Lakey's case) at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. They will meet at noon on Dec. 19 to cast their votes for president and vice president.Denney said some of the incidents he has been made aware of are "disheartening and show a tremendous disrespect for the individuals tasked with casting Idaho's electoral ballots," and asked anyone who wishes to share their opinions to do so respectfully. He also encouraged people to write or email the Secretary of State's office, saying the correspondence would be shared with the electors prior to Dec. 19.The Electoral College, where each state is represented by one elector for every member of Congress the state has, was laid out in the original U.S. Constitution, with the current process laid out in the Twelfth Amendment, passed in 1804. While the Electoral College was originally envisioned as an independent body that would make its own decision on who the best president would be, most states dropped the system in the early-to mid-1800s. Now, electors are pledged to vote for whomever a plurality of voters in the state choose.Because every state in the country has at least two senators and one member of the U.S. House regardless of population, small states end up having a greater say per capita than large ones, making it possible for a presidential candidate to lose the popular vote but win the Electoral College. This year's presidential election will be the fifth time in American history where the winning candidate won the Electoral College but definitely lost the popular vote. The last time before this was 16 years ago, when Republican George W. Bush won the presidency even though Democrat Al Gore got more votes.In U.S. history, there have been 157 incidences of "faithless electors," or electors voting not in accordance with how they were pledged, in American history, although none of them have changed the outcome of an election. Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling has resigned from her position after her comment on a racist Facebook post about Michelle Obama made national headlines Monday, according to a town council member.Jason Hubbard, a town council member for Clay, said Whaling resigned from her position Tuesday.Pamela Ramsey Taylor, former Executive Director of the Clay Development Corporation, referred to the first lady as an "ape in heels" in the Facebook post. A person who answered the phone at the Clay Development Corporation Tuesday said Taylor has been permanently removed from her post.Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling commented on the post soon after, saying, "Just made my day Pam."Hubbard says the comments made do not reflect the town of Clay or Clay County."We are a hopeful, helpful, and empathetic community made of all walks of life."Neither Taylor nor Whaling could be reached for comment Tuesday.A previously-scheduled town council meeting will still be held tonight in Clay at 5.The Clay Development Corp. is a non-profit that provides healthcare and social assistance to elderly and low-income residents of the area. It received more than $360,000 in government grants in 2014, according to income tax filings.The organization employs 192 people. Taylor, who served as executive director of the organization, made nearly $83,000 in 2014.Clay has a population of 468, according to 2013 statistics from the U.S. Census. With President-elect Donald Trump promising to crack down on "sanctuary cities" that aren't helping federal authorities apprehend undocumented immigrants, some mayors warn they're ready to do battle with Washington on the issue.In Miami-Dade, Mayor Carlos Gimenez argues there is no battle line to be drawn because the label doesn't apply to his county."We comply with the law," Gimenez said Tuesday. "We're not a sanctuary city."Miami-Dade does decline some federal requests to detain individuals wanted for non-criminal immigration violations, a policy that helped land Florida's largest county on a list of so-called sanctuary cities in a recent Justice Department report. And while Miami-Dade has already felt pressure under the Obama administration to fight the "sanctuary" label, the designation is getting far more attention after Trump's upset win last week.Trump campaigned on a promise to punish sanctuary cities, and his administration's transition website lists "block funding for sanctuary cities" as a top policy goal of his immigration plan. Days after Trump's election, New York City's Democratic mayor, Bill de Blasio, called Trump's sanctuary-city policy "dangerous." The mayor of Los Angeles, Democrat Eric Garcetti, said he hoped "no president" would take "punitive action on cities that are simply protecting the well being of residents."Gimenez, a Republican who supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 race, noted Miami-Dade's 2013 policy, adopted by the County Commission, does allow the county's jail to hold undocumented immigrants at the request of federal authorities. But the person will be held only if Immigration and Customs Enforcement -- the agency known as ICE -- agrees to cover the full cost.Since Washington won't pick up what the county deems the total cost of detention, the policy essentially has Miami-Dade not acting on federal requests to detain people on routine immigration infractions. County officials said the cost provision doesn't apply if the detention request is tied to a criminal infraction, or is accompanied by a court order; in those cases, Miami-Dade will detain the individual.A May 31 report by the Justice Department's Inspector General listed Miami-Dade on a roster of 155 jurisdictions that "limit or restrict cooperation with ICE."Michael Hernandez, Gimenez's spokesman, said the administration plans a response to the May report "soon" and possibly by the end of the month. That could give the Obama Justice Department a chance to weigh in on Miami-Dade's policies before the new administration takes power.Trump hasn't outlined what sort of funding might be at risk over the sanctuary-city issue, though bills requiring similar crackdowns have died in Congress before.Gihan Perera, director of New Florida Majority, an activist group that focuses on immigrant rights, said Miami-Dade needs to be ready for a much more significant fight under the Trump administration. "Carlos Gimenez is going to have to make a call," Perera said. "The call he should make is not to cooperate with the federal government as they start a program to round up immigrants."Gimenez said he's confident Miami-Dade will be left out of the fray. While some cities ban local authorities from communicating with federal immigration authorities, Gimenez said Miami-Dade shares information when someone on an ICE list enters the county's detention system."If there's a hit and ICE wants that individual, ICE knows we have them and they know how long we're going to have them," he said. "And they can come pick them up." On Tuesday, in the morning, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC officially opened the 2016 Joint Annual Scientific Meeting of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia and the ANZ Breast Cancer Trials Group. In the afternoon, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs Kaye de Jersey hosted a luncheon in honour of Queensland visual artists. Guests included: Dr Rhyl Hinwood AM; Miss Chern'ee Sutton; Mr Michael Zavros; Mr Leonard Brown; Ms June Tupicoff; Mr Kenji Uranishi; Ms Monica Rohan; Mr John Honeywill; Mr Robert Brownhall; and Ms Cecily Pearson. In the evening, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey hosted a reception in support of Diabetes Queensland where His Excellency presented Angel Awards and addressed guests. Description GIS - 16 November, 2016: Government is strongly committed and will leave no stone unturned to restore the position of the country among the leading economies for doing business, said the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, yesterday at the National Assembly. He was replying to a parliamentary question regarding the recent downturn in ranking of Mauritius in Doing Business 2017 of the World Bank, whereby Mauritius lost 17 places from 32nd to 49th position over one year. To this end, the Finance Minister announced the setting up of a Task Force under his chairmanship to address the issues and initiate appropriate actions among the measures that are being envisaged to prevent the country from further downgrading. In the same vein, he pointed out that technical committees have already been set up comprising both public and private stakeholders to examine the weaknesses and propose recommendations. He also informed that further cha nges will be brought in the Doing Business methodology next year with the introduction of a new indicator on Selling to Government, related to procurement policies and procedures by the public sector. Regarding overall performance, Minister Pravind Jugnauth added that a ccording to World Bank, Mauritius has slightly improved its performance from last year as evidenced by the Distance to Frontier score which is 72.27 as compared to 72.18 in 2016. However, he explained, the country has lost 17 places in the overall ranking from 32nd to 49th owing to changes in methodology by the World Bank (six places) and adjustment in data used in last years report (four places); as well as seven places (42nd to 49th) due to the improvements in other economies business regulatory environment. The Finance Minister also enumerated other factors that have contributed in the downgrading of the country regarding other indices namely on the Getting Electricity Indicator; the Paying Taxes Indicator; and the Starting Business Indicator. Concerning the actions taken to remedy the situation, he pointed out that the numerous Budget measures taken under the Fundamentally Reforming Business Facilitation and Expanding our Economic Horizons Strategy have not been captured in the last Ease of Doing Business Report which takes into consideration only reforms implemented by the cut-off date of 01 June 2016. Furthermore, he underlined that these reforms will be accounted for in the next edition of the Doing Business Report. The measures include: Implementation of an e-licensing platform to allow online submission of business licence, permit or clearance; Suspension of the payment of trade fees for small businesses; Streamlining the procedures for obtaining the Building and Land Use permit; Facilitating trading across borders with the submission of manifest within 24 hours after loading in last port of call; and Operationalisation of the Information Highway to facilitate sharing of information among public agencies. The Ease of Doing Business Report of the World Bank is an annual publication which aims to compare business regulations in 190 economies on the basis of 10 specific indicators. Description GIS - 16 November, 2016: Government is moving ahead with its electoral reform agenda which was endorsed by a large majority of the people at the last general election and which is also enunciated in the Government Programme 2015-2019. This reply was given by the Acting Prime Minister, Mr Xavier Luc Duval, in the National Assembly yesterday to a parliamentary question related to electoral reforms. He added that Government has set up a Ministerial Committee on Electoral reforms in January 2016 to examine different aspects of our electoral system and make recommendations. He also announced that Government does not propose to lower voting age. He further added that the proposed limitation in the term of office of a Prime Minister and a Leader of the Opposition was discussed with members of the parties in the Alliance but no consensus was reached and it was agreed that no such changes would be made within this mandate. As far as womens representation is concerned, he mentioned that this issue is already included in the terms of reference of the Ministerial Committee on electoral reforms and it had already started examining this issue of gender balance. Federal Safety Self-Checklist Data Recording and Sharing Privacy System Safety Vehicle Cybersecurity Human Machine Interface Crashworthiness Consumer Education and Training Registration and Certification Post-Crash Behavior Federal, State and Local Laws Ethical Considerations Operational Design Domain Object and Event Detection and Response Fall Back (Minimal Risk Condition) Validation Methods 1. Clarification Needed 2. Protecting Data 3. Keep it Simple Technology often outpaces our ability as a society to come up with accepted norms of how it can be used. This no doubt has rung true for autonomous vehicles.While Google has been logging miles in its own autonomous vehicles for more than half a decade, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just released its regulations for highly automated vehicles (HAVs) in September 2016.Included in the document are issues of crash liability, regulatory language and how to approach distracted driving. It also lays out what responsibilities the states will have while outlining the role the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the rest of the federal government will play.What has brought about considerable feedback was the provision for vehicle manufacturers to voluntarily submit a safety assessment letter to the U.S. DOTs Office of the Chief Counsel for each HAV system. The policy lists 15 points that should be considered and "checked off" before any public implementation of the technology.The policy is currently issued as guidance, and is not intended for states to codify as legal requirements for the development, design, manufacture, testing and operation of automated vehicles. During a public hearing on the policy on Nov. 10, representatives mostly from vehicle manufacturers voiced recommendations for the structure and content that should be required in the letter.Overall three main recommendations surfaced:Perhaps the greatest barrier to innovation is the unknown element of future regulations that could be imposed. Without knowing all of the rules in their final form, questions remain about how fast tests can be enacted and how long the application process would take. In many ways, companies are suppressed by the lack of regulations. Once guidelines are set, that allows for the real exploration and pushing the technology beyond current limits.In the current draft of the letter, the policy states that each section be explained and signed off by an appropriate authority on the subject. This could lead to having 15 different people sign off the same document, which some argue is an unnecessary amount of regulatory hassle.We think the letter should be signed by one official who has authority over all of the areas rather than having separate signatures, said Dan Smith from the Google Self-Driving Car Project, noting that by requiring only one signature, the process will move much more smoothly and allow the industry to grow unfettered.The policy states that a data-recording and data-sharing policy should be worked out with relevant standards-creating bodies in order to hasten the process of deployment. This is because sharing data will help manufacturers understand mistakes made by other developers and reduce mistake duplication.We would suggest that NHTSA creates a dedicated microsite [a separate site or area within your site with targeted content for a specific purpose] that allows sharing, said Ford's Curt Magleby. The site and exchange of information should be simple and straightforward.This comment was echoed by several attendees concerned over the loss of confidential business information and trade secrets.The overall consensus voiced by the group was to make the safety assessment letter's regulations as simple as possible, while still ensuring safety standards. Trying to balance the line of pushing innovation while creating appropriate safety guidelines is every partys goal.Several representatives called for a one-page literal check sheet, while others requested the list have a brief explanation for each point. One popular suggestion was for a simple checklist to be submitted, and NHTSA could then request as much information as needed.Another point vocalized by the group was to require a low threshold as to when a new letter would need to be issued. In the policy, manufacturers would be required, to submit a new safety assessment letter to the agency when any significant update to a vehicle or HAV system is made.Representatives argued that nearly every time a vehicle is tested, some form of code is tweaked and issuing a new letter after each tweak would be illogical.Only if an SAE level [of autonomous vehicle] is changed should manufacturers be required to send a new letter, argued the Toyota Research Institute's Kevin Ro.And for Google's Smith, We think simplicity is key, he said. The basic point of the letter will be to contain enough sufficient information that the agency and any reader can be able to determine whether the processes are reasonably addressed in each area. (TNS) -- When it comes to taking cell phones out of the hands of Texas drivers, Rep. Tom Craddick is operating on the maxim that if at first you dont succeed, file again. And again. And again. For the fourth consecutive legislative session, Craddick, R-Midland, has filed a bill banning use of texting while driving. Craddick again named the bill for Alex Brown , a 17-year-old who was killed when she crashed her truck as she carried on up to four different texting conversations at the time of the crash.Monday is the first day bills for the upcoming legislative session can be filed. In addition to Craddick's bill, Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Lardeo, filed identical legislation in the Texas Senate.The lack of a ban, Craddick has said, makes Texas roads more dangerous, and many of the states roughly 3,500 roadway fatalities each year are unnecessary and preventable.The bill does not ban the use of talking on the phone for those older than 18, but simply makes texting while driving punishable by a fine between $25 and $100. A host of exemptions, such as for police, and for emergencies are included.Texas is one of four states Arizona, Missouri and Montana are the others that have no statewide ban on texting while driving. Fourteen states have bans on all use of cell phones behind the wheel.Nationally, safety officials have called distracted driving an epidemic , and urged states to toughen laws so any use of a cell phone that includes holding it is banned. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 476 people were killed in 2015 on state roads in wrecks where distracted driving was involved, about 13 percent of all roadway fatalities in the state.Laws banning distracted driving, however, have faced an uphill battle in Texas. Former Gov. Rick Perry declined to sign Craddicks bill, calling it "a government effort to micromanage the behavior of adults."Perry, meanwhile, supported changes to ban teen drivers from using handheld devices.In the past two sessions, the bill has failed to make it to the governors desk, with lawmakers saying it was unlikely to pass. The map shows where reduced speeds and road closures will affect drivers. - USBR graphic The Bureau of Reclamation Grand Coulee Dam is anticipating construction of its new fire station this spring, but there will be several changes before construction begins, the agency said in a press release. On Nov. 21, the speed limit will be lowered from 40 mph to 30 mph on the section of SR-155 that passes the Grand Coulee Industrial Area facilities, where heavy equipment and construction vehicles will enter and exit the highway at Industrial Road for approximately 18 months after construction of the fire station gets underway. The speed limit will remain at 30 mph once construction is complete as fire trucks and emergency vehicles will access the highway in the area. "Safety is a top priority for Reclamation," said Lynne Brougher, public affairs officer at Grand Coulee Dam. "Though the speed limit reduction will occur prior to construction, we want local drivers to become accustomed to the change." In addition, two streets approaching the construction area will be closed just before construction begins. These include Industrial Road from SR-155 to B Street, and B Street from Division Street to Industrial Road. The roads will reopen once construction is completed. The fire station construction is expected to be complete by the summer of 2018. Reclamation awarded the $13.6 million construction contract to Innovative Construction & Design Ltd., a small business based in Post Falls, Idaho, September 16. Throughout our country's history our veterans and the patriots before them answered the call of duty and have valiantly fought to make America a place where personal liberties are celebrated and the rights bestowed to us upon the Constitution are forever protected and preserved. Veterans Day is our chance to express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who thanklessly gave their time and often lives to protect a truly free nation. This week I visited several schools in southern Missouri that held ceremonies in honor of Veterans Day including Bourbon High School, Sikeston High School and Senath High School. It was wonderful to see a current generation of young people honoring the veterans that have served so they can continue to enjoy the same protections, rights and freedoms of those who came before. I encouraged all of the young Missouri students I visited this week to continue to honor our nations heroes not just once a year on Veterans Day, but challenged them to find an opportunity throughout the year to give back to their communities and say thank you to the brave men and women who serve our country. This Veterans Day we also need to remember and recognize the special acts of those in our communities who demonstrated bravery, exemplified service, and made us all proud, those like Tom Surdyke who tragically lost his life in June saving the life of another. I had the honor of nominating Tom to West Point in 2015 and sharing in his familys celebration the day he earned his Eagle Scout. While on vacation on June 24th, 2016, Tom and another swimmer hed just met on shore were caught in a riptide. Tom instinctively went to save the other young man, sacrificing his own life. He was buried at West Point on July 4th, 2016 on his 19th birthday and was given the Soldiers Medal, the Armys highest non-combat valor award for saving the life of another. In June, I was lucky enough to honor another American hero, the now late Veteran Raymond Burbach, by presenting him with seven awards and accolades he earned during his service in the Korean War that were 60 years past due. Both Tom and Raymond will always be remembered as American heroes. Their dedication to a life of service and the instinct to put others first is what distinguishes our veteran patriots and heroes. There is much we can do to honor our veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year by helping them transition successfully back to civilian life. Things like ensuring that veterans have access to adequate health care, including mental health, educational opportunities and good paying jobs when they return home. For instance, when I heard from numerous veterans across southeast and south central Missouri that they wanted to see expanded care, service hours and options at VA facilities in Salem, I was proud to help by meeting with VA officials and securing additional hours and operations for the facility. Earlier this year, I was also able to play a role in supporting legislation which provided $176.9 billion in funding for the VA, including $52.8 billion in funding for VA medical services, which included mental health services, suicide prevention activities, long-term care services, funding for rural health initiatives and support services for caregivers of veterans and initiatives to fight homelessness among veterans and their families. This effort was an important reminder that our thanks shouldnt just be for their active service, but in helping them transition. There are over 55,000 veterans living in the 8th Congressional District of Missouri alone who deserve our gratitude for their service to our nation. There is much work still to be done to improve the lives of our veterans when they return home - let us make that our duty, our service, and our commitment to all of them, they deserve it. The executive reshuffling at McLaren could leave Eric Boullier with a factory-based job in 2017. That is the claim of Spain's Marca, during a week in which Ron Dennis was ousted as group CEO by his fellow McLaren shareholders. But that's not the only reshuffling taking place at the famous British team, after Jost Capito recently started work as McLaren's new F1 CEO. It seems there is some crossover between German Capito and Boullier's roles, with Marca claiming it could mean the Frenchman does not attend all the races next year. "In these times, and with 21 races, a single main team cannot do all of the work of a team," Boullier commented. "We spend a lot of time away from home and if you need someone to stay at the factory, performing other tasks, then this is a role I already did in my day at Lotus," he added. (GMM) The sleeping Disney princess, her handsome prince and shimmering fairy friends battle it out against malicious Maleficent and her goons in this children's version of "Sleeping Beauty" that takes the stage Friday and Saturday nights at West County Elementary School. Based on one of the most loved Disney films, this kids' musical tells about the 16th birthday of Princess Aurora, played by Tallulah Lyons-Jahn, and three magical fairies Flora (Ava Clifton), Fauna (Natalie Kohm) and Merryweather (Amy Wells) who try to save her from wicked Maleficent (Caydence Arnold) and her evil curse. The fairies hide Aurora deep in the forest disguised as a peasant girl named Briar Rose until the dreaded curse passes. Maleficent and her villainous goons search for years for the girl until they overhear details about Briar Rose's birthday party. The fairies tell Briar Rose that she is Princess Aurora and must return to the castle that night. Back at the castle, Aurora is tricked by Maleficent into touching a cursed spindle, and she falls into a deep sleep. The fairies' only hope is Prince Phillip (Nolan Rawson), Princess Aurora's true love, but he's been captured by the goons. The fairies free Phillip, and he returns to the castle. But is it too late to save his beloved Princess Aurora? The musical contains a large cast of elementary and middle school characters that include a king and queen, prince and princess, Maleficent's Goons, a host of fairies, animals, and townspeople. The big event kicks off Friday night with a chili supper in West County Elementary's cafeteria from 5 to 6:45 p.m. The all-you-can-eat chili, choice of hot dog or peanut butter sandwich, drink, and dessert only cost $4 for adults and $2 for kids (veterans are free). "Sleeping Beauty" opens immediately after at 7 p.m. in the gym. Cost is $2 for adults and $1 for students. The cast gives a repeat performance of "Sleeping Beauty" on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Leadington Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance creating the Leadington Community Development Corporation when it met in regular session Tuesday night at city hall. According to the ordinance, the purpose of the LCDC, a non-profit corporation not affiliated with the city, will be "to improve the quality of life" of city residents by "seek[ing] grants for the residents and businesses in the city of Leadington." Prior to the start of the regular meeting, the board approved a set of bylaws that specifies the corporation will have five members who are to be elected annually. The number of members can be increased or decreased only by amending the bylaws. In addition, LCDC officers will include a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. In other action, the board approved a motion to seek bids based on plans by Taylor Engineering for the proposed Woodlawn/Taum Sauk Court project to aid in water drainage and flood control. According to engineer Joe Gabel, the project is estimated to cost the city a total of just more than $55,000. If an existing 48-inch pipe running through the Better Bodies parking lot has to be replaced, however, the cost of the project will increase by an additional $38,000. "We don't know what kind of shape that pipe is in," Gabel said. "If it's collapsed or half clogged somewhere, then obviously the system is not going to work." A special use request sought by Gary McKinney to allow the placement of a dog kennel on his property was approved. McKinney agreed to the city's conditions that he keep no more than 33 dogs on the property and that they all be French Bulldogs. The board approved the purchase of municipal liability insurance and the placement of an ad in the Daily Journal announcing open seats for the April 5 election. The mayor's position and two aldermen spots will be on the ballot. The aldermen also appointed Joseph Davis and Cassie Shrum to the city's planning and zoning committee. To improve city hall security, the board approved a plan to install security cameras and monitors throughout the building at a cost of $351. DEAR ABBY: I'm a freshman in college, blessed to have an internship in the office of a nonprofit organization. As time goes by, and as trust is built, I am being given more responsibilities. One of them is writing letters for various purposes -- thank-you letters, invitations, congratulatory letters, etc. When I was in high school, I was never taught the format for how to write these kinds of letters. I get confused about spacing and how to address people with titles. It's a shame that technology has left my generation so clueless on how to do important stuff. Is there a resource for letter writing available from you? I need it because I feel awkward always having to ask other staff members. -- CLUELESS INTERN IN ALGONQUIN, ILL. DEAR INTERN: Judging from the high volume of mail I receive, letter composition is something that many people besides you struggle with. I publish a booklet called "How to Write Letters for All Occasions," and among the topics it covers are how to address a senator, member of Congress, clergyperson, etc. It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds), to Dear Abby Letters Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. Keep it in your desk drawer and dip into it as needed. My letters booklet also contains helpful suggestions for writing letters of congratulations, and letters about difficult subjects to address, such as letters of condolence for the loss of a parent, spouse or child, as well as warm thank-you notes for birthday, shower, wedding and holiday gifts. My letters booklet provides an assist for anyone who needs a quick and easy tutorial. It has also proven to be particularly helpful for parents to use as a way to easily teach children how to write using proper etiquette. DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for four years. I love him deeply, but I have lied to him about certain things. I feel guilty about it, but I can't bring myself to tell him the truth because he has a temper. One lie I told was that I was laid off from my previous job, but I really quit. He didn't want me quitting, but I did it for my own good. I was having a nervous breakdown, and all I felt were negative thoughts when I worked there. Although I found a better job months later, I never summoned up the courage to tell him the truth. We don't live together. I'm 24 and he's 26. Do you think this lack of communication is a reason to break up, or am I being too sensitive about his temper? He doesn't abuse me, but he won't talk to me if he doesn't have things his way. -- UNSURE IN THE WEST DEAR UNSURE: I'm glad you're not living together because if you were, your problem would have serious ramifications. Your boyfriend may not be physically abusive, but he IS controlling. Subjecting you to the silent treatment is emotionally abusive, and so was deciding "for" you that you should remain at a job that's stressful and unpleasant. You may love this man deeply, but from my perspective the relationship isn't a healthy one. If you want to end it, you are justified. DEAR ABBY: My parents have been divorced for 17 years, but my father appears to have trouble letting go. Some examples: Although he never wore a wedding ring, he does wear a widower's band, and he tells people he "lost" his wife. Recently, he talked to my brother about getting a tattoo of my mother's name. Suffice it to say, my brother told him it was inappropriate. My general policy has been to let Dad cope however he likes. I live 400 miles away and my brother still lives physically close to him. I understand that divorce can be traumatic, having lived through theirs as a child as well as my own. Is there any way I can help Dad cope with this? He is having health problems now. I think they are forcing him to confront his own death, but this has been going on for more than a decade. Lately, I find myself rolling my eyes and laughing it off. But privately, I worry this could be a sign of something worse because it appears to be escalating. Are there resources for coping with divorce? He won't consider therapy -- I've tried. -- WORRIED DAUGHTER IN NEW JERSEY DEAR WORRIED DAUGHTER: While I have heard of widowed individuals switching their wedding band to the right hand, the concept of a "widower's band" is new to me. Your father may be ashamed that he is divorced, which is why he prefers to imply that he's widowed. I agree with you and your brother that the idea of him tattooing your mother's name on his body would have been inappropriate. I do think that you should discuss your concerns about your dad's mental health with your brother because you say his peculiarities seem to be increasing, and he may need a physical and neurological evaluation. DEAR ABBY: My husband was recently offered a new job that carries with it a significant increase in salary as well as upward mobility. He was offered the job by a woman he used to work with years ago. She will be his new boss. It was recently brought to my attention that not only were they co-workers, they also used to sleep together. He tells me there's absolutely nothing there, and that I don't need to be worried. However, I can't help but wonder why they have maintained contact for all these years, and why she sought him out to work for her. She is also married, and I wonder if her husband knows their history, and if he would be OK with his wife's request to work with a former lover. Am I overreacting? Or should people cut off contact with their exes once they are married? Should I be worried about a physical or emotional affair? I just don't have a good feeling about this. Thank you for your help. -- NEEDS AN OBJECTIVE OPINION DEAR NEEDS: In a situation like this, much depends upon the individuals involved and the circumstances of the breakup. Not all romances end acrimoniously. Sometimes they gradually diminish and the people involved move on. It would be interesting to know who told you your husband and this woman were once lovers. If it was your husband, I think you have less to be concerned about than if it was someone "trying to be helpful." It is possible that the woman contacted your husband because she is familiar with his work ethic and his abilities and thinks he would be the best person for the job. That said, however, there are four people involved in this situation. And your question about whether her husband is aware of their history is a good one, because he should be. DEAR ABBY: I have a suggestion for your readers who take prescription medication. When they are finished with it, they should peel the label off the bottle, stick it to a piece of paper and send it through a shredder. These labels contain a lot of personal information. If they fall into the wrong hands, they could become shopping lists for drug addicts and our landfills could become their next source. Better to be safe than sorry, if for no other reason than privacy. -- CHET IN KENTUCKY DEAR CHET: I agree! DEAR ABBY: Is it wrong to drop off a 1- and a 5-year-old at a senior assisted-living center for their great-grandmother to baby-sit in her room? My niece does this weekly, claiming she's giving my mother "quality time" with her great-grandchildren. My mother is in the assisted-living center due to issues my dad is encountering. She's very independent and, of course, wants to help any of her family whenever she can. But Mom has an autoimmune disease that flares up with stress or when she gets tired. I'm concerned about her health and feel my niece is taking advantage of her. Of course, my sister sides with her daughter. They have told me to butt out. I don't want to confront the management of the facility because I want Mom to feel as independent as possible there. I don't want them to not allow her to do something she really wants to do. I have safety concerns, though, and feel this is not right. What do you think? -- TORN IN TEXAS DEAR TORN: I'm not sure what your safety concerns are, but if you think the assisted-living center could be legally liable, you should address them to the manager. As to the baby-sitting being too stressful or tiring for your mother, leave it up to her to decide if it's too much. Some seniors find that feeling needed keeps them young. The way to gauge any negative impact on your mother's health would be if it causes a flare-up of her condition -- at which point her doctor should be notified so he/she can put a stop to it. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Proterra will deploy its buses and charging stations throughout the Valley, including the City of Visalia Transit Division, Fresno County Rural Transit Agency, California State University Fresno, San Joaquin Regional Transit District and City of Modesto Transit Services, helping to significantly reduce harmful emissions and clean the air in the San Joaquin Valley. In the last 22 years, we have implemented voluntary incentive programs that have resulted in more than 134,000 tons of emission reductions. We are particularly proud of projects like this one with Proterra as they accelerate the deployment of zero-emission heavy-duty technologies, which reduces emissions from mobile sources, the biggest air quality challenge facing the Valley. We expect this program will eliminate 1.592 tons per year of weighted criteria pollutants. Samir Sheikh, Deputy Air Pollution Control Officer of the SJVAPCD CARBs investment from the highly competitive Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Pilot Program will create advanced technology hubs and provide direct economic, environmental and public health benefits to disadvantaged Valley communities while serving as a regional model that supports economies of scale in manufacturing, training, maintenance, and vehicle-to-grid integration. The Valley-wide electrification project will further help drive down vehicle costs and offer immediate opportunities for shared infrastructure, spare parts, and workforce training. Opportunities for technology transfer will also help drive additional deployments of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle technologies throughout California and North America. Proterra will manufacture the buses and charging infrastructure at its newest facility in Southern California, which was partially funded by the California Energy Commission. Proterras City of Industry manufacturing facility was built to meet the growing demand for zero-emission buses throughout the Western United States, and will ensure close collaboration and ease of maintenance for San Joaquin Valley communities during the 12-year vehicle lifespan. In addition to increasing the ease of long-distance EV travel along one of Californias most important travel arteries, DRIVETHEARC will also study EV use and driving patterns through a smartphone app that will provide a user-friendly charging experience. DRIVETHEARC , a corridor of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations spanning from Monterey to Lake Tahoe, broke ground in El Dorado Hills, Calif. DRIVETHEARC is a joint international project promoted by Japans largest public R&D management organization, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), under the agreement between NEDO and the State of California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, and in partnership with Nissan Motor Co., Nissan North America, Kanematsu and EVgo. The project to collect and analyze data will be completed in September 2020, while installation of the 50 fast chargers along the corridor is expected to be completed by March 2017. This will provide drivers with multiple fast charging points per site at the more than 20 high-traffic locations that are part of the project. All CHAdeMO EVs and Combo EVs can be charged at DRIVETHEARC stations. CHAdeMO EV users can activate the charger using the DRIVETHEARC app, credit card, EVgo Access Cards, and EZ-Charge Cards. Combo users can activate the charger using credit card, EVgo Access Cards, and EZ-Charge Cards. An integrated international cooperation, NEDO is funding the DRIVETHEARC corridor as part of its mission to improve energy conservation and promote new energy technologies, as well to help facilitate government relations, research and information exchange between the US and Japan. In partnership with Kanematsu, a DRIVETHEARC smartphone app is also in development and will provide users with key real-time convenience features such as navigation to charging stations within cruising range and will help reduce charge waiting times with charger vacancy information. Captured driving stats will be available to users, and Nissan, Kanematsu, EVgo and NEDO will analyze and measure charger use patterns to better inform future EV charging projects globally. Nissan is partnering in DRIVETHEARC as part of the automakers Infrastructure for All strategy. Nissan has played a leading role in growing the number of EV fast charging stations in the US from 250 stations in 2013, to an anticipated 2,000 stations by 2017. This provides Nissan LEAF drivers with access to the largest metro area network of fast charging stations in the country. The DRIVETHEARC corridor enhances the existing EV infrastructure Nissan has supported as part of its No Charge to Charge promotion, by connecting the metro areas of Monterey, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. As a global trading house with expertise in the electronics and information technologies business, Kanematsu has been collaborating with Nissan and EVgo to release the new DRIVETHEARC smartphone app. The DRIVETHEARC smartphone app is designed for the DRIVETHEARC stations and the EVgo stations. It navigates EV drivers to optimal stations based on cruising range and charging station status. The app enables EV drivers to monitor the real-time status of the charging stations, select an appropriate station, and charge their EVs using the apps authorization process or conventional payment authorization methods. The EV cruising range feature based on NissanConnect Data Link Service will be available in the spring of 2017. As the local partner of the project, EVgo is managing the installation of the DRIVETHEARC infrastructure. The corridor represents the newest addition to EVgos national network of more than 800 EV fast charging stations across 66 markets. There is no common quantified target in the Declaration; some of the signatories have their own specific numeric goals, such as China. The Declaration emphasizes the renewal of government fleets and showcases specific and voluntary commitments of these countries to accelerate the introduction of low-emission vehicles in their vehicle fleets. At the Marrakech Climate Change Conference (COP22), eight nationsCanada, China, France, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the US signed a Government Fleet Declaration , pledging to increase the share of electric vehicles in their government fleets and calling for other governments to join them. The Declaration was developed under the aegis of the Clean Energy Ministerials Electric Vehicles Initiative (CEM-EVI). Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector today account for nearly a quarter of total emissions. The share will increase significantly in the coming decades unless high-impact actions are taken. Changing the trajectory of emission in road transportation involves a global shift towards low-emission vehicles, along with the adoption of broader sustainable transportation principles. The voluntary commitments taken by these countries will reduce fleets greenhouse gas emissions and help accelerate the transition to low-emission vehicles, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The members of CEM-EVI are cooperating to facilitate the global deployment of 20 million electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, by 2020. This Declaration is also in line with the Paris Declaration on Electro-Mobility and Climate Change and Call to Action released at COP21 during the Lima Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) Transport Focus, which specifies that at least 20% of all road transport vehicles (cars, 2 and 3-wheelers, trucks, buses and others) globally should be electrically powered by 2030. This Declaration also aims at encouraging non-state actors, such as cities, regional and state governments, companies, sectorial federations and other organizations, to accelerate the energy transition with the introduction of clean vehicles in their fleets, including transit buses, taxi fleets, as well as municipal and corporate fleets. At AutoMobility LA, Hyundai announced the addition of a Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa. (Earlier post.) Hyundai owners now have the convenience of locking, unlocking and remote-starting their vehicles from the comfort of their couch, kitchen or bedroom using voice commands. The new Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa is available across Alexa-enabled devices and Hyundai vehicles equipped with the second generation of Blue Link. Adding even more convenience to the ownership experience, owners of the all-new Hyundai IONIQ Electric and Plug-in Electric vehicles are able to start and stop the charge of their cars with the ease of simple voice commands with the Blue Link skill. Hyundai owners can request various functions of their car including: Country Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The owner of Got Dirty Laundry purchased the retail property that houses REO Appliances at 233 East Ave. in Norwalk, spending $1.2 million for the building with plans to create a state-of-the-art laundromat at the site. REO Appliances owner Michael Jordan told Hearst Connecticut Media Tuesday that his company will remain at the location as well. REO was founded in 1952 on Fort Point Street, and has been at 233 East Ave. since 1995. It's that time of year again. Santa is making his rounds in southwestern Connecticut. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. According to History.com, "it is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick." Contributed Photo / Tina Stow Students interested in science and technology can receive life-altering experiences this summer through a Greenwich company that exists because of its founders life-changing encounter. GREENWICH Cailey Fiesel was excited to try on a new dress she bought at Zaras at 225 Greenwich Ave., a black scoop-neck dress she got in July for $40. But the Manhattan resident found something awful when she tried the dress on a few weeks later, what she said was a portion of a dead rodent sewn into the lining. Now the 24-year-old talent agent is suing Zaras. According to the lawsuit filed last week in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, Fiesel started to notice a disturbingly pungent odor. She felt what appeared to be a small string in the garment, according to the suit, and when she investigated, she was filled with utter shock and disbelief. The lawsuit contains photos of the dress that Fiesel claims to have purchased at the store. She gave her story at a law office Monday that was picked up by New York City media. According to the suit, Fiesel developed a large rash in the area where her skin made contact. She is suing for unspecified damages. Her attorney, Adam Deutch, did not return a message for comment. According to an account in the New York Post, the dress has been sealed in air-tight pouch as part of the litigation. The dress was made in Turkey. The suit contends the clothing company did not exercise reasonable care in its manufacturing process. A statement released by Zara this week said the company is aware of the suit and we are investigating the matter further. Zara USA has stringent health and safety standards, and we are committed to ensuring that all of our products meet these rigorous requirements, the company said. Robert.Marchant@scni.com; You and your long-suffering team have spent months, maybe years, locked away in your batcave developing your new product or service. You have consumed an unhealthy amount of coffee and invested your blood, sweat and tears into this project. And finally, you've reached the stage where you are ready to unveil your brainchild to the rest of the world. But before you hastily compile an outreach list and send your pitch email to everyone who has ever written about tech, let's take a minute to think. Company launches are notoriously hard to get picked up by the media, thanks to the millions of other companies shouting their news at the same time. It's important that you take the extra time and effort to prepare yourself to maximize the results of all of your hard work. Related: 5 Favors to Call in When Launching a Business Here are some techy tools and platforms to help you get the best results possible from your company launch. Beta testing. The problem with a launch is that you are, well, launching. You dont have any traction to sell to customers, investors or the media. Its hard to convince journalists that your product is going to change the world on your word alone. Journalists are, by nature, skeptical, and they like to work with hard facts, not speculation. One way to get some early opinions and feedback -- which can help you to fix early glitches and offer some ratings for the media --is by using a Beta testing service such as UserTesting. For a fee, UserTesting will arrange beta testers to meticulously run through your beta. They'll share a video with their feedback and comments. The service allows you to target your specific audience -- there is little point in a college kid reviewing your over-sixties dating app -- and offers detailed metrics based responses about the user experience (UX). ProductHunt. Once you are ready to launch your real product, one great way of maximizing exposure amongst people who really care about your industry is by announcing your launch on ProductHunt. The platform is becoming increasingly popular and offers a great way to place your product in front of and engage with people who really know what they are talking about. However, to get the most out of your campaign, it takes some preparation beforehand. You should contact a moderator who has launched products similar to yours. You could also reach out to popular "hunters" via social media to let them know about your company and product and the date and time you will go live. Platforms like Hunter Data allow you to highlight active members who have a lot of followers. If they post about your campaign, this could win you a lot of upvotes, shares and potential clients. Influencers. As mentioned before, launching is a difficult stage because you are effectively trying to sell a dream with nothing to back up your claims. One way to boost the reputation of your product is by getting an endorsement from a well-known figure in your industry or from a social media influencer. Endorsements by public figures dont guarantee success. Business Insider recently reported that social discovery tool SUP shut down due to struggling to gain traction, despite endorsements from Virgin founder Richard Branson and Apples Steve Wozniak. But it is still worth the time and effort to get as many people on your side as possible before your big day. If you work in bustling tech hubs like Silicon Valley, it is becoming increasingly easy to connect with people who can really push your business forward, thanks to tools like Lifograph. But if you are outside of the bay, then you will need to take a more active approach. Tools like Buzzsumo, Little Bird and Klout allow you to search for influencers with huge online followings and who work in or cover your industry. It is then up to you to create an organized outreach list, and send personalized messages on social media to try and get them to back your product. Related: It's Always a Good Time to Start a Business -- Inless You're Launching a Mediocre One Visual aids. Before you take the leap and reach out to journalists to cover your story, it is important to create a press kit which contains all of the information a journalist could possibly need. Journalists are busy and simply do not have the time to trawl the internet looking for information. Give them a nicely wrapped digital package, and it will put you in good stead from the outset. As mentioned before, a company launch is essentially a pretty boring announcement. To maximize your chances of hooking a journalist to cover your story, you need to sell them more than just your product. You need to convince them of the value of your big mission and dream. One way of selling your big mission is to show them why your product is going to make a big change in the world and help a lot of people. The most effective way to do this is by tying into a current or global trend. Rather than just throwing figures at them, you could present the data in a visually attractive infographic using a tool like Piktochart. Find the right journalists. When preparing for media outreach, it is important to contact journalists who cover your "beat," meaning they write about your industry and type of product or service. To maximize exposure, the most effective strategy for a company launch is by asking journalists to agree to an embargo. This is when they agree not to publish their story until after a set date and time. In this case, it would be your launch day. The best way to do this is by sending a brief pitch -- which doesnt share all of your juicy details -- and have them agree to an embargo before you send over the press release. This keeps your back covered from people breaking your embargo and letting the cat out of the bag before your big day comes around. Tools like MuckRack and Cision allow you to search for appropriate hacks based on stories they have covered in the past. That said, while tools can make finding suitable journalists easier, it is important to spend time personalizing emails to each individual contact to maximize your chances of getting picked up. The next step is to create an organized outreach list. There are etiquette rules to be followed when reaching out to journalists, so harness tools to keep you on track and stop you from making rookie mistakes like contacting the same journalist twice, or using the wrong name. Tools like Prezly, Meltwater and Hey Press allow you to organize your mailing lists and track the progress of who opens the pitch email. The tools respond with live analytics. Customer service. If your plan comes together perfectly, you get a lot of upvotes and attention on ProductHunt, and your launch announcement gets picked up by a leading publication. You'll be in for a busy first day. Related: 4 Tactics to Help Your Company Avoid the Top Startup Killer You need to be available to answer questions, engage with consumers via chat, and offer essential information to potentially thousands of new visitors. If you dont have a big enough team of customer service staff to deal with the volume, then it might be a good idea to employ the help of some bots. Twyla and AgentBot both provide trainable customer service bots, which can be taught how to respond to a huge range of customer queries and concerns. Tracking and analytics. It is important to be prepared with data analytics that can help you learn from your first day of what will hopefully be many to come. Tools like Google Analytics, Optimizely and TrendKite can help you track traffic, conversions and the results of your launch. This will help you improve your overall service in the future. If you are lacking this data, you wont be able to determine any weak links in your process or gather leads to target in the aftermath. While the chances are that as a startup, you wont have bundles of extra cash to throw around, it is important to prepare for launch day as much as possible. Start as you mean to go on by preparing for all eventualities and creating as much of a buzz around your product or service as possible. Have the tools in place to learn from the experience too. You have devoted so much time, resources and energy into your project to arrive at this stage, so one final push to make your launch the best it can be wont kill you. Related: Here's the Tech Toolkit You Need to Maximize Results Before, During and After Launch To Be a Real Entrepreneur Quit Nitpicking and Just Get Started 6 Questions Your Business Plan Must Answer Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Niche has released their annual rankings of colleges around the nation and, perhaps as expected, one Connecticut university was ranked among the top in the county. Yale University, in New Haven, came in as the best college in Connecticut and third best in the nation. The university was also recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the third best in the nation as well. Check out the gallery for a look at how Connecticut's colleges ranked in the state and nationally. To read Niche's full report on the best colleges for 2017, click here. Wesleyan University, in Middletown, was ranked as the second best college in the state, followed by the University of Connecticut, in Storrs. The report compiles "millions" of surveys from student and alumni over the past year and more than 2,500 schools were ranked across academics, value, professor's, and student satisfactionamong many other factors. So what makes Yale University the gold standard in Connecticut and the nation? According to one student review on Niche, community plays just as important a role as education. "I am entering my third year in the fall and couldn't imagine being anywhere else. What drew me to Yale was the close knit community and the welcoming and inclusive social space," a Yale junior wrote. "I have friends from all walks of life and love to interact with people form all different backgrounds. I truly feel that I have grown as an individual as I have become equipped with the vocabulary to express eloquently just who I am and where I stand on certain issues to my peers." Related: Southwest Connecticut schools among 'best places to teach' A couple of our region's universities were able to break into the top ten, with Fairfield University ranking seventh in the state and UConn's Stamford campus ranking eighth. When it came to Fairfield University, one sophomore noted while the campus was great, diversity could be an issue. "The school can do better in terms of diversity. It can get really clique-y really fast, however I also think it helps build a sense of independence," the student wrote. "It's hard when you come from the inner city than suddenly you are surrounded by rich, upper class people who wear name brands. I am actually enjoying the school, and I was able to break the classicist barrier with SOME people and make amazing friends." Fairfield University came under fire last March after a "ghetto-themed" party was hosted by campus students at an off-campus location. Sacred Heart University and University of Bridgeport placed 15th and 19th, respectively. Western Connecticut State University in Danbury ranked 20th. Even while WCSU ranked toward the bottom of in-state choices, one student said the transition offered between high school and college was appreciated. "I was a commuting part time student at WCSU last year. I didn't go here because it was my first choice and I loved it, but because I didn't feel I was ready to fully jump into a 4 year college situation," the freshman wrote. "In this way, being part time at WCSU offered me a good transition from high school. I was able to take a few classes and see what college was like while still being comfortable and close to home. I found it easy to meet people and find things to do." Heading up the bottom of the list in Connecticut were Mitchell College, in New London, University of Saint Joseph, in West Hartford, and Central Connecticut State University, in New Britain. Aska is the highest-ranking new restaurant on this years list. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Michelin Christmas has come early for several New York chefs. Michelins annual guide to New York Citys restaurants is set for release later this week, but Eater snagged a copy of the physical edition a couple of days ahead of schedule. Michelin confirms for Grub that the copy is legit, and it looks like there are a few surprises on this years list. For starters, Bushwick pasta palace Faro has been upgraded from Bib Gourmand status to a star. Sushi Zo, Contra, Agern, and Gunter Seeger NY are all newcomers on the list as well, and Fredrik Berseliuss revamped Aska debuts with two stars. Maybe the biggest outlier to make the cut this year is Harlems Sushi Inoue, a solid spot thats almost been entirely off the critical radar. As always, there are perceived snubs as well: notably Jean-Georges Vongerichtens ABC Kitchen, Daniel Bouluds DBGB, and Danny Meyers Untitled, as well as Daniel Roses Le Coucou, which has received universal praise from the citys other critics. And, alas, some things never change: Del Posto, as ever, retains its one-star status. Three Stars (Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey) Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare Eleven Madison Park Jean Georges Le Bernardin Masa Per Se Two Stars (Excellent cuisine, worth a detour) Aquavit Aska Atera Blanca Daniel Jungsik Ko Marea The Modern Soto One Star (A very good restaurant in its category) Agern Ai Fiori Aldea Andanada Aureole Babbo Batard Betony Blue Hill The Breslin Cafe Boulud Cafe China Cagen Carbone Casa Enrique Casa Mono Caviar Russe Contra Delaware and Hudson Del Posto Dovetail Faro The Finch Gabriel Kreuther Gotham Bar and Grill Gunter Seeger NY Hirohisa Jewel Bako Junoon Kajitsu Kanoyama Kyo Ya LAppart La Sirena La Vara Luksus Meadowsweet Minetta Tavern The Musket Room Nix NoMad Peter Luger Piora Public Rebelle The River Cafe Semilla Sushi Ginza Onodera Sushi Inoue Sushi of Gari Sushi Yasuda Sushi Zo Take Root Tempura Matsui Tori Shin Tulsi Uncle Boons Ushiwakamaru Wallse ZZs Clam Bar Fany Gerson at work churning nieve de garrafa at her new Mexican sweets shop. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine President-elect Donald Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to build a literal wall on the border, and announced plans to immediately deport 2 to 3 million immigrants. The effects of those policies could be devastating in many ways including to the food industry, which is one of the countrys largest employers of immigrants. Across America, Mexican food earns $38 billion annually, and New Yorks restaurant workforce is largely composed of immigrants. Naturally, the owners of small, local Mexican restaurants are wondering how Trumps policies might harm their businesses. Heres what eight of them had to say on the subject. Fany Gerson, owner of Dough and La Newyorkina Born in Mexico City, Gerson moved to New York in 1998 to attend the Culinary Institute of America and opened her first business in 2010. This was the first year I was able to vote. I got married the Saturday before, and we flew back to be able to vote. I feel almost numb. Im in shock and depressed. Im not only worried about the States, but also Mexico, because the peso is devaluated, so I feel like I get it from both sides. Im very, very concerned. I would say 40 percent of my staff is Mexican, and counting Hispanics, it goes up to 80 percent. The staff is panicked about whether theyre going to be sent back theyre here legally, but parts of their family, or their friends, are not. Theres a lot of uncertainty. Even as Im concerned about my own business, it becomes a bigger thing. I say, Were going to get through this together. I have your back, even if the government may not. The truth is that most of the people that come here from Mexico, who are undocumented, come here to look for work they dont want to stay here. They want to go back. They come here to get a better opportunity to provide for their families that unfortunately Mexico doesnt have. So this only makes the situation in Mexico worse, you know? It increases the gap. There are a lot of people that are like, Oh, you should just go back to Mexico, and I say, But now its even worse. But, you know, I am an eternal optimist. There have been moments of panic, especially having a new brick-and-mortar thats focused on Mexican desserts that depends on a lot of tourism. Im not concerned about the tourism from different parts of the world. But a lot of the [American] tourists are Trump supporters. You hear people in the streets dismissing it, like, Oh, this is Mexican. Ive always been as supportive of Mexican products as much as I can, and ingredient prices are going to go up for me. But now I want to create an area just for artisan products made from people in Mexico. I think its important to, yes, be vocal, but also be supportive of diversity not just Mexicans, but anything that has to do with minorities, and the businesses that represent those groups. Cosme Aguilar, Casa Enrique Aguilar grew up in Chiapas Mexicos southernmost state and moved to the U.S. in 1998. He opened his Michelin-starred restaurant in Long Island City in 2012. When I woke up that morning, I felt exactly the same as I did on 9/11. I felt very empty. I felt very sad. But I dont think its going to affect my business. In probably the Midwest, or the other sides, maybe theyll feel the effect, but not New York. I think we are going to go on in the same way. Emotionally, yes, but in a business sense, I dont think so. Two months before, we had Ivanka in here having dinner. We didnt say nothing. She was just another customer. When she came it was very busy, so she waited 40 minutes to get a table with her husband and another couple. I didnt know she was here until one of the managers came up to me. I didnt believe that, so I went upstairs and looked at her, and, yeah, it was her. We just gave her the same service as everybody else. We always want to have everybody who works here be legal, you know, in case anything happens. Thats why we always look for good people who have everything in order papers and everything. You know, no matter what happens, you have to keep going. We have to fight for our rights and try to keep the faith and keep working and do the best we can do. Thats it. Barbara Sibley, La Palapa Mexico Cityborn Sibley moved to New York to go to college in 1980 and opened La Palapa in 2000. It was devastating for me because Im a Mexican woman of Jewish descent married to an African-American. There arent many boxes I dont check. To me, it was very clear, hearing the rhetoric, that the threats are real. It was never just words. I have children, and having to get up in the morning and explain to them was difficult. We had to eat ice cream for breakfast. Mexican restaurants in New York attract young professionals who like to have a good time. The economic uncertainty, and depression, in those groups it feels very much like 9/11. People are not sure how to have a good time. Im already seeing larger groups of people coming together, like they need a special occasion to go out, and the weekdays are much quieter. Because my East Village restaurant attracts such a diverse clientele, its very easy to sense how people are feeling the common thread and it feels like theyre in a state of mourning. Ive had my restaurant [for] 16 years. I can see a different business pattern. I watch the stock market, and even though it seems to be a wait-and-see situation, people arent going out as much right now. Theyre being cautious. But I held a fundraiser for Hillary. Its important for me to give people in my community an opportunity to make a positive difference and feel engaged. Im lucky in that I have something concrete to do: I can make delicious food and help people feel better. Alex Stupak, Empellon Cocina, Taqueria, and al Pastor Stupak, born in Massachusetts, opened his first Empellon restaurant in 2010. My staff is probably 70 percent Mexican, and theyre more emotional right now then anything else. They all have visas, and theyre all here legally, but its just more of a feeling of, Are we wanted here? Im really trying hard to put my arm around everyone and tell them that everythings going to be okay. The psychological impact is whats most concerning to me Not to be jaded, but at the end of the day, and I hope Im right, what the hell is Trump going to do? Deporting 11 million off-the-record migrant workers the country will implode. Ive always made the decision to not really push Mexican culture forward in a public way, because Im sensitive to the fact that Im not Mexican, and though Im deeply inspired by the culture, doing anything public-facing has always felt like appropriation to me. But in all my restaurants, its Mexicans who are running the kitchen. Weve always tried to push outside the parameters of whats expected of the cuisine, because we want it to become a direly needed part of New York City, the same way that Italian food has become over the years But I thrive on adversity. So, at this point, I want to stuff Mexican cuisine and Mexican culture and tacos down everyones throat in every corner of America as much as humanly possible. My restaurants are not unique; most restaurants, from my experience, are Mexican-run, whether theyre Italian or Mexican or Japanese, for fucks sake. As a matter of fact, I want more Mexicans working in my restaurants now. I want to bring more in. The American dream is here for anyone who wants to come in and work their asses off. New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world, and I think thats because of its diversity. Guillaume Guevara, Miscelanea Mexico Cityborn Guevara came to New York in 2004 and opened his deli in 2015. After the election, we got an interesting vibe from people. A lot of people came in and were very nice, almost as if someone had passed away. They [were] saying, Im so sorry, but not even mentioning Trump by name. So we have felt very supported. A lot of these people are neighbors and friends, but many are new customers, just coming in because they know were Mexican, to show their support. One thing Trump is very against is the NAFTA agreement. He says that cheap Mexican products are diminishing the value of American products. Whether hell be able to change it or not remains to be seen, but if he does, it will impact our business tremendously. Im trying to be optimistic. As a Mexican myself, I came to the U.S. because I wanted to be here. No one forced me. I think the majority of Mexicans came because they wanted to be here. I hope the majority will stay because they love this country and its a wonderful place to live. Roberto Santibanez, Fonda Santibanez moved from Mexico City to America in 1996 and opened Fonda in 2009. I was shocked like everyone else. I truly never thought it would happen. But I dont think he has the power to change what America stands for I think everything he said was to gain more press and attention, and it got him what he wanted. I really dont think it will impact the business. Its early to see. Its very hard to operate a small restaurant, as we all know. Its hard to compete with the big guys. To keep our people happy, and to just keep them, we have to pay extraordinary amounts of money so they dont go work for Dos Caminos or Rosa Mexicano. To the best of our ability, we try to monitor that everyone is here legally, but youre never quite sure. We dont have a way of corroborating everything. The other day, two of my cooks were joking, like, Hey, before they send us home, maybe well go home! My husband is really depressed. But I have this strong belief that everything Trump said, it was just to get him elected, and hes never going to act on it. Danny Mena, Hecho en Dumbo Mena, born in Mexico City, came to the U.S. for college in 1998, moved back to Mexico in 2002, and launched Hecho en Dumbo in 2007. Its been interesting to talk to my friends in Mexico and hear about the rumors spreading over there that theyre going to revoke all Mexican visas until the wall is built and paid for by Mexico. I dont think thats going to happen. Theres way too much dependence on immigrants. Im trying to think on my staff whos not Mexican. Almost everyone. Were all in shock. Ive gotten to the point where I cant look at the news anymore. I was expecting the stock market to take a hit, and it didnt. The peso plummeted. So I think because the stock market didnt drop, business seems to be continuing as normal. I havent seen any major changes in business. Its more demoralizing than anything. A year ago, my wife said if Trump wins, shed want to move back to Mexico because she would feel safer there. Shes a teacher, so were going to go down next summer and reassess. Id love to go back and raise my kids in Mexico. Luis Arce Mota, La Contenta Mota left Mazatlan for the U.S. in 1992 and opened his first business in 2005. Mexicans are used to having stupid, immoral presidents and mayors, but its deeply disappointing. As an immigrant and a Mexican restaurant owner, theres always a fear that people will call you names and demand you go back, because the president says its okay. One of my waitresses started crying when the results came through. Shes only 23, and for her, she doesnt know whats going to happen. Its hard because, in the end, through my business, I cant really express how Im feeling, because I cant risk having retaliation. I dont think hes going to deport everyone, because a lot of the immigrants do the jobs that keep our economy going. Im saying to my staff that its going to be fine. And that theyre what this country needs. The good old days. The results are in, and the skinny red guidebook everyone claims to not care about continues to have a major impact on the citys dining scene. Once again, the same six restaurants have retained Michelins top ranking of three stars. Prospective diners in Singapore and Geneva are no doubt speed-dialing Brooklyn Fare and Masa, while others frantically tap their iPad screens trying to scoop up any available tables at Eleven Madison Park, Jean Georges, Per Se, and Le Bernardin. Yet among native New Yorkers, the guidebooks selections continue to seem absolutely baffling. So why does everyone still pay attention when its released? For those restaurants that continue to occupy the most coveted spots on the list, there is plenty of reason to celebrate. Inclusion in the guide ensures a steady stream of customers, its meaningful feedback for all the long hours of grueling work that are required at any high-end restaurant, and the tradition of Michelin still carries weight for chefs who grew up dreaming of the achievement. Even Anthony Bourdain, a frequent cynic of all things institutional, is willing to toast the guide for his pal Eric Ripert, whos kept his immaculate three-star rating. Congratulations @ericripert and the team @LeBernardinNY THREE Michelin stars! Again! And well deserved Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) November 15, 2016 For everyone else, perhaps the best thing that can be said about the annual arrival of the guide means a few new, unexpected restaurants will be included in the widely seen star rankings, and that this awareness will be good for the hospitality business in general. Dining patterns will be disrupted, maps may be redrawn: A German Michelin completist, for example, will now head out to Bushwick to check out Faro, which just landed its first star, and can help fill Gunter Seegers dining room once she gets back to Manhattan. But year in, and year out, the books changes are so minor as to be almost insignificant. For the 2017 edition, theres no change at the top, minimal happenings on the two-star level, and a handful of random shake-ups among the one-stars. The message is muddled, and even if Michelin results are an incomplete picture of what makes eating in New York wonderful, its unclear why or even if thats the case. Dear @MichelinGuideNY, Are your guides to 1, 2 and 3* restaurants supposed to be complete? Or are they just a partial list? Pete Wells (@pete_wells) November 15, 2016 The guides flaws are obvious to anyone with even a passing interest in New Yorks restaurants. Theres the perpetual, baffling absence of Sushi Nakazawa. Gabriel Kreuther and Del Posto are firing on more cylinders than their single stars suggest. Le Coucou opened mid-June; Aska 2.0 debuted the last week of July. The latter got two stars, while the former is unmentioned, even though the restaurant has received universal acclaim. The list of perceived snubs goes on: Mission Chinese Food, Mr. Donahues, Estela, and Olmsted are all held in exceedingly high regard by everyone except Michelin. So why do people industry watchers and diners alike still care so much when the guides results are announced? (Michelin NYC and its variants remain some of the most popular search terms that bring people to this site.) For starters, flawed though it may be, its still a list of good restaurants. Facebook users loves a ranked list, and on Twitter, shock, complaints, and quibbles keep the conversation going. A great ranking can also still send ripples throughout the industry. Think of Chefs Table at Brooklyn Fare. The Times 2011 three-star review and New Yorks own Adam Platts three stars in 2010 didnt move the needle for Cesar Ramirezs ambitious chefs counter so much as the guides surprising anointment of top honors in the 2012 edition (a distinction the small restaurant has since maintained). Suddenly, the idea of a highly acclaimed kitchen with a bare-bones staff and a zero-square-foot dining room was very viable, and inspired dozens of similar business plans. Lets not also discount the idea that all of the obvious exclusions in the guide are expert-level trolling on Michelins part. The books have always been a major PR move for a company that otherwise has nothing to do with restaurants, in which case the ultimate goal is to assemble a list that will draw eyeballs and create conversation. And besides, the guide doesnt exist for New Yorkers at all. We know which restaurants are good. A rep for Masa, which ably exhibits all of the precision and pristine luxury youd expect from its three-star status and exorbitant price tag, estimates that 40 percent of the restaurants guests are tourists or visitors to New York. Its entertaining to pick apart Michelins guides, but with the reach that it has, and the attention that surrounds each annual iteration, the people who put it together could be doing so much more. Nobody really needs to be reminded, yet again, that Del Posto is a very good restaurant. Instead, at a time when the future is uncertain for restaurants that rely on immigrant labor which is to say 100 percent of restaurants in New York City the Michelin guide isnt a good predictor of where the industry is headed. And, more problematically, its not particularly useful as a list of restaurants that could really use our business, even though its still got an audience that seems willing to listen. Google Translate is ten years old, now supporting 103 languages. Yet with the new feature that Google is announcing today, Translate is apparently improving more in a single leap than in the last ten years combined. It's called Neural Machine Translation (NMT), and initially it will be working for eight languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Turkish. These are the native languages of about a third of the human population, and they cover more than 35% of Google Translate queries. Every time you translate something from one of these languages to another you'll be using NMT. This new system translates sentences at a time, taking into account the intended meaning as a whole, the broader context. This results in much more human-feeling translations than the old system which went through text piece by piece. Grammar should be vastly improved with NMT, with translated paragraphs being a lot smoother and easier to read than before. The system will even learn over time to create better translations. Eventually, NMT will be available for all of the languages that Google Translate supports, but there's no timeline to speak of for a rollout, so we assume this is not something that will happen anytime soon. The NMT functionality for the aforementioned eight languages will be available in Google search, on the Google Translate website, as well as in the Google Translate mobile apps. Source Job Archive July 2021 (524) June 2021 (681) May 2021 (698) April 2021 (659) March 2021 (688) February 2021 (615) January 2021 (699) December 2020 (714) November 2020 (671) October 2020 (631) September 2020 (690) August 2020 (713) July 2020 (713) June 2020 (690) May 2020 (713) April 2020 (690) March 2020 (713) February 2020 (667) January 2020 (713) December 2019 (713) November 2019 (687) October 2019 (711) September 2019 (689) August 2019 (711) July 2019 (707) June 2019 (688) May 2019 (2002) April 2019 (1979) March 2019 (2039) February 2019 (1689) January 2019 (2253) December 2018 (2099) November 2018 (1933) October 2018 (1986) September 2018 (1915) August 2018 (39) July 2018 (72) June 2018 (44) May 2018 (76) April 2018 (65) March 2018 (16) February 2018 (32) January 2018 (201) December 2017 (352) November 2017 (381) October 2017 (600) September 2017 (1211) August 2017 (1655) July 2017 (1590) June 2017 (1506) May 2017 (1902) April 2017 (1965) March 2017 (1417) February 2017 (1808) January 2017 (1807) December 2016 (1593) November 2016 (1376) October 2016 (1408) September 2016 (1317) August 2016 (1499) July 2016 (1505) June 2016 (1421) May 2016 (1391) April 2016 (1340) March 2016 (1476) February 2016 (1396) January 2016 (1474) December 2015 (1409) November 2015 (1367) October 2015 (1478) September 2015 (1441) August 2015 (1468) July 2015 (1465) June 2015 (1410) May 2015 (1057) April 2015 (1269) March 2015 (1132) February 2015 (1151) January 2015 (1152) December 2014 (1156) November 2014 (1267) October 2014 (81) Only six weeks ago, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew ravaged Haitis southern peninsula, leaving close to 600 people dead, thousands of homes destroyed, bridges and roads washed out, and over one million people in great distress. Ten days ago, another storm dumped a foot of rain in 48 hours on Haitis north, causing massive, destructive flooding in Cap Haitien and at least 10 deaths. Haitis verdant south provides much of the countrys food, but now tens of thousands of acres of crop land and millions of fruit trees have been destroyed," said Ann Lee, the chief executive of J/P HRO, the humanitarian relief NGO founded by actor Sean Penn after Haitis 2010 earthquake. This has raised the specter of famine. "If we don't manage to re-launch agriculture in three to four months, we'll find ourselves with a major food crisis," Haitis interim President Jocelerme told the BBC. "Our projection is that we need between $25 million and $30 million to resolve the farming issue. Right now we have $2.5 million." It is in this catastrophic context that Haiti is rushing to hold elections on Sun., Nov. 20, despite the almost certain exclusion of thousands of storm victims. Run-offs are scheduled for Jan. 29, 2017. The elections a redo of the first-round of presidential elections which were originally held on Oct. 25, 2015 and a second round for dozens of legislative seats were originally scheduled for Oct. 9, but they had to be postponed until Nov. 20 after the hurricane hit. Washington, in concert with the European Union and compliant UN officials, is pushing Haitian authorities hard to hold elections rapidly. It was angry when Privert formed an independent verification commission in April and even angrier in June when the commission recommended the 2015 presidential elections be reheld. In July, the Obama administration refused further financial support for Haitis 2016 elections, but Priverts government said it would carry on anyway with a budget of $55 million. Three weeks after the hurricane, Washington partially reversed itself. Matthew had resulted in an unanticipated, urgent, and considerable need to rehabilitate voting centers and roads in the affected regions of southwestern Haiti, the U.S. Embassy wrote in an Oct. 31 press release. The U.S. did not agree to help fund the Haitian government, which took charge of relief efforts after Matthew, but, without providing a figure, said it would provide financial support to United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to support a timely and transparent election process. UNOPS, which is a key agency of the Washington-backed 5,000-member UN Mission to Stabilize Haiti (MINUSTAH) military occupation force, played a central logistical role in Haitis 2015 elections, which the verification commission found to be fraudulent. UNOPS was widely accused of having a hand in some of those election irregularities, particularly in the questionable transport of ballots. Also pushing for rapid elections are the presidential candidates themselves, particularly the four leaders of the field of 27: engineer Jude Celestin of the Alternative League for Progress and Haitian Emancipation (LAPEH), banana-businessman Jovenel Moise of the Haitian Bald Headed Party (PHTK), former senator and mayor Moise Jean Charles of the Dessalines Children party (Pitit Desalin), and Dr. Maryse Narcisse of the Lavalas Family party (FL). In a Nov. 6 speech at the Renaissance Village in Zoranje near Port-au-Prince, former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the FLs founder, told a crowd that if there are no elections on Nov. 20, there will be uprooting (dechoukaj), a statement which caused clucking among Haitis media and political class. The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) summoned Narcisse, accompanied by Aristide, to explain the statement. As had other FL leaders, they claimed the remark had been misinterpreted. If the provisional president [Privert] is not capable of guaranteeing the good functioning of institutions so that the electoral council can organize free, fair, and democratic elections, he must leave, said Joel Pacha Vorbe, one of the FLs leaders, to Le Nouvelliste. On Oct. 27, the CEP gave Priverts government ten days to repair 280 voting centers and the roads to another 161 voting centers, as well as distribute thousands of new voter identification cards (Cartes didentification nationale or CIN) to people who may have lost them during the hurricane. Privert responded that Nov. 20 was irreversible and agreed to carry out what many Haitians are calling mission impossible. In a Nov. 15 press release, Haiti Action, an FL support group based in California, listed seven reasons why the coming elections give cause for concern: 1) The CEP is headed by Leopold Berlanger, a leading figure of the 2004 US-backed coup against democratically elected President Jean Bertrand Aristide. 2) The main 2004 coup leader and wealthy sweatshop owner, Andy Apaid, plays a central role as lead consultant in the CEP tabulation center where the votes will be counted and the results published. 3) The CEP under Berlanger's leadership has not implemented a number of recommendations of the Electoral Verification Commission, which was established in response to the massive fraud in last years elections. The CEP has allowed fraudulent parliamentary results to stand, favoring supporters of outgoing President Michel Martelly who was imposed by the U.S. 4) The CEP insists on quarantining a candidate's votes from a precinct where this candidate obtains 200+ out of a total of 550 ballots. Under the pretext of preventing fraud, perfectly valid ballots are eliminated from the count because a popular candidate is receiving too many votes. Officials of Fanmi Lavalas have been protesting this measure as it arbitrarily discards valid ballots in precincts that have large turnouts in favor of their candidates. Quarantined or provisional ballots end up not being counted and are likely to be destroyed. 5) A leading figure of the 2004 coup, Rosny Desroches, is in charge of the officially-designated election observer teams of 1,500 individuals. The media reports that funding for the observer teams came through the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in collaboration with International Foundation for Electoral Services (IFES). While the International Republican Institute (IRI) does not have offices in Haiti, it operates from the Dominican Republic through a number of existing organizations in Haiti. Both NDI and IRI are part of the U.S. governments National Endowment for Democracy; the IRI was implicated in the 2004 coup and are known for funding interference, destabilization and other efforts to influence elections to impose US foreign and economic policies, including regime change. 6) It has been reported that the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) is organizing an election observer team of 200 people. NOAH has worked closely with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the US State Department, both of which have been ardent supporters of fraudulent elections in Haiti. 7) The OAS, which is sending a team of observers for the Nov. 20 election, has been thoroughly discredited in Haiti for its recent support of the massive fraud orchestrated by the CEP in 2015. The OAS record of support for fraudulent elections in Haiti includes its intrusive role in the 2010-11 elections that resulted in Martelly being imposed as president. In recent weeks, the editors of Haiti Liberte newspaper have argued that, following the storms of October and November, large segments of the Haitian electorate would be unable to take part in the Nov. 20 elections and have urged President Privert to postpone them to a later, more suitable date. The Haiti Election Blog also reports that CEP member Jean Simon Saint-Hubert admitted to having some doubts about elections occurring as scheduled, but stated that missing the Nov. 20 date would place the country in an extremely difficult situation. President Privert apparently feels too much pressure from Washington and his many enemies and rivals in Haitis political class to call for a prudent delay. The fact that U.S.-ally Leopold Berlanger heads the CEP and Rosny Desroches Haitis national observers gives even more reason to worry that the results of Nov. 20 may not end up reflecting the will of the Haitian people. Haiti - Canada : Visit of the Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian Minister for International Development and La Francophonie, is on an official visit to Haiti, Les Cayes and Port-au-Prince from 16 to 18 November 2016. This first visit of the Minister to Haiti, is part of Canadas humanitarian response to Hurricane Matthew and reflects the partnership between Canada and Haiti. The Minister will first travel to Les Cayes where she will meet with beneficiaries and partners of humanitarian projects supported by the Government of Canada. During her visit to Port-au-Prince, the Minister will meet with members of the Haitian government and with Canadian and international humanitarian partners who are providing assistance and vital logistical support to help the most vulnerable victims of Hurricane Matthew. Note that Canada has contributed to the tune of $6.08 million to meet the needs of people affected by Matthew's passage to Haiti. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19234-haiti-humanitarian-sending-of-an-airplane-full-of-medicine.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Costa Rica resumes deportations of illegal Haitians Tuesday, the Government of Costa Rica officially announced that it had resumed the expulsion of Haitian nationals in an irregular migration situation on its territory; Deportations that had been suspended early October in the emergency, due to the passage of Hurricane Matthew on Haiti. According to a spokesman for the Ministry of Migration, a first group of six irregular Haitian nationals (Bertho, Vary, Francisque, Ariste, Stivel et Lormilsaint), who have failed to present to normalize their migratory status, will be the first group to be expelled to Haiti, accompanied by immigration officials by November 19 at the latest. Tote that persons awaiting deportation are detained in the Irregular Temporary Detention Center (CATECI) in Hatillo (Central Canton, Province of San Jose). These individuals are awaiting the completion of the process of verification of their identity and revision and verification in migration and international police systems (Interpol) before being deported to their country of origin. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... Dominican electrification project in Haiti Tuesday at the National Palace, de facto President Jocelerme Privert, met a Dominican delegation around an electrification project in the city of Ouanaminthe. The meeting was attended by Jacques Evelt Eveillard, Minister of Public Works, Yves Romain Bastien, Minister of the Economy, of EDH authorities (Garry Valdemar), of the CODEVI (Fernando de Capellan) and of InterEnergy (Roberto Homero). Humanitarian distribution, growing tension The delivery of humanitarian assistance continues to be met with tension, either during distribution or in areas that are yet to receive assistance. Looting of trucks transporting humanitarian supplies has been frequent. Tensions could be exacerbated in the run up to the upcoming elections as the delivery of assistance is expected to slow down. This is due to the anticipated reassignment of security forces from escorting humanitarian convoys to securing polling stations. Candidates for the presidency : what they said Jude Celestin (LAPEH): "There will be another country with Jude Celestin in power. My campaign program is built in a way that there will be no longer exclusion in this country and that young people can have a job and a future... Jovenel Moise (PHTK) : "The election day of November 20th is a great opportunity for the Haitian people to choose between anarchy and democracy; Between sustainable development and political violence [...]" Jean-Henry Ceant (Remen Ayiti) : "[...] the only useful vote on November 20th is the one that corresponds to your convictions. Your support and your number at each of my displacements is the best of surveys." Appeal to women and young people Monday on a radio of the capital Marie Frantz Joachim, the Secretary General of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), launched an appeal to women and young people to vote on Sunday. She recalled "Young people, who account for 65%, and women, 52%, are social categories, who can decide who will lead the country. Their lack of participation as well as a bad choice of their part in the elections of 20 November would be their responsibility." Closing of the Forum on the Reintegration of Minors in Conflict with the Law Tuesday at the Plaza Hotel, the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) and its partners held the closing ceremony of the Forum on the Reintegration of Minors in Conflict with the Law. It should be noted that this forum was part of the Project to Rehabilitate Minors in the Jurisdiction of Port-au-Prince, financed by the Minustah Community Violence Reduction Section and implemented by the IBESR in partnership with the Haitian ENPAK organization and in collaboration with the Children's Court, the Directorate of Penitentiary Administration and UNICEF. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/11/15 | Source Actors Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun photos of their shoot in Canada for the upcoming tvN 10th anniversary special drama, "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God", was released online. Advertisement This drama is about a goblin and the Angel of Death living together. These roles are very different from what the actors are used to. The photos released are from their shoot in Quebec. According to the production crew, "The two actors are working on creating their own unique roles and we are excited to see how they grow as we continue to film". The first episode is set to air on December 2. Published on 2016/11/15 | Source The new SBS drama "The Legend of the Blue Sea" is being highly anticipated just by the news of Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho being in it together. Advertisement "The Legend of the Blue Sea" is a fantasy romance drama based on the first Korean historical story book about the last mermaid on earth meeting a fraud and getting used to life on earth. Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho join forces with writer Park Ji-eun who wrote this unique drama with the subject being a mermaid. A mermaid who comes to live on land and a cold and nasty fraud fall in love and we take a look at the world from the mermaid's point of view. The production aims to comfort viewers with this love story. Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho play the roles of the mermaid and Heo Joon-jae. They are set to travel back and forth in time to create the perfect chemistry with each other. Director Jin Hyeok says, "I can see them getting along because they are tall and handsome and pretty. When they're together, they give off an amazing aura". 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 didates often believe their age is their biggest barrier to career development, according to new research by ManpowerGroup Solutions.The survey polled 4,500 global job seekers, including Australia, to find their attitudes to job search and career progression.The report showed that compared to global counterparts, Australians are more likely than American and British candidates to cite ageism as one of the top challenges they face in making career decisions.In fact, 37% of people in Australia cited ageism as a key barrier to overcome, compared to 34% in United Kingdom and 26% in the United States.Our latest candidate preference survey highlights that age is globally seen as a barrier for candidates, yet this is particularly true among Australian workers, said Sue Howse, General Manager at ManpowerGroup Solutions, Australia and New Zealand.Despite this perception, we know that employers who embrace candidates across a broad age spectrum, will benefit and are likely to create a competitive advantage in terms of addressing skills shortages.She added that despite the clear anecdotal evidence of benefits gained from recruiting an older and more experienced workforce, there are very few big businesses in Australia who are seizing this opportunity.We know there are a number of un-retirees or boomerang workers individuals who come out of retirement or return to work for a previous employer who could currently fill open positions, said Howse.Howse added that embracing generational diversity to overcome talent shortages makes a lot of sense.Yet doing so often requires organisational change and this seems to hold some employers back from implementing it as a strategy.Its not just about agreeing to hire older workers either. Employers need to be cognisant of intergenerational differences and accommodate work preferences of different age groups, said Howse.For those who are willing to make the necessary adjustments at an organisational level, we know there will be a number of positive flow-on effects from addressing skills shortages to creating diverse workplace cultures. Compiled by Jesse Wood The Boone Town Council will meet on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 in the Boone Town Council Chambers at 1500 Blowing Rock Road. See highlighted items and the entire agenda below or click here to peruse the entire meeting packet. Intent to Annex 54-Acre, Former Bolick Property The Boone Town Council will likely approve a resolution stating the towns intent to annex the 54-acre, former Bolick property, which the Town of Boone agreed to purchase for 4.6 million in March for a municipal complex and greenspace. The Boone Town Council will also schedule a public hearing on this proposed annexation at its next council meeting on Dec. 15, 2016. Public Hearing on Towing & Booting Regulations The Boone Town Council will hold a public hearing on proposed revisions to Town Code Chapter 73: Towing. Proposed changes include requiring towing companies to accept credit and debit card payments and requiring these companies to disclose fees and offer receipts. Read about the entire proposed revisions here. Consideration of Amendments to Parking Ordinance Below comes from a memo in the councils meeting packet for Thursday from Town Attorney Allison Meade regarding the proposed amendments, for which there was a public hearing in September, up for adoption. This matter is on the consent agenda. The main substantive change is to impose a minimum of 0.7 parking spaces per bedroom for multifamily housing, where previously only a maximum had been imposed. Council is asked to approve the amendment based upon the following findings: The proposed amendment to the Towns zoning ordinance is consistent with the Towns Comprehensive Plan and other applicable, adopted plans of the Town which relate to this application because it provides a minimum standard of parking required for multi-family housing developments. The proposed amendment to the Towns zoning ordinance is reasonable and in the public interest by ensuring a minimum level of parking for multi-family housing. Resolution To Approve Revenue Bond, Water Intake The council will consider and likely approve a resolution directing the application to the Local Government Commission for approval of water and sewer revenue bond anticipation note and subsequent revenue bonds. This resolution is related to the towns water intake facility. In August, the Boone Town Council approved a request for an additional $12 million in USDA loans for the intake project. The projects total is now estimated to cost nearly $42.3 million. Approval of Encroachment Agreement Terracon Consultants, Inc. Per memo to council meeting packet: Terracon Consultants, Inc. is requesting approval of an encroachment agreement upon the Towns right-of-way at selected locations along Greenway Road and Meadowview Drive for the purpose of installing temporary ground water monitoring points. Sampling will be done under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Environment Quality. This request is in connection with the old IRC site. See attached encroachment agreement. For more info on these matters, click to meeting packet here. See agenda 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. Nov. 7 ARREST: A male suspect, 55, of 1202 U.S. Highway 70 W in Valdese, was charged with DVPO violation. Trial date: Nov. 16. Nov. 8 ARREST: A male suspect, 53, of 334 Locust Lane in Boone, was charged with FTA DWLR, speeding, no insurance. Secured bond: $1,500. Trial date: Nov. 14. ARREST: A male suspect, 37, of 7130 T.N. Highway 91 N in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, was charged with felony extradition fugitive other state. Secured bond: $20,000. Trial date: Nov. 22. Nov. 9 INCIDENT: Burglary forcible entry and criminal damage to property was reported at 160 Bagpipe Way in Banner Elk. ARREST: A male suspect, 30, of 185 Hawks Peak Lane Apt. 214 in Banner Elk, was charged with FTA probation violation. Trial date: Nov. 25. ARREST: A male suspect, 25, of 478 Hardin Road in Boone, was charged with assault on a female, communicating threats and OFA FTA. Trial date: Dec. 13. Nov. 10 ARREST: A male suspect, 37, of 1099 Bairds Creek Road in Vilas, was charged with OFA probation violation. Secured bond: $1,000. Trial date: Jan. 13. Nov. 11 ARREST: A male suspect, 44, of 166 Fairhaven St. in Mountain City, Tennessee, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying concealed weapon. Secured bond: $2,500. Trial date: Dec. 15. ARREST: A male suspect, 27, of 2327 Hardin Road in Deep Gap, was charged with FTA release order. Secured bond: $60,000. Trial date: Jan. 3. Nov. 12 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 615 Fallview Lane in Boone. Nov. 13 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 346 Ward Greene Road in Vilas. INCIDENT: DWI was reported at 3869 N.C. Highway 105 S in Boone. ARREST: A male suspect, 46, of 1111 Orchard Road in Spruce Pine, was charged with DWI. Trial date: Dec. 15. ARREST: A male suspect, 39, of 1410 Crackers Neck Road #1 in Mountain City, Tennessee, was charged with FTA release order. Secured bond: $1,500. Trial date: Dec. 9. ARREST: A male suspect, 56, of 106 Pinnacle Drive in Boone, was charged with DWLR. Nov. 14 INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at 287 Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock. INCIDENT: Fraud ATM was reported at 6252 Old U.S. Highway 421 in Zionville. INCIDENT: Felony breaking and entering and larceny were reported at 460 Old U.S. Highway 421 S in Boone. INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 187 Mack Hampton Road in Blowing Rock. ARREST: A female suspect, 39, of 368 River Ridge Road in Boone, was charged with felony forgery of endorsement and uttering forged endorsement. Secured bond: $10,000. Trial date: Dec. 13. On Tuesday afternoon, Boone Stands with Standing Rock led a march from Sanford Mall on Appalachian State University campus to Wells Fargo, one of the financial institutions funding the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). Around seventy people attended the march, including students, professors, and community members. Quoting LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, founder of the Sacred Stone Camp Ricki Draper said during the teach-in outside the bank: Protecting water means no negotiation. Protecting water means no pipelines. Upon arrival at 4:00 pm, a smaller subset of the group of seventy entered the bank to deliver a letter and a list of signatures demanding that Wells Fargo cease bankrolling DAPL. When the group returned, they conducted a teach-in in front of the bank to provide information on how Wells Fargo is supporting the construction of the pipeline and how Boone can best support the water protectors efforts. Calls were made for supporters to move their money to a local credit union. The march and teach-in were part of a National Day of Action in solidarity with the water protectors in Standing Rock. Marchers declared #MniWiconi #WaterisLife as they demanded that financial institutions stop bankrolling the DAPL. There were also public demonstrations held on the 15th in Asheville, NC; Charlotte, NC; Greensboro, NC; Raleigh, NC; Johnson City, TN; Knoxville, TN; and across the country. Wells Fargo is one of the 17 financial institutions that have loaned Dakota Access LLC $2.5 billion to construct the pipeline. Wells Fargo has invested $467 million in the Dakota Access Pipeline and has also committed substantial resources to the Energy Transfer Family of companies in order to construct more oil and gas infrastructure. Since April, over 200 indigenous nations have come together to block the construction of DAPL, a $3.8 billion 1,172 mile fracked-oil pipeline. See more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/boonestandswithstandingrock/ Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Sipila stated after visiting the state-owned mine earlier this week that a miracle has been performed in Sotkamo, estimating that shutting down the nickel mine is no longer an option for the Government, according to YLE. Ville Niinisto, the chairperson of the Green League, has slammed Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) for his statements about the nickel mine of Terrafame in Sotkamo. When we were first making our decisions, we were simultaneously faced with environmental risks, process-related risks and economic risks, he said in an interview with the national broadcasting company on Monday. It was a very difficult time for decision-making, but luckily we were confident that the problems can be solved. Now, the environmental risks seem to be well under control, as do the process-related ones. Sipila also voiced his confidence that the ongoing negotiations with private investors will be successful and revealed that the recent decision to grant Terrafame, a wholly state-owned special-purpose company established to take over the mining operations from Talvivaara, an additional 100 million euros in funding should be the last state-granted cash injection it can expect. Niinisto reminds that the mining operations continue to cost taxpayers ten million euros a month. It is a miracle indeed, he writes on Facebook. The Government is cutting education and research spending by hundreds of millions, [] [and] slashing the basic security of pensioners, students and the unemployed. Finland has a premier who is proud to demonstrate how taxpayers' money is being poured into a mine that has racked up almost one billion euros in losses and struggled with environmental problems while wearing a Terrafame knit cap, slams Niinisto. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Kimmo Rauatmaa Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. Bazzle fine with election delivered like 'a 2x4 to the head' Ervin Bazzle The Henderson County School Board honored two colleagues Monday night who were serving in their last board meeting longtime Chair Ervin Bazzle and first-term member Josh Houston. Bazzle, who finished seventh in the eight-candidate contest for four School Board seats, told the board and audience that he accepted the will of the voters even if it was delivered by a 2x4 to the head." Houston came in fifth. Challengers Blair Craven and Michael Absher, both products of Henderson County schools, won seats while incumbents Mary Louise Corn and Rick Wood won re-election. Corn, the top vote getter in the School Board election, praised Houston for his thoughtful reserved comments that were often eye-opening. We might not have always agreed but there was always the respect and thought- provoking things that Josh brought to the table, she said. She thanked Bazzle for your steady guiding hand that youve given us for 16 years. You let us talk. Youve given us that model so that we trust each other and trust how you have led us. You always bring us back to that guiding principal of what is best for our county and the kids that we serve. I want to add how privileged its been to work with Josh and Baz, Wood said. I thank them for their service. Youre going to be missed. Colby Coren said that before the meeting he had been talking with administrator Jan King, a former teacher and principal, about Bazzles departure from the board. We didnt remember Henderson County public schools without chairman Bazzle, Coren said. He got emotional when he recalled Bazzles encouragement to him, when he was a high school senior in 2003, to come back and be a part of Henderson County. Josh HoustonAmy Lynn Holt also dabbed tears as she described getting to know Houston. Hes such a teddy bear, she said. She thanked Bazzle for your leadership, your example to us. Its going to be so hard to look over and not see sort of how to act. Former board member Melissa Maurer stood at the lectern during the public comment period to praise and thank the departing members. Hes never missed a meeting in 20 years I dont think, she said of Bazzle, who served as chair for 16 years. Maybe one, and I think he was almost dead that night. But he did miss his anniversary four times in 20 years. Bazzle was chair when the board hired five schools superintendents Frank Yeager, Tom Burnham, Stephen Page, David Jones and Bo Caldwell weathered political fights with the Board of Commissioners over funding, helped find a path to detente and presided over an unprecedented run of new school construction. Its been a privilege for me to serve you about a third of my life, Bazzle told his colleagues, administrators and the audience. Its been a labor that we have enjoyed. I told someone this week that when a voice in your head starts talking to you and its not your wife and it tells you its time to move on, listen. I grew up on a farm so I know what a 2x4 to the head is. Sometimes, you have to be told that way. I am personally fine with the decision the county made in the Nov. 8 election, he said. The two people that are sitting in front of me (Craven and Absher) are well qualified to do this job and I feel they will, because I know where you live. I have no regrets. Its been a pleasure. Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, "tribal elder", parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me. One in eight pregnant women are subjected to domestic violence, the Master of the National Maternity Hospital has said. What is more, a violent partner is more likely to strike a pregnant woman in the abdomen rather than in her face, said Dr Rhona Mahony. "Domestic violence is surprisingly common and particularly common in pregnancy," she said in an address to the Safe Ireland seminar on domestic violence in Dublin yesterday. "One in eight women, we estimate, suffer from domes- tic violence during pregnancy. International figures suggest that up to 8pc of pregnant women suffer significant domestic violence, which is a higher rate than many of the diseases mat- ernity hospitals screen for during visits of expectant mothers. "Domestic violence during pregnancy does real harm to mothers and babies and to those in the family," said Dr Mahony. "It is associated with increased rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth, anxiety and depression. "In pregnancy, women are more likely to be assaulted in their abdomen than in their face. Pregnancy is not protective. In fact, up to 10pc of cases of domestic violence start for the first time during pregnancy or escalate during pregnancy." Domestic violence affects all parts of society, "including the highly professional woman, who also could be hiding a secret and is also scared to tell her story", said Dr Mahony. Stigma Shame and stigma are still felt by victims and many experience a number of attacks before disclosing the assaults. Some never disclose them. Shattering their self-esteem can result in the women using alcohol, drugs or cigarettes as coping mechanisms to try to deal with the painful reality. The violence causes deep depression and anxiety and can lead women to withdraw from the very people who could give them support. It is vital that these women realise there is no shame in being a victim, said Dr Mahony. Asking women about home violence when they visit maternity hospitals "is an ideal time because this is a particularly dangerous time when women are pregnant", she added. It is a time when staff meet the women on their own, so they can be asked questions. Even in a busy maternity hospital, women should be asked direct questions about domestic violence, said Dr Mahony. She later told the Herald that more domestic violence counsellors should be appointed to maternity hospitals. She said there should be more support for social worker teams, more awareness and frequent direct questioning of women by professionals in a safe environment. "I would like women to know that they would not be on their own and they will not be judged and there is help there," said Dr Mahony. The Garda Emergency Response Unit has taken part in emergency training exercises at Drogheda Port Picture: Colin O'Riordan A major operation targeting Islamic State (IS) extremists at our biggest ports began after UK authorities identified serious security weaknesses when they carried out "dummy runs" here. The Herald can reveal that British security services carried out security checks by driving undercover into Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford on ferries from ports in Wales. They encountered a "lack of major security". This in turn led to meetings between gardai and their UK counterparts, which led gardai to set up an investigation codenamed Operation Mutiny. Details of this operation were first disclosed in yesterday's Herald and it has been ongoing for a number of weeks at Dublin Port as well as in Co Wexford. "The British authorities did dummy runs from Wales, which effectively showed a major lack of security in Rosslare. It showed that it was easy to get stuff into and out of the port," a source said. Threat It is not known what items the British agents used on their test runs to Irish ports from Wales. "While it might have been easy to do this a number of months ago, it surely is not now and everything has been tightened up considerably," the source added. The threat level to Ireland from Islamic extremist attacks is still described as "moderate". This means an attack is possible but not likely, but a team of specialist armed gardai has been monitoring the threat locally despite the gangland feud that erupted in the capital this year. The decision to keep the threat level as "moderate" was made in late July by the Government following a meeting between the Taoiseach, the Garda Commissioner and the Defence Forces Chief of Staff at Government Buildings. The major concern that led to Operation Mutiny being set up by gardai was that IS terrorists would use poor security at our country's ports to get into the UK, rather than launch an attack here. This has meant that garda management decided to offer vast amounts of overtime to officers who were willing to work extra hours in the capital's port as well as at Rosslare. It is understood that, in Rosslare Europort alone, garda management have sanctioned 100 hours of overtime every single day as part of the operation. Far more vehicles and people are being searched at Irish ports than had been the case just two months ago. Apart from regular garda units, the policing of the ports has led to a significant heavily armed garda presence from the Garda Regional Support Unit (RSU). Seizures While no IS terrorists have been intercepted or arrested as part of the operation, gardai have made a number of "significant seizures" of stolen property. Armed officers first began patrolling Rosslare and Dublin ports in March after the Brussels terror attacks, but these activities have been greatly increased in recent weeks. An Italian designer who claimed 75,000 for repairs to a wall turned out to be "merely a tenant" and not the owner of the property she alleged had been damaged by tree roots, a judge said. Francesca De Cataldo gave the Circuit Civil Court an undertaking last March not to cut down trees believed to have been planted on Killiney Hill, Co Dublin, to mark a visit to Ireland by Queen Victoria more than a century ago. Ms De Cataldo was in court yesterday to see her claims against Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Abberley Management Company Ltd thrown out by Judge Jacqueline Linnane. Francis Daly, for Dun Laoghaire-based Abberley Management, had asked the court to dismiss De Cataldo's claims on the basis they were vexatious, frivolous, without merit and an abuse of process. Liam O'Connell, for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, said her legal team had conceded that the local authority had no case to meet. Judge Linnane said De Cataldo, of Duncan, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, had initially failed to inform the court that she was not the owner of the property. She had sought to recover damages of more than 80,000 which had later been reduced to around 40,000 for damage allegedly caused to a wall on the property by the roots of trees along a laneway. She had asked the court for an injunction seeking damages and directing the felling of the trees, but she had failed and costs were directed against her. The court had previously heard that De Cataldo had expressly pleaded that the property belonged to her and that she and her family resided there. It had since been proved that she did not own the dwelling or the perimeter wall. De Cataldo told the court she had lived in "Duncan" since 2005 and managed the property on behalf of her landlady. She said she claimed for repair of the boundary wall as she intended to have it repaired on her landlady's behalf. Prejudice She has now withdrawn that claim without prejudice to her landlady's entitlement to bring a claim. Judge Linnane dismissed both of De Cataldo's claims, both with costs. The judge said the court had been "quite taken aback by Ms De Cataldo's mode of operating". The court refused to grant Abberley an order restraining her from instituting further proceedings against the company without prior approval of the court. Dramatic scenes on tonight's Fair City are set to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as kidnap victim Katy O'Brien tries to make her escape. The youngster, played by Amilia Clarke Stewart, went missing in May after finding out about mum Debbie's affair with Tommy and is being held captive by Ciaran. However, it all becomes too much for him and he decides to let Katy go after months of holding her. Dismay Unbeknown to Ciaran, though, she is already hatching her own escape plan. Tied up and left alone, Katy manages to free herself and steal Ciaran's phone. To her dismay, it's locked - but a call comes through with her brother Emmet's name on the screen. Katy answers and screams down the phone for help just as Ciaran arrives. She is initially relieved to see him, but then she notices his clothes and realises he is her captor. Ciaran is horrified at the dilemma he is now in. Meanwhile, actress Jenny Dixon (inset), who plays Kerri-Ann on the soap, reckons the Fair City's legions of international fans could one day see it being broadcast outside of Ireland. The Dubliner said she is regularly approached by fans of many nationalities, leading her to think that the show could follow in the footsteps of Red Rock, which is now broadcast on the BBC and Amazon Prime. "I know the producers would be in support of that. The content is there and what's interesting is that, in town, I met these Filipino ladies who say they love Fair City," she said. "I've had Polish people, South Africans, Nigerians, who say they love it. If it was on Netflix or Amazon, it could be a success." A leading medic has warned pregnant women they are putting themselves and their babies at a greater risk if they fail to get the flu jab. Dr Maeve Eogan, an obstetrician in the Rotunda Hospital, said the virus can be very serious for mothers-to-be who, because of pregnancy, are more vulnerable to developing life-threatening complications. Up to 35 of the 61 pregnant women attending the inner-city hospital last year who contracted the flu ended up critically ill and had to be rushed to the high dependency unit. A number of the women then had to be transferred to the intensive care unit of the Mater Hospital, where they gave birth to their babies. A study showed just half of pregnant women are getting the flu jab and others are either underestimating the risk or are afraid of harming their baby. Complications Dr Eogan stressed that the vaccine is safe to get at any stage of pregnancy and will not have any negative effect on the woman or her unborn baby. A study of maternal deaths across Ireland between 2009 and 2012 found one in 11 were due to complications from flu, she told a conference in the Rotunda yesterday. "Women regard it as a benign condition but pregnancy leaves them less well able to cope with the flu," she said. The HSE is not giving hospitals the funding to give the women the flu vaccine during their antenatal visits, which is "crazy", she added. Brid Stack (32), from Walkinstown in Dublin, told how she spent five days in the high dependency unit of the Rotunda last year when she contracted the flu while pregnant with her son Pearse. "I don't know why I did not get the flu vaccine. I suppose I thought I was young and could fight it. But if I get pregnant again I will definitely have the flu vaccine," she said. 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. 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/ Donald Trumps astonishing victory in the United States presidential election has made one thing abundantly clear: Too many Americans particularly white male Americans feel left behind. It is not just a feeling; many Americans really have been left behind. It can be seen in the data no less clearly than in their anger. And an economic system that doesnt deliver for large parts of the population is a failed economic system. So what should President-elect Trump do about it? Over the last third of a century, the rules of Americas economic system have been rewritten in ways that serve a few at the top, while harming the economy as a whole, and especially the bottom 80%. The irony of Trumps victory is that it was the Republican Party he now leads that pushed for extreme globalisation and against the policy frameworks that would have mitigated the trauma associated it. But history matters: China and India are now integrated into the global economy. Besides, technology has been advancing so fast that the number of jobs globally in manufacturing is declining. Read | Germanys Angela Merkel to be the new leader of the free world? The implication is that there is no way Trump can bring a significant number of well-paying manufacturing jobs back to the US. He can bring manufacturing back, through advanced manufacturing, but there will be few jobs. And he can bring jobs back, but they will be low-wage jobs, not the high-paying jobs of the 1950s. If Trump is serious about tackling inequality, he must rewrite the rules yet again, in a way that serves all of society, not just people like him. The first order of business is to boost investment, thereby restoring robust long-term growth. Specifically, Trump should emphasise spending on infrastructure and research. Shockingly for a country whose economic success is based on technological innovation, the GDP share of investment in basic research is lower today than it was a half-century ago. Improved infrastructure would enhance the returns from private investment, which has been lagging as well. Ensuring greater financial access for small and medium-size enterprises would stimulate private investment. A carbon tax would provide a welfare trifecta: Higher growth as firms retrofit to reflect the increased costs of carbon dioxide emissions; a cleaner environment; and revenue that could be used to finance infrastructure and direct efforts to narrow Americas economic divide. But, given Trumps position as a climate change denier, he is unlikely to take advantage of this (which could also induce the world to start imposing tariffs against US products made in ways that violate global climate-change rules). Read | UN chief voices hope Trump will understand climate urgency A comprehensive approach is also needed to improve Americas income distribution, which is one of the worst among advanced economies. While Trump has promised to raise the minimum wage, he is unlikely to undertake other critical changes, like strengthening workers collective-bargaining rights and negotiating power, and restraining CEO compensation and financialisation. Regulatory reform must move beyond limiting the damage that the financial sector can do and ensure that the sector genuinely serves society. Americas regressive tax system which fuels inequality by helping the rich (but no one else) get richer must also be reformed. An obvious target should be to eliminate the special treatment of capital gains and dividends. Another is to ensure that companies pay taxes perhaps by lowering the corporate-tax rate for companies that invest and create jobs in America, and raising it for those that do not. Trump will probably also fall short on enhancing equality of opportunity. Ensuring pre-school education for all and investing more in public schools is essential if the US is to avoid becoming a neo-feudal country where advantages and disadvantages are passed on from one generation to the next. But Trump has been virtually silent on this topic. Read | Fast-food fan Donald Trump could remake healthy school lunches Restoring shared prosperity would require policies that expand access to affordable housing and medical care, secure retirement with a modicum of dignity, and allow every American to afford a post-secondary education commensurate with his or her abilities and interests. But while I could see Trump supporting a massive housing programme, his promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act would leave millions of Americans without health insurance. The problems posed by the disaffected Americans will not be solved quickly or by conventional tools. An effective strategy will need to consider more unconventional solutions, which Republican corporate interests are unlikely to favour. Much has changed since president Ronald Reagan began hollowing out the middle-class and skewing the benefits of growth to those at the top, and US policies and institutions have not kept pace. From the role of women in the workforce to the rise of the Internet to increasing cultural diversity, 21st century America is fundamentally different from the America of the 1980s. Read | I wouldnt rule it out: Dwayne The Rock Johnson on running for president If Trump actually wants to help those who have been left behind, he must go beyond the ideological battles of the past. The agenda I have just sketched is not only about the economy: It is about nurturing a dynamic, open, and just society that fulfils the promise of Americans most cherished values. But while it is, in some ways, somewhat consistent with Trumps campaign promises, in many other ways, it is the antithesis of them. My very cloudy crystal ball shows a rewriting of the rules, but not to correct the grave mistakes of the Reagan revolution, a milestone on the sordid journey that left so many behind. Rather, the new rules will make the situation worse, excluding even more people from the American dream. Joseph E Stiglitz is a Nobel laureate in economics and professor at Columbia University Copyright: Project Syndicate The views expressed are personal Three employees of the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) were caught taking a Rs 25,000 bribe from their female colleague at the boards divisional office on Tuesday evening. This is perhaps the first instance of people being caught taking a bribe in the newly-released Rs 2,000 banknotes in the country. The three employees, who were identified as Bhopal divisional officer Ashok Kaithwas, section officer PS Rajput and assistant grade II RS Pal, were caught by a Lokayukta special police team. According to official sources with the anti-graft watchdog in Bhopal, assistant grade II Roli Srivastava had committed an error while preparing a list of candidates for the Class IX to Class XII examinations, to be conducted by the MPBSE in 2017. In her complaint to the Lokayukta, she said that Kaithwas and his two subordinates had demanded `1 lakh as bribe to save her from suspension. A Lokayukta team first verified the matter and then organised a trap. The three MPBSE staff members had demanded Rs 25,000 as an advance, so Srivastava withdrew the amount, all in the new Rs 2000 banknotes, and then went to Kaithwass office, where the three were nabbed by the Lokayukta team. Kaithwas, Rajput and Pal have been booked under IPC sections as well as provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988. Aamir Khan is known for going the extra mile when it comes to his films. It seems like the actor puts in as much effort for personal events as well. HT Cafe recently reported that the actor will be attending Geeta Phogats wedding in Charkhi Dadri, about 15km from her home in Haryanas Balali village. Watch: Trailer of Dangal A source now reveals that Aamir is also taking a personal interest in the arrangements for the Commonwealth gold medalist wrestlers special day. Aamir shares a great bond with Geeta. The actor interacted with her and her sister Babita [Kumari] when they visited the sets of his upcoming film. He treats Geeta like his own daughter and wished to do something special for her, the source says, adding that the actor is personally looking for a wedding dress for Geeta. He is trying his best to pick out the perfect outfit for Geeta. Aamir Khan poses with his co-stars on the poster of his upcoming film, Dangal. (Facebook/Dangal The Film) He will carry it to the wedding and gift it to her before the wedding day. Aamir will leave for Charkhi Dadri the day before and will be there for three days. Aamir was not available for a comment. Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor launched You and Me, the latest song from their film Befikre in Mumbai late Tuesday. A catchy, happy number that celebrates the joys of a relationship that has no labels, You and Me adds to the already popular songs from the film including Nashe Si Chadh Gayi and Ude Dil Befikre. In a fun interaction with the media, Ranveer and Vaani brought to life the impulsive happy spirit that is the USP of the film. You and Me starts with Ranveer and Vaani taking a vow to never fall in love with each other. The song reflects contemporary sentiment among todays young- a special relationship with no label. Dharam (Ranveer) and Shyra (Vaani) build up a strong comfort level with each other by just hanging out together, indulging in fun, frolic and making the most of their time together. Like the carefree, impulsive spirit of Befikre the film, You and Me is all about a relationship blossoming without raising any judgments and living in the moment. Befikre is a story that celebrates being carefree in love. A quintessential Delhi boy Dharam (Ranveer Singh) comes to Paris for work in search of an adventure. Just when he was about to embark on` this journey of his life he bumps into a wild, free spirited, French born Indian girl Shyra (Vaani Kapoor). Watch the song here: A feisty romance ensues between the two in which both of their personalities- one being an equal match for the other are tested to the limit. Battling their ups and downs, both realize that love is a leap of faith that can only be taken by those who dare to love. Directed by Aditya Chopra, Befikre will hit the screens on December 9, 2016. Follow @htshowbiz for more A large number of Indian citizens resident in the United Kingdom and people of Indian origin have appealed to the Narendra Modi government to allow exchange of demonetised currency worth 1000 and 500 rupees abroad. Prominent industrialist Swraj Paul hailed the demonetisation move, saying it was one of the best solutions to eradicate endemic corruption. He hoped inconveniences caused to the common man would end soon. Business will be greatly impacted. If we can get rid of corruption, lot of investment will come in and India will look like a different country, he told HT. Britain has one of the largest Indian diaspora that maintains close business, family and cultural links with India. Many possess rupees in the demonetised currencies for use during visits to India, but have not been to exchange them in Indian banks based here. Concerns were raised through the Indian high commission, with appeals that exchange of old notes be allowed in the United Kingdom. According to RBI, non-resident Indians need to exchange notes in India or authorise someone to do it for them before December 30. The demonetisation has caused significant inconvenience and hardship for many thousands of Indian citizens and NRIs not based in India. The Indian government has not put in place enough safeguards to ensure that people with legitimate savings they have worked hard for are not left worse off, senior Labour MP Virendra Sharma, whose constituency of Ealing Southall has a large population of Indian origin, told HT on Wednesday. I have written to PM Modi to ask that exchange services are provided abroad so that people with a small amount of money are able to change the notes they legally kept hold of into legal tender. Sharma and community leaders such as Mahendrasinh Jadeja have met Indias acting high commissioner Dinesh Patnaik in this regard to ensure that non-resident Indians here are not left out of pocket. There are several Indian banks are based in the United Kingdom, but they have put up notices on entrances and websites that they do not deal in Indian Rupee Notes from our UK branches and hence, we will not be in a position to handle the Rupee note exchange process (including withdrawal of old notes). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Banks are likely to chalk out a compensation plan for their employees, who have been working long hours to cope with the unprecedented rise in customer visits, after the governments surprise demonetisation move. While most lenders said they were yet to look into the issue, the senior management of most banks have said the reward plans are likely to be announced. Several government banks have already issued notices to their branches to give additional money to the employees. Banks may even consider seeking the support of retired staff to carry out the demonetisation exercise . The finance ministry has also written to the Indian Banks Association to ensure that the bank managements focus on employees welfare. Banks may plan and support the officers and employees working late hours, said a notice sent by the ministry. However, a few banks may not offer compensatory off-days in lieu of holidays on which the employees worked. All bank employees need to be lauded for their efforts ... they have worked on holidays without any breaks ... we will formulate some award programme for our employees, said a senior official of a Mumbai-based state bank on condition of anonymity. Central Bank of India, for instance, has decided to give out-of-pocket expense of 3,000 per day to all officers who worked on Saturday and Sunday. Bank officials said that with most ATMs running dry, customer visits to exchange old currency notes and even withdraw cash has increased manifold. Bank employees have been co-operative, trying to help as many people as possible, said another official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday asked banks to ensure copies of PAN cards were being submitted for cash deposit exceeding Rs 50,000, if not already linked with customers account, to ensure tax rule compliance in the wake of the recent demonetisation move. The RBI asked banks to insist on customers sharing their permanent account number (PAN) for all applicable transactions mandated under the Income Tax rule. The directive follows the government order from last week that rendered the old 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes illegal. Read | Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes scrapped: 25 things RBI wants you to know With a view to ensuring compliance with provisions of 114B of the Income Tax Rules, 1962, the banks are advised that anybody depositing more than Rs 50,000 in cash in their bank account has to submit a copy of the PAN card in case the bank account is not seeded with PAN, a notification said. According to the 114B, every person is required to quote PAN for all documents pertaining to a time deposit with a bank or co-operative bank, post office, Nidhi or non-banking financial company which is allowed to accept deposits if the amount is more than Rs 50,000 or aggregating over Rs 5 lakh during a financial year. Besides, customers also have to furnish PAN details for all transactions related to sale or purchase of motor vehicle/s, opening a bank account, applying a credit or debit card, opening a demat account and the like. A customer must do so even when paying over Rs 50,000 in cash for hotels bills or travel to a foreign country or buying foreign currency. Payment of over Rs 50,000 towards buying a mutual fund, bonds, bank drafts or pay orders and many other transactions also attract the same rules, according to the I-T ruling. The government has been keeping a close vigil on the kind of deposits in bank accounts following the recent order and those who depositing over Rs 2.5 lakh in cash. Banks and post offices have been asked to report to the I-T department all deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh in savings accounts, and more than Rs 12.50 lakh in current accounts, made during the 50-day window provided to tender the scrapped 500 and 1000 rupee notes. Read | Govt says deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh to be taxed: Your 4 questions answered These entities will also have to report cash deposits during the period aggregating to Rs 12.50 lakh or more, in one or more current account of a person. The finance ministry has notified the amended Rule for filing of Annual Information Return (AIR) report by banking company, cooperative bank and post offices on account of aggregate cash deposits in one or more current account of a person. Banks and post offices now have to file a statement of financial transaction in respect of these transactions on or before January 31, 2017, the notification said. Earlier, they were required to report to the I-T department only when cash deposits in an account exceeded Rs 10 lakh in one full year. Read | Rs 500, 1000 scrapped, ATMs closed today: Highlights of PMs speech Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to attend a rally organised by Aam Aadmi Party at Azadpur Mandi - the biggest vegetable and fruits wholesale hub in the city - on Thursday in an attempt to woo the trading community agitated over Centres ban on currency notes. Considered traditional supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party ruling at the Centre, their business has been hit by demonetisation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 to weed out black money and unaccounted cash. Read: Kejriwal ups ante in assembly session, wants note ban rolled back Kejriwal had earlier argued that the scheme is only causing hardship to the poor and has hit farmers and traders, who are forced to deal in cash due to the nature of the market and the economy involved. Sources said Delhi development minister Gopal Rai - whose department supervises all wholesale markets - held a meeting at his residence on Tuesday to prepare for the rally. Traders have been feeling the pinch of the scheme. Several trade and market associations have approached the AAP seeking intervention. A rally will be the first step in taking the fight for their cause to the street. Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia besides Gopal Rai will attend the event. Request has also been made to the chief minister and he is likely to attend, said a source. Kejriwal has come out as one of the most vocal opponents of the demonetisation scheme of the Modi government, demanding its immediate rollback. On Tuesday, Kejriwal also sought intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee urging him to institute a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the allegations that the scheme was a fraud on the nation. Read: Kejriwal says PM Modi using his mother for politics Kejriwal on Wednesday tweeted calling all city residents, who have been affected by scrapping of notes, to attend the event. Over a dozen representatives of trade, industry and market associations met the chief minister at his residence on Sunday and urged him to intervene on the issue, an AAP source said. On Saturday, Kejriwal went on a padyatra a tour of few markets and trade hubs in the city including the Azadpur Mandi. However, he also faced some protest at Laxmi Nagar and Gandhi Nagar markets from a section of locals as tempers ran high over paucity of cash in banks and ATMs. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It was around 8:30pm and Seema, 34, was waiting for customers in the corridors of GB Road, Delhis red light area, on the night of November 8. Her smartphone buzzed. It was a message from a fellow sex worker that read, Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes banned. Dont take. Initially, I was confused what it actually meant but soon the message spread across the brothels that government has banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. My life changed for the worse after that. I used to handle four customers in a night. Now, I sit idle most part of the day, she said. Demonetisation has badly affected the business at GB road. According to an estimate, about 80% of the 5,000 sex workers have no work. Many have gone to their native village. Customers often give banned currency to sex workers and few even throw old notes during dance performances in those brothels where mujra (dancing) is performed. There are three such brothels on GB road. Read: At queues outside Delhi banks people share, collaborate, socialise Rekha, who was brought to GB Road by a pimp from Kathmandu on the promise of a job 15 years ago, said, Never have the kothas been so empty. Most of the girls have left for their villages or homes. There is no business. Whoever comes, offers old notes, she said. Seema lives with 35 other girls in the brothel. As many as 20 have gone home to their in villages in Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Another woman who has been in the brothel for the last 35 years said the owner earned Rs 35,000 a day but now the income has come down to less than Rs 5,000 due to the shortage of cash in hand. A worker who charged around Rs 400 earlier will now accept anywhere between Rs 100 and Rs 200, she said. The younger girls who charged a higher rate have decreased it by half. A sex worker charging Rs 700 will now charge less than Rs 300, she said. Just 800 out of the estimated 5,000 sex workers on GB Road have bank accounts. Others deposit money in the accounts of other sex workers or have gone home so that they could get the money changed. Many are also dealing with the middlemen or pimps to get the money changed. But there is risk of losing their hard earned money. Those in the queue to change the money are facing problem with people taunting them. On Sunday, when I stood in a queue at Syndicate bank, a man said GB Road wale bhi aa gaye paisa jama karne (now even sex-workers will deposit their money). There should be separate banks for us, said Vandana, who had saved around Rs 8,000 in cash for sending it to her two children who study at a boarding school in Allahabad. Vandana came to GB Road from a village in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. The brothel owner pays her around Rs 10,000 every month and charges 50% of her earnings as his commission. Read: Delhi traffic cops issue fewer challans as commuters low on cash We have to pay around half of our earnings to the brothel owner. He too is not accepting old notes. He said if you pay me old notes you will have to pay Rs 1,200 for Rs 1,000. Reena, who was listening to the conversation interrupts, This will make things worse. Bankers would identify us and will start asking for sexual favours. Lack of information has also led to fear. Karishma, who has been living in the red light area for the past six years, said, Is the government also planning to conduct raids on people who have more than 2.5 lakh in their account. We will be left with nothing if this happens. I have two children who are studying. I dont want them to enter this profession. The experts, however, feel that demonetisation is the best way to curb trafficking. Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi had recently commended the step. It is a lesser known fact that human trafficking and child labour are amongst the largest sources of black money. I have come across innumerable incidents where the agent or middle man earned at least Rs 5000 for the placement of young boys in bonded labour and in cases of girls sold for prostitution and child marriages, this amount was around Rs 2 lakh. Every single rupee earned by the traffickers and slave masters is black money. This move will break their backbone, he had said. According to a study conducted by Global March against Child Labour, Rs 21 lakh crore are generated by enslaving young girls in brothels. (Names of the sex workers have been changed) Read: Dhabas, small eateries feel the heat as sales plummet SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With demonetisation hitting hard, Delhiites have resorted to an austere life. Come India International Trade Fair (IITF) and the shoppers can gear up for some retail therapy. Based on PM Modis dream theme of Digital India, the fair has kicked off for trade and business persons, with 7000 participants in an exhibition area of more than 1 lakh square metre. This year, the partner country is South Korea and country in focus is Belarus. But it is the variety available in the pavilions of the partner states Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and the state in focus, Haryana that will attract you for sure. From traditional waistcoats of the Lotha tribe of Nagaland to coconut shell jewellery of West Bengal and the handcrafted traditional saris from Orissa, theres a lot to choose from. The fair, which is open to public from November 19, will showcase a repertoire of Indian handicrafts and handlooms. All this is driven by the Make in India initiative. So, be ready to indulge in Indian products as we tell you what to find where. A metal sculpture from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Price: Rs 1500, pavilion: Outside Odisha. (Amal KS/HT Photo) These traditional Ladakhi shoes with intricate patterns will keep you warm this winter. Price: Rs 1200. Pavilion: Jammu and Kashmir. (Amal KS/HT Photo) 30 varieties of Botanical Perfumes from Andhra Pradesh by Subhash Kolla. Price: Rs 10 to Rs 45,000. Pavilion: Andhra Pradesh. (Amal KS/HT Photo ) Pen holder from Nagaland, brings good luck to your house. Price: Rs 40, Stall: Nagaland; Stall No 9. (Amal KS/HT Photo) Sashi, a seller at Nagaland pavilion, stall no 4 is selling woollen mask priced at Rs 50. (Amal KS/HT Photo) Delhis Smog is the selling point here Quite a few stalls at the trade fair are selling masks, aroma oils and medicines that claim to beat the smog-effect. Sashi, a seller at Nagaland pavilion stall no 4 is selling woollen mask priced at Rs 50. She says, People were wearing masks, during smog. So I thought, why not sell woollen masks. A stall in Tamil Nadu pavilion is selling medicines to help curb respiratory problems. Mohd Rashim, stall owner of Kazah Balm and Oil, says, This is the first time weve set up our stall in IITF and the increasing breathing problem in the city is the reason behind it. Key hanger made of bamboo from Assam will add a northeastern touch to your home. Price: Rs 450. Pavilion: Assam; Stall No E 4. (Amal KS/HT Photo) A teracotta sculpture of Durga, with crown made of millets. Price: Rs120. Pavilion: West Bengal (Amal KS/HT Photo) (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT Photo) Demonetisation a problem? Not here Most stalls in IITF are accepting cards for payment. In fact, some stalls are also accepting old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. But on one condition we will not return any change, says Ganga Bhavani at Tamil Nadu pavilion. A mobile ATM van is also parked inside the venue, with people queuing for it. However, on day one, the machine ran out of cash within a few hours Culture Capsule Nov15: Magic show by Rahul Kharbanda at Food Court, 4.30pm Nov16: Punjab State Day Celebrations at Hamsadhwani Theatre, 6pm Nov17: Uttarakhand State day celebrations at Lal Chowk Theatre, 3.30pm Nov 19: Qawwali by Shahid Niyazi and Rampur (UP) at Falaknuma Theatre, 6pm Nov24: Mohiniyattam dance by Trikala Gurukulam at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6pm Nov 27: Pati Pakhawaj Recital by Harish Chandra at Shakuntalam Theatre, 6pm Catch it Live WHAT: 36th India International Trade Fair WHERE: Pragati Maidan WHEN: November 19 to 27 TIMINGS: 9.30am to 7.30pm Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan on Blue Line This recruitment season, you could be asked out to dinner, told to build a model airplane from cardboard, or even quizzed about your haircut. Recruiters are ditching the old formats of written tests and group discussions in favour of more innovative exercises as they seek to assess candidates ability to withstand pressure, think on their feet and communicate effectively. Marketing student Shiv Gandhi, 25, for instance, was part of a group of 55 students invited to a four-star hotel for dinner in September, where senior executives of Pidilite proceeded to engage them in conversation. We talked about all kinds of things, from gaming to movies, says Desai. It felt like they were observing our communication skills, mannerisms, and even etiquette at the table. A few days after that dinner, 20 of us got summer placement offers. At her campus interview last year, Indrani Dasgupta, 22, a Commerce graduate from Hislop College in Nagpur, was surprised to find that all her questions were related to her haircut. The interviewer, a woman, asked where I got the haircut, asked me to compare similar salons in the area by price and experience, and asked me how I had researched my options before choosing my hairdresser, says Dasgupta. Dasgupta was interviewing for a job as information process enabler at IBM. The questions were clearly a test of whether I was a good communicator, how I dealt with surprises, and whether I could think on my feet, she says. Incidentally, Dasgupta got the position and attributes her success largely to the fact that she stayed calm and kept the conversation casual and flowing. Sejal Karnik, 24, a marketing graduate from Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, interviewed this January for placement at Piramal Enterprises, which makes contraceptive pills. Read: 31 companies blacklisted from IIT campus placements after flurry of complaints EXPECT SURPRISES Most of my batchmates told us they were being given case studies to solve or asked how they would market the i-Pill, so we prepared accordingly, Karnik says. But when our turn came, we were shown to a table where there were a few pieces of cardboard and some stationery, and then asked to split up in groups and make a model airplane in 10 minutes. It was a tense situation, but we did complete the task and I got through to the next round. Overall, it was an interesting way to test leadership skills and see who was the kind to take charge, who would show the most team spirit and who had the best problemsolving skills. Anish Desai, 24, student placement coordinator at his college, the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Vile Parle, says he has been surprised to see the variety of new interviewing techniques being employed over the past two years. Multinational confectionary company Perfetti has provided stationery to students and asked them to design and pitch new products in line with the brands existing offerings. SAP Software solutions invited shortlisted students to interact with existing employees . The challenge was also to participate in a number of corporate games. Yes Bank organised a filmmaking contest and offered placements to the three NMIMS students who made the best short films on social transformation. These new approaches has allowed students with hidden talents to stand out in the crowd, says Shobha Pai, director of placements at NMIMS University. There are a lot of students who may not have forceful personalities or for whom languages may be a barrier but who nonetheless possess skill sets that are unique and useful to the company in the positions that they are looking to fill. Testing overall attitude and life skills in unusual ways is a good way to somewhat level the playing field. PLAY THE FIELD The element of surprise combined with an innovative approach to testing also allows companies to pick candidates for very specific job profiles, from a batch of main-stream graduates. In the last five years, industry requirements and attitudes have changed, says Siddharth Gupta, head of marketing and PR at AasaanJobs.com, an online marketplace for entry-level jobs. They are willing to fill specialised positions from a general pool of candidates, as long as the candidate meets their requirements. Resorting to unusual activities can test those specific skills and ensure they get the right fit. There is no shortcut to acing such interviews, says Shireen Ardeshir, a student counsellor. Participate in group and individual activities and competitions in college through the year. Be observant of situations and dont hesitate from learning from your competitors and peers in the team, Ardeshir adds. Stay calm and look to complete tasks assigned to you so as to put your best foot forward. Read: Hiring! More PSUs expected on IIT campuses this year The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton had heads turning when she recently attended a movie premiere in a pleated crochet maxi dress. The outcome? The fashion police gave her a thumbs up. Kate nailed the look and had us take notice of the fine detailing of the crochet design incorporated in her outfit. Crochet is no more grandma-hand-me-down fashion, but rather a statement of bold and free-spirited fashion, says Delhi-based designer Rinku Sobti. The designer, who has been working with the macrame technique for a long time now, aims to create employment, promote artisans, and increase awareness about handcrafted and handwoven fabrics among todays youth. Crochet adds a touch of individuality, and hence, is received well as a statement trend. Anything that makes the millennial feel unique and unconventional echoes their taste, she says. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton had heads turning when she recently attended a movie premiere in a pleated crochet maxi dress. So, how well can crochet fit into ones wardrobe today? Crochet lace has been used to make outfits and clothing since the 19th century. Over the years, it has become even more elaborate, and is used for detailing. Crochet motifs and designs have been utilised by designers and high-street brands for years, says celebrity stylist Aastha Sharma, adding that one can now find crochet in different forms of clothing such as dresses, jackets, cover-ups, shorts, and more. Crochet clothing works best for holiday wear such as swimwear and beachwear, and to achieve a boho look, she says. Bohemian rhapsody Crochet designs need not be just white. You can add a splash of Rastafarian colours (red, yellow and green) to create an interesting, casual look, like this outfit. The bodice consists of a crochet halter top, which then flares into a full-length, muticoloured skirt. Shrug it off In a city like Mumbai, where wearing a sweater is a no-no, one can look for various alternatives like this shrug. Not so hot, not so cold, the shrug is good for every season. Fun with dungarees Get the back-to-school look with these blue-coloured crochet overalls. Team it up with a plain cotton crop top or a T-shirt, so that it doesnt take away the attention from the dungaree shorts. Desi Knits This Rinku Sobti wicker dress sported by Gauahar Khan is inspired from the crochet technique, which has been used in an elaborate way. Short N Sweet Step out in these bright, yellow-coloured crochet shorts. You can team them up with a nude-coloured full-sleeved top. Accessorise the look with a crochet neck-piece. This wedding season, be ready to unlearn every fashion rule you have lived by. After a much talked about take-off last year, HT City Print Fashion Week (PFW) 2016 is set to bring you game-changing glamour, unrivalled style inspiration and groundbreaking trends right at your door step! The one-of-its-kind fashion week will showcase bridal and cocktail collections of Indias top designers in a unique print format. This year, our stalwarts gallery features Rajesh Pratap Singh, Namrata Joshipura, Ritu Beri, Shantanu and Nikhil, and Manish Malhotra. Coverage of the first edition of HT City PFW Models in Rohit Bals creation. Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI, says the fashion week stands out because of its accessibility. This concept is special because it gives everyone a chance to be a part of the fashion world, he says. Designer Ritu Beri says the reach of this fashion week is unparalleled. Its an impressive initiative to reach out to an audience that often doesnt get to visit a fashion show. Its a great way to see a designers latest collection sitting at home. And, of course, no initiative is a success without equally impressive partners. HT Citys print fashion week is a creative initiative and we are happy to be associated with it. The aesthetics of The Lalit New Delhi make for a perfect ambience for the fashion shoots, says Keshav Suri, executive director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. Models in JJ Valayas creation. (HT Photo) Another aspect that sets PFW apart is a cause dear to us. For the first time in India, the series will showcase inclusive fashion that challenges the traditional notion of beauty. Join us as we raise a toast to liberating, uninhibited fashion! Actor Jennifer Aniston is reportedly adopting children from two Mexican orphanages at the encouragement of Brad Pitt, who, during their marriage always told her she would be a great mother. Aniston is now considering adopting orphans shes been financially supporting, reports radaronline.com. Aniston regularly visits Casa Hogar Sion and Casa Hogar de Los Ninos orphanages in Tijuana, Mexico. She provided the two orphanages with school equipment, personal hygiene items as well as toys and clothes for babies and toddlers. This has brought some happiness into her life, and brought her close to her dream of having her own child. Finding the fulfilment shes missing in her marriage to Justin Theroux as she spends time with the children from the facilities, a source close to Aniston told Radar Online. She gets to be around kids, and shes feeling appreciated for a change. She even wants to bring one or more kids home so she can feel like a mom all the time, the source added. According to the website, Anistons former husband Brad Pitt was the one who came up with the idea to adopt kids in Mexico. The former couple had talked about adopting a child from the country before he left her to be with actor Angelina Jolie more than a decade ago. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married from 2000-2005. Brad really gave her the courage to move forward. He told her, Youll be an amazing mother. Ive always believed that. Hearing Brad say those words was just what she needed, the source said. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Marion Cotillard says shooting an intimate scene with Brad Pitt in Allied was awkward. The 41-year-old says that one particularly steamy scene, in which their characters get up close and personal in the back of a car during a sandstorm, left the pair in fits of laughter because it was so weird to have every step planned out for them, reports femalefirst.co.uk. We rehearse and had a very determined choreography, and then it allows you freedom, Cotillard said here. When you know exactly what your body will do, then you can act and you can be free to give the emotions and give the feelings because you wont think, What am I going to do next? Am I going to go on top of him? Its an awkward situation. We laughed because you need to get it out because this is so weird. And so you get this time of looking at each other and saying, Okay, this is so weird. And then we go into this and then Im going on top of you and then we are going to kiss, she added. Cotillard even had to teach Pitt how to speak French for the role, as Allied is the story of a Canadian intelligence officer (Pitt) meeting a French Resistance fighter (Cotillard) during World War II. He had this commitment to learn French the best he could, which was really, really impressive, so I helped him by being very tough. Actors Marion Cotillard (L) and Brad Pitt attend The Allied Fan Event Presented by Paramount Pictures, in Westwood, California. (AFP) I was very honest with him. But at the same time, I really wanted to support him in this process that I went through, and I know how hard it is, said Cotillard, who was rumoured to be the reason for split between Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Follow @htshowbiz for more The government decided to declare controversial TV evangelist Zakir Naiks outfit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) an unlawful association under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on Tuesday. Following the government notification, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that was waiting for a final go-ahead from the Union home ministry may register an FIR against Naik and IRF on charges of alleged violation of the UAPA. 1) The Union government has decided to declare controversial TV evangelist Zakir Naiks outfit Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) an unlawful association for five years under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA on Tuesday. Following the government notification, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) it was waiting for a final go-ahead from the Union home ministry may register an FIR against Naik and IRF on charges of alleged violation of the UAPA. 2) The government declaration, in effect, means no person can hold meetings, collect funds or become a member or office-bearer of the IRF, whose website says it is a registered, nonprofit, public charitable trust. A ban under the UAPA is valid for five years. The decision to declare the IRF unlawful was approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, home ministry sources said. 3) The Mumbai police may also move against the state-based organisation if it continues with its activities. However, as of now, the Mumbai police have not received any notification pertaining to the ban on televangelist Naiks IRF and awaits one to initiate further action. The IRF headquarter is located in Dongri and its activities were investigated on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis orders. We are yet to receive a notification of the order, joint police commissioner Deven Bharti told HT. Only once we get it, can we decide upon the execution of the order. There is still no clarity on the specifics of the action and technically what has been banned. Read: How controversial preacher Zakir Naik became a polarising figure in Mumbai 4) Naik, who is in Thailand at present, is accused of dodging the police after charges that his sermons allegedly influenced the Dhaka cafe attackers. Bangladesh has also banned Naiks Peace TV. Once we get a copy of the government notification, we may challenge in it court, said Naiks spokesperson Aarif Malik. Naik is supposed to return to India in January or February next year. There is no change in his plan to come back to India. 5) A separate probe was earlier initiated by the Special Branch (SB), the Mumbai polices intelligence wing and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) focusing on the managerial and monetary aspects of the IRF. 6) The SB had rummaged through several published material and audio records of Naiks sermons that were in public domain, and found them controversial. The SB also unearthed the editing studio of Naiks banned Peace TV channel which operated from another building near the IRFs office in Dongri. The studio, which operated under the name Harmony Media Pvt Ltd, compiled Naiks sermons that were to be shipped to other countries and aired in at least half-a-dozen foreign languages. The channel was banned is India in 2012. 7) The EOW, on the other hand, found funds to the tune of several lakhs that the IRF received as religious funds and were allegedly being used for other purposes, which amounted to violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. Central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence were also part of the enquiry against Naik and the IRF. 8) The Mumbai police probe also linked one of the IRFs employees Arshi Qureshi, a guest relationship manager, to a group of 22 men who went missing from Kerala. The probe was being conducted by the Kerala police and assisted by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, leading to startling revelations on how IRF was also part of conversion rackets. 9) Both Khan and Qureshi were arrested and a radicalisation case was registered with the Nagpada police after Abdul Majeed Kadar Khan, father of Ashfaq one of the missing Kerala youth lodged a complaint. The Mumbai Crime Branch, which probed the case, later had recovered the conversion documents of 60 persons from Khans Kalyan home. The case is being investigated by NIA now. 10) There are previous cases against against Naik for his controversial remarks against Hindu gods. Also cases against him have been filed in Kurla, Vengurla, Sawantwadi and outside Maharashtra also. Naik has filed an application in the SC demanding all these cases to be investigated by one agency. His plea is pending. Read: IRF ban: Mumbai police await notification, clarity before initiating action Showing a three-fold jump, as many as 105 militants have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir till September this year and incidences of ceasefire violations by Pakistan stood at 369 in the state till October of 2016, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. On the first day of the winter session, minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said altogether 105 terrorists have successfully infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border till September 2016. While there were 201 attempts of infiltration from Pakistan during the period, 24 militants were killed, 72 others returned and two militants have surrendered. In 2015, only 33 militants could infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. There were 121 infiltration attempts and 46 militants were killed by security forces in that period. Ahir said that there has been a spurt in infiltration attempts from the Pakistan side. He said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2 this year and 159 such incidents were reported along the LoC in the state. In the year 2015, there were 253 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border and 152 such incidents along the LoC, the minister added in reply to a written question. Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday said that 11 Indian soldiers were killed in cross-border firing on November 14, the day seven of his personnel were gunned down near the de-facto border between the two countries, according to reports in Pakistani media. He dared the Indian Army to accept their losses, stressing that the Pakistan Army accepts and owns its casualties, said a report on the Pakistani news website, Dawn. Gen. Sharif, in a conversation with media in Islamabad, said Indias surgical strikes across the Line of Control was limited to mere words and New Delhi had to face embarrassment over the claim, according to Geo News. Earlier in the day, the General, alongside Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, watched a Pakistani military exercise near the strategic border to test the armys preparedness. Ties between New Delhi and Islamabad have hit a low in the aftermath of an attack on an Indian Army base in northern Kashmirs Uri that killed 19 soldiers in September. New Delhi blamed the brazen assault on Pakistan-based militants, a charge Islamabad has denied. About a fortnight after the Uri attack, the Indian Army said it carried out surgical strikes on militant bases across the Line of Control. Since then, repeated ceasefire violations at the border and civilian deaths on both sides have added to the tension. India recently accused a Pakistan high commission staffer of spying, and in a tit-for-tat move, a media leak in Pakistan accused eight officials of the Indian mission of being involved in subversive activities. Almost all engagements between the neighbours have been put on hold amid reports that the two countries will scale down diplomatic presence in each others capitals, though Pakistan has confirmed it will attend a conference in Amritsar in December. On November 14, Pakistan accused India of resorting to unprovoked firing and its Foreign Office summoned the Indian envoy to lodge a protest. The Pakistan militarys media arm, on its Facebook page, said that seven soldiers died in the Bhimber sector of the LoC in a ceasefire violation by Indian troops late on Sunday night. Over 20 countries, including Brazil and France, on Wednesday became signatories to the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance -- an initiative that is the brainchild of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The framework agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA) was opened for signatures here on the sidelines of CoP22 with Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave saying that with this legal framework in place, the ISA will be a major international body headquartered in India. Over 20 countries, including Brazil and France, became signatories to it soon after the process began, an Environment Ministry official said. Indian climate experts termed it as a good initiative which will aggregate demand, improve quality and reduce cost of solar energy in developing countries but cautioned that achieving these objectives will require countries to have confidence in ISA. The Framework Agreement of ISA was opened for signature in Marrakech on the sidelines of the CoP22 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This will make ISA an innovative, action oriented and sui generis international and inter-governmental treaty-based organisation that will be registered under Article 102 of the UN charter, an official statement said. ISA was jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande at the CoP21 in Paris last year where representatives from around 70 countries including more than 30 Heads of the States and government participated. ISA is an initiative by India where an alliance of 121 solar resource-rich countries lying fully or partially between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn, have come together. The Framework Agreement will be kept open as many more countries are expected to join the ISA in the coming weeks, the statement said. During the ceremony, Dave thanked the countries for their continued support for concretising the concept of ISA and reaching todays milestone in the shortest possible time. Within 11 months of launch, ISA activities have increased significantly, and many initiatives are under implementation. With legal framework in place ISA will be a major international body headquartered in India, he said while thanking the French government. He said creating common buyers market for solar finance, technology, innovation, capacity building and others will lead to higher quality, lower costs, products better tailored to needs, collaborative innovation and technology ownership. Read more| Trump, funding by rich nations pose hurdles at Marrakesh climate talks Three terrorists who were involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka were admirers of Zakir Naik, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. The organisation he founded, Islamic Research Foundation, was declared an unlawful association under The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the government on Tuesday. The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said according to the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the prior permission category. The government on Tuesday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the union cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move comes after investigation by the home ministry found that the NGO allegedly had dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the home ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed at other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, the channel in which his speeches that allegedly demean other religions and other Muslim sects are aired. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. Parliaments winter session opened on Wednesday with a storm over the recall of high-value banknotes but away from the media spotlight Indias transgender community is fighting to scrap a bill that they say will harm them. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 was approved by the cabinet earlier this year and tabled in Parliament by social justice minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot in the previous session. The bill was supposed to be the cornerstone of a new progressive image for the BJP after a spate of controversies revolving around violence against minorities and Dalits. But the script appears to have gone awry. Activists say the draft legislation dilutes key provisions of an earlier version of the bill and proposes provisions that undermine protections for transgender people and opens them to torture and abuse. Activists in India are up in arms over the new transgender bill. Heres why Activists and Hijra leaders from across India are now meeting parliamentarians across party lines to push them to oppose the current bill that may come up in the winter session. The bill is draconian and regressive, said Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli, a transgender activist from Hyderabad. She and others are scheduled to meet Gehlot on Wednesday. Many of them now want the government to revert to a private members bill by DMKs Tiruchi Siva that was passed in the Rajya Sabha last year. The government has attempted to bring in a bill in place of my bill but their bill lacks the basic necessity required by the transgender community. The government should withdraw its bill and pass my bill, said Siva. Community leaders have also met with leaders from the Congress and other opposition parties to ask for their support in Parliament. For them, the problems with the bill start right from the definition of transgender that is insulting and excludes 99% of transgender people, says Rachana, an activist. The draft legislation also excludes provisions for transgender reservation a key demand of the Supreme Courts landmark Nalsa judgment in 2014 that that recognized the third gender and called for rights and measures for transpersons. Government clears bill to protect rights of transgenders But two provisions in particular have riled the community. One, the bill replaces the right to self-identify gender with an elaborate structure for certification but community leaders say this will lead to gatekeeping, nepotism and further harassment. Government officials with no idea of trans issues will certify us as trans means that the right to self-declare gender as guaranteed by the Nalsa judgment is being eroded, says Rachana. The second is the criminalisation of begging a traditional occupation of many transpeople who face bias in education and employment. This provision will be used to criminalise the traditional structure of mutual trans support and will decimate the community structure. Meanwhile, the community has no support or employment options due to social prejudice, said Mogli. The way forward, transgender leaders say, is to return to the old version of the bill and constitute an open consultation with members of the community We need to have legislation ensuring the name and gender on our educational and work experience certificates can be changed, otherwise it is impossible for us to get jobs and be recognised in our gender identity of choice. We need to get jobs, said Santosh, an activist who uses a single name. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The opposition parties attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday for unleashing an economic anarchy by recalling high-value banknotes but the government defended the clampdown as a move to cleanse the country of illicit currency. They also demanded a probe into the demonetisation move saying the government had leaked the information to BJPs friends in advance. The scrapping of the old Rs 500 and 1,000 banknotes on November 8 has forced people to spend hours in queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes and withdraw new ones, triggering a political blame game. The ruling dispensation justifies the move as surgical strike against black money, terror-funding, and counterfeit currency. Read: Rahul Gandhi seeks action against PM Modis friends Read: Parliament: Oppn steps up attack over demonetisation, govt retaliates The Prime Minister walked over to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Trinamool Congress MPs and other opposition leaders in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday morning. Soon after, the opposition parties launched a diatribe against the government during a debate on the issue in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha was adjourned after obituary references and is likely to debate the demonetisation on Thursday when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is also expected to speak on the issue. Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu likened demonetisation to the governments Swachch Bharat programme . Swachh tan se, man se, dhan se (purity of body, mind and wealth)that is what the governmemt is aiming for, Naidu said in the Rajya Sabha. Initiating the debate, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma attacked the Prime Minister, asking from where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore -- estimated by the International Money Watch Group -- for his Lok Sabha election campaign in 2014. He said information was selectively leaked to benefit the BJPs friends. Your BJP units have deposited crores (before the announcement). Sharma said a Gujarati newspaper published a report in April about the move to withdraw the banknotes. Read: Demonetisation blues may continue for a month, but please bear with it: Rajnath This is a very serious issue. Truth be told, you never kept secrecy, Sharma said. His demand for a probe was supported by JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. The Congress also sought to know to whom Modi was referring to when he said in Goa recently that with demonetisation resulting in looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me. Power minister Piyush Goyal, however, said demonetisation was in national interest and people across the country are supporting the initiative. He rejected the allegations of leakage as baseless, saying that everyone was taken by surprise by the decision and thats why there are initial problems. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who seemed isolated in her demand to roll back the demonetisation move, got support from unexpected quarters as NDA constituent Shiv Sena, the Aam Aadmi Party, and the National Conference leaders joined her march from Parliament to the Rashtrapati Bhawan to seek President Pranab Mukherjees intervention. For full coverage on govts demonetisation move, click here Political leaders cutting across party lines have attended the wedding of mining baron G Janardhan Reddys daughter. The event has raised eyebrows in Karnataka over its extravaganza and pomp. Curtains came down on Wednesday on the five-day show that featured ceremonies in lavish settings, even as the opulent display sparked a controversy at a time people across the country are reeling due to cash crunch after demonetisation of high-value currencies. There was a lot of speculation in the Kannada media about who would attend, especially because Reddy is still fighting the charges of illegally mining iron ore in Bellary district. But the sevent seemed to be a big hit. Prominent among the visitors were state BJP chief and former chief minister and BS Yeddyurappa, Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala, Congress leader and state home minister G Parameshwara, and ministers UT Khader and HK Patil. Also present were south Indian cinema stars such as Kannada film actors Ravichandran and Puneeth Rajkumar, and Tamil film star Vishal. Huge sets were erected at the Bengaluru Palace grounds, which attempted to recreate the temple and palace of the 16th century king Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara kingdom. Former Karnataka chief minister and state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa attending an event related to the wedding of G Janardhan Reddys daughters in Bengaluru on Tuesday. (HT photo) On either side of the entrance to the main wedding hall were two robotic elephants that caught the fancy of many visitors. The main hall was packed with people. A barricade separated the commoners from the VIPs and a giant screen made sure everybody could see the wedding. An announcer kept the public informed about the arriving VIPs. A policeman, one of only 12 deputed for the event, said there were about 10,000 people at the venue. Security, however, was provided by around 3,000 private security personnel, who were preoccupied with ensuring that no member of the public captured photographs of the event. Hanumanthappa, a farmer from Ballary district, made the journey to Bengaluru just to witness the gala show. He said: How could we miss this? Hes from our area so we had to come. Rakesh Kumar, who had made the journey from Bellary by bus, said many people had come to the wedding because Reddy is our leader. G Janardhan Reddy, along with his family, at the wedding of his daughter in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (HT photo) After his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation in 2011 on graft charges, Reddy had spent about 40 months in jail. Political parties and their leaders had been wary of associating with him during that time. When asked about his attendance at the wedding, Khader, state minister for food and public distribution, said, It is just a wedding. Attending this does not mean anything. The event was capped off with a rendition of the popular Kannada song Huttidare Kannada Nadalli Huttabeku (If you are born, it is better to be born in the land of Kannada), an apparent reminder of Reddys loyalty to the state. His father hailed from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh that borders Bellary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Two teenage girls from Bengaluru have approached the Madurai District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) with a plea seeking protection from their families, who they say have objected to their friendship. The duo, who left their homes without informing their parents and reached the temple city a few days ago, have sought the Centres protection to live together, MDLSA member Panneerselvam said on Wednesday. In their petition, the 19-year-old girls had stated that they are close friends and were studying together in a college in Bengaluru. However, their parents were against their friendship and had warned them of dire consequences if they did not sever ties. The girls alleged that their parents have also threatened of acid attack on them. The petitioners who are living together in Madurai also claimed that the Constitution gave them every right to live together as friends and that nobody could degrade their friendship or threaten them. The girls parents would be called for talks, the member said. Chhattisgarh on Wednesday became the first state in the country to pass a motion in the assembly supporting the demonetisation move of the central government. The state has also exempted swipe-machines from value added tax (VAT) to encourage e-transactions. Backing the central governments decision of demonetising 1,000 and 500 rupee notes, chief minister Dr Raman Singh on Tuesday tabled an urgent motion in the legislative assembly that was taken up on Wednesday. The chief minister told the assembly that the house welcomes the Centres decision of demonetisation and expressed support to promote institutional mechanisms for clean monetary transactions. The assembly passed the resolution with 41 votes in favour and 25 against the motion. The government will procure paddy at the minimum support price (MSP) from the farmers of the state from Thursday and for that e-payment will be made. Government has made all arrangements for the farmers of the state at 1,986 procurement centres, said Singh while talking to media persons. In order to serve the national interests including eradication of black money and to restrict pecuniary resources of terrorists and to curb the circulation of fake currency the Union has decided to ban the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. This step is going to strengthen the national economy and make it more transparent and efficient, he added. Reacting on the resolution, leader of opposition TS Singdeo said demonetisation will not be effective in curbing black money and people are facing hardships due to this decision. The experts are saying that the decision of Union government is a gamble and it could be disastrous for the economy and common man, he added. Also read | Give me 50 days over scrapped notes, punish me if problems persist: Modi SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Deputy leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into selective leakage of the demonetisation move of the government. Congress leader Sharma also sought to know from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on who wants to kill him, referring to the Prime Ministers speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me. The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a selected few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it, said Sharma. There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information, said Sharma, asking: What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy. Sharma also said that SBI knew about the demonetisation move in March, and asked why the government didnt take proper steps to implement it properly. He also sought to know from the government which law gave them the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples own account. I condemn PMs statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you, said Sharma posing a question to the Prime Minister. An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become the parameter to decide ones nationalism, said Sharma. Sharma also demanded that Prime Minister Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss bank. Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list, said Sharma. Troubles triggered by the governments demonetisation move may continue for around a month, Union home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, describing the move as the first step towards achieving economic and social freedom. Speaking at a rally in Haryanas Rewari, Singh asked the people to bear with the difficulties for some time as it would usher in a bright future in the long run. It wasnt a small decision. We admit that people will face hardships for at least a month but it will be beneficial in the long term. A few political parties are opposing it. But bear with it for some time. We will give you a bright future. Read | Parliament winter session begins, first Centre-Oppn face-off over demonetisation India has got political freedom but we need economic and social freedom. We want economic inequality to end. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is the first step towards that. It will help bring transparency in Indian politics, he said. The decision of scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes --- which the government said was taken to root out corruption and black money --- has resulted in long queues in front of banks and ATMs. Opposition parties have criticised the move citing the hardships of a cash-starved nation. At the Martyrs Rally organised by Rao Inderjit Singh, the minister of state for urban development and housing, he also hit out at Pakistan for betraying the trust India reposed in it after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. Read | Demonetisation dust refuses to settle down: 5 things on chaos, politics Singh didnt refer to the issue of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) even once in his speech at the rally that was also attended by Haryana chief minister ML Khattar and several ministers of the Haryana government and MLAs. Narendra Modi had promised to implement OROP from the same venue before the 2014 Lok Sabha election, two days before he was declared BJPs prime ministerial candidate. Referring to Indian Armys surgical strikes across the de-facto border with Pakistan, Singh hailed soldiers for proving that hum idhar bhi maar sakte hain aur udhar bhi maar sakte hain (We can kill them on either side of the border). He said that terrorism is the weapon of the coward and claimed that this government which has a strong heart has brought down extremism and Naxalism significantly over the last two years. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar was supposed to address the rally but he couldnt come as he was unwell, Singh said. Read | Raghuram Rajan preferred other ways over demonetisation to tackle black money Chaotic scenes and serpentine queues could be seen outside banks and ATMs on Wednesday as people hustled to get valid currency notes to meet their daily expenses after the Centre demonetised the old higher value bills. Cash-strapped people were seen waiting in frustration as most of the cash dispensing machines ran out of cash within hours after being stocked, while thousands of ATMs are still not functional. Adding to the customer woes, there have been reports of bank servers facing technical glitches. The Centre on November 8 had banned the use of old 500 and 2,000 rupee banknotes in a bid to curb black money and sources of terror funding. Here are five highlights from Wednesday on the demonetisation issue: 1) Banks start using indelible ink to check repeat money exchange To stop repeat money exchangers thronging banks with invalid currency notes, banks have started applying indelible ink mark on the right hand index finger of customers in the select metro cities. A woman shows her inked finger after exchanging 500 and 1000-rupee notes in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Ravi Choudhary/HT Photo) The State Bank of India and a few other banks in Delhi have started using indelible ink. As per the government statement, 11 branches of SBI are using the method to weed out customers queuing up again and again to exchange invalid currency notes. As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchanging notes, concerned bank branches and post offices would put indelible ink mark on the right index finger of the customer so as to identify that he/she has exchanged the old currency notes once. 2) Rahul takes aim at PM Training his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi demanded action against his friends and those who are hoarding black money. Rahul Gandhi meets people queued outside an ATM in Mumbai on Wednesday. (Twitter/@INCIndia) Addressing a large group of Congress activists in Bhiwandi, he alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a handful of 15 industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends no action has been taken against them we demand action against Modis friends and those who have hoarded black money, Gandhi said. He said the money collected from the public after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, would go back to the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others within one year. 3) BJP, its friends knew about demonetisation move: Opposition in Rajya Sabha Narendra Modi with leader of Opposition leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge attend an all-party meeting. (Sonu Mehta/HT Photo) Launching a scathing attack on Modi, the Opposition parties alleged selective leak of information on demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee notes to friends of BJP and demanded making public the names of those who had bought gold and foreign exchange of over Rs 1 crore since April. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, Congress leader Anand Sharma said: Your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the November 8 decision). Read | Governments defence in Rajya Sabha: Demonetisation in national interest, people back us 4) Incidents of violence at ATMs, banks in UP The queues outside banks and ATMs are becoming a cause of concern for the administration in several parts of the country, with people resorting to vandalism. In the past 24 hours, there have been at least a dozen big and small incidents of irate mobs targeting bank property and clashing with police. A youth checks cashless ATMs in Bhopal (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo) An official told IANS the police had to cane-charge an unruly mob outside the Allahabad Bank in Bahraich, resulting in injuries to some. Similarly, in many small towns adjacent to Agra, people have been cane-charged to disperse crowds from outside banks and ATM outlets. Read | Cash crunch, ATM under-utilisation, logistical issues make demonetisation a pain 5) Temples affected, tourist footfalls down Temple priests at Sanatan Dharm Temple in Sector 19, Noida, checking Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in the donation box of the temple. (Sunil Ghosh /HT Photo) The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has also affected temples. The footfalls at Jagannath temple in Puri have decreased significantly following demonetisation. The Suar Nijog (temple cooks), who sell Mahaprasad (food first offered to the deity), are not accepting the old notes affecting the earnings. Read | Golden Temple not to accept demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 Besides, the servitors of Sri Mandir are also not accepting the scrapped denomination notes. Prepared by 600-700 cooks and partaken by up to 50,000 pilgrims daily, Mahaprasad generates a business of Rs 8-12 lakh, a source told IANS. Read | Bleeding notes to temple cash: 5 things govt wants you to know on demonetisation Full coverage of the black money crackdown The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case into the alleged payment of $5.7 million in kickbacks in the 2008 Embraer aircraft deal based on the CBIs case filed last month. Officials said the agency filed a criminal complaint under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and would begin issuing summons to the accused. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had booked NRI arms dealer Vipin Khanna and two companies -- Brazil-based Embraer and Singapore-based Interdev Pte Ltd -- over alleged payment of commission in the aircraft deal with Embraer worth $210 million. Read | CBI registers FIR against UK-based arms dealer in Embraer deal It is alleged that the kickbacks were routed from Embraer subsidiaries to Khanna through Interdev in three instalments of $1.92 million each in 2009. Sources also said that the commission in the deal was allegedly routed through Austria and Switzerland. A Brazilian newspaper recently reported that the aviation company had taken the services of middlemen to clinch deals in Saudi Arabia and India following which the Indian defence ministry ordered an inquiry into the matter. Involvement of middlemen in defence deals is strictly barred under the Indian law. Read | Embraer jet deal: India seeks report from Brazilian firm on kickback charges CBI had registered a preliminary enquiry in the case on September 16, 2016, at the request of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to investigate if an agent facilitated the contract for the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) project and procurement of three fully modified EMB-145 Aircraft. The US justice department has been investigating Embraer since 2010 when a contract with the Dominican Republic raised its suspicions, the Brazilian newspaper report said. Read | Embraer paid commission of $5.76mn for IAF deal, says US in court filings Since then, the investigation has been widened to examine Embraers business dealings with eight more countries. After the CBI Preliminary Enquiry (PE) was registered, Embraer issued a statement saying: Since 2011, Embraer has publicly reported that it has been conducting an extensive internal investigation and cooperating with the authorities on investigations regarding alleged violations of the FCPA. The company voluntarily expanded the scope of the investigation, systematically reporting the progress of the case to the market... The company is not party of the legal proceedings in Brazil. Therefore, it does not have access to the information contained therein. The Indian judiciary is not quite in the pink of health. And one of the reasons for it is that the infrastructure hasnt kept pace with the requirements. Adequacy of judicial infrastructure is a pre-requisite for reduction of pendency and backlog of cases in courts, the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms said in one of its reports. The report hit nail on the head as it underlined that the number of judges in Indias lower judiciary is far more than the courtrooms needed for them to function. Set up by the Department of Justice in 2011, the Mission was tasked to achieve the twin goals of increasing access by reducing delays and arrears; and enhancing accountability through structural changes and by setting performance standards and capacities. In December 2015, there were 16,513 courtrooms available for District and Subordinate Courts. While the government claims more court buildings are under construction, the current number of judges at 16,851 is more than available courtrooms. If the vacancies of over 4,100 were to be filled up, many judges wont have a place to function from. The numbers highlight the state of judicial infrastructure which is overburdened with a backlog of over 23 million cases. Most courts dont even have basic facilities for litigants. Barring the metros and state capitals, most of the subordinate courts lack basic infrastructure for judges, court staff and litigants. But there are exceptions. New Delhi which once had just one court complex at Tis Hazari now has six district court complexes. Poor Budget Allocation Successive governments have treated the judiciary as a non-productive organ of the state. Less than one per cent of the Union Budget is spent on the judiciary. The Union Budget for 2016-17 earmarked Rs 900 crore for administration of justice, including setting up of e-courts and capacity building of subordinate judiciary, a mere increase of Rs 93.35 crore from the previous years allocation. The allocation of funds for the development of judicial infrastructure too was scaled down from Rs 500 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 460 crore in the last Budget. Between 2011 and March 2016, the Centre released Rs 3,694 crore to the state governments and UTs for construction of court buildings and residential accommodation of judicial officers. Until 2011, the Centre and states contributed an equal share but since 2011-12 the fund-sharing pattern was revised with the Centre contributing 75% of the funds. Central funding is, however, subject to budgetary allocation. The National Court Management System (NCMS) in its Policy and Action Plan said, Judicial independence cannot be interpreted only as a right to decide a matter without interference. If the institution of Judiciary is not independent resource-wise and/or in relation to funds, from the interference of the Executive, judicial independence will become redundant and inconsequential. Former Bar Council of Delhi Chairman KC Mittal, told HT, Funding is a problem and without proper budgetary allocation, things are not going to improve. Judiciary has to be given adequate funds on a priority basis. Court staff The Indian judiciary is one of the largest in the world. Running such a large justice delivery system requires an efficient support staff. But care is not taken to ensure appointment of qualified para-legal staff. Their working and living conditions are deplorable. Service careers are not clear, the NCMS report said. Most states have only clerical staff recruitment who rise to become Clerks-of-Courts, Nazir or Registrar. Between Judicial Officers and such clerical staff, there is no Officer level recruitment of officials, leaving a gap in staffing. The NCMS said number of staff in a given court is fixed by government circulars unmindful of the number of the requirements. Most of the time, one bench clerk, one assistant bench clerk, one stenographer and two peons, are provided to Judicial Officers, irrespective of whether the workload involves 800 or 8000 files. The increase in court files has not resulted in corresponding increase in number of staff. To put it in perspective, the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) says that 10 per cent of the cases are pending for over 10 years, 17 per cent between five to 10 years and the remaining 73 per cent have come up in the past five years. A few years ago, some clerical staff at the Patiala House Courts in New Delhi were suspended after they were found to have hired personal assistants to help them handle official work. They said the workload was too much. Read Part 1 | Waiting for justice: 27 million cases pending in courts, 4500 benches empty Proposal for overhaul With the judicial system coming under strain on account of backlog of cases, the Department of Justice proposed an infrastructural overhaul which would cost 9,749 crores. It is proposed to include setting up of additional courts in districts with high pendency, fast track courts to try cases of heinous crimes, more family courts, re-designing existing court complexes, digitization of case records and training and capacity building. E-courts project Use of technology is often suggested to speed up justice delivery system. It has been 10 years since the Supreme Court launched e-filing of petitions. In fact computerization in subordinate courts started in 1997. In metropolitan cities such as Delhi typewriters have been replaced by computers. An e-committee was set up in December 2004 to assist the Chief Justice of India in formulating a policy on computerization of Indian judiciary and advise him on technological, communication and management. But the progress in e-courts project which seeks to modernise and speed up justice delivery system by complete computerization of district courts has been slow. According to a report by New Delhi-based Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, The predominant drivers of delay in the e-courts project identified in this report are short-sighted policy formulation, inability to mitigate foreseen risks, flawed resource allocation, delays in funding approvals, no timely implementation, and lack of coordination in implementation. Failure in budgeting appropriately for the project, characterized by several cost estimate revisions and subsequent under-spending of allocated funds, is also particularly striking, it said. The delays could have been prevented with better policy forecasting and coordination of activities within and across all stakeholder groups, says the report, noting that on completion, the e-courts project could fundamentally transform justice delivery and enhance the quality of access to justice afforded to all. The report says it is critical for policymakers to overhaul the e-courts project, particularly its implementation. This is the second part of our series on what ails Indian judiciary. The third and last installment explores the processes which hold up justice. A woman was killed and three others seriously injured when a godwoman and her private securitymen went on a celebratory shooting spree at a wedding in Karnal, police said. The incident took place on Tuesday at Savitrii Lawns marriage palace near the railway station in Karnal town, 140km from Chandigarh. The victim and the wounded had come to attend the wedding ceremony where Sadhvi Deva Thakur and her accomplices started the shooting spree with their weapons. Several rounds were fired by them, said police, quoting eyewitnesses. #WATCH: Celebratory firing by Sadhvi Deva Thakur and her security guards in a wedding in Haryana's Karnal. 1 dead and 3 injured pic.twitter.com/0UNxUvxzCm ANI (@ANI_news) November 15, 2016 Police have booked the Hindu godwoman and her private securitymen for murder and other sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act following the shooting incident. Karnal is also the assembly constituency of Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar who heads the BJP government in the state. Police said that further investigations were in progress and raids were being conducted to nab the accused. When Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee announced she would go and meet the President, her arch rival, the CPI(M), was in a fix. Banerjee called Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who was travelling in Uttar Pradesh, to seek his support just as she dialed CPI(M) boss Sitaram Yechury in Tamil Nadu. While it seemed that Banerjee had the first-movers advantage and her idea was gaining ground, the CPI(M) latched on one of her tweets to take the wind out of Trinamools sails. As Banerjee demanded a rollback of the decision to demonetise high-value bank notes, Yechury spoke to Congress leaders such as Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma. He convinced them that no party can join the demand to rollback the decision because it would look as if the parties have something to hide. If any party demands a rollback, it would not go down well in public perception, he argued. The Congress, on the other hand, wanted to lead any onslaught against the BJP-led NDA government over demonetisation as it is the largest opposition party. Yechury did not skip a meeting of the Opposition where the Trinamool was also present. The Congress and the Left allowed Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav to state that going to President at the beginning of the session is not a good idea. If there is a wrong judgment in the lower court, one goes to the High Court. No one goes straight to the Supreme Court. Presidents House is like the Supreme Court. We should first corner the government in Parliament, Yechury argued. An undaunted Trinamool Congress will nevertheless march to Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. But what initially looked like a grand march of Opposition unity may finally result in a protest of limited consequence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a political coup of sorts, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee roped in BJPs biggest ally, Shiv Sena, for her march to Rashtrapati Bhavan against the Centres demonetisation drive. Flanked by AAPs Bhagwant Mann, Shiv Sena, National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and Patidar satrap Hardik Patels outfit, Banerjee led a unique political combination on Wednesday, even as the Congress and the Left decided to stay away. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal skipped the march after informing Banerjee about his reservation against the Sena. But to showcase the Trinamool-AAP unity, he will hold a rally with his West Bengal counterpart on Thursday at Azadpur sabzi mandi on the same issue. The protest march to the President became a sore point in the BJP-Sena relations, as the latter decided to flex its muscles ahead of Maharashtras civic body polls. The Sena is set to fight the elections alone, even as it is a part of the BJP-led government in the Centre and the state. Party leader Anandrao Adsul told the President, Even as we are a part of the government, we are opposing demonetisation as it is intolerable. Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays decision comes just days after the PM shared the dais with NCP chief Sharad Pawar at a function in Pune. Sources in the party, however, said it was a calculated move to ensure that the backlash of the common citizens due to the drive was not directed at the party. The BJP state unit was livid, with leaders pointing out that the Sena was stretching the politics of convenience to its very limits. They indicated that the repercussions of this would be felt in the upcoming high-decibel Mumbai civic polls. Mamata asked former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah to speak first at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. A representative from Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti read out from a written memorandum in front of Mukherjee. Banerjee spoke last. She addressed him as dada and highlighted the plight of the common people before the leaders submitted a memorandum to the President. She told the President that common people should have been given more time to prepare for the situation. The move was implemented without any planning. This has created financial calamity and financial emergency in the country. The country has been pushed towards anarchy. The government should restore normalcy, Banerjee said. She also announced that her party will give an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha. Since the (demonetisation) decision was announced, 20-30 people have died across the country due to stress, said Banerjee. (With inputs from Ketaki Ghoge) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Centre is in favour of self-regulation and not thinking of imposing restrictions on the media, but news organisations should exercise necessary self-restraint and avoid sensationalism, union information and broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Wednesday. Speaking at an event organised by Press Council of India (PCI) on the occasion of National Press Day, he said freedom of press or freedom of expression is best utilised only when the value of such freedom is fully appreciated. When freedom is not exercised judiciously, our existing laws provide for necessary intervention and course correction. The government is not thinking of any restriction on any medium, but it expects all the stakeholders to be responsible in using different platforms, Naidu said. He said news and views should not be mixed and added that the media should be nearer to the truth and should avoid sensationalism. My advice applies more to the electronic media than the print media, the Union minister pointed out. Sensationalism, yellow journalism, TRP-generating news versus factual news cannot earn the confidence of the consumer, Naidu added. Speaking about self-regulation, he said, It is the best for the media...government is not for imposing or curtailing the views of the people. But, the media needs to remember that if it fails to exercise self-restraint and regulate its conduct, then there has to be a mechanism. With great power comes great responsibility, he said, adding that the media should exercise that responsibility. Naidu pointed out that the media coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai attack had drawn criticism from the Supreme Court, adding that the coverage of the Pathankot airbase attack earlier in the year too had highlighted the need for self-restraint. The Union minister also said the prevalence of paid news was bringing a bad name to the media. Naidu, however, mentioned that journalists from different generations had set a very high standard over the years. He also termed the Emergency imposed in the 70s as a dark chapter in our democracy. A local policeman was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, police said. Following specific information, about a group of militants hiding in the forest area of Zaloora near Sopore town, security forces launched an operation, a senior police officer told IANS. As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing a police constable, he said. The victim was identified as Muhammad Shafi. The officer said the operation against the militants was still on. The winter session of the Parliament opened on Wednesday and the first morning will be an indicator of how the day will proceed but also indicate what is in store for the government this week. The Lok Sabha was adjourned after obituary reference as a sitting member has passed away. But a confrontation between the government and the Opposition is expected in the Rajya Sabha, where ruckus cant be ruled out. The session begins in the shadow of the governments week-old measure to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1000 banknotes. The move was meant to drain illegal cash from the economy but a less-than-smooth rollout has seen millions queue up outside banks to deposit or exchange old currency with the poor and small traders the hardest hit. I am sure we will have good debates on various issues, parties will present their views on issues. We will talk about peoples aspirations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters hours before the session began on Wednesday morning. The PM also reminded that in the last session, all parties came together to pass the constitution amendment bill for the goods and services tax that aims to stitch together a common national market and abolish local levies. The government believes in debating every issue in an open manner, as this sets the stage for very good decisions, said Modi. The Trinamool Congress staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament against the governments demonetisation move. Other Opposition parties will also take up the issue during the day, possibly leading to a stormy start for the winter session, in which the government plans to pass three bills related to the GST. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on the need for self-regulation within the media and that there must be no government interference in its functioning. He said there had to be limits to which the media exercises its freedom but that it has to be an internal process and not an external intervention. Like a mother who tells her children not to eat too much, he said at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Press Council of India, that plays the role of a regulator for print media. In his speech, the PM unequivocally stressed on the need to protect the freedom of the media. The PMs remarks comes in the wake of the government ordering a private television channel, NDTV India, to go off-the-air for a day on grounds that it had telecast strategically sensitive details while covering the attack on the Pathankot airbase earlier this year. The government put its decision on hold after criticism that the channel was not being penalised for its coverage of the attack, but the governments actions. Asking that the media should be judged for its role in its entirety and not a few mistakes that it may have made, Modi recalled the introspection that had followed within the media over coverage of the 1999 hijacking of IC 814 flight from Nepal and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the recent killings of journalists in some parts of the country. He said while any killing was worrisome, it was more so when journalists who were trying to tell the truth were killed. Information and broadcasting (I&B) minister M Venkaiah Naidu also stressed on self-regulation by media but added that if this did not happen, then there has to be a mechanism. The minister, however, added that the government was not thinking of any restriction on any medium. When freedom is not exercised judiciously, our existing laws provide for necessary intervention and course correction, he said. The I&B minister also asked the media to avoid mixing their views with news, suggesting that the media should be nearer to the truth and avoid sensationalism. He, however, added that his advice applied more to the electronic media than the print media. Training his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded action against his friends and those who are hoarding black money. Addressing a large group of Congress activists in Bhiwandi, he alleged that in the past couple of years, Modi has waived off over Rs 110,000 crore of loans to a handful of 15 industrialists, with whose help the country is being run. Now, through demonetisation, he has taken money from each citizens pockets to give it to these industrialists who are his friends no action has been taken against them we demand action against Modis friends and those who have hoarded black money, Gandhi said. He predicted that the money collected from the public after demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, would go back to the pockets of those 15-20 industrialists and others within one year. Read | People died waiting in queues and the PM was laughing: Rahul Gandhi He asked the large gathering of Congress activists from Mumbai and Thane - Did you get your Rs 4000? Have you got the indelible ink mark? to which they disapprovingly roared NO. Gandhi pointed out how each and every citizen in the country was suffering today because of demonetisation and have been put to immense hardships. But Modi is laughing and crying laughing and crying, although no industrialists or black money hoarder stands in the long queues to exchange their old notes, he said. A magistrates court in Bhiwandi granted bail to Gandhi who was accused in a defamation case, filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activist, Rajesh Kunte. The next for hearing in the matter has been fixed for January 28, 2017. Read more | Rahul Gandhi gets bail in defamation case Later, he addressed a huge crowd of Congress activists in this Muslim-dominated powerloom town, Gandhi, saying he had come to fight the ideological war against the RSS. On one hand its a fight for independence versus slavery. They want everybody to bend before them as they want to rule. But they cannot enslave this country as the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi are enshrined in our hearts, Gandhi said. En route to Mumbai after the court hearing, Gandhi stopped at a bank near a toll tax point on the outskirts of Bhiwandi, interacted with people and shared their grievances. Hours after the Punjab cabinets decision to return the land acquired for construction of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to its original owners, the Haryana government decided to approach the Supreme Court against the move. Disclosing this, Haryana advocate general BR Mahajan told Hindustan Times that Punjabs move had strengthened Haryanas case. We will be taking appropriate legal action in the apex court, Mahajan said, though he did not elaborate on the matter. As the Punjab government did not get the governors assent for the Punjab SYL Canal Land (Transfer of Propriety Rights) Bill passed in March this year, now the cabinet has decided to return the land. They cannot do so, he said, adding that Punjabs action was in defiance of the apex court order. Another senior functionary handling the SYL issue in Haryana said the state would wait for formal notification on the Punjab cabinet decision and thereafter move the Supreme Court. The Haryana government was already in the process of filing a petition for execution of the apex court orders passed in 2002 and 2004 for the completion of the SYL canal. In March this year, the Punjab assembly had unanimously approved a bill, seeking transfer the entire SYL land measuring 5,376-acre free of cost to its original owners. The land was acquired for the canal over three decades ago for Rs 35 crore. As the Marrakesh climate change summit enters its final phase, uncertainty looms over funding by rich nations to meet commitments under the just-effected Paris Agreement and a critical political statement that appears to favour the developed world. The 10 days of United Nations-organised negotiations in the Moroccan capital have seen a re-emergence of an age-old divide between rich and poor nations. This has led to the fear that the first such global mechanism may not be robust enough to meet the needs of vulnerable nations when it comes to reimbursing the damage caused by disasters induced by climate change called Loss and Damage. We know that the pact cannot be implemented without finance for developing countries, said civil society group Action Aids Harjeet Singh who is in Marrakech and is following the negotiations. Now that the Paris deal is done, poor countries feel that they are being left with the bill both for dealing with impacts and cutting emissions, amid a problem they did not cause. ActionAid is among international organisations fighting for the cause of the developing countries in the rule making process to implement Paris Agreement agreed last year. Negotiators say the rich nations have not provided a clear roadmap either for providing $100 billion by 2020 when the Paris accord comes into force or for enhancing it subsequently. This has left the developing countries ambiguous about decision on crucial mechanisms such as adaptation fund, green climate fund and technology transfer fund. Thailand, on behalf of G77 and China, said in Marrakesh that it would be tough without adequate funds to implement individual countries commitment on to reducing emissions called Nationally Determined Contributions. Read more| All actions must be rooted in climate justice: India to Conference of Parties Solar alliance On Tuesday, India formally launched the Global Solar Alliance announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Paris summit in 2015. The alliance aims to create a facility for research and development in the solar sector and collaboration among the developing countries in the fastest-growing renewable sector. The general response of countries has been lukewarm with only 20 of about 196 nations participating in the conference, coming forward to sign the alliance document. Indias environment minister Anil Madhav Dave was optimistic, saying more countries want would be joining the alliance soon. Marrakesh Call for Action A critical document doing the rounds at the November 7-18 event, which has 196 nations working out ways to implement the 2015 Paris deal to limit greenhouse gas emissions, is the four-page Marrakech Call For Climate Action And Sustainable Development. The four-page draft of this political statement to be adopted at end of the conference last Friday had left the developing world fuming over inadequate representation of their concerns. We have our reservations, as the commitment to post-2020 climate action by rich nations is missing, said an Indian negotiator, adding that G-77 group of developing countries and China were opposed to the draft in the present form. The presidency has assured us of incorporating our concerns and having a more balanced statement. Indias worry is that the draft indicates that the developing world was willing to take more commitments than specified in the Paris deal to mitigate the climate accord without taking on the rich nations who have caused global warming. Trump impact The Marrakesh talks have been hobbled with the concern that the US, which is the worlds second-biggest carbon emitter, may withdraw from the Paris deal after Donald Trump takes over as the president of that country early next year. Trump, 70, had said during his campaign that he will not abide by the Paris deal leading to US secretary for state John Kerry trying to assure global leaders in Marrakech that the US was committed to the agreement. World leaders, such as French president Francois Hollande and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, had said that withdrawing from the deal was not irreversible. Europe has warned of a backlash if the US pulls out with European Unions climate commissioner Miguel Arias Canete, saying we are positive without ruling out the possibility of imposing carbon tax on US goods. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In response to a written question put forward in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said that there are around two crore illegal migrants staying in India. He said that there are reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid travel documents. It is not possible to have accurate data of the number of Bangladeshi nationals living in India, he said, because many enter bypassing any formal registration process. Rijiju said deportation of foreign national staying illegally in the country is a continuous process. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the then BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that Bangladeshis will be deported if he comes to power. They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed, Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Assam and West Bengal are the two states where the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh is highest. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation between 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for many students, social and political organisations in the Northeast. The 2014 election manifesto of BJP said that the party will review and improve the border management and punitive measures will be introduced to check illegal immigration. The BJP said it will address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this will include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometer long international border. The Rajasthan Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested a 42-year-old Islamic State suspect from Fatehpur in Sikar district. The man allegedly worked as a fundraiser for the IS. Superintendent of police (ATS) Vikas Kumar said the suspect used to regularly send funds to the Islamic State through money transfer and various hawala channels. The arrested person has been identified as one Jamil Ahmed, whose paternal family hails from Fatehpur in Sikar district but for the last 13 years, he had been living in Dubai. During interrogation we have learnt that apart from financing the terror outfit, Ahmed was in touch with several IS fighters who are fighting in Iraq and Syria, said Kumar. The suspect was under surveillance ahead of his arrest after the ATS was tipped off by intelligence agencies about an IS operative landing in India from Dubai about a fortnight ago. Ahmed is a highly educated person and has done B.Com, a diploma in computer science as well as an MBA. His education up to 10th standard was in Kuwait. He is married and has five children and his family lives in Mumbai, said Kumar. A team of Rajasthan ATS officials have been sent to Mumbai for interrogating his family members. We have also learnt that Ahmed had recently bought properties worth crores of rupees in Mumbai, the officer said. His association with the Islamic State is said to have started in 2014 when he became active on the groups propaganda websites and started making acquaintances with several IS bigwigs. Ahmed was active in several social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter along with lesser known sites such as KIK and Surespot. His primary responsibility for the Islamic State was to provide them with finance through bank transfer along with other platforms such as Western Union and hawala transactions linked with countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, said Kumar. Ahmed is said to be an employee in a company in Dubai as an assistant finance manager and speaks English with a British accent. Ahmed was directly in touch with the IS fighters in places such as Mosul. He also had contacts with other countries such as Lebanon and Turkey. It has also been learnt that Ahmed knew Mohammad Sirajuddin, an IS operative who used to work work for the Indian Oil corporation and was arrested by the ATS last year, said a senior ATS official. Kumar added that computer hard drives and other materials have been seized from Ahmed and he is being interrogated. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jayanta Biswas, the young automobile engineer who was sold as a slave to a Saudi Arabian man soon after landing in the country after being conned with a lucrative job offer, returned to India on Tuesday. He has put up at his brothers place in Mumbai and reached Naihati home in North 24-Parganas on Wednesday. The six-month nightmare still fresh in his memory, Jayanta managed to speak to HT in a feeble, trembling voice on Tuesday evening. I took an Air-India flight from Riyadh this morning and reached Mumbai at around 2pm, he said while talking from his brothers phone. I was not sure about returning home till late last night, Jayanta said before revealing the final-hour ordeal he went through in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Read:Automobile engineer from Bengal sold as slave to Saudi citizen Jayantas brother Uttam Biswas thanked the government and the Indian high commission in Riyadh for their utmost cooperation in getting his brother freed. The Biswas family had appealed to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj for her personal intervention in the matter recently and she pursued our case earnestly, Uttam said. Incidentally, the ministry shifted to top gear in getting Jayanta back home soon after his story was published in HTs Kolkata edition on November 8. Jayanta had escaped his master (kafeel) Naief Bookmes home and was staying with a friend in Riyadh, even as he apprehended that his master would raid the place anytime and take him away. An official of the Indian mission in Riyadh assured us on Monday evening that they would arrange Jayantas return with the help of an NGO. He would just have to collect an emergency certificate from the high commission to leave the country, the official said and added that Jayanta would be boarding a flight from Dammam, a city 500 km from Riyadh, on Tuesday morning, Uttam said. Read:Unemployed Indians from Saudi Arabia to start returning: Sushma Swaraj However, the situation changed dramatically within an hour. Jayantas master Naief arrived at Jayantas friends place and started beating him up. He then took away the battery of his mobile phone and the SIM and memory cards before dragging him away and speeding off in his car with him. He took me to Riyadh airport, abusing me all the while during the journey, handed over a plane ticket and threatened me to leave the country on the flight, without creating any further trouble for him, Jayanta said. But I was penniless, and clueless about how to contact my family. Finally, I took the flight and reached Mumbai airport from where I took a taxi to reach my brothers home. He paid the taxi fare. The Shiv Senas decision to walk with the Mamta Banerjee-led opposition in its march against the demonetisation decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in Delhi left Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fuming and red in the face. But, this latest stunt by its ally is unlikely to threaten their partnership at the state with another two and a half years to go before the 2019 assembly polls. Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays decision comes just days after the PM shared dais with NCP chief Sharad Pawar at a function in Pune. Sources in the Sena , however, said that it was a calculated move to ensure that the backlash of the common citizens due to the drive was not directed at the party. The BJP state unit was livid with leaders pointing out that Sena was stretching the politics of convenience to its very limits. They indicated that the repercussions of this would be felt in the upcoming high-decibel Mumbai civic polls where the parties would now most likely contest solo. The recently-announced alliance for the 212 municipal council polls is also likely to take a hit, said a BJP leader. This decision has hit the common man badly and its effects will be felt more acutely in the days to come. As a party we have a different identity and stance from the BJP even though we are a part of the government. In the coming elections, we are often going to be fighting as opponents so we need to keep distance from the government and maintain our identity, said a Sena leader. The fact that PM has always shown his proximity to Pawar helped us as we are not doing anything different if the Sena chief takes a stand common with that an opposition leader like Mamata Banerjee, he added. The decision of junking high-value notes of Rs500 and Rs1,000 by the PM comes just as the state faces local elections dubbed as mini-assembly polls. Nearly, 212 municipal councils, 26 zilla parishads or district councils, ten civic corporations including Mumbai and 297 panchayat samitis will go to polls from this November to March 2017, giving a referendum on the state BJP-led government. In many of these polls, the saffron allies will contest separately and as main rivals. This is a clear cut violation of collective responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution. The decision was not the PMs alone but the cabinets in which Sena ministers have a presence. The PMs decision is against black money hoarders, funding of nefarious activities and Sena by opposing it is speaking for the other side, said BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. States finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar also said that the party was upset with the move. PM shared dias with Pawar for a function meant for farmers. This is not comparable with the Sena joining the Opposition march against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi even when it is a part of his government in the Centre and the state. This is unfortunate and party cadre is upset with such a negative decision by the Sena, said finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar. Despite the uneasy relations, the saffron allies are expected to stay together until almost the end of the governments tenure in 2019. While Thackeray is not convinced of the dividends of sitting in the Opposition for too long, the BJP will also be forced to take support of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to keep its government afloat in such a scenario. The irony of taking the help of NCP will not be lost on the mandate or on the chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis. Much of BJPs campaign in Maharashtra two years ago centered around weeding out corruption and ensuring corrupt politicians embroiled in different scams get punished. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After the corporators raised a hue and cry over funds to buy dustbins for their wards, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to tweak the rules for mayors fund. The move will allow corporators, who claimed that they have exhausted their fund, to use the mayors fund for dustbins. Ahead of the civic elections next year, corporators had alleged that they were not being allowed to buy and distribute dustbins despite a proposal passed last month. I have exhausted my corporators fund but if I want to undertake some development work in my ward using the mayors fund, why is the civic body creating a hurdle? said Trushna Vishwasrao, Shiv Sena group leader. In reply to queries, the accountants department of BMC had said the corporators are free to buy dustbins from the corporators fund. Every year, the mayor allocates Rs100 crore to each party, which is then divided among corporators. If one wants to use the mayors fund, the purchase should be related to capital expenditure. Capital expenditure is money spent on buying or maintaining fixed assets such as land, buildings and equipment. So going by rules, the corporators cannot use the mayors fund for buying dustbins. Following the objection by corporators in the standing committee, the BMC has agreed to remove the clause. In the BMC, the countrys richest civic body, every corporator gets Rs60 lakh at the start of the financial year. The fund is meant to be utilised for local development work as per the proposals mooted by the corporator. There are 227 corporators for the same number of electoral wards in Mumbai. Elected representatives will not be able to use the corporators fund from December 7 as the BMC goes to polls in February 2017. Zakir Naik, 51, whose Islamic Research Foundation was declared unlawful on Tuesday, is a dichotomy of sorts. He is a preacher on Peace TV, known to trigger unrest. He wears a western suit with a skull cap. Hes a suave doctor who speaks fluent English, but his speeches stir up the youth. While the Mumbai police have denied him permission to give speeches since 2012, Britain banned his entry in 2010 over his refusal to call Osama bin Laden a terrorist. Dr Naik can be explained in one sentence -- a preacher who believes in the oneness of God, sermonising in western attire and skull cap, said a senior Muslim cleric from Dongri, who has seen the physician morphing into a controversial preacher over the years. He clearly says other religions have no existence at all. This is not acceptable, said the cleric, who asked not to be named. Read: Govt decides to declare preacher Zakir Naiks NGO unlawful Although an Islamic preacher, Naik has never been popular with the Sunni and Shia clergy in Mumbai. He has more detractors within the Muslim community than outside. In 2009, several Sunni Maulvis in Mumbai ganged up against Naik for some of his comments. Around the same time, the Shia community made a representation against Naik to the then joint commissioner of police, KL Prasad. Prasad played peacemaker and resolved the issue by getting Naik to apologise. Naiks detractors claim he has cleverly used controversy and event management skills to grab attention and generate funds. Go to any mosque on Friday, you will find more people listening to the post-prayer speeches than the turnout at the much publicised events of Naik, said another senior cleric. The only difference is he has the skills to arrange funds to go on television channels and for his globe-trotting glitzy public shows, said the cleric, who too spoke on condition of anonymity He has a global appeal, especially among the English educated new generation who dont want to associate themselves with the paan-chewing sherwani-clad Mullahs. In fact, one would find most of his detractors in the Barelvi sect of Muslims who are opposed to his puritan version of Islam, said the editor of an Urdu daily, requesting anonymity. He was a cosmopolitan in his outlook from the beginning, said a neighbor of the Naiks in Jasmine apartments at Mazgaon where the family has been living for the past 60-70 years. Naiks father, Abdul Karim Naik, a renowned psychiatrist, branched out from his family business of exporting seafood from his native village in Raigad district and set up his clinic at Char Nall in Dongri. Following in his footsteps, Zakir Naik (and his brother Mohamed) also did his MBBS from BYL Nair college, when he came across Ahmed Deedat, a South African Muslim missionary of Indian origin in 1987. Read: IRF ban: Mumbai police await notification, clarity before initiating action Naik was greatly impressed by Deedats preaching and started modelling himself like him, said the neighbor. Naik never practised medicine and became a serious reader of religion, before he started running the IRF out of a 500 sqft room at Dongri in 1991. On week days, the room was used as a madrasa, while on Sundays Naik hosted lectures at night. His audience consisted mostly of local youths from all communities who would listen to the English-speaking preacher just out of curiosity, said an old follower of Naik. Later, he opened the Islamic International School (IIS) where his two daughters and son are enrolled. His wife, Farhat, takes care of the womens wing of IRF. As his following grew, the sermons were arranged in larger halls across the city and the nearby townships where he started mesmerizing the impressionable young with his ability to recall verses and couplets from various holy scriptures. Officers in the Mumbai police who have kept tabs on Naik over the years say he started courting controversy as his stature grew. He became more and more brash and rabid, even to the point of insulting beliefs within and outside Islam in a carefully crafted strategy. The more the controversy, the more was the TRP and flow of funds from those who appreciated such thoughts, said an official, who had served in the Mumbai police special branch. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A magistrates court in Bhiwandi granted bail to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case on Wednesday. The case was filed by an RSS (Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh) worker for Gandhis remarks blaming the outfit for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He reached the court in neighbouring Thane at 10:45am. He will leave for Delhi immediately after the court proceedings as the Winter Session starts on Wednesday, said state Congress sources. The case filed by RSS worker Rajesh Kunte dates back to March 2014 when Rahul in his election speech at Bhiwandi blamed the organisation for its hand in assassination of the father of nation. Here are the highlights: 11.43am: After addressing workers, Gandhi leaves Sahid Smarak 11.35am: Is any businessman standing in the queue (outside banks)? Only common people will suffer. Modi will remove money from peoples pockets to favour the rich. We will raise this issue in Parliament. A total of 15 businessmen will benefit from the demonetisation move, Gandhi says 11.33am: The Congress will not step back and will fight for the people, Gandhi says 11.31am: Taking peoples money, Modi will waive off loans of industrialists in the coming year. 11.30am: PM Narendra Modi laughs and even sometimes cries, but he will give peoples money to the rich, he says 11.28am: We are talking people to stand straight and be free, Gandhi says. 11.27am: I am fighting those who want India to bow, but they do not know the energy of our country, Gandhi says. 11.26am: Rahul quotes Mahatma Gandhi and says, Any person who stands upright cant be enslaved. 11.24am: Gandhi asks people if they have Rs4,000 and the answer is a resounding no 11.20am: Gandhi is on the stage and will address Congress workers 11.19am: Gandhi visits Sahid Smarak in Bhiwandi 11.18am: Gandhi steps out of the court 11.15am: Petitioners lawyer says if Gandhi apologises the case can be withdrawn 11.14am: Gandhi will appear before the court when required, his lawyer informs the judge 11.13am: Next date of hearing is January 28 11:12am: Congress leader Shivraj Patil gives surety 11.11am: Gandhi granted bail 11.10am: Traffic snarls reported on Bhiwandi flyover 11.08am: Court proceedings have started in the defamation case 10.48am: Court proceedings to begin shortly 10.47am: Congress workers come out in large numbers to rally behind Gandhi Congress workers at the court on Wednesday. (Praful Gangurde) 10.37am: Ashok Chavan and Sanjay Nirupam are with Gandhi Rahul Gandhi along with Ashok Chavan arrives at Bhiwandi court on Wednesday. (Praful Gangurde) 10.35am: Congress supporters raise slogans 10.34am: Rahul Gandhi reaches Bhiwandi court 10.15am: The entry of vehicles has been barred 10.07am: Narayan Iyer says they will furnish surety before court today 10.05am: Rahul Gandhis lawyer Nayaran Iyer says the truth will prevail 10am: The police are using public announcement system around the court premises to ensure easy of traffic 9am: The police say all necessary security arrangements are in place Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the Centre over demonetisation alleging that Prime Minister Modi was favouring a few industrialists and making the common man suffer for them. He alleged the Modi government had waived off loans worth Rs1.10 lakh crore of 15 industrialists and the money being deposited in the banks by the poor would also be used to waive off more such loans. He was addressing party workers at Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district. He was in the city to appear before a court in connection with a defamation case over his remarks during the 2014 election campaign that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was responsible for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi alleged that Modi will divert the money collected from the poor to 15-20 industrialists close to him by waiving off their debts in the next one year. Did you see any industrialist or rich person standing in line to get currency changed? It is only the common man, including farmers, labourers and small vendors, who have been falling prey to the decision. Loans worth Rs1.10 lakh crore owed by big industrialists have been waived off by the Modi government in the past two years. I dont want to name the big names from the fraternity because everybody in the country knows them, but the decision of demonetisation has been taken with the intent of diverting money to 15-20 rich and famous people in the country, he said. Taunting the prime minister for his emotional appeal during his speech in Goa on Sunday, Gandhi said, When the common man is going through turmoil, Modi takes pride in laughing he sometimes laughs, sometimes breaks down but it is time to stand united against the rule, which is against the poor, he said in his speech. While speaking to the media outside the court on Wednesday morning, Gandhi questioned why the industrialists who are close to the prime minister are being spared. When the common man is suffering on the streets, the big names that travel with Modiji on his aircraft are being spared. No action is being taken against them for black marketeering. Demonetisation will fill the pockets of a few by emptying the pockets of the poor in the country. The Congress vice-president, while quoting Mahatma Gandhis ideology of standing straight in favour of independence, said that he was fighting against the people (the Modi government ) who want to impose an autocratic rule that suppresses the common man. He also appealed to party leaders and workers to be ready for the fight against the government. Earlier, he appeared before a Bhiwandi court to face trial in a defamation case filed by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker for his remarks blaming the outfit for the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He was granted bail on the personal surety of former Union home minister Shivraj Patil. On Tuesday, after arriving at Mumbai, Gandhi had termed demonetisation as a huge scam. Referring to various posts on the internet, Gandhi alleged that several high and mighty people already knew about the decision. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After being granted bail by a magistrates court in a defamation case in Bhiwandi, Congress vice-president Rahul hit out at the Modi government over demonetisation. He said the November 8 move to scrap high value notes is meant to favour industrialists. Narendra Modi has taken money from citizens pocket to give it to these industrialists who are his friends, Rahul said. He was addressing party workers at Bhiwandi in neighbouring Thane district. No action has been taken against industrialists, he said. He added that the poor are made to stand in the queues to withdraw and exchange money. Did you see any industrialist or rich person standing in the queue to get the currency changed? It is only the common men, including farmers, labourers, small vendors, who have been falling prey to the demonetisation. Loans of Rs1.10 lakh crore owed by the big industrialists have been waived off by the Modi government in the last two years. I dont want to name the big names as everybody in the country know them, but the demonetisation decision has been taken with the intent of diverting the money to the handful 15-20 rich and famous of the country, he said in his brief speech of seven minutes. The case filed by RSS worker Rajesh Kunte dates back to March 2014 when Rahul in his Lok Sabha election speech at Bhiwandi blamed the organisation for its hand in assassination of the father of nation. Former Union ninister Shivraj Patil stood as surety for the bail for Rahul. He reached the court at 10:35am. He will leave for Delhi immediately after the court proceedings as the Winter Session starts on Wednesday, said state Congress sources. Kunte s counsel Nandu Phadke told the court that if Rahul was ready to accept his mistake then he will withdraw the case against him. When Rahuls lawyer Ashok Mundargi sought the court to exempt him from personal appearance, the complainants lawyer said Rahul may be treated as an ordinary citizen. The court adjourned the hearing till January 28. The Bombay high court had earlier refused to grant any relief to Rahuls plea to quash the criminal defamation case but had exempted him from a personal appearance before a magistrate in Bhiwandi. He then moved the Supreme Court with a special leave petition (SLP) for permission to challenge the HC dismissal of his plea but later withdrew the plea. Rahul expressed his readiness to face the trial after the SC refused to interfere with the criminal proceedings pending against him before the trial court. The apex court also declined Rahuls plea that he be exempted from personal appearance before the Bhiwandi court which had summoned him as an accused in the case. The Bombay high court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea filed by Peter Mukerjea, former media baron and an accused in the Sheena Bora murder case. Justice NV Sambre, who was hearing the plea, however, will record the reasons for having rejected the plea on Thursday. Earlier, a sessions court too had rejected his bail plea on two separate occasions. On Tuesday, Mukerjea, through his counsel Abad Ponda, urged the HC to grant him a hearing, saying that the CBI had filed a supplementary charge sheet in the case. During the hearing on Wednesday, the CBI opposed Mukerjeas bail plea saying that it was yet to investigate certain offshore transactions and businesses co-owned by Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjea, a prime accused in the case. Appearing for the CBI, additional solicitor general Anil Singh said that Mukerjea was someone so influential that he had managed to prevent a murder case from being registered for three-and-a-half years. Thus, if let out on bail, he was likely to adversely influence the probe. Singh also argued that there was adequate evidence to prove that Mukerjea was opposed to the relationship between his son Rahul and Sheena, daughter of Indrani. The lawyer said, like Indrani, Mukerjea wanted to separate Sheena and Rahul which gave him the motive for the murder. Besides, Mukerjea co-owned businesses and assets worth crores with Indrani. So, he obviously wouldnt want to displease her, Singh told the court. Ponda, meanwhile, argued that his plea was only to seek bail and not to determine his guilt. He went on to say that Mukerjea had had no hatred towards Sheena and that he was fooled by Indrani and kept in dark. Peter Mukerjea only objected to Rahul and Sheenas living together. But when he came to know about the betrothal, Mukerjea sent a blessing message to him, Ponda said. He was fooled by Indrani till 2013 for she made him believe that Sheena was alive and was in some foreign country. Peter Mukerjea had no clue of the murder and the confessional statement of Indranis driver Shyamwar Rai supports this argument and exonerates Peter Mukerjea completely, Ponda said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Always an emotive issue for the people of Punjab, the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal controversy has plunged to new lows of discussion and debate in the past few days, since the Supreme Court pronounced its much-awaited verdict on the issue, with all its explosive ramifications. Some of the frequently asked questions are: How can Punjab refuse to give water to Haryana now that the apex court has stamped its approval on the SYL canal? Why is Punjab being so adamant on the issue? Isnt water a natural resource meant to be shared by all humanity? How can Punjab be so selfish and greedy? Valid questions, one might say, except that none of them really seeks to address the core issue at the heart of the problem faced by Punjab. And that core issue, unfortunately, was neither raised nor argued in the court even once all through the pendency of the case. The result is that the apex court ended up making conclusions on the presidential reference based neither on facts and ground realities nor on the basis of the countrys Constitutional principles, but on an analysis of incomplete and insufficient information and data. Now, the point is that amid the hullabaloo that we are currently witnessing on the issue lies the moot question where is the water that everyone is asking Punjab to share with the neighbouring Haryana? This is an important question that needs to be urgently addressed if we are to save Punjab from an inevitable doom. After all, how does one share something that one does not have? It is like asking a homeless man to share his roof or a poor beggar to share his alms. The futility of such a demand is self-evident, except perhaps to those who suffer from a myopic vision. PUNJABS WATER DEMAND Data available in public domain indicates that Punjabs total water demand currently stands at over 50 MAF (million acre feet). As far as river allocation goes, the states share is 14.33 MAF (this includes pre-1947 allocation of 1.98 MAF), of which 8.02 MAF is expected from Sutlej and another 4.33 MAF from Ravi and Beas rivers. These numbers may look impressive, but they actually represent a mere 40% of the total estimated water of the three rivers, which can meet only 28% of the states total water demand. Incidentally, Punjab water woes dont end here. If national and international data is to be believed (and there is no reason to doubt it), the water table in the plains of north India is depleting fast. So much so that according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the agriculture output in states like Punjab and Haryana is on the verge of collapse. Closer home, the water resources and environment directorate has revealed that the water level in Punjab has dipped in 80% of the states total area. A spate of drought years, coupled with inadequate rainfall, has left the river canals that feed the bulk of Punjabs agricultural land high and dry, quite literally. What further escalates the problem is the melting of glaciers as a result of the climatic changes taking place in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. As many as 109 new lakes were formed between 2013 and 2015 on account of accelerated glacial melting in the Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers. With the canals drying up, farmers in Punjab are increasingly shifting to unregulated use of borewells (approximately 14 lakh of them exist already), thereby further causing the decline of subsoil water. In areas like Hoshiarpur and Sardulgarh, the decline is more than 58 metres a clear sign of the way things are going for Punjab on the water front. SYLS IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE It is in this troublesome context that we need to look at the SYL issue and its implications for Punjab. According to experts, the moment the SYL starts flowing, around 9.75 lakh acres of Punjabs fertile land will be rendered barren, putting to risk the livelihood of 15 lakh families. Now if that does not sound serious enough, then sample this: If Haryana is given 3.5 MAF water for its SYL network, several districts of Punjab, notably Bathinda, Ferozepur, Mansa and Faridkot, with their saline and toxic ground water, will become completely dry. Ironically, the central government has declared three-fourths of Punjab as dark zone, or no-extraction zone, thereby admitting the insufficiency of water in the state. Yet it failed to bring this vital fact to the notice of the Supreme Court during the hearing on the SYL issue, resulting in a totally unjust and unfair conclusion on the part of the honourable judges. Clearly, it is a situation crying for collective wisdom and proactive intervention, which, unfortunately, is conspicuous by its absence in the current political scenario in the poll-bound state of Punjab. But even as we fight our political battles, let us not forget that the failure to address its water crisis in a timely manner could lead to disastrous consequences for Punjab, which is clearly sitting on a landmine that a mere spark would be enough to explode. NEED TO ADOPT RIPARIAN PRINCIPLES Is there, then, no solution to the problem? Of course, there are always the riparian principles of water sharing, recognised and applied across the world, that we can adopt to resolve the SYL issue and other water rows. Political compulsions keep us, in India, from taking recourse to this simple method to find a way out of the water mess gripping many states. And unless we let go of these compulsions in favour of a more realistic and humanitarian approach to the issue, we may end up transforming the once green belt of India into a parched desert, incapable of nurturing life and sustenance for the nation. So let us, for once, rise above our petty, vested interests and come together to save Punjab and the interests of its people. Failure to do so would result in inevitable doom for the state, and eventually for the country. After a long deadlock of over one-and- a-half months, municipal corporation Jalandhar (MCJ) on Tuesday finally got its company registered under the Companies Act 2013 for the Smart City project. The registered company that is also coined as special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been formed to implement various projects under the mission. The SPV of Jalandhar city currently consists of three board of directors including deputy commissioner Kamal Kishor Yadav, municipal commissioner GS Khaira and superintendent engineer building and roads department (B&R) Kulvinder Singh. On September 20, Union development ministry had announced the name of 27 cities. In Punjab, Jalandhar and Amritsar were chosen in the second round while Ludhiana had already made it to the list in the first round of the Smart City project. Purpose of SPVs The implementation of the Smart City Mission will be done by the SPV constituted for the purpose. The work of the SPV will be to do the planning, giving the approval to the works, releasing funds along with operating and evaluating the projects to be carried under the Smart City Mission. Funds provided by both Central and state governments having 50:50 share-holding also be operated as grant fund by SPV to the utilised for the project under the mission. Company yet to be incorporated SPV, which is also a limited company registered under the Companies Act 2013 for Jalandhar city, is yet to be incorporated. It currently has only three boards of directors. As per the guidelines laid down by the Union ministry, the board of directors for SPV will have representatives of Central government, state government, a member of urban local body and an independent director in addition to the CEO and functional directors. MCJ officials said that other members of the SPV will be incorporated after the state power high committee meeting to be held in Chandigarh soon. Special assembly session summoned by Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore to discuss Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue began in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Earlier, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal declared that not a single drop of Punjabs river waters will be allowed to flow out of the state, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday asked the President to ignore the Supreme Court (SC) advice on the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004. Not even a single drop of water belonging to Punjab will be allowed to flow out of the state. Nor will we allow canal construction, the SAD declared after its core group meeting, chaired by the Punjab chief minister. The principal opposition party Congress legislators have already handed over their resignations to the Vidhan Sabha speaker, and the ruling Akali Dal-BJP government is exploring options to start legal and political battle. Below are the live updates: * Punjab assembly excluding Congress MLAs pays tributes to two soldiers of Punjab killed in Jammu and Kashmir during recent skirmish on the border. * After obituary references in which tributes were paid to 10 people who died in recent past. Speaker adjourned the House till 10:30 am. The government is making last minutes changes in its legal and legislative strategy. Hence, the move to adjourn the House proceedings which Congress has boycotted. * Punjab vidhan sabha move the resolution to seek royalty from outside state to which Punjab waters are supplied. House said during British rule royalty was imposed on Jind, Patiala, Nabha riyasats and on Bikaner. Riparian law was in working since 1873. * People of Punjab suffer full brunt of the floods, as river affect the regions, whereas canals disperse water and not cause floods. * House asked the government to take up the matter with centre, Rajasthan and Delhi to impose royalty on water from Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi since November 11, 1966. * Punjab vidhan sabha also passed a resolution issuing instructions to all government departments and officers and staff members to not to give permission to any agency for construction of SYL canal. (With inputs from Pawan Sharma and Gurpreet Singh Nibber) With the motive of making Golden Temple area free from traffic chaos and air pollution, the administration has imposed more restrictions for vehicles near the shrine on Tuesday. Till Tuesday, bollards were installed only at Fuwara Chowk and all kinds of vehicles were not allowed to go beyond it. Another barricading has now been installed near Santokhsar Sahib near Town Hall. These barricades are installed only to restrict three-wheelers and four-wheelers, which is a relief for two-wheeler drivers. They will be allowed to go till Saragari Chowk. These step have been taken as the area from Town Hall to Fuwara Chowk has been beautified and revamped, giving it a heritage look that needs to be maintained, said the authorities. Initially, shopkeepers, traders and residents irked over the move as they were afraid that the move will affect their business. To press the government to meet their demands, they undertook agitations, but deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal remained firm on the decision. The shopkeepers now have to load goods for their shops via Katra Ahluwalia and other markets that are congested and narrow. Governments plan is to convert all roads leading to the Golden Temple into pedestrian zone. The arrival of devotees and tourists has increased since the facelift. Keeping the visitors comfort in mind, the move was needed, said deputy commissioner Basant Garg. DC REVIEWS PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT WORK Deputy commissioner Basant Garg reviewed the progress of development projects being executed in the city on Tuesday. These projects include beatification around Golden Temple, Bhagwan Balmiki shrines beatification at Ram Tirath, District Administrative Complex, Circuit House, corridors and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Garg visited construction sites for the projects and directed the officials concerned and contractors to speed up the work and complete it timely. He asked them to ensure that no one face inconvenience during the construction. DC asked the workers not to comprise with quality of work. He also visited sites for widening of roads, laying sewerage system and pipes for water supply. Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday reiterated that the border state had not a single drop of river water to spare and threatened that water will not be allowed to flow to Haryana. Addressing the special session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the CM said the state government will do everything possible to stop water from flowing to Haryana. Launching a frontal attack on the Congress, Badal said the entire leadership of the party has been accusing him and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of changing stand on Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue. It was SAD, he said, that opposed the anti-Punjab SYL canal tooth and nail whereas the Congressmen accepted the directives of their high command and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Also read | But where is the water? Capt Amarinder writes on SYL Any decision to rob the state of its legitimate rights on river waters will not be acceptable to me. Nor will the SAD-BJP alliance government accept it. Neither there was any need to construct SYL canal nor there is any possibility for its construction. It will not be allowed in any circumstances, Badal declared amid thumping of the benches. As the Congress stayed away from the assembly session, Badals speech lacked the punch he is known for. CONG SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS Taking a dig at the missing Congress MLAs, who had handed over their resignations to the speaker, the CM said the opposition was shedding crocodile tears over the recent verdict of the Supreme Court. Why did they run away? We wanted to take their advice on the two resolutions we have moved to protect the Punjab waters. They did it deliberately because they had a guilty conscience for betraying Punjab and its people on territorial issues, including river waters, several times, Badal alleged. He said Punjab had been frequently meted out discrimination, excesses and injustice and the SAD had to struggle for securing Punjabs rights since inception. Badal said the water issue was not merely restricted to peasantry but every section of the society was adversely affected by it. He said there would be no agriculture without water and without agriculture there would be no trade and industry. He claimed that grave injustice being meted out to Punjab over the issue of river waters was absolutely intolerable. CM DIGS IN HISTORY OF WATER ISSUE He said the first betrayal by the Congress was witnessed by Punjab at an inter-state ministerial meeting in 1955 which was presided over by the then Union water resources minister Gulzari Lal Nanda and was attended by the irrigation ministers of Rajasthan, PEPSU and J&K. The 15.85 MAF (million acre foot) of Ravi-Beas surplus water was distributed among Punjab (5.9 MAF), PEPSU (1.3 MAF), J&K (0.65 MAF) and Rajasthan (8 MAF). The internationally-accepted riparian principle was blatantly violated then, he added. Punjab was discriminated against for the second time in terms of Indus Water Treaty of 1960, under which distribution of six rivers between India and Pakistan was done, he said. In the Reorganization Act of 1966, Badal said, the discrimination continued against Punjab. After creation of Haryana, the Centre, using Section 78, allocated 50% (3.5 MAF) water to Haryana from the share that Punjab (including PEPSU) was given in 1955. Referring to the SYL canal, he said that the proposal was made in 1976 and the first mention about its construction was made in the 1981 agreement. But surprisingly, much before that Congress chief ministers of Haryana and Punjab had already decided on it, he added. Badal said `1 crore was received by Punjab from Haryana on November 18, 1976. The then chief minister Giani Zail Singh wrote a letter on November 26, 1976 to his Haryana counterpart Banarsi Dass Gupta, seeking consent to carry out the work for construction of the punjab portion of the SYL out of `1 crore, which was offered by Haryana. Subsequently, on January 1, 1977, the Giani Zail Singh Singh government accorded the most important administrative approval to construct the Punjab portion of the SYL. The president of the states nurses and ancillary staff union jumped into the Bhakra canal on Wednesday while demanding full pay scales and other allowances after regularisation of jobs. The divers immediately jumped into the water and took out the nurse within minutes. They were called by the administration to tackle any emergency situation. After the act, she was taken to hospital where she was reported to be in the intensive care unit (ICU), while the police took all other protesting nurses into custody citing preventive measures. Karamjit Kaur jumping into the canal. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo) Divers rescuing Karamjit Kaur. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo) Karamjit being pulled out of the canal. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo) Karamjit being taken to hospital. Protesting nurses being arrested by the police. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo) Protesting nurses being arrested by the police. (Bharat Bhushan/HT Photo) On Tuesday, four members of the union climbed up the iron-bridge on Bhakra canal, which adjoins Century Enclave police post, threatening to commit suicide by jumping into the canal if the state government fails to meet their demands. At about 2 pm, president Karamjit Kaur jumped in the flowing water, while three others were still positioned upon the bridge. Also read | Tower protest by jobless men: At 100 feet, 11 cold nights and counting On Monday, the protesters had shifted their venue of protest from the OPD gate of Rajindra hospital to the bank of Bhakra canal. Director, research and medical education, (DRME) Punjab, Dr Manjit Kaur Mohi along with other health department and administrative officials visited the spot and tried to negotiate with the protesters but they refused to engage in talks. The protesting union members alleged, Beside promises of allocating them all the benefits in the previous meetings, the political leaders have betrayed us. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Samana, Krishan Kumar Painthe said, We have taken the nurses into custody under the preventive measures and will soon produce them before the court of local SDM. Terming the resolutions passed in the special session of Punjab assembly irrational and illogical, state Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday hit out at the Parkash Singh Badal governments refusal to acknowledge that the state has no surplus water. Punjab simply cannot give water to its non-riparian neighbours at any cost. But for some inexplicable reasons, the Akali governments resolution is completely silent on this key issue. The crude attempts of the Akali government to brush this critical aspect of the SYL matter under the carpet is shameless in its resolution, which was blatantly in violation of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1955. All pre-independence precedents, as cited in the resolution, had been overruled by the Act of 1955, which categorically laid down that all water sharing would be free of cost. Since that was a central legislation, you would need to take the centres permission before trying to negate it, he said. The Badal government also seemed to have deliberately kept its resolution on recovery costs ambiguous, said Amarinder, adding that the resolution makes no mention of future water sharing. By seeking royalty for water shared with other states with effect from 1966, the Akalis had laid the foundation for making similar demand for water sharing in the future. In any case, how the recovery of past water costs going to resolve the problem triggered by the Supreme Court verdict in the SYL canal case? he questioned. The former CM sought the central governments intervention in the matter and asked it to present the real facts of the case before the Supreme Court. He termed another Akali resolution passed in the special session a farce, given the fact that the government had on Tuesday de-notified the SYL land acquisition. What do they mean then by saying that the state government should not give the SYL land to the Centre or any central agency, when there is no SYL land left now, in the wake of the the De-notification Bill? he questioned. Box Cong delegation to meet CEC, Prez today A Punjab Congress delegation led by Amarinder Singh will meet chief election commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi in New Delhi on Thursday morning and urge him to take all possible steps to ensure that the assembly elections are held in a free and fair manner. The Congress will also reiterate its demand for imposition of Presidents rule in the state. The party has already demanded imposition of the poll code of conduct. Amarinder will also lead a delegation of Punjab Congress MLAs to meet President Pranab Mukherjee on the SYL issue on Thursday evening. Led by party state president Subhash Barala, a delegation of the ruling BJP MLAs on Wednesday called on the governor of Punjab V P Singh Badnore urging upon him not to approve of any unconstitutional step of the Punjab government on SYL issue against the interests of Haryana. The delegation which comprised about 15 MLAs apprised Badnore that they apprehended Punjab government would take unconstitutional steps on the SYL canal issue in the specially convened vidhan sabha session on Wednesday despite the verdict of the Supreme Court in favour of Haryana. While briefing the media, the BJP chief said that they apprised Badnore that Haryana had been fighting for its rightful share of Ravi Beas rivers through SYL canal since the past several decades as in absence of it, Haryanas over 3 lakh hectare had remained parched. Hence, the need to complete SYL canal which was being refused by Punjab despite the Supreme Court order, he added. Recounting that the apex court had in January 2002 and June 2004, ordered the remaining portion of the SYL canal to be completed, he said that the Punjab assembly enacted the Punjab termination of agreements act, annulling all inter-state agreements on sharing Ravi and Beas waters in 2004. On the question of all-party meet scheduled for Thursday, Barala said that the BJP government had invited all the parties and he was hopeful that all of them would stand united in the interests of the state.On being asked if the state leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were invited, he replied in negative stating that AAP did not have any existence in Haryana. Barala said the state BJP would monitor the proceedings of the special Punjab vidhan sabha session on Wednesday and would finalise its action plan on SYL issue after the all party meeting convened by it on the issue on Thursday. Punjab assembly on Wednesday passed two unanimous resolutions against construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and sharing even a drop of river water with Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, in a move that the Akali Dal-BJP government described as final burial of the contentious canal. Also read | No need, no possibility of SYL canal project completion: Punjab CM Badal The assembly was convened for a special one-day session following a Supreme Court ruling last week that declared as unconstitutional a 2004 state law that scrapped all water-sharing arrangements with neighbouring states, including Haryana. Even as the Congress, the principal opposition party, stayed away from the assembly session, the Parkash Singh Badal government further hardened its stand over river water-sharing pacts. The first resolution that chief minister Badal moved directed the state governmentCM, cabinet ministers, all government officers and officialsnot to hand over land of Punjab to any agency for SYL canal construction and not to allow anyone to work for the construction of this canal. In the second resolution, the House directed the state government to demand cost/royalty payment from other statesHaryana, Rajasthan and Delhifor the river water supplied to them in past five decades after Punjabi Suba was created on November 1, 1966. The resolutions were adopted in the absence of 42 Congress legislators who resigned last week to protest the top courts ruling. Also read | But where is the water? Capt Amarinder writes on SYL With assembly polls due early next year, the issue is likely to emerge as a major poll plank for all the political parties. In this blame game, the opposition parties led by the Congress has blamed the Badal government for failing to protect the states interests in the apex court, and the ruling Akali Dal-BJP government held Congress governments at the Centre and in Punjab responsible for sacrificing states interests. At the heart of water dispute is the 212-km-long SYL canal, meant to transfer water from the two rivers to Haryana. It is among at least seven major water-sharing wrangles between 10 Indian states, some of which have even led to violence. I will rather shed every drop of my blood than allow even a single drop of water to flow out of my state in defiance of the riparian principle, Badal said in the assembly, reiterating that no water will be allowed to flow to Haryana. We will not implement the court order at any cost. Not a drop of water from Punjab will be given to anyone even if we have to go to jail, Badal said in the assembly. Describing the two adopted resolutions as historic decisions, deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the House had given final burial to the SYL canal. Now, we are bound by the House resolutions. Anyone daring to violate them will attract severe punishment under the contempt/privilege law of the assembly, he said. The canal chapter is now closed. These two directions are the most powerful weapons assembly has used, Sukhbir said. Wednesdays twin resolutions came a day after government set the stage for a constitutional confrontation with the Supreme Court. Punjab cabinet on Tuesday de-notified 5,376 acres of land that was acquired for the SYL canal and returned it to its original owners free of cost. Farmers are owners of this land. They are free to do whatever they want, the deputy CM said, claiming that there was no court stay on returning acquired SYL land to the rightful owners. Amid the escalating water row between Punjab and Haryana, BJP legislators from Haryana on Wednesday met Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore to seek blocking of the Punjab governments move to de-notify the acquired land. Led by Haryana BJP president Subhash Barala, the BJP legislators urged the governor not to give his assent to the move. Haryana has a BJP government and in Punjab, the BJP is an alliance partner with the ruling SAD since 2007. First resolution: No work on canal Whereas Punjab has legislative and executive right over the whole land falling under its boundaries as per the entry number 14 and 18 of the state list of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India. Whereas Punjab has also legislative and executive right over water supply, irrigation and canals, drains, pathways, water reservoirs and hydro electricity as one entry No. 56 of the same Schedule according to entry No. 17 of the state list of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution. House takes notice of this fact that Punjab needs 56 MAF of water for agriculture, out of which river waters amount to only 27% and that the Central Ground Water Commission had already declared 105 out of 138 blocks as overexploited. Without requisite waters, Punjab, which is the grain bowl of India, is continuously becoming barren and resultantly posing a threat to national food security and state economy. The House takes a serious view of the fact that Punjab is already falling short of its canal water needs and farmers of Punjab are facing serious water crisis. Keeping in view the larger interests of people of Punjab, the House unanimously directs the Punjab government, cabinet and entire government officers and officials to neither hand over any land of any agency for the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal nor allow anyone to work on this project and give any sort of cooperation for this purpose. Second Resolution: Push for loyalty It is a historical truth that before Independence a riparian state used to get royalty for sharing water with the non-riparian state. For example, during the British rule, river water of Punjab was given twice to another states. Water was given to Patiala, Nabha and Jind states in 1873 and it was clearly specified that Punjab being a riparian state had right over these waters. Therefore, Patiala, Nabha, and Jind states had to pay royalty in lieu of water till 1945-46. For the second time, the water was released to the Bikaner state through Gang Canal on the request of Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner and the Bikaner state paid royalty to Punjab. Therefore, considering the aforesaid facts, this House strongly directs Punjab government to immediately take up the matter with the Central government, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, regarding securing cost/royalty in lieu of river waterso as to undo the injustice meted out to the state for decades by Congress-led governments in Punjab and at the Centre. Sidelights Mediator of the day: BJPs Madan Mohan Mittal, parliamentary affairs minister, acted as a mediator when he requested speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal to let independent MLa Simarjeet Singh Bains speak. Mittal mediated when Bains brothers started creating ruckus in the House for not given time to speak. Jibe of the day: Akali Dal MLA from Khem Karan Virsa Singh Valtoha while speaking against Bains brothers also took a jibe at speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, saying Bains brothers and Atwal are from Ludhiana, and they (brothers) take guidance from him from time to time. Hence, speaker cant act beyond a smile against the brothers, he said. Interruption of the day: When speaker was about to pass the resolution moved by the House, directing the Punjab government to not give permission to construct SYL canal, Valtoha and Tota Singh made frantic interruptions. How can you ignore us, both said in unanimity, forcing the speaker to give them the time to speak. Course correction of the day: As parliamentary affairs minister Madan Mohan Mittal started reading out the resolution in English, he was interrupted by the speaker to read in Punjabi. Speaker saab mere kol Punjabi wala nahi hai (I dont have resolution typed in Punjabi) and speaker sent him the resolution written in Punjabi. Smile of the day: Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal responded with a smile when independent MLA Simarjeet Singh Bains referred to Badals Balasar farmhouse in Haryana being fed by distributries of Bakhra main line. Badals smile, a rare phenomenon, caught the attention of the entire House. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON San Quentin's death row, California A civil liberties group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit that could slow California's plans for resuming executions. The ACLU of Northern California challenged a state law that gives the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation wide flexibility in establishing execution procedures. Delegating such policy decisions to a state agency, the suit says, violates separation of powers provisions of the California Constitution. The suit follows a Nov. 4 decision by the corrections department to finalize new regulations for conducting lethal injections and the subsequent passage of a ballot measure intended to expedite executions. A separate lawsuit challenging Proposition 66 is pending before the California Supreme Court. Votes on the measure still are being counted, but it is winning by a narrow margin. Californians last week rejected another ballot measure that would have replaced the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. The ACLU suit, challenging a 1941 state law, could stall executions even if Proposition 66 were allowed to go forward. The state has not executed an inmate since 2006. Courts struck down California's previous 3-drug lethal injection method, and Gov. Jerry Brown's administration did not propose a new protocol until last year. There are 750 prisoners on California's death row, the largest in the country, and at least 16 have exhausted their appeals and could be executed. The inmates facing imminent execution are older than 50 - 1 is approaching 80 - and were condemned for crimes that took place decades ago. Kent Scheidegger, legal director for a statewide law-and-order group, said executions could resume during the first half of next year if courts dismiss the lawsuits quickly. "Assuming we defeat all these attempts to get injunctions, it could be in the 1st half of next year," said Scheidegger, legal director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation. "I think that is reasonable." The latest suit says the Legislature, not a state agency, must set parameters for the kind of lethal injection procedure California adopts. It also argues that lawmakers should be the ones deciding on the acceptable amount of pain for an inmate to experience, the acceptable amount of time it takes for the inmate to die and the level of reliability of the execution process. "Those questions need to be decided by elected leaders, not un-elected bureaucrats," said Linda Lye, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Northern California. A similar lawsuit filed in Arkansas, Lye said, forced that state's legislature to clarify how lethal injections were to be carried out. Scheidegger said he doubted the California effort would succeed. "They are attacking what the law has always been," he said. "I don't think the California Supreme Court will follow the lead of the state of Arkansas." | 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! Source: Los Angeles Times, November 16, 2016 A 35-year-old widow was hacked to death allegedly by her in-laws owing to a property dispute in Salem Tabri on Sunday night. As per the police, the accused allegedly wanted to grab a 300-square yard plot in a possession of the victim. The accused tried to give it the colour of a road mishap but the postmortem report revealed that the victim sustained grievous injuries after being hit by sharp-edged weapons suggesting she was murdered. After the postmortem report, the Salem Tabri police registered a case of murder against her father-in-law Balwinder Singh, mother-in-law Balwinder Kaur and sister-in-law Jashnpreet Kaur and arrested them. The case has been registered following the statement of victims father Avtar Singh of Kamasi Majra village of Ambala. In his complaint, he said that his daughter Maninder Kaur was married to Amritpal Singh of Aman Nagar, Salem Tabri area of Ludhiana in 2010. Maninder Kaur has a four-year-old daughter. Avtar Singh added that Amritpal Singh was a drunkard and he died in February this year. Before his death, he had transferred the ownership of his 300-square yard plot in the name of his wife and the daughter. He alleged that her in-laws wanted to grab the plot and were forcing her to transfer the property in their name, but she refused following which they hatched a conspiracy to kill her. Avtar Singh told the police that on Monday, the accused informed him Maninder Kaur has met with a road accident. He rushed to Ludhiana, where he came to know that his daughter had died,said Salem Tabri station officer inspector Mohammad Jameel. Avtar Singh also informed that her daughter sustained injuries on her head, face, nose and other body parts. He alleged that her daughter was murdered,the SHO added. No surprises here. Workers across Asia, Canada, the US and Mexico are the biggest workaholics and the most vacation-deprived employees in the world, according to the results of a new report. The latest Expedia Vacation Deprivation report shows that little has changed since the travel website launched the report more than a dozen years ago. As in years past, while South Koreans are entitled to 15 days of holidays a year, the average taken is eight the least among the 28 countries surveyed. Workers in North America dont fare much better when it comes to striking a work-life balance: Though Americans received 15 vacation days in the past year, the average taken was 12. That translates to 375 million paid vacations lost in 2016. Weve been looking at vacation and work-life balance for more than a decade now and while many of the employed adults we survey agree that regular vacations are important for their general health and wellbeing, there are still plenty who have trouble maintaining the important balance between work and life, said John Morrey, vice-president and general manager of Expedia.com in a statement. The biggest reasons for not using up all their vacations? Nine percent of North American respondents said they worry taking their full allotment of holidays will be perceived negatively by their employer, while 14 percent of Americans reported feeling high levels of guilt. At the other end of the spectrum, workers in Spain, Finland, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and France are entitled to 30 days of vacation a year and take them all. Still, despite enjoying the biggest number of holidays, an eyebrow-raising 68 percent of respondents in Spain and the United Arab Emirates, along with nearly half (47 percent) of French workers said they felt vacation-deprived. In fact, French respondents said in an ideal world, theyd like an additional 10 days of vacation to make it a round 40 days. The vices theyre most willing to give up in exchange for another two weeks are alcohol and social media, followed by TV and coffee. Meanwhile, when it comes to disconnecting while on holiday, workers in Hong Kong, India, the UAE and South Korea are most likely to check their email at least once a day. Swedes and Danes are least likely to mix work with pleasure and succeed in refraining from logging on to their work email. For vacation-deprived Americans, more holidays was the second most popular work incentive, following flexible work hours and the ability to work from home. Here are the most workaholic countries of 2016 and the corresponding number of vacation days taken over the last year: * South Korea: 8 days * USA, Thailand, Mexico, Malaysia: 12 * Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong: 14 * Australia, India: 15 Here are the countries that enjoy the most holidays: * France, Brazil, Finland, Spain, United Arab Emirates: 30 days * Germany: 28 * Italy, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK: 25 Follow @htlifeandstyle for more. Mukesh Rawal, a small screen actor best known for his role in the TV show Ramayan, was found dead in Mumbai on Wednesday. According to media reports, the actors body was found near railway tracks in the Kandivali area of Mumbai. Apparently, he was killed in a train accident while on his way to a dubbing session for a Gujarati film. 66-year-old Rawal was run-over by a train while crossing railway tracks, they said. His body was found yesterday at 9.33 AM, but the actors kin identified him this morning, Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik told PTI. The body was found on the tracks between Borivali and Kandivali railway stations, Kaushik said. Initially, we could not find anything on the body to identify. Railway Police had issued his photographs at all police stations. His son-in-law came at the Kandivali railway station in search of Rawal, who had gone missing. The officials sent him to a hospital where he identified the body, the Commissioner of Police said. After autopsy, the body was handed over to his family members, Kaushik said. Rawal, a known name in Gujarati TV and in the film circuit, is best remembered for playing Vibhishan in Ramayan, a retelling of the mythological epic. He also found fame on shows such as Hasratein and Koi Apna Sa. Currently he was doing the Gujarati TV serial Nass Nass Mei Khunnas. Rawal was also a popular theatre artiste. (With inputs from PTI) Follow @htshowbiz for more The sudden Rs 500 and Rs 1000 demonetisation has left the country in a flux, including the television industry. Producers and actors are trying not to let the change affect their shoot schedules. Its affected us because in television, you have to pay a lot of money in cash on the day of shoots and now because of all this, we have no money. The banks have had limited money as well. There have been vendors and other people who are paid per day. Be it a spot boy or other staff members. Its just that they have been working with us for quite some time, so they are not saying anything to us. At the end of the day, even they need money. What we have done at our end is that, we have issued cheque in their names, says television producer Rahul Tewary, whose mythological show on lord Shani recently hit the small screen. Rajan Shahi, who produces a daily show starring Hina Khan says, This is a drastic step taken by the government. I got mind blowing support from my crew and everyone sat together and discussed the problems they are facing. Many actors are struggling to find time to withdraw money from the ATMs owing to their hectic schedules, and are trying to be careful with their spending. I have no patience to stand in a queue. I can neither miss my shoot nor my gym. The routine life is disturbed. I fell short of cash while buying protein powder it was really embarrassing. I am not even buying broccoli these days as even the vegetable vendor has cash and change issues, says actor Mrunal Jain. I am spending carefully. The limit of withdrawal per day is also less and I am shooting for a daily soap without any breaks. It is really affecting my time, energy and work, says actor Ssharad Malhotraa. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ronit Roy has ruled television for nearly 15 years now. Ever since he played Rishabh Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagi Kay in 2002, the actor has not looked back. However, Ronit says he is saddened by the current content on Indian television. In a recent interview, he expressed concern about shows on TV today and how much it hurts him. I have been on TV for the past two decades, and in this time, anyone in any line of work will expect some progressiveness. Somehow, we are going the opposite way. We are regressing. There are many reasons for that and its no ones fault. Its a vicious cycle, and there is no one to blame here. But we have to break the cycle sometime. We are at the low point of TV content right now. I think in the next year or so, we should be breaking out of the cycle, and well see a lot of good work, quality and money like never before. I see a bigger, brighter and better future for TV. Honoured to have received the award from Jeetuji. pic.twitter.com/vkwJctg2RE Ronit Roy (@RonitBoseRoy) November 13, 2016 One of his films was released recently, but Ronit says he has many films lined up in 2017 he has signed four other Hindi films and is in talks for a big Hollywood venture as well. But I would like to talk about these films once I start shooting for them, says the Udaan actor. This year, he shot with Hollywood actor Brendan Fraser for The Field as well as an Abbas Mustan film in Georgia. He took his family to the country while he was shooting, as he thought of it as a work and pleasure trip. Happy Birthday Agasthya my Raja! Love you beyond everything. A photo posted by Ronit Roy (@ronitboseroy) on Oct 24, 2016 at 9:33pm PDT Ronit says, It was during my childrens holidays, and I normally spend that time with them. I had already committed to this film, so we all went [to Georgia] together and had fun. One with The Sarkar as promised. #Sarkar3 #TheLegend #theoneandonly A photo posted by Ronit Roy (@ronitboseroy) on Oct 22, 2016 at 7:26am PDT SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Donald Trump presidency is looking more chaotic and unpredictable than anticipated even before it takes off. The transition team has been hit by ousters, intrigue and controversy, with the US president-elects family right in the middle. New Jersey governor Chris Christie, an early backer of Trump, was ousted as head of the transition team recently and his allies, such as former House intelligence committee chairman Mike Rogers, a widely respected figure, were forced out on Tuesday. There have been reports of Trump seeking top security clearance for his three adult children and son-in-law, who are already on his transition team and are expected to play an important role in his administration, triggering alarm bells about nepotism. Trump sought to address these reports and fears in a string of tweets on Wednesday. I am not trying to get top level security clearance for my children. This was a typically false news story, he tweeted. He also denied reports of chaos inside the transition team, tweeting on Tuesday, Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are! He went through names and lists with Mike Pence, the vice president-elect who has taken over the transition team from Christie, as leading contenders for top positions went about publicly auditioning for their desired slots. But the man Americans are watching closely, with mounting concerns about nepotism in some quarters, is the boyish-looking 35-year-old Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trumps husband and the president-elects son-in-law and most trusted adviser. A New York real estate baron like his father-in-law, Kushner played a central role in the campaign, emerging as the reliable and reasonable go-to man at Trump Tower, especially when the nominee looked determined to destroy himself. Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign manager, tried to take him on and found himself being escorted out of the building. Trump continued to consult Lewandowski but was never able to let him return to the high table. And when Trump went to meet President Barack Obama after winning the election, it was Kushner who made as much news, taking a stroll around the sprawling White House lawns with Obamas chief of staff Dennis McDonough. Just the day after, Trump announced a revamped transition team with Pence as the new chair replacing Christie, who had helmed it for months and had emerged as a member of the Trumps inner circle, with an assured cabinet berth. That changed quickly after November 8, in part because of Christies own troubles on account of New Jersey government aides found guilty of closing a major bridge connecting the state to New York to punish an unfriendly mayor. Though Christie has denied any role in it and has not been accused of involvement, his history with the Kushner family is understood to have led to his unceremonious ouster from the transition team head and that of his allies, such as Rogers. As US attorney in New Jersey, Christie prosecuted Jared Kushners father Charles Kushner in 2005 for illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering, which got him two years in jail; he was out after one. The younger Kushner seems to have got his revenge 11 years later. Around 100 people were missing, feared drowned, in the Mediterranean on Tuesday after a migrant dinghy capsized off Libya, according to rescue teams frantically searching for survivors in darkness and rough seas. German NGO Jugend Rettet, whose boat was at the scene, said 23 survivors had been rescued by an oil tanker which was first to reach the stricken boat. The crews are searching for survivors in the water and recovering dead bodies, it added in a tweet. The survivors and four recovered corpses were transferred from the tanker to the Acquarius, a boat operated by another charity group, SOS Mediterranee. A survivor told one of that organisations staff that the dinghy had begun to sink at 6.00 am, four hours before the tanker arrived. We were 122 on the boat, no children under 15, but there were 10 women travelling with us and only one survived, the survivor was quoted as saying. We waited in the water, taking any floating thing to remain afloat, but most of the people drowned, including my little brother. He was 15. At 10 the tanker came and rescued us. I want to call home to tell them that my brother died. Attempts to find any survivors were continuing but were being hampered by very rough conditions and the chances of finding anyone alive appeared slim. The survivors were suffering from symptoms of extreme trauma, hypothermia and intoxication and burns caused by fuel fumes. Many were in a critical condition. (AFP) Second disaster The latest tragedy in the Mediterranean came the day after another incident in which it is feared dozens may have drowned after the sinking of another dinghy, from which there were only 15 survivors. UN refugee agency (UNHCR) officials said Tuesday that dozens of people likely perished before a merchant ship reached that dinghy, which was of a type that normally have had 100-150 passengers packed on board. The survivors were on Tuesday onboard an Italian coastguard ship the Diciotti en route for the Sicilian port of Catania. Exactly how many people died will not be known until it arrives but it would be unusual for traffickers to set sail from Libya with as few as 15 people onboard. The coastguard said a total of 298 people were rescued in three operations on Tuesday, taking the total rescued since Saturday to 2,600. The coastguard confirmed the recovery of five corpses on Monday and SOS Mediterranee staff said they had seen another one floating in the water but had been unable to recover it. The migrants rescued by the Aquarius included a large number of minors -- 24 on Monday, including three under five, and 47 on Tuesday. One young boy who was plucked unconscious from the water on Monday was said to be in a stable condition on the Italian island of Lampedusa after being helicoptered off the rescue boat. The latest deaths add to a tally of 4,271 mostly African people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the UN refugee agency. (AFP) Record death toll He had inhaled fuel fumes and sea water but happily we got him in time, said Sarah Giles, one of the on-board doctors working for the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity. He was unconscious for two hours but we were able to stabilise him before he was evacuated. Other survivors, the doctor said, were suffering from symptoms of extreme trauma, hypothermia and intoxication and burns caused by fuel fumes. Many were in a critical condition. Nobody should have to endure such conditions, said Mathias Menge, coordinator of the SOS Mediterranee rescue team. This latest tragedy underlines once more the dangers of the Mediterranean and the pressing need to maintain search and rescue operations throughout the winter. The latest deaths add to a tally of 4,271 mostly African people who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, according to the UN refugee agency. This year is already the deadliest on record for migrants trying to reach Europe with uncertainty about the situation in conflict-torn Libya fuelling a higher volume of departures in difficult weather conditions at the onset of winter. English language proficiency among the Chinese improved significantly in the past one year while Indias ranking among non-English speaking countries which use the language dropped a couple of notches, according to a new report. China improved its ranking by eight levels to be placed 39th among 72 countries, while India went down by two ranks and is now 20th, says the report on English proficiency index prepared by Swedish education company EF Education First. The Swedish company, according to its website, combines language training and culture to deliver educational courses. The report is based on the EF Standard English Test results of 950,000 adults from 72 countries and regions. The test developed by the company consists of reading and listening, China Daily newspaper reported. While English is taught at the primary level in many schools in China, the primacy of Mandarin has, till now, made it all but redundant as a language. The problem is further compounded by the lack of focus on speaking English. But the situation is changing. The English ability of residents in Shanghai ranked first in China, followed by that of Hong Kong and Beijing residents, the China Daily quoted the report as saying. The newspaper quoted Cai Jigang, an English language professor at Shanghai's Fudan University, as saying that Shanghai has held the leading position for several years, thanks in part to a reform since 2013 of English language courses offered to all college students in the city. Cai said the aim of college English courses in the past was to help students pass the College English Test. But after the reform, the courses have focused more on meeting students' needs in their professional studies, academic research and job search, he said. Singapore ranked first among Asian countries in its residents proficiency in English while Malaysia and the Philippines too ranked high, the report said. Christopher McCormick from Education First was quoted as saying that proficiency in English in China varies greatly from east to west. Shanghai and Beijing rank high because they are more engaged internationally, he said. The penetration of English outside cities such as Beijing and Shanghai is very low and non-Mandarin speakers could face considerable problems while visiting second and third tier cities on their own. But there is considerable interest among the Chinese to learn English and it is considered a tool to do well professionally. A CNBC report earlier this year had quoted state media as saying that as many as 300 million Chinese were learning English. Indias aggressive posturing will affect peace in South Asia, Pakistans interior minister cautioned British Prime Minister Theresa May during a meeting on Tuesday. Nisar Ali Khan had a scheduled meeting with Britains National Security Adviser, Mark Lyall Grant, on Tuesday when the British premier dropped in, according to UK government sources. Indias hegemonic stance and aggressive posturing is a threat to peace and stability in the region, Khan said. The world and our friends needed to do more to counter Indian designs against Pakistan and should stop seeing South Asia through the Indian prism... Pakistan would not cow down to bullying tactics... we reserve the right to avenge the blatant and unprovoked killing of our soldiers...The people of Pakistan and its security institutions are determined to wipe out terrorism from its soil, he added. May reportedly conveyed her good wishes to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistani minister congratulated her on her assumption of office as prime minister. After the meeting, the Pakistani minister told reporters from the Pakistani media that May was looking forward to a visit Pakistan in the first half of 2017. He emphasised that Mays visit to Pakistan would be timely in the context of regional scenario prevailing in South Asia, and would open new channels of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination. On peace in the region, he told Lyall Grant that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan. He stressed that friendly relations of Pakistan with its neighbouring countries were based on the principle of reciprocity, which is a fundamental and important element of Pakistans foreign policy. Khan also held a meeting with UK home secretary Amber Rudd earlier this week. Pakistans Supreme Court has indicated that the Government cannot execute mentally ill death-row prisoners such as Imdad Ali, who suffers from schizophrenia. At a hearing this morning, judges said that if Imdad Ali, who suffers from schizophrenia, can be proven to have been mentally ill at the time of his trial in 2001 then he must not be executed. They added that while Mr Ali remains mentally unfit, it would be inappropriate to hang him. Mr Ali, 50, has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Jail medical records presented at the Supreme Court hearing show that Imdad has been treated for mental illness for many years, and that a 2013 medical report concluded that he is insane. More recent medical reports, from September and October this year, have confirmed his illness, and a psychiatrist at his prison has deemed him a treatment-resistant case. Sentenced to death in 2002 over a shooting, Mr Ali has spent 14 years on Pakistans death row, including 3 years in the jail hospital in solitary confinement. The execution of mentally ill people is illegal under Pakistani and international law. However, despite Mr Alis illness, the Pakistani authorities have been seeking to carry out his execution since last month, when a warrant for his hanging was handed down. At a hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court ordered that a medical board be set up to determine whether Mr Ali is mentally ill. Pakistan has hanged an estimated 418 people since resuming executions in December 2014, including juveniles, prisoners who were tortured into confessions, and others who have subsequently been found to have been innocent. The countrys compliance with its international human rights obligations will be reviewed as early as next year by the UN Human Rights Council and UN treaty monitoring bodies. Commenting, Harriet McCulloch, deputy director of the death penalty team at Reprieve, said: Its welcome to hear Pakistans Supreme Court affirming that the Government cannot execute mentally ill prisoners. There is already abundant evidence that Imdad Ali is severely mentally ill his hanging would be a serious breach of Pakistani and international law. The Pakistani authorities must urgently heed these warnings, and commute Imdads death sentence before its too late. | 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! - More information about Imdad Ali's case can be seen at the Reprieve website Source: Reprieve, November 16, 2016. Reprieve is an international human rights organization. Indonesian police said on Wednesday they will go ahead with an investigation into a blasphemy complaint brought by Muslim groups against the Christian and ethnic Chinese governor of Jakarta and banned him from leaving the country. The decision to officially name Basuki Tjahaja Purnama a suspect comes amid simmering religious and ethnic tension and is likely to stoke concerns over rising hardline Islamic sentiment in the worlds largest Muslim-majority nation. Ari Dono Sukmanto, chief of the National Police criminal investigation department, told reporters that the dominant opinion is that this case should be settled in court. Some analysts said the decision was a blow to Indonesias young democracy. It sets a bad precedent for minorities as the legal process can be dictated by public pressure, said Irine Gayatri, political analyst at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences. Indonesia recognises six religions and is home to several minority groups that adhere to traditional beliefs. The blasphemy allegations centre on a speech Purnama made in September in which he said his opponents had deceived voters by attacking him using a verse from the Koran. Purnama has denied blasphemy but apologised for the comments. Hardline Muslim groups have demanded that he resign, claiming that he insulted Islams holy book. More than 1,00,000 Muslims marched against him this month, urging voters not to re-elect him in February. I accept the status of suspect and believe in the professionalism of the police, Purnama told reporters after the decision. This is not just a case about me but about determining the direction this country is going in. Presidential spokesman Johan Budi called for all sides to respect the police decision. From the beginning, the president has said he would not intervene, Budi said. Support for Purnama, a Protestant once hugely popular for his tough, reformist approach to running the city of 10 million people, has plummeted during the controversy, according to an opinion poll published last week. A decision to drop the case could have sparked mass protests led by hardline Muslims against not just Purnama but also President Joko Widodo, who is seen as a key backer of the governor. Israels parliament on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a proposal that would legalize hundreds of homes built in West Bank settlements that sit on private Palestinian land. The vote marked a victory for pro-settlement nationalists that dominate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus coalition. Although the bill has drawn heavy international criticism and faces tough legal questions, many hard-liners are also hopeful things will change after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. The proposal was sparked by a 2014 order from Israels Supreme Court to evacuate the illegally built settlement outpost of Amona by December 25. The court set the deadline after determining the outpost was built in the mid-1990s on private Palestinian land. The legislation would retroactively legalize Amona and dozens of other outposts, as well as neighbourhoods in existing settlements found to have been built on private Palestinian land. In all, an estimated 2,500 homes would be affected, while Palestinian landowners would be eligible for compensation. Members of the Jewish Home, a nationalist party affiliated with the settler movement, sponsored the legislation. They say the affected residents have lived in these homes for years, sometimes decades, and should not be uprooted. A nation cannot be an occupier in its own land, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the Jewish Home said ahead of the vote, berating Israels opposition parties for standing against the draft bill. Opponents say the bill is illegal and is a dangerous attempt to override the nations highest court. Israels attorney general, who was appointed by Netanyahu, has said he will not be able to defend it in court. Never in the history of the state of Israel, never, did the Knesset vote totally against the states laws, the rule of law and international law, said opposition leader Isaac Herzog. This is a law that recognizes robbery and theft. The bill still must pass three more votes in parliament meaning it could be watered down or frozen in various committees. The Palestinians and international community oppose all West Bank settlements, saying they pose an obstacle to peace. The Palestinians seek the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for a future independent state. Israel captured the territories in the 1967 Mideast war, though it withdrew from Gaza in 2005. The U.S. State Department said this week that it was deeply concerned about the legislation. Spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau called it an unprecedented step that would break from previous Israeli policies. This legislation would be a dramatic advancement of the settlement enterprise, which is already gravely endangering the prospects for a two-state solution, she said. Egypt, a key Arab ally of Israel, has also condemned the legislation. However, many Israeli hard-liners expect the United States to be far more tolerant of settlement construction after Trump takes office. Trumps campaign platform made no mention of a Palestinian state, and many of his close advisers hold hawkish, pro-Israel views. Czech President Milos Zeman has thrown his support behind a bid by Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of US President-elect Donald Trump, to become the next ambassador to the country of her birth. They could not send a better US ambassador to Prague, Zeman told her in a telephone call on Wednesday, the presidents office said in a statement. Ivana Trump told the New York Post last week she would suggest to her ex-husband that she become ambassador to the Czech Republic. The 67-year-old socialite, born in Zlin in what was then Czechoslovakia, told the paper the country was where Im from and my language and everybody knows me. Her suggestion, reported by Czech media over the weekend, has been welcomed by other politicians but most enthusiastically by the presidents office, whose spokesman said on Twitter it was a great choice. Donald Trump with his then-wife Ivana arriving at a social engagement in New York in December 1989. (AFP File ) It was another sign of a sharp pro-American U-turn by the Czech presidential administration. Zeman was one of the few European politicians who vocally backed Trump in his campaign for the US presidency. After the real estate billionaire won the election in a surprise victory a week ago, Zeman held a rare press briefing in which said he was very happy with Trumps victory and that the two shared opinions on immigration and terrorism. Like Trump, the outspoken Czech president has often railed against elites critical of his leadership and has warm views towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Unlike Trump, Zeman is very keen on deepening ties with China. Despite his countrys NATO membership, Zeman has often repeated the Russian line on the conflict in Ukraine and was not invited to the White House under President Barack Obama. He has had an open feud with current US ambassador to Prague, Andrew Schapiro. In 2015, he closed the door of Prague Castle to the envoy for a time, after he made comments perceived as critical of the Czech presidents decision to attend a World War Two commemoration in Moscow. The presidents spokesman, Jiri Ovcacek, tweeted last week that a beautiful gift for my January birthday will be the exit of the current ambassador. Chinese websites are censoring Kim Fatty the Third, a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words Jin San Pang on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. The nickname pokes fun at Kims girth and his status as the third generation of the Kim family to rule the worlds only hereditary communist dynasty. Its especially popular among young, irreverent Chinese who tend to look down on their countrys would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the Norths nuclear weapons programme, which China has condemned along with South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. But Beijing continues to support the Kim regime with limited trade and diplomatic backing. North Korean officials, fearing that Kim would find out about the nickname, lodged a formal request with China recently to prohibit names disparaging Kim from appearing in the media, according to Hong Kong newspaper reports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday that reports of the banning of Jin San Pang didnt comply with facts. The Chinese government stays committed to building a healthy and civilized environment of opinions, he added. We disapprove of referring to the leader of any country with insulting and mocking remarks. Kim Fatty the Third is such a widely used term in China that it is sometimes suggested by auto-complete algorithms on web portals such as Baidu, Chinas leading search engine. While searches for Jin San Pang returned no results this week, Baidu left untouched results for other versions of the nickname, such as Kim Fat Fat Fat. Baidu spokeswoman Tracy Hu declined to comment. The Beijing-based company has typically said that its policy is to provide accurate search results while also complying with Chinese regulations. US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel argued Wednesday for a transatlantic trade deal and stressed that there will be no return to a world before globalisation. Their joint article comes as Obamas successor Donald Trump has pledged to rip up existing trade deals and assume a more protectionist course for the worlds top economy. Obama, on his European farewell tour, was visiting Merkel from late Wednesday to Friday, when they will also meet the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain in Berlin. In business magazine Wirtschaftswoche, Obama and Merkel stated their case for a socially responsible market economy, worldwide free trade and ever closer ties between the United States and Europes top economy. There will be no return to a world before globalisation, they wrote in the German-language article to be printed in full in Fridays edition of the weekly. Germans and Americans should grasp the opportunity to shape globalisation according to our values and ideas, they wrote. We owe it to our companies and our citizens, indeed to the entire world community, to broaden and deepen our cooperation. Both leaders argued that the EU and US must sign the controversial trade deal called the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which has been the target of protests especially in Europe. They argued that trade and investment raise living standards and that both German and American employers and employees, consumers and farmers would benefit from TTIP. We are stronger when we work together, they wrote. Now that the global economy is developing faster than ever and global challenges are greater than ever, this cooperation is more important than ever before. Obama, speaking in Greece earlier Wednesday, argued that globalisation needs a course correction to address growing inequality which feeds a profound sense of injustice. But the outgoing president added that I firmly believe that the best hope for human progress remains open markets, combined with democracy and human rights. Globalisation has brought many economic benefits to the world but needs a course correction to address growing inequality, US President Barack Obama said Wednesday on his European farewell tour. Obama spoke during a visit originally planned as a valedictory lap, but which has become focused on reassuring jittery allies after the shock election victory by Donald Trump, a staunch critic of free trade agreements. The global path of globalisation demands a course correction, Obama said in an eagerly-awaited speech in Athens, before continuing his journey to Berlin. When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes... this feeds a profound sense of injustice, he added. During the trip, the outgoing president has repeatedly referred to the anger that lately brought success to populist movements in Europe and the United States, such as the Brexit referendum and Trumps shock victory last week. In comments Tuesday Obama cautioned the world must guard against a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an us and a them. European governments, especially eastern countries close to Russias orbit, have been shaken after Trump appeared to call into question Washingtons near 70-year security guarantee by saying he would only help NATO allies if they paid their way. Trump welcomed Britains shock vote in June to leave the European Union (EU) and has been a critic of global free trade agreements. - My closest partner - However, Obama was at pains to stress that Europe -- and NATO -- would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. The US-led NATO grouping is absolutely vital to US interests and a strong, unified Europe was good for America and the world, Obama said in comments aimed at reassuring old partners. We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up... the 20th century was a bloodbath, he said pointedly on Tuesday. Following his speech, the president will head to Germany to visit Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he has described as probably... my closest international partner these last eight years. During his time in Berlin, he will also huddle with the leaders of Britain, France and Italy, as Europe desperately seeks clues to future US policy in a Trump world. While Obama has generally been welcomed in Greece, there were some who came out onto the streets in protest. - Greeces extraordinary compassion - Around 2,500 people brandishing banners denouncing US imperialism and calling Obama a persona non grata were turned away on Tuesday as they tried to breach barriers and reach the city centre, with police firing tear gas and stun grenades. Many Greeks are suspicious of Washington after it helped install a repressive seven-year dictatorship in the country in the 1960s, and trade unions, leftist and anarchist parties have denounced US involvement in wars in the Middle East. Several hundred of the protesters appeared to be from Greeces vocal anarchist movement, police told AFP. On the first day of his visit, Obama also touched on issues that have shaken Greek society -- a dramatic influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty and a crippling financial crisis. He lauded the peoples extraordinary compassion for the hundreds of thousands of people who have landed on Greek shores since the start of Europes worst migrant crisis since World War II. And he pledged support for its economy, as Greek leaders seek a fresh US pledge to help alleviate the countrys enormous public debt, a measure actively sought by the International Monetary Fund but opposed by leading European lender Germany. In my message to the rest of Europe, I will continue to emphasise our view that austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity, Obama told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. A government-backed Israeli bill to limit the volume of calls to prayer at mosques has been blocked by an unlikely source -- the countrys ultra-Orthodox Jews. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had backed the controversial bill, which government watchdogs had called a threat to religious freedom. It had been due to get its first reading in parliament this week until health minister Yaakov Litzman, a member of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, stepped in. Litzman appealed the bill on Tuesday night, saying it could affect similarly loud Jewish prayers, Israeli media reported. The bill, proposed by members of the far-right Jewish Home party, was adopted by a ministerial committee on Sunday and was due to go through three readings in parliament before becoming law. The bill will now be put on hold until a ministerial committee holds a second vote. The bill was drafted in response to noise from mosques, but would in theory apply to all religious institutions -- including synagogues. For thousands of years, the Jewish tradition has used various tools, including shofars (a rams horn) and trumpets for Jewish holidays, the minister said in his appeal letter, cited by the media. Since the technology developed, loudspeakers have been used to announce the onset of the Sabbath, at the permitted volume level, and in compliance with every law, he added, referring to the weekly Jewish day of rest. He added that the proposed law constitutes an interference with religious practice and the status quo between religious authorities and the state. In protest against the bill, Arab-Israeli lawmaker Talab Abu Arar chanted the Muslim call to prayer in parliament earlier this week, provoking furious protests from some Jewish members. According to media reports, Arab MPs opposed to the bill pressured Litzman to use his power as a minister to block it, arguing a common right to religious practice for Jews and Muslims. Around 17.5 per cent of Israelis are Arab, the vast majority of them Muslim, but they complain of discrimination and are underrepresented in high-level jobs. Pakistan has ordered the deportation of 130 teachers affiliated with the alleged mastermind of an attempted coup in Turkey, officials said Wednesday, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was to arrive for a visit. The teachers from the private PakTurk International Schools and Colleges, backed by US-based Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulens Hizmet group, will have to leave Pakistan along with other school staff and their families by November 20, school and government officials confirmed. The decision -- hailed by Erdogan as pleasing -- affects up to 450 people in total and will be a blow to thousands of students in Pakistan, where government figures say a staggering 24 million children remain out of school. The deportations show how much importance Pakistan attaches to this effort, Erdogan told reporters at the airport before departing for Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day visit. He is scheduled to meet the countrys top leadership, address a joint session of parliament and visit the cultural capital of Lahore. Turkey accuses Gulen of ordering a failed coup in July, during which a rogue military faction tried to oust Erdogan from power. The countrys justice minister has compared the cleric to slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. Gulen strongly denies the accusations. Ankara has called for the US to extradite him and expressed impatience as American authorities study the evidence provided by Turkey before arriving at a decision. In a statement posted on the official PakTurk International Schools and Colleges website, the administration expressed deep concern over the abrupt decision. The statement said requests to extend visas for the teachers, school management and their families had been denied. We want to ensure the students and their parents that educational activities at all branches of PakTurk educational institutions across Pakistan are continuously operational, the statement said. A PakTurk official in Islamabad told AFP the decision would affect around 10,000 students in 28 schools and colleges around the country. The school management have already been replaced by local staff, the official said, speaking anonymously. A senior government official in Islamabad confirmed the deportation of Turkish staff by November 20. Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim thanked brotherly country Pakistan for the decision. Pakistans foreign ministry said Erdogan will be accompanied by a high-level entourage, including ministers and senior officials, as well as a large business delegation. Britains Prince William on Wednesday urged Vietnamese leaders to step up the fight against trafficking in wildlife species, the main theme of his first visit to the communist country. The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of United for Wildlife, met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on Wednesday before attending a two-day conference on illegal wildlife trade starting Thursday in Hanoi. During his call on the prime minister, the Duke spoke about the strength of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam and said he was looking forward to hearing what Vietnam was doing to tackle the challenges presented by the illegal wildlife trade, the princes office said in a statement on Wednesday. It said the Duke will engage with a wide cross section of Vietnamese society in order to encourage the work of local people to stamp out the use of things like rhino horn. Vietnam is one of the worlds major transit points and consumers of trafficked ivory and rhino horns, which people mistakenly believe can be used a cancer cure. On Saturday, authorities destroyed 2.2 tons of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns in a bid to stamp out trafficking. The official Vietnam News Agency quoted Prime Minister Phuc as telling William that Vietnam had paid great attention to raising awareness among the public about wildlife conservation and severe punishments were handed down. It quoted William as telling Phuc that the fight to protect endangered wildlife is a transnational and urgent issue and that the government plays a crucial role in ensuring its success. Air strikes hit near a childrens hospital and a school in rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday in the second day of renewed bombing that has killed at least 20 people, a war monitor, medics, and emergency workers said. The air strikes are part of a wider escalation by the Syrian government and its allies including Russia, which launched coordinated missile strikes against rebels in Syria on Tuesday and for the first time used its only aircraft carrier. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the air strikes on eastern Aleppo had killed at least five children and an emergency worker. They were carried out by either Russian or Syrian jets, it said. Moscow has denied reports that its jets hit the city in the renewed wave of bombardment. It says it is sticking to a moratorium on strikes in Aleppo. The Observatory said districts struck included Shaar, Sukkari and Karam al-Beik. Read | Russia launches offensive in Syria, airstrikes hit Aleppo after weeks-long pause Tuesdays bombing on eastern Aleppo appeared to mark the end of a pause inside the city declared by Russia on October 18. The Observatory and residents said the citys east was hit by rocket strikes by jets, barrel bombs dropped from helicopters and artillery fired by government forces. The helicopters wont stop for a single moment, Bebars Mishal, a Civil Defense worker in rebel-held Aleppo, told Reuters. Right now, the bombing wont let up. The Civil Defence is a volunteer rescue service that operates in rebel-held areas. Bombed neighbourhoods The bombing hit the surroundings of a childrens hospital in the Shaar neighbourhood and of a school in the Salah al-Din neighbourhood, the Observatory said. We woke up to the bombing and until now, the warplanes and helicopters are running, said Modar Shekho, a nurse in eastern Aleppo. The Shaar neighbourhood was burned down between yesterday and today. Ibrahim Abu al-Laith, a Civil Defence official, said more than 40 air strikes had hit the Shaar area. Today the bombardment is very, very fierce, he said. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the Damascus governments air force took part in strikes against what it called terrorist strongholds in Aleppos Old City. Russia said it had struck Islamic State and former Nusra Front sites elsewhere in Syria, without mentioning Aleppo. State-owned Ikhabariyah television reported large troop deployments along several main fronts in the Aleppo theatre in preparation for a major ground offensive that it said was imminent and awaiting zero hour to begin. Aleppo has become the major front in Syrias 5-1/2-year war pitting President Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, Iran and Shiite militias, against mostly Sunni rebels including groups backed by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies. Aleppo has for years been divided between the government-held western sector and rebel-held east, which the Syrian army and its allies besieged during the summer. Its allied forces include Irans Revolutionary Guards, Lebanons Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militias. Also read | Leaves instead of tobacco in cigarettes: How Syrians survive in besieged Aleppo Researchers at the law school gathered county jail costs per inmate during a death penalty trial, public defender cost per case, and costs from the state Department of Corrections to house an inmate after conviction. Researchers also obtained costs from the state Department of Justice to defend appeals and other filings from defendants during higher court proceedings, such as the state Supreme Court. What's missing: costs from district attorneys and the courts. Their budgets don't break down expenditures per case, according to the study. Of 374 aggravated murder trials, 61 death penalty cases cost an average of $2.3 million compared with $1.4 million from 313 cases that resulted in lesser punishments, a $918,896 difference or 1.7 times less, according to the study. Without prison expenditures, the death penalty cases drop on average to $1.1 million compared to the $315,159 for the lesser sentences, which cost 3.5 times less. The report also looks at a smaller subset of cases from 2000 to 2013. David Bartol to become 35th person on Oregon's death row David Bartol Source: The Oregonian, Oregon Live, Tony Hernandez, November 16, 2016Marion County Judge Tracy Prall signed a death warrant Tuesday and sent David Bartol, 45, to Oregon's Death Row. And into limbo.Bartol joins 33 other men and 1 woman in Oregon's prison system who have been sentenced to death. But no execution has been carried out since 1997, and all potential executions have been subject to a moratorium put in place in 2011 by then-Gov. John Kitzhaber.After taking office, current Gov. Kate Brown upheld the moratorium and made her personal opposition to the death penalty clear."(Brown) will continue Oregon's death penalty moratorium, because after thoroughly researching the issues, serious concerns remain about the constitutionality and workability of Oregon's lethal injection law," said spokesman Bryan Hockaday in a recent email.He said the state's ability to obtain execution drugs was in question, as was the constitutionality of Oregon's current 3-drug protocol.Brown expects a sea change nationally through legislation and court decisions, he added."These national dynamics, together with the very real challenges to carrying out the death penalty in Oregon, informed Governor Brown's decision to continue the moratorium," Hockaday said.Oregon is among 31 states that have death penalty, however, four of those states, including Washington and Oregon, have a gubernatorial moratorium in place.Bartol's sentence, after being convicted of aggravated murder for stabbing fellow inmate Gavin Siscel, 33, to death with a homemade knife in the Marion County jail's day room, was the 1st death sentencing in more than 2 years in Oregon.The 33 men on Oregon's death row are housed at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. The only woman on death row, Angela McAnulty, 48, is incarcerated at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility.Tonya Gushard, spokeswoman for the Oregon State Penitentiary said Bartol, who was already incarcerated at the penitentiary, will return to special housing and undergo evaluation. After evaluation, which could take up to 30 days, he will be moved to death row.Oregon's death row inmates are classified as Level 5, the maximum custody designation at the prison. They are housed in single cells and segregated from the general population.Inmates are allowed a minimum of 40 minutes of inside exercise 7 days a week and 1 hour of outside exercise 5 days a week. Inmates cannot keep a change of clothes in their cell and instead must swap out clothes 3 times a week.They may call using the inmate telephone system and are allowed scheduled visitations, but all visiting is non-contact.Additionally, Bartol will be able to purchase televisions, radios and other items from the prison canteen.Bartol will be provided religious counseling each week. Educational materials are provided to inmates upon written request, and they may also have work opportunities within their housing unit.A death sentence yields an automatic, direct review to the Oregon Supreme Court, and the ensuing appeals process can last decades.Since 2011, when Kitzhaber placed a moratorium on death sentence executions, inmates wanting to drop appeals and be executed were left in a waiting game.When the moratorium was placed, it had already been more than a decade since Oregon executed an inmate. Between 1904 and 1997, 60 men were executed by hanging, gas and lethal injection, but only 2 executions took place after 1962. Both men executed in the 1990s had given up their appellate rights.Since he began his time as Marion County's District Attorney, Walt Beglau said 21 aggravated murder cases have been tried in the county. Of the 21, evidence for a death sentence has only been presented in seven cases.In Oregon, death sentences are different, Beglau said. He cited the state's unique, 2-part process for trying cases when the death penalty is on the table. A jury first determines whether or not a defendant is guilty of aggravated murder, then enters a penalty phase where they must consider 4 questions:1.Was the murder committed deliberately?2.Whether the killing was unreasonable in response to the provocation, if any, by the deceased?3.Is there a probability that the defendant would commit criminal acts of violence and be a continuing threat to society?4.Considering all mitigating and aggravating circumstances, should the defendant receive a death sentence?All 12 jurors must answer yes to the 4 questions in order for the defendant to be sentenced to death. It has to be 48 to 0 to impose the sentence."It's good to have the bar as high as it can be," he said.The office embarks on years-long, fact-finding investigation that looks at the evidence of the case. Those facts matter because of the severity of the situation, he added.Some question why the office continues to pursue the death penalty in light of the moratorium. Beglau said it is his legal duty to consider the death penalty for aggravated murder cases. He respects Brown's decision and other moral stances, but has to carry out his legal responsibility."We will continue to follow the law," he said, adding that it brings the public justice. "It's what Oregon voters approved, and we're fulfilling it."The 12 jurors who unanimously found Bartol guilty of the aggravated murder of Gavin Siscel, 33, and sentenced him to death during the 6-week trial were relieved of their duties Thursday, but a handful returned to attend the sentencing. They crowded onto 1 side of the courtroom along with Siscel's family and friends.Siscel's aunt and childhood friend addressed the courtroom.Judith Krutsch, Siscel's aunt, thanked the prosecution, jury and others who stood up for her nephew and "delivered justice."Bartol's attorney, Steven Gorham, said he was disappointed in the outcome and the state's willingness to spend millions of dollars seeking a death sentence."In the end, Mr. Bartol will clearly die in prison," Gorham said.It could be from natural causes. Or he could be executed by lethal injection, but Gorham said, "We both know that's not likely."After Bartol's attorney spoke, Prall addressed the court."The horrific nature of this crime was certainly hard to bear," she said.She asked Bartol if he'd like to speak on his behalf."No, I have nothing to say," he replied.Source: Statesman Journal, November 15, 2016 President Vladimir Putin signed an executive order on Wednesday removing Russias signature from the International Criminal Courts founding treaty, piling pressure on a court that is already reeling from withdrawals by some African countries. Moscow never ratified the treaty, which it signed in 2000, meaning it never became a member subject to its jurisdiction. But the symbolic move coincided with the opening day of the general assembly of member states. On Monday, the ICC angered Moscow by referring to Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea as an armed conflict. It is also examining allegations of war crimes committed by Russian and Georgian forces during a brief 2008 war. Unfortunately, the court has not justified the hopes attached to it and has not become a genuinely independent authoritative organ of international justice, the Foreign Ministry said. It is revealing that in its 14 years of work the ICC has pronounced just four verdicts and spent over $1 billion. Russia is under international pressure over its campaign of air strikes in Syria, with some human rights activists and U.S. officials accusing it of bombing civilians and civilian targets. Russia has denied those allegations. Russias announcement may be welcomed by African states like South Africa and Gambia, which have recently announced their withdrawals, but critics said the move was yet another example of Moscow flouting international norms. It confirms Russias retreat from its international commitments, said Human Rights Watch activist Liz Evenson. Its closing the door for people within Russia to this important judicial institution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the decision to withdraw Russias signature had been taken in the national interest and was a formality as it didnt change anything as far as jurisdiction was concerned. Most African and European countries continue to support the court, the first permanent international war crimes tribunal. But many expect it to face increased diplomatic pressure from the United States under President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised a less internationalist foreign policy stance. The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, was founded when 120 countries adopted its founding treaty in 1998. It is seen as a successor to the Nuremburg trials after World War II and ad-hoc U.N. war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan is ready to counter any reckless move by its enemies as the countrys top civil and military leadership witnessed a military exercise close to the border with India. The exercise, code-named Raad-ul-Barq (Strike of Thunder) and being held at Khairpur Tamiwali in Bahawalpur district, was aimed at showcasing the combat-readiness of Pakistani troops against our enemy, chief military spokesman Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted. Speaking at the conclusion of the drill, Sharif warned that any effort to harm Pakistans national security would be met with a befitting response. The premier and army chief Gen Raheel Sharif jointly inspected the exercise conducted by the army and air force. Exercise Raad-ul-Barq establishes that Pakistan is ready to confront any ambitious and reckless move by its enemies, he said. These enemies had made their intentions well-known and they cannot tolerate signs of development in this country, which is why Pakistan has become a victim of terrorism, he added. Sharif also referred to Indian aggression in Kashmir and said, The brutal tactics used to curb recent spontaneous and indigenous movements in Jammu and Kashmir have been counter-productive. The situation along the Line of Control remained sensitive because of Indias grave violation of the ceasefire agreement, he said. He described Kashmir as the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India and said it must be addressed in a comprehensive manner in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UN resolutions. Sharif also referred to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has been opposed by India because it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and said Islamabad believes regional connectivity is vital for the uplift of millions of people in the region. He said the CPEC is on its way to becoming fully operational in the coming months. A suicide bomber on foot struck a government vehicle in Kabul Wednesday, killing at least four people and wounding 11 others, officials said, in the latest attack in the Afghan capital. No insurgent group has so far claimed responsibility for the bombing during morning rush hour, which comes as the Taliban are intensifying nationwide attacks on the Western-backed government. A suicide attacker on foot targeted a vehicle belonging to security forces in downtown Kabul, leaving four people dead and 11 others wounded, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told AFP. He added that two security officials were among the dead in the bombing, which occurred close to the defence ministry. Another security official told AFP the targeted vehicle belonged to the governments VIP protection unit. The assault underscores rising insecurity in Afghanistan nearly two years after US-led NATO forces formally ended their combat operations. The attack comes after four Americans were killed on Saturday in a suicide bombing inside Bagram Airfield -- the largest US military base in Afghanistan -- in a major breach of security. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing, which left 16 other US service members and a Polish soldier wounded. And last Thursday, a powerful Taliban truck bomb struck the German consulate in northern Mazar-i-Sharif city, killing at least six people and wounding more than 100 others. Read more | Blast kills 11 on way to Afghan wedding: Officials Turkey is seeking to recruit more than 30,000 new personnel to fill shortfalls after thousands were kicked out of the army in the wake of the failed July coup, state media reported Wednesday. Tens of thousands of people have been either detained or sacked in the wake of the July 15 putsch blamed by the government on rogue elements in the army led by Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Around 9,300 army personnel have been arrested, including 118 generals and admirals, while thousands more have been discharged dishonourably or suspended. But the dismissals came with the army facing challenges on all sides, fighting a conflict to destroy Kurdish militants in the southeast and also waging a cross-border operation inside Syria. The state-run Anadolu news agency said the armed forces are aiming to recruit 30,159 personnel in order to meet needs in the aftermath of the post-coup dismissals. This would include 1,322 officers, 3,547 non-commissoned officers, 7,159 trained soldiers, and 11,907 contracted soldiers, according to the news report. The Turkish authorities have repeatedly insisted that the purge in the army after the coup has not affected its operations, pointing to the launch of the Syria incursion just over a month after the failed putsch. But analysts have said that the effect on the military has been severe, with a shortage of pilots particularly acute. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in an interview in August that Turkey was in need of military pilots and this is not something that can be done in a day. Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US state of Pennsylvania since 1999, has denied that he was linked to the coup in any way. Coastsiders were riveted to the television on Tuesday night as presidential election results came in. Early anyway, it appeared Republican Donald Trump was winning in most of the key battleground states. Kaitlyn Bartley / Review Half Moon Bay, CA (94019) Today A shower or two around the area in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 43F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. If spates of reports are to be believed, there is a high probability of World War III looming large on the hapless citizens of this disturbed world. The key players are Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President-elect Donald Trump, and Europe's likely lesser role. In a report published by Dailystar, Sir Michael Graydon, former head of the RAF, opined that Putin in all likelihood would invade Eastern Europe if the U.S. withdraws from NATO. He called for Europe to pull up its socks and plan defenses independently. His concern is predicated on the position taken by Trump to withdraw from NATO if other allied countries do not increase their share in funding the expenditure incurred their operations. At present, the U.S. foots the NATO expenditure bill to the extent of 72 percent. Three other colleagues of Sir Michael share his apprehension about President Putin's designs if NATO is weakened by the U.S. withdrawal. The former in-charge of the British Army, General Lord Richard Dannatt, urged Europe not to ignore Trump's threat. General Richard Shirreff, former NATO deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, and Lord Edwin Bramall, former Army head, also echoed similar concerns. In a related report, Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission President, voiced similar concerns saying that Europe cannot bank on the U.S. to support them perpetually. He exhorted Europe to have its own army, which would be a new approach to defending on its own without the support of the U.S. It is a moot point who among the principal players, Trump and Europe, will blink first. The former top military personnel has advised Europe to take Trump's threat seriously and act quickly to avert any unnecessary grave conflict. In fact, Sir Richard went so far as to say that Russia would start a nuclear war against Eastern Europe in 2017. If President-elect Trump and Europe don't see eye to eye, it is more than likely that Sir Richard's prediction may come true and President Putin may want to test the waters by invading Eastern Europe. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Faiq Akhtar is assisted after collapsing in Semarang District Court on Tuesday as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for smuggling 97 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine while his fellow pakistani got death penalty. The panel of judges at the Semarang District Court in Central Java has sentenced one of two Pakistani nationals found guilty of smuggling 97 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine to death. In two separate trials, judges sentenced Faiq Akhtar to life imprisonment on Tuesday, while Muhammad Riaz was sentenced to death on Monday. The two men were charged under the 2009 Narcotics Law for smuggling the drugs through Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang. Another foreign national accused of involvement in the smuggling is US national Philip Russel, aka Kamran Muzaffar Malik, who will hear his verdict at the same court on Wednesday. Five Indonesians who were also involved in the drug smuggling have already been sentenced by the court. They are Tommy Agung Pratomo and Citra Kurniawan who both received life sentences and Restiyadi Sayoko who was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The other two convicts are Didi Triono and Peni Suprapti, Riazs wife, who were sentenced to 15 years and 18 years imprisonment, respectively, in addition to a fine of Rp 1 billion (US$ 75,000). As reported previously, the drugs were imported from Guangzhou, China to Indonesia through Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang at the end of 2015 concealed inside a consignment of generators. The drugs were hidden inside 54 of the generators and stored in a warehouse disguised as a furniture factory in Pekalongan village, in Jepara, Central Java, where they were discovered in a National Narcotics Agency (BNN) raid on Jan. 27. Riaz was found guilty of masterminding the smuggling operation as the court learned that he had arranged the importation of the generators. Riaz roped in Phillip Russel to arrange the financing of the operation. Russel then allegedly hired Faiq, a junior-high school graduate, who worked as an office boy in Russels company in Jakarta, to pay local people large sums to help the ring with the smuggling. Presiding judge in Faiqs trial Sartono said the sentence was lighter than that sought by the prosecutors, which was the death penalty. The aggravating factor is the imported goods could destroy the nations youth. The mitigating factor is that he was not the mastermind of the network, he was merely an agent, Sartono said in the trial on Tuesday. Upon hearing this Faiq collapsed in front of the judges. His attorney Reffendi explained that his client had passed out because he did not really understand the sentence. He speaks only a little Indonesian. He does not understand what a life sentence is. We will explain it to him and ask him if he wants to file an appeal, he said. Another Pakistani drug smuggler, convicted in a different case, Zulfiqar Ali, avoided a round of executions in Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, on July 29. International and domestic observers have slammed Indonesias use of the death penalty, which has been condemned as a violation of human rights. President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration has executed 18 death row convicts in three rounds of executions last year and this year. The executions of the convicts, which included foreign nationals, caused tension between Indonesia and the respective home countries of the convicts. Despite repeated calls from human rights activists, the government has insisted that drug convicts should be executed, saying that drug misuse claims the lives of thousands of Indonesians every year. | 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! Source: Jakarta Post , November 16, 2016 Google's operating system ChromeOS is popular among the students class of late, thanks to its portable and ease of access. Nowadays, with more and more individuals opting for Chromebooks than Macbooks due to disastrous pricing of the Apple hardware, things are pretty much developing for Google with partners now concentrated on manufacturing Chromebooks. Once such among them is this beautiful piece of hardware from Acer, the Acer Chromebook 14. The debut was earlier this year, however things went out quietly mostly staying low in the consumer market. Costco, a membership-only American store retailer now apparently has decided to sell the Acer Chromebook 14 for $229 during the Black Friday sale. The selling price of the product at 299.99$ is now brought down by $50 less which is sure to induce a bit of excitement for those people who're not really into spending a fortune on portable workstations. The Acer Chromebook 14 is equipped with a quad-core processor with 4GB of memory and is actually more than enough for people who're just casual users mainly into staying updated with their businesses online. An all-aluminium build makes it all but a sturdy and portable business machine for those who mainly rely on Google's various services and applications. The proprietary google play store is accessible to all Chrome users which is an added bonus to those of you opting for one if needed. Coming to the Costco sales, there's one primary reason to not miss the deal. Costco provides an additional year of warranty taking the count to two now. Apart from that, there's the Costco advantage where users are also entitled to full customer support seven days a week alongside providing a complimentary acer mouse with the purchase of Acer Chromebook 14. If you don't like what you bought, you can return it with their hassle-free ninety day return window. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After getting off the phone with incoming President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin is back to his old ways. This time, major offensive airstrikes ensue in the Syrian provinces of Homs and Idlib. In addition to the firing of cruise missiles, the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has also launched fighter jets in the operation. With Washington still in transition, Moscow has taken America's turnover period into an opportunity as it continues to reinforce its campaign against Syrian rebel forces. Earlier, the discussion between the former Cold War foes tackles about the necessity of joint actions against international terrorism. True to what has just been deliberated, Putin immediately seizes the initiative to mount aerial assaults against insurgent fighters who had been considered extremists both by the Al-Assad regime and the Kremlin. In a meeting with Putin and Russian defense contractors, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu quips that an extensive operation has been unleashed against the Islamic State (IS) and the Jabhat Al-Nusra (JAN) factions. Syrian government forces, meanwhile, back Moscow's declarations, stating that rebel-held positions in Aleppo had been hit. The airstrikes end the ceasefire in the area. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has noted the perilous disturbance the airstrikes made in the region. Republican Senator John McCain from Arizona, who is the Chairman of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, has sharply criticized the ensuing Russian attacks. He lambasts Putin for cooperating with President Bashar Al-Assad's war against the Syrian masses. Prior to the assaults, US Secretary of State John Kerry has pointed out to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a discussion that addressing the Syrian conflict needs a political approach. According to Shoigu, the aerial attacks are aimed at terrorist facilities where trainings are done and WMDs are produced. On the other hand, the United Nation's (UN) World Food Program that food supply inside Syria is low. Aside from the distressful security situation, the hostile weather conditions have made it difficult to gain access to farming and market resources. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rumored engagement as well as their first public appearance are fascinating the fans and the public and reports would tell that this will happen soon as hints are already coming into play. People are waiting for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first public appearance together as a couple after Harry confirmed the relationship. There was a rumor before that the Hollywood actress will join Harry during the Autumn International but that did not happen as instead of Markle, Harry was joined by Princess Charlene of Monaco in which the England won. Rumors are rife that Prince Harry already received Queen Elizabeth's blessing when it comes to asking Meghan Markle's hand as reported on HNGN. And lately, it looks like Kate Middleton is prioritizing Markle over her sister's wedding. Will this point to an inference that the royal family is getting ready for another royal wedding? Meanwhile, some speculations suggest that Meghan Markle will already be introduced Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. It will only be a matter of time since Markle is also busy with her filming commitments. It can be recalled that this stunning Hollywood actress has passion on humanitarian works and surely, she would easily win the heart of Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the royal family. Moreover, according to The Sun, Meghan's half-brother Thomas feels that a royal wedding is underway and he is really rooting for the pair. Thomas Markle is behind the couple and believes that his sister's relationship with Harry is a real deal. He also shared that Meghan worked hard to reach where she is now and that this is every girl's dream. So, if Meghan's half-brother is to be believed, a royal wedding could be happening soon with all the hints pointing to this possibility. Because of that speculation, many concluded that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first public appearance will be the day their engagement will be announced. So is everyone ready for this already? @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. While Vladimir Putin remains firmly in control at the top, signs of power struggle under his watch have surfaced. His Economic Minister has been charged with extortion after an investigation showed that a $2-million bribe was paid to him by state-controlled oil company Rosneft. An outspoken supporter of a free enterprise economic reform, Alexei Ulyukaev becomes the first active senior Russian official to be arrested since 1991 when the former Soviet Union crumbled. A former Deputy Chairman for the Russian Central Bank in 2004, the disgraced public servant has been installed on his current position since 2013. According to the Investigative Committee, a federal group that scrutinizes major crimes, the suspect has been caught receiving the money. The bribe has been intended as payment for the ministry's favorable evaluation which should give Rosneft the opportunity to acquire a 50-percent stake in the smaller oil firm Basneft. As ordered by a court in Moscow, Ulyukaev will be put under house arrest for a couple of months. It remains unclear how long the Economic Minister had been involved in such a scrupulous affair although the Ria Novosti news agency reported that the Russian official was under surveillance for a year. After Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev relayed the development to President Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader promptly relieves Ulyukaev from his post. Yevgeny Yelin has been designated as acting minister. According to Timofei Gridnev, counsel for the accused, Ulyukaev thinks that what happened at the Rosneft office was a provocative act. The sacked Minister has denied the charges against him. The Basneft group has been on the radar after the Russian government seized it from former owner Vladimir Yevtushenkov a couple of years ago due to unlawful takeover. From the beginning, Rosneft's supposed acquisition of the smaller firm has already been tainted considering that selling a state-managed entity does not justify the privatization of Basneft. In fact, the Russian Prime Minister is against the move. The deal has only made headway when Putin gives the go-signal for the transaction to proceed. Discrete political manipulations between rival officials have long been occurring in Putin's government. The internal discourse has pitted former spies and economists against each other due to ideological differences. In an interesting commentary, former Energy Minister Vladimir Milov thinks that the Economic official's apprehension will caution other members in the cabinet not to oppose the plans of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin who happens to be Putin's former personal secretary. If convicted, Alexei Ulyukaev will be facing a 15-year prison sentence. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. There is a man who calls each election right since 1984. Now he has called the US presidential election as well, saying Trump would win. CNN reported that Allan Lichtman, a political historian who teaches at the American University of Washington, said he used his own system of 13 true of false statements to judge whether the incumbent party will retain The White House. Now he is saying that Donald Trump will be impeached. The Cosmopolitan reported that the professor went on to explain his belief that Trump is careless about the law, and will reportedly do something unpredictable that could land him in trouble when he is in the oval office. Lichtman said that even though the Republicans hold the majority in both the House and the Senate, Trump might reportedly be impeached because of discontent within the Republican party. Lichtman clearly told CNN'S Erin Burnett that Trump may well face impeachment and that his gut says so. Lichtman told CNN that the Republicans are nervous about Trump. The fact that nobody can read what Trump really believes in or what he stands for can cause an uncomfortable situation for many Republicans, the professor reportedly said. The professor added that the Trump's party would totally prefer Mike Pence, who they can easily control and who is an absolutely "predictable" down the pipe conservative Republican, in the professor's words. The professor told CNN that Trump's impeachment is likely because of down to earth reasons like Trump's reported illegal charity in New York, through which he is reported to have made an illegal campaign contribution. The professor also added that Trump faces a RICO lawsuit, and he used the charity for his business debts. He has run an illegal charity in New York state, CNN reported. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A fascinating new image from NASA revealed the pale white and blue layers of ancient Martian bedrock. The view captured the sediments on the floor of a canyon near a feature known as Syrtis Major and provides us the history of the landscape. According to DailyMail, the researchers have stated that the striations illustrated a chronological stacking of the sediments, with younger layers of the dust and wind-blown materials partially covering the rocks beneath. The region, well known as Nili Fossae, is a candidate for a future robotic mission, and researchers said that various colors and tones of the rock reveal changes in the composition of the sediments. In the National Geographic channel, Brown University's Jack Mustard (one of the experts consulting with NASA) said, "On Earth, our ancient rock record has been through the washing machine and the ringer so many times that the fact that anything still retains any signature of its age is a miracle. The rocks on Mars would not have been processed to the same extent, would not have been beaten up so much, would not have been stretched and heated and squished and buried." Mustard continued and revealed that some 50 percent of the Martian surface contains intact rocks dating back to those crucial first billion years of the planet's formation. Still, NASA's first encounter with the Martian fossil underscored the challenges of finding evidence of extinct microbial life on another world. According to researchers, there have been certain kinds of variations in these layers which revealed how the Martian environment has changed from inside. However, NASA isn't the only agency sending robots to the red planet. In September, ESA revealed the swirly valleys of one of its ExoMars candidate landing sites. These are Mawrth Vallis, Oxia Planum, Hypanis Vallis and Aram Dorsum. Each of these locations is relatively close to the equator and contain "ancient rocks where liquid water was once abundant." @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Italian judges have called for a reevaluation of Italy's involvement in the Egyptian justice system, amid concerns over human rights abuses in Egypt. The Consiglio Superiore Della Magistratura (CSM) said today that the body was meeting to discuss its involvement in an EU project that aims to modernize the courts system in Egypt, after two of its members raised concerns about human rights abuses in Egypt. The concerns follow Italian media reports last week about the EUR10 million project. Documents obtained by human rights organization Reprieve, and reported last week by LEspresso, show that the EU-led project, entitled Support to the Administration of Justice in Egypt' (SMAJ), has involved equipping juvenile courts; while Italian judges have provided training for members of the Egyptian judiciary who are responsible for the handing down of death sentences. One member of the CSM, Judge Piergiorgio Morosini, today tweeted a statement in which he urged a reevaluation of the project, and called on Italys government to provide more precise information about the protection of human rights in Egypt. He also called for more details of an ongoing Egyptian investigation into the murder earlier this year of Italian citizen Giulio Regeni, apparently at the hands of Egypts security forces. His statement comes amid growing concerns over the failure of Egyptian authorities to investigate Mr Regenis murder fully. Egyptian judges have sentenced hundreds to death in mass trials, and Reprieve has raised concerns that the project could put Italian officials at risk of complicity with abuses including mass proceedings, and the death penalty for juveniles. Judge Morosoni also noted that there were credible reports of a human rights emergency in Egypt, including arrests and forced disappearance of juveniles and others. Reprieve is assisting Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish citizen who was among hundreds of juveniles arrested in Cairo following protests in 2013. Ibrahim faces a sentence in a mass trial of 494 people, which is taking place in a courtroom purpose-built to accommodate the large number of defendants.The Egyptian government has refused to allow the EU to monitor Ibrahims trial. Last week, the court postponed the trial and extended Ibrahims detention again, as it has done repeatedly since 2013. Ibrahim has reported being regularly tortured in pre-trial detention. Egyptian officials have sought to ensure that Italian-Egyptian cooperation continues, despite criticisms over the investigation into Mr Regenis murder. Chief prosecutor Mustafa Suleiman has said : We are eager to continue [judicial] cooperation with Italy. A UK body, Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas (NI-CO), is also involved in the EU project. Ministers in Northern Ireland have so far refused to suspend its work. Commenting, Maya Foa, a director at Reprieve, said: Its welcome that Italian judges are looking more closely into Italys involvement in Egypts appalling mass trial system. Since President Sisi took power in 2013, Egyptian judges have overseen hundreds of death sentences and scores of mass trials, including of people like Ibrahim Halawa, who were arrested as children. Ibrahim and hundreds of others including Giulio Regeni have suffered a nightmarish ordeal at the hands of Sisis government, and Egypts human rights record is worse than ever. The Italian authorities must urgently reconsider its involvement in this project, which appears to risk complicity in terrible abuses. - L'Espresso's report can be seen here, while today's comments from Italian officials involved in the SMAJ project can be seen on Twitter, here and here. - Further detail on Ibrahim Halawas case is available at the Reprieve website, here. Source: Reprieve, November 16, 2016. Reprieve is an international human rights organization. | 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 I got engaged in a Starwood hotel in New Delhi and hosted my wedding in a Marriott hotel in the neighbouring city of Gurgaon. I am equally fond of both these hotels. Hence it was a pleasant surprise when I opened my email at work on the 16th November last year and found a message from the President and CEO of the company, Arne Sorenson, to all the associates, announcing that Marriott had agreed to acquire the Starwood group. There were no Marriott hotels in the capital city of India in the late 80s and it was hotels like Le Meridien and Sheraton that were the talk of the town. For someone visiting Delhi from other cities in northern India, entering the lobby of one of these hotels was like going through a rite of passage. My late uncle was bewitched when he sat in the lobby of Le Meridien at Windsor Place, watching the glass lifts going up and down until my cousin offered him a free ride in one of those lifts which looked like chandeliers. He enjoyed it thoroughly and told his friends and relatives about this experience when he travelled back to Kashmir. I sometimes sat with a book in the lobby of Le Meridien to escape the oppressive heat of New Delhi in summer. It was considered an extravagance by the elders in my family to have a coffee in a plush hotel and therefore I never set foot in the coffee-shop of Le Meridien. But one of my cousins had tea with his fiance in the cafe and when he told my aunt the price she thought it most ostentatious of him to entertain his betrothed there. One day I went up in the glass lift to see the room of a friend visiting from Europe together with his neighbour. The high floor offered a panoramic view of Lutyen's Delhi and my friends were surprised that the hotel was surrounded by trees as far as the eye could see. They had expected the city to be teeming only with people. The first time I saw a Marriott hotel anywhere in the world was in Midtown Manhattan when I stayed in a hostel in the vicinity, and the second was on the West Coast in downtown San Francisco. Many years later I saw a Marriott hotel in the neighbourhood where I was living in northwest London and applied for a job there as I was desperately looking for work. The message from our CEO stated that integration of the two companies would require significant work and it would take several months for this deal to be completed. Since Arne Sorenson specialised in mergers and acquisitions when he was at Latham and Watkins, it gave me reason to believe that our boss would be successful in completing the deal. The merger as usual was subject to the approval of the shareholders of the two companies. As the date for this approval was drawing closer, the Starwood received a higher bid from a Chinese consortium, Anbang, and the company accepted it. A few days later Marriott offered a better price for the Starwood than that of Anbang. A lot of work had been done until then to merge the two companies. Anbang came back with a higher bid and it seemed like a bidding war. It was an all-cash offer against the Marriott's cash and stock. Legend has it in my native Kashmir that fish were once sold in cash and snakes on credit. Everybody knew that Starwood was going to accept a higher all-cash offer from Anbang. However, the Marriott International did not increase the price of its bid again. Arne Sorenson was in Cuba in March as part of the American delegation when the negotiations were taking place and he steered the ship from Havana. Anbang withdrew its offer for some curious reason a few days later, thus clearing the way for the Marriott to merge with the Starwood. The merger was still subject to the approval of the shareholders of both the companies. I was visiting Basel in April this year, staying in a Courtyard Marriott there, when the shareholders approved the merger and the hotel manager told me that he was delighted to hear the news because his wife worked for a Starwood hotel in Zurich. The final hurdle for the merger was the regulatory approvals in various countries around the world. All but one approved the merger in due course but the Chinese authorities said they needed more time to approve it. In the meantime, the associates of the Marriott International were kept updated regularly about the progress of the merger. I chose to stay in Le Meridien when I travelled to Delhi for my engagement. I am not sure how the receptionist came to know it was a special occasion for me and she gave me access to the Club Lounge on the top floor of this towering building. I had always been intrigued by what was above the suspended ceiling of this hotel when I sat in the lobby twenty-floors beneath it. In fact, the lounge was secluded and therefore an ideal place for a shy person like me to place a ring on a woman's finger. I travelled to Kashmir the next day to tell my parents about the engagement. It was the onset of winter and most of the people in Srinagar were already staying indoors. I was planning to have my wedding in a few weeks time. My father advised me to host it in Delhi rather than Srinagar. Two days later I returned to London and began looking for a wedding venue in or around Delhi. The JW Marriott at Delhi airport was still being built but there was a Courtyard Marriott in Gurgaon that wasn't far from the airport. The winter was very severe in Kashmir that year and many flights from Srinagar were being cancelled. I arrived three days before the wedding day and some of my close friends from Kashmir arrived the day after my arrival to attend the wedding. My parents were due to fly from Srinagar a day before my big day and were lucky to catch a flight. However it was their return flight that got cancelled due to the cold wave in Kashmir. My parents still believed, though, that it was sinful to host a wedding in a four-star hotel rather than a more austere venue. I chose the Courtyard Marriott for my wedding since I worked for the company and knew that everything would be taken care of very well by my associates. A receptionist at the hotel from my hometown became both host and guest at the wedding. Although I was the principal host, I couldn't help feeling like a guest while chatting to a friend in the lobby and waiting for other friends and family members to arrive. The merger of the Marriott with Starwood has created endless possibilities for those who work for the two companies to explore thousands of hotels around the world. But it would be a stupendous undertaking for anyone to spend a night in each and every hotel belonging to the biggest hotel company in the world as it would take more than 15 years to accomplish such a feat. Iqbal Ahmed London Marriott Regents Park 0044 7939 3428 00 Marriott Guizhou, China Park Inn by Radisson Libo, marks the successful global brand's first hotel to debut in China. Set to deliver on its brand promise and set new hospitality standards, the property is also the first international chain hotel in Libo, China. "We are extremely pleased to debut the Park Inn by Radisson brand into China for the first time. The opening of Park Inn by Radisson Libo befits the market for travelers seeking a trusted international hotel brand that delivers on both, product and service. With its unique brand concepts and renowned Yes I Can!SM service philosophy, the hotel is poised to cater to both business and leisure travelers," said Thomas T. Hagemann, vice president, Future Openings and Special Projects, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. Source: Park Inn by Radisson Libo is in the southwestern part of China, in the capital city of Guiyang approximately three hours' drive away. The highway access from Guiyang makes a convenient self-drive travel experience to the magnificent national parks' sites. Park Inn by Radisson Libo is strategically located at the east entrance of Xiaoqikong National Park, a national scenic area that exemplifies the rich karst heritage and natural beauty. The hotel is a convenient 40-minute drive from Libo airport and a 30-minute drive to downtown Libo. The hotel features 182 modern and contemporary guest rooms boasting picturesque views of the Zhangjiang River. Guests can enjoy complimentary high-speed wireless internet access and a fitness center. Libo county is known for its karst heritage and multiple minority cultures including Buyi, Miao, Shui and Yao nationalities. Guests can experience and tantalize their taste buds with these local cuisines, or enjoy international fare when they dine at Ly Cafe, the all-day dining restaurant. For drinks and some light bites, Lobby Lounge is the ideal gathering area for family, friends and business partners. Catering to the meeting needs, the hotel features a 181 square-meter ballroom and flexible meeting spaces of four additional smaller function rooms ranging from 21 to 94 square-meters. Comprehensive audio visual services and a team of on-site professional event management specialists, provide more compelling reasons for meeting organizers to bring their events to Park Inn by Radisson Libo. Park Inn by Radissonis a bright, bold, fresh and energetic mid-market hotel brand that provides great value. Park Inn by Radissonhotels are set apart by its warm and friendly Adding Color to Life guest service, designed to make stays fun, comfortable and uncomplicated. From check-in to the moment of departure, the Park Inn by Radissonexperience is committed to being uncomplicated and hassle-free. About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,600 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 550 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Vanessa Huang Marcom Manager - Park Inn Radisson Hotel Group 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 Global Business Travel Forecast Indicates Subdued Growth Only Moderate Price Increases Across Air, Hotel and Ground Transportation Shifting geopolitical landscape and increased security concerns generate global economic uncertainty Overcapacity and fierce competition between legacy carriers and low cost carriers will keep airfares limited to only moderate gains for 2017 After an uneven 2016 that saw only limited increases in overall pricing, the business travel outlook for next year looks to be similarly subdued, with flat to moderate rate increases expected globally across air, hotel and ground transportation, according to Global Business Travel Forecast 2017 by American Express Global Business Travel. The continued slowdown of the Chinese economy and depressed oil prices, the United Kingdoms impending departure from the European Union, growing populist politics and increased security concerns in many countries have together created a higher level of uncertainty in the global marketplace. It remains to be seen how this will impact business travel over the next year. Additional global highlights include: Air : Global demand for air travel remains at a record high; persistently low fuel prices and strong competition will help keep airline fares in check. : Global demand for air travel remains at a record high; persistently low fuel prices and strong competition will help keep airline fares in check. Hotel : Hotel performance will improve moderately and prices will remain flat in most regions with the exception of Latin America, where rates will decline slightly, and Asia Pacific, where the impact varies greatly by country. : Hotel performance will improve moderately and prices will remain flat in most regions with the exception of Latin America, where rates will decline slightly, and Asia Pacific, where the impact varies greatly by country. Ground: Ground transportation has undoubtedly felt the impact of new industry players and rates should remain flat as capacity continues to exceed demand. Rodolfo Elizondo, Vice President and Head of Global Business Consulting at American Express Global Business Travel (GBT), believes that in this period of political and economic uncertainty, companies and business leaders will welcome news that the cost of business travel may, at worst, endure only modest increases. Travel managers should focus on the things they can control, like demand management, compliance and traveler satisfaction to reduce risk and increase savings, he said. Americas Highlights: North America remains strong while Latin America shows signs of improved demand In North America, overcapacity and fierce competition between legacy carriers and low-cost carriers on heavily traveled routes are leading to anticipated fare decreases. However, lower fares will be offset by higher ancillary fees as airlines continue to look for new sources of revenue. In Latin America, moderate decreases are expected across Brazil and Argentina due to overcapacity, political turmoil and declining currency values while the stronger economic performance of Chile and Mexico may lead to fare increases. With significant new supply coming online in the United States, only moderate increases are projected, as inventory remains steady with demand. Rates will increase slightly in most of Canada due to an increase in demand linked to the weak Canadian dollar. Despite some bright spots in Colombia and Mexico, demand in Latin America remains low and rates are expected to decline slightly overall. Overall, the presence of the Zika virus has not impacted the number of tourists going to the region in 2016, and the same is expected for 2017. In the United States, car rental rates for corporate travelers will remain flat in 2017 due to excessive fleet sizes and strong competition among the major suppliers. Following the lead of airlines and hotels, car rental companies are expected to increasingly focus on ancillary offerings to drive profits. As ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft continue to invest in their corporate travel offering, taxi and car services have felt the impact, spurring investments in mobile and the user experience to attract travelers back. A softening of rates is also expected in Canada, and an influx of new players and capacity in Latin America is holding prices in check. Americas Airfare and Hotel Rate Forecast Air Short-Haul Economy Air Long-Haul Business Hotel Argentina -6.5% 0.5% 15.5% Brazil -4.0% -2.0% -3.5% Canada -3.8% -3.0% -1.2% Chile 0.5% 1.5% 3.5% Mexico 1.0% 2.3% 0% U.S. -3.0% -1.5% 3.6% EMEA Highlights: Security issues, political concerns and Brexit vote create uncertainty In Europe, airlines continue to face significant headwinds in the form of lackluster economic performance, security concerns, long-haul pressure from Gulf carriers and the growing presence of low-cost carriers on short-haul routes. With low-cost carriers looking to continue their aggressive expansion efforts in 2017, airfares will stay level with 2016. In the U.K., the currency devaluation following Britains decision to leave the European Union (referred to as Brexit) has had the short-term effect of making outbound travel from the U.K. more expensive. However, the medium to long term impact of Brexit on business travel will not be known until the U.K. government starts negotiations with the EU, which are expected to begin in Q2. Political and economic uncertainties in Europe are flattening hotel demand but the overall lack of new supply should help sustain mild rate increases. Despite speculation that the U.K. would see prices rise on higher demand from value-seeking tourists and domestic vacationers forced to stay at home, rates are staying level and should remain so through 2017. In European countries where demand growth is strong, such as in Ireland or Russia, price increases should be similarly robust. By contrast, the strong demand experienced in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should result in only minimal price increases given the significant amount of new construction in those cities. Travelers renting cars in Europe are increasingly looking for options with a lower environmental impact, such as hybrid and electric vehicles. While suppliers are prepared to increase their fleets in this respect, they will only do so once the infrastructure to support it becomes available. Rates should rise only marginally across all regions in Europe as economic growth is tempered by strong competition among car rental companies looking to expand their regional footprints. EMEA Airfare and Hotel Rate Forecast Air Short-Haul Economy Air Long-Haul Business Hotel France -1.5% -1.0% -0.3% Germany 3.0% 1.5% 0% Poland 4.0% 3.0% -0.4% S. Africa -0.5% 2.0% -1.0% U.A.E. 1.3% 0.5% 0% U.K. -2.0% -3.0% 0.2% APAC Highlights: China, India driving growth in region Airfares will stay flat across much of the Asia Pacific region, with slight increases depending on route and fare class. Despite high demand and relative political stability, overcapacity is keeping rates in check. Travel prices are heavily driven by leisure demand from China, and India has emerged as the fastest growing industry in the region, with capacity just keeping pace with demand. Diverse economic conditions will cause hotel rates to vary greatly depending on the country in 2017. Chinas growing middle class and Indias strengthening economy are contributing to a strong increase in demand, that will largely be offset by similar increases in inventory, controlling rate increases. In areas where new inventory is not being added, such as Sydney or Tokyo, rates are expected to rise. Many countries within the Asia Pacific region have experienced the growth of ride-sharing both from homegrown companies and local investment by international players. This is especially true in India and China. Australias car rental industry remains the largest in the region and rates are expected to remain flat as increased demand from visitors taking advantage of the weak Australian dollar offset ongoing weakness in the mining sector. APAC Airfare and Hotel Rate Forecast Domestic Economy International Business Hotel Australia 0.3% 0.0% 3.0% China 1.5% 0.8% 1.5% India 0.5% 1.5% 3.0% Japan 0.0% -0.8% 3.0% Singapore N/A -1.0% 1.0% About the Global Business Travel Forecast 2017 by American Express Global Business Travel and Methodology The Global Business Travel Forecast 2017 by American Express Global Business Travel is an annual product of EXPERT INSIGHTS by GBT, which forecasts industry rates for Hotel, Air and Ground across the Americas, EMEA and APAC markets for 2017. EXPERT INSIGHTS is part of the Global Business Consulting Division at GBT, which helps organizations maximize the return on their travel investment by providing strategic guidance and data-backed business intelligence across all elements of a companys travel program. Predictions within the Forecast are based on a number of proprietary GBT data sources as well as licensed third-party data and available industry information. Proprietary GBT data includes aggregate transaction data and EXPERT INSIGHTS monthly Business Travel Monitor. All data predictions are evaluated by the Global Business Consulting experts, who provide an additional layer of analysis to the Forecast using their in-market knowledge and experience working with global customers. Adidas and Pusha T are back at it again with another sneaker collab which has just been revealed today, showcasing a neutral grey build and the beloved Boost sole. Officially called the Adidas EQT Grayscale, the kicks continue to play on drug dealer theme used on Pushas previous Adidas collabs, featuring grayscale fishscale attributes along the muted upper, while the comfy Boost technology makes its way beneath the classic EQT silhouette. Adidas enlisted the help of photographer Ari Marcopoulos to shoot the images seen in the gallery above. I wanted to do something simple and authentic but unique, said Marcopoulus in explaining his creative process. The process of shooting 810 photography is analog. Whats great about it is that you become very focused. Its slow as opposed to smaller cameras where you can take many photos and choose later. 810 is very much editing on the spot. It forces the subject and photographer to collaborate and seize the moments that are most essential to the story. It really becomes a collaboration between subject and photographer. It takes concentration from both and that often results into an image unlike any other. Its a zen-like experience. The shoes will be arriving on December 3rd at Adidas.com as well as select Adidas retailers for the retail price of $200. Pusha T Camron does not tolerate his image or his music being used without his permission. Monday night, he called out two companies he feels have done him wrong VH1 and UFC. Recording a video address for Instagram, Cam suggested that he was used in an ad for Love & Hip Hop: New York without his permission. I am not a cast member on Love & Hip-Hop, he begins. I did a scene for Juelz, cause hes on the show. I did a scene for JuJu, cause shes on the show. I should not be in anybodys commercials, especially when the paperwork isnt done. After that, he brought up yet another ad in which he says he was not approached about. Second order of business is Dana White from the UFC, he said. Youve been using my song all week to promote the Connor McGregor fight at MSG. The song welcome To New York City featuring Jay Z off my album Come Home With Me. Once again, nobody reached out to me. Its nobodys fault because this is the first time both of these companies have done business with me, he says, before threatening legal action. Someone shouldve told them how I get down, well be reaching out tomorrow, me and my lawyer. The commercial for IFC 205 in which Cam is referring to has since been made private on YouTube, as Complex points out. Watch the full address below. Camron John Battaglia John Battaglia, the former accountant who murdered his daughters while their mother listened helplessly on the phone in 2001, appeared in a Dallas County courtroom Monday as a judge considered whether he's mentally fit to be put to death. Battaglia, 61, is set to be executed Dec. 7. But first, a judge must rule on his competency. Under Texas law, an inmate cannot be executed if he does not understand why he's being executed or that execution is imminent. Battaglia shot his daughters, 9-year-old Faith and 6-year-old Liberty, inside his Deep Ellum loft in 2001. He had arranged a call with his ex-wife, who listened on the phone as the older girl begged for mercy. "No, Daddy! Don't do it!" Faith pleaded, before the phone line exploded with gunfire. The act flung Battaglia into infamy as people in Dallas and around the nation struggled to comprehend why any father would shoot his children -- and then go get 2 roses tattooed on his arm in their memory. A Dallas County jury sentenced him to death in 2002. Prosecutors believe Battaglia has enough understanding to go forward with the execution. Defense attorneys argue that his mental illness and "delusions" should spare him. His execution was first postponed in March to give the courts time to sort out this issue. Battaglia wore square glasses and an orange-and-white striped jumpsuit during his court appearance Monday. He listened for much of the day, but occasionally laughed, whispered loudly to his lawyer or turned around to look at spectators in the gallery. At one point, he shouted out that it was all a "conspiracy." 3 psychologists testified that Battaglia suffers from delusional disorder, a mental illness characterized by having unshakable beliefs in things that aren't true. They disagreed on whether he has bipolar disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. All testified that Battaglia is mentally incompetent for execution -- but for different reasons. Dr. Diane M. Mosnik, a clinical psychologist who spent 16 hours with Battaglia to test and interview him for the defense, said Battaglia meets one criteria for competency: He knows he has an execution date scheduled. But she said he fails the second: he doesn't understand why he's being put to death. Battaglia believes he's being executed not because he shot his children, but because of a conspiracy to "quiet him," one that involves everyone from the attorneys and judges in his case to religious figures, such as the pope, Mosnik said. 2 other psychologists -- Dr. Timothy Proctor, called by the state, and Dr. Thomas G. Allen, called by the court -- drew a distinction between a factual and rational understanding of the case. Battaglia factually understands that he is on death row because he was convicted of killing his children, they said. But they also said he does not rationally understand that he murdered his daughters; his mental illness makes him believe he didn't do it. That lack of "rational understanding" makes him incompetent to be put to death, the psychologists testified. It will be up to the judge to interpret whether -- or how -- the "rational understanding" rule applies. State District Judge Robert Burns pushed the psychologists for more information about whether Battaglia, an intelligent man who once passed the CPA exam, could be feigning mental illness to skirt the death penalty. 2 psychologists testified that Battaglia was not faking it. Burns also questioned whether delusional thinking comes as a coping mechanism. "If you personally committed a really heinous offense," he asked the state's psychologist, Proctor, "how would you not, at some point in the passage of time, create some kind of a delusional explanation for what you did?" Proctor said the judge was "hitting the nail on the head of the fine distinction we're talking about." He said it's one thing if an inmate tells a story to make themselves feel better; it's another if he truly doesn't understand because mental illness has altered his reality. Faith and Liberty's mother, Mary Jean Pearle, was in court for her ex-husband's hearing, but left without comment. Battaglia's father -- also named John -- was also there. He said he hopes action will be taken to "cure" his son. "The last thing he would have done if he were sane is kill those 2 girls," he said of his granddaughters. A ruling is not expected until at least Tuesday, when testimony continues. The judge could rule from the bench then, or wait to make a decision. | 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! Source: Dallas Morning News, November 15, 2016 Jordan Brand is celebrating the Chinese New Year on January 28th with a couple of special edition Air Jordan 12s which will likely be extremely limited releases but its worth taking a look at anyway. In addition to the Taxi-looking Chinese New Year Air Jordan 12, this similarly styled white and red rendition will reportedly be releasing in grade school sizes. Just like the mens pair, the kicks feature unique Chinese branding on the tongue which translates to 12, a textured mudguard and wood eyelets. A release date for the Chinese New Year Air Jordan 12 GS has not yet been announced but with the Chinese New Year taking place on January 28th, expect these to arrive early in 2017. CNY AJ12 As of last week, its been three years since French Montana first announced Mac & Cheese 4. Initially planned as a mixtape, then as a proper follow-up to his disheartening debut album Excuse My French, the project eventually plopped into our laps after years of delays as a mixtape. This was supposed to be huge. French tapped DJ Mustard for initial lead single Dont Panic at the height of his 2014 hot streak, announced that he and Kanye West were working on five songs together, and at one point, and linked up with Lil Wayne and Rick Ross for the flop of a single that was Gucci Mane. All of that soon fell by the wayside, but then in early 2016, MC4 got another glimmer of hope. The Kodak Black-assisted Lockjaw was taking the fuck off, and French released the excellent Wave Gods tape, a project better than most artists albums that suggested he had much more up his sleeve when album time came knocking. Just before its planned August release though, MC4 leaked, killing a good deal of its buzz, and then to make matters worse, its official release way delayed again due to sample clearance issues. When French finally dropped it as a free release ten days ago, it felt like mercy-killing a one-promising racehorse that never lived up to its potential, and donating its organs to science. This rollout makes The Life Of Pablos look dignified and strategic, makes Late Nights: The Albums years of delays seem like no biggie. For reasons largely outside of Frenchs control, MC4 was dead before its ship even sank thanks to lack of label interest, collaborations falling through, and seemingly no help given on the sample clearance side dont tell me that 2 Times Teena Marie sample and Im Heateds Fat Boys flip would have been any harder to clear than, say, the Nina Simone samples Kanyes had on his last two albums had label folks been motivated to do so. Once we get down to the actual meat and potatoes of MC4, it does give off quite a bit of that potential that French was promising, but there are also nearly as many failures on his part as there were on the promo side of the albums botched release. For a guy so often dismissed as a melodic pop-rapper, French has made tour-de-force intros one of his definite strengths, and like the Harry Fraud-produced gems Haaaaan and Wave Gods Intro before it, Ready / Intro is immaculate, a colossal, ambient-tinged palette for French to flex about curving bitches cold turkey and sitting court side in my court case. This is classic French, engaging in typical braggadocio but making it sound important over expansive production. Two of the next three tracks, Play Yaself and 2 Times, continue this approach of taking the best elements of the Fraud-produced Appetizer tape from two years ago, and making it worthy album material. After that joint tape, and Frauds work on Wave Gods, theres really no denying that this is one of the best producer-rapper duos out there right now. Of all the missteps made on MC4, none occur on Frauds watch, with him and French reading each others instincts like an elite QB/WR combo, and further carving out a distinct sound. Wave Gods had French trying out a variety of styles and succeeding more often than not the baroque boom-bap of Old Man Wildin, the weird IDM of All Over, the hollowed-out East Coast trap of Lockjaw and Off The Rip and MC4 attempts just as many forays into non-Fraud territory. We get the chilly Canadian bounce of No Shopping, the strip club bombast of Everytime, the golden era NY-mining sounds of Said N Done, Im Heated, and Have Mercy, and the high class pop of Check Come and Xplicit, but only about half of whats thrown at the wall actually sticks. The Drake single is fine, if boring, the Jeezy track feels tired and already done a million times, Said N Done is cool until the gag is run into the ground on Im Heated, and Check Come feels like Detail shouldve saved it for Beyonce. These are all tracks French shouldve been making to get into album mode stepping out of his comfort zone and expanding his breadth but at least half feel like they should have been left as B-sides or bonus tracks. All said and done, Ill find myself paring this down to a leaner ten tracks in iTunes and listening to it just as much as Wave Gods. MC4 starts out strongly, and ends even better with the hardnosed NY posse cut Have Mercy (unfortunately, after the Tribe album dropped, only the second best song to sample that Dis Generation line this November) and the jazzy, heartfelt Chinx & Max / Paid For. Listening to French succeed at both his waviest and his most emotional makes the fat of MC4s middle section even more of a tragedy. No one outside of hit-chasing A&Rs asked for a Miguel/French bedroom jam, no one outside of French wanted a Fat Boys remake, and no one outside of possibly anyone wanted to hear him belt over piano chords on Check Come. Frenchs strengths have only gotten stronger, and his ability and willingness to experiment has expanded, but when it comes to making albums, he needs to learn how to edit and restrain himself better. Thats probably a gargantuan task when youve got label execs breathing down your neck for hits, but as he showed on Lockjaw this year, if he simply relies on his existing gifts and commits fully to exciting collabs, hes got all the skills and finesse necessary to keep churning out unlikely organic hits. Hes got to recognize MC4 as a failure, regardless of its music, and so Im expecting a hungrier, more back-to-basics tape from him before springtime 2017. French is getting there as an album artist, but due to various slip-ups, MC4 isnt the breakout album it should have been. In the best news America has received in weeks, Oreo is bringing their Oreo-stuffed chocolate bars to our nations stores, after great success in the testing grounds of Europe. Available in two forms, this sanctimonious collaboration between Oreo and Milka will be purchasable as the Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar and as the Oreo Big Crunch Bar, both of which look phenomenal. Its been reported that the Big Crunch variation is approximately three times as large as the average candy bar because diabetes wont be that bad. The Oreo x Milka collaboration candy bars will be available nationwide in January. If you cant get enough of candy bars, check out our Halloween feature on the best candy references in hip-hop. Dentist season approaches. Oreo Rae Sremmurd and Ebro Darden of Hot 97 have had issues ever since Ebro vehemently opposed Complexs ranking of SremmLife at number 3 on their 2015 year end list. Ebro argued that the album lacked substance, and more or less accused the duo of not writing their own rhymes. In response, members Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee released a 20-minute freestyle on Tim Westwood TV, effectively shutting down Ebros criticisms about their writing. While many words were exchanged from the two parties thereafter, mainly over the generation gap that seems to separate their tastes, they never really buried the hatchet, and their feud has been reignited on Twitter today. It all seems to have started when a Twitter user pointed Ebro towards the fact that Rae Sremmurds Black Beatles had climbed to #1 on the Hot 100, which Darden promptly insisted was solely due to the Mannequin Challenge meme that propelled the single. He also doubled down on his claim that SremmLife wasnt the #3 album of 2015. Not longer after that, Jxmmi began to retaliate. Jxmmi then started tweeting at Lil Yachty, a rapper Ebro also criticized on the air earlier this year. Things only got more heated between Jxmmi and Ebro from there. Eventually, Jxmmi changed his avatar to a picture of a weeping Ebro and his screen name to OldManJxmbo, at which point he began to do a mocking impersonation of the radio personality. Meanwhile, Ebro has suggested that he does enjoy the song Black Beatles, and that his criticism is done to toughen up young artists. Swae Lee has been less vocal about the whole thing, but has sent out a few tweets that seem relevant to the conversation. Things have cooled down for the time being, but its safe to say that Rae Sremmurd and Ebros problems are far from resolved. Maybe theyll have to work things out on-air? Jxmmi Billy Ocean will be making his way to Ireland in May 2017 following the release of his new album Here You Are: The Best of Billy Ocean. The new album is a 2CD set featuring a personal collection of Billys interpretations of songs which helped the young Leslie Charles become the Billy Ocean we all know today, alongside a career spanning celebration of his biggest hits. The album includes 31 hits and coincides with the 30th anniversary of When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going, which hit the number one spot for four consecutive weeks in the UK on its release in 1986. The new package also includes bonus disc, encompassing a collection of Billy Oceans biggest tracks such as Red Light Means Danger, the timeless Carribbean Queen, When The Going Gets Tough,Get Outta My Dreams, Love Really Hurts Without You and the beautiful Suddenly. Billy Ocean is a Grammy award winner with worldwide sales of over 30 million. He hit the number one spot across three continents in the 70s and 80s, counting no fewer than six UK top 10 singles. Caribbean Queen stormed to number one on both the US singles chart and US R&B chart, and is amongst Billys six US top 10 singles. Billy Ocean will play Vicar St, Dublin on May 12 and The Waterfront, Belfast (13). Tickets priced 48 / 27.50 - 38.00 go on sale this Friday 18th November at 9am through ticketmaster.ie & usual outlets nationwide. Advertisement Here's Billy Ocean's timeless 'Carribean Queen': David has spent the summer on tour in America with Flight of the Conchords, has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has made appearances on Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. This will be the Irish debut of his new show. Helena Mulkerns has been blessed or cursed with an interesting life. An arts journalist and performer, she lived and worked in Paris and New York before joining the UN as an aid worker. It was her ten years with the UN peacekeeping missions that inspired her collection, Ferenji and Other Stories. Ferenji means foreigner in old Arabic and Persian. As the name suggests, Mulkerns stories centre on the lives of foreign aid workers in various conflict and post-conflict zones. The stories are based on my experiences but they are all invented, she explains. There isnt a character that I have delivered that is as the person was. People can get very upset with you if you do that! Alchemy: (noun) A mythical process of creation and transformation to produce gold. Marlene Enright has just released her new single 'Alchemy,' treating listeners to a sample of her debut solo album Placemats and Second Cuts, which is due out in March 2017. Prior to focusing on a solo album, Marlene sang with the Cork 5-piece band The Hard Ground. But now she is ready to fly free as a vocalist and create music that is described as having a sound of "modern roots, evolved over as it has over decades to something that is unmistakably 21st Century while still carrying echoes of the past." Alchemy embarks on a path to rediscovery and the choices along the way that Enright has made. Enright turns her past anxieties into a golden road, as a true alchemist can do. Advertisement Irish Tour Dates are as follow: November 19 - supporting John Blek in John Cleere's Bar & Theatre, Kilkenny November 25 - supporting John Blek in Coughlan's Bar, Cork November 26 - supporting John Blek in Phil Grimes, Waterford December 2 - Other Voices Music Trail, Dingle December 3 - Other Voices Music Trail, Dingle (afternoon) December 3 - supporting John Blek in Whelan's, Dublin December 16 - supporting Declan O'Rourke, Kilkee Negotiators from oil producing countries are stepping up talks ahead of an OPEC summit later this month, sending the rumor mill into overdrive and putting oil prices on a roller coaster for the next three weeks. The price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate jumped almost 6 percent Tuesday. The U.S. election, meanwhile, has thrown a wrench in the works by installing a president who has promised to make it easier for companies to pump North American oil, while also rolling back regulations that limit carbon dioxide and methane emissions. The big problem,though, remains how to reduce the 1 million-barrel-a-day glut of crude on the 93 million-barrel-a-day global market. The United States has recently competed with Saudi Arabia and Russia for the title of world's largest crude producer, so all three have the potential to manipulate prices. Saudi Arabia wants all OPEC members to sell less oil next year, knowing that could push up prices. Negotiators from all 14 countries are trying to reach a deal by November 30. The problem is that Iran wants to produce at levels last seen in 2006, before the world imposed punitive sanctions. Nigeria, Libya and Iraq want exemptions from cutting crude sales because they are fighting off armed rebellions. Saudi officials are willing to cut Nigeria and Libya a break but are demanding that Iran and Iraq accept new production quotas. Saudi Arabia also needs Russian President Vladimir Putin on board, or else Russia will simply pump more and steal OPEC's customers. The Saudi and Russian oil ministers are reportedly meeting this week in Qatar to discuss a deal that would include Russian production cuts, or at least a freeze. Russian oil companies, meanwhile, probably don't want a deal. They expect President-elect Donald Trump to lift sanctions on them, clearing the way for international oil companies to invest in boosting Russian oil production. Putin, though, may want a deal for more strategic reasons. Together, the 14 OPEC members and Russia represent about 40 percent of the world's crude production. Getting all of them to agree to cut production, and then actually follow through, is a tall order that most analysts predict Saudi can't pull off. "People are pretty pessimistic right now about a potential agreement," BP Plc Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley said in a Bloomberg Television interview from Riyadh. "You see that in the price," he said. If the talks fail, prices "will stay around the level we're at." Watching from the sidelines, meanwhile, is a new government in the United States that could also send prices higher. U.S. companies last year produced 10 percent of the world's oil and say they could produced more with higher prices. U.S. producers are watching OPEC closely for signs that prices will rise from $43 a barrel this week to around $60, where they can make enough money to explore and drill again. Trump has promised to repeal environmental regulations and expand drilling on federal land to help the U.S. oil industry compete with foreign oil. Trump has also promised to implement unspecified policies to eliminate the need for about 3 million barrels of imports every day. Since U.S. oil is more expensive to extract, even if you eliminate all taxes and regulations, Trump's only option to achieve this is to somehow make foreign oil more expensive. If any of these policies succeed, the U.S. consumer will pick up the tab for boosting the U.S. oil industry by paying higher prices at the pump. And they will be needlessly higher prices, by the way, because there is plenty of cheap oil on the global market. The current supply and demand curves show we shouldn't pay more than $2.75 a gallon for at least another two years. OPEC and Russia are trying to manipulate the market to change that, and U.S. companies are happy to see them do it. The next two weeks running up to the OPEC meeting on Nov. 30 will be filled with rumors and officials trying to talk up oil prices. OPEC will almost certainly announce some kind of deal, though I doubt anyone will respect the terms. Nevertheless, oil and gasoline prices will rise for at least another week on the headlines alone. Pretty soon, though. U.S. oil company CEOs will get excited about higher prices, hire more rigs and begin producing more oil. When traders see those statistics, and notice that Iraq and Iran are not really cutting production, oil prices will likely collapse again. Looking at the weeks ahead, it is important for investors and business people to remember the words of Marvin Gaye: "Believe half of what you see, son, and none of what you hear." The oil markets need more time to balance, either through wells drying up or demand growing beyond the current supply. We're not there yet, and in today's diverse energy world, the chances of anyone successfully manipulating the market for very long are pretty slim. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Energy Transfer Partners filed a lawsuit on Tuesday asking a federal court to let it finish building the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota without final approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, even as opponents protested the pipeline in Houston and across the country. Energy Transfer Partners, based in Dallas, asked the court to let it lay pipe under a Missouri River reservoir, a plan the Standing Rock Sioux tribe says threatens its drinking water and cultural sites. The Army Corps of Engineers said Monday that it needs more time to study the impact of the 1,200-mile, $3.8 billion oil pipeline. The project is mostly complete but awaits a final easement from the Corps to dig beneath Lake Oahe, a reservoir along the Missouri River. The delay has already cost nearly $100 million, the company said in court documents, and further delay would "add millions of dollars more each month." Energy Transfer disputes that the pipeline would endanger the tribe or tribal lands. The company, which began preparing last week to bore under the river, has "waited long enough," the chief executive, Kelcy Warren, said in a statement on Tuesday. The Justice Department and the Army Corps declined comment Tuesday. The Dakota pipeline, which would transport crude oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale, has been the target of protest by Native Americans and environmentalists over the past few months. In addition to the local issues, the pipeline has become a symbol in the debate over climate change and efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels, much as the Keystone XL pipeline was before it was blocked by the Obama administration. In his statement, Warren blamed the administration of President Barack Obama for the Dakota Access delay, arguing that the Corps would have already granted the easement without "political interference." President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to speed up such regulatory processes. Environmentalists, land owners and American Indians, meanwhile, gathered Tuesday outside Warren's gated Dallas mansion, at Energy Transfer offices in Houston and San Antonio, and at Army Corps offices across the country, to protest the pipeline. Hundreds demonstrated in Houston, according to organizers. Adam Baker, 39, a Houston restaurateur and member of the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, attended the day's protests in downtown Houston in part because of another pipeline. Baker and his wife own a home north of Big Bend National Park; Energy Transfer is building another disputed pipeline, the Trans-Pecos, nearby. "I've never been a big activist until the fight came to my front door," said Baker. "The more I've learned, the more I've become unsettled." In July, the Army Corps of Engineers granted Energy Transfer Partners the permits needed for the Dakota Access project, but said in September that further analysis was warranted, given the tribe's concerns. On Monday, the Corps called for more study and input from the Standing Rock Sioux. In North Carolina prisons, inmates in solitary confinement typically spend 22 to 23 hours a day inside cells that are smaller than a parking space. This cell, at Central Prison in Raleigh, is smaller than 100 square feet. Photo: J. Miller In North Carolinas prisons, about half a dozen inmates have been in solitary confinement for more than a decade. But the state doesnt want you to know who they are. State officials say theyve been working to reduce their use of the punishment as awareness grows about the dangerous psychological effects of isolating prisoners. Roughly 2,500 North Carolina inmates are in solitary at any given time. As of early March, the most recent date for which state prison officials provided information, seven inmates had been in solitary for more than 10 years a practice that human rights experts say amounts to torture. A prison spokesman rejected the Observers request for the names of those inmates, citing a court ruling about the confidentiality of prisoner records. The Observer identified two of those prisoners through other means. One of them an inmate named Jason Swain who the Observer profiled earlier this year suffers from bipolar depression and had been in solitary confinement for more than 13 years. Swain, now at Central Prison in Raleigh, has repeatedly swallowed razors, ripped open his surgical incisions and plunged sharp objects into his open wounds. Another inmate, Shawn Minnich, recently wrote to an Observer reporter after reading Swains story to say that he, too, has been in solitary for 13 straight years. State prison officials said Minnich has been kept in long-term segregation because he is considered an extreme escape risk and has a history of assaulting staff members. But Minnich, 48, says he has been kept in solitary even after going more than two years without disciplinary infractions. He described grueling conditions at Central Prison, such as being confined for 14 hours in a tiny prison cell that had been flooded with foul-smelling toilet water. After seeing the flooding in Swains cell, prison officers cut off the water to it. But they did not move him for hours, he said, so he was forced to defecate in a plastic bag. Solitary confinement is considered to be the most extreme form of punishment in the United States, short of the death penalty. For that reason, its important for the public to know how its administered, watchdogs say. It was only after the Observers first story about Swain that he was released from solitary and allowed to visit with his mother for the first time since 1999. Inmates in solitary usually spend 22 to 24 hours a day in concrete cells smaller than parking spaces, with strict limitations on visitors. When inmates do leave their cells for showers, recreation or therapy, they are typically handcuffed and accompanied by guards. They rarely get to talk face-to-face with other inmates. Their recreational time is often spent in empty steel cages. Researchers have found that prolonged solitary confinement can cause and worsen psychiatric problems. That can create a vicious cycle: Mental disorders make inmates more prone to commit offenses, which in turn makes them more likely to be thrown into solitary. In 2015, the United Nations approved the so-called Mandela Rules, which seek to prohibit the use of solitary confinement for more than 15 days, and to ban it for inmates whose mental or physical disabilities could be worsened by segregation. State prison officials would not allow reporters to interview Minnich or any other inmates in solitary. But in letters summarizing his struggles, Minnich said he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder a condition that he attributes to living in solitary. Its like living on a battlefield for years, he said. "It's like living on the battlefield for years." The amount of stress and b.s. a prisoner on segregation goes through in just one day is equal to all a regular person in the free world goes through in a whole month sometimes in a whole year, wrote Minnich, who is serving time for armed robbery, having sex with a minor and other offenses. The amount of stress and b.s. a prisoner on segregation goes through in just one day is equal to all a regular person in the free world goes through in a whole month sometimes in a whole year, wrote Minnich, who is serving time for armed robbery, having sex with a minor and other offenses. A friend of Minnichs Daniel Shain, a professor who heads the biology department at Rutgers University has vouched for much of the inmates account. Shain and others dont dispute that Minnich deserved to go to prison. But no one, they say, should be kept in solitary so long. By any standard, this is cruel and unusual punishment equivalent to torture, Shain wrote in a May letter to state prison officials, lawyers and lawmakers. ... This is not the example we should set for the rest of the world. Shawns father, Ed Minnich, a former state official who managed counseling services for state and local governments, acknowledges that his son made serious mistakes. And he says hes had many disagreements with him. But no one deserves the treatment hes gotten in prison, his father says. The one thing that he and I absolutely agree on is that he has gotten screwed over, Ed Minnich said. What are they hiding? State prison officials refused to confirm how long Minnich has been held in solitary confinement. Elizabeth Forbes, who heads the criminal justice reform group NC CURE, said she sees no justification for withholding the names of inmates in long-term solitary. What on earth are they hiding? she asked. Researchers have found that solitary can trigger many psychological problems, from depression and rage to hallucinations, self-mutilation and suicidal behavior problems that can continue to haunt people even after theyre released from prison. When information about inmates in solitary is kept from the public, its harder for advocates to help inmates, Forbes said. What right do they have to tie our hands and keep us from helping people whove been kept in isolation so long? she asked. To me, theres something very wrong with that. | 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! Source: The Charlotte Observer, Ames Alexander, November 11, 2016 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Venture funding has flowed more freely into space businesses in recent years, bringing the industry into the mainstream and boosting confidence that new space-related products can both make money and provide useful data. "It is enabling new businesses of a different type," said Carissa Christensen, managing partner of analytic consulting firm the Tauri Group. "They're smaller, they're more entrepreneurial, they're more accepting of market risk and they're targeting very high growth rates." Venture investment was one of many topics Tuesday during the opening day of the second-annual SpaceCom that seeks to bolster the commercialization of space. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event at the George R. Brown Convention Center. "We want Houston to be the epicenter of the next generation of space," Mayor Sylvester Turner told the gathering. "And with the help of the Johnson Space Center, I am sure we can get there. Your presence signifies that we are well on our way." Christensen highlighted venture investment while moderating a panel on the state of global space commerce. Outside of the billionaire-founded endeavors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, she said, a lot of venture investment has gone into using data and analytics from satellites. For example, companies can take pictures of the globe and use algorithms to track things such as supply chain logistics, retail sales or factory production. "The data that these satellite systems produce and the market that they're targeting, they're not space markets," she said. "They're world markets. They're energy markets, they're transportation markets, they're health-care markets. And that is a perfect fit with SpaceCom." Christensen also noted that three out of four venture-funded firms fail. This is the stage to watch how companies perform and where they will go. "Some are going to fail," she said. "This is a high-risk business." After a day of such presentations, SpaceCom opened its exhibition hall at 4:30 p.m. Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz gave the media a sneak peek at the Houston Spaceport display. He compared this phase of commercial space to the deregulation of airlines. Before, Diaz said, airlines didn't need to market themselves. Similarly, the government has led and funded space initiatives so Houston didn't need to market itself. "Now we're in a very different environment," Diaz said. "We're now in a commercial environment. We're now in an environment where every city has the ability to compete with Houston." The exhibition display is one way to market the spaceport at Ellington Airport. Attendees can wear a virtual reality headset to explore Phase 1 of its development plan, which is creating a cluster of aerospace businesses. They "walk" around the proposed developments and listen to plane engines and chirping birds. Arturo Machuca, general manager of Ellington Airport and the Houston Spaceport, said officials are talking to large aerospace and aviation companies about potentially opening facilities there. This could represent a couple of thousand jobs in the near future. As part of its initial development phase, the Houston Airport System spent $6.9 million on a building that has 53,000 square feet of laboratory and office space. It is supposed to be a co-working facility with incubation space for early-stage companies, more permanent offices for developing companies and larger facilities for those wishing to manufacture or assemble products. Clear Lake-based Intuitive Machines was the first to open a location there in August. The company is using the facility to assemble and test its drone systems. "As an entrepreneurial company in the area, I wanted to show support and be part of bringing high-technology ideas to life here in Houston," president and CEO Steve Altemus said. In addition, Ellington will soon begin construction on a traffic-control tower that will have a mission-control area for future flights. It has received funding to build a taxiway along its 8,000-foot runway, which will provide access to the runway for future spaceport hangars and support the development of land. "This is unleashing, if you will, the development by creating this very basic but necessary infrastructure," Machuca said. Eric Gay/STF There is a theory, in progressive circles, that boosting voter turnout tends to be good for Democrats. Young people and some minority groups have been less reliable voters than older white people, and they lean left so if people turn out in large numbers, it's likely to sweep more into the liberal column. But there appears to be little empirical support for that idea, according to an analysis by Factcheck.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan website that checks the claims of politicians. And judging from the 2016 general election results, the opposite might be true in Texas, at least on a county-by-county basis. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In November, Texas' board of education will vote to select textbooks studied by grade school students for up to a decade to come in the Lone Star State. This process has spurred drama, most recently over a controversial Mexican American studies textbook that's landed in national headlines. But the process often creates discord, such as past dustups over the roles of Thomas Jefferson and Moses in American history or the place of evolution and creationism in biological science. RELATED: New Texas textbooks downplay slavery in the Civil War The process has been criticized for giving authority over factual content to unqualified non-academic authorities. It actually has plenty of room for public involvement, and every participant is elected or nominated by the public. So how does it work? It begins with a proclamation, issued by the Texas Education Agency, seeking submissions for new textbooks. Debbie Ratcliffe, spokeswoman for the Texas Education Agency, said the state tries to revisit texts for each subject about once every six years. The proclamation for books to be introduced in fall 2017 was issued in April 2015. Among the categories tapped this year was career and technical education, which Ratcliffe said contains the most individual subjects. Consequently, the agency sought submissions for about 300 textbooks. Those ranged from the controversial new Mexican-American studies course, to a new math elective, floral arrangement and automotive basics to business law, video game design, small animal management, commercial photography, national security, culinary arts and cosmetology. By December 2015, publishers declared their intention to participate, and by January they filed descriptions of the books they would submit. Ratcliffe said the agency received about 500 submissions this year, the most ever. All of those submissions are available for public scrutiny. In the past they were available as hard copies. Ratcliffe said this was the first year that publishers were required to file every submission electronically. They can be viewed online. Next, those submissions go before review panels. One review panel is formed for each category. In the 2017 proclamation, there were four categories: career and technical education, with 324 submissions; languages other than English, with 174 submissions; math with one submission and social studies with one submissionthe controversial Mexican American course book. "This was such a specialized course and elective it only attracted one publisher," Radcliffe said. The review panels typically include three to five people"university professors, public school teachers, parents, business and industry representatives, and other subject matter experts," according to the TEA. The members of those panels are nominated through an online form. Anyone can nominate, and people can nominate themselves. The 15-member board of education constructs the panels from those nominees. In the past, critics have contended that the panels were disproportionately comprised of religious or ideological activists. In 2014, the board approved new rules giving teachers and professors priority seating on the panels. The panels will meet and evaluate the textbook submissions in two categories: their adherence to Texas curriculum standards and factual errors. The curriculum standards, called Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, are a detailed list of what and who students should learn about for each course at each grade level. They are authored once a decade by the board. The TEKS for each subject are hundreds of pages long. State law required acceptable textbooks to meet 50 percent of the curriculum standard, but Ratcliffe said the board aims for 100 percent. The panels can also point out any information that they believe was false or was omitted. The textbooks also go before public hearings at the TEA headquarters in Austin. Ratcliffe said hearings for social studies, history and biology textbooks attract heavy public input, while math and other books often attract none. At the recent hearing in Austin, Radcliffe said, every speaker showed up to address the Mexican American studies book, and no one spoke on the other approximately 500 submissions. Public comment can also be filed online. After the review panels and public comment, the TEA posts all input online, including errors identified and panel recommendations. RELATED: Worst historical blunders from racist textbook Here are the comments from the review panels: Then TEA posts on its website a list of the errors that have been corrected and the recommendations that have been accepted by publishers. And it posts a list of the submissions which are, according to the review panels, eligible for adoption by the board of education. Then in November, the TEA holds a second public hearing in Austin to take comment on the updated materials. Those comments in mind, the board will vote on November 18 for textbooks to institute as curriculum for the 2017-2018 school year, and up to a decade thereafter. RELATED: State school board approves first social studies textbooks in 12 years When possible, the board picks a few books in each category and school districts may decide which suits them best. Until 2011, school districts had to use to the state-selected books, or else front their own funds to buy other books. Now districts may purchase their own books without board approval. They still must prove that the books cover at least 50 percent of the TEKS. That requires convening an expert committee, Ratcliffe said, and is generally easier for large districts than small districts. Another big change of late: Texas' textbook choices used to set the standard for much of the nation. Publishers would print to accommodate the huge Texas market, with more than five million public school students, and would distribute the same books in smaller state markets. But digital technology has made it easier to produce custom materials for small markets, so other states are less beholden to Texas' textbook choices than they once were. Katy school board trustees will review a long-standing policy that only allows the board president to speak to the media after two members said the rule restricted their freedom of speech. Their decision Monday followed a heated argument between trustees who believe the practice has worked and those who do not. Before the meeting, trustees George Scott and Charles Griffin had publicly criticized the policy, which outlines a way for elected officials to filter information to the public and speak as one voice despite having different opinions on district issues. Scott also had threatened legal action if trustees didn't discuss the matter publicly. Board President Rebecca Fox and other board members have belittled some trustees any time they have talked to the media about the 73,000-student school district, said Griffin and Scott, who is new to the board. "I find it rather difficult as an individual not to be able to talk to the media," Griffin told trustees. "I don't need to ever be policed by the board. It's the community's business to police a school board." Many Texas school boards use the board president as a spokesperson, but other trustees should also have the right to speak to reporters, said Leslie Story, lead attorney at the Texas Association of School Boards, which represents school boards statewide and gives them guidance. Some school districts have a protocol similar to Katy but loosely follow it, while other districts allow trustees to openly talk to the press. Different viewpoints Kelley Shannon, executive director at Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, a nonprofit that advocates for the state's laws on open government, said all trustees have a duty to speak to the media because they are elected officials. "They don't have to have the same viewpoints as the board president," she said. Trustee Ashley Vann, however, told board members she has had no problem upholding the procedure and has not talked to any media members in her more than two years on the board. "I think demanding the right to speak to the press whenever is a little bit self-serving," Vann said. "I was not elected to this board to serve myself. I was elected to this board to serve students and staff, the parents and taxpayers of Katy ISD." Vann questioned why Griffin, who had been board president until trustees selected Fox in May to take over the role, had not brought the issue up before. Decade-old policy Trustees Henry Dibrell and Courtney Doyle shared similar criticisms about Griffin, who gave no clear answer but explained that it is a problem to him now. Board members more than a decade ago agreed on the policy, and it has been followed ever since, said Fox, who has been a trustee since 2004. "We have deep respect for the board president and the procedures that we look through," Fox said. "I am open to discussing it and refining it." Transparency concerns Katy residents elected Scott to the board in May after he ran a campaign based partly on criticizing the board's transparency on fiscal issues and other matters. Scott said he grew impatient with the media policy over time. Scott told the board that there is no law that prohibits him from speaking to the media, so he would continue to do so regardless of the consequences. Superintendent Lance Hindt said it's not his or his staff's responsibility to solve the problem because the board operates as an independent entity from the school district. "I think the end result will be acceptable to all board members," Hindt said. "Sometimes you have to go through the growing pains up front before you get to something that meets the expectations of all seven board members." Trustees agreed to review the policy at an upcoming team-building meeting and could alter it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate AUSTIN - State education board members on Tuesday grilled the publisher of a controversial Mexican-American studies textbook about alleged errors, all but promising to reject the proposed book later this week. Members of the State Board of Education are poised to vote Friday on whether to adopt "Mexican American Heritage," a textbook that university professors and historical experts argue is riddled with errors, cherry-picks sources and claims immigrants have radical ideas that pose a cultural and political threat to American society. "This book offers one thing. It offers hatred. It offers hate toward Mexican-Americans," said Ruben Cortez Jr., a member from Brownsville. Board members from both parties spent nearly two hours of a public hearing peppering Momentum Instruction CEO and owner Cynthia Dunbar about reported errors in the proposed textbook. "You have submitted a textbook that will be rejected" from landing on the state's preferred textbook list, said board member Erika Beltran, D-Fort Worth, who criticized Dunbar for failing to recall the credentials of the book's authors. "We're not just talking about a textbook on Mexican-American heritage, we're talking about the education of 5 million kids." Debate about the text, which refers to Mexican-Americans as lazy, has brought one board member to tears, prompted hundreds to protest in the capital city and caused 15,000 people to petition for its rejection since it was proposed last spring. The textbook was submitted to the board by Dunbar, a conservative Republican and former state board member known for characterizing public education as "tyrannical" and a "tool of perversion." She argued to board members that the public uproar over the book is unfair and said some concerns involve outdated versions of the text. She said her company followed the rules required to get the book approved and hinted that a rejection could spur litigation. "The board would really have to step into some kind of unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination to censor the book," she told the Houston Chronicle. "It's very saddening to us that, when we really cared about this course and trying to get a good book forward, that it's being viewed as having some hidden agenda to attack an entire people group." Vice Chairman Thomas Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, who said in September the book was "dead on arrival," stressed the board needs to focus on the errors that Dunbar has refused to fix. "I'm not a scientist, but I know enough to know that communism does not cause natural disasters," said Ratliff, referring to a passage in the textbook that links the two. Dunbar said the passage was "not a verified factual error," then later agreed to change the sentence. Emilio Zamora, a University of Texas at Austin professor who reviewed the text, accused the authors and publisher of arrogance by refusing to acknowledge the problems. "Not once do they agree with any of our findings of error - not once," said Zamora, shaking his fist behind a podium before the state board. He and a team of professors reported finding 407 errors in the book's latest version. Before embarking on a five-hour public hearing, the state board sought to diffuse tension among Latinos by agreeing to put out a call for more ethnic studies textbooks. The board said it plans to ask publishers to pitch books on topics such as African-American or Mexican-American studies, which can later be added to the state's preferred list of textbooks. Texas public schools can use any book they see fit without board approval. More than 50 people signed up to speak against the disputed textbook, including a busload of students from the Houston Independent School District. "When I go to ninth grade in high school, I do not want to learn about racist stereotypes of my people and have it accepted as fact," said Cain Trevino, an eighth-grader. "I want a book written by a real expert in this field, a real Mexican-American." Christopher Barriere on Facebook A man has been arrested and charged with murder in a double shooting last week that left a Houston rapper dead, police said Tuesday. Vincent Stredic, 39, was charged in the shooting death of Christopher Barriere, 44, of Houston, at a gas station located at 6610 South Sam Houston Parkway West. Barriere was a pioneer in Houston's rap scene as Mr. 3-2. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It's unclear what started a fire that destroyed a chemical warehouse in Spring Branch, prompting explosions, fumes and deadly runoff, the Houston fire chief said. The May blaze underscored a Houston Chronicle investigation that found hazardous chemical stockpiles peppered across the city near homes and schools are poorly understood, even by the government officials tasked with protecting the public. The fire began in a garage at a home on Laverne Street, adjacent to the warehouse, but it didn't leave enough evidence for investigators to pinpoint the cause, Interim Chief Rodney West said. The homeowner worked on cars in the garage. Custom Packaging & Filling had more than 40,000 pounds of hazardous chemicals on site when it burned down, West told a City Council committee this week. "I grew up on the street of the explosion," council member Brenda Stardig said. "I drove by it all the time. I never suspected it had that amount of chemicals." Stardig's homeland security committee is overseeing the fire department's response to the Chronicle investigation, including efforts to survey thousands of businesses with chemicals on site, increase inspections and enforcement, and offer ordinances that could give the city more authority to police hazardous materials. Chemicals show up everywhere from beauty salons to manufacturing plants. But it's places like the Spring Branch warehouse that worry the committee, because they have large stockpiles and aren't obvious to the public. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said the warehouse failed to file a chemical inventory, required under federal law, that could have alerted the fire department to the materials on site before it arrived. The commission proposed a penalty of $5,000. Custom Packaging & Filling has denied it broke the law. The warehouse also was out of compliance with city hazmat rules, West said. It should have lowered its inventory, he said. Warehouse owner Traci Willis has said city officials never informed her of the required change. Records show she paid for and received annual permits at least seven times since the last fire inspection in 2008. Chemical fires are particularly challenging for firefighters, who must decide whether to use water or foam so as not to make the situation worse. Even if the Houston department had known about the amount or type of chemicals at Custom Packaging & Filling, firefighters may not have responded differently, West said. They couldn't let the structure burn because of the proximity to homes and schools, he said. Foam and water exacerbated the runoff of fuel additives and pesticides from ruptured containers into a nearby creek, where it killed wildlife. The city may bill the company for cleanup costs, but it could be complicated. Custom Packaging & Filling already disputed an attempt by the Coast Guard to recoup the costs of its spill response team. The company went out of business. A spokeswoman for Mayor Sylvester Turner's office didn't immediately respond to a request for details about the cleanup costs. In a first-ballot victory and with votes to spare, Galveston-Houston Cardinal Daniel DiNardo Tuesday was elected president of the powerful U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops - a post from which he will advocate for church stances on abortion, immigration and the environment with the incoming Donald Trump administration. DiNardo's ascension to the presidency was expected. But election of Mexican-born Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez - an outspoken advocate for immigrants and refugees - as vice president widely was perceived as a shot across Trump's political bow. If standard patterns of upward movement in the Catholic hierarchy hold, Gomez, 64, former archbishop in San Antonio, likely will become conference president in three years. DiNardo was chosen as conference vice president in 2013. In a Tuesday news conference in Baltimore, where bishops are holding their fall general assembly, DiNardo, 67, told reporters he welcomes meeting with the Trump administration to discuss issues important to the church. "We have to be shepherds," he said. "If people are hungry, we feed them. If they are thirsty, we give them drink. If someone is a stranger, we make them feel welcome I think the current situation invites some hope there could be some shared perspectives on the common good We will not let down on the fact that we champion those who are voiceless. We always want to do it respectfully." 'Advancing a dialogue' DiNardo, a member of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People and former chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, acknowledged that the full scope of Trump's policy positions remains unclear. In the run-up to the election, though, Trump called for building a wall on the southern border to exclude Latinos and for deporting undocumented immigrants. He labeled man-made climate warming a "hoax" and vowed to end U.S. participation in the Paris climate accord. "On the environment, my sense was he was talking off the top of his head," DiNardo said in an interview. "If pressed, he might be a little more nuanced. His reaction on election night was more nuanced. He seemed very interested in advancing a dialogue." DiNardo said Catholics will carefully watch the new president's Supreme Court nominations, and the manner in which he revamps President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. He said bishops have urged comprehensive health care "for centuries," but opposed the Obama plan because of it mandates access to contraception. 'In very good hands' As leader of the 1.3 million-member Catholic Galveston-Houston archdiocese, DiNardo, a cardinal since 2007, often has voiced church-sanctioned positions on social issues. He has marched in anti-death penalty protests and, in 2009, objected to the selection of Obama, a pro-choice advocate, as commencement speaker at the Catholic University of Notre Dame. "With other bishops, a lot of material we'll deal with will be a little more political social teaching," DiNardo said Tuesday. "But we don't want to lose our direction, which is focused on prayer, sacrament and liturgy." Tuesday's conference votes were hailed by academic observers in the Catholic community. "I think we are in very good hands," said the Rev. Donald Nesti of the University of St. Thomas. DiNardo was chosen as conference president on first ballot, receiving 113 votes - three more than necessary to attain the post. "Cardinal DiNardo will be clear on doctrinal issues," said Nesti, who is director of the Houston Catholic university's Center for Faith and Culture. "I think he will be in constant dialogue with other bishops. You will see any statements that come out of him rooted in standard teachings." University of Notre Dame theologian Timothy Matovina said the real surprise was the selection of Gomez. Gomez, the first Mexican native to fill the position, has been honored for his Latino-focused ministry. He has been outspoken in support of immigrants, and, in Denver, worked to establish a social service center for Hispanic newcomers. "The fact that they elected Jose Gomez as vice president is a clear response to the presidential election," Matovina said. "If the bishops sent some kind of signal, it was Gomez." Gomez, who at one point worked with Catholic groups in Katy, was named San Antonio archbishop in 2004 and archbishop of Los Angeles in 2011. He became a U.S. citizen in 1995. 'Wanted change' In discussing social stances of the Catholic church, DiNardo expressed puzzlement over Catholic support of Trump in last week's election. Some exit polls found that 52 percent of Catholic voters backed the Republican contender - more than did previous Republican hopefuls in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. "I'm not sure what to make of it," DiNardo said. "Some of it was opposition to Clinton. I know the Latino Catholic community was not voting (for Trump) in the same numbers. My suspicion is that many people wanted to see a change. In general, there was an unfocused sense of disenchantment. It is very difficult to read Trump. Of what he would do on some very significant issues, we don't know." 'State-condoned extrajudicial killings have soared since Duterte took office.' Since Rodrigo Duterte was elected President of the Philippines, in May, more than three thousand people have been killed in a vicious drug war. Duterte does not, as he has put it, give a shit about human rights, which he sees as a Western obsession that keeps the Philippines from taking the action necessary to clean up the country. He is also hypersensitive to criticism. Dutertes weakness is, really, hes a tough guy, Greco Belgica, a Filipino politician and an ally of Dutertes, said. You do not talk down to a tough guy. Hell snap. Dutertes war on drugs has resulted in the deaths of more than three thousand people, drawing condemnation from human-rights groups and Western governments. In early September, before the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in Laos, a journalist asked Duterte what he would say if President Barack Obama raised the issue of human rights. You know, the Philippines is not a vassal state, he replied. We have long ceased to be a colony of the United States. Alternating between English and Tagalog, and pounding on the lectern, Duterte, it was widely reported, said of Obama, Son of a whore, Ill curse you at that forum. Since the overthrow of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in 1986, the Philippines has been a democracy, if an often dysfunctional one. Dutertes actions challenge the liberal Western values that are enshrined in the Philippine constitution. Although he styles himself a revolutionary, Duterte seems uncertain about what kind of order will replace the one he aims to overthrow, or whether he will be around to see it. He often intimates that he may not live to finish his term, whether because of overwork and agehe is seventy-oneor something more sinister. Will I survive the six years? he asked recently. Id make a prediction: maybe not. In November, 2015, shortly before the start of the Presidential campaign, at a birthday party for a law-school classmate, Duterte announced that he was running. He became a replacement candidate for P.D.P.-Laban, a nearly moribund party that was founded in the nineteen-eighties to oppose Marcos. Duterte had neither the family name nor the party machinery that is typically needed to compete in a Presidential election. Duterte focussed on illegal drugs, an issue that has never registered among voters major concerns. The usual top three problems would be health, education, housing, Cayetano told me. But the Philippines close proximity to China has made it a lucrative market for drug smugglers. Methamphetamine, known as shabu, is widely abused, especially in the slums, where pedicab drivers and day laborers use the drug in order to work longer hours. Cayetano said, He was bullheaded in telling people our problem is drugs. Were nearly a narco-state, and our police are afraid. Our judges, fiscalsprosecutorsare either afraid or on the take. Congressmen are in it, mayors are in it. The idea that drug traffickers have penetrated the government did not seem outlandish to many Filipinos, who have seen two Presidents in the past fifteen years enmeshed in racketeering scandals involving illegal gambling syndicates. Rodrigo Duterte Duterte speaks of drug use as an existential threat, a contamination that will destroy the country unless radical action is taken. They are the living walking dead, he said of shabu users. They are of no use to society anymore. Duterte sees drug use as a symptom of a governments ineffectiveness, but his animus suggests a personal vendetta. Duterte, who has four children by two women, was asked at a Presidential debate what he would do if he caught his children using drugs. None of my children are into illegal drugs, he responded. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him. The WikiLeaks cable reported that the regional director of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights had claimed that one of Dutertes sons had a history of drug abuse. The Mayor channeled his anger over his sons drug use not just against drug pushers, but also drug users, eventually leading him to embrace vigilante killings as a means to reduce crime, the report read. After one of Dutertes political opponents raised the allegation of drug abuse, Dutertes eldest son, Paolo, took a drug test and publicized his clean result. Dutertes campaign had a rocky start. In a speech announcing his candidacy, he rambled on for more than an hour, offering an account of personally killing kidnappers and setting their car on fire, pledging to kill up to a hundred thousand criminals when elected, and boasting of his womanizing. If I can love a hundred million and one, I can love four women at the same time, he said. Dutertes language confirmed his image as a political outsider. It was something people could relate to, Pia Ranada, a reporter at the news Web site Rappler, told me. She said that Duterte came across as the father who would protect you but also the masa leader, the populist leader who will look after your interests, who cares for you because hes one of you. | 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! Source: The New Yorker, Adrian Chen, Nov. 21, 2016 Issue This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate (Update: Since this story first published, investigators have since released photos of a black sedan they believe was used by the suspects in the killing of Ava Castillo. Investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying the vehicle. [FULL STORY]) Diana Gomez asked for her little girls as soon as she woke up in the hospital Tuesday after being shot during a robbery Monday night at the family's Greenspoint-area apartment complex. The 27-year-old mother who was critically injured couldn't speak Tuesday morning because of a breathing tube, but her sister, Julie Gomez, said she could write messages to family members. Right after waking up from sedation at Houston Northwest Medical Center, she asked for her daughters, 4-year-old Ava and 10-year-old Betzida, who also goes by Betsy. They were both also shot during the robbery. About 1 p.m. Tuesday, Gomez' relatives along with doctors and a hospital chaplain entered her hospital room to tell her Ava was gone. Because of the breathing tube, her sister said, "She couldn't speak. All she could do is cry. But you could definitely see the pain in her face." After being flown to a Level 1 trauma center by LifeFlight, Ava died of her injuries. Betsy was critically injured. Gomez' young son who was also at the scene was not hurt. The family had been unloading groceries about 8:45 p.m. in the parking area adjacent to a row of apartments when robbers approached and demanded Gomez' purse. After a struggle, at least one of the robbers opened fire on the family, shooting as many as a dozen rounds. Three men fled the scene after the shooting in a dark-colored four-door sedan, possibly a Chevy Impala. When police arrived, Gomez was focused on her children's injuries. "She was in mother mode," senior Harris County sheriff's deputy Thomas Gilliland said. "She didn't even know she had been shot. (She didn't realize) till a deputy noticed that she had blood on her shirt." Gilliland said Wednesday that they have a person of interest in custody. That man was arrested at a motel on a warrant for unrelated family-violence charges. Deputies searched his motel room for evidence, but Gilliland could not say whether they found a gun. Police think the three attackers were "predator-type criminals searching for crimes of opportunity," the deputy added. The robbers may have entered Gomez' apartment complex through an entry gate that other residents said has been stuck open for months. Neighbors also said property managers had not replaced the lights that should have illuminated the small parking lot where the family was attacked. The past six months of crime reports at or just outside the complex include five vehicles stolen along with break-ins at homes and vehicles. A robbery was reported in July and an assault with a deadly weapon the month before. The North Houston District, a commercial development district that includes Greenspoint, issued a statement Wednesday saying that the shooting tragedy "has touched the hearts of so many in this community and throughout the city." "While the North Houston District has seen a 12 percent decrease in violent crime when comparing last year to this year, incidents like this are never easy to accept or understand," the statement read. "We work with a variety of law enforcement entities, including the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff's Office, to deliver programs that have contributed to an overall reduction in crime. Random acts of violence are not easily preventable, but we know that working with local law enforcement and the community has been an effective way for us to impact crime in general." Managers at the complex, Mission Falls Apartments on Greens Crossing Boulevard, did not return multiple calls and messages requesting comment Tuesday and Wednesday. Calls and emails Wednesday also went unreturned by the property owner, Lubbock-based Madera Residential, and its president of operations, Jeffery Lowry. Neighbors said Tuesday that ambulances seemed slow to arrive after the shooting, but Gilliland said records show the first ambulance reached the complex within five minutes of the first 911 call at 8:48 p.m. The ambulance may have been instructed to wait a couple of minutes as police confirmed the scene was safe, the deputy said. The injured woman's sister said family members gathered to support Diana include their two brothers, Diana's fiance, and the children's father and his family. The sister, Julie Gomez, said their parents were arriving Wednesday from outside the country. The family will plan a funeral service for the slain 4-year-old, Ava. "She was just a sweet, sweet little girl," Julie Gomez said of her slain niece. "Always so happy, so jolly." "I think out of the three, she was the spotlight," she added, her voice cracking. "She loved messing with her brother and sister." Julie Gomez said the girls' brother, Isaiah, was also in the parking lot when the robbery happened but was not injured. He and Betsy are staying with their father; the children share his last name, Castillo. The family has started a GoFundMe page to collect donations toward Ava Castillo's funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/baby-ava-and-gomez-family. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A year after obtaining a court order to shutter Houston's long-troubled Crestmont Village apartments, the city is seeking to demolish the property's 18 vacant buildings as part of an effort to eliminate neighborhood blight. The $348,000 tear-down, slated to begin next month pending City Council approval Wednesday, would bid farewell to a weed-infested complex in South Acres where sewage bubbled up in the yard and bed bugs crawled through carpets. Then, 7 barren acres and a lien equivalent to demolition costs would remain in the hands of Selinsky Palms Apartments, LLC, which purchased the vacant property last year. Tom McCasland, the city's housing director, said that although state law does not give the city legal authority to foreclose on the property absent delinquent taxes, he hopes to work with Selinsky Palms to develop single-family homes on the site on Selinsky at Martin Luther King Drive. "The ultimate goal is not to see this property remain as an empty lot, nor is our ultimate goal to see this developed into multi-family, because we have so much multi-family in the immediate area," McCasland said. "This is just a first step in terms of addressing a very dangerous building." Unaware of plans The city's plans apparently came as a surprise to Syed Khan, a manager for Selinsky Palms, who said Tuesday that neither he nor the owners knew about the city's plan to tear down Crestmont Village next month. "I'm glad you sent an email, because you caught me off guard," Khan said. A judge gave Houston legal authority last year to demolish the structures, and the city's legal department wrote to Selinsky Palms' attorney in April demanding payment for an existing $605,000 lien, indicating that the property was in violation of city ordinances and reminding him that the city had a permanent injunction allowing for demolition without further notice to the owner. "From conversations with and representations made by your client, the property was purchased by your client knowing the condition, the liens, and the injunction on the property with the idea of redeveloping the property," Sandra N. Eidson, an attorney for the city, wrote. "We have yet to see any signs the property is to be anything, under this ownership, other than an eyesore and magnet for illegal activity." Mayoral spokeswoman Janice Evans said Selinsky Palms has not paid off that original lien. Khan said Selinsky Palms has plans to transform the existing structure into senior housing. "We just got finished with our drawings, and we are going to move forward with reconstruction of the property - remodeling and rebuilding," Khan said. Selinsky Palms bought the dilapidated property last fall, property records show, shortly after a judge ordered Crestmont Village to close and its residents to vacate. That order also authorized the city to raze the structures as long as no lawful tenants still lived there. 'A terrifying situation' The city temporarily paid utility bills for the prior absentee owners and helped relocate nearly 200 tenants, spending about $605,000 on liens and fines associated with the property, Evans said. "It was such a terrifying situation, not only to tenants who lived there, but also the community," recalled activist Sandra Hines, who helped with relocation efforts. Legal wrangling between the city and Crestmont Village extended from 2012 until last fall. In the year since, Crestmont Village has remained hollow. A video taken by McCasland in September shows buildings with windows boarded up or simply agape, along with heaps of tires and other debris outside. Lamenting the city's inability to foreclose on the property, McCasland said he has created a task force to improve code enforcement at multi-family complexes, as well as identify and seek to eliminate legal barriers. "We need to do a better job," McCasland said. "But we also need better tools." City Councilman Jack Christie applauded the plan to demolish Crestmont Village but stressed that municipalities ought to be able to take possession of such properties if a lien is not paid off. "That's where there is a flaw in the Texas law that we have to get changed," Christie said. "Let's put it in our legislative package." Hines, for her part, wondered what took the city so long. "I thought it was going to be sooner," she said. "And here it is, still there." BEIRUT - With a hail of missile strikes, Russian forces announced a major offensive Tuesday against rebel-held areas in Syria. As the assault unfolded, activists in the crucial city of Aleppo said that their skies were filled with government warplanes and that bombs were raining down. The Russian Defense Ministry said that it had used its sole aircraft carrier - ordered last week to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad - for the first time and that missiles had also been fired from a land-based system inside Syria as well as another Russian warship. Activists said the Russian targets appeared to include eastern Aleppo, one of the last urban bastions of factions opposing Assad. But Moscow denied involvement in the attacks on the city, saying it has been nearly a month since Russian forces launched strikes there. The divided city has become the epicenter of the battle for Syria. The government's recapture of Aleppo could hasten the fall of remaining rebel strongholds across the country. Russia's assault kicked off just hours after Putin and President-elect Donald Trump, speaking by phone, agreed to combine efforts in Syria to defeat what Moscow has said is its enemy in the fight: "international terrorism and extremism." President Barack Obama's administration has been aiding what it sees as moderate opponents of Assad while continuing the fight against al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate, which in some places has been battling alongside the rebels. Russia describes all rebel groups as "terrorists," and Trump's blanket statements about joining Russia have been seen in Moscow as tacitly supporting this view. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said "massive strikes" were waged against positions of the Islamic State and an al-Qaida-linked militant group in Idlib and Homs provinces. The regions are north of Damascus and include rebel-held zones but do not cover Aleppo. Shoigu told Putin that Su-33 jets were launched from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and that the frigate Admiral Grigorivch launched cruise missile strikes. Shoigu said the attacks targeted industrial sites used by rebel forces to make toxic substances used as a "serious means of mass destruction." The Russian claims could not be independently verified. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate THE HAGUE, Netherlands - The chances of U.S. servicemen being charged and sent to face justice at the International Criminal Court are remote, even if the chief prosecutor opens an investigation into alleged crimes in Afghanistan, legal experts said. Stephen Rapp, a former ambassador at large for war crimes issues in the Obama administration said Tuesday he considers it "highly, highly unlikely" an American will be prosecuted at the world's first international court with global reach, based in The Hague, Netherlands. Rapp's comments came a day after the ICC's chief prosecutor said U.S. forces in Afghanistan may have committed the war crime of torture when interrogating detainees, opening the possibility of Americans being prosecuted even though their country is not a member of the court. "Members of U.S. armed forces appear to have subjected at least 61 detained persons to torture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity on the territory of Afghanistan between 1 May 2003 and 31 December 2014," according to the report by Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda's office. The report added that CIA operatives may have subjected at least 27 detainees in Afghanistan, Poland, Romania and Lithuania to "torture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity and/or rape" between December 2002 and March 2008. Prosecutors said they will decide "imminently" whether to seek authorization to open a full-scale investigation in Afghanistan that could lead to war crimes charges. A key hurdle that ICC prosecutors would have to cross if they target Americans for investigation is a legal doctrine known as complementarity. The ICC is a court of last resort that steps in to take cases that nations are unwilling or unable to prosecute. That means that if American authorities have conducted serious investigations, the complementarity doctrine would block ICC jurisdiction. The ICC report acknowledged that U.S. authorities have conducted dozens of investigations and court-martial cases and says ICC prosecutors are seeking further clarifications on their scope before deciding whether any American cases would be admissible at the ICC. In a reaction Monday, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said the U.S. doesn't believe an ICC investigation is "warranted or appropriate." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 2 1 of 2 Darron Cummings/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 2 JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined the procession of Republican figures from Washington making the journey to Trump Tower in New York Tuesday to meet with President-Elect Donald Trump, his chief antagonist in the GOP primaries earlier this year. Trump did not stop to talk to reporters staking out the elevator lobby on his way in. But his spokeswoman, Catherine Frazier, released the following statement: Devastation, heartbreak, tears - for many Democrats, these words summed up one of the most stunning electoral outcomes in American history as Republican Donald Trump claimed the presidency Tuesday night. But here, in Harris County, Democrats were finding a silver lining. On election night, the county Democratic party made one of its strongest statements in recent memory, taking several contested races including district attorney, sheriff, county attorney, two dozen judgeships and even tax assessor-collector. Party officials attributed the gains to the county's changing demographics, turnout against an unpopular Republican presidential candidate and better campaigning. Gerrymandering has kept the county's governing body - the commissioners court - mostly Republican. Four of five court members belong to the GOP. But buoyed by Tuesday's electoral successes, some Democrats feel that even those days may be numbered. HOW HOUSTON VOTED: See a map of the results by neighborhood "It couldn't have been a better night for us here in Harris County," said Arthur Pronin, president of the Meyerland-area Democrats, who has campaigned for Hillary Clinton since her 2008 bid for president. No argument from Texas Southern University political scientist Michael Adams. "This is the bluest the county has been," he said. Locally, Democrat Kim Ogg ousted Republican Devon Anderson in the highest-profile countywide contest, for district attorney, and Democrat Ed Gonzalez bested Republican Ron Hickman for sheriff, the post to which he'd been appointed in May. Democrat Vince Ryan won re-election as county attorney against Republican challenger Jim Leitner. In the race for county tax assessor-collector, Democratic challenger Ann Harris Bennett won a squeaker over Republican Mike Sullivan in her second try for the office. Democrats took all 24 civil, criminal and family court judgeships on the ballot. It's a scene reminiscent of 2008, when President Barack Obama broke the county's 44-year Republican voting streak in presidential races. He won that year by less than 2 percentage points. The offices of sheriff, county attorney and district clerk fell into Democratic hands then, too, as did a all but four of the county's two dozen district court judgeships. Tuesday's election, though, represented an even stronger showing for Democrats. HISTORIC: Texas makes history with first black female sheriff Pronin, the local Democratic activist, sees tangible impacts from the near sweep. The incoming tax assessor-collector has vowed to advocate for online voter registration, something that the current Republican officeholder had challenged. The district attorney's office and sheriff can help reform the criminal justice system, Pronin said, helping to reduce a burgeoning jail population and a bail system that has come under attack for penalizing the poor who can't afford to bond out of jail. "We did achieve what we wanted to locally," Pronin said. "It's just the national scene that is very alarming. We got a bittersweet evening for sure as Democrats in Harris County." There may be changes in the works on areas such as criminal justice reform, said Ryan, the county attorney. But the Democrat, who has held his post for eight years, said day-to-day operations likely won't be affected that much, citing his work with county commissioners, the sheriff and district attorney - all Republicans. "You don't see partisan politics playing out" in such functions, Ryan said. Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack echoed Ryan. A Republican who was first elected in 1988, Radack captured 58 percent of the vote in defeating Democrat Jenifer Rene Pool. His eighth victory makes him the longest current serving member of commissioners court. He said that Republicans would likely fare better in midterm elections, and that some of the Democrats' success may be rolled back. But in county government, Radack said, partisanship plays less of a divisive role. NEW JOB FOR PERRY? Ex-gov hints at Trump administration post Radack cited his friendship and collaboration with the late El Franco Lee, who represented Precinct 1 until his death this past January, on issues like criminal justice reform. Radack said he's also crossed the aisle. He's publicly called for state Republican leaders to accept $100 billion over a decade in Medicaid funds made available through Obamacare, money he said could flow to the county and free up resources to reduce property taxes. "I'm looking forward to working with the government leaders to help our constituents," Radack said. "That's what I am looking forward to. I'm doing it today and I'm going to do it on January the first when there are some new faces in office." Blog Hinangai While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity. Sometimes presidential appointments don't go as planned. Professor Mel Bradford was removed as Ronald Reagan's pick for National Endowment for the Humanities because he supported George Wallace for president and thought Abraham Lincoln was a dictator. Community organizer Van Jones stepped down as Barack Obama's "green jobs czar" after it was found that he signed a petition demanding investigations into whether the Bush administration allowed the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Stephen K. Bannon should share their fate. The former executive chairman of Breitbart News and CEO of the Trump campaign has been listed as the next senior adviser and chief strategist in the White House. Bannon's selection has been widely condemned - and it isn't hard to understand why. During his tenure in charge, Breitbart took a distinct political tone that should be kept far from the levers of power. It provided a platform for European groups that advocated ethnic and cultural homogeneity; ran an article titled 'Would You Rather Your Child Had Feminism or Cancer?'; referred to conservative commentator Bill Kristol as a "renegade Jew"; claimed that birth control makes women "unattractive and crazy"; had a specific tag for stories titled "Black Crime." The list goes on. The Anti-Defamation League released a statement denouncing the appointment of a man who oversaw an organization favored by "white nationalists and unabashed anti-Semites and racists." The Southern Poverty Law Center called Bannon "the main driver behind Breitbart becoming a white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill." And former Breitbart editor Ben Shapiro doesn't disagree. After quitting the site, Shapiro wrote in the Washington Post that it had embraced "a movement shot through with racism and anti-Semitism." Bannon's personal life also hints at a deeply troubled man. He was charged with domestic violence in 1996. During the eventual divorce and custody hearings, Bannon's wife stated in a court declaration that he didn't want their twin daughters attending a school with a large Jewish population. "I told him that there are children who are Jewish at (a competing school), and he asked me what the percentage was. I told him that I didn't know because it wasn't an issue for me as I am not raising the girls to be either anti-Semitic or prejudiced against anyone," she wrote in 2007. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has tried to direct critics to ignore these distressing issues by touting Bannon's political skill. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Connway pointed out that Bannon has a Harvard business degree and was a managing partner at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank. That's an impressive resume, but wealth is no talisman against bigotry. A Harvard diploma doesn't inoculate against hate. Putting a man like this in the White House - the beacon of America - goes beyond partisanship or politics. It drags the nation into a dark realm with no clear path of escape. As the resounding calls for Bannon to be kept out of the White House grow louder, it is important to notice the advocates who remain proudly in his corner. "I must admit that I was a wee bit surprised that Mr. Trump finally chose Mr. Bannon, I thought that his stable of Washington insiders would have objected too vociferously," Rocky J. Suhayda wrote in an email praising Bannon's appointment to the White House position. "Perhaps The Donald IS for 'REAL' and is not going to be another controlled puppet directed by the usual 'Wire Pullers' [...]" Suhayda is the chairman of the American Nazi Party. One universal way to protect yourself from accusations, blame and disrespect at the office: Create a paper trail. While caseworkers and managers in the Department of Family and Protective Services are keeping bloated and disorganized files - some are more than 32,000 pages long - children are being harmed in the permanent custodial system that U.S. District Judge Janis Jack of Corpus Christi in December observed amounts to "institutionalized child abuse." Texas took one step toward cleaning up its dysfunctional child protective programs when a Senate committee recommended last month spending nearly $76 million for emergency pay hikes for front-line workers and to hire 100 additional investigators to catch up on a chronic backlog of abuse and neglect inquiries. But there's so much more to do. A long-awaited report by special court masters on the state's permanent custodial arrangements points to management failures large and small that add up to a system that fails to achieve its primary purpose: protecting children. The report - which arises out of Jack's ruling that Texas' long-term foster care system violates children's constitutional rights - outlines many logical and doable steps for improvement. But one baseline recommendation stands out as essential to progress on any front: a better and more efficient system of reporting on and tracking children's progress. The special masters described the agency's records as kept at different locations and not consistently maintained in alphabetical order. Many don't have current photos of the children. Many are missing health records. Without access to good information, it's hard to see how caseworkers and others can make complex decisions in the best interests of children. While the conclusion that an agency - which has a turnover rate that can run higher than 30 percent - should keep good records seems self-evident, Kevin Ryan and Francis McGovern, the special masters, felt compelled to point out the need for an integrated, current, complete and accurate case record. Ryan and McGovern noted that the incomplete health records that they examined seemed to mask an even more frightening problem: a failure to obtain medical care for children, even those who have made outcries about abuse. As a result, the special masters recommended that a medical home be determined for all such children and a health care plan be followed. This basic protocol of tracking children to ensure that they receive adequate and timely medical treatment should be established as soon as possible. Other record-keeping lapses imperil children's safety, as well. Child-on-child abuse wasn't tracked by the state before the court ruling. As a result children who are abused can be housed with other children and can abuse others. In addition to following child-on-child abuse, the masters went one step further and recommended that initiators of sexual abuse on another child should be kept in single-child placements and not with other children. In response to the report, Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, released this statement: "I think we all acknowledge the need to make improvements in how DFPS operates, but ultimately the responsibility for solving this problem lies with the Texas Legislature - not the courts." The responsibility does lie with the Legislature. But Child Protective Services has been troubled for decades, and the lack of progress at the agency demonstrates that the Legislature requires outside help. Agency-initiated fixes don't seem to get things right. Since much sexual abuse happens at night, the court ordered that the state should immediately stop placing children in foster group homes that lack 24-hour supervision and that house more than six children. The agency reported to the special masters that many foster group homes had reduced their capacity to fewer than six children. But as the special masters noted, it's unclear who stays up at night in a two-parent foster group home where one or both of the parents works outside the home during the day. When do they sleep? The special masters were merely given the task of making recommendations to help the Texas system meet minimal constitutional standards; they're not laying down a blueprint to build a state-of-the-art long-term custody system. Halfway measures to meet the masters' recommendations will leave the system short of constitutional standards. More important, a half-hearted approach will continue to leave children at risk of great harm. The special masters have given the state a road map, and Jack will provide the mandate, following a public comment period. Now it's up to the Legislature to do what's necessary - rather than what's expedient - to protect our state's most vulnerable children. Political system Regarding "Electoral College: Is this the best way to elect a president?" (Page A33, Sunday), author Michael Mosser's apparent zeal to turn the most successful and longest lasting governing systems ever into a "democracy" is both a knee-jerk reaction to this particular presidential election and a worn-out tune played by socialists. Mosser does however manage to squeeze one kernel of truth from his essay when he states that such a system "sounds more than a little un-American." That truth comes from the fact the this country was founded as a republic, not a democracy. Who in Texas wants to have every one of their national election choices decided by the huge (and to us, often strange) populations of, say, California, or even New York City? We have a republic, and it is our task to keep it, as the Founding Fathers said. Bill Loyd, Spring Undocumented Regarding "New mom faces legitimate fear," page A17, Saturday) while I fully sympathize with her personal fears and situation, I suggest one needs to look at the root cause of this fear. The root cause of this fear is breaking laws of the United States of America. Any person who breaks the law need to be prepared for its consequences. Breaking the law and then complaining about its consequences is not a plan. Rule of law is what makes the U.S. the beacon of the world. Even native-born Americans are separated from spouses and their young children when they break laws and are jailed as a consequence of their poor choice. The best course of action for preventing potential tragedies like family separation is not to break any laws. Then one can sleep better. Kalapi Sheth, Sugar Land Protesting Regarding "Outrage, fear drive anti-Trump protests continuing in several cities around nation" (Page A13, Saturday), for all the Trump protesters that are crying, cursing and disturbing the peace, all of the GOP know their pain because we felt the same way when Barack Obama got elected with hope and change. But we didn't take to the streets saying we would not accept the new president. George Gould, La Marque Beyond game day Regarding "Sprucing up for Super Bowl has some residents concerned" (Page A1, Saturday), the article fails to include and adequately describe the long-term impact of street enhancement initiatives. New or improved infrastructure components to an area or neighborhood such as streets, streetscape improvements, sidewalks, streetlights, trees, signage and landscaping will last long after the Super Bowl. Funding is raised from a broad spectrum of public and private sources including support from generous and committed entities and individuals. These initiatives serve to energize additional activities and act as a catalyst for further improvements to the immediate areas and help spur economic development activities for the long term. They represent an investment in the future of our city, our neighborhoods and our quality of life. Ed Wulfe, chairman, Stadium Park Redevelopment Authority, and co-chairman, Scenic Houstin's Broadway Enhancement Project Citizenship Regarding "New mom faces legitimate fear" (Page A17, Saturday), if Cristin Tzintzun is, in fact, married to an "undocumented worker," he already had legal status. Whether or not DACA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Permanent Residents) is expanded or abolished, there may be other paths to citizenship for her spouse and others to take, including a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or asylum status. She states she is fearful her child will grow up in an atmosphere of hate and xenophobia and says "We are, after all, a nation whose history and birth is based on racism, slavery, and plunder." If that is the attitude she will be presenting at home, she will be the one responsible for teaching hate and xenophobia. Karen Hamilton, Seabrook Known risks Regarding "New mom faces legitimate fear" (Page A17, Saturday), I fail to see what "legitimate" fear Cristina Tzintzun thinks she is facing. Does she know that most countries, including our neighbors Mexico and Canada, do not allow undocumented residents to reside permanently and, in fact, have very strict immigration policies? Her husband chose to stay here in an undocumented status and she chose to marry him in that status. They knew the risks. Ingrid Keating, Bellaire Personal choices Cristina Tzintzun says she fears that her soon-to-be born son faces a future without his father due to the fact the father is undocumented and faces possible deportation now that Donald Trump will be president, seemingly forgetting he would be subject to deportation regardless of who is president. It is true Trump has used some despicable words to describe Latino immigrants, but the real reason her unborn child may face a fatherless future is because her husband is undocumented, and she chose to marry him. She should not blame Trump. Ike W. Harper, Sugar Land When Kirn Kim was 16, he was part of a group of four teens who killed an honors student who attended their high school in Fullerton, Calif. Kim had been along for a ride with a pal who was known for his big talk and ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was convicted and sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison for having been a lookout in the murder. Today, 23 years later, Kim is one of an emerging class of individuals - the formerly incarcerated - who are struggling to make a life for themselves after they've paid their debt to society. "What happened was a tragedy," Kim told me. "But I was determined to make the best of a bad situation and be that one exception, if I ever managed to get out of prison." To that end, Kim used his time behind bars to earn a bachelor's degree in business and became active in rehabilitative programs where he could counsel and help struggling inmates. After 20 years and two tries, Kim was finally granted parole. He moved back home with his parents and, taking back up with a childhood love of computers, delved into coding and computer programming courses at a local college. But he hit a brick wall when it was time to find work. One of Kim's professors, who had been impressed with his work ethic and high grades, put him in touch with a STEM industry recruiter who told him to just forget it. "He said 'I'm sorry, but, look - the big companies aren't going to hire you. With your record, your best bet is going to a startup,'" Kim recounted. So he did. Kim found a job with a video game startup. It came to an abrupt end, however, when the company made a move to get licensing for a game they had been developing and were told that if they had someone like Kim on staff, there would be no deal. From there Kim tried for temp work but no one would even interview him. "I signed up at temp agencies but obviously because of the box to check, I couldn't get anywhere," said Kim, referring to the question on most hiring applications that asks if applicants have a criminal record. Checking these boxes almost always leads to an ex-offender's employment application being tossed away. Frustrated, but undeterred, Kim started volunteering at organizations seeking to serve others facing the same challenges and found that he was a powerful role model for both those still incarcerated and those who were back on the outside and looking for ways to not get themselves back in jail. Luckily for Kim, the Ban the Box campaign, which started in 2004 and has since persuaded government agencies in more than 45 cities and counties to remove the question regarding conviction history from employment applications, is making gains. A year ago, the California Endowment, a private foundation focused on health, hired Kim as a communications coordinator. The "Ban the Box Philanthropy Challenge" is now an official campaign sponsored by the Executives' Alliance for Boys and Men of Color and calls on nonprofits to implement hiring policies that don't automatically disqualify applicants because of a conviction or arrest. So far, 47 foundations including the Ford Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others have joined corporations like Starbucks, Facebook and Target in giving ex-cons a better chance at making something of their lives after prison. "I'm really appreciative about the fact that the endowment and other organizations are recognizing we do have a place in their organizations and have value to contribute," Kim said about his happy ending. "This movement has opened people's eyes to workers who want to give you their blood and sweat to prove they want something better in life." Ban the Box estimates that one out of four adults in the U.S. has a conviction history. Here's hoping the new Philanthropy Challenge can enable happy endings for them, too. Cepeda's column is distributed by the Washington Post Writers Group. Her email address is estherjcepeda@washpost.com. We are in a renaissance for foodies, with pictures of food dominating social media. Yes, we are all obsessed with what's on our plates. But on Thursday, we will be posting pictures of empty plates, because on this night what we talk about over dinner is much more important than what we eat. Or country is in the midst of an addiction crisis, and this pressure is acutely felt in Houston. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 32 percent of high school students here in Houston say they were offered, sold or given an illegal drug on school property in the past school year. This is higher than the Texas-wide average of 26 percent and even higher than other major cities such as Los Angeles, with 29 percent. Across the United States, each day 125 people die from a drug overdose. That is more deaths than from car accidents, falls or even guns. This is a tragedy that touches all of our lives. According to a nationally representative survey we conducted last month with the Today Show and pollster Mike Berland, almost half of men acknowledge that they have a friend who is struggling with addiction. According to research by the federal government, there are actually more than 20 million Americans dealing with substance abuse problems. Unfortunately though, only 1 in 10 people are getting the treatment that they need to beat this chronic disease. The seeds of addiction are planted in youth. In fact, 9 out of 10 people with substance abuse problems started using alcohol or drugs before the age of 18. In Texas, the average age of initiation to substances is 13 years old. The good news is, that for every year that substance use is delayed during adolescent brain development, the risk of addiction decreases. That is why prevention is the most powerful tool we have to help protect our families from becoming part of this epidemic. While it may seem like a daunting task to keep kids from getting involved with alcohol and drugs, there are actually small things you can do, that can make a big difference. Research shows that kids who have dinner with their families are actually 50 percent less likely to drink alcohol or use drugs. It is important for children to feel they can go to their parents to talk about alcohol and drugs in a safe environment without fear of punishment. These strong family bonds are actually a protective factor and help give children the resources and strength they need to avoid substance misuse. Unfortunately and to our dismay, nearly half of the 1,000 men in our nationally representative survey told us that they rarely or never to their kids about alcohol or drugs. That figure is matched in the Houston area, where according to government data, only 55 percent of teens report their parents have talked with them about drugs and alcohol. While disappointing to see, we get it. It can be an awkward and difficult topic to breach, but we owe it to our families to do it anyway. That's why we are asking everyone in the country to sit down with their families this Thursday to "Face Addiction Over Dinner." We've teamed up with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Facing Addiction and the American Society of Addiction Medicine to create a guide to help with the discussion that anyone can download at http://www.doctoroz.com/feature/national-night-conversation. We've developed questions to help you break the ice and cover important topics such as what to do if someone offers you drugs, and how you can help your kids make the right decisions. Don't worry, if this is new for you, you don't have to do it all in one night. As addiction affects 1 in 3 families, we've had the opportunity to meet many families who have lost loved ones to addiction, and we have also had the privilege to meet many of the more than 20 million Americans who are living in recovery. These people have taught us that recovery is real. We can treat this chronic disease of the brain and live amazingly productive and happy lives. So, if your loved one is already challenged with alcohol or drug use, don't despair, there are people out there who know how to and want to help. Along with the guide, we've got a list of resources to help find these people on our website. This Thursday, let's all come together with our families and as a nation to face this addiction crisis head on. To show your support and participation post your own picture of an empty dinner plate on your social media platform of choice with the hashtag #nightofconversation. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and author, hosts the TV series, "The Dr. Oz Show." Crupain, former director of Consumer Reports' Food Safety and Sustainability Center, is chief of staff for the series' Medical Unit. Mondays escape is the first time that someone has bolted from custody at the Texas County Jail since it opened in 2010. Heres a look back at escapes in the last almost four decades. The previous incidents occurred at the Main Street jail: November 1981 Kenny W. Ray, 25, of Bourbon, escapes through a ceiling and skylight. Freedom is short one hour. August 1987 Two are captured in the Boiling Springs area after a six-day manhunt to find Darren J. Daniels, 23; and Max D. Miller, 28. They overpowered a jailer with a gun that had been fished from an evidence room. December 1990 A jail trusty walks away on Christmas Day. Steven L. Strong, 31, was arrested a short time later. January 1994 Ted Ed Weeks, 51, jail trusty, walks away while dumping the trash. Hes later arrested at Hoxie, Ark. April 1998 Curt J. Ragsdale, 19; and Jeffery Childers, 32, assaulted an officer with a hammer and escaped. Three days later they are arrested in Georgia. Nov. 14, 2016 Accused murderer Daniel Campbell walked out a Texas County Jail door and through an open sally port to escape. He was captured the next morning near Roby. Murder suspect Daniel Campbell was arrested at about 10:10 a.m. south of Roby, authorities confirm. Campbell was spotted walking out of the woods with his hands up and appeared to drop a hat on the ground. He was seen by a Missouri State Highway Patrol helicopter. Officers quickly moved in to the scene. A truck stolen from east of Houston last night also has been found on Highway M behind a church. A firearm is in it. The owner of a Dodge truck reported a rifle was in the vehicle when it was swiped. The focus on northwest Texas County came after Campbell went to a home asking for help. Probably every U.S. military veteran fortunate enough to participate in an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., returns with feelings of satisfaction, fulfillment, gratitude and relief. Certainly thats the case with Houston resident Howard Hughes, who was part of an Honor Flight of the Ozarks outing on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Houston resident Howard Hughes stands in front of columns bearing names of states while visiting the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., during a recent Honor Flight of the Ozarks trip. Based in Springfield, Ohio, the non-profit Honor Flight Inc. is dedicated to providing veterans with honor and closure and operates 132 hubs around the U.S., one of which is Springfield, Mo. The organizations mission is to honor Americas veterans for their sacrifices and transport them to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at various memorial sites (including the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington Cemetery). After applying and being accepted, each participating veteran travels for free, accompanied by guardians and other volunteers who pay their way to go. Its an arduous, fast-paced excursion, in which Hughes and four busloads of participants left Springfield-Branson National Airport, landed in Washington, D.C., made the circuit and returned home in the space of a day. I was 15 minutes short of being awake for 24 hours straight, he said. It was tiring, but it was worth it. YOUNG AND NEAR THE BATTLE As a teenager living with his parents in Kenosha, Wis., Hughes enlisted in the Air Force in 1966. As a 20-year-old, he was deployed during the Vietnam War in July of 1968 for a year-long stint at an air base in Ubon, Thailand, about 35 miles from both Cambodia and Laos, where U.S. operations were going strong. He was technically a jet engine mechanic, but spent almost all of his time working the flight line, where planes were parked. Houston resident Howard Hughes stands in front of the wall of names at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. I dont think I worked on a single jet engine, Hughes said, but apparently they were okay with me doing that because nobody said anything. The line consisted of three squadrons of F-4s, a group of C-130 transport units, several C-130 gunships and even an Australian squadron of F-100s. Hughes said the Aussies were interesting characters whose presence provided plenty of eventful moments. They wouldnt fly if it was raining, and of course it was often raining, he said. They were crazy; they would come over and steal our airplanes and Jeeps and paint kangaroos all over them. As fate (and luck) would have it, Hughes never saw combat. But I saw the results of it, he said. One F-4 aircraft came back and there was nothing but blood inside the airplane. The pilot had wiped a little spot in the windshield so he could see. Something had come up through the bottom of the airplane and hit the guy in the back seat and he just exploded back there. Like most war veterans, Hughes prefers not to dwell on the gruesome memories, but theyre indelibly etched in the back of his mind. There were many incidences like that, he said, and they might not hit you at that time because in the moment theres adrenaline. But it catches up with you later and it affects what happens to you with the rest of your life. Hughes was discharged in 1970, after basically following his fathers footsteps. During World War II, his dad was a tail gunner in a B-29, flying out of Tinian Island in the South Pacific. He flew many missions and told me a lot of stories about his experiences, Hughes said. One of those missions was flying escort for the B-29 named Bocks Car as it was on its way to dropping the Fat Man atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on Aug. 9, 1945. Im proud of my dad for his military service and Im proud of everyone who does for their country what has to be done, Hughes said. TOUCHED BY HONOR Hughes said his Honor Flight experience had more positive impact on him than he could have imagined. Participants were given rousing send-offs and welcomes on both ends, and were treated like VIPs everywhere they went. People who didnt know us were cheering everywhere, Hughes said. It felt great to be appreciated that way. In an era when the military was viewed in a negative light by much of the American public, Hughes and others returning from Vietnam didnt exactly see a red carpet rolled out before them when they got home. They got a bit of restitution during the Honor Flight trip. Houston resident Howard Hughes salutes during the annual Houston Schools veterans tribute program last Friday inside Hiett Gymnasium. I would reach to shake peoples hands, Hughes said, and sometimes they would grab my arm and pull me close and whisper in my ear, Im trying to pay you back for the way you were treated when you came home. It was very heart-warming. Despite that cold shoulder treatment from many American citizens, most Vietnam veterans say they were only doing their job over there. It was a different feeling that the population had toward the military, Hughes said. But we were all over there doing what our government asked us to do, and we were the ones who ultimately paid the price for it. Another thing most Vietnam vets agree on is that the U.S. didnt fight the war properly. If Washington would have kept their nose out of it and let us fight it the way it should have been fought, it would have ended a whole lot differently, Hughes said. It was a painful experience to be over there knowing that most of what you were doing was fruitless. The veterans arrival back in Springfield was met by a throng of well-wishers. There were about 300 people clapping and cheering and the Kiwanis band was even playing military music, Hughes said. There were people all over the place and every one of them wanted to shake your hand. Theres nothing about war thats good; I dont care how prepared you think you are or how you feel when you first go over there, something happens to you when youre there and its not good. Hughes said every veteran should apply for the Honor Flight. Several fly out of Springfield each year, and close to 160,000 veterans have participated nationwide since the program began in 2005. There was a lot of camaraderie and healing that went on, Hughes said. Even if someone doesnt think theyll qualify because what they did in the military wasnt worthy, they have to try anyway because its worth it. When youve been to war, theres a lot of bad stuff you have to deal with afterward. This really helps take away some of that. Hughes is of the mind that theres no such thing as an unworthy veteran. And thats the way they treated you on this flight, he said. Whether you were cooking potatoes for the guys on the front or cleaning toilets, you were still a veteran and you were in some way involved in what went on and responsible for the well being of everyone else. Howard Hughes stands with his wife, Barbara, upon returning to Springfield following an Honor Flight of the Ozarks trip to Washington, D.C. Area veterans interested in applying for an Honor Flight can find out how online at www.honorflightoftheozarks.org. More information is available at www.honorflight.org. Daniel Campbell, 39, fled Monday evening through propped open back door leading to sally port. Second search for man ended Tuesday morning when he stopped at a home for sandwich, water. A suspected murderer led law enforcement on another manhunt for the second time in three weeks. This time it began when he ran out a propped open door at the Texas County Jail. Daniel G. Campbell, 39, again became the focal point of regional lawmen when he fled through the sally port Monday night and into the cover of a dark night and heavily wooded surroundings. This time he remained at-large for 16 hours before he was apprehended late Tuesday morning outside a residence between Roby and Success. Campbell, who set off a 70-hour manhunt after allegedly killing one man and injuring another Oct. 25 southwest of Licking, was arrested without incident. There arent words for the relief I feel, said Texas County Sheriff James Sigman, who made the arrest. Im glad to have it over and nobody was hurt. We have some issues to resolve, and well get that taken care of. The biggest being how an alleged killer got loose. Sigman, who wasnt on duty, said the door to the sally port, where offenders are loaded and unloaded, was apparently propped open as work was being done on a nearby padded cell room. The garage door to the sally port was also open. Sigman said Campbell was making a phone call down the way when he saw the opportunity to flee. Around 5:40 p.m. Monday, Campbell ran down the hallway, through the unlocked door and out the sally port. He was bare barefoot and wearing his orange and white jail-issued uniform. Its unclear to me, but it sounds like it was either a piece of wood or paint can that the guys doing the work stuck in front of the door, Sigman said. Campbell had been using the phone and when he saw that, he bolted down the hallway and right out the door. The escape set off a huge dragnet as multiple agencies converged on Texas County to assist. State, county and local lawmen formed a perimeter around the area and set up a checkpoint at nearby Mineral and Forrest drives, where members of the Houston Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Texas County Sheriffs Department checked every vehicle. Sigman issued a warning for the public to remove keys from their vehicles and secure their homes. A patrol helicopter from Jefferson City joined the search efforts at 7:30 p.m. and made passes back and forth above the woods to the north and east of the Texas County Justice Center. Just under three hours into the manhunt, authorities were alerted to a stolen vehicle near the Big Piney Sportsmans Club on Highway B east of Houston. The owner said a 1997 black Dodge extended cab pickup was missing. A deer rifle was inside. Early Tuesday morning, Sigman asked for the public to be on the lookout for the truck. The break in the case came around 10 a.m. Tuesday. Sigman said he was working at the command post inside the justice center where more than 30 law enforcement vehicles, including K-9 units, met that morning at the time. We got a call from an individual up here near Roby that knew (Campbell), and said he showed up at the home and asked for a glass of water, Sigman said. He gave him a glass of water and fixed him a sandwich, then called our office and told us he was just at the house. Sigman, who said the helicopter, K-9 units and other officers were combing the Raymondville area near where the truck was stolen, and another officer sped toward the Highway 17 residence. Campbell was still there. I walked up there and started talking to the homeowner, Sigman said. Im looking out toward a building and see (Campbell) appear. Sigman said Campbell was arrested around 10:10 a.m. and taken back to the jail. He was wearing blue coveralls and shoes. As he was placed in shackles there, Campbell told officers he planned to head to Montana but that he just wasnt fast enough and getting too old. The stolen pickup was recovered a few miles away behind Union Free Will Baptist Church on Highway M. The unloaded rifle was inside. Ironically, Campbell was hiding inside a different church Faith and Hope Church of Licking, where his mother pastors when he was arrested Oct. 28. Campbell appeared at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday before Judge Douglas Gaston in Courtroom A of the justice center. He will continue to be held without bond. Sigman thanked the many agencies that assisted with a second manhunt for Campbell. Pretty much everyone around either assisted or offered assistance. I couldnt even tell you how many officers we had at one time. We had a bunch, Sigman said. It was quite a joint effort. Its great to have that many guys wanting to help. ONLINE Hear Sheriff James Sigman explain how Campbell escaped from jail and view images of the ensuing manhunt and arrest at www.houstonherald.com. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. horities are warning businesses about email impersonation scams, saying that victims have already lost $19 million from January to September of this year.According to police reports, 165 cases have already been reported in that time, a 20% rise from last year within the same time period.Moreover, they found that it usually involved businesses with overseas dealings who primarily use email to communicate.Scammers first hack into either the victims or victims business partners email accounts, they said in a statement to Channel News Asia.They will obtain information from emails and impersonate someone whom the victim has dealings with, such as a business partner. They then create spoofed email accounts to communicate with the victim and ask for money.They further warned that these spoofed accounts look very much like the genuine email address.While they said they are working with foreign counterparts on the issue, they said that successfully recovering lost money is rare.To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, police said businesses should be mindful of sudden changes with [their] business partners or creditors payment instructions and accounts.When in doubt, they further advised businesses to:1) Verify changes in bank account details over the phone;2) Use previous phone numbers as numbers within the email might already be compromised;3) Educate employees about these scams, particularly those responsible for making fund transfers.Related stories: inaugural HR event has been heralded as a success after bringing together a collection of New Zealands most eminent industry figures to offer expert advice and insight. We wanted to provide a platform for HR professionals so they could not only learn best practices but also discuss their own strategies and successes with likeminded peers, said event manager Jemma Tolhurst. Held at Aucklands Mecure, the HRM Leaders Forum attracted around 60 attendees for a full-day event featuring speakers from Fairfax Media, Fletcher Building and Air New Zealand. Unfortunately, ACCs Debbie Barrott was forced to cancel her planned session due to ongoing disruption in the capital however, Atlassians APAC HRD Kellie Egan was on hand to fill in, delivering an informative talk on turning HR upside down and challenging the status quo. Due to the very nature of the profession, we knew a number of speakers and attendees would be focussed on more pressing issues following the recent earthquake, said Tolhurst. However, it was humbling to see industry leaders so willing to step in and help out. SMB Legal partner Don Mackinnon also delivered an informative session, looking at the legal frameworks for dismissals but also explaining practical alternatives and influential cases. The standard approach is to set up warnings and go through the process but for many employers it takes way too long, he said, noting that HR professionals are sometimes under pressure from above. The Auckland-based legal expert then went on to explore alternatives that are fair to all parties involved while also protecting organisations from unjustified dismissal claims. OTTAWA The federal government spent more than $6 million attending the last nine United Nations climate change conferences, documents released in the House of Commons suggest. Environment Canada reports it spent $561,251 on last years meeting in Paris, including $231,564 on lodging, $123,976 on airfare and $85,857.86 on meals for 58 individuals. Advertisement The department said it also spent $101,580 on office supplies, printing and shipping, room rentals, telecommunications and translation, as well as $10,850 on hospitality and $7,421 on transportation. Thats all part of an initial estimate by Global Affairs Canada that the cost for COP21 would be more than $973,995, Environment Minister Catherine McKennas spokeswoman Caitlin Workman said in an email to The Huffington Post Canada Tuesday. The nearly $1 million pricetag doesnt include, however, the tens of thousands of dollars provincial premiers and municipal leaders, as well as their staff, paid to attend the meeting where the landmark Paris Agreement was struck. Advertisement Green Party Leader Elizabeth May cautioned not to read too much into the expenses. Canada has to be in the room Anything that involves working internationally, involves a cost, said May, who has attended COP for more than two decades. Its a small cost, if youre looking at the question of what happens if the world loses international rules and talking to each other. The COP meetings set the rules for how the world will deal with climate change, with side agreements on everything from climate adaptation to land use to carbon trade, May said. Canada has to be in the room. Were going to follow these rules. Were part of the [Paris] treaty. And ideally, we are not just there for the ride, ideally, we are playing a positive pro-active role in helping to design structures that will work. The Paris costs are likely higher than other years, May hypothesized, because there were more RCMP officers at last years meeting than previous gatherings due to the Bataclan theatre massacre happening two weeks prior. May was given an RCMP escort for the first time in Paris, she said. Alberta Conservative MP Kevin Sorenson, who requested the data, was unavailable to comment. 2009 conference cost almost $1.2M Environment Canada said Canada had accomplish more at COP21 than at any previous meeting and it listed the cost to the department for several COP conferences held under the previous Conservative government including the Copenhagen conference in 2009 which was attended by former prime minister Stephen Harper and cost $1,178,297 for 47 individuals. Advertisement Climate Change is a top priority for the Government of Canada and we are proud to have played an active and constructive role in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement, the department said in its answer to Sorenson. Engaging key stakeholders at COP21, such as provincial and territorial premiers, opposition critics, mayors, indigenous leaders, young people, environmental NGOs, labour and business was an important step in developing the federal government climate plan, the department stated. There were some 300 people as part of Canadas official delegation last November. Delegation of 228 people this year Some indigenous organizations, along with NGOs and opposition MPs were reimbursed for parts of their expenses, the department said. McKenna is currently in Marrakech, Morocco, for the next round of climate change talks, known as COP22. Workman declined to provide the budget for the 228-member Canadian delegation but she noted that the vast majority of the delegates business leaders, provinces and mayors are paying their own way. While the costs arent that high, May told HuffPost, they werent worth the expense under the Harper government. Advertisement Every time we showed up, we blocked action. It would have been much better if Canada had stayed home, she said. The 7yo has written her letter to Santa. 2 things strike me, firstly how chatty and thoughtful she is about Santa's life (who knew about the naps?!) and secondly, that she asks for her brother before herself. She's a kind little soul, my girl. . . #kidsofinstagram #mydaughter #mygirl #mommylife #momlife #snailmail #santaletter #fatherchristmas #Christmas #momentslikethis #cherisheverymoment #motherhood #ig_motherhood A photo posted by Jocelyn (@thereadingresidence) on Nov 15, 2016 at 11:13am PST The romance between Princess Leia and Han Solo was real, guys! Carrie Fisher has finally revealed what all "Star Wars" fans have presumed for decades: she and co-star Harrison Ford had an affair while they were shooting the original "Star Wars" film in 1976. Advertisement Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher on Fifth Ave outside The Plaza hotel. (Photo by Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images) It was so intense," the 60-year-old actress tells People magazine. "It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend." Can we blame her? No, we can't. Here is Harrison on a perfect day, wearing the worlds most perfect navy blazer. #HarrisonHourpic.twitter.com/IpiyZIbLcS Caroline O'Donoghue (@Czaroline) September 21, 2014 The Wishful Drinking author was 19 at the time of the affair, while Harrison was 33 and a married father of two. According to Fisher, the whirlwind affair lasted three months. Advertisement Fisher says she felt it was time to talk about the formative experience after coming across journals she kept while shooting the iconic film in London. "Its been 40 years, explains Fisher, who went on to write The Princess Diarist, detailing what went on behind the scenes of the original "Star Wars." Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford on the set of "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back." (Photo by Lucasfilm/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) In the book, Fisher recalls spending her first night with Ford following a birthday party for director George Lucas. Advertisement "I looked over at Harrison. A heros face a few strands of hair fell over his noble, slightly furrowed brow, she writes. How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? And although their brief romance came to an end once the film wrapped, she says she remembers their time together fondly. "I was so inexperienced, but I trusted something about him, she says. He was kind. Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford at the Lucasfilm panel during Comic-Con International 2015 at the San Diego Convention Center on July 10, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) The two reunited to shoot 2015's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." According to People, Ford received a heads-up about the book from Fisher and received a first draft. He has yet to comment on the allegations. Advertisement Also on HuffPost A group of neighbours in a Los Angeles county can rest easy after a serial late-night air horn user was finally arrested. El Segundo residents had been complaining for weeks about someone honking a horn in the middle of the night, according to NBC. Advertisement "The sound of like a train coming through the neighbourhood," police Lt. Ray Garcia told the outlet. On Sunday, police heard the horrible honk themselves around 4 a.m., according to the department's Facebook page. They pulled over a blue car, and found the "air-horn equipment" inside. The driver, John Nuggent, was put under citizen's arrest by neighbours. Police weren't able to arrest him because on-duty officers can't be victims of "disturbing the peace." Nuggent's car was impounded, and police shared the story on Facebook. 'They found the air horn guy!!' Presumed neighbours were stoked, to say the least. "They found the air horn guy!!" one woman wrote online. Nuggent admitted to the honking, and said he was trying to get back at a resident who he'd had a disagreement with, according to the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Ive been an officer for over 27 years and I dont know if Ive ever seen someone retaliate using an air horn, Sgt. Vincent Martinez told the outlet. Also on HuffPost Vancouvers mayor says he would be shocked if the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion is given federal approval in the next few weeks, given unprecedented opposition against the $6.8-billion project. I will be stunned if the federal government approves it on a fraudulent [National Energy Board] process that excluded a lot of Vancouverites, Gregor Robertson told The Huffington Post Canada on Wednesday. Advertisement The federal government is expected to deliver its decision to approve or reject the proposed expansion of the existing 1,150-kilometre pipeline before Dec. 19. If approved, the updated twinned pipeline would increase its capacity to 890,000 barrels a day, tripling the current volume of crude oil that currently travels between Edmonton and Burnaby, B.C., the third-largest city in the province. Im still hopeful that the federal government will do the right thing and say no to Kinder Morgan, respect our city and local community and first nation concerns, said Robertson. If they dont, I would expect it will be ugly. Advertisement I will be stunned if the federal government approves it on a fraudulent NEB process that excluded a lot of Vancouverites. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Robertsons comments follow what former B.C. premier Mike Harcourt told The Vancouver Sun earlier this week, that backlash over the upcoming Kinder Morgan decision can echo what the province saw 16 years ago in Clayoquot Sound. Harcourt said if the company and federal government fails to consider a plan B route that doesnt require drilling through Burnaby Mountain as the current plan does then the prime ministers relationship with the West Coast may grow complicated in his remaining years in office. Id tell him that without looking at the alternative, he could be facing a Clayoquot or North Dakota type of insurrection, the former NDP politician told the newspaper. Advertisement Thousands rallied in the summer of 1993 to protest logging in a remote area of Vancouver Island, home to ancient groves of cedar, balsam, hemlock, and spruce trees. More than 800 arrests were made during the War of the Woods after Harcourt approved logging in Clayoquot Sound. But despite Vancouvers history of big protests and demonstrations, Robertson said its premature to take preparatory measures to curtail the possibility of mass riots. It will be incredibly disrespectful of First Nations and communities on the West Coast whove been stridently opposed for years now, Robertson continued. Which is why I dont expect they will, notwithstanding all the chatter. The chatter the mayor refers to reports Kinder Morgan is the one pipeline the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to approve during his first term. Advertisement Some analysts say the federal government has been preemptively tempering the public for an eventual pipeline approval with the announcement of a new national carbon tax as well as $1.5-billion in ocean protection funding. Vancouver mayor: Not in Canadas interest Robertson has long voiced his opposition against the proposed pipeline expansion and travelled to Ottawa with First Nations leaders in June to press the government to reject the pipeline which is the first to be reviewed under new interim environmental assessment criteria. In a time where theyre overhauling environmental assessment and [the] National Energy Board process, its essential that they reject the NEB process that Harper so badly corrupted, he said. CORRECTION: An earlier version contained a typo stating the cost of the expansion would be $6.8 million. That number has been updated to indicate $6.8 billion. Advertisement Also on HuffPost Many of us envision that we'll spend retirement with more than a few beers by our side. And for retired Labatt employees, that pleasure came free for decades. The brewer, which makes brands like Labatt 50, Budweiser and Alexander Keith's, has long given its retirees complimentary booze. But as of Jan. 1, 2019, they'll have to buy it like everyone else, according to The Canadian Press. Current employees get 12 cans or bottles a week, and there's no sign that will disappear. In an Oct. 28 letter to employees, Labatt vice-president Lindsay King wrote that the growing cost of providing full benefits, including health coverage for retired workers, was the reason for their decision. Advertisement "A recent comprehensive review of all the cost management options has led us to conclude that discontinuing free beer is the best course," King wrote in the memo, obtained by CBC News. Spokesman Charlie Angelakos told The London Free Press in a statement that the company analyzed several beer and consumer packaged goods companies and found that none of them offered its retirees free stuff. The survey also showed that Labatt's pension and retirement benefits offering was competitive, Angelakos said. Advertisement But retirees say they feel like the small gesture showed the company's care for the community. If an employer can afford to do that kind of goodwill, it generally pays off for them in spades, Kevin Lomack told the Free Press. Labatt is owned by multinational Anheuser-Busch InBev, whose controlling shareholders are 3G Capital, a Brazilian firm, according to The New York Times. 3G acquired Labatt more than 20 years ago, and it has been cutting costs in both the wages and benefits departments, the paper reports. "I just think it's nickel-and-diming of our retirees that put in a lot of work for many, many years." A retired worker's allotment depends on where they live. In Edmonton, they can bring home a free 24-bottle case a week, while those that worked at the company's London plant got about eight a year, David Bridger, the local union president for workers in London, told the Times. Edmonton local union president Jim Stirr told CBC News he still thinks the decision is in bad taste. "I just think it's nickel-and-diming of our retirees that put in a lot of work for many, many years," he said. "In the cost of doing business, it's such a small, small thing." Also on HuffPost EDMONTON A visitor from Colombia has been identified as the man killed in what police are calling a random attack by six people in north Edmonton. Leonardo Duran Ibanez died of injuries consistent with severe head trauma, an autopsy on Tuesday revealed. Advertisement His brother-in-law said he and Ibanez were walking home early Sunday morning after drinks at a local bar, when they were jumped from behind. My brother-in-law lifted up the hands, Elias Malkum told Global News. "He said, 'take it easy. What is wrong? Why are you making fighting? Im not fighting. I have no problem with you guys.' The guy said, 'I dont care.' He punched his hand in his face and my brother-in-law falls down. His head broke the fall." Police spokesman Scott Pattison said Ibanez and Malkum were trying to do the right thing by walking instead of driving after a few drinks. Advertisement They were close to home "when things turned terribly wrong," Pattison told The Canadian Press. "This attack was unprompted and unmotivated." Malkum told the Edmonton Journal that neighbours called the police while he tried to defend himself and protect Ibanez. He said they were attacked by four males and two females, and that his brother-in-law suffered multiple kicks to the head. According to CBC News, paramedics revived Ibanez, but he died in hospital Sunday afternoon. Ibanez had been in Edmonton visiting family for two months and planned to return to Colombia in early 2017. Ibanez and Malkum had been speaking Spanish, said Pattison, but it's not believed there were any negative discussions with the attackers. Advertisement "We believe...the assailants were simply looking to pick a fight," said Pattison. "This attack was unprompted and unmotivated. It's obviously a very heinous attack and situation and extremely traumatizing for the family." The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help raise the thousands of dollars they say are needed to bring Ibanez's body back to Colombia. Police are asking any witnesses to come forward with information. With files from The Canadian Press ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Calgary-Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel delivered a powerful speech in the House of Commons Tuesday, urging Albertans to participate in the Conservatives' Alberta jobs task force. But something she said didn't sit right with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Rempel was talking about tax increases and rising unemployment in her home province. She charged that an increase to Canada Pension Plan premiums amounted to a payroll tax on employers. Advertisement She likened the federal government's treatment of Alberta to "a fart in the room that nobody wants to talk about or acknowledge." Rempel pointed out that Liberal MPs laughing while she was speaking were essentially laughing at her constituents. But May didn't find Rempel's speech very funny. 'I do not withdraw it' "I hate to interrupt my friend in her speech, but I heard her say a word that I know is distinctly unparliamentary, and I think she may want to withdraw it," May said a little later. Advertisement "The word was f-a-r-t." Rempel was incredulous. "Is my colleague actually serious? I just gave an impassioned speech about supporting Alberta jobs, and that is what the leader of a political party stands and says? No, I do not withdraw it." May said that "context, decorum and respect" are important in the House of Commons. Debate continued after Tory MP Ron Liepert then told her to "sit down." Also on HuffPost A proposal to build a Montreal-area housing development aimed at Muslim homebuyers is taking heavy criticism from all three of Quebecs major political parties. Nabil Warda, the Egyptian-Canadian behind the idea, says many Muslims consider it a sin to pay interest, making it difficult to buy homes. Born a Christian, Warda converted to Islam in his forties and voted for Quebec sovereignty in the 1980 referendum, The Toronto Star reports. Advertisement A lot of Muslims interpret bank interest as usury and consider it a very, very, very bad sin, Warda told the Star. So a lot of people have $30,000, $40,000, $50,000, but if they need to buy a house at $150,000 they have to wait another 20 years. Wardas plan is to build 80 homes on 100 hectares of land in the south-shore suburb of Brossard. Buyers would be offered Shariah financing, under which the bank officially owns the house and collects rent. Let us call it a technicality, for me as an accountant, but for the believers it is not a technicality, Warda told the National Post. Advertisement But many politicians in Quebec have come out against the proposal, calling it discrimination. Its called a ghetto, said MNA Eric Caire, a member of Coalition Avenir Quebec, as quoted at the Montreal Gazette. Its not acceptable for our society to build a place reserved to religious people. Just think if we built a place reserved for white people, would that be acceptable? The answer is no. Even Premier Phillippe Couillard got involved. Discrimination goes in both directions. Inclusion goes in both directions, he said in the Star on Tuesday. We prefer housing diversity as much for cultural communities as for religions. Its fundamental. There must be some modesty in the way you dress. We dont want women living there going half-naked down the streets." Nabil Warda But Warda says non-Muslims will be welcome to live there so long as they share the same values. You dont drive drunk on the street. If you want to drink alcohol, you drink it in your house, he told the Post. There must be some modesty in the way you dress. We dont want women living there going half-naked down the streets. We dont like that. If they want to do that, let them go and live in downtown Montreal. The proposal is still an idea at this point. Warda is planning a meeting at Brossard's mosque, the Islamic Community Centre of South Shore, on Friday, to gauge buyer interest. The mosque stressed it has no links to the project. We promote full integration within Quebec society, and we are proud Quebecers and Canadians, it said in a statement. Wood. Meat. Safety standards. Those are just a few items that are expected to be on the agenda when Donald Trump's administration looks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico on its first day in the White House. Softwood lumber and country-of-origin meat labeling are expected to be top-of-mind when Trump takes office on Jan. 20, 2017, according to a transition memo obtained by CNN. Other matters include currency manipulation and environmental and safety standards, the memo said. Advertisement Discussions over wood and meat could mark the latest in a series of trade disputes over both products, which have been subject to tariffs and labeling in the past. In 2002, the United States passed the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, better known as the Farm Bill. It requires that various meats have country-of-origin labeling (COOL) to specify where the food comes from. Advertisement Last year, the World Trade Organization (WTO) called for the labeling to be removed because it contravenes international trade rules. Bringing it up in NAFTA negotiations would be like "redoing the presidential election because you don't like the results," Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, told the Globe and Mail. Softwood lumber could also prove to be a complicated matter. In 2006, Canada and the U.S. reached the "Softwood Lumber Agreement" after U.S. president George W. Bush slapped a 29 per cent tariff on Canadian imports in 2002. The agreement, which ended the tariff, expired last year, and the parties have been at a standstill on a new one ever since. Advertisement Softwood lumber could very well become a part of NAFTA under the upcoming negotiations. And that could mean that wood exports could be subject subject to quotas or limits, The Globe and Mail said. Much of Trump's talk around free trade on the campaign trail may have revolved around Mexico. But Canada and America have also had rocky times since NAFTA was implemented, CNN noted Thursday. Thirty-five complaints have been brought against the Great White North since NAFTA came into force in 1994, and most of them have come from U.S. companies. Canada has been the most sued country under NAFTA, getting hit with 70 per cent of all claims since 2005. Advertisement With files from The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose threw a backhanded compliment at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he deals with the new reality of American president-elect Donald Trump. Prime Minister Trudeau loves hanging out with billionaires, Ambrose told her caucus Wednesday. This could work out. Advertisement Interim Tory Leader Rona Ambrose speaks to caucus on Nov. 16, 2016. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP) Ambrose said Trudeau is no stranger to schmoozing with the rich. (He) spends time with them in Davos, at a billionaire retreat in Sun Valley, with Chinese billionaires at Meech Lake, and earlier this week, with hedge fund managers and billionaires at the Ritz-Carlton here in Toronto, she said. While Liberal MPs maintain the prime minister works hard to promote Canada with possible investors be it at the World Economic Forum last January or a summer visit to an Idaho ski resort Ambrose tried to paint Trudeau as out of touch. And she suggested the governments plan for a so-called infrastructure bank is a prime example. Blasts infrastructure bank plan Liberals committed in their economic update earlier this month to use $35-billion in public money to create an investing system many times that size by pulling in private sector dollars. Advertisement In Toronto this week, Trudeau wooed institutional investors with a combined capital pool of $21 trillion to contribute to the plan to build new bridges, highways, and other transit projects. Let me just decode this for you. Its a plan to take loans for bridges, hospitals, and schools from foreign billionaires, Ambrose said. Billionaires who, lets make it clear, are not doing it out of the best interest of Canadians. They are going to be looking for a return. National Caucus Meeting Welcome inside our Conservative National Caucus Meeting! Were officially welcoming Glen Motz today and saying no to Justin Trudeaus tax hikes! Bienvenue a la rencontre de notre caucus conservateur national! Aujourdhui, nous accueillons officiellement Glen Motz et disons non aux hausses dimpot de Justin Trudeau! Posted by Rona Ambrose on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 The Tory leader charged that Canadian jobs will be kept at a minimum, and taxpayer dollars will come second to profits. Decisions about tolls and user fees will be made in boardrooms in Beijing and Dubai, not here, she said. Advertisement Ambrose told her troops Wednesday that Tories needed to be the voice of ordinary taxpayers. She said that even though the prime minister is spending some more time in the sun today an apparent dig at Trudeaus trip to Cuba Conservatives will hold them to account. Her language mirrored concerns about the infrastructure bank flagged earlier by New Democrats. NDP finance critic Guy Caron accused Liberals of not being straight with Canadians about plans to sell-off public infrastructure. He also said private investors wont just fork over money out of the goodness of their hearts. Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi , however, says those fears are off-base. Sohi told The Canadian Press the plan wont inevitably mean new fees and road tolls or state-owned enterprises controlling vital Canadian infrastructure. Trump means new reality As she did earlier this week in the House of Commons, Ambrose also told Conservatives that Trudeau needs to recognize the new reality Canada faces with Trump headed to the White House. Trump, she said, is promising major personal and business tax cuts, and wont be pursuing a carbon tax. She charged that Liberal plans to phase in a national carbon price will drive away investment and send jobs to the U.S. Advertisement She also accused Trudeau of having gone silent on the Keystone XL pipeline, a project Liberals support, at a time when pro-pipeline Republicans are set to control all three levels of the U.S. government. And she blasted Trudeaus musings about discussing the North American Free Trade Agreement with Trump, who threatened to kill the deal on the campaign trail. The Tory leader said Trudeau offered to open up the agreement before even being asked. Wow, that is some tough negotiating. Clearly, he never read The Art of The Deal, she said, referencing Trumps famous business book. The Canadian Press reported Wednesday that Canada and Mexico discussed similar public messages on NAFTA in the wake of Trump's win. Advertisement With files from The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas, has become so contentious in the Netherlands that the benevolent figure now attracts protestors. Over the weekend, 200 people were arrested during the annual parade in the city of Rotterdam. Advertisement How can anyone have issues with a saint who brings gifts to children (think of Sinterklaas as the Dutch version of Santa Claus who arrives in early December)? Well, it isn't ol' Sint they are upset over exactly, it's his helper, Zwarte Piet, which translates to "Black Peter." As tradition has it, white people play this role... in black face complete with red lips, gold hoop earrings and wigs. While the debate over whether or not Zwarte Piet is racist has deeply divided communities like Rotterdam, others are slowly trying to change the black-face tradition. Advertisement Traditionally, Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet deliver presents via horse. But in Amsterdam's parade this year, Zwarte Piet was played by people with "sooty faces," as though he had just come down the chimney to help deliver presents. Just last year, the United Nations urged Holland to put an end to the black face every December. It stated: the character of Black Pete is sometimes portrayed in a manner that reflects negative stereotypes of people of African descent and is experienced by many people of African descent as a vestige of slavery. Also on HuffPost The case of genetically modified (GM) mustard in India has reached the Supreme Court. The government has said it will bow to the court's eventual ruling. That ruling could green-light GM mustard as first commercial GM food crop. If this goes ahead, there will be wide-ranging, devastating implications for Indian food and agriculture. Environmentalist Aruna Rodrigues has petitioned India's Supreme Court, seeking a moratorium on the release of any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment pending a comprehensive, transparent and rigorous biosafety protocol in the public domain conducted by agencies of independent expert bodies, the results of which are made public. Advertisement As the lead petitioner, Rodrigues' case is that, to date, serious conflicts of interest, sleight of hand, regulatory delinquency, cover-ups, lies and scientific fraud has tainted the entire appraisal process concerning GM mustard. The case is made that there is a general lack of rigour and a high degree of incompetency where India's assessment and regulation of GMOs is concerned. In a response to the petition, the government (Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change) has issued a Reply Affidavit, which Rodrigues now says (in a rejoinder affidavit) is an astonishing response that clearly reflects a high degree of scientific and technical incompetence in the regulatory oversight of HT Mustard DMH 11 (GM mustard). She says that the 'Reply' is brazen, misleading and weak in its interpretation of available data and facts. It is hand-in-glove, subterranean regulation that seeks to hide the data from scientific and public scrutiny. In a 7,000-plus word response (read the Rejoinder Affidavit here) to the government's Reply Affidavit, Rodrigues argues that that HT Mustard DMH 11 and its two HT parental lines that are before the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for commercial approval are funded by the regulators, promoted by them and regulated by them. This is, she argues, simply unacceptable: it is hand-in-glove, subterranean regulation that seeks to hide the data from scientific and public scrutiny. Advertisement She states that the regulators' acquiescent role in the fudging of field trail data invites "a charge of criminal conduct and intent to deceive, with inestimable ramifications of harm to our nation. A criminal investigation is required into these processes." Rodrigues presents various field trial data and goes into much technical detail to make the case for how data was fudged to present GM mustard in a favourable light. Readers are urged to consult the Rejoinder Affidavit for the charts and statistics. While there appears to be an attempt to confuse the issue in the government's Reply Affidavit, Rodrigues argues that the gene for glufosinate herbicide resistance will be present in GM mustard hybrids, making the crop resistant to (Bayer's) herbicide. And while the government argues "there is no proposal to use this herbicide in the farmers' field," such arguments, according to Rodrigues "smack of ignorance and carelessness of how a HT GM crop can be possibly used and more dangerously, approved for commercialization by the GEAC." GM mustard is a monumental, dangerous bluff. In other words, the government's argument in the matter of DMH 11 is "a blatant misrepresentation of facts, expedient policy and scientifically untenable." Rodrigues cites examples to highlight that a 20-year history of GMOs in various countries shows that GMO Contamination of non-GMO crops is a biological certainty and is irreversible. Such contamination leads to a loss of native varieties that contain important genetic diversity needed for future traits. These traits are bred into crop varieties through traditional breeding techniques that genetic engineering has failed to match. Advertisement GM crops themselves must rely on nature's genetic diversity to supply what is required in traits of parental lines to meet new problems and diseases. India holds a rich store of genetically diverse germ plasm and plant traits that is vital for future food security and well-being. India has the world's greatest brinjal diversity of 2,500 varieties and this is in large part why the indefinite moratorium was imposed in 2010. Rodrigues states that an assessment by leading international scientists revealed the great malaise of Indian GMO regulation at the time and argues that the regulatory oversight of HT mustard DMH 11 overtakes the regulatory shambles connected with Bt brinjal. Rodrigues takes issue with the fact that HT Mustard DMH 11 remains unproven on scientific grounds as a superior hybrid-making technology. She makes the case that GM mustard is a monumental, dangerous bluff and the nation has been fooled into believing that it will reduce imports of oilseeds because it will provide high-yielding hybrids. The evidence is far from conclusive with regard to the superiority of hybrids. However, as described here, the government's own admission is that GM traits in mustard would not be responsible for increased yields. Moreover, the issue of oilseeds imports has nothing to do with the supposed low productivity of Indian oilseed agriculture and everything to do with trade policies. Supporters of GM have cynically twisted this situation to call for the introduction of GM mustard to increase productivity. But if it will not enhance yields and if the real cause of rising edible oils imports is not the result of poor productivity within India, what is the point of this GM mustard? We need look no further than the politics of food and energy that derive from certain corporate-written trade deals. Advertisement Rodrigues also questions the efficacy (and politics) of hybrid seeds, especially as farmers must purchase them every year to obtain the properties of the hybrid. Becoming dependent on the seed industry can again lead to loss of native varieties that contain important genetic diversity needed for future yield gains, pest resistance and responses to climate change and could increase farmer costs. The evidence is far from conclusive with regard to the superiority of hybrids, and Rodrigues cite examples of non-GM mustard hybrids currently on the Indian market. When there are also so many conventional mustard hybrids available, the case for GM mustard looks even more shaky to say the least. What Rodrigues has set out to show is that the government relies on statements based on "spin" and concludes that the case in favour of GM mustard in India relies on "unremitting regulatory fraud," is "ethically deviant" and defies "democratic processes." Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Tom Merton via Getty Images Frustrated businessman with head in hands at desk It's no longer just big-name companies that have to brace for cyberattacks. We're living in a new era of threat, where all Canadian businesses -- no matter how large or small -- are susceptible to malicious attacks. The question is no longer if your company will be breached, but when. From strange data transfers to unknown IP connections, Canadian businesses are constantly being probed by cybercriminals. And the modern threat landscape is too advanced and fast-moving for traditional security systems to monitor every potential threat. Advertisement The results are predictable. A 2016 study found that over half of cyber-attacks on Canadian businesses succeed, and cyber-attacks are on the rise with a 17 per cent increase last year. Facing near-ubiquitous threats, large-scale hacks in the same vein as Ashley Madison and Goldcorp seem almost inevitable. But while data breaches and defaced websites dominate the news, a more sophisticated kind of attack is surging in Canada. Ransomware is an automated attack capable of encrypting an entire network in a matter of minutes. The only way to regain access is to pay a ransom for the decryption key. But even when the company pays the fee, the attacker may provide the wrong key, in which case the files become permanently locked in cyberspace. Sometimes, though, attackers on the outside are the least of a company's problem. A recent survey found that 35 per cent of Canadian businesses have been attacked by ransomware in the past year, three-quarters of which were forced to pay ransoms from $1,000 to $50,000. That isn't counting the cost of network downtime, which can take weeks and serious manpower to get back up-and-running. Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks. They often can't afford to go without their network data for long, so they pay the ransom. Even hospitals aren't immune. In March, Ottawa Hospital got infected with ransomware, and they only avoided paying the ransom by catching the malware at an extremely early stage. Advertisement Sometimes, though, attackers on the outside are the least of a company's problem. Insider threats pose a huge and underestimated risk to Canadian businesses. Cyber-attacks often prey on fallible employees with clever social engineering attacks. By sending corrupt hyperlinks or fake files from a legitimate email, attackers can trick employees into giving them network access. All it takes is one wrong click for an entire network to be taken down. And it's not just corporations that are threatened by social engineering attacks. Last year, 43 per cent of phishing campaigns targeted small businesses. With an advanced threat landscape that doesn't discriminate hospitals from corporate giants, how can companies begin to keep their networks safe? The first step is to realize that the traditional approach to cyber security is outdated. Traditional security solutions are pre-programmed to stop only certain attacks under certain circumstances. But with such varied attacks launching against such diverse targets, the security solution for the future can't make any assumptions. The introduction of unsupervised machine learning represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. This novel approach doesn't rely on knowledge of past attacks. Rather, it harnesses probabilistic behavioural models to detect anomalies and emerging cyber-threats of all kinds. This self-learning technology is capable of mimicking the human immune system to learn the unique "pattern of life" for a network, built from the raw traffic of every network, device and user in an organization. An automated approach scales to businesses of all sizes, protecting multi-national corporations and small-town hospitals alike. By leveraging ground-breaking advances in Bayesian mathematics, unsupervised machine learning is capable of detecting ransomware, phishing attacks, data breaches and the dreaded "unknown unknowns," all because of its self-learning, signature-less approach. If anything, the modern threat landscape encourages attacks on small, vulnerable businesses. And 60 per cent of the time, those small businesses will go under within six months of a cyber-attack. So while massive data breaches dominate the news, they only scratch the surface. In an age of relentless, automated attacks, where every business holds commercially valuable information, no company is safe. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: By Greg Spira The scene from Haiti remains heartbreaking. Powerful Hurricane Matthew struck the vulnerable nation on Oct. 4 with winds exceeding 230 km/h, leaving an estimated 1.4 million people in need of assistance and more than 500 people confirmed dead. But in Cuba not a single casualty has been counted. Make no mistake, Hurricane Matthew left its own path of destruction there as well. After hitting Haiti, the storm made landfall over the eastern tip of Cuba. Aerial photographs of the affected region show a shattered landscape with crops wiped out; buildings, schools and key infrastructure destroyed; and homes left in ruin. Yet thanks to the government's swift efforts to evacuate people from vulnerable areas before the Category 4 hurricane struck, no one was killed. Advertisement I travelled to Havana in early October to help our country office with the emergency response. CARE Canada has been engaged in Cuba for more than two decades. Our Cuban team is small -- under 10 staff members -- but we work closely with local partners and municipalities in our efforts. CARE programming in Cuba has focused on helping families develop sustainable food solutions, livelihoods and economic empowerment initiatives, and responding to emergencies such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and this most recent storm. As Hurricane Matthew was approaching Cuba, CARE's emergency team went on full alert to prepare to support the government in the response. The Cuban authorities evacuated one million people and have led the immediate emergency response following the storm. CARE is looking to assist this effort with shelter support, working with local partners to help families build back safer homes. We'll also be providing families with water and sanitation kits and basic household supplies. Advertisement Our team has been putting a lot of attention into making sure all support provided meet the different needs of women and men when dealing with an emergency. CARE is planning to assist 26,000 people, with a priority placed on women, female-headed households and the elderly in Guantanamo and Holguin provinces (focusing on Maisi, Baracoa and Moa). Stopping Food Loss and Waste While this emergency response demands the attention of our hard-working team, CARE's other development initiatives in Cuba must continue. My colleagues here kept telling me about their hope that our long-term support for agricultural and economic growth would pave the road for communities to become better able to deal with shocks like Hurricane Matthew in the future. One of these development initiatives is PROSAM (acronym from its Spanish name), a project being implemented by CARE Canada in partnership with Oxfam Canada and the Cuban Soils Institute. The five-year project seeks to promote sustainable agricultural production. With the support of Global Affairs Canada, the project is expected to reach 2,500 farmers and 100,000 consumers across five municipalities. The $4.9 million project will be conducted with the support of five municipal governments located around Havana. Together, agencies will work to increase the sustainable production of a variety of foods and help strengthen the management of local agriculture development. I travelled out to the municipality of Bejucal. Here, local farmers find between 40-60 per cent of the fruits and vegetables go to waste. Some of this occurs while distributing it outside the community, but most of the lost produce is simply left to wilt in the fields with no alternatives available. Advertisement Anyone that has been here and seen the old cars that continue to drive will know that Cubans can be quite resilient and resourceful people. Our project team will be working with farmers to address these challenges in a few ways. First, we will look at creating new methods to harvest and process their extra produce. For example, I visited a small factory that will help in making guava and mango preserves and canned tomatoes that can be sold in local markets. We will also look at strengthening processes that convert waste into organic fertilizer, which will help with future harvests. At the same time, we'll also be working with local markets and distributors to ensure the hard work of farmers isn't left to rot due to poor storage, handling or nowhere to sell the fruit of their yields. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Cuba is a clear demonstration that Canada and Cuba have a special relationship that goes far beyond our love for sun and sand. Both governments have enjoyed a positive bilateral relationship, uninterrupted for over 70 years. The Canadian government has helped broker important political discussions and is a leading donor towards development initiatives. Anyone that has been here and seen the old cars that continue to drive will know that Cubans can be quite resilient and resourceful people. Whether it is responding to an emergency like Hurricane Matthew or developing new food solutions, our work in Cuba is built on this spirit, this ability to overcome great challenges. Advertisement In so many ways these are exciting and change-filled times in Cuba, giving us an ideal moment for Canadians and Cubans to harness the energy and move forward together. Greg Spira is Program Manager at CARE Canada. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of CCIC or its members. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Grant Faint via Getty Images Tourist shopping for a sari in New Delhi I stood adorned in foreign attire looking at myself in the mirror while I waited for them to finish arguing. The group had grown to six and spanned three generations. None of them could agree on what I should wear, and none of them asked for my opinion. All strangers to me and each other, I was surprised at how much they cared about my clothes. It felt as if I was their own child shopping for a wedding dress. They wanted me to look perfect. The issue at hand was simple: How do you dress a white girl in Indian formalwear and have it look authentic? Advertisement I picked this particular sari shop simply because it was closest to my parking spot. When I walked in I knew I looked as out of place as I felt after the shopkeeper asked "Can I help you?" in a way that implied I needed directions more than I needed something from his store. I pulled out my phone to show him a list of events that I was attending for a wedding in Delhi. I told him that I knew nothing about Indian culture, but I wanted to dress respectfully. I did not want to look like a tourist in a costume. An hour later I found myself in the middle of a group of arguing Indians. "This is the latest fashion!" The shopkeeper said. The elderly women countered that the latest fashions were not traditional and made me look like I was going to a Halloween party. The young bride, who had put her own wedding shopping on hold to join the discussion, feared the older members of the group would dress me like a 60-year-old. "She looks too white in this!" the shopkeeper's wife said before everyone switched to Hindi, leaving me ignorant to the rest of the conversation. For the first time since I had immigrated a decade ago, I felt like a Canadian. I turned to look out the window. It was beautiful how the snowy sidewalks clashed with the colourful streets and the smells of spices. If not for the weather you would never guess that you were in Canada. As I wondered what language the street signs were in, I saw Toronto in a whole new way. I finally understood. For the first time since I had immigrated a decade ago, I felt like a Canadian. I came to Canada as an immigrant from the United States. I am as American as they come. My ancestors first came to the New World during the early days of the colonies. They fought and died in the American Revolution and on both sides of the Civil War. I never imagined that I would be anything other than American. Yet here I was, living in Toronto and the mother of Canadian children. Even after more than a decade of residency and several years of being a citizen, I still identified as American. Advertisement When I first came here I was shocked at how different the culture was from my own. I expected it to be like America with a different currency. I was wrong. The socialist nation 3,000 miles from where I grew up was distinctly different in ways I didn't know how to articulate. None was more apparent than the ways each nation expressed multiculturalism. It's undeniable that America is a very multicultural place. Canadians never disagreed with me on this fact, but were always quick to point out that America is a self-described melting pot. "We are more like a mosaic" I've heard more times than I could count. I argued that the difference was nothing more than semantics. But, standing here in Toronto's district of Little India, I finally understood what everyone was trying to explain. For countless generations, people have flocked to the United States in search of the American dream. It's a place where people from all over the world come together. Separate cultures meld to form something beautiful and new. Something American. In Canada there is no melting together in the same way as in America. Here it's more of a co-habitation of cultures that intertwine to form a fabric of people. Canada's immigrant cultures often hold more strongly onto their distinctiveness, forming a unique collection of little communities living side by side. In the neighbourhoods of Toronto, the cultural communities are so distinct it's sometimes hard to tell that you are in Canada by looking around. On this cold December day in Little India, I was the only woman on the street not in a sari. Advertisement The most beautiful part about being Canadian is that I don't have to stop being American. What I loved most in that moment listening to strangers argue over my clothes was the open conversation about culture. The friendly acceptance of our differences. It was not strange to me that women who had lived in this country for decades had not adopted western clothes. They did not find it odd that an American girl needed a sari. They laughed at my American accent and my difficulty in understanding their own. We bonded over our immigration experiences and how all the construction was messing up traffic in the east end. I learned that every Indian in the store that day was also Canadian. I realized that feeling American is part of what made me Canadian. I live in a city where over 50 per cent of its residents are foreign born and also identify as something other than Canadian. My feelings were not unique. I had never truly appreciated that the most beautiful part about being Canadian is that I don't have to stop being American. My friends here, who come from all corners of the globe, wish me happy Fourth of July and celebrate American Thanksgiving with me. In turn, I often celebrate holidays like Iranian New Year, Diwali, Oktoberfest and Greek Independence Day. It's honestly hard to live in Toronto and not celebrate something from another culture. It's the result of living in a place where open multiculturalism and immigration are more common than not. It took another hour, but I finally left the store with three outfits that everyone could agree on. I drove north and watched the street signs turn from Hindi into English, then into Greek. I picked up my boys from my Irish-Canadian friend who was babysitting for me and I laughed when I saw my son holding a pasynka, a Ukrainian painted egg, one of my close friends had given him. Then, I picked up my husband from work on our way to his best friend's house for a traditional Ghanaian dinner. As we drove through Little Italy, my husband asked why I was smiling. "Because I am American," I said, "and Canadian." Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Advertisement ASSOCIATED PRESS Demonstrators protesting President-elect Donald Trump walk past the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. Hundreds of demonstrators are gathered in Washington to protest Donald Trump's election. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) It has been a week since we woke up to the reality of a Donald Trump presidency -- a week of fear, speculation and protests across the U.S. For a few days, some of us tried to console ourselves that his election promises were just rhetoric -- nothing more than the rantings of a man desperate to get elected, only to back off once in office. Advertisement By this past weekend, however, Trump was showing that he intends to follow through with his divisive plans. From his pledge on 60 Minutes to deport two, maybe three, million immigrants, to his appointment of the sexist white supremacist Steve Bannon as his top advisor, Trump has shown that he intends to lead the U.S. into perhaps its most dark and paranoid period yet. This is a man exposed during the election to boast about his chauvinist attitudes and assaulting of women. It is unbelievable to me that such a man can be elected president, but it serves as a warning that the politics of sexism, racism and fear still have great currency. He got to the White House by exploiting people's fears, not soothing them, and by deepening divisions in society, not bringing people together. It shows that the progress we thought we had made on the equality of women was as fragile as many in the women's movement had been warning all along. We still have a very long way to go. Advertisement As progressives, it is more important than ever that we stand up to such attitudes. In the face of the sexism, the racism and xenophobia coming from the most powerful office in the world, we need the voices of more women to be heard in the halls of power, and I pledge to do all I can to make that happen. Trump presides over a deeply divided country. In fact, he received less than half the popular vote, and even got slightly fewer votes than Hillary Clinton. Like us, however, the U.S. operates under an archaic voting system. Where we have an outdated first-past-the-post system for electing MPs, the U.S. elects its presidents through Electoral College, which awarded more college votes to Trump. It's a failed system that made Trump president-elect, despite losing the popular vote. Normally, you might expect such a president-elect to reach out across the political divide to heal the wounds of a hard-fought election. It would be foolish to expect that of Trump, however. He got to the White House by exploiting people's fears, not soothing them, and by deepening divisions in society, not bringing people together. Trump's election must serve as a wake-up call for progressives in the U.S. and in Canada. It reflects a deep mistrust in politics and of politicians, and stands as a stark reminder that sexism and racism continue to have a powerful and seductive influence among voters seeking easy answers. From Brexit, to Trump's election last week, to the anti-establishment right-wingers in France and Austria preparing for elections in 2017, working people who have seen their livelihoods destroyed and their fears for the future ignored as neo-Liberalism devastated whole communities are having their revenge. Advertisement For the first time in a long time, working people felt like they were being heard, and responded with their support. Plain, tough talk is preferred over nuanced policy. Reasoned arguments fall on deaf ears when there are fewer and fewer good jobs, and seemingly nothing but a dismal future for working people and their families. People want hope, but hope begins with trust -- and voters are not inclined to trust the political establishment who got us into our current desperate situation where the rich just get rich and inequality grows. It's the same impulse that saw Bernie Sanders rise from relative obscurity to be a real contender for the Democratic nomination. Like Trump, he railed against elites and the establishment, promised to renegotiate or pull out of trade deals that hurt working people, and attracted thousands of supporters to raucous rallies as he denounced the rich Wall Streeters who funded the campaigns of mainstream politicians. Both said the system was stacked against working people. There were even some voters who could see themselves voting for either Trump or Sanders -- despite one being an avowed right-winger and the other a socialist. Not all Trump supporters would vote for Sanders, of course, but enough in a tight race to tip the balance in an election. That's because both Trump and Sanders were able to connect with working people about the troubles they face. For the first time in a long time, working people felt like they were being heard, and responded with their support. The good news is that working people are more determined than they have been in generations to make their voices heard. Sanders showed us that impulse need not be directed toward fear and hate, but toward building a more equitable society for all. Advertisement It's up to progressives to make that happen. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: surangaw via Getty Images Toronto city skyline at sunset Toronto is a City of Neighbourhoods. Each block - each street - has its quirks, its idiosyncrasies, and its own individual, immutable charm. Residents take pride in their neighbourhoods, and show it. Some neighbourhoods -- like Cabbagetown -- have their own flags. Others, like the Danforth, have their own signature street festivals. One -- the Republic of Rathnelly -- felt so much pride that it even declared independence! Advertisement That sense of place doesn't spring from nothing. It arises from the conscious effort of residents, community groups and others. Ahead of this year's holiday shopping season, it's time we recognized one of the key players in building up neighbourhoods' identities: small businesses. Small businesses add so much to the communities in which we live, work and play. Not only do they provide the day-to-day services we all rely on, they help build us up: they create a sense of place, of local identity. In short, they help make a grid of streets a neighbourhood. One of the major ways small businesses build our city up is through their local Business Improvement Area (BIA). BIAs -- associations of businesses with the responsibility for promoting local retail -- were born right here in Toronto, as small retail businesses in Bloor West Village decided to work together to beautify their street and market themselves to the surrounding community. Advertisement Since then, BIAs -- following the same model -- have sprung up to represent some of Toronto's most iconic neighbourhoods: Bloor-Yorkville, the Kingsway, the Annex. They have contributed to civic 'greening' efforts, organized street festivals, and even gotten involved in infrastructure planning, helping shape the conversation through which we build a thriving, more livable city. This proven track record of success is why the City of Toronto has a long-standing policy of promoting local retail, and helping small businesses grow and succeed -- particularly as Canadians look more and more to the internet to do their shopping. Part of this support is the City's participation in Shop The Neighbourhood, an initiative organized by Yellow Pages to support small-scale retail. In previous years, this has been a one-day event on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday - a particularly busy weekend for shopping that has a tendency to drive dollars away from our communities - to encourage residents to make local purchases. This year, Shop The Neighbourhood is being celebrated year-round. We're also helping small businesses modernize to attract more customers. Together with the Toronto Association of BIAs and our partners in the private sector, the City of Toronto launched "Digital Main Street": an online portal that will allow Toronto small businesses - some of which are fixtures of their communities, and have been operated by the same owners for decades - receive a free digital assessment, and find out how they can better use technology to meet their business goals. Enterprise Toronto -- a one-stop source, operated by the City, to help small businesses start up and grow -- has also developed a series of digital marketing workshops, proven to help entrepreneurial Torontonians build up their brand and their customer base. These have proven so successful that they have been delivered across the country. Advertisement Each of these individual initiatives is important. But the real test of small business support is your day-to-day shopping habits: where do you choose to buy your groceries? To get your coffee? To run your errands? Because small businesses are, first and foremost, businesses. They require customers to contribute everything they do to our city. The beautification investments that BIAs make are paid for by their members. The taxes they pay, that fund critical public services, come out of their revenue. The jobs they create must be sustained by a reliable base of customers. Our small, street-level businesses contribute so much to our city -- so much that we sometimes take them for granted. But we shouldn't. This Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the unofficial launch of the holiday shopping season), I'm issuing a challenge to Torontonians: Understand what your local retailer contributes to your neighbourhood. And then make a conscious choice to support it, so they can continue to make your community great. Because if we want to remain a City of Neighbourhoods, we can't make one local purchase, once per year. We need to support our small businesses every day. Advertisement Councillor Michael Thompson Tonygers via Getty Images A young female with the flag of Palestine painted on her face on her way to a sporting event to show her support. Until I looked more closely at Governor General David Johnston's recent trip to the Middle East, I was totally oblivious to the fact that Canada funds programs to help Palestinian women. Long concerned about the plight of women in the Middle East, I was thrilled to learn that Canada funds a CARE International program to increase Palestinian women's access to the labour force. Admittedly, I wasn't fully aware of the plight Palestinian women workers until recently, as this topic doesn't get much attention in academia or Western mainstream media. What I learned was sobering. Advertisement Palestine's patriarchal society plays a major role in the subordination and exploitation of Palestinian women. Sexism, sexual and physical abuse, and dehumanization are realities that many of them must confront daily. After these challenges, it is no wonder that Palestinian women also struggle to participate in the labour force. As I delved deeper into the situation, however, it became obvious that any benefits from Canada's aid -- however well-intentioned -- are totally eclipsed by the overwhelming negative impact of Israel's military occupation of the Palestinian territories. In three decades, almost nothing has changed for Palestinian women workers. Over the past several decades, Palestinian women's participation in the labour force has been concentrated in two sectors: agriculture and services. Unfortunately, these sectors are very much negatively affected by Israel's occupation. For instance, Israel's widespread destruction of agricultural and manufacturing sites and infrastructure in the OPT diminishes available employment opportunities for women in Palestine who tend to gravitate towards this work. A study on the female labour force in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) published in 2014 by Samia al-Botmeh, a Palestinian economics professor and researcher at the Centre for Development Studies at Birzeit Univeristy in Palestine, highlighted how, despite Palestinian women maintaining higher school enrollment rates and lower drop-out rates than their male counterparts in the Middle East, they nonetheless suffer greater unemployment rates than men in the region. Unfortunately, the 2014 study demonstrates that in three decades, almost nothing has changed for Palestinian women workers. A similar study on Palestine women workers in the occupied Gaza Strip, published back in 1985, came to a similar conclusion as al-Botmeh's study: the occupation radically restricted job opportunities for Palestinian women. Advertisement Whatever the need, it's encouraging to know that Canada is funding programs that seek to benefit women in the Middle East. The Canadian Governor General visited local women entrepreneurs in the West Bank and Jordan who have benefited from the Canadian-funded development programs of CARE International during his week-long trip to the Middle East earlier this month. It was reassuring to know that the Canadian government had prioritized this need in its aid. But honestly, the prognosis for this Canadian aid for Palestinian women is not good. The vast majority of Canada's aid to Palestinians is dedicated to training security forces to police fellow Palestinians. Currently, most of Canada's $300 million dollars in aid to Palestine goes to funding Operation Proteus, a recruitment and training program for Palestinian security forces. Rather than providing developmental or good governance aid to the Palestinians, the vast majority of Canada's aid to Palestinians is dedicated to training security forces to police fellow Palestinians. It could even be argued that this is more so a form of aid to Israel than to Palestine. American General Keith Dayton, who was overseeing the training of Palestinian security forces, told the Associated Press in 2009, "We don't provide anything to the Palestinians unless it has been thoroughly coordinated with the State of Israel and they agree to it." Thus, while Canadian aid to women is well-meaning, it is greatly overshadowed by Canada's investment in Operation Proteus, a program which ultimately deepens the militarization of the region. To further emphasize the impact of Israel's military occupation, the United Nation's Conference on Trade and Development recently published a report asserting that Palestine's economy would double if Israel's occupation were lifted. And if Canada believes in the "two-state solution" and an end to Israel's occupation, why wouldn't it welcome Palestine's baby steps toward statehood at the UN, e.g. membership in the ICC or UNESCO? Advertisement In parallel to funding programs that help Palestinian women, Canada must address the political context these women are navigating. As Palestinian women elevate their status and experiences in the workforce, an occupation-free Palestinian society will offer broader opportunities to this disadvantaged demographic. While any aid to Palestinian women can only help, Canada should not be too quick to pat itself on the back. Such programs are a bit like giving a Band-Aid to an amputee. Canada must also address Israel's military occupation of Palestinian society and work to bring its devastating impacts to an end. After all, the complete liberation of Palestinian women is only possible in a free and independent Palestine. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: 400tmax via Getty Images Marijuana lying on a table next to car keys. It looks like Canada is well on its way to legalizing marijuana. Our federal government has voiced its support for legalizing the drug, and changes to the Criminal Code are expected by next spring. But it's not all fun and games. Before marijuana is legalized, a number of serious concerns will need to be addressed. This will involve participation from both our federal and provincial governments. After all, most of the practical responsibilities associated with adapting to its presence will fall into the hands of our provincial governments. These will include responsibilities such as the sale and distribution the drug, as well as the regulation of highways and roadways. Advertisement Like other provinces in this country, British Columbia already has a provincial system in place to deal with drug-impaired driving. This is in addition to the federal Criminal Code offences related to driving while impaired. Our provincial laws are primarily embodied in the Motor Vehicle Act. They are intended to immediately address and curtail drug-impaired driving, and mainly come in the form of short driving prohibitions which are aimed at taking drug-impaired drivers off the road and keeping them off until they have sobered up. But will these sanctions still be enough when marijuana use is finally legal? Or will we need something more in order to protect our communities? There is nothing to indicate that marijuana use will increase by any significant numbers once the drug is legalized. The discussion around adapting the law to deal with cannabis impaired drivers operates on one, primary assumption. It assumes that more people will use the drug more frequently once it is legalized. This, in turn, will create a greater threat of drug-impaired drivers. Advertisement However, there is nothing to indicate that marijuana use will increase by any significant numbers once the drug is legalized. In British Columbia, marijuana has been relatively accessible to a large number of people for many years. Our province, and particularly the lower mainland, is riddled with marijuana dispensaries. Despite on-going controversy over their validity, these dispensaries make the drug largely available for quick, easy purchase. If one is inclined to smoke marijuana in the lower mainland, chances are they will be able to do it. In my view, it is unlikely that the legalization of marijuana will substantially change the cannabis culture in and around the metro-Vancouver area. But what about more rural areas where marijuana is less accessible? Despite what you may expect, the legalization of marijuana appears to have no effect on consumption rates. Surveys in Colorado, where the drug is now legal, have shown no significant change in marijuana usage since legalization. In fact, it appears that teen use of the drug has continued to steadily decline over the years. The same observations have been made in Washington. Therefore, from what we can tell, there is no positive correlation between the rate of marijuana use and its legalization. Still, education will be key in ensuring that our roadways are safe and our communities are protected from the potential treat of marijuana-impaired drivers. Advertisement Contrary to some popularly held beliefs, mixing marijuana and driving is dangerous. There is little doubt that - no matter who you are - cannabis will have a detrimental effect. Cannabis causes a wide variety of temporary cognitive and physical delays. After using the drug, users will experience compromised reaction time, visual function, concentration, short-term memory and the ability to perform divided-attention tasks. The degree of impairment will, of course, depend on a variety of factors, including the user's degree of past experience with the drug and the quantity consumed. But there is little doubt that -- no matter who you are -- cannabis will have a detrimental effect on your ability to drive and that cannabis impaired drivers pose a serious threat to public safety. This is exacerbated by the fact that, after alcohol, cannabis is the most commonly detected substance among drivers who have been arrested for impaired driving. And while studies have shown that marijuana use is on the decline, they also seem to indicate that marijuana use in drivers is on the rise. This could be due to the fact that large-scale studies in North America did not specifically account for marijuana use until very recently, or because attitudes towards the drug are becoming more relaxed. It could also be due to a combination of factors, including these, and related to society's changing perception of marijuana use in light of its continuing legalization. No matter what the reason, however, it is up to our government to ensure that the public is educated about responsible marijuana use and the dangers of marijuana-impaired driving. Advertisement Legislative changes must be made and a scheme will need to be developed. The first step in developing an efficacious scheme to deal with marijuana-impaired driving will involve technological advancements in drug identification and detection. After all, detecting marijuana use in drivers and assessing the degree of impairment is considerably more complex than it is for alcohol. Systems for detecting alcohol impairment have had years of development and research devoted to them, but the same is simply not true for marijuana. Still, though, there are a number of promising new devices on the market that may help police to identify marijuana impaired drivers, while minimally impeding individual rights and liberties. Test projects in Colorado have equipped officers with five different types of oral fluid testers. These testers are intended to analyze driver saliva samples and detect the presence of marijuana on the spot. Meanwhile, police are being trained to identify signs of marijuana impairment in drivers, just as they do for alcohol. The results of this project are likely to have a significant impact on our laws as they develop. After at least one effective marijuana-detecting method has been identified, legislative changes must be made and a scheme will need to be developed. The scheme will need to balance the liberties of citizens with the need for public safety. I anticipate that increased administrative sanctions will be developed under provincial legislation. I also hope that an effective method for disputing such allegations will also be put into place. This will ensure that drivers who are falsely accused of marijuana impaired driving are not stigmatized and penalized for such behaviour. It will be an essential facet to creating a legally valid and principled regime. Advertisement The bottom line is that, while the general public grows impatient on perceived government inaction towards the legalization of marijuana, the wheels are in motion -- but they are complex and there is a lot to consider. In the end, only time will tell how this process will work out, and until then, I will eagerly await the results. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters U.S. President Barack Obama (R) meets with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss transition plans in the White House Oval Office in Washington, U.S., November 10, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Across the world, a cacophony of condescension on one side, and disaffected rage on the other, has precipitated a global political realignment. Upon the embers of the American presidential race, president-elect Donald J. Trump has emerged victorious. On paper, Republicans control the Congress, Senate and White House, Republican governors command a majority of state capitals, and Republicans are strong at local levels. This should not be confused for a sense of coherence, as the American conservative movement is experiencing deep ideological fissures on fundamental questions of openness to the world versus isolation. Advertisement The pressures on Canadian interests abroad will be significant, so long as the United States remains the guarantor of Canadian national security and the major partner in economic prosperity. So what does the U.S. election mean for Canada in the world? In an essay for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute's Inside Policy, I describe six major foreign policy issues following the inauguration of President Trump that will shape this new relationship between two very different governments: The Canada-U.S. economic relationship: While the president-elect has been highly disciplined about NAFTA through the prism of Mexican pressures, any renegotiation will have significant impact on Canadian labour mobility and potentially softwood lumber. With an alignment between the White House and Congress at hand with respect to the Keystone XL pipeline, wider opportunities exist for continental energy security. NATO and collective defence: More can and should be spent prudently on Canada's defence apparatus. But unlike other NATO partners, Canadian per capita contributions in blood and risk far exceed those of other allies. In dealing with the new administration, Canada can credibly and accurately define what sharing the burden actually involves, measuring sacrifice and impact alongside treasure and materiel. Advertisement The Trans-Pacific Partnership and China's rise: After the inauguration of President Trump, what is the future of shaping the economic order of Asia? Should the president-elect kill the deal, Canada will need to make a separate approach, using the TPP framework, to all the markets involved in the TPP, to secure individual, bilateral deals. Canadian negotiators should aim to pursue the paths of a renegotiated TPP and bilateral agreements concurrently and aggressively, as long as this uncertainty remains. Engaging Russia: Ukraine, Syria and beyond: Both Prime Minister Trudeau and president-elect Trump share a spirit for a changed engagement with Moscow. This comes amidst two of the defining geopolitical issues of our times in which Russia's hand has undermined American power: Ukraine and Syria. Iran: There are two very different understandings of the nature of the clerical regime in Tehran. One views it as a potential partner inching towards a rational and constructive engagement as part of the international community. The other views it as a belligerent, bent on hegemony, human rights violations, and nuclear ambitions. As Ottawa looks to normalize relations with Tehran, president-elect Trump has indicated he would shred the nuclear agreement. Climate change and energy poverty: While Canada may benefit substantially from the Trump administration's energy policy, there is a wide gulf on climate change policy, and there is now a major challenge to the Trudeau government's climate agenda. The global carbon regime promoted by Trudeau is anathema to the president-elect, who has prioritized meaningful economic benefits for the vastly diminished American middle class. These Trump voters are deeply disaffected and disappointed with grand global ventures that deliver little locally. If Ottawa is to preserve and expand Canada's economic strength relative to the rest of the world, it will need to make the economic decisions around climate change, not the climate decisions around economic change. The election in the United States represents a fundamental shift in how the world's most powerful nation will act towards major trade agreements, the world's security architecture and the American approach to the key challenges of our times. The long term consequences of how all this unfolds are vast and cannot be understated. Advertisement Canada will need to be more agile than ever if it is to be a strategic partner that informs these choices, and will require statesmanship that has a clear vision of where our country will stand in the world once the limits of American power are finally defined. Each of these six areas is about making decisions whose effects will be understood in a generation, not necessarily in the next few years. The question isn't about what the world will look like in 2020; it's about Canada actively defining the agenda that shapes the international order in 2050. Also on HuffPost: The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 is widely viewed by historians as the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war. Fifty-four years ago this autumn, we still stand aghast at how narrowly we escaped total global devastation. And while the men who made those fateful and ultimately successful moves of political diplomacy -- John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert Kennedy, Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara and Russian President Nikita Khrushchev -- have long since passed on, the horrific thought of what might have been remains alive in those of us who are left to preserve peace for our children and grandchildren. And so the recent news that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about "equality, mutual respect and noninterference in the other's internal affairs" brings more questions than answers. Putin no doubt considers his illegal acquisition of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 as one of the "internal affairs" he speaks of; and make no mistake -- how the next president reacts to Putin's posturing could make or break America's standing as the major world power preserving Euro-Atlantic security. Advertisement By the time Kennedy assumed office at age 43, his views on war and conflict, and how to deal with foreign aggression, were well-established. At the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, in which he faced off with a duplicitous and belligerent Russia, he was a fully formed statesman; he had read and written extensively on history and international affairs, he had served eight years in the Senate, and he had served and been wounded as a naval officer in the Second World War. It was in no small part his skill as a statesman -- as a leader who was calm, reasoned, articulate, informed on global affairs and armed with the skill of persuasion -- that the world avoided a large-scale nuclear war. And what can be said of Donald J. Trump as we approach his inauguration day on Jan. 20, 2017? At age 70, his worldview is both well-formed and well-known. And what we know of Donald Trump's worldview, from his own statements, is this: that he admires dictators, and that he likes to win. Trump has repeatedly praised Saddam Hussein, Mussolini, Muammar Gaddafi, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin for being "strong" leaders and for their ability to "get things done." Advertisement How the next president reacts to Putin's posturing could make or break America's standing as the major world power. And despite Putin's aggressive and provocative tone in global affairs, his instigation of foreign wars, and his alleged willingness to murder both journalists and political foes when they do not do his bidding, Trump continues to excuse and justify Putin's actions. When asked in an ABC interview earlier this year about the annexation of Crimea, Trump had this to say: "I'm going to take a look at it. But you know, the people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were." The terror that this statement has inspired in Ukraine, in Europe, and in most of the Western world, cannot be overstated. What would JFK (or any other president of the U.S., Republican or Democrat, in the last century) have said to Putin? That no European nation had annexed another European nation since the 1949 Geneva Convention, that it is completely unacceptable to do so, that as far as he and his country are concerned, Crimea is still part of Ukraine, and that the world is aware that the referendum was staged by the Kremlin after Crimea had already been invaded by Russian troops. Advertisement As if that were not enough, only eight countries other than Russia have recognized Crimea as Russian territory -- and if you are judged by the company you keep, we must judge Trump by the standards of Venezuela, North Korea and Cuba. The result is an ugly one. Trump may be correct in implying Barack Obama could have done much more to prevent the Russian invasion of sovereign Ukrainian territory; yet instead of standing with his fellow Americans, he chooses to cheer Putin on instead. Going even further, Trump has suggested that Russian troops will not go into Ukraine when he becomes president, although it is a known fact that two whole Russian army corps (nine brigades plus five regiments) already occupy a large territory in eastern Ukraine and are involved in an ongoing daily war against Ukrainian troops -- fighting that has, incidentally, escalated substantially since November 8. Putin's behaviour over the last three years has been nothing short of terrifying: his annexation of Crimea; his continued war in Eastern Ukraine whose death toll is approaching 10,000, and his preposterous denial of any involvement in this war; continual buzzing of NATO aircraft; hacking of U.S. email servers; financial backing of extremist politicians in Western Europe such as Marine Le Pen (not to mention other extremist parties in Austria, Czech Republic, Moldova and Hungary); and perhaps most alarmingly, warning Russian citizens to prepare for an American nuclear attack while placing his own nuclear missiles within 100 kilometres of NATO borders. All the while, Trump publicly questions the usefulness of NATO, the glue that has held together Euro-Atlantic security since the last World War. Ukraine and the world are right to be terrified. The chief question for the world is this: if Vladimir Putin was so bold with Barack Obama in the White House that he felt free to plunder the sovereign territory of a neighbouring state, what will he do when he has a "friend" as U.S. president who has already put a tacit stamp of approval on the Crimean annexation? The test case could very well be Narva -- a border town in NATO-member Estonia. Newt Gingrich, potentially the next U.S. secretary of state, is already on record saying, "Estonia is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg" and that he wouldn't risk going to war over it. Advertisement If and when there is a second Cuban Missile Crisis, we need to ask ourselves how the next president of the United States will handle it. Will he react as JFK did 54 years ago, with a clear head, with reason and persuasion, with a strong aversion to the destruction of war, and by appealing to the Russian President's humanity? Let us all hope Donald Trump will make a study of history and past presidents as he embarks on his path to become one of the most powerful leaders in the world. In the meantime, Ukraine and the world are right to be terrified. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: An audience member during the second intermission of the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday matinee performance of Rossini's William Tell reported to the management that a man had been observed sprinkling the white powdery contents of black bag into the orchestra pit: some near the timpani, the rest by the podium. Fearing that the powder was anthrax, the Met cancelled the last act. Police swarmed to the scene; the evening performance -- it was to have been the comic L'Italiana in Algeri -- was cancelled as well. The good news for opera lovers was that by Monday New York's intelligence and counterterrorism unit had gotten their man and stopped his crime spree: the culprit was Roger Kaiser from Dallas, Texas who, in 2012, had promised a dying friend who had introduced him to opera and been his guide to what became a beloved art form that he would sprinkle his ashes in the various houses where they had listened together. "He would be there forever enjoying all the beautiful music;" "they would never be able to vacuum all of him up." Until the incident at the Met this is how it was. Kaiser had been able to fulfill his promise discretely at various opera houses without being noticed. Advertisement There is a great deal that is absurd and ironic about this story: the fact that since 9/11 the first thought that comes to mind when anyone hears "white powder" is anthrax; that the incident brought out the full force of the NYPD's terrorism unit, still on high alert since the September bombings on 23rd street, to deal what was quickly, if not yet definitively before lab results came in, that the powder was human ash; and that the deputy commission would have to make a public statement that scattering them did not constitute an act of terrorism but was perhaps a violation of public health laws. It is ironic and sad, as Mr, Kaiser himself pointed out, that he and thousands of other had to miss entirely one of Maestro James Levine's last performances because his own gesture had gone wrong. Most absurd but also most poignant and achingly human is the thought that the perpetrator's dead friend Terry would be present to hear the opera's he loved at the Met and other houses even for a moment never mind forever. Modern cremation is an awesome thing. Introduced in the 1870's, it mobilized the 1000+ centigrade heat of new, technologically advanced reverberating steel making furnaces to reduce a full grown human body into no more ashes than would fill one a medium size cereal box. Nothing like this had happened before in the long history of how we humans treat our dead. Today we use special electric furnaces but the effect is the same: matter indistinguishable from one body to the next and from the stuff of fertilizer. The Scottish Mountaineering Council urges members not to scatter the ashes of dead friends on the more iconic peaks because all that phosphorous is beginning to disturb the vegetation in what is meant to be wilderness. Cremation wreaks impossible violence on the body. Advertisement The powdery stuff we bury or shoot into space or make into ink for tattoos or scatter in opera houses and elsewhere bears no identifying characteristics of the person we have lost. And yet it gives us the dead back in a form that allows us to keep them--those we have cared for in life--in a place where we can imagine them being even when every rational instinct tells us they are just ash. How is this possible? Why do we persist with this comic absurdity? One answer is that we care for the ashes of the dead because more generally we care for the bodies of our dead. No culture, now or in the past as far as we can look back over tens of thousands of years, has ever left its dead to rot unceremoniously in fields and forests. But this answer only pushes the question back one step. A perhaps more satisfying explanation is that all of us, the religious for sure but also the most secular among us, believe our beloved dead are somewhere: heaven perhaps, in another body of if we believe in the migration of souls; there are lots of possibilities. But they are somewhere. One obvious place is that they are where their bodies- or even where fragments of their bodies-- are. The dead of the Twin Towers attack are gathered in the bones that rest beneath the names on the 9/11 memorial. And by extension we can somehow convince ourselves that the atoms that make up the ashes that we scatter are those that belonged to our dead even if they are like all other atoms of the same sort. I believe that the ashes of my mother that I scattered onto the waters of a lake in Virginia where she loved to swim for over forty years are somehow her even though I know that calcium is calcium and nitrogen is nitrogen whatever its origins. She is there among other places just as Roger thought Terry is in the various opera houses where he managed to leave his friend's ashes before he was caught at the Met. (And perhaps he succeeded even there; perhaps not every atom was vacuumed up.) The final and only real answer to the question of what has, and continues, to sustain the absurdity of scattering ashes and our care of bodies more generally is that we are human. We as a species cannot live without our dead because we need them to constitute ourselves as the kind of creatures that we are, creatures that have a past and will have a future. Bodies and even ashes allow us to imagine the dead are still among us and that we, the living, will find a safe place among them. Advertisement Thomas W. Laqueur's new book about death and funeral practices, "The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains," is shortlisted for the World's largest history award, the 2016 Cundill Prize in Historical Literature. The $100,000 prize will be awarded in Toronto, Canada later this month. Chris Wattie / Reuters Green Party leader Elizabeth May takes part in a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, August 22, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie The naysayers on both sides of the issue have been proven wrong. When the Green Party passed a motion in support of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement on Israel in August, conservative voices felt Elizabeth May would be justified in stepping down as party leader. Progressive voices, however, urged her to stay on, and not to disavow the BDS movement. May and the federal Greens may do both. With the release of a draft "compromise" resolution last week, the Green Party of Canada (GPC) seems poised to advocate economic pressure on Israel -- while not endorsing the BDS movement -- and May seems comfortable leading the party forward with this position. Advertisement The international BDS movement, endorsed by a Green resolution in August, seeks to pressure Israel to respect the human rights of the Palestinians. Even though the three core demands of BDS align with both international law and existing Canadian foreign policy, the GPC is the only major federal party to have passed a pro-BDS resolution. The incentive for a compromise around the issue was pretty clear. While May's performance in Parliament is not without its critics, May remains the most familiar Green face in Canada. Polls indicate that May has an average approval rating of 50 per cent -- second among federal leaders only to Prime Minister Trudeau. In contrast, the CBC reports that provincial Greens are largely unknown in their home provinces. Bottom line, the federal Greens would likely lose significant visibility were May to resign as leader. May herself indicates that she considers her work as a public figure far from complete. In addition to other files, she has been heavily focused on the prospect of electoral reform in recent months. The proponents of the August resolution which made BDS official Green policy also had much to gain through the compromise. Since August, May had leveraged party mechanisms to undermine the legitimacy of the August pro-BDS resolution. The pro-BDS voices thus faced a number of different hurdles to ensure their August resolution would stand. Advertisement After the environment, "social justice" is also listed as the next highest priority for Canada's Greens. In a testament to some good backroom negotiating, both sides seem to have gotten what they wanted in the new compromise resolution. The new resolution detaches Canada's Greens from the international BDS movement -- founded by Palestinian civil society in 2005. This seems to have been a priority for May: removing the actual "B.D.S." abbreviation from official party policy. Yet for BDS proponents, the new resolution still holds Israel to task for ongoing human rights abuses against Palestinians. Like BDS, the resolution also expresses support for Palestinian statehood, calls for the repatriation or compensation of Palestinian refugees, and demands equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel. Significantly, the new resolution also advocates strong action -- including "economic pressure" on Israel -- to galvanize it into good faith negotiations for a Palestinian state. It also green lights "government sanctions, consumer boycotts, institutional divestment, economic sanctions and arms embargoes" to oppose violence and oppression in Israel-Palestine. As a symbol of unity, both May and Dimitri Lascaris were quoted in the communique that went to Green party members last week. Lascaris is the former GPC justice critic and, as the author of the August BDS resolution, the most prominent pro-BDS voice within the GPC. Advertisement Many will welcome the detente within the GPC that may result from this compromise resolution. Some Greens see the issue as a distraction from the core mandate of the party -- protecting the world's environment assets -- "ecological wisdom" in Green parlance. But many other Greens see the Israel-Palestine conflict as a determinant global issue of social justice. After the environment, "social justice" is also listed as the next highest priority for Canada's Greens. By tackling this issue and others, Canada's Greens counter the common perception that they are a one-issue party. But this is politics, and nothing is guaranteed. Until the compromise resolution is passed, August's pro-BDS resolution remains on the books. Party members are due to come together in Calgary on December 3-4 to discuss not only the "compromise" resolution, but potentially four other resolutions relating to BDS. Whatever the outcome at the meeting itself, the GPC has also hinted that there will be an on-line ratification step involving all party members after the meeting. May has also stated that the party will "review and adopt improved processes" for party policy development. In public statements, May frequently attributed the passage of the BDS motion in August to flawed convention practices. Proponents of BDS within the party may be wise to watch such developments closely. After the August meeting, May attributed internal party dissension to the fact that "there were winners and there were losers." With a little luck at the December meeting, everyone might come out feeling like a winner. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: Orchidpoet via Getty Images Marie Curtis Park lookoout pier and Etobicoke waterfront with Lake Ontario in the background On the heels of Justin Trudeau's plans to apologize for the historical persecution of LGBT members of Canada's public service, the Toronto Police have resumed the hunt for men engaged in sexual activity with other men. Over the last few weeks, while dressed in plainclothes -- though they promise it was work-related -- police officers approached certain individuals in Etobicoke's Marie Curtis Park and signalled that they were interested in getting it on. No details have been released on their tactics, but some believe the officers raised their eyebrows and winked with their mouths agape. This led to 89 charges of mostly bylaw infractions against 72 people. Turns out if you ask a guy for sex -- any place any time -- you may just get it. Advertisement The police tried their best to elude any connection between the individuals they arrested and the LGBT community. They told the press that they "did not target any particular group." Kind of like how the practice of carding doesn't target any particular group. The police even went so far as to say that this was not an anti-gay initiative because they "don't even know the sexual orientation [of those charged]." However, 95 per cent of those charged were men, and most of them were engaged in sexual activity with other men. They even called the operation "Project Marie" and not Project Mary. Sounds pretty gay if you ask me. It seems like the police have presumed these men to be irredeemable at best, repulsive at worst. Project Marie represents the historical clash between so-called family values and gay fun that has been an endless source of discrimination and homophobia. Families want safety. Gays want anonymous sex. Families fear for their children. Gays don't care about children, or if they do, it's only because they want to groom them to have sex with other men. Families want clean parks. Gays keep building elaborate sex forts with sticks. The best way to reconcile these homophobic stereotypes with whatever legitimate concerns park-goers may have is if everyone gets the opportunity hear one another in the context of meaningful public education efforts. Yet the "community engagement" component of Project Marie involves the police organizing a candlelight march with families to "take back the park" with hot chocolate, snacks, and fun clean-up activities. Advertisement But so far, there have been no efforts to engage with the community of men who have sex with men -- unless you count a brief warning and then handing out tickets in an undercover sting operation. It seems like the police have presumed these men to be irredeemable at best, repulsive at worst. On the heels of the recent tragedy in Orlando, the Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders formally apologized for the 1981 Toronto Bathhouse Raids where, coincidentally, the police targeted men who have sex with other men in a place that was known for that kind of activity. In that apology he acknowledged a number of lessons learned by the police from that event, including the risks of treating communities as "not fully a part of society" and the importance of building mutual trust with all members of Toronto's diverse populations. At the time, many suspected that this apology was a hollow publicity grab. Now we know that it was. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: pandemin via Getty Images Oil pipeline, the oil industry equipment Consumed by news from south of the border, Canadians have been fixated on the ascendency of a Trump presidency. But it could spell much more benefit for Canadians than they're willing to admit. True, president-elect Donald Trump's plan to renegotiate NAFTA will be a tough pill for Canada to swallow, especially with the likelihood of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau being caught flat-footed by the unexpected loss of a partner in a Democratic president in the White House. Advertisement But if all the signs are correct, Trump is willing to sign off on the 1,900-kilometre Keystone XL pipeline, which will bring Alberta's rich crude oil to Gulf Coast refineries in the United States. "I would absolutely approve it, 100 per cent, but I would want a better deal," said Trump during the campaign. He'll likely push for a share of the profits. TransCanada first proposed the pipeline nearly a decade ago, but has been stymied by environmental reviews and a final hard veto by President Barack Obama in 2015. The reasons for not approving were both economic and environmental, according to Obama, owing to the effect on climate change and the paltry estimate of 2,000 new construction jobs. Advertisement But the math has never been that simple. A multibillion-dollar project, Keystone XL would benefit Canadian steelworkers, oil industry workers, construction and service jobs in both Canada and the U.S. And that's according to the Brookings Institution's Ted Gayer. He says it's a $7-billion stimulus with no tax dollars involved and would employ nearly 20,000 people. Other estimates have that figure even higher. In Canada, consensus exists that a pipeline needs to be built, but the Trudeau administration seems reluctant to say so. As for the impact on climate change, the numbers vary depending on the agenda. Some have suggested a carbon tax could offset potential environmental costs, but others point to pipelines as a much safer, economic and environmental mode of transport when compared with trucks or rail. Residents of Lac-Megantic, Quebec surely understand that last point. In Canada, consensus exists that a pipeline needs to be built, but the Trudeau administration seems reluctant to say so, preferring to endorse a "low-carbon" economy and flashing its environmental creds to its base. Advertisement NDP Albertan Premier Rachel Notley, at least, supports extension of pipelines, but only within Canada. One of the most fervent supporters of pipelines in Canada is Conservative leadership candidate Maxime Bernier, an MP from Quebec, who says Canadians should prefer the private to the public sector. "When you build a pipeline, it's a $15-billion investment coming from the private sector," said Bernier in an interview with CTV in Regina last week. "It is better than the stimulus that the federal government is giving right now. All the money the federal government is spending won't create any jobs or wealth in this country." And all of this underscores the sheer importance of the oil and gas industry to the Canadian economy. In 2015 alone, $48 billion was invested into the Canadian economy by the oil and gas sector. Over 440,000 Canadian jobs can be directly tied to the industry, likely millions more indirectly. Advertisement It's Canada's comparative advantage, especially against the United States, with an economy nearly eight times its size. By approving Keystone XL's construction throughout the U.S., a President Trump would ensure prosperity for millions of ordinary Canadians. If that fever catches on, the Energy East pipeline and other pipelines through British Columbia could also provide a boost to Canada's prosperity. Will prime minister Trudeau ensure Canadians a new age of wealth, or chain it to a carbonless future with no prospects for growth? Either way, there is no denying the fighting chance the oil industry could once again have in the new Age of Trump. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook Also on HuffPost: When you think of what's best in life, what fills your mind? Is it a moment of kindness? A favourite meal? A lover? A parent? A child? A personal achievement? Or is it anger? Hate? An argument? Fighting? Hurt? Most people will find their best moments in warmth, light, kindness and love. And yet we're living in an increasingly hostile, polarised world; one that sees anger and frustration on the rise, fear around every corner and dark clouds on the horizon. Whatever your political persuasion it must be worrying to see so much division. In the recent US presidential election, voters spilt almost exactly down the middle and the same was true of June's Brexit vote in the UK. Both campaigns were often heated, sometimes hostile, and occasionally violent. They have left a lasting sense of division and the language of extremism has entered the mainstream. Ideas that were once the preserve of the Far-left or Far-right are now part of the national conversation, and history tells us we should be very concerned. Advertisement Remember What An Optimistic Campaign Felt Like? Photo by Ragesoss via Wikimedia Commons Society's sensible middle is what makes countries stable. The middle might sometimes swing a little right or left, but in general it provides stability that keeps a nation working towards the common good. The sensible middle is fast disappearing. People are being won over to the more extreme ends of the left and right, leaving fewer and fewer in that moderate centre. When there are fewer things that unite people than divide them, and that middle ground is deserted, trouble always follows. The worrying thing is that there are some people who relish trouble. Steve Bannon, President-elect Donald Trump's proposed White House Chief of Strategy, has reportedly said, Advertisement "Lenin wanted to destroy the state and that's my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today's establishment." This view is remarkably similar to those of Russian ideologue, Alexander Dugin, who believes that the nation state is an artificial construct and needs to be destroyed. Dugin's writings have inspired many on the Far-right. Nafeez Ahmed has written an interesting piece on the rise of the Far-right and the manner in which different groups are communicating and coordinating around the world. You can read it here. There may be Far-left groups doing similar things, but if they are, they're operating well below the radar. A Britain divided against itself, an America looking inward, citizen against citizen, can only be good for those who would seek to undermine the institutions that make our democratic societies such wonderful places to live when compared to so much of the world. It's hard to persuade people to be passionate about moderation, to be enthusiastic about the sensible middle, but it is the common centre that keeps society from disintegrating. Advertisement It's also difficult not to get angry about things we see in the world, but it's worth keeping in mind that today's fact-lite, opinion heavy media is reflecting and sometimes magnifying the tone of our national debate. If people abandon the sensible middle, our media will leave it too, and the messages we get will push us further apart. I've previously written about the problems of social media, but when you next see something that outrages you; consider the source. For all their flaws, mainstream organisations have internal procedures that ensure a reasonable level of accuracy. Some alternative news sources publish stories that are manifestly untrue, mixing them with honest ones. The 50-50 blend of fact and fiction was a classic KGB misinformation tactic during the Cold War; people would relate the true stories to what they'd seen elsewhere and then assume that everything published by the propaganda outlet was true. Other outlets that people are increasingly relying on are fronts masquerading as respectable news sources. The Internet has made it easy for people to build glossy, professional websites and disguise who's really behind the information being fed into our lives. These 'front' websites can be operated by extremist organisations, who may wittingly or unwittingly seek to sow discontent and division that benefits foreign powers who profit from internal strife in the West. Who benefits when we can no longer trust the establishment, the media, or each other? Who profits from the abandonment of the middle ground? Check your source, particularly if it's a story that's evoking a strong emotional response; that's exactly what propaganda is designed to do. News should be informative, not emotive. Britain's social mobility problem, for this generation of young people in particular, is getting worse not better. Those born in the 1980s are the first post-war cohort not to start their working years with higher incomes than their immediate predecessors. Home ownership, the aspiration of successive generations of ordinary people, is in sharp decline, among the young especially. The twentieth century expectation that each generation would be better off than the preceding one is no longer being met. The rungs on the social mobility ladder are growing further apart. The divisions in Britain today impact many more people and places than either the bottom decile in society or the few thousand youngsters who miss out on a top university. The gap is growing between our great cities that are pulling ahead and too many towns and counties Britain that are falling behind economically and being hollowed out socially. Critically, this generation of low and middle income earners are running harder and harder but simply standing still. These treadmill families have jobs but often don't have careers. For a decade their earnings have been frozen or falling. Only one in ten low paid workers at the start of the last decade had escaped the low pay trap by the end. Advertisement The growing sense that we have become an us and them society is deeply corrosive of our cohesion as a nation. The risk with more and more people feeling they are losing unfairly is that things can turn ugly. Across the world, political populism - both of Right and Left Left - is already on the march. The public mood is sour. The best way of changing it is by restarting the social mobility engine. Higher social mobility can be a rallying point to prove that modern capitalist economies like our own are capable of creating better, fairer and more inclusive societies. It is very welcome that the Prime Minister has made it her mission to heal social division and foster social progress. That is a big ambition. It will require big action. Bigger than previous governments have attempted or achieved. Tinkering with change will not turn it around. Fundamental reforms are needed in our country's education system and local economies, just as they are needed in the labour and housing markets. The Commission I chair hopes those reforms can be captured by government in A Ten Year Plan for Social Reform. It will take time and effort, as well as new thinking and new approaches, to create a level playing field of opportunity in our country. But that should be the holy grail of public policy, the priority for government and the cause which unites the nation to action. After a chaotic week of school holidays, I am hastily dumped at the train station. I have to go to Bristol to take the IELTS - The International English Language Test. My partner has been offered a job in Toronto, and we both need to fulfill the Canadian visa requirements. I have a note around my neck, Paddington Bear like, which says, 'Please Get a Good Score on This Test'. This a request from my partner, who wants me to go first because he doesn't like exams. He also knew that I wasn't really interested in a trip to the spa, but generously thought that I might 'enjoy' an exam more than one more day alone with my kids. Exam please. Arriving at the IELTs test centre in Bristol at eight thirty on a chilly Saturday morning, I shuffle in to the queue behind a large crowd of Asian students. They nervously joke with each other, taking last minute glances at revision notes. The smell of smoke from their roll ups drifts through the air, and I feel like it might be 1994 again. I start to wonder if I should have prepared. There's a middle aged British couple who want to go to Canada too, handing out pencils, and explaining jovially that they're too old to get any points for age on the Canadian system. Advertisement Registration is strict. We enter in small groups, no phones or watches are allowed. Passports are inspected multiple times at different points. We are led to a large room, assigned a desk, and told that we are now under exam conditions. I look up at the white clock on the wall and realise there's fifty minutes before the exam is due to start. The prospect of sitting at my desk burning fifty minutes in silence, with only my own mind for company is excruciating. The rest of my group look relaxed. They're used to this kind of thing. I'm just a stressed out Mum. One guy puts his head down on his desk and goes to sleep. I spend fifty painful minutes making a poor attempt at being mindful. When at last the exam invigilator stands at the front of the room and starts speaking I'm relieved. Until she lets us know that this will be a three hour exam. She wakes up the young man who is still sleeping before stating that the first part will be a listening test. A what? Don't they excuse anyone with a baby under twelve months from this bit? They will play each part once only. I'm aware that my concentration is shot to pieces. I've been existing like my phone: uncharged and on ultra power saving mode. I knock on my head and surreptitiously slap myself a couple of times. Luckily they play the CD on a really high volume which forces my attention, just like my kids. Advertisement Next is an hour of reading comprehension. I start skim reading confidently before realising that there's eight pages of it, culminating with a tortuous essay on the Dodo. With five minutes to go, I realise I've made several mistakes and start rubbing out my answers, before realising in my blurred state that I've changed the wrong ones. Attempting to rectify the situation, I look up and see a boyish looking student, seated two chairs in front of me raise his hand. The invigilator walks over to him and he looks up at her, pushing his uncombed hair away from his forehead . He wants to look at his answers from the listening test. 'You can't change your answers now,' she tells him. He just wants to look at them. 'Okay, just look' she allows, and he flips his paper over, searching through his answers. He seems panicked, rechecking answers he can no longer change, and I feel a stab of pain. He seems so vulnerable, his skinny arms, and the nervous, repetitive hair smoothing reminds me of my own five year old son. This is someone's child, far from home, reliant at times on just the kindness and protection of strangers. Here I am behind him, taking an exam in my own language, and the whole thing starts to seem slightly ridiculous. If I need to be an expert on an extinct, giant pigeon in order to be accepted for a visa, so be it. But now, I'm watching this young man in front of me struggling to prove his English by understanding a long, convoluted natural history essay, that many British people couldn't. Our lives, our circumstances world's apart, but now both of us just a number. A number to be assigned a rating which will determine a large part of our future - I'm rooting for him. Advertisement The next part of the exam is an hour of writing, where I'm incredulously handed a question about children and iPads. I get a little carried away, and in my enthusiasm end up with two pages of childishly written scrawl and copious crossings out making it almost illegible. Now I only have to make it through the speaking test, but I have a three hour wait before my slot. By the time I arrive at four thirty in the afternoon, I don't want to have a conversation with anyone. Definitely not one, which skips from one subject to the next like a four year old on a sugar high. In fact, I mumble so much, failing to give eye contact for much of the conversation, and going completely blank at points, that I'm sure I see the examiner write 'Almost illiterate'. It's a strange sensation to do a speaking test in your own language. This whole visa process can be slightly dehumanising, your life compressed in to a series of tick boxes - tragically dehumanising for so many. I head to the train station, my ability in my own language deposited onto four pieces of paper. It wasn't easy. Maybe we should all take a lesson from the Dodo at this point, who got so greedy and comfortable on his little island, that he lost his flight muscles and we all know what happened after that. And you know what they say, 'If you don't use it, you lose it' - so go and take the IELT's. You need to make sure you really are proficient in English before you start banging on about people not being able to speak it. Then learn another language, just like over sixty percent of the world has. Advertisement I think of the young man who sat in front of me. For now, we are both ID numbers in a pile of papers, sealed in an envelope. For now, the tired Mother of four, and somebody's lovely, dark haired child - will both remain 'pending'. Anne writes at Untamables Kaveh Kazemi via Getty Images They were once hailed as the saviours of Iran. Heroes who kept the country alive during decades of international sanctions that isolated the country, during the years of war and conflict. Every grain of rice, every bowl of fruit that Iranians consumed was grown locally by the farmers. They put food on every Iranian family's table during difficult times when the future seemed uncertain. But today, following the easing of the sanctions, these farmers face an uncertain future of their own. Over the years, the responsibility of growing crops in a semi-arid nation has taken a huge toll on Iran's water supplies. The farmers were given over 90% of the country's water to secure food for the nation and they used it voraciously. Now, there is a growing awareness that the country gambled away its water security in favour of food security and is on the brink of an unprecedented water crisis. Advertisement The thousand year old Zayandeh Rud river which used to flow through the city of Esfahan was a shocking, dry riverbed when we went to visit in September. Lake Urmia which was once the largest saltwater lake in the Middle East has now dramatically shrunk to 10% of its former size. The few remaining patches of incredibly salty water have triggered an algae and bacterial bloom that has transformed the once turquoise waters to crimson. A transformation so dramatic it has caught the eye of the international community as well as the despair of the locals. But it's not only visible bodies of water that are facing a crisis. Over the past 50 years, Iran has extracted 70% of its groundwater supplies mainly to support farming which uses traditional, yet wasteful, irrigation practices. As the water runs out, farmers are abandoning their land in their droves and those that cling on are there because they don't see any other path open to them. "I'm illiterate, all I know is farming and my children are the same. How am I going to go and find other jobs? What job can I find?" asks us Mr Esfahandiari, a pistachio farmer aged over 60 years of age living in the province of Kerman. "I expect the government to help us," he adds. Until very recently, pistachios were Iran's main export after crude oil and the Kerman province was one of the largest producers in the world, contributing to a billion dollar industry. As the wells and dwindling groundwater resources run dry the farmers are left with a stark choice; either reform their traditional, yet wasteful, irrigation practices or abandon their family land for nearby, dense urban centres where they will have find work outside their skill set. As well as this risk of mass migration, the threat of political instability and conflict following such upheaval is something the government is eager to avoid. "Iran like many countries in the region is facing water scarcity," Masoumeh Ebtekar, the country's Vice President and head of environmental protection told us when we met to interview her for an Al Jazeera film on the water crisis. "We need to change the current water management and water consumption patterns in order to be able to deal with this. We need to have a farming revolution." The government has partnered with international organisations such as UNDP and the Japanese government to create a pilot project focused on retraining farmers in more sustainable irrigation methods. Their first mission; Lake Urmia. Advertisement Five million farmers live around the lake and depend on its freshwater streams and rivers for their livelihood. It is the intensive farming of profitable, yet water thirsty crops, such as apples, in the region that tipped the lake out of balance and led to its disappearance. Now those very farmers are taking the charge in bringing it back. Around 300 villages are directly involved in the pilot project which involves swapping out water-intensive crops for more suitable ones and also using updated irrigation techniques rather than simply flooding fields. It's a small start but for farmers like Mr Rahmani, it's already having an impact. "Before we would just flood the field and most of it would evaporate. It was wasted. With this sprinkler irrigation system it's not like that. We have cut our water consumption by 40% or 50%," he explains. " It's made the farmers lives easier, increased yield and reduced cost." It was a remarkable time to be in Colombia. Back in October - before the new peace deal between the government and the Farc rebel group had given renewed hope to Colombians - I landed at Bogota airport to the news that the plebiscite had returned a no vote to the deal then on the table. There was a strange sense of reliving the emotions following the UK's recent EU referendum, except that the shock result was far greater in Colombia as the prediction had been for the 'yes' side to win by a wide margin. As it transpired, the 'no' result came in with less than a one per cent margin; a no to the chance of ending a 50 year civil war. By the end of the week we had witnessed a peace march in Bogota which culminated in Simon Bolivar Square - thousands of people in solidarity and, for a long time, in complete and powerful silence, and Santos had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to bring peace to his country. This was quite a backdrop to the Music and Social Transformation conference, which is a major international gathering hosted by Batuta and British Council Colombia, and the reason for my visit to the country. Batuta was founded in 1991: originally inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema, though now developing its own distinctive model and presence in Colombia. The organisation works throughout Colombia to provide music education to the country's children, with a primary focus on those most disadvantaged and vulnerable. It's an impressive organisation. Advertisement A substantial part of the conference was dedicated to Music and Peacebuilding and it was officially opened with a personal message from President Santos, Colombia's Minister of Culture, and the Director of British Council Colombia. The ambition and scale of the operation was enormous. In the mornings, keynote speeches were followed by panels showing examples of good practice from all around the world on themes including music in the community, music and civil society, and music to "unlearn" (desaprender) war. In the afternoon, academics, cultural policy workers, arts professionals and practitioners met for focussed discussions around leadership in the arts, music and peace-building, with the aim that these discussions will, eventually, feed into music education policy in Colombia. There were also sessions specifically aimed at brokering new partnerships and projects between the organisations represented. The determination was clear: this conference was going to leave a legacy. It's hard to give an adequate impression of the richness of experience and expertise represented at the gatherings day after day in the Luis Angel Arango Library in the beautiful La Calendaria district of Bogota. People came to share their experiences and learn from others: from Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay to Rwanda to Cambodia and all stops between. The UK sent a group of uniquely inspirational leaders from Streetwise Opera, the organisation that works through music to improve the lives of homeless people; Drake Music, an organisation working with technology to realise its vision of a world where disabled and non-disabled musicians work together as equals; the Irene Taylor Trust "Music in Prisons" which ensures prisoners have access to inspiring and engaging creative music experiences as a path away from crime; the Paraorchestra - the world's first professional ensemble of disabled musicians; and Beyond Skin , a Belfast-based organisation that works through arts and music to address issues of racism and sectarianism. Advertisement In addition, the commitment and shining example of Colombia herself was clearly evident throughout, from the stories from organisations like Crew Peligrosos from Medellin, saving youth through rap, through to the fact that the Minister for Culture was present every day of the conference. A few words on the panel that I chaired may give a better flavour of this remarkable week. The session was entitled "Musica para desaprender la guerra" - Music to unlearn war - and I aimed to create a space for my three panel members to tell their stories. Ahmad Sarmast founded the first music school in Kabul, educating both girls and boys and focussing on supporting the most disadvantaged children in Afghanistan - orphans and street vendors. He survived a Taliban suicide bomber attack 18 months ago. Darren Ferguson, the Managing Director of Beyond Skin, opened his talk with a video juxtaposing the recent violence in Ardoyne with a project which brought together Orange marching bands with musicians from Belfast's ethnic minorities and put it on a concert stage as a way of defusing the politicisation of traditional music. Both had a lot to say around whether music can be the focus of violence. Alfonso Cardenas, who runs the Lucho Bermudez Music School in Carmen de Bolivar in the Montes de Maria region of Colombia, talked instead about how violence can lead to the creation of art. His home region is one of those most affected by the civil war, and his compositions mourn the slaughter it has witnessed. The horrific stories gently told by this mild-mannered man made me wonder again why I had not heard more over the years about Colombia's troubles. The whole week was threaded through with performances and practical workshops, including the British Council's World Voice project, which promotes singing in the classroom as a powerful way of improving educational outcomes and children's lives. The very last event saw us all following Chirimia Rancho Aparte as they made the streets of La Calendaria ring with their joyful music, their own contemporary take on traditional street chirimia. Bloomberg via Getty Images Democracy, it seems, is alive and well. By voting to leave the European Union and in electing Donald Trump, voters in the UK and US have exercised their power in ways that shocked parts of the political establishment and the media. Both events, if anything, beg the question: have the people really been getting what they want? It may, therefore, come as no surprise that the High Court's ruling on Article 50 has stimulated debate on where sovereignty and power really lie. Is it with the people, the Government, Parliament or the judiciary? It is well worth asking, as the answer reveals much about how our political system functions. The shame of it is that newspaper editors, and even some politicians, have used the judgment to paint the judiciary as the pantomime villain, rather than as an opportunity to debate the checks and balances inherent in the British political system. Advertisement Following the Government's defeat in the High Court, which ruled that the Prime Minister cannot trigger Article 50 using the royal prerogative and avoid Parliament, the three judges were labelled 'enemies of the people' and stand accused of thwarting the democratic process. Those making these accusations, including a national newspaper editor and politicians, are guilty of a fundamental misunderstanding. Far from thwarting the democratic will of the people, the judges were acting as a check on the executive. As the court clearly stated in the judgment, it was not concerned with the merits of withdrawal from the EU. This was the subject matter of the referendum and it is a political question. The court case was about the constitutional processes for triggering Article 50. None of the parties, including the Government, denied that the court had jurisdiction to determine this issue. Debate about the contents and effect of the decision is healthy. One of the pillars of democracy is the rule of law - the principle that everyone stands under the law, including the Government - and if Governments fail to act lawfully, they undermine democracy and the legitimacy of Parliament, elected by the people to make the law. The question here was not whether to trigger Article 50 or whether to leave the EU, but rather whether the executive arm of Government is able to do so without Parliament's assent. Advertisement So, when the judiciary was attacked following the Article 50 judgment, it was the responsibility of the Lord Chancellor to support the principle of the rule of law. Further, the role of Lord Chancellor is distinct from the role of Secretary of State. As Lord Chancellor, a role often described as the conscience of the Government, she has a statutory duty to defend the independence of the judiciary. Defending the judiciary is not about restricting the freedom of the press, it is about engaging with the press. In failing to respond quickly, and emphatically, two problems emerged. First, was promotion of the idea that the judges were, in reaching their conclusion on the law, seeking to frustrate the 'will of the people'. Aligned to this was the suggestion that the role of the judiciary is to promote the will of the people, or in this case, where the executive was seeking to trigger Article 50 without asking Parliament, the will of the executive. One only needs to look at countries where judges bend the law to please the government of the day, to see how corrosive this can be to public confidence in democracy. In the UK we are fortunate enough to have judges who act independently. As a result, our parliamentary democracy and individual rights are better protected. For example, when the Government unlawfully held nine terror suspects in Belmarsh prison indefinitely and without trial, it was, when the matter was brought before them, the judiciary that intervened. When people challenge the closure of local school, hospitals and care homes, or resist the installation of wind farms near their homes, it is to the judges they turn to determine whether the Government has acted lawfully. We might not agree with every decision made, but an independent judiciary is the best guarantee that the rights of individuals will be faithfully upheld. The underlying question seems to be a concern among some that Parliament may not allow the executive to trigger Article 50. This is an important political question, namely what will Parliament do if faced with a vote on triggering Article 50, but it is misleading to incite substantial distrust in the judiciary as a result. Second, the Government's belated response to the attack by the media and others posed a threat to the UK's global reputation for upholding the rule of law and for the independence of its judiciary, both of which are vital to our economic well-being. When I speak with lawyers in other jurisdictions around the world, it is our judiciary that they particularly praise for its professionalism and independence. We should not underestimate the role this plays in the UK's economic success, both for the City and for making our region an attractive place to do business. Trust in our legal and financial systems is probably the single biggest factor in attracting investment and, as the economic implications of Brexit take hold, that trust and reputation will be more important to safeguard and promote than ever. Advertisement The issues we in the UK face in the wake of the referendum are profound. They will determine the course of this country for decades to come. Defending the role of judges is not about trying to limit this debate. If anything, the opposite is true. The principles of freedom of speech from which we have benefited for centuries do not depend on EU law, but on common law rights which have been recognised and applied by judges acting fearlessly and impartially in fulfilling their role under our constitution. Many people now recognise the need to be concerned by a lump in their breast, or a pain in their chest. But sadly, millions of people are still dismissing the signs of lung disease, giving it time to progress and rob them of their health. What if you got breathless doing the things you use to do effortlessly, like taking a short walk, or going upstairs? Would you assume you were just getting unfit? If so, you're not alone. Fewer than half the people in our survey said they'd feel concerned by this kind of breathlessness.[i] The problem with this is that every day breathlessness is one of the most common signs of lung disease, which has been identified as one of the biggest killers in the UK. Advertisement Today is World COPD Day, and an opportunity for us all to help find the millions of people who are living with an undiagnosed lung condition called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a life-long condition that makes it difficult to empty air out of your lungs because the airways have been narrowed. It gives a feeling of being out of breath that can be mild, or so severe that a person needs to be on constant oxygen. Living like this can be hard, sometimes isolating as you stop doing the things you use to do, but nobody has to do so without support. Early diagnosis is also key to stopping further damage to the lungs, as once damage has occurred, it's irreversible. Though 1.2 million people in the UK are diagnosed with COPD, research has indicated that up to two thirds are living without a diagnosis.[ii] You can make the positive step to check your lung health this World COPD Day, and to take care of your family and friends. If you're experiencing sudden breathlessness whilst doing non-strenuous tasks, take five minutes out of your day to take this simple test www.blf.org.uk/breathtest. It'll either reassure you nothing is wrong, or let you know that you should speak to your GP. Even if you're fine, one of the undiagnosed millions may very well be someone you know or love. A tweet or a Facebook post from you could be the thing that helps them. Advertisement Slowly but surely, we'll keep finding and helping people with COPD, but these patients desperately need the government to establish an independent taskforce for lung health. We discovered earlier this year that there has been no improvement in deaths from lung disease in over 10 years - it's killed the equivalent of one person every five minutes, for over a decade. Taskforces for both cancer and mental health were established in 2015 to transform the lives of people living with these conditions. Prevention, early diagnosis, disease management, improvements to care, and long term quality of life, are just as essential to improving outcomes for people with lung disease - they deserve the same. Find out more about getting involved in World COPD Day here. For help and support, call the BLF Helpline on 03000 030 555. [i] Based on survey of 1,050 people by MRUK for the British Lung Foundation in 2015 Cyber-attacks are happening with alarming regularity, with high profile hacks on businesses including Tesco and Michael Page frequently making the headlines. But perhaps the greatest cyber threat we will face in the future will come from much further afield - space. Thousands of satellites are already orbiting the planet in space; and governments, organisations and educational institutions are increasingly relying on data generated by these systems to determine weather forecasts, navigation, financial transactions, air traffic control signals and much more. However, this growing dependence on satellites is opening us up to vulnerabilities from cybercriminals, who are becoming ever more sophisticated, and are looking further afield to access our data in new ways. Organisations that rely on satellites for vital information need to keep pace, as hackers have an increasing array of tools at their disposal to disrupt our work and personal lives. What therefore, can businesses do to protect themselves against the intensifying digital warfare, both now and in the future? Advertisement Security skills in demand Recent research revealed that the most sought after skills in cyber security are CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), IDAM (Identity Access Management), ArcSight, penetration testers and biometrics. However, there is an increasing shortage of talent with these skills - just 103,000 people worldwide hold a CISSP, one of the main cyber security certifications. With cyber security expertise in short supply, businesses are willing to pay more to bring in the right skill sets. According to our research, the average salary for permanent IT security professionals now stands at 58,003, up 7.95% on last year's figures. IT security day rates are also on the rise - up 4.98% year-on-year (443 on average), as many companies turn to short-term contractor support to help plug the gaps. For organisations struggling to find the right talent, there are several things they can do to mitigate short-term and long-term threats: Embrace a more flexible workforce - Anticipate and plan for potential risks in three to five years' time, as well as current threats, and the different skills that will be needed as a result. Partner with a workforce provider to ensure you have a flexible and scalable solution for the future. This will enable you to bring in different skills and transfer knowledge between different people at different times. It will often include a combination of permanent, short-term contractors, Employed Consultants, off-shoring and outsourcing. Encourage learnability - Remember, cyber security candidates won't always have all the core credentials on their CV. Look to hire individuals with the aptitude and enthusiasm to learn new skills and then give them the freedom to experiment with new technologies and platforms once they're through the door. Provide continuous training and opportunities to up-skill - Support and encourage IT security professionals to continually up-skill. This can be done both internally and externally. For example, encourage individuals to work on different types of projects across the business to widen their understanding, and to complete the latest industry-certified security courses. All this needn't be a complicated or expensive process - a lot of the skills that IT professionals already have are easily transferrable. anamad via Getty Images Recently, a debate on Danish national TV sparked controversy when Martin Henriksen, a member of Parliament for the far-right Danish People's Party, and an 18-year-old half-Iranian, half-Danish high school student, Jens Philip Yazdani, were talking. Mr. Yazdani asserted his Danish identity as someone born and bred in Denmark, and Martin Henriksen interrupted him with: "This is not how one becomes Danish. [...] One can't say that just because one brings the whole world to Denmark [...] and they then get some children, that those children become Danish. This is a simplification of the debate, and one that is insulting to those generations that have built this land" (Excerpted from here). Without delving into the politics of asserting that immigrants can never, according to Martin Henriksen's interruption, become Danish, or the fact that Mr. Yazdani himself is half-Danish, having an Iranian father and Danish mother, what struck me first was the sheer ludicrousness of making such a statement, and in Denmark at that. Advertisement Denmark, like all the Scandinavian countries, has a proud Viking heritage. And what is one of the main things Vikings were famous for? Travelling to and settling in foreign lands. Everyone here knows about Vikings coming to the British Isles. But the Vikings went much further: they arrived in America centuries before Christopher Columbus did, and went as far south as North Africa too. They travelled well beyond Europe. And everywhere they went, they mixed with the native people. Not only with Celts and Anglo-Saxons, but also with Native Americans, Berbers of North Africa, and countless others. The politics of denying that immigrants can assimilate aside, is Martin Henriksen forgetting his own ancestors' legacy? Not only the Vikings, but the majority of ancient and historic peoples travelled and mixed with others. As the French-born American Jewish literary critic, essayist, philosopher, novelist and educator George Steiner wrote: Nationalism is the venom of our age. It has brought Europe to the edge of ruin. It drives the new states of Asia and Africa like crazed lemmings. By proclaiming himself a Ghanaian, a Nicaraguan, a Maltese, a man spares himself vexation. He need not ravel out what he is, where his humanity lies. He becomes one of an armed, coherent pack. Every mob impulse in modern politics, every totalitarian design, feeds on nationalism, on the drug of hatred which makes human beings bare their teeth across a wall, across ten yards of waste ground. Even if it be against his harried will, his weariness, the Jew - or some Jews, at least - may have an exemplary role. To show that where trees have roots, men have legs and are each other's guests. If the potential of civilization is not to be destroyed, we shall have to develop more complex, more provisional loyalties. There are, as Socrates taught, necessary treasons to make the city freer and more open to man. Even a Great Society is a bounded, transient thing compared to the free play of the mind and the anarchic discipline of its dreams. Advertisement (From George Steiner, 'A Kind of Survivor' [pp.132-3], 1965.) Indeed, what many nationalists, racists and xenophobes forget is that humans have legs and travel. Your ancestors have not stayed in the same place since the beginning of time. You are most likely not 100% British. You are probably not 100% anything. And that's the beauty of genealogy and indeed of humanity: to be a mixture of more than one ethnicity, to be related even very distantly to someone in another country or on the other side of the world. So unless you are from a tribe in the Amazon that has had no contact with outsiders until now, you are most certainly not 100% one ethnicity. And that is wonderful. So when politicians like Denmark's Martin Henriksen, or closer to home, the former British National Party leader Nick Griffin, say that certain ethnicities "can't be Danish/British", what would really be the answer is to make them take DNA tests themselves, to realise that they are not 100% anything either. I myself took an ancestry DNA test a few years ago, and it confirmed what I already knew: my ancestors were from the Caucasus and the Levant, which makes sense since I have Iranian, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Jewish and perhaps also Arab heritage. Though my own ancestry DNA test results didn't surprise me since I'm interested in genealogy, many people were surprised to find out that they have ancestry from the very ethnicities and cultures that they fear and dislike the most. I believe that everybody should take an ancestry DNA test because it's good to know that your ancestors were as diverse as the stars in the sky. And that group you fear the most? Your great-great-great-great grandfather may well have been one of them. As an Iranian woman, what makes no sense to me is the anti-Arabism many Iranians display. From frustration about the current Iranian regime and the political Islam of the state, some Iranians have gone as far as deleting Arabic vocabulary from their Persian language (which is like taking out all of the Norman/Latin-origin words out of English: almost impossible. Even on an alphabetical level, just as we use the Latin alphabet for English, the modern Persian alphabet is borrowed from Arabic) and have anti-Arab views, proudly reminding everyone that "Persians are not Arabs". But what they do not realise is that when the Arab invaders came to Persia, they obviously mixed with the native people just as Viking and Anglo-Saxon invaders mixed with Celts in the British Isles. Most Iranians probably have some Arab heritage somewhere down the line. Advertisement Equally, as a British woman, I find it ludicrous that certain far-right politicians can tell people like me that we're "not British" simply because of our heritage or ethnicity. If I am not British, well, then neither are you. This realisation that we are all, as humans, related and one and the same, is especially important in today's cold political climate where far-right nationalist political sentiments and groups are on the rise, where refugees are hated and seen as "them", as people coming into "our" country, because we are superior just for the fact that we were born where we were born and not in, for example, Syria. Today more than ever is it important to realise that your nation is not a monolith, that you are not 100% any ethnicity and that your ancestors, too, were almost certainly once immigrants. The likely shape of British foreign policy post-Brexit is slowly emerging five months on from the 23 June referendum, and the picture is extremely concerning from any ethical viewpoint. Britain is on course to ignore human rights in its foreign policy even more than in the recent past. And, if recent speeches by military leaders are anything to go by, it is even threatening to increasingly use its global military power to secure its financial and economic interests. The past few months have seen a striking rise in the tempo with which British ministers are seeking to sell arms and do trade deals with the unelected, authoritarian regimes of the Arabian Gulf. In September, Theresa May hosted the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Al Thani, saying that his country was a 'natural partner' of the UK which was seeking to promote investment and 'defence' (i.e., arms exports). The meeting followed Defence Secretary Michael Fallon hosting Qatar's Defence Minister to discuss joint military training in which Fallon also announced the creation of a new Deputy Defence Attache role in Qatar 'which will ensure strong and continued defence engagement'. Last month, Theresa May also hosted the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa, notorious for his country's brutal crackdown on dissidents and the Shia community. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK's 'firm commitment to the security of the Gulf' - government code for continuing support for the regime. Royal visits have also been made to Oman and the United Arab Emirates and the government has reaffirmed its commitment to building two new military bases in Bahrain and Oman. Advertisement Meanwhile, Britain has struck an extraordinary new special relationship with the military rulers of Egypt, who overthrow a democratically-elected government in 2013. In August, Theresa May spoke with Egyptian military ruler General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and 'discussed a new chapter in bilateral relations between the UK and Egypt'. Since late 2015 numerous ministerial meetings have been held to promote military cooperation. These repressive states do what Whitehall wants in the post-Brexit world: they buy our arms, house our weapons, support our power projection, and invest in the UK, all unencumbered by democratic distractions at home. It is not just the Arab states in the Gulf that British elites are cultivating afresh. So too Israel. Brexit 'creates a real opportunity for Israel and the UK to work even more closely together', the UK's ambassador, David Quarrey, said in Tel Aviv last month. 'With Israel I see the opportunity for closer cooperation on trade, investment, technology, science and security', Quarrey said. While UK rhetoric continues to criticise Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories, it applies no real pressure to bring this about. Rather, it is increasing arms exports: in the three months from April-June this year, the UK exported a massive 65 million in military equipment to Israel compared to 9.5 million in the whole of 2015. The indication is Britain will promote arms exports post-Brexit even more vigorously than in the recent past - not an easy goal given Britain's existing status as the world's second largest arms exporter. The reason is that Ministers appear to regard arms exports as part of the UK's newly-found 'engaging with the world'. Equally worrying is that the government has not even indicated that, after leaving the EU, it will remain bound by the (already embarrassingly weak) EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports. Advertisement Since June, the government has been constantly highlighting its plan to increase the military budget every year until the end of the decade. It is also engaged in a massive 178 billion military re-equipment programme - a project that does not sit easily with 'austerity Britain' - and is constructing two large aircraft carriers, the largest ships ever in the Royal Navy, to increase Britain's ability to project force around the world. All these factors are seen by Ministers as evidence of Britain's re-engagement with the post-Brexit world. Britain's increased power projection capability looks even more worrying in light of two remarkable speeches recently given by the head of the Royal Navy, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones. In a speech to an audience in Washington last month, Jones said, in reference to the Gulf region in particular: 'Now that our Government seeks to extend the UK's economic partnerships post-Brexit, the Royal Navy stands ready once again to be melded and aligned for best effect with our nation's growing global ambition'. Jones went on to infer that Britain's possession of Trident nuclear weapons, which are of course housed by the Navy, is a signal of Britain's new role in the world. He said: 'This continued investment [in the Navy] is a powerful sign that far from being a diminished nation, withdrawing from the world, the United Kingdom has both the intent and the means to protect our interests, shoulder our commitment and support our partners across the globe'. In July, Jones delivered an equally remarkable speech to representatives from the City of London at the Mansion House. Jones noted 'Britain's continuing, and indeed growing, position of global maritime leadership' and the government's commitment 'for the work of the armed forces to more closely support the UK's own prosperity'. He went on to say that the Navy, 'at the height of Empire and beyond...has always been the guardian of maritime trade', noting that 'it was naval power that opened China and Japan to Western markets' - referring to the brutal British conquest of China. Then Jones added: 'Now, as the government looks to extend the UK's economic partnerships, as signified by the creation of a new Department for International Trade in the last two weeks, the Royal Navy's role in supporting prosperity rises to the fore once more.' At the same time Jones highlighted Britain's new 'carrier strike' capability: 'The introduction of the first of two new aircraft carriers into the Royal Navy next year is a huge opportunity for the UK to signal its continuing ambition in the world'. WPA Pool via Getty Images This article is published as part of 'Unlocking Detention' - an annual 'virtual' tour of the UK's detention estate, which aims to shine a spotlight on one of the gravest civil liberties issues in Britain today "I had big expectations. I thought UK was a civilised country. It was unthinkable that these things happen here." Advertisement That's Dave, detained - so far - for two years in Morton Hall Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) awaiting removal. People detained administratively and indefinitely occupy a dark corner of this nation. Shining a light on their desperate plight is more important than ever. The time has come for our Prime Minister to be held accountable for presiding over countless human rights abuses in detention centres while she was Home Secretary - and to put an end to the cruelly indefinite detention regime that we have in this country. Unlike the rest of Europe, our Government does not put a time limit on immigration detention. Alternatives to detention have proved successful in countries like Sweden and Belgium, but the UK continues to routinely and indefinitely strip people of their liberty for administrative convenience. And make no mistake, IRCs are prisons. Dave's only fresh air comes from the few hours a day he can spend in the yard. He was only able to speak to the public through a Twitter Q&A arranged through The Detention Forum's 'Unlocking Detention' tour. Advertisement Dangerous and pointless Detainees include children, pregnant women and asylum seekers. Many of the women held have experienced rape and sexual violence in the past. In IRCs they are guarded by men who can enter their bedrooms and be present during searches and health assessments. Recent guidelines allow for solitary confinement of detainees who are "stubborn, unmanageable or disobedient". This segregation can last for more than 14 days - despite evidence of permanent psychological harm setting in after 15 days - and there are no rules against its repeated use. Medical evidence shows that mental health deteriorates significantly after just one month in detention, and medical treatment of any kind is frequently delayed, denied or simply unavailable. In a cruel paradox, the evidence shows that the longer someone is detained, the less likely it is that their incarceration will end in removal, rendering indefinite detention as futile as it is inhuman. People detained for months or even years at the expense of the UK tax payer are frequently released back into the community. Meanwhile alternatives designed to reach case resolution through good case-management are left unexplored - ignoring evidence their introduction would provide a more humane, cheaper and efficient alternative to detention. Advertisement Hostile environment Assaults on the right to liberty are just one piece of the Government's toxic "hostile environment" policy. In recent years we have seen an onslaught of policies designed to make life unbearable for those without status - sowing disharmony and division in the process. The Right to Rent scheme has turned landlords into agents of the Home Office, requiring them to interrogate the immigration status of tenants and encouraging discrimination and racial profiling in the private rental sector. Hospitals are called upon to police expanded restrictions on access to healthcare for non-nationals and access to justice for migrants is being systematically dismantled through the decimation of legal aid, massive Tribunal fee hikes and the removal of in-country appeal rights. The politics of division has even spread to education with childminders, nurseries, schools and colleges asked to collect country-of-birth and nationality data on children as young as two-years-old. The Snoopers' Charter Not content with policies which promote degradation and compromise liberty and justice, our Government is also using the Investigatory Powers Bill to undermine the privacy of those facing indefinite detention. Advertisement Provisions allowing for a separate regime for intercepting the communications of those in immigration detention centres and expanding the hacking powers of immigration officials mark the latest Government assault on the human rights of non-nationals. Many detainees correspond with lawyers by phone and email, disclosing sensitive, confidential information, such as details of rape, torture, domestic violence and abuse by officials. The Investigatory Powers Bill, which will do so much to violate the privacy of the population at large, is a stark reminder of the Government's determination to render the immigration detention estate a rights-free zone. We need change Dave says the Government "are mixing up the immigration system and the justice system, and compromising them both - we need change". He's right, and Liberty won't rest until that change comes. We will keep working in Parliament, in the courts and with human rights campaigners to make our society fair, just and compassionate. If we want to unify our communities and inspire hope about our future, we must start by rejecting the politics of hate and fear and division. And to do that we need to tear out the rotten heart of the system: indefinite immigration detention. Martha Spurrier is the director of Liberty The Western world has a problem. Many millions of people are angry. They voted for Donald Trump and they voted for Brexit. On the 4 December they may choose to vote for the far-right Freedom Party in Austria; or vote 'No' and against the government in the Italian Constitutional Referendum on the same day. Next year, perhaps, they'll vote Front National in France, or Alternative fur Deutschland in Germany. Why are people moving to the Right? Because in many cases they're poorer than they were 20 years ago; they don't like the direction their countries are going; and they don't trust their current leaders to take decisions that will benefit them economically. The new, popular way to describe this growing anger is that people 'feel left behind by globalisation'. But to the very large majority of people this actually means nothing. They don't see the global picture - and frankly, why should they? All they know is that their lives are getting worse. Their communities are changing out of all recognition, and their children are facing long-term under- or unemployment. So are we, in reality, missing the point by covering it in fancy politico-economist-speak...again? Advertisement The fact of the matter is that, despite growing global competition, in the UK we've sat on our laurels and watched for decades as our manufacturing base has been eroded in favour of the service sector. At the same time, as we've just seen in America, British blue-collar working people and families have watched other people get rich while their communities slowly died. But this aside, what strikes me more than anything else is that we've all watched our young people become less and less equipped to find a job - any job. Globalisation is a fact of life. But that does not mean that all we can do is sit idly by, occasionally wringing our hands before retreating back into the strategies that have failed countless times before. This time we must act. This time we must take the steps necessary to ensure we have young people who can compete in a globalised world - a next generation that will power our economy into the future. We must think global but do local. If we do nothing we are facing the modern-day equivalent of the French Revolution via the ballot box. There are a couple of very simple steps we can take right now. Starting today. First, we can invest funding to prevent unemployment, not just pay for it; ensure children are familiar with business and finance from an early age; place much greater emphasis on job skills and vocational training, and get our young people job-ready as a priority. And, most vital of all, plan long term and execute short term, starting in the most deprived areas of the UK. Secondly, invest in teacher training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and, as in education 'star' countries such as Finland, begin to raise teachers' status to equal that of doctors, lawyers and engineers. Train teachers as thoroughly as doctors in return for greater autonomy in the classroom, and make teaching at all levels a highly prized, high-status profession. Advertisement London's businesses have received some bad news. From 1st April next year, their business rates will go up by an average of 11%, and in some areas of the capital, rates will more than double. This is the result of the delayed Business Rates Revaluation, due originally in 2015. Currently, businesses pay rates based on the rental value of their property in April 2008. The new rates will reflect changes in the property market since the last Business Rates Revaluation in 2010. Advertisement In many areas of the country, the revaluation will come as a relief; since 2008, rental values have decreased in much of England, and this will mean smaller bills from next April. However, city centres, where property values are high, will be hard hit. London's property market is particularly unique in having remained robust during the last recession. But it won't be the blue chips and large multinationals based in the capital that will suffer, it will be the SMEs, start-ups and small retailers who will bear the brunt of the rates increase. For them, the higher bills may mean cancelling plans to hire more staff in 2017, or even laying off some of their employees. In London, businesses defined as 'large' in terms of rateable value (those with rateable values of 100,000 or over) are often not large in terms of other factors such as the number of staff and turnover. Many of London's businesses that would be classed as SMEs by all other definitions will therefore be eligible for minimal transitional relief under the schemes proposed by the Government. Also, business rates in areas such as King's Cross, Stratford, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell, where significant regeneration has taken place since the last revaluation, will increase by 85% or more. These up-and-coming business areas are home to clusters of start-ups and entrepreneurs for whom rates increases of this level will make business unviable. If these businesses pack up and leave, years of constructive work in revitalising neglected neighbourhoods could be undone. Advertisement But why does this matter beyond the M25? The London economy represents 17% of the UK's GDP, and contributes almost a third of the UK's tax intake. When business booms in London, the whole country benefits. Likewise, when business struggles in London, this hurts the wider economy. Following the vote to leave the European Union, businesses across the UK face a great deal of uncertainty, and this will continue throughout the exit negotiation process. During this time, businesses need Government policies that support economic security and stability. Hitting London's businesses with an unprecedented rise in business rates runs counter to this. The Government is consulting on relief schemes to transition to the new business rates levels, but this does not offer adequate protection. Instead, the Government should freeze the rates increase in London next April and reassess economic conditions in late 2017 before deciding whether or not to introduce the new rates from April 2018. A five year period of transitional relief with capped rates increases will offer a suitable medium term solution, however it is time to seek a fairer tax regime for businesses that better reflects business size and performance. A tax regime based on property value unfairly discriminates against businesses that rent their premises as well as those that base themselves in areas undergoing significant regeneration. One option would be to levy business rates purely as a land tax, restricting liability to the owners of commercial property. This would be a fairer settlement for business tenants, particularly start-ups and small companies renting their workspace. If commercial landlords had to pay a tax on their property regardless of occupancy, this may improve their incentive to invest in and rent out their empty properties. This would help to end vacancies on the high street, however this solution would need to be accompanied by measures from local authorities to prevent commercial landowners from introducing sharp rises in their rent prices. Advertisement Another option is to adopt the system used in Germany. German businesses pay a trade tax which is based on a national base rate plus a locally-set multiplier linked to a business' earnings. This system would give local authorities more control over their businesses' tax bills, which will help them to better support favourable economic conditions and attract new businesses to their area. It would also tightly tie business tax to business performance. Businesses that earn more would pay more. And businesses that are struggling would be less impacted by their tax bill. A farmer waters grass at a research centre that works to regenerate endangered native species and introduce varieties that are better adapted to hotter, drier conditions in Mopti, Mali. IFAD/Amadou Keita More than seven billion people currently call our planet home, and their lives depend on finite resources. With both climate change impacts and populations on the rise, we need to understand how we can meet the growing food demand while simultaneously preserving the environment and building community resilience. Agriculture and the environment are often in competition, because one needs to use what the other needs to conserve. Building sustainable agriculture is therefore critical for our future, especially in view of climate change. Agriculture is severely affected by climate change. It is estimated that by 2050, 22 per cent of cultivated areas will suffer impacts, agricultural production will shrink by 2 per cent every decade and rising ocean temperatures and acid levels will lead to declines in fish stocks. At the same time, demand for food will increase by 14 per cent and we will need twice as much dairy and meat products than were produced in 2000. Advertisement The 2.5 billion smallholder farmers around the world, who are predominantly poor, have been seen as both the victims and the culprits of climate change. Poverty can lead to people to act in self-defeating ways, for example farming in destructive ways that are unsustainable and contribute to climate change. Farmers know that "eating the planet" in order to feed their families undermines the very sustainability of their production systems and their own food security in the future. But they continue to do so for three main reasons. Incentives Incentives drive human behaviour. From an individual smallholder's perspective, eating up resources may be perfectly rational behaviour. Externalizing costs and internalizing benefits is common when you use a public resource that has no price and no enforcement system to prevent or regulate its use. This situation is called the "tragedy of the commons". It happens when individual users, acting independently according to their own self-interest, behave contrary to the common good of all users by depleting a shared resource through their collective actions. Commons can be any shared and unregulated resource such as land, water, forests, or fish stocks. It is important to realize that though self-destructive, these are normal behaviours where individuals are responding to prevailing incentives. Nothing will change unless we change the incentives. Advertisement What can we do about that? Commons can collapse due to overuse (such as overfishing, land degradation or deforestation), but there are also examples of communities that have used common resources prudently for generations (for example indigenous peoples). Although it is often claimed that only private ownership or government regulation can prevent the tragedy of the commons, people themselves can devise complex social schemes to maintain efficient resource use. But there are some critical preconditions: Strong social cohesion at the community level in which benefits and costs are equally shared (i.e. no free riders). A clear definition of users' rights over the specific resource, such as secure land rights that increase incentives to invest in the land rather than degrade it. Acceptance of some level of community self-enforcement (which many governments resist because it challenges their control over regulation). A conducive policy environment. Policy plays a large role, but it is politically charged and patronage and governance issues have made progress difficult. For example, government subsidies on energy and water extraction incentivise overuse and are typically taken advantage of by the wealthy. A matter of time Eating is a necessity, and when you are a poor farmer dependent on your own production, you find a way to grow food and eat by whatever means necessary and at least cost. At the household level, the short-term is all that counts. And for a poor person, there is no long-term if there is no short-term. Even if that means taking actions with negative long-term consequences. Short-term objectives and the underlying incentives are inducing farmers to degrade the environment to be able to feed their families. Protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and reducing the carbon footprint are medium-term objectives. If they appear to compete with short-term needs, they may seem too remote to matter at the level of a poor household. So, can the gap between the short-term and the long-term be bridged? Are those famous "win-win solutions" really available, and if so at what cost? Advertisement Incentives matter to development. Strategies and resources are important but we also have to understand how people live and what drives their choices. Should a farmer alone have to bear the costs required to make a particular agricultural practice more sustainable, when it is for the common good and a benefit to the whole world? We can't expect poor farmers to internalize costs and externalize benefits. The poor don't have the luxury of making short-term investments in order to obtain a medium- or long-term gain for public benefits. This therefore becomes a public policy issue, because there may be a clear public good in ensuring that short-term actions are made climate-smart, for long-term sustainability. Some sort of smart subsidies or better policies have to be applied to fill the gap between the short-term and the medium-term. Unless we address this issue at the local level, many of our statements about sustainability and win-win solutions will remain wishful thinking. Here is where technology can help, if it is a cost-conscious (affordable for poor farmers) and adaptive technology that is also capable of recognizing traditional practices that smallholders have accumulated across generations. IFAD's Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) is an example of how adaptive technological change and innovation can be implemented through traditional agriculture projects. The approaches include agroforestry, rangeland management, watershed management, conservation agriculture, biogas, drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, early warning systems, reducing post-harvest losses, risk assessment techniques, and financial inclusion. Market Failure and Externalities The economic theory behind the supply and demand curves assumes that producers (the supply) and consumers (the demand) are represented by totally different constituencies, each with its own curve. It is also assumed that the price of the products being manufactured reflects their cost and that neither government subsidies nor environmental degradation cause distortions. But while the price of unsustainable production may be apparently low, its real cost--for our future--may be much higher. Advertisement So what happens in the case of the 2.5 billion people who are simultaneously producers and consumers and work for self-sufficiency? There is a problem if the price of an agricultural product in the market only reflects the cost of the calories and minerals that it contains, and not how that particular product keeps large rural communities employed, is produced in a way that protects resources, maintains social and cultural values in the villages, and preserves biodiversity. Market prices do not necessarily capture all those benefits for society, nor do they compensate smallholder farmers for generating them. If we do not address the real costs and benefits of sustainable agricultural production, farmers will have no incentive not to externalize their costs, and thereby further degrade the environment. That's why consumer education is so important. If consumers understand the real value of a product and are willing to pay a premium for those that are grown according to higher standards, they create opportunities for smallholders to be part of a sustainable solution. Therefore consumers are important in shaping food distribution systems and value chains. We also need a better understanding of how public policies and investments can offer stronger incentives, creating a road map to help smallholders deliver more sustainably and capture more of the value of their products. That is a global public good we all can share in. Advertisement When it comes to climate change, the problem and the solution may be one and the same. This week in Marrakesh, government leaders will meet for the last leg of the UN Climate Change Summit (COP 22) and it is clear we are at a critical moment in our history. Man-made changes to the climate threaten humanity's security on Earth. Though we are taking steps globally to reduce emissions from industry, transportation and heat production, another source accounts for 24 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA. That problem is farming. Agriculture is the largest-single contributor to the climate crisis. The UN's 2013 Trade and Environment Review points to agriculture as responsible for 43-57 percent of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. The current degenerative farming system results in the loss of 50-75 percent of cultivated soils' original carbon content. By destroying soil nutrients through the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, conventional agriculture jeopardizes food security and nutrition, and reduces ecosystems' resiliency to flood and drought by removing the protective buffer provided by soil's organic carbon. Industrial agriculture is additionally responsible for large-scale degradation through factory farming, waste lagoons, antibiotics and growth hormones, GMOs, monocultures, and prolific use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. But there is a biological process for reversing this damage and providing climate stabilization that's tried and tested, available for widespread dissemination now, costs little and is locally adaptable. Advertisement That solution is farming. By shifting from degenerative agriculture to a system more in harmony with nature, we can rejuvenate soil, grasslands and forests; replenish water; promote food sovereignty; and restore public health and prosperity -- all while cooling the planet by drawing down billions of tons of excess carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil where it belongs. A 2014 Rodale Institute report identifies regenerative, ecological agriculture's ability to sequester more than 100 percent of current annual CO2 emissions with a switch to widely available, inexpensive natural and organic management practices. The idea of healthy soil as a sponge for carbon is emerging as a shovel-ready solution to climate change. Agriculture can be a low-tech boon to addressing climate change, but only if we take an active role in helping to mainstream and scale up efforts to promote healthy soil on our 4 billion acres of cultivated farmland, 14 billion acres of pasture and rangeland, and 10 billion acres of forest land. There are farmers and agricultural scientists in every corner of the world committed to and excited about the results of regenerative agriculture's potential in mitigating both climate issues and food insecurity, and the beneficial impacts have been well documented. In one example that I'm very familiar with, Natural Agriculture, which does not use any additives and focuses on reviving soil fertility, has not only helped farmers to improve crop yields to feed their families and generate income, but also supported the long-term health of land and natural resources for future generations. The results of Natural Agriculture Development Program Zambia - increased yield and surpluses, healthier soil, and crops able to withstand damage caused by flooding - have changed the landscape of farming in rural Zambia. The program has increased from 20 farm families in 2004 to more than 5,000 farmers today. It takes farmers away from dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides that destroy soil quality to a self-sustainable approach to farming that honors the purity of the soil and enables a natural process of soil carbon restoration. Advertisement Regeneration International's Ronnie Cummins puts it eloquently, "One of the best-kept secrets in the world today is that the solution to global warming and the climate crisis (as well as poverty and deteriorating public health) lies right under our feet, and at the end of our knives and forks." Amy outside 30th Street Station with Lily Joe Anzuena of Philadelphia passed the same woman sitting outside 30th Street Station several times on his way to work. She had a small child with her. "Tomorrow I'll stop. Tomorrow I'll talk to her," he thought. And on the third day, he did stop and changed not only his life and the family he met but also the lives of his family and friends. Amy, her fiance John, and their 3-year-old daughter Lily had been living on the street for months. Joe has a child, Finn, close in age to Lily and he was completely heartbroken to find out that due to the shelter's rules, John and Amy have to leave Lily to sleep alone in another shelter every night. Joe wanted to help but wasn't sure what he could do. In desperation he posted on Facebook, "I cannot imagine dropping Finn off to sleep with a bunch of strangers... no kid deserves to deal with a situation like this. Thought you all might have some ideas." His one post received 74 responses from friends and family, all of whom wanted to help. First, it was discovered that the family had a GoFundMe account, which Joe shared on Facebook. Within 24 hours, the family's initial goal of $3000 was met! While this was great news, they soon found out it isn't easy to find an apartment without a phone and they needed a means to get access to the funds. On top of that, John was battling a bad eye infection. Then, the pieces began to come together. Lucy Noland of Fox 29 Philadelphia became aware via a mutual friend's Facebook share - and immediately reached out to offer visibility, her own experience, and her network of resources. Shortly thereafter, one of Joe's college friends reached out about John's eyes. Now an ophthalmologist with Thorp Bailey Weber Eye Associates, Dr. Douglas Wisner created an opening for John in the schedule right away and insisted on providing the care for free. Further, the residents at Wills Eye Hospital are making glasses available to John. Amy, John, and Lily Then Joe found that yet another college friend, Shannon Keene, worked with Bank of America. Shannon stepped forward with a personal connection to facilitate the banking needs and provide some basic financial education. Advertisement Joe purchased prepaid phone cards, and the next day, Jasmine Edwards of Miss Jazz Salon traveled all the way from Parkesburg, PA to provide free haircuts. Finally, another friend introduced them to Volunteers of America, who have offered future assistance with the search for an apartment. Jasmine Edwards gives the family haircuts One by one, Joe's connections have become this family's angels. There's been a lot of progress, but their plight is far from over. While they now have enough for a deposit on an apartment, it's tough to find a reputable place without discernible income, and there are other expenses as well. Would you like to help? The GoFundMe is the best way to help this family, the money will be used for an apartment, health costs, food, supplies, and transportation. They currently walk everywhere and have walked from one end of the city to the other to make appointments or get into shelters. Septa passes are available online and can be physically mailed. If you'd like to purchase - please reach out to Joe directly via his Facebook page. Joe Anzuena and Lily The family is beyond grateful for Joe's help, and the help of his friends. All of these key people, people who are literally saving this family's lives as you read this, were in Joe's circle. Joe says he wasn't expecting this overwhelming response, he simply turned to his Facebook network of less than 1,000 friends asking "What can I do?" Advertisement I know because I am one of them. Joe and I went to high school together, he introduced me to classic rock and helped me with chemistry, but after we graduated we went our separate ways. Like many, we kept in touch via Facebook, and I happened to see his post about this family. I reached out to offer my assistance, as did several of Joe's friends. Together, we are helping this family and you can, too. Now imagine what YOUR circle can do: your grammar school, high school, college friends that you rarely talk to on Facebook. How about your old boss on Linked In. Your hairdresser's sister who tweets about cats. That friend from the gym that has the coolest snapchats. Think about who you know. Then think about who THEY know. Joe is a huge inspiration to me, and I hope to you as well. He stopped, he talked to people in need, he reached out for help, and then he went above and beyond. So the next time you are walking by someone in need and you have a few minutes to spare, stop and ask if they would like a cup of tea or coffee. Go get two and stay to talk for a minute. Listen to what they need, then get those wheels turning as to how YOUR CIRCLE can help. It can change your life... and save theirs. To help this family, please consider donating to the GoFundMe account, giving some clothes, toys, or Septa passes. Every little bit helps! Advertisement After each election, the populace is divided in two camps. Far from clearly-labelled factions of "Democrat" and "Republican," these camps differ as to how to move forward under the new President-elect: the "come together" camp and the "he's not my president" camp. And without fail, each President-elect calls for unity in the hours after the results of the election are announced. Donald Trump followed this trend, likely having been intensely guided by advisors as to the perfect tone he needed to hit in his victory speech. Disagreements abound as to whether we should love our fellow man, despite our political and ideological differences, or whether we should sever ties with those whose beliefs we find untenable and abhorrent. Advertisement I am a lifelong Democrat. "Lifelong" here is a bit of a misnomer: though I've been in existence for 30 years, my voting history only goes back 12. In each of the prior presidential elections, I decided long before the race was over to support whosoever become our next leader. As a first-generation Indian-American female that was born in the United States, I've never known any other country as "home." My parents, both born and raised in India, had significant loyalties to both countries because they had significant histories with each. I, however, had no such split focus: the United States of America has been my home from the first breath I took and I planned for it to stay my home until the last. In this election cycle, however, something snapped. Many of us decided we could not continue to maintain relationships with those that supported Trump. I, like many other Americans in disbelief at the depths of evil displayed during this race, can't simply will myself to begin embracing Trump and his supporters with love and acceptance. Because, the truth is, I'm waiting to receive my star. Much has been written and stated about this election cycle being different than any other. I'm not alone in feeling that the man we've elected to be our next president has already displayed his true, repugnant character with nearly every word he spoke during his campaign. I'm not alone in wanting to discuss the fear running through several groups of Americans who don't look like Donald Trump. Nearly every sect of the American public except straight, white men can point to a pejorative word or action Donald Trump has said or done against them. But we discuss it and then we move on. We're expected to maintain friendships and relationships with people in our lives that directly supported a bigot. We're criticized for severing ties with those that supported Trump. We're told we're overreacting and being hysterical and that we've "survived bad presidents and political discord before." Advertisement The truth is, some of us have "survived" bad presidents and political discord before. Some of us, like the Japanese-Americans who were subject to poor medical care or overly trigger-happy guards citing "resistance" in the internment camps of WWII, have not. Before WWII, a bigot rose to power in Germany by exploiting fear. In 2016 in America, a bigot has risen to power by exploiting fear. And now, that bigot has appointed another well-known bigot to his cabinet. Does that sound extreme? Does being worried about the future of black Americans, brown Americans, gay Americans, female Americans and other minority groups smack of hysteria and immediately bring up a "that could never happen in America" response in you? What about a president that once vowed to ban an entire religious group from this country? Or a president that blamed those of a different race for violent crime in America? If those remarks aren't extreme, it's also not extreme to suggest that our new president will behave like any powerful egomaniac who keeps obtaining more power: by escalating his rhetoric and then his actions incrementally until we're considering it normal to brand groups of Americans with a large yellow star. We're then but a short distance away from an even worse future for minority groups as the next incremental escalation happens. Advertisement As the election progressed, many of us already began simply rolling our eyes every time Trump said the next outrageous thing. He was treated as a joke and expected to test the limits of what the American public felt was human decency. We've now elected him. And now, minority groups are being told we're overreacting to the threat of a Trump presidency. As the storm rages all around us, it helps to remember how far we have come. Back in 1998, a young filmmaker named Tim Kirkman made a movie called Dear Jesse, a documentary in the style of an open letter to legendary Senator Jesse Helms. In it, Tim, an openly gay man, compares and contrasts himself to Jesse, who famously opposed gay rights. The film debuted on HBO, and Tim was nominated for an Emmy. All of those things have changed, and so has Tim. His new film, Lazy Eye, premieres today on video-on-demand after a long successful run on the festival circuit. Gone is the "sense of urgency" that compelled Tim to make his first movie. In its place is "a different sense," he says, a sense of reflection, appreciation, one might even say humility. Advertisement Lazy Eye is the story of two former lovers, Dean and Alex, who reunite twenty years later in a spontaneous weekend getaway to reconsider the divergent paths that life has taken them down. Along the way, they reminisce, they philosophize, they argue, and they come to understand who they each have become and why. "Lazy Eye catches how the rhythms of love interact -- sometimes awkwardly, sometimes impossibly -- with the rhythms of growing up," says Owen Gleiberman, the chief film critic at Variety. In their growth, we can see our own and, from the outside looking in, how it transformed us in unexpected and unnoticed ways. Lazy Eye is a consummate self-examination for our soul -- and a mercifully forgiving one at that. Tim didn't plan for it to happen this way. "I backed into cinema," he says, after trying acting and writing and politics and a host of other things, and finding, in the end, that cinema encompassed them all, and since he was good but not great at them all, why not find people who were great at each of them and get them together and make a movie? That's what a leader does, and it's worth noting that Tim does it very well. I didn't need to see the script to know that I wanted to be an associate producer of Lazy Eye. I made the decision the moment I heard Tim's pitch. This was the successor to Dear Jesse that we'd all been waiting for, even if he didn't think of it that way. The world had evolved so much in eighteen years, and Tim was marking the path for us. Here's how far we've come, he was saying. Here's how far I've come. There are two things that strike you when you read the script for Lazy Eye. The first is how rich and passionate the love is. The romance is so honest, so human, that you never think to put the word gay in front of it. It's universal and personal all at the same time. That's something that never could have happened in Dear Jesse. Advertisement The second thing that happens is that Tim Kirkman's words absorb you. They wrap you up in their safe, sassy, poetic thrum. "Lazy Eye makes you realize how rare it is to see a movie, even an indie movie, that gives you the privilege of listening to authentically smart conversation," writes Gleiberman. "The understated flow of talk makes us feel like we're eavesdropping." If you want to get away from it all, at least for a couple hours, Dean and Alex are just the companions for you. It's ironic that Lazy Eye is a story about the passage of time because the conversation between Dean and Alex feels timeless. Whereas Dear Jesse confronted the contradictions of its time, Lazy Eye summons the persistent feelings that pervade all human experience. "Film has a preservation that theater doesn't have," Tim told me. "People say it looks dated, but I don't care because it's a document. It won't change. The only thing that will change is how we look at it." Future generations will surely look back on Dear Jesse as a different world, offensive to their sense of equity and decency. The triumph of Lazy Eye is that it speaks to this future audience in a language they will find more familiar -- one where love is love and gay is beautiful. We're not there yet. The future is still an unrealized dream. The political storm that swirls above our heads today is a threat, but not an impasse. In the end, Lazy Eye teaches us the value of our dreams. They may not give us a resolution, but they do motivate us to act -- and if the past is any indication, our actions move history. Advertisement ~~~~~~~~~~ Regardless of which side of the political aisle you favor, the past two weeks have been divisive and stressful. One faith-based organization summed it up well: "The sense of mutual alienation and lack of understanding across our society have never been so profound... There are clearly many challenges ahead and many gulfs to bridge." We are left with a country more divided than ever before. The luxury of time spent complaining is over. What we must do now is step up and help bring our country, our communities and families together. There has never been a more critical time! Why you? If you are between the ages of about 45-65, you are a middlescent. It's kind of like being an adolescent with wisdom born of years of life experience. You have the vitality, the wisdom, and the hunger for standing up for what you care about. It is time to break out of our self-imposed, cultural shackles that used to define midlife as a "no man's land" on the way to old age. Advertisement Middlescence can be the most powerful time of your life. Like a second adolescence, it's a stage of change, growth, and action for those bold enough to take it. I've been told that I'm way ahead of the curve on this. I'm happy to report that at least on this front, things are looking up! Here is why: You are at your creative peak: In 2014, 52 percent of new entrepreneurs in the United States were Middlescents (45-64 years); that's a 37 percent increase in less than two decades! You are happier: As a culture, our rates of self-reported happiness begin to rise when we hit 50, and continue upward for the rest of our lives. You can create the change we need now These Purpose Prize winners are "regular folks" who tapped into their inner resources to create change and to serve others. Pam read an article about a small town in Illinois where children were living on dirt floors and going hungry. She organized her friends -- and Fed Ex -- to deliver food to these families each month. Word spread and today she runs Family-to-Family, a nonprofit that addresses the needs of the 46 million Americans and 15 million children living in food-insecure households, and addresses the growing lack of empathy toward those less fortunate. Twenty thousand meals are provided each month to struggling families in 27 American communities in 18 states. James, a Viet Nam combat soldier, learned the power of music of soothing the stress of combat. He would come in from the jungle and play guitar at the service club, firebases and hospitals. He returned home and was a successful musician who wrote symphonies but never confronted his real feelings about his time in Vietnam. After a return visit he realized he wasn't the only veteran struggling since his return. Over time James created the United States Veterans Art Program (USVAP) to provide art resources to veterans' facilities for therapy. USVAP works with 45 facilities in 20 states, reaching more than 10,000 veterans. Advertisement There are many ways to tap into your desire to serve -- be curious, speak out, sign-up and know that one person can make an enormous impact. If only a small percentage of the 80 million middlescents today focus on service to create change, our communities and our country would be a very different place. "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -- Anne Frank The world is moving fast. People want help right NOW. With that in mind, I'm proud to share The Middlescence Manifesto, and it's free for anyone who wants a new way of thinking about and approaching their life and helping heal the rifts that are so very dangerous. The Middlescence Manifesto underscores the importance of owning your power, your history and taking action in your life and the lives of others. Take a read and let me know what you think. I want you to have the knowledge and tools to be the author of your life story and to write our collective future, one person at a time. When you find that place, you can be of greater service to your family, your workplace, your community and the world. Consider the power of millions of middlescents spreading that kind of goodness into in our world. We have never needed it more! Earlier on Huff/Post50: It's essential that progressives learn from Hillary Clinton's devastating defeat. There are two competing theories about what happened: Hillary's campaign blew it or she was cheated. 1) The Clinton Campaign screwed up. The strongest argument is: 2016 was a change election and Clinton's campaign didn't take that seriously. During the Democratic primaries, Bernie Sanders tried to warn the Democratic Party about the economic frustration of working families but somehow the Clinton campaign didn't get this message. In his pre-election survey of likely voters, Democratic pollster Pat Caddell found that two-thirds of respondents agreed, "The real struggle for America is not between Democrats and Republicans but between mainstream American and the ruling political elites." Eighty-one percent of respondents said, "The U.S. has a two-track economy where most Americans struggle every day, where good jobs are hard to find, where huge corporations get all the rewards. We need fundamental changes to fix the inequity in our economic system." Advertisement Hillary understood the "two-track economy" problem but her message was not clear. At the time, "Stronger Together" seemed okay as a slogan but it indicated that Clinton gave as much attention to bigotry as she did economic fairness. While bigotry is a huge problem, in this election economic fairness was by far the dominant issue. Thus, Trump's slogan, "Make America great again," was more effective. Late in the election cycle, when it became clear to the Clinton campaign that they might lose Michigan, they began running TV ads there. However, the Clinton ads attacked Trump; none featured Hillary's economic message. The New York Times exit poll indicated that of those voters whose most important candidate quality was "can bring needed change," 83 percent chose Trump. (Clinton prevailed on all the other qualities: "cares about people like me," "has the right experience," and "has good judgment.") Change voters voted for Trump even though they had an unfavorable opinion of him. Hillary wasn't the right Democratic candidate for a change election. Pat Caddell's survey found 87 percent of respondents believed, "The country is run by an alliance of incumbent politicians, media pundits, lobbyists and other powerful money interests for their own gain at the expense of the American people." Clinton was viewed as an insider and Trump as an outsider, theoretically an agent of change. Advertisement Bernie Sanders would have been a better Democratic candidate because he was seen as an outsider and someone who understood, "the system is rigged." In July, Michael Moore wrote "5 Reasons Why Trump Will Win" and he was right on target. First, he predicted that Trump would focus on, and ultimately carry, four previously blue states: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. States filled with angry voters who feel, "abandoned by Democrats." Second, he predicted the election would be "the last stand of the angry white man." (Trump won white men by a wide margin and Clinton did not get the female voter surge that she expected.) Third, Moore predicted a problem because of Hillary's unpopularity which resulted in a lack of Democratic voter enthusiasm. Fourth, Moore thought that Sanders' voters would ultimately vote for Hillary but unenthusiastically, leading to a depressed turnout. Finally, Moore predicted "the Jesse Ventura effect" where some voters would vote to blow up the system. (On November 8th they voted for Trump because they believed he was a change agent even though they didn't like him.) 2) Hillary was cheated: She won the popular vote and barely lost the electoral vote. The Clinton campaign blames her loss on the October 28th intervention by FBI Director James Comey who, in effect, reopened the issue of the Clinton email server. Certainly this was an unprecedented act; one that some Washington observers felt violated the Hatch Act. But to blame Hillary's loss on this ignores the fact that, even before Comey's intervention, Hillary had a 53 percent unfavorability rating. Clinton didn't hold the "Obama coalition." (She received 5 million fewer votes than Obama did in 2012.) Hillary underperformed among young people, African-Americans, Asians, and Latinos. She also slightly underperformed Obama's numbers among Democrats and Independents. (Trump held 90 percent of Republicans while Clinton held 89 percent of Democrats.) Advertisement Hillary was supposed to overperform Obama among female voters but that didn't happen -- she only attracted 1 point more women (and lost 5 percent of males). According to the Cook Report, Clinton didn't do as strongly among suburban Republicans and college-educated white women as her campaign had expected. Clinton lost Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin by a total of 107,000 votes. Some Hillary supporters feel these votes were stolen. However, an excellent analysis by German Lopez (http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/11/11/13597452/voter-suppression-clinton-trump-2016) concludes that voter suppression does not explain Clinton's loss in Michigan and Pennsylvania: "In Pennsylvania, Clinton got 2 percent fewer votes than Obama did in 2012, while Trump got 11 percent more than Mitt Romney. In Michigan, Clinton got 11 percent fewer votes than Obama did in 2012, while Trump got 8 percent more than Mitt Romney. Clinton simply got fewer people to turn out for her than the last Democrat who ran, while Trump appeared to get more than the previous Republican." Bottom line: This is such a devastating defeat that it's comforting to imagine that Hillary Clinton was cheated by Donald Trump. But that's not what happened: Hillary lost because she ran a losing campaign. When Hillary Clinton conceded the presidency to Donald Trump in the early morning hours of Nov. 9, there was a sound rising around the country that was just as loud as the cheers of the Trumpsters. It was the sound of women sobbing. When Brenna Curti, 24, watched Donald Trump take the stage and accept the presidency of the United States at about 4 am on Wednesday morning, she began to tear up. "I was crying inconsolably. I was emotionally distraught. I actually felt physically sick to my stomach," she reveals. "It was the worst feeling." Advertisement For Ali Stagnitta, 22, a HollywoodLife staffer, the tears came multiple times. "The first was after Trump won Florida and my mother texted me and she said, 'You need to start to manage your expectations. I think a lot of people voted for Trump who didn't admit to it in the polls." Stagnitta found herself weeping again when she woke up the next morning to a shocking text from a friend -- which had arrived at 3:48 am -- "White, racist America has spoken." Then, her roommate came to her door, crying also, and said, "Seventy- eight years ago today, Kristallnacht happened in Germany -- this is America's Kristallnacht." Kristallnacht, for those of you who don't know, was the first night of several organized attacks on Jews who lived in Germany and started on Nov. 9, 1938. Now, that's a pretty intense comparison. However, many women confessed to HollywoodLife.com that they are genuinely feeling frightened by Trump's presidency and the very real effects it could have on their lives and on the lives of their friends, families, coworkers and employees. "At first, Donald Trump's election was almost impossible to believe. It was a shock. It was almost like a death. I didn't see it coming," confesses Olga Vidisheva, 31, and the CEO of Shoptiques, an international shopping site, which she founded. Vidisheva, now a US citizen, immigrated to America from Kyrgyzstan, in Russia, and the prospect of Donald Trump truly terrifies her. "We need safety. Where I grew up, there was violence in the streets. When I came to America, I felt safe as a woman," recalls Vidisheva, who admits that she has cried more than once since Trump was elected. "Donald Trump makes me feel unsafe. He defies basic respect for women. He grabbed women." Advertisement She also fears the consequences of Trump's vow to appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade -- the court ruling guaranteeing a woman's right to an abortion. "It's scary for me that if a woman gets raped or accidentally gets pregnant, she might not be able to get an abortion -- to have control over her own body," confessed Vidisheva. Vidisheva was so upset on the day after the election that she gathered female and male employees into her office who wanted to talk and cry together. "I'm a workaholic, but I couldn't focus that day." For Sydney Levin-Epstein, a 21-year-old senior at George Washington University, the tears began when the reality of Donald Trump's election started to sink in around midnight on Election Night. She was with a group of people watching the results come in, and when Florida was called for Donald Trump "people started wailing." Several of her fellow election result-watchers were new American citizens and some of their families are still trying to become citizens, and the reality, that that the door could be closed to them was devastating. "I had the realization that hate had won this election and I fear now what my life will be like as a woman. No matter how hard we fought we didn't win. The man who said it's okay to 'grab women by the pussy' won," despairs Levin-Epstein. "The horror of that made me cry." Young women tell HollywoodLife.com that they feel overwhelmingly discouraged that a woman -- especially someone as accomplished as Hillary Clinton, still couldn't break the ultimate glass ceiling. "I'm sad that Hillary had a resume and a plan. She laid it all out, while Trump had no plan and he still got elected," points out Stagnitta. Advertisement Brenna Curti, who works for a non-profit, has remained inconsolable and fearful. "I cried myself to sleep after Donald Trump was elected and I felt genuinely afraid when I woke up. My office on Nov. 9 was like a funeral. Men and women -- we all cried during Hillary's concession speech," she recounts. "I'm afraid for my rights as a woman. I'm afraid that the guys who assault drunk women at parties can look at the president as someone like them and think that it's okay," explains Curti. "I'm afraid for my dearest friends who are gay and lesbian and we have a VP (Mike Pence) who wants to send them to conversion therapy. And I'm afraid for my minority friends who will be the victims of racism and will have hateful things said to them." Fear is a new and unwelcome emotion for America's young women. "Many of these women have personalized Hillary's defeat. If she couldn't accomplish her goal, they think -- 'What about me?'" explains relationship expert Dr. Gilda Carle of drgilda.com. But she warns them not "to crumble because of this. You shouldn't self victimize. You have to keep fighting for your goals and rise above this." The next morning we woke at 7 in order to feed the dogs, walk the dogs, play a little ball with the dogs and then, if we still had time, have breakfast ourselves, before meeting at the Democratic office by 9. It was election day. All the intense anxiety that had been produced during this election would soon be over. Unless of course Trump contests the results and there is some violence from his constituents. Maybe they'll be true to their promise to try to impeach Hillary or put her behind bars. Or just prolong the agony with an uncertain outcome and bullshit recounts. We knew we wanted to go back to Chester, the area where the lower income families lived. Although we were officially volunteers in the Swarthmore area, which was right across the street from our hotel conveniently so we just checked in there, told them we were going to Chester again. They said it was fine. They had So many volunteers. Driving past the lush lawns in front of Swarthmore college we silently congratulated ourselves that we were going to the "real" working class neighborhood to talk to the "real" people. We turned onto our first street. Even though we were unsure of where the hell the first address was, we now knew better than to figure it out in the middle of the street, so we parked. We got out of the car and looked at the list of addresses again. I was wearing my new Hillary t-shirt with my coat open when a 10-year-old boy rode by on his bike and said in passing "there are only two Hillary supporters on this street. There and there." Then we looked around and noticed all the Trump Signs up and down the block. It was creepy. A little later, on another street, we had a nasty run in with a gang of 12-year-olds. As I passed they said "ew, that's Hillary Clinton's face." I spun around. "What did you say?" I thought I sounded ludicrously tough but they weren't impressed. "Your shirt. We don't like Hillary Clinton." "Why? What's wrong with her?" I asked "She's going to get us into another war." This was from a young good looking boy. I said "I can understand that you think that way. You will grow up to be a middle aged white man." He looked down at himself and said "no shit, what's your point?" And I said "My point is, that those are the people voting for Trump so I get that, but you girls" ... I turned to two pretty girls that he was standing with. "Are you crazy? Do you know what a misogynist he is?" They looked at me like I was a batty old lady. Lynne stepped in "this is kind of a waste of time." I snapped out of it, and walked away. Why was I letting little kids get me so angry? A few hours later we were coming to the last house on our list. We had taken the dogs out of the car so I held them on their leashes at the sidewalk. Lynne went up the steps and as there was no doorbell outside the screened in porch she went onto the porch to knock on the front door. Two girls about 8 and 10 opened the door and just as Lynne started to ask if their mother was in, a huge German Shepherd lunged at Lynne viscously barking and biting. Lynne was screaming " help, he's attacking me" and I'm holding our dogs on their leashes with Virgil and Scoop tugging and barking. Neither Lynne or I saw who grabbed the dog finally, and dragged him back inside, slamming the door, but suddenly it was over. The attack had lasted for no longer than one minute but it seemed to go on forever as it was truly terrifying. Lynne limped off the porch. She was bleeding a lot on her upper forearm. She had probably used it to defend herself. There was a gouge on her stomach and teeth marks clearly visible. Big cuts on her legs. She said that at one point she had considered trying to take control and command him to sit or something until she looked at him. There was this blind hideous rage aimed at her. For no reason. "Maybe it was my hat. You know how some dogs just HATE hats. Maybe that was it." Lynne felt sure that if he hadn't been dragged away, he would have killed her. She was in shock, so the pain hadn't come yet. We did all the things you have to do when there's an incident. She was taken care of medically and she filed a report. She was very concerned that the dog not be killed or the family held responsible. She just wanted them to know what he was capable of so no one else gets hurt. And she needed to know if he had all his shots. That's all. But now we wanted to get back to the hotel for the party in the lobby that Leanne Krueger Braneky was throwing to celebrate the election results... Our safety and salvation lie in the Constitution and the rule of law. That is why the President's sole oath is to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." Thus, President-elect Donald Trump must void President Barack Obama's Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aiming to restrain Iran's nuclear ambitions because it is an executive agreement that violates the Constitution's Treaty Clause. The Constitution's authors worried that the President would betray national interests for ulterior motives in concluding secret agreements with foreign nations. The example of King Charles II was fixed in their memories. The British Monarch unilaterally negotiated the Secret Treaty of Dover with French King Louis XIV in 1670. Among other things, the treaty provided that Charles II would receive a yearly pension from Louis; that additional sums would be forthcoming when Charles jettisoned Anglicanism for Roman Catholicism; that Louis would provide up to 6,000 French soldiers in the event Charles' treason provoked an English rebellion; and, that Charles would ally with France in its war against the Dutch. Advertisement Accordingly, Article II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution empowers the President, "by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur." To provide treaty advice to the President, half of the eight United States delegates to negotiate the United Nations Charter were Members of Congress: Senators Tom Connally (D-Tex.) and Arthur Vandenberg (R-Mich.), and Representatives Sol Bloom (D-N.Y.) and Charles Eaton (R-N.J.). Presidents William McKinley, Warren Harding, and Herbert Hoover similarly included Senators as U.S. delegates to negotiate treaties. Alexander Hamilton elaborated the reasons for the Treaty Clause in Federalist 75: An avaricious man might be tempted to betray the interests of the state to the acquisition of wealth. An ambitious man might make his own aggrandizement, by the aid of a foreign power, the price of his treachery to his constituents. The history of human conduct does not warrant that exalted opinion of human virtue which would make it wise in a nation to commit interests of so delicate and momentous a kind, as those which concern its intercourse with the rest of the world, to the sole disposal of a magistrate created and circumstanced as would be a President of the United States." President Obama negotiated the JCPOA without congressional participation. Further, the agreement between the United States and Iran is a treaty by any plausible constitutional standard or tradition. Hamilton explained in Federalist 75 that treaty "objects are CONTRACTS with foreign nations, which have the force of law, but derive it from the obligations of good faith. They are not rules prescribed by the sovereign to the subject, but agreements between sovereign and sovereign." Advertisement The JCPOA fits an agreement between sovereign and sovereign like a glove. Moreover, agreements bearing on nuclear arms have traditionally been treaties. They include the Limited Test Ban Treaty, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Intermediate Nuclear Force Treaty, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Even a paltry agreement with Britain over migratory birds was a treaty, i.e., the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1916. Secretary of State John Kerry did not dispute that the JCPOA is a treaty in testifying before the House Foreign Relations Committee. Instead, Mr. Kerry explained that the Obama administration would no longer comply with the Treaty Clause because the threshold of political consensus needed for ratification was too challenging. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) inquired: "Why is this [Iran deal] not considered a treaty?" Secretary Kerry responded: "Well Congressman, I spent quite a few years ago trying to get a lot of treaties through the United States Senate...And frankly, it's become physically impossible. That's why...Because you can't pass a treaty anymore...And it's become impossible to, you know, schedule, it's become impossible to pass. And I sat there leading the charge on the Disabilities Treaty which fell to, basically, ideology and politics. So I think that's the reason why." Alexander Hamilton would have been appalled. The Treaty Clause is to prevent, not to facilitate presidential betrayals or follies. The Constitution's framers would have impeached, convicted, and removed Mr. Kerry from office for his constitutional perfidy. But Congress has degenerated from a vertebrate to an invertebrate institution over the past several decades. Accordingly, Mr. Kerry escaped congressional rebuke. Congress meekly acquiesced in the JCPOA as an executive agreement. Advertisement But the Constitution's separation of powers is a structural bill of rights to protect the American people from tyranny. The Supreme Court has thus held that one branch may not voluntarily surrender its powers to another branch and jeopardize the liberties of the citizenry. Last March, Mr. Trump declared that his "Number-One priority" would be "to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran." That is not an option. It is a constitutional imperative until and unless the Senate ratifies the agreement with a two-thirds majority. The White Helmets During three full days in September 2005, 170 U.N. member states gathered for an extraordinary summit meeting at the U.N. headquarters in New York to assess the state of international development in the world. Once the summit was over, all of the member states in attendance agreed to sign a document entitled the World Summit Outcomes that had a dramatic impact in how the world views the people who order and carry out the most serious crimes. For the first time since the founding of the U.N., the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine was incorporated into a summit declaration. From here on out, according to the tenants of the R2P, the international community would be empowered to take the extreme route of intervening-- militarily if necessary -- if a member state was either unable or unwilling to protect its citizens from crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. The U.N. Charter's core tenant of respect for state sovereignty would now be subordinated in specific cases to the protection of civilians who are under danger from their own government. As the Syrian civil war has increased in brutality, proponents of a more aggressive policy against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad have begun to use the Responsibility to Protect doctrine (R2P) as justification for action. The deadlock over the conflict in the U.N. Security Council between western members and Russia over the past five and a half years -- a French proposal to refer the Syria case to the International Criminal Court for possible investigation and prosecution was defeated in 2014 -- has added to the urgency of many humanitarians. Advertisement However, when we assess the utility and effectiveness of R2P to the Syria situation or any other situation in the future, we cannot ignore how the doctrine has too often been misused and taken to its extreme -- the removal of governments by force of arms. In fact, the R2P throughout its history has become something much different -- a universal code for overthrowing sovereign governments, but couched in humanitarian and moralistic language. On the many instances where the Security Council decided to include the doctrine in its resolutions, military force has been used just as frequently to forcefully dismantle an administration and (attempt to) replace it with a new one. The 2011 NATO intervention in Libya is the most recent example of the Security Council signing off on an internationally-blessed civilian protection mission that was in all actuality a regime change operation by the gun. "Reiterating the responsibility of the Libyan authorities to protect the Libyan people," the Security Council resolution authorized the international community to defend civilians in Benghazi who were at risk of being killed by the forces of former Libyan strongman Muammar al-Qaddafi. The use of kinetic force and airstrikes on Qaddafi's troops, artillery, and air defense equipment were all undertaken in order to create a no-fly zone that would provide people on the ground with some measure of protection from Libyan air and ground attack. Eight months after Qaddafi's forces were driven back from Benghazi and forced to retreat, the Security Council resolution was leveraged by Washington, the U.K., France, and Arab powers to not only extend the mission but to assist rebel units in the field in their drive towards Tripoli. Eight months after the intervention began, Libyan rebels would do just that; Tripoli would fall in August and Qaddafi himself would be captured and executed in October -- all under the cover of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. U.S. officials in years past have also cited R2P to help justify the urgency of deploying America's immense military power against a foreign government. Writing in the New York Times, Richard Perle reminded readers that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was a menace to his own people and a madman that needed to be taken out before he did any more damage to his country and his region. Removing Saddam, he wrote, "would be met with dancing in the streets" and would send a message to other autocratic governments in the Middle East that tyranny and torture is no way to rule your citizens. Advertisement Three and a half years before that article was written, President Bill Clinton signed the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 that made it official U.S. policy to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein and replace it with a new government that was democratically elected by the Iraqi people. The legislation made it clear that Saddam's use of chemical weapons against the Kurds in 1988 was one of the reasons why regime change in Iraq was an appropriate U.S. policy -- an argument that supporters of the R2P doctrine could support on humanitarian and human rights grounds. The Bush administration's case for war against Iraq in 2003, although dependent in large part on the need to shut down Iraq's supposed weapons of mass destruction programs, also had a humanitarian dimension. In public speeches, committee hearings, and interviews, administration officials and President Bush himself consistently drilled home a point that was highly appealing to proponents of R2P; Saddam Hussein as a mass murderer, an abuser, a torturer, a overt danger to his neighbors, and a man who used chemical weapons multiple times both against the Iranians and against the Kurds. These are precisely the kinds of crimes that the R2P doctrine is designed to stop, and supporters of the invasion of Iraq recognized that using a human rights angle would bolster their case. Five years after civilian protection was specifically included as a rationale by the Security Council to remove Muammar al-Qaddafi, the R2P doctrine is being used along the same lines today to remove the Assad regime. The reason why humanitarian considerations are being cited by advocates for a more interventionist policy in Syria is obvious; like Qaddafi, Assad is responsible for heinous crimes, including but not limited to bombing all kinds of civilian targets, withholding food and medical supplies to starve rebel areas into submission, and the conversion of jails and interrogation centers as execution grounds. All of these actions -- war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing -- are against the Geneva Conventions and are crimes that the R2P doctrine was created to stop. But we shouldn't be under any illusions. When taking the entire history of the R2P into account, the doctrine is as much about removing governments in order to protect civilians as it is about stopping the bloodshed in the first place. And as we have seen in Iraq and Libya in years past, stopping the bloodshed inevitably drifts towards the more expansive and ambitious objective of overthrowing a government through by military means. Unfortunately, in too many cases we have seen the intervention prolong and exacerbate suffering and post-conflict phases only breeding more death to the civilians the international community hoped to protect. Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, a Trump national security adviser, has been paid by Turkish money laundered through a Dutch company to lobby on behalf of the Turkish government. More than bad judgement, Flynn's egregious conduct raises ethical questions. It also casts doubt on his suitability for public office. The Flynn Intel Group signed a contract with the Dutch company, Inovo BV, on September 15. The contract requires Flynn to lobby on appropriations bills for the departments of State and Defense. Flynn's duties also include keeping his client informed about "the transition between President Obama and President-Elect Trump." Inovo BV is thinly capitalized and operates in deficit on an ongoing basis. Did Flynn vet Inovo BV before signing his deal? Was he willfully ignorant about where the money was coming from? Advertisement Inovo BV is a front organization for Inovo Turkije, which profits from contracts with the Turkish government. Ekim Alptek, a close associate of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, founded both Inovo BV and Inovo Turkije. Alptekin is chairman of the Turkish-American Business Council, an arm of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey, whose members are designated by the Economy Minister and the Turkish Grand National Assembly. If Flynn knew about Alptekin's ties to the Turkish government, he violated US law by failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), and declaring himself a foreign agent. Flynn's pro-Turkish positions compound concerns arising from his judgement and ethical lapse. Under Inovo's contract, Flynn published an op-ed on election day in The Hill that heaped praise on Erdogan and calling on the US Government to extradite the Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, whom Erdogan accuses of masterminding the coup on July 15, 2016. His article echoed statements by Erdogan and Turkish officials. Flynn's opinions were a dramatic departure from his previous views. Simply put, Flynn was bought. He should not be lobbying on behalf of Turkey - period. Turkey provided weapons, money, and logistical support for jihadist groups in Syria including the Islamic State in 2014 and 2015. Turkey is Islamist; Erdogan's Justice and Development Party acts like a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkey targets oppositionists. More than 100,000 security and public officials have been arrested or dismissed since July. Turkey is anti-American; Erdogan disparaged US officials for cooperating with Syrian Kurds (America's best ally in Syria). Turkey commits war crimes, killing scores of Kurdish civilians in Turkey's Southeast. Flynn's name has been floated as head of the National Security Agency, as well as other top national security positions. In any of these roles, Flynn would be deeply involved in Turkish issues. Such responsibility requires someone who is free from foreign entanglements. Flynn should disclose what he was paid and when by Inovo. He should clarify his current contractual obligations and itemize the services he performed for Turkey. If he does not come clean, Flynn should be disqualified from consideration for a top job in the Trump administration. I know that some of you are still scrambling to wrap your heads around how the media, corporate America and basically everyone that you get your information from could have been so terribly wrong but it happened. So before you go flipping through pages looking for another excuse as to how/why this happened or searching of ways that the guy who hasn't even started the job yet has gone back on proposed policies. Take a little time, relax and enjoy the short. Everything will be OK-S You're heard the news stories over the past few days the Trump transition is in disarray. Trump has appointed the Alt-right Breitbart Steve Bannon as an advisor. Governor Christie was fired as the transition team head and replaced by Mike Pence, who has failed to register to do this job. There are stories of conflicts of interest, private jealousies, and a Trump retreat on many of his election promises. His transition makes the gang who could not shoot straight look great. Perhaps among those who voted for him there already is buyer's remorse. For those who did not-the majority of Americans who voted for Clinton as opposed to Trump, there is the sense that he does not deserve to be president because he received more than a million votes fewer than her, his election is illegitimate. Take heart! The electors in the Electoral College could still swing this election back to Hillary Clinton when they meet across the country to cast the ballots for their states on December 19. You've heard there is a petition with hundreds of thousands of signatures encouraging just that, and perhaps as a thought exercise we should entertain this option as a serious possibility.. Advertisement Constitutionally they have the power to do that, and if they care about democracy and the will of the people, that is the right answer. First, I did not support or vote for Hillary Clinton. Having said that, I believe that because Hillary Clinton did win a majority of the popular vote, she should be our next President. That would be the case if the President were selected directly by the people. Majority rule by the people through elections is central to almost everyone's conception of what a modern representative government is, and in democracies around the world, the people select their leaders that way. Not so, currently, in the United States. Instead, the President is selected by the Electoral College. Advertisement That should not happen in this day and age. The Electoral College model of electing a leader is an outdated, anti-democratic institution. In 1787, when those who framed our government deliberated the drafting of the Constitution, the Electoral College was selected as the mechanism to pick the President for three reasons. First, it was a by-product of a compromise of a conflict between the big versus small states. Sparsely populated states feared they would be ignored if population were the basis of Presidential selection. Second, southern states feared that if population were a basis to pick a President the populous northern states would outlaw slavery. It was this same fear of slavery being banned that led to the famous "three-fifths compromise" that counted slaves as only partial humans for the purposes of taxes and representation. Third, the framers of the Constitution and our government simply feared common persons, seeing them not as competent to select a position so powerful and important as the President. Advertisement Alexander Hamilton, writing in defense of the Electoral College in Federalist Paper 68, declared of the President "the sense of the people should operate in the choice of the person to whom so important a trust was to be confided." Yet, he declared that such a choice should be entrusted to a small group of people consisting of "men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station. . .[and who] will be most likely to possess the information and discernment requisite to such complicated investigations." In his Notes of the Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, James Madison quotes several of the constitutional framers who opposed directed popular selection of the President, such as Elbridge Gerry, who saw the people as "uninformed, and would be misled by a few designing people." And in Max Farrand's definitive The Records of the Federal Convention of 1987, Roger Sherman said that the people will "never be sufficiently informed." Moreover in his classic defense of the Electoral College, historian Martin Diamond saw the institution as a means to protect minority rights, guarding the country against regionalism, sectionalism. The Electoral College was the product of slavery, racism, and distrust of the people to make their own choices. It is part of a Constitution silent on the right to vote, and to this day there remains no constitutional right for the people to vote for President. The Constitution ignores the popular vote, and delegates to the states the power to select the Presidential electors. It is merely by the grace of state laws that we are permitted to go to the polls to chose the electors who eventually chose the President. With this election, we will now have experienced five elections where the winner of the popular vote was selected as President but where that winner was not allowed to serve as President. Hope that the Electoral College would protect small states from being ignored or that the Electoral College model would prevent only a few states or regions of the country from determining the presidency have not lived up to the founders' intent. As I pointed out in Presidential Swing States: Why Only Ten Matter, the Presidential election process has fallen into a predictable pattern where only a handful of swing voters in a few swing counties in a few swing states ultimately decide the election. It happened again in 2016. This is hardly democratic, producing a system where the voices of only a few are heard and the majority are ignored or disenfranchised in many states. Advertisement The Electoral College is simply outdated, it distorts the views of the majority in the ways the constitutional framers never would have envisioned, and it operates with a view of democracy and of the people that is inconsistent with contemporary conceptions of what a representative democracy should be-which is that the people have a constitutional right through free elections to let the majority pick their President. So what is to be done? A 2011 Gallup poll indicated that 62% of the public supports amending the Constitution to allow for direct popular vote of the President. However, amending the Constitution is near impossible, and doing so would not change the outcome of this election in favor of the candidate who was selected by popular vote. There is another option that can be exercised, and I urge our electors to truly consider it. Come December 19, when the electors of the different states convene across the country, they should simply exercise their legally-viable independent judgment that the constitutional framers envisioned and do what Alexander Hamilton declared is in the best "sense of the people"-and cast their vote for Hillary Clinton for President. It need not even be all the electors who do that. Simply having some of the electors in the close swing states of Florida, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin split evenly to reflect the popular votes in those states would be sufficient to ensure the people's choice is made, that the people's are heard and valued, to show the people--each one of us--should and do count. It would not be unprecedented for electors to cast their votes independently. Over time there have been 157 "faithless electors," as they are called, members of the Electoral College who did not vote for their party designated candidate who won the state. The most recent was in 2004 when an anonymous elector in Minnesota voted not for John Kerry but John Edwards for President. Advertisement The Electoral College may be a broken model-yes, but it's our existing model-yes again, so why should the electors not do what can and should be done, which is legal and ethical within the framework of the existing model, and vote for the popular candidate? Dear President-elect Donald Trump, Your probability-defying win showed that unexpected events are all around us. We don't always know what's going to happen. But with the climate system, there exist certain feedback loops that build upon each other exponentially. We can't expect rising temperatures to be contained. And we can't rely on the status quo to fight a disaster we know is coming, but whose contours we can't see clearly yet. The World Meteorological Organization just released a report on the state of the world's climate. As I've written on this blog before, 2016 is shaping up to be the hottest year on record. The organization reports: "Annual and long-term changes in the climate system can aggravate social, humanitarian and environmental pressure. According to International Organisation for Migration, population migration is expected to increase as a result of more frequent and potentially more intense weather-related disasters, competition and conflict over shrinking resources, and rising sea levels rendering coastal and low-lying zones uninhabitable." The world will be a much more chaotic and messy place if we don't stop climate change soon. Advertisement The WMO's Secretary-General Petteri Taalas reports: "'In parts of Arctic Russia, temperatures were 6C to 7C above the long-term average. Many other Arctic and sub-Arctic regions in Russia, Alaska and northwest Canada were at least 3C above average. We are used to measuring temperature records in fractions of a degree, and so this is different." The Arctic permafrost contains tons of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Warming there could unlock this methane and exacerbate already dangerous warming. Your election proved that there is reason to question business as usual. While I disagree with many of your policies, I agree that our cultural and political class needs to be shaken up to care about the economically disadvantaged. You smartly saw this--and no one else did. I also have a track record of ruffling feathers and questioning taken-for-granted notions. I think you could use your ability to see the unseen to solve the climate crisis. David W. Orr writes in his book Dangerous Years, "What is now at stake is so immense that we hesitate to call it by its right name. Indeed it is so irrevocable, irreversible, vast and unprecedented that we have no words for it. Call it the 'death of birth,' the end of evolution, 'ecocide,' or the destruction of civilization. But by any name we have no adequate way to describe the enormity of what is at risk and the losses and suffering that we are imposing on posterity." He continues, But how, in the age of science and information, did this come to be? Of many possibilities I will mention the two that I think will prove to be helpful in making the transition to a decent future. The first is that along the way to the postmodern world, we lost much of the capacity for gratitude and ceased to believe that the mystery of life was a gift at all. Life happened by chance and evolution and not as a gift that implies a giver or the obligation to return the gift. In a more calculating time, gratitude ran inversely proportional to favors not yet granted. It was not always so. (Orr also identifies our loss of ritual as a factor as to why we've fallen asleep on conserving a livable climate.) One of the most important things you can do to stop climate change is to advance and build upon the Paris agreement on climate reached in December of 2015. You can use your business acumen to spur innovation in our adoption of clean energy. And you can lead by example by promoting scientific advisers who do not question climate change because they have cooler heads; but who are so invested in hard facts that they see how complex crises can actually create business opportunities. I'm known as a dreamer. You're known as a take-no-guff businessman. When the dreamers get to work and the businesspeople learn to dream, there's no end to what the world can accomplish. I hope you take my advice and work to stop climate change. Sincerely, By Leticia Guzman Ingram 2016 Colorado State Teacher of the Year Basalt High School, Basalt Colorado Teachers constantly hear how American's education system is broken and not performing at the same level as other countries in the world. I recently returned from a trip to Finland so I could better understand why its students are performing at such a high level and what we could learn from them to improve our own schools. This trip was organized through a collaboration between the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), which runs the National Teacher of the Year Program, and EF Education First. While in Finland, I had opportunities to visit schools and converse with many educators. I experienced different aspects of the Finnish culture and learned about the supports that exist for educators in their country. Here are a few key takeaways from Finland that inspired me while also making me feel proud about the things we're doing right here in the U.S. Advertisement Valued Educators The teacher education program is top notch in Finland and very competitive for high schools students interested in entering a university teacher education program. As I questioned different Finnish educators about their teacher's program - I was surprised to find out how hard it was to become a teacher. Only the top 10 percent of graduating high school students can be considered a candidate for Finland's teacher education program. Students must also complete a written exam on educational pedagogy and only the top candidates from that exam are interviewed and then chosen for acceptance into a rigorous five year education program where they not only complete a bachelors but also a masters. You can see why teachers are valued in this country and given autonomy, trust, and respect. Teachers in Finland are trusted to do what they're best at - teach! There are no standardized tests to hold schools and teachers accountable for the work that they do. Educators in Finland are more focused on their students' experiencing love of learning than they are in the measurement of achievement. Sometimes I find myself so focused on standardized tests that I forget about the joy I want students to feel when they are learning. I want my students to love learning not so because they may get a high score, but because they thirst of more knowledge for themselves. Less is More We heard this mantra of less is more again and again. I was amazed as I looked around the Finnish classrooms I visited and didn't see any technology in the Finnish schools we visited. There were no smartboards, computer labs, or any other shiny gadgets anywhere. Educators in Finland focus more on critical thinking and students are not so quick to "Google" the answers. In the past, I have worried that I did not have enough technology in my classroom, but this trip I was reminded that should not be my top concern. Rather than using technology, the Fins are focused on learning through play. Diversity is Our Strength It is truly hard to compare the Finnish Education System with the United States because of the constant changing demographics that we are experiencing in our country. Finland is 90 percent homogenous, 90 percent of the population speaks the same language, 90 percent people follow the same religion. In the United States, our classrooms are full of many different languages, skin colors, religions, and cultures. In my little school, 58 percent of the student body speaks English as a second language. I am not suggesting that we use our diversity as an excuse for not achieving at the same level as Finland, but we must accept it as one of our greatest challenges to view our diversity as a gift that we can leverage to educate all our students to a very high level. I am very proud to be a United States teacher knowing that many students from all over the world desire the opportunity to be educated in American schools. We value the diversity that our classrooms represent and know this is what the real world looks like. Even Finland will not stay homogenous forever. Each year at Basalt High School, we host a Thanksgiving Dinner for all the English Language Learners and their families. Around 350 family members and students attend the dinner to help them sense and understand what the cultural implications of the Thanksgiving tradition are all about in our country. It is a very emotional evening watching all these newcomers eating together sharing full plates of the traditional servings of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce and, of course, pumpkin pie. What started out as a small project has resulted in an an entire community coming together to celebrate one of America's most important traditions with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Advertisement What Can Finland Learn From Us? On the last day of my trip, a Finnish administrator asked me for advice on how we are educating immigrants coming from other countries. He said the demographics in Finland were changing and he knew in time, they would be coming to us seeking advice. That really struck me. I strongly believe that we always become stronger collaborating and working hand in hand together. I came away so impressed with the Finnish school system and was even more impressed that day to see the humility they demonstrated by realizing they need to learn from us too. The aftermath of a divorce can be expensive and is an experience that is dreaded by most couples. While lovers try their best to save their marriages, sometimes divorce is the only logical conclusion. And things get hotter when there are huge amounts of wealth that need to be split. This is mostly the case with entrepreneurs and business tycoons who must make settlements worth millions. This group is known for making the largest divorce settlements in history, amounting to millions of dollars. Here are five entrepreneurs who have lost millions because they did not plan their divorce well: Samathur Li Kin-Kan Li Kin-Kan divorced his wife, Florence Tsang-Chiu-wing, because she refused to perform an abortion. As a result, this property tycoon had to pay an estimated $157 million, making it the largest settlement in Asian history, at the time. Advertisement Chiu-wing had declined the abortion request and subsequently discovered that her husband was having an affair; events that led to the end of their eight-year marriage in 2008. The cost of the settlement was equivalent to 20 percent of Li Kin-Kan's net worth and was granted under a new law that suggested a 50-50 split of assets. In fact, Judge John Saunders, who presided over the case, considered the maintenance of an expensive yacht, among other expenses, claiming that Tsang was entitled to maintain a lifestyle she had been accustomed to. According to Li, his wife had 'tricked' him into getting pregnant at a time when he was not prepared. Even though she had requested a higher figure initially, she was satisfied with the final amount. Adnan Khashoggi Saudi entrepreneur Adnan Khashoggi married Sandra Daly in 1961. Unfortunately, the couple called it quits in 1982, resulting in an estimated $874 million divorce settlement. Khashoggi's divorce held the record between the 60's and 80's as the most expensive divorce settlement. Advertisement Sandra Daly, who later changed her name to Soraya, had initially sued her husband for $2.54 billion before the couple agreed to a final figure ($874 million). The divorce delayed for five years until the judge passed an order for the payment. Both Adnan and Soraya opted to file for a divorce uncontested. This meant that the reason for the divorce would be withheld and would not be disclosed to the public. Craig McCaw Mc Caw made a fortune after selling his communications company, but a year later, he had to share the 'reward' with his wife, Wendy McCaw, whom he had met at Stanford University in the early 1970s. Wendy received an estimated $460 million; an amount that earned her a slot (at that time) in the top 400 list of the most wealthy people in the United States. The two separated after 21 years citing personal differences after Craig Mc Caw initiated the divorce. Craig insisted that much of the $1.3 billion fortune was his, claiming that the wealth had been generated from a series of investments in collaboration with his family members. On the other hand, Wendy maintained that much of the fortune was community property. Advertisement At the time, the Washington state was governed by the community property principle. According to this principle, property earned after marriage belonged to both couples. Roman Abramovich Roman Abramovich divorced his wife Irina in 2007, leaving her with at least four homes in the United Kingdom and a whopping $300 million. The two had been married for 15 years and had conceived five children. Trouble started in 2005 when Roman was rumored to have been spotted with a Russian model named Daria Zhukova. According to British tabloids, the young woman was the reason for the tension. The 25-year-old Daria was said to have started an affair with Roman in February 2006 when the two met. At first, Irina began consultations with UK lawyers but the divorce was finalized in Russia, a move that is said to have saved Roman millions. The Russian law, back then, stated that assets be split on a 50-50 basis. However, women did not have a claim on their spouse's future earnings, as was the case in Britain. Advertisement Michael Polsky Maya Polsky, the wife to Michael Polsky, filed a divorced in 2003 against the businessman citing irreconcilable differences. Maya's attorney argued that she was entitled to half of Michael's asset because the wealth had been accumulated after their wedding. The divorce took four years to finalize, and Judge Boyd ruled in favor of Maya and awarded her $184 million. At the time of the fallout, Illinois law gave judges the powers to decide how much compensation each party deserved. Lawyers representing Michael Polsky insisted that he had full ownership of the wealth. However, Maya's attorneys maintained that she had been Michael's confidant through difficult times and needed to be considered as a full partner. Donald Trump, among his many court battles, has three civil lawsuits that accuse him, his eponymous school, the university's former president, and an LLC behind the venture of fraud, breach of contract, false advertising and racketeering, a pattern of illegal activity -- specifically mail and wire fraud -- designed to defraud the public. Judge Gonzalo Curiel, the U.S. judge overseeing two of the lawsuits against President-elect Donald Trump and his Trump University told both sides they would be wise to settle the case "given all else that's involved," reports Reuters. Given that he is now President-elect, some are wondering why he doesn't settle before the November 28 trial, which would reveal in detail that Trump University was a shell game--literally. It was a university in name only that didn't confer degrees, for example, and Donald Trump is accused of running a criminal organization under RICO, The Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Advertisement The latest development from a source familiar with the discussions says the White House-bound mogul's legal team wants a global settlement that would end all three complaints, including a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, according to the New York Daily News. But "We are not going to settle this case out cheaply," Patrick Coughlin, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told reporters last Thursday. So Trump's allegedly fraudulent behavior could seriously damage his pocketbook, as well as he reputation. The Trump University fraud trials have a 6-year history. Lawyers for the president-elect are squaring off against students who claim they were lured by false promises to pay up to $35,000 to learn Trump's real estate investing "secrets" from his "hand-picked" instructors. Instead, they were lured into maximizing their credit cards in what was characterized as a classic Bait and Switch scheme. Instead of professional courses in real estate investing that were personally supervised by Donald Trump, they were handed materials copied from other courses, and taught by instructors with no record of success, or any other qualifications. Advertisement And Donald Trump walked away with $millions. The underlying civil lawsuit names Trump as a defendant and claims his now-defunct Trump University defrauded students out of $40 million in course fees. The case was first filed in 2010 and covers a class of some 7,600 students in New York, Florida and California-that included veterans, retired police officers and teachers. Trump personally received approximately $5 million of it, despite his claim, repeated in the Time Magazine interview, "that he started Trump University as a charitable venture." So Trump has good reason to fear the lawsuits over Trump University: They put a lie to a central plank of his campaign. The disappointed students suing him argue that Trump is not a wildly successful entrepreneur or a canny dealmaker but rather a fraudster who made promises he couldn't keep, said Time Magazine. The legal proceedings have already revealed the details of the Trump University scam. Thanks to an order from Curiel, they could also reveal a closely guarded secret: Trump's net worth. And now President-elect Trump is asking for Top-Secret clearances for his two sons and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are being tasked to run his more than 200 business affiliations. No conflict of interest there? And when President, he will be in a position to appoint the next IRS Director, while his tax returns are being audited. USA TODAY reports the overall ugly picture of his business practices that emerges goes far beyond Trump's use of bankruptcy court, where debts can be forgiven or restructured depending on their category and type of federal bankruptcy filing. What's most provocative about USA Today's reporting, is how Trump has a longstanding pattern of ignoring his bills and walking away from debts owed contractors and employees. "At least 60 lawsuits, along with hundreds of liens, judgments and other government filings reviewed by the USA Today Network, document people who have accused Trump and his businesses of failing to pay them for their work," the newspaper wrote recently. "Among them: a dishwasher in Florida. A glass company in New Jersey. A carpet company. A plumber. Painters. Forty-eight waiters. Dozens of bartenders and other hourly workers at his resorts and clubs, coast to coast. Real estate brokers who sold his properties. And, ironically, several law firms that once represented him in these suits and others." It's almost two weeks before his trial on the RICO charges is scheduled to begin on November 28. Trump probably will attempt to stall it into his Presidency, though Judge Curiel has said he is not inclined to do so. So we will get to see in more detail the sordid portrait of this man that some 60 million have elected to be our next President, or we may not, if he agrees to a settlement before then. Either way, we hope it provides some justice to the 7,600 plaintiffs--many of whom lost valuable life savings--in chasing his con game.. Harlan Green 2016 An unusual amalgam of the interactivity of the street combined with the formality of a gallery environment, Magic City opened this fall in a converted factory in Dresden, Germany with an eclectic selection of 40+ artists spanning the current and past practices of art in the street. Skewville. Children enjoying Skewville's "tete-a-tete" shopping cart. Ernest Zacharevic's mobile in the background. (photo Jaime Rojo) Advertisement With revered culture critic and curator Carlo McCormick at the helm alongside curator Ethel Seno, the richly marbled show runs a gamut from 70's subway train writers and photographers like Americans Daze, Henry Chalfant, and Martha Cooper to the Egyptian activist Ganzeer, Italian interventionist Biancoshock, popagandist Ron English, and the eye-tricking anamorphic artist from the Netherlands, Leon Keer. Veering from the hedonistic to the satiric to head-scratching illusions, the collection allows you to go as deep into your education about this multifaceted practice of intervening public space as you like, including just staying on the surface. Ernest Zacahrevic mobile with a "listening station" on the left. (photo Jaime Rojo) It's not an easy balance to strike - some of these artists have heavy hearts and withering critiques of human behaviors and institutional hypocrisies ranging from 1st World treatment of refugees to celebrity culture to encroaching surveillance on individual rights, government oppression, and urban blight. Magic City doesn't try to shield you from the difficult topics, but the exhibition also contains enough mystery, fanboy cheer, eye candy and child-like delight that the kids still have plenty of fun discoveries to take selfies with. We also saw a few kissing couples, so apparently there is room for some romance as well. Advertisement A visitor to Magic City enjoys a "listening station". (photo Jaime Rojo) "We believe that even the typical city is uncommon, and that the idiosyncrasies that make each city unique are collectively something they all have in common," says McCormick in his text describing the exhibition. "This is then a celebration of the universal character of cities as well as a love letter to their infinite diversity. The special magic that comes from our cities is germinated in the mad sum of their improbable juxtapositions and impossible contradictions." Of particular note is the sound design throughout the exhibition by Sebastian Purfurst and Hendrick Neumerkel of LEM Studios that frequently evokes an experiential atmosphere of incidental city sounds like sirens, rumbling trains, snatches of conversations and musical interludes. Played at varying volumes, locations, and textures throughout the exhibition, the evocative city soundscape all adds to a feeling of unexpected possibilities and an increased probability for new discovery. Olek's carousel from above. (photo Jaime Rojo) Obviously this Magic City cannot be all things to all people, and some will criticize the crisp presentation of a notably gritty series of subcultures, or perhaps the omission of one genre or technique or important artist. It's not meant to be encyclopedic, rather a series of insights into a grassroots art and activism practice that continues to evolve in cities before our eyes. For full disclosure, we curated the accompanying BSA Film Program for Magic City by 12 artists and collectives which runs at one end of the vast hall - and Mr. Rojo is on the artist roster with 15 photographs of his throughout the exhibition, so our view of this show is somewhat skewed. Here we share photographs from the exhibition taken recently inside the exhibition for you to have a look for yourself. Advertisement Olek (photo Jaime Rojo) Ron English (photo Jaime Rojo) A MadC installation made with thousands of spray can caps. (photo Jaime Rojo) Belgian urban naturalist ROA (photo Jaime Rojo) Skewville. ROA (photo Jaime Rojo) Skewville (photo Jaime Rojo) Daze (photo Jaime Rojo) Martha Cooper at the gallery. (photo Jaime Rojo) Henry Chalfant at the gallery. (photo Jaime Rojo) Bordalo II (photo Jaime Rojo) Andy K. detail. (photo Jaime Rojo) Dan Witz (photo Jaime Rojo) Dan Witz (photo Jaime Rojo) Isaac Cordal. Detail. (photo Jaime Rojo) Isaac Cordal (photo Jaime Rojo) Anders Gjennestad AKA Strok (photo Jaime Rojo) Icy & Sot with Asbestos on the left. (photo Jaime Rojo) Replete (photo Jaime Rojo) Truly (photo Jaime Rojo) Leon Keer (photo Jaime Rojo) Jaime Rojo. A young visitor enjoying the Kids Trail through a peephole with Jaime's photos inside an "electrical box". (photo Jaime Rojo) Jaime Rojo. The Kids Trail wasn't only for kids it seems. (photo Jaime Rojo) Tristan Eaton on the right. Olek on the left. (photo Jaime Rojo) Aiko at the Red Light District. (photo Jaime Rojo) The Yok & Sheryo (photo Jaime Rojo) Herakut. Detail. (photo Jaime Rojo) Herakut (photo Jaime Rojo) Full list of participating artists: Aiko, AKRylonumerik, Andy K, Asbestos, Benus, Jens Besser, Biancoshock, Mark Bode, Bordalo II, Ori Carino & Benjamin Armas, Henry Chalfant, Martha Cooper, Isaac Cordal, Daze, Brad Downey, Tristan Eaton, Ron English, Shepard Fairey, Fino'91, Ganzeer, Anders Gjennestad, Ben Heine, Herakut, Icy & Sot, Leon Keer, Loomit, MadC, OakOak, Odeith, Olek, Qi Xinghua, Replete, Roa, Jaime Rojo, Skewville, SpY, Truly, Juandres Vera, WENU, Dan Witz, Yok & Sheryo, Ernest Zacharevic. Visit MAGIC CITY DRESDEN for more details, news, videos and the blog. ____________________ Please note: All content including images and text are BrooklynStreetArt.com, unless otherwise noted. We like sharing BSA content for non-commercial purposes as long as you credit the photographer(s) and BSA, include a link to the original article URL and do not remove the photographer's name from the .jpg file. Otherwise, please refrain from re-posting. Thanks! A version of this article is also posted on Brooklyn Street Art here. and here Read all posts by Steven P. Harrington and Jaime Rojo on The Huffington Post HERE. See new photos and read scintillating interviews every day on BrooklynStreetArt.com Follow us on Instagram @bkstreetart A small business owner wears many hats--and one of them is usually an accountant's. Deciding whether to do your taxes on your own or hire a professional is just one of the many decisions that you'll need to make each year ahead of tax time. But either way, the time to start preparing for next year's taxes is right now. Many small business operators should be preparing year-round--or at the very least, before the start of the next calendar year. With that in mind, we're offering our small business taxes prep list as a guide to everything you need to know before filing next year's return. Advertisement 1. Familiarize Yourself With The Forms You'll Need You can't file your taxes correctly without the right form, so identifying the proper tax documents you'll need is one of the first steps that any small business owner should take. The type of form you require will depend on the nature of the enterprise you run. If you're a sole proprietor , attach a Schedule C Form to your personal income tax return, or use a 1099-MISC , attach a Schedule C Form to your personal income tax return, or use a 1099-MISC If you're a corporation , use a 1120 Form , use a 1120 Form If you have S Corporation status, use an 1120S status, use an 1120S If you're a partnership, report expenses, income and losses on a Form 1065 2. Gather All The Financial Documents You'll Need to Complete Your Return The amount of information you'll need to file can be pretty extensive. Here's a list of some of the most common documents that small business owners should track down before filing: Bank statements Statements for business credit cards and personal credit cards Payroll documents Last year's business tax return Partnership agreements Accounting documents Asset purchase details Depreciation schedules By making sure all this information is on-hand before beginning, business owners can make the tax preparation process less time-consuming. 3. Make A List of Income and Expenses If you run a small business, be prepared to make a thorough accounting of all income and expenses associated with the company. Items that fall under the income category include: Gross receipts Checking and saving account interest (Form 1099-INT) Sales records Returns and allowances Other unclassified income Typical expenses that must be accounted for include: Employee wages Office rent or portion of the rent or mortgage of your home Insurance premiums Fees paid to professionals such as your accountant Payment to contractors (Form 1099-MISC or 1096) Transportation and travel Advertising Phones and communication devices Computers and internet fees Office supplies and equipment Having a detailed accounting of all income and expenses is critically important to preparing an accurate return. 4. Examine Your Deductions With a Fine-tooth Comb Deductions are similar, but not identical, to expenses. Whether you operate your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, you're allowed to deduct "ordinary and necessary" expenses required to running your business. If you can prove that an expense is relevant, you can deduct it from your taxable income--lowering your income, which lowers the tax that you owe. Small business owners are entitled to a variety of deductions: furniture, supplies, software, employee reimbursement, and some startup costs are just a few of the dozens of possible deductions a business owner can take. Advertisement Insurance is another key deduction for most businesses. Premiums you pay related to malpractice, worker's compensation, and liability are generally deductible. You also might be able to deduct medical and dental premiums for you and your dependents if you operate a sole proprietorship or partnership. Plus, tax credits are available for some small business owners who pay a certain percentage of employee healthcare costs. If you research them thoroughly and employ them correctly, these deductions can save you a substantial amount of money by lowering your tax bill--money that can then be invested back into your business to help it grow. But if you interpret the tax code wrong and take deductions that you shouldn't, you're inviting an audit--and potential financial penalties down the road. 5. Get Your Financial House in Order Nothing will slow you down faster than sloppy record keeping. Make sure all your records are current and accurate, and keep everything you might conceivably need. A good rule of thumb is this: if you have data and you're uncertain whether you should keep it... Keep it. Only discard documents and information you're positive has no further use. Advertisement Generally speaking, the IRS suggests keeping tax-related documents for three years after filing, although the timeframe varies for different criteria. Additionally, it's a good idea to learn about the latest and greatest in technology. Cloud-based tax software and accounting systems can help you keep a close eye on your data and help you make sure that you get everything you're entitled to. 6. Explore Your Options If You Need Additional Time If April 15th is bearing down and you feel like you're not going to make it, there's some good news: the IRS allows businesses to ask for a filing extension. Use Form 7004 to request an extension to file your business income tax. There are some other factors to consider, however. While your extension request might buy you extra time to file, it won't push back your deadline for making a payment. If you fail to pay by April 15, you'll expose your business to the possibility of extra financial penalties and accrued interest. *** Very few people look forward to tax season--and that often goes double for the people responsible for both business and personal taxes. Advertisement We usually focus on small business loans and small business funding, but we wanted to create this guide to put you in the best position to negotiate next year's taxes with ease. Ferrugia asked, "Rolly, is Scott McInnis lying to us?" After some thought Fischer said, "Yes." The 82-year-old said, "I never knew about the foundation or any foundation Scott was associated with." "Did you know how he was using these?" Ferrugia asked, referring to the articles. "No. I had this sophomoric assumption that he wanted them for his own inventory," said Fischer. Last week, the New York City chapter of Alpha Omega (AO) International Dental Fraternity celebrated a global tradition with an evening reminiscent of community, charity and philanthropy. The Fraternity participated in a worldwide event called 'Shabbat Across AO,' which has become an annual practice (Facebook). Dr. Allen Finkelstein, past vice chairman of AO foundation and Dr. Wendy Spektor, international president of AO introducing Dr. Michael Alfano with AO Achievement Medal. Photo: Jake Luckman. During Shabbat Across AO, more than fifty AO chapters across the globe unite to honor their members as well as their friends and families with the intention to offer a supportive professional alliance. Although dentistry is the common bond linking Fraternity members, this event transcends the profession and offers a communal tie that is unique to most professional organizations. Advertisement Dr. Michael Spektor, past international president, leading the Shabbat kiddush. Photo:AO/Lloyd Grauman. The spiritual undertones of keeping the Sabbath are reflected in offering gratitude, connection, and openness. The traditional song "Shalom Aleichem" is sung before a Sabbath meal, which is a song about peace and completeness. The world is complete on Shabbat, as it is a time wherein one may focus on family, togetherness, and the joy of life in general. 'Shabbat Across AO' has become an annual practice, this year at the Kosciuszko Foundation located on New York's Upper East Side. Photo: Dr. Whitney Mostafiz. The beauty and magic in enjoying this event globally is that Alpha Omega members are connected all over the world as they celebrate together, becoming one great community that shares a common goal. Advertisement Dr. Michael Alfano, Dean of NYU and AO Achievement Award recipient, addressing the chapter. Photo:AO/Lloyd Grauman. The Alpha Omega international president Dr. Wendy Spektor and her husband, past international president Dr. Michael Spektor of Seattle, WA joined the New York AO chapter for the evening at the Kosciuszko Foundation located on New York's Upper East Side. Dr. Wendy Spektor made the Welcoming Remarks. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. Dr. Wendy Spektor honored Dr. Michael Alfano of New York University in presenting the AO Achievement Medal alongside with Dr. Allen Finkelstein, past vice chairman of the Alpha Omega Foundation. This is the highest honor that one may receive from Alpha Omega. Drs. Whitney Mostafiz, AO NYC chapter president and Gail Schupak, AO NYC chapter treasurer and international secretary, with board members Marina Milgrom, Blair Schlusselberg, Aryeh Genet and Jacob Teichner of the revitalized NYU AO student chapter. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. Ever since the inauguration of the Achievement Medal Award eighty years ago, this prestigious recognition has been awarded to recipients or organizations for their contributions to dentistry or its allied professions. The first award was presented in 1936 to Dr. Leroy Miner, recognized today as the father of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He is the only dentist to appear on the cover of TIME magazine. Noted recipients in the past have included Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Advertisement Event attendees Jake Luckman, Dr. Whitney Mostafiz, AO NYC chapter president, Dr. Carly Seidman, and Adam Metzger. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. Dr. Alfano is executive vice president emeritus, professor of Craniofacial Biology and Senior Presidential Fellow at New York University. He is responsible for supporting the strategy and design of the University's E-learning platform. Dr. Alfano served as Dean of the College of Dentistry from 1998-2006, and as executive vice president of NYU from 2006-2013. As dean he exhibited extraordinary leadership, creating new roles for dentists and new models for healthcare education and research. He created an integrated dental and medical education; this is a model emulated at most graduate health programs. In addition, he's held numerous positions with Block Drug Company, including senior vice president for Research and Technology and president of the Block Professional Dental Products Company. Dr. Gail Schupak, international secretary and NYC chapter treasurer. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. The evening concluded with a raffle and auction for an emerging charitable endeavor called Pearly Promise. In its inception, the Pearly Promise Project plans to offer orthodontic care and treatment to underserved patients in NYC through collaboration with Covenant House. Covenant House is a homeless shelter for teens and young adults located at 460 West 41st Street. Drs. Gary Ruth, Wendy Spektor, AO international president, Michael Spektor, AO past international president, and Alyse Ruth. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. The Pearly Promise mission is to empower these individuals through offering dental health, personal confidence, and opening the door to new opportunities. A staggering 78% of Americans perceive that adults with crooked teeth are unsuccessful. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, more than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. Interestingly, 77% of women think that having crooked teeth is worse than a receding hairline in a potential love interest. However, globally only 33% of the population receives orthodontic treatment in a lifetime. Advertisement Drs. Allen Finkelstein, Whitney Mostafiz, and Michael Abrams, AO NYC chapter vice president. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. In New York City, a significant majority of patients who apply for Medicaid coverage of orthodontic treatment are denied. Pearly Promise aspires to select patients from this representative pool as well as those who cannot afford orthodontic treatment otherwise. Having aligned teeth prevents and controls for dental decay, periodontal disease and promotes longevity. In addition, individuals with an esthetic smile are shown to be happier, more successful and integrated with society. Dr. Carly Seidman, Dr. Ida Anjomshoaa, Kimberly Paley, Dr. Whitney Mostafiz, and Ella Devar. Photo: Jake Luckman. Our friend Dr. Whitney Mostafiz, a Manhattan orthodontist and president of the AO New York City Chapter, led the Pearly Promise raffle and auction at the conclusion of the evening. Through these fundraising efforts, over $1,000 was raised in addition to significant donations from American Orthodontics and Propel Orthodontics. American Orthodontics is the world's largest privately held manufacturer of orthodontic appliances, with more than six hundred employees worldwide serving more than ten countries. American Orthodontics is proud to supply orthodontic brackets and wires for the Pearly Promise cause. Propel is a leading innovator, manufacturer and retailer of orthodontic products. The Russian American Dental Association (RADA) and Dr. Allen Finkelstein made significant contributions to sponsor the evening, as well. Orthodontist Dr. Whitney Mostafiz who serves as president of AO NYC chapter and inspiration behind "pearly promise" distributes raffle prize to Dr. Leonard Brenner. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. Alpha Omega is the oldest international dental organization, founded in 1907 by dental students at the University of Maryland to promote and support the ideals of global oral health, education, and the bonds of fraternity, as well as fight discrimination. In New York City, the Fraternity supports two student chapters at Columbia and the recently revitalized chapter at New York University. Alpha Omega has expanded into an international community of dental professionals who are guided by the tenets of professionalism, fraternalism and a pledge to the Judaic values of commitment, integrity, family, global oral health, inclusivity, leadership and social justice. Drs. Gail Schupak and Wendy Spektor. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. The Alpha Omega Foundation is a leading international dental philanthropic organization, second to the American Dental Association, having raised and distributed more than $19,000,000. Alpha Omega works in collaboration with Henry Schein Cares and the Henry Schein, Inc. Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. These endeavors serve to expand access to healthcare to the underserved and at-risk communities around the world and to increase Holocaust survivors' access to oral care, respectively. The aim is to significantly enhance these individuals' quality of lives. Dr. Rada Sumareva-Ukrainsky, AO NYC chapter philanthropy chair, leads the Holocaust Survivors Program in NYC. In this sense, Alpha Omega strongly resides in the Judaic principle of "Tikkun Olam," which means repairing the ailing world. These endeavors paired with the familial traditions are what make Alpha Omega a distinct professional organization. Advertisement The author with Dr. Curtis McClelland, Dr. Whitney Mostafiz, Alan Withall of Henry Schein, and Alexandra Bronis. Photo: AO/Lloyd Grauman. Our foundation congratulates the excellent work of Alpha Omega and salutes Dr. Whitney Mostafiz for her inspired leadership of the Pearly Promise Project. For more information about the Pearly Promise Project, contact Whitney by email here. "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."--Philosopher George Santayana Stay alert, America. This is not the time to drop our guards, even for a moment. Nothing has changed since the election to alter the immediate and very real dangers of roadside strip searches, government surveillance, biometric databases, citizens being treated like terrorists, imprisonments for criticizing the government, national ID cards, SWAT team raids, censorship, forcible blood draws and DNA extractions, private prisons, weaponized drones, red light cameras, tasers, active shooter drills, police misconduct and government corruption. Time alone will tell whether those who put their hopes in a political savior will find that trust rewarded or betrayed. Personally, I'm not holding my breath. I've been down this road before. I've studied history. I know what comes next. It's early days yet, but President-elect Trump--like his predecessors--has already begun to dial back many of the campaign promises that pledged to reform a broken system of government. Advertisement The candidate who railed against big government and vowed to "drain the swamp" of lobbyists and special interest donors has already given lobbyists, corporate donors and members of the governmental elite starring roles in his new administration. America, you've been played. This is what happens when you play politics with matters of life, death and liberty. You lose every time. Unfortunately, in this instance, we all lose because of the deluded hypocrisy of the Left and the Right, both of which sanctioned the expansion of the police state as long as it was their party at the helm. For the past eight years, the Left--stridently outspoken and adversarial while George W. Bush was president--has been unusually quiet about things like torture, endless wars, drone strikes, executive orders, government overreach and fascism. Suddenly, with Trump in the White House for the next four years, it's all fair game again. Yet as Glenn Greenwald points out for The Washington Post, if Trump is about to inherit vast presidential powers, he has the Democrats to thank for them. Advertisement Unless Trump does another about-face, rest assured that the policies of a Trump Administration will be no different from an Obama Administration or a Bush Administration, at least not where it really counts. For that matter, a Clinton Administration would have been no different. In other words, Democrats by any other name would be Republicans, and vice versa. This is the terrible power of the shadow government: to maintain the status quo, no matter which candidate gets elected. War will continue. Surveillance will continue. Drone killings will continue. Police shootings will continue. Highway robbery meted out by government officials will continue. Corrupt government will continue. Profit-driven prisons will continue. Censorship and persecution of anyone who criticizes the government will continue. The militarization of the police will continue. The government's efforts to label dissidents as extremists and terrorists will continue. In such a climate, the police state will thrive. The more things change, the more they will stay the same. We've been stuck in this political Groundhog's Day for so long that minor deviations appear to be major developments while obscuring the fact that we're stuck on repeat, unable to see the forest for the trees. This is what is referred to as creeping normality, or a death by a thousand cuts. It's a concept invoked by Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist Jared Diamond to describe how major changes, if implemented slowly in small stages over time, can be accepted as normal without the shock and resistance that might greet a sudden upheaval. Advertisement Diamond's concerns are environmental in nature, but they are no less relevant to our understanding of how a once-free nation could willingly bind itself with the chains of dictatorship. Writing about Easter Island's now-vanished civilization and the societal decline and environmental degradation that contributed to it, Diamond explains, "In just a few centuries, the people of Easter Island wiped out their forest, drove their plants and animals to extinction, and saw their complex society spiral into chaos and cannibalism... Why didn't they look around, realize what they were doing, and stop before it was too late? What were they thinking when they cut down the last palm tree?" His answer: "I suspect that the disaster happened not with a bang but with a whimper." Much like America's own colonists, Easter Island's early colonists discovered a new world--"a pristine paradise"--teeming with life. Almost 2000 years after its first settlers arrived, Easter Island was reduced to a barren graveyard by a populace so focused on their immediate needs that they failed to preserve paradise for future generations. In Easter Island's case, as Diamond speculates: The forest...vanished slowly, over decades... Gradually trees became fewer, smaller, and less important. By the time the last fruit-bearing adult palm tree was cut, palms had long since ceased to be of economic significance. That left only smaller and smaller palm saplings to clear each year, along with other bushes and treelets. No one would have noticed the felling of the last small palm... Sound painfully familiar yet? Substitute Easter Island's forest for America's republic and the trees being decimated for our freedoms, and the arrow hits the mark. Advertisement We've already torn down the rich forest of liberties established by our founders. They don't teach freedom in the schools. Few Americans know their history. And even fewer seem to care that their fellow Americans are being jailed, muzzled, shot, tasered, and treated as if they have no rights at all. They don't care, that is, until it happens to them--at which point it's almost too late. This is how the police state wins. This is how tyranny rises. This is how freedom falls. A thousand cuts, each one justified or ignored or shrugged over as inconsequential enough by itself to bother. But they add up. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People, each cut, each attempt to undermine our freedoms, each loss of some critical right--to think freely, to assemble, to speak without fear of being shamed or censored, to raise our children as we see fit, to worship or not worship as our conscience dictates, to eat what we want and love who we want, to live as we want--they add up to an immeasurable failure on the part of each and every one of us to stop the descent down that slippery slope. It's taken us 200 short years to destroy the freedoms our founders worked so hard to secure, and it's happened with barely a whimper of protest from "we the people." So when I read about demonstrations breaking out in cities to protest the threat of fascism--when legal think tanks are threatening lawsuits over the possibility of free speech being muzzled--and when commentators who previously dismissed as fear-mongering and hateful any comparison of the government's tactics to Nazi Germany are suddenly comparing Trump to Hitler, then I have to wonder if perhaps we've been living in different countries all along. Advertisement Because none of this is new. SWEET HOME Students in Sweet Home will go back to school for five days a week starting next year, ending a four-year experiment with a shortened schedule. Board members voted 7-0, with Angela Clegg and Nick Augsburger absent, to make the change from a four-day academic week back to five days. Superintendent Tom Yahraes, who recommended and supports the switch back, said he will work with committees of administrators, teachers, parents and other community residents on the new schedule. Among items still to be decided: teacher prep time, teacher inservice, classified hours, bus times and students' daily schedules, including semesters versus trimesters and the number of class periods offered at the secondary schools. "It will be a team effort, for sure," Yahraes said. Board members speaking in support of the change back said they hope additional student contact will boost state test scores. Yahraes said that desire played a part in his recommendation, but that he's more concerned about providing an extra day of stability, meals and adult leadership for a district where more than three-quarters of the students are considered economically disadvantaged. "The homeless student, kids living in poverty, those experiencing hopelessness they need education," he said. "It is the great equalizer and extends the opportunity to achieve. Its a chance to level the playing field between the bankers kid and the homeless kid the student of poverty." Sweet Home began its four-day academic week in fall 2012, following months of discussions about how to cope with a looming financial shortfall. Oregon was still reeling from the effects of the recession and Sweet Home was expecting to have to make about $1 million in cuts for the 2012-13 school year. Don Schrader was superintendent at the time and made the recommendation to eliminate Fridays from the school week. He had come to Sweet Home from the Glide School District, which follows a four-day calendar, and said he recommended it as a way to save up to $400,000 while finding time for teacher planning and student intervention. Board members never unified on the issue, voting 5-3 for its passage with the one absent member having stated her opposition in advance. Chanz Keeney left the meeting in protest following the vote, saying surveyed residents had made it clear they didn't want a four-day week. The board has reviewed the decision periodically but voted to stay with it until now. Disappointing results on the most recent round of state test scores prompted Keeney, among others, to ask whether an additional student contact day might make the difference. Sweet Home has seen savings of about $275,000 from the schedule change, Business Director Kevin Strong said Monday. Changes in the pay rate for substitutes and gradual add-backs in classified hours reduced the expected savings. Right now, Strong said, the district can cover the loss of those savings if it changes the schedule back. State school funding is up, as is enrollment, and fewer dollars are being funneled to the charter school because its enrollment has dropped. However, he added, future funding is uncertain, particularly with the defeat of Measure 97 and continual growth in costs under the Public Employees Retirement System. Sweet Home's classified union said it would welcome a switch back to five days to be able to better retain employees, including bus drivers, who weren't getting enough hours on a four-day schedule. But teachers said they believe low test scores are more the result of crowded classrooms and too-few specialists than a four-day week. Those surveyed said they were concerned a return to a five-day schedule would divert resources from where they're most needed. Locally, three other districts Harrisburg, Central Linn and Santiam Canyon all follow a four-day week, with some combination of student intervention and teacher training on the fifth day. Several other mid-valley districts, including Albany and Lebanon, keep a five-day calendar but release students early on Wednesdays to provide training and intervention time. Jason Redick, vice chairman of the Sweet Home board, who had backed the shortened schedule, said he would support the decision to go back to five days. However, he warned board members, "This isn't a light switch. We can't turn it on and off whenever we feel like we might be doing the wrong thing." Keeney, however, said he believes the test scores are a clear indication the district went the wrong direction. "The four-day has run its course," he said. "The data is strong. We need to do something and we need to do something fast." While reading in the wonderfully straight forward and expansive view of creativity of the new book Creativity Unzipped, I find myself recalling a way I have helped friends not involved with integrative health to understand my attraction to the field. The groups of human beings pioneering the diverse professions that constitute the movement are best understood, I tell my friends, as colonies of artists. "I am a problem solver every time I paint," writes Ruth Westreich, the Creativity Unzipped co-author, fine artist and "accidental activist" in a section on how business needs creativity to succeed. So are nutritionists, integrative doctors, naturopathic physicians, holistic nurses, acupuncturists, herbalists, and others all day long. In their healthcare practices, they co-create, problem solve, and continuously evolve individualized care plans. They paint into the canvas of the lives in front of them. They live on the fulminating edge of what is new in their patients' lives and in the culture. They are typically entrepreneurs, running their own shops, frequently against the grain. Their focus is not on volume, but on a special kind of value: creating health. Advertisement The traits of the integrative community evoked by the words of Westreich and her co-author Jan Phillips do not end there. Like the co-authors, this creativity takes activist dimensions. These practitioners started new schools and organizations, forming professional presence via licensing. Like most artists, the choice of profession was one that meant inhabiting an economically less secure neighborhood, parts of the three trillion industry where it can be difficult to find two dimes to rub together. Emotions and hopes run to extremes. Wonderful wild confidence can be followed by bouts of cascading yearning for a safer or more lucrative path. And like artists through all ages, they love to let their hair down and party! In Creativity Unzipped, Westreich and Phillips stimulate the creative juices of anyone who picks up the book. The "unzipping" is of our own minds. They seek to free readers from the constraints of our socialization that suggests "creativity" and identity as "artists" are limited to a special category of gifted souls. They strip away cultural baggage teaching that creativity and artistry are separate from ourselves. In a section called "Why Conscious Creativity is the New Activism," Phillips - an activist via her upbringing -- writes: "In a sense, we are all creators and activists whether we acknowledge it or not. We create stories all day long.Something happens an we make up a story about it to tell our friends." Out of the phenomena in our lives, we create new narratives. With these we can open vistas or wrap ourselves in constraints. The book's subheading speaks to this theme succinctly: Why Your Thoughts Matter. I think of my attraction to the integrative community knowing that Westreich is herself - while an "accidental activist" - an engine of such social creativity. Westreich is a colleague. Her creative imprint is on the healthy foods, palliative care, philanthropic, integrative health, consciousness in health, and other related communities. Projects with which I am involved have been beneficiaries of her special brand of creativity. Advertisement One of Westreich's mediums, as the book illustratively describes, is the salon. At key moments, like an expert chef, she mixes just the right recipe of leaders in her living room to vault an initiative forward. The book's cover and initial pages include quotes from integrative leaders and authors like Wayne Jonas, MD and Mimi Guarneri, MD. The director of the Institute of Noetic Sciences Cassandra Vieten says: "When you get stuck, open this book to any page to find your creative WD-40." Like a stimulating gathering, the book, through its informal and conversational exchange between the two, creates a welcoming context to muse on one's own conscious and less-conscious creative impulses. Mightn't each of us, the book seems to ask, host the right conversation at the right time, in our home or in a neighborhood coffee shop or bar, between two or more who maybe did not know they could benefit from each other, to create just the right stew for change? In the course of the book's 225 pages, Phillips and Westreich explore multiple angles on their theme. The target audience is really every soul. They dive into creativity's role in personal growth and for opening self-limitations. They examine applications in business and activism and delve into its relationship to mindfulness and spirituality. "Creativity," they write, "is spirituality in running shoes." SAN JUAN DE ORIENTE, NICARAGUA -- A rainy season cloud bulges out of the sky, about to spill, while sweat streams down my back. A thick crowd has appeared up the narrow cobblestone street. Suddenly, there is music, fireworks erupt and shouting teams of villagers, each carrying a heavy, hardwood tree trunk laden with coconuts, plantains and pineapples, are heading straight for me. To avoid getting speared, I back up against the home of Juan Carlos Jimenez, a young ceramics artisan I met earlier this afternoon as I walked around San Juan de Oriente, to see how the people were preparing for their annual fiestas patronales to celebrate John the Baptist, the town's patron saint. Another group crashes by with their fruit, accompanied by cheering crowds and two guys who are smoking cigarettes and using them to light crude rockets. They are all heading to a giant log structure in front of the mayor's house, where the teams lash ropes to their poles, then hoist their offerings 20 feet above the ground. Advertisement "This tradition is over 400 years old," Jimenez tells me. "Children dance to the music from a very young age and they love it." "What about the fights?" I ask, referring to an unusual aspect of San Juan de Oriente's fiestas that you won't see elsewhere. "What about the chilillo fights?" Jimenez laughs. "It's all a sport, a tradition. We grow up with it." The fireworks leave the smell of gunpowder in the air. The brass chichero bands bang away. I've been traveling to Nicaragua since 1998, but I am witnessing something I have never seen before, which happens to me time and again. It's one of the reasons I keep returning. Advertisement In June, 2016, I helped a Trans World Sport camera crew film this video about San Juan de Oriente, featuring an interview with ceramics artisan and proud chinegro, Juan Carlos Jimenez. The White Villages San Juan de Oriente is one of Los Pueblos Blancos, as people refer to the dozen or so villages that dot the volcanic hills to the south and west of Masaya. They're called "the white villages" for both the color of their churches and the purity of their young women. I once lived with a family in this area, in a village just up the road called Pio XII, where Peace Corps assigned me as part of my community-based training. It's about an hour south of Managua and the international airport, and 30 minutes from Granada, the beautiful colonial city where most tourists to Nicaragua base their travels. I've visited before, usually to buy pottery. But I've never been here during the last week of June, when San Juanenos drop everything to honor St. John the Baptist. As we step back onto the street, somebody asks if I'd like a nacatamal, the traditional Nicaraguan dish of corn masa, lard, meat and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf, boiled and shared during festival time. In a few moments, a plate appears and I am unwrapping my nacatamal like the precious gift that it is. This is familiar -- this raw hospitality that one learns to accept. This is the Nicaragua I've known since first traveling here in 1998. Nicaragua's tourism industry is growing. Now, in addition to $10-a-night budget hostels, there is an ever-growing selection of mid-range converted colonial homes and beach bungalows for rent, as well as a small but evolving high-end luxury scene. But you'll still get raised eyebrows from your friends when you tell them you're heading here -- and you'll still see the occasional U.S. Department of State travel alert (the current one is set to expire after Nicaragua's presidential elections in November). Nicaragua has that edge in the eyes of the world, and its unpredictable politics and rule-changing leaders keep it in that exciting, slightly uncertain space. There is no talk of politics on this fiesta day. Down the street, the shouting becomes louder and I see several hands waving floppy sticks in the air. "The chinegros are going to fight!" someone shouts. Advertisement A few hours earlier, I was sitting with Jimenez as he put the final touches on his chilillo (pronounced ChihLEEyo), a whip-like sword made of stiff leather ... from a specific body part from a bull. "The picha del toro -- that is a common word for bull penis -- is stretched and cured, sometimes for 12 to 18 months," Jimenez says. Now it's time to fight with it. Joshua Berman, Special to The Denver Post Men in San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua, participate in chilillo fights -- an unusual aspect of the town's annual fiestas patronales to celebrate John the Baptist, the town's patron saint. As I approach, the crowd has already pushed back into a circle and the fighters are squaring off. The first blow comes quickly, and the crowd cheers. The chinegros take turns, whip for whip, and just when they seem ready to grapple, their friends rush in and the swords are lowered. The fighters give a chest-bump/man-hug, everybody bounces together, then the fighters are plied with shots of guaro, a clear liquor, out of old plastic soda bottles. The fights are part performance, part ritual, part cultural dance, part blowing-off-of-steam and part raw brutality. The whole thing culminates in the street in front of the Catholic church steps, where St. John is placed to look out over the fireworks and fighting. I don't completely understand this juxtaposition of religious austerity with the noise, violence and alcohol, and I like that I don't completely understand it, and that the event is carried so proudly. Advertisement The next day, I choose a more familiar destination. Or so I think -- I've been to Masaya Volcano National Park at least a dozen times. I'd heard that recently, seismic activity beneath Volcan Masaya had created a larger, more active lava pool. I step up to the stone fence and remember that the scene never fails to astound me. It's what I imagine Mordor must look like, all black rock, poisonous sulphur plumes, and dark clouds in the sky. But my eyes are drawn downward. Where once there was just a hint of orange behind a bank of rocks is now a bubbling, fiery stew, where molten rock heaves and spits and hisses. I make the same drawn-out "whoaaa" sounds as the other visitors lined up along the rock fence. Once again, I'm witnessing something I've never seen before in a country I thought I knew. And as sure as Juan Carlos and his family will keep his small-town traditions alive, I'll keep coming back--for at least another 18 years--to visit my friends and to see what else I can learn. If you go First things first: buy the latest edition of , the first and most thorough guidebook to the country. Where to stay: there is an enormous range of accommodations in nearby Granada, but for a truly unique location try one of Pacaya Lodge 's 26 luxury rooms and a spa in the heart of Los Pueblos Blancos. , 888-479-5740, double rooms from $160. This socially and environmentally conscious operation is located on the crater lip of Laguna de Apoyo and is decorated by local artisans. At the bottom of the crater, on the shore of perhaps the best volcanic swimming lagoon in Central America, you'll find more hotels, including Apoyo Resort ( , from the US, 011-505-2520-2085, a cluster of high-end, spacious, fully equipped rooms ($85) and villas ($135-275), plus three restaurants, two swimming pools, and a fun floating dock in the lagoon. Tours: Book a village tour of San Juan de Oriente or Volcan Masaya with local independent guide Jairo Tenorio (from the US, 011-505-8861-0362, jjtr28@gmail.com), or with Nicaragua travel specialists at Tierra Tours (www.tierratour.com). Misplacing or losing your iPhone is the worst, but there are ways to find it even when the power's off. Looking at a positive pregnancy test In case you haven't noticed, there's a Republican War on Women: "If a woman has [the right to an abortion], why shouldn't a man be free to use his superior strength to force himself on a woman? At least the rapist's pursuit of sexual freedom doesn't [usually] result in anyone's death." -- Republican Lawrence Lockman "Planned Parenthood isn't purely a 'healthcare provider' any more than a heroin dealer is a community pharmacist." -- Republican Mike Huckabee Advertisement "The problem that I have with Planned Parenthood is the abortion situation. It is like an abortion factory, frankly." -- Republican Donald Trump "Obviously rape is awful. What is beautiful is the child that could come from this." -- Republican Brian Kurcaba "I'm not sure we need half a billion dollars for women's health issues." -- Republican Jeb Bush I became sexually active at 16. There were times when my teen boyfriend and I didn't use contraception and I could have gotten pregnant. In fact, I could have gotten pregnant even when I did use birth control. If that happened, I would've chosen abortion. Fortunately, I never had to make that choice, but I was always grateful to have that choice. Many women across the United States no longer have the choice to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, even though it is still their legal right. It simply isn't available because right-wing extremists have used TRAP laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) to successfully shut down abortion clinics. Advertisement We are now facing an unthinkable reality: Donald Trump will be America's next president with Republicans controlling both the House and Senate. Vice President-elect Mike Pence has promised to overturn Roe v. Wade. This has been the anti-abortion crowd's wet dream ever since abortion became legal in 1973. Since 2011, those of us who've been paying attention have witnessed the GOP effort to remove reproductive choice -- whether it's by defunding Planned Parenthood, using bogus TRAP laws to shut down clinics, or the Supreme Court ruling that allows employers to deny employee access to certain forms of birth control on third-party insurance policies based on the false claim they are abortifacients. (Obamacare only covers contraception that prevents fertilization, not implantation. Hence none of the morning-after drugs covered under the law are abortion-inducing.) War has been declared on reproductive freedom and we're all paying the price -- not just women. This is an issue that affects the well-being of entire families. I'm very concerned for young women who are growing up in a world where the president can boast about grabbing women by the genitals and still get elected. I wrote Peyton's Choice before Trump was even on the presidential radar and I believed I would be releasing it during a Democratic administration -- no such luck. I remember what it was like to be a sexually active teen. I was curious and most of the information I got was from my friends who thought they knew more than they did. I remember seeking out movies and literature which covered topics like sex, drugs and abortion. Whether or not I was engaging in any of those activities wasn't the point. Like many teens, I wanted to fall in love and I wanted to be prepared for the inevitable sexual experiences I'd have. I firmly believe teens shouldn't be shielded from reality because when they are, they are vulnerable to myths and misinformation. Abstinence-only education alone is not enough. When teens explore their sexuality and they don't have a realistic understanding of what can happen, they open themselves up to a world of possible trauma. Whether it's about contracting STIs or believing the pull-out method is all one needs to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, an uniformed teen is at great risk for all kinds of personal disasters. Advertisement The lead character in my book, 17-year-old Peyton, chooses abortion, but that isn't the whole story. In fact, the pregnancy doesn't happen right away. I wanted to craft a tale of a smart, capable young woman who finally found the love she's been waiting for. And when she did, she realized that the romantic fairytale we're so often sold isn't always realistic. She finds out that a good guy can behave like a jerk or even a sexist. Peyton's journey in a new sexual relationship is as important to the storyline as her choice to abort. And while it seems I'm spoiling the plot, I'm not. I'm not divulging if she chooses to include her boyfriend in her decision. Does he even know about it? Should she tell him? Does she confide in her parents and friends? Is the decision to abort a difficult one and who, if anyone, can she turn to for advice? And last, does she have any regrets after she makes her choice to have an abortion at a Planned Parenthood clinic? As a feminist and a blogger who's been covering and following women's issues for several years, I utilized what I've experienced in my life in addition to what I've learned from other women on social media so that I could write a realistic story. I see what people are saying in the real world and I incorporated what I've learned with the hope that the book will have an authentic feel for women who've been through a similar experience -- or for girls who are curious about love, sex and who crave entertaining stories about the sexual issues and battles we're facing today. My ultimate goal was to write a book with a strong emphasis on female empowerment. Like so many, I'm tired of watching our rights being taken away, and now that we have a Republican majority in Congress, plus 23 states completely controlled by anti-choice Republicans, and with Donald Trump ready to take over the White House, it's more important than ever for girls and young women to understand what's a stake and what they are at risk of losing. It's imperative for them to know they have the power to fight back - and win, even if the victory takes time. Advertisement The future of President Obama's signature health care law is in jeopardy. After Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election, dismantling Obamacare is expected to be one of the president-elect's top priorities. Trump suggested he may be willing to keep portions of the health care system in place, but that doesn't mean he won't push for significant cuts. Either way, this could bring about significant changes to the way you search for health insurance. Trump's plan to gut Obamacare will be boosted by the Republican majority in Congress. It remains to be seen how well the two sides will work together on Capitol Hill, but one thing they all agree on is their distaste for President Obama's health care law. Congress passed Obamacare in 2010 without a single Republican vote, and under Trump it may very well take apart the health care law without a single Democratic vote. Advertisement Step by step process to repealing Obamacare How exactly will this all happen? For this, you'll probably need a refresher course in high school civics, but we'll try our best. It's important to remember that the president doesn't have the power to do whatever he wants with legislation. Trump will have to coordinate any repeal of Obamacare with Congress. That task was simplified when Republicans, who also want to repeal Obamacare, maintained control of the Washington trifecta -- White House, Senate and House of Representatives -- for the first time in a decade. But it will still take time for the process to play out. The new Congress comes to Washington the week of Jan. 3, and will have about two weeks to push through a bill to partially repeal Obamacare in time for Trump to sign a few weeks later on Inauguration Day. Advertisement Though Republicans control Congress, they do not have what's known as a "super majority" in the Senate, which would give them enough votes to push through a full repeal of Obamacare. Senate rules require 60 votes to pass legislation, but Republicans will only have a slim majority in the upper chamber. There will be 52 Republicans and 48 Democrats, most of whom are certain to oppose any attempt to disband Obamacare. That means Republicans will be forced to pursue a partial Obamacare repeal. There is an exception to the Senate's 60 vote requirement for budgetary measures that specifically address spending. These "reconciliation bills" only need a simple majority, or 51 votes, to pass. So Republicans believe they will have just enough votes to repeal the financial aspects of Obamacare. That includes ending the subsidies that make health care affordable for low-income Americans, the employer mandate that requires large and mid-size companies to offer health insurance to their workers, the individual mandate that requires everyone who doesn't have health insurance to pay a fine, the tax on high-quality health care plans and an expansion of Medicaid that covers millions of poor people. But this partial Obamacare repeal would leave in place the requirement that insurers cover Americans with pre-existing conditions, and the provision that allows young adults under the age of 26-years-old to stay on their parents' health care plans. Trump and Republican leaders have long suggested they support these provisions, so it may be a mute point. Advertisement Congress passed a similar reconciliation bill to repeal Obamacare last January, but it was vetoed by the president. With Trump taking the reins of the White House on Jan. 20, conservatives suggest this bill could serve as a starting point for Republicans, looking to quickly draft repeal legislation. The House does not have these same rules, and is expected to approve whichever Obamacare repeal bill the Senate passes. Trump could pursue a complete overhaul of Obamacare, but that would take more time to push through Congress, and it is not clear whether Republicans would be able to muster enough Democratic support in Senate. The question is how quickly Republicans will unite around a reconciliation bill and present it to Trump. The campaign shined the light on GOP in-fighting not only between Trump and congressional leaders, but also among Republican lawmakers from various wings of the party. This raises the possibility that Congress will not have an Obamacare repeal bill ready for President-elect Trump to sign on his Inauguration Day. There's little Trump could do on his own to dismantle Obamacare, though he may be able to cancel the health care subsidy payments for low-income Americans, which would discourage them from participating in the healthcare marketplace. Trump could also take steps to make life more difficult for insurers in an attempt to get them to drop out. Advertisement Obamacare repeal will take time Let's assume Republicans put aside their differences and rally together to present Trump with a bill to repeal Obamacare on his first day in office. What happens then? Probably nothing, at least right away. On the campaign trail, Vice President-elect Mike Pence suggested Republicans would give the public time to transition away from Obamacare. The reconciliation bill that Congress passed last year provided a two-year buffer before any of these Obamacare provisions were formally repealed. So if Republicans followed the same trajectory, that would protect Americans who rely on Obamacare until 2019. And at the very least, anyone who has already enrolled for 2017 probably will not see their plans changed next year. But repealing Obamacare is only the first step. In the meantime, Trump will work with Congress to develop a new health care system to replace Obamacare. Trump promised the process of switching Obamacare to a new system would be swift and painless, but critics doubt that. They say it could take years for Congress to pass a new health care system because Senate Democrats would need to support it. They're concerned this could create a gap that millions of uninsured Americans would fall through. Advertisement In the end, a Trump victory is expected to be a major blow to Obamacare. Exactly how bad and when it will happen are the questions still up in the air. This article was originally published on insuranceQuotes.com. Donald J. Trump will assume the presidency at a time when the United States faces complex foreign policy challenges with enormous stakes. The statements he has made and the positions he has taken while campaigning will be difficult if not impossible to fully implement and most certainly would entail major and dramatic changes in American foreign policy. We have rising tensions with Russia and China and a Middle East that is volatile and chaotic. North Korea is moving ahead to develop nuclear weapons. International terrorism is rampant. A refugee crisis has unsettled Europe and beyond, producing political and economic uncertainty. Liberal democracy is in retreat across the globe, and America's leadership role is in question. Trump has staked out positions that would break with the policies of the past several U.S. administrations. He has questioned U.S. commitments to NATO and has suggested a closer relationship with Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. He has grumbled about NATO members who don't meet their defense spending targets under the treaty. He has questioned whether we should defend the Baltic republics against Russian intervention. Advertisement He has said he wants to dismantle the nuclear arms deal that the U.S. reached with Iran and five allies in 2015, and he appears open to letting Japan and South Korea develop nuclear weapons, upending years of American nuclear nonproliferation policy. On the environment, he has called climate change a hoax and wants to cancel billions of dollars in American payments to U.N. climate programs. Trump rejects longstanding fair trade agreements. He has vowed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, the trade pact with Canada and Mexico. He wants to impose a large tariff on goods imported from China, ignoring decades of agreements to reduce tariffs. Trump has said repeatedly he will build a wall on the Mexican border and have Mexico pay for it. He has pledged to deport millions of unauthorized immigrants at a huge cost, including a large expansion of federal law enforcement officers and a multitude of due process legal challenges. Advertisement He has called at times for a "complete and total shutdown" of Muslims entering the country and a ban on refugees from Syria, while suggesting he would be less interventionist in the Middle East than the past two administrations. At the same time, however, he says he will order the military chiefs to come up with a plan in the first 30 days of his presidency to stop ISIS. He has declined to say how we will do that, except to tell supporters he would "bomb the s**t out of" ISIS-controlled oil fields. He supports waterboarding of accused terrorists, claiming that "torture works," contrary to U.S. policy. All of this has caused deep concern among American foreign policy experts and has panicked many of our allies, who see Trump's positions as threatening the postwar liberal order. They are alarmed by his protectionist leanings, his aggressive rhetoric and his vows to tear up or weaken longstanding agreements. Foreign leaders sense a period of great uncertainty ahead. Many of Trump's policy prescriptions remain quite vague, with little specificity on how he plans to achieve his goals. He has backed away from some of his most controversial statements but has declined to clarify his views or say exactly what he intends to do. Neither he nor we can disregard what he said publicly during the debates and at his campaign rallies. Trump is the oldest president-elect ever and the first president-elect never to have held elective office or have served in the military. He has no foreign policy experience, and he will likely have to rely on the team of national security advisers that he will be appointing in the coming weeks. We can anticipate a real struggle within his administration between his campaign team and the Republican Party foreign policy establishment, which opposes many of the positions he laid out. Advertisement But he will be the president, and world leaders and foreign policy experts will have no choice but to deal with him. We can expect a long period of trying to work through many intractable problems. Trump has bragged about being unpredictable. Yet it's not only Trump's unpredictability that will be a factor. We should remember the comment attributed to former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. When asked what was most likely to push governments off course, he replied, "Events, dear boy, events." Imagine hearing this on the day after the election.... "I hope you're happy. Because of people like you, we will now have coat-hanger abortions in every back alley and gays will have all their rights taken away." This election cycle has been brutal. Actually, that doesn't quite describe what it has been to me personally. It has been heart-wrenchingly sad and shook my faith in the American people. Let me back up. I'm a left-leaning Independent and my best friend Stephanie is a lifelong Republican. We talk politics all the time. And we're still friends. Advertisement Stephanie, and many more like her, were viciously attacked after Trump won. Sure, in the media and by protesters. But she also faced unprovoked personal attacks. People questioned her character and falsely accused her of being racist and against equality. She is neither of those things. But no one wanted to really listen to her side of the story. When I woke up the day after Trump won, I will admit that I was overwhelmed with feelings of betrayal from my fellow women. I felt that racism and hate won. I felt unsafe in our country. If half of the population truly believed in someone like Trump, then that left little room for someone like me. And then I talked with Stephanie. My loving, kind, respectful, caring Republican friend. Who told me it was going to be okay. She didn't judge me or my feelings. She helped me see the light on a very dark day. Because she's my friend. And that's what friends do. And after she was personally attacked by my fellow Americans on the left, we felt it was time to start sharing how we can be such good friends when we have different worldviews. How we can make our point without hurting each other. Advertisement How we move forward together because we know we are always on the same side. It Begins and Ends With Respect I teach karate. Of course, we fight in class all the time. We love fighting. It's called Kumite. The rules in Kumite are simple. It always begins and ends with respect. It doesn't matter how vicious or bloody the fight has been (and no one does knockout, bare-knuckle fighting like Kyokushin fighters). But after the whistle, you shake your opponent's hand and walk away as friends. Usually to go have a drink. It's the same when I talk politics with Stephannie. We always have more in common than we don't. And we've had a lot of deep discussions about really tough, complex and emotional issues. Immigration, national security, foreign affairs, war, equality, and economics. We've discussed them all. Never start a political discussion with someone (even someone you don't believe you have anything in common with) unless you're willing to begin and end the discussion with respect. These people are your neighbors - your fellow Americans. Don't treat the "other" side like your worst enemy. Your Goal Isn't to Win - It's to Learn Our goal is never to win when we fight in karate class. It's to test our skills, improve our techniques and always to learn. Stephanie has taught me a lot of things. She's fiscally conservative and I'm probably a socialist. I want to save all the Syrian refugees because my heart is broken from their suffering. I also want to save every homeless cat and dog on the East Coast. I was ready to go to Canada adopt ten pit bulls when Montreal banned them. Advertisement And Stephanie keeps me in check. She reminds me that I can't afford ten more dogs, even though they are really cute and I love them desperately. Perhaps, I need someone like Stephanie to keep me in check. That's one lesson she's taught me because I was willing to listen to her guidance and advice on something I'm passionate about. From Stephanie: You remind me that we can all make a difference. We may not solve the refugee crisis or world poverty, but every act, regardless of its magnitude matters - sending shoeboxes to needy children, collecting prom dresses for girls who can't afford one... 'Donating at the office' is not enough. Don't go into a political discussion unless you're willing to listen - really step back and open your mind - and actually learn something. Don't bother if you only want to win. That's not a discussion. Focus on Data and Facts, Not Generalized Opinions One of the biggest rules we have when discussing politics is that we focus on facts, not opinion. And really, I've failed at this more than she has (as she reminds me of the time I called Paul Ryan a kid). I'm also the one that prefers to get my news from Bill Maher and John Oliver. But we're both teachers who expect our students to make credible arguments based on facts, not opinions. We would never allow our students to say stuff like "all Democrats are..." or "all Republicans are...". Advertisement Because none of that is true. Each party is made of complex groups of people with a wide variety of opinions and perspectives. Debating with facts is the only way to have a productive discussion. Debating on generalization is a waste of time. No Labels or Name-Calling Allowed I don't want to be called "you Liberal fool." Stephanie doesn't want to be called "you Right-Winged moron." This one needs no explanation. We teach our kids not to call each other names. If you're going to talk the talk, start walking that walk. Be Mad at the Right People I don't want to be friends with sexist, racist people. I don't want to be friends with the KKK-loving Trump supporters. Neither does Stephanie. I don't want to be friends with any man that believes "grab them by the p----" is okay. Neither does Stephanie. Donald Trump has nothing to do with that. We weren't friends with racists before the election, and that hasn't changed. I understand the logical reason she voted for Trump. She understands why I didn't. And she's not the person to be angry at. She's not the reason the Democrats lost. Be mad at the right people. We each have to own our decisions and take responsibility for the consequences. But be willing to ask someone why they voted for someone like Trump. Or Obama. Or anyone else that runs for office. Advertisement The answer may surprise you. Do You Want to Move Forward or Do You Want to Be Right? Stephanie and I both want to move forward. We both want a strong, healthy, prosperous America. We both want our families to be safe and happy. We both want our voices to be heard and valued. The 2016 election is something that hasn't changed the fundamental nature of our relationship. And she's the one I turned to when I needed to feel reassured. She's the one that's kept me on track and helped me see the bigger picture. She helped me get past my initial despair and helped me channel it into something positive. Again, because that's what friends do. The fight may have been bloody, but now it's time to shake hands and remember that we're friends. We're all on the same side. If you truly want to move this nation forward, you can't stop listening to the "other" side. Tell your elected officials that you expect them to cooperate with each other. Because they are grown-ups. Start acting, posting and living up to a higher standard. If your only goal is to be right or to win, you're part of the problem. If you're ready to move this country forward, be part of the solution. Advertisement Washington DC: Goodyear Satire Co.-- President-Elect Donald Trump was arrested on espionage charges today. The move comes just a week after he was elected President of the United States. "The Russians compromised Trump by funneling Hillary's emails through Wikileaks," said FBI Director James Comey. "After the election, Vladimir Putin offered Trump an illegal license to build hotels along the Crimea River. Trump jumped at the chance." "The lure of a continent full of hotel maids whose private parts have never been groped excited Trump," explained CIA director John O. Brennan. "Most embarrassing of all," said Brennan, "Trump fell for the Crimea River joke." Advertisement Trump, Chief of Strategy Steve Bannon and three white-hooded bodyguards were arrested after meeting what they thought were Putin agents. Trump personally handed the "spies" a fistful of documents and a gold pinkie friendship ring destined for Putin. The ring was engraved " " - Russian for "Thanks Bro." "Trump was tripped up by his emails," said President Obama. "The NSA discovered information planted in Trump's security briefings secretly emailed to Russia. Then we set up this sting." "We knew there was something wrong when they started 'draining the swamp' into the Oval Office," said the outgoing President. "Where was I when Russia became our BFF?" At a press conference, Hillary Clinton had a message for her former rival. She said, "Cry Me a River." As the press corps got the joke, they erupted in chants of "Lock him up!" Advertisement Disclaimer: This is fiction. Steve Bannon and three white-hooded henchmen were not arrested. On the other hand, Donald Trump has not been arrested. Yet. Long before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, before the first flower bloomed, and before the first bird took flight, coral reefs flourished in tropical oceans. Since then, coral reefs have proven that they are one of the most resilient ecosystems on earth; surviving everything nature has thrown their way. That is until we hit the scene. It has taken only about a century of modern humanity to put coral reefs on a collision course with extinction. And the recent election results in the United States suggest that we may be getting ready to hit the accelerator. The biggest risk to coral reefs is climate change. Already, coral bleaching is devastating reefs worldwide, which happens when the water gets too warm for too long. Many reefs have experienced three years' of bleaching in a row, and as the climate continues to heat up, we can expect the frequency of these events to increase. Corals are the architects and the foundation of the reef. Everything that depends on reefs is tied to the fate of corals. As corals decline, millions of life forms--from seahorses and butterflyfish to octopuses and sharks--are at risk. Millions of people also depend on reefs for food, income from fisheries and tourism, and even the very existence of their coral islands. Advertisement Fortunately, there is a global movement to take action. Last year in Paris, the Convention of the Parties (COP21) agreed to aggressive targets on carbon dioxide emissions aimed to limit global warming to well below 2oC. In October of this year, 170 countries met in Rwanda where they successfully negotiated an agreement to eliminate 90 percent of hydrofluorocarbons, which are also contributing to global warming. And right now, COP22 is underway in Morocco to discuss what actions to take now that the Paris Climate Change Agreement is entering into force. But these international agreements are politically fragile. Unfortunately, President-elect Trump's plan for his first 100 days indicates that he will seek to undo them. We urge the newly forming administration to reconsider this position. After all, climate change is not about some hypothetical future; it's happening today. For example, global sea levels rose about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in the last century, and the rate of increase doubled over the past 10 years. Nine of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2000. Last year was the warmest of all, and it looks like it will be surpassed in 2016. What's at risk if we don't unite globally to address climate change? Coral reefs are especially vulnerable, but their experience is not unique--all species are at risk when their environment changes rapidly. And our species is not immune. We are already getting a glimpse at how a shifting climate can undermine human prosperity. Extreme weather events such as storms, rising sea levels, and increasing temperatures can affect our food production systems, our access to potable water and even the air we breathe. We can also expect negative impacts to human health. We know what's happening to our climate and we know why. The main question now is what will we do, what choices will we make to address climate change as a nation and across the world? For us, the answer is clear: we must continue to unite communities to save coral reefs. First, we need the global community to mitigate climate change via international agreements like those coming out of COP21 and those advanced through COP22. But equally importantly, we need to address the local threats to reefs by helping communities build healthy fisheries, create clean water for reefs and increase their capacity to manage and sustain their livelihoods. Together, we can vastly improve the chances that coral reefs will thrive for generations to come. Advertisement Demonstrators hold a candlelight vigil against President-elect Donald Trump's election, in Lafayette Park, near the White House, in Washington, U.S., November 12, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Theiler I'm up in our room, in bed, in a ball, crying. It's an ugly, messy cry. Florida is lost, and even though it's early, I think it's over. My heart seizes with fear, it's a block of ice in my chest. I just felt a sense of wrong. Because it's wrong. Or really something beyond that. *** "You don't understand," I say to Roy, my voice strained. "It's not going to be okay." Roy is trying to give me a pep talk now that it's official; he is trying to be a supportive spouse, but telling me it will be okay when I can't imagine an "okay" again makes me angry, and I'm too busy wrestling horror and devastation to take on the mantle of angry. Save it for tomorrow. Advertisement "You'll come out stronger," Roy says. He asks me what my plan is. "I don't have one," I say trying not to lose it again. For a hyper-rational, unemotional person, or at least one is good at keeping his emotions in check, I'm a wreck and I know it. Roy goes on about how he can't believe it and how I'll find a way to use this. "You're going to go out there and change things." "How?" "By being an advocate. That's what you are." I snort. I am, but I am also done. And tired. And hopeless. And sad. And terrified. I know there is -- must -- be a future, but I also know in this state I am unable to see it. "I think I need to go someplace," I say. It's hard to get out the words, even if that was the point of the drive. Advertisement "Some place, like?" "A place for people in crisis." *** I have never felt unsafe in my country until now. I feel like a walking target. As a gay, genderqueer, disabled, rape survivor I tick off a lot of the boxes for the very people who are terrified, or should be terrified, to have Trump as their leader. If I was a person of color and a Muslim, I would be six for six. My entire body is screaming, my skin is crawling, my chest hurts. I don't feel safe being out in public. I don't feel safe going to the mailbox. I don't even feel safe in my house because it is still somewhere in this country. My body hums and I try to tell myself it will be all right, but I know that's a lie. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. I can't breathe. *** I messed up. America isn't just broken, it's on the brink of civil war. But this didn't give me thoughts of revolution; it just made me feel that much more hopeless and horrified; and this "I-never-cry" person, cried again. I cried for America. I cried for the little girls and boys who had this to look up to. I cried for my LGBTQ community. I cried for my disabled community. I cried for all of my female and gender queer friends. I cried for all my non-Christian friends. I cried for the victims and survivors of sexual assault and rape. I cried for my friends of color. Because we know the truth. We don't matter. America can't pretend that we do any longer; they made their stance clear by voting for a president who is better known for mocking disabled people or being "tight" with the KKK. They voted for a man who grabs women by their genitalia and walks into the changing room of underage girls while wanting to cram his tongue down a fifteen-year-old's mouth. They voted for a man who wants to create a registration for Muslims. They voted for a man who wants to take away my very-basic human rights, rights that I just recently obtained. Advertisement It doesn't matter if you think Hilary is crooked. It doesn't matter if you're a party loyalist. It doesn't matter if you think Trump is a wild card, but the best candidate out there. If you voted for Trump you also said, very clearly: YOU DO NOT MATTER. *** I am good at getting by -- like, the best. Coping, pushing through, whatever needs to be done, I do it. Forget my feelings. Forget what I want or need. I just focus, and I don't hold back. Roy calls me a warrior. And I am. He says I fight for the underdog, but in reality I am just a human seeing all the ugliness of humanity (racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, lots of -isms) and think, "No, that's not okay." Sometimes I fight for a group I belong to, and sometimes I fight alongside those affected as an ally. Sometimes it is something that directly affects me and sometimes it's simply something that's wrong. I've survived illnesses that should have killed me. I've survived more than a decade of horrific abuse as a child. I've survived sexual assault and rape. I've survived domestic violence. I've survived homo-hating bigots who have tried to run me over with their trucks, set me on fire or simply kick my ass. I have died several times and come back because I'm stubborn. Because I am a fighter, a survivor. And right now, I am trying to figure out how I survive this. *** I knew America was racist. I'll never pretend to understand what it's like as a POC, that's not my story. But I'm a Black Lives Matter supporter and ally. White people (police) are trigger-happy with Black people. If you don't believe me, look at the news cycles for the past few years. America gets angry about rioting, but not the reason for the riots. They say "protest peacefully" and then someone takes the knee and they scream, "Not that way!" Advertisement I knew America was homophobic. Look no further than the Republican party whether they are trying to fight same-sex marriage, legislate discriminatory bills or refuse protections for LGBT people (you can be fired just for being gay in 29 states). Let's not forget Trump has promised to sign the bill I just mentioned, or that Mike Pence is actually worse than Trump when it comes to discrimination against LGBT people. I knew America was sexist. They can't handle a woman in power. She is automatically branded a bitch. The media would much rather talk about her fashion sense than her politics. And then there is the whole reproductive rights thing. Or being objectified and sexualized by men and the general public. I knew America was ableist. Look at all of the stigma around invisible disabilities or mental illness. How many public spaces are inaccessible? Sidewalks? Buildings? What about services for the deaf and blind? No, that is always a special request and if you're lucky enough to get a reasonable accommodation it is only after hours of fighting (for which you are not being paid). I knew America was broken, but I never knew that it was about to shatter. I didn't know just how broken. I didn't know I would ever be to the point where I wondered if it could be fixed, or if it was worth fixing. *** My PTSD has been building for awhile. It's not like Trump winning the election made me have a breakdown; I was already pretty broken down. This was just the final straw -- or push -- off a cliff. Advertisement For months, I have tried to beat back my anxiety. The nightmares and flashbacks and ice-cold dread that would rob me of function, sometimes for hours at a time. I have managed my PTSD well for five years (managed it not so well for a decade before that). I know my triggers. I know how to cope. But in June, it surprised me. It was as if all of my progress was undone. My sensibilities fried, my coping mechanisms useless and that anxiety building a wall around me. Depression comes with it, that's the deal, but while I have had to deal with that too, it is always secondary to the fear, anxiety, hyper-vigilance. When Trump won and Roy told me how strong I would be, I realized I couldn't anymore. I couldn't be an advocate when I was barely holding on. I let that wall grow so tall I couldn't see over it. Just like America can't seem to see over so many walls, all of which should be torn down. *** I called the Colorado Crisis Line. I felt I was in crisis. I was breathing but I felt like I couldn't. I couldn't be still. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't shake the fear, the new fear of what a Trump world means, and all of the old fears. And now I couldn't stop crying. Advertisement It's hard to ask for help, but whenever I have been in a place of crisis, I have. I have reached out. I've gotten what I needed and did the work to get better. BY: ANDREA ESTES and VIVECA NOVAK OpenSecrets Blog and The Boston Globe's Spotlight team partnered on this story; it was published by both outlets. Federal prosecutors in Boston have opened a grand jury investigation into potentially illegal campaign contributions from lawyers at the Thornton Law Firm, a leading donor to Democrats around the country, according to two people familiar with the probe. The U.S. Attorney's office is one of three agencies now looking into the Boston-based personal injury firm's practice of reimbursing its partners for millions of dollars in political donations, according to the two people. The law firm has insisted that the donations were legal, but, soon after the Globe and the Center for Responsive Politics revealed the firm's practice, politicians began returning hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations. Advertisement Federal prosecutors as well as state and federal campaign finance regulators are investigating whether Thornton and its lawyers violated the law by paying "bonuses" to firm partners in the exact amount of their political donations and often on the same day, the people familiar with the investigations said. The firm's attorney acknowledges the payments went on for a decade. Repaying donors for their contributions is generally illegal because it conceals the true source of the donations. The lawyers would be considered "straws donors" -- or front men -- for the firm itself, allowing the firm to vastly exceed campaign donation limits. Brian Kelly, a former federal prosecutor who is representing Thornton Law, would not comment on "the existence of any investigations," but said in a statement that the firm "intends to cooperate fully if asked about its donation program and it is confident the firm complied with all applicable laws and regulations. "Thornton's fundraising program was vetted by an outside law firm ten years ago and was overseen by an outside accountant," wrote Kelly, a partner at Nixon Peabody. He said the reimbursements came out of each lawyer's own equity -- or ownership -- in the firm. Advertisement If the grand jury indicts the firm and its lawyers, Thornton could be the biggest so-called "straw donor" case ever brought nationwide. Between 2010 and 2014 alone, lawyers for the firm, which specializes in asbestos cases, donated $3.4 million to candidates and the Democratic Party, especially to Senate candidates who opposed overhauling the asbestos litigation system. "There are serious penalties for these violations," said Brett Kappel, a campaign finance lawyer in Washington, D.C. "Here you potentially have multiple violations of the prohibition on contributions in the name of another, each one of which would be separately charged." Violations involving straw donations of $25,000 or more could bring a sentence of five years in prison, for each count, Kappel said. Two years ago, the former CEO of the Fiesta Bowl, John Junker, and four others pleaded guilty to a "straw donor" scheme in which employees were reimbursed more than $45,000 for political contributions they were encouraged to make. Junker served four months in federal prison and four months in a halfway house. The largest civil penalties ever levied by the FEC for "straw donations" came in the late 1990s when Audiovox Corp. and a number of individuals were fined $849,000 for a series of contributions as small as a few hundred dollars. However, companies have sometimes paid millions in penalties to settle criminal charges. Advertisement The reported grand jury investigation comes just two weeks after the Globe and the Center for Responsive Politics documented that three partners at the firm -- founder Michael Thornton, former House assistant majority leader Garrett Bradley and David Strouss -- received about $1.4 million in bonuses to offset their campaign contributions over a five-year period. In at least 30 cases, Thornton was also reimbursed for donations made by his wife, Amy, based on a review of internal payroll records obtained by the Globe and the Center. The firm started offering bonuses to offset partners' political donations at a time when the partners were being asked to donate more and more money, causing some grumbling. The reimbursement policy was so complicated that some lawyers at the firm said they didn't understand it, but they were still happy to get their money back. Since the Globe story ran, at least 19 candidates and one campaign committee announced that they have returned more than $900,000 to lawyers at the firm, or gave the money to the U.S. Treasury or a charity. They include Hillary Clinton, Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.) and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. State Attorney General Maura Healey, who called for investigations of the firm, also returned donations she received from Thornton lawyers. One of the biggest recipients of Thornton's largesse, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told the Globe and the Center on Tuesday night that it, too, was giving up contributions from partners at the firm. Previously, committee officials had indicated they were awaiting a review of the donations by its attorneys, but a person at the committee said the organization has sent $267,000 to Treasury. However, records show that contributions from Thornton employees to the DSCC over the last 10 years total $1.5 million. Advertisement Campaign finance specialists say that Thornton attorneys could face charges for violating a variety of state and federal laws, including the Federal Election Campaign Act's prohibitions on "contributions in the name of another." Thornton lawyers could also face allegations that they illegally caused candidates receiving their money to file false campaign finance reports by indicating that the lawyers were the sources of the funds, when it was actually the firm. In addition, the specialists said, Thornton lawyers who participated in the contribution reimbursement system could be charged with conspiracy. A campaign finance watchdog group filed a complaint against Thornton with the Federal Election Commission on Nov. 2, a step that automatically triggers an FEC review. Now that the US Attorney is involved, however, prosecutors could ask the FEC to hold off on any investigation, and the agency could pick it up again after the criminal case is over and then seek to impose civil penalties, according to Dan Petalas, a former acting general counsel of the FEC who is now in private practice in Washington. The Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance is also looking into whether the law firm was the "true source" of the more than $260,000 in donations to state and local politicians lawyers at Thornton Law firm have made, according to two people briefed on the matter. If the regulators find wrongdoing, they can impose penalties, called civil forfeitures, or refer the matter to the state Attorney General for possible criminal prosecution. This case has the potential to be the largest "straw donor" investigation in state history. The biggest civil forfeiture in recent years was $185,000 paid last month by Canton businessman, Vincent Barletta, who provided $35,500 to employees to make political contributions. In 2015, the owners of Capitol Waste of East Boston, a trash company with contracts with Boston and other communities, agreed to pay $120,000 to the state and four cities after OCPF found the owners gave employees $38,000 to donate to political candidates. BY: ASHLEY BALCERZAK We continue our series on the money-in-politics histories of candidates for Donald Trump's future Cabinet by looking at those who have been mentioned as possibilities to run the State Department. (See our earlier analyses on prospects for Treasury and Defense.) Spoiler: None of the State contenders donated a nickel to Trump's campaign. Rudolph W. Giuliani: The former New York City mayor badly wants the top diplomatic post, though he'd be a controversial choice given his lack of foreign policy experience. Despite Giuliani's unwavering support for Trump in the face of his scandals, though, there was no concomitant support from Giuliani's wallet. This year, the only candidates he gave to were Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and Rep. Dan Donovan (R-N.Y.). Giuliani joined the Texas lobbying firm Bracewell & Giuliani (formerly Bracewell & Patterson) as a partner in 2005, the year in which its annual lobbying revenue increased from $4.7 million to $6.8 million. (The firm also expanded and opened a New York office.) Giuliani left Bracewell last January to join the firm Greenberg Traurig's cybersecurity and crisis management group and as senior adviser to the chairman. He's now on leave. Advertisement CNN reports that past lobbying ties and potential conflicts of interest are holding up the process. From 2005 to 2007, Bracewell & Giuliani received $100,000 to $200,000 to lobby on behalf of Citgo Petroleum Corp, a Houston-based oil company controlled by the former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, although the firm said Giuliani did no work for that client. A subsidiary of Giuliani's consulting firm, which he ran while also working for Bracewell, was a security adviser for Qatar's state-run oil company. In addition, Giuliani was a paid advocate for an Iranian dissident group, Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK) at the time the State Department named it as a foreign terrorist organization. Giuliani has never registered as a lobbyist. When Giuliani ran for president in 2008, he raised $59 million, more than any other Republican if contributions from Mitt Romney to his own campaign are excluded. The companies whose employees and PACs gave the most to Giuliani include Ernst & Young ($293,000), JPMorgan Chase & Co. ($248,000) and Merrill Lynch ($216,000.) Wall Street, retirees and lawyers and law firms supported him most heavily. John Bolton: George W. Bush made a recess appointment to install Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations in 2005 after Democrats filibustered his nomination. He left the position shortly before his appointment ended a year later after Democrats seized the Senate. Bolton then became a senior fellow at the right-leaning think tank American Enterprise Institute and a senior adviser for Freedom Capital Investment Management. Bolton did not give to Trump. This cycle, he did give $10,000 to his own John Bolton PAC, which donated $590,000 to 100 percent GOP congressional candidates. He funneled another $10,000 to the John Bolton Super PAC, which spent nearly $2.6 million backing Republicans in the contentious New Hampshire, North Carolina and Nevada Senate races. (Democrats won in New Hampshire and Nevada.) Advertisement Corker and his wife Elizabeth did not contribute to Trump's campaign. Neither of them personally has given a political donation since 2006, contributing to the past campaigns of George W. Bush and his father, George H. W. Bush. But Rock City PAC gave out $235,000 this cycle to Republican candidates for Senate. (His campaign committee did not dole out any additional funds to lawmakers or presidential contenders.) Newt Gingrich: The House speaker in the mid-1990's and a presidential candidate in 2012, Gingrich maxed out his donations the past two cycles to himself and John McCain, but decided to sit this election out as far as contributions were concerned. As OpenSecrets Blog reported when Gingrich was being considered for the vice presidential slot under Trump, he raised $23.6 million for his failed presidential bid. Although he dropped out of the race in April of 2012, he still had $4.6 million in debt -- which, according to a debt settlement plan the campaign filed in August with the FEC, he doesn't plan to pay back. The FEC found this plan didn't meet the law's requirements, and one of the vendors, Gordon C. James Public Relations, who was owed $128,000, rejected the terms in a letter to the FEC. "Nothing is not a settlement offer," the letter reads. "Courtesy, if not regulation, would dictate that Newt 2012 at least send a letter explaining the form and its actions to its creditors." Advertisement Zalmay Khalilzad: The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Afganistan and Iraq (all under President George W. Bush) actually supported one of Trump's rivals, giving $8,000 to former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's super PAC, Right to Rise USA, and $2,700 to Bush's campaign. He didn't contribute to Trump. Khalilzad's donations overall, at least at the federal level, have been sparse. He gave $2,500 to Romney in 2012 and $500 to Bob Dole, the GOP presidential nominee in 1996. Khalilzad founded a global advisory firm called Gryphon Partners, whose employees gave to John Kasich and Hillary Clinton this year. Like their boss, they neglected Trump. Which U.S. President had the kindest personality? originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights. Answer by Taylor Griffin, Former US Treasury and White House staff. Consultant, on Quora: As a young White House staffer in the early years of President George W. Bush's administration, I was always struck by President Bush's kindness, warmth and genuine humility. I saw it when he choked back tears as he comforted grieving families after 9/11. Or in the camaraderie he shared with wounded warriors. But I saw it in small moments too. Here's one of those that meant a great deal to me personally. As I prepared to leave the White House for a new job opportunity, Ashley Kavanaugh, the President's secretary at the time, called to tell me that the President wanted to invite my family to come visit in the Oval Office on my last day of work. It was 2003, a few days after the start of the Iraq war, when my brother, sister and father arrived at the White House Northwest gate. This was a busy time for the President. I anticipated a quick photo op. So, as we walked down the drive toward the West Wing, I instructed my family not to linger too long with the President. I knew that he had a great deal weighing on him, more than usual, and had an especially tight schedule that day. Advertisement We were ushered into the Oval, introductions were made, and White House photographer Eric Draper snapped a photo for posterity. After a few minutes of pleasantries, I thanked the President and began to usher everyone out. As we turned for the door, he boomed, "hang on," and motioned us back, insisting that we stay a little longer. He asked my brother about his career plans, my sister about her studies in college. He took the time to get to know each of them. As we left, everyone was beaming. Later, I thanked the President for how generously he had welcomed our family. As much as I appreciated it, I asked why he had taken so much time for a junior staffer and his family from a small town in North Carolina? "Well," he said, "this may be the one time in their lives your family will ever visit with a President in the Oval Office. I wanted to make sure that it was something they could remember." Everyone who has worked for President Bush has stories like this, my friend Dana Perino has a book filled with them (here's one and another). Many of these are far more awe-inspiring than mine (here here and here). But, sometimes it's the small things that best illustrate true kindness and real character. Advertisement Correction: A previous version of this post referred to the author as a White House intern, this was incorrect as the author was a White House staffer. This question originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. More questions: Five years ago, I moved to New York City to pursue a dream deferred - becoming a writer. While in NYC, I discovered my inner entrepreneur via my snack food mix, Auntie Ronda's. An entrepreneurial spirit is the life blood of NYC. It is the pulse and rhythm of the city that never sleeps. Although my background was in law, I did not know how to run a business. Fortunately, I found food incubators and resources for entrepreneurial startups located throughout all of the boroughs. These entrepreneurial centers provide free legal, tax, accounting, and marketing advice from professionals. I had someone walk me through drafting a business plan, competitive/marketing analysis and web design. When I moved back to Chicago in August, I was excited to be home. However, I was concerned whether I would find the resources to sustain my creative (writing) and entrepreneurial endeavors. I felt like a stranger in my hometown. During my search to find mentors and resources, I came upon the Chicago Innovation Awards. Its mission is to "celebrate, educate, and connect innovators across all industries in the Chicago region." Most of the companies seemed to be tech startups. I was skeptical, but intrigued by its Women's Mentoring Co-op and the new addition of the Neighborhood Awards honoring organizations dedicated to innovations in Chicago neighborhoods. Advertisement Monday night, I attended Chicago Innovation Awards' Innovators Connection sponsored by Molex. The mission of Innovators Connection is to connect Chicago startups, investors and Fortune 500 companies. Kristi Ross, a former CFO for a startup acquired by a Fortune 500 and a mentor for the Women's Mentor Co-op, offered advice on what to expect after acquisition and how to maximize the strengths of the startup spirit with the resources of a large company. To facilitate networking, Innovators Connection utilized high tech and low tech tools. The low tech connector was a "Connection Wall" (aka vision board) where participants wrote what they were seeking (capital, talent, service). For its high tech network tool, Innovators Connection utilized Bullseye Smart Badge by Proxfinity, a winner at the Chicago Innovation Awards 2016. Proxfinity is a "trademarked play on words that captures the company's core concepts of connecting people based on proximity and affinity." Proxfinity is poised to change the way trade shows, conferences, and corporations manage professional networking and internal corporate relations. Its Bullseye Smart Badge is an electronic visual badge pre-programmed with participants data (industry, trade, wants, needs, products - you pick how much). When a participant is within range of someone that meets their needs/wants, the badge lights up with initials and transmits data to each participant. As co-founder Lisa Carrel explained, "The benefits are two-fold. First, participants get a better experience. Second, it provides insights for the organizer to tie event and meeting marketing and HR spends with revenue/dollars spent - is this worth the cost?" Although initially Proxfinity felt trade shows, expos, and networking fairs (job/college) would be a natural fit for the product, corporations have been its main client base. Corporations with multiple locations have found Proxfinity valuable in connecting employees who've only communicated via email at CEO summits, R&D events, or cross-departmental strategic planning and leadership meetings. The Bullseye Smart Badge takes networking to the next level. I used my snack mix company to complete the survey for the badge. I was like a kid in a candy shop when my badge lit up with initials. Some people worried when they could not find their match. This had more to do with the venue location. We were in a restaurant with an open area and booths, some people were standing others sitting. However, we were reassured because connections' contact information were going to be emailed to us. No missed connections. No cold calls. The connection is someone who actually has an affinity for my business. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people I met that I would have never met through traditional networking. Advertisement Social networking has drastically changed the way people interact with their friends, associates and family members. Although social networks, like Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, Snapchat and FourSquare, play a major role in our day to day lives, I have also come to discover that they could also pose serious privacy risks. When using these social media sites, it's quite important to know and understand the privacy risks involved. I recently had an encounter withPhilip Scala, a private investigator based in New York. Below are some of the things I learned from him on the privacy risks that comes with the use of social media. Privacy Risks on Social Media Nowadays, hackers prowl the social media networks looking for victims. They tend to use the shortened URLs like those which are created with bit.ly. They use these shortened URLs to trick their victims into visiting harmful sites or to inject viruses into their computers or mobile phones. Hackers also use spyware which they can easily install on your mobile phone, laptop, iPad or/and computer remotely via downloads, emails, shortened URLs or instant messages. The spyware gives the hacker information about the passwords you use on your social media networks and other accounts which you access online. The simplest way to avoid being a victim, is to never click on links unless you're sure of the actual source. Most of the social media sites have information that's required, like your birthday and email address. Identity thieves tend to gather their victims' personal information from the information available on the social media sites. Many identity thieves tend to hack their victims email accounts by simply using the personal information available on social media profile. For instance, one of the more common techniques used by identity thieves, is clicking on the "forgot password," and then trying to recover the password via email. Once they access your email account, they basically have access to all of your personal information. Advertisement Social media sites utilize mobile apps and the location based services to allow users to check in at their current locations. This normally reveals the user's current location to all of the people they are connected with in their particular social media networks. The information posted can be easily used by malicious people to track your whereabouts. Moreover, telling the online community where you are, or where you are going to, can end up inviting burglars and thieves to your home or business. For instance, by posting your current location and saying that you are on a long vacation in Australia, you will be letting the potential burglars or/and thieves know exactly where you are, and how long you will be gone. To mitigate such risks, you should avoid posting your travel plans, and using the location based services. Tips For Protecting Your Privacy On Social Media Create strong passwords; the stronger your passwords are, the harder it will be to guess. You can include special characters such as symbols, numbers, and capital letters in your password. Also, do not use some common passwords, like your child's name, wife's name or birthday. Review your social media profiles and pay close attention to the way each profile lets you protect sensitive personal details. Some social media sites like Facebook gives you the opportunity of restricting access to certain friends, family members and colleagues. Also take advantage of the enhanced privacy options which are offered by social media sites like blocking the messages from strangers. For most people, their setting is set in a way that their Facebook likes are easily visible to anyone. There are strategies that can be employed to stop people from snooping on you on Facebook. Advertisement Install a good antivirus and anti-spyware; it's essential you've a software that will protect you from malware, viruses, and spyware. Get the latest antivirus and anti-spyware software and make sure you have it regularly updated with all the latest malware definitions. For extra security, you can update all of the critical applications, including the operating system, your internet browsers, and such other programs which are prone to attacks. Republican Senators are violating their Oath of Office by refusing to consider any Supreme Court nominee and are committing a Felony. Recently, Democratic Senator for New York and a member of the Judiciary Committee, Charles Schumer, penned an editorial in the Daily News: Senate Republicans' Supreme abdication: Chuck Schumer says the NRA doesn't get a vote on Merrick Garland -- senators do. Schumer cites Republican intransigence, as well as their declared but unconstitutional obedience to the dictates of the National Rifle Association, an unelected private organization whose members often don't even agree with its own leadership (most Republicans also believe Republican Senators ought to have hearings on the Garland nomination). Yet, despite some recent defections, republicans are mostly still vowing not to confirm any Supreme Court nominee Obama makes, and have done so both in deed and on a signed pledge. Just yesterday, Senate majority leader McConnell said Republicans will not vote on any nominee, even if a Democrat is elected in November and even in the subsequent lame duck session. Advertisement In an act of unknowing prescience, Chief Justice Roberts wrote just weeks before Justice Scalia died that the process of nominating a Justice should be free of politics. "Anytime Judge Garland disagrees, you know you're in a difficult area," Chief Justice Roberts said at his own 2005 confirmation hearing. ..."We don't work as Democrats or Republicans," the chief justice said, "and I think it's a very unfortunate impression the public might get from the confirmation process." But if anything, the Republican majority has dug in its heels, even as nominee Marrick Garland meets with Democrats and some truly patriotic Republicans. In response, Robert Reich posted a video through moveon.org saying people should apply public pressure to their Senators through phone calls and letters. Advertisement Robert Reich: How to Fix the Supreme Court. How do we get the #GOP to release their choke hold on #SCOTUS? Robert Reich has an answer. There are problems with this approach. First of all, viewers of lefty moveon.org videos with Robert Reich are not likely to have Republican Senators, and even less likely to have Republican Senators who will change their stance under public pressure, the fact is public pressure as Reich advocates is not enough. A much stronger remedy is needed. The Republicans took an oath of office, as required by the Constitution, to Support and Defend that Constitution. You can't very well do that by keeping the Supreme Court short-staffed. They need to be held accountable, LEGALLY accountable. This is the specific oath for Congress: "At the start of each new U.S. Congress, in January of every odd-numbered year, newly elected or re-elected Members of Congress - the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate - must recite an oath: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.[70]" (Separately, the "So help me God" ending is optional and otherwise would have been itself a violation of the Constitution, which says: The Constitution (Article VI, clause 3) also specifies: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the members of the several state legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.) But this is the critical section regarding the processing of a president's nominee for the Supreme Court: the oath specifically says the oath-taker will "faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter." This could not be clearer. And it could not be clearer that one of the duties of a Senator - an important one in fact - is to advise and consent on Supreme Court nominees. The term "advice and consent" first appears in the United States Constitution in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, referring to the senate's role in the signing and ratification of treaties. This term is then used again, to describe the Senate's role in the appointment of public officials, immediately after describing the president's duty to nominate officials. Article II, Section 2, paragraph 2 of the United States Constitution states: [The President] shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments. There are many legitimate ways the Senate can delay, reject, or otherwise prevent a nominee form taking office, but there has never before been a case where the Senate has pledged to not even consider any nominee. Typically, a congressional hearing is held to question an appointee prior to a committee vote. If the nominee is approved by the relevant committee, the full Senate must then approve the nomination. The actual motion adopted by the Senate when exercising the power is "to advise and consent".[5][6] For appointments, a majority of Senators present are needed to pass a motion "to advise and consent". A filibuster requiring a three-fifths vote to override, and other similar delaying tactics have been used to require higher vote tallies in the past. On November 21, 2013, the Democratic Party, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid overrode the filibuster of a nomination with a simple majority vote to change the rules.[7] As a result, for instance, judicial nominees to federal courts and a president's executive-branch nominations can be freed up for a confirmation vote by a simple majority vote of the senate. Nominees to the Supreme Court can still be blocked by 41 senators, however. Again, the Republican Senators are not doing any of the above practices of denying a nominee; they are refusing to consider it or any nomination at all, in both writing and in practice. There is a very big difference. Delaying and even denying a nominee is within the Senate's right. Refusing to consider any nominee by a sitting president - and the Constitution says nothing about the President's time left in office - under any circumstances is not. Just to show this is not a particularly Left-wing position, consider this site which correctly considers violation of the oath of office a felony: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread912761/pg1 and quotes the statute: Federal law regulating oath of office by government officials is divided into four parts along with an executive order which further defines the law for purposes of enforcement. 5 U.S.C. 3331, provides the text of the actual oath of office members of Congress are required to take before assuming office. 5 U.S.C. 3333 requires members of Congress sign an affidavit that they have taken the oath of office required by 5 U.S.C. 3331 and have not or will not violate that oath of office during their tenure of office as defined by the third part of the law, 5 U.S.C. 7311 which explicitly makes it a federal criminal offense (and a violation of oath of office) for anyone employed in the United States Government (including members of Congress) to "advocate the overthrow of our constitutional form of government". The fourth federal law, 18 U.S.C. 1918 provides penalties for violation of oath office described in 5 U.S.C. 7311 which include: (1) removal from office and; (2) confinement or a fine." Now, is refusing to consider a Supreme Court nominee, ANY nominee, "advocat(ing) the overthrow of our constitutional form of government"? In the sense that such action prevents one branch of the government from executing its duty to its full capacity, perhaps so. The President, or perhaps the Vice President, who is the technical head of the Senate under certain circumstances, must charge the Sergeant at arms with the task of arresting all those Republicans who signed a letter and have pursued a stated policy not to fulfill their Constitutional obligations. These are the responsibilities and powers of the SAA, emphasis added: As the Senate's chief law enforcement officer, the SAA supervises the Senate wing of the Capitol, maintaining security in the Capitol and in all the Senate buildings, and controlling access to the Senate Chamber and galleries through a team of doorkeepers. The SAA also protects the senators and can arrest and detain any person violating Senate rules. Additionally, the SAA can compel senators to come to the Senate Chamber to establish a quorum. To advise and consent regarding a Supreme Court Justice is not an "option." It is not a choice. It is not something to be put off until one party gets a president they like better. It is a requirement of the position of Senator and a duty under the Constitution. Those who violate that duty need to go to jail. Lonny Price, Ann Morrison and Jim Walton on the stage of the Alvin (now Neil Simon) Theatre Photo: "Best Worst Thing That Could Have Happened" "Best thing that ever could have happened," Stephen Sondheim has his characters sing in the first act finale of the 1981 musical Merrily We Roll Along. Only not really; the protagonist's wife has justly filed for divorce, the hero has lost custody of his beloved son, and things look dismally black. "Best thing that ever could have happened," sing the friends of Frank, trying to get him to move on with life and career. Although the musical, itself, moved backwards. That reverse storytelling, which was at the heart of the material--it was devised by Kaufman & Hart for their 1934 play of the same title--was also at the heart of the original production's troubles. A mere flop, it wasn't; it was a posterchild for Broadway catastrophes, coming from the heralded Sondheim/Prince team who since 1970 had turned out Company, Follies, A Little Night Music and Sweeney Todd. Advertisement Merrily proved to be resilient. The score, from the first, bordered on the outstanding; but Sondheim and Furth continued to work on the show post-debacle, and the present, "final" version makes for a rousing evening. This has been the case, especially, in the 2002 production at Kennedy Center, starring Michael Hayden and Raul Esparza; and the 2012 City Center Encores! version, starring Colin Donnell and a pre-Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda. But that was later; in 1981, Merrily was blasted, lambasted and withdrawn after a mere 16 performances (plus 44 previews, during which the show was frantically doctored in the face of abysmal word-of-mouth). While this is a mere hiccup in the mind of the majority of today's audience--anyone who actually saw the original production would have to be around forty-five or so, unless they took you when you were six--the Merrily shellacking has haunted many of the bright-eyed young members of the original cast (who ranged in age from twenty-five to sixteen). That's where "Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened" comes in. Lonny Price has made a name for himself over the last fifteen years as a director of concert hall versions of Broadway musicals (including Sweeney Todd, Company, Candide and Passion, winning two Emmys in the process). At twenty-one, though, he originated the co-starring role of Charley Kringas in Merrily. A teenaged office boy at producer/director Hal Prince's office, he ingratiated his way into the role. (Price notes that he invested his Bar Mitzvah money in Pacific Overtures, which says something about the lad.) He was very good as Charley, giving what was arguably the most accomplished and memorable performance in the original production. His breakdown-in-song, while delivering "Franklin Shepard, Inc.", was riveting. Advertisement Price has long thought of doing some kind of Merrily project. Many of the original cast members seem to have an enduring, almost familial relationship with the show and each other. (Twenty-one of the twenty-seven actors were making their Broadway debut; fourteen of them never reached Broadway again.) While the show suffered an ignominious fate, many seem to consider it the highlight of their professional life, while in an odd but understandable way the show seems to haunt them. The director and his associates have been struggling through this project for almost nine years, although you wouldn't know it by the warmly exuberant but bittersweet documentary. Price was fortunate to locate a trove of material filmed in 1981 for a documentary which never got made; this includes film of auditions, rehearsals, actual performances and more. (ABC, which owns the footage, long reported that it had been destroyed; Price went ahead anyway, and was thrilled when cartons full or reels turned up late in the process.) Price tracks down a great many of the Merrily people, including ensemble members who apparently gave up dreams of a show business career after the show closed. He concentrates on a handful of actors, whose stories are spotted through the film (the final part of which shows us where they are today, and how the Merrily experience has stayed with them). These include the show's leading lady Ann Morrison, who played the frustrated and alcoholic Mary Flynn (which Kaufman & Hart patterned after Dorothy Parker); and a delightfully outspoken Terry Finn, who played Gussie, the producer's wife who destroys Frank's marriage. We also spend a good deal of time with Jason Alexander, who played producer Joe Josephson (who complains that "there's not a tune you can hum"). He had the most severe career arc of all involved; while he basically has musical theatre in his toes, he achieved super-stardom as George Costanza in "Seinfeld." Price's interviews with him are continually interrupted by people barging in for photos. Alexander doesn't complain about the success and money, but he seems to wonder where the Jason Alexander of Merrily disappeared to. The director makes an unusual and brave choice in dealing with his costar, Franklin Shepard. As was highly-publicized at the time, actor James Weissenbach was fired during previews and replaced by Jim Walton. Price features both in his documentary, giving them more or less equal time. (While the official record books show Walton as the creator of the role, Weissenbach was Frank through rehearsals and early previews--which made him part of the Merrily family longer than Walton.) The present day Weissenbach, as it happens, seems to be one of the best-adjusted of the group. Advertisement Price also gives a significant amount of screen time to Abby Pogrebin, who played a small ensemble role (Evelyn) in the musical. This doesn't make much sense, story-wise; but Pogrebin, who quickly realized that life upon the wicked stage was not for her and became a respected journalist, speaks well and is the best and most charming storyteller of the lot. (Among her books is the Kindle Single "Showstopper," a wise, knowing and herewith recommended first-person account of the original Merrily.) Other ensemble performers chime in on multiple occasions, including Tony Award-winner Tonya Pinkins. Three who have gone on to significant careers are curiously overlooked altogether: Liz Callaway, David Loud and Giancarlo Esposito. The latter, at least, is prominently visible in onstage and backstage clips. Prime among the participants, naturally enough, are the Messrs. Prince and Sondheim. They appear in both the 1981 footage and in recent interviews, and explain that they have long felt guilty about letting the "kids" down with the show's dire failure. 1981 documentary footage of Stephen Sondheim (with the back of Hal Prince's head) Photo: "Best Worst Thing That Could Have Happened" While the film is loaded with interviews, the story inevitably shows Merrily through Price's eyes. Price is a naturally modest fellow, and this was not the intention; in a post-screening interview, he admitted that he finally realized that having played Charley Kringas--the show's symbol of integrity--the film needed him at its center. Advertisement The result, even with all the turmoil, is touching, sweet and altogether exuberant. There have been other backstage documentaries over the years, but "Best Worst" might well be the best. (It belongs on the same top shelf with D. A. Pennebaker's "Original Cast Album: Company".) The major difference here is built into the concept: interviews are likely to be more honest, direct, personal and emotional when the person doing the interview is part of the family. For Prince and Sondheim, Price is someone they've known since he was a teenager (and someone whom they have worked with aside from Merrily). For the actors, he's like a sibling; they went through the incredible highs of Merrily--Sondheim & Prince were musical theatre gods at the time, with Sweeney Todd the latest masterpiece--and the heartbreaking lows together. There are more than a few tears in evidence on screen, and likely to be some in the audience watching the movie. "Dreams don't die, so keep an eye on your dreams" says the master, who quickly adds that dreams will explode and you should never look back. So this is the best worst thing that could have happened. It was an early morning wake up dictated by an alarming sound that signified one thing - it was time to start the human engine and get on with the day's grind. I reeved out of bed, eager with excitement more so than most days, knowing I was going to collect the new and almighty Italian stallion. Which stallion am I referring you may ask? Like all stallions this one was an attractive bright red and a complete knock out! It has been a long and tiresome 18-month wait for this new Ferrari. I went through all the strides to get this one right. First, it was a trip to the dealer for pre-qualification to order one (yes it's a thing). Then I had to place a deposit and extensively analyze the endless list of options available to add my personal touches. The process rounded out with a visit to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, for a quick tour and sneak peak of the car as it was being built. You could somewhat equate this experience with the birth of your first-born - extreme but you'll understand once you experience it! My trip to the Ferrari factory in Maranello - about 45mins from the city of Bologna in Italy - was a complete eye opener. When you think of Ferrari, the brand immediately connotes innovation, prestige, and luxury. It's not, however, until you visit the very place these machines are built, do you truly understand the level of sophistication involved in constructing something this magnificent. This is perhaps why my heart jumped right out of my chest the moment I laid eyes, on what was, my very own car on the production line. The overwhelming elation takes over and don't be surprised if you find yourself standing there in jaw dropping silence, like I did. Advertisement What was interesting about the city that housed the Ferrari factory, was like the fact that you couldn't look past Bologna's unique and eccentric style which is somewhat resonate with Ferrari. The city was different, artistic, eclectic - it merged the medieval perils of the past with contemporary tunes of modern day democracy. It's definitely a place worth visiting if you're a lover of worlds colliding and bolognese sauce. Fast forward 2 months and the much anticipated beauty of my dreams is now on home turf and within arm's reach. Watch, via my link, the day this stallion arrived and the personal touches which makes this Ferrari more unique than the rest. The changing configuration of landscapes and the increasing natural catastrophes that we are being confronted to are a clear demonstration that climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of this age. And as a global challenge only a concerted action by world governments in an urgent and effective manner will help us save thousands of lives now and for future generations, because the harmful effects of climate change affect us all, being the effects even more harmful for developing countries, as these have less resources to adapt. With this idea in mind, nearly all the governments of the world engaged in the intense negotiations that lead to the adoption of the Paris Agreement in December 2015. One of the main purposes of the Paris agreement is keeping the global temperature increase below 2 C in relation to pre-industrial levels, pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 C. These goals may seem small at a first glance, but to achieve them, real commitment from all is key to successfully address climate change effectively. It is also important to note that the Paris Agreement is not limited to mitigation. For the first time, as part of the global response to climate change, adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and the provision of means of implementation, including finance, technology transfer and capacity building, are explicitly mentioned in order to enable climate actions (measures of mitigation and adaptation). The importance of what has been achieved through negotiations can be grasped by the fact that the Paris Agreement entered into force last November 4, at a speed unprecedented for a multilateral treaty. After that first and very significant step it is fundamental to maintain this momentum throughout the Climate Change conference being held in Marrakech, Morocco. Advertisement Argentina is ready to do so and is strongly committed to play its part in the fight against climate change and, in that sense, is fully engaged in the process of operationalizing the Paris Agreement. On September 21st, 2016, my country ratified the Paris Agreement, and will now present a revised Nationally Determined Contribution on the occasion of the current Climate Change Conference. The revised contribution entails an increase in ambition in mitigation, while deepening the efforts on adaptation in the context of our global and national challenges to address climate change. The revised contribution is the result of an open and participative process with the public and private sector and civil society and it should be understood as a work in progress that aims at achieving greater ambition in tackling climate change. At the domestic level, Argentina's new administration has created a new Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, including an Undersecretariat for Climate Change and Sustainable Development. In this regard, a National Cabinet for Climate Change was also established, comprising all Ministries with responsibility in the field (Environment, Foreign Affairs, Energy, Transport, and Agribusiness, among others). Argentina is also implementing actions to address climate change challenges in mitigation and adaptation with financing from multilateral funds under the UNFCCC, the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility and the Adaptation Fund. Argentina is represented in all the governing bodies of these funds and an Argentine national entity, the Rural Change Unit, has been accredited to manage the resources of the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund directly, without the mediation of organisms of the United Nations or multilateral development banks. This, in turn, attests the local capacity to manage climate finance. Advertisement At the international level, Argentina has also participated actively in the negotiations on the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Parties to the Protocol agreed to gradually phase out consumption and production of potent greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), mainly from air conditioning, refrigeration, foam and aerosol systems. This could help avoiding up to half a degree centigrade of global warming by the end of the century. More developed nations will freeze HFC production faster than developing countries. Some developing countries, Argentina included, have opted for an accelerated phase out, showing greater climate ambition and commitment. Similarly, at the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in which Argentina had an active role, a Carbon Reduction and Compensation Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) was approved. Its purpose is to offset any increase in total annual emissions of carbon dioxide from international aviation above 2020 levels. In this way, Argentina assumes a more proactive role to advance the climate change agenda, with a forward-looking attitude that seeks to solve global problems at the multilateral level through dialogue and negotiation. Our ancestors on the Serengeti were starving and moved a lot, chasing or being chased. They craved sweet and fat as the densest forms of calories. They had no days off from their strenuous routine. These earliest survival realities come down to us today in the foreboding epidemic of diabetes. Too many calories, too little physical activity, too fast pace of life; we have lost our Bushman heritage. The November 9, 2005 Yale School of Public Health reported that in another 20 years we can expect over 600,000 deaths per year from diabetes. Forget hurricanes, avian flu, and tsunamis. They are trivial blips. The CDC already teaches that one in three babies from now on will become diabetic, blindness , kidney failure, and amputation rates will similarly triple. Diabetes cost will bankrupt pension plans, threaten General Motors, outsource millions of American jobs, and cripple the budgets of local school boards. The human and economic scope of the coming tragedy is horrific. Advertisement In my view, the major reason for this stealth epidemic is the assumption by everyone "let somebody else handle it. I really don't have to worry." Another recent report from a Virginia think tank, the Institute for Alternative Futures recognizes the threat, and suggests a group of four potential responses for a healthy 2029 . One, stem cells, two, gene therapy, three , nanotechnology,and four, new drugs . I welcome all this tech. I've lived all of my professional life in Silicon Valley, but identify the resistance of millions of years of prehistory to gene manipulation and stomach stapling. Our biology deeded us gene arrays that are unchanged from our Paleolithic days. They ordain that we like sugar and we don't like to move. This is deeply rooted in our human nature. Our capitalist culture hastens to respond by providing fatter, sweeter, richer, easier, faster tools for life. Each industrial advance is a profit center of immense proportions and threat. The wheel and the internet penalize our movement. But what if what we like is bad for us ? What if we're being seduced to death? What if we don't get to see our grandchildren graduate or dance at their weddings because of our inability to resist the taste in TV temptations? All the while awaiting a scientist to compensate for the frailty of our personal behavior? Advertisement It's true that we can't change our ancestry and genetic predisposition , but the answer to this futility is not gene snipping and stomach stapling. We need a massive campaign to incentivize health. Health, not disease should pay. Non-diabetes is in all our best interests. Two dominant issues are prevention and control . With the doubling of incidence in 10 years and general evidence of poor diabetic control once the diseases is contracted why are we spending 200 billion dollars this year and 600 billion in 2020 ? Prevention based upon assumption of personal responsibility for health shrieks for implementation. If the answer is so clear where's the problem ? Answer: there's no money in prevention. The person who looks back at you in the mirror each morning needs to assume control. We cannot download responsibility to the hugely profitable medical industrial complex which seduces us by slick advertising and false hopes. Save your money, save your life. It's your job, not the government's or anybody else's. This is the first in a series of posts exploring some of the things that must change in government and society to fix America, including the deep divisions that have become an open wound. With all the soul-searching and post-game analysis underway in the aftermath of this year's presidential election, one thing already is clear: Our Republic needs serious repairs. The signs were apparent well before Donald Trump won the election on a platform that included unapologetic bigotry. We should ask, for example, why we needed to be reminded that Black lives matter. Of all the problems pointed out and all the fixes promised by political candidates this year, job number one should be dealing with hate. It's one thing for people to have different political opinions. It's another for us to disagree, sometimes violently, about human dignity, basic decency, and what America stands for. It's difficult to imagine that we can solve our other big problems unless we fix this one Advertisement In one way of looking at it, Donald Trump did us a service by ripping the bandaid off deep wounds we didn't want to look at or even admit we had. He liberated misogyny, paranoia, wild conspiracy theories, racism and tribalism from political correctness. That ended polite conversation as well as any illusion that America is a nation of pure values and virtues, a shining city on the hill. As I said, hate is nothing new. To greater or lesser degrees, it always has resided in the seamy underbelly of American society. The election of our first black president eight years ago was celebrated as an affirmation that we had finally outgrown racism. But Barack Obama has been the most threatened president in our history, the target of more than 30 potential death threats a day. During his two terms, the rate of presidential threats has increased 400%. One of the remarkable achievements of his presidency is the grace that he and his family have shown throughout. Earlier this week, the FBI released its numbers on hate crimes in 2015. There were more than 5,800, up 6% from 2014. Attacks against American Muslims jumped nearly 70% compared to 2014. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks these things, counted nearly 900 active hate groups in the United States last year, about 100 more than the year before. Hate crimes reportedly have spiked since Donald Trump's election. The New York Times cites "an alarming rise in some types of crimes tied to the vitriol of this year's presidential campaign..." These data only scratch the surface. They include assaults, arsons, bombings, physical threats and property destruction; they do not include insults, intimidation, slurs, public demonstrations, ostracization, bullying and many other hateful incidents that are unreported because they stop short of breaking the law. Advertisement We should not be surprised that people have taken to the streets to declare that Trump is not their president. Neither should Trump. As commentator Van Jones pointed out during a post-election panel discussion, Trump was "one of the most explosively provocative candidates in the history of our country and there's a price to be paid for that." The question now is whether President Trump will "bind the wounds of division", as he put it in his victory speech. "I pledge to every citizen of our land," he said, "that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me." During his interview on 60 Minutes last Sunday, Lesley Stahl prodded Trump to comment on the reports that some of his supporters were harassing and threatening African Americans, Latinos and Muslims. He responded "I would say don't do it, that's terrible, 'cause I'm gonna bring this country together." The next day he announced that his top advisor in the White House will be Stephen Bannon. It probably is unreasonable to expect that one person, even the President of the United States, can heal wounds that have festered for so long. On the other hand, it was one man, Trump, who opened the wounds again. His mission now is not to rebind the wounds; it's to heal them. If he's serious about healing, he can start by banishing Bannon. He can forcefully condemn the state rules designed to make it harder for some groups to vote. He can make sure his senior appointments reflect the changing demographics of our country. He can nominate a Supreme Court Justice who stands firm for social justice. He can meet in the White House with leaders of the African American, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, and Muslim communities for their insights into addressing the ugliness the campaign exposed. He can order his Attorney General to fully prosecute hate crimes. Most importantly, he can champion the rights and opportunities of the disaffected, disillusioned and disenfranchised members of our society, from the aforementioned minorities to the white middle class Americans who feel the opportunity society does not include them, rural Americans who have lived their entire lives in the "economically depressed" parts of the country, and immigrants encountering the same kind of discrimination that every new group of immigrants has experienced during our history. Advertisement K-State students get to 'Hang with Tang' on Tuesday Cat Zone A new partnership between Elon Musk's OpenAI and Microsoft, whereby OpenAI will use Azure for its research into deep learning and neural networks sounds promising in terms of "democratizing AI", something both partners are committed to. OpenAI is the non-profit designed to promote artificial intelligence as both beneficial for all and open to all. It was founded by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman and Ilya Sutskever in December 2015 with a $1 billion investment, see AI Goes Open Source To The Tune Of $1 Billion, and quickly began to implement research projects, see OpenAI Gym Gives Reinforcement Learning A Work Out . The decision by OpenAI to use Microsoft Azure to further its research comes shortly after the formation of Partnership on AI, another non-profit with the ultimate aim of ensuring AI is beneficial rather than harmful to society as a whole, which is AI alliance between Amazon, DeepMind/Google, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft. Whereas Partnership on AI has been established to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, OpenAI is pressing ahead with AI research. A blog post by Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever and Sam Altman yesterday explains the decision to partner with Microsoft from OpenAI's perspective: We're working with Microsoft to start running most of our large-scale experiments on Azure. This will make Azure the primary cloud platform that OpenAI is using for deep learning and AI, and will let us conduct more research and share the results with the world. One of the most important factors for accelerating our progress is accessing more and faster computers; this is particularly true for emerging AI technologies like reinforcement learning and generative models. Azure has impressed us by building hardware configurations optimized for deep learning they offer K80 GPUs with InfiniBand interconnects at scale. We're also excited by their roadmap, which should soon bring Pascal GPUs onto their cloud. In the coming months we will use thousands to tens of thousands of these machines to increase both the number of experiments we run and the size of the models we train. We'll share the results of this partnership with everyone: along with publishing our research results, we'll continue releasing open-source software making it easier for people to run large-scale AI workloads on the cloud. We'll also be giving feedback to the Microsoft team so that Azure's capabilities keep pace with our understanding of AI. It's great to work with another organization that believes in the importance of democratizing access to AI. We're looking forward to accelerating the AI community through this partnership. A post on the Official Microsoft Blog from Harry Shum reiterates Microsoft's commitment to democratizing AI, making it accessible to everyone and enabling everyone to take advantage of the breakthroughs in AI. In this brief video clip Harry Shum and Sam Altman share their excitement about these breakthroughs to date and how AI technology can be harnessed in the future: At the beginning of the conversation Shum asks why is AI so "hot" today and Altman says he thinks the reason is that after 50 years of it making promises it is finally working, something Shum suggests is due to a convergence of multiple forces: having a lot more data, having amazing computing power, especially that from the cloud, referring specifically to Azure and thirdly incredible breakthroughs in deep learning. To this Altman responds with: I think the AI revolution will be on the order of the Industrial Revolution or the Agricultural Revolution in terms of how much it changes the way our society works and the way we live. I think we are not all that far away from the super tool that will help us do everything we do better. I think we'll be able to save a lot of lives. I think we'll be able to educate our children better. I think this will transform a lot of industries and a lot of society. Shum's blog post also explains which OpenAI has chosen to use Azure and also indicates that next month even more cloud computing power will be generally available. Were also excited that OpenAI chose Microsoft Azure as their primary cloud platform, to help advance their research and create new tools and technologies that are only possible with the cloud. OpenAI chose Microsoft due to our deep learning research and ongoing commitment to AI, along with Azures support for open source technologies and its unique combination of high performance computing, big data and intelligence capabilities such as Azure Batch, Azure Machine Learning and the Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit (formerly CNTK). OpenAI is an early adopter of Azure N-Series Virtual Machines, which will be generally available starting in December. These virtual machines are designed for the most intensive compute workloads, including deep learning, simulations, rendering and the training of neural networks. They also enable high-end visualization capabilities to allow for workstation and streaming scenarios by utilizing the NVIDIA GRID in Azure. To know more about Azure N-Series, which having been in preview since August will be generally available from December 1st, see yesterday's post by Corey Sanders, Director of Compute, Azure, on the Azure blog which has links to pricing. Azure is just part of Microsoft's contribution to the future of AI, representing the infrastructure. Other parts are already open sourced - including its Cognitive Toolkit, the new name for its Computational Network Toolkit (CTNK). The Democratizing AI article that both blog posts refer to states: Were taking a four-pronged approach to how we think about Microsoft AI and how we pursue this bold ambition to democratize AI for all: Were going to harness artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how we interact with the ambient computing, the agents, in our lives. Were going to infuse every application that we interact with, on any device, at any point in time, with intelligence. Well make these same intelligent capabilities that are infused in our own apps the cognitive capabilities available to every application developer in the world. Were building the worlds most powerful AI supercomputer and making it available to anyone, via the cloud, to enable all to harness its power and tackle AI challenges, large and small. For those interested in AI research it's hard not to be excited at this point in time about how AI can impact all our lives for good. More Information OpenAI and Microsoft Advancing our ambition to democratize artificial intelligence Azure N-Series General Availability on December 1 Microsoft - Democratizing AI Related Articles AI Goes Open Source To The Tune Of $1 Billion Formation of Partnership On AI OpenAI Gym Gives Reinforcement Learning A Work Out Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit Version 2.0 Beta How Will AI Transform Life By 2030? Initial Report The Effects Of AI - Stanford 100 Year Study Autonomous Robot Weaponry - The Debate Achieving Autonomous AI Is Closer Than We Think To be informed about new articles on I Programmer, sign up for our weekly newsletter, subscribe to the RSS feed and follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin. Comments Make a Comment or View Existing Comments Using Disqus or email your comment to: comments@i-programmer.info A US District Judge ruled yesterday that an insurer is obligated to protect its clientsthe operators of three California beauty schoolsin a proposed class action suit that alleges the operators failed to reimburse students for supplies or pay them for providing cosmetology services.The judge pointed out that a wage-and-hour exclusion does not apply to one of the underlying claims.Chief US District Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz found most of the claims in the underlying suit against Poway Academy of Hair Design Inc. and Beauty Boutique Inc. (BBI) fell within a policy exclusion for allegations of wage-and-hour violations, save for onethe students claim for reimbursement of supply costs.Judge Moskowitz ruled that under this, Hanover Insurance Co. must defend its clients against the class action complaint. He also said that Hanover may be able to seek reimbursement for any sum that the beauty schools spent, if only to defend the uncovered wage-and-hour claims.Poway Academy operates the Bellus Academy in Poway, California, while BBI operates two schools bearing its namesake in National City and El Cajon, California. Both companies held employment practices liability insurance with Hanover from 2014 and 2015.Court documents noted that although the two policies covered claims of wrongful acts by the insured, they excluded coverage for claims of violations of federal, state and local wage-and-hour laws. Notably, Poway Academys policy had a special endorsement allowing for defense coverage of wage-and-hour claims up to $25,000.In 2014, a former Bellus Academy student filed a putative class action complaint against the beauty schools in California state court. Hanover agreed to defend the companies under a reservation of rights to later challenge coverage. The insurer then sued the schools in 2015, seeking a declaration regulating its defense payments at $25,000. An insurer told New York state judge yesterday that a Credit Suisse Group AG unit had constantly lied and produced falsified records to force the insurer to cover risky mortgage-backed securities.MBIA Insurance Corp. is arguing for a partial summary judgment of over $240 million.Representing MBIA, Marc E. Kasowitz, of Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman LLP, told the New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Werner Kornreich that Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC made material misrepresentations about its process for scrutinizing the no-documentation loans it securitized. Kasowitz also argued that the bank concealed information on loans it knew to be issued outside the guidelines.This company was lied to repeatedly, he said. Credit Suisse went out of their way to make sure the information was sanitized.Credit Suisses lawyer, Daniel J. Dunne of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, said that although the company questions the allegation that it hid the defective loans from MBIA, the purported falsified documents were two dozen out of over 15,000 loans. Dunne argued that the loans were analyzed at the lender level and not by Credit Suisse. The bank sought summary judgment on MBIAs claim of fraudulent inducement.Judge Kornreich then told Kasowitz that it was likely that the mortgage applicants were the parties making misrepresentations. Kornreich also said that MBIA should have done due diligence on the loans itself.Normally, that kind of insurance company does due diligence, Judge Kornreich stated. They kept doing less and less due diligence until they werent doing any at all.The insurer asserted that it also had a claim under New York state insurance law, explaining that the supposed misrepresentations allowed it to reclaim on its payouts.MBIA continued to make payments and take premiums, Judge Kornreich countered. They kind of waived the insurance aspect.Previously, MBIA sued Credit Suisse, DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc. and Select Portfolio Servicing Inc. in 2009 for allegedly breaking their contractual residential MBS put-back obligations as well as for fraudulently encouraging MBIA to issue financial guarantee insurance by falsifying their business practices. According to the original complaint, MBIA was forced by the companies to pay $296 million in claims as of late 2009. The insurer later filed an amended complaint.Judge Kornreich reserved her judgment. A judge has ruled in favour of health insurer Anthem Blue Cross in a lawsuit over the insurers move to alter the coverage of 500,000 policyholders plans so that they will receive no coverage for out-of-network care.Customers are facing reduced coverage under the new plans, which have been changed into what are known as exclusive provider organizations, or EPOs, throughout much of the state of California for next year.The insurer issued notices to customers that they would be automatically switched onto plans that paid nothing for care outside the insurers network, if they did not change to another insurer by December 15, LA Times reports.The changed coverage, which applies to plans that have been purchased from Anthem or from the states health insurance exchange, Covered California, will only pay for out-of-network care in an emergency.Consumer Watchdog group filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court following the notices, which claimed that Anthem did not clearly inform customers of the change and attempted to put a restraining order against the move.However, on Tuesday, Judge John Shepard Wiley Jr ruled against the order.An Anthem customer involved in the case, Los Angeles resident Patty Mann, said that her sons healthcare would be affected, because he has to see doctors outside the insurers network.Mann said she feels that Anthem is deceiving the public, highlighting confusing language in the insurers notices, and voiced concerns that many people will not notice the change of plan until they receive an unexpected medical bill.A lawyer for Consumer Watchdog, Jerry Flanagan, said the purpose for the suit was to prevent customers from being hurt.Judge Wiley Jr. said the plaintiffs lacked standing in court for a restraining order because they had not suffered any losses on the policies that begin next year, according to the report.An Anthem spokesman said the case has no merit, adding: Anthem Blue Cross is pleased with the courts decision and based on the facts in the case, we believe the decision is appropriate.The case, which is also seeking damages for customers, will continue. It's critical to help clients make the most of the plans they have Deluxe's chief brand officer Amanda Brinkman announces North Adams as a semi-finalist in $500,000 Small Business Revolution challenge. North Adams in First Round of Small Business Revolution Challenge NORTH ADAMS, Mass. North Adams is the running for a $500,000 boost to benefit its downtown and small businesses. The city is one of eight semi-finalists for the Small Business Revolution on Main Street challenge, selected from 14,000 entries. The challenge is sponsored by Minnesota-based Deluxe Corp., which has been providing small businesses with printing, design and now web publishing resources for a century. It services some 4.5 million small-business customers and more than 5,000 financial institutions. The company marked its centennial anniversary in 2015 by going to small towns across the nation to share the stories of 100 local businesses that "represent the best of the American entrepreneurial spirit." That continued with a challenge to boost a small-town main street and its businesses. The result was this year's Small Business Revolution eight-part documentary series of the $500,000 makeover of Wabash, Ind., with Deluxe's chief brand officer Amanda Brinkman and "Shark Tank's" Robert Herjavec. Board of Assessors Chairwoman Paula King leads the council through the development of the tax classification recommendation. Pittsfield Property Tax Rate Up 4.5 Percent for Fiscal 2017 Councilors including Kevin Morandi, center, raised questions over the high commercial rate. Councilor at Large Kathleen Amuso, right, said those considerations should have been made at budget time. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The average homeowner can expect to see a $150 a year increase in property taxes for fiscal 2017. The City Council on Tuesday night approved 8-3 a tax shift of 1.65, resulting in a tax rate of $19.63 per thousand assessed value, up 87 cents over this year, for residential and $39.78 per thousand for commercial, up from $38.06 this year. The vote came after nearly 90 minutes of discussion and an unsuccessful attempt to lower the shift ratio to ease the burden on local businesses by Councilor at Large Melissa Mazzeo. The average single-family home is calculated at $176,120, down from fiscal 2016's $176,234. The average tax bill will be $3,457, up from $3,306 last year. In all, total single-family home values increased by $471,000, adding 10 more single-family homes in the city. "Really it's pretty much status quo, the values really haven't fluctuated much at all within the single families," said Board of Assessors Chairwoman Paula King, who made the tax classification presentation. Two-family homes lost value, with the 1,773 structures dropping in total value from $225.7 million to $223.47 million, more than $2 million, and about $1,000 on average, largely because of their condition, King said. The average tax rate on such building will increase about $100, from $2,390 last year to $2,474 this year. The gains in numbers and value were in Individuals/Partnership/Trusts ($11 million); Corporations ($4.2 million); Agriculture ($76,300); and Recreational ($32,400). Public utilities and wireless phones also increased in value at $1.4 million and $1.2 million respectively. The city's total value is $3.36 billion, up about $17 million. The tax levy required to fund this year's budget $162 million budget is $81 million, up from $77 million appropriated last year, or 5.5 percent more. The city did see about $3.6 million in new growth in fiscal 2016, raising the levy ceiling to $84 million. If the city had gone with a single tax rate for all properties, the rate would be $24.11 per thousand, up from an estimated $22.97 in fiscal 2016. Mazzeo and others raised concerns that the commercial rate, in particular, would deter potential businesses and slow the city's the growth "We're begging for them to come into our community and set up shop and bring in jobs for our community and it's almost $40 ... I'll be looking along the way to change that," she said, adding, "I think we have to have a deep, deep discussion on this tonight." Councilor Kevin Morandi echoed her comments, asking King about the number of small businesses with values under $200,000. King said of 742 commercial parcels, "a good majority of them are in that $200,000 range." But, she noted, there were also commercial properties worth millions, such as Berkshire Crossing and the Allendale Shopping Center. "We're one of the highest if not the highest commercial rate in the state of Massachusetts," said Morandi, also pointing to the loss of 300 jobs from SABIC. "And here we're struggling for growth. ... If somebody's looking around and comes to Pittsfield and sees that tax rate, to me that's a deterrent and we really need to look at that. ... "I'm concerned with the residential rate also." Mazzeo motioned toward the end of the discussion to use a shift of 1.62, which would have raised the residential rate to $19.84 and dropped the commercial to $39.06. That was defeated 5-6. The shift of 1.65 passed 8-3 with Morandi, Mazzeo and Simonelli voting against. Community Development Director Andrew Groff said a draft of the revised Open Space and Recreation Plan is available for review on the town website. Williamstown Reviewing Portions of Master Plan WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Board of Selectmen on Monday discussed the town's 14-year-old Master Plan and efforts to revise it on a piecemeal basis. Community Development Director Andrew Groff was before the board with a brief presentation about the draft of a revised Open Space and Recreation Plan, one of a half-dozen components of the Master Plan. The commission is accepting comments on the plan, visible on the town's website, through the first week of December, Groff said. The Open Space and Recreation piece of the Master Plan was last revised in 2005, but the commission started its review three years ago with help from the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and students in Williams College's environmental studies program, he said. "One of the student groups did survey work and focus groups, really focused on the recreation side of the plan," Groff said. "The second group did a scientific analysis on the resource protection needs. "Those two reports were taken by the Conservation Commission, informed by the Economic Development Committee process and the Spruces Land Use group." An ad hoc committee drafted the revised Open Space and Recreation Plan, which the Con Comm hopes to get approved at the local level later this year for submission to the commonwealth, Groff said. Boston offers a financial incentive for having an updated Open Space plan. "If you have an approved and up-to-date plan you are eligible for Department of Conservation and Recreation grants for parks improvement," Groff said. "One of the big hopes is we can focus on parks improvements in the future through grant funding." The town's recent acquisition of the land at the former Spruces mobile home park presents an opportunity to use the flood-prone Main Street parcel for recreation, but it would be a costly endeavor for a town that just began payments on a major renovation and addition at Mount Greylock Regional School and is in the process of addressing deficiencies in its police and fire stations. Groff said he has presented the draft Open Space plan to the town's Planning Board and plans to make a similar presentation to the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday. In the meantime, the town has set up a special email account to receive comments from the general public on the proposed plan: osrp@williamstownma.gov. As for the full Master Plan, the 2002 revision came at the end of a three-year process that started with a committee of 20 local residents. In addition to the Open Space component, the Master Plan includes sections on economic development, housing, transportation, cultural and historic resources, land use and municipal finances, services and facilities. "To do the Master Plan as one big thing is a controversial chore," Groff said. And, unlike the Open Space section specifically, an updated Master Plan brings with it no potential financial benefit, he said. The commonwealth encourages towns to revise their plans from time to time, but there is no specific mandate to do so. That said, Williamstown's Planning Board in 2013 reviewed the then 11-year-old Master Plan to look at whether its "action plan" had been acted on. The Affordable Housing Committee and Planning Board are both looking into studies that would inform an updated housing plan for the town. And the Economic Development Committee report submitted last December has been discussed as a replacement for the Master Plan's economic development section although the town has not taken that step. Haiti - FLASH : Make a donation to support the revival of livestock Following the passage of Hurricane Matthew on Haiti in early October, it is estimated that 70% of the livestock, in the most affected departments, has been lost. The resumption of the livestock activities by the peasant families affected in Haiti is an absolute urgency for them to become autonomous again. The NGO Veterimed in partnership with a coalition of six Haitian institutions and associations (Quisqueya University, Veterimed, Notre Dame University, Koral, the National Network of Veterinary Agents (INTERVET) and the National Federation of Haitian Milk Producers (FENAPWOLA )) has launched a call for donations to enable peasant families to rebuild some of the lost livestock. This approach has been endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Federation of Mayors (FENAM) of Haiti. Veterimed explains "[...] With two adult goats ready to breed, a family can have 4 to 6 goats in the first year. Previous experiences inspired by the traditional 'caretaking' system have shown that in one year, those who had received 2 goats were able to donate two goats to another beneficiary, a practice that maintains a sense of responsibility and solidarity. In the second year, a family that has increased its flock to 4 goats can expect annual incomes 3 to 4 times higher than the initial investment [...]" All details about the program and to make a donation (in french) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Soutenir_relance_elevage_Haiti.pdf IH/ iciHaiti Saving a Jewish Girl from the Nazis by Kidnapping Her The Fellowship | November 16, 2016 Saving a Jewish Girl from the Nazis by 'Kidnapping' Her In November of 1943, the occupying German forces in the Netherlands raided a guest house. There they found a small Jewish child, three-year-old Miriam Dasberg, daughter of a rabbi. Miriam had been kept in hiding there, safe from the Nazis. But now that she had been found, the young girl was to be deported to the concentration camps, where she would surely be murdered. However, another young person would be her savior. Seventeen-year-old Hein Korpershoek was already a member of the Dutch Resistance. Now he was volunteered by a friend to rescue the little Jewish girl. Hein and his friend Wibo Florissen disguised themselves as members of the Secret Police and kidnapped young Miriam from the house where she was held. The two young men were frightened throughout the operation, but it ended in success when they handed Miriam off to the female Resistance member, Ans van Dam, who had volunteered Hein for the mission. Ans then hid the girl in another secret location. In two weeks, however, Ans was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. She survived and later made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel. Hein continued his illegal activities against the Nazis, working with the Resistances press and also stealing identity cards to be used by Jews in hiding. For his heroic actions, Hein Korpershoek (seen in the above photograph, top right, meeting with Miriam, center, the young girl he once saved) was named Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1987. Governor Brown, UCSF Announce New Precision Medicine Projects Sacramento, California - Continuing Californias groundbreaking effort to better treat and prevent diseases through advanced computing, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) today announced six new projects have been selected for the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine (CIAPM). These grant winners will harness the power of advanced computing to better treat and prevent diseases, said Governor Brown. Precision medicine aims to use data-driven tools and analysis to develop new diagnostics, therapies and insights into disease. Last year, California became the first state in the nation to launch a precision medicine initiative when Governor Brown announced the creation of CIAPM. Through this program, California is developing demonstration projects that harness the power of advanced computing to better diagnose, treat and prevent disease for all Californians. What an exciting time to be a Californian, said Atul Butte, Director, Institute for Computational Health Sciences, Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF and Principal Investigator, California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine. With these state resources, we are helping to launch six exciting projects in precision medicine, bringing together academics, physicians, small and large businesses, and patients. These projects cover individuals who are healthy and ill, from the youngest to the oldest, and make use of the latest mobile, imaging, wearable, and deep learning technologies, all to push the boundaries of what is possible in medicine. The six projects announced today were selected following a rigorous assessment by a selection committee of nationally and internationally recognized experts in genomics, statistics, ethics, cancer, computation and other sciences. Over twenty organizations from academia, private sector, patient advocate groups, hospital systems and entrepreneurs will be partnering to complete these projects, which will use research, clinical, environmental and population data to better diagnose, treat and prevent disease. These projects include efforts to: Improve the early treatment of prostate cancer through a complex assessment of patient characteristics, cancer severity indicators and genomics. Help patients better manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and depression by gathering personal health data through their mobile phones. Speed the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, stroke or aneurysm by applying state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology to computed tomography (CT) scanning. Create a catalogue of DNA variants to better understand harmful mutations and better identify the causes of disease in children that suffer from difficult to diagnosis conditions. Combine several types of clinical data and real-time patient data in an interactive tool that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and doctors can use to better predict how the disease may develop over time and what can be done to improve outcomes. More quickly identify the early signs of cardiovascular disease by, among other activities, providing patients with specialized watches that transmit sleep, heart rate and other health data to their doctors. UC Health and UCSF host CIAPM with the Governors Office of Planning and Research. Each grant awardee is eligible for up to $1.2 million in grant funding, which will then be leveraged with other non-state funding sources to complete the projects. In addition to developing demonstration projects, CIAPM is conducting an inventory of Californias vast technological and medical resources that make precision medicine possible. The 2016 Budget Act includes approximately $10 million for the CIAPM. For more information about the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, including further details on selected projects, visit: http://www.CIAPM.org Navy Surgeon General Announces New Strategic Priorities Falls Church, Virginia - The U.S. Navy's top doctor announced new strategic priorities for Navy Medicine, today. Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), presented the new mission, vision, principles and priorities for Navy Medicine, with rapid change being the driving force. "The world in which we operate is constantly changing," said Faison. "Our success depends on how well we adapt to those changes and continue to honor the trust placed in our hands every day to care for America's sons and daughters." The Navy Medicine mission is keeping the Navy and Marine Corps family ready, healthy and on the job. "My vision for the Navy and Marine Corps family is to have the best readiness and health in the world and that we provide the best care our nation can offer, whenever and wherever needed," Faison said. Faison's strategy introduces new principles to guide Navy Medicine personnel as they work to accomplish the new mission and vision. "Each principle requires active engagement of everyone in Navy Medicine, from the most junior Corpsmen, to our most senior flag officers," said Faison. The strategy commits Navy Medicine to the following principles: honor the trust to care for America's sons and daughters, honor the uniform we wear and honor the privilege of leadership. "The tradition of caring, compassion, hope and resolve is a Navy Medicine hallmark that our team will continue to carry on," said Faison. Readiness, health and partnerships are the new Navy Medicine priorities. "These three pillars are the foundation to the changes to come within the enterprise," Faison said. Readiness: We save lives wherever our forces operate - at and from the sea. The skills and capabilities of our medical teams are vital to operation. Navy Medicine will ensure that its people are trained and prepared to save lives at sea, above the sea, below the sea and ashore. Health: We will provide the best care our nation can offer to Sailors, Marines, and their families to keep them healthy, ready and on the job. Convenience, experience of care and technology drive the health care decisions of many patients today. Navy Medicine's main focus is on providing patients with the best possible care and in ways acceptable to them. Partnerships: We will expand and strengthen our partnerships to maximize readiness and health. Collaboration is critical in meeting the needs of the patient. Navy Medicine will strengthen its partnerships through incorporation of research, principles and practices of its operational colleagues. "American families across the globe trust us with the health and well-being of their loved ones. This strategy is our guide as we chart the course ahead to better serve our Navy and Marine Corps team," said Faison. Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} For many Jurassic Park fans, the idea of being able to roam around a gigantic park filled with dinosaurs is both an incredible and terrifying idea. Just imagine being able to drive alongside triceratops or gaze upon a tyrannosaurus rex? What could possibly go wrong? At an industry expo in Tokyo last week, investors were introduced to the idea of a real-life Jurassic Park, albeit with animatronic dinosaurs instead of genetically made beasts like in Stephen Spielbergs film. According to The Telegraph, Dino-a-Live would be a half visual spectacle and half wacky performance piece based within Dino-a-Park, the brainchild of Japanese entrepreneur Kazuya Kanemaru who hopes to get full funding by 2017. When presenting the idea, Kanemaru presented a robotic tyrannosaurus rex which then attempted to eat an actor. Watch footage below. The park would be filled with the fully-painted carbon fibre robots, each based on real fossilised dinosaurs. Fingers crossed the park wont fail like Palmersaurus, a dinosaur park based in Queensland, Australia, which reportedly sacked hundreds of staff members a year after opening in 2014. Those dinosaurs, however, were a lot less lifelike. Jurassic Park theory disproved by scientists who rule dinosaur DNA cannot survive in amber Show all 2 1 /2 Jurassic Park theory disproved by scientists who rule dinosaur DNA cannot survive in amber Jurassic Park theory disproved by scientists who rule dinosaur DNA cannot survive in amber jurassic-park.jpg Rex Features Jurassic Park theory disproved by scientists who rule dinosaur DNA cannot survive in amber Jurassicpark1.jpg AP Other concerns include robots taking over the world and then using their newly developed dinosaur army against the humans or a Westworld-esque scenario where certain dinosaurs go rogue, but thats surely a problem for future generations. Until then, lets enjoy Dino-a-Park, shall we? 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 }} After appearing before the United Nations for the first time and telling delegates she was ashamed to stand before them while they did nothing to prevent the rape and abuse of Yazidi women, Amal Clooney stood before a conference of women and urged them to join the fight for womens rights in countries where they are most under threat. The renowned human rights lawyer gave the keynote speech at the Texas Conference for Women on Tuesday, where more than 100 leading women from different sectors also delivered talks. In September, Clooney condemned world leaders for their inaction over the persecution of the Yazidi community, a religious minority in northern Iraq who have been targeted by Isis. In her speech on Tuesday, Clooney spoke more about the plight of Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman who was trafficked by Isis as a sex slave and now advocates on behalf of Yazidi women. Former Isis prisoner Nadia Murad delivers her speech after winning the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, 10 October, 2016 (EPA) I want to talk to you today about what the fight for human rights means for one group of women who I represent, Clooney began. When I addressed the UN Security Council earlier this year, I told them I was ashamed as a supporter of the United Nations that states are failing to punish genocide. I am ashamed that there is no justice being done and barely a complaint being made about it. More than that, I am ashamed as a woman that women like Nadia can today have their bodies sold and used like battlefields. I am ashamed as a human being that we ignore their cries for help. Murad was jointly awarded the Sakharov prize, the most prestigious human rights prize in Europe, alongside Lamiya Aji Bashar, who also escaped the terror group, in October. Now living in Germany, she visits refugee camps and speaks around Europe to raise awareness of the brutality inflicted upon her community. The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws Clooney went on: One day in August 2014, Isis encircled her [Murads] village. Male adults in the family were rounded up and killed. Young boys were checked for signs of puberty. If they had hair under their arms, they were killed. The younger ones, like Nadias nephew Malik, were still young enough to be brainwashed. He was taken to an Isis camp, where he was being taught to kill. She was forced to pray and forced to dress up in preparation for rape. After she tried to escape from the first house where she was held, her owner invited all of the male guards in the compound to abuse her over the course of the night, two at a time, until she fell unconscious. They want to face their abusers in court and create a record of whats happened to them, of the crimes they have suffered, so that they cannot later be denied." Rape is a weapon of war," she went on. As women, we share a bond, a shared experience. The experiences and struggles that only women go through. The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other. And this is something that we can practice every day no matter where we are or what we do. Because if we are united, there is no limit to what we can do. 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 }} Jeremy Clarkson has claimed an "Argentinian" airport worker prohibited him and his Top Gear co-hosts from boarding a flight from Germany to the UK in order to seek revenge for the Argentinian numberplate row. According to a report in The Sun, the controversial presenter, James May and Richard Hammond were allegedly barred from boarding a flight from Stuttgart to Heathrow after they finished filming their new show The Grand Tour. Clarkson claimed check-in worker Manuel Pereira informed them they were too drunk to board the plane in order to prevent them from flying. I said to this little bald guy, Whats the problem? He had a big smile on his face, Clarkson told the paper. He said, Youve missed it. We said we had left the lounge when we were told, and he said, Im from Argentina so f*** you. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. In October 2014, the cast and crew of Top Gear were forced to flee Argentina under police escort after locals pelted them with stones for driving through Argentina with the number plate H892 FKL, which some suggested was a reference to the Falklands War. At the time, Clarkson said it was the most terrifying thing he had ever been involved in. The BBC insisted the H892 FKL number plate on the Porsche was just an unfortunate coincidence. Maria Cristina Barrionuevo, a federal judge in the city of Ushuaia, chose not to start an official investigation against Clarkson and the Top Gear team. Mr Pereira, who in is 40s, told the paper he was Spanish rather than Argentinian and also denied swearing: "I would never say such a thing. I wasnt rude. I was polite and professional". A spokesperson for Stuttgart Airport said Clarkson missed several calls in the departure lounge while other passengers were boarding a plane. A statement read: "The ground services for the mentioned flight were operated by our partner, S Stuttgart Ground Services. "In this case, Mr Clarkson and his team missed several calls in the lounge while the other passengers have been already boarded," it continued. "Due to airline policy, after a certain time of absence the luggage will be removed from the aircraft and the missing passengers will be withdrawn from the passenger list. From this point there is no chance for boarding, even if the passengers show up." "Nevertheless the personal behaviour of the staff member described in the article does not conform to our approach on customer service at Stuttgart Airport. S. Stuttgart Ground Services will investigate the event with its staff. We do already know that the employee mentioned is Spanish, not Argentinian." In March 2015, Clarkson was dropped by the BBC after an unprovoked physical and verbal attack that left one of his colleagues bleeding and requiring hospital treatment. A representative for Clarkson did not immediately respond to request for comment. 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 }} Tom Hanks is soothing growing panic over the repercussions of Donald Trumps election victory with a speech that has fuelled calls for the actor to consider a run in 2020. In an address being touted by some as evidence of his leadership ability, Hanks referenced the constitution and, as Barack Obama has made a habit of doing throughout his tenure, even sang during his speech. He was speaking at the Museum of Modern Art in New York where he was being honoured for his life's work in film. Hanks was a vociferous critic of the President-elect, saying he was personally offended by his lewd grab her by the p***y comments. On Tuesday evening, he sought to assuage fears about his presidency by telling the audience America has been in worse situations than the one it finds itself in now. President Donald Trump life in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 President Donald Trump life in pictures President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump poses in a rocking chair once used by President John F. Kennedy at his New York City residence Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump with his new bride Marla Maples after their wedding at the Plaza hotel in New York Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open. She was the date whom Donald Trump was with when he met his current wife Melania at a party in 1996 Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and Melania Knauss on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedwa Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and his friend Melania Knauss pose for photographers as they arrive at the New York premiere of Star Wars Episode : 'The Phantom Menace,' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump talks with host Larry King. Trump told King that he was moving toward a possible bid for the United States presidency with the formation of a presidential exploratory committee Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump answers questions as Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura looks on in Brooklyn Park. Trump said on Friday he 'very well might' make a run for president under the Reform Party banner but had not made a final decision Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump makes a face at a friend as he sits next to Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso before the start of the 2003 Miss Universe pageant in Panama City Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Entrepreneur Donald Trump is greeted by a Marilyn Monroe character look-a-alike, as he arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood to attend the an open casting call for his NBC television network reality series 'The Apprentice.' Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Simon Cowell present an Emmy during the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump and Megan Mullally perform at the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump, poses with his children, son Donald Trump, Jr., and daughters Tiffany and Ivanka Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Billionaire Donald Trump told Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner on Tuesday she would be given a second chance after reported misbehavior Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures Donald Trump holds a replica of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as his wife Melania holds their son Barron in Los Angeles Reuters President Donald Trump life in pictures U.S. property mogul Donald Trump stands next to a bagpiper during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland Reuters In a message of hope, he pointed to more turbulent times in America's past and promised citizens would endure this tumultuous period, as they did then. In my own lifetime our streets were in chaos, our generations were fighting each other tooth and nail and every dinner table ended up being as close to a fist fight as human families will allow," he said in comments published by Vulture. We have been in a place where we have looked at our leaders and wondered what the hell they were thinking of. Weve had moments with the administrations and politicians and senators and governors in which weve asked ourselves Are they lying to us or do they really believe in this? Thats all right. We have this magnificent thing that is in place. Its a magnificent document and it starts off with these phrases that if youre smart enough youve memorised in school or you just read enough so that you know it by heart, or you watched those little things on ABC where they taught you a little song." Then Hanks began to sing. "We the people/in order to form a more perfect union/established to ensure domestic tranquility/to provide for the common defence/promote the general welfare, and you go on and on. "That document is going to protect us over and over again whether or not our neighbours preserve, protect and defend it themselves." Tom Hanks 'offended as a man' by Trump remarks He went on: That journey never ceases, it never stops. Sometimes, to quote a Bruce Springsteen song, its one step forward two steps back, but we still aggregately move forward. We, who are a week into wondering what the hell just happened, will continue to move forward. We have to choose to do so, but we will move forward. We will take everything that has been handed to us as Americans and we will turn our nation and we will turn the future and we will turn all the work that we have in before us into some grand thing of beauty. Amid calls for Hanks to consider dipping his toes into politics, he told Vulture one speech is not exactly a robust indication of how capable he would be of running the country. Just because I'm an actor, I can give a good speech, I agree with that. But the concept of actually voting for someone just because they can do that?" Should he run, Hanks could face off against Bernie Sanders, the socialist senator whose popularity has soared since Hillary Clinton lost in the election. Documentarian Michael Moore has offered his support to a Hanks run. A big fan of beloved celebrities running for political office, he said: Democrats would be better off if they ran Oprah [Winfrey] or Tom Hanks. Why dont we run beloved people? We have so many of them. The Republicans do this they run [Ronald] Reagan and the Terminator [Arnold Schwarzenegger] and other people. Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Scientists have discovered a new way to edit DNA that could fix broken genes in the brain, cure previously incurable diseases and potentially even extend the human lifespan. The breakthrough described as a holy grail of genetics was used to partially restore the sight of rats blinded by a condition which also affects humans. Previously researchers were not able to make changes to DNA in eye, brain, heart and liver tissues. But the new technique allows them to do this for the first time and could also lead to new treatments for a range of diseases associated with the ageing process. Scientists discover elixir of youth One of the researchers, Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, said: We are very excited by the technology we discovered because its something that could not be done before. The possible applications of this discovery are vast. The cells in most of the tissues of an adult body do not divide, making it harder for scientists to introduce changes to the DNA. But Professor Izpisua Belmonte, of the Salk Institute in the US, said: For the first time, we can enter into cells that do not divide and modify the DNA at will. We now have a technology that allows us to modify the DNA of non-dividing cells, to fix broken genes in the brain, heart and liver. It allows us for the first time to be able to dream of curing diseases that we couldnt before, which is exciting. The researchers used the technique on rats born with a genetic disease called retinitis pigmentosa, which affects about one in 4,000 people in the UK. Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary By altering the genes affecting the eyes, they were able to give the rats a degree of vision. It should be noted, however, that although tests demonstrated improved visual responses after subretinal injection of [the DNA repair] to three-week-old rats, the rescue was only partial and not enough to completely restore vision, the researchers wrote in a paper about their research in the journal Nature. The technique, known as HITI, was based on the famous CRISPR gene-editing technique. The ability to use HITI for in vivo [in a living animal] targeted transgene insertion into post-mitotic [non-dividing] neurons is unprecedented and will help advance basic and translational neuroscience research, the paper added. Scientists who were not involved in the study hailed the breakthrough. Professor Robert MacLaren, of Oxford University, described the research as a significant advance. Researchers are now using this mechanism to correct gene defects. Clinical trials are a long way off because the CRISPR proteins may cut DNA at other sites that may have untoward effects, he said. Nevertheless, since ageing is defined as picking up DNA mutations, the ability to correct these mutations may in future provide us with a means of extending our lifespan as well as treating many diseases that relate to ageing. Dr Andrew Wood, of the Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine at Edinburgh University, was similarly impressed. This study is a really exciting development for therapeutic applications of genome editing, he said. Although other groups have applied similar approaches in dividing cells grown in the laboratory, this is the first time that it has been used in non-dividing cells in a living animal. Before it can be applied to humans, it is now important to improve the efficiency with which the genome editing molecules can be delivered to the relevant cells. And Dr Helen ONeill, of the Embryology, IVF and Reproductive Genetics Group at University College London, said the technique could enable doctors in the future to use gene editing to treat patients. This is an elegant study which establishes new means for targeted integration of DNA in cells which are no longer dividing, she said. These cells have long been considered a hurdle in somatic cell therapy. Further work will need to be done on improving efficiencies, but this work certainly shows new avenues for alternative research into gene therapies. Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, of The Francis Crick Institute and one of the UKs leading geneticists, said: As reported, the methods are not super-efficient. For some genetic diseases it is not necessary to target all cells within the affected tissue, but levels of five per cent or so would only give marginal benefit. However, with improvements in this type of technology, which seem inevitable these days, it is likely that the methods developed here could prove to be a very useful way of adding genes to non-diving cells, certainly for purposes of basic research, and perhaps eventually for gene therapy to treat otherwise incurable diseases. It is a complicated paper, and it does not quite reach the level as hyped in the press release, but it is indeed rather important. After exchange w Trump transition team, changed my recommendation: stay away. They're angry, arrogant, screaming "you LOST!" Will be ugly. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A British tourist has been arrested and charged with illegal extra-marital sex in Dubai after telling police she had been gang raped. The 25-year-old woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was on holiday in the United Arab Emirates when she was allegedly attacked by two British men last month. When she reported the rape at a police station, she was allegedly arrested for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex, while her attackers have since flown home to the UK. The UK-based Detained in Dubai campaign group said she has been released on bail but had her passport confiscated, meaning she cannot leave the country, and could face trial for offences with punishments including jail, deportation, flogging and stoning to death. The group is in contact with the womans family, who claim the two men took it in turns to rape her while filming the attack at a hotel. They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified, a family friend told The Sun. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal. Radha Stirling, the founder and director of Detained in Dubai, said the case a tremendously disturbing example of long-running abuses in the holiday resort. "Police regularly fail to differentiate between consensual intercourse and violent rape, she added. "Victims go to them expecting justice, and end up being prosecuted. They not only invalidate their victimisation, they actually punish them for it." The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told The Independent it was aware of the case and providing support to the woman and her relatives, as well as remaining in contact with local authorities. Its travel advice for the UAE says all sexual relations outside marriage are considered illegal, whatever a couples relationship at home, alongside homosexual sex and same-sex marriages. Its against the law to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex to whom you arent married or closely related, the advice states. The laws, which can also see unmarried pregnant women and their partners jailed, have been used to criminalise rape victims including women from Norway and Australia, and several previous British victims. The burden of proof required for rape under the UAEs interpretation of sharia law a confession from the rapist or witness statements from four adult men means that cases that reach court are heavily skewed in the defendants favour and are frequently dismissed or turned around to prosecute the alleged victim. Campaigners say female migrant workers are hit particularly hard by the laws, with their stories rarely attracting the public attention or outcry garnered by cases involving Westerners. Ms Stirling said the UAE has a long history of penalising rape victims. We have been involved with several cases in the past where this has happened, and we work with the lawyers and families and have campaigned to change attitudes in the police and judiciary, she added. The horrible case at hand shows that it is still not safe for victims to report these crimes to the police without the risk of suffering a double punishment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} An Essex pharmacy has prescribed potentially harmful female hormone drugs used by the transgender community without carrying out age checks or a consultation. During an investigation for The Independent, a reporter was mailed progynova, a female sex hormone that can cause liver problems and high blood pressure if used unmonitored in larger doses, after merely filling out a simple web form from AssetChemist.co.uk, an online pharmacy based in Tilbury. The company, run by GP Dr Toyin Adenaike and pharmacist Oluyomi Adenaike, has apparently become popular in the transgender community since it started in 2014, with individuals claiming on internet forums they did not need to prove their age or previous prescriptions prior to delivery. The risky practice of self-medicating, or DIYing among transgender people is common in the UK, where waiting lists to see specialists at gender identity clinics can stretch to years. The AssetChemist.co.uk site offers emergency prescriptions for people who claim they are currently taking medicine but who are unable to obtain a prescription from their usual GP. A reporter was able to buy 84 two mg tablets of progynova by paying 6 for a private prescription and after claiming their GP was being unhelpful. While the reporter was asked to provide evidence of a previous prescription, the drugs were posted a couple of weeks later at the end of August without the required evidence having been given. The Independents reporter completed a form on Asset Chemists website but did not have to verify the answers No checks were made to ensure the reporters stated date of birth was accurate. Female hormones are potentially dangerous, as they can cause liver problems at high dosages. Progynova is also associated with an increased risk in deep vein thrombosis and should not be taken at all by individuals suffering from certain conditions such as angina. Doctors are required by their professional regulators to have adequate knowledge of a patients health before prescribing online. Pharmacists, meanwhile are expected to ensure that patients are who they claim to be, and that the medicines are safe and appropriate taking into account their age, gender and other medicines. Asset Chemist did not ask what condition the medication was to be used for or enquire about any pre-existing health conditions when The Independents reporter bought the drugs. Once prescribed, the drugs were dispensed by the Asset Chemist pharmacy in Tilbury, where Oluyomi Adenaike who describes himself on social media as a seasoned social media expert, strategist, pharmacist and leader is superintendent pharmacist. Online medical websites are regulated by the Care Quality Commission in the same way as bricks-and-mortar GP surgeries, while individual doctors fall under the General Medical Council (GMC). After being contacted by The Independent, the GMC and the General Pharmaceutical Council, which is the regulatory body for pharmacists, said they were now investigating. Comments on online forums used by the community appear to show the chemist is a go-to source for those who have chosen to self-medicate. Asset Chemists pharmacy in Tilbury, Essex (Google) One satisfied customer posting on a TransDIY section of the social media forum Reddit in February this year provided photographs of the hormones they claimed to have received. When you order, unless you have a prescription, they will need you to answer a questionnaire and they'll prescribe it... Select that you arent currently taking it and that you have no medical problems, and give an excuse as to why you couldnt goto the doctor yourself (your car broke down, you have bad insurance, you know, the whole America thing) and they should give you the prescription, they said. You basically need to write some reasons why you cant get meds from your own doctor. Dont write anything stupid, another advised. A third, writing in January this year, says: I just wrote what they wanted to hear, that my doctor had prescribed it before I didnt mention what any of it was for. A respondent to this post says: Bloody hell I can start this Trans thing. Dr Adenaike, who practised in Essex before moving to Lagos in 2015, is responsible for the online doctor service that provides the prescriptions. The CQC has told The Independent that she asked the CQC to cancel the registration of the service in October. The CQC said that once cancelled, the pharmacy can no longer legally provide treatment of disease disorder or injury (including its an online consulting and prescribing services). Susan Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of the GMC, said: We are grateful for the information provided by The Independent. Our prescribing guidance makes it clear that doctors may prescribe only when they have adequate knowledge of the patients health, and are satisfied that the medicines serve the patients needs. The General Pharmaceutical Council said: All registered pharmacies, including those operating online, are required to meet the GPhCs standards for registered pharmacies at all times. In light of the concerns raised in this case, we will be making enquiries to determine what, if any, regulatory action to take. Neither Dr Adenaike nor Mr Adenaike responded to The Independents repeated requests for comment. Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils Show all 2 1 /2 Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils 25255.bin Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils 25256.bin Trans DIYing is considered so risky that GPs have been ordered by the doctors regulator, the GMC, to start prescribing bridging hormones to self-medicating patients. But the guidance has proved controversial among GPs, with doctors union the BMA complaining it could lead to members prescribing outside of their limits of competence. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chair of the BMAs GP committee, told The Independent: The BMA is keen that high quality healthcare is available to the trans community. It is important that NHS properly funds and provides accessible specialist services to this group of patients, which includes having access to appropriately prescribed medication. It is not acceptable that delays to advice and treatment is leading to some patients having to directly purchase drugs online without a clinical assessment. The government must address this deficiency in provision of service to the trans community. The BMA has discussed with the GMC its concerns in this area and will be continuing to work with them and commissioners to resolve these issues. 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 discussions between Boris Johnson and an Italian minister broke down into a petty squabble over whether prosecco or fish-and-chips exports would be hit harder when the UK leaves the EU. Carlo Calenda said he used the insulting squabble to suggest to the British Foreign Secretary his approach to Brexit was unrealistic. It comes after it was reported that Mr Johnson claimed it is bollocks that free movement of people is one of the European Unions founding principles. Italys economic development minister said Mr Johnson told him during a recent meeting that Italy would grant Britain access to the EUs single market because you dont want to lose prosecco exports. Mr Calenda said: "He basically said, I dont want free movement of people but I want the single market. I said, no way. He said, youll sell less prosecco. I said, OK, youll sell less fish and chips, but Ill sell less prosecco to one country and youll sell less to 27 countries. Speaking to Bloomberg Television, he added: Putting things on this level is a bit insulting. Theresa May: Brexit is an opportunity to make globalisation work for all Hitting out at the lack of detail surrounding the UKs Brexit negotiating position, he said: Somebody needs to tell us something, and it needs to be something that makes sense. You cant say that its sensible to say we want access to the single market but no free circulation of people. Its obvious that doesnt make any sense whatsoever. In a colourful interview with the Czech daily Hospodarske noviny this week, Mr Johnson was quoted as using the word bollocks in reference to the idea that free movement is a founding principle of the EU. To many EU officials the unions four freedoms free movement of goods, services, capital and people are essential to membership. 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 But in the interview, Mr Johnson, added: It's a total myth nonsense. It is stupid to say that freedom of movement is a fundamental right. It's something that has been acquired by a series of decisions by the courts. And everyone now has in his head that every human being has a fundamental, God-given right to go and move wherever he wants. But it is not. It was never a founding principle of the European Union. It's a complete myth. Total myth. Mr Johnson also went further than Cabinet colleagues in suggesting Britain could quit the customs union after Brexit. 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 }} Jobs of the future may not have stable hours, holiday pay, sick pay, or pensions, the Work and Pensions Secretary has said. Damian Green described the trend in employment practices towards the so-called gig economy as exciting and said the changes had huge potential. The Cabinet ministers endorsement of the approach comes a month after an employment tribunal found that drivers for the Uber car service should in fact get the minimum wage and paid holiday. The tribunal dismissed the taxi companys claim that its drivers were in fact selfemployed and not entitled to these rights. Mr Green said in a speech at the Reform think-tank on Wednesday morning: Just a few years ago the idea of a proper job meant a job that brings in a fixed monthly salary, with fixed hours, paid holidays, sick pay, a pension scheme and other contractual benefits. But the gig economy has changed all that. Weve seen the rise of the everyday entrepreneur. People now own their time and control who receives their services and when. They can pick and mix their employers, their hours, their offices, their holiday patterns. This is one of the most significant developments in the labour market. The potential is huge and the change is exciting. He said the Government had launched the Taylor Review into employment practices to make sure that employment rights keep up with employment practices. He also used the speech to argue that the private sector and voluntary sector should be more involved in the provision of welfare services. Damian Green at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham (Getty) The Government is a necessary, but not sufficient provider of welfare, he said. The minister made a small concession to critics of the Governments benefit sanctions system, announcing that he would extend hardship payments available to sanctioned people to a wider group. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty The gig economy is the idea that technological change will make stable jobs less prevalent and that more people will instead work a number of casual gigs as a self-employed person. A significant growth in the numbers of people self-employed in recent years has however been accompanied by falling incomes for self-employed people. Labour has called for the judgment that Uber drivers are in fact employees to be enshrined in law so that other workers with similar working arrangements cannot be denied paid holidays or the minimum wage. Uber is appealing the judgment. 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 Prime Minister has refused to confirm or deny whether she has discussed giving Nigel Farage a peerage. Theresa May was asked at PMQs whether there had been any official conversations at any level over whether to elevate the former Ukip leader to the House of Lords. Can the Prime Minister confirm or deny if there have been any official conversations at any level regarding giving Nigel Farage a peerage? SNP MP George Kerevan asked her. Theresa May did not deny discussions had taken place, saying only, with a smile: All I can say to the honourable gentleman, Im afraid, is that such matters are normally never discussed in public. Mr Farage, who stepped down as leader of the eurosceptic party after the EU referendum result, was the first UK politician to meet US president elect Donald Trump after his victory last week. A peerage would bring Mr Farage into Parliament, to which he has consistently failed to be elected. It could also potentially open the door to his appointment to the Government, were such a situation to emerge. Mr Farage continues to sit as an MEP in the European Parliament and leads Ukip's large group of MEPs there. The speculation comes after reports that Mr Farage might act as a 'go between' between the British government and Mr Trump's administration. Mr Farage's team has strongly denied the reports, as has the Government. Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Show all 12 1 /12 Nigel Farage's most controversial moments Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he unveiled that 'breaking point' poster during the referendum Mr Farage was accused of deploying Nazi-style propaganda when he unveiled a poster showing Syrian refugees travelling to Europe under the next Breaking point. Users on social media were quick to compare the advert to a Nazi propaganda film with similar visuals and featuring Jewish refugees. The poster was particularly controversial because it was unveiled the morning of the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox Rex Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said hed be concerned if his neighbours were Romanian In May 2014 Mr Farage was accused of a racial slur against Romanians after he suggested he would be concerned living next to a house of them. I was asked if a group of Romanian men moved in next to you, would you be concerned? And if you lived in London, I think you would be, he told LBC radio during an interview. Asked whether he would also object to living next to German children, he said: You know the difference Bongarts/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the EU campaign was won 'without a bullet being fired' Nigel Farage has said the next Prime Minister has to be a Leave supporter AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he resigned as Ukip leader and came back days later After failing to win the seat of South Thanet at the general election, Nigel Farage stepped down as Ukip leader as he had promised to do during the campaign. Days later on 11 May he un-resigned and said he would stay after being convinced by supporters within the party. Well see how long his resignation lasts this time AP/Matt Dunham Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he blamed immigrants for making him late Mr Farage turned up late to a 25-a-head meet the leader style event in Port Talbot, Wales in December 2014. Asked why he was late, he blamed immigrants. It took me six hours and 15 minutes to get here - it should have taken three-and-a-half to four, he said. That has nothing to do with professionalism, what it does have to do with is a country in which the population is going through the roof chiefly because of open-door immigration and the fact that the M4 is not as navigable as it used to be Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he wanted to ban immigrants with HIV from Britain Mr Farage has used his platform as Ukip leader call for people with HIV to be banned from coming to Britain. Asked in an interview with Newsweek Europe in October 2014 who he thought should be allowed to come to the UK, he said: People who do not have HIV, to be frank. Thats a good start. And people with a skill. He also repeated similar comments in the 2015 general election leadership debates Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he defended the use of a racial slur against Chinese people Defending one of Ukips candidates, who used the word ch**ky to describe a Chinese person, Mr Farage said: If you and your mates were going out for a Chinese, what do you say you're going for?" When he was told by the presented that he honestly would not use the slur, Mr Farage replied: A lot would Lintao Zhang/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said parts of Britain were like a foreign land The Ukip leader used his 2014 conference speech to declare parts of Britain as being like a foreign land. He told his audience in Torquay that parts of the country were unrecognisable because of the number of foreigners there. Mr Farage has also previously said he felt uncomfortable when people spoke other language on a train Screengrab Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the British army should be deployed to France At the height of trouble at Britains Calais border Mr Farage proposed a novel solution. The Ukip leader called for the British army to be sent to France to put down a migrant rebellion. In all civil emergencies like this we have an army, we have a bit of a Territorial Army as well and we have a very, very overburdened police force and border agency, he said. If in a crisis to make sure weve actually got the manpower to check lorries coming in, to stop people illegally coming to Britain, if in those circumstances we can use the army or other forces then why not AFP/Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said breastfeeding women should sit in the corner Mr Farage sparked protests from mothers after he told women to sit on the corner if they wanted to breastfeed their children. I think that given that some people feel very embarrassed by it, it isnt too difficult to breastfeed a baby in a way that's not openly ostentatious, Mr Farage said. He added: "Or perhaps sit in the corner, or whatever it might be AFP/Getty Images Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said the gender pay gap exists because women are worth less At a Q&A on the European Union in January 2014 Mr Farage said there was no discrimination against women causing the gender pay gap. Instead, he said, women were paid less because they were simply worth far less than many of their male counterparts. A woman who has a client base, has a child and takes two or three years off - she is worth far less to her employer when she comes back than when she went away because that client base won't be stuck as rigidly to her portfolio, he said Getty Nigel Farage's most controversial moments When he said he actually couldnt guarantee 350m to the NHS after Brexit During the EU referendum campaign the Leave side pledged to spend 350 million a week on the National Health Service claiming that this is what the UK sends to Brussels. Nigel Farage didnt speak out against this figure and also pledged to spend EU cash on the health service and other public services himself. Then the day of the election result he suddenly changed his tone, saying he couldnt guarantee the cash for the NHS and that to pledge to do so was a mistake Getty After PMQs had concluded, the Prime Ministers spokesperson said that Ms May had been making a point about process which dictates that future peerages are not discussed. She added that Ms May had previously stated she thought honours should recognise people that really contribute to society and communities. A source close to Nigel Farage dismissed the speculation as an "odd question" for PMQs, also noting that the PM had given a "protocol based answer". Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has reportedly asked an Islamophobic conspiracy theorist to help him choose the next government of the United States. The president-elect is believed to have appointed Centre for Security Policy founder Frank Gaffney to his transition team, to oversee the appointment of his national security advisers. Mr Gaffneys contentious think tank is known for claiming Barack Obama might be a closet Muslim, that the "Sharia system" is replacing American democracy, and the Muslim Brotherhood is infiltrating the US government at high levels. Obama says Trumps temperament 'will not serve him well' The Southern Poverty Law Centre has described the former Reagan-era defence official as "one of Americas most notorious Islamophobes". Mr Gaffney, who was originally part of Ted Cruzs security team, conducted a flawed survey in 2015 which claimed to show that many US Muslims were willing to use violence against other Americans, and that a huge number wanted to be governed by Sharia law. The research was used by Mr Trump as justification for his proposed ban on Muslims entering the country, despite the fact experts had already rubbished the methodology. Mr Gaffney and his organisation have a history of disseminating Islamophobia. Mr Gaffney has accused a bipartisan array of political elites of being secretly tied to the Muslim Brotherhood, including longtime Hillary Clinton Aide Huma Abedin. In 2009, Mr Gaffney questioned whether Mr Obama was Americas first Muslim president or simply playing one. The man now happy to have his Islamic-rooted middle name featured prominently engaged in the most consequential bate-and-switch since Adolf Hitler duped Neville Chamberlain over Czechoslovakia at Munich, Mr Gaffney wrote in an opinion piece published in the Washington Times. In 2010, Mr Gaffney accused Mr Obama of dismantling American missile defence capability in an act of US submission to Islam. He cited a new Missile Defence Agency logo as evidence, suggesting the logo appeared to be a combination of Mr Obamas campaign symbol and the Islamic crescent and star. He later corrected himself, acknowledging that the logo was neither new nor produced under Mr Obamas direction. When Mr Obama nominated Elena Kagan to serve on the Supreme Court in 2010, Mr Gaffney accused her of being soft on Sharia law during her time as dean of Harvard Law School. His group financed an ad that asked, if Kagan tolerates promoting the injustice of Sharia law on the campus of Harvard, what kind of injustice will she tolerate in America during a lifetime on the Supreme Court? Mr Gaffney also suggested that general David Petraeus, commander of US troops in Afghanistan at the time, was submitting to Sharia law when Mr Petraeus condemned the burning of a Quran by a Florida pastor. Mr Gaffney has reportedly already suggested that his vice president at the Centre for Security Policy, Clare Lopez, be shortlisted to become Mr Trump's deputy security adviser. World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty Ms Lopez is known for promoting Mr Gaffney's conspiracy theory that radical Muslim agents have infiltrated the US government and judicial system, and in 2014 accused president Barack Obama of giving military support to Al Qaeda. Mr Trump recently also came under fire for the appointment of media mogul Steve Bannon as his senior adviser, an announcement cheered by white supremacist groups in America. Mr Bannon has been accused of making racist comments in the past after claiming he wanted to preserve white identity. 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 }} When Hillary Clinton conceded the 2016 presidential election and urged young girls and women not to lose hope, at least 61 million of her voters may have been shocked and sad, even angry. But when Donald Trump soared past Ms Clinton on the electoral college system, more than 60 million of his voters were celebrating and triumphant. The November 8 election was not the first time that a presidential nominee had won the popular vote - Ms Clinton has a lead of at least one million votes - but lost overall. Recommended Bernie Sanders says he knows why Hillary Clinton lost The current system started before the Civil War. In 1824, Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but received less than half of the electoral votes. He lost out to John Quincy Adams. A few decades later, in 1876, Samuel Tilden won the popular vote but lost the election by one electoral vote to Rutherford B Hayes. In 1888, Grover Cleveland also clinched the most popular votes in the country but conceded his 168 electoral college votes to Benjamin Harrisons 233 electoral votes Read more Fast forward more than a century to the year 2000. Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote but lost out to George W Bush. The result was so close in Florida - a key battleground state - that Mr Gore contested it and the case went all the way up to the Supreme Court. The recount of ballots led to Mr Bush gaining 271 electoral votes versus Mr Gores 255 votes. Mr Trump, the celebrity and real estate mogul turned 45th president of the United States, threatened to not accept the election result unless he won, claiming that the democratic system that had been in place since the Founding Fathers was "rigged" with widespread voter fraud. When the married father of five won swing states including Florida, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania, he accepted the result, but tweeted that it was "unfair" that thousands of people across the country were being "paid" to protest against him. 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 has signed an order to have Russia withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC) amid calls for his military to be referred over air strikes backing President Bashar al-Assad in Syria and the annexation of Crimea. The President instructed Russia's foreign ministry to notify the United Nations of the country's refusal to be subject to the body's activity on Wednesday, following the same move by Gambia, South Africa and Burundi. State media reported that the government was pulling out of the 2002 Rome Statute, which establishes the International Criminal Court's status and powers, although the Kremlin never ratified the agreement it signed in 2000. Russia shows off new weapons as Syria offensive resumes The International Criminal Court has not justified hopes placed upon it and did not become a truly independent and authoritative judicial body, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry said. A statement claimed that Russia "consistently advocates that people guilty of grave offences must be held accountable" and took part in developing laws against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Francois Hollande, the President of France, called suggested that Russia should face war crimes charges over its bombardment of rebel-held eastern Aleppo last month. These are people who today are the victims of war crimes, he told French television amid hundreds of reported civilian deaths. Those that commit these acts will have to face up to their responsibility, including in the ICC. In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis It was the latest call parties in the conflict to be prosecuted by the ICC, after Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to refer the Assad regime in 2014. Both Russian and Syria have denied deliberately killing civilians or breaking international law in the Syrian civil war, saying they are targeting terrorist groups. Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued an appeal to all countries attempting to withdraw from the ICC on Wednesday. He said those making the attempt were seeking to desert victims of the most abominable international crimes and could not claim their action was based on principle. If the State Parties, who apparently have been masquerading in recent years as countries devoted to criminal accountability, want to leave, then they should leave, Mr al-Hussein added. But we are not convinced their position is based entirely on principle. Quite the opposite: it appears to aim more at protecting their leaders from prosecution. The commissioner said there was no substitute for the ICC, which he hopes will be eventually accepted universally. By withdrawing from the Rome Statute, leaders may shield themselves with immunities but it will be at the cost of depriving their people of the protection of a unique and essential institution, he warned. We face a choice. We can safeguard our societies by standing firm on the principles of justice which anchor this institution. Or we can cast away the moorings of law laid down to save the world from horror and turn away from the screams, as impunity overwhelms men, women and children in wave upon wave of violence. The International Criminal Court's building (ICC) in The Hague (Getty) The ICC is intended to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for the worst violations of international law - genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. But far only African defendants have been put on trial and a number of countries including the US, China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey have not signed the treaty. Like Russia - Egypt, Iran and Israel signed but failed to ratify the agreement, making it unlikely their governments could ever be prosecuted by the court. 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 UN has condemned Russia's "temporary occupation" of Crimea and accused it of multiple human rights abuses in the region. The draft resolution condemns abuses and discrimination "against the residents of the temporarily occupied Crimea, including Crimean Tartars," a Turkic ethnic group formed in the Crimaen Peninsula in the 13th to 17th centuries. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 following the ouster of Ukraine's former Moscow-friendly president after months of protests. The move led to crippling Western sanctions and the eruption of a pro-Russia insurgency in eastern Ukraine the following month. Although Russia urged the General Assembly's human rights committee to vote against the resolution, it was approved by a vote of 73-23, with 76 abstentions. The UK and US are among the countries who voted for the resolution, while Russia, Syria, Iran and China opposed it. In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Pro-Russian protests in Crimea Pro-Russian protesters, including one woman holding a sign that reads: 'The time has come to return my name! I am Russia. And not Ukraine!', hold up a giant Russian flag as they march in Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March. Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Pro-Russian protests in Crimea Pro-Russian protesters marching in Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March. Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Russian troops in Crimea A young man carrying flowers confronts heavily-armed soldiers displaying in a street in the city centre of Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March. Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Russian troops enter Crimea Two young women sit in a shop as heavily-armed soldiers stand outside in Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March. Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Pro-Russian protests in Crimea Pro-Russian protesters wave the orange and black colours of Russian military valour at an anti-American rally in Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March. Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Pro-Europe protests continue in Kiev A man walks with an EU flag at the bridge overlooking Independence Square in central Kiev on 1 March LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Russian troops guard Crimean parliament Heavily-armed soldiers guard the Crimean parliament building shortly after taking up positions there on 1 March in Simferopol, Ukraine Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Protests continue in Kiev A member of a so-called 'Maidan's self defence unit' looks at pictures of protesters who were killed during recent clashes, displayed in central Kiev on March 1 Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Russian troops in Crimea Women look on as troops guard the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol, Ukraine, on 1 March Sean Gallup/Getty Images In pictures: Russian troops in Crimea as Ukraine crisis continues Funerals continue in Kiev A woman holds a candle during the funerals of a man who was killed during the recent clashes with the riot police on Kiev's Independence square on 1 March. Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images The draft resolution urges Russia to immediately end all abuses against Crimean residents, including "arbitrary detentions, torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, and to revoke all discriminatory legislation". It calls on Russia to release Ukrainians who were illegally detained, and to allow cultural and religious institutions to reopen. It also urges Russia to revoke the Supreme Court's 29 September decision declaring the Mejlis of the Crimean Tartar People, the self-governing body of the Crimean Tartars, a banned extremist organisation. Tatars attend a ceremony in Simferopol in 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the deportation of Tatars from Crimea (Getty) Before the vote, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya told the committee the resolution's main goal "is to ensure that Russia fully complies with its obligations as an occupying power." "After Russia occupied Crimea, the human rights situation has deteriorated sharply with extra judicial killings, intimidation, arbitrary detentions, torture and abuses to the freedom of expression," Mr Kyslytsya said. Anatoly Viktorov, who heads the Russian Foreign Ministry department dealing with human rights, called the resolution "politically motivated." He said the people of Crimea "chose to vote in a historic referendum to reunite with Russia." "The draft is one-sided," he added. "It completely ignores the negative impact that the actions of Ukrainian authorities have had on the residents of Crimea." Mr Viktorov said "Crimean residents have all the means of judicial protection that are accorded to Russian citizens" and the same human rights. Russia shows off new weapons as Syria offensive resumes Rights groups have raised concerns over freedom of speech and association in Crimea. Martin Shearman, ambassador of the UK mission to the UN, said the UK shares "the serious concerns" the resolution raises. "The deterioration in human rights on the Crimean Peninsula since the start of the Russian Federations illegal annexation has been well documented by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)," he said. "The OHCHR has detailed the arrests, ill-treatment, torture and intimidation perpetrated against political opponents and minorities, as well as the denial of basic human rights to those who do not accept the forced imposition of Russian legislation and citizenship on the Peninsula." He added: "The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the persecution of the Crimea Tatar minority, including the banning of the Tatar Mejlis and at the use of anti-extremist legislation to silence dissenting views." On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order to withdraw his country's signature from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which was investigating the Ukraine conflict and Russian air strikes in Syria. 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 tense video of an Isis militant promising not to detonate explosives as he surrenders to Kurdish troops in Iraq has been released online. "Don't be afraid. I won't blow myself up" the soldier is heard saying, as he emerges from a house near Mosul and is apprehended by anxious Peshmerga fighters. The video was shared on social media on Monday by Rudaw Television, a Kurdish news channel, who said they were handed the footage by Kurdish forces in Bashiqa, in northern Iraq. The video, which is believed to have been shot on 8 November, shows a group of Kurdish soldiers trying to persuade a hiding ISIS fighter to come out of a building and give himself up. We won't kill you. Come out," one solider yells to the enemy militant. Come, your friends are with me. They've surrendered. His name is Hazim Minuh. Abu Mustafa is also with us. But when a man walks out and heads directly towards the group, they panic, shouting at him to turn around and pull up his shirt to prove he is not wearing an explosive suicide vest or belt. When they see he is not carrying any weapons, they grab him by the wrists and march him out of the courtyard. The prisoner can be heard saying in Arabic: Inside there are three or four. They are still alive. They don't want to surrender. Last week, Iraqi Kurdish forces recaptured Bashiqa, a town eight miles north-east of the outskirts of Mosul, which is said to have been largely deserted except for dozens of Isis fighters. The offensive to reclaim the town is part of a broader push to drive Isis out of Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and free those living under occupation from Isis brutality, which has included mass killings. Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Show all 10 1 /10 Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis An Iraqi Christian prepares for the first Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi priests hold the first Sunday mass Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christian soldiers attend the first Sunday mass at the Grand Immaculate Church since it was recaptured from Islamic State in Qaraqosh Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis An Iraqi Christian soldier holds his weapon during the first Sunday mass Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis An Iraqi Christian soldier lights a candle Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi priests hold the first Sunday mass at the Grand Immaculate Church since it was recaptured from Islamic State Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi priests hold the first Sunday mass Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Reuters Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Iraqi Christians celebrate liberation from Isis Reuters Kurdish peshmerga fighters say they have found a network of tunnels used by Isis jihadists before they were driven out of the town. Major General Iskandar Hajji, a local peshmerga commander, told AFP: IS fighters are protecting themselves from coalition air strikes by hiding in the tunnels. We have a problem with these tunnels - we can't do anything except wait for them to come out so we can fight them. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US has described attempts by Israeli politicians to pass a bill allowing Jewish settlers to remain in the occupied West Bank as troubling, as the proposal has been given preliminary approval by the Knesset. We are deeply concerned about the advancement of legislation that would allow for the legalisation of illegal Israeli outposts located on private Palestinian land, State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told a briefing on Monday. On Wednesday, pro-settlement nationalists that dominate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government voted to move the bill through the Knesset. "A nation cannot be an occupier in its own land," Justice minister Ayelet Shaked of the Jewish Home party said ahead of the vote, berating opposition parties for standing against it. The controversial bill focuses on the outpost of Amona, created in 1995 and currently home to approximately 200 people. Outposts, which are not authorised by the Israeli government and are built on private land owned by Palestinians, are more contentious than approved settlement building, although any Israeli construction over the 1967 Green Line is viewed by the international community as illegal. In December 2014, the Israeli High Court ordered the state to completely evacuate and demolish Amona within two years. The new bill the first of its kind faces opposition from several quarters, not least Mr Netanyahu. A ministerial committee defied the Prime Minister on Sunday by voting to back the bill for debate in the Knesset. It is still at least three votes and possible amendents watering down proposals away from becoming law. Israel's attorney-general, Avichai Mandelblit, called the bill legally flawed in its current form, saying that it contravenes private property law and does not tally with Israel's international legal commitments. If enacted, it is thought it could pave the way for similar bills legalising dozens more outposts. Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation Show all 8 1 /8 Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation westbank_1024x768.jpg EPA Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431774.jpg AFP/Getty Images Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431776.jpg Bassam Almohor Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431775.jpg Getty Images Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431777.jpg Getty Images Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431778.jpg Bassam Almohor Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431779.jpg Getty Images Tales from the West Bank: Palestinian Raja Shehadeh chronicles life during occupation 5431780.jpg Getty Images As such, the current bill on the fate of Amona represents an unprecedented and troubling step that's inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also breaks longstanding policy of not building on private Palestinian land," Ms Trudeau said. We hope it doesn't become law. The US is broadly committed to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, although President-elect Donald Trump has not clearly signified whether his administraton will change tack on the issue of settlement building. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are viewed as one of the major stumbling blocks to any lasting peace deal. Reuters 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 }} The true scale of damage inflicted on the ancient city of Nimrud by Isis has become clear, two days after the Iraqi army managed to secure the site. Nimrud an ancient Assyrian city dating back 3,300 years is one of the most precious ancient Mesopotamian ruins in existence. An Iraqi soldier stands among the ruins of Nimrud, pictured on 15 November (AFP) Sadly, pictures and video taken there on Tuesday show the overwhelming extent of the destruction. Engraved friezes and statues of winged bulls and lions have been reduced to rubble, and the complexs most striking feature a stepped pyramid known as a ziggurat has been bulldozed to a fraction of its former height. When you came here before, you could imagine the life as it used to be. Now there is nothing, tribal militia commander Ali al-Bayati, visiting the site for the first time in two years told AFP. One hundred per cent has been destroyed, he added. Losing Nimrud is more painful to me than even losing my own house. Intricate temple friezes have been bulldozed by Isis at Nimrud (AFP) Isis propaganda videos of militants smashing precious frescos and tombs of Assyrian kings with sledgehammers as well as dynamiting temples and other buildings in Nimrud in 2015 were condemned as an attack on the worlds shared heritage by Unesco, the UNs cultural body. In Isis twisted interpretation of Sunni Islam, all non-Muslim culture is heretical and should be destroyed. The jihadis captured the area in the summer of 2014 at the same time they took over Mosul, 20 miles to the north when Isis managed to capture one third of Iraq and declared their caliphate. A tablet shows the ancient ruins of Nimrud as they were before the destruction took place (AFP) Most of the militants were pushed out of the area over the weekend, Iraqi army officials said, but troops and local residents alike are wary of sniper fire and the possibility the ruins are rigged with improvised explosive devices, as was the case when Isis retreated from the Syrian city of Palmyra. Unusually, Isis has not claimed the recent extra damage to Nimrud, but Michael Danti, the director of American Schools of Oriental Research Cultural Heritage Initiatives, said much of the militants activity since the US-backed Iraqi coalition effort to retake Mosul began last month has been erratic. The Iraqi army is now painstakingly trying to secure the area. We want to make sure we dont inflict even the least damage to buildings in Nimrud already damaged by the evil [Isis], a colonel in the 9th Armoured Division told Reuters. Iraqi soldiers at the archaeological site of Nimrud (AFP/Getty Images) Isis is still in control of the ancient city of Nineveh, in the centre of Mosul, and Khorsabad, another Assyrian site to the northeast, is close to the front line of the current conflict as US-backed troops attempt to push the miltants out of Iraq completely. The Destruction of Nimrud Show all 9 1 /9 The Destruction of Nimrud The Destruction of Nimrud An Iraqi soldier stands in front a damaged part of the ancient site of Nimrud, which destroyed by the Islamic State militants. The late 1980s discovery of treasures in Nimrud's royal tombs was one of the 20th century's most significant archaeological finds AP The Destruction of Nimrud A part of carved stone slabs which were destroyed by the Islamic State militants, is seen at the ancient site of Nimrud AP The Destruction of Nimrud An Iraqi army officer sits on damaged carved stone slabs, which were destroyed by Islamic State militants, at the ancient site of Nimrud AP The Destruction of Nimrud A part of carved stone slabs which were destroyed by the Islamic State militants, is seen at the ancient site of Nimrud some 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi troops entered Nimrud on Sunday in what was the most significant gain in several days for government force AP The Destruction of Nimrud An Iraqi soldier stand guards at the entrance of the ancient site of Nimrud AP The Destruction of Nimrud An Iraqi soldier looks to the damaged ancient site of Nimrud, which was destroyed by Islamic State militant. The government said the IS militants, who captured the site in June 2014, destroyed it the following year, using heavy military vehicles AP The Destruction of Nimrud Iraqi forces on assess the damage to the ancient site of Nimrud AP The Destruction of Nimrud Iraqi forces announced that Nimrud, which was founded in the 13th century and became the capital of the Assyrian empire, was recaptured as part of the massive operation to retake Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country Getty The Destruction of Nimrud Back in 2003, during a brief re-opening of the Baghdad museum to display the ancient Nimrud treasures. An Iraqi man and woman cry as they visit the Assyrian gallery Reuters Liberation of ancient Iraqi archaeological sites from the control of the forces of dark and evil is a victory not only for Iraqis but for all humanity, Iraqs deputy culture minister Qais Hussein Rashid said on Monday after the army announced it had retaken Nimrud. Locals whose families had protected and preserved the ruins for decades mourned its loss, however, as the evidence suggested there is not much left to celebrate. 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 }} Facing ferocious competition from low-cost airlines in the US, United Airlines has launched its most restrictive offering yet for budget-minded travellers. United says: Basic Economy fares have some important, additional restrictions compared to our standard economy fares. Couples or families booking together must acknowledge at the point of purchase that seating together is not guaranteed. Instead, automated seat assignments are given at check-in, and the airline warns there is no opportunity to change the allocated place. United says: If there are people in your group who need to sit together, this fare may not be the best option for you. Other big airlines, notably Delta, have launched Basic Economy fares but Uniteds goes further by cutting the carry-on baggage allowance. Only one personal item, measuring 22x25x43cm, is allowed on board; the maximum volume is 24 litres, barely half the normal size permitted for other economy passengers. Basic Economy passengers can check in additional bags, starting at $25 (20) for the first case. Ben Schlappig, author of the One Mile At A Time blog, said: United really is taking basic economy to a new low. With the emphasis airlines place on on-time departures, you really have to wonder what this will look like in practice. Usually gate agents are scrambling to close the door on-time, so where are they going to get the time to argue with customers (which will inevitably happen) and process payments for checked bags? Uniteds move mirrors the policies on Spirit, which says: If you don't select a seat we'll assign random seats at check-in for free. Spirit, based in Miami, is selling seats at Ryanair-like prices, such as $35 (28) for the 800-mile flight from Chicago to Dallas. The new Basic Economy fares are expected to go on sale for US domestic flights in the New Year. Click here to view US tours, with Independent Holidays. 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 }} There are certain sights that have entered into the cultural canon as world wonders worthy of the bucket list, not to mention your time, money and energy but how many of them are actually worth the hype, and how many are likely to disappoint? The Independent travel team correspondent Simon Calder, deputy head Laura Chubb and head of travel Nicola Trup give their verdicts on the world wonders theyve visited. Pyramids, Egypt Simon says YES Go to the Great Pyramid of Giza, on the southern outskirts of Cairo, while tourism to Egypt is depleted so you can enjoy the solitude and support the local economy. Remind yourself that this, the oldest of the seven wonders, was the tallest man-made structure in the world for nearly four millennia taking into account technology, probably the greatest human achievement of all time. Petra, Jordan Laura says YES One hundred per cent worth the hype. And dont just stop at that magical moment you emerge from a narrow canyon to face the pink-hued, intricately carved Treasury; there's an entire city to explore. In truth, one day is barely enough to see it all. But a sweaty slog up through a gauntlet of donkeys to The Monastery is particularly worthwhile the carved edifice is a worthy challenger to The Treasury and far less crowded. The lesser-spotted Monastery in Petra, Jordan (Getty) Great Wall, China Nicola says IT DEPENDS I walked the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most popular sections that you can access from Beijing. Of course, its an incredibly impressive structure, but the crowds of other visitors (particularly those keen to have their photo taken with a foreigner) slightly dampened the experience. Worth it only if you pick a lesser-known spot and head out early to avoid the tourist hordes. Mount Everest, Nepal Simon says NO The worlds highest mountain is much better to look at, standing proud over the Himalayan horizon, than it is to climb (or so Ive heard; Im too scared and feeble to try). Go hiking in Nepal, by all means, but savour the majesty of the mountains and the warmth of the people at an altitude where you dont need oxygen. Or crampons. Machu Picchu, Peru Laura says YES Doesnt disappoint and even better if its the reward at the end of the four-day Inca Trail trek (taking the train here just doesnt have the same effect). Dont expect to see sunrise at the Sun Gate after a dawn get-up on the last day, though more often than not, its obscured by mist. Grand Canyon, US Nicola says YES Spending one day walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon and the next rafting on the white waters in its depths is an amazing experience. Stay over in one of the charming national park lodges, and avoid the touristy glass-bottomed Skywalk at all costs. Yellowstone National Park, US Simon says NO Just because its the worlds first National Park, and embraces an area nearly half the size of Wales, doesnt make Yellowstone a wonder. Sure, its got an impressive geyser, but Iceland has the original (after which all others are named) and is easier and cheaper to reach; in America, parks such as Zion and Yosemite are wonder-class. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is deemed worth the fuss (Getty) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Laura says YES An utterly joyous trip in the company of a giddy array of weird and wonderful animals all of which couldnt care less about the parade of gawping humans and studiously ignore you instead of scrambling away. The goofy blue-footed boobies, evil-looking marine iguanas and dopey giant tortoises were my favourites do yourself a favour and splash out on a proper cruise ship instead of the cheaper, scrappy boats so you can enjoy every minute of it (visiting the islands ordinarily entails a few days at sea). Stonehenge, UK Nicola says NO Anyone whos driven from London to the South West will likely have found themselves stuck in traffic alongside Stonehenge, as drivers and passengers rubberneck at this huge ring of rocks. I cant say it really blew my mind though, and a Wiltshire-born friend assures me the nearby Avebury Stone Circle is far more impressive. Great Barrier Reef, Australia Simon says YES Whats special about the 1,400-plus miles of coral reef that decorates the eastern coast of Australia is that you can reach it really easily and safely (for you and the reef), to marvel at the beauty, colour and abundance of nature. You can go swimming with marine iguanas in the Galapagos (Getty) Taj Mahal, India Laura says YES As long as you dont visit in January. The weather in Agra at this time of year is catastrophically misty and after what felt like a cab ride through the afterlife (fog so thick you couldnt see the cars in front or behind), my prized sunrise shot turned out as a cloud of impenetrable grey without even the hint of an outline of the famed monument to love. But even in these conditions, once up close, there was something beautifully mesmerising about the Taj so I can only conclude that on a clear day it would be nothing short of spectacular. Antarctica Laura says YES You have to really want to go literally a journey to the end of the world, first you must haul yourself down to the worlds southernmost city, Ushuaia in Argentina, and then endure two days crossing the Drakes Passage, renowned for its stormy seas (therell be sick bags tucked behind the handrails of the corridors on your ship). But man oh man, is it worth it: a version of the world virtually untouched by humanity, its epic landscapes are so pristine they look CGI. And youre not alone: I sighted orcas, humpbacks, vast colonies of penguins and sea lions, and even paid a visit to the worlds southernmost pub at Vernadsky Research Base. A trip to Antarctica brings you up close to gentoo penguins (Getty) Niagara Falls, US/Canada Simon says NO The cascade of waterfalls is certainly a worthwhile stop on the overland journey between New York City and Toronto, with the added interest value of an international frontier across the Niagara River. But South America has waterfalls youve never even heard of that are more impressive than Niagaras three cascades. And they even turn the flow down at night to conserve water. Uluru, Australia Nicola says YES After 10 minutes of watching the sun rise over Australias iconic red rock, my friend said Okay, Im over it now. I wasnt, though watching Uluru change colour in the shifting light, and then spending a couple of hours walking around it was unforgettable. Angkor Wat, Cambodia Laura says YES Definitely get there in time to see sunrise the silhouette of this temple complex mirrored in its reflecting pools is a properly awesome sight. But dont stop at Angkor Wat there are so many astoundingly evocative, fabulously carved temples to be discovered in the jungle here, and its well worth spending a few days getting your Indiana Jones on. Cambodias crowning glory, Angkor Wat, at sunrise (Getty) Colosseum, Italy Laura says NO If were talking about truly unforgettable, wonder-filled experiences, the sort that swell your heart and make you feel acutely alive, then I'm afraid the Colosseum just doesn't make the cut. Worth a visit if you're in Rome? Of course. Worth blowing your savings on for a bucket list trip? Youll manage to rest in peace if you miss this. Easter Island, Chile Simon says YES The best thing about the new non-stop flight from Heathrow to Santiago, starting in January, is that Britain is now just one stop from one of the most beautiful places on the planet. On a Jersey-sized volcanic fragment in the South Pacific, you can experience extreme geology, relaxed Latin life and the eerie remnants of one of humanitys strangest cultures. The eerie stone statues of Easter Island, which belongs to Chile (Getty) Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Nicola says PROBABLY This is a bit of a cheat, as Ill be making my way up Kilimanjaro when this story goes live. But by all accounts its an incredible hike, especially for the feeling once you get to the top. Ill report back on my return. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil Laura says YES You can view the falls from either side of the border, but I reckon the Argentine side has the best action. Observing the mad power of this 3km-long chain of roaring falls up close accessed by walkways through the rainforest and, on the Argentine side, also boat is a genuinely humbling experience. Clouds and mist sometimes spoil the view of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil (Getty) Christ the Redeemer, Brazil Laura says YES Rio de Janeiro just might be the worlds best-looking city, and Im not only talking about those bronzed beach bodies: surrounded by tropical mountains, jungle, beaches and sea, its pretty hard to beat. Taking the narrow-gauge train up to the citys mascot is the icing on the cake if the weathers playing ball, of course (some friends of mine had a similar experience on their visit as Id had with the Taj Mahal). Click here to view the latest travel offers with Independent Holidays Martin McGuinness said he was not one of 40 witnesses interviewed by the NCA Martin McGuinness says he believes there was "wrong-doing" behind the biggest property sale in Northern Ireland's history. The Deputy First Minister also attacked the length of time a criminal investigation is taking into the so-called Project Eagle controversy. "There is a police investigation; they are investigating wrong-doing. Do I believe there was wrongdoing? Yes, I do," he said. Before a parliamentary committee in Dublin probing the 1.2 billion sale of Northern Ireland property loans by the Republic's toxic assets agency Nama, Mr McGuinness accused former first minister Peter Robinson of excluding him from meetings leading up to the deal. The Sinn Fein chief also challenged the former Democratic Unionist leader to appear before the hearings. "I came here today as I have nothing to hide," he told the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee. "I have done it, and I think anyone who is asked to come should come." Earlier this week, Mr Robinson told the Press Association he had not received an invite sent more than a month ago, adding that he was not answerable to Dublin but would like to be helpful. The committee said it has couriered a fresh invite to his home, which has been acknowledged. Mr McGuinness said his only involvement with the Project Eagle sale was in a conference call, along with Mr Robinson, in January 2014 during which Dublin's Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the portfolio was going on the open market. It was sold to American investment fund Cerberus in April that year. Another US company, Pimco, has told the committee it pulled out of an earlier bid after it was asked for a "success fee" or fixer payment of 16 million for three parties behind the scenes. The money was to be shared equally by Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan, US law firm Brown Rudnick, and Ian Coulter, a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, Pimco said. Mr Cushnahan was formerly a Nama adviser on Northern Ireland, on the recommendation of the Democratic Unionists. Mr McGuinness said Mr Robinson told him about the Pimco withdrawal but did not explain their reasons for doing so. Neither did Nama or Mr Noonan inform him, he told the hearing. Asked about Mr Robinson and Mr Cushnahan's relationship, Mr McGuinness said: "I think they were very, very close." He added that any attempt by Nama to remove Mr Cushnahan from his advisory role "would have caused a major incident with the DUP". Brown Rudnick also acted as advisers in the successful deal with Cerberus, which has been dogged by scandal for more than a year, including 7 million linked to it being found in an Isle of Man bank account. All parties have denied any wrong-doing. Mr McGuinness said both Mr Robinson and then DUP Finance Minister Sammy Wilson "kept very closely to themselves" about their dealings with parties involved in the sale. "It was quite clear the DUP was playing this very close to their chest," he added. Mr McGuinness said Mr Robinson and other members of the DUP had met with Pimco and Cerberus - including Cerberus chairman, the former US vice president Dan Quayle - without his knowledge. Accusing Mr Robinson of "flying solo", he said the former first minister also issued a statement after the sale from his own private office - not from the joint Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister - welcoming the Cerberus deal. Mr McGuinness said it was possible the DUP was "so protective" of the deal because they did not want to share the glory of resolving the problem of Nama's massive Northern Ireland portfolio. When he started to suspect that a "deliberate attempt" was being made to exclude him from the Nama sale dealings, Mr McGuinness said he did not ask Mr Robinson about it because relations between the pair were so fraught at the time. "I am very strongly of the view that I would not have got the sort of answer I would have required," he added. An agreement between them to site a major tourism attraction and peace centre on the site of the former Maze prison had been unexpectedly "torpedoed" by others in the DUP, including Mr Wilson, he said. Mr McGuinness said he was coming under pressure to collapse the power-sharing institutions at the time. On the ongoing criminal investigation by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), Mr McGuinness said: "I think that investigation is taking far too long." The NCA said last month it has interviewed more than 40 people in relation to its Project Eagle investigation. "I am not one of those 40 people," said Mr McGuinness. Enda Kenny and Martin Shanahan have both welcomed the announcement More than 200 jobs are to be created in Ireland by a US insurance company. MetLife said the skilled IT roles will be based at its new global technology campus in Galway. It is expected to open in the first half of next year with recruitment starting immediately. Marty Lippert, head of MetLife's global technology, said the Galway campus will be at the heart of its business. "Bringing together a wide array of technologists in a single hub will not only increase our operating leverage, but also accelerate our culture of collaboration," he said. Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomed the taxpayer-backed expansion. Martin Shanahan, of State investment agency IDA Ireland, said the scale of the investment in a regional location demonstrates a global confidence in Ireland's technology talent and business infrastructure. The slump in Sterling following the June vote has resulted in a rise in the number of shoppers heading to Northern Ireland, while theres been a surge in the number of Irish people shopping online on UK websites, according to the Ibec business groups Retail Ireland unit. A 'Brexit shadow' is hanging over Ireland's retail sector as Christmas approaches, an Ibec industry body has warned. The slump in Sterling following the June vote has resulted in a rise in the number of shoppers heading to Northern Ireland, while there's been a surge in the number of Irish people shopping online on UK websites, according to the Ibec business group's Retail Ireland unit. "Central Bank statistics show that e-commerce transactions recorded on Irish debit and credit cards jumped by 20pc from 1bn to 1.2bn between July and September as Sterling fell," said Retail Ireland director Thomas Burke. "This was way above trend and is likely to have mostly gone to UK-based online retailers." The last time the euro neared parity with Sterling in 2009, shoppers flooded across the Border to towns including Newry and Banbridge. Some businesses over the Border have already been offering 1 for 1. The current attraction of shopping in Northern Ireland is also amplified by the fact that some British retailers operating here have still not adjusted euro prices in Irish outlets to reflect the slump in Sterling. Mr Burke said that the Irish retail sector was "working hard" to adjust prices to reflect the new reality. "Goods prices have fallen by 2.9pc on average over the last quarter and, in the first 10 months of the year were down 8.5pc on the same period three years ago," said Mr Burke. He insisted there was "limited scope" for retailers to reduce prices further. "Retailers are squeezed on the one side by a consumer that is demanding price reductions to reflect the Sterling devaluation, and on the other by UK-based suppliers seeking price increases to offset increasing input costs," he said. "This pressure has the potential to destroy margins in the sector." In a report published this morning by Retail Ireland, the Government is asked to prioritise support for the retail sector in coming months "to ensure recent currency shifts are not allowed to erode the jobs-intensive retail recovery". Mr Burke said: "A resolute focus on cost competitiveness is required. As Sterling drops and competitive pressures rise, a renewed effort is needed to keep labour, energy, regulatory and insurance costs in line." Yesterday, Cork-based retail group Musgrave, which controls chains including SuperValu and Centra, said that it had reached an agreement with global grocery brand giant Unilever following a pricing dispute. Unilever had wanted to hike prices it charges Musgrave for some products, with the Cork business having refused to accept the increases. That prompted Unilever to initially stop selling Musgrave any items from its huge brand portfolio, which includes well-known products such as Lyons Tea, Dove, HB and Lynx. The price increases were being sought by Unilever despite the fall in Sterling. Musgrave and Unilever said yesterday they had reached a "satisfactory conclusion" to talks, and all Unilever products were now being supplied again to Musgrave. Unilever had a similar recent spat with Tesco in the UK over pricing. The pair also eventually reached an agreement. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has ruled out attending any future All -Ireland Brexit forums following her first meeting in Government Buildings with Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Mr Kenny and Ms Foster held a meeting in Dublin yesterday evening to discuss a shared approach to Britain's decision to leave the European Union ahead of a crunch North South Ministerial Council meeting in Armagh on Friday. However, despite both politicians describing the meeting as constructive, Ms Foster insisted she will not attend any Ireland-based Brexit forums. The First Minister caused controversy when she snubbed the forum hosted by Taoiseach in Dublin last month. Speaking in Government Buildings, Ms Foster said she her position on the Brexit Forum was "very clear" and insisted she "will not be changing" her stance. "What I want is to get on with doing the business and that's what we have been doing today and we will continue to do on the North South Ministerial Council," she said. "It's not about a public face it's about doing work and that's what we are engaged in here today." Both Ms Foster and Mr Kenny raised the prospect of holding an early ministerial council meeting next year ahead of the British government triggering Article 50 by the end of March, which will officially begin the Brexit process. Asked about her claim that Irish State agencies were talking down Northern Ireland as part of an effort to lure jobs from the region, Ms Foster said: "We are not going to agree on everything". "We are competitors in terms of foreign direct investment but what tonight's meeting was about was those areas we do want to agree on," she said. However, she said the North and South have a "very strong" and "mature relationship" which will "develop even more in the future". Ms Foster also said she would be willing to speak before the Seanad or Dail if she was asked. The Taoiseach said he will work "very closely" with Ms Foster throughout the Brexit process. "(We will) work in the terms of the common ground we have here and work in the interest of the people of Ireland with particular reference to the areas of common travel in the Border areas and the economies that are interlinked for so many years," he said. Meanwhile, the British government has denied claims in a leaked document that there are divisions in the UK cabinet over Brexit. The document, reportedly prepared by consultancy firm Deloitte for the government department that supports the prime minister and her cabinet, claims there are major issues around preparations for Brexit, with criticisms of Theresa May's leadership style and ministers divided. It also said that no common strategy had emerged. It casts preparations by the UK government in a poor light, stating Britain may need another six months to agree on its priorities. But Number 10 said the report, leaked to 'The Times', was "unsolicited" and had not been commissioned by the Government. It also denied that it was a cabinet office memo. Elsewhere, UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson branded as "b******s" the assertion that the free movement of people is a fundamental right of the European Union (EU). Boris Johnson is one of three Brexiteers in the British cabinet. Photo: Peter Nicholls/Reuters Critics will accuse us of coming at this argument from the wrong end. But, stay with us for a moment, and you will learn that there is a deal of truth in the following pointers just the same. My thesis is that the Irish Government is way ahead of the British when it comes to Brexit. The brutal reality is that British Prime Minister Theresa May and her colleagues have no real idea what they want from the upcoming EU-UK divorce proceedings. Unsurprisingly, arising from that, they have no idea how they might go about getting the most favourable possible outcome to a process due to start early next year and end in April 2019. Furthermore, the British cabinet is deeply riven on how to approach the issue - and has nowhere near the number of officials needed to deal with the almost limitless number of detailed challenges to be met. Back in Dublin, our Government does at least know what it wants and there are no real divisions on approach. The hard part is that what we want is a very tall order indeed. More significantly, for now at least, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his colleagues can have no clear idea how they might go about getting it. Ireland needs to avoid a return of the Border between north and south; we need to keep the common travel area between the islands of Ireland and Britain; and we need to maintain free trade between the two islands. We need all of that in the teeth of Britain's insistence of breaching the established European Union principle of free movement of people. You can rightly conclude that Ireland is only ahead on this one because Britain is in such a parlous state. It is also a bitter reality that Ireland badly needs the London government to get its act together quickly, as this country risks suffering even more than Britain in this most perilous process. This overall assessment has been common among politicians and officials around Leinster House and Government Buildings for several months now. It was again confirmed by the contents of leaked documents reported in 'The Times' newspaper in London yesterday. There are a number of key problems identified in this report. Firstly, the prime minister herself is accused of keeping too tight a rein on things. Secondly, there is profound division between the so-called "three Brexiteers" and others in Mrs May's cabinet. The "Brexiteers" are Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Brexit Minister David Davis and International Trade Minister Liam Fox. Their appointment to key posts, to deliver what they had publicly wished for ahead of the June 23 referendum, was seen as a "master-stroke" by the prime minister who had been nominally in favour of Remain. But it is proving a double-edged sword as their stance conflicts with the Chancellor, or finance minister, Philip Hammond, and the Industry Minister, Greg Clarke, among others. A key issue is the need for more staff - including professional trade deal negotiators. That lack was identified within days of the referendum outcome last summer. 'The Times' of London memo estimates that between 10,000 and 30,000 extra staff are required. But it notes that Mr Hammond, in charge of spending, is insistent that extra Brexit demands must be met from existing resources in each department. As night follows day, the official British response to the reports was to query the status of the leaked document and then insist everything was proceeding as normal. In Dublin, meanwhile, there was an informal air of "I told you so". There is, however, at least one dangerous parallel between what is happening in Dublin and London. It is that with the lack of a dedicated "Brexit Minister" Ireland's response, scattered across all departments, risks also being diffuse and ineffective. Dunbia has sold its Northern Ireland pork processing business at Ballymena to UK food producer Cranswick. Cranswick announced that it has acquired the whole of the issued share capital of Dunbia Ballymena for cash. The wider Dunbia business is unaffected by the sale and will continue as normal. Dunbia Ballymena is a leading Northern Irish pork processing business which currently employs 360 people and processes around 7,800 UK farm assured pigs each week. This acquisition enhances Cranswicks pig processing capability and establishes a significant presence in Northern Ireland. Dunbia Ballymena operates from a modern, purpose built facility in Co Antrim. In the year to 29 March 2016 revenues were 72.4m. Jack Dobson, Executive Director of Dunbia Limited, will support Ballymena in a consultancy capacity to help ensure a smooth transition. The transaction will be funded from Cranswicks existing debt facilities and is expected to be earnings neutral in the current financial year and earnings enhancing in the 2018 financial year. Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, commented: I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Dunbias Ballymena pork processing business. This acquisition strengthens our UK pork processing business and provides us with greater control over our supply chain, ensuring that we can maintain the production and processing of high quality, UK farm assured, pigs which is central to our customers requirements. The management at Ballymena have created long lasting and sustained supply chain relationships and we look forward to building on this and continuing to invest in the facilities, and the team, over the years ahead. We welcome Jack and the team at Ballymena to Cranswick and look forward to working with them to develop the business further. Cranswicks activities are focused within the UK and include the processing and supply of fresh pork, sausage, bacon, cooked meats, premium fresh and cooked poultry, charcuterie and pastry products. Results for the year to 31 March 2016 showed revenues of 1,070m and profit before tax of 58.7m. If it was just about the money then perhaps farmers such as Liam Minehan could live with that - but they say it's about so much more. Proposals by Irish Water to build a 170km pipeline from Shannon to Dublin would see the pipe routed through his land and he fears for the long-term impact. "I've four sons and three of them work in farming. After I'm gone they might want to farm this land - perhaps build a home here. But if this pipe is laid it could make that impossible forever," says Liam from his 50-hectare property outside Nenagh. The dairy farmer adds: "Any compensation would only cover loss of earnings but what about the value of the land and the negative impact permanent structures could have on getting planning permission to build a home?" There are approximately 500 landowners along the route which will see it pass through Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare before ending in Peamount, west Dublin. Expand Close Tipperary farmer Liam Minehan says the proposed Shannon pipeline will permanently disrupt and damage his holding. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tipperary farmer Liam Minehan says the proposed Shannon pipeline will permanently disrupt and damage his holding. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22 Both construction and operational costs are expected to top 1.2bn. Roughly 85pc of the route runs through agricultural land. There will be three kinds of valves on the proposed pipeline; air valves, line valves and scour or washout valves. Air valves would be placed every 500m to 600m, line valves will be buried 4km to 6km apart, and the washout valves allow sections of the pipeline to be emptied. Irish Water says the pipeline is entirely necessary as the capital's population will rise from 1.5 million, as it is now, to around 2.1 million by 2050. But not all landowners are convinced. "This will be nothing but a white elephant," predicts Liam Minehan, who is leading the 'Fight the Pipe' campaign. "The predictions that Dublin will require around 215 million litres of water a day by 2050 are wrong. They're based on a report which I feel used inappropriate methodology and flawed assumptions. "In fact, it will almost certainly have a surplus of 100 million litres a day without having to increase existing raw water supplies at all." But project manager Gerry Geoghegan from Irish Water says it's "not sustainable" that a "city of nearly two million people should be hanging off one single river". While many farmers along the route feel the project is inevitable, others are clearly concerned. "They're talking about a 50-metre working width, that's about the width of O'Connell Street," explains Thomas Cooney, chairman of the IFA's Environment and Rural Affairs Committee. He continues: "The farmers impacted by the gas pipe installation didn't have such problems, but this appears to be much more disruptive. Once built, the 50-metre working way will become a 20-metre wayleave and during installation the land will be out of use for up to 18 months. And what will happen to the single farm payment on that strip of land? The stacking option won't be there for farmers." Cooney has asked Irish Water to supply more information immediately. "It's not possible to estimate levels of compensation without getting answers to questions regarding disruption - like what will happen to the subsoil, permanent structures, access to farmer's land, future planning permission and restrictions to working practices for farmers?" Expand Close Typical Pipeline Construction / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Typical Pipeline Construction Irish Water says it plans to use a similar template to its sister-company, Gas Networks Ireland, in terms of calculating compensation for landowners. Some farmers expect the linear metre payment rate to be around 70. Irish Water will hold consultation meetings with local communities in the coming weeks and a spokesperson for the company said: "[We will also be]... communicating with landowners through four dedicated landowner Liaison Officers (LLOs). "The LLOs (will) provide landowners with a dedicated point of contact throughout the planning and wayleave acquisition phase, through construction and afterwards." When asked for more details regarding the level of compensation, the Farming Independent was told: "All aspects of the budget are commercially sensitive. Landowners will be compensated for the permanent wayleave and also for any crop losses and/or disturbance incurred during construction." For the likes of Liam Minehan though, compensation is not the issue. It may require a compulsory purchase order to run the pipes through his land and those of others it seems. "This is pie in the sky stuff. Put simply, the project isn't needed and farming communities, and groups such as the River Shannon Protection Alliance, will fight this every step of the way," he said. The IFA has appointed a new Director General - Damian McDonald. Almost 12 months to the day after its former General Secretary Pat Smith resigned, the IFA has ratified Damian McDonald as its Director General, following an appointment process overseen by KPMG. McDonald will take up the role in the New Year and he will be paid a salary of 185,000 and a pension with an employer contribution of 15pc and a company car. IFA Director General Remuneration 185,000 salary 15% employer pension contribution Health insurance Company car It was also revealed today that the IFA President Joe Healy is being paid 120,000 and has a company car (Audi A6) as part of his remuneration. The IFA Director General post came about after its former General Secretary Pat Smith resigned on November 19, 2015. Smith was paid 535,000 in 2013. IFA Top Salaries The top 20 salaries in IFA are costing the Association 2.344m, figures released by the Association reveal. The figures show that the wages of the top 20 staff at IFA are costing the Association 2.1m, excluding pensions. Further, a wages bill for replacement farm workers of key Council members adds another 238,805, bringing the extended wage bill of IFA to in excess of 2.583m. The three staff Secretary (Bryan Barry); Director of Organisation (James Kelly); and Financial Controller (Ken Heade) earn a joint total of 481,290. With employer pension contribution this figure is 591,651. The next 15 members of staff earn an average of 103,912, excluding pension contributions, or 1.558m. McDonald McDonald (44) is currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Horse Sport Ireland, the Governing Body for the sport horse sector in Ireland. Prior to this he was CEO of Macra na Feirme from 2001 to 2007. Expand Close Damian McDonald, CEO Horsesport Ireland, is to take up the role of IFA Director General. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Damian McDonald, CEO Horsesport Ireland, is to take up the role of IFA Director General. He previously worked for the IFA from 1999 to 2001 in the position of Livestock Services Manager where he worked in the areas of Direct Payments and Animal Health. Damian grew up on a dairy, beef and pig farm in Crossabeg in Co. Wexford and currently lives in Stradbally, Co. Laois. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from UCD. IFA President Joe Healy said he was delighted to welcome somebody of the calibre of Damian McDonald and he looked forward to working closely with him on the many issues of concern to farm families. The income crisis in the sector this year requires strong and committed work by IFA to improve incomes and conditions for farmers. We will work together on behalf of all farmers. Speaking after his appointment, Damian McDonald said: "Being from a farming background, I am very conscious of the responsibilities the position of Director General of the IFA brings with it. I am looking forward to working with the President, the Officers, the Executive Council, National Committees and IFA's staff team to progress the organisation and the issues affecting the farming community. Patrick and John Collison of Stripe, who are also included in the Forbes Fintech 50 list DUBLIN-BASED early payment firm Aztec Exchange has been named in the Forbes Fintech 50, a list of companies that are causing the most disruption in the financial services sector. Aztec was selected from a group of 300 companies and is one of 22 new entrants into the ranks. Chief executive Edwin Hagan-Emmin said he was honoured his company has been included amongst the world's most exciting fintech businesses. "PayMe, our primary invoice finance service, enables corporates and e-invoice networks to offer real-time, non-recourse factoring to 100pc of suppliers globally. "Using cloud technology and backed by institutional capital, we make it possible for e-invoice networks and corporate supply-chains to provide 'white label' supplier financing," he said. The Aztec product works in a five-step process that begins with a supplier selling to a corporate company. The supplier then produces an e-invoice, which is then sent to Aztec. Aztec then sends the funds to the supplier straight away and receives funds from the corporate or purchaser, meaning the supplier is no longer waiting for invoiced revenue. The company is backed up by $15m (13.9m) from pan-European investment firm Maya Capital, New York-based Eton Street, and the Hirsch Family Fund. Forbes said Aztec poses a threat to both traditional factoring companies and small business lenders. Aztec's continued rise has not gone unnoticed, garnering the attention of major investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and Societe Generale. The company's primary service PayMe is a "game changer," said Mr Hagan-Emmin. "Our customers are typically paid within 24 hours for invoices they select for early payment." The addition to Forbes list comes after the company announced two significant partnerships that increased its reach in both Latin America and Europe. It's Latin America deal with Santiago-based Gosocket means it will now be servicing an extra $200m (186m) in invoice finance requests. Aztec also signed up with Grupo SERES, one of Spain's largest e-invoice providers. Also on the Forbes list is San Francisco-headquartered Stripe. The micro-payments company, which has raised around $300m to date from the likes of Elon Musk, is headed by Limerick brothers Patrick and John Collison. Forbes described the six-year-old business as a "fintech superstar" with a $5bn (4.6bn) valuation and highlighted it as a threat to credit card processor PayPal. Stripe also benefited from last week's US election, netting $1.5m of both candidate's cumulative spend in the run up to the vote. Both Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump spent heavily in the build-up to the election and according to Bloomberg the Trump campaign spent $500,000 in August on payment processing services from Stripe. The Clinton campaign also splashed out $1m on Stripe's services during the bitter battle between the two which ended in last week's shock result. Europe will need to focus more on increasing domestic demand and rely less on the "rest of the world" to boost economic growth in the wake of the election of Donald Trump, a senior European Commission official has said. Marco Buti, Director-General for Economic and Financial Affairs at the Commission, said domestic demand across the EU has still not returned to pre-crisis levels. He told the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) that the continent had been relying too much on exports "to pull up Europe". Amid fears about a slide into protectionism with the election of Mr Trump, Mr Buti said policy makers in Europe need to be conscious of the need to introduce policies that will help foster domestic demand. "I think the assessment of the desirable policies looking forward will want us to rely much more on domestic demand in Europe, rather than relying on the rest of the world to pull up Europe, because the evolution in the US and with the evolution in China, we may have lost the consumer of last resort in the US and the investor of last resort in China," Mr Buti said. "So we have to rely much more on what we can do ourselves. So the policy mix that we are thinking about will have to be more favourable to domestic demand." The comments came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for globalisation to be framed in multilateral agreements rather than see countries adopt protectionist measures, in a thinly-veiled warning to the US President-elect. In his campaign, Mr Trump argued that international trade agreements had hurt US workers and the country's competitiveness. He has promised to "get tough" with China and withdraw from the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, which is still not finalised. The German think-tank the IFO Institute said yesterday that any trade war waged by the US would backfire on the country, and would have a significant negative impact. Meanwhile, Mr Buti also noted that Governments should use periods of economic growth to reduce debt. He said policy mistakes in Europe were not necessarily made in the crisis years, but in the good times when member states didn't do enough to protect their economies from a crash. "Not having created the room for manoeuvre by decisively reducing public debt was the problem that then came to haunt us during the crisis, when we didn't have the safety margin to use fiscal policy in a more proactive manner," Mr Buti said. Americans don't think much about Bulgaria. There are less than 100,000 Americans of Bulgarian ancestry-- and we've never fought a war there. Most of the Bulgarian-Americans that there are live in 4 cities where hyphenated Americans don't stand out: New York, L.A., Chicago and Miami. After the collapse of communism in 1989, over a million Bulgarians left their homeland, but most scattered through Europe, especially Greece and Spain, but also to Canada, Germany, the U.K., Italy and Latin America. Most Americans would be hard-pressed to point to Bulgaria on a world map. In the summer of 1969, I was driving a shiny new VW camper van to India from London. The conventional wisdom along the Hippie Trail was to drive straight through Bulgaria without stopping-- from the Yugoslavian border crossing at Dimitrovgrad through Sofia and then straight down the A-1 motorway to the Svilengrad border crossing west of Edirne (historically, Adrianpolis) in Turkey-- and then immediately on to Istanbul. It was a 2 or 3 day drive from Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast... and I was having done of it. I was eager to explore Bulgaria and not just Sofia. And it was my first lesson about the worthlessness of Hippie Trail conventional wisdom. When the A-1 forked north to the Black Sea, I was on it-- while my passengers all eager to get to Istanbul, complained noisily. We were soon in Burgas where I met some random Bulgarian kids. We took a 2 week tour of the country and months later I was still eating dried and canned fruits and vegetables we had gotten on communal farms in the part of the country few American tourists ever went to. So... I for one have fond memories of Bulgaria. I was sorry to see that on Sunday they elected a Trumpist type -- a pro-Putin, right-wing populist, Rumen Radev-- as president. And he won big as the anti-establishment, anti-immigrant, anti-corruption, pro-Putin candidate. Yesterday the pro-NATO prime minister, Boiko Borisov, resigned . Awkwardly, Bulgaria has been a member of NATO since 2004. Radev, who has never held political office and who was educated in Alabama, is outspokenly pro-Putin and pro-Trump. Borisov told the media after his party was pulverized at the polls that "in this election, the people showed us that something is not as it should be. That our priorities may be good, but obviously there are better ones. So the most democratic thing, the right thing to do is to (resign)." Coupled with political instability, Bulgaria's tilt toward Russia is a blow to the country's western European allies and underscores Moscow's growing influence in southeastern Europe. In Moldova, another ex-communist state near the Black Sea, voters were expected to install a pro-Russian candidate as president and slam the breaks on seven years of closer EU integration in an election also held on Sunday. While most of the key decisions in Bulgaria are taken by the government, the president, who leads the armed forces, can sway public opinion and has the power to send legislation back to parliament. Radev is not advocating NATO member Bulgaria abandon its Western alliances, mindful of the financial impact of EU aid and the country's long history of divided loyalties. But he has called for an end to EU sanctions against Russia and said Sofia should be pragmatic in its approach to any international law violations by Moscow when it annexed Crimea. "We listened (to the voters') concerns. We said that we will work for Bulgarian national interests, that's what gave us broad support," a jubilant Radev told reporters. Many in the Balkan country are keen to see restored trade with their former Soviet overlord, hurt by economic problems and sanctions, and to protect vital tourism revenues. Speaking on Sunday evening, Radev said he hoped for good dialogue both with the United States and Russia and expressed hopes that with a new president in Washington, there will be a drop in confrontation between the West and Moscow. "In his election campaign (Donald Trump), already elected, said clearly that he will work for a better dialogue with Russia. That gives us hope, a big hope, for a peaceful solution to the conflicts both in Syria and in Ukraine and for a decrease of the confrontation," Radev said. Although Bulgaria's economy is expected to grow at a relatively healthy rate of about 3.1-3.3 percent this year, having shaken off recession, it remains the EU's poorest member, with average wages about 470 euros per month. Rampant graft in public administration is seen as a key factor slowing the small Black Sea state's progress in catching up with its wealthier EU peers. The project will generate more than 350,000 kWh of power. Photo: Reuters ONE of the largest roof-mounted solar-power projects in the country will be installed at Butlers Chocolates in Dublin. The confectioners has signed a deal with energy firm Gaelectric to install 1,500 panels across 2,850 sqm of the factory roof at Clonshaugh Business Park. The project, which will be completed early next year, will generate more than 350,000 kWh of power - equal to 14pc of its annual consumption. "We are committed to the sustainable production of delicious chocolates," Butlers MD Aisling Walsh said. "We source ethically from around the world and are continuously working to reduce the impacts of our manufacturing and distribution systems on the environment." "This is the first of many similar projects that Gaelectric will be developing," said MD Joe O'Carroll. The model agency owned by former Miss Ireland Andrea Roche last year enjoyed its best-ever year as profits more than doubled. New accounts filed by Ms Roche's AR Models Ltd with the Companies Office show that accumulated profits at the firm last year jumped by 75pc - going from 48,688 to 84,969. The firm's cash pile during the year almost tripled, going from 67,934 to 150,848. Ms Roche only established the Andrea Roche Model Agency in 2010 and last year enjoyed its best year to date after recording combined revenues of almost 1m in its first two full years. Underlining the buoyant year enjoyed by the firm last year, the pay to directors last year more than doubled, going from 86,609 to 180,182 - made up of 110,182 in remuneration and 70,000 in fees. The rapid success of the firm has been helped by having some of the biggest names in Irish modelling on the agency's books - former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Universe Ireland Roz Purcell. Expand Close Andrea Roche / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Andrea Roche Ms Roche established the firm six years ago after working for 13 years in the fashion industry. A major factor behind the improved performance of the Tipperary woman's firm is that her agency now represents some of Ireland's most popular social influencers. Buoyed by the success of models and bloggers Ms Purcell and Ms O'Connor in the publishing world the agency is now home to the country's leading fashion, beauty, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle bloggers, vloggers and social influencers. In an interview earlier this year, Ms Roche said that she hopes that income from the "social influencers" will soon represent 20pc of revenues at the agency. Ms Purcell earlier this year published her first cook book 'Natural Born Feeder', which started out as a food blog. Ms Pippa O'Connor has recently published her own book on fashion and beauty. Both are represented by the agency and Ms Roche said: "The success of Roz and Pippa in securing publishing deals from their blogs has given me tremendous satisfaction and shows what can be achieved through social media so the potential here for my clients - and the firm - is enormous." Ms Purcell said: "Being represented by Andrea's agency has helped to open up new avenues beyond modelling in my own career. Andrea takes a deep interest in her clients and she has been encouraging to me in pursuing new projects every step along the way." "Social media has fundamentally altered the balance of power between consumers and brands, because it enables peer recommendations to play a much greater role in guiding purchasing decisions. "According to a McKinsey Study, marketing-inspired word- of-mouth generates more than twice the sales of paid advertising, and these customers have a 37pc higher retention rate," she added. "I am always trying to stay ahead of the curve in our business and I have watched the explosive growth of influencer marketing abroad with great interest. I am excited to launch Ireland's first influencer marketing network and to offer our clients an even greater range of services." On signing up the "social influencers" Ms Roche said: "I am looking forward to helping brands create campaigns to effectively and efficiently communicate their message to their target audience using our network of social influencers." Geoff Lyons, Commercial Director at INM and Karen Preston, advertising director INM at the Newsbrand Ireland town hall event in the Smock alley Theatre, Dublin. Picture credit; Damien Eagers INM's Commercial Director Geoff Lyons has been named in the top 25 of the CMO 100 list. The CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) 100 list celebrates the leading industry experts in marketing in Ireland today. Published in the latest issue of Business and Finance magazine, Mr Lyons places 21st on the list for his work at INM. The magazine praises the 'vast and ever-changing skill set' of those on the list and commends them as being "crucial figures in steering their companies and their communications." Mr Lyons is joined in the top 25 by other market leaders such as Kenny Jacobs of Ryanair, Cliona Hayes of Communicorp and Mariana Espinosa of HSBC. He joined INM in 1999 as an advertising executive. He was promoted to 'Sunday Independent' advertising manager in July 2004 and then became Irish Independent marketing manager. He was promoted to group marketing manager in December 2009, and Group Marketing Director in 2013. He was appointed to his current role of Commercial Director in July of this year. Expand Close Yasmin Namini, the president of the International News Media Association, presents INM marketing director Geoff Lyons with his trophy for the Irish Independents provincial rugby supplements at a ceremony in New York. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Yasmin Namini, the president of the International News Media Association, presents INM marketing director Geoff Lyons with his trophy for the Irish Independents provincial rugby supplements at a ceremony in New York. "I'm pleased to be recognised among such great marketing talent from across the country, and want to commend Business and Finance magazine for recognising the great work done here", Mr Lyons said. "Change is the only constant in marketing, and keeping up with the pace and staying agile is crucial. We're becoming increasingly important in the strategic decisions of the business as we reflect back the messages of our customers to the company, and evolve to drive more data-driven marketing", he added. US internet companies including Facebook and Amazon have sent President-elect Donald Trump a detailed list of their policy priorities, which includes promoting strong encryption, immigration reform and maintaining liability protections from content that users share on their platforms. The letter sent on Monday by the Internet Association, a trade group whose 40 members also include Alphabet's Google, Uber and Twitter, represents an early effort to repair the relationship between the technology sector and Trump, who was almost universally disliked and at times denounced in Silicon Valley during the presidential campaign. The internet industry looks forward to engaging in an open and productive dialogue, reads the letter, signed by Michael Beckerman, president of the Internet Association, and seen by Reuters. Some of the policy goals stated in the letter may align with Trumps priorities, including easing regulation on the sharing economy, lowering taxes on profits made from intellectual property and applying pressure on Europe to not erect too many barriers that restrict US internet companies from growing in that market. Other goals are likely to clash with Trump, who offered numerous broadsides against the tech sector during his campaign. They include supporting strong encryption in products against efforts by law enforcement agencies to mandate access to data for criminal investigations, upholding recent reforms to US government surveillance programs that ended the bulk collection of call data by the National Security Agency, and maintaining net neutrality rules that require internet service providers to treat web traffic equally. The association seeks immigration reform to support more high-skilled workers staying in the United States. Though Trump made tougher immigration policies a central theme of his campaign, he has at times shied away from arguing against more H-1B visas for skilled workers, saying in a March debate he was "softening the position because we need to have talented people in this country." While urging support for trade agreements, the letter does not mention the Trans Pacific Partnership, which Trump has repeatedly assailed with claims it was poorly negotiated and would take jobs away from US workers. The technology sector supported the deal, but members of Congress have conceded since the election it is not going to be enacted. Trump's often-shifting policy proposals on the campaign trail frequently alarmed tech companies and sometimes elicited public mockery, such as when Trump called for closing off parts of the internet to limit militant Islamist propaganda. Trump has also urged a boycott of Apple Inc products over the company's refusal to help the Federal Bureau of Investigation unlock an iPhone associated with last year's San Bernardino, California, shootings, threatened antitrust action against Amazon, and demanded that tech companies such as Apple manufacture their products in the United States. In a statement, Beckerman said the internet industry looked forward to working closely with Trump and lawmakers in Congress to "cement the internets role as a driver of economic and social progress for future generations." Google is "committed" to the UK and plans to extend its London headquarters at King's Cross, creating up to 3,000 new jobs, the firm's chief executive has said. Speaking on his first visit to the UK as the technology giant's chief executive, Sundar Pichai said Google plans to build a new 10-storey, 650,000 square foot complex alongside its new complex in Pancras Square. It will be the first wholly owned and designed Google building outside of the US. Mr Pichai, in announcing the plans, said: "Here in the UK, it's clear to me that computer science has a great future with the talent, educational institutions, and passion for innovation we see all around us. "We are committed to the UK and excited to continue our investment in our new King's Cross campus." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the announcement a "vote of confidence" in the city. "Google's commitment to London is very welcome," he said. "This is a global, pioneering company at the forefront of new technology - and so London, a pioneering city, and home to many of the world's most talented and innovative people, is a great and natural choice for expansion. "This is a vote of confidence in our great city - creating high-skilled jobs, supporting growth and demonstrating that London is open to business, new investment and talent from around the globe. "London is one the world's leading technology hubs and investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google's expansion will further strengthen our city's reputation as a global leader in digital technology." The announcement of Google's planned expansion was also greeted with enthusiasm by Chancellor Philip Hammond. "This is big vote of confidence in Britain's leading position as a global tech-hub and more evidence that leading firms are choosing to invest here," he said. "Our technology industry is central to securing future economic growth and this Government is committed to ensuring it continues to thrive. It's further proof that Britain is open for business and that we continue to be an outward-looking, world-leading nation." Mr Pichai, speaking at Google's offices in King's Cross, also admitted the recent US election, which has divided many, had raised "questions of equality" and other "challenges" for the technology giant to face. Google's search engine was also criticised for promoting allegedly misleading and 'fake news', including a story that suggested President-elect Donald Trump had won the popular vote against Hillary Clinton, despite votes still being counted in some states. Google apologised, and Mr Pichai reiterated that the firm "does not have all the answers" but will play a role in "addressing these challenges". Our Technology Editor reviews the Panasonic Lumix GX80 Price: 599 (plus lens) Compare prices Rating: 5 Stars There's so much competition for premium mirrorless cameras these days that it's difficult to know which one to choose. The short answer (and I'm not just saying this) is that they're all good. Their main advantage is that they give the same type of quality as big non-professional DSLR cameras in a much smaller body, meaning you can bring them about and use them without looking and feeling awkward. If you want the latest model on the market, Panasonic's Lumix 16-megapixel GX80 ticks all the boxes. It's fast, compact, smart and takes very good photos. I used it for two weeks with two lenses, a 45-175mm (90-350mm equivalent) telephoto and a 12-32mm (24-64mm equivalent). This period included work assignments abroad at the Web Summit in Lisbon (for which, see my Twitter or Instagram feeds). It barely let me down at all on any score. It can handle very low-light situations (its ISO now goes up to 25,600, a huge jump from the GX7) and its built-in stabilisation is about the best I've ever tested. Indeed, Panasonic now has stabilisation both in the camera body and in its newer lenses, meaning you really do have far less chance of blurry, hazy photos. Like its predecessor, the GX80 has a flip-out screen, which is great when snapping something from down low or, in portrait orientation, at arm's length to your side (such as in a church aisle to get the bride's walk, unobstructed). It's nice and silent, too, meaning you don't make a racket when taking photos in hushed situations. The GX80 has Panasonic's 4K Photo mode, which essentially lets you take stills from the camera's 4K video-shooting capabilities. It goes without saying that the camera has Wi-Fi, too, which lets you send images to your phone or tablet automatically while shooting or transfer them afterwards. There's even a new 'post focus' feature that lets you decide after taking the photo where you want the sharp bit to be. It's very smart, but takes a bit of setting up and is too slow (for me) to be very useful. All of this comes at a price, of course: the GX80 isn't cheap. But it's a pleasure to use. Tesco's sales are rising at the fastest pace for three years, industry data showed yesterday - signalling the recovery at Britain's biggest supermarket group is gathering pace. Shares in the company climbed as much as 4pc after market researcher Kantar Worldpanel said Tesco sales in its home market grew by 2.2pc year-on-year in the 12 weeks to November 6, boosting its share of Britain's grocery market to 28.2pc from 27.9pc this time last year. The stock has risen 43pc so far this year, with the firm reporting three straight quarters of underlying sales growth in its main British market. Last month's Kantar report also showed Tesco growing its UK market share for the first time in five years. In October, Tesco set tougher profitability targets too. "Tesco's continued sales acceleration and it winning market share is the key feature this month, despite it having a declining share of retail space," said HSBC analyst David McCarthy, who on Monday upgraded his stance on Tesco to "buy". Kantar highlighted that most of Tesco's gains came from its own-label products, both its cheaper "Farm Brands", launched in March to encourage shoppers to return from discounters Aldi and Lidl, and its more upmarket "Finest" range. It also noted more affluent shoppers returning to Tesco. Aldi and Lidl saw their UK sales growth fall to the slowest rate since 2011. Overall, UK grocery sales increased 0.8pc in the 12-week period. Kantar also said deflation in Britain's supermarket sector weakened to 0.5pc in the 12 weeks to November 6 and predicted that after more than two years of deflation prices could start to rise in the coming months. (Reuters) Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) shortly after the opening bell in New York City. Photo: Reuters European shares edged up on Tuesday helped by a surge in crude oil prices and a rebound in utilities, while telecoms equipment maker Nokia slumped on a disappointing earnings outlook update. The STOXX 600 rose 0.3pc at the end of a choppy session. The pan-European index remains down 7pc so far in 2016. Hopes of huge fiscal stimulus in the United States under Donald Trump's administration have fuelled a rally in bond yields and rate hike expectations, prompting investors to favour financials over dividend-paying sectors such as utilities or real estate. Rising yields have made dividend paying sectors relatively less attractive, but financial companies have benefited because that eases pressure on their margins. The pause in the bond sell-off prompted profit taking among financial stocks, with the bank sector index .SX7P down 0.1pc. Ireland's ISEQ Overall Index failed to emulate its rising European peers yesterday, dipping 0.3pc to 6,259.19. It was dragged lower as investors sold shares in Bank of Ireland, capitalising on gains made in the previous two sessions. Its shares fell 2.6pc to 22.5 cent. Ryanair rose 1.5pc to 14.32, as shares in rival EasyJet also climbed despite its full-year profits falling. The ISEQ's world-beating equity rally last week helped push the ISEQ Overall Index past a technical level that signals the gains may have come too fast to hold, according to Bloomberg. The UK's FTSE-100 closed 0.5pc higher. Germany's DAX was up 0.4pc, and France's CAC-40 was 0.6pc higher. British American Tobacco was up 0.4pc after sources said US rival Reynolds American is seeking a higher price from the British cigarette maker after rejecting its $47bn (44bn) takeover offer. As I mentioned this morning, Blue America had some significant successes with the state legislative candidates we championed this cycle-- although those were mostly seats in blue areas where progressive Democrats prevailed over conservative Democrats. The big story in regard to the state legislatures is that the 2010 redistricting is coming up rapidly and the Democrats are in sorry shape. To start with, remember that even if Cooper wins in North Carolina, which looks likely (he's up 2,281,155 to 2,276,383 right now), Republicans will hold 33 governorships, the most I can remember-- and one the Democrats' 17 is West Virginia reactionary Trumpist billionaire, Jim Justice. 25 states -- including Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and Texas, each of which is infamous for grotesque gerrymandering-- are in the hands of a Republican governor and both houses of the state legislature. The Democrats have a similar, though not exactly the same, situation in just 4 states-- California (where there is no partisan redrawing of districts), Oregon and two deep blue states with 2 districts each, Hawaii and Rhode Island. By dint of tie-breaking vote siuations they also have that in Connecticut and Delaware, after suffering defeats in both states last week. In other words, if the redistricting maps were drawn today, the Democrats wouldn't get one addition seat.-- not one, from their states. Even in stalwart blue states like Massachusetts (where all the seats are blue anyway), Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington and Illinois, the Democrats have to deal with either a Republican governor or at least one GOP-controlled chamber. Of the 99 legislative chambers in the country, the Republicans hold 69 and the Democrats hold 30. The only good news for the Democrats-- aside from the North Carolina governorship, which isn't as much help as it should be because the GOP has a veto-proof super-majority in the legislature-- was that they flipped the New Mexico and Alaska state Houses and both chambers of the Nevada legislature. But that was more than balanced out when they lost control of the Iowa state Senate, the Kentucky House, and the Minnesota state Senate. The Democrats gained control of the Alaska House by winning a seat and then forming a coalition with 3 Republicans and 2 independents-- the opposite of the situation in the Washington state Senate, where a right-wing fake Democrat caucuses with the GOP, giving them control over that chamber. Democrats hold 2,023 state House seats to the Republicans' 2,630. And there are 545 Democratic state senators to the GOP's 654. On the brighter side of things, Democrats made inroads in several states. By netting 3 seats in the California Assembly, they now have a super-majority there, for example. These are the states where Democrats gained seats in the lower House: New Hampshire +20 (3 recounts are still underway today) Vermont- +4 Rhode Island- +2 New York- +2 West Virginia- +1 North Carolina- +1 Florida- +3 Michigan- +2 Indiana- +1 Kansas- +12 Texas- +6 New Mexico- +5 Arizona- +2 Colorado- +3 Utah- +5 Nevada- +10 Washington- +2 California- +3 Alaska- +1 Hawaii- +1 Democrats also gained some state Senate seats: Maine- +2 Vermont- +4 Rhode Island- +1 Georgia- +1 Florida- +1 Michigan- +1 Missouri- +2 Kansas- +1 New Mexico- +2 Arizona- +1 Nevada- +1 Washington- +1 Hawaii- +1 In states where they need to make gains to be able to prevent the worst of the GOP gerrymandering in 2020, they mostly failed. The 10 states where the Democrats most need to flip at least one chamber by 2020 look like this today: The Democrats blew their chance to win the Colorado Senate which remains at 17 Dems and 18 Republicans. They increased their majority in the state House from 34-31 and are now over the GOP 37-28. Iowa was a disaster, with the Democrats in the state Senate going from a 25-23 majority to a big Republican win, giving them a 29-20 majority. The state House there saw the GOP increase it's majority from 57-43 to 59-41. Michigan's state House saw the Dems up from 45 to 47 but the Republicans won a vacancy and also went up-- from 62 to 63. Minnesota's state Senate flipped from a 38-28 Democratic body to a 34-33 Republican body. The House was Republican 73-61 and is now worse so, 76-57. New Hampshire's state Senate went from 13 Republicans to 14 and the Democrats remained at 10. There are still several state House races that haven't been called yet but the Democrats look like they came short of reversing their 157-230 disadvantage. New York's state Senate still has votes being counted and a 1 vote GOP majority. Virginia's state Senate is run by the GOP 21-17 and their House is run by the GOP 66-34. Pennsylvania state House is under GOP control 122-81 and the state Senate is also Republican-dominated, 34-16. Florida's state Senate is 25-15 Republican and their House is 79-41 Republican. Wisconsin's state Senate went from 14 Democrats to 13 and from 18 Republicans to 20. These are states where Democrats would need to make serious inroads to prevent another decade of Republican gerrymandered congressional majorities in Congress. The Democrats have a Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee which is as lame and congenitally incompetent as the DCCC. The executive director, Jessica Post, is a typical incompetent EMILY's List alum who could make a contribution to the Democrats by switching parties and going to work for the Republicans. The Chairman is Mike Gronstal, who was, until Tuesday, the Iowa Senator Majority Leader. In coming weeks, we'll be discussing an alternative, grassroots organization getting started to do the job that the DLCC has proven itself incapable of doing. Vodafone has reported second-quarter sales growth that beat analysts' estimates as the carrier's continental European operations performed better than expected, outweighing a 5bn writedown of its Indian unit. Organic service revenue - what Vodafone earns from customers' monthly phone bills and usage on its network - rose 2.4pc in the period ended September 30, the UK-based carrier said yesterday. Analysts had predicted growth of 1.9pc on average. "We are the fastest-growing broadband network in Europe," ceo Vittorio Colao said, highlighting modest improvements in Europe led by its German and Italian subsidiaries. While continental Europe performed well, Vodafone faces rising challenges at home, as well as India, a market the carrier is counting on to fuel customer gains. Competition there remains fierce after rival BT Group acquired mobile carrier EE. In India, the company said an extended offer from new entrant Jio had triggered discounts from other operators, lowering cash flows and throwing Vodafone's planning assumptions into doubt. Overall, Vodafone's first-half loss was 5bn, versus a loss of 2.3bn a year earlier. The impairment charge in India, while large, is unsurprising given the intensification of competition, analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note. Vodafone fell 0.7pc to 203.10 pence in London. The stock is down 8.1pc this year. Service revenue rose by 5.4 percent in India in the second quarter, slower than the 6.4pc growth of the preceding three months, Vodafone said. An initial public offering of the India unit, previously expected during the fiscal year that ends in March, won't take place before then, the company said in a statement. The carrier intends to proceed with the India IPO "as soon as market conditions improve," chief financial officer Nick Read said. The company recently invested 477 billion rupees (6.5bn) in the operation to strengthen its voice and data offers and prepare the unit for a spectrum auction. Vodafone lowered the top end of its forecast range for full-year growth in organic earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation and now expects the equivalent of 15.7bn to 16.1bn, compared with 15.7bn to 16.2bn. Colao said ambitious roll out of high-speed fixed and mobile internet in Germany - which he called "our largest and our best investment case" - would be hard to replicate in the UK due to the high cost of connecting customers to the national network run by BT. (Bloomberg) Irish fitness blogger Maeve Madden has landed her first TV acting role alongside Matt Smith in Netflix's The Crown. The fitness guru is "amazed" to find herself the centre of attention after landing a role as a waitress in the $100 million drama, which is already being compared to Downton Abbey. This is the first TV role for the London based Irish model after taking a few acting classes at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). "I'd been to casting auditions for some TV adverts but then an opportunity for The Crown came along. I honestly didn't feel ready. I'd only started taking acting classes at RADA but I didn't want to say no," she told Independent.ie. Expand Close Scenes from Netflix productio 'The Crown' - Episode 6 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scenes from Netflix productio 'The Crown' - Episode 6 "There's nothing worse than missing out on an opportunity that could change your entire future." The grand saga tells the story of the early days of England's Queen Elizabeth II's (Claire Foy) reign as it pulls back the doors on Buckingham Palace. Maeve plays the part of a waitress in a Soho gentleman's club who makes an appearance in episode six. The stunning blonde catches the eye of Queen Elizabeth's husband, Prince Phillip (Matt Smith) - who is portrayed as a bit of a playboy prince with a wandering eye. "I'd originally auditioned for the role of a receptionist but the casting directors decided that they wanted someone plainer for that part and suggested I audition for the role of the waitress," the Newry native explained. Expand Close Scenes from Netflix productio 'The Crown' - Episode 6 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Scenes from Netflix productio 'The Crown' - Episode 6 "It was nerve-wracking. I had to fake a British accent too. I auditioned three times over the course of a few months before I landed the part. Shooting took two full days to complete but Maeve said, despite the long hours, she loved every minute of it. Expand Close Real life: Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip in Netflix series 'The Crown' / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Real life: Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II and Matt Smith as Prince Philip in Netflix series 'The Crown' "The set was incredible, it looks every bit as grand as you'd imagine and all the cast and crew were so lovely. Honestly, everyone was so nice. And no detail is spared. The costume designer even made sure I was wearing 1950's-style bras and stockings. Naturally the first-time actress felt "nervous and shy" filming her scenes but she said Doctor Who star Smith put her at ease. Expand Close Image: The Crown/Netflix / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Image: The Crown/Netflix Video of the Day "Matt Smith was so dreamy in real life. We repeatedly had to flirt with each other for two days. I would have happily done that forever," she joked. The fitness blogger admitted she's caught the acting bug and said she's hoping to land more roles. But she's keeping quiet on the details of her auditions, just like she did with The Crown, until she actually sees herself on screen. A photo posted by FITNESS | LIFESTYLE | FASHION (@maeve_madden) on Nov 13, 2016 at 4:24am PST "Nothing is guaranteed. I wanted to keep quiet about it until I actually saw myself on TV. I didn't know how much they would chop or change my part but I was delighted with how it turned out. "My friends and family have been sending me screenshots. Even now when I look at it I'm surprised. I keep thinking 'Oh my God, that's me!' I'm over the moon," she said. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon Prime/PA) James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon/PA) Former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson has claimed an Argentinian airport employee stopped him from boarding a flight from Germany to the UK in a "hate crime". The presenter and his two co-hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, claimed they were "kicked off" the flight from Stuttgart to London Heathrow, the Sun reported. The former Top Gear co-presenters were due to take a British Airways flight back to the UK after filming their new programme, The Grand Tour, when a check-in agent allegedly stopped them boarding. Clarkson accused the airline employee, whom he reportedly referred as an "ignorant little worm", of "telling colleagues the three men were too drunk to fly, which prevented them boarding". Hes a stupid, bitter and twisted little man, Clarkson told the Sun, adding that he "made us miss our plane and he will pay for it. The police said it was a hate crime and he would be arrested. Yes, even the Germans were 100 per cent on our side for once. Reutlingen police told The Telegraph that no charges were pressed nor was anybody arrested. Expand Close James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon/PA) Christian Woerner, press officer at the Reutlingen police department, said that the television crew were in the lounge of the airport and did not hear an announcement saying that the BA flight, which was meant to be delayed, was going to be on time. When the crew arrived to the gate the flight was closed and an argument began with the airport employee who would not let the crew on board, police told The Telegraph. Reutlingen police say they don't know what was said during the argument, but were not aware of any "hate crimes" allegations. "I don't know what was said during the argument, but I doubt the Falklands were mentioned," Mr Woerner told The Telegraph. The spokesman added that Clarkson was given a card by police in case he wanted to follow up with the incident but, as of Tuesday afternoon, he had not used the number. The disagreement followed a row between Clarkson and Argentinian officials over a number plate featured on a car in BBC's Top Gear 2014 Christmas special. Expand Close Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon Prime/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May during filming of The Grand Tour (Amazon Prime/PA) Video of the Day In October 2014 Clarkson had to flee Argentina under police escort when furious locals noted the number plate of the Porsche he was driving - H982 FKL - and assumed it was a deliberate provocation about the 1982 Falklands War. He and co-hosts Hammond and May fled their hotel and headed for the airport when the lobby was invaded by angry war veterans. Expand Close The Grand Tour with James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson is due to air in autumn. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Grand Tour with James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson is due to air in autumn. The remaining crew were pelted by stones as they were forced to escape to Chile overland, abandoning the offending Porsche at the border. The BBC said that the number plate was entirely coincidental. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] The debate over where to locate the Children's Hospital is over, despite rising costs and complaints from campaign groups, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said. There is mounting pressure to review the decision to build the new hospital on a site at St James's Hospital in Dublin. And the Dail heard yesterday that the cost of the project has risen from 480m to over 1bn without any fit-out costs. Independent TD Mattie McGrath blasted the decision, saying the costs were like a "runaway train". The Rural Alliance TD for Tipperary said the projected cost overruns could fund a resolution of the public pay crux and fix health service problems like those at Clonmel Hospital. "The Taoiseach should think about the staggering figures, pinch himself and ask the new minister about them. "This cannot be allowed to continue because we will end up having inquiries about it in here in years to come," he said. However, Mr Kenny said that after years of discussion about the location "that argument is finished and a decision has been made. "Any of the associated costs will be for the single biggest construction project in this country for very many years, to look after all the children of the island, North and South, and it will be a magnificent achievement for a country that prides itself on family and children. "At long last they will have a world-class facility for the next 50 years or beyond," Mr Kenny said. He said there will be a focus on the value-for-money process. "It will be the subject of a formal memo very shortly and I hope that arising from that, everybody will understand the scale, nature and requirement of this particular project, which is in the interests of all the children of this island for the next two generations at least." Mr McGrath said the project should be located at the Connolly hospital site as it would allow access to a maternity unit. A BAKERY worker has been charged with sexual exploitation and directing the activities of a prostitute in Dublin. A BAKERY worker has been charged with sexual exploitation and directing the activities of a prostitute in Dublin. Polish national Grzegorz Grzyb (33) told arresting gardai the allegations were rubbish and lies after he was arrested at Dublin airport yesterday, a court heard. He was remanded in custody with consent to bail under strict conditions when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Mr Grzyb, a father-of-one with an address at Virginia Heights, Tallaght, is charged with taking a named woman under his control for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The offence is under the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking Act) and is alleged to have happened on a date between September 1 and 11, 2012. The second charge, under the Sexual Offences Act, alleges that he controlled or directed the activities of a prostitute. This offence is alleged to have happened at another address in Tallaght between March 3 and October 25, 2012. Garda Lorna Cox told Judge Anthony Halpin she arrested the defendant last night at 11.45pm and brought him to Store Street Garda Station. He was charged in her presence at 1.05am this morning and replied that is rubbish to the first charge. His reply to the second count after caution was: these are lies. He was handed copies of the charge sheets. The garda said she had no objection to bail under strict conditions, including a substantial cash lodgment. Applying for bail, the accuseds solicitor Niall OConnor said Mr Grzyb was working full-time in a bakery in Ireland and had gone home to his family, including his young daughter and ex-wife in Poland for a month. He had been in Ireland for nine years and intended to stay in this jurisdiction. He had never troubled the courts or the gardai before, Mr OConnor said. The accused had exhausted his disposable income, had only 300 saved and had nobody else to assist him, Mr OConnor added. Judge Halpin granted bail in the defendants own bond of 6,000. Under conditions of bail, he is to reside at his home address, sign on three times per week at Tallaght Garda Station and have no contact with the alleged injured party, any associates or any potential witnesses in the case. He is to surrender his passport, not apply for a new one, or any other travel documents, and provide gardai with a phone number at which he is contactable at all times. The accused is to notify the gardai of any change of address. Given the nature of the charges I dont think it is unreasonable for garda Cox to look for a substantial cash lodgment, Judge Halpin said. He remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on November 23. The judge granted free legal aid given the nature of the charges and the fact that he is being remanded in custody. The proceedings were translated to the accused by a court interpreter. Mr Grzyb, wearing a black jacket over a grey hooded top and blue jeans, remained silent. All public toilets should be fitted with special lighting to deter drug addicts from injecting themselves, a judge has said. Judge Anthony Halpin said the blue lighting already found in some toilets should be made obligatory. He was commenting in the case of a man who left blood all over a shopping centre toilet cubicle when he injected himself in the groin. Men and children were using the facilities in Dublins Jervis Centre when gardai caught Thomas McCabe (37) in a cubicle. McCabe, with an address at Bernard Curtis House, Bluebell, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage in the incident on September 29 last. Judge Halpin put him on a bond to keep the peace for six months. Dublin District Court heard gardai arrived and looked under the cubicle door, where a syringe was visible on the floor. Droplets of blood began hitting the floor and the garda looked over the door and saw McCabe injecting the syringe into his groin area. There was blood on the toilet bowl, floor and walls, requiring a 100 clean up, the court heard. Judge Halpin asked if there were not certain types of fluorescent lights to ensure people dont use the facility for drug use. When he heard there were not, he said: It should be obligatory because there are very young children using the toilets. McCabe had 22 previous convictions for drugs and other offences. Judge Halpin said the court was not without compassion and understood there were people out there in the grip of addiction and needed to take drugs. However, he said. those particular facilities are not appropriate for that. McCabe apologised for what happened - he had had alcohol wipes with him, intended to clean up and did not intend to cause any damage, his barrister Aifric Hurrell said. His mother had passed away recently and he was in a distressed state on the day. The accused had been dealing with his addiction and was awaiting a place at a treatment centre, Ms Hurrell added. McCabe had three children and was engaged to be married. Judge Halpin said he accepted the accused had shown remorse and provided an explanation. He understood that McCabe must have been distressed and looking for a release. A college student who knocked a returned emigrant unconscious and kicked him in the head during a row over a taxi outside Tamango's Nightclub will be sentenced early next year. Adam McCarthy (24) with an address in Howth Road, Raheny, Dublin pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Niall McHale outside the venue attached to White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock on December 27, 2014. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today that Mr McHale had come home to Dublin from London, where is currently living, to visit family and friends for the Christmas holidays. On the night of the incident, he was out socialising with friends in the nightclub and left around 2.15am. He and his friends were waiting on a taxi when another group of men, which included McCarthy, ran out from the nightclub and jumped the queue, getting into a taxi. Garda Thomas Halligan told Tony McGillicuddy BL, prosecuting. that Mr McHale approached McCarthy to protest that it was not their taxi. McCarthy turned and punched the victim before Mr McHale had even finished his sentence, Mr McGillicuddy said. He struck Mr McHale above the right eye and he fell to the ground, Mr McGillicuddy said. The man then kicked him in the head. Mr McHale suffered a brief loss of consciousness before being taken by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital. He received seven stitches to the head, as well as bruising and lacerations. McCarthy was restrained by nightclub bouncers until gardai arrived. In a brief victim impact statement read out in court, Mr McHale said he was housebound for most of the Christmas holidays in the wake of the assault. Brian Storan BL, defending, said McCarthy's reaction to his actions that night has been one of shame and genuine remorse. He said McCarthy was two years into a four-year degree at DIT and his ability to achieve was described as unparalleled by former educators. In a letter handed up to court, McCarthy profusely apologised to Mr McHale and his family for the lack of respect he had shown and the pain he had caused them. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of this act and the consequences it has brought, the letter said. The court was told that McCarthy has no previous convictions. Mr Storan said his client had saved 3500 and borrowed a further 1500 from his parents to give to Mr McHale as a token of his remorse. The court heard Mr McHale is still in London, but his parents had agreed to accept the money on his behalf on the condition that it go to a charity of their choosing. Judge Melanie Greally said a kick to the head could have fatal consequences. The fact that Mr McHale did not suffer a serious injury was through no restraint on your part, she told McCarthy. The incident which has come before the court is yet another incident where a young person is out for the night socialising when a slight provocation, if you can even call it that...provokes an act of extreme violence, the judge said. Judge Greally said she wished to explore the possibility of community service before handing down sentence and she adjourned the matter to February 8 next year. Monday night Schumer addressed the wealthy Democratic donors who make up the Democracy Alliance. They were none too pleased when he announced he could work with Trump. He had to shush them more than a dozen times when they talked among themselves-- about what an asshole he is. He singled out campaign finance reform and tax reform (meaning tax breaks for Schumer's big campaign donors) and he also mentioned infrastructure . Pelosi followed and the crowd was much warmer to her, probably because she wasn't talking appeasement. Little Chucky Schmucky and Trump have a lot in common. They see themselves as "two punks from the boroughs-- not even the city-- who now run the whole country." Yeah, I feel nauseous too. I bet Jon Schwarz does too. He's the guy who wrotefeature yesterday about Little Chucky Schmucky: Chuck Schumer: The Worst Possible Democratic Leader at the Worst Possible Time . LikeSchwarz making Schumer the highest ranking Democrat in America is, in his words, "a terrible roll of the dice for Democrats, because Schumer might as well have been grown in a lab to be exactly the wrong face for opposition to Donald Trump." Schumer, whos just about to turn 66, grew up in Brooklyn and went to the same high school as Bernie Sanders. Then their lives diverged: Schumer, the smartiest of the smartypants, got a perfect score on the SATs and then went to Harvard and Harvard Law School. He was elected to the New York State Assembly at 23, the U.S. Congress at 29, and the U.S. Senate at 47. Hes never had any adult job outside elected office. He possesses the same impressive political acumen as Hillary Clintons 2016 campaign, sagely explaining For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two moderate Republicans in the suburbs in Philadelphia, and you can repeat that in Ohio and Illinois and Wisconsin. Schumers done more than anyone except Bill and Hillary Clinton to intertwine Wall Street and the Democratic Party. He raises millions and millions of dollars from the finance industry, both for himself and for other Democrats. In return, he voted to repeal the Glass-Steagall Act in 1999 and voted to bail out Wall Street in 2008. In between, he slashed fees paid by banks to the Securities and Exchange Commission to pay for regulatory enforcement, and eviscerated congressional efforts to crack down on rating agencies. Schumer has long been the Democrats point man in efforts to craft a bipartisan deal to slash taxes on multinational corporations. Schumer voted for the Patriot Act in 2001, and sponsored its predecessor, the Omnibus Counterterrorism Act of 1995. During a Senate hearing, Schumer explained that its easy to sit back in the armchair and say that torture can never be used. But when youre in the foxhole, its a very different deal. In certain cases, he said, most senators would say do what you have to do. Schumer also defended the New York Police Departments surveillance of Muslims across the region, which Trump has cited as a national model. In October 2002, Schumer voted for the Iraq War by giving George W. Bush authority to invade. In a speech explaining his vote, Schumer warned of Iraqs imaginary yet vigorous pursuit of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. Schumer voted against Barack Obamas deal to limit Irans ability to enrich uranium and potentially develop a nuclear weapons program. Perhaps worst of all, Schumer gave Anthony Weiner his start, first hiring him on his staff, then encouraging him to run for office and then endorsing Weiner in the race for Schumers seat when Schumer was running for the Senate in 1998. Thanks, Chuck. Are there any positive things about Chuck Schumer? Well he did vote against NAFTA in 1993, and while hes supported other trade deals since, he made negative noises about the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Also, hes a talented matchmaker with as many as 11 marriages to his credit. And hes the second cousin once removed of Amy Schumer, which you might see as good or bad, depending. An Italian designer, who claimed 75,000 damages for repairs to a wall, turned out to be merely a tenant and not the owner of property she alleged had been damaged by tree roots, a judge said yesterday. Francesca De Cataldo in March last gave the Circuit Civil Court an undertaking not to cut down trees locally believed to have been planted on Killiney Hill, Co Dublin, to mark a visit to Ireland by Queen Victoria more than a century ago. Yesterday Ms De Cataldo was in court to see her claims against Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council and Abberley Management Company Limited, thrown out by Judge Jacqueline Linnane. Ms De Cataldo was the applicant in two other damages claims in recent years. Back in December 2012, Ms De Cataldo, who allegedly slipped and injured herself at a petrol station, had her damages claim dismissed after a Judge found her account of events as "wholly unconvincing and unreliable." She had initially claimed for 83,000. And three years previous to that, Ms De Cataldo won more than 12,000 after she was hit by a falling frying pan in an Avoca store. Expand Close Francesca De Cataldo, of Duncan, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co. Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts after a Circuit Civil Court hearing. Pic: Collins Courts / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Francesca De Cataldo, of Duncan, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co. Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts after a Circuit Civil Court hearing. Pic: Collins Courts In the most-recent case, barrister Francis Daly, counsel for Dunlaoghaire-based Abberley Management, had asked the court to dismiss De Cataldos claims on the basis they were vexatious, frivolous, without merit and an abuse of process. Liam OConnell, counsel for Dunlaoghaire Rathdown County Council, said he was also asking for Ms De Cataldos proceedings to be struck out. He said her legal team had conceded that the local authority had no case to meet. Judge Linnane said Ms De Cataldo, of Duncan, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, had initially failed to inform the court that she was merely a tenant in the property and not the owner. She had in March sought to recover damages of more than 80,000 which had later been reduced to around 40,000 for damage allegedly caused to a wall on the property by the roots of the trees along a laneway. She had asked the court for an injunction seeking damages and directing the felling of the trees, proceedings in which she had failed and in which costs had been directed against her. Lyndsey Noonan, of Canal Quarter Solicitors for the County Council, had told the court that Ms De Cataldo had expressly pleaded that the property belonged to her and that she and her family resided there. It had since been proven she did not own the dwelling or the perimeter wall. De Cataldo told the court she had lived in Duncan since January 2005 and since then had managed the property on behalf of her landlady for whom she acted as agent whenever maintenance needed to be done. She said she included a claim for repair of the boundary wall becaquse she intended to have it repaired on behalf of her landlady. She was now withdrawing that claim without prejudice to her landladys entitlement to bring a claim. Judge Linnane, refusing an application to further adjourn De Cataldos proceedings, dismissed De Cataldos claim, with costs, against Abberley and struck out her claim against the County Council, also with costs. The judge said the court had been quite taken aback by Ms De Cataldos mode of operating and had received an undertaking that her felling of the trees would not be proceeded with. The court refused Mr Daly, who appeared with Liston and Company Solicitors, to grant Abberley an Isaac Wunder order restraining Ms De Cataldo from instituting further proceedings against the company without prior approval of the court. In the 2012 case, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill was satisfied to dismiss Ms De Cataldo's claim that she suffered a serious injury to her left pelvis, hip, and sacrum area as a result of her fall. Ms De Cataldo (then 35) sued Petro Gas Group Ltd, Petro Gas Retail Ltd, Desdale Ltd arising out of an incident at the defendants petrol station Apple Green at Ballybrack, Co Dublin. She claimed she suffered injuries after slipping in a patch of oil on January 24, 2007, while returning to her jeep after paying for diesel in the garage's shop. She was then taken to Loughlinstown Hospital by ambulance. She also alleged she was out of work for three months and was unable to do various domestic activities for three years and required the assistance of a carer for three years. Ms De Cataldo, an Italian national of Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co Dublin also claimed that after her fall her plight was ignored by the garages staff staff, and that her personal possession were stolen, before being returned to her. The claims were denied. Handing down judgement in December 2012, the judge said he was satisfied Ms De Cataldo did not slip on oil at the location claimed. It was extremely unlikely any oil was spilt at the garage, said the Judge adding that her account of events was completely unreliable. I simply do not believe that a number of her personal possessions were stolen and then miraculously returned to her, said the Judge. The Judge further rejected her claim that following her alleged slip she was left lying in the rain without any covering being offered to her by staff at the garage. He was satisfied that staff had provided her with a jacket, and that an ambulance was called in a timely fashion. The Judge said it was apparent from all the medical reports that her claim she had developed a serious condition in her left foot that causes her pain and inhibits her walking was untrue The Judge also described her claims for 73,000 for the cost of employing carers and nursing assistants and 10,000 for oils and preparations, which the Judge noted "were abandoned late in the day" were "completely without merit or justification." In December 2009, Ms De Cataldo told Dublin's Circuit Civil Court she had been struck on the back of her head by a metal frying pan, which had fallen two floors down a stairwell. She said the pan and a stuffed teddy bear had been dislodged from display shelves which surrounded the spiral staircase she was climbing in the Avoca restaurant and shop in Dublin's Suffolk Street in June 2005. Ms De Cataldo told Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Matthew Deery, that the pan had been accompanied on its way down through the air by a teddy bear, but the toy had simply brushed her clothing. Barrister John Moher, outlining a 38,000 damages claim by Ms De Cataldo, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, against Avoca Handweavers Ltd, said she had been living in Ireland for seven years. She regularly shopped and dined in the Avoca store and was ascending the stairway when the pan and teddy bear had fallen on her. She had been brought to her knees by the blow and assisted by two members of staff. Ms De Cataldo told the court she had suffered headaches and stiffness in her neck and shoulders following the accident. As well as having treatment from her doctor she had to have physiotherapy for several months. She had also suffered from light-headedness, feelings of nausea and vomiting and sleeplessness. Ms De Cataldo burst out laughing and asked "Are you for real?" when shown a small glove-sized knitted stuffed duck replica, which defence counsel said was similar to what had struck her. Shop security man Damian Foy told Mr Moher he did not know what had fallen and he was not aware of any member of staff having witnessed the accident. Awarding Ms De Cataldo 12,240 damages, Judge Deery said he was satisfied she had been hit on the head in rapid succession by a metal pan and a stuffed toy. A MURDER accused left a row at a chip shop near his home and returned minutes later with a knife, a barrister told a jury at the Central Criminal Court today. Donal Colgan (65), of Killarney Court, Killarney St, Dublin 1, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 39-year-old David Sheridan outside Luigi's chip shop on the North Strand Road on August 17/18, 2014. Opening the trial today prosecuting counsel Paul Burns SC said Mr Sheridan met a friend on Summerhill Parade earlier in the day on August 17, bought drink at an off licence and returned to Summerhill. Later on they went to the chip shop on North Strand Road, taking the drink from the off-licence with them. Donal Colgan and a number of other young people were already there. At some point Mr Colgan went outside and there was an "altercation" but then Mr Colgan left the area. When Mr Colgan returned some time later he was "carrying a knife which he used to stab David Sheridan a number of times," Mr Burns said. Mr Sheridan died the following day and a postmortem showed that a number of stab wounds caused his death. The jury of nine men and three women was then shown CCTV footage of Mr Colgan's movements that evening. Garda Eoin Treacy of Mountjoy Garda Station told Mr Burns that he had compiled footage from the Sunset House pub, Luigi's chip shop and a nearby Centra. He said the footage showed Mr Colgan in the pub from shortly before 7pm until after 10pm. Defence counsel Patrick Marrinan SC asked Garda Treacy if it would surprise him, having seen the CCTV footage, that the barman at the Sunset said Mr Colgan drank 10 to 12 pints of cider that night. "It wouldn't surprise me," he answered. Mr Colgan then arrived at Luigi's a short time after leaving the pub. Garda Treacy said that while he waited for his food he can be seen engaging with a number of other customers before Mr Sheridan arrived with his friend. Garda Treacy said there was an interaction between Mr Colgan and Mr Sheridan and the accused man left before the deceased. The CCTV then showed Mr Colgan walking towards his home in nearby Killarney Court and then seven minutes later, at 10.40pm, he is seen walking back towards Luigi's. Two minutes after that the CCTV inside the chip shop captured a "confrontation" outside the front of the chip shop, said Garda Treacy. He said a man wearing a black jacket is seen lunging forward with his right arm at another man. Mr Colgan was then captured walking away from the scene, followed by two men, including Mr Sheridan's friend. Garda Treacy said the footage showed him carrying a knife as he walked back in the direction he had come. Speaking to Mr Marrinan Garda Treacy agreed that there seemed to be a lot of interaction between Mr Colgan and other people in the chip shop but he did not seem to be say much to Mr Sheridan or his friend. He said that Mr Colgan left the chip shop without communicating with Mr Sheridan. Garda Treacy further agreed that it would be a fair summary of the rest of the footage to say that Mr Colgan "left the scene with the knife he had used to stab Mr Sheridan and did not attempt to secrete the knife." He said he was followed by two men who, at one point, he turns towards and seems to tell them to back off. The trial continues tomorrow in front of Justice Carmel Stewart and the jury of nine men and three women. Gardai arrived to a Cork home that was "covered in blood" after a 63-year-old man tried to murder his partner by repeatedly stabbing her, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Taking the stand at the court today, Patrick ORourke apologised "sincerely and unconditionally" to his former partner Donna Foster for what he had done. The court heard that as a result of the "horrific" attack, Ms Fosters airways were exposed in her neck and she had injuries to her upper abdomen through which her small intestine was visible. Ms Foster told gardai that O'Rourke never stopped stabbing her and felt that she was going to die, the court heard. Today on the stand O'Rourke wished her "health, happiness and success in her life" and said that their years together were the "happiest" of his life. Patrick O'Rourke of Cooline Drive, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork was charged with attempting to murder Donna Foster at Cooline Drive on August 11, 2015. On Monday at the Central Criminal Court, ORourke pleaded not guilty to the charge and a jury was sworn in to hear his trial. At 2pm today Mr Brendan Grehan SC asked for his client to be re-arraigned and arraigned on another count. Mr Grehan also asked the court for an opportunity for his client to read a letter of apology to the court. ORourke then pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Donna Foster in Cork last year. He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a minor at the same address on the same date. Mr Justice McCarthy told the jury that as the accused had pleaded guilty, there was no need to hold a trial. He thanked them for their patience and exempted them from jury service for a period of ten years. ORourke was then remanded in custody ahead of his sentence hearing on November 25 when victim impact statements will be read to the court. A homeless lone mother and her four children, one of whom has epilepsy, have brought a legal challenge over repeated refusals to give them emergency accommodation. The woman claims she was forcibly removed by security staff from the offices of South Dublin County Council on October 6 last, one of numerous dates she sought accommodation, and fears her family, homeless since late September, will end up sleeping rough shortly unless the High Court intervenes. My family is now in a desperate situation as we face into winter with no access to accommodation. We are moving night on night, relying on the goodwill of friends which is not sustainable. She particularly feared for her epileptic son, who was hospitalised last month, if they dont get accommodation soon. She herself was also unwell due to stress. A native of Nigeria, the woman came to Ireland in 2000. She became a naturalised Irish citizen in 2013 and all her children are Irish citizens and attend schools here. She claims she was told she was being refused emergency accommodation because she had given up a council tenancy in the UK (where she lived for about a year from 2015) and returned last September to Ireland (where she has lived since 2000). I was told that I should return to the UK, I was told that I had made my family intentionally homeless. The woman, an unemployed care assistant represented by the Mercy Law firm, has secured leave to bring judicial review proceedings against South Dublin County Council. The case is among several similar actions before the High Court. Among her claims is the refusal of emergency accommodation is irrational and unreasonable and involves misapplication of the Councils statutory powers having regard to obligations under the Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights. In court documents, she said she lived in the Tallaght area from 2006, worked part-time for periods and also did voluntary work. She held a council tenancy in Tallaght from 2014 but surrendered that in June 2015 to move to the UK so her eldest son could pursue a sporting career. While in the UK, the family obtained a council tenancy, her children attended school and she worked part-time. She said she struggled financially there, including in trying to fund her sons sporting pursuits, and the family returned to Ireland in late September 2016. She said she presented as homeless and immediately sought emergency accommodation from the Council but has been repeatedly refused access to emergency accommodation. The Council, she claims, has given her no written statement of the reasons for refusing emergency accommodation to herself and her children. She had been told orally the refusal was due to the fact she gave up her tenancy in the UK when she decided to return here. The family spent a week sleeping on the floor of a friends home before getting night-to-night accommodation with Focus Ireland through the Family Housing Assistance Team (HAT) funded by the Council on varying days, she said. On October 10, she was advised they could not access the Family HAT and they were directed to A&E and the Garda. Since then she has had various informal and chaotic arrangements with friends but anticipates their goodwill would soon be exhausted and the family would end up sleeping rough. The case is due before the court again on December 6th Legal proceedings between ballroom dance partners, who struck up a life-long romance after meeting at an afternoon tea dance in Jurys hotel nearly half a century ago, have been settled. Judge Jacqueline Linnane heard in the Circuit Civil Court that 88-year-old Dublin woman Mary Cunningham had been embroiled in a legal dispute over missing money with family attorneys of her dance and relationship partner John Condron, now suffering from dementia and in care. The judge had earlier directed Ms Cunningham, of Brookwood Rise, Artane, to provide the court with full and specific details of withdrawals she had made from a joint account held by the couple and which once totalled 86,470. Barrister Mark ORiordan, counsel for Mr Condrons attorneys Paul and Ann Condron, had told an earlier hearing that Ms Cunningham was attempting to maintain that she had some form of qualified co-habitant status relating to 7 Cormac Street, Tullamore, Mr Condrons former address. He said title documents to the property which the Condron attorneys believed would have been kept at No 7 could not be located. An advertisement had been placed in the Law Society Gazette seeking information about the deeds. The court heard that Ms Cunningham had suffered a stroke and Karen Rodgers had been appointed as her Guardian Ad Litem. Mr ORiordan said Ms Rodgers had helped bring about a speedy settlement to the dispute. Mr ORiordan, who appeared with Sandra Mahon of ODonovan, Mahon, Cowen Solicitors, told the court that Ms Cunningham had withdrawn more than half of the 86,470 in the account. Judge Linnane was told that more than 40,000 remained in a post office savings account in Ms Cunninghams name and An Post had earlier given an undertaking to hold on to the funds until further order of the court. Ms Cunninghams son, Ray, had told the court she had spent more than 10,000 of the money she had withdrawn on providing downstairs wheelchair access around her home and on an upstairs bathroom which would allow a disable person to live in her home. She had divided up and shared with her 16 grandchildren the remainder of the money she had taken from the joint account. Mr ORiordan told Judge Linnane the case had been settled and 10,000 held in a solicitors account would be paid to the Condron attorneys and just over 44,000 held by An Post Savings Bank would be transferred to solicitors for Mr Condrons attorneys. Ms Cunningham, defending by her Guardian Ad Litem Karen Rodgers, An Post and the National Treasury Management Agency had been listed as defendants in the case. Judge Linnane, striking out the proceedings, said Karen Rodgers had acted wisely and speedily in dealing with the matter since having been appointed Guardian to Ms Cunningham and had saved much money in legal costs. A plumber who helped steal over 80,000 worth of firefighting equipment, including life-saving rescue tools like the jaws of life, has walked free after being sentenced to time served. Ross Glynn (31) has been in custody since July after he was arrested on a visit home to Ireland from New Zealand. The court heard he fled abroad after his arrest for the burglary in 2010. A garda told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today that although Glynn's whereabouts were known since 2010, he remained at large because Ireland has no extradition treaty with New Zealand. Judge Martin Nolan said he accepted Glynn was planning to emigrate anyway but that he should have remained in the country when granted bail following his arrest. He noted Glynn worked as a plumber while abroad and had stayed out of trouble since the burglary. Judge Nolan imposed a four-month sentence which he backdated to when Glynn went into custody in July, meaning he is now a free man. Glynn of Glenaulin Green, Palmerstown, Dublin pleaded guilty to burglary at the Dublin Fire Brigade Workshop in Grangegorman Lower on August 28, 2010. His co-accused, Darren Snee of Oak Court Close, Palmerstown, was sentenced to three years with 28 months suspended for the same offence. Snee stole a key fob to gain entrance to the workshop from his father who worked there. After his arrest, Glynn told gardai he thought Snee had permission to take the equipment and only suspected it was a burglary after Snee told him he could take whatever he wanted. Detective Sergeant Denis Ellard agreed with Justin Quirke BL, prosecuting, that it was quite clear Glynn knew exactly what was going on. The pair took 82,512 worth of equipment from the workshop including motor parts used to repair emergency vehicles. They also took rescue equipment like jaws of life and grinders. Snee later sold the equipment for 600 and Glynn received 300. Snee was arrested after his father saw the CCTV footage and recognised him. Glynn was caught shortly afterwards. Det Sgt Ellard said that Glynn was granted bail and fled to New Zealand soon after. The detective arrested him in a Palmerstown pub earlier this year after receiving a tip-off that he would be home for a family event. The court heard Glynn came from a good family and has no previous convictions apart from three road traffic offences. Judge Nolan said he accepted he was unlikely to re-offend. THE funeral will take place this Friday of a former colleges GAA star who has died after a road traffic accident in California. Martin Williamson (54) won the All-Ireland Colleges title with De La Salle College Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, in 1980. He later emigrated to the United States where he served for four years in the US Air Force before forging a successful career with South West Airlines. He was injured crossing a road in his adopted home town of Fontana, San Bernadino two weeks ago. He had been on a ventilator until his family's painful decision to turn off his life support machine. His funeral and cremation will take place this Friday. Mr Williamson was originally from Rossnowlagh and was the youngest of eight. His sister Deirdre said today that he had always planned to return home when he retired. "It was not to be," she said. "He was a caring and very sensitive brother who was always fun-loving. He was extremely proud of his Irish identity and his All-Ireland Colleges' medal." Fonanta Police Department said Mr Williamson was hit by a car as he crossed the road close to a junction in the town. The 43-year-old driver stopped at the scene and called the emergency services. The motorist was not detained and was not suspected of committing any offence. Consumer group Which? found that 49pc of the Black Friday offers in 2015 were not the cheapest on the day itself. Photo: Steve Humphreys Black Friday bargain hunters have been warned "do your research" after a watchdog found half of last year's so-called deals were cheaper on other days. Consumer group Which? found that 49pc of the Black Friday offers in 2015 were not the cheapest on the day itself. A record number of Irish shoppers are expected to go online to source gifts on Friday, November 25. This is especially true with sterling weakened in the aftermath of Brexit. But Which? head of campaigns Pete Moorey urged care. "Shoppers might be surprised to learn that only half of Black Friday deals are actually cheapest on Black Friday. "If you're thinking about starting your Christmas shopping around Black Friday, do your research." The watchdog tracked 178 deals on 20 gadgets and home appliances at Amazon, AO, Argos, Currys and John Lewis every day for three months before and two months after Black Friday. It found that only 90 out of the 178 deals were cheapest on Black Friday. Argos said: "We offer customers thousands of great deals over the Black Friday period. We certainly do not intend to mislead in anyway. We update our pricing frequently to ensure that we can offer our customers the best deals." Amazon said: "Six of the eight products that Which? reviewed on Amazon.co.uk last year had our lowest price on Black Friday and, in response to customer feedback, we spread out great deals over several days." Currys disputed the Which? findings, saying: "We are proud to offer our customers fantastic deals all year round, with prices that are truly transparent and backed by our price promise." A John Lewis spokeswoman said: "Our never knowingly undersold commitment means we will match our competitors' deals and offers for as long as they run." AO said: "The internet is the most transparent market place ever created for consumers to be able to compare price and service associated with it and we work hard to be exceptional on both fronts. This has been recognised many times by Which? themselves." Retail bonanza Black Friday began in the States, with consumers rushing to shops after Thanksgiving. It is followed by another extreme shopping day - Cyber Monday. More than 210 hospital beds have had to be closed despite nearly 500 patients languishing on trolleys waiting for a bed yesterday. A lack of staff is among the main reasons for the beds lying idle as the trolley crisis worsens. The ongoing pressures on patient care and hospitals come as angry junior doctors and nurses prepare to begin balloting for industrial action. Nurses fired the first shot in the industrial relations war yesterday after they declared they will implement a work-to-rule from Monday at Dungarvan Community Hospital in Waterford. The move is in protest at the failure to fill 12 full-time posts for nurses at the 146-bed facility. Mary Power, industrial relations officer with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), said the shortage was further compounded by another seven jobs which were vacant arising from absences due to various factors, including maternity leave. The nurses who held a lunch-time protest will refuse to do all non-nursing duties from Monday. Ms Power warned: "This shortage of nursing staff has been ongoing for quite some time and while we have met management on many occasions, the HSE has failed to recruit enough nurses to meet the service needs." She said the nurses had called for admissions of patients to be curtailed until staffing levels improved but this was not acted on. Junior doctors in the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) are due to start balloting shortly following the decision by health officials to shelve talks on the restoration of a living-out allowance which was removed for new recruits from 2012. The doctors said they would embark on industrial action, up to and including strike action, in pursuit of the accommodation support allowance. IMO president Dr John Duddy, a trainee neurosurgeon in Cork, said they had not yet decided when they would trigger industrial action. Around 4,000 junior doctors are seeking the allowance at a cost of over 12m to the health service. Nurses, who want additional incentives introduced to encourage more nurses to stay in the health service, begin balloting next week and will have a result on December 15. This could lead to industrial action being triggered in early January. Lack of nurses, doctors and beds left several hospitals in trolley gridlock yesterday. There were 37 patients waiting for a bed in Beaumont Hospital and 36 on trolleys in Cork University Hospital. Other hospitals were also badly hit by overcrowding, including Letterkenny, Mullingar, Kerry and Sligo. Dr Fergal Hickey, spokesman for emergency consultants, said Galway hospital was so overcrowded last week it tried to put trolleys in the waiting room. Lexi (7) with some of the food she bought for the homeless Seven-year-old Lexie Delaney has been praised as the most 'compassionate' and youngest charity worker in Ireland as she raised hundreds of euro for the homeless this Christmas. The seven-year-old from Co Offaly began working with the Inner City Homeless after a recent trip to Dublin. Expand Close Lexi (7) with the clothes she bought for the homeless / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lexi (7) with the clothes she bought for the homeless Lexies mum, Lillian Delaney, told Independent.ie that Lexi always wants to give more to those less fortunate. She started working with the homeless about a year ago. A friend of mine works with the Inner City Homeless and every few weeks Id buy a few toiletries and things and bring them up to Dublin. Expand Close Lexi sold some of her stuff to raise money to buy sleeping bags / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lexi sold some of her stuff to raise money to buy sleeping bags Her nanny does the lotto for her and when she won she wanted to use her money to buy stuff for the homeless. After that she just wanted to keep it up. A couple of weeks ago, Lexie was in Dublin shopping and spotted a young homeless boy on Grafton Street. We were up in Dublin for my birthday a couple of weeks ago and she wanted to buy a Burger King for a young lad on the street. He was so delighted with his hot chips. Shes always asking questions about why theyre homeless and she genuinely worries about them. She has a toy called a worry monster where kids can write down their worries and the toy swallows them up. She wrote that she was worried about the homeless people. At seven-years-of-age, thats her worry. Expand Close Lexi's 'worry monster' where she expressed concern for the homeless / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lexi's 'worry monster' where she expressed concern for the homeless Lillian said the family usually do a clear-out every few months so Lexi asked if she could sell her stuff to raise money for the homeless. We have raised over 400 to buy sleeping bags for the homeless and spent 150 buying clothes and bits and pieces for them. Lillian said her house is like a warehouse at the moment with all the items theyve gathered for the homeless. Once people heard what we were doing, everyone started chipping in. Lexie gets her charitable side from her mum and dad who help out with different charities. My husbands brother passed away and every year we make a donation to the Saving Dillon charity in his name. I think she sees what were doing and wants to do the same. Expand Close People have donated to Lexi's cause ahead of Christmas / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People have donated to Lexi's cause ahead of Christmas In March Lexie, who loves Irish dancing, held a dance-athon with her friends and raised over 1,000 for the charity. She just likes to keep giving and giving. Shes such a compassionate child. She always has some project she wants to work on. Lexie and Lillian are planning on heading to Dublin on Thursday to deliver all the sleeping bags, toiletries and clothes that they have bought. Itll be just in time for Christmas when it starts to get very cold on the streets. Lexi is delighted with all the stuff weve raised Irish Rail has warned it will be forced to shut lines due to safety concerns unless an additional 128m a year is provided until 2021 to shore up its creaking balance sheet. Despite reducing annual costs by 75m, the State railway company faces a financial crisis which could result in as many as four lines closing. The lines under threat due to low passenger numbers are Limerick to Ballybrophy, Gorey to Rosslare, Limerick Junction to Waterford and the section of the Galway to Limerick line between Ennis and Athenry. The State is subsidising each journey on Limerick to Ballybrophy at a cost of 552, and each trip on Limerick Junction to Waterford at a cost of 362. Chief executive David Franks said that "continuous underinvestment" in recent years would impact on safety and the quality of service being provided. He said efforts to grow services on little-used lines had been unsuccessful. In some cases, fuel costs weren't covered. "If the funding doesn't come we will find ourselves facing very difficult challenges in the relatively short term," he said. "The safety of the network would deteriorate, the performance would deteriorate. We may have reduced line speeds over track which is not of the standard we would wish it to be. Any asset which needs money spent suddenly is going to cause very great difficulties. "If we get to a stage where we think we cannot run on a particular route, we will have to stop operating. That's the position we're moving towards." Mr Franks was speaking at the launch of a public consultation process on the future of the rail network, which is being run by the National Transport Authority. A NTA review says that Irish Rail has accumulated losses totalling 125m between 2009 and 2015, despite reducing costs. The losses were "primarily" as a result of reduced Government funding, which fell by almost 50pc to 97m in the six-year period, and falling passenger numbers. "The net result of this practice has been to weaken the balance sheet to the point where it is not possible to incur any losses in the future without risking insolvency," it says. "This unsustainable level of funding has resulted in the deterioration of the infrastructure asset, giving rise to increased safety risks and unacceptably high commercial risks to the various revenue streams." It costs 550m a year to operate the rail network. The review says an additional 103m a year is needed out to 2021 - or 516.7m - to bring investment up to the level required and purchase new fleet. However, it adds that Irish Rail should be compensated for the loss of subvention funding in recent years. This would increase the annual payment by an additional 25m to a total of 641.8m - or 128.4m a year. NTA chief executive Anne Graham said that no decision had been made to close lines, but that it was consulting with the public to help grow numbers and prioritise services. Closing the four lines could save around 17m a year, she said, adding the consultation was about "putting the facts out there''. While working as junior minister in the Department of Transport in 2012, Mr Kelly appeared in the local papers on several occasions fighting off rumours that Irish Rail would reduce the underused service. Photo: Maxwell Photography Alan Kelly was like a runaway train. Newspaper reports were "factually highly inaccurate", certain people had "an agenda" and the minister was involved in a "cover-up". All the while he was trying to distract from the headline figure of 550. That's how much it costs per passenger to operate a train service from Limerick through his own Tipperary constituency to Ballybrophy for 73 people. While working as junior minister in the Department of Transport in 2012, Mr Kelly appeared in the local papers on several occasions fighting off rumours that Irish Rail would reduce the underused service. "My intention is to improve it. We will be looking at speeds on the line, pricing, timetables, getting more direct services to Dublin and looking at how the services are marketed by Irish Rail," he said in one interview. And so we are back to the age-old debate of whether we want our politicians to make decisions based on what's best for the country or what's best for their voters. During his media blitz yesterday Mr Kelly described calls to close the Limerick to Ballybrophy route as "madness" and "totally unacceptable". He even suggested that it would be akin to grounding flights at Knock Airport, which also relies on taxpayer monies to stay operational. So let's look at the facts. First off a record 720,000 passengers are expected to use Knock Airport this year. The Limerick to Ballybrophy line caters for commuters living in five towns along a 78km stretch. The journey takes about one hour 10 minutes and a one-way ticket today will set you back 17.99. A roadtrip from Limerick to Ballybrophy by the M7 takes an hour. Extra services on the line were agreed in 2012 without any written records of the decision-making process. Permission to run the extra trains was granted just 90 minutes after the National Transport Authority (NTA) was formally approached by Irish Rail about the matter. The NTA didn't seek any details on how much the extra services would cost. And all the while two high-level reports which recommended that the Ballybrophy line be closed as too few people used it were gathering dust. Now the Government has committed to improving services in rural Ireland, not decreasing. But the fact stands that Irish Rail needs a 128m cash injection every year for the next five years to prevent insolvency. So while we would all like to see a rail service in every town some major restructuring is going to have to happen or we will have none. As a former minister, Mr Kelly should know that better than most. THE BROTHER of Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, has defended a decision to offer a vote of sympathy to the family of a former Lord Mayor convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Cork City Council offered an expression of sympathy to the family of John Murray (85), a former Lord Mayor of Cork, who died on Saturday and whose Requiem Mass and funeral takes place Wednesday. Councillor Sean Martin proposed a vote of sympathy to the entire Murray family. It was passed despite one councillor, Councillor Chris O'Leary, expressing his concern. When Murray was convicted in 2013 of sexually assaulting a teen following a high profile Cork Circuit Criminal Court trial, a portrait of him was removed from City Hall. Murray had served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1993 and had led a Cork delegation to the US in 1994. The former Labour councillor, who ran a taxi business, contested the charges and never expressed remorse to his victim as he was jailed for 12 months. Expand Close John Murray leaves Cork Court after being found guilty / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Murray leaves Cork Court after being found guilty But Mr Martin said the expression of sympathy was for the Murray family who had themselves suffered so much. He flatly rejected suggestions that the sympathy in any way minimised or condoned what Murray himself had done. What he did was wrong. But there is hurt on all sides here, he said. His family have suffered through this as well." "Its a tragedy all round and I think its very sad that that hurt will be carried by members of his family into another generation, Councillor Martin added. However, the City Council stance had been criticised by Rape Crisis Network Ireland. They warned that the lack of protocol to stop such an expression of sympathy because there was no system to halt it if some councillors were concerned at its impact was absolutely no defence. "It is simply not appropriate,"an RCNE official said. "The question is, what kind of message does this send out?" Murray died in Marymount Hospice in Cork on Saturday after a long illness. He had served nine months of his sentence before being released early. His victim had requested, through Councillor O'Leary, that no official representative of Cork City Council attend the funeral as is traditional for former Lord Mayors. A jury convicted Murray in 2013 on five of the six charges he faced after deliberating for over six hours. He was found not guilty on a sixth charge. The former Lord Mayor remained emotionless as he was led away to begin his sentence. Judge Sean O'Donnabhain remarked that the former politician had not shown much remorse towards the victim. The girl said she was left shocked and frightened by the assaults which happened in Murray's car, in a pub toilet and at another premises in Cork. Murray of Gregg Road, Cork vehemently denied all the charges over various dates between 1996 and 1998. The first incident occurred three years after he was Lord Mayor but while he was still serving on Cork City Council. Murray broke down in evidence as he said the claims left him "disgusted" and "sick to the stomach." The granddaughter of a former Lord Mayor of Cork admitted she feels "relief" that the man who abused her has finally died. Elaine Murray spoke for the first time after describing a row within Cork City Council over a message of sympathy at the death of former Lord Mayor John Murray (85) last weekend as being like "a slap in the face." "I want the people of Cork to know that I am his granddaughter," she said. When the former Lord Mayor was convicted of abuse charges three years ago, Ms Murray's identity was protected and it was not made public that she was the victim. Ms Murray contacted Cork's RedFm's Neil Prendeville Show after saying she was "very, very disappointed" at a renewed controversy over John Murray who was jailed in 2013 after being convicted before Cork Circuit Criminal Court of abusing her. "There are members of the Murray family who are grieving today," she said. "But there are other members of the Murray family who are not." "There has been such a divide in our family that for other members of the family this is a relief." "It is a relief that he is gone." Mr Murray died last Saturday in Marymount Hospice after a long illness. His Requiem Mass and funeral is being held today in The Lough. However, only three of Mr Murray's children were listed on his death notice - two of his children, a daughter and son, the aunt and father of Ms Murray, were not mentioned. Both had staunchly supported her when she told Gardai about what her grandfather had done to her. "He never threatened me (to stay quiet)," she said. "He (John Murray) didn't have to. It was an intimidation tactic." "He was a powerful man - a big, strong man. He was in his 60s but he was very fit." She finally told her parents what had happened after her grandmother's death. Read More The young woman insisted that her grandfather admitted what he had done at a family meeting - but later retracted what he had said and insisted the comments were only made because he was in fear of his life. During the 2013 trial, the Murray family were split - with half supporting the innocence of the former Lord Mayor and half supporting Ms Murray. Ms Murray then had to contact Cork City Council after the conviction to request that a portrait of her grandfather be removed from City Hall. This was done though she admitted nothing can be done about the numerous plaques and memorials around the city that still bear his name. "I know you cannot air-brush him from history," she said. Ms Murray said the row over the expression of sympathy in City Hall was "very upsetting" because she felt his death and funeral would pass without comment. "Three years has passed (since the conviction). I got a lot of help and support and I can talk about it now." The brother of Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, has defended the decision to offer a vote of sympathy to the family of the former Lord Mayor convicted of sexually assaulting a child. Councillor Sean Martin proposed a vote of sympathy to the entire Murray family. It was passed despite one councillor, Councillor Chris O'Leary, expressing his concern. When John Murray was convicted in 2013 of sexually assaulting a teen following a high profile Cork Circuit Criminal Court trial, a portrait of him was removed from City Hall. Murray had served as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1993 and had led a Cork delegation to the US in 1994. The former Labour councillor, who ran a taxi business, contested the charges and never expressed remorse to his victim as he was jailed for 12 months. But Mr Martin said the expression of sympathy was for the entire Murray family who had themselves suffered so much. He flatly rejected suggestions that the sympathy in any way minimised or condoned what Murray himself had done. What he did was wrong. But there is hurt on all sides here, he said. His family have suffered through this as well." "Its a tragedy all round and I think its very sad that that hurt will be carried by members of his family into another generation, Councillor Martin added. However, the City Council stance had been criticised by Rape Crisis Network Ireland. They warned that the lack of protocol to stop such an expression of sympathy because there was no system to halt it if some councillors were concerned at its impact was absolutely no defence. "It is simply not appropriate,"an RCNE official said. "The question is, what kind of message does this send out?" Murray died in Marymount Hospice in Cork on Saturday after a long illness. He had served nine months of his sentence before being released early. His victim had requested, through Councillor O'Leary, that no official representative of Cork City Council attend the funeral as is traditional for former Lord Mayors. A jury convicted Murray in 2013 on five of the six charges he faced after deliberating for over six hours. He was found not guilty on a sixth charge. The former Lord Mayor remained emotionless as he was led away to begin his sentence. Judge Sean O'Donnabhain remarked that the former politician had not shown much remorse towards the victim. The girl said she was left shocked and frightened by the assaults which happened in Murray's car, in a pub toilet and at another premises in Cork. Murray of Gregg Road, Cork vehemently denied all the charges over various dates between 1996 and 1998. The first incident occurred three years after he was Lord Mayor but while he was still serving on Cork City Council. Murray broke down in evidence as he said the claims left him "disgusted" and "sick to the stomach." Unions are to demand a pay increase of 1,000 for the average worker, in a move that employers claim will create industrial chaos. In an announcement that took the Government by surprise, union bosses said they wanted wage hikes of at least 4pc for private sector workers from January. It came as Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe told the Cabinet that he wanted to stick to the timelines set out in the Lansdowne Road Agreement for pay restoration in the public sector. However, sources say that while he is refusing to budge for now, it is "only a matter of time" before he announces pay talks for next year. And the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) is now ramping up pressure for pay increases in the private sector. "We believe these demands are fair, reasonable and will stand up to scrutiny," ICTU official John Douglas told the Irish Independent. The dramatic pay claims emerged as public sector unions prepared to meet in Belfast today to escalate their campaign for faster pay restoration. While the Government has stood firm against Siptu's ultimatum that fresh pay talks must be announced by tomorrow, it now appears likely that the Lansdowne Road Agreement will have to be renegotiated next year. At a meeting between ICTU and Government officials yesterday, it was agreed that a "collective approach" to pay remains the aim. Business and employer groups reacted furiously to the demands of a 4pc pay hike across the board and accused unions of "crude opportunism". Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy said that businesses could not accept what he described as a "one size fits all" deal for the private sector. He also suggested that there had been "collusion" between union bosses, saying that the private sector unions "are leading with 4pc" so that the public sector ones can follow with a similar demand. "Around 25pc of private sector companies never stopped paying increases throughout the crisis. There hasn't been a freeze in the private sector," Mr McCoy said. Meanwhile, figures released by ISME yesterday showed that while the majority of its members intended to increase pay next year, only a small number of firms said they were in a position to match the demands of private sector unions. Some 40pc of ISME members stated they were not paying any increase next year, while 45pc are paying between 0.5-5pc. ISME CEO Neil McDonnell said his members dealing in sterling were particularly worried as a result of this latest challenge in terms of pay. "The old rules don't apply anymore. The notion we can avoid a free-for-all by imposing a 4pc pay increase across the board is not realistic," Mr McDonnell told this newspaper. But union bosses insisted that private sector workers had taken a major hit in their incomes and that 2017 was the year for it to be restored. ICTU said the pay claims were due to be lodged from January 1 across all unionised firms. Special cases may be made in relation to firms who cannot afford to meet the 4pc demands. But in cases where firms who cannot afford refuse to do so, workers may embark on industrial action. The Financial Services Union, which has over 15,000 members, said banks are in profitability and that this is significant in relation to their demands. "There have been significant job losses at the banks and no increments for a considerable time, while hours at AIB have risen from 35 to 37 a week," said general secretary Larry Broderick. "But the banks are back in profitability and the technology and services sector are more buoyant," he added. In the Dail, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said there should be "fairness across the board for every worker in the country". "We require a well-managed process that can look at the broader context of where the country now is and where we think it can be in five or 10 years' time," he said. Public sector unions who are "bursting to get more" from the public purse are showing signs of Celtic Tiger selfishness, according to retired Mountjoy Prison governor John Lonergan. Meeting such pay demands meant there would be less money to pay for badly needed housing for children living in poverty, said Mr Lonergan. He spoke about the effect of childhood poverty and trauma on people later in life and how the nation's prison population predominantly comes from the poorer sections of society. People should ask politicians what are their priorities to help the most vulnerable in society, including deprived women and children, he said. "At the moment, every union is bursting to get more," said Mr Lonergan. "Back to the bad old days again of selfishness. People don't know when they're well off. People don't know the meaning of 'enough'. "People are still selfish after the Celtic Tiger. "I would love to see the trade union movement for once forgetting about their own direct members and forgetting about their own selfish interests," he said. He suggested that unions say things like "in the interest of society, we are demanding the elimination of child poverty. That would be a wonderful gesture by the trade union movement." The Government's public housing policy continues to be "a total disaster" and far more resources must be allocated, he told the Safer Ireland seminar in Dublin on domestic violence. He spoke of seeing the "dead eyes" of prisoners who suffered trauma, neglect and violence all their lives - and how a little compassion and kindness could bring a sparkle back to them. Children born into poverty were somehow expected to grow up the same as everybody else and to compete with others which was impossible, he said. They were at "a massive disadvantage from the day they were born to the day they die", he said. They could end up resorting to violence, he added. "There are huge issues as to how we might go about trying to prevent it because that is the challenge. "Of course, we need to respond when somebody is violated, a child, a woman, a man... But it's too late because that person now has become another victim. "Much better to prevent it happening in the first place." Former minister Alan Kelly has been accused of trying to protect trophy projects in his Tipperary constituency. Independent TD Mattie McGrath lashed out at what he described as Mr Kellys big ego following the row over the future of the Limerick-Ballybrophy rail line. A report by the National Transport Authority (NTA) found that the line, which stops at Mr Kellys base in Nenagh, costs over 550 per passenger. Read More It is one of the most expensive lines being operated by the deeply trouble-hit Irish Rail. Irish Rail added four extra services a day - at a cost of almost 20,000 daily - to the loss-making route in 2012. At the time, Mr Kelly was Minister of State with responsibility for public transport. Mr Kelly has insisted that he did not use his ministerial position to bring about the expansion. During a heated interview on RTEs Morning Ireland, Mr Kelly also attacked members of the media who reported the details of the NTA finding. Reacting on Wednesday, Mr McGrath accused Mr Kelly of trying to bully journalists. Read More We cant have trophy projects of former ministers with big egos, which is what happened, Mr McGrath said. Then he (Mr Kelly) came on yesterday morning and bullied certain journalists which is totally outrageous I believe. Free speech is very important and criticism is very important and I think it is outrageous how he behaved on Morning Ireland yesterday morning. He still doesn't realise he is out of power. And he lost his position. Mr McGrath said he has received assurances from Transport Minister Shane Ross that no decisions have been taken in terms of service closures. But we cant justify a passenger costing 550. The Government has called Siptu leader Jack OConnors bluff over his threats on public sector pay restoration talks. Photo: Tony Gavin Following months of upheaval surrounding pay and conditions in the public sector, the Government has finally decided to adopt a tough approach to trade unions and their unreasonable demands. Despite suggestions over the weekend that an announcement of fresh talks aimed at succeeding the Lansdowne Road Agreement was imminent, ministers emerged from yesterday's Cabinet meeting showing a united front. There would be no dancing to the tune of trade union leaders such as Jack O'Connor. In fact, ministers have barely batted an eyelid since the Siptu leader issued his ultimatum that an invitation for talks must be issued or industrial unrest is on the cards in the New Year. Privately, ministers have expressed the strong view that by calling Mr O'Connor's bluff, it is he - and not the Government - that appears weakened. "We won't be bullied by one union leader who seems to think he can call the shots," said one minister. The Government reaffirmed its stance that the only way of preventing a "free for all" of pay claims is to deal with the apex body of the trade union movement, ICTU. Government sources say this "collective approach" is far less likely to result in individual unions going on "solo runs" in the search for the type of side deals secured by the Garda Representative Association (GRA). Nonetheless, it seems inevitable that some acceleration in talks will have to be agreed to in the coming weeks. From the Government's perspective, the resources necessary to achieve greater pay restoration cannot be found before next October's Budget. As this political game of chess continues, the focus is now on Mr O'Connor's next move when, as expected, tomorrow's deadline passes without a government intervention. Will Mr O'Connor do as he has threatened - and set the ball rolling on widespread industrial action within the Siptu umbrella group? Will he authorise his union organisers to ballot for potential strike action - in a move that could see workers down tools in sectors from healthcare to education to local government? After issuing the threat so publicly, the senior union figure appears to have little choice. But the fact that very few other leaders in the union movement came out to publicly endorse his set of conditions speaks volumes about Mr O'Connor's own authority. It is incumbent on him, as a well-paid and highly experienced trade unionist, to provide greater clarity as to where exactly he believes the Government will find this pot of gold that apparently exists. His arguments to date - tackle tax evasion and increase the 9pc Vat rate levied on the hospitality sector - do not stack up. They are populist, under-researched and poorly thought-out proposals that one could easily associate with the likes of Sinn Fein. Within Fianna Fail, many TDs share the same view as their Fine Gael colleagues about the need for a hard-line approach towards public sector unions. At yesterday's meeting of the party's frontbench, Micheal Martin told his TDs to listen back to the interview he gave to RTE broadcaster Sean O'Rourke on Monday. Mr Martin warned against going down a dangerous path that could lead to the signing of a new pay deal the taxpayer cannot afford. Of course, Fine Gael ministers are cognisant that, similar to water charges, Mr Martin could change his position on public sector pay at any time. One minister remarked that while Mr Martin appears to be playing the "responsible opposition card", he is privately hoping that the Government will implode. Public sector unions will meet government officials in a bid to agree pay talks in the New Year but have warned that unions will otherwise take industrial action. Following a meeting in Belfast today, the leaders of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' Public Services Committee said they will continue to engage with officials from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform over the next two weeks. In a statement, they said they will "maintain a collective approach to public service pay and related issues" and will hold another meeting of the committee in two weeks time. However, the committee's secretary Tom Geraghty warned that unions will otherwise deal with the matter in their own way and said "in some instances that would almost certainly involve industrial action". The unions' statement mirrored the words of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe earlier today when he said a collective approach is the only way to deal with pay claims. Mr Donohoe said the best way to deal with public sector pay issues is through talks within the Lansdowne Road Agreement. But the Public Services Committee has taken a more moderate approach than its key member, Siptu. General Secretary Jack OConnor has given the government an ultimatum of tomorrow to announce new pay talks by February 1 or face the prospect of industrial action. The public sector union leaders met to discuss their strategy after declaring that a pay proposal for gardai was a game-changer in their agreement with the government. Pay rises worth roughly 2,000 each are already being given under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. A final instalment of 1,000 is due to those earning under 65,000 next September. In contrast, the proposal for gardai set out in a Labour Court recommendation is worth up to 4,150 each, with the average payment estimated to be around 3,600. Members of the Public Services Committee have demanded that pay talks start in the New Year to renegotiate the Lansdowne Road Agreement. They have called for faster pay rises to restore their pay to the level it was at before pay cuts were imposed during the financial crisis. Earlier today, the General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Liam Doran, said it was untenable for groups outside the Lansdowne Road Agreement to receive significant pay rises in January while those inside the deal would have to wait for get a smaller increase in September. Unites Regional Coordinating Officer Richie Browne said he did not accept that the government cannot afford further pay restoration. There is money available, he said. It is a matter of political will and political choices. The Garda Representative Association began balloting its members this week on the Labour Court pay proposal. The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is due to begin its ballot next week. The search for a fisherman missing off the Wicklow coast has been called off for the night. RNLI units from Arklow, Wicklow and Rosslare will continue to search for the man, who is believed to have gone overboard off the Arklow coast at around 9am. The Irish Coastguard and the rescue helicopter from Waterford were also involved in the operation, which continued until darkness fell. The search will resume at 9am on Thursday morning. The fisherman, who has not been named, is believed to be a local man aged in his late-40s or early 50s. Its understood that he is a lobster and crab fisherman, and that he was among a crew of three on board the vessel. Taoiseach Enda Kenny had described Mr Trumps views as racist and dangerous. Photo: Steve Humphreys Taoiseach Enda Kenny has not requested a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump ahead of a visit to the US in the coming weeks. The Taoiseach will be in Mr Trumps home city of New York later this month as part of a trade mission. However, a spokesperson said that there are no plans at present to meet with the billionaire. Mr Kenny was among the first world leaders to receive a courtesy call from Mr Trump after his election last week. Read More The pair spoke for 10 minutes during which Mr Trump committed to continuing the traditional St Patricks Day reception in the White House. Mr Kenny previously described comments made by the Republican as racist and dangerous. But since his election has congratulated him on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland. Mr Kennys trip will also take him to the Silicon Valley where he will meet with business leaders. Childcare workers (left to right) Abbie Chandley, from Tougher, Shauna Daly, from Kinsale, and Hannah Crowley, from Skibereen, protesting outside Leinster House. Photo: Gareth Chaney / Collins More than 300 Irish childcare professionals protested outside Leinster House over low pay as they warned strike action is edging closer. A number of childcare centres across the country closed yesterday in order for management and staff to attend the protest in Dublin, while more held protests inside their facilities to demonstrate their anger at poor pay conditions. The centres are set to unite in the New Year in further protest, as parents and local representatives have been invited to childcare facilities to see the work put in and the salaries they receive. Childcare professionals are pushing the Government to provide more funding for their sector. If that doesn't work, they will consider strike action, according to head of the Association of Childcare Professionals (ACP), Marian Quinn. "It is decimating us, providers can't get staff now, because they are leaving, it is becoming a big crisis for us," she said. "We are looking for the Government to put together a plan so that there is a sustained increase in subsidisation and investment that is tied to pay scales - so to make sure that a person with qualifications and experience is going to come in starting at a particular level. Five years ago people wouldn't have allowed you to mention the word strike, they would just say we can't do that, but the thing is now we have reached crisis point where they cannot get employees so we are getting closer to having to take that action." Manager at Tir na nOg childcare in Ballybunion, Co Kerry, Grainne Toomey, closed her service and travelled to Dublin in protest with staff. "We are sick of being exploited," she said. What constitutes a heart-throb? We have long been asked what women want - the latest answer from American women, inexplicably, appears to be Donald Trump - but what do we desire? What turns us on, and how much of that desire has been moulded by culture? From shop girl romance novels of the 1900s to contemporary mummyporn via the bonkbusters and chicklit of the late 21st century, women's fictionalised desire tends to be derided by critics - even the genre names are derogatory. 'Chicklit' suggests florid tripe of no literary merit - from Jackie Collins to EL James, popular books that centre around fictional female desire get hammered as trash; pre-raunch, Barbara Cartland and Mills & Boon were similarly dismissed. And yet the great literary male icons are products of the female imagination: Heathcliff, Mr Darcy, Mr Rochester, Rhett Butler. All dreamed up by women. So who and what do women fancy? Does female desire change over time? Vary according to economics? A brilliant new book, 'Heartthrobs: A History of Women and Desire', by cultural historian Professor Carol Dyhouse, looks at that little understood and unexamined phenomenon, the female gaze. We all know about the male gaze, right? Women have been objects of it forever. But as gender equality continues to gain ground, so too has our freedom to express our desires; we are no longer passive recipients of the male gaze, but active gazers in our own right. This has always been the case - women are as endowed with human sexuality as the next man - but have traditionally been discouraged from acknowledging it, even to ourselves. Not anymore. So who catches our eye, and why? And what's the difference between the kinds of men that men assume women fancy, and the reality? Prior to economic independence and social liberation, women could not choose men purely on the grounds of sexual desire; there was the meal ticket element too. Women had to be pragmatic in their choices. Nor do we all fancy alpha males. (Formerly known as 'cave men', this slowly changed after World War II to 'alpha male', borrowed from zoology to denote everything from dominance and leadership to boorishness and violence. Think Jeremy Clarkson.) Carol Dyhouse reminds us that many golden age movie heart-throbs, onto whose images female audiences projected their desire, were gay in real life: Rock Hudson, Dirk Bogarde, Richard Chamberlain, Montgomery Clift. It didn't matter - women were busy fantasising and projecting their desire onto handsome screen faces. Dyhouse suggests that the only difference between Byronmania and Beatlemania is technology. While 19th-century young women could only swoon over copies of Byron's written word, and fill in the gaps with fantasy, 20th-century Beatles fans were able to gaze at pictures of the band while listening to the music in the intimacy of their bedroom; at concerts, there would be thousands of other young women similarly aflame with levels of desire that horrified their elders. "Technology has reshaped patterns of desire and consumption," writes Dyhouse. When air travel began to go mainstream, for instance, the dashing pilot became an object of female desire, taking the romantic lead in films and novels. Economics played an even more significant part - as women in the early 20th century began earning their own money, they spent much of it on magazines and movies; "shop girl romance" fiction was churned out, featuring a slew of dashing prototypes - "sheiks, sultans and foreign princes, captains of industry, film stars, aristocrats and airmen." At the cinema, women gazed at Rudolph Valentino playing The Sheik. Because female sexual desire remained socially outlawed - women were still decades away from being represented by the likes of Samantha in 'Sex and the City', or as Marie Stopes put it in 1918, "most women would rather die" than admit feeling horny, despite their desire being "a physical yearning as profound as hunger for food" - the outlaw abduction fantasy abounded. Highway men, pirates, sheiks and exotic foreigners all got around the 'civilised gentleman' stereotype by being 'other'; from Errol Flynn to Johnny Depp, it seems women love a hot pirate. Valentino and Omar Sharif dialled 'hot Arab' up to 10. Adam Ant, dressed as a dandy highway man, instructed us to stand and deliver. As for vampires, from the creations of Bram Stoker to Anne Rice via the 'Twilight' phenomenon, it seems women go nuts for the ultimate 'other' - the undead. With the advent of the teenager in the 1950s, female desire started to become more socially overt; by the 60s, the cat was out of the bag. Social theorist Barbara Ehrenreich identified Beatlemania, writes Dyhouse, as "a form of libidinal self-expression for girls who had long been expected to keep a lid on their passions and to be demure". Meanwhile, their mothers - 50s housewives, cooped up indoors after their temporary wartime equality had been nailed back in its box - turned to pills to alleviate the monotony, and doctors became heart-throbs. Dr Kildare, Dr Finlay, Doctor in the House - for frustrated lady pillheads bored to death by enforced domesticity, the handsome doctor became a fantasy figure in lieu of the absent husband. As women's liberation made inroads in the 1970s, some feminists began suggesting that women might wish to rethink their romantic projections: "You start by sinking into his arms and it ends with your arms in his sink". Academics like Germaine Greer began questioning the traditional quest for Mr Right, and suggesting that romantic fiction was, writes Dyhouse, "a kind of hallucinatory drug that rotted women's minds".Instead, 70s women were treated to 'The Joy of Sex', a supposedly liberating 'gourmet guide to sex', but essentially a love letter to the penis, the male illustration resembling, comments Ariel Levy, "a werewolf with a hangover". Far more significant were the works of Erica Jong, Nancy Friday and Shere Hite, which looked at female desire up close and personal, unfiltered by male interpretation. The 70s also saw the beginnings of the modern boyband and pop idol - from David Cassidy to Justin Beiber, through Bros to One Direction, their cute non-threatening image appealed to young teenage girls not yet seeking demon lovers. The most significant difference between then and now - apart from feminism permitting girls and women to voice their desires instead of pretending not to have any - is the internet. Just as elders reacted in alarm at the increased consumption of popular novels a century ago, so the internet is often viewed as a Pandora's box of unleashed sexuality, where heart-throbs can not just be blue-tacked onto bedroom walls, but followed on Twitter. Female-friendly porn sites cut to the chase in acknowledging that our sexuality, while different from men's, is very much present and relishes a good download. Yet dreams of domestication remain - '50 Shades of Grey' character Christian Grey has been described as "Mr Darcy with nipple clamps". Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of contemporary female desire is the emergence of the 'soulmate' ideal; the man we fancy need not be a breadwinner, a power monger, or a protector (unless that's your thing, of course). The idea that a man can be a woman's soul mate, her equal, her partner - until you get to the bedroom, where they can be anything you want them to be, and vice versa. Consensually, of course. That's the real turn on. Who do women fancy in 2016? Benedict Cumberbatch, below, despite his posh alien persona, has a fanatical following of scary fans known as 'Cumberbitches'. Expand Close Benedict Cumberbatch / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Benedict Cumberbatch Aidan Turner, who plays Poldark in the TV remake, won 'Glamour' magazine's Sexiest Man of 2016, proving the eternal appeal of the piratical. Expand Close Aidan Turner / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Aidan Turner Jamie Dornan, the baby-faced BDSM enthusiast from '50 Shades', came second, with distinctly unrugged Tom Hiddleston third. Expand Close Jamie Dornan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jamie Dornan Ed Balls featured in a Mumsnet thread, but let's not go there. Some women were so critically ill with flu they were transferred to the Mater hospital where they had to give birth, a conference was told. Stock Image: PA Life-threatening complications caused by flu led to 35 pregnant women being rushed to the high dependency unit at the Rotunda maternity hospital last year. Some women were so critically ill with flu they were transferred to the Mater hospital where they had to give birth, a conference was told. Despite the higher risks faced by women who contract the flu during pregnancy, one study showed only half of women get the vaccine. Obstetrician Dr Maeve Eogan said the vaccine was safe at all stages of pregnancy. She said the HSE had failed to provide the funding for hospitals to administer the vaccine to women during their ante-natal visit. Brid Stack (31) from Walkinstown in Dublin described how she spent five days in the high dependency unit of the Rotunda after contracting the flu. She was pregnant with her son Pearse. She did not get the vaccine believing she was not at risk - but would make sure to do so if she was pregnant again. Ancient Roman soldiers parade in front of the Colosseum during celebrations of the birth of Rome. For Italy, as for many other countries, the euro has been a disaster. Photo: Getty The Bangladeshi selfie-stick hawkers are doing a brisk trade outside the Colosseum. Local chain-smoking lads dressed as gladiators prey on vulnerable tourists, while portly priests on their annual visit to Catholicism's corporate HQ take time out from soul-searching. Even the heavily armed soldiers, there to protect against a potential Italian Bataclan, are smiling in the Mediterranean sunshine. And as it is midday in Italy, everyone is checking out everyone else. All looks quite normal, chilled out and as it should be. But it is not. Italy is a country going through what could be described as a nervous breakdown. After a decade of almost no economic growth, in two weeks Italians will vote in a referendum which will determine what direction this huge country of nearly 60 million people will take. The result will profoundly affect the EU. Although the referendum is technically about the way Italy is governed, the country is split down the middle in a plebiscite that has come to symbolise something much bigger. Once again, like the Brexit vote and the Trump election, this referendum is about insiders against outsiders. It is about those who are the victims of inequality and globalisation and those who uphold the status quo. On one side, you have the Italian political elite - the insiders embodied by Matteo Renzi, the youthful prime minister. He represents the people and institutions that have ruled Italy for decades. On the other side, you have an unusual anti-EU coalition, the Left and the Right - the 'Outsiders' - who are united by a common belief that, after 10 years of economic stagnation, there must be another way. We have the same picture we saw in the UK in June and in the US last week, where an elite is desperately trying to connect with the people and large swathes of the population are saying they have had enough. In terms of the big picture, the Italian election can be seen as yet another domino in a year of falling dominos. First we had Brexit, then Trump, and the next big one for Europe after Italy is the potential rise of Le Pen in France. Italy is the triplet in a quartet that will culminate in France, and, in my opinion, if the Italian elite loses on December 4, Marine Le Pen will win in France. This is a global phenomenon that can't be seen in national terms but only in international terms. This is what happens in politics; what starts as a feeling becomes a reality at the ballot box, not least because every election that goes against the elite gives "permission" for the next bunch of popular 'Outsiders' to scent victory. Ms Le Pen has said she will pull out of the euro the morning after she wins. There's no delaying Article 50 in her book. The Front National's policy is an immediate withdrawal from the euro for France. In Italy, the two main parties backing a No vote in the referendum, the left-wing Five Star Movement and the right-wing Northern League, both want Italy to leave the euro and reinstate the lira. Right now, the only consolation for the elite is that they are behind in the polls; anyone who wants to win an election may be better off trailing in the polls! But the reality for Italy (as for many countries, including Ireland) is that the euro has been a disaster. For years Italy, the eurozone's third largest economy, was pre-eminent in fashion, design, sophisticated manufacturing and car-making. All this was predicated on periodic devaluations of the lira against the deutsche mark, which allowed Italy to compete. This was the deal and everyone broadly understood it. Once Italy joined the euro, this traditional avenue was closed off to Italian industry and it started to become uncompetitive. Italian industry couldn't compete with Germany and, as Europe's biggest debtor, Italy began to lose control over its own destiny. Following the last euro crisis, Italy has become, from a macroeconomic point of view, little more than a protectorate of Germany. And it hurts. Young Italians have less chance of getting a job than almost any other nationality in Europe. Unemployment for the under thirties is running at a staggering 35pc. Seven out of 10 Italians under the age of 36 live with their parents and 100,000 educated Italians left the country in search of work last year. Real wages have stagnated and corporate Italy is not investing. All the while, the debt-to-GDP ratio - the highest in Europe - is going in the wrong direction. Is it any wonder, with this sort of economic performance, that people want an alternative? Could Italy turn its back on the EU? Of course it could. In fact, why wouldn't it? Any country that can change sides in a world war is politically capable of changing its currency, don't you think? It's clear when you are in Rome that something serious is going on. Behind the designer sunglasses, the impeccable three-day stubble, and the beautifully coiffed hair, Italy is deeply divided. Italy is experiencing, as was the case in Britain and in America, a popular insurgency. Far-off Brussels is firmly in ostrich mode, head stuck in the ground, planning a hard Brexit to teach other "deplorables" a lesson. But what it doesn't understand is that 'Deplorable Lives Matter'! And - worse for the EU that has proved itself to be electorally tone deaf time and again - deplorables vote too. Mr Renzi, the EU's man, asked for looser fiscal rules, but Germany vetoed it. Mr Renzi asked to be allowed to bail out his bust banks, but Germany refused. Now Italy is about to embolden Ms Le Pen in France, and who is to blame? Clearly not the Italians who are expressing their democratic wish, but the EU officials who didn't listen to Mr Renzi, their Roman legate, when he looked for help. As I marvel at the Colosseum, I can't help thinking that Vespasian, the Roman Emperor who built the Colosseum and conquered Britain in the west and Judea in the east, would never have left one of his own with so little ammunition to fight a popular insurrection. By and large, world leaders have gone from being taken aback about Donald Trumps unexpected victory to being outright alarmed. Exceptions to this rule are Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad, both of whom expect Trump to be far better to deal with than Secretary Clinton. Yet, while it still is not remotely clear what a Trump Doctrine will strategically comprise, his coming moves in Syria do not bode well. Russia and the Syrian regime look to be the chief beneficiaries of the coming shifts in U.S. policy toward the 5-year old conflict that has weaponized half the country as refugees, killed half a million people, and continues to mete out suffering en masse in Aleppo and elsewhere. Trump has saiderroneouslythat Aleppo has already fallen, and he has described the opposition forces as worse than Assad. Trump will immediately remove support for the moderate opposition forces fighting Syrian/Russian/Iranian/Hezbollah forces, both overt and covert. To boot, the UNs efforts to broker peace will be thoroughly undermined. At one point early on in the campaign Trump spoke favorably of a safe/no fly zone, but that is not on the cards at this point. He will avoid acting contrary to Russian interests. The upshot of the coming Trump Administrations moves in this space will be to strengthen the Russian hand, and give it a free one in and around Syria. As such, Putin is unlikely to test Trump in the manner some have speculated. Effectively he has no need to see how far down the road of harming U.S. national security interests he can go, when his partner in this potentially dangerous diplomatic dalliance is doing the work for him. Trump is further expected to curb U.S. sanctions on Russia over Ukraine and simply accede to a permanent Russian annexation of Crimeathe Minsk II diplomat efforts on behalf of occupied Ukraine will be undercut in the process. Just as serious, once the U.S. ends sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, with domestic business voices getting louder it is hard to see how our European allies will be able to keep theirs in place. The risk for Trump, aside from dealing strategic setbacks to our own national interests, is political. He risks the appearance of offering Putin a quid pro quo for his help getting Trump elected as president. This politicization will further damage our core interests. Trump has on multiple occasions erroneously stated that Russia and Syria are fighting ISIS. In Syria Trump claims the true target of our military and diplomat efforts should be ISIS. While it is technically true that eradicating ISIS is a higher order western security interest, with this politicization it makes this appear to be a sort of feint. In fact, it is unwise strategically to let Damascus off the hook and embolden Russia when you can do the opposite of these things and still continue the currently successful efforts eliminating ISIS (oddly, Trump has criticized the massive operation that is kicking ISIS out of Mosel at present). Trump has stated that we should bomb the hell out of ISIS, which along with other statements have suggested he will deploy up to 30,000 troops to Syria to combat ISIS. Again, however, he would be unwise to proceed with such an initiative when the Kurdish YPG and pesh merga, as well as opposition SDF along with Iraqi government forces and militias, have the situation well in hand. Turkey has also pledged to help the U.S. led anti-ISIS coalition by soon kicking ISIS out of Raqqa. What is more, Trump may inflame the conflict because Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and the GCC will likely respond to the Trump Administration weakening the Syrian opposition forces by recommitting and in fact significantly increasing their support for these forces. In fact, strategically speaking, they may decide at that point that all bets are off and they should go all in. Such a response would fan the flames of this civil cum regional war and engender wider and greater regional instability. In terms of Iran, Trump will not be able to outright cancel the Iran nuclear deal as he has promised, but he will be able to weaken the deal enough to cause the Iranians to cease what up until the election has been full compliance. This would renew Irans drive toward nuclear weapons, with the Europeans being unwilling in the short term to reimpose sanctions on Tehran. Moreover, such a gambit would backfire even further by severely and irreparably undercutting Iranian moderates like President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Zarif. To use of Trumps words of choice, this would be a disasterunmitigated. Thus, in a matter of a few fell swoops, unless he gets persuaded to alter the course he has set, Donald Trump will start off by strengthening the dictatorial regimes in Russia, Syria, and Iran while at the same time enraging China with a trade warcausing it to double down on wooing our own alliesand undercutting our European allies by damaging NATO with weakening our commitment to Article 5 collective defense and hurting the EU with a new wave of Syrian refugees and his support for Brexit. As such, the Trump Doctrine emerging from all of this will end up thoroughly harming core U.S. national security interests with its highly deplorable transferal of Donald Trumps nativism to the international realm and making it the hallmark of a new U.S. foreign policy that will make American and the world worse off than they already are at this delicate juncture of world history. Donald Trump insisted in the final days of the campaign that the system 'was rigged' - presumably against him. He is both right and wrong on this claim. The system is indeed rigged, it is called the electoral college and for the second time in sixteen years the candidate with the most votes will not be inaugurated as president in January. This rigged system is a perverse historical anachronism that is surely now well past its usefulness and should be replaced with a straightforward national popular vote to decide the presidency. Moreover, this rigged system acted in Donald Trump's favour, as it did for George W Bush in 2000. This is no accident. Voters in smaller conservative states are hugely over-represented in the electoral college system compared with fellow citizens in larger more liberal states. A quick comparison between the largest state (by population), California, and the smallest, Wyoming, demonstrates this. When the population is divided by the number of electoral college votes, the disparity is stark. Voters in Wyoming have more than 3.5 times the electoral college vote per person than those in California. This is indeed clearly a rigged system. But it will always favour conservative candidates like Donald Trump, as the electoral college in small rural states is added up - although he does not appear to be complaining about it now. James MacCarthy-Morrogh Shankill, Co Dublin Finding right needs-based system I was delighted to see your correspondent Kevin Doyle report on the appearance of the National Council for Special Education's Teresa Griffin before an Oireachtas education committee (Irish Independent, November 14). I am sure that many parents, teachers and psychologists will be surprised by some of what was reported from the proceedings. It is always wrong to diagnose without evidence and the impression is given that this is widespread. I have rarely been asked and only rarely heard of colleagues being requested to consider diagnosis where it is not merited. However, I accept that the urge to seek diagnosis and labels is a problem. It would take your correspondent many articles to explore why this is the case and also examine the problems and contradictions of a very rigid system maintained by the Department of Education and the NCSE. However, part of the problem is with the NCSE and the Department, who have ensured that resources are allocated on the basis of diagnosis and narrow classification only. Diagnosis of a disability or developmental problem is complex and often not possible in very needy children. Diagnosis can take time and much clinical consideration about what assessment tests reveal. Wonderfully, sometimes consideration of diagnosis is changed when a child does well with the right intervention and support. If, as with health, children are allocated resources on the basis of clearly defined and identified need, this could be overcome. There seems no flexibility on this. At least Special Needs Assistants are allocated on the basis of defined care needs which, though strict, are accepted on the basis of evidence. A good assessment will identify more than test results. It will describe difficulties robustly and make recommendations based on clear, described need. As it stands, the NCSE assesses a report to see if it meets their strict requirements. It should be possible to assess need in a fair way but only if the Department and NCSE move from a classification or diagnostic-based system to a needs-based system grounded on evidence and formulation. I fear that the Oireachtas committee only got part of the story and the rest of it needs to be told in the interests of ensuring that children with needs can thrive. Dr Colm L Humphries Maynooth, Co Kildare Health tax no tonic for public Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has said no provision was made in the Budget to deal with all the pay demands being made in the public service. However, last week Health Minister Simon Harris announced a 10pc rise on the health levy that will be introduced immediately (no doubt moved on to us). I don't remember such a provision being made in the Budget, but hey presto, when they want the money, they can get it. John Fitzgerald Callan, Co Kilkenny We owe nothing to the North So First Minister for Northern Ireland Arlene Foster is whingeing and accusing the powers that be in the south of poaching investment and undermining the North's economy in the aftermath of Brexit. Martin Shanahan, head of the Industrial Development Agency, says he doesn't know what she's talking about - and our Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan is surprised at her comments. My advice - for what it's worth - is find the biggest net you can and cast it as far as you can to poach new investment for Ireland. In the south, we were the poor relations for many years and I don't recall our northern neighbours doing us any big favours. We owe them nothing. The fact they are out of the EU is due to the actions of Britain - nothing to do with us. Not that long ago, they wouldn't accept our currency - the punt. They will take any currency they can get their hands on today. Most of us will remember the long queues at the Border for more affordable petrol - being held for hours at a time at the pleasure of the British army. How times have changed. So to Ms Foster - it is what it is - so move on and get on with the job you were elected to do. The world is always evolving and things do not stay forever the same. Phyl Mhic Oscair Baile Atha Cliath 9 Ivanka Trump walks through the lobby of Trump Tower, November 11, 2016 in New York City NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Ivanka Trump walks through the lobby of Trump Tower, November 11, 2016 in New York City. On Friday morning, Trump tweeted that he 'has a busy day in New York' and 'will soon be making some very important decisions on the people who will be running our government.' (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Ivanka Trump has been forced to apologise after trying to sell a gold bracelet she wore on her father, President-elect Donald Trump's first interview since winning the election. In what was supposed to be a reassuring interview to the American people of what to expect from the Trump presidency in the much hyped 60 Minutes interview (he said the Mexico wall would be "could be some fencing" and relayed his intentions to deport three million immigrants), her jewellery company saw an opportunity for some priceless advertising. In the sit-down, Ivanka is wearing a $10,800 gold and diamond bracelet sold on her website and fashion journalists received a 'Style Alert' during the broadcast, directing potential shoppers to purchase "Ivanka Trump wearing her favorite bangle from the Metropolis Collection on '60 Minutes,'" the email read. Throughout her father's campaign, her company often linked would-be shoppers to "get the look" through the website after major appearances. The company has since apologised for the error. President of the Ivanka Trump brand Abigail Klem blamed a "well-intentioned marketing employee" following "customary protocol". "Like many of us, is still making adjustments post-election. We are proactively discussing new policies and procedures with all of our partners going forward." In the headache-inducing world of modern dating, a group straddles the gap between the borderline stalkers, the illusive ghosters and the tech-savvy mooners. They're called the breadcrumbers. The term describes those people who contact you intermittently in order to keep you interested, but are stubbornly vague on whether a relationship will ever blossom. Then they vanish, and the cycle starts again. They keep you in limbo, just in case someone better comes along. The trail of morsels that breadcrumbers leave can range from seemingly random flirtatious texts, to likes on Instagram photos from three weeks ago without making any further contact. The worst type of breadcrumber is the one who resurfaces every six months, and like the Loch Ness monster, you almost cant believe this creature has come back into your life, Alicia Winokur, a recent graduate of Mount Holyoke College, told the New York Times. But there he is, saying, Hey, I was just thinking about you. But in a world where everything is instant, is crying "breadcrumb" the worst sign of entitlement? After all, texting back and forth doesnt mean someone is bound to you. Its complicated, says Dr Gayle Brewer, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Central Lancashire. Such labels can be a useful way to behaviour that we find inappropriate or hurtful, she told The Independent. The person on the receiving end may believe that they are at fault and unnecessarily question what they have said or done. They may also become reluctant to form romantic relationships or be less trusting. To Dr Brewer, the whole mess could be avoided if people were clear about the type of relationship they are looking for: whether that is hooking-up or something casual while they consider their options. With this information, people can then decide whether to pursue the relationship and what to expect. If people are not comfortable with the agreement or if they want more than their partner can give, it might be time to end the relationship and look elsewhere. ( Independent News Service) Andrea and Eoin from Kerry met 10 years ago while they were both in college and their first date was spent climbing trees in Fitzgerald's Park in Cork City. The adventurous pair have been exploring the world together since. In 2014, while road-tripping along the east coast of the USA and Canada, Eoin proposed to Andrea at Niagra Falls - taking her down a quiet lane with a view of Bridal Veil Falls. Andrea and Eoin decided to create their own personal wedding ceremony, and where better to celebrate their nuptials than at Sundance Guest Ranch in Canada - where they were working at the time. Family and friends travelled from around the world to celebrate their magnificent day at Twin Pines mountain. Andrea rode up the aisle on her favourite horse Gunsmoke, to a stunning view of the Thompson River Valley, wearing a vintage cream silk gown from Dirty Fabulous in Dublin. And later on guests were treated to line dancing lessons. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Andrea and Eoin got crafty for the big day, with friends from the ranch helping out too. The pair created, among other things, candle stands, signs, ceremony booklets, wooden frames, the wedding arch and the cake. They also made a bracelet for Andrea, using hair from the manes of Cloud and Gunsmoke, the horses which the couple rode on their wedding day. For their honeymoon of a lifetime, Andrea and Eoin bought a Jeep and travelled through Canada and USA for five months, working with huskies in Canada, learning to sail in Florida and partying in Mardi Gras along the way. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com * Words by Dee Finnerty. Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com. If you would like your wedding featured here, email weddings@independent.ie Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photography by Jelger & Tanja, visit jelgerandtanja.com A boxer murdered a soldier on a night out hours after boasting that he was the "hardest man" in the town, a court heard. Private Matthew Boyd, 20, of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, died in the barracks town of Brecon, South Wales, in the early hours of May 8. Cardiff Crown Court heard the soldier was chased, punched to the ground and beaten before his body was dragged and dumped in the road. Amateur boxer Jake Vallely, 24, accepts punching Pte Boyd but denies murder. His friend Aaeron Evans, 23, denies manslaughter. Christopher Quinlan QC, prosecuting, told the jury of nine men and three women: "Jake Vallely is the self-proclaimed hardest man in Brecon. "That was how he described himself an hour or so before the attack that killed Mr Boyd. "Together with his friend, Aaeron Evans, he chased and then assaulted Mr Boyd. Mr Boyd was punched. "He went to the ground and thereafter he was beaten until he moved no more. "Mr Vallely then dragged and dumped his body and ran off. He ran back to the bar where he continued his night with his friend Mr Evans." The court heard that, following tours in Northern Ireland, Pte Boyd was sent to Brecon and arrived in the town on May 3 this year. On the evening of May 7, he went out with fellow soldiers but became separated from them at about 11pm. He arrived at the Cellar Bar, where Vallely and Evans were, at about 12.19am on May 8. CCTV cameras later captured Vallely's "sustained assault" of Pte Boyd in the street outside the bar, Mr Quinlan said. "Vallely got the better of Mr Boyd," he told the jury. "He drove him to the ground. "Once he was on the ground Mr Boyd was no longer - if he had ever been - a threat to this man. "Once down he was punched repeatedly. You could see Mr Vallely's right arm moving like a piston up and down as he punched him. "There was also movement of his right leg. He completely overpowered that man. He dragged his still motionless body across the road. "It was sustained, repeated and unlawful violence delivered with intent to cause really serious harm. "He left him obviously unconscious at the very least. When he jogged back to the Cellar Bar the cameras carried on running. "Mr Boyd didn't move a muscle and stayed motionless until a member of the public happened upon him." Pte Boyd was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2.40am. A pathologist found Pte Boyd died as a result of blunt force injuries. In a text message to a friend after the alleged murder, Vallely is said to have written: "I just ragged him on the floor a bit. Nothing serious. Wasn't even a beating like." The jury heard that prior to the incident, Vallely, of Pen-y-Bryn, Brecon, and Evans, of Cradoc Close, Brecon, were in Rorkes Drift bar. Mr Quinlan said Vallely "erupted and became aggressive" to Kelly Price, a woman sat with his group of friends there. "He said that he was the 'hardest f****** man in Brecon'. He continued to shout loudly at her," he told the jury. "Two doormen intervened and removed him from the establishment." Vallely was later asked to leave a second premises, Harleys Bar, after staff saw him ripping a cocktail menu with his mouth, the court heard. The trial, expected to last for up to three weeks, continues. Police forensic officers at the scene where a man died after being shot as he sat in a car in Glasgow. Andrew Milligan/PA Wire A man has been murdered in a "shocking" late-night shooting in front of members of the public as he sat in his car at a red light. Ewan Johnston, 26, was rushed to hospital but later died after the shooting at the junction in Shields Road, Glasgow, just before midnight on Tuesday. Police Scotland said the targeted attack took place in front of some members of the public when Mr Johnston stopped at a pedestrian crossing in his black Audi RS4 estate. He was shot by someone travelling in a dark Audi Q5 that had pulled up beside him before speeding off. No-one else was injured. Detectives launched a murder inquiry and forensic teams have been scouring the scene of the attack on Wednesday. The attack took place at about 11.45pm on Tuesday and Mr Johnston was treated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital before he passed away at 2.50am on Wednesday. Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr said: "The man had just stopped at a pedestrian crossing on Shields Road, just south of its junction with Scotland Street, when he was approached by the Audi Q5. "Someone from that vehicle shot him and then the car sped off in a northerly direction on Shields Road and turned east into Scotland Street towards the Kingston Bridge. "This was obviously a targeted attack. Although it was quite late at night, this can be a busy area and there could have been a number of people walking by or in vehicles. "Thankfully, no-one else was injured but the incident was witnessed by members of the public. This is a shocking incident and something that no-one should have to witness." Police have no descriptions of anyone in the Audi Q5 but are checking CCTV from the area. Mr Kerr added: "Additional officers are on patrol in the area and I would urge anyone with information or any concerns at all to speak to them there. "A major inquiry has been set up by Greater Glasgow division and the major investigations team and other specialist resources from across the country. " The street has been closed to all traffic following the incident while passengers for the subway were not allowed access to the Shields Road station. Operators SPT advised passengers to use the West Street, Kinning Park or Bridge Street stations instead and the multi-storey car park near the station was also shut. The race to become Britain's most senior police officer will start today as an advert for the job is published. Speculation as to who will become the next Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has been rife since September when the current Scotland Yard boss, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, announced that he would retire seven months before the end of his current contract. Whoever holds the post is considered to be the most senior officer in Britain because of the national responsibilities of the Met, which include counter-terrorism. At a policing conference in London, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: "The advertisement will be going live today. I look forward to some very talented applications coming through for that very important role." The dramatic announcement of Sir Bernard's departure after five years as head of Scotland Yard caused surprise. The 59-year-old, who was appointed Met Commissioner in 2011 and earned 278,563 a year, had been expected to remain in the role until at least September next year. However, the force announced that Sir Bernard was to retire - remaining in the post until February 2017 to allow the Home Secretary and Mayor to appoint a successor. He denied this was due to concerns that London Mayor Sadiq Khan would decline to renew his contract, or in the wake of the force's doomed investigation into claims of a VIP paedophile ring. Operation Midland, which lasted 16 months and cost 2.5 million, ended earlier this year without a single arrest. A review by retired High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques found there had been "numerous errors" in the probe. The controversial inquiry saw raids on the homes of D-Day veteran Lord Bramall, late former home secretary Lord Brittan and ex-Tory MP Harvey Proctor after lurid claims were made by one man, known as ''Nick'', who is now under investigation for allegedly trying to pervert the course of justice. Possible candidates for the job include Mark Rowley, the assistant commissioner in specialist operations at the Met, and the national policing lead for counter-terrorism. He was previously chief constable of Surrey and has served in the police for close to 30 years. At Scotland Yard he has dealt with crises including the fallout of the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, and has become increasingly prominent since taking on the counter-terrorism role. Chairwoman of the National Police Chiefs' Council Sara Thornton is another potential contender. Before taking on the role in April 2015, she was chief constable of Thames Valley Police for nearly eight years. Ms Thornton served with the Met for 15 years from 1986. There is also Cressida Dick, now a director-general at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who was previously the country's most senior female police officer before she left the Met after 31 years in December 2014. The national lead for police counter-terrorism for three years, including during the Olympics, Ms Dick oversaw many of Scotland Yard's most sensitive investigations, including into phone hacking and parliamentary expenses. She came under intense scrutiny in July 2005 when she was in charge of the operation that led to the fatal shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, who was wrongly identified as a potential suicide bomber. She was cleared of any personal blame by a jury in a health and safety case at the Old Bailey. Stephen Kavanagh, chief constable of Essex Police, who had a long and varied career at Scotland Yard including working in homicide, counter-terrorism and anti-corruption, is another possibility. He also helped write national hate crime guidelines after the inquiry into the racist murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence. There was speculation over whether National Crime Agency chief Lynne Owens would try for the job, but at the time of Sir Bernard's announcement she said she had no intention of applying. A second prisoner who allegedly escaped from Pentonville jail has been charged. Matthew Baker, 28, was arrested on November 9 after public appeals to find him, and he has been in hospital since then with a leg injury. On Wednesday Scotland Yard said Baker, who was on remand at Pentonville awaiting sentence for attempted murder, had been charged "via postal requisition" with prison escape. He is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on December 12. A postal requisition is an alternative to a court summons. A 21-year-old woman, Kelly Baker, of Friars Close, Ilford, east London, has already been charged with assisting an offender and will next appear at Blackfriars Crown Court on December 9. Police launched a manhunt after two inmates escaped from HMP Pentonville on November 7. Since then the other alleged fugitive, James Whitlock, 31, has also been charged with prison escape. He is next due to appear at Blackfriars Crown Court on December 13. On Tuesday thousands of prison staff downed tools in protest amid claims that jails are "in meltdown", but were ordered back to work after the Government took successful High Court action to block the move. Up to 10,000 staff joined the protest after a string of high-profile incidents at prisons, including an alleged murder, a riot and the escape of a number of inmates. On Wednesday, Derbyshire Police issued an appeal after Patrick Fahey, 41, from Manchester, fled Sudbury prison, which is an open jail. The convicted armed robber was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum term of four years and eight months in November 2008. Members of the public have been warned not to approach Fahey but to call police if they see him. This follows the escape of three prisoners from another open prison, Leyhill in south Gloucestershire, on Sunday. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have since arrested Wayne Maycock, 33, and Paul Bromwich, 54, but Admi Headley, 34, remains at large. Headley, who is described as a risk to the public, is black, 5ft 10in, slim with brown eyes and short black hair. He has a tattoo on his left arm. Endangered pangolins returned to the wild after being saved from traffickers in Vietnam A pangolin climbs up a tree in northern Vietnam after being rescued from traffickers. Photo by Save Vietnams Wildlife Nine of the animals died from serious injuries in the wake of an excruciating journey. A conservation group in northern Vietnam released 46 critically endangered Javan pangolins back into the wild on Monday after putting tracking devices on each one of them. The pangolins were among a pack of 61 rescued from traffickers in early October. They have received care at Save Vietnams Wildlife, a national conservation group that operates a carnivore and pangolin reserve in Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh Province, 90 kilometers (50 miles) south of Hanoi. However, nine of them died from serious injuries in the wake of an excruciating journey during which they were packed in tight boxes close to an ice box on a truck. The conservation group has returned 99 Javan pangolins to the wild in the past three months. It has received an increasing number of the scaly animals rescued from trafficking, and is setting up more facilities to accommodate them. Nguyen Van Thai, director of the group, said rescuing pangolins and returning them to the wild is just a small part of a bigger picture. Vietnam needs to improve law enforcement to completely end the consumption of pangolins, otherwise this precious species will be lost, Thai said. Tran Quang Phuong, a manager at the group, said the chances of pangolins surviving in confined spaces are low, and many of them have died at the center after being rescued. A controversial rule in Vietnam requires wild animals saved from traffickers to be kept as criminal evidence for quite a long time before they can eventually be released back into the wild. At least 30 pangolins received by the organization died last year due to the lengthy paperwork process. At another rescue center in Hanoi, 300 pangolins have also died in similar circumstances, including at least 80 this year. Vietnam is home to Javan and Chinese pangolin species, both of which are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as critically endangered, and their populations have fallen rapidly in recent years. Vietnam classes the smuggling of pangolins and their parts as illegal, but trafficking remains rampant. Around the world, the defenseless anteaters are the biggest victim of wildlife trafficking as the scales that cover their body are believed by many to be an effective treat for conditions such as psoriasis and poor circulation in traditional Chinese medicine, despite the lack of scientific evidence. The scales are also used to make boots and shoes while their meat is considered a delicacy by some. An estimated one million of the animals have been poached from Asian and African forests over the past decade, putting them on the list of species at the highest risk of extinction, AFP said in a recent report. Related news: > Police rescue 149 pangolins from trafficker in northern Vietnam > 3 pangolins die from hellish trafficking journey in Vietnam; 58 others rescued A teacher allegedly had sex with a student on top of his wife's wedding dress, a court has heard. School teacher Simon Ball admitted five counts of engaging in sexual activity while in a position of trust at a Cambridgeshire school in the UK and was suspended last year, according to the BBC. The court heard he had previously abused three pupils at another school and escaped prosecution. According to the BBC, Mr Ball denies indecency and sexual assault charges. Mr Ball (42) was a teacher at a North Yorkshire school in the early 2000s when the alleged offences occurred. He started working at a school in Cambridgeshire while investigations were ongoing in relation to his previous school. The court heard that Mr Ball had sex with one of the girls in different locations, including in the school music room and on top of his wife's wedding dress at his house, according to the BBC. Mr Ball has since separated from his wife. He denies four counts of indecent assault and five counts of engaging in sexual activity while in a position of trust at the school in North Yorkshire. The court heard that allegations were made at the time but the school's investigation was "seriously lacking". The trial continues. Russian Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev is escorted to court in Moscow. Photo: Reuters/Maxim Zmeyev A Russian minister has been charged with corruption, with his arrest sending shockwaves through the countrys elite, sparking speculation of a power struggle inside the Kremlin. Alexei Ulyukayev, the Minister of Economic Development, denies taking a $2m (1.9m) bribe to facilitate the controversial sale of an oil company involving a key ally of Vladimir Putin. Mr Ulyukayev called his arrest a provocation when he appeared in Moscows Basmanny district court yesterday. I am determined to cooperate with the investigation as much as possible. I request more lenient measures of restraint, the minister said at a hearing to determine whether or not he should be remanded in custody. The judge ordered Mr Ulyukayev be placed under house arrest and that he must wear an electronic tag after officials argued he was a flight risk. Mr Putin, who spoke by telephone with US president-elect Donald Trump earlier yesterday, fired Mr Ulyukayev as a minister in a decree published late last night. Officers from the Investigative Committee, the countrys top detective agency, and the Federal Security Service (FSB), successor to the KGB, swooped on him in the act of receiving the bribe money at 2.30am yesterday. Investigators claim he attempted to extort the bribe from Rosneft, a state-owned oil company. It was alleged to be in exchange for backing the companys bid for the governments stake in Bashneft, which is a regional oil producer. Rosneft is controlled by Igor Sechin, a close ally of Vladimir Putin who is widely considered to be one of the most powerful individuals in the country. Mr Ulyukayev is the first serving minister to be arrested since Lavrenty Beria, Stalins feared secret police chief, was detained and shot in a power struggle following the dictators death in 1953. His arrest has sparked alarm that a similar power struggle may be unfolding in Mr Putins Kremlin. Mr Ulyukayev, who has served in the government since 2000 and held his current post since 2013, is considered a liberal figure. He has opposed an increasing state presence in the economy. He and a number of other figures associated with Dmitry Medvedev, the prime minister and a bitter rival of Mr Sechin, initially opposed Rosnefts involvement in the Bashneft tender. They said it was wrong for a state-owned company to take part in a privatisation drive. The resulting political struggle saw the government suspend the privatisation in August. Rosneft won the auction for 50.01pc of the company with a $5bn (4.7bn) bid when the tender was finally held last month. A spokesman for Mr Putin said the Russian president had been aware of the case from the start of the investigative operations. A spokesman for Mr Medvedev said the prime minister had also been kept abreast of events. People stand next to debris at the entrance of their home during a lull in fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants in eastern Mosul (AP) Iraqi special forces pushed deeper into the northern city of Mosul on Wednesday, backed by air strikes but under attack by rockets and suicide bombers from the Islamic State group. Troops have established a foothold in the city's east, and drove northwards into the Tahrir neighbourhood, where families left their houses to flee the fighting. Mortars from IS-held territory wounded at least five children who were trying to escape. Artillery and air strikes from the US-led coalition supported the advance, sending plumes of smoke into the air over the city. Iraqi troops are converging from several fronts on Mosul, the country's second largest city and the last major IS stronghold in Iraq. The special forces have been the tip of the spear, driving the furthest into the city itself, but they are still fighting over neighbourhoods in its eastern edges. The offensive to drive IS out the northern city, the country's second largest and the last major IS bastion in Iraq, began on October 17. After swift initial gains into the suburbs, progress has slowed as troops move into more built-up areas of the city, still home to more than a million civilians. Special forces have captured a foothold in the east, and have been advancing slowly over the past week to avoid casualties and civilian deaths as IS fighters emerge to attack from the dense, urban landscape, often with armour-plated suicide car bombs. AP Iman Salman Mahmoud, 20, who fled the violence from Islamic State militants, kisses her baby Aisha Qais Mahmoud, who was born under Islamic State rule and has no identity documents recognised by Iraqi authorities, in Jolkhan, East of Mosul. Photo: Reuters An Iraqi special forces fighter listens to the radio as he watches Islamic State positions near the front line, in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP Tal Afar is a small city notorious for sectarian hatred and slaughter, which may soon be engulfed by a final battle between Isil and its bitterest enemies. Shia paramilitaries seeking revenge for past massacres of their co-religionists may soon assault the place which has provided many of the most feared Isil commanders, judges and religious officials. "Isil is full of killers, but the worst killers of all come from Tal Afar," said a senior Iraqi official who did not want his name published. Abbas, a 47-year-old Shia Turkman from Tal Afar living in exile in the Kurdish city of Zakho, agrees, saying that several of the senior military commanders of the self-declared Caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi come from there. He added that officers from the Shia paramilitaries have told that they will soon attack the city. The Turkmen are one of Iraq's smaller minorities but important because of their links to Isil and to Turkey. Between 10,000 and 15,000 Shia Hashd al-Shaabi are now massing to the south and west of Mosul with Tal Afar in their sights. A spokesman for them said yesterday that they were within 20km of Tal Afar airport. The paramilitaries, often referred to as militia, include an estimated 3,000 Shia Turkmen from Tal Afar who were forced to flee in 2014 when Isil seized the city, though it had long been infamous for its death squads operating on behalf of both the Sunni majority and Shia minority. Sectarian killings began in 2003 when Saddam Hussein was overthrown by the US-led invasion and the city, strategically placed between Mosul and the Syrian border, became a stronghold, first for al-Qa'ida in Iraq (AQI) and later for Isil. "Fear fills the city like a great cloud," says Abbas. "Many senior members of Isil have left for Syria, but locals who worked with al-Qa'ida and Isil are still there and are frightened. I am sure that after the battle of Tal Afar there will be a great massacre." Read More: But, though the Sunni Turkmen believe they may be slaughtered they are determined not to surrender. Abbas says that he believes that the Iraqi Army can take the city though only after heavy fighting because "the locals of Tal Afar which are with Isil will never leave the city. They have a strong belief that Tal Afar is Sunni not Shia and they prefer Isil to the Iraqi government." But, bad though occupation by the Iraqi Army would be in their eyes, its capture by the Hashd would be even worse said Abbas. But this is what is most likely to happen, according to Khasro Goran, a former deputy governor of Mosul who now leads the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) MPs in the Iraqi parliament. After a visit to the area, he said in an interview that though the Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Badi had promised "that only the Iraqi Army would enter Tal Afar, I believe the Hashd will do so also." The difference between the paramilitaries and government security forces is not entirely clear cut, because the former have been known to change into police and other uniforms in the past to hide their presence in battle zones. What happens next in Tal Afar has international implications because Turkey has threatened military intervention in defence of the Sunni Turkmen if the Shia paramilitaries enter the city. A Turkish mechanised brigade have been moved to the Turkish Iraqi border to give substance to the threat. The KDP, the dominant Kurdish party in this part of northern Iraq, is likewise worried by the presence of powerful Shia militia forces in the region. ( Independent News Service) Iraqi special forces soldiers point guns at part of Mosul controlled by Islamic State fighters in Iraq. Photo: Reuters Iman Salman Mahmoud, 20, who fled the violence from Islamic State militants, kisses her baby Aisha Qais Mahmoud, who was born under Islamic State rule and has no identity documents recognised by Iraqi authorities, in Jolkhan, East of Mosul. Photo: Reuters An Iraqi special forces soldier looks at a part of Mosul controlled by Islamic State fighters in Iraq. Photo: Reuters An Iraqi special forces sniper aims his weapon at Islamic State positions near the front line, in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP An Iraqi special forces fighter moves between buildings near the front line during fighting with Islamic State militants, in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP Internally displaced people flee fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants on a road in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP An Iraqi special forces fighter looks at Islamic State positions through a periscope near the front line in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP An Iraqi special forces fighter listens to the radio as he watches Islamic State positions near the front line, in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP A baby injured during fighting, between the Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants, is treated at a field hospital in eastern Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP The Iraqi army fires a 155mm shell towards Islamic State militant positions in Mosul, from the village of Ali Rash, east of Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP The Iraqi army fires a 155mm shell towards Islamic State militant positions in Mosul, from the village of Ali Rash, east of Mosul, Iraq. Photo: AP An Iraqi special forces soldier smokes while seated in his position inside a mosque in Mosul, Iraq. Photo: Reuters Frontline medics help carry an Iraqi soldier hit by sniper fire in his pelvis area out of their vehicle at an Iraqi Special Forces 2nd division outdoor field clinic in the Samah neighbourhood of Mosul. Photo: AFP/Getty Images Isil militants have killed at least 21 civilians in Mosul over three days, most accused of collaborating with Iraqi forces who are attacking the city, a medical source said. The killers gave the city's forensic medical department a list naming the dead, the source said yesterday. No bodies have emerged, unlike last week, when 20 corpses were strung up across Mosul in a public warning against cooperating with the army. Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, said that Iraqi soldiers, militiamen and civilians had mutilated the bodies of Isil militants south of Mosul. A 100,000-strong alliance of troops, security forces, Kurdish peshmerga and Shi'ite militias, backed by US-led coalition air strikes, has almost surrounded Mosul, Isil's last major stronghold in Iraq. The ultra-hardline group, which has ruled Mosul since sweeping through northern Iraq in 2014, has imposed a ruthless authority across the city. Residents say most of their victims are dumped in mass graves outside Mosul because the militants deem their opponents unworthy of a religious funeral. Families only learn the fate of relatives from lists delivered to medics at the morgue. The medical source said a new list of 21 names was handed over recently. "As usual, there were no bodies, just names of people executed by the organisation for a variety of reasons," the source said. "Now most of the killings are on charges of collaboration with the Iraqi security services." Before the campaign started on October 17, people were detained and investigated for months. Now, they are held for as little as two weeks before being released or killed - either shot, their throats slit or other methods, the source said. The accelerated killings took place as Iraqi counter terrorism forces battle to expand their foothold in the city's eastern neighbourhoods. Officers say their progress has been slowed by the presence of more than a million civilians still living in Mosul. But they say some of their operations have been assisted by information provided by residents about Isil military positions. One Mosul resident told how he helped his neighbours try to trace their 24-year-old son after he was arrested by Isil militants outside his house three weeks ago. "We heard that they'd found a mobile phone on him," he said. "Ten days ago, all news of him was cut off," said the devastated resident. "Then yesterday we were shocked to see his name on the list of those killed." Read More: A British tourist has been arrested and charged with illegal extra-marital sex in Dubai after telling police she had been gang raped. The 25-year-old woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was on holiday in the United Arab Emirates when she was allegedly attacked by two British men last month. When she reported the rape at a police station, she was allegedly arrested for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex, while her attackers have since flown home to the UK. The UK-based Detained in Dubai campaign group said she has been released on bail but had her passport confiscated, meaning she cannot leave the country, and could face trial for offences with punishments including jail, deportation, flogging and stoning to death. The group is in contact with the womans family, who claim the two men took it in terms to rape her while filming the attack at a hotel. They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified, a family friend told The Sun. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal. Radha Stirling, the founder and director of Detained in Dubai, said the case a tremendously disturbing example of long-running abuses in the holiday resort. "Police regularly fail to differentiate between consensual intercourse and violent rape, she added. "Victims go to them expecting justice, and end up being prosecuted. They not only invalidate their victimisation, they actually punish them for it." A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told The Independent it was aware of the case and providing support to the woman and her relatives, as well as remaining in contact with local authorities. Its travel advice for the UAE says all sexual relations outside marriage are considered illegal, whatever a couples relationship at home, alongside homosexual sex and same-sex marriages. Its against the law to live together, or to share the same hotel room, with someone of the opposite sex to whom you arent married or closely related, the advice states. The laws, which can also see unmarried pregnant women and their partners jailed, have been used to criminalise rape victims including women from Norway and Australia, and several previous British victims. The burden of proof required for rape under the UAEs interpretation of sharia law a confession from the rapist or witness statements from four adult men means that cases that reach court are heavily skewed in the defendants favour and are frequently dismissed or turned around to prosecute the alleged victim. Campaigners say female migrant workers are hit particularly hard by the laws, with their stories rarely attracting the public attention or outcry garnered by cases involving Westerners. Ms Stirling said the UAE has a long history of penalising rape victims. We have been involved with several cases in the past where this has happened, and we work with the lawyers and families and have campaigned to change attitudes in the police and judiciary, she added. The horrible case at hand shows that it is still not safe for victims to report these crimes to the police without the risk of suffering a double punishment. A Minnesota police officer has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing of a black man A Minnesota police officer has been charged with second-degree manslaughter over the killing of a black man in a St Paul suburb, prosecutors have announced. St Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez fatally shot Philando Castile, 32, during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights on July 6. The shooting's gruesome aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Mr Castile's girlfriend, who was with him in the car along with her young daughter. The woman said Mr Castile was shot several times while reaching for his ID after telling Mr Yanez he had a gun permit and was armed. Mr Yanez's attorney, Tom Kelly, has said the officer - who is Latino, was reacting to the presence of a gun, and that one reason Mr Yanez pulled Mr Castile over was because he thought he looked like a possible match for an armed robbery suspect. But family members claimed Mr Castile, an elementary school cafeteria worker, was racially profiled. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi got the case from investigators in late September and began reviewing the evidence for possible charges. Mr Choi resisted pressure immediately after the shooting to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He also enlisted the help of national use-of-force consultants. Mr Choi's office has said a key question in his review was determining whether Mr Yanez was justified in believing deadly force was necessary. In Minnesota, second-degree manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter, carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. The shooting prompted numerous protests, including a weeks-long demonstration outside the governor's mansion and one protest that shut down Interstate 94 in St Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers, after police said they were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. The shooting also exposed a disproportionate number of arrests of African-Americans in St Anthony, Lauderdale and Falcon Heights, which are all patrolled by the St Anthony Police Department. An analysis of police data showed black people made up nearly half of all arrests made by St Anthony officers in 2016. Census data shows that just 7% of residents in the three cities are black. The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. AP Crystal Kinchen, 23, was arrested in Louisiana on Wednesday US police have arrested a woman in Louisiana after her one-year-old daughter was accidentally shot in the face by her two-year-old son. Baton Rouge Police said 23-year-old Crystal Kinchen was arrested Wednesday and faces a charge of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile. Sergeant L'Jean McKneely said the shooting happened on Tuesday night while Kinchen and the two children were in a car that was parked at a shopping centre. Police said the two-year-old boy picked up a gun that was left in the vehicle, and it accidentally discharged and struck the one-year-old girl. Mr McKneely said the family drove the child to the hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance. The one-year-old is in critical condition. AP US President-elect Donald Trump shuffled his transition team again on Tuesday, jettisoning a national security expert and lobbyists from his inner circle as he closed in on naming two loyal Wall Street backers to key economic positions. Trump, a Republican outsider who won a surprise election victory last week, also cleared a paperwork snag that had temporarily stalled his transition after he put his Vice President-elect Mike Pence in charge of the process. Expand Close Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions," Trump said on Twitter after taking his family to dinner at 21 Club, a Manhattan restaurant, his motorcade slipping away from reporters gathered at his apartment building. "I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" Trump said. At the top of his list for senior economic positions are campaign finance chair and Wall Street veteran Steve Mnuchin as treasury secretary, and long-time backer and billionaire investor Wilbur Ross for commerce secretary, according to Trump ally and activist investor Carl Icahn. However, a well-known Republican moderate was pushed out of transition planning. Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative from Michigan who had been mentioned as a possible pick for CIA director, suddenly left the transition team. Expand Close US Vice President-elect Mike Pence walks by reporters while exiting Trump Tower on November 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp US Vice President-elect Mike Pence walks by reporters while exiting Trump Tower on November 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Rogers had worked with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who on Friday was abruptly replaced by Pence as head of the transition team. That overhaul had put the brakes on transition talks with the White House. Pence needed to sign a memorandum of understanding, which the White House received on Tuesday evening. The Trump team still needs to provide more paperwork before detailed agency-by-agency briefings can take place, a White House spokeswoman said. The team will need to provide a code of conduct and certify that its transition team members do not have conflicts of interest. "HUGE IMPLICATIONS" Additional changes are likely. Pence and Rick Dearborn, the executive director of the transition team, are "removing any lobbyists," a transition aide said. "This is to ensure President-elect Trump's commitment to ban lobbyist involvement is being upheld at all levels of the transition," the aide said. Trump, who had pilloried opponents for being beholden to industry interests during his campaign, came under fire from his frequent sparring partner, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, for including lobbyists on his transition team. "Based on public reports, your transition team and your potential cabinet include over twenty Wall Street elites, industry insiders, and lobbyists making decisions that could have huge implications for their clients or employers," Warren wrote in a letter. Trump has fewer than 70 days until his Jan. 20 inauguration to settle on Cabinet members and other senior appointees. He will eventually need to fill roughly 4,000 open positions. Wall Street is closely watching who Trump picks for treasury chief because Republicans have majorities in both chambers of Congress, giving Trump a clearer shot at tax and financial regulatory reforms. Mnuchin declined to comment to reporters at Trump Tower about Cabinet picks, but said the team was "making sure we get the biggest tax bill passed, the biggest tax changes since Reagan." A parade of advisers had been seen going in and out of Trump's building on Tuesday, including U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, touted as a possible secretary of defense or attorney general. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, also dropped by for a meeting, telling reporters he was "looking forward to fighting hard to actually accomplish and deliver the promises we made" during the election. Bloomberg later reported that Trump was considering nominating Cruz as attorney general. NATIONAL SECURITY HARDLINERS? Rogers was pushed off the team in part because Trump's advisers believed he did not pursue Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton aggressively enough when he headed the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, a source familiar with the decision said. Rogers led an investigation into the Sept. 11, 2012, attacks by militants on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya. The probe dismissed many of the conspiracy theories that had been circulated by critics of Clinton, who was then secretary of state. Trump's team viewed the investigation as a whitewash, according to one source familiar with the operation. Some current U.S. intelligence officials worried that Rogers' departure would mean Trump was leaning toward more confrontational hardliners to lead his foreign policy team. Two national security officials said Trump's operation had been slow to get up to speed and had not yet engaged deeply with security and intelligence agency personnel who were ready to start helping them. Loyalists such as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton were being considered for secretary of state, according to sources close to Trump. Giuliani, New York's mayor at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by Islamist al Qaeda militants, is known as a hardliner on national security matters. Bolton is also a foreign policy hawk who said last year the United States should bomb Iran to halt its nuclear program. Retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, a leading candidate for Trump's national security adviser, has called for the United States to pull back from protecting long-time allies such as South Korea and Japan. Trump has filled two positions so far. His choice of Republican Party insider Reince Priebus to be White House chief of staff was heralded by Republican leaders as an indication he wanted to work with Congress. Republicans maintained their majority in both the Senate and House in the election, but a number of Republicans in Congress opposed Trump's candidacy. However, Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategist was criticized by Democrats, civil rights organizations and some Republicans. They denounced the former Breitbart News chief, whose website is a forum for the "alt-right," a loose grouping of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites. Neither Priebus nor Bannon need Senate confirmation for their posts, but Cabinet posts do, and some of Trump's possible picks could face a difficult time winning approval. Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said on CNN he could not vote to confirm Bolton unless he repudiated his support for the Iraq war and bombing of Iran. Paul, who also ran for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said he was concerned by Giuliani's work on behalf of foreign governments. One loyalist who will not be playing a role in Trump's Cabinet is retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who advised Trump after dropping his own presidential bid earlier this year. "His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary," said Armstrong Williams, Carson's business manager. France and the UN stepped up warnings to US president-elect Donald Trump about the risks of quitting a 2015 global plan to combat climate change, saying a historic shift from fossil fuels is unstoppable. French President Francois Hollande, addressing almost 200 nations meeting in Morocco on ways to slow global warming, said inaction would be "disastrous for future generations and it would be dangerous for peace". Both he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Mr Trump, who has called man-made global warming a hoax, to drop a campaign pledge to cancel the global 2015 Paris Agreement that aims to shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energies. "The United States, the largest economic power in the world, the second largest greenhouse gas emitter, must respect the commitments it has undertaken," Mr Hollande said to applause. The agreement was "irreversible", he said. In such UN meetings, it is very rare for leaders to single out others for even veiled criticism. Both Mr Hollande and Mr Ban were among the architects of the Paris Agreement. "What was once unthinkable has become unstoppable," Mr Ban said at a news conference of the landmark Paris deal, agreed by almost 200 governments last year after two decades of tortuous negotiations. The accord formally entered into force on November 4 after a record swift ratification. Mr Ban said Mr Trump, as a "very successful business person", would understand that market forces were driving the world economy towards cleaner energies such as wind and solar power, which are becoming cheaper, away from fossil fuels. "I am sure he (Trump) will make a fast and wise decision" on the Paris Agreement, Mr Ban said, saying he had spoken to Mr Trump by telephone after his victory and planned to meet him in person. Mr Ban, who has made climate change a core part of his 10-year stewardship ending this year, said climate change was having severe impacts from the Arctic to Antarctica and that 2016 is on track to be the warmest year on record. Mr Trump has said he wants to boost the US coal, oil and shale industries, abandoning President Barack Obama's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26pc to 28pc below 2005 levels by 2025. The Paris accord, aiming to phase out net greenhouse gas emissions this century, was driven by increased scientific certainty that man-made emissions drive heatwaves, floods and rising sea levels. Mr Ban said that companies including General Mills and Kellogg, states such as California and cities such as Nashville and Las Vegas were working to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Mr Trump's victory has overshadowed the Marrakesh meeting, which had opened with congratulations after the entry into force of the agreement on November 4. It now has formal backing from 110 nations including the United States. Mr Trump's victory has lifted shares in coal producers, while knocking renewable energies. Shares in coal producer Peabody, in bankruptcy proceedings, have surged 63pc since the election, and shares in Arch Coal in the US were up 19pc. By contrast, the S&P Global Clean Energy Index has fallen to around its lowest level since June. Shares in Denmark's Vestas, the world's biggest wind turbine maker, are down 6pc from the US election day on November 8. The hawksbill sea turtle rescued from a fishing net in central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Son Thuy The hawksbill sea turtle was trapped in a discarded fishing net in Quang Nam Province. A rare turtle of an endangered species stuck in a net in the central province of Quang Nam was rescued and sent back to the sea on Wednesday. Two fishermen in the province spotted the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) around five nauticals miles from the shore on Tuesday. It was trapped in a discarded fishing net that someone had dumped into the sea. The turtle weighing 5.5 kilograms was then brought to local authorities. It was released the next morning. Human fishing has reduced the population of the species and driven it to the brink of extinction. The World Conservation Union classifies the hawksbill as critically endangered while the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species outlaws the capture and trade of hawksbill sea turtles and products derived from them. Its estimated that only one in 1,000 sea turtle hatchlings will survive to adulthood. Quang Nams agriculture officials said sea turtles have become rarer in the area. Tran Quang Kien, an official in charge of marine resources protection, said there used to be a lot of sea turtles laying eggs on local beaches, but they have almost disappeared the past 10 years. The hawksbill released on Wednesday was the first ever spotted in the province in years, Kien said. "It's very lucky that the locals know they should protect it." Related news: > Endangered pangolins returned to the wild after being saved from traffickers in Vietnam > Vietnam seizes rare turtles from Cambodian bus The internet thinks this Chinese bird looks like Donald Trump Photo: Twitter A bird in China has become an internet sensation for his similarities to President-elect Donald Trump. A journalist in China noticed that a golden pheasant in Hangzhou Safari Park had plumage on its head that was remarkably similar to Trump's hair. Meet the pheasant-elect: Bird sporting 'Donald Trump's hairstyle' soars to internet fame in China https://t.co/qYUbMcDYmV pic.twitter.com/VTPlDcaBcp People's Daily,China (@PDChina) November 14, 2016 Pictures of the bird, known as Little Red, soon went viral on Chinese social media. Trump to wife: 'Honestly, I've never even been to Hangzhou!'" said one commenter on social media. Trump should financially support this bird until he graduates from university, another said. According to the Daily Mail, the bird's caretaker Mr Gao said the bird's profile has been raised since the US election. I had not noticed the likeness in the past because I had not paid particular attention to the pheasant's hairstyle, he said. But after Trump was elected President of America, I start seeing more pictures of him and I think the pheasant looks a little bit like him. He added: I expect more tourists to come to our zoo to see the pheasant now that he has been in the news. THE front-runners to become Donald Trump's secretary of state have advocated shows of military strength toward Russia, even as Vladimir Putin launched an offensive across Syria hours after his first conversation with the president-elect. Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, said the US must be willing to threaten Russia with military force. "Russia thinks it's a military competitor, it really isn't," he said, adding: "It's our unwillingness under Obama to even threaten the use of our military that makes Russia so powerful." John Bolton, an avowed interventionist and former UN ambassador under George W Bush, said yesterday that Russia would back down if faced with a strong US president. "One of the reasons Putin is very casual about expanding Russian influence, taking advantage of America in Eastern Europe and the Middle East is that he sees - quite correctly - Barack Obama as an exceedingly weak leader. "I think Trump is going to be the opposite, I think he's going to be a strong leader," he told Fox News. Expand Close Local students and their supporters march during a walkout protest against US president-elect Donald Trump in Seattle. Photo: Jason Redmond/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Local students and their supporters march during a walkout protest against US president-elect Donald Trump in Seattle. Photo: Jason Redmond/Getty Images Sources within Mr Trump's transition team have said Mr Giuliani is the favourite to become America's top diplomat, with Mr Bolton also under consideration. Mr Giuliani is a longtime ally of Mr Trump's but has limited foreign policy experience and a history of controversial statements. Mr Bolton, meanwhile, has taken hawkish positions including calling on the US to pre-emptively bomb Iran over its nuclear programme. Mr Trump had said he hopes Russia and the US will "get along" once he becomes president, and has signalled he might be open to joining forces with Mr Putin in the Syrian conflict. Hours after speaking with Mr Trump for the first time, Mr Putin began a wave of airstrikes in Syria. Read More: Analysts have long warned that Russia was likely to take Mr Trump's election victory as a green light to ramp up its bombing campaign in Syria, knowing that a more sympathetic US president will replace Barack Obama in January. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said it was "hard to ignore the timing of Russia's offensive being 12 hours after Putin's call with Trump. Russia now has two free hands in Syria." Mr Bolton, meanwhile, said Russia had seen "one last chance" to capitalise on Mr Obama's weakness. Russia's defence ministry said its forces had begun a "major operation" and that strikes had been launched from the Admiral Kuznetsov, the newly deployed aircraft carrier which arrived this weekend. Sukhoi-33 bombers took off from the ageing carrier while Kalibr cruise missiles were fired from a frigate at targets inside Syria, said Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister. Russia said the attacks were aimed at Isil and the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qa'ida-linked group in Syria, and were focused on Idlib and Homs provinces. It denied bombing Aleppo. Russia has repeatedly claimed in the past to be bombing jihadist groups like Isil or al-Nusra when its fire has in fact been aimed at more moderate rebel groups opposed to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. The 275,000 people trapped inside east Aleppo have enjoyed relative quiet since mid-October but yesterday afternoon the skies were once again filled with war planes and the city shook from bombs. At least three people were reported dead. Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that Mr Trump did not think his run for the White House would last beyond October 2015 and he expected to drop out to back Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor, for the Republican presidential nomination. The two men were said to have made a pact early in the campaign that whoever failed first would endorse the other, and Mr Trump thought it more likely he would play the support role. It was also disclosed that Mr Trump seemed "surprised" by the scope of the presidency following his first meeting with Barack Obama last week. Mr Obama had to walk the president-elect through the process of governing, 'The Wall Street Journal' reported. The outgoing president was also said to be keen to spend more time than is usual with his successor in the coming months in order to guide him. Mr Trump's team were reportedly unaware that he would have to bring in replacements for all the staff in the West Wing. ( Daily Telegraph London) Barack Obama warned of the dangers of succumbing to "crude" nationalism yesterday, in apparent reference to the election of Donald Trump and Britain's vote to leave the European Union. The US President made the remarks in Greece at the start of his last foreign trip as leader of the free world. "We are going to have to guard against a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an 'us' and a 'them'," Mr Obama said in Athens, the first stop on a tour that will also take him to Germany and Peru. "We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up...the 20th century was a bloodbath." He said the US was all too aware of how "dangerous" it was to "(divide) ourselves along lines of race or religion or ethnicity". Mr Obama was asked whether he saw any parallels between Brexit and Mr Trump's surprise victory. He said it was clear that people's lives had been disrupted by economic dislocation, globalisation and inequality, and that those concerns needed to be addressed. "The more aggressively and effectively we deal with those issues, the less those fears may channel themselves into counterproductive approaches that can pit people against each other," he said at a press conference with Alexis Tsipras, the Greek prime minister. Both the British decision to exit the EU and the election of Mr Trump last week reflected "people's fears that their children won't do as well as they have". Mr Obama also acknowledged that millions of Americans seemed disappointed with the achievements of his two terms. "Sometimes people just feel as if we want to try something and see if we can shake things up," Mr Obama said. But he insisted that he had reinvigorated the US economy and that after eight years in power "the country's indisputably better off". Mr Tsipras, who has seen his popularity among Greeks plummet as he enforces austerity measures demanded by the country's international creditors, said he was hopeful Mr Trump would moderate his rhetoric and policy proposals once he assumes power in January. President Obama sought to assure Europe that the US would maintain its commitment to Nato. Mr Obama told Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the Greek president, that a strong Nato was of "utmost importance". He pledged that there would be "significant continuity even as we see a transition in government in the United States." ( Daily Telegraph London) Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte, who has been hostile to Barack Obama for criticising his deadly anti-drugs crackdown, has congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on a "well-deserved victory" and said he is excited to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin at an upcoming Asia-Pacific summit. President Duterte, who has been condemned for his foul language and the drugs crackdown, gave upbeat remarks about Mr Trump and Mr Putin in a news conference in Manila late on Tuesday. Asked whether his ties with America can improve under Mr Trump, Mr Duterte replied: "I'm sure, we have no quarrel. I can always be a friend to anybody, specially to a ... president, chief executive of another country." Mr Duterte, who has been compared to Mr Trump due to his devil-may-care irreverence to rivals and critics, said the US President-elect was "the chosen leader of the people of the most powerful country in the world". "I trust in his judgment," said Mr Duterte, adding that he expected Mr Trump to be fair in dealing with illegal immigrants. Filipinos make up one of the largest expatriate groups in the US. Mr Duterte, 71, has had a frosty relationship with Mr Obama and the US government since the President spoke out against the Philippines leader's anti-drugs war which is thought to have left more than 4,000 drug suspects dead since July. At the height of his public outbursts, he told Mr Obama to "go to hell" and announced his "separation" with America, his country's treaty ally, during a state visit to China in October. Mr Duterte later rowed back on that, saying what he meant was his desire to chart a foreign policy that would not overly lean on America. But Mr Duterte has publicly vowed to stop joint combat drills with the US military and scale back other security engagements with Washington, although he has also softened on those threats. Philippine defence officials announced last week that Mr Duterte had agreed to allow a smaller number of joint military exercises, adding that overt assault drills would be discontinued. The push away from Washington has been accompanied by Mr Duterte reaching out to China and Russia. The Philippines leader has said he wants to meet Mr Putin, who, he adds, also loves guns and hunting, at this month's Apec summit in Peru, and that he wants their countries to have strong ties. "I will not ask for anything. I want to be friends with him, I just want the two countries to be the best of friends," he said. AP Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, who was allegedly forced into a coffin, sits inside the Magistrates Court in Middelburg, South Africa (AP) Two white South Africans accused of forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire have appeared before a judge as demonstrators protested against racism outside the courthouse. Members of the ruling African National Congress party and opposition parties gathered outside the court in Middelburg in Mpumalanga province, where the judge postponed the case against the two detained farmers until January 25. A video showing the racially charged incident has circulated on social media, intensifying debate about South Africa's legacy of white minority rule - which ended in 1994. The video shows a man cowering and moaning in a coffin as a tormentor pushes part of the lid over his head and upper body. A man is also heard threatening to pour petrol into the coffin. Another threat is to put a snake in the coffin. The assaulted man, identified as Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, had been accused of trespassing on farmland, according to South African media. Protesters at the courthouse included members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, an opposition party that wants land held by the white minority to be redistributed to poor blacks. "They still benefit out of a crime, a crime against humanity," Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a spokesman for the opposition group, said of the white minority. He said it was wrong to forgive whites after apartheid but "still keep them in a position of dominance". South Africa won praise for reconciliation efforts among racial groups when apartheid ended, but many black South Africans express frustration that they have failed to reap the economic benefits they expected from democracy. The income of the average white household is six times that of a black household, according to 2011 census data. The foundation of FW de Klerk, South Africa's last apartheid-era president, said the assault on Mlotshwa was "dehumanising and humiliating". "We hope the justice system will reach an outcome that restores a measure of dignity to Mr. Mlotshwa," the foundation said. AP New Zealand's military leaders say they have almost completed the evacuation of more than 700 tourists and residents from a small coastal town, two days after a powerful earthquake cut off train and vehicle access. The magnitude 7.8 quake left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami, and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways. Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the acting commander of New Zealand's Joint Forces, said crews were loading about 380 people and three dogs onto a navy ship which is due to leave on Wednesday evening for a six-hour trip to a port near Christchurch. Air Commodore Webb said it had evacuated another 340 people by helicopter since Tuesday. Other tourists have left by chartering their own helicopters or having air transport provided by their embassy, while others have chosen to stay until an inland road reopens. Warships from Australia, Canada and the US are due to arrive soon and will help restock the town with water, fuel and other supplies as well as transport equipment. Australian honeymooners Kurt and Kailah Sapwell were among the tourists stuck in Kaikoura but they did not seem too bothered by their ordeal. They said they had all the essentials they needed: a place to stay, food and water. "It's been a shaky experience, all good though," Kurt Sapwell said when prime minister John Key paid a visit to the town. His wife added that their honeymoon had been "memorable". Home to about 2,000 residents, Kaikoura was a popular destination for travellers wanting to go on whale-watching expeditions before the quake hit. On Wednesday, Mr Key promised business owners the government would provide financial assistance for them through what is going to be a tough summer. US president-elect Donald Trump called Mr Key to pass on his sympathies over the quake. Mr Key's office described the conversation as "very warm and cordial". Authorities also managed to clear an emergency inland road to Kaikoura, although it was only open for military vehicles. Neil Walker, the highways manager for the New Zealand Transport Agency, said the road remains high-risk and unsuitable for cars, although crews are working to open it to the public by the weekend. In the capital, Wellington, several streets remain cordoned off after engineers determined that a nine-storey office building is in danger of collapsing. Brendan Nally, the regional commander for the New Zealand Fire Service, said engineers were completing an inspection of the building when they found a major vertical beam had failed above the fifth floor. Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said the building would likely have to be demolished. He said he did not believe it posed a risk to public safety because of the precautions authorities had taken in evacuating the area around it. AP Russias President Vladimir Putin was among the world leaders to welcome the election of Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters The West faces a greater threat of war with Russia than at almost any stage since the end of the Cold War, a retired Nato General has told a conference in Dublin. Sir Richard Shirreff, who served as Natos Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in Europe between 2011 and 2014, said Vladimir Putin wants to see the destruction of the US-led military alliance. And he said the Russian President had started a dynamic that could put Russia on a collision course with Nato, given his actions in eastern Europe, and the build up of Russian forces near the Baltic States. And a conflict would involve nuclear weapons, he added, claiming the Russians integrate nuclear into every aspect of their defence thinking. The reality is that the west faces a greater threat of war with Russia than at almost any stage since the end of the Cold War and probably not since the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, Sir Shirreff told a conference in Dublin organised by the Irish Association of Corporate Treasurers. The comments came just a day after NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia's seizure of Crimea remained a major issue, sounding a note of caution a day after US president-elect Donald Trump agreed to boost cooperation with the Russian President. European powers have said they are concerned about what Trump's election win will mean for the United States' commitment to Nato. During campaign speeches, Mr Trump had said Washington might not defend a NATO member who had not paid its contributions to the alliance . The United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over its annexation of Crimea from the Ukraine in July 2014. Sir Shirreff, who has written a book suggesting war with Russia could happen next year, said Mr Trump is correct to complain about defence funding, as just four European members meet the required Nato funding target the UK, Poland, Greece and Estonia. But what he [President-Elect Trump] said about not necessarily coming to an aid of a Nato member if attacked strikes right at the heart of the Nato alliance, because the defence of Europe, and by that I mean the Nato alliance, has depended since 1949 on the total certainty that whatever American President is in the White House, America will come to the aid of a Nato member attacked, the retired General said. He said Mr Putin wants to see the destruction of Nato and the decoupling of America from European defence. This, he said, is one of the reasons why the Russian President has been cosying up to Mr Trump. And no doubt one of the reasons that Russian cyber warriors got to work on US Democratic [Party] servers during the election run up. What better way to discredit the Democrats and propel Trump into the White House, Sir Shirreff added. Sir Shirreff said Russia was now a defacto strategic adversary, and claimed the threat posed by the Russian President continues to rise. Indeed the ratchet of tensions seems to click up relentlessly in almost a weekly basis, he said. Were seeing unprecedented levels of military activity on the borders and the air space of the Baltic states of Finland and Sweden, and thats been matched by a significant build up of Russian forces in the area. Last month Britain said it would send fighter jets to Romania next year and the United States promised troops, tanks and artillery to Poland in NATO's biggest military build-up on Russia's borders since the Cold War, although the US promises was made prior to the election. Germany, Canada and other NATO allies also pledged forces at a defence ministers meeting in Brussels. For Russia, the US-led alliance's plans are likely to be regarded as being too much given Russia's grievances at NATO's expansion eastwards. Sir Shirreff said the world faces continuing turmoil. Who could possibly have predicted the turmoil we have seen in 2016. Brexit? Surely not. Trump in the White House? Impossible. A potential war with Russia? Surely not, he said. But just look ahead at whats coming. Marine Le Pen, potentially, in France next year. And if she came in there would be a Frexit and what happens if France voted to leave the European Union, that would of course be the final nail in the coffin I suspect. I think the message is do not rule anything out and be prepared for significant turmoil in the years ahead. CONCORD- Citizens of Cabarrus County may begin to experience health effects due to the wildfires in western North Carolina. The Cabarrus Health Alliance said Cabarrus County is currently classified as Code Red according to the most recent Air Quality report. As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Air Now reports the air quality as Code Red- Unhealthy. Officials said 15 wildfires covering 45,000 acres in western North Carolina are to blame. Code Red means everyone may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more health effects. Cabarrus Health Alliance officials are encouraging those with heart and lung disease, asthma or other chronic health conditions to pay attention to their health when outside. They should also make sure to have their inhaler and other breathing medications with you. In response to this alert, county schools are putting restrictions on students. Kannapolis City Schools canceled any outdoor recess and PE activities at their schools on Wednesday, Nov. 16. We will keep monitoring the air quality and restrict outdoor activities as long as the air quality remains at a dangerous level, Ellen Boyd, director of community relations for Kannapolis City Schools, said. Our students will still be able to have PE and recess on Code Red days; they will just do their activities indoors. The most important thing is for our students to be safe, so we will keep monitoring the situation and adjust our outdoor activities based on the level of air quality. Cabarrus County Schools will restrict outside activities for all elementary school students. The school system said its middle and high schools will be allowed to continue outside activities, however students will be monitored closely and any students who have respiratory issues will not participate in outside activities. Director of Communications Ronnye Boone said keeping students safe is one of Cabarrus County Schools top priorities. She said the district works closely with Cabarrus County Emergency Management and the Cabarrus Health Alliance to ensure it is doing all it can to protect students while they are in the districts care. Our decision to restrict elementary school students from outside activities and to limit outside activities for middle and high school students is based on guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control, Boone said. We know that our older students are capable of articulating any issues they may have as a result of being outside, but our younger students may not be able to do so. Outdoor athletic practices continued as usual on Wednesday, however Boone said the district will continue to monitor air quality levels. All athletes should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outside today, and our coaching staff will monitor our athletes closely, particularly ones who may have respiratory or other health concerns, Boone said. The coaching staff also will build more break time into todays practices as another precaution. According to the Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools the Red Alert is unhealthy. It is recommended that for all outdoor activities students take more breaks and do less intense activities. The most up to date information can be found at www.airnow.gov. LAKE LURE- Cabarrus County firefighters have joined in the fight against the Party Rock Fire. Firefighters with the Kannapolis and Concord fire departments were deployed to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12 to assist with the Party Rock Fire, which is wreaking havoc and causing evacuations in western North Carolina. Kirk Beard, division chief with the Kannapolis Fire Department, said his department sent four firefighters to assist who were tasked with protecting the buildings in Chimney Rock Village. Those personnel were Captain Greg Summitt, Senior Firefighter Stephen Overcash and firefighters Todd Mitchell and Michael Lanning. They are trying to keep it away from the town side, Beard said during an interview Monday. Beard said the fire had grown to right about 3,500 acres with only 15 percent containment. Its probably one of the biggest fires in memory and definitely the biggest fire for us, he said. They had done a really good job of keeping it out of the village. Theyve been able to keep it in check. The biggest concern right now is the wind. Beard said more Kannapolis firefighters would up go on Tuesday, Nov. 15 to relieve the first four after their 72-hour deployment. The relieve crew will be made up of Battalion Chief David Winecoff, Engineer Ashley Armstrong and firefighters Sean Dunham and Jonathan McCaskill. Four Concord firefighters, Capt. Steven McClendon, Chad Parker, R.J. Meyers and John Ryczek, also volunteered for deployment to Chimney Rock where they were assigned to protect the business district of the town as the fire continued to move down the mountain. A report from the crew was posted on the City of Concord Public Safety-Fire, Police, Communications, Emergency Mgt. Facebook page on Sunday, Nov. 13. The post said the crew was assigned to Strike Team 9 with units from Chapel Hill, Kernersville, Orange Rural/Hillsboro and Lenoir. The majority of the day was spent cleaning around houses and businesses in anticipation of the fire progressing to those areas. A representative from the Concord Fire Department said more firefighters were heading to the area on Tuesday, Nov. 15 to relieve the first four. More information on the Party Rock Fire Gov. Pat McCrory visited the Party Rock Fire command post in Lake Lure on Monday, Nov. 14 and said the fire is the number two priority fire in the nation and has caused about 1,000 people to evacuate since it began on November 5. McCrory has declared a state of emergency for 25 counties as far east as Cleveland and Gaston. As eastern North Carolina was underwater due to flooding from Hurricane Matthew, the western part of the state has been suffering from a severe drought and now hundreds of acres are burning, McCrory said in a statement. This declaration will help facilitate evacuations as needed and provide further state assets to help combat the wildfires and support North Carolinians displaced by the fires. This is extremely dangerous work and I especially want to thank the firefighters, first responders, sheriffs and other emergency personnel that have risked their own lives to protect our citizens and property. McCrory also announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved his request for financial assistance to fight the wildfires. FEMA approved the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) which means the agency will now pay for 75 percent of the emergency protective measures taken in fighting the fires. This is good news in our continued efforts to protect lives and property as teams continue to try to get these fires under control, he said in a statement. It is imperative that we use all of the resources at our disposal to handle this serious and dangerous situation in western North Carolina. Mandatory evacuations for certain parts of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure were implemented over the weekend and the lake has been closed to all personal and commercial boat traffic. Smoke from the fire has lingered in Lake Lure, Forest City and Shelby throughout the week and several counties are experiencing Code Orange or Code Red air quality. Lake Lure Classical Academy, the charter school in Lake Lure, was forced to cancel school this week because of road closures due to the fire. Departments from across the country have also responded North Carolinas call for assistance. The Arizona Republic reported that two crew members and a brush truck from the states Peoria Fire-Medical Department left for Chimney Rock State park on Sunday, Nov. 13 and that more than 5,000 firefighters from around the country have answered the call for help. According to a report the North Carolina Forest Service sent out on Tuesday, Nov. 15 the Party Rock Fire is now 3,744 acres in size and containment is 15 percent. Windy conditions this weekend could push the flames to the north and northeast toward Weed Patch Mountain and the Gray Rock community. Windy conditions could also move flames toward the evacuated communities of Rumbling Bald Resort. The Forest Service reported that expected weekend weather conditions will support rapid fire growth. Fire managers are now planning for this fire growth potential by establishing contingency lines should primary containment lines not hold. They are also working with the structure protection group to ensure fire department engines are strategically placed within communities in the fires projected path to protect homes. A representative from the Vietnam Embassy in Indonesia talks to the fishermen upon their release. Photo by the Vietnam News Agency. Jakarta is taking a tough stance on illegal fishing in its waters. Indonesia handed over 39 fishermen to Vietnam on Wednesday at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Most of the fishermen, who come from Vietnam's southern coastal provinces, had been detained for 3-4 months for illegally fishing in Indonesian waters. Im very happy I've been released," fisherman Le Van Tung said. "I promise Ill never trespass on Indonesian waters again." The Indonesian government also released 228 illegal Vietnamese fishermen in September to reduce the pressure on overloaded detention centers. Indonesian forces have seized 98 boats and approximately 1,110 fishermen from Vietnam this year, and 320 remain in custody on Indonesian islands. Tran Minh Cu from the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia said that the agency had visited the fishermen and asked them to observe legal regulations to avoid unwanted incidents. In late October, an Indonesian naval vessel chased and fired on two Vietnamese fishing boats, injuring three of 13 the fishermen on board, one of whom died from his wounds.Vietnam has protested the deadly shooting. Related news: > Vietnam protests deadly shooting of fisherman by Indonesian navy > Indonesia frees 228 illegal Vietnamese fishermen In this edition of India Briefing Magazine, we make the case for why now is the right time for foreign firms t... Britain's Prince William chats with residents at a cafe in the old quarters in Hanoi, Vietnam November 16, 2016. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy The Duke of Cambridge met with officials and visited the historic Old Quarter. Britain's Prince William arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday for his first visit to Vietnam, where he will attend a two-day conference on the international trade in illegal wildlife. After meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, William spent the rest of his first day exploring the historic Old Quarter and talking to experts in traditional Vietnamese medicine. The Duke of Cambridge also visited a local coffee shop on Thuoc Bac Street and talked with representatives of NGOs and other public figures. Britain's Prince William plays soccer with pupils as he visits a local primary school in the old quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam November 16, 2016. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy He knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation, the Princes office said in a statement on Tuesday.During his visit, he is expected to take part in a number of high profile events, including a TV talk show to highlight the impacts of the illegal wildlife trade on endangered species. William is set to address governments from around the world at the third International Wildlife Trade Conference on Thursday. Britain's Prince William inspects a set of traditional medicine inside a traditional medicine shop in the old quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam November 16, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Hoang Dinh Nam/Pool Organized by the British Embassy and Vietnam's Administration of Forestry, the event will be attended by high-ranking delegates from more than 50 countries and 10 international organizations. The aim is to "help eradicate the illegal wildlife trade and better protect wild species from the threat of extinction" by bringing together a wide range of global figures, according to the event's official site. The conference is expected to mark an important turning point in Vietnams efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and to close its own domestic ivory markets. The ivory and rhino horn trade is officially banned in Vietnam, but its use in traditional medicine and for decoration remains widespread, especially among the country's growing elite.On November 12, Vietnam destroyed a huge stockpile of ivory and rhino horn, urging the public to stop consuming illegal wildlife products. The country is one of the biggest consumers of elephant ivory and rhino horn worldwide. Some locals believe rhino horn has important medicinal and aphrodisiac properties, despite no scientific evidence. Britain's Prince William talks with pupils about rhinoceros as he visits a local primary school in downtown Hanoi, Vietnam November 16, 2016. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Britain's Prince William walks on a street in the old quarters in Hanoi, Vietnam November 16, 2016. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Prince William visits Hanoi for wildlife conference Prince William visits Hanoi for wildlife conference Related news: > Vietnam a 'supermarket' for illegal wildlife trade, hearing told > Activists to expose Vietnam wildlife trafficking hub to int'l scrutiny > Prince William to visit Vietnam for wildlife conservation > Vietnam destroys huge ivory, rhino horn cache Sonata Software unveils software development center in Bengaluru Sonata Software has announced the opening of its state-of-the art new development center at its Global Village campus in Bengaluru, India. As per the filing, the new Development Cent... November 02, 2022 | 12:13 pm Gold prices fall marginally; silver prices rise The price of 10 grams of 22-carat yellow metal has dropped by Rs 50 in early trade on Wednesday, trading at Rs 46,550. In the meantime, the price of silver increased. One kilogramme of the prec... November 02, 2022 | 11:21 am Glenmark Pharma receives USFDA approval for Sodium Phenylbutyrate Tablets Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited has received United States Food & Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) final approval for Sodium Phenylbutyrate Tablets USP, 500 mg, the generic version of B... November 02, 2022 | 11:11 am Alembic Pharma gets USFDA approval for Mesalamine extended-release capsules; Stock zooms ~6% Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited on Wednesday has announced that it has received final approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (... November 02, 2022 | 10:57 am Indrayani Biotech delivers two boiler shell profile for T-Special train; Stock jumps 5% Indrayani Biotech Limited has informed to the exchange regarding delivery of work order. As per the filing, the Southern Railway has embarked on a journey to manufacture T-Special Tr... November 02, 2022 | 10:03 am Representatives of Pennsylvania State University (L) talk with Vietnamese students during a US education fair in Hanoi. Photo by AFP/Hoang Dinh Nam After millions of dollars spent, Project 2020 appears to have met its doomed fate. An ambitious program aiming to churn out an English-savvy workforce is way behind its 2020 deadline and falling short of projected targets, the education minister has said. Let me get it straight: the project has failed to meet its target, Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha told lawmakers at a hearing of the National Assembly, Vietnams legislature, on Wednesday. At a conference in September, the education ministry for the first time admitted that the grand project was a failure since its implementation several years ago. Nha's statement on Wednesday yet again corroborated what experts and insiders have long predicted. Project 2020 was doomed from the beginning, Dennis Berg, who has worked as an educational consultant in Vietnam for over 20 years, said, referring to the program by its official name. But people talk it up and keep it going because money is being spent, said Berg, who also participated in the teachers training as part of the project. The project, carrying a budget of VND9.4 trillion ($443 million), was approved in 2008 by the government. It envisions that, by 2020, "most Vietnamese students graduating from secondary, vocational schools, colleges and universities will be able to use a foreign language confidently in their daily communication, their study and work in an integrated, multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment, making foreign languages a comparative advantage of development for Vietnamese people." Red tape dragged things out. It was not until 2012 when provinces and cities across the country began implementing the project, leaving the country only eight years to accomplish a task that took its better-off neighbors like Singapore or Malaysia several decades. With two-thirds of the population of over 90 million born after 1975, the project was expected to architect an English-proficient workforce that could propel the country to rub shoulders with its neighbors by 2015, the year marking the formation of Southeast Asias ASEAN Economic Community. According to a 2008 report prepared by Harvard University's Kennedy School, Intel, the world's largest computer chipmaker, said only 90 candidates out of 2,000 Vietnamese IT students passed its standardized assessment test in that year. Of this group only 40 individuals were sufficiently proficient in English to be hired. The report's authors said this was "the worst result Intel had encountered in any country they had invested in. But some headway has been made since. A number of English teachers, tour operators and company executives here in Vietnam that VnExpress International spoke to confirmed that Vietnamese students have improved their English quite a bit over the last several years. Vietnam ranks 31st among 72 countries in the world and seventh among 19 Asian countries in English proficiency, according to the latest annual English Proficiency Index released this week by the Swiss Education First (EF), a global language training company. The level of English proficiency among Vietnamese people has increased considerably in the last five years. From 2012 to 2014, the country was classed among a group of countries with low level English skills, but has moved up to a moderate level. Experts have attributed this to the increased access to resources such as cable TV, the Internet and movies in English with subtitles. More students are taking expensive courses at language schools where they learn in an English-speaking environment, they say. Meanwhile, a rising number of the nouveaux riches, as well as some middle and upper-middle class families in Vietnam, where the annual average income was around $2,100 last year, are opting to send their children abroad for higher studies. Vietnam has been afflicted with English fever for quite some time, said Mark Ashwill, an American educator who has lived and worked in Vietnam for over a decade, with parents of means sending their young children to English centers in the hopes that a knowledge of English will give them a leg up academically and, in the future, professionally. Vietnamese students from local high schools listen to a US college representative during a U.S. Higher Education Fair in Hanoi. Photo by AFP/Hoang Dinh Nam Given this, experts say perhaps the most obvious stumbling block for Project 2020 is that the quality of teachers has not kept pace with that of their students. "There are many English teachers who are behind their students in terms of capability," said Berg, the educational consultant. He recalled teaching a graduate research class for Vietnamese majoring in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and in the back row was a group of students with their translators next to them. "Most of the teachers in the public school system put in extremely long hours and don't have a lot of time," he said. "Without faculty development and changes in teacher training programs, the project will never meet its goals." At the parliamentary hearing on Wednesday, Nha, the education minister, said his ministry would focus on improving the curriculum and teachers capacity when retooling the project. But he stopped short of announcing a new completion date for the project, saying a new proposal would be submitted to the government for approval. The failure of Project 2020 came at a time when educators might have just recovered from the discouraging fact that English results in high school exit exams last summer were among the worst of the eight compulsory subjects. But just recently, the education ministry has set yet another ambitious yet vague goal to make English the second official language in the country, without spelling out the specific timeframe for it. To experts, this move is emblematic of the tendency to keep bringing forth unrealistic policies while ignoring or glossing over major problems that have plagued the country's education system for a long time. The experts say the major challenge for the Vietnam's education system is to have a clear, realistic vision and stick to it. Vietnam is not good at strategic planning, Berg said. Lets think of a project, can we make money with it, lets milk it until it fails, by then we will have another project. Chief among the long list of unrealistic projects is another initiated in 2010 to train 20,000 students at masters and doctorate levels overseas by 2020. Critics have dismissed it as impractical and a waste of resources. Then theres another government plan, also launched in 2010, to build four international universities with at least one entering the world's top 200 by 2020. Experts say it took Asian economic powers like China or South Korea almost two decades to achieve this target, and Vietnam is in no position to outpace them. "There is a concept known as 'planning tension' that was popular under interpretations of Soviet-style planning, said Jim Cobbe, a Fulbright scholar who has done extensive research on Vietnam's education system. The idea is that it makes sense to sometimes give targets that are not really consistent with actual capacity, because that makes it more likely that people or organizations will 'stretch' their capacity to try to attain the target," Cobbe said. "The obvious problem is that sometimes if the target is too unrealistic and aspirational, they may become discouraged and do worse than they might have done with a realistic target." Related news: > Vietnams English skills rank seventh in Asia > Vietnamese beauty queen named and shamed for garbled English > U.S. Peace Corps to set up English teaching programs in Vietnam Maya Baca (Oglala) took part in a protest of the South Dakota officers who participated in #NoDAPL crackdowns in North Dakota. She received an honoring from her family for her courage. Her mother, Karin Eagle, organized the protest outside of the Pennington County sheriff's office in Rapid City, South Dakota, on November 9, 2016. Pennington Co. Takes Heat Over Deputies In ND By Brandon EcoffeyLakota Country Times Editor RAPID CITY -- South Dakota officials have been critiqued for sending highway patrolmen to oppose efforts by water protectors standing against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Last Wednesday, Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom came under fire for his recent decision to send deputies to assist with police action in North Dakota. Over the past two weeks the Pennington County Sheriff's office has sent 12 deputies to assist Morton County law enforcement in their efforts to patrol the actions of water protectors who are attempting to prevent further desecration of sacred sites and the placement of DAPL underneath the Missouri River. The deputies were sent to Morton County in two separate teams who split a two-week shift. According to the Rapid City Journal, they were present when a water protector allegedly fired three rounds at police. According to Sheriff Thom the deployment of the officers to North Dakota was not intended to anger members of the Native American community in Rapid City. "It certainly wasn't our intent to offend anybody," said Thom. "The officers were sent to protect the public safety," he added. Thom also stated that he was unaware of any of his officers deploying less-than-lethal force against water protectors. Early last week video was produced of South Dakota Highway patrolmen assaulting an unarmed water protector with batons. He would go on to add the that a similar interstate compact was utilized by Pennington County and the Oglala Sioux Tribe during a search for three missing men on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation earlier this summer. The move by Thom to send deputies however has been met with mixed reaction from tribal-citizens living in the Rapid City area. On November 9, a small group of protestors gathered around at the Sheriff's office to display their dissatisfaction. Kyle White, an Oglala Lakota citizen who know lives in Rapid City sounded off against the decision. "I don't agree with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office sending deputies to Standing Rock. They are now involved with a situation which has brought about many human rights violations and damaged race issues," said White. "I believe the Pennington County Sheriff failed to consider the movement of the Rapid City community to improve the relations with the Rapid City Police Department and law enforcement in the city." "Nearly 70% of Pennington County's population resides in Rapid City and with the RCPDs recent and public commitment to race relations, this should have been factored in by the Sheriff prior to sending resources out of the state," said White. Visit the Lakota Country Times and subscribe today Crow Creek tribal chairman Brandon Sazue has already ended all relations between Crow Creek and the state as a result of South Dakota's decision to send highway patrolmen to stand opposite of water protectors. Sheriff Thom says that he does not plan to send anymore of his deputies to North Dakota at this time. (Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com) Join the Conversation India, present at Conference of Parties (CoP)22 currently taking place in Morocco's Marrakech, firmly said that all future actions on climate change must be firmly rooted in climate justice and issues like adopting a sustainable lifestyle will be central to its course of action. Reuters Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave spoke to CoP22 President and Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar at the summit discussing issues important to India and by extention, to the world. Dave and Mezouar also spoke about enhancing cooperation between the two countries especially in the renewable energy sector. An official statement said, "Dave told the COP President that India believes that all future actions must be firmly rooted in climate justice and issues like adopting sustainable lifestyle and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) will remain central to India's course of action." In the conversation, Dave also suggested that Mezour as head of the current climate summit should organise a "Call from Marrakesh" as it will be a good sign for streamlining actions envisioned by the global community. Reuters Mezouar appreciated India's initiative in "stitching together a formidable" International Solar Alliance (ISA), which will be open to signing from today. The official statement added, "Mezouar also expressed his desire to further enhance the cooperation between India and Morocco, especially in the renewable energy sector, so that energy becomes affordable for the poor and vulnerable population of the two countries." Both the leaders also discussed enhancing South-South Cooperation among other issues during the meeting. At CoP22, which started on November 7, different countries are continuing their world on curbing climate change. Dave said that India wants a broad outline or roadmap for the implementation of the Paris agreement to be finalised at the ongoing crucial climate change conference. India, he added, will push the world for adopting a low carbon lifestyle. Former ISIS jihadi Subahani Haja Moideen, arrested in Tamil Nadu has confirmed that an Indian couple is in ISIS-held Iraq and Syria territory. He told National Investigation Agency (NIA) of meeting the Maharashtra couple during his 5 months stay with ISIS in Mosul. Moideen was arrested arranging for explosives from Sivakasi. However, he told interrogators of not being sure whether the two are fighting for ISSI. "He told us that he met the Maharashtra-based couple in Iraq and they were the only Indians he came across in the war zone. He said he met them briefly in a public place," a senior NIA official told The Hindu. He added that this is the first report of an Indian woman being in the IS-held territory. Moideen has fought alongside Islamic State fighters in the Iraqi battlefield of Baiji. He worked with the IS between April and September 2015, and is being described by the agencies as the closest any Indian recruit has come to seeing the action in West Asia. Moideen, however, chose to return home soon. After 15-20 days, Moideen claimed he could not withstand the violence and war in Mosul and decided to leave the IS. During his five-month stay in Iraq and Syria, Moideen was trained for three months in Sharia, followed by extensive combat training by the military unit of the IS in Mosul. Also read: Saudi Arabian Buyers Are Shopping For Sex Slaves - At ISIS Auctions! ISIS Bans Burqa After Woman In Veil Shoots Dead Two Jihadis With Hidden Pistol Karnataka BJP leaders including former chief ministers BS Yeddyurappa and Jagadish Shettar have attended a function at the controversial grand wedding of mining baron and former state minister Janardhan Reddy's daughter. ANI This is even after the BJP leadership had asked them to distance themselves from the event after it ran into controversy. BJP state unit spokesperson and MLA S Sureshkumar, who was Reddys cabinet colleague in the Yeddyurappa government, denied contentions that a formal instruction had come from their party leaders in New Delhi that no one should attend the wedding. We have not got any such diktat, he stated. BCCL The big fat wedding which is estimated to cost around Rs 550 crores had come under criticism for the lavish spending at a time most of the country is struggling due to the currency demonetisation. BCCL The pre-nuptial bash at the Palace Grounds in Mysuru had huge sets capturing the grandeur of the Vijayanagar empire competed for attention with the recreated rusticity of a village, just as samba dancers from Brazil jostled with Kathakali artistes from Kerala. BCCL Among the lesser lights of the day was a paan counter, said to have cost a mere Rs 25 lakh to set up, handed out Janardhan Reddy's favourite Gulzar pan from Ballari. Reddy, a former mining minister in the Yeddyurappa cabinet was arrested in 2011 for his involvement in the multi-crore mining scam along with two of his brothers. Encouraged, perhaps, by the 95% turnout of students for their Class 12 exams on Monday, an even higher, nearly 99% students appeared for their Class 10 boards across the Valley on Tuesday. BCCL J&K Board of School Education chairman Zahoor Ahmad Chatt said that out of a total of 56,277 Class 10 students, 55,500 (or 98.61%) students took their exams in 558 centres. Only 777 students failed to turn up. Also Read: One Lakh Kids In The Valley Will Defy Terrorists And Give Their Exams This Monday Besides some students, mainstream opposition parties had sought deferment of the board exams until the students completed their syllabus. Hardline separatists had called for attacks on schools in preceding weeks and months, to deprive thousands of Kashmiri students of their right to education. AP Large contingents of security forces were deployed in and around the centres to ensure exams were conducted smoothly. "At many places in south Kashmir, the security was strengthened after yesterday's stone pelting near a centre," a police officer said. BCCL Students seemed happy with the board announcing a reduction in the syllabus and said it helped them prepare for their papers on Tuesday. "We hadn't completed our syllabus due to unrest. But the board relaxed syllabus that helped us a lot," said Asif Shah, a student of Burnhall school. The Class 10 and 12 board exams will continue till December 3. An officer of the Jammu and Kashmir police was killed in a fire exchange between security forces and armed terrorists in Kashmir, police said this morning. The incident happened in Marwal forest area of Sopore In Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday morning. The officer who lost his life in the encounter belonged to the Special Operation Group which was conducting a raid in the area after police received specific inputs on the presence of terrorists. The area has been cordoned off and the encounter is still on. Further details are awaited. Discovered in 1931 by British mountaineers Frank S Smythe, Eric Shipton and RL Holdsworth who accidentally came across a large expanse dotted with flowers of every colour during their return from an expedition to Mount Kamet, Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The mountaineers who discovered the valley are credited for giving it the name "Valley of Flowers". Mumbai Travellers The Valley falls in the Nanda Devi biosphere of Uttarakhand. It is closed to public each year on October 31 after which the government releases a number of visitors to the site between June 1 and the closing day that year. This year, 10,000 visitors were recorded at the site. After the cloudburst that ravaged several places in Uttarakhand in June 2013, thousands of people were reportedly killed in the flash floods, the Valley of Flowers was opened only in 2014 and was visited by 4,066 tourists. In 2015, the number of tourists increased to 6,510. This year, 10,000 visitors have alarmed activists and travellers from across the country. "Who is going to keep a track on the impact so many travellers have on the Valley?" asks Priyanka Mitra who avoided the trek this year after two consecutive trips in the past two years. Trekking in Uttarakhand Famed Indian botanist Prakash Kala undertook the task of categorising the flora of the valley and has noted 520 alpine plants that grow here. Several of the plants found here are not found anywhere else in the world! "The 15-km route is dotted with glaciers, gorges and rivers. The ideal time to trek here is from July to October during which nature lovers can spot a variety of flora and fauna. In particular, the exquisite Brahm Kamal flower, which is found at an elevation of over 4500 meter above sea level, can be seen flowering on this trail," Chandresh Joshi, divisional forest officer of Joshimath told TOI. Himalayan Abode "I have seen a lot of people plucking flowers along the route. It's like they don't understand that these flowers need to be protected, not destroyed," says Priya Tripathy, a solo traveller. "The trek is one-of-a-kind in the world. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful share of nature's beauty and we need to protect it. This mad rush for selfies at a scenic locale is best left for metropolitan cities and shopping malls." "The trek has changed a lot since I first visited," Tripathy adds. "A lot more shops are opening up and there is a trail of plastic along the route and that is going to impact the valley." Dream Mountain The more common route through Ghangharia village has been spotted with plastic despite travellers repeatedly asking others not to. Travel writer Mridula Dwivedi noted, "People usually start early in the morning for the valley and come back late in the evening. They usually carry packed lunch inside the park as there is absolutely no place within the park where you can get food! Do remember to bring back every scrape of plastic you took with you. Do not litter. And, if you find one that was thrown by someone else, bring it back with you." Here's hoping 2017 will see a more responsible approach to the Valley of Flowers. The Mayor of West Virginia resigned from her post after facing severe public backlash over her reply to a racist comment against First Lady, Michelle Obama. instyle After the historic November 8 elections, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, the director of the Clay County Development Corp, West Virginia, posted a racist comment on Facebook which targetted Michelle Obama in a shameless racist attack. Seriously, #PamelaRamseyTaylor and #BeverlyWhaling, did you think that you could make these kinds of vile remarks and get away with it? pic.twitter.com/UD2EAwzNwi Turn Tennessee Blue (@TurnTNBlue) November 14, 2016 Her post read, "It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a (sic) Ape in heels." But the backlash was extended from Pamela to the Mayor of West Virginia, Beverly Whaling, who hailed the comment by commenting, "Just made my day Pam." ABC The comments were subsequently deleted after they angered the public who had begun circulating the horrific sentiments against the outgoing FLOTUS. Beverly Whaling later apologised, "I was referring to my day being made for change in the white house! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that im not in any way racist!" But it was too late by then. The damage had already been done. Waiting for a repair, Saigons oldest temple now on the brink of collapse 'It will collapse any moment and it needs urgent intervention.' Thong Tay Hoi, the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh City, is very close to collapsing but the culture department is still waiting for money to have it repaired. Vietnam's culture ministry, seeing the significance of the deteriorating 334-year-old temple, approved a renovation project in June 2015. The citys government then promised VND3.7 billion ($165,300) for the project, but has not disbursed the fund. Nguyen Van Ty, a manager of the temple in Go Vap District, said it has been degrading in recent years and he has asked for help from the city authorities many times. Many parts are now beyond saving, he said, standing in front of the crumbling corridors and rotten wooden pillars. Le Vinh An, a conservation expert in HCMC, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after a visit with Japanese and UNESCO experts last month that the temple is in very poor condition. It will collapse any moment and it needs urgent intervention. The temple was built in 1679 and construction finished three years later, dedicated to Dong Chinh Vuong and Duc Thanh Vuong, the two sons of Emperor Ly Thai To (974-1028). Most structures have disappeared, except for the main prayer chambers. The temple has been damaged by termites and flooding every monsoon season, as its floor is around half a meter lower than the surrounding area. Culture officials hope to start the repair work next year. Related news: >Saigon to close iconic Chinatown market for $4.6 million renovation >Magnificent century-old Tax center to be torn down in Saigon Physicist Stephen Hawking has warned us once again that using artificial intelligence and computers will be the last thing we will do. Because it will destroy us. According to him, the world could face an apocalypse similar to the one shown in movies like The Matrix where robots take over humans. Now that's a scary scenario! Age of Austism While speaking in Cambridge in October, Hawking said that robots can become more intelligent than us humans and stop being subservient to us. He said, "I believe there is no deep difference between what can be achieved by a biological brain and what can be achieved by a computer. It therefore follows that computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence and exceed it." trueactivist He continued by saying, "In the future, AI could develop a will of its own a will that is in conflict with ours. In short, the rise of powerful AI will be either the best, or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity." November 16, 2016 | 12:00 am PT A series of films from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Macao, Germany, France and Portugal. For the fourth year, DocLab and Goethe-Institut Hanoi are extremely proud to present the current edition of Hanoi DocFest -- Vietnams only annual festival dedicated to independent creative documentaries and hybrid films. Under this years theme Realities Transformed, the festival will showcase fresh documentary and experimental films coming mostly from Vietnam, but also Southeast Asia and Europe, that express and reflect contemporary life and society in exciting ways beyond conventional realism. At DocFest 2016, you will be able to discover ideas personally close to the filmmakers as well as explore broader social issues through a series of films from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Macao, Germany, France and Portugal, and will also have a chance to meet and talk with the filmmakers. This year's program also expands to include new workshops and discussions: a two-day workshop with German filmmaker Philip Widmann on documentary and hybrid film development processes; a discussion on the representation of landscape in films with Tran Ngoc Hieu and Nguyen Trinh Thi; as well as panel talks with Indonesian curator Hafiz Rancajale and young and dynamic Vietnamese filmmakers such as Truong Minh Quy, Pham Thu Hang, Ta Minh Duc, Pham Ngoc Lan, Do Van Hoang, Nguyen Thi Tham and Tran Phuong Thao. A long weekend of film screenings, discussions and dialogue exchange offers many opportunities to engage with contemporary Vietnamese cinema. For full program, click here. Free entrance Two white South African men are facing assault charges after appearing in a footage of them forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire. The video, which circulated on social media, shows a man identified as Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, cowering and moaning in a coffin as one of his tormentors pushes part of the lid on to his head and upper body. A man is also heard threatening to pour gasoline in the coffin. And another threat is to put a snake in the coffin. The assaulted man said the two men accused him of trespassing on their farm after he used a footpath in the area. According to the News24, Mlotshwa said, The next thing, there was a grave and then a coffin. There was nothing I could do because the other man had a gun. Members of the ruling African National Congress party and opposition parties gathered outside the court in Middelburg in Mpumalanga province, where the judge postponed the case against the two detained farmers until January 25. South Africa media reports that the two men said they did not apply for bail because they would fear for their lives if released. The Economic Freedom Fighters, a political opposition party, described the incident as a reminder of the racism that lingers in South Africa 22 years after the end of white minority rule. The party wants land held by the white minority to be redistributed to poor blacks. Protesters at the courthouse included their members. They still benefit out of a crime, a crime against humanity, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a spokesman for the opposition group, said while speaking on the issue of white minority. Tragedy struck on Wednesday at the popular Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following a multiple accident that claimed three lives, leaving many others injured with varying degrees of injuries. The incident which involved six vehicles occurred at about 3am at Kara bridge, outward Lagos state. Confirming the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, said the agency received a distress call about 3.08am concerning a tanker fire accident which resulted into multiple accidents with fatalities. He said investigation carried out at the scene of incident revealed that a tanker laden with 33,000 litres of AGO (diesel) ran into a stationary truck carrying brewery products. He also said investigations revealed that although the driver slammed on his brake, it still rammed into a stationary truck parked along the Kara Bridge, outward Lagos. Following the impact of the clash, the petrol tanker eventually burst into flames, while the driver and his conductor were both trapped in the vehicle. According to him, rescuers from the agency, alongside officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as well as those from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and policemen from Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps were on ground to salvage the situation. Tiamiyu advised road users especially articulated truck drivers to avoid over speeding and henceforth adhere to safety regulations while plying the road so as to forestall avoidable disasters. He further said a full scale investigation on the incident would be carried out by appropriate authorities at the incident scene. Also, the Spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in the South West Region, Ibrahim Farinloye, who also confirmed the incident said all rescuers combated the inferno for hours before it was successfully put out. He said the NEMAs coordinator in the South West Region, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu, called on motorist to exercise extreme patience or better still follow alternative route. He said the disaster assessment conducted at the scene revealed that about two containerized trucks, two trailers, one petrol tanker and a Toyota Corolla car were completely burnt. He said, Three dead bodies, all adult male were recovered. The recovery operations of the accidented burnt truck with the aid of LASEMA heavy duty equipment is presently ongoing so as to abate traffic gridlock which has built up on the Lagos Ibadan Express way. Also, the burnt carcasses have also been cleared off the road so as to restore normalcy as the traffic affected almost every part of the expressway up to Ikorodu road and even Alapere and Ogudu. A 7-year old boy was reportedly lynched in the Badagry area of Lagos for attempting to steal garri from a traders shop. It is unclear why the Nigerian Police did not respond to the situation. Jungle justice is fairly common in many Nigerian cities, where the sense that the system cannot provide justice compels mobs to mete out immediate justice. The most famous mob killing in Nigeria till date was the killing of four University students in the town of Aluu, Rivers state. Update: Police Say Boy Burnt To Death In Lagos Stole Phones, See the details. Nollywood actor, Leo Mezie, has returned from his succesful medical trip to the United Kingdom. The actor, whos kidneys had collapsed some months back was able to raise the money needed for his successful kidney operation. ALSO READ: Nollywood Stars Show Support For Ailing Actor Leo Mezie Thanks to facebook user, Monye Uche, who shared the picture of the actor as he returned to the country, we now know hes back looking hale and healthy. The actor had earlier reached out to Nigerians to thank them for their financial support and prayers from his hospital bed in October. He said; Thank You all for Your Help; For the Financial Support and prayers! I am in London now, all thanks to GOD, Nigerians home and abroad, Nollywood, friends, my kindhearted fans and family. We will never forget the goodness of your hearts. May you be blessed with all the graces you so deserved. He also updated Nigerians on his condition saying; Nigerias Central Bank has refuted reports that Heritage Bank is in financial distress and is unable to discharge its obligation to depositors. SEE ALSO: CBN Seeks Sweeping Powers To Seize Foreign Currency The reports were circulated in the news yesterday and triggered some apprehension among the banks depositors. The Central Bank in a statement released on Wednesday insisted that No Nigerian bank is in distress. Popular media personality Charly Boy, on Tuesday, led hundreds of demonstrators to the National Assembly to protest against corruption. The self-acclaimed President of Frustrated Nigerians led the crowd to give their demands to the legislator. They demanded the public disclosure of the budget of the Federal lawmakers. They also demanded that immunity from criminal procedure against the President, Vice President, governors and deputy governors be removed from the constitution. They backed the anti-corruption crusade of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and insisted that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Legislature and the Judiciary, be subjected to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to curb wastage and corruption in government. They also demanded that the Senate be scrapped with the controversial constituency intervention projects. Charly Boy, who is also called The Area Fada, said corruption had robbed Nigerian youths of their future, and noted that death penalty should be introduced to check corrupt public office holders. The 65-year-old assured that his group would not relent in protesting what he called the gross injustice against Nigerian youths until positive commitments were obtained from the lawmakers. I was happy that some youths are doing what young people should do, he said. I am just here to encourage them to take their rightful place in the society. I have also advised them on the need to go back to the drawing board and come out massively because this is a cause for the few men and women of integrity left in Nigeria to come and speak out against this oppression. He added: I see that most of the youths these days are just handicapped by the great poverty, unemployment and uncertainty of tomorrow. This is because we have a government that does not work; we have a government that cannot arrest corruption. I am here to encourage them because when next we come here, the whole place will be filled up. This is a movement. I am telling young Nigerians that if they do not do something about their future, their future has been stolen. So, if you dont fight to retrieve it, you will die for nothing in this country. There will be nothing for you, if you dont agitate. I am here to encourage that culture of agitation, the culture of standing up for your bloody rights because nothing will change until you do so. An Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday remanded an unemployed man, Blessing Agboola, 24, in Kirikiri Prisons for allegedly defiling a 3-year-old girl. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, remanded Agboola in prison after he had pleaded guilty for defiling the minor. Elias adjourned the case to Dec. 5 for sentencing. The accused, who resides at Odutola St., Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos, was charged for defilement. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Rafael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on Oct. 28 at the accused residence. Donny said that the accused defiled a 3-year-old daughter of his neighbour in his room. It was the cry of the baby that alerted her mother and caught the accused in the act, he said. He said that the offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Sequel to an order given by the House of Representatives to shut down the activities of the Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) investment scheme and arrest its agents, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has begun an investigation into the activities of the scheme. The Public Relations Officer of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, told journalists on Wednesday, He said, We can only arrest people based on the evidence that we have. The House made a resolution but the resolution is a public announcement. We have always been advising people not to patronize wonder banks because experience over time has shown that their activities are not sustainable. If you get involved in it, you will eventually get hurt. What we are currently doing is to sensitize people. We know people want to make quick money as a result of recession through this MMM. The unfortunate thing about this MMM is that it is not a Nigerian firm but we are looking at and we will still tell the media whatever we find out, Uwujaren stated. Nigerias Central Bank has warned Nigerians to desist from investing in the scheme, branding it a Ponzi Scheme. The police in Lagos State have launched a manhunt for two neighbours, identified only as Muhammed and Samuel, who stabbed a man to death during a quarrel in the Somolu area of the state. Our correspondent learnt that the victim, identified as Christian Ugbaka, was stabbed in the chest while trying to settle a fight between Muhammed and Samuel, who lived on Babylone Street. PUNCH Metro gathered that 25-year-old Ugbaka, who had visited a friend in the house at about 10pm last Tuesday, met Muhammed and Samuel arguing over Muhammeds girlfriend, identified simply as Sahadatu. He reportedly attempted to settle the fight, but was killed during the altercation. The suspects subsequently fled the area. It was learnt that the matter was reported at the Pedro Police Division, while the operatives took Ugbakas corpse to a morgue. A police source told our correspondent that it was believed that Muhammed owned the dagger used to stab the victim to death. He said, It was the girlfriend, Sahadatu, who came to the police station to report that her lover, Muhammed, had stabbed a peacemaker to death. On that evening, the occupants were sitting together in front of the house. Sahadatus younger sister, Aishat, was also with them. Samuel was said to have had an argument with Sahadatu, during which Samuel slapped Aishat and Sahadatu. Mohammed, the boyfriend, was angry and queried Samuel for harassing his girlfriend and her younger sister. It resulted in a scuffle. It was the victim, Ugbaka, who came in at the moment and tried to separate the two men. But suddenly, one of the men brought out a dagger and mistakenly stabbed Ugbaka in the chest. We believed that Muhammed inflicted the injuries because the dagger belonged to him. PUNCH Metro learnt that Ugbaka was rushed to a private hospital in the area, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. A resident of the area, who did not want his name in print, said Muhammed and Samuel fled the house since the day of the incident. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the case had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation. She said, The mans corpse was deposited at the morgue of the Lagos Mainland Hospital, Yaba, for autopsy. The case had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the SCIID for further investigation. In another development, the police are on the trail of two suspected cult members, who shot dead a 22-year-old, Samuel John, in the Ikotun area of the state. PUNCH Metro learnt that John, at about 4pm on that Tuesday, was hit by bullets from the cult members who were shooting indiscriminately on Governors Road. Our correspondent was told that the gunmen, who came on a motorcycle, shot John in the neck. A witness, who gave his name only as Cornelius, said the victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Igando, where he died. A police source told our correspondent that efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects. The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing. Source: Punch An Ado-Ekiti Magistrates Court on Tuesday ordered the remand of a security man, Oluwatuyi Alake, 45, for alleged murder of his concubine. The presiding magistrate, Omolola Akosile, who gave the order that the accused be remanded in custody, subsequently adjourned further hearing in the case till December 15, 2016. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that earlier, the prosecutor, Sergeant Monica Ikebuilo, had told the court that the defendant committed the crime on October 30 on Ojuoro Street, Stadium Road, in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State. She alleged that the accused on the day had sexual intercourse with the deceased, which left her unconscious and led to her death. She also alleged that the defendant dumped the body of the deceased in the bush to cover up his deed. The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Law of Ekiti State, 2012. Ikebuilo told the court that she had duplicated the case file and sent it to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice. The plea of the accused was not taken as his counsel, Mr. Busuyi Ayorinde, sought a short adjournment date pending the outcome of the legal advice from the DPP. Source: Punch The Republicans have tried everything to block and repel progress made under President Obamas legislation. So heres where Trump is likely to tear away at Obamas legacy. NBC BLCK has the story: As President Obama prepares to sit down with his successor, Donald Trump, in a White House meeting on Thursday that seemed improbable even a few weeks ago, an important question looms. Will the real estate mogul, once in office, seek to dismantle completely the achievements of the first black president? Trump ran a campaign premised on the idea that Obama is an ineffective president, while the incumbent appeared at events all over the country to plead with voters not to elect Trump. Now, Obamas team is not exactly sure what will happen to its work over the past eight years. There are a lot of questions that are, of course, raised about what impact the outcome of the election will have on the policies that this administration has prioritized over the last eight years, Obama spokesman Josh Earnest said on Wednesday. And I think its going to be a difficult again, less than 12 hours after the outcome of the election is known its difficult to offer a lot of precision in answering those questions today. Heres a closer look at what Obama has done and how Trump might seek to reverse it: Obamacare Republicans will have the majority in the House and Senate, as well as the presidency. The most powerful tool for Democrats to stop the GOP will be the filibuster, since Republicans dont have 60 seats in the Senate. But the filibuster could be a limited impediment. In 2010, Democrats used a Senate procedure known as reconciliation to pass some key changes to Obamacare and a reform to the nations system for college student loans. Bills adopted through reconciliation need only 51 votes, not 60. Now, Republicans could follow that example. With a narrow Senate majority, the GOP could radically overhaul Obamas signature health care law. BMWK Nigerian newspaper headlines November 16, 2016. Premium Times The House of Representatives on Tuesday began adding amendments to the National Television Authority Act, 1977, that will help make the state-run broadcaster 21st-century compliant. Vanguard Seventeen days after stakeholders on the aegis of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, made a 16- point demand on the Federal Government as a panacea for peace in the Niger Delta region, another group has also forwarded another list of demands to the government. Guardian President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the powers of the Federal High Court, Abuja to stop the prosecution of judges accused of corrupt practices. Thisday The federal government on Tuesday absolved itself of blame as to why the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), was not allowed to attend the burial of his father, the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki who died on Monday, saying that his son had vehemently rejected the offer for his temporary release. Punch The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, on Tuesday justified the killing of some Shiites members by policemen in Kano on Monday. The Sun To address the increasing rate of youth unemployment and poverty in the country, the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Oduduwa Foundation have floated a N1 billion financing scheme for youths and small businesses within Ile-Ife, Osun State. Leadership The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded arrangements to reduce the 180 cut-off mark for admission to tertiary institutions. National Mirror House of Representatives has passed into second reading a bill for an Act to make provision for the offences relating to terrorism, prohibit the financing of terrorism and consolidate all acts relating to terrorism and other related matters. The Nation The Senate yesterday took steps to end the illicit trade in freshly minted Naira notes. A 63-year-old man, Korede Odubela, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly killing his 16-year-old stepdaughter, Amudat Oshimodi, for ritual purposes. The suspect was said to have connived with another accomplice, Lekan Lawal, to commit the crime at Imosan village, in the Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state. The two suspects were among the 12 suspects paraded at the command headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Tuesday by the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, for various offences, including armed robbery, burglary and stealing. Iliyasu said Odubela, who was the leader of the gang, connived with Lawal to strangle Oshimodi, after which they sold her head and hands to ritual killers. The police commissioner said the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad received information about their activities and swooped on them on Monday, November 7, 2016. Odubela said he connived with Lawal to kill his stepdaughter because the 16-year-old girl was always stealing her mothers money. He said, The mother said we should kill her as a sacrifice for other children she had. She (Oshimodi) normally slept by the outside door. On that day, around 12 midnight, I invited Lekan Lawal, and he held the girl by the neck and strangled her while I held her legs. Odubela said he sold Amudats head to his son, Seun, a herbalist who paid him N3,000, as part payment. However, Odubelas wife, Fausat, denied asking her husband to kill her daughter. Iliyasu said the case was still under investigation, while the corpse of Amudat had been deposited at the morgue of the Ijebu Ode General Hospital. The command also paraded suspected robbers Tochukwu Njikonye, Abdulahi Abdulamid and Obinna Mbam who were said to have been arrested on Monday, October 3, 2016, in the Ogbere area of the state. The police said they were arrested while robbing motorists of their valuables. Iliyasu said the suspects were armed with two pump-action guns and one locally-made pistol, adding that they usually blocked the road with either truck or wood to perpetrate their nefarious activity. Six other suspects were equally paraded for burglary and stealing. The suspects were said to have burgled the computer laboratory of the Egba-Obafemi Community Grammar School, in the Obafemi-Owode Local government Area and carted away 95 tablets (computers) and their chargers. Iliyasu said the school principal, Mrs. Ajiboye Olaide, reported the matter at the Owode-Egba Police Station on Wedneday, November 9, 2016, and the Divisional Police Officer and his men swung into action. He said two suspects were arrested in the bushes around the school, which led to the arrest of the gang leader, Oluwagbotemi Ojo. Iliyasu said the alleged receiver of the stolen computers, Sunday Olufemi, was also arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, while all the computers were recovered. Ojo, however, said the schools security guard, Saheed Adamu, gave him information on how to burgle the computer laboratory. The CP also disclosed that his men received information that some armed robbers used a house in Egbe village in Ijebu Ode as their hideout, adding that one Gbenga Olowolafe was arrested with one pump-action gun and one double-barrelled gun. The suspect, however, said he was the coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress in the Egbe area. Source: Punch An attempted kidnap of Nigerian oil mogul, Femi Otedola, has been foiled by the Nigeria Police Force. The police in a statement issued by its Public Relation Officer, Force Headquarters, DCP Don Awunah, said the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) accomplished the task when it arrested a three-man notorious kidnap gang on the 23rd June 2016. The arrest was said to have been achieved through coordinated intelligence gathering and deployment of technical investigative tools that spanned several weeks. The Principal suspect, Ikechukwu Daniel, a 28-year-old indigene of Imo State, who is the mastermind of the gang, was rusticated from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria due to his cult related activities on campus in 2009/2010. He also doubles as the IT guru of the kidnap gang with mastery of Computer applications. Another member of the gang, 29-year-old Adeyemi Kayode, a serving officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps and a native of Ojoo in Ibadan, Oyo State serves as a Personal Assistant to the Commandant, NSCDC Oyo State Command. Kayode was stated to have taken undue advantage of his office to obtain the mobile phone number and location of Otedola. He hatched the plan on how to kidnap the business magnate to make a demand a ransome of one billion naira. The third suspect, Ayodele Temitayo, a native of Oyo in Ibadan, Oyo State who is the marksman and armourer of the gang, claimed to have been dismissed from 213 Battalion Maiduguri of Nigeria Army as a Private in 2015. All the suspects made confessional statements revealing that they had successfully carried out several high-profile kidnappings and two AK47 rifles loaded with live ammunition were recovered from them. While efforts are currently being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and extend investigation to their other criminal enterprise, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim K. Idris restated the commitment of the police to clamp down on all criminal activities across the country. Idris reassured law abiding citizens that criminal elements would be eventually apprehended and charged to court. He urged Nigerians to avail the police with relevant information that will help in the crusade against crime, and said that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality. Nigerias journalistic brown envelope culture means it is almost impossible to write a honest review or launch constructive criticism of a company and its methods. Some of the companies issue swift rebuttals, attributing your campaign of calumny to having received money from their competitors. What is more commonplace is that they ignore your concerns until it goes away, after all, Nigerians have notoriously short memories. So, hold your horses, Im neither a hater or a paid critique. Nigerias large population and sheer spending power has attracted several businesses over the years. The increased proliferation of Mobile telephony also means that businesses which were once unthinkable here have now set up shop. The promise of making a profit in Nigeria is so tempting that many companies overlook the myriad of challenges- a lack of electricity, government bureaucracy, bad road among others. Uber joined the horde of foreign investors in Nigeria in 2014, a few years after it had begun its global dominance. Lagos was its testing ground and success was almost instant. It is not so difficult to see what made Uber so successful in Lagos. Lagos taxis are mostly rickety old things driven by men who should be in retirement homes but instead prowl the roads in search of who to fleece. Lagosians are also notoriously showy, why announce your entrance in a Yellow cab when you can employ the pretense of having a driver at your beck and call? Most importantly, it took away the need to haggle, you simply paid at a predetermined rate for the distance covered. So, one luxury vehicle at a time, Uber began to conquer the congested Lagos roads and the decision to experiment with a cash payment option was a stroke of genius. Uber then made a risky move to the Abuja market, where cabs are relatively affordable. For a while, it appeared Uber Nigeria had got it pat down and could do no wrong. Then the Nigerian bug hit Anyone who is familiar with Nigerian businesses understands how complacency always sets in once they corner a fair share of the market. The signs are always the same, crappy service, crappier customer service, an inability to manage an expanding network and a generous sprinkle of fake promos. I totally forgot that when the @UberNigeria guy called to confirm my location, he had asked me to buy him snacks because he was hungry Oluchi (@LuchiesO) September 17, 2016 @UberNigeria my trip finished yesterday at 1,900, I got a trip receipt, amount was cleared/paid. Booking a trip now& I get 1,320 outstanding Oluchi (@LuchiesO) October 28, 2016 And you @UberNigeria , I sent an email reporting a driver who has refused to return my phone that was left in his uber and still no action. Valkyrie (@Pr1y3) November 2, 2016 Curiously, in Nigeria, there is dissatisfaction with Uber on every side of the divide- the riders as well as the customers. The Abuja Forum, a group of Uber drivers in Abuja went on strike to demand improved conditions to make the job worthwhile. Lagos Uber drivers also demanding improvements in a protest on Wednesday in Ikoyi, while also threatening a strike action. Lagos Uber drivers protesting in Ikoyi. I was supposed to get N80k last week. @UberNigeria paid me only N11, 900 My @Uber Driver. pic.twitter.com/LuMZjyfqiF Amara Nwankpa (@Nwankpa_A) November 16, 2016 Ubers 50% Off Rides Promo Like everyone else, I was excited when Uber rolled out this promo but my excitement was shortlived. Uber conveniently left out the fact that you could not get prices slashes above N2,000 per day and most maddening, there were price surges ALL THROUGH THE PROMO PERIOD. What use is a 50% off if you jack up prices? Is it safe to conclude at this point to conclude that the Nigeria bug of we have arrived and bitten Uber and we have to move on to? There has been no stiff competition to deny Uber the possibility of fully wielding its monopoly and without the proper regulatory frameworks, monopolies in these parts tend to just do whatever pleases them. In the final analysis, I sincerely hope Uber resolves its issues before a more focused competitor cashes in on their inefficiency. That said, where is Ubers competition?? Update: Uber Nigeria got in touch with us and had this to say: Intel has moved to a new architecture called Kaby Lake for its PC chips, but it isn't done with the previous-generation Skylake yet. The company will release new Xeon server chips based on Skylake in mid-2017, and they will boast big performance increases, said Barry Davis, general manager for the accelerated workload group at Intel. [ From Docker containers and Nano Server to software-defined storage and networking improvements, Windows Server 2016 is packed with great additions: Get the scoop on Windows Server 2016 from InfoWorld. | Stay up on key Microsoft technologies with the Windows Report newsletter. ] The Skylake Xeon chips will go into mainstream servers and could spark a big round of hardware upgrades, Davis said. Xeon chips aren't as visible as Intel's PC chips but remain extremely popular. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon buy thousands of servers loaded with Xeon chips to power their search, social networking, and artificial intelligence tasks. The chips are also used in workstations like HP's Z840 or Apple's Mac Pro for high-end engineering and virtual reality applications. Intel will demonstrate the Skylake-based Xeon for the first time at an artificial intelligence event it's hosting next week in San Francisco. The chips will succeed the Xeon E5 v4 chips based on the Broadwell architecture, which shipped early this year. The Broadwell-based Xeon chips had up to 22 cores, and the Skylake Xeons may have more. Intel's mainstream Xeons typically ship in March, so the release of the Skylake chips are slightly delayed. That's perhaps because Intel's trying to make an aggressive push into machine learning, which is making companies rethink the way they analyze data and solve problems. The move toward machine learning is even driving changes in server configurations, with more customers buying servers with graphics processors. Most of the recent Xeon E5s have shipped to cloud customers, which buy a large variety of Xeon chips, driving chip prices up, said Dean McCarron, principal analyst at Mercury Research. Intel may be tuning the Skylake Xeons for AI, which demands a different kind of workload, compared to serial cloud tasks in which you get a record, process it, and compile the result. The AI workload is parallel, which is why GPUs have become popular. GPUs excel at parallel processing. "Given this new workload development, it's likely Intel is tuning Xeon to that. That might mean some changes to software tools and tweaks in the instruction set," McCarron said. The new chips will boast advanced processing features that will bring big performance gains to AI tasks, Davis said. One such feature is support for AVX-512, which brings more floating point performance and security features to the chip. AVX-512 is being adapted from Intel's latest supercomputing chip, the 72-core Xeon Phi, which is code-named Knights Landing. Another feature is on-chip support for Intel OmniPath, a proprietary high-speed interconnect that links servers, storage, networking, and other datacenter hardware. OmniPath is key to new datacenter designs in which storage and memory are pulled out of servers and put in discrete boxes that are interconnected. That helps cram more storage, memory, and processing into server installations while reducing electric bills. Also coming next year is a new Intel deep-learning field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be plugged into servers. The Intel Deep Learning Inference Accelerator is designed to compete with chips like Google's Tensor Processing Unit for inferencing to build more effective deep-learning systems. The FPGA will come with a complete set of neural networking algorithms and can be used for image recognition and fraud detection. The chip is based on technology developed by Altera, which Intel acquired last year for $67 billion. Audrey Hatten-Milholin has worked at the University of California, San Francisco for 17 years. But come February, her job in the IT department as a system architect will be taken over by a worker from India. Even worse, Hatten-Milholin has been asked to train her replacement. Its horrible. Really horrible, she said on Tuesday. You want to treat people decently. But on the other hand, Im pretty ticked off I have to do this. Hatten-Milholin was among about 80 laid-off IT workers who held a rally on Tuesday, calling for an end to the universitys outsourcing program. The IT department workers, including permanent staff and contract employees, will be replaced by workers from an India-based IT services firm called HCL. More than a dozen of those affected workers and their supporters attended the rally outside the UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital. They carried signs that read, American workers, not foreign labor, and Protect our private data. We need to stand up. Enough is enough, said Kurt Ho, another IT worker who is being laid off. Experts who study IT outsourcing say the UCSF case is a rarity but could influence IT practices throughout higher education. CIOs at many other universities are eyeing what happens with the (University of California) case, said Ron Hira, a professor at Howard University who studies immigration and offshoring policies. If UCSF isnt pressured by the public or politicians to reverse the decision, other universities may decide the practice is acceptable, he said. Ive never heard of a case where university workers were being forced to train replacements, Hira said. UCSF said the outsourcing will help it save more than $30 million over five years. The school has contracted with three outside vendors, including HCL, Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm FireEye and Dell, to support its IT services. The vast majority of UCSFs IT services will remain in house, the university said in a statement following the rally. It has said the IT department numbers about 565 employees. UCSF has followed all applicable laws and UC policy in determining to restructure a small portion of its IT services/operations. Michael Kan UCSF IT workers held a rally on Tuesday The university also says the outside contractors will improve its IT services. The workers who are being laid off dont think so. Ho, who is 57 years old, said he has been training Indian workers who are in their 20s, a shift away from the diverse staff UCSF is laying off. Now were going to be replaced by a very young, inexperienced work force, from one part of the world, he said. I dont think this is right. The workers who attended Tuesdays rally are also concerned with the federal H-1B visa program. Allegedly, companies have been using loopholes in the program to bring in foreign IT workers to replace citizens. A lot of people think that jobs are being sent overseas, but outsourcing is happening right here in our country of America, said 43-year-old Vinny Tateo, another laid-off worker. He said its been difficult for him to find a new job. UCSF said its working with the other University of California campuses to find jobs for the affected employees. The school also says it doesnt plan to use the H-1B visa program to bring in foreign IT workers. However, since the layoffs became public, the university has posted Labor Condition Applications notices, which are required by law when H-1B workers are being placed. Some of the laid-off workers plan to challenge their dismissal through legal channels. About 10 of the workers are filing a formal complaint with Californias Department of Fair Housing and Employment. They claim the outsourcing is discriminatory because it replaces a diverse workforce with an all-Indian staff. IT workers at other University of California campuses are also worried about future outsourcing. Joining Tuesdays rally was 35-year-old Ryan Detert, a programmer in the IT department at the University of California, Davis. If UCSF thinks this is worthwhile for them, then this could very easily spread to the other campuses, he said. Stylish Artnovion acoustic panels give the Vienna Volksoper an audio upgrade Acoustic wood panel treatments developed and designed by audio specialist Artnovion have been installed in the Vienna Volksoper (the Peoples Opera House). The Vienna Volksoper was built in 1898 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Its operas are renowned with both Viennas residents and visitors to the city. The building was initially planned to house a theatre, and so was constructed without allowing for the acoustic design necessary to deliver a perfect opera performance. As the Volksoper started to offer more and more musical performances and had loudspeakers installed, the ceiling above the gallery proved to be a problem as they created sonic reflections. These became a great source of frustration, as they reduced sound quality in the venue and impacted the audiences enjoyment. The challenge was to combine acoustic engineering with an aesthetically acceptable product. To improve things, the Volksoper management team called in Peter Willensdorfer of acoustic consultants Tonarchitektur. Together with Vienna-based Pro Performance, Tonarchitektur decided that Artnovions acoustic panels were the best solution. Artnovion Logan diffusor panels were selected for their ability to break up sound reflections and to give the audience a more even acoustic distribution. In addition, the panels would need to cancel the unwanted reflections that were bouncing back from the ceiling to the stage. An extensive range of range of panels is available from Artnovion, including absorbers, bass traps and diffusers. For this project, 128 Artnovion Logan diffusers were installed on the ceiling of the Volksoper. The choice was based on just on their technical specification, but their unique design and appearance. The end results are reportedly spectacular. The installation has delivered the sonic improvement required, delighting management, audiences and performers alike. Artnovion says its aim to blend the best elements of design with cutting-edge acoustic engineering. Not only do its panels offer soundproofing, by controlling audio levels, they also seek to transform the awy sound waves interact within a space. Silver (SI) Consolidates Just Below Key 20 Level Ahead of FOMC Tradable Patterns - 39 minutes ago Silver (SIZ22) is consolidating after yesterdays near 3% bounce to the psychologically key 20 whole figure level. SI appears to be in the advanced stages of forming a major bottom after a higher... SIZ22 : 19.695 (+0.14%) SLV : 18.05 (+2.44%) Lean Hogs 79.45 target ONE44 Analytics - Tue Nov 1, 4:51PM CDT By looking at the chart alone you can see how the major Gann squares are where a lot of highs and lows happen. HEZ22 : 85.200s (+0.32%) Cotton Closes Up the 3 Cent Limit Barchart - Tue Nov 1, 4:47PM CDT Cotton rallied by the 3 cent limits on Tuesday, marking just the 16th green day since August 28th. Dec contracts had dropped a net 42.16 cents since then. The FOMC is in session today and tomorrow, with... CTZ22 : 78.40 (+4.53%) CTH23 : 76.45 (+2.42%) CTK23 : 76.28 (+1.91%) The day will consist of a series of 6 high-level conferences addressing issues relating to renewable energy and just transition. Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund emerged on Sunday as the anchor investor in Noon, a soon-to-launch online retailer that aims to replicate from a Middle Eastern base the success of e-commerce giants Alibaba Group Holding and Amazon.com. The PIF will contribute $500 million to the venture, with another $500 million coming from other investors in the region. With oil prices down more than 50 percent since mid-2014, Saudi Arabia, in efforts led by brash young Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is jockeying to become a premier technology investor as it seeks to wean its economy off hydrocarbon revenue. Central to Prince Mohammeds plan is the PIF, a state holding company with about $100 billion in local assets that he repurposed earlier this year to invest abroad and hopes to turn into the worlds biggest sovereign fund and an engine for economic growth and diversification. In October the PIF came out as the lead investor behind a new technology investment fund proposed by the Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank Group Corp. The SoftBank Vision Fund, as it is called, will invest globally in the tech sector and could top $100 billion, with the PIF potentially dishing out as much as $45 billion over the next five years. Noon, which will be based in Riyadh and launch initially in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is the brainchild of Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Alabbar, who chairs Emaar Properties, the real estate developer behind the Dubai Mall, the worlds largest shopping center. The Gulf region is on the brink of becoming the fastest-growing e-commerce market anywhere, according to consulting firm A.T. Kearney, though the sector currently represents a relatively small, 0.4 percent share of gross domestic product. But can Saudi Arabia a place where change comes slow achieve Prince Mohammeds dream of becoming a global tech hub? If the kingdom were to fall short, it wouldnt be for lack of trying. In June, Prince Mohammed took a stroll through Silicon Valley, meeting with prominent tech leaders such as Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella, two weeks after the PIF grabbed headlines with an investment in Uber Technologies to the tune of $3.5 billion. Bankers may have balked at the $66 billion valuation for the ride-hailing app, but Saudi Arabia is still the talk of the town. A recent report on cybersecurity still shows many companies are unprepared for cyberattacks. The report, conducted by KPMG and British Telecom, reveals only 22 percent of companies have a comprehensive plan in place to deal with a major cybersecurity incident. This is troubling, considering 97 percent of those surveyed CISOs, CIOs and other IT executives at Fortune 500 companies in the U.S., U.K., Singapore, India and Australia have been victims of a cyberattack. Additionally, 55 percent admitted to seeing an increase in such attacks over the past year. Industrial and manufacturing companies in particular were the target of many of the reported data breaches and cyberattacks that caused millions of dollars in financial losses in 2015-2016. According to the Verizon 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report, there were 525 separate cyber incidents within the manufacturing industry segment last year, up from 251 in 2014. Sikich Consultancy, a consulting firm in Wisconsin, reported more manufacturing firms are being targeted for breach due to their possession of process secrets and client/employee data in a bring your own device (BYOD)/remote access/file sharing environment. The KPMG and British Telecom survey also found that only 23 percent of firms surveyed have adequate cyber insurance in place. Deficiencies may include inadequate limits of liability or potential gaps in coverage, as there is no uniformity of policy design among cyber insurance carriers. Some forms will contain a certain amount of coverage while other forms will not. Some brokers will know to ask for certain coverages, while other may not. This lack of uniformity is a concern because of the significant financial consequences at stake and an already evolving cyber threat environment. Data Breach and Hacking Just as there is no uniform cyber coverage, there is no typical target. Cyberattacks targeting businesses with less than 250 employees represented 43 percent of all attacks in 2015, while headlines detailed incidents and other large data breaches at Yahoo, SWIFT, Austrias FACC and Wendys, to name a few. This is an indication that companies of all sizes remain at risk. Indeed, with the average breach cost to all companies in the United States at $6M, a breach event can be financially crippling for an industrial company. In fact, the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60 percent of small companies close their doors post-cyberattack, and for middle market companies, the average cost of a cyberattack has been more than $1M in 2016. Symantecs 2016 Internet Security Threat Report estimates that more than half a billion records were lost or stolen in 2015 due to data breach attacks. SCADA defense reports published in Computer Weekly indicate that attacks on industrial systems have risen dramatically in the last 18 months since the end of 2014. To protect their businesses, it is important for consumers to work with an experienced broker that can identify the value and sensitivity of information held, analyze gaps in traditional coverage and benchmark suggested coverage so that informed cyber insurance decisions can be made. Creating a cyberattack response strategy includes evaluating every risk associated not only within a company, but the storing and sharing of information among suppliers, customers, employees and regulators. Social Engineering The Federal Bureau of Investigations reports that between October 2013 and February 2016, law enforcement agencies received reports of business e-mail compromise scams, or social engineering fraud and email spoofing, involving 17,642 victims. According to the Bureau, complaints involving these types of fraudulent schemes have arisen in every state and 79 different countries and amount to over $2.3 billion in losses during that less than three-year period. Similar to breaches and hacking attacks, social engineering schemes are targeting businesses of all types and sizes. Given the prevalence of these fraudulent schemes, it is important to look for a policy that is designed to cover the actual loss of monies not reimbursed by a bank in a social engineering event. Also, it is important to keep in mind that there is little uniformity in social engineering or cybercrime coverage. Some insurance carriers put this coverage in their crime offerings, some will put it in their cyber offering, and some do not offer it at all. Social engineering exposures should prompt a companys management team to think about any gaps that may be present internally regarding cybercrime, the need for employee training, who should be involved in making decisions surrounding cyber security and how a knowledgeable broker can be utilized to secure the appropriate coverage. Ransomware Holding networks and network connected devices hostage for a ransom has become increasingly profitable for cybercriminals. Symantec reports that in 2015 ransomware attacks, or cyber extortion and cyber ransom attacks, which are used to encrypt files and lock up networks, the focus shifted from PCs to Smartphones, Mac, Linux and other systems. Healthcare, automated manufacturing facilities and supply chain/time sensitive enterprises could be particularly effective targets for ransomware attacks going forward. Ransomware, along with social engineering, remain the two fastest growing cyber threats to all business as the expertise level to conduct an attack remains relatively low. Addressing Cyber Risk An essential point to remember when seeking to address cyber risk is to take a proactive stance regarding cyber security. This includes implementing training, education and regular testing for employees as well as developing a cyber risk strategy that includes an examination of IT infrastructure to identify potential exposures, key cyber stakeholders, types of data held and the value of that data. Tackling cyber risk is an ongoing process that requires engagement at all levels of an enterprise. A knowledgeable broker can use analytics and cyber exposure expertise to determine how much cyber coverage limit is needed, how that limit should be allocated based on the unique needs of the business and how to avoid off the shelf policies that typically are limited in scope and coverage. Cyber risk is not decreasing it is increasing and morphing. All companies, especially industrial and manufacturing firms, need to be properly prepared. Paul King is a senior vice president of USIs Management and Professional Services (MPS) group and national cyber leader based out of the USI Dallas, Texas, office. Contact Paul at paul.king@usi.com or 214-443-3107. Visit www.usi.com for more information. Topics Cyber Agencies Training Development Manufacturing The families of some of the 26 children and educators killed at a Connecticut elementary school in 2012 asked the states top court on Tuesday to overturn a lower courts dismissal of their lawsuit against the maker of the gun used in the massacre. A Connecticut Superior Court judge last month dismissed the 2014 lawsuit against Remington Arms, the North Carolina-based maker of the Bushmaster AR-15-style assault weapon used in the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. She ruled that the 2005 federal law known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act protected Remington from being sued when its products are used in an illegal manner. The families had argued that the gun never should have been sold because, they said, it had no legitimate civilian purpose. The gun had been bought legally by the mother of 20-year-old gunman Adam Lanza, whom he shot dead in their Newtown home before his rampage. He ended it by turning the weapon on himself when he heard the sirens of approaching police. The appeal focuses on the common law principle of negligent entrustment to make the case that the weapon should not have been sold to Nancy Lanza, said Josh Koskoff, an attorney for the families. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages. Nothing will ever bring back my son, said Nicole Hockley, whose son, Dylan, was among the 20 6- and 7-year-olds killed in the Dec. 14, 2012, attack. Our only goal in bringing this appeal is to help prevent the next Sandy Hook from happening. Remington officials did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment. So-called assault rifles like the Bushmaster have been used in several recent mass shootings in the United States. They include the attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in June that took 49 lives and was the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. The AR-15 was developed from the U.S. militarys M-16 rifle, used in the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Unlike the military version, the AR-15 is not fully automatic, meaning users must pull the trigger each time they want to fire a shot. (Reporting by Scott Malone in Boston; Editing by Dan Grebler) Topics Lawsuits USA Connecticut A New Hampshire prep school criticized for how its handled sexual assault cases faces trial on a lawsuit brought by a former students mother who alleges the school wrongfully withdrew her 15-year-old son after he had sex with another student. The lawsuit alleges Phillips Exeter Academy first said the boy would be placed on leave, but could return this fall after seeking therapy, among other conditions. The mother says Exeter changed its mind and decided to withdraw him altogether as it was responding to reports it mishandled sexual assault and misconduct cases involving staff and students. Exeter says it made no contractual promise the boy would be allowed to return and says he violated the schools sexual misconduct policies. He hasnt been charged with a crime. The trial is scheduled for Monday in federal court in Concord. Lawyers on both sides did not return calls seeking comment. The lawsuit says the boy, referred to as John Doe in the complaint, had sex with 15-year-old Jane Roe in January. A dean in February contacted the boys father about reports of a consensual encounter between the students. An investigator interviewed the boy and a dean later told the father the girl felt pressured to have sex, the suit said. Phillips Exeter placed the boy on leave for the semester and wrote to the parents that the deans would review his case and determine whether he would be permitted to return in the fall, the suit said. In June, the parents learned their son would be placed on permanent leave. The suit says the school breached the student handbook by not going through a formal disciplinary process. It seeks a refund of tuition and other school-related expenses, plus money for therapy, travel and unspecified damages for emotional distress. The suit also requests that the boy be reinstated at Phillips Exeter. He enrolled in another private school after leaving Phillips Exeter. Unless `John can return to Exeter, he will lose the academic opportunities he expected to have there which are virtually unparalleled, and his future prospects are harmed, a court document filed by the mothers lawyers said. Phillips Exeter said the student handbook is not an enforceable contract. Earlier this year, two teachers at the school acknowledged sexual misconduct and a former admissions officer pleaded not guilty to sexual abuse charges. A 2016 graduate was charged with sexually assaulting a female student. Police are investigating other accusations at the private school. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits New Hampshire Nexus Underwriting, the London-based independent specialty managing general agent (MGA), has formed a claims company, trading as Nexus Claims. Being run independently from the underwriting companies, Nexus Claims offers claims management services to Nexus underwriting partners as well as insurance companies, syndicates and other MGAs. Claims management services are provided to companies that do not have their own claims operations, who need specialist expertise or simply prefer to strategically combine an outsourcing model with their existing claims capabilities, Nexus Claims explained. Nexus Claims is led by Nexus Groups chief legal officer, Adam Kembrooke, who is a dual-qualified UK and US lawyer and has previously built and managed global claims operations for insurance and reinsurance companies. Kembrooke said: Nexus Claims aim is to provide innovative and best-in-class specialty claims services. Our focus is on a technical and highly proactive approach to obtain market-beating results in terms of speed of resolution, service standards and, ultimately, underwriting profit. Nexus Claims said it has already secured agreements to manage claims emanating from more than 50 percent of the Nexus Groups $200 million gross written premiums (GWP) portfolio as well as acting as a third party administrator for 14 other non-affiliated MGAs across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. In a significant early success for the company, Nexus Claims has signed a claims management agreement with their largest capacity provider, PartnerRe Ireland Insurance Designated Activity Company (DAC), based in Dublin. We are delighted about strengthening an already exceptional relationship with PartnerRe and look forward to building on this latest development even further in the future, said Colin Thompson, founder and group executive chairman, Nexus Underwriting Management Ltd. We have ambitious group goals and have consistently performed in the top tier for underwriting results ever since our launch eight years ago, Thompson added. We aim to replicate that success with Nexus Claims, which allows us to offer a complete service solution not only to reach those goals but to enhance the profitability of the results every step of the way for us and our underwriting partners. About Nexus Group Founded in 2008, the Nexus Group is a specialty MGA, which concentrates on niche classes of business. The Group underwrites 15 specialty products on behalf of 23 underwriting partners who support their product offerings within the following lines of business: financial lines, trade credit, accident & health, surety, travel, property, latent defect and marine. The companys gross written premium is due to surpass US$200 million in 2016 and expects to write in excess of US$500 million of specialty business within 36 months. Source: Nexus Underwriting Topics USA Claims Excess Surplus Underwriting Insurance Wholesale Allied World Assurance Company Holdings announced two appointments to its General Casualty Division in Asia: Daphne Boon to the position of vice president, head of General Casualty (Asia), and Christie Huang Shuying to assistant vice president. Boon joins Allied World from AIG where she worked for 10 years after completing her degree in business, specializing in actuarial science. She served as the head of Casualty Department, managing one of the largest casualty portfolios in Singapore with additional leadership responsibilities for Indonesia. Huang also joins from AIG, where she worked for eight years, initially as an underwriter before progressing up to a casualty underwriting manager last year. She holds a degree in business management from RMIT University under the Singapore Institute of Management. Jota Shohtoku, senior vice president, head of General Casualty (Asia-Pacific), said: These appointments demonstrate Allied Worlds continued ability to attract and grow talent and are another positive step forward in building our regional casualty portfolio. Both Daphne and Christie will be based in our Singapore office and bring extensive knowledge of the Singapore market, adding breadth to Allied Worlds regional casualty expertise across both South and North Asia. Source: Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Topics Casualty A lawsuit has been filed by 18 passengers who were aboard an American Airlines aircraft that caught fire last month on the tarmac of Chicagos OHare International Airport after an engine failed. The lawsuit filed Nov. 14 in Cook County Circuit Court targets American, aircraft manufacturer Boeing Inc. and engine manufacturer General Electric Aviation. The Chicago Sun-Times reports the lawsuit claims GE sold a faulty engine that Chicago-based Boeing used to assemble an unsafe aircraft. The passengers also claim American Airlines employees should have done a better job inspecting the plane. They contend employees failed to provide assistance, supervision and instruction during evacuation. Pilots on Oct. 28 aborted the takeoff of American Airlines Flight 383 to Miami. All 161 passengers and nine crew safely evacuated, with officials saying 20 people suffered minor injuries. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Aviation QBE North America, an operating division of global insurer QBE Insurance Group Limited, has launched CyberOne and Data Compromise, an expanded suite of products and services designed to help protect small to medium-sized commercial organizations from information security exposures. CyberOne offers broad coverage to help protect the risks typical small organizations may face. It helps policyholders recover from damage to systems caused by a computer attack and also provides defense and liability coverage for certain lawsuits that allege third-party damage resulting from a failure by the insured to adequately secure its own computer system. Data Compromise helps a business respond to the loss or theft of the information they keep on customers, employees and others, including related expenses and legal defense and liability costs. This product is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses investigate a data breach, notify impacted individuals, and provide credit monitoring, case management and other services that help prevent identity theft and fraud. Forty-seven states now require a company to notify individuals when their information is exposed, with potential significant costs to respond. The damage to a companys sales and reputation is dependent upon how they respond when an attack occurs. QBEs Data Compromise insurance provides a professional response to a data breach, with personal services that consumers have come to expect, and can help defend a business or institution against lawsuits that result from the loss of information under its control. The coverage is included as part of a commercial property-casualty insurance policy. QBEs Commercial Insurance business offers a suite of products for mid-sized business customers, including a variety of property, casualty, and workers compensation products. These products can also be integrated with a broad range of QBE Specialty coverages, such as accident & health, aviation, inland marine, management liability & professional lines, trade credit and cyber. QBEs Specialty Cyber product is a stand-alone professional liability product, offering up to $10 million in coverage. QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 37 countries around the globe. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. Topics Cyber Commercial Lines Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Allen Kerr has approved a New York-based property/casualty insurance company and an Arkansas-based captive insurer to begin doing business in the state. Kerr has granted authority to Sompo Japan Fire & Marine Insurance Co. of America (SJFM), to offer property, casualty, workers compensation, surety, marine, and accident/health products in Arkansas. SJFM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo America, which is a member of Sompo Holdings, one of the largest insurance groups in Japan. SJFM currently maintains an A.M. Best Rating of A+ (Superior)(Reinsured) and is licensed in 21 states. Kerr also approved Peace of Mind Insurance Co. Inc. (POM), a newly formed Arkansas captive insurer, to transact business as a pure captive insurance company. POM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Little Rock-based BSR Trust, LLC (BSR). BSR is a limited liability company formed in May 2008 that owns, acquires and manages multi-family housing communities in the southeastern and south central United States through its wholly owned subsidiaries. POM was formed by BSR to serve as an insurance coverage mechanism for its Master Security Deposit Insurance and Master Renter Liability Insurance programs. Under the new Arkansas captive arrangement, BSR will purchase coverage for these programs from POM. Kerr has now issued 17 Certificates of Authority in 2016. In his first year as insurance commissioner in 2015, Kerr issued 14 certificates. Source: Arkansas Insurance Department Topics Carriers Arkansas A McDonalds restaurant owned and operated by Mathews Management Co. and Peach Orchard Inc. in Bentonville, Ark., will pay $103,000 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced. EEOCs lawsuit challenged McDonalds treatment of an employee when the restaurant fired him within days of learning of his HIV-positive status. The suit also charged that the companies policy of requiring all employees to report the use of prescription medication is also unlawful. Such alleged conduct violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). EEOC filed suit (Mathews Management and Peach Orchard, Inc. d/b/a McDonalds Store # 32295, Civil Action No. 5:16-CV-05166TLB) in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, after first attempting to reach a voluntary pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. After EEOC filed suit, the former employee intervened in the case with his own lawsuit and was represented by Joshua L. Bailey of the Hogue Law Firm in Fayetteville, Ark. In addition to the monetary payment, the companies will also conduct disability training for its managers and revise their policy requiring mandatory disclosure of prescription medications. Mathews Management Company owns and operates 34 McDonalds restaurants, including all of the restaurants in Northwest Arkansas and adjacent areas in Missouri and Oklahoma. This includes the store located in Bentonville. Source: EEOC Topics Lawsuits Arkansas Former operators of a Southern California sober-living operation have been charged with fraud for allegedly keeping hundreds of people in what the state insurance commissioner calls a never-ending cycle of treatment, addiction and fraud. The Insurance Department announced the arrests of Chris Bathum, former owner of Community Recovery, and executive Kirsten Wallace. Separately, Bathum was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting former clients. Community Recovery, now called Commonwealth Global, operates more than a dozen sober-living homes and outpatient facilities in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Fifteen were raided by investigators last week. Prosecutors say the operators stole identities of drug- and alcohol-addicted people, bought health insurance policies without their knowledge and submitted $176 million in phony bills. It wasnt immediately known if they have attorneys. Topics California Fraud Two people from California were arrested on a scheme allegedly involving the reported theft of an expensive classic car. Constantine Petros, 54, of Petaluma, was arrested on Oct. 19 in Sonoma County. Also arrested was Christopher Hatton, 60, of Tahoma, who surrendered himself to Placer County Superior Court on Nov. 14. Both were charged with multiple felony counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy for filing a false insurance claim for the alleged theft of a classic 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster. After receiving a suspicious claim referral from Farmers Insurance, the California Department of Insurance fraud division launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding Hattons claim that his $250,000 collectable 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster was stolen in Nevada while he attended the areas annual rib cook-off. The investigation revealed a connection between Petros and Hatton and an alleged conspiracy to file a false insurance claim for a stolen collectible Porsche that Hatton never owned and was not stolen. The alleged scheme began with Petros and Hatton creating a fraudulent paper trail showing Hatton purchased a 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster. Petros then reportedly provided a different Porsche so Hatton could secure an appraisal documenting the value of the collectible car. The investigation revealed the vehicle identification number was altered on the Porsche to make it appear as a different 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster. Using the Porsche with the altered VIN, Hatton was able to secure a vehicle appraisal value of $250,000. Hatton then used the appraisal to obtain an insurance policy for the collectible Porsche. On Sept. 4, Hatton reported the Porsche 356 Speedster stolen to police and Farmers Insurance, according to investigators. If convicted on all counts, Petros and Hatton could face more than five years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the California Attorney Generals Office. Petros and Hatton allegedly went to great lengths to weave an elaborate scheme in an attempt to defraud Farmers Insurance out of $250,000, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. Solid investigative work by department detectives stopped them in their criminal tracks. Topics California Auto Fraud Lemergenza surriscaldamento globale non si arresta. Lo rivela la Nasa (Ente Nazionale per le attivita Spaziali e Aeronautiche) lagenzia governativa civile responsabile del programma spaziale degli Stati Uniti dAmerica e della ricerca aerospaziale. Secondo lEnte statunitense, infatti, nel 2016 la temperatura globale si e attestata a 1,1 gradi centigradi in piu rispetto al XIX secolo, vale a dire rispetto ai livelli preindustriali (il periodo iniziato a partire dal Settecento in Gran Bretagna e diffusosi nell800 in buona parte del mondo). Nel 2015, evidenzia la Nasa, era gia stata raggiunta la soglia di 1 grado. Un colpo pesante per la comunita internazionale che, alla conferenza Onu di Parigi sul clima svoltasi nel dicembre 2015, si era impegnata a mantenere laumento del termometro al di sotto dei 2 gradi centigradi, e possibilmente entro un grado e mezzo, entro la fine del secolo. Ma, a inizio secolo, siamo gia a oltre un grado. Le brutte notizie non finiscono qui. Se dal globale passiamo al locale, di questo passo lItalia risentira (entro il 2100) di un aumento di temperatura ben al di sopra dei due gradi preventivati. Lo rivela il Wwf (World Wide Fund for Nature), lorganizzazione internazionale non governativa di protezione ambientale piu nota al mondo. Secondo lOng, i cambiamenti climatici in Italia saranno a dir poco preoccupanti. Le migliori e piu avanzate elaborazioni dellautorevole Centro Euromediteraneo per i Cambiamenti Climatici (Cmcc), indicano nello scenario ritenuto piu probabile un incremento della temperatura media in Italia pari a circa 3 gradi per la fine del secolo per lintero territorio nazionale. Se si considera lultimo trentennio del XXI secolo (2071-2100) scrive in un comunicato la ong ambientalista laumento di temperatura giunge anche a circa 4 gradi nel nord-ovest della penisola italiana nel periodo estivo. Nello scenario peggiore, inoltre, laumento della temperatura media in Italia sara invece di circa 6 gradi entro la fine del secolo. Lurgenza dellazione anche nel nostro Paese e ormai e un obbligo civile e morale, conclude il World Wide Fund for Nature. Emergenza caldo evidenziata anche dalla Coldiretti (Confederazione Nazionale Coltivatori Diretti), la maggiore associazione di rappresentanza e assistenza dellagricoltura italiana. Il 2016 evidenzia la confederazione sorta nel 44 si e classificato al quarto posto tra gli anni piu caldi di sempre, con una temperatura di 1,24 gradi superiore alla media del periodo. Per il calcolo, la Coldiretti si e basata sui dati del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Cnr) che rilevano le temperature dal 1800. Nella classifica degli anni piu caldi dallinizio dellindustrializzazione e percio dellinquinamento atmosferico su larga scala ci sono, nellordine, 2015, 2014, 2003 e 2016. Seguono il triste elenco: il 2007, 2012, 2001, 1994, 2009, 2011 e, infine, il 2000. Siamo di fronte agli effetti dei cambiamenti climatici scrive Coldiretti che si stanno manifestano con un pesante impatto sullagricoltura italiana, che negli ultimi dieci anni ha subito danni per 14 miliardi di euro. Si moltiplicano gli eventi estremi, sfasamenti stagionali e precipitazioni brevi, ma intense, e il repentino passaggio dal sereno al maltempo. Siccita e bombe dacqua con forti piogge a carattere alluvionale, ma anche gelate estreme e picchi di calore anomali si alternano lungo lanno e lungo tutta la Penisola. Anomalie che si evidenziano anche in questi giorni conclude Coldiretti con lItalia divisa in due, tra un nord dove e allarme incendi e siccita ed il centro sud che e seppellito dalla neve. Despite its tendency to be scapegoated, the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act was, at most, a minor contributor to the financial crisis. Although the repeal allowed much bigger banks, it can't be blamed for the crisis. The heart of the 2008 crisis was nearly $5 trillion worth of basically worthless mortgage loans, among other factors. Key Takeaways Repealing the Glass-Steagall Act could be considered a factor in the 2008 financial crisis. Some financial experts believed that the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act allowed banks to grow too big. The Glass-Steagall Act prevented banks from operating as both commercial and investment banks. Its repeal was only one of many factors that contributed to the meltdown in the housing market. Unscrupulous lending practices were a major contributor to the 2008 financial crisis. Why Glass-Steagall Is Not (Entirely) to Blame Since non-bank lenders originated the overwhelming majority of subprime mortgages, and the buyers of over half of them in the 10 years leading up to the 2008 crisis were not bankscommercial or investmentbut Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, pointing the finger at this particular banking regulation is not warranted. Some argue that the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 caused the financial crisis because banks were no longer prevented from operating as both commercial and investment banks, and the repeal allowed banks to become substantially larger or "too big to fail." However, the crisis would likely have happened even without the Glass-Steagall repeal. Some argue it may have been on a smaller scale, and that may be true, but the repeal was only one of many straws that broke the proverbial camel's back. 2008 The financial crisis was caused in part by dysfunctional lending practices and subprime mortgages. How the Glass-Steagall Act's Repeal Impacted the Financial Crisis The repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act did impact the financial crisis in some ways because the repeal allowed for the consolidation of investment and retail banks via financial holding companies. This consolidation led to a few bloated financial institutions, like Bear Stearns, heavily invested in mortgage-backed securities. During the crisis, many of the institutions had to be helped by the federal government. In this way, the act's repeal played a role in the crisis because, in the past, the law kept financial institutions from becoming investment and commercial banks. The Glass-Steagall Act was partially repealed In 1999 as part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Subprime Mortgage-backed Securities and their Inevitable Implosion Glass-Steagall applied to banks, and although many mortgage-backed derivatives were created and sold by banks, subprime mortgagesthe underlying assets of the derivativeswere initially issued by non-bank lenders. Glass-Steagall would not have prevented these initial loans. In addition, investment banks such as Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Goldman Sachs, who were all major players in the subprime mortgage meltdown, never ventured into commercial banking. They were investment banks, just as before Glass-Steagall was repealed. The lack of mortgage requirements led to a lot of people getting mortgages they couldn't afford, making large-scale defaults inevitable. The root cause of the financial crisis was the subprime mortgage meltdown. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is at the heart of that problem, which required Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase more "affordable" mortgages to encourage lenders to make loans to low-income and minority borrowers. To meet HUD's goals, lenders began to institute policies such as foregoing any requirement for a down payment and accepting unemployment benefits as a qualifying source of income. (Again, most of these lenders were private mortgage lenders, not banks, so the Glass-Steagall Act didn't apply to them.) Several contributing factors were to the financial crisis, and partial blame can be assigned to deregulation. However, the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act played at most a minor role in the crisis. Did the 1999 Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act Contribute to the 2008 Recession? The repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act may have contributed in part to the 2008 Recession as it allowed banks to become both commercial and investment entities. What President Repealed the Glass-Steagall Act? On November 12, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed a law, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and this law repealed some of the provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act but it wasn't a full repeal of the bill. Was the U.S. Government To Blame for the Great Recession? There were many contributing factors that caused the Great Recession, including banks that were both investing and commercial institutions, a subprime mortgage crisis caused by some unscrupulous lending practices. What Did the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Overturn? The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act overturned parts of the Glass-Steagall Act. When Apple unveiled the new 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar in October, it surprised everyone by offering even the base model of the laptop with a dedicated AMD GPU. While the company has been previously criticised for not offering the 15-inch MacBook Pro with a dedicated GPU, the move to offer a dedicated GPU across all variants of the 15-inch Pro was an unusual one. Turns out, as Ars Technica explains, Apple had to take this decision to ensure that all variants of the 15-inch MacBook Pro are able to drive two 5K monitors at the same time. The dedicated intel GPU on the Skylake chips only supports up to three display streams, with one of them being used by the internal Retina Display. Powering a 5K display would require two display streams since the DisplayPort v1.2 spec does not offer enough bandwidth to run such a high-resolution display. Apple gets around this shortcoming by merging two DisplayPort 1.2 streams into one. This essentially means that the Intel HD GPU inside the quad-core Skylake chips on the new 15-inch MacBook Pro could not have powered more than one 5K display at once. In comparison, the AMD GPU used by Apple offers six display streams, which allows them to support up to two 5K monitors simultaneously. With one display stream being used for the internal display and four for powering two 5K monitors, the sixth and left over stream could still be possibly used to power an additional 4K monitor. Thus, Ars speculates that to avoid any confusion among customers, Apple went with a dedicated AMD GPU on all the 15-inch MacBook Pro models. This way, it could clearly separate the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro variants, with the former only capable of driving one 5K display and the latter capable of driving two of them simultaneously. Apple will not have to employ such a workaround once DisplayPort 1.3 becomes mainstream since it provides enough bandwidth to push a single 5K monitor on one display stream itself. The publication also explains why Apple went with AMDs Polaris GPU instead of Nvidias Pascal GPU. Nvidias cards support a maximum of four displays. And while Nvidias GPUs support DisplayPort 1.3, the Thunderbolt 3 controller and most monitors only support 1.2. Another reason is power consumption. The slowest mobile GPU from Nvidia, the GTX 1060, has an 85W TDP which is significantly higher than the 35W TDP of the AMD Pro GPUs that Apple has used inside the 15-inch MacBook Pro. [Via Ars Technica In recent remarks to foreign journalists, Secretary of State John Kerry emphasized the importance of U.S. engagement in some of the most difficult challenges our world faces. On security, the United States led the effort to form a coalition of over 60 nations that is helping to stop ISIL after it swept across Iraq and Syria, taking over cities, destroying communities and murdering civilians. After 35 years of diplomatic silence, the United States not only helped start negotiations with Iran, but led the effort that ensured that Irans nuclear program is and will remain, exclusively peaceful. We continue to lead the fight against HIV AIDS. As a result, said Secretary Kerry, Today, were on the brink of seeing the first generation of AIDS-free children being born in Africa, and thats through PEPFAR, the United States program to help provide healthcare and change lives for people. When the recent Ebola epidemic first arose in West Africa, many predicted that it would claim as many as a million lives before it ran its course. But 3,000 U.S. troops, sent to West Africa by President Barack Obama, worked with personnel from many other nations to build up local healthcare capacity. We summoned an international movement, and guess what? Those million people didnt die, said Secretary Kerry. On climate change, the United States made a pact with China to that set an example of how to reduce emissions on a global basis, a move that helped set the stage for the signing of the Paris agreement. We helped craft the Kigali agreement that will end the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons. And we helped to set aside millions of square kilometers of ocean in the Antarctic, the Pacific and the Atlantic, to save our waters and fisheries. I have never seen the United States of America more engaged to the benefit of everybody else, in order to try to help other countries work their way through crises, to make peace and stability so we can go home and pay attention to things here, said Secretary of State Kerry. Ive never seen us more engaged in more countries at one time on more issues of significance with greater consequence than now. Ms Foster, speaking in Government Buildings, said she has made her views known in terms of the forum and she would not be changing her mind on that. Despite her very public slapdown of Mr Kenny over the forum a couple of months ago, she denied relations between Dublin and Belfast are frosty, saying that was just a perception that has grown in the media. However, she did say that she and Mr Kenny would not agree on everything. No they werent quite frosty at all. That was a perception that grew up in the media. In terms of the All Ireland forum, I have made my views known on that and I will not be changing, she said. Asked about her recent comments where she criticised the IDA for talking down the North economy in a bid to secure jobs for the South, Ms Foster said the two countries are in direct competition with each other. I didnt use the phrase poaching but the media have attributed the phrase poaching to me. We are not going to agree on everything. We are competitors in terms of foreign direct investment. But tonights meeting was about those areas we do want to agree on, she said. Asked for his response to her comments at her partys conference, Mr Kenny said: We always compete hard and fairly and we cant win them all. Having initially refused to hold a joint press conference earlier in the day, Mr Kenny at the last minute decided to join Ms Foster in addressing the media after the meeting in Government Buildings. Mr Kenny said the meeting was constructive and business-like, and expressed his desire to explore areas of common ground. Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcoming First Minister Arlene Foster to Government Buildings #iestaff pic.twitter.com/Whgk8Pcg2M Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) November 15, 2016 We would like to see an invisible border, where you have progress being made by both countries and both peoples. Where we would have a continuation of the support given by the EU over a great many years in terms of peace, he said. Doing her best to down play the rifts, Ms Foster agreed the meeting was constructive, adding the relationship between Dublin and Belfast is now a mature one. Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, said its Retail Monitor for the third quarter of this year showed a fall in consumer sentiment and a slowing down in sales. Retail Ireland said the Government now needed to prioritise support for the sector and take steps to ensure shifts in currency do not hamper the economic recovery and the jobs associated with it. Adding a warning over wages, it said there needed to be a renewed effort is needed to keep labour, energy, regulatory and insurance costs in line. Retail Ireland director Thomas Burke said: While sales values grew by 1.1% in the third quarter of the year when compared with the same period last year, the steady decline in growth rates quarter on quarter is a cause for concern. The 23% slump in the value of sterling since the beginning of the year has prompted more consumers to travel North to shop, with new figures also showing a surge in online shopping in the months following the UK vote. Central Bank statistics show that e-commerce transactions recorded on Irish debit and credit cards jumped by 20% from 1bn to 1.2bn between July and September as sterling fell. This was way above trend and is likely to have mostly gone to UK based online retailers. He said the Irish retail sector was working to adjust its prices even though it was still selling products that were purchased at a much different exchange rate a number of months ago. Mr Burke said retailers were squeezed by consumers demanding price reductions and UK-based suppliers seeking price increases. In department stores, despite total sales values increasing by 1.5% compared to Q3 last year and total sales volumes rising 2.3% over the same quarter last year, the devalued sterling exchange rate has driven Irish shoppers across the border and online to UK-based websites, while there has been a decline in UK tourist spend. The pharmacy sector grew by 1% in value terms and 1.3% in volume in Q3 compared to last year, but RI said the overall growth was driven by modest prescription volume growth and strong over the counter healthcare sales due to an extended hay fever season. The third quarter was broadly positive for the DIY and hardware stores, but the books, newspaper and stationery market was disappointing with CSO data suggesting the market was down 5% in both volume and value. As for supermarkets and convenience stores, sales values and volumes were up 2.5% and 3.1% versus last year. Meanwhile, a dispute between the the Musgrave group and Unilever is over. The countrys largest grocery group and Unilever had been at loggerheads over pricing but in a joint statement both said: Following a satisfactory conclusion to recent commercial discussions, Musgrave and Unilever are pleased to confirm that supply of all Unilever products to all Musgrave stores recommenced on Monday. The coroner for Cork South and West, Frank OConnell, said many things remain unanswered after hearing detailed evidence yesterday about the final movements of Diarmuid Twomey, aged 31, in the early hours of December 20, 2015. There are gaps in this case thats just the way it is. But I am convinced that this was an accident, said Mr OConnell. Mr Twomey, from Kerry but who lived with his partner, Ciara Byrne, and their two daughters, on main street, Carrignavar, 12km north of Cork City, was last seen walking on the Cork to Whitechurch road in the early hours of December 20. He and Ms Byrne had attended his nephews 18th birthday party in the Bishopstown Bar the night before, before they returned to a relatives house in Gurranabraher to continue the party. He had consumed about three pints earlier, and rum at the house party, the inquest was told. Diarmuid Twomey: There were no mental health issues, and he had no suicidal thoughts. Ms Byrne said they left the house at about 3am, and walked a short distance before she flagged down a taxi near Joyces shop in Fairhill. I got in and Diarmuid said hed follow because he wasnt feeling well, she said. Taxi driver David ORegan said he did not see Mr Twomey when he picked Ms Byrne up. Ms Byrne said she began to worry the following morning when her partner had not arrived home, but she said she felt he would walk through the door at any time. It was totally out of character for him. We had no arguments, there were no mental health issues, and he had no suicidal thoughts, she said. But when Mr Twomeys mobile phone was found on Leaders farm on the Cork to Whitechurch road later that morning, a major search operation was launched. It continued through Christmas and for several weeks until his body was found when a farmer went to drain the slurry from a pit on his farm in Rahaniskey, less than 400m from where Mr Twomeys phone was found, on January 28. Sgt Fergal Donovan said CCTV footage placed Mr Twomey at Blackstone Bridge at 3.28am on December 20, and at nearby Kia Motors at 4.02am, before a man was captured on CCTV from a private residence, eight minutes later, closer to Whitechurch village. Taxi driver Dan Crowley told the inquest he was 100% certain he saw Mr Twomey walking towards Whitechurch at around 4am. Motorist Edward Tynan spotted a man matching Mr Twomeys description closer to Whitechurch around 4.15am. Bill OSullivan said he spotted a man of similar description, who appeared to be walking drunk, less than 1.7km from Whitechurch village at around 4.25am. However, taxi driver Philip OConnell, who was driving home at 5.30am, said he saw a man matching Mr Twomeys description walking back towards the city. Sgt Donovan said there was a gap of about an hour between the last two sightings, but that it was clear, for whatever reason, that by 5.30am, Mr Twomey had turned to walk towards the city. There is no explanation for that, he said. Farmer Pat McAuliffe told the inquest he spotted a body while agitating his slurry tank at around 3pm on January 28. The pit, 150m from the main road, is 60ft by 40ft, and 8ft deep. It is surrounded by an almost 5ft wall, with gates to the front and a low wall, topped with an 8ft fence, on the other three sides. He said the only way to enter the pit was to open the gate or to scale the walls. Farm relief worker James Wycherly said he was certain the gate was closed on the morning of December 20. Mr OConnell said the inquest could not establish how Mr Twomey got in to the slurry pit, and could only say he entered it. Dr Margot Bolster said her autopsy confirmed that Mr Twomey was alive when he entered the pit, and established that the cause of death was inhalation of hydrogen sulphide following immersion in a slurry pit. She told the family he would have died rapidly. Speaking afterwards, Ms Byrne thanked everyone who has supported her and her family. Its been a tough few weeks but well be fine, she said. Mr Twomeys brother, John, said he doesnt think his family will ever get closure. There isnt a day goes by that we dont miss him, he said. We bear no ill-feeling towards the farmer, absolutely none. This was a tragic accident. Cheaper imports from the South American Mercosur bloc and the recovering dairy market will push down EU beef production and prices, it states in a long-awaited impact study. Dairy and pigmeat exports will see steady gains, says the report, which looked at the cost of 12 pending trade deals on EU agri-food markets. Agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said the report will strengthen the EUs hand in trade talks, especially with the Mercosur countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Venezuela. We expect that countries that we are trading with now, or negotiating with, will take into account this particular study in moderating their expectations of the EU in terms of what we can offer, said Mr Hogan. I think that this document and this study certainly gives us a lot more ammunition in terms of any negotiations that we would have with countries like Mercosur. Beef was taken off the menu in the Mercosur talks earlier this year, but not before a draft EU quota offer of 78,000 tonnes of beef was made public. It is higher than the 45,000-tonne quota agreed with Canada, which is to be phased in over several years. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said the report vindicates Irelands position. The message coming from Ireland is that the beef sector is no longer prepared to be the sweetener for trade deals, particularly for Mercosur, he said. France, Germany, and the UK spoke out about the negative effects of trade deals, particularly with Mercosur, on Europes farmers. It would be irrational, in my view, of the commission to proceed with trade deals, particularly in the area of beef quota access to the European market, given whats contained in this report, said Mr Creed. He said it was illogical to allow in beef imports from Mercosur that come with a heavier carbon footprint, just after signing the UNs Paris climate accord. The report says beef imports could rise by 146,000 to 356,000 tonnes between now and 2025, causing a direct fall in prices of between 8% and 16%. Exports would increase by much less. There is good news for dairy, however, which could see price rises of between 9% and 16% as a result of extra demand. The red meat sector is probably the most affected by further trade liberalisation following the set of bilateral trade agreements, says the report. He called on Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to kickstart the process of boosting the reserve as soon as possible. Figures supplied by Ms Fitzgerald, in response to a parliamentary question by Mr OCallaghan, show that overall numbers of reservists fell from 1,179 in 2014 to 870 in May 2016. That fell to 756 last September. The biggest falls were in: Cork West: Down 54%, from 28 to 13; Clare: Down 50%, from 14 to 7; Kildare: Down 49%, from 45 to 23; Meath: Down 49%, from 43 to 22; Galway: Down 49%, from 70 to 36 The districts with the highest numbers of reservists are Cork City (53, down 29%); Dublin North (52, down 17%), and Dublin South Central (51, down 35%). The Garda Reserve was set up in 2006 to assist and bolster fully trained gardai. Reservists are volunteers, but undergo training and receive expenses as long as they work a minimum of 208 hours per year. Concerns have been expressed for some time on not utilising the significant potential of the Garda reserve, said Mr OCallaghan. This poses a much bigger challenge if the numbers continue to fall. He said the Garda Inspectorate, in its December 2015 study Changing Policing in Ireland, found that despite receiving considerable training, reserves were not consistently or strategically maximised for operation purposes. Furthermore, the inspectorate said there was no identified champion for the reserveprogramme within the gardai, said Mr OCallaghan. It is obvious now that after such a decrease in numbers since the reports publication, such a champion is even more important. He said the inspectorate described recruitment to the reserve as passive, with a need for a more strategic process. In October, on the day of Budget 2017, Ms Fitzgerald said her plan was to increase the Garda Reserve from 800 members to 2,000 by 2021. Mr OCallaghan said: Just last month it was stated that there are plans afoot to more than double the number of Garda Reserves nationally. This would bring the strength of the force up to 2,000. I am calling on the minister to kickstart this process without delay. Now is the time to push a new recruitment drive for more reserves and alleviate mounting pressure on sergeants and inspectors. Spanish National Police said the investigation named operation Kolso was launched after 56 Ukrainian migrants were detained at 12 Spanish airports for carrying fake documents, which cost them anything between 300 and 1,500. The majority of them were booked on flights to Dublin. Spanish police said that since Russian forces had annexed Crimea from Ukraine, many Ukrainians had fled the country in the hope of making it to Britain. After seizing documents and questioning the migrants they raided a house in Barcelona where they arrested a man and confiscated more than 100 identity cards and forged Polish passports. By now Spanish police had broadened their inquiries and with the help of Europol they enlisted the help of police and border forces in Belgium, France, Poland and Britain. A further 30 Ukrainians were detained with false documentation at airports in Belgium, 21 were held in France and three each in airports in Portugal and the Netherlands. The arrests in Spain were made at airports in Barcelona, Murcia, Santander, Tarragona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Gerona, Bilbao, Malaga and Alicante. A Romanian man was then arrested and is claimed to be one of the kingpins of the organisation who vetted the Ukrainians before they were given false documentation. In several cases the falsified documents were extremely well produced. A Europol source said that the cheaper ones were issued with lookalike photographs while the more expensive ones featured the picture of the person who was actually travelling. The Spanish say that risk analysis carried out by the European border agency, Frontex, clearly indicated that in recent years a noticeable number of Ukrainians travelling with false documents passed through Dublin Airport. The Ukrainians were given temporary accommodation in Ireland until gang members put them on ferries to Britain. The United States is fully committed to an effective response to North Korea's atrocious human rights record. This year marks a milestone for U.S. policy regarding human rights in North Korea, said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Scott Busby. North Korea is one of the worlds most repressive countries. Under its leader Kim Jong Un, the totalitarian regime dominates every aspect of its citizens lives. North Korean authorities commit egregious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enslavement, torture, and prolonged arbitrary detention. It is estimated that the regime has locked away between 80,000 to 120,000 citizens in its vast network of political prisons. Many of these inmates are reportedly subject to torture of all kinds. Women prisoners have suffered forced abortions and have been forced to watch the infanticide of their newborn infants. These reports are deeply disturbing, and we condemn the North Korean government for its use of fear and cruelty to control its people, said Deputy Secretary Busby. The U.S. strategy to counter such violations in North Korea focuses on three key objectives. First, the U.S. seeks to increase international awareness of the dire human rights situation in North Korea. This includes amplifying the voices of defectors by sharing their stories and experiences under the oppressive North Korean regime. The second part of the strategy is to increase access to information for as many North Koreans as possible. To do this, the U.S. has partnered with defector-led organizations to push information into North Korea through networks built around the information markets. The final part of the strategy is accountability. As part of this effort, the U.S. released a report last July identifying eight entities and 15 North Korean officials, including Kim Jong Un, who are responsible for or associated with serious human rights abuses and censorship. The United States will continue to let the North Korean regime know that any future relationship depends in part on the regime taking steps to improve its human rights record. In the meantime, the U.S. will seek every opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless and remind the North Korean people that they are not alone and are not forgotten. His comments came as a national review of rail services concluded that over 600m is needed to meet the funding gap and cover losses at Irish Rail over the next five years. The Government will now consider the joint National Transport Authority/ Irish Rail review as a period of consultation begins, which will also address proposals to close down some rail routes. It recommends ways to address the financial crisis faced by the company after years of accumulated losses. These include increasing state funding, closing routes or a combination of both. Irish Rail is facing mounting losses of 103m a year. When historical losses are factored in, it will need over 600m by 2021. NTA chief Anne Graham said no decisions had been made on cutting routes and the review would be open to consultation until January 18 next. However, she acknowledged the huge sums needed: It is quite significant funding to keep the rail network operational. Note: Subvention means expenditure less receipts from fares and advertising. Cost includes expenditure on fixed cost (eg, central overheads, buildings, etc), semi-variable costs (eg, maintenance), and variable costs (eg, fuel). However it excludes non-cash items such as depreciation, a mortizsation and capitalisation. The table shows the subvention that would be paid to break even in 2015. However it does not reflect the figure that is needed to maintain the infrastructure in steady-state condition (Aecom 2016 figures). However, Irish Rail CEO David Franks warned what would happen if money was not made available: Continued under-investment will ultimately impact on safety and on service quality and this is at complete odds with our ambition which is to improve both. Various ways are proposed to improve Irish Rails funding. These include increasing state grants, closing lines and limiting routes, or a combination of these plus increased subsidy for free travel. A number of measures are also proposed to increase passenger use. These include improving the frequency of services, reducing fares, providing inter-operable tickets, spreading out operations later into the day, marketing services and improving speeds on routes. However, the report makes some stark conclusions: The under-funding of Iarnrod Eireann cannot continue indefinitely. Sporadic equipment failures could result in an increase in journey times or a decreasing service reliability, it says. Irish Rails fleet is also approaching full capacity. Once the company signs a new public service contract in 2019, it will need to have reasonable profits under EU rules, the review also notes. The report looks at the comparison between what funding Irish Rail gets and how this compares with other forms of travel. It notes the huge shift in travellers going by road in recent years, increasing again with the recovering economy. The level of car fleet and commercial vehicle fleet usage has doubled in size compared to the 1990s, it notes. The review notes the state subsidy given to Irish Rail equals the combined amount given to Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann services, which carry four times as many passengers. However, the review also notes the benefits of rail travel and why it should be kept. Rail travel can facilitate more sustainable land use developments, avoid congestion of roads and help meet climate-change targets, it says. Travelling by rail is also 3-10 times less carbon dioxide- intensive compared to road or air. The rail network in Ireland includes 2,400km of track, 1,660km of which is used. There are 147 passenger stations. There were almost 40m passenger journeys last year, a rise of 5% on the year before. Around 83% of journeys undertaken on the survey day for the report were in the Dublin area and immediate surrounding counties. There are huge differences in usage levels. The busiest station at Connolly on the survey day had 29,755 boardings while Carrick on Suir had just one. With the exception of Corks Kent Station, all the top 10 busiest stations on the day were in the Dublin area. There are also disadvantages in cutting routes. Closures would reduce the attractiveness of Irelands larger city regions for foreign investors. Rail travel also involves shorter commuter times and lower costs for users, it is noted. A cut in rail services would also hit tourists, some who rely on services. Transport Minister Shane Ross is expected to face questions in the coming days and weeks on how the funding gap for Irish Rail will be addressed and what routes might be cut. Francesca De Cataldo gave the Circuit Civil Court an undertaking in March not to cut down trees believed to have been planted on Killiney Hill, Co Dublin, to mark a visit to Ireland by Queen Victoria more than a century ago. Yesterday, Ms De Cataldo was in court to see her claims against Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Abberley Management Company Limited, thrown out by Judge Jacqueline Linnane. Barrister Francis Daly, counsel for Dun Laoghaire-based Abberley Management, had asked the court to dismiss Ms De Cataldos claims on the basis they were vexatious, frivolous, without merit, and an abuse of process. Liam OConnell, counsel for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, said he was also asking for Ms De Cataldos proceedings to be struck out. He said her legal team had conceded that the local authority had no case to meet. That was the claim made on behalf of the accused at his sentencing hearing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday but the prosecuting garda suggested he was more heavily involved in the drugs crime. Garda Lorna Healy said the accused was caught after a surveillance operation of a Lithuanian gang involved in drug-dealing in Cork. Garda Healy said the accused was in the country for less than two weeks when the drugs seizure was made. He was the main supplier to street dealers in the city, said Garda Healy. While Ramunas Gineitis, aged 34, of no fixed address did not co-operate with the gardai other than to say he had the drug for his own use, later he pleaded guilty to a charge of having diamorphine, or heroin, for sale or supply on August 11 at John OCallaghan Park, Riverstown, Glanmire, Co Cork. Gardai went to John OCallaghan Park and saw Gineitis arrive, pick up something, and leave moments later. When he was arrested the heroin was found in the waistband of his pants at 8.20am that morning. Paula McCarthy, defending, said the defendant was based in London and came to Ireland following the death of his mother in Lithuania. This was a one-off. He was looking for work. He fell into this, Ms McCarthy BL said. Garda Healy disagreed with that description. Judge Sean O Donnabhain sentenced him to three years with the last 18 months suspended. Mr McGuinness will make the comment today to the Dails public accounts committee, which is examining the financial scandal, in an opening statement in which he will also say Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Nama have clear questions to answer. As part of its inquiry into the Project Eagle scandal, which involves claims that taxpayers may have lost out on 200m amid alleged corruption, the PAC is questioning key officials linked to the Belfast property sale. They include Mr McGuinness, who will face questions over his role, if any, in what happened and what level of information politicians in the North had on the Nama deal. In his opening statement to the PAC this afternoon, a copy of which has been seen by the Irish Examiner, Mr McGuinness will say he was never involved in the appointment of Mr Cushnahan who had links to firms bidding for the Project Eagle portfolio to a Nama advisory group connected to the deal. He will also deny any knowledge of a series of meetings, conference calls, and correspondence including some sent directly to his own adviser relating to the sale of Project Eagle to a US vulture fund. He will tell TDs they should focus their attentions on Mr Noonan and Nama officials. As far back as 2010, the [Northern Ireland] executive obviously was aware of and supportive of the intent to appoint Northern advisers to the Nama advisory committee, but I had no involvement in the individuals appointed Brian Rowntree and Frank Cushnahan, says the statement. Martin McGuinness There was a process in place to take forward the sale. That process was under the stewardship of Nama and the finance minister in the south, not the executive. Mr McGuinness will tell the PAC that, despite records indicating his knowledge of aspects of the negotiations with the separate US firms Pimco and Cerberus, he was not aware of the finer details of what was taking place. He will say he learned of a meeting between Northern Ireland former first minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson and US former vice-president Dan Quayle through the media. He will say this includes meetings and engagements between the companies, DUP ministers, and Nama officials; Mr Noonans meeting with Mr Robinson on September 27, 2013; and Pimcos May 2013 meeting with Mr Robinson and party colleague Sammy Wilson. Mr McGuinness will claim he was unaware of a memo outlining the discussions sent to Nama and his own private adviser, Dara OHagan, in January 2014 as he only received an unofficial draft which was not worth the paper it was written on. Mr Robinson has claimed he never received a request to attend the PAC inquiry as the DUP did not forward a request to him. The absence of available acute hospital beds has directly contributed to overcrowding in EDs, it claims. The criticism came as the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation recorded 387 patients on trolleys yesterday. Instead of addressing the root cause of the current worsening of emergency department crowding, the response of the Department of Health and HSE to the matter proves just how dysfunctional Irish healthcare is, the IAEM says. Cork South West TD Jim Daly called on the Taoiseach to convene a mission to Washington DC in a bid to resolve the dispute. It is not safety reasons blocking this, it is not commercial reasons, it is purely political, Mr Daly said in the Dail. There is a political deadlock preventing all transatlantic traffic coming into the second largest airport in the country. Now with a new administration coming into Washington, would he consider sending a delegation to Washington to ask that politics be taken out of this? In response, Mr Kenny said the Government has supported and continues to support the Norwegian Air project and that he and several of his ministers have raised the matter in Washington consistently in recent years. The Government supports this; the opportunity that exists for Norwegian Airlines to be able to fly the Atlantic and land in Cork, Shannon, and to a lesser extent, Knock. This matter has been raised by the ministers over the years, he said. I myself had the opportunity to raise it directly with the president of the United States on two successive St Patricks week visits. The union of airline pilots were blocking this for some time. They have lifted that blockage and they are happy to go ahead provided the pilots who fly the routes were paid at European and US rates. There was a fear that pilots from the Far East [would be] only flying the routes at a lower rate, Mr Kenny told the Dail. He said he would be very happy to continue to make the case on behalf of Cork Airport. Meanwhile, the costs associated with the building of the National Childrens Hospital have doubled to more than 1bn. Tipperary Rural Independent Alliance TD Mattie McGrath said the costs were now like a runaway train, prompting some hilarity in the chamber given news reports in the papers about the Limerick-Ballybrophy line costing 550 per passenger. Mr McGrath told the Dail he still opposed plans to locate the hospital at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin. He said the projected cost over-runs could fund a resolution of the public pay crux and fix health service problems like those at Clonmel Hospital. What is staggering is that these costs exclude fit-out costs for equipment and IT, Mr McGrath said. In response, Mr Kenny said the planned hospital would provide childrens health services for the next 50 years. He said the matter would be the subject of a memo to Government from Public Expenditure Minister, Paschal Donohoe, and Health Minister Simon Harris, which caused the two ministers to appear somewhat surprised. Mr Kenny said value for money would be central to government deliberations. John Murray, who was a city councillor for the Labour Party and served as lord mayor in 1993, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenager in 1996 after a trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court in 2013. He was jailed for one year, but released after nine months. Murray died on Saturday, and at Monday nights meeting of the City Council, Fianna Fail councillor Sean Martin proposed a vote of condolence to the former lord mayors family. While this was disputed by Sinn Fein councillor Chris OLeary, he was informed that standing orders do not provide any means for him to object to the gesture, other than to state his opposition. Cliona Saidlear of Rape Crisis Network Ireland said that a lack of protocol was no defence for the councils vote of condolence, and said the gesture sent a worrying message to victims of sexual assault. This is not appropriate. This man never pleaded guilty, he never asked for redemption or forgiveness in any of this, Ms Saidlear said. What message does this send to this young woman, who was only 13 when this started? What does this tell her about how her city supports her? It is not appropriate to make such a public statement from a position of authority like that, she said. Mr OLeary, who knows Murrays victim, said she had been in contact following Murrays death to ask that the council would not send representatives to his funeral, as practiced under protocol. He said he was surprised to be the only councillor to object to the vote of condolence. I was surprised no one else said anything. Maybe they were not sure what to do in the situation, but I thought my objection allowed others the opportunity to do the same, he said. Mr Martin defended his decision to propose the vote of condolence to Mr Murrays family. He said he did so out of respect for Murrays children and wider family members, and that it should in no way minimise the impact the crime had on Murrays victim. What he did was wrong. But there is hurt on all sides here, Mr Martin said. His family have suffered through this as well. Its a tragedy all round and I think its very sad that that hurt will be carried by members of his family into another generation. The call for a pay increase across the private sector comes as the Government hardened its stance around any renegotiation of public sector wages. Ministers agreed yesterday there would be no early renegotiation of the Lansdowne Road agreement despite an ultimatum from Siptu president Jack OConnor that the union would ballot its 60,000 members for industrial action if new national pay talks are not announced by tomorrow. The Cabinet yesterday reiterated its commitment to the Lansdowne Road agreement despite the escalating public pay crisis which now involves gardai, teachers, junior doctors, and nurses. Private sector unions are to seek a 4% pay rise for their members in 2017, said John Douglas, chairman of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions private sector committee. The decision to seek the pay rise was taken after Ictus private sector committee received an economic briefing from the Nevin Economic Research Institute. Ibec, which represents business and employers, dismissed the demand as crude opportunism. Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy said: Attempts to hold the country to ransom by collusion between public and private sector unions must be resisted. Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dail yesterday that the Government will not sacrifice the hard-won gains that have been achieved by the people in recent years. Responding to questioning by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, he said the Government would stand by the Lansdowne Road agreement. Mr Kenny said Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe does not have the moneys being demanded, so there is a need, in everybodys interests, for a well-managed process and strategy by which these matters can be discussed in detail and a pathway forward negotiated. Separately, junior health minister Finian McGrath said spending on public services cannot be cut to pay for wage demands. Im not going to take any hits in relation to services for disabilities, cystic fibrosis, or people on trolleys, he said. Theyre my three issues and theyre my key issues and we have to stick to the plan in relation to public services. Junior sports minister Patrick ODonovan said that there is no crock of gold at the end of the rainbow when it comes to finding additional money to fund pay increases for public workers, adding that the rainbow will come to a very abrupt end if we dont manage it. There is a finite amount of money, there are competing demands, said Mr ODonovan. There is no additional money there and we have to work within the confines of what we have available to us, we have to work within the confines of the existing agreement. Fianna Fail called on the Government to show leadership on the escalating public pay crisis by outlining a clear plan for how to address growing strike threats. Dara Calleary, its public expenditure spokesman, made the comment as he said his own party is open to listening to union proposals to increase public sector pay, and may be willing to see negotiations happen faster than planned. Though insisting it is time for Fine Gael to show backbone, he denied that any openness to early talks which could begin as soon as April, despite being planned for later next year would undermine the public sector pay commission that Fianna Fail had requested. Government need to lead, that is their job, and we want to see them lead and lay out what their plans are, said Mr Calleary. Richie Browne of the Unite trade union said it is clear the Lansdowne Road agreement is not delivering for workers and must be replaced as soon as possible. Photo credit: Claire Frawley, Jason ONeill, and Margaret Naughton discuss flooding problems on the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick as part of the Analog Devices International event. Picture: Sean Curtin The prospect of one kind of cloud addressing the spoils of another doesnt sound far-fetched to the 60 young employees of ADI who have gathered at Thomond Park in Limerick to examine how the multinationals technology could be used to minimise the impact of flooding Ireland. The brainchild of locally-based employees, the theme of flooding in Ireland was chosen because of the impact it has had on so many lives in rural and urban Ireland, including Analog staff. Colin Lyden, fellow, Analog Devices, explained the concept behind the Hackathon: ADI has a well-established record for engineering innovation but our products have evolved and are now more deployable, with the distance between our technology and problems being solved shortening. This event is about showcasing how ADI technology can be used to address significant issues and how our technology and our people can make a difference. Flooding experts from the ESB, JBA Ireland, Garland Concepts, and the Tyndall Institute briefed the participants on the issues involved, while those who took part also investigated whether Analogs radar and sensor technologies, as well as its cloud-based services might assist in combating what has become a frequent seasonal problem nationwide. Over the years weve all become more than familiar with the devastation that flooding can cause, said Mr Lyden. It has become apparent that flooding defence mechanisms alone are no longer sufficient. An important aspect of this initiative is our interaction with various civic, commercial and community partners in Ireland. It is through such collaborations that truly informed and intuitive solutions can be realised. Industry has a part to play in addressing these challenges, he said. Advance warning and prediction systems, flood relief and maintenance of critical systems, identifying coastal threats and emergency defence measures were also examined over the two-day event by the 10 participating teams, made up of representatives from a wide variety of functions and skills in ADI. Yesterday, each team pitched their idea to the judges, Dragons Den style. The judges will decide which team wins, based on their assessment of which idea is the best use of ADI technology in alleviating the impact of flooding. Details of the winning design will be unveiled today. The company will then examine the feasibility of developing the winning concept into a solution for actual deployment by a relevant organisation. Next Saturday, UCC and the Board of Governors of the Honan Trust will host The Honan Chapel Centenary Symposium marking the milestone. Named for the Cork merchant family who gave money for it to be built, the Honan Chapel was consecrated in November 1916. The Chapel was originally modelled on Cormacs Chapel at Cashel, designed by J.F. McMullen and built by John Sisk and Sons. The centenary event will celebrate the rich history of the Chapel and its unique collection of artworks, regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement. The liturgical artworks in the Honan Chapel include some of the best examples of the Irish Revival. Photos given exclusively to irishexaminer.com by UCC UCC President Dr Michael B. Murphy who is also Chair of the Board of Governors of the Honan Trust will introduce the Symposium that will chart the Chapels founding, growth and highlight its collection, architecture, history and ambience. Speakers from around the globe will be in attendance to help celebrate the centenary and those include Professor Nancy Netzer, Director, McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College; Professor Kevin Whelan, Director, Notre Dame University Global Gateway, Dublin; Dr Paul Larmour, expert on the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement and Dr Nicola Gordon Bowe, an expert on Harry Clarke's works. Other speakers include Raghnall O Floinn, Director of the National Museum of Ireland; Dr Peter Harbison, Honorary Academic Editor, Royal Irish Academy; Virginia Teehan, Director of Cultural Projects, University College Cork; and Vera Ryan, Crawford College of Art and Design. The event takes place Saturday, November 19, at the Aula Maxima, in UCC from 9:15am 5:50pm. Admission is free. To register email niamh.mundow@ucc.ie. Ballintemple Area Residents Association spokesman Paddy Mulley said people were impressed by what they saw many posted pictures and video clips on social media. Its as good as anything youd see in Croke Park, although more compact, he said. Hopefully when the new stadium opens, it will signal a new beginning for all those involved in Cork GAA. Demolition of the old stadium started in late 2015. The new stadium, which will have an increased capacity of 45,000, will boast top-class facilities for players, fans, and staff, with up to 40 bars and restaurants, conference facilities, and a museum. Mr Mulley praised the county board and contractors for how they have managed the project, which employed up to 300 people at its peak. There were a few over-runs with concrete pours but that was it, he said. We got advance notice about works, they kept the place clean, and they enforced the construction traffic plan. We had great liaison with site manager Tom OBrien, who was on the ball for everything. They really ran an excellent site. He said residents are now awaiting publication of the Cork County Boards traffic and transport plan, which will be in effect for major games and events, and for details about the frequency of stadium events. He said enforcement of traffic and parking laws to tackle indiscriminate parking in residential areas around the stadium will be essential if the plans are to be successful. Without enforcement, it just wont work, he said. We can run the biggest outdoor show in Europe, the Ploughing Championships, every year without major traffic problems. We should be able to run a few matches in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. But match-goers have a civic duty to park responsibly. The county board also presented a defibrillator to the local community, to bring to three the number of the life-saving devices in the local area. The board also plans to fund AED training for members of the community. The county board will host a media tour of the stadium today before launching a 10-year, premium-level ticket scheme tonight. The country is in a far better place economically than could have been expected, but the Government needs to inject that extra few bob into frontline services and infrastructure that were severely neglected during the recession. Teachers, non-consultant doctors, nurses, gardai, and other public sector workers may feel their call for the restoration of pay is merited. Irelands 300,000-odd public sector employees stood by this little country in its darkest days. They took pay cuts, were lumped with the pensions levy, accepted longer working hours at a time when their retiring colleagues were not being replaced, and saw resources stretched. Now, the very vocal unions representing them want something back. But the reality is we are borrowing 2.5bn this year alone to keep the lights on. We will have to hire thousands more public workers each year just to stand still, build many more schools, open many more hospital beds, and invest in broadband and other infrastructure essential to our future. We cant afford to be held to ransom by unions. Doing so would jeopardise the recovery. Let us not forget that public service workers have already been getting a little back thanks to the Lansdowne Road agreement, which will cost hundreds of millions over three years if it manages to remain in place until its 2018 end date. In short and rough terms, the agreement has given back around 1,000 to each worker this year through a readjustment of the pension levy. And salaries are set to increase by a further 1,000, on average, under the deal. The Government may now feel the union gun is pressed firmly to its head, but opening talks on a brand new public pay deal just four months after the Lansdowne Road agreement came into effect would be a weak move. The country simply does not have the funds to restore pay, at least not now. Demographics mean that in the coming years we will need more nurses, doctors, and care workers to look after our elderly; and on the other end of the scale, more teachers to cater for an expanding young population. The situation was laid out by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the Dail yesterday. He said the number of public servants is likely to exceed 279,000 at the end of this year up from 260,700 in 2013. Given the requirement for additional public services and investment in them, possibly 8,000 to 9,000 recruitments will be required every year, he told the Dail. Fairness is the buzzword from both sides of the divide. Members of the ASTI believe it is unfair that newly qualified teachers start on a lower salary than many of their colleagues; junior doctors feel aggrieved the 3,000 living-out allowance was scrapped during the economic crisis. If the Government were to bow down to the demands of the public sector unions, they would be inflicting a greater unfairness on everyone in the country. Accelerating the restoration of wages would come at a cost the money would have to be found from somewhere. With Fine Gael adamant that taxes would not be increased, vital services would inevitably be cut. IT IS strange what shakes the world. Joining the queue to shake down the exchequer is the Irish Medical Organisation. It wants restitution of a living-out allowance to cover doctors on call; accommodation is not provided. Lots of people are on call in jobs that do not provide accommodation. A living-out allowance doesnt arise. But if the IMO, led by Dr John Duddy, gets its way, then you will have to pay for what you have no hope of ever having yourself. I met Dr Duddy once, on the Marian Finucane Show. He was personable and arrived on air after a long night in Beaumont Hospital. Brain surgery is his thing, I believe. I hadnt thought of him again until he appeared on TV, looking for the living-out allowance. Then I remembered the one thing he said on-air, when we met. He is against water charges; and didnt want to pay. So there you have it. The IMO is led by a brain surgeon who wants a living-out allowance but doesnt want a water charge. Being a dedicated doctor and being against water changes arent incompatible. I just have a fundamental difficulty getting my head around opposing an expansion of the tax base including water charges on one hand and leading the charge for living-out allowances on the other. The sums dont add up. Shrinking the tax base, avoiding the consequences by failing to invest sufficiently in capital infrastructure, and simultaneously aggravating the original sin by turning the taps on for public spending, which is largely public-sector pay; its astonishingly stupid stuff. What shakes the world elsewhere wont be long coming here either. The minister for finance arrives in Silicon Valley today. Its a planned visit, not an emergency response. And, of course, nothing will happen immediately anyway. The message as we now know, because we have been told and retold, is that those tech companies are here not because of our low taxes but because of our talent. Dont snigger, because luckily there is some truth in that. Its just not as truthy as its told. Taxes do matter. What matters too is that between Trump and Brexit, there is more uncertainly now in geo-decisionmaking for multinational corporations than in living memory. Brexit will take longer to play out. Well possibly know by next summer if Trump can land real change. It will be February really before Congress, with its Republican majority in the House and Senate, gets to work. The issue in the first instance is whether long-talked-of tax reform happens, and how it affects us. As Kyran Fitzgerald reported in this newspaper on Monday, a key player is the chairman of the House of Representatives ways and means committee, Kevin Brady, who represents the 8th district in Texas. His committee derives its enormous power from the constitution, which declares: All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives. It has jurisdiction over taxes, healthcare, social security, medicare, international trade, and welfare. Brady was chairman of the health and trade subcommittees, respectively, before he succeeded Paul Ryan, who vacated the chair to become speaker. He understands not just tax but how it interacts with trade. On that, his plan is simple. It is to obliterate the tax barrier on US companies bringing home earnings from overseas and to reduce the tax rate on repatriated profits to zero. Speaking to the Economic Club of Minnesota on October 14, thats what he said, and more. He also advocates immediate expensing which means that all businesses, regardless of size, can write off expenses on buildings, equipment, and software in the year they are incurred, and to carry those write-offs forward. On corporate tax, he wants the lowest tax rates on job creators; thus he proposes to cut US corporation tax by nearly half to 20%. Thats above Donald Trumps promise of 15%. But taken all together, if it happens, it turns the dial on one factor that does matter for Ireland. The thing about waves is they are biggest just before they crash. Its knowing the moment and judging the consequences that counts. Kevin Brady may be about to be the most powerful chairman in 30 years of the most powerful committee since the Reagan tax reforms, but he is also arguably lucky to have been re-elected last week. A congressional stalwart of nearly 20 years, he came perilously close to a primary run-off against Steve Toth, a Republican Party rival, last May. He survived that cut because an intense presidential primary season boosted turnout. He spent nearly $2m (1.86m), or ten times his rivals combined $200,000, and did just enough to survive. In two years, there wont be a presidential primary. Turnout will be much lower. When I spoke to Steve Toth this week, his message was clear. It isnt gridlock in Washington that is the problem, its a phony narrative that finds excuses to spend taxpayers money, and balloon the deficit. How President Trump and Chairman Brady can square big tax cuts with big spending increases remains to be seen. More to the point, its an open question how it will play in Texas in an off-year election in 2018. Everything in Texas may be bigger, but fundamental truths are remarkably similar. The living-out allowance in a small country, where those most prominent in the higher professions wont pay a water charge, says it all. What doesnt make sense, as we know from our own crash, ultimately implodes. Toth summed it up for me Texas style. Its time to tell the vested interests to get their snouts out of the trough. Remember, Kevin Brady replaced Paul Ryan as the ways and means chairman because colleagues to their right hounded speaker John Boehner from office, hence the shuffle up the line. Two years ago, Eric Cantor, the Republican majority leader and Boehners No 2, was taken out by a party rival in Virginia. That was the bell tolling for Boehner. Trump is now more of all that. Paul Ryan And thats just in the US. In France, Marine Le Pen is almost certain to make it to the second round of the presidential election. If she makes it to the Elysee Palace, the EU is probably over. Thats the things about timing and waves: It is about timing the crash and minimising the damage. In Silicon Valley today, it could be reasonably said that an Ireland which could manage its own affairs is well placed in Europe and offers relative certainty. And when waves crash, they recede. As an alternative to the living-out allowance, I propose battening down the hatches. Burma Burmas Abused, Intimidated LGBT People Long for Acceptance in New Era A participant wearing a Burmese traditional dress is pictured at an event celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Rangoon on May 17, 2013. / Minzayar / Reuters RANGOON When police in Burmas biggest city Rangoon arrested Chew Su Khin, a young transgender woman, for the third time in a year, they removed her hair extensions and set them on fire, stripped her naked and took pictures for their amusement. They made me remove all my clothes and perform sexual acts with other prisoners while they filmed it on their phones with the threat of more violence, the slight 20-year-old told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in Rangoons Bahan Township. She had to pay a fine of 35,000 kyat (US$27) to be released the next day. Before that, Chew Su Khin was detained under the so-called shadow law, which allows police to arrest after sunset anyone they believe is acting suspiciously. She was kept in a male jail cell where she was raped by fellow prisoners as guards looked on. Campaigners say lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people routinely face abuse, violence, intimidation and harassment from police officers who extort money and sexual favors from them in a country where homosexuality is banned. The police deny harassing LGBT people. But activists say police officers use Article 377 of the Penal Code, a relic of British colonial law, which forbids carnal intercourse against the order of nature to persecute LGBT people. The law, which carries a 10-year prison sentence for convicted offenders, is however rarely enforced. When Daw Aung San Suu Kyis party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), swept to power after a landslide election win last November, pledging to fight for human rights and democratic change, many activists hoped the victory would enable LGBT people to come out of the shadows. But a year on, many have been disappointed by a lack of progress in the socially conservative Southeast Asian country. Rape U Win Htein, an ally of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, said earlier this year he was not interested in tackling LGBT rights abuses, and that gender issues imported from the West were not important in Burma. Before the historic 2015 election, Myint Kyu, the border and security affairs minister in Mandalays regional government, said homosexuality was unacceptable and threatened to detain and educate gay men. Leading local LGBT rights group, Colours Rainbow, estimates that police intimidation led to 65 cases of wrongful arrests of LGBT people in three of Burmas 325 townships last year. But the real figure is likely to be much higher because many victims do not report police mistreatment, fearing further arrests, the groups program coordinator, Hla Myat Tun, said. In many cases, LGBT people are sexually assaulted, or beaten up by a group of police, he said. Some of them were even raped by police officers in the police compound, at the back of the police station building under the banana trees, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The Rangoon police refuted allegations of abuse against them. Whether you are male, female, homosexual or transgender, we act according to the law, a spokesman told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Despite the scale of abuse, justice is seldom pursued, campaigners say. A report this year by Colours Rainbow, Equality Myanmarone of the first organizations to provide legal assistance to the LGBT communityand USAID found that all too often, reporting a case of abuse ends up worsening the suffering of a victim. Burma Commission Meets Community Leaders in Arakan State Al Haj U Aye Lwin speaks with a Muslim religious leader in Arakan State capital Sittwe on Wednesday. / RMC / Facebook RANGOON Members of the Kofi Annan-led Arakan State Advisory Commission are visiting Buddhist and Muslim community leaders in the troubled state in an effort to reconcile conflict between the two communities. Seven commission members arrived in the state capital Sittwe on Tuesday morning and met with the state government, Buddhist Arakanese civil society organizations and Muslim religious leaders, according to commission member Dr. Thar Hla Shwe. We explained the duties and responsibilities of the commission [and] asked suggestions from locals, he said. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annanwho is head of the commissiondid not join the trip but an online statement read: I wish to express my deep concern over the recent violence in northern Rakhine [Arakan] State, which is plunging the State into renewed instability and creating new displacement. The region has erupted into fresh violence after attacks on police border guard posts early last month prompted a military security operation which has seen over 70 killed, according to government reports. Al Haj U Aye Lwin of the commission said that initial observations suggested that there was a will within both communities to achieve peacefulness in the state, as without it all had learned that economic development could not take off. Buddhist community representatives expressed support for the governments National Verification Card (NVC) project to issue identification documents to the stateless Muslim in line with Burmas 1982 citizenship law, providing them with greater freedom of movement, he said. The commission also consulted on the on-going conflict in Maungdaw Township. Minority Buddhist communities in the township expressed concern for their safety and said that the Burma Army lockdown in the area had affected the freedom of both communities, said U Aye Lwin. He added that the Muslim community he met with in Sittwe disapproved of the violent attacks by extremists in Maungdaw. Muslim religious and community leaders also stressed the need to protect women and children during Burma Army operations and for stateless Rohingya to be given official government citizenship, rather than separate NVC documentation which marks them as outsiders. Many Muslims in Arakan State possess National Registration (or tri-fold) Cards that once entitled them to equal rights with other Burmese citizens, including running for elected office. However, the 1982 Citizenship Law narrowed eligibility for full citizenship along racial lines and replaced the tri-fold with a white card, green card, and now the NVC, for naturalized and associate citizenship. Over three generations the issue of citizenship in the state has not been resolved. U Aye Lwin remarked that he had met five Buddhist Arakanese youths who valued religious and racial diversity and sought a harmonious society. Arakanese youth are struggling to stay away from the past, he said. They do not talk much about the regions long history and have no hatred. The Irrawaddy tried in vain to contact Daw Saw Khin Tint who is one of the Buddhist Arakanese representatives in the Kofi Annan Commission. Burma Govt Rejects Human Rights Report on Arakan State Violence U Zaw Htay talks to the media at an urgent press conference on the situation in Arakan State on Wednesday. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy RANGOON The Burmese government rejected a Human Rights Watch report that said more than 400 buildings in three Rohingya Muslim villages in northern Maungdaw Township were burned. During an urgent press conference held by the Presidents Office in Naypyidaw on Wednesday afternoon, spokesperson U Zaw Htay alleged that there were errors in the report and that some media organizations had written articles based on incorrect information. Human Rights Watch said that on Nov. 13 it had identified a total of 430 destroyed buildings in three villages in northern Maungdaw by analyzing high resolution satellite imagery recorded on the mornings of Oct. 22, Nov. 3 and Nov 10. The report stated that 85 buildings were destroyed in the village of Pyaung Pyit (Ngar Sar Kyu), 245 in Kyet Yoe Pyin, and 100 in Wa Peik (Kyee Kan Pyin). When the report came out, we conducted an investigation in the areaand found that the accusations were far different from the reality on the ground, U Zaw Htay said. U Zaw Htay said the actual number of burned buildings was 20 in Pyaung Pyit, 30 in Kyet Yoe Pyin and 105 in Wa Peik, adding that those incidents were acts of arson committed by militants. We already released information about the arson incidents on Nov. 14, he said. During the press conference, Maj-Gen Soe Naing Oo from the Ministry of Defense said that over the weekend a Burma Army column fell under siege with more than 830 people attacking with guns from three different locations. We handled the situation carefully by using rubber bullets to disperse the crowd but the column commander was fatally shot. To save the lives of other security forces and maintain the armys dignity, a helicopter gunship with a 7.62mm medium machine gun was sent. Our actions were in line with the Geneva Conventions, he said. State media reported that the weekend clashes resulted in at least 27 deaths. The recent conflict is the largest escalation since violence erupted a month ago. On Wednesday, U Zaw Htay said the State Counselors Office had formed a 7-member committee from the Ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, Border Affairs, Home Affairs and the Presidents Office, in order to release real time information about the situation in Arakan State. This article has been updated. Burma Shan Armed Group Says Four Soldiers Detained by Authorities Two members of the Shan State Army-North are pictured on the front line near Wan Hai, the organizations headquarters. / Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Four members of the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) have been detained since Nov. 4 in Shan States Mong Nong Township amid the Burma Army pressure on the group to sign the countrys nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA). They were not carrying guns and were not even wearing army uniforms, but they have been detained. This is pointless, said the SSA-Ns Col Sai Phone Han. The men were first arrested by the Burma Army at a road checkpoint before being handed over to police. Sai Phone Han added that another member of the ethnic armed organization was detained under similar circumstances in October. Based on a 2012 ceasefire agreement signed by the SSA-N and the government, members of the SSA-N are allowed to travel throughout Shan State as long as they do not do so in uniform and remain unarmed. As we are building trust, they should not act like this, Col Sai Phone Han said of the Burmese authorities. The detainees were charged under Article 17(1) of the Unlawful Association Act, which calls for prison sentences for individuals found to have links to organizations deemed illegal; leaders of ethnic armed groups that have signed ceasefire pacts with the government argue that they should be exempt from such charges. The SSA-N is one of seven members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a coalition of non-state armed groups that opted out of signing the 2015 NCA on the grounds that it lacked inclusivity: some of the UNFC member groups were not invited as signatories. The UNFCs Delegation for Political Negotiation has recently engaged in talks with the civilian-led government representatives regarding the NCA. State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has urged UNFC members to sign NCA this month before the government initiates a national political dialogue. Those groups which have not signed NCA will not be able to participate in the dialogue; according to ethnic leaders, the government plans to proceed with the plan with or without them. Gen Sao Hso Ten, of the SSA-N, spoke at a meeting for the Committee for Shan State Unity in Rangoon at the end of October regarding the prospects for his organization signing the NCA. 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, Gen. Sao Hso Ten said at the meeting, as was reported by the Shan Herald Agency for News on Nov. 2. Referencing a 1989 ceasefire and attendance at a national conference in 1993, the general described these events in retrospect as fake. In order for us not to be cheated again, we have to protect ourselvesWe have to have ownership in this peace process and decide by ourselves whether to sign the agreement. If we cannot decide this by ourselves, we should not sign the agreement, Gen Sao Hso Ten explained. 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, he added. Sporadic clashes between the Burma Army and the SSA-Nthe armed wing of the Shan State Progress Partyhave been ongoing. The most serious offensive occurred in Nov. 2015 when the Burma Army attacked Wan Hai, the SSA-N headquarters. Burma Stakeholders Push for Greater Access to Information in Burma Discussion on right to information at Phandeeyar. / Tin Htet Paing / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Burmese media stakeholders and legal experts on Tuesday stressed the need for enacting a right to information law in Burma, highlighting the failure of government organizations to provide primary information and a lack of public awareness of this right. Former Thomson Reuters correspondent Ma Thin Lei Win facilitated the discussion, which was hosted by Phandeeyar, a technological hub that supports digital innovation. Ma Thin Lei Win said that implementing such a law would stymie corruption and graft. This law is very important for democratic countries as it reflects the measure of transparency that governments have and makes authorities accountable, she said. Burma has not yet enacted a law of this sort, even though a draft of one was written during the administration of former president U Thein Sein. Stakeholders, however, criticized the draft as overly broad and [including] unclear exemptions. Ko Swe Win, chief correspondent of Myanmar Now, echoed Ma Thin Lei Win regarding the need for such a law, which would make primary data available for journalists to carry out their responsibilities of verification and cross-examination of information given by sources. He also tackled the challenges facing journalists in trying to collect official documents, given the history of media blackout characteristic of Burmas previous governments. We have difficulty verifying information and doing a check-and-balance on government activities because there is lack of primary information, he said. He explained that the current situation in Burma is one in which information pertaining to the government mainly comes from official press releases or statements made by government officials at conferences. The assumption [of government officials] is that they think theyre doing enough by providing what they want to disclose when they want to disclose it, he said. Official [information] is far from the truth. While a news media law was enacted in Burma in March 2014, Article 19a British advocacy group promoting freedom of expression and informationsaid that the law unjustifiably limits freedom of expression, though they admitted that it was a positive attempt to begin dismantling the extensive apparatus of censorship in the country. Ma Yin Yadanar Thein, Burma program manager of Article 19, highlighted the general lack of public awareness of what information fundamentally means, saying that the public would not be able to hold the government accountable without having information on budget allocations and policies. She also stressed concern over the fact that there was no inclusion of an independent body that would decide which information should be public, and the lack of a definition on information concerning the public interest. The meaning of information is very wide, she said. When they [government officials] want to restrict information, they can do so without considering what kind of information is beneficial to the public interest. When we say information, it must also include the definition of public interest in the law. Ko Swe Win highlighted that the law should also include punishment for those who fail to provide information or manipulate information or give misinformation. Because there is no primary information available to journalists, we have to spend six months on an investigation that could have taken three months if we could just get the necessary information, he said. Having such a law would save journalists time, he explained, though he added that this barrier to information should not be used as an excuse by journalists for not conducting their reports responsibly. Ei Myat Noe Khin, a social impact associate at Phandeeyar, talked about the importance of digital platforms for public access to information, saying that the public will only be able to make better decisions if it has access to information that would guide choices. Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the adoption of legal protections that guarantee freedom of information and press in Sweden, the Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, Laos, and Burma shared Swedish practices and principles relating to public access to official documents. He also said that although Swedens original legislation was enacted in 1766, it is still applicable to the current context of the country, and that social media platforms such as Facebook make it easier for government institutions to make information public. Despite the push for greater access to the information, journalists in Burma today are threatened with telecommunication laws used by the government to justify the persecution of journalists who speak unfavorably of government officials. Currently, the Rangoon regional government filed a lawsuit against two journalists from Eleven Media Group for a Facebook post under Article 66 (d), alleging that a chief minister was involvement in corruption. The journalists are now detained at Insein Prison. The media watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists called on the Burmese government to immediately free both journalists as well as drop all defamation charges against them on Monday. Its outrageous that journalists should be imprisoned without trial, under a democratically elected government that has promised more press freedom, said Steven Butler, CPJs Asia program coordinator in the statement. Burma Swedish Court Ruling Stokes Concerns Over Impact on Burma Teak Exports A government timber yard in Monywa in Sagaing Division. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy Following a Swedish courts decision to fine its trading company over the use of illegal teak products from Burma, environmental experts say the market shares of Burmese timber exporters will also be affected. This week, Swedens administrative court fined Almtra Nordic, a Swedish trading company specializing in bringing wood products into European market, 17,000 Swedish kronor (US$1,700) for a lack of adequate proof that a shipment of Burmese teak imported into Sweden had been legally harvested, according to a statement released by Forest Trends, a US-based environmental NGO, on Tuesday. Following almost a year of injunctions from Swedish authorities and an appeal from the company, the court ruled that certificatesprovided by the Myanmar Forest Products Merchants Federation (MFPMF)as well as permits issued by the Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE), were insufficient to prove a negligible risk of illegality. In a ruling on Oct. 7, the court said that the company had imported the teak via a Singapore trader that had violated the European Timber Regulation, a 2013 law requiring companies to ensure their risk of importing illegally logged timber into the European Union is negligible. The company has informed Swedens EUTR regulator that it will no longer import wood from Burma. The verdict of the Swedish court indicated that the Burmese government must carefully consider the source of timber exports, said Burmese environmentalists. Prominent environmentalist Win Myo Thu, the director of EcoDev and chair of Green Motherland (Sein Lan Ami Myay), told The Irrawaddy that an EU courts decision has had a large impact on the future of timber exports for Burma. It impacts our economy, and it damages our dignity if the company and the government do not follow regulations and if our timber is not freed from any illegal logging activities, he said, referring to how the Swedish court said that Burmese teak meets neither the European standard nor the international one. Currently, the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Preservation, has sole responsibility for monitoring all timber extraction. Burma banned logging earlier this year and banned the export of raw timber in 2014. MTEs deputy general manager Aye Cho Thaung told The Irrawaddy that they are assessing the Swedish courts ruling with the Myanmar Forest Certificate Committee. The MTE stopped issuing timber certificates two years ago, after the ban was issued on raw log exports. If the Swedish court or related regulators asks us [the Myanmar government], we could check and provide information about whether this teak was actually from Myanmar, because we harvest our teak through legal means, said Aye Cho Thaung. As of now, we can not verify [its origins] as we only know that it involves a Singapore trader and we do not know the companys name. Teak from Burma has primarily been exported to a number of European countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy and Germany. This first case could hinder other buyers from importing our products, and this would impact exports to other EU countries and to Australia and the United States, Win Myo Thu said. Kerstin Canby, Director of the Forest Policy, Trade and Finance program at Forest Trends, told The Irrawaddy via email that it is likely that other Swedish companies are going to ask for more documentation from Burmese sellers. If they cannot find the information that the Swedish court indicated was missing in this case, the Swedish companies will likely not buy the Myanmar product to avoid being fined, she said. Burmas access to European wood markets was valued at close to 50 million between 2012 and 2015. If Burma wants to maintain its market access, transparency within the supply chain needs to be reformed with credible evidence proving compliance with the EUTR, according to Forest Trends. Win Myo Thu added that, despite the certificates provided by the private MFPMF and the current governments Myanmar Forest Certificate Committee, it is not always possible to guarantee that timber extractions were done in accordance with regulations. We, civil society organizations, have been urging legal timber extraction, Win Myo Thu said, although it remains a question as to whether government officials follow the rules and regulations instructed by the ministry. Ms. Kerstin Canby added, If they [Swedish traders or importers] are using the same documentation the so-called Green Folder that Almtra used, without additional proof that the Swedish court deemed missing, it is likely that the Swedish regulator, backed up by the Swedish court decision, would also find those companies in violation of EUTR. Authorities in other EU countries are already investigating similar cases involving Burmese teak, according to Forest Trends, which expects to see similar court rulings in the future. This is the first case in which a court has determined that the certificate issued by the MFPMF is not enough to secure legality; this case is likely to be used as guidance by other courts in the EU responsible for judging whether European companies have complied with the EU Timber Regulation, said Jade Saunders, a Forest Trends senior policy analyst who works with law enforcement officials in Europe and the United States. She suggested that a third party audit for responsible timber buyers be introduced as a new global norm, as long as those countries sourcing timber do not yet have robust transparent national systems. This ruling makes explicit that European companies must document their full supply chain back to area of harvest in order to assess and mitigate risk, Saunders told The Irrawaddy. Today we are focusing on Europe but the court decision is also likely to impact US imports from Myanmar by raising the bar for expectations of Due Care under the Lacey Act, she said. Burma Youth Advocates Urge Lawmaker Participation in Child Rights Forum A press conference held on Tuesday at Rangoons Novotel Hotel regarding the upcoming National Childrens Forum. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy RANGOON Burmese childrens rights advocates and appointed childrens representatives called on parliamentarians to participate in the upcoming National Childrens Forum in Naypyidaw, during which they hope that new laws and policies protecting the countrys youth emerge and existing laws are reinforced. The forum will be held at the Mingalar Thiri Hotel from Nov. 18-20, coinciding with Universal Childrens Day on Nov. 20the day the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Burma signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in July 1991, adopting survival, developmental, protection and participation rights for children. U Aung Myo Min, director of Equality Myanmar, said at a press conference on Tuesday in Rangoon that regarding participation rights, many Asean countries, including Burma, largely fail to take into account childrens voices when addressing childrens issues. At this forum, children will present their needs and recommendations to the countrys legislators to address the problems, he said. He said many child rape cases are seen on social media and that about 300 girls and boys under age 18 are trafficked each month to Thailand, according to data compiled by civil society organizations working along the border in Thailands Mae Sot. He added that in underage rape cases, perpetrators are quickly released and not severely punished. About 70 lawmakers from the Union Parliament, along with other interested lawmakers, were invited to join 130 childrens representatives from 14 different states and divisions at the forum to discuss current issues. Ma Theint Honey Htun, a childrens representative from Karenni State who will attend the forum, said state representatives would discuss education, public health, protection, peace and environmental preservation in regards to youth at the forum. She said prior to the forum, representatives discussed with children the difficulties they face including drugs, landmines and security issues in conflict areas, limited education and water scarcity. Mg Zin Min Thu, one of six representatives from Rangoon Division who will attend the forum, told The Irrawaddy they also discussed domestic violence, child labor, education and health problems. I would like lawmakers to attend the forum and to listen to our voices. I hope they will address the problems and needs that we present, Ma Theint Honey Htun added. U Aung Myo Min said the childrens recommendations from the forum would also be used in an alternative report put out by non-governmental and civil society organizations next year coinciding with a government report on the Convention of the Rights of the Child. ELKO Local gun store owners are grappling with the impending changes in the background check law that go into effect Jan. 1. According to Ruby Mountain Pawn owner Jeni-Lei Powell, the new law will be a nightmare. I will have to hire a new person just to handle the new law transitions, she said. Powell is no stranger to performing gun background checks. Ive been in the industry 28 years, she said. We have always had to do gun checks. She went on to explain the detailed methodology involved in the purchase of a gun at Ruby Mountain Pawn. According to the current laws in place, Powell said the paperwork is already extensive and records of gun sales must be kept permanently. If a gun proprietor closes shop, that paperwork is transferred to the appropriate authority. Although cumbersome, she feels the current system works and this amendment was unnecessary. This does not affect law-abiding citizens, she said. It is so convoluted that I am still trying to figure out how to follow the law. At any real gun show they do not allow anyone to walk out without a background check, she said. Even people who purchase a firearm at a reputable online store must get a background check before the gun is transferred. Powell sees issues with private sales, as those will now require a citizen to go to a local gun store for a background check before a gun is legally transferred. She feels that the number of outside gun transactions will now become her responsibility, which brings up issues about people coming in with a gun that may or may not be loaded. In essence, the increased traffic and potential for an accident may go up right along with her insurance bill. Powell also argues that no funding was put into place to enforce the law change. Arms-R-Us owner Danielle Kohler she was not in favor of the change. They have now put the burden on businesses rather than simplifying what is already in effect. Its going to be a huge burden on rural communities, she said. Elko Daily Free Press contacted the owner of Gun World and Archery but he was uncertain as to his feelings about the law. The owner of Sierra Jewelry and Loan was unavailable for comment. Speaking of gun control laws in general, Powell cited Australias change that took place in 1997, stating that armed home invasions went way up after some types of guns were restricted from private use and owners of such guns were required to partake in a governmental buyback program. Private citizens turned over 640,381 firearms to the government that were then destroyed. This program cost taxpayers about $500 million. According to some, including an Australia police officer, violent crimes increased. Armed robberies were thought to have skyrocketed 44 percent due to the fact that criminals now know that many residents are unarmed. You control people by controlling the right to defend themselves, she said about the new law. Guest Column Development as Unfreedom: Shrinking Democratic Spaces in Asia Teeranet Chaisuwan (L), a land rights defender, and deputy permanent secretary of the prime ministers office Jirachai Moontongroy (2nd L), lay flowers in front a memorial for four murdered land rights defenders during a government meeting with villagers in Klong Sai Pattana, in Thailands south, on July 1, 2016. / Alisa Tang / Reuters The real sign of development and democracy is how a country respects, protects and promotes freedoms and human rights. The biggest challenge of our times is the increasing gap between the promises and performance of states and governments in relation to the protection of the freedoms and human rights of their people. This is most evident in many countries in Asia, with the shrinking of freedom and democratic spaces resulting in increasing attacks on human rights defenders. Amartya Sen in his acclaimed book Development as Freedom defined development as the expansion of human freedoms and capabilities. However, the biggest paradox among most of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region is that there is a new stress on an economic development model that often leads to unfreedoms and economic and social inequality. Therein, the freedoms of people, particularly those belonging to poor and marginalized groups, are increasingly compromised. There is also a resurgence in discrimination and the repression of the voices of dissent and democracy in several parts of the region. China, the biggest economy in the world, in many ways indicates the rise of unfreedoms in the most evident manner, despite economic development.While many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have witnessed unprecedented economic growth, it has also paradoxically increased the social and economic inequalities, marginalization of religious and ethnic minorities and the shrinking of democratic spaces. Within a new nexus of political and economic elites, there is an elite capture of the government. This rise of crony capitalism often leads to the destruction and degradation of the environment, displacement of the poor, and marginalization of people from their traditional lands and livelihoods. The economic growth-centric development model often perpetuates inequality, injustice and the violation of human rights and tends to create violence and conflict, undermining freedom and human capability. The politics of hate, exclusion and violence adversely affect freedom and human rights in the region. As per the estimates of FORUM-ASIA, 16 human rights activists were killed in different parts of the Asia in the past year. From 2013-2014, FORUM-ASIA documented 324 violation and abuses against human rights activists in the region. Hundreds of human rights activists receive threats from government agencies as well as non-state actors, religious fanatics and those who preach and practice the politics of fear and violence. In the last year alone there have been 108 cases of government harassment and criminalization. The UN estimated that 45 percent of 156 human rights defenders killed worldwide in 2015 were defenders of environmental, land and indigenous peoples rights. Many countries such as Cambodia, Bangladesh, Maldives, South Korea, and Thailand have adopted restrictive laws that violate the right to association and the ability of civil society to function without fear or favor. Many of the organizations are denied their right to raise resources. There is an increasing threat to free media and also a targeting of the journalists who expose corruption and human rights violations. In many countries, right to information activists, bloggers and writers are specifically targeted by non-state actors, mafias and religious fanatics. These occurrences are not restricted to specific countries and examples of the same can be seen across the continent. For example, in India, academics and journalists are targeted by the police for writing on human rights or conducting investigations on human rights violations, while also bearing the brunt of rising religious fundamentalism. In Pakistan, minority communities and activists are specifically targeted by discriminatory laws and non-state as well as religious, fanatics, often sacrificing their lives in the defense of their basic human rights. In Bangladesh, the spate of killings of bloggers and journalists has handicapped the freedom to express and smothered the right to dissent. In Cambodia, four well-known human rights defenders are in jail being punished for what the UN believes to be a set of rights that are inviolable and universal. In March 2016, the UN Human Rights Council passed resolution 31/32 , reiterating the urgent need to respect, protect, promote and facilitate the work of those defending economic, social and cultural rights as a vital factor contributing towards the realization of those rights, including as they relate to environmental and land issues and development. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders recognizes the legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders, as well as their need for better protection. Human rights defenders include civil society activists, professional as well as non-professional human rights workers, journalists, lawyers and anyone who works to protect and promote human rights in a peaceful manner. The UN Declaration also codifies the international standards that protect the activities of human rights defenders. As per the Declaration, the protected activities of human rights defenders include the right to development and discuss human rights ideas and to advocate their acceptance; the right to criticize government bodies and agencies and to make proposals to improve their accountability and functioning; and the right to provide legal assistance and support in defense of human rights; the right to observe fair trials; the right to communicate with the non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations and right to access resources for the protection of human rights. Despite the larger legitimacy of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, human rights and environmental activists and organizations are often at the receiving end of persecution by the government or religious fanatics or both. The increasingly shrill rhetoric on national security and national interests promoted by corporate and government-controlled media houses often targets all human rights defenders and activists as anti-national or as working against the countrys development. It is in this period of uncertainty and shrinking civil society space that we must further promote the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The 7th Asian Regional Human Rights Defenders Forumtaking place from Nov. 14-16 in Sri Lankawill not only help to build solidarity across Asia but also help reclaim the spaces for freedom, human rights and justice in the region. John Samuel is the Executive Director of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA). Welcome to the state of Clark. The land mass that is Clark County was added to Nevada three years after statehood, carved from a corner of Arizona. It was a part of Lincoln County until 1909, when the Legislature split off Clark County. Clark dangles on the map like a vestigial tail on the nether region of Nevada. On Election Day 2016, the tail wagged the dog. This past week 1.1 million Nevadans cast presidential ballots, fully 68 percent of those were cast in Clark County and there was a stark difference in how Clark voted compared to the rest of the state. In the presidential contest alone the difference was a spectrum shift from bright Democratic blue in Clark to crimson Republican red just about everywhere else in the state. While Democrat Hillary Clinton beat out Republican nominee Donald Trump statewide by about 36,000 votes, she bested him in Clark by more than 80,000 ballots, while he out polled her in the rest of the state by 55,000 votes, according to Secretary of State tabulations. The only other Nevada county Clinton won was urban Washoe and that by only 2,500 votes out of more than 190,000 cast there. In other counties Trump won largely by margins exceeding 2-to-1 and in Lincoln County by 6-to-1. Meanwhile, in the senatorial race to fill the vacancy being left by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reids retirement, Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto won statewide, but the only county she won was Clark. She won statewide by about 2 percentage points or 26,000 votes, but won by 80,000 votes in Clark. Republican Joe Heck, who gave up his Congressional District 3 seat to run for the Senate, won every other county, some by more than 4-to-1. Excluding Clark, Heck won the remainder of Nevada by more than 55,000 votes. Nearly 4 percent of Nevadans chose none of these candidates in the Senate race. In the 4th Congressional District which includes part of northern Clark County, the southern part of Lyon County and all of White Pine, Nye, Mineral, Esmeralda, and Lincoln counties Democrat Ruben Kihuen won districtwide by nearly 10,000 votes but won in Clark by about 24,000. Incumbent Republican Cresent Hardy won every other county, all by about 2-to-1 or more. After the dust settles, Nevada switches from having four out of its six Washington delegates being Republicans to four being Democrats. Democrats won all save one of the Clark County state Senate seats up for grabs, giving the Democrats an 11-10 majority in Carson City, instead of the previous 11-10 GOP edge. Republicans won every rural Assembly seat, while Democrats carried most races in Clark and Washoe, giving Democrats a 27-15 majority, instead of the previous Republican majority. The gun grabbing Question 1 ballot initiative requiring background checks for almost every gun purchase or gift passed by 100,000 votes in Clark, but failed in every other county, often with 80 to 90 percent voting no. Question 2, legalization of pot, passed only in Clark, Washoe, Nye and Story, but narrowly won statewide due to Clarks numbers. In 2014 Nevada experienced a red shift, when Republicans won all six statewide elective offices governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, controller, attorney general as well as majorities in both houses of the Legislature. The 2016 reversal of fortune was probably best explained by a little-circulated Associated Press story that appeared about a week before the election. It described how the Las Vegas Culinary union was busing thousands of casino housekeepers and staffers to early voting sites just off the Las Vegas Strip, speaking in Spanish as they clutched pocket-sized brochures listing candidates endorsed by the powerful Culinary union. The union bused workers during their paid lunch break and handed them boxed lunches for the ride back to work. The story went on to report that the union had registered 34,000 members to vote, had reassigned 150 members to full-time political work, planned to knock on 200,000 doors and place phone calls to co-workers. There is talk in California since the election of Trump about secession from the Union. Anyone think Clark County should go with them? Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 (12:01 am) - Score 972 Earlier this year Hyperoptic announced that theyd be extending their 1000Mbps (1Gbps) capable Fibre-to-the-Premise / Building (FTTP/B) based ultrafast broadband network to 7 extra hyper-cities in the UK (here) and today the first buildings have now started to go live in Edinburgh (Scotland). The fibre optic service generally focuses upon connecting homes inside big apartment buildings (i.e. Multi-Dwelling-Units with at least 50 units) or office blocks. The first to benefit in Edinburgh will be residents of the Platinum Point development on the Firth of Forth in Newhaven. Apparently nearly 50% of existing residents have already subscribed to the service, although were not given a specific figure. Similar installations are also taking place in buildings across the city and the ISP said that they would be investing millions in broadband infrastructure across Edinburgh over the next couple of years, with the aim of connecting hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses over the next couple of years. Hyperoptic is also deploying their ultrafast service to homes and businesses in parts of London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, Reading, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Birmingham, Newcastle and Brighton. On top of that theyre beginning work to roll-out in Portsmouth, Watford, Leicester, Southampton, Slough and Woking. Fergus Ewing, Scottish Connectivity Secretary, said: We want Scotland to become a world class digital nation. A key part of this is future-proofing our digital infrastructure and that is why we have committed to providing superfast broadband to 100% of premises in Scotland by 2021. Commercial investment will play a huge part in delivering this commitment, and I welcome Hyperoptics announcement that Edinburgh businesses and residents are now able to benefit from gigabit broadband the fastest broadband speed available in the UK. Tim Huxtable, Hyperoptics National Team Manager, added: The feedback following our announcement that we were coming to Edinburgh has been phenomenal there is a huge appetite for our gigabit connectivity, which is over 128 times faster than traditional ASDL speeds. As a nation we are becoming ever more reliant on fast and reliable access to the Internet; buffering and peak time slowdowns just get more frustrating and its well documented that people would now actively avoid moving into a property with slow speeds. When a building has Hyperoptic it is a real point of difference the developers we work with are all thrilled with resident feedback. Once a resident goes Hyperoptic they never want to go back! Hyperoptic has tended to be quite coy with their premises passed figures for the United Kingdom, although their long-held goal is still to cover 500,000 premises by 2018 2019 and this is being supported via a recent 21m loan from the European Investment Bank (here); not to mention that 2013 injection of 50m from Quantum Strategic Partners Ltd. (here). Customers typically pay from 15 per month (22 after the first 9 months) for their entry-level unlimited 20Mbps (1Mbps upload) package with a free installation, which rises to 20 per month (35 after the first 9 months) for a symmetrical speed of 100Mbps or 30 per month (60 after the first 9 months) for their top 1000Mbps package. A router and 12 month contract are included, although other options with a phone and or 1 month contract are also available. However Hyperoptic no longer has the urban ultrafast fibre optic market all to themselves, with BT now rolling out their own 1Gbps capable FTTP broadband network to 2 million UK premises by 2020 and Virgin Media aiming to achieve the same with their 300Mbps+ FTTP by 2019. However Hyperoptics affordable pricing does give them an edge via the faster tiers. Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 (9:00 am) - Score 4,720 A competition row between Vodafone and BT has erupted once again after the former wrote to Ofcom and complained that Openreachs trial of 330Mbps (50Mbps upload) capable G.fast broadband tech had broken the regulators strict rules, which require a consultation to take place first. Vodafone has repeatedly called for BTs network access division, Openreach, to be split from the incumbents control as part of Ofcoms on-going Strategic Review. Vodafone sees this as a means of addressing discrimination within the market and improving pro-competitive investment (here), which would also make it easier for them to build their own network if they so desired (here). Ofcom clearly agrees with some of Vodafones concerns (here), but so far the regulator is still attempting to reach a softer voluntary agreement with BT and meanwhile Vodafones attempts to make a bolder entry into the market by hooking up with Virgin Medias parent, Liberty Global, have faltered (here). Elsewhere BT has continued to tout a proposed 6bn investment over the next few years, part of which will support the roll-out of their 1Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP) network to 2 million UK premises, with another 10 million benefiting from 300Mbps capable hybrid-fibre G.fast technology by 2020. At present Openreach is already conducting several on-going trials of G.fast (e.g. Swansea in Wales, Gillingham in Kent, Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire etc.) and they now aim to launch a major pilot in January 2017, which will reach 17 locations across the UK and cover 138,000 UK premises by the end of March 2017 (here and here). However Vodafone still has a few rounds left to fire and as a result theyve written a new letter to Ofcom, which reminds the regulator that their own rules may require a long consultation on Openreachs G.fast pilot before it can proceed. A Vodafone Spokesman said: We call on Ofcom to discharge its legal duties and carry out a proper consultation into this issue. Ofcoms original 2005 regulatory undertakings agreement with BT was tweaked in 2009 to allow the roll-out of their up to 40-80Mbps capable Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC / VDSL2), but Vodafone argues that this was not a blank cheque for all future deployments. FTTP was also part of the original plan and its easy to forget that at one point in 2009/10 BT was talking about 2.5 million premises passed, which is similar to their new plan. According to the FT (paywall), Vodafone could also launch a legal challenge if BT presses ahead with its deployment without the consultation, all of which could risk a significant delay. At present its likely that G.fasts commercial roll-out in the UK will begin during the latter part of H2 2017, but such a delay could easily push it into H1 2018 or later. On the one hand Vodafones approach could be considered a touch petty, but on the other hand there is a question mark over whether or not G.fast is different enough from FTTC as to require an additional consultation. The basic deployment approach is roughly similar to FTTC, although G.fast will be largely deployed via extension pods on existing PCP street cabinets. Weve also seen Openreach carry off plenty of similar technology trials (e.g. FTTrn, FTT-Basement, Long Reach VDSL2) and all without attracting the same sort of concern, although admittedly none of those are planned for a massive national roll-out. Ofcom tends to be fairly flexible with pilots / trials (too much paper work might be counter-productive) and they may well argue that part of the issue is already being handled within their existing Strategic Review. Meanwhile rivals believe that an independent Openreach could forge ahead with FTTP/H and largely abandon G.fast, but at present theres no clear plan for such an outcome. The official line from Ofcom is that the regulator will consider Vodafones concerns very carefully, while a spokesperson for Openreach complained that the attempt to delay the roll-out is an unhelpful move that benefits no one. Facebook's chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has rejected claims the social network affected the US presidential election. He said that it is "extremely unlikely" news hoaxes changed the outcome. The CEO vehemently defended the network against such criticism at a news conference on Thursday and then echoed the same stance in a post late on Saturday, though he said the company would do more to prevent fake news. According to SBS, trapped in a series of content debates in recent months, Facebook is insisting it is a technology company, not a media firm. But scrutiny of the site has heightened since the surprise election of Republican Donald Trump, with critics alleging the site helped spread lies via fake news stories and hoaxes. Zuckerberg vehemently supported the network against such judgment at a news conference on Thursday and then echoed the same stance in a post late on Saturday, though he said the company would do more to prevent fake news. Such hoaxes represent a sliver of content shared on Facebook and because they are not limited to partisan views or politics, it is unlikely they could have changed the election's outcome. "Of all the content on Facebook, more than 99 percent of what people see is authentic," he said, noting the network's goal is to "give every person a voice." However, Zuckerberg also announced that Facebook will continue refining tools that allow users to flag hoaxes and fake news. The function, which takes hoax reports into account in the site's content algorithm, was first introduced in January of last year. But it has seemed to have little effect, and Zuckerberg admits that "there is more we can do here." As reported by Chris Prentice of Reuters, ahead of the November 8 election, Facebook users saw fake news reports erroneously alleging that Pope Francis endorsed Donald Trump and that a federal agent who had been investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was found dead. "After the election, many people are asking whether fake news contributed to the result, and what our responsibility is to prevent fake news from spreading," Zuckerberg said on Saturday. "These are very important questions and I care deeply about getting them right." According to scientists, using your smartphones while walking is significantly changing the way you move. Researchers from the University of Delaware (UD) placed reflective markers on 22 volunteers and asked them to walk on a treadmill. When they were asked to dial a number, they started to walk strangely, as if expecting to trip over something. Dual Tasking Of Text-Walkers As reported by The Telegraph, the problem of text-walkers has become such a problem that last year Antwerp in Belgium brought in text-walking lanes so that they do not irritate or endanger other pedestrians.Dual tasking resulted in increased stride width in our participants, said Kelly Seymour, a researcher from UD. Seymour and other scientists also noted that dual tasking resulted in increased stride width in their participants. This may represent compensation for a feeling of instability during dual task walking by increasing the base of support. Here are some other ailments associated with intensive mobile phone usage, as reported by The Guardian. Text Claw Or Soreness And Cramping Of Fingers It may appear like an evolutionary advance approach resulting in a bird-of-prey clutches perfect for playing Pokemon GO, but is in fact soreness and cramping in the fingers, wrist and forearm resulting in repetitive motor activity. Note that anyone whos spent enough time on a cell phone can likely attest to feelings of soreness and cramping in the fingers According to HuffPost, Aaron Daluiski, M.D., chief of the Hand and Upper Extremity Service at New York-Presbyterian Hospital explains that theres no specific diagnosis arises from people using technology devices. If you were to be shucking corn or rolling cigars or anything else, it would probably be the same, he added. Text Neck This ailment is also known as iPosture. Text neck is the pain feels when you are looking down at your devices. Our heads weigh 10 to 12lbs and angling them downward or forward for a long period of time puts a strain on the spine. According to a report from 2014, text neck is becoming an epidemic and could lead to permanent damage. Screen-sightedness Opticians have warned people that gadget overuse may lead to long-term eye damage. Dry eyes, headaches and an increase in myopia have all been linked to sustained periods spent on handheld gadgets. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is the most common refractive error of the eye, and it has become more prevalent in recent years. These are just three of the many ailments that you can get when you continue doing what supposed to be stop. From the researchers point of view, it turns out that walking while using our phones is changing the way people move. As early as now, it is a very good way to start preventing phone walking. Stop when you need to use your mobile. Tech giants as Twitter, Google and Facebook send on Monday an open letter to the elected presidential candidate Donald Trump, congratulating him for the victory and urging him to protect internet companies from liability content, and to support stronger encryption and immigration reform. The 12-page letter, which represents a policy roadmap for the next 4 years, was made by the Internet Association, whose members also include LinkedIn, Netflix, Uber and Amazon. Trump Could Accept The Immigration Request According to The International Business Times, Twitter, Google and the rest of the Internet Association also included in the letter some other policies that should be considered as priority, as reducing taxes on any profit that is derived from intellectual property, facilitate regulation on the sharing economy, and finally, to putting pressure on Europe to not build barriers that baulk U.S. companies intentions to grow in that market. On the immigration issue, the tech giants asked Trump an expansion and improvement of the green card program, in order to create a system for technology, engineering, science and math graduates, which could increase their knowledge and gain experience in the tech companies such as Twitter, Google or Uber. Although this could be seen as one of the most difficult suggestions, considering Trumps position on this issue, he has recently said that one of his administrations mission will be to get the most skilled people to the U.S. Twitter, Google And The Rest Of The Companies Wants To Have Good Relations With The Government According to The Verge, the letter also urges Trump to support net neutrality, strong encryption and implement effective reforms on the government surveillance programs. However, these are precisely some of the priorities that could face a clash with the president, giving the fact that he has been extremely critical of net neutrality, was against Apple in the San Bernardino phone controversy, and his transition team is confirmed by two defenders of the National Security Agency (NSA). Although Trumps relations with Silicon Valley has been characterized by a strong hostility from both parties, this letter might represent an clear intention of tech center to get along and work together with the White House, in a time where the anti-establishment stance has taken control of the country and many other nations in Europe. With the LGBT community getting more and more controversial these days, it is not a wonder why some companies are giving way to support LGBT. To follow this popular awareness, Tinder has expanded its features to further facilitate transgender users. Tinder On Transgender Users In a written article at Recode, Tinder follows through with new options for transgender daters. The new feature will give match seekers a lot more freedom to describe their gender. Tinder will also be implementing new protection protocols to prevent transgender users from being harassed or unfairly banned. How Does The New Feature For Transgender Users Work? According to an article posted at Refinery 29, Tinder users can now describe their gender with three options. In the previous feature, only male and female option was the available genders to choose from. Now, users can choose "more" in which the user will be given a blank field to type in their gender. They will still get to choose whether they show up in searches for men or searches for women. Tinder Being Political And Humanitarian In the past, LGBT users, especially transgender were constantly harassed by other users or being reported and banned just for their gender. Critics believe that president-elect Donald Trump's victory may have influenced Tinder's decision to be pro-LGBT. Given that any acts against the LGBT community have been a hot topic in America and president-elect Donald Trump viewed as a sexist, homophobe, and racist by SJWs (Social Justice Workers) and Hilary Clinton supporters, it is no wonder many people are steering away to criticize the LGBT community. This is why critics strongly believe that Tinder's new feature is a way of shielding themselves against any future protests from the LGBT community. Whether Tinder's decision to be pro-LGBT is influenced by political or humanitarian reasons, this is a good step for gender equality. The only problem, however, is if people will be encouraged to be part of the LGBT community. Being one and supporting LGBT rights are two different things. The Bangtang boys are again making headlines and this time, they broke an attendance record for a fan meeting. The success of these talented young artists is endless; and this is just the beginning. BTS Does Magic Again The global fan meeting last Sunday at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul made history. The event organizers thought they were prepared with the amount of fans that will be on attendance but it is more than they expected. BTS shattered the record when a representative reported that they have more than 38,000 fans who attended a simple fan meeting. That is completely insane to say the least. There are a lot of artist or band that is having a hard time to gather that amount of audience but for BTS, it is very simple. Their massive success is already world wide and stopping them might take half a decade. Usually, fan meeting should have a maximum of at least 2,000 fans or it depends on the venue. But BTS is an exemption as they flourished the attendance record. Are They Ready To Take Over The World? This particular question revolves around the group every time they make headlines. It's as if their success is fluke and they are just one hit wonder. To answer the question, we are going to base it on numbers as numbers don't lie. Remember when BTS broke the record as the fastest Kpop group who reached 1 million views in a couple of days? Well, some of the international band can't even reached 1 million views in months. Massive Succes Of Ticket Sales And Concert Tours As of the moment, their schedules are being maximized and finalized. The massive success of their album WINGS' destroyed their schedule in a way that they have to squeeze in more schedules for the fans who are dying to get a glimpse of the Bangtang Boys. The new PhotoScan app from Google will keep your memories alive by helping you keep your old photographs. The Google PhotoScan, as its name implies, scans old photo prints and digitize them. It is available on both iOS and Android, according to reports. Anil Sabharwal, Vice President of Google Photos, said that the PhotoScan was inspired by his family. His grandparents, who were living in Pakistan in 1947, were ordered by soldiers to leave and cross the Indian border. They gathered a few of their belongings but made sure to grab some of their photos. To this day, the only record of this family prior to that tumultuous year was an old watch and the same photographs. It is practical Instead of buying a scanner or having the old photographs scanned by a professional, Google PhotoScan can do the job for you. Flatbed scanners are bulky and expensive while getting help from a professional requires too much time and effort. How it works? After downloading the PhotoScan app, simply open it and a prompt will tell the user to align the photograph by lining it up within a border. Once aligned, press the scan button. The flash will light up signifying that the scanning will commence. Four huge white dots will appear, one on each of the four quadrants of the photo. Move the phone over each circle until it turns blue. This allows the app to take pictures of the image from different angles. This is necessary to eliminate glare created by lights in a room. After the four circles have turned blue, PhotoScan will create the final digitized image. Any background peeking along the edges of the photo may be removed by cropping. The final scanned image can be saved to the phone, Google Photos, or any backup storage. Other new Google Photos features The updated Google Photos app can now edit "Light" and "Color" using drop down menus. This allows the user to alter exposure, contrast, whites, highlights, and shadows. Bodies of water and the blue sky will be bluer and more vibrant thanks to the new "Deep Blue" feature. "Skin Tone" prevents the red orange skin color when the overall saturation of an image is increased. This new setting also keeps the skin looking more natural when the white is not balanced or when the colors are dull. The Auto Enhance setting can now adjust the exposure and white balance around the face of a subject with the help of machine learning technology. The "Looks" setting also uses machine learning to alter an image and attain a filter that was inspired by portrait, fashion and street photography. Mars is the planned destination of a number of agencies and private companies. NASA hopes to have manned Mars missions by 2030. Right now it has an unmanned mission ongoing there. Europe as well would want to have missions on Mars. One of those European efforts is by a Dutch company, and it has a new space suit for Mars exploration revealed. Mars One is a Dutch company, and it plans to send people to Mars a decade from now. That would be a little bit earlier than when NASA plans to send people there. As part of that plan, Mars One has revealed a new space for the planned Mars exploration. Much like what NASA's astronauts have, the space suit will be pressurized. It has an impact resistant helmet with a see-through bubble. What would set it apart from what NASA currently has for its astronauts is that the suit is designed for the conditions that people will likely face on Mars. The suit does need more work, as Mars One admits. One of the challenges that people on Mars will have is the red dust that is always present, according to Phys Org. The suit will have to be strong enough that dust and small particles won't be able to cause a rip on the suit, which could potentially be hazardous for a person. Aside from being able to withstand dust and small particles, the suit would also be able to deflect radiation. Radiation is a constant threat in space travel, as people inside crafts and on another planet's surface won't have the same protection that people on Earth have. That is because on Earth, the atmosphere is there to bounce most of the radiation back into space. For space travelers that protection won't be there. The suit will also have interchangeable parts, as France 24 reports. This would be so that the suit can fit many sizes as possible. Mars One is a project that plans to send 24 people to Mars in about a decade from now. It has also become sort of a reality show, which has been able to draw as many as 200,000 people from 140 countries to hopefully be one of those who would be on the Mars mission. The Mars One mission is expected to start by 2026. On Mars the participants will have to live in small habitats and be able to somehow survive by trying to find water and food. The new space suit for the Mars exploration has been revealed and would hopefully help in the mission. Scientists also speculate of a possible place on Mars where life might be found. President-elect Donald Trump, legalized marijuana, gun background checks ... Nevadans are still reeling from last weeks election results. Big changes are ahead, and if you are like most people you have a lot of questions. Perhaps no issue has raised more eyebrows in this part of the state than the marijuana initiative that will legalize adult possession of up to one ounce, under sales regulations that have yet to be enacted. Like our city and county leaders, we at the Elko Daily Free Press dont know exactly how this is going to play out locally. Thats why we are starting a marijuana countdown. Over the next six weeks we will be asking questions and providing readers with the answers we get from public officials and others who will be impacted by the new pot policies that take effect Jan. 1. When and where will marijuana be available for purchase from a Nevada dispensary? How will police know if someone is driving while stoned? Will schools be prepared if children take marijuana-laced edibles to their schools? The new law gives the state Department of Taxation a full year to set up licensing regulations, but legal pot could be sold before then. Existing medical marijuana dispensaries have the first shot at retail sales, and the tax department is working on issuing temporary licenses that could allow the first legalized pot sales to happen by next summer, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Thats earlier than the 2018 deadline but much slower than Oregon, which had its medical dispensaries selling recreational pot within a month of their law being enacted. The budding marijuana industry is anxious to start sales in Nevada. If you have a situation where its legal to possess and use marijuana, but theres no legal mechanism to purchase it, you are creating a bigger black market by definition, Andrew Jolley, co-owner of medical marijuana company The+Source, told the Review-Journal. The sooner we can allow retail sales, the better the outcome for the community, and the faster the transition away from the black market to the regulated market. Here in Elko County there are no medical dispensaries, thanks to moratoriums enacted by city and county boards. But local governments cannot ban retail sales, they can only enact zoning restrictions that might limit where pot will be sold. Elko and other rural counties can only have two dispensaries, according to the law. But how much control will public officials have over deciding where they are placed? Will Elko have two, or will one be in West Wendover or Jackpot? West Wendover is reportedly interested in a dispensary, because of its relative proximity to Salt Lake City, where the potential for out-of-state sales would be an economic boon but also could raise issues with law enforcement if the drug is transported across state lines. Will they set up drug checkpoints? How long can cities or counties drag their feet when it comes to approving a retail dispensary? Could it take up to three years for Elko to get one, as Undersheriff Ron Supp suggested at Mondays county commission meeting? These are only a few of the many questions we hope to answer in the coming weeks. Please send your questions to news@elkodaily.com and our reporters will do their best to get the answers. Google is introducing a new system to translate text. The Neural Machine Translation system will make Google Translate smarter and even more natural. This system is only limited to only eight languages. Though the tech company will eventually expand it to 103 languages. Google Translate's New Neural Machine Translation Google Translate have been really useful both on mobile and web. People who are interested in other cultures and languages will greatly benefit from this improvement. Google posted on its blog that the new neural system will be integrated into the Google Translate. It should be noted that the system currently being used is a large-scale statistical machine translation. It uses statistical models to translate text. The Neural Machine Translation is a few years in the making. The difference lies how much is translated at a time. The neural system is able to translate whole sentences. The translation is not by word or phrase. This method helps it generate the most relevant translation. Furthermore, its result will be a more natural translation that reflects an actual human speaking. It also has a proper grammar. Thus, it will be a lot easier to read. This is caused by the end-to-end learning system embedded on the Neural Machine Translation. To put it simply, the new system constantly learns in order to improve upon its translations over time. New System Still Limited To Eight Languages The current system that Google Translate uses is applicable to 103 languages. However, with the new Neural Machine Translation, it will come into eight languages to and from English and French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Turkish. Apparently, these languages represent around one-third of the world's population. That amounts to more than 35 percent of Google Translate queries. Though the tech company plans to expand it eventually to 103 languages. Google On Machine Learning And Artificial Intelligence According to CNET, this improvement on the Google Translate is part of Google's plan with artificial intelligence and machine learning. It's an addition to the Google Assistant that rivals Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Google CEO Sundar Pichai described it perfectly that it is on the way to becoming an AI-first company. Tinder is now offering 37 more gender identities to add on your profile. This proves that everyone is welcome to use Tinder. To take advantage to the gender options, all you have to do is edit or add more information about your gender by tapping I Am and then selecting More. From there, simply type in the words that best describe your gender identity. Tinder Gender Options According to Tinder, "This is just one step in our efforts to make Tinder a more inclusive community. We built this feature with the help of our transgender and gender non-conforming users and consultants, including Nick Adams and Alex Schmider from GLAAD's Transgender Media Program, and filmmaker and trans advocate Andrea James." No one will ever be banned from Tinder because of their gender. 'We havent had the right tools to serve our diverse community in the past, but that changes today. It continues, If you believe you were ever wrongfully removed from Tinder because another user reported you unfairly due to your gender, we want to invite you back to our platform. "Six months ago we discovered that the transgender community on Tinder was experiencing some harassment on the platform," co-founder, president and returning CEO of Tinder Sean Rad says. "When we initially heard about it, we were very angry." Rad also hopes that this will be the beginning of the solution to problems transgender app users have faced. More Tinder Updates According to Observer, Tinder has also added a Show Me screen to let the community know some users have included more information about their gender identities. Off the app, Tinder has also allocated additional resources to their support team and have educated them on the challenges facing the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. 2016 has been a year to forget for Samsun. After experiencing exploding Galaxy Note 7 phones that precipitated the company's downfall from solid dominance, Samsung will be looking to try to get back on top by making some more reliable, less fire-prone phones. After a series of recalls which lead towards the ceasing of production for the Note 7, Samsung's profits plummeted to its lowest in nearly eight years. At the same time, the company is also facing lawsuits, as well as exploding appliances that go beyond flammable phones, too. People are looking forward to the Galaxy S8 Those reasons are exactly why a lot of people are now riding on Samsung's next phone, the Samsung Galaxy S8. While still belonging to the Galaxy "family" of phones, the S8 is going to be a direct sequel to the Galaxy S7 that was recently released last March. And just to make things clear, unlike the Note 7, there have been no claims on issues of fires or explosions with the Galaxy S7, either. Important rumors on the Galaxy S8 The upcoming Galaxy S8 gives Samsung the opportunity to lure buyers back to the brand known for its exceptional technology. Samsung also has the power to make a truly great phone. The Note 7 was considered as one of the most impressive phones Samsung had ever made, but its faulty battery ultimately killed it. The question now is, will the Galaxy S8 have enough goods in its pocket to persuade shoppers who bolted after the Note 7 incident? And can Samsung win back its buyers' trust? The Galaxy S8 is still likely several months away from making its official debut, but leaks and rumors have already been heating up. Here are some of the most important rumors that we need to look on to. The Galaxy S8 will not have an early release There was a point where some have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S8 should attempt an early release to immediately contribute to Samsung's rebound earlier compared to its usual late February or early March release cycle. Given that the Note 7 issues may have in a result caused by a rush job in order to get the phone out ahead of schedule, speeding up production for the S8 isn't the best option, especially if Samsung is still trying to pinpoint what went wrong with their Note 7 batteries. Release date is still up in the air According to another rumor, the S8 might even be pushed back to April as Samsung is still trying to find and fix the errors that led to the explosions. If another major blowup occurs, it would definitely torch what's left of Samsung's credibility. But either way, there were also rumors that the phone's firmware is already under production. It could potentially be all-screens According to some credible rumors, the face of next year's Galaxy S8 could possibly be 90% screen, up from an average ratio of 80% screen-to-bezels. Rumors have also claimed that the Galaxy S8 could be featuring no home button, which would include the fingerprint reader, and will be using an optical sensor that lives beneath the display. Is China spying on US citizens using cheap smartphones? That is the question in everybody's minds after reports indicating budget Android phones made in China are secretly sending personal data including text messages to a company in China. The New York Times mentioned in an article that the privacy breach was discovered by security contactors from Kryptowire and that the cause of the breach was a pre-installed software. According to Chinese company that created the software, it was accidentally installed in the cheap smartphones that sold for around $50 in the United States. One confirmed brand that transmitted data to China is the BLU R1 HD. Other devices are yet to be named. Authorities believe the secret feature that sends the date through a backdoor' can be because of either two reasons: 1) the company is collecting data for advertising purposes or 2) the Chinese government is collecting intelligence. Either reason is of course not acceptable. Many have already voiced their concern and alarm including the security firm that discovered the illegal data mining, Kryptowire. Tech Crunch got hold of a copy of the press release released by Kryptowire and here is part of what it said: "These devices actively transmitted user and device information including the full-body of text messages, contact lists, call history with full telephone numbers, unique device identifiers including the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). The firmware that shipped with the mobile devices and subsequent updates allowed for the remote installation of applications without the users' consent and, in some versions of the software, the transmission of fine-grained device location information. The firmware could identify specific users and text messages matching remotely defined keywords. The firmware also collected and transmitted information about the use of applications installed on the monitored device, bypassed the Android permission model, executed remote commands with escalated (system) privileges, and was able to remotely reprogram the devices." Privacy issues have become common since the influx of handheld technology and social media. Just recently, Google was criticized for changing its privacy policy without fully informing its account holders. Facebook, meanwhile, has been indirectly involved in such privacy breaches before. A security firm revealed that a number of cheap phones were pre-installed with a secret feature. This backdoor is said to send the user's personal data to a third-party company in China. High-end smartphones cost a lot of money. Not many people can afford to buy one. Others are left with cheap smartphones with a price of around $50. However, users are unaware of the risk some of these Android smartphones pose. The Privacy And Security Risks Of Some Cheap Smartphones According to TechCrunch, security firm Kryptowire discovered that some Android smartphones in the US are pre-installed with a commercial firmware. This causes the user's personal data to be secretly sent to a third party company in China. Among these data include the user's text messages, call logs, contacts and apps usage data. A person's privacy is not the only thing at risk. The location of the user is also transmitted. This could threaten the person's security if the data is being used wrongly. The Threat In Your Smartphone The pre-installed software is apparently written by Shanghai Adups Technology. The company revealed that its code is running on more than 700 million phones, cars and other smart devices. According to The New York Times, American manufacturer BLU Products shared that they have 120,000 affected phones. Though they said that the software has been updated to eliminate the threat. The list of affected phones has not been released to the public. The US government has yet to determine the extent of this issue. It remains to be known what is being done exactly to the data. It is also unclear if the Chinese government has something to do with it. American Phone Manufacturers Got Blindsided Manufacturers are oblivious of this backdoor on their phones. However, Florida-based BLU Products Chief Executive Samuel Ohey-Zion pointed out that they moved very quickly to address this problem. He was reassured by Adups that those personal data taken were already destroyed. The New York Times further reports that Adups has taken responsibility of this secret feature. Lawyer Lily Lim, who represents Adups, admitted that the company made a mistake. Apple is once again in the hot seat as the iPhone 6 and 6S are being reported for bricking. These two mobile phones are from the last season but the said damage just started getting reported recently. Do take note that these reports come from China and the CCA (China Consumers Association) has already acknowledged the issue. Apple iPhone 6 And 6S Shut Down Irregularly According to a report from Phone Arena, CCA has already requested Apple to do an investigation regarding the reports of bricked 6 and 6S iPhone units. It was said that users who encountered this problem report of having their phones shut down despite being more than 50 percent charged. There are also users who say that their devices shut down in low-temp environments. Most of the people who reported this incident say that they have had problems turning their phones on once it unexpectedly shut down. Even if they plug the phones into their chargers, the iPhones still do not turn on. Needless to say, the brick plague of the iPhone 6 and 6S in China is pretty much undeniable. As per a Reuters report, Apple did not comment on this matter yet. Apple And Samsung's Fate In China Apple may be the most popular name when it comes to the US market but the company isn't exactly number one in the biggest smartphone market. Apparently, China isn't exactly a fan of the Apple brand. Even Samsung has problems dominating the said country. The Note 7 issues certainly did not help the company's aim to lead China's smartphone market. Needless to say, local mobile phone manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo and the likes are all bigger names in China compared to Apple and Samsung. With incidents like the iPhone bricking and Samsung's recall, the situation of the two companies are still less likely to improve in China anytime soon. How many mobile operating systems do you know? If you're saying two, then you probably haven't heard of anything outside iOS and Android. These two are undeniably the most popular OS's in the market right now. However, there are more operating systems aside from these two. Windows Mobile for instance is also a well-used OS. Microsoft's mobile operating system may not be as mainstream as the other two but it's also a first choice to many business people. Needless to say, if there's one OS that is undeniably unnoticed as of now, it would be Tizen. What Is Tizen Operating System Tizen is yet another mobile OS and it has been existing since 2012. It was developed by Linux, Tizen and Samsung and it works on a wide array of electronics like smartphones, smart TVs and the rest of the IoT devices. This OS may not have been heard of very often but Samsung is currently working on the operating system's app development in the hopes of making the it as big as Android and iOS. Samsung Developer Program For Tizen As per Phone Arena, Samsung is holding a Tizen Mobile App Incentive Program to encourage developers to create apps for their OS. This incentive program will give developers a chance to earn $10000 for their app creation. This program is open for app developers of different categories like gaming, social media and more. Developers who want to participate in the program must submit their application to Tizen's incentive page when the registration begins in January. It was said that Samsung will be investing a total of $9 million to app developers during the course of the incentive program. The company will select the top 100 apps registered with them on a monthly basis and award them with $10000. This will go through until October 2017 making Samsung's total budget a whopping $9 million. Samsung might have faced every manufacturer's worst nightmare this year. However, it looks like the company is ready to move forward and leave the infamous Note 7 controversy behind. Samsung is off for a good start next year as the Galaxy S8 is expected to be announced early 2017 at around February. The Note 8 on the other hand is also a sure-go despite the cancellation rumors, although its launch would still probably fall on mid or late 2017. Nevertheless, as of now, there have already been a bunch of predictions and rumors about Samsung's upcoming flagship devices. Samsung Galaxy S8 Rumors Next year's Samsung Galaxy S8 could come with less bezels and no home button. CNET says that the next Samsung flagship will have about 90 percent display, thus ditching out the classic home button. However, this doesn't mean that the fingerprint sensor will now be eliminated or transferred to the phone's back. What's expected to happen is that the Galaxy S8 will have an optical fingerprint sensor tucked underneath the phone's display. Furthermore, 4K resolution is also a big possibility. The Galaxy S7 has superb display resolution so the next model is also expected to boast of the same trait. The S8 might even bump up from a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution to a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Further rumors suggest that the S8 would once again come in two variants. There are reports saying that both of these variants could have curved edges and this rumor is getting mixed reactions from Samsung fans. Additionally, the Galaxy S8 could also boast of pressure sensitive display, dual camera and an AI of its own called Bixby. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Rumors Luckily for Note fans, the Galaxy Note 8 is still coming up. You might have heard before that the Samsung may halt the production of new Notes in light to the Note 7 incident. However, as it turns out, those rumors are far from true and the company is still moving forward with the Note series. Apparently, the Galaxy Note 8 is mentioned in Samsung's Galaxy Upgrade program for South Korea Note 7 recall participants. As per a GSM Arena news, Note 7 owners who exchanged their recalled device for an S7 or S7 Edge devices are all qualified for S8 and Note 8 discounts. Right now there still aren't a lot of new things heard about the Galaxy Note 8 and it's probably because it won't be launched anytime soon. It's the Galaxy S8 that's currently making rumor headlines. Nevertheless, it's almost certain that the Galaxy Note 8 will considerably improve over its predecessor. For one, it could have a removable battery as it could minimize battery-related problems. Samsung Galaxy S8's cameras are also expected to be improved, with new camera gestures to come with it. An improved stylus is also a very big possibility. As for the phablet's design, a slimmer body with less bezels are both possible as per Tech Radar. The phone could also boast of Samsung's rumored AI assistant. Needless to say, the Galaxy Note 8 is expected to be powered by next year's best processors. The company could produce a Snapdragon 830 powered Note 8 and an Exynos processor powered Note 8 to release to varying markets. Overall, one thing is for sure, the Galaxy Note 8 will be Samsung's best Note ever considering the quality assurance that they may have put on the development of the phablet. Not to mention the added features that the company could include in the hopes of regaining people's trust for the Note series. Kang Dong Joo (Yoo Yun Suk) will decide to stay at Doldam Hospital in "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" episode 5. He has previously handed his resignation but he will change his mind after realizing Teacher Kim (Han Suk Kyu) was the one who helped him in the past. Do In Bum (Yang Se Jong) will visit Doldam and more about Teacher Kim's dark past will be revealed. In "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" episode 3, Kang Dong Joo busted his final chance to go back to Geodae Hospital because there were many patients that Friday. Fridays seems like a very big deal to Doldam Hospital and there was an abnormal number of accidents. But Dong Joo is still determined to leave Doldam, he doesn't like Teacher Kim or the eerie hospital so he said anywhere is better for him. However, he starts to reconsider the decision by the end of "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" episode 4. He witnessed Teacher Kim doing his strange way of treating patients again and heard him say the same exact line he said when he saved Dong Joo: "If you don't change, nothing will change." Dong Joo remembered the words and asked if he was Dr. Boo Yong Joo but Teacher Kim told him he has no other name aside from Teacher Kim. Yet Dong Joo is convinced that he is indeed the doctor who saved him before. However, it is not just Dong Joo who got a clue of his identity, President Do of Geodae Hospital saw him on a CCTV video. The president of Doldam covered for him but we can expect his cover will be blown up in the next few episodes. In the "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" episode 5 preview someone is saying in the background that Dr. Boo Yong Joo left Geodae Hospital because he killed his student who followed and trusted him. Now that he knew Teacher Kim's identity, Dong Joo will stay in Doldam Hospital. He would surely be curious how a great doctor like him changed his name and stayed in a strange hospital. He has also idolized Dr. Boo Yong Joo since he was a child and said he would become a good doctor like him. At least this main character isn't staying because of his one-sided love to Dr. Yoon Seo Jung (Seo Hyun Jin) though that may be a part of the reason. Their relationship has not changed since that kiss in first episode but it looks like Dong Joo will make some advances in the upcoming episodes. In Bum will visit Doldam Hospital. If we remember, he became interested in Doldam after hearing that Dong Joo and Dr. Yoon are there. It seems like he has some history with Dr. Yoon. In the preview, we saw her greeting Im Bum with familiarity while Dong Joo bursted into the room. Meanwhile, Teacher Kim will tell the casino president about his dream. Does it have something to do with the hospital equipment he was asking him to sponsor? "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. KST on SBS. Today Sunshine in the morning followed by partly cloudy skies and gusty winds during the afternoon. High 74F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tonight Partly cloudy. Windy. Low 58F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tomorrow Mainly sunny. High 69F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Education Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo on Tuesday. Ballesteros (EFE) Just weeks into office, Spains new minority government on Tuesday was given a taste of what life will be like over the course of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys second term in office. All opposition parties in the lower chamber voted in favor of considering a Socialist-sponsored bill to delay the implementation of the ruling Popular Party (PP)s controversial education legislation, known as LOMCE. The LOMCE was approved in 2013 thanks to the PPs absolute majority The LOMCE was signed into law in late 2013, but its contents are being applied gradually to Spains education system. One of its most controversial measures is the introduction of externally-assessed standardized tests (known popularly as revalidas) that students will have to pass in order to receive their high school and pre-university diplomas, regardless of how well they performed in school. Faced with mounting opposition from other parties and parent groups, Prime Minister Rajoy recently announced that the test results would, for the time being, not be applied. The government is expected to approve a decree to this effect in early December. On Tuesday, Education Minister Inigo Mendez de Vigo announced an education sector meeting for November 28 to reach an agreement to place the academic effects [of the standardized tests] on hold until a national education pact is reached. Spanish students recently protested the standardized tests. Carlos Rosillo This is the first bill-related vote that the PP has lost to the Socialist Party (PSOE), Podemos, Ciudadanos and regional parties in Congress since Rajoy was sworn back into office on October 31, ending a 10-month political paralysis in Spain. It is also a reflection of how the balance of power has changed inside the lower house following the emergence of protest parties Podemos and Ciudadanos. The LOMCE was approved in 2013 thanks to the PPs absolute majority at the time, which enabled Rajoy to ignore the oppositions vocal protests. Now, Rajoy will have to seek vote-by-vote agreements on all matters of relevance if he hopes to get any legislation passed. The most pressing issue right now is the 2017 budget, which has been delayed due to a 10-month political deadlock following two inconclusive elections. Punishment for Socialist rebels Anabel Diez The PSOE has started to dole out punishment to the Socialist deputies who violated the partys instructions to abstain at the investiture session on October 29, and instead entered a conscience vote against Rajoy. Jose Zaragoza and Pere Joan Pons will no longer be chairman and speaker of the Mixed Committee on the EU. They are two of 15 deputies who broke the rule stating that all party representatives must vote the same way. The Socialists, who have faced serious criticism from some on the left for enabling a second Rajoy administration by abstaining at a congressional vote last month, said that Tuesdays coordinated move against the LOMCE illustrates how it is possible to limit the policies of a minority government from the opposition benches. But Podemos said that this is insufficient, as the law itself has not been repealed. The PSOE holds that it is no longer possible to roll back the LOMCE, and that the best course of action is to slow down its implementation while hammering out new, consensus-based education legislation. English version by Susana Urra. Colombian police guard Electricaribe's main offices. Hugo Penso (EFE) More information El Gobierno colombiano interviene la filial de Gas Natural Fenosa en el pais The Colombian government has taken temporarily control of struggling electricity distribution company Electricaribe, which is 85.38% owned by Spanish energy utility Gas Natural Fenosa. Tuesdays move by the Superintendency of Residential Public Services, or SSP, Colombia's public utilities regulator, was aimed at ensuring continued electricity supplies in the seven provinces where the company operates, said the Colombian government. The crisis at the company, which has 2.5 million customers in the Caribbean provinces of Atlantico, Bolivar, Cesar, Cordoba, La Guajira, Magdalena and Sucre, has been building for the last several months, with customers complaining about frequent power outages. Gas Natural says it wants a regulatory framework that provides more legal certainty Gas Natural Fenosa has been accused of failing to invest in infrastructure and had stopped paying electricity suppliers. It said on Tuesday that the Colombian government stepped in due to a cash crunch at Electricaribe caused by a high number of unpaid bills and widespread consumer fraud. It says the company has accumulated unpaid bills of 1.26 billion from some 1.5 million of its customers. Gas Natural Fenosa said the intervention would not affect the groups accounts and that it remained fully committed to working together with the Colombian authorities to seek a negotiated solution. It added that the government intervention would shield the power distributor from its temporary liquidity problems and ensure its viability and normal operations while the company continues to seek a solution that is beneficial to all. Gas Natural Fenosa began pursuing a negotiated solution to Electricaribes crisis this summer within the framework of the Spanish-Colombian bilateral agreement for the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments. The crisis at Electricaribe has been building for several months Those talks with the Colombian government will continue despite Tuesdays temporary takeover, Gas Natural Fenosa said. Isidro Faine and Rafael Villaseca, Gas Naturals president and CEO respectively, travelled to Colombia over the weekend to negotiate a solution with the Colombian government. The Colombian authorities say they have taken over the company for two months, a period that can be extended, while a decision is made on its future. Immediately after the takeover, Colombias President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted: Takeover of Electricaribe, the best outcome to put the company in order and guarantee service. Gas Natural says it wants a regulatory framework that provides more legal certainty for recovering the debts and says that future investment in the Colombian operation depends on agreement being reached. The solution is for there to be a reasonable regulatory framework that allows us to reduce arrears and fraud to reasonable levels and allows the company to invest in growth, said Villaseca earlier this month. Electricaribe made a loss of 24 million in the first nine months of 2016, compared with a net profit of 14 million a year earlier. Fenosa bought Electricaribe in 2000 following its privatization in 1998. In 2009, Gas Natural and Fenosa merged in 2009. English version by Nick Lyne. 'Nina con collar' (Girl with Necklace) by Frida Kahlo at Sotheby's in New York. SHANNON STAPLETON (REUTERS) More information Sale a la luz una misteriosa obra de Frida Kahlo que se creia perdida A mysterious painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo which had been in hiding for more than 60 years is to go on sale at Sothebys in New York. Kahlo painted Nina con collar (Girl with necklace) in 1929, the same year that she married famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. She was just 22, and was beginning to find her way as an artist after a childhood marked by polio and a nearly fatal 1925 bus accident which left her in pain for the rest of her life. The unfinished painting was later photographed but then disappeared, only to reemerge now. Sothebys have provided little detail as to the paintings history, only saying that it had remained with Kahlo up until death, at which point Rivera gave it to a woman who had helped her in the studio. The new owner, now aged over 90, held onto the work at her home in California for six decades, but has now decided to sell. With Frida Kahlo, we want the impossible: we want to always know more Art expert, Salomon Grimberg Sothebys have estimated the value of the painting still in good condition after being kept in a dark part of the owners house in the $1.5 million to $2 million range, but this sum could easily be exceeded. In May, Kahlos 1939 painting Dos desnudos en el bosque (La tierra misma), was sold for over $8 million a world record for both Kahlo and for Latin American artists in general. While Nina con collar is an early Kahlo work, it has all the primordial power which characterizes her oeuvre. The figure in the painting, a young indigenous girl, is the absolute center of attention: not even the vibrant color scheme can compete with the intensity of her eyes. The eyes look at the viewer, but that gaze is also fixed on the future of the artist. Experts believe the painting was left unfinished by Kahlo so that it could serve as a source of permanent inspiration. In the image are all the hallmarks of her celebrated later work: the frontal pose, the eyebrows, the jade bead necklace and the hooped earrings. The painting had special significance for her, and over the course of time it was the starting point for many of her self-portraits, said Kahlo expert Salomon Grimberg. Nina con collar has all the primordial power which marks Frida Kahlo's mature works Kahlo, one of the most important artists of the 20th century, is also a cult figure and a pop icon, with interest in her personal life still intense 60 years after her death. When it comes to her, we want the impossible: we want to always know more and to know every detail about this woman who gave birth to herself, Grimberg said. In 2015, 25 letters from the Coyoacan-born artist to her Spanish lover were sold for $137,000. The letters to Josep Bartoli, a Catalan emigre living in New York, date from 1946 to 1949 and reveal her deep, almost adolescent passions. My BartoliI dont know how to write love letters. But I wanted to tell you that my whole being opened for you. Since I fell in love with you everything is transformed and full of beautylove is like an aroma, like a current, like rain. You know, my sky, you rain on me and I, like the earth, receive you, Kahlo wrote in one of the letters. English version by George Mills. When "Divergent" star Shailene Woodley joined protesters against the Dakota Access pipeline project, she did not expect to be arrested and confronted with criminal charges. Her trial was postponed from January 25 to February 22, 2016 due to conflicting lawyers' schedule. At the time she was arrested the actress welcomed the scene hoping that media will spread the news like wildfire and entice more protesters to join their cause. After her arrest, she now is in a precarious position to get jailed for a month and be fined for $1,500. Her only complaint was why she was singled out as the one to be arrested when there were many other protesters with her during the rally. According to Daily Bruin, perhaps, it was because arresting one with her celebrity status will warn other protesters to back down from their activities. Her joining the protests has surely helped in the delaying of the pipeline construction and made the issue a nationwide concern. Many people are surely interested on what a pretty star like Shailene Woodley is protesting against. The incidence has also brought more attention to the legal battle between the Dakota Access Pipeline project and an American Indian community. The Standing Rock Sioux who is claiming that the project will contaminate their source of water, Movienewsguide reported. The protests against the $3.8 billion pipeline project have also been attracting interested parties to view the protester's quest in the web. Actually, Shailene Woodley is not alone in her fate since 470 other protesters have also been arrested since the rallies began. The Dakota Access pipeline project, which was supposed to be completed on November, 2016 has been delayed because of the protests How to balance her movie career and the activities she supports seems to be Woodley's concern in the coming months. She is slated to appear with Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon in a TV series with HBO entitled Big Little Lies. She hopes to endear herself to her fans for her cause-oriented activities. An American action police procedural television series, "Hawaii Five-O" rumored to have its end. As it was speculated that CBS dropped the show due to poor ratings. Would season 7 of "Hawaii Five-O" be the last? Would the stars finally say goodbye to their fans and viewers? According to GameNGuide, Carter Matt suggested that this could possibly the last season of the show though "Hawaii Five-O" season 7 had already started filming new episodes. In addition, it was reported that the possible reason of "Hawaii Five-O" season 7 was about to end due to poor ratings. Since "Hawaii Five-O" changed its timeslot to Friday, ratings kept spiraling down. As the news released, CBS was disappointed on its rating as it was rumored that the said network dropped the show. Though many speculations were circulated online, there were no confirmations yet about the said cancellation. As it was remembered, Steve McGarrett and Danny Williams were on-screen couples, their bromance did not help in boosting up "Hawaii Five-O" ratings. As what the remarks of the said TV series, it seemed that the 'bromance scene' of the aforementioned Hollywood actors did not work well. According to the report, the cast of "Hawaii Five-O" was gathered in Waikiki for a traditional blessing before they've started filming on its season 7. It appeared that their "Hawaii Five-O" season 7 blessing ceremony might be their last. On the said event, Chi Mcbride, Alex O'Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park, Jorge Garcia, Teilor Grubbs, Dennis Chun and Shawn Garnett were present. Perhaps, this could be the official goodbye of "Hawaii Five-O" cast. As rumors were circulating, CBS did not confirm the said cancellation. Hopefully, the said network will speak up regarding this matter if "Hawaii Five-O" season 7 be cancel or renew. Fans and followers have been losing their minds about the said speculations. "Arrival" is about what the world can do if the extraterrestrials really come. Movie goers can always expect a movie to be a great one if it is about aliens from another world and is directed by Denis Villeneuve who has given the cinematic world a series of grand films that many enjoyed seeing. After doing movies like Prisoners and Sicario, Villenueve brings a new sci-fi movie to the screen that will keep the audience guessing what the extraterrestrials' intentions are. Is it war or is it peace? In the story, 12 units of aliens separately landed on earth and the world is faced with how to deal with the unexpected visitors. The movie focuses on how the people in America and the world handle the crisis. Forest Whitaker plays Colonel Weber who recruits Dr. Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams), a language professor to devise a plan to communicate with the aliens. Assigned to work with Dr. Banks is Ian Donnelly (played by Jeremy Renner) who helped in their successful attempt to communicate with the aliens. As the communication between aliens and American scientists progressed, information was shared to the other countries. Cooperation was a vital ingredient for worldwide system of communicating with extraterrestrials. In the course of the movie, some things went awry especially in China and Russia where war with the aliens became a grim prospect. This is where the excitement begins. According to Matthew Parkinson of The Escapist, the movie is affected by comments about the cast in the movie or the lack of known actors who play critical roles. Adams, Whitaker and Renner seem to fit their roles but it is the minor roles that threaten to weaken the movie. The plot is good and the director has made the flow of the movie plot going great. It is towards the end that made some critics cringe regarding the unclear outcome of the plot. The film is a wonderful movie to see despite its little faults. The partys over: Rio de Janeiros time as the host city for the Olympic Games is a distant memory, while at the state level it can no longer rely on revenue from its offshore oil wells. To make matters worse, ongoing investigations into widespread corruption have frightened foreign investors away. Unemployment in the state of Rio de Janeiro has risen from 3.5% in 2014 to 6.7%, almost twice the national average. The Olympics seem like a distant memory. CHRISTOPHE SIMON (AFP) More information Rio de Janeiro, de la euforia a la depresion Rios woes reflect the problems facing Latin Americas largest economy, which, after going into recession in 2014, is still struggling to find its footing amid what most economists believe will be its deepest downturn in more than a century. Goldman Sachs estimates that Brazils GDP per capita will shrink at least 9% in real terms between 2014 and 2016 more than during the so-called lost decade of the 1980s. The coming days are due to see further protests by government employees Economists are hoping that the market-friendly Cabinet of President Michel Temer, who took over from Dilma Rousseff after she was impeached in August, will allow for a rebound in consumer and business confidence in the short term. But Rio is no longer a symbol of Brazils success story, as captured by The Economist back in 2009 with a cover that featured the citys Christ the Redeemer statue blasting off like a rocket. State governor Luiz Fernando Pezao of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), recently described Rio as close to ungovernable, while Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles says the state is an example of everything that is wrong with Brazil. An indication of the gravity of the situation is that government employees will see their October paycheck broken down into seven payments, and there are doubts about whether they will be paid at all in the coming months. The state government has already asked for federal aid from the central government in Brasilia, and has unveiled a package of austerity measures that have angered civil servants, who have staged four consecutive days of protests. The measures are Draconian, but necessary. As well as cuts [aimed at saving $3.9 billion], the state needs to find revenue: the crisis isnt due to spending but to a sharp fall in income from taxes, as well as from oil royalties and central government transfers that werent thought through, dependence on oil and an empty productive structure, explains Mauro Osorio, a lecturer at Rios Federal University. Government employees will see their October paycheck broken down into seven payments He believes the state has been living in a fools paradise: From 2008, Rio began to approach the average national growth level. It was awarded the Olympic Games, the automotive industry took off, it benefited from the Accelerated Growth Program (PAC) and received federal investment, but there was no consolidated planning and tax breaks were offered to attract investors, he explains. The immediate outlook is equally bleak: If the courts freeze the states assets until it pays government employees, there wont be enough money to pay for prison food or hospital medicine, he adds. Nelson Duarte, president of the countrys construction labor union, says his sector has been hardest hit by the post-Olympics crisis: Just about all major projects have been halted, and infrastructure is essential for the economy to get moving. Some 9,000 people were laid off in 2015; this year the figure will be 14,000. Weve never seen a situation like this, he explains. The coming days are due to see further protests by government employees, from police officers to doctors, outside the state legislature. There is already talk of widespread strikes in schools, hospitals and government offices. The measures the state government is proposing would see government offices reduced by up to 30%, along with salary cuts. The price of beer, cigarettes and gasoline will rise, while electricity and telephone bills will be higher. At the same time, social programs to help the poor will be dropped, meaning no subsidized rents or transport and the closure of community kitchens. English version by Nick Lyne. Email Links to our top local news stories of the day, Monday through Saturday. A Swerve MeetUp will be held Thursday at Flywheel at 525 Vine St. in downtown Winston-Salem. Heather Allen, author of "Let your Creativity Work for You: How to Turn Your Artwork into Opportunity," will share best practices for selling creative products and services online. The aim of the Swerve MeetUp is to help creatives in need of guidance on how to price their work and use the web to for sales and marketing. Swerve meets monthly on the third Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and lunch is included. The event is free to members, and a nominal fee is charged to the public. To register, go to http://bit.ly/2ffrml3 or visit www.SwerveTriad.com to view a complete listing of events. Swerve is a hub for creative enterprises in the Triad, hosted by the Center for Creative Economy. Fran Daniel The tumultuous election season, especially that race for the White House, is a week in the past. It will be long remembered, and some Americans will have a hard time getting over the fact that their candidate did not win. But one enduring tradition will remain strong here in our area, that of caring for our needy neighbors, be they near or far. That was readily apparent in a story that Jenny Drabble wrote in last Wednesdays Journal. Ed Thutt, a teacher at Reagan High School who graduated from Kinston High School in 1995, knew he had to do something after Hurricane Matthews flooding hit his Eastern North Carolina homeland last month. His very high school served as a refuge for flood victims. I have very fond memories of my high school, Thutt told Journal West. So if there was something I could do to give back to the community, I wanted to do it. Just as many others in our area have done, including emergency response workers, Thutt took action. With the approval of Reagan Principal Brad Royal, he started a donation drive for students and families driven from their homes by the storm. Journal West reported: Within a week, Thutt received enough donations to turn his modestly sized classroom into a bustling storage facility with skyscrapers of notebooks, a heap of 50 backpacks and toothbrushes sprouting from every corner. The thousands of items, mostly toiletries and school supplies, were compacted into 40 boxes and several large trash bags. Thutt, and his father Tom, a Kinston resident, hand-delivered the items to Kinston High School. Thutt, who teaches anatomy and earth and environmental science, told Journal West, My students kept asking what they could do to help. They could see how it important it was to me. The support and the donations were overwhelming. Other teachers, offering extra credit for bringing in supplies, kicked in. And the students, driven by the idea of helping others, rose to the occasion. It makes us feel really good to give back to people who need it, senior Kelsey Jackson told Journal West. Im from the area, so it really hit home for me. Thutt could identify. In 1999, when Hurricane Floyds flooding devastated Eastern North Carolina, he was a student at UNC Chapel Hill. Now, he knew he had to help his homeland. Journal West reported, Other local schools have also gotten behind the effort. West Forsyth High School is currently collecting monetary donations for the students of Lumberton High School. Eds father, Tom Thutt, told Journal West: This response is exactly what we needed, he said. Its fantastic. Kids looking after other kids. Indeed. Caring begins at home, no matter how much we might disagree on election results. The states request for a Medicaid reform waiver has been in the hands of federal health officials for more than five months. But state legislative sponsors, particularly the waivers author Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, knew at the June 1 submission that the waivers fate like that of the next U.S. Supreme Court nominee would sit on a desk awaiting the next presidents administration. Medicaid currently covers about 1.9 million North Carolina residents and is a $14 billion-a-year program. As President-elect Donald Trump sets his national health policy, his nominee for secretary of health and human services may hold the key not only to whether the waiver is approved, but also to whether it will be substantially altered in a for-profit direction. Given that we now know it will be President Trump, I believe we have a greater opportunity to reform Medicaid and move to a risk-based system even faster, Lambeth said. State GOP leaders have long believed that the federal Medicaid program needs reform. To create a version for North Carolina, however, they must first receive the waiver from federal requirements. The waiver request received Gov. Pat McCrorys approval following an intense period lasting more than two years. It was submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as expected without an expansion proposal piggybacking along that could have covered an additional 500,000 North Carolinians. Congress with Trumps approval expected is likely to end federal funding for the administrative costs in 2017 or 2018. The request started a three- to five-year process with an end goal of Medicaid oversight being placed in the hands of three statewide managed-care organizations, likely pre-paid health plans from commercial insurers, and up to 12 provider-led entities, likely to involve not-for-profit health-care systems. Reform offers individuals in each of six regions the choice of up to two provider-led entities and three statewide MCOs, which state health Secretary Rick Brajer has said should provide competition and potential lower costs. Each of the six regions established by the reform legislation could have up to five of these groups providing services. The plan is to choose prepaid health-plan awards between April and September 2018, and reviews of those plans business model to occur between October 2018 and June 2019. DHHS has set a summer 2019 implementation date. The bill mandates that capitated contracts and initial recipient enrollment began 18 months after federal approval of the waiver request. According to political and health-care analysts, bringing reform to completion by July 2019 may be optimistic. Lambeth said that Trumps support for funding state Medicaid programs through block grants fits nicely into our plans. North Carolina looks forward to working with CMS and modifying our plan as needed. We are up to the challenge. But the general concept of moving to a risk-based model with prepaid health plans as the foundation can work just fine. This is a great opportunity for North Carolina to lead the nation in reforming Medicaid. Hybrid reform A hybrid reform compromise reached in September 2015 culminates state House and Senate leaders pursuit of coordinating physical, behavioral, dental, pharmacy and long-term-health services. It also represents a major legislative victory for McCrory, who has claimed the state Medicaid program is broken and in need of major repair. Brajer said in May that he expected negotiations with CMS to be a two-way conversation. Everything in the request is up for negotiations, Brajer said. CMS could require a greater level of financial savings as a negotiating point. DHHS projects about $400 million in savings in the first five years of implementation. Innovations, such as provider-led entities, are of great interest to them, Brajer said. We will continue to revise and improve this plan and engage partnership along the way. Several legislators expressed concern about whether reform would foster competition between the MCOs and PLEs that could serve to lower costs. They asked about DHHS plans if a commercial insurer opts to leave the state if it if not making enough money, or a PLE cant afford to keep its financial commitment. Brajer said having MCOs and PLEs sign four- or five-year contracts should ease some of those concerns. Each groups financial status would be reviewed by the N.C. Insurance Department. Iceland in November with a three month old babywhat a terrific idea! Rob was going to Reykjavik for work so why not pack up four friends, the stroller, the car seat and fly nine hours to an island in the arctic circle where there are just six hours of light each day? Despite all indications otherwise, this is turning out to be a lovely trip! I was BURNT out from the election and a week of busy single-parenting-business-running but still managed to pack everything we needed. It helped greatly that Lucille is an easy traveler at this age. She was the only baby on our flight so we had no one else to point fingers at if things went sour. She slept through almost all of the flight in her carrier and charmed the flight attendants. Greg, Kevin and Shane provided moral support and extra hands. As this photo shows, getting through the security check at SFO with the stroller, baby, breast milk and pump was the worse part. We landed in Iceland at 3:00 am. The airport duty-free store is where all the locals stock up on beer and wine to avoid heavy local taxes so we loaded up our cart with enough booze for a week in our jetlag-fogged state of mind. A quick, dark drive into the city to our adorable tin house at 53 Grettisgata just couple blocks off the high street. I crashed into bed for a long nap while Lucille chatted away telling her father all about her week apart. In the afternoon, we headed out into the capital city to explore. The architecture is pretty charming. Brightly painted tiny tin houses, each with a tiny yard with tiny trees. The rain cover we bought for Lucilles Mountain Buggy stroller kept her cozy and warm while we walked around. First stop, the city flea market where you can buy hand-knit Icelandic socks and sweaters along with baked goods, meats and other foods. Horse and whale meat were for sale, but we settled for some cured salmon, flatbread seasoned with moss, a gingerbread cake and free samples of fermented shark. The whole town was already decorated with cheery lights and tiny Christmas trees nailed to doorways. It looked like Santas village with all the red roofs. With the election at home, I dont think anyone had started thinking about the holidays yet so this was a nice shift. We walked over to the famous Lutheran church Hallgrimskirkja and paid to ride the elevator to the (very windy) top. So cute! We stopped for a late lunch at Cafe Loki after leaving our stroller out on the street like a local. This is where we discovered the delicious, traditional Icelandic fish stew (basically mac-and-cheese with the noodles replaced by fish, onion and potato). Their rye bread ice cream is also really good! Back at the apartment we had just enough time to grab our bathing suits and drive to the Blue Lagoon for our 4:00 arrival appointments. This geothermal spa is a favorite destination for all tourists and a great way to relax (while still staying awake) after a long day of travel. The water is a distinctive blue milky color. Rob and I took turns watching Lucille (kids have to be at least two years old to swim) and dipping in the massive pool surrounded by lava. There are silica and algae face masks to sample along with a steam cave, waterfall and swim-up bar. It was COLD outside of the warm water. Lucille was such a sport! The lobby was a terrific place for people watching. Blue Lagoon is essentially a United Nations of people in bathing suits. Even in the off-season, there were hundreds of bathers here. Back home with a stop at a local grocery store along the way. The gang ventured out for Thai food while Rob and I made a light dinner to eat at home with the baby. To bed in our cozy rooms outfitted with radiators and down quilts. Lucille had no trouble snapping right back into her once-a-night feeding schedule. The rest of us didnt overcome our jetlag quite so easily! Political yard signs were a point of division for much of the election cycle. Local artist Bibi Coyne thinks that, with a little work, those signs can be a symbol of unity. She and her cousin, who lives down the street, supported different candidates during the election, leading to a long unspoken sign war. When the election was over, Coyne took down her 10 political signs, most of which heralded Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Coyne felt defeated. I didnt want it to feel like a war, yet the undercurrent was there with such a contentious election, Coyne said. You could see it dividing neighbors and affecting relationships in a way Id never seen in elections past. Those feelings dont just dissolve after Election Day. With so much negativity, Coyne decided to start a movement of positivity. She was joined by 30 other community members Saturday, who helped her give political signs a makeover, slathering them with feel-good messages, like Choose Love, Be compassionate and Yall means all. Signs were re-imagined to turn Allen Joines into All Join Hands and Dan Forest into Protect our Forests. We wanted to take these names and blot them out not angrily, some were our candidates to cover them with a new message of fairness and compassion, Coyne said. And perhaps it was a message that was there all along. Many of the signs, intended to promote inclusiveness and love in the post-election haze, are staked in her front yard, overlooking Hawthorne Road. Some signs were taken home by the kids and adults who decorated them and spread throughout the community. I turn to art to deal with emotional situations, Coyne, who used to own an art store, said. I didnt want to be alone in studio. I think what we needed was to be together. Coyne hosted the event with two of her friends, Paige Lester-Niles and Susan Morris. The sign idea is nonpartisan and non-political. After 9/11, a couple of local women had done a similar project, Coyne said, decking the city with glittery messages that proclaimed Hope and Joy. After the election, I was thinking about how to put love out into the world and I remembered the hope the 9/11 project brought in a time of great need, Lester-Niles said. We wanted to do something to bring people together. Lester-Niles posted the idea on her Facebook page last week, asking for sign donations, collecting 100 within the day. Coyne also collected leftover signs donated from local political headquarters. And while the movement may have roots in Winston-Salem, its already spreading around the county, Lester-Niles said. Some of her Facebook friends who saw the signs have started similar projects in Baton Rouge, La., Portland, Ore., and towns in Georgia. We wanted to do what we could locally to kick-start the momentum of positivity, Morris said. Its been very therapeutic. The three women will host another event to decorate signs today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sawtooth Center for Visual Art. It is open to everyone. The center is donating some art supplies, but organizers ask those who attend the event also bring supplies to share, in keeping with the theme of the event. With the names of politicians buried underneath layers of paint, Morris, Coyne and Lester-Niles hope to continue to forge unity. Its something simple, painting signs, but we hope it will boost peoples spirits, Morris said. Lets stop being mean. Lets focus on us. President-elect Donald Trump's name is written in the Manhattan skyline, emblazoned on condominiums, hotels and office towers throughout the city where he made his real estate riches. But one group of tenants wants to strip Trump's brand from their buildings. In October, residents from a trio of apartment complexes in the Upper West Side petitioned to have the name "Trump Place" removed from the towers' facades, saying they were embarrassed to be associated with Trump. On Tuesday, they got what they asked for. The company that owns the buildings said it would rename them after their street addresses - 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Blvd. - and take down the all-caps gold letters spelling out "Trump Place," The Real Deal reported. "The purpose of this change is to assume a neutral building identity that appeals to current and future tenants," Equity Residential senior regional manager Mary Pawlisa told the publication. "Using the street address for the building name is popular practice in NYC, and our well-known Riverside address makes it easy for visitors to locate the building." More than 600 people had signed the online petition to "Dump the Trump name" and take down the "Trump Place" lettering, which is set to be removed this week, according to Bloomberg. Organizers said they were appalled by Trump's "treatment of women, his history of racism, his attacks on immigrants, his mockery of the disabled," and other issues that the president-elect has been criticized for in recent months. "We're very pleased, people felt really good that they could do something," Linda Gottlieb, one of the petition's organizers, told Bloomberg. "It was an empowering way to protest. It wasn't a random protest, it was a very specific protest." Trump has not owned the buildings for more than a decade. A spokesperson for the Trump Organization, the family-owned conglomerate that manages Trump's investments, said the decision to change the name was mutual. "This recent change is simply the enforcement of a pre-existing agreement which has been in place for years," the spokesperson told BuzzFeed News. In October, there were signs that the managers of the 1,325-unit complex were acting on the petition. Doormen and concierges were being outfitted for new uniforms and rain mats were being replaced without Trump's name, as reported by the New York Times. "I haven't had a single interaction with a neighbor or an employee who wasn't interested in having the name removed," one resident, Erin Kelly, told the newspaper. "It used to be that we were embarrassed because he was tacky. Now he's shown himself to be despicable on every level." Located between 59th and 72nd Streets, the buildings were developed by Trump and a group of billionaire investors from Hong Kong in the 1990s, the Times reported. Throughout his presidential run, reports showed that Trump's personal brand had suffered as a result of his divisive and vulgar remarks, including comments he made in a 2005 Access Hollywood tape that showed him bragging about sexually assaulting women. "Trump isn't a typical businessman. For decades his personal brand has been built around superlatives," The Washington Post's Christopher Ingraham wrote in August. "It's one thing to build a business around these types of ideas. But it's a lot harder to do this in a political campaign." He continued: "For these reasons presidential campaigns can take a harsh toll on a candidate's favorability or job approval ratings. It's no surprise that the 2016 campaign would have a similarly negative effect on the perception of Trump's business acumen." CHARLESTON, W.Va. The mayor of a tiny town in West Virginia has resigned and the director of a local government-funded nonprofit has lost her job over racist comments about Michelle Obama. After Donald Trump's election as president, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, director of the Clay County Development Corp., took to Facebook to comment on the upcoming shift from Obama to Melania Trump, reportedly writing: "It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House." She added: "I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." NBC affiliate WSAZ reported that Clay Mayor Beverly Whaling then replied, "Just made my day Pam." The town recorder in Clay said Whaling resigned Tuesday. Joe Coleman said that Mayor Beverly Whaling's resignation is effective immediately. Whaling earlier apologized for her response, adding that she isn't racist. Taylor hasn't returned a call seeking comment. The posts were later deleted - and both women's Facebook pages were eventually removed, according to reports - but images of Taylor's post and the mayor's response have been shared widely on social media. As of Tuesday morning, an online petition calling for the women's terminations had garnered more than 100,000 signatures. But by then, Taylor had lost her job: A representative of Clay County Development Corp., a nonprofit funded with state and federal money, said Monday that the board "removed" Taylor from her position as director and appointed Leslie McGlothlin to take her place. McGlothlin did not respond to a request for comment. Whaling, the mayor of the small town outside of Charleston, apologized in a statement sent to The Washington Post. "My comment was not intended to be racist at all," she wrote. "I was referring to my day being made for change in the White House! I am truly sorry for any hard feeling this may have caused! Those who know me know that I'm not of any way racist! "Again, I would like to apologize for this getting out of hand!" Clay Town Councilman Jason Hubbard told the Charleston Gazette-Mail that town officials will address the incident at a previously scheduled council meeting Tuesday night. Taylor could not be reached for comment, but WSAZ reported that she had issued an apology. Taylor also told the news station that the public response had become a "hate crime against me," explaining that she and her children had received death threats. She said she is planning to file a lawsuit against people who have slandered or libeled her, according to the news station. The news station reported that Taylor said she understood why her post may have been interpreted as racist, but that was not her intention. She said she was referring to her own opinion about the first lady's attractiveness, not about the color of her skin, according to the news station. But there is a long and ugly history of comparing black people to primates. "In the 19th century and well into the 20th, popular media from movies to fiction to political cartoons frequently portrayed blacks as more simian than human," social psychologists Phillip Atiba Goff and Jennifer Eberhardt wrote in the Los Angeles Times. "It was an association that provided cover for slavery itself, as well as anti-black violence. Lynchings in the United States were often justified by relying on this dehumanizing association, and it surfaced in the Rodney King controversy in Los Angeles: LAPD Officer Laurence Powell had referred to a black couple as 'something right out of "Gorillas in the Mist" ' moments before he was involved in the King beating. "Like nooses, the 'N-word' and white sheets, referring to blacks as apelike is among the most violent and hurtful legacies of our nation's difficult racial past." Racist primate memes have surfaced repeatedly around the Obamas. Several years ago, the Awl catalogued them in a piece called "Primate in Chief: A Guide to Racist Obama Monkey Photoshops." Two-tenths of 1 percent of Clay County's residents are African American, according to census data. More than three-quarters of the presidential votes cast in the county went to Trump. The News & Record of Greensboro published a longer version of this editorial Saturday. The cordial White House meeting Thursday between President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump set a welcome tone for the aftermath of a nasty and bitter campaign. Can the rest of us set aside gloating over victory or anger over defeat for the sake of our country? Some are not doing well. A North Carolina Ku Klux Klan group says it will hold a parade to celebrate Trumps election next month. Decent people should stay away, and we hope Trump will gravely disappoint these admirers of his. Demonstrators took to the streets of Greensboro and many other cities to protest Tuesdays outcome. Peaceful expressions of dissent are fine, although chants of Not my president wont change the fact that, come Jan. 20, Trump will be our president. And in some cities, demonstrations became disruptive. Thats unfortunate. The opportunity to disrupt Trumps drive to power was at the ballot box Tuesday. Thats not to say Americans cant or shouldnt protest Trumps policies and take political action against them. The peaceful Moral Monday demonstrations in North Carolina have focused national attention on controversial legislation adopted by Republicans in Raleigh. Occasionally, other citizens have held rallies in support of the same policies. We should expect to see plenty of such expressions in Washington in the years ahead. Thats good for democracy, as long as demonstrations are lawful and nonviolent. And there are always more elections. Also disappointing are some individual acts of intolerance and hostility. We all should speak to and about each other with more respect than was exhibited by the candidates during the campaign. We expect that Trump will conform his own behavior to a higher standard now that he is the president-elect. When he takes office, he will speak for our entire country. Trump should set a positive example. If he can be respectful of all Americans, Americans should return the courtesy. Spirit of Peace Prevails in Armenia in Support of the DPCW (video) The advocacy forum for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is held at the Elite Plaza, Yerevan, Armenia on November 17th. Social representatives including leaders of 6 political parties, religion, women, and youth organizations will gather together to develop an environment of peace in Armenia and globe. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international non-governmental organization registered in the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN DPI), and Rt. Hon. Hrant Bagratyan, the former Prime Minister of Armenia, are the organizers of this event for introduction and promotion of the DPCW to Armenia. The DPCW, drafted by HWPL and its International Law Peace Committee with global experts, addresses conflict resolution based on preventing war-related behaviors, safeguarding religious and ethnic identities, and encouraging a culture of peace through international cooperation. The World Alliance of Religions Peace (WARP) Summit, with its 2nd year of peace advocacy movement, was the open access for members of international organizations, governments and civil society to global efforts to introduce a new norm of peace through the DPCW. Currently, 702,874 global citizens in 173 countries have signed their names to support it. Rt. Hon Bagratyan at the WARP Summit last September said, "The DPCW will be a good instrument against extremism, terrorism, war, and associations that will be good base for sustainability of peace. And together we should create a pressure on that to have this declaration law adopted by UN. Advocacy forums of the DPCW have become global attention when recognizing the necessity of change from the repetition of conflict to settlement of sustainable peace through instruments and mechanisms to buttress the enhancement of human dignity based on peace. Starting from Palestine, Armenia, Nigeria, and the Philippines, such a comprehensive discussion of peace in the global community will pave the way to making a better world. *Title: Advocacy Forum for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War *Time: 16:00-18:00, 17th November *Venue: Mantashev Ballroom 2nd Floor, Elite Plaza, Yerevan, Armenia GREENSBORO A district court judge learned Tuesday that an 11-year-old girl is in a medically-induced coma and a 28-year-old McCleansville man is accused of striking her with his vehicle as she waited for her school bus, then leaving the child injured on the side of the road. Guilford County District Court Judge Teresa Vincent refused to lower the $100,000 bail set for Nicholas Alan Williams, of 2651 Red Cedar Court. Guilford County Assistant District Attorney Veronica Edmisten told Vincent during Williams' first appearance that doctors had to put the girl in a medically-induced coma due to bleeding on her brain. The Eastern Guilford Middle School student has multiple injuries including a punctured lung that requires a breathing tube. The wreck also destroyed the heel of the girl's foot. Doctors tried to surgically reconstruct it. "The doctor is optimistic but said she is not out of the woods yet," Edmisten told the judge. N.C. Highway Patrol Master Trooper Chris Knox said Williams was driving a 1999 Ford Escort east on Huffman Mill Road Monday when he went off the right side of the road, then overcorrected and drove off the left side. He struck the girl waiting for a bus at 2651 Huffman Mill Road. Troopers charged Williams with assault on a child under the age of 12, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, felony hit-and-run, felony serious injury, reckless driving and driving while impaired. Assistant District Attorney Mary Ann Courtney said Williams had a 0.21 breath-alcohol level when troopers located him at his house. North Carolina's legal limit is 0.08. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 31 years and 1 month in prison. Williams' mother came forward and asked the judge if she could speak to her son through the video conference connection. "I love you sweetie," Deborah Williams said. "I love you too mom," Nicholas Williams said breaking the silence he maintained through the hearing. "Take care of yourself," his mother said barely above a whisper. Deborah Williams told the judge her family hired attorney Joel Oakley to represent Nicholas Williams. Court Services official Ainsley Owens told Williams that he has a previous of underage drinking and felony possession of cocaine. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 13 in district court. 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 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 Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | While anti-Muslims crimes shot up, Jews still remain the most frequent target of religious-based hate crimes in the U.S. From last years Chapel Hill shooting to the execution-style killing in August of a Queens Iman to Septembers arson attack on the Florida mosque that Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen attended, and with nearly 300 incidents of reported hate crimes against minorities since Donald J. Trump was named president-elect, 2016 has been the annus horribilis for Muslims living in the United States. New FBI statistics confirm the trend hate crimes against Muslims in the United States shot up 67 percent in 2015 the highest levels since the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In 2015, there were 257 incidents of anti-Muslim compared to 154 the previous year. Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, 481 incidents against Muslims were reported, making the last year the most malevolent for Muslims, second only to the year 2001. The FBI also reported that Jews still remain the most frequent target of religious-based hate crimes in the United States, representing 53 percent of all those reported. "I think these statistics are just a fraction of what we see on the ground right now," Ibrahim Hooper, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, told Al Jazeera. "We witnessed a spark in the number of hate crimes against Muslims in late 2015, and this number increased further during Donald Trumps election campaign," Hooper added. "We expect the situation to get worse in the future, based on the fact that Donald Trump had mainstreamed Islamophobia." Just in the last week, a mosque at New York Universitys Brooklyn campus was vandalized, and several Muslim women have reported that a number of Trump supporters have attempted to rip off their headscarves. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a body that tracks hate crimes across the country, has counted more than 300 complaints since election day, according to USA Today. "Donald Trump just named a white supremacist as chief strategist," Hooper said. "We have no reason to believe things are going to get better for the American Muslim community or other minorities anytime soon. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: Wochit News: FBI Says Hate Crimes Against Muslims Are Up By 67 Percent Reddit Email 0 Shares By Michael G. Roskin | (Informed Comment) | A quick and early litmus test of Trumps pragmatism: Will he move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? He promised to do it immediately, but that could unleash anti-American Muslim violence worldwide. Congress voted overwhelmingly for it in 1995 but presidents, fearing repercussions, never implemented it. Trump may back down on moving the embassy, which would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. Photo of Jerusalem by Michael G. Roskin, 1961 The spring of 1961, I got my passport renewed at the U.S. Consulate General on the Israeli side of then-divided Jerusalem. It came back stamped renewed in Jerusalem, Palestine. Why did Washington then and now refuse to designate it Israel? The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that the president, as chief diplomat, alone has the power to recognize foreign capitals. The 1947 UN Partition Plan designated Jerusalem a UN-supervised neutral district of Palestine, even though it was soon divided in bitter 1948-49 fighting between the fledgling Israel Defense Forces and Jordans British-officered Arab Legion. Jordan held the entire Old City, with its walls and religious sites; the Israelis held the larger, modern area of West Jerusalem. People who ventured into the no mans land between them could get shot by a Jordanian sniper. Thus things stood until the 1967 Six Day War, when Israel conquered the entire West Bank and annexed all of Jerusalem. Israel since late 1949 designated the western portions of Jerusalem as its capital and built the Knesset (parliament) and foreign ministry there. Some ministries, such as defense, remained in Tel Aviv for security concerns, to keep them back from the front lines in case of another war. (Based on the same strategic reasoning, unified Germanys defense ministry remains in Bonn, not Berlin.) All countriesin deference to the UN plan, in hopes of an eventual peace settlement, and, more to the point, worried about their embassies and businesses in Muslim landshave their embassies in Tel Aviv with consulates general (big, important consulates) in Jerusalem. A few countries did move their embassies to Jerusalem but have since withdrawn them back to Tel Aviv. Its not a big day trip for diplomats to conduct business in Jerusalem and return to Tel Aviv. AmConGen Jerusalem, like the one in Hong Kong, now functions as an embassy in all but name and reports directly back to State in Washington, not to the embassy in Tel Aviv. So were talking about pure symbolism here. In 1995, both houses of the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act, requiring the State Department to move our embassy there by 1999 and recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. President Clinton never signed it, and no president since has moved to implement it, knowing what trouble it could stir up. Constitutionally, all presidents have claimed that the Act infringes on their powers as diplomat-in-chief, and the Supreme Court agreed. In some sense, this is a clash between elites and interest groups. The elitesState, DoD, and Agency officialssee the danger of making Muslim countries hate us even worse. Establishing a U.S. embassy in Jerusalem would precipitate unrest, even violence, in the Muslim world at a time we are trying to calm it down. The interest groupsthe Israel lobby and its Christian alliesvery much want the Act implemented, as it would further cement U.S.-Israel ties. Few Americans care or even heard about the issue, so Congress votes to please the committed minority who can do members some good at election time. I doubt if Congress gives the likely overseas repercussions much thought. Congress could withhold funds for the State Department, but in a time of terrorism, when embassies badly need enhanced physical security, Congress cant do that. The 1995 Act was a pretend law, a meaningless congressional gesture, and a diplomatic annoyance, but now Trump can use it without delay. Will he? The SCOTUS case was Zivotofsky v. Kerry (2014). Menachem Zivotofsky was born in Jerusalem in 2002 to American parents, who were displeased that the U.S. consulate listed in his passport his birthplace as Jerusalem rather than Israel. Theyand the state of Israelwish to reaffirm that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, not a separate entity under a defunct UN plan. Originally filed as Zivotofsky v. Clinton (after Hillary, then secretary of state), lower courts went back and forth over whether this is a political issue, one not to be decided by the courts. In April 2014, the Supreme Court granted it certiorari because it has constitutional ramifications, and heard oral arguments November 3. The crux of the case was not the status of Jerusalem but whos in charge of foreign relations, the president or Congress. In Zivotofsky, as a lower court put it, a ruling would necessarily require the court to decide the political status of Jerusalem. Washington would thus have to abandon Jerusalems ambiguous (but useful) status, a decision that could easily push Israel/Palestine into its third intifada, which some say is already underway. The Supreme Court upheld precedent and affirmed the important U.S. v. Curtiss-Wright Export Corporation (1936). In the 1932-35 Chaco War, Latin Americas bloodiest twentieth-century conflict, Bolivia invaded Paraguay, aiming for oilfields and a river outlet to the Atlantic. Curtiss-Wright sold Bolivia a few warplanes even after Congress, by joint resolution, authorized the president to block it, and the corporation was charged with defying a U.S. arms embargo. In 1936, the Supreme Court held that in foreign relations, unlike domestic law, the president has implicit plenary power essentially unfettered by Congress. Curtiss-Wright has been cited ever since as giving the president supremacy in foreign affairs but differs from Zivotofsky. In the earlier case, Congress had endorsed presidential power, the opposite of the recent case in which Congress claimed that it has the deciding power. Will Trump, who will have a Republican Congress behind him, risk moving the embassy? Does the non-reading Trump even know its a risk? We should see by the end of January. If Trump doesnt move the embassy by then, he has likely listened to the career professionals and will stall indefinitely to preserve the status quo. Oh, what happened in the Chaco? Paraguay, although outnumbered and outgunned, won. Bolivias German military officers learned too late that their Altiplano conscripts, brought down from above 12,000 feet to nearly sea level, soon sickened and died. Dont go where you shouldnt be. Michael G. Roskin has been a Professor of Political Science at Lycoming College since 1972 and has authored five political science textbooks. Professor Roskin earlier worked as a newsman and foreign service officer for the U.S. Information Agency before earning a Ph.D. in international studies at American University. Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | For all his bluster about renegotiating the Joint Plan for Collective Action regarding Irans nuclear enrichment program, which the members of the UN Security Council plus Germany signed off on in summer of 2015, Donald Trump didnt menace Iran itself during his campaign. He lamented Iranian influence in Iraq, but seemed to feel that the pro-Iranian government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was better than a the Sunni fundamentalist regime likely to be erected by the countrys rebels. Now we are hearing that Trump may choose Rudi Giuliani or John Bolton for secretary of state. Giuliani has taken money from the shadowy Mojahedin-e Khalq (Peoples jihadis) or MEK, a Marxist Muslim group dedicated to using terrorist tactics to overthrowing the ayatollahs in Tehran. Bolton, one of the advocates for Bushs Iraq War, urged bombing Irans nuclear enrichment facilities (which would have released massive amounts of radioactive material on the major city of Isfahan). So as usual with Trump, he is all over the place. The National Iranian American Council, which represents many Iranian-Americans, has some advice for him in a new report signed by 76 national security experts (I am among them). NIAC argues that the nuclear deal with Iran was a positive, and reduced tensions in the Gulf. After all, instead of dickering, Dick Cheney and his crew had wanted a war on Iran. Moreover, despite the skeptics, every evidence is that the agreement is a success. Iran has met all of its obligations. It concreted in its planned heavy water reactor at Arak, which could have been used as a breeder reactor to produce fissile material. It got rid of its stock of uranium enriched to 19.5%. It greatly reduced the number of centrifuges it runs. It accepted thoroughgoing inspections by the UN International Atomic Energy Agency. NIAC observes that the deal had the added benefit of demonstrating that diplomacy can work with Iran, despite the inevitable attempts of Iranian hardliners to sabotage any improvement of Irans relations with the West and despite the deep suspicions of Irans clerical Leader, Ali Khamenei. What that means is that a President Trump can also resolve further outstanding issues with Iran by using diplomacy. He says he is all about the art of the deal, so the biggest deals to be made are with Iran. Moreover, despite the severe disagreements between Washington and Tehran on some issues, there are other matters where their interests overlap. The US frankly needs Iran to defeat ISIL, and if Trump wants to crush what is left of that organization, hell have no choice but to cooperate with Iran (just as Obama has, behind the scenes). The new NIAC report looks at US-Iran relations with regard to the regional concerns such as the Syrian civil war, rebuilding a viable Iraqi state, stabilizing Afghanistan, the issue of the Saudi-Iran cold war, and energy security. It also covers human rights in Iran and the continued unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States (which are now costing American companies billions of dollars in lost business, and allowing European competitors to clean up.) One area of urgent cooperation between a Trump administration and Iran will be putting Iraq back together again. Iraqi elites need to realize that they need constitutional reform to reconfigure political parties away from an ethnic basis, which divides the country rather than uniting it. Iraqs army needs to be rebuilt with mixed units of Sunnis and Shiites. After ISIL is defeated, the pro-Iran Shiite militias need to be demobilized. If they remain standing forces beholden to Iran, it could destabilize Iraq again in ways that will disadvantage Iran. NIAC is the most effective of the lobbies of Americans of Middle Eastern heritage. Its positions are judicious. They will be disregarded by the Giulianis and the Boltons. But those two dont want to do a deal. Maybe Trump does. If so, hed get a better backgrounder from NIAC on how to accomplish that than he would from anyone on his current team. - Related video: Euronews: What will Trumps presidency mean for the Iran nuclear deal? Reddit Email 0 Shares By Nick Turse | (Tomdispatch.com) | So is he going to win? The question washed over me as I slumped in my hard plastic chair. I had passed the day walking through a town where most homes lay in ruins and human remains were strewn across a field, a day spent looking over my shoulder for soldiers and melting in the 110-degree heat. My mind was as spent as my body. Under an inky sky ablaze with stars, the type of night you see only in the rural world, I looked toward the man who asked the question and half-shrugged. Everyone including me, I said, thought Donald Trump was going to flame out long ago. And he hadnt. So what did I know? At that point, I couldnt bear to talk about it anymore, so the two of us sat speechless for a time. Finally, my companion looked back at me and broke his silence. It cant happen, can it? he asked. I had no answer then March of this year sitting in that ruined town in South Sudan. I do now. I thought about that March night as the election results rolled in, as the New York Times forecast showed Hillary Clintons chances of winning the presidency plummet from about 80% to less than 5%, while Trumps fortunes skyrocketed by the minute. As Clintons future in the Oval Office evaporated, leaving only a whiff of her stale dreams, I saw all the foreign-policy certainties, all the hawkish policies and military interventions, all the would-be bin Laden raids and drone strikes shed preside over as commander-in-chief similarly vanish into the ether. With her failed candidacy went the no-fly escalation in Syria that she was sure to pursue as president with the vigor she had applied to the disastrous Libyan intervention of 2011 while secretary of state. So, too, went her continued pursuit of the now-nameless war on terror, the attendant gray-zone conflicts marked by small contingents of U.S. troops, drone strikes, and bombing campaigns and all those munitions she would ship to Saudi Arabia for its war in Yemen. As the life drained from Clintons candidacy, I saw her rabid pursuit of a new Cold War start to wither and Russo-phobic comparisons of Putins rickety Russian petro-state to Stalins Soviet Union begin to die. I saw the end, too, of her Iron Curtain-clouded vision of NATO, of her blind faith in an alliance more in line with 1957 than 2017. As Clintons political fortunes collapsed, so did her Israel-Palestine policy rooted in the fiction that American and Israeli security interests overlap and her commitment to what was clearly an unworkable peace process. Just as, for domestic considerations, she would blindly support that Middle Eastern nuclear power, so was she likely to follow President Obamas trillion-dollar path to modernizing Americas nuclear arsenal. All that, along with her sure-to-be-gargantuan military budget requests, were scattered to the winds by her ringing defeat. The Dismal Tide As I watched CNN, Twitter, and the Times website, what came to mind was that March night in South Sudan, after that exchange about Donald Trump, when the camp went quiet and I dragged my reeking body from my tent to the shower water in a plastic bucket that I had earlier pumped from a borehole. I picked my way across the camp with a flashlight so tiny it barely illuminated one step at a time. It was like driving at night without headlights, a sojourn into the unknown, a journey into an airless, enveloping darkness. All that seemed certain suddenly wasnt. What would come next was a mystery. That March night, I was trying to avoid falling into an open pit that was to serve as a shelter if shooting started near the camp. As election night proceeded, a potentially more dangerous abyss seemed to be opening in the darkness before me. Clintons foreign policy future had been a certainty. Trumps was another story entirely. He had, for instance, called for a raft of military spending: growing the Army and Marines to a ridiculous size, building a Navy to reach a seemingly arbitrary and budget-busting number of ships, creating a mammoth air armada of fighter jets, pouring money into a missile defense boondoggle, and recruiting a legion of (presumably overweight) hackers to wage cyber war. All of it to be paid for by cutting unnamed waste, ending unspecified federal programs, or somehow conjuring up dollars from hither and yon. But was any of it serious? Was any of it true? Would President Trump actually make good on the promises of candidate Trump? Or would he simply bark Wrong! when somebody accused him of pledging to field an army of 540,000 active duty soldiers or build a Navy of 350 ships. Would Trump actually attempt to implement his plan to defeat ISIS that is, bomb the shit out of them and then take the oil of Iraq? Or was that just the bellicose bluster of the campaign trail? Would he be the reckless hawk Clinton promised to be, waging wars like the Libyan intervention? Or would he follow the dictum of candidate Trump who said, The current strategy of toppling regimes, with no plan for what to do the day after, only produces power vacuums that are filled by terrorists. Outgoing representative Randy Forbes of Virginia, a contender to be secretary of the Navy in the new administration, recently said that the president elect would employ an international defense strategy that is driven by the Pentagon and not by the political National Security Council Because if you look around the globe, over the last eight years, the National Security Council has been writing that. And find one country anywhere that we are better off than we were eight years [ago], you cannot find it. Such a plan might actually blunt armed adventurism, since it was war-weary military officials who reportedly pushed back against President Obamas plans to escalate Iraq War 3.0. According to some Pentagon-watchers, a potentially hostile bureaucracy might also put the brakes on even fielding a national security team in a timely fashion. While Wall Street investors seemed convinced that the president elect would be good for defense industry giants like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, whose stocks surged in the wake of Trumps win, its unclear whether that indicates a belief in more armed conflicts or simply more bloated military spending. Under President Obama, the U.S. has waged war in or carried out attacks on at least eight nations Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and Syria. A Clinton presidency promised more, perhaps markedly more, of the same an attitude summed up in her infamous comment about the late Libyan autocrat Muammar Gaddafi: We came, we saw, he died. Trump advisor Senator Jeff Sessions said, Trump does not believe in war. He sees war as bad, destructive, death and a wealth destruction. Of course, Trump himself said he favors committing war crimes like torture and murder. Hes also suggested that he would risk war over the sort of naval provocations like Iranian ships sailing close to U.S. vessels that are currently met with nothing graver than warning shots. So theres good reason to assume Trump will be a Clintonesque hawk or even worse, but some reason to believe due to his propensity for lies, bluster, and backing down that he could also turn out to be less bellicose. Given his penchant for running businesses into the ground and for economic proposals expected to rack up trillions of dollars in debt, its possible that, in the end, Trump will inadvertently cripple the U.S. military. And given that the government is, in many ways, a national security state bonded with a mass of money and orbited by satellite departments and agencies of far lesser import, Trump could even kneecap the entire government. If so, what could be catastrophic for Americans a battered, bankrupt United States might, ironically, bode well for the wider world. In his victory speech, Trump struck a conciliatory note. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, he intoned. Every single American will have the opportunity to realize his or her fullest potential. This stood at odds with a year and a half of rancid rhetoric that was denounced far and wide as racist, sexist and xenophobic. That said, racism, sexism and xenophobia have long been embraced by American presidents anti-immigrant presidents, presidents who oppressed, forcibly displaced, imprisoned, or killed their fellow men on the basis of race or ethnicity, presidents who were dismissive when it came to a womans right to vote, or even owned women outright. Such behavior is wired into the DNA of the United States. Indeed, these traits form the bedrock of a land born of the twin evils of settler colonialism and slavery. Progress since rights movements, strides toward equal protections under the law, even the notion of the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice may not ultimately be linear or even lasting. The high-water mark of the American experiment may well have already been reached. Looking out from this city on a hill, it may soon be possible to glimpse the spot where the wave crested, before it ebbed and headed back out to sea. So much that was fought for with such bravery may be swept away in the dismal tide and drowned in the depths. Or perhaps not. What was dragged under may struggle to the surface. Castaways clinging to a lifeboat in the tempest may, one day, find themselves aboard a sea-splitting ship its sails full, its many-hued flags flying, its decks teeming; its crew poised to thunder ashore, securing a new American beachhead. We simply cannot know. It Can Happen Here That dark, sultry night in South Sudan, I thought a great deal about rights and oppression, about what happens when the worst impulses of men are stoked and sharpened, about what it means when a government turns on its own people. There, in that ruined town, young girls and women had been kidnapped and gang-raped with regularity; men and boys had been locked in a shipping container to wither and die; homes had been razed; corpses abandoned to snarling, scavenging hyenas; and skeletal remains left unburied. It was a horrorscape, a place of suffering almost beyond imagining, one that puts the problems of Americas forgotten men and women and their economic disenfranchisement, as well as the rage many white working-class people feel into perspective. At the time, I told my questioner just what I thought a Hillary Clinton presidency might mean for America and the world: more saber-rattling, more drone strikes, more military interventions, among other things. Our just-ended election aborted those would-be wars, though Clintons legacy can still be seen, among other places, in the rubble of Iraq, the battered remains of Libya, and the faces of South Sudans child soldiers. Donald Trump has the opportunity to forge a new path, one that could be marked by bombast instead of bombs. If ever there was a politician with the ability to simply declare victory and go home regardless of the facts on the ground its him. Why go to war when you can simply say that you did, big league, and you won? The odds, of course, are against this. The United States has been embroiled in foreign military actions, almost continuously, since its birth and in 64 conflicts, large and small, according to the military, in the last century alone. Its a country that, since 9/11, has been remarkably content to wage winless, endless wars with little debate or popular outcry. Its a country in which Barack Obama won election, in large measure, due to dissatisfaction with the prior commander-in-chiefs signature war and then, after winning a Nobel Peace Prize and overseeing the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, reengaged in an updated version of that very same war bequeathing it now to Donald J. Trump. This Trump. Hes a crazy man! the African aid worker insisted to me that March night. He says some things and you wonder: Are you going to be president? Really? It turns out the answer is yes. It cant happen, can it? That question still echoes in my mind. I know all the things that now cant happen, Clintons wars among them. The Trump era looms ahead like a dark mystery, cold and hard. We may well be witnessing the rebirth of a bitter nation, the fruit of a land poisoned at its root by evils too fundamental to overcome; a country exceptional for its squandered gifts and forsaken providence, its shattered promises and moral squalor. It cant happen, can it? Indeed, my friend, it just did. Nick Turse is the managing editor of TomDispatch, a fellow at the Nation Institute, and a contributing writer for the Intercept. His book Tomorrows Battlefield: U.S. Proxy Wars and Secret Ops in Africa recently received an American Book Award. His latest book is Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead: War and Survival in South Sudan. His website is NickTurse.com. Reporting for this story was made possible through the generous support of Lannan Foundation. Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts latest book, Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World. Copyright 2016 Nick Turse Via Tomdispatch.com Egyptian political activist Sanaa Seif was released from prison on Tuesday. Seif was released [MEE report] after serving six months for insulating a member of the prosecution. Seif and dozens of other protesters were arrested shortly before a protest in April against President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for handing over [Al Jazeera report] two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Seif was convicted [Guardian report] after she failed to attend a summons on suspicion of inciting protests. After the charge, Seif refused to appeal the decision and handed herself in. This came after Seif received a presidential pardon after she was imprisoned for a 2014 protest. Egypt has been internationally scrutinized in recent months over allegations of human rights infringements and free speech violations. Last month an Egyptian court froze assets [JURIST report] of five notable human rights activists and three NGOs for allegedly accepting foreign funds without governmental authorization. In July Amnesty International criticized [JURIST report] the Egyptian government for abducting and torturing hundreds of citizens during a crackdown on political activists and protesters. And in May the UN urged [JURIST report] the Egyptian government end its oppressive response towards human rights advocates in the country. The experts reported that Egypt has cracked down on protesters, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders in recent years by conducting mass arrests, using aggressive force and invading peoples privacy. [JURIST] The German Federal Constitutional Court [official website] on Tuesday rejected [press release] a request by the Bundestag Committee of Inquiry into NSA Activities that the German government release the US National Security Agency (NSA) [official website] Selector List of spy targets in Germany. The NSA and the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) [official website, in German] had been working together for various intelligence endeavors when claims arose in 2015 that the NSAs investigations may have violated the rights of some German citizens. However, the court declined to grant the request, because the lists also concern security interests of the US meaning they are not subject to Germanys exclusive power of disposal. The governments interest in non-disclosure, particularly with regard to its international and intelligence reputation with the US, outweighed the parliamentary interest in obtaining the information. Data collection and government surveillance continues to be a contentious issue world wide. In February the US Department of Justice filed a motion to compel [JURIST report] Apple to unlock the encrypted iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters. Earlier that month, the Intelligence and Security Committee of the UK Parliament released a report [JURIST report] outlining its concerns with the proposed Investigatory Powers Bill than plans to expand data collection and Internet spying. In January the Ontario Superior Court ruled [JURIST report] that police orders requiring telecommunications companies to hand over cellphone user data breached the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Last November the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an order allowing the NSA to continue compiling telephone records of a California-based law firm, just one week after a federal judge ruled [JURIST reports] against the part of the agencys surveillance program involving the bulk collection of domestic phone records. [JURIST] The Indian Supreme Court [official website] declined Tuesday to stay the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes initiated by the government. However, the court requested [TOI report] that the government file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to ease inconvenience to the public, particularly long lines at banks and ATMs. The request for a stay came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi [official website] announced that these high denomination bills will no longer be legal tender as of midnight on November 9, declaring a decisive war against corruption and black money. Anti-corruption efforts are ongoing worldwide. Last week former Chinese Deputy Minister, Zhang Liju, was sentenced [JURIST report] to four years in prison after having been convicted of taking 2.4 million yuan ($354000.58 USD) in bribes. Earlier this month the High Court of South Africa on Wednesday ordered [JURIST report] the release of a report on corruption allegations against President Jacob Zuma. Also in November, former Argentinian president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner [BBC backgrounder] went before a judge [JURIST report] for questioning as part of the investigation into her alleged corruption for granting public works contracts. [JURIST] One survivor and nine families of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Tuesday filed an appeal to the Connecticut Supreme Court seeking to have the court reinstate their lawsuit against Remington. The families claim [AP report] that Remington, manufacturer of the gun used in the massacre, violated state law by advertising and selling a dangerous weapon to the public. The families prior lawsuit was dismissed based on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act [text], federal legislation passed in 2005 that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits in most circumstances where their firearms are used in a criminal manner. In December of 2012, Adam Lanza killed 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary [CNN backgrounder] with an Armalite Rifle Model 15 manufactured by Remington and legally purchased by his mother. The victims families filed a lawsuit against Remington in state court, stating in their complaint that the gunmakers continued selling semi-automatic rifles to the public, disregarding the unreasonable risks the weapon poses outside of specialized highly regulated institutions like the armed forces and law enforcement. The complaint also alleged that the defendants knew that the sale of such assault rifles posed an unreasonable and egregious risk of physical injury to others. In April, Judge Barbara Bellis denied [JURIST report] the defendants motion to dismiss upon consideration of the families legal claim that the gun companies may have negligently promoted a weapon too dangerous for civilian use. Judge Bellis then dismissed [JURIST report] the lawsuit in October, finding that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act prohibited such suits against gunmakers. [JURIST] Justice Timothy Kerr of the Queens Bench [official websites] on Monday entered an injunction ordering prison officers back to work after the officers stopped work complaining of an increase in violence. The 24-hour protest was in reaction to increasing violence in the prison system and was intended to spur changes to protect prison workers. The Ministry of Justice [official website] strongly objected to the protest, asserting that it was nothing more than an attempt to take over the control of jails from governors and run them on a controlled lock-down basis. Until the prisons can be fully staffed, prisoners are being kept in their cells all hours of the day. Protecting the rights of prisoners continues to be a contentious legal issue worldwide. Earlier this month Amnesty International (AI) urged [JURIST report] Myanmars Parliament to align its draft prisons law with international human rights laws and standards. According to AI, the current bill lacks specifics on how prisons should be reformed to meet the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. It is reportedly devoid of legal safeguards against torture, ill-treatment, unlawful detention, and forced labour and contains almost no provisions relating to minimum standards of health, food, potable water, accommodation, sanitation, and hygiene. Last month Human Rights Watch called into question [JURIST report] Tunisias use of house arrests under a November 2015 state of emergency decree. According to the release, at least 139 people have been put under house arrest in what the government has called a means to fight against terrorism. Human rights advocates are concerned with the stigmatization of those put under house arrest, denial of access to education and work, and failure of the government to provide for the livelihood of the person placed under house arrest. And in September UN experts condemned [JURIST report] Australia for its laws allowing indefinite detention of intellectually disabled persons facing criminal charges. Under the current law, if a person is found unfit to plead to a charge against them, they may be held in custody for an unspecified amount of time. NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Drinks Daily News The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Drinks Weekly News A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Drinks Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter It has been a year since Conserve Italia, a group of Italian co-operatives, sold France-based packaged fruit supplier St Mamet to French private-equity firm Florac. Matthieu Lambeaux, the former Findus executive, had joined Florac in May 2015 to help the family-owned Florac buy branded food companies in France and became the CEO of St Mamet after the takeover. John Shepherd met Lambeaux at the SIAL trade show last month to discuss his plans to grow the business. A year ago, as the ink dried on the sale of French packaged fruit group St Mamet to private-equity firm Florac, Matthieu Lambeaux, the new CEO of the French packaged fruit group, said the company was at a turning point in its history, starting a period of recovery and could become a global player and market leader. Speaking to just-food at last months SIAL trade show in Paris, it seems Lambeaux believes recovery is well under way. Lambeaux and St Mamet were using SIAL to announce what he called an exclusive pineapple supply deal with Del Monte Pacifics S&W arm as the latest in a series of moves to grow the French group. Lambeaux had joined Florac five months before the St Mamet deal was announced, tasked with buying branded food companies in France for the family-owned private-equity firm. The former Findus, Campbell Soup Co. and Unilever executive told just-food St Mamets deal with Del Monte Pacific represented a new long-term partnership as the French group moves to ramp up production and target new markets. St Mamet is now investing in production and new product development in France and aims to expand its existing exports to China, as well as explore new markets, Lambeaux said. He added he and his colleagues are enjoying the challenge of rebuilding and energising the St Mamet brand. St Mamet was a fantastic product but needed help, Lambeaux said. The company had previously been at the top of its game, but Lambeaux said its factory was not in a good state and the former owners were not developing anything new. The problem for any brand that does not re-invent and renew is that it will disappear one day. St Mamets new owners were quick to seize on one of the key obstacles that lay ahead for the company and take action, Lambeaux said. Pineapple currently represents 20% of St Mamets tinned fruit sales, but the market had long been neglected. People felt very remote from where the pineapples came from and there had been supply shortage issues which no one had done anything about for a very long time. S&W had been working with St Mamet in the past, but not on an exclusive basis. St Mamet was previously sourcing from several suppliers, which can mean different, colours, taste and product texture. This was why we had the idea of forming a strategic partnership with an exclusive supplier for pineapple. Lambeaux declined to reveal the financial details of the deal or the amount of supplies from S&W. However, he said St Mamet wanted to work with S&W because it supports our model of not just buying on the spot market, but knowing where a product comes from before we put our brand on it and sell it. Lambeaux added: We need to have traceability. S&W pineapples originate from a 22,000-hectare plantation in the northern part of Mindanao, which is the second largest and southernmost major island in the Philippines. S&W general manager Tan Chooi Khim was also at SIAL to announce the deal and told just-food the company manages the land under long-term leases with local farmers and workers who were given ownership of the area under government land reforms enacted around 15 years ago. The lease agreements have brought employment stability locally and of course we can help growers get the product to the international market through St Mamet, Tan said. We think the time is right for us to venture into Europe through this partnership, Tan added. We have had a presence in Scandinavia, but not across Europe as a whole and this is the first time we are in France. Lambeaux said supplies of tropical fruit is also part of the deal with S&W. He said: At the moment the partnership is focused on providing canned fruit, but things may evolve. There are a lot of things that we can potentially do together. St Mamet today defines itself as a canned fruit, jam and apple sauce business, which originated from fruit growers in Provence, in southern France. Lambeaux said St Mamet now has 150 growers working for the company across orchards on 650 hectares of land spread across five of Frances departments. He said St Mamet plans to increase the combined size of the orchards from 650 hectares to 1,000 hectares and have 30% of produce grown as organic by 2021, in response to demand for organically-grown products, although he noted the company already sources sustainable produce recognised by Frances Agri Confiance agricultural certification. In January, St Mamet will launch its first range of organic products for mass catering, such as schools, which will include fruit salads and compotes. The aim now is to transform the company into one of the European leaders in fruits, especially in innovative products such as fruit salads, Lambeaux said. We are refitting our factory in Nimes completely to make it one of the most exciting fruit salad businesses in Europe. To make a good fruit salad, we need the fresh fruit available nearby, so our growers in France are helping to provide that. In terms of growth, that is what we are doing right now. Lambeaux declined to discuss investment costs, or the companys sales and performance as it enters its second year of operations under new management, but he said St Mamet had seen growth of around 8% in the French market in the third quarter of the new teams first year at the helm. When the sale of St Mamet to Florac was announced, the fruit suppliers annual turnover was given as EUR100m. Lambeaux cited a partnership with McDonalds in France, where St Mamets dessert pouches are the main dessert included in childrens Happy Meals, signed in the last year as evidence that in one year we are already turning the business around. In five years time, I see St Mamet as one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe in fruits. In terms of other markets, we are looking at China, where we have started selling our apple sauce smoothies range. We are also looking at selling into Asia, the Nordics, Russia, the US and the UK. However, on the UK, he added: My wife is English and my kids are English and I love the UK. But I think the UK is a bit of a battleground at the moment. Nevertheless, Lambeaux said the current uncertainty about the UK market until Brexit negotiations with the EU are completed would not necessarily be a bar to entering the country. He knows the UK market well, having worked in the country for ten years, including a stint heading up Hellmanns mayonnaise in the UK. St Mamet does not exist in the UK at all at present, so we have nothing to lose in considering it, Lambeaux said. He revealed that he has already held talks with representatives of some of the UKs major retailers to discuss the possibility of selling into the UK retail market. Lambeaux remained tight-lipped about UK retailers that might be in St Mamets sights and acknowledged newcomer fruit products from the company would face very strong competition in the UK. But we have things we can offer that on one else can, he claimed. One is that we can offer product traceability and so our pears and peaches and so on can be traced back to our own orchards in France. In fact, we are launching a website next month for people to pay a virtual visit to our orchards to see where their product comes from. Lambeaux suggested St Mamets new smoothies desserts range might be a starting product for the UK. However, he said it was too soon to speculate further and much rested on how Brexit evolves. With Brexit in mind he also expressed concerns he said are now uppermost in the minds of many companies. The UK risks from going from global village to Little England, he said. Having been the light in the world for the past 30 years on free trade, we now start to consider the possibility that free trade between the UK and Europe, where there is the biggest free trade market in the world, might not continue. Nestle has downplayed the impact any future move from the US to impose duties on products made in Mexico and sold in the north of the boarder would have on its business. The election of Donald Trump as US President has raised the possibility the US could clamp down on free trade between the country and Mexico. During his election campaign, Trump was highly critical of the North American Free Trade Agreement which establishes free trade between the US, Mexico and Canada. In the final televised presidential debate, Trump described NAFTA as the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere, but certainly ever signed in this country. Speaking to Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Mexico Business Summit in Puebla earlier this week, Marcelo Melchior, the head of Nestles business in the country, suggested that, should the US impose tariffs on Mexican-made products, the company would re-evaluate its North American supply chain. If they place a tariff, and its no longer competitive to export to the US, I wont export to the US or Ill find another type of product that I can export to the US, Melchior said. A spokesperson for Nestle, however, told just-food the Swiss food giant has not altered its strategy in the region and is pushing ahead with plans to invest a total of US$1bn in Mexico by 2018. The investment proposal was first unveiled in 2014. At the time, Nestle said the cash would be spend on a new infant nutrition factory in Ocotlan, in Jalisco state, which it opened last month. The investment was also geared towards a petfood factory in the city of Silao, in the state of Guanajuato and the expansion of its cereal factory in Lagos de Moreno in Jalisco. Nestle Mexico has not changed its investment plans. Our US$1bn commitment has advanced to EUR807m to date and we will meet the target as planned by 2018, the spokesperson said. The exports to US are a minimal part of our total production and it is way too early to consider any changes as we need to see what changes occur to trade regulations. Nestle is not the only company food company that would potentially be impacted by the introduction of tariffs on food products made in Mexico. Last year, Mondelez International decided to move some of its biscuit production out of Chicago and into Mexico. The company pumped $130m into a factory in Salinas, Mexico, in a bid to modernise its North America supply chain. The US snack maker did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Davit Gasparyan: State begs money from people (video) Like a beggar, the state has stretches out its hand, asking people for money. This is shameful, writer Davit Gasparyan told journalists on November 16 commenting on government proposal that each employed citizen of Armenia should transfer AMD 1000 from his monthly salary to a special fund for the army needs. He says it would be much better if the payments were made on the basis of interests. Those 1000 drams do not matter. If a soldier is ready to sacrifice his life, why should we save those 1000 drams? This is a matter of attitude. We should have a wealth tax disallowing two persons with high income and low income to pay the same amount. After all, we need to fight against the enormous size of shadow economy and direct the money to the armed forces and their families, he said. Poet Razmik Davoyan, on the other hand, thinks that it is the duty of every citizen to pay those 1000 drams. He believes in the program offered by Vigen Sargsyan who promised that the paid sums would serve the purpose. Speaking about the visit of Archbishop Aram Ateshian to Armenia, Davit Gasparyan said he is a traitor. The best option for him is to hand in his resignation. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin should use its influence on him, said the writer. Razmik Davoyan added in turn that the Armenian community in Turkey does not like the acting Armenian patriarch of Istanbul [Aram Ateshian]. Many may think that he carries out his policy, trying to please the Turkish authorities and ensure his re-election, but we are against this tactics, this is not diplomacy. Etchmiadzin should not support his candidacy, Mr Davoyan said. 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 Parents do not know circumstances surrounding the death of their sons (video) We would have lost fewer soldiers in the four-day April war but for corruption and abuse in the army, and mistakes of the military command. Members of the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor office have met with the families of 61 perished soldiers to know the circumstances surrounding their death. Bullets were not enough The soldiers kept constant contact with the command centre, asking them to send more forces. But they received neither help nor orders to be able to understand their further actions. One had problems with a machine gun; the other was ordered to retreat when taking a military post. Parents went and saw tanks standing idle with water filled instead of fuel, human rights activist Artur Sakunts said. Many parents do not know whether their sons were killed by the enemy or there were other causes of their death. We demand that the Central Military Prosecutor's Office and the Investigative Committee start criminal cases to know the reasons for their death, human rights activists said. According to the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor office, the victims were mostly from needy families. Only 17 out of the 61 families have family members who are employed. Fifteen of the soldiers killed in the hostilities had serious health problems and should not have been taken to border outposts. Artur Sakunts was surprised to know that they had been allowed to do their military service, even if their agreed to go to the border settlements voluntarily. The human rights organization has requested the National Assembly to hold discussions on the bloody skirmishes but was given a negative reply. The Ministry of Defense also keeps silent. The exact number of Armenian soldiers killed in the April war is still unknown. The Ministry of Defense says it totals 89 while the Military Prosecutor's Office sets the number at 82. In response to the Kearney Hubs Nov. 10 article, What went wrong in this years presidential polls? on Nov. 3 I attended a lecture by former Florida governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush. He spoke about leadership in business and politics. His comments were about the peculiar and unorthodox twists and turns of the presidential campaign. Bush reflected on the polls. In the early days of the primaries, Bush was picked by pollsters as a shoo-in for the Republican nomination. They said he had the large monetary war chest, widespread name recognition, and he had kin who were past presidents. Likewise, Hillary Clinton was predicted to be a shoo-in for the Democrats against Donald Trump. I didnt support Trump in the primaries, but I voted for him in the general election. In listening to Bush just days ago, I could see there was a silent electorate who plainly wanted their voice to be heard on Nov. 8. Voters wanted fresh, new leadership and no more political family dynasties such as the wife of an ex-president. In that respect, Hillary and Jeb were considered yesterdays news. Although Trump has many flaws, he mowed down all his competition by being brash and overly conceited, but he gave Americans a chance to escape the Jeb Bush mentality of entitlement to the presidency. I hope the nation heals. I am proud President Obama met in-person last week with the president-elect and told the nation we are now all rooting for Trumps success in uniting and leading the country. The country needs to listen to Obamas gracious conciliatory and peacemaking remarks. America will move forward. I would encourage all citizens of every political persuasion to pray for the healing of our nation. Even Clinton graciously said in her first post-election speech, We are Americans first. James Marples, Longview, Texas The Lords Prayer, written by a 15-year-old boy from Minnesota. The Lords Prayer is not allowed in most U.S. public schools any more. He got an A-plus. Now I sit me down in school where praying is against the rule. For this great nation under God finds mention of him very odd. If scripture now the class recites, it violates the Bill of Rights. And anytime my head I bow becomes a federal matter now. Our hair can be purple, orange or green, thats no offense, its freedom scene. The law is specific, the law is precise, prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice. For praying in a public hall might offend someone with no faith at all. In silence alone we must meditate, Gods name is prohibited by the state. Were allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, and pierce our noses tongues and cheeks. Theyve outlawed guns, but first the Bible. To quote the good book makes me liable. We can elect a pregnant senior queen and the unwed daddy our senior king. Its inappropriate to teach right from wrong, were taught that such judgments do not belong. We can get our condoms and birth controls, study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles. But the Ten Commandments are not allowed. No word of God must reach this crowd. Its scary here I must confess, when chaos reigns the schools a mess. So Lord this silent plea I make, should I be shot my soul please take. Amen. Doug Deneui, Pleasanton Taxpayers Lives Matter is a group of Nebraska property owners who are sick and tired of 20-percent to 30-percent increases in the taxes we are required to pay on our ag land. In this example Im using a quarter of farmland I own in the middle of Dawson County. The taxes I pay have increased 333 percent over the last 10 years. On the tax statement for this quarter of land, the taxing entities are listed and the following are the percentage of change for each entity over the last 10 years: county, up 288 percent; Cozad school, up 349 percent; ESU#10, up 326 percent; CCC, up 423 percent; Central Platte NRD, up 426 percent; Cozad fire up 364 percent; Cozad hospital, up 170 percent; and agricultural society, up 256 percent. Also listed was Railroad Transportation Safety whoever they are they werent on the tax statement in 2006, but in Dawson County they raked in $234,836.88 in 2015. For the last several years, every time I asked one of my elected officials why the taxes are going up, I was told it was all because of valuation. My question: What do two neighbors biding against each other on farmland three years ago have to do with the Central Platte NRDs budget? They asked Dawson County to increase from $484,302 in 2006 to $1,202,932 in 2015. How about ESU#10s budget? They asked Dawson County to increase from $218,732.19 in 2006 to $398,821.35 in 2015. The tap dance of using valuation as the reason for increases is baloney. The real story is each of these taxing entities has been using valuation to create for themselves a windfall profit and they have all spent it. The bottom line is simple. All Nebraska taxing entities are spending too much. They need to control their spending. Nobody asked me if a 30-percent annual increase is a hardship, and nobody cared if I had to lay off an employee or cut back on maintenance of equipment. Im not going to care if cutting tax revenue is a hardship on them. Taxpayers Lives Matter demands all taxing entities in Nebraska to lower their budgets by 10 percent. If a 30-percent annual increase for 10 years is not a problem for taxpayers, then a 10-percent decrease for one year should not be a problem for tax spenders. To make this happen, we all need to turn up the heat. Every taxpayer needs to get out their own tax statement(s) and Google the entities, get their contact information and start contacting them regularly. Start marching with a sign to all budget hearings. They will be in the next 45 days with your local elected officials. Nebraskas tax problem can be fixed in 60 days by turning up the heat. There should not be a parking place within 10 blocks of any budget hearing. Find out when and where and start making plans. By now we should all know how it works when taxpayers want lower taxes. The first thing the tax spenders will tell you is they will have to cut is something important. The only thing they could possible cut is, say police or fire departments or roads. Remind them we had all of those services 10 years ago. They need to cut the services we did not have 10 years ago. It is called waste. If something is not done, the problem with property taxes is going to get much worse. Have you thought about the amount of Nebraska income tax that farmers and ranchers are going to pay this year? Can you say zero? Most will file for refunds of the taxes they paid three years ago. Guess what that is going to do to the state aid for your local school? Taxpayers Lives Matter is demanding every taxing entity, from the Legislature to the local cemetery, to lower their budgets by 10 percent for 2016. Check our web page at nebraskataxtwostep.com and friend us on Facebook at Taxpayers Lives Matter. Taxpayers who are fed up with Nebraskas situation already are members of Taxpayers Lives Matter. You are welcome to use this name anytime you turn up the heat. Like some famous person said, If not you, who? If not now, when? W. Alan Rickertsen, Cozad EDITORS NOTE: The author lists himself as treasurer of Taxpayers Lives Matter. Nearly 5,000 Mississippi and Louisiana residents celebrated Veterans Day by honoring past and present service members during the 16th Annual Gulf Coast Veterans Day Parade in DIberville, Mississippi, Nov. 12. The spectators showed their support as more than 50 military themed floats and performers passed by including Junior ROTC units, veteran organizations and active duty Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard groups. In addition, Keesler Honor Guard members, base leadership and more than 200 81st Training Group Airmen with the 50 State Flag Team and Drum and Bugle Corps participated in the days celebration. It was just so fantastic to have everyone here, said Jeff Lawson, parade announcer. (We) are just so honored and privileged to recognize each and every veteran we have here today and also our active duty personnel. Ive been fortunate to live in a lot of places around the country, including a few with a very heavy military presence, but Ive never been anywhere where the support of our military is stronger than it is here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The parade festivities offered past and present military members a chance to see how much the Gulf Coast communities care about them, said Joe Kelley, parade attendee and Air Force veteran. When Kelley served during the Vietnam War he said veterans didnt receive recognition like this. I come from the Vietnam era, Kelley said. At that time, nobody really liked the military. I am so happy to see todays men women being honored." An Oklahoma City police officer looks through tall grass at a checkpoint at Will Rogers World Airport, Tuesday, Nov. 15 2016, in Oklahoma City. The airport was put on lockdown after a shooting at the main terminal. (Steve Gooch/The Oklahoman via AP) Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Stay up to date with all the Dover news with our weekly email, as well as getting all the latest breaking news delivered directly to your inbox Dover and Ashford are in the running for the "worst place to live in England 2017" , an annual poll by town and city review website, ILiveHereUK. Forty-four reviled locations are vying for the unwanted top spot with Luton, a languishing town in Bedfordshire, taking a commanding lead. Opinions on the two Kent districts are currently divided, with Ashford taking only 0.77 per cent of the vote so far and Dover 0.51 per cent. North West backwater Rochdale, which was ravaged by floods in Christmas 2015, stands in second place with 5.54 per cent. Disgruntled residents are commenting on the poll, suggesting towns and cities that should be in the running for the UK's worst place to live. Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs have all been suggested as well as northern powerhouse Manchester, London and Dorset. One commenter said: "Dorset, it's a sh*thole full of rude, arrogant drivers and cyclists who think the laws don't apply to them, fake posh voiced university types, drunks and druggies from the rest of the country." Halloween customs from around the world Halloween is derived from some of the oldest customs in the world. The culture of these traditions are 2000 years old during an age... Spindle Items ..FUN WITH WORDS Have you heard of the saying, to appear smart, be silent. It means if you dont open your mouth, people may... Out of the Past 25 Years AgoOct. 29, 1997 A light industrial park is planned for the site of the abandoned grain mills on Military Road after their expected... Make a plan to vote this November Election Day is less than two weeks away. Have you made a plan to vote yet? Midterm elections are often overlooked, but I urge everyone... 45 Shares Share Opioid painkillers, such as Vicodin (hydrocodone) and OxyContin (oxycodone), are crucial medical tools that are addictive and widely abused. Tranquilizers and sleeping pills of the benzodiazepine class, like Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam), are safe and effective in limited, short-term use, but are often taken too freely, leading to drug tolerance and withdrawal risks. Stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine) ease the burden of ADHD but are also widely used as college study aids as well as recreationally. All of these medications are available only by prescription. This means prescribers serve as gatekeepers, permitting access for medical needs and denying it otherwise. This gatekeeping can be difficult. Doctors are imperfect lie detectors and can be fooled with a plausible story. Pain, anxiety, insomnia and inattention are mostly invisible. The internet offers quick lessons in how to fake a medical history. Beyond the initial assessment, every physician has patients who repeatedly lose bottles of painkillers or tranquilizers and request more. Secretly seeing multiple doctors to obtain the same drug remains fairly easy. While a few doctors run illegal pill mills and flout the gatekeeper role, many more are simply too overworked to be vigilant with every patient. None of us became physicians to fight the war on drugs. On the contrary, most of us are uncomfortable doubting our patients honesty. Its stressful to worry about being too suspicious or too gullible, and its a waste of valuable time. The possibility of tranquilizer abuse arose with a new patient of mine recently. My concern led to multiple phone calls to pharmacies and to consulting Californias CURES database online. I was convinced enough that something was amiss that I confronted my patient, who responded by calling me names, making vague threats and leaving in a huff without paying for the appointment (and, of course, never coming back). Although the reaction seemed confirmatory, in truth Im still not certain my suspicions were correct. Why did I put my patient and myself through such grief? Because I wanted to do no harm. Accepting the gatekeeper role requires scrutinizing and sometimes confronting the patient at the gate. Lets consider other drugs that are used both medically and recreationally but unlike those mentioned above, do not involve a physician gatekeeper. The best candidate may be cannabis. Currently legal in 25 states, medical marijuana requires a doctors authorization but not a prescription that specifies dosage, frequency and duration of treatment or route of administration. By definition, a Schedule 1 drug, like marijuana, is not FDA approved for any medical use. Yet cannabis is very much like the Schedule 2 drug Adderall: it has a few solid medical uses, a much larger set of dubious or controversial ones and a sea of mostly illegal recreational use. A lot of medical marijuana is used for relaxation or sleep, blurring the medical-recreational distinction in much the way Adderall does when used for studying. Purely recreational use is legal in four states as of this writing. Legalization is on the ballot this November in five additional states, including California where I practice. I have never authorized medical marijuana, although several of my patients were approved by other physicians and use it regularly. Once a patient tells me he or she uses marijuana, whether doctor-approved or (for now) illegally, I can act in my preferred role as advisor. We can discuss risks and benefits, sativa vs indica, THC and CBD, all without me having to second-guess my patients story, make a paternalistic decision about whether to authorize access or even cast judgment on the decision to use it. In states where recreational cannabis is newly legal, it joins the three drugs already native to our cultural landscape. Adults consume alcohol, caffeine and nicotine with nary a prescription, gatekeeper or hoop to jump through. And although we rarely think about it, all three have medicinal effects. Alcohol can reduce stress, aid sleep and may promote health in a number of other ways. Caffeine treats fatigue, migraine headaches and possibly obesity. Nicotine eases Parkinsons disease and perhaps schizophrenia and helps with weight loss. While smoking rates are declining in the U.S., most Americans continue to use alcohol and caffeine often for a complex mixture of reasons: taste, psychoactive effects, social custom and sometimes for plainly medicinal purposes. Widespread use also leads to addiction in a significant subset of the population: caffeine becomes necessary and not just optional, and we go to extraordinary efforts to manage alcoholism. As tragic as this is, nearly everyone agrees that Prohibition was the greater evil. I like that Im an advisor, not a gatekeeper, for marijuana and the (other) legal vices. I also reject the gatekeeper role for stimulants by telling callers I dont treat ADHD. This is trickier, my refusal to treat a legitimate psychiatric disorder is arguably too finicky. It can be hard for an earnest sufferer to obtain a thorough evaluation and treatment, even if, paradoxically, it is all too easy for a drug abuser to tell a sob story and score a prescription. Nonetheless, with stimulants, as with medical marijuana, Im uncomfortable making Solomonic distinctions where medical and non-medical uses lie so closely on a continuum. In any event, I draw the line there. I continue to prescribe tranquilizers and sleeping pills for my patients who seem to need them. I may unwittingly abet substance abuse in some cases, but the alternative is to not prescribe any abusable medication, a stance that feels far too finicky. After all, medication gatekeeping is the norm for many physicians. Oncologists, surgeons and ER doctors cant tell patients they dont treat pain. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy sent a letter to every U.S. physician in August urging us to help fight the opioid epidemic by limiting dosages and durations of opioid prescriptions and by substituting non-narcotic alternatives in essence, by being better gatekeepers. The only way to avoid doctor-as-gatekeeper entirely is to make all drugs available without a prescription. The prospect of narcotics and amphetamines on the open market strikes most of us as extremely foolish, even though Prohibition and the failed war on drugs should give us pause. Another strategy is to embrace gatekeeping even more seriously, as Dr. Murthy advises. Careful comprehensive evaluation, start low and go slow prescribing, close monitoring using a system like CURES and strictly limiting refills should drive down prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, this takes more clinical time, one thing most physicians cant spare, and trades away doctor-patient collaboration for something more wary and legalistic. As usual, physicians are asked to erode the traditional doctor-patient relationship and do more work to keep the system afloat. Meanwhile, patients suffer further small indignities and colder encounters. Alternatively, we could wait it out. The line between medical treatment and personal enhancement or optimization gets fuzzier all the time. Society may soon fail to distinguish treating an anxiety disorder and taking something to relax in the evening or treating ADHD and simply maximizing ones mental sharpness. The medical-recreational divide already looks more like a continuum for marijuana and stimulants, and it is essentially gone with respect to alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. If this trend continues, physicians may no longer be called upon to distinguish legitimate from illegitimate drug use. Our focus as medication gatekeepers may shift from the purpose of the prescription to its safety, making us more like pharmacists than judges. Steven Reidbord is a psychiatrist who blogs at Reidbords Reflections. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 1 of 5 Four-year-old girl survives rare facial hernia When Angel was born, her mother Cypres Salon, from the Philippines, was concerned when she didn't hear her daughter cry. But it wasn't until she saw her baby for the first time five days later, that she realised the severity of the situation. Little Angel had been rushed to another hospital for treatment after being born with encephalocele, a rare brain hernia. Read More... 1 of 4 Maya to attempt suicide, Arjun gets trapped in love triangle In the upcoming episodes, Maya and Arjun will head off to Mauritius for a business trip. The serene locales and the romantic weather will bloom a love story between Maya and Arjun. Read More... The annual conference for the Irish-medium education sector took place in the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny last week with over 200 delegates from around the country. The event was secured for the city by president of the An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaiochta, Cathnia O' Muircheartaigh, principal of the all Irish secondary school in the city and the principal of the all Irish primary school in the city, Sean O'hArgain. The theme for this year's event wass Realising the Vision. It provided the context for a celebration of naionrai, Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools, and was organised by Gaeloideachas and COGG. The Department of Education and Skills Chief Inspector, Dr. Harold Hislop, made a presentation at the conference on the newly published Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. This makes this years conference one of particular significance, says Blathnaid ni Ghreachain, Chief Executive of Gaeloideachas. For the first time since the founding of the State, the vision of Gaeltacht communities for an education system that meets their needs is to be made a reality. This policy will give those communities confidence in both the ability and commitment of the State to develop an education system for the Gaeltacht that is of a high standard. Delegates were provided with a comprehensive and meaningful programme. "It's an important event Gaeloideachas President, Cathnia O'Muircheartaigh said, adding that it offered e continuous professional development opportunities and also as a public celebration of excellence in the sector. It is a honour for Gaeloideachas to be involved. in that celebration. If you're looking for some mid-week fun then Langton House Hotel might be the place to be. Tonight (Wednesday) the John Street outlet hosts a Seo Faisin, or Fashion Show, which has been organised by transition year students at Colaiste Pobail Osrai. Host for the event is Siobhan Donohoe while students & invited guests will be modelling clothes from Carraig Donn, Villa, Monsoon, Penneys, Richard Duggan Men's Shop, Prado, Mimi & Lilac Rose Bridal. Doors open from 7:30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets cost 15 from the school & venue with proceeds helping to fund the local students march in the 2017 St Patrick's Day Parade in New York. oo Positive Mental Health A city eaterie has teamed with Kilkenny Mental Health Association for a special night this weekend. Royal Spice will host an evening of food & fun at their Watergate based Indian restaurant on Tuesday from 7:30pm. Tickets cost 30 & cover a three course meal with proceeds going to Kilkenny Mental Health Association which has been supporting positive mental health in the community for fifty years. Benefit Gig Performers will gather for what promises to be a superb night of music in aid of a fellow local musician. The Uptown Band, Bobbie Carey, Phoenix, Miss Brown To You, Andy Murray, Little Routes, Hot4, Gavin Carroll will all perform at Set Theatre this Friday night with Martin Bridgeman at the helm as Master of Ceremonies. It kicks off at 9pm, costs 10 to attend with all proceeds helping a Kilkenny musician who's undergoing medical treatment. Cabaret St. Patricks Parish Lourdes Fund Cabaret takes place from 9pm this Saturday at James Stephens GAA Club. Musics by The Aces & the event includes a raffle and a great door prize of dinner for two in Waterford Castle. Admission costs 5. By Alonso Soto BRASILIA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund's executive board said on Tuesday the Brazilian economy could be close to pulling out of a grueling recession, but faces a long and bumpy recovery that hinges on the approval of unpopular reforms. In its considerations of the IMF staff's annual report on Brazil, the executive board said that despite the new government's efforts to avoid a fiscal crisis they expected a gradual recovery in Latin America's top economy. "Directors strongly emphasized the need for fiscal consolidation to ensure macroeconomic stability," the IMF said in a statement. Disappointing industrial output and consumption data has diminished hopes of a faster recovery next year with some government officials scaling back their 2017 growth projections to 1 percent from 2 percent. The IMF is even more pessimistic with a forecast of 0.5 percent growth next year after two straight years of contractions. A sharp depreciation of the real since last week on concerns of a change in economic policies under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has also raised worries about the recovery. An IMF official said in a briefing that it is too early to measure the impact of Trump's future policies on Brazil, but that the country's ample reserves and free-floating foreign exchange regime may offer some protection. Hopes of a quick bounce back were fueled by rising confidence after Michel Temer took over the presidency earlier this year following the impeachment of his leftist running mate Dilma Rousseff. Temer has introduced legislation to cap public spending and promised to overhaul the country's costly pension system, considered one of the world's most generous. Although they praised those reforms, most of the board directors believe Brazil could benefit greatly by speeding up fiscal consolidation with measures to increase revenues. Still, Temer has said he will not raise taxes unless those reforms fail to pass, echoing the opinion of some IMF directors who warned tax hikes may need to wait until the economy is on stronger footing. The board was unanimous in its concerns over the weak finances of states and municipalities in Brazil. Many Brazilian states, including 2016 Summer Olympics host Rio de Janeiro, are struggling to pay their employees and honor their debt contracts. The Supreme Court froze billions of dollars in revenues from a repatriation program last week after states filed suits to force the government to share more of that money with them. (Reporting by Alonso Soto; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) HANOI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0101 GMT. Nov 16 Nov 15 USD/VND mid-point 22,093 22,086 USD/VND interbank 22,348/22,350 22,348/22,350 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.75/36.02 35.85/36.12 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) HANOI, Nov 16 (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 0410 GMT. Nov 16 Nov 15 USD/VND mid-point 22,093 22,086 USD/VND interbank 22,375/22.380 22,348/22,350 USD/VND unofficial 22,440/22,470 22,470/22,500 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.80/36.07 35.85/36.12 Interbank offered rates Overnight 1.4-2.4 1.4-2.4 1 week 1.6-2.4 1.6-2.4 1 month 2.3-2.9 2.2-2.8 3 months 3.3-4.8 3.5-4.7 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) DUBAI, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Egypt's net hard currency inflows have totalled about $1.5 billion, according to central bank data, since the Egyptian pound was floated on Nov. 3, the country's deputy finance minister Ahmed Kouchouk told reporters on Wednesday. That is about 10 to 15 times the amount of weekly inflows which Egypt obtained before the flotation, Kouchouk said on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai. Foreign inflows are expected to keep increasing, he said, adding that movements of the poud since its flotation were "not a surprise or concern", Kouchouk said. (Reporting by Andrew Torchia, writing Hadeel Al Sayegh) LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Relations between Greece and its creditors are more constructive than ever and the bloc's finance ministers will discuss wide-ranging debt relief for the country when they meet next month, Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Wednesday. "The current Greek government seems to be very committed, and working much more constructively than previous governments. There is a degree of optimism," Dijsselbloem said at a conference in London. "In December, we will have to talk about short-term debt measures, there are some things we can do now and in the coming years a number of measures can be set up for the end of the programme." Euro zone finance ministers, known as the Eurogroup, are scheduled to discuss Greek debt relief measures on December 5. (Reporting by John Geddie, Editing by Abhinav Ramnarayan) * More flexibility on finding compromise over Iran output * "We cannot leave Vienna on Nov 30 without deal," says source * Some ministers to meet on Friday, OPEC sec-gen on new tour * OPEC experts to hold next round of talks on Nov. 21 By Alex Lawler and Rania El Gamal LONDON/DOHA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - OPEC officials are working to nail down details of their plan to limit oil supply and gaps over some sticking points are narrowing, OPEC sources said, a sign of progress in finalising the exporter group's first such deal since 2008. OPEC agreed in Algeria on Sept. 28 to limit supply with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars and sanctions. The details are meant to be finalised when OPEC ministers meet in Vienna on Nov. 30. With two weeks to go, differences persist over details and the prospect of a supply glut persisting in 2017 has weighed on oil prices , which are below $47 a barrel. Crude reached a 2016 high near $54 after the September deal. Two sources familiar with discussions said efforts were under way to narrow gaps and a final agreement would be reached. "It is difficult at some points but I don't see any deadlock," one of the sources said. "What happened in Algeria gave a lot of hope and impetus and I think people are committed to that." One issue has been the level of production at which Iran would be expected to freeze its output. Sources say Iran wants an output cap of 4 million barrels per day, while other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries want Iran to freeze supply at about 3.7 million bpd. This issue, several OPEC sources told Reuters, was a source of tension at an Oct. 28 meeting in Vienna of the High Level Committee, a panel looking at how to divide the Algeria agreement into individual supply limits. Other OPEC members are willing to be more flexible on this, two sources said. One of them said while meeting Iran's demand for 4 million bpd was unlikely, Tehran would probably be offered a figure of 3.75 million bpd or higher. "Whatever it takes to reach a consensus will be taken by the ministers," said a third OPEC source familiar with discussions, referring to finding a compromise over Iran. "We cannot leave Vienna on November the 30th without an agreement." The High Level Committee meets for a second time in Vienna on Monday, and a number of OPEC ministers are likely to hold talks informally in Doha on Friday on the sidelines of a gas conference. In a further effort to forge consensus, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo is visiting more OPEC members in the next few days. He is scheduled to meet Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro later on Wednesday, and he then travels to Ecuador and Iran, a source said. Barkindo said on Nov. 7 that OPEC was committed to implementing the deal. (Additional reporting by Lamine Chikhi; Editing by Dale Hudson) By Katharine Houreld DAR ES SALAAM, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The Tanzanian president's recent calls to build more smelters to process gold show a lack of understanding of how the industry works, the head of the industry's trade body said on Wednesday. Frustrations are building between the administration of President John Magufuli, who has been on an anti-corruption drive since his election last year, and big mining companies, which feel they are being unfairly targeted. Major gold mining companies in Tanzania include Acacia Mining Plc and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd . This month Magufuli said he was tightening mining rules to curb what he called "funny deals". He has also urged miners to build smelters to refine ore in Tanzania and speculated they might be smuggling gold sands out of the country from private airstrips. Tanzania is Africa's fourth biggest gold producer and boasts reserves of copper and other minerals. Like other African nations, Magufuli's government has been on a drive to add value to its exports rather than send raw materials abroad. But more than 99 percent of gold mined in Tanzania is already processed there. The concentrate that is exported - mixed silver, copper and gold - is challenging to separate and needs complex technology, Ami Mpungwe, chairman of industry body Tanzania Chamber of Energy and Minerals, said on the sidelines of a conference. "There's a lack of understanding (in government) about how the industry works," Mpungwe told Reuters. "This doesn't make economic sense," to build a smelter for the concentrate, Mpungwe said. Tanzania's annual production of mixed concentrate -- 60,000 tonnes -- falls well short of the minimum 150,000 tonnes needed to make a smelter commercially viable, he said. Mining companies are also required to list 30 percent of their shares on Tanzania's stock exchange by September 2018, a rule originally laid down in 2010 but on hold until Magufuli approved a regulation to enforce the requirement. Executives say there may not be enough investors in Tanzania to take up the shares offered. At worst, say executives, uncertainty over such rules could deter potential investment. "The best way is a phased listing to gauge interest and liquidity in the market," said Mpungwe. Mining contributes about 4 percent to Tanzania's gross domestic product, but the government wants that to rise, said Ali Samaje, an acting commissioner at the Minerals and Energy Ministry. Any firm whose share offering was not fully subscribed could be exempted by from the rule by the minister, he said. He also said the government was inviting investors to consider building a smelter, but would not force mining companies to do so. (Editing by Edmund Blair and David Evans) Ugandan shilling weakens on higher demand for dollars KAMPALA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The Ugandan shilling weakened on Wednesday, weighed down by demand for dollars from commercial banks on expectations of further weakening. At 0944 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,585/3,595, after briefly touching the psychologically important level of 3,600 in early morning trading. The shilling closed Tuesday at 3,560/3,570. UGX Spot Rate..... Ugandan Shilling Money Guide.... Calculated Cross Rates.......... Deposits..................... Deposits & Forwards............. Uganda Equities Guide....... Uganda All Share Index........ Shilling background ..... Ugandan Debt Guide............ All Uganda Bonds............. Uganda T-Bills.............. Uganda Benchmark............. Central Bank ................ Ugandan Contributor Index.... Uganda Coffee Prices....... (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Duncan Miriri) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. kitco news (Adds quotes, background) LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Canada expects Britain to be part of the CETA trade deal between Canada and the European Union, and stands ready to work with Britain on how the system will function after Brexit, Finance Minister Bill Morneau told BBC radio on Wednesday. He also defended Canada's NAFTA trade deal with the United States and Mexico, which has been criticised by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and backed Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, a Canadian, who has been under pressure from pro-Brexit politicians. "Our expectation is that Britain will ratify the CETA deal and be part of that deal with Canada," Morneau said. Britain has voted to leave the EU but remains a member for now. Negotiations on the terms of its exit and of its future relationship with the EU are expected to start next year. Asked whether the CETA deal would automatically result in a Canada-Britain free trade deal on the same terms after Brexit, Morneau said: "We're going to respect the agreement that the UK has with Europe ... and stand ready to work together after that's concluded." As an EU member, Britain is not supposed to negotiate separate trade deals with third parties. Morneau also said NAFTA had been very positive for Canada, and his country would work to show its benefits to Trump. On Tuesday Morneau said he aimed to hold joint talks with the United States and Mexico over their trade agreements. "Our sense is that Donald Trump cares enormously about showing benefits to Americans just as we do to Canadians," Morneau told the BBC on Wednesday. "When we look at the relationship between Canada and the United States, it's a positive one. We're pretty confident that will continue." Morneau effusively praised Carney, who has faced heat from pro-Brexit politicians for warning before June's EU membership referendum of the economic risks of voting to leave the bloc. Often tipped as a potential future Canadian prime minister, Carney has said he will step down as BoE governor in June 2019. "We see Mark as one of our enormous success stories... Mark has the capacity to do any number of things, he's a very talented guy," Morneau said. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon and Andy Bruce) A guest post by David Garrett: Fascism or one of its derivatives is a word much used by the left about those of us on the right. Most often, it is used as an ill chosen insult demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of the meaning of the word, its origins, and its many connotations. Fascism and communism were arguably the two most dominant failed political philosophies of the 20th century certainly in terms of their impact on geopolitics and the shape of the world we now all inhabit. Most of the loony lefties throwing the word about probably dont know that fascism began not with Hitler, but with Mussolini, in the early 1920s. The term is derived from a symbol of ancient Rome the fasces and it is important to understand that prior to the Second World War it carried no more sinister connotations than Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism and many other descriptors of political philosophies and parties. While every student of modern European history knows about the sycophantic fawning over the Nazis by members of the British establishment in the early 1930s, it is less well known that in the late 1920s no lesser statesman than Winston Churchill spoke approvingly of Mussolinis fascist regime, and said that had he been an Italian politician, he would have voted for it. Setting to one side the legions of black shirted followers, and the later violence and horrors which came to be indelibly linked with the word, fascism most notably the German version also consisted of a firm set of beliefs and rules which must be followed without question. The Jews were responsible for all of Germanys economic woes. Ethnic Germans were superior to the untermenschen the lesser races and sub-humans who inhabited the lebensraum located to the East. To think in certain ways was un-Germanic, and to voice certain proscribed opinions was to attract the attention of the authorities, and perhaps even result in a trip to a concentration camp for re-education in how to think, and what to believe. Many people assume that this order was imposed and maintained by a massive state security apparatus. This is quite untrue the relatively small Gestapo or state police was in fact fed information by a myriad of informers: ordinary Germans who denounced their neighbours, their fellow workers, and even their parents for expressing opinions which were contrary to the party line. Does this sound faintly familiar? Political correctness emerged in the mid 1980s as a set of rules about what things were called, and how opinions should properly be expressed. I have always found it odd that those who began this philosophy for what else could you call it? could not see that the very term politically correct was not a million miles from the prescription of korrekt things Germans in the 1930s were taught to think and to believe certainly to express publicly. Early politically correct euphemisms were innocuous enough disabled or even differently abled instead of crippled; learning difficulties instead of retarded or simple; sex worker for prostitute; person of colour for black. The last mentioned is particularly risible for me. African Americans as they were once called themselves proudly adopted black as a description of their ethnicity during the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. Black morphed into coloured person, and now the latest version, people of colour. No doubt the mandarins of political correctness will have a new version sometime soon. From more correct labels for people and things, the politically correct movement developed rules about our very thoughts, and began to prescribe a never increasing list of facts which could not be highlighted: that young Maori males were more likely to be violent offenders than whites for example; indeed any kind of racial stereotyping became verboten, no matter how well grounded in fact. We could not even make the self evident observation that the children of Asian immigrants frequently achieve at very high levels in our universities and almost never featured in the court reports. At least not until relatively recently. We are now not allowed to observe that, based on overseas experience, we will inevitably experience Muslim terrorism, and that it will happen sooner rather than later if we keep allowing people whose entire way of life is the antithesis of our own to come and live here. Who remembers the strife the former Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith got into by opining that Asians have small hands, which made them more productive in orchards? What about the feeding frenzy which erupted when the former Chairman sorry Chair of the Employers Federation pointed out that some women suffer considerable pain and suffering from their menstrual periods, and that consequently, women in some workplaces tended to take more sick days than men. No matter how much the poor bastard prostrated himself and apologized, and pointed to evidence to support his argument, the jackals of political correctness howled ever louder until Alistair Thompson resigned his post in ignominy. Which brings me to Donald Trump, and one of the myriad explanations for his unexpected victory. In a very thoughtful piece in the once great Herald, Heather Du Plessis-Allan argued that people like her, the enforcers of political correctness, were at least partly responsible for Trumps success. Ms. Du-Plessis Allan opines in the HoS: His victory is not about racism 29 per cent of Latinos voted him in and 29 per cent of Asians voted him in. Its not about putting women in their place 45 per cent of women voted for him. Its not stupid people voting for him 45 per cent of college graduates gave him their vote Du Plessis-Allan comes close to agreeing with Winston Peters that the Trump phenomenon is nothing short of a social revolution a revolution that could easily come here because: For years weve ignored the talkback callers who, one after another, complained of PC gone mad. Weve written them off as rednecks who will eventually catch up with 2016. We told ourselves theyll eventually get used to the rules of correctness weve imposed on them This is familiar territory for me. For years a small minority of us who, despite having what the Americans call a college education, have been ridiculed because we not only understand where the rednecks are coming from, we agree with them at least on some things. We think recidivist violent criminals should be locked up for lengthy periods and not have earnest apologists like Kim Workman explain why they are not responsible for what they do. We dont believe patently unfit mothers should be allowed to go on breeding without restriction because women should be allowed to control their own fertility. We believe based on clear evidence that children are best raised in two parent families, preferably where Mum and Dad are married to each other, and not some ever changing arrangement where the latest partner of whatever sex becomes jointly responsible for the childs upbringing and thats perfectly OK. Had I been an American, I probably wouldnt have voted for Trump. He has no experience in government and unlike some of the rednecks I sometimes agree with, I dont see that as an advantage. While I am a great believer in calling a spade a bloody shovel, I dont believe its right to talk about grabbing women by the pussy or moving in on them like a bitch as seduction techniques. I have too much intelligence to believe that he can possibly build a wall along the US-Mexican border, and get the Mexicans to pay for it. And even if that was possible, I recognise that the economy of California would go into a tailspin without the flow of illegal workers upon which it runs. But based on the inadequate knowledge I have of her, I wouldnt have voted for Clinton either there are too many unanswered questions about her past dealings, and I dont believe we should put breaking the glass ceiling for women in positions of power above questions of their competence and suitability for the job. We tend to follow trends in the US, albeit 10 or 20 years later. In my own area of special interest for example, our tightening of bail laws, recognition that habitual offenders probably cant be rehabilitated, and that some sex offenders actually do need to be confined for what they might do rather than what they have already done comes 20 years or so after the Americans came to the same conclusions. The next four years in American politics will be fascinating for a whole host of reasons. I shall be fascinated to see whether as Heather Du Plessis-Allan opines Trumps rise will be seen, at least in part, as a rebellion against the strictures of the fascists of political correctness in that country. It will be even more interesting to see whether signs of such a rebellion start to take hold here, beyond forums like Kiwiblog. While she has no doubt been subjected to howls of derision from her friends in the chattering classes, I applaud Heather Du Plessis-Allans contribution to the aftermath of the accession of The Donald . We do indeed live in interesting times when Heather Du Plessis-Allan and me are on the same page. Stuff reports: Navy ships on the way to Kaikoura will help increase the helicopter evacuations of up to 1000 stranded people from the quake-hit town, Civil Defence says. Several Kiwi ships, as well as a US destroyer, will arrive in Kaikoura later on Wednesday morning to bring in essential supplies and allow tourists and others to leave. The HMNZS Wellington would survey the Kaikoura harbour area to find the best place for the HMNZS Canterbury New Zealands largest navy ship to begin evacuating people. The HMNZS Te Kaha and the USS Sampson an American navy vessel in town for celebrations are also en route to provide support. Stuart-Black said the extra naval support would allow officials to increase the number of helicopter trips in and out of Kaikoura, taking supplies in and evacuating people so were making the most of the capacity that exists. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy. Gusty winds in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 57F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Official Coldplay concert poster. / Courtesy of Hyundai Card By Lee Han-soo World-renowned British rock band Coldplay is set to perform in Seoul on April 15 next year, according to Hyundai Card. The "Hyundai Super Concert 22 Coldplay" at Seoul Olympic Stadium in Jamsil, southern Seoul, will be the band's first Korean performance. Coldplay, formed in London in 1998, has a four-man lineup. The group's seven albums have sold 80 million worldwide. Coldplay also has seven Grammy and nine Brit Awards. "We're happy to announce Coldplay's first Korean performance through the Hyundai Card Super Concert that has been long-awaited by many fans," a Hyundai Card official said. "We plan to combine Coldplay's fantastic music and top-tier visual effects throughout the whole concert to make a combined art platform." Hyundai Card members can reserve their spots from 12:00 p.m. Nov. 23. Regular members can start making reservations from 12:00 p.m. Nov. 24. The reservations can be made through Interpark or Yes24. Tickets range from 44,000 won ($37) to 154,000 won. Wendy O'Neill, the chairwoman of the Asian Cultural Council, speaks during a press conference at Namsan Arts Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of Seoul Institute of the Arts By Kim Jae-heun Wendy O'Neill, the chairwoman of Asian Cultural Center (ACC), hopes to find local corporations to support Korean artists during her visit to Korea, she said Monday. O'Neill, a fifth-generation member of America's wealthy Rockefeller family, visited the Ansan campus of the Seoul Institute of the Arts to present its president, Yoo Duk-hyung, with the John D. Rockefeller 3rd Award. Yoo was recognized for his contributions to international understanding and appreciation of the arts in Asia. The ACC has supported 122 Korean artists since the foundation was established by John D. Rockefeller III in 1963, to build global cultural bridges, particularly between America and Asia. "We probably give one to three grants a year to Korean artists and scholars," said ACC executive director Miho Walsh during a press conference at Namsan Arts Center in central Seoul, Monday. "That is not because there aren't enough quality artists. It is because of the limited funding. So first and foremost, I can say that ACC is very much looking for partners in Korea, with whom to raise money for more grants." However, the chairwoman disagreed on the lack of support for artists in Korea and said the limited funding is due to the hope of sending more local artists abroad. O'Neill also stressed the importance of donating as she started giving to charity at a young age by donating 10 cents of her 25 cents allowance. She said it was a natural practice and she kept it in her account book, where there was a column for charity and a column for her allowance. "John D. Rockefeller Sr., the first generation, was a very religious man, very Christian and he believed that his wealth was to be used for the good of mankind and before he was wealthy, he was giving away 50 percent of his money. So it was just probably part of his being, something that has passed down to us throughout the generations," said O'Neill. The head of the ACC added that donating gives much in return, in a way that grantees become donators themselves and continue to contribute to the global art scene, which moves her deeply. O'Neill explained her role in the foundation is an enriching experience just by watching Professor Yoo -- and what he has done after his time in the United States. The executive director agreed, calling it a relatively new practice of corporate social responsibility that many corporations are proud of. ACC brings people together and builds meaningful and long-lasting relationships through supporting arts and culture. The ACC has supported 6,000 Asian artists and American scholars during the last 53 years in various sectors such as architecture, film, music and theater. Painter Kim Whan-ki is one of the first artists to receive an ACC grant in 1964, followed by Paik Nam-june the following year and Yoo in 1966. Wu Xiaowei This is the third in a series of contributions about Seoul's charms as seen from foreigners' points of view. ED. By Wu Xiaowei I've been living in Seoul for 11 years. There are many attractions here, such as delicious food, hallyu and nightclubs, but if I had only one week in Seoul, I would choose shopping. Dongdaemum, Asia's fashion center Dongdaemun has all the Korean-style fashion items that are popular in China. When my friends from China visit Korea, Dongdaemum is a must-visit place in the evening. We always head to Doota, a fashion shopping mall where my friends try handmade accessories, take selfies with the items and send the photos to friends in China. Then we head to Hyundai City Outlets Dongdaemun or Lotte Fitin for business casual shopping, and to U:US which opens at 8:30 p.m. My friends send the purchased items to China via shipping services available in front of the building. Nighttime is the highlight of shopping at Dongdaemun. We can shop, eat food from street stalls that operate even until 2-3 a.m. and see amateur performances. Garosu-gil, celebrity's choice Last spring, two of my friends came from Beijing to Seoul only to shop on Garosu-gil, a tourist district in Gangnam, southern Seoul. They like Garosu-gil because many Korean celebrities buy items here. And the items are one of a kind, made by designers of each shop. A Chinese traveler indicted for stabbing a Korean woman to death at a church on Jeju Island is taken to a police station, Sept. 17. Jeju police have intensified their crackdown on foreign criminals since Sept. 22 after public outrage over the killing. / Yonhap By Lee Jin-a Jeju police will continue their intensified monitoring of possible foreign criminals until the end of the year. On Monday, police said about 25 crimes by foreigners were reported including seven thefts, nine assaults and five cases of obstructing official business during a two-month crackdown. Last month, police arrested 10 Chinese for taking a tour guide-interpreter exam with forged college graduation certificates. Police also caught 1,255 foreigners who violated traffic laws near Baozen Street and Jungang Street in Jeju City and deported 17 illegal migrants. Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon announces the findings of an audit into Seoul Chungdam High School, which allegedly gave preference in grading and attendance to Chung Yoo-ra, daughter of President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil, during a press briefing at the education office in Seoul, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Kim Rahn Seoul's education office is seeking to annul the high school graduation of Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil, following revelation the school gave her favors in grading and attendance and she hadn't fulfilled the qualifications to graduate. The finding comes two days before the Ministry of Education is also set to announce the results of its audit on Chung's suspicious admission and grading at Ewha Womans University, which is believed to have been due to her mother's influence. If her high school graduation is canceled, her admission to Ewha may be automatically scrapped. She already told the university she would drop out, although the dropout process has not been completed. Following weeks of inspection at Chungdam High School in southern Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) said Wednesday it has found numerous faults in the school's management of Chung's attendance, test and grades. Chika Bugtas This is the seventh in a series of contributions about Seoul's charms as seen from foreigners' points of view. ED. By Chika Bugtas I read somewhere that before one finds her soulmate, one must first discover her soul. I am lucky because I found both when I visited Seoul last October. It was my first time traveling overseas and traveling alone. Just like most Korean wave fanatics, I have always dreamed of visiting Seoul, and imagining my joy when I landed at Incheon International Airport one cool autumn night. It was like meeting my soulmate I'd been longing to see and hug. I was in a different country, yet everything felt so familiar. I felt safe and at home. My most memorable moment in Seoul was when I visited N Seoul Tower and Myeong-dong. I initially hesitated in visiting this spot because I was traveling solo. Fortunately, a former Korean tutee offered to accompany me. He recommended we ride the cable car up to the tower. It was already dark when we took the ride. It was the best decision I made in my entire visit. I was able to witness the beautiful night view of Seoul from inside the cable car. However, it was only a prelude to my beautiful tower experience. State prosecutors said Wednesday that President Park Geun-hye should be questioned no later than this week over her possible role in the influence-peddling scandal involving her close friend, a day after her attorney requested a delay. The prosecution looking into the scandal said its position remains unchanged in that the president should undergo face-to-face questioning regarding allegations that she let her close friend Choi Soon-sil interfere in state affairs and peddle influence using her ties to the president. "Our basic stance is that the questioning should have been carried out by today (Wednesday) and we said yesterday that we can accept (a delay) until Thursday," a senior prosecutor at the investigation team said. "For us, the deadline has been crossed." "However, we will make yet another concession and tell (the attorney) that it can be conducted on Friday," he said. The prosecution had originally said the president should be questioned a few days before investigators formally indict Choi, who is currently in custody due to a string of allegations raised against her. By Jun Ji-hye Cheong Wa Dae is toughening its stance regarding a torrent of news reports on the scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her friend Choi Soon-sil, threatening to take some of the people responsible to court. This is apparently in line with Park's continued grasp on power in defiance of public calls for her resignation. Denying a report that Choi, with no official government position, even joined President Park on board her plane on a state visit to Iran in May, presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said Wednesday the presidential office will take legal steps to demand a correction. The spokesman called for media prudence, saying, "Indiscriminate suspicions cause social confusion." Channel A, a local cable news company, reported Tuesday that Choi boarded the flight to accompany Park during her three-day state visit to Tehran. The trip was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties with the Islamic republic following its landmark nuclear deal with the West last year. Choi has been the focus of public criticism as she is suspected of having abused her longtime relationship with the President to meddle in important state affairs and accumulate a large fortune. By Kim Hyo-jin Rival parties are likely to pass a bill that will enact an investigation by an independent counsel into the corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil, today. Rep. Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), submitted the bill signed by 209 lawmakers, Wednesday. Lawmakers who are affiliated with Park refused to sign the bill. It will be put up for a vote during a National Assembly plenary session today. If the bill passes, Park should appoint one of two independent counsels chosen by opposition parties at a Cabinet meeting on Nov. 22, party officials said. It came after the ruling Saenuri Party and the two biggest opposition parties agreed Monday to appoint an independent counsel to further investigate the worst-ever political scandal in modern Korea, separately from the ongoing probe by the prosecution. Choi had allegedly meddled in state affairs, despite having no public posting, and coerced conglomerates to donate 77.4 billion won ($66.1 million) to two non-profit foundations controlled by her. If passed, the bill will allow the two opposition parties the DPK and minor opposition People's Party to recommend two independent counsels from whom the President will be asked to appoint one. A team under the independent counsel will consist of four counsel aides, 20 prosecutors and 40 investigators, and will execute the probe for up to 120 days. Lawmakers also submitted a joint motion to request a separate parliamentary probe into the scandal and formed an 18-member panel for the investigation. The panel consists of nine ruling party lawmakers and nine opposition lawmakers. Rep. Kim Sung-tae, a Saenuri Party lawmaker who does not follow Park and is reportedly close to ex-party leader Kim Moo-sung, will head the panel. The motion will be dealt with during today's plenary session along with the bill for an independent counsel. It will allow the special panel to probe the scandal for two months and be extended once for an additional month. By Kang Seung-woo Embattled President Park Geun-hye and her loyalists within the ruling party are maneuvering to buy time to dodge questioning by the prosecution over a corruption scandal, ignoring a public outcry for her resignation. Following Saturday's massive rally protesting the scandal involving Park and her confidant Choi Soon-sil, the President now has few options to normalize the domestic political situation other than resignation or a power transfer. However, Park and her supporters still insist on the disgraced President's dignity, refusing to let go of power. Analysts expect that Park's resistance will spark a more intense public backlash, leading the National Assembly to initiate a motion to impeach her. "While the corruption scandal is widening and she is emerging as a prime suspect, it is virtually impossible for Park to restore public trust in her government," said Yoon Hee-woong, a senior researcher at Opinion Live. "Despite the political turmoil, Park is not showing any signs that she will pay attention to the public pressure to quit, creating further confusion." Ahead of the planned questioning of Park, she retained lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha, considered a loyalist, who asked the prosecution to delay interviewing Park, citing a lack of time to review the case. Her attorney also asked that prosecutors submit a questionnaire to the President rather than questioning her in person. On Wednesday, the prosecution urged President Park to face questioning by Friday, saying that she is at the center of the Choi scandal. "Considering her lawyer's remarks, it does not seem possible to question the President by Thursday. Our position is to interview her on Wednesday, but we could postpone it until Friday," said a prosecutor, confirming the preference for a face-to-face session. Yoo's requests are drawing massive criticism, with critics accusing the presidential office of a failure to grasp the gravity of the current situation. "Cheong Wa Dae and pro-Park lawmakers of the Saenuri Party are opposing the public outcry for her resignation, buying time to work their way out of the current difficulties," said floor leader Park Jie-won of the second-largest opposition People's Party in a meeting, Wednesday. "Following the confirmation of public opinion in the candlelit rally, how can they act in such a way?" Korea's Aegis destroyer Yulgok Yi Yi is on a patrol mission around a maritime research facility on Ieodo, a submerged rock situated 149 kilometers southwest of the country's southwestern Marado, in December 2013. / Korea Times file Topics include freedom of navigation in disputed waters By Yi Whan-woo Koh Choong-suk Society of Ieodo Research president With its military buildup and maritime expansion, China has prompted concerns over freedom of navigation in the East and South China Seas where it has sought to enforce its sovereignty and jurisdiction claims against its neighbors. In this climate, the Society of Ieodo Research will be making a new approach to help settling such maritime conflicts in its fifth international seminar on Ieodo, a submerged rock between Korea and China in the East China Sea. The society, a think tank focusing on Ieodo-related issues, plans to intensively discuss territorial dispute between China and the Southeast Asian countries in the South China Sea during the forum at Jeju National University from Thursday to Friday. This will be a major difference from the previous meetings from 2011 to 2014 when the think tank in Jeju Island mainly addressed Korea's jurisdiction in the waters around Ieodo amid China's objection. "Freedom of navigation must be guaranteed for co-prosperity of the international community, and I expect to have lively discussions in this year's forum," Koh Choong-Suk, president of the society told The Korea in a recent written interview. The Korea Times will be a co-sponsor of the event. The other is Hankyoreh Media Group. The disputes in the East and South China Seas are linked to overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), which gives a country the rights to use of exploration and resources. Both seas are rich in natural resources, including oil. They are also critical for security and other national interests. Situated 149 kilometers from Korea's southwestern island Marado and 287 kilometers from the nearest Chinese island, Sheshandao, Ieodo was formerly recognized to be in international waters until 1996, when the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) extended the maximum reach of EEZs to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers). It is usually up to the related parties to discuss delineating the actual maritime boundary. But Korea and China made little progress in their negotiations over the reef. Korea has proposed the "median line" principle that sets a boundary equidistant from the two sides. Seoul claimed that the Ieodo is located on its continental shelf as well. Calling the disputed reef, "Suyan," Beijing called for "natural prolongation" of its land territory. In 2013, the two sides also expanded their air defense identification zone, which newly covered the reef and thus heightened military tension between them. In the South China Sea, China has insisted on its sovereignty over nearly the entirety of that sea although Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled against such claim in July after the Philippines filed a case. "The concerns over freedom of navigation has been raised in the South China Sea just like here where such matter is directly related to our own survival," Koh said, citing that that waters surrounding Ieodo accounts for over 90 percent of Korea's sea trade route. He claimed that Seoul's operation of a maritime research station on the Ieodo since 2003 is "a legitimate exercise" of the country's rights within its EEZ. It provides information on sea and weather all year round to improve precisions of weather forecasts and prevents natural disasters. It has been used by maritime police and rescue workers as well. The Chinese government objected Seoul's activities in the region, calling the station "illegal." "China's pursuance of maritime hegemony will inevitably result in conflicts. But I think Seoul and Beijing can draw a consensus over their EEZs if they fully consider each other's position," Koh said. "I hope China, as a great power, will observe international rules and norms and respect mutual benefits in its future dialogues with Korea over the EEZs." "One Ocean" for East Asia Under the theme, "Maritime peace and cooperation in East Asia," the Society of Ieodo Research will promote the concept of "One Ocean" for the countries in the region at the two-day forum. Koh said he is paying special attention to Yang Zewei, a professor from China's Wuhan University. He will be delivering a speech on how China's key economic initiative, "One Belt, One Road," will help resolving the dispute in the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the initiative in 2013, with a goal of connecting over 60 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe via land and sea routes while bolstering trade, finance and other industrial networks among them. "The professor underlines China's generosity and solicitude and I think such characteristics will contribute to maritime peace," Koh said. "Because the countries will collide less and rather cooperate with one other as they seek for co-prosperity." Koh formerly taught at Jeju National University and served as its president from 2005 and 2011. Established in 2007, the Society of Ieodo Research has sought to raise awareness toward building academic logic to advocate its rights around Ieodo at a time when many Koreans were not aware of the issue. Citibank Korea CEO Park Jin-hei, left, holds the certificate of donation with Kyung Hee University President, Choue In-won, on the campus in Seoul, Monday, after granting 200 million won to the university for the student NGO internship program. / Courtesy of Kyung Hee University By Chung Hyun-chae The Graduate School of Public Policy and Civic Engagement at Kyung Hee University has been encouraging undergraduate and graduate students across the country to apply for internships at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under the sponsorship of Citibank Korea. For this, the university and the bank initiated a program in 2006 in which students have opportunities to work at non-profit civic groups. "The purpose of this program is to train those who will lead NGOs in the future," a Kyung Hee University spokeswoman said. On Monday, Citibank Korea donated 200 million won to Kyung Hee for this program. Kyung Hee plans to select 80 undergraduate and graduate students throughout the country who are interested in working for NGOs. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 20 and the results will be announced on Nov. 25. The students selected for the program will work as interns at NGOs for eight weeks from Dec. 19 to Feb. 10 of 2017. They will receive 1.6 million won during their internship and can earn university credit. After completing their internships, the participants should submit reports about their activities and after evaluating the reports, the Kyung Hee graduate school will award six students on the quality of their reports. Withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea would raise the possibility of war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula as it could lead to North Korea making a misjudgment, a U.S. think tank said Tuesday. The Asia Foundation report came as concerns have been running high about how the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president would affect U.S. alliances as he has expressed deeply negative views of U.S. security commitments and a willingness to end them unless allies pay more for American troops. "From time to time during the 2016 campaign, there have been comments in the United States about ending the nation's security commitments in Asia. In our view, this would gravely harm both U.S. interests and the region, and would force Asian nations to seek other ways to guarantee their own security," the foundation said in a report, titled "Asian Views on America's Role in Asia." Withdrawal of forces from Japan and South Korea would compel the countries to seek their own nuclear weapons, making Northeast Asia a more dangerous place and seriously weakening the Nonproliferation Treaty regime, it said. It also said U.S. economic interests in Asia would be seriously damaged by the increased volatility of the security environment. "War on the Korean peninsula, sparked by a North Korean misjudgment, suddenly might be plausible," it said. The report also put forth a set of foreign policy recommendations for Trump, including rethinking U.S. strategy on the North, pointing out the seriousness of Pyongyang's growing nuclear and missile capabilities. "North Korea's nuclear and missile programs are an ever more imminent threat. In a matter of just a few years, the DPRK will have the ability to attack U.S. territory with a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile. U.S. 'strategic patience' has failed," the report said. "After toughening international sanctions, the United States must eventually begin talks with North Korea to find a permanent solution on the Korean peninsula. At the same time, the U.S. government must be prepared for sudden political instability in the DPRK, and continue consultations with key stakeholders, including South Korea and China," it said. (Yonhap) By Park Yoon-bae President Park Guen-hye cannot avoid her responsibility for undermining the country's hard-won democracy by letting her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil meddle in state affairs and exercise influence to benefit herself. The Choi scandal has thrown President Park into her worst leadership crisis since her inauguration in February 2013, with her approval rating plummeting to a record 5 percent, the lowest among any sitting president. It has also brought the country to the brink of a political cataclysm. It is no exaggeration to say that Park turned the clock back to the "dark age" of her father, the late President Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea for 18 years with an iron fist until his assassination by his right-hand man in 1979. Her direct involvement in the influence-peddling and corruption scandal has led to the loss of public trust in her leadership. This loss was manifested in a mass rally where an estimated 1 million protesters gathered in Gwanghwamun Square, downtown Seoul, Nov. 12, to vent their anger and frustration against the President and call for her resignation. The rally reminded many Koreans of the June 1987 pro-democracy demonstrations that opened the way for ending three decades of harsh military rule and ushering in democracy. Park should take the people's rage and their demands seriously if she wants to get out of the crisis and put the nation back on the right track. Otherwise, she may face an unpredictable political catastrophe amid mounting calls for her to step down from all walks of life, not to mention opposition parties. The boiling public anger and deepening frustration with Park are apparently the direct result of her betrayal of her commitment to serve the nation. The unprecedented scandal indicates that she has abused the people's mandate for the President to govern. If prosecutors find Park has played a direct role in coercing conglomerates into donating huge sums to the Mir and K-Sports foundations her confidant Choi controlled, Park may find it difficult to remain in power. The situation is getting worse as the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea has shifted to demanding the resignation of Park, joining two small minority parties in their drive to oust her. They have also agreed with the ruling Saenuri Party to push for an independent counsel as well as a parliamentary probe to get to the bottom of the Choi scandal. Even some Saenuri lawmakers, who do not belong to pro-Park factions, are calling for the President's resignation or her impeachment. Against this backdrop, Park stands little chance of holding on to power through a negotiated solution, under which she will delegate much of her executive power to a neutral prime minister to be recommended by the National Assembly. However, she has implied that she will not step down, turning a deaf ear to roaring voices against her. She is even trying to delay the prosecutors from questioning her in an apparent bid to buy time and turn the tide to her advantage. It would be anachronistic if Park thinks that she can go against the people's will by resorting to presidential privilege, under which an incumbent president is not subject to criminal prosecution unless she or he commits treason. Some critics wonder if Park really wants the National Assembly to proceed with impeaching her. She might believe that impeachment, which usually takes six months, would help her cling to power as for long as possible. The presidential office clarified that she would not accept one of the opposition's demands _ Park's "orderly exit." The envisaged exit calls for her resignation under a timetable arranged by the National Assembly so that the nation can avoid a power vacuum and political chaos and prepare for an election to pick her successor. Now, the impeachment of the President appears to be the last and only option for the opposition. Impeachment is a constitutionally guaranteed process, but it carries a risk not only for the Park administration but also for the opposition and the whole nation. So, President Park and opposition leaders are required to exhaust all efforts to find a viable, if not best, political solution to the crisis through negotiations. They need to put public and national interests ahead of their partisan interests. Park should recognize that she has invited criticism for destroying constitutional order and mismanaging state affairs by allowing Choi to pull the strings in government policies, state projects and personnel appointments. It is time for the President to make a wise and important decision. As time ticks by, she may not find an exit from the looming catastrophe. No one knows what will happen when the worst-case scenario becomes reality. We do not want to see a replay of the bad legacy of disgraced former presidents like Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were jailed after their retirements for treason and raising slush funds. Three opposition parties have agreed to submit a motion to recommend the dismissal of Defense Minister Han Min-koo following the provisional signing of the controversial intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. The motion will be submitted to the National Assembly on Nov. 30 and the vote for the motion is scheduled for Dec. 2. If the vote takes place, the motion is highly likely to be passed as the opposition retains a majority. Commenting on the opposition's dismissal move, Han reportedly said he would "answer for the consequences." His remarks are taken as meaning, as the person in charge of national defense, that he views the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) as badly needed, and this is understandable. In fact, there is no denying that Japan's superior intelligence capabilities will help counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. It's also true that South Korea's ability to detect Pyongyang's submarines is falling short despite the North's mounting threats of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. By contrast, Tokyo is far ahead of Seoul in the possession of advanced intelligence assets such as anti-sub reconnaissance planes, radar technology and early warning aircraft. Japan is also said to outdo South Korea in human intelligence capabilities because of the collapse of the latter's intelligence network. The neighboring countries have been sharing information indirectly, with Washington as an intermediary, since December 2014. But there has been strong demand for faster and more direct exchange of information. Even so, it's doubtful if this is the right time for concluding such a sensitive military pact with Japan, the one-time colonial ruler. The two countries signed the pact only 18 days after making their latest talks official. Furthermore, the incumbent administration is now in limbo amid the firestorm caused by the Choi Soon-sil scandal. More important, it is necessary to canvass the public to the full rather than make haste by force, if the issue has to do with Japan, which has been aggressively pushing for its militarization. In 2012, Seoul and Tokyo were close to sealing a similar pact, but the deal fell apart at the last minute in the face of an angry backlash in Seoul. In every aspect, this is no time to hurry to sign the pact. The government should stop its signing procedure, while the opposition parties ought to withdraw the move to oust the defense chief in times of national crisis. President must face questioning immediately President Park Geun-hye rejected Tuesday requests from prosecutors who want to question her about her alleged influence peddling and unlawful delegation of her authority to her friend. Through a lawyer, Park said that she needed more time to prepare, snubbing the questioning scheduled for the middle of this week. To limit the scope of questioning, if it takes place, her lawyer talked about Park's privacy. This stalling tactic belies her pledge to subject herself to the prosecutors' investigation and that of an independent counsel, if it comes to that, during her recent public address. Also, it is seen as an act of belittling the public anger expressed by one million protesters at a candlelit rally over the weekend that left no doubt about their demand for Park's resignation, and the message that they no longer want her to represent them. True, even a common robbery suspect is guaranteed basic legal defense rights. By trying to hide behind legal barricades and cling to power, Park is risking lowering herself to the level of an ordinary criminal suspect. One prevalent view is that by delaying her questioning, she is trying to hamper the prosecutors' indictment of her friend, expected over the weekend. Park herself is suspected of pressuring chaebol for donations both directly and through Choi. So, Park's testimony is pivotal to strengthening the case of abuse of power against her surrogate. Park also appears to be guarding against the possibility of her words being used as grounds for starting an impeachment process. The way she handles herself raises further questions about whether Park has a firm grasp of the situation. Cheong Wa Dae argued that Park can't run the government properly if she moves to satisfy the prosecutors' "whimsical" demands. It is as if Park didn't know she is the source of state affairs grinding to a halt. The opposition parties have gathered to stop the pivotal Korea-Japan military intelligence-sharing agreement mainly because it involves the approval of Park, who they argue is already being popularly impeached and therefore can no longer be considered as the functioning head of state. Other legislative functions are also at a standstill. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's call for the labor reform is met by a counter-demand for the special prosecutor's probe into whether chaebol were pulling the strings of government from behind, while a railroad strike over the introduction of merit-based pay is continuing with no end in sight. Put this absence of a control tower together with the public mistrust of all Park represents and a state of near anarchy can't be ruled out. Although the demonstrations so far have proven to be peaceful, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will remain so in the future. Even last weekend, there were reports of late-night clashes between protestors who wanted to advance to Cheong Wa Dae and riot police that stood in their way. If the situation gets out of hand and anybody gets hurt, their blood would be on Park's hands and she should be held responsible for the consequences. For the sake of the country and for her own sake, we beseech the President to open her eyes and ears to listen to and feel the anger of the people. Park should stop disappointing them and start acting like a president even while on her way out. By John Burton North Korea represents a Rorschach test for President-elect Donald Trump on how he will conduct his foreign policy. During his election campaign, Trump seemed to offer contradictory views on North Korea as he did on many other issues. On the one hand, he suggested that he would be willing to negotiate with Pyongyang on its nuclear weapons and missile program, while reducing the U.S. military presence in Northeast Asia. On the other hand, Trump indicated that he would support a muscular foreign policy in an effort to win renewed global "respect" for the U.S., while describing North Korean leader Kim Jung-un as a "madman" who he would like to see "disappear." One thing is certain. The issue of North Korea is likely to receive higher priority in a Trump administration as Pyongyang accelerates its nuclear and missile development program, with two nuclear tests this year and multiple missile tests, including those involving submarine launched ballistic missiles. Trump inherits a situation where Pyongyang appears committed to maintaining its nuclear arsenal as the ultimate security guarantee against regime change by the U.S., while international sanctions have done little in persuading North Korea to back down. The key question is whether Trump would accept a North Korean nuclear fait accompli. Some of Trump's conciliatory statements could lay the groundwork for a possible arms control agreement, with Pyongyang agreeing to reduce the number of its warheads in return for economic aid. If Trump abandons the policy of "strategic patience" toward North Korea adopted by President Barack Obama and promotes instead high-level direct negotiations with Pyongyang, it would mark a return to the diplomatic approach pursued by President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s and which was subsequently abandoned by President George W. Bush. A rapprochement between Washington and Pyongyang would also be aided if Trump follows through with his threat that the U.S. military presence in Korea and Japan would be reduced or removed if both countries do not pay more to maintain American troops on their soil. The withdrawal of the U.S. military could pave the way for a formal U.S.-North Korean peace treaty ending the 1950-53 Korean war since this is a key demand by Pyongyang. Trump might be willing to accept such a deal since he appears to favor an "America First" isolationist foreign policy so that the U.S. can devote more resources to rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, while telling South Korea and Japan that if they want a stronger defense against North Korea they should obtain their own nuclear weapons. Another clear signal of the U.S. intention to reduce its military presence in South Korea would be if it accelerated the return of wartime operational control to Seoul, which has been repeatedly delayed. Such moves might be acceptable to the next South Korean government if it is formed by the opposition party, which has favored a more conciliatory approach on North Korea, similar to the policies of the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations. The scenario outlined above would horrify the conservative foreign policy establishment in both Washington and Seoul, but would be welcomed by mainly leftist critics of U.S. policy toward Korea. Academics such as Bruce Cummings and libertarian supporters of a non-interventionist U.S. foreign policy such as the Doug Bandow have long maintained that the U.S. military presence in South Korea has increased regional tensions rather than reducing them. Left-wing groups in South Korea would also support the withdrawal of U.S. troops and improved ties with Pyongyang. This is ironic given that Trump is seen by most of the world as a dangerous man who could unleash a nuclear war. But Trump's reputation for having a volatile temper could also mean that the situation on the Korean peninsula could get much worse, justifying those fears. If North Korea appears intent on continuing to develop nuclear-tipped missiles that could reach the continental U.S., matching this with growing rhetorical threats, it might provoke Trump to launch a pre-emptive strike. This scenario would also be linked to deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China caused by growing disputes over trade if Trump carries out his threat to slap punitive tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump might believe that Beijing's failure to rein in North Korea through economic pressure underscores that China cannot be trusted and that a military strike against North Korea might serve as a warning to Beijing to behave. My hunch is that Trump might decide first to pursue a conciliatory approach on North Korea since this adheres to his self-image as a "dealmaker," while reflecting his unconventional views on U.S. foreign policy. But a lot will also depend on who he selects to fill important national security posts in his administration. If he appoints John Bolton, a noted "hawk" on North Korea, as his national security advisor, as has been suggested, then his strategy toward Pyongyang might prove to be an orthodox hardline one. John Burton, a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is now a Seoul-based independent journalist and media consultant. He can be reached at johnburtonft@yahoo.com. Kim Geun-tae By Yi Whan-woo A non-profit organization aimed at honoring the late lawmaker Kim Geun-tae who fought against military dictatorship in the 1980s said Wednesday it will establish an award named after him. The Kim Geun Tae Foundation for Hanbando Peace and Integration said it will take applications for the award until Dec. 3. The candidates must have contributed to building and consolidating democracy in Korea and can apply via the foundation's website or Facebook account. The award ceremony will take place at Sogang University on Dec. 29 to mark the fifth anniversary of his death. The winner also will receive 10 million won ($8,500) prize money. "The purpose of this award is to constantly remember the life of Kim as a pro-democracy activist and encourage those who have dedicated themselves to growth of democracy," the foundation said in a press release. It said Kim consistently held on to protecting human rights although his life was full of ups and down. As a civic activist, he was accused of leaking information to North Korea and underwent 22 days of torture during the rule of military strongman Chun Doo-hwan in 1985. He later took the case to court where Lee Geun-an, who tortured him, was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in 2000. Kim, also a multiple-term lawmaker, served as minister of health and welfare as well as chairman of then-ruling Uri Party during the Roh Moo-hyun administration (2003 to 2008). He died of cerebral venous thrombosis at age 64 in 2011, although many speculated that post-traumatic stress from the torture accelerated his death. "He was an exemplary intellectual and politician who studied, fought hard and suggested ways to make our society a better place," the foundation added. In Jae-keun, Kim's widow and also a legislator of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said Kim would have gladly joined the people in their protest against scandal-plagued President Park Geun-hye if he were alive today. By Yoon Sung-won Samsung SDS has launched its artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart factory system service Nexplant, the company said Wednesday. The system integration service affiliate of Samsung Group highlighted that the new service will help clients maximize production efficiency as the AI system analyzes manufacturing problems in real time. "Before the domestic release of the service, we have already drawn high interest from manufacturing businesses in overseas countries including the United States and India," Lee Jae-cheol, smart factory business director and senior vice president of Samsung SDS, said in a statement. "We will expedite business expansion on the global stage." In developing the Nexplant system, Samsung SDS said it has tapped into its expertise in manufacturing process optimization systems that it has accumulated during the last three decades while providing them to plants run by other Samsung affiliates. The new system is run on Brightics, a big data analysis platform. This platform is capable of reducing the time required to analyze problems in manufacturing processes and solve them, from as long as 12 hours on average to less than 10 minutes, according to the company. Unlike existing manufacturing analysis systems, which need human analysts to look into the database to grasp problems, Nexplant's AI system can detect problems much quicker. Samsung SDS also said the Nexplant system has been downsized to be fit not only for large-scale manufacturing plants but also for small and medium-sized factories. The new system includes smart design features based on analytics technology, a collaboration feature that supports cooperation among different divisions at manufacturing sites, a smart engineering feature that optimizes equipment and quality control efficiency and a smart operation feature that enables automation of production processes. "Woman with a Suitcase final two episodes finishes the story this week. MBC decides to air two episode back-to-back, instead of airing one the final episode on the following week. The legal drama Woman with a Suitcase has received a warm welcome in the international viewers, due to its insight to South Korean legal system. However, it has not received similar reponse from domestic viewers. Prior to final airing, its average rating in TnMS and AGB Nielsen Korea are recorded at 7.16 percent and 8.24 percent. Woman with a Suitcase suffered a slight decrease in the viewership rating since the episode 7 after a successful first sixth episode. From then on, its rating continue to decline. Last week, the drama has regained some of its lost viewers after returning back to its original theme as legal drama. According to Seoul Daily, the production team promised to continue building tension in the story for its viewers satisfaction. In the Woman with a Suitcase Episode 14, the story continue from previous episode. Geum-Joo confronted the hitman Kang at the river bank. She opened up the fact that she knew all about the law-beaking activity of his boss Lee Dong-Soo. Kang got agitated, he drew his gun and pointing it at her. She stood up to him and Kang ended up shooting her. A confidential report given to lenders gives a rare glimpse into the profitability of Bass Pro Shops. The New York Post wrote about the company on Monday after obtaining a copy of the 67-page report. Privately-owned companies such as Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops dont usually publicly disclose their sales and profitability figures. The company made a presentation to lenders before it agreed in October to buy Cabelas, one of its competitors, for about $5.5 billion. That deal could close sometime next year if government regulators approve. In that confidential report, Bass reported $3.4 billion in sales for the year that ended on Sept. 30, according to the Post, and an eye-popping 50 percent gross profit margin. Thats what the company gets for its products above what it pays to buy them, deliver them, and sell them. It doesnt include fixed costs such as real estate, advertising, insurance, salaries for employees not directly involved in production, and office supplies. The confidential report said Cabelas, which is based in Sidney, Neb., had $4.2 billion in sales for the year ending Sept. 30. Bass Pro Shops also said in the confidential report, , that a typical customer drives 40 miles to get to a Bass Pro or Cabelas store and spends 2-1/2 hours in the store once there. Bass Pro Shop estimates 45 percent of its customers also shop at Cabelas. The Post reports Bass Pro expects its profit to expand by nearly 10 percent, or $108 million, after merging with Cabelas, mostly by increasing its sales margins. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Like many girls her age, 9-year-old Theresa enjoys all things that sparkle, and her favorite colors are pink and purple. Unlike most of her peers though, Theresa is dealing with a life-threatening genetic disorder that has left her wheelchair dependent. After her diagnosis, Theresa was referred to Make-A-Wish San Diego to receive her one true wish. Because Theresa has such limited mobility, her favorite part of the day is relaxing in a warm shower. Unfortunately, the familys existing bathroom was not wheelchair accessible. The luxury of a warm shower (something many of us take for granted) was a daily challenge. Theresas father had to maneuver her out of the wheelchair through the narrow space into the bathtub each day, a difficult process for both of them, and often anything but relaxing. With all of this in mind, the perfect wish for Theresa was to have a dream bathroom makeover. Make-A-Wish contacted the Home Expressions by JDR team, who agreed to help. After visiting Theresa and her family to see their bathroom and discuss her needs, the team was inspired to create a bathroom for Theresa that would not only provide accessibility, but also bring her joy. A wider doorway, a roll-in shower to accommodate her wheelchair, and several handheld showerheads would make the new space functional and safe, and a beautiful design with her favorite colors would make it perfect. Her new bathroom now features glimmering metallic stars on the ceiling, polka dots on the floor and a shower wall that resembles coastal driftwood. The floors pebbled texture and delicate slope are both practical and artistically tranquil, a new space dedicated to surrounding her with beauty and style, while providing a peaceful setting. Home Expressions CEO Todd Jackson said this project was a team effort made possible with support from generous community partners and friends, including TOTO, Rohl, Invisia, Kohler, Benjamin Moore, San Diego Marble and Tile, La Mesa Electronics, GPS Plumbing, Hofstee Drywall, RG Tile, GM Adkins, Construction Support Services, J. Munoz Concrete, Welter Electric & Solar, Dave Wilson Flooring and Greg Rodriguez. We are so thankful to our incredible partners and friends in the industry who stepped up to help us make Theresas wish come true, Jackson said. We are huge supporters of the Make-A-Wish organization and weve been hoping for the opportunity to work with them. When they called us about Theresas bathroom, we enthusiastically agreed to help. We hope this new space makes each day a little brighter for Theresa. For more information about Make-A-Wish San Diego, visit sandiego.wish.org or call (858) 707-9474. Home Expressions by JDR offers design and build remodeling services for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas of the home that dont require structural or architectural changes. In the Selection Center, you will discover thousands of materials, fixtures, accessories and design elements for your remodel. homeexpressionsbyjdr.com Jackson Design and Remodeling has served the community for 27 years, providing clients with whole home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, room additions, high end bathroom remodeling, and other home redesign projects. CEO Todd Jackson his team have won numerous awards for their work, including dozens of CotY, Chrysalis, ASID, NKBA and Master Design Awards as well as five consecutive Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics. Reach them at jacksondesignandremodeling.com, (619) 442-6125 or follow them on Pinterest Houzz Facebook and Twitter. Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light. BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: La Jolla Addiction Healing Centers approach to treatment, at least in part, is alphabetical. Founder and CEO Kamran Zafar, CAADAC, Ph.D., cites the Three Cs: Catch it. Challenge it. Change it. I use these in my treatment program because every action starts with a thought, said Zafar, who six years ago moved his outpatient healing center to La Jolla after eight previous years in Rancho Santa Fe. More than 8,000 thoughts a day go through our brains. The Three Cs are in line with the cognitive approach to therapy practiced by Zafar and about a half-dozen colleagues at the healing center. We look at what the individuals belief system was, and ask what kind of program we can put together to show the person a new way of living. Its about mindfulness, Zafar says. The other approach to therapy at La Jolla Addiction Healing Center is spiritual, developing as Zafar explains, the freedom to not let everything get to you. Youre not here alone. There is a higher power, a spirituality that makes you want to stay sober because youre happy with yourself and you believe in something greater than you. The center treats individuals with issues ranging from drug and alcohol addictions to PTSD, OCD, depression, grief management and more. Clients are treated in individual therapy session, in group sessions or both, depending on the persons needs. The centers group program, for example, lasts two months, with participants meeting three times a week for three hours each time. Individually, said Zafar, it really depends on the need of the person. Sometimes they come two or three times, even five times a week. The healing center is more than a business to Zafar, who feels personally invested. He is in recovery himself: Drugs and alcohol were the only friends I had, he recalled, and (they) almost killed me. In addition, he and his wife, Kiyan Yazdani-Zafar, oversee the nonprofit CyMo Foundation, whose mission is to spread awareness of the rising abuse of prescription drugs among San Diegos youth. The Foundation is named for Kiyans son, Cyrus Moinzadeh, who succumbed to an overdose of OxyContin at age 23. While the Foundation takes up the task of education, La Jolla Healing Center focuses on treatment treatment of the whole person, not just treatment of the addiction. For now, the environment remains strictly an outpatient one. I personally went through inpatient a long time ago, said Zafar, and some people do need that, but the problem is that it gives you a false sense of security that everything is great. Then all the challenges you faced when you went in are waiting for you again when you come out. There is follow-up after a person finishes a program. We encourage them to come back once a week for after-care, to sit down and talk to us and with other group members and talk about the challenges theyre facing and how they are coping with them. Challenges. Back, as in the beginning, to the Three Cs. La Jolla Addiction Healing Center is at 7590 Fay Ave., Suite 404. (858) 775-7752. lajollahealingcenter.com Business Spotlight features commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light. REAL ESTATE NEWS: Its official: Maxine and Marti Gellens of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties are among the top 100 most influential agents, as determined by the publisher of Real Estate Executive magazine. At the recent Real Estate Mastermind Summit in San Diego, the mother-daughter team from La Jolla received a plaque honoring them as among the magazines 100 Most Influential Agents. They also were selected to participate on the Top Producers Panel, where they joined other agents with $20 million to $100 million-plus in annual sales to share their insights at the national traveling event attended by more than 300 of their peers at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. It was an honor to represent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, whose unwavering support has been so significant to our success, Maxine said. We enjoy giving back to the real estate community by sharing how we run our business, our current marketing strategies, and how we feel about the market. We also discussed how we keep it real with our clients and how its important for us to balance work and life. Marti added, In addition, we talked about how important our social media presence is for our listings and to showcase our fun personalities. Weve mirrored late-night TV hosts James Cordens Carpool Karaoke with our own Caravan Karaoke during our La Jolla REBA broker caravan, and we share these videos on social media. After the panel, agents in the audience took the opportunity to meet us personally as weve been in the market for so many years. Based in the La Jolla Arcade office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Maxine, Marti and their team (listing, marketing, escrow, office and showing coordinators, along with five sales agents) have sold countless homes in San Diego County since the duo became partners in 1994. Two years in a row, theyve been ranked as lucky No. 13 top agents within the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network of 42,000 agents nationwide. They can be reached at (858) 551-6630, sold@gellens.com and gellens.com REAL ESTATE NEWS features real estate agents and commercial enterprises that support the La Jolla Light. Editors Note: La Jolla Lights People in Your Neighborhood series shines a spotlight on notable locals we all wish we knew more about! Light staff is out on the town talking to familiar, friendly faces to bring you their stories. If you know someone youd like us to profile, send the lead via e-mail to editor@lajollalight.com or call us at (858) 875-5950. Upon meeting Patricia McGill, house manager at the La Jolla Womans Club (LJWC), what stands out most are her directness, poise and hearty laugh. This 74-year-old hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and has lived in La Jolla for 18 years. She volunteered to manage the Irvin Gill-designed building that is the LJWCs headquarters four years ago. How did you end up in La Jolla? From Ohio, my husband found a job in a small town in Michigan. We were there in the mid-1960s until the 70s, when we were transferred to San Diego. We lived in North County for 13 years, and then we were transferred to Mobile Alabama, Palo Alto and Los Angeles. My husband retired and we always knew we wanted to move to La Jolla. So it took a while to find a house in the Barber Tract, which is a fun place to live. How did you come to join the Womans Club leadership? In our lives, we moved 13 times. Weve remodeled five homes, built one, and I like that kind of thing, Im happy in a hardware store. I had to do a lot of things on my own because my husband was gone a lot. If I couldnt use a hammer and a screwdriver, and deal with contractors, I needed to step up and do that. One day, I was on the floor doing yoga here at La Jolla Womans Club and looking at the stained ceilings; everything needed paint, and I wanted to do something about this. When the job for House Director became open, I raised my hand and it really suits me. What do you like about this position? Its a really nice environment. We have people coming in the building who have lived In La Jolla all their lives and who have never stepped foot on this property, which is stunning to me. So opening up the doors for more public events that are free makes a huge difference in getting people to recognize who we are and why we are here. We have a shopping event, and we have our speaker series, which has been terrific, and we have a lot of new members coming in because of it. How did you meet your husband? He tapped me on the shoulder and asked me who I was in Vermilion Ohio, at a summer resort. I was with a friend, and we were waiting in line to go into a restaurant. The next week I got a phone call where I worked, and he asked me out to dinner, and that was it. How long have you been together? We have been married for 48 years. We have six kids, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who are twin boys. Whats the secret behind your beautiful white hair? Its genetics. My mother, my aunts, my grandmother, my father, all have grey-white hair, it just happens. My daughters couldnt be caught dead with it (laughs) but I just made up my mind a long time ago that it would be a battle that I would never win, and so I just let it happen. Do you have a favorite color? Green. Ive always liked green because its an inside/outside color. I dont like to wear it, but I like to be surrounded by it. What do you do for fun? Travel, travel, travel. After 20 years living on Linda Rosa Avenue, a tidy, quiet street that runs parallel to the east side of La Jolla Boulevard, Beatriz Pardo was surprised to be awakened by a strange noise early one morning in late October. I heard these sounds and wondered where they came from. Then, one morning I came out and I saw it, an airplane flying by! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making changes in flight paths nationwide to improve the flow of air traffic and cut fuel costs. In Southern California, as many as 99 flight paths will be modified to satellite-based procedures in 21 airfields, including the San Diego International Airport. Controversy began earlier this year when Point Loma residents organized to stop the change in eastbound departing flights, which were flying straight over the peninsula. The neighborhood outcry forced FAA to make some changes, and now the airplanes will check in two miles south of Point Loma. But no one expected Bird Rockers to notice any changes, and it seems not many of them have been bothered by the new flight paths. When Pardo brought up the issue at the Bird Rock Community Council (BRCC) meeting Nov. 1, her noise complaints were met with surprise by neighbors. City Council representative Justin Garver, in attendance, said he received a voicemail from Pardo on the issue, but it was the first one. Maybe people havent noticed because it hasnt surfaced in their consciousness, Pardo said, adding that she is awaken by passing flights every morning and hears them throughout the day. When I first moved here, all you could hear was the sound of the waves at high tide. Pardo explained that she likes to sleep with her windows open and sounds fly right in. The other night, my mother and I were woken up by a helicopter, she said. Helicopter and low-flying airplane noise is something other residents have complained about, including Time to abate the La Jolla helicopter nuisance commentary published in La Jolla Light June 19, 2015. Pardo invited the Light to experience the noise from her home, and this reporter arrived at her house Nov. 4, before the 9 a.m. flight departures. The sound of planes was easily recognizable from her front patio and could be heard clearly. However, other areas in San Diego like Ocean Beach, South Park or Point Loma experience higher decibel levels with planes that fly directly over their homes, as opposed to the distant sound of an airplane flying over the ocean. Her nextdoor neighbor, Pardo explained, can hear the plane noise, too, but hes not bothered by it. Maybe I have very acute hearing, but if I wanted to live close the airport, I would have moved there, she said. The FAA evaluated and responded to more than 4,000 public comments received during the 120-day public comment period according to its website. It also held 11 public workshops and states that the decision to implement the flight path changes is final. The website reads, From coast to coast, we are upgrading the nations air traffic control system and improving the safety, efficiency, reliability and availability of air transportation in the United States. Modernization is needed because many of the air traffic procedures in Southern California are decades old. While they are all safe, some are inefficient because they rely on ground-based navigation aids, which limit available flight paths. Do you hear it? If youve noticed a noise increase due to the flight path shift, let us know by sending an e-mail to mduran@lajollalight.com A developing plan to establish private security in Bird Rock could expand into the Village and all the way up to La Jolla Shores, depending on interest. Introduced at the Nov. 10 La Jolla Town Council meeting at the Rec Center, Ron Fineman of the organization La Jolla Safety said any neighborhood interested in signing up for the private patrol is invited to do so but would need a minimum of 80 residents. The concept will also be presented at upcoming meetings of the La Jolla Shores Association and the La Jolla Village Merchants Association. The purpose of La Jolla Safety is to use private security diminish crime in La Jolla, Fineman said. But La Jolla is a big community, and we need people to sign up, area by area. Since I live in Bird Rock, I started there. But if any group wants to get this going, we can start wherever the need is. He added that 50 people have already signed up in the Bird Rock/Upper La Jolla Hermosa area, and La Jolla Safety is waiting for the remaining 30 before they hire the patrol force. An area for these purposes is clusters of approximately 1,500 homes, rather than a certain mile radius. Motivated by personal experience, Fineman said the interest in hiring private security comes from crimes in Bird Rock. Ive only lived in La Jolla for two years and I lived in Los Angeles for 20 years before that, but I have experienced more theft in my two short years here, than I did in LA, he said. Once the minimum number of participants is reached, Fineman said patrol would begin with four or five random hours, so would-be criminals would not learn to expect a patrol officer certain times a day, in certain areas. Lance Ruiz, COO of Security First (the firm that will likely be hired), said these officers would have similar duties to San Diego police officers. We would provide an armed patrol officer and a marked security unit, based on community demands, which could mean responses to domestic violence situations, noise complaints due to loud parties, vacation checks on houses when participants are out of town, security assessments on houses to check for vulnerabilities or just the presence of an officer to deter criminal activity, he told La Jolla Light. As an example of the customized service, he said one patrol area the firm covers has a high transient population, so his officers walk the streets to encourage transients to go elsewhere. Said Fineman, Were hoping to get the cost down to $50 a month, but in the beginning, it would probably be between $50 and $100 a month. If we had 1,000 participants, we could get it way down. He added that La Jolla Safety is finalizing its non-profit status and as such, can host fundraisers to establish a seed fund. Fineman also said La Jolla Safety is ready to sign a contract with Security First. Were really impressed with them and what they have to offer. They stepped up and sent a free patrol car on Halloween to help the off-duty officers in Bird Rock, he said. Security First has a fleet of 100 cars. The firm was selected after several months of interviews. At previous Bird Rock Community Council meetings, representatives from National Public Safety presented, but they were ultimately deemed not a good fit for La Jolla. Fineman began his efforts in June. In other La Jolla Town Council news: New trustee: Following a motion by trustee Joe Pitrofsky, a motion to seat new trustee and real estate agent Cindy McGowan passed unanimously. She will be sworn in at the next meeting. Future meetings: President Ann Kerr Bache said the next three meetings would each have a specific topic. In December, LJTC will focus on the contentious issue of short-term vacation rentals. Legislative updates and regulations will be discussed. In January, a State of La Jolla forum with members from each community advisory group talking about what they do, will be offered. Newly elected District 1 (La Jolla) City Council member Barbara Bry has been invited to share her goals. In February, the focus will be on homelessness. Toni Atkins in the house: California State Senator-elect Toni Atkins arrived to explain the issues that are going to be forefront with the State legislature: water and drought, funding education (jump started by the passage of Prop 55), affordable housing and homelessness. She also advocated for updating community plans where appropriate so localities can control where new housing goes. We need to find a way to be (productive) without giving up a communitys way to control its own destiny. Youve got to incentivize a community to update the community plan, she said. La Jolla Town Council next meets 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St. lajollatowncouncil.org The proposed Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) for the Village of La Jolla was approved by those within the district by mail ballot and ratified Tuesday, Nov. 15 by the San Diego City Council. With the approval, assessments will be collected from residents and businesses within the MAD on property tax bills starting in December 2017. Increased maintenance will begin in 2018. The funds will also be used for the implementation of capital projects. The MAD will be managed by Enhance La Jolla, a non-profit supported by La Jolla Community Foundation. Enhance La Jolla consultant Joe LaCava explained that the City sent out about 1,300 weighted ballots and received about 600 back, but actual numbers were still being finalized as of the Lights press deadline. The ballot posed two questions: whether voters wanted a MAD and whether they wanted it to be locally run or managed by the City. Of the ballots returned, the MAD was approved by 56 percent, and local control was approved by 85 percent. This is a good day and we feel we got some very good news, LaCava said. Mark Dibella, head of the Enhance La Jolla steering committee, said, I could not be happier for the future of the Village of La Jolla and the communitys decision to support a much-needed MAD. This is a catalyst to creating a Village that will own up to its potential for locals and visitors alike. Enhance La Jolla supporter Nancy Warwick added, This is truly the most exciting program that has happened in the Village of La Jolla in my lifetime. There was nothing that could really improve things without this kind of community funding and support. There will be a resurgence of pride in La Jolla as a Village, and overtime it will be a much more enjoyable place for the residents. Dibella explained that the vote culminates 18 months of hard work. The MAD provided a great opportunity to pull together community organizations, residents and everyone with a vested interest in the future of The Village. Im now extremely happy to see that the overwhelming support got it to fruition. From here, the Enhance La Jolla board (comprised of residential and commercial property owners, representatives from the Community Foundation and others) will likely also collect donations for capital projects and plan for services to be rendered once maintenance fees are available in 2018. In 2017, we will get the best contracts and put together the best plan to make the Village even more beautiful and well maintained, Dibella said. According to the Enhance La Jolla website, all meetings focusing on the expenditure of property owner assessments will be open to the public for comments on the agenda. Services provided will be based on projections of cost, funds received through the MAD, and property owner needs. La Jollas MAD could include capital projects such as new and upgraded trash cans, benches, enhanced signage, traffic calming projects, park improvements, La Jolla Rec Center improvements, tree canopies and public art. Ongoing maintenance projects could include landscaping, street and sidewalk cleaning, litter and graffiti abatement, and additional trash collection. Leading up the ballot distribution, representatives from Enhance La Jolla presented their plans to La Jollas various community advisory groups, garnering almost unanimous approval. At the City Council meeting, Council President and La Jolla resident Sherri Lightner thanked the Enhance La Jolla committee and the many other community members who put time and effort into the formation of the MAD. This was not an easy process and it was not quick, Lightner said. The committee engaged in considerable outreach, but I firmly believe the formation of a MAD should be a community-driven process. Enhance La Jolla has exceeded my expectations (in how) they worked carefully with community advisory groups. Im pleased to see the community has voted for the MAD formation. They will see increased services that will contribute to a cleaner, safer, more attractive environment. More at enhancelajolla.org The Conrad Prebys Theatre Center Plaza in front of The Old Globe in Balboa Park is a beautiful, fun reminder of the upcoming holiday season. The lights, and especially the very tall Grinch Tree, is a delight for all ages. Watching families take pictures in front of it and seeing childrens smiles is the prefect prelude to Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! a few steps away on The Shiley Stage through Dec. 26. Once inside the theater, the excitement can be felt as the aisles fill with parents and small children snuggling into their seats to await the curtain parting to reveal a snow-covered Whoville. One of the favorite characters of this charming tale is first on stage. A round of applause welcomes Old Max (Steve Gunderson), the dog who has dropped by Whoville to take one more look around before he leaves town. Gunderson has filled this role several times before, but hes just as lovable and fresh this season as if it were his first. In recalling the story, we meet his younger self, Young Max (Tyrone Davis, Jr.), who wiggles and flops and looks right into the eyes of the kids in the audience and makes them laugh. As Old and Young Max explain whats about to happen in This Time of Year, Whoville awakens with kids, Mama Who, Papa Who, Grandma and Grandpa Who and townspeople merrily filling the stage singing, Who Likes Christmas? Naturally, all this merriment seems too good to be true. Suddenly we know why, as the big, tall, mean, old Grinch (J. Bernard Galloway) comes to town and lets all in Whoville know exactly how he feels when he sings, I Hate Christmas. But when hes approached by Cindy-Lou Who, who thinks he is Santa Claus, its really hard to be mean to her. Mia Davila (kids Pink team) has a beautiful voice and is absolutely adorable making her stage debut as Cindy-Lou Who. However, Cindy-Lous charm is not enough to change the hardened heart of the Grinch at least not yet! He grumbles, repeats how he dislikes Christmas and then steals everything about Christmas in Whoville. Children are captivated by what will happen next (since its all taken from the book) and its very entertaining. The entire cast is incredible in creating their characters. James Vasquez does a terrific job directing, and the stage managers and production staff must also be complimented. Ive seen the show several times and enjoy it more each time. However, two things caught my attention. Keeping the word hate out of their childs vocabulary has been a big topic in social media, so Im not sure how some parents will respond to that word repeated over and over in the show, although it is the title of one song. Also, when the Grinch is in a shadowed scene in his sleigh being led by the reindeer, he uses a whip that was slapped (making a very loud noise three or four times) as he is supposedly hitting the reindeer. I heard a child ask why he was hurting the reindeer ... Im curious if that might be a problem. IF YOU GO: Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas! plays through Dec. 26 on the Shiley Stage at The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, San Diego. Tickets from $37 for adults, $24 for ages 17 and under. Children under age 3 admitted to 11 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. (619) 23-GLOBE. theoldglobe.org Nader Hamdan, owner of a vacation rental in the La Jolla Shores Business District faced City of San Diego senior engineer Steve Lindsay during the Nov. 9 meeting of the La Jolla Shores Association (LJSA) about the ongoing construction in the area. Im afraid that something is going to crack in the building, thats how stressed out I am right now, Hamdan said. On Nov. 7, area businesses staged a sit-in to protest the Citys lack of accountability during the infrastructure work along Avenida de la Playa, which resumed Nov. 3 for the third consecutive year. Weve been cool for two years, just get it done, you cant stop infrastructure. But now we are getting a little bit more sensitive, said LJSA trustee Angie Preisendorfer. Lindsay promised the board that the main part of the re-construction will be done by Friday, Dec. 2. Initially, we were going to repave everything and make everything look good, but to get out as soon as possible we are leaving Dec. 2, and then we can come back to that section anytime beginning in January. That comprises Phase 1 of a four-phase project that will have the streets of the Shores under construction for part of 2017. Phase 3 involves building protections on the storm drains uphill so debris and vegetation dont easily enter the system. The City plans to use existing easements to maintain the existing infrastructure. We are researching that, but there are environmental concerns, because the hilly areas are the pristine areas for wildlife, thats where the breeding happens, birds are nested there, theres environmental concerns, Lindsay explained. The goal of Phase 2 and Phase 4 is to install a baffle box on Avenida de la Playa that will divert some of the contaminants during smaller storm events and low flow. That part of the project, Lindsay said, can extend into the summer moratorium (Memorial Day-Labor Day) because it will be done in a La Jolla Shores Drive median. Business owner Hamdan, who owns the Las Casitas rental on Avenida de la Playa, said he had received calls from tenants who reported banging and shaking on the walls. I have people cancelling left and right, I have lost thousands of dollars this is a disaster for me, just so you know what Im facing. In other Shores Board news Boardwalk talk: Following the Nov. 3 front page story in La Jolla Light, Trustees advocate for Shores boardwalk replacement, LJSA members expressed their desire for action to keep the momentum going. Chair Nick LeBeouf read a communication he received from San Diego Park & Rec manager Dan Daneri indicating the boardwalk had been assessed in 2003 and was given low priority because it was in good shape overall. He added that another assessment will be performed by the City later this year. Maintenance is done in an as-needed basis; the Park & Rec Department has repaired cracks and deviations from time to time, LeBeouf continued. Trustee Mary Coakley-Munk, president of Friends of La Jolla Shores, introduced the idea of making the boardwalk an educational infrastructure, which could help raise awareness and open certain funding sources. California State Coastal Conservancy will get involved in something like that if its educational. We could work with Birch Aquarium and Scripps Institution of Oceanography and figure out something for kids and adults to learn. There are lots of things that can be done, she said. Board members welcomed the idea. Because The Shores boardwalk was hit by the higher El Nino tides last winter, that presented a worry for board members interested in the improvement project. Daneris communication stated, No one knows if its built to withstand the King tides, but it held up structurally last year. But Munk countered, How high do we want that wall to be? At some point its going to be useless anyway. Trustees volunteered to form a subcommittee dedicated to the boardwalk replacement/renewal project to keep wheels turning. Beach lockers: Trustee Izzy Tihanyi said a series of robberies had occured in the Kellogg Park parking lot. Surfers are being preyed upon. This has always happened, but now its getting worse because everybody has an electric car key, she said. Tihanyi proposed that the board study the possibility of installing lockers as a safe space where beach-goers can lock up their keys and other valuables before hitting the surf. LJSA next meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Martin Johnston House, 8840 Biological Grade. ljsa.org Unlike other new laws that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017, Californias ban on single-use plastic bags approved Nov. 8 with the passage of Proposition 67 is now the rule. Immediately following the election, when the proposition passed at just over 52 percent, California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags. Now grocery, department, drug, liquor and convenience stores that typically send their customers out the door with purchased items in plastic bags, are prohibited from providing the bags, but can sell recycled paper bags and reusable bags for a charge of at least 10 cents. The revenue from these sales go to the stores, and can be used three different ways: to cover costs associated with complying with Proposition 67, to cover the costs of providing the recycled paper or reusable bags, or to provide educational materials encouraging the use of reusable bags. To further incentivize shoppers to use reusable bags, some stores are offering a 5-cent discount on purchases when customers bring in their own bags. Locally, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to pass a single-use plastic bag reduction ordinance citywide in July, with City Council President and District 1 representative Sherri Lightner leading the charge. At that time, she reported only 3 percent of the 500 million single-use plastic bags distributed annually in San Diego were recycled, with the bulk ending up in the trash or as pollution. Of the statewide ban, Lightner said, I am pleased that the voters of California demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment by reducing plastic bag usage. San Diego recently became the 150th municipality in California to adopt a plastic bag reduction ordinance, and I am confident that all Californians can adapt to this beneficial practice, which will help protect our beaches, bays, waterways, open space and wildlife throughout the State. Because the City had passed a local measure, some shoppers in La Jolla were prepared the day after the big vote. I saw this coming, and I was told it would go into effect soon after the election, said Christian Ramirez-Loya. The way I see it, I still have to carry my stuff, I cant just have it in my arms. So Ill deal with it. If it means spending 10 or 15 cents more, so be it. Over the course of a year, it might add up, so I bought a reusable bag. Hows this working for you? La Jolla Light would like to publish shoppers anecdotes and insights on the new plastic bag regulations, so send them along by e-mail to editor@lajollalight.com 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 PRESS RELEASE Italy Threatens Veto Against EU Budget Nov. 15, 2016 (EIRNS)For the first time ever, Italy has threatened a veto on the European Union budget, publicly referring to the "Trump effect" in motivating the action. The Italian government accused the EU of disregarding Italian demands on "immigration, security, youth unemployment and research programs," stated Italian EU minister Sandro Gozi in Brussels, and stressed: "We are sick and tired of a Europe which is small with big things and big with small things, and we are convinced that if Europe does not change, we are facing the beginning of European disintegration. We need a big shock; the alarm bell rang with the Brexit and we slept; it should ring with Bratislava and we slept; now many say that it is ringing with Trump: if we do not want to die of insomnia, we had better use it to change Europe." Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, speaking in Catania, Sicily, said: "They wanted to leave Sicilians to take the burden of immigration, of saving thousands of lives and taking care of solutions and of the complexity of the problem. And then, they fill with money European countries that not only reject a deal that they have signed, but build walls with our money." Many accuse Renzi of electoral propaganda, aimed at winning the Dec. 4 constitutional referendum. This is certainly true; however, Italys veto puts an unprecedented stress on the EU and might actually lead to its early disintegration. PRESS RELEASE Nigeria Faces an Immediate Famine, Says Presidents Office Nov. 15, 2016 (EIRNS)Since last Summer, there have been widespread media reports pointing to an impending threat of food shortages in northeast Nigeria, caused by the Boko Haram terrorists occupation of a vast swathe of land. On Nov. 14, a spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, told Pyramid radio that "the huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian food across our borders, and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of grains by January next year," All Africa reported today. In addition, Shehu stated: "Over the past year, providence has blessed Nigeria with a bountiful harvest of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other countries. At present, there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil. However, the Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to shortage of grains in Nigeria by January," UkrAgroConsult reported on its website. A similar warning has also been issued by the UN. Reuters reported today that UN humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria Peter Lundberg, addressing a news conference in Abuja, said: "Next year 26 million people will be affected by the ongoing crisis and 14 million of these will need international and national humanitarian assistance." He added that there are 75,000 children who, "if we dont do something rapidly and seriously ... are going to die in the few months ahead of us." PRESS RELEASE Global Significance of Putin-Trump Discussion Nov. 15, 2016 (EIRNS)"Not just of bilateral, but of global significance," was the way EIR Founding Editor Lyndon LaRouche characterized the first telephone discussion Nov. 14 between President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussion of the need to develop U.S.-Russia trade and economic relations was particularly pregnant of change in the international prospects for economic and scientific progress, as well as peace. The report of the meeting from Trumps office was as follows: "New York, NY, Nov. 14: President-elect Donald J. Trump today spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called to offer his congratulations on winning a historic election. During the call the two leaders discussed a range of issues including the threats and challenges facing the United States and Russia, strategic economic issues, and the historical U.S.-Russia relationship that dates back over 200 years. "President-elect Trump noted to President Putin that he is very much looking forward to having a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia." The office of the Russian President issued this comment: PRESS RELEASE Russia-Japan Economic Plan To Be Presented at APEC Summit Nov. 15, 2016 (EIRNS)Sputnik reported today, citing Russias First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, that Russia and Japan will present in Lima, Peru on Nov. 19 "an amended joint plan of action to develop Russian-Japanese economic cooperation." "We agreed that the plan will be finalized and submitted by the Nov. 19 meeting in the appropriate form," Shuvalov said following the 12th intergovernmental trade and economy commission held at Tokyo. All the details of the joint economic plan have not been revealed yet. What has been reported in the media, suggests that the plan includes global projects such as the creation of an aerospace cluster near the Vostochny cosmodrome and the development of the Northern Sea Route. In addition, building a coal terminal in the Khabarovsk Territory, the modernization of the Khabarovsk airport and the construction of the Sakhalin-Hokkaido gas pipeline were also reportedly in the economic plan. The Japanese media also wrote about the Japan Bank for International Cooperations plans to invest into a Novatek liquid natural gas project. The preparation for completion and submission of the plan at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit was on for a while. On Nov. 3, Japans Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko went to Moscow for a three-day visit to hold talks with senior Russian officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Sputniks report said. On Nov. 7, Sputnik reported, PRESS RELEASE Russians Begin New Offensive Air Operation in Syria Nov. 15, 2016 (EIRNS)This morning, Russian naval and air forces deployed to Syria to begin a new air campaign against terrorist targets in Idlib and Homs provinces. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made the announcement during a meeting of the leadership of the Defense Ministry and the defense industry with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Shoigu reported that, for the first time in Russian naval history, combat sorties were launched from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, that the frigate Admiral Gorgorovich had launched Kalibr cruise missiles, and that, also, Bastion coastal defense missiles were launched at targets in the interior of Syria. "Before today, we conducted meticulous and thorough reconnaissance on all targets. Based on this information, we determined the main targets: ammunition depots, concentrations of military units, and, for the most part, centres for training illegal armed formatdeions, or terrorists, to be more precise," Shoigu said. "These targets also include plants that manufacture different means for inflicting heavy, not to say massive, damage on the population." Of particular focus in the campaign is the chemical warfare capabilities of the terrorist groups in northwest Syria. Shoigu noted that there had been two terrorist attacks using toxic gases in the past week, one that sickened 27 Syrian soldiers and killed 3, the second that sickened 30 people. "The main point is that it is clear that this is a well-developed industrial production line. It is these targets that are being attacked today, and these strikes will be continued," Shoigu said. Shoigu noted that for the protection of Russian forces, an S-300 air defense system is posted in Tartus, while the S-400 has been at the Russian air base in Latakia for nearly a year, where Pantsir S1 short-range air-defense systems have also been deployed. Shoigu also reported that Russian technicians have, over the past four months, repaired and integrated the Syrian armys S-200 air defense systems. "They are now effectively protecting Syrian territory, as well as providing air protection for the eastern flank of our Tartus and Khmeimim bases," he said. With the Bastion systems on the coast, which are capable of attacking both seaborne and land-based targets, the Russians have effectively closed off any possible avenue of attack on Syria or Russian forces by the United States and its allies. Al Masdar News reported that at least four Kalibr cruise missiles came down in Jaish al-Fateh-controlled areas near the town of Saraqib, about 45 kilometers southwest of Aleppo, while two more landed in Jabal al-Hoss, in the southwestern countryside of Aleppo province. Yesterday, Al Masdar reported that Russian jets were already hitting jihadi targets along the Aleppo-Damascus highway in Idlib province. According to a military source at the Hama Military Airport, the Russian Air Force managed to completely disrupt Jaysh Al-Fatehs main supply line to Aleppo, forcing the latter to avoid using the highway from Saraqib to Khan Touman, southwest of Aleppo. Al Masdar reported, separately, that for Jaish al Fateh, the situation has turned "from bad to worse," as it retreats westward along several axes. "We have them on the run and we are not stopping this time," a senior officer from the Syrian Arab Army told Al-Masdar. "They sent thousands of terrorists from Idlib to Aleppo: where are they now? What will they do if we enter the Idlib province? Do they have the men to fight us off?" Jaish Al-Fatehs west Aleppo offensive was incredibly costly and its disastrous conclusion left their remaining forces in a weak defensive position along several axes, Al Masdar notes. Irvine-based makeup brand Too Faced is a clear hit with young shoppers. Its Instagram account, filled with social media starlets and pastel-colored product arrangements, has 7.3 million followers. Its makeup is often featured in online posts by young beauty editors. Its co-founder, Jerrod Blandino, frequently appears in videos on the companys YouTube account that have racked up more than 200,000 views. Such youth appeal doesnt come easy or cheap. By announcing its $1.45-billion purchase of Too Faced on Monday, the Estee Lauder Cos. became the latest established company to acknowledge that its more cost-effective to buy hipness than to attempt to build such buzz in-house. In October, Estee Lauder, which also owns brands such as MAC and Jo Malone, announced it was buying another youth-oriented brand, Becca Cosmetics, for a reported $200 million. Unilever dropped $1 billion this summer to buy Marina del Rey mens grooming company Dollar Shave Club. The consumer products giant also looked at acquiring the Santa Monica start-up Honest Co. before buying Seventh Generation, a maker of plant-based detergents and cleaners. Too Faced itself has changed hands before. Last year, private equity firm General Atlantic bought a majority stake in the company for a reported $500 million. Advertisement In a statement, Estee Lauder acknowledged the importance of younger shoppers, who are drawn to Too Faced products such as the cheekily named (and very popular) Better Than Sex Mascara. Too Faced, founded in 1998, is expected to win with millennials, Estee Lauder said Monday, especially among those who are passionate about social media, fashion and pop culture. Too Faced said the deal would open itself up to a bigger more global audience. We will always stay true to the brand DNA and roots and never test our products on animals, the company said in a Tuesday statement. That carefully honed appeal to young shoppers is attractive for a brand such as Estee Lauder, whose primary customers are 35-years-old and up, analysts said. Too Faced tends to target a demographic the 18 to 34 crowd that Estee Lauder doesnt necessarily have, said Miro Copic, a branding expert and marketing lecturer at San Diego State. Its website, for example, is clearly geared for a younger audience it touts the companys cruelty-free stance with a cartoon bunny, advertises stickers created by an Instagram artist and sells eye shadow shades named Bunny Fu-Fu and Meow! Those consumers are less susceptible to traditional advertising, Copic said. They are not reading magazines. They are looking at social media, and thats not where Estee Lauder is. Reaching those customers is increasingly urgent for decades-old brands like Estee Lauder, founded in 1946, which has traditionally been sold at makeup counters in struggling department stores. In August, Macys announced the closing of another 100 stores. This has plagued Estee Lauder, given that it derives around 9% of its sales from Macys alone, Erin Lash, a director of consumer sector equity research at Morningstar, wrote in a research note. Too Faced, on the other hand, is booming. The company is on track to rake in north of $270 million in sales in 2016, growing more than 70% compared with the year before, Estee Lauder said. Although Too Faced and Estee Lauder are both available at many of the same retailers, theres not much competition between the two companies, analysts said. Estee Lauder customers have been groomed to shop at department stores with more white-glove service, while younger shoppers are gravitating toward specialty stores such as Sephora and Ulta, where they can buy brands that are more buzz-worthy. There is very little cannibalization, Copic said. Right now Estee Lauder doesnt have an entry brand thats cool or hip or relevant. Eventually, Too Faced customers may age into Tom Ford Beauty, La Mer or other more expensive brands owned by Estee Lauder. The sale is expected to close by December. Thats the same kind of so-called migration strategy that companies like Urban Outfitters Inc. have honed, with teenagers spending their allowance at Urban Outfitters, twentysomethings buying from Free People and older women shopping the pricey Anthropologie stores. Estee Lauder is thinking this is a great complement to its stable of brands, Copic said. Thats why they are going to pay that much. Follow Shan on Twitter @ByShanLi Gadgets and tech Nov. 17, 2016, 2:44 p.m. Jessicann is very sure she -- and other women -- belong at the L.A. Auto Show When Jessica Chou drove her 2003 Volkswagen Jetta into the Los Angeles Auto Show, the people checking her in seemed confused. All the guys were like, Are you sure you belong in here? And I was like, Yeah, I know, shes a real beauty, Chou said with a laugh. She may not customize Ferraris with candy-red rims or rear-hinged doors, but the 26-year-old YouTuber from Culver City, known online as Jessicann, pitched something perhaps even more novel: Girls Garage, which she said is the first female-centric booth in the auto shows 109-year history. She raised almost $6,500 on GoFundMe to set up shop. During the 10-day show, Chou will be explaining everything from how to check your tire pressure to how to make sure your coolant tank is full. Stop by the Girls Garage at the Los Angeles Convention Center and you may snag a photo with her in her Rosie the Riveter photo booth. (Alene Tchekmedyian / Los Angeles Times) Howd you get started? Jessicann: There was one really big day for me. I was fixing my spark plugs because my car just broke down and AAA said, Why dont you do a tuneup? I was out on the street fixing my spark plugs and a man walked by and he said, What are you doing? I said, Oh, Im changing out my spark plugs. And he said, By yourself? I think it was in that instant that Ive never felt more empowered than to answer, Yes, by myself! I was beaming with pride and excitement that I was able to change my spark plugs, and my car was functioning back to normal. I had to find a way to capture this to give other women that feeling of empowerment. Whats the craziest fix youve ever done on your car? J: My craziest fix was the fuel pump. My car was dead for a whole week, and I had no idea what the problem was. I was searching and searching online, and all signs were pointing to the fuel pump. I needed to buy this crazy tool to be able to take it off. I bought the new fuel pump, changed it out, I held my breath and started the car, and it worked. I couldve cried tears of joy. I bought the part for, I think, 200 bucks so I saved a lot of money, granted it took me all day. What was your first fix? J: My first fix was probably a brake light or something, something simple. But even that is fun, to know that you could do that and not have to go to a shop just to get a little bulb switched out. What happened when you drove in here today? J: I pulled in and was like, I have a booth here. And they just kind of looked at me funny. I was like, I know its not a Maserati, maybe one year it will be. But it was really funny. And then we drove past a group of guys and theyre like, Oh, theyre just letting people in to take pictures? And I was like, No, I have a booth here! But Im just excited to kind of stir up some commotion because this is the first-ever female-dedicated space here. Which is exciting, its about time. Tell me about your name. J: I actually hated this nickname in high school. My middle name is Ann, my first name is Jessica, obviously. One of my best friends called me Jessicann, and I just hated it so much. When I was thinking of a name for YouTube, I was brainstorming, and Jessicann is so positive. It shows that I can do things, and you can too. The word can is just so empowering. What has the response been to your YouTube channel? J: One of my favorite comments was a dad said that I was his daughters new hero, which just, like, made me cry. Whats one must-have tool for girls who want to learn to fix their cars? J: I recently bought a service manual for my car. It looks intimidating, almost like an encyclopedia for your car, but it has everything you need to know, step by step. A lot of times, your dealer will tell you, Its time to change this. You can say, Actually, you dont have to change it until a year from now. Its kind of like my bible now. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. Unveilings Nov. 17, 2016, 1:00 p.m. Among subcompact crossovers, Toyotas CH-R is a cheaper, edgier-looking option (Toyota) A subcompact crossover with stand-out-from-the-crowd looks. The CH-R inexplicably stands for Coupe High-Rider, although it rides low and actually has four doors you can see the rear door handles up near the roof. Read more Concept cars Nov. 17, 2016, 12:50 p.m. A look at a few of the shows speediest vehicles Not all the cars are traditional racers. Not to be outdone, LEGO entered the race with this 375,000-brick Porsche. Concept cars Nov. 17, 2016, 11:36 a.m. Lexus has the hottest car of the show: the Sriracha IS (Nina Agrawal / Los Angeles Times) The hottest car at this years L.A. Auto Show might just be Lexus Sriracha IS, a one-off custom creation designed to attract a young market. Lexus and Huy Fong Foods, both based in Southern California, teamed up to launch the 2017 model of its IS sports sedan, the Lexus entry-level car, which retails for $37,325. It just seemed like a really good fit,"said Laura Conrad, a Lexus spokesperson. Sriracha has this cult-like following that we were really excited to tap into. (Nina Agrawal / Los Angeles Times) The car features a number of Sriracha details, including gold flecks in the paint that are supposed to resemble chili flakes. There is actual Sriracha in the steering wheel, 43 bottles in the trunk and just in case that werent enough an emergency supply of the stuff in the key fob. The temperature and drive settings even have Sriracha options. The car sports a number of green accents that recall the hot sauces signature bottle caps, including the brake calipers, details on the side-view mirrors and ambient light in the car. Sriracha aficionados can ogle the car as much as they like at the auto show, but no one will be driving it home. The car isnt for sale. To get a taste for how the car was made, check out this video produced by Lexus: Nov. 16, 2016, 3:45 p.m. See more photos from the floor (Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times) Gadgets and tech Nov. 17, 2016, 11:02 a.m. Car company heads say theyre doing all they can to help prevent texting-and-driving accidents Despite considerable advances in safety equipment and driver assistance systems, traffic deaths in the U.S. are rising. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported recently that road fatalities rose 10% in the first half of 2016 after an increase in 2015 that was the sharpest in 50 years, when 38,300 people died on U.S. roads, according to the National Safety Council. Why? NHTSA reported that a 3.3% increase in U.S. miles traveled in the first half of this year the result of lower gas prices, healthy new car sales and a stronger economy could not account for the higher number of deaths. Auto executives at AutoMobility L.A., the industry-only portion of the L.A. Auto Show, believe the rise in deaths is a direct result of distracted driving namely, texting. It comes down to people being distracted, and texting is a big piece of that, said Ford CEO Mark Fields. Part of it is more miles being driven, since the recession ended. But part of it is people being distracted. Its texting, said Chevrolet head Alan Batey. We are on the road to autonomous, and our vehicles are supply a lot of safety features. But texting and driving is a very, very bad habit. Both executives, speaking to The Times during AutoMobility L.A. interviews, said their companies are doing all they can to design and install safety systems in their automobiles like lane-keeping assistance, front collision warnings, and emergency braking assistance to help prevent collisions. But both emphasized that the human element is the problem. We all have a responsibility for this, but computers and machines are just more accurate than humans, Batey said. And its not just texting. I do a little survey, when Im driving, where I look at the other drivers, Fields said. It is amazing to see what people do in their cars. Concept carsSelf-driving vehicles Nov. 17, 2016, 10:41 a.m. Honda and Lego team up with East L.A. children to win Automobility L.A. Design and Developer Challenge The year is 2050: Two-thirds of the worlds population live in cities, and urban sprawl is rampant. What will our transportation system and cars look like? This question helped form the basis of the Automobility L.A. Design and Developer Challenge, which invited creative and unexpected collaborations to conceptualize autonomous cars of the future. Over the last year, teams including Crayola and Qoros; Fandango and Jaunt VR; and Honda, Lego and Trigger designed concept vehicles to showcase at Wednesdays event. Some teams, like Kiska and KTM, envisioned a future of deserted cities that were only used for racing vehicles. Another, CH Auto and Creative Mobile, imagined interconnected West Coast cities, forming Octoangeles. Their design included three-dimensional travel and seamless interaction between vehicle and human. (Makeda Easter / Los Angeles Times) Honda, Lego and Trigger, the competition winner, used the power of kids imagination to develop their concept. The team held a brainstorming session with children from the Girls and Boys Club of East L.A., in which designers worked with the kids to create a pod that people can use to live in, work and travel. The design embraced both artificial intelligence and alternative energy. We reached out to families to learn what inspires them and used that to craft futures powered by their dreams, said Martin Sanders, Lego representative. The teams collaboration with local kids was one of the reasons for their win, according to competition judges. While Honda, Lego and Trigger won the Judges Pick award, voting is now open to industry and media professionals. Concept carsHybrid and electric cars Nov. 17, 2016, 10:26 a.m. Going electric ... Unveilings Nov. 17, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Subarus VIZIV-7 is big, and its sales are too (Subaru) Its a concept car. The concept? Big. Subaru is demonstrating its thinking about how big a future Subaru SUV can be, the company said. At 204.7 x 79.9 x 72 inches, its larger than a Ford Flex, and almost as big as Fords Expedition monster-mobile. Its got three rows of seats. Read more Gadgets and tech Nov. 17, 2016, 9:40 a.m. Volvo experiments with app to deliver fuel, car washes, rides to the dealer Volvo V90 (Bob Riha Jr. / European Pressphoto Agency) It seems like every other car company at the L.A. Auto Show has a new on-demand app to publicize. Most involve small-scale pilot programs. The latest is Volvo, which Thursday announced Volvo Concierge Services. In San Francisco, 300 Volvo drivers will be invited to join the program, where a tap of the app orders up a car wash, a valet to take the car to the dealer for repair and maintenance, and, to avoid a trip to the gas station, fuel delivery. Volvo claims the service as the first expandable digital ecosystem that connects car owners with convenience services via a smartphone app. Unveilings Nov. 17, 2016, 9:30 a.m. Volkswagen jumps into the midsize sport utility market with the seven-passenger Atlas (Volkswagen) This is Volkswagens entry into the midsize sport utility market, and the long-awaited, seven-passenger 2018 Atlas is set to go on sale next year. Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing for the Atlas but its reportedly expected to be in the $30,000 range. Read more Unveilings Nov. 17, 2016, 9:00 a.m. Chevy introduces the new Colorado ZR2, an off-road-ready pickup (Chris Carlson / Associated Press) Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America and head of Chevrolet, is big on trucks, and Los Angeles is his biggest market. The executive, speaking before the launch of Chevys new ZR2 off-road-ready pickup truck, said Los Angeles now eclipses Dallas and Houston and every other city in the U.S. for truck sales. Hes bullish on the ZR2s chances in the market, and his companys four-wheeled future. Were doing about 900,000 units in total truck sales for GM, Batey said. That made us No. 1 for the year last year, and I think well be No. 1 again this year. Chevy trucks are the lions share of that figure, Batey said, making up about two-thirds of all GM trucks, excluding GMC and Ram units sold. That compares favorably with sales at Ford, which manufacturers the countrys single most popular vehicle, the F-150 pickup. If you look at Ford, from 2013 to now, their truck sales are flat, Batey said. Ours are up 35% over the same period. Batey said that up to 50% of people who buy a new Colorado, which the company reintroduced as a midsize truck to become the only manufacturer to offer midsize, full-size and heavy-duty trucks, are new to the brand. Conquest sales are taking away customers from Fords F-150 and Toyotas Tacoma. (Chris Carlson / AP) What will the new ZR2 compete with? Anita Burke, chief engineer for the Colorado line, said she thinks the new rough rider may steal consumers from Nissans Pro 4X and Toyotas TRD Pro. The new 4x4 truck is built on the same wheel base as its fellow Colorados, but the body is 3.5 inches wider. It comes standard with a skid plate, hood scoop, 31-inch off-road tires, and special suspension built around Multimatic shocks. It will be powered by either the companys standard V6 or the Duramax diesel, and be offered as either a crew cab, with a five-foot bed, or with an extended six-foot bed. It will begin appearing in dealers in the spring of 2017. Hybrid and electric cars Nov. 17, 2016, 8:41 a.m. The Chevy Bolt EV wins Green Car of the Year (Chevrolet) The all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV was named Green Car of the Year at the L.A. Auto Show this morning. The award is given annually by the Green Car Journal and is considered one of the most prestigious awards at the show. The journal said its editors selected the 2017 Bolt EV for its 238-mile zero-emission driving range, stylish design, driving dynamics and suite of advanced and connected technologies. The car has the distinction of being the first production battery electric vehicle to achieve a 200-plus-mile driving range. Last year, the award went to the second-generation Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid with a 53-mile electric range and 106 MPGe. The Bolt EV sits high and is shaped like an SUV, with a 288-cell lithium battery that runs under the car and then up under the backseat. It takes about 12 hours to charge on a regular household outlet, said Michelle Malcho, a Chevrolet spokeswoman. Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America and head of Chevrolet, said he expected the plug-in battery-electric Bolt EV to become a fixture on the Southern California landscape. Los Angeles is the biggest market in the U.S. for the companys Volt, Batey said. I think it will be our biggest market for the Bolt EV too. The Bolt EV is set to hit showrooms later this year and be available in all 50 states in 2017. With a sticker price of $37,495 for the base model (not including the $7,500 tax credit for which many owners will be eligible), it will be the first mid-priced long-range electric vehicle on the market. Staff writer Charles Fleming contributed to this report Unveilings Nov. 17, 2016, 8:33 a.m. Alfa Romeo and Maserati add SUVs to their sports and luxury car line-ups (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images) Reid Bigland wears many hats at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, as head of U.S. sales and as boss of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands. He was wearing his Italian headwear at AutoMobility LA, the run-up to the Los Angeles Auto Show, where he was performing U.S. introductions for new SUV models from both subsidiaries. The SUVs are firsts for the two brands, Maseratis Levante making its first appearance at the auto show and Alfa Romeos Stelvio getting its world debut on the AutoMobility stage. The two Italian nameplates are trying to raise brand awareness by adding an SUV to their sports car and luxury car line-ups, and to bring new buyers to the brand by giving them a vehicle they find more useful than, say, an Alfa Romeo 4C racer or a Giulia. Bigland dismisses questions that the two brands are coming late to an expanding SUV market that may have expanded to capacity. We dont think its too late by any means, he said. The exodus away from passenger cars is not abating. The segment is hot. Levante sales, so far, support his optimism. Maseratis year to date numbers for 2016 are up 16% over 2017, Bigland said, while global September, October and November sales are showing rises of 50% to 60% over last year. Levante is playing a big role in that, Bigland said, even though the SUV has only been in some markets a matter of months, and hasnt yet debuted in Japan, Korea and other principalities. It has begun selling in Los Angeles, but Bigland did not supply local sales numbers. Southern California is the most important market for our brand in the United States, he said. We have very high hopes. There are also hopes for the Northeast and Northwest parts of the country, where snow and ice conditions may have led buyers away from Maserati and Alfa Romeo, and toward more winter-worthy vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW. Were opening up whole parts of the world to Maserati, Bigland said. Places where it isnt always 72 degrees and sunny. Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Bigland estimated that Maserati will sell 20,000 to 30,000 of the SUVs in 2017, and that Levante will account for 50% of all Maserati sales next year. Some of the buyers are turning in their Porsche Cayennes, Bigland said. A surprising number are female including a high percentage of single females, who are not generally the target customer for a high-end, full-size luxury SUV. (The Levantes start at $72,000, and the price goes up quickly with options.) All is not rosy for the executive. As head of FCAs U.S. and Canada sales, according to published reports, he is at the center of a U.S. criminal investigation into whether the company had inflated sales figures in the past. Bigland said he did not think there was any danger that the introduction of an Alfa Romeo SUV would eat into sales of its Maserati counterpart. Both vehicles are powered by engines derived from the companies partnerships with Ferrari, and both are long on Italian styling and heritage. But the Stelvio is a mid-sized performance SUV, boasting massive horsepower and sports car handling, that should appeal to a younger, less affluent buyer the MSRP has not yet been announced and the Levante is a full-sized luxury SUV that appears to appeal to a slightly older, more affluent buyer. Although admitting the competition could create some agita for the U.S. sales divisions for the two brother brands, as head of all U.S. sales for both marquees, he isnt worried personally. If someone comes in on a Levante, and goes out on a Stelvio, thats not bad, Bigland said. Unveilings Nov. 16, 2016, 8:00 p.m. The million-dollar Jaguar XKSS (Jaguar) This is the newly built version of Jaguars rare and classic XKSS sports car from the mid-1950s. The British automaker is producing only nine of the new versions and theyve already been sold to collectors worldwide for about $1.3 million each. Read more Nov. 16, 2016, 4:51 p.m. We wouldnt mind getting pulled over in one of these Concept cars Nov. 16, 2016, 4:22 p.m. A drive down memory lane? A walk among the auto shows vast display of custom cars can be a walk down memory lane. Many vehicles at the L.A. Auto Show are throwbacks to bygone models. Another standout: This sleek custom car inspired by the Pink Panther film and television series. It was created by George Barris, who was famous for designing many of Hollywoods custom cars. Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine also made an appearance to conjure up some childhood memories. This tricked-out Fiat 500, called Track Queen 1738, pays tribute to hip-hop artist Fetty Waps 2015 hit song Trap Queen. With one headlight removed to feed air into the engine, the car looks like it has one eye, which reminded its designers of Fetty Wap. The Fiat was customized by Madness Autoworks. And one more heroic custom job: This 2015 BMW i8 with a Spiderman paint job and custom doors that open up like wings. This model also has custom 22-inch wheels. (Alene Tchekmedyian / Los Angeles Times) Concept cars Nov. 16, 2016, 3:15 p.m. Auto Show regular Baron Margo shows off his latest creation, Metamorphosis Silver Lake artist Baron Margo was back at the L.A. Auto Show this year, debuting the Metamorphosis, his latest whimsical creation. The car, which needs additional wiring before it can be driven, is something of a cross between an airplane and a boat, as Margo describes it, featuring portholes that open to the outside, a main cabin with a bed and a sink with a pump. Margo, a master of Jules Verne-like automobiles, repurposes old parts from junk yards and scrap metal yards and, together with sheets of aluminum and copper, uses them to hand-make each vehicle. He works with a partner, Jaime Martinez. The vehicles run on car or motorcycle engines that use regular gas. While the cars are meant for driving, Margo said, first and foremost theyre art. My goal is simple, Margo said. To make something no one else has made. Margo and Martinez fund their work by selling earlier projects. But the cars are not for your average buyer: The Metamorphosis comes with a $400,000 price tag. I know you can buy nicer cars for $400,000, Margo said, but this isnt just a car. Youre buying an art piece that you can drive in the street or put in a gallery, or even stick in your living room. Hybrid and electric cars Nov. 16, 2016, 3:09 p.m. This Porsche is electric ... literally The head of a San Diego cybersecurity start-up has resigned from his job and apologized for his alcohol-fueled election-night rant on social media about assassinating President-elect Donald Trump. PacketSled Inc.s Matt Harrigan said Tuesday that his Facebook comments about shooting Trump were meant as a joke. The thing I want to get across most is I want to apologize, said Harrigan, his voice cracking. What I said was incredibly dumb, perhaps the dumbest thing I have ever said. I really only have myself to blame for this. Advertisement Harrigan, 42, resigned Tuesday as chief executive of PacketSled, a 25-employee start-up that he founded in 2013. He called the resignation a joint decision by the companys board and himself. That is the price I pay for the comments that I made, he said. Since his posts went viral, Harrigan has received death threats. He has turned off his mobile phone and email. Some on social media have revealed the address of his home and posted pictures. He and his family, including two young children, have been staying elsewhere. As election night unfolded last week, Harrigan posted on Facebook that he was going to kill Trump. When a friend responded, You just need to get high, Harrigan wrote, Nope, getting a sniper rifle and perching myself where it counts. Find a bedroom in the White House that suits you. Ill find you. When warned by a Facebook friend that he might get a visit from federal authorities, Harrigan replied Bring it Secret Service. Matt Harrigan, CEO of cyber security firm PacketSled, has resigned after writing a Facebook post threatening to kill President-elect Donald Trump with a sniper rifle. Harrigan said in an interview that he was intoxicated when he posted the comments. He believed they were so uncharacteristic of him that his Facebook friends would recognize them as humor. I took a stab at what I thought was something that my friends would know was totally over the top up to the level of absurdity, he said. It unfortunately made it outside that circle of people. Harrigan believed his Facebook page could only be viewed by friends that he had approved for access. He declined to speculate on how his posts ended up on other social media websites that can be viewed by anyone. There were a few people who liked the post and did the smiley face thing and made commentary to that effect, he said. So it didnt occur to me that it would go anywhere other than that. It was never intended to be serious. Harrigan discovered on Sunday that the posts had shown up on Twitter, when he received thousands of messages. Later his comments were posted on Reddit, another social media website. He thinks there was an orchestrated effort to spread his posts to a wide audience. It made its way to Twitter with just some screen shots of the really bad parts, he said. And the forces that be decided to make it viral. Harrigan is well known in the cybersecurity community. He is credited with inventing the practice of network penetration testing in Kevin Poulsens New York Times best selling book Kingpin. He founded PacketSled to provide root-cause cybersecurity software that detects where a cyberattack is coming from, what files are being targeted and which devices are being affected. Harrigan said he invited the U.S. Secret Service to meet at his home Monday. He offered a list of references and filled out a lengthy questionnaire, among other things. He is fully cooperating with authorities. I invited them to look around my home and know that I am a perfectly normal person and dont have any crazy tendencies or anything like that. He continued, That is the thing I feel terrible about that anybody who doesnt know me would see that and think I was serious. A special agent for the Secret Service in San Diego said on Monday that the agency was aware of Harrigans social media posts but declined further comment. Threatening a presidential candidate can lead to prosecution. In 2009, Walter Bagdasarian of La Mesa was convicted of threatening then-candidate Barack Obama in an online message board. The conviction was later overturned by a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though he didnt vote for Trump, Harrigan said he hopes Trump is a successful president. He has my full support as an American citizen, said Harrigan. Where I am at right now is that I want to make sure everybody understands that I am deeply sorry that this has happened. It doesnt reflect my view of the world or Donald Trump or anybody. Asked about his plans for the future, Harrigan said he isnt sure what he will do. I am going to take some time to reflect and try to do things that are more healing in nature rather than divisive, he said. mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com ALSO More than 300,000 signed up for Obamacare after Trump was elected Twitter suspends prominent alt-right accounts, including Richard Spencers Mayor of West Virginia town resigns after response to racist post about Michelle Obama, official says Neighbors of the Wilshire Grand tower have a billion-dollar view but some complain that they cant enjoy it when sunlight bounces off the nearly completed buildings glass surface. That is annoying as hell when the light is coming straight through the window at your face, said Jeffrey Hurst, an attorney who works across the street from the architecturally acclaimed skyscraper. Its nearly blinding. The Wilshire Grand, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, has been rising at Figueroa Street and Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles since February 2014. The 900-room hotel joins a growing roster of modern reflective structures, such as downtowns Walt Disney Concert Hall, that have been asked to hit the dimmer switch. Advertisement EYP Realty, a real estate management firm that owns a building next to the $1-billion project, has filed a protest with the city of Los Angeles, asking that the projects building permit be revoked. The company wants owner Korean Air to stop construction and replace the glass exterior of the 1,100-foot structure, which is scheduled to be finished in four months. The installation of the very reflective glass is a clear violation of the conditions of approval for the Wilshire Grand project, Ryan Leaderman, an attorney representing EYP Realty, wrote to the citys Department of Building and Safety this summer. The department studied the complaint and issued a report last week saying it did not violate city environmental rules in approving the original building permit. Leaderman said EYP will appeal the decision to the citys planning department. A representative of Wilshire Grands developer said EYP has failed to offer any details, such as the time of day when the glare is worst and which part of the building is causing the problem. We would be willing to work with them, but they have provided no evidence of anything specific, said Lisa Gritzner, a spokeswoman for AC Martin, which is building the hotel tower for Korean Air. AC Martin consulted experts and reviewed several types of glass before deciding on the material that covers the building, Gritzner said. Representatives from the citys planning department were consulted about the glass chosen by AC Martin, she added. The fight over the glare shines a light on an increasing problem with modern buildings encased in reflective material. Workers had to use hand sanders on parts of the stainless steel facade of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2005 after neighbors in nearby condominiums complained about a reflective glare from the building. In London, a glass-sheathed office building named 20 Fenchurch Street garnered the nickname the fryscraper a few years ago because the building was reflecting so much glare onto the streets that pedestrians were able to fry eggs on the sidewalk even on overcast days. The Vdara Hotel in Las Vegas installed a thin film on 3,000 glass panes on the buildings exterior and erected giant poolside umbrellas in 2010 to cut down on the intense reflection of sunlight off the curved, glass-coated structure. In Dallas, a 42-story residential building began in 2011 to reflect so much sunlight on the adjacent Nasher Sculpture Center that critics said it risked damaging the art inside. After five years of meetings on the problem, no solution has been proposed. Experts say building glare has become more prevalent because developers are more likely to use new glass technology that controls how much light enters a building. But that technology means more light is bounced away toward neighbors. Marc Schiler, a USC architecture professor, said computer-assisted designing also makes it easier for developers to create buildings with curves. The combination of all of those things means that we live in a world where there are more opportunities for surprises, he said. In Los Angeles, EYP Realty, a subsidiary of Brookfield Property Partners, operates out of a 41-story building on South Figueroa Street, south of the new Wilshire Grand tower. What they are asking us is to remove all the glass on the building. There are a myriad of solutions that have nothing to do with removing our glass. Lisa Gritzner, a spokeswoman for AC Martin In a June 14 letter to Los Angeles chief code enforcement officer, EYP Realty said the towers exterior is highly reflective and creates severe glare and reflective conditions several hours a day. The letter also says that the Wilshire Grand had up to 95 types of glass to choose from and selected the one with the absolute highest exterior reflectance. Inside the 725 S. Figueroa St. building owned by EYP Realty, tenants say the glare comes and goes, depending on the time of day and the angle of the window panels on the Wilshire Grand. Paralegal James Swanson said he and his co-workers are forced to pull the blinds in the 27th-floor break room because of the glare. Its a shame because that is such a great view, he said. A Brookfield Property Partners spokesman declined to elaborate on the problem, offering only a statement that the safety, comfort and productivity of our tenants, our building staff and visitors to our property and the surrounding area is our top priority. Gritzner said the Wilshire Grand tower is convex shaped so that the reflection of light off the buildings surface is dispersed, not concentrated on any particular area. Already, 85% of the glass exterior has been installed, and construction of the building is expected to be completed in April. What they are asking us is to remove all the glass on the building, she said. There are a myriad of solutions that have nothing to do with removing our glass. Gritzner added that the project developer has a Facebook page and a Twitter account but has received no other complaints from neighbors or pedestrians about glare from the building. Dave Balassi, who works in a title insurance company on the second floor of 750 S. Figueroa St., was standing in front of the building Thursday. On some days, he said, the reflection from the Wilshire Grand has been so intense that it feels like a heat lamp out here. hugo.martin@latimes.com To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter. ALSO Pomona hospital employees say patients are at risk of superbug infections Workers were paid $4 an hour to make clothes for TJ Maxx, Forever 21, Labor Department says Twitter suspends prominent alt-right accounts, including Richard Spencers UPDATES: 7 p.m. Nov. 17: This article was updated with additional comments from neighbors. 2:05 p.m.: The article was updated to say that EYP plans to appeal the Department of Building and Safetys decision on Wilshire Grand Centers building permit. 12:15 p.m.: This article was updated to elaborate on what the Department of Building and Safety had to say about issuing the building permit. 1:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include the news that EYP Realty plans to appeal the Department of Building and Safetys ruling about the building permit for Wilshire Grand. This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 16. Donald Trump and his congressional allies are making big plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and overhaul other government health programs. But the president-elect appears to have downgraded plans to act aggressively to control rising drug prices, handing the pharmaceutical industry an early victory and providing another illustration of the influence of lobbyists on the new Trump administration, despite Trumps promise to drain the swamp of special interests in Washington. Trump, who once made the cost of pharmaceuticals a central part of his campaign health care pitch and included the issue on his campaign website, hasnt mentioned the subject since the election, even though the issue is consistently cited as the top health care problem Americans want to see fixed. Advertisement And Trumps transition health care agenda makes no mention of drug prices, though it lists six other health care priorities, including restricting abortion, speeding federal approval of new drugs and restructuring Medicare and Medicaid. One of the major issues that Americans say they are concerned about is high health care costs, and a key part of that is prescription drugs. Its a pocketbook issue, said Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of the influential AARP. People are looking to see what the president-elect and his team are ready to do. The Trump transition team did not respond to questions about the new administrations prescription drug agenda. But already the drug industrys allies, including lobbyists and senior elected officials who have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in industry money, are taking on important roles in the transition and in work on the 2017 agenda. Vice President-elect Mike Pences political career, for example, has long been supported by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co., which is based in his home state of Indiana. The drugmaker, through its political action committee and employees, is Pences third largest all-time political contributor, according to calculations by the independent Center for Responsive Politics. Pence is now leading the Trump transition. Other key figures in Trumps circle of advisers have included a former executive at drug makers Pfizer and Celgene and the chairman of Williams & Jensen, a leading Washington lobbying firm. According to federal lobbying reports, Williams and Jensens clients in recent years have included 11 of the worlds largest drugmakers, including Pfizer, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Merck and Bayer. Shares of many pharmaceutical companies stock rose after Trumps election last week. In contrast to his silence on drug prices, Trump displayed little hesitation blasting them when he was campaigning. He railed against the political power of the drug industry, which he said was responsible for blocking Medicare from using its bargaining power to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. They have a fantastic lobby. They take care of all of the senators, the congressmen, Trump said at a GOP primary debate in Miami in March. Trumps campaign platform included a proposal to give Americans greater access to lower-priced, imported drugs, which his campaign said would bring more options to consumers. Though prescription drugs have historically made up a relatively small share of the nations total health care bill, prices have risen dramatically, fueled by a combination of expensive new drugs like Sovaldi, a treatment for Hepatitis C, and aggressive price hikes by the makers of existing drugs like EpiPen. In September alone, drug prices shot up 7 percent compared with last year, the sharpest increase in 24 years, according to the Altarum Institute, a nonprofit research and consulting organization. By comparison, overall health care prices were up 2.1 percent. The price spikes are stoking public anxiety. Polls consistently show that large majorities of Americans including Democrats and Republicans want the next president and Congress to make drug prices their top health care priority. Tuesdays election results are a clear indication that people around the country want change, and one issue that came up again and again on the campaign trail is that Americans are tired of skyrocketing drug prices, said John Rother, executive director of the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, a coalition of hospitals, employers, health plans and others. In one recent national survey, more than eight in 10 Americans favored allowing the federal government to negotiate with drug makers to get lower prices on medications for people on Medicare. And more than seven in 10 Americans favor allowing Americans to import less expensive drugs, according to the poll by the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. But the pharmaceutical industry has vigorously opposed such steps, calling drug importation unsafe and price negotiation unnecessary. And for years, millions of dollars in campaign contributions to politicians at the federal and state levels have helped drugmakers beat back efforts to increase regulation of their prices. In 2016 alone, pharmaceutical companies, through their political action committees and employees, contributed more than $17 million to campaigns, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. And though Trump received relatively little from the industry, senior Republicans in Congress took in hundreds of thousands of dollars each. The top recipients of industry money were House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who received more than $230,000, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, who got more than $225,000. Neither was in a competitive political race this year, but both men figure to play pivotal roles shaping the health care agenda in 2017. Drug prices are clearly one of the key drivers of health care costs that we need to get our arms around, said Peter Lee, head of Covered California, the states insurance marketplace, which has pioneered efforts to cap how much consumers must pay for prescriptions. But its a very tough issue to address. The pharmaceutical industry is a phenomenally powerful political lobby. In response to questions about potential future regulation, a spokeswoman for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, provided a statement from CEO Steve Ubl. We look forward to working with the new administration, as well as members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance pragmatic solutions that enhance the private market, improve patient access to care and foster the development of innovative medicines, Ubl said. Twitter: @noamlevey ALSO Donald Trump wants to replace Obamacare. But its not that simple. White nationalists man in the White House? Bannon appointment provokes angry rebukes When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than Obama Before Los Angeles Operas production of Philip Glass Akhnaten opened, general director Placido Domingo occasionally would take a break from his office at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and slip into rehearsals. He watches the juggling, the productions director, Phelim McDermott, said at the time. For the record: An earlier version of this article misidentified director Phelim McDermott as Philip McDermott. With wide-eyed amazement, added conductor Matthew Aucoin. The juggling in McDermotts new production is, indeed, hypnotizing. Advertisement Performed by the London-based Gandini Juggling company and choreographed by co-founders and artistic directors Sean Gandini and Kati Yla-Hokkala, the rhythmic bouncing and tossing of the troupes balls mirror the repetitive patterns of Glass minimalist score. Gandini Juggling performers in L.A. Operas Akhnaten. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) McDermott was in the bath when he first dreamed up the idea of throwing some juggling into his staging for Akhnaten. He sent me a little Facebook message saying, Would you be interested in choreographing some juggling for a Philip Glass opera? recalled Gandini, who immediately recognized historical significance in McDermotts artistic choice. SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter The earliest recorded images of juggling are hieroglyphics, Gandini said. For an opera set in ancient Egypt, McDermotts bath-time inspiration was spot on. In the opening scene of Akhnaten, Gandini and his fellow jugglers sit upright in profile against the backdrop, mimicking the stiff posture of hieroglyphic figures. As Glass pulsing arpeggios rise from the orchestra pit, the jugglers toss their balls into the air like ancient etchings brought to life. Akhnaten star Anthony Roth Costanzo sings with a little Gandini magic overhead. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times ) Los Angeles Operas Akhnaten Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday ; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 27 Tickets: $49-$339 (subject to change) Information: (213) 972-8001, www.laopera.org Running time: 3 hours, 20 minutes Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster. ALSO Akhnaten: Times critic Mark Sweds review Akhnaten: Interview with star Anthony Roth Costanzo Akhnaten: Demonstrators protest casting When Timothy Spall was offered the role of infamous Holocaust denier David Irving in Mick Jacksons Denial, he recognized that it was a unique opportunity, but might not be the right one for him at that time. The Cannes best actor winner had just finished playing another controversial real-life character, Northern Ireland politician Ian Paisley, in Nick Hamms The Journey. He wasnt sure he wanted to play yet another historical figure who was loathed by a lot of people. Still, Spall notes, any role I play whether they hold controversial views, whether they are a popular character, whether they are a person completely insignificant as far as history is concerned, I always do it exactly the same. I try to play them completely from their own point of view. Based on Deborah Lipstadts autobiographical book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier, the movie chronicles the authors legal battle with Irving, a British historian and author who accused her of libel for describing him as a Holocaust denier in a 1993 book. David Hares screenplay is specifically from Lipstadts perspective (shes played by Rachel Weisz in the film), and that didnt leave a lot of room for Irvings character to be completely fleshed out. Advertisement I discussed it with Mick a couple of times before I said yes, Spall says. I just wanted him to know that I, as an actor, am very interested in playing as many levels as I can in a character as opposed to just showing up to play the baddie. And he said, No. Well accentuate as much as we can. There is only the one scene with his child and there are a couple of references Andrew Scotts character makes when he meets Lipstadt in America about what [Irvings] motivations are about his past. About his father abandoning him and so forth. I decided that I would have to swallow thats not in the case. Spall says he focused on giving his version of Irving a slightly unexpected subtext. He notes, It was very much to feel that even in these strident views there are flashes of self-doubt. Some might say an unearned vulnerability, but that was my job. Its not to try and turn the tables but find something in it. No stranger to playing famous faces, Spall says that he has a responsibility to see what they look like and see how they are, by researching as much as possible before portraying them. Sometimes I look at photographs and I look at them like that for a long time and just think about that, Spall says. And I cover one side of the face and look at one eye and cover the other side of their face and look at the other eye. Then I just try and make this sort of leap of imagination and see if I can understand them in a feeling in myself. For Irving in particular, Spall reviewed a number of his speeches that became a great source of reference. Especially ones where he was more relaxed off the speakers podium. And that was absolutely necessary since it was highly unlikely the real-life Irving was ever going to participate in the production. There was one [speech] where he was talking about being at school and about how people used to disagree with him and didnt like the way he dressed and how he wasnt going to take any notice of what people felt of him. If he wanted to be dressed that way, he would, Spall recalls. There were certain vulnerabilities in that that I took from. There were certain pointers in it that made me understand the connection I was trying to make beyond just what he was saying. Even though Denial filmed at the height of the U.S. presidential primary season, Spall says he didnt really see how contextually relevant it was at the time. By the time it hit theaters, critics and audiences were absolutely seeing the parallels between his character and the Republican presidential nominee. I presume when somebody thinks they are right, they think they are right, Spall says. And there are people, no matter how controversial their views are, there is a little bit going on now, yeah? They refuse to accept that they are wrong. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com Several of the 85 entries in the foreign-language film Oscar derby lend Western viewers rare glimpses into unfamiliar cultures. Others feel like American films through foreign lenses. Here are just five of the top contenders: SAND STORM (Israel) Advertisement An intimate family drama in a modern Bedouin household. Writer-director Elite Zexer became very close over the years to Bedouin women in desert villages through her mothers work as a photographer. On one of our visits, we escorted a young woman during her wedding to a strange man, a man she only married to please her family, while she secretly loved another, she says. Minutes before she met him for the first time, she turned to me and said, This will never happen to my daughter. I looked at her and felt my stomach twitching. Thats the moment I knew that I had to make this movie. The understated film depicts the effect of long-ingrained cultural norms on Bedouin women but also shows how even men are trapped in an ancient loop. Zexer says she thinks audiences can relate to this family from a culture rarely portrayed onscreen because they feel how strong the women are, how courageous; how goodhearted the father is, even if he is caught in a set of binding rules. They can understand that the film is showing how the situation of the society is very complex, and can be viewed in many ways. THE SALESMAN (Iran) This film takes a premise that would fit right into a Hollywood genre mystery, mixes it with obsession and revenge, and sets it in Tehran. While performing in a local production of Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman, a couple experiences a shattering incident it struggles to understand. Ive strived for the drama taking shape in my stories to be the outcome of the details of daily life, details that seem ordinary and simple, and that we all face and deal with daily in our lives, director Asghar Farhadi says. Incorporating the thriller prime examples of which are American, e.g. Hitchcocks films into daily life and reality, is something I am always trying to expand on in all my films. You could call these films reality thrillers. The differences between how Salesman unfolds and how Western audiences might expect are stark and rooted in the culture of todays Iran. Thematically, humiliation is at the heart of Death of a Salesman. In The Salesman too, Emad, the main character, undergoes humiliations all through the story. Ultimately, it is this feeling that results in Emad acting in a way that is unexpected for us. TONI ERDMANN (Germany) If Salesman feels ripe for an American remake, Toni Erdmann already feels like a remake of an American comedy. A fun-loving 60-ish dad pays a surprise visit to his career-focused, too-serious daughter. Hilarity ensues, right? Well, it does when Peter Simonischek is onscreen in a delightfully unpredictable performance. Simonischek resembles an even more evil Maximilian Schell, sometimes outfitted with fake teeth, foolish brown wig and whoopee cushion. I come from drama. All the comedy of the film comes from the desperation of the characters, says Maren Ade, writer and director of the international FIPRESCI Prize winner. I wasnt sure how funny it would be in the end because we were concentrating so hard on the characters, and for them it was really a tough struggle. So I was very happy when the comedy came through with a full audience. It takes a very long time to get where its going, though any American pass at a remake (calling Will Ferrell and Emma Stone) would likely be half Erdmanns nearly three-hour length. Caveat auditorium: Viewers will never look at petit fours the same way again. A MAN CALLED OVE (Sweden) Based on Fredrik Backmans novel, Ove is a gentle character study that sets itself the difficult task of redeeming an obnoxious protagonist through back story and comic vignettes. It was really interesting and rewarding for me to have the opportunity to show how a stubborn, grumpy old man became that stubborn, grumpy old man, says writer-director Hannes Holm. Where does his bitterness get its fuel? Is there any hope for stubborn idiots like Ove? During the production it became clear to me how important it is to explain normal peoples irrational behavior. Especially these days, when racism and selfishness and fear intrudes more and more in our world. The audiences reactions in the theaters all over the world have been the same. People laugh and cry at almost exactly the same places. Of course, theres no surprise by the fact that the grumpy old man is an international phenomenon. NERUDA (Chile) Director Pablo Larrain takes a bold approach to conveying the essence of Chilean poet and national hero Pablo Neruda. Stylized, shot largely in mild fisheye and seemingly structured in opposing stanzas while employing poetic language, the not-really-a-biopic focuses on Nerudas time underground as his government cracked down on communists. If theres anything hard and dangerous in cinema, its to bring poetry to the screen, says Larrain. There are specific poems that have a distinctive rhythm, sometimes connected to ideas of love; sometimes political ideas that are full of rage and fury. That rhythm is the one we intended to bring into the cinematic experience. We tried to describe the Nerudian world more than Neruda. Its about the cosmos he created. We tried to grab as much as we could from his life and his world, but you cant put him in a box. To grab Neruda is like grabbing water in your hand. You can hold him for a couple of seconds, it would drain, but your hand stays wet. Other notable foreign entries include another Hollywood-influenced film, The Age of Shadows (South Korea), Warner Bros. first Korean-language co-production. The patriotic Age is a well-shot but convoluted espionage thriller set during the Japanese occupation of the 1920s. A more novel twist on a cinematic trope is Desierto (Mexico), directed by Jonas Cuaron, son of Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron. Here the worlds most dangerous game gets spun by the illegal immigrant/defender of the border dynamic. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan on The Walking Dead) adds another psycho to his resume as a bloodthirsty American hunter of unarmed migrants in the desert. Gael Garcia Bernal plays a noble father trying to survive the pursuit on his way to reuniting with his son in the U.S. Cuaron effectively creates tension in a tightly focused narrative. Like Neruda, Nagasaki: Memories of My Son (Japan) feels stylized even downright theatrical. It concerns the friendly haunting of an elderly Japanese woman by the ghost of her son, who perished in the atomic bomb attack. It features a lush score by Ryuchi Sakamoto. My Life as a Zucchini (Switzerland) is an animated heart-tugger about life in an orphanage and the chances for healing among children whove been through horrific experiences. Not for young kids. The impeccably shot Tanna (Australia) is another heretofore hidden window like Sand Storm, this time into the world of indigenous tribes on a South Pacific island. Acted entirely by actual tribes people, its tale of star-crossed love in an ancient culture is based on a true story. Tanna has been nominated for five Aussie Oscars, including best picture. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com Efraim Diveroli, the character Jonah Hill plays in the summer film War Dogs, Todd Phillips based-on-a-true-story film about two Yeshiva-educated Miami twentysomethings (Miles Teller plays the other) who rake in millions with a shady business supplying arms to the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan, is probably not a guy youd want to meet for lunch. Loud, duplicitous and greedy in the extreme, Efraim is a character who, if initially charming, would almost certainly leave you feeling compromised: You could imagine him ordering heaps of the priciest thing on the menu and then laughing leaving you holding the check. Hill, apart from the charm, is nothing like that. Over lunch on a rainy Thursday in New York City, at his usual table at the rustic-Italian restaurant Il Buco, the 32-year-old actor, who has memorably appeared in such films as Superbad, 21 Jump Street, The Wolf of Wall Street and Moneyball, earning Oscar nods with those last two, is polite, thoughtful and engaging. Hes the kind of guy who will hold your chair and offer you the first bite of his risotto. (Want some? he asks, with apparent sincerity.) Burned by the press for not being as bro-ish as some of his roles might indicate (People want me to be a loud comedian and its just, unfortunately, not who I am, he says, ruefully though he claims partial responsibility for a notoriously bad 2013 Rolling Stone interview he says therapy has helped him push past), Hill, who hails from Los Angeles and lives in New York, comes off as careful, perhaps a bit chastened, yet candid and generous as he entertained questions about, among other topics, a performance critics have hailed as a standout in an otherwise dismissable film. Advertisement Todd Phillips said he had to pressure you into playing Efraim. What were your reservations? Todd first asked me right when I finished Wolf of Wall Street and I was worried about exploring another young Jewish dude who was chasing American greed. Todd kept doing rewrites and was really persistent. He asked me to read it one more time. I did and found Efraim different than Donnie in Wolf of Wall Street. Donnie is just a bro whos blissfully following Jordan Belfort, so its very different to understand the kind of person who manipulates people with the intention of them over. For Efraim, part of the sexiness of the scam is burning people, and thats a scary kind of person. Donnie didnt scare me; hes just an idiot. But Efraim is brilliant. The most fascinating thing about him is the way he exploits religion. Its something that gives people such hope and safety, and when someone manipulates someone using that, thats a real dark act. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller star in War Dogs. Did you feel uncomfortable playing a character who plays into Jewish stereotypes about money and greed? Its important to call out when people hide behind religion. Wearing a chai and doing the things Efraim does those people upset me. Being a part of a religion is not about excusing your [bad] behavior. I really lean into stuff like that. Im not saying all Jews are like this. Im saying, Look at all our religions and look at the people who are exploiting them and taking advantage. Those people are ... up. Did you see any of yourself in Efraim? Ive typically said no to that question. But Efraim is charming and thats how he gets whatever he gets in life. I think theres a part of all of us, if were being brutally honest, that uses whatever weapon we have to get ahead, as not awesome as it is to admit. Jonah Hill, actor and producer (Michael Nagle / For The Times ) I dont like to be kind of surface. Its a waste of time. Jonah Hill I think theres an element of risk in this performance, and in a lot of your performances. What really bums me out is when people in movies are scared to look not cool and you can see someone protecting that vulnerability and willingness to emotionally fall on your face. I, for better or for worse, cannot do that kind of stuff. When I was younger, I sometimes took movies people told me to take, and I can see that theyre not good performances. Im not risking anything. I dont feel that way about War Dogs. Its not a safe choice. Its ugly in all ways emotionally, physically, everything. I dont like to be kind of surface. Its a waste of time. That doesnt mean you cant be funny and light. But to me the funniest stuff is super-raw and hard to say or feel. What about Efraims distinctive laugh? David Packouz, who Miles Teller plays, told me if you met Efraim once, you never forgot him. I thought about people Id met once or twice but never forgot and I realized a lot of the time it was because they had a really distinct laugh. So I was like, OK, why is he laughing, and what does it sound like? The idea behind him laughing all the time was when youre laughing with someone, youre making them feel great and encouraging what theyre saying. I was like, what a cool tool to get someone to love and trust him. Its like a sound saying, Keep going, youre great, keep going! But its a manipulative way to say that. Were you worried about how the real Efraim, who ended up filing a suit against the filmmakers, would respond to your portrayal? I would have preferred if they had changed his name. I cannot imagine having someone make a movie about me. Id be horrified. So I completely identify with the real people Ive played. Ive made a joke out of it: Whos playing me? Leonardo DiCaprio! And the other guy, Whos playing me? Jonah Hill. What ...?! Youre next acting role is playing Richard Jewell, the security guard who found pipe bombs in a backpack during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, but youre also writing and directing your own film, Mid 90s, which is sort of a coming-of-age movie, right? Ive been writing this movie for three years. Its about being 13. To me that was the most confusing and hard age. It takes place in the skateboarding community in the mid-90s in L.A., but its really about finding a family outside your home. I wanted to show respect to skateboarding as a culture thats given me so much so much creativity, so many friends, and kind of an ethos. Falling, picking yourself back up those themes are applicable to all different parts of life. calendar@latimes.com In this divisive political season, one story has had bipartisan support. But neither side may want to take credit for it. Mass surveillance of the U.S. population began under the tenure of President George W. Bush and continued under the Obama administration. And the only reason the public found out about it is because of the actions of Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency subcontractor who turned over the evidence to journalists in 2013 before going into hiding in Russia, where he still resides. For this he has been alternately pilloried and praised. In director Oliver Stones film Snowden, the emphasis is clearly on the latter, with a disturbing story backing up that position. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Snowden with a measured, thoughtful composure. In character, his voice is lower and slower, as are his actions. This is no rebel or rabble-rouser, but a loyal soldier who believes that America can, and must, face down its darker intentions. Perched on a chair in the corner of his HitREcord production office in Glendale recently, Gordon-Levitt discussed the nuances of Snowdens character and story. He was excited that Stone offered him the role but did his own research on Snowden before accepting it. Advertisement What convinced you to do it? What made me really want to play Edward Snowden was how much dishonesty theres been. The cynic could say, Oh youre surprised that theyre telling lies in Washington, D.C.? But its not OK, especially when military officials are telling lies, like the story thats in the movie about James Clapper. Hes the director of National Intelligence, who oversees more than a dozen intelligence agencies, including the NSA and the CIA, and answers to the president. He was called before Congress a few months before Snowden made the disclosures and was asked, is the NSA collecting millions of records on American citizens? And he said no. When a high-ranking military official like that is going to lie under oath to a senator, that feels to me like our democracy is slipping away. The whole thing about democracy is that its not a military dictatorship. No one could prove that James Clapper was lying; Edward Snowden provided that evidence. That made me think it would be an honor to help tell this story to a larger audience. You visited Snowden in Moscow. What did you take away from that meeting? The most valuable thing was just getting to be there and observe the personal nuances. Those external details are not just surface level. Oftentimes the way a person talks is indicative of whats going on underneath, and I did spend a lot of time and effort observing how Ed speaks and trying to speak a bit like that, because I think the way he speaks is indicative of who he is. Hes not a slick guy. Hes a dude who spends a lot of time in front of the computer, is very well read, is very precise in his speaking, sort of speaks in a literary way, as if hes writing, and he even pronounces his words so you can understand what he says but then he also sort of swallows them because hes not a confident, social butterfly type. All of that is interesting and important and relevant to who he is. He sounds like a very deliberate person. Thats exactly how he approached doing what he did. And thats an important distinction that often isnt made in the press. People say stuff like Edward Snowden leaked classified information to the public. The truth is he didnt. Its a nuance but an important nuance. The number of documents Edward Snowden leaked to the public is zero. He picked a very small set of highly qualified established journalists to handle this material, he handed this to them and said Im not going to decide what of this information goes out to the public. Youre the journalists, youre going to decide. Have you kept in touch with him? Yes, weve talked a few times. Hes a special human being. We started a project at HitREcord about themes of technology and democracy and put out the challenge to anybody who wanted to contribute their thoughts and took a bunch of different answers, and adapted them into short films. Ed Snowden contributed, and it was really cool to hear his thoughts on technology and democracy. He is, surprisingly enough, rather optimistic, which I found encouraging. See the most read stories this hour calendar@latimes.com In her new book, Carrie Fisher reveals she had an affair with Harrison Ford while they were filming Star Wars. One thing she says she didnt reveal, despite a tabloid story to the contrary? His expertise, or alleged lack thereof, in the bedroom. Any reports claiming I said Harrison was bad in bed are utterly false, Fisher told People on Wednesday, echoing the essence of a Tuesday afternoon tweet on the same topic. Perhaps people should read the book before they write their stories. Sounds like she finds your lack of faith disturbing. Ahead of next weeks release of her book The Princess Diarist, Fisher had warmed the hearts of Han Solo-Princess Leia shippers everywhere with the dishy nugget about their so intense real-life fling, which happened when they were on location in London. Advertisement She was 19, and he was the 33-year-old husband of first wife Mary Marquardt, with whom he has two children. It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend, Fisher told the books exclusive-excerpt outlet, People, in a chat published Tuesday hours after Radar Onlines headline screamed, Secret Affair Exposed and said shed accused Ford of less than stellar skills in the sack. I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise, the actress tweeted. The Princess Diarist is based on journals Fisher kept during her first stint as Princess Leia. According to People, Ford such a shining specimen of a man, in Fishers eyes got a heads-up about the upcoming reveal and also a draft of the book. Fisher told the outlet that Ford had a dry reaction to the news, which she delivered to him with the caveat that she knew he was not going to be excited about her decision to publicize their tryst. He went, Lawyer! I would never talk about how someone was in any furniture--chair, bed, coffee table or otherwise Carrie Fisher (@carrieffisher) November 15, 2016 Its been 40 years, Fisher told the magazine, acknowledging that Ford is very private but saying she thought an appropriate amount of time had passed. I didnt say anything to anybody for years, but its not like anyones deeply affected by it anymore. Ford and Marquardt divorced in 1979 after 15 years together. The actor was married to the late screenwriter Melissa Mathison for 18 years before they separated in 2001. Hes now married to Calista Flockhart, whom he met in 2002 and married in 2010. It took Fisher less time to talk about an affair she could have had, but didnt, with Warren Beatty when she was 17, he was in his late 30s and they were working together on Shampoo. He offered to alleviate the burden of my virginity, she told People in 2001. I declined. Follow Christie DZurilla on Twitter @theCDZ. ALSO New California Hall of Fame members include Harrison Ford, Tony Gwynn and George Takei Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg are reuniting for a fifth Indiana Jones movie The women of Star Wars speak out about their new Empire UPDATES: 7:48 a.m., Nov. 17: This article was updated with additional details from Fisher about Fords reaction. This article was originally published at 2:50 p.m., Nov. 16. They are two names who conjure strong images for serious movie fans and a pairing that implies a fearsome, ferocious collaboration: Actress Isabelle Huppert, with a screen persona equal parts sensual and imperious, coupled with director Paul Verhoeven, the madman provocateur behind such films as Basic Instinct, Showgirls and Starship Troopers. Add to that early reports that their collaboration on Elle would be a rape-revenge tale and the stage was set for something truly transgressive. Except it isnt quite that and almost didnt happen at all. An adaptation of Philippe Djians 2012 novel Oh with a screenplay by David Birke, the project was initially to be set in America with a Hollywood actress as its star. But Verhoeven couldnt find anyone in the U.S. willing to appear in it. Advertisement Verhoeven says he was surprised, noting the moral implications, wrongly seen, can easily be read in the wrong way. And the movie doesnt do that. But we had an American screenwriter and I knew it went out and after two months, nothing. It was really the idea to make it as an American movie. And Im glad we did not. Im glad too, said a chipper Huppert, sitting by Verhoevens side during a recent interview on an outdoor patio at an upscale hotel in Beverly Hills. They make quite a pair together, both of them warmer than their resumes may lead one to expect. Their movie has become one of the most talked-about of the year, sparking debate over its cagey treatment of rape. Writing about the film following its premiere earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, Times critic Justin Chang said the film risks offending certain sensibilities while also calling it breathtakingly elegant and continually surprising. More recently New York Times critic A.O. Scott hailed the film as a masterpiece of suave perversity while celebrating it as a duet for director and star. In the film, now playing in Los Angeles, Huppert plays Michele Leblanc, CEO of a video-game company and divorced mother who in the first scene of the movie is raped in her home. She seems discomfortingly unfazed by the attack, perhaps emotionally compartmentalizing it in the same way she has the implications that as a child she somehow assisted her father in a murder spree. She eventually discovers the identity of her attacker and begins to exact an enigmatic revenge all her own. She exists in a sort of in-between space; in between, I would say, victim and avenger, said Huppert of the character. But thats what made her so contemporary. Michele does take revenge in her own way, but not the way you would expect. She takes the whole thing almost like an existential experience. Otherwise, there would not be a film, if it was the way you expect it would take 10 minutes. Huppert, 63, is among the most celebrated actresses in world cinema. She is a two-time winner of the actress award at Cannes, and has been nominated for Frances Cesar award 15 times, more than any other actress, though she has won only once. And yet she has never been nominated for an Academy Award. For the Dutch-born Verhoeven, 78, who made a string of movies in Hollywood before returning to filmmaking in Europe with 2006s WWII resistance drama Black Book, the new film is his first to be made in France. Verhoeven, who spoke French when he was younger but had largely forgotten it, had to take a crash course in the language before production began. Elle has been selected as this years French submission to the Academy Awards in the foreign-language film category. She exists in a sort of in-between space, in between, I would say, victim and avenger. Isabelle Huppert on her role in Elle I always have been looking at things that I have not done, said Verhoeven. I really escaped every sequel, be it Robocop or Total Recall or whatever, and this was something I had never done. It was a surprise to myself. If I read scripts nowadays and I think it has been done already, I wont do it anymore. I get bored. When he was first sent Djians novel by producer Said Ben Said however, his response was something different. I really felt, I dont dare to do this, he said. Im afraid of it because its something I have never really done, so I should do it. Inarguably the films most playing-with-fire element is its depiction of the rape and how Michele doesnt react in a typical way. The films unexpected tone has led some to describe it as a rape comedy, a term Verhoeven decried to the Guardian earlier this year at Cannes: Its rape and there is comedy. Youre not laughing at all when she gets raped. Huppert and Verhoeven have frequently described the tone of the film as a fairy tale, also finding in that term a way to push the story out of the realm of the literal and into a more abstract space. The fairy tale aspect of the film is like an answer to someone who would think that this is a grand statement about certain situations or sexual situations, said Huppert. No, its a fiction, its a fantasy, and its just an exploration of a single case. Likewise, for Verhoeven, part of what was exciting about the story was the possibility to go against the norm and to avoid the cliche. We know these things happen but we try to have a moral point of view and the movie doesnt say that, the movie doesnt make any moral point. The movie on purpose leaves it to the audience. Huppert will also soon be seen in the upcoming Things to Come, directed by Mia Hansen-Lve, in which she plays a philosophy professor whose husband abruptly leaves her. The two performances are complimentary to each other, elevating just how distinctive a performer Huppert can be, breezy in one role, steely in the other. Her ironic onscreen inscrutability in Elle and the way in which the film refuses specific answers regarding Micheles inner life, is for Huppert one of the great joys of screen acting. When you have a story where you have a chance to be ambiguous, thats the best, Huppert said. You can say something and feel something else. You can make people believe theres another meaning to what they are actually seeing on-screen. For me its the best of what cinema gives you as a spectator and as an actress. SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter mark.olsen@latimes.com Follow on Twitter: @IndieFocus Also Enter the mesmerizing world of magic, sex and Anna Billers The Love Witch Warren Beatty talks Madonna, Ishtar, his conquests, his new movie and just about everything else Rebecca Hall and the makers of Christine explore a real-life tragedy When Tidal landed exclusive streaming rights to Princes music in 2015, it was seen as a coup for the fledgling service. Prince, a notorious music business skeptic, seemed to believe in Tidals artist-centric mission and streamed his Baltimore Rally 4 Peace on the platform. But now Princes catalog might be turning into more of a headache. Princes estate and label NPG Records have sued Roc Nation, Jay Zs management firm, in U.S. District Court in Minnesota in a dispute over how much of Princes music Tidal actually had license to stream. Advertisement The suit from Princes estate claims that their Tidal agreement included only a 90-day window to stream Princes 2015 album, Hit N Run: Phase One. Tidal also currently has much of Princes entire back catalog available on its service, and the estate claims that Tidal is exploiting many copyrighted Prince works. For the avoidance of doubt, and without conceding that Roc Nation had any license, oral, implied, or otherwise, to exploit any Prince copyrighted works in addition to those songs on the Hit N Run: Phase 1 album, to the extent that any such license might exist, Bremer Trust, on behalf of NPG Records Inc. and NPG Music Publishing LLC, has terminated, in writing, any such license that might have existed, the estate wrote in the complaint. However, in its own petition, Roc Nation and Tidal claim they had licenses, both oral and written to stream a wide variety of Princes catalog material. In court papers, Tidal claimed to have the right to exclusively stream [Princes] entire catalog of music, with certain limited exceptions. The firm claims that Princes estate may be pursuing other outlets for streaming that could infringe on their own agreement, and they are concerned that the special administrator may be negotiating with third parties concerning the digital streaming of the musical assets, or other rights to exploit the musical assets with companies like Apple or Spotify. Princes estate and NPG Records are seeking both an injunction to stop Tidals streaming of Princes back catalog and unspecified damages. For breaking music news, follow @augustbrown on Twitter. ALSO: Prince, master of rock, soul, pop and funk, dies at 57 Appreciation: From beginning to end, Prince was always surprising us Prince took a protective stance on music copyrights Celebrities react to Princes death: And just like that ... the world lost a lot of magic What did Prince mean to you? From the Archives: Prince: If I knew the things I know now before, I wouldnt be in the music industry One of the few women in late-night television will be back for another year as TBS announced the second-season renewal of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on Wednesday. The decision was a no-brainer for the network. Of course were picking up the show, Thom Hinkle, senior vice president of original programming for TBS, said in a statement. In less than a year, Sam has become one of the most talked-about personalities in all of television and Full Frontal's audience continues to grow. The show debuted in February to critical acclaim and now attracts 3.3 million viewers per episode across multiple platforms. Advertisement Bee and the series have been unrelenting in their coverage of the 2016 election, of politicians and the media alike, expressing an anger that served as a pressure valve for a country confounded by government turmoil. Like many late-night shows, Full Frontal saved the bulk of its scorn for President-elect Donald Trump, an attitude reflected in Bees thoughts on the renewal. I am only sorry that this renewal leaves me unavailable for a cabinet position in the new administration, Bees statement quipped. I will, however, be available to host the White House Correspondents Dinner, seeing as I already bought the dress. In the nine months since its premiere, Full Frontal has tackled issues including untested rape kits, abortion rights and mass shootings, even sending Bee on location for segments from Jordan, Germany and Russia. Two weeks ago, the series scored an interview with President Obama. The show will switch from its current Monday night time slot to Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 11. Thatll be just nine days before the presidential inauguration, giving Bee plenty of ammunition, no doubt. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour libby.hill@latimes.com Twitter: @midwestspitfire ALSO Late-night hosts regroup as Seth Meyers, Samantha Bee and others offer post-election empathy and encouragement Angry while female: Why it matters that Beyonce, Kelly Ripa and Samantha Bee wont hide their outrage Once a week is not enough for Samantha Bees Full Frontal Samantha Bee goes Full Frontal after long Daily Show run Kim Jones, mens artistic director for French luxury brand Louis Vuitton, travels so much you could get jet lag just by scrolling through his social media feed. If hes not traipsing around the Atacama Desert (for research) or trying to catch a glimpse of New Zealands rare flightless kakapo parrot (for fun), hes probably shuttling between London (where he lives) and Paris (where he works) or jetting around the globe to events on behalf of the brand. It was for the last of those reasons that Jones found himself in Los Angeles earlier this month. He was here for the unveiling of the spring/summer 2017 mens collection at the labels Rodeo Drive flagship and an intimate dinner in the penthouse suite of the Chateau Marmont for high-roller clients and a cadre of celebrity friends that included Kelly Osbourne, Joe Jonas and Colton Haynes. The London-born designer, who spent his formative years moving around Africa with his family, sat down for a chat that touched on travel (hes been doing it his entire life), his favorite animals (hint: theyre all nearly extinct) and how a book of sub-par animal etchings inspired the four menagerie-meets-monogram images (commissioned from artists-brothers Jake and Dinos Chapman) that anchor the spring/summer 2017 menswear collection bags. I can tell from your Instagram account that youre on the move pretty much constantly. Do you enjoy traveling? Travel is something that always has been and always will be in my life. When youre at a high-end luxury goods house, you need to give people something that is authentic. And once Ive done the preliminary research for something like vicuna, for example, then Ill go and see what I can bring to it thats authentic. Thats why we went down to the Atacama [Desert] to research vicuna. I ended up buying this beautifully woven, double-faced, 400-year-old vicuna blanket to bring back to give to the factory so they could make one like it for our apex customer. Advertisement Lets talk about the attention-grabbing animal graphics that appear on the spring/summer 2017 bags. Theres something a bit off in a humorous way about the elephants, lions, rhinos and zebras. Is there a backstory there? I was in South Africa and I found this old book of etchings of animals that were all really badly drawn like they were being drawn for the very first time and I sent them to Jake [Chapman] and said I thought they were funny and that we could do something with them. And thats what inspired them. They look like theyre somehow not quite right. The spring/summer collection is full of animal references far beyond that too: Textured crocodile and ostrich skin are used for shirts and jackets; there are zebra-patterned pieces; and there is nearly a herd of giraffes knit into sweaters and printed on shirts. Do you have a favorite member of the animal kingdom? There are a few endangered animals Ive been working [with conservation groups] to save. One is a rare monkey thats my favorite monkey. Its the douc langur. It lives in Vietnam, and there are only about 500 left. I sponsor the camera-trapping team thats documenting them. Another is the pangolin, which is almost extinct, and theres a very rare flightless parrot [in] New Zealand called the kakapo. Where did the desire to get involved in conservation come from? I lived in Africa as a child and I saw animals everywhere. It was an amazing thing to grow up around, and it would be quite sad for our future generations not to have that, you know? Lets make the last question a silly one: Whats your spirit animal? I always thought that if I was going to be an animal in the wild, Id like to be an eagle because they get off quite lightly. Theyre not going to be hunted down too much [because of their place] in the food chain. I wouldnt want to be anything in the sea and I wouldnt want to be one of the big cats because theyve got tough lives. For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me @ARTschorn. ALSO: Louis Vuittons Objets Nomades exhibition arrives in Beverly Hills Louis Vuitton unveils its first new womens fragrances in more than 70 years Louis Vuittons Rodeo Drive renovation a mix of classic and cool The phones at Ivanka Trumps fine jewelry line hold no answer. A day following the media and online criticism of the soon-to-be first daughter over her company sending out a marketing email pointing to the bracelet she wore during her fathers interview on 60 Minutes, employees at all extensions of her jewelry brand did not accept calls. Anti-Trump denizens had taken the press release as an opportunity to mull over how the family could use the White House as a commercial platform for its many corporations. On Nov. 16, multiple e-mails and calls to the fine jewelry brands public relations department went unanswered. The brands accounting, retail relations and operator lines also didnt answer. Advertisement An employee in the production department did answer, but promptly terminated the call. The Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry brand issued a statement late on Nov. 15 acknowledging a potential conflict while placing blame on an overzealous junior marketing employee, and noting that the brand is still making adjustments postelection. Preelection, it was reported that Ivanka Trumps brand was not affected by the questionable remarks and policies made by her father Donald during his campaign. In the weeks leading up to the election, the eldest Trump daughter announced new extensions to her brand, including a kids bedding line. A costume jewelry line created in partnership with Lord & Taylor was also unveiled. If you love Texas barbecue, youve likely beaten a worn path to Kevin Bludsos homey storefront in Compton, where hes been making some of the best in Los Angeles since 2008. L.A. may finally be in the midst of a relative barbecue renaissance, but good barbecue is nothing new to the part of town Bludso grew up in, nor to the pit master himself, whose late grandmother started making the stuff as a kid in Texas. Since early September, Bludsos BBQ, a standard on Jonathan Golds 101 Best Restaurants list (No. 77 this year), has been closed for what Bludso thought would be some overdue renovations. Now he says the closure will be permanent, as he couldnt reach an agreement with the owner of the building. Calm down and stop punching in flights to Dallas on Kayak. Bludso has been looking for a new location, with help from the mayor of Compton, who doesnt want him going anywhere, either. Im not going nowhere, Bludso said Tuesday from his living room couch, a few blocks from the shuttered restaurant where hed been making barbecue recently as much as 1,000 pounds a day on five smokers, including the one that was his grandmothers for the last eight years. Im gonna be doing pop-ups and catering. Compton is a priority; the city deserves something even nicer than what we had before. Advertisement Bludso says hell use the break to regroup and to head back to Texas, where he spends part of the year near his familys hometown of Corsicana, about 50 miles southeast of Dallas. Im more creative when Im in Texas, said Bludso, now 52, who had a health scare last month and spent four days in the hospital. They wanted to keep me longer, but I snuck out. Hes working on establishing a headquarters in Texas, a kind of barbecue retreat, where he can train people on the old cast iron and concrete pits he learned on himself and work on his retail line (bacon!) in a little smokehouse. Hes also looking for locations in addition to a new home base in Compton, including one in downtown Los Angeles and maybe one in Orange County. And yes, hes working on a barbecue cookbook. Meanwhile, there is Bludsos Bar & Que in Hollywood, with its nearby commissary, and a Bludsos in Melbourne, Australia. Kevin Bludso cuts barbecued meat at Bludsos BBQ. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times) Im gonna be at La Brea a lot, said Bludso, who is also planning pop-up dinners at that restaurant, featuring both local and visiting chefs. And if Bludsos beloved Cowboys keep winning, expect some NFL-related activities as well. (Bludso has been known to roast whole animals to celebrate a good Cowboys game.) We want the mother store in Compton to be back open before the end of 2017, said Bludso, who is anticipating doing a lot of catering himself in the next year. The whole restaurant is in storage right now, but he figures he can jigsaw his smokers around now in addition to the five in storage, there are two at La Brea and one at the commissary as he needs them. As for the new place, he says that hes looking for a location with more parking and more sit-down space, and that hell wait until he finds what he wants. If I cant do it the right way, Id rather shut it down until we can, said Bludso. But the quicker we handle this and get back in there, the better. Compton is the priority. ALSO: Why you should be drinking whiskey with your Thanksgiving turkey Want to eat out on Thanksgiving? 20 great restaurants wed go to Destroyer in Culver City disrupts the idea of fine dining like nowhere else on Earth Maybe you dont feel like prepping for three days to serve dinner to a small crowd on Thanksgiving. Maybe the thought of someone else roasting a turkey and dealing with the dishes sounds like the best idea youve heard all year. If youre leaning toward going out for the holiday, we have some suggestions. Heres a short list of places open on Thanksgiving that we might just hit ourselves. 71 Above Chefs Vartan Abgaryan and Gregory Baumgartner will serve a three-course meal priced at $70 per adult and $45 for children. Menu highlights include roasted kabocha squash soup, turkey breast with brioche truffle stuffing, and for dessert, vanilla-poached cranberries and applesauce sorbet. The menu will be available 1 to 7 p.m. 633 W. 5th St., 71st floor, Los Angeles, (213) 712-2683, www.71above.com. Alma at the Standard Ari Taymors restaurant at the Standard on Sunset Boulevard will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Dinner is a three-course family-style meal priced at $65 per person. Specialty fall cocktails will also be available. 10% of the proceeds will go to Alma Community Outreach. 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 822-3131, www.standardhotels.com. Advertisement Akasha Akasha Richmonds namesake restaurant in Culver City will be open from 1 to 7 p.m. with a prix-fixe menu priced at $75 per adult and $35 per child ages 12 and younger. Highlights include roasted cauliflower bisque, herb-roasted turkey, family-style sides and a pie buffet. 9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City, (310) 845-1700, www.akasharestaurant.com. Avec Nous The restaurant at the Viceroy LErmitage Beverly Hills will serve dinner between 4 and 10 p.m. The prix-fixe menu is priced at $85 per adult and $35 per child. Highlights include escargots, crab gratin, roasted turkey breast, pumpkin pie and brownie bites. 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, (310) 860-8660, avecnous.com. The Belvedere The restaurant at the Peninsula Beverly Hills will serve a family-style Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu is priced at $135 per person (includes free-flowing Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne) and $65 per child ages 12 and younger. Highlights include braised veal, kabocha squash and pumpkin risotto and a dessert buffet. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 551-2888, beverlyhills.peninsula.com. Boxwood at the London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills Dinner will be served between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The menu is priced at $85 per person with additional wine pairings available for $32. Highlights include lobster tortellini, roasted pork shoulder, roasted organic turkey and pumpkin pie. 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-7788, www.thelondonwesthollywood.com. Bouchon Thomas Kellers Beverly Hills restaurant will serve a three-course dinner, plus a selection of a la carte sides. Dinner is priced at $95 per adult and $45 for kids. Wine pairings are available for $30. Menu items include a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, steak frites, risotto and pecan pie. 35 N. Canon Drive, Second Floor, Beverly Hills, (310) 271-9910, www.thomaskeller.com/bouchonbeverlyhills. Cast at the Viceroy Santa Monica The restaurant will have a buffet priced at $74 per adult and $35 per child ages 10 and younger (children 5 and younger eat for free), available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the last seating at 3:30 p.m. Highlights include a carving station with turkey breast, ham and prime rib; candied yams, roasted green beans, cornbread muffins and pumpkin cheesecake. 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 260-7511, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com. Cliftons The cafeteria will be open serving turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and all the pie you can dream of. 648 S. Broadway, Los Angeles (213) 627-1673, www.cliftonsla.com. Crossroads Tal Ronnens vegan restaurant will be open with butternut squash bisque, an autumn chop salad, mashed potatoes, sweet potato biscuits and stuffing. 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 782-9245, www.crossroadskitchen.com. Culina The restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills will serve a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with roasted turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. You can also order breakfast items such as Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict until 3 p.m. 300 S. Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, (310) 860-4000, www.culinarestaurant.com. L.A. Chapter at the Ace hotel The restaurant will serve a three-course, prix-fixe dinner priced at $40 per person. A la carte dishes will also be available. Dinner includes a root vegetable panzanella, turkey bordelaise and a sweet potato pie for dessert. 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 235-9660, www.lachapter.com. Mastros Malibu Dinner will be served between 12 and 9 p.m. and include the signature Mastros menu of steaks, seafood, a seafood tower and warm butter cake. 18412 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310) 454-4357, www.mastrosrestaurants.com. Melisse Josiah Citrins lauded fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica will serve a prix-fixe menu between 3 and 7:45 p.m. Dinner is priced at $95 per adult and $42 per child ages 8 and younger. First course options include pumpkin soup and lobster ravioli; entrees include herb-roasted turkey and prime rib; and for dessert, apple pie and spiced pumpkin pie. 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 395-0881, melisse.com. Palm Restaurant Beverly Hills The restaurant will serve a three-course, prix-fixe menu priced at $59 per adult and $24 per child ages 12 and younger. An a la carte menu will also be available. Highlights include lobster bisque, roasted turkey, goat cheese whipped potatoes and pumpkin pie. 267 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 550-8811, www.thepalm.com/Beverly-Hills. Plan Check Santa Monica A special menu of confit turkey thigh, turkey burgers and pumpkin pie crullers will be available between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. 1410 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, (310 ) 857-1364, www.plancheck.com. Playa Provisions Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts Playa del Rey four-in-one restaurant space will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. with a dinner special priced at $35 per person. The menu includes your choice of turkey or honey mustard-crusted ham; sides include chicory salad, green beans, roasted acorn squash, sweet sausage and chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce. And for dessert, maple yams and pumpkin pie. 119 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey, (310) 683-5019, www.playaprovisions.com. Sea Level The waterfront restaurant at Shade Hotel in Redondo Beach will serve a Thanksgiving menu from 1 to 8 p.m. The prix-fixe menu is priced at $49 per person. Highlights include a wild arugula salad with roasted butternut squash, roasted turkey breast, almond-currant stuffing and pumpkin cheesecake. 655 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, (310) 921-8950, www.shaderb.com. Truxtons The Westchester location of Truxtons will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner priced at $26.85 per person. The menu includes butternut squash soup or a house salad; turkey and gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, smashed potatoes and pumpkin pie for dessert. 8611 Truxton Ave., Los Angeles, (310) 417-8789, truxtonsamericanbistro.com. The Tuck Room Tavern Sherry Yards Westwood restaurant will serve a four-course, prix-fixe dinner. The menu includes acorn squash bisque, an autumn salad, herb-roasted turkey and three-layered silken pumpkin pie. Dinner starts at $55 per person and $20 for children ages 12 and younger. 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 307-7004, www.tuckroom.com. MORE Where to find your Thanksgiving turkey All the Thanksgiving recipes you need, from appetizers to desserts Why you should be drinking whiskey with your Thanksgiving turkey I laced my high-tops in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I grew up under a cloud of many illusions, one of which was the idea that Los Angeles was not worth visiting. As part of this Northern California superiority narrative, the revolution of the 1960s was a San Francisco and Berkeley thing. Nothing of consequence happened in the sun-blasted parking lot that called itself Los Angeles. I packed my ignorance around for decades, until an editor with a keen sense of history talked me into considering a novel set in the Los Angeles of the 60s. Advertisement Until then, I didnt know about the massive antiwar protest outside a Century City fundraiser for President Johnson, with dozens of demonstrators clubbed by police and carted off to hospitals. I didnt know Elysian Park had its own flower child love-in, with swarms of eucalyptus- and pot-scented rebels grooving near Dodger Stadium to the sounds of Strawberry Alarm Clock. Los Angeles was the epicenter of rupture in the 60s a civil rights uprising, a growing antiwar movement and a cultural revolution that was built in large part around the rock, folk and psychedelic music scene on Sunset Boulevard, which had quickly evolved from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa. For several years, the Strip was the international center of a movement that John Densmore, the Doors drummer, refers to as magical. So were the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go, and Im sitting upstairs looking out the window, Densmore said. Its like a Tuesday night, and its complete gridlock and thousands of hippies on the street and I said, Wow, were taking over. But the nightly throngs rattled the nerves of homeowners and some merchants. Local officials ordered a curfew and a crackdown. Pandoras Box, a popular club at Sunset and Crescent Heights Boulevard, had been scheduled for demolition, and rebels rallied Nov. 12, 1966, in an effort to save it. The Times reported that Sonny and Cher, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda were among the demonstrators, and that Fonda was carted away in handcuffs. Pandoras Box did not survive. By some accounts, skirmishes on the Strip continued into the early 70s. I bring this up now because this past weekend marked the 50th anniversary of what became known as the Sunset Strip curfew riots. Clubs around town celebrated the music and spirit of the time, with performances by Brenda Holloway, the Shag Rats, the Pandoras, Loons and Love Revisited. A candlelight vigil was held at the empty triangle where Pandoras Box once sat. Johnny Echols of Love Revisited known as Love when it was fronted by Arthur Lee and was one of the hallmark bands that worked the Strip in the 60s thinks back generously on those days. He recalled hanging with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, and landing at Canters Deli for middle-of-the-night meals with fellow musicians. It was a good time because it was a time of change, he said. Domenic Priore, who helped organize last weekends events, wrote the definitive book on that moment in history: Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock n Rolls Last Stand in Hollywood. It was the music that had sparked his interest, he told me, recalling how his older sister and her friends stood him on a twisting disc in their Monterey Park home and taught him how to dance to the music of the Turtles, the Beach Boys, the Mamas & the Papas, the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. But when, as a journalist, he climbed back inside that time, the soundtrack took on deeper meaning. What made it feel more important to me was that it was the period when music became a lot more socially conscious, Priore said. What made it feel more important to me was that it was the period when music became a lot more socially conscious Domenic Priore, author of Riot on Sunset Strip The Vietnam War had a lot to do with that, said Echols, a Tennessee native who grew up on 27th Street near Crenshaw Boulevard and went to Dorsey High. My parents were pretty conservative, and they thought that when you came of age the thing to do was serve your country, Echols said. But for him, there were plenty of reasons to doubt parents, authority and the political marketing about the domino effect of communism. A lot of the people Id gone to school with were missing in action or killed in action. Id see people Id gone to school with my whole life coming back maimed and disfigured, Echols said. White kids were in college and had deferments, but minority people did have to go and die and we started questioning that. Im not a pacifist, but I didnt want to go and kill people because the government wanted me to. The 60s acid-infused, tuned in and turned on were not without darkness, and free love didnt turn out to be entirely free. Kids had babies. Minds got twisted. The Manson family was spawned. Densmore, for one, prefers to focus on the good. I think the seeds of the peace movement, feminism, they were all planted in the 60s, he said and the world was reminded of the power of music, art and poetry as weapons against hypocrisy and injustice. Densmore lamented the recent passing of Tom Hayden and Leonard Cohen, followed by the rise of Donald Trump. He said he was reminded of Bob Dylans line, Sometimes my burden is more than I can bear, its not dark yet, but its getting there. And yet demonstrators have taken to the streets again, as they did in the 60s, a political revolution inciting a political rebellion. Today, Sunset Boulevard is a different animal, corporate and commercial, with plenty of style but little soul. Fifty years ago, it was alive with beatniks, hippies, and armies of kids looking for a dance, a party, a connection. The revised and updated version of Priores Riot on Sunset Strip includes a remembrance from Stephen Stills. He wrote the signature song of that time, which began, Theres something happening here. What it is aint exactly clear. On the night of the riot, I was coming to the Strip from Laurel Canyon, Stills says in the book. We got about a block away, I see kids, and a line of cops, lined up like Roman Centurions. I turned the car around didnt even want to go in there. Id seen all I needed to see, and I wrote For What Its Worth on the way back. It reminded me of the politics of fear, like were doing today. Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez MORE STEVE LOPEZ COLUMNS: He voted for Trump. I cant understand why. We met in search of common ground The children are afraid: L.A. Latinos fear a Trump presidency Heres what this election looks like to the people who are going to run the country one day Thanksgiving table settings: In the Nov. 12 Saturday section, an article about Thanksgiving table settings referred to Yifat Oren as co-owner of the event planning business Oren Cove, along with Stefanie Cove. Yifat is founder and creative director, and Cove is a managing partner. Trump voters: In the Nov. 13 Section A, an article about voters who supported Donald Trump described Tucson as three hours from the Mexican border. It is one hour from the border crossing at Nogales. Lupita Tovar: In the Nov. 15 California section, the obituary of actress Lupita Tovar said that her husband, Hollywood agent Paul Kohner, managed burgeoning stars including Ingmar Bergman. Bergman was a director. Advertisement Bel-Air winery: An article in the Nov. 12 Saturday section about Rupert Murdochs Moraga Estate winery said that in 1989, it became the first bonded winery established in Los Angeles since Prohibition. Other wineries had been established in Los Angeles since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 and before Moraga Estate was founded. If you believe that we have made an error, or you have questions about The Times journalistic standards and practices, you may contact Deirdre Edgar, readers representative, by email at readers.representative@latimes.com, by phone at (877) 554-4000, by fax at (213) 237-3535 or by mail at 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The readers representative office is online at latimes.com/readersrep. The nations second-largest school system on Tuesday sent a message to President-elect Donald Trump: Los Angeles public schools will continue to be safe zones for students in the U.S. illegally. The Los Angeles Board of Education voted to approve a resolution reaffirming L.A. Unifieds current policy, which directs school staff members not to allow federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents onto school campuses unless their visit has been approved by the superintendent and the districts lawyers. Board members also seconded a policy that protects the immigration information and identities of students, family members and school staff. Board members also agreed to write a joint letter to Trump affirming the American ideals that are celebrated in Los Angeles. Advertisement In the past, these policies have been largely symbolic ICE considers schools and churches to be sensitive locations and does not carry out raids in schools, according to the agency. LAPD will not help feds deport immigrants, Chief Beck says The boards vote was a direct response to Trumps election and the possibility that protections for illegal immigrants put in place under President Obama could be removed. During his campaign, Trump vowed to deport millions of immigrants, a promise he has reiterated since his election, saying he would remove 2 million to 3 million immigrants who have committed crimes. He has also opposed Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA, which provided work permits and deportation reprieves to people who were brought to the U.S. as children and stayed illegally. At their meeting on Tuesday, some L.A. school board members described Trumps election as a nightmare from which they couldnt quite wake. Others commented on the waves of fear his comments have sent through schools in immigrant communities. On Wednesday morning, I think its safe to say that the superintendent and I, listening to children, heard things that shook us deeply, said board President Steve Zimmer. To read the article in Spanish, click here anna.phillips@latimes.com Twitter: @annamphillips ALSO Paul Ryan says Republicans arent planning a deportation force Yes, Trump can boost deportations and gut the Dreamer program for young immigrants Why Trumps hard-line views on immigrants here illegally sent thousands to the streets of L.A. In the face of Donald Trumps pledge to start large-scale deportations, California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White reaffirmed on Wednesday the universitys commitment to fostering a learning community that is safe and welcoming for its thousands of students who came to the U.S. illegally. As the largest public university system in the nation, Cal States mission to provide accessibility to higher education and embrace the diversity of its 470,000 students remains unchanged, White said during a Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. Unless forced to by law, he said, Cal State will not enter into agreements with state or local law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security or any other federal department for the enforcement of federal immigration law. Our police departments will not honor immigration hold requests, he added. Our university police do not contact, detain, question or arrest individuals solely on the basis of being a person that lacks documentation. Advertisement The fear and anger of undocumented students have rippled across the country in the days since Trump won the presidential election. His vow to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and tough-on-immigration rhetoric have sparked walkouts and protests by thousands of high school and university students across California. Rosa Barrientos, a fourth-year student at Sacramento State University, which is part of the CSU system, said her classmates anxiety has soared, and she wants university leaders to do more to ensure the safety of students who crossed the border illegally. Nov. 8 shook my entire life, said Barrientos, one of dozens of students who rallied outside the trustees meeting to protest a proposal to increase tuition and to call for Cal State to be a sanctuary campus for all students. Fear of deportation now permeates her everyday life, she said, and shes worried about losing the two jobs that help pay for school and about the safety of her East L.A. family. Yes, Im undocumented, yes, Im proud but this is too much, she said. Sharing with you that Im undocumented is scary. Barrientos said she hopes Cal State will be more sensitive to the heightened anxiety and mindful of what might trigger fear on campus. She said she was surprised and terrified to discover that U.S. Customs and Border Protection had been invited on campus recently to participate in a career fair. Cal State does not track students immigration status, but an estimated 10,000 students received waivers in fall 2015 through AB 540, a 2011 state law that enables California high school students who are in the U.S. illegally to qualify for in-state tuition, administrators said. Many of Cal States 23 campuses are in cities such as Los Angeles, whose police departments have longstanding practices of distancing themselves from federal immigration polices. In a joint statement last week, White and California State Student Assn. President David Lopez acknowledged how vulnerable many students and faculty members were feeling. It is our duty as a community to listen to each other and support each other through this time, they said. It is also our responsibility to hold our political leaders to account, regardless of party . In this effort, we stand with Californias political and civic leaders, our colleagues in the University of California and California Community Colleges, and our many peers nationwide who care about and are dedicated to a nation that lives up to its highest principles. To read the article in Spanish, click here rosanna.xia@latimes.com Follow @RosannaXia for more education news MORE EDUCATION NEWS Fliers advertising UCLA White Students Group removed from campus L.A.'s education board sends a message to Trump: Schools will stay safe zones for students here illegally As students protest, Cal State trustees seek more state funding to avoid tuition increase For the second year in a row, Los Angeles reported the largest number of chronically homeless people in the nation nearly 13,000 and 95% of them live outdoors, in cars, tents and encampments, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments report to Congress released Wednesday. Los Angeles also topped the national register this year in homeless veterans 2,700 despite slashing the numbers by a third. It also recorded the most unaccompanied homeless youth more than 3,000, the report said. Federal housing officials blamed soaring rents and Congress failure to fund affordable housing for a rise in homelessness in Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas and the District of Columbia, which reported the biggest jumps. Advertisement What we saw in Los Angeles and Seattle in particular is consistent with the housing crisis were seeing particularly in higher-cost areas on the West Coast, Norm Suchar, director of the federal housing agencys homeless assistance programs, said during a phone conference with reporters. Mayor Eric Garcetti said the city last week took a huge step toward addressing its homelessness crisis when voters approved a $1.2-billion bond measure to build 10,000 permanent homes for homeless people in the next decade. Garcetti also said the city plans more immediate relief by converting motels and developing unused city land for homeless apartments. The new homeless numbers came from a nationwide street count and shelter survey conducted in January; local results were released in May. City and homeless officials at that time pointed to an improvement in counting homeless youth to account for all or part of the citys 11% increase in homelessness and a 5.7 % jump countywide from the year before. Suchar, however, said the federal housing agency had decided against including a footnote or adjusting the numbers, as they had in the past when they believed Los Angeles methodology skewed the count. I think its a part of the story of their increase; its not an overwhelming part of the story, Suchar said of the improved youth tabulation. Its not like everything was OK except for the youth count. Tom Waldman, spokesman for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority countered: The change in youth count methodology drove an increase in the overall count. Without the methodological change, the count would have been relatively flat, which means we saw an increase in the single adult population, since families and vets decreased. Los Angeles continues to trail New York City in the overall number of homeless people, with 44,000 compared with New Yorks 73,500. (The Los Angeles city and county tabulation excludes Glendale, Pasadena and Long Beach, which conduct separate tallies). But most homeless people in New York, which is required by law to shelter its homeless population, live with their families in leased shelter apartments or other shelters, while in Los Angeles, three-quarters, including many families, live on city sidewalks, ravines and riverbeds. New York in recent years had also reported rises in homelessness, but in 2016, recorded a 2% drop from the year before. Suchar said Los Angeles, though recording the increase in chronically homeless people, had made good progress in reducing the numbers of veterans and families in the streets. The housing agency defines peoples homelessness as chronic if they are disabled, out of a home for a year or homeless four times in three years. In Los Angeles, theres a lot of very good stuff happening, he said. The work on family homelessness is impressive certainly they are focusing on single adults but clearly not showing progress yet. Suchar said the affordable housing crisis is the major driver of homelessness. gholland@latimes.com Follow me for homelessness news on Twitter: @geholland ALSO Report on L.A. city homelessness plan gives a sobering picture of the struggle ahead L.A. votes to spend $1.2 billion to house the homeless. Now comes the hard part This is what L.A.'s homeless voters have to say about the presidential election For 16 years, nobody knew what happened to Diana Raquel Rojas. The 27-year-old Long Beach woman had left her 2-year-old daughter with a relative on a Friday in October 2000, then missed an appointment the next day, two things her family considered highly uncharacteristic. Her friends and family called her repeatedly, but got no answer. Her black 1992 Nissan pickup truck was nowhere to be found. Days of concern turned into weeks, then months, then years. Advertisement Now, Long Beach police say, an anonymous phone call they received earlier this year may have confirmed the worst fears. Homicide detectives will travel to Kern County on Thursday to follow up on claims by the unknown caller earlier this year that Rojas was dead and her remains could be found in a desert area in Ridgecrest, about 100 miles east of Bakersfield. Homicide Sgt. Megan Zabel said Wednesday that police have formally reopened the cold case and are investigating Rojas disappearance as a homicide. We are hopeful that Dianas remains will be located, and answers about her disappearance will come to light, Zabel said. Investigators do not have a person of interest in the case, and Zabel would not say exactly when the phone call that led to the planned search was placed. Rojas was going through a divorce at the time of her disappearance, but Zabel said police interviewed her estranged husband years ago and did not consider him a suspect. Rojas, who worked at a church and helped young single mothers, was last seen in her residence in the 5500 block of Ackerfield Avenue on Oct. 20, 2000. She was wearing a pink shirt with spaghetti straps, blue sweat pants with a Winnie the Pooh logo and a jacket with a medical insignia. Police searched her apartment at the time and gathered physical evidence that led them to suspect foul play, according to Zabel. Police do not believe she left of her own free will, Zabel said. Zabel said investigators have received several phone calls in the past 16 years suggesting Rojas had been killed. Detectives searched for her remains in multiple locations based on those tips with no success. Detectives are confident, however, that the Ridgecrest location where they plan to conduct an excavation Thursday will lead them to Rojas remains. NecroSearch, a Colorado-based company that specializes in locating clandestine graves and evidence recovery, examined the area using satellite images and discovered topographical inconsistencies, police said. Cadaver dogs from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department homicide unit searched the area and showed interest in one of thelocations pinpointed by NecroSearchs efforts, according to police. The dogs are trained to locate cadavers that are more than 10 years old. Zabel would not say exactly where the remains might be located, but a police spokeswoman described it as a desert area. Still, even if police recover Rojas body, they are still a long way from figuring out how and why she wound up there. After waiting years for justice, Rojas relatives are hoping the public can help finally bring their nightmare to an end. If there is anyone out there with any information, anything, please help my family find closure, said Solomon Cortez, Rojas brother. james.queally@latimes.com To read the article in Spanish, click here For more breaking crime and cops news in Southern California, follow me on Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT ALSO Rape suspect sought after a string of break-ins and sexual attacks in Maywood 11-year-old girls kidnapping and rape solved by DNA from a discarded water bottle, police say Fliers advertising UCLA White Students Group removed from campus UPDATES: 1:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the investigation and Rojas missing vehicle. This article was originally published at 1:35 p.m. A man armed with a machete was fatally shot by police Wednesday morning in a Whittier neighborhood, officials said. Police received a call about 6 a.m. from a person reporting that a man was waving a machete in the 13400 block of Penn Street, Whittier Police Lt. Kent Miller told reporters at the scene. Two officers approached the man and talked to him for a few minutes, Miller said. Advertisement He then threw a stick at one officer and lunged at the other while holding the machete, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Both officers fired their weapons, striking the man multiple times. The two officers then began performing CPR on the man, police said. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the man in traumatic cardiac arrest, said Inspector Rich Licon, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, said Ed Winter, assistant chief of investigations for the Los Angeles County coroners office. The man, who was in his 30s, has not been identified. Los Angeles County sheriffs homicide detectives are assisting the Whittier Police Department with their investigation. This article will be updated as more information becomes available. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO LAPD watchdog takes a long look into allegations of racial profiling Skin chemicals on your cellphone can tell police what you eat, the medicine you take and more Motorist tries to run down girlfriend and good Samaritans in a Temecula parking lot UPDATES: 12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department with details about what led up to the shooting. 10:15 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Lt. Kent Miller about the sequence of events at the scene, and the man pronounced dead at a hospital. This article was originally published at 9:15 a.m. Hours after authorities released a sketch of a sexual predator who allegedly broke into four homes and assaulted three female victims in Maywood, detectives announced they are looking for a man who they say raped a woman in the same area. Los Angeles County sheriffs detectives declined to say whether the rape suspect is the same man wanted in the October attacks. On Tuesday night, the Sheriffs Department issued a public safety announcement, advising residents of the rape and urging them to secure their homes. Advertisement Members of the community are encouraged to keep their doors and windows locked, and ensure the areas around their home are well lit, the Sheriffs Department said. The attack occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of Slauson and Carmelita avenues. The victim, described as being between 30 and 40 years old, was alone at home when she was attacked by a man. The suspect was described as 20 to 30 years old, between 5 feet 2 and 5 feet 7 with a thin build and partial facial hair. He wore a dark-hooded sweatshirt, authorities said. Sgt. Betty Lascano said few details could be released about the attack to protect the alleged victim. She said investigators do not have a sketch of the rape suspect. The attack follows a series of break-ins and assaults that have left Maywood residents and city officials on edge. City officials have offered a $5,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect in the earlier attacks, and authorities have warned residents: If you are attacked, fight back. In each of the break-ins, which occurred over two weeks in October, the attacker snuck into homes in the early morning hours by removing screens from unsecured windows, authorities said. On Oct. 5, the attacker grabbed a womans breasts as she sat in her living room, then fled. Then, he broke into an apartment on Oct. 18, but was scared off by a resident who yelled at him. About an hour and a half later, the suspect entered a home in the 4100 block of 53rd Street. A woman reported feeling someone touch an intimate body part as she slept. She awoke and found the intruder in her bedroom. The woman got up, ran into another room and called 911. The next day, after breaking into a home in the 3600 block of 53rd Street through a kitchen window, the suspect entered a 13-year-old girls bedroom and covered her mouth with his hand as she slept. But she awoke and was able to yell for help, deputies said. Hearing his daughters scream, the girls father confronted the suspect and punched him. But the father fell to the floor and the suspect was able to escape through the front door, deputies said. Authorities described the suspect in those attacks as 18-20 years old, 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 5, with a very thin build. He wore dark clothing and did not appear to be armed during any of the break-ins. Anyone with details about the suspects is urged to call, the Sheriffs Departments East Los Angeles Station at (323) 264-4151, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. veronica.rocha@latimes.com For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Man with machete fatally shot by Whittier police Fliers advertising UCLA White Students Group removed from campus 11-year-old girls kidnapping and rape solved by DNA from a discarded water bottle, police say The kidnapping and rape of an 11-year-old girl who was abducted as she walked home in Santa Ana in 1999 has been solved thanks to DNA evidence, police say. Earlier this year, cold-case detectives submitted DNA samples that were collected during the initial investigation to the Orange County Crime Lab in hopes of finding matches. One of the samples matched DNA from Ismael Salgado, 36, a former Santa Ana resident who had recently moved to Chicago, police said in a statement. The second DNA sample didnt have a match in the countys criminal database. Advertisement But after searching Salgados background, authorities began tracking Jose Plascencia, 36, an associate of Salgados who once lived in Santa Ana but had since moved to a Phoenix suburb in Arizona, police said. When Arizona investigators following Plascencia saw him throw away a plastic water bottle he had been drinking from, they retrieved the bottle and submitted it for DNA analysis, police said. The sample came back as a match for the second sample collected in the girls assault, police said. Both Salgado and Plascencia were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape and are being held on $1-million bail each. Detectives allegethat on Feb. 3, 1999, the men drove alongside the 11-year-old victim and her friend near Jerome Park and pulled the girls into their car. Though the friend managed to escape, the men held the 11-year-old while they went to a gas station to refuel their van, police said. Security video from the station shows one suspect filling up the van as the other man covered the girls mouth with his hand, police said. The girl said the men then drove to a park and raped her, then drove to a second park and did it again, police said. Salgado and Plascencia eventually released the girl, who reported the attack, police said in a statement. Authorities said they had little information to go on about the assailants until they matched the DNA samples. Joseph.serna@latimes.com For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter. ALSO Man with machete fatally shot by Whittier police Fliers advertising UCLA White Students Group removed from campus Watch as motorist tries to run down girlfriend and good Samaritans in a Temecula parking lot After a seven-year federal investigation, authorities announced Tuesday that a national shipping company has agreed to change its employment practices and pay $260,000 in damages to four Sikh truck drivers in California who complained of religious discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reached a settlement with trucking giant J.B. Hunt to resolve allegations that three men were denied work because they refused to cut their hair for pre-employment drug tests. A fourth Sikh claimed he lost his job offer because he declined to remove his turban when asked to provide a urine sample. Advertisement According to the case, all four requested other types of drug tests and told company representatives that they must keep their hair unshorn and wear turbans because of their faith. Headwear and jackets were not allowed to be worn when urine samples were taken. I am relieved by this resolution because no one should have to face humiliation because of their religious beliefs, said Jagtar Singh Anandpuri, a trucker from Union City. I have been driving a truck for years, and I know there is nothing about my faith that interferes with my ability to do my job. J.B. Hunt representatives and the company attorney could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The drivers are followers of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion that originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. There are five symbols of faith uncut hair wrapped in a turban, a wooden comb, cotton undergarments, an iron bracelet and iron dagger. About 500,000 Sikhs live in the United States. Roughly half are in California. The other truckers in the case are Lakhbir Singh, 50, of San Joaquin County and Palwinder Singh, 66, of Tracy. One driver requested that his name not be used. He has moved from the Modesto area to Indiana. In addition to the $260,000 payment, the settlement requires J.B. Hunt to retrain its hiring personnel, change its practices to comply with federal anti-discrimination laws, allow the Sikhs to reapply for work, and submit progress reports to the EEOC during the next two years. Although each had a good employment history, the drivers said J.B. Hunt rescinded their job offers after they requested that exceptions be made for their religion. Three were informed of the reversal at a company orientation in South Gate while the fourth was told over the telephone. The U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates the commercial trucking industry, does not require testing of hair samples for employment. Other forms of drug testing are available, such as examining nail samples. Our clients repeatedly asked for alternatives within the drug testing regimes that would allow them to follow their religious tenets, and those requests were denied. Thankfully, J.B. Hunt has finally switched gears and moved into the right lane to comply with federal anti-discrimination law, said Harsimran Kaur, legal director of the Sikh Coalition, a national civil rights organization. While the payment for damages only alleviates some of the drivers wage losses, the coalition contends the settlement will positively affect other Sikhs who might face religious discrimination in the workplace. This settlement encourages Sikh Americans everywhere, including at J.B. Hunt, that they can maintain their articles of faith without sacrificing their livelihood as is their right, said James A. Sonne, director of the Stanford Law School Religious Liberty Clinic, which joined the coalition in representing the drivers. dan.weikel@latimes.com Students at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park planned to walk out of their classrooms and march more than seven miles to City Hall on Wednesday afternoon to protest President-elect Donald Trump, according to social media posts. The walkout, dubbed We Make America Great was planned for 11 a.m., with students planning to rally on the Avenida Cesar Chavez campus before beginning their long walk to City Hall at noon, according to a flyer posted on Facebook by the John Delloro Transfer Program in Social Justice, an East Los Angeles College program that works with students who plan to transfer to universities. The group encouraged other schools to participate as well. This is a peaceful protest, no violence whatsoever, the John Delloro program wrote on Facebook. We stand for the rights of our student peers and of communities of color, undocumented communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, women and anyone feeling threatened by the election results. Advertisement Video posted on Twitter showed students marching from campus carrying Mexican flags and handmade signs and chanting, Aint no power like the power of the people cause the power of the people dont stop. Students also rallied Wednesday afternoon on the campus of Pierce College in Woodland Hills. During the presidential campaign, Trump called for a wall to be built along the U.S.-Mexican border, an increase in deportations of people in the country illegally and a ban on Muslims entering the United States. His election has prompted protests across the country. Nearly 4,0000 students from 18 schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District walked out of their classrooms on Monday, according to Steven Zipperman, chief of the L.A. School Police Department. L.A. Unified Supt. Michelle King issued a statement earlier in the week urging students to remain on campus. These are important conversations that need to take place, she said. We want our students to know they are not alone. However, it is critical that students not allow their sentiments to derail their education or for their actions to place them in danger. She said that they could talk about their concerns in school and that the district is working to give them a forum with assemblies and classroom dialogues. hailey.branson@latimes.com Twitter: @haileybranson ALSO Why California went its own liberal way in the election Fliers advertising UCLA White Students Group removed from campus L.A.'s education board sends a message to Trump: Schools will stay safe zones for students here illegally UPDATES: 1:05 p.m. This article was updated with more details about the City Hall protest and an additional protest at Pierce College. This article was originally published at 12:35 p.m. The University of California will lay the groundwork for a possible tuition increase for the first time in six years at a two-day regents meeting beginning Wednesday. UC officials say any increase which could amount to about $280 for the 2017-18 school year would be covered by financial aid for three-fourths of the 10-campus systems 252,000 students. Advertisement A decision on tuition wont be made until January. But UC officials plan to brief regents at their San Francisco meeting on next years budget plan and the universitys financial aid program. That program, which receives one-third of its funding from tuition, awards an average $16,000 to more than two-thirds of undergraduates. Student leaders have voiced strong opposition to any tuition increase, saying many of their peers already are struggling to afford decent housing and nutritious food. A UC survey this year found 4 in 10 students lacked consistent access to high-quality, healthful and varied meals. Giovanni DAmbrosio, UC Student Assn. campus organizing director, said he struggled for food last year while working two jobs to make ends meet. At least three of his friends are couch surfing because they cant afford their own apartments, he said. At the same time, he said, students were upset to see chancellors at UC Davis and UC Berkeley spend public funds to burnish their online images and take overseas trips and then receive lucrative pay deals from the university this year after announcing they would step down. UC cant keep relying on students to bail them out for misuse of funds, said DAmbrosio, a UC Berkeley sophomore. We want to see a rollback of tuition, not an increase. UC cant keep skirting around its responsibility to provide for students basic needs. Nathan Brostrom, UCs chief financial officer, said the university must find a way to deal with escalating demands to enroll more students, graduate them more quickly, repair aging facilities and deal with rising pension and retiree healthcare costs all at a time of limited state dollars. UC lost one-third of its $3 billion of state support after the 2008 recession. Steady increases since then have restored that funding. But the states share of education costs for each student remains much lower than before 41% last year from 72% in 2000. Officials also are considering increases in tuition for out-of-state students of possibly 5%. The student services fee may also be increased by 5%, with half of the money used to improve student mental health services. In other matters, regents will consider tightening rules on sexual harassment committed by their fellow board members even if it occurs outside university business. Under a proposal by board Chairwoman Monica Lozano, regents who violate university policies on ethics and sexual harassment could be subject to sanctions. In addition, all regents will be required to take sexual harassment training every other year. Lozano made the proposal after disclosures that Regent Norman J. Pattiz made comments about the bodies and breasts of women working with his PodcastOne company in Beverly Hills. Regents also will discuss UCs fundraising, which amounted to a record $2.1 billion this year. To read the article in Spanish, click here ALSO Remedial classes might be the biggest roadblock to success for community college students L.A. targets full-time community college students for free tuition Here are some tax breaks and loan options to help pay for college A federal judge has ordered that a man convicted in the case featured in the Netflix series Making a Murderer must be released from prison by Friday evening. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin overturned Brendan Dasseys conviction in August, saying investigators tricked Dassey into confessing he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape, kill and mutilate photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. State attorneys have been arguing he should remain in prison while they pursue an appeal. Duffin on Monday ordered him released. The state Justice Department asked Duffin on Tuesday to stay his ruling, but Duffin issued an order Wednesday saying Dassey must be released by 8 p.m. Friday. Advertisement ALSO Netflixs Making a Murderer attorneys still making their case for justice Judge overturns conviction of Brendan Dassey, featured in Making a Murderer For the Making a Murderer team, its all about examining truth and justice When Philando Castile was pulled over in July near St. Paul, Minn., he calmly told the officer he had a gun and was licensed to carry it, according to prosecutors. Moments later, the officer fired on the motorist, and a bleeding Castile uttered his last words: I wasnt reaching for it. On Wednesday, that officer was charged with second-degree manslaughter following an investigation by prosecutors, who concluded that Jeronimo Yanez was wrong to use his weapon in the traffic stop, part of which was seen by millions after Castiles girlfriend streamed his final gruesome moments live on Facebook. No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, wouldve used deadly force under these circumstances, Ramsey County Atty. John Choi said. Advertisement Prosecutors believe Castile never tried to pull his handgun from his pocket, and Yanezs unreasonable fear did not justify the shooting, Choi said. If convicted, the officer could face up to 10 years in prison. Diamond Reynolds was sitting next to her boyfriend in the car. She said he was shot repeatedly as he reached for his ID after telling Yanez about the weapon and the gun permit. The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. No charges were filed against the officer in that case, but Browns death led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. Yanez, who worked in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Anthony, was scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday. His attorney, Tom Kelly, has said Yanez, who is Latino, was reacting to the presence of a gun. Kelly has also said that one reason Yanez made the stop was because he thought Castile looked like a possible match for an armed-robbery suspect. Choi said Wednesday that Castile was not a suspect in that robbery. Castiles relatives have said they believe the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was racially profiled. Kelly did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment Wednesday. Castiles mother, Valerie Castile, said her family was pleased with the charge. It is necessary for everyone to understand that we want peace, she said. We dont want any protests to get outrageous. Castiles shooting prompted numerous protests, including a weeks-long demonstration outside the governors mansion and one protest that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers, who were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. Choi resisted pressure to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but he added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He said Wednesday that he reviewed the case himself instead of sending it to a grand jury, in the interest of transparency. He gave a detailed account of the shooting, describing a routine traffic stop that turned frantic after Castile told the officer he was carrying a gun. He was not required to do so by law. Yanez had his hand on his holster before Castile could finish his sentence and repeatedly shouted, Dont pull it out, as Castile insisted he wasnt, Choi said. Within a minute of the initial stop, Yanez unholstered his gun and fired seven shots at Castile. There was no sign Castile had reached for a gun or posed any threat, Choi said. Yanezs partner at the scene did not take out his own gun. Castiles weapon was later found deep in a front pocket of his shorts, with a loaded magazine but no bullet in the chamber. His dying words were in protest that he wasnt reaching for his gun, Choi said. There simply was no objective threat posed to officer Yanez. Squad car video captured the entire event, including audio and subsequent conversations Yanez had with other officers, Choi said. Prosecutors have no plans to release the video at this time because it is evidence in the case against Yanez. Reynolds and her attorney recalled how quickly she pulled out her phone and began streaming, saying the video was a factor in Chois decision. Without my recording, she said, we wouldnt be here today. UPDATES: 3:09 p.m.: Updated throughout with additional background information. This article was originally published at 8:45 a.m. An indictment has been returned charging a New Jersey man with setting off bombs in New Jersey and New York. The eight-count indictment announced Wednesday charges 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahimi in the Sept. 17 attacks. The attacks included the detonation of a bomb in Manhattans Chelsea neighborhood that injured 30 people. A pipe bomb was also detonated along a Marine Corps Charity race in Seaside Park, N.J. Rahimi was arrested two days later in Linden, N.J., after a police shootout. Advertisement He remained in New Jersey recovering from gunshot wounds until last week, when he made an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. His lawyer, David Patton, said then that Rahimi will plead not guilty when he is indicted. Patton didnt immediately return a request for comment Wednesday. ALSO These New York apartment buildings are dropping Trump from their name Judge denies Bill Cosbys latest attempt to dismiss his sexual assault case Police say Oklahoma City airport shooting was likely a case of workplace revenge Breitbart News wants supporters to #DumpKelloggs after advertiser pulls out By David Ng Breitbart News senior editor-at-large Joel Pollak, left, and Chief Executive Larry Solov at the Breitbart offices in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The Breitbart News Network is seeing some of its advertisers head for the exit doors and is responding in typical Breitbart fashion: by going on the counteroffensive, labeling one of them as un-American and calling it a war on conservatism. Since Donald Trumps victory in the presidential election, Los Angeles-based Breitbart has experienced a backlash from some advertisers who say that the online site conflicts with their corporate values. Breitbart took a pro-Trump stance during the campaign, supporting the Republican candidates views on immigration and national security. The companys executive chairman, Steve Bannon, who is on a leave of absence, was Trumps campaign manager and has been named chief White House strategist. Although Bannon was quoted in Mother Jones as saying Breitbart is a platform for the alt-right the ultraconservative movement associated with white nationalism the news site has denied accusations that it engages in racist rhetoric. The company has stated that it isnt affiliated with the alt-right and that the brand of nationalism it espouses is political, not racial. Breitbart is fighting back at one of the advertisers breakfast cereal maker Kellogg Co. by launching a Twitter campaign, #DumpKelloggs, that encourages its readers to sign a petition and boycott the maker of such favorites as Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Supreme Court weighs rules for jailed immigrants in Trump era By David Savage The Supreme Court building in Washington. (Saul Loeb / AFP-Getty Images) Facing the likelihood of dramatically stepped-up deportations under a President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court justices sounded closely split Wednesday over whether the government can indefinitely jail immigrants with criminal convictions while they fight legal efforts to remove them from the country. Trump, who made illegal immigration one of the platforms of his presidential campaign, has promised to deport as many as 3 million immigrants once he takes office, and the Supreme Court case involving a Los Angeles immigrant could give his administration greater leverage. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says he saved American jobs, but he hasnt shown how he can turn the victory into policy By Noah Bierman A Carrier Corp. plant in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trumps newly announced agreement to save more than 1,000 jobs in Indiana gave him the kind of trophy he covets: a tangible victory that matches his campaign promise to serve as deal maker in chief. But its long-term value will depend on what Trump gave up to keep those factory jobs from going to Mexico and whether he is able to craft a successful fiscal policy that has a broader impact on the economy. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Lawmakers reach a compromise to help California soldiers ordered to repay enlistment bonuses By David S. Cloud House and Senate negotiators announced a compromise Tuesday that would permit the Pentagon to forgive debts owed by thousands of California National Guard soldiers who received improper bonuses during the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The agreement was included in a defense bill due to be voted on by the House on Friday and the Senate next week. It seeks to strike a balance between the Pentagons concerns about fraud in the bonus system and lawmakers attempts to resolve a scandal that has hurt thousands of military veterans and sparked a public furor. The compromise calls on the Pentagon to forgive the enlistment bonuses and student loans benefits unless the soldier who received the money knew or reasonably should have known that he or she was ineligible for it. The provision stops short of requiring the Pentagon to forgive debts allegedly owed by all California Guard soldiers as long as they fulfilled the terms of their enlistment contracts and did not commit fraud a far more sweeping waiver that members of the California delegation had proposed. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Pentagon says human errors led to mistaken bombing of Syrian-backed forces By W.J. Hennigan Smoke rises near the Syrian village of Hisha, about 25 miles from Islamic States de facto capital of Raqqah, after an airstrike by the American-led coalition on Nov. 9, 2016. (Delil Souleiman /AFP/Getty Images) A U.S. military investigation has found that unintentional human errors led to a coalition airstrike that mistakenly killed dozens of Syrian-backed troops this fall, but it did not recommend disciplining anyone for the deadly attack. The Sept. 17 air raid on a garrison in the eastern Syrian town of Dair Alzour is one of the worst coalition errors to emerge since the Obama administration began an air war against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria in mid-2014. The attack, which was in an area also frequented by Russian forces, led to sharp criticism from Moscow after it emerged that Russian attempts to use a communications hotline to stop the attack were not answered for nearly half an hour. Russias Defense Ministry has said the attack killed 62 Syrian troops, wounded 100 more and opened the way for an Islamic State offensive in the area. It also helped destroy an already fragile U.S.-Russian cease-fire. A four-page redacted summary of the investigation that was released Tuesday concluded that the botched bombing did not violate international laws of armed conflict. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print U.N. slaps new sanctions on North Korea for recent nuclear test By Tracy Wilkinson Participants stand behind a military band in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 13 during a celebration rally after the countrys successful test of a nuclear warhead. (Kim Won-Jin / AFP/Getty Images) The United Nations has slapped additional sanctions on North Korea in an effort to cut its exports of raw materials as punishment for conducting another nuclear test. The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a U.S.-drafted resolution aimed at cutting North Koreas exports of coal, copper, silver and other raw materials, which are its biggest legitimate sources of foreign revenue. The latest sanctions were issued in response to Pyongyangs fifth and largest nuclear test, which was conducted in September in violation of U.N. resolutions. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power estimated the new sanctions will cost North Korea about $800 million a year in lost export income. North Korea is determined to refine its nuclear and ballistic missile technology to pose an even more potent threat ... to international peace and security, Power said. But this resolution imposes unprecedented costs on the [Kim Jong Un] regime for defying this councils demands, she said. Previous international sanctions have had little apparent effect on decisions in Pyongyang, and its difficult to know whether the latest round will make a difference. In March, a set of sanctions described as the most severe in two decades was imposed. But North Korea has gotten around some of the restrictions thanks to complicity from China, its neighbor and longtime benefactor. Wednesdays measures included a 60% cut on North Koreas export of coal, its biggest income source, and bans on the export of copper, nickel, silver and zinc. The sanctions also banned North Koreas export of statues, a business that caters mostly to Africa, and blacklisted 11 people and 10 entities. Under the resolution, North Korea is also threatened with suspension of some U.N. privileges if it fails to comply. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CIA director warns Trump it would be the height of folly to scrap the Iran deal By Brian Bennett In an unusual public warning, the head of the CIA said Wednesday it would be the height of folly and disastrous for President-elect Donald Trump to scrap the Iran nuclear deal. CIA Director John Brennan said in a TV interview that ripping up the historic accord could allow Iran to resume its nuclear program and set off an arms race in the Middle East by encouraging other countries to acquire their own nuclear weapons. I think it would be disastrous for the incoming Trump administration to renege on the deal with Iran, Brennan said in an unusually blunt interview with BBC. It could lead to a weapons program inside Iran that could lead other states in the region to embark on their own programs, so I think it would be height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement, Brennan said. It is extremely rare for the CIA director to issue a public warning to an incoming administration, and it suggests deep concern inside the intelligence community about Trumps intentions. During the campaign, Trump variously promised to dismantle or to revise President Obamas signature foreign policy achievement, an international deal that cut off Irans ability to build or acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for easing of sanctions on its finances and oil industry. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), Trumps pick to replace Brennan as CIA director, also has been a vocal critic of the deal. I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism, Pompeo wrote Nov. 17 on Twitter. After meeting Trump at the White House after the election, Obama said they had discussed the Iran deal and that he hoped it would survive intact, noting that the United States would be acting alone if it sought to impose new sanctions. The five members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany negotiated the deal in 2015, and the U.N. later voted to enforce it. Implementation began in January, and no evidence has emerged to indicate Iran is violating its side of the agreement. View Twitter post Obama administration officials want to brief Trump and his top advisors on classified details and assessments of the Iran deal, including monitoring systems put in place to verify Iranian compliance. So far, Trumps transition team has delayed receiving more than a handful of in-depth intelligence briefings. There are a lot of people out there who read the papers and listened to news broadcasts where the facts may be a bit you know off, Brennan told the BBC. I want to make sure the new team understands what the reality is. It ultimately will be up to them to decide how to carry out their responsibilities, Brennan said. Robert M. Gates, a former CIA chief and secretary of Defense, also called for preserving the nuclear deal. It would be a mistake to tear up the agreement at this point, Gates said in an interview on CBS This Morning. I think we would be the ones isolated, not the Iranians, because none of our partners who helped to negotiate that would walk away from it. But I think what the new president can do is push back against the Iranians. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Nancy Pelosi elected by House Democrats for another term as minority leader By Lisa Mascaro House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press) House Democrats elected Rep. Nancy Pelosi for another term as minority leader after she fended off a rival who said the November election showed the party needs change at the top. The San Francisco Democrat has beaten back challengers before, but this years campaign from Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan focused attention on President-elect Donald Trumps success in attracting white, working class voters in Rust Belt states that had traditionally been part of the Democratic base. Pelosi responded by expanding her leadership team to include more seats at the table for younger members and those from states Trump won. The only woman to serve as House speaker, Pelosi has faced calls for her ouster ever since Democrats lost the House majority in 2010. First elected to leadership in 2002, the mother of five -- and grandmother -- has also endured questions about how much longer she will stay at the helm. The 76-year-old typically swats back such inquiries by noting the comparable ages of male colleagues in leadership roles elsewhere in the Capitol. Pelosi remains a fundraising powerhouse and despite interest by other Democrats in taking a turn at leadership, few have been able to make the case to their peers that they could match her drive. But this year, Pelosi appeared to take her challenge seriously. She repeatedly worked to shore up support from liberals and minorities who make up the bulk of the Democratic caucus. She also pointed to the gains Democrats have made under her watch -- they picked up six seats in November -- and warned that losses could have been worse. Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, in nominating Pelosi during a closed-door meeting Wednesday, said, We need the very best to lead us.... No one is a better tactician than Nancy Pelosi. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump pledged to protect Medicare. His choice for health secretary has other ideas By Noah Bierman Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), President-elect Donald Trumps choice for Health and Human Services secretary. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump reassured voters during his insurgent political campaign that he would protect Medicare, Social Security and other popular federal assistance programs. But in tapping Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be his Health and Human Services secretary, he has elevated one of the most aggressive proponents of dramatically overhauling the government safety net for seniors and low-income Americans, a long-held conservative goal. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says he will leave his business in total to fully focus on running the country By Jim Puzzanghera (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday morning that he would leave his business operations in total to fully focus on running the country. Trumps vast interests in real estate and other ventures have raised unprecedented concerns about the potential for conflict of interest, both at home and internationally. In one of a series of tweets, Trump said he would be leaving my great business in total. Legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The Presidency is a far more important task! he said. However, Trump made no mention that would be giving up ownership of the Trump Organization, which includes hotels, golf resorts and other properties and many licensing deals that span the globe. Neither did he specify whether his separation from his businesses would be permanent. To avoid conflicts or the perception that his presidency would benefit his financial empire, government ethics lawyers and watchdog groups have urged him to sell off his businesses and put the assets in a blind trust to be managed by an independent third party. Trump said last week that he has been turning over operations of his businesses to three of his children, who already have senior positions at the Trump Organization. But some critics have said turning over control to his children may not be enough to alleviate such concerns, since several of his adult children remain active in planning his transition. What he does not seem to realize, or does not want to admit, is that the conflicts arise from his ownership of the Trump Organization, said Noah Bookbinder, executive director of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, in reacting to Trumps announcement Wednesday. He will continue to know what his business interests are and to benefit from them whether or not he is involved in the day-to-day management, so the conflicts remain unchanged. Federal conflict-of-interest rules for government employees and members of Congress dont apply to the president. Trump said in an interview with the New York Times last week that the president cant have a conflict of interest In theory, I can be president of the United States and run my business 100%. He said then that it would be very hard to sell off his businesses because they are mostly real estate, but also noted that he would like to try and formalize something in terms of an arrangement that would distance his businesses from his work as president. On Wednesday, he tweeted that While I am not mandated to do this under the law, I feel it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses. Trump said he would detail the changes at a New York news conference with his children on Dec. 15. I will be holding a major news conference in New York City with my children on December 15 to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my ... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! While I am not mandated to .... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 do this under the law, I feel it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses.. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump names billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce secretary By Jim Puzzanghera President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence greet investor Wilbur Ross, left, in New Jersey on Sunday. ( (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump has chosen billionaire financier Wilbur Ross, known as the king of bankruptcy for his investments in distressed properties, to serve as Commerce secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. If confirmed, Ross would become the Trump administrations chief liaison with the business community and a leading advocate for U.S. trade abroad. Ross, 80, who was a senior policy advisor to Trumps campaign, is worth $2.9 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Like Trump, Ross has been critical of U.S. trade deals. He sharply criticized trade negotiators and called for the U.S. to withdraw from the yet-to-be-ratified Trans-Pacific Partnership and to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has pledged to do both upon taking office. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump taps Wall Street executive and Hollywood producer Steven Mnuchin for Treasury secretary By Jim Puzzanghera Steven Mnuchin at Trump Tower in New York this month. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Steven Mnuchin, a wealthy Wall Street executive and Hollywood movie producer who served as his campaign finance chairman, to be the next Treasury secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. Mnuchins deep roots on Wall Street fit the mold of past Treasury secretaries but contrast with the populist stance that Trump took during his campaign. Mnuchins net worth is unclear, but he could be the second billionaire member of Trumps Cabinet, after Betsy DeVos, who is Trumps pick for Education secretary. The third is expected to be financier Wilbur Ross, who has been selected as Commerce secretary. Mnuchins selection which was first reported Tuesday by the New York Times drew ire from Democratic and liberal groups, which have accused him of profiting from the financial crisis after buying the failed IndyMac Bank in 2009. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Noam Chomsky, Junot Diaz and nearly 400 MIT faculty oppose Trump picks in open letter By Colleen Shalby President-elect Donald Trump. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Nearly 400 MIT faculty members, including professor emeritus Noam Chomsky, writer Junot Diaz and four Nobel Prize winners, signed an open letter criticizing President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet picks. The President-elect has appointed individuals to positions of power who have endorsed racism, misogyny and religious bigotry, and denied the widespread scientific consensus on climate change. Regardless of our political views, these endorsements violate principles at the core of MITs mission. At this time, it is important to reaffirm the values we hold in common. The letter also denounces the controversial rhetoric often associated with Trumps campaign and impending presidency. For any member of our community who may feel fear or oppression, our doors are open and we are ready to help, it states. MIT boasts a student body represented by 120 foreign countries, all 50 U.S. states and three U.S. territories. While campaigning, Trump lauded his late uncle, John, who was a professor at MIT for nearly 50 years. Shortly after Trump announced his candidacy, he spoke about him to CNN. I had an uncle who went to MIT who is a top professor. Dr. John Trump. A genius. Its in my blood. Im smart. Great marks. Like really smart, Trump said. A handful of faculty members who signed the statement overlapped in time with John Trump. At least one, physics professor Robert Jaffe, said that he did not know the uncle, but hopes that his nephews administration will maintain a dedication to science. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print With no Cabinet to build, Hillary Clinton appears with Katy Perry By Chris Megerian Pop star Katy Perry was one of Hillary Clintons biggest celebrity boosters on the campaign trail, and on Tuesday night the former Democratic presidential nominee introduced the singer at a charity gala in New York. Perry has served as UNICEFs goodwill ambassador. Hilary Clinton surprise appearance just now to intro @katyperry #SnowflakeBall #UnicefSnowflake pic.twitter.com/3wh2Zc2BwG David Ushery (@DavidUshery4NY) November 30, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jill Stein pays fee to green-light Wisconsin recount By Michael A. Memoli The recount is officially on. The Wisconsin Elections Commission said Tuesday that Green Party nominee Jill Stein has paid the nearly $3.5 million estimated cost to set into motion a statewide retabulation of the presidential vote. Stein had asked for the recount after claiming that evidence of foreign interference existed. She is also seeking recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania; together, the three states carry enough electoral votes to flip the election from President-elect Donald Trump to Democrat Hillary Clinton, but such an outcome is all but impossible. The Wisconsin recount, which starts Thursday, is likely to cost Stein slightly more, the commission said, blaming an earlier error in adding up cost estimates from the 72 county clerks who will oversee the ballot review. Stein will be charged whatever additional costs are incurred after the recount is concluded. Officials on Monday said that most counties will complete their recount in a week but that more populous counties will face a challenge in meeting the deadline to certify results. The state aims to finish by Dec. 12, as state law gives the recount petitioner five days after the new tally is finished for further legal challenges. Presidential electors in 50 states and the District of Columbia will meet Dec. 19 to formally cast the votes that will elect Trump as the next president. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Repeal and replace Obamacare? It wont happen on Trumps first day, GOP leader says By Lisa Mascaro House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) cast doubt on whether the Republican-led Congress would be ready to repeal Obamacare by inauguration day, as some in President-elect Donald Trumps transition team have suggested could happen in a special session. But McCarthy said Republicans would try to start as soon as possible on what he acknowledged would be a complicated two-step process to repeal and replace Obamacare that will consume much of 2017 and beyond. Their plan involves retroactively passing a fiscal 2017 budget in the early weeks of Trumps term. Such a maneuver would give Republicans the ability to unwind President Obamas signature domestic program with a simple majority vote, without facing a Democratic filibuster. Replacing the Affordable Care Act would come later, and likely extend into fiscal 2018. Once its repealed you will have hopefully fewer people playing politics and everybody coming to the table to find the best policy, McCarthy told reporters. I just want to make sure we get it right. McCarthy on Tuesday welcomed reports that Trump intends to nominate House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to lead the Health and Human Services Department as Congress focuses on getting rid of Obamacare. Democrats, though, suggested that Price, a medical doctor who has championed House Speaker Paul D. Ryans plans to overhaul Medicare, will face so much opposition in the Senate that he may not be confirmed. Try it, said Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the incoming Democratic minority leader. Privatization of Medicare goes way beyond where most Americans are. For years, Republicans have promised to end Obamacare, and with Trump in the White House they will have their best opportunity to do so. But McCarthy cautioned that repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act will be more complicated than simply sending a bill to the White House for the presidents signature. Instead, Congress will need to insert special repeal instructions as part of the wonky budget reconciliation process. And that will take time, he said. McCarthy said that replacing Obamacare will be even tougher than repealing it. Even though Republicans have promised their own healthcare law, they have never been able to produce an agreed-upon alternative. To gather ideas, McCarthy said he would solicit advice from governors and state insurance commissioners. Hell be sending a letter to the states later this week. Since Congress did not pass a 2017 budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, they hope to retroactively approve one in the weeks ahead so they can include the first part of the special instructions needed to repeal the program. But he doubted that would be completed by the time Trump takes office. I dont think you can do it before [Jan.] 20th, he said. Theres only so many legislative days. The finish the job, lawmakers will use the reconciliation process for the fiscal 2018 budget, which is due by spring. McCarthy predicted Congress would still need to pass additional legislation, which cannot be completed through the reconciliation process, in order to ensure a smooth transition. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Obama will skip Fidel Castros funeral but is sending an informal delegation By Christi Parsons The Cuban flag hangs at half-staff in front of a picture of Fidel Castro on the facade of the Cuban national library in Havana. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP/Getty Images) President Obama is not going to the memorial service for former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro on Tuesday but instead is sending a pair of key representatives to pay their respects, an informal appearance that reflects the delicate diplomacy between the White House and the leadership in Havana. Obama is sending Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the top U.S. diplomat in Cuba, along with deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, but the two men are not being dispatched as part of a formal delegation, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday. DeLaurentis and Rhodes played key roles in reopening U.S. ties to the communist island nation in late 2014, ending five decades of a Cold War-era freeze in relations. The policy has been celebrated for opening the possibility of expanded trade with and travel to Cuba, while critics attacked Obama for engaging with President Raul Castro without extracting concessions on human rights. His brother Fidel held power through firing squads, false imprisonment and harsh treatment of dissidents. President-elect Donald Trump was one of those critics, saying after Fidel Castros death that if Cuba isnt willing to make a better deal for the Cuban people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate the deal. After Castro died Friday, the White House released an oblique statement noting that his death filled Cubans with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump to pick Elaine Chao, a well-connected establishment figure, as Transportation secretary By Noah Bierman President-elect Donald Trump plans to name Elaine Chao a former Labor secretary married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as his Transportation secretary, according to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield). Chaos establishment ties conflict with Trumps promise to drain the swamp in Washington and promote outsiders to lead his government. But Chaos connections could be an asset in Trumps plan to promote a major infrastructure proposal that could face resistance from within his party. Trump has decried the state of the nations airports, bridges and roads and promised to make their revitalization a major part of his jobs program aimed at helping working-class Americans whose votes helped propel him to victory. Chao, who served as Labor secretary through the entire George W. Bush administration, could play a central role in negotiating an infrastructure spending bill while her husband leads the Senate. Trumps spokesman Jason Miller did not confirm the pick on a conference call with reporters but said that Trump had taken people whove been successful in all different walks of life including business, government, and military to fill a Cabinet that Miller called a true dream team. The Taiwan-born Chao also exemplifies the type of immigrant success story that became the subject of debate during Trumps campaign, which promised to crack down on illegal immigration and labeled many of those entering the country illegally from Mexico as criminals, drug dealers and rapists. Chao is one of four sisters who attended Harvard Business School. Her family donated $40 million to the institution in 2012. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print U.S. economy grew 3.2% in third quarter, the best in two years By Jim Puzzanghera The U.S. economy grew faster in the third quarter than initially estimated, expanding at its strongest pace in two years in a rebound from a weak first half of 2016. Total economic output, also known as gross domestic product, expanded at a 3.2% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The figure was up from an initial estimate of 2.9% and the best performance since the economy expanded at a 5% annual rate in the third quarter of 2014. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Q&A: What you need to know about the Wisconsin recount By Michael A. Memoli This is certainly not Bush vs. Gore, a Wisconsin elections official said Monday. Well, what is it? The state is initiating the first significant candidate-driven recount in a presidential election since the 2000 ordeal in Florida between then-Vice President Al Gore and eventual President George W. Bush. This time, though, Donald Trump is certain to remain president-elect after Wisconsins nearly 3 million ballots are re-tabulated. But the fight here and potentially in other states has given third-party candidates new rationale for seeking public attention for their causes, and it has given Trump fresh ammunition to trash his opponents as well as, bafflingly, the political process in which he just secured the presidency. Here is a look at the issues involved in the Badger State and elsewhere as the seemingly unending 2016 presidential election seeps into overtime. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print By tweet and petition, Donald Trump and the left cast doubt on credibility of election By Noah Bierman (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Rather than celebrating his victory, Donald Trump is amplifying far-right conspiracies to undermine the credibility of an election he won. At the same time, he is finding some common cause in the quixotic effort by the fringe left to prevent him from reaching the White House. The chances of changing the election result with selective ballot recounts, as some on the left hope, or finding widespread voter fraud as alleged by Trump are next to nil. Yet a combination of self-interest and a desire for misdirection have propelled factions of both parties to debate the results of an election already decisively settled. Trumps motives are often hard to pinpoint. But by pushing the myth that millions of ballots were cast illegally for his opponent, as he has done on Twitter in recent days, he may be building the case to claim a larger mandate for his victory despite the fact that Hillary Clinton is leading the popular vote by more than 2 million votes. The issue also distracts attention from mounting questions about the financial conflicts of interest he is likely to have in the White House, given that he plans to allow his children to run his international real estate and branding business while he serves as president. Finally, Trumps rhetoric may also sow the seeds of future efforts to propose more restrictive voting rules championed by some of his top advisors. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats look to make some deals with Trump and divide the GOP in the bargain By Lisa Mascaro Republicans became known as the party of no during the Obama years because of their frequent efforts to block the presidents initiatives. As congressional Democrats prepare to deal with a Republican White House, they appear ready to take the opposite approach, effectively challenging President-elect Donald Trump by finding opportunities to say yes. The goal is to strategically engage with the White House on common objectives and at the same time try to drive a political wedge between Trump and those Republicans anxious about his costlier ideas, such as rebuilding infrastructure, aiding blue-collar workers and expanding paid family leave, a pet project of daughter Ivanka Trump. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump to name a harsh critic of Obamacare as his pick for Health secretary By Noam N. Levey (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump plans to select House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be his Health and Human Services secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. In picking Price, Trump is tapping an arch-conservative lawmaker and leading critic of the Affordable Care Act to lead his push to roll back President Obamas signature health law. Price, a six-term congressman from suburban Atlanta, has never held an executive position comparable to leading the federal Department of Health and Human Services, a behemoth that includes the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid. Three of the four previous Health and Human Services secretaries were former governors. Price, an orthopedic surgeon, would be the first physician to serve as the departments secretary since Dr. Louis Sullivan, who held the post from 1989 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush. He would also be among the most politically conservative Health and Human Services secretaries in history. And as a member of House leadership, he would bring to the Trump administration a revolutionary governing agenda closely aligned with Republicans on Capitol Hill. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump says he won the electoral college in a landslide, but he ranked near the all-time bottom By Cathleen Decker In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016 President-elect Donald Trumps tweet that he would have won the popular vote this month but for millions of illegal voters was not based on fact. There is no proof backing up his statement, and voting researchers uniformly dismissed it as false. Also problematic was his second claim in the same tweet, that his victory was one of the rare landslides in American political history. A study of electoral vote results by John J. Pitney, an author and professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, shows that Trump resides on the lower end of the electoral vote scale. He won 56.97% of the electoral votes up for grabs by virtue of his state wins. That places him 46th out of the 58 elections since George Washingtons era, Pitney found. In 38 elections, the winner exceeded 60% of the vote, a lopsided verdict by voters. Clear landslides were won most recently by Ronald Reagan in both of his elections: In 1984, he won 97.58% of electoral votes, and in 1980 he won 90.89%. President Obama won nearly 68% of the vote in 2008 and just under 62% in 2012. Faring worse than Trump among modern presidents was George W. Bush, who eked past Al Gore in 2000 with 50.37% of the vote, after a protracted squabble over the Florida results that ended in a U.S. Supreme Court verdict favoring Bush. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump says Cuba has to act or hell end the diplomatic thaw, but its not that simple By Tracy Wilkinson In his latest comment on Cuba since the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he would end Washingtons diplomatic thaw with the island unless Cuba makes a better deal. If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate deal, Trump tweeted. President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro renewed diplomatic ties in 2014 after a half-century of Cold War hostility. Since then, through a series of executive orders, Obama has eased restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba and U.S. firms doing business there. Castro, at the same time, has made it easier for Cubans to travel and to engage in limited private enterprise. However, Castro has not enacted significant political reforms, and the death Friday of his brother, former president and leader of the revolution Fidel, at age 90, is not likely to usher in quick change. It was not clear what Trump meant by a better deal. An email seeking clarification from his transition team was not answered. Previously, however, Trump has spoken of the release of political prisoners and more open space for free expression of opinions and dissent. These are the same elements the Obama administration has been demanding, while choosing not to delay economic progress while awaiting political change. From a legal standpoint, Trump could easily reverse Obamas executive orders with little more than a signature. Politically, however, renewed estrangement would be more complicated and would isolate the U.S. as the only country in the world that does not recognize the Communist-led government in Havana. Its not as simple as one Tweet might make it seem --@PressSec Josh Earnest, on whether @realdonaldtrump might undo @POTUS Cuba policy Christi Parsons (@cparsons) November 28, 2016 Trump and his top aides have sent conflicting signals over his likely Cuba policy. On Saturday, his staff put out a statement saying a Trump administration would do all it can to help Cubans achieve prosperity and liberty. But it did not mention reversing Obamas actions expanding ties. While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, Trump said, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve. Kellyanne Conway, a top advisor, told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that nothing is definite when it comes to Cuba. But Trumps soon-to-be White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said that Trump would be looking for some movement in the right direction to keep the Cuba opening on course. Conservative Republicans, like Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, oppose detente with Cuba as long as any Castro continues to rule. But a growing number of Cuban Americans, as well as most Democrats and a substantial segment of the business community, want better ties and opportunities for economic exchange. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The era of super-low interest rates might be ending. Whats in it for you? By Jim Puzzanghera Since President-elect Donald Trumps surprising election victory this month, financial markets have sent a forceful message that the era of super-low interest rates is coming to a close. Mortgage rates have shot up. Bond yields have jumped to their highest levels in a year. And the dollar has surged against other major currencies to values unseen in more than a decade. Those developments have been fueled by expectations of stronger economic growth and higher inflation from Trumps promises to cut business taxes, reduce regulations and increase defense and infrastructure spending. His plans triggered a post-election stock market rally and, combined with recent solid economic data, increased expectations that the Federal Reserve would nudge up its benchmark short-term rate again next month with more hikes to follow next year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump seems ready to fight the world on climate change but hes likely to meet resistance By Evan Halper Coal trucks leave a power plant operated by PacifiCorp outside Huntington, Utah. ( (George Frey / Getty Images)) Donald Trump is branded with all manner of unflattering labels, but one that hasnt seemed to much bother him is climate pariah. The president-elect is unabashed in his disdain for Americas global warming policy. He has placed a staunch climate-change doubter and antagonist of mainstream science in charge of reshaping or as Trump has suggested, dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency. He has talked frequently about reneging on the historic Paris global climate treaty the U.S. took a lead in drafting. And he has said he wants every federal green-energy program eliminated. Environmentalists take little comfort in Trumps recent comments that he accepts there is some connectivity between human activity and climate change and that he has an open mind about it, as what hes said elsewhere and done so far suggests otherwise. And even those comments gave scientists cause for alarm. You can make a lot of cases for different views, Trump told the New York Times, casting doubt on the finding by more than 90% of climate scientists that emissions are accelerating global warming. Im not sure anybody is ever going to really know. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Jared Kushner, the Trump son-in-law whos the next presidents eyes and ears By Chris Megerian The election results were rolling in, and so were the phone calls for Donald Trump. But no matter who was on the other end of the line, the person handing the phone to the next president of the United States was the same. Jared was screening the calls, said Armstrong Williams, a political ally who described the scene in Trumps Manhattan skyscraper on election night. That would be Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, and his election-night role provides a glimpse of the enormous influence he wields as Trump prepares to take office in January. As the husband of Ivanka Trump, the president-elects elder daughter, Kushner holds an unassailable position inside Trumps unruly ecosystem of advisors. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump falsely claims that millions voted illegally, costing him the popular vote By Matt Pearce Donald and Melania Trump cast their ballots on Nov. 8. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Donald Trump falsely claimed Sunday that he won the popular vote, alleging in a tweet without evidence that millions of people had illegally voted for his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally, Trump wrote, hours after he tweeted his opposition to a recount in Midwestern states initiated by the Green Party. In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016 Election experts, who say election fraud is rare, immediately denounced Trumps claim. Theres been no evidence produced of millions or thousands or even hundreds of noncitizens voting for president in 2016, tweeted Rick Hasen, a professor of law and politics who writes for the Election Law Blog. The source of Trumps claim appears to be a widely shared Nov. 14 article on the conspiracy site Infowars, which is famous for claiming the Sandy Hook mass shooting was a hoax. Politifact investigated the illegal votes claim and rated it false. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump is warned that supporters will feel betrayed if he picks Mitt Romney as secretary of State By Don Lee A senior advisor to President-elect Donald Trump stepped up an extraordinary public effort Sunday to discredit Mitt Romney and thwart the chances that he would be picked as secretary of State. Kellyanne Conway warned on Sunday TV talk shows that Trumps supporters would feel betrayed if he picked the former governor of Massachusetts, a sharp critic of Trump during the campaign, for a senior Cabinet position. Conway, who was Trumps campaign manager and now is a top advisor to the incoming president, said she felt compelled to speak out on the matter because of the backlash from the grass roots. People feel betrayed to think that Gov. Romney, who went out of his way to question the character and the intellect and the integrity of Donald Trump, now our president-elect, would be given the most significant Cabinet post of all, Conway said on NBCs Meet the Press. They feel a bit betrayed that you can get a Romney back in there after everything he did, she added. We dont even know if he voted for Donald Trump. Conway dodged questions about whether Trump supported the concerns she has been raising publicly about Romney, which began with a tweet she posted on Thanksgiving morning: Receiving deluge of social media & private comms re: Romney. Some Trump loyalists warn against Romney as sec of state. Conway made clear that she did not approve of Romney, who was the GOP presidential nominee in 2012, and didnt see him as especially qualified to act as Americas top diplomat. In the last four years, has he even been around the globe doing something on behalf of the United States of which were unaware? she asked on CNNs State of the Union. Did he go and intervene in Syria where they are having a massive humanitarian crisis? Meaning when I say intervene, like offered help. Has he been helpful to Mr. [Benjamin] Netanyahu? she said of the Israeli prime minister. Im all for party unity, but Im not sure that we have to pay for that with the secretary of State position, Conway said, although she quickly added that she would respect what Trump decides. During the campaign, Romney called Trump a phony and a fraud and said his policies would lead to economic ruin. In response, Trump mocked Romney as a failed candidate who had choked in the 2012 race. But a little more than a week ago, Trump met with Romney for about 90 minutes at a golf course in New Jersey to discuss the State Department post. Afterward, Trump said the meeting went great and Romney described the discussion as very thorough and in-depth. Trump is also considering Rudolph W. Giuliani, who was a fierce Trump loyalist during the campaign, for the job. The former mayor of New York has touted his experience traveling, consulting and speaking overseas since leaving office in 2001. But his extensive business deals abroad have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest if he gets the post instead of Romney. In criticizing Romney, Conway exposed what appears to be deep divisions in the Trump camp as it tries to assemble a team. It is highly unusual for a senior representative of an incoming president to be lobbying publicly against a candidate under consideration. Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman and Trumps choice to be chief of staff, on Sunday sought to downplay reports of internecine struggles in the transition. However, he acknowledged that picking Romney would represent a team of rivals concept. Trump wants to put the best possible people together for all Americans, Priebus told Fox News Sunday. The fact that hes actually even flirting with the idea of choosing a rival should tell the American people where hes at which is the best place for everyone in this country, he said. Conway also said Trump, who spent the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., talked with President Obama by phone on Saturday for about 40 or 45 minutes. She wouldnt say what they talked about. I can tell you from President-elect Trumps side that he very much enjoys speaking with President Obama, talking about the serious issues that face this country and the world, Conway said on NBC. They get along nicely. They disagree on many things. Thats not going to change. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Hillary Clinton campaign will participate in ballot recount in Wisconsin By Don Lee Hillary Clintons presidential campaign will participate in a ballot recount led by Green Party candidate Jill Stein in Wisconsin and perhaps two other battleground states that were crucial to Donald Trumps victory, a Clinton campaign lawyer said Saturday. In response, Trump called the recount request ridiculous and a scam designed to raise money for Steins political party. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump names KT McFarland, Don McGahn to White House posts By Michael A. Memoli Don McGahn is named by President-elect Donald Trump as his White House counsel. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump added to his West Wing roster Friday, naming KT McFarland as deputy national security adviser and Donald McGahn as his White House counsel. McFarland served in three separate Republican administrations, most notably as a spokeswoman for Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger under Ronald Reagan. In 2006, she sought to challenge Hillary Clinton for her U.S. Senate seat from New York but lost in the Republican primary. Most recently, she has been a regular contributor to Fox News on national security issues. She joins retired Gen. Michael Flynn, previously named as Trumps national security adviser. So proud & honored to have KT McFarland as part of our National Security team. She will help us #MAGA General Flynn (@GenFlynn) November 25, 2016 McGahn, who was general counsel for Trumps campaign and a former chair of the Federal Election Commission, is a partner at the powerhouse Washington law firm Jones Day. President Obama revealed at a recent news conference that he had advised Trump to hire a strong White House counsel to guide him and his team, who could provide clear guideposts and rules to help avoid ethical and conflict of interest concerns. Trump campaign officials said Friday that the president-elect, who is spending the holiday weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, would make no additional high-level announcements until next week when he returns to New York. On Monday, he will meet with several more potential Cabinet and sub-Cabinet choices, including Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Pennsylvania Rep. Lou Barletta and Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ben Carson hints he may join Trump Cabinet as Housing secretary By Christi Parsons Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks in Lakewood, Colo. on Oct. 29. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) Ben Carson said Wednesday that an announcement is imminent about his role in improving the nations inner cities a broad hint that President-elect Donald Trump will name him secretary of Housing and Urban Development. After serious discussions with the Trump transition team, I feel that I can make a significant contribution, particularly to making our inner cities great for everyone, Carson said on Facebook. An announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again. Carson, himself once a candidate for president, would be the first African American named to Trumps Cabinet. He was a mild critic of Trump during the campaign, but after dropping out of the race, he backed Trump and now serves on the president-elects transition team. Though Carsons professional background is as a neurosurgeon, he has spoken often of his experiences growing up in inner-city Detroit, with a mother who sometimes relied on food stamps and other assistance. Carson has said they moved into a tenement at one point but has never said whether he lived in public housing. Days ago, a senior advisor said Carson thought he lacked the background needed to manage a federal agency, and that he didnt think it was the best way for him to serve. Carson didnt want to take a position that could cripple the presidency, advisor Armstrong Williams told the Hill newspaper. HUD is responsible for administering low-income housing assistance, fair housing laws, housing development and aid to neighborhoods in distress. Carson indicated a change of heart Wednesday. We have much work to do in strengthening every aspect of our nation and ensuring that both our physical infrastructure and our spiritual infrastructure is solid, he wrote. In an interview with the New York Times on Tuesday, Trump suggested he isnt applying the usual standard of qualifications to his Cabinet picks. Were trying very hard to get the best people not necessarily people that will be the most politically correct people, because that hasnt been working, Trump said. So we have, really, experts in the field. Some are known and some are not known, but theyre known within their field as being the best. Thats very important to me. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump picks Michigan school-choice advocate to be his Education secretary By Christi Parsons President-elect Donald Trump chose a Michigan charter school advocate and prominent Republican donor to serve as his secretary of Education, he said Wednesday, a decision that may hearten supporters of school choice but worry teacher unions and even some of Trumps core supporters. Trumps pick, Betsy DeVos, is a champion of charter schools and school vouchers that give families tax funds they can spend on private school if theyre not happy with their local public schools. DeVos, 58, served as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, a credential that ties her to the party establishment reviled by many Trump supporters. She and her family are among the countrys largest donors to Republican and conservative Christian causes, including opposition to same-sex marriage. She has also backed the Common Core initiative to standardize educational requirements across the nation. Trump repeatedly called for its demise. In a tweet after her selection was announced, DeVos disavowed past support for Common Core, acknowledging that the topic was an issue among conservative activists. Many of you are asking about Common Core. To clarify, I am not a supporterperiod. Read my full stance, here: https://t.co/qB2nAXvX0B Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) November 23, 2016 In his statement announcing her as his choice, Trump called DeVos a brilliant and passionate education advocate. Under her leadership, we will reform the U.S. education system and break the bureaucracy that is holding our children back so that we can deliver world-class education and school choice to all families, Trump said in the statement. 1:46 a.m.: This post was updated with DeVos statement about the Common Core. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump may have one more Cabinet-level pick coming before Thanksgiving By Christi Parsons (John Minchillo / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trump may decide another Cabinet-level position Wednesday, aides said, after he announced South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as his ambassador to the United Nations. Aides did not say which job Trump was considering making an announcement about. As he and his family settle in for Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Trump is still spending significant time on one prominent position, secretary of State, a sign that a pick for it may not come before the holiday, one staffer on the presidential transition team said. In his search for a secretary of State, Trump has met with close advisor and former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and with Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee for president. Aides said Trump chose Haley for the U.N. post because she improved South Carolinas economy and took part in overseas trade and recruitment trips. The two have a natural chemistry, one staffer said, and their views jibe on how the U.S. should be represented on the world stage. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump taps South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for U.N. ambassador By Tracy Wilkinson South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks at the Federalist Societys National Lawyers Convention in Washington on Nov. 18. (Cliff Owen / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday picked South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a rising star in the GOP, as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an announcement that brings a measure of diversity to a transition that has been dominated by white, male figures. Haley, 44, and the daughter of Indian immigrants, is the first woman and first person of color to be picked for the new administration. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Dalai Lama: I have no worries about Trumps election By Associated Press (Ganbat Namjilsangarav / Associated Press) The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, said he has no worries about Donald Trumps election as U.S. president and expects the businessman will align his policies with global realities. Commenting at the conclusion of a four-day visit to Mongolia, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism said he looks forward to meeting Trump at some point after the Jan. 20 inauguration. The 81-year-old monk says he has always regarded the U.S. as the leading nation of the free world and wasnt concerned about remarks made by Trump during the election campaign. Some of those comments have been cited as offensive to Muslims, Latinos and other U.S. minority groups. China accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to split Tibet from China and had demanded Mongolia scrap his visit. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump asks Ben Carson to consider Housing secretary post By Chris Megerian Donald Trump asked Ben Carson to consider serving as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, an advisor to the former Republican presidential candidate said Tuesday. They discussed the potential job at a meeting in the morning and Carson is seriously considering it, said the advisor, Armstrong Williams. Its a role that plays to Dr. Carsons passions, he said. Asked what qualifications the retired neurosurgeon has for overseeing housing policy, Williams said: Dr. Carson has experience with everything. Youd be shocked at the depth of his experience. Williams had previously suggested that Carson didnt feel he had the experience to serve in Trumps Cabinet, but he said Tuesday that those comments were taken out of context. Housing secretary was one of a few options discussed Tuesday, Williams said. Carson always felt that hed be willing to serve in the administration if Trump felt that no one else could fill the position, he added. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Texas judge blocks Obama administrations new overtime rule from taking effect By Michael A. Memoli Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) A Texas judge blocked President Obamas bid to expand overtime pay protections to millions of Americans on Tuesday, thwarting a key presidential priority just days before it was set to take effect. The Labor Department rule would have doubled the salary level at which hourly workers must be paid extra for overtime pay, from $23,660 to $47,476. Siding with business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Texas District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III halted it. The rule, finalized in May, represented the first such change in more than a decade and was hailed at the time as the most consequential action the Obama administration could take for middle-class workers without congressional involvement. Plaintiffs had argued the Labor Department acted beyond its authority under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The administration said more than 4 million salaried workers stood to benefit from the change when it took effect Dec. 1. The rule was already in jeopardy after the election of Donald Trump. Just as the Obama administration made the change through its rule-making prerogatives, a Republican administration could undo it. Neither the White House nor the Labor Department had an immediate comment. Republican lawmakers and their allies in the business community, which were behind the legal challenge, celebrated the decision. The decision brings us a step closer to curbing regulations that have resulted in $80 billion in compliance costs and more than 25 million hours of paperwork, said Linda Kelly, senior vice president for the National Assn. of Manufacturers. The fights are not yet over and our work is just beginning. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Heres why the electoral college (probably) wont stop Donald Trump from becoming president By Chris Megerian Some liberals who really, really, really dont want Donald Trump to be president are pinning their hopes on a long-shot effort to prevent him from officially winning the election. Understanding how their plan would work requires some background on the electoral college, which was established in the Constitution at a time when the founding fathers were wary of direct democracy. As widely known, presidents are not chosen based on the national popular vote if they were, Hillary Clinton would be the next commander in chief, given she is ahead by roughly 1.7 million votes. Each state is assigned a certain number of electoral votes based on population. Those votes are awarded to candidates based on the states popular vote. Trump won the presidential race with 290 electoral votes. (That total will reach 306 if Michigan is called for him, as expected.) The process doesnt end on election day. Each electoral vote is represented by an elector, an actual person who has to cast an official ballot for the president on Dec. 19. The electors are chosen through different processes state by state, and usually are selected by state political parties. With unrest over the result, there are efforts to persuade electors to be faithless, meaning they wouldnt back Trump even if he won their states. A Change.org petition calling the president-elect a danger to the Republic has almost 4.6 million supporters. What are the chances of this actually happening? Very slim, says George C. Edwards III, a Texas A&M political science professor who has written a book about the electoral college. From time to time, there are faithless electors, he said. Theyre few and far between. There were some electors who refused to vote for winning candidates in the 1800s, such as six who declined to support James Madison, but never enough to sway the outcome of the race. In the last century there have only been a handful of cases. There were some attempts to persuade electors to back Al Gore over George W. Bush during the disputed 2000 election, but they were unsuccessful. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Can Trump put another Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court? By David Savage Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals moderates a panel discussion during the Federalist Societys National Lawyers Convention in Washington last week. ( (Cliff Owen / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump will soon have the chance to make good on one of his most consequential campaign promises: fill the Supreme Court vacancy with a judge in the mold of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. Any Trump nominee is almost guaranteed to be a conservative jurist who is antiabortion and supports a strict interpretation of the 2nd Amendments right to bear arms. But what kind of conservative he selects will determine whether his nominee will be quickly confirmed or instead trigger a fierce fight in the closely divided Senate, potentially overshadowing the early months of Trumps presidency. If Trump opts for a Scalia-like justice, as he repeatedly said he would during the campaign, conservatives lawyers say the betting favorite is Judge William H. Pryor Jr. from the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta, a former Alabama attorney general who called the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion the worst abomination in the history of constitutional law. The 54-year-old Pryor believes in Scalias approach of interpreting the Constitution by its original meaning one that has little room for gay rights, even womens rights. His nomination would electrify Trumps conservative base, but it would also set off a confirmation battle for which the outcome is not assured. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Michelle Rhee has some thoughts on Donald Trump By Joy Resmovits After meeting with president-elect Donald Trump Saturday, former Washington, D.C., schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee weighed in on people who have told her to avoid him. She also indicated that shes not likely to be named as Trumps secretary of Education. In light of the speculation about the Secretary of Education role, I wanted to clarify my position and what's best for America's students. pic.twitter.com/DXRZxdAZNX Michelle Rhee (@MichelleRhee) November 22, 2016 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump veers off script on climate change, his potential conflicts of interest and even whether to prosecute Clinton By Evan Halper President-elect Donald Trump strayed far from the talking points of his campaign during his wide-ranging interview Tuesday with New York Times journalists. Trump suggested he does not necessarily need to sever ties to his businesses while president. He said he has an open mind to acting on climate change. And he even offered some praise for the Clinton Foundation. On the business ties, Trump was vague about when he will wind them down and how. He suggested he intends to transfer ownership to his kids, but then he also noted that the president is immune from federal conflict-of-interest laws. "In theory I could run my business perfectly and then run the country perfectly. There's never been a case like this,"he says of his tangles Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Trump on his businesses/conflict q's: "The law's totally on my side, the president can't have a conflict of interest." Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Trump, who once declared global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese, backed off his skepticism of climate change. He said he believed there is a connection to human activity and warming but he is still undecided about how much of one. And he said he has an open mind to keeping in place the international climate agreement President Obama took a lead in negotiating, which Trump has been vowing for months to withdraw from. Tom Friedman asks if Trump will withdraw from climate change accords. Trump: Im looking at it very closely. I have an open mind to it." Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 Trump also addressed the public re-emergence of the white supremacist movement, and how his campaign has energized those groups. He said he disavows and condemns such groups, including the neo-Nazis who gathered in Washington over the weekend. But he defended his pick of chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, the Breitbart News executive who boasted that his outlet is the platform for the alt-right. Trump: Ive known Steve Bannon a long time. If i thought he was a racist, or alt-rightI wouldnt even think about hiring him." Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 Trump is asked about concerns from minority groups about Breitbart Newss coverage under Steve Bannon. His reply: pic.twitter.com/FBqCGwQpBr Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 When the conversation turned to Hillary Clinton, Trump said he will not press law enforcement agencies to prosecute her. And he even said people could argue the Clinton Foundation has done good work. Trump is pressed if he has definitively ruled out prosecuting Hillary Clinton. Its just not something that I feel very strongly about." Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 That last tweet was Trump making clear he doesn't favor prosecution. Added people could argue the Clinton Foundation has done "good work." Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Ben Carson made it clear that he was too inexperienced for a Cabinet job. Now Trump says hes considering Carson for one By Evan Halper I am seriously considering Dr. Ben Carson as the head of HUD. I've gotten to know him well--he's a greatly talented person who loves people! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016 It was only a week ago that Ben Carson had put out word that he wasnt qualified to run a federal agency, and thus had no place in Donald Trumps Cabinet. Now Trump says Carson would be the perfect person to run a federal agency. Trump tweeted on Tuesday that he is seriously considering Carson to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Carsons qualifications? Hes a greatly talented person who loves people! Perhaps Carson was playing hard to get last week, when one of his top advisors, Armstrong Williams, told multiple news outlets that Carson wasnt a good fit for any of the Cabinet posts. Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience; hes never run a federal agency, Williams told the Hill. Trumps tweet that Carson was at the top of his list for the HUD job was unusual for another reason. Such trial balloons are typically floated anonymously, to gauge public reaction. If its hostile, the president-elect can scrap the plan and deny it was ever something he seriously contemplated. After Trumps advisors put the media on notice Tuesday morning that they would offer no details of what Trump will discuss at his meeting with Carson, Trump went ahead and shared them with millions of people himself. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump may have won the election, but hes still mad at the media By Evan Halper The President-elect does not care who knows how unforgiving or vain or distracted he is, David Remnick writes. https://t.co/6vOriXjf4E The New Yorker (@NewYorker) November 22, 2016 So much for burying the hatchet. Even victory has not diminished Donald Trumps resentment of the news media. His relations with the news outlets have gotten no better now that he has transitioned from confrontational candidate to confrontational president-elect. Trumps angry rant about the New York Times on Tuesday morning in which he briefly canceled a meeting with the outlet followed what was by several reports a stormy session the day before with major news networks. Television executives and journalists traveled to Trump Tower for the closed-door meeting anticipating a discussion about media access to the White House and perhaps a recalibration of the increasingly hostile relationship. Trump had something else in mind. He delivered an angry scold about the way he has been covered, complaining of unfairness even in the selection of the photos of him used during broadcasts, which, he griped, emphasized his double chin. He called the coverage outrageous and dishonest, according to a report in the New Yorker. Its unclear what Trumps intentions were. But if his goal was to chasten the media, he did not succeed. Some at the meeting described being offended and accused Trump of failing to understand the press 1st Amendment protection from government suppression. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Aide says Trump does not want to pursue charges against Hillary Clinton By Del Quentin Wilber A top official of Donald Trumps presidential campaign on Tuesday reaffirmed signals sent by the president-elect that hes not interested in pursuing criminal charges against Hillary Clinton, despite his repeated campaign promises to prosecute the Democratic nominee over her handling of classified materials and involvement in the Clinton Foundation. Kellyanne Conway, Trumps former campaign manager, also told MSNBC that congressional Republicans should follow Trumps lead, suggesting they drop their own probes into Clinton. I think when the president-elect, whos also the head of your party, tells you before hes even inaugurated that he doesnt wish to pursue these charges, it sends a very strong message, tone, and content to the members, Conway said. Trump had promised his supporters that he would re-investigate whether Clinton broke laws while using a private email server as the nations secretary of State, even after the FBI concluded she had not. During a presidential debate, he even pledged to assign a special prosecutor to look into the matter. Despite his supporters strongly favored such an investigation -- they often erupted into chants of Lock her up! at his rallies -- Trump hinted after the election that he had changed his mind, telling 60 Minutes earlier this month that the Clintons were good people and he didnt want to hurt them. Conway said the former Democratic presidential candidate still has to face the fact that a majority of Americans dont find her to be honest or trustworthy, but she added, If Donald Trump can help her heal, then perhaps thats a good thing to do. FBI Director James B. Comey has said that Clinton was extremely careless in how she and her aides handled classified information on her private server while she served as secretary of State. But agents, he said, turned up no evidence they had intended to violate espionage laws. The Justice Department agreed with Comey and closed the inquiry. Its highly unusual for a president to tell an attorney general whether or not to investigate a potential criminal matter, especially one involving his political rival. Trumps apparent desire to drop the matter raises questions about the FBIs inquiry into the Clinton Foundation, which unlike the email probe has not been concluded. The attorney general would have some discretion whether to prosecute, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. Politically, however, its not feasible if the president really doesnt want it to happen. The FBI has not commented on the status of any investigations into the Clinton Foundation. FBI agents in New York were reportedly looking into the nonprofit and wanted permission to use more aggressive law enforcement tools to dig deeper into the organization. But they were blocked by prosecutors and top FBI officials who did not believe the investigators had developed evidence to justify such actions, according to law enforcement officials. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print One of Donald Trumps meetings might offer a clue for how he wants to replace Obamacare By Noam N. Levey Dr. James Jackson performs a physical on Matthew Shorter, 51, a Medicaid patient enrolled in the Healthy Indiana Plan, at the Heart City Health Center in Elkhart, Ind. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Donald Trump has consistently vowed to repeal and replace Obamacare. But he has yet to explain what he intends to replace it with. His meeting schedule today might offer a clue of what he is pondering. On the agenda is a chat with Seema Verma, an architect of Indianas unusual healthcare program for the poor. Indiana is among a handful of red states that took federal aid through the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid eligibility to poor, childless adults. But unlike most traditional Medicaid expansions, Indiana set up a system that requires many low-income residents on the program to pay small monthly contributions for their health coverage. Conservatives, including the states governor, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, have argued that this makes poor patients take greater responsibility for their health. And healthcare advocates in Indiana generally supported the program, in large part because it was seen as the only way to expand health protections in the deeply conservative state. But cost-sharing requirements for low-income patients remains controversial, and a number of states that have experimented with it in the past stopped after concluding it was too expensive and difficult to administer. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Britain says not so fast to Trump tweet about Nigel Farage as ambassador to U.S. By Laura King Donald Trump, right, welcomes pro-Brexit British politician Nigel Farage to speak at a campaign rally in Jackson, Miss., in August. (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press) Donald Trump and Nigel Farage were always something of a love match. But cold political realities may have intervened. The U.S. president-elect tweeted late Monday that Farage, leader of a far-right British political party, would make a great British ambassador to Washington. Apparently, the British response early Tuesday could be summarized as: Er, no. There is no vacancy, the Guardian newspaper quoted a spokesman at 10 Downing St., the prime ministers official residence in London, as saying. We already have an excellent ambassador to the U.S. Farage was a wholehearted proponent of Brexit, the June referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, with still unknown long-term results. The British politician traveled to the United States during the campaign to offer his support for Trump, making rally appearances to sometimes bemused crowds to promote their purported common cause. In the course of his push for the presidency, Trump declared himself Mr. Brexit, and at one point dubbed his insurgent campaign Brextit-plus-plus an allusion to his support for a referendum across the Atlantic that was strongly colored by anti-immigrant sentiment. Farage was among the early visitors to Trump Tower following the GOP candidates unexpected victory. The two posed, grinning, in front of a bank of gold-plated elevators in the president-elects Manhattan residence. But hopes of a more formalized relationship appear to have been dashed. The Guardian quoted members of Parliament as saying Farages inflammatory views made him a poor candidate for a diplomatic post. The Reuters news agency said it would be highly unusual for an incoming foreign administration to so publicly air its pick for a diplomatic post. Trumps suggestion, it noted, provoked anger, support and even hilarity in Britain. The news agency quoted a Conservative lawmaker, Simon Burns, as joking that Britain should name its own choice for U.S. envoy to the United Kingdom: Hillary Clinton. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump the president vs. Trump the businessman: Can he juggle both? By Don Lee Donald and Melania Trump greet a guest at a grand-opening ceremony last month at Trumps new hotel in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The Trump Organization spent months trying to drive off the culinary union from its Las Vegas hotel, losing one legal battle after another before a federal labor board. Soon Donald Trumps company, which has refused to bargain with the union after housekeepers and other employees voted to join last December, could gain some leverage. As president, Trump will be able to appoint two new members to the National Labor Relations Board, giving the agency a 3-2 Republican majority that could be more sympathetic to Trump. We hope that Mr. Trump doesnt use his power to interfere, considering he has a financial interest in the outcome, said Bethany Khan, spokeswoman for Culinary Workers Union Local 226. Khans concern is but one of many examples of potential conflicts of interest that could arise for Trump the president vs. Trump the businessman. His vast holdings include hotels, office buildings and golf courses, and he has licensing deals across the globe. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Donald Trump briefly cancels meeting with New York Times and complains about its nasty tone By Amy Fiscus I cancelled today's meeting with the failing @nytimes when the terms and conditions of the meeting were changed at the last moment. Not nice Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016 Donald Trump briefly canceled a meeting Tuesday with New York Times journalists, claiming that its terms were suddenly changed. The charge was made in the obfuscatory style that has come to mark Trumps tweets. He said only that the terms of the meeting were changed, not who changed them; the paper said Trump, not anyone on its side, had requested new terms after the meeting was set. NYT did not try to change ground rules. Trump did, asking for only a private meeting and no on-the-record segment, which NYT refused. https://t.co/EpmZFdDYAh Jonathan Mahler (@jonathanmahler) November 22, 2016 The meeting was supposed to have included both a private discussion, similar to one Trump had Monday with television news network executives, and a segment where reporters were free to quote Trump by name. The Times said Trump later asked for the meeting to be fully private, a request the newspaper refused. After the cancelation gained widespread attention, spokeswomen for both Trump and the newspaper said it was back on as scheduled. Trump has done a handful of interviews since being elected, none with the Times, and has not held a news conference, as is customary for most presidents within a few days of their election. He also said the papers coverage of him had a nasty tone, without citing specifics. Its front page Wednesday included stories questioning the constitutionality of his foreign business deals and one citing concerns that the military might have too much influence over foreign policy in a Trump administration. 7:25 a.m.: This story was updated with the scheduled meeting being reinstated. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Neo-Nazi alt-right crowd cheers the president-elect with Hail Trump By Jessica Roy A newly released video shows a room full of people doing the Hitler salute and yelling Hail Trump! after listening to a speech about white nationalism that invokes Nazi terminology. The video was taken over the weekend by a reporter for The Atlantic while working on a documentary about Richard Spencer. Spencer is the person speaking in the video. He runs the National Policy Institute, a self-described alt-right think tank that openly supports white nationalist and neo-Nazi policies. In the past, he has called for a peaceful ethnic cleansing of the United States. In the video, Spencer calls the media leftists and cucks, invoking popular alt-right insults for people they disagree with. He calls the media the Lugenpresse, which is what the original Nazi Party called the media in Germany the lying press. We dont exploit other groups, he says, the we referring explicitly to white people. We dont gain anything from their presence. The press has clearly decided to double-down and wage war against the legitimacy of Trump and the continued existence of white America, he continues. But they are really opening up the door for us.... America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance, and it belongs to us. America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance, and it belongs to us. Richard Spencer Members of the crowd give the Nazi salute throughout the speech. Last week, the Twitter accounts for Spencer and his think tank were suspended, along with a number of other alt-right accounts. Trumps campaign issued a statement in response to the video: President-elect Trump has continued to denounce racism of any kind and he was elected because he will be a leader for every American. To think otherwise is a complete misrepresentation of the movement that united Americans from all backgrounds. White supremacists have credited Trumps win with sparking a new interest in their movement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Donald Trumps first promises since winning the election leave out the border wall, NAFTA and his Muslim ban By Noah Bierman President-elect Donald Trump spent more than a year campaigning to build a border wall, repeal Obamacare and rescind President Obamas moves to protect from deportation some immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally. But in his first extensive public comments since winning the election this month, Trump mentioned none of those issues. Nor did he talk about withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement, banning Muslims from entering the country, or ending the Syrian refugee program. Trump instead made five more modest promises for his first day in office during a nearly three-minute video released Monday that presented him as a more moderate figure and appeared to be an effort to soften Trumps message while he establishes an inner circle of advisors and Cabinet picks of hard-liners. In the video, Trump promises to withdraw from the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, a potential disaster for our country, and instead pursue bilateral agreements with some of the Pacific countries involved. He promised to lift restrictions on energy production, including shale and coal, implement a rule that any new government regulation must be accompanied by removing two regulations on the books and to instruct his Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a new cybersecurity plan. His only discussion of immigration involved the legal immigration system a crackdown on visa fraud. Trump also said his previously announced ethics rules barring employees in his administration from lobbying for five years after they leave the government and from lobbying for foreign governments for life would take effect as soon as he is inaugurated. Trump vowed in the video to release more plans in the days to come. These are some of our Day 1 executive actions, spokesman Jason Miller said in an email. By no means is it everything hell work on day one or after that many additional good things to come. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print World gets glimpse of deportation plan Kris Kobach took to meeting with Trump By Colleen Shalby Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state whos been tapped to join Donald Trumps immigration policy transition team, probably didnt intend for the world to see details of his plan to bar terrorists and Syrian refugees when he brought it to a meeting Monday. But thats what happened when he posed for a photo with President-elect Donald Trump outside of Trump International Golf Club in New Jersey. The document was in full unobstructed view, as Kobach apparently wasnt thinking about the power of a zoom lens. The clearest part reads: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY KOBACH STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FIRST 365 DAYS Bar entry of Potential Terrorists Update and reintroduce the NSEERs screening and tracking system (National Entry-Exit Registration System) that was in place from 2002-2005. All aliens from high-risk areas are tracked. Add extreme vetting questions for high-risk aliens; question them regarding support for Sharia law, jihad, equality of men and women, the United States Constitution. Reduce intake of Syrian refugees to zero, using authority under the 1980 Refugee Act. Record Number of Criminal Aliens in the First Year Those details arent exactly new. Trump has made it clear that he intends to deport 2 million to 3 million immigrants in the country illegally who fall under his definition of criminal. And Kobach, who is behind several controversial immigration laws and was the architect behind the NSEERs system, has said previously that he will help Trump reverse President Obamas immigration policies. The Obama administration has set a second-term priority to deport migrants with criminal convictions. Since taking office, Obama has expelled more people than any other president in American history. Less legible on Kobachs document, but still visible, are mentions of its definition of criminal alien (any alien arrested for any crime, and any gang member); the phrase 386 miles of existing actual wall; the Patriot Act; and Draft Amendment to National Voter .... Its possible this line refers to the National Voter Registration Act. Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley criticized Kobach. Thats the height of irony if hes wanting a job in Homeland Security and youre able to see in a photograph what should be confidential information, Hensley said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rolling out Obamacare was chaotic, but a repeal could be much worse By Noam N. Levey In the summer of 2013, as state and federal officials readied new insurance marketplaces created through the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans started getting disquieting notices from their insurers. Health plans were being canceled because they didnt comply with the law, often called Obamacare. Some 4 million people were ultimately told they would lose their plans. The ensuing outrage sparked a political firestorm, seriously eroded public confidence in Obamacare and forced an embarrassed President Obama to change federal regulations so people could keep their coverage. Yet that tumultuous episode could be dwarfed by what President-elect Donald Trumps administration and its congressional allies unleash beginning next year. They plan to not only repeal the law but are contemplating changes that are significantly more far-reaching and could disrupt insurance coverage for many more Americans than did the original law. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print The U.S. labor forces guy problem: Why arent more men working? By Jim Puzzanghera Inmates at San Quentin State Prison in August. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As the recovery from the Great Recession continues, job growth is solid and the labor force is growing at close to its fastest pace since 2000 because more unemployed workers are coming off the sidelines. Still, the percentage of working-age Americans in the labor force remains stuck near its lowest level since the late 1970s. Although retiring baby boomers are the main reason, theres another troubling factor that experts predict wont be solved by stronger economic growth. Too many men in their prime dont have a job and arent even looking for one. Experts trying to figure out the reasons are probing the roles of criminal background checks, painkillers and even video games. In all, about 7 million men ages 25 to 54 are neither employed nor available for work, putting them outside the labor force. Their growing numbers worry and puzzle economists. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Obama gives strong support to Pelosi as she faces leadership fight By Christi Parsons House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) President Obama all but endorsed Nancy Pelosi to continue to lead House Democrats on Sunday, defending her as she faces a challenge to her position from restive members of the Democratic caucus. Although he is reticent to meddle in party votes while he is on the way out the door, Obama said at a news conference that he cannot speak highly enough of the first female House speaker, who has been a key ally on some of his most important work as president. She combines strong progressive values with just extraordinary political skill, and she does stuff thats tough, not just stuff thats easy, Obama said when asked whether the California Democrat should be reelected to her position. Obama made his remarks during a news conference in Lima, Peru, where he was wrapping up a summit meeting with Asian and Pacific leaders. Some of Pelosis decisions have been unpopular, even with voters in her San Francisco district, he said, but she has done them anyway because its the right thing to do for the American people. Pelosi faces a challenge from Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, a seven-term member of the House. Perhaps the most notable example of her support for Obamas agenda was Pelosis steadfast support for the Affordable Care Act, which likely cost some Democrats their seats in Congress in the midterm election when Republicans took over the chamber. In offering advice to fellow Democrats, though, A majority of California voters peered into their souls on election day and decided that, yes, they are OK with the government executing people in their names. Thats tragic, but, as the old saying goes, the people have spoken. Perhaps even more disappointing than the rejection of Proposition 62, which would have ended the death penalty, was the passage of Proposition 66, the competing measure designed to speed up the death penalty appeals process. Californians, it seems, not only want to keep the death penalty in place, but they want to execute people more quickly and efficiently, and give the condemned less opportunity to appeal their fates. This measure already is being challenged in court on grounds that it will impair the courts exercise of discretion, as well as the courts ability to act in fairness to the litigants before them, among other things. Further court challenges are expected over potential violations of the constitutional right to due process. So theres hope yet that the court system might save the state from itself. Proposition 66 passed on the dubious promise that it would shorten the time between conviction and execution while saving tax dollars by requiring all state-level appeals to be completed within five years. It may, but it may not. After all, it actually adds a new layer to the appeals process. And it relies on a requirement that appellate-level lawyers take on capital cases even if they have no interest. And is a five-year limit fair? Note that 156 death row exonerations since 1973 occurred after an average of 11.4 years, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Advertisement Rather than sigh and accept that state-sanctioned killings could resume, the anti-death penalty movement needs to take stock of where it stands and craft new strategies. Part of that involves determining why a majority of voters continue to see capital punishment as politically, fiscally and morally sound despite clear evidence of wrongful convictions, disproportionate targeting of the poor and people of color, exorbitant costs, and an appeals process that, while critically necessary, often adds to the arbitrary nature of who ultimately gets executed. Its perplexing, particularly, that many political conservatives dont object to the ultimate in government overreach killing citizens nor find it problematic that the decision to seek the death penalty has less to do with the nature of the crime than it does with the zeal and politics of a particular countys district attorney. Polls show that support for the death penalty nationwide, despite Tuesdays setback in California and the reinstatement of capital punishment in Nebraska, is fading. Perhaps the courts will take notice. After all, in recognizing the right of gays and lesbians to marry, the Supreme Court followed shifting national sentiment. Former Chief Justice Earl Warren once wrote that the courts definition of cruel and unusual punishment must reflect evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society. So lets evolve, and mature. The Supreme Court has already struck down the death penalty once before, deciding in Furman vs. Georgia in 1972 that capital punishment was disproportionately applied to minorities and the poor. But the court revived the practice four years later in Gregg vs. Georgia, ruling that capital punishment was not inherently unconstitutional. So is there a legal challenge that might get a majority of the Supreme Court to see capital punishment for what it is an anachronistic act of barbarity? Maybe. Justice Antonin Scalia was a reliable vote for the death penalty, and who President Trump nominates to replace him will likely make the difference in which direction the Supreme Court goes on the issue. Which doesnt leave much room for optimism, but its the right fight to keep waging. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook The first casualty in the war on the undocumented, as in any war, is the truth. In this case, President-elect Donald Trump appears to have bought into a series of falsehoods and sweeping generalizations about the roles that cities and municipal law enforcement play in supposedly shielding residents from federal immigration enforcement. Los Angeles is fortunate to have, in Charlie Beck, a police chief who distinguishes between fact and fiction and recognizes the role his officers play in protecting public safety. As Trump aides hammered out their plans to pressure local police and jail officials to assist in finding and deporting residents who crossed the border illegally or otherwise flouted immigration laws, Beck on Monday said the LAPD would not change its current practices. It would not begin questioning people on their immigration status or turning over low-level crime suspects who are undocumented to federal authorities. For the record: The original version of this editorial stated that crossing the border and residing in the United States without authorization are not crimes. While residing in the U.S. without authorization is not a crime, entering the country without being inspected and admitted is a misdemeanor. Entering after previously being deported is a felony. The LAPD is not a branch of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and police do not allow themselves to be deputized as immigration agents. Nor should they. Advertisement Since the 1970s, the LAPD has wisely recognized that it can best protect public safety by cultivating good relationships with the communities it serves and giving all residents the assurance that they can speak to police without fear of being deported. Besides, police here have plenty of their own work to do without adding immigration enforcement. This policy outrages some critics who falsely believe that crossing the border and residing in the United States without authorization are crimes. They are not. Violators may have no legal right to be here and are subject to deportation but under U.S. law their actions are not crimes and they are not criminals. Becks sound approach, which has been the policy of every L.A. police chief since Daryl F. Gates, is sometimes used to brand Los Angeles a sanctuary city. It is not at least, not if that term is to have any actual meaning. L.A. does not actively shield anyone from deportation nor does it impede efforts by federal officials to do their work. Besides, most of the interaction with ICE necessarily is not with the city but the county which grants federal agents full access to its jails and inmate databases and follows protocols for transferring inmates to federal custody. But some immigration hawks, including Trump, have indulged in a kind of definition creep under which they brand any municipality a sanctuary city if it fails to do the federal governments immigration work for it. That would be merely dishonest were it not for the possibility that the Trump administration might punish sanctuary cities by withholding federal police funding for supposedly flouting immigration law. Having campaigned on anti-immigration facts that are mainstays of conservative blogs and talk radio, Trump now has a lot to learn before turning his pronouncements into policies that enhance, rather than undermine, public safety. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook MORE FROM OPINION To Donald Trump, from the undocumented immigrant who graduated alongside your daughter It may be time to panic over Trumps personnel picks Californians should have the right to vote for Calexit I havent lived in California for almost 30 years, but I still remember my drivers license number: C3001816. Im not sure Im patriotic about anything, but if I were, it would be California. I was born there, grew up in Redondo Beach at night, in winter, if the surf was high, I could hear the waves. Ive driven its highways and sat in its traffic; Ive breathed its air, and seen its snow-topped mountains when the smog cleared. Id have to get out my wallet to tell you my Indiana license. Ive lived here nearly a decade; I like it, but Ill never be a Hoosier. I dont even know what Hoosier means (neither does anyone else). But I know where Californias name comes from: a mythical island a place apart. I love California, which is why I remember a string of numbers. And why I have mixed feelings about Calexit, the movement calling for California to secede in response to Donald Trumps electoral victory. I dont want to pack a passport when I fly home, but I do want Californians to have the right to decide if they want to stay. Besides, letting them choose might be the best way to bring our country together. Advertisement We had another secession movement 150 years ago; one Civil War and an 1869 Supreme Court case later, unilateral secession was declared unconstitutional. Independence would be painful. Going it alone is risky just ask the Brits and Canadians know you dont escape the shadow of your giant neighbor by drawing a border. Unstitching Californias economy from the United States would damage both, because California isnt actually an island. But while those might be reasons to vote against secession, they arent reasons not to vote. There are legal obstacles. We had another secession movement 150 years ago; one Civil War and an 1869 Supreme Court case later, unilateral secession was declared unconstitutional. The obvious fix is a constitutional amendment allowing any state to secede through an orderly referendum. Even without an amendment, the federal government could commit to negotiate with any state that voted to secede. Thats the formula Canada committed to 20 years ago with Quebec, and what the United Kingdom agreed to with Scotland. The question would need to be clear independence, yes or no? subject to a clear majority, perhaps two-thirds. A fair process would allow areas opposed to secession to stay. If Californians want to escape the tyranny of Americas choice, they should give the same right to their fellow Californians in the far north and mountains, who voted for Trump and resent the tyranny of the coast. If Californians truly feel they have become a place apart, there is no good reason to force them to stay. But a vote on Calexit could actually renew our shared union: Californians would have to ask hard questions about who they really are, and the rest of us about what wed do to make them stay. If they stayed in Trumps America well, nothing would do more to repair our national community than that. And they might. Quebecois separatism declined after Canadas Supreme Court acknowledged their right to negotiate separation. Britain let Scots vote on independence and they chose against it. (True, Britain recently voted for Brexit but that simply shows Brits were never practically and emotionally committed to the European Union in the same way many Scots are to the United Kingdom.) We are a nation of immigrants, which is why Trumps walls are so troubling. Yet we build a nation not only by letting people in, but by giving those already here a reason to stay. We cannot do that by locking the doors through which our ancestors came we must persuade ourselves of the delusion that we are one people. The French historian Ernest Renan said that a nation is a daily referendum. Once in a while, its good to actually check in with the voters. I dont want to have choose between the state I live in and the state I love to be left with just numbers and memories. But I do want to live in an America Californians want to live in that we all want to live in, together, in contestation and complexity, not because the lines are already drawn, but because we choose to draw them around ourselves, every day. We cannot choose if we may not ask. So let Californians vote. And may they stay. With love, C3001816. Timothy William Waters is a professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and associate director of its Center for Constitutional Democracy. He is writing a book on the right to secession. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: A quote on our Statue of Liberty says, Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. (Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration leaves a lot unanswered for sanctuary cities like L.A., Nov. 15) It is a wonderful thing that Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a sanctuary city (even if Mayor Eric Garcetti is reluctant to use the term). Some of us these days are actually treating immigrants, refugees and Syrians the way we would like to be treated with a welcome and some shelter, food, medical care and education for our children. Can residents of Los Angeles extend some love and caring to an immigrant in this City of Angels? Is there an extra warm coat in your closet or some extra canned goods in your cupboards? L.A. angels, please open your hearts and be an active part of this sanctuary city. Advertisement Marion Elkerton, North Hollywood .. To the editor: In 1974 Congress passed the National Maximum Speed Law, which demanded that states set the speed limit of highways to 55 mph to save gasoline. If states would not do this, then federal highway funds would be cut off from the states. I think Congress and the president should treat states allowing sanctuary cities the same way: Cut off all federal funding for any state with cities that deliberately defy the immigration laws of America, starting with California. Frank Koucky, Carmel Valley, Calif. .. To the editor: Has anyone on the right thought through President-elect Donald Trumps deportation fantasies? Federal statistics show there were more than 2.4 million removals under President Obama between fiscal years 2000-14, a record number of deportations when compared with previous presidents. Their focus was removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records. How will Trump meet his immediate deportation goals? Are there another 3 million undocumented Latino gang members standing on street corners waiting to get picked up? Will he go after the vulnerable Latino migrant workers and their families who are such an important part of our agricultural economy? What about non-Latino immigrants? Im not asking a rhetorical question how will this work? And what happens when their friends, classmates, co-workers and neighbors hide these people or fight back? For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, but no one seems to have thought this through. I cant speak for other states, but the mood suggests we will fight. I will fight. Students in Los Angeles are walking out of their classes to protest our next chief executives plans. Do you think these kids will stand by when the feds come for their classmates? Were they really not aware of the millions deported under Obama? Trump told Americans we have open borders (ever try to cross from Tijuana to California?) and that people are pouring in, and they elected him their president. Problem is, its not exactly the way Trump sold it. James Robinson, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Breaking the law is what the Los Angeles Police Department chief advocates? This will really improve crime statistics in his city. And gangs will flood into Los Angeles from south of the border the welcome mat has been put out by the police chief. The federal government should withhold federal funding for Los Angeles since it continues to flout federal immigration law. Robin Hvidston, Upland Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: David Max Korzens disdain for the Iraq war causes him, even on Veterans Day, to react tersely when people thank him for his service. He misunderstands the appropriate professional role of the armed services and in doing so hints at the decreasing professionalization of our military. (One veterans unease when hearing, Thanks for your service, Opinion, Nov. 10) The decision to go to war is a function of politics to be performed by civilian politicians. Civilian control of the military, an important precept of our democracy, should result in the military exercising readiness and combat expertise in an objective fashion, detached from a subjective evaluation of strategic decisions. Unfortunately, Korzen is not alone in his attitude. Without a draft, volunteer participation is dependent on the attitude that the value of going to war in particular circumstances is acceptable. Since there are not enough people to adopt that attitude, we bribe people to join up with enlistment bonuses and perks. We also offer incentives such as variations of the post-World War II GI Bill. Advertisement Civilian leaders should make decisions based on the necessarily subjective evaluation of our national interest. Professionals should apply their expertise in a manner that serves a client objectively and effectively, period. Stephen Sloane, Lomita The writer is a retired Navy captain. .. To the editor: Its comforting to know that I am not alone in feeling awkward about receiving the now obligatory thanks for your service from people who are not serving in the military. I served in Vietnam, but as a sailor off the coast I was never in any real danger. I didnt like the war, but my number was coming up and I wasnt committed enough to resist the draft by going to jail or Canada as some of my friends did. So I took the path of least resistance. I believe that the current perfunctory thanks should be reserved for those who have done more than just show up: those who spent their time in actual combat, were wounded or were awarded medals for bravery. I just did what I had to do to get through it. The best you could say is that I did my duty. No thanks should be owed to anyone who just does what is expected no trophies for participation. For those who exhibited real courage by either fighting in or resisting bad wars, thanks for your service. Robert Huber, Yorba Linda 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. As Hillary Clintons national popular vote margin over President-elect Donald Trump grows swelled in large part by Californias prolonged ballot count a new poll details how much more liberal the state has become compared with the rest of the country and why it was so much more receptive to the Democrat. The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times post-election poll of California voters, conducted by SurveyMonkey, also shows that majorities of Californias Democrats and Republicans would like to see Trump and congressional Democrats compromise on major issues. For the record: An earlier version of this article said that out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, 35 were decided by 10 points or more. The correct number is 34. But on both sides, voters largely expect the other to do the compromising. Thats an indication of the pressures that push both parties toward confrontations that voters dislike in theory, but often demand in practice. Advertisement Clinton leads Trump by about 1.2 million votes nationwide, a margin that has grown steadily since election day. Vote counting continues in many states, as election officials sort through provisional ballots, late-arriving mail-in votes and other stragglers. By far the largest chunk of uncounted ballots remains in California, some 3.5 million as of Wednesday, compared with about 10.5 million statewide that had been counted. By law, officials in California count mail-in ballots that arrive up to three working days after the election so long as they were postmarked by election day a leeway that most states dont allow and all but guarantees a slower count. With Clinton beating Trump by almost 2-1 in California, her national margin will almost certainly grow and is likely to surpass 2 million. But although Clinton has racked up similarly large majorities in some other Democratic strongholds, she lost where the race was close, accounting for her defeat in electoral votes. Out of 50 states and the District of Columbia, 34 were blowouts, with the contest decided by 10 points or more, according to data compiled by Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. Of the 17 closer contests, 10 fell Trumps way. Trump tweeted this week that if the election had depended on the popular vote, not the electoral college, he would have campaigned differently and won the popular vote. On the flip side, many Democrats argue that if the country abolished the electoral college system, which awards votes to the winner of each state, Clinton would have won. Both claims are inherently unprovable. A different campaign run under different rules would have yielded different results. Californias vote differs so much from the national pattern for two main reasons: Nonwhite voters, a group that is heavily Democratic, make up a significantly bigger share of the states electorate than the national one. Moreover, the states white voters are more likely to define themselves as liberals and identify with Democrats than are whites in the rest of the country. In California, white voters made up about 56% of the states electorate, the USC/LA Times survey indicated. Clinton carried those white voters 55% to 40%, blacks by 84% to 13%, Latinos by 73% to 22% and all other voters by 57% to 35%, the survey found. By contrast, a separate national post-election poll by SurveyMonkey found whites made up 75% of the electorate across the country. Clinton lost to Trump among white voters nationally by 17 percentage points, the poll found. Her margins among blacks and Latinos nationwide were roughly similar to those in California, given the error margins for both surveys: 90% to 8% among African Americans and 67% to 28% among Latinos. Nationally, about a quarter of whites identified themselves as liberal or very liberal, while 42% called themselves conservative or very conservative and 35% called themselves moderates, the SurveyMonkey poll found. In California, whites split roughly into thirds: liberal or very liberal, conservative or very conservative and moderate, the poll found. Consistently through the campaign, Trump was strongest with blue-collar whites those who did not graduate from college. Californias white population has fewer non-college-educated members than in most states, and they are less conservative. Nationally, Trump won blue-collar whites 64% to 32%; in California, the split was just nine points, the poll found. Among white college graduates, the SurveyMonkey national survey showed Clinton winning by 10 points, while in California, her margin was much larger, 69% to 26%. Clinton won among both men and women in California with men by 16 percentage points and women by 39 points, the poll found. By contrast, she won womens votes nationally by 14 points and lost among men by the same margin, the SurveyMonkey national poll found. Looking ahead to the new administration, roughly two-thirds of California voters said that they wanted Democrats in Congress to compromise, rather than try to block Trumps agenda. And three-quarters said they wanted Trump to compromise rather than stand his ground and block the Democrats agenda. But that professed desire for compromise could be misleading. Among Republicans, only 35% said Trump should compromise, while 63% said he should stand his ground. Republicans by 94% to 4% wanted Democrats in Congress to compromise. Democrats showed a similar, although slightly more tempered, desire for the other side to do most of the compromising. They divided almost evenly on whether Democrats in Congress should compromise with Trump. But by 97% to 3%, they said Trump should compromise with Democrats. Perhaps not surprisingly, the states voters werent hugely optimistic about the prospects. Only 15% said they thought it very likely that Trump would be able to work effectively with the Democrats in Congress. Another 25% said that was somewhat likely, but 59% thought it unlikely. Republicans, reflecting their faith in the man they voted for, were more likely to say they expected him to work effectively with Democrats, with 81% saying they thought that was at least somewhat likely. The poll also showed how much more focused Trumps voters were on a few key issues than were Clintons. Among voters who sided with Trump, 40% in California and 46% nationwide listed jobs and the economy as their top issue, and 19% statewide and 13% nationally cited immigration. Clinton voters were more divided, with 25% in California and 30% nationwide listing jobs and the economy. Environmental issues, healthcare and foreign policy each were listed by about one in eight Clinton voters in California as their top issue. The polls estimates of how the vote divided nationally and in California generally matched the exit poll taken Tuesday for the major television networks and the Associated Press with one big exception: The SurveyMonkey national poll showed a whiter electorate with fewer college graduates. This year, the exit poll showed the white share of the national electorate shrinking to 70% from the 72% that the exit poll found four years ago. That would continue a trend of a declining white vote. The SurveyMonkey poll, by contrast, indicated that the white share, and especially the share of the voters who were whites without college degrees, went up slightly. Which numbers are right wont be known for sure until next year when the Census delivers its findings on who voted. In the past, the Census has found a whiter and less-educated electorate than the exit polls. The SurveyMonkey finding, however, is more consistent with county-level voting data that show lower turnout in many heavily minority areas, especially African American neighborhoods of major cities, and a strong vote for Trump in areas of the Midwest with large numbers of blue-collar white voters. A whiter electorate than expected might also explain why polls of battleground states underestimated Trumps vote: Polling models tended to assume the electorate would resemble the one from four years ago. The USC/L.A. Times statewide post-election survey has an error estimate of 3 percentage points in either direction for the full sample, larger for subgroups. It was conducted Nov. 9 to -11 among 2,294 registered voters who said they had voted. Voters were selected from among the roughly 3 million who participate daily in SurveyMonkey polls, and the results were weighted to match Census figures on basic demographics as well as the overall vote. The national survey, using the same methodology, was conducted among 99,377 registered voters who said they voted and has an error estimate of 0.2 percentage points in either direction for the full sample. David.Lauter@latimes.com For more on Politics and Policy, follow me @DavidLauter ALSO What to make of Trump one week in: Hes unpredictable and keeping his options open Donald Trumps transition team loses a key figure as he struggles to find his footing When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than Obama UPDATES: 6:16 p.m.: This article was updated with the latest number of uncounted votes in California. This article was originally published at 12:40 p.m. One week after Donald Trump won the presidency, the country he will take over in 65 days lacks a precise idea of what he will do as the nations chief executive. President Obama has tried to push Trump in the direction of pragmatism. The president-elects colleagues on Capitol Hill are trying to pull him in a more ideologically conservative direction. Some members of his own team are advocating a more provocative line. Trump has offered only general comments since his election, which in some cases have been contradicted by his actions. The coherent message that helped Trump secure victory has blurred. Advertisement Uncertainty reigns because Trump came into office riding the anger of an electorate whose resentments he correctly assessed, rather than because Americans fully embraced his policy positions. There were in fact few of those, and mostly without details. In the absence of a predictable path, Trump stands in contrast to previous Republican presidents. George W. Bush came in as a compassionate conservative bent on expanding the GOPs reach. His father, George H.W. Bush, ran on a desire to soften the edges of his more ideological predecessor, Ronald Reagan. Reagans core views had been honed a generation before he assumed the presidency. He presented a sense of ideological certainty that is so far lacking in Trump, despite his many efforts to cast Reagan as his model. Former House Speaker John A. Boehner, a veteran reader of Washingtons ways, said Tuesday that even he was unsure what type of president Trump would be. Nobody really knows, Boehner said in an interview on CNBC. Donald Trump is not an ideologue. He is barely a Republican. He could be barely a Democrat as well. Nobody really knows where he is going. So far Trump seems intent on maximizing his options. He filled the highest reaches of his governing team by simultaneously appointing a man who had pressed Republicans to reach out to women and minorities and another man who has used his media organization to blister women and minorities as part of an agenda closely allied to white nationalist sentiments. On issues, Trump has been confounding: In a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, he described the right to gay marriage as settled because the Supreme Court had approved of it in 2015. At the same time, he said he would work to overturn the abortion rights decision the high court had reached 42 years earlier. The construction of a giant wall on the Mexican border? The shredding of U.S. alliances with NATO? Sending Hillary Clinton to jail? Those may or may not remain part of his administrations program, but he has issued contradictory messages on all three. Seventeen months after he announced his run for the presidency, it remains unclear whether Trumps positions are a matter of conscience and priority or the opening gambits of negotiations that might lead somewhere unforeseen. Trump may have best described his approach during the campaign: I like to be unpredictable, he said on more than one occasion. This is a guy, the nearest I can tell, who is the closest weve had to an independent president, said Reed Galen, a former George W. Bush administration official who opposed Trump. This is a guy who ran against Republicans, Democrats and Washington, he said. Hes not a conventional anything. Who knows how much he cares about unifying the country he won without them? Still, forces are at work to influence him. Obama on Monday went out of his way to try to shape-shift Trump toward the middle. I dont think he is ideological. I think ultimately he is pragmatic, Obama said in a news conference, suggesting that Trump may eventually reside closer to the mainstream than his campaign indicated. Obama practically pleaded with Americans to give Trump time to find his footing on the matters that will be before him on Jan. 20. Among them is the fate of the so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country by their parents at a young age, without proper papers. Obama protected them from deportation, and his administration collected information about them in what was meant as a precursor to granting legal status. Now, that information belongs to a government soon to be led by a president who has insisted that he would force out those without proper documents. Trump said in recent days that his priority is deporting 2 million to 3 million migrants who he says are criminals independent estimates place the number of criminals far lower and he has not said what happens to the rest. Think long and hard, Obama publicly counseled Trump. For more on politics Countering Obamas push is one by members of the president-elects party on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan has reinterpreted Trumps campaign plans to merge with his own. Trumps detail-short vow to repeal and replace Obamacare became, in the speakers hands, a mandate to wholly change the nations Medicaid and Medicare programs, making both less generous. On some points, the Ryan view appears to have prevailed. Trump talked frequently in the campaigns early days about steps to control the prices of prescription drugs something opposed by the drug industry and the congressional Republican leadership. That pledge has disappeared from his statements and his transition website. Ryan and Trump remain on opposite sides when it comes to their positions on trade, on the construction of the Mexico wall and the sort of infrastructure spending that Trump promised. Most of Trumps first week as president-elect has been spent at meetings in Trump Tower in New York. In the 60 Minutes sit-down, taped Friday, he did not seem particularly concerned about the street demonstrations that have followed the election. Yet a telling moment came when questioner Lesley Stahl pushed him on the topic of assaults against minorities, women and gay Americans at the hands of purported Trump supporters. I would say, Dont do it. Thats terrible, because Im going to bring this country together, he said. I am so saddened to hear that. And I say, Stop it. If it if it helps. Trump sounded sincere, if perhaps unsure of the reach of the grand megaphone he had just won. But two days later hours before the interview aired he announced that he had picked as his senior strategist his campaign chief executive, Stephen K. Bannon, the head of the Breitbart media organization that has regularly tormented a whole range of Americans, including the groups involved in the episodes Trump had just decried. In a Trump transition team memo, Bannons appointment ranked higher than the naming of Reince Priebus as his chief of staff. It was Priebus, head of the Republican National Committee, who commissioned a 2013 report calling for future candidates to embrace women, minority and young voters. If the campaign is any indication, the most important measurement pushing Trump one way or the other may be public opinion. Nearly every speech he made included some reference to his strong standing in polls, whether that was true at the moment or not. Interviews with Trump supporters at his rallies suggest that many are looking for a change in direction but will not hold Trump to achieving all of his promises. Executing some of them, however, probably will be necessary lest Trump look as ineffective as the politicians he defeated. Based on what other presidents have done, he will try to follow through with the promises that he made, said Dartmouth political scientist Brendan Nyhan. On the other hand, he offered a less detailed policy agenda than any candidate in recent memory. He may be malleable on some issues and not others. Trump may be able to claim victory without actually fulfilling his promises, Nyhan said. He cited the contradiction between Trumps campaign promises to repeal Obamacare and his statements since the election that he would keep the programs most popular elements. These arent all-or-nothing questions and hes shown himself to be willing to reverse himself on the dime, he said. We shouldnt be surprised. cathleen.decker@latimes.com Twitter: @cathleendecker ALSO The fight for Trumps presidency will be waged between two competing factions Updates on California politics Live coverage from the campaign trail Donald Trump put out a Twitter tease about his Cabinet picks. He met with Sen. Ted Cruz. He even went out for a steak dinner. But one week after the Republican won the presidency, the transition team had yet to discuss even basic elements of the government handoff with key players at the Pentagon, the State Department and other vital agencies, in large part because of a delay in signing the paperwork dictating the nuts and bolts of the process. Im Christina Bellantoni. Welcome to Essential Politics. As some key players drop out of the transition picture, Lisa Mascaro and Noah Bierman report that it appears Trumps shoot-from-the-hip style is informing his approach to the handoff of power. Advertisement As Cathleen Decker writes, uncertainty reigns as the transition gets underway, because Trump came into office riding the anger of an electorate whose resentments he correctly assessed, rather than because Americans fully embraced his policy positions. There were in fact few of those, and mostly without details. Late Tuesday, that paperwork to get the ball rolling finally arrived at the White House, allowing the Obama administration to formally start collaborating with the incoming team. And Congress came back to town with Republicans hailing Trump and promising to get to work. Still, dont be fooled by the Make America Great Again hats some deep divisions remain between the GOP Congress and the next president. NO DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE Ben Carson is sitting this one out. The retired neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate wont be joining Trumps new cabinet, a longtime advisor said. The reason? Carson doesnt believe he has enough experience to run a federal agency. Also out of the transition: former Rep. Mike Rogers and Eliot Cohen, who had been a conservative critic of the GOP nominee. Get the latest about the Trump transition on Trail Guide and follow @latimespolitics. DEMOCRATS FIND A PURPOSE: FIGHT Retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) filed legislation Tuesday to abolish the Electoral College in light of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote but still losing the election. Sarah Wire reports that such legislation makes a statement after an election that shocked Democrats, but is unlikely to gain traction with Republicans holding control of both chambers of Congress in a lame-duck session. California Rep. Judy Chu on Tuesday urged the Obama administration to protect the names of Dreamers, people brought to the country illegally as children who applied for temporary status in the United States, before Trump takes office. At the state government level, the California Legislative Womens Caucus is vowing to fight Trump on abortion and healthcare issues. TRACKING THE 55 House Republicans elected Californias Kevin McCarthy to remain as their majority leader on Tuesday, as House Democrats pushed back their elections amid a possible challenge to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The California freshmen will get to vote on the partys next congressional leaders. Wire introduces you to the six newest members, who are in Washington this week for orientation. For news on California politics and campaigns throughout the day, keep an eye on our Essential Politics news feed. JOIN US THURSDAY The Los Angeles Times on Thursday will look back at the election and look ahead to what the Trump administration might mean for California. Weve got a hot lineup of lawmakers, political consultants and your favorite members of our political team. The symposium will be held in downtown Los Angeles. Reserve your free tickets here. TODAYS ESSENTIALS -- We examine what Trumps policies could be on contraceptives covered by the Affordable Care Act, as California doctors and Planned Parenthood offices report that in the last week an increased number of women have asked about IUDs. The devices are inserted once and some types could even outlast a two-term Trump presidency. Google Trends shows more searches for IUD on Nov. 10 than in the previous 90 days. -- A Republican assemblywoman who tweeted a link to a hoax story about violent anti-Trump protesters changed her mind on Tuesday, deleting the tweet and saying shes sorry. -- As many as 4 million ballots remain uncounted across California, with two statewide propositions still too close to call. -- Members of the Erotic Services Providers Union delivered petitions to Gov. Jerry Brown in support of decriminalizing sex work. -- As Trump threatens to roll back some environmental regulations, state Senate leader Kevin de Leon is leading a delegation of seven other state officials to a conference in Morocco on climate change. -- The ACLU is suing to thwart the resumption of executions in California. -- Dont expect the cost of prescription drugs to be high on the next presidents agenda, despite what he said on the campaign trail. -- We report on what might happen in Californias sanctuary cities. -- At the start of his foreign trip, President Obama said he didnt see Trumps victory as a rejection of his own worldview. -- Jessica Roy has tips for how to keep fake news out of your social feeds. LOGISTICS Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. UPDATES: 7:15 a.m.: This article was updated to accurately reflect the number of new members in Washington this week. This article was originally published at 3 a.m. You cant keep a positive pig down. A new study finds that, like humans, pigs can be optimists or pessimists, and that the pessimists are more strongly affected by their current environments. The results, described in the journal Biology Letters, hint that the complex interplay between personality and mood may extend far beyond the human experience. This finding demonstrates that humans are not unique in combining longer-term personality biases with shorter-term mood biases in judging stimuli, the study authors wrote. Advertisement Is that glass half empty, or half full? Scientists already know that humans process information differently depending on their mood: If theyre feeling negative, theyll tend to expect a worse outcome when facing ambiguous situations that could go either way; if theyre feeling positive, they may expect a better one. Mood, together with baseline personality, influences a persons cognitive bias patterns of thinking that may lead to deviations in good judgment. Researchers have increasingly looked at cognitive bias in animals to study animal mood, the study authors wrote, but the results from these experiments have been inconsistent. Perhaps thats because the interaction of personality and mood, which together generate cognitive bias in humans, hadnt really been studied in animals until now. For this paper, a team of scientists from Great Britain looked to probe that mood-personality dynamic in 36 domestic pigs, animals known for their intelligence. The researchers tested whether they had proactive or reactive personalities by studying how they behaved in an area with an unknown object. Proactive behavior is more active and less flexible; reactive behavior is more passive and more flexible. (In humans, proactivity has been linked to extraversion and reactivity has been linked to neuroticism.) The scientists also tested their cognitive bias by training the pigs to recognize that the bowl in one corner of the room had yummy chocolates (a good outcome) and the bowl in the other corner had bitter coffee beans (a bad one, presumably). Theyd been coated in sugar so that the pigs couldnt sniff them out until they reached their chosen bowl. The researchers then began putting more bowls in ambiguous spots in the middle of those two corners, or slightly toward the chocolate corner, or slightly toward the coffee corner. Before the tests, the animals would be put either in economy or deluxe lodgings. Both had solid floors, a slatted area and wooden blocks on chains for what the study authors called enrichment. But the deluxe lodgings were roomier and had deep, comfy straw. The scientists found that the pigs with proactive personalities tended to check out the middle bowl, even without the sure promise of a reward, regardless of the quality of their accommodations. Being stuck in the economy lodgings didnt change their underlying optimism. Pigs with reactive personalities, on the other hand, were more optimistic about their chances of finding a chocolate in the middle bowl if theyd had the deluxe accommodations and more pessimistic if theyd been in the less comfortable pen. Reactive animals, then, were much more affected by their environment, and their mood likely skewed their choices. These results suggest that judgement in non-human animals is similar to humans, incorporating aspects of stable personality traits and more transient mood states, the authors wrote. The findings could help explain why previous tests of cognitive bias in animals were so inconsistent, the researchers said. Because proactive pigs behaved differently to reactive pigs, these findings could explain some of the inconsistent results between animal cognitive bias tests, the study authors wrote. Accounting for personality differences between individuals may reduce some of this otherwise unexplained variation, making cognitive bias test outcomes more reliable and robust. amina.khan@latimes.com Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE Faster than a speeding swift: Bats beat birds at their own airborne game Dinosaurs and their ancestors lived side by side, fossils show Why are we ticklish? Scientists who tickled rats offer an intriguing answer A former Burbank police officer who was fired five years ago after city officials alleged he failed to report an assault against a detainee during the investigation of the 2007 Portos Bakery robbery is suing the city for wrongful termination. Nick Nichols is seeking reinstatement and back pay, claiming that he was nowhere near the alleged assault and his activities on that day prove it, according to his attorney and his Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit. Hes set on winning his job back and clearing his name, said his attorney Corey Glave. According to court records, the city claimed that Nichols witnessed a lieutenant assault a man who was being questioned in connection with the robbery and failed to report it, and later lied about what he saw. The alleged victim was never arrested or charged in connection with the robbery. At the time that witnesses claim the alleged assault occurred, Nichols was either at a pharmacy near Portos requesting video evidence of the robbery or booking suspects into jail, according to Glave. In September 2014, an arbitrator who reviewed all the evidence issued an advisory decision recommending that City Manager Mark Scott uphold Nichols termination. Glave said the decision was based on the testimony of a former detective who fingered Nichols as a witness to the assault. Roughly a year later, Scott upheld Nichols termination, according to court records. City Attorney Amy Albano said Tuesday that the city disagrees with Nichols characterization of what transpired and plans to vigorously defend the city. The arbitrator ruled against him, and the city manager upheld that decision and found that he was terminated for good cause, Albano said. In the complaint, Nichols also accused police and city officials of violating his rights by concealing and destroying evidence that could have cleared him of wrongdoing, and failing to give him a timely post-disciplinary hearing. He argued that it took three years before he had his hearing despite his timely request for an administrative appeal. Nichols was one of 10 officers fired for alleged misconduct in the aftermath of the robbery investigation. One of the officers was reinstated, while another is still waiting for his post-disciplinary administrative hearing. During the robbery, six suspects entered the bakery after hours and bound the hands of 13 employees, struck one with a handgun and kicked another before forcing an assistant manager to go upstairs to retrieve money from the safes. In 2009, the FBI began investigating the Burbank agency after allegations of officer brutality surfaced, but last year declined to file criminal charges. -- Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @atchek Nearly a quarter of religious parents in the UK are not passing on their faith to their children out of fear they will be alienated in school and in their social circles, according to a survey. The poll conducted by ComRes research and commissioned by Theos, a religious and social affairs think tank found that 23% of parents were afraid that their children might be sidelined by friends if they passed on their religious views, Danny Boyle of the Telegraph writes. According to World Religion News, This could come as terrible news to the Church of England, which has seen a sharp drop in attendance at church service only 1.4% of the English population attend on a typical Sunday morning. Q. What is your reaction to the poll results? Are the concerns of parents in the UK something you have observed in the United States? Iam not surprised at the poll results and the reason for English families to not want their children to openly espouse their religious preferences. England has long had a tradition of intolerance. I am especially reminded of that with Thanksgiving Day coming in a week and a half. Our country is based upon being a safe haven for people to escape religious intolerance. I dont know why people are not more openly active in having their children take pride in their religious heritage, but it is due in part to elements of the industrial revolution where science became the new religion and scientists the new priest (ala Frankenstein). Further, the leaders of certain religious groups, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, have taken to Messianism, in the vernacular, My way to God or the highway to damnation. This leads other people to have their children not espouse what religious denomination they belong to as it might lead them to ridicule. This is perhaps closely allied to the British case. Rather than leave us tired and fearful of ridicule because of our belief in God, let me quote Einstein, There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. May the miracle of acceptance by all come to us all! Rabbi Mark Sobel Temple Beth Emet Burbank .. These results tell me that nearly a quarter of the religious parents in the UK believe that acceptance by others is more important than the practice of ones faith. They believe that it is more important that their children remain in the good graces of their peers than in the good graces of Almighty God. We have to wonder about the seriousness of the faith of those who believe that alienation is just cause to abandon ones faith, especially in light of the great biblical examples of the endurance of suffering for the cause of Christ. Granted, none of us likes to suffer, for the cause of our faith or any other reason, and certainly none of us wants our children to suffer, even if its only schoolyard teasing. And I personally have never even come close to suffering the kind of persecution currently endured by my Christian brothers and sisters around the world. I would not want my children to have to, either. Most of us will never have to. But would we, if we did have to? Would we watch the suffering of our children for the sake of their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ? Thats a question each of us would have to answer only before God. Remarkably, God did watch the suffering of his son Jesus Christ on the cross for our sakes. God loved us enough to endure that. I suppose its only the realization of that truth that would move us to endure suffering for his sake, or to allow our own children to suffer for him. Pastor Jon Barta Burbank .. The more newsworthy tidbits from poll results typically lead in media coverage as editors seek to attract eyeballs with something provocative, maybe even controversial. More parents feared they wouldnt be able to answer their childrens questions about religion than feared alienation of their children due to their religion, according to the Telegraph. It seems that blaming an external factor (other kids will stop liking their children) is thought to be a more interesting story than parental self-doubt. Only 40% of religious parents surveyed said they talk to their children about religion at all. Similarly, the Church of England, the Anglican Church, points outward to an alleged anti-Christian culture having caused their church to fade away. Yet their spokesperson the Archbishop of Canterbury is quoted in World Religion News claiming that a current Anglican reform and renewal effort, operating within the exact same culture, will resurrect their denomination in future years. I dont see how they can have it both ways. I cannot relate at all to parents who fail to communicate what they believe, about religious or anything else, to their children, nor do I observe such reticence in my circle of friends and family. Research consistently shows that parents are far and away the biggest influence on their children, more than media, peers or anything else. Or as I have said here before, we are the ocean, our children the fish. Whether what we pass along is sincere and thoughtful or wishy-washy and baseless is entirely up to us. Roberta Medford Atheist Montrose .. Istruggle with the thought that parents with deep religious convictions would not do everything possible to teach their children to believe in God and follow his commandments. These parents would know that faith is more important than social standing, and that religious commitment sometimes means sacrificing popularity and avoiding some social circles. The latter is true for children and adults alike. I would guess those who withhold religion from their children out of fear of social alienation are probably not seriously religious themselves. Nevertheless, they deny their children a resource of incalculable value closeness to God in favor of what? The wisdom of their peers? The sagacity of social media? In the Doctrine and Covenants, which the LDS church regards as scripture, parents are urged to bring up your children in light and truth. This tells us that as parents, we have a duty to teach our children the principles of religion and provide an environment and experiences that will nurture faith. Teaching our children is vital not only because each succeeding generation strengthens the church, although it does. It is vital because we believe that faith and adherence to covenants lead to greater joy in mortality and, more important, bind us together eternally as families. The test of faith has always been the willingness to follow God even when it is difficult or unpopular. Perhaps the greatest role of parents is to teach their children how to do this, and why it is so important. If we abandon this task, we leave them unprepared for the challenges that life will bring. Michael White The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints La Crescenta .. If this doesnt express well the difference between religion and relationship, I dont know what does. That is to say, religion without an actual relationship with God is worthless and amounts to little more than smells and bells. Only a true relationship with God, an absolute allegiance, a genuine reliance and faith in him, will move a parent to pass their religion onto their children at all costs. Religion is simply a tool for relating to God through community. A false religion is devoid of God and is of no relational value. A false faith is no faith at all, and shows itself in such tragic ends as we are here apprised, where what the fickle world thinks is valued above Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas, Jesus! Imagine having your sins forgiven, your short earthly life having eternal purpose, and a sure entry to glorious heaven waiting for you when this blip of social circles completes its course. That is the reality of relationship with God. On the flip-side, imagine attending a church every Sunday all your life, genuflecting, reciting repetitive prayers, taking communion, and having your life end with a ticket to hell, where you and your entire pagan family are cast from the presence of divine goodness forever! That is the reality of religious devotion devoid of God, and why no genuine Christian would sit holding the key of life and not give it to their children, whom they claim to love. Who walks by a pond of drowning children and just watches them go down, yet this is what British parents do with their own, let them die without even being introduced to the savior? The Bible is clear that faith must be taught to be caught, and it is a parents primary responsibility. God has said, Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates " (Deu 11:18-20 NIV). Sad to say, America is on the same errant path as the UK, and the wisdom of this passage is likewise mostly ignored. Rev. Bryan A. Griem Tujunga Laguna Beach made progress Monday toward further polishing its arts colony reputation. The city moved a step closer to obtaining an inventory of possible living spaces for working artists when the Arts Commission unanimously supported seeking a consultant to identify possible work/live locations. Attracting and retaining artists in a city renowned for such a heritage was the first goal of Lagunas Cultural Arts Plan. The City Council approved the plan in March and three months later allotted funding for related studies. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Meanwhile, the commissioners Monday also unanimously supported a poet laureate program, which would align with the Cultural Arts Plans goal of providing accessible, informal, year-round art activities, according to city officials. Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl said the artist work/live assessment would cost about $25,000. The council must first approve the contract. The plans overall intent is to boost Lagunas artsy image and reduce the fragmentation in a city known for its numerous art galleries, summer arts festivals and other events. The firm that does this is going to drill down into specifics and that is what we have to have, Commissioner Suzi Chauvel said. Im all for doing this, sooner rather than later. Laguna currently has seven or eight individual designated artist work/live spaces, Poeschl said, adding that a lot of artists have a home occupancy license where there is a dedicated space in their home. The consultant will identify existing sites or buildings that could house artists, while exploring use of rental incentives. Laguna Beach has an ordinance that addresses guidelines for artist work/live units. For instance, in most cases, at least half of the total square footage of the unit must be allocated to the working area, and certain art forms arent appropriate for all parts of the city. Welding would occur in an industrial zone, while creating screenplays or poems would fit with a commercial or residential zone, according to the ordinance. As part of the vote, a subcommittee of Chauvel, Arts Commissioner Adam Schwerner and Planning Commissioner Susan Whitin will review and suggest any changes to the request and return to the Arts Commission on Nov. 28 with the specific wording. For instance, one of the consultants jobs will be coordinating meetings to gather public feedback, leading Schwerner to suggest that artists and other interested groups be alerted to the meetings through social media, email or the citys website. We dont want to go through the process and someone says, Hey, you didnt involve me, Schwerner said after the meeting. If commissioners are satisfied with the subcommittees work, Poeschl will present the draft to the City Council in January. Regarding the poet laureate program, a subcommittee of commissioners Schwerner, Mike Stice and Karen Wood was named to edit the request for poets. They will return Nov. 28 for approval. The poet laureate program aligns with the goal of raising awareness of literary arts to people who have limited access to poetry or opportunities for expressive writing, according to the city. It represents all the best things about culture and art in our community, said Wood, former executive director of the Laguna Playhouse. Under suggested guidelines, the poet would lead at least six public classes or workshops and six public readings of original work or previous writings appropriate to the occasion and audience. The poet would also be expected to coordinate one festival-style event at the Laguna Beach Library in April to celebrate National Poetry Month. The library currently hosts a Laguna poets group. Lagunas Arts Commission has $10,000 available in its annual budget for the poet. The council must first approve the request. -- Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce Since it opened in 1988, Zinc Cafe & Market in Laguna Beach has been a hangout for locals and visitors who want to munch on a colorful salad or flaky croissant while sitting on an outdoor patio. But the restaurant has also given people like Andrew Modugno a serving of hope. At a gala this month, the Friendship Shelter, a Laguna shelter and rehabilitation facility for the homeless, recognized Zinc founder and owner John Secretan, along with others in town, for their contributions to battling homelessness in the community. In the last five years, Zinc has hired three people who have stayed at the shelter, at 1335 S. Coast Hwy., including Modugno, 26, according to shelter marketing director Kristin Points. As a manager, Modugno handles hiring and scheduling and oversees daily operations at the cafe located at 350 Ocean Ave. He was hired in January 2013 as a barista and worked his way up to supervisor and to his current role as manager. The job provided staying power for Modugno, who had succumbed to drug use and spent time in jail. After graduating from Saddleback Valley Christian High School in San Juan Capistrano in 2008, Modugno enrolled in Santa Ana Colleges fire technology program, intent on becoming a firefighter. He completed the one-year program but his life began to unravel. Modugno said he fell in with the wrong crowd and began experimenting with drugs. Modugno was arrested for possession of a controlled substance in summer of 2009, and later that year he was caught trying to steal a DVD from a store, he said. His family suggested that Modugno get help, and he spent 11/2 years enrolled in a recovery program out of state. Modugno said he became sober and returned to Southern California in August 2011. But he returned to the same group of people and to drugs. Whatever I could get my hands on, Modugno said. It all came to a head in the spring of 2012, when Modugno was arrested twice in one week on suspicion of drug possession. Modugno avoided prison through provisions of Proposition 36, an initiative passed by 60% of California voters in 2000 that requires people convicted of nonviolent drug possession to complete a licensed or certified drug treatment program instead of going to prison. A judge expunged the charges against Modugno after he finished the program, Modugno said. Modugno said he satisfied Proposition 36 requirements by participating in a Tustin drug and alcohol residential program. But after 45 days, Modugno needed another place to live when his insurance ran out. He moved to a sober living house in Midway City, but money problems continued to dog him and he knew he would need to find a job within two weeks. Reeling from the effects of drug use, Modugno called the city of Mission Viejos resource center. The only reason that popped into my head was because I used to work there, said Modugno, who was a community services specialist at the center. Modugno said a woman answered his call and in the room with her was Mark Miller, the Friendship Shelters current associate executive director. Based on questions I asked her, [Miller] thought the shelter would be a good spot for me, Modugno said. Miller put him on the waiting list for a place in the 32-bed facility. Modugno moved in on May 31, 2012. I was lost; I had no idea what the next step was, Modugno said. My perception of reality was not solid. He said that three months after moving into the Friendship Shelter, the Orange County district attorneys office charged him with two felony crimes stemming from the theft of $10,000 worth of gold coins from his aunt and uncle. Modugno was arrested and spent a week in jail. A turning point soon came. His aunt and uncle wrote a letter to the D.A., asking that the charges to be dropped, Modugno said. The D.A. dropped the felony burglary charge, and Modugno said he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor grand theft. It showed me the power of forgiveness, Modugno said. I would have been in jail for at least a year. It was right then when I turned the corner and started figuring out the road to recovery. Friendship Shelter staff and volunteers provide meals, case management and an array of support services aimed to overcome the causes of homelessness, according to the shelters website. Residents are expected to earn an income and save money in order to leave the program with housing awaiting them. Modugno applied for jobs all over town but got only one interview at Zinc. Modugno said potential employers might have been reluctant to take on a shelter resident. Jane Manolakas, Modugnos case manager at the Friendship Shelter and a Laguna Beach resident, knew of Zincs reputation and drove him to the cafe to apply for a position. He stood out as someone who wanted to better himself, said Alyssa Mendez, Zincs training manager at the time. I wanted him to feel like I could help him, like Zinc could help him. Mendez took him under her wing, showing Modugno the intricacies of Zinc, priming him for greater responsibilities. Modugno eventually filled Mendezs role when she moved to Zincs Los Angeles location and became assistant general manager of that store. Zinc also has a location in Corona del Mar. He likes to prove himself and never stops giving up, Mendez said. This is a type of business where were much more interested in personality and whether they can do the job; skills can be taught, Secretan said. All we look for is productive people willing to do the job. Manolakas said the shelter provided fellowship Modugno needed. He had a nice group of friends, and staff, who played board games late into the night, Manolakas said. There was a sense of community and belonging. Hes a success story, a beautiful story. Modugno now lives with two roommates in a house in Laguna Niguel. He is taking classes at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo and hopes to transfer to a four-year college and possibly major in business. Without this program and John taking a chance on hiring me, I do not know where I would be, Modugno said. Modugno said he is not ashamed of his past since it has made me who I am. I had every chance to succeed in life, Modugno said. My life path was created by my poor decisions. I was lucky to have support of certain people helping me be where I am today. In the last five years, 67% of the approximately 600 shelter residents have gained employment and secured long-term housing, Points said. bryce.alderton@latimes.com Twitter: @AldertonBryce Americas travelers made plenty of inauguration plans before last weeks election, then had to unmake them. The result is a big jumble with many hotel rooms still available in the Washington, D.C., area, whether youre celebrating or protesting the new president. But nothings cheap. Some sample prices: The Watergate Hotel: $995 and up. Trump International Hotel: apparently sold out. Advertisement The Tabard Inn: $335 for a room with shared bath. Instead of Hillary Clinton voters converging on Jan. 20 to celebrate the inauguration of the countrys first female president, as many expected, Donald Trump voters are rushing to book rooms so they can be on hand for the ceremony. But the Clinton people arent necessarily staying home. Many feminists are now planning a Jan. 21 Womens March on Washington. Jack Lindemuth, director of revenue for the Kimpton Hotels in the area, reported via email that the womens march is driving significant additional demand for that weekend. At the Kimpton chains 10 hotels in Washington, D.C., inauguration specials carry a four-night minimum, with rooms of roughly $660 to $1,500 nightly, before taxes. Most of those hotels also have single nights available between Jan. 17 and 23, a spokeswoman said, but the hotels closest to the parade route, the National Mall and the Capitol building are selling faster. At northwestern Washingtons historic Tabard Inn, a lot of rooms got canceled regarding Mrs. Clinton, said general manager Roberto Mancia. But at the same time, people were booking for the other candidate. By Tuesday afternoon, the 35-room hotel had just two rooms left for Jan. 20. Like many hotels in the area, the Tabard Inn was requiring a four-night minimum and had bumped up its usual prices. For a room with a shared bathroom, ordinarily priced around $140, the inauguration-week rate was $335 per night. At the Trump International Washington D.C. Hotel, which opened in September on Pennsylvania Avenue, director of sales Patricia Tang said in October that the hotels inauguration rates would be $1,250 a night with a five-night minimum, regardless of who won the election. On Tuesday afternoon, the hotels website reservation tool said it was sold out on the 20th and 21st, but a telephone reservation agent said email reservation requests would be considered at ptang@trumphotels.com. (For what its worth, Room 22, the hotels presidential suite, was available at $12,000 nightly beginning Jan. 22.) At the Watergate, reborn in 2016 as a luxury hotel with 60s style, management decided before the election on inauguration-weekend rates of $995 nightly and up (with a three-day minimum). So far, the hotel is sticking with it. Bookings had a slower start than expected, a spokesman wrote in an email, but as people get acclimated to the new president, bookings have picked up. At the Jefferson, a luxury hotel on 16th Street NW, inauguration-weekend rooms are priced at $1,500 per night, with a four-night minimum. Despite a slow start in sales, a spokesman said, We are just about sold out now. As of early this week, the Kimpton George Hotel, the Kimpton Topaz Hotel, the Kimpton Hotel Madera, the Kimpton Rouge Hotel and the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C. were all close to selling out, probably because theyre close to the White House, the National Mall and the Capitol Building. The Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel, the Kimpton Donovan Hotel, the Kimpton Carlyle Dupont Circle Hotel, the Kimpton Glover Park Hotel and the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington D.C. reported more availability. A Kimpton spokeswoman said the chains inauguration-week rates are 400% to 500% higher than the usual rates for January, one of the slowest months in most years. The inauguration rates are only about 200% above the usual price when Congress is in session and theres a big conference on. ALSO Forget the elections: 7 reasons to visit Washington D.C. right now If youre dining in D.C., heres whats new, whats cool and why you need to stop worrying about calories I know where Ill be staying in Washington D.C., but here are more hotels to consider Follow Reynolds on Twitter: @MrCSReynolds See travel videos by Reynolds from around the world. Each year, artisans turn Harbin, China, into a wintery wonderland created from huge blocks of ice carved into life-size landmarks, buildings and fairy-tale images. But you need not travel to that ouch-its-cold city in northeast China to enjoy the magic. You can see artists create the amazing sculptures in Ice! an annual holiday attraction at Gaylord hotels in Nashville, National Harbor, Md. (just outside of Washington, D.C.), Kissimmee, Fla., and Grapevine, Texas (about 23 miles northwest of Dallas). The shows run through Jan. 1. They have already opened in Nashville and Texas; the Florida show is to open Friday and the Maryland show on Saturday. Advertisement Teams of 40 on-site artisans turn more than 2 million pounds of colorful ice blocks into two-story ice slides and other holiday-themed creations. With language differences, we cannot communicate, but we trust and respect each other because of the art, said Zhang Daquan, one of the Chinese art directors for Ice! using an interpreter. Ice sculptures at the International Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China, (Diego Azubel / EPA ) The artisans and our U.S. colleagues all have the same goal to make the sculptures beautiful so guests will enjoy the show. Artisans arrive a month before the shows open to begin work on the pieces, designed in cooperation with U.S. artists. When everyone first arrives, Gaylord hosts a Chinese banquet dinner, said Logan Caldwell, associate producer for Ice! in Nashville. Eating and drinking together is a big thing and brings us together as a family during their stay. Artisans are housed at the Inn at Opryland across the street from the show, and two full-time chefs cook Chinese meals for the crew. Hotel personnel occasionally volunteer to take the Chinese visitors around town, and this year a boat trip is planned on a nearby lake. Zhang, who first came to the United States in 2011, has worked at each of the Gaylord property shows. This year he was assigned to the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, about 20 miles south of Orlando. In his off hours, he enjoys sightseeing to learn more about the cities hes visiting. His favorite place? Disney World, he said, smiling. They have very exciting, fast rides, he added. Traveling to the United States is old hat now to the Harbin native, who has been creating ice sculptures for 33 years. Zhang, a former carpenter, said the artisans in his hometown are mostly self-taught. The government decided to revive this kind of art in the 1980s, Zhang said. So we researched and tried things, little by little. It took a long time to learn how to carve and make things big. Through trial and error, the artisans discovered how to make larger sculptures and maintain their structures, using clear river ice, which he said has better clarity than factory-made ice. Experiments began with colored ice about a decade ago. The hues added an extra dimension to the art form. Ice slides were part of the Harbin ice fest in 2013 in China, (Diego Azubel/EPA ) But the works of art dont last. Unlike a display that you can see forever, you look at an ice sculpture, and it starts to melt, Zhang said. So its very special. Info: Ice! (www.lat.ms/seetheice) Ticket prices vary by site and time. ALSO: Hip-hop hero Alexander Hamilton makes once-downtrodden Paterson, N.J., a place youll want to visit With giant cactuses and sleek jaguars, Arizonas Sonoran Desert has an edgy beauty tinged with danger Honolulus best cocktail bars are disguised as furniture stores and hidden in office buildings President Obama traveled to the birthplace of democracy on Wednesday to praise the concept as a great Greek invention and to remind listeners of its burden living with the outcome of an election, even when you dont agree with it. The next American president and I could not be more different, Obama told an audience here in Athens. But American democracy is bigger than any one person. Democracy contains a mechanism to correct mistakes, he said, but he argued that citizens must participate. Advertisement When Obama originally conceived of this democracy speech in Athens, he imagined it would come on the heels of Hillary Clintons election as president a confirmation of his vision for global democracy. Instead, he is making way for President-elect Donald Trump, a new leader of the free world who won election by excoriating Obamas democratic worldview. As a result, Obama instead defended his view that open markets and democratic societies offer the best hope for human progress, and that an integrated global economy should be embraced even if its current iteration needs a course correction to share its benefits with more people. As illustrations, Obama ticked off some of his greatest global hits, achievements that will survive only at the will of the Trump administration. During his stewardship, Obama said, he and other world leaders shut down the Iranian nuclear weapons program without ever firing a shot. He opened the doors to Cuba, ending years of a Cold War-era diplomatic freeze. His administration supported Myanmars path to democracy. And under his guidance, Obama noted, the U.S. joined nearly 200 other nations in an ambitious international agreement to save our planet from climate change. Obamas new world order has been on the ropes in recent months, especially here in Europe. The British prime minister left office after his country voted against his counsel to pull out of the European Union, the sort of international institution Obama has promoted. The Italian prime minister, an Obama ally, faces a test to his leadership ahead of a national referendum he called next month to implement constitutional reforms. Theres a serious challenge to European institutions right now, said Jeffrey Rathke, deputy director of the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The leaders of the EU all recognize that Europe needs reform, needs to reconnect with its citizens. But I dont think a terribly compelling set of solutions that has emerged yet. That has resulted in a particular resentment of governing elites, opening the way for populists and nationalists across Europe. But in what will probably prove to be his final presidential address on the global stage, Obama urged against the impulse to pull back from the globalized world. Understandable though the instinct may be, he said, it wont work. Given the nature of technology, it is my assertion that its not possible to cut ourselves off from each other, he said. He urged against severing the connections that have enabled so much progress and so much wealth and for finding ways to spread prosperity more equally. In an ever-more-integrated global economy, and with rapid advances in technology and automation, there have been enormous disruptions in many communities, taking away jobs, depressing wages and weakening the leverage of organized labor, Obama said. At the same time, the rich and powerful can appear to be gaming the system, feeding a profound sense of injustice and inequality that constitutes one of the greatest challenges to our economies and our democracies, Obama said. The best hope for human progress remains open markets, combined with democracy and human rights. But I argued that the current path of globalization demands a course correction, Obama said. In the years and decades ahead, our countries have to make sure that the benefits of an integrated global economy are more broadly shared by more people. In the end, what might have been Obamas triumphant tour for his sophisticated idea of democracy instead became a reminder of the basics of the ancient Greeks. When your side loses, you accept the decision of the people, he said, vowing to do all he could to enable a smooth transition to the Trump era. Because, he said, thats how democracy has to work. Christi.Parsons@latimes.com Follow @cparsons for news about the White House. Obama has given himself a new task: educating Trump Trumps plans to scuttle or amend the Iran nuclear deal remain a work in progress Obama will spend his final presidential trip abroad trying to reassure the world about Trump As United Nations climate change talks get set to wrap up on Friday in Marrakech, Morocco, negotiators representing the Alliance of Small Island Nations underscored the need to speed up efforts to combat global warming and adapt to its effects. Im happy about the progress that we are making, but we have a lot more work to do, said Hugh Sealy, a climate change consultant for the United Nations who helped negotiate last years Paris agreement, which committed the worlds nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and is attending the Morocco conference as the lead negotiator for small island countries. We are still on a trajectory for at least 3 degrees of warming even if all the countries in the world did what they promised to do, he said. So its absolutely essential that we increase our efforts and that we reduce our emissions as quickly as possible. Advertisement Speaking from Marrakech, Sealy, a professor at St. Georges University in Grenada, shared his thoughts on the urgency of tackling climate change and the key concerns for the 44 low-lying coastal countries that are among the most vulnerable. His comments have been edited for length and clarity. What are small island nations hoping will come out of the conference? Mitigation, adaptation and finance are the three key priorities for us. The Paris agreement last year was historic because, for the first time, it locked in long-term temperature goals, like what we hope to achieve in terms of combating climate change. Thats what we call mitigation. In Paris, we agreed that we would limit global warming to 2 degrees above pre-industrial times and pursue keeping it below 1.5 degrees of warming because the small islands have clearly indicated that even 2 degrees of warming will be too much. We see 1.5 degree of warming as essential to our survival. So at this conference, we want to move toward keeping that 1.5 degrees of warming and raising our global ambition as far as mitigation goes, which is saying we have to reduce our emissions as quickly as possible. A second priority for us is finance. Developed countries have promised that they would give us $100 billion a year. But right now the Green Climate Fund [established by the United Nations to help developing countries counter climate change] is only financed at $10 billion over a four-year period, which is $2.5 billion a year. So were very, very far away from that $100 billion a year that was promised to us. So whats terribly important to us at this conference is that the developed countries lay out a road map as to how were going to get to that $100 billion a year by 2020. The third priority for us is adaptation. And adaptation to climate change is a realization that some of the effects of climate change are already occurring. For example, sea level rise. We know we are going to face at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) of sea level rise by the end of the century. Last year was the hottest year on record. This year is headed toward breaking that record. If it does, it will of course push 2015 to second place and 2014 into third place. So weve had the three hottest years in a row. We are in the middle of climate change now, so being able to adapt is a huge priority for small islands as well. View of a palm field suffering from desertification near Moroccos eastern oasis town of Erfoud in the Sahara desert. (Fadel Senna / AFP/Getty Images ) What is the greatest climate change threat to small island states? Rising sea levels, because we have the majority of our infrastructure on the coastlines our seaports, our airports, our tourism resorts. A number of islands rely on tourism. But also, ocean acidification [is a threat]. As more carbon dioxide is absorbed into the ocean the water becomes more acidic. And as it becomes more acidic it will start to dissolve our coral reefs, and thats disaster for us. If we lose our coral reefs, we lose our beaches. If we lose our beaches, we lose our tourism and therefore we lose our economy. So I think most of our perils will come from the sea side of things and our coast being affected. Thats why small island nations are perhaps the most vulnerable to climate change. I would call ourselves the canaries in the coal mine. In other words, what happens to small islands will eventually occur to even larger countries. That is why for us climate change is not only an economic issue. For a lot of us, climate change is an existential issue. We will cease to exist as viable human settlements if climate change is allowed to continue in the way it is occurring now. With the election of Donald Trump, is there concern that the U.S. might renege on its commitment to tackle climate change? I think there are valid concerns because of what President-elect Trump said before the election. But were optimistic that he will realize that climate change is a global issue that America cannot divorce itself from. And we hope that the United States will continue to show the leadership that it has in the past. What is a carbon market and how would creating a carbon market help small island nations? It was the United States that originally used the force of markets to bring down pollution. It was President George H.W. Bush who used markets to combat acid rain. He invented a system called cap and trade, where he put a cap on sulfur dioxide emissions. Utility companies that were able to reduce their emissions by a significant amount got these credits and were able to sell these credits to other power companies that were not as efficient in reducing their emissions. And everyone stayed below this cap. A heating factory spews smoke in northeastern Chinas Heilongjiang province. Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels have decreased, but scientists say its not enough to stave off dangerous global warming. (AFP/Getty Images ) We are applying the same principle to carbon dioxide. You have states within the U.S., like California and some of the Eastern Seaboard states, that have created their own carbon market. Quebec in Canada has created one and it has linked itself to California. Australia is looking to join the market that the European Union has created. So we in the Caribbean see there is a possibility under Article 6 of the Paris agreement to create our own carbon market within the Caribbean. What are small island nations doing to combat the effect of climate change? We are lobbying for the financing to do so. In a lot of cases our capacity to adapt is constrained. Even without this issue of climate change, we are poor developing countries that have not yet recovered from the Great Recession of 2008. Were cash-strapped. We have sustainable development issues that we have to deal with over and above the threat of climate change. So does the answer lie in financing? Primarily yes. If we get enough finance then we can adapt. Of course, small islands reducing their emissions will do absolutely nothing in the global fight against climate change. You could add up all the emissions of small islands and we would probably still be less than half a percent of what the global emissions are. ann.simmons@latimes.com For more on global development news, see our Global Development Watch page, and follow me @AMSimmons1 on Twitter Every day across sub-Saharan Africa, 13.5 million women spend hours searching for water and carrying it back to their families. The water they find is often contaminated with bacteria or viruses that can cause diarrhea, which kills more of the regions children than any disease. The women suffer back and neck pain from hauling heavy jerrycans, often while pregnant or with a baby in tow. The daily ritual limits their ability to participate in the economy. Often, their daughters do not go to school so they can help with daily chores like getting water or caring for animals not out to pasture. The women of Samburu, Kenya, an arid region about 250 miles north of the capital, Nairobi, are luckier than many. Advertisement A nonprofit known as the Samburu Project has drilled 84 wells there since 2005, providing clean, accessible water. Each well serves at least 1,000 people. The wells not only bring health improvements that come with clean water but also economic opportunity for women. Nobody has to walk more than a few miles to reach a well. Thats not far in the nomadic culture. Men trek often for days herding sheep, cattle and goats while women do most everything else. Having wells nearby means more time for other pursuits, including making beaded jewelry to sell at the market. And daughters who once accompanied their mothers on long walks for water can now attend school. A community must apply for a well. For each well it approves, the nonprofit must raise $20,000 to drill it. The wells are usually 230 feet deep. This summer I spent a week in Samburu to meet women there and see how access to clean water had changed their lives. These women, from the village of Ntilal, are on their way home after a mid-day visit to the well. Mangilan Lebasha, left, and Sophia Lemoyong, center, haul jerrycans filled with clean water. Sophia also carries her daughter Argira. On the right is Sytoon Lelesara. The round-trip took them about an hour. Their well was built in 2013. Nisalo Leshakwel left her home at 7 a.m. one day to fetch water. By noon, she was almost back home. Her community, Lopusakini, applied for a well to be drilled much closer to it and is well along in the approval process. A hydrogeologist has determined water is available, and if all goes smoothly, the well will be drilled by the end of the year. In the meantime, two donkeys help Leshakwel ease the load, allowing her to bring home two days worth of clean water for her family and others in her village. Mangilan Lebasha, who estimates that she is 42, cooks with clean water in her manyatta, a hut built from sticks, animal skins, cardboard and plywood. Like most Samburu, she has a fire lit in her manyatta that she uses for cooking and preparing the sweet, milky tea that they drink each morning. After breakfast, she boils water to make lunch or dinner for her family, which usually consists of beans or a dense cornmeal called ugali. After school, children from Ntilal gather at the well to wash, drink and play. The well must be pumped by hand to access the water, a task that is often a team effort for the women and their children. Iris Schneider is a Times special correspondent Nearly three miles above the rugged hills of central Afghanistan, American eyes silently tracked two SUVs and a pickup truck as they snaked down a dirt road in the pre-dawn darkness. The vehicles, packed with people, were 3 1/2 miles from a dozen U.S. special operations soldiers, who had been dropped into the area hours earlier to root out insurgents. The convoy was closing in on them. At 6:15 a.m., just before the sun crested the mountains, the convoy halted. Advertisement We have 18 pax [passengers] dismounted and spreading out at this time, an Air Force pilot said from a cramped control room at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, 7,000 miles away. He was flying a Predator drone remotely using a joystick, watching its live video transmissions from the Afghan sky and radioing his crew and the unit on the ground. The Afghans unfolded what looked like blankets and kneeled. Theyre praying. They are praying, said the Predators camera operator, seated near the pilot. By now, the Predator crew was sure that the men were Taliban. This is definitely it, this is their force, the cameraman said. Praying? I mean, seriously, thats what they do. Theyre gonna do something nefarious, the crews intelligence coordinator chimed in. At 6:22 a.m., the drone pilot radioed an update: All are finishing up praying and rallying up near all three vehicles at this time. The camera operator watched the men climb back into the vehicles. Oh, sweet target, he said. --- None of those Afghans was an insurgent. They were men, women and children going about their business, unaware that a unit of U.S. soldiers was just a few miles away, and that teams of U.S. military pilots, camera operators and video screeners had taken them for a group of Taliban fighters. The Americans were using some of the most sophisticated tools in the history of war, technological marvels of surveillance and intelligence gathering that allowed them to see into once-inaccessible corners of the battlefield. But the high-tech wizardry would fail in its most elemental purpose: to tell the difference between friend and foe. This is the story of that episode. It is based on hundreds of pages of previously unreleased military documents, including transcripts of cockpit and radio conversations obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the results of two Pentagon investigations and interviews with the officers involved as well as Afghans who were on the ground that day. The Afghan travelers had set out early on the cold morning of Feb. 21, 2010, from three mountain villages in southern Daikundi province, a remote central region 200 miles southwest of Kabul. More than two dozen people were wedged into the three vehicles. Many were Hazaras, an ethnic minority that for years has been treated harshly by the Taliban. They included shopkeepers going for supplies, students returning to school, people seeking medical treatment and families with children off to visit relatives. There were several women and as many as four children younger than 6. They had agreed to meet before dawn for the long drive to Highway 1, the countrys main paved road. From there, some planned to go north to Kabul while others were headed south. To reach the highway, they had to drive through Oruzgan province, an insurgent stronghold. We traveled together, so that if one vehicle broke down the others would help, said Sayed Qudratullah, 30, who was bound for Kabul in hope of obtaining a license to open a pharmacy. Another passenger, Nasim, an auto mechanic who like many Afghans uses one name, said that he was going to buy tools and parts. We werent worried when we set out. We were a little scared of the Taliban, but not of government forces, he said referring to the Afghan national army and its U.S. allies. Why would they attack us? --- American aircraft began tracking the vehicles at 5 a.m. The crew of an AC-130, a U.S. ground attack plane flying in the area, spotted a pickup and a sport utility vehicle with a roof rack converge from different directions. At 5:08 a.m., they saw one of the drivers flash his headlights in the darkness. The AC-130 radioed the Predator crew in Nevada: It appears the two vehicles are flashing lights, signaling. With that, the travelers became targets of suspicion. At Creech Air Force Base, 35 miles northwest of Las Vegas, it was 4:30 p.m., nearly dinner time. A few hours earlier, a dozen U.S. special operations soldiers, known as an A-Team, had been dropped off by helicopter near Khod, five miles south of the convoy. The elite unit was moving on foot toward the village, with orders to search for insurgents and weapons. Another U.S. special operations unit had been attacked in the district a year earlier, and a soldier had been killed. This time the AC-130, the Predator drone and two Kiowa attack helicopters were in the area to protect the A-Team. The Predators two-man team a pilot and a camera operator was one of the Air Forces most-experienced. The pilot, who had flown C-130 cargo planes, switched to drones after 2001 and had spent more than 1,000 hours training other Predator pilots. (The Air Force declined to name the crew or make them available for interviews.) Also stationed at Creech were the Predators mission intelligence coordinator and a safety observer. In addition, a team of screeners enlisted personnel trained in video analysis was on duty at Air Force special operations headquarters in Okaloosa, Fla. They sat in a large room with high-definition televisions showing live feeds from drones flying over Afghanistan. The screeners were sending instant messages to the drone crew, observations that were then relayed by radio to the A-Team. On the ground, the A-Team was led by an Army captain, a veteran of multiple tours in Afghanistan. Under U.S. military rules, the captain, as the ground force commander, was responsible for deciding whether to order an airstrike. At 5:14 a.m., six minutes after the two Afghan vehicles flashed their lights, the AC-130 crew asked the A-team what it wanted to do about the suspicious vehicles. Roger, ground force commanders intent is to destroy the vehicles and the personnel, came the units reply. To use deadly force, the commander would first have to make a positive identification that the adversary was carrying weapons and posed an imminent threat. For the next 4 1/2 hours, the Predator crew and the screeners scrutinized the convoys every move, looking for evidence to support such a decision. We all had it in our head, Hey, why do you have 20 military age males at 5 a.m. collecting each other? an Army officer involved in the incident would say later. There can be only one reason, and thats because weve put [U.S. troops] in the area. --- The Afghans greeted each other and climbed back into the two vehicles, heading south, in the general direction of Khod. At 5:15 a.m., the Predator pilot thought he saw a rifle inside one of the vehicles. See if you can zoom in on that guy, he told the camera operator. Is that a rifle? Maybe just a warm spot from where he was sitting, the camera operator replied, referring to an image picked up by the infrared camera. Cant really tell right now, but it does look like an object. I was hoping we could make a rifle out, the pilot said. Never mind. Soon, a third vehicle, waiting in a walled compound, joined the convoy. At 5:30 a.m., when the convoy halted briefly, the drones camera focused on a man emerging from one of the vehicles. He appeared to be carrying something. What do these dudes got? the camera operator said. Yeah, I think that dude had a rifle. I do, too, the pilot replied. But the ground forces unit said the commander needed more information from the drone crew and screeners to establish a positive identification. Sounds like they need more than a possible, the camera operator told the pilot. Seeing the Afghan men jammed into the flat bed of the pickup, he added, That truck would make a beautiful target. At 5:37 a.m., the pilot reported that one of the screeners in Florida had spotted one or more children in the group. Bull. Where!? the camera operator said. I dont think they have kids out at this hour. He demanded that the screeners freeze the video image of the purported child and email it to him. Why didnt he say possible child? the pilot said. Why are they so quick to call kids but not to call a rifle. The camera operator was dubious too. I really doubt that children call. Man, I really hate that, he said. Well, maybe a teenager. But I havent seen anything that looked that short. A few minutes later, the pilot appeared to downplay the screeners observation, alerting the special operations unit to a possible rifle and two possible children near the SUV. The special operations unit wanted the drone crew and screeners to keep tracking the vehicles. Bring them in as close as we can until we also have [attack aircraft] up, the units radio operator said. We want to take out the whole lot of them. --- The Predator video was not the only intelligence that morning suggesting that U.S. forces were in danger. Teams of U.S. military linguists and intelligence personnel with sophisticated eavesdropping equipment were vacuuming up cellphone calls in the area and translating the conversations in real time. For several hours, they had been listening to cellphone chatter in the area that suggested a Taliban unit was assembling for an attack. Were receiving ICOM traffic, or intercepted communications, the A-Team radioed the Predator crew. We believe we may have a high-level Taliban commander. Neither the identities of those talking nor their precise location was known. But the A-Team and the drone crew took the intercepted conversations as confirmation that there were insurgents in the convoy. At 6:54 a.m., the camera operator noted that the drone crew and screeners had counted at least 24 men in the three vehicles, maybe more. So, yeah, I guess that ICOM chatter is great info, he said. The screeners continued to look for evidence that the convoy was a hostile force. Even with the advanced cameras on the Predator, the images were fuzzy and small objects were difficult to identify. Sometimes the video feed was interrupted briefly. The Predator crew and video analysts in Nevada remained uncertain how many children were in the group and how old they were. Our screeners are currently calling 21 MAMs [military age males], no females, and two possible children. How copy? the Predator pilot radioed the A-Team at 7:38 a.m. Roger, replied the A-Team, which was unable to see the convoy. And when we say children, are we talking teenagers or toddlers? The camera operator responded: Not toddlers. Something more towards adolescents or teens. Yeah, adolescents, the pilot added. Were thinking early teens. At 7:40 a.m., the A-Team radioed that its captain had concluded that he had established positive identification based on the weapons weve identified and the demographics of the individuals plus the ICOM. Although no weapons had been clearly identified, the pilot replied: We are with you. The pilot added that one screener had amended his report and was now saying hed seen only one teenager. Our screener updated only one adolescent, so thats one double-digit age range. Well pass that along to the ground force commander, the A-Team radio operator said. Twelve or 13 years old with a weapon is just as dangerous. --- At 8:43 a.m., Army commanders ordered two Kiowa helicopters to get into position to attack. By then, though, the convoy was no longer heading toward Khod. The three vehicles, which at one point were within three miles of the A-Team, had changed direction and were now 12 miles away. The drone crew didnt dwell on that news, thinking the convoy probably was trying to flank the A-Teams position. The Predator crew began discussing its role in the coming attack. The drone was armed with one missile, not enough to take out a three-vehicle convoy. The more heavily-armed Kiowa helicopters, using the call sign BAM BAM41, would fire on the vehicles; the Predator would target any survivors who tried to flee. Were probably going to be chasing dudes, scrambling in the open, uh, when it goes down, the pilot told his camera operator, whose job was to place the camera cross hairs on insurgents, so the pilot could fire the missile. Stay with whoever you think gives us the best chance to shoot, um, at them. Roger, came the reply. A little before 9 a.m., the vehicles reached an open, treeless stretch of road. The A-Team commander called in the airstrike. Understand we are clear to engage, one of the helicopter pilots declared over the radio. Hellfire missiles struck the first and third vehicles; they burst into flames. Qudratullah, one of the Afghan travelers, recalled, The helicopters were suddenly on top of us, bombarding us. Dead and wounded were everywhere. Nasim, the 23-year-old mechanic, was knocked unconscious. When I came to, I could see that our vehicles were wrecked and the injured were everywhere, he said. I saw someone who was headless and someone else cut in half. The Predator crew in Nevada was exultant, watching men they assumed were enemy fighters trying to help the injured. Self-Aid Buddy Care to the rescue, one of the drones crew members said. I forget, how do you treat a sucking chest wound? said another. Soon, however, the crew in Nevada and the screeners in Florida realized something was wrong. The thing is, nobody ran, one crew member said. Yeah, that was weird, another replied. At 9:15 a.m., the Predator crew noticed three survivors in brightly colored clothing waving at the helicopters. They were trying to surrender. What are those? asked the camera operator. Women and children, the Predators mission intelligence coordinator answered. That lady is carrying a kid, huh? Maybe, the pilot said. The baby, I think, on the right. Yeah, the intelligence coordinator said. The Predators safety coordinator, cursing in frustration, urged the pilot to alert the helicopters and the A-Team that there were children present. Let them know, dude, he said. Younger than an adolescent to me, the camera operator said. As they surveyed the carnage, seeing other children, the Predator crew tried to reassure themselves that they could not have known. No way to tell, man, the safety observer said. No way to tell from here, the camera operator added. At 9:30 a.m., the pilot came back on the radio. Since the engagement, he said, we have not been able to PID [positively identify] any weapons. --- U.S. and Afghan forces reached the scene 2 1/2 hours after the attack to provide medical assistance. After 20 minutes more, medevac helicopters began taking the wounded to a hospital in Tarin Kowt, in Oruzgan. More serious cases were later transferred to Kabul. They asked us who we were, and we told them we were civilians from Kijran district, said Qudratullah, who lost a leg. By the U.S. count, 15 or 16 men were killed and 12 people were wounded, including a woman and three children. Elders from the Afghans home villages said in interviews that 23 had been killed, including two boys, Daoud, 3, and Murtaza, 4. That evening, Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, then the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, went to the presidential palace in Kabul to apologize to President Hamid Karzai. Two days later, he went on Afghan television and promised a thorough investigation to prevent this from happening again. The Army and the Air Force conducted their own investigations, reaching similar conclusions. The Army said evidence that the convoy was not a hostile force was ignored or downplayed by the Predator crew, and the A-Team captains decision to authorize an airstrike was based on a misreading of the threat when, in fact, there was no urgent need to engage the vehicles. The Air Force concluded that confusion over whether children were present was a causal factor in the decision to attack and, in an internal document last year, said drone crews had not been trained to notice the subtle differences between combatants and suspicious persons who may appear to be combatants. The military has taken some steps to address these problems. Screeners now have access to radio traffic, so if a drone pilot makes a mistake, the screeners can correct it. Drone crews and screeners are now trained to use more precise descriptions in radio transmissions. And, shortly after the incident, McChrystal banned the use of the term military age male, saying it implied that every adult man was a combatant. Some officers in the Pentagon drew another lesson from the incident: An abundance of surveillance information can lead to misplaced confidence in the ability to tell friend from foe. Technology can occasionally give you a false sense of security that you can see everything, that you can hear everything, that you know everything, said Air Force Major Gen. James O. Poss, who oversaw the Air Force investigation. I really do think we have learned from this. McChrystal issued letters of reprimand to four senior and two junior officers in Afghanistan. The Air Force said the Predator crew was also disciplined, but it did not specify the punishment. No one faced court-martial, the Pentagon said. Several weeks after the attack, American officers travelled to the villages to apologize to survivors and the victims families. They gave each survivor 140,000 afghanis, or about $2,900. Families of the dead received $4,800. MORE: Read the official U.S. military transcript of communications that day david.cloud@latimes.com Times Staff Writer Laura King and special correspondent Aimal Yaqoubi in Kabul, Afghanistan, contributed to this report. Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing Wednesday that killed seven people in Kabul, including members of an Afghan special security unit. Afghan officials said a suicide bomber riding a motorbike targeted a minibus carrying a unit that provides security for senior government officials and reports to the presidential palace. Four members of the force and three civilians were killed, and more than a dozen people were wounded, officials said. Advertisement Islamic State, the militant group based in Iraq and Syria that has claimed responsibility for several recent deadly attacks in South Asia, said one of its members detonated a bomb on a bus carrying Afghan intelligence. The victims were not intelligence officers, nor did the bomber board the bus, Afghan officials said. The special security unit was also the target of a major blast near the same location in April, claimed by Taliban insurgents, that left 28 people dead and hundreds wounded. Aisha Bek, 24, said she was standing about 150 feet away from the bombing on Wednesday morning. The wave of the blast shocked me, she said. I saw someone in a Afghan military uniform thrown out of the vehicle. Even as Islamic State faces assaults on its strongholds in Iraq and Syria, its allies have carried out deadly violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Last month, Islamic State in Khorasan as the groups South Asia branch is known claimed responsibility for killing more than 60 Pakistani police cadets and, days later, kidnapping and killing 26 civilians, including children, in central Afghanistan. Faizy is a special corespondent. Iraqi special forces pushed deeper into the northern city of Mosul on Wednesday, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes but under attack by rockets and suicide bombers from the Islamic State group. Iraqi troops have established a foothold in the citys east and earlier in the day drove northward into the Tahrir neighborhood, where families left their houses to flee the fighting. Mortars from Islamic State-held territory wounded at least five children trying to escape with their families. Away from the front lines, Iraqi forces on Wednesday assessed the damage to the ancient site of Nimrud, about 19 miles southeast of Mosul. Iraqi troops entered Nimrud on Sunday in what was the most significant gain in several days for government forces. Advertisement Maj. Gen. Dhiaa Saadi, deputy commander of Iraqi ground forces who oversaw the operation, said Islamic State had almost completely destroyed the towns ancient Assyrian archaeological site. As the operation to retake Mosul progresses, Saadi said he expected to find more historic artifacts ruined. We have information that all of the archaeological sites inside Mosul have already been destroyed, he said. The late 1980s discovery of treasures in Nimruds royal tombs was one of the 20th centurys most significant archaeological finds. The government said the Islamic State militants, who captured the site in June 2014, destroyed it the following year, using heavy military vehicles. In Mosuls Tahrir neighborhood, troops tried to evacuate residents under fire from Islamic State mortars. Footage from Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw showed families carrying bloodied children a little girl, a teenage boy and an infant into a Humvee. As they were evacuated, the dazed infant lost consciousness. Rudaw later said a 3-year-old girl died in the attack while three other children were wounded. Warplanes from the U.S.-led coalition roared overhead in support of the special forces advance, while plumes of smoke rose over the city. Iraqi troops are converging from several fronts on Mosul, the countrys second largest city and the last major Islamic State stronghold in Iraq. The special forces have been the tip of the spear, driving the farthest into the city itself, but they are still fighting over neighborhoods on its eastern edges. The offensive to drive Islamic State out of Mosul began on Oct. 17. After swift initial gains into the suburbs, progress has slowed as troops move into more built-up areas, still home to more than 1 million civilians. From their foothold in the east, special forces have been advancing slowly over the past week to avoid casualties and civilian deaths as Islamic State fighters emerge to attack from the dense urban landscape, often with armor-plated suicide car bombs. ALSO Aleppo was Syrias factory floor. Now its in ruins and business leaders wonder if its safe to rebuild Wells bring more than clean water to remote Kenyan villages Paying for a rickshaw ride with a sack of rice, and other tales from Indias chaotic ban on large currency notes Russia on Wednesday withdrew support for the International Criminal Court, a largely symbolic but defiant gesture rendered more highly charged by uncertainty over President-elect Donald Trumps stance toward Moscow. Russias move, in the form of a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin and published on the official Kremlin website, came a day after the court had released a preliminary report classifying Russias 2014 takeover of the Crimean peninsula as a consequence of armed conflict with Ukraine. Moscow says Crimea voluntarily joined Russia following a referendum whose validity was doubted by international observers. Advertisement During his campaign, Trump made statements suggesting he was not aware that Russia had annexed Crimea, a move that triggered sanctions and a wave of international condemnation against Moscow. A week after Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential election, some Kremlin-watchers have pointed to early signs of an emboldened attitude by Putin in the international arena. Analysts predict the Russian leader will act swiftly to test Trump, who often referred admiringly to Putin during his campaign, on many longstanding points of dispute with successive American administrations. On Monday, Trump had what was described by the Kremlin as a cordial phone conversation with Putin, drawing expressions of concern from some in the defense and foreign policy establishment. Veteran Republican Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a sharply worded statement Tuesday urging Trump not to place excessive trust in Putin. The Russian repudiation of the International Criminal Court will have little practical effect, at least in the short term. Moscow signed the 1998 Statute of Rome creating the Hague-based tribunal, which was set up to prosecute grave international offenses such as war crimes and genocide, and has cooperated with it on some issues. But it remained outside of ICC jurisdiction because it did not ratify the treaty. The United States is not a signatory to the statute, citing concerns about potential prosecution of U.S. military personnel and civilian political officials. Events in Syrias multi-sided war might also have influenced Russia, which can wield a United Nations Security Council veto to prevent cases from being referred to the International Criminal Court. Putins government has brushed aside U.N. calls for a war-crimes investigation of months of ferocious bombardment of the opposition-held sector of the northern city of Aleppo by Russia and Syrian government forces. Hundreds of civilians have died in that onslaught. Fresh denunciations came this week as the U.N. General Assemblys human rights committee condemned attacks on civilians in Aleppo and called for a cease-fire. Trump has indicated he will cut off U.S. financial and logistical support to some rebels seeking to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad, even as Russia deepens its involvement in the conflict. On Tuesday, Russia for the first time deployed aircraft carrier-borne fighter jets against Syrian rebel positions, and Assad told Portuguese TV that the incoming U.S. leader might prove a natural ally in the fight against Islamic State militants. The Obama administration has excluded Syria from the coalition confronting the extremist Sunni Muslim group. Although Russia might see a kindred ideology at work in Trumps criticism of alliances and institutions including NATO, the International Criminal Court was already struggling with widespread criticisms of ineffectiveness and unfair selectivity. Because of issues including a lack of jurisdictional reach, the court has dealt almost exclusively with cases from Africa, and three African nations South Africa, Gambia and Burundi recently announced plans to withdraw. Several other African states have indicated they will likely follow suit. Human rights organizations said Russia had never intended to ratify the treaty, but they said the withdrawal announcement was likely meant to emphasize rejection of the courts potential authority in conflicts like Ukraine and Syria. Sergei Nikitin, head of Amnesty Internationals Russia office, called Putins action an expression of contempt for the aims of the ICC and an affront to all victims of these appalling crimes. ALSO Aleppo was Syrias factory floor. Now its in ruins and business leaders wonder if its safe to rebuild Paying for a rickshaw ride with a sack of rice, and other tales from Indias chaotic ban on large currency notes South Koreans dont know what to be more worried about: their scandal-scarred president or Donald Trump UPDATES: 1:00 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with Times reporting. This article was originally published at 6:35 a.m. Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne says the government plans to issue next week the first in a series of decrees to accelerate infrastructure investments and stimulate economic growth All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha (Source: VNA) Responding to queries about waste treatment at industrial and service facilities, craft villages and residential areas, Ha said the ministry is in charge of waste treatment infrastructure while the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is directly responsible for waste treatment. On possible solutions, he said the first task is classifying agriculture-reliant, suburban and urbanised rural areas so as to devise appropriate planning, policies and resources. The Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, Construction, Agriculture and Rural Development need to issue criteria for new rural construction, including those regarding planning and rural infrastructure, and waste collection, he said. In agriculture-reliant areas, every household should be guided on how to classify garbage and adopt biogas model in breeding. In case of any environmental pollution incident, Ha said specific responsibilities should be assigned to central and local authorities, from the approval, design, survey of environmental impacts to supervising firms. Asked about recovery efforts from the environment incident caused by Taiwan-invested Formosa steel company in the central province of Ha Tinh, Ha said the ministry has established a group of prestigious scientists to consider remedy plan and monitor the quality of waste and exhaust fume as well as discharges. To deal with the pollution, a 10ha ecological reservoir equipped with advanced technology is planned to stand at the end of wastewater discharging pipelines, in which fish and mangrove ecosystem live together, to ensure that discharges are safe before being released. The ministry has also designed marine environment monitor systems in the central provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. In case Formosa is yet to sign contract with capable waste treatment companies, its wastes will be stored together with industrial and hazardous ones. In coordination with Ha Tinh authorities, the ministry is accelerating the progress of building waste treatment facilities in registered firms. Formosa was also asked to seek partners to turn pulverised fuel ash into construction materials, he said, adding that the company has invited the worlds well-known consulting firms to help with changing manufacturing and treatment technologies, so as to fully prevent possible risks of pollution. Regarding the response to climate change, Ha said the ministry has devised a scenario for the Mekong Delta, recovered mangrove forests in the south central, and closed natural forests in the Central Highlands. The government has also tasked the ministry with implementing a scheme on land subsidence in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, thereby mapping out an appropriate climate change scenario. According to Mr Ha, the environmental impact reports also offer forecast and fail to give an overview of general impacts on the environment. The Ministry asked the government consider adjusting the Law on Environment Protection and relevant provisions in this regard. As scheduled on November 16th, Minister Hong Ha will continue answering questions in the morning./. Some diners at Vietnam's kiosk (Photo: VTV) The bazaar this year drew the participation of communities from 16 Asian countries, such as Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Japan and Indonesia, and 12 local non-governmental organizations. The kiosk of the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt was one of the places attracting the largest number of visitors at the bazaar. Vietnams cuisine with two traditional dishes of beef noodle soup and fried spring rolls, which continue to assert their brand among diplomats and Egyptian friends. At the opening ceremony of the bazaar, a large number of diners lined up before the soup pot in the freezing air. More than 200 bowls of beef noodle soup were served on site, but there were still a large number of diners who wanted to enjoy the traditional dish of Vietnam. In addition, more than 400 servings of fried spring rolls were also sold in the hours before the bazaar closed. This showed that Vietnams culinary culture had great appeal for international friends. Vietnam's kiosk at the bazaar also provided documents and leaflets about the country, people and landscapes of the S-shaped land. Charity Bazaar 2016 in Egypt attracted thousands of visitors of the diplomatic corps and the local country. Through active participation in annual charitable bazaars, the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt sent a beautiful image of a civilized country of Vietnam with a tradition of solidarity and rich hospitality to international friends./. Participants at the meeting The meeting is being co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Australian Federal Police. Law enforcement officials from Australia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, will discuss emerging trends in people smuggling activity. The fourth meeting of the JMG will focus on the links between organised crime and people smuggling, and the effects of global displacement. The need for greater capacity building for law enforcement officers in source and transit countries to pursue offshore disruption of criminal syndicates will also be discussed. Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Senior-Lieutenant General Pham Dung (left) at the event Speaking at the opening of the Conference, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Senior-Lieutenant General Pham Dung emphasized: transnational organized crime and people smuggling syndicates have been established and are running people smuggling activities with many sophisticated and unpredictable modus operandi. This situation presents potential serious dangers and challenges to the public safety and socio-economic stability..., requiring the law enforcement agencies of countries cooperate, work closely and join hands to combat and prevent this problem. Along with each country providing an overview of its current efforts, presentations by INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Organisation for Migration will also feature. Key statement from Australian Consul General Karen Lanyon echoed the importance of deterring people smuggling to save lives. The JMG reinforces people smuggling is an organised crime that exploits the most vulnerable of people. The socio-economic impacts are felt by those exploited, as well as the source, transit, and destination countries. AFP Commander of the Operation Sovereign Borders Disruption and Deterrence Task Group, Lesa Gale, recognised Vietnams efforts to support a regional approach to countering people smuggling. AFP Commander of the Operation Sovereign Borders Disruption and Deterrence Task Group, Lesa Gale This multilateral crime forum is an excellent example of law enforcement collaboration, fostering regional cooperation to progress the holistic disruption of people smuggling and transnational crime across Asia, Commander Gale said. We all wish to express our high appreciation to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and particularly the Ministry of Public Security for co-hosting this critically important event. The JMG was established in 2014 as a regional law enforcement partnership dedicated to preventing the exploitation of vulnerable men, women and children by people smugglers. The meeting supports the Australian Governments anti-people smuggling strategic communication campaign to counter rumors and misinformation being marketed by criminal people smugglers. The recent reinforcement of Australias on-water maritime assets, surveillance capabilities, and offshore deterrence efforts will ensure any people smuggling boat that attempts to travel to Australia in the future is detected and turned back. Settlement in Australia will never be an option for anyone attempting to travel to Australia illegally by boat. Previous JMG meetings have been held in Sydney, Australia (2014); Bali, Indonesia (2015); and Colombo, Sri Lanka (2016)./. 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 Falling income combined with sustained Government budget cuts caused by austerity has forced county councillors to take more from local employers. The 3 percent increase in rates, projected to bring in an extra 370,000, was recommended by the council's chief executive John Mulholland, who said it was needed to balance the books next year. "Unless Laois County Council can identify a new stream of funding or increase revenue from an existing income stream it will not be possible to present a balanced Revenue Budget for 2017, he had warned prior to the councillors vote last Monday November 14. Next year Laois will spend 59.3 million, up 4 percent from this year. It compares with 73 million in 2008. During the same period more than 100 staff were cut from Laois County Council. The chief executive pointed out the Laois takes less in property taxes and rates than any other county. Mr Mulholland listed increased insurance costs, extra public lighting, unfinished housing estates, more regulation requirements and the low property tax rates as extra pressures. Next January, the rate will rise from 64.63 to 66.57 . (The total to be paid is calculated by multiplying the rateable valuation of the property by the annual rate on valuation as adopted by the council at its annual budget meeting) The county has over 1,700 businesses, but only the biggest will pay the full extra cost. Councillors also voted to boost the rates incentive scheme, giving a 4 percent discount to small businesses who pay up their commercial rates by the end of 2017. It is also widened to businesses owing up to 8,500, previously set at 5,000. However unpaid rates from previous years must still be paid. Cllr John Moran, FG, proposed the approval of the council's 2017 budget of almost 60m, with the rates increase, and a boosted incentive scheme. A lot of work has been put into writing the 2017 budget. The benefits outweigh the 3 percent, I feel the benefit is to the public, he said, seconded by Cllr Paschal McEvoy, FF. It's really needed to continue carrying out public servies to Laois, he said. Cllr Brendan Phelan (Ind) proposed the increase be deferred a year. We have to take into consideration the implications of Brexit and the US, we are sending out all the wrong messages. If 15 percent of vacant premises were occupied, we wouldn't need the increase, he said, seconded by Cllr Caroline Dwane SF. The population grew by 4,200 here since 2011, the equivalent of another town the size of Mountmellick, Mr Mulholland said. Laois has grown by 17,700 people since 2006, reaching 84,732 by the 2016 Census. Laois centenarian Rebecca Hendy, nee Wellwood from Ballinakill, has passed away peacefully just days after celebrating her 100th birthday. Mrs Hendy died in the loving care of staff at Oghill Nursing Home in Monasterevin last Sunday November 13, where six days before she had been presented with gifts, flowers and a beautiful cake. Unwell on her birthday on November 7, she had received Holy Communion from Archdeacon Leslie Stevenson from Portarlington, with prayers and celebrations with family and friends from all over Laois around her bedside. Mrs Hendy was born in the year of Irelands rise to independence, at her familys farm in Clonking Ballinakill, later attending school in Glenbawn, Abbeyleix. "She remained living and working on the family farm until she married my uncle James Hendy in the 1960s and moved to Ratheenduff in Stradbally. When he passed away in 1980 she remained there for another twenty years, explained Frank Hendy from Mountmellick. Mrs Hendy then moved to the Sue Ryder House in Ballyroan, where she spent many happy years before retiring to Oghill. She farmed all her life. She was a very industrious lady, good living. She never drank or smoked, and was dedicated to her church, said Mr Hendy, who with his wife Martha thanked the nursing home for their constant care. We want to say thank you for looking after Becky so well, and they did a lovely party for her. Its a marvellous age for a person to reach, Frank Hendy said on the day of the birthday. Mrs Hendy was the first centenarian at Oghill. We were very excited and proud to have her celebrate her birthday with us. She is a much loved resident. Rebeccas lovely family and friends made this a very special occasion, said the staff on the day of the birthday. Mrs Hendy's remains reposed in Moloney's Funeral Home, Mountmellick, on Tuesday from 6.30pm followed by removal at 7.15pm to St Patrick's Church of Ireland, Stradbally. Funeral Service is at 3pm on Wednesday with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Laois Hospice. Objections are mounting to a proposed electrical connection which would run across the county from a substation in Portlaoise to a controversial wind farm in the area of Cullenagh. The Coillte Teoranta wind farm, comprising of 18 turbines located to the east of Ballyroan and to the south west of Timahoe, was refused permission by Laois County Council in October, 2013, following massive local opposition, but was granted under appeal by An Bord Pleanala in June of 2014. Now locals and groups are once again making submissions to the council, objecting to Coilltes plans to provide a 38KV electric underground connection to the wind farm, which would pass through Cullenagh, Cloncullane, Pass and Kylekiproe. Many property owners along the proposed grid route have not provided consent for a wayleave across their property. Many of them said that they had not been informed of the potential health impacts of an underground cable in close proximity to their home. Ms Paula Byrne, Cullenagh, whose child attends primary school in Ballyroan by which the 38KV line will pass, said she had not been informed of the effect of a high voltage line so close to small children. She said that researchhas stated that the relationship between ELF-MF and childhood leukemia remains consistent with possible carcinogenicity in humans. In the case of any uncertainty regarding the health of young children close to high voltage lines, it is imperative that Coillte use alternative options, said Ms Byrne. Mr Seamus Fingleton, representing People Over Wind, Cullenagh, said that landowners would begin legal proceedings unless Laois County Council withdrew the slander of title concerning permission to Coillte to develop across the landowners land. The People Over Wind group also said that the application was invalid as works had already commenced on site on July 18/19, 2016. Laois Hospice has called on the public to plot the future for what is arguably the biggest charity in Laois, as its leadership say it is now at a crossroads. The charity is not in the midst of a crisis of funding or operation but its board believe change is needed to renew the charity to move it forward and develop it so that it continues to provide vital care to people who are in the final stages of life. The board have urged people from the four corners of Laois to a public meeting on Friday, November 18 next at 8pm in the Killeshin Hotel. They say it is the most important meeting in the charity's history. We are calling a public meeting to see where services go and how they develop into the future, Seamus O'Donoghue, chairman of the organisation. We want to know where we should go in the delivery of palliative car as far as the public is concerned, he said. He said the charity has grown from having an annual budget of 10,000 a year to today funding services to the tune of 315,000 annually. Home care for people in the final stages is the priority but the charity also funds inpatient beds as well as social workers. The Hospice supports the Cuisle Centre and also provides a invaluable hardship fund for people hit financially by life ending illnesses. Mr O'Donghue and the charity's clinical director, Peter Naughton are anxious to make everything open for discussion. One issue high on the agenda is the leadership and membership of the board. They are hoping that a new generation of people get involved. Some members have been on the board for a number of years and there is a strong belief that new members are needed to drive the sevice forward for the long term. This is the most important meeting we have called since we set up Laois Hospice twenty years ago. We want to to find out from the public if they believe there is the future for the hospice to be as has been heretofore or will it take on a differant direction, he said. It is at a crossroads. No organisation can continue the same way forever, you have to have change but not for change's sake, said the retired surgeon. Issues such as the building of a hospice for the midlands can be discussed and the leadership are not opposed to the concept, however they are adamant that care for the people of Laois in their own homes must remain the number one priority. The meeting will be chaired by Eileen Dunne of RTE. Mr O'Donoghue will open the meeting which will also be addressed by Michael Cushen, Palliative Care Consultant with the HSE for Laois and Offaly. Pat Bennett, HSE Regional Director will also speak as will Mr Naughton. Local politicians in Laois have defended their decision not to protest outside the Dail against the downgrade of Portlaoise's hospital. Laois county councillors backed out of a planned trip to Dublin because the Minister for Health Simon Harris would not meet them on Wednesday, November 9. The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Tom Mulhall said a decision was reached with the chairs of the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and technichal group because Laois TD and Minister Charlie Flanagan was not in the country and that the Minister for Health Simon Harris would not meet them. "We thought it better to leave it for a few weeks," said Cllr Mulhall. "I don't think we were going to meet anyone. So what would that prove?" The Fine Gael chairman said councillors were not "protestors" but "elected representatives. Cllr Mulhall did not agree that it would be too late to talk to the Minister after the plan is finalised. Minister Harris said clearly last week in the Dail that he would meet the county councillors only after the plan is published. Asked what the people of Laois would think about councillors who had cancelled the protest Cllr Mulhall said local politicians "are not going to let down the people". He said the hospital would be kept open through negotiation and discussion with Ministers and not protests. "One hour of walking up and down Dail Eireann is not going to swing it one way or another," he said. His Fine Gael party colleague, Cllr Willie Aird originally proposed the trip to Dublin lat month. He said he was not happy with the cancellation. He said the trip to Dublin was never based on a meeting with the Minister but was designed as a "show of solidarity with the hospital". The leader of the Fianna Fail group Cllr John Joe Fennelly reluctantly agreed with the cancellation. There was no point going up just to be there and nobody to meet, we wanted to make our feelings felt to the Minister, said Cllr Fennelly. He said the councillors would put pressure on Minister Flanagan to organise a meeting. He said it was a 'no win' for councillors whether they called off the trip or went in the absence of a meeting. Sinn Fein were not unified on the situation. Deputy Brian Stanley told the Leinster Express that he was ready to meet the councillors and that Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had taken a day off work to travel. However, Portarlington's Sinn Fein councillor did not see the value in going at all. "I never intended to go up with the convoy. That was a bit of grandstanding at the meeting. I knew all along the Minister would not meet us. Nothing would be achieved except a headline, said Cllr Aidan Mullins. We have one of the senior ministers in the government, his influence alone should be sufficient. Fianna Fail is propping up the government, if they made this a red line issue it could be saved, its as simple as that. Are the HSE going to back down when they see a few councillors go up? It sounded good, send the cavalry, its populism. Portlaoise's Labour county councillor Noel Touhy shared the veiw that the trip would not go ahead if there was no meeting. I was more or less informed that it had been deferred, he said. As a result he felt that the meeting and trip to Dublin would still goahead. He said things can change and the issues would be discussed at meetings this week. Damian McDonald, who lives in Stradbally, has been appointed as Director General of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). Mr McDonald will take up the role in the New Year. Currently he is is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Horse Sport Ireland. Prior to this he was CEO of Macra na Feirme from 2001 to 2007. His salary will be 185,350. He previously worked for the IFA from 1999 to 2001 in the position of Livestock Services Manager where he worked in the areas of Direct Payments and Animal Health. IFA President Joe Healy said he was delighted to welcome somebody of the calibre of Damian McDonald and he looked forward to working closely with him on the many issues of concern to farm families. The income crisis in the sector this year requires strong and committed work by IFA to improve incomes and conditions for farmers. We will work together on behalf of all farmers. Speaking after his appointment, Damian McDonald said: "Being from a farming background, I am very conscious of the responsibilities the position of Director General of the IFA brings with it. I am looking forward to working with the President, the Officers, the Executive Council, National Committees and IFA's staff team to progress the organisation and the issues affecting the farming community. Damian grew up on a dairy, beef and pig farm in Crossabeg in County Wexford and currently lives in Stradbally with his wife and three children. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics from University College Dublin and he is a past pupil St. Peters College in Wexford. A man has been arrested in Portlaoise in connection with the murder of a Dublin man in Kildare in September. At approximately 1pm today (16th November) Gardai said a male in his thirties was arrested in Portlaoise in connection with the murder of Phillip Finnegan in August 2016 at Rahin Wood Co Kildare. The man was detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 as amended at Leixlip Garda Station. Philip Finnegan, whose body was discovered in Rahin Wood on September 2. He was reported missing from his home at Mary Aikenhead House, Dublin 8 since Wednesday, August 10 this year. His remains were discovered by people out walking. Gardai did not disclossed the findings of the most mortem at the time for for operational reasons. The deceased, who had links with organised crime, had previously been attacked and shot at. He reportedly narrowly escaped death when fired on by a gunman in Dublin in July 2013. Last year, Finnegan was acquitted of firearms possession after a semi-automatic handgun capable of firing blanks was found during a raid on his home. For the second time in less than a year, the Cock Bridge over the Grand Canal has been badly damanged, forcing the erection of a stop/go traffic light system. The bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal at Donore on the Caragh to Prosperous road was the scene of two crashes in the past two weeks. The first crash damaged a metal barrier, which had been erected after the wall of the bridge was rebuilt last year to protect it. The second crash, early last week, knocked out the entire side wall of the bridge with debris falling into the canal and along the bank more than 10 metres below. Kildare County Council has issued a statement saying they are engaging with Waterways Ireland in relation to repairs to the bridge. However they noted that "responsibility for the repairs is a matter for Waterways Ireland. While a time line has not been identified by Waterways Ireland at this stage, it is anticipated that the repairs will be carried out shortly". Bridges in the Caragh area have taken a battering in the last 18 months, with the closure of the Liffey Bridge between Caragh and Naas for several months while it was being repaired. The railway bridge on the Newbridge road out of Caragh has had limitations put on it, with a stop/go system put in place and a restriction on larger lorries. The Cock Bridge, like much of the rest of the Grand Canal, and accompanying infrastructure, was built in the last decades of the 1700s. It gets its name from a building which known as an alehouse called The Cock. That building is now gone. It was replaced in more recent times by a private dwelling, known locally as Tommy Everetts house, and the infamous Caragh Orphanage. The ruins of both are still visible. Many years ago, the man who is now the Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, had the unenviable job of being the one to stand up on behalf of Fine Gael and criticise a mid-boom Fianna Fail giveaway-madness budget. He came up with an image that he thought would resonate with middle Ireland that of the newly married young couple hes a guard and she's a nurse he explained in the gender stereotypical vernacular of his generation. He painted the scene such were the runaway house prices that the garda and the nurse were locked out of the property game. I thought at the time it was a scenario that would resonate widely but it couldnt compete with the sheer lunacy of the Bertie Property Bubble. It turns out, the banks were perfectly willing to throw ridiculous sums of money at the garda and the nurse, and similarly so at the developer who wanted to sell Belturbet as "Dublin's most attractive commuter belt town". We are now in a different sort of place in many respects and yet, not quite so different. Only last week, Daft.ie announced that rent prices had risen further than ever before and generally speaking the aspiration to live, either as a home owner or a renter, in the greater Dublin region is becoming essentially impossible for Michael Noonan's young couple. Most couples I know are middle income people earning somewhere between 35,000 and 55,000 a head. Theyre driving seven or eight year old ordinary cars, theyre eating out once a week, buying their groceries in Aldi or Lidl and their biggest expense/indulgence is the seemingly countless weddings they cant escape attending. The upper limit of what they hope to buy is approximately 220,000. There was a time when the housing market in any given town or village (unless it was Dalkey or Foxrock) had a place for everybody the expensive detached house right down to the starter home, the affordable, slightly rundown, fixer upper. That latter option is the bit that is now getting scarce in parts of Kildare. Yes, the north and northeast of the county were always more expensive but it was never quite so prohibitively exclusionary. The least expensive property for sale in Maynooth is a two-bed apartment for 165,000 although most apartments there are going for 50,000 to 60,000 more. The cheapest three-bed semi is 250,000. Naas is slightly better with apartments in the 120,000 range and three-bed semis start at about 230,000 but thats still not starter home stuff. We getting to a point where the northern half of Kildare is not a place that young people on the average industrial wage looking for a starter home can go and that has profound, and not particularly attractive consequences, on the character of our towns. We need ask ourselves what we want our towns and our county to look like? You might well say, correctly, that there are large parts of Kildare where you can get a house for more reasonable prices. And that's true, but it misses the point. I feel its important to guard against the sort of inequality and societal dysfunction of having entire towns that the young or those on average incomes cannot afford live in. Should a young person, if they wish, be able to buy a starter home in their own home town or will we accept that they must move away? I have more questions than answers, although a programme of local authority housing would go some way to diluting the problem. The controversial dump at Kerdiffstown, Naas, is to be turned into a public park. The site hit the headlines almost six years ago when fires ignited within mounds of refuse creating massive plumes of smoke which were visible for miles around. Both the fires and the smells which preceded them led to an outcry from people living in Naas, principally in Monread and also in Sallins, Johnstown, Kill and Clane. The 75 acre site was described during one court hearing as the most complained about landfill in Ireland. Since then the Environmental Protection Agency and Kildare County Council have embarked on a major clean-up operation. This project, which has cost at least 12m to date, is being managed by KCC since mid-2015. Following an extensive consultation period, during which members of the public were asked what should happen to the site once the clean up process is completed, its been decided by KCC that should become a public park with walkways/running routes, a childrens play area, two multi-use pitches and changing facilities. Some 3 million cubic metres of rubbish was dumped there, mostly construction waste which carries little risk of pollution. Kevin Motherway, a scientist working at Kerdiffstown, told a KCC meeting that some 200 boreholes have been drilled at Kerdiffstown and while there are a lot of myths about the site, no hazardous materials were found. Following on its Georgina Campbell Hotel of the Year 2017 title and being rated No 1 Hotel in Ireland on Trip Adviser for four consecutive years, Harveys Point Hotel, Lough Eske, Donegal, has now been rated No 1 Four Star Hotel in Ireland by the hotel search website trivago. Harveys Point also received the highest rating in Ireland for its guest rooms. In 2016 the Donegal hotel was rated No1 in Ireland by trivago but, in a change to the system , awards are now made in a number of categories. Harveys Point hotelier Deirdre McGlone welcomed the announcement. We are particularly delighted at the top rating given to our guest rooms, which are the largest and most luxuriously furnished and equipped in the country, she said. Earlier in the year Georgina Campbell gave very warm praise to our team and it is this combination of a true Donegal welcome with luxury accommodation and surroundings that makes our hotel a special place for guests. At Harvey's Point our goal is to make every guest feel welcome: We do this by providing luxury accommodation, gourmet food, many little extras and most of all, by personally engaging with everyone who visits us. trivago, used over 175 million aggregated hotel reviews and semantic analysis to determine the best-rated hotels in Ireland. By analysing reviews aggregated from different sources across the web, trivago aims to award hotels on a basis which is accurate, comprehensive and impartial. Johannes Thomas, Managing Director at trivago, comments We aggregate and analyse more than 175 million hotel reviews from websites all over the world. This gives us strong insights into what hotels are particularly good at. Our trivago awards recognise those hoteliers who deliver an exceptional experience to their guests, and we are proud and delighted to award those achievements. There has been quite a lot of negativity surrounding forestry in Co. Leitrim in recent months. The reality on the ground is very different however, as forestry makes a valuable contribution to the economic, social and environmental well being of the county. According to the national forest inventory 16.7% of Leitrim is under forestry, 27% of which is broadleaf. In 2016 alone forestry payments worth over 2.6m were paid by my Department to over 300 landowners with Leitrim addresses, 70% of whom were farmers. Over 400 farmers living in Leitrim see forestry as an option for them and have participated in the afforestation scheme fully funded and operated by my Department. In terms of employment there are approximately 480 jobs being created by forestry in Co. Leitrim. Masonite, one of the largest processors of timber in the country, is located in Carrick on Shannon and employs over 140 people. Economic activity generated by forestry is set to increase in the years ahead as timber production is set to rise from 129,000 m3 in 2016 to 232,000 m3 in 2025. This will generate further employment opportunities in harvesting, haulage and replanting of clear felled sites. Private Forest owners will benefit from the sale of this timber to tune of almost 1.5m in 2016 rising to approximately 6m in 2025, all of which is income tax free. This money along with wages earned from jobs in forestry will be spent in local shops and business, thereby helping to grow the rural economy. Forestry is also good for the environment; it can contribute to enhancing the quality of our water by acting as a filtration buffer, thereby reducing sedimentation of our rivers and streams. Appropriately sited and well-designed and managed woodlands and forests can also contribute to the control of floodwater, through canopy interception, the use of water by the trees themselves, and the higher infiltration rates and greater storage capacity within forest soils. Furthermore, forestry contributes to Climate Change Mitigation in three important ways; - Recovery of CO2 through carbon sequestration; - Wood can replace fossil fuels as a means of generating heat and power. - Provision of products with low Green House Gas emissions that can replace products with higher GHG emissions for delivering the same service (e. g., replacement of concrete and steel in buildings with wood (including engineered wood such cross laminated timber (CLT) , bioenergy) According to the CSO Census of Agriculture 2010, the average farm size in Co Leitrim is 25.1 hectares while the average forest established since the launch of the new forestry programme in 2015 is just 7 hectares. This suggests that landowners are not choosing to convert their entire holding to forestry. This supports the assertion that forestry is seen as a good option for farmers in situations where land is underutilised and there may be a reluctance to reduce herd size. In other words, forestry does not necessarily mean a reduction in agricultural output, instead where land is underutilised, it signals a more efficient use of land bringing the entire farm closer to its productive potential. Most importantly this approach introduces a stable and additional income into the farm. This new income stream can be used to develop the farm business. Forestry can also be used as security for borrowing. Under my Departments restructured afforestation scheme an annual premium is paid each year for 15 years. Most farmers who plant received 510/hectare income tax free. Furthermore, forestry is compatible with the Basic Payment Scheme and under certain conditions is also compatible with GLAS. As well as the payment of an annual premium for 15 years, my Department will also cover 100% of the cost of establishment. My Department plans to continue to offer forestry as a land use option for farmers throughout the country. The establishment of these new forests is subject to rigorous checks and balances and undergoes careful planning by professional foresters. All applications for afforestation are put on my Departments website showing townland, area of site etc. In addition, my Department publishes notices in local newspapers where applications are made for afforestation in sensitive high-risk areas such as within a NHA, SAC, SPA or National Park or within a prime scenic area in the county development plan. In addition to these measures site notices will also be a requirement at the proposed entrance to the site once the new Forestry Act 2014 is implemented. The Irish Heart Foundation, the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, is urging the public to learn how to take their pulse to help detect an irregular heartbeat which may help prevent a stroke. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder which carries a five-fold additional risk of stroke but regular pulse checks can help detect it. Dr Angie Brown Medical Director of the Irish Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist said: Atrial Fibrillation is a very common cause of disabling stroke in Ireland and by raising awareness of a condition that affects tens of thousands of people in Ireland, and the need for checking your heart rate by regularly checking your pulse; we can prevent more strokes and ultimately save lives. Today more than 40,000 people over 50 years old in Ireland suffer from Atrial Fibrillation, but the vast majority are unaware of it with just 26% of the population having heard of the condition. The Irish Heart Foundation is running a national radio awareness campaign, supported by Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb, encouraging adults to learn how to take their pulse or to call the Irish Heart Foundations Helpline on Freephone 1800 25 25 50. Paul Reid, Managing Director Pfizer Healthcare Ireland added: Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a serious heart rhythm disorder but the good news is that it can be managed effectively once diagnosed. Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb are proud to support this important public awareness campaign. There are about 8,000 strokes in Ireland annually, approximately a third of which are associated with Atrial Fibrillation. Some people have no symptoms of AF and are only diagnosed at a routine check-up, or following a serious event like a stroke. But there can be warning signs and these include palpitations, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling faint. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, the chance of developing AF can increase if a person has one or more medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. AF can affect adults of any age, but it is more common as people get older. Dr Brown continued: Although Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is generally not life-threatening, it is a serious condition and can lead to serious complications such as stroke and other heart problems. The good news is that greater recognition and treatment of AF can reduce stroke risk by 65%. Getting to know your pulse is the first step to help detect the condition which can then be diagnosed with your doctor. A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 heartbeats per minute but some people can have heart rates over 100. You should see your doctor if you have a persistent heart rate above 120 beats per minute or below 40 beats per minute or if your pulse feels irregular. The good news is that AF can be treated with medicines and medical procedures to regulate your heartbeat and reduce your risk of stroke. If you think you have any of these symptoms, or want to speak to an Irish Heart Foundation nurse today and learn how to take your pulse, Freephone 1800 25 25 50. Regardless of the cries of the Brexiteers, the answer is simple. It can, if it wants to. Heres why; First and foremost Members of Parliament are representatives, they are not delegates. As representatives, they are free to, and it is their duty to, exercise their own judgement. Members cannot be and should never be prevented from exercising their conscience in casting their votes. This duty applies in even greater measure to Peers. As (self-proclaimed) trustees of the nation, they must be willing to take decisions counter to the public mood when they consider it to be in the national interest. I cannot see any advantage to an unelected chamber that merely follows the mood of the electorate. The second argument is one of the oldest and most powerful of liberal arguments. Its the one advanced by Thomas Paine when Edmund Burke set out to repudiate the right of the French to determine their own destiny. In his attack on the French Revolution, Burke argued, wrongly, that the social contract of a nation was eternal, that it was bequeathed to them by the past and was, therefore, unalterable by any people in the present or future. In other words, he was arguing that past decisions made by the courts, Parliament, or the nation could not be overturned by the present people in their parliament. In his Rebuke to this, Thomas Paine, one of liberalisms greatest lights, contended that only the present, not the past, had the right to shape the future. In this liberal view, no decision however determined is eternally binding. From the victory of Paines argument comes one of the core tenets of parliamentary sovereignty: the idea that no Parliament can bind its successors. To accept that Parliament cannot argue against, object to, and overturn a prior decision either by the nation or a previous parliament would be to accept the central tenant of conservatism. That it is the past, not the present, which should determine the future. That a decision, once made, has been settled for all time. This is the argument that inhabits the mind of every aspirant dictator and forms the basis of their claim to power. The increasingly autocratic ruler of Turkey, Recep Erdogan, probably expressed this sentiment best when he reportedly said,Democracy is like a train. Once you reach your destination, you get off. Democracy is not like a train. It is not a destination we arrive at. It is an evolving discussion that is never done. In a democracy, no question, once answered, is settled forever. Beware of anyone claiming otherwise, for they are claiming an irrevocable authority from the past that does not exist. It is always for the present, not the past, to determine the future. We may choose to be informed and guided by the past but we are not, and can never be, bound by it. * Scott Craig is a member of the Liberal Democrats, currently living in Edinburgh When Liberal International was founded in Oxford nearly 70 years ago it was very much a European affair. With the noble exception of Canada, Liberal parties and values were largely confined to northern Europe, but since then the picture has changed dramatically. As we in Britain lick our wounds from the double whammy of the Brexit vote and the triumph of Donald Trump in the United States let us take comfort from the fact that the Liberal family is growing worldwide. This was dramatically illustrated by the Liberal International (LI) Executive in Marrakesh, at which five new African parties from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Senegal and Somalia were welcomed into membership last weekend, which means that LI now has almost 50 member parties from Africa alone. The Marrakesh gathering was timed to coincide with COP22, the latest in a series of global conferences following up on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. So it was hardly surprising that environmental issues figured prominently in LIs discussions this time. Indeed, one of the keynote speakers was Moroccos Minister for the Environment, Hakima el Haite, who belongs to the Moroccan party that was one of our hosts, le Mouvement Populaire. Human rights were also very much on the agenda; to a large degree they are LIs USP, as none of the other political internationals address them sufficiently seriously. Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape in South Africa (which LI member party, the Democratic Alliance, controls) gave a particularly inspiring address relating to gender equality. For much of 2016 a working group has been writing a Liberal Manifesto which aims to be a campaigning tool for Liberal parties worldwide. This was also discussed at Marrakesh and a final version should be ready in time for the organisations 70th anniversary next year. 2017 will see crucial elections in both France and Germany, in particular, and as the forces of illiberalism rally to fight those it is vital that the Liberal Internationals member parties, including the Liberal Democrats, are in fine fettle to take them on. Jonathan Fryer is a former Chair of London Liberal Democrats and is a member of the LibDems Federal Executive * Jonathan Fryer is Chair of the Federal International Relations Committee. Yes, another day. The LDV team are still a bit short-handed, and so Im back in harness again this week. Its been another tough week for Theresa Mays administration, with suggestions that they havent got a plan yet, and that thousands more civil servants will be needed to deliver Brexit. I dimly recall that part of the problem with Europe was that there were too many bureaucrats Ah well, at least we can be assured by the competence that theyve displayed so far Perhaps not. There will be more news from Europe, as Guy Verhofstadt gently chides Boris Johnson on how Brexit negotiations might go. Meanwhile, Ill be looking forward to the ALDE Party Congress in Warsaw, just two weeks away, focussing on the elections to its Bureau, as part of our coverage of that event. Well also have the usual articles from you, our readers. Remember, we welcome well-written, lively contributions on whatever subject takes your fancy (well, obviously they should be related to politics), 500 words or so and not previously published elsewhere. And now, on with the show * Mark Valladares is a former day editor and Readers Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice. LIMERICK entries for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2017 are the third highest in the country, with 54 entries from 14 Limerick secondary schools accepted for the competition. A total of 120 Limerick students will take part in the four-day exhibition on January 11 in the RDS, in which 14 awards were claimed by Limerick students last year. Speaking on the record number of entries for 2017 Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton TD said: The BT Young Scientist and 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. Limerick entries covered a diverse range of topics, such as farming, the environment, health, safety, terrorism, education, sport and social experiments. Limerick entries covered a diverse range of topics, such as farming, the environment, health, safety, terrorism, education, sport and social experiments. One of the highest number of entries came from Salesian Secondary College, Pallaskenry. The West Limerick school has nine entries in the competition, including a heart monitor which could be incorporated into the steering wheel of cars to prevent fatal accidents when motorists fall asleep while driving, and a glow in the dark ink which will allow people to read books in the dark. Ardscoil Ris on the North Circular Road have five accepted entries, which include To Bee or not to Bee a project which aims to discover if an artificial flower feeding system can aid pee population over the winter and Investock an experiment which aims to address poor financial literacy in students through the use of a simulated trading platform, index and accompanying educational resources. Six entries were accepted from John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, which includes an investigation into whether exercise with dance and music can reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease, and a study into whether playing music or animal sounds to dairy cows can improve the quality or quantity of the milk they produce. The fourteen schools from which the 54 entries were accepted are Desmond College, Colaiste Iosaef, Castletroy College, Gaelcholaise Luimnigh, Hazelwood College, John The Baptist Community School, Glenstal Abbey School, Ardscoil Ris, Scoil Mhuire agus Ide, Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, Colaiste Chiarain, Salesian Secondary College, Colaiste Ide agus Iosef and Crescent College Comprehensive. LUFTHANSA has announced its first ever scheduled service from Shannon, with the airport to connect with Frankfurt from 2017. The new Shannon Frankfurt route will operate weekly on a Saturday from April 29 to October 28 next year, using an A319 aircraft. Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas said the airport was delighted to welcome Lufthansa to Shannon with their first scheduled service. This is a significant milestone for our airport and region by one of the worlds major airlines, he said. Germany is Irelands third-largest source of visitors and the addition of this new Frankfurt Main service is great news for the Irish tourism industry along the west coast and beyond as Shannon Airport will provide German holidaymakers with a gateway to the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way and Irish holidaymakers with an opportunity to explore a wonderful part of Germany. We look forward to working with the team at Lufthansa and our Irish Tourism industry partners to ensure the success of the new service. Lufthansa Groups senior director sales for UK, Ireland and Iceland, Andreas Koster, said the airline was very happy to announce this new non-stop flight directly to the heart of Germany. Customers from the Western part of Ireland will travel in in just a bit more than two hours to Frankfurt. It will connect our hub and offer a smooth connection to some intercontinental destinations such as Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo or Singapore." The news comes after the recent announcement that Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is to launch a new service from Shannon to Stockholm in 2017. The airport believes that the new Frankfurt service reinforces Shannons position as the natural gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way as well as connecting it to the financial heartbeat of continental Europe. Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, warmly welcomed the new service. This will certainly expand travel options for German holidaymakers wishing to visit the Wild Atlantic Way and the West of Ireland next summer, he said. We look forward to working closely with Lufthansa and Shannon Airport to maximise the promotion of this new route and to help drive demand for the flight. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. 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. Over a half of banks inspected by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) violate restrictions on transactions with affiliated persons. "The regulator inspected these transactions at 58 banks as of November 1, 2016. The study showed that 27 banks carry out transactions with affiliated person observing the regulator's requirements," the NBU said. The NBU in October 2016 tested active transactions with affiliated persons at 14 banks: the central bank seeks to finish the inspection of all banks by the end of 2016. According to the report, 24 banks are drawing up three-year schedules for repaying loans to affiliated persons and four banks received the NBU's approval of their schedules: the regulator anticipates that in 2019 banks will operate without violating the rules. "Many Ukrainian banks attracted deposits of the public and financed business of their owners using these funds and other persons affiliated with banks. These activities created a threat to stability of the banks and the banking system in general," the NBU said. Attempts to discriminate China's CNBM in the issues of the feed-in tariff are linked to tough fight of energy market players, Director General of China's CNBM New Energy Engineering Co., Ltd. Yongzhi Chen has said, commenting on the refusal to compensate the loss from the decreased tariffs to the company, while other market players received this compensation. "Being involved in this fight, some participants think that the problem could be solved at expense of others. In this concrete case at expense of us," he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. Chen recalled that late 2014 and early 2015 the feed-in tariff was not revised pegging to the euro exchange rate that has significantly changed. Later the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER) decided to compensate short-received funds to producers, but the CNBM's facilities were not included in the list. "It is fair to assume that the list was created selectively in a non-transparent manner. Our companies filed claims to court and won them. However, the situation has not been solved. Our plants, compared to other sustainable power generators, have not received the compensation for the non-revision of the tariffs to the euro exchange rate," he said. Due to the reduction of the tariff in 2015 CNBM had to ask banks financing the projects to reschedule their loans. "Thus, our group of companies faced losses twice due to short-received revenue and additional payments on loans we had to pay. The further decline of the tariff would not only decrease return on CNBM's investment, but would make the operation of the plants loss-making," Chen said. He said that dozens of other solar power plants built later with the cheaper equipment are operating with the same tariff CNBM's solar power plants had before the reduction their tariff was not cut. Chen said that the position of the Chinese company today is ignored when bills prolonging the decreased tariff for large solar power plants with a capacity of over 10 MW for the whole period of the stimulating tariff until 2030 are discussed. The CNBM director general believes that these initiatives are politically motivated and their authors deceived their colleagues and the public regarding the owners of the company and its financial indicators. He denied the company's relation to Ukrainian oligarchs, in particular, fugitive ex-head of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Andriy Kliuyev. CNBM International Corporation is part of the China National Building Materials Group Corporation (CNBM), which was established in 1984 and is under the direct supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. CNBM is one of China's largest state-owned corporations. The company is in the top 500 largest companies in the world ranking Fortune Global. DTEK Energo in November 2016 seeks to boost supplies of anthracite coal from the areas beyond control of the Ukrainian government by 20% compared to October, Logistics Director Orest Lohunov has said. He said that if in September coal deliveries from the company's coalmines located on the Ukraine uncontrolled areas was 589,000 tonnes, in October it grew to 618,000 tonnes and in November it would be increased to 742,000 tonnes. He said that the increase in supplies this month was possible thanks to the resumption of supplies through the Mykytivka-Mayorsk section operating unstably since November 3. In general, DTEK Energo supplied 1.66 million tonnes of coal to its thermal power plants (TPPs) in September, and they grew by 20% in October, to 2 million tonnes. Lohunov recalled that the company also ships coal from state-owned coalmines and imported from South Africa and Poland. Some 40,000 tonnes out of 79,000 tonnes of South African anthracite arrived to Prydniprovska TPP, and the rest of the coal will come to the plant within a week. Some 130,000 tonnes of gas coal was contracted in Poland and 80,000 tonnes have arrived to TPPs. Some 50,000 tonnes will be imported in November. Pharmaceutical distributors hope that demand on flu vaccine could be satisfied thanks to additional supplies of influenza vaccine by Sanofi Pasteur S.A. (France) at the end of November. Business Center Pharmacia, the distributor of the French manufacturer, told Interfax-Ukraine that the next batch of influenza vaccine could be made by late November. At present distributors are closing the applications submitted earlier. However, they cannot satisfy demand. "This year fewer influenza vaccines were made. The situation last year was better," he said. "At present, Sanofi Pasteur has not provided 25,000 vaccine doses ordered by us," Director of the purchase department of Optima Pharm Ukrainian distributor Olena Moskalenko told Interfax-Ukraine. She said that Sanofi Pasteur explained the absence of vaccine by production of not enough doses and supplies of tender vaccines, which the company produces first. A private medical center in Mykolaiv told Interfax-Ukraine that they do not have influenza vaccine. Sanofi in Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that at present the manufacturer first supplies influenza vaccine to Kyiv and distributors organize deliveries to the regions. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that influenza vaccine for 206-2017 season made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals is not shipped to Ukraine. However, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals registered here influenza vaccine. The market operators said that at present all influenza vaccines shipped within the budget procurement tenders to budget-funded organizations. Antique illustration of presidential electoral meeting in Chicago Opera theater. Created by Gaildrau and Cosson-Smeeton, published on L'Illustration, Journal Universel, Paris, 1868 (opens in new tab) | Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Antonio Abrignani (opens in new tab) Political news would have you thinking the 2016 presidential election was the nastiest, most contentious and most important our nation ever faced. However, in the annals of American elections, that one barely registers at least for sheer strangeness. In fact, electoral politics have always been a down-and-dirty business, starting at least as early as 1800, when our founding fathers proved themselves adept at bitter battles. Other elections have featured nasty accusations, bizarre happenstance and even the death of one of the candidates. Read on for six of the strangest presidential elections in U.S. history. An unexpected upset, 2016 Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump after the third presidential debate on Oct. 19, 2016. (Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The full history of the 2016 presidential election has yet to be written, but it seems pretty certain to be one for the history books. First, there was the raucous primary season, in which 17 Republican candidates vied on a crowded stage for the nomination, the largest presidential primary field in U.S. history. Former reality-TV star and real estate mogul Donald Trump dominated headlines from the beginning, often with Tweets and statements that seemed outright bizarre. He insinuated that fellow Republican Ted Cruz's father might have had something to do with the assassination of John F. Kennedy and at one point defended the size of his penis in a debate. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton faced an unexpected challenge from Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Things did not get less weird after Trump and Clinton clinched their nominations. Clinton struggled against questions about her use of a private email server during her time as Secretary of State. The issue seemed settled in July when the Federal Bureau of Investigation recommended against criminal charges, but reared its head again less than two weeks before the election when the FBI announced that it was reviewing potentially new evidence found on the computer of Anthony Weiner, the husband of Clinton's close aide Huma Abedin, during an investigation into whether Weiner had been sexting an underage girl. Yes, it almost makes that Andrew Jackson-John Quincy Adams contest look like a walk in the park, huh? Just two days before the election, the FBI cleared Clinton again. Meanwhile, Trump refused to release his tax returns during the campaign, something that every candidate since Gerald Ford has done as a matter of course. He was widely criticized for racist remarks, such as questioning whether the "Mexican" judge in charge of his fraud case (oh, there's a fraud case a presidential first) could be impartial. (The judge was an American citizen of Mexican heritage.) The wildest bombshell of all came in early October, when a tape surfaced of Trump having a vulgar discussion about grabbing women by their private parts and trying to seduce a married woman. Leading up to the election, the polls were variable, but most pundits expected a clean Clinton victory. Instead, as election night ticked on, the electoral votes piled up for Trump. He ended up taking 290 electoral votes to Clinton's 232, winning the presidency. But in a final twist, the popular vote tally went to Clinton, only the fifth time in U.S. history the electoral and popular votes haven't matched. The very first one, 1788-1789 (Image credit: whitehouse.gov) But let's go back now to the first presidential election in our nation's history, which was one-of-a-kind in that it was literally no contest. Organized political parties had yet to form, and George Washington ran unopposed. His victory is the only one in the nation's history to feature 100 percent of the Electoral College vote. [Quiz: Weirdest Presidential Elections] The real question in 1788 was who would become vice president. At the time, this office was awarded to the runner-up in the electoral vote (each elector cast two votes to ensure there would be a runner-up.) Eleven candidates made a play for the vice-presidency, but John Adams came out on top. It's a tie, 1800 Statue of Thomas Jefferson in Cleveland (opens in new tab) | Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Cheng-Jih Chen Electoral politics got serious in 1800. Forget the hand-holding peace of George Washington's first run political parties were in full swing by this time, and they battled over high-stakes issues (taxes, states' rights and foreign policy alignments). Thomas Jefferson ran as the Democratic-Republican candidate and John Adams as the Federalist. At the time, states got to pick their own election days, so voting ran from April to October (and you thought waiting for the West Coast polls to close was frustrating). Because of the complicated "pick two" voting structure in the Electoral College, the election ended up a tie between Jefferson and his vice-presidential pick, Aaron Burr. One South Carolina delegate was supposed to give one of his votes on another candidate, so as to arrange for Jefferson to win and Burr to come in second. The plan somehow went wrong, and both men ended up with 73 electoral votes. That sent the tie-breaking vote to the House of Representatives, not all of whom were on board with a Jefferson presidency and Burr vice-presidency. Seven tense days of voting followed, but Jefferson finally pulled ahead of Burr. The drama triggered the passage of the 12th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which stipulates that the Electoral College pick the president and vice-president separately, doing away with the runner-up complications. Things get nasty, 1828 Andrew Jackson Statue in New Orleans (opens in new tab) | Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Lebraix LeDoux Anything involving dueling war veteran Andrew Jackson was liable to get dirty, but the 1828 electoral battle between Jackson and John Quincy Adams took the cake for mud slinging. Jackson had lost out to Adams in 1824 after Speaker of the House Henry Clay cast a tie-breaking vote. When Adams chose Clay as his Secretary of State, Jackson was furious and accused the two of a "corrupt bargain." And that was before the 1828 election even got started, when Adams was accused of pimping out an American girl to a Russian Czar. Jackson's wife, Rachel, was called a "convicted adulteress," because she had, years earlier, married Jackson before finalizing her divorce to her previous husband. Rachel died after Jackson won the election, but before his inauguration; at her funeral, Jackson blamed his opponents' bigamy accusations. "May God Almighty forgiver her murderers, as I know she forgave them," Jackson said. "I never can." [6 Most Tragic Love Stories in History] To round out a rough election, Jackson's inauguration party (open to the public) turned into a mob scene, with thousands of well-wishers crowding into the White House. "Ladies fainted, men were seen with bloody noses, and such a scene of confusion took place as is impossible to describe," wrote Margaret Smith, a Washington socialite who attended the party. Running against a corpse, 1872 Flags mark graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day 2008. A November 2011 study finds that being reminded of the war dead may not always make people anti-war. Under some circumstances, casualties may make people more committed to the cause of combat. (Image credit: Adam Skoczylas, U.S. Army) In 1872, incumbent Ulysses S. Grant had an easy run for a second term because his opponent died before the final votes were cast. Grant had the election in the bag even before his opponent, Horace Greeley, died, however. The incumbent won 286 electoral votes compared with Greeley's 66 after election day. But on Nov. 29, 1872, before the Electoral College votes were in, Greeley died and his electoral votes were split among other candidates. Greeley remains the only presidential candidate to die before the election was finalized. The hanging chads, 2000 Close-up of an election ballot. (opens in new tab) | Shutterstock (opens in new tab) ) (Image credit: Jose Gil Democrat Al Gore beat Republican George W. Bush in the popular vote in the 2000 election, but the electoral vote was a close, and controversial, call. As election night drew to a close, New Mexico, Oregon and Florida remained too close to call. It would be Florida that determined the winner, but not until the Supreme Court weighed in. For a month, the outcome of the election remained in recount limbo, as Gore's campaign contested the vote count in several close counties and the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts engaged in a tug-of-war over whether to halt the recounts or extend their deadlines. Among the challenges faced by the hand counts: determining whether semi-attached scraps of paper, or "hanging chads," on punch-card ballots should count as votes. Ultimately, on Dec. 12, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that a statewide recount was unconstitutional, alongside a further decision that the smaller recounts could not go forward. The decision meant the original vote counts stood, giving the election to Bush. OAKLAND, Calif. Technology may play a more crucial role in protecting people's rights than elections that come around every four years, Edward Snowden said. Snowden, who has been living in exile in Russia since 2013, when he released a trove of documents revealing the U.S. National Security Agency's massive surveillance program, spoke to attendees here at the Real Future Fair via BeamPro, a telepresence robot that wheeled around the stage. "Elections matter, votes matter, but they're never enough," Snowden said. "We shouldn't be thrust into a position where every four years we're forced to hope for a Barack Obama or fear a Donald Trump." [Nasty Elections: 5 Times Presidential Candidates Went Low] Instead, the main hope for protecting democracy and staving off repression and surveillance may rest on developments in technology, Snowden said. "Everyone in this room has a device, in their pocket, it's singing into the sky, looking for cell phone towers, saying, 'Here I am, here I am, record my location,'" Snowden said, referring to smartphones. If technologies like smartphones know where we are, who we are with and what we are doing, then ensuring that this empowers individuals rather than disempowering them requires new innovations in mathematics, science and technology, Snowden said. "Law is always something we should hope to reform," Snowden said. "But at the end of the day, law is simply letters on a page, they're not going to jump up and protect your rights." Some of the technologies that could help protect democracy and protect individual rights around the globe include technologies that allow dissidents to publish anonymously, speak with a veil of protection online, and perhaps even leverage augmented reality so that people can virtually congregate for democratic movements, Snowden speculated. However, one risk in developing these new technologies is that corporations, such as Facebook, Google and Twitter own many of these social media platforms, Snowden said. "We dont want companies deciding what it is that we do," Snowden said. To solve this problem, there needs to be a diffuse network of these online platforms, rather than just a few behemoths, he added. "Instead of one Facebook, you have 10,000, all of which are connected together," Snowden said. Original article on Live Science. The science fiction movie "Arrival," which opened in theaters last weekend, poses tantalizing questions about how humans might make contact and eventually communicate with intelligent aliens. The much-hyped film has renewed people's interest in the search for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. But what would happen if humans really did make contact with an intelligent alien civilization? If E.T. calls, is there a plan? The answer is yes, and no, said astronomer Seth Shostak, who leads efforts to detect radio signals from extraterrestrial civilizations at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. "There are some protocols, but I think that's an unfortunate name, and it makes them sound more important than they are," Shostak told Live Science. [Greetings, Earthlings! 8 Ways Aliens Could Contact Us] In the 1990s, Shostak chaired a committee of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) that prepared a revised version of the "post-detection protocols" for researchers who watch for possible alien transmissions using radio telescopes, a field known as SETI (short for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). The protocols were first drawn up in the 1980s to help scientists in the United States and the Soviet Union share information about any potential SETI signals. But, Shostak explained, the SETI post-detection protocols are guidelines for governments and scientists, rather than a global action plan for dealing with alien contact. (Image credit: 2016 Paramount Pictures) "They say, 'If you pick up a signal, check it out ... tell everybody ... and don't broadcast any replies without international consultation,' whatever that means," he said. "But that's all that the protocols say, and they have no force of law. The United Nations took a copy of the early protocols and put them in a file drawer somewhere, and that's as official as they ever got." "Men in Black" In the movie "Arrival," spaceships land in several cities around the world, and a linguist (portrayed by actress Amy Adams) and a physicist (played by actor Jeremy Renner) are recruited as part of an international effort to try to communicate with the aliens and find out why they are here. In real life, apart from the protocol dictating that researchers should share news about SETI signals with other astronomers around the world, Shostak said he is not aware of any government-level plans or established procedures in case of an alien contact, whatever form it might take. And it seems there really are no "Men in Black," shadowy government investigators of UFO-lore, depicted in the comedy sci-fi movie series starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. "If [the government] could afford the 'Men in Black,' then they could afford to support SETI," Shostak joked. [7 Huge Misconceptions about Aliens] But the U.S. government has shown no interest in SETI research so far, he said. "It's not a government program, so they have nothing to do with it. I would love to see some interest from them, but I never have," he added. After one early SETI "false alarm," which eventually turned out to be a signal from a European research satellite, the only response was from journalists. "In 1997, we got a signal that looked pretty promising for most of the day. We thought it was possibly the real deal," Shostak said. "I kept waiting for the 'Men in Black' to show up they didn't. I kept waiting for the Pentagon to call. I kept waiting for the White House to call. They didn't call. But The New York Times called." Close encounters In a review of the science and speculations about extraterrestrials, published as "Xenology: An Introduction to the Scientific Study of Extraterrestrial Life, Intelligence and Civilization" in 1979, the author and scientist Robert Freitas described a purported military briefing in Washington, D.C., in 1950 that outlined potential U.S. military responses to alien contact. The supposed military plan, which became known as "Seven Phases to Contact," was first reported in a 1967 book on UFOs by the American broadcaster and UFO researcher Frank Edwards. But Shostak said he has seen no sign of any extraterrestrial action plan for U.S. government agencies or the military. "As far as I know, there's nothing, and I think I would have heard something because of the [SETI] false alarms," he said. While detecting an alien radio signal would be different from encountering spaceships that landed on Earth, Shostak doesnt think protocols will play a big part in how we respond. "Some people asked me at a conference last week, 'What plan does the military have to deal with aliens should they land?' And I said, 'I dont know but to the best of my knowledge, they don't have a plan.'" Shostak noted that any aliens who could travel here in a spacecraft would need to be centuries or thousands of years more technologically advanced than humans are now, so it's almost impossible to imagine the consequences of contact between the species, let alone the thought of developing a plan to deal with them. [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Aliens] "It would be like the Neanderthals having a plan in case the U.S. Air Force showed up," he said. Calling planet Earth Although the aliens in "Arrival"helpfully travel to Earth in faster-than-light spaceships, willing and ready to talk, Shostak said a more likely "first contact" scenario would be the detection of a SETI radio signal, perhaps from a source hundreds or thousands of light-years away. That means it could take centuries for the aliens to receive any reply transmitted from Earth in an effort to communicate with them, he said. As such, there might not be any real hurry to decide what to say. And if E.T. does call, what should humans say in response? Some scientists, including British physicist Stephen Hawking, have expressed concern about "Active SETI" programs designed to transmit messages from Earth to any aliens that might be listening. Hawking warned of the potential threat posed by unknown extraterrestrials and their alien motivations. There's also the difficult matter of making the right first impression in any extraterrestrial chat, Shostak said. "I've been to several conferences where people discuss whether we should tell [aliens] all the bad things about humanity, or just the good things, and that sort of thing," he said. "But I think that is terribly overdrawn. To me, that would be like the indigenous people of Australia seeing Capt. Cook coming over the horizon in his ship, then saying, 'We're going to have a couple of conferences to discuss what we're going to talk to these guys about, and what language we'll use [but] it doesnt matter." Shostak pointed out that humans have already been broadcasting news into space for decades, in the form of television and radio signals, and so it's probably too late to keep quiet. "Those signals have been going out into space since the Second World War, so we've already told them we're here," he said. Original article on Live Science. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman backs the idea of checking the reason why Kyivenergo made mistakes in heating supply bills for October in Kyiv by the Interior Ministry. At a government meeting on Wednesday Groysman said that some residents of Kyiv received bills with the tariffs set too high. "We heard that it was a mistake, but it is very strange. When someone is trying to create panic, bills with doubled and tripled figures appear," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Kistion said that Kyivenergo explained the situation by a technical mistake. The prime minister said heat supply companies should not make such mistakes. He called on Kyivenergo to apologize to consumers. "I think that here we could have criminal responsibility for sending bills to people with inadequate tariffs. I warn everyone. This is not something to play around with," he said. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov proposed to send the Kyivenergo's explanations to the Interior Ministry to establish the reason of the mistake. Cows in New Zealand have been left stranded on "quake islands" after a powerful earthquake struck the country Monday (Nov. 14), shaking and breaking up the land. The powerful, 7.8-magnitude earthquake triggered landslides, tsunami waves and hundreds of aftershock quakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The region of Canterbury, which is home to the areas hardest hit by the quake, has declared a local state of emergency, reported CNN. Thousands of people are stranded after the quake triggered landslides and a large river dammed up, cutting off the region. [Image Gallery: This Millenium's Destructive Earthquakes] But residents aren't the only ones stranded. The earthquake also affected New Zealand's livestock population, including three cows that an Associated Press helicopter spotted, stranded on a small grass outcrop after the earthquake. Their predicament went viral after the AP video showed the cows huddled on the small quake island. The cows have since been rescued, reported New Zealand's Newshub, but two more cows have since been spotted stranded on another quake island, and there could be many more, according to New Zealand farmers advocacy group Federated Farmers. A Kaikoura farmer told Newshub that he rescued his now-famous cows with a pick and shovel. The two beef cows and calf were part of a larger group of 14 cows rescued from the property, which the farmer said was relatively flat before the earthquake. "We dug a track with a number of people. The soil was quite soft because it had all been tipped over and bumbled around," the farmer told Newshub of creating a flat path for the cows to move from the quake island. "They desperately needed water. Cows don't like living without water, so that was the first requirement. And I think one or two had lost calves in the earthquake, so they were a bit distressed." Still, there is "no way of knowing" how many livestock animals were affected after Monday's earthquake, Leigh Catley, general communications manager at Federated Farmers of New Zealand, a national organization of farmers, told New Zealand news website Stuff. "We're not even sure how many farms we're dealing with yet," Catley said. "There are some very, very big properties in that region, so we're probably talking about a reasonable number of stock." Despite public concern for the livestock, with people even taking to social media to demand the animals be saved, local police told the media that the well-being of people is the top priority as officials continue to deal with the aftermath of the strong earthquake. "The priority of the police is to make sure all human lives are safe, and we still need to account for all of them yet," local police told The Sydney Morning Herald. "In the meantime, it's all hands on deck, and if farmers and emergency services together can get to these cows, they will certainly make an effort to rescue them." Original article on Live Science. A new documentary chronicles the years-long journey of former Google executive Alan Eustace to complete the highest-altitude skydive in history. On Oct. 24, 2014, Eustace rode a helium-filled balloon to an altitude of more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) above New Mexico about 18 miles (29 km) above the typical cruising altitude of commercial airliners. Eustace then pulled a chord that separated him from the balloon and sent him plummeting (safely) back to Earth. What motivated a 57-year-old tech executive with a wife and two young children to risk his life on such a mission? The new movie "14 Minutes from Earth" gives some insight into Eustace's motivations, but primarily documents the incredible engineering challenge of building a suit that would protect Eustace during his death-defying dive. [Record-Breaking Supersonic Skydive from 'Near-Space' in Photos] Into the stratosphere "The idea of being above the Earth's atmosphere seeing the blackness of space, the curve of the Earth I mean, that's got to be something that all [Space.com] fans have dreamed about, fantasized about," Eustace told Space.com in an interview. He said that, growing up during the Apollo era, he also harbored fantasies of exploring the space above Earth. Eustace exudes a mild, agreeable demeanor, but as the movie illustrates, beneath that exterior is an engineer who thrives on being challenged. He also skydives as a hobby, and has completed more than 500 jumps in his life endeavors that appear to reflect his nerves of steel. [Watch Alan Eustace Leap from 135,000 Feet (Video)] In 2010, Eustace had the idea to make a suit that would allow human beings to explore high-altitude regions of Earth's atmosphere the way scuba divers explore the depths of the ocean. Just like in the ocean, human exploration is limited by physical barriers, not a lack of courage. Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers. The troposphere extends from the ground to about 7 miles (11 km) up. The stratosphere, which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 31 miles (50 km) up, is the region that Eustace wants to open up to exploration. There are many features of the stratosphere that could harm a human: little or no oxygen, low atmospheric pressure and below-freezing temperatures. A person traveling from the ground to the stratosphere and back to the ground in a matter of minutes also has to be protected from the rapid changes in temperature and air pressure, as well as the intense speed and air friction. To tackle those challenges, Eustace hired Paragon Space Development Corp. to lead a project he dubbed the Stratospheric Explorer (StratEx). The spacesuit manufacturer ILC Dover was brought in as another partner in the project. Once the team was assembled, it took them 18 months to prepare Eustace for his historic jump. Alan Eustace comes in for a landing in a suit engineered to let humans fall to Earth from unprecedented altitudes. (Image credit: Paragon Space Development Corporation) Defying death The new film paints a beautiful portrayal of the engineering challenges of building an entirely new technology from scratch. During the first test flight from an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) a typical height for recreational skydiving so many things went wrong, it's a wonder Eustace survived. The team hadn't fully anticipated Eustace's limited range of motion in the suit, which meant he almost couldn't deploy his parachute, and then couldn't steer it. He survived the fall but landed miles away from the landing range, in the middle of the desert. That would have been fine, except that when he exited the plane, the suit's communications and GPS antenna broke off as he passed through the door, so the team couldn't talk to him and couldn't locate him. Thankfully, a military helicopter was in the area and spotted Eustace's bright-orange parachute from the air. "[The first jump] served the major role of going, 'Oh my God! We're actually putting a human in a spacesuit and real [stuff] can go wrong, and we could kill someone," Jane Poynter, one of the founders of Paragon, said in the film. Another problem that arose during that first flight was that Eustace was spinning and couldn't stop himself. Spinning can cause jumpers to lose consciousness or leave them too disoriented to open their parachute at the right time. In 2012, Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner broke the record for the highest-altitude skydive when he leaped from a height of nearly 128,000 feet (39,000 m), or more than 24 miles (38 km). (Eustace added more than a mile to that record, jumping from an altitude of 135,890 feet, or 41,419 m.) Baumgartner also experienced intense, uncontrollable spinning during the first part of his dive, and it nearly killed him. After his first flight, Eustace's team at Paragon added more features to the suit that were designed to stop him from spinning during the fall. At times, the obstacles of the mission only seemed to grow larger, and the challenges only seemed to grow in number. But Eustace's dedication seemed unwavering. While facing life-threatening situations and massive technical challenges, Eustace continued to exude a positive attitude even joy. "Alan definitely has a personality [such that] he liked this because it was so difficult," Jared Leidich, an engineer with Paragon, said in the film. "And the more difficult it got, the cooler he thought it was." That's not to say Eustace was unaware of the risk he was taking. Toward the end of the film, the risk of the project is thrown into sharp relief during the original launch date for Eustace's record-setting jump. Just before liftoff, a system on the balloon catches fire on the runway, ruining the balloon and aborting the launch. Had the fire started during flight, it could have been fatal. "It became incredibly real and personal when Alan is saying, 'OK, I've arranged for this airplane; if anything goes wrong, the airplane is going to get [Eustace's wife] Kathy and bring her out,'" Poynter said. "And I'm like, 'Please, God, make it so I don't have to call this plane.'" Leap of faith By the time the team was ready for Eustace to make his record-setting leap, the StratEx team had conducted dozens of safety tests and hundreds of dry runs, and put in tens of thousands of engineering hours. Even though viewers of the film know the outcome of the jump, it is still nerve-racking to watch the final preparation. The film has established that running all the tests in the world doesn't always prepare you for the things that can go wrong during the complete execution of a system. The film's title, "14 Minutes from Earth," refers to the duration of Eustace's record-setting free fall. A typical skydive from 14,000 feet equates to about 60 seconds of free fall, and about 5 to 7 minutes of coasting after the parachute is deployed. On the way down, he reached a top speed of 822 mph (1,322 km/h), breaking through the sound barrier and creating a sonic boom that could be heard on the ground. Once Eustace hit the ground (after deploying his parachute later than expected), everyone in the control room waited with bated breath until the extraction team called out over the radio, "green extraction," meaning Eustace was unharmed. "14 Minutes from Earth" is a detailed story about overcoming an incredible engineering challenge in the name of space exploration and the deep human desire to push boundaries. It is available for digital download starting today (Nov. 19) on video on demand services like Amazon, iTunes and others. Video extras, including the uncut video from Eustace's suit camera during his descent, are included on the iTunes version. Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Some UAH 140 million is required to buy equipment for 26 territorial fish patrol departments in all regions of Ukraine, the State Fish Agency of Ukraine has said. "One of the largest problems of launching fish patrol in the Ukrainian regions is financing of purchase of new equipment. The draft 2017 national budget sent for second reading to the Verkhovna Rada today does not foresee the provision of these funds," Agency Head Yarema Kovaliv said. He said that UAH 140 million is a small sum in the scale of the state. The fish patrol in the regions would help to reduce poaching and create conditions for expansion of fish resources. He took the results of the work of Kyiv fish patrol that started operating since June 16, 2016. Over the period of its operation the patrol revealed infringements worth UAH 1.2 million. "If we multiply this experience to the operation of 27 departments all over Ukraine we would have infringements worth UAH 90 million. This is investment in equipping new fish patrol and they will be returned to the state less than in two years," he said. News that Legan, Co Longford has the slowest broadband speed in the country has not come as a surprise to locals. In new data, released by comparison site Switcher, it was revealed that Longfords broadband is the slowest in the country, with an average speed of 7.25Mbps. The slowest broadband area was Legan, with an average download speed of 1.98Mbps, compared to the 72.15Mbps recorded by the fastest area in the country; Drimnagh, Dublin 12. It was further revealed that Legan's broadband speed is almost 12 times slower than the national average. Broadband has been an issue in south Longford for years, revealed Legan native, Cllr Paul Ross. We are not surprised to see what has come out in the media today as it has been a problem for years. Cllr Ross said such was the slow nature of the broadband speed, a local grocery store was unable to facilitate customers in their attempts to pay for their bin service charges. "Mulleady's use a top up system but the local shop in Legan can't provide that because the laser company Mulleady's work with use a fixed line broadband connection and we (Legan) haven't got that. Cllr Ross said the absence of such a service was not only hindering local businesses in their efforts to make ends meet, but was also forcing local homeowners to do their shopping elsewhere. The Fine Gael councillor said of more immediate concern was the fact some some former parishioners had been forced to sell their homes in a bid to access higher broadband speeds. "Every house in this day and age needs broadband especially when children are now using iPads at school and more people are using Facebook, emails and downloading various types of data. "And I know of two families who had been commuting to Dublin and looked to work one day a week at home but who sold their house because they can't do their work from home," he said. For more on this, see www.longfordleader.ie Tech & Science, School & Education, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2016 SCCC will be awarded $100,000 of a $4 million grant as a partner institution in the SUNY Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (SUNY LSAMP) program. Suffolk County Community College's two-story, 33,792- square-foot Renewable Energy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Center will be built on the Michael J. Grant, Brentwood campus and will be the first of its kind in the state community college system. Brentwood, NY - November 15, 2016 - Suffolk County Community College will be awarded $100,000 of a $4 million grant as a partner institution in the SUNY Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (SUNY LSAMP) program. The program is a collaboration of 14 SUNY schools who are partnering in the new five-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant designed to increase undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among underrepresented minority student populations. The strength and success of Suffolks STEM scholars and the vital role of community colleges, particularly Suffolk, remain crucial entry points and valued partners in this LSAMP alliance within SUNY. This results in long ranging benefits for our diverse students, enabling them to bridge from the community college to the baccalaureate level, on to graduate school and into the STEM workforce-the next generation of STEM scholars, said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay. Dr. Candice Foley, Suffolk County Community College will serve as a SUNY LSAMP Associate Director for the alliance; responsible for community college activities, successful 2-4 year transfers, and as a liaison to National Science Foundation (NSF) programs. The five-year award includes funds for stipends to Suffolk STEM students to engage in authentic research experiences a known high impact practice for increasing participation and completion by underrepresented populations in STEM. Stony Brook and the other SUNY schools will look to expand the alliance and create additional STEM curriculum opportunities for students. Over the next five years, the three leading goals of the project will be to: meet the continuing challenge of preparing under represented students for a successful transition into STEM majors; provide experimental activities that lead to socialization into science; and promote systemic change by broadening participation in research. Since 1996, SUNY LSAMP has been an instrumental in shaping STEM education and forging new opportunities for UREP students to pursue and succeed in STEM programs and degrees in New York State and has garnered an 11-fold increase in STEM enrollment for minority students in the last 20 years in New York State. The program has also helped increase STEM bachelors degrees by almost 300 percent. During the past five years, the program has been a catalyst to helping to nearly double community college students transferring to four-year STEM undergraduate programs. Suffolk County Community College is building a two-story, 33,792- square-foot Renewable Energy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Center on the Michael J. Grant, Brentwood campus that will be the first of its kind in the state community college system. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2016 Rally for Unity, Rally for Humanity is a peaceful vigil that will show our communitys support for all segments of society. Port Jefferson, NY - November 14, 2016 - Rally for Unity, Rally for Humanity is a peaceful vigil that will show our communitys support for all segments of society including members of the LGBTQ community, Whites, Blacks, Latinos, Muslims, Jews, Christians and Women, as well as those who are economically disadvantaged. Organized by local citizens including Margot Garant (Mayor of Port Jefferson), Cindy Morris, Leza DiBella and Mary Beth Baxter, this event is the first event in Suffolk County being held post-election that is not directly associated with a specific political party or cause. Organizers are expecting approximately 1500 people to attend the event on Sunday. Community Organizer, Cindy Morris, a local Suffolk County resident, explains, It became immediately apparent how personal the election results are for everyone. In response to the fear and hurt felt by so many, Suffolk County needed the opportunity to show everyone our support and commitment to ensuring their freedoms, and to reassure them that they have a safe space here. Where: Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson, NY (101 East Broadway) When: Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 6 pm What: Family Friendly, Peaceful Candlight Vigil for Unity and Humanity School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Arts & Culture, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2016 The event is event is part of the Roosevelt School Districts commitment to helping students share their diverse backgrounds and cultures in an enriching way. Roosevelt School Districts Roosevelt Middle School students perform a Hispanic dance during the schools Cultural Hispanic Night. Students were participating in the evening as part of a district initiative to raise awareness of great Hispanic thinkers and help students share their diverse backgrounds in an enriching way. Roosevelt, NY - November 15, 2016 - The Roosevelt School Districts Roosevelt Middle School recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting a school-wide celebration, Cultural Hispanic Night. The evening enabled all students to come together in solidarity and celebrate their unique heritages. Hundreds of students came together to see their peers perform and taste traditional Hispanic food prepared my Roosevelt Middle School teachers. Performances included a dance showcase of Stand by Me, directed by Ms. Portillo; student-speakers presenting on why we celebrate Hispanic heritage; a video entitled What do Latinos Look Like? poetry readings of poetry from great Hispanic thinkers and band and guitar performances by students. Pictured: Roosevelt School Districts Roosevelt Middle School students prepare traditional Hispanic food to celebrate the schools Cultural Hispanic Night. Students were participating in the evening as part of a district initiative to raise awareness of great Hispanic thinkers and help students share their diverse backgrounds in an enriching way. This event is part of the Roosevelt School Districts commitment to helping students share their diverse backgrounds and cultures in an enriching way. Pictured: Roosevelt School Districts Roosevelt Middle School students and teachers use social media to celebrate Hispanic heritage. They were participating in Cultural Hispanic Night as part of a district initiative to raise awareness of great Hispanic thinkers and help students share their diverse backgrounds in an enriching way. School & Education, Local News, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: November 16 2016 Uniondale School Districts Smith Street Elementary School students recently welcomed local Marines to campus. Uniondale School Districts Smith Street Elementary School students watch Gunnery Sergeant Tokiwa read Dr. Seusss beloved book Green Eggs and Ham. They were participating in a District initiative to promote early childhood literacy and expose students to positive role models. Uniondale, NY - November 16, 2016 - Uniondale School Districts Smith Street Elementary School students recently welcomed local Marines to campus. Gunnery Sergeant Tokiwa, Staff Sergeant Valdez, Staff Sergeant Garcia, Sergeant Azucena and Corporal Solberg visited with first grade students and read age-appropriate books aloud. Gunnery Sergeant Tokiwa read Dr. Seusss beloved book Green Eggs and Ham aloud, using different voices for each character to inspire students to develop a love of reading. This event was part of the Uniondale School Districts commitment to developing early childhood literacy and surrounding students with positive role models. 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 Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko has signed a suspicion of the unlawful privatization of an apartment against Head of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine Roman Mahuta. The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) said on Facebook that the criminal case was opened under Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of office). Spokesperson for the general prosecutor, Larysa Sarhan, informed about the story with the unlawful privatization of the apartment. "A member of the Accounting Chamber owning a privatized apartment in Kyiv asked the head of the Accounting Chamber to give her employer-rented housing downtown Kyiv. The bill envisages the provision of housing, but not its privatization," she wrote on Facebook. It was established that in December 2013 the Accounting Chamber bought apartments, including a two-room apartments worth UAH 1.39 million at 10, Poltavska Street. Later a member of the Accounting Chamber asked the chamber head to privatize the apartment. The chamber head agreed to do this. The apartment was privatized and then presented to a member of the Accounting Chamber. Mahuta has been head of the Accounting Chamber since 2012. Ukraine and France have signed a plan of bilateral cooperation for 2017 between the Defense Ministry, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces Staff of the French Republic. As reported on the Ukrainian Defense Ministrys site on Wednesday, the document was signed after a meeting of the Ukrainian-French commission on bilateral cooperation. The sides also discussed issues of regional security. Chief of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) Yuriy Lutsenko has signed a notice of suspicion in regards to Head of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine Roman Mahuta, who is suspected of privatizing an apartment illegally. The PGO's Facebook page says the suspicion relates to the illegal privatization of an apartment, and a criminal investigation pursuant to Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (exceeding authority or public office) has been opened. "A member of the Accounting Chamber with privatized real estate in Kyiv asked the head of the Accounting Chamber to provide living accommodations in central Kyiv. The law provides for granting living accommodations, not privatizing them," PGO spokeswoman Larysa Sarhan wrote on her Facebook page. It has been established that in December 2013 the Accounting Chamber purchased apartments, among which was a two-room flat costing UAH 1.3 million at 10 Poltavska Street. "An employee of the Accounting Chamber later requested the Accounting Chamber head to privatize the flat. The Accounting Chamber head agreed and the flat was turned over to a relative of the Accounting Chamber member and subsequently privatized and given as a gift to the Accounting Chamber employee," Sarhan said. "I signed the notice of suspicion. I'll leave it to the group of prosecutors investigating the case to announce their findings and have given instructions to pass it on to your employees We must submit the notice within 24 hours," Lutsenko told journalists in Kyiv, addressing Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) Nazar Kholodnytsky in Kyiv. Kholodnytsky, in turn, said "after the announcement we have by law two months to gather evidence and present it to a court." Mahuta has headed the Accounting Chamber since 2012. The Verkhovna Rada has ratified the agreement on temporary employment of Ukrainian workers in certain sectors of the labor market in Israel. At the plenary session on Wednesday, 242 deputies voted for the bill No.0108 "On ratification of the agreement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the government of the State of Israel on the temporary employment of Ukrainian workers in certain sectors of the labor market of Israel." This agreement was signed in Kyiv on June 7, 2016. It provides for the legal and transparent selection of Ukrainian citizens to work in Israel. In accordance with the agreement, Ukrainian citizens will work in Israel on the same terms as Israeli citizens, head of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Policy Liudmyla Denysova said. They, in particular, will be provided with accident insurance. Denysova also said that as part of the agreement, a non-profit employment agency will be established, "which will help to find a job for our employees in Israel." The Taliban suicide bomber who killed two American soldiers and two contractors at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistans central province of Parwan on Nov. 12 had joined the Afghan governments peace process and reconciled in 2008. He then received a job at Bagram Air Base, which he then used to execute his attack. The Bagram attack took place as US soldiers and other Americans on the base were commemorating Veterans Day with a 5K run. From Pajhwok Afghan News: He had been working at the largest US military base in Afghanistan for the past five years, said the Bagram districts administrative chief, Abdul Shakoor Qudusi, [Qudusi] identified the bomber as Qari Naib, 23, who hailed from the Laghmani village of the district. Naibs brother and father have been arrested by police. Wahid Sediqui, the governors spokesman, endorsed the district chiefs view and said Naib had received vocational training on metalwork provided by South Korea. It is unclear if the suicide bomber remained a Taliban plant at Bagram for the eight years since he joined the peace process, or if he was recently persuaded by the Taliban to rejoin its ranks and execute the attack. The Taliban does have a department, known as Call and Guidance, Luring and Integration, which encourages Afghan security personnel and workers to defect. This department was created by the Talibans founder and first emir, Mullah Omar, and has been instrumental in getting Afghan security personnel to attack US and NATO troops. [See Threat Matrix report, Mullah Omar addresses green-on-blue attacks.] The Bagram attack is worrisome as the base is one of the most secure facilities in Afghanistan, and is a major hub for US air operations in Afghanistan. The US and NATO are both heavily reliant on local Afghans to provide key services as the number of troops near an all-time low (the US has less than 10,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan). Afghans who work at US facilities will increasingly come under more pressure to help the Taliban as the group continues to make gains across the country. 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. Belarus has resumed the deliveries of jet fuel produced by OJSC Naftan to Ukraine, Commercial Director of CJSC Belarusian Oil Company (BNK) Sergey Grib has said at the Petroleum Ukraine conference organized by A-95 Consulting Group in Kyiv. "We have resumed deliveries to the Ukrainian market this month. We have talks with our Ukrainian colleagues, found understanding: in order to monitor and combat jet fuel use as a component we've built a single-channel scheme through our subsidiary company," he said. Grib added price for jet fuel will be formed by BNK-Ukraine LLC in the national currency. As reported, Belarus has not supplied jet fuel to Ukraine since December 2015 because of customs claims. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Barry M. Goldwater range since its acquisition. Established in 1941, the BMGR lies along the U.S. and Mexico border in Southwest Arizona and spans more than one million acres. Additionally, it makes up 7,000 miles of airspace and sees 54,000 sorties or more a year. The range is used by Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson Air National Guard Base, and the Marine Corps. The Barry M. Goldwater range is between Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma, said Charles Buchanan, 56th Fighter Wing Range Management Office director. As you take that geography and look at the military in those three cities you have roughly 20 squadrons that use the range day in, day out as their backyard range. When you piece all of the airspace together, its actually bigger than the state of Connecticut which makes it a real training treasure. The range was named after five-term U.S. Senator, Barry M. Goldwater from Arizona. Goldwater received a reserve commission in the U.S. Army Air Forces when America entered World War II. Following World War II, Goldwater was a leading proponent of creating the Air Force Academy. As a colonel, he also founded the Arizona Air National Guard and eventually retired as a command pilot with the rank of major general. By the end of his career, he had flown 165 different types of aircraft. The entire range is approved for day and night operations with four controlled, manned, and electronically scored surface attack ranges that are available for training. There are three tactical ranges available spanning several hundred square miles each, and containing and two full-size airfield mockups The area includes the Gila Bend Auxiliary Air Field which serves as an emergency landing location for pilots and flight crews training on the ranges. As stewards of the range, the RMO works toward preservation of the many local wild animal and plant life while maintaining the environment and cleaning traces of military presence from the area. After 75 years, the Military Lands Withdraw Act of 1999 was renewed until 2024, thus contributing to the future of Luke and its ability to continue to build the future of airpower. As we look to the future, I think we are on the verge of another major change with the fifth generation fighters and the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, Buchanan said. So we will see the changes on the range to accommodate that mission. We are very fortunate to have what we have today. The BMGR is an invaluable and irreplaceable asset. 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. Culture / Art Republik Following the theme An Atlas of Mirrors, ART REPUBLIK partners up with the Singapore Biennale, which looks to reset the artistic atmosphere in the region. Nov 16, 2016 | By Staff Writer The artistic talents at the Singapore Biennale 2016 form the heart of ART REPUBLIK issue 12. Indonesia artist Titarubi, whose work graces the cover, signifies this focus. This haunting part of history needs to be faced and solved, says Titarubi. The history he is referring to is everything from the spice wars to the Dutch East India Companys ruthlessly arrogant colonial activities in Asia. The artists installation for the Singapore Biennale, titled History Repeats Itself, showcases three hooded figures like that on ART REPUBLIKs cover, with the lead representing a 16th century female admiral in the navy of the Aceh Sultanate, who watched over merchant shipping routes in the Malacca Strait a brazen look at the history of our region, says Marc Wong, Managing Editor of ART REPUBLIK. Following the theme An Atlas of Mirrors: From where we are, how do we picture the world and ourselves, ART REPUBLIK partners up with this anticipated edition of the Singapore Biennale, which looks to reset the artistic atmosphere in Singapore and the region. The art calendar picks up again as ART REPUBLIK is also a main partner of Art Taipei 2016 and Affordable Art Fair Singapores autumn edition, where we be present at our respective booths at both fairs. On another note, ART REPUBLIK is once again proud to be a main partner of Art Stage Singapore 2017, Southeast Asias international flagship art fair and the anchor event of the Singapore Art Week, held from 12 to 15 January 2017 (Vernissage, 11 January) at the Marina Bay Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre. It is such an honour to be working closely with Art Stage in promoting arts in Singapore and the region, as well as achieving a common goal of showcasing the importance of creativity and an arts sector in a societys growth, says Marc Wong, Managing Editor of ART REPUBLIK, For Art Stage Singapore 2017, we will be present even bigger and better than before, so mark out the fairs dates on your calendar now. Other highlights this issue include dance pioneer Kuik Swee Boon, founder of The Human Expression Dance Company in Singapore, who bares his heart and soul on the dance floor; Japanese artist Shinro Ohtake creates pulp fiction at Singapore Tyler Print Institute; we follow the adventure trail of Eddy Susanto whose latest adventure lands at the Singapore Biennale 2016; Singapore filmmaker K Rajagopal will never forget his first Yellow Bird; believe it or not, life doesnt always come with happy endings, even here in Asia, with Natee Utarit; waking up early on Saturdays for the nostalgia-inducing, happy cartoon subversions of Jerkface; Swedish contemporary artist Thomas Broome lends Hermes his pencil to write out their world. Mr. Olivier Burlot, CEO & Publisher at Heart Media, comments: The team at ART REPUBLIK remains resolute in our mission to promote the rapidly developing art scene around Asia. Issue 12 of ART REPUBLIK continues to demonstrate just that, featuring the largest number of art galleries in a single issue to date. In the coming months, readers can expect to be able to look to ART REPUBLIK for the latest highlights from all the major fairs in the region, including ART TAIPEI, and the spring edition of the Affordable Art Fair in Singapore. ART REPUBLIK is an official media partner of ART STAGE, AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, MILAN IMAGE ART & DESIGN FAIR, SINGAPORE ART FAIR, SHANGHAI BUND CLASSIC and ART TAIPEI. Poroshenko tells Trump of importance of U.S. support for Ukraine in opposing Russia's aggression Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko underscored in a telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump that Washington's support is important for Kyiv in opposing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Ukrainian presidential press service reported on Tuesday. "Petro Poroshenko pointed out that it is important for Ukraine to continue receiving resolute support from Washington in opposing Russian aggression and pursuing the necessary reforms," it said. I was naive and thought that a lot of the issues surrounding Web browser/server security would be resolved with some significant changes agreed to by operating system makers, non-OS browser developers, and the parties that provide verification, called certificate authorities (CAs), which took place January 1, 2016. Oh, how young and foolish was I. But real improvements have taken place, and nearing the end of 2016, you may already have seen how browsers provide you a more descriptiveand some prescriptivealert about problems with the certificates passed by a server to a browser to create a secure connection. In some cases, you may already have been blocked from a connection, or required to approve an exception to proceed. This is all good, partly because it helps prevent your information from being captured by malicious parties or swept up by wide-reaching, sometimes illegal government interceptionany country, not just your ownand partly because more of whats happened this year, especially recently, doesnt require you to make any changes to gain the benefit. Its not just sniffing. Neer-do-wells with the right network position, including malware installed on, ahem, non-Macs and non-iOS devices on a local network, can insert themselves into an unsecured connection and drop in a virus-laden download instead of a legitimate one you thought you were retrieving, among other nasty tricks. This was a possibility with the widely used Sparkle update framework, since patched. But some developers still host their software downloads on unencrypted servers. Apple removes a CA, as do others Web encryption requires that browser and OS makers trust CAs, who use protected cryptographic elements so that when a Web server you visit presents a certificate that identifies the server as associated with a particular domain name, you can be sure its a legitimate association. Thats part of the web of trust, and it requires browser and OS makers and CAs to act with integrity and transparency. Some CAs slip up with security, with their process of allowing resellers to issue certificates, or with ethics, plain and simple. Its rare, but CAs can be booted out of the trusted root programs run by Apple, Google, the Mozilla Foundation, and others. (You can find a good summary of root trust at the Chromium Projects site.) Back in April 2015, I sniped at Apple for failing to drop CNNIC, a Chinese CA that appeared to be violating security policies. Mozilla and Google acted fast and dropped CNNIC; Apple and Microsoft did nothing. (Microsoft issued a weak security note.) When a situation presented itself in September, Apple acted with more alacrity. The Mozilla Foundation discovered several weeks ago that the CA WoSign had what a Mozilla blog post described as a number of technical and management problems. WoSign operated under its own name, and also had acquired StartCom, a certificate-issuer I used to rely on for my SSL/TLS Web certificates. (You can read all the details in Mozillas blog entry.) One of these problems was issuing and backdating certificates signed with SHA-1, an outdated encryption algorithm that CAs had agreed, after years of prodding by Mozilla and other trusted root operators, to stop issuing. Because SHA-1 is considered broken, meaning malicious parties can potentially spoof a certificate that appears valid, it had to stop being used. (I wrote about the particulars of SHA-1 in December 2015.) Mozilla presented a lengthy report, as the foundation operates in a community-driven transparent style. WoSign replied, and Mozilla evaluated its responses as unacceptable, and moved to remove WoSign and StartCom from its trusted list as of October 21. Apple followed suit in a rather public manner: by placing a few paragraphs of text at the top of its Web page that lists its trusted root certificates in early October. Google took longer, finally making a statement and plan at the end of October. Microsoft hasnt weighed in. Thats a good sign, though disappointing and surprising Microsoft remains behind the eight-ball here, as 18 months ago. In Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and some other browsersbut not Internet Explorervisting a site protected by a certificate signed by WoSign or StartCom that remains in place generates a security warning. More warnings, less worries As Ive written about over a couple of years, browser developers have ratcheted up the kind and nature of warnings displayed when you hit a site thats using ineffectual or badly configured security. That includes every Web page that uses plain http, which sends all data between a browser and server as unencrypted text, as opposed to https, which uses SSL/TLS encrypted connections. Googles future Chrome warning about all unsecured pages is severe. Starting January 2017, Google Chrome will start displaying the words Not Secure in plain text next to a URL for an http page that it recognizes uses a form to collect a password or credit-card information. Google plans to gradually move to showing a red warning triangle and Not Secure on all unencrypted pages. Its moved to the phrase Not Secure instead of just an icon, because its product managers found most people dont know what the warning icon means. More quietly, Chrome apparently also now redirects requests to a secure version of a website if multiple identical versions exist with different names. You may be seeing more routine warnings in Safari, if thats your browser of choice. I know that I routinely receive warnings about certificate problems when I visit sites that are clearly just a bit out of date: the sites owner failed to update a certificate, is feeding out a certificate for a domain thats not listed in its security document, or another error that makes me stop and wonder whats wrong. I used to use Safaris method of bypassing a bad certificate, assuming that was just the way the Web rolled, but no longer. I try to report the problem to the Web owner or find the information elsewhere. Web hosting services and other ways in which you might post material on the Web have been gradually moving to offering https by default and at no cost. For instance, Squarespace just announced it would flip on certificates for all its customers with custom domains, and its users could even make an https connection the required method. ( Lets Encrypt helped Squarespace; the project offers free basic certificates, and Ive switched all my SSL to theirs.) Better browser warnings, the elimination of outdated encryption, and a general shift to secured-by-default sites, no matter what the content of the site is, has pushed https usage way up. Google has been tracking secured connections via Chrome by platform, and half of pages loaded by desktop Chrome users in October are over https, up about 10 percent over just a few months. Ultimately, the entire Web will be encrypted, and not for paranoias sake. Reducing points in insertion and eavesdropping allows you to live your online life more safely, whether its about others tracking your reading habits, your frinedsor your political activism. With travel photosand even everyday snapshotslocation is almost always the defining factor that stokes visceral memory. For anyone walking around with an iPhone, location services are your best friend, and paired with Streetography (free on the iTunes Store), a new map-based photo-sharing app for iOS, you can drill down to the visual essence of a place through on-the-ground images. The apps interface places photos directly on a map, superimposed on defined boundaries of blocks, neighborhoods, and cities in a uniquely satisfying real-time and space perspective. Using only gestures, you can drill down from region to city to street and back out for an instant, ground-level view. Derived from a combination of its own research, third party, and government sources, Streetographys maps assume an organic feel. Because the app is new, some places are not yet supported, but the company is intent on a full build-out of worldwide locations. The apps social component lets you comment, like, and follow both images and photographers. The images seen on the map differ from typical travel guides for the United States and Canada, as well as parts of the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Australia, and Russia. Since images are user generated, they resemble a crowd-sourced visual blog as opposed to classic attempts at storytelling. That works because its distinctive, letting you see a place through the minds eye of others on the scene. The apps developers are busy adding neighborhood, block, and city boundary support for hundreds of additional cities, including Shanghai, Johannesburg, Berlin, Rio de Janeiro, and Havana. While the app is ostensibly a resource for professional photographers to find cool places to visit and shoot, it also serves tourists and newcomers in finding the hot spots in town. As a hobbyist, however, I see Streetography as a way to represent my own neighborhood and anywhere I visit to friends, family, and any interested party. The app opens to a map of the world, where you can view various hot spots, places where the most photos have been shot. At launch, the app was populated with photos from the 500px online photo sharing community, and you can continue posting photos from your account there, or post your own photos from the Streetography app or your Camera Roll. There are plenty of options for viewing images, too: You can see all photos on the map, or filter by latest, this month, your own shots, those you have liked, or people you follow. Tapping on a photo brings you to a new pane with additional information about that specific picture, including the name of the photographer, location, and exact block and city. If you shoot photos directly within the app, or access photos from your Camera Roll or Photo Stream, a complete set of editing tools lets you crop, switch orientation, add focus, and adjust for exposure, shadows and highlights and clarity. You can also add a caption if you want, and then publish. Your images will show up on the map almost immediately. If your photo doesnt have geolocation data, the app will fix it to your current location, letting you correct it yourself. You can also note photos that you think are mapped to the wrong location. Bottom line Streetography offers a distinctive take on location photography because it features an alternate interpretation of place as opposed to the more literal Google Street View. While Googles app serves it own purpose, Streetography co-exists nicely with it because by nature it is more interpretive and original. For a brand new app, Streetography has abundant and polished features that are fun, informative, and easy to use and contribute to: It offers instant gratification. While the app does work via a server, which might present bandwidth problems, I did not experience any issues in testing. I was impressed by the apps smooth performance. The UN General Assembly committee has voted to adopt a resolution on human rights in Crimea, the press service of Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the UN reported. "On November 15, 2016, the Third Committee (focused on the subject of human rights) of the UN General Assembly adopted resolution entitled 'Situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine)', initiated by Ukraine," the mission said in a statement posted on its website. A total of 73 states voted for the document, 23 voted against, and 76 abstained. Some 41 states were co-authors of the resolution, the mission said. "For the first time the official documents of the UN recognize the Russian Federation as an occupying power and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as a temporarily occupied territory. In addition, the resolution confirmed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and reaffirmed the non-recognition of annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula," the statement reads. The document also urges Russia to allow international human rights mechanisms, in particular the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, unimpeded access to Crimea in order to monitor human rights situation and asks the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a separate thematic report on the situation in the peninsula. The approved resolution is an important diplomatic, political and legal mechanism through which Ukraine protects the rights of its citizens on the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea, the mission said. The resolution is expected to be adopted at a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly in December 2016. Going into intellectual property law wasnt something that I had ever planned, says Mary Boney Denison. Nevertheless, she has enjoyed a successful career in trade mark law and as the USPTOs commissioner for trade marks. Denison has held the office for almost two years, since being promoted from deputy commissioner at the start of 2015. You can still hear Denisons home state of North Carolina in her accent, but dont let that fool you: she started early in Washington DC. She attended the Madeira School, an all-girls boarding school in Virginia for her last two years of high school. As part of the curriculum, all students had a job on Wednesdays, which was the schools way of allowing the girls to explore potential career paths. One of Denisons jobs was with the Senate Rules Committee. While, there, I developed a friendship with one of the assistants, and she spent a lot of time trying to tell me that I should got to law school, says Denison. So that kind of got me thinking about it initially. By the time Denisons graduation from Duke University was approaching, shed developed other ideas. After a fabulous junior year at the French University in Paris, Denison was determined to move back before the ink was dry on her diploma. After announcing this to her parents, they spent the next six months talking me out of that, Denison laughs, and I think the fact that I had no plan for supporting myself had something to do with that. Denisons mother had a much more pragmatic and world-wizened life-plan in mind for her daughter, and had reason to want her daughter to have a clear way of supporting herself. Denisons mother had watched many of her friends lose their husbands to divorce or death, and all of a sudden they had to support themselves, and most of them were not in a position to do that. there was one exception: a friend who had gone to law school, passed the bar and maintained her bar membership, but never practiced. All of a sudden, shes in her mid-forties, [her husband] leaves her and she hangs out her own shingle, and she starts practicing law, for the first time, 20 years after she graduated law school, Denison says. Her friends success and newfound independence made a lasting impression on Denisons mother, who wanted the same for both of her two daughters. With that example of a woman who could provide for herself in mind, Denisons mother pushed hard for her and her sister to go to law school. I dont think she actually really cared if we ever worked, but she looked at it as our safety net. She wasnt giving us a trust fund, but she could give us an education and the qualifications to protect us, says Denison. A way into IP After graduating from law school at the University of North Carolina, Denison did go right to work, passing the bar, moving to New York City and joining a small firm (which eventually became a part of Holland & Knight, after her departure) there as an associate in the litigation department. Many of the firms clients were major British and Irish brands names like Burberry and Waterford that needed trade mark work done in the US. So, in spite of her position as a litigation associate, Denison gained substantial experience doing trade mark work for major clients in the very early stages of her career. When Denison made the move to the DC office of a larger firm (the now-defunct, California-based Graham & James), the firm needed an associate each in its trade marks and trade departments. I remember this other associate and I were kind of dragged in and they said: Well, what do you want to do? Denison says. And it just sort of happened. Denison became a partner in the trade mark department and eventually went on to form her own firm with some of her fellow Graham & James colleagues. As Denisons private practice career progressed and she continued to succeed, I was frequently the only woman in the room, she says, especially at the beginning of my career, but really until I came to the PTO, in 2011. While in private practice, Denison became actively involved in the International Trademark Association (INTA), which nominated her to its Trademark Public Advisory Committee, a seat which she held until she stepped down to take on her first role in the USPTO as deputy commissioner for trade marks. At the USPTO, Denison has been delighted by how many hard-working, smart people there are here. She says: You just dont know what the average person is going to be like, and I was really delighted, because theyre really terrific, and theyre just dedicated to public service, and its really been fabulous. Setting an example According to the USPTOs statistics, 62% of Denisons colleagues in the Trademark Office are women, as compared to 36% in the USPTO as a whole. Women hold a number of senior executive service (SES) positions within the USPTO, including chief policy officer and director of international affairs Shira Perlmutter, general counsel Sarah Harris, USPTO director Michelle Lee, and, of course, Denison herself. Overall, about 37% of the USPTOs executives are women, as compared to 30% of SES positions throughout the government. So I think we are doing a good job of setting a good example in the PTO for raising through the glass ceiling, says Denison. In addition to her priorities in modernising the Trademark Office such as improving customer experience and encouraging entirely digital filings Denison makes a priority of listening to and mentoring her employees, making sure to give them a chance to be heard, whether to express concerns or pitch ideas. Really one of the most important things that can be done is to mentor younger women and help them to believe in themselves, says Denison. Although she does this for all of her employees, often women in particular, I think, suffer from self-confidence issues, and that is really critical, having self-confidence and believing in yourself, says Denison. At the start of the year, the United Nations General Assembly launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which includes plans to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. As a specialised agency of the United Nations, WIPO has joined this effort, committing to address gender inequality in intellectual property. Speaking at the IP Statistics for Decision Makers 2016 conference, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry said: These new, global data give us a baseline for understanding the role of gender in the filing of international patent applications, which is one metric used in measuring a countrys innovative capacity. These data prove that a gender gap exists and it needs to be addressed. Gender analysis of PCT applicants In 2015, researchers found that less than one-third of all international patent applications include women inventors and only one out of seven inventors is a woman. On average, the proportion of women inventors represents an annual growth rate of 12.5%, while the number of male inventors has been increasing at an average of 9.5% each year. At this rate, it is estimated that it will take no less than 64 years to reach a balanced gender distribution of inventors. While figures suggest that women are more engaged in patent filing than they were in 1995, the study highlights a persistent gap between male and female inventors. The report reads: In 2015, less than 15% of PCT applications with women participation were filed amongst women only, while roughly three-quarters of those with men participation were filed amongst men only. The proportion of PCT applications filed with only women inventors remains very small at just 4.3%, which is almost twice the proportion of women-only inventors filing in 1995. The biggest gender gaps were found among top countries for PCT filing such as Germany, Japan, Italy and South Africa. Variations by country The report explores data from a range of UN countries, helping to illustrate gender participation in patent filing on an international scale. While the report does not cover all countries, it shines a light on countries that are performing well in gender equality. While the majority of PCT filing is concentrated in a few countries, WIPOs Julio Raffo says that there is a lot to learn from analysing data in this sample area. Raffo, one of the reports authors, says: There is some evidence about who is doing better in gender participation. Some countries known for gender balance, surprisingly didnt do as well in the statistics. Other countries that you could consider middle income or less industrialised, you are expecting them to do worse, but they do better. In 2015, with a share of international patent applications with at least one woman inventor at 50%, the Republic of Korea topped the list and China followed at 49%, making them leaders for gender equality in international patenting via the PCT. Other leading countries include Poland (40%), Spain (35%) and Singapore (34%) while the US, the largest user of the PCT system, lagged behind with a share of 29% for the period 2011-2015. Brazil and Mexico, considered as middle income countries, appeared to have marginally better gender balance in international patenting compared to some high-income countries such as Canada, Denmark and Finland. Future studies One major challenge of the study, researchers note, was the availability of gender-specific data on an international scale. WIPO officials generated a world gender-name dictionary using sources from over 170 countries to aid the identification of inventors. The report also considered that the proportion of women participating in patent filing is not equally distributed. With a lower proportion of women in patenting, Germany, the US and Japan have been marked as a key countries for tracking the progression in gender balance. It was also suggested that there is lot to be gained from extending the analysis of gender participation in patent filing to other areas of intellectual property. A focal point of the study pointed to five technological fields in which gender balance is seeing the fastest rate of improvement. Between 1995 and 2015, the gender gap in digital communication and telecommunication narrowed by 27 and 21 percentage points respectively. Food chemistry and organic fine chemistry and other consumer good categories were also named as fields in which there was greater evidence of gender balance. Overall, it was found that technologies related to engineering had less women participation than life science industries. Raffo notes: It seems that academic patenting or patenting by universities or public research organisations is more gender balanced than the private sector. He suggested that could be an opportunity to dig deeper into these results, to distinguish the technological and industrial specialisations reflected in the industry, in comparison to the academic sector. You can read WIPOs full study on the gender of PCT inventors here. Ukrainian army positions in Donbas came under 37 attacks during the day, the anti-terrorist operation staff said on Facebook on Wednesday morning. Most shelling incidents occurred in the Mariupol sector. Militants fired over 30 shells from 122mm guns on Ukrainian army positions in Shyrokyne. According to the press center, mortars of various calibers, grenade launchers, heavy machineguns and small arms were used against Talakivka, Slavne, Shyrokyne, Vodyane, Krasnohorivka, Lebedynske and Pavlopil. Besides, a sniper was active near Pavlopil, the report said. In the Donetsk sector, militants shelled Luhanske and Avdiyivka using mortars forbidden by the Minsk agreements, the press center said, adding that grenade launchers of various types and heavy machineguns were also employed in those areas. Activity in the Luhansk sector was seen on Tuesday evening, when Ukrainian army positions near Novozvanivka, Novooleksandrivka and Katerynivka were shelled by mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machineguns, the staff said. New Delhi: Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das on last day said that people who comes to banks to exchange old notes and cash withdrawals will be marked with indelible inks on cash counters similar to elections. Das also pointed that they have received reports that many people were trying to convert black money into white with organized groups of people and sending them to exchange money. The DEA Secretary also said that people coming repeatedly to banks are also responsible for long queues. How Trump's Election Victory Will Galvanize Kindred Spirits in Europe Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election was cause for celebration among Europe's largest anti-establishment political forces. Party leaders from France's National Front, Italy's Five Star Movement and the Netherlands' Party of Freedom offered congratulations to the president-elect, thrilled by his demonstration that the political and media establishment can be thwarted. Like Trump, they hope to ride the wave of anti-establishment fervor building on both sides of the Atlantic to power in 2017, when some of the European Union's biggest economies will hold national elections. To a great extent, Trump's victory and the success of the United Kingdom's referendum to leave the European Union are the result of the same trend. Emerging political forces in the United States and Europe blame globalization for the loss of jobs and present immigration as a threat to national identity and security. Their message resonates with people who do not see a benefit in free trade or flexible migration and who feel as if traditional parties do not understand their plight. Mainstream media outlets and opinion polls largely underestimated that segment of the electorate in the runup to both the U.S. election and the Brexit referendum. That they failed to foresee Trump's victory or that of the "leave" camp demonstrates the extent to which these emerging social and political trends have been minimized, disregarded or misunderstood. The same political upheaval could manifest again over the course of Europe's busy 2017 electoral season. In March, the Netherlands a prominent economic and political power in Northern Europe will hold general elections. (Italy could join them if constitutional reforms fail in a December referendum, triggering early elections.) France, which boasts the Continent's second-largest economy, will hold presidential votes in April and May, followed by legislative elections in June. Toward the end of the year, the European Union's greatest political and economic force, Germany, will hold general elections in October. Europe's various anti-establishment parties differ in their agendas, but they share a common criticism of the European Union and the traditional parties that back it. Most want to leave the eurozone and curb immigration. Though they were already performing well in polls before these votes, the results of the June Brexit referendum and Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election confirmed that an anti-globalization agenda could prevail in countries with large and developed economies. Going into the 2017 elections, the U.S. and British examples will add momentum to Europe's anti-system parties, forcing their mainstream adversaries to address the emerging social and political trends that they represent. Many moderate parties will face pressure to include elements from the anti-establishment agenda in their electoral platforms, while others will be tempted to compromise with their rivals. But whether Europe's anti-establishment parties can replicate the unexpected triumphs of Trump or the Brexit in 2017 remains to be seen. Different Electoral Systems, Different Results A few factors should be kept in mind when analyzing Europe's upcoming electoral season. First, the countries holding elections have different electoral systems that produce different outcomes. France, for instance, elects its president in a two-round system. If no candidate reaches 50 percent of the vote in the initial round, a runoff is held between the two candidates who received the most votes. Opinion polls show that the National Front is currently drawing close to 30 percent support, which should be enough to reach the second round of the election. But even if polling companies are underestimating the party's popularity, its leader, Marine Le Pen, still has to persuade a substantial number of voters in order to win office. By contrast, Germany and the Netherlands use a proportional system, wherein a party's performance in elections dictates its representation in parliament. But this means that, in most cases, a coalition of two or more parties is needed to form a government. Should Euroskeptic parties fail to win enough seats to govern on their own, they will have to find allies to access power. This will prove particularly difficult for Alternative for Germany (AfD), since most other parties in Germany would be reluctant to accept it as a coalition partner. In the Netherlands, the Party of Freedom was in a similar predicament until 2010, when election results were inconclusive. The fragmented parliament that emerged that year prompted the minority government to seek the Party of Freedom's support. The shaky government that the agreement produced lasted only a year and a half, but it broke the taboo of dealing with the Euroskeptic party. Conventional parties in Austria and Finland have accepted Euroskeptic forces as formal government members or as external support in the legislature as well. However unlikely an agreement between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union and AfD seems at this point, some second-ranking members of the ruling party have openly supported the idea. Things are more complicated in Italy, because the country's new electoral law, which has never been applied, is facing a legal challenge. The statute calls for a two-round system to elect a prime minister, creating a significant opportunity for the Five Star Movement, which enjoys more support among Italy's moderate voters than, for instance, the National Front does in France. In addition, supporters of smaller parties, such as the anti-immigration Northern League or former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's center-right Forza Italia could help the Five Star Movement defeat the ruling Democratic Party in a runoff. That said, if early elections are held, the Italian parliament could choose to follow the old electoral law or attempt to amend the new law to lessen the odds of a Five Star Movement victory. All Eyes on Trump A second factor to consider will be Trump's performance after he takes office. By the time the electoral cycle begins in Europe in mid-March, the new U.S. administration will have been in power for just under two months, giving Continental voters a glimpse of what an anti-globalization administration looks like. Of course, the differences in political systems will make for an imperfect comparison, but nevertheless, support for like-minded parties in Europe could intensify or weaken, depending on how the new president fares after his inauguration. An orderly transition in the United States and a successful start to Trump's term would quiet fears among European voters about supporting an anti-establishment candidate. Similarly, Brexit has offered a reassuring example, proving that the British and European economies are more robust in the face of political turmoil than some expected. The Brexit's most profound effects, however, will not become evident for several years a boon for political parties in Europe that want to organize similar referendums. The Trouble With Being in Power Finally, the track record of anti-establishment parties that have already achieved power will influence their popularity elsewhere in Europe. Such parties generally poll best as part of the opposition, and those that have attained political prominence have had trouble maintaining it. In Finland, the popularity of the Finns party sank after it joined the governing coalition and was forced to compromise on measures that contradicted its manifesto, for example by accepting spending cuts or agreeing to Greece's third bailout program. Likewise, even if she won the office, the limitations of the French presidency would prevent Le Pen from carrying out the National Front's agenda wholesale. Governing the city of Rome is proving similarly difficult for the Five Star Movement. In just under five months, its stint in charge of the Italian capital has exposed the party's internal divisions and revealed the managerial shortcomings of some of its members. Though governments led by anti-establishment parties would face similar constraints as those led by their mainstream rivals, a victory by any of these upstart groups would have national and international repercussions that a victory by a traditional force would not. If the Five Star Movement wins power in Italy, for instance, its triumph could have immediate consequences in the eurozone. At a time when Italian banks are fragile and questions over the future of the country's cumbersome public debt remain unanswered, the Italian economic and financial environment may deteriorate more quickly under the Five Star Movement's rule than it would under a mainstream party. A win for the National Front in France, meanwhile, would probably force Germany to accelerate negotiations with Paris to reform the European Union. Trump's victory and the Brexit referendum have revealed the extent to which anti-globalization forces are gaining ground. Anti-establishment sentiments will likely be on display throughout Europe's impending electoral season and will influence political developments on the Continent even if the parties that espouse them fail to reach power. Win or lose, these parties will continue to challenge the free movement of people, goods, services and capital in the European Union and throw the future of the eurozone into doubt. Though an electoral victory would speed up those processes for Euroskeptic parties, their influence will still be felt on the Continent long after the 2017 votes have been tallied. "How Trump's Victory Will Galvanize Kindred Spirits in Europe is republished with permission of Stratfor." This analysis was just a fraction of what our Members enjoy, Click Here to start your Free Membership Trial Today! "This report is republished with permission of STRATFOR" Copyright 2016 Stratfor. All rights reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only. 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. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Brahms & Democracy In November of 1876, one hundred and forty years ago, Johannes Brahms monumental First Symphony was first heard, performed in Karlsruhe, Germany. The much anticipated work which took Brahms over 20 years to complete has become part of the cannon of Western music. Ironically, the premier of The Ring by Brahms supposed rival and fellow musical genius, Richard Wagner, was performed for the first time in the same year. While one critic initially called Brahms First Symphony Beethovens Tenth, it has surpassed that unjust description and now stands on its own merit as a distinct masterpiece. The First Symphony, the three that followed, and the rest of Brahms works makes him more than Beethovens successor, a unique musical figure in his own right. In one of his best newspaper articles, H.L. Mencken wrote the following about a Brahms performance: My excuse for writing of the above gentleman is simply that I can think of nothing else. A week or so ago, . . . I heard his sextet for strings, opus 18, and ever since then it has been sliding and pirouetting through my head. I have gone to bed with it and I have got up with it. Not, of course, with the whole sextet, nor even with any principal tune of it, but with the modest and fragile little episode at the end of the first section of the first movement a lowly thing of eight measures, thrown off like a perfume, so to speak, from the second subject.* The Sage of Baltimore continued on what made Brahms so special: In music, as in all the other arts, the dignity of the work is simply a reflection of the dignity of the man. The notion that shallow and trivial men can write great masterpieces is one of the follies that flow out of the common human taste for scandalous anecdote. . . . More than any other art, perhaps, music demands brains. It is full of technical complexities. It calls for a capacity to do a dozen things at once. But most of all it is revelatory of what is called character. When a trashy man writes it, it is trashy music. Here is where the immense superiority of such a man as Brahms becomes manifest. There is less trashiness in his music than there is in the music of any other man ever heard of, with the sole exception, perhaps of Johann Sebastian Bach. . . . Hearing Brahms, one never gets any sense of being entertained by a clever mountebank. One is facing a superior man, and the fact is evident from the first note. While Brahms was born in Hamburg, he eventually found his way to the musical capital of the world, Vienna, which, at the time, was part of the Austro- Hungarian Empire. Vienna was more than the musical center of Europe, but a cultural one as well which was rivaled by few in Brahms time. Although mostly forgotten under an avalanche of pro-democracy historiography, the Vienna where Brahms spent most of his adult life was ruled by a monarch. The rich cultural life which flourished in that political atmosphere was admitted even by those who were, no doubt, hostile and envious of it as the philosopher and economist, Hans-Hermann Hoppe, describes in his seminal book, Democracy: The God That Failed: Even democratic intellectuals and artists from any field of intellectual and cultural endeavor could not ignore the enormous level of productivity of Austro-Hungarian and in particular Viennese culture. Indeed, the list of great names associated with late nineteenth and early twentieth century Vienna is seemingly endless.** As Professor Hoppe insightfully shows, the incredible accomplishments of the likes of Brahms came in the pre-democratic era which tragically ended with WWI. . . . rarely has this enormous intellectual and cultural productivity been brought in a systematic connection with the pre-democratic tradition of the Habsburg monarchy. Instead, if it has not been considered a mere coincidence, the productivity of Austrian-Viennese culture has been presented politically correctly as proof of the positive synergistic effects of a multiethnic society and of multiculturalism. Whether the accomplishments were in the arts, music, scientific breakthrough, invention, or entrepreneurial wealth creation, all were the result of individual initiative, skill, tenacity, foresight and intelligence within a society that recognized, praised, and promoted such achievements. There was no affirmative action or policies that promoted artists based on their skin color or gender. When Brahms came to Vienna, he did not receive an Austro-Hungarian version of a National Endowment of Arts subsidy! Just as important, and what is ignored by the Left and many race-denying realists on the respectable Right, is that all of these civilization-enhancing accomplishments in Vienna were made, for the most part, by white heterosexual men. No other culture or people have ever produced music comparable to Brahms and his fellow Western musical masters. The democratic age which followed has been praised by scholars as an advancement of the human condition on all fronts. In his book and in other places, however, Professor Hoppe has shown that just the opposite has occurred under democratic conditions with a trend toward de-civilization. Taking the US as an example, he writes: . . . less than a century of full-blown democracy has resulted in steadily increasing moral degeneration, family and social disintegration, and cultural decay in the form of continually rising rates of divorce, illegitimacy, abortion, and crime. As a result of an ever-expanding list of nondiscrimination affirmative action laws and nondiscriminatory, multicultural , egalitarian immigration policies, every nook and cranny of American society is affected by government management and forced integration; accordingly, social strife and racial, ethnic, and moral cultural tension and hostility have increased dramatically. As Professor Hoppe notes, the latest phase in the democratic era has been immigration policies which have been deliberately planned to destroy the various Western cultures with Germany being the most devastated. Yet, as Mencken wrote of him, Brahms was a product of Germanic blood not that of multiculturalism. The German people who continue to support and allow those to wantonly destroy the culture that produced a Brahms should consult Mencken: I give you his Deutsches Requiem as an example. . . . The thing is irresistibly moving. It is moving because a man of the highest intellectual dignity, a man of exalted feelings, a man of brains, put into it his love and pride in his country. That country is lucky which produces such men. While Brahms music will always be listened to and played for its brilliance, it should always be remembered in what culture his genius was allowed to flourish. How fortunate for mankind that Brahms lived in the pre-democratic era and what a loss it would have been if the First Symphony would have never been composed. *Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, ed. The Impossible H.L. Mencken: A Selection of His Best Newspaper Stories. With a Foreword by Gore Vidal. New York: Anchor Books, Doubleday, 1991, pp. 465-468. **Hans-Hermann Hoppe, Democracy: The God That Failed: The Economics and Politics of Monarchy, Democracy and Natural Order. New Brunswick (U.S.A.): Transaction Publishers, 2001, pp. xii-xiii. Antonius Aquinas@AntoniusAquinas By Antonius Aquinas http://antoniusaquinas.com 2016 Copyright Antonius Aquinas - 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. Some participants in a rally outside the building of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) told observers of the OSCE special monitoring mission (SMM) that they were paid for taking part in the protests, the OSCE SMM said in a report as of November 14. "In Kyiv the SMM monitored a public gathering outside the National Bank of Ukraine organized by the political party, For Life. About 1,200 people (70 percent elderly women) listened as a speaker accused the bank of corruption," the report reads. The monitors said protestors temporarily blocked the street in front of the bank. The SMM noted that about 20-30 young men in civilian clothing, positioned at the edge of the crowd, were stopping people and asking them where they were going when they attempted to leave the demonstration. The SMM was also stopped by the men who stated they were from the 'rapid reaction group' of the For Life political party. "Two demonstrators separately told the SMM that they would be paid the equivalent of about USD 10 for participating in the demonstration," the mission said. How Obamacare Could Have Saved the Economy BY PATRICK WATSON : Some people say Obamacare was designed to fail, a clever attempt to pull us toward socialized healthcare. I dont know if thats true. But its a fact that Obamacare is failing. The so-called reform never worked very well because it didnt reduce the underlying cost pressures. Now its falling apart. This is sad. You see, Obamacares dark cloud had a silver lining that might have sparked economic growth like we havent seen in decades. Im not kidding. We could have had a magnificent boom that put millions to work and wiped out all our debts. Obamacare had that potential. Yes, I know this sounds nutsbut its true. Youll see when we connect a few dots. This is how an economy grows If you want your countrys economy to grow, you need the right conditions. Some are unchangeable: geography, climate, natural resources. You just try to make the best of them. Others, like education, culture, and government policies you can control or at least influence. One ingredient you absolutely must have for economic growth is also the rarest: smart people with entrepreneurial vision. Theyre the job creators, the ones whose ideas and persistence build growing, successful businesses. Such people dont grow on trees. We hear about famous entrepreneurs like Henry Ford, Ray Kroc, and Steve Jobs, but many thousands of small business founders arent so celebrated. They may only employ a handful of workers, but as a group theyre the economys backbone. We would not last long without them. This being the case, we want to set conditions that help these entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. The last thing we should do is slow them down or create obstacles. But thats exactly what our healthcare system does. Heres how Obamacare was supposed to work Even if the law didnt mandate it, health insurance is a necessity today. Were all vulnerable to accidents or serious disease. Medical bills are the #1 reason why Americans go bankrupt. Health insurance helps control that risk. Yet health insurance is a patchwork in the US. People over age 65 and the seriously disabled have Medicare. Poor people have Medicaid. Full-time workers in large private or government organizations have employer-sponsored health plans. Lower-income workers can buy subsidized Obamacare. Very wealthy people simply pay out of pocket. Thats not everyone. Whos missing? X People with part-time jobs. X The self-employed. X Workers in companies too small to offer a health plan. Entrepreneurial people who start new businesses are usually in one of those last few categories. How do they get health insurance? Many didnt get it until Obamacare launched in 2014. Individual coverage existed, but it grew very expensive in recent years. It wasnt available at all if you or someone in your family had even a minor preexisting condition. Insurers wouldnt take the risk at any price. Obamacare tried to solve this problem by making health insurance available to all through the state and federal exchanges. Anyone not otherwise insured can sign up, even with preexisting conditions. Yes, Obamacare is a big, sprawling program with a lot of challenges. But this particular part of it filled an important gap. It would have given everyone access to health insurance for the first time in many years. That, in turn, would have helped more would-be entrepreneurs make the leap from corporate jobs to self-employment. It would also have helped them attract talented workers in the critical first year or two. Obamacare may actually have done this initially, but its certainly not doing it anymore. Obamacare discourages new business The theory was that the individual mandate would bring enough people into the exchange system to have a cost-effective risk pool. It hasnt worked out that way. So, unless your income is low enough to qualify you for subsidies, the Obamacare plans are unbelievably expensive. Premiums got substantially higher this year, even doubling in some places. Here are some examples from Naples, Florida (via Bob Laszewskis Health Care Policy and Marketplace Review ). X Family of four, mom and dad age 40, two kids. Lowest Bronze annual premium $13,176. Deductible $7,150 single, $14,300 family. Income $130,000. Not eligible for subsidies. X Single woman age 45. Lowest Bronze premium $4,968. Deductible of $7,150. Income of $50,000. Not eligible for a subsidy. X Couple ages 64 and 61. Lowest Bronze premium $20,004. Deductible of $7,150 single and $14,300 family. Income of $150,000. Not eligible for subsidies. The numbers are even more eye-popping if you think of them as percentages of income. For the family of four or the 45-year-old single woman, health insurance is effectively a 10% extra income tax with no deductions. Its even more if anyone actually gets sick. If youre deciding whether to leave your corporate job to start a new company, would these numbers encourage you? Probably not. Ditto if you have the chance to work at a startup that doesnt offer health benefits. Obamacare restricts labor mobility This is a real problem. All over the US, smart people with great ideas cant put them in action because the Affordable Care Act doesnt deliver affordable care. They have little choice but to work for someone else so they can have health coverage. Sure, you might still take the leap if youre healthy and single. But even then, your investors and workers would rather you didnt take the risk. They need you healthy and productive. And what if you have young children? No caring parent would leave them uncovered. Our healthcare patchwork restricts labor mobility. Thats bad because we all benefit when people are free to find the best match for their personality and skills. Anything that reduces labor mobility is economically harmful. Heres the key question: How many potentially great businesses never get off the ground because the would-be founders cant get health insurance for their families and workers? We cant know, but I think its a big number. Even if its only a few, they could still launch enterprises that employ millions of people. Theres a chance to fix Obamacare If more entrepreneurs could get healthcare, the economy would boom. Tax revenues would rise. Some of the issues that made voters so angry this year would improve. This problem isnt natural. It is a purely man-made barrier created by politicians of both parties and aided by corporate lobbyists. The new president and Congress will have a chance to fix it, but tinkering with Obamacare's edges won't be enough. Nor will repealing it and going back to the pre-2014 mess. I dont claim to have the answerbut I'm sure there is one. Other countries somehow do this without becoming dictatorships or taxing everyone to death. The US can, too. When we do, it will help restore the kind of economic growth that made America great. And that idea deserves all our votes. Subscribe to Connecting the Dotsand Get a Glimpse of the Future We live in an era of rapid change and only those who see and understand the shifting market, economic, and political trends can make wise investment decisions. Macroeconomic forecaster Patrick Watson spots the trends and spells what they mean every week in the free e-letter, Connecting the Dots. Subscribe now for his seasoned insight into the surprising forces driving global markets. John Mauldin Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. The Deplorables Have A Message European Commission president Jean-Claude Junger just made a speech in which he said the following about President Elect Trump: We will need to teach the president-elect what Europe is and how it works What an arrogant, condescending, pretentious, pompous, ninny. Seems that Mr. Junger needs to learn about the real america and it aint the sissy-pants, college campus, socialists he has been talking to. Allow me the opportunity to help out Mr. Junger to better his understanding of the Trump phenomena. First, the 2016 election was not so much about Donald Trump as it was a rejection of the current path of america. It could have been Donald Trump or Donald Duck or Donald the plumber. I think voters in most states voiced a desire for change. Period. It should be noted that Mr. Trumps political party, the republicans, won both the House and the Senate as well. Second, Mr. Trump was elected to send a message to the world. Mr. Junger, if you will set your gaze due west you might see the message. Maybe you will have to stand on a chair but it will be worth it. Do you see it? Yes, that object you see rising from the american back country is a giant middle finger. And Mr. Junger, it is pointed directly at world politicians and bureaucrats like yourself. Why the finger? Lets look at an example of why half the voting population backed Mr. Trump. Stanford University in California just witnessed a demonstration on campus protesting Mr. Trumps election. Professors and students alike participated. This is where one wants to pull up a chair and make some popcorn. The college campus clown show gets funnier every day. The demonstrators raised a specific idea of making their campus a sanctuary for people in the country who are not of legal status. If I were the president, I would make it so. Since they volunteered, I would have immigration deport those who are engaged in criminal activities and send them to Stanford. Students would be required to house the immigrants in their dorms, share their food, clothes, and resources. Professors would be required to teach an extra two or three classes for these immigrants at no charge. Current students would be required to serve as tutors. And, the professors would be required to learn the language of the immigrants. Of course, it seems utterly ridiculous that a campus like Stanford would raise the issue of discrimination, diversity, and inclusion. First, the school charges $64,000 per year for tuition and boarding. Thats for just one year! I dont suppose they get a lot of diverse poor people applying at Stanford. One might question why the tuition would be so high at Stanford? The tuition is high for the same reason country clubs charge so much for admission. It is to keep the rif-raf out and on the other side of their golden gates. One might even say this is discrimination at its cruelest. Second, the school only accepts some 5% of applicants. Well, arent they picky and very discriminatory about who they let in. A 95% rejection rate smacks in the face of all that diversity and inclusion they chant about. Third, the academic requirements are stringent. The school only looks to accept the highest achieving students with the best grades and the best SAT scores. Students that dont have the privilege of attending better high schools are generally excluded from Stanfords selective process. So, this is just another example of the elite trying to tell the rest of us what to do. This has led to Californian Senator Boxer introducing legislation to terminate the Electoral College method of presidential elections. The Electoral College system was put in place to keep the states with large populations, like California, from imposing their efforts on the rest of the country. Ms. Boxer better hurry, though. Californians are moving to other states in larger numbers than those migrating in from elsewhere. California, it should be noted, is home to some one-third of US welfare recipients and boasts of the highest poverty rate in the US according to US economic census. Yeah, the rest of us want to be like California. In the 2016 presidential election, Mr. Trump won two-thirds of the states by majority vote and thus the electoral college votes. Mr. Trump, someone else needs to see our middle finger again! Barry M. Ferguson, RFC President, BMF Investments, Inc. Primary Tel: 704.563.2960 Other Tel: 866.264.4980 Industry: Investment Advisory barry@bmfinvest.com www.bmfinvest.com www.bmfinvest.blogspot.com Barry M. Ferguson, RFC is President and founder of BMF Investments, Inc. - a fee-based Investment Advisor in Charlotte, NC. He manages several different portfolios that are designed to be market driven and actively managed. Barry shares his unique perspective through his irreverent and very popular newsletter, Barrys Bulls, authored the book, Navigating the Mind Fields of Investing Money, lectures on investing, and contributes investment articles to various professional publications. He is a member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, the International Speakers Network, and was presented with the prestigious Cato Award for Distinguished Journalism in the Field of Financial Services in 2009. 2016 Copyright BMF Investments, Inc. - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the writer and have been presented for educational purposes. They are not meant to serve as individual investment advice and should not be taken as such. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell anything. Readers should consult their registered financial representative to determine the suitability of any investment strategies undertaken or implemented. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) is soliciting for the arrest of former board chairman of insolvent bank Finance and Credit (Kyiv), the PGO has said on its website. "On November 14, 2016, the former board chairman of bank Finance and Credit and one of his deputies were informed that they are suspected of committing a crime PGO filed a petition to court to arrest the suspects," the PGO said. The crime is being investigated under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by abuse of official post committed in respect of an especially gross amount): shall be punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to twelve years, with forfeiture of property. Volodymyr Khlyvniuk headed the bank's board since 2002. The police and Security Service of Ukraine continue establishing all persons implicated in the unlawful financial deal signed by officials of bank Finance and Credit. According to the report, with the help of nonresidents (one offshore company, the ultimate beneficiary of which is a Ukrainian citizen former assistant to a lawmaker) the assets worth over UAH 1 billion were illegally removed from the bank. According to the PGO, it was established that officials of bank Finance and Credit colluded with other persons and signed a surety agreement with nonresidents (one banks was located in Austria). Some $54 million was sent to the bank's correspondent accounts, which were used as a guarantee by the Ukrainian bank guarantor to cover risky activities of the offshore company registered in Cyprus. The funds were lost after signing the fraudulent financial deals and reporting them. The bank and its depositors incurred significant losses as a result. If theres one thing for sure, no one at Ivy Hagwoods house is going to go hungry. Theres always a full meal on the table and plenty extra, in case people drop by. Just like Thanksgiving and Christmas, I dont never know who might show up and what they would like, she said. I fix what my family likes and throw in something extra if I have to, to make sure my husband is satisfied. Just as long as my husband eats thats all I have to do. She and Thomas Hagwood Sr. have three children, Antony (and wife Tracy) Hagwood of Ararat, Aunetra (and husband Brian) Hill of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Thomas Hagwood Jr. of Ridgeway. Their grandchildren are Antony Hagwood, Zion Hagwood, India Johnson, LaDonte Moore, Joktan Moore, Deric Dandy, Brian Hill Jr. and Kyia Hill. Their great-grandchildren are JaMarion Finney and Rylan and Ragan Combs. Shes always made sure to have a hearty, proper meal for her family. Her husband is a man that dont have to worry about a meal, she said. Well, he may have worried, just once when she went to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to see her sister. When I got back home I saw four of the happiest faces I ever saw in my life, she said. Her children and husband had the look of, Now we get to eat a meal! They are so used to proper cooking that they still dont let her forget the Thanksgiving she didnt feel like making a whole turkey. Instead, she made turkey rolls from turkey breast slices. Aunetra talks about those turkey rolls to this day, Hagwood said. She said, Who ever heard of such. She and my brother Matthew (Manns) Junior never let me forget I didnt have a turkey that year. Tuesday morning as she was shopping for her afternoon cooking, she encountered a blessing in the grocery store. She came up short at the register and was going to have to put back some groceries. Just as she was telling the cashier which items to deduct, a woman behind her asked, Do you mind if I pay for your stuff? Hagwood recalled. Hagwood took her up on the offer. After the transaction, the women got to chatting. I found out shes a ministers wife, Hagwood said. She said, Do you believe in the Lord? I said, Baby, Im a minister. I wouldnt take nothing for what Hes done for me. Then the women shared an emotional moment as Hagwood told her new friend, Amanda Hunt, about her recent brain surgery. Last fall, a doctor told her, Your brain is T-boned with tumors, Hagwood said. Some thought I was going to die. She told them, I aint going nowhere. Her surgery was in September 2015. He had to cut into a nerve and a muscle to get everything out. When she came home, she didnt have balance, her speech was slurred and an eye was damaged, requiring her now to wear glasses. She stayed numb in her hands and legs and had 70 stitches in her head. After they were removed, she kept them as souvenirs of the experience. My sisters were right by my side through it all, she said: Sharon Powell, Linda Irby, Annette White and Nesie Williams. Her brother, Matthew Manns Jr., also was a great support. My best friend, Gloria Hodge, stuck by me like glue. Despite having a large family of her own to care for, Hodge cleaned Hagwoods house and cooked her meals. Now, shes for the most part back to how she was before, except that I havent got my taste buds back all the way, Hagwood said. Chocolate is one of the worst tastes. Honey, I was the chocolate queen before that brain surgery. She was on 13 medications right after surgery, and now shes down to three. She learned how to make gravy from her father, Matthew Manns Sr., who saved the day one Thanksgiving when she ran short. She had 80 people from church, Mt. Nebo Holiness, over, and asked her father to help with gravy. Now she still uses the method he used that day. First, she removes the turkey onto a serving platter. Then she puts a cup or two of flour into a large cup, and spoons a few spoonful of the hot cooking juices into it. She whisks it together, then stirs the gravy mixture into the cooking liquid and whisks it all. It looks lumpy when you first stir it in, she said, but its not. Itll boil out. She lets the mixture come to a slow boil, then covers it with a lid for five minutes. When she removed the lid after that time, the gravy was smooth. Tuesdays meal started with the turkey breast and gravy, and included potatoes, stuffing, fried chicken wings with broccoli and rice, macaroni salad, regular and cheese cornbread, greens, cabbage with kielbasa, pumpkin pie, chocolate fudge cake with chocolate frosting and red velvet pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting. The pumpkin pie is the favorite of her grandson, Antony Hagwood. The rest of the family prefers sweet potato pie, she said. She still remembers the time, when he was 10, that he mowed grass for pay, then asked her to take him to the store. He purchased all the ingredients for a pineapple upside down cake his other favorite dessert -- then asked her to make it. Hagwood concludes her full meals with a dessert, always from scratch, always with real butter and never margarine. When she bakes, she said, she always has all ingredients out at room temperature, or else the result wont be as good as it could be. She adds a few special touches to standard frosting recipes. Chocolate frostings always are better with a dash or two of rum in them, because it enriches the flavor, she said. She likes a touch of butter flavoring in nearly any frosting, and just a drop or two of almond extract in cream cheese frosting. She frosts cakes quickly and efficiently, her hands and blade or pastry bag flying over and around the cake. So that the frosting wont pull up too many crumbs, she lets the cake set for at least 30 minutes, or until the next day. Red velvet cakes in particular do better, with an enhanced flavor, a day later. Hagwood starts with icing a little on the loose side to spread between the layers. Then she beats some more confectioners sugar into it to stiffen it somewhat. She spreads frosting in long swipes with a 12-inch long, wide spreading knife. After the whole cake has its first layer of frosting, she adds a second layer, using the knife to make designs. She adds further designs by piping frosting from a plastic bag with a frosting tip. Doing all that cooking on a regular basis isnt at all intimidating for her, because its what she loves to do. Once I get it in my mind and now Ive got to do it, it just flows, she said. STUARTOn Tuesday, a Patrick County judge arraigned a man charged with strangling his ex-girlfriend on Oct. 30. Judge David T. Mullins appointed a public defender to represent William David Hylton, 45, of Stuart, on the strangulation charge, which is a felony, and a charge of misdemeanor assault, in which Mary Cummings, Hyltons ex-girlfriend, also is the alleged victim. Judge Mullins set a court hearing for Hylton on Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m. According to a criminal complaint, Cummings alleged that on Oct. 30 Hylton threw her to the ground, choked her, and she was not able to breathe. Cummings also alleged that Hylton took her cell phone when she said she was going to call police. In another case, Judge Mullins arraigned three Ravencliff, West Virginia, men each on two felony and three misdemeanor charges. Pete Byron Sizemore, 46; Scott Lee Sizemore, 39; and Joshua C. Mitchell, 26, each face felony charges of grand larceny of ginseng belonging to the city of Danville and larceny of property worth $200 or more with intent to sell or distribute; and misdemeanor charges of harvesting ginseng out of season, trespassing on property of the city of Danville, and digging, cutting, processing or otherwise collecting, removing, transporting or possessing any endangered or threatened species. The offenses allegedly happened on July 22. Judge Mullins appointed lawyers to represent two of the men and said a lawyer will be appointed to represent the third co-defendant. Mullins set a court hearing for Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. for each man. Judge Mullins arraigned Clyde Norman Sutphin of Stuart on felony charges of nonviolent felon possessing a gun within 10 years and felon possessing weapon/ammunition (not gun), and a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana. Mullins appointed a public defender to represent Sutphin and set a court date for Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m. The offenses allegedly happened Nov. 8. Judge Mullins arraigned William Lee Haynes of Cana and Christopher Clifford Pike of Mount Airy, North Carolina, each on a charge of grand larceny of 25 pumpkins on Sept. 17. Mullins appointed a public defender to represent Haynes and a private lawyer to represent Pike, and set a preliminary hearing for Feb. 7 at 10:30 a.m. for each man. Mullins arraigned Angela Stump of Bassett on one felony bad check charge and four misdemeanor bad check charges, all in September. Mullins appointed a public defender to represent Stump and set a court date for Feb. 7 at 10:15 a.m. Mullins arraigned Stephanie Ann Davis of Patrick Springs on charges including felony assault on law enforcement officer (Deputy D.L. Foley) and misdemeanor obstruct justice without force, both on Oct. 21. Mullins appointed a public defender to represent Davis and set a court date for Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. Brandon Duane Belton of Madison, North Carolina, waived his preliminary hearing on a charge of grand larceny (on Feb. 9), and Judge Mullins sent the case to Patrick County Circuit Court. Judge Mullins set a $2,500 secured bond for Randall Scott Rhudy, who was charged in a high-speed chase, on conditions that he abide by a curfew of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., reside with his sister, refrain from excessive alcohol, not use illegal drugs and not leave Virginia. Rhudy is charged with felony elude/disregard police and the misdemeanors of speeding 20 mph-plus (reckless driving) and drive under revocation/suspension. A criminal complaint alleged that Rhudy, 36, of Fries, led police on a chase, reaching speeds up to more than 90 mph. The incident began Oct. 9 when Rhudy, driving a 1998 Ford Ranger, allegedly rolled through a stop sign at the intersection of Pedigo Ridge Road and Unity Church Road in Claudville. The vehicle Rhudy was driving allegedly passed vehicles on double yellow lines, failed to stop at a second stop sign, went into Surry County, North Carolina, and eventually wrecked, followed by a foot chase, according to the complaint. Judge Mullins set a $15,000 secured bond for Pierre Quartez Scales of Stuart on condition that he abide by a curfew, live with his father, refrain from excessive use of alcohol, not use illegal drugs, commence or maintain education, be of good behavior and not leave Virginia. Scales is charged with felony elude/disregard police (on Oct. 28) and other offenses. Paul Collins reports for the Martinsville Bulletin and can be reached at paul.collins@martinsvillebulletin.com. BASSETTAlly Clement, Bassett High Schools college guide, helped students in Jay Gilberts class on Tuesday. In a rivalry match against Magna Vista High School, Bassett seniors rushed to submit college applications at a higher rate than their competitor. Part of Virginia College Application Week, the senior classes at both Henry County high schools are applying to postsecondary education facilities throughout the five-day stretch. Based on final percentages which will be tabulated Friday the senior class with the highest college application participation rate will win a free breakfast. Helping her school, MiNesha Hairston worked diligently on a Virginia Tech application. While she has already applied to three other schools, she figured another option couldnt hurt. Its exciting at first, Hairston said about applying to colleges. But then you have to do it over and over again. Clement encouraged students to apply to several schools this week since the national initiative waives many application fees. [Virginia College Application Week] tries to increase the college access, college going rate, Clement said. The college guide encouraged all Bassett students to apply to Patrick Henry Community College. Even if they had already submitted an application or received an acceptance letter from another institution, Clement said that PHCC was a solid first choice or fallback option. Luiz Martinez took Clements advice and printed out PHCCs application. I think its easier for me, Martinez said about filling out the paper-and-pen application packet as opposed to going through the online process. While he knew that he wanted to pursue an associates degree if he chose PHCC, he was undecided which program most interested him. However, if accepted in to Hampton-Sydney College where he previously applied, Martinez said he would likely major in Health and Sciences, which would partner with his career quest of physical therapy. Rachel Scott also took her decision seriously. On Tuesday, the Bassett High School senior applied to her third university this fall, Longwood. I applied to Radford [University] and Lynchburg [College] and got in to those, Scott said. As for her field of study, the student felt she still had time to lock in her choice. I think I want to do business, but Im not 100 percent positive, Scott said. While several students in Gilberts class made plans for their lives following their 2017 graduation date, others in the room were mid-way through their junior year. Clement helped 2018 graduates with other areas, like standardized test applications. Junior Savannah Pendleton navigated the ACT and SAT registration forms. You go to act.org and sat.org. You get all the updates about it when the tests are and where they are, Pendleton said. Addressing class time spent participating in Virginia College Application Week, Clement said, Im just allowing them to do what they need to do. On top of applying to multiple colleges and registering for pre-college tests, the college guide also helped students compete and submit their FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Were just trying to kill 10 birds with one stone, Clement said about the application frenzy. In addition to their rivalry with Magna Vista, Bassett students who complete college applications throughout the week will be entered into a drawing for a free yearbook. Amie Knowles reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. She can be reached at amie.pickeral@martinsvillebulletin.com The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has called on the governments of the EU countries, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to grant Ukrainian citizens visa-free travel before the end of 2016 in an address backed by 261 parliamentarians on Wednesday. In particular, the Rada urged the European Parliament and the Council of the EU "to make the necessary decisions for the European Union to grant visa-free travel to citizens of Ukraine without further delay, before the end of 2016." The Rada also called on the governments of the EU member-states to support the European Commission's legislative proposal on granting visa-free access to Ukrainian citizens for short-term visits to European Union countries. Two local veterans were recognized Friday at the annual Veterans Day Program at EMI in Bassett. John R. Redd of Spencer was named Henry County/Martinsville Outstanding Military Veteran and Malon I. Shelton was named Veteran of the Year. Retired Capt. Norman J. Jasper Jr., United States Marine Corps, was the guest speaker. Jim Adams, chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors, and Jennifer Bowles, Martinsville's Vice Mayor, presented the awards. Redd began his military service in the Army on Aug. 23, 1944. He received basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, then went to Fort Lee, Virginia. He was deployed to Ryukyus Islands (Okinawa) on May 7, 1945, to serve in World War II. He was involved in Operation Iceberg on Okinawa prior to the end of the war. He completed his military service exactly 70 years ago Friday, which was Veterans Day. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with one bronze star and good conduct; the World War II Victory Medal; and the Occupation Medal and Lapel Pin. He has been actively involved with the American Legion, both the Bassett Post and Homer Dillard Post #78. During his 49 years of service to Post #78, he served as Post Adjutant and Commander for 20 years. Redd has been a member of the Martinsville/Henry County Honor Guard for more than 40 years, and served the community through the NAACP, FAHI, Preston Community Center and Mount Olive East Christian Church. Shelton joined the Marine Corps in March 1966. He attended basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and continued training at Camp Lejeune and Camp Geiger, both in North Carolina. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, serving with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines G Company, and spent the rest of his time in the Marines in Vietnam. He left Vietnam in the middle of the Tet Offensive, with the rank of Lance Corporal. Shelton received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, and the Valorous Unit Award. Shelton is a member of the Joseph Moses Chapter #510 Military Order of the Purple Heart, where he served as Sergeant at Arms. He is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10840 in Penhook, where he served as commander for six years. He is a member of the Paul R. Shorter Chapter 52 Disabled American Veterans in Martinsville, and also of the 2nd Marine Division Association in Camp Lejeune, and the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines. He currently is the commander of the Edward W. Richardson Marine Corps League. A charter member of the Carolina Classic Chevy Club, Shelton also is a member of the Callands Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. He has been a member of Christian Tabernacle Church for 40 years, and has served as chairman of the board for three years. He was on the board of trustees for more than 40 years, and is the Sunday school superintendent and leads the services each Sunday morning. Some years ago, I took a defensive driving class. As I recall, I had gotten a ticket because my driving was so good that it was distracting to other drivers. Or maybe it was a speeding ticket, its hard to remember. There were about thirty people in the class. When the class began, the instructor looked around the room and asked everyone who had a suspended or revoked drivers license to raise their hand. About 20 people raised their hands. The instructor then asked how many of those people had driven themselves to the defensive driving class that morning. All 20 people again raised their hands. Last week, the Justice Department filed a brief supporting a class-action lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. The lawsuit claims that 940,000 people in our state have their licenses suspended for nonpayment of fines and court costs. Thats a little more than 11 percent of the population of Virginia. The lawsuit, Stinnie et al. v. Holcomb, names four plaintiffs, and argues that their constitutional rights have been violated. According to an article in the Washington Post, one of those plaintiffs is a 24-year-old Charlottesville man with lymphoma who became homeless after he failed to pay about $1,000 in traffic fines. Its easy to look at the situation and say, Well, if people dont want to lose their licenses, they should abide by the law. In some situations, I agree completely. If someone has multiple DUIs, for example, they should have their license revoked before they kill an innocent person. But the problem and the reason the Justice Department argues that those named in the class-action suit have a plausible claim that their constitutional rights have been violated is that the DMV is unfairly targeting people who simply cannot afford to pay their fines. Its about making a dollar, not about punishing crime. In the 21-page statement of interest filed by the Justice Department, it reads in part that suspending the drivers licenses of those who fail to pay fines or fees without inquiring into whether that failure to pay was willful or instead the result of an inability to pay may result in penalizing indigent individuals solely because of their poverty. What does that look like in practice? Imagine that two people one wealthy, one impoverished both get ticketed for speeding. Well say that they both got caught for speeding in a residential zone, and they both got $300 tickets. The wealthy individual takes his lumps and pays the ticket. The low-income individual, on the other hand, doesnt have $300 lying around, and he isnt able to lay his hands on $300 within 40 days after his court date. Now he has to pay additional interest, his debt is turned over to collections, and he faces a suspended license. But he wants to pay his ticket, and if hes going to pay it, he needs to earn some money. If hes exceptionally lucky, maybe he lives within walking distance of work. If he lives too far to walk, maybe he can get a ride, or he can take advantage of public transportation. But theres a very good chance that he doesnt have those options, and then what else is there to do but drive to work? Now imagine that he gets caught driving with a suspended license. That equals more fines and fees, and if the cycle continues, it could add up to jail time. Hes being penalized with fines because he cant afford to pay his fines. Meanwhile, the wealthier man has put the exact same incident in his rear-view mirror, so to speak, because he had the means to pay his fees before they spiraled out of control. I remember hearing a frequent refrain when I was in drivers ed: A drivers license is a privilege, not a right. That may be true, but for many people, driving is also a necessity. Unless you live in a large city with solid public transportation infrastructure, you will need a vehicle to get to work, to go to the grocery store, to go to the doctors office. Even if youre relying on someone else to drive you around, youre still relying on a vehicle. The Justice Department recommendation is a step in the right direction. While crimes should be punished, poverty should not. There is a reason debtors prisons were outlawed. Ben R. Williams reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at benjamin.williams@martinsvillebulletin.com. Reform still needed in Washington We the people I hope you recognize those words as the start of the preamble to the United States Constitution. The we these days doesnt seem very inclusive anymore. For the second time in recent memory, the Electoral College system has given us a president-elect that has not received a majority of the popular vote (actually the third time, but Bill Clinton got a plurality). Some progressives are already trying to figure out ways around that, effectively undermining the Constitution. A few weeks ago some Trump supporters were worrying that Trump might win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College. I guess it all depends on whose ox is getting gored. Some defenders of the Electoral College say that it defends the minority from the tyranny of the majority. Not so fast. A better campaign strategy by Al Gore might have netted him the Electoral College. If Hillary Clintons staff had listened to Bill Clinton, Debbie Dingell and others, she may also have netted the Electoral College. Poor campaigning lost both elections. But lets look at the possibilities. Although some truly love Clinton and some truly love Trump, we were given two deeply flawed nominees. Absent the undemocratic National Democratic Committee run by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Sen. Bernie Sanders could have been the Democratic nominee. Absent Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz could have been the Republican nominee. Many of you like one or the other, but I doubt many like both. For me both of these candidates fail the we the people test. Both represent extremes, but, more to the point, neither ones views represent those of a majority of voters. Yet either of these nominees, had they won, would have claimed a mandate that they just didnt have. If you are happy with either party just ordering the other 70 percent of the population around, this is perfect for you. The left count on the slippery slope of federal programs. The right fight it. The result will be continued divisiveness. Both sides are content to pound their chests and proclaim superiority and neither has a nice word to say about the others beliefs. Clinton refers to 20-25 percent of voters as the repulsives. She gleefully wanted to put coal miners out of work until she had to look one in the eye. Trumps campaign has been all over the map in disparaging citizens of all types, but we really dont yet know what he believes. The Electoral College system promotes the two party system and the two party system increasingly does not satisfy the demands of a democratic republic. It provides insufficient choices for those in the middle and party leadership now serve and promote only the beliefs of the base, not the general population. A friend of mine recently asked me what the solution was. I cant say that I know. But I think elimination of the Electoral College, an overhaul of the presidential primary system and campaign finance reform are good places to look at. But changes to the Constitution are unlikely from party leaders who derive their power from the current system. Vince Stone Martinsville Saying thanks to volunteers Wow! For only the second time since 1929, the Republican Party will control the Executive Office, Congress, the Senate and appoint at least one Supreme Court Justice! Your hard work, perseverance, sacrifice and generosity has given America new hope! Thank you so much all for: * The hundreds of hours spent reaching out to voters during HQ duty *The miles walked for door-to-door interaction *Showing up (and bringing food) for events *The countless times you shared our vision with family and friends *The hundreds of calls made on behalf of our candidates. A huge thank you to those who purchased signs and hung them (in often hundred degree temperatures). Thank you to those who made donations to the committee and the HQ - the resources you provided allowed us to support our candidates and reach the voters. You are rock stars! Now is the time we must return to civility and unify, remembering that we are all Americans. If you havent read Ben Williams article, Looking for the path to healing, I encourage you to do so. Beautifully written with a powerful message of healing, I pray that we can finally begin to reconcile after a long period of division. There are many ways you brought us to this moment of victory, and we are grateful for your hard work and patriotism to Make America Great Again. Lets enjoy our moment in the sun and thank God for an amazing victory! Kathryn Williams Chairwoman Henry County Republican Committee In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved the dismissal of Khatia Dekanoidze from the post of head of the national police. A decision to this effect was made by the government on Wednesday, national police representative Yaroslav Trakalo told Interfax-Ukraine. In the meantime, a source with knowledge on the matter told the agency the government has approved Vadym Troyan as acting head of the national police. 17Norwooduse.jpg Balise Motor Sales bought the duplex at 17 Norwood Street in Springfield for $57,500, continuing a pattern of buying real estate in the South End. (Jim Kinney/ The Republican) SPRINGFIELD -- Balise Motor Sales has bought another property in Springfield's South End neighborhood, continuing a pattern that saw the West Springfield-based auto dealership spend $2.1 million on real estate there in the first seven months of 2016. Balise bought 17 Norwood St. on Nov. 9 for $57,500 from Stanley M. Drumond and Tina M. Drumond of Edgwater, Florida. The transaction was recorded at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. Balise executives have said they have no specific plans for the newly acquired South End properties, saying only that its existing businesses in Springfield are landlocked and have no room to expand. The company did not return a call for comment Wednesday. Its Springfield holdings include Balise Hyundai, Balise Ready Credit used cars and Balise Columbus Ave Car Wash, all on East Columbus Avenue, and Balise Collision Repair nearby at 292 Main St. Balise Chevrolet, Buick and GMC is located a few blocks away at 440 Hall of Fame Ave. The most recent purchase is small, a 1,740-square-foot duplex built in 1908, according to city tax records. It sits on a 2,000-square-foot lot. The property is adjacent to vacant lots at 13 Norwood St., 544-548 Main St. and 16 Broad St. that Balise has already purchased as part of a $750,000 transaction that included the former Bear Auto Inc. at 510 Main St. and a 2,288-square-foot home 15-17 Broad St. With all these transactions in 2016, Balise now owns much of the real estate in three square blocks of the South End, including frontage on both Main Street and East Columbus Avenue. Purchases earlier this year included the former Springfield Shopping News building at 340 Main Street. It's a 183,000-square-foot office and warehouse/manufacturing space adjacent to Balise Collision Repair and Balise Hyundai. Balise bought it in June for $850,000 from Bruce A. and Sherry V. Bromley of Longmeadow. The building was erected in 1933, according to the decorative concrete pieces in its facade, and originally housed a twice-weekly newspaper published from 1927 to 1965. Balise employs more than 1,400 people at dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Paul E. Balise founded the company in 1919 when he bought a welder and fixed farm equipment and automobiles in his backyard garage in Hatfield. He became a Chevrolet dealer in Hatfield, then moved to Chicopee before moving to Main Street in Springfield and then East Columbus Avenue. The company opened one of the first North American Honda dealerships in 1971. Grandson James E. "Jeb" Balise Jr. is the current president and dealer of Balise Motor Sales. SPRINGFIELD -- Leaders from around Western Massachusetts gathered Tuesday at the 2016 Gateway Cities Innovation Awards and Summit at the MassMutual Center to discuss workforce development programs that could help youth overcome barriers to employment. The event was hosted by the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC). This year's "Justice Reinvestment" panel discussion brought employers and city leaders together as representatives from UTEC of Lowell and CareerPoint of Holyoke presented the work their organizations do to help give at-risk young people a chance. Lead presenter Gregg Croteau acknowledged the need for programs that assist individuals in gaining employment and job training and the impact it has within communities. As executive director of UTEC, Croteau spoke about the work that the organization does to help individuals with proven risk factors like criminal or gang involvement. "That's why we got into running our own social enterprise, because we realized that there were so many difficulties for our young people to find work on their own," said Croteau. "Because of the certain challenges they might have, we realize we can't just be a workforce training program. We have to be a workforce creation program." Croteau said outreach initiatives like UTEC's Streetworker program help to transform lives. The program sends individuals into communities and jails to talk and connect with people and ultimately get them on track to better themselves. For client Jamel Bonilla, the staff at UTEC did more than just assist him with training and employment. Staff members approached him about the program after he had been sentenced to 18 months in jail for two felony charges. After joining the program, staff members advocated for him and encouraged him when he needed it. "That's one thing about UTEC that I love -- all the staff have an experience that they've gone through," said Bonilla. "They know just as we know that for people who've gone to jail, our record doesn't define who we are. We define who we are. We represent ourselves. I don't let my record represent me." Ramona Rivera-Reno, who represented CareerPoint on the panel, said that collaboration with organizations and community partners is crucial to provide needed services to individuals in workforce development programs. "It's not about just getting a job," said Rivera-Reno. "None of our people are dying to get a job. They are dying because of addiction. They're dying because they are feeling lost and alone. That's why this kind of partnership is so important." CareerPoint is a nonprofit organization that works with the Hampden County Sheriff's Department and other organizations to provide a career-center system to help people get the services they need to make a change in their lives and communities. In an impromptu closing address, Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe commended the collective efforts that organizations like UTEC and CareerPoint have put forth to help people with barriers to employment transform their lives. "I can't tell you how exciting this whole aspect of re-entry is," said Ashe. "There's been in the last five or six years a 35 percent drop in (jail) population, and that's largely due to re-entry and the partnerships and the collaborations. ... It's tremendous what's going on, and everybody has been so helpful." warren miller screenshot.jpg Warren Miller's latest ski film, "Here, There & Everywhere," will be shown at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at West Springfield High School at 425 Piper Road. The event is a fundraiser for the high school's Ski & Snowboard Club. (Screenshot from trailer for "Here, There & Everywhere") WEST SPRINGFIELD West Springfield High School's Ski & Snowboard Club is showing Warren Miller's "Here, There & Everywhere" at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the auditorium of the Piper Road school. "I think what I really wanted most was freedom, and I found it on the side of a hill," says Miller, 93, an iconic figure in the world of ski, snowboard, and outdoor winter filmmaking. Tickets for the club fundraiser event are $15 at the door. Tickets may also be bought at Colorado Ski & Bike, 1160 Westfield St., West Springfield, and at the West Springfield School Department office in the J. Edward Christian Municipal Office Building, 26 Central St., Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A free lift ticket to Sugarbush, a ski resort in Vermont's Mad River Valley, comes with every movie ticket purchased. The event also features pizza, drinks, snacks, raffles and door prizes, including two four-packs of lift tickets to Burke Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, gift certificates from local vendors, and items from Colorado Ski & Bike. Also on Saturday, Colorado Ski & Bike will host a ski swap-and-sale at the high school at 425 Piper Road. Gently used skis, snowboards and boots in good working condition and less than 15 years old may be dropped off from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The browsing and buying period is from 1 to 5 p.m., and cash and unsold gear may be picked up between 5 and 5:45 p.m. The store collects a 15 percent commission for every item sold. Miller's film includes high-definition footage of aerial ski jumps, maneuvers and stunts that were shot in Alaska, Montana, Greenland, and the Swiss Alps, among other locales. More information about the fundraiser is available by emailing West Springfield High School Vice Principal Hank Girardin at girardin@wsps.org, or by going online to www.skinet.com/warrenmiller/events/west-springfield-high-school-auditorium. WATCH the trailer for "Here, There & Everywhere": Clinton/Trump Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton listen during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (Saul Loab/Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trump edged out Democratic contender Hillary Clinton by razor-thin margins in key swing states in last Tuesday's election, but Clinton's popular vote lead continues to grow as ballots keep rolling in. The Cook Political Report posted its latest numbers on Wednesday, which showed Clinton up by 1,158,809. Dave Wasserman, head editor of the nonpartisan organization, said the total tallies for each candidate presently stand at 62,414,099 and 61,255,290 for Clinton and Trump, respectively. The clinching of close races in swing states Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania guaranteed a handy electoral college victory for Trump -- who won by a margin of 290 to Clinton's 232 -- granting the real-estate developer and former reality television star the title of 45th U.S. president. The Associated Press popular vote totals released Wednesday also reflected a growing lead for Clinton, placing her ahead by 947,579 -- 61,782,016 to Trump's 60,834,437. CNN and Politico reported their own numbers as well, all similar. In two tweets issued Tuesday, Trump addressed Clinton's growing popular vote lead, calling the electoral college -- which he previously disparaged as a "disaster for democracy" -- "actually genius." If the election were based on total popular vote I would have campaigned in N.Y. Florida and California and won even bigger and more easily Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 15, 2016 Trump's win marks the fifth time in U.S. history the loser of the popular vote won the presidency. The popular vote loser claimed two out of the last five presidential elections. Republican George Bush won an electoral college victory in the 2000 election despite losing the popular vote to Democrat Al Gore by roughly 500,000 votes. BOSTON -- Officials from Denver, Colorado, will be giving the city's Board of Health some advice on Wednesday about issues that come with the legalization of marijuana. The two Denver officials are planning to call in to the city meeting on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. Colorado was the first state in the country to approve recreational marijuana in 2012. The officials will give the board advice on how to handle public health issues that come with legal pot, the AP said. Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana last week. Starting Dec. 15, people age 21 and older under the law can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana outside their residence and possess up to 10 ounces inside their residence for recreational use. Legal marijuana won't be available for retail sale until 2018. Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh opposed legalizing marijuana. The governor said last week that the law should be implemented briskly. fedcourt.jpg SPRINGFIELD - Former Lenox National Bank vice president Joseph Leskovitz was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 22 months in federal prison for embezzling $150,000 from his former employer. (The Republican file) SPRINGFIELD -- A former vice president of Lenox National Bank was sentenced to nearly two years in prison for embezzling more than $150,000 while he worked there. U.S. District Judge Mark Mastroianni on Tuesday sentenced Joseph Leskovitz, 53, of Lenox, to 22 months in federal prison. Leskovitz also was order to pay $154,783 in restitution. The former bank executive pleaded guilty last year to three counts of embezzlement of bank funds and one count of money laundering. Federal prosecutors said that between 2009 and 2014, Leskovitz stole money from certificates of deposits he was entrusted to manage for family members and customers. "In addition, Leskovitz opened a loan in the name of a family member without the family member's knowledge and stole the loan proceeds," reads a statement from U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz's office. In a pre-sentencing memo, defense lawyer Lori H. Levinson said Leskovitz began stealing to help pay his bills after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and he and his wife divorced. Leskovitz was eventually confronted by the bank president and admitted his crimes. "This was not a crime of avarice, but of desperation," Levinson wrote. "Leskovitz always intended to repay the money he had unlawfully taken as soon as he had gotten back on his financial feet and of course will make full restitution." In entirely separate cases, two former bank tellers at Lenox National Bank, Melissa Scolforo and Bernadine Powers, also pleaded guilty to stealing money from their teller drawers and the bank's vault. Scolforo, 47, of Lenox, pleaded guilty in May to pilfering a share of nearly $400,000 from the bank for shopping sprees, dining and personal bills. Powers, 40 of Beckett pleaded guilty to a similar set of facts in August. Powers and Scolforo are scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 19 and Jan. 30, respectively. The bank has since been taken over by Adams Community Bank. SPRINGFIELD -- Hampden County Sheriff-elect Nick Cocchi is proposing raising the excise tax rate on retail marijuana sales by 5 percent, with the surplus specifically dedicated to addiction services. Question 4 allowing recreational marijuana sales to those 21 and older passed among voters on Nov. 8. The built-in excise tax is 3.75 percent -- a number that is dwarfed by marijuana taxes in other states that have legalized retail sales of the drug. The excise tax in Colorado is 29 percent, while Washington's rate is 37 percent. The other two states where recreational marijuana is legal, Oregon and Alaska, have a 25 percent rate. Proponents of Question 4 said the excise tax rate was set so low to encourage people to buy marijuana legally as opposed to on the black market, and to encourage the purchase of state licenses. However, Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Goldberg was critical of the number as recently as October during a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. "Even if you roll in our 6.25 percent sales tax and a potential 2 percent local option tax -- on top of the 3.75 excise tax proposed -- Massachusetts would pale in comparison to other states. There's something wrong with this revenue picture," Goldberg told the audience. In his first announcement since winning the seat on Nov. 8, Cocchi said he is calling on Gov. Charlie Baker, Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo to increase the proposed excise tax on marijuana by an additional 5 percent, and dedicate those revenues to pay specifically for addiction treatment. LUDLOW - Hampden County Sheriff-elect Nick Cocchi is shown here after his win on Nov. 8. "Those of us in the corrections field all recognize that marijuana is a 'gateway drug,' that oftentimes leads to the abuse of other drugs, leading some users down the path to their eventual addiction," Cocchi said in a statement. "This is a realistic response to the anticipated increase of people needing treatment for addiction. It is not too high of a tax to encourage consumers to seek marijuana illegally," he added. Cocchi said intake records for inmates at the men's and women's jails in Ludlow and Chicopee, respectively, show that a majority of substance-addicted inmates first dabbled in marijuana before moving on to more serious drugs. Proponents of marijuana use argue the drug is far less damaging and addictive than alcohol and has significant medicinal benefits. Cocchi said he did not want to wait to raise the issue until after his swearing-in on Jan. 4. He is succeeding outgoing Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr., who spent 43 years in that post. The legislature must meet a Dec. 15 deadline to sort out how to implement the ballot question, which provided for a newly formed Cannabis Control Commission under the treasurer's office. Cocchi said he will call on other Massachusetts sheriffs to join him in the effort to urge an excise tax hike. MassLive writer Gintautas Dumcius contributed to this report. Economic growth, solution of social problems or any reforms are impossible if peace is not achieved in Ukraine, Borys Kolesnikov, co-chairman of the Opposition Bloc party has said. "Our main purpose today is peace. Because without peace we will not resolve social or economic issues," Kolesnikov was quoted as saying by the Opposition Bloc party press service. The politician said Ukraine also needs to adopt a new constitution. "After peace comes to Ukraine, we can speak about a new constitution. A new constitution is a guarantee of success and a way to a more effective model for running the country. Elections and reforms can be conducted in accordance with the new Constitution. There is just no other model," Kolesnikov said. He also said all party actions of the Opposition Bloc will be peaceful. "Today we have gathered regional leaders and decided that our actions will be peaceful. And they will be conducted mainly in the form of roundtable meetings involving the public," Kolesnikov said. Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) and former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma continues carrying out this work. He will participate in a regular meeting in Minsk on November 23, his spokeswoman Darka Olifer has said. "Leonid Kuchma continues fulfilling the work of Ukraine's representative in the TCG. And in Minsk, on November 23 he will take part in the meeting of the group, where the key issues for discussion are the issues of security and the release of hostages. In particular, they will talk about the violation of the cease fire regime and about the implementation of the Framework Decision of the TCG on the disengagement of forces and means," Olifer told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday. Earlier Kuchma told reporters that he had been asking about his resignation from the post of the Ukraines representative to the TCG for a long time, but his substitute has not been found yet. "All the time I have been asking to excuse me from this job. I am the only one who remained from the original staff of the team. Russia has already changed two of its representativesI am pleased to hand over my powers, if someone can do it better," Kuchma said. To be a global business, youll actually need to visit the places where you want to make money, and youll want to have some knowledge of the area when you go. Spread that international mindset beyond your business travelers and executives so that everyone shares it. by Melissa Lamson Full Story: http://leadchangegroup.com/4-ways-to-a-better-bottom-line/ The fastest growing tech firm in Montana, learning management system (LMS) provider Wisetail http://www.wisetail.com/ , has earned yet another national recognition as #32 on OUTSIDEs 100 Best Places to Work 2016. As part of the assessment, Outside Magazine helps its readers identify dream jobs around the country. Each year, OUTSIDE recognizes the top 100 companies in the United States that help their employees strike the ideal balance between work and play. These companies encourage employees to lead an active lifestyle, are eco-conscious, and prioritize giving back to the community. Full Story: http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=af4553c678f744bb00d1631eb&id=71d18a11de&e=aaa818c244 Montana Career Opportunities Business Development, Senior Developer, Client Experience Rep. and more Wisetail http://www.matr.net/article-73700.html Fortune Magazine Names Bozemans Wisetail One of "50 Best Places to Work" in America http://www.matr.net/article-73699.html Montanas Wisetail Tech Firm Dedicated to Rejecting Venture Capital Named One of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America http://www.matr.net/article-73016.html The folks at BioScience Laboratories https://www.biosciencelabs.com/ want you to know: they dont turn people green. Thats what BioScience marketing coordinator Britt Kapperud told The Montana Standard during a Tuesday open house at the Butte facility, 600 S. Excelsior Ave., of the Bozeman-based company. Kapperud said BioScience isnt conducting any weird experiments involving Frankenstein. Annie Pentilla [email protected] Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/business/butte-s-bioscience-laboratories-gives-public-a-peek-inside/article_fe94ab60-b68b-5bde-ab8c-0d5dfbf22a95.html Small Business Stories Video Contest A video contest highlighting small businesses and the people who have created them. Total Prize Value: $21,500 Every small business has a story. This contest will reward the best telling of those stories. Small businesses are forged by grit, determination, and passion made with hugs and tears and laughter and sometimes sacrifice. The Small Business Stories contest brings those stories to life, highlighting small businesses and the people who have created them. The submissions for this contest are documentary-style shorts of actual small businesses from your town. What drove them? What are their biggest successes? Greatest challenges? Why did they start? Why did they continue when the odds were stacked against them? What keeps them moving forward? What makes them smile? Full Competition Information: https://theaudienceawards.com/godaddy/small-business-stories *** About The Audience Awards Dreams Start Here Win Big Doing What You Love https://theaudienceawards.com/ During a telephone conversation, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and United States Vice President Joseph Biden have discussed maintaining the policy of international sanctions against Russia until complete restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ukrainian presidential press service said on Wednesday that Poroshenko and Biden noted the importance of coordinating efforts to ensure Russia's fulfillment of its obligations under the Minsk Agreements. The sides also discussed relevant issues of cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S., as well as issues of regional security in light of the presidential election. "The sides also put a particular focus on continuing support to the reforms in Ukraine, which began to produce tangible results," the press service said. Rada's regulations committee to decide on stripping Novinsky of parliamentary immunity some other time The Verkhovna Rada's committee for procedural regulations has decided to postpone the consideration of a motion submitted by the Ukrainian prosecutor general, calling for stripping Opposition Bloc MP Vadym Novinsky of parliamentary immunity. The decision was unanimously backed by all members of the committee at a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reported. They justified their decision by the fact that the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) of Ukraine and Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko, who attended the committee meeting, failed to provide answers to all the questions asked by parliamentarians. In this connection, the committee has requested that the PGO provide additional materials as soon as possible, after which the committee will make its decision. Prior to that, the committee will draw up a list of documents requested from the PGO. A new committee meeting on the Novinsky case will be held soon after that. The trial of two suspects who allegedly involved in the bombing of Bangkok's Erawan shrine that left 20 people dead began on Tuesday, following months of delays as the court searched for an translators for the defendants. The attack occurred on August 17, 2015; 20 people were killed, among the deceased seven were Chinese tourists, and over 120 others wounded. In the wake of the explosion, police had found three locations where explosives were being hidden. The two suspects, Yusufu Mieraili, 27, and Bilal Mohammed, 31, are collectively facing 10 charges including weapons offences, intention to kill, and illegal immigration. Following Tuesday's hearing, the trial was now expected to last until late 2017 or early 2018, according to the office of the attorney general. Approximately 32,000 people with the common surname "Huang" assembled in Shenzhen, Guangdong province to enjoy a feast at the Xiasha Culture Square on Nov. 13. A total of 3,200 tables were set up to accomodate the attendees, who came from 28 countries. The purpose of the assembly, held annually since 1980, is ancestor worship. It is seen as an important event on both a local and international level. The "big bowl feast" that participants enjoyed consists of Cantonese cuisine served in large wooden, porcelain or metal basins. A man in his sixties climbed the cables of the Second Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, Hubei province on Nov. 12. Standing 30 meters above the deck of the bridge, the man threatened to jump. Police and firefighters sent for a ladder to coax the man down, but not before the incident caused a major traffic jam along several main streets, which lasted for over three hours. Many people posted updates about the incident on social media. After rescuers communicated with the man, he eventually agreed to climb down the ladder. The rescue equipment occupied three lanes on the bridge, temporarily paralyzing the major transportation junction. It was later discovered that, prior to his attempt over the weekend, the man had previously climbed the bridge two other times, deliberately causing a scene to draw attention to labor disputes. The other two incidents occurred in October 2012 and September 2013. The man was punished with five days of administrative detention after disturbing public order for the second time. In addition to causing a traffic jam, many police resources were also dedicated to the man's rescue. The official microblog account of the local police department released news of his punishment: 10 days of administrative detention for disturbing public order. Qiu Hua, a lawyer from Hubei province, has called for competent authorities to provide more channels for people to resolve their complaints. In the meantime, people should find more reasonable ways of making their voices heard. by Tom Siebert , Op-Ed Contributor, November 15, 2016 This column brings me no pleasure to write, but guest host Dave Chappelles unsettling, misleading and potentially racially explosive allegation about 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt on Saturday Night Live last weekend deserves examination, particularly in light of our increasingly divisive historical moment. As much as Ive laughed with and respect Chappelle as a rare comedic talent, America does not need to have a statesman who worked to improve race relations in this country falsely vilified. And we do not need American history distorted by pop culture any more than it already is. Chappelle, who dropped out of the mainstream for a decade, hosted SNL as part of a personal comeback. It was also the first post-election episode of SNL, which has had a prominent role satirizing the candidates and the election process. Most of the buzz centered around a very funny Walking Dead skit and the fact his opening 11-minute standup bit was censored in portions of the country. advertisement advertisement But it wasn't any vulgarities in his opening segment that offended me. It was the way Chappelle rewrote history to serve a political agenda. And it wasnt a joke. We know it wasnt a joke, because Chappelle told us himself, roughly nine minutes deep in his routine, as he was finishing up, speaking about America and the election results: This is not a joke, but I think its important that I say this, he began. Chappelle then started talking about being invited to the White House for a BET party, where everyone was black (except Bradley Cooper. LOL?). Chappelle proceeded to take us backwards through history, to the first black man invited to the White House, the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Though he first said, Im not sure this is true, Chappelle claimed Douglass was not allowed on the White House grounds until President Lincoln came down personally to vouch for him. From Douglasss own we can discover this account isnt true. Stopped by guards, Douglass said, Tell Lincoln Im here, you'll see, and he then got past the velvet rope. Chappelle went on to claim no other black person was invited to the White House again until Theodore Roosevelt. And he got so much flack from the media he literally said, 'I will never have a n****r in this house again., Chapelle asserted. It was not delivered as a joke. Nobody laughed. I sure didnt. But from what I could learn from researching the incident over the past several days, it was a lie. Chappelles revisionist view of presidential and racial history clanked me upside the head when I heard it because Ive read a lot about Teddy Roosevelt, and was familiar with the incident. The black man was Booker T. Washington, by the way, a great American author and political leader who deserved to be name dropped. Some initial Googling came up with zero, but the recent election has shown us we cant particularly trust Google, so I called the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, our nations largest repository for all Roosevelt-related documents, photographs, and ephemera, and spoke with Pamela Pierce, the centers Digital Library coordinator and archivist. Pierce confirmed my concern. We cant find any record of him saying the quote that Chapelle used, she told me. There is nothing, as far as we are aware, that corroborates that quote. She then sent me a series of historical links to documents chronicling how the dinner came about, how it played out afterwards, and Roosevelts own writings about how hurt and upset he was by the backlash. It was ugly, alright. The media attacked Roosevelt mercilessly, while he publicly stood up for Washington, saying [T]he idiot or vicious Bourbon element of the South is crazy because I have had Booker T. Washington to dine. I shall have him to dine just as often as I please. It should also be noted that he actually did no such thing, so Roosevelt sort of chickened out, and its fair enough to call him on it. But there is no public record that he said what Chappelle alleged. He played politics: Talked tough, didnt actually do anything that might cause him more problems. Ironically, he behaved opposite one of his most famous claims, to speak softly and carry a big stick. One thing I did discover was a very popular poem that was syndicated throughout American newspapers -- over the course of two years -- called N****s in the White House, which attacked Roosevelt for dining with Washington. Its a horrifying read that ends with Roosevelts decapitation. It ran in hundreds of newspapers. I bring it up only to point out that, yeah, things look pretty ugly now, but theyve been worse. But misrepresenting the character of an American president who at least tried to do some good for race relations is also unfair and counter-productive. It grates especially when it comes from someone whos earned significant creative credibility like Chappelle. Talking honestly about race is hard enough; talking about it through propaganda and lies will make it impossible. Snapchat parent Snap Inc. has reportedly filed for its initial public offering. Expected as early as March 2017, the social darling is hoping to raise upwards of $4 billion at a valuation of $25 billion to $35 billion, Bloomberg reports, citing sources. A quiet filing isnt uncommon in Silicon Valley -- particularly when companies have yet to generate a ton of revenue. Twitter took a similar approach, in 2013. To date, multiple reports have already suggested that Snap Inc. is prepping to go public by March. On Tuesday, a company representative declined to comment on the latest report. Standing in stark contrast to struggling social networks like Twitter, Snapchat is presently thriving. Indeed, despite direct competition from Facebook and other tech giants, the company is positioned for explosive growth in ad revenue over the next few years, per eMarketer. advertisement advertisement The research predicts that the playful messaging app will generate $366.69 million in ad revenues this year. That figure is expected to jump to $935.46 million, next year. Cathy Boyle, principal analyst at eMarketer, recently said Snapchats bright outlook has everything to do with its young user base. Advertisers are attracted to Snapchat for its broad reach among young Millennials and those in Generation Z, which are valuable demographic groups for many businesses, Boyle notes in a new report. To its credit, Snapchat has also tailored its ad strategy specifically for this easy-to-alienate demographic. To engage those often hard-to-reach consumers, Snapchat has expanded its advertising portfolio over the past year to include a wider array of video ads and more sponsored geo-filters and sponsored lenses, according to Boyle. Stateside, Snapchats Discover feature generates 43% of ad revenue, which is its largest single share, according to eMarketer. Next year, however, the research firm expects Stories to overtakes Discover as the dominant ad revenue source -- by generating 37.8% of the companys domestic ad revenue. Having launched its ad platform in mid-2015, Snapchat still only captures 2.3% of social-networking dollars, eMarketer estimates. Thats despite the fact that it now commands 36% of the market in terms of domestic users. Approaching its would-be IPO, Snapchat continues to experiment with new categories. Bounding into hardware and physical fashion, the company recently unveiled Spectacles -- stylish video-recording sunglasses that are expected to retail for $130. Set to hit shelves later this fall, the shades can record 10-second video snippets, which are designed to approximate ones natural field of vision. That's thanks to a 115-degree lens, which records circular video. If Spectacles are well received, Snapchat would become the first company to convince consumers to wear connected gadgets on their face. Google notoriously spent millions of dollars in development and marketing dollars, before giving up on its Glass initiative. Yet Snapchat -- which just rebranded itself as Snap, Inc. -- seems to have learned a few things from Google's failure. Spectacles $130 price tag is far more reasonable than the $1,500 that Google tried to charge people for Glass. Snapchats glasses are also being sold as a single-purpose device, which is historically much easier to market. Like Google, Snapchat currently enjoys a strong bond with young consumers -- the ideal demographic for starting trends and popularizing products. Although bold, Snapchats move into hardware should not come as a complete surprise to industry watchers. The social darling recently joined the industry group that runs the Bluetooth wireless standard, which followed several hires and smallish acquisitions in the arena of consumer electronic by Thom Forbes @tforbes, November 16, 2016 In buying Too Faced Cosmetics for $1.45 billion Monday an amount called whopping in one story but perhaps less than what its worth in another Estee Lauder is itself putting on a fresh face. Too Faced tends to target a demographic the 18 to 34 crowd that Estee Lauder doesnt necessarily have, Miro Copic, a branding expert and marketing lecturer at San Diego State tells the Los Angeles Times Shan Li. Its Web site, for example, is clearly geared for a younger audience it touts the companys cruelty-free stance with a cartoon bunny, advertises stickers created by an Instagram artist and sells eye shadow shades named Bunny Fu-Fu and Meow!, Li writes. advertisement advertisement Those consumers are less susceptible to traditional advertising, Copic points out. They are not reading magazines. They are looking at social media, and thats not where Estee Lauder is. Make that where Estee Lauder has been. We are delighted to be joining forces with The Estee Lauder Companies as we continue to drive Too Faceds dynamic growth, Too Faced co-founders Jeremy Johnson and Jerrod Blandino proclaim in the release announcing the acquisition. We started our careers behind the counters of the Estee Lauder brand, so this is truly a homecoming for us. Pretty cool they started out at the beauty counter, right? Just goes to show you that pursuing your passion even a tongue-in-cheek, sassy AF makeup line with products that are literally Better Than Sex can really pay off. In other words: keep dreaming, writes Rachel Jacoby Zolden for Allure, understandably referring to the purchase price as whopping in her lede. The two men, who are married to each other, decided to shake up the too-serious cosmetics industry by building a lighthearted and irreverent brand, writes Chloe Sorvino for Forbes. Last year, the cofounders sold a majority stake to private equity firm General Atlantic in a deal that reportedly valued the company at $500 million. Now just a year later, it seems General Atlantic has nearly tripled the value of the company. The deal is expected to close before the end of the year. But, Sorvino asks, did the entrepreneurial couple cash out too soon? The deal suggests the answer is yes. She points out that Two Faceds net sales should reach $270 million this year and its compounded annual gross over three years is about 60%, suggesting that it would have been wise for General Atlantic and the cofounders to open themselves up to other offers. But the Irvine, Calif.-based Too Faced has not made its name by doing thing by the books or the book. Founded in 1998, Too Faced has taken a nontraditional approach to its business, Ezequiel Minaya reports for the Wall Street Journal. The company primarily sells its products at cosmetics retailers, such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty, which allow shoppers to serve themselves, rather than at department store makeup counters. Its cosmetics include items with quirky names, such as Better Than Sex mascara and Chocolate Bar eye shadow. Oh, yeah, besides that it also doesnt buy ads in magazines or broadcast media, and has grown with the help of social media, where it has a large following of loyal customers and beauty bloggers. PopSugars Terry Carter writes that Two Faced co-founder Blandino believes the Estee Lauder deal will allow it to spread its products across the globe while maintaining its core values. We are going to take a more global approach to the business going forward. When you look at what Estee Lauder has been able to do with MAC [Cosmetics] and Jo Malone and different brands that have their own retail outlets, it's just been phenomenal and we're really excited about that opportunity and the potential behind that, he says. Meanwhile, Lauders pursuit of younger consumers eschewing traditional retail and media does not end with Two Faced. Just as Lauder was disclosing the news on the Too Faced deal, it also closed on an earlier acquisition of Becca Cosmetics, for which Lauder paid more than $230 million, according to industry source estimates, write Pete Born and Evan Clark for WWD. The combination of the two deals should elevate Lauders profile in the Millennial-rich multi-unit specialty store and key digital channels. #Own Your Pretty, Too Faced tells us. The folks at Lauder are clearly following. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Estee Lauder paid $1.45 million for Too Faced. by Sara Guaglione , November 16, 2016 On Tuesday,launched a digital out of home campaign in New York Citys subway stations as part of its expanded marketing efforts in the US. The campaign will utilize MTAs On-the-Go digital network, a partnership between MTA NYC Transit, which operates the subway and bus network in New York City, OutFront Media and Intersection (formerly Control Group). The On-the-Go, touch-screen steel kiosks often located on subway station platforms allow users to check train service status, plan a trip and look up train arrival information. The kiosks also display ads, and The Economists DOOH campaign will feature post-election content, hoping to catch globally curious commuters, according to a statement. advertisement advertisement The ads will be displayed on 18 screens at five subway stations across the city: Fulton Street/Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall, 68th Street/Hunter College, 33rd Street - Herald Square and 14th Street & 8th Avenue. Users can tap the screen and enter their e-mail or phone number to receive a link to a free Economist article. The ads will run for 15 seconds every two minutes, for four weeks. Mark Cripps, EVP of brand and digital marketing at The Economist, stated the interactive ads will help us drive subscriptions across the US. "As we ramp up our marketing efforts in the U.S., this activity in New York City is an important piece of our digital marketing plans to drive awareness of The Economist brand and increase subscriptions added Mark Beard, SVP of North America at The Economist. The creative was developed by Promixity London. Rapport US, an IPG Mediabrands Out of Home (OOH) agency based in New York City, led the media buy. This DOOH campaign is part of The Economist's expanding advertising program in the American market. In October, the 173-year-old publication based in London unveiled a direct-response television (DRTV) campaign to air around the U.S. presidential election. Beard told Publishers Daily that this push into the American market comes "at a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world." More and more people are searching for a trustworthy source of news that they can turn to, a publication that lays out the facts and allows readers to make up their own minds on the important issues, he said. Beard added that The Economist is ramping up its advertising in the UK as well; it launched a DRTV campaign in the region earlier this year. In early 2017, the company plans to unveil a dOOH campaign in the UK too. We believe that each and every digital marketing channel serves a unique purpose, whether that be raising awareness, driving consideration, or directly generating subscriptions. Each market is unique and we tailor our marketing activities in each region accordingly, he said. by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, November 16, 2016 British newspapers that whip up anti-immigrant sentiment in their reporting and opinion columns may soon find themselves taking a hit in their pocketbooks, thanks to a new campaign protesting inflammatory rhetoric. It urges advertisers to drop offending publications call it the anti-anti-immigrant campaign. The @StopFundingHate campaign, which had its origins in the ideological turmoil following the vote to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum, gained a major victory with the decision by toy maker Lego to stop advertising in the Daily Mail one of the most vocally anti-immigrant publications. The Danish company announced that it was terminating its advertising agreement with the Daily Mail and later told the Associated Press that it has no plans to resume advertising in the newspaper. The @StopFundingHate campaign launched in August in response to headlines and opinion columns in British newspapers that have employed dehumanizing language about immigrants. For example, one column published last year compared migrants from the Middle East to cockroaches a turn of phrase which spurred a rebuttal from UN High Commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein. Since its launch, the campaign has particularly focused on shaming newspapers that advocate turning away foreign child refugees. Britains newspapers are credited with helping shape public opinion in favor of Brexit. Researchers at Britains Loughborough University conducted a study of 1,127 articles about the referendum and related issues from early May to mid-June. It found that when the circulation of the newspapers publishing the articles is taken into account, UK newspapers favored Brexit by a whopping margin of 82% to 18%. The huge skew was mostly the result of popular tabloids with large readerships most notably The Sun, with a circulation of 1.7 million, Daily Mail, with a circulation of 1.5 million, and The Daily Telegraph, with a circ of half a million declaring support for Leave. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 16, 2016 A California judge said on Wednesday that he plans to dismiss pimping charges against three executives of Backpage. Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman said in a written "tentative ruling" that Backpage.com is immune from prosecution based on crimes committed by users. The move comes more than one month after California Attorney General Kamala Harris -- elected last week to the U.S. Senate -- had Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer and shareholders Michael Lacey and James Larkin arrested on sex-trafficking charges stemming from escort ads on the site. Ferrer was jailed for one week in October before he was granted bail, while Lacey and Larkin were jailed for four days before they were released on bail. Last month, they argued that all charges against them should be dismissed on the grounds that the federal Communications Decency Act immunizes Web sites from liability for crimes committed by users. advertisement advertisement Bowman agreed with that argument in his tentative ruling. "Congress did not wish to hold liable online publishers for the action of publishing third party speech and thus provided for both a foreclosure from prosecution and an affirmative defense at trial," he wrote. "Congress has spoken on this matter and it is for Congress, not this Court, to revisit." The ruling could be finalized as early as Wednesday evening. But even with the dismissal of criminal charges, Backpage faces other potential challenges. Among others, a group of teen sex-trafficking victims want the Supreme Court to revive a lawsuit accusing Backpage of enabling sex trafficking through the design of its site. A federal appellate court and trial judge previously ruled that the teens couldn't sue Backpage because the site is immune from liability based on users' crimes. But lawyers for the teens are seeking to appeal that decision to the Supreme Court. Also, the Senate recently held Backpage in contempt for refusing to turn over materials to a subcommittee investigating online sex trafficking. Proton pump inhibitors are a class of drugs commonly used to treat heartburn pain in the chest or throat caused by the rising of stomach acid into the esophagus. But new research suggests this medication should be used with caution, after finding it could raise the risk of ischemic stroke. Share on Pinterest A new study has linked the use of PPIs drugs that treat heartburn to greater risk of ischemic stroke. In a study of almost 245,000 Danish adults, researchers found the risk of ischemic stroke was increased by a fifth with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, thereby reducing the backing up of stomach acid into the esophagus a condition known as heartburn. Someone who has heartburn more than twice a week may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lead study author Dr. Thomas Sehested, of the Danish Heart Foundation in Copenhagen, Denmark, recently presented his findings at the American Heart Associations Scientific Sessions 2016 , held in New Orleans, LA. Ischemic stroke occurs when the artery that supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. Ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, accounting for around 85 percent of all strokes. Dr. Sehested and colleagues note that previous studies have associated PPI use with vascular impairment, which led the scientists to investigate whether the drugs might raise the risk of ischemic stroke, especially given their increasing use in the general population, notes Dr. Sehested. The third World Internet Conference (WIC) that opened on Tuesday and will last till Friday, has attracted more than 300 enterprises from across the world. It comes against the background of China's evolution into the world's second-largest economy with the world's largest base of internet users and a dynamic homegrown internet-driven industry. --- Experts underline innovation, telecom, big data, connectivity Global corporate icons, including Microsoft Corp and IBM Corp, and domestic giants such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Lenovo Group Ltd, are showcasing their latest products in a 22,000-square-meter exhibition center. --- Brainstorming among Internet gurus A number of Chinese enterprises are now considered some of the world's top tech firms, and their bosses some of the the most talked-about gurus. This year's conference will open the floor to Alibaba's Jack Ma, Tencent's Pony Ma, Baidu's Robin Li, Xiaomi's Lei Jun, Sohu's Charles Zhang and JD.com's Richard Liu. Their foreign counterparts will include LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Qualcomm president Derek Aberle, Microsoft vice executive president Shen Xiangyang, and Nokia's chair Risto Siilasmaa. --- China's leadership to update Internet policy This year, Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will address the conference on innovation in Internet development. The CPC Central Committee acknowledged in October that the country needs breakthroughs in high-performance computing, mobile communication, quantum communication, core chips and operating systems. More guidelines on innovation are expected at the conference. --- Baidu's smart cars The WIC is an opportunity for tech firms to show off their latest products. This year, driverless cars designed by Chinese search engine giant Baidu take center stage. On the day before the conference, a fleet of 15 blue-striped cars cruised one of Wuzhen's main thoroughfares. The cars can analyze traffic flow and control their maneuvers automatically, according to Cao Haitao of Baidu's artificial intelligence unit. Baidu's senior vice president Wang Jin said the company has sufficient expertise in high-precision electronic mapping, positioning, sensing and decision-making and control systems to mass produce smart vehicles by 2020. --- Technology shines at the Light of the Internet Expo Global corporate icons, including Microsoft Corp and IBM Corp, and domestic giants such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Lenovo Group Ltd, are showcasing their latest products. The picture shows Sharp Corp's android smartphone robot. The device was launched earlier this year in Japan and hasn't been shipped to Chinese market yet. Contrary to research that suggests marijuana may act as a gateway drug, encouraging the use of other harmful substances, a new study indicates it may have the opposite effect. Share on Pinterest The new review suggests marijuana may help treat substance use disorders and some mental health conditions. In the journal Clinical Psychology Review, researchers suggest marijuana use has the potential to help treat some individuals with substance use disorders, such as opioid addiction. What is more, the review led by Zach Walsh, an associate professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Canada suggests using marijuana could help alleviate symptoms of some mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While marijuana, or cannabis, remains the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, with around 22.2 million users in the past month, it is becoming increasingly legalized for medical and/or recreational purposes. In relation to the drugs therapeutic potential, some studies have suggested marijuana can help treat pain, inflammation, epileptic seizures, and even Alzheimers disease. Additionally, many patients and advocates of medical marijuana claim the drug has the potential to treat mental health issues and substance use disorders, and the new study by Walsh and team suggests that, in some cases, these individuals may be right. Novel breathalyzer offers alternative to finger stick testing for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are one step closer to more easily checking their blood glucose levels with a non-invasive device for detecting and monitoring blood glucose levels, which is currently in development. The hand-held breathalyzer device detects acetone, which has been linked to high blood glucose levels in the breath. The research is being presented at the 2016 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition, the world's largest pharmaceutical sciences meeting. The meeting is taking place in Denver Nov. 13-17. Although testing technology has improved in recent decades, with the finger stick testing, as many as 67 percent of people with diabetes may not comply because it is invasive and somewhat painful. Yet, lack of blood-glucose monitoring can result in serious diabetes-related complications. For example, if a person's blood glucose is too low, complications can include seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death. If a person's blood glucose is too high, complications can include infections, cardiovascular disease and nerve and kidney damage. "We believe this technology will be a great improvement in the lives of people with diabetes," said Priefer. "It is the first non-invasive medical device for detecting and monitoring diabetes by connecting one's acetone levels with their blood glucose. We believe it is a necessary alternative to the finger-prick approach for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes." Ronny Priefer, Ph.D. and his colleague, Michael Rust, Ph.D., both out of Western New England University in Springfield, Mass., have developed a device - currently the size of small book - that individuals blow into to check their blood glucose levels. Priefer and his team tested the device in a blind study of 50 people: 26 did not have diabetes, 16 had type 2 diabetes, and 8 people had type 1 diabetes. Using the device in conjunction with the sensor slides, when patients blow into the device, readings are immediately taken. The acetone level is instantly correlated to a blood glucose level, which allows patients to determine how much insulin they need to take when their glucose levels are high. Stage 1 clinical results found clear correlations between blood glucose levels and breath acetone. The only outlier found was in a small number of smokers, whom had higher levels of acetone in the breath due to the combustion of tobacco. Priefer's goal is to have a device by the end of 2017 that patients can bring home and track their blood glucose levels over time. He is also working to make the device even smaller. Presentation: 04M1130 - Diabetes Monitoring: Just a Breath Away! was presented on Monday, Nov. 14 in the Colorado Convention Center - Exhibit Hall E. Drugs such as statins that have the potential to prevent strokes and other types of cardiovascular disease have not been prescribed to a large proportion of people at risk in the UK, according to a research article by Grace Turner of the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and colleagues published in PLOS Medicine. Turner and colleagues studied data from THIN, a database that includes anonymized primary care health information for about 6% of the UK population. In an analysis of data from 29,043 people who had suffered a first-ever stroke or transient ischaemic attack during the period January 2009 - December 2013, the authors compared the proportion of people prescribed one of three classes of drugs able to prevent strokes with the proportion of people who had a clinical need for one or more of the drugs. Among the patients, 17,680 were eligible to be prescribed at least one of the classes of drugs studied at the time of their stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The data indicate that 49% (7,836/16,028) of the patients were not prescribed a clinically-indicated lipid-lowering drug, such as a statin, 25% (1,740/7,008) were not prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs, and 52% (1,647/3,194) were not prescribed anticoagulant drugs. In this study, the reasons for drugs not being prescribed to individual patients - which could include those refusing medication - were not available. However, the authors' findings suggest that improved prescribing could potentially avert up to 12,000 strokes per year in the UK. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR). TM was partly funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through the Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for West Midlands (CLAHRC-WM). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. GMT reports grants from National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), during the conduct of the study; TM reports funding from the NIHR through the Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for West Midlands (CLAHRC-WM); MC reports funding from European Society of Cardiology & AFNET, and personal fees from Astellas Pharma, outside the submitted work. KC reports grants from Pfizer China, outside the submitted work. MGF and RR have nothing to disclose. Article: Under-prescribing of Prevention Drugs and Primary Prevention of Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack in UK General Practice: A Retrospective Analysis, Turner GM, Calvert M, Feltham MG, Ryan R, Fitzmaurice D, Cheng KK, et al., PLOS Medicine, doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002169, published 15 November 2016. Autism is an agonizing puzzle, a complex mixture of genetic and environmental factors. One piece of this puzzle that has emerged in recent years is a biochemical cascade called the mTOR pathway that regulates growth in the developing brain. A mutation in one of the genes that controls this pathway, PTEN (also known as phosphatase and tensin homolog), can cause a particular form of autism called macrocephaly/autism syndrome. Using an animal model of this syndrome, scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered that mutations in PTEN affect the assembly of connections between two brain areas important for the processing of social cues: the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with complex cognitive processes such as moderating social behavior, and the amygdala, which plays a role in emotional processing. "When PTEN is mutated, we find that neurons that project from the prefrontal cortex to the amygdala are overgrown and make more synapses," said TSRI Associate Professor Damon Page. "In this case, more synapses are not necessary a good thing because this contributes to abnormal activity in the amygdala and deficits in social behavior." The study was published by the journal Nature Communications. The study also showed that targeting the activity of the mTOR pathway shortly after birth, a time when neurons are forming connections between these brain areas, can block the emergence of abnormal amygdala activity and social behavioral deficits. Likewise, reducing activity neurons that project between these areas in adulthood can also reverse these symptoms. "Given that the functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala is largely conserved between mice and humans," said TSRI Graduate Student Wen-Chin Huang, the first author of the study, "we anticipate the therapeutic strategies suggested here may be relevant for individuals on the autism spectrum." Although caution is warranted in extrapolating findings from animal models to humans, these findings have implications for individualized approaches to treating autism. "Even within individuals exposed to the same risk factor, different strategies may be appropriate to treat the symptoms of autism in early development versus maturity," said Page. In addition to Page and Huang, Youjun Chen of TSRI was an author of the Nature Communications study, "Hyperconnectivity of Prefrontal Cortex to Amygdala Projections in a Mouse Model of Macrocephaly/Autism Syndrome." The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants R01MH105610 and R01MH108519), Ms. Nancy Lurie Marks, The American Honda and Children's Healthcare Charity Inc., Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Simons Foundation (grant 360712) and an anonymous donor. Dr. McCance is one of a select group of spinal surgeons in New York who has been certified in the practice of robotic-assisted spinal surgery and one of a few board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons to be fully certified in ExcelsiusGPS ... By 2050, the global incidence of hip fracture in males is estimated to rise by 310% and in females by 240% , in comparison to 1990 figures. Bone mass double between birth and two years of age, again doubles by 10 years, and doubles yet again during the teens. It continues to rise till about 30 years of age, when the maximum or peak bone mass is achieved. After 30 years, more bone is lost than is replaced by bone remodeling, causing a 5-10% decrease in bone mass every decade. The most serious effects of osteoporosis result from a hip fracture. They most often occur in persons over age 70 years. Almost all persons who suffer hip fractures need surgery to repair the broken bone. Following surgery, it becomes necessary for such patients to depend on help from family, friends or health care professionals for their daily activities such as bathing dressing and shopping, leading to a loss of independence. Complications from surgery may also be serious. In fact, post-surgery some people need skilled nursing care long-term, and unfortunately, a few persons may even die. Fractures in the wrist, arm, pelvis, legs or ribs may cause significant pain and short-term disability. Surgical correction, casting or splinting may be necessary. Advertisement That variant was discovered by Sadayappan and a team of researchers, at Max-Planck-Institute in Germany, in 2001."If you have Type 2 diabetes, or if you have hypertension and if you also have this genetic variant you have greater chances of having severe heart disease," says Sadayappan, director of the Heart Branch of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.In the United States, Sadayappan and his research team have screened 1,928 individuals and found that 118 people carry the genetic variant (MYBPC3). He says 4 to 5% of South Asians (individuals with Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Afghan and Sri Lankan descent) carry the generic variant of MYBPC3. "The normal protein, MYBPC3, regulates how much force the heart muscle can generate; it controls the speed of heart and we call it a heart break protein," he explains.Sadayappan will present the research poster titled, "A Polymorphic MYBPC3 Variant as a Major Risk Factor of Cardiomyopathy in South Asian Descendants," at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.A related article, "Recent Advances in the Molecular Genetics of Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in South Asian Descendants" was published in the October edition of the journal. Co-authors in that publication include Jessica Kraker, a UC cardiology research assistant; Shiv Kumar Viswanathan, postdoctoral fellow at UC; and Ralph Knoell, Karolinska Institute and AstraZeneca, Sweden.Sadayappan says a thickened and stiff ventricle can reduce the compliance of heart muscle, decrease preload (the heart's preparation to squeeze blood through the ventricle) and lead to diastolic heart failure. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, though rates are higher among South Asians, and has garnered attention notably because several young athletes with the condition have died following rigorous physical performance, says Sadayappan."Often patients don't know what is happening inside their chest," explains Sadayappan. "You typically go to the hospital only when you have symptoms or issues. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the causes for sudden cardiac death and it has been directly linked to the death of certain athletes."Sadayappan says identifying individuals with the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is crucial and that his work targeting South Asians has spanned his 23-year career which began as a postdoc studying in Germany, continued as a faculty member at Loyola University in Chicago and is ongoing at the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute.Sadayappan says he and his team of researchers have collected genetic samples from South Asians in cities across the United States. When MYBPC3 has been discovered in individuals they are brought in for electrocardiograms and other cardiac tests and connected with physicians for medical care.Richard Becker, director of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, says that once a diagnosis for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is made, physicians can utilize medicines to help the heart relax and be a more efficient pump. In specialized cases, individuals at high risk may require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator as a means to prevent sudden cardiac death."It's really important to make a diagnosis," says Becker. "If there is a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death, that might be a red flag, but there can be spontaneous gene mutations where a person without a family history will develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They may have symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness and loss of consciousness. Clinicians evaluating even young people must be aware of this possibility."What we are learning in the past year and Dr. Sadayappan is a part of this is there are different manifestations according to race and ethnicity and the genes responsible for this syndrome of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which can differ in African-Americans, South Asians and other populations. The gene mutation is unique, the clinical presentation is unique and the natural history of the disease is unique. There are lots of variations of a theme."Becker says Sadayappan's work advances the Precision Medicine Initiative announced by President Barack Obama in 2015. Precision medicine is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in environment, lifestyle and genes for each person, according to the National Institutes of Health website.Source: Eurekalert Advertisement The autonomous nervous system that is affected by disturbances during REM sleep controls blood pressure as well as heart rate. Frequent waking adds additional stress to the heart It is an condition that affects the rhythm of the heart. It is caused due to chaotic electric signals that make the upper chamber of the heart quiver. The upper chamber called the atrium beats much faster than the lower chamber ventricle. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk for a blood clot. If the blood clot gets released, it can lead to a stroke. Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk by 5 times. 2.5 million people in the U.S are affected by this condition. 33.5 million people are affected across the world. Stick to a routine bed time. This will help your body get used to a routine. Turn off all lights when going to sleep. Wear eye masks or ear plugs to avoid any disturbance. Don't consume alcohol in the evening. Listen to soothing music before going to bed. Don't go to bed hungry Get good physical exercise during the day but avoid workouts late at night. The data on Internet based health eheart study where 4,600 people were analyzed, an 11 year longitudinal study called the Cardiovascular Health study that included 5,700 people. 28% of the study participants developed atrial fibrillation.The researchers studied the effect of sleep disturbances on the different phases of sleep using data from the Cardiovascular Health Study.Lead author of the study Matt Christenson from The University of Michigan saidBased on the results of the study, the researchers found that the following factors detailed the reason behind sleep disturbances and increased risk of atrial fibrillation.Apart from the self-reported studies, the researchers conducted a 10 year follow up study on 1,310 study participants, with an average age of 77 years. After controlling for age, sex, smoking, race, high blood pressure and diabetes, the researchers studied the effect of sleep disturbances and increased risk of atrial fibrillation.Dr. Gregory Marcus, senior author and cardiologist at the University of California concluded by saying "Ultimately, even without a clear understanding of the responsible mechanisms, we believe these findings suggest that strategies to enhance sleep quality, such as incorporating known techniques to improve sleep hygiene, may help prevent this important arrhythmia."The study reiterates the importance of a good night's sleep and the health effects that are caused due to a disturbed sleep.It is important to detect the cause of atrial fibrillation and to ensure that this health condition is avoided. Atrial fibrillation was earlier associated with sleep apnea. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was found to lower risk by 42%.In the current study it states that a good night's sleep is essential to wellbeing and any sleep disturbances should be conveyed to a doctor.Source: Medindia Advertisement The conventional approaches obtain a single estimate of the integrity of a single structural connection, or a white matter fiber.The new, non-invasive diffusion MRI approach captures the brain's connections at a much closer level than ever before."The most exciting part is that we can apply this new method to existing data and reveal new information that is already sitting there unexplored. The higher specificity allows us to reliably study how genetic and environmental factors shape the human brain over time, thereby opening a gate to understand how the human brain functions or dysfunctions," said Fang-Cheng (Frank) Yeh, the study's first author and assistant professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.For the study, the researchers used diffusion MRI to measure the local connectome of 699 brains from five data sets.To create a fingerprint, they took the data from the diffusion MRI and reconstructed it to calculate the distribution of water diffusion along the cerebral white matter's fibers.The measurements revealed that theTo test the uniqueness, the team ran more than 17,000 identification tests.With nearly 100% accuracy, they were able to tell whether two local connectomes, or brain "fingerprints," came from the same person or not.Additionally, they discovered that"This confirms something that we've always assumed in neuroscience -- that connectivity patterns in your brain are unique to you," said CMU's Timothy Verstynen, assistant professor of psychology."This means that many of your life experiences are somehow reflected in the connectivity of your brain. Thus we can start to look at how shared experiences, for example poverty or people who have the same patholoigical disease, are reflected in your brain connections, opening the door for potential new medical biomarkers for certain health concerns."In addition to Yeh and Verstynen, the research team included CMU's Aarti Singh and Barnabas Poczos, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory's Jean M. Vettel, the University of California, Santa Barbara's Scott T. Grafton, the University of Pittsburgh's Kirk I. Erickson and Wen-Yih I. Tseng of the National Taiwan University.The Army Research Laboratory funded this research.Source: Medindia Advertisement The research study also found the new treatment to be beneficial in reducing toxicity to the body and other organs.Pyrazinamide (PZA) , a first line agent for tuberculosis treatment was administered orally. It was found to act as a prodrug which gets converted into the active moiety pyrazinoic acid (POA) by microbial enzymatic action.Pyrazinamide resistance occurs due to the mutation of the enzyme which is responsible for converting pyrazinamide to pyrazinoic acid.Oral pyrazinoic acid is not effective for treatment and delivering pyrazinoic acid along with its non hydrolysable ester, n-propyl POA (PAE) can provide mitigating resistance for the active moiety.Administering the drug to the lungs require less amount of the drug to reduce burden in the lungs which is a major site of infection and transmission for tuberculosis.Phillip Durham, biochemist at RTI International in Raleigh - Durham, N.C. said, "When it comes to TB therapy, there have not been a lot of new drugs introduced to market during the past two decades, and progress is slow despite enormous effort in new drug discovery.""What we've done in our research, "is to use a derivative of a drug that has been around for many years -- Pyrazinoic acid -- and repurposed the drug to deliver it to the lungs, with some very promising results." he added.The research study also demonstrated that aerosol administration to the lungs were effective when compared to high dose of oral pyrazinamide in the spleen.Oral pyrazinamide drug was found to produce toxic side effects, reducing the dose while producing same efficacy levels to help patients.The author says, "For drugs that are not orally bioavailable, the alternative is often injection," "Given the dose required, daily therapy, and the physical health of the patients, inhaled therapy has the potential to be far less painful, does not generate biohazardous waste like HIV contaminated needles (HIV/TB coinfection is a problem), and does not need to be kept cold, which is required by many injectables."Source: Medindia Advertisement "The study corroborates previous evidence that Ebola is like most other viruses in that it causes a spectrum of manifestations, including minimally symptomatic infection," Richardson said. "It provides important evidence on that front. It also means a significant portion of transmission events may have gone undetected during the outbreak. This shows there was a lot more human-to-human transmission than we thought."The study will be published online Nov. 15 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The study also will be presented Nov. 14 at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting in Atlanta. Richardson is lead author of the study, and Paul Farmer, MD, PhD, a Harvard professor and director of Partners In Health, is the senior author.Testing individualsThe research was done in the rural village of Sukudu in Sierra Leone, a country where Richardson and his colleagues cared for hundreds of patients in Ebola treatment units managed by Partners In Health.The village, with about 900 residents, had been one of three major hot spots in the Kono District, in the eastern part of the country, during the heat of the Ebola crisis between November 2014 and February 2015. There were 34 reported cases of Ebola in the village, including 28 deaths.More than 28,000 cases of Ebola infection were reported in Africa during the epidemic, the largest and longest in history. More than 11,000 people are estimated to have died because of the disease.In the aftermath, Richardson and his colleagues decided to go back to the village to try to determine whether the Ebola infection could be minimally symptomatic, as previous studies have suggested. He worked with a local physician and two community health workers in gathering data for the study, a process that was approved by the local village chief.They used a test known as the ELISA assay, a technique that can detect the presence of an antibody. They first made sure the test was accurate by comparing results from 30 Ebola survivors in Sukudu with those of 132 people in other villages where the virus had not been reported.Richardson said the test proved to be a reasonable measure of viral antibodies. The researchers then recruited 187 men, women and children from Sukudu who had likely been exposed to Ebola, either because they were living in the same household or had shared a public toilet with a person confirmed to have had the disease.Of these, 14 were found to be carrying antibodies to Ebola, suggesting they had been infected at some point, though they had not been included in the original count. Twelve of them said they had had no symptoms of the disease, which typically causes fever, unexplained bleeding, headache, muscle pain, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. Two recalled having had a fever at the time of the outbreak, the scientists reported.Public health efforts not entirely effectiveIn combining the initial reports of 34 infections with the 14 newly identified cases, the researchers calculated the prevalence of minimally symptomatic infection in the village to have been 25 percent.Richardson said it is unknown if an asymptomatic individual is capable of transmitting the virus. Because these individuals did not have an active case of the disease, "They were not passing it along in the usual way, through vomiting or diarrhea," he said. "It's unclear if they can pass it along it sexually."The virus has been shown to hide out for months in semen, even after symptoms have subsided, with some published cases of survivors transmitting the virus through sexual contact. Richardson said the study indicates that public health efforts to prevent infection and contain the virus during the epidemic were not entirely effective."It reminds us that we need to do a much, much better job in future epidemics," Richardson said. He and his colleagues are now working in other villages in Sierra Leone where public health surveillance was poor during the epidemic, testing and interviewing individuals to get a better handle on the true number of people affected during the crisis."We expect to find a lot more undocumented survivors, so we can begin to answer the question of what was the true burden of disease," he said.Source: Eurekalert In a country where the LGBT are still struggling with basic rights and equality in society, even in the 21st century, Kerala is giving us a tiny ray of hope. Hope that someday people wont be shamed for who they are anymore and the Indian society would be a lot more accepting and a lot less discriminatory. A transgender activist Vijayarajamallika is bringing about a major change in the way transgenders live their lives in India with the proposal of a residential school for them in Kerala, the first ever in India! A lot of people belonging to this community cannot even earn their livelihood because theyre denied proper education, those who do get access to schools end up dropping out because of the shame we, as a society, associates with one being a transgender. The school will aim to educate drop-outs so they can be taught IT skills and other development programmes so they can go out and live their dreams! The school proposes to prepare them for examinations equivalent to Class Xth board examinations. BCCL "Even though organisations like Kochi Metro are coming forward to provide job opportunities for transgenders, the lack of qualifications is seen as a challenge among transgenders," said Vijayarajamallika. "We are seeking a residential area in Kochi for this. The revised 2016 Budget allocates Rs 10 crore for welfare programmes of transgenders in the state and 58 NGOs have already submitted projects and proposals for the same. The practicality of such projects is doubtful. Therefore, we will approach the government for financial help only after it proves to be worthwhile," she added. Heres hoping the authorities put a stamp of approval on this proposal and India takes a step forward in providing education and job opportunities to the transgender community. Weve all heard of clever travelers who have covered the length and breadth of the world without burning a hole in their pockets. From couch surfing to travel blogging, there are plenty of options that can let you travel on a budget. But travel blogger Manny Marshall had other plans. Cooler plans. The pro hitchhiker travelled from Edinburgh to Delhi by bartering beer cans for rides and accommodation. After all, who can refuse a chilled can of beer?! Raw Safari Covering around 5000 miles, he travelled through France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Greece, and then India. This was part of the challenge by Innis & Gunn, a brewing company in Edinburgh, who provided him 120 beer cans after he accepted the challenge. The companys aim was to trace and recreate the route by which Indian Pale Ales were delivered from Scotland to India in the 18th and 19th century. Raw Safari So set off Manny on his grand beer journey of 8 weeks, starting from Edinburgh. From hitching rides from strangers in exchange of beer to couch surfing with people across the countries, Manny had a rather tipsy adventure. ''Many drivers just see a guy on the side of the road and they've got two seconds to make a judgment but there are some really generous and kind people out there. I've been hitchhiking for more than ten years and I kind of expect to meet amazing people all the time.' Spreading cheer by hitchhiking with people and giving them beer in return Raw Safari Innis & Gunn flew him to India, where he hitched a ride on a tuk-tuk in Mumbai and interacted with the locals Raw Safari Raw Safari Language may have been a barrier at times, but this trip showed me that beer is truly a universal tongue,' Marshall told MailOnline. In Goa, he hitched rides with a variety of people from a mother travelling with kids to judges and even convicts. Raw Safari The adventurer said if he had to choose between spending time with locals and sightseeing, hed rather spend time socializing and getting to know them. Check out his blog Raw Safari where he has documented his adventures. H/t Daily Mail For more of this authors work, click here; to follow them on Twitter, click here. No house can be as amazing as the White House but the Obamas have found a pretty epic abode to move into. The Obamas settled on a post-Pennsylvania Avenue house to call home after the President leaves office at the end of this year. Built in 1928 with nine bedrooms, this lavish house will be their residence for a few years until their younger daughter Sasha finishes high school. Though it is smaller than the White House, it looks delightful and really comfy. Its market price till may this year was $5.3 million i.e Rs 41 Crore. The estimated monthly rent of the house owned by Joe Lockhart, a former press secretary and senior adviser to Bill Clinton will be $22,000 (around Rs 15 lakh). Its right there on the main street and is a gated premise HindustanTimes There is massive parking space HindustanTimes The kitchen has a marble counter-top and looks ravishing HindustanTimes HindustanTimes The living room is rustic and charming Unsplash HindustanTimes The master bedroom is old-school and very inviting HindustanTimes And so are the other rooms HindustanTimes HindustanTimes Well, its no White House but it sure looks really comfortable, lavish and inviting. (ECNS) -- The sales pitch that "Are you sure you want a tall-sized cup of Starbucks coffee?" has gone viral recently on Chinese social media Wechat after a loyal customer of the global coffee chain expressed dissatisfaction to its serving attitude online. Lin Guotong posted on Wechat on Sunday that he was asked twice when ordering a tall-sized cup of coffee at Starbucks by a waiter: "Are you sure you want tall?" and "Tall is the smallest size here we have?" Lin said he has been a gold membership of Starbucks since 2010 when he bought 30 cups of coffee there at a time. "I'm a loyal customer of Starbucks, having once bought over 200 cups of coffee in one year. But still they would consistently question me about size and recommend larger options," he said. He complained about it to Starbucks China CEO Wang Jingying that "As a gold member of Starbucks (qualified when buy 25 cups of coffee in one year) since 2012, I don't need this kind of service and don't deserve staff questioning my choice." The message soon circulated on Wechat rapidly and caused heated discussion. The post had been read over 500,000 times with 3,000 comments till Monday night. Netizens have different opinions. Some think that such a selling method is normal and should not anger anyone, while others have conveyed discontent over Starbucks services saying that behavior like repeatedly promoting extra products and reciting indifferent promotion lines really bore them. Ordering tall sized coffee at Starbucks suddenly becomes popular. Some customers even intentionally go to buy tall sized coffee only to see how staff react. The effect on social media soon aroused attention of Starbucks China. On Monday night Lin received a call as well as an email from the company, promising that they would improve their service and provide better experience to customers. Starbucks further explained that questioning customer's choice serves only to confirm their order and means nothing more. 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. Photos of a Nanjing medical school professor have become hugely popular online. In the photos, the professor can be seen teaching without a shirt on in front of the class, using his own body to explain the lesson. Many students say he has changed their views on teaching. The professor, named Li Lei, teaches human anatomy at Nanjing Medical University in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. While teaching, Li often becomes so enthusiastic that he lifts up his own clothes in order to demonstrate to students the exact locations of different organs in the human body. Li has had an undeniable influence on a number of his students. One freshman reported feeling proud of herself after drawing various muscles directly on her upper arm for a more visual study. A doctor at a hospital in Nanjing said he still clearly remembers Li's classes, even though he graduated 10 years ago. Li said he adopted his special teaching method after hundreds of experiments. I believe that this visa agreement will facilitate a greater change and openness between Israel and China, said Matan Vilnai, Israels ambassador to China, at the official launch event in Beijing for the 10-year visa program between Israel and China. At the event on Nov. 15, Vilnai announced that starting from Nov. 11, Chinese and Israeli citizens are eligible to receive 10-year visas with multiple entries. Under the visa agreement, Chinese people will be able to enter Israel multiple times over a 10-year period, and are allowed to stay up to 90 days each time. They cannot stay more than 180 days within one year. The agreement was signed in March at a meeting of the China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation, in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong. This agreement symbolizes the beginning of a new era in the relations between Israel and China - a way for Israelis and Chinese people to create new connections between them, the ambassador emphasized. Vilnai pointed out two important things he had done during his four years as ambassador. He first cited the promotion of direct flights between the two countries (there are now four direct flights between Beijing and Tel Aviv every week), and then mentioned the simplification of visa policies. At the launch event, Vilnai presented the first batch of 10-year multiple-entry visas to Chinese citizens who have contributed to the friendship between the two countries. Liu Ye, a Chinese film star and the tourism ambassador of Israel, was the first Chinese citizen to receive the visa. Israel is the third country to grant Chinese citizens multiple-entry visas, following the U.S. and Canada. The new visa agreement is another major step forward, coming after Israel and China established mutual visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport-holders on Jan. 17. During his visit to London, from Thursday, 10 November, to Tuesday, 15 November, Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos met with representatives of the British government and opposition, as well as with union representatives, and spoke at prominent British universities. More specifically, Mr. Katrougalos met with Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alan Duncan, and the Minister of State at the Department fo Exiting the European Union (DExEU), David Jones. Mr. Katrougalos also met with the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, John McDonnell, the Shadow Minister for International Trade, Bill Esterson, Shadow Minister of State Khalid Mahmood, and the General Secretaries of the UNITE and TUC unions. During his stay in London, Mr. Katrougalos spoke at a British-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce event on Greece: An economic overview and investment opportunities, referring to the positive prospects of the Greek economy and investments, and stressing that the government has moved ahead to very important structural reforms, with emphasis on sustainable development and social policies against austerity. He also underscored that Greece now offers many investment opportunities, not just due to its geopolitical position, but also because of the new economic policy that is evident in the official data showing improvement of financial indicators and the economic environment. Mr. Katrougalos was also the keynote speaker at a London School of Economics event on Social or neoliberal Europe? The Greek experience, at which he presented the Greek governments major structural reforms, with emphasis on reform of the social security system. He also underscored the need to abandon the current austerity policies and reaffirm the EUs dedication to the European social model. During his stay in the British capital, Mr. Katrougalos visited Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, while on the margins of his meetings he gave interviews to The Daily Telegraph and the BBC World Service. Mr. Katrougalos concluded his itinerary on Tuesday, in Oxford, where he spoke in the afternoon, at St Antonys College, on A Democratic Challenge: Social reform in Greece under Syriza. Chinese President Xi Jinpings forthcoming Latin American trip will be a milestone for both sides to deepen their exchanges and cooperation. The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) holds great expectations from Xis visit. China is the second-largest trade partner as well as a major export destination of Latin American and Caribbean countries, while Latin America has become the major destination of the exports of Chinese automobile, railways, telecommunication, engineering machinery and other products. The total trade volume between China and Latin America amounted to $236.545 billion in 2015, of which $132.216 billion was contributed by Chinas exports to Latin America, and $104.329 billion was from Chinas imports from the continent. The growth of Chinas imports from Latin America, coming amid the sluggish global trade, shows that the structure of bilateral trade is more reasonable now. The economic and trade ties between Latin America and China showed great vitality in the 21st century. With generous investments in mining and natural gas industries, China remains the most important investor in Latin America and contributes a lot to bilateral economic and trade ties. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has great potential to develop. It is hoped that Xis visit will further boost the relationship. After both sides put the China-Latin American Countries and Caribbean States Cooperation Plan (2015-19), a roadmap for bilateral collaboration, into practice two years ago, government departments, business community, academic community and civil societies on both sides have discussed cooperation blueprints covering agriculture, infrastructure, science and technology on many occasions. The Chinese governments emphasis on promoting cooperation with Latin American partners presents a historical opportunity for Latin America. Besides trade of primary commodities, Latin America expects to work with China to further improve local productivity, infrastructure, logistics network and personnel training since these fields are essential to the balanced and inclusive development and reduction of the wealth gap in this region. Meanwhile, since China has made remarkable achievements in the high-tech sector, the experience borrowed from China will help with Latin Americas integration into digital revolution and its smooth transition to a green economy. In such a backdrop, China can provide important support for Latin America, which is in dire need of structural reform and sustainable development. The cooperation between China and the community of Latin American and Caribbean countries will surely benefit the latters campaign of industrial upgrade. In the meantime, bilateral cooperation will improve the latters infrastructure, connectivity and logistics, boost regional economic and trade cooperation, and elevate its status in the global industrial chain. On the other hand, Latin America has accumulated abundant experience in social policy, urbanization and environmental protection, which can work as reference for China in dealing with similar challenges. More importantly, the China-Latin America relationship has come to a transformation point. The China-Latin American Countries and Caribbean States Cooperation Plan (2015-19) rightly serves as a stepping stone for this transformation, because it provides a systematic framework and guideline for bilateral cooperation. At present, the plan needs to be translated into real action so as to lay a solid foundation for future bilateral cooperation. (The author is executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.) Source: Peoples Daily Yang Xiuzhu, former deputy chief of a provincial construction bureau in Zhejiang province and - until recently - an overseas fugitive, has been extradited to China after 13 years hiding outside of China. Yang surrendered herself to police on Nov. 16. With Yang's case closed, a total of 37 fugitives listed on Interpol's red notice have been located. Yang, who was accused of corruption, fled the country after her crime was uncovered. She then spent time hiding in a number of countries, even unsuccessfully attempting to seek asylum in France and the Netherlands. However, since 2014, China's central government has been cooperating across diplomatic, judiciary and legal lines to bring Yang to justice. Yang went to the U.S. to once again seek asylum in May 2014. Through an anti-corruption working group under the U.S.-China Joint Liaison Group (JLG), China requested help from American law enforcement to extradite Yang. After receiving relevant evidence, American police officers arrested and detained Yang. Yangs case once again proves the determination of President Xi and the CPC to punish corruption. China's leadership has demonstrated that there is no safe haven for corrupt officials, and anti-corruption efforts will not let up until the last fugitive is brought to justice. Read more: China hails return of "red notice" fugitive from U.S. National Library of China On Nov. 15, the National Library of China announced plans to establish a database of investigation records that Japanese residents of China compiled in the early 20th century. The publication of the collection of East Asia Tongwen College marks the start of the database, which will grow to include journals and reports. Founded by Japan in the city of Shanghai, East Asia Tongwen College, which now is Aichi University in Japan, used to allow its students to conduct investigations in China, to provide references for the Japanese government. These investigations guided Japan's policies toward China from 1901 to 1945. Around 3,000 Japanese students divided into almost 700 groups participated in the investigations, comprehensively recording details of China's politics, economy, social life, culture and customs, offering significant insights into the late Qing Dynasty (1901-1912) and the Republic of China (1912-1949). Fang Zijin, proprietor of the National Library Press, said that the National Library possesses around 2,000 volumes of investigation archives recorded between 1927 and 1943, while Aichi University has 650 volumes from between 1916 and 1935. The massive collection is currently very inconvenient for those looking to search and utilize the records. The National Library therefore plans to reorganize and photocopy the reference materials. Han Yongjin, director of the National Library, said that the library will continue to sort and digitalize historical materials related to Japans investigation of China. Meanwhile, the library will join with other institutions worldwide to facilitate information collection and share database access. (File photo) Chinas AMBER alert system has brought home 260 missing children within six months of its launch, which is more than 90 percent of the total missing underage population in the nation. The system, launched on May 15 by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and Alibaba, has published 286 alerts about missing children across China. Of the 260 found, 18 were kidnapped and 152 left home deliberately. A total of 52 children were found dead. The alert system, named Tuanyuan, which translates to "reunion" in English, is operated by over 5,000 police officers across China. On Nov. 16, the system announced plans to partner with more social media platforms apart from Sina Weibo and online mapping service Amap to access information about missing children. Among the new platforms are Alipay, Tencent QQ and Didi Chuxing, Thepaper.cn reported. New alerts will be immediately published on the Sina Weibo account of an online platform specifically created by the MPS to find missing children. At the same time, all users of the social media partner platforms will receive a notice. For Amap users, those located close to the location where a child is reported missing receive notices first; those located within a 100-kilometer radius of the location receive notices one hour later. After three hours, the notice spreads as far as 500 kilometers. PUNA, India, Nov. 16 -- Chinese and Indian army troops started their joint anti-terror exercises in the Western Indian city of Puna on Wednesday. Code named "Hand in Hand 2016," the drill involves 139 troops from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) units stationed in Tibet and the same number of Indian army troops. During the drill, which is to last 11 days, the troops will be mingled and regrouped into two companies, and conduct exhibitions, training and exercises of joint counter-terrorism reconnaissance operations, removing improvised explosives and combating terrorists in semi-urban environment. The soldiers will also stage some recreational and cultural activities during the intervals of their training to enhance friendship and communications. This is the 6th joint anti-terrorism exercise held by the Chinese and Indian armies, and the third conducted in India. UPPER THUMB Huron County is one of 65 counties in the state that did not apply for grant money that was built to help authorities with medical marijuana enforcement. However, the department's choice to not apply was due to some uncertainty of what the guidelines called for. In 2008, a majority of Michigan voters approved medical marijuana to treat certain illnesses. Since then, roughly 225,000 people have been issued medical cards in the state, but the drug is still deemed illegal under federal law. Since 2015, state lawmakers have set aside funds administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for sheriffs for medical marijuana enforcement and education. "Yes, we were aware (of the grants)," Undersheriff Duane Miller told the Tribune. "Last year, we looked into it and there was no real guidance as far as what the grants could be used toward." The $3 million in grants was aimed to pay for overtime, purchase vests, guns, tasers and vehicles. The grants were distributed proportionately based on the number of cards issues or renewed for the residents of each county applied. Miller said the Huron County Sheriff's Office will take note of what other counties do with funding and determine where to go from there. "Now that we see what other departments are doing ... it gives us a better understanding of how the funds can be used," Miller said. For example, Macomb County bought a trailer to haul and store illegal marijuana plants. The deadline to apply for the next round of funding is Jan. 1, and Miller said the sheriff's office will be applying for grants this time around. Although the items the department hopes to obtain with the funds are unclear, Miller said he will meet with the drug enforcement officer to see if any specific supplies are needed. Elsewhere in the Thumb, Tuscola and Sanilac counties both took advantage of the grants, as they were two of the 18 counties in the state to apply. Tuscola received $24,111 while Sanilac acquired $12,986 for medical marijuana enforcement. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Today Azerbaijan is a modern, developing, self-sufficient country with strong diversified economy, with a very high level of social protection, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. "All our economic programs were implemented, some of them even before schedule. Azerbaijan's economy grew more than 3 times in the last 13 years," said the president. "We managed to cope with poverty, which is now at the level of 5 percent, and unemployment is almost at the same level." President Aliyev went on to say that international organizations, reliable organizations, have a very high rank for Azerbaijan. "For instance, the Davos World Economic Forum ranks Azerbaijan at #37, with respect to the competitiveness of economy. It shows that our economy is competitive, diversified, and not based on one source, which is energy," IlhamAliyev said. "Therefore, further diversification of economy, the economic reforms, in the future will create even more opportunities for sustainable development of our country,"said the president. "And Azerbaijan, I am sure, in the coming years, will only become stronger and stronger." He went on to say that Azerbaijan shows efforts to create broad regional cooperation, based on shared mutual interests. "In particular in the area of energy and transportation, our initiatives already bring good results," he said. "Energy projects initiated by Azerbaijan in mid 90s, already brought a lot of prosperity to our region." Ilham Aliyev went on to add that Azerbaijan was the first country to connect huge energy resources of the Caspian Sea with international markets, in particular noting the connection between Caspian, Black, Mediterranean seas by diversified pipeline system. "That was one of the main achievements of Azerbaijan," he said. "Today we work on the global energy project, which is called the Southern Gas Corridor," he said. "It will allow us to be a reliable exporter of natural gas to many countries. The cost of this project is around $45 billion, and Azerbaijan plays a leading role in implementation of this project." The president went on to add that Azerbaijan today has established a very close cooperation with seven countries, the members of the project, and more countries are to join in the coming years. "It will allow us to satisfy our demands to become a big gas exporter. It will allow the transitors and customers to have additional sources of energy, which all the countries need to develop their economy and industry," Ilham Aliyev said. "Our energy policy is based on our national interests, and on cooperation," he said. "In this area Azerbaijan also demonstrates a very responsible approach, based, as I said before, on shared interests. All the members of the project must have their share of profit and we consider energy cooperation as an area which can unite, not alienate, countries." "I think achievements in this area are already worth to be examined. The same can be applied to our initiatives to create reliable transportation corridors," said the president. He said that Azerbaijan has an advantageous geographic location, but without infrastructure this location doesn't mean much. "Therefore, our efforts were aimed at establishing the regional cooperation on the areas of transportation. Particularly, the East-West corridor, which is almost completed," said the president, adding that some tests have already been carried, with cargo trains crossing Azerbaijan from Asia to Europe. Ilham Aliyev also named the North-South corridor, which is under implementation, adding that Azerbaijan took very important measures and steps in implementing this corridor. "If you look at the map, you can see that both of these corridors will generate a lot of additional activity. It will stimulate growth, stimulate industrial development, allow companies and countries to export their goods and save time. North-South and East-West corridors for companies that send their cargoes, will save at least 2 weeks time," the president said. He went on to add that such projects need investments. "And we invest, also provide financial assistance to other partners in order to implement this project. This is aimed at regional cooperation, predictability, and also of course, at economic benefits and security. Because without security in the region, none of the projects I've mentioned can be implemented," the president said. He went on to say that the security concerns are growing, as "situation around us becomes more and more tense". President Aliyev added that new sources of concern, such as threats, bloodshed, confrontation, wars, emerge, and this is of big concern. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Among the problems which Azerbaijan has been facing for many years since independence, is the occupation of Azerbaijan's legal and historical lands by Armenia, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. He informed the audience that Nagorno Karabakh is a historic part of Azerbaijan, the name Karabakh is of Azerbaijani origin. The president said that not only Nagorno Karabakh, which used to be the autonomous district of Azerbaijan during the Soviet times, but also seven other districts of Azerbaijan, are under Armenian occupation. "This occupation has lasted for more than 20 years, and as a result of this, more than a million of Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons. Our people were subjected to ethnic cleansing by Armenia and today almost 20 percent of internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan is under the Armenian occupation," Ilham Aliyevsaid. He went on to add that international organizations, all the leading organizations, adopted the right decisions and resolutions, including the UN Security Council, which adopted four resolutions, demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan's territory in the beginning of the 90s, but they are not implemented. "Armenia just ignores these resolutions and shows its ignorance to the whole international community," the president said. "There should be very serious discussions and steps with respect to the elaboration, the mechanism of implementation of resolutions of the UN Security Council resolutions." Ilham Aliyev said that at the same time, from political point of view, there should be unified methods of implementation of resolutions. "In some cases, we see the UN resolutions implemented within days, in our case it has been more than 20 years. This is unacceptable, this is a sign of double standards towards Azerbaijan, and we need to put an end to the occupation," said the president. He said that other international organizations, such as the Islamic Cooperation Organization, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the Non-Aligned Movement and others, have adopted similar decisions and resolutions, which remain on paper. "All our historic monuments, our mosques, graves, were destroyed by Armenians. The OSCE twice sent the fact-finding missions to the occupied territories and the reports of the OSCE show that," said the president. Meanwhile, the president said that in Baku, one can visit the Armenian church, which is under the state protection, and which has been renovated. "But in occupied territories of Nagorno Karabakh and other districts, all our mosques are destroyed by Armenia," said Ilham Aliyev. The president said that the conflict must be resolved as soon as possible, and the resolution must be based on international law and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. "Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has the same value as that of any other country. And we hear all the time that similar conflicts in the post-Soviet area must be resolved based on territorial integrity of countries. The same should be applied to Azerbaijan," Ilham Aliyev said. The president said that despite this huge political and economic burden, Azerbaijan develops. "We are very committed to our development. We need to build a stronger country, we need to implement all our social promises and diversify economy and be stronger," he said. "Unfortunately, in today's world, the international law many times is violated and there are no mechanisms, political mechanisms to force the aggressor to stop the aggression." The president went on to say that Azerbaijan concentrated largely on the country's economic development, and the achievements, according to him, are very impressive. S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Intuitive Surgical Stock is Both a Legacy and Next-Gen Play Goldman Sachs Alum Sounds Alarm on "Next US Crisis" (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Seba Aghayeva Trend: Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov will pay a working visit to France on November 17, a source told Trend Nov. 16. Mammadyarov is now on an official visit to Portugal. According to the source, during the visit, Mammadyarov will meet with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault and discuss prospects of developing bilateral cooperation. Aspects of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be considered separately during the negotiations, the source said. 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. NASDAQ is an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. The NASDAQ stock exchange is owned by Nasdaq, Inc. and serves as an international electronic marketplace where investors can buy and sell securities. It is the second largest stock exchange in the world. The NASDAQ exchange lists stocks from virtually every sector of the economy. Although they are heavily weighted in technology, you will also see them as a leader in fields such as healthcare and biotech, energy and industrials and financial services. And the NASDAQ is also an index which is referred to as the NASDAQ Composite. When you hear that the NASDAQ was up or down, they are referring to the index. This index measures over 3,000 stocks listed on the NASDAQ exchange and includes the worlds leading tech stocks including the FAANG stocks. The index is a mathematical average of the stocks that are listed. The NASDAQ index cant be traded. However, investors can purchase an index fund that is similar to a mutual fund or an ETF and is made up of the stocks in the index. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of the NASDAQ, explain how its different from the NYSE and the Dow Jones Index, and why the NASDAQ is important to investors. What Were the Origins of the NASDAQ? The NASDAQ started trading on February 8, 1971. It was created as an alternative to the NYSE so as to give new, emerging companies a way into the stock market. Since the NYSE is made up of primarily blue-chip companies with a large market capitalization, many financially sound companies with modest assets had to look for alternate means to raise capital. At first, the NASDAQ only provided quotations and matched buyers and sellers with dealers. As it started trading, it became a source for speculative, over-the-counter (OTC) stocks to raise capital. However, when it became the first U.S. stock market to conduct online trading, it soon became the go-to exchange for technology stocks that saw it as a more modern way to list their stocks. In a way, it reflected the innovation that those companies represented. What Are the Listing Requirements for the NASDAQ? For starters, the NASDAQ is a company. So every company that wishes to be listed on the NASDAQ has to pay an initial listing fee. This fee can be between $50,000 and $75,000. In addition, there is an annual fee to remain as a member. This fee can be as lows as $42,000 or as high as $155,000 depending on the companys size. But being part of an exchange is not just a matter of paying dues. To be listed, a company must meet a set of requirements. These include but are not limited to: Quantitative financial requirements (earnings, market cap, and assets) Corporate governance standards that give clear guidance about issues like shareholder rights and annual meetings Once a stock is listed, they must continue to meet regulatory requirements by making financial information about the company and the stock available to the public. And, the companies listed on the NASDAQ must meet SEC requirements, including the filing of financial reports. All of this is done to provide transparency to investors. For this reason, as the NASDAQ has grown up it is no longer the domain of speculative over-the-counter stocks. How is the NASDAQ Different from the NYSE? Initially, the primary difference between the NYSE and NASDAQ was in the way trades were conducted. The NYSE is an auction market. As the word auction implies, trades occur between buyers who offer a bid price for a stock and sellers who have an ask price. The highest bidding price is matched with the lowest asking price. The NASDAQ, by contrast, started as a dealers market where these dealers served as middlemen between buyers and sellers. With the advent of trading technology, the difference in methodology between the two exchanges is more subtle. The NASDAQ now automatically matches buyers and sellers similar to an auction system. And the NYSE relies heavily on computers to facilitate their trades. One of the differences remains the presence of human brokers who still man the trading floor of the NYSE. Another subtle difference comes with how the exchanges ensure liquidity and security. On the NYSE, each security has a Designated Market Maker (DMM) who serves as an auctioneer of sorts. Unlike the NYSE, each security on the NASDAQ has multiple Market Makers to help ensure liquidity. Apple, for example, has 54 registered Market Makers. Yet another difference can be found in the size and profile of the companies listed with each exchange. As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. The NASDAQ has over 3,300 listings with a total market capitalization of $11 trillion dollars. Why is this significant? The NYSE has been around since 1792 making it the oldest stock exchange and for almost 200 years the only game in town. As a result, it is home to many of what are seen as the blue-chip companies. The NASDAQ, by comparison, generally consists of stocks that are more volatile and growth oriented. In recent years, it is for housing the FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google/Alphabet). How is the NASDAQ Different from the Dow? Both the Dow and the NASDAQ are predictive indicators of the market direction. In the case of the Dow, the stocks can be listed on the NYSE or the NASDAQ exchanges. The Dow Jones (also known as The Dow) is an index of what are considered the 30 biggest companies in terms of scale and firm returns. When stock reports are given you usually hear reference to The Dow was up X number of points or The Dow was down X number of points. This is referring to the average of these 30 stocks. It is considered to be a broad view of the market in general. You may also hear the phrase advancers versus decliners. This refers to how many stocks in the Dow 30 made gains for the day (advancers) and how many had losses (decliners). The companies in the Dow 30 make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Some investors may buy an index fund which contains only the securities that make up the Dow 30. The NASDAQ is also an index, but it is also an exchange that is made up of over 3,400 individual securities. Many of these securities are in the technology sector. Some of these securities may be part of the Dow 30, but the index as a whole is separate from the Dow. Like the Dow, many investors choose to invest in index funds that are tailored to stocks in the NASDAQ. The USAA NASDAQ 100 Index Fund (USNQX) is one such fund. This fund includes the 100 biggest stocks (non-financial) that are listed on the NASDAQ exchange. What Does the NASDAQ Say About Investor Sentiment? The NASDAQ offers growth investors a cue to how much risk the market is willing to absorb at a given moment. For example, when you hear that the Dow is up (which usually means the NYSE is up), it typically signals a time of where investors may be less inclined to take risks. But when the NASDAQ is up and the Dow is down or trailing, it usually signifies that investors are more confident about the overall economy and are willing to assume more risk. And as we stated earlier, the NASDAQ still plays a critical role in how many young companies go public. There were 34 initial public offerings (IPOs) posted on the NYSE in 2016. This was just three percent of the total volume of IPOs worldwide. By contrast, in that same year, the NASDAQ held 77 IPOs which was seven percent of global IPOs, more than double that of the NYSE. Some Final Thoughts on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange The arrival of the NASDAQ stock exchange in the 1970s created a choice for investors that meant more than just choosing Coke or Pepsi. By offering a lower cost of entry and welcoming start-ups with a focus on innovation, the NASDAQ gave these companies a stock exchange that looked like them. Today, the NASDAQ is the largest electronic stock market with over 3,000 companies listed. And ironically, the five largest companies in terms of market cap are listed on the NASDAQ. However, although this stock exchange has grown up a bit, it still retains its rebellious cache. With its focus on technology stocks, many of the worlds most nimble and innovative companies look to get listed on the NASDAQ as a way to raise capital. It is almost synonymous with technology and serves as a predictor of the broader markets appetite for risk. The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. 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Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc.. Read More This article originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues. Members of the military community speak out about the most important issues Trump will need to address as president. Between military readiness, ongoing problems with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the growing threats to national security, President-elect Donald Trump will have to address a number of issues impacting the military and veterans upon taking the oath of office. He has already promised to end the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration, improve the United States' cyber security capabilities, and fix wait times for veterans seeking care at the VA. However, we wanted to know what the people who make up the military and veterans communities see as the most important issues the next president will need to address. We posed this question before the election and now present 30 responses in no particular order. Here's what they said. Military Priorities "I'd like to see the president direct the DoD to streamline evaluation and promotion systems with opportunities for merit based pay and promotion timing. High performers should never languish; low performers should not be promoted if they hang around long enough." -- Shawn VanDiver, U.S. Navy veteran "For the military, the next president needs to work on setting clear priorities for the service components and order audits on the waste, fraud and abuse that is present in the Pentagon's budget so that more can be done with less." -- Matthew Schleupner, U.S. Army "The best thing that the next president can do for service members is to fight and win the wars in which we are engaged and to focus the efforts of our military on fighting and winning the next war." -- Mike Grice, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "Military: The president should schedule a monthly meeting to get an unfiltered report from two groups of leaders. The service chiefs and the global four-star commanders.-- Jason Howk, U.S. Army veteran "Emphasize training and readiness. Better a small military than a hollow military." -- Carl Forsling, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "Protecting the integrity of our information systems, so that nothing like the OPM hack happens again." -- Alex McCoy, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "Request a new Authorization on the Use of Military Force from Congress so that our elected legislative representatives share responsibility for our ongoing overseas military engagements (e.g., Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, to name a few)." -- Welton Chang, U.S. Army veteran "Our next commander-in-chief has to be foreign policy fluent, economy focused, human rights minded, and tough on terrorism. Without these qualities, we'll have a leader who fails us on the global stage, at home and abroad, and in our daily lives." -- Tahlia Burton, U.S. Air Force veteran "Our leadership must continue to expand the conversation about military health to include a focus on performance enhancement and stress-injury prevention through resilient trait training and testing. Mental fitness training to 'bulletproof the brain' creates effective warriors with mental endurance, resilience, and promotes combat fitness at both individual and unit-levels." -- Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "Developing a definition of a proportional response in cyberspace. We don't have definitions of 'war' and 'peace' in cyberspace." -- Andrea Goldstein, U.S. Navy veteran "The incumbent needs to recognize that military pay is only a fraction of what many could earn in the civilian market. If we want to recruit and retain quality Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, then we need to fund quality training and pay personnel appropriately." -- Maj. Lisa Jaster, U.S. Army Reserve "The next president will have to rationalize the drone policy to regional objectives, restore U.S. capabilities in forced entry capabilities for the Army and Marines, and restore high levels of individual and unit training that sequestration removed."-- Chad Storlie, U.S. Army veteran For the active and reserve force, the next president should support and appoint officials that support personnel management reform to retain the best service members by fixing the promotion system and increasing career flexibility." -- Will DuVal, U.S. Army Reserve "The next U.S. president needs to prioritize mental-health treatment for service members past and present. There should be efforts to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and steps to improve access to mental health support and resources." -- Marissa Cruz, U.S. Navy Reserve "Although women are outpacing the growth of men in the military and veteran communities, they continue to face barriers to service and advancement. To get the best out of our military, the next administration will need to not only continue to press recent reforms expanding opportunities for women, but will also need to implement policies to eliminate unconscious bias and sexism." -- Kate Germano, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "Priorities for the next president should focus on better care for our fallen and their families, and honoring them by finishing the missions that they fought bled and died for. We have been at war for over 15 years now, and we cannot continue to ignore all of the families who are left behind from war and those who have died." -- Jane Horton, Gold Star spouse "The President will need to address how much blood and treasure the U.S. will expend in the pursuit of peace all around the world. This requires an honest dialog with the American public about the type of foreign policy our country wants and can afford, while balancing this with the need to rebuild the U.S." -- Jahara "FRANKY" Matisek, U.S. Air Force, Major Veterans Priorities "I would like to see the next president and Congress work together to fix the VA. The entire system needs to be overhauled so that our veterans receive the proper medical care they deserve in a timely manner." -- Michelle Volkmann, U.S. Navy spouse "The president must get serious about refocusing the VA. If they have to start a brand new VA organization and re-interview every current worker to see who will continue to have the honor of serving our veterans, than so be it. This is a disgrace." -- Jason Howk, U.S. Army veteran "Our next president needs to focus on quality of life issues for veterans and bringing trust back to the VA as an institution (health care, continuing job training, education opportunities)." -- Matthew Schleupner, U.S. Army "All service members should be screened by and enrolled in the VA at their last duty station prior to separation, regardless of the reason for separation. Retirement and benefits should be entirely moved from the DoD to the VA to allow the DoD to focus on its core military mission and provide that funding to the VA to manage all aspects of veteran care." -- David R Anderson, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "The next president should seriously look at reform for the VA and military justice system. The VA has had plenty of press, but the military justice system is subject to abuse by commanders, often to the detriment of the accused." -- Jay Arnold, U.S. Army veteran "Expand the Vets.gov team within the U.S. Digital Services and task them with creating a seamless transition of healthcare records between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Expand the VA Center for Innovation and task them specifically with developing pilot programs to address rural/distributed healthcare services." -- William Treseder, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "We need to help the VA become better and cease treating VA employees as punching bags for government policies; we also need to revamp educational policy because 80% of GI Bill and DOD Tuition Assistance funds go to the 20% lowest performing educational institutions." -- Chad Storlie, U.S. Army veteran "Incentivize local governments to play a leadership role in reintegrating veterans in the communities where they are actually going to live. To support this, push DoD to share data with local governments about where veterans are moving to post-service, so communities can be ready to receive them." -- Jason Mangone, U.S. Marine Corps veteran "The next president of the United States should prioritize access to education and healthcare benefits for veterans, as well as address the ongoing problem of veteran suicide."-- Will DuVal, U.S. Army Reserve "I hope the next president prioritizes the ongoing fights against both veteran suicide and homelessness. And as a means to those ends, I think we need to put more energy and innovation into our support for veterans transitioning out of the service and into the civilian workforce, which should include a substantial mental health care component -- perhaps free and comprehensive mental healthcare should follow veterans even after leaving the service." -- Joanna Dasher, U.S. Army veteran "The next president must work with Congress and veteran leaders to strengthen, reform and sustain the VA health care system so that injured and ill veterans who rely on VA can continue to receive high-quality, comprehensive, timely and veteran-focused care. The president must also work with Congress to expand the comprehensive caregiver support program to all family caregivers of veterans, regardless of when they were injured and made ill from their service." -- Garry Augustine, U.S. Army veteran "Combining VA and DoD medical evaluations, eliminating redundant record systems, and generally improving coordination between agencies doesn't make for a good bumper sticker, but it's a fix that could make the most impact in the lives of veterans." -- J.p. Lawrence, U.S. Army National Guard "The next president needs to take decisive action to keep the promises that this country has made to our men and women in uniform. Specifically the VA staff and management needs to be gone through with a hatchet; the corrupt need to be fired; and those who had a hand in the multitude of cover-ups need to be jailed if criminality is found." -- Brock Young, U.S. Army This article originally appeared on Task & Purpose,. Follow Task & Purpose on Twitter. More articles from Task & Purpose: 5 Things The Walking Dead Teaches Us About Leadership This Might Be The Worst Fake Marine Of All Time 5 Badass Quotes From Marine General James Mattis Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and AZERTAC, a joint opening ceremony of the 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) has kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attends the opening ceremony. The head of state is addressing the event. Over the next three days Baku will be hosting gatherings of the world`s influential media organizations - the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies and the 22nd meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of News Agencies. These events will be attended by delegates from 80 countries. The Congress is bringing together 96 news agencies from 77 countries. It is attended by delegates from all the continents: 77 delegates from 39 news agencies of 31 Asian countries, 51 delegates from 30 agencies of 23 European countries, 25 delegates from 16 agencies of 16 African countries, 17 delegates from 9 news agencies in 7 countries in the Americas, and 4 delegates from 3 news agencies representing Australia. The slogan of the 5th News Agencies World Congress is New Challenges for News Agencies. The Congress features several sessions, including The future of news consumption, News agencies challenges and opportunities of new technologies and social media, News agency innovation, Training journalists for a multi-media future, Protecting the journalists mission: freedom, access, safety and conflict zones. It also addresses problems facing journalism, which is now in experiencing rapid transformation, and forms of cooperation between news agencies and different social media platforms. Speakers at the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya television channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer, Stibo Accelerator media companies. The Congress will see presentation of a photo album featuring nearly 600 photographs by the participating agencies in News, Festivities and Sport categories. The photo album was published through partnership between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Baku Media Center. The Congress will see AZERTAC sign agreements on news and experience exchange with Spanish EFE, Paraguayan IP and Bahraini BNA news agencies. Participants of the event will also elect members of the executive bodies of the Congress and adopt Declaration. AZERTAC will take on a three-year presidency (2016-2019) of the Congress at the event. Initiated by the Russian TASS news agency, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on September 24-25, 2004. The three other congresses took place in Spain, Argentina and Saudi Arabia. The main body of the Congress is the Council. At the 4th Congress, which was hosted by Riyadh in 2013, Associated Press, Reuters, Press Association, SPA, TASS, EFE, Kuna, AZERTAC and TELAM agencies as well as secretaries general of EANA, OANA and FANA were elected as members of the Council. The Baku Congress will elect new members of the Council. An initiative of UNESCO, the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies was founded in 1961 with the aim of expanding news exchange among regional news agencies. OANA`s members include 44 news agencies from 35 countries. Having joined OANA in 2004, AZERTAC has been elected a member of its Executive Board for three times. At the 15th General Assembly held in Moscow in 2013, AZERTAC was elected by secret ballot as president of the organization for 2016-2019. The agenda of the 22nd session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies encompasses a wide range of issues, including review of the organization`s activities in 2016, implementation of joint projects, and expansion of news exchange. TWENTYNINE PALMS, California -- The scene in the desert range where the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment demonstrated live-fire training was coordinated chaos. The objective: push back the enemy, kill off errant militants and line a minefield full of C4 plastic explosive. Even if something went wrong, the Marines didn't plan on stopping the training, which featured a range of war machines and weaponry, from AH-1Z Cobras to M1 Abrams tanks and Amphibious Assault Vehicles to mortars and rocket artillery. To prime them for real-life war with a near-peer rival, Marines will no longer be subjected to 'fix-as-you-go' training, said Brig. Gen William Mullen, commander of the Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. "You're going to go through it just like everybody else so they can see what works and what doesn't work -- it's a good test," Mullen said. In the last decade, "we've developed a lot of bad habits," Mullen told reporters after an integrated training exercise on Tuesday, observed by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Marine logistics teams and defense reporters. "Now you look at things going on in Ukraine and [realize] that we have to get a lot [more] like we used to be" before the counterinsurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said. Mullen said he watched recent Army training in which units made advances against a simulated opposition force -- an exercise that motivated the Marine Corps to start developing a similar approach as a way to "get back to survivability." "You have to watch what's going on out there, and finding ways to make adjustments," he said, "and if you put an opposing force out there, especially if you let them start experimenting with things like [drones]." The 3/5, popularly known as the "Dark Horse" battalion, will head to Okinawa in seven months after their final Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation Test. RELATED: Carter: Opening Combat Jobs To Women 'Makes Sense' After seeing the exercise, Carter said "full-spectrum" training is necessary because the extremist group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, isn't the only threat the U.S. has to worry about. Demolishing ISIS, a "cancer" that grew within Iraq and Syria is "just the beginning," Carter said. "We have to stand strong against Russia, particularly in Europe, and against the possibility of Russian aggression, the kind that we saw in Ukraine," Carter said, addressing dozens of Marines at an amphitheater in Twentynine Palms, California on Tuesday afternoon. To counter Russia's creep into Ukraine and its strong-arming of Baltic States such as Estonia and Latvia, "we are going to do more in Norway," Carter said. The Norwegian government announced last month that a company-sized element of Marines will deploy to Norway in January. "We are requesting more money in this budget and we are going to do more next year," Carter said, "and your profile there is part of standing strong against the possibility of Russian aggression." NATO and other European states have urged the U.S. to limit any future compromise with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin's ties to President-elect Donald Trump have worried many American observers. Sen. John McCain, a Republican from Arizona and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Tuesday criticized Trump for talking to Putin about possible joint action against terrorism and the Islamic State. Many U.S. and European security officials worry Trump plans to curtail American spending toward NATO could cripple the alliance. Carter didn't say whether experimental units like the 3/5 will deploy to countries near the Russian border. Russia has made advancements in electronic warfare and unmanned technologies in Eastern Ukraine, stifling the Ukrainian army in its quest to secure the border. "The Marine Corps, like our military at large, is present in every continent [in] the world where conflict could occur," Carter said, adding it's about "protecting us against the great range of contingencies that we have to try to prevent by standing strong." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. 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. Those hoping for a Hail-Mary reprieve to the Navy's decision to ditch its historic ratings system in favor of new job codes got a dose of disappointment this week. In response to a WhiteHouse.gov petition asking for the decision to be reversed, an executive branch official wrote in a Tuesday post that the petition was here to stay and praised the Navy for a move that was set to improve sailors' job prospects as they transitioned to civilian life. The petition was created Sept. 29 and reached its goal of 100,000 signatures Oct. 28, just inside the 30-day timeline. According to the rules for White House online petitions, this guaranteed a direct response from a White House official, though it does not mean that the request in the petition will be granted. In the brief 243-word unsigned response, an official acknowledged the angst felt by many who stood to lose beloved job titles like corpsman or boatswain's mate in the overhaul. "Organizational changes that require a cultural shift can cause friction during transition periods, but the President has confidence in the decisions made by U.S. Navy leaders and agrees that the benefits in future years will outweigh growing pains in the next several months," the official wrote. "Whether one's Navy career occurred under the former rating structure or today's modernized system, the President maintains his steadfast pride in Sailors who have sacrificed and worked hard to serve with distinction," the official added. The change would make the Navy's job classification system similar to that used by the other armed services and would create increased flexibility in assignments and training while more closely aligning Navy jobs with civilian equivalents, according to the statement. These are the chief selling points promoted by Vice Adm. Robert Burke, chief of naval personnel, who has been promoting the radical plan, most recently with a trip to the Middle East that allowed him to conduct town hall-style meetings with some 9,000 sailors stationed in the region. On Oct. 31, Burke told Military.com in a phone interview from the carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Middle East that he was aware of the online petition and the pending response from the White House, but did not expect an order to change course. "The White House, I'm confident they'll consult Navy leadership, including the secretary of the Navy, on how to respond to that petition, just like they do to the multiple petitions they get all the time," he said. "So I'm continuing down the path that was set out." The author of the petition, however, has not given up hope. Robert D. Weeks, a former Navy operations specialist who said he treasured his rating as part of his military identity, told Military.com Wednesday that he would like to re-file the petition sometime after the new year. "It was the response I expected," he said. "The consensus in my Operations Specialist Facebook group is to wait until a new president and [Secretary of the Navy] are in office and bring it up again." There are many unknowns, however. The online petition process was created during the Obama administration and it remains to be seen if President-elect Donald Trump will continue the practice. And while Trump's nominee for Navy secretary is widely rumored to be outdoing congressman and House Armed Services Committee member Randy Forbes of Virginia, that nomination has yet to be made official. Forbes has not weighed in on the Navy's new job classification system. --Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Ms. Vicki, I've got a weird situation and I need your opinion. I hope I don't get judged. I met my Marine online this August, and have absolutely fallen in love with him, and vice versa. We've never met, except via Skype, and I'm going to meet him later this month at a military ball. He's in North Carolina and I live in Missouri. He wants to get engaged the first time we meet, which happens to be later this month. A few weeks ago we were talking about when he'll get out and some future plans. When, all of a sudden, he said that he wants to get married. So, like adults (he's 33, I'm 31), we discussed it. The hitch is, he doesn't want to wait to get engaged when he's out, as he will still be deployed until May/June 2017. His opinion is that we should get engaged now and get married in 2018. I love him, and I do want to marry him, but I am not sure this is a great idea. What are your thoughts? -- Marine Love Dear Marine Love, Here's the deal: everyone is looking for love, that perfect love. Everyone wants a soul mate, the person you can grow old with and sit on the front porch in the twilight of life and wave at cars that go by while reminiscing about the good old days. With that said, you still have a lot of time, so why rush? I'm really trying to be nice and not say what I know to be the truth which is: this is a train wreck waiting to happen. Who meets someone online and wants to get engaged and married so quickly? Who does that? Something is very wrong here. Let me warn you about two things. First, this could be a scam, so be careful if this guy starts asking for money from you for various reasons. If that happens, you should run -- and fast. Second, you should still be very careful if he is truly a Marine. I meet women every day who leave their homes, jobs or careers, school, family and friends for the military love of their lives. They believe not only will this military guy take good care of them but they also think that the Marine Corps (or Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard) will take care of them, too. They expect benefits galore, but the benefits just aren't there. What I'm saying is: take your time. Yes, many relationships and marriages begin online, but you don't know anything about him and people pretend to be many things, including U.S. service members. Don't rush! Let me know what you decide to do. -- Ms. Vicki Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox. I recently read at the LitQuake's event for veteran writers, as part of LitCrawl, and was touched by my fellow writer's story. He, like many other veterans who have become writers, has seen a big change in his life because of writing. It was what helped him transition into the civilian world and cope with his PTSD. But writing isn't the only way. Veterans find many forms of art, therapy, or other means of helping them in the transition and even dealing with PTSD. Below are three such programs that assist in the transition process. Riding Horses into the Civilian World Some veterans are looking to therapeutic horseback riding to help with their transition. Merriam Mashatt, a teacher at the Back in the Saddle (BITS) program at Lift Me Up! (LMU), had the following to say: "Our BITS riders learn that horses are remarkably kind, honest and compassionate animals. The time they spend building a relationship with a horse is so healing because our participants learn to trust these amazing animals and vice versa. One of our vets said it was truly the first time she learned to trust since returning home from Iraq." Therapeutic horseback riding is a great example of equine therapy for veterans and active duty military. BITS sessions assist veterans coping with a variety of conditions including traumatic brain injuries, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The program also offers opportunities for family members to join in during special events. These service members are provided the opportunity to experience the healing power of horses in a safe and supportive environment. Connecting with horses in this way promotes physical strength such as building core muscles and improving balance, as well as promoting a general sense of mental well-being and calm. Lift Me Up! is located in Great Falls, Virginia and has been serving the community for over 40 years. All BITS services are offered at no charge to qualified participants due to the generous donations from the local community. There are a limited number of spaces open for new riders. Transition through Comedy and the Arts The Armed Services Arts Partnership is a wonderful example of an organization helping veterans transition through the arts. Their mission is to "Empower veterans, service members, and military family members to find a voice and thrive in their communities through arts classes and performances." They aim to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life by offering courses, the opportunity to perform, and through alumni support. A recent performance was even held at the White House! Founder of The Armed Services Arts Partnership, Sam Pressler shared his thoughts on the organization and why it helps veterans: "When I was in high school, I lost a close family member to suicide. Comedy, humor, and laughter helped me and my family cope, overcome, and even grow following this trauma. Today, ASAP is using artistic outlets to help veterans and their families come home to a community, express themselves, and thrive. Community and expression is at the core of all that we do, and the beauty of our programs is that they are not prescriptive. If your goal is purely focused on learning a new skill, we can be of support. If you want to form bonds with fellow veterans and military family members, our classes and workshops provide a welcoming environment to do so. If you are asking yourself 'what's next' or 'what is my new mission,' you will have the opportunity to explore whether the arts can offer that new sense of purpose. The transition process is difficult and does not happen overnight. That is why we are committed to offering consistent outlets for expression among a safe and supportive community of veterans and military family members." Making a Change through Scuba Diving Force Blue is a non-profit that teaches former Special Operations warriors how to translate their training and teamwork skills into transplanting corals and rebuilding reefs. This a way that veterans can transition and help themselves while helping the environment. Executive Director Jim Ritterhoff had the following to say on how this program helps veterans transition: "FORCE BLUE gives former combat divers a chance to experience and explore one of the most critically endangered ecosystems on the planet. And to utilize their skills to aid in that ecosystem's protection." Many veterans are improving the ease of their transitions through creative writing, horseback riding, performing, diving, and many other programs. See the programs above, or consider the article that Military.com recently featured on the Writers Guild Foundation, which offers a Veterans Writing Workshop. Don't try to get through the transition on your own when there are so many people who care and so many great programs. Go out there and find what works for you. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijan's independence was restored in 1991, and the country had to live its own life, to establish political institutions, modernize its economy, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. Noting that Azerbaijan had to find its own place on the world map, the president went on to add that these years have shown Azerbaijan achieving its main targets. "Azerbaijan today is a country with a good reputation on international arena. Only one fact is worth to mention to demonstrate that several years ago Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the highest international body. And we got that seat with the support of 155 countries. So the majority of international community, even countries which do not have very active political contacts with Azerbaijan, supported our candidacy," said the president. "That was a sign of support, sign of appreciation of our activity, our international behavior, as a responsible, reliable, reasonable partner," Ilham Aliyev said. "Also, this broad support was generated by the fact that Azerbaijan is a country with independent foreign policy, which is aimed at cooperation, broadening regional cooperation, international cooperation." "Our foreign policy is based on our national interests and is not aimed against anyone. But at the same time, Azerbaijan is a country with dignity and our future is in our hands," said Ilham Aliyev. "Therefore, these factors, along with, of course, rapid economic and political development of Azerbaijan played the most important role." The president said that Azerbaijan works in different international organizations and in all these organizations we promote the values of justice and international law. "Azerbaijan is one of the few countries of the world which is at the same time member of the Islamic Cooperation Organization and Council of Europe. And in both organizations Azerbaijan enjoys very high level of support. It was our initiative for the first time in the world, back in 2008, to organize a meeting between ministers of culture of Islamic Cooperation Organization and the Council of Europe in Baku," Ilham Aliyev said. Noting that this was the first historic meeting, President Aliyev added that afterwards, the development of cooperation continued between these two organizations, and the broader movement, the "Baku process" was created. "We are proud of that. We think that our achievement in that area is highly appreciated in the world," said the president. Pakistan has 25 million out of school children: Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri Addressing a scholarship award ceremony held under the banner of Minhaj Education Society at Al-Hamarah on November 15, 2016, Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, President of MQI, has said that there are 25 million out of school children in Pakistan, out of which 56pc are girls. He said that one thousands schools located in terrorism-affected Fata region remain closed and literacy rate has come down to 58pc from 60pc. 22pc schools in Punjab, 50pc in Balochistan, 74pc in FATA, 55pc in Sindh, and 35pc in KP do not have clean drinking water. The same is the case of class rooms, washrooms, electricity, teachers and other missing facilities. Does one call it educational priority, he said. Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din made these remarks while addressing the MES Annual Assembly. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of students, their teachers and parents. He said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri founded Minhaj Education Society to impart quality education to the children of underprivileged parents. He said that 650 schools have been set up across the country to further the vision of quality education which is easily accessible to the masses. He said that 150,000 students are studying in these schools and 12000 teachers are employed who are busy imparting education to the children. Scholarships amounting to Rs. 1 million were distributed among both male and female students in the programme. Minhaj University Vice Chancellor Dr Aslam Ghouri, Brig. (r ) Muhammad Iqbal, senior journalist Habib Akram, Zameer Afaqi, Naeem Mushtaq, Kashif Mirza, Dewan Mohi-ud-Din, Anees-ur-Rehman, Sohail Raza, Prof Victor, Umar Sharif Bokhari, Naveed Ch and Jawad Hamid were also present in the ceremony. Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that unless federal and provincial governments make education topmost priority, Pakistan will continue to grope in darkness and ignorance. He said that Education Policy 2009 made a commitment of gradual increase of development budget for education in the light of the ground realities, adding that by 2016, the federal allocations for education have come down markedly. He asked that the rulers have billions of rupees for construction of motorways, Orange Lines and renovation of private residences, why do not they have money for promotion of education? The MQI President gave a breakdown of 25 million out of school children, saying that out of these, 25pc children belong to Sindh, 10pc to KP, 7pc to Balochistan, 3pc to FATA, whereas 52pc children are from Punjab. He said that the goal of achieving 100pc literacy and enrolment which was supposed to be achieved by 2015 as part of Millennium Development Goals has not yet been achieved. He said that 44pc children of school-going age are unable to attend schools. He said that the rulers do issue data regarding enrolment but shy away from sharing information about the drop-outs. He said that the quality of education being imparted in the government schools is way below than that imparted in Bhutan, Maldives and Uganda. He said that Pakistan is being counted among the backward African countries on the subject of educational standards. Dr Hussain impressed upon the political parties, NGOs and parents to bring their pressure to bear upon the government to increase allocations for education sector development. Prizes were awarded among the students at the conclusion of the ceremony. The students presented tableaus, anthems, and speeches in the programme. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anakhanum Hidayatova, Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: Azerbaijan hosts a very important event, which brings together almost all of the world news agencies to talk about issues of press freedom, John Daniszewski, an editor at the Associated Press, told Trend. He made the remarks Nov.16 on the sidelines of the 5th News Agencies World Congress being held in Baku. As the host of the event, Azerbaijan exposes a lot of people to the country, and gives them an opportunity to see the developments taking place there, he added. Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and AZERTAC, a joint opening ceremony of the 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) has kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum DETROIT -- Named after a mountain pass in the Italian Alps, Alfa Romeo's debut crossover, the 2018 Stelvio, bowed Wednesday in Los Angeles. With the Stelvio, FCA's Alfa Romeo brand, still very limited in the U.S., will look to tap into Americans' appetite for trucks, crossovers and SUVs. The all-wheel-drive crossover will come as Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models, with a 2.0-liter, turbo engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. There is also a Stelvio Quadrifoglio version of the SUV, equipped with a 2.9-liter turbo V-6 that gives it a fairly ridiculous 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, and a top speed of 177 miles per hour. The Stelvio is built on the relatively new Giorgio platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan, which made its North American debut a year ago in L.A. Arriving in showrooms sometime next year, the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is being built at FCA's Cassino, Italy plant. Pricing hasn't been announced. Through the first 10 months of 2016, the Alfa Romeo brand has sold just 441 vehicles in the U.S., including seven Giulia sedans and 434 Alfa 4C roadsters. That represents a sales decline of 22 percent from the 569 units the brand sold in the states through October last year, when it sold 569 models of the Alfa 4C and the Giulia was not yet available for sale. St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Katie McLean | The Ann Arbor News ANN ARBOR, MI - St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor is now a verified Level I Trauma Center, a certification approved by the American College of Surgeons and celebrated by hospital officials. Dave Brooks, president of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals, called the verification a "tremendous achievement for our entire trauma team." "This confirms our trauma center's commitment to provide the highest quality trauma care, and we congratulate them on this recognition of the life-saving work they do in our community," Brooks said in a statement. Level I is part of five levels of trauma care verification and requires the most resources and the highest level of care provided to all injured patients, including those in need of acute trauma care, from prevention to rehabilitation. It also requires facilities to "maintain a high level of research and education, innovative injury prevention, and community outreach," according to the press release. The Ann Arbor hospital is now listed as a Level I Trauma Center on the American College of Surgeon's website. The verification certificate is valid for three years, according to the American College of Surgeons. More than 400 hospitals across the United States have been verified by the organization. Prior to the recent verification, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor was a Level II Trauma Center since 1998. It treats more than 1,200 trauma admissions on an annual basis and maintains a team of board-certified surgery and critical care surgeons. The Ann Arbor hospital is one of several hospitals in the metro Detroit area with Level I Trauma Care capabilities including the University of Michigan Health System, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak and the Henry Ford Hospital. "This step up to the highest level of trauma verification is a testament to the dedication of the entire organization in performance improvement, patient safety and the care of injured patients," said Dr. Mary-Margaret Brandt, trauma medical director at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, in a press release. St. Joseph Mercy Oakland and Livonia hospitals are both Level II Trauma Care providers. The St. Joseph Mercy Health System is a health care organization serving seven counties in southeast Michigan including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson and Lenawee. It is a member of Trinity Health, a leading Catholic health care system based in Livonia, Michigan. Details added (first version posted at 12:11) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: The EU hopes for the negotiations with Azerbaijan within a new strategic partnership agreement soon, Malena Mard, head of the EU delegation in Azerbaijan, told Trend Nov. 16. "We are expecting the negotiations which will affect many areas, including economy, trade, environmental issues and others, she said. It is an ambitious project for us. But we hope that we will be able to start the negotiations as soon as possible, because we feel the both sides interest." Mard added that Azerbaijan and the EU must discuss important issues as part of the negotiations on signing a strategic partnership agreement. "Nevertheless, we need time to form the delegations, which will consist of good experts, because without them it is impossible to solve the issues of trade, economy, etc.," she added. The ambassador stressed that the UK leaving the EU will not affect the negotiations with Azerbaijan. "Such an issue was not even on the agenda, Mard said. The UK leaving the EU is irrelevant for negotiations on strategic partnership with Azerbaijan." The European Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy to negotiate, on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan Nov. 14. The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today, said the message on the European councils website. The agreement will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, said the message. The new agreement envisages the compliance of Azerbaijans legislation and procedures with the EUs most important international trade norms and standards, which should lead to the improvement of Azerbaijani goods access to the EU markets. Currently, bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan are regulated on the basis of an agreement on partnership and cooperation that was signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999. The Scott at Brush Park will signal a new era in Detroit when it opens Dec. 1 for its first residents. With a $65 million pricetag and nearly 200 apartments over retail space and underground parking, the project adds a wave of newly constructed homes to Midtown. The blocks north of downtown are benefitting from what Midtown Detroit Inc. Executive Director Sue Mosey said is "unprecedented demand for urban, walkable lifestyles." The Scott fills much of the block at the southeast corner of Woodward and Erskine. It's a few blocks north of the new arena under construction for the Detroit Red Wings, and a few blocks south of Hopcat and the retail activity at Canfield. Nearby is Wayne State University's Bonstelle Theater, speaking to the area's longevity; across Woodward, along Peterboro is the COTS shelter, one reminder of how it's still a neighborhood with social needs. It's also an area that is among the hottest apartment markets in Michigan, joining cities like Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Rental rates at The Scott range from $949 for studios, which are all leased, to $2,893 for three-bedroom apartments. Those rates held through construction. Developer Richard Broder of Broder and Sachse said projecting changes to that base will be "hard to do." The reason is housing demand in Midtown, which remains above 95 percent occupied. While the Scott will add nearly 200 apartments to the supply a few other projects - like The Finn, a renovation on Selden - also will launch within coming months. So far, Midtown projects are generating rental rate increases, Broder said. "We've been experiencing 5 - and as much as 11 percent - annual increases in certain product types," he said. Nationally, the apartment market went through a six-year building boom, with another 1 million new units planned through 2019 and rent growth starting to slow. In Detroit, rental resident growth over recent years largely took place with building restorations or loft conversions, with few projects on a larger scale. The Scott puts high-volume new construction into the mix, adding on-site parking, updated amenities - like a swimming pool deck, gym and community spaces. The five-story structure looks different from its neighbors: The new construction is a part of it. One example: apartments have balconies, something difficult or impossible to add during renovations. It's also L-shaped to make use of available land on the block, positioning the ground-floor retail space along Woodward, while the parking entrance is on the eastern property boundary. Inside, crews have been finishing common areas. Beyond hallways, they include "The Lounge," a gathering space dominated by a 3-sided marble fireplace, and including a coffee bar, an outdoor kitchen and seating areas. Heated outdoor walking paths lead to the year-round pool. The apartments include "bathrooms to die for," said Sara Liska, leasing manager. High ceilings add a loft feel, while an open layout, moveable kitchen island and barn-style sliding doors create flexibility for residents. The building isn't cookie-cutter for Broder and Sachse. "It was designed from scratch," Broder said, the result of brainstorming and critique sessions to ensure that this property on Detroit's main artery was worthy into the future. "Every touchpoint had to be spectacular," Broder said. Leasing progressed as the property headed into the final month of construction. All of the studios are leased; one of eight three-bedroom units remains open. A mix of one- and two-bedrooms also are available for staggered move in that will run through Feb. 14. Demographics of the new residents include empty nesters wanting to live downtown, people who work nearby, and people who may live elsewhere but want an "urban cottage" so they're close to Red Wings games and cultural activities. The arena development eventually will include retail and residential components over several blocks. That, along with what's already happened around The Scott, positions the building's location for ongoing relevancy. "I think it will remain one of the most active areas of town for some time," Broder said. Midtown stood alone in Detroit for much of the past decade as the place that attracted new residents, new housing and new investment in a city that sought renaissance for generations. Today, that district - located north of downtown in the heart of the cultural and medical center - is poised for the changes coming from rapid residential development that is channeling $938 million toward new housing. The announced development pipeline calls for nearly 2,900 new homes added to the district - most of them apartments - according to Midtown Detroit Inc. That's compared to 6,072 housing units that were located there at the end of 2015, with another 730 under construction now. "We are to the point where scale of development and the sheer numbers are really accelerating quickly," said Sue Mosey, executive director of Midtown Detroit. It's a journey for Midtown that was 30 years in the making, Mosey said. Then, in the last 10 years, $4.4 billion of investment targeted the area, peaking at either end of the Great Recession. It's a place north of downtown where commercial construction is leading massive change, in the form of The District, 45 blocks anchored by the new Red Wings area and developed by the Ilitch family. Public investment is coming from Wayne State University as it builds new student housing and facilities, like a new business school. And destination retail is finding a home, from Whole Foods to Shinola to restaurants that largely favor Michigan-based operators. But there's a heightened competition to create new housing in a market where demand far outpaces supply - and where deals are increasingly becoming scarce. About 20,600 people lived in Midtown, a 7 percent increase since 2013. Most notable in the construction wave is the role of ground-up development: The Scott at Brush Park will bring 199 apartments to the market when it opens Dec. 1, while site work is underway this fall for another 400 more residences from Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures. In an area noted for its historic buildings and efforts to preserve them, the new wave of larger-scale housing development is significant, Mosey said. "There are finally opportunities for new construction here," she said. LOOKING FOR DEALS A person new to Midtown may be surprised to see many vacant parcels of land. They stretch beyond the townhouses at the southern end of Woodward. They dot the blocks along Cass, along Selden, off John R. Some are just a block or less from the Q line. It's an image that could suggest great room for development opportunity and plenty of availability at a low price. But that's not the case. The opportunity exists. It's availability that's constrained. Many of those vacant parcels, like a few owned by Midtown Detroit, are already earmarked for projects - or they belong to public bodies or nonprofits, including Wayne State University, which may be holding them vacant or just using them for parking. Existing projects are "filling in" areas of Midtown that suffered from disinvestment for many years, Mosey said, re-creating its sense of place and character. But the result for developers seeking the next wave of property for projects is higher land prices - and fewer options. "The reality is, there are deals to be had, but requires somebody to be on the ground, looking for them," said Bunia Parker, principal of Summit Commercial. "Not all are on the market. "You need to really be dedicated to doing development in the area (to find it)," he added. Summit Commercial is a brokerage for the city of Detroit, which recently listed 1/3 of an acre on West Willis. The property held a rare listing sign in the yard, along with a posted price: $153,000. The listing - which has a pending deal - shows some of the aspects of the market. At about $450,000 per acre, it's not close to a record-setting $11-million deal earlier this year in the wealthy Oakland County suburb of Birmingham. Shops and restaurants line the street along W Canfield St. between Cass Ave. and 2nd Ave. in Detroit's Midtown. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit) But it also is within about a block of the Canfield and Cass corners, representing a Midtown hub of activity. And its price reflects that. Another rare listing on East Willis shows that some sellers are willing to set the bar high and see what happens. The listing - lots at 80 and 92 East Willis - includes structures at both addresses, and the combined listing offers a half-acre for redevelopment. They've been listed for a few years, most recently for $1.8 million. Randy Thomas, broker at Insite Commercial, said the pricing was client-driven. "They wanted to see where the market will come in," he said in October. At that time, interest had come from Metro Detroit, Michigan, and developers from multiple states, including New York, Texas and Illinois. "There's still a lot of appetite right now," Thomas said, describing interest in Midtown redevelopments. However, he added that he can't predict a final price on the parcels when they do sell. Mosey said "rising values have been 30 years in the making," but notes: "There's not necessarily a correlation between pricing and land values." Some parcels are put on the market with deliberately high prices. And some deals have been signed for what people close to the market describe as "significantly over value." Midtown, even with its strengths, is still a market that often needs incentives to make a deal work, particularly with ground-up construction. "They realize they can't make those deals work," Mosey said of some of the higher-end transactions. "Now they're trying to sell to other parties." HIGH DEMAND Housing data tells some of the story of development in Midtown. Apartment occupancy was 98 percent at the end of 2015; the average rental rate increase that year was 10 percent, regularly topping $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. And the average listing price for houses and condos was $283,813 that year, or about $210 per square foot. Data from Realcomp shows that number heading higher in 2016. In September, the median sales price was $349,000. At the same time, the number of listed properties fell further, to 26 in September. A year earlier, 38 were available. In September 2006, during Midtown's first housing wave in this millennium, 96 for-sale properties were on the market. At one time, Live Midtown offered subsidies to get people to live there. Now, living is Midtown is "very exciting. Very active," said Carl Sly, owner of Creative Windows in Ann Arbor, who recently moved to the district. "We ride our bikes to the Eastern Market on Saturday morning. We eat out a lot; there's always some restaurant we can try," he said. He also called it safe, crediting in part Wayne State's police force. And he said he values the neighborhood diversity, which includes a rang of ages and backgrounds, including students and empty-nesters. "Midtown is a walkable, dense, urban neighborhood, similar to what you'll find in other big cities," said Austin Black, founder of City Living Detroit real estate brokerage. It's the kind of area where residents can walk to the Detroit Institute of Arts. They look forward to taking the Q line downtown. They generated enough business for Canine to Five to prompt a $1.6 million expansion, which the pet daycare announced this month. The housing growth will keep enhancing the neighborhood, but experts point to some issues with it. One is the lack of condos or single-family homes available. "It seems like most developers are going for rentals right now," said Black. "... The demand is there for for-sale product." Black is listing Willys Overland Lofts on Canfield, a project that was started a decade ago and now is reaching its final sales. Six units are left, ranging from $344,000 to $585,000. The Selden, 12 new condos in construction, "are the first new development coming for purchase in 10 years," said Jan Dijkers, an agent The Loft Warehouse. "There should be more people doing condos than are doing them right now," Black said. "Sale prices are rally good." Another issue is gentrification. As rental rates rise, or buildings are sold, longer-term neighborhood residents are being pushed out. Mosey said a new program, Stay Midtown, will help many stay in their apartments or find new longer-term housing options. SUBSIDIES AS EQUALIZERS The city of Detroit will make decisions by the end of the year on two new Midtown housing developments on vacant property it owns. One seeks 60 apartments in a mixed-use building near Woodward and Forest. The other is the former Wigle Recreation Center property on the western edge of the district, close to the Lodge freeway. The final project should have 150-200 units, with about half available as rentals, and a portion of those reserved for lower-income tenants. "The seven-acre Wigle Site presents the largest publicly-held, contiguously assembled new construction site in Midtown and is exceptionally well-located within the development context," according to the RFP. These projects follow the one announced in 2015 by a team led by Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures in Brush Park. Crews were on site in October, doing initial work to bring 100 condos and 300 apartments to eight acres. The $70 million project follows a city-led search for a developer, and nine sought the right to build. The Brush Park projects calls for six multi-story apartment buildings, 17 townhomes, and multiple blocks of duplexes and carriage homes, showing the range of housing styles coming to the blocks in the southeast corner of Midtown. "One of the struggles (in Midtown) is developers have to buy somewhere near market rate," Mosey said, in order for them to take property under control. The advantages to city-owned property is obvious: "They can work with developers on price." That's also the case at Wayne State University, which plans a gain of more than 400 student beds as it reconfigures outdated housing and sets a building vision. Part of that reaches into market-rate housing, too, as Broder and Sachse - the team behind The Scott at Brush Park - fulfills a 2013 WSU plan to build at the university's coveted Cass and Canfield site. "We're simply getting their land," said Richard Broder. The public bodies, by making development possible through the land deals, are driving what the district needs next, Broder said: "Density, density, density." It's also a way of making it attractive in a market that otherwise still couldn't completely support it. That, along with other subsidies, contributes to most projects to date. "The cost of renovation, the cost of construction and the unusually high real estate tax burden in Detroit forces that," Broder said. "For instance, if we get a tax deferral or abatement, all it does is normalize the cost.... To a normal suburban rate." Peter Cummings, a partner in The Platform development group, is focused on elevating the city. He brought Whole Foods to Midtown and now is co-owner of The Fisher Building, while working on multiple mixed-use projects. One, at Third and Grand, is on Midtown's northern boundary. Property at Third and Grand, which will become a mixed-use development. Detroit, he said, "is an emerging market in every sense of the word." He's identified one larger-scale development priority for the city: getting Detroit involved with institutional markets, so that major institutional investors - like insurance companies - buy development projects because they see long-term value and stability. Those types of sales would feed more capital into the city for further deals, Cummings said. He thinks the city is heading in that direction. He and his partners continually evaluate Midtown, and assume that many of the new projects won't get built - or will take longer than initially projected. Like Broder, he notes that development is a long-term process, and thinks prices will continue to climb in the area. "I see no sign there's going to be oversupply in the foreseeable future," Cummings said. Two Michigan-based automotive suppliers and the University of Michigan are reporting new alliances with Chinese entities during Gov. Rick Snyder's sixth trade mission to China. S. Jack Hu, U-M vice president for research, is on the trip, according to the university. "These collaborations bring together the complementary expertise, resources and cultural perspectives of the U.S. and China to find realistic solutions to these extraordinarily complex global problems for the benefit of all," Hu said in a news release. U-M agreements add up to more than $54 million in investments that will aid early-stage and advanced research in connected vehicles and clean water technology: A $27 million research agreement with Frontt Capital Management that establishes a Joint Research Center for Intelligent Vehicles at U-M. It contributes toward construction of the recently approved Robotics Laboratory and a vehicle garage on U-M's North Campus near Mcity in Ann Arbor - and provides support for U-M researchers who will be advisers on creation of an autonomous vehicle test site in China. A $25 million, five-year partnership to establish a three-site Global Collaboratory in Water Technology with the Beijing Institute. One location will be in Ann Arbor, with the others in Beijing and Shenzhen. A $2.5 million research agreement to establish the University of Michigan-Sokon Research Center in the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering. The center will advance research on connected and automated vehicles at both institutions. Meanwhile, Gage Products Co. of Ferndale will form a joint company with Sichuan SIKEYONGHE Technologies in Chongqing to make cleaning solvents to support Chinese automotive customers. Gage Chairman Dan Finkiewicz, who has participated in previous trade mission, said the company has explored a joint venture for five years. The other company with a new business agreement is Muskegon-based Lorin Industries, which creates aluminum finishing options for building interiors and exteriors. Its deal with Shenzhen Bond Industry Co., Ltd. calls for collaboration on completion of the Chongqing Airport terminal. Snyder and the Michigan delegation left for China on Nov. 10. They return Nov. 18. Their goal was "focusing on promoting job-creating business growth and attracting investment in Michigan, plus pushing the state as a tourism destination," according to a news release. China is the third-largest export market for Michigan, according to China Briefing. In 2014, $3.4 billion was exported from Michigan to China, while the state imported $8.1 billion. So far on this trip, Snyder met with Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan and leaders of several Chinese companies that are considering expanding into Michigan. The mission is led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which brought 11 Michigan companies to China to meet with "prospective business partners, distributors and buyers to increase export opportunities from Michigan to China," according to the MEDC. The participating companies are: Analytical Process System Corrigan Air & Sea Cross Technologies Group Inc IMS Group Inora Technologies, Inc. Maximum Mold Gershonowicz Brothers LLC Re-Source Industries Inc. Logos Logistics James Group Lorin Industries The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is also leading a group of Michigan companies on its first food and agriculture trade mission to China. ANN ARBOR, MI - There's a new message greeting people entering Ann Arbor via Ann Arbor-Saline Road near I-94. "Welcome" is painted in 10 different languages -- along with a white dove and an olive branch -- on a roadside utility box. It's meant to show visitors that Ann Arbor is a welcoming and inclusive community, said Rebecca Arends, a local business owner who came up with the idea after doing some soul searching following last week's election. Arends teamed up with Cate Tinsley, the owner of Olive Leaf Stencils, to bring the idea to life on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Tinsley, an artist from New York who recently relocated to Ann Arbor, used stencils she created to do the painting. "It was Rebecca's idea, but to me, it's a very hard-to-misinterpret symbol of peace and acceptance to show that there are still some of us who dream of a planet without borders," Tinsley said, adding such a message seems especially important due to recent hate crimes around the country. Arends notes her great-grandmother immigrated to Michigan from Austria in the early part of the 20th century. Her mother came to Ann Arbor in 1975. "I was the first of my family to be born here," Arends said, adding she's a better person for having lived in a compassionate community that values diversity. "We truly are stronger together," she said. "No matter what your beliefs, I want the visitors to Ann Arbor to feel welcome. That is our identity as a town, and it's reflected in many of our choices we make with our voting patterns and actions of our elected leaders in City Council. We can all lead by example and maintain our commitment to openness and inclusiveness." Arends, who has been using Tinsley's stencils to paint murals around town, said they were given permission from DTE Energy and the Ann Arbor Police Department to paint the "welcome" message on Tuesday. She said the supplies were covered by a donor who wants to remain anonymous. Members of the Ann Arbor community have been finding different ways to stand against acts of hate and bigotry being reported across the nation. The Ann Arbor-based Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County launched a campaign earlier this year to spread signs and banners to counteract anti-refugee and anti-Muslim rhetoric that became prominent in the presidential campaign. Many local congregations are now displaying banners that read "One Human Family: We support refugees and our Muslim neighbors." And many homes across the county have yard signs with the same message. Now that there are more reports of anti-Muslim and anti-refugee attacks and hate speech since Donald Trump won the presidential election last week, supporters of the One Human Family campaign are planning to gather Thursday night, Nov. 17, for an organizing meeting in Ann Arbor to figure out ways the broader community can stand in support of inclusion and push back against intolerance. Sonia Sotomayor,Lauren Casteel U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor speaks with moderator Lauren Casteel during an appearance in the Auraria Event Center on the campus of Metropolitan State University of Denver, late Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (David Zalubowski) ANN ARBOR, MI - Key components to the University of Michigan's upcoming bicentennial celebration are these two questions: How did we get here and where are we going? As U-M enters its third century in 2017, President Mark Schlissel is hosting three events that look back at the evolution of the American university as well as look forward to where higher education is headed. "(The colloquiums) are very much directed at the future," Director of Bicentennial Communications Kim Clarke said. "It's talking with our community, with leading scholars from around the world and with our students to say, 'Who are we going to be going forward?'" Each of the colloquiums is intended to break the mold of a traditional lecture or presentation, Bicentennial Executive Director Gary Krenz said. "When we first started talking about colloquiums, you think about somebody speaking behind a podium for 45 minutes," he said. "We knew we didn't want that. We wanted something much more dynamic that penetrates into the university community, more than just a lecture." Here is a look at each of the three colloquiums scheduled for the coming year: The Future University Community The first colloquium, "The Future University Community," takes place on Jan. 30, 2017, in Hill Auditorium. It features two prominent judges -- Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court -- and Justice Susanne Baer of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany. Journalist Michele Norris-Johnson, former host of NPR's All Things Considered, will moderate the discussion. Krenz said each colloquium intentionally tackles different subject matter, with "The Future University Community" aiming to discuss aspirations for a diverse campus community among other pressing issues. "They're going to talk from their perspectives about changes in the U.S. and world communities and how they see that from the perspective of the bench and how they see it shaping the changes in society," Krenz said. "What are the implications of that for institutions like universities?" Sotomayor, the daughter of Puerto Rican-born immigrants and the first in her family to attend college, graduated from Yale Law School in 1979. Thirty years later, President Barack Obama appointed her to the Supreme Court. Baer, a 1993 graduate of the U-M Law School, was elected to Germany's supreme court in 2011 and is the first out lesbian, and the first scholar known as a "radical feminist," appointed to the position. At the Law School, she is the William W. Cook Global Law Professor. She also is a professor of public law and gender studies at Humboldt University in Berlin. Martha S. Jones, a Presidential Bicentennial Professor organizing the colloquium, said Sotomayor and Baer are going to discuss how their experiences have influenced them as jurists, as well as entertain questions from U-M students. "What's the population of the university going to look like in the third century?" Krenz said. "Diversity obviously is a big issue now - what is that going to mean going forward? How do you, out of a diverse population, form this academic community?" The Evolving Bargain between Research Universities and Society On June 26, 2017, U-M hosts its second bicentennial colloquium, "The Evolving Bargain between Research Universities and Society," which features leaders of some of the most prestigious universities from across the globe. The discussion revolves around the perceived "bargain" between the research institution and society at large, Krenz said. Schlissel is joined by leaders from the University of Oxford, Princeton University, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, Yale University, Stanford University, University of Utah and the University of California Berkeley. Ruth J. Simmons, former president of Brown University and Smith College, is moderating the discussion inside the Stephen M. Ross School of Business' Robertson Auditorium. Simmons delivered the keynote address at Schlissel's inauguration in 2014. "For at least a century and a half, there's been this kind of implicit understanding that society, through whatever mechanisms, provides universities with certain sorts of resources, with the expectation that they're going to produce certain sorts of results," Krenz said. "This is a bargain that in a lot of ways is in a period of real transition. Lots of parents and students are concerned about rising tuition - are they getting enough of a payoff from the investment?" The Campus of the Future On Oct. 26, 2017, U-M's third and final colloquium aims to look at what the university might be like 100 years from now in "The Campus of the Future." This colloquium is leaning heavily on student participation, Krenz said, with student teams working throughout the year to collaborate on projects that re-imagine methods and spaces for teaching and learning at a residential research university. Joanna Millunchick, professor of materials science and engineering, College of Engineering; and Mika LaVaque-Manty, associate professor of political science, LSA, are leading the colloquia as Presidential Bicentennial Professors. "This one is especially exciting because of the high degree of student involvement," Krenz said. "Student teams are taking on specific types of design projects from the classroom to the university level. They range over a lot of issues including distance learning and how to make campuses more accessible." A nationally renowned panel is gathering in Rackham Auditorium to judge the projects for creativity and innovation, awarding $25,000 in prizes to the best concepts. Prior to judging, the Duderstadt Center is displaying all of the posters. Clarke said 10 student teams already have signed up to create projects, with a goal of around 50 teams participating. UPDATE: Thousands fill halls, streets at U-M in rally featuring Jesse Jackson ANN ARBOR, MI - Protesters are blocking a portion of State Street in downtown Ann Arbor. As of about 4:50 p.m. Nov. 16, protesters were blocking State Street near South University Avenue near the University of Michigan. The group is part of a walkout at the University of Michigan in reaction to the election of Donald Trump and hate crimes, according to an event on Facebook. As of 5 p.m., the group was at Angell Hall. For live coverage of the protest, follow staff writer Marty Slagter on Twitter. Some cars have been caught in traffic along State Street near S. University Ave. pic.twitter.com/3gl6tPvk77 Marty Slagter (@slagterm) November 16, 2016 Thousands of students outside Angell Hall. pic.twitter.com/wjpbj1Bj4A Marty Slagter (@slagterm) November 16, 2016 Staff writer Marty Slagter contributed to this report. um The University of Michigan's Central Student Government voted down a resolution on Tuesday, Nov. 15, urging the university to divest in Israeli companies that allegedly commit human rights violations against Palestinians. MLive file photo ANN ARBOR, MI - After long, contentious discussions on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the University of Michigan's Central Student Government once again voted down a resolution to urge the university to divest in some companies doing business with Israel. The resolution, voted down 34-13 with three abstentions, called on CSG to request the U-M Board of Regents establish an ad-hoc committee to assess university investments in companies that conduct business with Israel. Arguments both in favor and against the resolution were heard by numerous members of CSG and the audience over the four-hour meeting, which was attended by around 400 students, CSG Communications Director Joe Shea said. The meeting also was viewed by hundreds more via a Facebook Live stream provided by The Michigan Daily. Brought to the assembly by the student organization Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE), the resolution included companies like Boeing, Group4Securicor, Hewlett-Packard and United Technologies. SAFE previously brought similar resolutions before CSG during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. SAFE's resolution claimed those companies, which were on U-M's Directly Held Public Equities report in June 2015, "supply weapons and equipment used in Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and in violation of international human rights law." "As our University remains invested in these companies, we as students are complicit in the perpetuation of these human rights violations. SAFE calls upon the University of Michigan student body to reflect and learn more about the current situation," SAFE's website #UMDivest stated. Prior to the vote, a petition by the governing board of University of Michigan Hillel urged CSG members to vote against the resolution, claiming that a vote to divest from Israel would contradict the university's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan. "We stand in solidarity with all people who are victims of hate both on campus and afar. We assert that we value the safety and well-being of both Palestinians and Israelis," the petition read. "As students who support the state of Israel, we want CSG to know that this resolution does not represent us, nor the values of our Michigan community. It demonizes Israel while marginalizing the pro-Israel community on campus. This resolution assigns absolute blame to only one side of a complicated conflict. Both the Palestinian and Israeli narratives have value - only one is presented in this resolution." U-M officially divested resources on two occasions in its history -- from South Africa in 1978, and in 2000, when it divested from the tobacco industry. In 2015, U-M CSG approved a resolution to create an ad hoc committee to investigate endowment investments in the fossil fuel industry. "This is a resolution that is hugely impactful for the Jewish community and the diverse pro-Israel community," said CSG representative Eli Schrayer, who voted against the resolution. "To comment on this 14 years of (the resolution) being shot down; it's been shot down continually because there's a majority in this community and school that believe the way we're going to get to peace is not in divestment." CSG member Sheema Rehman spoke out in favor of the resolution as a way of protecting Palestinian students on campus while promoting difficult but worthwhile dialogue going forward. "The fact we have a lot of people here today says that a lot of students care about this issue," she said. "Bringing it to the Board of Regents, we're essential legitimizing that this is a concern on our campus from both sides. At the end of the day in Central Student Government, it is our responsibility to listen to students. "By allowing this conversation to continue on the next level, you allow for the potential of creating a better solution for all," she added. U-M history professor Victor Lieberman, who authored "The Hundred-Year Struggle for Israel and Palestine: An Analytic History and Reader" spoke out against the resolution, claiming it didn't meet the three conditions for divestment outlined by U-M's Chief Financial Officer. Those conditions are: The entity singled out for divestment must be uniquely responsible for the problem; the behavior warranting divestment must violate moral and ethical norms upheld by UM; and support for divestment must express the broadly and consistently held position of the campus community. "By singling out only Israel for condemnation, this resolution abandons any pretense of impartial, universal standards," he said during an impassioned 30-minute presentation to CSG. "It targets only one country - Israel - as a violator of international norms, when in fact, among states facing serious security threats, Israel is one of the most restrained, democratic and responsible actors." Details added (first version posted at 12:54) Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Majid Saif Al Ghurair November 16. The president pointed to a very good level of relations between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates, mentioning his visit to the UAE and his meetings with the countrys leadership early this year. Highlighting cooperation in the field of tourism, President Aliyev said a lot of tourists from the UAE visit Azerbaijan. The president underlined the significance of expanding economic relations and exploring export and import opportunities, adding that relevant authorities in Azerbaijan are actively working in this area. Ghurair said the UAE attaches great importance to its relations with Azerbaijan. He described Azerbaijan as a very beautiful country, adding that tourists coming here witness peoples hospitality and enthusiasm. He hailed the current growth in the number of tourists coming from the UAE to Azerbaijan. Ghurair thanked the Azerbaijani president for supporting the development of tourism relations. President Aliyev and Ghurair discussed a range of issues, including business, tourism industry, opportunities for export of Azerbaijani agricultural products to the UAE, simplification of visa regime and investment making. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijan and Portugal have discussed prospects of developing the political and economic cooperation. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is on official visit to Portugal, met with Assistant Secretary of State for Commerce Paulo Alexandre Ferreira, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend Nov. 16. Mammadyarov informed Paulo Alexandre Ferreira about the favorable business climate in Azerbaijan and invited Portuguese businessmen to the country. The two sides discussed opportunities of cooperation in such spheres as non-oil sector, agriculture, light industry and IT. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend: Bridget Brink, the US deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, is to visit Azerbaijan early the next week, the US embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend Nov. 16. Brink will hold meetings with the countrys leadership in Baku and discuss bilateral US-Azerbaijani cooperation, as well as issues of security and stability in the region. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement is also expected to be discussed during the meetings. 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. 16 Trend: Azerbaijans Armed Forces started large-scale live-fire exercises, Defense Ministry said in a message Nov. 16. The exercises are carried out according to the plan approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. Troops started tactical actions in order to execute the training and combat tasks with the use of weaponry and equipment. The exercises characteristics are immediacy of information gathering, its processing and immediate transmittance of new tasks in rapidly changing situation via electronic, computational, visual and other modern technologies, which allow holding observations overland, at sea and in the sky. [November 16, 2016] McKay Brothers Slashes Latency Between Tokyo and Singapore TOKYO, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- McKay Brothers International (MBI) is now live with its first Asia route, offering private bandwidth at the lowest known latency between Tokyo and Singapore. The route between the @Tokyo (CC2) and SGX data centers delivers data less than 63 milliseconds round trip. MBI will also offer Asia-sourced market data on its Quincy Extreme Data (QED) service utilizing its hybrid microwave and fiber path. "We are thrilled to offer Asia traders and risk managers a level playing field for the best latency between Tokyo and Singapore," says MBI managing director Francois Tyc. "We will expand with other Asia routes in the near future." Representatives of McKay Brothers will be attending the FIA Asia Derivatives conference in Singapore on December 6-8, 2016. Meeting requests can be made at [email protected]. McKay Brothers debuted its first US microwave route in 2012, offering the lowest known latency between Chicago and New Jersey. MBI opened its first European routes between London and Frankfurt in 2014, also at the lowest known latency. The QED market data service utilizes both those networks to distribute US and Europe-sourced market data. A hallmark of the company's services is that the best latency is offered to each subscriber. "Our commitment to an equal latency for all subscribers is a core principle of McKay," added Tyc. "We believe that markets are stronger and fairer when the best latency is available to all participants." McKay Brothers' private bandwidth service offers private microwave bandwidth between Illinois and New Jersey as well as the UK and continental Europe. The company also offers millimeter wave service between key data centers within Illinois, New Jersey and the London metro area. The QED service distributes select data from eleven exchanges in the US and Europe and has more in development. The company's eighteen points of presence are located at major trading hubs in the US, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, and Singapore. About McKay Brothers International, SA McKay Brothers International, SA is a proven provider of extremely low latency private wireless bandwidth and microwave market data. The Quincy Extreme Data service is an integrated and normalized feed of select market data sourced from financial exchanges globally and is offered in exchange colocation centers around the world. MBI services in Japan are offered through its affiliate, Josada Telecommunications. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 17 Trend: Today Azerbaijan marks National Revival Day. On the first days of 1988, Armenia started its evident aggression against Azerbaijan. Seeing Moscow and particularly the head of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev's indifferent attitude towards these events, the Armenians started mass deportation of the Azerbaijanis from their native lands in Armenia under the instructions of the Armenian government. More than 200,000 Azerbaijanis were deported from their homes, killed by the Armenians. Gorbachev and his surrounding had no reaction to the Armenian vandalism. In early February 1988, Armenians carried out revolts in Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and even raised the issue of joining those lands with Armenia. Azerbaijani people expressed protest to the government. Slogans, portraits and flags carried by the Azerbaijani citizens proved their belief to Moscow and local authorities at that time. But getting no serious answer from Moscow and the then government, people from every corner of the republic moved to Baku and gathered on Azadlig Square (Lenin Square at that time), they held meetings and evidently expressed their protest. Azerbaijani people started indefinite rally on Azadlig Square against the anti-Azerbaijani policy of the USSR on Nov.17, 1988. It was a real national liberation movement. The Soviet troops dispersed the nationwide rally in early December. These events are regarded in Azerbaijan as the start of the national liberation movement and the main factor in gaining independence. November 17 has been marked as the Day of National Revival since 1992. Keep me signed in Thank you for posting your query We will send it across to the expert; watch this space for the reply. Your message will also be posted on our community on messageboard you are here: Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anakhanum Hidayatova - Trend: The 5th News Agencies World Congress is an important event for the world media outlets, Getachew Engida, UNESCO deputy director general, told Trend. Engida made remarks at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku November 16. This is an incredibly important event, he said. It is an opportunity for heads and editors of news agencies to come around together once a year or two years, exchange experience, challenges, opportunities and environment in which they operate. Baku is a wonderful city beyond my expectations, he said. Azerbaijan is hosting the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies. Azerbaijan is represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events bring together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations. Speakers in the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies. Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijan's history, traditions, multicultural development of our nation is a good example of how relations between different countries, civilizations, different religions, can be properly planned and organized, said Azerbaijani President IlhamAliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. "Azerbaijan is a good example of multiculturalism," said the president. "By the way, this year in Azerbaijan is declared the Year of Multiculturalism. It is our state policy. At the same time, it is also the general mood in our society. We organize numerous international events, among them - the annual Baku Humanitarian Forum, Intercultural Dialogue forum. This year we hosted the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations," said Ilham Aliyev. The president went on to add that an important sign of Azerbaijan's achievements in this area was the September visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, to Azerbaijan. "He visited the catholic church, Azerbaijani mosques, he met with representatives of all the leaders of religious communities of Azerbaijan," said the president. "He delivered a message from Baku, from this hall, to the world, about the values of intercultural, interreligious dialogue." "We consider this as one of the achievements, especially in today's world, where unfortunately we see confrontations based on religious and ethnic grounds," said the president. "We see tragedies, we see suffering of people, just because of their nationality or religious roots. And these are very concerning developments." President Aliyev went on to add that Azerbaijan proposes its own agenda - the agenda of multiculturalism, which has not failed and the example of Azerbaijan proves that. "We propose agenda of cooperation, mutual understanding. These are positive trends, so our role in this respect is of course mainly based on our traditions and needs for our country, because Azerbaijan is multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country, and we have peace, and all the representatives of different ethnic groups and religions live in peace and dignity in Azerbaijan," he said. "At the same time, this is the message to the world. Because we are not an isolated island, we live in the neighborhood, therefore, we are interested. It is our legitimate interest to see positive development in the area, both in the region and in the world," he said. Drop in on this conversation if you dont mind. My dad was talking to my 17-year-old niece the other day. Dad was telling her she should learn to drive a manual instead of an automatic car. Theres the generation gap right there. I suggested it probably wouldnt matter fairly shortly either way. The car will drive itself. Self driving cars are a lot closer than most people think. Cars are changing. As they morph into self-driving vehicles, most likely, even more chips are going to be required. This is known as the internet of things. Thats a phrase that the tech guys like to use that refers to the addition of sensors, computers and communication equipment being built into products we use today. The average new car has 616 chips in it. In 2013 there was an average of 550. Thats a value of US$350 per vehicle this year, up from US$250 in the year 2000. This process is driving all sorts of deals and takeovers in the US. Were talking about some really big ones, too. Telecommunications company Qualcomm last month announced its intention to buy the shares of NXP Semiconductor, the worlds largest automobile chip developer, for $US39 billion. This is the biggest acquisition in the history of the semiconductor industry, and the second largest tech deal of all time. NXP became the largest supplier of semiconductor chips to the auto industry last year when it bought Freescale Semiconductor. There will be plenty more deals as time goes on. The chip business is only going to get bigger. The growth path is clearly one way. And thats up! One tech writer for Wired magazine says hes getting calls from hedge fund guys who want to understand how artificial intelligence is going to ramp up this industry even further. Now comes the news that Samsung is going to spend US$8 billion to buy US parts supplier Harman International Industries. Samsung wants a bigger presence in the market for automotive electronics and connected technologies. Heres why, from the Financial Times: Only 40 per cent of cars are currently connected with such technology. In 10 years, that will increase to 90 per cent. It is set to be a $100bn market, said a person familiar with the companys thinking. From South Korea we need to head to Germany. Siemens is offering to spend US$4.5 billion to buy Mentor Graphics, a company with component expertise for the automobile and aerospace industries. The entire car industry is being swept with change. Its not alone. The disruption happening all over the world in the next decade might just be the biggest weve ever seen in history. Over at Cycles, Trends and Forecasts we say the world is on the verge of the biggest boom of all time. Find out why here. Best wishes, Callum Newman Details added, first version posted at 11:58 Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Azerbaijan's history, traditions, multicultural development of our nation is a good example of how relations between different countries, civilizations, different religions, can be properly planned and organized, said Azerbaijani President IlhamAliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. "Azerbaijan is a good example of multiculturalism," said the president. "By the way, this year in Azerbaijan is declared the Year of Multiculturalism. It is our state policy. At the same time, it is also the general mood in our society. We organize numerous international events, among them - the annual Baku Humanitarian Forum, Intercultural Dialogue forum. This year we hosted the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations," said Ilham Aliyev. The president went on to add that an important sign of Azerbaijan's achievements in this area was the September visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, to Azerbaijan. "He visited the catholic church, Azerbaijani mosques, he met with representatives of all the leaders of religious communities of Azerbaijan," said the president. "He delivered a message from Baku, from this hall, to the world, about the values of intercultural, interreligious dialogue." "We consider this as one of the achievements, especially in today's world, where unfortunately we see confrontations based on religious and ethnic grounds," said the president. "We see tragedies, we see suffering of people, just because of their nationality or religious roots. And these are very concerning developments." President Aliyev went on to add that Azerbaijan proposes its own agenda - the agenda of multiculturalism, which has not failed and the example of Azerbaijan proves that. "We propose agenda of cooperation, mutual understanding. These are positive trends, so our role in this respect is of course mainly based on our traditions and needs for our country, because Azerbaijan is multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country, and we have peace, and all the representatives of different ethnic groups and religions live in peace and dignity in Azerbaijan," he said. "At the same time, this is the message to the world. Because we are not an isolated island, we live in the neighborhood, therefore, we are interested. It is our legitimate interest to see positive development in the area, both in the region and in the world," he said. Emergency crews were called in Tuesday to rescue a man who was hiking and got stuck when going off the trail. He dropped a water bottle and went down there to get it and now he cant get back up, said Maj. Jason Black, with Burke County EMS. The incident happened around 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The name of the man has not been released yet and no injuries have been reported. The Burke County Public Safety station on Broadcastify, a live internet stream of local police and emergency rescue calls, reported by message on the website about the rescue being conducted at Linville Falls. The website reported a Rescue at Linville Falls, with a man off the side of the trail holding branches to stay up as he only had a small space to stand. No injuries were reported. They are actually all enroute now, Black said as of around 5:30 p.m. Burke County Rescue Squad and Burke County Special Operations will go to the man and perform a high angle rescue, he said. It is when they use ropes and tie off to the top and rappel down to him and secure him, Black said. They will either lift him back up or rappel with him down and walk out it just depends on where he is at. Black says the incident may be near the Linville Falls visitor center area, but he does not know the specific area or how big of an area in which the man is stuck. Agencies responding to the event were Burke County Emergency Services, Burke County Special Operations, Burke County Rescue Squad and Jonas Ridge Fire Department. The is story will be updated as more information becomes available. Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907. State Superintendent June Atkinson recognized Burke County Public Schools on Oct. 25 for having the highest graduation in the state for medium size school districts. Burke Middle College, Patton High School and Draughn High School were among the individual schools recognized for outstanding graduation rates at a special luncheon in Durham. The school systems graduation rate for the 2015-16 school year was 91.3 percent. The medium size districts are those with between 1,000 and 1,999 students in a graduation cohort. Burke Middle College achieved a 100-percent graduation rate, which has been an annual occurrence for the school for all but one year since the school opened 11 years ago. For the 2015-16 school year, Patton High School had a 96.3 percent graduation rate and Jimmy C. Draughn High School had a 96.9 percent graduation rate. Kathy Amos, Burke County Public Schools Director of Academically and Intellectually Gifted Department and the Principal of Burke Middle College, attended the statewide graduation celebration in Durham and represented Burke County Public Schools. The states overall graduation rate is 85.9. State Superintendent June Atkinson said at the Oct. 25 event, Collectively, your efforts and those of many others across the state have helped North Carolina continue to make steady progress on the crucial goal of ensuring that all students graduate from high school and graduate ready for the changing world that awaits them. Your schools are demonstrating that our goal can be reached, Atkinson said. She stressed that not only are greater percentages of students graduating, but also that students are achieving at higher levels and meeting higher expectations. Thirty-five percent of the graduating class had college credit, 140,000 business and industry credentials were earned, and nearly 139,000 students received a diploma endorsement certifying that they achieved a high level of preparation for career, college or both, Atkinson said. Burke County Public Schools Superintendent Larry Putnam said the school systems goal is to have every student who starts high school to finish it with a diploma. I am grateful for all of our principals, teachers, counselors, school support staff, parents, the community and the students for their commitment to education and the goal of graduation, Putnam said. I am especially proud of Burke Middle College and Patton and Draughn high schools for their outstanding graduation rates. Our students and staff consistently meet the demands of rigorous programs and are to be commended. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Hosting such events as the 5th News Agencies World Congress is very significant for the future media, Jonas Eriksson, president of the European Alliance of News Agencies, head of the Swedish news agency Tidningarnas Telegrambyra (TT), told Trend. Such events allow discussing the tasks and challenges news agencies are facing today, as well as sharing new ideas and discussing the future media development, he said. Today, the main task of the media is to convey the most truthful information to public, according to Eriksson. Steps should be taken to make it possible for the news agencies to objectively, truthfully and, most importantly, independently convey information to people, Eriksson added. Azerbaijan is hosting the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies. Azerbaijan is represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events bring together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations. Speakers in the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies. Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: The 5th News Agencies World Congress, which is being held in Baku, plays a big role in the development of news agencies, Farid Ayar, secretary general of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA), told Trend Nov. 16. Ayar said that Azerbaijan has done a great job for the organization of this event. Holding this congress requires a lot of efforts, he noted. Evaluating such a high level of organization, we once again thank the Azerbaijani side for the great contribution, and we believe that the Congress under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan will achieve great success in its work, added the secretary general. Touching upon the challenges currently facing news agencies, Ayar said that the mass media today should provide the public with more objective and accurate information. Azerbaijan is hosting the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies. Azerbaijan is represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events bring together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations. Speakers in the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies. Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: Gathering of so many news agencies in Baku on Nov. 16 is very important, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Managing Director Mohammad Khodadadi told Trend. Khodadadi is taking part in the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku. The role of media is very sensitive and important, and it increases in every sphere, he said. He went on to add that at the same time, nowadays, social networks are replacing the mass media outlets, and the media needs to think of its future. Khodadadi said that the 5th News Agencies World Congress is a good opportunity to exchange views, opinions, make contacts and find new friends. Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and AZERTAC, a joint opening ceremony of the 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) kicked off at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku Nov. 16. Over the next three days Baku will be hosting gatherings of the world`s influential media organizations - the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies and the 22nd meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of News Agencies. These events will be attended by delegates from 80 countries. The Congress is bringing together 96 news agencies from 77 countries. It is attended by delegates from all the continents: 77 delegates from 39 news agencies of 31 Asian countries, 51 delegates from 30 agencies of 23 European countries, 25 delegates from 16 agencies of 16 African countries, 17 delegates from 9 news agencies in 7 countries in the Americas, and 4 delegates from 3 news agencies representing Australia. Most of India's business environment has been tremendously shaken up by the recent demonetization of the higher currency notes by the Modi government. This is the third demonetization exercise undertaken by the Indian authorities, if we include the one done just before independence in 1946. It is still too early to accurately gauge the depth of the shakeup this has caused, but its impact on the real estate sector is immediately visible. Since Modi's surprise announcement, the ripples have been spreading through the already disturbed sector, which has been experiencing excruciatingly slow growth in recent times. Poor sales leading to almost flat prices, heavy liquidity challenges and high unsold inventory have all colluded to keep real estate sector away from fulfilling its potential - and provide necessary residential stability to average citizens. Undeniable impact on real estate The real estate sector will definitely be affected by the demonetization exercise, as it has traditionally seen a very high involvement of black money and cash transactions. However, almost all such incidences have been in the secondary sales market, where cash components have traditionally been a veritable 'must'. In other words, the resale properties segment will take a big hit. However, short-term pain is inevitable when we look for any eventual long-term cure for the disease. There has for long been a strident demand to bring transparency in the sector so that the it becomes more organized, and cash dealings must necessarily be the first symptom of the disease to be dealt with. The luxury and high-end segments of residential real estate will also see a major impact from this exercise, since it is another area which has seen a lot of payments done in cash. The legal banking/financing channels have accounted for only a small part of all transactions in this space. The demonetization move is likely to result in luxury property prices dipping by as much as 25-30% as sellers struggle to offload properties to generate liquidity. This means that luxury home buyers will suddenly have a much wider bandwidth of options to choose from. With black money suddenly being wiped out of the market, a lot of investors who have been investing in projects with unaccounted-for money - and raising prices to book profits - will be eliminated from the system, thereby aiding a much-needed correction. What stays mostly unaffected? The primary market - or, more specifically, the market formed by projects undertaken by reputed and credible developers in the top 8 Indian cities - will remain more or less unaffected. This is because buyers into such projects take the home loans/finance route to buy their homes, and transactions are done through legal channels. Therefore, there will not be any major impact on sales in this segment. However, there might be an impact on quite a few projects in tier 2 or 3 cities where cash has played a role even in primary residential sales. However, the turmoil in this segment will settle down in a short period of time. Overall impact on the sector In the past one year, there have been a few positive and potentially long-lasting changes in the Indian real estate. The passing of RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act 2016), the Benami Transactions Act and now the demonetization move will ensure that going forward, the sector will lose much of its historic taint and become more transparent. Only players who conduct their business with integrity will survive. This bodes well for end-users, who will be aware of their rights, have the assurance of not being cheated and will no longer need to contend with constantly rising prices. They will be able to buy properties of their choice at affordable prices, in projects which will assuredly be delivered on time. The demonetization exercise was a very necessary step which was bound to bring with it a tremendous shake-up wherever black money has played a major role. Over the long term, the Indian real estate sector will emerge stronger, healthier and capable of long periods of sustained growth. As of now, there is no reason for developers and investors who have conducted their dealings transparently and legally to panic. It will essentially be business as usual for them. Anuj Puri, chairman and country head of JLL India, earlier wrote about the impact of GST and demonetization on the Indian real estate sector. Here's what he stated with regards to residential real estate. The primary sales segment is largely influenced by home finance players, and deals tend to be facilitated in a transparent manner. This segment will therefore see at best a limited impact in the larger cities, though some tier 2 and tier 3 cities where cash components have been a factor even in primary sales will see a business crunch. The secondary or resale market will, however, certainly be impacted, given the fact that this segment does see the involvement of cash component. Dynepic Wins Investment from The First Charleston Angel Conference to Complete Initial Round of Funding Company selected from 30 participants to win $100,000 award Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 Trend: Communication, cooperation, multiculturalism, mutual understanding and mutual respect, that is what Azerbaijan is trying to promote, said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks in his opening speech at the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku, Nov. 16. "I am not going to talk about what media should do, you know better, that's none of my business. But as a head of state and politician, I am sure there must be very serious detailed analysis of the role of media in international events," said Ilham Aliyev. He noted that the role of media grows day after day, and so grows the responsibility. "Many times we've witnessed that some events that happen, and which are covered, create a lot of tensions, bloodshed, confrontation. Thus, the support of the media, news agencies and other media in promotion of values of cooperation is very important," he said. "It will give politicians more chances to advocate for universal values. It will give chance to all of us to be more consistent and active in promotion of this, because sometimes what we read, what we see in the media, is different from reality," said Ilham Aliyev. "I can tell from my personal experience. Of course president of any country has enough sources of correct information, but sometimes watching different international media, I find out that the same event is interpreted completely differently with respect to who is presenting this event. Therefore, said the president, "we see a lot of politically motivated coverage of the save events", whether it is Middle East, wars, Europe or post-Soviet area. "The same event is interpreted completely differently, he said. "And of course we can see political motivation and also probably, to a certain degree, interference of political circles in framing the agenda of what can should be presented, and what should not." Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that the Baku World News Congress will address these important issues. "We are all in favor of free media, we all need to have true information," he said. "Especially countries like Azerbaijan, who for 70 years lived in Soviet Union, where there was only one official policy, one ideology and we didn't have access to any information." "Other countries, and people, they have the right to know what is really happening. I am sure you will address these issues and the Baku congress will be an important step in your activity. Once again, I 'd like to welcome you to our country, and I am very glad and proud that we are hosting such an important global event, and I wish the congress success." Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. A Midland County jury found a man guilty Tuesday of indecency with a child by exposure, according to a press release from the Midland County District Attorneys Office. The court subsequently set Kevin Richard Buschardts punishment at five years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, according to the news release, after the defendant elected for the court to assess punishment. The defendant was eligible for probation, the news release stated. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Midland ISD school board race that ended last week with Rachel Stone as the winner will continue. Midland ISD officials confirmed Tuesday that Stone and John Kennedy actually ended the District 4 race in a tie after provisional and overseas ballots were counted after Election Day. Stone had ended the Nov. 8 night with a four-vote lead (1,534 to 1,530), and appeared to have the victory. However, the Midland County Elections Office then ran a count of provisional and overseas ballots. The result was a 5-1 advantage for Kennedy. So both candidates finished with a total of 1,535 votes. It is expected that Midland ISD Attorney Leah Robertson and Midland County Elections Administrator Deborah Land will attempt to talk with someone in the Secretary of States office today. According to MISD, it is expected that the options moving forward will include: -- having one person choose to withdraw, -- having both candidates mutually agree to decide the election by casting lots (i.e. drawing straws or flipping a coin), -- having a recount -- maybe as early as Monday -- to see if the result remains the same. In the case of a tie after the recount, a special election will be held, no more than 30 days after the recount, according to MISD officials. If the result of the special election is a tie, then the candidates would decide the winner by casting lots. If the call with the Secretary of States Office plays out as expected, then the Midland ISD board will meet Monday to canvass the election. A recount would tentatively take place later that day. That recount could end the election if the count shows a winner. If there is no winner after the recount, then the MISD board could meet as early as Tuesday to call a special election in December. That scenario assumes that neither candidate asks for their own recount along the way. District 4 is a region from central to southwest Midland. It includes the areas around Bowie Fine Arts Academy and Houston, Lamar, Long and Burnet elementaries. James Fuller (in District 1) and Bryan Murry (in District 7) won election to the next school board. Their results were not impacted by the counting of provisional and overseas ballots. College Choice website has ranked Midland College as No. 12 on its list of the 25 best online colleges in Texas, according to a press release from the college. MC also tops the list of colleges in the Permian Basin, according to the release. Midland College currently offers one completely online program: Health Information Management, in which students may choose from an associate degree option and several certificate options. In addition, MC also offers online courses in liberal arts, humanities, history, government, social and behavioral sciences, math, natural science, kinesiology, economics, business administration and various career and technology areas. The college also offers courses that can help supplement required courses for students who are part of the Virtual College of Texas, an online consortium of regionally accredited Texas colleges, allowing students in other online programs to take courses at MC in order to complete their degree requirements. Last week, Midland College celebrated National Distance Learning Week with online faculty presentations about effective online teaching. We are growing our online courses, and more online programs are expected to begin in the very near future, said Sylvia Gray, director of Distance Learning, in the press release. In January, we will begin classes in our new baccalaureate program in Health Services Management. Upper-level required courses and specialty courses in this program are offered online. Factors that were considered by College Choice when ranking the schools include the number of online degrees offered, academic reputation, affordability, scholarly quality of the faculty teaching online courses, engaging methods of teaching and technological resources. College Choice data came from the National Center for Educational Statistics, from the websites of the universities and colleges themselves and publications such as U.S. News and World Report. Students who take online courses at Midland College are treated to a top-of-the-line online learning management system, online bookstore and library, tutoring services and tech support, Gray said. --- Note: College Choice describes itself as an independent online publication dedicated to helping students and their families find the right college. Online: http://www.collegechoice.net Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: The 5th News Agencies World Congress is a very interesting and important event, Juan Maria Calvo Roy, director for international relations at Spains Agencia EFE S.A., told Trend. He participated in the congress that kicked off in Baku Nov. 16. Here we talk about our future, discuss our problems and try to find better solutions, Juan Calvo said. If we do the right things, we will survive, he added. Apart from that, Juan Calvo said this congress is important for the host country, because a lot of people will come to Azerbaijan and see this beautiful country. Azerbaijan is hosting the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies. Azerbaijan is represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events bring together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations. Speakers in the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies. Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. When it comes to better health, Dr. Dave Harshfield says blood makes healing happen, but while the soon-to-open ReGen Clinic of West Texas might seem to focus on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for any number of maladies, the longtime interventional radiologist and medical director stressed that all physical rehabilitation treatments are patient-and-family-centered. Putting the patient and the family in the center of this health care regimen, people heal people; doctors dont heal people, Harshfield said in a phone interview from his home in Arkansas. People have got to stop throwing themselves at the mercy of the courts, so to speak. We have to fix ourselves, and when you have the whole family they start healing each other. ReGen 801 Tradewinds Blvd., Suite B will hold a grand opening 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and hopes to teach the Midland community about alternative rehabilitation treatments that dont include surgery or narcotics. Instead, patients will undergo regenerative therapies to help heal hip, back and joint pain; soft tissue damage; and inflammation. Treatment might include cellular therapy, in which a patients own blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to separate red blood cells from platelets and plasma, and the PRP is injected into the area of concern. Studies have shown that this instigates regenerative healing by the body itself. In simple terms, those platelets are construction engineers, Harshfield said. They have the whole construction manual for the human body. Cellular therapy is only one step in the healing process. Staff at ReGen focus on proper nutrition, specialized exercise regimens and building social support before instituting cellular injection and follow-up physical therapy. Most doctors focus on the symptom, and its like whack-a-mole, Harshfield said. (We) fix (patients) immune system, get them on an exercise program and keep them well-hydrated all of which doesnt cost anything; it just requires organization you provide these folks with a narrative, and theyll make themselves well, Harshfield said. After nutrition, exercise and social needs are addressed, imaging is completed and a full medical history is collected, ReGen will then institute cellular therapy. Harshfield said cellular therapy is a 103-year-old practice that he has been doing since 1981. He recalled a time during childhood when his doctor withdrew blood and injected it back into his body to solve an illness. It worked, and Harshfield was hooked, though he didnt learn this method in medical school. In allopathic medicine, in which I was trained, humans are dichotomous creatures. Which drug or which surgery? Thats just silly if you think about it, he said. Every little snowflake has a different answer. Why not use their own healing mechanism? When it comes to pain, Harshfield said steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) blunt immune systems, mask symptoms and never help the body heal. Cellular injection and the ReGen treatment system is like a little time machine. Whether it was six weeks ago or six months ago, you get to start over. Youre not going to take steroids or NSAIDs. Youre going to get your nutrition up. Youre going to fix you. Thats how cellular therapy works. Harshfield said cellular therapy has not been associated with adverse side effects. The worst thing that happens when we do our regenerative therapies is they dont work. Thats not good, but that just means I didnt have the right diagnosis. Its not like surgery or taking the wrong kind of drug; youre not maimed or dead. Perhaps the biggest part of treatment at ReGen, though, comes from the patient, not the doctor. I tell my patients all the time, Im just a man. I cant fix you, but I can help you fix you. Were going to let you get well, he said. You get to quit smoking, you get to lose weight, you get to start eating healthy. In other words, when you get better, pat yourself on the back. ReGen in Midland is one of several centers around the country. Harshfield said the interiors have an open concept with doctors and staff always in sight and available. The clinic will offer more than solving pain problems. ReGen will double as a medical spa for cosmetic treatments in which cellular therapy offers promise, such as the popular Vampire Facelift -- PRP is injected into wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance is the expected result. PRP can also be used to treat hair loss, incontinence and a variety of sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. Like Trevor on Facebook and follow him on Twitter at @HowdyHawes. A local car dealership faces challenges after an apparent electrical fire caused severe smoke and water damage over the weekend. General Sales Manager Phil Weachter told the Reporter-Telegram on Tuesday that a fire in the Midland Buick GMC Cadillac showroom ignited at about 2 a.m. Saturday. An investigation is ongoing, but the culprit seems to be electrical, he said, adding that he wasn't sure at this point if the building could be restored. A few high-dollar Cadillacs were lost in the fire, as was a top-of-the-line Buick Lucerne. We have to do a damage assessment, Weachter said. In the meantime, the dealership has brought in a crisis management team and temporary buildings. The dealership is fully operational despite the setback, and Weachter said cars are still selling. Donald Trump is not my president. That is what we are hearing from protesters -- paid and otherwise -- following the result of last weeks election. They are a sad group, no different than the talk radio crowd that for the last eight years said Barack Obama is not my president. We hate to turn this into a political science 101 class, but the winner of the presidential election is everyones president. We understand politics brings out the worst in everyone. Every time we think this time will be different, it isnt. It seems that one side always tries to one-up the other. Previously, it was a person representing the fringe who called in and said Obama isnt his or her president, because the machines were probably rigged and he or she isnt even sure that the 44th president of the United States is an American. He might even be Muslim, they said. Now, a person representing the fringe on the left claims Trump is not his or her president. He or she says something about FBI Director James Comey, and/or Trump didnt win the popular vote (their version of saying the system being rigged). For those on either side, we ask one question, What are you protesting? That your partys candidate couldnt inspire enough people to vote? In 2012, the religious right allegedly couldnt cast a ballot for a Mormon, Mitt Romney. In 2016, the once-heralded Obama coalition disappeared, and Hillary Clinton couldnt find the time to campaign in Wisconsin or make it beyond the urban centers in the Rust Belt. In both cases, whose fault was that? We are all for free speech, but we have grown tired of hearing peoples whining. We can do without people claiming that they are going to leave the country if their candidate doesnt win. We say: Pack your bags and be gone. We also have little use for those who use their status as public figures to protest conditions in the United States or the politics of our country. Then we find out that they didnt even vote. Social media, sadly, is filled with people who can tell you how much is wrong but cant be bothered to vote (see the aftermath of the recent tax ratification election if you need a local example). We have seen many people write about what they plan to tell their children following the never-ending turmoil that was the presidential election of 2016. If you waited this long to explain what might be wrong with one candidate, one party or the actions of the slate of presidential candidates and their supporters, you might have waited too long. We go back to what we learned in kindergarten: If you cant say anything nice about someone, dont say it. Or, love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself. That just about covers it. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Anakhanum Hidayatova Trend: The 5th News Agencies World Congress, which opened in Baku, is a very important event, Hana Grosu, head of department at the Slovak News Agency TASR, told Trend Nov. 16. We discuss the problems of modern media, new challenges, opportunities and what we should do further to become more effective in the era of social media, said Grosu. She also noted that the 5th News Agencies World Congress gives a good opportunity to exchange views, learn each other for further cooperation. Azerbaijan is hosting the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies. Azerbaijan is represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies. Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events bring together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations. Speakers in the sessions include presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies. Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: A mission of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) of the European Commission, the EUs executive body, will visit Azerbaijan until late 2016, Malena Mard, head of the EU delegation in Azerbaijan, told Trend Nov. 16. She said there are no exact dates regarding the signing of the Open Skies Agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU so far, but the sides plan to work more intensively on the sphere of transportation. The DG MOVE mission is expected to arrive in about three weeks to have talks in Azerbaijan, Mard said. There are many issues on the agenda on which it is necessary to cooperate, she noted. She went on to add that this is the second mission of the DG MOVE to Azerbaijan. The first mission visited Azerbaijan about a month ago, Mard said. She expressed hope that Azerbaijan and the EU will lay a good foundation for cooperation, because transportation is an important segment of interaction. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov We have independently selected these offers and products because we love them and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may earn a commission if you buy something through our links. Items are Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijan is considering opportunities to create free trade zones (FTZs) at the borders with neighboring countries in the future, said Zaur Hasanov, advisor to director general of the Baku International Sea Trade Port (Port of Baku). Hasanov made the remarks Nov. 16 at the Infrastructure, Power and Renewable Energy Investment Conference in Baku. He noted that the implementation of such projects will substantially increase the volume of freight traffic through Azerbaijan and is an integral part of the process of turning the country into an international logistics hub. It is too early to specifically talk about these projects. Firstly, the creation of the free trade zone around the Port of Baku has to be completed and it has to be launched, said Hasanov. This projects success will give us a base and experience, and we will be able to turn to our neighbors with proposals to create free trade zones at the borders, for example, with Iran or Russia. This will significantly facilitate the freight traffic in the region and allow increase the cargo turnover, added Hasanov. Answering a question of Trend reporter, he said no specific proposal on the issue has been received yet. These are the projects for the future, added Hasanov. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree March 17, 2016, on measures to create a free trade zone type special economic area covering the territory of the Baku International Sea Trade Port in the Alat township of Bakus Garadagh district. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov New members inducted into Institute of ... Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Azerbaijan did a great job to ensure efficiency in transit transportations, Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy Carter Wilbur said. He made the remarks Nov.16 during the Azerbaijan Infrastructure, Power and Renewable Energy Investment Conference in Baku. Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Georgia did a great job to improve the speed and harmonize systems for transit transportations, he said. These countries understand that they shouldnt compete in this case, he noted, adding that if one country loses, all countries lose. Currently, no country can compete with maritime transportations in terms of price, Wilbur said. One can compete with this kind of transportation, but it is necessary to ensure non-stop transit transportations among the countries, he added. Given the location of Azerbaijan at the crossroads of north and south, east and west, the country becomes a major transit point for shipments of goods from the East and South-East Asia to Europe, he noted. Azerbaijans location provides a unique opportunity to unite east and west, north and south in the areas of trade and supplies of various products and services, Wilbur said. He also noted that Azerbaijan needs to expand domestic production, increase employment and enhance the volumes of trade. The US believes that small and medium businesses may become the real driver of domestic production growth, he said. It is important to understand that additional tax revenues should be provided at the expense of new companies, and not by expanding the taxation of the existing companies, Wilbur added. Currently, around 22 million containers per year are transported between Asia and Europe. Only 100,000 containers are transported by land, the remaining ones are transported by sea. Container transportations between Europe and Asia are already being implemented via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and then through Turkey and Ukraine to Europe. The first test container train from China arrived at the Baku International Sea Trade Port on Aug. 3, 2015. The agreement to create the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Consortium was signed in April in Baku by the railway authorities of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan. New competitive tariffs were introduced for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route since June 1, 2016. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Elena Kosolapova Trend: Kazakhstans trade turnover with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) amounted to $9.26 billion in January-September 2016, which is by 26.4 percent less than the same period of 2015, Kazakh Statistics Committee said. Kazakhstans exports to fellow EAEU countries decreased by 31.6 percent to $2.75 billion in this period, while imports were down by 23.9 percent hitting $6.5 billion, said the committee. A lions share $8.66 billion of Kazakhstans trade turnover with the EAEU countries accounted for the trade with Russia. Despite this, Kazakhstans exports to Russia decreased to $2.48 billion in January-September 2016 as compared to $3.54 in the same period of 2015. The countrys imports from Russia amounted to $6.18 billion in the reporting period as compared to $8.01 billion in the same period of 2015. Kazakhstan exports mineral products (33.4 percent of the total volume of the country's export to the EAEU), chemicals (19.9 percent), metals and metal products (24.9 percent), products of animal and vegetable origin and ready foodstuff (10.2 percent). The country mainly imports vehicles and equipment (24.4 percent of the total volume of the country's imports from the EAEU), mineral products (15.8 percent), chemicals (17.9 percent), products of animal and vegetable origin and ready foodstuff (14.2 percent), metals and metal products (12.6 percent) from the EAEU countries. In 2015, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with the EEU countries decreased by 28.6 percent to $15.77 billion as compared to 2014. The Eurasian Economic Union is an international organization for regional economic integration. Its members are Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova The Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce has a new Executive Director. She is Amelia Harrison. Harrison was Wednesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Mike Ayala, the retiring Executive Director, has moved into a part-time role to assist Harrison and is also be the Chambers representative for governmental affairs. Ayala led the group for three years after retiring from a career with the CHP, serving as the Lt. Commander of the Sonora Area Unit. Ayala had replaced longtime leader George Segarini, who now serves as a member of the Sonora City Council. Harrison has been a member for thirteen years and has served as an Ambassador, Ambassador Chair and Board President. I was interested in this job because I believe that Tuolumne County is a great community and that our businesses matter, Harrison said. I really want to make a difference and continue to have the Chamber and the local businesses work together. Tomorrow night (Thursday), the 95th Annual Community Awards Gala will take place at the Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort. This popular Chamber event recognizes outstanding individuals, students and businesses that have contributed their time and effort to enhance our community. During this event the Chamber recognizes members of the community that have gone above and beyond throughout the year. Awards are given to a Citizen, Business, Non-Profit, Small Business, Administrative Professional, Government Official, Teacher and to Students. The winners are nominated by members of the community. This event allows the Chamber of Commerce to say thank you to the community. All sponsors are encouraged to make the award presentation to the winner of the category for which they have sponsored. There are still some tickets available to attend the Gala. The public and non-members are invited to attend. The social hour begins at 5:30 with dinner served at 6:30 PM. For tickets and more information, log on to http://tcchamber.com or call 532-4212. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Sonora, CA The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors discussed how to proceed with marijuana regulations after the passage of marijuana for recreational use by California voters last week. The consensus after much debate was to request an ordinance be drafted immediately to ban all commercial distribution and retail sale of marijuana. The board room was packed as seventeen people spoke at the meeting including the Calaveras Cal Fire Battalion Chief, Tuolumne Countys Sheriff, the Health Officer and District Attorney. The main debate centered around reconciling the new law, referred to as AUMA (Adult Use Marijuana Act), with current county medical marijuana laws outlined here. In contrast, the AUMA allows any residence, with the permission of the land owner in the case of a rental home, to grow up to six plants inside, or outside if secured. No growing can be done within view of public places. Tuolumne Sheriff Jim Mele noted of the crowd, These are all law abiding citizens they want to do the right thing, but what we have seen because this is not accepted or looked upon by the federal government as a legitimate Ill use it this way, its still a schedule one offense. So when we talk about the finances, banks are still hesitant, its a cash crop, and thats why you see some of these organizations move in because it is a cash type business. Sheriff Mele and several others referenced criminal activities in Calaveras County. District Attorney Laura Kreig said We are not concerned with the personal use of marijuana as allowed under prop 64. Certainly in the area of commercial cultivation those provisions and regulations and licensing from the state, as county counsel advised, really take effect January 1st of 2018. I can tell you the resources that law enforcement will have to spend will far exceed any revenue thats going into the law enforcement fund out of prop 64. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Matt Gilbert stated he doesnt have a stand, but is charged with enforcement of forest and fire laws and there were 27 violations in Calaveras in 2016. The instances involved marijuana grows that illegally cut down trees and negatively impacted streams. Nine of the cases are still pending. He stated On the fire side there were four fires related to marijuana grows, costing $1.4 million, the largest was the Appaloosa fire in July burning 310 acres. Gary Stockel, Tuolumne County Agricultural Commissioner, mentioned how to find the safe and permitted types of pesticides to use on personally cultivated marijuana located online here. A woman who spoke after him mentioned she has grown plants and marijuana over the years and never used or needed pesticides and that deer do not like to eat marijuana. County Health Officer, Dr. Liza Ortiz, referenced the newly released Tholumne county health assessment which details the issue of substance abuse and children born addicted to drugs their mother used while pregnant. Dr.Ortiz stated there are not enough conclusive studies about marijuana yet. She stated more studies are being conducted and will be released but not enough information is available new. The eventual decision for many board members related to the state having until January 2018 to finalize regulations. The board agreed their ad hoc committee, already created to address regulations, should be in charge of submitting their best solutions, including adding or changing members to focus on public health concerns, to bringing solutions to board as soon as possible. Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) is negotiating with Chad over a record $74 billion fine the U.S. oil company was told to pay by a court in the central African nation over unpaid royalties, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. Exxon has appealed the Oct. 5 court ruling, but the appeals court hearing has been delayed because of the talks, Bloomberg reported, citing a lawyer for Exxon. Exxon declined to comment. The court decision fined a consortium led by Exxon over 44 trillion CFA francs ($73.44 billion) - nearly four times BP's Deepwater Horizon settlement and roughly seven times Chad's annual gross domestic product. The consortium, which includes Malaysian state oil firm Petronas PETRA.UL and Chadian oil company SNT, were found to owe the country nearly 484 billion CFA francs ($808 million) in royalties, according to the court judgment. It did not explain why the penalty amounted to more than 90 times that amount. The unpaid royalties stem from a dispute over fees, sources in the Chadian Finance Ministry have told Reuters. The Finance Ministry, they said, is seeking a 2 percent royalty fee from the consortium, a rate the defendants have said is higher than the agreed level. On the heels of an election that defied expectations by delivering broad Republican victories, the newest members of the Florida House and Senate arrived in Tallahassee Tuesday to get acquainted with a legislative process that remains decisively GOP-driven. Legislators arrived in Tallahassee Nov. 15 65 freshmen received office assignments and tips on lawmaking True test of post-election optimism will come in March At orientation sessions, the 65 freshman legislators learned about the intricacies of lawmaking and received office and parking spot assignments. As usual, the most plum real estate went to members of the majority party. Republicans also used their time at the capitol to discuss their agenda for the next two years. Widely expected to lose multiple seats in both chambers, the party ceded just one seat in the Senate and picked up a seat in the House. Their enduring majority, some Republican freshmen suggested, could provide the political juice to pass conservative measures, like allowing guns on college campuses and cracking down on so-called 'sanctuary cities', that failed during the 2016 legislative session. Further debate about expanding Medicaid, they said, would be all but off the table in the aftermath of the election. "I believe it was a mandate that we continue the fiscal conservative policies that have gotten us to the place we are today," said Sen. Dana Young (R-Tampa), formerly the House majority leader, who won handily in a swing district. If Republicans are feeling emboldened, however, Democrats are feeling optimistic that a spirit of compromise will prevail, particularly given the broad political divides laid bare by the election results. Many believe the Senate will continue to function as a check on the populist impulses of the House. "It's time to turn the page," said Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), who spent eight years in the House. "It's time for both the country and the state to come together to unify for the best interests for the generations to come. That's why we're here." The true test of that post-election optimism will come in March, when the 2017 regular legislative session begins. The Republican Governors Association meeting in Orlando took on a party-like atmosphere Tuesday after last week's game-changing election. Republican Governors Association meeting in Orlando GOP governors excited about Trump, call him a partner Gov. Rick Scott excited about repealing Affordable Care Act ELECTION 2016: Complete results GOP governors cheered President-elect Donald Trump's victory, with one likening the defeat of Hillary Clinton to the end of the film "The Exorcist." For Gov. Rick Scott, the meeting was not only a chance to trumpet Trump, whose political action committee he chaired during the election, but to discuss plans to possibly run for U.S. Senate in 2018, when his time as governor was over. Now I have a partner at the White House," Scott said. Scott raised $20 million for Trumps campaign, which created advertisements in key states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. "I'm going to do everything I can to help him be successful. I think it's going to be good for Florida, because when we have an issue, we can have a conversation with him, and he's a results-oriented guy," Scott said. Many of the governors at the RGA meeting echoed Scott's feelings. "The possibilities are endless now that we have a Republican president," Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said. Now, they want action, particularly when it comes to repealing the Affordable Care Act. "We have to repeal it. We can't just tweak it. We have to start over," Scott said. Scott, the former chief executive for hospital company HCA, ran for governor partially on his very vocal opposition to the Affordable Care Act. Like many Republican governors, he has refused to allow the state to set up its own exchanges or expand Medicaid. Trump campaigned on repealing the ACA. In an interview on 60 Minutes over the weekend, Trump said he would be willing to keep parts of the ACA. Regardless, Scott said the governors are ready to have the president's back if he has theirs. "We will have a seat at the table. (Vice President-elect) Mike (Pence) will be our conduit," Scott said. "And I have a personal relationship with Donald Trump, so I will continue to talk to him." Republicans controlled many of the state governorships and legislatures going into the 2016 election. The party is very close to having the ability to amend the U.S. Constitution without needing to work with Democratic states. Orange County Sheriff's Deputies are still looking for two men who are accused of shooting and robbing a Pine Hills' physician Tuesday while patients were still inside. Doctor shot during robbery identified 2 patients, a child witness the robbery Suspects armed with handguns, wearing masks RELATED story: Doctor shot during robbery at Pine Hills clinic The sheriffs office identified the doctor as 63-year-old Ashok Khanna and he was shot in his lower body, but he will survive. He was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center. According to the website, Florida Primary Care Center is normally closed on Wednesdays, but is open Thursday and Friday. Right now, there are no signs posted on the front of the door that says the practice will be closed Thursday. However, there is a sign that shows the business is protected by SimpliSafe and has a security system with 24/7 police dispatch. #pinehills doc office shows practice has security system. Doctor was shot and practice was robbed last night. pic.twitter.com/fLudzBamQD Christina Jensen (@CJensenNews13) November 16, 2016 At least a dozen patrol cars surrounded the doctors office when the incident happened around 5:30 p.m., Tuesday. Deputies said two patients and a child witnessed the incident. They told investigators they heard tires screeching from a car as those men sped off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The men allegedly walked into the office armed with handguns and were wearing masks. There are no suspect descriptions except they were black males and there is no description of the getaway vehicle. According to its website, the Florida Primary Care Center has been open for 25 years. Deputies need help in finding the men accused of shooting and robbing the physician. If you have any information, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Palestines embassy has been officially opened in Ashgabat, the Turkmen government said in a message November 16. The opening of the embassy reflects the mutual understanding and trust between Turkmenistan and Palestine, the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news agency reported Nov. 16. The opening of the embassy was an important action towards the practical implementation of interstate agreements aimed at ensuring all possibilities for effective interaction on a wide range of bilateral cooperation, the message said. Palestines President Mahmoud Abbas paid an official visit to Turkmenistan November 13-15. The bilateral documents were signed at the highest level following the talks. During the talks, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov assured Palestinian counterpart that the Turkmen side will create all necessary conditions for the embassys activity. AUSTIN, TX on Tuesday, State Sen. Charles Perry filed Senate Bill 4 to eliminate sanctuary cities in Texas by requiring local governments and law enforcement to uphold the rule of law and enforce the immigration laws currently on the books. On Monday, Lt. Gov. Mike Patrick listed ending sanctuary city policies as one of his top 10 priorities for the session stating, No city in Texas should be allowed to ignore the law. We will end this practice once and for all this session." What drove those sturdy Pilgrims to undertake such a perilous journey over cold and stormy seas to the far off shores of New England? Nothing less than a quest for freedom to worship God as their consciences dictated. Fleeing religious persecution, they journeyed first to the Dutch Netherlands, then to the New World under the leadership of William Bradford and William Brewster. On Sept. 6, 1620, the Mayflower set out with 102 passengers for the voyage that lasted 66 days. Just past midway across the Atlantic, their ship was struck by a tremendous storm. With each wave the Mayflower rolled so far over the Pilgrims feared she would capsize. Suddenly a loud boom resounded as the huge crossbeam supporting the main mast cracked and sagged alarmingly. Fear struck crew and passengers alike. They cried out to God for help. Then Elder Brewster remembered the great iron screw of his printing press. Immediately a search was made for it and, when found, it was placed under the beam. Slowly, with much creaking and groaning of injured wood, the beam was raised to its original position. For once, even the skeptical sailors joined in praise to God. AMARILLO Wednesday is the North American Utilities United Against Scams Day, and Xcel Energy is joining more than 80 gas and electric companies across the United States and Canada to protect customers from long-running scams that target utility customers. Utilities kicked off a week-long campaign Wednesday that will provide information to customers about what they should do if they suspect scam activity. The collaborative effort encourages the public to share prevention messages. Customers are getting the message that if they think they are being targeted by a scammer to simply end the conversation and call us to verify their account status, said Pat Boland, Customer Policy and Assistance manager at Xcel Energy. It is difficult to identify scammers, but by raising awareness we can foil their plans. The most common traps --During a typical scam, a customer receives a call from an individual who falsely claims to be an Xcel Energy representative -- or a representative from another utility. The caller claims that the customers account is past due and that electric service will be disconnected if the customer doesnt pay. Often, the scammers will demand payment via a prepaid debit card or money order. And theyll ask for payment within a specified time frame usually an hour or less. The scammers use technology to spoof an Xcel Energy phone number so when a customer views call ID, it appears the call is actually coming from Xcel Energy when it is not. In some cases, the scammers have tricked people into providing their bank account information after they falsely claim that the customer overpaid a bill and they will receive a refund. Red flags for scam activity --The scammer becomes angry and tells the customer his or her account is past due and service will be disconnected if a large payment isnt made usually within an hour. The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a pre-paid debit card or a pre-paid credit card. The customer is instructed to call back to supposedly make a payment. How to protect yourself Xcel Energy never asks a customer with an overdue account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection. Customers have several payment options. Xcel Energy customers who are behind on their bill will receive an advance disconnection notification with their regular monthly billing. Customers never receive a single notification one hour before disconnection. NEVER give out personal information, debit/credit card numbers, or wire money as a result of an unexpected call or email. If you are suspicious about a phone call, hang up and call Xcel Energy directly after locating an authentic phone number from your bill. The Xcel Energy Customer Service number is 1-800-895-4999. To report a theft or attempted theft due to a scam, contact your local police and then call Xcel Energy Customer Service to report the incident. Efforts to protect customers Xcel Energy continues to enhance its efforts to educate the public. Previous communications aimed to combat scammers and protect customers include bill messages and alerts, customer letters, online alerts, public service announcements, advertising, and prevention outreach at community events. Xcel Energy continues to work with law enforcement, other utilities, and the media to denounce scams. For more information visit www.xcelenergy.com or follow Xcel Energy on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to learn more. Roberto Preciado is the latest adult student at the Plainview Adult Learning Center to receive his GED. On Monday Preciado received notice that he had passed his fourth and final test. Preciado was born in Mexico and attended secondary school there. For 15 years, he worked with trucks and trains, moving goods for further shipping. In 2000, he came to the United States. He worked at Cargill for several years, then worked in the Midland oil fields. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The political consultations between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and the Republic of South Africa were held in Ashgabat, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message November 16. According to the message, Deputy Foreign Minister Nomaindia Mfeketo headed the delegation of the Republic of South Africa. The representatives of the delegations expressed the view that the ongoing consultations are one of the most important mechanisms contributing to the promotion of the Turkmen-South African partnership, the message said. A political dialogue, which is being successfully developed by both countries, is the foundation of cooperation, the message said. According to the message, the representatives of the delegations also discussed the development of relations in trade, oil and gas, textile industry. Mutual interest was stressed in the development of relations as part of the authoritative international organizations, the message said. According to the message, the sides also discussed the possibility of expanding the legal framework. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It was bad enough for 80 tech workers at UCSF Medical Center to learn in July that they were being laid off at the end of February. It got even worse when they were told one of their last jobs would be to train their replacements, a group of young men from India. It was a little bit awkward training them to take over our jobs, Kurt Ho, 57, of Walnut Creek said Wednesday as lawyers announced a discrimination lawsuit on behalf of 10 workers who received layoff notices. The university is making a big mistake just to save money. This is the first time a U.S. university has outsourced the jobs of permanent employees to India, said Gary Gwilliam, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. While outsourcing employment abroad isnt illegal by itself, he said, UCSFs hiring of a group of uniformly young male workers from India runs afoul of laws forbidding bias based on national origin, gender, age and race. They cant substitute a diverse workforce, Gwilliam said. He said 49 of the laid-off workers are UC employees the others are contractors and 48 of the 49 employees are 40 years old or older, the age protected from discriminatory hiring by federal law. The university denied violating any laws and said it would save more than $30 million over five years with the replacement workers. Given the fiscal challenges facing academic medicine, and the ability of outside vendors to provide high-quality IT services, UCSFs review concluded that it was more economical and secure to partner with specialized vendors on those aspects of information technology that do not require close interaction with research, patient care or education, the university said. The current workers perform various information technology jobs at the medical center. Their replacements come from an Indian IT company, HCL Technologies. Ho and Gwilliam said they have been told 80 percent of the replacement workers, after their training, will return to India and work from there. And despite the universitys assertion that the IT jobs do not require close interaction with patient care, Ho said he and his co-workers have a personal connection with the patients they serve. Were talking about peoples lives here, Ho said. We provide way beyond IT functions. We care about patients. For those working in India, he said, theres no relationship. Robert Harrison, a communication engineer at UCSF, agreed. You cant do what were doing from overseas, he said, recalling the many times he has met with patients, doctors and nurses to get their phones and computers working properly. Also, electronic systems will be more vulnerable to hacking when workers are overseas, said Harrison, 57, of Richmond. Private medical histories are going to be hacked more freely. Ho, who works as a systems administrator on the night shift, came to UCSF a year ago after almost 20 years as an IT employee with T.Y. Lin, which engineered the design for the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge. He said he understands the university is trying to save money. But Ho said the projected savings of $6 million a year is a small fraction of UCSFs $5.4 billion annual budget. At the same time, he said, UC is planning to raise student tuition, and a top executive in UCSFs information technology program is in line for a substantial bonus. Theres a tone deafness within the UC system, Ho said. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 15 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: Italian Tecnimont and Saipem companies are in talks with Iran to finalize a memorandum of understanding for constructing a refinery in Iran, Gholamreza Soleimani, the managing director of Ghadir Investment Company told IRNA news agency. Irans Pars refinery project with 120,000 barrels per day capacity needs 750 million euro worth of investment, of which 15 percent would be provided by Iran and the rest would be put up by Italian companies, Soleimani said Nov.15. The feedstock of the refinery would be gas condensate. Without mentioning any specific date, Soleimani said that the agreement is expected to be sealed soon. Iran has 9 oil refineries with 1.8 million barrels per day (mb/d) capacity, but the country plants to attract $14 billion worth of investment, mostly from foreign sources, to increase the volume to 3.2 mb/d. A part of investment would be allocated to modernizing the current refineries. Irans 5-year oil product export plans: IRNA quoted Abbas Kazemi, the managing director of National Iranian Oil Products Refining and Distribution Company as saying that some $1.2 billion worth of investment is needed for modernizing the Isfahan refinery and the same amount is also needed for the Bandar Abbas Refinery. The main goal of modernization is to decrease the share of fuel oil in the final products output of refineries from the current 28 percent to below than 10 percent. Iran has several major new refinery projects. The Persian Gulf Star Refinery will add 360,000 b/d, while Siraf Complex, Anahita and Bahman Geno refineries will add 480,000 b/d, 150,000 b/d and 300,000 b/d to Irans current refinery capacity. FourWinds Logistics former marketing director pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in an alleged scheme to defraud investors of the San Antonio frac-sand company. The now-bankrupt company, which traded frac sand, had retained state Sen. Carlos Uresti to provide legal services. He later served as its outside general counsel for a short time in late 2014. Uresti has said he has been contacted by the FBI as a witness in an investigation of FourWinds and its CEO Stan Bates, who has been accused by investors of wasting their money on personal expenses, expensive gives and other items. Bates has disputed the allegations. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A second executive has been criminally charged in connection with FourWinds Logistics, the bankrupt San Antonio frac-sand company accused of defrauding investors. Shannon Smith, who ran business development and owned a 48 percent stake in FourWinds, was charged Wednesday with a single felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge was filed a day after Eric Nelson, FourWinds former e-commerce and marketing director, pleaded guilty to a similar charge for altering a bank statement to make it appear that the company had more money than it actually did. FourWinds, which traded so-called frac sand for investors, went bankrupt in August 2015. Investors accuse CEO and majority owner Stan Bates of wasting their money on expenditures unrelated to the business. State Sen. Carlos Uresti had ties to FourWinds, holding an ownership stake and serving as general counsel for four or five months in late 2014. He also received a commission in return for bringing in a former legal client to invest with FourWinds. The former client ended up losing about $800,000. Uresti also owned shares in the company and received a $40,000 loan that he initially failed to report on financial disclosure form filed with the state. Uresti said he has been contacted as a witness in a federal investigation into FourWinds and Bates. Click here to read the full article or turn to Thursdays paper to read more about the case. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Prosecutors filed murder charges Tuesday against a San Jose woman they say fatally stabbed and shot two women and the couples son at their East Oakland home before setting the crime scene ablaze. The Alameda County district attorneys office accused Dana Rivers, 61, of three counts of murder as well as arson and possession of metal knuckles in connection with Fridays triple slaying. The case began when Oakland police officers responded to reports of gunshots on the 9400 block of Dunbar Drive in the citys Elmhurst neighborhood, police said. The officers found the couples 19-year-old son, Toto Diambu known to neighbors and friends as Benny Wright lying outside the home, bleeding from a stab wound. As officers attempted to help Wright, they heard a loud bang coming from the garage, police investigators said in court documents. Moments later, Rivers allegedly emerged from the home covered in blood. Ammunition and knives were discovered in her pockets, police said. As officers detained Rivers, she began to make spontaneous statements about her involvement in the murders, according to the court documents, which do not discuss possible motives or the relationship between Rivers and the victims. Inside the house, officers found two women identified as Charlotte Reed, 57, and Patricia Wright, 56 who were stabbed and shot, police and prosecutors said. The couple and their teenage son were pronounced dead at the scene. Rivers had set the garage of the home on fire in a bid to hide evidence, officials said. The Oakland Fire Department contained the blaze within a half hour. Rivers was being held Tuesday without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Because she is accused of the special circumstance of committing multiple killings, she faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted or the death penalty if prosecutors decide to seek the punishment. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @michael_bodley Walt Disney Animation Studios Allied: Brad Pitt has a Marion Cotillard problem, onscreen and off. In the film, hes a Canadian intelligence officer who falls for a French resistance fighter (the Oscar-winning Cotillard) who may also be working for the Germans in World War II. Off screen, reports surfaced of an alleged affair with his co-star that helped break up his marriage to Angelina Jolie Pitt (though other reports disputed it). Bad Santa 2: Sequel to the 2003 feel-bad holiday movie finally surfaces after nearly seven years in development. Billy Bob Thorntons title character, Willie, aims to steal from a Chicago charity, aided by his pint-sized sidekick (Tony Cox). Things derail further when Willies horrible mom (Kathy Bates) turns up. Its rated R with crude sexual content and graphic nudity. Happy holidays! This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The theme for the 2017 Battle of Flowers Parade will be Blazing Trails, officials announced Tuesday evening. Officials from the Battle of Flowers Association made the theme "Blazing Trails" because San Antonio is "filled with men and women who blazed new trails toward a bright future," they said, according to a news release. RELATED: Battle of Flowers 2016 is over, now comes the clean up "From the pioneers who formed new cultural identities through music and stories to the authors, historians, scientists and titans of industry who contributed to our city, state and nation's strength," the release reads. "The Battle of Flowers Association salutes these trailblazers with the 2017 Parade Theme 'Blazing Trails!'" RELATED: More than 300,000 flood downtown San Antonio for Battle of Flowers Parade during Fiesta The Battle of Flowers Association announced that San Antonio public high schools will pick from a number of parade float themes based on Global World Heritage Sites. High schools will be able to pick from the following themes: Paris, France The Great Barrier Reef in Australia Xochimilco, Mexico Venice, Italy The Independent Hall in the United States The Imperial Palaces in China Everglades National Park in the United States Easter Island in Chile The Taj Mahal in India Courtesy/Battle of Flowers Association San Antonio is home to the first World Heritage Site in Texas the San Antonio Missions were added to the list of World Heritage located by UNESCO last year. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As its Nov. 21 opening date approaches, chef Andrew Weissman's new restaurant Signature at the La Cantera Resort & Spa has named an executive chef and general manager to lead the operation. RELATED: Signature by Andrew Weissman sets Nov. 21 opening date Chef Jake Andrews will lead the kitchen at Signature, which the resort has described as "South Texas meets the South of France." Andrews comes to signature from one of La Cantera's other restaurants, SweetFire, and brings experience in hotel and resort properties in New Orleans, California and Hawaii. Signature's new general manager, Michael Wildey, has worked his way up from dishwasher through a career in the kitchen to director of restaurants at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palo Verdes, California. RELATED: Signature restaurant brings Andrew Weissman back into fine dining Weissman, whose current and former San Antonio restaurants have included Le Reve, Il Sogno, Sandbar, the Luxury and two Moshe's Golden Falafel locations, told the Express-News in May that Signature "is going to change the way people think about hotel dining in San Antonio and Texas." "I'm going to be out there as much as humanely possible," Weissman said. "It's my name on there and I'm going to make sure I do it right." RELATED: New Moshe's Golden Falafel opens downtown Call to see if seats are available. The restaurant is at 16401 La Cantera Parkway, 210-247-0176, signaturerestaurant.com. msutter@express-news.net Twitter: @fedmanwalking Connecticuts former U.S. attorney, now a top lawyer for hedge fund mogul Steven Cohen, is the latest casualty of the transition turmoil of Donald Trump. Kevin OConnor has been ousted by the president-elect from a group of top transition advisers, Hearst Connecticut Media has learned. The former appointee of President George W. Bush and Greenwich resident had been enlisted by Trump to remake the Justice Department, where OConnor was associate U.S. attorney general from 2008 to 2009. But OConnors connection to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie both were U.S. attorneys at the same time may have brought along too much baggage. Christie was replaced last week as the head of Trumps transition team after two of Christies former aides were convicted for creating a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge to punish a political rival. He also led the prosecution of the father of Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, for tax evasion that led to his imprisonment for two years. He performed ably as U.S. attorney, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. said of OConnor. Trumps choice of OConnor initially drew scrutiny because of OConnors ties to Cohen, whose Stamford-based hedge fund reached a $1.8 billion settlement with the Justice Department in 2014 for insider trading. OConnor joined the firm, now called Point72 Asset Management, as general counsel a year after the record fine was meted out. It was previously known as SAC Capital Advisers. Both OConnor and a spokesman for Point72 Asset Management, which is technically no longer a hedge fund, declined to comment. A request for comment was also left for Trumps transition team, which has been in a constant state of flux since Trumps upset of Hillary Clinton. OConnor, 49, served the states top prosecutor from 2002 to 2008. He is also close to Rudy Giuliani, having served as a partner in a Houston law firm previously headed by the former New York City mayor. neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate If youve driven across the new Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge on I-95 in New Haven, you already know that its a winner. Unlike the old bridge that was built in the late 1950s, the new 10-lane bridge is not only safer, but has enough capacity to handle the traffic well into the 21st century. Its the crown jewel of a $2 billion project to widen and rebuild I-95 between West Haven and Branford. The bridge was designed as a fitting memorial to the those who died and survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The anchor piers, at the ends of the bridge, have the wording "Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge" and "December 7, 1941" in gold leaf formed onto the concrete as a memorial designation. The shape of the columns recall the smokestacks of a battleship. During its dedication in June 2012, four Connecticut residents who survived the attack attended the ceremony. During the night, beacons light up the bridge like a veterans monument. On patriotic holidays, its awash in red, while and blue colors. Now, its won the grand prize in the 2016 Americas Transportation Awards competition. This years Grand Prize winner, the new Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridgeis another perfect example of what this competition is about, said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. This spectacular new addition to New Havens skyline is one of the largest projects in the Connecticut DOTs history. And it was delivered ahead of schedule and on budget, improving safety, relieving congestion and enhancing travel options for tens of thousands of daily commuters. The $554 million, Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge spans 42-hundred feet over the Quinnipiac River, connecting 140,000 vehicles daily to several major Interstates and the Gateway Terminal; one of the busiest intermodal ports in the country. The original bridge was designed to carry 90,000 vehicles daily. Now in its ninth year, the competition attracted a record 84 project nominees from 39 state transportation departments plus the District of Columbia that competed in four regional competitions. And what does the grand prize winner get? A $10,000 cash prize to be used to support a charity or transportation-related scholarship program of the state Department of Transportations choosing. Tehran, Iran, November 15 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: An Iranian company that has been importing auto parts from the German truck maker Scania is planning to achieve 40 percent localization of the manufacturing of the parts. "We have already started localization. Our groups are working with Scania and we should go as far as 40 percent," Mammut Diesel Parts and Services Sales Manager Hamidreza Khabbazzadeh told Trend November 15. "Iranians have the ability to manufacture parts, especially in cities like Isfahan and Tabriz. We can even become exporters," he said. Asked about the status of part imports to Iran, he said lack of organized oversight over the market has left the way open for numerous low-quality brands. "They are not standard parts which if used, will cause serious damages. Everyone knows about their distribution. All the sellers have certificates, but nobody takes action." He said transparency in the importation and distribution of parts can help grow the quality of the market a great deal. Localization of products is required by the Iranian government. In its efforts to expand trade ties with other countries in the post-sanctions era, the government has stressed that countries working with foreign partners should focus on at least partially localizing the products and also aiming foreign markets. MILFORD The citys annual Festival of Lights, which includes a free concert of holiday music and is capped by the arrival of Santa Claus will be held on Friday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. on the Green. The Milford Concert Band and DJ Shelia will provide the music during the events first hour, while The Milford Bank hosts various winter-themed activities for children and adults outside of the downtown branch at 33 Broad Street. COLLEGE STATION Consumers are likely to find better prices on holiday turkeys, other poultry and eggs this year compared to previous years, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife expert and market data. Dr. Craig Coufal, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service poultry specialist, College Station, said reasonable feed prices have helped keep egg and poultry prices lower than last year. The industry has also rebounded from outbreaks of avian flu that led to millions of chicken and other poultry losses, especially in egg production houses. Coufal said demand for whole turkeys and eggs for baking typically peak around the holidays. Avian flu outbreaks in spring 2015 really tightened supplies, but this year has been good, Coufal said. Turkey was tight. Eggs were tight. But theres plenty of poultry meat and eggs in the market as people begin to look for whole birds and eggs for pies, desserts and other traditional holiday cooking. Maro Ibarbaru, Egg Industry Centers business analyst, Ames, Iowa, said a dozen large white eggs in the southern region cost $1.52 this September compared to $3.02 in September 2015. Avian influenza was the main reason for high prices in 2015, but he said prices have dipped even further due to other market conditions, such as lower costs for producers, more eggs in storage and a decline in exports. We havent seen prices this low since 2009, he said. Coufal said whole turkeys cooked in the oven are typically in low supply and demand until November and December. Most turkeys throughout the year are grown to 25-30 pounds and deboned to make deli meats, including pepperoni and salami. During the holidays, birds are typically grown to around 14 pounds to provide consumers with 9-10 pound birds for the oven. They dont have a lot of smaller birds around, he said. They only do that once or twice a year. The Nov. 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture National Retail Report on turkey showed prices were steady between $1.59-$1.99 per pound for fresh whole hens and toms in the South Central Region, which includes Texas. By contrast, the Nov. 13, 2015, report showed whole fresh hens and toms were 10 cents higher per pound on average, $1.69-$1.99 per pound. AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: SOUTH PLAINS: Harvests resumed after fields dried out following recent rains in some areas, while topsoil and subsoil remained saturated in other areas. The rainfall will help with pastures, rangeland and winter wheat. A few areas received 3-6 inches of rainfall. Some producers also received hail that destroyed around 3,000 acres of cotton. Peanut harvests were good until the rains came. Cotton harvests were still in full swing in drier areas with most producers nearing completion. Area wheat and oat field conditions improved with recent moisture. Scurry County experienced cooler weather, but there was still no official freeze recorded in the district. PANHANDLE: Above-average temperatures continued for the district and a few areas reported their first freeze. Dallam and Hartley counties were mostly warm and dry with a few mornings below freezing. Cotton harvests made good progress. Yields were mostly very good, around 2-3 bales per acre. A few fields of corn and sorghum remained. Wheat responded to recent rainfall and made good growth. Rain was badly needed in some areas. Stocker cattle were turned out on wheat pastures while other pastures were nearly ready for grazing. Cows and calves were placed on corn stalks. Mild fall weather delayed supplemental feeding of cattle. Deaf Smith County producers were still harvesting some late corn, but most were trying to concentrate on harvesting the remaining sorghum. Some producers were waiting for a killing freeze to harvest sorghum where problems with the sugarcane aphid continue. Many producers were focusing on cotton close to harvest. Harvest aids were applied to get the cotton harvest under way since a hard freeze was not in the forecast. Cows and calves on grass were being fed supplements or hay. Cattle were in good condition. The following excerpt is from Craig Simpson and Brian Kurtzs book The Advertising Solution. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes Now its time to look at what ad expert Eugene Schwartz had to say about headlines because it gives us an interesting perspective on what a good headline is all about. Schwartz told us that, in spite of what many of us may believe, The headline does not sell. Thats not its purpose. Its purpose is to capture attention. As people read through their mail, you have only 10 seconds to catch their interest. During those ten seconds, people decide to either keep reading the piece or throw it away. The headlines only purpose is to get people to read the rest of the piece. It doesnt sell a product, confirm a point of view, argue for or against any position or say anything about the advertiser. It just has to get people to read the next paragraph. Related: 17 Tips for Increasing the Selling Power of Your Ad Copy With email, you can only count on about one-third the attention span, so its more important than ever to have a headline or subject line that grabs attention and entices the prospect to read on. How long should the headline be? Theres no universal length that will be right for every piece. The headline just has to be long enough to stop prospects from throwing the piece away and get them to read the next paragraph. As Schwartz told us: The headline sells the first line. The first line sells the second line. The second line sells the third line. And the third line sells the fourth line, etc. You just want the reader to keep moving through your copy. Remember, your readers may not be ready to accept certain ideas until theyve been prepared for it. You can say things in the middle of a piece that readers would never believe in a headline. As Schwartz said: If hes prepared to believe, hes prepared to buy. Your job as a marketer is to build your argument so you make the right points at the right time. If youre not using your headline to sell, what do you want to put in the headline? First, you want to include some kind of promise, and its especially strong if its connected to intrigue -- something people find personally fascinating, with a bit of mystery attached. Second, the mechanism of the headline is to capture an emotion. If readers are intrigued and their emotions are touched, theyll keep reading. How do you find your headline? The product itself gives it to you. You should be working from copious notes about your product, so go through your notes again and again until a picture begins to emerge of the problem the product addresses, how it resolves that problem and who your audience is. Schwartz used this method to come up with the following headline that sold huge numbers of books: Sneaky Little Arthritis Tricks, Natural Foods and Do-It-Yourself Secrets That Pain-Proofed Over 100 Men and Women Like You. By studying Schwartzs headline closely, all its brilliance will reveal itself to you: It makes it clear who should be interested in reading more (anyone in pain, especially people with arthritis). It promises a simple, inexpensive solution (using natural foods and do-it-yourself methods). It implies that these secrets arent broadly known and that the reader will be let in on something special. It promises that these secrets have successfully helped others just like you. For people suffering from the pain of arthritis who may have tried everything they could get their hands on to no avail, this would certainly seem like something worth looking into further by reading the rest of the sales piece. If you follow up a headline like this with a dynamite first paragraph that strengthens the points in the headline and ends with a hook to the second paragraph, youre well on your way to bringing in your prospect. Related: 8 Tips for Producing Advertising That Sells Here are some additional ways to create a dynamite headline: 1. Rewrite a cliche for your purpose. Using a cliche in a headline can be super effective because it uses language your prospect is used to hearing. For example, one cliche thats been proven to be effective is a play on What your mother never told you. You can adapt this to What your lawyer never told you, What your doctor never told you, What your accountant never told you etc. 2. Add an element of tension. This happens when parts of a headline look like they contradict each other. Heres a successful example of adding tension to a headline once used for an estate-planning book: What your lawyer never told you when you made out your will. 3. Raise questions people want answers to. Here are some examples of fascinations (i.e., bullet points with accompanying page numbers where buyers will find the answers in the book) from some of co-author Brian Kurtz most successful direct marketing packages: How to know when a slot machine is about to pay off How to outwit a mugger in a self-service elevator What never to eat on an airplane In addition to your main headline, youll probably have several lesser headlines and subheads strewn throughout your piece, especially if its a long letter, web page or email. Each of these subheads should follow the rules of the main headline, carrying forward the logic of your argument and tying one section of the piece to the next. How many should you have? Theres no firm rule. You need to put in as many as you need to make the piece work. As the piece develops, this will become clearer. Related: 4 Tips for Crafting the Ideal Sales Letter Here are more tips for writing effective headlines: Specific information in headlines is more persuasive than generalities . So give actual percentages or other figures when you can (e.g., not Our Washers Get Clothes Cleaner but Our Washers Get Clothes 56% Cleaner). So give actual percentages or other figures when you can (e.g., not Our Washers Get Clothes Cleaner but Our Washers Get Clothes 56% Cleaner). Headlines in quotation marks increase recall by 28 percent . Perhaps it draws attention or makes the headline seem authoritative. Perhaps it draws attention or makes the headline seem authoritative. If youre advertising in a local area, put the name of the city in your headline . When people see theyll be getting information on something local that could concern them, it gets their attention. When people see theyll be getting information on something local that could concern them, it gets their attention. Appeal to the readers s elf-interest. This is the first and foremost task of a marketer. Give the reader a reason to look through the rest of the piece, open the email or click through to the website. This should seem obvious, but this rule is violated again and again. This is the first and foremost task of a marketer. Give the reader a reason to look through the rest of the piece, open the email or click through to the website. This should seem obvious, but this rule is violated again and again. Offer them something newsworthy. If you have something new to report -- a new product or a change in an old product -- make sure to put that fact in the headline. If you have something new to report -- a new product or a change in an old product -- make sure to put that fact in the headline. Use peoples natural curiosity. Dont merely try to provoke curiosity in a headline. Curiosity can be powerful, but only if its combined with self-interest and/or news. A headline thats merely clever may please the copywriter, but it wont capture readers attention. Dont merely try to provoke curiosity in a headline. Curiosity can be powerful, but only if its combined with self-interest and/or news. A headline thats merely clever may please the copywriter, but it wont capture readers attention. Be positive. Wherever possible, avoid headlines that only present a gloomy or negative picture. If you need to lead with something negative, always add a positive angle. Wherever possible, avoid headlines that only present a gloomy or negative picture. If you need to lead with something negative, always add a positive angle. Offer a quick and easy solution. Headlines that suggest theres a quick and easy way for readers to get what they want can be very appealing. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Fatih Karimov Trend Iran is ready to build a nanotechnology laboratory in one of nanotechnology institutes in Cuba, Sorena Sattari, Irans vice-president for Science and Technology said. Sattari made the remark during a meeting with Fidel Angel Castro Diaz-Balart, scientific adviser to the Cuban president, in Tehran, Mehr news agency reported Nov. 16. Sattari further said that the Islamic Republic is also ready to gift Cuba with package including educational services related to operating the equipments at the aforementioned lab. Tehran is ready to boost technological cooperation with Cuba in the field of vaccines and recombinant drugs, he said, adding that Tehran and Havana have already signed good agreements in biotechnology field. Sattari also said that Iran is currently exporting biotechnological medicine to Russia. Iran recently launched a production line for fingolimod, a medicine used for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in St. Petersburg, Russia in a bid to boost cooperation with Russia in biotechnology. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce thanked its 33 highest-level members while recognizing 11 former Chamber board chairmen in attendance during the Emerald Luncheon Tuesday at the North Montgomery County Community Center in Willis. Each year, these sponsors' contributions help the Chamber host the annual Lobsterfest fundraiser, co-sponsor the community's Go Texan Parade, present educational programs, provide networking opportunities and more in its effort to enhance the quality of life and economy in the area. Chamber President Brian Bondy expressed appreciation for the attendees' continued support that makes its annual services and events possible. He also highlighted accomplishments including Tastefest's event turnout and efforts preparing youths for the workforce. Bondy then laid out goals for 2017, including increasing membership from 906 to 1,017 members, board participation, communication plans and capital improvement for long-term program funding. "It's a unique opportunity to be able to share our accomplishments and goals with the investors that help keep this organization strong and visible," Bondy said. "It is also an acknowledgement to our past leaders who have given their time, talent and treasure to an organization with deep roots in the community. When you put those two together, it makes for a pretty magical event." Consolidated Communications has been with the Chamber for 81 years and was a founding member through the LCC. "It's an honor that they think enough of us to have this luncheon for us," said Sheila Taylor, Consolidate Communications South specialist in Product Management, who has been with the company for nine years. Former chairmen Don A. Buckalew (1973 and 1974), owner of Buckalew Chevrolet, attended the event and believes the Chamber is important, "in good shape" and has made "great strides," including with the development of two business parks and the support of more funding to promote and market the area. "In the '80s, the Chamber was the economic development entity in this community," Buckalew said. "It is an important factor in the growth we have today." Buckalew said the luncheon was a good opportunity for those no longer involved in the leadership. "It gave us an opportunity to learn about what has been done for the past year, the plans for the future, a chance to meet a few new people and visit with some friendly members we have been involved with in the past," he said. Past Chairmen, who were either present or recognized at the luncheon Tuesday, included Danielle Scheiner (2014), Helen Thornton (2012), Charlie Irvine (2011), Jerry Nash (2008), Don Heathcott (2004), Donnie Buckalew (2002), Larry Foerster (1991), John W. Wiesner (1989), John E. Burge (1982), Don A. Buckalew (1973, 1974). Emerald investors include: First Financial Bank, Amegy Bank, Buckalew Chevrolet, DeMontrond, Conroe Regional Medical Center, Gullo Dealerships, America's Home Place, Consolidated Communications, Woodforest National Bank, Wiesner, Protect Controls, Streater-Smith, Edward Jones, Primrose School of Conroe, Entergy, Sooner Container, Rodger Stein Chiropractic Center, Conroe/Montgomery Physician Associates, All Star Catering, Correct Care Recovery Solutions, Wells Fargo, The Courier, PBK Architects, Conroe Professional Firefighters Association, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Montgomery Summit Business Park, MarineMax, Johnson Development, Precision Printing/Alpha Graphics, Corner Store, David Weekly Homes. For more information, visit www.conroe.org. A statewide group is hosting a town hall meeting at 1:30 p.m. today in Conroe to discuss the Houston area's water supply plans. The H2O4Texas Statewide Tour is hosting a handful of town hall meetings across the state as a means for residents to talk to and learn about the Texas Water Development Board's State Water Plan. The meeting will be at the San Jacinto River Authority, located at 1577 Dam Site Road in Conroe. Speakers will be: Carolyn Brittin, Consultant, Associated General Contractors of Texas: "Why the State Water Plan matters to Texas' economy" Chairman Bech Bruun, Board Member, Texas Water Development Board: "Overview of water planning in Texas and the State Water Plan interactive map" Mark Evans, Chair, Region H Water Planning Group: "Highlights from the Region H Water Plan" Jun Chang, Deputy General Manager, North Harris County Regional Water Authority: "Luce Bayou and beyond: A regional success story" State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe and San Jacinto River Authority GM Jace Houston also will give brief introductory speaches. The water plan for Region H, which encompasses Houston and surrounding counties, was passed by the board in November 2015. The plan is part of a larger initiative passed by the Texas Legislature in 1997 that sought to ensure a reliable and regional water supply for Texans through 2050. Region H is located along the upper Texas coast, and it consists of all or part of 15 counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker and Waller. Much of the San Jacinto Watershed is located within Region H, according to the region's website. The event will include topics on how the water plan affects the Texas economy as well as show an interactive map of the plan's implimantation. For more information, visit www.TexasWaterTour.info. Stratford police STRATFORD Police have arrested a Darien man they say attempted to kidnap his former girlfriend on Tuesday. Pedro Oristanio, 29, set fire to the womans vehicle when the abduction attempt failed, Capt. Frank Eannotti said. Officers had originally been called to Kings College Place on a domestic violence complaint, Eannotti said. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, had taxpayers on his mind when filing legislation for the upcoming 85th session that will begin in January. According to Creighton, the Legislature needs to put taxpayers first. "Without leaders willing to keep it in check, government will just keep growing and raising taxes, so it's our job to stand up for Texas taxpayers," Creighton said. "Family budgets are tight enough already without the threat of more spending and higher taxes." While bills can be filed through March, Monday was the first day of filing. Creighton's bills: SB 130 - Franchise Tax Deduction Computation: Continuing his effort from the last legislative session, this bill simplifies the formula for computing the franchise tax and makes it better reflect the cost of doing business. SB 131 / SJR 14 - Franchise Tax Rebates: This bill establishes a mechanism for the state to rebate a portion of unspent proceeds of the Franchise Tax back to Texas employers. SB 133 - Firearms and Hunting Supplies Sales Tax Holiday: A staunch defender of Second Amendment rights and advocate for a level playing field, according to information from Creighton's office, he is calling for a sales tax holiday for firearms and hunting supplies. This also will help outdoor-related businesses in East Texas compete with nearby companies in Louisiana that benefit from that state's similar holiday. SB 132 - State Agency Savings: As a way to incentivize state agencies to limit spending, this bill would allow state agencies to retain a larger share of unspent funds and potentially dedicate them to bonuses for hardworking employees. SCR 3 - Senate Concurrent Resolution on the 10th Amendment: In 2009, then-Rep. Creighton led a charge to affirm the rights of states under the 10th Amendment and sparked similar resolutions in more than 30 other states. This bill continues the fight to push back on federal overreach. "Government isn't supposed to be the answer to every question; instead it has a few jobs it should do well, without costing any more than absolutely necessary," concluded Creighton. "I look forward to feedback from the citizens in District 4 so we can get some real work done during the Session." Washington Speaker Paul Ryan unanimously won his GOP colleagues' votes on Tuesday for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had President-elect Donald Trump's support, and heralded "the dawn of a new, unified Republican government." "It feels really good to say that actually," Ryan told reporters. "This will be a government focused on turning President-elect Trump's victory into real progress for the American people." While victory was the GOP unifier, Democrats were verging on disarray. House Democrats abruptly announced Tuesday that they were delaying their own leadership elections until Nov. 30 to give lawmakers more time to process election results. It's not clear whether the election delay might morph into a real challenge to Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. She has led House Democrats for more than 12 years and has consolidated support with strong fundraising and an ability to deliver votes, but there's long been grumbling from Democrats who say new leadership is needed at the top. As for Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican still has to win a floor vote for speaker in January, when all members of the House will cast ballots, including Democrats. But he secured the nomination at a closed-door GOP conference vote Tuesday afternoon with the strong backing of his fellow House Republicans, even though a few conservative dissenters pushed to delay the balloting. Even though a number of House Republicans, including Ryan, had opposed Trump or were critical along the way, most said they're now firmly on board and prepared to try to enact Trump's agenda on immigration, infrastructure, energy and jobs. Republicans also backed California's Kevin McCarthy to continue as majority leader and Steve Scalise of Louisiana to stay in the No. 3 job of House whip. Lawmakers trooped out of their morning meeting in the basement of the Capitol smiling, pledging quick action to roll back President Barack Obama's accomplishments and clutching red "Make America Great Again" hats. During the meeting, Ryan told colleagues that he'd spoken Tuesday morning with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, who said that he and Trump "are very supportive of the leadership team and are looking forward to working with them," said Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. The situation brings risks since Republicans will have no one to blame but themselves if they can't deliver on Trump's promises. Already GOP leaders and Trump himself have been shifting on some of his pledges. On Tuesday, Ryan refused to answer directly when asked if Congress would go along with Trump's plan to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure. "These are things we're working on. ... The point is Donald Trump wants jobs," he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Emil Ilgar Trend: Irans oil minister will not participate in the annual meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GESF), Mehr reported Nov.16. The ministerial meeting of GECF will be held in Qatar on Nov.17. Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, Iran's liaison to the Forum would represent Iran at the meeting. Iranian official Seyed Mohammad Hossein Adeli is currently the secretary general of the Forum. GECF is an international governmental organization which provides the framework for exchanging experience and information among Member Countries. The Member countries of the Forum are: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman and Peru have the status of Observer Members. With the current number of Members the GECF has a strong position on the world gas market and among international energy organizations. Its potential rests on the enormous natural gas reserves of the Member Countries all together accumulating 67% of the world proven natural gas reserves. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than 500 Stanford University students, faculty and staff members walked out of classrooms and ducked out of jobs Tuesday in a protest of the policies of Donald Trump, the latest in a wave of Bay Area and national demonstrations against the president-elect. Some of the Stanford dissidents, though, came with a concrete demand for the universitys administrators: investigating the possibility of the Peninsula campus serving as a sanctuary against the sort of millions of deportations Trump has said hell seek as president. Hundreds of people students, faculty, staff and other supporters had as of Tuesday evening signed an open letter addressed to President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Provost John Etchemendy urging the two leaders to immediately develop a protocol for making itself a sanctuary campus. They join a growing number of schools calling for sanctuary status, all citing a 2011 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo that curtails the ability of federal immigration officials to conduct raids without permission in sensitive locations, such as schools. Sanctuary cities, like San Francisco, have formally adopted policies for local law enforcement limiting their cooperation with federal immigration authorities when it comes to deporting individuals just for being undocumented. The legal standing of schools to do the same is unclear, and there doesnt appear to be a precedent. Lisa Lapin, a spokeswoman for the university, declined to take a position, saying the school does not know and cannot speculate about what laws or policies may be adopted in the future, or what the impact at Stanford might be. Emphasizing Stanfords support for the Dream Act, which would allow undocumented students to attend the school and apply for citizenship if passed by Congress, Lapin added that this is a time to reaffirm our commitment to free expression, diversity and inclusion. California passed its own version of the Dream Act in July 2011, granting undocumented students access to private scholarships to attend state schools. Those involved in the walkout which Lapin said had the universitys full support left classrooms just before noon Tuesday, gathering at White Plaza for a series of speeches before marching through campus, chanting. In an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes Sunday, Trump said he would deport or arrest two million to three million undocumented immigrants, though adding that he would prioritize those with criminal records. Lina Khoeur, a junior who walked out of class Tuesday, said an assortment of student groups, including her own Stanford Asian American Activism Committee, the Black Student Union, Stanford Students for Queer Liberation and other groups pitched in to organize the walkout. It was less about decrying Trump and more about coming together as a community to plot a path forward for students who fear deportation, she said. In a lot of ways, this is a response directly to the election, but its not necessarily rooted in reactionary work, said Khoeur, who is majoring in human biology. A lot of the messages that were said today were around support and love and resilience and strength and continuing to move forward regardless of what happens. Regardless of whether a sanctuary campus would be legally binding, Khoeur said, theres a demand for Stanford to publicly announce that they are going to be in support of this community and publicly denounce hateful speech and actions around the world. Stanford administrators have as of late seen an uptick of reports of people from a variety of backgrounds and across the political spectrum feeling targeted or silenced on our campus, Lapin said. Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley TUSCOLA COUNTY An ethnic intimidation case in rural Tuscola County has a Lansing agency wanting more information and offering support. Gilberto Guevara with the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan contacted the Huron Daily Tribune Tuesday after reading an article online about an incident targeting a residence of a person of Mexican descent in Koylton Township. According to the Tuscola County Sheriff's investigation, when the family woke up Saturday morning, they found several cardboard boxes taped together to form a wall blocking their driveway and a doll made of balloons hanging nearby. The boxes and driveway had "vulgar graffiti" spray painted on them. "The wording was about Donald Trump taking back American, and Mexicans suck," Tuscola County Sheriff Elect Glen Skrent said in a press release Monday. When trying to contact the sheriff's department about trying to reach the family who are victims of a crime, Guevara ran into a wall. "I just wanted a way to contact the family to reach out to them to support them. Advocacy is what this department does. I was trying to help," said Guevara. "They wouldn't give me any information." Additional information cannot be provided because the case is still active and the investigation is ongoing. "This is a hate crime," stated Skrent. Guevara said there have been three other hate crime incidents in Michigan over the last few days. "We have listened for the last year and a half to the rhetoric of the Republican party and about building a wall ... these incidents are tragic, upsetting, offensive, and they are criminal," said Guevara. "Especially this last one (in Tuscola County)." "From the photographs I saw, the family lives on a one-track road (dirt road). They knew a family of Mexican descent lived there, so they went there. They were targeted because of their nationality. That is a hate crime." A hate crime is a felony. There have been riots and protests throughout the country since the presidential election, and Guevara says he has concerns. "There needs to be a lot of healing done on both sides. (Trump) needs to lead the healing. We are all Americans." In the meantime, the investigation into the Koylton Township incident continues. If anyone has any information about this incident, call Steve Roland at 989-673-8161 ext. 4056. And, Guevara wants to connect with the victims of the incident in Tuscola County to offer support. He can be reached at 989-213-2643. Guevara is one of 15 members on the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. His jurisdiction on it the covers the Thumb area. The purpose of the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan is to advocate for the well-being of the Hispanic/Latino population for achieving social justice and economic parity. The commission also studies the problems of Spanish speaking people in the areas of education, employment, civil rights, health, housing and related matters, advises the governor and state agencies about their findings, and can recommend legislation to respond to problems. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Unlike situations in some other cities, Midlanders havent publicly protested the presidential election results. But local law enforcement officials say theyre prepared to respond to demonstrations that may arise. We have a certain amount of training theyve gone through, said Price Robinson, chief of the Midland Police Department. In the future, if people will be proactive, we will increase it more. Here in Midland is different from other cities in the United States. People have accepted that there will be a new president. Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter said local law enforcement would communicate with each other to respond to protests if they occur. We work closely with the police department and with each other throughout the Permian Basin, Painter said. We havent had a rampage going on in these communities. Response to protests was one subject members of the law enforcement panel discussed Tuesday at the University of Texas of the Permian Basins Center for Energy and Economic Diversification building. The panel discussion, part of the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institutes Leadership Roundup, featured the two Midland law enforcement leaders as well as Ector County Sheriff Mark Donaldson and Tim Burton, chief of the Odessa Police Department. Robert Brescia, executive director of the JBS Public Leadership Institute, moderated the panel. He decided to invite the officials to an open public discussion after hearing about law enforcement-involved incidents in the news. I wondered how the Permian Basin was faring in respect to law enforcement compared with larger metropolitan areas here in Texas and in the country, Brescia said. I put together a leadership roundup. In Midland, Robinson said his officers are working to build relationships with residents through programs in the departments Community Relations Division. I brought a list in my notebook of programs Midland police does to interact with the community, Robinson said before the panel. Theyve been going on for 20 years. They arent things weve done just after the national attention. Despite a nationwide focus on tension with police, local law enforcement officers said acknowledgment from community members has grown. Painter encouraged the audience of about 25 people to express gratitude to officials. Let them know how you feel and that you appreciate their job, Painter said. Its a dangerous job, and its becoming more and more complicated. They appreciate it. The program also included an instructional video about traffic stops, which prompted discussions about protocol. Panelists advised the public to comply with orders during traffic stops and other encounters with law enforcement. I dont think we want to see the death of anyone, Painter said. Things go haywire when someones got dope or is mad or whatever. The problem is, they dont take long enough to calm down or assess the situation. HURON COUNTY A farm where bovine tuberculosis was confirmed last month in a 2-year-old Huron County steer is undergoing a controlled depopulation, and no others have been discovered to date. Rick Smith, assistant state veterinarian over food animal programs and the tuberculosis program for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), said the Holstein was identified as having suspicious lesions Oct. 10 at a slaughterhouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After testing on Oct. 13 and 14, the steer was confirmed positive for bovine tuberculosis, he said. The Huron County farm was quarantined Oct. 18 and is under "strict supervision of the state." The farms in Presque Isle County that the steer came from prior to that were quarantined as well, Smith added. Smith could not be more specific than to say that the infected steer was most recently on a Huron County cattle farm. "Everything that leaves there will leave on a sealed trailer," he said, as per state and federal regulations regarding depopulation. The farm is also being disinfected. The steer was born on one farm in Presque Isle County, and raised for six months on another Presque Isle County farm. "The herd that this animal was born in was tested in December. It was born in February and the farm was tested again in September," Smith said, and nothing was found. The herd where the steer spent six months was tested three months after the animal left and nothing was found there either, he said. Farmers within a three-mile radius of the Huron County farm that sent the steer to slaughter have been notified, and may of them attended an informational session that Smith presented Monday night at the Holiday Inn Express in Bad Axe. Once tests begin at the other farms in the "circle," Smith said, those farms will be under quarantine. They could remain so for as little as a few days to as much as two and a half months. "They can do whatever they're doing until the day their test begins," he said. Animals subject to testing include cattle and bison at least a year old, non-natural additions to the farm, and goats that commingle with the cattle or bison. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be testing nearby deer herds, Smith said. If there were farmed deer within the circle, they would be tested as well. Cattle will first be injected with tuberculin in their tail fold and checked for a reaction. For any animals showing swelling or inflammation, a blood test would be taken. That blood sample would indicate whether it is avian or bovine tuberculosis. Geese can also carry avian tuberculosis, he said. If bovine tuberculosis were to be discovered in other animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would take the animal to a lab at Michigan State University. Farmers may take advantage of free testing from MDARD, or they may have tests run by their private veterinarian, Smith said. If farmers use a private veterinarian, MDARD will pay for the test. All cattle within the circle must be tested by April 30. To schedule a test, call Torri Nighbert at 517-284-5675. More information on bovine TB can be found at www.michigan.gov/bovinetb. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Dalga Khatinoglu Trend: A 28-member Russian delegation, headed by Energy Minister Alexander Novak will visit Tehran on Nov.17, Irans Ambassador to Russia Mehdi Sanayee wrote on the embassy's official Telegram page. According to Sanayee, some Russian giant companies, including Lukoil, Gazprom, Zarubezhneft, Tatneft and Stroy Trans Gas would visit Iran to become familiar with the countrys newly designed contract model, called Iran Petroleum Contract or IPC. Iran recently signed MoUs with Lukoil, Zarubezhneft and Tatneft, but no agreement has been sealed between Iran and Russian companies since the elimination of sanctions in January 2016 yet. Iran says it needs more than $130 billion worth of investment to develop about 50 oil and gas fields based on IPC. Currently Iran produces 3.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) of crude oil, above 550,000 p/d of gas condensate and 750 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) of gas. The country plans to increase the oil production to above 5 mb/d by 2021 and its gas condensate and natural gas output is expected to reach 1 mb/d and 1.25 bcm/d in next five years. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Dozens of graduate students held signs and chanted at UC Berkeley on Tuesday to condemn administrators for not notifying students about pending investigations into faculty misconduct. The protest followed a Chronicle story on Sunday about a renowned architecture professor and Middle East scholar who was found to have sexually harassed a student in violation of University of California rules. Student Eva Hagberg Fisher, 34, filed her complaint at the end of March. An independent investigator hired by UC Berkeley began an investigation in May and concluded in October that the student had been sexually harassed by Professor Nezar AlSayyad, an internationally recognized academic who teaches in the architecture department and the department of city and regional planning. Campus officials must now decide whether to impose discipline. Many of the protesters are taking a required class from AlSayyad or have him as an adviser. For about half an hour, they blocked a pathway outside Wurster Hall, which houses both departments, chanting with signs that read, We Deserve Safe Classrooms and Protect Students, Not Tenure. Graduate student Brenda Zhang said she was angry and disappointed to learn that the department of city and regional planning assigned AlSayyad, 61, as her faculty mentor this summer while the investigation was pending. Zhang, 24, said students are expected to reach out to their assigned advisers and build a relationship with them. I feel that I am less valued, that I am less important than the professor and this process, Zhang said. There has to be a way of protecting the rights of those accused while protecting the safety of those who have just arrived on campus. Matt Wade, a doctoral student and AlSayyads teaching assistant, was among the 50 or so protesters. He said he and students in AlSayyads required course will protest again Thursday instead of going to class. The expectation that students should continue attending class with AlSayyad and interact with him on academic committees while the situation is still unresolved puts everyone in a huge bind, Wade said. The five-month investigation concluded that AlSayyad had spent months ingratiating himself with a student, Hagberg Fisher, before placing his hand on her upper thigh in 2013, proposing they become close friends and suggesting they go to Las Vegas. The investigator said the evidence showed that AlSayyad appeared to groom Ms. Fisher for the possibility of becoming a romantic or sexual partner. The Chronicle also spoke with two former faculty members who said that another student alleged more than 20 years ago that she and AlSayyad had sex and that she felt taken advantage of. Her complaint was never investigated, and the former student declined to comment. Another student accused AlSayyad this spring of nonsexual misconduct, and an investigation is pending. AlSayyad has vigorously denied wrongdoing in all cases. Campus officials have declined to comment on AlSayyad, who is the fourth high-profile employee in less than two years found to have sexually harassed a student or colleague. In her report about Hagberg Fishers case, the investigator recommended that campus officials begin the process of deciding whether the professor, who was not named in the report but was identified by Hagberg Fisher as AlSayyad, violated the Faculty Code of Conduct, which could lead to tenure revocation. That outcome has happened only twice at UC Berkeley in 25 years. Campus administrators met Tuesday with leaders of the College of Environmental Design, which houses AlSayyads departments, to discuss what might be necessary to protect students welfare, said Dan Mogulof, a campus spokesman. But whatever they decided will remain under wraps until the participants speak with the students about it in the next few days, Mogulof said. Cynthia Dizikes and Nanette Asimov are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com, nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @CDizikes, @NanetteAsimov Beirut Warplanes resumed airstrikes on the besieged rebel-held sections of Aleppo, Syria, on Tuesday, as Russia began a major new offensive against insurgents battling Syria's president, Bashar Assad. Russia's defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, said it had started "a big operation to deliver massive strikes" against the Islamic State and the Levant Victory Front, formerly known as the Nusra Front, in Idlib and Homs provinces. Jets taking off from Russia's aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, conducted their first strikes on Syria, the Russian military said, noting that its forces were hitting targets in the two provinces. It was unclear whether the strikes on Aleppo were by Russian or by Syrian government warplanes. The fighting shattered the relative calm that had prevailed in the rebel-held eastern parts of Aleppo for about three weeks. "Our house is being shaken," Modar Sheikho, a nurse and anti-government activist in rebel-held Aleppo, said in a text message. "The warplane is still in the sky." He shared an audio recording with the roar of a plane and the sound of explosions. Residents reported airstrikes on at least five Aleppo neighborhoods. The extent of the casualties was unclear, but they appeared to include at least three civilians, including a woman, who were killed in the neighborhood of Masaken Hanano, and 10 others wounded. There were conflicting reports about whether the attack had consisted of barrel bombs, which are usually dropped from helicopters, or an assault by fighter jets. "Since this morning, until now, dozens of shells and rockets have bombed Aleppo," Mohammad al-Sheghal, a resident of eastern Aleppo, said in a text message, adding that he believed that the planes were Russian fighter jets. Shoigu, at a meeting in Sochi, Russia, with President Vladimir Putin, said that a Russian warship, the Admiral Grigorovich, was taking part in this operation, launching cruise missiles against insurgent targets. "For the first time in the history of Russian navy, the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier took part in combat, too," he said. "Today, our Su-33 fighter jets began to work from this warship." Shoigu also briefed Putin on what he called the use of chemical weapons by the insurgents. The Russian military said that chemical weapons used by insurgents had caused three deaths of Syrian soldiers, and the hospitalization of dozens of soldiers. On Monday, a Russian fighter jet crashed off the Syrian coast as it tried to return to the Admiral Kuznetsov. The pilot ejected safely and the Russian Defense Ministry blamed a technical failure. The fighting broke out a day after Putin spoke to President-elect Donald Trump and agreed to cooperate on fighting "international terrorism and extremism," according to a Kremlin statement. That declaration echoed Trump's recent comments that he would try to work with Moscow and with Assad to fight against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL and Daesh. Trump's comments concerning Syria also received a favorable reaction Tuesday from the U.N. special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura. "What he's been saying is quite interesting," de Mistura said, speaking on the BBC's "Hardtalk" program. "The focus, the priority, is Daesh, fighting terrorism. Second to do, if possible, a deal with Russia. Both points make a lot of sense." The diplomat said he had yet to speak directly to Trump or his associates. He also emphasized that in his view, the Syria conflict still required "a completely new approach to what is a political solution." The Syrian government has tended to call all its opponents terrorists, and Russia makes little distinction among the different groups fighting Assad. A constant sticking point has been that some of the rebels that the United States has supported have made battlefield alliances with al-Qaida-linked groups considered terrorists by Moscow and Washington alike. De Mistura has estimated that perhaps a few hundred of the 10,000 or so fighters inside besieged eastern Aleppo are affiliated with al-Qaida; rebels say that number is lower and the government says it is higher. The Obama administration has said fighting the Islamic State is the priority of the United States, not toppling Assad though that is another stated U.S. aim. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. government has continued to support some rebel groups that Washington deems not to be extremist, and it has shunned direct cooperation with Moscow and Damascus, contending that their campaign in Syria has been focused less on defeating extremists and more on battling opposition groups fighting Assad. The Obama administration has also condemned what it says is indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian government and its Russian allies. A change in U.S. policy under Trump, who is to take office in January, could involve a shift toward direct cooperation with Assad and with Russia against the Islamic State. In a move that shocked city officials and housing advocates, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday rejected a 157-unit Mission District development, claiming that city planners failed to take into account the impact the complex would have on displacement and gentrification in a district that has been the heart of the citys working-class Latino community. The board unanimously upheld a challenge to the environmental review of 1515 S. Van Ness Ave., sending it back to city planners for further study. While the decision sent tremors through the citys housing development community, it was uncertain whether the move signaled that future development proposals would be scrutinized for their impacts on gentrification and the displacement of residents and businesses from a neighborhood. Its not clear whether this is precedent-setting I just dont know, said Planning Director John Rahaim. I presume its something the city attorney will look at. Under the states convoluted California Environmental Quality Act, proposed developments require a painstaking analysis of everything from noise to air quality to traffic to historical and biological resources. Until now, however, efforts by antigentrification advocates to argue that displacement is a environmental impact have gone nowhere. The vote was particularly surprising because Supervisor David Campos, who represents the Mission District, had previously backed the project, which won unanimous approval at the Planning Commission. He had helped negotiate a deal under which the developer, Lennar Multifamily Communities, agreed to rent 39 of the 157 planned units to low- and middle-income families. That agreement marked the first time a developer had voluntarily agreed to make 25 percent of units affordable without receiving any benefits in return, like increased height or density. Campos said Wednesday that he likes a lot about the project, which calls for the redevelopment of a site previously occupied by McMillan Electric, but that he has been increasingly worried of the impact that large market-rate development will have on the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, which was formed in 2014 to preserve the neighborhoods Latino heritage and community. The difference with 1515 S. Van Ness is it is taking place within the Latino Cultural District, he said. Does that change the analysis? Should that require additional study? Thats what flipped me on it. Campos also said he was upset by some of the rhetoric of those fighting the environmental review appeal, including members of the pro-growth group San Francisco Bay Area Renters Federation, known as SFBARF. At the hearing, SFBARF founder Sonja Trauss compared the antidevelopment activists to President-elect Donald Trump. When you come here to the Board of Supervisors and say that you dont want new, different people in your neighborhood, youre exactly the same as Americans all over the country that dont want immigrants, she said. Its the same attitude, its the exact same attitude. Campos called the comparison offensive, divisive and clueless. That really turned off my colleagues, he said. It tells me some of these people behind the project dont care about the neighborhood. Its rare for an appeal of an environmental study to be upheld, and Tim Colen, executive director of Housing Action Coalition, said he never dreamed it would happen in this case. He said it was only the third time in a decade that such an appeal had been upheld in San Francisco. Its shocking, said Colen. Here you have the first market-rate project come along that voluntarily agreed to do 25 percent affordable housing. Turning down that many affordable housing units is not going to help displacement in the Mission. Calle 24 Latino Cultural District Executive Director Erick Arguello, who was the appellant in the case, said he was pleasantly pleased with the outcome. He said he is hopeful that the vote would lead to a gentrification study of all housing projects that fall within the Eastern Neighborhoods planning area, a 2008 rezoning that includes the Mission District, Dogpatch, Potrero Hill and part of the South of Market. The city needs to look at these projects with a wider lens we have been making that case for a while, he said. Finally the supervisors are hearing it. But the argument that a wider lens can legally be used to appeal an environmental report is highly questionable, said land use attorney Tim Tosta, who said that the California Environmental Quality Act would only come into play if the project created physical changes to the site. For example, the act would apply if the project were to result in residential units being demolished or if it were to directly create so many jobs that it would result in housing shortage. Socio-economic issues are important, but they are not CEQA issues, he said. CEQA is often treated as dumping ground for a whole host of issues that have nothing to do with CEQA. It is not a dumping ground. Rahaim took exception to the appellants contention that city planners are not doing anything to deal with displacement in the Mission. He pointed out that the planning staff has been working with the community for two years on Mission Plan 2020, which is aimed at stopping just that. A plan is expected to be released later this week. I was a bit frustrated and frankly angry at some of those comments, he said. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen LUBBOCK Late Tuesday, following a one-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings, a federal jury convicted Richard Jasso, 39, of San Angelo, on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas. The government filed a notice of enhancement because Jasso has two previous felony drug offenses. If the court finds those convictions are final and valid, then, by statute, the court must impose a life sentence, without parole. A sentencing date was not set. Tehran, Iran, November 16 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Irans major car manufacturer Iran Khodro has started to export parts to Algeria in order to run an assembly line in the African country. The parts consist of Dena and Rauna parts and the assembly line will go on stream in March with parts and the assembly line will go on stream in March with 500 Denas, said Iran Khodro Chief Executive for Exports and International Said Tafazoli, IRIB news agency reported November 16. In 2017 another 350 Denas will be exported to Algeria. Our plan is to achieve 25,000 Dena, Rauna, and Soren by 2020, with a minimum of 40 percent local manufacturing inside Algeria. Completed car imports to Algeria are banned. Currently, Renault and Hyundai produce cars in the country. Dena, Rauna, and Soren are face-off models of the French-made Peugeots 405 and 206, which Iran Khodro has been producing for the Iranian market for years. The San Francisco police union came under fire at a special joint Police Commission meeting with the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, with supervisors, commissioners and members of the public criticizing the unions refusal to budge on a new use-of-force policy that was developed following the fatal shooting of Mario Woods by five city police officers. While the special hearing was meant to reaffirm the local commitment to police reform in the uncertainty of how a Trump administration could affect such efforts, several supervisors accused the San Francisco Police Officers Association of already standing in the way of reform. Supervisor Aaron Peskin noted that the union filed a grievance regarding the use-of-force policy, which could lead to arbitration and extend an already lengthy waiting period to put in place new directives that more strongly regulate officers decisions during perilous encounters and puts an emphasis on using minimal force. He said that despite the Police Departments plans and commitment to reform, which officials presented at the meeting Tuesday, the union has an outsized influence on the department and its behavior and the behavior of the men and women in the department. What steps are being taken to make the POA a sentient, 21st century organization that does not hark back to the 1950s with the kind of behavior that we still see going on? Peskin asked. Martin Halloran, union president, did not immediately return requests for comment Tuesday night. Police officials presented to commissioners and supervisors their plans to enact the numerous recommendations put out in various reports in the past year. The combined five reports from the U.S. Department of Justices community-policing division, the Blue Ribbon Panel of retired judges formed by District Attorney George Gascon and the citys civil grand jury totaled 479 recommendations, said Capt. Mike Connolly of the departments professional standards and principled policing bureau. All the reports criticized the departments data collection and tracking, as well as the departments training and policies for use of force. Following the Dec. 2 shooting of Woods, the Police Commission reopened the use-of-force policy for the first time since 1995, bringing together law enforcement watchdogs, police officer groups and the union to develop new rules that would reduce the use of lethal force. The Police Commission passed the policy in June, but it has been stuck in negotiations between the police union and the city since then. Under state law and City Charter, before a policy that affects working conditions can be rolled out, it must pass by the union and the Department of Human Resources before it is sent back to the commission for final approval. Union officials, who came to agreement with the commission and other community stakeholders on the majority of the new policy, disagreed on the section that would prohibit officers from shooting at moving vehicles. Last month, union officials announced that they had hit an impasse in negotiations. What I have seen over the past few years is a different spirit in which the leaders of the department have taken to reform, versus a spirit that the Police Officers Association has taken, Police Commission President Suzy Loftus said. I will say I am very tremendously disappointed at the obstruction that we have gotten on some reforms that are best practices across the country, in particular the prohibition of shooting at cars, as well as prohibitions on other outdated uses of force. Connolly, who noted that he could not speak to specifics for the union, said union officials were supportive of the Justice Departments investigation, which was conducted at the behest of Mayor Ed Lee and then-Chief Greg Suhr. The union came out strongly against Gascons blue-ribbon panel, calling it a kangaroo court with no authority over the department. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email vho@sfchronicle.com. Everyone talks about bringing together our divided nation, to no avail. Sadly, that troubling trend is spreading to the workplace, where more and more CEOs feel emboldened to push their own political ideology. Never mind the risk of disrupting their organizations and alienating a portion of their stakeholders. The question is, why? If we all realize the damage it does, why stoke the flames of discord within our culture and our companies? Not surprisingly, Ive seen this same phenomenon occur time and again over the years, albeit on a much smaller scale than the national level. Ive seen it happen within organizations big and small. They all had one thing in common: a failure of leadership. In the absence of competent leadership, warring factions step in to fill the void. Related: Shark Tank's Mark Cuban Tweets Message of Healing Think about it. Pretty much anyone can get their friends and supporters to follow them. But strong leaders have the ability to bring their detractors on board, as well. They somehow manage to bring all their stakeholders together and unite them under a common vision. Thats just what good leaders do. In the absence of strong leadership, organizations inevitably begin to splinter, usually into two groups. Why two? After one, two is the next most stable organizational construct. The more factions you have, the more chaotic things become and the greater risk that the organization will devolve into anarchy and self-destruct. The problem with America is that we havent had effective leadership -- in the White House or in Congress -- for the past four administrations. Dont just take my word for it. According to Gallup, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have been about the most polarizing presidents ever. Thats why our nation is so ideologically split. Related: If You're A Hillary Supporter, This Is the Best Advice You'll Receive Today Perhaps to fill the leadership void, more and more business leaders are going public with their political views. Thats not a problem, as long as they keep it out of their business. Otherwise, they risk harassing or disaffecting perhaps half their employees, and possibly their customers and investors, as well. That is never a good thing. After the election, GrubHub CEO Matt Maloney sent a strong anti-Trump email to all employees: I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump, he wrote. If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. That did not go over well. The online food delivery companys stock dropped like a rock amid calls for a boycott on Twitter. Maloney later tried to clarify, saying he didnt mean that anyone who voted for Trump should quit, but the damage was done. It was a polarizing move. An unforced error, and no good came of it. The same is true of dysfunctional executives who, by failing to lead effectively, allow their companies to splinter and descend into political infighting. I can tell you dozens of stories about CEOs who lacked the skillset to actually lead their organizations. They never end well. One publicly-traded corporation I consulted for many years ago was so dysfunctional that every issue devolved into endless debate and analysis paralysis. In the rare event that a decision was actually reached, opposing executives would outwardly support the plan while sabotaging it behind the scenes. That company ended up hitting a wall. It stopped growing, lost market share and ended up being acquired for a fraction of what it was worth in its heyday. The problem was a classic combination of the Peter Principle and cronyism: The CEO had reached his level of incompetence and the board of directors was in his back pocket. Related: Mark Cuban: I'd 'Rather Lose Every Penny' Than Have Trump as President Its no coincidence that introducing politics into a corporation has a divisive and destabilizing influence, but poor leadership has the same effect, breeding political infighting and discord. Thats why playing politics and political player are pejorative terms in a business context. People often say that you cant use business or management analogies in politics because nations are not the same as corporations. Perhaps thats true, but the effect of leadership failure on any organization of people is the same: Polarization, instability, and if left unchecked, destruction. Related: The Trouble With Divisive Leadership 7 Types of Jerks Found in Every Office The Second Slowest Gazelle: A Secret to Success Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Tehran, Iran, November 16 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: British economic secretaries are planning a visit to Tehran, according to Iranian Ambassador to London Hamid Baidinejad. British companies are very interested in establishing ties with Iranian counterparts, he told IRNA news agency November 16. Accordingly, many businessmen in the UK are pushing for the opening of banking relations with Iran, he noted. However, he said that due to extensive relations with American banks, UK banks act very cautiously in approaching Iran. Elsewhere Baidinejad pointed to US president elect Donald Trumps stated intention to discard the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and said, The JCPOA is not a two-sided agreement so that one country could discard it unilaterally. Trade between Britain and Iran is beginning to grow and the government is working to resolve banking sector concerns which are limiting further expansion, British trade minister Liam Fox said recently. Despite the removal of international banking restrictions in January, Tehran has secured links with only a limited number of smaller banks as U.S. sanctions remain in force and large foreign institutions still fear potential fines. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: The Iranian Foreign Ministry has described a recent UN resolution on the state of human rights in Iran as baseless. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi has said that the resolution passed on Nov. 15 is unacceptable and politically motivated, IRNA news agency reported. Qasemi added that the bill has not taken into account the realities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to AP, a UN committee on Tuesday urged Iran to cease enforced disappearances and the widespread use of arbitrary detention and has expressed serious concern about severe limitations on freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief. The General Assembly's human rights committee approved the measure by a vote of 85 in favor, 35 against and 63 countries abstaining. The assembly is virtually certain to adopt the resolution when it's put to the vote next month. The measure welcomed pledges by Iran's president to eliminate discrimination against women and ethnic minorities, as well as granting greater space for freedom of expression. But it also expressed concern over the "alarmingly high frequency" of the death penalty and urged Iran to eliminate laws and practices that constitute human rights violations against women and girls. Ankara, Turkey, Nov. 16 By Atilla Caner Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans visit to Uzbekistan will open a new page in relations between the two countries, Turkeys presidential administration told Trend Nov. 16. Development of political and economic relations between Ankara and Tashkent will become the main topic of discussions during the visit, according to the presidential administration. Uzbekistan is one of the strategically important Central Asian states, and Ankara attaches special significance to development of relations with Uzbekistan, the administration said. Erdogan will visit Uzbekistan Nov. 17-18. This is his first visit as Turkeys president to Uzbekistan. He is expected to meet with acting Uzbek president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After three months of planning and several weeks of community backlash, Hardin-Jefferson ISD's Board of Trustees approved a local innovation plan, but not without contentious bickering between board members and parents. The plan, unanimously approved by the board of trustees on Monday night, makes Hardin-Jefferson a Texas "Innovation District," exempting school officials from several requirements, including securing state approval for larger class sizes or for hiring educators without teaching or course-specific certifications for the next five years. Those decisions will instead go to the superintendent and trustees for approval, in an effort to increase local control. Board members Mary Fontenot and Gary Hidalgo, the board's representative to the committee that developed the plan, did not attend Monday's meeting. Districts of Innovation Prohibited exemptions include (but are not limited to): District governance Curriculum State Assessment System State Accountability System School Finance Federal Requirement Other requirements in state law outside of the Education Code Allowable exemptions include (but are not limited to): Educator Certification Teacher Contracts First and Last Day of School Length of School Day Class Size Designation of Campus Behavior Coordinator Certain Purchasing and Contract Requirements Source: Texas Education Agency See More Collapse For the past month, parents in the district have raised objections about the plan, saying they were not informed that the district was planning to seek the exemptions or holding meetings to discuss them. "We can send out engraved invitations if that would make you feel better," said board president Michelle Yentzen, when parents said that posting the information on the school website was ineffective. "I don't understand why that's insufficient," she said, and added that "nobody showed up" to raise concerns about the plan at meetings in August or September. "I believe this is a beautiful plan," said trustee James Padgett. Parent Lori Slocum said Monday that "parents have a right to know" the qualifications of their children's teachers, as well as of other professionals, such as nurses and diagnosticians, who will also be covered by the exemptions. Slocum also asked that restrictions be placed on which courses non-certified teachers would be able to teach. Padgett, who repeatedly mentioned that he and several other board members are alumni of H-J ISD and are parents of students in the district, said that "since the 1960s, that I know of, Hardin-Jefferson has never done any of those things you're concerned about, and I think we all know they never will," he said. Stephanie Vanskike, another parent, questioned whether a formal needs assessment was done before the district decided to propose the plan's changes to professional development. Vanskike was also critical of how the district alerted parents of the possible changes, which was done through web postings on the district's website. Padgett said that because the board is locally elected, it is "the purest form of democracy," and said that the community should trust their elected officials. "You elect us and right on the spot we represent these children. Unpaid. But we represent them," he said. He said parents should "of course know" that the board would not make decisions that hurt students, "and if you don't know that, and you don't trust me, if you don't trust her (Yentzen), then you should make sure that when we all come up for re-election, you want to put somebody in there you can trust." The board-approved plan will be sent to and kept on file by the Texas Education Agency, though Commissioner Mike Morath will not be asked to approve or reject the plan. Superintendent Shannon Holmes said the trustees will set parameters and specifications on the exemptions, which he hopes will be completed by the end of the school year. The changes will go into effect for the 2017-18 school year, he said. Hardin-Jefferson joins 38 other districts that have the state's Innovation District designation and is the first in Southeast Texas. See the other school districts in Texas that have the designation in the gallery above. LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/LizTeitz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Dozens of candles spelling out "Travis" flickered in downtown San Marcos Tuesday night as roughly 100 people gathered to honor the memory of their late friend, an active member of several organizations at Texas State University. The body of Travis Green was found on the Texas State campus in a stairwell early Monday morning in an apparent suicide, said Matt Flores, university spokesman. The following night, dozens of Green's friends congregated on the lawn of the Hays County Courthouse for a vigil remembering Green. RELATED: Student's body found inside Texas State University building Green was an English senior from Fort Worth who was set to graduate from Texas State in the spring, said Greg Arellano, electronic media junior at the university and Green's best friend. Arellano said Green had just celebrated his 22nd birthday on Halloween. RELATED: Texas State sorority member, 20, killed after being dragged 500 feet by bus: Sheriff Arellano, who calls Green his spiritual soulmate," said the 22-year-old student was an artist above all things. He was a "poet, actor, rapper, vocalist and a dear friend," Arellano said, adding that he wrote three novels. He said Green was able to impact the university it its entirety during his time there, heading multiple organizations and through his "incredible charisma." Green was a former president of the Student Organizations Council, the secretary of the Association of Hispanic Journalists, a Terry scholar and he served as CEO of Off On A Tangent, an international creative arts collective, Arellano said. RELATED: More than 100 Texas State students pack campus in protest of Donald Trump Travis aura epitomized the most beautiful parts of humanity. His laughs reflected contagious joys, even when the joke was on you, and he never failed at reminding you of how cherished you were, Arellano said. News of Green's death reverberated on social media throughout the day Monday, many asking Texas State for more information. Around 2:30 p.m. Monday, the university issued a statement confirming officials were investigating a suicide on campus. Flores said those who had class with Green were notified of his death which was before the statement was released. Flores said Wednesday university President Denise Trauth would not be issuing a statement on the student's death. A GoFundMe page for Green has accumulated $2,405 so far to help in covering his funeral expenses. kbradshaw@express-news.net Twitter: @kbrad5 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A lawsuit filed Tuesday by four newly-elected Seguin Independent School District trustees against the current school board portends a rocky upcoming shift of power in the district. Trustees-elect Elaina Reihl, Carl Jenkins, Ben Amador and Cinde Thomas-Jimenez asked a state district judge to block action by the existing board on two items on the agenda for a meeting that night. The meeting was canceled due to the litigation. The new trustees are to take office Friday. Chris Schulz, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said the order was not obtained but the meeting cancellation achieved the same objective and he planned Wednesday to withdraw the suit. The suit also accused the board of violating purchasing rules when it bought a large video scoreboard for Matador Stadium last July. That was not a violation, the districts lawyer said Wednesday. Both sides say district officials verbally agreed to table the agenda items to consider a loan to finance the jumbotron purchase and to buy furnishings for Seguin High School, which is being expanded. But after not receiving a written commitment, the incoming trustees sought a temporary restraining order to block any board action. We felt that we needed to be part of the decision-making with four new board members coming in, said Reihl, who, like the other winners, was backed by Fresh Start For Seguin ISD, a political action committee that disbanded after its slate won. A district website notice of the meeting cancellation cited the lawsuit as the cause. Seguin ISD eagerly awaits the opportunity to work with the new board members and to present them with facts so they may have the ability to serve their community with all relevant information needed to make decisions in the best interest of the district and its students, it said. The suit said the board should not have authorized Superintendent Stetson Roane in July to buy the jumbotron from Nevco Inc. for up to $1.35 million, without appropriating funds for the purchase or seeking competitive bids. Outgoing trustee Craig Thomas said no bids were required because the district utilized BuyBoard, a government purchasing cooperative that provides vendor bids to members on a host of goods. To my knowledge, there is no violation of the procurement procedure, said Thomas who, like other current trustees, expects the scoreboard to pay for itself through advertising revenue and field rentals. And if that revenue doesnt cover the $80,000 annual payments for the scoreboard, issuing $1.35 million in notes backed by property taxes for it would give the district flexibility and not require use of its reserve fund, current trustees say. The districts lawyer, Benjamin Castillo, said the unfounded claims of the short-lived suit might have a lasting effect. Its a little bit concerning for the current administrative staff when you have four new board members filing a lawsuit claiming they violated procurement procedures when that is not true, Castillo said. Trustees-in-waiting also were rankled by amendments approved Oct. 25 to district procedures, which some saw as an effort by current trustees to bolster their power. The changes included requiring a trustee to serve two years before being eligible to hold the office of board president, vice president or secretary, and to serve at least six months before participating in the superintendents evaluation. My thought is, they were just trying to make sure that we didnt have any authority when we came in, said Thomas-Jimenez, noting the changes were approved without public discussion. Reihl said, I think they are doing a disservice to the voters by limiting the role that the new board members can take. Thomas described those requirements as best practices common among Texas school districts and noted that, as locally adopted procedures, the new board can vote to revoke them. All board members are required to undergo training and its prudent for new trustees to get some experience before trying to lead, trustee Carol Sewell said. Unless they can get all their training done immediately, to me its like putting someone behind the wheel whos never even had drivers ed, she said. Trustee John Holt, whose seat was not up in last weeks election, agreed, saying, You need to understand whats going on before you get in there and start making decisions. Im waiting for these people to get in here so I know which way they want to go, he said. Were making progress in so many areas, but some people out there think that everything Roane does is wrong. zeke@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Police arrested Royce Reese Jr. on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Ramon Rivera, who was killed in his East Side home last week. Police say Rivera, who was in his 30s, was hit multiple times over the head after an argument over money. The suspect knew Rivera, although its not clear to what extent, police said. As he was being transported to jail Tuesday, Reese, 28, told reporters he was innocent. I didnt do it, he said. Theyre trying to frame me for something I didnt do. Police originally responded to the 2200 block of East Houston Street about 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Riveras estranged common-law wife had sent Rivera multiple texts and called him multiple times, but she received no response. When she arrived that morning at his home, she found Rivera unresponsive. Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene. When police arrived, they noticed that Riveras car and personal belongings were missing. A couple days later, police received a call about a suspicious vehicle, which they later identified as Riveras. Police also received a tip about the crime, which led them to arrest Reese. During the arrest, Riveras belongings were found in Reeses home, police said. Douglas Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Reese will face capital murder charges. Police believe Reese is responsible for hitting the victim over the head multiple times. However, the investigation is ongoing and police anticipate making additional arrests in connection with the crime. It was the help of community providing the tip and the hard work of the detectives putting their evidence together that led to the arrest, Greene said. eeaton@express-news.net Twitter: @emilieeaton SAN ANTONIO Three men were detained on the South Side Wednesday following a hour-long standoff at an apartment complex and an assault that left another man hospitalized. A large team of emergency crews responded around 12:25 p.m. to the Pollyanna apartments in the 200 block of West Dickson Avenue, where a few police officers were already on the scene investigating a robbery that occurred earlier Wednesday morning. A fugitive sex offender from the San Antonio area who has been wanted since 2012 was captured last week after a traffic stop in California, according to a news release. Robert Bryan Chrismon, 54, was taken into custody Nov. 10 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO Several people held a candlelight vigil Tuesday night for a 19-year-old man who was shot and killed Monday after exchanging the stink eye with two suspects on the West Side. Harvey Lozano died Monday afternoon after suffering multiple gunshot wounds in the 4900 block of Fortuna Street, the San Antonio Police Department confirmed Wednesday. RELATED: 'Stink eye' leads to deadly drive-by shooting on West Side, police say Friends and family mourned Lozano on Facebook: "R.I.P (cousin) I love you and gonna miss you" Abel Esquivel said in a post. SAPD Chief William McManus said Monday the incident was prompted when four people, including Lozano, exchanged looks that neither side appreciated at a West Side gas station shortly after 2 p.m. RELATED: Police: S.A. man threatened to kill parents who didn't vote 'his way' in election After the incident, Lozano and another man left the gas station for a residence on Fortuna Street. Two suspects, a man and a woman, followed the pair in a vehicle to the home, where one of the suspects fired several rounds from a handgun at Lozano, hitting him multiple times, according to a previous report. Lozano was transported to an area hospital and later died, according to police. McManus told media Monday he believes the shooting to be gang-related. RELATED: SAFD: St. Mary's Strip bar 'likely a total loss' after early morning fire The suspects fled the scene and are still at large, but investigators at the time believed they knew where the suspects were, McManus said. An SAPD helicopter helped search for the suspects. Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite SAN ANTONIO A 28-year-old man was arrested Saturday for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in rims and tires from a Mitsubishi dealership in early November, according to court documents. Benjamin Willis faces a state jail felony charge of theft between $2,500 and $30,000, according to online jail records. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 16 By Orkhan Quluzade Trend: Turkey has appointed Kemal Okem as its ambassador to Israel, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, TRT Haber reports. Okem was serving as foreign policy advisor to the Turkish prime minister. Israel earlier appointed Eitan Naeh as its ambassador to Turkey. Both appointments come following the normalization of relations between the two countries. Relations between Israel and Turkey worsened after the Freedom Flotilla incident in 2010, when a convoy of six ships, including one flying Turkey's flag, tried to approach the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid and activists on board. The flotilla was blocked and stormed by Israeli forces, with eight Turkish citizens being killed as a result. Turkey signed an agreement with Israel on mending the relations on June 28. Israel paid Turkey a compensation of $20 million for the Freedom Flotilla incident Sept. 30. What happens to lions, tigers and panthers (oh my!) when their cartel member masters get locked up? Wild animals, no matter how much they have been tamed, are a sight harder to turn people on to than say, a pit bull or a German Shepherd. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former nemesis Ted Cruz may be on President-elect Trump's list of potential attorney general nominees. Bloomberg News cited an unnamed source in its short report about the Texas senator, and Jennifer Jacobs, a Bloomberg political reporter, tweeted the "scoop" on Tuesday night. The Associated Press reported that Cruz attended meetings at Trump Tower in New York, but he declined to provide details of what he discussed with Trump and his team. TRANSITION TROUBLES? Amid signs of problems, Trump huddles with Pence Cruz told reporters in New York that the "election was a mandate for change" and it's now time for Republicans to deliver on their conservative agenda. Meanwhile, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a former GOP presidential candidate who once joked about Cruz being murdered, suggested that Trump nominate Cruz to the Supreme Court, according to the Huffington Post on Tuesday night. This isn't a completely new idea. Former GOP presidential hopeful Ben Carson reportedly proposed in May that Cruz becomes Tump's attorney general, and then be nominated to the Supreme Court. Asked whether he wants to be considered for a post in the Trump administration, the AP says, Cruz said only that he looks forward to working closely with Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence "to repeal Obamacare" and confirm "a strong, conservative Supreme Court justice." Cruz and Trump's roller-coaster relationship has made headlines this year. Trump and Cruz engaged in a series of personal attacks during the campaign. Trump called Cruz "Lyin' Ted" during the brutal primaries, and Cruz, in turn, called Trump "utterly amoral" and a "pathological liar." Cruz famously refused to endorse Trump at the GOP convention in Cleveland, but later pledged his support to the businessman after Trump was formally named the Republican nominee. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The dog who was once abandoned, battered and bloodied on San Antonio-area streets will receive a New York City honor on Thursday for being the first pit bull police dog in the state after she was relocated there last year. In January 2015, Kiah was found alone and marked with injuries the Kirby Animal Shelter believed came from a hammer. A good Samaritan took her to the shelter, where she was recruited by Brad Croft, owner of Universal K-9, for training in San Antonio after she made a full recovery, according to San Antonio Express-News archives. RELATED: Texas K-9's impressive drug busts have made him a 'local celebrity' Croft found Kiah was initially hard to train, but a fast learner and "didn't seem to hold a grudge" despite the mistreatment she had previously sustained, according to CBS News. Eight weeks later, Kiah was a dog with a job and ready to work. The Poughkeepsie Police Department recruited the once-abandoned dog to become a narcotics and missing persons detection K-9 alongside Officer Justin Bruzgul, according to CBS. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will honor Kiah with the society's Public Service Award in New York City on Nov. 17 for being the first pit bull police dog in the state, according to a news release. RELATED: San Antonio native is proud owner of 'last known living' 9/11 'hero dog' "These awards recognize not just the heroism of particular animals, individuals, and organizations, but the incredible bond between people and their animals," said ASPCA president and CEO Matt Bershadker in the online statement. "That connection between people and pets is so strong that when you commit to helping one, you're almost certainly helping the other." Along with her regular duties, Kiah and Officer Bruzgul visit schools and conferences, spreading the importance of animal shelters. RELATED: Man who badly burned Rosie the pit bull with acid gets 4 years in prison "Kiah is also an ambassador for 'pit bull' dogs nationwide, demonstrating that rescued 'pit bull' dogs can perform the same law enforcement work traditionally reserved for other breeds, and that any dog can have amazing underlying potential," ASPCA said. Croft has since placed 20 pit bulls in U.S. police departments after training Kiah, who his one of he best he has worked with and said "got it" from the beginning. "She's already working like a veteran dog," he told the San Antonio Express-News last year. "That's all that's on this dog's mind. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye 05:33(GMT+4)Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has resumed operations after being closed for several hours following a fatal shooting, Associated Press reported. The airport was shut down by police shortly after a Southwest Airlines employee was shot about 1 p.m. Tuesday. Michael Winchester died after being taken to a hospital following the shooting and a suspect was later found dead in a pickup truck in an airport parking garage. Police and airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said about 6:30 p.m. that the airport had resumed operations. 03:36(GMT+4) A Southwest Airlines employee was shot outside Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday and died after police closed the sprawling complex to search for his killer, Associated Press reported. Oklahoma City police identified the victim as Michael Winchester, 52. A hometown wasn't listed. The airline said it was helping police officers with their investigation. Police have not detained a suspect in the shooting. 00:15(GMT+4) Police say one person has been shot at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, Associated Press reported. The police department's Twitter account confirmed the incident. Officer Megan Morgan said there was a shooting at the airport Tuesday afternoon, but had no other details. Police asked people to avoid the airport, which is in southwest Oklahoma City. Guided by his deep faith in God, Van Garry Gill traveled throughout the United States and to Mexico and South America to minister, counsel and teach whenever he was needed. He was very open to ministering wherever the Lord would call him, his brother Timothy Gill said. He had a unique way of influencing people. Even after retiring, Gill continued to mentor young pastors, meeting them every week over lunch. God gave him the gift of teaching, his daughter Christy Mitchell said. Gill, 69, died at home Nov. 9. Raised the second oldest of five sons near Longview, Gill was called to the pulpit early on. Giving his first sermon at age 11, Gill had pages and pages of scriptures written down, Mitchell said. But it was only five minutes by the time he finished. Graduating from high school in San Antonio after his family had moved there in the 1960s, Gill then attended what was then International Bible College, where he met his future wife. The couple married in 1967. After serving as a pastor at an East Texas church, Gill and his family moved to Pennsylvania where he worked at a Bible college. He was teaching and preaching at the time, Mitchell said. I believe Dad was always a teacher and thats where he realized he loved that. More Information Van Garry Gill Born: Dec. 9, 1946, Port Neches Died: Nov. 9, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Ruth Marjorie and Fred R. Gill; two brothers. Survived by: Wife Sherry Linda Boazeman Gill; daughters Rebecca Jackson, and Christy Mitchell; four grandchildren; two brothers. Services: Burial service at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Mission Park Burial Park North, 20900 Interstate 10 West; celebration of life at 6 p.m. Friday at International Bible Church, 2369 Benrus Blvd. See More Collapse After returning to San Antonio, Gill began a decades-long teaching career at International Bible College, eventually transitioning into administration. He also felt called to begin traveling. He came home and said, God has asked me to do this, Mitchell recalled. He found this orange motor home we got it home, and my mom and my sister thought, Oh, my word, we have to live in it for three months. Gill and his family hit the road every summer for four years, traveling through a different areas of the U.S. each time. Preaching five to six times a week, Gill also taught at youth and marriage conferences but was never never too busy to spend time with his family, playing cards and sight-seeing when possible. He earned a master of theological studies in 1986 from the Oblate School of Theology. In 2009, he added a doctorate from the Institute of Theology in Monterrey, Mexico. He had an extreme passion for finding out exactly, through the Greek and Hebrew languages, to the best of his ability, what God was saying in his word, Timothy Gill said. mheidbrink@express-news.net I turned on the TV. I was startled. A voice, a voice sent me the message. Gwen Ifill had died! She was a victim of cancer. I burst into tears. I had been waiting patiently for her to return to her Friday night show Washington Week in Review as well as her daily news show on channel 13 and had just assumed that she was on vacation or on special assignment. To me, she was a model reporter, a model for young black women, a model of a reporter who treated people with respect and dignity, a model of a mature individual who served as an icon in her profession. She was intelligent, she was kind, she was respectful, she did her homework, she was real! And most important, she made a difference in the people whose lives she touched. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD The emotional health of a 5-year-old girl remains a concern for authorities who say she may be the only witness to her mothers killing. The child has not been told of her mothers death yet. Stamford police on Wednesday identified the childs mother as 24-year-old Dionicia Bautista-Cano, who was killed early Monday in a Glenbrook apartment. Lt. Tom Barcello said police needed to match her fingerprints with those on file at the Guatemalan Consulate to positively identify the body. The womans husband, 32-year-old Elmer Gomez Ruano, remains wanted as a person of interest in the homicide. Gomez Ruano was last seen Monday morning when he left their daughter at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York, police said. Barcello said the child, who speaks mostly Spanish, has been placed in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families. Barcello said police have not yet interviewed the girl to find out what she knows about the homicide to minimize the trauma. We are dealing with a 5- or 6-year-old child and we want to tread gingerly, Barcello said. She just lost her mother and she doesnt even know it yet. And I dont even know if she can understand the concept of permanency, where Mommy is not ever coming back. We are very concerned with the childs mental well-being also. She is already going to have trauma for life, and we are trying to limit the impact of it. The family moved into the Courtland Glen Cooperative Apartments early Sunday afternoon and hosted a gathering that night with relatives and friends to celebrate their new home and the couples reconciliation. Bautista-Cano and her daughter had been living in New Jersey, while Gomez Ruano worked as a dishwasher at the Bedford Street Diner and lived with roommates in a Waterside apartment. The couple was married in 2008 in Guatemala, Barcello said. Gomez Ruano came to the United States several years ago and his wife soon followed, but they were separated until recently, Barcello said. Manhunt Stamford police, the U.S. Marshals Service, Port Authority police and the New York Police Department have been searching for Gomez Ruano since Monday morning. Commuters alerted Port Authority Police to the girls presence after she had been alone in the bus terminal for an extended period of time. The girl, who was carrying a cellphone, told police her father put her mother in the hospital, Barcello said. Police checked area hospitals and did not find the woman and the girl then provided enough information to lead them to the Courtland Avenue apartment. Capt. Richard Conklin said there were signs of a struggle and the motive for the homicide appears to be domestic. He called the couples relationship very, very combustible. The state Medical Examiners Office determined Tuesday Bautista Canos death was a homicide the citys second of 2016. However, the cause of death has not been released. An arrest warrant has not been issued for Gomez Ruano, who is described as 5-foot-8 and about 140 pounds. Police said he has long black hair, with a medium build and medium complexion. Police have asked anyone with information about Gomez Ruanos whereabouts to call investigators at 203-977-4421. Jnickerson@scni.com 1 Irreversible climate deal: French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday urged the United States to respect the irreversible Paris Agreement on climate change, and said France will lead a dialogue on the topic with President-elect Donald Trump on behalf of the 100 countries that have ratified the deal. Speaking to a U.N. climate conference in Morocco, Hollande praised President Obama for his role in getting the landmark pact adopted in the French capital last year. The United States, the most powerful economy in the world, the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, must respect the commitments that were made, he said. Its not simply their duty, its in their interest. 2 Hong Kong ruling: Two Hong Kong separatist lawmakers who were disqualified Tuesday by a judge from taking office because they altered their oaths by adding anti-China insults said they will file an appeal with the citys top court. A High Court judge ruled that Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching of the Youngspiration party violated a section of the semi-autonomous Chinese citys miniconstitution, the Basic Law, as well as laws covering oaths taken by officials. A US Navy warship has been diverted to help evacuate those trapped in the coastal town of Kaikoura, New Zealand, after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit the countrys South Island on Monday, Sputnik International reported. The disaster killed two, injured several more and almost completely isolated the town of Kaikoura, a tourist destination that boasts panoramic mountain views and whale-watching expeditions. Landslides triggered by earthquake shocks blocked highways leading to the town, and left about 2,000 Kaikoura residents and hundreds of tourists cut off from the outside world, with knocked-out water supplies and sewer systems. A rescue operation is under way, with military helicopters ferrying people out and delivering food, water, diesel fuel, and other living essentials. "There's a real imperative to support the town because it can't support itself," Air Commodore Darryn Webb, acting commander of New Zealand's Joint Forces, told the Associated Press. Answering the plea for help, the US diverted its USS Sampson destroyer to deploy two helicopters to Kaikoura, contributing to the major rescue operation. The vessel was expected to participate in the 75th anniversary celebrations for the New Zealand navy, initially scheduled for Wednesday. The visit by the US ship is a matter of high importance for both countries as it ends a 30-year military stalemate, following New Zealand's decision to bar nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from using its ports or entering its waters. New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee praised the ship's role in helping quake relief efforts, saying that, "despite the changes to the planned celebrations, it's poignant to see the anniversary marked with such cooperation and camaraderie." He added that Australia's HMAS Darwin and Canada's HMC Vancouver were also expected to arrive to Kaikoura. Chinese students take the English test, part of the National College Entrance Examination, at the University of International Business and Economics. (Photo : Getty Images) A unified national English proficiency testing and rating system has been drafted by China's Ministry of Education, using a curriculum that is based on the standard criteria tied to global practices, an education official said at a symposium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, during the weekend. China Daily reported that the ministry has already completed the draft of the rating system, which will be officially released next year. The detailed plan of the national tests will be implemented gradually before 2020, Lin Huiqing, vice-minister of education, said at the 2nd International Symposium on Language Assessment and Evaluation. Advertisement The government announced in its guidelines released in Sept. 2014, the establishment of improved assessment system on foreign languages, which included reforms in the English tests and later, the reform of the national college entrance exams. According to Liu Jianda, vice-president of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, China needed a unified evaluation system with consistent standards to regulate current English teaching and testing systems in the country. There are now 300 million English learners, and various sets of English tests in the country, Liu pointed out. "But the syllabus is not consistent, and there's no national standard to appraise the learners' performance against uniform benchmarks," Liu noted. According to Liu, the new system will help solve the problem by connecting it with global evaluation systems and more mature English teaching methods. Under the new system, English proficiency will be assessed from low to high level with nine grades. Each grade has its set of language skills requirements for evaluation which include reading, writing, listening, speaking, and translating. The new system will provide people with consistent and unified standards which can be applied for their various needs, whether it is for academic goals, for getting higher education, or for employment needs, He Lianzhen, director of Zhejiang University's School of International Studies, said. "The system will also make it easier for teachers, employers and even the learners themselves to judge their English levels," the director said. Currently, China's major English testing systems include the following: - Public English Test System - Used by the National Education Examinations Authority, this five-level system is given to people with various educational backgrounds who work in different positions in various industries. - College English Test - The test used by the Ministry of Education's higher education department for all Chinese students at colleges and universities. It has two levels: CET 4 and CET 6. - Test for English Majors - The test for English majors used by the Ministry of Education's English Language Teaching Advisory Board. It has two levels: TEM 4 and TEM 8. - Business English Certificate - A test used to evaluate English language skills for business and daily use, conducted by the National Education Examinations Authority and Cambridge International Examinations. It has three levels: Preliminary, Vantage and Higher-level. - English exam for promotion - The test used for professional and technical personnel by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security for job promotion. The test has three categories: a comprehensive exam; another for those with science and engineering backgrounds; and one for those with healthcare education. Cosmic barcode from distant galaxy confirms Natures constancy Science Daily Leaks and Mold Are Ruining the Disney Magic in Celebration, Florida WSJ SEC approves vast surveillance system for stock market FT Walgreens Claims Theranos Voided 11.3% of Test Reports WSJ Walmart Sued for Selling Fake Egyptian Cotton Products Sourcing Journal Singapore to Test Digital Currency in Latest Fintech Initiative Bloomberg Saudi Arabia set to reveal depth of oil reserves FT. Hoo boy. Syraqistan Brexit? Italy polls get worse for Renzi as referendum nears Reuters Polls, Macron campaign launch throw French presidential election wide open Reuters China? Another Financial Warning Sign Is Flashing in China Bloomberg. If populism is sweeping the globe, shouldnt it arrive at China? And what would it look like if it did? Chinese bubble cities launch second wave of tightening Macrobusiness Indonesia police name Jakarta governor as blasphemy suspect Independent Modis Money Crackdown Threatens India Corporate Profit Recovery Bloomberg Why the Bangladesh Government Is Pleased Trump Will Be the Next US President The Wire Report warns of Asia arms race if Trump withdraws US forces AP War Drums America Has Abdicated Its Leadership of the West Der Speigel Trump Transition Business booms at NY Times, WSJ as showdown with Donald Trump looms Times Picayune. President Obama Leaves Behind a Deplorable Civil Liberties Legacy Liberty Blitzkrieg 2016 Post Mortem City Living Makes Animals Dishonest Nautil.us Antidote: Bonus antidote: #GatoLeaks: el gato de Assange se robo el show este lunes en la Embajada de Ecuador https://t.co/j1ywD1JnSq pic.twitter.com/Z76O9sJQvL CNN en Espanol (@CNNEE) November 15, 2016 Antidote du jour: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Here is a second post debunking common talking points by Clinton loyalists and Democrat Establishment operatives; the sort of talking point you might hear on Twitter, without caveats or context. For both talking points, Ill give an especially egregious version of the myth, followed by a rebuttals. (Three previous talking points are debunked here.) Talking Point: The Clinton Campaign Was Well-Managed Here are two examples of the talking point. From the Washington Post (November 10, 2016): At Brooklyn headquarters on Wednesday, Podesta expressed his gratitude and support for the team, and for Mook. We have the No. 1 campaign manager, he said, in a staffwide gathering in the afternoon. Ive been doing this since 1968, and Ive never seen a culture and a spirit like we created in this campaign. On the conference call with thousands of staff across the country, Clinton also called in [how kind] and thanked her team for their dedication. Mook tried to end the campaign on a high note. What youve created is going to live on, he told his troops. Leaders all over this country, local networks around the nation, future candidates who are going to step forward. Someone in this room is going to manage a presidential campaign one day. The subtext here is that Clintons 2016 Democrat strategists did nothing wrong, and we should expect to see the same operatives and power players hanging around election after election after election (rather like eight-time loser Robert Shrum after the Democrats brought on the Reagan era by running Dukakis). In fact, liberal Democrats in 2016 were out-strategized, out-organized, and out-hustled by people they regarded and still regard as their intellectual and moral inferiors, and in election where they framed the stakes as a government takeover by fascists. That said, there are three reasons this talking point is false. First, the Clinton campaign was a technical and managerial debacle. WaPo, in a storyline that seems to have dropped from sight: Ada is a complex computer algorithm that the campaign was prepared to publicly unveil after the election as its invisible guiding hand. Named for a female 19th-century mathematician Ada, Countess of Lovelace the algorithm was said to play a role in virtually every strategic decision Clinton aides made , including where and when to deploy the candidate and her battalion of surrogates and where to air television ads as well as when it was safe to stay dark. The campaigns deployment of other resources including county-level campaign offices and the staging of high-profile concerts with stars like Jay Z and Beyonce was largely dependent on Adas work, as well.. According to aides, a raft of polling numbers, public and private, were fed into the algorithm, as well as ground-level voter data meticulously collected by the campaign. Once early voting began, those numbers were factored in, too. What Ada did, based on all that data, aides said, was run 400,000 simulations a day of what the race against Trump might look like. A report that was spit out would give campaign manager Robby Mook and others a detailed picture of which battleground states were most likely to tip the race in one direction or another and guide decisions about where to spend time and deploy resources. So where did Ada go wrong? About some things, she was apparently right. Aides say Pennsylvania was pegged as an extremely important state early on, which explains why Clinton was such a frequent visitor and chose to hold her penultimate rally in Philadelphia on Monday night. But it appears that the importance of other states Clinton would lose including Michigan and Wisconsin never became fully apparent or that it was too late once it did. The 2012 Romney campaigns tech debacle was Orca, a vote tracking and GOTV system that crashed on election day. The Ada[1] tech debacle is far worse, since as WaPo points out, Ada informed every strategic decision the Clinton campaign made from day one to November 8. Even worse, Ada was a management debacle as well: Clearly, a campaign with multiple staffers approving individual tweets either didnt check that Adas simulations bore any relation to what was happening on the ground, or Adas parameters and algorithms were tuned to the strategists confirmation biases, which checks by those same strategists would also have been subject to. (This reminds me of the management dysfunction in the ObamaCare launch debacle, where nobody told Obama the program was in trouble.) Second, the Clinton get-out-the-vote operation contributed to Trumps success by targeting Trump voters (!). Sanders organizers Becky Bond and Zack Exley write[2] in HuffPo: [A]n examination of the mechanics behind the Clintons get out the vote efforts reaching out to Clinton voters in key states at the door, on the phone or by text messages reveals evidence of what appears to be a pretty shocking truth. Clinton volunteers were inadvertently turning out Trump voters. Possibly in significant numbers. Volunteers for the Clinton campaign in Pennsylvania, Ohio and North Carolina have reported that when reminding people to vote, they encountered a significant number of Trump voters. Anecdotal evidence points to anywhere from five to 25 percent of contacts were inadvertently targeted to Trump supporters. This is a big deal because when voters are engaged by a volunteer they are significantly more likely to cast a ballot in an election. To make matters worse, because Republicans had a non-existent ground game in many areas this cycle, this powerful reminder from a Clinton volunteer to get out and vote might have been the only personalized GOTV communication these Trump voters received. The campaigns text messaging GOTV effort may have been the worst offender. Volunteers reported as many as 30% of the replies they received from voters they were urging to get out were Trump supporters. Granted, this is anecdotal data (and that may be all we have for awhile. Can any readers confirm?) but if we make the easy assumption that the call lists were generated by the Ada algorithm, the anecdotes rapidly scale to a default setting. Third, the Clinton ground game ignored key swing states and swing counties that Trump won. The Wall Street Journal: For all their analytical prowess and muscular ground game, the Clinton campaign didnt spot the rebellion brewing in states they largely took for granted: Wisconsin and Michigan. So confident were they, they seemed focused at the end on a landslide victory that would reshape the map for years to come. Less than a week before Election Day, Mrs. Clinton showed up in Arizona, a state that Democrats hadnt won in 20 years. She made repeated trips to North Carolina, a state that wasnt necessary to reaching the 270 Electoral Vote threshold. On the weekend of Oct. 22-23, she said she was done responding to the latest provocations from Mr. Trump and devoted chunks of her speeches to helping Democratic Senate candidates. She appeared to be looking beyond Nov. 8, envisioning her presidency. Had she never stepped foot in North Carolina and instead blanketed the longtime Democratic strongholds of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, the path to 270 might have stayed intact. One longtime Democratic donor describes Mrs. Clintons approach as tantamount to malpractice. Bill Clinton seemed to grasp the threat. In early September, he spent part of a day campaigning in largely white counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, trying to peel away Trump supporters and limit the damage. He told crowds that Mr. Trump was offering no real answers to the anxieties of disaffected white voters the heart of the Trump coalition. It wasnt enough. Mrs. Clinton wound up losing both counties her husband visited that day Fayette and Washington by far larger margins than President Barack Obama did in 2012. She went on to lose Pennsylvania, a state that Mr. Obama won twice. Heres more detail on Pennsylvania. From the Allentown Morning Call: In recent elections, Democrats have won Pennsylvania in presidential years by piling up huge margins in the urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as the states suburban counties, while leaving the sparsely populated rural counties to Republicans. Democrat Hillary Clinton executed that strategy well. She came out of Philadelphia with a 450,000-vote margin, won all four of the suburban counties surrounding Philadelphia and carried Allegheny County by 8,400 more votes than President Barack Obama in 2012. But there is another ingredient in that winning formula. Winning Democratic candidates pad their lead with votes from counties whose cities were former industrial powerhouses, onetime union strongholds such as Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Bethlehem and Erie. They didnt finish the job, said Mark Nevins, a Philadelphia Democratic political consultant. If you want to point to one county where it really fell apart it would be Luzerne this Wilkes-Barre, coal area, blue-collar county. Trump visited the area multiple times during the general election campain, holding two rallies in Scranton and one outside Wilkes-Barre. He talked about how the system is rigged against them, Nevins said. Trump won Luzerne County by more than 25,000 votes, a 30,000-vote swing from 2012, when Obama won the county by 5,000 votes. Trump also trimmed 23,000 votes off Democrats 2012 advantage in Lackawanna County, home to Clintons childhood summer home of Scranton. Trump lost Lackawanna by a slim 3,500 votes. So, for this talking point to be true, we have to believe that betting a campaign on closely held and poorly tested software is a good idea, that getting your opponents voters to the polls is a winning strategy, and that a narrow focus on urban and suburban counties has very little tail risk. Talking Point: The Clinton Defeat Had Nothing To Do With Economics Heres an example of the talking point. From, naturally, Amanda Marcotte (November 11, 2016): (The subtext here is usually that if you dont retweet approvingly, youre a racist yourself, and possibly a racist Trump supporter.) There are four reasons why this talking point is false. First, the swing from Obama to Trump was greater in counties that were economically stressed. FiveThirtyEight: Instead, to understand what drove Trumps victory, we can look at how Trumps margin against Clinton in 2016 compared with Romneys against President Obama in 2012. Sure enough, the swing toward Trump was much stronger in counties with a higher share of routine jobs; the swing toward Trump was also stronger where unemployment was higher, job growth was slower and earnings were lower. It is clear that the places that voted for Trump are under greater economic stress, and the places that swung most toward Trump are those where jobs are most under threat. Importantly, Trumps appeal was strongest in places where people are most concerned about what the future will mean for their jobs, even if those arent the places where economic conditions are worst today. Notice that job crapification (routine jobs) is part of economic stress. Second, economic optimism among Black voters was much lower than in 2012. WaPo: Pre-election research showed that among African Americans, their feelings of economic optimism were precipitously lower in this election than in 2012, said Geoff Garin, a pollster for Priorities USA who conducted this research independently of the super PAC. And their feeling that Clintons economic policies would help people like them were substantially lower. Those kinds of things affect peoples willingness to come out to vote. Third, primary counties with high Case-Deaton death rates voted for Trump. WaPo: In every state except Massachusetts, the counties with high rates of white mortality were the same counties that turned out to vote for Trump. Were focusing on middle-aged whites because the data show that something has gone terribly wrong with their lives. In a study last year, economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton pointed out that mortality rates for this group have actually been increasing since the 90s. Economic struggles have likely contributed as well. Case and Deaton also found that the increase in the death rate has been driven by people with less education. For those without a college degree, the economy in recent decades has been increasingly miserable. This may explain why some have turned to self-destructive behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. The people Ive been describing this distressed, dying demographic slice of America are similar to the people who tend to vote for Trump, according to phone and exit polls. Trump supporters are mostly white; skew older; and are less likely to have college degrees than other Republicans. (Less educated is a proxy, for working class.) Fourth, the swing from Obama to Trump was greater in counties that where housing costs were high. WaPo: According to the analysis, respondents in hundreds of surveys were more likely to view Trump favorably if they lived in Zip codes with heavy mortgage-interest burdens relative to local incomes, after taking into account a range of socioeconomic factors. A less neutral response would read where people were more likely to lose their homes, as opposed to where housing costs were high. (It would be interesting to see if these counties also had experienced foreclosure problems after the crash.) As a sidebar, employment and housing costs bring me to this study by Thomas Ferguson of another Democrat debacle: The 2010 race between Scott Brown and Martha Coakeley[3] that cost them control of the Senate. Ferguson writes: Two distinct economic factors clearly propelled the Brown vote. Measuring from November 2008 to De-cember 2009, for each 1% unemployment rose in towns, the Democratic share of the vote fell by about a quarter of 1%. That may not sound like much, but the average rise in unemployment was about 4% across the state as a whole, with many towns hit much harder, including some that experienced double digit rises. Declines in single fmily house prices also depressed the Democratic share of the vote. Here variatons across the state were even wider. For each 1% prices dropped, the Democratic share of the vote fell off by about a fifth of a percent. Many towns saw price drops of 5% to 9%, with values in one towntalling 14%. And Ferguson presciently concludes: If, as many expect, the U.S. is facing years of slow job growth coupled with a prolonged housing crisis, then our re-sults raise the possibility that the Tea Part in Massachusets may look like a tempest in a teapot compared to whats coming in at least some elections in other states. So, the general in 2016 is a replay of Massachusetts in 2010. Its the economy, stupid. As Talleyrand does not quite say of the Bourbons, the Democrats have learned nothing and forgotten a lot. In any case, for this talking point to be true, we have to believe that economic stress, loss of economic optimism, excess deaths, and housing costs affect neither turnout nor the vote. Conclusion Clinton, in a conference call with donors, blamed Comey. Vanity Fair: There are lots of reasons why an election like this is not successful, Clinton said on the conference call. But, she added, our analysis is that Comeys letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless proven to be stopped our momentum. Clinton told her donors, we dropped, and we had to keep really pushing to regain our advantage, which going into last weekend we had. We were once again up in all but two of the battleground states, and we were up considerably in some that we ended up losing. And we were feeling like we had to put it back together. To be fair, Clinton is correct that there are lots of reasons, in an election this close. However, to me, blaming Comey is like blaming the last pebble in an avalanche of #FAIL. Sanders asks the right question. Talking about the Comey letters, Sanders said: Its not a question of what happens in the last week. The question is that she should have won this election by 10 percentage points. Bingo. NOTES [1] The story doesnt say where Ada was developed. Since it would be irresponsible not to speculate, my guess would be it came from Google squillionaire Eric Schmidts The Groundwork, the Clinton campaigns top technology vendor, earning more than $600,000 in fees since the campaign began, according to federal campaign finance disclosures. And then theres this, also from the WaPo story: The algorithm operated on a separate computer server than the rest of the Clinton operation as a security precaution, and only a few senior aides were able to access it. Oh. A separate computer server. Maybe there needs to be a moratorium on campaign software with two-syllable names that end in A. Knowledge of Orca and Ada was also closely held. Perhaps more eyes on the code would have prevented hubris. [2] The whole article is worth a read; it describes the effects of a complex and ultimately toxic stew that includes professionalization of politics, attempts by the liberal establishment to channel radical impulses of working class people and people of color into incrementalist politics, and the ascendancy of a bipartisan technocratic elite in both parties that has been accelerating the concentration of power in the hands of an increasingly small number of mega corporations and institutions. [3] I remember the Coakely/Brown race very well. Coakely had sued Goldman-Sachs for $20 million dollars and won; surely a populist talking point in a populist year; but she didnt run on it. Im assured by a Washington insider that the DSCC punishes candidates who dont stick to its talking points. Yves here. The latest news from Team Trump is a big departure from the president-elects initial stance of favoring more modest ambitions for the US in order to focus resources on domestic priorities. But as soon as Trump won the Republican nomination, he moved sharply to take up more traditional party messages, such as a much greater emphasis on law n order and calling for a military buildup. The most charitable spin one can put on Giulianis priorities, which one would assume mirror Trumps, is that more better pork is the price of winding down our involvement in the Middle East and de-escalating with Russia. We will presumably have better intel on how this decidedly belligerent posture came about (assuming these press statements are official views, as opposed to more Trump throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks) in coming days and weeks. By David Llewellyn-Smith, founding publisher and former editor-in-chief of The Diplomat magazine, now the Asia Pacifics leading geo-politics website. Originally posted at MacroBusiness From The Australian: The frontrunner to become Donald Trumps secretary of state has revealed the US president-elect is committed to building a gigantic military force to thwart Chinas ambitions in the Pacific. Rudy Giuliani, the New York mayor during the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, and who is assisting Mr Trumps transition to the White House, said yesterday the military expansion would be designed to allow the US to fight a two-ocean war. The hawkish comments are a strong sign the Trump administration will not neglect the Asia-Pacific region, and follow the president-elects criticisms during the election campaign that Americas NATO allies and Japan were not pulling their weight. We (will) take our military up to 550,000 troops (instead of) going to 420,000, Mr Giuliani told global business leaders in Washington. We (will) take our navy up to 350 ships, (instead of) going to 247. At 350, China cant match us in the Pacific. At 247 ships, we cant fight a two-ocean war; we gave up the Pacific. If you face them with a military that is modern, gigantic, overwhelming and unbelievably good at conventional and asymmetric warfare, they may challenge it, but I doubt it. So, I guess the USS Trump is not going the abandon Asia after all. On the contrary, its going to re-engage with a battleship instead of a trade deal, in true Ronald Reagan Cold War fashion. This unsettling conclusion is reinforced by the first of Trumps appointments, from the FT: Personnel is policy, as they say in Washington. By that measure the appointment of Stephen Bannon as Donald Trumps White House chief strategist marks a stunning watershed in US politics. As the chief enabler of the rise of the alt-right via the hardline conservative Breitbart News, which Mr Bannon ran until he was tapped to head Mr Trumps campaign his elevation tells us a lot about how Mr Trump plans to govern. Imagine if after his 2008 victory Barack Obama had appointed the Reverend Jeremiah Wright his controversial former pastor and a fiery black nationalist as senior White House counsellor and you get some flavour of the shock value. To put it bluntly, an ethno-nationalist will be at the heart of Mr Trumps White House. The implications of Mr Bannons role are enormous. Members of the alt-right, which is a shadowy group of internet-driven outfits that disdain even the most Jacobin strains of Republican conservatism, celebrated the news on social media. Mr Bannon will be in immediate conflict with Reince Priebus, the mainstream Republican who will be Mr Trumps White House chief of staff. Crucially, Mr Bannon will be reporting directly to Mr Trump rather than to Mr Priebus, which will give him the chance to change the presidents mind on decisions already taken. The alt-right has strongly nationalistic foreign policy leanings. Thats not necessarily a bad thing given it will push back the neo-conservatives that have had the US gallivanting around the world forcing regime changes all over for successive administrations but it comes with its own problems, not least being great power conflict! Meanwhile, Penny Wong wants to disengage from the USS Trump, via Peter Hartcher: The Labor party has decided to step back from Donald Trumps America and reassess while putting more emphasis on Asia, a break in the longstanding bipartisan consensus towards Australias chief ally. While stating that Labor remains committed to the alliance with the US, the partys foreign affairs spokerperson, Penny Wong, says that we should not be naive. We are at a change point, and face the possibility of a very different world and a very different America, she writes in an opinion piece for Fairfax Media. We need to consider a broader range of scenarios than was previously within contemplation. It is time for Australia to work more closely with countries in Asia, she says. We need to work with our regional partners during this period of uncertainty to identify areas of common interest and jointly seek to influence US thinking on these, Senator Wong writes. First amongst these, she says, is how to keep the US constructively engaged in Asia: Put simply, Australia needs a better road map in Asia. This is consistent with the urgings of Labor elder statesmen such as the foreign affairs minister in the Hawke government, Gareth Evans, who this week has advised: Less America. More Asia. Sounds pretty naive to me. After two decades of ignoring South East Asia were going to stroll back in and engage? Dont get me wrong, its the right thing to do, I just wouldnt expect a marvelous response. As for China, were already very heavily engaged. We need to be limiting our exposure there. The reason for that is obvious. If the USS Trump is going to pivot a muscled up military to the Asia Pacific, specifically to cow a rising strategic rival in China, then we can expect all sorts of unpleasant corollaries: US Pacific alliances are going to become more not less active as the US deploys its new China Cold War Pacific fleet in exercises, tests Chinas resolve in the South China Sea, tests alliance resolve on the same issues, and generally makes demands along the lines of why are you supporting our strategic rival, perhaps even on such things as Aussie iron ore building Chinese aircraft carriers; demands for military build-ups in allied militaries will accelerate, no doubt sourced from US suppliers and fully integrated with the USS Trump. Australias defense bill is going to rocket; the US is quite likely to be tough on Chinese trade as well. Indeed, I cant see why one would bother rebuilding the Pacific fleet if ones objective is not to basically out-gun, out-spend, out-trade and outright suppress the rise of China. China is of course likely to respond with a military build-up of its own. Australias great strategic straddle is about to rip not just our trousers in twain but perhaps send a leg either way as well. By Ken Klippenstein, an American journalist who can be reached on Twitter @kenklippenstein. Originally published at Alternet. Patrick Cockburn is a journalist for the Independent who has covered the Middle East for decades and is credited with forecasting the Islamic States ascendance in 2014. Seymour Hersh has called him the best western journalist at work in Iraq today. Cockburn is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Orwell Prize for Journalism, the Martha Gellhorn Prize and many others. AlterNet interviewed Cockburn, who at the time was based in Erbil, Iraq, about 80 kilometers from Mosul, the location of the major coalition offensive against the Islamic State. We discussed topics ranging from Donald Trump to the efficacy and civilian toll of the Mosul offensive. The interview has been lightly edited for readability. Ken Klippenstein: When Trump called for a Muslim ban, did ISIS use that for propaganda purposes? Patrick Cockburn: There probably were references to it because, though its a bit degraded now, Islamic State has a pretty wide-ranging propaganda program; [they] certainly wouldve used that. Anything which smacks of communal punishment of Muslims in the U.S. or France enables them to mobilize their constituency more easily. KK: Mobilize their constituency militarily or recruitment-wise? PC: Both. KK: What do you hope that the Trump administration does (and does not) do with respect to ISIS? PC: They couldthough Hillary Clinton seemed more likely to do this, actuallythey could say we are equally committed to getting rid of Assad. As soon as you do that, thats good news for Islamic State. Itd be a bad idea if they did that. Above all, whats the relationship to Iran? Thats one thing Trump is very committed to, was denouncing the Iran deal. Now, does that fall apart? Saudi Arabia and the Gulf monarchies would be very pleased if it did fall apart. If that falls apart then that further destabilizes the region and gives an incentive to the Iranians to maybe increase their intervention [in Iraq] and Syria. It has all sorts of repercussions. Thats probably the most menacing thing, is whether the deal Obama did with the Iranians is dropped by Trump, which would probably delight the Israelis, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf monarchies. Thats the most destabilizing thing that could happen and is perhaps the most likely thing that could happen. KK: What effect would killing the Iran deal have on the war against ISIS? PC: There has always been this funny mixture particularly in Iraq, of public rivalry and private cooperation between the Iranian army and the U.S. because for a long time they had the same enemiesinitially in Saddam Hussein and then al-Qaeda in Iraq. You had a Shia government [in Iraq] supported by the U.S. after 2005 but it was also supported by Iran. They wanted to increase their influence and limit that of America but they had the same friends and the same enemies. The degree of cooperation would depend somewhat on this nuclear deal and has increased because of this nuclear deal. Also the current government of Iran that is committed to this deal could fall apart. Its all very negative if that goes. KK: If Trump tears up the agreement, will there be a government more like Ahmadinejads in Iran? PC: Thats one thing that could happena tougher U.S. line on Iran provokes the whole Shia coalition against the U.S., makes them look more towards war than diplomacy. KK: Do you think Trump was serious when he called for a Russia detente? PC: He might be. Its not so stupid. To some degree, thats what we already have had: negotiations and an attempted ceasefire with the Russians. You can justify that by saying that if there is going to be any peace agreement in Syria, it has to be negotiated by the biggest players which are the U.S. and Russia. They may not be enough to do it, they may not be able to control allies or proxies or something. [But] thats sort of feasible. Its also true that policies such as Hillary Clintonsor just the people around her who were talking about fighting Islamic State and fighting, getting rid of Assadwere never feasible. There isnt a moderate opposition faction that couldve fought both. It barely exists. The problem about this is, what Trump has said, these are not defined policies. We dont know who the guys who are meant to implement them are. So its pretty incoherent. KK: Do you think these attempts to arm the rebels will continue to happen? PC: Yeah, its evident that within the U.S. government, different parts of the government have different policies; you know, the CIA arming various rebel factions, the Pentagon tried this. But the idea of arming factions that were supposedly moderate not only hasnt worked but its been disastrous, its been a joke. Whatever the state of the Syrian political opposition, the armed opposition is dominated by Islamists and has been a long time. So that might continue but I dont think itll make much difference. When it comes to troops, soldiers, on the ground cooperating with the U.S., of course, the Pentagon did find people but it was the Kurds and various proxies supported by the Kurds. KK: Has Trumps victory helped jihadis in Syria in Iraq? PC: Potentially it could, but I dont think it works that way at the moment because they tend to think of Americans, Europeans, not just non-Muslims but non-believers in that sort of Wahhabi variant of Islam that they believe in. So to them all the worlds an enemy, whether its a Shia Muslim whos worthy of immediate death or Yazidis, who many are enslaved. One of the things about the siege of Mosul, down the road from where I am, is that there are different armiesall of whom are enemies of the Islamic state and all hate each otherbesieging the place at the moment. Now potentially, [if] Muslims start getting kicked out, if some people get killed and so forth, yeah that would play to their advantage. Any sort of communal punishment of Muslims anywhere is something that they can take advantage of in their propaganda. The degree to which thats successful and helps them of course depends on the degree of the communal punishment to which Muslims are subject. KK: Do you think the numbers were seeing are vastly understated with respect to civilian casualties arising from the coalition airstrikes on ISIS territory? PC: Theyre probably understated; whether theyre vastly understated I dont know. Areas Ive been to between here and Mosul, most of the villages were uninhabited ever since ISIS took them over in 2014. There werent many people living there, so they could bomb these ISIS positions without killing many civilians. Now were getting tothe fighting is in East Mosul and thats full of people. This is an important question thats going to come up now in the next few weeks. The Iraqi army isnt making that much progress over the last week in those areas, so whatll they do? One option is much more bombing and disregard the civilian casualties. If that happens then the number of civilian casualties will soar vastly from what it is now. KK: Could Trump pursue that option? PC: Potentially, yeah, they could up the bombing, particularly in places like Mosul. But its too early to say. KK: There have been reports in the Russian media that the U.S. has let ISIS forces escape Mosul for Syria to cause problems for the Syrian government. Is there any truth to that or is it just Russian propaganda? PC: I think its propaganda. It may be that we would quite like to do that but I dont think its happening because it looks as if the Islamic State is very determined to hold Mosul, which was always likely because capturing Mosul was its big victory that sort of put Islamic State on the map. Its one big population center, still controlled, 1.5 to 2 million people there. If its going to fight anywhere, Mosul is probably a good place to fight because theres a big civilian population, its filled with small streets and houses that it can carry out street fighting and its more difficult for an air coalition to bomb it flat like they did in Ramadi. Its also quite difficult to get out of the city these days because the siege is quite complete at the moment. People are telling me units of snipers and so forth are being sent from Raqqa to Mosul. KK: When Trump apparently calls for carpet-bombing, does that have an effect on [ISIS] morale? PC: No, I dont think so. Guys here have been bombed so oftentheyre not going to be frightened by this. The place is being very heavily bombed. These armies have massive firepower, its up to 15,000 airstrikes or something like that in Iraq and Syria. There may not be carpet bombing here, but the place has been very heavily bombed. KK: What is Turkeys involvement in the Mosul offensive? PC: Theyve been rhetorically saying that they have an interest in Mosul, that they will intervene if the Shia militias take over. President Erdogan was saying that Mosul was part of the Ottoman empire, he goes into sort of neo-Ottoman rhetoric and nobody quite knows how seriously to take it. They do have about 700 soldiers in one place, they sort of trained up a local militia that used to work for a former governor; when I met these guys they didnt seem that serious, like a form of policemen, theyre not combat soldiers. Turkey is sort of implying it might get across the border [into Iraq], which is pretty closeit sent a unit of tanks down there from Ankara the other day. I dont think theyd do it because I think the Iraqi government are against it, the Kurds are against it, the US are against it, it doesnt seem to me that likely. They certainly sort of involved in it, they want to be a player but theyre still a sort of marginal player. KK: Whos to say ISIS wont just flee to the countryside and wait it out and come back later, in another form? PC: Im sure theyd like to do that. I think theyve been divided. Theres evidence their commanders were divided as to whether they should have a last stand or a big stand in Mosul or should they revert to being guerillas. I think if the Islamic State goes down, that is an important change, one shouldnt underrate that. One of the things that gave them ideological prominence in the world and gave them the capacity to launch attacks in France and Belgium and so forth was the fact that they had a state. Foreign leaders kept saying its not a statebut it had its own army, administration, taxes, everything else. So it is very like a state. Also actually declaring a Caliphate gave them a much higher profile. Its not so easy to convert back into a guerilla organizationI dont think they have the kind of guerilla networks to sustain themselves that they had in the past. KK: Many Americans think our weapons are so advanced and accurate that civilian casualties from airstrikes are minimal. Whats your response to that view? PC: Theres a misconception about that we may have a really good way of targeting a building or something but at the end of the day it all depends on intelligence of where Islamic State isthis may be good or bad. The actual weapon might be very accurate but we dont really know whos going to be at the receiving end. Theres a long history here, going back to the first Gulf War (1991) U.S. bombing, where they were hitting buildings very accurately. I remember, in 1991 in Baghdad, they hit a shelter, which they thought was full of high-ups in the Baath partyin fact it was full of 600 women and children who all got killed. KK: Could civilian casualties in Mosul hamper hopes for a political solution? PC: Were pretty far from a political solution anyway, and these guys are pretty angry. Would it make that worse? Well, probably it would, but were a long way from any power sharing with the Sunni Arabs (these are the people in Mosul city). The armies outside are Iraqi army which is mainly Shia Muslims. I was going through an Iraqi army checkpoint a couple of days ago. They wanted me to have tea and biscuits, they were giving tea and biscuits to everybody. The reason is, they were celebrating a Shia religious festival which involves feeding people. This was an army checkpoint but they were making no point to conceal that they were all Shia and they were conducting a religious ceremony. So you have a high degree of sectarianism already within the army. This is what people want to know about: what happens after the fall of Mosul. First of all we have to know how much of Mosul is left by the time that happens. You might have power-sharing between the Shia and the Kurds but the Sunni are kind of the defeated in this war so far. You have lots of Sunni refugees all over the place. Other than ISIS they dont have much leadership. So it may not be power sharing after this conflict; you may just have winners and losers. KK: The US government describes its military presence in Iraq as merely advisory. Is that a fair characterization or is it more than that? PC: Its more than that. There are 12 US generals in Iraq. First of all, the main firepower of the Kurds and the Iraqi army is the U.S.-led air coalition. Secondly, logistics. I doubt that this offensive would be taking place if Washington hadnt wanted it. KK: Have U.S. forces been directly engaged in combat? PC: They probably havethere have been a few U.S. casualties but not many, which indicates theyre not really engaged in combat. Co. Tipperary's only residential centre for refugees based in Carrick-on-Suir has closed after 15 years in operation due to the falling number of foreign nationals seeking asylum in this country. A Department of Justice spokesperson said the decision to close Bridgewater House Centre for Refugees and Asylum Seekers was based on the reduced need and demand for "direct provision" residential accommodation for people seeking asylum. The number of asylum applicants residing at Bridgewater had fallen and this reflected the over all downward trend in asylum applications, he said. The number of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation in the State has falled by nearly 500 since October 2015 to 4301 and 400 of those have been granted residency and are transitioning to independent living. Irish residency was granted to a group of long term residents of Bridgewater House earlier this year and according to the Department of Justice the remaining asylum seekers based there have been moved to other "direct provision" accommodation. It's understood that many of them have moved to the Mosney Accommodation Centre in Co. Meath. The Bridgewater House Centre was based in Carrick-on-Suir's former Mercy Convent and boarding school off Main Street. The property is owned by Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd., a company run by Cork entrepreneurs Noel C Duggan and his brother Thomas Anthony Duggan. The property had been leased to the State for use as a residential centre for asylum seekers since 2001. Read the full story in this weeks edition of The Nationalist in shops today (Wednesday). New U.S. President Donald Trump could inadvertently start a trade war with China with his policies. (Photo : Getty Images) New U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign promise to declare China as a currency manipulator could trigger a new trade war between the two countries, experts warned. According to former U.S. Trade Representative attorney Michael Gadbaw, Trump has a lot of powers as the incoming president to intervene in trade. Which he can use to impose tariffs on China, the Wall Street Journal reported. Advertisement Trump has made the pledge to declare China as a currency manipulator as part of his campaign platform in the recently concluded U.S. Presidential elections. Experts said that, by its own, the declaration has very little significance. However, when used in conjunction with other laws that provide the President with the authority to sanction trade partners, it can have significant effects. For instance, Gadbaw said, Trump could use the Foreign Trade Act of 1974 to declare the current trade setup with China as being unreasonable and unjustifiable trade restrictions and open the way for imposing larger tariffs on the country. Trump has repeatedly said that he will impose as much as a 45 percent tariff on China during the campaigns. Experts also said that China will likely not take such potentially harsh actions of the incoming Trump administration sitting down and will likely take similar actions of its own against America. However, Chinese experts are optimistic that Trump will use his business acumen to pragmatically deal with the country. Chinese Institute of Foreign Studies analyst and former diplomat Ruan Zongze stressed that such protectionists policies hinted by Trump are double-edged swords that could backfire on them, Fortune reported. On the other hand, Chinese experts also said that Trump's critical stance against U.S. allies, like Japan, which he accused of freeloading on the American economy could potentially give Beijing more room to maneuver and position itself as the dominant economy in the Asian region. The Justice Department is disbanding a multi-agency task force that has pursued litigation and fines against Federal Housing Administration lenders for many years. And the election of Donald Trump likely signals that the new administration won't be as aggressive in pursuing False Claims Act cases against lenders as the Obama administration and Attorney General Loretta Lynch. "The tone for these FCA cases came all the way from the White House," said Donald Lampe, a partner at Morrison & Foerster in Washington. But he doubts the new president and new attorney general will put as much energy into FCA cases. If President Trump wants to "stimulate business and more lending, those kind of cases would not be a priority," Lampe said in an interview. Meanwhile, the Mortgage Fraud Task Force that has operated during most of the Obama administration is disbanding. "So you won't have this central and multi-agency Mortgage Fraud Task Force giving life to these cases," Lampe said. David Stevens, Mortgage Bankers Association president and CEO, is looking for a new tone at the Justice Department. "MBA hopes that the new attorney general will not follow the trend of this current DOJ regime, and will stop using the False Claims Act to pursue damages against lenders for minor, technical defects," Stevens said in a statement Monday. Phillip Schulman, a partner in the law firm Mayer Brown in Washington, expects there will be less activity in the FCA arena with regard to mortgage lenders going forward. "DOJ has waged an active campaign for over the past three years and there seems to be some scaling back anyway. This change in administrations will probably accelerate that trend," Schulman said. "But we shall see. Obviously if there are bad actors out there or some heavy losses, I am sure the Justice Department won't look the other way," Schulman said in an interview. Even if the Justice Department backs away, FHA lenders still have to contend with the HUD Inspector General if they make bad loans. The difference is that when HUD takes an action, it involves indemnification for loan losses. In a False Claims Act case, "DOJ is looking for multiple damages, multiple times the loss. So it is a much more expensive proposition," Schulman said. There are still two active FCA cases where Quicken Loans in Detroit and Guild Mortgage in San Diego have refused to settle with the Justice Department. It may be left to the new attorney general to decide whether to pursue or dismiss the holdouts. "It is hard to predict how the pending cases will play out," Lampe said. An attorney for Quicken Loans declined to comment. In September, Regions Financial in Birmingham, Ala., agreed to a $52.4 million settlement with the Justice Department. Ronda Churchill Investors eyeing $557 million of commercial mortgage bonds offered by JPMorgan Chase last month had to consider an unusual risk: The 103 office and industrial buildings that ultimately served as collateral might, at some point in the future, be encumbered by additional debt. The loan on the portfolio gives the property owner, Workspace Property Trust, the right to incur Property Assessed Clean Energy loans to pay for energy efficiency upgrades. Lenders often consent to borrowers taking on additional debt that is subordinate to theirs, since they are assured of being repaid first. But PACE loans create what is known as a super-senior lien. The funds are lent by municipalities and repaid through multiyear assessments against a property; if the borrower fails to make timely payments, any past due amounts take first priority. In the residential mortgage market, this lien priority is controversial. One housing finance regulator, the Federal Housing Administration, has said it will insure mortgages on homes with PACE liens; another, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, bars Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from acquiring mortgages on a property with a PACE lien. This doesn't stop a homeowner with an existing mortgage from getting PACE financing, but it can make refinancing or selling a home with a PACE lien more difficult. In the commercial mortgage market, by comparison, borrowers often go to the trouble of getting a mortgage lender's consent before obtaining PACE financing. In the case of Workspace Property Trust, the PACE financing was pre-approved, so to speak. The original lender, a unit of JPMorgan, put language in the loan document that allows for future liens, but the current lender must sign off on any additional financing. Now that the loan has been securitized, this falls to the servicer of the securitization, dubbed JPMCC 2016-WPT. Commercial PACE programs are available in 16 states, and to date some 106 lenders have consented to borrowers incurring such liens, according to PACE Nation, an industry trade group. However, consent language has only appeared in securitized commercial mortgages very recently, according to Robin Regan, a managing director at Kroll Bond Rating Agency, which rated JPMCC 2016-WPT. "We started seeing them this past summer," Regan said in a telephone interview. "There was another single-borrower deal, backed by the loan on the Shops at Crystals [in Las Vegas], and initially three or four conduits containing loans" where the borrower has the ability to incur a PACE loan. Kroll Is 'Credit Neutral' Generally, she said, borrowers must obtain lender consent for the financing. In some cases, PACE financing is also subject to confirmation that the additional debt will not hurt credit ratings. Some commercial mortgage loans also have caps on the permitted amount of the PACE loans, generally from $5 million to $7 million. Kroll is "generally credit neutral" on the PACE financing, Keith Kockenmeister, another managing director at the rating agency, said in the same telephone interview. He said this view is based on several factors including the fact that loan-to-value ratios for PACE liens are generally low. "It is an extra payment the owner has to make, so it impacts property cash flow, and it's in a superior-lien position," Kockenmeister said. "However, a lot of this concern is negated by the fact that [the lien] is at a lower leverage point." And "in theory [PACE funding] is there to enhance the efficiency of operations. So from that respect, it's a positive," he said. While some proponents hold that PACE improvements add to the value of properties, in addition to lowering utility bills, Kockenmeister said that this is "tougher to quantify and depends on several factors." Kroll has yet to rate a CMBS deal where a property was already encumbered by a PACE lien. Any PACE financing that Workspace Property Trust obtains on its portfolio will not be included as collateral in the securitization trust. Lender Consent Key to Acceptance Requiring lender consent was a prerequisite to the Texas lending community being neutral on commercial PACE when it came up in the state legislature, according to John Fleming, the general counsel for the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association. Fleming said that the Lone Star State has had PACE statutes on the books for close to 10 years, but those statutes were defective and no one used them. "The first viable PACE statute was passed in 2013 and is limited to commercial and industrial property, including multifamily property," Fleming said in an email. However, the PACE programs are just now coming on line in the state. "Only a few deals have been done," he said. "Not because of the consent issue, but because of getting new programs at the county and city level take lots of time." Fleming said that lender consent "should be a prerequisite for any lien that could have priority over an existing mortgage lien." From a purely legal standpoint, he said, a lien is an interest in property and any law that erodes that property right introduces instability into the system. "The existing lender underwrote the mortgage loan relying on certain debt-to-value ratios, debt-to-income ratios and anticipated cash-flow projections," he said. "PACE loans alter those basic underwriting expectations. A PACE loan should not be made without the existing lender getting the opportunity to evaluate the relative risk of this additional debt." Fleming said that lenders "should seriously consider granting consent where it can be demonstrated by independent third-party verification that the PACE improvements add value to the collateral and the operation savings offset the annual PACE assessment. That is to say, the cash flow off the project is not impaired." The Department of Housing and Urban Development's preliminary statement on consent for multifamily projects is a good starting point for a discussion on uniform criteria for consent in the commercial context, Fleming said. Commercial PACE Provider Plans Securitization While PACE financing is not included in the collateral for commercial mortgage securitization, these energy efficiency loans could eventually find their way to the securitization market on their own. CleanFund, the largest provider of commercial PACE financing, plans to tap the securitization market early next year. It would be the first deal backed entirely by commercial PACE. "We believe that commercial is going to ultimately be a more sustainable finance mode for PACE because of the ability to get buy-in from commercial lenders," said Greg Saunders, the company's chief executive. Also, "the commercial market is relatively underserved. There are a lot of companies flocking to the residential side, which is five times the size of the commercial market, in terms of dollar assets." CleanFund's average transaction is $2 million and has a fixed-rate term of 20 to 30 years. However, the firm has made loans as small as $100,000 and as large as $10 million. "We tend to underwrite our transactions to no more than a PACE lien to value of 20%," Saunders said. "When combined with a senior mortgage, we try to keep the CLTV [combined loan-to-value ratio] at 100% or less." Saunders said that mortgage lenders tend to become more amenable to PACE when they understand that only the past-due amount may step in front of a mortgage in default, and that the average annual PACE payment is 1%-2% of a property's value. "That's a minimal amount of potential seniority," he said. Highly dangerous for children, pregnant women Widespread violations (NaturalNews) A fruit processing plant in Vernon, Calif., has tested positive for contamination with the potentially deadly bacterium, according to a letter sent by the FDA to plant operator Simply Fresh Fruit Inc.Of 100 environmental samples, three tested positive for listeria. Even more troubling is the fact that one product sample also tested positive for the bacteria, which can cause serious foodborne illness. Genetic testing confirmed that all four samples came from the same strain.The inspections were performed in April and May, after Simply Fresh Fruit issued a voluntary recall for cut cantaloupe that had been processed on March 28 and packaged on March 29, that had tested positive for listeria. On April 14, the company also recalled more cantaloupe and cantaloupe-containing fruit mixes over possible listeria contamination.The company had previously recalled fresh-cut fruit products containing cantaloupe in both March 2007 and March 2008, though those recalls were caused by concerns over salmonella contamination from outside suppliers.is widespread in the environment, and can survive both refrigeration and freezing, but can be destroyed by cooking or by washing with soap and water. It is most likely to be found in under-cooked meat, improperly processed deli meat or in unpasteurized dairy prepared in unsanitary, factory-farm-like conditions. Raw vegetables and fruits can be contaminated with listeria from soil contamination caused by animal manure used as fertilizer or runoff from animal agriculture.Once listeria enters a food processing facility, it can proliferate and spread to any food being prepared there.Most cases of listeria infection do not cause illness, but the bacteria can cause a dangerous condition known as listeriosis in young children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Pregnant women can pass the disease onto their fetuses, potentially resulting in loss of the baby.Among those who become ill, the casualty rate is high. The FDA also considers listeria a major public health concern due to its long incubation period, which can make it difficult to trace and control outbreaks According to the FDA's October 19 warning letter, two of the positive listeria swabs at the Simply Fresh Fruit plant were discovered next to surfaces that came into contact with food: a panel surface and power switch on the side of a wash bin, and a power knob for a conveyor belt. The third sample came from the blade of a squeegee used to move water into a floor drain.The company responded to the FDA's initial warning by stating that the listeria contamination originated on the floor, and that it had implemented new sanitation procedures for that area.But the FDA also found other sanitation violations at the plant. Employees failed to properly clean and sanitize food processing surfaces before use, such that citrus buildup was even observed on some equipment. Floor drainage was inadequate, causing standing water to accumulate near food processing, washing and sanitation areas. FDA inspectors also found that employees would use their gloved hands to cut melons, then handle the interior fruit without changing or sanitizing those gloves.Employees also stored uncovered bins of washed fruit while doing cleaning and sanitation of other fruit or equipment; forklifts splashed through standing water while delivering washed fruit; and bin dumpers were allowed to come into direct contact with wet floors.The company told the FDA that it had retrained workers on proper storage of cut fruit. The agency said it would assess the new storage and floor cleaning practices during its next inspection.But the FDA's letter noted that Simply Fresh Fruit made no response to the observed practices that would lead to cross-contamination. Wireless signal leaps across severed spine 'Step by step' (NaturalNews) Researchers have successfully tested a brain-spinal implant to allow the brains of paraplegic monkeys to once again control their legs. The study was conducted by researchers from the Ecole polytechnique federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.In recent years, researchers have made great strides in restoring the brain's control in cases of paralysis. But the new study is the first to transmit a signal from the brain to the spinal cord, and also the first to function using wireless technology.Paraplegia is most often caused by an injury to the spine that disrupts the ability of nerve signals to travel between the brain and the motor muscles of the legs. When a spinal injury occurs higher on the spine, it can instead result in quadriplegia.The new method uses a wireless signal to transmit a signal from the brain across the severed spine to a receiver on the other side."The brain is in control," lead researcher Gregoire Courtine said."This study shows we can take brain signals and leverage them and link them to leg movements, which has not been shown before."The researchers created small lesions in the spinal cords of rhesus macaques large enough to induce paraplegia, but small enough to heal on their own within a few weeks. Once they had confirmed paralysis, the researchers implanted two devices.The first, as big as a dime, was implanted in the region of the monkeys' brains that control large muscle movement (the motor cortex). This device interprets the signals emitted by the brain when the monkeys themselves decide to move, then converts it into a wireless signal that is transmitted to the second receiver, located just past the spinal lesion."We extract the general intention of movement," Courtine said.The second implant converts the signal back into its initial form and releases electric impulses that stimulate the nerves to produce the movement ordered by the brain. The procedure was so successful that the cyborg animals were able to walk normally almost immediately after the surgery, without needing any training or physical therapy.In a prior study, the same researchers used a similar device to enable paralyzed rats to walk and even climb stairs.Previous research has focused on ways to trigger paralyzed limbs externally, either through external implants or through prosthetic devices. The new study is the first to restore movement by directly activating the spinal cord.Recently, Dr. Ali Rezai and colleagues from Ohio State University made news when they enabled a 24-year old man, Ian Burkhart, to control a right hand and fingers that had been paralyzed for six years. Those researchers used brain implants to activate a sleeve worn on the outside of Burkhart's arm, that in turn contracted his muscles physically.The researchers and outside observers all warned that the new wireless device has a long way to go before it can be used on humans."Getting movement in the lower extremities is a much bigger challenge in humans," said Rezai, who was not involved in the study. That's because the human motor cortex is much deeper in the brain than that of monkeys . Additionally, human legs are substantially more neurologically complicated than monkey legs. But Rezai expressed optimism about the EPFL team's ability to overcome these hurdles.The EPFL researchers are now conducting a feasibility study to test their spinal implants on two human volunteers, with six more to receive the devices over the next two years. If the results are promising, they will move on to larger studies."We're planning to bring this into clinical application step by step," Courtine said. Addiction is easy, severe Entire system broken (NaturalNews) For the first time, a major British doctors' association has admitted that too many patients are being prescribed dangerous and addictive benzodiazepine tranquilizers, also known as "benzos."These benzos include Xanax, Restoril and diazepam a generic drug formerly marketed as Valium and nicknamed "mother's little helper" for its widespread prescription to housewives in the 1960s and 1970s. The drugs are clinically indicated only for extreme nervousness and anxiety, as they depress the brain activity responsible for consciousness. As a side effect of that primary result, the drugs are strong tranquilizers and sedatives. They are also potent muscle relaxants that can be used to control severe pain.In the United Kingdom a country with less than a quarter the population of the United States there are 12 million benzo prescriptions written every year. An estimated 260,000 people are taking the drugs for six months or more, even though the drugs are so addictive that they are supposed to only be given for two to four weeks. Others estimate that more than a million people may be addicted to the drugs.It is possible to become addicted to benzos even if you follow your prescribed dose exactly. However, the body becomes used to them so quickly, that many people find themselves needing to increase their dose just to get any effect.In the United States, about 5 percent of adults are using benzos at any given time. The rate of use increases with age, from 2.6 percent of 18- to 35-year-olds all the way up to 8.7 percent of 65- to 80-year-olds. Long-term use also becomes more likely with increasing age. Women are twice as likely to use the drugs as men.Side effects of benzos include depression, insomnia and ironically anxiety. The withdrawal symptoms are even worse, and include panic attacks, nightmares and muscle spasms. They have been described as worse than the effects of heroin withdrawal. The combination of side effects and withdrawal symptoms leaves many patients feeling trapped taking a drug that is making them miserable and ill.For years, addiction experts and patient groups have tried to raise concerns about how freely benzos are prescribed, given their powerful addictive potential. In the United Kingdom, these groups have called for patients seeking to end their addiction to be provided with specialist assistance.Instead, patients' concerns are usually ignored or met with a prescription for a different benzo. Those referred for treatment are usually sent to programs designed for those addicted to illegal drugs.Andrew Green of the British Medical Association (BMA) noted that when patients admit to benzo addiction, they feel like their doctors blame them for their own situation. Yet, it is the doctors who wrote the prescriptions in the first place who are to blame, since, in most cases, the patients simply followed them as written.The BMA recently concluded a two-year consultation with patient groups, after which it became the first British doctors' group to publicly admit the scale of the benzo addiction problem. Green said the association had known of benzo addiction problems for "quite a long time ... but until this consultation exercise, what we didn't realise was the scale of the problem or the depth of feeling it causes in those affected."The BMA is now calling for a national helpline for prescription drug addiction, as well as specialist assistance for those seeking help to get off the drugs.Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, supported the BMA's call. She went further, suggesting that long-term benzo prescriptions be given only "in exceptional circumstances," such as for psychiatric patients with severe, chronic anxiety.Baker noted that doctors' prescribing habits are only one part of the problem."The drugs are far too easily available over the Internet once the prescribed course has ended," she said.A growing number of British patients have now begun suing their doctors, alleging that the doctors committed malpractice by getting them addicted to benzodiazepines. Top priority: Repeal and Replace (NaturalNews) Americans are once again having to face the grim reality of "Hope and Change" following the latest open enrollment coverage period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more popularly known as "Obamacare," which began on November 1. Much to the shock of millions, many of whom falsely believed that the new "law" would make health insurance cheaper as its name suggests, rates are continuing to go up, up, and away and in many cases, consumers now have even fewer health plans from which to choose.According to reports, premiums are spiking all across the country, in many cases to the tune of double digits. The Obama administration recently announced that the average rate hike will end up being about 25 percent, though in some areas like Tennessee, that figure is turning out to be more like 50 percent. The result is that many health insurers are having to pull out of many of the worst affected markets, which means enrollees now have much worse coverage at a significantly higher cost.Eric Jans, an insurance broker from Nashville, toldthat most of his clients had been covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield until they recently decided to pull out of the Nashville market. Rates became so high that the insurer apparently had no choice but to flee, which means Jans and his family no longer have health insurance, nor do most of his 300 clients that were covered by the insurer, a devastating blow to this subset of the working American populace."As of January 1, unless we jump on to something else ... we're looking at $750 a month this year to $1,100 next year," Jans is quoted as saying.Blue Cross Blue Shield has actually left three major markets in Tennessee, which means that 73 of the state's 95 counties now have only one insurer not exactly a competitive landscape that benefits consumers. And similar situations are happening in other states where major insurers like Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealth are fleeing because they can't provide services within the confines of the law and how it's affecting rates.Like many of Obamacare's detractors have been saying all along, one of the major causes of this fiasco is that younger, healthier people simply aren't signing up for health plans. The costs are too high, the coverage is too little and getting progressively worse and it just doesn't make sense for people who are already struggling to make ends meet to take on such an enormous burden.The worst hit states besides Tennessee, according to, include Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Arizona, all of which are seeing rate hikes of at least 50 percent. Illinois, Montana, and West Virginia are also seeing increases of anywhere between 40 to 49 percent, and right behind them are states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Georgia, all of which will see rate hikes upwards of 39 percent.One of President-elect Donald Trump's first priorities, and a major heralded tenet of his campaign, will be to repeal, or at least seriously amend, Obamacare and replace it with an open insurance marketplace and individual Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which will drive down costs and make insurance more affordable and available to all Americans. And with the announcement of these massive rate hikes, this plan is sure to receive top priority status."The reason that so many major insurers are pulling out of Obamacare is that the disproportionately sicker risk pools are quite expensive to cover, resulting in huge financial losses to the providers," reports"To offset those losses, enormous rate increases are being approved, making coverage even less affordable for the relatively healthy consumers trying to keep their heads above water -- including millions who receive taxpayer subsidies through the law." BLM claims fracking will have "no direct effects" on Wayne National Forest Fracking impact only now beginning to be fully understood (NaturalNews) Theis preparing to open up bidding for fracking operations in Ohio's only national forest.An online auction is planned for Dec. 13 that will accept bids of as little as $2 per acre for the first 1,600 of 40,000 acres to be leased to oil and gas developers in Wayne National Forest.Opponents of the leasing scheme claim that the decision was based on flawed environmental assessments that underestimated the potential environmental impact on the forest.FromIn the section of the assessment addressing the "anticipated environmental effects" of the, the BLM claims that there would be "no direct effects from leasing" on air/resources/climate, plant and animal habitat and populations, geology and mineral resources, soil or water resources and water quality.Clearly, this is either a head-in-the-sand appraisal of the situation or a bald-faced lie. It's impossible for any clear-thinking person to imagine that fracking will have no direct effects on Wayne National Forest.But the BLM is famous for serving private interests as well as its own - the agency makes money from leasing millions of acres of federal land to the fossil fuel industry.Opposition to the scheme has so far been largely unsuccessful the agency has chosen to ignore 17,000 public comments voicing concerns over the impact of fracking in Wayne National Forest. There are accusations that the rights of the local Native American minority and low-income populations living nearby are also being ignored opponents say this constitutes a violation of 1994 Executive Order #12898, which addresses environmental justice issues.But time is running out:Considering the fact that the extent of the negative effects of fracking on the environment and human health have only recently begun to be fully recognized, it would seem that basing an environmental assessment on information more than a decade old would be adequate grounds for such an appeal.A Johns Hopkins School of Medicine study published this year revealed a number of previously unrecognized adverse health effects associated with fracking, including migraines, nasal and sinus problems, and fatigue.And those are just a few of the effects of fracking on human health. Pollution from fracking in our air and water is causing an increase in cancer rates as well as heart disease and neurological disorders.Fracking, our air and water supplies, kills wildlife, causes earthquakes and destroys ecosystems.It will be interesting to see how President-elect Trump manages to live up to his campaign promises of deregulating the gas and oil industry without also posing great risk to the public and the environment He is correct in condemning the regulatory system it certainly needs an overhaul but it will take extraordinary leadership skills to strike a balance between economic interests and those of public health and environmental protection. How we can legally stop the left wing HATE machines from destroying America America cannot HEAL until we stop the HATE Blackout CNN day announce: 11.20.16 America will not be safe until the left wing HATE mongers are marched out of CNN in handcuffs The goal of the hate-filled left is the complete overthrow and destruction of America (NaturalNews) As I'm asking myself when I'm going to return Natural News to its usual format of covering health, nutrition and disease prevention, I'm struck by the realization that. While Hillary Clinton's campaign slogan was "Stronger Together," the mainstream media has decided to pursue a campaign of division, sabotage and hate. It is unacceptable. It must be stopped.It's now obvious to me that. The same media outlets that heaped unlimited praise upon Barack Obama for eight years have set their sights on sabotaging the Trump administration even before it starts, vomiting out vicious, scripted attacks on Donald, Melania and even Steve Bannon, who, they have absurdly labeled an anti-Semite without a shred of evidence to support the accusation.As we've known for many years, every left wing mainstream media outlet -- CNN, MSNBC, Washington Post, NYT, USA Today, ABC News, etc. -- is. The "orders to destroy Trump" have come from on high, and the presstitutes obediently play their twisted roles in deceiving and psychologically traumatizing American voters to achieve the political goals of their puppet masters. It's punishment, you see, for electing someone other than Hillary Clinton, the neauseating war criminal that globalists desperately wanted in power. George Soros, an international terrorism money man , directly funds some of the most heinous hate machines in America such as Slate, MoveOn and Black Lives Matter. To help America heal, it will be important for Donald Trump tofor his role in funding the BLM executions of police officers in Dallas, among other violent crimes carried out by his minions.The NYT recently announced their editorial posture during the Trump administration will be framed to discredit and destroy the Trump presidency. At every turn, left wing HATE publishers are going to be, sowing discord and maximizing the psychological trauma of the masses. It's all scripted and deliberate. It is the new role of the mainstream media: To be the DESTROYERS of worlds.As Mark Dice explains in this video, the left wing media just went berserk over Donald Trump. Anderson "CIA" Cooper on CNN went on the attack over this event with an attitude of condemnation that would have NEVER been applied to Barack Obama for having a family dinner. Listen as CNN condemns Trump for having dinner, insanely claiming he's violating "national security." Rachel Maddow also has a total meltdown over the dinner... unbelievable:The mainstream media has, in effect, become a festering nest of journo-terrorism , a term I coined to explain how left wing "journalists" are actually psycho-terrorists pretending to be journalists.Radio host Michael Savage said it best when he suggested that seditious members of the left wing media which are engaged in the deliberate destruction of America be investigated and prosecuted by theThe HUAAC was originally set up to root out Nazi conspirators operating inside the U.S. government. Their goal was the destruction of America so that it could be replaced with the Third Reich's totalitarian regime.The goal is today's political left is nearly the same: Destroy America and replace it with a "Fourth Reich" totalitarian regime run by corrupt, criminal democrats (like Hillary Clinton).Now, more than ever, President Trump needs to activate the HUAAC and launch investigations into the anti-American left wing media HATE mongers who are deliberately trying to tear this country apart, no matter what the cost to its citizens.Their goal, as described by Navy Jack of OathKeepers.org , mirrors the five-point strategy now being pursued by radical leftists who are literally attempting toThese are, of course,. They are fully reflected in the left wing media's hate attacks on the Trump administration, which is engineered to cause fracturing inside the Republican party while collapsing public support for Trump so that the HATE media can begin calling for his impeachment.It's all scripted. It's all rooted in HATE. And it's all being carried out as a form ofI am convinced that America cannot HEAL until we stop the HATE. And the hate can only be stopped byat the NYT, CNN, MSNBC, Slate, Salon and other festering hate hubs of the radical, defeated left.Remember: CNN cheated during the elections by sharing debate questions with Hillary Clinton, giving her an unfair edge that violates the spirit of legitimacy. Anderson Cooper's debate questions to Donald Trump were deliberately framed to destroy his candidacy. The left wing HATE media in no way resembles a "free press." CNN, in particular, is nothing more than a Clinton propaganda machine, and it's going to continue to spew hatred, bigotry and psychological trauma until it is stopped by leaders who truly love America.Do you recall all those screaming, crying young people who posted Youtube videos of themselves after the Clinton defeat? All those people areDuring the election, the left wing HATE media concocted a false caricature of Donald Trump and reported it as fact. They convinced most of the nation's youth that Trump was a demonic, cruel monster who loved to destroy families just for fun. So when Trump won the election in a nationwide repudiation of the lies and deceptions of the dishonest left, all the followers of Clinton and Obama suffered extreme psychological trauma, almost as if land mines had gone off inside their heads.The fault of all that lies with the media, which deliberately refused to cover Trump with anything resembling objectivity. The entire left wing HATE machine became nothing more than athat sought to target and destroy a man for the simple reason that he challenged their corruption.From TruthFeed.com So now we arrive at the time when America must make a choice: Are we going to let our nation continue to be terrorized by anti-American traitors who pretend to be journalists? Or are we going toand restore sanity to our free press?Right now, Facebook, Google, Twitter and the establishment media are all declaring war on the alternative media. This is being conducted by declaring all non-leftist media to be "fake news."As Activist Post explains Dave Hodges from The Commonsense Show further explains:In other words, the left wing HATE media which-- with fake polls, rigged debate questions and false accusations against Donald Trump -- is now insisting that they alone have a monopoly on "true news."Google, which was deeply invested in a Clinton victory, is obediently going along with all this as the, punishing independent media websites and making sure no real, honest news ever enters its Google News index. Google has also announced it's going to ban Adsense advertising revenues for "fake" news websites, which means any website reporting the truth about Hillary Clinton or the democrats. (Natural News walked away from Google Adsense many years ago in full anticipation of this economic warfare tactic by Google.) Twitter has also begun purging "alt right" accounts , outright banning them from having any voice at all. This purge is already being called a "digital execution" of a person's right to exist and interact.If President Trump does not take action to arrest the criminals conspiring against America at all levels of social media, search engines and left wing hate media, we will soon wake up to find all voices of dissentwhile the corrupt, criminal left. America will, under the dictatorial control of the totalitarian left, become Red China.That is the goal of the left wing HATE machine: To overthrow America, turn it into a communist police state, and put its corrupt leaders in charge of everything (including the news and social media). This was the plan they had in place for a Clinton victory, by the way. It was going to includeNow, it seems, the tables have turned. But the left wing HATE media isn't going down without a fight. They are going to cause maximum psychological trauma to the electorate for as long as they can get away with it.My message to President Trump is thatand halt their efforts to destroy America. You can start with George Stephanopoulos, a long-time Clinton operative who pretends to be a journalist at CNN, and work your way through Rachel Maddow, a journo-terrorist at MSNBC who deliberately spews lies and hate on a daily basis. To save America, these traitorous communists pretending to be journalists must be locked up for a very long time.Stay informed on all this at Trump.news Global food commodity prices continued their upward trend last month, averaging 172.6 points in October 2016, up 1.2 points (0.7 percent) from September and 9.1 percent above the corresponding month last year, according to the UNs Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index. Except for a short-lived drop in July, the index has risen continuously since January 2016. In October, sugar and dairy values rose sharply, while the staple grains index rose for the first time in three months. These gains coincided with sharp declines in the oils and meat indices, which kept the overall value of the food price index only slightly above its September average. The Cereal Price Index averaged 142.3 points in October, up 1.4 points (1 percent) from September and 9.6 percent below the previous years level. The rise in October marked the first month-on-month increase after three months of decline. Although crop harvest and weak buying interest continued to weigh on rice quotations, wheat prices were up, largely driven by tightening supplies of high quality wheat, while maize quotations also increased mainly because of an accelerated pace of sales by the United States. The Oils/Fats Price Index averaged nearly 168 points in October, down 4 points (or 2.4 percent) from September but still well above its year-earlier level. The month-on-month drop, which follows two months of increase, was primarily driven by palm oil. International palm oil quotations weakened as production improvements in Southeast Asia coincided with sluggish global import demand, prompting stock increases, especially in Malaysia. The drop in the index in October was capped by firm soy, sunflower and rapeseed oil values. The Dairy Price Index averaged 182.8 points in October, up 6.8 points (3.9 percent) from September. Quotations rose for all dairy products, in particular butter which was bolstered by reduced stocks and sustained internal demand in the European Union, combined with a rise in buying interest by importing countries. Cheese prices also strengthened, while milk powders recorded more modest increases. Falling month-on-month milk production in the EU and lower output in Oceania have raised expectations of a likely forthcoming tightening in export supplies and fueled a price surge in recent months. The Sugar Price Index averaged 315.3 points in October, up 10.5 points (3.4 percent) from September, the sixth consecutive monthly increase. The latest gain in international sugar prices was largely on the back of reports of a lower than expected harvest in the Centre South main producing region in Brazil, the worlds largest sugar producer and exporter, as drier than normal weather affected sugarcane production. Reports of a production shortfall in India, the worlds second largest sugar producer, which will require imports by the country to meet demand also helped to lift sugar prices. The Meat Price Index averaged163.4 points in October, down 1.7 points (1 percent) from its revised value for September. A decline in EU export prices for pig meat, stemming from excess domestic supplies and a slackening in import demand from China, was the principal cause of the Index's decline. Oceania bovine meat export prices continued to decrease, as increased domestic production in the United States obviated its need for external supplies. Conversely, Oceania ovine meat prices reached their highest level in almost two years, due to reduced output in both Australia and New Zealand. . Sugar, dairy and cereals lift FAO Food Price Index in October http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/451294/icode/ A mysterious glowing object has left the capital city of Peru in frenzy. The object hovering across the sky was captured in a footage, which first appeared on a Peruvian news website. The UFO was spotted shortly after sunset. It moved and flickered across the sky for a few minutes eventually disappearing behind a row of trees. According to Mail, a similar "burning UFO" was spotted by those living in the Highlands and in the Amazon. Although UFO enthusiasts had insisted that it might have been an alien aircraft, those from the Highlands suspected that the strange aircraft is part of the project of the X (formerly Google X), dubbed as "Project Loon" balloon. According to their website, Project Loon is network of balloons designed to provide internet access to rural and remote regions of worldwide. Each balloon, travels across the space and assist in transmitting signals from ground stations, to provide for a better internet connectivity on the areas that needed them. Project Loon meanwhile, has not confirmed whether it's really one of their balloons. According to The Sun, this news comes after conspiracy theorists warned that Donald Trump's sensational election was a sign of doom. Daily Star said Peru is famed for unworldly and bizarre sightings and many Peruvians insist UFOs have been stopping off at their country for years. It added that 50% of Peruvians have experience UFO encounters Explaining as to why Peru has such reputation, the report said: "Some believe that an age-old attachment with the country's ancient sites could be responsible - inspiring theories that the beings are pleased by the aesthetic beauty of Earth's immemorial structures." Meanwhile, thisis not the first time a "burning UFO" has been spotted. Early this October, a ball of fire has been seen hovering across the skies of Japan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo : Getty Images) China is ready to improve relations with the United States following the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday. "We want to improve our relations under the Trump administration," Wang said through a translator at a news conference in Ankara, Turkey, where he was on an official visit. "We are ready to improve U.S. ties through mutual understanding." Advertisement There has been intense speculation over the impact of Trump's win on the relationship between China and the U.S., particularly on issues such as global trade, climate change, and security in the Asia-Pacific region. It has also cast uncertainty into relations at a time when China hopes for stability as it faces daunting reform challenges at home, slowing growth and a leadership reshuffle than will put a new party elite around Xi in late 2017. Trump has been highly critical of China during the presidential campaign, citing unfair trade deals with Beijing as causing a widespread decline in American manufacturing and economic prowess. He also pledged to impose 45 percent tariffs and label the country as a currency manipulator on his first day in office. In response, the state-owned Global Times newspaper warned that should Trump slap China with heavy tariffs it would paralyze bilateral trade. "When the time comes, large orders for Boeing planes would switch to Europe, U.S. auto sales in China would face setbacks, Apple phones would essentially be crowded out, and U.S. soybeans and corn would be eradicated from China," the paper said in a commentary. "Trump, coming from a business background, is very astute. We do not believe he will treat China-U.S. trade so childishly." Trump's criticism of U.S. allies, including Japan, for free-riding on U.S. security guarantees, has also deepened anxiety among Washington's allies about its commitment to post-war security arrangements in the face of a rising China and a volatile North Korea. The USS Sampson, a U.S. warship, diverted in a small coastal town in New Zealand on Wednesday to help in the evacuation of tourists and local residents from the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. According to a report from The Washington Post, the USS Sampson was on its way to Auckland when it rerouted to Kaikoura to help the earthquake victims. On Monday, New Zealand was hit with a strong earthquake that resulted to a small tsunami, leaving highways damaged and train access cut off. Water supply and sewer systems were also destroyed, trapping both travelers and residents. The coastal town of Kaikoura has a population of about 2,000 and is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand for whale watching and picturesque mountain views. Supplies are coming thick & fast on choppers returning from Woodend @NZRedCross welfare centre #Kaikoura #eqnz pic.twitter.com/IKt3ue9U7z Simon Makker (@SimonMakker) November 16, 2016 Pacom commander Navy Adm. Harry Harris said that the USS Sampson has two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters on board the warship to help in the evacuation efforts. "American presence matters, as shown yet again today: Our prayers go out to our friends in New Zealand as they deal with another devastating earthquake on the South Island. But more than that, our help also goes out," Harris said in a news release by the U.S. Department of Defense. On Wednesday, US President-elect Donald Trump also passed on his sympathies on the earthquake, which New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key described as "very warm and cordial." The USS Sampson joins the previously deployed Navy P-3C Orion maritime reconnaissance aircraft to help New Zealand in the situation. Currently, two people have been reported to have died while thousands are stranded in Kaikoura. Read More: What Could Have Caused the Quakes in South America, New Zealand, and Italy? Scientists Develop New Method to Prevent Man-Made Earthquakes Caused by Fracking Japan is considered a technologically advanced country with a ton of scientific innovations that are designed to make the lives of Japanese population easier. Apparently, the Japanese government works wonder too, as a massive sinkhole that engulfed a five-lane city street was fixed in a matter of days. In any country's standard, fixing a massive damage that fast is plausible by any global standards. This is another evidence of how efficient the Japanese workmanship is, according to The Guardian. Last Nov. 8, a busy city street in Fukuoka in Japan was swallowed by a growing sinkhole. Fortunately, there was no injury recorded, however, some residents where relocated and the streets were cordoned off. It sinkhole started with a number of small holes on the ground that later merged to form one massive sinkhole that managed to engulf a five-lane street. The appearance of the sinkhole was attributed to an underground construction nearby. The sinkhole, in its final form, was almost half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. But in a surprising turn of events, the busy Fukuoka street was reopened less than a week after the incident. Reports say that the sinkhole was fixed two after it caused the damage to a busy street. The Japanese culture is very polite thus the government issued an immediate apology after the problem occurred. "We're very sorry for causing great trouble," Fukuoka mayor Soichiro Takashima said in a statement. But the diligence of the authorities did not stop there as they worked doubly hard to fix the problem in just two days. And this has garnered the respect and awe from people around the world. "Manchester sink hole took 10 months to fix... Japan fixes vast Fukuoka city sinkhole - in two days," Charlie Morrison said in a Tweet. The mayor also added that the newly retrofitted streets are even 30 times stronger than the former one. In order to do that, the government invited a number of experts to determine the root of the trouble and how to build a defense system that will prevent further incidents to occur. The streets opened last Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 5:00 am. Experts are now hunting down a 1.5-million-year-old ice in Antarctica that holds crucial information of our past's climatic events. Through the beyond-EPICA-Oldest Ice or BE-OI Project, glaciologists and experts from European countries are now been tracking down the key to climatic forecasts of the future. Funded with 2.2 million euros, the BE-OI Project is coordinated by the German Alfres Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). BE-OI's consortium is tasked to focus on locating the oldest possible ice core, preferably older than 800,000 years specifically for Dome C and Dome Fuji in Antarctica. This undertaking is the group's efforts in taking part of the global movement of the International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences on finding the appropriate sites for drilling."We do not know, why there was a change in the glacial-interglacial periodicity 900,000 to 1,200,000 years ago," said Prof Olaf Eisen, AWI glaciologist and coordinator of BE-OI project. The group needed the oldest possible ice core since the specimen can provide detailed climatic condition of the earth's past. Ice are able to record the temperature as well as capture gases which cannot be obtained on land or ground drills. Currently, the oldest ice core analyzed in the laboratory aged around 800,000 years old and with the estimates of mid-Pleistocene transition on glacial and interglacial periods which take turns every 40,000 years and lasts up to around 100,000 years, the sample won't be enough. "We cannot dedicatedly investigate the role of the greenhouse gases because we do not have suitable samples", AWI glaciologist and subproject leader Prof Frank Wilhelms mentioned. BE-OI Project will start it's kick-off activities by surveying East Antarctica for ice thickness that can provide a good lead to potential areas. Advanced technologies on ice drilling will also be employed with in-situ analyses of several parameters to make the survey and assessment faster. "During previous studies we determined key regions, where we expect the oldest continuous ice record on Earth," Prof. Eisen said on a press release. "Now we have to prove this and it is important that we learn as much as possible about deposition processes and the composition of the ice," he added. Aside from the search for the oldest ice core, BE-OI Project also aims to develop science and management plan which can also help in allocation of budget and funding, create a collaboration of experts on the technical and personnel line regarding the deep-drilling activities and include relevant groups such as the paleoclimate and modelling communities. Washington-based Alaska Airlines achieved a mind-blowing feat on Tuesday by flying the first commercial flight that was powered by fuel derived from forest residuals and the remaining branches and limbs after the harvesting season or the thinning of forests on private areas. The fuel was produced by the Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) in collaboration with Washington State University. NARA brings together 32 member organizations from the private sector, the government, aviation, and academia under a USDA grant to showcase the feasibility of producing fuel for jets using forest residuals. Powered by a 20 percent mixture of the new biofuel sourced from the Pacific Northwest, the flight took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the morning and landed safely at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Gevo Inc. a partner of NARA, successfully converted cellulosic sugars obtained from wood waste into isobutanol, which was further transformed into Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) fuel. This is the first alternative jet fuel in the world derived from wood and meets the standards laid down by the ASTM. The normal forest practices abandon some harvest materials that resupply soil materials. The unused forest biomass is normally piled and burned. The fuel, in this case, was derived from excess forest residuals gathered from forests owned by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Weyerhaeuser, the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes and the leftover wood fibers from Cosmo Specialty Fibers. Sustainable jet fuels cut down the emission of greenhouse gas by approximately 50 to 80 percent over the fuel's lifecycle, which begins from the feedstock's growth and ends with production. The flight that took off yesterday was supposed to emit 70 percent less carbon dioxide than the normal petroleum jet. In June this year, Alaska Airlines flew two other flights using a mixture of biofuel manufactured from the non-edible part of sustainable corn. Massive wildfires are ravaging the southeastern parts of the United States, sending plumes of smoke so thick they could even be seen from space. The Suomi NPP satellite has captured images of the thick plumes coming from the fires in the southern Appalachians within North Carolina and Georgia. Fires rising from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina were also visible from orbit, Discover Magazine reports. "Wildfires in the southeastern United States are usually small and do not produce much smoke compared to the big blazes in the western United States, Canada or Russia," NASA's Earth Observatory said in an update. "But a cluster of fires in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky in November 2016 defied that trend." On the ground, smoke in the air had made it hazardous for people in some areas to even go outdoors, ABC News reports. "Dense smoke plumes are creating very unhealthy breathing conditions," the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality said in a statement. "Everyone is likely to be affected, even those in good health. Therefore, everyone is advised to avoid all outdoor exertion." Over 30 massive wildfires have destroyed over 80,000 acres in the affected states, CNN reports. More than 5,000 firefighters and support staff from around the country had been deployed to suppress the raging fires as North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky have declared state of emergency. "Drought conditions are contributing to drier and larger forest fuels being available. These range from the undergrowth to sticks, leaves and logs," Brian Haines, spokesman for the North Carolina Forest Service, told CNN. "Even the smallest of sparks can ignite these very dry fuels." Haines also added that a number of fires are being investigated as suspected arson. The outbreak of wildfires had been caused by extreme drought in the country, with strong winds spreading the smoke broadly across the southeast. According to Earth Observatory, the drought began in May 2016 and intensified throughout the summer. Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that November had the highest level of drought particularly across parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Like opposite poles, billionaires and businessmen Elon Musk and President-elect Donald Trump don't seem to agree on a lot of things. Does this mean Musk's empire is in danger under Trumps administration? Elon Musk's companies especially Tesla and SolarCity are built to reduce the use of fossil fuel that explains his lineup of products such as the solar roof and electric cars while President-Elect Donald Trump once called climate change a hoax. The question now is, will Musk's empire thrive while Trump is in office? Some say Musk was able to build an empire due to the support of the government under President Barack Obama. Obama may not have a direct hand in Musk's business empire but POTUS is in support of the 'politically-correct' technologies that Musk and his companies pushed forward. Under Obama's administration, Musk managed to build a gigafactory and to acquire SolarCity. And lately, Musk dreams of making the trip to Mars cheaper, to which Obama openly supported. Currently, Musk is the CEO of Tesla that produces of electric cars, SolarCity that provides solar energy functions and services and SpaceX that is in the running to become the first colonizers on Mars. But things may turn upside down if Musk and Trump won't be able to figure out a way to work side by side. The success of all three companies relied on federal and state funding, according to a report by Forbes. "I feel a bit stronger that he is probably not the right guy. He doesn't seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States," Elon Musk said in an interview describing Trump and his bid for the presidency. If Musk's winning streak and progress continue, SpaceX may indeed send the first humans to Mars in 2025. That is if the Trump administration will not dampen Musk's and his companies thriving business. But the Trump government may put a stop to Musk's access to federal funding, a report says. If this is true, it could be a disaster not only to SpaceX and its mission to Mars but to Elon Musk's entire empire. But despite what business analysts say, Musk is confident that the Trump administration won't dampen his environmentally-responsible businesses and space programs. "I don't think it's very high, it's not going to make too much of a difference honestly," SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in the same interview. Now that Donald Trump is officially the President-elect of the United States after the Electoral College voted in favor of the businessman, his NASA transition team is said to be preparing for the takeover. Trumps NASA transition team is officially called the Agency Research Team (ART). The ART team is expected to start immediately when it comes to familiarizing themselves with the agency, according to a report. Meanwhile, NASA is ready to receive Trump's transition team. The agency administrator, Charles Bolden was even quoted saying that he is confident about the incoming official's support to the causes of the agency. Until Nov. 14, there's still no presence of any member of Trump's transition team at the NASA headquarters. "The new administration has not yet named its transition team members that interface with NASA, so we don't yet know who we'll be talking to," Greg Williams, deputy associate administrator for policy and plans in the human exploration and operations mission directorate at NASA said in an interview. "We are prepared to talk with them when they arrive." Like most government agencies including the Defense Department, NASA is yet to face Trump's transition team. Some say this signifies the camp's lack of preparation even before the elections if indeed Trump bags the presidency. But despite the slow transition progress, NASA officials are hopeful that the new administration and the agency officials will come to an agreement to pursue NASA's space exploration programs most especially the journey to Mars. "We hope to be building on the consensus we've achieved on the phases of exploration, the progression of human exploration from the ISS all the way to the surface of Mars," Williams added. But space journalists fear that 'uncertainty' may cloud the future of NASA under the new president. "There's going to be a period of uncertainty as the new administration figures out what their priorities are in space and what NASA programs they might want to continue, which ones they might actually want to accelerate and which ones they might want to get rid of," Jeff Foust, senior writer at SpaceNews said. Until Trump's transition team arrives at NASA, no one can tell for sure what the future holds for the agency and its space exploration programs. Scientists have been searching on the surface of Mars for any signs of alien life. Now, scientists are claiming that they have found a strange "funnel" that could be the best place to look for it. The "funnel" or depression was found in a crater on edge of the Hellas basin. According to Science Alert, it looked like the ancient "ice cauldrons" we have on Earth, that formed when volcanos erupted under the ice sheets of Iceland and Greenland. Scientists are suspecting that if it is what they think it is, it could contain water, heat, and nutrients, which are the primary ingredients of life. Astrobio.net reported the formation was first seen by lead author Joseph Levy in 2009 on the photos taken by Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It was only this year that they were able to look at the depression thoroughly using stereoscopic images which allow the image to be viewed with depth by showing two slightly offset images separately to each eye of the viewer. Similar formation was also spotted in the Galaxias Fossae region of Mars. "These landforms caught our eye because they're weird looking. They're concentrically fractured so they look like a bulls-eye. That can be a very diagnostic pattern you see in Earth materials," Levy, a research associate at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, a research unit of the Jackson School of Geosciences, said in a press release. After looking at the two depressions, researchers concluded that they were not the same and were formed in different ways. While the Hellas depression showed many signs of volcanic activity, the other did not. The Hellas depression is believed to have hosted a giant lake many years back while the Galaxias Fossae is believed to be an impact site. The findings were published this month in Icarus, the International Journal of Solar System Studies. One of Chinas First Women Fighter Pilots Dies in Training Accident Captain Yu was one of a handful female pilots capable of flying the Chinese J-10 fighter jet. (Photo : Getty Images) Captain Yu Xu, one of China's first female fighter pilots, died in a flight training accident on Saturday in Hebei Province. The 30-year-old Yu, a member of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) August 1 Air Demonstration Team, was conducting aerobatic training with a male pilot before they were seen ejecting from their J-10 fighter jet for an unknown reason, China Daily reported on Monday citing witnesses and military sources. The male pilot parachuted to safety, but Yu hit the wing of another J-10 and died. Advertisement The PLA air force declined to disclose details regarding the incident. Yu, a native of Chongzhou, Sichuan province, joined the military in 2005 as a cadet at the PLA Air Force Aviation University. She graduated in 2009, becoming one of the first 16 Chinese women pilots capable of flying fighter jets. Previously, all of the Chinese air force's female fliers were piloting transport aircraft. Yu made her public debut at the National Day parade on Oct. 1, 2009, as she flew a JL-8 trainer jet above Tiananmen Square as part of a demonstration. In July 2012, she became the first woman to fly the J-10 fighter jet and was one of the four women qualified to fly the third-generation aircraft. Senior Colonel Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLA air force, said all of PLA's airmen deeply mourned Yu's death, while the air force will continue to faithfully fulfill its mission. The tragedy also rippled across Chinese social media websites. By late Sunday, nearly 60 million users of the microblogging site Sina Weibo expressed their grief after reading the news, according to China Daily. In WeChat Moments, a mobile app similar to Twitter, many users recalled how Yu, who is popularly known in China under the nickname Golden Peafowl, inspired them to chase their dreams. Disneyland security checkpoints will soon include the Downtown Disney district in a move that is set to be completed by the end of the year. The change of checkpoints is intended to boost security and increase guest convenience, a Disney spokeswoman said. While no "specific incident" has prompted the change, the park constantly reevaluates is safety procedures and has acted on a "current state of heightened awareness," the spokeswoman said. The plan will see the western security location, currently located between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, move outward. The east side checkpoint is not changing for now. The new metal detectors and bag checks will be located in the area between ESPN Zone and the Rainforest Cafe; ESPN Zone and Earl of Sandwich; and an area located by Sephora and Anna & Elsa's Boutique. In addition, guests entering through the Disney and Friends parking structure will also have to go through the metal detectors and bag checks. The security point from the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa into Disney California Adventure will remain. Currently, people who do not visit Disneyland or Disney California Adventure can enter Downtown Disney without going through a metal detector or a bag check. However, visitors to the theme parks have to go through the checkpoints each time they go in and out of Downtown Disney and back into one of the parks. Moving the security points out will allow park guests to go into Downtown Disney without having to go through the points a second time. The spokeswoman said that they do not foresee a bottleneck effect by visitors trying to enter into Disney property, since the higher number of security points will in turn help control the larger crowd that will now encompass the secured area. The move is set to be completed by sometime in December, the spokeswoman said. A Northern California man denies that he gunned down an on-duty Stanislaus County Sheriff's deputy. David Machado pleaded not guilty Tuesday in a Modesto courtroom. He's charged with the first-degree murder of Deputy Dennis Wallace on Sunday. Wallace reported to dispatchers that he spotted a parked van. When he learned it was stolen, the deputy requested backup. Fellow deputies found him shot twice in the head. The charges make 37-year-old Machado eligible for a death sentence. Prosecutors, however, haven't said what punishment they'll seek. Machado was free on bail at the time of the shooting. He remains in jail on the murder charge with no possibility of release on bail. A public defender assigned to represent Machado did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For the second year in a row, the tree-lovers at Save the Redwoods League in San Francisco are hoping people will stay out of the malls on Black Friday get out into the woods. Last year's program, where the nonprofit offered 5,000 free day-passes to 48 redwood state parks on Nov. 27 was so popular the group decided to do it again. Except this year, they're upping the ante. And they've named their event "Green Friday." Along with the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Parks, a total of 13,000 day-use free passes will be issued at 116 parks statewide. The average fee of about $10 a car will be waived and paid for through donations sent to the redwood and the parks foundations. Last year, Save the Redwoods spokeswoman Jennifer Benito said the group spent about $50,000 to give away 5,000 passes, which were snapped up in days. This year, $130,000 was raised through two foundations to cover the cost of the vehicle fee. Passes can be downloaded here beginning at noon on Wednesday, along with a map of participating parks. Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Save the Redwoods was first inspired by REI's bold move to pay its employees on Black Friday while encouraging them to go outside and not buy things on one of the busiest national shopping days. REI received rave reviews from the public, and the company is doing it again this year. Caitlyn McElligott worked for the last three years researching and raising awareness about Trisomy X, a condition affecting approximately one in 1,000 women. McElligott's work has now been recognized by the Girl Scouts of America for their highest honor of a National Woman of Distinction, given to 10 women annually. McElligott, a freshman at San Francisco State University studying environmental science, has received letters from the White House, State Senate and various offices thanking her for her involvement and recognizing her for the achievement. Submitted Photo Diagnosed with Trisomy X early in life, the now 18-year-old McElligott wanted to share her findings with others since she said many women do not receive a diagnostic. Caitlyn is incredible," Girl Scout leader Cindy Carrasco said. "For our troop to see Caitlyn go through the Gold Award and share her website on their Facebook pages or help in that small way to raise awareness for what she was doing, it brought the troop closer together. Caitlyn represented the Girl Scouts of Northern California, which has had a member win the prestigious national recognition consecutively since 2013. Other projects recognized this year by Girl Scouts of America ranged from research on Ebola to a documentary on heroin use. With projects so diverse, McElligott, who grew up in Redwood City, said the goal is to change the world. Lack of Awareness Following her diagnostic, McElligott did some research on Trisomy X, browsing through the limited information she said she could find. Not much, she said. Theres a bunch of high schoolers who talk about it for school - no doctors really. In addition to speech delays, learning disabilities and other symptoms for women with the extra chromosome, she wanted to highlight some of the benefits, or "superpowers" of the extra chromosome. Women with Trisomy X tend to have an extra tall stature and, according to McElligott, beautiful eyes with a sensitive, caring personality. McElligott estimates that about 2,000 Girl Scouts nationally could have Trisomy X. Three million people have visited McElligott's site, more than three times her initial goal. I want them to have the correct material," she said. She hopes her work will add to information on Trisomy X and correct labels placed on women with the condition. Two Bay Area after-school programs on Tuesday received special praise from Michelle Obama. "Next Gen" from San Francisco and "Tribal Youth Ambassadors" from Santa Rosa were presented with accolades by the First Lady herself inside the White House during the 2016 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony, according to an event press release. The San Francisco-based program gives young people the ability to use video and audio to document their stories while Santa Rosa's after-school group dives into the community to help Native American youth who reside in neighboring regions, according a press release. The annual tribute ceremony "recognizes and supports outstanding programs that lay new pathways to creativity, expression, and achievement outside of the regular school day," according to a press release. A Trump presidency equals an uncertain future for the Affordable Care Act. The president-elect has softened his stance on parts of President Barack Obama's signature health care legislation, but thats not stopping state leaders from urging Californians to enroll in the health care exchange before Trump takes office. Twenty million Americans 7 million Californians ought to be very worried, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said. Theres no soft landing. The state of California cannot pick up the cost of this repeal. Its not as though were going to be able to jump in and save people. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to repeal and replace the disaster known as Obamacare, as he has called it on the campaign trail. However, during his first meeting with Obama after winning the election, he said he is open to keeping popular provisions, such as requiring insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions and allowing kids to stay on their parents insurance until age 26. Trump is a wildcard. I dont think anyone can predict what hes going to do, economist David R. Henderson said. Henderson is with Stanfords conservative-leaning Hoover Institution and says some of Obamacares provisions considered sacred cows need to go to avoid a downward spiral. We might not repeal all of it, but I still have some hope we can repeal some of the worst parts, Henderson said. Some insurance brokers disagree. If they repealed it, it would throw the insurance markets into chaos. And the big insurance companies wouldnt want that either, said Michelle Montoya, chief operating officer of Filice Insurance in San Jose. Montoya says a couple of clients have called to ask if their plans would change under Trump. She told them that even if Republicans can repeal Obamacare the day Trump takes office, it doesnt undo peoples existing insurance contracts. Any changes would occur only after the contracts expire. Whats working is people have coverage; theres no more excluding people with pre-existing conditions. Young people can be covered. Theres a lot more transparency in what the benefits are and what they are not. So all of those are very good things, Montoya said. Whats not working is the cost has not gone down, especially for small employers. Edward Snowden told a crowd at Fusions Real Future Fair that voters shouldnt put too much faith in elected officials, and instead look to technology and science to bring positive change to the world. Snowden appeared from Russia via a BeamBot, a remote-controlled presentation robot with a screen, that scooted around the stage of the lecture hall at at the Oakland Museum of California on Tuesday. If you want to build a better future, youre going to have to do it yourself. Politics will take us only so far. And if history is any guide, they are the least effective means of seeing change we want to see, he said. Fusions Real Future editor, Kashmir Hill, interviewed the former contractor who leaked hundreds of thousands of pages of international intelligence documents and records from the National Security Administration in 2013. Snowden, 33, has been called a hero, a traitor, a whistleblower and a dissident. The leaked information was published by respected news organizations and sparked a discussion over privacy and national security. Asked about the 2016 elections and his predictions for individual privacy under President-elect Donald Trump, he said that the American people put too much faith in elected officials, and thats a mistake. One of the most challenging issues we had during the election was that nobody wanted to have a conversation about policy, the future, even about the presidency. Instead, we were dragged into this conversation about personalities -- which of these two bad options was more palatable? he said. Elections matter. Votes matter. But theyre never enough. We shouldnt be thrust into a position where every four years were asked to hope for a Barack Obama or fear a Donald Trump. He called out President Obama for not following through on his promises to end warrantless wiretapping, close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, and investigate the George W. Bush administration. He also noted that more government sources and journalists have been prosecuted under Obamas administration than any other previous president When it comes to fighting cancer, healing aids, ameliorating poverty -- these solutions arent coming from government, he said. He said every person in the audience probably had a cell phone which records and sends their location and communications. If this is going to empower us rather than disempower us, were going to need science and technology rather than law. At the end of the day, law is only letters on the page. Theyre not going to jump up and protect your rights, he said. One advantage that technology has over laws is that technology knows no jurisdiction when properly implemented, he said. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Snowden under American laws against espionage and theft from the government. He is currently living in exile at an undisclosed location in Russia. If we get it right, if we can enforce a right to privacy through technology and other countries will realize that they must have access to these technologies in order to thrive, he said. To me, that to me is a more reliable plan. Snowden was also asked about how much political discourse played out on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks this election, and how those corporations might have influenced the election, on purpose or by accident. The challenge, he said was the lack of competition. There seems to be no alternative to the larger services. Because of this network effect, because the first mover advantage. When you get a Google or a Facebook or Twitter in place, they never seem to leave, he said. That centralization of power in a single point poses a danger, he said. One solution would be a federation of thousands of connected social media platforms, so one could be filtered, scrutinized, or abandoned if it wasnt working. Snowden blamed Silicon Valleys desire for massive, world-eating services that take over. He warned that in the past, monopolies grew quietly, achieved a prominent platform, operated carefully and rationally to maximize profits. Then, once they got big and unstoppable, they became less careful and more muscular, trampling not just customers but paradigms, he said. Tech executives are asking us to accept a status quo in which we set aside competition in favor of scale. But we should be cautious, he said. To have one company thats so powerful as to reshape the way we think -- I dont think I have to describe how dangerous that is. Snowden answered questions from the audience. One attendee asked him how to protect individual privacy while working for change. The first thing is to care, and signal that you care. Be that person at Thanksgiving who brings it up. Dont ruin Thanksgiving over it, he said. But really the most important thing is to make your voice heard. He suggested using apps like Signal and donating to organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the Freedom of the Press Foundation which work to educate politicians, reform laws, and work through the courts to get that better brighter more free world. The rapid pace of technology, from cell phones to augmented reality means no one can predict whether a new kind of tech is a blessing or a curse, he said. What we can say is that we are living in a moment of possibility that will allow us to reshape not only the way we relate to technology but the way we relate to each other.[[401346116, C]] The second annual Real Future Fair featured speakers on police reform, the future of work, diversity in tech, and internet harassment. After last week's election, the event organizers decided to give away free tickets. Snowden's next stop on the virtual Bay Area lecture circuit is in Febrary at City Arts and Lectures. The one big drawback about installing a historic, first-ever water tunnel beneath the floor of the San Francisco Bay is that the maintenance is a real pain-in-the-you-know-what. Which is why it took six months of planning, a giant crew, and a contraption normally used for underwater sea adventures just to inspect the thing. That was the scene on a recent morning in Menlo Park as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission endeavored to inspect its new bay tunnel, which is coming to the end of its two-year warranty (Yes, even tunnels have warranties. Who knew?). The tunnel, which opened in 2014, is the first dug beneath the floor of the bay mud and anchored into bedrock for seismic stability. It was built to carry Hetch Hetchy water between the East Bay and the Peninsula. Last week, in a small outbuilding near Menlo Park where the Western end of the tunnel emerges, crews were abuzz with high tech gadgets bearing names like the Falcon, which is an underwater vehicle outfitted with three HD cameras. Rather than drain 10 million gallons of water from the tunnel, and sending crews down the PUC opted to go with a technological solution. Its a much safer way to inspect our tunnel, David Briggs, the SFPUCs water system manager, than sending personal down that deep and into a five mile tunnel. The pipeline sits 100 feet below the floor of the bay, with no outlets should a human get into a jam. So the Falcon was brought in to do the job. A crew from the company ASI Marine disinfected the rover and all its power and communication cables before lowering it 110 feet down a entrance pipe and into the tunnel. Once inside, engineers stared at a pair of monitors as the rovers cameras swept the walls of the pipe, seeking out cracks, debris or sediment buildup. The engineers are very curious to see if theres any small cracks in the tunnel, Briggs said, or if theres any defects in the lining. The inspection was done in two installments; from the East Bay tunnel entrance in Newark, the team inspected two-and-a-half miles of pipe. Then repeated the effort at Menlo Park. Can you see theres no sediment accumulation? the rovers operator said while working the joystick to navigate the rover. That edge looks to be in good condition. Ultimately, SFPUC said the two days of inspections didnt reveal any defects. The tunnel isnt expected to need another inspection for a couple decades. After the inspection, managers planned to flush the water in the tunnel into Crystal Springs reservoir where it would be treated and reused. Briggs said the new pipe was the linchpin tying together a series of water systems in the Bay Area that are designed to be robust enough to resist a major earthquake. This is one of the most important water pipes in the Bay Area, Briggs said, watching the crews at work. Its one of the largest, its one of the strongest. A man walks past the office buildings at the Tsinghua University Science Park (Tuspark) in the Shangdi area of Beijing. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese science and technology parks are turning to Russian markets to look for growth opportunities, leveraging on coordinated efforts between Russia's Eurasian Economic Union and China's Belt and Road initiatives. One of these is TusPark, a science park managed by Tsinghua University, which has close connections with its Russian counterpart, Skolkovo Technology Park. The relationship was based on a strategic cooperation framework agreement signed in 2014, in the presence of Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, according to China Daily. Advertisement Russian cooperation with Chinese science parks has already started, with both TusPark and Z-Park allowed to use Skolkovo to gain access to the Russia's high-tech market, according to Yuri Saprykin, vice-president of the Far East division of Skolkovo. Saprykin added that they are planning a joint investment for a science park in Moscow, which is expected to further boost science park cooperation. The plan will be discuss in the two prime ministers' upcoming meeting this month. Meanwhile, Medvedev said that Skolkovo, said to be the largest science park in Europe, underwent a major innovation and it has been cooperating with Chinese tech parks and high-tech firms. "Now in Moscow there are 26 science parks, and a number of science parks operate in other places," Medvedev noted. "Still advanced knowledge and equipment from other countries are needed, and different models and forms of innovation from different territories, such as special economic zones, scientific parks and innovation clusters from China and other countries, are needed." Herbert Chen, vice-president of TusPark, said that TusPark's business strategy was created with the Belt and Road Initiatives in mind. Their strategy was geared towards the Russian market. "Chinese science parks have established connections with Russian parks over the past 10 years, and Russia has been a key area when making the international strategy," Chen said. "In the future there will be more Russian elements in their plan." Zheng Xiaodong, managing director of international operation of Z-Park, said that the innovation cooperation between China and Russia provide opportunities for Chinese tech parks. "On one hand, such cooperation has gained full support from both governments in the policy aspect," Zheng said. "On the other hand, both sides are actively seeking a new direction of opportunities." "In the past the direction was energy cooperation, and then military cooperation, now we can see more cooperative points in innovation," he added. Meanwhile, Saprykin said that the current Sino-Russian relations and policy support from both governments have enhanced their business links with China. "But as a businessman, we prefer saying that we want to cooperate with China because we really see lots of potential, and there will be a win-win for both countries," Saphyrin added. The Golden State Warriors are hours away from taking the court in Toronto for a regular season contest, but a different court battle regarding the team's proposed stadium is slated to be heard Wednesday afternoon. Members of the Mission Bay Alliance will be appealing a ruling that was levied earlier this year quashing their desperate legal fight to put a hold on the 18,000-seat arena's construction. The opponents against the Mission Bay arena will rekindle arguments that San Francisco broke environmental and zoning laws during the stadium's planning process. Well-funded donors and employees with the UCSF Medical Center who make up the Mission Bay Alliance will also raise concerns about whether or not the city adequately addressed traffic and congestion issues as well as if leaders accounted for potentially dangerous contaminants that could be released from the stadium. The new arena has already received a stamp of approval from San Francisco's Board of Supervisors and was even certified as an Environmental Leadership Project by Gov. Jerry Brown. Arguments will be heard beginning at 2 p.m. inside California's 1st District Court of Appeal. Alameda police are searching for a man who tried to grab a young girl on her way to school Monday morning. Two girls, age 7 and 10, were walking on the Sheffield Way walking path near the 600 block of Sheffield Road when the man approached and tried to grab one of them, police said. The girls ran to a home nearby, where a resident called the police shortly before 8:15 a.m. The man was described as being between 20 and 35 years old, standing between 5 foot 10 and 6 feet tall. He is whitewith short blonde hair and was wearing all black clothing, police said. Detectives and forensics interview specialists interviewed the girls and examined physical evidence, but were unable to corroborate a kidnapping attempt or gather additional leads. Anyone with information about this incident has been asked to call Alameda police Sgt. Alan Kuboyama at (510) 337-8538. In extraordinary legal claims filed Tuesday, Millennium Tower owners accuse officials with the San Francisco building inspection department and the next-door Transbay Transit Terminal of conspiring with the high-rises developer to hide evidence that the building was sinking. The assertion is that both the city and Transbay knew about the sinking and tilting of this building and did absolutely nothing about it, said Millennium condo owner Jerry Dodson, a patent attorney who filed the claim. They conspired with Millennium Partners to both conceal it from the public and from homeowners here. Dodson, who lives with his wife Pat on the 42nd floor, is now an advocate for owners who are living in a tower that has sunk 16 inches and is leaning northwest. It is fraud, he says of the conduct of the developer, city and Transbay. As evidence, Dodson cites a February 2010 confidentiality agreement between Millennium and Transbay Joint Powers Authority that was also signed by two San Francisco city attorneys. NBC Bay Area uncovered the agreement and revealed a document showing that the Transbay agency had indeed labeled sinking data not for public release. Transbay authorities have since admitted that one set of data had been marked confidential by mistake. But Dodson says the evidence suggests the publicly funded agency intentionally kept the public in the dark about the sinking problem until forced to reveal the data this year. They kept it secret for six years and did not disclose it, he said. Thats wrongful, its fraud and they are guilty of it. But it was officials with the Department of Building Inspection, he says, who were reckless and repeatedly failed to protect the safety of the owners. They really let people down in what they did, Dodson says. Not only city building officials fail to heed an early warning about Millenniums foundation design, he says, they did not evaluate the sinking risk and then failed to alert homeowners for years after being told about the problem. San Francisco City Attorneys office spokesman John Cote dismissed the Dodsons conspiracy claim as completely baseless. He says the couple would be better off going after the developer who essentially sold them a lemon. The city has said in its defense that owners waited too long to sue and that the city was immune from liability. Transbay officials did not respond to a request for comment. Dodson acknowledges that proving such a conspiracy case will indeed be difficult. Thats a very serious allegation, I know, he said, referring to his 15-page claim. But I detail it here, and I look forward to presenting it in a courtroom. A man was arrested after he allegedly set a police patrol car on fire Tuesday afternoon in downtown San Francisco, police said. Officers were out of their patrol vehicle around 4 p.m. Tuesday and walking a foot beat patrol in the 800 block of Market Street, near the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall and Union Square shopping district, when a man approached the parked vehicle. Police said the suspect then opened the rear door and lit the back seat on fire before fleeing on foot. A 34-year-old man was arrested in the incident, but police have not yet released his name. The San Francisco Police Department on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to completing reforms recommended by the U.S. Department of Justice last month amid rising concerns in the city that the values of San Francisco will diverge sharply with the federal government. The city's Board of Supervisors and Police Commission held a joint meeting Tuesday to discuss how to move forward in policing reforms, including the 479 recommendations made by the Justice Department's Community Oriented Policing Services division. There was also a unity gathering at City Hall Monday where department leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the values of San Francisco, department officials said. The election of Donald Trump as U.S. President could signal a shift in national policing policy. President Barack Obama's Justice Department has emphasized reform measures to improve relations between law enforcement and some, particularly minority, communities, but the priorities of a Trump Administration remain unclear. "The San Francisco Police Department is unwavering in our commitment to real collaborative reform," San Francisco police acting Chief Toney Chaplin said in a statement. "We will continue to implement the recommendations for reform, which will be built on the most current policing policies and practices, fostering an environment of trust and strong relationships with our communities," he said. It has been about a month since the Justice Department's report was issued. The voluntary review was launched in February at the request of Mayor Ed Lee and former police Chief Greg Suhr in the wake of revelations of racist text messages exchanged among officers, police corruption cases prosecuted in federal court and controversy over police shootings, including the December death of Mario Woods. Among its findings were racial disparities in searches and use of force: that black and Hispanic people were stopped and searched more often by police and that most fatal use of force incidents involved people of color. It also noted a lack of transparency in discipline cases. Its recommendations include banning carotid holds to subdue suspects and shooting at moving cars, positions opposed by union leadership. Implementation of a revised use of force policy has been delayed because of continued disagreements between the San Francisco Police Officers Association and the Police Commission. In the last month, the department has already made progress on the reforms, developing a framework to begin implementation and establishing better protocols for dealing with mental health crises. The department is continuing its rollout of body worn cameras and providing implicit bias training to all officers. "Now more than ever, San Francisco must demonstrate how communities can work together to make change," Police Commission President Suzy Loftus said. "It's time to join together and advance the important reforms that will make our streets safer for community members and police officers alike." Gabriel and his wife are living in the United States without documents. The couple's 7-year-old was born in the country. Mostly self-employed during his 12 years in the country, Gabriel, who refused to provide his last name, most recently owned a pizza restaurant in the East Bay and employed five people. Gabriel recently sold his restaurant in order to raise cash for a food products business he said will employ 20 people as soon as he gets the permits. "I get emotional thinking about this because the American dream is real," Gabriel said. "You can make your dreams come true here." But the election of Donald Trump as US president has rocked his dream. Gabriel is one of millions of undocumented immigrants worried about possible deportation. He admits he was thinking of leaving the country last week, but now has decided to stay and fight deportation if it comes to that. "It will take centuries to deport 11 million people," he said. "I hope everybody will realize that and the same." Nearly one-third of the nation's undocumented population lives in California. Angela Chan, a senior staff attorney at immigrants rights office Asian Law Caucus, said deportation proceedings can take a long time. While the president-elect is clearly hostile to undocumented immigrants, Chan said Trump's word is not the last word. "We do have the constitution, we do have federal statues, and we do have federal court decisions that have protected the rights of immigrants for a very long time," Chan said. Gabriel said like Trump, he will use the system to his advantage. "I'm a good guy," Gabriel said. "I work hard, I pay taxes -- more taxes than Trump." On Monday, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said he would give up federal funds rather than scrap the city's sanctuary city policy. But Chan said legally the federal government cannot withhold funds to force a local government to take on the duties of the federal government. Every day for the past 49 days, Nicki Pancholy of Milpitas, California has been hiking up Mission Peak in the name of peace. The election cycle has been especially brutal, she said, and the 41-year-old homemaker said she wanted to trek up the popular 2,500-foot- high mountain in nearby Fremont, California to send up prayers for health and collective harmony. Every step is a soft whisper to God, Pancholy told NBC Bay Area on Thursday. So she was shocked, saddened and scared when she came down from her peace walk on Monday afternoon to find this note scrawled on legal paper on the hood of her car: Hijab wearing b----- this is our nation now get the f--- out. Someone had obviously been watching her get out of her car, and noticed the kerchief she threw on her head the fabric dangling down past the nape of her neck. When I saw it, I was in shock, she said of the note. That someone would feel so much hate to do this. I realize that this is the climate after this election. But I didn't realize someone would be so ignorant and in so much pain to cause so much harm. For the record, Pancholoy is not a Muslim and she was born in San Jose, California. Her ethnicity is Rajastani Indian. And her religion, she said, is love. She was wearing a bandana over her head, not because she is religious, but because she is protecting her scalp from the sun. She has lupus, an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can damage tissues and organs. East Bay Regional Park Police are investigating the note and auto burglary as a hate crime; her car windows were smashed and someone stole her purse and checkbook. She posted the inside of what her car looked like on Facebook to document the damage. Fremont police spokeswoman Geneva Bosques said on a personal level she is very upset that nastiness would happen in such a diverse and normally welcoming community. Fremont is an especially diverse city; half of its population is Asian and it's long been a a haven for immigrants from India and Afghanistan. Pancholy is just one of a growing number of people across the country, even in the Democratic stronghold of the Bay Area, to fall victim to hateful harassment since Donald Trump was elected president. Telemundo 48/Bay Area This week, someone scrawled Go Home and I love Trump on the minivan of Javier Morales, a Mexican man in Campbell, California. On the day after the election, a man tried to yank off the hijab from a Mulism student at San Jose State University, nearly choking her. And last week, a woman on BART railed against an Assyrian-speaking woman telling her that Trump might deport her, despite that she was born in the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center has noted a marked increase in hateful acts across the country since Trump has been elected. As of Monday, the hate-tracking group found 437 reports of hateful intimidation or harassment since Nov. 9. In an email, Heidi Beirich, director of the center's intelligence project, said this is "truly a frightening number," although this is the first time the group has started tallying numbers following a presidential election. In a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday, Trump said he wasnt aware of all these hateful acts. But when he was told that they indeed exist, Trump turned to the camera and said, Stop it. Southern Poverty Law Center Fremont planning commissioner Raj Salwan, who is friends with Pancholy, said he would do everything in his power to stop the bigotry in his community. Acts such as these will not be tolerated in Fremont, he said. Our diversity is our strength. Please speak up about any such incidents so that we can take swift action... We have no room for hate in our community." Others chimed in to support Salwans inclusive message. Robert Boone wrote on Salwans Facebook page that despite the fact that Trump has "unleashed something ... this isn't the '50s and '60s anymore. And we will not go backwards." Michelle Hedding added: "I am appalled to hear this happened here in Fremont. I want to help in whatever ways I can to support anyone who is being targeted. My heart is breaking a little." As for Pancholy, she said after her shock wore off, and some fear has settled in, she mostly feels forgiveness for whomever wrote her that hate-filled note. I forgive you, she said out loud to the author of the note. Please stop your self-hatred. In harming me, you are harming yourself. A UC Berkeley professor has been found in violation of the university's sexual harassment policy after a graduate student came forward and accused him of making sexual advancements over a four-year period. The student, Ph.D. candidate Eva Hagberg Fisher, 34, said Architecture Professor Nezar AlSayyad touched her inappropriately, made himself out to be a protector and repeatedly asked her out. One troubling incident stood out to Hagberg Fisher. "He hugged me in the hallway and said, 'I hope you feel as good as you look,' which was five minutes before the most important exam of my professional career," she recalled. "It was distressing and troubling. "In the summer of 2013 began the physical escalation," Hagberg Fisher continued, "asking me to come out with him for dinner, asking if he could take me for drinks, telling me he loved me." Last week, an independent investigator concluded AlSayyad, 61, violated the university's sexual harrassment policy. On Tuesday, students protested outside the School of Architecture, calling on UC Berkeley officials to take swift action. Campus officials have barred AlSayyad from teaching next semester, according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle. The newspaper also reported there were two other complaints of sexual misconduct against the professor in the 1990s. "We feel strongly this is not a safe place right now, with him continuing to be in the classroom," student protester Justine Marcus said. "He should be removed immediately." Dozens of students have signed and sent a petition to UC leaders demanding the professor's dismissal. Several students have refused to attend his classes, requesting alternative ways to finish the semester's work, according to SFGate. But AlSayyad's attorney, Dan Siegel, has urged students not to jump to conclusions until a hearing takes place. He said the professor has done nothing wrong and Hagberg Fisher never indicated AlSayyad's conduct or behavior was in any way uncomfortable or unpleasant. But Hagberg Fisher said she was humiliated, and she felt strongly that any victim of sexual harassment should not have to endure what she went through. "I don't want any student in any university to feel she can't come forward," she said. "I don't want any student to feel if this happens to her she has to stay silent. That's why I'm coming forward with my name, with my face, with my body." College students at campuses around the United States marched and rallied Wednesday, urging administrators to protect students and employees against immigration action under a Donald Trump presidency. Rallying supporters on social media with the hashtag #SanctuaryCampus, organizers said actions were planned at more than 80 schools, including Vermont's Middlebury College, where about 400 people gathered, and Yale University, where demonstrators numbered about 600. Students sought assurances that their schools would not share their personal information with immigration officials or allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus. "Can you imagine the fear that it would inflict on college campuses if having ICE agents walk into a campus becomes the status quo?" organizer Carlos Rojas of the group Movimiento Cosecha, said by phone from New Jersey. "It would be terrifying." The actions continued days of demonstrations that have broken out in cities and high school campuses following Trump's election victory last week. The Republican's campaign promises included a vow to deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally. "I'm very fearful," Miriam Zamudio, whose parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, said by phone as she prepared to join a protest at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She worries that the family information she provided on her application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Status will endanger her parents, who are living in the country without legal permission. "We don't know what Trump is going to do," Zamudio said. "We don't know if he is going to demand this information and we want our administration and our school to stand with us." Several hundred people, mainly high school and college students, rallied at the federal building in downtown San Diego to protest Trump's election. Some held signs or banners saying "we are not criminals" and "make racists afraid again." Faculty and staff at several universities have signed petitions in support of making their campuses sanctuaries for people threatened with deportation or anyone who faces discrimination. "We are alarmed at the vitriol that students and community members are experiencing across the United States in the aftermath of the recent election," the petition to administrators at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign said. "Reports of gross imitations of disabled youth, threats to aid in the deportation of students and their families, renewed deployments of the 'N' word, sexual aggressions against young women, bullying of Muslim and LGBTQ+ youth, reappearances of swastikas, among other acts, point to hostilities that infiltrate our campus." At the University of Memphis, students chanted "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here" and "No racists, no KKK, no fascist USA," The Commercial Appeal reported. Junior Luke Wilson stood nearby, holding a sign that said "You're all cry babies." Similar sentiments appeared on Twitter and other social media platforms, along with messages of support. "We know that there are going to be people on both sides of the issue," Rojas said. "But I think that what no one could argue with is that a university and a college campus have a moral responsibility to make the students that are paying tuition and just want to get an education feel safe." Department of Homeland Security Press Secretary Gillian Christensen said existing ICE and Customs and Border Protection policies guide enforcement at "sensitive locations," which include colleges and universities. "The ICE and CBP sensitive locations policies, which remain in effect, provide that enforcement actions at sensitive locations should generally be avoided, and require either prior approval from an appropriate supervisory official or exigent circumstances necessitating immediate action," Christensen said by email. "DHS is committed to ensuring that people seeking to participate in activities or utilize services provided at any sensitive location are free to do so without fear or hesitation." Yale Ph.D. student Ramon Garibaldo told the crowd to remain hopeful. "I fear for my existence every day," said Garibaldo, whose parents brought him from Mexico. "My mom, my dad they crossed borders for me to be here. So we aren't going to bow down to the orders of one man." In the Washington D.C. suburbs of Montgomery County, students from at least two high schools walked out of class Wednesday, marking the third day of protests among local high school students. Students from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, walked out of the school carrying signs and chanting, "Together we stand, divided we fall." In that demonstration, police say a teen wearing a cap with a Donald Trump campaign slogan was beaten and kicked as hundreds of students staged a walk-out to protest Trump's election. Rockville Police spokesman Maj. Michael England says the 15-year-old Richard Montgomery High School student wearing a "Make America Great Again" cap was participating in the walk-out Wednesday with about 300 to 500 students from the school. England said the teen's argument with one person turned violent and four others jumped in. He says the student was "woozy" and couldn't remember what happened, but England believes the teen's injuries are minor. No charges were filed, but the incident is under investigation. In the New York tri-state area, students at numerous New York and New Jersey universities joined in protest. At New York University, hundreds of students gathered in front of the fountain at Washington Square Park at noon, as part of a national campaign to "create a massive resistance against Donald Trump." The walk out, organized by immigrant rights campaigners Movimiento Cosecha, rallied students around the country. The organization called for students to make their campuses a #SanctuaryCampus for immigrants, and to protest in support of the cause. In New Haven, Connecticut, students at Yale also organized by the Movimiento Cosecha planned protests to pressure faculty to make the college a "sanctuary campus," or a haven for people who may face deportation. It is not just about what happens on our campus. We want to show the American public that we will not let Trump normalize deportations and hate crimes against the communities his campaign targeted, Yale student organizer Ramon Garibaldo said in a statement. The protest organized by Cosecha reached all the way to Miami Wednesday, where college and high school students joined in walking off their campuses in protest of Trump's proposed immigration plan. Students marched from their schools including Homestead and South Dade Senior High Schools and Miami Dade Colleges Homestead campus to Homestead City Hall for a rally to promote Cosecha's "sanctuary" cause. Dozens of students made their way out of the Miami-area schools, some carrying signs saying "here to stay" and "love trumps hate." After a preliminary budget meeting Tuesday in Springfield, Illinois Republicans accused House Speaker Michael Madigan of running out the clock on negotiations. Madigan told reporters Tuesday that he would meet again with Gov. Bruce Rauner and the states other top lawmakers Wednesday. The speaker also explained that he appointed sate Rep. Greg Harris to lead the House Democrats new budget negotiating team. Republicans balked at Madigans announcement, claiming it signaled a step in the wrong direction for the ongoing negotiation process. Republican Senate Leader Christine Radogno said she was confused by Madigan's appointment, explaining that there was no agreement that there would be another round of negotiating teams. Radogno claimed the prospect was raised at Tuesdays meeting, but not agreed to. Its time that the leaders do what they need to do, the working groups did what they need to do, Radogno said. And we need, as leaders, to get to the table, the five of us, and make the final decisions in order to serve the people of Illinois. The GOP leader claimed Madigans move to appoint a new lead negotiator would shelter him from responsibility. Its just such an old game, Im gonna put someone between me and the decision to insulate me from having to take responsibility, Radogno said. This discussion now, about balancing the budget and the reforms that we need to make the budget balanced, needs to be at the leaders level, she added. The states stopgap funding agreement expires at the end of the year, at which point the states spending authority runs out. Republican House Leader Jim Durkin explained Tuesday that GOP leaders were prepared to negotiate a full, balanced budget. We are not going to support any more stop gap budgets, Durkin said. Durkin pushed for a compromise with Democrats, but noted that elements of Rauners pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda would be on the negotiating table. Were at a tipping point, Durkin said. We are willing to work with the Democrats with their priorities, but its a two way street. They have to work with us with our priorities. If we can do that, we will get a good product and the governor will sign a budget. Nevertheless, it seems the two sides are still far from coming to any sort of agreement. On Tuesday, Madigan stressed his intention to use the framework from seven successful budgets to shape the new plan. In response, Radogno discredited those budgets. Those were stopgap, they were inadequate, they were unbalanced, she said. Those were not successful budgets and were not willing to continue to go down that road. A scheduling conflict kept Madigan from meeting with the state's top legislative leaders Monday. After Madigan declined Rauner's invitation, Senate President John Cullerton also pulled out, claiming the meeting would not be productive without his party's leader. The Illinois General Assembly also reconvened in Springfield Tuesday for a veto session. Another session is scheduled for Wednesday. Social Media Site Twitter Debuts On The New York Stock Exchange (Photo : Bethany Clarke/Getty Images) Twitter has been doing an effort to tackle cyber bullying as the social networking and microblogging site has made another step in controlling the abuse and harassment on their platform. Targeted harassment on Twitter has been such a consistent problem on the social platform which urged CEO Jack Dorsey to make stopping it one of his top priorities, CNBC has learned. Additionally, Twitter's vice president of trust and safety Del Harvey said that their decisions aim to address abuse on their site with a way that is most effective and fast-acting as possible. Advertisement Twitter is upgrading its mute feature wherein instead of just letting users to mute accounts they don't want to see tweets from, now users can mute words, phrases and notifications. Victims of targeted harassment on the site could finally stay away from harassers as they can choose to block out the notifications if someone malicious tags them in a harmful tweet. Under Mr Dorsey, Twitter has been taking a more domineering approach to hate speech on the platform, Financial Times reported .One good example is prohibiting Milo Yiannopoulos, a conservative commentator, after he allegedly led a racist harassment campaign against Leslie Jones, the African American "Ghostbusters" actress because of her skin. Ms Jones, who is now back on the platform, said at the time she, was leaving Twitter "with tears and a very sad heart". Racism has also been a rampant problem across the world and social media platforms seemed to have made it worse for the victims since its easier to harass someone over the Internet. Twitter stated on Tuesday that they already conducted tests for the feature in real time to know whether it will actually be useful for every victim on the site. The platform also stated on it blog post that they needed to take "a step back" for their new approach and to address what was most needed in Twitter. With this step made by Twitter, its shares which are down 16 per cent in 2016 rose 0.3 per cent to $19.219 at midday in New York. However, that does not seem to be enough to save the company. A judge on Wednesday denied bail for a man charged with murdering a 2-year-old boy whose dismembered remains were found in a Chicago park's lagoon in September of 2015. Kamel Harris, 41, of the 400 block of Ford Street in Rockford, was charged Tuesday evening with first-degree murder, concealment of homicidal death and dismembering a human body, all felonies. During a news conference, police said Harris, a friend of 2-year-old Kyrian Knox's mother, was watching the child as a favor. Kyrian, who was lactose intolerant, police said, began crying after drinking some milk. Police allege the childs crying prompted Harris to then kill and dismembered the 2-year-old, disposing of his remains in a Chicago lagoon. Anthony Guglielmi, a Chicago Police Department spokesman, called Harris a "barbaric monster" in a tweet sent Tuesday evening. "We promised we'd never give up on him and we havent. CPD detectives made an arrest in the murder & decapitation of 2 yr old Kyrian Knox," the Chicago Police Department tweeted. Lanisha Knox, the boy's mother, said by phone from her home in Georgia Tuesday she was told by a detective that an arrest had been made in relation to her child's death. "I felt sick, I felt happy, I felt relieved," Knox said. "I felt a lot of the stuff all at the same time." Authorities had ruled the death of 2-year-old Kyrian Knox a homicide. In late November, investigators said theyd hit a wall in the investigation as the last known people to have seen the boy alive were not cooperating with police. The body parts were found in a Garfield Park lagoon Sept. 5, 2015 about two weeks before Kyrian was reported missing from a residence in Rockford where hed been staying with Harris and Harris girlfriend Danyelle Foggs. Kyrians mother told investigators she left her son there while she moved from Rockford to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Based on the missing person report, Chicago Police went to Rockford to collect DNA from Kyrians mother, which matched the remains found in the lagoon. Before the DNA match, Rockford police interviewed Harris, the friend who reported Kyrian missing. He told investigators hed handed the boy over to three people who claimed they were friends of the Knox family and would be taking Kyrian to his mother. Rockford police also spoke to Foggs. Police said Lanisha Knox was cooperating with investigators. A Chicago college student says she has received emails and notes taped to her door containing harassing, threatening language and mentions of President Elect Donald Trump. Taylor Volk says she is openly bisexualand last week the North Park University senior from DeKalb was singled out by a hateful note she found taped to her door Friday morning. The note reads Back to hell, and #Trump along with homophobic slurs. Volk also said shes received two anonymous emails saying similar thingsso she went public with it on her Facebook page. This is a countrywide epidemic all of a sudden, Volk said. She says shes confident North Park is investigating, although the school would not comment directly on the matter to NBC 5. The universitys marketing director, Chris Childers, said in a phone interview any incident that is reported to North Park is taken extremely seriously. A Chicago Police official said Monday they could not find any report about the incident. North Park's campus is located in the city's Albany Park neighborhood, noted for its diversity as an immigrant gateway community, on the city's Northwest Side. Kelsey Stevens, a North Park senior, said the hateful notes are alarming. The fact that somebody reached out to do this to her specifically is shocking, she said. I think those who have those feelings have been emboldened by this election. Trump, when recently pressed on CBS 60 Minutes, told supporters reportedly spouting hatred in his name to stop it. My hope is that this election cycle is not indicative of whats to come in the next four years, Volk said, before acknowledging the community at North Park is astounding for the support shes received in the wake of the threats. As for whos behind the nasty notes? I just want them to stop, Volk said. Car owners in Illinois and across the country are finding damage under the hood of their cars, and it appears unexpected tiny tenants may be to blame. When Mike Wilsons car conked out on him in a grocery store parking lot last summer, he had no idea what he was about to discover in his 2002 Toyota Prius. These are the nuts of rodents, mice, squirrels or whatever who were living in here, Wilson told NBC 5 Responds. You can see all the nuts, theres a good handful of nuts, he said, pointing into the middle of the engine compartment, not far from the wiring components that are crucial to keeping an engine running. Wilson learned what scores of other car owners have bumped into in recent yearsan eco-friendly attribute of his car is also quite attractive to rodents: the soy-based coating that covers wires in the engine. Carmakers turned to the plastics-alternative because of its sustainable and environmentally-friendly profile. Turns out, some other creatures find it appealing, too, for altogether different reasons. To them, the soy ingredients smell like lunch. Rodents that are attracted to wires for the purpose of sharpening their teeth, critics say, find soy-coated wires even more appealing. It may have started out as a good idea, an eco-friendly ideaits just ill-conceived, attorney Brian Kabateck said. Kabateck filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Toyota last August, alleging several model years of Toyotas contain the soy-based wiring which is known to be a problem, and accusing the carmaker of shifting repair costs back onto its customers. Toyota did not comment on the litigation for this report, but a spokesperson did point out that rodent damage is common in a number of other makes and models, as well. NBC 5 Responds found consumers nationwide who say theyve experienced rodent-damages wires in several carmaker brands. Its a problem so widespread, carmaker Honda now sells a tape aimed at deterring rodents from nibbling on wires. The tape, which mechanics can wrap over existing wires, is infused with capsaicin, the ingredient in spicy peppers. Honda calls the issue an age-old problem, and the tape a good solution for customers who live in areas where rodents like to nest in vehicles. Some auto insurers cover rodent damage. But back in Glen Ellyn, Wilsons insurer will not cover the damage in his cars wiring. While a representative of Amica Insurance agreed, in an email to Wilson, that it appears a rodent has been eating inside your engine compartment, the insurer went on to say that its appraiser determined the wire has been frayed due to constant rubbing on the engine mount. Thus, Amica blamed the damage on wear and tear, which it does not cover. My argument is- are you kidding me? That is a smoking gun, if Ive even seen a smoking gun, Wilson told NBC5 Responds. Its like a trial without a jury, they decided what the truth is and the facts all point the other way but they decided to go that way. As for how it made the determination, Amica would not answer any NBC5 Responds questions. But after our inquiry, the insurance company did offer to re-inspect Mike Wilsons car, for a second time. Amica said it would not, however, schedule the inspection if NBC5 cameras were present, as Wilson requested. Wilson is considering Amicas conditions, but says his bigger priority is getting the word out to other drivers about this persistent problem. Students at numerous Chicago universities walked out of class Tuesday in protest of Donald Trumps election. At University of Illinois at Chicago, students took the quad in opposition to the agenda of the RNC. During the rally, protesters handed out petitions calling for school officials make the campus a formal sanctuary for undocumented immigrants, their families and related community members. It would be a gross irresponsibility on the Universitys behalf to not act immediately, the petition read. In light of this vitriolic social environment and the coming policy changes, we ask that the UIC administration provide the necessary course of action. Among the requests made in the petition were that the school refuses to release information on the immigration status of students and community members, pursue funding for students who lack citizenship, guarantee in-state tuition to students previously awarded DACA recipients, and assign an office space with administrators who will assist undocumented students. At University of Chicago hours later, students also held a rally to say no to Trump and to also stand in solidarity with Standing Rock. So many of us are feeling scared and alone, and still dont understand what Trumps election means for both the future of our movement and our immediate economy and physical security. The surge in hateful violence and racist abuse sparked by Trumps victory is terrifying, and we need to oppose it firmly, right now, the group wrote in a Facebook event for the rally. But in this moment of crisis we also need to hold on to our radical vision of the world we want and need. The events mirror several other school walkouts nationwide. On Monday, hundreds of students decrying Trump's election walked out of schools in Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Silver Spring, Maryland, after a weekend in which thousands of people demonstrated around the country and scores were arrested. Among other things, the demonstrators have condemned Trump's behavior toward women and his stand on immigration and civil liberties. Trump has argued the protests across the nation have been incited by the media, but also acknowledged the demonstrators have a passion for our great country. A motorist walked toward the pickup Charles Ostrowski and Dominic Dimaggio were riding in and got into a shooting stance. Gun! the pair yelled. I turned the wheel to the left and hit the gas pedal, Ostrowski testified on Tuesday, the first day of the bench trial of the accused gunman, off-duty Chicago Police Officer John Gorman, the Sun-Times is reporting. Gorman, 54, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm. Ostrowski and Dominic Dimaggio, then an off-duty Merrionette Park police officer, escaped injury even though Cook County prosecutors said Gorman fired his weapon five times that day on Nov. 23, 2014. One bullet left a hole in the rear bumper of the pickup, prosecutors said. Earlier that afternoon, Ostrowski, then a part-time suburban firefighter, said he was behind the wheel when he saw a champagne-colored Buick erratically weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed at 111th and Pulaski. Ostrowski told Judge James Linn he saw the driver sitting crooked and askew as he followed and saw the car nearly hit a flower vendor. At a stoplight, Ostrowski said Dimaggio while holding his police badge got out of the Ford F-250 and went to talk to the driver of the Buick. Ostrowski said he saw an open beer can in the Buick. Dimaggio knocked on the window and asked the driver if he was OK. Gorman didnt roll down his window and drove off when the light turned green, Ostrowski said. Dimaggio returned to the pickup and called 911 as Ostrowski tailed Gorman until he stopped at Prospect and Pryor on the Southwest Side. Ostrowski said he pulled over three to four car lengths away. Gorman got out of his car with a pistol at his side, Ostrowksi said. When Gorman reached the back of the car, he raised his arms and pointed the gun toward the pickup, Ostrowski said. Gormans attorney, Michael Clancy, said that Ostrowski was chasing his client in a very large off-road type of vehicle before Dimaggio started knocking on his car window and swearing. The defense attorney also said Ostrowski drove toward Gorman when he said he saw the gun, went around the Buick and drove away. Neither man in the pickup saw Gorman fire, Clancy told the Sun-Times outside court, calling the incident road rage. Gorman, now on desk duty, turned over his .380-caliber Ruger after the incident. He initially refused to take a Breathalyzer test. More than five hours later, Internal Affairs investigators required him to do so. Gormans blood-alcohol content was 0.07, just under the legal limit for driving, and he was charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. Gormans trial will resume Dec. 2. Dimaggio resigned from the Merrionette Park Police Department last year, according to records. A family in Michigan awoke Saturday to find a wall of boxes scrawled with "Trump," "Take Back America" and "Mexicans suck" blocking their driveway. A doll made of balloons was also found hanging nearby and a vulgar message was spray-painted on the driveway, police said. In Maryland, parishioners arriving for Sunday services discovered the words "Trump Nation, Whites Only" scrawled on the walls of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Silver Spring. The church offers weekly Spanish-language services. In Brooklyn, a suspect spray-painted a swastika in front of a 78-year-old man's home. And three students were disciplined after a Confederate flag was brought to Coral Reef Senior High School in South Florida on Monday, officials said. Nearly a week after the election of Donald Trump, reports of hateful intimidation or harassment continue. The Southern Poverty Law Center said it had received 437 reports of such incidents between Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Monday, Nov. 14. Most of the cases appear to involve graffiti or intimidation directed at racial or ethnic minorities and in some reports the perpetrators indicated support for Trump. Ryan Lenz, a spokesman for the anti-intolerance watchdog said acts of hate and intimidation occurred in the U.S. during the campaign season with SPLC tracking the high-profile cases. But those incidents have increased sharply since Election Day on Nov. 8. "After the election these reports have become ever present, coming at us and everyone else at a level that was demanding our attention. And so what we did we started to tally them," Lenz said. He added that the reports "are not completely confirmed." The apparent uptick in reports of bias crimes and discrimination in the Empire State prompted New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to launch a hotline Tuesday. "We will continue to work with our local partners to investigate all incidents of reported bias, and ensure that New Yorkers feel safe and protected," Cuomo said. "Any acts of discrimination or intimidation will be met with the full force of the law." After calls for Trump to address the hateful incidents, the president-elect said in an interview that aired Sunday on CBS' "60 Minutes," that he did not hear about the violence and harassment in his name or in some cases directed at his supporters, other than "one or two instances." "I would say dont do it, thats terrible, cause Im gonna bring this country together," Trump said in addressing his supporters. He added: "I am so saddened to hear that. And I say, Stop it. If it-- if it helps. I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it." During the campaign for president, Trump was criticized for being slow to condemn former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke after he gave the candidate his backing. The Republican has also repeatedly retweeted messages from white supremacist sympathizers. Lenz said the SPLC commends Trump for addressing his supporters in the Sunday interview. But he said that Trump's actions contradict his words. "This is an energized and angry movement that has been given legitimacy because of the election and suddenly to switch gears on them and tell them the hate weve been jamming down your throat and legitimizing and targeting Muslims and immigrants, 'oh by the way slow down on that,' I mean it doesn't seem to be an appropriate effort at this hour," Lenz said. Trump's directive to his supporters came on the same day he named Steven Bannon his White House chief strategist and senior counselor. Bannon, the Trump campaign CEO, came from Breitbart News, the site that under his leadership has pushed a nationalist, anti-establishment agenda and become one of the leading outlets of the so-called alt-right a movement often associated with far-right efforts to preserve "white identity," oppose multiculturalism and defend "Western values." Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called on Trump Tuesday afternoon to rescind his appointment of Bannon. Reid cited quotes from the appointee, recorded in legal documents, in which Bannon had bluntly declared that he "doesn't like Jews," among other anti-Semitic comments. "I say, 'Take responsibility,'" Reid said, addressing the president-elect. "Rise to the dignity of the office, instead of hiding behind your Twitter account." The senator also discouraged Americans from normalizing any racism and misogyny espoused by newly appointed and elected leaders. Reid read a letter, addressed to Trump, written by a 7th grade female student who said she's "extremely scared." "What message does Trump send to the young girl who woke up Wednesday in Rhode Island afraid to be a woman of color in America?" Reid asked. On Monday, Breitbart.com published a story by a senior editor that cited a few cases of the reported hate crimes that turned out to be untrue or unverified, using the headline "Wave of Fake 'Hate Crimes' Sweeps Anti-Trump Social Media." The story dismissed cases of intimidating behavior by students as "boorish" and argued "real crimes" are being committed by protesters at some anti-Trump protests. The media "narrative" of a wave of hate crimes is meant to tarnish the president-elect, the story argued. Lenz said Trump's appointment of Bannon, "someone whose website has trafficked in anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic memes for the better part of 18 months, seems to put a big red stamp of illegitimacy" on anything the president-elect says. Trump's transition team has not responded to NBC's request for comment on the new reports of hateful incidents and on Reid's and Lenz's comments about Bannon. The Bannon pick was met with backlash from, in some cases, both sides of the political aisle. John Weaver, a Republican strategist who worked for Ohio Gov. John Kasich's presidential campaign, tweeted, "The racist, fascist extreme right is represented footsteps from the Oval Office. Be very vigilant, America." House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that including Bannon in the new administration "is an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign. There must be no sugarcoating the reality that a white nationalist has been named chief strategist for the Trump Administration." The day after Bannon's appointment, The American Jewish Committee and the Islamic Society of North America, two of the nations largest Jewish and Muslim advocacy groups, announced they've joined forces to fight bigotry. We have to show the administration that as American Muslims and Jews people of the faiths of Abraham we are uniting to help the administration navigate in the proper constitutional manner, to uphold freedom of religion and constitutional rights for all American citizens," said Eftakhar Alam, senior coordinator at ISNAs Office of Interfaith and Community Alliances. The concept to form the council originated months before the election, Alam said, and would've been implemented even if Democrat Hillary Clinton won. Meanwhile on Monday, the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting division released its annual "Hate Crimes Statistics" report, on the number of bias-motivated incidents in 2015. More than 5,800 incidents of hate crimes were reported to authorities, involving 7,121 victims, the report said. The number of hate crimes rose 6 percent in 2015. The number of reported anti-Muslim hate crimes jumped 66 percent that year, according to the report. Lenz said the FBI's report is not surprising. "The year in question saw extreme growth in Anti-Muslim movement as a result of terror attacks in the U.S. and Europe," Lenz said. "It came at a time when there was tremendous fear of refugees coming from Syria as a result of conflict there and also came at a time when President-elect Donald Trump was traveling the country making promises about putting a complete ban on the immigration of Muslims to the United States a ban thats arguably completely unconstitutional of the ground of prohibiting someone based on their race or religion." Russia has always placed a top priority on gathering as much intelligence as it can about American government officials, and the team now gathering around the new president-elect is no exception. In the overnight hours after Tuesdays election, hackers linked to Russian intelligence launched a sweeping cyber-espionage campaign to find out what a Donald Trump victory could mean for Vladimir Putins government. Sean Kanuck, the U.S. National Intelligence Officer for Cyber Issues from 2011 to 2016, told NBC News that Russia would likely be after any information on Trump and his advisors that would help Russia gain strategic advantage over the U.S. The Nov. 9 attack targeted people who are or will be associated with the incoming administration, said Steven Adair of the cyber security firm Volexity. The attack came from the hacking crew known as Cozy Bear, which is linked to previous attacks on the Democratic National Committee, the White House, the State Department and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Two people were charged following a "road rage" incident that turned in a physical fight in New London on Tuesday, police said. At 2:45 p.m., New London Police said they received multiple reports about a "road rage" altercation happening on Route 21 south near Connecticut College. Responding officers said witnesses observed two cars at a traffic light exchanging "words" and "gestures" before it turned physical, police said. Police arrested Nathan Moore, 44, of Montville, and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, second-degree threatening and breach of peace. The other driver, Shamil Toro, 25, of Norwich, was issued a criminal summons for breach of peace. People posing as Eversource representatives are becoming more aggressive in their tactics to obtain money from unsuspecting customers, the company said. In many cases, the tactics have been successful. Those posing as company representatives have been making telephone calls and going door to door with "aggressive" and "deceptive" marketing tactics to sell "discounted power," according to a news release from Eversource. In some cases, those posing as Eversource representatives have even threatened to cut the power to the customer's home unless an immediate payment was made. Thats terrible that someone would try to trick another person into giving them money," said Robin Bristol, an Eversource customer from Naugatuck. The warning has gone out to Eversource customers in Connecticut and throughout New England. Were hearing from thousands of our customers who continue to be negatively impacted by these dishonest solicitations," wrote Penni Conner, Eversource senior vice president and chief customer pfficer. To prey on the helpless is sad," said Charlene Peyre, an Eversource customer from Naugatuck. "Its very sad. Naugatuck Police posted a warning on its department Facebook page on Tuesday, warning about the strong-minded scammers. When they start getting aggressive like that, it should be a huge red flag that somethings not right," said Lt. Bryan Cammarata, of the Naugatuck Police Department. Eversource reminds customers to never give out personal or utility bill information until it can be verified that the person soliciting is an actual company representative. If something strikes the customer as suspicious, hang up the telephone or close the door, then call the company and law enforcement. This can happen anywhere and, obviously, these scams keep coming up because people are falling for them, theyre doing them," Lt. Cammarata said. Eversource said it takes each concern, documents it and then sends it on to state regulators to look into. Any customer with concerns can call 1(800)-286-2000. After a turbulent seven years at the helm of the New London Police Department and recent health issues, Chief Margaret Ackley might take the step toward retirement. Currently the chief is on medical leave, which is part of the reason her attorney, Leon Rosenblatt, said she might retire sooner than planned. But it's no secret that she's had a rocky past with the police union and former New London leadership. "One issue is that she is having health issues and the other is that she is fairly burned out by the internecine warfare that goes on within the department," Rosenblatt said. Ackley has served New London for for three decades. She's been chief since 2009; the first female in the top seat. That's where Rosenblatt said she was met by a contentious relationship with the police union, former city mayor and city council. Over the years the chief has filed suit for breach of contract, accused the former mayor of interfering with her job. That mayor placed Ackley on paid administrative leave to investigate her conduct in office. "She's been the subject of any number of attempts to sabotage her," said Rosenblatt. "She's resisted successfully every time, but it's exhausting. And now has to undergo an operation, it's impossible." Current New London Mayor Michael Passero said some of the challenges to Ackley's job came before he was elected. "We have a fine working relationship," Passero said. The chief has talked to the city's personnel administrator about retiring, but has not submitted anything official, according to Passero. No plans have been made to look for a new chief, but he said the budget will cover the search. He also says Ackley's pension will be paid by the state. Rosenblatt said Ackley didn't plan to leave so soon, except she has to take care of her body. She's having surgery on her right elbow, due to nerve damage in her spine, Rosenblatt said, adding it's from repetitive use on the job. As for when the chief will step down, Rosenblatt said, "sooner rather than later." NBC Connecticut has not yet received a statement from the police union about the chief's possible retirement. NBC Connecticut also tried to reach out to Ackley directly for comment. The cast of 'Arrow' and 'Flash' attend a special screening for the CW's 'Arrow' And 'The Flash' at Crest Theatre on November 22, 2014 in Westwood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Joshua Blanchard) Ahead of 100th episode, "Arrow" Season 5 episode 7 will see the arrival of Vigilante (Josh Segarra) in the Star City on Nov. 16, Wednesday. The new character is keen in protecting the city in his own way, which places the team Arrow in much confusion. Advertisement Vigilante is a mysterious crimefighter, who is either an ally or an adversary. Green Arrow/ Mayor Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) and his group will be divided, whether they will help him or stop him from protecting the city when the "Arrow" Season 5 episode 7 returns. "When you finally meet Vigilante, it's a pretty exciting time for Chase and for the Vigilante," Segarra told TVLine. "Chase starts getting involved a little bit more into the rest of the world." Team Arrow will be down only to just Queen/ Arrow and Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) while John Diggle/ Spartan (David Ramsey) returns to the military and Thea (Willa Holland) is still resolute as Speedy. In a flashback, Queen will be seen having a conversation with Konstantin Kovar (Dolph Lundgren). D.A. Adrian Chase assumed the name Vigilante after his family was murdered in the DC canon. Another new character Talia al Ghul (Lexa Dolg) was previously reported to appear in flashbacks in the new episode. "Arrow" 100th episode is slated to be seen in the coming weeks. It will see the biggest crossover of The CW series, including "Arrow," "The Flash," "Supergirl," and "Legends of Tomorrow." Following "Arrow" Season 5 episode 7, viewers will be looking forward to the happenings in the major crossover of The CW shows. In an interview with Screen TV, executive producer Wendy Mericle said that the 100th episode will be a time to celebrate and pay tribute to Season 1 and to the Queen family. There are rumors that "Arrow" cast member Susanna Thompson will be returning in the 100th episode as Moira Queen. The details of her speculated comeback are not yet known or in which episode she will appear, but it is expected that her return will be an emotional moment for her children Arrow and Thea. Mericle confirmed that there will be iconic moments in the momentous episode. Check out the "Arrow" Season 5 episode 7 promo: It appears plans to close several schools in Hartfords North End have been put on pause. According to the school districts website, they have called off all Equity 2020 meetings until the Board of Education can decide next steps. The Equity 2020 advisory committee was looking at a proposal to close schools including MLK and Milner. They were also discussing the option not to build a replacement for the Clark School, which was permanently closed because of PCB contamination. Their goal was to find ways to consolidate schools because of decreasing enrollment. The idea to close neighborhood schools upset a lot of parents, who spoke against the plans at a meeting last month. There Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said he did not agree with the proposal, but warned parents that some schools would need to close. East Windsor police are searching for a suspect who allegedly attacked a clerk in order to get to a cash register during a gas station robbery Wednesday morning. Police said around 4:20 a.m. officers were called to the Sunoco Gas Station on Bridge Street. A K9 team from the Connecticut State Police responded to track the suspect but no one was located. According to police, surveillance video showed the suspect force his way to the cash register by shoving the store clerk to the ground. The suspect reportedly implied he had a gun and threatened to shoot the clerk. The suspect is described as male, thin, about 6-foot, and appears to be missing teeth. Anyone who recognizes the subject pictured above is asked to call police at 860-292-8240, or send a message to East Windsor police on Facebook. Tips can be made anonymously. What to Know The Trump transition team had informed the press at Trump Tower that there would be no movement by the president-elect that night Then, before 8 o'clock Tuesday, a presidential-style motorcade left the building unannounced It turns out that Trump is having dinner at the 21 Club in midtown Manhattan, where reporters and photographers were not allowed inside President-elect Donald Trump emerged from his New York skyscraper Tuesday night for the first time in days, moving about the nation's largest city without a pool of journalists on hand to ensure the public has knowledge of his whereabouts. The president-elect spent about two hours dining with family at the 21 Club, a restaurant a few blocks from his Trump Tower residence. Journalists were only aware that Trump was leaving home when they spotted a large motorcade pulling away from the building, including an ambulance with lights flashing. Heavily armed officers now stand guard outside the entrance of Trump Tower. The security and additional barricades are making it tougher for New Yorkers to get around. Andrew Siff reports. The movement was a surprise given that Trump's campaign had already called a "lid" - a signal to journalists that he would not be venturing out in public for the rest of the day. The practice is meant to ensure that journalists are on hand to witness, on behalf of the public, the activities of the president or president-elect, rather than relying on secondhand accounts. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks issued the lid at 6:14 p.m. But just over an hour later, Trump's motorcade left his residence. His whereabouts became clear only after a fellow diner tweeted a picture of the president-elect arriving at the restaurant. Reporters and photographers caught up with Trump at the midtown Manhattan restaurant but were not allowed inside. https://twitter.com/RiggsReport/status/798686224881950721 NBC News' Hallie Jackson, who made a reservation at the restaurant, reports Trump was dining inside with his wife Melania, and that Secret Service agents moved to block her view of them. Meanwhile, NYPD blocked off 52nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues as Trump dined inside the 21 Club. His motorcade left the area shortly after 9:30 p.m. Daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, were spotted entering a Cadillac SUV at the back of the motorcade. Hicks said she was unaware that Trump planned to leave his home and had not intended to leave the press in the dark. She said the Trump team was working toward setting up a protective pool in the near future. President-elect Donald Trump has broken with protocol by leaving his Trump Tower residence without taking along his press contingent. Every president and president-elect in recent memory has traveled with a pool of journalists when leaving the White House grounds. News organizations take turns serving in the small group, paying their way and sharing the material collected in the pool with the larger press corps. The White House depends on having journalists nearby at all times to relay the president's first comments on breaking news. Critical talks regarding the presidential transition got underway Tuesday at Trump Tower in midtown. Melissa Russo reports. A pool of reporters and photographers was in the motorcade when President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas. The pool was just steps away from President Ronald Reagan when he was shot outside a hotel in the District of Columbia, and was stationed outside his hospital as he recovered. The pool also travels on vacation and foreign trips and at times captures personal, historic moments of the presidency. President-elect Donald Trump and his team on Wednesday vigorously rejected charges of turmoil and infighting roiling efforts to set up his White House, national security and economic teams. A week after his upset victory, Trump said the enormous endeavor was proceeding "so smoothly." Trump dished out his rebuttal on Twitter, spending yet another day ensconced in his New York skyscraper, beyond the public eye. Aides and allies vouched for the transition efforts on his behalf, suggesting some commotion was to be expected. "The beginning of any transition like this has turmoil because it's just the nature of the process," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said as he left Trump's transition headquarters in Washington. He said the picture of Trump's administration would become clearer over the next two or three weeks. A source told NBC News late Wednesday that Trump intends to select retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security advisor. Some close to the transition process described advisers "fighting for power." Trump has long stoked internal rivalries among his staff both in his businesses and his campaign and has created ambiguity in his transition about who has authority to make key decisions. Eric Trump, one of the president-elect's sons, raised expectations of imminent progress Wednesday, telling reporters in the morning that appointments were "likely" to come during the day. Then, other Trump aides suggested a slower pace. "We're not going to rush to put names forward until we're absolutely sure," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said hours later. "We're going to make sure that they're people we're confident will pass confirmation and we think can implement the president-elect's vision." Trump's team noted that President Barack Obama waited until a few weeks after the 2008 election to announce many of his Cabinet appointments. And former Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra, who has informally advised members of Trump's national security team, blamed Trump's detractors for the reports of drama. "When you're doing a transition that is trying to push the kind of change that Mr. Trump wants to be doing, it's going to be even harder," said Hoekstra, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The incoming Republican administration also got a boost of support from outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, who met with his successor, Mike Pence, continuing the Obama administration's show of public support for the transition. "No administration is ready on Day One," Biden said following the meeting at the Naval Observatory, which serves as the vice presidential residence. He expressed confidence that by Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, "everything will be in good hands." Trump's team was essentially starting from scratch, scrapping much of the preliminary transition work New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie conducted during the campaign. After winning the election, Trump demoted Christie and put Pence in charge. The result has been a series of new additions to the transition team and several departures, mainly among those aligned with Christie. Kevin O'Connor, a former senior Justice Department official, joined that group. Trump appeared to be weighing an eclectic mix of individuals for top Cabinet posts, including longtime loyalists, former rivals and even a Democrat. Transition officials said Trump met Wednesday with Eva Moskowitz, a former New York councilwoman and charter school founder who is being considered for education secretary. Others who passed through the marble lobby of Trump Tower included Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., a potential pick for Health and Human Services, and Ray Washburne, a Dallas businessman and top GOP fundraiser in the mix for Commerce secretary. New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft also entered the gilded elevators for meetings and Trump officials said later that the president-elect also met with Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., and Wall Street financier and economic adviser Steve Feinberg. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who arrived Wednesday afternoon, has been angling for secretary of state, though his consulting work for foreign governments has emerged as a potential roadblock. Trump is also said to be seriously considering John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, for the top diplomatic job. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who tangled ferociously with Trump during the Republican primary but ultimately endorsed the businessman, could get a top job such as attorney general. An official said, however, Cruz is not viewed as a top contender. The official, like others, wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the transition talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. Others mentioned for Cabinet posts: Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a Kansas Republican, said someone close to the transition contacted him about becoming agriculture secretary. South Carolina Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, a former U.S. attorney and state attorney general, said he was asked if he would be interested in being attorney general. McMaster also said he was told South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was being considered for secretary of state. Trump aides have released few details about the president-elect's schedule or phone calls since the election. They tried to play catch-up Wednesday, releasing a list of 29 world leaders who have spoken with Trump or Pence in recent days. Most of the calls had previously only been confirmed by those leaders' governments. Trump planned to meet Thursday in New York with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first get-together with a world leader as president-elect. The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Trump's transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan. Other scheduled meetings include Haley, the South Carolina governor, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Florida Gov. Rick Scott. The Office of Policy Management (OPM) released a new multi-million dollar shortfall late Tuesday afternoon for Care 4 Kids, a child care program in the state. The shortfall is making parents already in the program want to know if they can still count on that daycare assistance. Chandler Davis is raising her 4-year-old daughter as a single mother, I work full time and these programs do help, and if it goes away I'm probably going to end up struggling a little bit." Like many other mothers Davis is worried her family could be cut from Care 4 Kids because of budget deficiencies. "Whether they made errors or things changed, I don't know. Clearly the deficit was greater than they anticipated. I guess the question you should be asking is what is being done to avoid this catastrophe? Gerry Pastor told NBC Connecticut. On Oct. 20, OPM outlined an $8.7 million Care 4 Kids budget shortfall. "Due to raises in subsidy rates to reflect collective bargaining increases for day care workers and changes in federal regulations," OPM Secretary Benjamin Barnes wrote. Late Tuesday afternoon, OPM released a new figure, involving a $5.4 million shortfall number for Care 4 Kids. Gerry Pastor owns a dozen Educational Playcare schools and founded the Connecticut Childcare association. In June, the program slashed income eligibility from 50 percent of the state median to 30 percent for new applicants in the working families tier. In August, no new families were admitted, and now there are more than 2-thousand waiting. At Educational Playcare, I didn't have to worry. If my child was safe and Care4Kids took a lot of burden off me as a single mother working full time. I needed that, Davis added. Parents like Davis wonder if their status will change during a review called redetermination. To see if income wise I'm eligible, to receive that little bit of help and it does help. Daycare is very expensive and who knows what is going to happen at that point, Davis told the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters. Pastor added, For us its about 15 to 20 percent of our tuitions here. We actually have made, my wife and I the decision, should this come about we're going to cut our tuitions to literally cover the teachers in the classroom and nothing else, and give them a chance." Governor Dan Malloy told NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters, "This is a federal program. I'm concerned. Everyone is concerned with those changes. The appropriate folks to raise those with are the federal authorities who did this. We're always looking for ways to make sure children are well cared for." A spokeswoman for the Office of Early Childhood says no decisions have been made about any new changes to the program, but they are looking at all available options. The acting commissioner will be testifying this Friday at the legislative office building. A spokesperson for the Office of Early Childhood re-released this statement to the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters on Monday: In order to meet the new policy requirements of the federal law, the Office of Early Childhood has taken difficult, but proactive steps, to live within our means and serve as many families as possible. While we support the goals of much of the new federal policy, we continue to have serious concerns about dramatic increases to the cost of the Care 4 Kids program. To address these concerns, our former commissioner, Dr. Myra Jones-Taylor, testified before Congress and Governor Malloy sent a letter to the congressional appropriations committees urging them to increase funding. We will continue to track enrollment trends and expenditure data as we explore all possible options, but the fact remains, we take very seriously any decision to change eligibility to the program. - Linda Goodman, Acting Commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood Advocates with the early childhood alliance urge concerned folks to call their state lawmakers. House Democrats: (860) 240-8500 House Republicans: (860) 240-8700 Senate Democrats: (860) 240-8600 Senate Republicans: (860) 240-8800 Governors office: (800) 406-1527 NBC 5 Investigates has learned a Dallas County Schools bus driver stopped for speeding in a school bus, while driving through a school zone, was arrested on outstanding warrants, raising new concerns about who's behind the wheel at DCS, the school bus agency that serves 11 school districts in North Texas. On the afternoon of Nov. 4, DCS bus driver Archie Charles Murphy II was on his way to pick up students in White Settlement. But instead of driving the kids home that day, police ended up driving him away in handcuffs after an officer found Murphy had seven outstanding arrest warrants for failing to pay prior traffic tickets. It's an incident that's exposed major failures in the system DCS has been using to background check the people driving kids. The White Settlement City Marshal's Office patrols school zones most afternoons. But until this month they had never caught a school zone speeder driving a big yellow bus. NBC 5 Investigates has learned a Dallas County Schools bus driver stopped for speeding in a school bus, while driving through a school zone, was arrested on outstanding warrants. "A school bus just kind of blew through the intersections, obviously going too fast," said White Settlement City Marshal Jeff James. James said one of his deputies ran Murphy's license and discovered the outstanding warrants. "The driver kept telling him, you know, 'I gotta go pick up the kids. I gotta get the kids,' and he kept trying to make it an emergency so that he needed to leave," said James. The marshals told the bus driver he was going was to jail to take care of those warrants for unpaid tickets. NBC 5 Investigates spoke to parents in White Settlement who wonder how someone with seven arrest warrants for prior traffic tickets ends up behind the wheel of a school bus. "They worry about our safety while our kids are at the school. They need to worry about safety on the way to and from school," Pam Self, a parent in White Settlement. And the city marshal shares those concerns. "I wouldn't have thought he was driving a school bus," said James. In a statement to NBC 5 Investigates, Dallas County Schools said the driver has been fired. The DCS statement says, "This was a definitive example of multiple system failures both internal and external." The DCS statement says, "We run (driver record) checks twice a year, however warrants do not show up on Texas DPS Motor Vehicle ReportsWe are already looking at ways to resolve this reporting issue and are considering hiring a private company to review driver files more frequently because the current system with DPS is insufficient." The background check problems come at a time when DCS is already under scrutiny for failing to supervise drivers. An NBC 5 investigation uncovered videos that captured hundreds of drivers running red lights. DCS quietly paid the tickets and did not discipline the drivers until NBC 5 Investigates questioned why. Monday night, NBC 5 Investigates reported crashes involving DCS buses reported to the state doubled in just one year. NBC 5 Investigates sent messages Tuesday to Murphy, the school bus driver who was arrested in the traffic stop, but we were unable to reach him. Online court records in Arlington where the tickets originated, indicate that Murphy has been released from jail and those unpaid ticket cases have now been closed. In a statement Tuesday from the White Settlement Independent School District, Superintendent Frank Molinar said, "Student safety is a top priority in White Settlement ISD, and we take these matters very seriously." "WSISD will continue to work with our Dallas County Schools employees to ensure that procedures, policies and safety measures are always implemented," Molinar said. "All team members will continue to be accountable for student safety." Tuesday morning, another DCS driver was involved in a crash along Loop 820 in White Settlement where one student was hospitalized with minor injuries. That, along with the news of a bus driver's arrest, is unsettling parents in one North Texas suburb where families count on DCS to care for their kids. "It makes it a little scary, you know. The officer who made the stop is a parent, too, and he has kids in the school district, and it makes you feel like I just want to make sure my kids are OK," said Marshal James. Convicted killer John Battaglia will have to wait three days to learn whether a judge will spare his life. Dallas County Judge Robert Burns told the court Tuesday, he'll make a ruling on Friday. Burns is deciding if Battaglia is mentally fit for execution. Battaglia murdered his two daughters in 2001 as their mother listened on the phone. Three forensic psychologists testified that he suffers from a delusional disorder that makes him believe he did not kill his children. However, a fourth psychologist told the court Battaglia is competent for execution. "He first insists he was not present at the time of his daughter's death and then he provides a possible excuse for why he might of been present, implying why he might of killed them," said Dr. James Womack. "He would have likely maintained his position that he was not there at the time of the murders and argue any evidence law enforcement had, would have been fabricated." Womack believed Battaglia could be faking symptoms of delusional disorder. Battaglia's father, who's name is also John Battaglia, flew out from Florida to see his son. "It's the first time I get to see him without a glass wall between us and I did want to see him in person and tell him we're still with him," said Battaglia. "I'm just hoping if they do delay it (Battaglia's execution) and don't do it in December, maybe I'll be out of this world. I won't have to watch it." Battaglia's execution is scheduled for Dec. 7, but his attorneys can appeal the judge's decision which could cause a delay. A Houston man is facing charges alleging that he posed as a medical researcher in order to sexually assault a Vermont college student. NECN reported 31-year-old Nam Vu Bui pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Middlebury to charges including illegal advertisement of medical services and sexual assault. Authorities say Vu Bui was a guest of a Middlebury College student, who believed he was a medical resident at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Police said Vu Bui said he was studying early detection of cancer in women. Police said Vu Bui asked the woman's friends to take part in his research. They allege he convinced a female student to let him blindfold her. He allegedly videotaped her while touching her. Vu Bui's attorney says the evidence on some charges is flimsy. Law enforcement officials from across North Texas will reveal plans to crack down on drunk drivers during the upcoming holiday season. Officials representing Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant counties held a press conference Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Ruthie Jackson Center in Grand Prairie. The event marks the first time all four counties joined together to outline plans for "enhanced enforcement" efforts against drunk driving during the holiday season, according to a press release. Among those making remarks is Lisa Martin, whose son was killed in a drunk driving crash. Other DWI victims will also be present to raise awareness of the issue. The coalition includes Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, Tarrant County Sheriff-elect Bill Waybourn, Denton County Sheriff-elect Jim Skinner, Dallas County Assistant Chief Deputy Sheriff Patrick Bonner and Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen join Grand Prairie police chief Steve Dye. Members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and law enforcement agencies were present. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump walk from a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at the U.S. Capitol November 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo : Getty Images/Mark Wilson) "NCIS: Los Angeles" Season 8 episode 8 titled "Parallel Resistors" enjoyed high ratings on Nov. 13, Sunday, on NBC. The episode is the lead-out of "60 Minutes" featuring United States President-elect Donald Trump. More than 12 million viewers watched "Parallel Resistors," Deadline has learned. For the first time in a long time, "NCIS: Los Angeles" defeated "The Walking Dead." Advertisement The last time "NCIS: Los Angeles" had better ratings than "The Walking Dead" was on March 9, 2014. The latter is also currently in its eighth season. Eric Laneuville directed "Parallel Resistors," in which the team uncovered a link to international warfare when a graduate student developing an electromagnetic weapon for the Navy was attacked. The team will discuss their plans for Thanksgiving in episode 9 titled "Glasnost" as G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell) will have to interrogate his father when he is found in an NCIS patient's hospital during a radiation poisoning case. Directed by David Boyd, "The Walking Dead" Season 7 episode 4 titled "Service" was watched by more than 11 million viewers. Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group mourned back at Alexandria the tragic events that had recently occurred but they soon received a visit from Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). In "The Walking Dead" Season 7 episode 5 titled "Go Getters," Simon (Steven Ogg) and the Saviors will arrive to get their tribute. Maggie Greene (Lauren Cohan) and Sasha Williams (Soneque Martin-Green) will recover from their grief at the Hilltop while Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs) and Enid (Katelyn Nacon) will journey to the community. In other news, Catholic bishops recently challenged Trump on immigration. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and an immigrant from Mexico, convened an interfaith prayer service at the Roman Catholic cathedral in Los Angeles two nights after the former host of "The Celebrity Apprentice" beat Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential election. "This should not be happening in America," New York Times quoted Gomez as saying. "We are not this kind of people. We are better than this." Watch Trump's full victory speech here: Working in a land of cubicles, Diana Thomas said she loves her weekday job. I like going in every Monday morning and helping people," said Thomas. Her primary responsibilities as a Senior Health and Welfare Analyst at CBRE include working with company benefit plan designs, managing day-to-day vendor relationships, company-wide corporate benefit communications and its wellness program. It is a stark contrast to her weekend job. I am a professional sari draper, said Thomas. She dresses women in a traditional and functional Indian dress. The sari is actually one size fits all, Thomas explained. At her sari-draping studio in Irving, she used the mannequin that she practices on to demonstrate a saris structure. So youll see that theres a skirt, right underneath, Thomas said while pulling up the bottom of the sari. "The underskirt is considered one of the saris anchors. The second is the blouse, which is the only piece thats sewn to custom-fit the woman wearing it." Besides the two anchors, the rest of the sari is made up of around six yards of loose fabric. You have to pin it, pleat it, tuck it and style it into the drape that you want, said Thomas. This one in particular is very flattering, Thomas said while referencing the sari style on the mannequin. People now hire Thomas for events like baby showers, engagement photo shoots and weddings to add her professional flare to their sarees. On a Saturday morning at a hotel in Fort Worth, we watched as she prepared to drape sarees for guests of an Indian wedding happening downstairs. And youre going to stay in these shoes all day? Thomas asks in order to gauge the length of the sari shes about to drape. We also learned her secret to a perfectly-draped sari: safety pins. So thisll be the second pin. Im going to come behind you and pin. Im just gonna grab some pins; two more pins back here and youre completely done, said Thomas over the course of one draping. Safety pins are the Duct tape of sari draping; not all of the pins stay in the sari, some are just used to keep the fabric in place during the draping. These pins, holding everything together, are also symbolic of why Thomas is committed to keeping the tradition of the sari alive. As an immigrant, most immigrants always want to have a tie back to where they came from, said Thomas. Thomas was born in Kerala, India, then spent the first five years of her life living in Bombay, which is modern day Mumbai. Whenever I thought about what do I want to be when I grow up, it was always tied to helping people, said Thomas. Like most Indian women, Thomass mom taught her how to wear her first sari. Years later, she started helping friends wear their sarees, then friends of friends. Somewhere along the way, [I] recognized that theres a need for this, said Thomas, and she knew this was a way to help people. So she started a company, called Draped2Nines, and even went back to India to get certified with further education with Kalpana Shah, a famous sari draper. Thomas compared her experience with Shah to a boxer getting a lesson with Muhammad Ali. There we go, thats perfect, said Kavitha Reddy, while getting draped by Thomas. Thomass attention to detail, with modern and traditional styles, leave women feeling, pretty regal, said Reddy with a laugh. Its fun, its a lot of fun. Kavitha is perfectly capable of draping her own sari, but said its much easier having someone do it for you. Thomas even uses her flat iron, which many women use on their hair, to perfectly crease the saris folds after its pinned and placed on the body. To highlight Reddys grandmothers necklace, she asked Thomas to drape her sari with a high neckline. Usually, the jewelry we wear (on special occasions) comes from different family members, and so there are a lot of memories that are associated with that, said Reddy. Never have I worn a sari, said Rhonda Sargent Chambers, friend and co-worker of the bride. For Sargent Chambers, shes grateful for the help because she wanted to wear a sari to honor the engaged couples heritage. So, I want to do it right, but I couldnt do it, Chambers said with a laugh. After receiving a text from the bride, Thomas packs up her gear, grabs the brides sari from her closet and heads down the hallway to the bridal suite. Today is going surprisingly well, said Sirisha Reddy about her wedding day. She noted what she loves about Thomass draping and said shes like a sari miracle worker, especially on a day when there are a lot of last-minute decisions to make. Its so nice that she just walked in and took care of everything, said Sirisha Reddy. From the most important days, to any day, Thomas is highlighting the beauty of traditional India in modern-day America. I think sometime when you do what you love, what you love turns into a purpose, said Thomas. You feel good that you could help someone. All while working quietly in the backgroundjust like her trusted safety pins. Its all about the safety pins. Safety pins fix everything, said Thomas. A Missouri father is facing child abuse charges after allegedly shoving his fingers down his infant son's throat to make the baby stop crying. Investigators say 19-year-old Robert Burnette of Wentzville also threw his 6-week-old son onto a bed, violently shook him and picked him up by the back of his neck. Police say the baby's mother watched without intervening. The baby was listed in critical but stable condition Monday at a St. Louis hospital. Burnette and the baby's mother, 20-year-old Megan Hendricks, were arrested last week. Both are charged with child abuse causing serious injury. Neither Burnette nor Hendricks has obtained an attorney. Both are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Wentzville Police Chief Kurt Frisz says the case was shocking because of the "outright savageness of the assault." Hospital staff contacted authorities after examining the child, according to NBC affiliate KSDK. The parents of the boy were expected in court Tuesday. Though the baby is in critical but stable condition, if the child lives, his quality of life is expected to be "minimal," KSDK reported. U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Dallas, was overwhelmingly reelected last week to the 30th Congressional District seat she's held for 24 years. Johnson is a trailblazer, often the first woman or African-American in many roles throughout her 40-plus years career. This is her 13th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, and she's said it will be her last. She is now 80 years old. When asked what the headlines will read once she steps down, Johnson said this: "I have no clue! I would like to continue to hear what I hear everywhere I go 'I appreciate what you're doing for us.' Sometimes I wonder what each of them sees because it depends on perspective." She said she wants to groom a successor. "Clearly, I would love to see a young, bright, person hopefully female to replace me," Johnson said. Johnson was once a psychiatric nurse before winning her first election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1972. "African-American women had not been involved that much in electoral politics. As a matter of fact, I learned several years later from one of the researchers at the University of Texas that I was the first African-American woman to run for and win any office in Dallas. I didn't even realize that!" Johnson said. The 100-year-old Dallas Union Station was recently renamed The Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station. Johnson wonders whether others are inspired by her story. "I guess when you get to my age, you're concerned about whether or not your legacy will be encouraging to young people coming along behind you," she said. Johnson said she has gotten satisfaction from helping Dallas grow into what she calls a beacon for the nation. SAN FRANCISCO - Faced with record high enrollment and the need to hire faculty, the University of California and California State University systems are considering raising tuition for the first time in six years. The proposed annual hikes _ $270 at the 23 Cal State schools and $280 at UC's nine undergraduate campuses _ are being discussed this week by the governing boards of both systems at separate meetings on budget plans. Leaders of both institutions say they need more funding to maintain the quality of the nation's largest public university system. Rates have remained frozen despite declining state support, officials said. The current in-state undergraduate tuition at Cal State schools is $5,400 a year and $12,300 a year at UCs. About two dozen students protested Tuesday outside the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. They placed fake tombstones on the lawn outside the meeting, wore zombie face paint and held signs saying, "We are the Walking Debt" to symbolize the "dying CSU system" that used to be free and fully state-funded, said Courtney Yamagiwa, a member of activist group Students for Quality Education. Yamagiwa, a senior at Cal State Long Beach, urged the board to push for more state funding. The proposed hikes could take effect for the 2017-18 school year unless the state provides more funding. "Tuition increase is a decision of last resort," said Toni Molle, spokeswoman for California State University. "The university's highest priority is to secure full state funding." CSU's Board of Trustees is asking for an additional $168 million in state funding, Molle said. A vote on possible CSU tuition hikes would not happen until next year. Officials say that if it takes effect, the majority of students would likely have the costs covered by financial aid. At Cal State schools, 61 percent of students are fully covered by financial aid, Molle said. At the University of California, 57 percent of California undergraduate students are fully covered, said spokeswoman Claire Doan. State spending has dropped from covering 72 percent of the cost of educating a student in 2000 to 41 percent last year, she said. The UC Board of Regents meets Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the 2017-18 budget, with details to be finalized in January. Both institutions say they're faced with record numbers of California high school graduates qualifying for admission and the added challenges of finding dorms, classrooms and instructors. Critics say the tuition proposals would put too much of a burden on students already struggling to finance their educations and force more students to drop out of college. The loved ones of a driver who died in a fiery crash with a bus in Chino Hills still wanted to thank the man who, despite his best efforts, tried to rescue the driver from the wreck. On Sunday, a tour bus carrying students from a San Diego college was rear-ended by a speeding Volkswagen Jetta on the southbound 71 Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. The impact of the crash lodged the Jetta underneath the bus. Zach Hannan was on his way home from work to Chino Hills when he saw the aftermath of the crash -- the car was smoking and sparking. "It was really surreal," he said. "It was like a movie." Hannan ran up to wreck -- seconds before the bus and car burst into flames -- and opened the door of the Jetta, pushed the airbag out of the way and pulled the driver out. "All I could think of was, 'I got you, you're going to be okay, you're going to be okay,'" he said. Hannan -- who happens to be certified in CPR -- checked the driver for a pulse, but he was gone. "There was no helping him," he said. Xujun Lu, 26, of Chino Hills, died at the scene -- but his family still felt the need to thank the man who tried to save him. They reached out through social media to try to find the person who they deemed a "good Samaritan." "I know this is a long shot, but we would really like to be able to find individual who pulled (Xujun) out of his vehicle and spent his last moment with him," Jacqueline Chang wrote in a Facebook post. "We find comfort in knowing he was not alone." Hannan said he received a phone call from the victim's wife, thanking him. He doesn't consider himself a hero, but hopes his actions did bring the family comfort in a difficult time. Three suspected gang members were charged Tuesday in the shooting death of a 19-year-old Marine who was found dead in his car while on leave. Lance Cpl. Carlos Segovia, remembered by his colleagues as an unselfish "true warrior," was shot Sept. 16 in Los Angeles' Jefferson Park area while on leave from Camp Pendleton. He died three days later at a hospital. Oscar Aguilar, 26, and Esau Rios, 28, were each charged with one count of murder. Aguilar also faces one count each of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and dissuading a witness by force or threat. He used the firearm in the slaying, according to prosecutors. Ricky Valente, 18, was charged with a count of accessory after the fact, having knowledge of the murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon. Investigators had little to go on in the days after the shooting, except for a cellphone call that provided a look into Segovia's final moments. He had just left the home of his girlfriend's family and was having a cellphone conversation when it appeared he became aware of something suspicious, investigators said. The line then went silent, according to Capt. Peter Whittingham, commander of the LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide section. A vehicle pulled up beside the Marine's car, and at least one person opened fire, striking him once in the head, police said. He was found slumped over the car's steering wheel. A $50,000 reward was announced for information in the case and Segovia's mother issued heart-wrenching pleas for help. Details about what led to the arrests were not immediately available. The young Marine was honored during a funeral mass at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles, where rows of uniformed service members filled rows to hear about their colleague's legacy of helping others. The service included eulogies by Lopez's mother, friends, relatives and Lt. Col. Cory Quinn. "To join the Marines at a time of war, to join as an infantryman, is an extraordinary emotional and intellectual decision," said Lt. Colonel Quinn. "You can see how important it was to him. You learn what it is to defend, what it is to stick up for others. And, that's why he joined." Segovia worked with the homeless through the LA on Cloud 9 organization. After graduating from Foshay Learning Center last year, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, but during leave time continued to volunteer. He was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. with his mother. There are a number of well-known ghost towns throughout California and the Southwest, the kind of empty and atmospheric places that tell a tale of times gone by through the remaining buildings and roads where carriages no longer roll. But one of the Golden State's most celebrated ghost towns isn't typically empty, and if you were to peek inside a particular building, at a particular time of the year, you'd spy none other than Santa Claus himself. It is, indeed, the Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm we semi-cheekily reference. And while the Ghost Town isn't as old as other ghost towns, it is still historic, dating back to the 1940s. Which makes it a perfectly nostalgic central point for Knott's Merry Farm each year. The holidaytime experience opens at the Buena Park attraction on Saturday, Nov. 19, and keeps the cuteness/sweetness/boysenberryness going through to Jan. 8, 2017, with several doings inside the Old-West-y village. Santa will be there, as promised, at Santa's Christmas Cabin, and this North Pole nod has a rustic, yippee-ki-ya feel. There'll be live caroling, and a nightly light show and snowfall in the Ghost Town, too this snow is enchanted, of course, and not really cold plus the Christmas Crafts Village returns. As will Snoopy, that ice-skating superstar of the theme park. The Peanuts-themed ice show twirls outside of the Ghost Town area, at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre, and it is happening on select dates during Knott's Merry Farm (so peruse all before planning your visit). And, of course, there are all of those Knott's jams and jellies for purchase. Might it be pointed out that they're stuffable in the stocking sense? It might be, as they're just the right size and don't cost a bundle. Plus, they have that California cred, too: Knott's boysenberry preserves is as Orange County as sunshine, beaches, and roller coasters. Help your sleigh find its way to Knott's Merry Farm, and all of that Ghost Town twinkle, beginning on Saturday, Nov. 19. It appeared to be business as usual Tuesday at Children's Dental Group of Anaheim though dozens of students are battling illnesses related to infections contracted at the clinic. That left an Orange County supervisor asking why the facility was allowed to reopen at all. Leonore Oliver says her 5-year-old daughter went in for a checkup at the clinic, and when she came out she had undergone five root canals and had two cavities filled. "I even said, 'Are you sure she needs this done because it's seven things she's going to get done in one day?' And they said, 'Oh, it's better if we just get it over with,'" Oliver said. Six months later, what started as an infection in her daughter Yaretzy Ramirez' gums moved into her lungs. Now her mother must give her antibiotics twice a day. Ramirez is one of 77 patients who have been evaluated at Children's Hospital for issues related to treatments at the Anaheim Facility. The infections were traced to an on-site water system, which has been removed and replaced. Last week the Orange County Health Care Agency allowed the dental group to start seeing patients again. In a letter addressed Tuesday, supervisor Todd Spitzer said neither medical experts nor the courts have determined why more than 50 children were infected with procedures that might not have been medically warranted. He questions why the facility was allowed to reopen. In Ramirez' case the surgical procedure left her gum so fragile, her mother was told the dentist had to stop out of fear it would fracture. "She's not going to be a normal child any more. She can't play. If she falls down she could do the fracture herself just by falling," Oliver said. Yaretzy went home from the hospital Tuesday. NBC4 contacted the Dental Board of California and the board said it is investigating the licensed dentist and all of the registered dental assistants involved. The CEO of the clinic did not respond to phone and email inquiries. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation conduct four to 10 stings per month to catch so-called "bandit taxi drivers." These bandits are described as people who illicitly pose as cab drivers, sidestepping regulators and taking cash fares, according to police. The LAPD and LADOT spend about $800,000 annually on these sting operations and all of it is paid for by the taxi cab industry, NBC4s media partner KPCC reports. But Uber and Lyft drivers are questioning the legality of the undercover operations and the role of the taxi industry, which has opposed ride share companies operating in Los Angeles. Read more at KPCC Priyanka Chopra Visits 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' at Rockefeller Center on September 21, 2016 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images for NBC/Theo Wargo) "Quantico" actress Priyanka Chopra recently opened up about the pressures of leading a television series. The 34-year-old Indian actress stated she finds television more serious than films. "TV is intense," Chopra told The Hindustan Times. "It's 16-hour days, five to six times a week. Over eight to nine scenes a day. So yeah, it's crazy pressure." Advertisement Chopra added "Quantico" is way different from other shows, revealing that it demands a lot more from its actors. Since she plays the lead, the Indian actress needs to work harder to keep up the same intensity in the show. She then admitted that there was a lot of pressure about the show's second season. "Yes, there is pressure, especially when you look at just how big the show was," Chopra said. "Not only was it a huge success in the US, but it was also licensed to over 212 territories in over 56 languages." In "Quantico," Chopra plays a promising FBI agent, Alexandra "Alex" Parrish, who becomes a prime suspect in a terrorist attack. At the end of Season 1, Alex is fired by the FBI and is given the chance to work for the CIA. "Quantico" Season 2 is slated to air its winter finale episode on Nov. 27. Titled "Odenvy," the episode will see Lydia (Tracy Ifeachor) and Owen Hall (Blair Underwood) teaching the group about the necessity of lying and cutting off relationships, as per The Futon Critic. It is a perfect timing for Alex since she is feeling disconnected from Ryan Booth (Jake McLaughlin) both personally and professionally. The episode will also follow Alex and company's attempt in destroying the biological weapon. Chopra, who started her acting career with 2002's "Humraaz," is currently preparing for her Hollywood film debut. She has been cast to play the main antagonist, Victoria Leeds, in the upcoming action comedy film "Baywatch." In the same interview, Chopra stated films are more languid. She clarified that the film is not as demanding as television since one just have to do a couple of scenes in a day. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, "Baywatch" follows a devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) and a new recruit, Matt Brody (Efron). Together, the two uncover a criminal plot that debilitates the future of the Bay. It will be released on May 19, 2017 by Paramount Pictures. Check out the promo for "Quantico" Season 2 winter finale episode here: People flying in and out of South Florida airports are more likely to be delayed and for a longer amount of time than at other large airports in the country, according to the most recent report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics from August 2016. Miamis on-time departure percentage ranked 29th of 29 of the countrys largest airports between October 2015 and August 2016. Fort Lauderdales airport ranked 23rd. Frequent flyer Joe Zubi, a Coral Gables advertising executive, lives those statistics. "Its frustrating," says Coral Gables advertising executive Joe Zubi. " Its tough to manage your schedule around it." Zubi has logged millions of miles on American and is a fan of the dominant carrier in South Florida, but now he does see a change. "There's a lot more delays," he stated. "A lot of flights being canceled or we are on the tarmac for much longer." The average delay in August 2016 was at the airports all-time high since 2000 at nearly 78 minutes. The national average for delayed flights was just under 70 minutes. A flight is considered delayed when it arrived or departed 15 or more minutes off its schedule. One reason for the delays is a staffing problem in the air traffic control tower. "We dont have the staffing that we need, said Billy Kisseadoo, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association at MIA. According to the FAA, Miamis tower has 67 percent of its certified air traffic controller positions filled. Thats a more severe shortage than in other parts of the country including the Chicago OHare Tower at 76.5 percent and San Jose Tower at 76.9 percent. "That staffing shortage is really affecting the level of service were able to give on a consistent basis," Kisseadoo says. Sometimes we have to curtail services because of the fact we dont have the staffing that we need. Kisseadoo says a shortage of air traffic controllers can lead to delays so safety isnt compromised. The FAA said it shares the NATCAs frustration. In a statement, the FAA said the past government shut down and budget cuts closed the FAA controller training academy for nine months, delaying initial training for several classes of new air traffic controllers. The agency says its working hard to hire at an increased rate to meet staffing targets. More than 29,000 people applied for 1,400 open positions posted in August. Getting an air traffic controller fully certified can take up to three years. Another factor that leads to delays what's known in the airline business as "banking" where airlines tightly schedule fights so they take off and land about the same time. "If you cluster them, theres going to be inherent delays built into the scheduling," said Paul Hudson of flyersrights.org. American Airlines which operates nearly 7 of 10 of the flights at MIA showed its flight operation center where employees overlook the ramp in an effort to keep jets moving past a bottleneck that takes place along the northwest corner of MIAs taxiway. American told us the banking is done to make it easier for their passengers to get to their destinations quickly. "The banking is in place so our customers are not sitting at the airport for hours at a time," says Alexis Aran Aran Coello, a spokesperson for American in Miami. If you're going from Nashville to Rio, your connection time in Miami is going to be minimal. Its going to be 45 minutes. Its going to be an hour and a half. Its not going to be 4-5 hours. American told us its working with the FAA to develop a schedule that it hopes will reduce delays. A spokesperson with MIA echoed that the airport is also working with the airline and FAA on schedules. Hudson believes the FAA may need to do more. "I am afraid that the administrator of the FAA may have to, in certain cases, do some emergency orders to spread out flights or cancel flights that are chronically late," he said. He advises travelers to avoid peak hours and always check a fights on-time schedule. He recommends confirming a flight takes off on-time at least 80 percent of the time. Another factor is the growth at MIA where passenger loads are up 2 percent this year. The airport also sees more international traffic than nearly any other airport. High school and college students from across South Miami-Dade County walked out of class Wednesday in an effort to protest deportation policies expected from President-elect Donald Trump. The walkout, organized by the immigrant rights group COSECHA, was done to promote the movement to make school campuses into sanctuary locations for students against possible deportation. Students marched from their schools including Homestead and South Dade Senior High Schools and Miami Dade Colleges Homestead campus to Homestead City Hall for a rally to promote the cause. Dozens of students made their way out of the schools, some carrying signs saying "here to stay" and "love trumps hate." The students began chanting "up, up with education, down, down with deportation" at the city hall rally. Dozens of students call for "education not deportation" in protest at #Homestead City Hall Wednesday. So far protest is peaceful @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/k3EWURQMDY Marissa Bagg (@MarissaNBC6) November 16, 2016 Miami-Dade County Public Schools officials released a statement on the walkout. A relatively small number of Miami-Dade students left school today to participate in a march to Homestead City Hall that was organized by an outside immigration advocacy group. School administrators were concerned for student safety, because many of the busy highways in the area are without sidewalks, placing students at risk," the statement read. "The outsiders proposing the walkout failed to meet with district officials to assist in finding safe alternatives. The Code of Student Conduct, which is the Districts policy that creates a safe learning environment to ensure academic success, will be utilized to address students for leaving school grounds without permission." The protest comes on the heels of demonstrations in Downtown Miami, Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale over the weekend. A teen accused of killing his friend in a crash on Key Biscayne was back behind bars after allegedly violating house arrest, as authorities released new video of the moments before the fatal crash. The surveillance video released by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office Tuesday shows the moments before they say Isaias Medina crashed a Porsche into a light pole along Crandon Boulevard and Harbor Drive on New Year's Day. The passenger in the car, 18-year old Daniela Benavides Sanmiguel, died from the impact. Police arrested Medina, who was 17 when the crash happened, in February. He was initially charged as a juvenile but has been charged as an adult with vehicular homicide, driving without a license and reckless driving. Detectives found Xanax and Marijuana at the scene and later toxicology tests showed Medina had both those drugs in his system, authorities said. But so far, he hasn't been charged with driving under the influence. Medina had been on house arrest but on Monday he went back to jail. Prosecutors believe Medina was tampering with his ankle monitor, the GPS device that keeps track of his whereabouts. Now, he has no bond and is waiting for his next court date. His attorney said in February that Medina, the son of a Venezuelan diplomat to the United States, is not a flight risk. Medina is expected to attend a hearing Wednesday, and could be getting ready to take a plea deal. Otherwise, he'll be heading to trial. What to Know The teenager has been held on Rikers Island since July, and his mother says the boy sometimes tells her he wants to die At least two teenage witnesses told the I-Team they were pressured into lying about the case The NYPD says it is conducting an internal investigation The NYPD says actions of police officers in a Bronx precinct are under internal investigation after a shooting victim and a key witness told NBC 4 New York's I-Team cops there pressured them to lie in a criminal case. Sixteen-year-old Pedro Hernandez, a high-school student with no criminal record, has been on Rikers Island since July, charged with firing a gun into a crowd in the Morrisania section of the Bronx in September 2015. The I-Team spoke to the shooting victim, a 17 year-old, who was shot in the leg. He said he did not see the shooter. He claimed one detective threatened him with violence to try and get him to make up a story. He wanted me to lie on some light-skinned kid, he said. He threatened to push my head into the wall and stuff. Another teenager also told the I-Team he was threatened by officers, whom he said had beaten him up before. He said he knew Hernandez from the neighborhood and that he was not the shooter. They wanted me to lie on him, to say that it was him, he said. A private investigator hired by Hernandez' family, Manuel Gomez, said he obtained videotaped statements from several witnesses who are adamant the teenager was not involved in the shooting. Some of the witnesses identified another neighborhood man as the suspect. Gomez said he provided the evidence he uncovered to the Bronx district attorney's office. A spokesperson for the district attorney's office said an investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement sources said Hernandez had been arrested on criminal charges several times, but his attorney said the majority of cases have been dismissed. His attorneys have filed a notice of claim against the city alleging a pattern of harassment and abuse by the NYPD. Pedro has been falsely arrested four times in the past year. Hes beaten every case because he didnt do it, John Scola said. He added, Basically, they are trying to pin things on him in order to save face because of a vendetta. The city does not respond to notices of claim. The NYPD said the matter is "under review." Meanwhile, the teenager remains at Rikers, his mother unable to post the $250,000 bond set by judge in the case. My son is mentally devastated, the boy's mother, Jessica Perez, said. He sometimes tells me he wants to die. Hernandez next court date is December 1. What to Know Ahmad Khan Rahimi is accused of planting bombs in New York and New Jersey that wounded 31 people in September The 28-year-old Afghan native was captured after a shootout with police in New Jersey two days after the bombings He has been recovering from multiple gunshot wounds he sustained in the shootout with cops Federal prosecutors boosted their case Wednesday against a man charged with setting off bombs in New Jersey and New York that injured 30 people, bringing additional charges in an indictment and subjecting him to a potential mandatory life-in-prison penalty if he's convicted. The eight-count indictment in Manhattan federal court speeds the case along against 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahimi. He has been held without bail in the Sept. 17 attacks since his arrest two days afterward when he was shot by police in a shootout outside a Linden, New Jersey, bar. The bombings included the evening explosion of a bomb in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood that injured 30 people and the detonation of a pipe bomb along a Marine Corps Charity race in Seaside Park, New Jersey, earlier in the day. Rahimi is scheduled to enter a plea to the indictment during a court appearance Thursday. The new bombing charges in the indictment were added to charges already lodged against him in a federal complaint in New York. If convicted of all counts, he would face a mandatory life prison sentence. He also faces the potential for a mandatory life prison sentence in a case brought against him in Union County, New Jersey. Authorities announced Wednesday that a grand jury there had handed up an indictment charging Rahimi with 30 counts, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and weapons offenses stemming from the Sept. 19 shootout. He is charged with shooting one officer in his protective vest. Another officer was struck in the head by a bullet fragment. Neither injury was life threatening. One of his lawyers said at an initial appearance for the Elizabeth, New Jersey, resident last week in Manhattan, where he will face trial first, that he will plead not guilty to any federal indictment. Assistant federal defender Sabrina Shroff declined to comment after the indictment was returned Wednesday. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara noted the Chelsea bombing shattered windows hundreds of yards away and propelled a 100-pound dumpster more than 120 feet. Until last week, Rahimi remained in a New Jersey hospital or jail facility recovering from his gunshot wounds. What to Know President-elect Donald Trump slipped past the press on Tuesday night to have dinner with his family at a swanky NYC restaurant Senator Barbara Boxer, of California, introduced legislation that would eliminate the Electoral College after last week's election results Actress Carrie Fisher confirmed years of rumors that she and Harrison Ford had a relationship during the filming of "Star Wars" Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. Trump Pulls a Fast One on Press President-elect Donald Trump emerged from his Manhattan skyscraper Tuesday night for the first time in days, moving about the nation's largest city without a pool of journalists on hand to ensure the public has knowledge of his whereabouts. Trump had a steak dinner with his family at the swanky 21 Club but didnt notify the press ahead of time, a tradition that every president and president-elect in recent memory has adhered to. Trump was hidden from the public in Trump Tower most of Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Meanwhile, sources tell NBC 4 New York that the Secret Service and NYPD are considering closing a lane on Fifth Avenue or shutting down parts of the avenue near the building during the president-elect's visits once he's inaugurated. Trump Place to Drop Name Trump Place, a high-rise condominium complex near Lincoln Square on Manhattans Upper West Side, is about to get a name change. The three buildings will drop the name of the president-elect in favor of their street addresses, 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Boulevard. The name change comes after nearly 600 people signed a Change.org petition created by three residents to have the building drop the moniker and get rid of the gold-emblazoned name on the structure's facade. Bill to Abolish Electoral College U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is introduced legislation Tuesday that would eliminate the Electoral College, so that presidential elections would be decided by the popular vote. The move is in response to Donald Trump's presidential victory last week. The president-elect won through the Electoral College, although Hillary Clinton is leading the popular vote by nearly a million votes, a statement from Boxer's office read. Grad Goes Missing in NYC Police continued to collect evidence from a luxury apartment building in Manhattan on Wednesday morning, three days after a 26-year-old Stamford, Connecticut, man went missing while visiting the location. Police say there are signs of foul play in the disappearance of Hofstra University graduate Joey Comunale. He was last seen entering the building on Sunday. Investigators have taken large amounts of evidence, including bloody sheets and clothing. Sandy Hook Families Appeal The families of some of the victims killed in the 2012 Newtown school shooting have asked a court to reinstate their wrongful-death lawsuit against the maker of the rifle used in the massacre. In October, a Superior Court judge dismissed the lawsuit against Remington Arms, citing an embattled federal law that shields gun manufacturers from most lawsuits over criminal use of their products. U.S. Capitol Gets a Makeover A special unveiling ceremony Tuesday officially marked the end of a two-year construction project on the U.S. Capitol building, just in time for the 2017 inauguration of Donald Trump. The last time the dome was restored was during the Eisenhower administration. See photos of the restoration. Real Life Han and Leia Affair Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher, who for years has hinted that she and Harrison Ford may have had a romantic fling in the past, confirmed the relationship in an interview with People magazine. "It was so intense," the 60-year-old actress revealed. "It was Han and Leia during the week, and Carrie and Harrison during the weekend." The New Jersey state dentistry board has rejected a proposed settlement by a oral surgeon linked to 15 cases of a bacterial infection of the heart over the last two years, including one case that lead to death due to surgery complications. Dr. John Vecchione faced the board in a closed-door meeting in Newark Tuesday as they weighed the oral surgeon's fate. Family members of the victims also appeared at the meeting, looking for justice. Widow Connie Leahy said her husband of 25 years, Thomas Leahy, a plumber who needed a tooth extracted, went to Vecchione's dental office. He died several years ago. "It wasn't until a Channel 4 news report and me sitting in front of the TV did I realize what really happened to my husband," she said, referencing NBC 4's previous report on Vecchione. In September, New Jersey's board of dentistry suspended Vecchione's license as the state Health Department investigated a rash of infections linked to Vecchione's outpatient surgery clinics in Mt. Olive and Parsippany. Investigators cited multiple instances of non-sanitary handling of medicines, syringes, and poor hand-washing. Vecchione would not speak to NBC 4 Tuesday, but has denied the allegations to state inspectors. The board Tuesday decided to keep his license suspended until an administrative law judge can weigh in, which means the victims will have to keep waiting. "If that person had done his job rather than not follow protocol, this never would have happened," said Rene Del Grosso, the father of one victim, Ryan Del Grosso. There was no immediate timetable on when Vecchione will have his next hearing, other than the board agreeing to speed up the case. A call to raise the salary of New York state lawmakers was rejected Tuesday by a special commission charged with reviewing whether the $79,500-a-year salary should be increased for the first time in nearly two decades. The state commission has been reviewing legislative salaries since earlier this year after several lawmakers broached the idea of a raise. Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, of the Bronx, spoke out on behalf of many lawmakers last month when he called a pay bump "long overdue." But Tuesday the idea fell flat when Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's three appointees on the seven-member commission said they wouldn't support an increase, partly because no lawmaker spoke in favor of an increase at the commission's meetings. "Those seeking increases have an obligation to make their case ... to the public they are elected to serve," said Fran Reiter, a Cuomo appointee on the New York State Special Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation. Reiter said Cuomo's appointees would be open to a pay hike - if lawmakers passed stronger ethics rules. Although many legislators supported a pay raise, the prospects come at a politically touchy time after more than 30 lawmakers have left office facing allegations of criminal or ethical wrongdoing since 2000. Their legislative pay, last increased in 1999, is the third highest in the nation. Members appointed by the Legislature argued that the current salary hasn't kept up with the cost of living and prevents many New Yorkers from considering legislative service. Commissioner Roman Hedges, appointed by Heastie, said lawmakers have to serve their constituents year-round, not just during the six months they spend in Albany in session. "It's only part of the job," he said. "We expect them to be available ... that's why we elect them." Lawmakers could convene a lame-duck session before the year ends to vote on a pay raise or appoint a new commission to consider the question. Cuomo has suggested that the public might be more supportive of a pay increase if lawmakers passed tough ethics reforms to prevent corruption or restricted lawmakers' outside incomes. "You ask the people of this state 'Do you think the New York state Legislature should get a pay raise?' (and) people overwhelmingly say no," the governor told reporters Tuesday in Rochester. He noted that lawmakers are free to pass a pay raise for themselves during the legislative session. "Let them stand up and say: 'We deserve a raise and I'm voting for a raise,'" the governor said. Legislators have said Cuomo is using the pay question as leverage to force the Legislature to act as he would like. Heastie and Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan released a joint statement, expressing their disappointment with the commission decision. They said any decision on a pay raise should be based "primarily on economic factors." "It is unfortunate that the Governor's appointees ... once again felt the need to demand legislative action in exchange for an increase in compensation," they said. Junpei Mizobata poses on the green carpet during the Tokyo International Film Festival Opening Ceremony at Roppongi Hills on October 22, 2011 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo : Koki Nagahama/Getty Images) "Hurricane Polymar" will be getting a live-action film adaptation, set to be released in 2017. Japanese animation company Tatsunoko Productions made the announcement on Tuesday, Anime News Network reported. The studio was also behind the television anime series, which had its original run from October 1974 to March 1975, and its two-part original video animation titled "Hurricane Polymar: Holy Blood" Volumes 1 and 2, released in September 1996 and February 1997, respectively. Advertisement According to Anime Anime, the film features actor Junpei Mizobata as the lead. He previously starred as Kudo Shinichi in the live-action adaptation of "Detective Conan," among other projects. With him are Yuki Yamada, Yurina Yanagi, and Mikie Hara. The original anime of "Hurricane Polymar," which had 26 episodes, focused on the character Takeshi Yoroi. He was trained as a criminal investor but his principles in crime fighting was different from his superior's so they parted ways. He was later able to get a suit made from polymet, an artificial kind of polymer that, although sturdier than steel, also allowed him to transform his shape. With his ability to change, even into different vehicles, he began fighting for justice under the name Hurricane Polymer. The upcoming movie is being directed by Koichi Sakamoto, who also helmed "009-1: The End of the Beginning" in 2013, "Ultraman Ginga S" in 2014, and numerous "Kamen Rider" installments, such as "Kamen Rider W" from 2009 to 2010, "Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: Space, Here We Come!" in 2012, and "Kamen Rider Ghost" in 2016. Sakamoto, who is also a fight coordinator, likewise directed some episodes in the "Power Rangers" franchise. This will reportedly be the first time he will work on an anime's film adaptation. The screenplay is penned by Shinsuke Onishi, known for working on "Daimajin Kanon." The live-action film adaptation of the "Hurricane Polymar" anime is scheduled to be released at the Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo and other theaters in May 2017. It is part of the 55th anniversary celebration of Tatsunoko Productions. Here is the opening of the 1974 anime: Students at numerous New York and New Jersey universities walked out of class Wednesday, joining a national student protest of Donald Trumps election. At New York University, hundreds of students gathered in front of the fountain at Washington Square Park at noon, as part of a national campaign to "create a massive resistance against Donald Trump" and to support immigrants. "Regardless of our administration's response, this right here is creating a culture of support," protest co-organizer Hannah Fullerton said. The walk out, organized by immigrant rights campaigners Movimiento Cosecha, rallied students around the country. The organization called for students to make their campuses a #SanctuaryCampus for immigrants, and to protest in support of the cause. "We are already seeing students rise up on our own-- but we must create national solidarity to create a massive resistance against Donald Trump and to demand permanent protection, dignity, and respect for all immigrants," it said. At least five New York and New Jersey universities saw students planning to take part in the walk out. The list included New York University, Columbia University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University and New Jersey City University. The national call was for the event to start at 3 p.m. in most cases, however New York University students started earlier. "It's just nice to see solidarity, and I think people are wondering what they can do and what's the next step and how we can become a nation that's proud of its diversity and not divided because of it" NYU law student Sarika Arya said. The events mirror several other school walkouts nationwide. On Monday, hundreds of students decrying Trump's election walked out of schools in Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Silver Spring, Maryland, after a weekend in which thousands of people demonstrated around the country and scores were arrested. Among other things, the demonstrators have condemned Trump's behavior toward women and his stand on immigration and civil liberties. "I think a lot of us are feeling like the election last week was almost like a declaration of war on our bodies" Arya added. Trump has argued the protests across the nation have been incited by the media, but also acknowledged the demonstrators have a passion for our great country. A New Jersey resident got an early Thanksgiving surprise when he found four wild turkeys lounging in his backyard. Bill DeVries first noticed the turkeys on his deck Tuesday morning, he told NBC 4 New York. He found three of them standing on a lounge chair while a fourth with an injured leg and stood nearby. DeVries grabbed his phone and quietly snapped a few photos before the turkeys saw him through the window and scampered off. DeVries said the first three turkeys seemed to wait for their injured companion as it caught up with them. His wife has seen them before, but never so close to the house. DeVries said he was surprised to see the turkeys because there has been an influx of foxes in his neighborhood. He recently saw a family of three or four playing together. He has also seen deer and raccoons regularly on his property. The following content is created in consultation with the Rothman Institute. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Philadelphia's editorial staff. To learn more about how knee replacement surgery could be right for you, visit Rothmaninstitute.com. Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis-induced knee pain, a condition that can range from discomforting to totally debilitating. Rather than enjoy life, many of these people are forced to deal with limited mobility, literally counting the steps theyre forced to take on a day-to-day basis. Thankfully, knee replacement surgery is an effective method to treat knee pain -- whether it stems from arhritis, disease or injury. By replacing worn cartilage between the femur and tibia with caps that act as cushions, patients receive a joint that articulates like a normal, healthy-functioning knee. In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal quality of life. And yet despite these statistics, many Americans still fear undergoing knee replacement surgery. As it turns out, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the entire procedure, from the surgery itself to the recovery time. In order to get a better understanding of the most common myths about knee surgery we spoke to Dr. Matt Austin, Director of Joint Replacement Services at Philadelphias Rothman Institute. Performing more than 11,000 surgeries annually, Rothman is recognized as one of the nations top joint replacement centers. Doctors Will Immediately Push Knee Surgery Contrary to common belief, orthopedic physicians want to exhaust all treatment options before resorting to surgery. Knee replacement surgery is actually the last option, Dr. Austin explains. Instead, your medical team will offer a holistic approach that focuses on a broad range of non-operative treatment modalities, from recommended rest and physical therapy to anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots and viscosupplementation a procedure which lubricates the knee joint. The Post Operative Period Will Be Painful Many patients fear the recovery time following knee replacement surgery, when nausea, lethargy and other issues can set in. However, Rothmans holistic approach to knee replacement surgery severely decreases the likelihood of post operative discomfort. We use a multi modal treatment plan that begins before the surgery and includes many non-narcotic medications as well as local numbing medication," Dr. Austin says. This reduces patient pain during and after surgery, while the use of non-narcotic pain killers reduces the risk of nausea during the recovery period. Three Months Off Another common fear is that knee surgery requires three months of recovery time, meaning a patient will be unable to work or, in some cases, collect a paycheck for some 12 weeks. However, thanks to the advances in both knee replacement surgery techniques and recovery methods, Dr. Austin says that many patients can return to work in as little as six weeks especially in jobs that are less physically demanding. Knee Replacements Fail After 10-12 Years False as well modern knee replacements are incredibly durable. Knee replacements arent like cars, Dr. Austin explains, they dont fail after 100,000 miles. So how much mileage can you expect? 90 percent of new knees still work 10 years after surgery, while 80 percent still work 20 years later, says Dr. Austin. Over Emphasis on Specific Surgical Techniques We put a lot of emphasis on modern surgical techniques and terms like minimally invasive, but how we recover actually matters more. Surgical technique, while important, is not the main factor in recovery time, Dr. Austin explains. Managing patients pain and rehab after surgery matters as much or more than surgery. For the patient, that means diligenty following therapy protocols, using non-narcotic pain medications, and having a positive mindset that allows them to put in the effort to heal faster. Dont let knee pain hinder your quality of life any longer. To learn more about knee replacement surgery and how you can start living the life you love again, visit Rothmaninstitute.com. New Jersey took a step toward becoming the first state in the nation to ban declawing cats. The Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill Monday that would add declawing to the list of criminal "animal cruelty" offenses. There would be exceptions for medical purposes in the legislation proposed by Burlington County Democratic Assemblyman Troy Singleton. "Declawing is a barbaric practice that more often than not is done for the sake of convenience rather than necessity," said Singleton in a news release. "Many countries worldwide acknowledge the inhumane nature of declawing, which causes extreme pain to cats. It's time for New Jersey to join them." Cats are typically declawed to prevent them from damaging furniture and household items. The Humane Society of the United States is against declawing -- calling the act inhumane. They suggest keeping feline claws trimmed and providing scratching posts to minimize damage to household items. Veterinarians and cat owners could face fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail under Bill A-3899, which bans "onychectomy - or declawing - and flexor tendonectomy procedures," said Assembly Democrats. Violators could also face civil penalties up to $2,000. No word yet on when the full assembly would vote on the bill, which NJ.com reports would be the first statewide ban in the United States. [[211053881, C]] Police in Cherry Hill have joined a growing number of law enforcement agencies across New Jersey in launching a body camera program for all of its officers. All of the town's 129 sworn officers have been wearing the cameras since earlier this month. Chief William Monaghan says the move will help improve public safety by enhancing transparency and accountability. The program had been in development for two years. A contract was awarded in August for the Taser Axon 2 camera model, which each officer will wear on their chest during their day-to-day routine. Monaghan says the department is on its second generation of in-car cameras and police officials felt that the body cameras were a natural progression. A central Pennsylvania man and woman are facing charges following the death of their 4-month-old son earlier this year. Thirty-seven-year-old Jason Kurtz is charged in Lebanon County with aggravated and simple assault. He and 31-year-old Kimberly Sourwine are both charged with child endangerment. Authorities said Kurtz told them he placed the child face-down in a mechanical swing in an attempt to get him to sleep in the couple's Lebanon home on Jan. 16. They allege that he left the home for about 20 minutes to buy beer at a nearby bar, leaving the child in the swing and his three siblings unattended. Prosecutors allege that an autopsy indicated that the child had previous fractures, but the autopsy was unable to determine an exact cause of death. A Pittsburgh woman has been charged with endangering her four children after police say they found them alone in an apartment with no beds, no food and one working light. Court records show 34-year-old Takoya Parker, of East Hills, was charged after the children were found Saturday, though it's unclear if she's in custody and no defense attorney is listed. Police said they found the children ages 10, 6, 5 and 3 after being asked to check on their welfare. They say the apartment was in disarray and the children said they hadn't eaten and didn't have a phone number to contact their mother. When police contacted Parker at work, she allegedly told officers she couldn't leave and to "just take them." Police and child welfare caseworkers have placed the children in a neighbor's care. Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services is asking state budget officials for $42 million in additional funding to pay for Medicaid and other programs. The $1.22 billion budget request presented Tuesday represents an increase of 3.6 percent over the current year's budget. It includes $13.3 million for Medicaid, which currently covers some 220,000 people, more than one-fifth of Delaware's population. Officials are also seeking $4.7 million in additional funding for developmental disabilities programs, $2.8 million to support growth in child care programs, and $2 million more for substance abuse programs. Meanwhile, officials are warning that a repeal of the Affordable Care Act under the Trump administration would have a significant impact on Delaware's Medicaid program, with a possible cost shift to the state of more than $100 million annually. DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said she was pleased that president-elect Donald Trump has appeared to show a willingness to consider the benefits of some aspects of the ACA, such as helping ensure coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and allowing people under 26 to remain on a parent's insurance plan. "I was somewhat pleased that the rhetoric around that during the election was kind of dialed back,'' she said. "My hope is that both Congress and president-elect Trump will look at any unintended consequences relative to any changes to the ACA.'' Landgraf is particularly concerned about any changes related to Delaware's decision to expand eligibility for its Medicaid program from 100 percent to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. The change added close to 10,000 people to Delaware's Medicaid program and resulted in the federal government paying a higher share of the costs for people on Medicaid. If that higher cost share were to go away, the state would be facing "a $100 million issue'' that would have a ripple effect across the health care system, affecting providers as well, Landgraf said. In the meantime, Landgraf, who is leaving state government to take a job at the University of Delaware next year, said behavioral health, including programs for the mentally ill and those battling substance abuse, should be a top priority for the state. At an earlier hearing Tuesday, state economic development director Bernice Whaley presented a general fund request of $3 million for the fiscal 2018 operating budget, up from $2.9 million this year. She also submitted a capital budget request of $41.5 million, up from $33.6 million. The request includes $15 million to recapitalize the state's strategic fund, which provides incentives to businesses to try to attract and retain jobs, and $16 million for the port of Wilmington. SEPTA wants to go into the energy business by building its first power plant. The natural gas-powered facility, proposed for a parcel of land adjacent to the Wayne Junction Station and Midvale bus depot in Nicetown, would provide enough energy to run the transit agency's northern Regional Rail lines. The transit agency is touting the plant as a part of its broad sustainability efforts, through guaranteeing a part of the transit system uses natural gas instead of coal-generated electricity, and lowering the chance of a power outage from reliance on an external grids. But on the eve of a vote Thursday by SEPTA's governing body, activists with an environmental group said they will swarm the meeting in hopes of delaying the $35 million project. "Going after this plant is part of a larger campaign to have SEPTA go fossil-free," Laura Cofsky of the group 350Philadelphia said Wednesday. "One of our concerns now is SEPTA has admitted that if this plant goes well, it'll be a pilot plant for possibly two other plants." Cofsky said the group is equally concerned with "an immediate threat to the Nicetown community," which she described as already "very polluted." A SEPTA spokeswoman defended the agency's community outreach and its ongoing notice to the public of its plans for a gas plant. "We've been totally pro-active about this with the community," spokeswoman Carla Showell-Lee said. While activists may be haranguing SEPTA for the proposal, the agency has pushed for its first power plant as part of its broad sustainability planning. The natural gas-powered facility would replace an antiquated PECO transformer plant at the same location. That plant feeds off of the public utility's electricity grid. Owning a power plant that runs on natural gas, presumably pumped in directly from nearby refineries that themselves are fed by the region's Marcellus Shale reserves, would also prevent a large portion of SEPTA's rail system from shutting down in the event of a PECO power outage. The proposal itself is based on an audit performed in the last year that expects the project to pay for itself in energy-cost savings over the next 17 years, according to an analysis provided to SEPTA by the company that would operate the plant. The audit by NORESCO found that its operation of the plant combined with cheaper energy generated "will allow SEPTA to fund the entire cost of the project through guaranteed energy and operating costs reductions." NORESCO is a Massachusetts-based energy services company that provides cost-saving analyses and upgrades as well as what it describes as "build-own-operate-maintain" (BOOM) services. SEPTA would enter into a 20-year contract with NORESCO to build and operate the gas plant, according to the resolution on the board agenda. . (Photo : .) "Your Name," aka "Kimi No Na Wa," will be coming to North America and Europe soon, and viewers can now watch the English-dubbed trailer. According to ComicBook, the anime movie will be screened at the Laemmle Music Hall in Los Angeles, California from Dec. 2 to 8, and will have an extended release across the United States in early 2017. Meanwhile, it will have an exclusive screening in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting Nov. 18. Advertisement "Your Name" was written and directed by Makoto Shinkai which is based on his novel of the same title. It focuses on two teenagers, Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, who, for unknown reasons, swap bodies. They are able to communicate with each other through notes and journal entries, and an unusual relationship develops. However, Taki later realizes that they are no longer switching. He tries to find Mitsuha but learns that the latter was among the fatalities of a comet strike three years ago. Because their timelines are not in sync, he tries to find a way to save Mitsuha and her village before the comet strikes. The film has been warmly received in Japan, holding the No. 1 spot for the 12th week. According to Variety, it has so far earned $171 million, raking in $2.4 million on Nov. 12 and 13. It has already won several awards, including Best Animated Feature Length Film at the 49th Sitges Film Festival and the Arigato Award for Shinkai at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival. The movie was submitted to the Oscars for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the 89th Academy Awards, Anime News Network reported. From the list of submissions, five films will be chosen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for nomination. The English dubbed version features the voices of Michael Sinterniklaas as Taki and Stephanie Sheh as Mitsuha. Other characters are voiced by Kyle Herbert, Cassandra Morris, Ben Pronsky, Ray Chase, among others. Here is the English-dubbed trailer of "Your Name": One of the six victims beaten during a flash mob attack in Center City is speaking out for the first time. "They could've killed people," Joe Quaid told NBC10 in an exclusive interview. "Like, they were aiming to seriously harm us." Quaid, 21, and a friend who was visiting from out of town were on the 1600 block of Walnut Street Saturday around 6:10 p.m. Suddenly a large group of teens rushed towards them and began to attack. "It was a large group of people beating us for like no reason," Quaid said. "It was like so quickly done you couldn't really react. While one person was distracting me in the front, someone else was hitting me in the back." Quaid told NBC10 the 10 to 15-minute attack was like a slow-moving scene out of a horror movie. "We were off on the curb when they attacked when random people were jumping out of the crowd and hitting us and no one was doing anything," he said. "Everyone was just walking by quietly." A 55-year-old Philadelphia police detective, who was off-duty at the time and with his 53-year-old wife, spotted the teens attacking Quaid and his friend. He jumped in and tried to help them. "I was grateful that he did that because I don't know what would've happened if we were out there longer," Quaid said. As the detective walked toward them, the teens fled the area. The detective began walking back to where his wife was when he spotted more teens randomly attacking people, according to investigators. The detective announced he was a police officer and tried to arrest one of the teens who was kicking the two men. As the detective grabbed the teen he was punched from behind by several other attackers, police said. The detective's wife splashed water on the teens in order to stop them. One of the attackers then punched the woman in the face, police said. All of the teen attackers then fled the area. The detective suffered an orbital fracture to his right eye. The man and his wife, who also suffered minor injuries, were both taken to Jefferson Hospital for treatment. Quaid, his friend and another victim also suffered minor injuries. Immediately following the attack on 1600 Walnut Street a 28-year-old man was attacked by several teens on 100 S. 16th Street. Responding police officers then arrested two 16-year-old boys. More arrests could come as investigators pour over surveillance video, said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who noted that the teens are old enough to know right from wrong. "Some people want to indict the parents but I talk about personal responsibility, these are kids old enough to know better and not do something like that," said Ross. "They should be absolutely held accountable for what they did and there's no excuse for it." Ross said he hopes the incident was an "anomaly" but that police would "respond accordingly" with Center City patrols. Quaid also had a message for the teens responsible. "I just want them to know that if they feel that attacking people from a crowd and then dashing away and punching people from behind and kicking them when they're down is okay then they're cowardly," he said. "Those are all cowardly actions." The sister of a man who was beaten to death at a gas station in Philadelphias Olney section last year is reliving her pain after a website used the tragic story to tell a false news report. Our family is outraged, Diane Barnes told NBC10. We lived through the pain back last year when this happened to my brother. To see this back on the Internet and everywhere and people comment and what scares me is that some people dont know the truth. Barnes brother, Robert Barnes, 51, died in November, 2015; seven months after he was beaten by a group of adults and teens at a Philadelphia gas station. Police said Barnes was pumping gas for spare change on April 7, 2015 outside the Sunoco Gas Station at 5th Street and Somerville Avenue in Philadelphias Olney section. A teen falsely accused Barnes of hitting him and told his family which prompted a brutal attack that was caught on surveillance video, according to investigators. The video shows a group of people jump from a minivan and rush towards Barnes as he stands outside the gas station. They then punch him, stomp on him and strike him with a hammer before jumping back into the minivan and speeding off. The attack left Barnes in a coma for seven months. He died from his injuries on November 25, 2015. Three teens pleaded guilty in Barnes murder. Three women are also facing murder charges. While Barnes died nearly a year ago, the story of his death resurfaced just last week after it was picked up by the website Christian Times News. Instead of reporting the truth however, the website used an image from the surveillance video of the beating to report a fake story, falsely claiming the people in the video were anti-Donald Trump protesters who beat up a homeless veteran. The fake story was also posted on the Facebook Page Rep. Trey Gowdy for Speaker of the House. Both posts, which were taken down Tuesday, linked to several real reports on the incident, including one from NBC10, causing the story to trend over the weekend. It confused many readers who were learning about the story for the first time. Diane Barnes told NBC10 she found out about the fake reports Sunday when her friend shared it on her Facebook page. I just couldnt believe it, she told NBC10 Tuesday night. I was in disbelief. I just could not believe what I was reading. Barnes admits she has mixed feelings about the story of her brothers murder resurfacing. Theyre reading the story and those people that werent aware of what really happened may believe this story and thats upsetting to me, she said. Then theres the other side of me that says, you know, its back on the frontlines, my brothers story, which is a good thing. But I just dont know whos going to believe the real story. So Im happy its back on the frontline but not in this way. Not in this form. Barnes said many of her friends helped to clear up the confusion by commenting on social media. A lot of my friends, they took it upon themselves to comment and say that this happened last year, this was a friend of ours, this was a phony story, she said. Theres a real story, another story to this video youre watching. Kelly McBride, the Vice President of the Poynter Institute, told NBC10 since the election many false stories with a political angle are appearing online. If this allows you to make an argument that dismisses all the Trump protesters or all the Trump supporters then it probably is too good to be true, McBride said. McBride says companies like Facebook and Google are working to stop the false stories. Red flags for spotting false news reports are an unfamiliar website, a story that appears to be vague or a story that isnt reported on by two or three other outlets. Yeah its frustrating but I also feel like its a challenge that we have to deal with in an age of technology, McBride said. You can also visit the websites Fact Check and Politifact to check the authenticity of a story. Yesenia Vasquez gave a blunt assessment of the feelings among Hispanic immigrants these days in Norristown: "We are afraid and nervous." Fears are on the rise in this small, struggling Montgomery County city since last week's election of Donald Trump as the next president, said Vasquez, who is an undocumented immigrant. She and other Hispanic immigrants met Tuesday night with the Norristown Police Department and City Council to plead with officials to designate the municipality a sanctuary city -- as others like Philadelphia are. Trump has threatened to cut federal funding to any municipality that declares itself as such. Law enforcement in sanctuary cities do not cooperate with federal agencies when dealing with undocumented immigrants in local courts. "We have made a lot of progress and managed projects," said Vasquez, adding that the Hispanic community in the area represents a third of the population, while in schools the students represent 36 percent of the local district's population. The group, along with pro-immigrant activists of the Philadelphia-based organization Juntos, is trying to mobilize before measures are implemented on the national level, or more locally, that undermine their stay in that city. "We want to prevent before we have to regret. This city must be a sanctuary," said Denise Agurto of Juntos. Police chief Mark Talbot said his mission is to keep all citizens safe, and not to interfere with their immigration status. "If I want to be aware of their documentation, I'll be a federal agent," he said. "But that is not the case." Talbot also promised not to make decisions that correspond to politicians. The meeting culminated with an applause and a handshake, but some of the immigrant community said uncertainty will remain until they reach a concrete resolution. New Jersey Democratic Assemblyman John Wisniewski announced Tuesday that he is running governor in 2017. Wisniewski, a member of the Assembly since 1996, is known for co-chairing the legislative inquiry into the 2013 George Washington Bridge lane closures and has been a pointed critic of Republican Gov. Chris Christie. In an email headlined "I'm running for Governor of New Jersey," Wisniewski on Tuesday called for policies that work for "everyone in our state" and backed an increase in the minimum wage from $8.38 an hour to $15 an hour. "I believe men and women have the right to go to work every day with dignity and for a minimum wage of not less than $15 an hour," he said. He joins Democrat Phil Murphy and Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli who have also announced their candidacies to succeed Christie, whose term ends in 2018. Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs executive and Obama administration ambassador to Germany, is in strong shape for the June 2017 primary. He has loaned his campaign $10 million, gotten the support from key Democratic Party chairmen across the state as well as Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who was himself a prospective 2017 candidate before dropping out and backing Murphy. Wisniewski took a veiled shot at Murphy in his opening email. "I'm not a Wall Street executive. I haven't made hundreds of millions of dollars by outsourcing jobs. I've learned the value of public service," he said. Murphy spokesman Derek Roseman welcomed Wisniewski to the race, but took jabs at him over his two-decade career as a lawmaker. "The simple fact is that John Wisniewski is a transactional Trenton politician; he is far from a reformer," Roseman said. An attorney from Sayreville in Middlesex County, Wisniewski served as state Democratic committee chairman in 2010. He also served as Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders' New Jersey chairman during the 2016 Democratic primary before backing Hillary Clinton. He was frequently in the headlines in 2014 related to the inquiry into the bridge scandal. The committee he co-chaired with Democratic state Sen. Loretta Weinberg did not find evidence directly linking Christie to the scandal, and the governor was never charged and denies any wrongdoing. The federal trial in the case concluded recently with the convictions of two former allies of Christie, and with Wisniewski calling on legislative leaders to re-open the investigation. They have not done so to date. Wisniewski also said Christie misled the public, based on testimony at trial that he knew about the scandal before he publicly said he did, and said he wouldn't be truthful unless under oath. A man is recovering after he was shot in the arm while visiting his friend inside a home in the Strawbery Mansion section of Philadelphia Tuesday afternoon. The 69-year-old man was watching television inside his friend's home on the 2600 block of Stanley Street at 4:37 p.m. when a gunman outside fired six shots. A bullet went through the window and struck the man in the shoulder. The man was taken to Temple University Hospital where he is currently in stable condition. No arrests have been made and police have not recovered the weapon. They are also unsure whether the victim was the gunman's intended target. For over 80 years the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) in Balboa Park has been a local spot with a global view. That wordly view is now expanding. "The number of cottages in Balboa Park is increasing by nine, which is nearly 50% of the existing cottages," boasts George Novinger, Chairman of the International Cottage Committee. There are currently 19 cottages, representing 34 nations. The San Diego City Council approved the building of nine new cottages. The nations on the list for new cottages are Mexico, Colombia, India, Lebanon, Palestine, Panama, Peru, the Philippines and Turkey. Novinger said the nine new cottages, "Will be doing things to share and spread their nations arts, cuisine and culture." The new member cottages will join in the tradition of Sunday lawn programs featuring music, dancing, food and drink from each nation. "It's an opportunity to come in Sunday's and basically tour the world culturally," Melvin Weekley, Chairman of the House of Pacific Relations, told NBC 7. The expansion is welcome by other nations in the HPR. I think its great that were expanding our international family, said Suzy Hegstrom, a member of the House of Sweden. We have a number of organizations that are promoting their countrys language, traditions, history, culture, music, folk dancing. Some of these organizations have been waiting for a cottage. The more the merrier, Hegstrom added. Were a mini United Nations, promoting understanding, peace and harmony. We can all appreciate each others cultures and traditions and, in doing so, we learn we have more in common. The new cottages will be built on existing open spaces, so as to not disturb the area's natural beauty. Novinger said construction plans were approved by key stakeholders, "So that everybody would be happy with where the cottages are and be approximate size to the rest of the cottages around the area." Like the existing cottages, all new cottages will be filled with authentic decorations from the home nations. Eugenie King, President of the House of Pacific Relations said "There is a demand for this kind of fun, free, culturally involvement, with an organization that has no other goal than to promote peace, tolerance and goodwill among all people." A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday; construction is set to begin after next month's 2016 December Nights holiday celebration. The goal is to have the new nine International Cottages ready to open by the 2017 December Nights celebration in Balboa Park. A San Diego family took the District Attorneys office to court this week in the continued fight to get their seized money back after a raid at a medical marijuana distribution company. In January, law enforcement officers raided Med-West Distribution, a former medical marijuana company - before authorities seized everything, including $100,000 from the familys bank accounts. I haven't been arrested, I haven't been charged. And I didn't do anything wrong, by the way, said the company's former CEO James Slatic in early November. Now, nearly ten months after the raid, the District Attorneys office tells NBC 7 they believe James Slatic was manufacturing concentrated cannabis and then transferring the revenue into his family's bank accounts. This case was never about policing, it was about policing for profit, attorney Wesley Hottot said outside of the courthouse Tuesday. It was a cash grab from an innocent family and the money has to be returned. Hottot is an attorney with the non-profit law firm Institute for Justice and is representing the Slatic family. It is crazy," Hottot said. "It's the dirty little secret of the American justice system. Its called civil asset forfeiture. In October, he filed a motion for the return of the Slatics money from their personal bank accounts. Tanya Sierra with the D.A.s office explained in a statement to NBC 7 San Diego the idea behind the civil asset forfeiture. The primary mission of the asset forfeiture program is to enhance public safety by removing the proceeds of crime and other assets relied upon by criminals to perpetuate their criminal activity. The San Diego County District Attorney's Office follows nationwide policies, procedures and guidelines set up by the Department of Justice regarding the seizure and spending of asset forfeiture funds," the statement read. But Hottot says the civil forfeiture laws are broken." This case just illustrates that when police can disregard crime fighting and go after money instead then were all in danger," Hottot said. "They should be out on the street looking for criminals to put away in jail, not looking for cash to take away from people. Sierra says the investigation is ongoing and the case remains under review for potential criminal charges, adding that "a neutral judge found probable cause that Mr. Slatic's wife's and his daughters' assets are all tainted by criminal conduct. Sierra also says the D.A.s office has yet to see a license or a permit for Slatics business to conduct a marijuana lab or a marijuana dispensary, as required by the San Diego Municipal Code. City and state Judge Bloom is taking all of this into consideration and will submit a written ruling in the near future. In the meantime, Mr. Slatic has not filed a asset forfeiture claim to have his personal funds returned. The DAs Office has also not filed an asset forfeiture petition. Mr. Slatics attorneys filed a motion to have his computer equipment sealed, citing the existence of documents on the devices that may be covered by attorney-client privilege. This had the unfortunate effect of halting some parts of the investigation and slowing down the overall investigation considerably, he said, and had they not filed this motion, the investigation would likely have been much further along at this point. Hottot says it could be days or even weeks before the judge makes a decision whether the Slatic family will get their money back. A San Diego woman was arrested in University City early Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence with her two children in the car, San Diego Police said. Someone called 911 just before 4 a.m. to report a suspected DUI driver at Genesee and Governor, police said. The caller said a woman appeared to be asleep behind the wheel of a black GMC. After the woman drove about a mile to an apartment complex at Toscana and Renaissance, police said they gave her a field sobriety test and eventually arrested her. Two children, ages 6 and 7, were taken into custody by Child Protective Services. Their mother faces DUI and child endangerment charges, police said. South Korean Protesters Demonstrate On North Korea Founder's Birthday (Photo : Getty Images) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is supposed to be a model for citizens of the communist to follow, such as his hairstyle, which Pyongyang ordered in November 2015. However, one thing the government would likely not require North Koreans to emulate is Kims weight gain. Fox News reported that North Korea made an official report to China not to call the countrys leader fat. In particular, ministers cited the use of the term Jin San Pang for chunky Swiss cheese fan as Kim Fatty III in conversations or media. Advertisement It is a widely used nickname in China for the North Korean strongman as well as Jin San Fei which means Kim Abundant III. The ministers are pleading with China before Kim Jong Un finds out how Chinese refer to him which could possibly result in beheading for the government officials after he looks for someone to blame. The reason behind Kim Jong Uns weight gain in recent years is his love for Swiss cheese, scallops and whiskey. Daily Mail reported it searched for the use of those words in Chinese social media but found none. The reason could be Chinese officials already censored the portals after a meeting between North Korean and Chinese officials, according to Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. Obesity appears to be genetic in the leaders family. Chinese netizens who even came up with more funny nicknames for Kim Jong Un pointed out that his father, Kim Jong-il, and grandfather, Kim Il-sung, also had weight problems when they were still alive. Toronto Sun reported that Chinese netizens found a way to go around the ban on fat-shaming the North Korean leader. One netizen asked if Fatty III has been meddling in Chinas internal affairs, while another said their next-door neighbors leader is not humorous, but his nickname Kim Fatty III sounds great. Pop stars from yesteryear are joining forces for one epic tour in 2017 that happens to be stopping by San Diego: New Kids on the Block, with Paula Abdul and Boys II Men. New Kids on the Block, also known as NKOTB to fan girls, announced Tuesday on Today that theyre hitting the road with Abdul and Boys II Men next spring. The Total Package Tour begins May 12 in Columbus, Ohio and will then make its way to cities like Cincinnati, Nashville and cue screams San Diego. Were bringing happy back, NKOTB member Donnie Wahlberg said on Today. Here's how you can see your favorite pop acts, step by step: The tour is scheduled to stop in San Diego on June 1, 2017, at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday at 10 a.m. PT. VIP Package tickets, which include upgraded seating options and meet-and-greet opportunities go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. General admission tickets range from $28 to $128 per person. NKOTB which includes members Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Walhberg and Danny Wood soared to fame in the mid-80s to early-90s with pop hits like Step by Step, Hanging Tough and Youve Got the Right Stuff. The group is known for paving the way for other hit-making boy bands of the 1990s like NSync and the Backstreet Boys. Abdul and her dance moves was a fixture of the 1980s, best known for hits like Opposites Attract, Straight Up and Rush, Rush. With their smooth R&B style, the original Boys II Men quartet, Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman and Michael McCary, enjoyed hit after hit in the 1990s including Motownphilly, End of the Road and On Bended Knee. This group also pioneered the boy band frenzy of the 1990s. A shiny new Dunkin' Donuts location in National City will officially open its drive-thru window for business next week. Part of the popular chain of eateries headquartered in Massachusetts, this new Dunkin Donuts store is slated to open on Dec. 6. It is located at 2139 East Plaza Boulevard and Interstate 805, and is highly visible from the freeway. Boardwalk Development, Inc., signed a lease with Dunkin' Donuts to create the new 24-hour sweets shop. The site had been under construction for several months, with sweet signs of the shop's opening grabbing the attention of locals. Now, the opening date is so close, National City residents can practically taste it. In late July, Ron Bamberger, president of Boardwalk Development, Inc., told NBC 7 the shop's proximity to the freeway is a substantial benefit and will be convenient for morning commuters who want to pop in and out of the location quickly as they grab a doughnut on their way to work. Bamberger said the business is on the morning side of the freeway -- the side of the street where the bulk of morning rush hour traffic occurs. "The expectations are that it will be a very busy location," said Bamberger. According to Sonya Modi, public relations specialist from Havas Formula, the company representing the project, this store will be the second Dunkin Donuts drive-thru in San Diego County. She said the eatery's grand opening celebration will include free samples and giveaways for patrons, plus photo opportunities with Cuppy, the mascot of Dunkin Donuts. The first guest in the drive-thru and walk-in lines on Dec. 6 will receive $250 worth of Dunkin Donuts cards. The first 50 people to walk into the eatery will be gifted with a travel mug and a $2 Dunkin Donuts Perks card. The ribbon cutting ceremony goes down at 11 a.m. that day. The first local Dunkin Donuts drive-thru is in Ramona, though that location is a Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins combo store, so this National City shop will be the first freestanding local Dunkin Donuts drive-thru in San Diego County. In late July, Modi told NBC 7 the National City location is expected to create about 100 new jobs for local residents. Bamberger said positions would include front and back-of-the-house, as well as management. The new shop is locally owned and operated by the disabled U.S. veteran-owned business, Burton Restaurants, LLC, Modi said. Franchisee Talisin Burton and operators Gregory Dono, Daniel Gomes and Frank Garner are all retired or current members of the U.S. Marine Corps. Burton Restaurants, LLC also owns and operates four other Dunkin' Donuts locations in San Diego: Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar and Balboa Naval Hospital, as well as a store at Embassy Suites in downtown San Diego. Two years ago, Dunkin Donuts announced it planned to open its first traditional restaurants in California over the coming years. This plan included 14 restaurants San Diego County, with the first opening in 2016. Modi told NBC 7 that after the National City location opens, there are two other San Diego County Dunkin Donuts slated to open this year: one in El Cajon and the other at Naval Air Station North Island. Currently, San Diego County is home to these other Dunkin Donuts locations: an outpost at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown San Diego (601 Pacific Highway); a shop at Naval Medical Center San Diegos Building 1 (34800 Bob Wilson Dr.); a shop at MCAS Miramars Building 5305; the Camp Pendleton location; and the Ramona Dunkin Donuts/Baskin-Robbins location (1410 Main St.). Dunkin' Donuts was founded in 1950 by Bill Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. Today, the company has a cult following as the world's leading baked goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers daily and selling 52 varieties of doughnuts. Women can hold any job in the U.S. Military under the Obama Administration, a policy that may change under the Trump Administration. Last year, after a series of intensive studies that took years to complete, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the military to open all combat jobs to woman, allowing them to serve in some of the military's most demanding and difficult jobs, including special operations forces, such as the Army Delta units and Navy SEALs. Some female veterans, including Marine Veteran Kelsey Hampton, say they hope all jobs in the military will remain open to women. I think that if a woman and serve in combat and keep up with all the men that they should be able to - I don't think that they should withhold the opportunity," she said. However, others, like Congressman Duncan Hunter, whose name has been reportedly short-listed for Secretary of Defense in the Trump Administration, says combat roles should not be open to woman. "It doesn't do anything to make us more effective or efficient at getting the job done and killing our enemies and protecting our allies. It's just a distraction," he told the Washington Times. Hunter says agrees with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, on reversing the decision to open direct land combat jobs in the infantry and special operations to women. Steve Diamond, Navy veteran and F-14 mission commander, said the rules are different in combat. The rules of a civilized society do not and should not apply to the savage world of combat," Diamond said. "What matters there only is who survives and who wins, so any notion of equality doesn't matter. Diamond says the U.S. should mirror the Israel Defense Forces, where women are placed in combat roles based not just on testing, but actual field experience. Hence there are certain roles that they are prohibited from and there are certain roles they are encouraged to be in because they do them well, Diamond said. Some other women veterans we spoke with, some of whom had been in combat situations, say the issue is complicated, and there are times when it doesnt make sense to have women fighting side by side with men. Some estimates say that if all combat jobs were closed to women, it would mean there were approximately 300,000 fewer jobs for women in the military. Others, like some officials on Congressman Hunters staff, say that number is overstated and it is likely that not all combat jobs would be limited. Diamond said women could still reach the highest ranks in the military, even if combat roles were limited. There is no reason at all why women who are in the rules they perform cannot reach the highest level that's a completely different animal than whether not they should be and every single combat role," he said. Hampton says she thinks keeping all jobs open for women is a motivating factor, and she has enjoyed the competitive nature of being a Marine. It did push me to want to do it more to keep up with the guys and do everything that they were doing but I didn't have the opportunity back then, so I think it's a great thing for women to get the opportunity, Hampton said. She says the preparation in the Marine Corps ensures women can achieve new heights. If you train the same, if you can keep up, you can mentally do it, why not? Hampton said. An Imperial Beach woman contacted NBC 7 Responds after she said she paid a man thousands of dollars for a sliding door order and installation, only to never hear from him again. Sheri Gilmore said she was fighting a losing battle with termites around her house, so she decided to replace her wooden door. I thought six weeks to order the door and hed put it in when it came, Sheri said. Sheri hired Pacific Home Remodeling for projects around her home. She was happy with their work so when one of the subcontractor employees, John Ferraro, offered to replace her sliding glass door on his own, separate from the remodeling company, she agreed. And he said, Ill order it, you pay for it. And he gave me these prices and picked out the screen for me, Sheri said. Sheri said she paid Ferraro more than three quarters of the cost of the project upfront, three checks totalling $2,595. When the agreed upon installation date passed with no word from Ferraro, Sheri said she gave him a call. Several phone calls, then his mailbox was full and I couldnt get ahold of him, Sheri said. Despite this, she said she decided to give him one last chance and managed to reach him on the phone. He said Ok Ill be there Saturday, Ill call you Friday night to confirm, Sheri said. Well he didnt call Friday night and he didnt show up on Saturday. Sheri contacted NBC 7 Responds. We searched state records and found Ferraro is not a licensed contractor. The Contractors State Licensing Board confirmed with NBC 7 Responds that neither Ferraro nor his business, Gemini Pacific Home Remodeling, are licensed in California. In California, a contractor must be licensed when hired for work worth more than $500. We reached out to Pacific Home Remodeling and a representative told us Ferraro had no right to solicit personal business while working on the original project. They also said, Ferraro was not one of their employees, he was hired by a subcontractor. I dont have my money and I dont have my door, Sheri said. NBC 7 Responds reached Ferraro by phone. Ferraro told us he would return the money to Sheri but almost a month later, Sheri hasnt received a penny. Pacific Home Remodeling was not responsible for Ferraros actions but told NBC 7 Responds that if Sheri paid for a new door, they would install it for free. Its clean and beautiful and has no termites, Sheri said, observing her new door being installed. When NBC 7 Responds asked Ferraro for an interview, he said he would only talk to us if it was live. NBC 7 Responds said we could record an interview or Ferraro could provide a written statement but we have not heard back from him. Unfortunately, problems with contractors can be common. If youre planning to hire contractors to have work done around the house, here are some things you should know to protect yourself: Never put down more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, to get the project started. According to the Contractors State License Board, its illegal for a contractor to ask you to put down more than that. Make sure everything is in writing. You want to have a formal contract drawn up, even if the contractor youre doing business with is a friend or family member. Always verify that youre working with a licensed contractor. The states website has an easy-to-use tool to search by name or business. To see the states website, click here To read more advice from the Contractors State Licensing Board, click here Someone from La Plata High School in Maryland has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), officials at the Charles County Department of Health announced Wednesday. Officials did not specify whether the sick person was a student or staff member, or was affiliated with the school in another way. School officials sent a letter home to all parents Tuesday. The health department said it's working with La Plata High School and Charles County Public Schools to identify those who should be tested for TB. La Plata students, teachers and staff members who may have had prolonged exposure to the patient will get exposure letters and a testing consent form via email and regular mail early next week, officials said. Anyone who gets a letter will receive a free TB test at La Plata High School. Those who don't receive letters or emails don't need to be tested at this time, officials said. Health officials say tuberculosis, a bacterial illness, is spread through the air, usually by coughing or sneezing. "Generally, a person must have prolonged exposure to the person with TB in order to breathe in a sufficient number of TB germs to cause a TB infection," Charles County health officials said in a release. TB can't transmitted by touch or by sharing eating utensils. It responds well to proper medical treatment, officials said. Anyone with questions should speak with his or her doctor or contact the Charles County Department of Health's Communicable Disease Control Program at 301-609-6900, ext. 6025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Charles County officials say more information about TB is available on their website. A fact sheet is also available on the school system website here. Three people are hurt, two critically, after a food truck caught fire Wednesday afternoon on the George Washington University campus, officials said. The food truck caught fire on the 2100 block of H Street NW, where several food trucks often park outside the Gelman Library. D.C. Fire and EMS was called to the scene at 2 p.m. Three employees of the food truck, which had The Falafel Bus printed on it, were taken to hospitals with burns. A man and a woman suffered critical but non-life-threatening injuries, a D.C. fire department representative said. A second woman received less serious injuries. The fire sent a plume of dark smoke into the sky west of downtown D.C. The blaze caused severe damage inside the food truck, which was a converted school bus. The House of Falafel, which runs The Falafel Bus, did not immediately respond to inquiries. Posts to the Twitter account for the university library said that for a period no one was allowed to enter or exit. The library then reopened as normal. I Street NW was closed at 22nd Street NW. A man working inside a food truck directly behind the House of Falafel described the frightening moments the truck caught fire. "We were scared. We were concerned about our livelihoods and we were concerned about the people who were on the truck. So, at that point, we evacuated as quickly as possible," said Matt Dang. "Absolute shock," said Schuyler Cottrell, a George Washington University student. "I go there at least once a week to eat. So, my first thought was, 'Are the people inside OK?' I understand that this is their business, this is their livelihood, but are those people OK?" Information on the cause of the fire was not available immediately. Najiba Hlemi, the director of DMV Food Truck Association, said food trucks must pass health inspection every two years and a safety inspection once a year. Hlemi did not yet know if the falafel truck had the proper inspections. GW students have started a GoFundMe page to help the injured workers, which had collected more than $7,300 by midday Thursday. Here's a short video pic.twitter.com/Ct1Glzp6NZ Michael Evans (@colombiadocs) November 16, 2016 Stay with News4 for more details on this developing story. A D.C. woman regularly takes a bus to visit family in Philadelphia, but one recent Sunday evening, the bus for her return trip didnt arrive, forcing her to buy a train ticket home. Megabus makes Imani Princes trips to Philadelphia more affordable, but one night she waited at 30th Street Station an hour and 36 minutes for the 9:30 p.m. bus and it still didnt show. Any other time I ride Megabus, the bus is on time, she said. Even Megabus employees at the bus station didn't know the status of the bus, Prince said. They said they had no way of contacting the bus driver or the company because the company closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays, she said. The Megabus app wasn't offering updates, either. We were all just stranded for a lack of better terms and its 11 oclock at night in Philadelphia, she said. Tired of waiting and pretty nervous being alone at a bus station so late, Prince bought train ticket back to D.C. The very next day I called Megabus and said, this is the situation, what are my next steps? Prince said. She wound up in an email chain with the company. First, she received a promising email, saying the total delay time warranted compensation. But in a second email, the company stated it would not be able to honor her request for a refund. So Prince contacted NBC4 Responds, which asked Megabus about the scheduled trip and refund. Megabus confirmed the bus was delayed longer than two hours and said all of the passengers on that bus have received compensation. Megabus.com can confirm that the 9:30 p.m. bus on Oct. 16 from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., was delayed, Director of Corporate Affairs Sean Hughes said in a statement. The passengers on the bus that were delayed have received compensation. If a passenger has an issue, some helpful tips are to get the MegabusUSA app for your phone or check our website from any mobile device to track your bus real time, and you can tweet @Megabushelp, which is monitored 24/7. Megabus.com apologizes for the inconvenience to our passengers. Safety is our top priority. Megabus refunded Prince $25 for the bus ticket and $55 for the train ticket. If I would never have called you, they would have been giving me the run around still to this day, Prince said. The Maryland father accused of beating his infant son to death, burying his body and keeping his death a secret for weeks has been indicted. Antoine Petty was indicted Wednesday for the first-degree murder of 2-month-old Antoine Flemons. Petty was also indicted on child abuse and assault charges. To kill a child, especially your own child, is the worst thing someone can do and we intend to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law, said Prince Georges County States Attorney Angela Alsobrooks. Police say Petty punched the baby in the torso repeatedly Sept. 21 to stop him from crying. Eventually the baby began bleeding and lost consciousness. Petty and his wife, 24-year-old Geneice Petty, then placed the infant in their 1998 Lincoln Town Car hearse for more than 24 hours before burying the boy behind Parkdale High School to hide the crime, police said. The parents kept the baby's death a secret for over three weeks before the infant's grandmother reported her daughter and 2-month-old grandson missing. Detectives found Geneice Petty and 32-year-old Antoine Petty Oct. 18. They led detectives to a shallow grave in Riverdale where the baby's remains were located. Antoine Petty is being held without bond. Geneice Petty appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Wednesday and probable cause was found to continue moving forward with the accessory after the fact charge she is facing. Prosecutors has until Dec. 19 to indict Geneice Petty or reduce the charge to a misdemeanor. What to Know In Prince Georges County, Maryland, Kiddie Court helps prepare children as young as 2 to testify in court. Children spend hours at the courthouse getting familiar with the courtroom, the players and the process with role playing and a mock trial. It was modeled after a program in Maricopa County, Arizona, and is the only program like it in Maryland, advocates said. Many cases of domestic violence play out in the home, too often in front of children, and in those cases, their testimony can be critical evidence, but that can be daunting for a child. We have cases coming up where we have teenagers who have witnessed their stepfather actually killing their mother right in front of them, and those girls are going to have to testify, said Donine Carrington, chief of the Special Victims and Family Violence Unit at the Prince George's County states attorneys office. Young domestic violence witnesses could be asked to take the stand against a loved one, and they may also be traumatized by what they witnessed. In Prince Georges County, Maryland, Community Advocates for Family and Youth (CAFY) operate Kiddie Court in English and Spanish to help prepare children as young as 2 years old to testify. When they come to Kiddie Court, its like a play date, so they can come with their friends or family members that they feel comfortable with, and everybody can participate in Kiddie Court, Carrington said. And its a free program. It was modeled after a program in Maricopa County, Arizona, and is the only program like it in Maryland, advocates said. Each year, 100 children participate, spending hours at the courthouse in Upper Marlboro getting familiar with the courtroom, the players and the process through role playing and a mock trial. So they sit as a prosecutor, they sit as a defense attorney, they sit as a juror, and as you can imagine their favorite is to sit as a judge, Carrington said. The goal is to ease the fear and pressure and to build courage. They are gaining the confidence so they can actually come in to court and say this is what I saw this person do, Carrington said. Parents can ask the prosecutor questions about what to expect as the trial approaches. They need to understand the dynamics of how their child is feeling, that maybe there will be some acting out as it gets closer to the trial date, and also, tips on what can I do to kind of comfort them, CAFY Executive Director Arleen Joell said. The Foundation for the Improvement of Justice recently recognized Kiddie Court for its role ensuring survivors and victims have a voice in the process. S.H.E. (Photo : hyperfrack/YouTube) HIM International Music, the record label of Taiwanese girl group S.H.E., immediately dismissed rumors that the girl band would go on a three-year break. The rumors were fueled by the pregnancy of Ella Chen who said at the groups last performance for 2016 at the Spring Wave Music and Art Festival finale on Sunday, There are four of us here, not three. Ella was referring to the four-month-old baby in her tummy which led to speculations that S.H.E. would rest to give time for Ella to raise her forthcoming baby. Advertisement Besides Ella, group mates Selina Jen and Hebe Tien said they hope Ella would be ready to resume her singing career when her child turns one. HIM International Music stressed We will definitely consider these matters seriously, especially when it affects S.H.E.s personal lives. The record company has not yet spoken to Ella about the details of her baby-raising plans, Toggle reported. Chen, 35, married Alvin Lai, a Malaysian businessman, in 2012 in Malacca. The Star reported that based on the gifts the couple received from Power Station, a Taiwanese rock band, during the Spring Wave Music and Art Festival in Guangzhou, the baby could be a boy. But Ella said she would confirm the gender of her child at the launch of her single on the last week of October. To announce her pregnancy, she posted an image of herself and husband with several pregnancy test sticks. There were problems recently with individual schedules of the three-member girl band which explains why S.H.E. had fewer performance and appearance as a group for festivities that mark the end of the year. The group celebrated their 15th anniversary on Nov. 13 which they marked by singing their newest single, Always Here. Former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich met with President-elect Donald Trumps transition team as part of consideration for a cabinet position, according to WBAL-TV in Baltimore. The NBC affiliate said Ehrlich and the team met Monday and Tuesday. They said it is unknown for which cabinet position he is being considered, and a representative for the former governor wouldnt elaborate. Ehrlich was elected governor of Maryland in 2003 and served one term. He was defeated by Democrat Martin O'Malley in 2006 and again in 2010. Before that, he served in Congress and held a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which could be a clue as to the cabinet position for which he's being considered, according to WBAL-TV. A judge has ordered "Making a Murderer" subject Brendan Dassey released from prison by Friday as he awaits a decision on his appeal or potential retrial. U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Duffin denied a motion filed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Tuesday to block Dassey's release. The motion was filed shortly after the judge earlier this week ordered Dassey released pending his appeal. The Wednesday order, first reported by NBC affiliate TMJ4, says Dassey must be released by 8 p.m. Friday. Still, Attorney General Brad Schimel said he intends to file an emergency motion in the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit "seeking a stay of this release order and requesting relief by Friday." The granting of Dassey's release this week outlined several conditions, including that he can only travel in the court's Eastern District of Wisconsin, cannot obtain a passport, cannot possess a gun or any other weapons or possess any controlled substances. He also cannot contact his uncle Steven Avery, or the family of Teresa Halbach. "We are in the process of making arrangements for his release and hope that Brendan will be reunited with his family by Thanksgiving, if not sooner," Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth said in a statement. "We urge everyone to respect Brendans privacy during this time of transition. "As we give thanks this holiday season for family and friends, our food will taste all the sweeter because we know that for the first time in ten years, Brendan will be celebrating in freedom with his family, too," the center wrote. A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators tricked Dassey into confessing he helped Avery, rape, kill and mutilate photographer Halbach in 2005. Dassey, who turned 27 Wednesday, was 16 at the time. The magistrate ordered that Dassey be freed unless prosecutors appealed or decided to retry him. In a brief filed with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Schimel urged the appeals court to reject Dassey's claim that his confession was coerced. "Substantial police coercion" is required for any confession to be ruled involuntary, Schmel said. And he said the Wisconsin Court of Appeals was right to affirm in 2013 that Dassey's confession was voluntary. Duffin held that investigators made specific promises of leniency to Dassey and that no "fair-minded jurists could disagree." He cited one investigator's comment early in the interview that "you don't have to worry about things," plus repeated comments like "it's OK" and that they already knew what happened. But the magistrate's ruling "ignores both the facts and the law," the attorney general said. Investigators didn't promise leniency, he said, and specifically told Dassey they couldn't make any promises. The teenager willingly spoke with investigators and was properly informed of his rights, Schimel said. The interview took a few hours in the middle of the day, while Dassey sat on a couch and drank a soda, the investigators spoke in normal tones, and did not threaten him or make false promises, he said. And Dassey confessed to most of the important details within an hour, in response to open-ended questions, he added. "The state courts' conclusion that Dassey's confession was voluntary is not only reasonable; it is entirely correct. Accordingly, Dassey is not entitled to relief," the attorney general said. Halbach was killed on Halloween 2005, after she visited the Avery family's salvage yard in Manitowoc County. Investigators allege Avery lured her there by asking her to take photos of a minivan. Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007. Court documents describe him as a slow learner who had poor grades and has difficulty understanding language and speaking. Avery was convicted in a separate trial and was also sentenced to life in prison. He's pursuing his own appeal. Their cases gained national attention after Netflix aired "Making a Murderer" last year. The series spawned widespread conjecture about the pair's innocence. Authorities who worked on the cases said the series was biased, but it generated a myriad of calls from the public to free both men. Standing in democracy's birthplace, President Barack Obama on Wednesday issued a parting plea to world leaders not to let the fear of globalization tugging at Europe and the U.S. pull them away from their core democratic values. He argued it wasn't too late for a course correction. On his last foreign trip as president, Obama has repeatedly tried to draw lessons from Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, hoping it can serve as wake-up call in the U.S. and abroad. Conceding that many feel left behind by globalization, Obama said there was an understandable impulse toward isolationism and that if people feel their futures are at risk, "they'll push back." "People have to know that they're being heard," Obama said in a speech to the Greek people in Athens. But, he added, "We can't look backward for answers. We have to look forward." While fewer people in the U.S. are looking to Obama for direction now that his successor has been chosen and his agenda largely rebuked, Obama has retained significant clout abroad. His message Wednesday appeared aimed at other world leaders facing pressures of nationalist movements and economic anxiety, exemplified by Britain's recent vote to leave the European Union. From Greece, Obama took a short flight to Germany, which has emerged as one of the strongest voices for preserving a unified, inclusive Europe. Yet even German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces her own threat from a nationalist right-wing movement, fueled in part by anger over her generous policy toward resettling Syrian migrants pouring into Europe. "We cannot sever the connections that have enabled so much progress," Obama said. Obama's argument centered on the notion that economic inequality, while a growing problem, can be addressed without a full rejection of globalization. Rather, he said it demanded a "course correction." "In the years and decades ahead, our countries have to make sure that the benefits of an integrated global economy are more broadly shared by more people and that the negative impacts are squarely addressed." Obama argued nations must strengthen alliances and expressed his confidence that the U.S. would remain loyal to NATO despite Trump's suggestions to the contrary during the 2016 presidential campaign. He elicited nervous chuckles as he acknowledged that he and the president-elect "could not be more different." But in a message of reassurance, Obama argued that democracy is bigger than any one person. "As long as we retain our faith in democracy, as long as we retain our faith in the people, as long as we don't waver from those central principles that ensure a lively, open debate, then our future will be ok," Obama said. And to listeners at home fearful about Trump, he offered a path out of the wilderness, albeit a long and winding one. "Any action by a president, or any result of an election, or any legislation that is proven flawed can be corrected through the process of democracy," Obama said. Though Obama's trip to Greece was planned before the election results were known, the White House hoped the setting would form a powerful reminder of the basic tenets of democracy: fair elections, a free press and tolerance for ethnic, religious and sexual minorities. Before his speech, Obama climbed up the Acropolis, the ancient citadel that serves as a monument to free thought and artistic expression. He strolled through the Propylaea, the complex's monumental gateway, and gazed up at the famed Parthenon temple dating to the 5th century B.C. The entire site was closed to the public for Obama's visit, which has played out amid stringent security measures. Demonstrations were banned in parts of Athens, and road and subway stations were shut down for the first official visit of a sitting U.S. president since Bill Clinton came in 1999. Obama said concepts like minority rights and equality under the law "grew out of this rocky soil" in a democratic project not yet complete. He said inequality, on more vivid display due to widespread technology, now posed one of the biggest threats to democratic nations, their stability and prosperity. Even in Greece, there were parallels to the deep divisions now on display in America. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras won elections last year on what critics say was a populist platform, though one on the left of the spectrum. He pushed his formerly small party to the forefront by telling Greeks weary from six years of financial crisis that he would reject austerity measures imposed in return for bailouts. But after the near-collapse of negotiations with Greece's creditors, Tsipras performed a political about-face: He signed up to a new bailout and more austerity to prevent his country being forced out of the euro. Greece's government hoped Obama would help persuade some of Greece's more reluctant creditors to grant debt relief a message they hoped he'd stress in Berlin and also pressure other European countries to share more of the burden of the migrant crisis. Appearing receptive to Greece's woes, Obama repeated his belief that debt relief should be granted. An actor who had a stint on the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless" is charged with molesting a young girl. Lieutenant Jay Baker with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office says Corey Sligh was arrested and charged with child molestation in his hometown of Canton, Georgia, on Oct. 14 and released the same day on a $22,000 bond. Baker says the girl was under the age of 10. A police report shows the alleged molestation took place from April to September, when it was reported. The 29-year-old Sligh had a brief stint on "The Young and the Restless" in 2014. He also created and starred in the web series, "All About Lizzie." Sligh tells TMZ that he's innocent. Sheriff's officials didn't know if Sligh had an attorney. As Twitter announced Tuesday that it will try to crack down on cyberbullying, users weighed in on whether it's even possible, especially in the current political climate. "I see the Internet as a huge monster that is too big to be tamed," said Christopher Ferraro of New Market, New Hampshire. "When things get political, they can get a little dirty and people are now starting to cyberbully people who are Muslim, or people who are LGBTQ or of color," said Nupur Amin of Boston. "Twitter's not really good at stopping stuff from happening, they just kind of perpetuate it because it's kind of people echoing back what other people are saying," Mitchell Collins of Boston added. But Twitter is taking a new approach, giving users control over muting keywords, phrases and conversations, as well as allowing for more direct reporting of abuse and more targeted enforcement. "I think it'll certainly help cut down on it, but what we've seen, for example with ISIS where we shut down one Twitter account, another one pops up again," said Professor David Gerzof Richard, a communications scientist who has taught social media courses at Emerson College for about a decade. He says he thinks this is a step in the right direction to give all Twitter users the power to self-report. "Because there's just no way to be able to track every single tweet," Richard said. "There's millions of tweets a second right now, and no one person, or even one group, can monitor it all." Others we spoke to think bullying transcends social media and its power to stop it. "Sad to say but I think it's just the nature of people," said Philip Paul of Boston. "These sites are going to be gone in a couple of years," said Darian Swan of Boston. "We're still going to have bullying, it starts at home." Police have arrested two men, one with a gun, following a fight over marijuana at a New Hampshire mall. Police say one man allegedly sold the drug to the other and wasn't paid, leading to the confrontation at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester on Monday. Twenty-two-year-old Justin Choice, of Boston, told police that 20-year-old Garrett Clay, of Derry, New Hampshire, pointed a gun at him. Clay said he had a gun, but didn't threaten Choice with it. He said Choice struck him. Police said Clay didn't have a concealed carry permit. He was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and a drug conspiracy count. Choice was charged with three counts of simple assault and a drug conspiracy count. It wasn't immediately known if they had lawyers. Phone numbers couldn't be found for them. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is opening up following his decision not to vote for a president in the election. Baker is just back from Florida, where he met with other governors, including Vice-President Elect Mike Pence. Baker did not support Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton during the election and said it would be worse to say he had no comment about who he was voting for. Baker says Pence made it clear the Trump administration wants states to have a loud voice in the dialogue going forward. When asked if felt the state would suffer because of his public stance against Trump, Baker said he will advocate to make sure the state is treated fairly. Brown University President Christina Paxson has issued a statement as investigation into the vandalism of American flags on campus continues. Paxson said a group of Brown students had removed and torn a large number of the American flags that line Browns College Green before the night before the Veterans Day ceremony. In her letter, Paxson said that the actions of those students is in direct opposition to Browns values. "I shared my sadness with the Brown campus community about the vandalism of these flags, among other elements of recent divisiveness that are not true to Browns values," she wrote. While the president spoke against the actions of these individuals, she also praised the quick response from the rest of the community against them. "I was so proud to learn that a group of Brown students quickly came together to replant and guard the flags and summon Browns Department of Public Safety. The flags were removed for the evening, to prevent further harm, but by the beginning of the Veterans Day ceremony they were restored to their proper places, still with a group of student volunteers keeping watch over them." She added that the university takes pride in supporting veterans both in the school and in the community. "And of those who have already served, I said and find it important to repeat here, that whether to protect the values and way of life we cherish, defend those unable to defend themselves, or advance peace and justice in the world, Brown veterans have truly distinguished themselves and made our University proud." Read the full letter: A week ago, on the eve of Veterans Day, Brown Universitys Office of Student Veterans and Commissioning Programs prepared for our annual ceremony honoring veterans by lining the walkways on the College Green with American flags. I was appalled to learn the next day that these flags had been vandalized, apparently by a group of Brown students. In a communication to the campus earlier this week, I shared my sadness with the Brown campus community about the vandalism of these flags, among other elements of recent divisiveness that are not true to Browns values. Initially, it was unclear exactly what had happened to the flags and how many people were involved in the incident. I have since learned that a large number of flags were removed and left lying on the ground next to where they had been planted, and some had been torn from their stakes or had their stakes broken. The investigation of this incident indicates that the vandalism was the work of a small number of Brown students acting individually. Although Browns policy is to keep the results of disciplinary matters confidential, I want to be very clear that these acts of vandalism are a violation of Browns Code of Student Conduct, and students found responsible for code violations are subject to sanctions. I was so proud to learn that a group of Brown students quickly came together to replant and guard the flags and summon Browns Department of Public Safety. The flags were removed for the evening, to prevent further harm, but by the beginning of the Veterans Day ceremony they were restored to their proper places, still with a group of student volunteers keeping watch over them. Brown University is home to a growing number of student veterans and ROTC students. They are valued members of our community, and I am saddened that this incident made them feel disrespected by some of their classmates. I am confident that the actions of a small number of students do not represent the views of more than 9,000 students who study at Brown. I value my participation in the Veterans Day ceremony each year and am happy to have seen the numbers of attendees from across campus who come together to honor our veterans grow over time. At the ceremony this year, I noted Browns pride in having re-established Naval and Air Force ROTC, so that we can educate a greater number of future military leaders. And of those who have already served, I said and find it important to repeat here, that whether to protect the values and way of life we cherish, defend those unable to defend themselves, or advance peace and justice in the world, Brown veterans have truly distinguished themselves and made our University proud. Christina Paxson, President Brown University Why no South Park Season 20, episode 9 on Nov. 23? What is Comedy Central airing instead of South Park? (Photo : YouTube/South Park Studios) Garrison won the presidential election and he has been given the Donald Trump look in the recently released episode 8 promo. You can watch "South Park" Season 20, episode 8 online via live stream, check out the links below. Warning: This article contains spoilers. "South Park" Season 20, episode 8 where to watch online Advertisement Watch the new episode of "South Park" Season 20 online through live stream mode on Hulu (paid subscription). "South Park" Season 20, episode 8 will be made available online after one hour of airing on SouthPark.cc.com and CC.com. Episode 8 titled "Members Only" will take things forwards from Episode 7. We will see Garrison visiting South Park. He is set to meet P.C. Principal. Meanwhile, Heidi and Cartman head to SpaceX in order to be a part of the first mission leaving for Mars. Cartman has proposed the plan to Heidi about leaving Earth as they cannot take all the mess. Gerald is in Denmark at the TrollTrace.com headquarters, he has been appointed as an undercover agent by Turd Sandwich. His mission is to destroy TrollTrace.com. However, they are after him and he will do anything to save himself from the revenge of TrollTrace.com. It has to be seen if Gerald can escape or not. Elsewhere, Garrison will come to see P.C. Principal and he is looking like President-elect Donald Trump. Garrison is a changed man after winning the elections and P.C. Principal finds out about it as soon as he calls him Mr. Garrison in the promo. "Gerald tries anything to escape the Troll Hunter's revenge. Meanwhile, Cartman and Heidi make their way to SpaceX to try to get on the first rocket leaving for Mars," reads the summary. "South Park" Season 20, episode 9 will not air Nov. 23, 2016, stay tuned for more details. Share your views and thoughts in the section below. Credit: YouTube/South Park Studios The FBI has reached out to police investigating threatening letters left on a Massachusetts doorstep. Natick Police are considering the letters left at a man's home to be evidence to a possible hate crime. The letters were sent to a Maple Street home between Thursday and Friday. Police said one of the letters was hand written, the other one was typed. Two letters were allegedly placed in the homeowner's mailbox, while a third was mailed. One letter read: "Do not bring n*****s in our neighborhood. We will kill them." The second letter read: "Natick has a zero tolerance for black people. We have reclaimed our country back by selecting Trump, and you are now messing up everything." Tuesday, Natick Police Chief James Hicks confirmed the FBI contacted his department to offer assistance at the direction of U.S. Attorney General Carmen Ortiz. "They have some investigative tools that could be of assistance to us in this investigation," Hicks told necn. The homeowner, who does not want to be named, spoke to necn over the phone Monday saying he doesn't believe the person who sent them is a child. "My feelings are that this isn't just some normal kid that doesn't know this is an appropriate way to handle this, it's a crazy adult," the homeowner said. "I feel this is a very sick person that happens to be politically driven because I think with President Trump taking office there are some people that feel like that's a green light." The homeowner is white, but says his girlfriend, who's Dominican, just moved out in a "planned move" this weekend. He also says his housemate, who moved in ten days ago, is African American. "The housemate, the Ugandan woman, is not really aware of any of this because she's a nurse, she's been working off site, for like 6 days now," he said. Hicks said authorities spent Monday interviewing the homeowner's neighbors and friends to get leads, and are processing the letters for evidence. The alleged victim says police have also asked him to limit communications. "They have asked to limit the communications because its not going to help the person come out," the homeowner said. "If they know there's cameras everywhere they're not going to come out." If you have a helicopter, you might be able to park it in Boston one day. The city council has scheduled a public hearing to review a proposal that would construct a helipad or heliport somewhere in the Boston. It's part of a deal struck with General Electric, which has plans to move its headquarters from Connecticut to Boston. As part of an incentive package, state and city leaders offered GE the space to create a commercial helicopter pad with 24/7 access for the company. "We need to know more about where they're looking to put it," said City Councilor at Large Michael Flaherty. GE's new offices would go in the Fort Point neighborhood of South Boston, which has resulted in concern from local residents about a helicopter pad going nearby. Councilman Flaherty said while the city wants to work with the company, they also want to ensure flight patters dont disrupt people on the ground. "If they're willing to be flexible, I'm sure we can put our heads together and try to find an appropriate location," he explained. The public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Water samples have revealed high lead levels in water from hundreds of Massachusetts schools, according to a state press release. 164 school buildings have exceeded the federal lead action level through testing from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. About 26,000 water samples were taken from 451 Mass. schools in 90 communities. The tests showed that 76 schools in the state had high levels of copper. A total of 73 schools tested normal. See the full test results Another 21 schools in six additional communities are scheduled for testing over the next two weeks. The Boston School District blames the high levels on old pipes. Schools in the district have covered water fountains and are giving out water bottles. Governor Charlie Baker calls testing water in all 900 schools in the state an important priority. A Texas man remains jailed in Vermont following accusations he posed as a medical researcher in order to sexually violate a Middlebury College student. Nam Vu Bui, 31, of Houston, appeared to pray before his court appearance Tuesday morning in Middlebury. "The evidence of guilt is great," prosecutor Dennis Wygmans told Judge Samuel Hoar. Investigators said Vu Bui claimed to be a medical resident at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he was studying early detection of cancer in women. However, Detective Kristine Bowdish of the Middlebury Police Department wrote in paperwork filed with the court that Nam Vu Bui was not a licensed doctor in Vermont, was not an employee of Dartmouth Hitchcock, was not conducting a research project through Dartmouth, and was not really affiliated with a medical device company Vu Bui claimed to be using. Instead, the court paperwork shows Vu Bui was a merely a guest of a Middlebury student who told Bowdish she believed his story. The college said he was not registered as a guest to campus. Investigators said Vu Bui asked that young woman's friends to take part in his supposed research last month, offering $500-$1,000 for their participation. One undergrad, who said she trusted the suspect and thought his work was important to help women's health, said Vu Bui wanted her to be blindfolded so she couldn't see a top-secret medical product he was using for the study. Court documents revealed that student soon discovered in the dorm room exam that Vu Bui did not have any pants on, and was recording video of her genital area while touching her. "I feel very violated by this whole event," the student told police. "He represented he could determine whether a woman had cervical or breast cancer, and as such, he played on some of the gravest fears that a young woman might have," Wygmans told Judge Hoar, adding that Vu Bui was a very charming and convincing person who was able to craft a story that seemed normal to the students. The prosecutor said the bogus doctor approached other students about participating in his exams, and said the investigation is ongoing. Vu Bui has pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges, including illegal advertisement of medical services, voyeurism and sexual assault. If the suspect is convicted on the sexual assault charge, it carries a potential punishment of three years in prison to a maximum life sentence. Defense attorney Lisa Shelkrot argued that the evidence on some of the charges is flimsy. "The consent question here is a complicated one," Shelkrot said in remarks to Judge Hoar. "It's not an immediate, obvious lack of consent. On its face, the complainant here consented. And that's a situation where the court is going to have to make a much more searching inquiry as to whether there was deception, whether the deception was deliberate, and whether the deception was material to the consent that was given." Shelkrot asked Tuesday for her client to be released from jail to the custody of a family friend in New York. The request drew a strong objection from the prosecution, who argued releasing him may put other women at risk. Judge Hoar said he would review evidence submitted to him Tuesday and rule by the end of the day Wednesday on the question of release. Two emails Middlebury College sent the campus last month after learning about the student's reports were obtained by necn. The public safety alerts urged students to stay vigilant and report any suspicious people to the Middlebury College Public Safety Department to the Middlebury Police Department. The liberal arts school said in a statement to necn, "Middlebury College takes these charges very seriously and we are cooperating with the Middlebury Police Department. We are conducting our own investigation into the circumstances of Nam Vu Bui's presence on campus. Our priority is ensuring the safety of our campus, and providing resources and support for members of our community." A Lowell, Massachusetts, police officer says he wishes he could share his story, but can't on advice of his lawyer after an alleged incident at the school where he serves as a resource officer. David Pender is on paid leave amid an investigation into an arrest made in September. The Lowell Sun reports Pender has been with department for 30 years. Students at Lowell High School Career Academy this all started after a student became disorderly during a school assembly in September. "I would just say hi to him and that's it," student Dante Fogel said. "Actually very surprised by this." "I wouldn't expect him," Fogel added. Parents say the school serves students with behavioral issues. Lowell Police say officers conducted an internal investigation and forwarded those findings on to the District Attorneys Office. According to court records, Pender was arrested in late 2013 for domestic assault-and-battery. His wife never filed charges. "I think they need to be a little more calmer with the kids but I understand their position because these kids are not taught from their parents to respect authority," said Diane Jaquez. Prosecutors with the Middlesex District Attorney's Office will now decide if Pender will be charged. There are new calls in Massachusetts for the state Supreme Court to throw out thousands of convictions linked to Annie Dookhan. The former state chemist was convicted of tampering with evidence in some 24,000 cases. The ACLU is calling it a restoration of justice. They say what they're asking for has been done before in other states, just not to this scale. If all 24,000 cases linked to Dookhan were to be retried, the state's public defender agency says it would take them decades to represent everyone involved. Matthew Segal of the ACLU of Mass. said, "These people have served their time. The Commonwealth has gotten many pounds of flesh and it's time to restore justice." The ACLU of Massachusetts says the way to restoring justice is to toss out all cases linked to Dookhan. Wednesday, they petitioned to the state's Supreme Court. Most, if not all of the 20,000 people involved in the Dookhan case have already served their time. The ACSL and their co-legal counsel say if the state's highest court vacates the cases it would clear these people of any collateral consequences. Representatives for the Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk District Attorneys say they'd rather take this one case at a time, not bunching all 24,000 together. Susanne O'Neil of the Norfolk County Districts Office said, One component of these cases may have been impacted by her misconduct, but it's not the whole case." Vincent Demore of the Suffolk County DAs office said, "I would ask that this court not further retreat, or retreat at all from the efforts we have made I would ask that at this point the petition be denied." The ACLU says if all cases are taken separately they're not sure they'd be able to get in contact with everyone involved since it happened years ago and addresses have changed. A decision from the court could come in the next few weeks. Police are searching for the person who robbed a gas station at gunpoint in Newton, Massachusetts, on Tuesday night. The robbery happened at 9 p.m. at the Gulf station on Beacon Street. Police said the suspect walked into the station showing a long type of gun and demanded money, then took off with an undetermined amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The robber was wearing green pants, a green shirt, a gray jacket and a white cloth on his face. Multiple police and K9 units are searching the area for the robber. Since the election, people across the country are weighing in on the Electoral College and why we still have it. On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) filed a bill that would eliminate the Electoral College, so that presidential elections would be decided by the popular vote. This comes after last week's win by President-elect Trump when he won the election by electoral votes and not the popular vote like his opponent, Hillary Clinton. Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, the 1988 Democratic presidential nominee, is one among many Democrats calling for an end to the Electoral College. Once an intense critic of the Electoral College, Trump took to Twitter Tuesday morning tweeting, "The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including smaller ones, into play. Campaigning is much different!" UMass Boston Professor Erin O'Brien says the electoral college was put in place to provide more geographic representation in the electoral process though she adds that is not a very satisfying argument to Democrats who have lost two presidential races in the past 16 years despite winning the popular vote. "For somebody as competitive and I think it is fair to say, thin skinned, Donald Trump doesn't like the conversation about losing the popular vote which he did," O'Brien said. "Democrats are not going to be the party that takes the White House despite the fact more Americans citizens voted for them. You would think we would be able to fix that." Janet Fogarty, a Trump supporter and a Republican Elector from Massachusetts, says she will not be voting in the Electoral College in December. That job will go to Democratic Electors since the state of Massachusetts voted for Hillary Clinton. Fogarty says she does believe in the system and says Trump has proven why the it works. "He took his campaign to really far reaching places in the country that most republican candidates wouldn't even bother going to. Like Michigan or the blue states and he did that and it worked," Fogarty said. Two Democratic members of the electoral college are attempting a last ditch effort to stop Trump from winning the presidency by calling on "Never Trump" Republican electors around the country to vote against him on December 19th when the electoral college's 538 members cast the final formal vote in their respective state capitals. But they would have to convince 37 Republicans to vote against Trump and no one thinks that is going to happen. Most political operatives agree that like it or not, the electoral college is here to stay. A 70-year-old New Hampshire woman spent a frigid night trapped in her car after crashing in a remote wooded area late Monday night. Fire officials said Janis Carthcart hit the soft shoulder of the roadway on Route 27 in Epping around 10 p.m. and veered off into the woods. Her car hit some trees and rocks before coming to rest on its side near the Brentwood town line. Carthcart was trapped for nearly nine hours before a passing vehicle noticed her car and called for help at 6:40 a.m. Tuesday. It took fire officials 45 minutes to free her due to the vehicle being flipped on its side. Carthcart said she couldn't find her cell phone to call for help, and after realizing that she was trapped, crawled into the backseat of her car and used some clothing and blankets to stay warm in the 30 degree temperatures. Fire officials said she suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. The families of some of the victims killed in the 2012 Newtown school shooting have asked a court to reinstate their wrongful-death lawsuit against the maker of the rifle used in the massacre. Lawyers for a survivor and relatives of nine killed in the shooting filed the appeal Tuesday, asking the Connecticut Supreme Court to immediately take the case from a lower appellate court. Remington expects the Connecticut appellate court to come to the same conclusion as the trial court. Plaintiffs claims fail under both Connecticut common law and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," Remingtons attorney issued in a statement to NBC Connecticut. In October, a Superior Court judge dismissed the lawsuit against Remington Arms, citing an embattled federal law that shields gun manufacturers from most lawsuits over criminal use of their products. Adam Lanza killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School with a Bushmaster AR-15-style rifle made by Remington. He killed his mother at their Newtown home earlier in the day and fatally shot himself at the school as police arrived. The lawsuit accuses Remington of violating state law by selling and marketing a dangerous weapon to the public. "Children and teachers were gunned down in classrooms and hallways with a weapon that was designed for our armed forces and engineered to deliver maximum carnage," the appeal says. "Fifty-pound bodies were riddled with five, 11, even 13 bullets. This is not sensationalism. It is the reality the defendants created when they chose to sell a weapon of war and aggressively market its assaultive capabilities." Lawyers for Remington Outdoor Co., formerly known as Freedom Group, said the Madison, North Carolina-based company did not violate any laws. One of the lawyers, James Vogts, said Tuesday that he expected the appeal to be dismissed. Some of the slain children's parents on Tuesday urged the state Supreme Court to hear their appeal. I am bringing this appeal for our dead son, Dylan, who never stood the chance as he stared down the barrel of a military-grade weapon, Ian Hockley, father of Dylan Hockley, said during a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. "Nothing will ever bring back my son, Dylan, or the other lives stolen from us on that awful day," Nicole Hockley said in statement. "Our only goal in bringing this appeal is to help prevent the next Sandy Hook from happening, and we have faith that Connecticut's Supreme Court will take up what is literally a matter of life and death." David Wheeler, whose son, Benjamin, also died in the massacre, added in a statement: "As a father who lost a bright and shining child, all we ask is for our day in court to address the negligence of these companies." At issue in the case is the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 and shields gun makers from liability when their firearms are used in crimes. The families' lawyers had argued that the lawsuit was allowed under an exception in the federal law that allows litigation against companies that know, or should know, that their weapons are likely to be used in a way that risks injury to others Advocates for gun control and against gun violence have criticized the law as special protection for gun makers. It became an issue in the presidential campaign earlier this year when Hillary Clinton criticized her main challenger in the Democratic primary, Bernie Sanders, for his past support of the law. Sanders, a Vermont U.S. senator, now wants to repeal it. Besides Remington, other defendants in the lawsuit include firearms distributor Camfour and Riverview Gun Sales, the now-closed East Windsor store where Lanza's mother, Nancy, legally bought the Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle. Boston Police are searching for a man they say viciously attacked his ex-girlfriend and her mother in a Hyde Park home. Neighbors who live by 437 Huntington Ave. in Hyde Park are left in shock and fear after a mother and her daughter were viciously attacked inside their home. "It's heart breaking," said Ariana Ramos. According to Boston Police a 43-year-old mother and her 23-year-old daughter were attacked by Jeffrey LeBathe. Documents claim LeBathe, 26, broke into his ex-girlfriends home on Huntington Avenue and attacked the women with a knife. When police arrived at the scene Tuesday night they found the 23-year-old bleeding profusely from the neck, chest and face. "I know what it's like when someone close to you is physically abusive, so my heart really goes out to her, said a neighbor who asked to be unnamed. Court papers detailing the attack reveal both women suffered from cuts to their face leaving them disfigured. Extensive damage was done to the home during the attack leaving five windows shattered and blood stains on the side of the house and porch. LeBathe is also accused of leaving two holes in the windshield of a vehicle belonging to his ex-girlfriends mother. In a statement given to police by one of the victims, the woman said LeBathe broke in and tried to kill us. LeBathe currently has a warrant for his arrest. Hes facing multiple charges, some of which include home invasion and assault to murder. A man and child have been hospitalized after a shooter opened fire on a car driving in Providence, Rhode Island. The man was shot multiple times and sustained non-life-threatening injuries when someone opened fire on their car around 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to WJAR. Police said the child in the car was also injured, possibly by broken glass. The child was transported to Hasbro Childrens Hospital for treatment. A woman in the car was not injured. Police are were searching for the shooter as of Wednesday morning. After a standoff at a New Hampshire home, police used a stun gun to subdue a domestic assault suspect Tuesday. Laconia Police responded to a home on Weirs Boulevard, where a woman had called 911 to report she had been assaulted and was not being allowed to leave. The caller said the man had access to guns and knives. According to police, who responded before 8 a.m., the victim eventually escaped out a rear window. Authorities say the suspect wouldn't leave and that the regional SWAT team was called. Eventually, the suspect, identified as 60-year-old James Cunningham, a resident of the home, agreed to exit. But police say he would not comply and they used the stun gun on him. Cunningham faces charges of domestic violence simple assault, felony second degree assault, criminal threatening and resisting arrest. The suspect refused bail and is being held at Belknap County Jail. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. What to Know Vanessa Marcotte, a Google employee who lived in New York City, was killed while running near her family's home in Princeton, Massachusetts. Authorities are looking for a dark SUV that had been parked on the road where Marcotte was last seen around the time of her death Aug. 7. Marcotte's slaying came five days after the killing of Karina Vetrano, a Queens woman who was found dead in a marsh after going for a run. Authorities say they're seeking a dark SUV in connection with the slaying of a New York City woman who was killed while she was jogging in Massachusetts this summer. The Worcester County District Attorney's Office said witnesses have told detectives about a dark SUV that had been parked on Brooks Station Road in Princeton around the time of 27-year-old Vanessa Marcotte's death on Aug. 7. The former Google employee's body was found in the woods off of the road, not far from her family's home. Marcotte had been out for a run that afternoon and was reported missing when she didn't return. Authorities say state police detectives and local police have already received more than 1,000 tips through a dedicated tip line. Ray Leroux, who lives next door to Marcotte's mom, said police revisted homes on Tuesday night. "They just stopped by. They were going over all the evidence and interviewing all the neighbors," Leroux recalled. "They just asked whether we had seen anything that particular day, anything strange different, which we didn't." Leroux said investigators took DNA from all the neighbors in the days following Marcotte's murder. "They came to the house and took a sample of saliva, stuff like that, tried to rule out as much as they could I guess," he said. Residents are hoping the new lead will shed some light on the unsolved case. "I think it gives the town some hope that they're getting closer to finding someone," said Katherine Huck, who works at Mountainside Market. "Any leads are good, and I think it predicts some progress towards a finish." Marcotte's death came five days after a similar killing in New York City. Karina Vetrano was running near her home in Howard Beach, Queens, when she was sexually assaulted, strangled and left for dead in a marshy area off a trail at Gateway National Recreation Area. No arrests have been made in Vetrano's death, but her family has raised more than $285,000 for a reward leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information regarding men who had access to a dark-colored SUV on Aug. 7 and were in or around Princeton is asked to call 508-453-7589. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has been appointed to a commission to plan the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026. The United States Semiquincentennial Commission includes eight members of Congress, 16 private citizens and eight federal officials and ex-officio members. The group, which will meet at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, will provide recommendations to the president and Congress in the next two years. Shaheen says as one of the original 13 states, New Hampshire has a deep-seated history in American democracy, and that she is honored to join the commission. A new report from the State of Connecticut revealed that the state has a $1.3 billion budget shortfall, according Office of Policy Management. Lawmakers returning to Hartford in January will be faced with either raising taxes or cutting services for the third year in a row. The new budget deficit number is a $1.2 billion jump from the last projected shortfall amount of $133 million. In October, state Republicans renewed their accusation that the governor's administration was hiding key budget data for political benefit. In one letter to agency heads he detailed a $133 million deficit for which department commissioners would have to prepare, and in the statutorily required letter to the state's comptroller, OPM secretary Benjamin Barnes wrote that the budget was in balance. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he's concerned about Donald Trump's victory, but believes the country owes the president-elect a chance to lead. In a post on Medium on Monday, Walsh wrote that Trump said things in his campaign that alienated and threatened people he cares about, including women, immigrants, gay, lesbian, and trans people, people of color, people with disabilities and Muslims. "Those words angered me during the campaign, and they concern me greatly now that he has won," the mayor said. "I hope Trump takes seriously his pledge to move away from division and towards unity." He added that like President Obama, he believes Trump deserves a chance to lead. He said he will work with the federal government on anything that makes life better for Bostonians. But Walsh also said the city will not compromise its values. "We will defend our friends, neighbors, and family members from any and all efforts to exclude them, harm them, or strip them of their rights," he said. "Boston is a city of inclusion, a city of compassion, a welcoming, diverse, global city. We'll stay that way." While the road ahead seems uncertain, Walsh urged everyone to remain engaged by volunteering, serving in community organizations or getting involved in politics. "Come what may, we'll show a way forward for the rest of the country as well, just as Boston has always done," he said. Aviation Nation, Nellis Air Force Bases air show and open house, took place Nov. 12 and 13, showing off numerous acts from past and present while giving the community the chance to interact with Airmen. Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range have enjoyed decades of support from the communities across Southern Nevada, said Col. Paul Murray, 99th Air Base Wing commander. The open house and air show is just one way to give back and show our gratitude for all the support the community provides to our Airmen. The air show offered members from the community and those who travelled from abroad for a chance to view multiple acts and experience the unique aspects of what occurs at Nellis AFB. Ranging from Vicky Benzings 1940 World War II Stearman, to present day 5th Generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35, variety and heritage are showcased this year, said Murray. With more than 100 static displays bringing in everything from a DC 10 water drop, to a smoke and thunder jet car, and of course our Nellis capabilities featuring air-to-air and air-to-ground demos. Through these acts and air shows static displays, the Air Force strengthens its bonds with the surrounding community. There are many aerial acts and static aircraft during the Nellis Air Show which are snapshots of aviation history, said Murray. The air show gives Nellis AFB an opportunity to demonstrate the Air Forces mission and military capabilities, as well as the skill and professionalism of the Airmen assigned here. To strengthen this relationship, the 2016 Aviation Nation Air Show played host to a record number of attendees from all around the globe, and also featured the final performance of the year for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. This event also marks the end of the air show season for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds who will thrill their hometown crowd with precision and professionalism, said Murray. This year the public was also able to download the Aviation Nation app to make the Nellis Air Show experience truly one of a kind. The app allowed our guests to keep up with the latest information; changes in schedule, alerts to important events that will impact them, they were be able to find aircraft and learn about them even before coming to the Air Show, said Bob Jones, air show director. According to Jones, Aviation Nation played host to more than 300,000 spectators from the community, including media. Ann joins London parade to mark YMCA wartime effort YMCA Norfolk IT systems trainer Ann Symonds took part in Sundays Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in central London to honour the remarkable contribution of the YMCAs 38,000 YMCA courageous war-time volunteers. Ann (pictured above) was selected as one of a group of 18 from the YMCA, invited by the Royal British Legion to take part. Her participation was particularly appropriate this year as YMCA Norfolk is marking 160 years of service, including during both world wars. No matter what I say about the day, what words I use to describe how I felt that morning, it will not do it justice, said Ann. It was a perfect cold clear morning as I walked over Waterloo Bridge on my way to Trafalgar Square to meet the rest of the party. I was immediately aware of the number of veteran soldiers coming together, of the camaraderie, of the vast number of shiny medals on display and the start of the feeling of being very small in this unusual arena. We took our place in row M at 9.05am and watched the ranks assemble around us, with great humour, goodwill and the feeling of inclusion from those around us. At 11am, a canon fired and Big Ben struck the first chime simultaneously. London fell silent. After two minutes the Last Post rang out around Whitehall and there wasnt a dry eye to be seen. We moved off at around 12.30pm to lay our wreath. The atmosphere in the Hollow Square (the area, enclosed by soldiers, around the Cenotaph) was beyond intense. The military band playing, the crowd clapping, the sheer number of wreaths around the Cenotaph. It was overwhelming, said Ann. We rounded the corner at the bottom of Whitehall and turned eyes right to the Prince of Wales taking the salute. And then it was over, a morning spent remembering is one that I will never forget. Key facts about YMCA during the First World War: Planetary scientists got together this week in Berlin express support for the future European/NASA asteroid redirect mission to develop technology that one day might prevent the Earth from being smacked by a destructive asteroid. +More on Network World: + Proponents are trying to garner worldwide support for the mission pointing to the European Space Administration ministerial conference in Luzern next month where the decision will be made whether or not to fund the ESAs Asteroid Impact Mission (AIM). AIM is part of an over-arching collaborative effort with NASA known as theAsteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) mission. NASA describes AIDA as the first demonstration of the kinetic impact technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space. AIDAs primary objective is to demonstrate, and to measure the effects of, a kinetic impact on a small asteroid. Its target is the binary near-Earth asteroid Didymos, which consists of a primary body approximately 800 meters across, and a secondary body (or moonlet) whose 150-meter size is more typical of the size of asteroids that could pose a more common hazard to Earth. +More on Network World: + During the mission NASAs Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft will deliberately crash itself into the moonlet at a speed of approximately 6 km/s, with the aid of an onboard camera and sophisticated autonomous navigation software. The collision will change the speed of the moonlet in its orbit around the main body by a fraction of one percent, enough to be measured using telescopes on Earth. By targeting the small moonlet in a binary system, the AIDA mission plan makes these precise measurements possible and ensures that there is no chance the impact could inadvertently create a hazard to Earth, NASA said. +More on Network World: + The AIM component of the mission is to simultaneously with DARTs impact, gather all the technical data as DART strikes the moonlet, while also deploying two CubeSats for additional data gathering. It also includes a microlander called Mascot-2 that is expected to measure the interior of the moonlet. AIMs network of mothership, lander and CubeSats in deep space will be a world first, paving the way for new exploration architectures. AIM will also demonstrate novel technology, enabling the spacecraft to navigate autonomously around the asteroid as a self-driving spacecraft, the ESA stated. This unique double mission calls for the launch of ESAs AIM spacecraft in October 2020, leading to a rendezvous with the Didymos system in May 2022. NASAs DART spacecraft will launch in late December 2020 and intercept Didymos moonlet in early October 2022, when the Didymos system is within 11 million kilometers of Earth, enabling observations by ground-based telescopes and planetary radar. Funding and development for both operations is only in preliminary stages and that is in part why the proponents of the mission this week drafted a letter in support of AIM and said that over 100 scientists have signed it so far. The letter says in part: Of the near-Earth objects (NEOs) so far discovered, there are more than 1700 asteroids currently considered hazardous. Unlike other natural disasters, this is one we know how to predict and potentially prevent with early discovery. As such, it is crucial to our knowledge and understanding of asteroids to determine whether a kinetic impactor is able to deflect the orbit of such a small body, in case Earth is threatened. This is what AIDA will help us assess. Check out these other hot stories: Cisco/Ericsson: Assessing the mega-deal a year later Ethernet consortia trio want to unlock a more time-sensitive network IBM package brings Watson smarts to everything IoT Phishing scheme crimps El Paso for $3.2 million NASA: Asteroid mission starts with a marriage of rocks, Styrofoam and plywood Former Cisco exec rejoins networking giant to head data center initiative Dell/EMC, SnapRoute reinforce OpenSwitch networking features The tech industry brims with examples of bright entrepreneurs who have struck it big by selling their startups and then hightailing it out of those larger companies once contractually eligible so that they can pursue their next venture. So what the heck is Matt Cutler still doing at Cisco three years after selling his mobile collaboration startup to the networking giant? Well, among other things, hes teaching a bunch of his peers who have stayed at Cisco after having their own companies acquired -- as well as any Cisco lifers who will listen -- a thing or two about how to keep cranking out new ideas. Cisco Matt Cutler, Lead Evangelist for Cisco Cloud Collaboration Technologies, has big ideas on ideation. From where I sit, innovation is not just about what you do and what you have for technology, but its also how you do it, says Cutler, who along with his wife and three kids moved from Massachusetts to California when Cisco bought Collaborate.com. One of the obvious opportunities for Cisco to drive innovation is to incorporate modern workstyles and that includes design thinking. MORE: Cisco unearths its inner startup culture via companywide innovation contest Cutler, whose entire 8-member Collaborate.com team remains at Cisco, now serves as director of product management within Ciscos Spark cloud-based unified communications infrastructure team and is one of 46 members of the companys little-known Founders Forum. This dynamic internal group, which formed two-and-a-half years ago, incents founders from many of the 193 companies Cisco has acquired to stick around for the benefit of Cisco, themselves and customers (See also: ). Cisco: Innovation from Anywhere As a nearly $50 billion company, Cisco concedes the obvious its not as nimble as the startups it consumes. One of the main ideas behind the Founders Forum is for Cisco to tap into the entrepreneurial vigor of those smaller companies, says Hilton Romanski, a 15-year Cisco veteran who serves as the companys chief strategy officer and who chairs Founders Forum meetings (See also: "Inside the Strategy Team at Cisco"). I cant think of any other company that has dozens of CEOs to tap into for their knowledge or experience, and we do that on a regular basis, the Cisco SVP says. (I reached out to other acquisitive tech companies, including IBM and Microsoft, but neither got back to say whether they have any sort of Founders Forum-like operation.) Given that Romanski manages a $2B venture capital investment portfolio and has been responsible for about $20 billion in acquisitions, his interest in making the most of Ciscos buyouts is understandable. Hes quick to point out that about 1 in 5 members of Ciscos population came to the company through buyouts. Cisco Cisco SVP & Chief Strategy Officer Hilton Romanski: "Our first and foremost priority is to keep amazing talent inside the company doing great things and to give them the materials and ideas to stay engaged and excited." One thing thats been true from the very beginning [at Cisco] is that weve thought about the potential for innovation and disruption coming from anywhere, Romanski says, also citing the companys Innovate Everywhere Challenge open to all employees. So our approach has really been: Lets continue to be very focused on build by partner and then more recently, focused on invest and co-develop as ways to continue to make sure were harnessing the most interesting innovations in the market. Romanski contends that one way Cisco has grown and thrived is by acquiring its way into new markets and strengthening its position in others. Some buyouts are more technology or platform based, such as the $1.4B Jasper Technologies IoT deal, whereas others, such as the recent Container X purchase, are more focused on bringing fresh blood and smarts into the organization. The Founders Forum brings together for quarterly meetings at Cisco headquarters in San Jose the people who started many of the acquired companies. One basic thing Cisco wants to do at these meetings is get feedback on its buyouts. Where can we do things better from an acquisition perspective? How was the process for you and how can we improve this so we get better every time we bring awesome teams into the company so they want to stay, Romanski says. How Founders & Customers Benefit Forum members get access to Cisco higher-ups at these meetings and also learn from one another, such as how to navigate Cisco. One lure for being acquired, beyond the immediate financial gain, is access to greater resources and bigger clients. Cisco is really trying to sell security startups on this, as the company aims to be the No. 1 player in the market. As each team comes on board the next team sitting outside our walls is looking at this and saying, Wow, thats a really amazing team, Romanski says. Who knows, maybe some of these founders will hit it off and form a new dream team at Cisco along the lines of its famed MPLS engineering group that repeatedly received funding to build spin-ins like Insieme. Collaborate.coms Cutler volunteered his services recently to lead a separate workshop for Forum members on ideation, and he says the 90-minute meeting resulted in a handful of action items, including the possibility of pulling together a global forum for internal Cisco developers (See also: 4 cool ideas hatched from Cisco ideation session). Romanski foresees sharing ideation advice with Ciscos enterprise customers, too. Romanski says one way customers have already benefited from the Founders Forum is that leaders of SaaS vendors bought by Cisco have helped the company smooth integration of other as-a-service acquisitions into the fold even as Cisco overall tries to move to a more flexible consumption model for its enterprise customers and more predictable revenue stream to satisfy investors. Thats historically very different from where our business has been and were very rapidly scaling our capability to deliver as-a-service and recurring revenue, he says. One example of this is that it took Cisco more than a year to make 2015 cloud security acquisition OpenDNS services available to customers under a recurring revenue model, but with its more recent buyout of cloud access security broker company CloudLock, Cisco was able to make services available almost immediately upon closing the deal. MORE: Meet Cisco's go-to guy on commercial drones While the Founders Forum should help Cisco retain the talents of many startup founders, Romanski knows Cisco wont keep them all. The founders of prized acquisition Meraki, for example, left the company about two years after Ciscos $1.2 billion buyout of that cloud-based networking outfit. But the next level of talent within Meraki has stayed and now leads the $1B run-rate business inside of Cisco, Romanski says. Rod Randall, a former technology executive who is now in venture capital and private equity, says he thinks Ciscos Founders Forum is a great idea. During my time as a VC, I can't remember even one of the founders that I backed that ever stayed post acquisition, he says. Having sold a networking company called Teleos to a larger company back in the 1990s, Randall saw first-hand how a founding management team can be stifled within the confines of a larger, acquiring company. Founders combination of energy, curiosity, boldness, and ego is often difficult to find in a corporate managerial chain of command, Randall says. They are often the best communicators, seeing things not only as others do, but more importantly, as others do not. These people are an enormously powerful resource, and resource network, which would be hugely beneficial if the acquiring company was able to keep and harness them But therein lies the rub. These founders are un-harnessable, by definition. A company can only keep them if they want to be kept By recognizing the talent it has acquired through the Founders Forum, Cisco is trying to do just that. If the Chinese government retaliated against tariff increases by the United States, it would not take direct aim at Apple, an economist argued today. "For China, the best target is Boeing," said Caroline Freund, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Freund was responding to questions after Global Times, a Chinese Communist Party-supported newspaper, warned of reprisals if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on a campaign pledge to dramatically increase tariffs on goods imported into the United States. "China will take a tit-for-tat approach then," the paper's op-ed piece said Sunday. The editorial writers called out Boeing as a possible target, but added, "U.S. auto and iPhone sales in China will suffer a setback" if Trump boosts tariffs to his promised 45%. When countries engage in a trade or tariff war, they don't retaliate in kind, Freund said. As in any conflict, the aim of a trade war is to strike at an enemy's most vulnerable positions. So if the U.S. raised tariffs on smartphones and laptops -- two categories in which goods from China dominate U.S. imports, China would be not hit back by increasing duties on electronics imported from the U.S. Instead, it would target "products that would hurt the U.S. most," said Freund. "The idea is to hit back using a product that's important to me." Chicago-based Boeing would be an obvious target, she added. "Estimates are that based on growth, China will be buying a lot of planes over the next two years. But China could just turn to Airbus." Just two months ago, Boeing landed a $3.2 billion deal to sell a dozen 787 Dreamliners to China Southern Airlines. During a state visit to the U.S. last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a $38 billion order for 300 Boeing jets. But what of the Party paper's claim that a trade war would affect iPhone sales in China? Freund said the Chinese government could do that without resorting to tariffs, but by impeding Apple's operations in China. "Suddenly regulators could start showing up at production facilities ... every day," Freund said. Or the government could launch tax audits. "There are all kinds of ways they can crack down on a market. And China has a history of doing that." This story, "Reprisals against Apple in a U.S.-China trade war would be indirect" was originally published by Computerworld . By Reuters Boeing Co (BA.N), the world's biggest planemaker, said on Tuesday that it would cut 500 jobs over four years and shut two plants as it revamps its defence and space unit. The company, which is shutting plants in El Paso, Texas and Newington, Virginia, said some jobs in Huntington Beach plant would move to El Segundo, Long Beach, and Seal Beach in Southern California. Boeing also said many positions in Kent, Washington will move to nearby Tukwila. The company said about 1,600 positions will move to Los Angeles County, California; 500 to St. Louis, Missouri and about 400 to Huntsville, Alabama as part of the consolidation. (http://bit.ly/2fuDKh2) The changes related to job cuts and the consolidation were not material, a Boeing spokesman told Reuters. The company also said it would create a new global operations group that would include its defence units in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and UK. The unit will he headed by David Pitchforth, managing director of the company's UK defence unit. Boeing's defence, space and security business, which had about 48,000 employees as of Oct. 27, accounted for 31.4 percent of the company's total revenue of $23.9 billion in the latest quarter. Boeing Co (BA.N), the world's biggest planemaker, said on Tuesday that it would cut 500 jobs over four years and shut two plants as it revamps its defence and space unit. The company, which is shutting plants in El Paso, Texas and Newington, Virginia, said some jobs in Huntington Beach plant would move to El Segundo, Long Beach, and Seal Beach in Southern California. Boeing also said many positions in Kent, Washington will move to nearby Tukwila. The company said about 1,600 positions will move to Los Angeles County, California; 500 to St. Louis, Missouri and about 400 to Huntsville, Alabama as part of the consolidation. (http://bit.ly/2fuDKh2) The changes related to job cuts and the consolidation were not material, a Boeing spokesman told Reuters. The company also said it would create a new global operations group that would include its defence units in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and UK. The unit will he headed by David Pitchforth, managing director of the company's UK defence unit. Boeing's defence, space and security business, which had about 48,000 employees as of Oct. 27, accounted for 31.4 percent of the company's total revenue of $23.9 billion in the latest quarter. By Express News Service MUMBAI: The boardroom brawl between Tata Sons and its recently ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry rose another notch on Tuesday after the board of yet another Tata firm removed him from the post of company Chairman. In a statement filed with the stock exchanges, Tata Global Beverages Ltd (TGBL) said that seven out of ten directors on its board had voted to remove Mistry from his post and replace him with Harish Bhat. Out of the six independent directors on the board of TGBL, two Darius Pandole and Analjit Singh voted against the resolution moved for Mistrys ouster. One, Ireena Vittal is believed to have abstained. Harish Bhat, the new chairman, is reportedly a confident of Ratan Tata who is now back at the helm of Tata Sons. TGBL is the second Tata firm after Tata Consultancy Services to have removed Mistry from the chairmanship. However, Mistry still remains at the helm of nearly all other listed Tata firms including IHCL, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals. Independent directors at Tata Steel and IHCL had released statements backing Mistry after their respective board meetings last week. However, some directors at Tata Steel shot down a similar statement and the Tata Motors board, on Monday, had shied away from naming Mistry in their statement supporting the companys management. The developments in the boardrooms of individual Tata firms has brought to light a deep divide within the Group, with supporters of Mistry (spearheaded by Bombay Dyeing and Brittania Industries chairman Nusli Wadia) pushing for statements of support, with others shooting down the proposals. In a statement after the removal, Mistrys office said that the move was illegal. When the proposal to remove Mr Mistry was sought to be moved, it was ruled out by the Chairman since it was not on the agenda. The meeting was conducted by Mr Mistry as Chairman and was concluded, it said. While Tata Sons is trying to remove Mistry from both the boards and the chairmanship in the group firms, TGBL and TCS are the only ones in which they have succeeded. Tata Sons holds a 73.26 per cent stake in TCS. Its stakeholdings in other group firms are significantly less. MUMBAI: The boardroom brawl between Tata Sons and its recently ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry rose another notch on Tuesday after the board of yet another Tata firm removed him from the post of company Chairman. In a statement filed with the stock exchanges, Tata Global Beverages Ltd (TGBL) said that seven out of ten directors on its board had voted to remove Mistry from his post and replace him with Harish Bhat. Out of the six independent directors on the board of TGBL, two Darius Pandole and Analjit Singh voted against the resolution moved for Mistrys ouster. One, Ireena Vittal is believed to have abstained. Harish Bhat, the new chairman, is reportedly a confident of Ratan Tata who is now back at the helm of Tata Sons. TGBL is the second Tata firm after Tata Consultancy Services to have removed Mistry from the chairmanship. However, Mistry still remains at the helm of nearly all other listed Tata firms including IHCL, Tata Steel and Tata Chemicals. Independent directors at Tata Steel and IHCL had released statements backing Mistry after their respective board meetings last week. However, some directors at Tata Steel shot down a similar statement and the Tata Motors board, on Monday, had shied away from naming Mistry in their statement supporting the companys management. The developments in the boardrooms of individual Tata firms has brought to light a deep divide within the Group, with supporters of Mistry (spearheaded by Bombay Dyeing and Brittania Industries chairman Nusli Wadia) pushing for statements of support, with others shooting down the proposals. In a statement after the removal, Mistrys office said that the move was illegal. When the proposal to remove Mr Mistry was sought to be moved, it was ruled out by the Chairman since it was not on the agenda. The meeting was conducted by Mr Mistry as Chairman and was concluded, it said. While Tata Sons is trying to remove Mistry from both the boards and the chairmanship in the group firms, TGBL and TCS are the only ones in which they have succeeded. Tata Sons holds a 73.26 per cent stake in TCS. Its stakeholdings in other group firms are significantly less. By Reuters BRUSSELS: EU antitrust regulators are set to fine Europe's biggest bank HSBC , JPMorgan and Credit Agricole by the end of the year for rigging financial benchmarks linked to the euro, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Charges were levied in May 2014 against the three banks, which denied wrongdoing. The European Commission could penalise HSBC, JPMorgan and Credit Agricole next month, the people said. The decision has been delayed several times and another hold-up could still occur. European Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso declined to comment. The EU competition enforcer can levy fines up to 10 percent of a company's global turnover for breaching the bloc's rules. JPMorgan said the EU charges were without merit when it was served the document and that it would defend itself. Credit Agricole has said it would examine the charge sheet. HSBC said at that time that it would defend itself vigorously. Deutsche Bank , RBS and Societe Generale admitted guilt in December 2013. Barclays avoided a fine because it alerted the Commission. U.S. and European regulators have so far handed down billion-dollar fines to more than 10 banks and brokerages for rigging the London interbank offered rate (Libor) and its euro cousin Euribor. Prosecutors have also charged more than a dozen men with fraud-related offences. BRUSSELS: EU antitrust regulators are set to fine Europe's biggest bank HSBC , JPMorgan and Credit Agricole by the end of the year for rigging financial benchmarks linked to the euro, two people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Charges were levied in May 2014 against the three banks, which denied wrongdoing. The European Commission could penalise HSBC, JPMorgan and Credit Agricole next month, the people said. The decision has been delayed several times and another hold-up could still occur. European Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso declined to comment. The EU competition enforcer can levy fines up to 10 percent of a company's global turnover for breaching the bloc's rules. JPMorgan said the EU charges were without merit when it was served the document and that it would defend itself. Credit Agricole has said it would examine the charge sheet. HSBC said at that time that it would defend itself vigorously. Deutsche Bank , RBS and Societe Generale admitted guilt in December 2013. Barclays avoided a fine because it alerted the Commission. U.S. and European regulators have so far handed down billion-dollar fines to more than 10 banks and brokerages for rigging the London interbank offered rate (Libor) and its euro cousin Euribor. Prosecutors have also charged more than a dozen men with fraud-related offences. By PTI NEW DELHI: With about Rs 4 lakh crore coming into the banking system within a week after demonetisation, Moody's Investors Service on Werdnesday cautioned that banks' deposit base will witness a sharp decline as and when the current restriction on cash withdrawals eases. In a major assault on black money, counterfeit notes and terror financing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and asked holders of such bills to deposit them in banks. Moody's said the trend of significant inflows will continue for the next 3-4 weeks. But, as cash availability increases and the current restrictions on cash withdrawals are lifted, sharp declines in the deposit base will occur in the near future, Moody's said. Once this volatility subsides and stability is achieved, possibly around three months from now, we estimate that bank deposits will increase by around 1-2 per cent compared with what they would have been before the demonetisation scheme, it added. In order to ensure sufficient cash availability in thesystem, people have been allowed to withdraw only Rs 24,000 in a week through cheque. Besides, the daily withdrawal limit from the recalibrated ATMs stands at Rs 2,500. Moody's said the expectation of a relatively low level of increase is based on the assumption that the role of cash as a medium of transaction will not change materially in the near term in India's economy. However, as the cash intensity of the economy reduces over the medium term, driven by a combination of the informal economy coming into the ambit of the formal one and a higher proportion of cashless payments, bank deposit levels may benefit in a more meaningful fashion, Moody's said. According to official estimates, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes account for around 86 per cent of the existing currency in circulation and around 9.5 per cent of GDP. Of the Rs 14 lakh crore of high-denomination notes, an estimated Rs 4 lakh crore has come into the banking system since November 8. The withdrawal of these high-value notes may provide a strong impetus to greater use of the formal financial system the banking system for the intermediation of commercial transactions, especially in the retail segment, Moody's said. The government move has meant that a large proportion of the population will have to access banking channels at least once, so as to convert their existing holdings into the new legal tender. Moody's said studies have shown that first-time users tend to keep using the banking system once they initiate the process. Therefore, we expect a material proportion of the first-time/very infrequent users to become more sticky customers of the banks. This development should also benefit the banking system in the form of a higher level of low-cost deposit, it said. Moody's said retail payments systems will be a clear beneficiary of the demonetisation move as people may see these channels being much more convenient compared to the hassle they may experience in transitioning to the new denomination notes. There has been a sustained significant growth in cashless payment transactions in India over the last few years. In addition, on the supply side, both banks and new generation players such as e-wallet providers have been very focused on developing this segment. Thus, in an already favourable ecosystem for retail payment systems, this development may act as a further stimulus, Moody's said. The micro-finance segments would be impacted significantly during the transition from the old notes to the new ones as transactions in this segment are predominantly cash based, it said. However, once the transition is complete, asset quality may stabilise. The broader asset quality of the banking system would be impacted if economic conditions remain affected beyond the transition period, Moody's added. NEW DELHI: With about Rs 4 lakh crore coming into the banking system within a week after demonetisation, Moody's Investors Service on Werdnesday cautioned that banks' deposit base will witness a sharp decline as and when the current restriction on cash withdrawals eases. In a major assault on black money, counterfeit notes and terror financing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and asked holders of such bills to deposit them in banks. Moody's said the trend of significant inflows will continue for the next 3-4 weeks. But, as cash availability increases and the current restrictions on cash withdrawals are lifted, sharp declines in the deposit base will occur in the near future, Moody's said. Once this volatility subsides and stability is achieved, possibly around three months from now, we estimate that bank deposits will increase by around 1-2 per cent compared with what they would have been before the demonetisation scheme, it added. In order to ensure sufficient cash availability in thesystem, people have been allowed to withdraw only Rs 24,000 in a week through cheque. Besides, the daily withdrawal limit from the recalibrated ATMs stands at Rs 2,500. Moody's said the expectation of a relatively low level of increase is based on the assumption that the role of cash as a medium of transaction will not change materially in the near term in India's economy. However, as the cash intensity of the economy reduces over the medium term, driven by a combination of the informal economy coming into the ambit of the formal one and a higher proportion of cashless payments, bank deposit levels may benefit in a more meaningful fashion, Moody's said. According to official estimates, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes account for around 86 per cent of the existing currency in circulation and around 9.5 per cent of GDP. Of the Rs 14 lakh crore of high-denomination notes, an estimated Rs 4 lakh crore has come into the banking system since November 8. The withdrawal of these high-value notes may provide a strong impetus to greater use of the formal financial system the banking system for the intermediation of commercial transactions, especially in the retail segment, Moody's said. The government move has meant that a large proportion of the population will have to access banking channels at least once, so as to convert their existing holdings into the new legal tender. Moody's said studies have shown that first-time users tend to keep using the banking system once they initiate the process. Therefore, we expect a material proportion of the first-time/very infrequent users to become more sticky customers of the banks. This development should also benefit the banking system in the form of a higher level of low-cost deposit, it said. Moody's said retail payments systems will be a clear beneficiary of the demonetisation move as people may see these channels being much more convenient compared to the hassle they may experience in transitioning to the new denomination notes. There has been a sustained significant growth in cashless payment transactions in India over the last few years. In addition, on the supply side, both banks and new generation players such as e-wallet providers have been very focused on developing this segment. Thus, in an already favourable ecosystem for retail payment systems, this development may act as a further stimulus, Moody's said. The micro-finance segments would be impacted significantly during the transition from the old notes to the new ones as transactions in this segment are predominantly cash based, it said. However, once the transition is complete, asset quality may stabilise. The broader asset quality of the banking system would be impacted if economic conditions remain affected beyond the transition period, Moody's added. S Lalitha By Express News Service BENGALURU: Thanks to the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) units across the State have enjoyed a relaxing week. It has arrested just one official in connection with corruption across the State since last Tuesday after the Prime Ministers announcement. The ACB, which began operations on April 1, had been receiving a litany of complaints during the last three months and has made 80 arrests so far. On an average, we used to receive four or five corruption cases each week. We received only one complaint from Ramanagara against a revenue official the past week. We laid a trap and arrested him, said M A Saleem, Inspector General of Police (IGP) of ACB. The revenue official had demanded Rs 10,000 as bribe. The bribe had to be given only in the form of Rs 100 notes since Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes became illegal. The ACB team did not get any other tip-off, Saleem added. The cash crunch all around was the reason that bribes were not paid this week, the IGP said. When asked if the demonetisation could play a crucial role in doing away with corruption, the IGP said, I think this is a temporary phase. When things settle down and the new notes are in circulation, corrupt activities are likely to begin all over again. Bribe will take other forms soon A former Lokayukta official said, There will definitely be a lull in corruption for some time now as bribe-takers generally prefer the higher value notes. But it will take other forms in future, like a costly television, iPad, laptop, high-end mobile and so on. Concurring with the ACB chief, former Lokayukta and anti-corruption crusader Justice Santosh Hedge said, Illegal activities will definitely stop temporarily. This is clearly a lean period for corruption. Neutralisation of hoarded black money is taking place presently and this is a big step that will improve the countrys economy, he added. However, this is a transitory phase and things will settle down in some time. We need to wait and see the impact on corrupt activities then, Justice Hegde cautioned. RBI buys ink from Mysore factory The city-based Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd is flooded with orders for indelible ink after the Centre decided to use it to mark the fingers of those who exchange old currency notes with legal tender. A H Venkatesh, chairman, Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd, said on Tuesday that they supplied huge quantities of indelible ink (5 and 10 cc bottles) to RBI offices in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi. Apart from this, he said many banks procured it by directly approaching them. However, the chairman did not disclose the quantity of ink sold on Tuesday. He said the state-owned company is ready to meet any kind demand for the ink. They have enough stock to meet any emergencies, he said. BENGALURU: Thanks to the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) units across the State have enjoyed a relaxing week. It has arrested just one official in connection with corruption across the State since last Tuesday after the Prime Ministers announcement. The ACB, which began operations on April 1, had been receiving a litany of complaints during the last three months and has made 80 arrests so far. On an average, we used to receive four or five corruption cases each week. We received only one complaint from Ramanagara against a revenue official the past week. We laid a trap and arrested him, said M A Saleem, Inspector General of Police (IGP) of ACB. The revenue official had demanded Rs 10,000 as bribe. The bribe had to be given only in the form of Rs 100 notes since Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes became illegal. The ACB team did not get any other tip-off, Saleem added. The cash crunch all around was the reason that bribes were not paid this week, the IGP said. When asked if the demonetisation could play a crucial role in doing away with corruption, the IGP said, I think this is a temporary phase. When things settle down and the new notes are in circulation, corrupt activities are likely to begin all over again. Bribe will take other forms soon A former Lokayukta official said, There will definitely be a lull in corruption for some time now as bribe-takers generally prefer the higher value notes. But it will take other forms in future, like a costly television, iPad, laptop, high-end mobile and so on. Concurring with the ACB chief, former Lokayukta and anti-corruption crusader Justice Santosh Hedge said, Illegal activities will definitely stop temporarily. This is clearly a lean period for corruption. Neutralisation of hoarded black money is taking place presently and this is a big step that will improve the countrys economy, he added. However, this is a transitory phase and things will settle down in some time. We need to wait and see the impact on corrupt activities then, Justice Hegde cautioned. RBI buys ink from Mysore factory The city-based Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd is flooded with orders for indelible ink after the Centre decided to use it to mark the fingers of those who exchange old currency notes with legal tender. A H Venkatesh, chairman, Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd, said on Tuesday that they supplied huge quantities of indelible ink (5 and 10 cc bottles) to RBI offices in Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi. Apart from this, he said many banks procured it by directly approaching them. However, the chairman did not disclose the quantity of ink sold on Tuesday. He said the state-owned company is ready to meet any kind demand for the ink. They have enough stock to meet any emergencies, he said. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Gopalpuram police arrested three persons including an assistant film director and a businesswomen for attempting to exchange banned Turkish currency with people and cheat them. Police seized the currency with face value of Rs 5 crore from the trio, while hunt is on to nab another accused. According to police, the prime accused Naveen Kumar, who is currently absconding, had procured 100 notes of banned Turkey currency and gave them to his friend S Naresh Kumar. Lured by Naveen that the currency was worth Rs 10 crore and Naresh thought of giving him `84 lakh after the exchange. However, soon he found that the notes were banned and sought help of his friend Kiran to exchange the cash. Kiran, who works as an assistant film director, took Naresh to a businesswoman Ch Ratna Prabha. Being a realtor, Ratna Prabha accepted to exchange the Turkish currency and sought commission. Subsequently, they went to Secunderabad railway station on Monday and were waiting to exchange the notes. On a tip-off, police swung into action and apprehended the trio. A total of 100 notes of Turkey currency, three mobile phones, one car and a bike were seized from the accused. HYDERABAD: Gopalpuram police arrested three persons including an assistant film director and a businesswomen for attempting to exchange banned Turkish currency with people and cheat them. Police seized the currency with face value of Rs 5 crore from the trio, while hunt is on to nab another accused. According to police, the prime accused Naveen Kumar, who is currently absconding, had procured 100 notes of banned Turkey currency and gave them to his friend S Naresh Kumar. Lured by Naveen that the currency was worth Rs 10 crore and Naresh thought of giving him `84 lakh after the exchange. However, soon he found that the notes were banned and sought help of his friend Kiran to exchange the cash. Kiran, who works as an assistant film director, took Naresh to a businesswoman Ch Ratna Prabha. Being a realtor, Ratna Prabha accepted to exchange the Turkish currency and sought commission. Subsequently, they went to Secunderabad railway station on Monday and were waiting to exchange the notes. On a tip-off, police swung into action and apprehended the trio. A total of 100 notes of Turkey currency, three mobile phones, one car and a bike were seized from the accused. Aishik Chanda By Express News Service KOLKATA: Kolkata's red light district of Sonagachi is a fairly good place to hear some truth spoken about the current demonetisation brouhaha in India. So here is Ruksana's (name changed) take: "We dont care whether the money we've been making lately is honestly-earned or not. Would the bhadralok spend their hard-earned money on buying sex?" What the sex worker from Khulna in Bangladesh implies is that yes there's been an increase in custom since the Prime Minister made his announcement on Nov. 8. and yes the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes she's being paid with is probably hot money. Who cares. In fact, the night turned frantic in Sonagachi right after the PM broke the news that big greenbacks won't be legal tender after midnight. Initially, we got a lot of customers who came in with `500 and `1,000 notes. We couldn't give them back change, so we invited them to spend more time with us," said sex worker Malati (name changd). Business was particularly breezy in the first three days, and now that bank windows have opened somewhat, there's been a drop, but still these are good days. Unlike many hospitals and petrol vends, many of the ladies of Sonagachi do their bit to ease the nation's tensions by accepting 500 and `1,000 notes from custom. The scrapped notes are deposited in the Usha Cooperative Bank where many of them hold accounts. The bank hasn't given them the new notes yet as they have more pressing customers to attend to. Unlike also like PSU petrol bunks, the sex workers of Sonagachi do not insist that customer spend all of their 500s or 1000s. They do give change back. Malati has for long kept a tight wad of `50 and `100 notes stuffed into a wooden box kept under her bed. Since Modi's demonetisation, she the 50s and 100s have stayed in the box but the big notes have all been deposited in the bank. Business has been brisker for what are called 'high-end' sex workers as many people reason what's the point of pickling all that hot money if some fun can't be had. Rajdeep Mitra (name changed), an entrepreneur in Salt Lake, said, My friends and I had `6,000 in 500 and 1,000 currency notes. After Nov. 8, we decided Sonagachi was a useful way of getting rid of the cash." KOLKATA: Kolkata's red light district of Sonagachi is a fairly good place to hear some truth spoken about the current demonetisation brouhaha in India. So here is Ruksana's (name changed) take: "We dont care whether the money we've been making lately is honestly-earned or not. Would the bhadralok spend their hard-earned money on buying sex?" What the sex worker from Khulna in Bangladesh implies is that yes there's been an increase in custom since the Prime Minister made his announcement on Nov. 8. and yes the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes she's being paid with is probably hot money. Who cares. In fact, the night turned frantic in Sonagachi right after the PM broke the news that big greenbacks won't be legal tender after midnight. Initially, we got a lot of customers who came in with `500 and `1,000 notes. We couldn't give them back change, so we invited them to spend more time with us," said sex worker Malati (name changd). Business was particularly breezy in the first three days, and now that bank windows have opened somewhat, there's been a drop, but still these are good days. Unlike many hospitals and petrol vends, many of the ladies of Sonagachi do their bit to ease the nation's tensions by accepting 500 and `1,000 notes from custom. The scrapped notes are deposited in the Usha Cooperative Bank where many of them hold accounts. The bank hasn't given them the new notes yet as they have more pressing customers to attend to. Unlike also like PSU petrol bunks, the sex workers of Sonagachi do not insist that customer spend all of their 500s or 1000s. They do give change back. Malati has for long kept a tight wad of `50 and `100 notes stuffed into a wooden box kept under her bed. Since Modi's demonetisation, she the 50s and 100s have stayed in the box but the big notes have all been deposited in the bank. Business has been brisker for what are called 'high-end' sex workers as many people reason what's the point of pickling all that hot money if some fun can't be had. Rajdeep Mitra (name changed), an entrepreneur in Salt Lake, said, My friends and I had `6,000 in 500 and 1,000 currency notes. After Nov. 8, we decided Sonagachi was a useful way of getting rid of the cash." By BNS Whether it is in the world of aerospace engineering or in Bollywood, sometimes the biggest of launches misfire. Case in point: Harshvardhan Kapoors debut film Mirzya which released last month. Much was expected from the director of Rang De Basanti (2006) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) but this time around Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra couldnt deliver a film that appealed to the public. Subsequently, Harshvardhans launch vehicle couldnt wheel him smoothly to a position of strength in the Hindi film industry. But it is not the end of the world for Harshvardhan. He can take heart from the examples of actors who, like him, were introduced with much fanfare only to see their debuts disappoint. Hearteningly, they all carved out successful careers subsequently. Ranbir Kapoor It was supposed to be the grand debut that couldnt possibly go wrong director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had a hat-trick of critically acclaimed hits (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), Black (2005)) when he introduced Ranbir Kapoor in Saawariya (2007). But to the the Kapoor scions misfortune, Saawariya was a Diwali cracker that fizzled. Yet, Ranbir ricocheted strongly and powered hits like Raajneeti (2010), Rockstar (2011), Barfi (2012), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and the recent Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to turn his career around and emerge as the biggest star of his generation. Sonam Kapoor Ranbirs Saawariya co-star and Harshvardhans elder sister Sonam Kapoor also suffered the same fate with her debut film. The highly individualistic actress has, however, proved her worth since then and even delivered an appreciated performance in this years Neerja which is gathering awards buzz. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan This Miss Worlds indisputable beauty made her a perfect match for Bollywood. Yet, her first Hindi film, the Rahul Rawail-directed Aur Pyar Ho Gaya (1997) sank like a stone at the turnstiles. Reviews of her too were not flattering. The determined lady, however, persevered and affected a major turn around within two short years with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Taal (both 1999). Abhishek Bachchan Debuting under the direction JP Dutta, the hype was tremendous for Refugee but the film underperformed. Bachchan Junior took time to find his bearings but finally carved out his niche with Yuva (2004), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Sarkar (2005), Guru (2007), and Bol Bachchan (2012) Juhi Chawla A fresh-faced ingenue like few others and a Miss India to boot, Juhi did not begin her film career with her star-making turn as the lead in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). She started two years earlier with a forgettable appearance as Karan Kapoors leading lady in big-budget disappointment, the costume drama Sultanat (1986). Meenakshi Seshadri A renowned filmmaker like Manoj Kumar introduced Meenakshi Sesadri to movies with his production Painter Babu (1983), which had his younger brother Rajeev Goswani as her leading man. The film put in a guest appearance at the theatres but Meenakshi bounced back big when her second film, Subhash Ghais Hero (1983), proved to be a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. Kareena Kapoor Another Kapoor scion, Kareena Kapoor, had a tepid debut with Refugee (2000) but her obvious starlight couldnt be hidden under a bushel and she was almost immediately flooded with big banner movies from respected filmmakers, that have laid the bedrock for an uninterrupted 16-year-long tryst with stardom. Whether it is in the world of aerospace engineering or in Bollywood, sometimes the biggest of launches misfire. Case in point: Harshvardhan Kapoors debut film Mirzya which released last month. Much was expected from the director of Rang De Basanti (2006) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) but this time around Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra couldnt deliver a film that appealed to the public. Subsequently, Harshvardhans launch vehicle couldnt wheel him smoothly to a position of strength in the Hindi film industry. But it is not the end of the world for Harshvardhan. He can take heart from the examples of actors who, like him, were introduced with much fanfare only to see their debuts disappoint. Hearteningly, they all carved out successful careers subsequently. Ranbir Kapoor It was supposed to be the grand debut that couldnt possibly go wrong director Sanjay Leela Bhansali had a hat-trick of critically acclaimed hits (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), Black (2005)) when he introduced Ranbir Kapoor in Saawariya (2007). But to the the Kapoor scions misfortune, Saawariya was a Diwali cracker that fizzled. Yet, Ranbir ricocheted strongly and powered hits like Raajneeti (2010), Rockstar (2011), Barfi (2012), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and the recent Ae Dil Hai Mushkil to turn his career around and emerge as the biggest star of his generation. Sonam Kapoor Ranbirs Saawariya co-star and Harshvardhans elder sister Sonam Kapoor also suffered the same fate with her debut film. The highly individualistic actress has, however, proved her worth since then and even delivered an appreciated performance in this years Neerja which is gathering awards buzz. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan This Miss Worlds indisputable beauty made her a perfect match for Bollywood. Yet, her first Hindi film, the Rahul Rawail-directed Aur Pyar Ho Gaya (1997) sank like a stone at the turnstiles. Reviews of her too were not flattering. The determined lady, however, persevered and affected a major turn around within two short years with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Taal (both 1999). Abhishek Bachchan Debuting under the direction JP Dutta, the hype was tremendous for Refugee but the film underperformed. Bachchan Junior took time to find his bearings but finally carved out his niche with Yuva (2004), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Sarkar (2005), Guru (2007), and Bol Bachchan (2012) Juhi Chawla A fresh-faced ingenue like few others and a Miss India to boot, Juhi did not begin her film career with her star-making turn as the lead in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). She started two years earlier with a forgettable appearance as Karan Kapoors leading lady in big-budget disappointment, the costume drama Sultanat (1986). Meenakshi Seshadri A renowned filmmaker like Manoj Kumar introduced Meenakshi Sesadri to movies with his production Painter Babu (1983), which had his younger brother Rajeev Goswani as her leading man. The film put in a guest appearance at the theatres but Meenakshi bounced back big when her second film, Subhash Ghais Hero (1983), proved to be a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. Kareena Kapoor Another Kapoor scion, Kareena Kapoor, had a tepid debut with Refugee (2000) but her obvious starlight couldnt be hidden under a bushel and she was almost immediately flooded with big banner movies from respected filmmakers, that have laid the bedrock for an uninterrupted 16-year-long tryst with stardom. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: A day after Pakistan said the Indian army killed seven of its soldiers in artillery shelling, Army Chief Genral Dalbir Suhag made a surprise visit to the Line of Control to assess the security situation While reviewing the situation alongwith the Line of Control, Army chief asked the troops to be alert against any inimical activity in the wake of heightened tension in Indo-Pak ties. Since Indian Armys surgical strike, Pakistan has been constantly violated the ceasefire agreement by targeting indian posts as well as civilian areas. So far this, over 150 ceasefire violations have committed by the Pakistani side and majority of them happened only after Indian armys September end surgical strike in PoK. "The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh visited Headquarters Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu today", a senior Army officer said. While lauding the synergy and co-operation between the army with civil administration and other para-military forces operating in the region, Army chief exhorted the troops to be alert against any inimical designs and be aggressive in their approach. The General interacted with the Formation Commanders and reviewed the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) as well as the internal security situation in the Command theatre, he said. The army chief commended the soldiers for boldly responding to ceasefire violations along the LoC. NEW DELHI: A day after Pakistan said the Indian army killed seven of its soldiers in artillery shelling, Army Chief Genral Dalbir Suhag made a surprise visit to the Line of Control to assess the security situation While reviewing the situation alongwith the Line of Control, Army chief asked the troops to be alert against any inimical activity in the wake of heightened tension in Indo-Pak ties. Since Indian Armys surgical strike, Pakistan has been constantly violated the ceasefire agreement by targeting indian posts as well as civilian areas. So far this, over 150 ceasefire violations have committed by the Pakistani side and majority of them happened only after Indian armys September end surgical strike in PoK. "The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh visited Headquarters Northern Command at Udhampur in Jammu today", a senior Army officer said. While lauding the synergy and co-operation between the army with civil administration and other para-military forces operating in the region, Army chief exhorted the troops to be alert against any inimical designs and be aggressive in their approach. The General interacted with the Formation Commanders and reviewed the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) as well as the internal security situation in the Command theatre, he said. The army chief commended the soldiers for boldly responding to ceasefire violations along the LoC. By PTI JAMSHEDPUR: A businessman, who owns a Nursing Home, was killed and his vehicle torched while a nurse was set free by naxals near Raisilli Pahar under Kuchai police station of Seraikela-Kharswan district, a senior police officer today said. Yogesh Mishra (40), who owned a Nursing Home in Kharswan of the district, along with a nurse left the nursing home in a car last night to purchase a cock in remote area and was axed to death by the CPI (Maoists) in Burubandi village, Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahatha said. Mishra was a familiar face to the naxals and also had a chat with them before leaving the Nursing Home last night, he said stating that the victims family members also confessed before the police that he had been chatting with the ultras over phone. The naxals, however, set the nurse, who lives in Pandadih village in the same police station limit free, he said. Police were investigating the incident from all angles including the possibility of Naxal asking Mishra to convert their black money into white in the wake of banning of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 currency notes even though Mishra was killed allegedly for being a police informer, Mahatha said. Money matter seemed to be an issue behind the killing, the SP hinted. Earlier, the district police had interrogated Mishra after two Naxals - Arjun Munda and Sombari Mundain - who were involved in last year's firing at the then Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi, Prabhat Kumar leaving him injured, were arrested from his nursing home. The naxal duo had managed to sneak into the district from Ranchi and were undergoing treatment in the nursing home, when they were arrested. JAMSHEDPUR: A businessman, who owns a Nursing Home, was killed and his vehicle torched while a nurse was set free by naxals near Raisilli Pahar under Kuchai police station of Seraikela-Kharswan district, a senior police officer today said. Yogesh Mishra (40), who owned a Nursing Home in Kharswan of the district, along with a nurse left the nursing home in a car last night to purchase a cock in remote area and was axed to death by the CPI (Maoists) in Burubandi village, Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahatha said. Mishra was a familiar face to the naxals and also had a chat with them before leaving the Nursing Home last night, he said stating that the victims family members also confessed before the police that he had been chatting with the ultras over phone. The naxals, however, set the nurse, who lives in Pandadih village in the same police station limit free, he said. Police were investigating the incident from all angles including the possibility of Naxal asking Mishra to convert their black money into white in the wake of banning of Rs.500 and Rs.1000 currency notes even though Mishra was killed allegedly for being a police informer, Mahatha said. Money matter seemed to be an issue behind the killing, the SP hinted. Earlier, the district police had interrogated Mishra after two Naxals - Arjun Munda and Sombari Mundain - who were involved in last year's firing at the then Senior Superintendent of Police, Ranchi, Prabhat Kumar leaving him injured, were arrested from his nursing home. The naxal duo had managed to sneak into the district from Ranchi and were undergoing treatment in the nursing home, when they were arrested. Ritu Sharma By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as China refuses to support Indias candidature for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) on the basis of New Delhis non-proliferation credentials, it continues to support Pakistan to develop nuclear reactors capable of yielding weapon-grade plutonium. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh told the Parliament on Wednesday that the Indian Government has been maintaining constant watch on all developments having a bearing on Indias national interest the matter. Government is also aware of the Chinese assistance to Pakistan in developing the Khushab nuclear reactor that is capable of producing plutonium for use in Pakistans nuclear weapons, the MoS said. Plutonium is better than highly enriched Uranium for building nuclear weapons as less amount of it is required to make an equally potent fission bomb. Hence, plutonium warheads are lightweight to be delivered by nuclear-tipped missiles. Two nuclear reactors Chashma 1 and 2 are already in operation. Besides this, China has entered agreement with Pakistan to supply two additional nuclear power reactors Chashma-3 and Chashma 4. Beijing will also be providing assistance for additional reactors to be built at Chashm, Karachi and third site in Pakistan. Beijings constant assistance to Islamabads nuclear programs has been in contravention of its stand on Indias entry to NSG, the 48-member grouping that regulates nuclear trade. Beijing contends that New Delhi being non-signatory to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been an impediment. However, China turned a blind eye to Pakistans track record in nuclear proliferation by supplying nuclear material to North Korea. Washington-based Arms Control Association in its latest report card 2013-2016 Assessing Progress on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament has given China a failing F Grade on nuclear weapons related export control. China had become NSG member in 2004, and its national export controls include provisions related to export licensing, control lists, end-user controls, and import controls. The nuclear power reactors supplied by China to Pakistan has not received the consent from the NSG. China had signed a contract to supply to nuclear reactors to Pakistan in 2003, a year before it became NSG member. However, the contract for one more nuclear reactor it is supplying was signed in 2013. In a 2015 conference Beijing confirmed that China has provided assistance in building of 6 reactors in Pakistan. NEW DELHI: Even as China refuses to support Indias candidature for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) on the basis of New Delhis non-proliferation credentials, it continues to support Pakistan to develop nuclear reactors capable of yielding weapon-grade plutonium. Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh told the Parliament on Wednesday that the Indian Government has been maintaining constant watch on all developments having a bearing on Indias national interest the matter. Government is also aware of the Chinese assistance to Pakistan in developing the Khushab nuclear reactor that is capable of producing plutonium for use in Pakistans nuclear weapons, the MoS said. Plutonium is better than highly enriched Uranium for building nuclear weapons as less amount of it is required to make an equally potent fission bomb. Hence, plutonium warheads are lightweight to be delivered by nuclear-tipped missiles. Two nuclear reactors Chashma 1 and 2 are already in operation. Besides this, China has entered agreement with Pakistan to supply two additional nuclear power reactors Chashma-3 and Chashma 4. Beijing will also be providing assistance for additional reactors to be built at Chashm, Karachi and third site in Pakistan. Beijings constant assistance to Islamabads nuclear programs has been in contravention of its stand on Indias entry to NSG, the 48-member grouping that regulates nuclear trade. Beijing contends that New Delhi being non-signatory to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been an impediment. However, China turned a blind eye to Pakistans track record in nuclear proliferation by supplying nuclear material to North Korea. Washington-based Arms Control Association in its latest report card 2013-2016 Assessing Progress on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament has given China a failing F Grade on nuclear weapons related export control. China had become NSG member in 2004, and its national export controls include provisions related to export licensing, control lists, end-user controls, and import controls. The nuclear power reactors supplied by China to Pakistan has not received the consent from the NSG. China had signed a contract to supply to nuclear reactors to Pakistan in 2003, a year before it became NSG member. However, the contract for one more nuclear reactor it is supplying was signed in 2013. In a 2015 conference Beijing confirmed that China has provided assistance in building of 6 reactors in Pakistan. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the currency demonetisation a crusade against corruption and black money, a united Opposition accused his government of creating an economic chaos by for implementing demonetisation without adequate planning or preparation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that he had spoken to a number of economists, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, and that they were all of the view that demonetisation may not have the desired goal of fighting black money but could derail the economy instead. He also questioned the logic behind phasing out of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes and replacing them with a note of even higher denomination. If fighting black money is the objective, how will Rs 2,000 rupee note help in cleansing the system, he said. The Congress vice-president alleged that the demonetisation move has been prompted by political considerations. But the Congress was not the only Opposition party to think so or raise the political heat on the demonetisation move. Some others, such as the Trinamool and the AAP, asked for a complete rollback of the decision. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, was a little more nuanced. He asked the Centre to allow the common people to transact business of essential commodities in the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes till December 31, by which time the new currency will be fully in circulation. Two state governments run by the Left parties, Kerala and Tripura, have already written to the Centre seeking permission for a more gradual phasing out of the demonetised notes. Were not demanding the withdrawal of the move, but crores of people have been inconvenienced. Twenty-five people, were told, have committed suicide. When we raise the issue the house tomorrow, well tell the government to make alternative arrangements, the CPIs D Raja said. The JD(U)s Sharad Yadav maintained that his party would further fine-tune its strategy after another meeting on Wednesday. The Opposition meet which preceded the all party meeting was attended by the Congress, Left parties, DMK, BSP, SP, Trinamool, RSP and the JMM. The only difference was over the protest march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, proposed by the Trinamool. With just about every political party speaking up on the cash crisis, the Centre can expect the issue to become a political hot potato. But its certainly not the only issue on which the Prime Minister and the government will get it from the Opposition this session. Surgical strikes, the OROP suicide and inter-state river-water disputes will follow the demonetisation crackers. And in an embarrassment for the ruling BJP, its oldest ally, the Shiv Sena, decided to side with Mamata Banerjees Trinamool in Parliament to oppose the demonetisation process. Meanwhile in the Delhi Assembly, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Modi of using his mother for political gains and protecting his friends in the corporate world. Huge corporate loans of Rs 1.14 lakh crore werewaived. They take money from the rich and force people to queue up outside banks. In the name of strong tea, you have fed them poison he said. NEW DELHI: Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the currency demonetisation a crusade against corruption and black money, a united Opposition accused his government of creating an economic chaos by for implementing demonetisation without adequate planning or preparation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that he had spoken to a number of economists, including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, and that they were all of the view that demonetisation may not have the desired goal of fighting black money but could derail the economy instead. He also questioned the logic behind phasing out of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes and replacing them with a note of even higher denomination. If fighting black money is the objective, how will Rs 2,000 rupee note help in cleansing the system, he said. The Congress vice-president alleged that the demonetisation move has been prompted by political considerations. But the Congress was not the only Opposition party to think so or raise the political heat on the demonetisation move. Some others, such as the Trinamool and the AAP, asked for a complete rollback of the decision. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, was a little more nuanced. He asked the Centre to allow the common people to transact business of essential commodities in the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes till December 31, by which time the new currency will be fully in circulation. Two state governments run by the Left parties, Kerala and Tripura, have already written to the Centre seeking permission for a more gradual phasing out of the demonetised notes. Were not demanding the withdrawal of the move, but crores of people have been inconvenienced. Twenty-five people, were told, have committed suicide. When we raise the issue the house tomorrow, well tell the government to make alternative arrangements, the CPIs D Raja said. The JD(U)s Sharad Yadav maintained that his party would further fine-tune its strategy after another meeting on Wednesday. The Opposition meet which preceded the all party meeting was attended by the Congress, Left parties, DMK, BSP, SP, Trinamool, RSP and the JMM. The only difference was over the protest march to Rashtrapati Bhavan, proposed by the Trinamool. With just about every political party speaking up on the cash crisis, the Centre can expect the issue to become a political hot potato. But its certainly not the only issue on which the Prime Minister and the government will get it from the Opposition this session. Surgical strikes, the OROP suicide and inter-state river-water disputes will follow the demonetisation crackers. And in an embarrassment for the ruling BJP, its oldest ally, the Shiv Sena, decided to side with Mamata Banerjees Trinamool in Parliament to oppose the demonetisation process. Meanwhile in the Delhi Assembly, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused Modi of using his mother for political gains and protecting his friends in the corporate world. Huge corporate loans of Rs 1.14 lakh crore werewaived. They take money from the rich and force people to queue up outside banks. In the name of strong tea, you have fed them poison he said. Hemant Kumar Rout By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: India on Wednesday test-fired a variant of the Prithvi-II missile to mimic an enemy projectile. This missile will serve as a target for the advanced air defence [AAD] interceptor missile to be tested by India in the next few days. Today's test of the Prithvi-II variant, a surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile, took place at the Integrated Test Range [ITR] at Chandipur-on-sea. The target missile was tested today to gauge its performance ahead of the actual interceptor test in the next couple of days. In previous tests, the incoming missile had fallen short of target or had developed a snag with the result that the interceptor missile could not be tested properly. The interceptor missile test will take place at Abdul Kalam Island. A defence official explained the routine: The mimic missile will be launched from launch complex III first. A few minutes later, the interceptor missile will lift off from launching complex IV of Kalam Island after the command is received from the tracking radar." The test is crucial as it will pave the way for induction of the advance air defence system into the armed forces. Deployment of interceptor missiles is meant to provide a protective missile shield to Indian metros. India has a ballistic missile defence (BMD) system capable of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the earth's atmosphere. With the two variants of the weapon system, india would enter a BMD club that includes US, Russia and Israel. BHUBANESWAR: India on Wednesday test-fired a variant of the Prithvi-II missile to mimic an enemy projectile. This missile will serve as a target for the advanced air defence [AAD] interceptor missile to be tested by India in the next few days. Today's test of the Prithvi-II variant, a surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile, took place at the Integrated Test Range [ITR] at Chandipur-on-sea. The target missile was tested today to gauge its performance ahead of the actual interceptor test in the next couple of days. In previous tests, the incoming missile had fallen short of target or had developed a snag with the result that the interceptor missile could not be tested properly. The interceptor missile test will take place at Abdul Kalam Island. A defence official explained the routine: The mimic missile will be launched from launch complex III first. A few minutes later, the interceptor missile will lift off from launching complex IV of Kalam Island after the command is received from the tracking radar." The test is crucial as it will pave the way for induction of the advance air defence system into the armed forces. Deployment of interceptor missiles is meant to provide a protective missile shield to Indian metros. India has a ballistic missile defence (BMD) system capable of tracking and destroying hostile missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the earth's atmosphere. With the two variants of the weapon system, india would enter a BMD club that includes US, Russia and Israel. By IANS NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will address a public meeting in Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi on Thursday against the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will also address the meeting. "I will hold a public meeting at Azadpur Mandi at 11 a.m. Mamata Banerjee will also address the gathering," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said in a tweet. Kejriwal on Wednesday skipped the Trinamool Congress march to Rashtrapati Bhavan here to protest against the Centre's November 8 demonetisation move. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had 'cheated' the country. "This demonetisation move is the biggest scam of independent India. (Modi) Compelled the starving public to stand in queues after taking money from the rich. Modi ji cheated the country," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Kejriwal on Tuesday accused Modi of receiving bribes as Gujarat Chief Minister and sought a judicial probe. The Delhi assembly also sought a reversal of the demonetisation move. NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will address a public meeting in Azadpur Mandi in north Delhi on Thursday against the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will also address the meeting. "I will hold a public meeting at Azadpur Mandi at 11 a.m. Mamata Banerjee will also address the gathering," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said in a tweet. Kejriwal on Wednesday skipped the Trinamool Congress march to Rashtrapati Bhavan here to protest against the Centre's November 8 demonetisation move. He also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had 'cheated' the country. "This demonetisation move is the biggest scam of independent India. (Modi) Compelled the starving public to stand in queues after taking money from the rich. Modi ji cheated the country," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Kejriwal on Tuesday accused Modi of receiving bribes as Gujarat Chief Minister and sought a judicial probe. The Delhi assembly also sought a reversal of the demonetisation move. By IANS SRINAGAR: A local policeman was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, police said. "Following specific information, about a group of militants hiding in the forest area of Zaloora near Sopore town, security forces launched an operation," a senior police officer told IANS. "As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing a police constable," he said. The victim was identified as Muhammad Shafi. The officer said the operation against the militants was still on. SRINAGAR: A local policeman was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, police said. "Following specific information, about a group of militants hiding in the forest area of Zaloora near Sopore town, security forces launched an operation," a senior police officer told IANS. "As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing a police constable," he said. The victim was identified as Muhammad Shafi. The officer said the operation against the militants was still on. By Online Desk In what seemed like yet another political stunt, Rahul Gandhi after getting bail in the defamation case on Wednesday morning at the Bhiwandi court decided to meet people waiting in the queue at an ATMs at Vakola, in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, after getting the bail, the Congress vice-president slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi ji took the decision of demonetisation; you are now standing in the queue; have you seen any rich people standing there, he said. Mumbai: Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi talks to people standing in queue at an ATM in Vakola #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/VAwNDQBoOr ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10,000-20,000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken," he said. The Congress Vice-President, while interacting with the reporters outside the Bhiwandi court in Thane district, alleged of no investigation or action being carried out against 'Modiji's industrialist friends'. The Congress vice-president was given the bail by Bhiwandi court in a criminal defamation case filed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on personal surety. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," the Gandhi scion alleged. (With inputs from PTI) In what seemed like yet another political stunt, Rahul Gandhi after getting bail in the defamation case on Wednesday morning at the Bhiwandi court decided to meet people waiting in the queue at an ATMs at Vakola, in Mumbai. Earlier in the day, after getting the bail, the Congress vice-president slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi ji took the decision of demonetisation; you are now standing in the queue; have you seen any rich people standing there, he said. Mumbai: Congress Vice president Rahul Gandhi talks to people standing in queue at an ATM in Vakola #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/VAwNDQBoOr ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10,000-20,000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken," he said. The Congress Vice-President, while interacting with the reporters outside the Bhiwandi court in Thane district, alleged of no investigation or action being carried out against 'Modiji's industrialist friends'. The Congress vice-president was given the bail by Bhiwandi court in a criminal defamation case filed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on personal surety. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," the Gandhi scion alleged. (With inputs from PTI) By Online Desk It has been a week since Prime Minister Narendra Modis press address about making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes illegal. And the rush and confusion among the public still continues, prompting the government, seemingly unprepared for the fallout, to take decisions one day at a time. Makes one wonder whether the government has been revising its decisions only after gauging the reactions of the aam janta. Heres a list of the seven major decisions announced in the past seven days by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India: 8th November: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender, and that the old currency notes can be exchanged or deposited in banks. The announcement said up to Rs 4,000 could be exchanged, Rs 2,000 could be withdrawn from ATMs and any amount could be deposited, with a Rs 10,000 cap on withdrawal at the bank counter, in a day. 10th November: After being shut for a day on 9th November to prepare for the disbursal of the few remaining denominations of legal tender, banks were asked to remain open for public on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. 11th November: The Finance Ministry extended the deadline for using demonetised notes till November 14. The demonetised notes can be used for payments towards utility bills by individuals for arrears and electricity bills, it said, however no advance payments will be allowed using old currency. Payment of court fees and at consumer cooperative stores with the ID proof of customers can also be made using the demonetised notes till November 14, it added. Apart from this, road minister Nitin Gadkari announced that no toll charges on national highways would be collected till midnight of November 14. 12th November: The government announced that new Rs 1,000 notes would be out soon with enhanced features. The announcement of Rs 50 notes to be dispensed at ATMs also started doing the rounds on this day. 13th November: The limit for exchange of notes over the counter had been increased from the existing Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. The daily limit on withdrawal from ATMs was increased from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per day in the recalibrated ATMs. Other ATMs were to continue dispensing Rs 50 and Rs 100 bank notes. The weekly cap of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000 and the daily limit of Rs 10,000 per day was withdrawn. 14th November: On the fifth day of demonetisation operations, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das said ATM charges on all transactions by savings bank account holders were waived until December 30. A large number of micro ATMs were also said to have been deployed for disbursement of cash. Apart from these, a string of announcements were made. These included ATMs beginning to dispense Rs 2,000 notes from November 15 and an extension till November 24 to tender old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for public utilities, railway booking, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets and fuel payment. The DEA also announced that the cash holding limit of banking correspondents would be Rs 50,000. 15th November: Remember getting inked after voting? In an attempt to carry out the banking process in an orderly fashion in what has become a chaotic environment, the RBI has laid out a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banks and post offices which involves use of indelible ink on the citizens' fingers. The cashier or other designated bank staff will apply ink on your right index finger before the notes are handed over, so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink, says the SOP. 16th November: The colour durability of the new Rs 2,000 note became the talking point on day 8. During a press conference, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das addressed this issue and said, "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake." 17th November: Declaring there was no plan to re-monetise Rs 1,000 notes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that decision to reduce the exchange limit for demonetised notes from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,000 is designed to stop the misuse of funds. This day also saw a string of decisions being announced by the government: The maximum amount of old money you can exchange for new currency has been cut from to Rs 4500 per day to Rs 2000 per day. Additionally, farmers are now allowed to up to withdraw Rs 25,000 per week against their crop loan from banks. However, traders registered with the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees [APMCs] can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week. Families that have marriages coming up can withdraw a maximum of Rs. 2.5 Lakh from their bank accounts -- if they are compliant with know your customer [KYC] norms. The option is open to one member of the family on the bridegroom's side and one from the bride's side. Central government employees up to group C, and staff of the railways and central paramilitary forces can take a salary advance of up to Rs 10,000 in cash. 18th November: Petrol pumps turn into cash counters! An amount up to Rs 2,000 per day,per person can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from certain select petrol pumps. Arun Jaitley had also issued a statement earlier on Friday saying that strict action will to be taken against tax evaders using other people's bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In yet another statement issued on Friday evening, it was stated that banks across the country will not exchange of old notes on Saturday and senior citizens are exempt from this decision. It has been a week since Prime Minister Narendra Modis press address about making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes illegal. And the rush and confusion among the public still continues, prompting the government, seemingly unprepared for the fallout, to take decisions one day at a time. Makes one wonder whether the government has been revising its decisions only after gauging the reactions of the aam janta. Heres a list of the seven major decisions announced in the past seven days by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India: 8th November: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender, and that the old currency notes can be exchanged or deposited in banks. The announcement said up to Rs 4,000 could be exchanged, Rs 2,000 could be withdrawn from ATMs and any amount could be deposited, with a Rs 10,000 cap on withdrawal at the bank counter, in a day. 10th November: After being shut for a day on 9th November to prepare for the disbursal of the few remaining denominations of legal tender, banks were asked to remain open for public on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. 11th November: The Finance Ministry extended the deadline for using demonetised notes till November 14. The demonetised notes can be used for payments towards utility bills by individuals for arrears and electricity bills, it said, however no advance payments will be allowed using old currency. Payment of court fees and at consumer cooperative stores with the ID proof of customers can also be made using the demonetised notes till November 14, it added. Apart from this, road minister Nitin Gadkari announced that no toll charges on national highways would be collected till midnight of November 14. 12th November: The government announced that new Rs 1,000 notes would be out soon with enhanced features. The announcement of Rs 50 notes to be dispensed at ATMs also started doing the rounds on this day. 13th November: The limit for exchange of notes over the counter had been increased from the existing Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. The daily limit on withdrawal from ATMs was increased from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per day in the recalibrated ATMs. Other ATMs were to continue dispensing Rs 50 and Rs 100 bank notes. The weekly cap of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000 and the daily limit of Rs 10,000 per day was withdrawn. 14th November: On the fifth day of demonetisation operations, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das said ATM charges on all transactions by savings bank account holders were waived until December 30. A large number of micro ATMs were also said to have been deployed for disbursement of cash. Apart from these, a string of announcements were made. These included ATMs beginning to dispense Rs 2,000 notes from November 15 and an extension till November 24 to tender old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for public utilities, railway booking, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets and fuel payment. The DEA also announced that the cash holding limit of banking correspondents would be Rs 50,000. 15th November: Remember getting inked after voting? In an attempt to carry out the banking process in an orderly fashion in what has become a chaotic environment, the RBI has laid out a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banks and post offices which involves use of indelible ink on the citizens' fingers. The cashier or other designated bank staff will apply ink on your right index finger before the notes are handed over, so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink, says the SOP. 16th November: The colour durability of the new Rs 2,000 note became the talking point on day 8. During a press conference, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das addressed this issue and said, "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake." 17th November: Declaring there was no plan to re-monetise Rs 1,000 notes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that decision to reduce the exchange limit for demonetised notes from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,000 is designed to stop the misuse of funds. This day also saw a string of decisions being announced by the government: The maximum amount of old money you can exchange for new currency has been cut from to Rs 4500 per day to Rs 2000 per day. Additionally, farmers are now allowed to up to withdraw Rs 25,000 per week against their crop loan from banks. However, traders registered with the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees [APMCs] can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week. Families that have marriages coming up can withdraw a maximum of Rs. 2.5 Lakh from their bank accounts -- if they are compliant with know your customer [KYC] norms. The option is open to one member of the family on the bridegroom's side and one from the bride's side. Central government employees up to group C, and staff of the railways and central paramilitary forces can take a salary advance of up to Rs 10,000 in cash. 18th November: Petrol pumps turn into cash counters! An amount up to Rs 2,000 per day,per person can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from certain select petrol pumps. Arun Jaitley had also issued a statement earlier on Friday saying that strict action will to be taken against tax evaders using other people's bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In yet another statement issued on Friday evening, it was stated that banks across the country will not exchange of old notes on Saturday and senior citizens are exempt from this decision. By PTI FATEHGARH SAHIB: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Kirpal Singh Badungar today said SGPC will take up the killing of 17-year-old Indian-origin Sikh student Gurnoor Singh Nahal in California with External Affairs Ministry. He said SGPC cannot take up any matter directly with other country so it will write to External Affairs Ministry which will further take up the matter with the US. He said all the attacks on Sikhs or Punjabis in foreign countries are not racist attack. Sikhs occupy prominent positions in Canada, US and other countries. There are various other reasons behind these attacks, he said. On demonetisation of high currency notes, SGPC president said the committee will write to Finance Minister Arun Jaitely to extend the date of depositing high currency notes of religious places as huge amount was being donated by devotees daily in Gurdwaras and it is not easy for the SGPC to deal with the situation in the present period of exchanging currency. FATEHGARH SAHIB: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Kirpal Singh Badungar today said SGPC will take up the killing of 17-year-old Indian-origin Sikh student Gurnoor Singh Nahal in California with External Affairs Ministry. He said SGPC cannot take up any matter directly with other country so it will write to External Affairs Ministry which will further take up the matter with the US. He said all the attacks on Sikhs or Punjabis in foreign countries are not racist attack. Sikhs occupy prominent positions in Canada, US and other countries. There are various other reasons behind these attacks, he said. On demonetisation of high currency notes, SGPC president said the committee will write to Finance Minister Arun Jaitely to extend the date of depositing high currency notes of religious places as huge amount was being donated by devotees daily in Gurdwaras and it is not easy for the SGPC to deal with the situation in the present period of exchanging currency. Santwana Bhattacharya By Express News Service NEW DELHI: NOT unexpected, the cash crisis or demonetisation dominated the political discourse inside Parliament and outside on Wednesday, on the first day of the Winter session. Didi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, led a protest march to Rashtrapati Bhawan with former J&K CM Omar Abdullah, ruling party ally Shiv Sena, and a retinue of small opponents Hardik Patels fledgling outfit, AAP, and the ex-Punjab Assembly Speaker; while the Opposition heavyweights stayed put in the Upper House to corner the government through a debate. From calling the move Tuglaqi (Anand Sharma, Cong) or accusingly referring to Prime Minister as Modi Antoinette (Sitaram Yechury, CPI-M) to demanding a joint parliamentary probe on the alleged selective leak of information to friends of BJP, it was a day filled with fire and brimstone. If there was any added embarrassment for the government in finding ally Shiv Sena in the opposite camp BSP chief Mayawati tellingly commented on Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys glum look it was lessened a bit by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars unqualified support from Patna. Well, the fortresses looked breached on both sides. The silver lining for the government was, no one, not even the Sena which walked in protest hand-in-hand with Didi, asked for a rollback of the decision, ostensibly taken to fight corruption and fake-currency-funded terrorism. The government braced itself up to the Opposition attack. Power Minister Piyush Goyal and I&B/Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu powered the counter argument in the House. The PM, they said, had delivered on his promise to root out black money, made during 2014 elections, won in the haze of scam allegations against the then ruling dispensation, the Congress/UPA. But accusations of mishandling the currency reform persisted, in fact allegations flew thick and wild. The plight of the common man as in the small trader, the farmer and the housewife was the leitmotif of the Opposition attack. Wit and humour was not missing though. After submitting a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee to bring immediate succour to the hapless citizens in banks queues across the country, Banerjee renamed ATM Aayega toh milega. Her arch rival, Yechury took recourse to an allegory. The government, he said, dried up the pond in hope of catching the crocodile, little realising that the crocodile escaped to the land, and now the life of the small fish was under threat. The political leaders were undoubtedly picking up their cues from social media. Sharma opening the debate was a bit more scathing than either Yechury or JD-Us Sharad Yadav. Yadav ribbed the FM Im sure you did not know about this surgical strike (demonetisation) otherwise you would have alerted me, your old friend. But Sharma targeted the PM, questioning how the BJP paid for his recent rally in Ghazipur rally with cheque or credit card. The demonetisation move perceived to be giving a fillip to plastic economy and digital platforms, like PayTM, was portrayed by the Opposition as elitist and pro-business. Friendlier parties, like AIADMK too criticised the government for not taking enough measures to ease the pain of the common man faced with its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and asked for a course correction. Outside a Bhiwandi court in Maharashtra, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi maintained his tirade against the PM, accusing his government of going only after small traders, but not netting in the big fish. He said, he has not seen the rich and well-heeled queuing up for either withdrawing or for depositing their money, seen no sacks, suggesting that demonetisation was no social equaliser as had been claimed. NEW DELHI: NOT unexpected, the cash crisis or demonetisation dominated the political discourse inside Parliament and outside on Wednesday, on the first day of the Winter session. Didi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, led a protest march to Rashtrapati Bhawan with former J&K CM Omar Abdullah, ruling party ally Shiv Sena, and a retinue of small opponents Hardik Patels fledgling outfit, AAP, and the ex-Punjab Assembly Speaker; while the Opposition heavyweights stayed put in the Upper House to corner the government through a debate. From calling the move Tuglaqi (Anand Sharma, Cong) or accusingly referring to Prime Minister as Modi Antoinette (Sitaram Yechury, CPI-M) to demanding a joint parliamentary probe on the alleged selective leak of information to friends of BJP, it was a day filled with fire and brimstone. If there was any added embarrassment for the government in finding ally Shiv Sena in the opposite camp BSP chief Mayawati tellingly commented on Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys glum look it was lessened a bit by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars unqualified support from Patna. Well, the fortresses looked breached on both sides. The silver lining for the government was, no one, not even the Sena which walked in protest hand-in-hand with Didi, asked for a rollback of the decision, ostensibly taken to fight corruption and fake-currency-funded terrorism. The government braced itself up to the Opposition attack. Power Minister Piyush Goyal and I&B/Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu powered the counter argument in the House. The PM, they said, had delivered on his promise to root out black money, made during 2014 elections, won in the haze of scam allegations against the then ruling dispensation, the Congress/UPA. But accusations of mishandling the currency reform persisted, in fact allegations flew thick and wild. The plight of the common man as in the small trader, the farmer and the housewife was the leitmotif of the Opposition attack. Wit and humour was not missing though. After submitting a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee to bring immediate succour to the hapless citizens in banks queues across the country, Banerjee renamed ATM Aayega toh milega. Her arch rival, Yechury took recourse to an allegory. The government, he said, dried up the pond in hope of catching the crocodile, little realising that the crocodile escaped to the land, and now the life of the small fish was under threat. The political leaders were undoubtedly picking up their cues from social media. Sharma opening the debate was a bit more scathing than either Yechury or JD-Us Sharad Yadav. Yadav ribbed the FM Im sure you did not know about this surgical strike (demonetisation) otherwise you would have alerted me, your old friend. But Sharma targeted the PM, questioning how the BJP paid for his recent rally in Ghazipur rally with cheque or credit card. The demonetisation move perceived to be giving a fillip to plastic economy and digital platforms, like PayTM, was portrayed by the Opposition as elitist and pro-business. Friendlier parties, like AIADMK too criticised the government for not taking enough measures to ease the pain of the common man faced with its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and asked for a course correction. Outside a Bhiwandi court in Maharashtra, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi maintained his tirade against the PM, accusing his government of going only after small traders, but not netting in the big fish. He said, he has not seen the rich and well-heeled queuing up for either withdrawing or for depositing their money, seen no sacks, suggesting that demonetisation was no social equaliser as had been claimed. By PTI NEW DELHI: Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed today. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the "prior permission category". The government yesterday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after an investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. NEW DELHI: Three terrorists, involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, were admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, which was banned by the government, Rajya Sabha was informed today. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. The Minister said as per the available information, although the mandate of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social, it is also involved in other activities. Noticing certain violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, the IRF has been placed under the "prior permission category". The government yesterday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by the controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under the anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision has been taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet approved a proposal to declare IRF as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for five years. The move comes after an investigation by the Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. According to the Home Ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. Naik came under the scanner of the security agencies after Bangladeshi newspaper 'Daily Star' reported that one of the perpetrators of the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka, Rohan Imtiaz, ran propaganda on Facebook last year quoting Naik. The Islamic orator is banned in the UK and Canada for his hate speech aimed against other religions. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. He is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV, although his preachings often demean other religions and even other Muslim sects. The Mumbai-based preacher who is abroad, has not returned to India ever since the controversy came to light. Gautam Pingle By In July 2011, a Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Sudershan Reddy pulled up the Union Government for not showing seriousness in bringing back black money stashed abroad. It constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and directed the Union government to issue a notification forthwith regarding the appointment of the SIT. In the order, Justice Sudershan Reddy stated, The volume of alleged income-taxes owed to the country, as demanded by the Union of India itself, and the volume of monies, by some accounts $8.04 billion, and some other accounts in excess of `70,000 crore, are said to have been routed through various bank accounts of Hassan Ali Khan and Tapurias All of these factors, either individually or combined, ought to have immediately raised questions regarding the sources being used for unlawful activities, affecting national security and transfer of funds into India for other illegal activities, including acts against the State There is still no evidence of a really serious investigation into these other matters from the national security perspective. The response of the Congress government was one of deafening and continuing silence for the next three years. The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at its very first cabinet meeting in February 2014, passed the necessary orders as directed by Justice Sudershan Reddy. Better late than never is an ancient saying, but it took a fundamental change in the political scene to carry out what was clearly necessary. By June 2016, as a result of the governments active pursuit of black money, the Income Tax Department scrutinized transactions of cash deposits of over `10 lakh in savings bank accounts and transactions in immovable property valued at `30 lakh or more. It found 90 lakh such transactions in the period 2009-10 to 2016-17 which did not have PAN linked to them! Alongside this search activity, the government also announced an amnesty for tax evaders from June 1 till 30 September 2016 if they paid a 45 per cent penalty. The government even provided for installments of tax and penalty: 25 per cent by November, another 25 per cent by March 2017, and 50 per cent by September 2017! Added to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a function jewellers organised to felicitate him, said that those with undisclosed wealth, most of which is parked in jewellery and real estate, should come clean in order to sleep peacefully. He said he was aware of people going to bullion merchants with cartloads of money and a message had to be delivered to them to come clean using the amnesty. Stating that people have been jailed in the past for evading taxes, he said the government should not be forced to resort to the same after September 30. Stating the matter in clear understandable language, he told the jewellers and the people concerned, Aur us paap ko karna nahi chahata hu jo September 30 ko mujhe karna padega (I do not want to commit the sin which I will have to do after September 30 against black money holders). By the end of September, the amnesty declarations had exceeded `65,000 crore. Hyderabad emerged as a top source with `13,000 crore, followed by Mumbai (`8,500 crore), New Delhi (`6,000 crore) and Kolkata (`4,000 crore). The success of the scheme is attributed to the fact that the Income Tax Department was aware of exactly who was evading tax. A tax officer is reported to have said that, Besides the 900,000 notices that were sent out, we intimated individuals whose information we had. Most of them chose to declare it under the scheme to avoid the risk of prosecution after the window closed. Still there were many who did not take advantage of this scheme or take the Prime Ministers warning seriously. This is the context in which the demonetisation of the 1000 rupee and 500 rupee notes needs to be seen. Together these notes account for nearly 82 per cent to 85 per cent of the total currency of the Government of India. It is a tragic reflection on past governmentsmainly Congressthat the legitimate and sovereign currency of the Government of India has been used to finance, fund, pay and reward all activities which are illegal under the Indian Penal Code, Customs, Excise and Narcotics Acts, the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as the Representation of People Act. Import and production of narcotics, smuggling of gold and prohibited weapons and explosives are also funded by black money. Corrupt actions of all public and elected officials are solely financed by black money. As for elections, both the electors and those standing for election transact in black money. This has made a mockery of the whole democratic process of electing our leaders. This is also one reason why there has been no attempt at controlling the generation and stocking of black money. The whole system of governance, legislature, judiciary as well as commerce and industry even private educational and health-care institutionshas been corroded by the acid of black money. Moreover, Pakistan has produced and circulated counterfeit 1000 and 500 rupee notes to fund their anti-Indian terrorist activities. It is comforting that this government has taken the drastic action that it has. But more needs to be done to ensure in future black money is not generated and used. Disincentives for criminal activity work only when there are incentives to be honest also. In July 2011, a Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Sudershan Reddy pulled up the Union Government for not showing seriousness in bringing back black money stashed abroad. It constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and directed the Union government to issue a notification forthwith regarding the appointment of the SIT. In the order, Justice Sudershan Reddy stated, The volume of alleged income-taxes owed to the country, as demanded by the Union of India itself, and the volume of monies, by some accounts $8.04 billion, and some other accounts in excess of `70,000 crore, are said to have been routed through various bank accounts of Hassan Ali Khan and Tapurias All of these factors, either individually or combined, ought to have immediately raised questions regarding the sources being used for unlawful activities, affecting national security and transfer of funds into India for other illegal activities, including acts against the State There is still no evidence of a really serious investigation into these other matters from the national security perspective. The response of the Congress government was one of deafening and continuing silence for the next three years. The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at its very first cabinet meeting in February 2014, passed the necessary orders as directed by Justice Sudershan Reddy. Better late than never is an ancient saying, but it took a fundamental change in the political scene to carry out what was clearly necessary. By June 2016, as a result of the governments active pursuit of black money, the Income Tax Department scrutinized transactions of cash deposits of over `10 lakh in savings bank accounts and transactions in immovable property valued at `30 lakh or more. It found 90 lakh such transactions in the period 2009-10 to 2016-17 which did not have PAN linked to them! Alongside this search activity, the government also announced an amnesty for tax evaders from June 1 till 30 September 2016 if they paid a 45 per cent penalty. The government even provided for installments of tax and penalty: 25 per cent by November, another 25 per cent by March 2017, and 50 per cent by September 2017! Added to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a function jewellers organised to felicitate him, said that those with undisclosed wealth, most of which is parked in jewellery and real estate, should come clean in order to sleep peacefully. He said he was aware of people going to bullion merchants with cartloads of money and a message had to be delivered to them to come clean using the amnesty. Stating that people have been jailed in the past for evading taxes, he said the government should not be forced to resort to the same after September 30. Stating the matter in clear understandable language, he told the jewellers and the people concerned, Aur us paap ko karna nahi chahata hu jo September 30 ko mujhe karna padega (I do not want to commit the sin which I will have to do after September 30 against black money holders). By the end of September, the amnesty declarations had exceeded `65,000 crore. Hyderabad emerged as a top source with `13,000 crore, followed by Mumbai (`8,500 crore), New Delhi (`6,000 crore) and Kolkata (`4,000 crore). The success of the scheme is attributed to the fact that the Income Tax Department was aware of exactly who was evading tax. A tax officer is reported to have said that, Besides the 900,000 notices that were sent out, we intimated individuals whose information we had. Most of them chose to declare it under the scheme to avoid the risk of prosecution after the window closed. Still there were many who did not take advantage of this scheme or take the Prime Ministers warning seriously. This is the context in which the demonetisation of the 1000 rupee and 500 rupee notes needs to be seen. Together these notes account for nearly 82 per cent to 85 per cent of the total currency of the Government of India. It is a tragic reflection on past governmentsmainly Congressthat the legitimate and sovereign currency of the Government of India has been used to finance, fund, pay and reward all activities which are illegal under the Indian Penal Code, Customs, Excise and Narcotics Acts, the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as the Representation of People Act. Import and production of narcotics, smuggling of gold and prohibited weapons and explosives are also funded by black money. Corrupt actions of all public and elected officials are solely financed by black money. As for elections, both the electors and those standing for election transact in black money. This has made a mockery of the whole democratic process of electing our leaders. This is also one reason why there has been no attempt at controlling the generation and stocking of black money. The whole system of governance, legislature, judiciary as well as commerce and industry even private educational and health-care institutionshas been corroded by the acid of black money. Moreover, Pakistan has produced and circulated counterfeit 1000 and 500 rupee notes to fund their anti-Indian terrorist activities. It is comforting that this government has taken the drastic action that it has. But more needs to be done to ensure in future black money is not generated and used. Disincentives for criminal activity work only when there are incentives to be honest also. By Express News Service MANGALURU: With avian flu reported in Kerala and Ballari in Karnataka, the border areas of Karnataka including Mangaluru are on alert. At an emergency meeting held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, a slew of measures have been ordered. Trains and vehicles ferrying chicken loads from Kerala to Mangaluru are being monitored. The city is the largest consumer of chicken from Kerala, while Bengaluru gets its chicken from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and local chicken farms. Officials at check posts at Talapady have been ordered to keep a check on the trucks carrying chicken to Mangaluru and chicken farms have been told to sanitise the trucks before they load chicken. The farm owners should curtail unnecessary movement of human beings in their farms, maintain absolute hygiene and those who vend chicken inside the city and the outskirts need to maintain cleanliness in their establishments, observed Dr K G Jagadeesha, a veterinarian. Deputy Director of the animal husbandry Dr Thippeswamy said, Consumers of chicken and eggs also need to take care and properly cook the meat and boil the eggs before consuming. We have sent an advisory to all the stakeholders in the chicken trade to report unnatural deaths of birds to the department. They should allow our inspectors and food safety officials to inspect the maintenance of hygiene in their establishments and co-operate. Following the alert, chicken traders in Mangaluru have stopped buying chicken from Kerala-based suppliers. Sudhakar Shetty, a major market functionary told Express: The animal husbandry department of Kerala has advised that avian flu is yet to be contained in a few districts. We are watching the situation closely. The market, however, has not shown any erratic fluctuations in supply so far, as the local stocks are sufficient to tide over the demand for next few days. Officials in the animal husbandry department in Dakshina Kannada have sensitised the market about avian flu in the neighbouring state. Dakshina Kannada was also a good market for suppliers from Shivamogga, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. In case supplies from Kerala are affected for a long time, we can always buy from these districts. However, that will cost us a little more than the stock from Kerala, said Shetty. MANGALURU: With avian flu reported in Kerala and Ballari in Karnataka, the border areas of Karnataka including Mangaluru are on alert. At an emergency meeting held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, a slew of measures have been ordered. Trains and vehicles ferrying chicken loads from Kerala to Mangaluru are being monitored. The city is the largest consumer of chicken from Kerala, while Bengaluru gets its chicken from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and local chicken farms. Officials at check posts at Talapady have been ordered to keep a check on the trucks carrying chicken to Mangaluru and chicken farms have been told to sanitise the trucks before they load chicken. The farm owners should curtail unnecessary movement of human beings in their farms, maintain absolute hygiene and those who vend chicken inside the city and the outskirts need to maintain cleanliness in their establishments, observed Dr K G Jagadeesha, a veterinarian. Deputy Director of the animal husbandry Dr Thippeswamy said, Consumers of chicken and eggs also need to take care and properly cook the meat and boil the eggs before consuming. We have sent an advisory to all the stakeholders in the chicken trade to report unnatural deaths of birds to the department. They should allow our inspectors and food safety officials to inspect the maintenance of hygiene in their establishments and co-operate. Following the alert, chicken traders in Mangaluru have stopped buying chicken from Kerala-based suppliers. Sudhakar Shetty, a major market functionary told Express: The animal husbandry department of Kerala has advised that avian flu is yet to be contained in a few districts. We are watching the situation closely. The market, however, has not shown any erratic fluctuations in supply so far, as the local stocks are sufficient to tide over the demand for next few days. Officials in the animal husbandry department in Dakshina Kannada have sensitised the market about avian flu in the neighbouring state. Dakshina Kannada was also a good market for suppliers from Shivamogga, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. In case supplies from Kerala are affected for a long time, we can always buy from these districts. However, that will cost us a little more than the stock from Kerala, said Shetty. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Karnatakas home minister G Parameshwara took part in the multi-crore wedding of the daughter of former minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy at Palace Grounds on Wednesday, raising eyebrows whether he represented the government or the Congress at the wedding or if it was his personal visit. Cutting across party lines, senior leaders of major parties including former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was seen at the wedding. Yeddyurappa, who once experienced trouble due to the storm created by Reddy was seen at the wedding on Tuesday evening as well as Wednesday morning. Governor Vajubhai Vala also took part in the celebration. Congress leaders like energy minister D K Shivakumar, Congress MLC Kondaiah, a bitter rival of Reddy in Ballari also gave their blessings to the couple. The participation of Prameshwara particularly has attracted the ire of critics especially in Bellary, where local people helped the authorities build a case against Reddy who was arrested in 2011 on charges of his alleged involvement in the illegal export of iron ore from Belekeri port on the west coast in Karnataka. Media reports suggested that Reddy had minted Rs 5,000 crore through iron ore mining in Bellary. While majority of the cases were taken over by CBI, the state government formed Special Investigation Team(SIT)is still investigating illegal mining case against Reddy. The government had formed the SIT based on Supreme Court directions which stated that the inquiry into the illegal mining case should be done by a SIT if the quantity of illegally mined ore was above Rs 50,000 tonnes. However, no chargesheet has been filed yet by the SIT. The wedding widely rumoured to be budgeted at Rs 500 crore was also attended by Koppal Lok Sabha member Karadi Sanganna, Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh, MLC Amarnath Patil and Ananthapur (Andhra Pradesh) Lok Sabha member Venkatarama Reddy. Almost all central ministers stayed away from the wedding, however their family members attended the event. BENGALURU: Karnatakas home minister G Parameshwara took part in the multi-crore wedding of the daughter of former minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy at Palace Grounds on Wednesday, raising eyebrows whether he represented the government or the Congress at the wedding or if it was his personal visit. Cutting across party lines, senior leaders of major parties including former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was seen at the wedding. Yeddyurappa, who once experienced trouble due to the storm created by Reddy was seen at the wedding on Tuesday evening as well as Wednesday morning. Governor Vajubhai Vala also took part in the celebration. Congress leaders like energy minister D K Shivakumar, Congress MLC Kondaiah, a bitter rival of Reddy in Ballari also gave their blessings to the couple. The participation of Prameshwara particularly has attracted the ire of critics especially in Bellary, where local people helped the authorities build a case against Reddy who was arrested in 2011 on charges of his alleged involvement in the illegal export of iron ore from Belekeri port on the west coast in Karnataka. Media reports suggested that Reddy had minted Rs 5,000 crore through iron ore mining in Bellary. While majority of the cases were taken over by CBI, the state government formed Special Investigation Team(SIT)is still investigating illegal mining case against Reddy. The government had formed the SIT based on Supreme Court directions which stated that the inquiry into the illegal mining case should be done by a SIT if the quantity of illegally mined ore was above Rs 50,000 tonnes. However, no chargesheet has been filed yet by the SIT. The wedding widely rumoured to be budgeted at Rs 500 crore was also attended by Koppal Lok Sabha member Karadi Sanganna, Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh, MLC Amarnath Patil and Ananthapur (Andhra Pradesh) Lok Sabha member Venkatarama Reddy. Almost all central ministers stayed away from the wedding, however their family members attended the event. By Express News Service KOCHI: The uncertainty that reigned over the arrest or surrender of former secretary of CPM Kalamassery area Zakir Hussain may end on Wednesday, as sources indicated that he is likely to surrender before the investigating officer between 9am and 10am. The anticipatory bail plea of Hussain, who is accused of abducting a businessman, was rejected twice and he was directed to surrender before the investigating officer. However, doubts remain over his arrest or surrender. Police said his custodial interrogation was needed to unearth actual facts. A police report revealed his involvement in other crimes, although it has to be examined whether any of the crimes involved serious offence. Meanwhile, the other two accused are in judicial custody. The delay in Hussains arrest had triggered a controversy, as police failed to detain him even after his presence was confirmed at the CPM Kalamassery area committee office on Monday. He left the office in the wee hours of Tuesday and went absconding again. Palarivattom Police had registered a case on October 27 against Hussain on the basis of a complaint lodged by Jube Paulose before the Chief Minister. Karukapilly Siddique, an ousted DYFI leader, is the second accused in the case. Paulose alleged that Hussain had intervened in a dispute between the petitioner and a businesswoman and on his instructions, Siddique had taken Paulose to the CPM area committee office on June 11, 2015, where he was illegally confined and assaulted for hours. He was released that afternoon, but was called to the party office, where he was coerced and threatened by Hussain to settle the dispute. KOCHI: The uncertainty that reigned over the arrest or surrender of former secretary of CPM Kalamassery area Zakir Hussain may end on Wednesday, as sources indicated that he is likely to surrender before the investigating officer between 9am and 10am. The anticipatory bail plea of Hussain, who is accused of abducting a businessman, was rejected twice and he was directed to surrender before the investigating officer. However, doubts remain over his arrest or surrender. Police said his custodial interrogation was needed to unearth actual facts. A police report revealed his involvement in other crimes, although it has to be examined whether any of the crimes involved serious offence. Meanwhile, the other two accused are in judicial custody. The delay in Hussains arrest had triggered a controversy, as police failed to detain him even after his presence was confirmed at the CPM Kalamassery area committee office on Monday. He left the office in the wee hours of Tuesday and went absconding again. Palarivattom Police had registered a case on October 27 against Hussain on the basis of a complaint lodged by Jube Paulose before the Chief Minister. Karukapilly Siddique, an ousted DYFI leader, is the second accused in the case. Paulose alleged that Hussain had intervened in a dispute between the petitioner and a businesswoman and on his instructions, Siddique had taken Paulose to the CPM area committee office on June 11, 2015, where he was illegally confined and assaulted for hours. He was released that afternoon, but was called to the party office, where he was coerced and threatened by Hussain to settle the dispute. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The State BJP on Tuesday said denial of security to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan during his visit to Malkangiri district was a conspiracy by the state government. "This is a conspiracy by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to cover up his government's inefficiency in tackling the situation in Malkangiri district where Japanese Encephalitis have so far claimed the lives of over 110 children," said BJP's state unit president Basanta Panda and senior leader K V Singhdeo at a joint media conference here. They alleged that the Union Minister was advised not to visit Palkonda village which witnessed maximum number of deaths of children due to the vector born disease at the instance of the Chief Minister. Panda and Singhdeo accompanied Pradhan during the visit. Pradhan visited the Maoist affected tribal district after duly intimating the state government well in advance. The state administration assured to provide necessary assistance including security to the Union Minister during his visit to the district. "Necessary protocol and security arrangements will be made for the visit of the Union Minister to the villages indicated (in your letter)," said the November 11 letter of Chief Secretary A P Padhi to the office of the Union Minister. The district superintendent of police would not dare to advise the Union Minister against visiting Palkonda without clearance from the top, Singhdeo said. The BJP leaders said the security concern of government was a well thought out plan to prevent the Union Minister from meeting Umesh Madhi, the class-IV student of Palkonda primary school, who had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to mitigate Japanese Encephalitis (JE) menace. Responding to a query, Panda said there is hardly any improvement in the situation in Malkangiri. The Union Minister will seek special intervention of the Centre in tackling the JE menace during his briefing to the Prime Minister on his visit. BHUBANESWAR: The State BJP on Tuesday said denial of security to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan during his visit to Malkangiri district was a conspiracy by the state government. "This is a conspiracy by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to cover up his government's inefficiency in tackling the situation in Malkangiri district where Japanese Encephalitis have so far claimed the lives of over 110 children," said BJP's state unit president Basanta Panda and senior leader K V Singhdeo at a joint media conference here. They alleged that the Union Minister was advised not to visit Palkonda village which witnessed maximum number of deaths of children due to the vector born disease at the instance of the Chief Minister. Panda and Singhdeo accompanied Pradhan during the visit. Pradhan visited the Maoist affected tribal district after duly intimating the state government well in advance. The state administration assured to provide necessary assistance including security to the Union Minister during his visit to the district. "Necessary protocol and security arrangements will be made for the visit of the Union Minister to the villages indicated (in your letter)," said the November 11 letter of Chief Secretary A P Padhi to the office of the Union Minister. The district superintendent of police would not dare to advise the Union Minister against visiting Palkonda without clearance from the top, Singhdeo said. The BJP leaders said the security concern of government was a well thought out plan to prevent the Union Minister from meeting Umesh Madhi, the class-IV student of Palkonda primary school, who had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to mitigate Japanese Encephalitis (JE) menace. Responding to a query, Panda said there is hardly any improvement in the situation in Malkangiri. The Union Minister will seek special intervention of the Centre in tackling the JE menace during his briefing to the Prime Minister on his visit. Hemant Kumar Rout By Express News Service BAINCHUA (Odisha): Barely a few weeks back, septuagenarian Laxmidhar Behera had sold his paddy stock and was happy to receive six notes of Rs 500 denominations when the manager at the mandi paid him Rs 3000 in cash. But little did he know that these notes would be invalid soon. Even as he supports demonetisation, Behera, a resident of Bainchua village under Balianta block of Khurda district, is finding it hard to get the currency notes exchanged as there is no bank nor ATM in the panchayat. If I add my daughters savings of Rs 4,000, I have now 14 pieces of Rs 500 notes. To replace those notes, I have to go to Balakati, eight km away, where I have an account in a nationalised bank. What pains me is that I have to stand in queue and spend two days because they will not exchange Rs 7,000 at a time," he rued. "Though I have money, I cannot use it. My nephew has assured me to give Rs 2,000 in exchange and deposit the rest amount in my account, Behera said. But all are not lucky like him. Panchu Parida (55) of Velurihat, nearly 10 km from Bhubaneswar, is running from pillar to post to get his two Rs 500 notes exchanged. He does not have a bank account. Nearby co-operative society refused to exchange the notes. Where do I go with the notes? Do I need to hold an account in a bank to get notes exchanged? There are long queues outside banks. How can I open an account?" asked an ignorant Parida, who works as a construction worker. His woes, however, do not end here. He has not got his wage for the last one week as the contractor is paying him old Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes which he is refusing to accept. With virtually no money in hand, he has been purchasing grocery and vegetables from the village market on credit for his 12-member family. Rural markets have also suffered a lot. While many have no option but to give the goods on credit to clear the stocks, sales have dropped by almost 50 per cent. A betel shop owner Santosh Sahu at Satyabhamapur Chhack said the business is not as usual. It is difficult to sell goods worth Rs 200 a day, said Sahu. Like Bainchua, Odisha has around 4,400 un-banked panchayats out of total 6,238 panchayats. Despite the Centres appeal to people not to panic, 70 per cent of panchayats with around 1.65 crore people constituting 47 per cent of the rural population of the State are forced to suffer as they do not have access to banking facilities. Even as officials claimed that steps have been taken to provide basic banking services in interior areas through Business Correspondents (BCs), a sizeable number of people in rural areas are deprived of reliable banking services. The plan to launch mobile vans and micro ATMs is yet to materialise in most of such panchayats. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to instruct the Reserve Bank of India and commercial banks to provide mobile banking services or set up temporary counters in unbanked panchayats to ensure that people do not suffer due to demonetisation. BAINCHUA (Odisha): Barely a few weeks back, septuagenarian Laxmidhar Behera had sold his paddy stock and was happy to receive six notes of Rs 500 denominations when the manager at the mandi paid him Rs 3000 in cash. But little did he know that these notes would be invalid soon. Even as he supports demonetisation, Behera, a resident of Bainchua village under Balianta block of Khurda district, is finding it hard to get the currency notes exchanged as there is no bank nor ATM in the panchayat. If I add my daughters savings of Rs 4,000, I have now 14 pieces of Rs 500 notes. To replace those notes, I have to go to Balakati, eight km away, where I have an account in a nationalised bank. What pains me is that I have to stand in queue and spend two days because they will not exchange Rs 7,000 at a time," he rued. "Though I have money, I cannot use it. My nephew has assured me to give Rs 2,000 in exchange and deposit the rest amount in my account, Behera said. But all are not lucky like him. Panchu Parida (55) of Velurihat, nearly 10 km from Bhubaneswar, is running from pillar to post to get his two Rs 500 notes exchanged. He does not have a bank account. Nearby co-operative society refused to exchange the notes. Where do I go with the notes? Do I need to hold an account in a bank to get notes exchanged? There are long queues outside banks. How can I open an account?" asked an ignorant Parida, who works as a construction worker. His woes, however, do not end here. He has not got his wage for the last one week as the contractor is paying him old Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes which he is refusing to accept. With virtually no money in hand, he has been purchasing grocery and vegetables from the village market on credit for his 12-member family. Rural markets have also suffered a lot. While many have no option but to give the goods on credit to clear the stocks, sales have dropped by almost 50 per cent. A betel shop owner Santosh Sahu at Satyabhamapur Chhack said the business is not as usual. It is difficult to sell goods worth Rs 200 a day, said Sahu. Like Bainchua, Odisha has around 4,400 un-banked panchayats out of total 6,238 panchayats. Despite the Centres appeal to people not to panic, 70 per cent of panchayats with around 1.65 crore people constituting 47 per cent of the rural population of the State are forced to suffer as they do not have access to banking facilities. Even as officials claimed that steps have been taken to provide basic banking services in interior areas through Business Correspondents (BCs), a sizeable number of people in rural areas are deprived of reliable banking services. The plan to launch mobile vans and micro ATMs is yet to materialise in most of such panchayats. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to instruct the Reserve Bank of India and commercial banks to provide mobile banking services or set up temporary counters in unbanked panchayats to ensure that people do not suffer due to demonetisation. S Raja Reddy By Express News Service MANCHERIAL: Less than a year after announcing that the district is ID liquor free, gudumba starts claiming lives in Adilabad district again. Forty-five-year-old Attram Bheemu is one such person who lost his life due to the consumption of gudumba. He left behind Rajitha and Raju as orphans. Bheemu died on November 1 while his wife, Rajjakka, also addicted to gudumba, died last year. They are residents of Kolamguda tribal hamlet in Hazipur mandal. Rajitha and Raju have become orphans now. And they are not just an example of how illicit liquor (gudumba) plays havoc in the lives of people but also sends a message that the tall claims of the district administration and the government of making the state ID liquor free are untenable. Bheemu fell sick due to consumption of gudamba. There was no one to take him to a hospital and provide food, locals said. Bheemu is not just the lone casualty of gudumba but his brother Attram Shanker, who is also addicted to gudumba, died the same day within an hour of Bheemus death, the grief stricken family members said. Rajitha and Raju are now staying at the house of Attram Gangaram and Rajabai, relatives of the victims. They are in class III in Luxettipet government hostel. They came to the village recently to see their father, who was sick, Rajabai recalled. Months after the district was announced ID liquor free, the menace of gudumba is once again surfacing. Though excise and police officials conduct raids, the support from politicians is encouraging the manufacturers to continue with the trade. The raw material, which was made unavailable in the state, is now being transported from other states to Mancherial through trains, an official said. MANCHERIAL: Less than a year after announcing that the district is ID liquor free, gudumba starts claiming lives in Adilabad district again. Forty-five-year-old Attram Bheemu is one such person who lost his life due to the consumption of gudumba. He left behind Rajitha and Raju as orphans. Bheemu died on November 1 while his wife, Rajjakka, also addicted to gudumba, died last year. They are residents of Kolamguda tribal hamlet in Hazipur mandal. Rajitha and Raju have become orphans now. And they are not just an example of how illicit liquor (gudumba) plays havoc in the lives of people but also sends a message that the tall claims of the district administration and the government of making the state ID liquor free are untenable. Bheemu fell sick due to consumption of gudamba. There was no one to take him to a hospital and provide food, locals said. Bheemu is not just the lone casualty of gudumba but his brother Attram Shanker, who is also addicted to gudumba, died the same day within an hour of Bheemus death, the grief stricken family members said. Rajitha and Raju are now staying at the house of Attram Gangaram and Rajabai, relatives of the victims. They are in class III in Luxettipet government hostel. They came to the village recently to see their father, who was sick, Rajabai recalled. Months after the district was announced ID liquor free, the menace of gudumba is once again surfacing. Though excise and police officials conduct raids, the support from politicians is encouraging the manufacturers to continue with the trade. The raw material, which was made unavailable in the state, is now being transported from other states to Mancherial through trains, an official said. By Associated Press NEW YORK: Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. An apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump team's ability to coordinate with President Barack Obama's White House. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. A short time later a tweet appeared on Trump's account: "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" That was the only public statement from the president-elect on the transition itself. Meantime, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nation's top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trump's transition team was reviewing Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the country's nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch slowed Trump's ability to coordinate with the White House. Not until Tuesday evening had Pence signed a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pence's promotion made it invalid. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centers in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them "equal partners." Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. "That organization right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trump's team on Twitter, calling them "angry, arrogant." Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trump's team, he had "changed my recommendation." With Trump's team divided, emboldened Republicans on Capitol Hill moved forward with a united front. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter during the campaign, unanimously won his GOP colleagues' votes for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had Trump's support, and heralded "the dawn of a new, unified Republican government." Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. "If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. "As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously." Trump's team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trump's selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take U.S. foreign policy. NEW YORK: Hidden from the public in his Manhattan high-rise, Donald Trump huddled Tuesday with Vice President-elect Mike Pence as he tried to fill out key posts in his Cabinet. But the transition team appeared to be straining under the enormous challenge of setting up a new administration. Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a respected Republican voice on national security issues, announced he was quitting the transition effort. An apparent clerical oversight effectively halted the Trump team's ability to coordinate with President Barack Obama's White House. Trump himself broke with protocol Tuesday night by leaving Trump Tower without his press contingent. The transition team had told reporters and photographers there would be no movement by the president-elect for the rest of the day and night, but less than two hours later a presidential-style motorcade rolled out of the building, suggesting that Trump was on the move and leaving reporters scrambling. Trump turned up at Club 21, a midtown Manhattan restaurant where he was having dinner with his family. Reporters were not allowed inside, and Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks asked that they respect that he was having an evening out with his family. A short time later a tweet appeared on Trump's account: "Very organized process taking place as I decide on Cabinet and many other positions. I am the only one who knows who the finalists are!" That was the only public statement from the president-elect on the transition itself. Meantime, his allies engaged in an unusual round of public speculation about his potential appointments including their own futures as the president-elect and his aides weighed the nation's top national security posts. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani seemed to be angling for secretary of state. But Trump's transition team was reviewing Giuliani's paid consulting work for foreign governments, which could delay a nomination or bump Giuliani to a different position, according to a person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly about it. Giuliani founded his own firm, Giuliani Partners, in 2001, and helped businesses on behalf of foreign governments, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. He also advised TransCanada, which sought to build the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, and helped the maker of the painkiller drug OxyContin settle a dispute with the Drug Enforcement Administration. A Trump official said John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, remained in contention for secretary of state. Bolton has years of foreign policy experience, but he has raised eyebrows with some of his hawkish stances, including a 2015 New York Times op-ed in which he advocated bombing Iran to halt the country's nuclear program. Businessman Carl Icahn disclosed on Twitter, based on conversations with the president-elect, that Trump was considering Steve Mnuchin, a former Goldman Sachs banker, and Wilbur Ross, a billionaire investor, to lead the Treasury and Commerce departments. Pence, now running the transition team, ignored questions from reporters both as he entered Trump Tower, a thick binder tucked under his arm, and as he left six hours later. He took over from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who spent months running transition operations before his demotion last week. The switch slowed Trump's ability to coordinate with the White House. Not until Tuesday evening had Pence signed a memorandum of understanding facilitating interactions between his team and Obama administration officials. Christie had signed the document, but Pence's promotion made it invalid. White House spokeswoman Brandi Hoffine said the administration was waiting on more documents required by law before agencies could begin sharing information with the transition team. A person familiar with the transition efforts said different factions in Trump's team "are fighting for power." Indeed, Trump effectively created two power centers in his White House even before taking office. He named Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and flame-throwing media mogul Steve Bannon as his chief strategist, but called them "equal partners." Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is also deeply involved in the transition, creating another layer of uncertainty about who is making decisions. "That organization right now is not designed to work," according to the person close to the efforts, who like others involved in the transition, insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the internal process. Former GOP national security official Eliot Cohen blasted Trump's team on Twitter, calling them "angry, arrogant." Cohen opposed Trump during the campaign, but in recent days, he said those who feel duty-bound to work in a Trump administration should do so. But he said Tuesday that after an exchange with Trump's team, he had "changed my recommendation." With Trump's team divided, emboldened Republicans on Capitol Hill moved forward with a united front. House Speaker Paul Ryan, a lukewarm Trump supporter during the campaign, unanimously won his GOP colleagues' votes for another term at the helm of the House. He told fellow Republicans he had Trump's support, and heralded "the dawn of a new, unified Republican government." Democrats, reeling from sweeping defeats in the election, focused their ire on Bannon, a man celebrated by the white nationalist movement. "If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said. "As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it would be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously." Trump's team has defended Bannon and tried to put its focus on filling the top national security jobs. Trump's selections will be the first signals to anxious international allies about the direction he plans to take U.S. foreign policy. By PTI HAVANA: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Cuba to boost ties as a breakthrough in the communist island's US relations hung in the balance following Donald Trump's presidential election win. After arriving at Havana airport yesterday, Trudeau headed straight to the city's iconic Revolution Square and laid a wreath, an AFP photographer saw. He was scheduled later to meet with Cuba's President Raul Castro, officials said. The two-day visit is the first stop on a tour that will also take Trudeau to Argentina and to Peru for the APEC Asia-Pacific trade summit. It comes 40 years after Trudeau's father Pierre Elliott Trudeau committed to a lifelong friendship with Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro during a similar visit. According to Trudeau's office, the goal is to "renew and strengthen" the bilateral relationship. The visit will also provide an opportunity to "collaborate more closely on sustainable economic growth, inclusive governance, security, climate change, and gender equality," a statement said. Trump, who won the US presidential election a week ago, has sent mixed messages about the thaw in US-Cuba relations which was started two years ago by current US President Barack Obama. Trump gave it a lukewarm welcome at first, before vowing to reverse the new policies unless Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Because Obama used executive authority to enact the rapprochement, Trump could change course just as easily to reinstate financial, trade and travel restrictions. While observers note that Cuba will probably not be a priority for Trump, it remains unclear how he would view a Trudeau-Castro photo opportunity. The visit is primarily "symbolic," John Kirk, a politics professor and Cuba expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told AFP. Ottawa also remained steadfastly opposed to the American trade embargo on Cuba, which has not been revoked by Congress. Officially, no meeting is planned with Fidel Castro, but "there's a chance" they will see each other, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, Julio Garmendia Pena, told Canadian media. The visit is the first by a Canadian leader to Cuba since Jean Chretien in 1998. Over the past decade, bilateral ties reached a historic low with former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper often siding with Washington in seeking to isolate Cuba on the international scene. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. HAVANA: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrived in Cuba to boost ties as a breakthrough in the communist island's US relations hung in the balance following Donald Trump's presidential election win. After arriving at Havana airport yesterday, Trudeau headed straight to the city's iconic Revolution Square and laid a wreath, an AFP photographer saw. He was scheduled later to meet with Cuba's President Raul Castro, officials said. The two-day visit is the first stop on a tour that will also take Trudeau to Argentina and to Peru for the APEC Asia-Pacific trade summit. It comes 40 years after Trudeau's father Pierre Elliott Trudeau committed to a lifelong friendship with Cuba's former revolutionary president Fidel Castro during a similar visit. According to Trudeau's office, the goal is to "renew and strengthen" the bilateral relationship. The visit will also provide an opportunity to "collaborate more closely on sustainable economic growth, inclusive governance, security, climate change, and gender equality," a statement said. Trump, who won the US presidential election a week ago, has sent mixed messages about the thaw in US-Cuba relations which was started two years ago by current US President Barack Obama. Trump gave it a lukewarm welcome at first, before vowing to reverse the new policies unless Raul Castro agrees to democratic reforms and other demands. Because Obama used executive authority to enact the rapprochement, Trump could change course just as easily to reinstate financial, trade and travel restrictions. While observers note that Cuba will probably not be a priority for Trump, it remains unclear how he would view a Trudeau-Castro photo opportunity. The visit is primarily "symbolic," John Kirk, a politics professor and Cuba expert at Dalhousie University in Halifax, told AFP. Ottawa also remained steadfastly opposed to the American trade embargo on Cuba, which has not been revoked by Congress. Officially, no meeting is planned with Fidel Castro, but "there's a chance" they will see each other, Cuba's ambassador to Canada, Julio Garmendia Pena, told Canadian media. The visit is the first by a Canadian leader to Cuba since Jean Chretien in 1998. Over the past decade, bilateral ties reached a historic low with former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper often siding with Washington in seeking to isolate Cuba on the international scene. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. Meghna Sengupta By Online Desk We have all heard this story time and again a qualified and capable woman with ample experience doesn't get the job, while a man with possibly half the qualifications and zero experience gets it. Why? Simply because he's a man. Although this is something that happens often, these days most of us would like to believe otherwise. We try to convince ourselves saying, "Oh, no no, maybe that man had some particular competency that trumps (scuse the pun) everything else" or "This could just be coincidental; we are living in the 21st century, after all!" But the day America voted for Donald Trump as its President, it all stopped for me. There was no more making excuses for the men. I cant continue to live in my false paradise of a 21st century world when a misogynistic, racist and homophobic man has been put in charge of running a superpower by the millions who share the ideals he campaigned for. For a 21-year-old who grew up believing that this millennium belongs to millennials like me modern, progressive and inclusive the myth has been shattered. For one, people of my gender women over the past few decades have made it out of the kitchen counters and nurseries that they were relegated to, but have had to face increasing harassment (sexual and domestic) at the hands of men whore uncomfortable with the idea of giving up their space in the workforce and the accompanying decision-making powers that come from earning your own keep. But here we are, in a time where it is now going to be okay to be one of the harassers because hey the president [elect] grabs women by the pussy. For a denizen of the modern world one in which I see people who have finally been able to take tentative steps out of the fear-ridden claustrophobic tiny closets into a wide expanse filled with an increasing number of open-minded people who let them be and accept them as they are the fear that people of alternate sexuality and gender would be pushed back with force into their corners is a little overwhelming. One is reminded of the famous lines of the Pastor Martin Niemoller poem. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me. If I cannot speak for the powerless minority, who can I speak for? Dont their lives matter? Dont #BlackLivesMatter too? To think that millions who belong to the same community that the most powerful man in the world today, Barack Obama, belongs to, will be increasingly and more vehemently asked to go back to Africa after generations of them over centuries have lived as US citizens, makes me wonder if time travel is not a concept of metaphysics but one of regressing into an established social order of older times. In a throwback to those times, will people with disabilities now be called invalids by the masses who think it was a good decision to elect a president who mocks people for having to live with physical limitations? I wonder what dignity the masses hope to gain for themselves they who were marginalised by the establishment and not cared for while they struggled through joblessness and poverty, and therefore chose to vote against Hillary Clinton when their leader is a man who cares not to accord dignity to the disabled. As a young millenial woman, Donald Trump's comments on women make me squirm. Since birth, Ive been accustomed to the notion that men and women deserve equal rights and equal pay and I have seen several people fight for the same. I have seen my parents work together as a unit and I grew up in an environment where my mom and dad both went out to work. I have been raised as an independent woman who should voice her opinions, keep an open mind, be inclusive, and live and let live. Now, however, we have as the most-powerful-person-in-the-world-to-be, Donald Trump, a man who spews ideologies completely opposite to all of that. To see so many people chant the outdated views Trump holds makes me feel like the world as Ive known it will cease to exist. To be honest, it felt like some change was coming along in terms of women's rights. Women have been unstoppable in the past decade or so. Most companies offered equal pay, elected women CEOs and in every field, a woman has made worthy contributions. The fact that Donald Trump has been elected not just affects these women now, but also puts a major setback to the hard work of noted women's rights activists such as Susan B Anthony and Alice Paul who had strived so hard to get us close to where we were. An environment that started seeming positive now has a dark cloud looming over it. To put things into perspective for those who point to Donald Trump's charming daughter Ivanka Trump, she has a movement titled "Women who Work", which encourages and urges every woman to go out there and become independent earners for themselves. But it only sounds good until you see the picture for the movement which shows Ivanka sitting across a work table with her baby in her lap. Why can't women work without having to "balance" their family life and work life? For a while, there's been this idea that people try to propagate that the mark of a "good" woman is one who can balance both. And Ivanka's so-called movement for making women independent fits right into that situation brought about by social pressure. In fact, it also forms the basis for Donald Trump's statements surrounding abortion that he is against the whole idea of it. This also means that the bill passed by Obama to protect women's access to contraception and abortion could take a backseat. Being a woman, I can never get past why I cant be the boss of my own body? Men certainly are not told what to do. Why should some man decide for me? As for the secularist in me, coming from a country where Islamophobia is becoming all too real despite having among the largest Muslim populations in the world, Trumps plan to ban immigrants because of their faith hits too close to home. Taking his love for real estate a little too far, Trump had also proposed building a wall along the border of Mexico. Calling people certain offensive names is still the norm in some places, but now, we have a leader who wants to lead by a bad example and does so openly. Making fun of a person's family or heritage or cultural practices seems to be the socially-accepted practice in the coming era of Donald Trump's presidency. The first thing that Trump needs to learn is to treat humans like humans. To treat women like fellow human beings and not as objects to possess. To treat minorities as humans, and not 'threats'. To treat people of different races as humans and not as stereotypes. To treat people with disabilities as humans and not as an inconvenience. Bernie Sanders, in tears after the results were announced, has vowed to fight against whatever racist, sexist or inhumane measures Trump may adopt. While that does give someone like me hope, right now it seems like you're only safe in the US if you're white and have no pussy to 'grab'. For the sake of humanity, I'm hoping against all hope that Donald Trump is miraculously a good president. Maybe somehow this responsibility will bring out the best in him. Fingers crossed. We have all heard this story time and again a qualified and capable woman with ample experience doesn't get the job, while a man with possibly half the qualifications and zero experience gets it. Why? Simply because he's a man. Although this is something that happens often, these days most of us would like to believe otherwise. We try to convince ourselves saying, "Oh, no no, maybe that man had some particular competency that trumps (scuse the pun) everything else" or "This could just be coincidental; we are living in the 21st century, after all!" But the day America voted for Donald Trump as its President, it all stopped for me. There was no more making excuses for the men. I cant continue to live in my false paradise of a 21st century world when a misogynistic, racist and homophobic man has been put in charge of running a superpower by the millions who share the ideals he campaigned for. For a 21-year-old who grew up believing that this millennium belongs to millennials like me modern, progressive and inclusive the myth has been shattered. For one, people of my gender women over the past few decades have made it out of the kitchen counters and nurseries that they were relegated to, but have had to face increasing harassment (sexual and domestic) at the hands of men whore uncomfortable with the idea of giving up their space in the workforce and the accompanying decision-making powers that come from earning your own keep. But here we are, in a time where it is now going to be okay to be one of the harassers because hey the president [elect] grabs women by the pussy. For a denizen of the modern world one in which I see people who have finally been able to take tentative steps out of the fear-ridden claustrophobic tiny closets into a wide expanse filled with an increasing number of open-minded people who let them be and accept them as they are the fear that people of alternate sexuality and gender would be pushed back with force into their corners is a little overwhelming. One is reminded of the famous lines of the Pastor Martin Niemoller poem. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me. If I cannot speak for the powerless minority, who can I speak for? Dont their lives matter? Dont #BlackLivesMatter too? To think that millions who belong to the same community that the most powerful man in the world today, Barack Obama, belongs to, will be increasingly and more vehemently asked to go back to Africa after generations of them over centuries have lived as US citizens, makes me wonder if time travel is not a concept of metaphysics but one of regressing into an established social order of older times. In a throwback to those times, will people with disabilities now be called invalids by the masses who think it was a good decision to elect a president who mocks people for having to live with physical limitations? I wonder what dignity the masses hope to gain for themselves they who were marginalised by the establishment and not cared for while they struggled through joblessness and poverty, and therefore chose to vote against Hillary Clinton when their leader is a man who cares not to accord dignity to the disabled. As a young millenial woman, Donald Trump's comments on women make me squirm. Since birth, Ive been accustomed to the notion that men and women deserve equal rights and equal pay and I have seen several people fight for the same. I have seen my parents work together as a unit and I grew up in an environment where my mom and dad both went out to work. I have been raised as an independent woman who should voice her opinions, keep an open mind, be inclusive, and live and let live. Now, however, we have as the most-powerful-person-in-the-world-to-be, Donald Trump, a man who spews ideologies completely opposite to all of that. To see so many people chant the outdated views Trump holds makes me feel like the world as Ive known it will cease to exist. To be honest, it felt like some change was coming along in terms of women's rights. Women have been unstoppable in the past decade or so. Most companies offered equal pay, elected women CEOs and in every field, a woman has made worthy contributions. The fact that Donald Trump has been elected not just affects these women now, but also puts a major setback to the hard work of noted women's rights activists such as Susan B Anthony and Alice Paul who had strived so hard to get us close to where we were. An environment that started seeming positive now has a dark cloud looming over it. To put things into perspective for those who point to Donald Trump's charming daughter Ivanka Trump, she has a movement titled "Women who Work", which encourages and urges every woman to go out there and become independent earners for themselves. But it only sounds good until you see the picture for the movement which shows Ivanka sitting across a work table with her baby in her lap. Why can't women work without having to "balance" their family life and work life? For a while, there's been this idea that people try to propagate that the mark of a "good" woman is one who can balance both. And Ivanka's so-called movement for making women independent fits right into that situation brought about by social pressure. In fact, it also forms the basis for Donald Trump's statements surrounding abortion that he is against the whole idea of it. This also means that the bill passed by Obama to protect women's access to contraception and abortion could take a backseat. Being a woman, I can never get past why I cant be the boss of my own body? Men certainly are not told what to do. Why should some man decide for me? As for the secularist in me, coming from a country where Islamophobia is becoming all too real despite having among the largest Muslim populations in the world, Trumps plan to ban immigrants because of their faith hits too close to home. Taking his love for real estate a little too far, Trump had also proposed building a wall along the border of Mexico. Calling people certain offensive names is still the norm in some places, but now, we have a leader who wants to lead by a bad example and does so openly. Making fun of a person's family or heritage or cultural practices seems to be the socially-accepted practice in the coming era of Donald Trump's presidency. The first thing that Trump needs to learn is to treat humans like humans. To treat women like fellow human beings and not as objects to possess. To treat minorities as humans, and not 'threats'. To treat people of different races as humans and not as stereotypes. To treat people with disabilities as humans and not as an inconvenience. Bernie Sanders, in tears after the results were announced, has vowed to fight against whatever racist, sexist or inhumane measures Trump may adopt. While that does give someone like me hope, right now it seems like you're only safe in the US if you're white and have no pussy to 'grab'. For the sake of humanity, I'm hoping against all hope that Donald Trump is miraculously a good president. Maybe somehow this responsibility will bring out the best in him. Fingers crossed. By PTI ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Western media of sympathising with the failed coup aimed at ousting him from power, as he officially opened a new Ankara-backed English language news channel. Erdogan yesterday said in a speech at his presidential palace to mark the formal opening of the TRT World channel that there were writers in Western media sympathetic to the US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen who Ankara blames for the July 15 coup. "If the coup had been successful... then foreign media would have mobilised their cameras and pens to legitimise the coup," Erdogan said. He said those foreign media who are now criticising Turkey over freedom of expression "would have given their screens over to the junta". But with the defeat of the coup, "The headlines they prepared were good for nothing." The Turkish strongman said his country had had "bitter experience" over the last three years and was "well aware" how foreign media had behaved during the 2013 protests against his rule. He added there were writers in Western media who saw July's coup plotters as the "last hope" for Turkey and a prominent place had been given to sympathisers of Gulen and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). His comments came as Turkey has been vehemently criticised over the crackdown in the wake of the coup, including the arrests of journalists. TRT World started broadcasting in March last year but the ceremony at the presidential palace was touted by state media as marking its formal launch. Citing what he said was an African proverb, Erdogan said that if lions did not write their own stories then people would have to listen to the stories of the hunters. Describing the channel as Turkey's "window on the world", he said he did not want TRT World to be an "official bulletin" but would tell "the truths of our nation through the best television". TRT World, broadcasting in English round the clock, is part of the network of Turkey's state run television TRT. In recent years, several regional powers have opened their own English-language TV channels -- such as RT in Russia and Press TV in Iran -- to challenge the perceived monopoly of the likes of CNN and the BBC. Turkey has repeatedly complained that its side of the story is overlooked in Western reporting in the conflicts in Syria or its southeast. ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Western media of sympathising with the failed coup aimed at ousting him from power, as he officially opened a new Ankara-backed English language news channel. Erdogan yesterday said in a speech at his presidential palace to mark the formal opening of the TRT World channel that there were writers in Western media sympathetic to the US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen who Ankara blames for the July 15 coup. "If the coup had been successful... then foreign media would have mobilised their cameras and pens to legitimise the coup," Erdogan said. He said those foreign media who are now criticising Turkey over freedom of expression "would have given their screens over to the junta". But with the defeat of the coup, "The headlines they prepared were good for nothing." The Turkish strongman said his country had had "bitter experience" over the last three years and was "well aware" how foreign media had behaved during the 2013 protests against his rule. He added there were writers in Western media who saw July's coup plotters as the "last hope" for Turkey and a prominent place had been given to sympathisers of Gulen and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). His comments came as Turkey has been vehemently criticised over the crackdown in the wake of the coup, including the arrests of journalists. TRT World started broadcasting in March last year but the ceremony at the presidential palace was touted by state media as marking its formal launch. Citing what he said was an African proverb, Erdogan said that if lions did not write their own stories then people would have to listen to the stories of the hunters. Describing the channel as Turkey's "window on the world", he said he did not want TRT World to be an "official bulletin" but would tell "the truths of our nation through the best television". TRT World, broadcasting in English round the clock, is part of the network of Turkey's state run television TRT. In recent years, several regional powers have opened their own English-language TV channels -- such as RT in Russia and Press TV in Iran -- to challenge the perceived monopoly of the likes of CNN and the BBC. Turkey has repeatedly complained that its side of the story is overlooked in Western reporting in the conflicts in Syria or its southeast. By PTI NEW YORK: Hundreds of high school students demonstrated in New York today morning outside Trump Tower in the pouring rain as the president-elect was inside fleshing out his new administration. "No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists" the students from Manhattan and Queens shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here." In Washington, several hundred high school students marched on the Mall, the grassy esplanade that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, heading toward the White House. The protests came one day after hundreds of students walked out of classrooms to rally against Donald Trump's election in Portland, Oregon; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Los Angeles. "We are showing people that what Donald Trump says and his rhetoric -- it's not okay even though he was elected president," said Grace, a 17-year-old who declined to give her last name. Trump Tower has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaire's election a week ago. Grace said they were a reminder to local officials that "just because Trump is elected does not mean the policies he talked about during the election have to go through." Some in the crowd shouted "My body my choice," giving voice to concerns about reverses on women's rights to abortion under Trump, who has vowed to put pro-life justices on the high court. Soon after he takes office, Trump will get to fill a Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of arch conservative justice Antonin Scalia last February. A woman's right to end a pregnancy was established under the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision. If a more conservative court overturns it, it would fall to individual states to decide whether to allow abortions. "Being in NYC it won't really affect us but it will affect a lot of people in other states that don't have the same privilege," Greta, age 17, told AFP. Another protester told AFP she hoped the US system of using an electoral college to elect presidents could be changed. Trump won the White House by picking up the most electoral -- even though rival Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote. As she spoke, a man passing by on the wet pavement gave her group of friends the finger. Protests have been held daily across the United States since Trump won last Tuesday's election. Dozens of police stood guard around Trump Tower, where Trump has spent most of his time since the election meeting with advisors on his new administration. NEW YORK: Hundreds of high school students demonstrated in New York today morning outside Trump Tower in the pouring rain as the president-elect was inside fleshing out his new administration. "No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists" the students from Manhattan and Queens shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here." In Washington, several hundred high school students marched on the Mall, the grassy esplanade that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, heading toward the White House. The protests came one day after hundreds of students walked out of classrooms to rally against Donald Trump's election in Portland, Oregon; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Los Angeles. "We are showing people that what Donald Trump says and his rhetoric -- it's not okay even though he was elected president," said Grace, a 17-year-old who declined to give her last name. Trump Tower has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaire's election a week ago. Grace said they were a reminder to local officials that "just because Trump is elected does not mean the policies he talked about during the election have to go through." Some in the crowd shouted "My body my choice," giving voice to concerns about reverses on women's rights to abortion under Trump, who has vowed to put pro-life justices on the high court. Soon after he takes office, Trump will get to fill a Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of arch conservative justice Antonin Scalia last February. A woman's right to end a pregnancy was established under the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision. If a more conservative court overturns it, it would fall to individual states to decide whether to allow abortions. "Being in NYC it won't really affect us but it will affect a lot of people in other states that don't have the same privilege," Greta, age 17, told AFP. Another protester told AFP she hoped the US system of using an electoral college to elect presidents could be changed. Trump won the White House by picking up the most electoral -- even though rival Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote. As she spoke, a man passing by on the wet pavement gave her group of friends the finger. Protests have been held daily across the United States since Trump won last Tuesday's election. Dozens of police stood guard around Trump Tower, where Trump has spent most of his time since the election meeting with advisors on his new administration. By Associated Press JAKARTA: Indonesian police on Wednesday named the minority Christian governor of the country's capital as a suspect in a blasphemy investigation in a major test of the Muslim-majority nation's reputation for religious toleration. Earlier this month the capital Jakarta was rocked by a massive protest by conservative Muslims against the governor. One person died and dozens were injured in rioting. Police announced at a press conference that the popular governor, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, cannot leave the country while the investigation is underway. The accusation of blasphemy against Ahok, an ethnic Chinese and Christian who is an ally of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, has galvanized Jokowi's political opponents in the Muslim-majority nation of 250 million. The Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that wants to impose Shariah law, is demanding Ahok's arrest 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. Ahok, who is seeking a second term as Jakarta governor, is popular with the city's middle class, but has made enemies from a tough stance against corruption and an urban renewal program that has evicted thousands of the city's poorest from slums. JAKARTA: Indonesian police on Wednesday named the minority Christian governor of the country's capital as a suspect in a blasphemy investigation in a major test of the Muslim-majority nation's reputation for religious toleration. Earlier this month the capital Jakarta was rocked by a massive protest by conservative Muslims against the governor. One person died and dozens were injured in rioting. Police announced at a press conference that the popular governor, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, cannot leave the country while the investigation is underway. The accusation of blasphemy against Ahok, an ethnic Chinese and Christian who is an ally of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, has galvanized Jokowi's political opponents in the Muslim-majority nation of 250 million. The Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that wants to impose Shariah law, is demanding Ahok's arrest 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. Ahok, who is seeking a second term as Jakarta governor, is popular with the city's middle class, but has made enemies from a tough stance against corruption and an urban renewal program that has evicted thousands of the city's poorest from slums. By PTI WASHINGTON: India's new ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, who arrived in the city a few days before the general elections, has kicked off his engagements with a meeting with powerful Democratic Senator Jack Reed. "Enjoyed meeting with Ambassador Navtej Sarna to discuss the strong relationship between US and India," Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a tweet after meeting the top Indian diplomat at the Capitol Hill yesterday. A 1980 batch foreign service official, Sarna also met Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress, who is also co-Chair of the powerful House India Caucus. Sarna presented his credentials to Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol, State Department on November 9. He is expected to present his formal diplomatic credentials to outgoing US President Barack Obama later. Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs until 2008, Sarna has previously been India's ambassador to Israel and the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. WASHINGTON: India's new ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, who arrived in the city a few days before the general elections, has kicked off his engagements with a meeting with powerful Democratic Senator Jack Reed. "Enjoyed meeting with Ambassador Navtej Sarna to discuss the strong relationship between US and India," Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a tweet after meeting the top Indian diplomat at the Capitol Hill yesterday. A 1980 batch foreign service official, Sarna also met Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress, who is also co-Chair of the powerful House India Caucus. Sarna presented his credentials to Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol, State Department on November 9. He is expected to present his formal diplomatic credentials to outgoing US President Barack Obama later. Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs until 2008, Sarna has previously been India's ambassador to Israel and the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. Yet it was also Harper who hosted secret talks between US and Cuban officials in 2014 leading to the rapprochement. Today, Cuba continues to welcome a huge influx of Canadian tourists each year -- 1.3 million or nearly 40 percent of all tourist visitors. Bilateral trade remains modest at less than $1.0 billion annually. Despite their warm diplomatic ties, many Canadian companies do not invest in Cuba over fear they will be blocked from the US market. By Associated Press CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.: A bus driver for an upstate New York school district is in trouble for allowing students who would have voted for Donald Trump to exit the vehicle before children who would've voted for Hillary Clinton. The Canandaigua (kan-un-DAY'-gwuh) City School District say the incident occurred two days after Trump defeated Clinton in the presidential election. Administrators say the bus driver held a mock election by asking elementary school students who they would have voted for last Tuesday. After a show of hands, the driver let the kids who said Trump get off the bus first. Those who raised their hands for Clinton had to sit back down and wait until the other children got off. After some parents complained, district officials said the bus driver will write a letter apologizing to everyone involved. CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.: A bus driver for an upstate New York school district is in trouble for allowing students who would have voted for Donald Trump to exit the vehicle before children who would've voted for Hillary Clinton. The Canandaigua (kan-un-DAY'-gwuh) City School District say the incident occurred two days after Trump defeated Clinton in the presidential election. Administrators say the bus driver held a mock election by asking elementary school students who they would have voted for last Tuesday. After a show of hands, the driver let the kids who said Trump get off the bus first. Those who raised their hands for Clinton had to sit back down and wait until the other children got off. After some parents complained, district officials said the bus driver will write a letter apologizing to everyone involved. By AFP CHRISTCHURCH: Rescuers in New Zealand on Wednesday completed a mass evacuation of tourists stranded after a devastating earthquake, as officials in the capital Wellington sealed off dozens of potentially dangerous office blocks. The last of the trapped holidaymakers boarded the navy ship HMNZS Canterbury late Wednesday at Kaikoura, the South Island seaside town that bore the brunt of the powerful 7.8 tremor. "We got them all out, it was a superhuman effort," Red Cross spokesman Simon Makker told AFP from the stricken town. "The last of them were cheering and dancing down the street on their way out. It was pretty cool." Vessels from the United States, Canada and Australia are also steaming toward the town to provide emergency supplies and logistical support. At the time of the quake, Kaikoura's population of 2,000 was bolstered by about 1,000 tourists, attracted by the region's renowned whale-watching cruises. They were stranded when the tremor, which claimed two lives, severed road and rail access, leaving the town short of water and with little power. Makker said most of the visitors were airlifted out by military helicopters, with about 250 set to depart on the HMNZS Canterbury for nearby Christchurch late Wednesday. "There might still be a few stragglers left, but the focus now turns to the welfare of the residents," he said. The tremor was felt across the country, causing violent shaking in Wellington about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away. The capital was initially thought to have escaped serious damage but the local council said Wednesday that engineering inspectors had raised concerns about some 60 downtown buildings. At least one has been rated at imminent threat of collapse and will be carefully demolished, while another was a new government office block that was supposed to be quake-proof. Prime Minister John Key said he was "staggered" at the building's failure given the strict building codes in Wellington, which sits on a network of fault lines. "Questions need to be asked and that's going to happen," he told Radio New Zealand. International rescue The tremor, one of the most powerful ever in the quake-prone South Pacific nation, has been followed by more than 1,700 aftershocks, complicating relief efforts. The quake triggered numerous landslides that dumped mountains of rocky debris on a main highway and ripped railway lines 10 metres (30 feet) off their track bed, while huge fissures opened up in roads and houses were rocked off their foundations. New Zealand's official GeoNet said reconnaissance flights had noted between 80,0000 to 100,000 landslips. The devastation on land forced rescuers to turn to air and sea resources. The ships were due in Auckland this week for celebrations marking the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary but instead diverted to the disaster zone. "It's heartening to see overseas partners so willing to alter their plans and offer their assistance," Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said, adding that the international vessels were Canada's HMC Vancouver, Australia's HMAS Darwin and the US destroyer USS Sampson. A further three New Zealand warships are also involved and Wellington has accepted unspecified aid from Japan and Singapore. The Sampson is the first US warship to visit New Zealand waters in 33 years, ending a ban sparked by a Cold War-era diplomatic spat over Wellington's ban on nuclear-powered vessels. US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to New Zealand on Sunday that its presence was a historic moment marking "the normalisation of our security cooperation". The 7.8 quake is the joint second strongest ever recorded in New Zealand. It stirred painful memories for residents of Christchurch, which was devastated five years ago by a 6.3 tremor that killed 185 people. The country is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. CHRISTCHURCH: Rescuers in New Zealand on Wednesday completed a mass evacuation of tourists stranded after a devastating earthquake, as officials in the capital Wellington sealed off dozens of potentially dangerous office blocks. The last of the trapped holidaymakers boarded the navy ship HMNZS Canterbury late Wednesday at Kaikoura, the South Island seaside town that bore the brunt of the powerful 7.8 tremor. "We got them all out, it was a superhuman effort," Red Cross spokesman Simon Makker told AFP from the stricken town. "The last of them were cheering and dancing down the street on their way out. It was pretty cool." Vessels from the United States, Canada and Australia are also steaming toward the town to provide emergency supplies and logistical support. At the time of the quake, Kaikoura's population of 2,000 was bolstered by about 1,000 tourists, attracted by the region's renowned whale-watching cruises. They were stranded when the tremor, which claimed two lives, severed road and rail access, leaving the town short of water and with little power. Makker said most of the visitors were airlifted out by military helicopters, with about 250 set to depart on the HMNZS Canterbury for nearby Christchurch late Wednesday. "There might still be a few stragglers left, but the focus now turns to the welfare of the residents," he said. The tremor was felt across the country, causing violent shaking in Wellington about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away. The capital was initially thought to have escaped serious damage but the local council said Wednesday that engineering inspectors had raised concerns about some 60 downtown buildings. At least one has been rated at imminent threat of collapse and will be carefully demolished, while another was a new government office block that was supposed to be quake-proof. Prime Minister John Key said he was "staggered" at the building's failure given the strict building codes in Wellington, which sits on a network of fault lines. "Questions need to be asked and that's going to happen," he told Radio New Zealand. International rescue The tremor, one of the most powerful ever in the quake-prone South Pacific nation, has been followed by more than 1,700 aftershocks, complicating relief efforts. The quake triggered numerous landslides that dumped mountains of rocky debris on a main highway and ripped railway lines 10 metres (30 feet) off their track bed, while huge fissures opened up in roads and houses were rocked off their foundations. New Zealand's official GeoNet said reconnaissance flights had noted between 80,0000 to 100,000 landslips. The devastation on land forced rescuers to turn to air and sea resources. The ships were due in Auckland this week for celebrations marking the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary but instead diverted to the disaster zone. "It's heartening to see overseas partners so willing to alter their plans and offer their assistance," Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said, adding that the international vessels were Canada's HMC Vancouver, Australia's HMAS Darwin and the US destroyer USS Sampson. A further three New Zealand warships are also involved and Wellington has accepted unspecified aid from Japan and Singapore. The Sampson is the first US warship to visit New Zealand waters in 33 years, ending a ban sparked by a Cold War-era diplomatic spat over Wellington's ban on nuclear-powered vessels. US Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to New Zealand on Sunday that its presence was a historic moment marking "the normalisation of our security cooperation". The 7.8 quake is the joint second strongest ever recorded in New Zealand. It stirred painful memories for residents of Christchurch, which was devastated five years ago by a 6.3 tremor that killed 185 people. The country is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. By Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY A Southwest Airlines employee was shot outside Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday and died after police closed the sprawling complex to search for his killer. Oklahoma City police identified the victim as Michael Winchester, 52. A hometown wasn't listed. The airline said it was helping police officers with their investigation. Police have not detained a suspect in the shooting. "It is with great sorrow that Southwest Airlines confirms that a Southwest Employee who was injured during a shooting incident today at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has died from injuries," the airline said in a statement. It said it would cancel flights out of the city for the remainder of the day even if the rest of the terminal reopens. Police and airport officials closed the complex after the 1 p.m. shooting and directed that people inside the terminal take shelter. At late afternoon, officers said the agency would begin moving people outside of the building, which handles between 7,000 and 8,000 passengers daily for Alaska, Delta, Southwest and United airlines. The airport is also a major transfer center for federal inmates, but its terminal is in a separate building. A jet carrying inmates to the transfer site was allowed to land while the rest of the airport was shuttered. Video from a television station helicopter showed what appeared to be a pool of blood near the bottom of a ramp leading from the airport's departure area. Two ambulances and a firetruck stood by. Oklahoma City Police Capt. Paco Balderrama initially said police had received reports of a possible second victim, but no one had been located by late afternoon. No other details of the shooting were immediately available. After the airport suspended operations, maps posted at the airport tracking website FlightAware showed that one plane was diverted to the Wiley Post Airport in the northwestern part of the city while two commercial flights from Chicago's O'Hare Airport were directed to Tulsa, about 100 miles away. "There are going to be some delays for flights until we have further information," airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said. She referred other questions to police. All streets were blocked off surrounding the airport and everyone should avoid the area, Balderrama said. Some people were allowed to leave the grounds after police checked their vehicles. Carney said that police believe the shooting was an isolated incident, but that precautionary measures were still appropriate. OKLAHOMA CITY A Southwest Airlines employee was shot outside Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport on Tuesday and died after police closed the sprawling complex to search for his killer. Oklahoma City police identified the victim as Michael Winchester, 52. A hometown wasn't listed. The airline said it was helping police officers with their investigation. Police have not detained a suspect in the shooting. "It is with great sorrow that Southwest Airlines confirms that a Southwest Employee who was injured during a shooting incident today at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has died from injuries," the airline said in a statement. It said it would cancel flights out of the city for the remainder of the day even if the rest of the terminal reopens. Police and airport officials closed the complex after the 1 p.m. shooting and directed that people inside the terminal take shelter. At late afternoon, officers said the agency would begin moving people outside of the building, which handles between 7,000 and 8,000 passengers daily for Alaska, Delta, Southwest and United airlines. The airport is also a major transfer center for federal inmates, but its terminal is in a separate building. A jet carrying inmates to the transfer site was allowed to land while the rest of the airport was shuttered. Video from a television station helicopter showed what appeared to be a pool of blood near the bottom of a ramp leading from the airport's departure area. Two ambulances and a firetruck stood by. Oklahoma City Police Capt. Paco Balderrama initially said police had received reports of a possible second victim, but no one had been located by late afternoon. No other details of the shooting were immediately available. After the airport suspended operations, maps posted at the airport tracking website FlightAware showed that one plane was diverted to the Wiley Post Airport in the northwestern part of the city while two commercial flights from Chicago's O'Hare Airport were directed to Tulsa, about 100 miles away. "There are going to be some delays for flights until we have further information," airport spokeswoman Karen Carney said. She referred other questions to police. All streets were blocked off surrounding the airport and everyone should avoid the area, Balderrama said. Some people were allowed to leave the grounds after police checked their vehicles. Carney said that police believe the shooting was an isolated incident, but that precautionary measures were still appropriate. By Express News Service COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has moved to curb communal hate speech by arresting and getting remanded two extremists, one a Sinhalese and the other a Muslim, on charges of making communally incendiary speeches in the capital earlier in the month. A Sinhalese man, Dan Priyasad, leader of Savior of Sinhalese was arrested and remanded till November 26. On Wednesday, police held Abdul Razik, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Tawheed Jamaath and had him remanded till November 29. On November 3, Thawheed Jamath's General Secretary Abdul Razik had publicly insulted Buddhism, and reprimanded the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, in filthy language on social media. On November 7, Dan Priyasad, had said publically at a pocket meeting in front of the Fort Railway station, that he will kill all Muslims, even using suicide bombers. Meanwhile, the Tamils are demanding action against a Batticaloa-based Buddhist monk, Ven.Ampitiya Sumanarathana Himi, for publicly scolding in filthy words a Tamil Grama Sewaka for filing cases against Sinhalese. The petty official stood in silence as the monk called him a Tiger and a dog and vowed to smash the rule of the Tamils and Muslims over Sri Lanka. A police officer who was on the spot silently watched the monk abuse the official. The video of the monks ranting went viral on the social media. The government is yet to take cognizance of the monk's behavior. Meanwhile, Muslim women have launched a signature campaign against the assault on two Muslim women by Islamic conservatives. Juwairiya, founder of the Muslim Women's Development Trust, Puttalam, and Nufitha, a victim of child marriage turned activist from Vallachenai, were threatened for speaking in favor of amending the iniquitous Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) of 1951 in a TV program. The two women had also made a representation to the human rights sub-committee of the Sri Lankan parliament on the need to amend the MMDA. A statement by Muslim women activists, which is going around for signatures of Muslims, says that abusive and anonymous phone calls are being made to the families of the two women activists asking them to ensure the safety of their wives, sisters and daughters. The callers demanded that the activists give up the campaign against the MMDA. We, as Muslims, have always condemned the use of violence, threats and intimidation. We stood united against such intimidation when used against members of our community by nationalist Buddhist groups, and will therefore not accept the use of such tactics by members of our own community. We continue to assert Islam is a peaceful religion, tolerant and accepting of diversity, and will resolve differences through peaceful means, the statement said. Womens groups have not suggested that Muslim Personal Laws be repealed. They only ask for reforms to protect the rights of women and girls. We recognise differing views within the community on the extent of reform, but there is broad acceptance that the law has to be reformed, the statement said. A run through of the endorsing signatures in the on-line statement shows that very few Muslim men have signed so far. COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has moved to curb communal hate speech by arresting and getting remanded two extremists, one a Sinhalese and the other a Muslim, on charges of making communally incendiary speeches in the capital earlier in the month. A Sinhalese man, Dan Priyasad, leader of Savior of Sinhalese was arrested and remanded till November 26. On Wednesday, police held Abdul Razik, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Tawheed Jamaath and had him remanded till November 29. On November 3, Thawheed Jamath's General Secretary Abdul Razik had publicly insulted Buddhism, and reprimanded the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, in filthy language on social media. On November 7, Dan Priyasad, had said publically at a pocket meeting in front of the Fort Railway station, that he will kill all Muslims, even using suicide bombers. Meanwhile, the Tamils are demanding action against a Batticaloa-based Buddhist monk, Ven.Ampitiya Sumanarathana Himi, for publicly scolding in filthy words a Tamil Grama Sewaka for filing cases against Sinhalese. The petty official stood in silence as the monk called him a Tiger and a dog and vowed to smash the rule of the Tamils and Muslims over Sri Lanka. A police officer who was on the spot silently watched the monk abuse the official. The video of the monks ranting went viral on the social media. The government is yet to take cognizance of the monk's behavior. Meanwhile, Muslim women have launched a signature campaign against the assault on two Muslim women by Islamic conservatives. Juwairiya, founder of the Muslim Women's Development Trust, Puttalam, and Nufitha, a victim of child marriage turned activist from Vallachenai, were threatened for speaking in favor of amending the iniquitous Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) of 1951 in a TV program. The two women had also made a representation to the human rights sub-committee of the Sri Lankan parliament on the need to amend the MMDA. A statement by Muslim women activists, which is going around for signatures of Muslims, says that abusive and anonymous phone calls are being made to the families of the two women activists asking them to ensure the safety of their wives, sisters and daughters. The callers demanded that the activists give up the campaign against the MMDA. We, as Muslims, have always condemned the use of violence, threats and intimidation. We stood united against such intimidation when used against members of our community by nationalist Buddhist groups, and will therefore not accept the use of such tactics by members of our own community. We continue to assert Islam is a peaceful religion, tolerant and accepting of diversity, and will resolve differences through peaceful means, the statement said. Womens groups have not suggested that Muslim Personal Laws be repealed. They only ask for reforms to protect the rights of women and girls. We recognise differing views within the community on the extent of reform, but there is broad acceptance that the law has to be reformed, the statement said. A run through of the endorsing signatures in the on-line statement shows that very few Muslim men have signed so far. By Express News Service COLOMBO: Sri Lankans, who travel to India in large numbers and frequently, are feeling the pinch after India demonetized 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes. Hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans are stuck with large amounts of Indian currency because they do not change the money while returning to the island from a visit to India. This is because many go back to India for repeat shopping or pilgrimage either to the Buddhist shrines in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh or to the Hindu temples in south India. Multiple visits are normal. The problem is huge with over 200,000 Sri Lankans visiting India every year with 120 flights a week connecting Colombo with nine Indian cities. Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims have been making frantic calls to Indian nationals in Sri Lanka and money changers and shop keepers of Indian origin in Colombos main market in Pettah, to find out how they can change the notes. And they are heartbroken when told that there is no way they can change them in Sri Lanka. The Indian banks with branches here like the State Bank of India, have also told them that the there is no way they can help in this matter. They are dismayed when told they should not be having Indian currency in the first place as it is not convertible. The only advice that money changers have been giving to their distraught clients is: take the money to India and get it exchanged in a bank or ask a friend to do that. But few consider this a practical option as the deadline of December 30 it too near. COLOMBO: Sri Lankans, who travel to India in large numbers and frequently, are feeling the pinch after India demonetized 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes. Hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans are stuck with large amounts of Indian currency because they do not change the money while returning to the island from a visit to India. This is because many go back to India for repeat shopping or pilgrimage either to the Buddhist shrines in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh or to the Hindu temples in south India. Multiple visits are normal. The problem is huge with over 200,000 Sri Lankans visiting India every year with 120 flights a week connecting Colombo with nine Indian cities. Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims have been making frantic calls to Indian nationals in Sri Lanka and money changers and shop keepers of Indian origin in Colombos main market in Pettah, to find out how they can change the notes. And they are heartbroken when told that there is no way they can change them in Sri Lanka. The Indian banks with branches here like the State Bank of India, have also told them that the there is no way they can help in this matter. They are dismayed when told they should not be having Indian currency in the first place as it is not convertible. The only advice that money changers have been giving to their distraught clients is: take the money to India and get it exchanged in a bank or ask a friend to do that. But few consider this a practical option as the deadline of December 30 it too near. Shafiq's name was placed under travel arrival watchlist during the regime of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi The decision to place Shafiq on the list was issued in late 2012 due to an investigation in corruption charges against him. The former prime minister was acquitted by court of all charges since. Shafiq headed Egypt's civil aviation ministry from 2002 to 2011. He was appointed prime minister by former president Hosni Mubarak in the immediate wake of the 2011 January uprising, but was forced to resign under public pressure in late February 2011. In June 2012, he narrowrely lost the final round of the presidential election to Islamist Mohamed Morsi, who was himself ousted in 2013. Since then, the 74-year-old resided in the UAE, citing "personal safety concerns." Search Keywords: Short link: By AFP ALEPPO: Syrian government and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held parts of northern Syria Wednesday, including battered second city Aleppo, where food aid rations were all-but-exhausted after months of regime siege. The renewed bombardment has killed at least 20 people, including nine children, in Aleppo alone in the last 24 hours, and sparked anger from the United States and United Nations. It comes as President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview that US president-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fights "terrorists". Damascus considers all those who oppose Assad's government to be "terrorists" like the Islamic State group, which Trump has said should be the focus of US involvement in Syria. Damascus and its ally Russia launched a wide-ranging assault on rebels on Tuesday, shattering a month of relative calm in the rebel-held east of devastated Aleppo. An AFP correspondent in the east reported heavy bombardment throughout the night and into the morning. And the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said at least 12 civilians, among them four children, had been killed in government air strikes and artillery fire in eastern Aleppo on Wednesday. That followed the deaths of at least eight civilians in the besieged opposition-held side of the city on Tuesday, the monitor said. The Observatory also reported ongoing strikes in Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, which is mostly controlled by a coalition of rebel groups including Al-Qaeda's former affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front. Food aid runs out in Aleppo The monitor said six people had been killed in strikes in the village of Kafr Jalis in Idlib on Tuesday night. "The shelling targeted innocent civilians in their homes in Kafr Jalis, and there is a lot of destruction," said Yahya Arja from the White Helmets civil defence in the province. "We worked through the night to lift the debris and remove the martyrs and surviving civilians, and now we're trying to remove the rubble blocking the roads," he told AFP. The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires. The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, expressing fear of moving into government-held territory. Food aid stockpiled in the east is all-but-exhausted, with international organisations and their local partners saying they were distributing the final rations in recent days. No aid has entered the eastern neighbourhoods since government troops surrounded it in mid-July. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people across the country since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Assad open to Trump alliance Assad ally Russia intervened in September last year in a bid to bolster the government, and on Tuesday announced warplanes taking off from its Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier had carried out their first sorties in the country. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces were launching a "major operation" in Idlib and central Hom province, targeting IS and Fateh al-Sham Front. But the bombardment has been criticised by both the UN and Washington, with the General Assembly's human rights committee voting overwhelmingly on Tuesday to condemn escalating attacks on civilians. Washington said it had received reports that the latest bombing raids had damaged civilian infrastructure in rebel areas. "We strongly condemn the resumption of air strikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters. "The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it's a violation of international law." Washington was an early backer of the uprising against Assad, and has supported the rebels fighting his government. But that could change under the next administration, with Assad telling Portugal's RTP state television on Tuesday that he welcomed president-elect Trump's campaign comments suggesting Washington's involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad said. Washington already leads an international coalition carrying out strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, but it does not coordinate with Damascus and Assad's government has condemned it as ineffective. ALEPPO: Syrian government and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held parts of northern Syria Wednesday, including battered second city Aleppo, where food aid rations were all-but-exhausted after months of regime siege. The renewed bombardment has killed at least 20 people, including nine children, in Aleppo alone in the last 24 hours, and sparked anger from the United States and United Nations. It comes as President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview that US president-elect Donald Trump could be a "natural ally" if he fights "terrorists". Damascus considers all those who oppose Assad's government to be "terrorists" like the Islamic State group, which Trump has said should be the focus of US involvement in Syria. Damascus and its ally Russia launched a wide-ranging assault on rebels on Tuesday, shattering a month of relative calm in the rebel-held east of devastated Aleppo. An AFP correspondent in the east reported heavy bombardment throughout the night and into the morning. And the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said at least 12 civilians, among them four children, had been killed in government air strikes and artillery fire in eastern Aleppo on Wednesday. That followed the deaths of at least eight civilians in the besieged opposition-held side of the city on Tuesday, the monitor said. The Observatory also reported ongoing strikes in Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, which is mostly controlled by a coalition of rebel groups including Al-Qaeda's former affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front. Food aid runs out in Aleppo The monitor said six people had been killed in strikes in the village of Kafr Jalis in Idlib on Tuesday night. "The shelling targeted innocent civilians in their homes in Kafr Jalis, and there is a lot of destruction," said Yahya Arja from the White Helmets civil defence in the province. "We worked through the night to lift the debris and remove the martyrs and surviving civilians, and now we're trying to remove the rubble blocking the roads," he told AFP. The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in eastern Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires. The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, expressing fear of moving into government-held territory. Food aid stockpiled in the east is all-but-exhausted, with international organisations and their local partners saying they were distributing the final rations in recent days. No aid has entered the eastern neighbourhoods since government troops surrounded it in mid-July. Once Syria's economic powerhouse, Aleppo has been ravaged by the war that has killed more than 300,000 people across the country since it started in March 2011 with anti-government protests. Assad open to Trump alliance Assad ally Russia intervened in September last year in a bid to bolster the government, and on Tuesday announced warplanes taking off from its Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier had carried out their first sorties in the country. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces were launching a "major operation" in Idlib and central Hom province, targeting IS and Fateh al-Sham Front. But the bombardment has been criticised by both the UN and Washington, with the General Assembly's human rights committee voting overwhelmingly on Tuesday to condemn escalating attacks on civilians. Washington said it had received reports that the latest bombing raids had damaged civilian infrastructure in rebel areas. "We strongly condemn the resumption of air strikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters. "The most recent reported attacks are on five hospitals and one mobile clinic in Syria. We believe it's a violation of international law." Washington was an early backer of the uprising against Assad, and has supported the rebels fighting his government. But that could change under the next administration, with Assad telling Portugal's RTP state television on Tuesday that he welcomed president-elect Trump's campaign comments suggesting Washington's involvement in Syria should be focused exclusively on fighting jihadists. "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," Assad said. Washington already leads an international coalition carrying out strikes against IS in Syria and Iraq, but it does not coordinate with Damascus and Assad's government has condemned it as ineffective. By Associated Press LAGOS: Thousands of children have died of starvation and disease in Boko Haram-ravaged northeastern Nigeria, Doctors Without Borders said Tuesday quoting a new survey that is forcing Nigerian officials to stop denying the crisis. The Paris-based organization hopes that official recognition of the calamity in which "thousands are dying" will help bring urgent aid before older children also start dying, Natalie Roberts, emergency program manager for northeast Nigeria, told The Associated Press. A survey of two refugee camps in the northeastern city of Maiduguri shows a quarter of the expected population of under-5 children is missing, assumed dead, according to the organization. Under-5 mortality rates in the camps are more than double the threshold for declaring an emergency, Roberts said in a phone interview from Paris. Speaking on her return from northeastern Borno state, the birthplace of Boko Haram's Islamic uprising, she said the absence of young children was striking. "We only saw older brothers and sisters. No toddlers are straddling their big sisters' hips. No babies strapped to their mums' backs. It's as if they have just vanished," Roberts said. Doctors Without Borders first sounded the alarm in June but senior officials of the National Emergency Management Agency managing the camps as late as September denied any child was suffering malnutrition and accused the doctors of exaggerating the crisis to attract donations. That was after The Associated Press published images of matchstick-thin children fighting for their lives at an intensive feeding center in Maiduguri, run by the France-based medical organization, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF. The crisis is aggravated by alleged theft of food aid by emergency management officials being investigated by Nigeria's senate. "The difference now is that our figures have been checked by the statistician general, and we have official recognition from the government that they believe this is happening," Roberts said. An estimated 75,000 children could die within a year because donors have provided only one-third of requested funding and twice as much, $1 billion, is needed for the rest of the year and into 2017, says the United Nations. A vital funding conference in Geneva next month could save the day, otherwise "it won't be long before we could be in the painful position of having to turn away sick and starving children," says the U.S.-based Save the Children. Some 2.6 million people including more than 1 million children have been driven from their homes by Nigeria's 7-year-old insurgency that has killed more than 20,000 people, left food-producing fields fallow, disrupted trade routes and destroyed wells, bridges and entire towns. President Muhammadu Buhari last month set up a presidential committee to coordinate aid and the rebuilding of the northeast, even as an end to the rainy season has brought a predictable upsurge in attacks on military outposts and urban suicide bombings by the Islamic extremists. Buhari and Nigeria's military have said aerial bombardments and a ground offensive that have forced the insurgents out of most towns has the extremists on the run. But aid agencies say they can barely venture outside Maiduguri for fear of attack and are using helicopters to reach dangerous areas. LAGOS: Thousands of children have died of starvation and disease in Boko Haram-ravaged northeastern Nigeria, Doctors Without Borders said Tuesday quoting a new survey that is forcing Nigerian officials to stop denying the crisis. The Paris-based organization hopes that official recognition of the calamity in which "thousands are dying" will help bring urgent aid before older children also start dying, Natalie Roberts, emergency program manager for northeast Nigeria, told The Associated Press. A survey of two refugee camps in the northeastern city of Maiduguri shows a quarter of the expected population of under-5 children is missing, assumed dead, according to the organization. Under-5 mortality rates in the camps are more than double the threshold for declaring an emergency, Roberts said in a phone interview from Paris. Speaking on her return from northeastern Borno state, the birthplace of Boko Haram's Islamic uprising, she said the absence of young children was striking. "We only saw older brothers and sisters. No toddlers are straddling their big sisters' hips. No babies strapped to their mums' backs. It's as if they have just vanished," Roberts said. Doctors Without Borders first sounded the alarm in June but senior officials of the National Emergency Management Agency managing the camps as late as September denied any child was suffering malnutrition and accused the doctors of exaggerating the crisis to attract donations. That was after The Associated Press published images of matchstick-thin children fighting for their lives at an intensive feeding center in Maiduguri, run by the France-based medical organization, also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF. The crisis is aggravated by alleged theft of food aid by emergency management officials being investigated by Nigeria's senate. "The difference now is that our figures have been checked by the statistician general, and we have official recognition from the government that they believe this is happening," Roberts said. An estimated 75,000 children could die within a year because donors have provided only one-third of requested funding and twice as much, $1 billion, is needed for the rest of the year and into 2017, says the United Nations. A vital funding conference in Geneva next month could save the day, otherwise "it won't be long before we could be in the painful position of having to turn away sick and starving children," says the U.S.-based Save the Children. Some 2.6 million people including more than 1 million children have been driven from their homes by Nigeria's 7-year-old insurgency that has killed more than 20,000 people, left food-producing fields fallow, disrupted trade routes and destroyed wells, bridges and entire towns. President Muhammadu Buhari last month set up a presidential committee to coordinate aid and the rebuilding of the northeast, even as an end to the rainy season has brought a predictable upsurge in attacks on military outposts and urban suicide bombings by the Islamic extremists. Buhari and Nigeria's military have said aerial bombardments and a ground offensive that have forced the insurgents out of most towns has the extremists on the run. But aid agencies say they can barely venture outside Maiduguri for fear of attack and are using helicopters to reach dangerous areas. By AFP HAVANA: Six weeks after Colombians shocked the world by rejecting a historic peace accord with the FARC rebels, negotiators have come back with a new deal. Will it work this time? "Implement this now," the government's chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, urged the country Tuesday, a day after version 2.0 was published. After four years of talks and a last-ditch return to the drawing board, "there's really no more room to negotiate," said De la Calle. But President Juan Manuel Santos, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, still faces a potentially huge obstacle in the form of his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe. The right-wing senator led the opposition to the first deal, arguing it was too soft on the Marxist guerrillas. He has yet to give his verdict on the revisions. Here are some points on how the new deal stacks up against the old one -- and whether it stands a better chance of ending a half-century conflict that has claimed more than 260,000 lives. New referendum? The defeat of the original deal in an October 2 referendum defied opinion polls, flew in the face of international backing and jeopardized Santos's legacy. Will he risk it all again? That's unclear. The new deal does not specify how it is to be ratified. That leaves open any number of possibilities, including another referendum or simply a vote in Congress, where Santos has a majority. More justice? Critics attacked the first deal as granting impunity to war criminals. The revisions seek to fend off that claim. But there will still be no jail time for those who confess. Special courts to try crimes linked to the conflict -- and give lenient alternative sentences -- originally had no expiration date. Now they will have jurisdiction for 10 years, with possible extensions to 15. A bill on reduced sentences will be sent to Congress, with a special section on leniency for soldiers and police -- a key opposition demand. For the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, crimes such as drug trafficking will only receive amnesty if the perpetrators "did not personally profit." FARC concessions? The FARC has agreed to publish its assets -- a sort of financial statement on the guerrilla enterprise funded by drug trafficking, illegal mining and ransom kidnappings. The money will be used to pay reparations to victims. The FARC will also list all its members, including allied militias. Rebels involved in drug trafficking are ordered to submit a report on their activities to help police investigate remaining cartels. Other changes? Whereas the original deal was to be written into the constitution, the revised version will simply hold sway for three presidential terms: 12 years. In another change, the government will use both carrots and sticks to tackle coca farming, which has fueled the conflict in the world's largest cocaine producer. Farmers will still be encouraged to switch to legal crops, but the government will not end US-backed aerial herbicide spraying -- despite dire health warnings. The edits also deleted explicit mention of "gender equality" and special treatment for sexual minorities, after an outcry from conservative religious groups. Will it work? The new 310-page deal revisits all but one of the 57 points that Uribe's camp had criticized. But the changes may not be sweeping enough for opponents. And the untouched item is a big one: rebels' right to run for elected office. The FARC will still get 10 automatic seats in Congress from 2018. "The changes are unlikely to please the opposition," said Maria Luisa Puig, an analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy. She predicted Santos would skip a potentially fatal second referendum. But that "will raise doubts about (the deal's) political viability and the implementation process," she said in a note. Some experts sounded more optimistic. "There will be criticism, but not enough to block implementation," said Angelika Rettberg of Los Andes University in Bogota. HAVANA: Six weeks after Colombians shocked the world by rejecting a historic peace accord with the FARC rebels, negotiators have come back with a new deal. Will it work this time? "Implement this now," the government's chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, urged the country Tuesday, a day after version 2.0 was published. After four years of talks and a last-ditch return to the drawing board, "there's really no more room to negotiate," said De la Calle. But President Juan Manuel Santos, who won this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, still faces a potentially huge obstacle in the form of his predecessor, Alvaro Uribe. The right-wing senator led the opposition to the first deal, arguing it was too soft on the Marxist guerrillas. He has yet to give his verdict on the revisions. Here are some points on how the new deal stacks up against the old one -- and whether it stands a better chance of ending a half-century conflict that has claimed more than 260,000 lives. New referendum? The defeat of the original deal in an October 2 referendum defied opinion polls, flew in the face of international backing and jeopardized Santos's legacy. Will he risk it all again? That's unclear. The new deal does not specify how it is to be ratified. That leaves open any number of possibilities, including another referendum or simply a vote in Congress, where Santos has a majority. More justice? Critics attacked the first deal as granting impunity to war criminals. The revisions seek to fend off that claim. But there will still be no jail time for those who confess. Special courts to try crimes linked to the conflict -- and give lenient alternative sentences -- originally had no expiration date. Now they will have jurisdiction for 10 years, with possible extensions to 15. A bill on reduced sentences will be sent to Congress, with a special section on leniency for soldiers and police -- a key opposition demand. For the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels, crimes such as drug trafficking will only receive amnesty if the perpetrators "did not personally profit." FARC concessions? The FARC has agreed to publish its assets -- a sort of financial statement on the guerrilla enterprise funded by drug trafficking, illegal mining and ransom kidnappings. The money will be used to pay reparations to victims. The FARC will also list all its members, including allied militias. Rebels involved in drug trafficking are ordered to submit a report on their activities to help police investigate remaining cartels. Other changes? Whereas the original deal was to be written into the constitution, the revised version will simply hold sway for three presidential terms: 12 years. In another change, the government will use both carrots and sticks to tackle coca farming, which has fueled the conflict in the world's largest cocaine producer. Farmers will still be encouraged to switch to legal crops, but the government will not end US-backed aerial herbicide spraying -- despite dire health warnings. The edits also deleted explicit mention of "gender equality" and special treatment for sexual minorities, after an outcry from conservative religious groups. Will it work? The new 310-page deal revisits all but one of the 57 points that Uribe's camp had criticized. But the changes may not be sweeping enough for opponents. And the untouched item is a big one: rebels' right to run for elected office. The FARC will still get 10 automatic seats in Congress from 2018. "The changes are unlikely to please the opposition," said Maria Luisa Puig, an analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy. She predicted Santos would skip a potentially fatal second referendum. But that "will raise doubts about (the deal's) political viability and the implementation process," she said in a note. Some experts sounded more optimistic. "There will be criticism, but not enough to block implementation," said Angelika Rettberg of Los Andes University in Bogota. By Associated Press BEIRUT Bombs rained down on rebel-held eastern Aleppo for a second straight day Wednesday, pounding a district that houses several medical facilities, including the central blood bank, and forcing Syrian staff and patients in the only remaining pediatric hospital to cower in a basement as buildings collapsed around them. At least 54 people were killed in airstrikes and artillery shelling across northern Syria, part of a long-anticipated offensive against rebel-held areas announced by Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The bombardment hit in besieged neighborhoods of Aleppo, as well as the surrounding countryside and the nearby rebel-held province of Idlib. Russia said its air raids were only targeting Idlib and the central province of Homs to root out militants of the Islamic State group and Syria's al-Qaida affiliate. But Syrian warplanes were pounding rebel-held districts of Aleppo, home to nearly 275,000 people. Residents said the aerial campaign intensified Wednesday. Syria's Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, recorded at least 150 raids, more than double the number of attacks on Aleppo on Tuesday. Resident Modar Shekho said warplanes hadn't left the skies over his neighborhood since 9 a.m. "The helicopters would leave and the jets would arrive," he said by telephone, adding that the helicopters were dropping seven or eight "barrel bombs" at a time "causing a lot of destruction." The head of the only pediatric hospital still in service in eastern Aleppo described taking shelter in a basement with some 50 young patients and staff for more than two hours as the crude unguided explosive- and shrapnel-laden bombs and other missiles fell around them. "It was frightening," said Dr. Hatem, who gave only his first name out of fear for the security of family members living in government-controlled areas. He said he counted more than 20 missiles falling, and a number of nearby buildings were destroyed. When he and the others emerged, he said they found missiles had landed in the hospital's courtyard, hit the main door and stairs. The hospital's operating rooms, incubators and other equipment were moved underground four months earlier because of repeated aerial bombings of the city. "We have no other way to reinforce the hospital. We see barrel bombs bringing down whole buildings," he told The Associated Press by telephone. "We don't really have many options." Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports several hospitals in opposition areas in Syria, said it appeared the government was focusing its fire on Aleppo's medical infrastructure, including the central blood bank, which was also hit. There are only five functioning trauma facilities left in eastern Aleppo, he said. The managing director of the blood bank, Ahmad Eid, said the damage was mainly to the facility's exterior and reception area. The driver was slightly injured, but the stored blood was not affected, he said. "This was directly targeting the medical quarter. It is a very vital area," Eid said. The Independent Doctors Association, a Syrian group which supports the children's hospital and the blood bank, decried the lack of protection of civilians as the conflict rages. "Aleppo has been under siege since July and the escalating bombardment on the eastern part of the city has rendered the medical mission nearly impossible," the group said in a statement. Medical facilities have repeatedly come under attack in the conflict. The World Health Organization said it has documented with its partners 126 attacks on medical facilities across the country this year, including five hospitals that were struck in Aleppo and Idlib between Sunday and Tuesday alone. Months of negotiations between Moscow and the Obama administration have failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between Assad and rebels fighting to topple him. Al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo. The Russian declaration of the offensive came hours after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria in a phone call and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy "international terrorism and extremism." In an interview broadcast Tuesday with Portugal's state-run RTP television, Assad accused armed groups he called "terrorists" of occupying eastern Aleppo and refusing government offers to evacuate. He said his mission was to liberate civilians. Assad also identified president-elect Trump as a possible "natural ally," if he turned out to be "genuine" about his commitment to fight terror in Syria. Trump has indicated he would prioritize defeating the Islamic State group in Syria over regime change, saying the rebels could be "worse" than the sitting president. A strict blockade of rebel-held areas of Aleppo has been enforced since July, and talks to allow in food and medical supplies have failed. The U.N. warned last week that food rations inside Aleppo's rebel-held districts could be depleted by the end of this week. In a sign of the rising desperation, a local Aleppo official said riots broke out outside a warehouse storing grain and other food on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to clashes that left one person dead. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear for his safety, said the rioters stormed and emptied the warehouse. A resident of the area confirmed the warehouse was robbed. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said airstrikes in Aleppo killed at least 24 people, including six children. At least one paramedic was among the dead, according to the Syrian Civil Defense. In northern Idlib province, airstrikes hit near a school in al-Habeet, killing two children from the same family, the Observatory said. Another seven were killed elsewhere in Idlib. Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory's director, said the airstrikes in Idlib were believed to be Russian. In rural Aleppo, airstrikes in the village of Batbo killed at least 21, including eight women and three children, many from the same families, when they hit traditional mud houses. It was not clear who was behind those airstrikes. BEIRUT Bombs rained down on rebel-held eastern Aleppo for a second straight day Wednesday, pounding a district that houses several medical facilities, including the central blood bank, and forcing Syrian staff and patients in the only remaining pediatric hospital to cower in a basement as buildings collapsed around them. At least 54 people were killed in airstrikes and artillery shelling across northern Syria, part of a long-anticipated offensive against rebel-held areas announced by Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The bombardment hit in besieged neighborhoods of Aleppo, as well as the surrounding countryside and the nearby rebel-held province of Idlib. Russia said its air raids were only targeting Idlib and the central province of Homs to root out militants of the Islamic State group and Syria's al-Qaida affiliate. But Syrian warplanes were pounding rebel-held districts of Aleppo, home to nearly 275,000 people. Residents said the aerial campaign intensified Wednesday. Syria's Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, recorded at least 150 raids, more than double the number of attacks on Aleppo on Tuesday. Resident Modar Shekho said warplanes hadn't left the skies over his neighborhood since 9 a.m. "The helicopters would leave and the jets would arrive," he said by telephone, adding that the helicopters were dropping seven or eight "barrel bombs" at a time "causing a lot of destruction." The head of the only pediatric hospital still in service in eastern Aleppo described taking shelter in a basement with some 50 young patients and staff for more than two hours as the crude unguided explosive- and shrapnel-laden bombs and other missiles fell around them. "It was frightening," said Dr. Hatem, who gave only his first name out of fear for the security of family members living in government-controlled areas. He said he counted more than 20 missiles falling, and a number of nearby buildings were destroyed. When he and the others emerged, he said they found missiles had landed in the hospital's courtyard, hit the main door and stairs. The hospital's operating rooms, incubators and other equipment were moved underground four months earlier because of repeated aerial bombings of the city. "We have no other way to reinforce the hospital. We see barrel bombs bringing down whole buildings," he told The Associated Press by telephone. "We don't really have many options." Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports several hospitals in opposition areas in Syria, said it appeared the government was focusing its fire on Aleppo's medical infrastructure, including the central blood bank, which was also hit. There are only five functioning trauma facilities left in eastern Aleppo, he said. The managing director of the blood bank, Ahmad Eid, said the damage was mainly to the facility's exterior and reception area. The driver was slightly injured, but the stored blood was not affected, he said. "This was directly targeting the medical quarter. It is a very vital area," Eid said. The Independent Doctors Association, a Syrian group which supports the children's hospital and the blood bank, decried the lack of protection of civilians as the conflict rages. "Aleppo has been under siege since July and the escalating bombardment on the eastern part of the city has rendered the medical mission nearly impossible," the group said in a statement. Medical facilities have repeatedly come under attack in the conflict. The World Health Organization said it has documented with its partners 126 attacks on medical facilities across the country this year, including five hospitals that were struck in Aleppo and Idlib between Sunday and Tuesday alone. Months of negotiations between Moscow and the Obama administration have failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between Assad and rebels fighting to topple him. Al-Qaida's Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo. The Russian declaration of the offensive came hours after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria in a phone call and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy "international terrorism and extremism." In an interview broadcast Tuesday with Portugal's state-run RTP television, Assad accused armed groups he called "terrorists" of occupying eastern Aleppo and refusing government offers to evacuate. He said his mission was to liberate civilians. Assad also identified president-elect Trump as a possible "natural ally," if he turned out to be "genuine" about his commitment to fight terror in Syria. Trump has indicated he would prioritize defeating the Islamic State group in Syria over regime change, saying the rebels could be "worse" than the sitting president. A strict blockade of rebel-held areas of Aleppo has been enforced since July, and talks to allow in food and medical supplies have failed. The U.N. warned last week that food rations inside Aleppo's rebel-held districts could be depleted by the end of this week. In a sign of the rising desperation, a local Aleppo official said riots broke out outside a warehouse storing grain and other food on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to clashes that left one person dead. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear for his safety, said the rioters stormed and emptied the warehouse. A resident of the area confirmed the warehouse was robbed. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said airstrikes in Aleppo killed at least 24 people, including six children. At least one paramedic was among the dead, according to the Syrian Civil Defense. In northern Idlib province, airstrikes hit near a school in al-Habeet, killing two children from the same family, the Observatory said. Another seven were killed elsewhere in Idlib. Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory's director, said the airstrikes in Idlib were believed to be Russian. In rural Aleppo, airstrikes in the village of Batbo killed at least 21, including eight women and three children, many from the same families, when they hit traditional mud houses. It was not clear who was behind those airstrikes. Early November, the army announced it would distribute 8 million food boxes at reduced prices nationwide in a bid to help citizens survive current economic hardships Egypts Armed Forces have distributed one million food boxes to citizens in Upper Egypt and Sinai, the military spokesman said on Wednesday. In a statement on its official Facebook page, the army's spokesman said that the distribution of food supplies came under the directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in coordination with the ministry of supply. "The army had distributed one million food boxes last week in different governorates and now it has distributed eight out of the eight million food boxes that were prepared to be sold to citizens at a reduced price of EGP 25, nearly half of its actual cost," the statement added. Earlier this month, the Egyptian army announced it would deliver eight million food boxes, the largest quantity of food supplied by the govrnment to date at reduced prices nationwide in a bid to help citizens survive current economic hardships. The move is aimed at "easing the burden on citizens and helping to create a decent life for them," the army's statement said. Each box contains basic goods such as packs of sugar of which the county has been facing a supply shortage since last month rice, beans, margarine, tea and tomato sauce. Egyptians have suffered from soaring food prices in recent months amid a foreign currency crisis. Search Keywords: Short link: The law would require permits for field work and surveys; bars any NGO'work of a political nature'; sets 1 to 5-year jail terms and hefty fines for violators; MPs say law strengthens not restrict civil society groups Egypt's parliament approved a new NGO law Tuesday to regulate the work of civil society organisations, despite criticism from rights groups condemning some of its articles. The 89-article law was drafted by the chairman of parliament's social solidarity committee, Abdel-Hadi El-Qasabi, and 203 other MPs. Forty articles of the law were approved by the house after discussions on Monday and Tuesday. The bill will now be referred to the State Council for a review on its constitutional consistency before returning to parliament for a final vote. Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal said that parliament welcomes any comments from the cabinet on the new law. The current law regulating the work of NGOs, Law 84 of 2002, will be retired once a new law is ratified by the president A version of the new bill was recently leaked to the press, and has since been widely criticised by human rights organisations. Articles in the new law The law mandates in its third article that all NGOs should make adjustments to legalise their staus within six months of the issuing of the law by submitting all data on financing sources, activities, protocols, and programmes to the government, and should amend their operations to abide by the new law. The operations of NGOs should be compatible with executive bylaws that will be issued later, and must not "disrupt national security, public order and decency." Article 13 prohibits NGOs from working in areas that fall within the domain of syndicates, political parties. The article bans NGOs from involvement in any work of a political nature. Article 14 forbids NGOs from conducting fieldwork or public opinion surveys without permission, and also forbids NGOs from publishing surveys without permission. Article 70 stipulates that a national body would be established to regulate the work of foreign NGOs and their methods of cooperation with Egyptian governmental and non-governmental organisations. The body will include representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, justice, interior and defence, the general intelligence apparatus, and the central bank. Article 87 sets one year to five year prison sentences, and fines of EGP 50,000 to EGP 1 million, for violating the law's articles. Wide criticism A statement signed by 22 NGOs and 6 political parties Tuesday crticised the law, saying it would end civil society by putting it under the control of government and security bodies. The statement described the law as more oppressive than an alternative draft of a new NGO law prepared by the cabinet, which they also rejected. The alternative cabinet-sponsored draft has been submitted to parliament but has not been scheduled for debate. The statement charged that the law violates the Egyptian constitution and Egypt's commitment to international conventions. The signatories rejected the creation a national body to regulate the work of foreign NGOs threatens their right to function since the new body would have the right to reject NGOs applications and permit requests, even after a lengthy waiting period of 60 days. The statement also attacked the law for putting in place penalties of jail sentences and hefty fines for violations. The new law represents "[the latest in a series] of hostile moves against civil society," which began with the 2011 foreign funding case. The Ministry of Justice had accused several NGOs in late 2011 of illegally receiving funds from foreign governments and institutions. In June 2013, a Cairo criminal court sentenced 32 NGO workers - many foreign - to 2-5 years in jail, and also handed a suspendend sentence of one year in jail to 11 others. The court also ordered the dissolution of several foreign NGOs including the American Republican Institute, the American Democratic Institute, and the American Feedom House. However, 17 foreign NGO workers - among thse convicted in 2013 - had been allowed to leave the country in March 2012. In 2016, the government reopened the 2011 case and proceeded to prosecute a number of Egyptian NGOs and their staff. Those currently facing trial in the 2011 foreign funding case include the NGO Nazra for Feminist Studies and its founder Mozn Hassan. Also under investigation is renowned rights activist Hossam Bahgat, a journalist and founder of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), and Gamal Eid, a lawyer and founder of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), who have been banned from travel, had their assets frozen, been charged with receiving foreign funds illegally, and running offices for international organisations without permission. In April, an Egyptian administrative court ruled that non-governmental organisations have the right to receive foreign funding. "Both the laws of 1964 and 2002, which suppressed rights, look better than the new law," Magda Adly, director of El-Nadeem Centre for Rehabilitation of Violence and Torture Victims, told Ahram Online. "The new law renders the NGOs an appendix of the government; it transforms NGOs into governmental organisations since it forces non-governmental organisations to work according to the government agenda, added Adly. Adly said she also rejects the establishment of a national supervisory body that includes representatives of security institutions, which she charges would control the work of both Egyptian and foreign NGOs. She also criticised the articles of the new law that impose jail sentences on alleged violators. "The new law prohibits research and publishing, and it contains broad terms such as national security and the public system," which will be difficult to define, Adly argued. The law, according to Adly, not only restrict the work of rights organisations which might be critical of the government actions, but also harms charity organisations and leaves no space for independent civil society. "They are planning to end NGOs in Egypt. It is a series of actions against civil society that have included freezing the bank accounts of NGOs, putting NGO activists on trial, and banning others from travel. I wonder why they dont appoint an [police] officer to run every NGO instead of all that?" she said. George Ishak, a member of the semi-governmental National Council for Human rights, told Ahram Online that, "We (the NHCR) were waiting for a new law to regulate NGOs, we were partners in the draft with the government and we had many meetings and workshops, and observations on that draft, but we approved it. But suddenly MP Abdel Hady El-Qassaby rushed a new law through and threw all these efforts away. "If this law is issued we will file a case against it for being unconstitutional," Isaak said. Ishak added that the NCHR did not receive a draft of the new law, charging that the reason for this is that "we now live in a secret state. Parliament bill vs cabinet bill Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Magdi El-Agati Minister and Social Solidarity Ghada Wali had asked parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal on Monday to postpone the vote on the legislatures draft NGO law until parliament can look into a cabinet proposal. El-Agati said a government-drafted NGO law was approved by the cabinet at the end of October and referred to parliament on 2 November. "Although MPs have legislative authority, I urge you to wait until the government draft is also discussed," said El-Agati to parliamentarian reporters. MP Ali Badr told Ahram Online that the government draft had only been received two days before a scheduled debate on the parliament bill. "it is the legislative right of the MPs to draft a law, and what happened is that MP El-Qasaby submitted the draft which was approved by 203 other members, and it was scheduled to be discussed. Then, we were surprised to see, 48 hours before the draft's discussion, that the government was submitting another law." "There is no contradiction between the drafts; the government and NGOs are welcome to make all their comments. We have already held many meetings with NGOs and the parliamentary committees on human rights and social solidarity, and there was consensus. This is clear from the MPs unanimous approval of the law in Mondays discussion," added Badr. Badr stressed the new law does not restrict the work of NGOs, saying it actually aims at the strengthening of civil society." "We are not rushing anything; we are still in the phase of discussions and the sessions are public. A version of the law is available in parliament or on the official parliament website for everyone to read and give us comments," the MP said. Ahram Online was not able to locate a copy of the approved law on the parliament's official website, although the text was published by media outlets. Search Keywords: Short link: The 21-years-old activist served six months in prison for 'insulting the judiciary' Egyptian activist Sanaa Seif was released from prison late Tuesday in Cairo after serving a six-month sentence for "insulting the judiciary." The activist was released from El-Siyada Zeinab police station in Cairo late Tuesday. Last May this year, Seif was referred to trial and convicted for insulting the judiciary after she refused to cooperate with the prosecution during her questioning on accusations of inciting protests and distributing posters in April against the Egyptian-Saudi maritime border demarcation deal. The 21-year old rights' activist surrendered herself to the authorities in May to serve the jail sentence, and refused to appeal the court verdict saying she no longer has confidence in the judicial system. Seif is the daughter of late human rights lawyer Ahmed Seif El-Islam; her sister Mona is also a human rights activist, and her brother is well-known blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is serving a jail sentence for protesting illegally. In 2014, Sanaa Seif was sentenced to three years in prison for illegally demonstrating against the 2013 controversial Protest Law. She served 15 months of her jail term before receiving a presidential pardon in September 2015. Search Keywords: Short link: The FM is expected to meet with parliament speaker Nabih Berri and newly appointed Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri later on Wednesday Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry met on Wednesday in Beirut with the newly elected Lebanese President Michel Aoun. Shoukri extended an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Aoun to visit Egypt, the foreign ministry announced in a statement. The Egyptian FM conveyed a message of solidarity from Egypt's president, saying that "Lebanon has an important position in the Arab world and plays a vital role in maintaining joint Arab interests." After the meeting, Shoukri told reporters that "Egypt is seeking to open communication with Lebanon's official institutions for a deep dialogue and to build a strong relationship to achieve their common goals." Shoukry is scheduled to meet with Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri and newly appointed Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri later on Wednesday as part of his two-day visit. The FM arrived in Beirut on Tuesday evening to reaffirm Egypt's support to the 1 November election of President Aoun, which put an end to an over two-year political vacuum. El-Sisi had congratulated his new Lebanese counterpart in a phone call following the election. During the call, the new Lebanese president said that he looked forward to enhancing bilateral cooperation in all fields, adding that Egypt represents a major pillar of the security and stability in the Arab world. For two years prior to Aoun's election, Lebanon's political forces failed to reach a consensus on choosing a new president after the end of Michael Suleiman's term in May 2014. Search Keywords: Short link: Kenya has exempted pre-obtained entry visas for Egyptians looking to visit the country, the vice president of Kenya William Ruto announced during a visit to Cairo. Ruto said at a press conference that Egyptians can now obtain their visas to the fellow African country upon arrival in Kenya. Rutos visit came at the behest of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, where the vice president discussed bolstering the relationship between Egypt and Kenya in meetings with Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. The Kenyan official expressed to El-Sisi Kenyas appreciation of the technical support that Egypt provides in terms of human resources training as well as the importance of continued work between African nations in different fields. El-Sisi expressed his regards for his Kenyan counterpart and stressed Egypts keenness on strengthening work in different fields with all African countries and Nile basin countries in particular, especially in projects related to infrastructure to accomplish mutual interests. He also stressed the importance of trade agreements between Egypt and Kenya, which are estimated at $568 million. We hope that this number increases due to the nature of our special relations, the Kenyan vice president said. The Kenyan official also met with Egypts Prime Minister Sherif Ismail to discuss issues related to security and peace as well as cooperation between both countries in combating extremism and terrorism. Search Keywords: Short link: Cairo ready to host and sponsor a national dialogue between different Palestinian political forces, Egypts general intelligence chief told a Palestinian Islamic Jihad delegation on Wednesday during a Cairo meeting. On Wednesday, Egypts general intelligence chief Khaled Fawzy received in a Cairo meeting the leading Palestinian Islamist organisations secretary general Ramadan Challah. According to state-owned MENA agency, both sides discussed developments related to the Palestinian cause, where Challah updated Fawzy on the organisations efforts and suggestions for a Palestinian reconciliation. Fawzy said the Palestinian cause remains a priority for Egyptian foreign policy, stressing on Egypts keenness on the unity of Palestinian forces, as well as its support to all efforts related to achieving the independence of the Palestinian people. The Egyptian official mentioned the opening of the Rafah border with Gaza for humanitarian relief and said that there will be further efforts undertaken by the Egyptian side. On Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the opening of the border crossing for four days; from Monday till Friday. The Rafah crossing is the only way for the 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza who have been living under Israeli siege since 2006 to enter and exit the strip. Challah and his accompanying delegation talked of the circumstances that the Palestinians were facing in Gaza strip and what the occupation forces were doing in terms of oppressive policies and procedures. The delegation praised Egypts role in working towards Palestinian unity, welcoming Egypts decision on the opening of the border crossing. The Palestinian officials also called on the opening of the crossing on a permanent basis to lessen the suffering of the Palestinian people. Cairo has upgraded its relationships with the Islamic Jihad movement, a competitor of Hamas, since the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip in 2014. Cairo mediated a ceasefire at the time between Israel and the Palestinians through direct talks with Islamic Jihad, and not Hamas. Last May, a delegation from the Islamist organisation conducted talks with Egyptian general intelligence officials on reconciliation efforts among various rival Palestinian factions. A general conference of all factions was to be held in Cairo within a month of the May visit to announce the completion of reconciliation talks between all three movements, yet it was never held. Relations between Fatah and Hamas, the two leading Palestinian factions, have been strained since the two groups faced off in violent clashes in Gaza in 2005 following Hamas' victory in Palestinian general elections the same year. Since then, the Islamist Hamas has ruled the Gaza Strip, while Fatah, which is backed by various Arab and Western governments, has controlled the occupied West Bank. Israel has maintained an air-sea-ground siege of the Gaza Strip since 2006 to isolate Hamas. Cairo has maintained an affirmative sponsorship of the peace process, with President El-Sisi making a call in early May calling for Palestinian reconciliation. El-Sisi addressed Israeli and Palestinian leaders, stressing that peace, prosperity and cooperation would only take place if both parties are able to reach a two-state solution. The address was welcomed by Israel, Fatah and Hamas. Search Keywords: Short link: On the first day of their visit, the Royal Couple will attend Belgian-Dutch Innovative Entrepreneurs & Finance Conference and in the evening, a state banquet will be held. On the 2nd day, Queen Mathilde and Queen Maxima will visit Cobra Museum. There is a concert programme in the evening. On the last day of the state visit, there are a series of visits including visits to Universities, relating to subjects like digital innovation, sustainable development and Research-Development. 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." US President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to hold a face-to-face meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the UN spokesman said Wednesday. "They agreed to meet," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told AFP, adding that no firm date is set for the talks. Search Keywords: Short link: Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Just as with plants, germs are segregated into a variety of categories, known as families. The Mycobacteriaceae family represents one family of bacteria. Several species exist in the Mycobacteriaceae family but only certain species, known as pathogenic Mycobacteriaceae, can lead to the onset of human disease. Other species, termed saprophytic Mycobacteriaceae, do not lead to the onset of human disease or illness. Nontuberculous mycobacteria, also known as NTM, are representative of Mycobacteriaceae species that can lead to human illness, but which are not the causative agents of tuberculosis. Such types of NTM are present naturally in the soil and in the air. A) Neck and chest of a 53-year-old woman (case-patient 1) 14 days after fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. B) Neck of the patient after 5 months of multidrug therapy and pulsed dye laser treatment. Image Credit: CDC Most Common NTM Among the more common nontuberculosis mycobacteria that must be therapeutically addressed are M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. abscessus, M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. terrae, M. xenopi, and M. simiae. One well known mycobacterium M. leprae is the cause of leprosy. NTM Onset In the United States, on an annual basis, approximately 2 out of 100,000 people will become infected by NTM. A person can become infected with NTM of the lung when they breathe in mycobacteria from the air around them. But not everyone, in actuality, who takes in air will fall sick. Yet those that do are very susceptible to a slowly advancing illness that eventually can cause great or irreparable harm and damage. Scientists have found it difficult to determine any actual method of disease transmission in humans. Person-to-person transmission does not occur all of the time, as with tuberculosis. People do not become infected directly from animals either, although indirect infection, such as from sharing drinking water, is possible. Based on the manner in which NTM exist in the environment, infected people most often will have consumed or inhaled the bacteria. Whilst the exact route of NTM infection has not yet been established, the environmental distribution of NTM suggests that the ingestion or inhalation of the organism can result in infection. NTM can cause problems in patients once the bacteria reach the lungs and pulmonary system. In most people, the lungs rid themselves of the bacteria. Yet in others, NTM can infect the pulmonary system, including the lungs, resulting in illness. Essentially, this infection leads to the development of an inflamed respiratory system. Symptoms and Diagnosis Older adults are more commonly afflicted than those younger, although the condition can affect anyone at any time. Improper treatment of patients can result in progressive lung infection, symptoms of which could include exhaustion, weight loss, and chronic coughing, and which would require continuous therapy. A long course of therapy with several drug combinations is often needed to cure the illness. Although NTM infections of the lungs seldom are the direct cause of death, they can significantly negatively affect ones quality of life. Diagnosis may involve: Taking a medical history of the patient. Imaging the chest-lung area with a CAT scan. Culturing the sputum of the lungs. Scoping the airway. Epidemiology Many believe that over the last 30 years there has been a steady growth in the occurrence of NTM and that it has become more widespread. Part of this disease evolution could be the result of greater awareness, an increase in prevalence, as well as optimized culturing methodologies. But trying to precisely characterize the incidence and prevalence of NTM infection is not an easy task. Isolating the bacteria does not necessarily mean that a person is infected. Moreover, it is not necessary to report the existence of NTM infections. This can impede a full appreciation of the diseases patterns, causes, and impact on a populations health. Additionally, worldwide NTM prevalence may not be understood since for the most part, epidemiologic information is sourced in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Researchers have identified a new pathway and with it a protein, BRD4, necessary for breast cancer cells to spread. The findings, which appear in the journal Cancer Research, may provide a new target to suppress breast cancer metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the worst subgroup of breast cancer. It is highly aggressive and responds poorly to the current therapeutic tools resulting in a dismal prognosis for patients. Furthermore, the lack of identified targets has limited the development of new drug strategies. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) used breast cancer cell lines that present the clinical characteristics of an aggressive breast cancer subtype (clinically described as a triple-negative breast cancer). They then used an experimental design to model cancer cell metastasis. By suppressing the expression of the protein BRD4 in these cell lines, they observed that their dissemination capabilities were blocked, indicating that BRD4 drives breast cancer dissemination. In addition, they conducted a screening analysis of human breast tumors and found that tumors with a high expression of BRD4 were more likely to metastasize. "The current treatment options for a triple-negative cancer are unacceptably limited. It is crucial to identify new therapeutic targets to tackle challenging cancer types, including triple negative breast cancer. BDR4 targeting represents an innovative strategy to ablate breast cancer metastasis," explained lead investigator Guillaume Andrieu, PhD, a post-doctoral research associate at Boston University School of Medicine. Although obesity per se is not thought of as a carcinogen, the abnormal, inflamed microenvironments found in obesity are critical for progression, invasion and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer. "Bromodomain and ExtraTerminal domain (BET) proteins, which include BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4, are known to regulate production of inflammatory mediators. Our study proposes that BRD4 couples inflammation to breast cancer dissemination. Thus, small molecules that block BET proteins possess anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful for therapy," he added. Although these findings primarily focus on breast cancer and metastasis, the researchers plan to expand their results to the treatment of prostate cancer, which they believe has similar pathways involved in its metastasis. The violent and sexual media you consume during the day may infiltrate your dreams at night, new research suggests. People who reported consuming violent media within 90 minutes of bedtime were 13 times more likely to have a violent dream that night, the study found. Those viewing sexual media were six times more likely to have a sex-related dream. The study of more than 1,000 Turkish residents also found that the more violent media content they reported consuming on a regular basis, the more often they said they had violent dreams in general. The same link was found between sexual media content and sexual dreams, although the connection wasn't as strong. "The media we consume can have an impact on us even when we're sleeping," said Brad Bushman, co-author of the study and professor of communication and psychology at The Ohio State University. "We knew our violent and sexual media consumption had an impact on our waking lives. Now we have evidence of how it may influence our dreams." The study is published online in the journal Dreaming. Bushman conducted the study with Jan Van den Bulck, a professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan; and Yakup Cetin of Fatih University and Omer Terzi of Yildiz Technical University, both in Turkey. The study involved 1,287 people aged 10 to 60 who completed a survey about their media consumption and their dreams. About half the sample were students at schools in Istanbul. The remainder were adults recruited from social networking sites that discussed media. All participants were asked whether they had viewed any violent or sexual media content within 90 minutes of going to bed the night before the study, and whether they had any violent or sexual dreams that night. Slightly less than half of participants (45 percent) reported consuming violent media before bed that night, whereas slightly less than one-quarter reported exposure to sexual media content. Whether they had consumed violent or sexual media content was not associated with whether they dreamed that night, findings showed. But the fact that violent and sexual media use was related to a huge increase in related dreams showed the power media may have on our sleeping lives, Bushman said. "The magnitude of the increase in violent and sexual dreams linked to media consumption was surprising," he said. The study also aimed to examine how overall media use was linked to dream content. Participants were asked the number of hours they spent consuming media (including TV, internet, DVDs, movies, video games and music) on any devices on weekdays and on weekends. Next, they were asked to rate whether the media they consumed contained violence and whether it contained sex on a scale of 1 (never) to 5 (always). They were then asked whether they dreamed and whether their dreams included violent content and sexual content. Again, they rated how often on a scale of 1 to 5. Overall, 67 percent of participants said they dreamed at least sometimes. More than 80 percent of participants said they were exposed to violent media content at least sometimes, whereas about half said they were exposed to sexual media content at least sometimes. About 80 percent of those surveyed said they had violent dreams sometimes, whereas slightly less than half said they had sexual dreams sometimes. The researchers found that overall media use was a significant predictor of more frequent dreaming, as was the frequency of exposure to violent media. So who had the most frequent violent dreams overall? Results showed that exposure to violent media was the stronger predictor, although people who reported more overall media exposure and more sexual media exposure also reported somewhat more violent dreams. As for sexual dreams, those who reported the most also tended to have consumed more sexual media. But the link between sexual media and sexual dreams wasn't as strong as that between violent media and violent dreams. "Whether we looked at overall media use or media intake for just one day, the result was the same: The media we consume is linked to what we dream about," Van den Bulck said. The results can't reveal the direction of causality between dreams and media use, Bushman noted. "It is at least possible that people who have more violent or more sexual dreams are more likely to seek out that content during the day. Another possibility is that causality may go both ways, or that some other factor is related to both media consumption and dream content. "But I do believe that the most plausible explanation is that the media we consume influences our dreams," Bushman said. Cetin said the results may be at least somewhat different for people in other countries, noting previous research has shown that media use and dream associations differ for people of varied cultural background. The results suggest one obvious recommendation for those who are troubled by their violent or sexual dreams, according to Bushman. "It would be good to avoid media with violent and sexual content, especially right before bed." Source: Ohio State University The prospect of creating artery "banks" available for cardiovascular surgery, bypassing the need to harvest vessels from the patient, could transform treatment of many common heart and vascular ailments. But it's a big leap from concept to reality. The Morgridge Institute for Research and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will address both the engineering and biomedical hurdles in this process through a five-year, $8 million project funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Patients needing bypass surgeries would benefit from a better source for arteries, says project leader James Thomson, a stem cell research pioneer and Director of Regenerative Biology at Morgridge. Replacement tissue currently comes from another part of the patient's body, and suitable tissue can't be found for many patients. Current synthetic alternatives also fail at a high rate. Diseases of blood vessels -- including coronary artery disease -- kill more people worldwide than any other single cause. "Tissue engineering for blood vessels is a pretty mature field," says Thomson. "But there are still two major problems: One is the time it takes to make the vessels, and the other is the source of the cells to grow them." For example, taking induced pluripotent (iPS) stem cells from an individual patient, growing the relevant cells and assembling them into an artery would overcome the problem of transplant rejection, Thomson says. However, it would be cost-prohibitive and take months to complete -- too long to be clinically useful to a patient. The promising alternative is to create tissue with cells banked from a unique population of people who are genetically compatible donors, based on rare alleles that circumvent rejection. Alleles are gene pairings that control certain characteristics, such as blood type. It has been estimated that about 100 different cell lines from this rare population would be enough to cover a majority of the U.S. population. The Morgridge and UW-Madison effort covers four phases and addresses key questions about the feasibility of this approach. The model for the project is designed around treating critical limb ischemia, a debilitating condition that restricts blood flow to limbs and often leads to amputation or death. The Thomson group is working to create the optimal cellular building blocks of the artery -- endothelial and smooth muscle cells -- that will be most suitable for transplantation and continue to grow and remodel in the patient. In tandem, a team led by UW-Madison engineer Tom Turng will develop scaffolds from natural and synthetic materials to provide structure and shape for the artery. UW-Madison engineer Naomi Chesler will build a bioreactor that provides an environment in which the arterial cells can grow around the scaffolding. The transplant surgery and resulting immune response will then be tested using a monkey limb ischemia model at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center. Having a primate model is important to produce results more relevant to human health than those from mice or other short-lived animals. Pathology and laboratory medicine Professor Igor Slukvin is leading the Primate Center effort. Finally, the UW-Madison Waisman Center Biomanufacturing facility will lead the production of arterial cells that meet FDA standards for human clinical trials, paving the way for potential treatments for limb ischemia in humans. If the entire process works, Thomson estimates that potential human therapies remain about 10 years away. "This is a collaboration that really highlights what the Morgridge Institute does well because we are able to bring together multiple investigators from different departments and centers around campus," Thomson says. "We have an unusual combination of resources in Madison to be able to pull this off." The heart of the partnership to date has been between Thomson's team and the BIONATES program in the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, led by Turng. Both labs operate on the same floor of the Discovery building, and the three-year collaboration is a prime example of how the public and private institutes work together to foster innovation. As Turng works to determine the optimal choice of materials and methods for construction of the blood vessel scaffolds - biopolymers versus synthetic polymers or a combination of both - the partnership inside the Discovery Building is vital to progress. "We have direct feedback with Thomson and the other researchers, and the iterative process can be facilitated," says Turng. "We can speak the same language." Providing proof of concept on the blood vessel work should benefit other forms of stem cell therapy, Thomson says. "This has implications beyond making vessels for transplantation; it's sort of the stepping stone to more advanced tissue engineering," he says. "Any form of cellular transplant therapy is going to need a blood supply, and we need to learn how to engineer that blood supply to work with more complex tissues." Source: Morgridge Institute for Research The Kurdish YPG militia will pull its forces from the Syrian city of Manbij and withdraw east of the Euphrates River in order to participate in the campaign to liberate the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, it said in a statement. U.S. special envoy Brett McGurk described the move as a "milestone", saying on Twitter that all YPG units would depart Manbij after training local units to maintain the city's security against Islamic State. Turkey has repeatedly called for the YPG to withdraw east of the Euphrates. Ankara views the militia as a hostile force with deep links to Kurdish militants who have fought a three-decade insurgency on Turkish soil. Ankara has also said YPG fighters should not be involved in the planned Raqqa offensive. Search Keywords: Short link: When Kerstin Stenson, MD, describes the innovative technique she is helping develop to fight cancer, it seems like she's describing a Tom Clancy military espionage novel. Stenson is treating patients with photoimmunotherapy, PIT for short, an experimental technique that combines the immune system's ability to target cancer cells precisely with laser energy's ability to destroy those cells. Like a high-tech weapon in a Clancy thriller, PIT delivers extremely precise, lethal payloads with minimum collateral damage. "This treatment is so unique and promising because its cancer cell-killing power is so selective and immediate," says Stenson, director of Rush University Medical Center's Head and Neck Cancer Program. "It really is just like a guided missile." Cold war spy novels like Clancy's that celebrate military technology aren't Stenson's first fiction choice, but she appreciates their parallels to her work when it comes to developing new weapons to fight an old enemy. Just as a hero needs to defeat the bad guys while also saving the hostages, PIT meets the fundamental challenge in defeating cancer: balancing the ability to destroy cancer cells while limiting the damage to surrounding tissue. Delivering a payload, aiming a laser, and setting off an explosion Photoimmunotherapy expands upon an existing therapy called photodynamic therapy, a two-step process that starts with a patient being injected with a specialized drug, called a photosensitizer, that's designed to accumulate in and near a cancerous tumor. Then doctors beam specific wavelengths of light at the tumor, causing the absorbed photosensitizer to produce a form of oxygen which kills nearby cells. But in photoimmunotherapy, the photosensitizer is combined with a laboratory-produced antibody -- called a monoclonal antibody -- that specifically targets and binds with receptors found only on the surface of head and neck cancer cells. Administered intravenously, the photosensitizer/antibody combination -- referred to as a "payload drug" -- circulates throughout the patient's body, but only latches onto head and neck cancer cells. The next day, Stenson affixes tiny, laser-optic fibers near the surface of the tumor. If the tumor is difficult to reach, she threads the fibers through small catheters directly into the tumor. Then the laser light energy is beamed through the fibers, hitting the photosensitizer target. The laser sets off molecular-level explosions that weaken the cancer cell walls, allowing water molecules contained in the surrounding tissue to rush in until cancer cells burst. "Almost immediately, you can see the tumor start dying. It turns white and melts away," Stenson says. Because the payload drug remains inert unless activated by a specific wavelength of light that doesn't damage human tissue, destroying the cancer cells causes almost no damage to surrounding cells. "The drug/dye combination (the monoclonal antibody combined with the photosensitizer) is not toxic until activated by near infrared light, thus is very safe from a systemic perspective," Stenson explains. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today By comparison, patients treated with conventional photodynamic therapy, PIT's predecessor, must avoid strong sunlight for several months because tiny amounts of photosensitizer that remain in their systems could be activated by the sunlight, causing a severe sunburn. PIT provides option after other treatments have failed Stenson is leading a clinical trial that is testing the safety and effectiveness of PIT for patients whose head and neck cancer is not responding to radiation or chemotherapy, or when surgery is not feasible due to a tumor's hard to access location. "Getting inside the cancer cell means we can get systemic treatment locally more than any other treatment," she says, adding that PIT is the most exciting and promising therapy she has ever been involved with. The study is sponsored and funded by Aspyrian Therapeutics, the biotechnology firm that created the monoclonal antibody conjugate, RM-1929, and secured the exclusive license for the technology from the National Cancer Institute, which developed the original photoimmuno therapy technology. "Photoimmunotherapy is a first-in-class treatment platform designed to provide an option for patients whose head and neck cancer has failed standard of care treatments," says Merrill Biel, MD PhD, who developed the PIT clinical trial program and recruited Stenson and Rush to be one of the five participant sites in the safety and effectiveness study. "Chemo has not worked, radiation has not worked. Surgery can't help them." Rush is the only center in Illinois offering this treatment. He asked Stenson to participate because of her national reputation in the field of head and neck cancer care. "She is known across the country for developing cutting-edge, innovative and life-saving treatments that advance our field and offer hope to patients who've run out of options," he says. "Her expertise and insight have been a great addition." PIT could be treatment for other types of cancers. Beyond the exciting potential of PIT as a very effective therapy for head and neck cancer, it has great potential for treating other forms of cancer and as a combination therapy with immune-modulation chemotherapy. "We hope that once we prove the safety and effectiveness of this treatment specifically for head and neck cancer, the photosensitizer could be combined with immune stimulating drugs that target other forms of cancer," Stenson says. Because PIT therapy seems to work so precisely and quickly, there also may be great potential in combining the approach with surgery. Even when a cancer surgeon successfully removes a cancerous tumor, some cancer cells invariably remain in the surrounding tissue and are a danger to spread, which is why cancer surgery often is followed by chemotherapy. Since surgery makes those areas temporarily accessible, PIT's one-two punch of light energy-activated targeted therapy might greatly reduce the chance that the cancer redevelops. Research from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests the approach to preventing alcohol and drug use by some adolescents should begin in early childhood. "The children of parents with alcohol problems are at much greater risk for underage drinking and developing a substance use disorder," says the study's author, Rina Das Eiden, PhD, senior research scientist at RIA. "It's important to understand when and under what circumstances such problems develop, so we can craft interventions to steer this high-risk population away from substance use and its attendant problems." Eiden examined different pathways to adolescent substance use, starting in infancy, for children of parents with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and found that maternal warmth and sensitivity in early childhood played a significant role. "When mothers can be warm and sensitive during interactions with their toddlers, even under the stresses associated with their partners' alcohol problems, there is a lower likelihood of adolescent substance use," Eiden says. Parents with AUD demonstrated lower rates of maternal sensitivity toward their toddlers, continuing into kindergarten age, Eiden found. As the children entered middle school (6th grade), their mothers were less likely to monitor peer groups and activities, leading to higher engagement with substance-using and delinquent peers and drinking in early adolescence (8th grade). These children also displayed lower self-regulation, or the ability to behave according to rules without supervision, at preschool age, leading to problem behaviors from kindergarten age to early adolescence and higher alcohol and marijuana use in late adolescence. The results have implications for both the timing and content of preventive interventions against substance use among adolescents of parents with AUD. Timing interventions in early childhood and before major developmental transitions, such as transition to school and moving from elementary to middle school, may be most beneficial. For content, the most helpful interventions would be to encourage and support mothers in being warm and sensitive during interactions with their toddlers, and to keep a close eye their children's activities and peer groups during the transition from middle childhood to early adolescence. "This attention also would promote children's self-regulation in the preschool years, which may lead to a decrease in problem behaviors from school age into adolescence," Eiden says. There is a conception that bullied children with few friends can find new ones online. "Our research doesn't support that idea at all," says Ylva Bjereld, PhD student at the Department of social work, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. On the contrary, a new study reports that bullied children are excluded from new communication forums that have developed as a result of the digital transformation. Along with fellow researchers from Sweden, Iceland and Finland, Ylva Bjereld has studied the use of text messaging, telephone communication and Internet - so-called technology mediated communication (TMC) - among children in the Nordic countries during 2001-2010. The researchers also studied the use of TMC among bullied children. Approximately 66 000 children ages 11, 13 and 15, were included in the study. The result of the study shows that 81 per cent of the children used TMC with friends more than three days a week in 2010; an increase by 11 percentage points compared to 2001. However, among bullied children with either few or no friends at all, there had been no increase in use of TMC during the time period. "They were left at the same levels of use as in 2001. This is remarkable considering the vast development that have occurred in the last ten years as far social media and the use of cell phones," Ylva Bjereld says. The result indicates that bullied children have an even more vulnerable life situation than before. "It used to be that these children could find breathing space during off-school hours. Now, they continue to be excluded from friendships even after school hours but in new digital forums. This is especially concerning since such a big part of children's every day lives is spent online participating in social networks," Ylva Bjereld says. The study also reports that bullied children, who had several friends despite being bullied, had increased their use of TMC somewhat during the time period. "Previous research on bullying victimization shows that bullied children suffer from mental health problems more frequently than other children. When being included in the use of TMC with friends, these children are able to both strengthen their current friendships and developing new ones. This could potentially protect them from developing mental illness problems. One of Ylva Bjereld's conclusions is that in order for the most vulnerable group of bullied children to be included in TMC, continued work and efforts against bullying in general are required. "We already know that bullied children are a vulnerable group in society. Now that we also know that they are excluded from new communication forums that allow children to meet new friends, we need to pay extra attention to this group," she says. Compassion & Choices reports the District of Columbia is poised to become the seventh jurisdiction in the U.S. where medical aid in dying is authorized for terminally ill residents after the D.C. Council passed the D.C. Death with Dignity Act by a veto-proof 11-2 margin. The vote follows recent enactment of similar laws - in Colorado last Tuesday (Nov. 8) and California in Oct. 2015 - and demonstrates strong public support across jurisdictions of diverse sizes, demographics and locations. Advocates of medical aid in dying today celebrated their hard-fought campaign to bring this end-of-life care option to the diverse residents across D.C. The bill garnered widespread support within the African-American community with five of the six African-American council members supporting the legislation in the 11-2 vote count after the predominantly African-American D.C. Commission on Aging endorsed it. "I want to thank Compassion & Choices, which organized our D.C. grassroots supporters, without whom we could not have passed this bill. They articulated the urgent need for terminally ill residents to have the end-of-life care option of medical aid in dying," said bill author Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3). "This law is designed to keep the government from taking away people's freedom and liberty to make these fundamentally personal decisions in consultation with their family, physician and spiritual advisors." "This is a historic victory because D.C. is the largest and most diversely populated East Coast jurisdiction to authorize medical aid in dying," said Donna Smith, D.C. field and legislative manager for Compassion & Choices. "It is a big win for people of every color who live in our nation's capital, especially African-Americans like me. Following the passage of medical aid-in-dying laws in California last year and in Colorado last week, these two states and D.C. have demonstrated the diverse, popular support across our nation for this option to die peacefully." The D.C. legislation, modeled after laws in six states, would give mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to live the option to get a doctor's prescription for medication they could decide to take to stop unbearable suffering and die peacefully in their sleep. When the Council initially approved the bill on Nov. 1 by the same 11-2 margin, Mayor Muriel Bowser pledged, "I will not be issuing a veto." According the D.C. legislative process, after it goes through the Office of the Mayor, the bill will be transmitted to Congress for review. Two-thirds of D.C. residents (67%) support giving terminally ill adults the option of medical aid in dying, according to a July 2015 Lake Research poll. Today's vote comes after a vote last Tuesday (Nov. 8), in which 65 percent of Coloradans approved a ballot initiative to authorize this end-of-life care option. Medical aid in dying is currently authorized in five other states with a combined 30+ years of experience with the practice: Oregon (enacted in 1997), Washington (enacted in 2008), Montana (enacted via state Supreme Court ruling in 2009), Vermont (enacted in 2013) and California (enacted in Oct. 2015). "I have three cancer diagnoses," said Dr. Omega Silva, the first woman president of the Howard University Medical Alumni Association and a former president of the American Medical Women's Association, which supports medical aid in dying. "As an internist and endocrinologist for 45 years, I know from experience some dying people suffer unbearably, even if they have the best spiritual support, hospice and palliative care." A growing number of national organizations representing healthcare professionals have endorsed or taken a neutral position on medical aid in dying as an end-of-life care option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults because it relieves intolerable suffering and there is no evidence of abuse or coercion involving this practice. In addition to the American Medical Women's Association, they include the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Legal Medicine, American Medical Student Association and American Public Health Association. "No one should have to die in agony like my husband, Sean, did from HIV-exacerbated mesothelioma," said Michael Kaplan, who has lived with HIV since 1992 and Type 1 diabetes since 1980, and was the husband of late reality-TV star Sean Sasser, an HIV activist. "I urge Congress to respect the will of the people and allow this bill to become law." DILON Diagnostics and GE Healthcare are pleased to announce that they have signed an agreement for DILON to be the exclusive distributor of GE's Discovery NM750b Molecular Breast Imaging system in North America. The signing of this exclusive agreement brings closer together two significant players in Molecular Breast Imaging. Last year, GE Healthcare and DILON Diagnostics signed a global distribution agreement in select world markets. Drug Discovery eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The Discovery NM750b breast imaging system offers clinicians an important tool for imaging of a broad range of patients, including those with dense breasts who may be at higher risk for breast cancer. The power of functional imaging to see early changes is a key factor in early detection in breast cancer. "We are very pleased to continue collaborating with GE Healthcare, a world leader in innovation, in the fight against breast cancer. The relationship with GE Healthcare will enable us to offer a complete spectrum of BSGI/MBI solutions through our established sales channels in breast cancer diagnostics and surgery," says Robert G. Moussa, DILON Diagnostics Chairman and CEO. Nathan Hermony, Nuclear Imaging global business manager for GE Healthcare, added that "GE believes strongly in this advanced technology and the potential for this type of imaging to improve breast cancer diagnosis. DILON Diagnostics will further the education and acceptance of Molecular Breast Imaging." Hospitals typically provide excellent end-of-life care for their patients. But when GPs assume responsibility for terminal patients, things don't always go so well. Perhaps the GP hasn't seen the patient for several years. Moreover, many GPs have very little experience of palliative care. "In a survey that we've carried out, there are big differences between GPs who follow up and make home visits to terminal patients, and those who neglect this task entirely", says Line Melby at SINTEF. "The majority of those we interviewed say that GPs must be encouraged to take a more active part in palliative care", she says. Together with her colleagues, Melby has carried out an evaluation of the services offered to persons requiring palliative treatment. The research is being carried out for the Norwegian Directorate of Health. A questionnaire has been sent out to municipal employees, such as managers in community health departments and care homes, municipal physicians and the directors of health trusts. Voluntary organisations and 51 individuals in the municipal and specialist healthcare services have responded to the questionnaire, and data have also been obtained from the Norwegian Patient Registry. Health service reforms require more resources "Norwegian health service reforms require that patients shall not occupy hospital beds but be transferred to the care of the municipalities. But, of course, people suffering from a terminal illness can live a long time", says Melby. "For this reason, the municipalities must be well prepared, and many are making good progress. But our research shows that it's difficult to get GPs involved in this work", she says. Arnfinn Seim is a GP in Rissa, and agrees that GPs should participate in the palliative teams caring for patients, and make home visits when the need arises. "The health service reforms entail increased workloads, so a consolidation of statutory GP arrangements and more doctors in care homes should be a natural consequence", he says. "With fewer patients on GPs' lists, it will be easier to follow up terminal patients. But participating actively in palliative care is not just a matter of resources. Doctors must also be challenged to give the issue priority. For example, GPs must be encouraged to get involved by palliative team members in both the specialist and municipal health services", he says. More than just pain relief Palliative treatment addresses pain relief and end-of-life care, combined with consideration for the next-of-kin and bereaved. Basic palliation shall be provided at all points where there rests a responsibility for the seriously and terminally ill, including in hospital wards, care homes and within the community care services. Moreover, there currently exist specialised and organised services such as palliative teams or units, out-patient clinics and day centres provided by hospitals. The first things people think of are end-of-life medication and pain-relief treatments, but spiritual, existential and practical needs are also very relevant. These may include anxieties about anything from family issues, financial matters, awkward conversations and problems related to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. Many will die, but may nevertheless survive for a long time before they do. Children may be born with disabilities and still live for five or ten years or even longer. This group also needs care. Many undertreated The aim of the project for the Norwegian Directorate of Health has been to find out who in Norway has had access to pain relief treatment, and how they experienced the content and quality of the services available. "Traditionally, it is cancer patients who have had access", says Melby. "Ninety-five per cent of patients admitted to hospital palliative units are cancer patients. The prevailing view is that there are other groups that also have needs, and that pain relief services should be provided in many other hospital departments and other institutions. Many seriously ill and terminal patients in the municipalities are suffering from some form of cognitive failure. Patients with chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases, and those with neurological condition, such as ALS, MS and Parkinson's, also deserve mention. Similarly, a large proportion of dementia sufferers is assumed to have pain and could also benefit from pain relief. Studies demonstrate that, in general, the elderly have had relatively poor access to such treatments and are in fact receiving too little pain relief. Is it best to die at home? The issue of the benefits of dying at home has been investigated as part of the evaluation. Do health care professionals believe that this is what patients want? And has Norway facilitated the opportunity for a good death at home? The public authorities and voluntary organisations frequently make the point that ideally, people should be allowed to die at home. The SINTEF survey revealed that, on the contrary, many thought that the aim of facilitating death at home will place great demands on healthcare professionals, next-of-kin and the municipal healthcare services. One respondent from a palliative care home unit said that he "believed that patients live with the idea of preferring to die at home, but only before they arrive here", referring to the fact that in his experience many people felt insecure at home. "Very few people in Norway die at home, and we are some way behind other countries such as the Netherlands, where it is common for people to be born and die at home", says Melby. "Norway is more institution-based that other countries, and even the elderly are for the most part in work. Our family and community structures are different. There has been a lot of discussion on this topic, but in our study the majority of respondents felt that death at home should not be an aim in itself, but that patients should be given the choice", she says. Municipalities are getting many things right Prior to the evaluation, the researchers believed that the status of palliative care services in municipalities and care homes were poor. In fact, however, reports from the survey suggested that quality was considered to be good, although naturally there was some variation between the different municipalities. "Since the respondents were managers, we might have expected uncritical responses, but we also asked the municipalities' partners as well", says Melby. "For example, on specific issues, hospitals were asked to evaluate municipalities with questions such as: Is there an active palliation initiative in the municipality? Is work being carried out to improve quality? So the overall picture is a positive one. The municipalities are getting many things right, regardless of whether assistance is provided by a palliative team or specialist health services. The Norwegian Cancer Society assigns a "cancer coordinator" in some municipalities, and this person plays a significant supporting role. Line Melby says that a lot is currently going on in this field. "Firstly, there was the technical report from the Directorate for Health, followed some weeks ago by the publication of the SINTEF evaluation. Now a public administration committee (NOU), chaired by Stein Kaasa, has been convened with the aim of finding out how palliation care should be organised in the future. "It's clear that changes are on the way", says Melby. Portland State University announced today that it is a Grand Challenges Explorations winner, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With an initial $100,000 grant, PSU Biology Professor Ken Stedman will pursue an innovative global health and development research project, titled "Point of Collection Silica-Coating and Preservation of Stool" to adapt the technique he developed for stabilization of vaccines for use in stool samples. Stedman will apply a silica coating to stabilize stool samples that can then be transported to central locations for analysis for intestinal parasites. As with vaccines, stool stabilization is a considerable challenge for diagnosis, as stool samples break down quickly and parasites develop during transport. The process Stedman's lab developed for vaccines could be a promising development for local public health workers seeking cost effective stabilization methods that can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE) supports innovative thinkers worldwide to explore ideas that can break the mold in how we solve persistent global health and development challenges. Stedman's project is one of 55 Grand Challenges Explorations Round 17 grants announced today by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. To receive funding, Stedman and other Grand Challenges Explorations winners demonstrated in a two-page online application a bold idea in one of six critical global heath and development topic areas. The foundation will be accepting applications for the next GCE round in March 2017. Stedman is the founding member of the PSU's Center for Life in Extreme Environments. He has authored or co-authored over 60 scientific publications. In addition to funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, his research has been supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Science Foundation, NASA and American Heart Association. His current research focuses on viruses that infect extremophilic microbes, unique emerging virus genomes, and applications of his research to vaccine stabilization, particularly for the developing world. He founded StoneStable, Inc. to commercialize the vaccine stabilization technology. Which parts of a person's face do you look at when you listen them speak? Lip movements affect the perception of voice information from the ears when listening to someone speak, but native Japanese speakers are mostly unaffected by that part of the face. Recent research from Japan has revealed a clear difference in the brain network activation between two groups of people, native English speakers and native Japanese speakers, during face-to-face vocal communication. It is known that visual speech information, such as lip movement, affects the perception of voice information from the ears when speaking to someone face-to-face. For example, lip movement can help a person to hear better under noisy conditions. On the contrary, dubbed movie content, where the lip movement conflicts with a speaker's voice, gives a listener the illusion of hearing another sound. This illusion is called the "McGurk effect." According to an analysis of previous behavioral studies, native Japanese speakers are not influenced by visual lip movements as much as native English speakers. To examine this phenomenon further, researchers from Kumamoto University measured and analyzed gaze patterns, brain waves, and reaction times for speech identification between two groups of 20 native Japanese speakers and 20 native English speakers. The difference was clear. When natural speech is paired with lip movement, native English speakers focus their gaze on a speaker's lips before the emergence of any sound. The gaze of native Japanese speakers, however, is not as fixed. Furthermore, native English speakers were able to understand speech faster by combining the audio and visual cues, whereas native Japanese speakers showed delayed speech understanding when lip motion was in view. "Native English speakers attempt to narrow down candidates for incoming sounds by using information from the lips which start moving a few hundreds of milliseconds before vocalizations begin. Native Japanese speakers, on the other hand, place their emphasis only on hearing, and visual information seems to require extra processing," explained Kumamoto University's Professor Kaoru Sekiyama, who lead the research. Kumamoto University researchers then teamed up with researchers from Sapporo Medical University and Japan's Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) to measure and analyze brain activation patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Their goal was to elucidate differences in brain activity between the two languages. The functional connectivity in the brain between the area that deals with hearing and the area that deals with visual motion information, the primary auditory and middle temporal areas respectively, was stronger in native English speakers than in native Japanese speakers. This result strongly suggests that auditory and visual information are associated with each other at an early stage of information processing in an English speaker's brain, whereas the association is made at a later stage in a Japanese speaker's brain. The functional connectivity between auditory and visual information, and the manner in which the two types of information are processed together was shown to be clearly different between the two different language speakers. "It has been said that video materials produce better results when studying a foreign language. However, it has also been reported that video materials do not have a very positive effect for native Japanese speakers," said Professor Sekiyama. "It may be that there are unique ways in which Japanese people process audio information, which are related to what we have shown in our recent research, that are behind this phenomenon." New Delhi: A "significant proportion" of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected by select Chinese imports, which grew at a higher rate compared to shipments from rest of the world, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. According to information compiled from data provided by Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, imports from China in 11 major product groups, largely manufactured by MSMEs in India, have grown at a higher rate than their respective imports from all countries combined during 2012-13 to 2015-16. "As these 11 product groups accounted for 74 per cent of India's total imports from China in 2015-16, a significant proportion of Indian MSMEs seem to be adversely affected from Chinese imports as compared to the rest of the world," Minister of State for MSME Giriraj Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. The 11 product groups pertain to electrical and electronics, mechanical and metallurgical products, as well as chemical, glass and ceramics based items. Union MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra, during a recent visit to China, had invited the country's businesses to partner with Indian companies, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for technological collaboration and manufacturing in India. FDI policy places some restrictions on foreign investment in certain sectors. Subject to such restrictions, foreign investors can set up enterprises in India without a lower level ceiling on investment. Such investment can be greenfield as well as in existing enterprises. "India has one of the most liberalised FDI policies in the world, wherein 100 per cent FDI under automatic route is permitted in most of the sectors. There is only a small list of sectors where FDI is regulated -- subjected to government approval, cap or having other conditionalities. The FDI policy equally applies to MSME sector," Singh said. New Delhi: Government has provisionally empanelled 11 firms including Microsoft, IBM, state-owned BSNL and Tata Communications to provide cloud services, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. "Government has selected 11 companies for the provisional empanelment of Cloud Service Offerings of Cloud Service Providers," Minister of State for IT and Law PP Chaudhary said in Lok Sabha. He said the firms are: Microsoft Corporation (India), Hewlett Packard Enterprise India, IBM India, Tata Communications Limited, BSNL, ESDS Software Solutions, Net Magic IT Services, Sify Technologies, CtrlS Data Centers, Cyfuture India and Web Works India. Under cloud services, companies provide storage, softwares, computing capability through remote location generally on pay as per use model. Government has been earlier using cloud services from National Informatics Centre and also set-up a cloud project MeghRaj under it to meet its computing requirement. "BSNL is also one of the empanelled Cloud Service Providers. However, it is not proposed to give any preference to any Cloud Service Provider including BSNL," Chaudhary said. The Israeli parliament gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill to legalise thousands of West Bank settler homes, a measure drawing international anger and posing the government's biggest test since 2015 polls. The bill, which would apply to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Israeli homes in the occupied West Bank, requires three more full parliamentary votes to become law. There have been reports that a behind-the-scenes compromise could see the bill now stall. The vote in the Knesset, or parliament, was 58-50. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially opposed the bill, fearing an international backlash and legal implications, but voted in favour on Wednesday. Netanyahu faces pressure to hold his right-wing coalition together and not be seen as moving against the powerful settler movement. There has been speculation that the bill could even cause the government to collapse -- though a number of analysts caution that a compromise seems more likely for now. The bill has been pushed by hardline members of Netanyahu's coalition who defied his pleas not to move forward, while the country's attorney general says it will never hold up in court. But those who support it say the move is urgently needed to protect a Jewish outpost in the occupied West Bank called Amona. The outpost, where some 40 families live, is under a high court order to be demolished by December 25 because it was built on private Palestinian land. The bill, however, goes far beyond legalising Amona and would allow an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank built on Palestinian land to be legalised. Palestinian landowners would be offered compensation in exchange, but attorney general Avichai Mandelblit says the move would undermine private property laws. US President Barack Obama's administration says it is "deeply concerned". "This would represent an unprecedented and troubling step that's inconsistent with prior Israeli legal opinion and also break longstanding Israeli policy of not building on private Palestinian land," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said. The international community considers all Israeli settlements in Israeli-occupied east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank to be illegal, whether they are authorised by the government or not. The Israeli government differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not. The progress of the bill, approved earlier by a committee of ministers on behalf of the government, has demonstrated the power of the settler movement. Netanyahu's government is seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, and key members of his coalition advocate annexing most of the occupied West Bank while openly opposing the idea of a Palestinian state. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog, who heads the Labour party, said the bill contravened Israeli and international law while justifying "theft". Israeli rights group Yesh Din, which represents Palestinian landowners in Amona, said parliament had "made another step towards legalising widespread land grab in the occupied West Bank and annexing the occupied territory to Israel". It said it had done so "all because the so-called leaders are incapable of standing up to lawbreakers". Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the hardline Jewish Home party and has been the driving force behind the bill, has made no secret of his position. Last week, after the election of Donald Trump as president in the United States, he called for an end to the idea of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the basis of years of negotiations. He said "the era of a Palestinian state is over". Netanyahu's government currently controls 66 of the 120 seats in parliament. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, has been key and had initially threatened not to vote. In the end, he voted for Wednesday's initial backing but said he would withdraw support in the future if it "harms" the country's high court. The statement was a reference to Amona and the high court ruling against it -- signalling that the bill could stall in the future if the outpost is not removed from it. Some Israeli analysts have spoken of the outsized power Bennett has accumulated with the help of the settler movement, saying it could seem Netanyahu was serving in his cabinet rather than the other way around. Bennett's party has only eight seats in parliament. But both men have little interest in new elections for now, a number of analysts said. "Bennett knows that it will be difficult to have a government more right-wing than the current one," a government official told AFP on condition of anonymity. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016 Deepika - We are with you in this hour of tragedy. I have asked @IndianEmbassyUS to help you. @BJPLucknowBJP @templetree1 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 9, 2016 Aliya - I was concerned about your well being kyonki betiyan to sabki sanjhi hoti hain. https://t.co/9QyeMQfRwy Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 3, 2016 I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your husband. Just wait - I will help you. https://t.co/KSvgSZtq8R Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016 @saritakru Pl give me your son's phone number in America, we will contact him. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016 Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son. https://t.co/W5may5dy0H Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016 Ask your wife to contact me. I will ensure that she is with you on the next seat. pic.twitter.com/sktnOMkg0a @faizanpatel Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 8, 2016 Chris & Michele Newman - Orphanage is not an option for Baby Lily. We will help u with extension of your Visa. Pl give your details. /1 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) September 14, 2016 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday underwent dialysis after a kidney failure.The minister who is known for her prompt replies on social media and ensuring help to those in need, tweeted, "I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. Lord Krishna will bless."As the news broke, people from across political affiliations as well as her fans and followers took to Twitter to wish the 64-year-old minister a speedy recovery.While Sushma Swaraj undergoes treatment, we look at those five times she ensured help to Indians in need and set an example that the welfare of the citizens of the country is foremost.An Indian woman in the US who gave birth to a baby girl few days ago, weeks after her husband died of a heart attack. Sushma Swaraj assured her of all possible help and directed the Indian Embassy in Washington to come to her aid. Deepika Pandey , who hails from eastern Uttar Pradesh, and now residing in New Jersey in the US.After the Uri attacks, when the situation was tense on both sides of the border, Sushma Swaraj ensured the safe return of 19 Pakistani girls who were in Chandigarh to participate in the 11th Global Youth Peace Festival, in the process setting an example that humanity comes above all.The minister extended help to a son get visa in the US so that he could come to India to attend the last rites of his father. The minister directed the Indian Embassy in Washington to grant visa to Abhai Kaul to attend his father's last rites, despite the mission being closed for two days for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram.She also helped a newlywed man unite with his wife who had lost her passport just before the couple were leaving for their honeymoon.In September, Sushma Swaraj offered to extend the visa of a British couple , who had a baby in May through surrogacy in India and faced the prospect of leaving her in an orphanage as they have not been able to procure a passport for her.Sushma Swaraj was admitted at AIIMS on Nov 7 for some endocrinological tests."Sushmaji is a diabetic because of which her kidney has got affected. She is undergoing dialysis. She is stable now," the AIIMS doctor told IANS. According to him, Sushma Swaraj's sugar level remains high, due to which she is facing severe diabetic problems. Earlier, Sushma Swaraj, 64, was admitted to AIIMS for several weeks in April this year due to chest congestion.With input from Agencies. New Delhi: Its been a week since the demonetisation drive and the guessing game has begun about the governments next move in what is being billed as a series of steps to rein in unaccounted money. One of the theories doing the rounds is abolition of income tax. That may seem far-fetched, but a little known Pune-based organisations economic manifesto offers some clues. The Arthakranti Prathisthan is a Pune-based Trust that has a set of proposals aimed at Indias economic rejuvenation, one of which scrapping high value bank notes has already been implemented by the BJP-led Central government. A few other ideas mooted by the Trust figure in the Vision India 2025 document of BJP. A trustee whom News18 spoke to confirmed that Anil Bokil, the founder of Arthakranti, had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year in a meeting that lasted 90 minutes where demonetisation was discussed. Proposal No. 3 in a list of 5 items on the Trusts website states that high denomination currency should be withdrawn from circulation. However, it is the top proposal that is interesting. It calls for an abolition of the existing tax system completely and its replacement with a flat tax on banking transactions. The so-called Banking Transaction Tax (BTT) would replace all direct and indirect taxes in the country and would yield revenue greater than the current tax take and be less prone to corruption, according to its proponents. At first glance, a proposal to abolish Income Tax may seem to be right out of the pages of the Libertarian Right. But the BJP has endorsed the idea in a document it released before the general elections called Vision India 2025. The proposal was a recommendation by the Arthakranti Prathisthan. Party leaders like Subramanian Swamy have argued in the past that scrapping the income tax will boost up the economy. His argument is that abolition of Income Tax will increase savings rate and help economic growth. One of the Arthakranti trustee Yamaji Malkar told News18 that the current system of taxation is the root of corruption and the solution. A banking transaction tax would yield the nation about Rs 40 lakh crore, which is more than what the nation nets right now through the current system, Malkar said. A perusal of the budget document shows that the estimated revenue for 2016-17 is Rs. 13.77 lakh crore, out of which Rs. 10.54 lakh crore is tax revenue (direct and indirect) and Rs. 3.22 lakh crore is non-tax revenue (spectrum auction, coal auctions etc). When asked which rate of BTT, or what percentage of the population would have to be covered by the banking system to yield Rs. 40 lakh crore, Malkar was vague. The website mentions a hypothetical rate of 2%, but there are no hard numbers about how much this rate will yield. Malkar said that 50% of the population has access to banking and the governments seriousness about expanding the network will determine the rest. When asked if a flat rate of BTT was regressive Malkar said that indirect taxes at present were also regressive, and the system proposed would be an improvement. However, not everyone is convinced. Pronab Sen, the former Secretary of the Statistics Ministry, said that a banking transaction tax would merely push people to use cash for transactions, the exact opposite of what is needed to rein in unaccounted money. One of the proposals floated by Arthakranti seems to back this up. It calls for no tax on cash transactions. New Delhi: Sushma Swaraj's tweet that she had a kidney failure and is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant is a rare, laudable disclosure in a country where the health status of ailing politicians is often shrouded in mystery and speculation. The External Affairs Minister has in the past used Twitter as a podium to reach out to people and address complaints regarding her ministry besides offering a helping hand to those stranded in foreign shores without documents. Her latest disclosure is in line with her usage of social networks to dispense essential information. Friends: This is to update you on my health... I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant, she tweeted on Wednesday morning, a few hours before the Parliament was to begin its winter session. Ashok Malik, political analyst and fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, said that is was contingent on political parties, the politician or the family to make available a certain amount of information, and also on the media to not demand medical records. No one wants to see details of doctors' reports, but there has to be some amount of sharing, he said. He gave the example of regular hospital bulletins issued when deceased BJP leader Pramod Mahajan was hospitalised. In recent weeks, the prolonged stay of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in Apollo Hospital in Chennai had social networks abuzz with speculation because of the lack of detailed updates from the hospital. While Jayalalithaas party the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) denied social media speculation, the state police arrested many for spreading rumours. The hospital went no further than to say she was on respiratory support and being treated with antibiotics. On November 13, she finally issued a statement saying she was well and taken rebirth. Similarly, Delhis premier private hospital Sir Ganga Ram was also found wanting in dispensing details of information about Congress President Sonia Gandhi who was admitted there in August for a shoulder injury. The hospital issued a brief bulletin every afternoon repeating details of the doctors she was treated by and the routine nature of her check-up. Her previous bouts of illnesses had media speculating on how a famous oncologist was summoned, how she visited the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York even though her party refused to give details. No political leader, who strides their party like a colossus, wants to look vulnerable, said Ajoy Bose, senior journalist and author. To him, the line between the publics need to know and a persons privacy can only be negotiated case by case. A public figures affairs do become a matter of public concern and curiosity and the media and other political parties do have a right to probe whether it will affect the persons ability to govern. Sushma Swaraj has nipped rumours in the bud, but the question does arise on whether she can continue as a minister. However, the probing should stop there, and the media cannot make scoops out of medical reports, Bose said. Lucknow/ Chennai: The cash crunch following the Union Government's move to demonetise Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes has hit liquor sales in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Liquor sales have gone down drastically in Uttar Pradesh. Since demonetisation, sales have gone down by nearly 50% over the past week. Now, experts fear that the state government might lose out as well in revenue collection and fall short of the financial year revenue target of Rs 19,250 crore. A bureaucrat on the condition of anonymity said that they were worried as excise revenue is the third largest source of earnings for the state after stamp duty and sales tax. A similar story was witnessed in Tamil Nadu. Here, the government led by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was elected for a second term on the promise of prohibition. Jayalalithaa ordered shutting of 500 Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) shops when she was sworn in as the Chief Minister in May 2016. She also ordered the reduction of liquor shops. But for the first few months, the sales were not affected. What the government could not do, demonetisation did. One of the employees working in a TASMAC shop in north Chennai said, "Sales have dropped over the last 6 days. We usually get Rs. 1.6 lakhs per day. But after Modi's move, we are able to get over 1.2 to 1.3 lakhs only. There is a 15-20% dip in sales. "We stopped accepting Rs 500 and 1000 ever since the announcement was made. Tipplers either come with the old notes or the new 2000 notes. We dont have enough denominations of Rs 100. Some of the tipplers wait to get back the change or leave without buying. This could continue for at least another 10 days till enough denominations of 100s are circulated in the bank branches, he added. In Tamil Nadu, tipplers wait outside liquor shops as early as 8 am. A man in Tiruvannamalai district duped a TASMAC outlet by giving a fake 2000 note and got away. In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow alone accounts for 1.5 lakh bottles of liquor every day. Consumption and sales across other big towns of the state follow this trajectory. But with demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, people are queuing up at banks for money and liquor is no longer the priority. Kanhaiya Lal Maurya, Lucknow Liquor Traders Association President, said that the situation was really bad for the business. "Purchasing liquor is no longer a priority for people. Sales have gone down by 50%. Only those shops which have E-payment facility are doing business, not even 2 percent of total shops," he said. "We want that government should consider about allowing old Rs 500 and 1000 old notes to be used at liquor shops," he added. His association is thinking of approaching the RBI with this demand. Bhubaneswar: While declining to join any political party to meet President Pranab Mukherjee to apprise him of the chaos triggered by the Centre's demonetisation move, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha on Monday asserted that it would rather raise in Parliament the plight of the common people due to the currency note crisis. "The BJD is not part of any move by others to meet the President and apprise him of the problems being encountered by the people due to the demonetisation," party spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb told reporters in Bhubaneswar. Speaking in the same vein, BJD parliamentary party spokesperson Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo said the party had already welcomed the Centre's move of withdrawing higher denomination currency notes as it would check terror funding and black money in the country. However, it would raise the issue in Parliament during the forthcoming Winter Session and highlight the plight of the common people in the aftermath of the demonetisation, he added. The Trinamool Congress has taken an initiative to meet the President, along with representatives of other parties, on November 16 or 17 to highlight the currency crisis situation. Soon after the announcement of withdrawal of old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes on November 8, Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik had described Prime Minister Narenda Modi's act of demonetisation of currency notes as a "bold step". He had also said that as more than 80 per cent cash in circulation was being withdrawn, the Union government should take "all efforts" for a smooth transition so that the common people, small traders, daily wage earners and those living in the interior areas and not having access to banks did not suffer any hardship. New Delhi: Kadak chai jaisa kadak kadam zaroori hai (we need a strong step just like a cup of strong tea), a supervisor in a local plastic production unit at Okhla Industrial Hub told News18. Post the Prime Ministers move to demonetise Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes to curb black money, large parts of the country have been struggling to get cash with big queues in front of banks and ATMs. But the working population at Delhis Patparganj and Okhla Industrial Area is not complaining. They consider their hardship as a sacrifice in the freedom struggle against the corrupt and black money hoarders. Rajpal Saraogi, supervisor at Pacific Plastics Pvt Ltd, a large scale plastic ware manufacturing unit in Okhla Industrial Phase-1 was supportive of the demonetisation drive and said it had good intentions. You cannot clean the impurities in the sea without diving in it, how long can we talk about sitting by the shore? he said while talking about the little difficulties the common man was facing at the banks. Saraogi was not alone, despite daily wage labourers working in these manufacturing units reporting late to work as they join long queues in front of banks early in the morning. Manohar Sharma, a security guard at the Concord Electrical Industries unit compared the hours spent waiting to exchange cash to the struggle of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi against the British. Who thought that common people could play a role in freeing the country from the clutches of the corrupt? These corrupt and black money hoarders are the new age British we are reeling under. Today morning I was standing at the line for three hours to exchange Rs 2,000, but it felt great to imagine the rich suffering, he said. Workers and labourers at Patparganj Industrial Hub echoed similar emotions and most people News18 spoke to consider the recent demonetisation drive as patriotism. Labourers at Vikas Manufacturing Industries spoke in unison about how this step ushered in by the Prime Minister would be game changer in bridging the ever-widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. Saqib Ajmal, a worker at the same unit, has been surviving on Rs 100 since the past three days. But he did not have a word against demonetisation and was not shy from praising the governments later attempt to crack a whip on the people who were going repeatedly to banks for cash. The government knows that common man is being harassed, and has also introduced the move to ink every individual with indelible ink. Now it is upon us to show patience. We are trying to manage in a little for a few weeks now, he said. Ajmals wife is admitted in hospital for a malignant tumour. Managers and supervisors at a few manufacturing units at both the industrial areas said that daily labourers were not suffering because the cash withdrawal limit on current accounts is Rs 50,000 which is was enough to meet expenses and wages for a few weeks. Trilok Nath, supervisor at Spentex Industries Ltd, a textile manufacturing firm at Okhla Industrial Hub was hopeful for relief at banks in the near future. It will take some time for the situation to normalise, but you will soon see price of goods being reduced and standard of living of the poor being uplifted. Its payback time for these rich ones, he said, before downing shutters for the lunch break. Islamabad: Pakistan is conducting a military exercise in a strategically located area bordering India, with Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif and the army chief reviewing the readiness of the army and the air force to deal with any situation amid growing tension with India. The manoeuvres are taking place near border close to Bahawalpur town in Punjab province. Officials said that the Prime Minister is chief guest at the exercise. Army chief General Raheel Sharif will also witness the exercise. Helicopter gunships and ground troops will take part in the exercise, which comes just days after seven Pakistani soldiers were killed along the LoC. The exercise shows the state of readiness of Pakistani military to deal with any situation arising out of recent tension with India, according to security officials. Prime Minister Sharif said yesterday that Pakistan cannot be bullied by Indian "tactics" and its restraint should not be "misunderstood" as weakness, warning that his country was fully capable of defending against "any belligerence". Expressing grief over the death of the seven soldiers, Sharif had said deliberate escalation of tension along LoC by Indian forces is a threat to regional peace and security. "It is also a futile attempt of the Indian authorities to divert the world's attention from the worst kind of atrocities they are committing" in Kashmir, he had said. Islamabad: Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse the tension" between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. Srinagar: A gun battle between security forces and terrorists erupted on Wednesday in Marwal forest area of Zaloora on the outskirts of Sopore town of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of one Special Operation Group Jawan, Police said. The Srinagar police received specific inputs about the presence of terrorists based on which an operation was launched, police added. "As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing a police constable," police said. The victim was identified as Muhammad Shafi. The encounter is ongoing and more details are awaited. I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016 External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has tweeted that she has suffered a kidney failure and is on dialysis.I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless, she tweeted on Wednesday morning a few hours before the Parliament was to convene for the first day of the Winter Session.The Twitterati sent their prayers to the minister and lauded her for the disclosure, which is quite rare for an Indian politician.Swaraj has been visiting the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) occasionally for a year or so, and she had checked in here last week. She was also not present during an official reception hosted to visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in the national Capital.After she took charge as the External Affairs Minister two and a half years ago, Sushma Swaraj was admitted to the hospital on three occasions for a brief period.She had described them as routine health check-ups. She is reportedly suffering from high diabetes. Thousands of people, including political leaders, have wished her a speedy recovery by tweeting to her. Lebanon's Hezbollah has declared itself more than a guerilla movement after images emerged showing it staging a military parade in Syria, where it is fighting to bolster the regime. The images shared widely on social media provoked controversy in Lebanon, where the Shia movement is a divisive force, as well as concern from Washington, which deems Hezbollah a "terrorist" group. "We now have a trained army and the Resistance (Hezbollah) does not need to rely on guerilla tactics," the daily Al-Safir on Wednesday quoted Hezbollah's second-in-command Sheikh Naim Qassem as saying. Hezbollah's media department disputed that quote, insisting Qassem had actually said: "We have become more than a guerilla movement but less than an army." "We are better equipped, better trained and we have sophisticated capacities," the second-in-command was quoted as saying by Al-Safir. Qassem confirmed that Hezbollah had recently held a military parade in the Syrian town of Qusayr near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah retook the town from Syrian rebels in 2013 in its first major victory after it intervened in the Syrian conflict in support of President Bashar al-Assad's regime earlier that year. Photos of tanks, armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft batteries displaying the Shia movement's yellow flag have appeared on social media in recent days. Hezbollah's militia never disarmed after Lebanon's devastating 1975-90 civil war and is the country's most powerful armed force. Detractors accuse it of being a "state within a state" and Washington has designated it a "terrorist" group since 1995, accusing it of a long list of attacks including the bombing of the US Embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983. Washington supplies equipment to Lebanon's army and a State Department spokeswoman said this week that the US would be "gravely concerned" if it ended up in Hezbollah's hands. Search Keywords: Short link: Noida: Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, who will next be seen on screen in Kaabil, says filming the movie was a beautiful journey for him. Hrithik on Tuesday was here at the DLF Mall Of India to unveil the new collection of the Swiss luxury time piece brand Rado's Lightness Collection. He believes in the brand's philosophy that "if you can imagine, you can do it". "This is something I have based my life on. That if I can see it in my mind, then I can do it. It was even more amazing that I applied this when I played a blind man in 'Kaabil'. It was a beautiful journey and I hope you all watch the film," he said. The 42-year-old actor hopes the audience can feel the character as deeply as he did while playing it on camera. "I hope when you see the movie, you will also feel what I was feeling in the film," said Hrithik, who features in the Sanjay Gupta directorial with Yami Gautam. Talking about the film, Hrithik said: "It is about a man, who against all odds, finds the strength inside him to make his life the way he wants it to be." Produced by Hrithik's father Rakesh Roshan under their home banner FilmKraft Productions, Kaabil will release on January 26 next year. New Delhi: Senior Congress MP Anand Sharma on Wednesday continued oppositions unbridled attack on PM Modis move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and said BJP is the biggest beneficiary of black money. Taking a swipe at PM Modis poll promises Sharma said: Modi is giving false hope to the people; where are the jobs as promised by PM Modi, adding, Why PM Modi didnt come to Rajya Sabha to face the debate? When asked about Congress Vice President visiting an ATM, Sharma said, Rahul Gandhi does not need any permission from anyone to stand in front of an ATM. Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Rewari (Haryana):The hardship arising out of demonetisation may continue for around a month, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, describing the move as the first step towards achieving economic and social freedom. Speaking at a rally here, Singh asked the people to bear with the difficulties for some time as it would usher in a bright future in the long run. "It wasn't a small decision. We admit that people will face hardships for at least a month but it will be beneficial in the long term. A few political parties are opposing it. But bear with it for some time. We will give you a bright future. "India has got political freedom but we need economic and social freedom. We want economic inequality to end. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes is the first step towards that. It will help bring transparency in Indian politics," he said. At the 'Martyrs' Rally' organised by Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Rao Inderjit Singh, the Home Minister also hit out at Pakistan for betraying the trust India reposed in it after the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014. Singh didn't refer to the issue of 'One Rank, One Pension' (OROP) even once in his speech at the rally that was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar and several ministers of the Haryana government and MLAs. This assumed importance as Narendra Modi had promised to implement OROP from the similar venue before the 2014 Lok Sabha election, two days before he was declared BJP's prime ministerial candidate. Referring to the surgical strikes, Singh hailed the soldiers for proving that "hum idhar bhi maar sakte hain aur udhar bhi maar sakte hain" (We can kill them on either side of the border). He said that "terrorism is the weapon of the coward" and claimed that this government which "has a strong heart" has brought down extremism and Naxalism significantly over the last two years. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was supposed to address the rally but he couldn't come as he was unwell, Singh said. Mumbai: Sharpening his attack on Narendra Modi over demonetisation, Rahul Gandhi today charged that no action was being taken against the "real black marketeers" and the "industrialist friends" of the Prime Minister. "Those who are real black marketeers, those who have Rs 10-20000 crore, those who go with Modi in planes, action should be taken against them. No action is being taken," he said. "There is no investigation or action taken against Modiji's industrialist friends," Rahul told reporters outside the Bhiwandi court in adjoining Thane district, after being granted bail in a defamation case. "You are being made to stand in queues. Your money will be given to those select 15-20 industrialists. You all know their names. He (Modi) is running their government," the Congress leader alleged. Earlier, addressing Congress supporters who gathered outside the court, Rahul said long queues before banks and ATMs had caused problems for the common man. "The masses are standing in a queue. Do you see any rich person, a big industrialist standing in queue," Rahul sought to know. "Did you get Rs 4000 notes? Did you get indelible ink mark on your hands," he said. Maharashtra PCC president Ashok Chavan, in his address to the supporters, said people of Maharashtra are with Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in the struggle against BJP government's anti-people policies. In a stinging attack on Modi on the demonetisation issue, Rahul had last night said the prime minister was "laughing" while people were dying in queues outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money and the move will turn out to be a "big scam". The government did not seem to be going after the "big players" in black money like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, he had said. He also claimed that BJP members were alerted beforehand about the demonetisation. Damascus: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that the US President-elect Donald Trump would be a "natural ally" if he fulfilled his campaign pledge to fight terrorism. However, Assad said it was "dubious" whether Trump could "live up to his promises", Xinhua news reported on Wednesday. The Syrian President said this in an interview on Tuesday. He said he was skeptical about Trump's ability to fulfil his previous promises on the need to fight terrorism in cooperation with Russia. Assad said he was being extremely cautious about judging Trump's stance, particularly as "he hasn't occupied any political position before,... we cannot say anything about what he is going to do." His skepticism emanates from the fact that Trump was not alone in control of the US. "What about the dominant forces within the US administration? What about the mainstream media against him? How would he handle it? And thus we remain skeptic on whether he can fulfil his promises or not," Assad said. Before winning the elections, Trump had expressed willingness to cooperate with Russia in the war on terrorism, and thus a possible cooperation with the government of Assad. "When you think about it, wouldn't it be nice if we got along with Russia?" Trump said in July. "Wouldn't it be nice if we got together with Russia and knocked the hell out of IS (the Islamic State)?" he added. In the interview, Assad said that if Trump is going to fight the terrorists, then "we will naturally be allies to him alongside the Russians, Iranians and others that want to defeat the terrorists." Assad stressed that he would cooperate with the Americans in the war against the terrorist groups, as "we have suffered more than any other... from terrorism... If they have the will and ability, then of course." He said his government was ready to cooperate with any party in the world "unconditionally" in the war on terror. However, Assad made it clear that any international effort against the terrorists without coordinating with the Syrian government, would be considered illegal. He said: "if it's illegal, we will not accept or acknowledge it." Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) will host a financial aid public information meeting at the college from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in Amherst Hall, rooms 2406 and 2408. The process of obtaining financial aid begins with filling out and submitting the students Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). The FAFSA application must be completed by current and prospective college students to determine their eligibility for federally funded student financial aid. Parents and students should bring the following information with them: parents and/or students 2015 tax forms; parent and student W2s; and their FAFSA account username and password (help will be available to create an account for those who dont have one). Virginia Community College staff will be prepared to answer questions and provide hands-on assistance with completing and submitting the FAFSA materials. People also can call the CVCC Financial Aid office at (434) 832-7814, or stop by in person between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Amherst Hall, Room 2100, for more information on FAFSA and student financial aid. Tunisian police have arrested four suspected Islamist militants accused of plotting to carry out attacks in the capital and to assassinate prominent politicians and journalists, an interior ministry spokesman said Wednesday. The group, composed of three men and a girl, "was planning attacks against a commercial centre and a post of the National Guard (police) in Tunis", ministry spokesman Yasser Mesbah told AFP. The police arrested the four in the capital's southern suburb of Ben Arous, Mesbah said, adding they had been communicating on Facebook. Since the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has been battling an Islamist militant movement that has killed dozens of soldiers and police officers as well as civilians including 59 foreign tourists. Security sources said on Monday they had found five arms caches in the south of the country near the border with war-ravaged Libya and seized large quantities of weapons. Tunisia has been under a state of emergency for almost a year following a string of deadly attacks in 2015, claimed by groups affiliated with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Search Keywords: Short link: The people chose Hillary Clinton. But its the Electoral College vote that counts, not the popular vote, so Donald Trump will be president. And no, Im not over it. No one should be over it. No one should pretend that Trump will be a normal president. No one should forget the bigotry and racism of his campaign, the naked appeals to white grievance, the stigmatizing of Mexicans and Muslims. No one should forget the jaw-dropping ignorance he showed about government policy both foreign and domestic. No one should forget the vile misogyny. No one should forget the mendacity, the vulgarity, the ugliness, the insanity. None of this must ever be normalized in our politics. The big protests that have followed Trumps election should be no surprise. You cant spend all those months trashing our nations values and then expect everyone to join you in a group hug. Trump made the bed in which he now must lie. How did the unthinkable happen? Is Trump, like Brexit, part of some world-sweeping populist wave? Are the Rust Belt hinterlands in open rebellion? Was Clinton just a spectacularly flawed candidate? Did FBI Director James Comey boost Trump over the top? Did too many anti-Trump voters stay home out of complacency? There is evidence to support all of those theories. But the urgent question isnt why, its what now. If a normal Republican had been elected, I could say the polite and socially acceptable thing, something like, I didnt support So-and-So but he will be my president, too, and I wish him success. But I cannot wish Trump success in rounding up and deporting millions of people or banning Muslims from entering the country or reinstituting torture as an instrument of U.S. policy. In these and other divisive or cruel or unwise initiatives, I wish him failure. I do hope he succeeds in avoiding some kind of amateurish foreign policy blunder that puts American lives or vital national interests at risk. And let me be clear that I am not questioning his legitimacy as president. When the results are certified and the Electoral College casts its votes, Trump will be the nations duly chosen leader, ridiculous though that may be. But he has not earned our trust or hope. Rather, he has earned the demonstrations that erupted in cities across the country. He has earned relentless scrutiny by journalists, whom he shamelessly made into scapegoats during the campaign, and he has earned the constant vigilance of the public he now must serve. There have been more than 200 reports since the election of harassment and hate crimes, mostly directed at minorities, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. During an interview on 60 Minutes, Trump addressed his supporters: I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it. That would have been a better start had he not also sought to minimize the incidents, saying there had been a very small amount of them and had he not also claimed the media were somehow applying a double standard in reporting on the protests. The most troubling post-election development thus far was Trumps appointment of campaign chief executive Steve Bannon a prominent figure in the racist, xenophobic alt-right movement as chief strategist and senior adviser. A spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said the move signals that white supremacists will be represented at the highest levels in Trumps White House. On 60 Minutes, Trump hinted that he might moonwalk away from some of his most radical promises on immigration, the issue that made him stand out from the crowd of Republican contenders. He still says he will build a wall on the Mexican border, but there could be some fencing instead of an actual wall in places. And he said that were going to make a determination about the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes sounding as if he knows his pledge to carry out mass deportation cannot be fulfilled. He also backed away from the idea of having a special prosecutor reinvestigate Clinton over her emails. Theyre good people, I dont want to hurt them, he said of Bill and Hillary Clinton. If Trump is beginning to confront reality on some fronts, thats a first step in a thousand-mile journey toward credibility and respect. But appointing Bannon is a big step backward. We must watch Trump, and judge him, every single inch of the way. Robinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post. Email him at eugenerobinson@washpost.com. Writers delve into election results Read the tea leaves, Democrats The reaction of some on the left side of the Democratic Party to Donald Trumps surprising victory in his bid for the presidency has been stunning, ironic and downright hypocritical. Some Hollywood elites have predictably claimed that they will move from the U.S. because of Trumps victory. Cher wasnt satisfied with just leaving the U.S. to another part of the world-she wants to move to Jupiter. Some in California believe that California should secede from the Union in light of the Trump victory. Some leftist millennials have been demonstrating and rioting with demands for Trump to be impeached, even before he has even been sworn in as president. Some on the left have said that the Trump victory has instilled fear into minorities. Former Obama administration official, Van Jones, has said that Trumps victory was a result of whitelash. Some have claimed that Trump was swept into the White House by white males, when it is clear that many women and an increased number of blacks and Hispanics voted for Trump. If leftist Democrats truly believe in diversity and inclusion, their reaction to Trumps victory hardly verifies their supposed beliefs. Democrats fooled themselves by believing Hillary Clinton would win by a landslide. They were wrong, and they should be able to read the tea leaves and see that the vote for Trump was against Clintons vision for America, Barack Obamas vision for America and the liberals vision for what America should be. If the Democrats were smart, they would learn from their mistakes that have led to the Trump victory. Obama and the Democrats have spent eight years transforming America, and they lost the White House, they continue to not control both Houses of Congress and have lost control of state offices across the board. The resounding defeat of their policies, both enacted and proposed, should make them reassess their vision for transforming America. Funny, isnt it? Some experts said that the Republican Party was going to be extinct because of Donald Trump. Perhaps they got the name of the party wrong. RICHARD A. EFTHIM Lynchburg Religion, politics dont mix A recent News & Advance article drew attention to exit poll results showing that 81 percent of evangelicals cast their votes for Donald Trump. In Lynchburg, the voting precinct associated with Liberty University went 85 percent for Trump. When asked how they could support someone who, to put it mildly, does not represent Christian values, LU President Jerry Falwell Jr. said that evangelicals are not moralistic. This is a strange thing to say for someone in the morality business. If Falwell and his followers are willing to accept basically anything other people say or do, why get involved in politics at all? In reality, these voters have chosen to prioritize some values over others. In their eagerness to win a Supreme Court seat and impose their ideas of whether a woman should ever be able to end a pregnancy or whether two people of the same gender who are willing to share their lives together and embrace the institution of marriage should be allowed to have a secular marriage, these voters have chosen to disregard fundamentally important values and embrace someone who suggests it is OK to lie constantly, hate everyone different from you, disrespect women, not pay your debts, and only ever care about yourself. If you subscribe to the love the sinner, hate the sin concept, Trump is forgivable, but should he be our leader? I think its fair to say that the term Moral Majority means nothing now, if it ever did. When you mix religion and politics, you get bad religion (we just elected a man who is going on trial for fraud, uses charity money to pay legal bills and has been accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen different women) and bad politics (we just elected a leader who has shown little interest in policy, is currently entangled in 75 lawsuits and is said to be keeping a list of his enemies). Its time to pray with our hearts, vote with our minds and know the moralists from the opportunists. FRANKLIN CHRISTIANSON Lynchburg Misses the point In response to Michael Roachs Nov. 14 letter to the editor, I would like to correct his misconception that we have nothing to grieve about. We are not grieving for Hillary Clinton, but about the reality that Donald Trump is the president-elect. The majority of voters, and not just liberals, woke up Wednesday morning to the realization that everything we believe in is in jeopardy. We are mourning the loss of civility and inclusion. We are mourning the loss of our nations moral compass, equal opportunity and social justice. We are mourning the loss of a time when we could all disagree without being disagreeable and mean spirited. We are mourning a time when Love thy neighbor and Do unto others as you would have them do unto you had meaning and importance. If the way Roach approaches others who dont share his opinions is a reflection of what is meant by Make America Great Again, God help us all. GAYLE DALY Lynchburg Why you should know him: A new visiting professor of dance at Randolph College, Kim is teaching a free community ballet class for students ages 14 to 18. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, during the early 80s, Seyong (pronounced See-yong) Kim rarely saw performances featuring male ballet dancers, until his mother, a dance instructor at the middle school level, got him a video of Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolf Nureyev. That was fantastic to me, recalls Kim, Randolph Colleges new visiting assistant professor of dance. They were jumping so high, it looked like a fantasy to me, not real. They jumped so high, like a bird. Everybody thinks ballet is kind of pointy shoes, ballerinas, but [the dancers] were not. They were very strong, acrobatic. It made me very excited. He wanted to learn more about the art form, and, finally, when he was around 12 years old, his family suggested he take up dance. He began to study classical ballet. While it may seem old for a dancer to begin training after age 10, Kim says its not uncommon for men. He attended Seoul Arts High School and studied dance at Sungkyunkwan University, one of the oldest colleges in the country. There, he expanded his dance knowledge and experienced other forms of performance, including theater and contemporary dance. Always surrounded by dancers including his wife Eun-Kyung Chung, whom he met in high school and who recently finished a six-year stint performing in Germany Kim sees the world through his art form. From the way the people around him move in their everyday lives rotating their spines to stand from a chair or gesturing with their hands when they talk to the way the leaves sway in the breeze, Kim sees in it the dance. To me, dance and movement is the same meaning, says the new professor, who will lead a free community ballet class for teenagers this Saturday. But I think people tend to think [that] dance [has] specific disciplines, a language, which is ballet terminology. To me, dance is not just an art form. Dance is a cultural phenomenon. It just happens. ... Everybody should dance. Everybody can dance. Everybody has the right to be educated in dance. After serving four years in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, Kim returned to school, eventually completing his Master of Fine Arts. It is because of this military training that Kim feels he has been able to remain a dancer for so long, as he is no longer a young dancer at the age of 37. He is fairly unique in [that] he has been a professional ballet dancer and he has degrees, says Pam Risenhoover, chair of the dance department at Randolph. Often, if a ballet dancer gets a college degree, it happens later on. Seyong is still dancing professionally [and] has a master's degree. Eight years ago, Kim moved to New York City for more opportunities to keep dancing since he says South Korea still had relatively few professional companies, and earned a Master of Arts and an education certification from New York University. Everybody has [a] different shape, everybody has [a] personality, everybody has [a] different culture, Kim says of American dance culture. Everybodys different, and in America [it was] really respected, that individuality. In Korea, I think its still very uniform a specific standard. Kim has performed in venues across Asia, Europe and the United States and with various companies, including the Korean National Ballet Theater and Metropolitan Opera Ballet in Lincoln Center. Next month, he will fly to California to perform in Graham Lustigs The Nutcracker with the Oakland Ballet, a company he has worked with before. His choreography has been performed at events and festivals around the world, and he has taught in New York and New Jersey, including at Rutgers University, as well as in Italy and South Korea. Ballet, when it's taught in what Ill call the old world or European-Russian way, can be very harsh and unfriendly. He brings to it levity, he explains, says Risenhoover. He is just a gentle, knowing teacher, who has had the best of this tradition. He's taken an art form that came out of Europe and hes studied and performed it, and taught it on three different continents. Risenhoover says Kims position is a new one for the department and differs from the visiting artists they bring in for weekly intensives. The position of visiting assistant professor of dance is currently funded for the next three years, and though they have not asked him yet, Risenhoover says she hopes Kim will stay on for the whole time. Currently, he teaches elementary, intermediate and advanced-level ballet, dance analysis and a new introductory mens movement class, but Kim would like to teach other styles, including contemporary, and possibly choreograph for them. My hope with someone like him is that he makes people understand that one has to use one's intellect and one's mind in dance. It's not just purely physical, Risenhoover says. And that's apparent in his dancing as well as in his teaching. In some ways, Kim says, he considers himself a cultural leader, combining the Eastern and Western culture. I have a very strong Eastern Asian mind, but still, I really appreciate the Western culture, he says. I am teaching the Western culture ballet was Western not Eastern. I dont want to consider myself to be a black and white person. Living in the Lynchburg community over the past three months, Kim says he has noticed a limited number of places for younger dancers to educate themselves. He hopes to provide these opportunities for both child and adult dancers through community classes, like the one he will lead on Saturday. To dance beautifully and safely, Kim says, students must be aware of their own bodies. To help them deepen their understanding and approach to the art form, Kim says he always asks his students why they dance. When asked the same question, he had what he describes as a rather abstract answer, but its the only one he can give. Im alive and I dance. Austrian authorities said Wednesday they had seized more than 560 kilos (1,235 pounds) of ivory, a haul they described as a national record and one of the biggest in Europe. Police recovered the 90 elephant tusks in early November in two Vienna apartments of an Austrian man who was caught trying to buy three tusks "on the open street," the interior ministry said. Ivory can be sold on the black market in Austria for around $1,000 (930 euros) per kilo, police said. It was unclear whether the latest haul was meant for further export or to be sold in Austria. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) banned the ivory trade in 1989 because of dwindling numbers of elephants. But some countries allow the resale of ivory bought before the ban, and CITES-approved government stockpiles can also be sold with certification. In April Spanish police seized 74 African elephant tusks weighing 774 kilos, with a street value of 200,000 euros ($223,000), in Colmenar de Oreja southwest of Madrid. Search Keywords: Short link: 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. Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters ISP collecting cards, letters for wounded Boise officers November 15, 2016 Corporal Kevin Holtry In light of the recent incident involving two Boise Police officers who were shot while in the line of duty, Idaho State Police extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the officers involved, and the entire Boise Police Department. In support of Boise Police Chief William Bones' recent invitation to school children from across Idaho to write cards and letters of support to the officers and their families, the Idaho State Police, in cooperation with the Boise Police Department, will be serving as a collection point around the state for any cards or letters that members of the public would like sent to the two wounded Boise Police officers. For more information, please contact your local Idaho State Police district office. At about 12:45 p.m. Friday, November 11, a citizen called and reported seeing the vehicle and the suspect involved in a Meridian carjacking and shooting traveling in Boise. A second report came in shortly after and officers began searching for the vehicle in the area north of Orchard and Overland. Officers spotted the vehicle but lost it as it drove erratically north on Orchard near Franklin. Citizens were able to keep pointing officers in the right direction as police searched for the vehicle. Two officers soon saw the suspect walking down the street and the suspect took off running through a nearby neighborhood. Police immediately set up a secure perimeter in the area of Irving near Roosevelt and Wilson. The Special Operations Unit was activated at that time because of the belief that the suspect could be armed. Once the SOU arrived, they along with a police K-9 began a slow search through the nearby homes and yards. At around 3:30 p.m., officers encountered the suspect, who was hiding, and shots were fired. Two Boise police officers and a police K-9 were shot by the suspect. Four Boise Police officers fired at the suspect. The suspect was pronounced dead at the hospital. Tonight at 6:30pm, a Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Idaho Peace Officers Memorial. Boise Police will be there in support of all law enforcement and to show support for BPD Corporal Kevin Holtry. Corporal Kevin Holtry, a 17-year veteran of the Boise PD, was shot multiple times. His condition, still critical, continues to slightly improve day by day at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. Fellow officer Corporal Chris Davis, a 16-year department veteran, and police K9 Jardo were also shot and are now recovering at home. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail! Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters USFS seeks comment on Starry Goat Project November 15, 2016 The U.S. Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to disclose the environmental effects of commercial and non-commercial vegetation management activities, prescribed burning, watershed and recreation improvement activities on the Starry Goat Project in Boundary and Lincoln Counties. Access management changes and other design features are included to protect resources and facilitate management activities. The Starry Goat project area is immediately west of Troy, Montana, and runs from the Kootenai River west to the boundary between the Kootenai and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The project area encompasses approximately 90,776 acres (48,471 acres in Montana; 42,305 acres in Idaho, all administered by the Kootenai National Forest). Callahan Creek, Brush Creek, Ruby Creek, and Star Creek are the major drainages in the project area; all flowing into the Kootenai River at the project area boundary. The purpose and need for this project is to: (1) Promote resilient vegetation conditions by managing towards the 2015 Forest Plan desired conditions for landscape-level vegetation patterns, structure, patch size, fuel loading, and species composition; (2) maintain or improve hydrologic connectivity, water quality and native aquatic species habitat; (3) improve big game winter range conditions and promote forage opportunities while maintaining secure habitat for wildlife; (4) provide a variety of wood products to the American public, and contribute to the local economy by generating jobs and income; (5) maintain and improve the recreation opportunities in the project area; (6) reduce the potential for high intensity wildfire while promoting desirable fire behavior characteristics and fuel conditions. The proposed action includes timber harvest and associated fuels treatments, prescribed burning, recreation improvements and watershed work to address the purpose and need. The proposed action includes: (1) Approximately 1,550 acres of regeneration harvest and 553 acres of intermediate harvest. These treatments would be accomplished through 1,846 acres of tractor harvest and 257 acres of skyline harvest. Pre-commercial thinning is proposed on 395 acres within the project area. Approximately 132 acres of the proposed PCT would occur within the Callahan Lynx Analysis Unit and treatment would be consistent with Forest Plan standard FW-STD-WL-01. Pruning may occur along with PCT or by itself. There are 17 units proposed that would create or contribute to 14 different openings larger than 40 acres. This action requires a 60 day public review and Regional Forester approval. This document serves as the beginning of the 60 day comment period. The largest of these treatment units would be approximately 231 acres in size. Treatments are proposed within old growth stands in the drier habitat types in Douglas-fir/ponderosa pine dominated stands to contribute to their stand resistance and resiliency. Approximately 136 acres of harvest treatments are proposed within old growth and 113 acres of treatment within recruitment potential old growth. There would be 3,351 acres of fuels treatments proposed within old-growth stands or portions of those stands. (2) In an effort to return fire to the landscape and to promote wildlife foraging opportunities approximately 9,950 acres of prescribed burning is being proposed. Approximately 3,458 acres in the WUI are proposed for burning. Approximately 5,870 acres of this burning will occur in the Inventoried Roadless Areas of which 3,248 acres is in Idaho and 2,622 acres is in Montana. (3) Implementation of best management practice work and road maintenance work would be implemented on Forest Service timber haul roads. Approximately 54 miles of National Forest System road would be improved to meet State BMPs for water quality. (4) Approximately 12.6 miles of active road storage, 4.95 miles of active decommissioning, and 5.1 miles of passive decommissioning would be done on roads not currently open for public motorized travel. Roads identified in the Travel Analysis as needed for long-term management of NFS lands would be put into intermittent stored service. Roads identified as not needed for future management would be decommissioned. Both storage and Start decommissioning could have a range of treatments including simple barrier installation (passive treatment) where watershed impacts are not likely, to active treatments ranging from removing culverts to full recontouring where risks to watersheds are high. Non-motorized access would be facilitated with improved tread on road segments identified by the public as important for use. In addition, there are three sites with proposed watershed actions on existing roads including: Callahan sediment trap improvement on NFSR 414, Raymond Creek bridge removal, and Goat Creek road culvert upgrade. (5) The district is proposing fuel mitigation and roadside thinning to facilitate fuels reduction, safe ingress and egress for the public in case of a wildland fire and road maintenance within the project area. Approximately 779 acres of thinning and 78 acres of road maintenance are proposed along only the Forest Service roads open to yearlong motorized use. (6) Proposed Starry Goat activities would impact approximately 1,372 acres of existing grizzly bear core, nearly all of which is associated with harvest access and haul on currently barriered roads. A minor access management change at the top of Smith Mountain also contributes to this total. Gated roads that could be barriered to provide the necessary in-kind replacement of core have been identified. These roads currently do not allow for public motorized use during the bear year. Once these road are barriered and placed into core, no motorized use could occur on these roads during the bear year including administrative use. (7) Proposed Recreation Improvements include the Threemile Mountain Bike Flow Trail and the McConnell Snowshoe Trail. The bike trail system consists of both a descent oriented Flow Trail and a Cross-Country Bike style loop. The Flow trail would consist of approximately 7 miles of new construction. The Cross-Country Bike loop would consist of approximately 6 miles of new trail construction and would be pursued as time and funding permits. The McConnell Snowshoe Trail includes approximately 4 miles of new construction. (8) The Star Creek Quarry, North Fork 7 Mile Quarry, Three Mile Quarry and Airport Gravel Pit are proposed for free use rock picking where the public would be able to get a personal use permit (~2 tons per permit). The District proposes to increase the Airport Pit by approximately 3 acres and the North Fork 7 Mile Quarry by approximately one acre over the life of the pits. Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by December 7, 2016. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in June 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in December 2017. Send written comments to Kirsten Kaiser, District Ranger, Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 U.S. Highway 2, Troy, MT 59935. Comments may be submitted online by clicking here, by email to comments-northern-kootenai-three-rivers@fs.fed.us or via facsimile to (406) 295-7410. For further information, contact Project Team Leader Miles Friend, Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 U.S. Highway 2, Troy, MT 59935. Phone: (406) 295-4693. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail! US President Barack Obama arrived in Berlin Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on a European tour aimed at reassuring key allies about transatlantic ties under his successor Donald Trump. Obama, who touched down in the German capital from Athens, has described Merkel as "probably... my closest international partner these last eight years". During his stay until Friday in Berlin, he will also meet the leaders of Britain, France, Spain and Italy, as Europe desperately seeks clues to future US policy in a Trump world. Search Keywords: Short link: Relatives insist Mercy is alive and well They say they have evidence but, tell me, even a baby this size (measuring by length on her hand) or even a smaller baby, wouldnt that kick up a stink? she asked. Do you find that story to have any cohesion? They (public) have been trying us in the public domain, in the press and in the social media but the truth will come out eventually. Richins said baby Mercy was her biological daughter and not her daughters child. Richins complained of what she described as inhumane treatment meted out to them while in custody at the La Brea Police Station. We werent allowed to see anyone, we were kept in a room with the air condition unit turned up high, we were freezing, water running all under your feet she went on to say. When they turned it down you feeling like you thawing out, it was not a nice experience, but I will tell all soon. She said she and her children were kept apart during their days in custody. It is not until they were taking away the minors who wanted to see her was she told that they were going to relatives. I was in a separate room to my mother, Nicolette told Newsday. Richins said she no longer cares about the perception persons have of her and wanted it made clear that neither she nor her daughter are mad. Everyone thinks we are mad people but that is not so. Let us see where this will go. They have not charged us for anything. We are still here. An autopsy performed last Friday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James revealed that the cause of death was inconclusive. Investigations are continuing. Las Lomas toddler drowns in pool According to reports, the childs mother, Freeda Sankar was at home with her daughter Sethra taking a nap, when Sankar fell asleep. She was awakened by the sound of her backdoor opening. On checking she discovered her daughter missing. The frantic woman, ran outside in the vicinity of the swimming pool and saw to her horror, the body of her tiny daughter floating. The woman jumped into the pool, took the toddler out and attempted CPR. Despite her efforts the child failed to respond. A report was made to officers at the Las Lomas Police Post, and the child was rushed to a medical institution where she was pronounced dead. Officers carried out enquiries and the distraught mother was interviewed. The scene of the drowning was photographed by the police Testing for new police recruits In response, Dillon said, The Government condemns any act of criminality or crime committed by members of the Police Service or any agencies of the State, whose duty it is to protect, serve and secure the people of TT. In addition to psychometric and psychological testing for new entrants, Dillon said Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams will be looking at introducing other areas of professional development for police officers. The minister also said the Professional Standards Bureau of the Police Service continues to investigate matters of alleged criminal conduct by police officers and that anyone found culpable will face the full brunt of the law. When Sturge asked what is being done to deal with existing members of the Police Service who have such allegations hanging over their heads, Dillon said Williams was addressing that matter and would be holding a news conference today. Sturge expressed dissatisfaction with Dillons response but Senate President Christine Kangaloo reminded him that as presiding officer she cannot influence the answer that a minister gives to a question. Whale found dead on beach President of the Zoological Society, Gupte Lutchmedial, told Newsday the melon-headed whale, which is common in tropical waters, prefers deep waters and often does not survive after being stranded on a beach. Described as a member of the Oceanic Dolphin family, the melon-headed whale grows to about ten feet long and weights about 400 pounds. They live in large groups ranging from about 100 to 1,000 and they swim in small groups of ten to 15. WAND outfits community centres with PCs Speaking at the official launch of the WAND-Price Philanthropic Foundation Educational Project, Jan Bocass Ryan, president of WAND said they got involved in the programme because of news of delinquency in various communities triggered by crime and drugs. These computers are only to be used for learning. We have been advised that any deviation from this will result in the equipment being confiscated by the donor. Village Council members monitoring of activities on the computer is also part of your remit, she emphasised. Ryan said she hoped children will take their homework assignments seriously and use the computers to do their research projects. We are asking the Ministry of Community Development Officers of various communities to be a part of that responsibility and feed us data. Each will receive six computers with Microsoft software, six UPS Units, and one printer. We are very proud for the first time Wand is able to execute a project in our sister isle of Tobago, she said. She encouraged the Village Council members to take responsibility to ensure that the programme is successful and sustained. Also addressing the gathering, Sharon Rowley described the women of Wand as the Fairy God Mothers of Trinidad and Tobago. She acknowledged the good deeds of Wand foundation and indicated that their good deeds will not go unnoticed. We are here today( yesterday) to celebrate another one of Wands achievements. We are here to celebrate the steps taken by the ladies of Wand to assists in transforming the lives of persons in 14 communities in Trinidad and Tobago with the provision of computers. This marks the hard work and dedication of the fairy god mothers. She continued, They realised that many of these communities there are persons who come from low income families and are unable to acquire home computers, because they struggle to make ends meet, but they realise that the bulk of them are future leaders, doctors, teachers, persons with so much potential. She said some of these communities are designated as hot spots where crime has become a way of life for a few persons who have determined that their jobs involved the taking of lives of innocent victims for a fee. We all know that the persons who commit these crimes are in the minority. Wand and its partners realised that the majority of persons in these communities do not condone criminality. The majority are hard working and God-fearing individuals who want a better life for themselves and their children, she said. She said by outfitting these 14 communities with computers, it is the intention of Wand and its partners to empower persons in these communities as active citizens in a technology driven world. Wand realises that the economy is rapidly shifting and that computer literacy is necessary for economic opportunity and social inability for all. In todays world everyone needs basic computer skills to function in the job market, she said. The 14 community centres include Upper El Dorado, Samaroo Village, Jerningham, Springvale, Lanse Norie, Ortorie/ Mayaro, Palo Seco settlement, Embacadere, 6th Avenue Malick, Upper Ninth Avenue, second Caledonia, Upper 7th Avenue Malick, Barataria, Gasparillo/Santa Cruz and Mt Grace Tobago. Caricom wants to engage Trump early In a congratulatory message to Trump, on behalf of the governments and peoples of the 15-member regional grouping, Skerrit said he would welcome the opportunity to engage at the earliest opportunity. Skerrit noted, The community enjoys a long-standing friendly and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America, a relationship which has endured over the years despite the various changes of administration that are part and parcel of the democratic process. The Heads of Government and the people of Caricom, he said, look forward to the continuation of the friendly relations under the incoming administration. Meanwhile, individual heads of governments have sent congratulatory messages to Trump with similar sentiments of preserving and building on longstanding relationships. Egypt's net hard currency inflows have totalled about $1.5 billion, according to central bank data, since the Egyptian pound was floated on Nov. 3, the country's deputy finance minister Ahmed Kouchouk told reporters on Wednesday. That is about 10 to 15 times the amount of weekly inflows which Egypt obtained before the flotation, Kouchouk said on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai. Foreign inflows are expected to keep increasing, he said, adding that movements of the poud since its flotation were "not a surprise or concern", Kouchouk said. Search Keywords: Short link: BIR back to work Responding to a question in the Senate, Imbert said he was advised that on November 11, most of the workers returned to Trinidad House, with the exception of workers on the first floor. He said those workers were initially relocated to the St George West district office while the floor was sanitised and have since returned to Trinidad House. Imbert said all necessary precautions were taken to ensure the health and safety of the workers. He also indicated that a thorough assessment of the building by the Portof- Spain City Corporation and Rentokill did not find any evidence of a rat infestation at the building as alleged by the Public Services Association (PSA). Imbert indicated the proper procedure under the Occupational Health and Safety Act was not followed in this matter. President pushes for ICC Delivering the keynote address at a gala dinner hosted in honour of heads of Diplomatic Missions to this country at the University Inn and Conference Centre, St Augustine, Carmona said he acknowledged the concerns of some world leaders about the ICC but regarded it as powerful intervention in discharging equity and justice for all. The President noted that while leaders have highlighted what they consider to be the Courts shortcomings, few had taken the time to offer solutions. As a former International Criminal Court Judge, I have concerns about sentiments of withdrawal, expressed by some of our world leaders, he told guests, who included Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses. We need to work at creating solutions rather than stating problems. This International Criminal Justice System in the form of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a burgeoning one and as in every national system when envisaged problems arise with national institutions we do not resile to a dismantling of that institution. We find solutions. To this end, Carmona said he looked forward to critical, mediative collaboration with regard to the issues arising out of the mandate of the ICC, established in 2002, to ensure that justice is meted out to all without exception who commit genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. During his address, Carmona also lauded the contribution of several international diplomats in advancing pressing humanitarian challenges and global developmental initiatives. Closer at home, Carmona praised the input of the diplomats in promoting youth empowerment in this country through the Office of the President. I am convinced that this initiative taking place at the Office of the President can change the world, he said. No One Has Done This Before in Billboard's History Panoranimation, a new section launched this year by the Panorama of the European Film, showcased a programme of short animation films, including a selection from Torino One of three short film programmes in the Panoranimation section of the 9th Panorama of the European Film included 10 shorts from Torinos Italian National Film Schools Animation Centre, screened at Karim Cinema 6 November. The film school, also known as Centro Sperimentale Di Cinematografia (Experimental Film Centre), has its headquarters in Rome where it was founded in 1935, and is the oldest film school in Western Europe for the art and techniques of cinema, including animation. The Torino shorts range in subject matter and treatment, from the comic to the subdued, and in technical styles from fluid charcoal drawings to 3D playdough characters in stop motion. While visuals and animation techniques are the heart of this genre, todays technology has made audiences used to them, and so a lot of weight is also put on the ideas presented in the films. Concise and sweet, animation shorts are the best place to find fresh ideas, each an imaginative world compressed into a few minutes. Nearly all of the films in the programme are silent, highlighting the universal power of visual storytelling, even without a single spoken word. A couple of films in the programme from Torino provided thought provoking alternate perspectives, such as the stop motion film Imperium Vacui (Vacant Imperium), directed by Linda Kelvink and Massimo Ottoni. The film sets up a dystopia, captures its eerie essence and provides witty (if dark) insight in five minutes and five quick scenes about power and dictatorship. Imaginative, simple, well-paced, and sharp witted, the film stays with you for much longer than its screen time. It is so tightly wrapped, that to describe it would spoil the element of surprise, which works very well for the film. Another alternate reality can be seen in Office Kingdom, by four directors: Salvatore Centoducati, Eleonora Bertolucci, Giulio De Toma and Ruben Pirito. This film takes us behind the scenes of bureaucracy, a common problem in most corners of the world, not just Egypt where its screening is highly relatable. When a beautiful but grumpy government official very reluctantly agrees to stamp papers for a man, we get to see why it takes so long for papers to be completed. The journey to acquire the stamp is far from anyones expectations, as the official faces an underground world of many monsters she must fight, evade, and outsmart just to get the stamp. Office Kingdom achieves two things simultaneously: poking fun at bureaucracy and how it can often be absurd, while also leading us to appreciate the work of the grumpy faces behind officialdom's` desks. Mentioning the office, another animation short addresses women and mothers rights in the workplace. Titled Maternity Protection at Work, the short draws from the ILO convention on paternity protection (No 183), which safeguards the rights and economic security of women and their families. Six points from the convention are animated as short clips, each one in a different style. Different women in different scenarios illustrate the points, such as the right to paid maternity leave. Only the last clip was a bit strange, with a lion and lioness living in a human home to illustrate how males can support the working mother in caring for their child. This "casting" choice seemed inconsistent with the films other clips. Women are further visited from a different angle in Mama Mia, which depicts two portraits of mothers through the accounts of their daughters, directors Milena Tipaldo and Francesca Marinelli. This is one of the few films in the selection that is not silent. The Italian voiceover was a bit fast when translated to English subtitles, making it difficult to follow the storys details. The humour, though, is still identifiable, and the peculiarities of different mothers can be seen comically, as one story tells of how her mother put everything in separate plastic bags, and the other how her mother forgot her only daughters name because of how large the family is. Some films tackled more serious subjects, such as Nana Bobo. The story builds a clever analogy comparing robbing children of their toys to robbing them of their childhood, referring to child prostitution and sexual tourism. Effective as a social service advertisement, Nana Bobo gently makes its case relatable, drawing people into the story with suspense, and revealing its disturbing topic without shocking imagery that may turn off some audiences. This is contrasted by another film about children, which plays on a much lighter note. The six-minute Dove ti Nascondi (Where You Hide) celebrates the spirit of wonder and imagination in childrens minds. The dialogue is a recording of children having a very serious and existential discussion about where babies come from. The animation takes their words and ideas and portrays them in light childlike drawings sure to make anyone smile at these young free minds. More smiles can be found in La Pasticcere (The Pastry Chef), a comic dystopia where people eat like vicious monsters, oblivious to the meticulous care and passion the chef puts into making each desert. When the pastry chef finds one woman in the crowd who relishes the pastry and appreciates it as much as he does, he falls head over heels in love and will do anything to attract her attention. Pircantaturi is another comedy in the selection, with a little less to offer in terms of ingenuity, but a lot in terms of visual language. Set in an Italian town with a flavour of the Wild West, a mysterious man instills fear and prompts panic among everyone who sees him, especially the barrel-shaped man he has come for as he pressingly waits outside his door. The depiction of the dusty street and stone homes provide a very distinct sense of place, as do the details and scenography inside our protagonists home. The tense mood and pressing hot weather are set through the films harsh lighting, with high contrast and sharp shadows of a midday scorching sun. All these elements make the film very cinematic in terms of treatment, despite its simple plot. In La Danza Del Piccolo Ragno (Little Spider Dance), a woman dances her fears away after falling asleep in a field and getting bitten by a little red spider. With beautiful charcoal and ink drawn choreography, her dance is a personal journey of becoming, as she emerges afterwards fearless. The movement is emotional, fluid and surreal, as the landscape changes around her. The powerful soundtrack plays a strong supporting role to the choreography, with drums, percussion and violin adding to the urgency of the dance. Il Naturalista, by Giulia Barbera, Gianluca Lo Presti, Federico Parodi and Michele Tozzi, portrays a less fruitful attempt at pursuing peace and happiness. The short film follows a man retreating to spend a day in a pleasant field and sunny forest. His good willed desire to enjoy nature ends up in disaster. Like a bull in a china shop, every move he makes wreaks more havoc and disrupts the larger ecosystem. The animation style here is interesting, as the animated characters move about in images of a realistic landscape. The Panoranimation section is an exciting addition to Panorama and should be attended and enjoyed by adults and children alike. The scheduling of films in the programme placed shorts during morning screening times, away from the evening prime time for adult moviegoers. While its understandable that the evening screenings are reserved for important feature films in the festival, perhaps next year the animation programme can be distributed between morning and evening screenings, to target the wider audience it deserves. Ahram Online is the media sponsor of The Panorama of the European Film and of Zawya. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) Alcohol and adolescence don't mixespecially not when the alcohol is in regularly large quantities. So said Loyola University researchers at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience this week, where they presented their findings, Science Daily reports. They've been studying the effects of binge drinking on adolescent lab rats, and report in the journal Alcohol that when blood alcohol concentration rises above 0.08% (the legal driving limit in many places) on six occasions, after sobering up and eventually mating, those male and female rats have offspring with certain genes turned off or on that aren't normally. And both parents play a role, not just the mother, reports Forbes. Compared to the control population that wasn't exposed to alcohol, the researchers spotted 244 changes in the offspring of mothers and fathers who'd both gone through the binge-drinking routine; 159 when it was just the moms; and 93 when it was just the fathers. Many changes were in the hypothalamus, which governs sleep, stress, eating, and reproduction. In the US, 21% of teens report having binged on alcohol in the past 30 days alone, with numbers in the UK thought to be even higher, reports the Mirror. More than 90% of alcohol consumed by people under 21 is consumed on a binge. The researchers say this is the first study showing a molecular pathway by which a parent's drinking can impact future generations on a neurological level, and though it's not clear the results apply to humans, researchers think it's likely they do. (This teen died drinking shots with his stepfather.) (Newser) "When we were children, we were taught that Cubans didn't know what they were doing," 69-year-old Mick Phillips says. "Turns out they do." The New York Times looks at American lung cancer patients, like Phillips, who are traveling to Cuba and smuggling back a cancer vaccine called Cimavax. Cimavax has been available in Cuba since 2011 but hasn't been approved in the US. Medication can't be imported from Cuba due to the embargo, and medical care is not one of the approved reasons for Americans to visit Cuba. That didn't stop Zuby Malik. The 78-year-old retired doctor returned from a trip to Cuba in June with 80 vials of Cimavax in her son's backpack. "American treatments were not helping me," she says. "What other choice did I have?" Phillips has been smuggling Cimavax back to the US every year since 2012. "Without this medicine, I would be dead," he tells the Times. Despite Phillips' experience, Cuban trials of the vaccine have shown only limited success. In the most recent tests, patients who got the vaccine after chemo lived only three to five months longer than patients who didn't get it. Cimavax brought back Malik's energy and made breathing easier, at least at first. Recently, fluid has been building up in her lung, and she says she's likely to try something else. Regardless, the number of Americans seeking unapproved medical treatment in Cuba will only increase as Cuban-American relations improve. Read the full story here. (Read more Cuba stories.) (Newser) As a group of boys at a Utah high school changed into gym clothes for physical education class Tuesday morning, a straight-A student pulled out a knife in the locker room and stabbed five of his classmates, sending the injured running for their lives and covered in blood, police said. The 16-year-old suspect with no record of disciplinary trouble also stabbed himself in the neck and was cornered by school workers until a police officer assigned to Mountain View High School got to the locker room and subdued him with a Taser shot, the AP reports. Four of the injured students were still hospitalized Tuesday afternoon in conditions ranging from fair to critical after suffering neck and torso injuries, said Orem police Lt. Craig Martinez. School district spokesperson Kimberly Bird said the suspect was a new sophomore student who was previously homeschooled. There were no indications he was having problems or being bullied, she said. Investigators are talking to students who witnessed the attack and who knew the suspect as they try to determine a motive, said police chief Gary Giles. In the mayhem immediately after the attack, junior Karen Martinez said she saw three victims run from the locker room toward the school's central office, one suffering from a head wound and another with a neck injury. One had blood running down the back of his shirt, she said. "It was awful," said Martinez. "It was so terrifying." (Read more knife attack stories.) (Newser) A Southwest Airlines employee has died after being shot at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, the AP reports. Southwest spokesperson Brandy King confirmed the victim was an employee and says in a news release that the airline is cancelling all flights scheduled to depart Oklahoma City for the remainder of the day Tuesday. The victim's name has not been released. Police have said only that the man was shot early Tuesday afternoon. The news release says Southwest is working to accommodate passengers at the airport affected by the cancellation of flights. (Read more shooting stories.) (Newser) Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford slept together a long time ago on a movie set far, far away, only this time it didn't result in a son with a thing for masks and patricide. Fisher reveals the affair she kept quiet for nearly 40 years in her new book, The Princess Diarist, from which Radar Online has seen an excerpt. The book was written after Fisher found diaries she kept at the time. Fisher says the three-month affair started when Ford drove her home after a birthday party for George Lucas, People reports. It lasted throughout the filming of Star Wars: A New Hope in London. Jezebel notes that Fisher was 19 and Ford was 34 and married and sums up their relationship thusly: "It sounds like they basically got wasted and messed around a bunch." Fisher claims not to remember much of the affair because of the brutal strength of Harrisons preferred strain of pot. But she does recall Ford having a "hero's face." How could you ask such a shining specimen of a man to be satisfied with the likes of me? she writes. Fisher says she tried to make Ford fall in love with her and hoped he would leave his wife. She tells People she "was so inexperienced," but "he was kind." Radar reports that in her book Fisher claims Ford wasn't very good in bed. It's a claim Fisher denied making Tuesday on Twitter: "I would never talk about how someone was in any furniturechair, bed, coffee table, or otherwise." (Read more Carrie Fisher stories.) (Newser) To cope with a shock as great as Donald Trump winning the US election, sometimes you just have to drinkand drive home? That was essentially the argument of a Minnesota woman after she rear-ended a vehicle at a stoplight, causing minor injuries, a day after last week's election, according to Lino Lakes police. After officers say she failed field sobriety tests and was unable to spell her namean officer also said he found an empty bottle of vodka in her purseElizabeth Lundberg, 33, told police, "I am upset over the outcome of the election and you should let me go home," reports Fox 9. "We heard a new excuse for driving over 4 times the legal limit and hitting two vehicles at a stop light Wednesday afternoon," cops said in a Facebook post. Surprise: Officers did not oblige. Instead, they took Lundberg to the police station for a breath sample. There, she fell over, grabbed the breath test machine and broke it, police say, per KARE. She then had to be taken to another police department where she was found to have a blood-alcohol content four times the legal limit, according to police. She's now charged with criminal vehicular operation and driving while intoxicated, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which spoke to Lundberg as she left jail on Thursday. Lundberg, who admitted to drinking prior to the crash, said she uttered the comment about the election "well after I asked if everyone was OK, and I said it sarcastically." "I did not shed a tear when [Trump] was elected," she added. "I'm not really into politics, frankly." Further, "I think its strange that a police department can tweet something someone said that is so outlandish." She's due back in court in January. (Read more weird crimes stories.) (Newser) In news unlikely to bring much cheer to the Clinton household, Hillary Clinton is now the winningest loser in the history of American presidential elections. According to the Cook Political Report election tracker, Clinton's lead in the popular vote has grown to more than 1 million, with 62,403,469 votes to 61,242, 652 for Donald Trump and 6,868,257 for other candidates, Time reports. Al Gore, the only other candidate since the 19th century to win the popular vote but lose to a rival with more Electoral College votes, had around 544,000 more votes than George W. Bush in the 2000 election. Retiring Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer introduced a longshot bill Tuesday to scrap the Electoral College system, the Los Angeles Times reports. The college "is an outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society, and it needs to change immediately," she said. "Every American should be guaranteed that their vote counts." Trump, who has criticized the system in the past, now seems to be warming to it. "The Electoral College is actually genius in that it brings all states, including the smaller ones, into play," he tweeted Tuesday. In another tweet, he said that he would have "won even bigger" under a popular vote system by spending more time campaigning in states like California and New York. (Clinton was recently declared the winner in New Hampshire.) (Newser) The International Criminal Court is talking about investigating Americans for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, a move that the State Department considers both unwarranted and inappropriate. The department says that not only is the US not a member of the ICC, it has its own justice system capable of dealing with such issues, reports Reuters. "The United States is deeply committed to complying with the law of war," spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said Tuesday. "We do not believe that an ICC examination or investigation with respect to actions of US personnel in relation to the situation in Afghanistan is warranted or appropriate." A report released Monday by ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said there may be ground for prosecution because US service members "appear to have subjected at least 61 detained persons to torture, cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity" in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014, and CIA operatives may have tortured 27 detainees in Afghanistan, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania between 2004 and 2008, the AP reports. Bensouda said a decision is due imminently, though legal experts say it is "highly, highly unlikely" that any American will be prosecuted in the international court over the allegations, especially not if US authorities have conducted their own investigation. (Read more Afghanistan war stories.) From sculptors to actors and filmmakers, Berlin has become a magnet for Syrian artists fleeing their country's brutal violence to a place where they can express themselves without fear. While Beirut and Paris have long been the destinations of choice for Arab artists, the German capital has in recent years earned a reputation as a more adventurous, progressive alternative for exiled creators. As well as offering affordable spaces to live and work, Berlin is "the city of anarchy and rock", says Ziad Adwan, an actor and director who arrived two years ago after spells in jail back home. Once divided by its infamous wall, reunification energised Berlin as young people who grew up yearning to escape the stifling former East Germany met West German peers who had moved to the city for its special status that exempted them from military service. The combination produced an open-minded atmosphere -- and an uninhibited party culture -- that continues to lure artists from all over the world. Syrians have proved to be no exception. "The Berlin cultural scene has certainly taken on a new tone," says Syrian Ali Kaaf, who has lived in Berlin for the past 16 years and teaches at the well-regarded Weissensee fine arts school. He helps around 20 refugee students each semester to find places in art schools, put together portfolios or recreate those lost in the chaos of their escape and arduous journey to Europe. Once the essentials of life -- having a place to sleep and food to eat -- are out of the way, many of the new arrivals find themselves among familiar faces. "Some of my students from the Damascus drama school where I used to teach now live in refugee homes," says Adwan. "It's just like Damascus here," agrees photographer and journalist Doha Hassan, who has found old friends and acquaintances from the Syrian capital among her 600,000 compatriots who have fled to Germany since the war broke out in 2011. Still, Egyptian Basma El-Husseiny says that "it can be very hard for those who have just arrived to find their way" to resuming their studies or exhibiting works in German institutions. An activist with two decades of experience in the arts, she founded the charity Action for Hope that helps refugee artists through the thicket of German bureaucracy. Meanwhile, Adwan and German publisher Mario Muenster have come together to produce an English-language magazine, A Syrious Look, aimed at linking up the new Syrian diaspora with young German artists. What refugee artists have to express is often marked by the war within Syria's borders -- and by their own experiences on the long road to escape that conflict. Under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the ruling Baath Party ideology was forced on art schools, and some artists say the institutions were also riddled with corruption. "Artists used to use symbols" to criticise the powerful for fear of the censors, Adwan says. "Today, they can just try things out openly." One of the works by artist Sulafa Hijazi shows a woman's naked body, supine and legs splayed as she gives birth to a rifle. Another illustration features a skull-topped sewing machine stitching red thread into a camouflage uniform. Some creatives have gone through subtler transformations. "I used to write dark, depressing pieces," muses Rasha Abbas, a writer who won a grant from a foundation in Stuttgart. "It seems strange but since I'm here, my writing is full of humour," she says, a smile playing across her face framed by waves of dark hair. Some comfort on the path into an unknown future is the fact that they are living in a city, Berlin, which has had to reinvent itself from scratch. "Damascus today is how Berlin was at the end of the war," Muenster says. "No one can imagine that Damascus could be a capital of culture in 50 years, but no one could have imagined that for Berlin in 1945." For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) As five more states voted to legalize recreational marijuana last week, Denver took it a step further: A ballot measure to allow social marijuana use has narrowly passed, according to vote count updates released Tuesday, the Denver Post reports. The measure will allow marijuana use in "consumption areas" at businesses including bars, cafes, and even yoga studios. Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, but public consumption remained banned. Backers of the latest measure described it as a way to give touristsand residents whose landlords ban pota place to legally smoke or vape marijuana. "This is a victory for cannabis consumers who, like alcohol consumers, simply want the option to enjoy cannabis in social settings," said Kayvan Khalatbari, who co-owns a marijuana business and was the measure's main supporter. Under the four-year pilot program, which supporters hope will serve as an example for the rest of the country, "pot patios" could spring up at bars and other businesses, though state law bans the consumption of marijuana at places that sell it, KREM reports. And because Colorado law bans smoking in almost all indoor public areas, you still won't be able to smoke a joint at a barunless it's a cigar bar. (Read more marijuana legalization stories.) (Newser) It may seem there's more fighting than rejoicing on Facebook lately, but for the residents of El Segundo, Calif., it's time to celebrate. "They found the air horn guy!" one local crowed online, per the Los Angeles Times, applauding a somewhat anticlimactic ending to the early-morning din that's been plaguing the city for six weeks. On its Facebook page, the El Segundo Police Department noted that at around 4am Sunday, officers heard an "extremely loud air-horn being actuated" and followed the sound to a 2006 Chevy Aveo driving around, which they pulled over. Inside: driver John Nuggent and air horn equipment, which Nuggent admitted to using to stir residents out of sleep. Several locals emerged from their homes and made a citizen's arrest against Nuggentan important fact, the San Diego Union-Tribune notes, with police explaining that officers can't be victims of "disturbing the peace." Had the residents not come out, the cops would only have been able to give Nuggent a slap on the wrist for a traffic infraction; now the charge gets prosecutable misdemeanor status, with a maximum of 90 days in jail, a $400 fine, or both if he's found guilty. Sgt. Vincent Martinez tells the Times the blare fest was apparently Nuggent's way of retaliating against someone in the area with whom he had a beef. "I've been an officer for over 27 years and I don't know if I've ever seen someone retaliate using an air horn," Martinez says. "But people find very creative ways at getting at other people." WCMH notes that the car, along with the horn, was impounded. (A Nebraska woman was charged with disturbing the peaceby sticking her hand in a tiger cage.) (Newser) New Zealand military leaders say they have almost completed the evacuation of more than 700 tourists and residents from a small coastal town, two days after a powerful earthquake cut off train and vehicle access. The magnitude 7.8 quake left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami, and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways. Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the acting commander of New Zealand's Joint Forces, tells the AP that crews in Kaikoura are loading about 380 people and three dogs onto a navy ship. He says the ship is due to leave Wednesday evening for a six-hour trip to a port near Christchurch. Webb says another 340 people have been evacuated by helicopter since Tuesday. Other tourists have left by chartering their own helicopters or having air transport provided by their embassy. Some have chosen to stay until an inland road reopens. Webb said warships from Australia, Canada, and the US are due to arrive soon and will help restock the town with water, fuel, and other supplies. President-elect Donald Trump called Prime Minister John Key to pass on his sympathies over the quake. Key's office described the conversation as "very warm and cordial." (Three stranded cows that grabbed the world's attention have also been rescued.) (Newser) Thousands of children have died of starvation and disease in Boko Haram-ravaged northeastern Nigeria, Doctors Without Borders said Tuesday, quoting a new survey that's forcing Nigerian officials to stop denying the crisis. The Paris-based group hopes official recognition of the calamity in which "thousands are dying" will help bring urgent aid before older children also start dying, Natalie Roberts, emergency program manager for northeast Nigeria, tells the AP. A survey of two refugee camps in the city of Maiduguri shows a quarter of the expected population of children under 5 is missing, assumed dead, per MSF, the group's acronym in French. Under-5 mortality rates in the camps are more than double the threshold for declaring an emergency, Roberts notes. Speaking on her return from northeastern Borno state, the birthplace of Boko Haram's uprising, she says the absence of young children was striking. "We only saw older brothers and sisters," she says. "It's as if [the younger kids] have just vanished." MSF first sounded the alarm in June, but senior officials of the National Emergency Management Agency managing the camps as late as September denied any child was suffering malnutrition and accused doctors of exaggerating the crisis to attract donations. The crisis is aggravated by alleged theft of food aid by emergency management officials. An estimated 75,000 children could die within a year because donors have provided only one-third of requested funding; twice as much$1 billionis needed for the rest of the year and into 2017, says the UN. A vital funding conference in Geneva next month could save the day. Otherwise, "it won't be long before we could be in the painful position of having to turn away sick and starving children," says the US-based Save the Children. (Read more Nigeria stories.) (Newser) While Donald Trump's choice of "terrifying man" Steven Bannon as his chief strategist is causing wide denouncement, an ecological and sociological experiment he took part in more than 20 years ago is bubbling up, complete with lawsuits and allegations of threats and sexual harassment, reports the Arizona Republic. Bannon worked as a consultant in the early '90s for Biosphere 2, which per Motherboard involved eight scientists living in a locked 3-acre dome for two years to see if they could survive in a "closed," self-sufficient environmenta precursor to possible future space colonization. Bannon briefly resigned as CEO of the project, but when he came back in 1994 is when things became heated. A Biosphere project manager filed a sexual harassment complaint against Bannon for making lewd and denigrating remarks toward her and other workers (that case was settled). And in a court appearance regarding another female crew member (one of two workers who broke into the dome to warn other crew that Bannon had been rehired), Bannon admitted he'd threatened to ram a safety memo she wrote "down her f---ing throat" and that he'd called her a "bimbo," per Mother Jones. Those two crew members were awarded $600,000 from the project's parent company (though they were ordered to pay $41,000 for breaking into the dome). Not everyone's surprised. "Donald Trump spent his campaign surrounding himself with known misogynists and he's doing the same with the White House," a rep for the Emily's List PAC tells Newsweek. "Women can and will hold him accountable." Oddly, considering his new boss is dismissive of climate change, Bannon seemed on board during Biosphere with the harmful impact of greenhouse gases, Mother Jones notes. (Read more Steve Bannon stories.) (Newser) In 2002, divers stumbled upon the wrecks of three Dutch warships that took 900 crew members to their watery graves during World War II's Battle of the Java Sea. Finding them again has so far proved, well, impossible. Divers hoping to examine the wrecks ahead of the 75th anniversary of the 1942 battle found imprints of the wrecks off Indonesia using sonar, but the wrecks themselves have mysteriously vanishedone in part and two in whole, reports the Guardian. "The wrecks of HNLMS De Ruyter and HNLMS Java have seemingly gone completely missing. A large piece is also missing of HNLMS Kortenaer," says the Dutch defense ministry, which has launched an investigation and fears the wrecks were illegally salvaged. As more than 100 ships and submarines from World War II rest in neighboring waters, the area is known to attract salvage companies in search of steel, aluminum, and brass. Two years ago, the US military reported an "unauthorized disturbance" at the wreck of the USS Houston in the Java Sea, while the New Straits Times reported last year that men were using explosives to rip apart wrecks for their metal. "The desecration of a war grave is a serious offense," says the defense ministry. "The wrecks bear silent witness to the tragic events and form a backdrop to the many stories about the terrors or war and the comradeship between crew," adds the defense minister, per Dutch News. "The Battle for Java Sea is part of our collective memory." (This wartime wreck is remarkably well-preserved.) (Newser) Two years ago, Alibaba stunned the tech world, and the stock market in general, with the biggest initial public offering ever valued at $168 billion. Now Snapchattechnically Snap Inc., as of Septemberlooks to want in on the mega-IPO game: Sources tell Reuters the company has confidentially filed for an IPO, possibly as early as March and with a value between $20 billion and $25 billion (the Wall Street Journal last month said it could actually surpass $25 billion). The last major tech IPO: Facebook in 2012, valued at $81 billion. As TechCrunch notes, the filing doesn't mean the IPO will definitely happen, just that Snapchat "is going through the motions to get out there." Companies pulling in less than $1 billion in revenue can file in secret for an IPO under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act to "to quietly test investor appetite" while still keeping their financials out of sight, Reuters notes. (Read more Snapchat stories.) (Newser) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday to withdraw Russia from the International Criminal Court, which rules on such grave charges as genocide and crimes against humanity, the AP reports. Russia in 2000 signed the Rome treaty that established the Hague-based court but never ratified it. Putin's decree, published on the Kremlin's website, comes a day after the UN General Assembly's human rights committee approved a resolution condemning Russia's "temporary occupation of Crimea" and blamed Russia for rights abuses including discrimination against some Crimean residents, such as Tatars. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 from Ukraine following a hastily called referendum, a move that led to crippling Western sanctions. A separatist insurgency erupted in eastern Ukraine the following month, backed by Russia. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, explained the withdrawal by "national interests" and argued that since Russia never ratified it, Wednesday's decree was just a formality. Peskov also dismissed the ICC's accusations of an "armed conflict" in Crimea, arguing that Crimea joined Russia after a legitimate popular vote. Russia's foreign ministry insisted in a statement that Russia wants everyone implicated in grave international crimes to face justice but expressed frustration over the court's work in recent years. "The court has unfortunately failed to match the hopes one had and did not become a truly independent and respected body of international justice," the ministry said. Just hours before Russia's announcement, the UN human rights chief made a spirited defense of the ICC, entreating countries not to leave it. Several African nations have recently announced plans to leave the treaty. (Read more Vladimir Putin stories.) (Newser) The pieces are starting to fall into place for a Donald Trump presidency, and on Wednesday that came in the form of two major legislative appointments. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer received a unanimous vote by Senate Democrats during a closed-door meeting to become the minority leader who will succeed Harry Reid, who's retiring in January, the AP reports. Across the aisle, in what the Los Angeles Times says was another unanimous decision, Senate Republicans re-elected Mitch McConnell as majority leader. McConnell first took on the post when Republicans gained control of the Senate in 2015, after eight years serving as minority leader. Although McConnell kept a wary distance from Trump during the campaign, he's now rallying behind the president-elect. Republicans are likely to have a 52-48 advantage in the incoming Senate. (Read more Charles Schumer stories.) (Newser) In dismissing his family's lawsuit Tuesday, an appeals court called the 43-minute-long botched execution of Clayton Lockettduring which he regained consciousness and thrashed aroundan "innocent misadventure," Tulsa World reports. Lockett, a convicted murderer, was executed in 2014 in Oklahoma. According to Slate, a drug meant to knock him out was improperly administered, and the following two drugs meant to paralyze him and stop his heart very likely caused a conscious Lockett "immense pain." He was able to raise his head during the procedure, uttering his final words: "Something's wrong." The trio of drugs given to Lockett had never been used before, and his family sued, claiming he was the victim of "torture and human medical experimentation." But while the court admits Lockett's execution was "unnecessarily prolonged and horribly painful," it ruled that his constitutional rights were not violated, KFOR reports. It calls the botched execution "the sort of 'innocent misadventure' or 'isolated mishap'" that, per the Supreme Court, does not fit the definition of cruel and unusual punishment, and notes that "some risk of pain is inherent in any method of execution." It also argues the pain wasn't intentionally inflected. To bolster its ruling, the court cited a US Supreme Court decision from 1890. Slate calls the ruling "especially disturbing" and "especially perverse." It reports another court ruling allowing state's to keep their execution drugs secret means more botched executions are likely in the future. (Read more Clayton Lockett stories.) Beloved Egyptian actor Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz died on Saturday at the age of 70. Abdel-Aziz starred in three films by Egyptian director Ali Abdel-Khalek, playing a strikingly different role in each of these productions. Together, these three films encapsulate Abdel-Azizs talent and passion, which culminated in a generous filmography of more than 90 works. In Abdel-Khaleks 1982 film Al-Aar (Shame), Abdel-Aziz played the role of an upper-class addiction specialist, tormented by the fact that his pious father was actually a drug lord. In Gari Al-Wohosh (Monsters Run, 1987), Abdel-Aziz transformed into a poor, desperate alpha male who gets involved in selling one of his organs, and ends up losing his sanity and his macho sexuality. Finally, in Al-Keif (The High, 1985), he plays a well-to-do spoiled bohemian son who mingles with the impoverished proletariat in local cafes and dens populated by petrifying drug dealers. Written by Mahmoud Abu Zaid, all three films tackled the moral decay that resulted from Sadat's open door economic policy in the 1970s. Abdel-Aziz was a spearhead in all three films. His ability to master radical shifts as he moved from one role to the other, and his marvelous way of capturing the weaknesses and strengths embedded in each, explain why he has over the years become one of Egyptian modern cinemas gems. The Alexandria-born actor studied agriculture at university and embarked on several theatre activities until he landed his debut role in the 1973 television series Al-Dawama, which was followed the next year by his film debut, Al-Hafeed (The Grandson), directed by Atef Salem, in which Abdel-Aziz marries a girl from an Egyptian middle class family in 1970s Cairo. To his credit, Abdel-Aziz managed to surpass the night club themed-films that dominated Egyptian cinema in the 1980s, which were produced by Gulf-affiliated individuals and featured divas in bikinis and lingerie, belly dancers, shaabi or popular-style songs, and cheesy plots. Instead, Abdel-Aziz focused on playing eye-catching roles and choosing interesting scripts, the 1980s thus becoming a high point for his career. It was in this decade that he took on the role of Egyptian spy Rafaat El-Hagan in a very popular TV production. The trilogy garnered major success in Egypt and the Arab world, with a plot centering on the story of the El-Hagan, an Egyptian spy operating in Israel. The series glorified Abdel-Aziz, giving him the space to improvise, and asserting his Don Juan attitude, something that he continued to be known for. Directed by Yahia El-Alamy, the series aired from 1987 to 1992, for the most part adopting a highly nationalistic narrative of the Arab-Israeli conflict, all the while humanising El-Hagan. The series continues to be broadcasted on both private and state-owned TV channels, and its plot has moulded the Egyptian spy/war narrative, to the extent that documentaries about Egypt's General Intelligence Directorate use footage from the fictional series. Tall and well-built, Abdel-Aziz was known for his quick movement in front of the camera, whether acting in a romance, action, or drama. In the beginning he was a poster boy for romance films, and post-war productions of war heroes coming back to their sweethearts. To his luck, he soon got the chance to work with some of Egypts most brilliant directors, who themselves came from different schools of art: from the realist, to the nationalist, to the feminist, to those who experimented with fantasy to tackle with societys macro problems. The list includes filmmakers Mohamed Khan, Radwan El-Kashef, Samir Seif, Mohamed Kamel El-Qaliouby, Mohamed Haseeb, and Omar Abdel-Aziz. He joined forces with Atef El-Tayeb in the Al-Bari (The Innocent, 1986), where he played the role of Colonel Sharkas, a schizophrenic officer who tortures political prisoners in detention centres. Sharkas didn't have to move much in the film, owing to his position as a high-ranking officer in this detention camp, so we can see him coldly questioning communist writers under the scorching sun, with no remorse or mercy. But when journalists, legal representatives, and members of human rights groups come to inspect a murder that took place in the prison, he is warm, gentle and caring. Abdel-Azizs favorite collaboration was with fantasy director Raafat El-Meehy, in which they tackled feminist issues and highlighted them it in the context of societys problems. In El-Sada El-Regal (Misters, 1987), a social comedy, Abdel-Aziz emerges as a patriarchal husband demanding a lot from his wife, played by Maali Zayed, who in an attempt to resist against his domination and secure more rights, transforms into a man. He went on to act in another film by El-Meehy, Sayedati Anisati (Ladies and Lasses, 1989) which tackled the Egyptian population crisis, widowhood, unemployment, and the misery experienced by housewives, all in a comic manner. In Sayedati Anisati, Abdel-Aziz plays the role of Mahmoud, an office boy who claims to have a PhD and to have given lectures about the ideas of Friedrich Engels. He marries four women, and gives each the right to divorce him. The film centres on the institution of marriage but adopts a matriarchal point of view. The wives control the marriage, own the house, have the right to divorce, and manage the household finances. They return from work to their husband who has spent his afternoon preparing lunch. In 1991, the brilliant director Daoud Abd El-Sayyed chose Abdel-Aziz to star in his masterpiece El-Kitkat (Kitkat), adapted from a novel by Egyptian writer Ibrahim Aslan. In El-Kitkat, Abdel-Aziz plays the role of the blind life-loving Sheikh Hosni, who refuses to give in to the harsh economic conditions. In order to master his role, Abdel-Aziz reportedly spent time with visually impaired individuals to study their body language and facial expressions. In one scene, Sheikh Hosni shares a long-held dreamin which he rides on a motorcycle and flies-- with his frustrated young son Youssef (played by Sherif Mounir). Youssef takes his father on a ride and they both end up in the Nile. Dont blame me, Sheikh Hosni tells Youssef. The other driver is stupid. For your information, I got his number plates. Laughing, the son replies, Father why dont you believe that youre blind? Are you calling me blind you idiot? I can see better than you do, and in the dark, replies Sheikh Hosni, as the two burst into hysterical laughs. It was this scene along with other scenes from the film that turned Sheikh Hosni into one of Egypts most beloved characters. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture Search Keywords: Short link: (Newser) Swedish workers now have a hotline they can call to report "mansplaining" in the workplace, the Local reports. For those who don't know, UnionenSweden's largest union and creator of the hotlinedefines mansplaining as when a man explains something to a woman without being asked, particularly something which she might already know more about than the man." According to the New York Times, the hotline, which started Monday and runs through Friday, is being staffed by 20 gender experts, academics, and authorsplus feminist politicians, scientists, and comedians. "No matter what a woman says, a man always seems to know better," one woman working the hotline tells CNN. "While it can happen both ways, more women tend to be the victims of this presumption." Unionen says the goal of the hotline is to get people thinking about mansplaining. "It's important to create awareness about how seemingly small things that we do or say add up to a larger issue," the Times quotes a union spokesperson as saying. Unionen says mansplaining can make women seem less competent, and it contributes to the gender wage gap and glass ceiling. So far, callers have sought advice for what to do when male colleagues talk over them, ignore them, or take credit for their work. Men have also been calling the hotline, asking how they can know if they're guilty of mansplaining. (Read more Sweden stories.) Apple Inc. has expressed its interest in manufacturing wearable glasses that may use augmented reality (AR). This development is confirmed by people familiar with the matter, with Apple reportedly conducting talks with potential suppliers. According to sources, the project is risky but is potentially lucrative. Bloomberg News reported that the Apple device is still in an exploration phase can be connected wirelessly iPhones. The wearable glass will be designed to show images and other information in the wearer's field of vision. Augmented reality is being considered as the device's main feature. Apple has been hiring AR talent for months, says Computer World. They are tapped to work on a consumer product that is highly confidential. CEO Tim Cook was quoted stressing the potential of wearable glass compared to its virtual reality (VR) counterpart. Cook has provided hints that Apple is planning to enter the AR and VR space. Business Insider also noted that Apple is working with potential suppliers for components like near-eye displays. Apple has interests in companies that are AR-focused startups including PrimeSense, Metaio Inc., and Flyby Media Inc. These companies also deal with motion sensing, 3D mapping, and computer vision. Apple expects to launch the new device in 2018. The company does not want its new device to end up like Google Glass, which was a massive failure. Google Glass gave AR a bad public reputation, so Apple needs to fine tune the technology before introducing it to the consumers. Apple is not alone in venturing into new fields. Silicon Valley has turned its focus on VR. Tech companies have engaged into this space including Google with its Daydream platform and new View headsets, Facebook with Oculus, and Samsung, which is also working on high-end mobile headsets. Cook reiterates that the company will go further in augmented reality, following the rise of location-based game Pokemon Go, which uses AR. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 2F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 2F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. (Beijing) Bank of Shanghai shares rose the daily 44% limit in their trading debut on Wednesday, as the regional lender raised 10 billion yuan ($1.46 billion) in China's biggest domestic initial public offering (IPO) this year. Bank of Shanghai priced its shares at 17.77 yuan apiece, at the top end of their indicated range. The 44% increase is the maximum allowable under stock exchange rules, and the jump is common among domestic IPOs as investors often scramble to buy stock of newly listed companies. The IPO makes Bank of Shanghai the latest by regional lenders to list and brings the total number of banks trading on China's A-share markets to 23. Many of those are raising funds to strengthen their balance sheets as they face a growing number of bad loans as China's economy slows. "This fundraising, minus fees, will all be used to supplement the bank's tier-1 capital," Bank of Shanghai said in its IPO prospectus. Despite their uncertain outlook, Chinese bank IPOs have still received a warm welcome from local investors this year. Bank of Jiangsu traded up by its daily maximum limit for several days after its IPO in August, rising from an offering price of 6.27 yuan to 14.36 yuan. The stock later pared those gains and more recently has been trading in the 10-yuan range. Domestic IPOs have been relatively limited this year due caution from the regulator following a sharp selloff in January. The limited supply of new shares has helped new listings perform well in their respective debuts due to a healthy demand for new offerings. Contact reporter Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com); editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com) The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday while addressing an all-party meeting on the eve of the winter session of Parliament, raised the possibility of State funding of elections in India. During an all-party meeting, PM urged on a need for all political parties to support the anti-corruption measures taken by the government. He also assesed that the government was ready to discuss and debate all the issues raised by the opposition. The Prime Minister has initiated the idea of having both Lok Sabha elections and Vidhan Sabha elections together and said a discussion on this should be held in the Winter Session. All parties have opposed the demonetisation move and called it draconian. Union Minister Ananth Kumar quoted PM Modi as saying, PM said that all parties should show support in Winter session in national interest. PM urged all parties to cooperate inside as also outside Parliament on issues of black money and corruption. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. (Beijing) French food and beverage giant Danone SA has sold its Chinese purified-water business to a local company as it shifts its strategy from fostering domestic brands to importing foreign products favored by local consumers. The French company sold Robust Co. Ltd., based in south China's Guangdong province, to Win Holding, Danone said in a statement to Caixin on Wednesday. Based in the southern boomtown of Shenzhen, Win will take over the purified bottled water's brand and six plants across the country, Danone said. "In order to build a strong sustainable business model, Danone has redefined the company strategy in the water business to adopt a more-focused approach on natural mineral water," Danone said in the statement. Danone declined to comment on the value of the transaction. Danone bought 92% of Robust in 2000, but the brand has struggled to secure a slice of China's bottled-water market, which is now dominated by domestic companies such as Wahaha and Nongfu Spring, said Song Liang, an independent industry analyst. "Danone has been offloading Chinese businesses since late 2015 and now it focuses more on marketing, branding and importing its foreign products to China because they're favored by Chinese customers," Song said. Imported foods and beverages have become favorites among Chinese consumers in recent years following a steady string of scandals involving tainted locally made products. That shift has provided a boost for foreign food brands, and has also fueled a similar boom in cross-border e-commerce. After selling Robust, Danone will still sell three mineral bottled-water brands in the country, including its popular French brand Evian, which is named after the alpine town of Evian-les-Bains in southeast France, according to Danone's website. Despite costing seven times more than domestic brands, Evian is favored by the country's growing middle class, Song said. Danone is one of a growing number of foreign companies giving up their China ventures as they lose share to local rivals. Late last year, the company sold its Dumex China baby-formula brand to Yashili International Holdings Ltd., a unit of domestic dairy conglomerate China Mengniu Dairy Co., for HK$1.23 billion ($158.5 million). Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com) Washington: Indias new ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna, who arrived in the city a few days before the general elections, has kicked off his engagements with a meeting with powerful Democratic Senator Jack Reed. Enjoyed meeting with Ambassador Navtej Sarna to discuss the strong relationship between US and India, Reed, Ranking Member of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a tweet after meeting the top Indian diplomat at the Capitol Hill on Tuesday. A 1980 batch foreign service official, Sarna also met Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress, who is also co-Chair of the powerful House India Caucus. Sarna presented his credentials to Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol, State Department on November 9. He is expected to present his formal diplomatic credentials to outgoing US President Barack Obama later. Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs until 2008, Sarna has previously been Indias ambassadorto Israel and the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: With opposition seeking to rake up the issue of demonetisation in Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the government is ready to discuss all issues and hoped parties will contribute in completing the legislative agenda in the Winter session. Addressing the media outside Parliament House on day one of the month-long Winter session, he hoped a "very good" discussion will take place on all issues which are based on the political ideologies of parties, the hopes and aspirations of the common man, and the thinking of the government. "I feel a very good debate will take place in this session too. All parties will have the best of contribution. Best of efforts will be made to take all parties along in completing the government business," he said. Later, Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day. The debate on demonetisation began in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday with Opposition getting united to target the government on the issue of demonetisation. Highlights of the House proceedings in Rajya Sabha on Wednesdaya # Rajya Sabha adjourned till tomorrow (Thursday), 11am. 5:25pm: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, BJP #A If your money is valid, it will not go in vain, says Venkaiah Naidu #This is the great transformation being brought by PM of India.A #The main issues on which we (BJP) fought elections was corruption. The issue of corruption was the main that we stressed upon. 5:20pm: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP #Comparing our PM with Hitler, Mussolini, Gaddafi is atrocious to say the least; it is totally wrong #Those who are corrupt, black money hoarders are most affected as their money is now being treated as a piece of paper. 4:58pm: Pramod Tiwari, INC, Uttar Pradesh #Just to benefit the big businessmen and tycoons, BJP has banned the Rs 500, Rs 1000 bank notes in the country 4: 30pm: Naresh Gujral, SAD, Punjab #This black money has affected all of A the organs, be it elections media or anything else.A #The money which is now being deposited in banks will be used to fund farmers, small businessmen, start-ups and all that sections which require bank finance 4:25 pm: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley #Loan to Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher a write-off 'only in books,' but the Govt still pursuing his case: Arun Jaitley in RSA 4: 15 pm: NCP's Praful Patel speaks #Those small traders who come from other regions to urban areas are the ones who are most affected by demonetisation. They do not even have bank accounts.A 3:40pm: BSP supremo Mayawati #A The ban on currency has left the entire country financially crippled. #A The fact is that these 10 months were used to handle black money accumulated by BJP leaders & industrialists. #A PM said govt has been preparing for DeMonetisation since 10months, that is enough time,still situation is out of control. #A There is an economic emergency in the country. # Poor people are suffering due to this decision 3pm: CPM leader Sitaram Yechury # Initially ATM meant aAll Time Moneya, now it is 'Aayega Tab Milega'. #A If none of the objectives are to be fulfilled by this, what is the meaning of this move #A Now we have Modi Antoinette, "If you don't have paper, use plastic"; what is the coverage of your plastic money?: Sitaram Yechury in RS #A What is called #demonetisation is 86% of our cash transactions; country today is living on cash transactions of 14%: Sitaram Yechury in RS 2:40pm: Janta Dal (United) member Sharad Yadav # Did PM ask you before takingh this decision? Sharad Yadav asks Jaitley # Rajya Sabha resumes at 2:30pm. # Rajya Sabha adjourned after Ram Gopal Yada's address. 12:42pm: Samajwadi Party's expelled leader Ram Gopal Yadav # Common man has to beg for his own money in banks. #A This is some kind of emergency in the country. A 12:37pm: Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad in RS # We were told earlier that the PM would be here, but then we found out he was in the Lok Sabha. # We want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come in Rajya Sabha in speak on the issue. # We listen to the PM all the time. On TV and elsewhere. But he doesnat hear us. 12:36pm: BJP's Piyush Goyal in RS # I appeal to the people, please be assured the honest will not be hurt by this at all. # If this is a surgical strike on black money, corruption, terrorism, then it is a certificate. # The PM and the government was well within its rights to take this step. It was taken by the monetary board of the RBI. 12:30pm: BJP's Piyush Goyal in RS # For the first time, the honest have been honoured and the dishonest have been troubled. # When the PM was elected, he was elected on a mandate to curb corruption and black money. # But parties are not taking it well, all parties should instead welcome PM's actions. # There are no curbs on the common man today, it is only on criminals. What kind of a House can have objections to that? # Today a festival of honesty is being celebrated across the country. 12:15pm: BJP's Piyush Goyal in RS # Citizens of India fully backing govt on the note ban move. Measure to expose black money is necessary. # Pehli baar desh mein imaandaar ka sammaan hua hai aur bemaan ka nuksaan. # Aaj poora desh swagat kar raha hai sarkar ke is kadam ka. 12:10pm: BSP's Mayawati in RS # It's a sensitive issue, we want the PM to come to the Rajya Sabha and take part in this discussion. # I have been observing Jaitley ji in the Rajya Sabha and have noticed he does look very 'dukhi'. 12:05: Anand Sharma in RS # BJP leaders go to wedding functions of Janardhan Reddy, and they talk about fighting black money, why don't you arrest him? # I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues; he must apologise. # Jo naya 2000 ka note laye hain, jo rang chhodta hai, yeh bilkul jo bachpan mein churan wali pudiya milti thi waisa hai. 11:50am: Anand Sharma in RS #A I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues; he must apologise: Anand Sharma in RS # An atmosphere has been created by the Government where questioning it has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism. # Government has list of those holding black money in Swiss Bank; we demand that PM must tell who all are there in the list. A # Bina surgery kare aajkal sab surgeon ban gaye hain, har cheez mein surgical strike keh rahe hain. A # Kis kanoon ne aapko adhikaar diya hai ki hume apne account se paisa nikalne pe bhi paabandi laga rahe hain?. # All the farmers became jobless today, they are standing in queues, says Anand Sharma # The demonetisation decision sent wrong message to the world that Indian economy runs on black money, says Anand Sharma in RS #A 86% of the currency in the markets was 500/1000 notes, was scrapped by just one announcement. Was it all black?: Anand Sharma, Cong in RSA # Debate starts in Rajya Sabha with Anand Sharma's speech at 11:20am #A Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow after giving obituary to the members who have passed away #A Our party is not against the demonetisationA decision but the way it has been implemented: BSP Chief Mayawati #A Parliament's winter session begins #A PM Narendra Modi hopes open discussion on issues as it will pave way for good decisions #A Government ready to hold discussion on all issues in Winter session of Parliament, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi #A TMC protests over demonetisation at Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises #A In the winter session, a very positive discussion will happen and on all issues with contribution of all parties: PM Modi #A In last session an important bill like GST was passed, it was a big step. I had thanked all parties then: PM Modi #A PM Narendra Modi reaches Parliament #A Congress Rajya Sabha strategy meeting underway in Parliament We are ready for discussion on any issue, we are doing good work so we have no problems in discussing anything: Venkaiah Naidu,I&B Minister pic.twitter.com/ZRywQ6RCtC a ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 Ready for discussion(on #DeMonetisation). Last time unanimously passed GST,all parties must make this winter session fruitful: Ananth Kumar pic.twitter.com/0P4PGkkJ3R a ANI (@ANI_news) November 16, 2016 A demand for constitution of a JPC to go into the demonetisation is also on the opposition agenda. Along with Congress, TMC, BSP and JD(U), many other parties has demanded immediate discussion on demonetisation of high denomination notes. Loksabha Business advisory committee meet to be conducted at 11:45 am to discuss agenda of the week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak around 10:30 am. Congress Parliamentary strategy committee meeting is going to be held at 10 am. NDA ally Shiv Sena, National Conference are likely to accompany West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will lead the MPs of her party TMC in the march to Rashtrapati Bhawan to petition the President against demonetisation of high-value currency notes. NDA ally Shiv Sena, National Conference are likely to accompany West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will lead the MPs of her party TMC in the march to Rashtrapati Bhawan to petition the President against demonetisation of high-value currency notes. Ahead of the session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met opposition leaders and sought their cooperation in the fight against black money and corruption for which, he said, the demonetisation exercise was undertaken. In his concluding remarks at an all-party meeting on the eve of the Winter Session, Modi spoke in support of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. He pitched for state-funding of elections and asked parties to debate the issue. The government is willing to discuss all issues and answer the questions raised by the opposition, Modi said, hoping for a fruitful session as he recalled the passage of the GST Bill in the last session with the cooperation of all parties. aWe have launched a crusade against corruption, black money and fake currency, which is also behind cross-border terrorism. All parties should come together on this issue of national interest,a he said. However, an unrelenting opposition decided to step up its fight against the government during the session. Presenting a united face, arch rivals TMC and Left parties and SP and BSP, got together at a meeting convened by the main opposition Congress to formulate a joint strategy. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Goa: Goa government employees have demanded that their salary for the current month be paid in cash rather than be deposited in bank accounts, considering the difficulties faced to withdraw money. Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA), in a written communication to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, said to make the withdrawl of money hassle-free the salary of all the government employees should be paid in cash. However, GGEA president John Nazareth welcomed the Centres decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Despite the problems faced by government employees, GGEA welcomes the move and wishes government success in the same, as we feel that the step taken is progressive and constructive in improving the economy of the country in longer run, he said. Nazareth said since Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has made it clear that it will take some time to streamline the situation, we request government to avoid the payment of salary through banks via ECS system and instead pay the salary in cash for the month of November or until the process of withdrawal of money through ATMs become hassle-free. The request is made for payment of salary in cash as many government employees have reported that they have to stand in queue in the banks to withdraw their salary in parts which ultimately amounts to spending the time they would use in their offices to serve the public, he said. The non-presence of government employees to serve the people may result in public outcry and criticism, GGEA added. Chennai: CPI(M) on Wednesday staged protests across Tamil Nadu against the 'unplanned move' of demonetising high denomination currency. The party cadre led by state unit said alternative arrangements should be made for smooth availability of currency. CPI (M) secretary G.Ramakrishnan held a demonstration near Parry's Corner on NSC Bose Road. Stating that its Polit Bureau has given a call for nation-wide agitations to permit using scrapped notes, CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan said that the party also undertook a meeting at Tirunelveli. "CPI(M) appeals to people to support the agitations to be held forsafeguarding the people's interests," he said in a statement. New Delhi: The three terrorists who were involved in the July 1 terror attack in Dhaka were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik, founder of Islamic Research Foundation, banned by the government. The Rajya Sabha was informed of it on Wednesday. "The three terrorists involved in the attack were reportedly admirers of Zakir Naik," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply. As per the available information, the mandate of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) is educational and social but it is also involved in other activities. ALSO READ: (Dhaka restaurant attack: Was pizza chef one of the 6 attackers?) After certain violations f Foreign Contribution Regulation Act were noticed, the IRF was placed under the prior permission category. The government on Wednesday decided to declare the IRF, an NGO promoted by controversial Islamic preacher as an outlawed organisation under anti-terror law for five years for its alleged terror activities. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The decision came after a thorough probe by Home Ministry found that the NGO was allegedly having dubious links with Peace TV, an international Islamic channel, accused of propagating terrorism. ALSO READ: (Zakir Naik under NIA scanner after Dhaka terror attack) The home ministry findings say that Naik, had allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia, who is popular in Bangladesh through his Peace TV preaching. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Search engines like Google, Yahoo and Microsoft were today asked to delete within 36 hours the advertisements, hosted by them, pertaining to pre-natal sex determination in India by the Supreme Court which directed the Centre to appoint a nodal agency to monitor the websites. A bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said that the nodal agency would inform these search engines about any such advertisements on the websites and Indian arms of Google, Microsoft and Yahoo would delete them within 36 hours. We direct the Union of India to constitute a nodal agency which would give advertisments on TV, radio and in newspapers....that if anybody comes across anything which identify a girl or a boy (at pre-natal stage), it should be brought to the notice of the nodal agency. Once it is brought to the notice of the nodal agency, it shall inform the search engines and they, after receiving the information, are obliged to delete it within 36 hours and inform the nodal agency, the bench said. The apex court, which fixed the matter for further hearing on February 17 next year, said the interim arrangement would continue till the issue pertaining to advertisements relating to pre-natal sex determination was debated upon before it. During the hearing, the bench expressed concern over the declining sex ratio and said, Whether one will have a boy or a girl, that kind of information is not necessary in India. The sex ratio is going down here and we are concerned about that. We had passed an order recently on this. Whether you are making money or not we are not concerned with that. The 1994 (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act says nobody shall propagate (pre-natal sex determination) and if anyone is propagating, it has to be stopped, it said. Whatever is prohibited under the Act cannot go through it (websites), the bench observed, adding, If anyone comes across anything which offends or has an impact on the sex ratio in India, it shall be removed by the search engines within 36 hours. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who was appearing for Google India Pvt Ltd, said they have complied with the earlier order passed by the apex court in the matter and they have already taken steps to block any such advertisements. The counsel appearing for the other search engines also said that they have taken steps to comply with the provisions of the Act. However, they contended that the matter requires further debate. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to hear a plea challenging the Union government's move of demonetising Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, saying the Supreme Court is already hearing a petition on the issue. The petition, filed by lawyers Jamshed Mistry and Jabbar Singh, urged the high court to take suo motu cognisance of the government's decision taken in "great haste" to scrap high-value currency notes, contending it has caused inconvenience to the general public. A division bench headed by Justice A S Oka, however, said the Supreme Court is already hearing a petition pertaining to the same issue and has also passed certain directions to the Union government. "The apex court has refused to stay the scheme. We cannot hear it now. If you (petitioners) want, file an application in the Supreme Court," Justice Oka said. Mistry and Singh, in their plea, said the law has already been laid down wherein the government needs to come out with an Ordinance first and then an Act. Mistry said that during the Emergency, the Ordinance followed by an Act called the High Denomination Bank Notes Act, 1978, was passed to bring demonetisation into effect. "Therefore, the requirement is that the current demonetisation could have been done only through an Ordinance or amendment of the Act and not merely through a gazette notification," he said. New Delhi: Former WWE Champion Dwayne Johnson also known as The Rock has been named as the Sexiest Man Alive for 2016 by People magazine. The wrestler-turned actor has now entered the elite group of physically appealing men that over the years has included George Clooney, Matt Damon and David Beckham and others. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning, the 44-year-old actor discussed his newly acquired status with Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show. Dwayne has also lent his voice to a character in the animated Disney film 'Moana,' which hits theaters next week. Though the magazine has been criticised in the past for choosing a white man for its cover. But this time the magazine chose its first actor of Samoan heritage. Dwayne has acted in a number of movies, The Mummy Returns (2001) and a spinoff, The Scorpion King (2002), to name a few. This year, The Rock became the worlds highest-paid actor, according to Forbes magazine. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Hollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: As government aims to strenghten the data base of each individual via Aadaar and link the same to bank account and Income Tax post demonetisation exercise, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has cautioned the public to clearly indicate purpose of providing photocopies of their Aadhaar letter to prevent misuse of the same. It has also launched a revamped version of its toll-free helpline number -- 1947. "Photocopies of the Aadhaar letter are being submitted by the general public to banks. We urge them to clearly indicate the purpose for which they are submitting the same along with the date and time. This actually is a good practice whenever they submit photocopies of documents," UIDAI Chief Executive Officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey said in a statement. He, however, noted that since Aadhaar is a digitally verifiable identity and can be authenticated anytime and anywhere, the chances of its misuse are limited. Following the decision to make old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 bank notes invalid, the government has allowed citizens to getcurrency of up to Rs 4,500 per person changed in cash from bank branches and post offices. Along with the specified performa, citizens are also required to provide a proof of identity that includes Aadhaar,PAN card or voter ID card. UIDAI has also launched a revamped version of its toll-free helpline number -- 1947 -- to help residents get quick access to information about Aadhaar. The helpline will be available 24x7 throughout the year on IVRS mode, while call-centre agents will be available from 0700 HRS to 2300 HRS (Monday to Saturday), On Sundays, agents will answer calls from 0800 HRS to 1700HRS, it added. On an average, the helpline number handles about 1.5 lakh calls per day. "Our toll-free helpline 1947, which has been revamped tohandle more incoming calls, brings Aadhaar closer to everyone.It can be accessed through mobile or landline and will beespecially beneficial in these times when the Aadhaar numberis being increasingly used in the banking sector to identifyindividuals," Pandey said. The helpline will among other things, enable residents to locate an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, know generation status of an Aadhaar number (after enrolment) and help retrieve Aadhaar details of any person who has lost his/her Aadhaar or hasn't received it through post. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beijing: Chinese websites are censoring Kim Fatty the Third, a nickname widely used to disparage North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after officials from his country reportedly conveyed their displeasure in a meeting with their Chinese counterparts. Searches for the Chinese words Jin San Pang on the search engine Baidu and microblogging platform Weibo returned no results this week. The nickname pokes fun at Kims girth and his status as the third generation of the Kim family to rule the worlds only hereditary communist dynasty. Its especially popular among young, irreverent Chinese who tend to look down on their countrys would-be ally. Relations between China and North Korea have been strained by the Norths nuclear weapons program. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. (Beijing) The Supreme People's Court has issued a new set of rules on the oversight of sentence commutation and the parole system a bid to rein in abuse of the system by officials convicted of corruption, or those with money. The Supreme Court, the country's highest, said the new regulations, released on Tuesday, spell out in greater detail the grounds under which an inmate can qualify for a commutation of a sentence and parole, and how much and how often they can have their terms commuted. The new rules, which came on top of a 2012 interpretation to commutation and parole clauses in the criminal code, will particularly target inmates jailed for bribery and embezzlement, as well as those responsible for financial and organized crimes, according to Xia Daohu, an official at the Supreme Court. For instance, officials who are sentenced to life in prison for corruption could not have their sentences commuted to less than 20 years, according to the new rules, which will take effect at the beginning of next year. Those given a suspended death sentence that was later commuted to life in prison will not be eligible for another commutation for five years. Inmates in China need to apply for a commutation or parole via prison authorities and have their applications approved by a court. About 600,000 inmates are granted a commuted sentence or parole each year in China, said Xia, who heads a unit overseeing trial supervision at the Supreme Court. But some inmates have been able to have their sentences commuted by taking advantage of a lack of specifics in the law, he said. Court and prison authorities around the country granted questionable commutations and paroles to more than 88,800 inmates between January 2010 and August 2015, statistics from the Supreme Court show. The Supreme Court said that 2,244 officials including 121 midrank officials had been sent back to prison to complete their terms in this period. Wang Ju, a former mayor of the southern city of Shenzhen who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery and abuse of power late in 2003, served only three years in prison after he managed to have himself released on medical parole. He was ordered last year to return to prison to complete his sentence. Under the new regulations, each commutation cannot exceed two years, and inmates who have been granted a commutation must wait at least 18 months to qualify for another lesser term of imprisonment. The new rules are much more transparent by spelling out more specifics in the law when it comes to commutation of sentences and parole, said professor Zhu Mingyong at China University of Political Science and Law. The rules allow both the inmates and the broader public to scrutinize the system for possible abuse or injustice, Zhu said. Contact reporter Li Rongde (rongdeli@caixin.com); editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com) New Delhi: The JD(U) on Wednesday appeared to be divided on the demonetisation move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While Sharad Yadav launched an offensive against the government over scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his total support for the move. JD(U) Sharad Yadav, while seeking a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said in Parliament that the sudden move was akin to jumping out of a moving train. He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written off today by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said the Prime Minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues. ALSO READ | Oppn alleges 'leak' of information before currency ban: Here's who said what in Parliament on Day 1 On the other hand, while addressing a 'Chetna sabha' at the start of his second leg of Nishchay yatra, Nitish said, I am in favour of the decision to demonetise Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes which will help end '2 number ka dhanda' (illegal business). I want an attack on benami properties earned through illegal means for more effective results against black money, he added. This is the second time that Nitish has supported the demonetisation scheme. ALSO READ | Highlights: United oppn launches attack on Govt; asks PM Modi to participate in Rajya Sabha debate "I welcome this development. Yes people are going to face challenges initially but they only will benefit from this in the later stage, so I support the Prime Minister's step," Nitish had said on November 9. However, the JD (U) has joined the Opposition parties in raising the issue of demonetisation in the winter session of the Parliament. "Yesterday all the opposition parties stood together, we held a meeting and as an outcome the fact is that we all are against black money but the panic which has been created after banning of high denomination notes is worrisome.," Sharad Yadav said. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced personnel changes on Tuesday that will consolidate the commission's control over its legal enforcement system. Luo Zifa, currently the legal enforcement bureau head of China's top securities watchdog, will take on the additional roles as head of the legal enforcement task force and deputy secretary of the party committee. CSRC's legal enforcement bureau is responsible for investigating and punishing companies that violate China's financial regulations. The legal-enforcement task force was set up in 2007 to focus on special operations. "The latest personnel change will allow the legal-enforcement bureau to better coordinate and manage the legal-enforcement task force," a CSRC insider told Caixin. The position of legal-enforcement task force head, formerly held by Hou Wailin, was vacated when Hou became chairman of state-owned Guangzhou Technology Financial Group in September. Deputy task force head Xu Weijuan has temporarily taken over Hou's former duties. Luo, who has a doctorate in criminal law from Peking University, joined the CSRC in August 2014 when he became its chief inspector. Previously, he was the deputy director of the Ministry of Public Security's Economic Crime Investigation Bureau. Thanks to the secretive nature of his work, Luo has mostly stayed out of the limelight. But his participation in the high-profile 2007 crackdown on insider trading at Zhejiang Hangxiao Steel Structure Co. drew public attention and earned Luo the nickname "master rat catcher." The CSRC also announced new appointments to the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ), which manages the so-called New Third Board. Li Ming, formerly deputy head of CSRC's Department of Unlisted Public Company Supervision, will become the NEEQ's general manager. Current NEEQ General Manager Xie Geng will be promoted to chairman. The New Third Board, which was launched nationwide in 2012, is an over-the-counter market in which investors can trade equities in smaller companies. Li Ming, a CSRC veteran, previously worked in their Public Offering Review Committee. In 2011, he became deputy head of the Department of Unlisted Public Company Supervision, before leaving the department in 2014. He is currently director and party committee member of the Rural Credit Cooperatives Association of the Xinjiang autonomous region. Xie Geng, 55, became the NEEQ's general manager in September 2012 during its national launch. Current NEEQ Chairman Xiao Jiayang, whose career began in 1979 when he became deputy secretary general of the Hunan Provincial Communist Youth League, will retire once he steps down from his NEEQ role. Contact editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com) (Beijing) Internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. reported strong profit growth in the third quarter on big gains in online payments and cloud services, even as its core online-games business grew more slowly. The operator of the popular WeChat instant messaging platform reported a profit of 10.8 billion yuan ($1.58 billion) for the three months ended Sept. 30, a 42% jump from a year earlier. Its total revenues grew by 52% to 40.4 billion yuan during the quarter. Revenues from its core online games business grew at a far slower 26% rate, down from the 32% growth in the previous quarter. However, gains from payment-related and cloud services tripled to nearly 5 billion yuan. "During the third quarter of 2016, we delivered a strong financial performance for our core businesses. In particular, our smartphone games and social-performance advertising businesses reported above-industry-average year-on-year revenue growth rates and continued to generate healthy margins," Tencent CEO Pony Ma said in a statement. The number of monthly active users on QQ, another popular social-media platform owned by Tencent, fell slightly from the previous quarter to 877 million, while WeChat users grew by 5% to 846 million. If the trend continues, the number of WeChat users will soon surpass those on QQ. Shenzhen-based Tencent celebrated its 18th anniversary this month by awarding 300 shares to each of its 31,557 employees. Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Doug Young (dougyoung@caixin.com) (Beijing) Three months after Beijing imposed strict rules on the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending industry, many firms have made little progress in meeting some of the key requirements. One major problem they have is ensuring borrowers don't exceed newly imposed credit limits, industry experts said. Another is that many P2P firms haven't met the new requirement to find a bank to be the custodian of the funds they get from their client investors, who are essentially the lenders. "Whether it's the ceiling on loans or the requirement for a custodian bank, the obstacles are huge and will shut out many firms," the manager of a small P2P firm in Beijing said. "I feel like I've done nothing but focusing all of my energy on complying with the rules ever since they came out." P2P firms act as intermediaries that allow investors to lend money to borrowers directly via the Internet outside of the banking system. The industry boomed but also transformed 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. The new restrictions are part of a policy Beijing released in August to rein in P2P loans in an industry that had minimum supervision and was plagued by fraud and inappropriate and risky fund-management practices. Among the many restrictions the policy introduced was a ceiling on how much a person can borrow through P2P platforms. The limit for each individual through one website was set at 200,000 yuan ($29,200). A person cannot borrow more than a combined 1 million yuan from P2P lenders regardless of how many platforms they use. The policy gave all P2P firms until the end of August 2017 to ensure compliance. Even with the grace period, however, about 90% of the existing platforms will likely have to shut down, primarily because of the loan-size requirement, said Xu Jianwen, founder and CEO of rrjc.com. Xu's P2P lending website is ranked by industry data provider wdzj.com as among the country's top 50 such sites. A recent report by Yingcan Zixun, a research firm related to wdzj.com, said that only 27% of the P2P firms they surveyed could have met the requirement to cap loans at 200,000 yuan for each borrower. Firms that fell short faced pressure to reform their business and focus on small-sum, consumer-type loans, it said. A bigger headache is complying with the limit for combined loans across platforms because there is no system that allows P2P firms to share data on borrowers. "It's beyond our capability to ensure a borrower does not take out more than 1 million yuan in loans through more than one platform," said Wang Xian, an executive of a P2P firm in Wuhan. "Right now we've settled for letting borrowers sign a note that says they are not borrowing more than they should, but there's no way for us to verify whether that's true." Apart from ceilings on each loan, all P2P firms are also required by the new policy to find a custodian bank for the funds they receive from lenders, an arrangement that the policymakers said could help prevent fraud and misuse of funds. This particular requirement had been raised in a previous policy made last year targeting Internet finance in general. After more than a year, however, only a small portion of P2P firms have been able to find a custodian bank. Most banks were just paying lip service to cooperating with P2P firms because it means taking on risk that outweighs the potential benefits, according to several bankers and P2P firm employees. As of Oct. 19, only 71 of the 1,860 operating P2P firms had found a custodian bank for their clients' investment, according to wdzj.com. "The attitude of most banks on this has been ambiguous," an executive of a Beijing P2P firm said. "They have appeared enthusiastic about cooperating with P2P firms to show they heeded the government's call, but in practice they have not taken any real action." Many P2P firms could not find a custodian bank because of high standards the banks set for their capital and performance. Banks have to be selective because providing custodian service to a P2P firm means sharing its risk to some extent, a manager from Everbright Bank said. Meanwhile, the fate of most P2P firms still hangs in limbo. Apart from a few city commercial banks, "almost no bank wants a part in the business," said Li Liyu, a former executive of a Shanghai P2P firm, who left the position recently. Contact reporter Wang Yuqian (yuqianwang@caixin.com); editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com) Redding has a unique duty. Black-white relations are bad across the country. Police responding to a call for help get assassinated. Police attempts to restore order are surrounded and heckled. How do we fit in? The Connecticut NAACP and the Dabela family portray Redding as racist. The family has brought suit against Redding, its officials, our police chief and seven officers. We must resist. We must not let this flawed narrative go out to the nation as a case of police brutality against Blacks. On April 5, 2014 Reddings Gugsa Abraham Dabela (Abe), a young African-American lawyer, shot himself. A year after the riots in Ferguson, Missouri the family and the CTNAACP took up this case. Scot Esdaille, head of the CTNAACP, charged the Redding police with suspicious haste because in just five hours they announced that the death was self-inflicted. Esdaille said that such haste was unprofessional and unprecedented. It was not unprecedented and it was entirely professional. Until that announcement, Reddingites feared there was a killer loose. And note that the state Medical Examiner called the death a suicide. Esdaille said the gun-shot wound was to the back of Abes head. No, it was to the side of his head, which was consistent with suicide. At an Aug. 5, 2016 press conference, a relative said she could not think of any reason he might kill himself. Actually, he had just lost his job at a large Stamford law firm, and he had separated from his girlfriend. When the unfortunate man was found on Umpawaug Road in an overturned Mercedes, he was very drunk with a blood alcohol level 2.5 times the legal limit. He had plans to open his own law firm. But the DUI arrest he faced might well have resulted in the loss of his license to practice law in Connecticut; that would have demolished his plan to renew himself. I must add that Abe carried a pistol (for which he was licensed). Now what is our duty? The CTNAACP is part of the false and destructive story that Americas police oppress blacks. If we lose this court case, we confirm this contention. And furthermore, we must not settle. That is, it seems to me that the aim of the Dabela family is to win a cash settlement. In 2014 they immediately hired their own forensic expert. He was told not to put anything in writing and not talk to anyone about his findings. That sounds like preparation for a suit. Again, please bear in mind that if we settle, we confirm to young blacks that America brutally oppresses blacks. Dan Heller Redding Former French minister to run for Presidency France,Politics, Wed, 16 Nov 2016 IANS Paris, Nov 16 (IANS) Former French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said he will join the 2017 presidential race as an independent candidate. "I'm ready. I'm a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic because I believe that we can succeed, that France can succeed," Xinhua news agency quoted Macron as saying. "This decision is the fruit of an intimate and deep conviction," he said. Macron, 38, joined the Socialist government in August 2014 to replace ousted Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg. Two years after, he quit the job to focus on his political career. He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move), vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory". Recent polls suggested he was a popular candidate for the French Presidency, trailing former Prime Minister Alain Juppe and far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen. --IANS py/vt Kerry talks about India thrice at UN climate meet Morocco,Politics,Diplomacy,Environment/Wildlife, Thu, 17 Nov 2016 IANS Marrakech, Nov 17 (IANS) US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday mentioned India thrice in his speech at a global climate meet -- highlighting its growing investments in renewable technologies, draughts and growing pollution. Speaking at the UN Climate Conference here, Kerry said: "Now, significantly the renewable energy boom isn't limited to industrialized countries, and that's important to note." "In fact, emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil invested even more in renewable technologies last year than the developed world," he said in his 45-minute address to the media, where scientists and international delegates were also present. "China alone invested more than $100 billion. Ultimately, clean energy is expected to be a multitrillion dollar market - the largest market the world has ever known." Expressing concern over global climatic conditions, Kerry, who has attended every major United Nations climate change summit since 1992, said: "We have seen record-breaking droughts everywhere -- from India to Brazil to the west coast of the US." "Storms that used to happen once every 500 years are becoming relatively normal. In recent years, an average of 22.5 million people have been displaced by extreme weather events annually. We never saw that in the 20th century," said the Secretary of State. Sounding an alarming note, he said there are nearly 20 million new asthma cases a year in India linked to coal-related air pollution. "In the US, asthma costs taxpayers more than $55 billion annually. The greatest cause of children being hospitalised in the summer in the US is environmentally induced asthma," said Kerry, who also talked abo ut his last week's trip to Antarctica where scientists alarmed at the fast-changing climatic trends. He also blamed coal-fired power plants in China for pollution. In 2014, a study found that up to six million people in China have black lung because they lived and worked so close to coal-fired power plants, Kerry added. (Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP22. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/pgh/ India denies Pakistan's claim of killing its soldiers Delhi,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Thu, 17 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) Indian Army on Thursday denied Pakistan's claim of killing its soldiers after Pakistani Army Chief Raheel Sharif said 11 Indian soldiers were killed in cross border firing on November 14. "No fatal casualties due to Pak firing on 14, 15 or 16 Nov. Pak Army Chief claim of killing Indian soldiers on 14 Nov false," Northern Command of Indian Army said in a tweet. According to a report in Dawn newspaper, General Sharif on Wednesday said 11 Indian soldiers were killed on November 14 after Pakistan Army "responded to unprovoked firing". On November 14, Pakistan had said seven of its soldiers were killed in firing by Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Also on the same day, one terrorist was killed by Indian soldiers while attempting infiltration amid Pakistan Army's shelling and firing at one of three Indian positions on the LoC in Rajouri and Jammu districts. --IANS ao/pgh/ (Beijing) China's consumer rights watchdog said it's investigating complaints that Apple Inc.'s iPhone 6 and 6S models were abruptly shutting off due to problems with their batteries. The performance of smartphone batteries, designed to operate within a given temperature range, is usually affected as outside temperatures drop in winter. But the China Consumer Rights Association said in a letter to Apple on Tuesday that it had received widespread complaints that some iPhones were spontaneously switching off even though the battery was only half-depleted. The letter does not mention such a problem with the two models' respective "Plus" versions, which are bigger and have a larger screen. The watchdog wants Apple to respond before Nov. 25 and explain whether it will replace the batteries or recall affected devices if problem occurs on a mass scale. Apple said in a statement that the number of complaints was "very small" and promised to work with government agencies to help customers who have reported battery malfunctions. Although the glitch is minor compared to the recent fiasco with exploding batteries on Samsung Note 7 smartphones that led to the model's global recall and later its discontinuation, this new issue could dent the iPhone's appeal in China. The U.S. tech giant is losing ground in the world's largest smartphone market as home-grown rivals bite into its market share. IPhone sales in the Greater China region dropped 33 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, company data showed. "Battery problems in winter are worse in Apple phones than in Xiaomi or Huawei because the lithium batteries come from different suppliers and have different specifications," said James Yan, director at Counterpoint Research, speaking from experience. He says it will not result in a mass recall. All Apple phones are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from zero to 35 degrees C, which means that as outdoor temperatures in northern China dip below freezing, a protection mechanism may kick in, turning the phones off automatically. This design constraint can also affect the performance of the latest iPhone 7 models, but most complaints received so far were related to the earlier iPhone 6 and 6S models. "The 6 and 6S phones are approaching the end of their natural lifespan, and shutoffs become more frequent as batteries deteriorate with age," said Guo Cichang, head of a smartphone maintenance franchise in Beijing, who says he replaces about 2,000 iPhone batteries a month. Emily Deng, a public relations professional with a multinational company in Beijing, told Caixin that her iPhone 6 started to die suddenly two months ago, even when one-fifth of its battery life remained. Performance worsened over time, with the phone switching off after only half the battery was drained. "It was frustrating because sometimes it would turn off on its own while I was on a phone call," she said. Many users say their "dead phones" can be revived only after plugging them into a charger or after leaving them in a warm place for some time. Tired of carrying a power bank everywhere she went, Deng opted to replace her battery at a street-side repair shop for 80 yuan ($11.70). When she had inquired Apple about replacing the battery, she was told it would cost a whopping 588 yuan. A Caixin reporter was advised by Apple's customer care unit to keep phones in inner jacket pockets instead of pants pockets when it is cold. "Sometimes the charging efficiency also goes down with temperature, and in that case the best idea would be to put the phone under a blanket when you charge," the customer-care rep said, saying it is a trick commonly prescribed to users in the eastern city of Hangzhou, where homes have no internal heating in winter. The rights association appears to be on guard against what some Chinese internet users have termed "discriminatory behavior" by international companies, in which the country was excluded from previous global recalls or action was delayed. China was the last market where Samsung announced its recall of the combustible Note 7 phones early last month. Contact reporter April Ma (fangjingma@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com) Peter Leaman , former Head of BHPB Mongolia and Regional Exploration Manager SE Asia for PanAust is appointed Senior Vice-President of Exploration John Holliday , former Chief Geoscientist of Newcrest is appointed Chairman of a newly formed Technical Committee Peter and John have extensive exploration experience and are credited with the discovery of multiple Tier 1 assets and other economically important porphyries Plus Minerals LLC, including Imants Kavalieris previously one of the Oyu Tolgoi executive exploration team, appointed Advisor to the Technical Committee New team joins existing board and management being aligned with shareholder value A workshop, site visit review and multi-target, multi-stage work schedule has been completed by the Technical Committee ahead of the recently closed IBEX transaction VANCOUVER, Nov. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Kincora Copper Limited (the "Company", "Kincora") (TSXV:KCC), following the recent closing of the IBEX transaction (refer November 7th, 2016 press release), is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Leaman as Senior Vice-President of Exploration and John Holliday as Chairman of the newly formed Technical Committee. The Technical Committee will lead exploration efforts across the expanded portfolio, which following the IBEX transaction has more than tripled in size to over 1,500km2, creating the dominant landholding in the Oyu Tolgoi-Tsagaan Suvarga Devonian copper belt, with multiple targets currently being advanced. A workshop and field visit including Imants Kavalieris of Plus Minerals, appointed an Advisor to the Technical Committee, has been undertaken reviewing the extensive datasets and targets within the consolidated portfolio. Industry leading specialists and geologists with extensive recent experience in the belt, including Mike Woodbury and Tsolmon Amgaa, in addition to the Technical Committee have established a technical program and schedule to advance priority prospects and a regional pipeline of earlier stage targets, which has recently recommenced. Sam Spring, President and CEO, stated: "We are extremely excited to have Peter and John joining the Kincora team to lead our exploration efforts. Kincora will benefit from their expertise and previous success in the discovery of gold rich Tier 1 copper porphyries. These appointments and the involvement of such a strong wider team in the development of our work programs further demonstrates technical confidence of further major discoveries in this belt, where Kincora holds a dominant land position, and supports a systematic approach to advancing and testing a number of priority targets. Kincora is also pleased that Peter and John have agreed to be compensated in predominately equity based remuneration packages, joining existing management and board, and aligning them with shareholders, providing exposure to exploration success while reducing cash burn." On his new appointment, Peter Leaman noted: "Having overseen BHPB's copper exploration efforts in Mongolia, including the regional Joint Venture with Ivanhoe, and been involved in a number of similar style copper-gold discoveries globally to which are the focus of exploration in this belt, the consolidated Kincora portfolio is extremely interesting and the Southern Gobi the right address for further Tier 1 discoveries. Extensive datasets for the region have been carefully compiled, and a high level of professional geological understanding and exploration has been applied within the consolidated license portfolio assisting the recent workshop and ongoing field season activities. The conclusion of the workshop has resulted in a technically sound, systematic multi-phase, multi-target work schedule across a regional license portfolio of a scale last seen in the Gobi under the BHP JV, but looking to implement significant advances in exploration techniques since that period. We expect a number of targets to be identified and advanced from ongoing field activities implementing and integrating geophysics, geochronology and geology." Background The Technical Committee has been established to lead Kincora's exploration efforts with Peter Leaman appointed Senior Vice-President of Exploration, John Holliday as Chairman and Sam Spring (Kincora President & CEO), the third member reporting to the Board of Directors. Mr. Peter Leaman Senior Vice-President of Exploration, Executive of Technical Committee Peter has over 40 years' experience in exploration mostly with BHP Minerals, with a particular focus on Base & Precious Metals, and PanAust Limited, where he was Regional Exploration Manager SE Asia and remains an Exploration Advisor. Peter is a very hands on and target orientated front line leader who has been responsible for project generation, managing mineral exploration programs and regional offices/activities in multiple jurisdictions, resulting in multiple discoveries including the Tier 1 Reko Diq porphyry Cu/Au deposit, Crater Mountain epithermal Au/Ag and Mt. Bini (Kodu) porphyry Cu/Au deposits in Papua New Guinea, amongst others. Peter managed the BHP Billiton office and exploration teams in Mongolia, which included the joint venture with Ivanhoe Mines (now Turquoise Hill Resources) to explore the Oyu Tolgoi belt for similar deposits, including flying the regional Falcon airborne gravity gradiometer survey, undertaking extensive Induced Polarization (IP) studies and target testing drilling. Peter is a former Imperial College (M.Sc. mineral exploration) and Leister University (B.Sc. Hons, geology) graduate. Mr. John Holliday Chairman of the Technical Committee John has over 30 years' experience in metals exploration mostly with BHP Minerals and Newcrest Mining, including the positions of Chief Geoscientist and General Manager, Property Generation and more recently in the junior sector. John was a principal discoverer and site manager of the undercover Cadia and Marsden porphyry Tier 1 gold-copper deposits in NSW, and was a principal geological advisor on the acquisition of many significant projects, including Namosi and Wafi-Golpu. John has worldwide experience in gold-copper deposit exploration, discovery and evaluation, with extensive experience in exploration and discovery of concealed copper-gold porphyries such as those that the Oyu Tolgoi-Tsagaan Suvarga copper belt is prospective for. John has a geophysics/geology honours degree from Macquarie University and economics/politics degree from Sydney University. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Society of Economic Geology. Plus Minerals LLC Advisor to the Technical Committee Plus Minerals LLC, including Ms. Khashgerel Bat-Erdene and Mr. Imants Kavalieris, has been appointed an Advisor to the Technical Committee. Imants has extensive experience in Mongolia and is recognized as one of the industry's leading copper porphyry exploration geologists, having been involved in the exploration and delineation of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold porphyry deposits where he was one of the 6 executive exploration team, and has worked on some of the largest porphyry Cu-Au deposits in SE Asia. Plus Minerals has considerable experience with both the Kincora and IBEX licenses, having provided consulting services to both entities over recent years, and additionally has a leading knowledge of other existing projects in Southern Gobi region. Remuneration aligned to shareholders In light of the IBEX transaction, increase in regional exploration efforts and current market conditions, the Remuneration Committee of Kincora has undertaken a review seeking to provide competitive packages to retain and attract key executives, align all senior executives/directors to the creation of value for shareholders and minimize the cash overheads of the Company. As a result of such review Kincora proposes to issue shares to the senior executive management, the technical committee and independent directors of the Company on account of a significant portion of their remuneration under Shares for Services Agreements. In this regard the Company proposes to issue annually shares having a dollar value of up to US$458,160 (CDN$603,000). Such shares would represent over 70% of the total compensation to be paid to the senior executive management, the technical committee and independent directors of the Company and would be issued quarterly in arrears. The proposed Shares for Services Agreements require TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and, as a condition thereof needs Disinterested Shareholder approval. The Company intends to seek Disinterested Shareholder approval by way of written consent. It is acknowledged that any Shares issuable under the arrangements detailed above shall be issued at a deemed price equal to the greater of (i) the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on the last trading day prior to the date such Shares are issuable and (ii) the volume weighted average price of the Shares traded on the TSX Venture Exchange for the 5 trading days immediately preceding the date such Shares are issuable, with a minimum deemed price of $0.05 per Share. Background to the IBEX transaction IBEX's portfolio is focused on porphyry targets to the east and south of Kincora's existing licenses with the consolidated landholding now being the dominant position in the Oyu Tolgoi-Tsagaan Suvarga (Devonian) copper belt. A large and high quality regional geophysical and surface geochemical dataset supporting various style targets: i. Devonian porphyries; ii. " Traditional " gold rich copper porphyries; and, iii. epithermal and Carlin-style gold deposits. " gold rich copper porphyries; and, iii. epithermal and Carlin-style gold deposits. Consolidates a regional portfolio in an underexplored but potentially world-class gold rich copper province analogous to exploring the majority of the Northern Chile copper belt from the 1970's. copper belt from the 1970's. Strengthened team with discovery experience and complementary skill sets for exploration through to project development internationally and in Mongolia . . Fully winterized camp, fleet, permitted landing strip, IT and exploration equipment. Kincora has placed 5,895,000 common shares and 2,947,500 warrants a exercise price of $0.54 (equal to 1.8 times the price per security of the July 28 th , 2016, private placement of Kincora) and a term of 24 months into escrow pending re-registration of the IBEX licenses. There is no cash consideration relating to the IBEX transaction. (equal to 1.8 times the price per security of the , 2016, private placement of Kincora) and a term of 24 months into escrow pending re-registration of the IBEX licenses. There is no cash consideration relating to the IBEX transaction. It is intended that these Kincora securities will ultimately be held by the shareholders of HPV, the largest of whom are HPX Techco Inc. ("HPX Techco") as to 65.78%, a subsidiary of High Power Exploration Inc., a private company, and GoviEx Uranium Inc., a TSX venture exchange listed company, as to 21.64%. HPV will have certain rights to maintain their ownership percentages by participating in further capital raisings and, at a threshold of share ownership, have the right to a board seat. A Relationship Agreement with HPX Techco has also been executed which provides Kincora conditional access to HPX's suite of geophysical technologies. About Kincora Kincora is a junior resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a focus on copper-gold projects in Mongolia. For further information: www.kincoracopper.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. SOURCE Kincora Copper Limited For further information: Sam Spring, President and Chief Executive Officer, [email protected] or +61431 329 345 MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - David Baazov today announced that he has delivered to Amaya's Chairman of the Board of Directors a proposal on behalf of a to-be-formed entity led by Mr. Baazov ("BidCo"), not subject to any due diligence or financing conditions, to acquire 100% of the common shares of Amaya for CAD$24 per share on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the proposal. Additionally, as set forth in the proposal, BidCo is prepared to provide a US$200.0 million deposit into escrow upon execution of a definitive agreement in respect of the proposed transaction; and, in the event Amaya's US$400.0 million deferred payment obligation to the previous owners of Oldford Group Limited becomes due prior to the closing of the proposed transaction, BidCo will cause the deposit to be released from escrow five days prior to the deferred payment date and converted into a one-year structurally subordinated debt obligation to fund the deferred payment, such amount to be convertible into equity following the closing of the proposed transaction. Mr. Baazov also announced that in connection with the proposal, Mr. Baazov has entered into binding equity commitment letters with each of Head and Shoulders Global Investment Fund SPC HS Special Event Segregated Portfolio, Goldenway Capital SPC- Special Event SP, Ferdyne Advisory Inc. and KBC Aldini Capital Limited. Pursuant to the equity commitment letters, comprising aggregate commitments equal to $3.65 billion, each of the equity financing sources has committed to contribute capital to Bidco for the purpose of acquiring Amaya. Mr. Baazov has filed an early warning report required to be filed with applicable securities commissions, a copy of which will be available under Amaya's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by contacting Riyaz Lalani, the Chief Executive Officer of Bayfield Strategy, Inc. at 357 Bay St #502, Toronto, ON M5H 2T7, telephone (416) 907-9365. Mr. Baazov owns 24,564,047 common shares in the capital of Amaya and options entitling him to acquire 387,500 additional common shares, which collectively representing approximately 17.2% of the issued and outstanding common shares (assuming exercise of all such options). Mr. Baazov's beneficial ownership in Amaya securities may change from time to time depending on market and other conditions, including, without limitation, through market transactions, treasury issuances, private agreements or otherwise. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements regarding the intentions of Mr. Baazov, the ability of the parties to reach an agreement regarding the proposed transaction and, if an agreement is reached, the ability of the parties to complete the proposed transaction or the timing or terms thereof. Forward-looking statements can, but may not always, be identified by the use of words such as "expects", "intends", "proposed" and similar references to future periods or the negatives of these words and expressions. These statements are based on the stated intentions of Mr. Baazov and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future events, are based upon assumptions that may not prove to be accurate, and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including the risk that no transaction will be agreed to, that completion of the transaction will be materially delayed or that, even if a transaction is agreed to, the transaction will not be competed. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and Mr. Baazov undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE David Baazov For further information: Media Inquiries: Riyaz Lalani, Bayfield Strategy, Inc., Tel: (416) 907-9365, [email protected] On Day of the Imprisoned Writer PEN stands in solidarity with writers imprisoned for their work TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Each year, on November 15, PEN International, PEN Centres and PEN members from around the world commemorate the Day of the Imprisoned Writer to highlight and campaign on behalf of writers who face unjust imprisonment, attacks, harassment and violence simply for expressing themselves. Started in 1981 by PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee, the day is marked by celebrating the freedom to write, and by taking action to call for justice and freedom for imprisoned and murdered colleagues. Since November 15, 2015 at least 35 writers have been killed worldwide as a result of their work. Salil Tripathi, Chair of PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee said: "Writers should be writing when they want to write. They should not be in prison. And yet, around the world, hundreds of writers are in jail today, and many more face intimidation and persecution because what they express upsets the authorities, offends the powerful, and unnerves governments. Writers are the conscience-keepers of society; they must remain free - their place is not in prison, but with pen and paper, with typewriters, with their keyboards. And on this day, every year, the entire PEN community says in one voice that we will continue to fight for freedom for any writer, anywhere in the world, who is prevented from doing his or her work." Each year, PEN International focuses its campaigning on five cases that are emblematic of the kinds of challenges and dangers writers face simply in the course of carrying out their free expression work. This year PEN is campaigning on behalf of: Ahmed Naji ( Egypt ) - Novelist and journalist Ahmed Naji is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for "violating public modesty" in relation to the publication of excerpts from his 2014 novel Istikhdam al-Hayat ( The Use of Life ) in Akhbar al-Adab magazine, also in 2014. Naji has now served almost eight months of his sentence. ( ) - Novelist and journalist is currently serving a two-year prison sentence for "violating public modesty" in relation to the publication of excerpts from his 2014 novel ( ) in magazine, also in 2014. Naji has now served almost eight months of his sentence. Asl Erdogan ( Turkey ) - Renowned novelist and PEN member Asl Erdogan was arrested at her home in Istanbul on August 17, 2016 . She was sent to a prison in Istanbul on preliminary charges of "membership of a terrorist organisation" and "undermining national unity." She has been in pre-trial detention since her arrest, and as of November 15 , no date has been set for her trial. ) - Renowned novelist and PEN member Asl Erdogan was arrested at her home in on . She was sent to a prison in on preliminary charges of "membership of a terrorist organisation" and "undermining national unity." She has been in pre-trial detention since her arrest, and as of , no date has been set for her trial. Cesario Alejandro Felix Padilla Figueroa ( Honduras ) - Journalism graduate, student leader, and board member and founding member of PEN Honduras, Cesario Alejandro Felix Padilla Figueroa has faced prosecution, threats and harassment for his part in on-going student protests at the state National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa since 2014. ( ) - Journalism graduate, student leader, and board member and founding member of PEN Honduras, Cesario Alejandro Felix has faced prosecution, threats and harassment for his part in on-going student protests at the state National Autonomous University of (UNAH) in the Honduran capital since 2014. Dareen Tatour ( Israel ) A poet and a Palestinian citizen of Israel , Dareen Tatour is currently standing trial on charges of "support for a terrorist organisation" and several counts of incitement to violence in connection with her poetry and social media activity. Tatour was detained over a year ago and is currently under house arrest. ) A poet and a Palestinian citizen of , Dareen Tatour is currently standing trial on charges of "support for a terrorist organisation" and several counts of incitement to violence in connection with her poetry and social media activity. Tatour was detained over a year ago and is currently under house arrest. Gui Minhai (China) - In October 2015 , publisher Gui Minhai disappeared from his holiday home in Thailand . Three months later he appeared in a televised "confession" on state-controlled TV claiming that he had voluntarily surrendered himself to the Chinese authorities over his supposed involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident in December 2003 . Since then, his whereabouts have been unknown; he has reportedly not had access to legal counsel and has been allowed no contact with his daughter who lives in the UK. As part of PEN's campaign this year, renowned writers Hanan Al-Shaykh, Margaret Atwood, Gioconda Belli, Jennifer Clement and Salil Tripathi have sent messages of solidarity to these five writers. In her letter, Margaret Atwood writes to imprisoned Turkish writer and fellow PEN Membr Asl Erdogan: "Like you, I and many, many other writers believe that literature can inspire the longing for justice, can generate tolerance, and can expand human sympathy and understanding. Although you are in prison, you are not alone: you have the entire PEN community of writers from around the world fighting for your freedom." PEN Canada is a nonpartisan organization of writers that works with others to defend freedom of expression as a basic human right at home and abroad. PEN Canada promotes literature, fights censorship, helps free persecuted writers from prison, and assists writers living in exile in Canada. www.pencanada.ca Our thanks to CNW Group for sponsoring this announcement. SOURCE PEN Canada For further information: Amy Smith, PEN Canada, [email protected], 416-703-8448 ext. 27 OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian journalists and free speech advocates are calling on the Trudeau government to take steps to protect press freedom in Canada. The call follows recent revelations that ten Quebec journalists were under police surveillance in order to ascertain their sources, and the ongoing case of VICE News journalist Ben Makuch, who in 2014 was served with an RCMP production order to obtain his KiK messenger chat logs with a suspected ISIS member. The case is up for appeal in February of 2017. "Source protection is crucial to our ability to do our jobs as journalists. It's a fundamental tool of the trade that allows us to dig deep and hold the powerful accountable," said Makuch. "Mine is just one of many recent cases of the growing erosion of press freedom here in Canada. I've covered oppressive regimes across the world and the last opposition I thought I'd face in my ability to do my job would be here at home in Canada." Makuch was joined by journalist and press freedom advocate Mohamed Fahmy who appealed directly to Prime Minister Trudeau to take action on this important issue. "A report issued in September 2016 by Reporters Without Borders states that Canada dropped 10 spots on 2016 world press freedom index after the "dark age for journalism" during Mr. Stephen Harper's tenure," said Fahmy. "Prime Minister Trudeau you stood beside me during my wrongful imprisonment and championed the cause of press freedom. I have faith that you will do the same for fellow journalists facing similar threats to press freedom in Canada. The world views Canada as the pillar of democracy so let's keep it this way." La Presse Journalist Patrick Lagace, who it was recently revealed was one of the ten Quebec journalists under surveillance, made a similar appeal to the government. "It was a shock for me to find out a couple of weeks ago that my phone was being surveilled by the Montreal police all in an effort to find out who my sources are", said Lagace. "My Province seems to be taking this issue seriously, I hope the Federal government will also take a leading role. Our Prime minister has famously said during the last election campaign that journalists are to be respected in this country: now is the time to go beyond words and take action." Tom Henheffer of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression laid out his organization's specific legislative asks of the government. "This is a watershed moment, and one where Canada has the potential to be a global leader, or to further cripple the free press in our country," said Henheffer. "We call on the government to make several changes to protect press freedom and free expression in Canada. They include, passing press shield laws, repealing the dangerous surveillance provisions contained in bill C-13 and ensuring that Federal and Provincial governments require any warrant for surveillance of journalists be requested by prosecutors, as opposed to police, and approved by judges, as opposed to justices of the peace". The group also revealed two hard-hitting television and social media promos supporting the http://protectpressfreedom.ca campaign launched in October of this year. The promos, which feature Mohamed Fahmy and Patrick Lagace, will run on VICE Canada's digital and Television platforms in the coming days. SOURCE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Image with caption: "VICE News journalist Ben Makuch speaks at a press conference in Ottawa on November 16, 2016. Canadian journalists and free speech advocates are calling on the Trudeau government to take steps to protect press freedom in Canada. Makuch was joined by reporter Patrick Lagace of La Presse, journalist and author Mohammed Fahmy, and Tom Henheffer, Executive Director of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalists for Free Expression)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161116_C8500_PHOTO_EN_820626.jpg For further information: FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT: CHRIS BALL, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS, VICE MEDIA CANADA, 416-737-9559, [email protected]; TOM HENHEFFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CANADIAN JOURNALISTS FOR FREE EXPRESSION, 647-992-4630, [email protected] More than 370 services jointly provided by private health care providers at paramilitary hospitals have been shut down, the Chinese Peoples Armed Police (PAP) announced at a news conference Tuesday. In addition to jointly owned medical facilities, PAP top management also revealed that it has canceled rental and hotel contracts with private companies. A total 1,903 contracts are affected, including 375 for privately provided medical services. The move is part of the Communist Partys decision late last year to halt all military and paramilitary forces from engaging in business operations in a bid to prevent corruption. The PAPs mass shutdown of its commercial medical projects is also believed to be a response after the controversial death of 21-year-old student Wei Zexi earlier this year shed light on links between PAP hospitals and questionable private medical companies. Before he died of synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer, Wei posted an article on the Chinese social media site zhihu.com describing the treatment he received at the Second Hospital of the Beijing Armed Police Corps. Synovial sarcoma is normally treated with chemotherapy, but Shanghai Claison Bio-tech Co. Ltd. doctors working at the Second Hospital persuaded Wei and his family to pay 200,000 yuan ($29,200) for DC-CIK biological immune therapy, which the doctors falsely claimed had been developed by Stanford University researchers. The treatment failed and Wei died in April. Shanghai Claison Bio-tech was later found to have links with the Putian system, a huge network of medical businesses originating in Putian, Fujian province. Wei had found out about the treatment offered by the Second Hospital through top Chinese search engine Baidu, which came under fire after Weis death for displaying fake medical treatments in its search results. At the same time, PAP began cutting ties with private-sector firms. Contact editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com) BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended October 8, 2016. The Company's 2016 Third Quarter Report to Shareholders will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and will be filed with SEDAR and available at sedar.com. "We lowered prices and consumers responded," said Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman and President, Loblaw Companies Limited. "In the third quarter we continued to gain momentum, improving our sales performance, while remaining focused on executing our financial plan." 2016 THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS Revenue was $14,143 million , an increase of $197 million , or 1.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. , an increase of , or 1.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Retail segment sales were $13,891 million , an increase of $176 million , or 1.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Food retail (Loblaw) same-store sales growth was 1.4%, excluding gas bar; Drug retail (Shoppers Drug Mart) same-store sales growth was 2.8%, with same-store pharmacy sales increasing by 1.6% and same-store front store sales increasing by 3.9%. , an increase of , or 1.3%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA (2) was $1,143 million , an increase of $121 million , or 11.8%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. was , an increase of , or 11.8%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company (2) were $512 million , an increase of $104 million , or 25.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share (2) were $1.26 , an increase of $0.28 , or 28.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. were , an increase of , or 25.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share were , an increase of , or 28.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $419 million , an increase of $253 million , or 152.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Diluted net earnings per common share were $1.03 , an increase of $0.63 , or 157.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Net earnings growth is significantly higher than adjusted net earnings (2) growth due to the impact of restructuring charges included in prior year net earnings and the impact of the fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability when compared to the third quarter of 2015. , an increase of , or 152.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Diluted net earnings per common share were , an increase of , or 157.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2015. Net earnings growth is significantly higher than adjusted net earnings growth due to the impact of restructuring charges included in prior year net earnings and the impact of the fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability when compared to the third quarter of 2015. The Company repurchased 2.1 million shares for cancellation at a cost of $145 million . See "News Release Endnotes" at the end of this News Release. CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS For the periods ended October 8, 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015 and October 10, 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except (16 weeks) (16 weeks) $ Change % Change (40 weeks) (40 weeks) $ Change % Change where otherwise indicated) Revenue $ 14,143 $ 13,946 $ 197 1.4% $ 35,255 $ 34,529 $ 726 2.1% Adjusted EBITDA(2) 1,143 1,022 121 11.8% 2,896 2,668 228 8.5% Adjusted EBITDA margin(2) 8.1% 7.3% 8.2% 7.7% Net earnings attributable $ 422 $ 170 $ 252 148.2% $ 779 $ 501 $ 278 55.5% to shareholders of the Company Net earnings available to 419 166 253 152.4% 770 497 273 54.9% common shareholders of the Company(i) Adjusted net earnings available 512 408 104 25.5% 1,262 1,059 203 19.2% to common shareholders of the Company(2) Diluted net earnings per $ 1.03 $ 0.40 $ 0.63 157.5% $ 1.88 $ 1.19 $ 0.69 58.0% common share ($) Adjusted diluted net earnings 1.26 0.98 0.28 28.6% 3.08 2.55 0.53 20.8% per common share(2) ($) Diluted weighted average 407.0 416.0 410.0 415.9 common shares outstanding (millions) (i) Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company are net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company net of dividends declared on the Company's Second Preferred Shares, Series B. Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company(2) in the third quarter of 2016 were $512 million ($1.26 per common share), an increase of $104 million ($0.28 per common share) compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to the following: improvements in the performance of the Retail segment, which (excluding the impact of the consolidation of franchises) included achieving positive same-store sales, maintaining a stable gross margin and lower selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"); improvements in the performance of the Financial Services segment, driven by the growth in credit card receivables and Mobile Shop sales; improvements in the performance of the Choice Properties segment, driven by an increase in base rent and net recoveries of property tax and operating costs from existing properties; and the favourable impact of a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $13 million primarily due to a change in the estimated useful life of certain equipment and fixtures in the second quarter of 2016. Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company in the third quarter of 2016 were $419 million ($1.03 per common share), an increase of $253 million ($0.63 per common share) compared to the third quarter of 2015. In addition to the impact of the items described above, the increase in net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company included the year-over-year impact of the following significant items: the favourable impact of a decrease in restructuring and other related costs of $95 million ( $0.18 per common share); and ( per common share); and a decrease in net interest expense and other financing charges, primarily due to the fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability of $69 million ( $0.17 per common share). REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS The Company has three reportable operating segments with all material operations carried out in Canada: The Retail segment consists primarily of corporate and franchise-owned retail food and Associate-owned drug stores, and includes in-store pharmacies and other health and beauty products, gas bars and apparel and other general merchandise. This segment is comprised of several operating segments that are aggregated primarily due to similarities in the nature of products and services offered for sale in the retail operations and the customer base; The Financial Services segment provides credit card services, loyalty programs, insurance brokerage services, personal banking services provided by a major Canadian chartered bank, deposit taking services and telecommunication services; and The Choice Properties segment owns and leases income-producing commercial properties. The Choice Properties segment information presented below reflects the accounting policies of Choice Properties, which may differ from those of the consolidated Company. Differences in policies are eliminated in Consolidation and Eliminations. Retail Segment For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and 2016 2015 2016 2015 October 10, 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except where (16 weeks) (16 weeks) $ Change % Change (40 weeks) (40 weeks) $ Change % Change otherwise indicated) Sales $ 13,891 $ 13,715 $ 176 1.3% $ 34,539 $ 33,863 $ 676 2.0% Gross profit 3,718 3,560 158 4.4% 9,305 8,895 410 4.6% Adjusted gross profit(2) 3,714 3,560 154 4.3% 9,317 8,903 414 4.7% Adjusted gross profit %(2) 26.7% 26.0% 27.0% 26.3% Adjusted EBITDA(2) $ 1,087 $ 976 $ 111 11.4% $ 2,742 $ 2,529 $ 213 8.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin(2) 7.8% 7.1% 7.9% 7.5% Depreciation and amortization(i) $ 456 $ 470 $ (14) (3.0)% $ 1,157 $ 1,198 $ (41) (3.4)% (i) Depreciation and amortization for the calculation of adjusted EBITDA(2) excludes $164 million (2015 $164 million) and $411 million (2015 $412 million) of amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation for the third quarter of 2016 and year-to-date basis, respectively. For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and 2016 2015 2016 2015 October 10, 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except where (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) otherwise indicated) Sales Same-store sales Sales Same-store sales Sales Same-store sales Sales Same-store sales Food retail $ 10,278 0.8% $ 10,178 1.3% $ 25,386 1.1% $ 25,041 1.7% Drug retail 3,613 2.8% 3,537 4.9% 9,153 4.2% 8,822 4.0% Pharmacy 1,732 1.6% 1,699 3.5% 4,369 3.0% 4,230 3.6% Front Store 1,881 3.9% 1,838 6.2% 4,784 5.3% 4,592 4.4% Overall Retail Segment Performance Adjusted EBITDA(2) improved by $111 million in the third quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of the consolidation of franchises, adjusted EBITDA(2) increased by $105 million driven by higher sales, stable gross margins and lower SG&A. Sales, adjusted gross profit(2), adjusted gross profit percentage(2) and adjusted EBITDA(2) in the third quarter of 2016 included the impacts of the consolidation of franchises, as set out in "Other Retail Business Matters". Sales Retail segment sales in the third quarter of 2016 were $13,891 million, an increase of $176 million compared to the third quarter of 2015. Excluding the consolidation of franchises, Retail segment sales increased by $74 million primarily driven by the following factors: Food retail same-store sales growth was 1.4% (2015 3.1% (5) ) for the quarter, after excluding gas bar (0.6%). Food retail same-store sales also reflect the impact of retail promotional investments. Including gas bar, Food retail same-store sales growth was 0.8% (2015 1.3%). ) for the quarter, after excluding gas bar (0.6%). Food retail same-store sales also reflect the impact of retail promotional investments. Including gas bar, Food retail same-store sales growth was 0.8% (2015 1.3%). The Company's Food retail average quarterly internal food price index declined and was lower than (2015 higher than) the average quarterly national food price inflation of 0.2% (2015 3.8%), as measured by The Consumer Price Index for Food Purchased from Stores ("CPI"). CPI does not necessarily reflect the effect of inflation on the specific mix of goods sold in the Company's stores. Drug retail sales were comprised of pharmacy same-store sales growth of 1.6% (2015 3.5%) and front store same-store sales growth of 3.9% (2015 6.2%). In the last 12 months, Retail net square footage decreased by 0.2 million square feet, or 0.3%, primarily driven by the Company's store closure plan announced in 2015. Adjusted Gross Profit(2) Adjusted gross profit(2) in the third quarter of 2016 was $3,714 million, an increase of $154 million compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted gross profit percentage(2) of 26.7% increased by 70 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2015. Excluding the consolidation of franchises, the adjusted gross profit percentage(2) was 26.1%, an increase of 30 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2015. Food retail promotional investment drove margins lower, however Drug retail pharmacy margins improved and offset the impacts of promotional investments. Adjusted gross profit percentage(2) improved largely due to improvements in shrink compared to the third quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA(2) Adjusted EBITDA(2) in the third quarter of 2016 was $1,087 million, an increase of $111 million, or 11.4%, compared to the third quarter of 2015 driven by the increase in adjusted gross profit(2) described above, partially offset by an increase in SG&A of $43 million. SG&A as a percentage of sales was 18.9%, an increase of 10 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2015. Excluding the consolidation of franchises, SG&A as a percentage of sales was 18.2%, an improvement of 50 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2015, driven by the following factors: the positive impact of the Company's store closure plan announced in 2015; favourable changes in the value of the Company's investments in its franchise business; favourable year-over-year foreign exchange impacts; and the favourable impact related to settlement of collective agreements in the third quarter of 2015. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization in the third quarter of 2016 was $456 million, a decrease of $14 million compared to the third quarter of 2015. Excluding the impact of the amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation ("Shoppers Drug Mart") of $164 million (2015 $164 million), depreciation and amortization decreased by $14 million, primarily attributable to a change in the estimated useful life of certain equipment and fixtures in the second quarter of 2016. Other Retail Business Matters Consolidation of Franchises The Company has more than 500 franchise food retail stores in its network. As of the end of the third quarter of 2016, 165 of these stores were consolidated for accounting purposes under a new, simplified franchise agreement ("Franchise Agreement") implemented in 2015. The Company will convert franchises to the Franchise Agreement as existing agreements expire, at the end of which all franchises will be consolidated. The following table presents the franchises consolidated in the third quarter of 2016 and year-to-date, and the total impact of the consolidated franchises: For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars unless where otherwise indicated) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Number of Consolidated Franchise stores, beginning of period 132 16 85 Add: Net number of Consolidated Franchise stores in the period 33 27 80 43 Number of Consolidated Franchise stores, end of period 165 43 165 43 Sales $ 125 $ 23 $ 264 $ 28 Gross Profit 120 21 254 26 Adjusted gross profit(2) 120 21 254 26 Adjusted EBITDA(2) (6) (7) (8) Depreciation and amortization 7 2 15 2 Net loss attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (7) (6) (21) (5) Financial Services Segment(3) For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and 2016 2015 2016 2015 October 10, 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except where (16 weeks) (16 weeks) $ Change % Change (40 weeks) (40 weeks) $ Change % Change otherwise indicated) Revenue $ 229 $ 211 $ 18 8.5% $ 650 $ 609 $ 41 6.7% Adjusted EBITDA(2) 44 39 5 12.8% 132 122 10 8.2% Earnings before income taxes 28 23 5 21.7% 85 73 12 16.4% As at As at (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated) October 8, 2016 October 10, 2015 $ Change % Change Average quarterly net credit card receivables $ 2,730 $ 2,604 $ 126 4.8% Credit card receivables 2,769 2,663 106 4.0% Allowance for credit card receivables 53 51 2 3.9% Annualized yield on average quarterly gross credit card receivables 13.6% 13.6% Annualized credit loss rate on average quarterly gross credit card receivables 4.5% 4.4% Earnings Before Income Taxes Earnings before income taxes in the third quarter of 2016 were $28 million, an increase of $5 million compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily driven by: higher interest and net interchange income attributable to growth in the credit card portfolio; and higher Mobile Shop sales; partially offset by higher costs associated with higher transaction volumes in the Financial Services loyalty program; and higher operating costs and credit losses as a result of an increase in the active customer base. Credit Card Receivables As at October 8, 2016, credit card receivables were $2,769 million, an increase of $106 million compared to October 10, 2015. This increase was primarily driven by growth in the active customer base as a result of continued investments in customer acquisition, marketing and product initiatives. As at October 8, 2016, the allowance for credit card receivables was $53 million, an increase of $2 million compared to October 10, 2015 due to the growth in the credit card receivables portfolio. Choice Properties Segment(3) For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and 2016 2015 2016 2015 October 10, 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except where (16 weeks) (16 weeks) $ Change % Change (40 weeks) (40 weeks) $ Change % Change otherwise indicated) Revenue $ 196 $ 187 $ 9 4.8% $ 586 $ 552 $ 34 6.2% Adjusted EBITDA(2) 186 136 50 36.8% 433 378 55 14.6% Net interest expense and other (28) 308 (336) (109.1)% 911 572 339 59.3% financing charges Adjusted funds from operations(2) 82 79 3 3.8% 248 231 17 7.4% Adjusted EBITDA(2) Adjusted EBITDA(2) in the third quarter of 2016 was $186 million, an increase of $50 million compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily driven by: the change in fair value adjustment on investment properties; and an increase in base rent and net recoveries of property tax and operating costs from existing properties. Net Interest Expense and Other Financing Charges Net interest expense and other financing charges in the third quarter of 2016 resulted in income of $28 million compared to a charge of $308 million in the third quarter of 2015, a decrease of $336 million. The decrease in net interest expense and other financing charges was primarily driven by the change in fair value adjustment on Class B Limited Partnership units. Adjusted Funds from Operations(2) Adjusted funds from operations(2) in the third quarter of 2016 were $82 million, an increase of $3 million compared to the third quarter of 2015, primarily driven by higher contributions from property operations partially offset by increased spending in operating capital. Other Matters In the third quarter of 2016, Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust ("Choice Properties") acquired one investment property from a third-party for a purchase price of approximately $20 million, excluding acquisition costs, which was fully settled in cash. DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on Common Shares and Second Preferred Shares, Series B. Common Shares $0.26 per common share, payable on December 30, 2016 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2016 Second Preferred Shares, Series B $0.33 per share, payable on December 31, 2016 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2016 OUTLOOK(4) Loblaw remains focused on its strategic framework, delivering the best in food, best in health and beauty, operational excellence and growth. This strategic framework is supported by a financial strategy of maintaining a stable trading environment that targets positive same-store sales and stable gross margin; surfacing efficiencies; delivering synergies as a result of its acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart; and returning capital to shareholders. In 2016, the Company expects to: deliver positive same-store sales and stable gross margin in its Retail segment in a highly competitive grocery market and with continued negative pressure from healthcare reform; grow adjusted net earnings; invest approximately $1.3 billion in capital expenditures, including $1.0 billion in its Retail segment; and in capital expenditures, including in its Retail segment; and return capital to shareholders by allocating a significant portion of free cash flow to share repurchases. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: Retail segment adjusted gross profit, Retail segment adjusted gross profit percentage, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges, adjusted income taxes, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net earnings, adjusted diluted net earnings per common share, and with respect to Choice Properties: adjusted funds from operations. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company for the reasons outlined below. Management uses these and other non-GAAP financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under GAAP when analyzing underlying consolidated and segment operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of the Company's underlying operating performance and make comparisons of underlying financial performance between periods difficult. The Company excludes additional items if it believes doing so would result in a more effective analysis of underlying operating performance. The exclusion of certain items does not imply that they are non-recurring. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. For details on the nature of items excluded in the calculation of any of the non-GAAP financial measures detailed below see the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of the Company's 2016 Third Quarter Report to Shareholders. Retail Segment Adjusted Gross Profit and Retail Segment Adjusted Gross Profit Percentage The following table reconciles the Retail segment adjusted gross profit to Retail segment gross profit. Retail segment adjusted gross profit percentage is calculated as adjusted Retail segment gross profit divided by Retail segment sales. The Company believes that Retail segment adjusted gross profit is useful in assessing the Retail segment's underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of the business. For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Retail segment gross profit $ 3,718 $ 3,560 $ 9,305 $ 8,895 Add impact of the following: Charges related to retail locations in Fort McMurray, net of recoveries (4) 5 Net impairment reversals related to Drug retail ancillary assets 4 Restructuring and other related costs 3 Charge related to apparel inventory 8 Retail segment adjusted gross profit $ 3,714 $ 3,560 $ 9,317 $ 8,903 EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin The following tables reconcile earnings before income taxes, net interest expense and other financing charges and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating income to operating income, which is reconciled to GAAP net earnings measures reported in the unaudited interim period condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA is useful in assessing the performance of its ongoing operations and its ability to generate cash flows to fund its cash requirements, including the Company's capital investment program. Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. 2016 2015 (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (millions of Canadian dollars) Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations Consolidated Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings attributable to $ 422 $ 170 shareholders of the Company Add (deduct) impact of the following: Non-Controlling Interests (7) (6) Net interest expense and 132 205 other financing charges Income taxes 143 89 Operating income $ 642 $ 41 $ 185 $ (178) $ 690 $ 419 $ 37 $ 135 $ (133) $ 458 Depreciation and amortization 456 3 1 4 464 470 2 1 4 477 EBITDA $ 1,098 $ 44 $ 186 $ (174) $ 1,154 $ 889 $ 39 $ 136 $ (129) $ 935 Operating income $ 642 $ 41 $ 185 $ (178) $ 690 $ 419 $ 37 $ 135 $ (133) $ 458 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Amortization of intangible 164 164 164 164 assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart Restructuring and other 95 95 related costs Charges related to retail (5) (5) locations in Fort McMurray, net of recoveries Fair value adjustment on fuel (9) (9) (12) (12) and foreign currency contracts Fixed asset and other related 3 3 2 2 impairments, net of recoveries Pension annuities and buy- 2 2 outs Adjusted operating income $ 795 $ 41 $ 185 $ (178) $ 843 $ 670 $ 37 $ 135 $ (133) $ 709 Depreciation and amortization 456 3 1 4 464 470 2 1 4 477 Less: Amortization of (164) (164) (164) (164) intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,087 $ 44 $ 186 $ (174) $ 1,143 $ 976 $ 39 $ 136 $ (129) $ 1,022 2016 2015 (40 weeks) (40 weeks) (millions of Canadian dollars) Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations Consolidated Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations Consolidated Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company $ 779 $ 501 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Non-Controlling Interests (21) (5) Net interest expense and other financing charges 525 503 Income taxes 360 286 Operating income $ 1,510 $ 123 $ 432 $ (422) $ 1,643 $ 1,164 $ 115 $ 377 $ (371) $ 1,285 Depreciation and amortization 1,157 9 1 11 1,178 1,198 7 1 10 1,216 EBITDA $ 2,667 $ 132 $ 433 $ (411) $ 2,821 $ 2,362 $ 122 $ 378 $ (361) $ 2,501 Operating income $ 1,510 $ 123 $ 432 $ (422) $ 1,643 $ 1,164 $ 115 $ 377 $ (371) $ 1,285 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart 411 411 412 412 Restructuring and other related 44 44 161 161 costs Fair value adjustment on fuel 11 11 (15) (15) and foreign currency contracts Charges related to retail 7 7 locations in Fort McMurray, net of recoveries Prior year tax assessment 10 10 Net impairment reversals (4) (4) related to Drug retail ancillary assets Fixed asset and other related 5 5 9 9 impairments, net of recoveries Pension annuities and buy- 2 2 2 2 outs Charge related to apparel 8 8 inventory Shoppers Drug Mart 2 2 acquisition-related cost, net of impact from divestitures Adjusted operating income $ 1,996 $ 123 $ 432 $ (422) $ 2,129 $ 1,743 $ 115 $ 377 $ (371) $ 1,864 Depreciation and amortization 1,157 9 1 11 1,178 1,198 7 1 10 1,216 Less: Amortization of intangible (411) (411) (412) (412) assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,742 $ 132 $ 433 $ (411) $ 2,896 $ 2,529 $ 122 $ 378 $ (361) $ 2,668 Adjusted Net Interest Expense and Other Financing Charges The following table reconciles adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges to net interest expense and other financing charges in the unaudited interim period condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015. The Company believes that adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges is useful in assessing the Company's underlying financial performance and in making decisions regarding the financial operations of the business. 2016 2015 2016 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Net interest expense and other financing charges $ 132 $ 205 $ 525 $ 503 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability 20 (49) (120) (74) Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs (4) (15) Adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges $ 152 $ 152 $ 405 $ 414 Adjusted Income Taxes and Adjusted Income Tax Rate The Company believes adjusted income taxes is useful in assessing the underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of its business. For the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Adjusted operating income(i) $ 843 $ 709 $ 2,129 $ 1,864 Adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges(i) 152 152 405 414 Adjusted earnings before taxes $ 691 $ 557 $ 1,724 $ 1,450 Income taxes $ 143 $ 89 $ 360 $ 286 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Tax impact of items included in adjusted earnings before taxes(ii) 40 62 117 144 Statutory corporate income tax rate change (3) (38) Adjusted income taxes $ 183 $ 151 $ 474 $ 392 Effective tax rate 25.6% 35.2% 32.2% 36.6% Adjusted income tax rate 26.5% 27.1% 27.5% 27.0% (i) See reconciliations of adjusted operating income and adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges above. (ii) See the EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin table and the adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges table above for a complete list of items included in adjusted earnings before taxes. Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income taxes divided by the sum of adjusted operating income less adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges. Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share The Company believes adjusted net earnings and adjusted diluted net earnings per common share are useful in assessing the Company's underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of its business. The following table reconciles adjusted diluted net earnings per common share to GAAP diluted net earnings per common share as reported for the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015: 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($ except where otherwise indicated) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (millions) 407.0 416.0 410.0 415.9 Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company $ 422 $ 170 $ 779 $ 501 (millions of Canadian dollars) Less: Prescribed dividends on preferred shares in share capital (3) (4) (9) (4) (millions of Canadian dollars) Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company $ 419 $ 166 $ 770 $ 497 (millions of Canadian dollars) Diluted net earnings per common share $ 1.03 $ 0.40 $ 1.88 $ 1.19 Add (deduct) impact of the following: Fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability(i) (0.05) 0.12 0.30 0.18 Amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart 0.30 0.29 0.74 0.73 Restructuring and other related costs 0.18 0.10 0.32 Fair value adjustment on fuel and foreign currency contracts (0.01) (0.02) 0.02 (0.03) Charges related to retail locations in Fort McMurray, net of recoveries (0.01) 0.01 Net impairment reversals related to Drug retail ancillary assets (0.01) Statutory corporate income tax rate change 0.01 0.09 Fixed asset and other related impairments, net of recoveries 0.01 0.02 Charge related to apparel inventory 0.02 Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs 0.01 0.03 Prior year tax assessment 0.02 Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share $ 1.26 $ 0.98 $ 3.08 $ 2.55 Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company (millions of Canadian dollars) $ 515 $ 412 $ 1,271 $ 1,063 Less: Prescribed dividends on preferred shares in share capital (millions of Canadian dollars) (3) (4) (9) (4) Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company (millions of Canadian dollars) $ 512 $ 408 $ 1,262 $ 1,059 (i) Gains or losses related to the fair value adjustment to the Trust Unit Liability are not subject to tax. Choice Properties' Adjusted Funds from Operations The following table reconciles Choice Properties' adjusted funds from operations to GAAP measures for the periods ended October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015. The Company believes adjusted funds from operations is useful in measuring economic performance and is indicative of Choice Properties' ability to pay distributions. 2016 2015 2016 2015 (millions of Canadian dollars) (16 weeks) (16 weeks) (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Net income (loss) $ 213 $ (174) $ (479) $ (196) Fair value adjustments on Class B Limited Partnership units (124) 221 637 315 Fair value adjustments on investment properties (44) (1) (7) 16 Fair value adjustments on unit-based compensation 1 5 1 Fair value adjustments of investment property held in equity (14) accounted joint venture Distributions on Class B Limited Partnership units 57 51 163 151 Internal expenses for leasing 2 1 Funds from Operations $ 102 $ 98 $ 307 $ 288 Straight-line rental revenue (8) (9) (27) (27) Amortization of finance charges (1) Unit-based compensation expense 1 2 2 Sustaining property and leasing capital expenditures, normalized(i) (12) (11) (34) (31) Adjusted Funds from Operations $ 82 $ 79 $ 248 $ 231 (i) Seasonality impacts the timing of capital expenditures. The adjusted funds from operations calculation has been adjusted for this factor to make the quarters more comparable. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company has three reportable operating segments with all material operations carried out in Canada. The Company's chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance on the basis of adjusted EBITDA(2) and adjusted operating income(2), as reported to internal management, on a periodic basis. Information for each reportable operating segment is included below: October 8, 2016 October 10, 2015 (16 weeks) (16 weeks) Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations(i) Total Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations(i) Total (millions of Canadian dollars) Revenue(ii) $ 13,891 $ 229 $ 196 $ (173) $ 14,143 $ 13,715 $ 211 $ 187 $ (167) $ 13,946 EBITDA(iii) $ 1,098 $ 44 $ 186 $ (174) $ 1,154 $ 889 $ 39 $ 136 $ (129) $ 935 Adjusting Items(iii) (11) (11) 87 87 Adjusted EBITDA(iii) $ 1,087 $ 44 $ 186 $ (174) $ 1,143 $ 976 $ 39 $ 136 $ (129) $ 1,022 Depreciation and Amortization(iv) 292 3 1 4 300 306 2 1 4 313 Adjusted Operating Income(iii) $ 795 $ 41 $ 185 $ (178) $ 843 $ 670 $ 37 $ 135 $ (133) $ 709 Net interest expense and other $ 99 $ 13 $ (28) $ 48 $ 132 $ 108 $ 14 $ 308 $ (225) $ 205 financing charges (i) Consolidation and Eliminations includes the following items: Revenue includes the elimination of $130 million (2015 $127 million ) of rental revenue and $43 million (2015 $40 million ) of cost recovery recognized by Choice Properties, generated from the Retail segment. (2015 ) of rental revenue and (2015 ) of cost recovery recognized by Choice Properties, generated from the Retail segment. Adjusted operating income includes the elimination of the $130 million (2015 $127 million ) impact of rental revenue described above; the elimination of a $44 million gain (2015 $1 million gain) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties, which are classified as Fixed Assets or Investment Properties by the Company and measured at cost; the recognition of $4 million (2015 $4 million ) of depreciation expense for certain investment properties recorded by Choice Properties; and the elimination of intercompany charges of nil (2015 $1 million ). (2015 ) impact of rental revenue described above; the elimination of a gain (2015 gain) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties, which are classified as Fixed Assets or Investment Properties by the Company and measured at cost; the recognition of (2015 ) of depreciation expense for certain investment properties recorded by Choice Properties; and the elimination of intercompany charges of nil (2015 ). Net interest expense and other financing charges includes the elimination of $69 million (2015 $64 million ) of interest expense included in Choice Properties related to debt owing to the Company and a $124 million fair value gain (2015 loss of $221 million ) recognized by Choice Properties on Class B Limited Partnership units held by the Company. Net interest and other financing charges also includes Unit distributions to external unitholders of $13 million (2015 $11 million ), which excludes distributions paid to the Company and a $20 million fair value gain (2015 $49 million loss) on the Company's Trust Unit Liability. (ii) Included in Financial Services revenue is $97 million (2015 $93 million) of interest income. (iii) Certain items are excluded from EBITDA(2) to derive adjusted EBITDA(2). Adjusted EBITDA(2) is used internally by management when analyzing segment underlying performance. (iv) Depreciation and amortization for the calculation of adjusted EBITDA(2) excludes $164 million (2015 $164 million) of amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart. October 8, 2016 October 10, 2015 (40 weeks) (40 weeks) Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations(i) Total Retail Financial Services(3) Choice Properties(3) Consolidation and Eliminations(i) Total (millions of Canadian dollars) Revenue(ii) $ 34,539 $ 650 $ 586 $ (520) $ 35,255 $ 33,863 $ 609 $ 552 $ (495) $ 34,529 EBITDA(iii) $ 2,667 $ 132 $ 433 $ (411) $ 2,821 $ 2,362 $ 122 $ 378 $ (361) $ 2,501 Adjusting Items(iii) 75 75 167 167 Adjusted EBITDA(iii) $ 2,742 $ 132 $ 433 $ (411) $ 2,896 $ 2,529 $ 122 $ 378 $ (361) $ 2,668 Depreciation and Amortization(iv) 746 9 1 11 767 786 7 1 10 804 Adjusted Operating Income(iii) $ 1,996 $ 123 $ 432 $ (422) $ 2,129 $ 1,743 $ 115 $ 377 $ (371) $ 1,864 Net interest expense and other financing charges $ 256 $ 38 $ 911 $ (680) $ 525 $ 285 $ 42 $ 572 $ (396) $ 503 (i) Consolidation and Eliminations includes the following items: Revenue includes the elimination of $387 million (2015 $374 million ) of rental revenue and $133 million (2015 $121 million ) of cost recovery recognized by Choice Properties, generated from the Retail segment. (2015 ) of rental revenue and (2015 ) of cost recovery recognized by Choice Properties, generated from the Retail segment. Adjusted operating income includes the elimination of the $387 million (2015 $374 million ) impact of rental revenue described above; the elimination of a $7 million gain (2015 $16 million loss) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties, which are classified as Fixed Assets or Investment Properties by the Company and measured at cost; the elimination of a $14 million gain (2015 nil) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties in the joint venture; $11 million (2015 $10 million ) of depreciation expense for certain investment properties recorded by Choice Properties; and the elimination of intercompany charges of $3 million (2015 $3 million ). (2015 ) impact of rental revenue described above; the elimination of a gain (2015 loss) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties, which are classified as Fixed Assets or Investment Properties by the Company and measured at cost; the elimination of a gain (2015 nil) recognized by Choice Properties related to the fair value adjustments on investment properties in the joint venture; (2015 ) of depreciation expense for certain investment properties recorded by Choice Properties; and the elimination of intercompany charges of (2015 ). Net interest expense and other financing charges includes the elimination of $199 million (2015 $188 million ) of interest expense included in Choice Properties related to debt owing to the Company and a $637 million fair value loss (2015 loss of $315 million ) recognized by Choice Properties on Class B Limited Partnership units held by the Company. Net interest and other financing charges also includes Unit distributions to external unitholders of $36 million (2015 $33 million ), which excludes distributions paid to the Company and a $120 million fair value loss (2015 loss of $74 million ) on the Company's Trust Unit Liability. (ii) Included in Financial Services revenue is $286 million (2015 $274 million) of interest income. (iii) Certain items are excluded from EBITDA(2) to derive adjusted EBITDA(2). Adjusted EBITDA(2) is used internally by management when analyzing segment underlying performance. (iv) Depreciation and amortization for the calculation of adjusted EBITDA(2) excludes $411 million (2015 $412 million) of amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This News Release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects, opportunities and legal and regulatory matters. Specific forward-looking statements in this News Release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's anticipated future results, events and plans, synergies and other benefits associated with the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart, anticipated insurance recoveries, future liquidity, planned capital investments, and status and impact of information technology ("IT") systems implementation. These specific forward-looking statements are contained throughout this News Release including, without limitation, in the "Outlook" section of this News Release. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its management. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The Company's expectation of operating and financial performance in 2016 is based on certain assumptions including assumptions about anticipated cost savings, operating efficiencies and continued growth from current initiatives. The Company's estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events, and as such, are subject to change. The Company can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected in the forward-looking statements, including those described in Section 12 "Enterprise Risks and Risk Management" of the Management Discussion and Analysis in the 2015 Annual Report Financial Review ("2015 Annual Report") and the Company's 2015 Annual Information Form ("AIF") (for the year ended January 2, 2016). Such risks and uncertainties include: changes to the regulation of generic prescription drug prices, the reduction of reimbursements under public drug benefit plans and the elimination or reduction of professional allowances paid by drug manufacturers; the inability of the Company's IT infrastructure to support the requirements of the Company's business, or the occurrence of any internal or external security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other known or unknown cybersecurity or data breaches; failure to realize benefits from investments in the Company's new IT systems; the inability of the Company to manage inventory to minimize the impact of obsolete or excess inventory and to control shrink; failure to realize the anticipated strategic benefits associated with the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart; public health events including those related to food or drug safety; failure to realize anticipated results, including revenue growth, anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies associated with the Company's major initiatives, including those from restructuring; failure by the Company's franchisees or Shoppers Drug Mart licensees ("Associates") to operate in accordance with prescribed procedures or standards, or disruptions to the Company's relationship with its franchisees or Associates; failure to achieve desired results in labour negotiations, including the terms of future collective bargaining agreements, which could lead to work stoppages; changes in the Company's income, capital, commodity, property and other tax and regulatory liabilities, including changes in tax laws, regulations or future assessments; reliance on the performance and retention of third party service providers, including those associated with the Company's supply chain and apparel business; issues with vendors in both advanced and developing markets; the risk that the Company would experience a financial loss if its counterparties fail to meet their obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of their contracts with the Company; failure to merchandise effectively or in a manner that is responsive to customer demand; heightened competition, whether from current competitors or new entrants to the marketplace; changes in economic conditions, including economic recession or changes in the rate of inflation or deflation, employment rates, interest rates, currency exchange rates or derivative and commodity prices; the impact of potential environmental liabilities; and the inability of the Company to collect on or fund its credit card receivables. This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities ("securities regulators") from time to time, including, without limitation, the section entitled "Risks" in the Company's 2015 AIF (for the year ended January 2, 2016). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this News Release. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. CORPORATE PROFILE 2015 Annual Report and 2016 Third Quarter Report to Shareholders The Company's 2015 Annual Report and 2016 Third Quarter Report to Shareholders are available in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and on sedar.com. Investor Relations Additional financial information has been filed electronically with various securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) and with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) as the primary regulator for the Company's subsidiary, President's Choice Bank. The Company holds an analyst call shortly following the release of its quarterly results. These calls are archived in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca. Conference Call and Webcast Loblaw Companies Limited will host a conference call as well as an audio webcast on November 16, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. (ET). To access via tele-conference, please dial (416) 204-9271. The playback will be made available approximately two hours after the event at (647) 436-0148, access code: 9000693. To access via audio webcast, please go to the "Investors" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available. Full details about the conference call and webcast are available on the Loblaw Companies Limited website at loblaw.ca. News Release Endnotes (1) This News Release contains forward-looking information. See "Forward-Looking Statements" section of this News Release for a discussion of material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forecasts and projections herein and of the material factors and assumptions that were used when making these statements. This News Release should be read in conjunction with Loblaw Companies Limited's filings with securities regulators made from time to time, all of which can be found at sedar.com and at loblaw.ca. (2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this News Release, which includes the reconciliation of such non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. (3) The results for the Financial Services and Choice Properties segments are for the periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, consistent with the segments' fiscal calendars. Adjustments to align Financial Services' and Choice Properties' results to October 8, 2016 and October 10, 2015 are included in Consolidation and Eliminations. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the "Segment Information" sections of this News Release. (4) To be read in conjunction with the "Forward-Looking Statements" section of this News Release. (5) 2015 comparative Food retail same-store sales growth also excludes the negative impact of a change in distribution model by a tobacco supplier, which had no impact in the current period. SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited For further information: Investor inquiries, contact: Sophia Bisoukis, Vice President, Investor Relations, (905) 861-2436, [email protected]; Media inquiries, contact: Kevin Groh, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, (905) 861-2437, [email protected] SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW/ -- Sugon a Chinese high-performance computing brand, jointly announced with Arctur, the ICT Company in Slovenia, the official completion of a data center in Slovenia built by both parties. The data center will be Sugon's first data center in continental Europe, representing a major breakthrough for Sugon in the traditionally advantageous high-performance computing market, and also a significant milestone for Sugon's implementation of its globalization strategy. The Arctur-2 Hyper-Converged System (the "Arctur-2 System") deployed in data centers is designed and developed by Arctur. The high-performance infrastructure of Arctur-2 System is entirely provided by Sugon. With the completion of the data center, Sugon's high-performance computing equipment officially enters continental Europe and Slovenia will become Sugon's bridgehead for exploring future business in Europe. Complementary Advantages Arctur is committed to applying HPC services to SMEs and the media industry, and it is a market leader in this particular field. The unique product attributes provide the data center with superior product advantages. Arctur-2 System, the system tailored for the European market, has both superior computing capacity and a wide range of applications. Arctur-2 System is a type of high-performance computing and cloud computing infrastructure based on hyper-converged architecture, and its design can be applied to a variety of scenarios, including but not limited to universal cloud computing, high-performance computing and small-scale big data analysis. Arctur-2 System will provide high-quality services for Arctur's clients in Europe and around the world. Innovative Ideas, Entering Western Markets Sugon and Arctur also launched the "HPCaaS" business model (High-Performance Computing as a Service). Under the HPCaaS Model, users can obtain the professional technical and service support from Sugon and Arctur while using high-performance computing equipment, processing of solution developments, visualization of results and other links. Moreover, users can also participate in product development and R&D of applicable equipment through cooperation. Global Blueprints, Steady Expansion Sugon has made progress in different regional markets worldwide since Sugon grandly launched its globalization blueprint. Completion of the data center in Europe is a significant breakthrough, while Sugon is rewriting the market pattern and moving forward. In addition to this important breakthrough in the European market, Sugon has also achieved business progress in several markets in recent years: Sugon has directly presented products to local users through local channels in the Southeast Asian market and Russia. In the North American market with most developed ICT industry, Sugon has paid more attention to "strategic alliance" and "technology integration" and actively transformed from provider of servers and storage solutions to full-service provider in the meantime of seeking the win-win partnership development by virtue of technological advantages of hardware equipment as well as deep understanding and practical experience in high-performance industrial applications. For more information related to Sugon, search WeChat Official Account "sugoncn" to follow Sugon's official WeChat. SOURCE Sugon For further information: Yuling Zhang, +86-185-1017-1001 Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal's Economic mission to Israel and the West Bank bears fruit in attracting global textile leader to the city MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Tefron Ltd. (OTCBB: TFRFF), an Israel-based global leader in the manufacturing of seamless active wear and intimate apparel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Montreal in Tel-Aviv today to move its North American Headquarters from New York City to Montreal. The expansion of the Montreal office and its designation as North American Headquarters will not only keep some of the industry's most innovative textile leaders here in the city, it will allow the team to continue to grow beyond the 10-fold expansion it has undergone since 2012. Montreal's current team of 30 manages the company's sales, customer service, design, production, sourcing, IT, invoicing, administration, business analysis, logistics, and accounting functions; roles will be added in R&D, HR, and global marketing. Although Montreal's leadership in fashion and textiles appears to have waned with manufacturing moving overseas, Tefron not only benefits from a worldwide manufacturing and distribution network, it proudly depends on its Montreal based management team to steer the business to enhanced growth and profitability. "Montreal is a wonderfully multi-cultural city that has a huge pool of amazing talent and a long history of success and innovation in the fashion and garment sectors. We are proud to call Montreal home and are committed to helping write the next chapters in the history of this storied city, by making our Montreal office our North American Headquarters," said Michael Gold, President North America, Tefron. For Montreal Mayor, Denis Coderre, "After many difficult years in the textile and fashion industry, Montreal is returning as a major player, notably thanks to the efforts of mmode, a fashion cluster organization. The fact that the head offices as important as those of Tefron in North America are moving to Montreal sends a strong signal of the city's importance in the clothing industry. Tefron's leadership in innovation will certainly benefit from Montreal's dynamic businesses in this sector." Tefron maintains leadership in the quickly-changing garment industry by continuously offering innovations including seamless sewing, 3D sewing, and wearable technology as white label product to some of the world's largest and most well-known brands including Victoria's Secret, Under Armour, Adidas, Pink, and Walmart. Tefron's Montreal Headquarters will be the main point of contact for managing the entirety of its North American operations. "Greater Montreal's fashion industry, although touched by globalization in recent years, has been able to restructure itself with new business models. It is attracting more world-class players and is a key contributor to the metropolis," said Hubert Bolduc, President and CEO of Montreal International. "The presence of Tefron's North American headquarters as well as the anticipated growth of its activities are definite advantages in the positioning of the region in the fashion and design industry, with high quality jobs and a strong value-added contribution." For Debbie Zakaib, Executive Director at mmode, the Fashion Industry's Metropolitan Cluster, "The Cluster welcomes groundbreaking and job-creating initiatives that contribute to the growth and economic prosperity of Quebec's garment and textile industry. We salute opportunities that help to position Montreal as a leader in global fashion and we celebrate the companies that highlight our industry's expertise and its capacity to innovate." About Tefron Founded in 1977 and based in Misgav, Israel, Tefron manufactures boutique-quality everyday seamless intimate apparel, and active wear sold throughout the world by such name-brand marketers as Victoria's Secret, Pink, Under Armour, Reebok, Target, J. C. Penney, Calvin Klein, Patagonia, as well as other well-known retailers such as Walmart. The company's innovative seamless product line includes knitted briefs, bras, tank tops, boxers, leggings, crop, T-shirts, nightwear, bodysuits, and active-wear. SOURCE Tefron For further information: Colin Danby, NATIONAL Public Relations, 514-843-2355, [email protected] 1. Forbes James Conca Renewable Energy Will Do Just Fine In President Trumps America Energy did not make any difference in who we chose for President on Tuesday. But the energy sector won biggly, nonetheless. Under a Trump Presidency, U.S. climate change policy and goals will evaporate, as will the Clean Power Plan, the Paris accords, any teeth in the Environmental Protection Agency, and any hope of a carbon tax. There will also be no opposition from the Feds to pipeline construction or drilling on public lands and wildlife areas. So energy and environmental regulations will simply fall to the states. Oddly enough, renewables and nuclear will be fine. 2. Neutron Bytes, Dan Yurman Japan gains a customer with India, but loses one in Vietnam * Japan overcomes its nonproliferation jitters about India to sign a deal to provide reactors there. * Vietnam pulls the plug on a plan to build eight new reactors due to high costs and lower demand for electricity. 3. Yes Vermont Yankee Facts and Opinion on Entergy Sale of Vermont Yankee Entergy plans to sell Vermont Yankee to a decomm company. This should speed the decommissioning: running a plant and decommissioning a plant are different specialities. It is sad, however, because people who work at the plant now are not likely to be retained. 4. Nextbigfuture Asia supergrid could transmit renewable electrical power or low cost power from coal plants GEIDCO wants to create an electric grid that connects all of Asia and then follow that with a grid that connects the entire world. GEIDCO the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Co-operation Organization is a China-based group that now has agreements with energy companies in China, South Korea, Russia and Japan, as well as utilities, equipment manufacturers and universities from 14 countries. The first step for GEIDCO is to build a connected Asia Super Grid that could bring the theoretically huge renewable energy generation capabilities of North Chinas Gobi desert as far east as Japan. The entire idea is contingent on ultra high voltage power transmission lines, thousands of miles operating at more than 1,000 kilovolts AC/800 kilovolts DC. High voltages reduce losses over long distances, and both Russia and Japan already have hundreds (in Russias case thousands) of miles of ultra high voltage lines up and running. These pale in comparison to Chinas infrastructure; since 2009 China has built nearly 10,000 miles of UHV power lines, with about the same again to come online in the next two years. 5. Nextbigfuture 17 countries cooperating on Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor Design and development Experts from 17 countries laid the foundations last week for enhanced international cooperation on a technology that promises to deliver nuclear power with a lower risk of severe accidents, helping to decrease the worlds dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Molten salt reactors nuclear power reactors that use liquid salt as primary coolant or a molten salt mixture as fuel have many favourable characteristics for nuclear safety and sustainability. The concept was developed in the 1960s, but put aside in favour of what has become mainstream nuclear technology since. In recent years, however, technological advances have led to growing interest in molten salt technology and to the launch of new initiatives. The technology needs at least a decade of further intensive research, validation and qualification before commercialization. 6. Nextbigfuture Laser enrichment moving ahead with DOE selling 300,000 tonnes of depleted uranium to GE Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment The US Department of Energy (DOE) has agreed to sell around 300,000 tonnes of depleted uranium hexafluoride to GE Hitachi Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) for re-enrichment at a proposed plant to be built near DOEs Paducah site in Kentucky. The agreement paves the way for commercialisation of Silex laser enrichment technology. GLE was selected by the DOE in 2013 to enter contract negotiations on the construction of a laser enrichment plant former at the former gaseous enrichment site at Paducah, Kentucky to re-enrich its inventory of high-assay depleted uranium tails. The tails, left over from previous enrichment operations, contain a lower proportion of uranium-235 than in naturally occurring uranium but can potentially be re-enriched for use in nuclear fuel. GLE will finance, construct, own and operate the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, which will be a commercial enrichment plant licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Re-enrichment of the 300,000 tonnes of tails would take place over 40 years, producing around 100,000 tonnes of natural-grade uranium which would be sold into the world uranium market. The balance of the material low assay tails would be returned to the DOE for disposition. 7. Nextbigfuture China begins construction of small modular floating reactor and a land based small modular reactor Construction of Chinas first floating nuclear power plant has officially begun, China General Nuclear (CGN) announced. The demonstration unit is expected to be completed by 2020. China Guangdong Nuclear Power Research Institute deputy chief engineer and small reactor lead designer Rui Min said that, unlike the pouring of first safety concrete for a conventional land-based reactor, the signing of the vessel purchase agreement marks the official start of construction of the offshore unit. Of all the equipment necessary to construct the unit including the floating platform the vessel takes the longest to manufacture. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took a complete swipe of past administrations in handling the insurgent Boko Haram, saying that if he... Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took a complete swipe of past administrations in handling the insurgent Boko Haram, saying that if he were the Nigerian leader then, the Boko Haram would not have reared its ugly head in the country.Atiku Abubakar spoke Tuesday night at the American University of Nigeria AUN Yola while distributing relief materials to over 5,000 internally Displaced persons, IDPs.If I were the President of Nigeria when Boko Haram erupted, I could have used all means at my disposal to avert it.When we were in government in 2002, a similar incident which should have been more deadly erupted in Yobe state and we immediately contained it and nothing was heard of it again. Such an ugly incident requires a steadfast leadership that is decisive in its deeds in dealing with it, the former vice President stated.For Boko Haram insurgents to have overran 7 of the 21 local governments of Adamawa State beats my imagination, and the efforts I put in place that prevented Boko Haram from capturing the entire state is left between me and my creator, he added. I dont even know my father very well.But, it does not prevent me from becoming what I am today. As an orphan, I will continue to identify with the less privileged ones in the society in the rest part of my life, Atiku declared.As I clock 70 years this year, all my activities will be dedicated to the cause of the Internally Displaced Persons, not only Adamawa, but in Borno, Yobe and other IDPs camps spread across the country, he maintained.The former Vice President implored all his admirers who wish to identify with him as part of his 70th Birthday to channel them to the IDPs.He commended the Adamawa Peace Initiative for championing the cause of the less privileged in the society, stressing that when the initiative was conceived and put together, the organizers never envisaged the eruption of Boko Haram insurgency, adding that the organization has now assumed the major focal point in reaching the displaced persons in the society.Alhaji Atiku Abubakar along with members of the Adamawa Initiative had earlier visited the St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral and the Jamaatul Nasir Islam JNI where they distributed relief materials to the IDPs there. On the present economic recession in the country, the former vice president absorbed the APC led federal government of any wrong doing, blaming the recession on the fall of the oil price in the international market.Atiku Abubakar advised Nigerians to diversify as a way out of the recession Earlier, the President of the American University of Nigeria, AUN lauded the Atiku Abubakar for identifying with IDPs and urged other well to do to emulate him. The trial of Sambo Dasuki and others was adjourned till December 7 for further hearing following a concession agreed upon by all the coun... The trial of Sambo Dasuki and others was adjourned till December 7 for further hearing following a concession agreed upon by all the counsel concerned.The trial which came up at an FCT High Court, Maitama, before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf could not go on.However, all counsel had a chambers meeting with the judge and agreed on the date.All the defendants were in court except Mr. Dasuki.Mr. Dasukis father, the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, died on Monday and was buried on Tuesday.The younger Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned before Justice Baba-Yusuf by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a 19-count charge bordering on diversion of about N13.6 billion.He is being tried alongside Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC Executive Director.Also being tried were two firms, Acacia Holding Ltd. and Reliance Referral Hospital Ltd.In a second case, Bashir Yuguda is the first defendant while Mr. Dasuki is the second.Others are Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, Dalhatu Investment Ltd., Sagir Attahiru and Attahiru Bafaarawa, former governor of Sokoto State.They were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, bribery, and abuse of office and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N28.315 million.At the last sitting, the trial was streamlined by the court following the movement of the two case files to one.The two cases were pending before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, and Justice Peter Affen.At the previous sitting, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Mr. Dasuki, had prayed the court to consolidate the two cases against his client.Mr. Daudu sought for an order directing the prosecution to amend charge No. FCT/HC/CR/43/ 2015 pending before Mr. Baba-Yusuf, to include the counts in suit No. FCT/HC/CR/43/2015, before Mr. Affen.He said that his prayer was pursuant to sections 6(6)(a), 35(5) and (9) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and sections 1(1); 208; 396(3); 401and 492(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC, also said that the movement was to facilitate the quick trial of the case if the files could be in one court.At the last sitting, the two cases were brought to Mr. Baba-Yusufs court.Absence at burialSpeaking to reporters at the end of the court session, Ahmed Raji, another counsel to Mr. Dasuki, said the federal governments claim that it offered the former NSA an opportunity to attend his fathers burial was improper.Mr. Dasuki however refused.Mr. Raji said the purported offer was doubtful because none of his clients lawyers was contacted on the issue.As his counsel, we are not aware of that offer. Our client has not told us anything of that nature. We would have expected that if such a gesture was going to be made to him we as his counsel should have been involved so that we can advise him properly. As I am speaking to you, I am hearing of this for the first time.Mr. Raji said there was no basis for the continued detention of Dasuki by government having been granted bail by three different high courts in Abuja in the charges against him as well as the order of the ECOWAS court for his unconditional release in the case for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to freedom of liberty.He said Dasuki has been granted three bails and one outright judgement for his release by the ECOWAS court which is binding in honour of Nigeria. The deputy governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Kano, Sokoto and Taraba states have rejected a prophecy that they will run into trouble with their... The deputy governors of Abia, Ebonyi, Kano, Sokoto and Taraba states have rejected a prophecy that they will run into trouble with their principals before the end of their tenures.The prophecy was reportedly given recently by the Spiritual Head of the INRI Evangelistic Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele.But reacting to the prophecy on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, described the prophecy as fallacious and one intended to create rancour and disaffection in the polity.Igwe said the prophesy was nothing but a figment of Ayodeles imagination and urged the public to ignore the prophet for he knows what he is doing.In a statement he issued on behalf of himself and the other deputy governors, Igwe said, Ordinarily, we would have ignored this so-called prophecy but doing so could create the impression that we believe him or that that he should be taken seriously.We make bold to state that this prophecy, like the ones before it, are fallacies meant to create tension, rancour and unnecessary friction in the polity.We vehemently reject this so-called prophesy, which, in our own estimation, is nothing but a figment of the imagination of the man who released it.We all have had and still have very good working relationship with our bosses in our various states and do not see any reason for the predicted crisis.We urge the government and the good people in our various states to ignore Primate Elijah Ayodele for he knows not what he is saying or doing.Primate Ayodele could not have heard from God because he has been in the business of releasing false prophecies at every turn in the politics of Nigeria and the world.It was he who predicted that President Goodluck Jonathan would win the 2015 presidential election; it was he who predicted that Governor Ahmed el- Rufai wouldnot win the governorship election in Kaduna State last year and it was the same man who recently predicted victory for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party candidate in the just-concluded elections in the United States. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday re-arraigned Rickey Tarfa (SAN), on an amended charge of offering of g... The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday re-arraigned Rickey Tarfa (SAN), on an amended charge of offering of gratification to public officers.The commission had on March 10, brought Tarfa before an Igbosere High Court, Lagos, on a 27-count of willful obstruction of its authorised officers, refusal to declare assets, making false information and offering gratification to a public official.At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the commission ammended the charge and reduced it to a 26-count of the same offences.EFCC also substituted Section 38 (2) on the charge for Section 39(2) of the EFCC Act, 2004.However, before his plea was taken, Tarfas counsel, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), objected to the reading of the amended charge on the ground that it would overreach the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos.Owonikoko argued that the Court of Appeal would on Jan. 19; hear the appeal filed against the ruling of the Lagos High Court.He submitted that the amended charge raised constitutional issues that an accused person should not be charged twice for the same offence.Owonikoko argued that the amended charge was a violation of Section 39 (9) of the constitution which prohibited a prosecutor from arraigning an accused twice for the same offence.But, in his response, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), allowed the prosecution to amend a charge at any time before judgment was given.He urged the court not to allow the defence to delay the trial.In a bench ruling, Justice A. A. Akintoye dismissed Tarfars objection, adding that there was nothing wrong with the amended charge.She ordered the registrar to read the amended charge to the accused.Tarfa pleaded not guilty to the charge.Subsequently, the court adjourned the case till Nov.28 for continuation of trial.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the anti-graft agency had in March,alleged, among others, that Tarfa offered N5.3million gratification to Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, in order to compromise the judge.The commission claimed that Tarfa transferred the money in several tranches to Justice Nganjiwa between June 27, 2012 and Dec. 23, 2014.NAN The Peoples Democratic Party National Youth Frontiers (PDPNYF) has said that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has a history of tel... The Peoples Democratic Party National Youth Frontiers (PDPNYF) has said that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has a history of telling lies publicly and that a man who can betray those who brought him up in politics is capable of anything.The youth group, on its twitter handle on Wednesday, reacting to El-Rufai recent reply to Alhaji Abubaker Atiku stated further that Abubaker Atiku made El-Rufai Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, and eventually a minister.Recall that on Tuesday, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Govenor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir Elrufai engaged in war of words. Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, not to join the Federal Government in ruining Niger... Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, not to join the Federal Government in ruining Nigeria by supporting President Muhammadu Buharis request for $29.96bn foreign loan.The governor, who called on Saraki to join Nigerians who were against the loan, cautioned him not to because of his own personal interests join Buhari to destroy Nigeria.Fayose in a press release issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the senate president must realise that no matter how much he tries to warm himself into the hearts of the Aso Villa Cabal, they can never love him and accept him into their fold.The governor queried the economic sense in taking over N12 trillion loan so as to be able to spend more money during economic recession.How can a nation be proposing to spend more money when its income has reduced considerably?Yes, it is being argued that nations in recession must spend to get out of recession, but in the case of Nigeria, how do we pay back when as of today, 30 per cent of our income is being used to service debt?What will happen to our economy when over 60 percent of our income is being used to service debt?Fayose urged the senate to be mindful of the reality that many states in Nigeria were unable to pay workers salary now because of the huge debt left behind by past governments. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to rescind its de... The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to rescind its decision to embark on a nationwide warning strike from Wednesday.The Minister said in a statement Tuesday night that the union should give the Buhari administration an opportunity to discuss all contending issues arising from the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) it reached with the past administration.The Minister however said that the claims of nationwide consultations by ASUU cannot be true as the Ministry of Labour and Employment which is the chief conciliator of industrial relations disputes is yet to receive a direct petition from ASUU against the Federal Government who is the jurisdictional employer.The statement signed by the Deputy Director Press, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowokere emphasized the need for proper re-negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement which ASUU reached with the previous administrations through a clear channel of social dialogue, starting with its immediate employer, the Ministry of Education, and the Labour Ministry.It explained that in view of the prevailing circumstances, the issuance of warning strike by ASUU was unconstitutional as the body was yet to exhaust the conflict resolution mechanisms clearly mapped out in the labour laws.The Minister therefore appealed to ASUU to give the present administration the opportunity to fully address its grievances which stemmed from the inactions of the past administration. President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said more that 2.1million people have been displaced by devastating floods in the country since 20... President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said more that 2.1million people have been displaced by devastating floods in the country since 2012. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President disclosed this in his statement at the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place in Marrakech, Morocco.The President was quoted as saying that Nigeria has no choice but to key into the global action on climate change.In Nigeria for instance, the impact is being felt by the more than 2.1 million people displaced by devastating floods that the country has continued to suffer since 2012.If not addressed by 2050, the human and financial cost would be colossal. For us in Nigeria, the larger dimension of the challenge goes beyond emission rights. Survival rights are also at stake, the President said.He declared the resolve of the Federal Government to ensure that policies put in place to address climate change will make the country emerge as one of the worlds best examples of how reducing emissions can benefit the environment and the economy. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied claims that Heritage bank is in distress. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied claims that Heritage bank is in distress.The CBN in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja and signed by Isaac Okorafor, Acting director, corporate communications of the bank said the apex banks attention has been drawn to false and malicious stories on the social media insinuating that Heritage Bank is under financial distress and therefore unable to discharge its obligations to its depositors.The CBN, he said wish to state that Heritage Bank is not in distress and as such its depositors should go about their transactions without fear.The CBN spokesman further stated that no Nigerian Bank is in distress and that the CBN, as the industry regulator, has a duty to depositors, in particular, and the economy, in general, to ensure the soundness of all financial institutions.The CBN also stated that it will remain alive to its responsibility of ensuring banking system stability and soundness through constant monitoring and supervision of all licensed institutions.Isaac Okorafor reiterated that the banking system remains resilient enough to weather the current economic storm. A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, says he was protected by Boko Haram suspects during his four-day detention at K... A former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, says he was protected by Boko Haram suspects during his four-day detention at Kuje Prison.Fani-Kayode said this in an article titled, Head bloodied but not bowed and the ascension of President-Elect Donald Trump on Wednesday.The ex-minister said he spent over two weeks in the underground cell of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission without being interrogated.He said he was then transferred to Kuje Prison where he was kept in a cell along with terrorists.Fani-Kayode said, At Kuje I was kept in the terrorist wing of the prison which was built by the British government specifically for Boko Haram convicts and suspects. There were 47 of them in the facility and I was with them throughout. These were tough, disciplined, hardened, surprisingly well-educated and intimidating men.This was a frightful place and those that were locked up there were very dangerous and frightful people yet thankfully the Lord went ahead of me.The single cells, though small, were clean, well-ventilated, dry and very neat. The inmates were surprisingly very kind and friendly towards me and turned out to be my best friends and bodyguards whenever I toured the other parts of the prison.Most of those men were not Boko Haram killers but had been falsely accused, tortured and just dumped into prison and I felt nothing but pain and sorrow when I heard their stories.Fani-Kayode said during his time at the prison, he met with the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention for over a year.He said they spoke for about three hours and they were protected by inmates during the meeting.The ex-minister added, When I went to visit the great and brilliant freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu, who is the leader of IPOB and easily the most courageous, powerful and credible Igbo leader in Nigeria today in his cell we had a very instructive and long discussion.I had never met Nnamdi before and I was amazed at his depth of knowledge, his immense courage and his deep convictions. There is no doubt in my mind that that man is going places and in him the Igbo have an Ojukwu and a Nnamdi Azikiwe all rolled into one. He is destined for greatness.My Boko Haram friends accompanied me to that meeting, drew a 10-man security cordon around me when we entered the general population of the prison and waited outside as Nnamdi and I spoke for almost three hours. A man simply identified as Mr. Ogenyi in the Balogun Street, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos reportedly beat his wife into coma for investing fa... A man simply identified as Mr. Ogenyi in the Balogun Street, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos reportedly beat his wife into coma for investing family's saving in MMM.According to reports, the problem started after the husband returned from a trip to his hometown in Benue and discovered that the family saving box was missing. He later found the saving box broken and empty in the wardrobe.On inquiry from his son, Oche, the father was informed that the mother went out with her friend around 4pm and had not returned.When the wife returned home, the husband inquired to know who broke the saving box but the wife could not give him any satisfactory answer.When the husband threatened to beat the wife if she fails to tell him who broke the box, she accepted breaking the box and investing the money into MMM. She thought she could get 30 per cent of her income and replace the money before the husband could return, an eyewitness said.The Husband then locked up the door of their one room apartment and beat the wife until she went into Coma. The money in the saving box was about N86,000 and meant for the couple's next rent. The international Criminal Court of Justice (ICC) has invited the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami SAN for explana... The international Criminal Court of Justice (ICC) has invited the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami SAN for explanations over the clash between Nigerian army and Shiites Muslims in Zaria.Malami is expected to leave Nigeria today for the ICC to explain the part played by the military during the clash.Also, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as the Shiites yesterday protested at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja saying no fewer than one hundred innocent citizens were killed in Kano on Monday. Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who has been in detention for the past 24 days, yesterday, regained his freedom. Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who has been in detention for the past 24 days, yesterday, regained his freedom.Fani-Kayode, who was the Director of Media and Publicity in the campaign team of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was released after he perfected the bail conditions handed to him by the Abuja Federal High Court. He is answering to a five-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.The charge borders on alleged N26million fraud. Trial Justice John Tsoho had on Thursday, ordered remand of the defendant at Kuje Prison in Abuja, pending perfection of his bail terms. The court specifically granted the ex-Minister bail to the tune of N50m, even as he was also ordered to produce one surety in like sum.According to the court, the surety must not only be resident in Abuja, but must also be an owner of a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory.Besides, Fani-Kayode was ordered to surrender his international passport. Meanwhile, speaking to journalist shortly after he was released, Fani-Kayode who was received by his wife and friends, said he was glad to be out of Kuje Prison where he spent three days. The Methodist priest that was kidnapped on his farm at Kufi area, along Olounda-Aba road, Ibadan on Thursday has regained freedom after ... The Methodist priest that was kidnapped on his farm at Kufi area, along Olounda-Aba road, Ibadan on Thursday has regained freedom after five days in the kidnappers den.Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Cathedral, Ibadan, Rt. Rev. Amos Ajiboye, said Rev. Dr. Biodun Ogunbekun was released on Tuesday but he did not give details of how he was released or how the kidnappers contacted the church and the priest family.He said, Our priest was released to us on Tuesday. We are grateful to God and all those that made it possible. We shall be making further statement in due time. He is resting after what he had gone through in the hands of his abductors.It was not clear if a ransom was paid to secure the release of the priest who is attached to Akobo-Ojurin branch of the church in Ibadan. But a source who pleaded anonymity said the kidnappers demanded for N10m from the family and the church before he could be released.On the day he was kidnapped, Ogunbekun was in the farm with two of his staff.The bishop said, We were told that the kidnappers did not come with any vehicle or motorcycle. They tried to take the man of God away in his truck but they could not for some reason. They then decided to whisk him away on foot. A 63-year-old man Korede Odubela, has been arrested by police in Ogun State for allegedly killing his 16-year-old step-daughter, Amudat Os... A 63-year-old man Korede Odubela, has been arrested by police in Ogun State for allegedly killing his 16-year-old step-daughter, Amudat Oshimodi, and selling her head to his son, Seun, a herbalist, who allegedly paid N3,000 as first installment. It was gathered that the suspect reportedly connived with another accomplice, Lekan Lawal, to commit the crime at Imosan Area of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state.These were revealed by the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, who paraded 12 suspects, including the two suspected killers, at the commands headquarters, Eleweran Abeokuta, yesterday, for various offences including robbery, burglary and stealing.Iliyasu said Odubela, who is the leader of the gang connived with Lawal by strangling Amudat to death, after which he sold her head and hands to ritualists. The CP said the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, received information about their activities and swooped on them on November 7. According to Iliyasu, the case was still being investigated, while the corpse of Amudat had been deposited at General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, morgue.Odubela told newsmen: It is true that Lekan Lawal and I connived to kill my step-daughter.The girl was 16 years old. She was always stealing her mothers money.And the mother said we should kill her as a sacrifice for the other children she had. Since she normally slept at the door post outside, at 12 midnight, I invited Lekan Lawal. He held the girl by the neck and strangled her while I held her legs.That was how she died. Her mothers tale However, Odubelas wife, Fausat, who was in tears, told newsmen she had five children in her first marriage before she remarried Odubela, but denied asking her husband to kill her daughter.She said though she was not happy with the character of her late daughter, she could not have asked her husband to help her kill the troublesome girl.She said she brought Amudat to her husbands house when she was two years and 11 days old, until she grew up and became promiscuous.Meanwhile, police commissioner also paraded nine other suspects, which included three highway robbers: Tochukwu Njikonye, Abdulahi Abdulamid and Obinna Mbam, arrested on October 3 at Ogbere area, along Ijebu Ode-Benin Expressway. 6 nabbed for raiding computer lab The six others paraded were held for burglary and stealing.They were said to have burgled the computer laboratory of Egba-Obafemi Community Grammar School, in Obafemi-Owode Local government Area of the state, where they carted away 95 tablet computers and their chargers.Iliyasu explained that the school principal, Mrs. Ajiboye Olaide, later reported the matter at Owode-Egba Police Station on November 9, and the Divisional Police Officer and his men swung into action.He said two suspects were arrested in the schools surrounding bushes, leading to the arrest of the gang leader, Oluwagbotemi Ojo. Ojo, however, confessed that the schools security guard, Saheed Adamu, gave them information on how to burgle the computer laboratory.The CP said the alleged receiver of the stolen computers, Sunday Olufemi, was also arrested in Ibadan, while all the computers were recovered. The Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, on Wednesday raised the alarm over threats to hi... The Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, on Wednesday raised the alarm over threats to his life by unknown persons.Addressing journalists in Akure, Adesanya said he had been receiving strange calls from some private numbers on his cell phone threatening to teach him a lesson by silencing him from being a consistent critic.He said apart from the strange calls, some armed men in police bullet-proof uniform, had in the morning of Wednesday, November 9, discreetly came to his house in Akure.Adesanya said the armed men asked one of his neighbours for his apartment in the storey building.He said, I was not at home when the armed men came to my house, but they met one of my neighbours, a heavily pregnant wife of a police officer, who relayed the message when l came back from an early morning exercise.My neighbour said the three uniform men discreetly gained entrance into the compound and began searching into the storey building to identify my own rented flat.I was told they (uniform men) saw my vehicle inside the compound and asked after the owner of my car and apartment by pointing to my vehicle and asked where is the owner of this car?That is the person we are looking for, but the woman told them I was not at home.She told me that the three armed men claimed to her that they are from the Police Area Command Office, Akure.Also, a woman adjacent to my house confirmed to me that the armed men came in a green and yellow Ondo State taxi coloured car which was parked in front of her shop.Immediately, I called the Area Commander, ACP Olatoye Durosimi, who promised to investigate the matter.I went to the Area Commanders Office at about 3.00 p.m. the same day to inquire from him the outcome of his investigation, but he told me the armed men are not his men.Some people are after my life and I dont know them. I have been receiving strange calls, harassment while driving these days.Honestly, my life is in serious danger.Adesanya appealed to security agents in the state to come to his aid by ensuring his safety and that of his property as the governorship election approaches in Ondo State.Adesanya was a foundation member and House of Assembly Candidate in the defunct Action Congress in 2007 and was also a prominent member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria.Confirming the report of the incident, the Area Commander in Akure, ACP Olatoye Durosimi, said that investigation by the police revealed that the armed men were not officers of the command.He said, It is true that Mr Abayomi Adesanya, the APC Spokesman in Ondo State, reported the incident of some armed men that allegedly came to his house on Nov. 9, however, our investigation revealed that they were not policemen from my command.If they are policemen they would have come back. Definitely, not all policemen use police vehicle anyway.But my investigation has not revealed that anyone is looking for him for anything and he has not committed any offence. Hundreds of high school students demonstrated in New York Tuesday morning outside Trump Tower in the pouring rain as the president-ele... No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists the students from Manhattan and Queens shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.In Washington, several hundred high school students marched on the Mall, the grassy esplanade that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, heading toward the White House.The protests came one day after hundreds of students walked out of classrooms to rally against Donald Trumps election in Portland, Oregon; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Los Angeles.We are showing people that what Donald Trump says and his rhetoric its not okay even though he was elected president, said Grace, a 17-year-old who declined to give her last name.Trump Tower has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaires election a week ago.Grace said they were a reminder to local officials that just because Trump is elected does not mean the policies he talked about during the election have to go through.Some in the crowd shouted My body my choice, giving voice to concerns about reverses on womens rights to abortion under Trump, who has vowed to put pro-life justices on the high court.Soon after he takes office, Trump will get to fill a Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of arch conservative justice Antonin Scalia last February.A womans right to end a pregnancy was established under the Supreme Courts landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision. If a more conservative court overturns it, it would fall to individual states to decide whether to allow abortions.Being in NYC it wont really affect us but it will affect a lot of people in other states that dont have the same privilege, Greta, age 17, told AFP.Another protester told AFP she hoped the US system of using an electoral college to elect presidents could be changed. Trump won the White House by picking up the most electoral even though rival Hillary Clintons lead in the popular vote.As she spoke, a man passing by on the wet pavement gave her group of friends the finger.Protests have been held daily across the United States since Trump won last Tuesdays election.Dozens of police stood guard around Trump Tower, where Trump has spent most of his time since the election meeting with advisors on his new administration.AFP The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday said it had carried out attack on insurgents location in outskirts of Malkonori in Northern B... The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday said it had carried out attack on insurgents location in outskirts of Malkonori in Northern Borno.The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, made the disclosure in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.Famuyiwa stated that the latest attack was a follow-up to the close air support operation that repelled the insurgents who attacked ground forces at Kangarwa.He noted that survivors among the insurgents had fled to Dogochuku, where they were also attacked by NAF fighter aircraft and forced to relocate to Malkonori.Ground forces confirmed that a number of the insurgents were killed and their vehicle destroyed, from the latest air strike at Malkonori.According to NAN, NAF fighter aircraft on Nov. 7 repelled an attack by the insurgents on ground troops at Kangarawa, Northern Borno. Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko asked Donald Trump for support against Russian aggression during a congratulatory telephone convers... Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko asked Donald Trump for support against Russian aggression during a congratulatory telephone conversation with the US president-elect on Tuesday.Trumps shock election victory has been met with trepidation in Kiev because of the outspoken reality TV stars praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his apparent indifference to the Western coalition against Moscow.The billionaire businessman suggested earlier this year the US could accept Russias annexation of Crimea if it led to improved relations between the two nations, which are bitterly at odds over Syria.Poroshenko congratulated Trump on his victory and said he wished to work together with his administration to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States, according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency.He also underlined the necessity of strong support from Washington in the fight against Russian aggression and the implementation of crucial reforms in Ukraine.The two men agreed to organise a bilateral meeting, the statement said, without giving further details.The US election outcome had sparked fears in the ex-Soviet republic after Trump was accused several times by his Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton of being Putins puppet.Earlier this week, Poroshenko said he had no doubt that Trump would refuse to recognise Russias annexation of Crimea.Putin and Trump spoke on the phone on Monday evening for the first time since the US vote, agreeing on the need to normalise ties between Washington and Moscow, the Kremlin said.After Moscows annexation of Ukraines Crimea peninsula in March 2014, which saw US-Russia relations dip to their worst since the Cold War, Washington imposed heavy economic sanctions on Russia.Russia also has been accused by Washington of supporting pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, which the Kremlin denies. President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the powers of the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the prosecution of judges accused of enga... President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the powers of the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the prosecution of judges accused of engaging in acts of corruption.Buhari maintained that the high court was bereft of the jurisdiction to entertain a suit filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, with a view to stopping the Federal Government from arraigning seven judges arrested after a sting operation the Department of State Services, DSS, conducted between October 7 and 8.It will be recalled that trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole, had on October 28, summoned President Buhari and the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, to appear in court and show cause why the embattled judges should be tried. Others equally ordered to appear before the court were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the National Judicial Council, NJC.They were all cited as Respondents in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/809/16. The plaintiff had specifically applied for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents from arresting, inviting, intimidating, or harassing any of the judges whose homes were raided by the DSS.He contended that the arrest and detention of the judges without recourse to the NJC, was not only unconstitutional, but also aimed at ridiculing the judiciary arm of government. According to him, the action of the DSS is in gross violation of the rights of the judges as enshrined in sections 33, 34, 35, 36, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.Consequently, Ogungbeje sought 10 separate reliefs from the court, including award of N50 billion as general and exemplary damages against the Respondents, as well as another N2 million as cost of the suit. He equally prayed the court for an order compelling the DSS to return to the judges, money seized from their homes. Justice Kolawole had at the last adjourned date, declined an ex-parte motion for an interim order stopping the FG from carrying out any untoward action against the Judges. Rather, he directed the plaintiff to put all the Respondents on notice to enable them to appear in court to show cause why prayers contained in the suit should not be granted.Meanwhile, challenging the competence of the suit, President Buhari, via a preliminary objection filed by his lawyer, Chiesonu Okpoko, argued that the plaintiff did not disclose his locus standi to initiate and maintain the suit. He insisted that there was no lis (case) between the plaintiff and the Respondents, adding that the applicants suit as constituted and conceived, is a mere academic exercise and raises hypothetical issues.President Buhari argued that before the plaintiff could invoke the judicial powers of the court as enshrined in section 6(6) (b) of the 1999 constitution, he must show how his civil rights and obligations were affected or would be affected by the act complained of. Though seven judges were arrested, the plaintiff said he instituted the action on behalf of five of them who were still serving as at the time the action was commenced.The judges the plaintiff is fighting for are Justices Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court, Adeniyi Ademola and Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court Abuja, as well as Justice Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division. BOGOTA - Police have arrested a man they say destroyed American flags and holiday decorations at 10-15 homes. Christian Stephen Cartwright (Bogota PD) Christian Stephen Cartwright, 21, was charged with two counts of criminal mischief, but police say they expect more charges as families whose properties were vandalized continue to come forward and file reports. "He was stopped 12-12:30 Tuesday morning on somebody's property," said police Det. Victor Negron. "We found scissors on him." Negron said Cartwright had been captured on a homeowner's video surveillance camera cutting up a flag. "He fit the description of the guy on video to a T," Negron said. "We have video of him on a couple of the incidents," Negron added. Flags and decorations have been destroyed for at least the past two months during late night and early morning hours, police said. As word spread of Cartwright's arrest more homeowners came forward, Negron said. "We think people didn't report it at first, thinking it was isolated," he said. "But as word got out, they decided to report what happened to them." "Quite a few American flags were destroyed," Negron said. Cartwright was released without bail pending a court hearing, police said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Cinnaminson and Maple Shade are the latest South Jersey communities where new Wawa locations are in the works, as the chain continues to open new stores at a rapid rate. A Cinnaminson official announced this weekend that Wawa is planning a store and gas station on Church Road near Route 130, a site that the township has targeted for redevelopment. Another store is planned in neighboring Maple Shade, also at a site the township is desperate to see developed. The application for the project, submitted by Made for Shade LLC, proposes a store with gas pumps on the corner of Route 73 and Waverly Avenue. The planning board is scheduled to consider it Thursday. The Courier-Post, which first reported the new stores in Cinnaminson and Maple Shade, said the chain is also planning two stores with gas pumps in Cherry Hill and Mantua. The Cherry Hill location would be on Haddonfield Road near Route 70 and the Mantua store would be on the current site of Clancy's Pub on Woodbury-Glassboro Road, according to the newspaper. According to its website, the company has over 640 convenience stores, including 380 that have gas pumps, in its home state of Pennsylvania plus New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. The stores are known for offering hoagies, drinks and snacks 24 hours a day. In addition to the recently-announced Cinnaminson plans, the chain is already developing a store and gas station in the township at the corner of Route 130 South and Taylor's Lane. Cinnaminson Committeeman Anthony Minniti said in a Facebook post that both stores in the township are expected to open in 2017. Cinnaminson also has a Wawa store at 2112 Church Road. Maple Shade already has three Wawa stores at 600 Route 38 East, 2920 Route 73 and 55 North Forklanding Road. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. GLOUCESTER TWP. -- An investigation that began when a township boy was allegedly sent explicit photos from a Florida man ended in that man's arrest on child molestation charges. Andrew Davila, 20, of Ocala, Florida Detectives from Homeland Security Investigations arrested Andrew Davila, 20, of Ocala, on four counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12. According to a statement Wednesday from the Camden County prosecutor's office, detectives were investigating the images he sent to the New Jersey boy when they found child pornography and Davila admitted he had molested several boys under the age of 12. The investigation began Sept. 8 when Gloucester Township police learned that a 13-year-old boy was receiving sexually explicit images from an adult male through Facebook. After law enforcement obtained his Facebook account and his computer's IP address, Special Agent Kimberlee Gautier of the Cherry Hill office of Homeland Security Investigation identified the male who sent the photos as Davila, according to the release. Homeland Security Investigation special agents in Orlando went to Davila's home and found pornographic images of children on his computer, according to the prosecutor's office. While being questioned, Davila told the agents that he was a babysitter for several children and that he had molested several of the boys he had photographed, the prosecutor's office said. The release did not say whether any of the alleged victims were the children he babysat. Davila is being held without right to bail in the Marion County, Florida jail. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) raises his fist during the National Anthem before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. on November 13, 2016. Philadelphia defeated Atlanta 24-15. (James Lang | USA TODAY Sports) PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins was one of several players to meet with members of Congress, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, on Tuesday to discuss racial tension and police violence issues. Ryan posted a photo with the players following the meeting on his official Twitter account Wednesday: Jenkins, along with several congressmen and congresswomen posted similar messages about the meeting as well: A great day on Capitol Hill speaking to Reps about what is happening in Washington to build community/police relations and Justice reform pic.twitter.com/XErTfDFIHV Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) November 16, 2016 There is a lot of work to do, but this won't be the last trip to Capitol Hill. pic.twitter.com/u1lMVCerCk Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) November 16, 2016 So exciting to meet with these @NFL players to talk about police-community relations and criminal justice. Great athletes, great citizens. pic.twitter.com/J3lCL4C4ui Keith Ellison (@keithellison) November 15, 2016 Jenkins has been one of the more active members of the Eagles in terms of fostering better relations between minority communities and law enforcement. The veteran safety has posted several messages about bettering communities for youth as well as previously taken an audience with the chief of the Philadelphia Police Department to discuss the issues. Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook rutgers old queens The Old Queens administration building on the campus of Rutgers University. (Robert Sciarrino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) NEW BRUNSWICK -- A Rutgers University professor says he was taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation by police after someone at the school felt threatened by comments he made about flag burning and gun control in light of Donald Trump's election. Kevin Allred, an adjunct professor on the New Brunswick campus, said on Twitter that New York police came to his Brooklyn home Tuesday night and told him Rutgers called them because they were concerned about statements he made on campus and on Twitter. Allred has posted dozens of anti-Trump tweets since the Republican's presidential win last week. They included tweets showing a flag burning and comments about gun control. He said he was not arrested, but was taken to Bellevue Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation and released. He said he returned to Rutgers Wednesday to teach his women's and gender studies classes. "The doctors were like, 'This is ridiculous, why did they bring you here?'" Allred told the Daily News. "And I said, 'That's what I thought but they told me they had to do it.'" NYPD officials confirmed Rutgers police asked them for help with Allred, the Daily News reported. "We were informed by Rutgers PD that he made threats to kill white people and he was subsequently taken to Bellevue Hospital for evaluation," the NYPD statement said. Rutgers officials said a student filed a complaint about Allred, but gave no further details. "The Rutgers University Police Department responded to a complaint from a student and took all appropriate action. We have no further comment," Rutgers spokesman E.J. Miranda said. Allred, best known for his popular "Politicizing Beyonce" course at Rutgers, was forced by Twitter to take down one post about the Second Amendment on Wednesday or risk having his account shut down, he tweeted. He later tweeted a summary of what he said was in the post he removed: "i said: would conservatives care as much abt the 2nd amendment if guns killed more white people? a question meant to expose double standard." that tweet was not a threat. it was a hyperbolic question posed to show a double standard-look at context/tone of most every tweet i make. Kevin Allred (@KevinAllred) November 16, 2016 The controversy over Allred's comments comes as students at Rutgers and across the nation are staging walkouts and protests against Trump and in support of immigrant students living in the country illegally. Students at Rutgers and other universities have asked their schools to become "sanctuary campuses," where unauthorized immigrant students would be safe if Trump follows through on promises for mass deportations. On Tuesday, Rutgers' president released a statement promising to do everything in the university's legal power to keep students safe. "No matter your political view, ethnicity, religious beliefs, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality, you are first and foremost a Rutgers student," Rutgers President Robert Barchi said in his statement. "You are owed our respect, our support, and our best efforts to keep you safe and secure as you express your opinions and pursue your studies." Staff writer Spencer Kent contributed to this report. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook. NEW BRUNSWICK -- After a nationwide call by college students to protect unauthorized immigrants from possible deportation under President-elect Donald Trump, Rutgers University has pledged to do everything in its legal power to keep its students safe. The university police department does not check student's immigration status unless a serious crime has been committed, and Rutgers will not share private information about its students unless required to do so by a court order, President Robert Barchi said in a message to students. "No matter your political view, ethnicity, religious beliefs, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality, you are first and foremost a Rutgers student," Barchi said. "You are owed our respect, our support, and our best efforts to keep you safe and secure as you express your opinions and pursue your studies." The message comes as activists and student groups from at least 80 colleges and universities across the country are planning student walkouts or protests Wednesday to demand protection and respect for unauthorized immigrant students if Trump follows through with deportation plans after he takes office. In New Jersey, students at Rutgers, Seton Hall, Princeton, William Paterson, Bloomfield College, St. Peter's University and Bergen County Community College are among those who have said they will hold walkouts or protests, according to posts on social media. Rutgers students are also circulating a petition calling on the state university to become a "sanctuary campus." On a sanctuary campus, the administration, faculty, and staff establish a welcome climate for minority students, Muslims, LGBTQ students, and women, the petition stated. "Campus police and managers of data also should refuse to cooperate with federal agents wishing to deport undocumented students," the petition said. Since Trump won the presidential election last week, college campuses have become a hotbed for fear and unrest. Students protested at both Rutgers and Princeton last week, with some saying they were scared for their safety. Early in the campaign, Trump said he wanted to deport all of the more than 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country. More recently, he said his focus will be deporting "the people that are criminal and have criminal records -- gang members, drug dealers." Without specifically addressing Trump's proposals, Barchi assured students that they don't need worry about their safety or privacy at Rutgers. He also encouraged students to continue civil discussions and embrace the university's political diversity. "Our university is and must be a safe place for all people to live and learn, where students and others of all viewpoints may express their ideas with the full expectations that they will be heard and respected," Barchi said. Under New Jersey law signed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013, immigrants living in the country illegally can attend state colleges at the same in-state tuition rate as other New Jersey residents. Unauthorized immigrants, dubbed DREAMers, previously paid out-of-state tuition, which was often double the in-state rate. Students must sign an affidavit saying they have either applied to legalize their immigration status or will apply when eligible, according to state law. NJ Advance Media Reporter Kelly Heyboer contributed to this report. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Star Career Academy, a for-profit training school with five campuses in New Jersey, abruptly informed students and faculty Tuesday that it was ceasing operations. In a statement the company blamed, the "negative financial impact of a continued declining student population while operating in the challenging for-profit post-secondary school industry." The academy had locations in Newark, Clifton, Brick and Egg Harbor Township. It also ran ServFast Computer in Toms River. The company also operated schools in New York and Pennsylvania. The academy had provided training classes for medical tech, business administration and culinary jobs. Star Career Academy last year was ordered to pay more than $9 million for defrauding students. The announcement Tuesday occurred on a staff-training day so students weren't in class. Employees were told of the closing by phone or in person. A school spokesman didn't immediately return a call from NJ Advance Media seeing additional information. The class action suit, which was settled Oct. 29, 2015, argued Star Career Academy violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act by engaging in unconscionable commercial practices, and misrepresenting facts about the surgical technology program's accreditation. Patricia Pierce, an attorney who represented the students during three years of litigation said that the school did not inform students that while it had institutional accreditation, its surgical technology program did not have its own program-based accreditation. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Shieldalloy 021607 Shieldalloy Tour Photo by Colleen Helf (South Jersey Times) (Photo by Colleen Helf (South Jersey Times)) NEWFIELD -- Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation will spend $5.6 to clean up contamination at a Superfund site, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday. The Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation water tower in Newfield, NJ (file photo). The agreement calls for a combination of efforts, including capping a 1.3-acre plot to reduce possible exposure to contaminated soil, excavating and removing contaminated sediment in other areas, treating polluted groundwater with additives that are intended to break down contaminants and prohibiting future residential development on the 67.5-acre property. A spokesman for the NJ Sierra Club condemned the EPA for an agreement it says amounts to a "sell-out." "This site is badly contaminated and radioactive, but the EPA has failed to propose a real clean-up," Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel said in a statement. "Instead of cleaning up the site they are capping it, leaving tons of toxic material that will affect the groundwater and community around the Shieldalloy facility. ... This is a dirty deal that lets polluters off the hook for millions of dollars at the expense of the community and the environment." Shieldalloy manufactured specialty metals from 1955 to 2006. This process left behind 65,800 cubic meters of radioactive slag and left soil, sediments and groundwater contaminated with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. The substances can cause nervous system damage and increase cancer risk, according to the EPA. "Unfortunately this property is contaminated with toxic chemicals that can damage people's health and the environment," EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck said in a statement. "This agreement is an important step in getting this site cleaned up. It is an example of how Superfund is designed to work -- those responsible for the contamination pay for the work, not the taxpayers." As part of the agreement, EPA requires Shieldalloy to sample a local stream, the Hudson Branch of the Maurice River, and remove 9,800 cubic yards of sediment contaminated with heavy metals. After the stream is restored, monitoring will continue until water quality standards are reached. The Hudson Branch runs from Newfield into Vineland and could potentially carry toxic elements into Burnt Mill Pond in Vineland. As for cleaning up groundwater at the Newfield site, efforts to pump water to the surface and treat it have been going on for several years, but the EPA reports that this method hasn't been enough to complete the job. The new plan calls for adding "non-hazardous additives" to the groundwater to further reduce contamination levels. Groundwater contamination at the site doesn't pose a "direct threat" because wells in the area are not used for drinking water, since residents are connected to a municipal water source, the EPA said. The agreement also requires Shieldalloy to pay for continued EPA oversight of the project. The property is also contaminated with perchlorate, a substance used in producing rocket fuel, fireworks, flares and explosives, the EPA noted. That cleanup will be handled in a separate phase and a study of the scope of that pollution is ongoing. As for the radioactive slag piles, those are not part of the federal Superfund project and are being handled by the state Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Environmental Radiation. A decommissioning plan submitted by Shieldalloy last year is in the review process, a DEP spokesman confirmed Wednesday. Complaints about pollution from the property date back to the late 1960s. Many local residents have called for complete removal, rather than capping, of contaminated soil at the site. "We're just happy that Shieldalloy has agreed to clean this up," Newfield Mayor Donald Sullivan said Wednesday. Between this effort and future clean-up of the slag pile, Sullivan hopes to see the site occupied by commercial development at some point. "It should have a huge impact on our town and its residents." While others have complained that capping some of the contamination isn't adequate, Sullivan said he trusts the EPA's decision on that point. "If they feel that the cap is going to work, then I'm OK with that," he said. "I'm just glad something is happening." The EPA held public meetings in 2014 and 2015 before finalizing its cleanup plan. The public will have 30 days to submit written comments on the proposed settlement agreement by going online to the U.S. Justice Department's proposed consent decrees section once the notice is published. The U.S. District Court must still sign off on the agreement. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. GLASSBORO -- For the second time in a month Rowan University's newest dormitory has been the scene of an alleged sexual assault, according to authorities. A female student reported Tuesday she was sexually assaulted early Sunday morning in a room in Holly Pointe Commons, according to an e-mail the university sent out to the Rowan community. The young woman told university authorities that she went to a room in dorm after meeting male students in an elevator. She said she fell asleep in the room and was woken up by a male student sexually assaulting her. This is the second reported sexual assault to take place in the dorms. Another female student told authorities she was sexually assaulted after an off-campus party on Oct. 13. The student told authorities she had been drinking and a college-aged male offered to walk her home around 1 a.m. that Friday. Police reported she was also woken up to a male sexually assaulting her. Police are investigating the assaults and no description has been provided yet. Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to contact Rowan police detectives at 856-256-4911. Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Courts clear path for Uptown surgeon Sadeghi to see his children while awaiting rape trial Mexican drug trafficker sentenced to more than 16 years in New Orleans' federal court At Toups South, chef Isaac Toups gets more room to play: A new restaurant in New Orleans 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. This week's Saints banner at McMain Secondary School: "Can U See Us Now?" 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. Hamilton, Ohio-based First Financial Bank has opened its first branch in Gary. The new location is in the Ultra Foods store at 6010 W. Ridge Road. First Financial now has eight branches in Lake County. First Financial Banks expansion into Gary is an investment in our community, said Michael Schneider, First Financial market president. At First Financial, we see it as our responsibility to enhance economic opportunities and build partnerships in the communities we serve." The bank, which has more than 100 branches in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, has billboards across the city of Gary announcing its arrival. While First Financial has operated in the Northwest Indiana region for decades, we thank them for looking at Gary to expand its banking operations," Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said. After 145 years, the LaPorte Savings Bank has faded from the landscape of Northwest Indiana just like that. Horizon Bank, headquartered in Michigan City, has now rebranded all the remaining LaPorte Savings Bank branches after closing on its $98.9 million acquisition of the smaller bank in July. It was publicly-traded Horizon Banks fifth acquisition in the past few years. All LaPorte Savings Bank signs have been changed, and all customer accounts have been transferred. All checks, direct deposits, payments, and account numbers for LaPorte Savings Bank customers remain unchanged, and no action is required on their part. We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to continuing the proud legacy of service and commitment to the community by the LaPorte Savings Bank, Horizon Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Craig Dwight said. Horizon closed Laporte Savings branches in Chesterton, Michigan City and LaPortes west side. The LaPorte Savings branch personnel were moved to Horizon branches. Horizon now has 54 branches in Indiana and southern Michigan. LAPORTE A new state rail plan under development by the Indiana Department of Transportation will assess the state's railroad network and detail planned and desired improvements. Representatives of INDOT and its consultant WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff hosted residents and officials Tuesday for the second of three open houses around the state on the plan. The dozen attendees at Tuesday's event were mainly interested in the proposed Great Lakes Basin Railroad, which would serve as a freight rail bypass around Chicago. "We're watching it, we'll include it in our rail plan, but we aren't really involved," said INDOT Rail Project Manager Tom Rueschhoff, who noted the proposed project would be privately funded and is being overseen by the federal Surface Transportation Board. Some of the residents and local officials expressed frustration about a lack of information on the plan, and had hoped for more state involvement. "There are answers we would like to have that Indiana hasn't supplied," said Jeff Larson, who was elected to the Porter County Council last week. He said he wished the state were more involved in the project. "It's a little discouraging" he said Tuesday, that it isn't more involved in such a large project. Alex King, project manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff, said that in light of the public input, "we can address (the Great Lakes Basin Railroad) in the plan more fully than we otherwise would have." And, "there are a lot of hurdles to building a new rail line." But the state doesn't have authority over it, Rueschhoff reiterated. The new rail plan will inventory and assess the status of Indiana's railroads and identify the potential rail improvements, Rueschhoff said. The plan also will include railroads' plans, including infrastructure expansion, for coming years. States are required to have rail plans to receive much of the federal funding available to projects. "If it's not in the rail plan, the chance of getting the (federal) grant is a lot less," Rueschhoff said. Earlier Tuesday, INDOT officials spoke with local officials and railroad managers, including from the South Shore Line and the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. The South Shore will apply for federal grants next year for its West Lake Corridor and Double Track NWI projects. The last State Rail Plan was published in 2011, detailing a network of almost 4,000 route miles operated by 42 carriers. The 172-page plan included earlier versions of the South Shore projects that are in their planning phases now. INDOT expects to have a draft plan done in the spring. The agency is collecting comments through an online questionnaire at www.rail.indot.in.gov. EAST CHICAGO Two juveniles were wounded in a shooting Tuesday in the citys North Side neighborhood, police said. East Chicago police were dispatched about 12:30 p.m. to the 4500 block of Tod Avenue for a report of several shots fired. Officers were advised of two possible gunshot victims at the Go Lo gas station in the area, Detective Terence Fife said. Police found two juveniles, who told officers they were walking through Veterans Park with friends when they heard several gunshots. One boy was shot in the buttocks, and the other had a graze wound to his left leg, police said. They were treated at a local hospital. The boys told police they didnt see who shot them, Fife said. Anyone with information is asked to call Fife at (219) 391-8498. EAST CHICAGO About 250 current and former West Calumet residents put state, local and federal officials on notice they intend to file a lawsuit alleging the government knew about the highly lead- and arsenic- contaminated soil but did nothing to prevent future exposure. The 251 individual tort claims filed by attorneys Walter Alvarez and Eric Pavlack put on notice the city of East Chicago, Mayor Anthony Copeland, the citys department of public and environmental health, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana Department of Health, the state of Indiana, Gov. Mike Pence and Carrie Gosch Elementary School. Anyone wishing to sue a government entity first must file a notice of intent to sue. The 251 residents represented by Alvarez's law firm include 187 children, according to the firm's news release. The pending lawsuits filed Oct. 27 claim city and state officials knew about the pollution at the construction of the 346-unit West Calumet Housing Complex, built in 1972. The complex and Carrie Gosch Elementary School sit on about 50 acres of the roughly 400-acre USS Lead Superfund site. Soil testing in the area began decades ago. Two lead smelter operations also once operated on the site of the public housing complex and the school, according to EPA documents. My question is this a horrendous mistake or a quiet cover-up? ... I am horrified that the only present relief is going to be a long and arduous legal battle, Alvarez said in a news release. The suit contends numerous government agencies were aware as early as the 1960s that East Chicago residents were exposed to contaminated soil at the site. It also claims the school knew or should have known of (the) dangers because it was instructed to perform blood tests on students. School City of East Chicago Superintendent Paige McNulty said she could not comment due to the pending litigation. Carla Morgan, attorney for the city, said Tuesday the city could comment on pending litigation. Copeland has previously said his administration didn't learn of the full extent and magnitude of the contamination until this spring. The mayor notified residents in a letter this summer they should relocate. The recent filing is not the first time legal action has been taken against local, state and federal officials for East Chicago contamination. Other suits target the companies that once operated there, while another lawsuit filed in September alleges the citys forced relocation from West Calumet and plans to demolish the complex violate residents civil rights. Barry Rooth, a Merrilville-based attorney, was the first to file a tort claim notice back in August on behalf of families. Historian Kenneth Schoon and the Porter County Museum will be honored Dec. 5 by the Indiana Historical Society. The Porter County Museum, in downtown Valparaiso, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Museum director Kevin Pazour was named Porter County historian this year following the death of Porter County Public Library Systems Larry Clark. The museum is renovating the old Valparaiso police station for a new location not far from its existing home, the old Porter County Jail. The Indiana Historical Society named the museum an Outstanding Historical Organization, an honor it shares with the Madison County Historical Society in Anderson. Schoon, of Munster, has been named winner of the 2016 Dorothy Riker Hoosier Historian Award. Each year, IHS gives the award to one or two historians who have made distinguished contributions to the field of historical scholarship and/or the affairs and activities of IHS. Although Schoon retired from Indiana University Northwest in 2011, he continues to share his research on the relationship of geology and history along the South Shore of Lake Michigan. Earlier this year, his book Shifting Sands: The Restoration of the Calumet Area was released in conjunction with the documentary Shifting Sands on the Path to Sustainability, which recently was nominated for a 2016 Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Award. Shifting Sands is Schoons fourth book about the Region. His first, Calumet Beginnings: Ancient Shorelines and Settlements at the South End of Lake Michigan, is now in its sixth printing. Andrea Neal, of Indianapolis, is sharing the Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year honor with Michael Potts, of Ellettsville. Neals columns appear in The Times. CHICAGO The Cook County sheriff has called for abolishing Illinois cash-bond system, saying its unfair to low-level defendants who cant afford to pay and puts society in danger when defendants with violent backgrounds are freed until trial when posting bail. Sheriff Tom Darts statement Tuesday comes days before the County Board has scheduled a hearing to overhaul how the county sets bonds. Under current state law, cash bail is to ensure defendants show up for court and dont pose a danger to the community. Generally 10 percent of bail is paid by a defendant to obtain a bond to get out of jail before trial. Judges can allow for a recognizance bond, in which no payment is required. Darts policy director, Cara Smith, said the sheriffs office is drafting legislation that would allow judges to assess whether a defendant should be in custody or released under conditions including electronic monitoring. She said Illinois would need to invest in more court services to help judges make decisions and improve monitoring of those freed pending trial. No-cash bail would require legislative action to put emphasis on keeping defendants locked up, said Chief Judge Timothy Evans. I know many people are jumping on this bandwagon now, but if I had it my way, we wouldnt be relying on any money bails at all, Evans said to County Board commissioners last month. The Cook County Board hearing is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday to discuss the issue of monetary bonds. Were confident the County Board hearing will begin to provide the roadmap for overhauling the system, Smith said. Three people were charged Tuesday in a shooting Saturday night that killed one man and wounded another in Garys Glen Park section. William Buddha Galloway, 24, was charged in Lake Criminal Court with murder and attempted murder in the shooting of Jonquell Golida and a second man. Kendall Vaughn, 20, was charged Tuesday with assisting a criminal, a level 5 felony. Tammarashea Jones, 21, was charged with providing false information, a class B misdemeanor. Golida was found dead at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday lying in the middle of Massachusetts Street near 49th Avenue in Gary, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police found another man nearby and transported him to a Chicago hospital for treatment, the affidavit states. Surveillance footage from nearby stores revealed Golida and a person later found wounded argued with each other in front of a gas station near 49th Avenue and Broadway before the shooting, according to the affidavit. The victims then got into an verbal altercation with the occupants of a red Dodge Durango, driven by Vaughn, the affidavit states. Police learned two occupants of the SUV, Galloway and a second man, allegedly got out of the vehicle near the gas station and shot the two victims, according to the affidavit. The vehicle then fled the scene, the affidavit states. Court dates for the defendants have not yet been scheduled., according to court records. Galloway is being held without bail. Jones bail is set at $2,000, and Vaughns bail is set at $20,000. VALPARAISO Supplies4GIs will be organizing the supplies they have collected at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Porter County Airport, Hangar C-9, 4207 Mulvihill Road. Supplies4GIs is an organization that has been sending Christmas presents/supplies to deployed soldiers around the world for 12 years. The group partners with surrounding school systems to give supplies and names, writes letters to the troops, and enlists high school National Honor Society members to assist in assembling the products the day prior to public packaging of supplies. The schools are given different wish lists for each grade level. The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) participated in 11 different ceremonies to honor veterans in conjunction with Veterans Day. Those events included a military ball, Veterans Breakfast at the Michigan City VFW Hall; Michigan City Veterans Parade; Paul School, Edgewood Elementary; Rittenhouse Senior Citizen Home; Marine Corps League Birthday Celebration; Purdue Northwest Veterans Day Ceremony; Michigan City High School Veterans Day Ceremony and First Presbyterian Church. Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, complemented the cadets on their dedication. The cadets who participated in these ceremonies are on the drill team, which practices every morning at 5:45 am. Some of them are also on our Rifle Team and Cyber Patriot teams, which practice after school. They really exhibit the leadership traits of unselfishness. Master Sergeant Jeff Benak, the Marine Instructor, emphasized how well the cadets put into practice what is taught in the classroom. We discuss what it takes to make a good leader, he said Traits like bearing, dependability and loyalty. I think our cadets demonstrated those qualities in spades with how well they performed in all of these ceremonies. The cadets have no time to rest. They will be hosting a military skills competition on Saturday with 10 schools competing in drill, marksmanship, academics, and physical fitness. The meet is at the MCHS gym and is open to the public. Admission is free. Two weeks after that, the cadets will travel to the University of Illinois at Chicago for another competition. Children grumbling about healthier school meal rules championed by first lady Michelle Obama may have reason to cheer Trump's election. The billionaire businessman is a proud patron of quick food restaurants and is promising to curb federal regulations. The Obama administration has made healthier, safer and better labeled food a priority in the last eight years, significantly raising the profile of food policy. That sometimes has brought the ire of Republicans, farmers and the food industry. The first lady made reducing childhood obesity one of her signature issues through her "Let's Move" campaign. NEW YORK President-elect Donald Trump and his team on Wednesday vigorously rejected charges of turmoil and infighting roiling efforts to set up his White House, national security and economic teams. A week after his upset victory, Trump said the enormous endeavor was proceeding "so smoothly." Trump dished out his rebuttal on Twitter, spending yet another day ensconced in his New York skyscraper, beyond the public eye. Aides and allies vouched for the transition efforts on his behalf, suggesting some commotion was to be expected. "The beginning of any transition like this has turmoil because it's just the nature of the process," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said as he left Trump's transition headquarters in Washington. He said the picture of Trump's administration would become clearer over the next two or three weeks. Others close to the transition process described advisers "fighting for power." Trump has long stoked internal rivalries among his staff both in his businesses and his campaign and has created ambiguity in his transition about who has authority to make key decisions. Eric Trump, one of the president-elect's sons, raised expectations of imminent progress Wednesday, telling reporters in the morning that appointments were "likely" to come during the day. Then, other Trump aides suggested a slower pace. "We're not going to rush to put names forward until we're absolutely sure," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said hours later. "We're going to make sure that they're people we're confident will pass confirmation and we think can implement the president-elect's vision." Trump's team noted that President Barack Obama waited until a few weeks after the 2008 election to announce many of his Cabinet appointments. And former Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra, who has informally advised members of Trump's national security team, blamed Trump's detractors for the reports of drama. "When you're doing a transition that is trying to push the kind of change that Mr. Trump wants to be doing, it's going to be even harder," said Hoekstra, a former House Intelligence Committee chairman. The incoming Republican administration also got a boost of support from outgoing Vice President Joe Biden, who met with his successor, Mike Pence, continuing the Obama administration's show of public support for the transition. "No administration is ready on Day One," Biden said following the meeting at the Naval Observatory, which serves as the vice presidential residence. He expressed confidence that by Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, "everything will be in good hands." Trump's team was essentially starting from scratch, scrapping much of the preliminary transition work New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie conducted during the campaign. After winning the election, Trump demoted Christie and put Pence in charge. The result has been a series of new additions to the transition team and several departures, mainly among those aligned with Christie. Kevin O'Connor, a former senior Justice Department official, joined that group. Trump appeared to be weighing an eclectic mix of individuals for top Cabinet posts, including longtime loyalists, former rivals and even a Democrat. A senior transition official said Trump's team met Wednesday with Eva Moskowitz, a former New York councilwoman and charter school founder who is being considered for education secretary. Others who passed through the marble lobby of Trump Tower included Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., a potential pick for Health and Human Services, and Ray Washburne, a Dallas businessman and top GOP fundraiser in the mix for Commerce secretary. New England Patriots' owner Robert Kraft also entered the gilded elevators for meetings. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who arrived Wednesday afternoon, has been angling for secretary of state, though his consulting work for foreign governments has emerged as a potential roadblock. Trump is also said to be seriously considering John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, for the top diplomatic job. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who tangled ferociously with Trump during the Republican primary but ultimately endorsed the businessman, could get a top job such as attorney general. An official said, however, Cruz is not viewed as a top contender. The official, like others, wasn't authorized to speak publicly on the transition talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. Others mentioned for Cabinet posts: Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a Kansas Republican, said someone close to the transition contacted him about becoming agriculture secretary. South Carolina Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, a former U.S. attorney and state attorney general, said he was asked if he would be interested in being attorney general. McMaster also said he was told South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was being considered for secretary of state. Trump aides have released few details about the president-elect's schedule or phone calls since the election. They tried to play catch-up Wednesday, releasing a list of 29 world leaders who have spoken with Trump or Pence in recent days. Most of the calls had previously only been confirmed by those leaders' governments. Trump planned to meet Thursday in New York with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first get-together with a world leader as president-elect. The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Trump's transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan. ___ Pace reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Jon Lemire and Matthew Pennington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Ken Thomas and Julie Pace on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/kthomasdc and http://twitter.com/jpacedc MADISON, Wis. A federal judge has ordered that a man convicted in the case featured in the Netflix series "Making a Murderer" must be released from prison by Friday evening. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin overturned Brendan Dassey's conviction in August, saying investigators tricked Brendan Dassey into confessing he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape, kill and mutilate photographer Teresa Halbach in 2005. State attorneys have been arguing he should remain in prison while they pursue an appeal. Duffin ordered him released Monday. The state Justice Department asked Duffin on Tuesday to stay his ruling, but Duffin issued an order Wednesday saying Dassey must go free by 8 p.m. Friday. The state's Justice Department planned to file an emergency motion with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago seeking to block Dassey's release. If you should see a certain Mr. and Mrs. Claus and wonder for a zany moment if the red-clad fellow and his sweet-looking wife just might be the real thing, you're probably seeing Merle and Suzanne Miller. City firefighters are being urged to stay out of politics and not post photos of President-elect Donald Trump in firehouses. The fiercely fought presidential campaign, and Donald Trump's surprising victory, have generated a lot of passion and, since Election Day, protests. Now, city firefighters are being told not to jump into the fray. NY1 has learned that in the past several days, Fire Department commanders have been spreading the word that firefighters are to avoid any type of political displays in firehouses, on firetrucks or even on t-shirts. The Fire Department tells us the directive was not aimed at any particular candidate and was simply a restatement of longstanding FDNY policy of keeping politics out of the workplace. But individual firefighters NY1 spoke with off camera say the message they received was that photos of Donald Trump are not permitted. And in a statement, the firefighters' union president tells NY1, "Honoring and respecting the office of President of the United States is an American tradition. What is quite ironic, is that the president-elects photo will soon hang in every federal building, on military bases and U.S. Embassies across the globe." Unlike in years past, the city's firefighters unions did not endorse a presidential candidate, though it is widely believed that Trump has a base of support in the 11,000-member department. The FDNY says it chose to relay the policy in phone calls to firehouses rather than send an official paper directive, because the policy of keeping politics out of the firehouse has long existed. The Trump name will be removed from three Upper West Side buildings, according to the company that owns the buildings. Equity Residential says the name of the buildings at 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Boulevard will be changed so that the buildings can take on "a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future residents." The company says the input of residents was one of many factors that played into the decision. Residents had circulated a petition calling for the Trump name to be removed. "Why should he get part of my rent, and why should he have his name on there, when he's leaving such a bad taste in everybody?" Marjorie Jacobs, a Trump Place resident, told NY1 in October. Donald Trump initially developed the property, but Equity Residential now owns the buildings and was licensing Trump's name. Residents previously told NY1 that new door mats and doorman uniforms that omit the Trump connection already have been ordered. Mayor Bill de Blasio met with President-elect Donald Trump in Midtown Wednesday, where he offered "perspective" on New Yorkers' fears and concerns as the billionaire prepares to make the transition to the White House. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report. Mayor Bill de Blasio says he went into Trump Tower with a message for the President-elect. "I let him know that so many New Yorkers are fearful, that more had to be done to show that this country can heal, that people be respected," de Blasio said. De Blasio met with Donald Trump for 62 minutes. The mayor arrived with a laundry list of concerns, everything from Trump's plan to cut taxes, his desire to expand stop-and-frisk and his promise to deport immigrants living here illegally. "That proposal flew in the face of all that is great about New York City, a city of immigrants," de Blasio said. It's unclear how de Blasio's message was received. He would not say how Trump reacted or what he had to say to the mayor. De Blasio said he is open to having more conversations going forward. A spokesman for Trump's transition team did not respond to a request for comment. "The ball is in his court," de Blasio said. "People in this city and all over the country are looking to see what he is going to do. I thought it important he hear the people's perspective." There are reports of hate crimes against immigrants and minorities and racist graffiti in the wake of Trump's win. Trump said people need to "stop it" in an interview with 60 Minutes, but only after he was pressed. He has said nothing to his 15 million followers on Twitter. "The wrong messages can encourage hateful acts. So I made clear sending a message of unity is crucial," de Blasio said. De Blasio may be at odds with Trump overall, but his election is shaping up to good politically for the mayor, with Trump a perfect foil for de Blasio/the left-wing progressive politician. A new Quinnipiac University poll taken after Election Day showed de Blasio with his highest approval rating since January: 47 percent. WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats on Wednesday elected Chuck Schumer to be their new minority leader when Congress convenes in January. He is now the first New Yorker to hold the position, and the first Jewish Senator to lead a party conference. Schumer will be Washington's most powerful Democrat as the party confronts an all-Republican government led by Donald Trump. Democrats unanimously picked Schumer at a closed-door meeting Wednesday. He will succeed Harry Reid, the combative Nevada Democrat who is retiring in January after 30 years in the Senate. Republicans will control the White House, the House and Senate. Republicans will have a 52-48 edge in the Senate. Democrats will have some leverage because on important issues, they'll likely force Republicans to garner 60 votes to end filibusters. It won't always be possible for Schumer to keep Senate Democrats together because many will seek re-election in two years from GOP-leaning states. Senate Republicans have re-elected Kentucky's Mitch McConnell to be majority leader when the new Congress convenes in January and starts working on Donald Trump's agenda. McConnell is widely popular among Republicans and his election was by acclimation on Wednesday. The 74-year-old is considered a clever tactician who mixes conservative leanings with a willingness to cut bipartisan deals when necessary. McConnell was Senate minority leader for eight years before becoming majority leader when the GOP took control in 2015. He enraged Democrats by refusing to let the Senate consider President Barack Obama's nomination of federal judge Merrick Garland to fill a Supreme Court vacancy last February. That paid dividends when Trump was elected president. McConnell distanced himself from Trump during the campaign, but says he's ready to work with him. The expected result of the Senate vote is the opposite of the House, where both parties' leadership elections have been more theatrical. There, Republicans voted Tuesday to re-nominate Speaker Paul Ryan., after recalcitrant conservatives and Trump backers upset by Ryan's frigid campaign-season treatment of Trump fell into line. Democrats postponed their leadership election until Nov. 30 after junior lawmakers demanded more time to digest the party's disappointing Election Day showing, a warning shot at House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. We tend to gather research that confirms our own biases a phenomenon called, not surprisingly, confirmation bias by social scientists. A blatant but true example from the Heaths book is that back in the 1960s, before we had so much medical information on the dangers of smoking, smokers were much more likely to read an article headlined, Smoking Does Not Lead to Lung Cancer, than one with the headline, Smoking Leads to Lung Cancer. We let emotions play too big a role. They can be set off by situations unrelated to the event. If youre going on a first date, for example, Professor Gino said, and get caught in traffic, you may feel angry and that can spill over into your date. You may decide it was just a bad match, rather than reflecting on the mood you were in when you arrived. Most of us tend to be overly optimistic about the future and about own abilities and attributes. The Heaths cite studies showing that doctors who reckoned they were completely certain about a diagnosis were wrong 40 percent of the time. I liked even more a 1997 survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report of 1,000 people, cited by Professor Gino, about who was most likely to get into heaven. Michael Jordan had a 65 percent chance, Mother Teresa a 79 percent chance. But 87 percent of the survey takers decided they were the ones most likely to go to heaven. So were overconfident, emotional and irrational. What do we do about it? Being aware when we make decisions that our own feelings, our relationships to others and outside powers all have an impact is a good start, Professor Gino said. Heres one of her suggestions: Take your emotional temperature. Try to be more aware of where your emotions are coming from and how, even if seemingly irrelevant, they may be clouding your decision. The architect Francis Kere was born in a poor village in Burkina Faso where there was no school, no electricity and no access to clean drinking water. His father, the village chief, decided that his son should be the first in the family to learn how to read and write, so he sent him at age 7 to live with an uncle in a distant city, where he sat with 150 other students in an unventilated classroom in 110-degree heat. During his free time, like many of his peers, Mr. Kere had to work, spending hours fixing crudely built homes, which were in a perpetual state of disrepair. In my heart, I felt even then that I wanted to build things better one day, so that kids like me would be free to learn, he said. Mr. Kere won a scholarship to study in Germany and worked his way into architecture school at the Technical University of Berlin. For his first student project, in 2001, he raised $50,000 to build an elementary school in his native village of Gando. He enlisted the help of local villagers, drawing blueprints for them in the sand. He dug up red clay and compressed it into bricks. Fifteen years on, the school has grown into a large educational complex, and Mr. Kere, 51, has earned many laurels for his pathbreaking designs, including the prestigious Aga Khan architectural award. While he is based in Berlin, has taught at Harvard and exhibited at the Venice Biennale, most of Mr. Keres architectural activity is still concentrated in West Africa, where he has built not only a number of schools but also medical centers, cultural spaces and, in Mali, even a national park. Recently, Mr. Kere has been devising ways of rebuilding the parliament building in Burkina Fasos capital of Ouagadougou, which was set on fire during the countrys 2014 uprising. In the following edited interview, Mr. Kere explains how his style of community architecture can play a part in preventing further violent clashes while also giving people the tools to improve their lives. VANCOUVER, British Columbia Donald J. Trumps positions on climate change amount to a declaration of war on young people like me. But millennials have a stronger position in this fight than it may first appear. There is no way to sugarcoat the consequences of what happened on Election Day. Mr. Trump is a disaster for the planet. His plan to cancel Americas adherence to the Paris climate agreement and accelerate fossil fuel production threatens to destroy global momentum on climate change. At the international climate talks now taking place in Marrakesh, Morocco, American environmentalists cried upon learning of Mr. Trumps victory. Without U.S. action to reduce emissions and U.S. diplomatic leadership, implementation of Paris will surely slow, Michael Oppenheimer, a climate scientist at Princeton, told The Associated Press. Keeping the increase in global warming to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which most scientists believe is the tipping point for catastrophic changes to the earths natural systems, would become impossible, Professor Oppenheimer said. Mr. Trump, who is 70 years old, probably wont live to see the deadly consequences of his policies. But if inaction does end up causing a sea level rise of several feet in as early as 50 years as feared by the climate scientist James Hansen and his colleagues in a recent study, many millennials will be forced to experience those consequences. By the time some of us are Mr. Trumps age, the study warns, conflicts arising from forced migrations and economic collapse might make the planet ungovernable, threatening the fabric of civilization. This warning is a turning of tables for the United States following the series of terrorist attacks in Turkey over the last year, the U.S. Department of State has issued numerous warnings to its citizens against traveling to Turkey. In the most recent advisory, updated on Oct. 29, it said, U.S. citizens should avoid travel to southeast Turkey and carefully consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country. The U.S. Department of State is updating this Travel Warning to reflect the October 29, 2016, decision to order the departure of family members of employees posted to the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey. The Department of State made this decision based on security information indicating extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack U.S. citizens in areas of Istanbul where they reside or frequent. Turkeys warning may be, in part, retaliation for this strong statement, Mr. Taylor said. We came down pretty hard on Turkey after their terrorist attacks and attempted coup, and this is a little bit of tit for tat, he said. But while tourism to Turkey from the United States has decreased since the terrorist attacks there over 20 percent fewer American tourists visited Turkey in the first five months of this year compared with the same period last year, according to the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in New York City Mr. Taylor said that the warning from Turkey is unlikely to result in a dramatic decline of Turkish citizens coming to the United States. Tourism from Turkey might be impacted in the cities where the protests are happening in the U.S. but only a little, and I dont think business travel will be affected, he said. (The number of foreign visitors overall to the United States was on the rise earlier this year nonresident arrivals to the United States increased 2.1 percent from January to April, compared with the same period in 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.) In Undercover, a London barrister on track to become Britains top public prosecutor discovers that nothing is as it seems. Polar Bear Town chronicles the annual collision of human and beast at the edge of Hudson Bay. And The Art of More returns for a second season with more of everything. Whats on TV UNDERCOVER 8 p.m. on BBC America. Sophie Okonedo stars as Maya Cobbina, a passionate London barrister about to be appointed the first black director of public prosecutions, despite having never actually prosecuted a case. Then she discovers that Nick (Adrian Lester), her husband and the father of her three children, has been lying to her for as long as she has known him, threatening not only the existence of their family but also the 20-year death row case on which she has built her career. This six-part series, written by Peter Moffat (an executive producer of The Night Of) and featuring Dennis Haysbert as the American inmate sentenced to die, will be shown in its entirety on Wednesday and Thursday. In the end, it doesnt really come close to making sense, which is the worst thing you can say about this type of show, Mike Hale wrote in The New York Times. But Ms. Okonedo is as vibrant as usual, and her performance can almost carry you past the storys mounting puzzlements. 1. The world will have to wait a bit longer to see who President-elect Donald Trump appoints to his cabinet. The process has been slowed by a series of shake-ups at Trump Tower, which has also virtually frozen the handoff of critical information from the current administration. Mr. Trump has played down the disarray. There was plenty of disarray outside the tower, too. (See above.) The front-runner for secretary of state, Rudolph Giuliani, is facing questions about whether his business ties should disqualify him. BEIJING The founder of a Chinese brand of high-tech toilets called Trump said he had no intention of soiling the name of Americas next president. Zhong Jiye, the founder, said he had not heard of Donald J. Trump when he registered the English name of his company, Shenzhen Trump Industrial Company Limited, as a trademark in 2002. In Chinese, the company name means innovate universally, he said, highlighting how the toilet seats warm and wash the users backside. That Chinese name, he explained, also sounds a little like trump. We really didnt know of this person called Trump, Mr. Zhong said in a telephone interview from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. It was entirely a coincidence. In the United States, Mr. Trumps name has adorned ties, steaks, water and other products. In China, it is found on computers, cosmetics, even leather goods. Until last year, John S. Weinberg was a top corporate adviser at Goldman Sachs, a high-powered executive at the firm where his family built a banking dynasty. Now, he is moving to a newer Wall Street firm, taking one of its most senior posts. The investment bank Evercore Partners said on Wednesday that it had hired Mr. Weinberg as its executive chairman and chairman of its board. Roger C. Altman, a co-founder of the firm and its current executive chairman, will take the new role of senior chairman, while Ralph L. Schlosstein will remain chief executive. I am excited because this is an organization that has done an extraordinary job of focusing on clients, Mr. Weinberg said in a telephone interview. Mr. Altman added: We take a very long-term point of view with clients. I dont know a single banker over my years who better epitomizes that ethos who isnt at Evercore than John. Ms. Elting hired lawyers to advise her, and Mr. Shawe secretly hacked her emails to read them. The court has sanctioned him for it. The bickering escalated. In 2014, after an argument in the office. Mr. Shawe filed a complaint with the police against Ms. Elting accusing her of battery and describing her as his former fiancee, something that would ensure an arrest. The charges were dropped, but Mr. Shawe filed a tort case that continues, according to the court. The court said employees made a mass exodus because of the crazy arbitrary stuff occurring. With all the disputes, litigation was inevitable. The strategy of each party appears to be to buy out the other. But in Delaware, where TransPerfect is incorporated, there is a special provision of the law to appoint a custodian of the business if there is deadlock. The Chancellor Bouchard found that the deadlock in the case met that standard. But he also found that the complete and utter dysfunction should not justify keeping the parties in place with the business run by a custodian. This would require Ms. Elting, the most likely seller, to sell her shares at a discount since he said, What rational person would want to step into Eltings shoes to partner with someone willing to cause constant pain and go the distance to get his way? Moreover, appointing a tiebreaker director would be inappropriate because both parties were relatively young. Accordingly, Chancellor Bouchard ordered the company sold and the proceeds split among the partners. The reaction has been heated. Mr. Shawe has appealed. A group of TransPerfect employees that says it represents both the Shawe and Elting forces also has started a campaign to get the decision overturned. The employees have formed Citizens for Pro-Business Delaware arguing that the decision is unprecedented because TransPerfect is a very profitable and successful business and that a sale would cause turmoil. Chris Coffey, the leader of the group, predicted that half the employees would be fired if a private equity firm took over. But change is difficult, and the business may or may not prosper under a new owner. The group has also submitted op-eds to newspapers and proposed an amendment to Delaware law. One employee has sued Chancellor Bouchard in New York federal court claiming the decision silenced his right to speak against the sale. But Ms. Kelly said the general contours of Mr. Trumps campaign against her which she says included pressure on her bosses to rein her in and led to death threats from Trump supporters that forced her to take on a security contingent were well known and she did not want to make herself an even bigger part of the story before the election by sharing the inside details. Trump wanted to make me a story line in the race, she said. I was trying for nine months to get myself off of the playing field and onto the sidelines, where a reporter belongs. She has emerged from it all as the most sought-after star in television news, entertaining annual salary offers that surpass $20 million as she contemplates whether to stay at Fox News or leap to a competitor when her contract expires in the summer. Her new book, and the publicity surrounding it, re-litigates her fight with Mr. Trump just as he begins to plan his inauguration. Mr. Trumps spokeswoman, Hope Hicks, declined to comment on Ms. Kelly or her book. But speaking broadly about Mr. Trumps expectations for his relationship with the press as president, Ms. Hicks said that he would abide by standard press protocols that are in place now, the traditions, and that he saw his presidency as a fresh start for his relationship with the news media. During the interview, Ms. Kelly said she feared the election sent a troubling message to women. There were a few themes that came out of 2016, and one of them is, as women, we have a long way to go, a long way to go, she told me. Emphasizing that she takes no position on the election, she said the campaign showed there is a tolerance for some considerable level of sexism and in some corners let me underscore Im not referring to Trump specifically, just what we saw this year even misogyny. Before this month, New Balance was lucky if it generated a few hundred reactions to posts on its Facebook page. Now, the sneaker companys page is flooded with impassioned commentary, and it has found itself compelled to make a statement distancing itself from white supremacists. It started, when Matt LeBretton, the companys vice president for communications, told The Wall Street Journal last week that we feel things are going to move in the right direction under Donald J. Trump. Mr. LeBrettons comments were made in the context of Mr. Trumps opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that New Balance says will hurt its production of shoes in the United States while rewarding competitors that make more of their products overseas. Some consumers, however, saw that comment as a full-throated endorsement of Mr. Trump and reacted immediately, circulating images that showed New Balance shoes being burned or thrown in the trash. That led the brand to clarify its position through a statement in which it noted that it publicly supported the trade positions of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump prior to Election Day that focused on American manufacturing job creation. It also posted a statement to Facebook saying, From the people who make our shoes to the people who wear them, we believe in acting with the utmost integrity and we welcome all walks of life. Stricter consumer protections on prepaid debit cards; Federal loan forgiveness for students at schools that shut down; A rule that bars nursing homes that receive federal funding from requiring residents to resolve all disputes through arbitration, rather than in court. Under Speaker Paul D. Ryans leadership, the House has used the law several times to try to reject a number of the Obama administrations policies. Those challenges were symbolic President Obama vetoed every one that reached his desk but President-elect Trump can approve any sent to him after he takes office. Mr. Ryans office did not respond to requests for comment. I dont think theyll go after every single rule, but I think youll get eight to 10 that may be targeted, said Sam Batkins, the director of regulatory policy at the American Action Forum, a right-leaning group that has been tracking which regulations are subject to congressional review. The threat posed by the law may slow the usual rush of midnight regulations that administrations typically race to finish in their final days. This year, it will be a high-stakes game of chicken put out a rule and hope it survives, or hold off, to preserve the chance to revisit it in the future? I would imagine there will be a serious discussion about regulations that they were planning to finalize, said Susan E. Dudley, the director of the George Washington University Regulatory Studies Center. The bluntness of the C.R.A. may be exactly what makes it appealing to the next Congress and president. The Labor Department has never tried to revive the rule that President Bush struck down. Because this has only been done once before, theres no litigation history, said Stuart Shapiro, a Rutgers professor of public policy who previously worked at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the unit that coordinates reviews of executive branch regulations. Sam Sifton emails readers of Cooking five days a week to talk about food and suggest recipes. That email also appears here. To receive it in your inbox, register here. Good morning. A few months ago, I started talking to people about Thanksgiving, asking them what dishes they put on the table each year and why. So did other reporters here who carry their notebooks in search of foodish excitement: Ligaya Mishan, Julia Moskin, Tejal Rao and Kim Severson. We put out a request for readers to tell us themselves, via an email link. Hundreds and hundreds responded. The standard first answer: Traditional stuff, the whole Norman Rockwell shtick. People talked about their bronzed turkeys and buttery mashed potatoes, their cranberry sauce, the importance of gravy. They talked about pumpkin pie. Some serve mac and cheese. Others, brussels sprouts. Delicious! But then we asked: What else? And that was when things started to get interesting. We all come from somewhere, after all. Your ancestors may have roamed this continent for thousands of years before the Mayflower dropped anchor near the end of Cape Cod. They may have been on the ship. They may have come on later ones, willingly or in chains. They may have come by truck, train or airplane. They came. The journeys play out on the Thanksgiving table as surely as there will be lines to buy television monitors on the morning after the feast. Shoddy oversight and ineffective management at the City University of New York have created a system ripe for abuse that has potentially siphoned money away from needy students and crucial campus projects, according to a report released on Tuesday by the New York State inspector general. The inspector general also found that decentralization at CUNY, the largest public urban university in the country, has enabled the presidents of individual colleges to dole out money or benefits to top officials with no meaningful accountability. At Brooklyn College, for instance, discretionary funds were used by the college president to pay a part-time housekeeper $36,000 a year, as well as for a retirement party that cost $35,000. The report, which the inspector generals office called an interim review, represents the first formal response to a request made last month by William C. Thompson Jr., the chairman of CUNYs Board of Trustees and the former New York City comptroller, for a systemwide investigation of all of the college foundations, alumni associations or other affiliated entities. Mr. Thompsons request was prompted by the unexpected resignation of Lisa S. Coico as president of the City College of New York, a day after The New York Times contacted officials with questions about her administrations handling of more than $150,000 of her personal expenses, and evidence that a memo related to those expenses had been fabricated. North Korean state media initially praised Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, but following Trump's victory a senior official expressed indifference about the incoming president. "We do not care about whoever becomes the president of the United States," Kim Yong Ho, the North Korean Foreign Ministry's director of the division of human rights and humanitarian issues, told reporters at the United Nations. "The fundamental issue here is whether or not the United States has the political will to withdraw its hostile policy toward [North Korea]." Rudolph W. Giuliani had a mission for his trusted chief of staff, Randy M. Mastro: Get Yasir Arafat out of Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. It was October 1995, and Mr. Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, had turned up with an entourage for a peace concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. So had a thousand other leaders and officials from around the world. But Mr. Giuliani, a Republican then in the second year of his eight as mayor of New York, had decided that Mr. Arafat, whom he deemed a terrorist, would not be welcome. Mr. Mastro delivered the message to Mr. Arafats box, and at some point, the group departed. (Mr. Mastro, now in private legal practice, has not lost his ability to take on seemingly impossible assignments over the years: He led an investigation in 2014 that, he claimed, exonerated Gov. Chris Christie of any involvement in the George Washington Bridge traffic scandal; as WNYCs Matt Katz revealed, the Mastro report on the matter was among the Bridgegate labors for which the taxpayers of New Jersey paid Mr. Mastros firm $11.2 million. So far.) The final movement of that 1995 evening was not Ode to Joy, but a front-page headline in The New York Post about how Mr. Giuliani had told off Mr. Arafat. After leaving office, Mr. Giuliani learned more about foreign affairs, gaining experience as an international lawyer, a security consultant and a candidate for the presidency in 2008, while honing his positions as a kind of neoconservative. He has been a staunch supporter of Israel, deeply suspicious of Iran and a proponent of aggressive military posture. His experience as a former federal prosecutor and as mayor has helped shape some of his stances, but it was his experience dealing with the Sept. 11 attacks that has had the most profound effect on his worldview. Through it all, Mr. Giulianis basic approach has been much the same: Peace can be achieved by showing strength, and diplomacy is sometimes best conducted by being undiplomatic. Sometimes in diplomacy you want to set parameters, not just go in saying that, no matter what youre going to be diplomatic, said Stuart Gottlieb, an international affairs professor at Columbia University, who worked with several of Mr. Giulianis campaigns. With the Obama years, particularly under John Kerry, he added, referring to the current secretary of state, weve often seen compromise and bending as a first principle. I think Giuliani would replace that. Mr. Giulianis forays into foreign affairs as mayor were often meant for a local audience. Many of the citys Jewish leaders, for instance, embraced his snub of Mr. Arafat. As for Mr. Giulianis crusade against diplomatic parking scofflaws, New Yorkers, as a rule, are easily enraged by anything related to parking their cars. Days after the election, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, If any immigrant feels that they are under attack, I want them to know that the state of New York the state that has the Statue of Liberty in its harbor is their refuge. Mr. Cuomo announced on Tuesday that a hotline had been established to report complaints of bias or discrimination. Understand DACA (the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program) Card 1 of 5 What is DACA? The program was created in 2012 through an executive action by President Barack Obama as a stopgap measure to shield from deportation undocumented people who were brought into the United States as children. The program, which provides protection for two years at a time and is renewable, does not offer a pathway to citizenship. Who are the Dreamers? DACA recipients, often referred to as Dreamers, are now 26 years old on average; the oldest are 39. The largest number were brought to the United States from Mexico, and many others were born in Central or South America and the Caribbean. The fastest-growing group of undocumented students are those from Asia. Why did DACA begin? Mr. Obama created the program after more than a decade of failed attempts to pass the Dream Act, which would put Dreamers on the path to citizenship. Different versions of that bill have been considered over the years as Congress grappled with a comprehensive overhaul of the countrys immigration system, but they never advanced. How many have applied? More than 830,000 applications have been approved since the program was unveiled 10 years ago. About 1.2 million unauthorized immigrants were eligible to apply, suggesting that more than two-thirds did so at some point, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Currently, slightly more than 600,000 people hold DACA status. Where does DACA stand now? On Oct. 5, 2022, a federal appeals court affirmed a 2021 lower court decision that deemed the program to be illegal. However, the three-judge panel allowed current DACA recipients to renew their status in essence keeping the status of the program unchanged but its future uncertain. Questions of privacy and data were at the forefront of immigrants concerns on Monday night. Some worried that IDNYC, the city program that provides government-issued ID cards to residents, could be turned against the undocumented. Nisha Agarwal, the commissioner of the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs, encouraged people to continue to sign up for the free identification cards, and assured them that the city made confidentiality a priority. The city is considering expunging ID-holders contact information from its records, as was allowed in the 2014 law that established the program. A determination regarding record retention will be made by the end of the calendar year, Rosemary Boeglin, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said. Mr. Vargas advised the group in Port Richmond to avoid filing new applications for temporary work permits under the administrative program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, for fear of providing personal data to the new administration. But he said that those whose permits were up for renewal should apply. Mr. Vargas, one of the first lawyers admitted to the New York State bar with a deferred action authorization, applied for renewal of his work permit on Tuesday. Immigrant organizations across the city have begun coordinating a response to whatever immigration policies the new administration may adopt. Over almost two years, radical Islamists have carried out a string of brutal attacks in Bangladesh, killing scores of bloggers, foreigners and members of religious minorities. A Hindu tailor was killed in April, and a Hindu priest was hacked to death in July. A terrorist attack in Dhaka in July left 22 people dead. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her governing Awami League party have accused the Islamist opposition of fomenting this terrorism. In this context, the news that Awami League politicians may be implicated in recent attacks on Hindu homes and temples is profoundly disturbing. The attacks were set off by outrage over an image on Facebook depicting the Hindu god Siva at a Muslim holy site in the city of Mecca. On Oct. 30, hundreds of angry Muslims ransacked 15 temples and the homes of more than 100 families in a Hindu neighborhood in Nasirnagar, northeast of Dhaka. The police did not intervene. Other attacks on Hindus took place across Bangladesh. Rasraj Das, a Hindu man, was accused of posting the image and arrested. But, on Nov. 6, Bangladeshs minister of fisheries and livestock, Sayedul Hoque, said: Rasraj Das didnt upload that image demeaning religion in Facebook. According to an intelligence report, it was posted from Dhaka, though by whom is not clear. A Bangladeshi Supreme Court lawyer and civil rights activist, Jyotirmoy Barua, has warned that social media is being used in Bangladesh to foment violence against minorities and that users who are not very tech-savvy are susceptible to having their accounts hijacked. Mr. Rasraj, who is illiterate, appears to be a pawn in someone elses dangerous game. Kids who are in religious or ethnic minorities, or are gay or disabled, are more likely to be bullied in school than other kids. Their point of difference can be a point of vulnerability. In the last decade, schools have put more energy into preventing bullying, to the benefit of these kids and others (girls, too, are more frequent targets). And theyve often had the authority of the courts, state legislatures and the federal Department of Education behind them. Now the country has elected a man who threaded racist, xenophobic and misogynistic messages and mockery of disabled people through his campaign. Donald J. Trumps victory gives others license to do the same. There are already signs that during his presidency, the moral values that schools and parents have been helping to instill in young people empathy and upstanding, a term schools use that means looking out for fellow students who are being mistreated will be in danger of eroding. Since Mr. Trumps election, the Southern Poverty Law Center has received more than 430 reports of bullying, harassment and racist displays around the country. We havent seen this volume in the United States in decades, with the exception of the wave of anti-Muslim incidents that followed 9/11, said Ryan Lenz, a spokesman for the center. Not all of the reports have been verified. But they include real and painful episodes at secondary schools and colleges. At York County School of Technology in Pennsylvania, white students were filmed walking through the hallway with a Trump sign and yelling, White power! Minority students there report being called racial epithets and say some have been staying home from school. Even before he won the presidency, Donald J. Trump had a strong claim to being the most ideologically disruptive presidential nominee of modern times. From the Bush family to Paul Ryan, the Iraq war to entitlement reform, Trump arrayed himself against the personalities and policies of the Republican Party, and his campaign took a wrecking ball to many of his adopted partys orthodoxies, proposing a vision of right-wing politics far more mercantilist, nationalist and statist than anything weve seen from the post-Reagan, post-Goldwater G.O.P. His primary campaign proved that this vision is popular with Republican voters, and his shocking general election win suggests that Trumpism might be more politically potent than the conservatism it overthrew. But his revolution was so sudden and sweeping that it raced ahead of itself, capturing the White House without having any of the plans and personnel and foot soldiers that actually operationalizing Trumpism would require. Every administration tends to have ideological divisions, to rely on an old guard of party people (moderate Republicans in the Reagan era, Clintonites in the Obama presidency) alongside its newcomers, innovators and ideological insurgents. But in this case, apart from the infamous-but-still-marginal alt-right and the small clutch of conservative intellectuals for Trump (most of whom dont agree on what being for Trump means), there is really no Trumpist new guard at all, at least among the people qualified to staff a presidential administration no roster of elected officials who rose to power promising to Make America Great Again, no list of policy thinkers who have spent the last decade dreaming of tariffs and mapping out Keynesian infrastructure projects and planning for a detente with Moscow. Instead, Trump campaigned surrounded by politicians, operatives and surrogates whose only real commonality was opportunism. Back when he seemed likely to lose the election handily, this was a reason to wonder about his movements staying power would Newt Gingrich, Ben Carson and Sean Hannity really remain European-style populist nationalists once their patron was defeated? This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive more briefings and a guide to the section daily in your inbox. Many of the things that keep our democracy healthy dont appear in the Constitution or any federal law. President Obama made this point Monday when talking about an orderly transition from one presidency to the next: Its not something that the Constitution explicitly requires but it is one of those norms that are vital to a functioning democracy, similar to norms of civility and tolerance and a commitment to reason and facts and analysis. The last few words of that sentence were the ones that caught my attention, and I started thinking about them again after reading an Op-Ed by Zeynep Tufekci. Tufekci, a University of North Carolina professor, makes the case that Facebook is in denial about its role in spreading misinformation. During the presidential campaign, Facebook helped spread falsehoods the Pope endorsed Trump! to millions of people. Those falsehoods appeared in fake news articles, and Facebook did nothing to inform their users that the material in them was simply made up. After Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, it seems alarming that Bulgaria and Moldova, two states formerly under the Kremlins yoke, both elected pro-Russian presidents on Sunday. The reasons may have been largely domestic, but the outcome is bound to further fray European cohesion. The presidencies in these countries are largely ceremonial. Bulgaria, unlike Moldova, is a member of both the European Union and NATO and is not likely to quit either. The elections in both countries were heavily influenced by public frustration with corruption and with living standards that continue to lag behind Western neighbors more than two decades after the collapse of Communist rule. But the swing away from pro-Western candidates toward those urging better relations with Moscow offers more evidence of growing disenchantment in Eastern Europe with Western liberal attitudes, exacerbated by the tide of immigrants. Bulgaria and Moldova were the latest to be affected by nationalist and anti-globalization sentiments that have spread across Europe and that helped elect Mr. Trump in the United States. President Vladimir Putin of Russia is bound to take comfort in these developments, which give him hope that Western sanctions over Russias annexation of Crimea will soon be lifted. The votes in Bulgaria and Moldova, however, were less an endorsement of Mr. Putins rule than a reflection of economic and geographic ties. Mayor Bill de Blasio, who promised an open government, has been far from transparent when it comes to the conduct of police officers. Last year, his administration appealed a well-reasoned state court decision that ordered it to release summaries of misconduct findings against the officer who used a choke hold in the 2014 arrest of Eric Garner. More recently, under a narrow reading of state law, it shut down access to Police Department records containing routine personnel information that had been open to the news media for decades. The law, enacted in 1976, says that an officers personnel record cannot be publicly released or cited in court without judicial approval. But the definition of personnel record has become so broad that some courts and cities have mistakenly applied it to virtually any information pertaining to an officers background. New York City should be contesting this view instead of acquiescing to it. The latest misinterpretation of the 1976 law involves a lawsuit brought by the union representing guards at the notoriously violent Rikers Island jail complex. The suit was filed on behalf of Aubrey Victor, a guard whose conduct reflected a longstanding culture of brutality at Rikers that left guards free to batter or even torture inmates without fear of reprisal a culture documented by the Justice Department in 2014. A Department of Correction investigation, based partly on video, had found that Officer Victor repeatedly stomped on an inmates head as the man lay on the floor. The department referred the case to the citys Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings known as OATH an independent municipal tribunal that holds over 300,000 hearings a year for civil servants and others. The judge found that Officer Victor had used deadly force unnecessarily and recommended that he be fired. If Election Day seemed to be a dream (or, rather, nightmare) devoid of logic, the week since has done little to render the world more coherent. Lets review: Donald Trump, exulting in his big win, addressed the question of The Wall. You know, the central pledge of his candidacy, reiterated at every rally. A mighty barrier between the United States and Mexico that only he was potent enough to erect. And what did he have to say? That it might be a mere fence in spots. A fence! Just three days after his victory, he was downscaling, backtracking. At this rate, hell be talking at his inauguration about a glorious hedge along the border. By April itll be flowering shrubs, with blossoms that spell out Welcome to America. And by June? Some sort of new Christo installation, maybe the worlds largest-ever topiary display. As for Obamacare, its apparently not so awful after all. Trump said he liked the part that lets kids stay on their parents insurance plans, which is, if you think about it, sort of what Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric have been doing all along. He also liked the part that prevents insurers from disqualifying people for pre-existing conditions. Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump Monday and said Russia is ready for a "partner-like dialogue" with the United States. Trump's office said the incoming president told Putin he is very much looking forward to a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and its people. It also said the two talked about a range of issues including threats and challenges and strategic economic matters. A Kremlin release said Putin and Trump agree that U.S.-Russian ties are "extremely unsatisfactory" right now and that their talks need to be based on equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Democrats have accused the Kremlin of orchestrating the leak of internal Clinton campaign e-mails that may have damaged her chances of becoming president. Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. election, but Trump had made no secret of his admiration of Putin for being a "strong leader." For a great many women around the world, Donald J. Trumps defeat of Hillary Clinton feels like a painful setback not just for democracy, but for our gender. Voters chose a loose cannon of a man with zero government experience over a calm, collected and supremely qualified woman. The root cause of this injustice, many have suggested, can only be sexism proof that the glass ceiling protecting the highest reaches of power cannot yet be shattered. The reaction is understandable. Its also wrong and unnecessarily demoralizing. Of course no female or nonwhite candidate with Mr. Trumps lack of experience, angry outbursts, boasts of sexual assault or trail of broken marriages could have gotten elected. That Mr. Trump did, while spouting such ugliness about women and minorities, speaks to deep and persistent strains of misogyny and white supremacy in American society. But we can recognize all this yet still reject the idea that all women who reach as high as Mrs. Clinton will meet the same fate. Yes, she had a gold-plated resume that more than qualified her to be president. But that overlooks an important fact: Virtually everything about Mrs. Clintons biography made her uniquely unsuited to draw blood where Mr. Trump was most vulnerable. We live in a world where fewer of the things we use come from any one place. More than half the goods and nearly three-quarters of the services traded globally are components from different countries known as intermediates that are later combined for final use. Multinational corporations are responsible for a majority of world trade and, by definition, transcend national boundaries. Nations compete vigorously for the investments of these companies, often by cutting corporate taxes and shelling out subsidies. One result is that no government on its own even a powerful one like the United States can advance the interests of its citizens without the cooperation of other governments. Consider the safety of the food we eat and the drugs we take. Opponents argue that trade agreements weaken the ability of the United States to set and enforce its own high standards. But the United States Food and Drug Administration demonstrates the futility of a fortress America approach. F.D.A.-regulated imports over the past 12 years have grown nearly sixfold, from six million to 35 million shipments involving more than 300,000 facilities in more than 150 different countries. It is simply impossible for the F.D.A. to enforce its high health and safety standards without local regulators and industry in other countries doing the same. Competition for investment is another example. Trade opponents hope that killing trade deals will stop corporations from outsourcing investments and bring jobs back to the United States. Mr. Trump favors corporate tax reform to lure companies home. But cutting corporate taxes wont work if other countries keep using beggar-thy-neighbor tax schemes to attract investment. The near-zero tax rate that Ireland offered to lure Apple is just the most egregious example. International cooperation is the only way to reduce such destructive competition, which dries up the revenues available for governments to spend on other priorities like infrastructure, a top Trump promise. Mr. Trump believes the United States can reduce its dependency on other governments by imposing high trade barriers and ensuring that the goods that Americans consume are made at home. But that would require reconfiguring the auto, computer, pharmaceutical and many other industries that employ millions of Americans and are now deeply integrated in global supply chains. There would also be a staggering cost to American consumers, and other nations like China have warned they would retaliate in kind against American exports. Trade agreements are not the only way for nations to collaborate, but they provide the economic incentives and high-level political commitment to help move cooperation forward and make it stick. Trade agreements can enable governments to reach consensus on investment rules, promote regulatory cooperation and transparency, and set more developing countries on the path of raising workplace and environmental standards. World leaders watching America make a shift under Donald Trump fall into two broad camps: those who hope that the United States will muddle through the next four years, an inexperienced president notwithstanding, and those who are eager to see Washingtons international standing and influence unravel. The latter outcome could be averted if Mr. Trump selects an experienced and conscientious leader as his top diplomat. That would require appointing someone other than Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, who is reported to be the front-runner for the job. Before addressing why he would be a dismal and potentially disastrous choice, its worth reflecting on the enormous foreign policy challenges the incoming administration will face. The Trump administration will have to create a new Syria policy, which will require deft understanding of Russias intentions and capabilities in the Middle East, and careful management of a complex coalition of allies fighting the Islamic State. The Trump White House will most likely be tested early by North Koreas bellicose and nuclear-armed leader. Leaders across Europe will be watching to see whether the Trump administration is willing to let the Western military and diplomatic alliance erode, which would be a boon for Russia. Closer to home, the new White House will have to weigh the risks of turning Mr. Trumps irresponsible blame-Mexico campaign rhetoric into policy, which would severely undermine national security by halting cooperation between the two governments on migration from Central America, law enforcement matters and counternarcotics programs. My grandparents marched in the Civil Rights Movement so that hopefully their grandkids wouldnt have to march, said Matteo Bertoni, 16. He was walking down 5th Ave. in the rain on Tuesday afternoon with hundreds of other high school students who had left their classes to send a message to President-Elect Donald Trump. Now Im marching, hoping my grandkids wont have to march for their civil rights, Mr. Bertoni said. The students, from at least 10 schools, chanted, This is what democracy looks like, and Whose streets? Our streets. While some wanted Mr. Trump to step down or the electoral college to give the presidency to Hillary Clinton, most just wanted Mr. Trump and his supporters to listen and to understand them. Two nights after Donald J. Trump won the presidential election, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez convened an interfaith prayer service at the Roman Catholic cathedral in Los Angeles and gave an emotional homily vowing not to abandon children and parents who are living in fear that Mr. Trump will follow through on his promise to deport millions of immigrants. This should not be happening in America, said Archbishop Gomez, who is himself an immigrant from Mexico and a naturalized United States citizen. We are not this kind of people. We are better than this. Five days later, on Tuesday, Archbishop Gomez was elected by his brother bishops at their meeting in Baltimore to be vice president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. With nine candidates in the running including some prominent prelates it was the days most closely watched vote, especially since the vice president is traditionally elevated to president in three years. Keeping to custom, the bishops voted to bump up Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, to president. The choice of Archbishop Gomez was only one sign that Catholic bishops are preparing to defend immigrants and refugees against a newly elected president who has threatened deportations and who critics say has uncorked an ugly backlash against immigrants and minorities. They opened their meeting by endorsing a strongly worded letter to Mr. Trump that extended congratulations but also put him on notice that the church was committed to resettling refugees and keeping immigrant families intact. On the campaign trail, Donald J. Trump savaged the Department of Veterans Affairs, calling it a disaster and the most corrupt agency in the United States. He vowed to fire many workers at the department in an effort to fix a health care system fraught with delays. As he transitions to the White House, he has tapped the agencys harshest critics to advise him. Mr. Trump has said he is considering Representative Jeff Miller, Republican of Florida, to run the agency. As the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mr. Miller has hounded the agency for failing to enact meaningful changes to cut wait times and fire workers who hid delays. If selected, he will be the first secretary of veterans affairs who has never served in the military. Mr. Trumps transition team did not respond on Tuesday to a request for comment. The team is being advised on policy by members of Concerned Veterans for America, a small conservative advocacy organization that is linked to the free-market activists Charles G. and David H. Koch and has long supported privatizing veterans health care. For years, Concerned Veterans for America, based in Washington, was on the fringe of the veteran world, generally shunned by traditional veterans organizations. The conservatives who found a hero in Mr. Trump through his brand of populism are not likely to be placated by half-measures and conciliations. There are challenges, and we need to make sure that there are good, qualified people around him, said Michael Needham, chief executive of Heritage Action for America, a conservative policy group. Mr. Needham said he was encouraged by what he had heard so far from Mr. Trump. The Republican Party is a party thats gotten by repeating Reaganesque platitudes, Mr. Needham said. But it wasnt speaking to where a lot of Americans are. Trump did. He added, Well know in short order how that all works out. What could be especially dangerous for Mr. Trump is the combustible nature of the populist politics he inflamed and its tendency, especially in its Tea Party-tinged incarnation, to turn on its own. It is a movement that always seems in search of a fight. This is the peoples president, and this is the peoples victory, Laura Ingraham, a conservative radio host, told her audience the other day. This is your victory. Take a little time to savor it, and then weve got to gear up. Because there are a lot of battles to fight ahead. Whether those battles are the same as those Mr. Trump wants is another issue altogether. How Mr. Trump meets the expectations of his base on the subject of illegal immigration will be one of his biggest tests. No other issue animated it more. But Mr. Trump has sent conflicting signals about whether he intends to follow through on the great, great wall he vowed to erect along the border with Mexico. Backing away from that pledge, perhaps the highest-profile promise of his campaign, would no doubt induce anger and anxiety among some conservatives, though others seem willing to grant him some leeway. JAKARTA, Indonesia Indonesia was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday after the National Police named the Christian governor of the countrys capital a suspect in a blasphemy investigation over comments he made about the Quran. Outrage over those remarks set off bloody street protests this month. The governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Jakartas popular leader, has been barred from leaving the country as the authorities continue their investigation of him, Tito Karnavian, the national police chief, said at a televised news conference. Mr. Basuki, who is known as Ahok and is running for re-election in February, has been a political target of radical Islamic organizations since taking office in 2014. Some of those groups seized on comments he made in September to a group of fishermen, in which he lightheartedly cited a Quran verse that warns against taking Christians and Jews as friends. Islamic groups opposed to Mr. Basuki, who is an ethnic Chinese Indonesian and a political ally of President Joko Widodo, staged a huge protest march through the capital on Nov. 4 that ended in violence, with one killed and hundreds injured, as protesters set cars ablaze and battled with riot police officers. To many in the Czech Republic, she is celebrated as a local girl who went on to achieve global celebrity. Now Ivana Trump, President-elect Donald J. Trumps first wife, says she wants to become ambassador to the Czech Republic, leading some in her homeland to hope that she can inject some glamour into the central European country and burnish its global image. Speculation about whether Ms. Trump, 67, could become Americas top diplomat in Prague has been swirling in the Czech Republic since she told The New York Post that she would be well-suited for the job. I will suggest that I be ambassador for the Czech Republic, Ms. Trump told the Post in an interview published over the weekend, noting that she was fluent in Czech and had a high profile in the country of her birth. Im known by the name Ivana. I really did not need the name Trump. If she were to become ambassador, Ms. Trump would not be the first celebrity to hold the post. Shirley Temple Black, the child star turned diplomat, was appointed ambassador to Czechoslovakia in 1989 by President George Bush. Her championing of the country before and after the fall of communism won her ardent admiration. Like many other metropolises in developing countries, including New Delhi and Beijing, Tehran and other Iranian cities regularly disappear under a thick blanket of smog. Every year in the autumn, the pollution gets trapped by the Alborz Mountains that hug the city like an overbearing mother. It happens so often that it is hardly news anymore. For most Iranians, the pollution is the new normal, a problem so large and complex that it is better just to pretend that it is not there. Of course, the consequences are undeniable. On Tuesday, a City Council member said that 412 people had died because of the pollution in recent days. Iranian officials estimate that the pollution causes the premature deaths of about 45,000 people nationwide each year. Hospital wards are filled with coughing patients. Children are told to cover their mouths when they go outside. With the increase in air pollution over the past decade, cases of bone marrow and lung cancer related to high levels of lead in the air have exploded, health experts say. Iranian officials are at loss. A Health Ministry official told the Asr-e Iran news site that people can shield themselves from the cancerous pollution by staying indoors and drinking lots of milk and eating fresh vegetables. This will strengthen the body, said the official, Khosrow Sadeghniyat. "Welcome to the dawn of a new, unified Republican government," Paul Ryan told reporters after the closed conference meeting. Many members left the meeting wearing the Trump campaign's signature hat, demonstrating a solidarity that had been in doubt up until the Republican nominee's historic surprise win over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton last week. As members of the House Republican conference convened for their leadership elections. On each of their seats: a red-and-white "Make America Great Again" hat. Signs of the long, divisive presidential contest that nearly tore the Republican Party apart were nowhere to be seen Tuesday. Republican members of the House easily re-nominated Paul Ryan to be their leader. In January the new congress will confirm him as speaker for his first full term. Ryan's position as speaker of the House was widely assumed to be in jeopardy if Donald Trump lost the presidential election, following a chaotic campaign season in which the Republican from Wisconsin walked a fine line between endorsing the nominee of his party and distancing himself from Trump's more controversial statements. Those days seemed forgotten, though, as Ryan greeted reporters for his first post-election press availability on Capitol Hill. "If we're going to put our country back on the right track, we have to go bold, and we have to go big," said Ryan, who unveiled "A Better Way" back in June -- a six-point legislative roadmap that tackles poverty, healthcare and tax reform among other issues. "There are going to be a lot more things made in America," said Rep. Steve Scalise, holding up one of the hats, as he told reporters the first 100 days of a Trump administration would be crucial in getting the economy back on track. Potential for Division But Trump's controversial appointment of Steve Bannon, former executive chairman of the far-right leaning Breitbart News, as his senior strategist and co-equal of newly-appointed chief of staff Reince Prebus, eventually could show up cracks in that unity. "This is a person who helped him win an incredible victory and ran an incredible campaign. The president is going to be judged on the results of this administration," Ryan said of Bannon, who previously had called the speaker "the enemy." Ryan brushed off Bannon's past criticism, saying he was not looking backwards but forwards. One of the immediate concerns moving forward will be funding the government after a continuing resolution expires on Dec. 9. "Those are decisions that are being made with the transition team; none of those have been made yet. We are now sitting down with the Trump administration-in-waiting along with our colleagues to come up with a game plan," said Ryan. As Republicans presented a unified front, House Democrats met just down the hallway for a much more introspective meeting. Rep. Tim Ryan, a seven-term Congressman from Ohio, confirmed Monday he was interested in challenging current leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi for the top Democratic leadership spot. "We've been through hell," Pelosi told members, who ended up delaying their own leadership vote until Nov. 30, after Congress returns from a Thanksgiving break. MARRAKESH, Morocco Diplomats at an annual United Nations global warming summit meeting here expressed shock at the election of Donald J. Trump, who has called climate change a hoax and vowed to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate change accord, worrying that Mr. Trumps presidency could cripple a decade of climate diplomacy. And some called for retaliation to compel American compliance. Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, who is again running to lead his country, suggested imposing a carbon tariff on imports from the United States, based on the amount of carbon dioxide pollution emitted to produce various goods. Salaheddine Mezouar, the Moroccan foreign minister, who is presiding over the Marrakesh meeting, said: We really want the U.S., naturally. It has a huge role, a huge weight. Officials from the Obama administration sought to reassure the world that even if Mr. Trump rolls back the United States federal climate change policy, many states and electric utilities have already turned toward investing in the growing market for low-carbon energy. In many ways, the New York Public Librarys renovation plan has been a step-by-step retreat from the ambitious and controversial $1 billion overhaul with a design by the starchitect Norman Foster that once called for moving the circulating library at the Mid-Manhattan branch into the main Fifth Avenue flagship. Now, in a quiet culmination of all the sturm und drang that accompanied its earlier iterations, the librarys board on Wednesday approved an understated $200 million redesign of Mid-Manhattan by the lesser-known Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo that aims to improve the inhospitable interior and is unlikely to ruffle any feathers. We can finally give New York the central branch library it deserves, Anthony W. Marx, the librarys president, said in an interview at his office this week. Its been a long time coming. While the project will ultimately include opening more public space in the librarys flagship Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, those plans have yet to be addressed. But Ms. Spar, who started a $400 million capital campaign at Barnard, which she said was the largest in the colleges history, said that she was confident that the money for Geffen Hall could be raised. People want to give you money for something that is exciting, she said. Its very hard to raise money when you say to people lets fix this hole in the carpet, or lets do infrastructure. Thats whats very hard to raise money for. But raising money for something that aims to be the best performing arts space in the world? Thats exciting. Katherine Farley, the chairwoman of Lincoln Centers board, said members had been impressed with Ms. Spars record at Barnard from the way she had run a complex institution in New York City to her involvement with big capital campaigns to her connections to the younger generations that Lincoln Center must attract if it is to thrive. Lincoln Center is unlike any other arts organization, Ms. Farley said. Theres really no logical feeder institution. And we thought that it was less important to have someone who, for instance, had a career playing the French horn, than it was to find someone who really understood how to manage a complicated organization. Ms. Spars path to Lincoln Center has been an unusual one. My career is nonlinear, she said. Raised in Westchester she said her first visit to the complex as a young child was either for a Nutcracker at New York City Ballet or a Young Peoples Concert at the Philharmonic she took ballet through college. She graduated from Georgetown intending to enter the Foreign Service, wound up getting her doctorate in government from Harvard, and, after briefly teaching political science at the University of Toronto, became a professor at Harvard Business School. Along the way, she has written about the rise of the internet, reproductive medicine, and, more recently, the challenges facing women in her 2013 book, Wonder Women: Sex, Power, and the Quest for Perfection. An essay of hers about aging, ideas of beauty and feminism that appeared in The New York Times in September in which she wrote that she had undergone breast reduction surgery at the age of 21 drew a number of passionate responses. Pizza is like sex, Woody Allen may actually have said once. When its bad its still pretty good. The same might be true of Bachs music. This much seemed evident from Tuesdays all-Bach program by the Italian period-instrument ensemble Accademia Bizantina with the violinist Viktoria Mullova at Zankel Hall. Her playing was diffident, her sound mousy and lackluster. But as a chance to spend a couple of hours in the company of Bachs consoling genius, the concert still pretty much hit the spot. Ms. Mullova rose to fame in the 1980s with her Russian-school killer technique and elegant sound. Since then she has also turned to historical performance practice sometimes playing, as she did here, on gut strings with a Baroque-style bow. On Tuesday she seemed to struggle to build depth in her sound and produced a distracting number of whistle tones. Perhaps the rainy weather can take some of the blame: Period instruments are famously temperamental. Missing, though, were any signs of temperament on Ms. Mullovas part as she read each concerto from sheet music, her body language betraying little connection either to the audience or to her collaborators onstage. WASHINGTON A prominent Republican lawmaker on Wednesday laid out his agenda for restructuring the financial system in the next Congress, including his plan to roll back major portions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Representative Jeb Hensarling, Republican of Texas and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has long been a vocal opponent of the 2010 financial reform law. But he now has an ally in President-elect Donald J. Trump, who has repeatedly called for taking apart Dodd-Frank, and he has Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress. Mr. Hensarling introduced his blueprint for reform, the Financial Choice Act (Choice stands for Creating Hope and Opportunity for Investors, Consumers and Entrepreneurs) last summer, and he said he was cautiously optimistic that a version of the bill could come up for a vote on the House floor early next year. There has been a fairly constant dialogue with the Trump transition team about the Choice Act, he said on Wednesday during a lunch meeting of the Exchequer Club in Washington. Theres also been dialogue with our speaker and our leader in the House. Mr. Platt said he was constantly learning about new liabilities and addressing them. In 2012, he installed cameras inside and outside the parks after a break-in. In 2014, Sky Zone faced a security breach of one parks pay systems, where a small number of credit card numbers were stolen. Mr. Platt quickly brought in security experts to fix the breach and monitor the systems at all the parks. His vigilance has paid off. Sky Zone owns four parks and holds franchises in 175 locations in six countries. Its revenue, which stood at $800,000 in its first full year in 2005, rose to $54.1 million from company-owned parks and franchise fees in 2015. It is on track to reach $60.1 million this year. One start-up, Dolly, brought on an insurance broker and legal counsel as investors to help the company address liability and regulatory issues. Dollys Uber-like mobile app connects people who want to move furniture or other items with people who own trucks, vans or large sport utility vehicles. Mike Howell, 38, a Seattle resident with a degree from the London School of Economics, is a co-founder of Dolly, which began in 2014. He said insurers were initially reluctant to sign on, fearing that the risk of damage or injury would be high for a business that relied on someone with no moving expertise to transport furniture and other items from one location to another. But Mr. Howell said underwriters misunderstood the business. Dolly is aimed at consumers who want a fast, cheap and easy way to move a small number of items from one apartment or store to another. It is not competing with moving companies that deal with the entire contents of a house. Most moves involve fewer than five items and cost an average of $80. Dolly picks up a 15 percent to 25 percent commission on each move. Damage has been reported in fewer than 1 percent of the 100,000 moves Dolly has done, according to Mr. Howell. We now have an investor whos a big-time insurance broker and advises the company on insurance matters, Mr. Howell said. Earlier this decade, there were few downtown restaurants hotter than the Lion, a celebrity-packed canteen run by John DeLucie in a Greenwich Village townhouse. But the restaurant got sold and the crowd moved on. In July, a quieter restaurant, Casa Apicii, took over in the space, and a second-floor chamber was turned into an intimate cocktail annex called Bar Fortuna with just 20 seats. If Manhattan bars often serve as communal living rooms for cramped apartment dwellers, Bar Fortuna is a luxe parlor for the downtown set. A black-and-white photo of Sophia Loren hangs over the fireplace, serving as a sort of patron saint for this distinctly Italian spot. THE PLACE Situated on a stately residential block, the candlelit bar occupies a 116-year-old brick townhouse and is lined with lacquered bookcases, velvet sofas and a carefully curated assortment of vintage Italian books and objets dart. The fireplace enhances the romantic mood. So how much are you paying me? he said jokingly to the two Tods representatives present during a recent interview. Did you bring the money? Did it fit in the car? It seemed a little small. Both Mr. Ferretti and Mr. Della Valle were born in the Marches, in towns just a few kilometers apart. They often cross paths on vacations, in Capri and in Miami, where they have homes (Mr. Ferretti in South Beach, where he is a resident, and Mr. Della Valle in Miami Beach, where he bought Billy Joels waterfront villa three years ago). And Mr. Della Valle is one of the main shareholders of the holding company that controls Cinecitta Studios, the film studios created by Mussolini, which reached their apex in the 1950s and 1960s when Rome became known as Hollywood on the Tiber and where Mr. Ferretti has had a private office for some 40 years. There, behind a door marked by a large sign that reads Once Upon a Time, are moody landscapes that the designer said he painted when he wanted a distraction from the moviemaking grind, as well as some of the dozens of awards he has won during a 47-year career: the three Oscars he has won with his wife Francesca Lo Schiavo (making for six statuettes), along with a plethora of British Academy of Film and Television Arts and Los Angeles Film Critic Association awards, and sundry Italian prizes he keeps at home. As with Disneyland, the Trader Joes version of acting tends to be a bit hokier and altogether more crass than the Hollywood version. Who among those of us who have shopped at Trader Joes hasnt wondered how its possible that every flavor of kosher hummus you buy just happens to also be the favorite of your checkout clerk? Mr. Nagles girlfriend, Vanessa Erbe, who worked at the same store, said managers were so intent on encouraging such banter that they once hatched the idea of register bingo, in which workers would cross off products on laminated cards as customers brought them to the register. Suffice it to say, the psychological calisthenics necessary to pull off register bingo are not trivial. They hire nice, cool, friendly people who have the ability and sensibility to be real enough without making it seem forced, but theres still a double consciousness going on, said one former worker at the Brooklyn store. Managers, recognizing that it took some effort for crew members to amp themselves up for these antics, sometimes resorted to competition to put workers in the proper frame of mind. Mr. Nagle said that for a while during nightly meetings at his store, managers would give away a game ball usually a piece of fruit but once a Ping-Pong ball to the workers whod been the cheeriest during their shifts. The problem with this management approach is not that it cant work it actually seems to at a fair number of Trader Joes, judging from both the chains popularity with customers and the loyalty of many of its workers. The problem is that its fragile. If its already a bit of a chore to motivate yourself because the job is rather taxing emotionally, then what happens when your working conditions deteriorate when the store is so mobbed workers have to shut the door, and a line forms across the parking lot, as has been known to happen at some Trader Joes stores? Or when the stockrooms are piled so high with inventory that one wrong move could trigger a food avalanche? This seems to explain the declining morale at Mr. Nagles store and a few others. And it doesnt sound like much fun. Before leaving the White House on Monday, Obama said Trump had expressed to him a great interest in maintaining Americas core strategic relations. "And so one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance," Obama said. The outgoing U.S. president said he would let European allies know "there is no weakening of resolve when it comes to America's commitment to maintaining a strong and robust NATO relationship." Obama had praise for Greece. At a news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, President Obama congratulated the country for spending more than the minimum goal on defense "even in difficult times." He said that if Greece can meet its NATO commitment, "all our allies should be able to do so." Following up on issues raised by President-elect Trump and by previous U.S. administrations including Obamas, the U.S. leader called on NATO members to spend more on defense. In Athens, Greece Tuesday on his last foreign trip as president, Obama said NATO "provides significant continuity even as we see a transition of government in the United States." President Barack Obama says NATO is "absolutely vital" as he seeks to reassure Europe about the U.S. commitment to the alliance under the presidency of Donald Trump. European Concerns European leaders, alarmed by Trump's campaign statements on U.S. commitments, have been anxious for clarification. Trump's campaign remarks have also fueled ongoing efforts to establish a European defense force separate from NATO. At a gathering of EU foreign and defense ministers in Brussels Monday, they spoke of a more urgent need to set up their own collective defense arrangement in the face of what, in the view of some European leaders, could be a new era of American isolationism. Ministers on Monday agreed on a defense plan that would, for the first time, allow EU nations to send rapid response forces overseas. "Europe needs to be able to act for its own security," said French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "Given Trump's attacks on America's long-standing security ties in Europe and Asia, U.S. allies have ample reason to worry about the credibility of America's commitments to their security going forward," Peter Trubowitz, head of the U.S. Centre at the London School of Economics, wrote after the U.S. election. Trump on NATO During his campaign, Trump called NATO "obsolete." The remark that perhaps alarmed leaders the most, however, was his suggestion that the U.S. would not automatically defend members if they did not make their minimum contribution to the alliance, which translates into nations' spending at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense. The remarks were seen as a direct hit on the principle of collective defense, a foundation of the alliance. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty says an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. There are indications, however, that some leaders in Europe will be receptive to Obama's reassurances about the future of transatlantic relations under Trump. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed hope, saying he is certain that Trump will be a president "who will live up to all the commitments of the United States in the alliance because a strong NATO is important for Europe but it's also important for the United States." Obama's meetings with Greek leaders Tuesday focused on economic issues and the progress that Greece has made in emerging from its economic crisis and the sacrifices its people continue to make under austerity programs that have been imposed to reduce debt. He offered no debt relief or new U.S. economic assistance. The U.S. leader did have praise for the Greeks' response to the migrant crisis. Obama said people on the Greek islands have shown "extraordinary compassion" even as they faced their own economic hardship. Foreign Policy Achievements As part of his farewell overseas tour, President Obama hopes to showcase his foreign policy achievements and strides made during his term in the war on terrorism that include the 2011 killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, the war on Islamic State militants, and most recently, the launch of U.S.-assisted offensives to retake key cities from IS militants in Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria. President Obama will be in Germany on Wednesday before going to Peru later in the week. Of all the various cabinet hopefuls and assorted hangers-on who have come to Trump Tower to get an audience with President-elect Donald J. Trump, perhaps the least congruous might be the visitor who dropped by late Wednesday morning: Bill de Blasio. It was, after all, Mr. de Blasio, the liberal mayor of New York City, who had described Mr. Trump during the campaign as a uniquely unqualified candidate for president. Mr. Trump responded in kind, characterizing Mr. de Blasio as the worst mayor in the citys history. And yet, Mr. Trump and the mayor spent more than an hour in discussion, alone and without aides, in Mr. Trumps 26th-floor office, according to City Hall officials. The meeting appeared to be the longest so far between the president-elect and a Democrat other than President Obama, whom he met with for 90 minutes at the White House last week. Mr. de Blasio characterized the meeting afterward as respectful, a give-and-take that was substantive and very candid. He said he had gone in with a set of issues and concerns to raise with the president-elect over immigration, policing and taxation and a goal of expressing how much fear there is among New Yorkers about the direction of his presidency. To the Editor: I am an Upper West Side parent who at one time had a son each in Public School 199 and Public School 191, and I dont understand why parents would tolerate being pitted against one another regarding zoning (Manhattan School in a Zoning Battle Is Struggling, but It Has Its Fans, A District Divided series, Nov. 9). Both of my sons had great support in their respective schools, and it never occurred to me to question the safety of either school. If you send your children to public school, it shouldnt matter which one they go to. They should all get the attention and resources they need regardless of the neighborhood. If anything, New York City public school parents should band together and channel their anger at Albany to receive the equitable funding all school districts deserve. To the Editor: Giulianis Ties Raise Question for State Dept. (front page, Nov. 16): As a candidate, Donald Trump promised to drain the swamp! Yet along comes Rudolph Giuliani as a possible secretary of state. This would be a poor choice and fly in the face of the mandate that the American people gave President-elect Trump to bring change to government. Mr. Giulianis connections to multinational corporations and foreign governments are well documented, and it is naive to think that they will not sway him when important decisions and policies are made. Surely Mr. Trump can find a less sensitive role for Mr. Giuliani to play in his government that would not be open to criticism whenever action is taken. MEL YOUNG Lawrence, N.Y. To the Editor: It occurs to me that Donald Trump is an aural Rorschach test for the American people as are perhaps all of our presidential candidates. When conservatives heard Mr. Trump promise to drain the swamp in Washington, it seems they heard he was a strong proponent of small government. I just heard that he wanted to root out corruption. ISTANBUL The election of Donald J. Trump as the next president of the United States came as an unpleasant shock to much of the world. But in Turkey, my country, it was applauded not by everyone, for sure, but by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his enthusiastic supporters. As it became clear that the Republican candidate had achieved an upset, pro-government Turkish columnists, some of whom are also members of Parliament, began cheering it as a blow to the American establishment. Mr. Trump won, they emphasized, despite the opposition of the American news media, Wall Street, the C.I.A. and Hollywood. Hillary Clintons defeat, they declared, was the defeat of the globalist fascists. The first official statement from the government came from Bekir Bozdag, the justice minister and an Erdogan confidant. Nobody can win elections with newspaper headlines, polls, televisions, Mr. Bozdag said. The American people said no to their will being manipulated. Then came the response from Mr. Erdogan himself. He congratulated the American president-elect in a phone conversation that went unbelievably well, the news media here reported. He also invited Mr. Trump to visit Turkey as soon as possible. Then Mr. Erdogan criticized the protests in the United States over the election as the work of the same global cabal that he says is constantly trying to topple him. KIEV, Ukraine Few politicians in the world have had to undergo the same experience twice in their career and in different countries. Yet this is exactly what happened to me in Ukraine and Georgia. I was the president of Georgia for nine years, during which it went from a kleptocracy and failed state to a country that won international recognition for tackling corruption and became one of the easiest places in Europe to conduct business. Named the worlds top reformer by the World Bank in 2006, Georgia became a flagship among the countries of the former Soviet bloc. After my second presidential term in 2013, I left to pursue academic work in the United States for a time, and then returned to Ukraine where, as a young man, I had spent several years at Kiev University. Responding to calls from my Ukrainian friends to help apply my experience in government, I arrived along with the wave of enthusiasm for reform that followed the Maidan revolution. I offered to work in Odessa, the largest region of Ukraine. It was highly unusual for a former president of another state to serve as a governor in a different country, but the very fate of Ukrainian statehood was at stake in Odessa. The province was not only riddled with local mafia groups infamous for their thuggishness, but it was also threatened by the conflict with Russian-backed separatists in the east. Odessa borders the breakaway region of Transnistria in Moldova, which is controlled by Moscow-backed separatists and Russian armed forces. Even if your data were password-protected, someone who gained access to your computer would have access to all your files if they were unencrypted. Luckily, both Apple and Windows offer means of automatic encryption that simply need to be turned on. In Apples macOS, FileVault can be enabled from the Security and Privacy System Preferences panel. Apple has detailed instructions to enable it here. Microsoft Windows users must be running Windows 7 Ultimate or the Professional version of Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 to use BitLocker. Heres a guide on how to check, and how to turn it on. Similarly, keep your data backed up. If something happens to it, or you lose it all, you can recover quickly without hassle. An online backup service, like CrashPlan, a favorite of The Wirecutter, a New York Times Company, backs up your data and encrypts it at the same time. Even an external hard drive gives your files an extra layer of security. Backups will protect your photos, documents and other data not only from a technical malfunction, but from ransomware and other malicious hacking. Just make sure to test or check your backups periodically. 4. The way you handle your passwords is probably wrong and bad. You know this by now. Creating strong passwords and never using the same password across sites is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself from digital invasion. Not everyone agrees about frequent password changes. Most say you should use really strong passwords and no more than one password per site, THEN use the password managers. But making up new combinations all the time is irritating and inconvenient, tempting people to reuse them or make them too simple. That is one reason some experts object to frequent password changes. Its far better to create really strong ones for every login. And new passwords can pose security risks, because its hard to remember complex ones, so you are tempted to write them down. That can lead to a lot of hard-to-remember passwords. To keep track of them, Mr. Larson recommends password managers, which help store many passwords, with one master password. He said he uses LastPass but knows plenty of people who use 1Password and KeePass, and he doesnt have a strong reason to recommend one over another. As the technology industry came to grips in the last week with the reality of a presidential election that did not go its way, many in Silicon Valley landed on the idea that widespread misinformation spread online was a primary factor in the races outcome. On Monday, both Google and Facebook altered their advertising policies to explicitly prohibit sites that traffic in fake news from making money off lies. Thats very likely a worthwhile fix, even if it comes too late. The internet has loosened our collective grasp on the truth, and efforts to fight that dismaying trend are obviously worth pursuing. Yet it would be a mistake to end this investigation at fake news. In fact, the dangers posed by fake news are just a symptom of a deeper truth now dawning on the world: With billions of people glued to Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Instagram, Twitter, Weibo and other popular services, social media has become an increasingly powerful cultural and political force, to the point that its effects are now beginning to alter the course of global events. The election of Donald J. Trump is perhaps the starkest illustration yet that across the planet, social networks are helping to fundamentally rewire human society. They have subsumed and gutted mainstream media. They have undone traditional political advantages like fund-raising and access to advertising. And they are destabilizing and replacing old-line institutions and established ways of doing things, including political parties, transnational organizations and longstanding, unspoken social prohibitions against blatant expressions of racism and xenophobia. College admissions officials in the United States caution that it is too early to draw firm conclusions about overseas applications, because deadlines for applications are generally in January and February. But they are worried that Mr. Trumps election as president could portend a drop in international candidates. Canadian universities have already detected a postelection surge in interest from overseas. We have seen an increase in applications from the U.S. and from international students in the last week, Jocelyne Younan, the director of global undergraduate recruitment at McGill University in Montreal, wrote in an email. Weve also seen an increase in students inquiring about McGill on social media. Traffic on a University of Toronto website for international applicants surged the day after the election, officials there said and most of it came from Americans. Visits to our recruitment website from the U.S. are typically around 1,000 a day, said Ted Sargent, the universitys vice president, international. On Nov. 9, that spiked to 10,000. On the same day, there was an increase in visitors from Britain and India, Mr. Sargent said. Our positive message as a university, but also as a city and a country, definitely is about openness to people from around the world and a real inclusiveness, he said. A disruption in the flow of international students could be particularly worrisome for universities that balance their books with income from international students, who generally pay higher tuition. Mr. Choi said Officer Yanez spotted Mr. Castile, a 32-year-old school cafeteria worker, driving along a stretch of road near the state fairgrounds with his girlfriend and her young daughter. Officer Yanez believed Mr. Castile matched the description of a suspect in a nearby armed robbery from a few days earlier, radioing a colleague that Mr. Castiles wide-set nose seemed to match the surveillance video from that case, and that his car also had a broken taillight. Image Officer Jeronimo Yanez outside the City Council chambers in St. Anthony, Minn., in 2013. Credit... Christian Dobratz, via Associated Press But when Officer Yanez pulled Mr. Castile over in the tiny suburb of Falcon Heights, the conversation described by prosecutors started out as ordinary, with no mention of the robbery and no discussion of the smell of marijuana that Officer Yanez would later recount to investigators. (Mr. Choi said Wednesday that Mr. Castile was not a suspect in the armed robbery case.) Mr. Castile, who had been pulled over dozens of times before, seemed to know the routine: He kept his seatbelt fastened, greeted Officer Yanez and handed over his insurance card, according to prosecutors version of events. Then, before his girlfriend said he reached for the wallet that contained his drivers license and permit to carry a pistol, Mr. Castile said, Sir, I have to tell you that I do have a firearm on me. Within seconds, Officer Yanez, of the St. Anthony police, had shouted, Dont pull it out, and Mr. Castile and his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, tried to assure him that he was not grabbing the gun. But Officer Yanez quickly fired seven rounds, fatally wounding Mr. Castile just 62 seconds after the traffic stop began. An instant later, Mr. Castile moaned and said, I wasnt reaching for it. His dying words were in protest that he wasnt reaching for his gun, Mr. Choi said. Mr. Castiles death is among the highest-profile cases of the countless police interactions with black men that have roiled the country, and especially Minnesota, in the last two years. The case drew international attention, largely because Ms. Reynolds streamed the aftermath on Facebook Live, calmly but firmly recounting her version of events and disputing Officer Yanezs narrative as blood soaked through Mr. Castiles white T-shirt. WASHINGTON Congressional Democrats, divided and struggling for a path from the electoral wilderness, are constructing an agenda to align with many proposals of President-elect Donald J. Trump that put him at odds with his own party. On infrastructure spending, child tax credits, paid maternity leave and dismantling trade agreements, Democrats are looking for ways they can work with Mr. Trump and force Republican leaders to choose between their new president and their small-government, free-market principles. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, elected Wednesday as the new Democratic minority leader, has spoken with Mr. Trump several times, and Democrats in coming weeks plan to announce populist economic and ethics initiatives they think Mr. Trump might like. Democrats, who lost the White House and made only nominal gains in the House and Senate, face a profound decision after last weeks stunning defeat: Make common cause where they can with Mr. Trump to try to win back the white, working-class voters he took from them, or resist at every turn, trying to rally their disparate coalition in hopes that discontent with an ineffectual new president will benefit them in 2018. Mr. Trump campaigned on some issues that Democrats have long championed and Republicans resisted: spending more on roads, bridges and rail, punishing American companies that move jobs overseas, ending a lucrative tax break for hedge fund and private equity titans, and making paid maternity leave mandatory. British rock band Coldplay will stage their first concert in Korea in April next year. Hyundai Card said on Tuesday it will host the concert as part of the company's Super Concert project. It will be held on April 15, 2017. In the transitions first conference call with reporters on Wednesday night, aides to Mr. Trump said teams would be announced on Thursday to begin the formal handoff from the State, Justice and Defense Departments and the National Security Council. Sean Spicer, an adviser to Mr. Trump, said that the president-elect would also meet on Thursday with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Ms. Haley and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, among others as he builds his administration. Advisers to Mr. Trump said that reports of chaos were being spread by disgruntled former members of the transition or people bitter about the election results. Representative Devin Nunes of California, who is a member of the executive committee advising Mr. Trump and is the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said the transition was actually operating more efficiently because it was not filled with Washington elitists. The only people who are in chaos are the press, Mr. Nunes said. Aides to Mr. Trump acknowledged that members of the transition team had been fired since the ouster of Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey as the head of the transition. But they denied that the firings were the result of a purge of Mr. Christies allies orchestrated by Jared Kushner, Mr. Trumps son-in-law. Completely inaccurate, said Jason Miller, a spokesman for Mr. Trump. Instead, they said that the housecleaning was part of a renewed effort by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, the new transition chief, to eliminate lobbyists from the transition team. They declined to provide details about how many lobbyists had been fired or to name them, but said it was a priority. When we talk about draining the swamp, this is one of the first steps, Mr. Miller said. Mr. Trump has been ensconced in Trump Tower for days as he deliberates. A steady stream of potential nominees and transition officials arrived for meetings on Wednesday as the team released a list of 29 foreign leaders he and Mr. Pence had spoken with in recent days. You have a president-elect who has been elected on a platform of change from the outside, Mr. Stier said. This is distinctive in that there is not anybody in the inner orbit who has deep understanding of the institution that Trump is going to have to run. Setting the ground rules A memorandum of understanding between the White House chief of staff and the leader of the president-elects transition team is typically signed by both immediately after the election, as was the case when Mr. Obama was preparing to take office. The document governs the terms by which the presidents staff and that of the president-elect collaborate, including important nondisclosure requirements for both sides, and its completion unlocks the rest of the transition process. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey signed such an agreement on Nov. 8, before the election result was determined, but it was invalidated on Friday when Mr. Trump turned over the transition operation to Vice President-elect Mike Pence. A transition spokesman said late Tuesday that Mr. Pence had signed the document. But Brandi Hoffine, a White House spokeswoman, said the transition team had not yet provided the list of officials who would be participating in the process, a requirement before the handover can begin. Landing teams arrive Within a few days of the election, the landing teams are supposed to begin work at federal offices to learn about their inner workings, functions and responsibilities; to determine how to staff crucial positions there; and to figure out how they fit in with the new administrations goals and priorities. They receive briefings about the pressing issues facing the agencies and immediate tasks that the president-elect must undertake on Day 1. This crucial time period in November is when the incoming presidents team typically devises plans for carrying out top policy priorities and develops a budget proposal that will be presented early the next year, defining the administrations goals and laying out a pathway for achieving them. China isnt usually thought of as a funny place. State repression is one reason for that. Chinas leaders are deathly afraid of ridicule. And the China story has, for various reasons, tended to emphasize suffering, struggle and grievance. This is whats so refreshing about writers like Qian Zhongshu, who had an ear for wordplay, a nose for ingenious disingenuousness and the guts for scorched-earth satire. China in the early 20th century my books focus was, to put it mildly, a rough and tumble place. But it fostered a whole industry of mirth populated with cultural figures from hack jokesters to respectable writers slumming it as humorists. It seems that many Chinese humorists back then turned to cursing. Why? For a couple reasons. First, a print culture boom made disputes public as never before. Now youre taking down your adversary not in a teahouse, but in the newspaper. Slights and sarcasm quickly escalate to name-calling and character assassination. Writers with a penchant for funny insults became famous as renowned revilers ming ma cursing celebrities, if you will. Second, early 20th-century China was a violent place of rampaging militarists, political assassinations, foreign invasion and crushing poverty. Many critics felt that extreme conditions called for extreme rhetoric. Hypocrites, traitors and wimps became objects of contempt. Image Christopher Rea Credit... Julie M. Wang Can you share an example that could be printed in a family newspaper? In 1923, when the northern warlord Cao Kun bribed his way into the third presidency of the Republic of China, Wu Zhihui, one of the founders of the Chinese Nationalist Party, called him the sperm president. Wu reportedly explained this epithet as follows: If a man could turn each of his sperm into a human in one go, Cao could have just had his millions of descendants elect him and saved all the money he spent on bribes. What was the role of the writer Lin Yutang, who coined a term for humor: youmo? Lin Yutang was out to break a language barrier. Chinese had words for serious talk and funny talk, he claimed, but nothing in between. Existing Chinese terms for humor were tainted with associations like abusiveness, triviality or cynicism. Youmo would symbolize a new type of talk that was at once engaged and amusing. More than that, youmo was a new outlook: China was in crisis, but Lin wanted his countrymen to be self-confident enough to face it with a smile. And humor would enable him to be a critic of the government without getting shot. The authorities have expressed alarm about Dr. Naiks message and the reach of his influence. Dr. Naik, who was trained as a medical doctor and who addresses his followers in Western-style suits, has a television channel, Peace TV, that is popular with Muslims globally. In his speeches, Dr. Naik has harshly criticized the United States, saying that the Sept. 11 attacks may have been an inside job by President George W. Bush. Dr. Naik has also refused to renounce Osama bin Laden as a terrorist. I am hesitant to accept him as a terrorist or a saint, Dr. Naik said in a 2009 interview. He also characterized Islam as the most misunderstood religion in the world. Dr. Naik is often evasive when questioned over his more inflammatory statements, including one that supported suicide attacks. In a news conference in Mumbai in July, in which he appeared by videoconference from Saudi Arabia, he said that suicide attacks in which innocent people were killed were un-Islamic, but that the use of the tactic was justified in war. The authorities in India, with its long history of tension between Hindus and Muslims, have monitored Dr. Naiks activities, including his speeches and charitable work with the Islamic Research Foundation, which seeks to spread the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, according to its website. That scrutiny escalated after a Bangladeshi newspaper reported that one of the attackers in the July assault on a bakery in Dhaka that left 22 people dead had quoted Dr. Naiks teachings in a Facebook post. KABUL, Afghanistan A suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State affiliates in Afghanistan targeted the vehicle of an elite Afghan bodyguard force in Kabul on Wednesday, leaving at least six people dead and a dozen wounded. The attack, weeks after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bombing at a shrine in the western part of the city that killed at least 14 people, has raised concerns that the militant group is projecting its power beyond the foothold it has established in eastern Afghanistan, where Afghan forces have been busy fighting it. Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said a suicide bomber on foot struck a van carrying guards of an Afghan security unit responsible for protecting the countrys senior officials. The attack happened in a crowded part of the city as people were making their way to work in the morning. Mr. Sediqqi said six people were killed five civilians and one security official. Other officials put the casualty figure at seven dead four from the security force and at least a dozen wounded. YEONGJU, South Korea Kwon Pil-ju is trying desperately to teach herself English before she is reunited in the coming weeks with a son she sent away almost 40 years ago. I have so much to tell him, especially how sorry I am, she said, sitting in her bedroom, which doubles as her kitchen, in her one-floor rural home in Yeongju. But I am at a loss, because I dont know English and he cant speak Korean. Her son is Adam Crapser, 41, a Korean adoptee who is awaiting deportation from an immigration detention center in Washington State because he lacks American citizenship, even though he has lived in the United States since he was 3 years old. Last month, an immigration court denied his final request to stay in the United States. Until Mr. Crapsers fate was reported in a documentary broadcast by South Koreas MBC-TV last year, Ms. Kwon did not even know that the son she gave up in 1978 had been in the United States. MOSCOW A criminal conviction of a key opposition leader, Aleksei A. Navalny, was overturned on Wednesday by Russias Supreme Court, formally opening the door for him to run for office. Mr. Navalny was convicted in 2013 by a court in Kirov, Russia, and sentenced to five years in prison on charges of embezzling timber worth $500,000 from a state-owned company. In a surprise move, that court suspended the sentence shortly after it was announced, but the criminal conviction remained in force, barring Mr. Navalny from being a candidate. Mr. Navalny appealed to higher courts in Russia, and also had his case heard by the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled in February that Russia had violated his right to a fair trial. The human rights court ordered the Russian government to pay damages and reimburse his legal costs, a ruling that is legally binding on Russia. Mr. Navalny said on Wednesday that he was not satisfied with the Supreme Courts decision to wipe out his conviction and order a new trial of the case. ATHENS Having warned of the risks of a Trump presidency, President Obama returned on Wednesday to a more optimistic vision of the future of the United States, as part of his final international tour while in office. American democracy is bigger than any one person, Mr. Obama told an audience in Athens, before he departed for Berlin. That is why we have a tradition of the outgoing president welcoming the new one as I did last week. But he also acknowledged that such transfers of power were not always easy, and he noted that the diversity of American society made governing a challenge. As you may have noticed, the next American president and I could not be more different, Mr. Obama said to a ripple of laughter. A Swedish union has set up a hotline for workers to report instances of mansplaining as part of a weeklong effort to raise awareness of a certain kind of condescending elocution that men use to explain to women things they already understand. Well, actually, its not all men who do it, of course, but a certain kind of man. You know him: He is probably getting ready to mansplain this article to you. The hotline, which is temporary and open to men and women, was set up by Unionen, a trade union that represents about 600,000 private-sector employees in Sweden and describes itself as the largest white-collar union in the world. Our objective is to contribute to awareness and start a discussion which we hope will be the first step in changing the way we treat each other and talk about each other in the workplace, Jennie Zetterstrom, a union spokeswoman, said in an email on Wednesday. Mr. Palsson, who used to sell Iceland as a place to see the Northern Lights, employs an astronomer in his hotel. He has also invested in three expensive telescopes that are powerful enough for guests to see the rings on Saturn or the fuzzy glow of a distant dying star. Landsbref, a fund management company that was spun off from one of three failed Icelandic banks, set up a $37 million tourism fund. Reykjavik looks like a Scandinavian version of Singapore: compact, clean, orderly, and rich. Streets are lined with Crayola-color houses and Mercedes cars. Chic coffeehouses sell kale-and-date sandwiches, and play Ethiopian jazz. Restaurants offer inventive Nordic cuisine using local ingredients like puffin and shark. (One chef also proudly announced that Iceland now grows cucumbers, albeit in a greenhouse.) The 101, a boutique hotel that was once an exclusive hangout for bankers (101 is also the citys richest postal code), is now filled with tourists. In a possible dig at the hotels former denizens, a sculpture of what looked like a gray-suited banker hung on one wall, with a cryptic instruction, Disconnect the battery, remove the rear hood and hinge brackets, inscribed beneath it. Tourists come from as far as Hong Kong. They chase the Northern Lights. They scale glaciers. They dive in the Arctic Circle with puffins, go horseback riding or take helicopter tours listening to ethereal, whale-like sounds by the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. Fans of Game of Thrones flock to filming locations around the island, some, apparently, genuinely in search of Wildlings. Outside the capital, thick white plumes of steam, which are harnessed for Icelands energy needs, rise in the sky, as if the earth were vaping. Hot springs are everywhere, even in peoples backyards. President Park Geun-hye is digging in her heels amid a snowballing scandal, insisting on the threadbare dignity of her office even as the trail of criminal activity leads straight to her inner sanctum. Cheong Wa Dae made it clear on Tuesday that the beleaguered president is not considering resigning and demanded that prosecutors postpone questioning her and do it on paper rather than face to face. Presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told reporters that Park is "considering all options" to deal with the massive influence-peddling scandal involving her crony Choi Soon-sil. But when asked whether she is considering stepping down, Jung said, "Not that." Park is also reluctant to set a timeframe for her to resign eventually after forming a transitional Cabinet that will handle the next election to choose a new leader. The president is mulling another address to the nation after two previous apologies failed to quell protests. She is expected to lay out plans for the appointment of a new prime minister with special powers to handle domestic affairs. Regarding calls for Park to be impeached, a Cheong Wa Dae official said, "Impeachment is handled by the National Assembly according to the Constitution and not a matter for us to talk about." President Park Geun-hye's lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha talks to reporters in front of the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul on Tuesday. Park's lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha in a press conference in front of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul said, "An investigation of the president should be carried out in a way that minimizes any effect on the performance of her duties." "It is reasonable that any investigation of the president should take place in the final stage after the prosecution has established factual grounds by looking into all allegations." Yoo also demanded investigators question Park in writing and requested them to give him more time to check the facts behind a series of allegations linking the president to the scandal. He said prosecutors should minimize the number of face-to-face interviews even if they are inevitable. But prosecutors are insisting on a face-to-face interview on Thursday if Wednesday is not possible. Meanwhile, Moon Jae-in, a former chief of what is now the Minjoo Party and leading presidential hopeful, vowed to begin a nationwide drive to oust Park. "I shall work with the people on a nationwide movement until the president announces her unconditional resignation," Moon told reporters, and vowed to work with other opposition parties and civic groups. Up to 1 million people from all walks of life marched peacefully on Cheong Wa Dae on Saturday calling for the resignation of Park, whose approval rating has fallen to an all-time low of five percent. Read this article in Korean MOSCOW President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia instructed his government on Wednesday to withdraw from the treaty that created the International Criminal Court, while his government assailed the tribunal as ineffective and one-sided. The action was largely symbolic, because Russia like the United States has not ratified the treaty and is not under the courts jurisdiction. But it was another setback for the fairly young court, which handles cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity and is an emblem of the international order that is being shaken by populist revolts across the West. Essentially, this is just a gratuitous slap in the face, not a body blow, said Kate Cronin-Furman, a human rights lawyer and political scientist at the Harvard Kennedy School, who predicted that the election of Donald J. Trump as president of the United States would lead to more harm for the court. Burundi, Gambia and South Africa moved recently to withdraw from the court, calling it biased because all the people it had convicted so far had been Africans or because, in the case of South Africa, it disagreed with the courts mandate to prosecute any individual, including a head of state. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: We dont have lot of expectations, because the American administration is not only about the president. Its about the different powers within this administration, the different lobby that they are going to influence any president. So we have to wait and see when he embarks in a new mission, lets say opposition, within this administration as president in two months time. But we always say we have wishful thinking that the United States would be unbiased, respect the international law, doesnt interfere in other different countries around the world, and of course stop supporting terrorist in Syria. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: Of course, I would say this is promising. But can he deliver? Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the media, the main stream media that were against him, how can he deal with it? Thats why for us its still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. Thats why we are very cautious in judging him especially as he wasnt in a political position before, so we cannot tell anything about what he is going to do but if, I say if, if he is going to fight the terrorists, of course were going to be ally, natural ally in that regard, with the Russians, with Iranians, with many other countries who want to defeat the terrorists. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: Of course, if they are genuine, if they have the will, if they have the ability, of course we are first one to fight the terrorists, because we suffer more than any other one in this war from terrorists. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: When we talk about cooperation, it means cooperation on between two legal government, not cooperation between a government or foreign government and any faction within Syria. Any cooperation that doesnt go through the Syrian government is not legal, and if its not legal we cannot cooperate with, and we dont recognise and we dont accept. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: Russia is very important, Iran is very important, Hezbollah is very important, all of them are important, each one made important achievements against the terrorists in Syria, so its difficult to say who is more important than the other. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: The most important part of their support is the aerial support, which is very essential, they have very strong fire power, and at the same time they are the main supplier of our army for more than 60 years, so our army depends on the Russia support in different military domains. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: No, first of all, we are fully free - not partially - fully free, in everything related to the future of Syria. Second which is more important to us, as important as the first part or the first factor that the Russians, the Russians always base their policies on values, these values are the sovereignty of other countries, international law, respecting other people, other cultures, so they dont interfere in whatever related to the future of Syria or the Syrian people. // (SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN PRESIDENT, BASHAR AL-ASSAD, SAYING: No, we are on the way to democracy, we didnt say we are fully democratic, we are on the way. We are moving forward, slowly or fast, thats subjective, cannot be objective, thats always subjective, but we are moving forward in that regard of course. But the criteria or the paradigm for us is not the western, the west, not the western paradigm because the west has its own culture, we have our own culture, they have their own reality, we have our own reality. So our democracy should reflect our culture and our habits and our customs and our reality at the same time. LOD, Israel It would be easy to miss the mosque in a temporary building with a concrete floor and corrugated roof. But it is impossible to miss the constellation of six loudspeakers atop a giant metal structure resembling the Eiffel Tower. Five times a day, starting well before dawn, these loudspeakers broadcast the muezzins call to prayer in Lod, a city of Arabs and Jews near Ben-Gurion International Airport, and therein lies one more friction point in a country full of them. One groups expression of faith is anothers noise pollution, and Israels government is planning a crackdown. A proposal backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and initially endorsed this week by his ministers would authorize the government to ban the use of loudspeakers by mosques and other houses of worship across Israel. For many on both sides of the nations sectarian line, few questions could prove more provocative than whether the muezzin should be muzzled. The call to prayer is a symbol of Islam, said Adel Elfar, the imam of the Lod mosque, one of several that have been controversial here. This is something thats existed for 1,426 years. He said that he could hear bells from a Christian church in town and that Jewish residents drove around the city every couple of months broadcasting from loudspeakers on their vehicles. The call of every religion, if you get rid of extremism, shouldnt bother anybody, he added. The triple bill Chroma, Multiverse and Carbon Life, running through Saturday suggests all of that, but it also reveals some of the characteristic weaknesses of Mr. McGregors work. The movement is fascinating, unexpected and virtuosic. But it is all too often without the structural underpinning that organizes the viewers eye, so that the intricacy and detail get lost in a blur of relentless activity. Intriguing ideas often remain the province of program essays rather than imbuing the dance. Image Wayne McGregor was appointed by Monica Mason, then the director of the Royal Ballet, 10 years ago. Credit... Nick Mead Chroma, newly energized at these performances by the participation of members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (which has the ballet in its own repertory), holds its own. Performed to a shimmering orchestral score by Joby Talbot and Jack White of the White Stripes and against a white, minimalist set designed by John Pawson, the dance seems to take place in a heaven of fiercely committed struggle and resolution. On Monday, it was invigorated by the Ailey-Royal Ballet contrast of raw physicality and balletic finesse, and by the sheer scale lent to the movement by the height and muscularity of Jamar Roberts (terrific in a duet with a superb Lauren Cuthbertson) and Jeroboam Bozeman. In Chroma, Mr. McGregor shows an ability to parse his material in ways that are easy to read, evolving between duets, solos and ensemble sections, with just enough speed, surprise and sensory overload to feel thrilling. He is less successful in Multiverse, his 15th ballet for the company, which is a strange mix of compelling and dull. The ballet begins extremely well, with a grippingly difficult duet for two men (Luca Acri and Marcelino Sambe on Monday) set to one of Mr. Reichs earliest pieces, Its Gonna Rain (1965), which Mr. McGregor asked to use when the composers new piece, Runner, turned out to be just 15 minutes. The juxtaposition of this early work two recorded loops of a preachers apocalyptic account of Noahs flood that are played in and out of sync and the new, more melodic, composition is a terrific one. And the fiercely mathematical structure, timing and precision of the male duet perfectly replicates the tension and fear evoked by the music. In the second section of Its Gonna Rain, 14 dancers pour onto the stage, shaped in a V by grid-patterned walls that then fill with fragmented images of Theodore Gericaults Raft of the Medusa, and photographs of refugees spilling out of boats. (The set design is by Rashid Rana.) The allusions and correspondences are clear but feel theoretical; Mr. McGregor keeps the dancers going at such a relentless pace through a succession of pas de deux and interwoven group movements that after a while it is hard to really see, or feel, anything at all. The popularizing intention of Kirschs project is reflected in the kind of elucidation he provides for each of these books. What it amounts to is synopsis with explanatory glosses and some attention to the historical contexts of each of the works. Many of these writers will be unfamiliar or known only by hearsay to most readers Philo, Josephus, Benjamin of Tudela, Gluckel of Hameln, Solomon Maimon, Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Someone who has actually read any of the books say, Sholem Aleichems Tevye the Dairyman will find an intelligent interpretive summary but no real revelations. For the aim is to evoke for the general and no doubt uninitiated reader the startling differences in Jewish cultural trends through the ages. The Jews, it emerges from these sundry texts, have not been one thing but many things: Philo, who was convinced that he could reconcile Greek philosophy with the Bible; Josephus, a Jewish general in the rebellion against Rome who went over to the Romans and then wrote two proud histories of the Jews in Greek; Spinoza, who after being excommunicated by the Jewish community of Amsterdam marked out a new space for himself as perhaps the first secular Jew; the Hasidic master Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav, who combined the mystical symbolism of the Zohar with the narrative enchantment of European folk tales. The People and the Books, then, is not meant to be a work of innovative scholarship. Rather, it conjures up, through the concrete evidence of these 18 texts, the many different directions Jews have taken as they have struggled with the contradictions between reason and revelation, the ambiguities and perils of living in one diaspora or another, the politics of Jewish existence and the new challenges of modernity. Aptness rather than originality is the chief virtue of this book. At certain points, one wishes that Kirsch, elsewhere an incisive critic, had devoted more space to a critical assessment of his writers, as, for example, when he notes in passing that Yehuda Halevis philosophic argument for Judaism may be in some ways troubling but then says nothing about the intellectual scandal of Halevis theology-based racism. In any case, the summaries of the books are lucid, vivid and likely to provide helpful instruction even to those who will never read the books. Here, for example, is Kirschs evocation of the role of symbolism in the Zohar: It is the sheer proliferation of symbols that gives the Zohar its atmosphere of teeming, chaotic creativity. Everything, in the Zohar, is related to everything else. The vowel-points of Hebrew letters, the way a flame rises from a wick, the colors of the rainbow, the form of the human body, sexual intercourse, rivers and fountains, seeds with their husks and kernels, even the hairs of a beard all exist in order to teach us esoteric truths about the nature of God. A reader may never be tempted to dip into the arcane text of the Zohar, even with the aid of Daniel C. Matts splendid new translation and commentary, but he or she will come away with some sense of what the Zohar is all about and why it has exerted such appeal for generations of Jews. The Kennedy administration had opposed airing the documentary. On top of the safety concerns and ethical questions raised by the payments, the White House argued that NBC was dangerously heightening tensions between the two superpowers at the peak of Cold War anxiety. As Bobby Kennedy, the presidents brother and attorney general, summed it up, That was a terrible thing you people did, buying that tunnel. But for the NBC correspondent Piers Anderton, the subject was irresistible and the peril integral to the drama. This was history in the making, Greg Mitchell writes in The Tunnels, cinema verite, danger at every turn, day after day, happening right in front of the cameras eye one might call it something new for TV, a reality show filmed at the front line of the Cold War. The book chronicles the mad moment between the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and the Cuban missile crisis over a year later, when residents of the divided German capital were gripped by an obsession with tunneling. After the East German government decided to block the flow of refugees streaming into West Germany with barbed wire and concrete, people jumped from windows and roofs, crawled under the wires, climbed over the barriers and crashed through checkpoints behind the wheels of trucks. As border guards shot to kill, the need for new approaches became apparent. One obvious solution was to go under instead of over or through the wall. According to Mitchell, work began on roughly 75 tunnels, of which fewer than 20 were successful. But those few successes were touted in the press with photos and testimonials, stoking a sensation. NBC and CBS competed to see which would be the first to film a tunnel for their news programs, even as Hollywood beat them to the punch with a feature film called Escape From East Berlin. MGM built a plaster replica of the wall in West Berlin that was 300 yards long and became a tourist attraction. Knowing that filming near the real wall would draw the attention of East German sentries, the filmmakers used them as unwitting extras. A crew recorded the guards flashing their spotlights across the border. Talk about realism! the director Robert Siodmak exclaimed. A large staircase with a decorative metal railing and a wooden handrail ascends to the second floor, with a 20-foot stained and etched glass window on the midlevel landing. The staircase is topped by a glazed dome skylight. The master bedroom has a bay window and a gray marble fireplace, along with an en-suite bathroom and a dressing room. Two of the other six bedrooms also have en-suite bathrooms with old-fashioned claw-foot bathtubs. The third-floor attic rooms have skylights and access to the homes roof, with expansive views of the countryside and the local parish church, Mr. Houston said. A sweeping driveway approaches Springfield, leading to two 200-year-old trees: a cedar and a giant redwood. The rear of the home has box hedges. Most of the property is formally landscaped, except for two paddocks and apple orchards now used for sheep grazing. Springfield is surrounded by farmland, with the nearest grocery being two miles away. The city of Lisburn, with a population of about 120,000, is around four miles away, and the village of Hillsborough, with Hillsborough Castle, which is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she is in Northern Ireland, is about five miles away. Central Belfast and the international airport are a drive of about 20 minutes, while central Dublin is about an hour and 45 minutes away, Mr. Houston said. MARKET OVERVIEW Home prices in Northern Ireland began growing steadily in 2012, after having crashed by about 40 percent to 50 percent after the summer of 2007 because of the global real estate crisis, said Patrick Palmer, a partner-director with Templeton Robinson, who has the listing. Home prices have risen anywhere from 3 percent to 5 percent a year in recent years, depending on the market segment, said Conor Cooke, a partner with the Forestside branch of Ulster Property Sales, which focuses on the Belfast region. Its an awful lot better than it was five or six years ago, Mr. Cooke said, and were getting back into a consistent market and one thats sustainable. The June referendum in which a majority of Britons voted to leave the European Union has not affected the housing market in Northern Ireland, Mr. Cooke said. With Chris, it was just all about making your brain a little softer and really sort of investing in your body, in your heart and, I guess, in your soul, said Mr. Craig, who plays Brighella. He and others spoke of listening with their entire selves an alertness thats particularly necessary in a show like Servant, whose unscripted sections mean it changes with each performance. Mr. Bayess actors have to be ready for whatever their cast mates throw at them, whether or not it ends up working. You have to be O.K. with looking stupid, Ms. Wisan said. You have to be O.K. with failing. You have to be O.K. with looking ugly. And these are a lot of things that as actors I think were often really afraid to do. Yet to those who sign on, that is part of the thrill. Earlier this month, onstage equilibrium got harder to achieve. Traditionally, commedia has had a topical component in its improvisation. It is, Mr. Bayes said, inherently political. This Servant is no different. But its mood altered significantly between election eve and the next performance, the day people woke up to the votes results. Our job changed last night, from being provocateurs to being healers, Mr. Bayes said that morning. So when the actors took the stage in the evening, not knowing how the audience would respond, they followed his counsel to temper the shows angry bits. There were still a lot of political jokes, Ms. Wisan said, but it was a gentler show, too. And there was, as always, a quality that moves her in any piece she does with Mr. Bayes that one-two punch of joke, joke, heart. Speak Up if Something Goes Wrong Between Uber, Lyft, Gett and Sidecar (now defunct), Ive taken hundreds of trips via ride-share service. Ive never had an accident or an aggressively bad experience, but there have been occasional problems. The most common is a driver who accepts rides seemingly without any intention of picking up the passenger. This can happen with drivers who operate both Uber and Lyft simultaneously; they will accept rides on both platforms to keep their acceptance rate high (necessary to get incentive bonuses) but complete only one of them. The stranded passenger, they hope, will simply give up and cancel the ride (sometimes granting the driver a cancellation fee). If you request a ride and see that your driver is actively driving away from you, take a few screenshots on your phone to prove that the car is moving away from the pickup location. Call or text the driver and request that they cancel the ride. If they refuse, say you will dispute any cancellation fee and email the ride-share company detailing what happened (I have always been refunded fees when this occurs). Be Safe I have never felt in danger while in a shared car, but I am a sizable man. There have been many safety incidents, including drivers charged with sexually assaulting female passengers. While there are no comprehensive statistics comparing the threat of assault in a ride-share with that of a regular taxi, there are a few things riders can do to stay safe. First, always verify the car make and license plate number. That information is provided in-app when you request a ride. You can also ask the driver who theyre picking up. Dont say, Hi, Uber for Lucas? but rather, Hi, who are you picking up? Second, you dont have to enter your home address as a pick-up or drop-off point. Some passengers may feel more comfortable being dropped off or picked up at a nearby business or intersection. Finally, if at any point you feel unsafe, tell the driver to pull over, end the ride and send a report to the company. To Tip or Not One of the many appealing things about ride-share apps is that they provide a cashless experience no fumbling around for loose bills when youre exiting the car. When you arrive at your destination, you simply get out. But many riders wonder if its actually that simple. Some drivers have decried the lack of tips openly on online drivers forum. Lyft and Gett allow tipping within the app and advertise that drivers keep 100 percent of their tips. Uber does not offer in-app tipping, and has recently adopted a policy of you can, but you dont have to with regards to gratuities. My opinion? If your driver has been particularly helpful (loading groceries, handling heavy luggage, driving to an out-of-the-way location), theres no harm in slipping them $5 at the end of the ride. Rates are so far below that of a traditional taxi (Lyft, for example, is 70 cents a mile in Detroit and 90 cents a mile in Chicago; UberX is $1.75 a mile in New York City) that youre still saving. And your passenger rating will certainly benefit from it. Prosecutors have discovered text messages on the mobile phone of a former presidential secretary showing the bizarre extent to which President Park Geun-hye relied on her longtime friend Choi-soon-sil's opinion in running the country. According to prosecutors, Park repeatedly sent text messages to Jeong Ho-seong asking, "Did Mrs. Choi confirm this?" Other text messages allegedly sent by Park show the president prodding Jeong to obtain Choi's feedback more quickly. Evidence suggests that Choi, a woman with no official post or obvious qualifications other than influence peddling, was regularly sent classified Cheong Wa Dae documents, from presidential speeches to documents relating to secret military discussions about North Korea. Park aides' mobile phones have proved a mine of information showing just how far Choi's influence went, from appointing cronies to high office to meddling in government schedules. Prosecutors have discovered audio recordings of Choi urging Jeong to set up a Cabinet meeting schedule. The recording was made ahead of Park's trip abroad and strongly suggest that it was Choi who ran the president's diary, including whether a Cabinet meeting should take place before or after a trip. The government is sending a delegation led by Cho Tae-yong, a Cheong Wa Dae adviser for national security, to the U.S. for talks with the transition team of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. The Park Geun-hye administration has moved faster than previous governments as the real estate tycoon has made some very alarming noises about the Korea-U.S. alliance and trade on the campaign trail. "We're going to explain our position and try to have it reflected in U.S. policies as much as possible in advance, given that unlike his predecessors Trump doesn't seem to have formulated complete policies toward the Korean Peninsula and East Asia yet," a government source said. The decision was also spurred by news that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Trump in New York this week. But some critics warn that a hasty meeting could backfire. Meanwhile, North Korea is also moving fast to gauge out the atmosphere in the U.S. after Trump's victory. Choe Son-hui, the head of the North Korean Foreign Ministry's bureau handling U.S. affairs, will talk in Switzerland with U.S. experts including Joel Wit, a former North Korea analyst at the U.S. State Department, Kyodo News reported. But a Foreign Ministry official here said there is nothing to worry about. "There is nothing special in the U.S.-North Korea meeting in Geneva, which is just part of a private-level approach," he added. The Totally Tustin Food and Wine Festival on Sunday evening was hardly a bust, but the money it raised will go toward a bust of Columbus Tustin, who founded the city in 1868. About 600 attendees sampled cuisine from 27 restaurants in the courtyard of the Clifton C. Miller Community Center. The gala also offered wine, beer and cocktails as well as dancing and 70s music. It was the second annual charity event sponsored by the Tustin Chamber of Commerce to raise funds for enhancing the esthetics of Old Town. Last year, money collected via the food and wine festival went to decorate the ficus trees lining Old Towns streets with white lights year round rather than only during the holidays. The city did not have the budget for that, so we contributed $20,000 to make it happen, said Chamber of Commerce chair Cris Cusac. This year, the money will pay for a 3-foot-tall bronze bust of Tustin and its pedestal. The artwork will be displayed on the corner of Camino Real and Main Street, in front of Tustin Area Historical Society. Tustin purchased from Spain 840 acres between what is now Lyon Street and Newport Avenue. He set aside land for a school for his five children. A post office, several stores, a blacksmith and a saloon soon popped up in the town known as Tustin. Sculptor Miriam Baker, who has created sculptures throughout Orange County including at Balboa Island and Chapman University has been commissioned for the bust. We plan to add more artwork each year, Cusac said. Totally Tustin is a very successful event. Contact the writer: sgoulding@scng.com BEIRUT Russian missiles pounded opposition targets in Syria on Tuesday, the start of a much-anticipated offensive, while activists reported the resumption of bombing in rebel-held neighborhoods of Aleppo for the first time in nearly a month, apparently by Syrian government warplanes. The Russian blitz began hours after President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed Syria in a phone call and agreed on the need to combine efforts in the fight against what the Kremlin called their No. 1 enemy international terrorism and extremism. Russia said its offensive, using long-range missiles and its carrier-borne jets in combat for the first time on opposition areas in Syria, focused on rebel-held northern Idlib province and parts of the central province of Homs. It didnt mention the besieged eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo. The new offensive was a sharp snub to the Obama administration and its policy toward Syria, and augurs a major escalation in the coming days that would put tens of thousands of civilians in serious danger. Months of negotiations between Moscow and the Obama administration have failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between President Bashar Assad and rebels fighting to topple him, some of whom receive U.S. aid. Al-Qaidas Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo. In announcing the start of what he called a major operation, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said it would target positions of Islamic State and al-Qaidas Syrian affiliate in Idlib and Homs provinces. He did not mention Aleppo. Appearing alongside Putin, Shoigu said Su-33 jets from the aircraft carrier Adm. Kuznetsov were involved in the operation, marking the carriers combat debut in Syria. A Russian navy frigate was also launching long-range Kalibr cruise missiles at militant targets, he said. The Russian strikes were aimed at ammunition depots, training camps and armaments factories, Shoigu said, adding that before launching the attacks, military intelligence had thoroughly identified and selected targets, including factories producing toxic chemical agents. Its a well-developed, industrial-scale production, he said, adding that the strikes will continue. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau criticized Russia for launching the strikes and failing to facilitate aid deliveries to opposition-held areas of Aleppo. We strongly condemn the resumption of airstrikes in Syria by the Russians as well as the Syrian regime, she told reporters in Washington. Weve consistently pushed for the provision of humanitarian aid to these civilians suffering under siege. Instead of joining us constructively to reach that goal, Russia again has backed the Assad regime in their ruthless war against the Syrian people. Trudeau also condemned reports of attacks on hospitals and a mobile clinic in Syria, saying Washington believes they are a violation of international law. Hours before the start of the Russian offensive on Tuesday, at least three hospitals in rural parts of Aleppo province controlled by the rebels were knocked out of service following direct airstrikes, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. Russian Defense Ministry Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov denied any airstrikes on hospitals or any other target in Aleppo, calling the allegations blatant lies. The Russian and Syrian air forces havent conducted any strikes on Aleppo for 28 days, Konashenkov said. Opposition activists said strikes on opposition-held areas of Aleppo included helicopter-borne barrel bombs like the ones used by the Syrian government in the past, and targeted multiple neighborhoods throughout the day. People are scared. The bombardment is intense, activist Baraa al-Halaby, who is based in eastern Aleppo, said via text message. By late afternoon, Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Syrian Civil Defense in Aleppo city, said his group had counted 72 air raids in nine neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo. Initial reports showed seven people were killed and 32 were wounded in attacks that mostly hit residential areas in the besieged city, he said. Sounds of warplanes flying at low altitude could be heard over the phone as he spoke. A resident of rebel-held eastern Aleppo reported more Syrian ground troops were being deployed on the citys edge, saying he feared a major ground operation was looming. Some 275,000 residents are estimated to be trapped in that part of Aleppo. There is real preparation (for an offensive) now, Wissam Zarqa, an English teacher, said by telephone. Meanwhile, a reporter for Syrian state TV, speaking from government-held western Aleppo, said Syrian troops were preparing to attack eastern parts of the city from nine directions. Four weeks ago, Russia said it would halt weeks of deadly airstrikes to allow rebels and supporters to leave eastern Aleppo. The rebels refused to take up the offer and the United Nations failed to negotiate the delivery of aid into the besieged area. No aid has entered the area since July, and the U.N. and aid groups have warned of depleting supplies. Besides the reported strikes on hospitals in Aleppo province on Tuesday, the U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights said another hospital east of the city of Idlib was hit by an airstrike on Sunday. Since Syrias conflict started in 2011, the group said it has recorded 382 attacks on medical facilities and hospitals throughout Syria. Of those, 293 were carried out by government forces and 16 were by Russian warplanes, it said. Over and over again, hospitals and emergency rooms are placed in the crosshairs of a conflict that seems endless and unyielding in its cruelty, said Elise Baker, research coordinator for the rights group. As long as Syria and Russia continue their scorched earth strategy across the country, there are no safe havens. ST. PAUL, Minn. When Philando Castile was pulled over in July, he calmly told the officer he had a gun and was licensed to carry it, according to prosecutors. Moments later, the officer fired on the motorist, and a bleeding Castile uttered his last words: I wasnt reaching for it. On Wednesday, that officer was charged with second-degree manslaughter following an investigation by prosecutors, who concluded that Jeronimo Yanez was wrong to use his weapon in the traffic stop, which was seen by millions after Castiles girlfriend streamed his final gruesome moments live on Facebook. No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, wouldve used deadly force under these circumstances, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said. Prosecutors believe Castile never tried to pull his handgun from his pocket, and Yanezs unreasonable fear did not justify the shooting, Choi said. If convicted, the officer could face up to 10 years in prison. Diamond Reynolds was sitting next to her boyfriend in the car. She said he was shot repeatedly as he reached for his ID after telling Yanez about the weapon and the gun permit. The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. No charges were filed against the officer in that case, but Browns death led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible. Yanez, who worked in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Anthony, was scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday. His attorney, Tom Kelly, has said Yanez, who is Latino, was reacting to the presence of a gun. Kelly has also said that one reason Yanez made the stop was because he thought Castile looked like a possible match for an armed robbery suspect. Choi said Wednesday that Castile was not a suspect in that robbery. Castiles relatives have said they believe the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was racially profiled. Kelly did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment Wednesday. Castiles mother, Valerie Castile, said her family was pleased with the charge. It is necessary for everyone to understand that we want peace, she said. We dont want any protests to get outrageous. Castiles shooting prompted numerous protests, including a demonstration outside the governors mansion that went on for weeks and one protest that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers who were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects. About 100 protesters gathered early Wednesday evening outside the JJ Hill Montessori School in St. Paul where Castile was a longtime cafeteria worker. Some carried signs that read No Justice, No Peace and Black Lives Matter. The group said they would continue to advocate for justice until the case is resolved. We havent won the war, but we won a battle, activist Loretta VanPelt told the crowd. Choi resisted pressure to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but he added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He said Wednesday that he reviewed the case himself instead of sending it to a grand jury in the interest of transparency. He gave a detailed account of the shooting, describing a routine traffic stop that turned frantic after Castile told the officer he was carrying a gun. He was not required to do so by law. Yanez had his hand on his holster before Castile could finish his sentence and repeatedly shouted Dont pull it out as Castile insisted he wasnt, Choi said. Within a minute of the initial stop, Yanez unholstered his gun and fired seven shots at Castile. There was no sign Castile reached for a gun or posed any threat, Choi said. Yanezs partner at the scene did not take out his own gun. Castiles weapon was later found deep in a front pocket of his shorts, with a loaded magazine but no bullet in the chamber. His dying words were in protest that he wasnt reaching for his gun, Choi said. There simply was no objective threat posed to officer Yanez. Squad car video captured the entire event, including audio and subsequent conversations Yanez had with other officers, Choi said. Prosecutors have no plans to release the video at this time because it is evidence in the case against Yanez. Reynolds and her attorney recalled how quickly she pulled out her phone and began streaming, saying the video was a factor in Chois decision. Without my recording, she said, we wouldnt be here today. Forliti reported from Minneapolis, AP reporter Jeff Baenen contributed from St. Paul. LOS ANGELES A Newport Beach physician who faked his own death to dodge an insurance fraud case and was arrested after hiding in Russia and Egypt for 14 years pleaded guilty Tuesday to fleeing the district to evade justice. Tigran Svadjian, 58, entered his plea to a single federal count of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, a felony that carries a five-year maximum sentence. He is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 9 in Los Angeles. Svadjian was arrested in Egypt in July and escorted back to the U.S. by federal agents 14 years after he fled to Russia, court papers show. In 2002, he was facing federal health care fraud charges in Sacramento for allegedly bilking the state Medi-Cal program out of more than $2.4 million in fraudulent insurance billings. After agreeing to cooperate with the governments investigation, Svadjian was allowed to travel to Moscow to visit his ailing mother. But in October 2002, federal officials were notified that Svadjian died of pneumonia while in Russia and his remains had been cremated. The fraud charges were eventually dismissed. Svadjian had been hiding in Egypt for much of the past 14 years, most recently working as a part-time scuba instructor. He was en route to Russia with a fake passport when he was apprehended. Federal authorities indicated that the fraud charges would not be reinstated. MOSUL, Iraq Explosions and gunfire rattled parts of eastern Mosul and Islamic State militants fired mortars from apartment windows Tuesday as Iraqi special forces waged fierce urban combat in the countrys second-largest city. Hundreds of civilians filled the streets clamoring for food and cigarettes in recently retaken neighborhoods where supplies were running low. Some of the troops handed over their own rations. Iraqi forces say they have largely cleared the neighborhoods of Zahra and Qadisiya in eastern Mosul after pushing into the area Nov. 4. The operation to retake the militant-held city began Oct. 17 and troops made swift progress before their advances slowed once they pushed into more densely populated areas. Iraqi forces moving in from the south have maintained slow progress and remain more than 12 miles from central Mosul. This morning, we have like 1,000 people from the civilians, who escape from this area to safer area, said Ali Tahseen, a special forces solider in eastern Mosul. Mosul has been under the tight control of the extremists for more than two years and is still home to some 1 million civilians. Aid groups have warned of a humanitarian crisis if hundreds of thousands are forced from their homes during the military operation. This is a problem for us because the food we have is not enough for them and were waiting for more food to be sent from the government, said Maj. Salam al-Obeidi. Now the Iraqi soldier is giving his food to the civilians. Residents gathered on the streets to exchange news. A long line grew outside a shop selling cigarettes, where people argued and bought dozens of packs each now that the extremists and their smoking bans were gone. Before, it was prohibited, cigarettes are prohibited, said one resident, Hani Hamed, laughing happily. Now we are free to smoke, so they are buying lots of cigarettes. Near the northeastern Zahra district, explosions and gunfire erupted as the special forces advanced. Islamic State militants fired mortar rounds on the troops from apartment windows in the al-Samah neighborhood, wounding at least seven civilians when the shells landed in the streets below. The army set up a field clinic with seven beds in a dust-swept open area to treat wounded troops and civilians. Teaming up with foreign volunteers, Iraqi medics administered first aid before sending the wounded to the hospital. There was heavy shooting near us. ISIS were there, said Musenna Abdulla, who fled Mosul on foot. They are not afraid of God, they destroyed us. And the last thing they did is they came to our house and set up a mortar position near our house and started shooting. We told them that there are civilians, but they didnt care. Warplanes from the U.S.-led coalition flew at low altitude while columns of smoke rose over the city. In Qadisiya, a district that the special forces repeatedly have declared to be cleared, Islamic State fighters launched a fierce counterattack Monday, said Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi. Two dozen men in suicide vests charged the front lines in a three-hour battle that killed 20 militants and severely wounded a special forces soldier. The Iraqi armed forces do not release casualty figures, but field medics have noted dozens of killed and wounded since the battle for Mosul began. At a news conference, Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan said the military has driven Islamic State out from over a third of the eastern half of the city, which is divided by the Tigris River. More than a third of this side has been liberated, Maan told reporters at the Qayara air base, a main port of entry south of the city for forces. Iraqi forces, however, appear to have a fragile hold on much of that territory and have repeatedly suffered heavy casualties from heavy Islamic State counterattacks. Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led forces supporting the operation, said at the same news conference that airstrikes had destroyed 59 suicide car bombs and over 80 tunnels. We will continue to strike the enemy for as long as it takes for the Iraqi flag to be raised over Mosul and every other corner of this country, he said, adding that the coalition had conducted over 4,000 strikes with warplanes and artillery since the campaign began. Smoke from oil wells and a chemical plant torched by Islamic State militants near Mosul has forced over 1,500 people to seek treatment for respiratory problems, the U.N. said. The fires have spewed toxic smoke for 25 to 60 days, affecting 14 towns, the U.N. humanitarian affairs coordination office said. There could be serious mid- and long-term effects on health, the environment, agriculture and livelihoods, it added. In late October, Islamic State shelled and set fire to the al-Mishraq Sulfur Gas Factory south of Mosul, and the toxic fumes killed at least four people, the U.N. said, comparing the attack to the use of chemical weapons. Nearby oil wells set ablaze by Islamic State have been burning uncontrollably since June. In Baghdad, meanwhile, bombings in and around the city killed at least 14 people Tuesday and wounded more than 50, Iraqi officials said. The attacks targeted outdoor markets, Shiite pilgrims and Sunni tribal fighters who oppose the Islamic State, police said. The casualty figures were confirmed by medical authorities, who along with the other officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release information. No group claimed responsibility immediately for the attacks, but they bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group, which has taken credit for similar bombings. The extremists repeatedly target Iraqs Shiite majority and security forces. Jail informant Landon Horning was schizophrenic and off his medication when he testified as the prosecutions key witness in the 2007 murder trial of Ricardo Salas in Orange County Superior Court. But Salas says Orange County prosecutors never told his trial lawyer about Hornings mental condition, a violation of legal ethics and state law. Salas also says Horning lied on the stand about his medication and that the prosecutor did not correct those misstatements. Although the prosecution knew of Hornings brain damage, drug addiction and mental illness, it never disclosed that information, wrote Pasadena attorney Tarik Adlai in a 64-page legal brief submitted in July. Salas, who was 23 when he was convicted and is serving life without the possibility of parole, is seeking a new trial. Prosecutors deny the allegations and say theyll offer details about their side of the argument in a legal brief due to be submitted to the court on Friday. The Salas conviction is one of many questionable cases bubbling up in Orange Countys nationally watched snitch crisis a 31/2-year-old controversy over local law enforcements alleged misuse of jailhouse informants and the withholding of evidence favorable to the defense. At least a half-dozen high-profile murder or attempted murder cases have been affected or overturned in the past three years after judges either agreed with defense claims that Orange County prosecutors violated legal rules or prosecutors agreed to plea deals. Last year, three dozen legal scholars and former prosecutors from around the country signed a letter urging a federal investigation of the justice system in Orange County. The allegations in the Salas case, backed by sheriffs records, are seen by some experts as the most egregious example of long-running legal violations. It seems not enough caution has been introduced into the prosecutorial decision-making process, said Mario Mainero, a professor at the Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University. It fits the pattern in a sense that its happened before. Scott Sanders, an assistant public defender not connected to the Salas case but who first alleged widespread cheating by Orange County police and prosecutors, said the Horning allegations epitomize how off-the-rails the jailhouse informant program has been. COLD CASE Bullet holes riddled the car in which Pedro Tiger Martin lay dying from a shot to the head on Nov. 17, 2002. Martin, 24, was carrying a partly loaded handgun when he was caught in a storm of bullets in Santa Ana. But in the months that followed, investigators couldnt find cooperative witnesses to the crime and the case soon went cold. That changed in 2005, when Santa Ana police Detective David Rondou tapped into his network of gang informants to come up with a possible suspect Jesse Madrigal. But investigators didnt believe Madrigal acted alone. Rondou gave Madrigal a choice: He could testify against others allegedly involved or be left, legally speaking, holding a big bag of (excrement), according to the defense brief submitted in July. Looking at a possible life sentence, Madrigal admitted only to driving the Chevrolet El Camino from which the shots were fired. Madrigal identified Salas as one of the shooters. For his cooperation, Madrigal later received a five-year sentence. Salas soon was arrested and held without bail in Orange County Jail. There, he shared a double cell with Horning, who was being held on suspicion of violating his probation. The defense brief filed in July says the pairing wasnt an accident. Salas lawyer, Adlai, argues that prosecutors and police put Salas in Hornings cell specifically so Horning could coax Salas to make incriminating statements that Horning would repeat in court. If true, that also would be a legal violation because, at the time, Salas had a lawyer. The son of a ski resort owner, Horning, 36, is a colorful character. He had a history of failing to report to his probation officer for his drug use, prompting the court to put him in jail many times. He also had a history of schizophrenia. According to court records, Horning told medical professionals before he testified that he was hearing messages from his dead wife, a woman who at the time was living in Northern California. Horning also had bad luck with motor vehicles, according to the defense brief. In an accident before he met Salas, Horning had been ejected from a car and catapulted into a garage door. In another incident, an impaired Horning drove his car into a tree. And in a third crash, Horning riding helmetless fell off a motorcycle at 40 mph, suffering an injury to the part of his brain that governs memory, according to the defense document. At least twice before he met Salas, Horning tried to commit suicide, his deadly urges compounded by taking inappropriate doses of antipsychotic medications. Jail nurses also described Horning as a questionable historian because he pretended to be deaf and blind in order to be moved to a hospital. But none of that was disclosed to the defense team, who might have brought up Hornings mental state in court when he testified against Salas, according to the brief. Members of the prosecution team were aware that Horning was a habitual liar with a history that included taking extreme methods to avoid remaining in jail, said defense papers. Prosecutors say they did not purposely mislead Salas trial lawyer, Houman Fakhimi. All the information we had was turned over, said Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff for the Orange County District Attorney. Fakhimi, who has an office in Santa Ana, did not return phone calls seeking comment. PROSECUTOR KEEPS QUIET During the period they shared a cell, Salas was called to court and Horning was left alone with Salas police report. Horning later wrote a note requesting to speak to the District Attorneys Office. Once I found out that (Salas) was a gang member, and he was in here for murder I just, didnt feel right about not saying anything. If someone died and I didnt do something and I knew about it, Id feel really guilty, Horning told his handlers. So he was put on the witness stand, according to defense papers. But once on the stand, Hornings statements indicate that at least some of his testimony came from the police report, not a confession by Salas. Horning referred to Salas as Ricardo, as in the report, though Salas was more generally known by his nickname, Ricky. Horning also referred to Madrigal by the name Jesus, which is listed in the police report, when he was better known as Jesse. Horning told the jury that Salas told him he rode in the back seat during the shooting, when an El Camino has no back seat. Horning also told jurors he was on probation for using cocaine, rather than heroin, and that he was taking anti-inflammatory medication, not the antipsychotics he actually was taking at the time. Defense papers allege that Deputy District Attorney Alison Gyves knew the truth about Hornings legal and medical issues but did not correct Hornings misstatements. Gyves declined to comment and referred questions about the case to Schroeder. Salas also says prosecutors misdirection about Horning extended beyond the courtroom. Before Salas trial, in September 2007, local prosecutors successfully asked the court to let Horning out of jail and be moved for his protection to Northern California, according to the defense brief. Attorney Adlai argues, citing probation documents, that the District Attorneys Office was trying to hide Horning to prevent the defense team from interviewing him. Schroeder said the allegation would be addressed when they file their response in court. Salas argues that without Hornings testimony or if a jury determined that a schizophrenic witness might not be reliable he wouldnt be in prison. The only other person to testify against Salas was Madrigal, his alleged accomplice, and under California law a person cannot be convicted solely on the word of an alleged accomplice. Without any physical, forensic or scientific evidence to corroborate the words of a self-serving accomplice who testified in exchange for having his death sentence reduced to 5 years, and a hallucinating paranoid schizophrenic heroin addict with a history of mendacity, Ricky Salas was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, Adlai wrote in Salas brief. Life also has been bumpy for Horning. This month, he was sent to state prison for multiple DUI charges. Contact the writer: tsaavedra@scng.com SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco supervisors are scheduled to vote Tuesday to cap Airbnb and other short-term rentals at 60 days a year. The proposed ordinance would apply to hosts who register their homes with the city on or after Tuesday. The ordinance would not affect the roughly 1,700 hosts who have already registered. Those hosts may continue to rent out entire homes for up to 90 days a year, and they can share their homes as much as they want if they stay on site. There are thousands more hosts who have not registered and are not regulated. Foes of San Francisco-based Airbnb say the online platform encourages landlords to take units off the market, exacerbating the citys housing shortage. Hosts say they need the extra income to survive. MODESTO A California man with a history of weapons arrests was free on bail when he shot and killed a sheriffs deputy on duty last weekend, according to charges filed Tuesday. David Machado, 37, pleaded not guilty to gunning down Stanislaus County Sheriffs Deputy Dennis Wallace on Sunday near Modesto, then stealing a car to drive 150 miles to a small town where he was arrested after trying to steal a womans purse. He is charged with the deputys first-degree murder, making him eligible for a death sentence. The Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office, however, has not said what punishment it intends to seek. Machado on Tuesday made his first appearance in a Modesto courtroom to hear the charges that also include first-degree robbery, carjacking and being a felon in possession of a gun. He had been convicted in 2009 of a felony for possessing a dangerous weapon, the complaint said, without specifying the type of weapon. More recently, he posted bail after being arrested in August and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Machado failed to appear for trial Oct. 31, said Chief Deputy District Attorney John Goold. Wallace was killed two weeks later. Goold declined to comment on the circumstances of Machados arrest in August, and the prosecutor said he did not know the bail amount. On Sunday morning, Wallace, a 20-year department veteran, came upon a parked van and reported it to dispatchers. It came back as stolen, so Wallace requested backup. Fellow deputies found Wallace shot twice in the head. SANTA ANA A member of an Anaheim tagging crew yelled Die! Die! Die! as he stabbed a 12-year-old rival to death less than a block from the victims junior high school, a prosecutor told jurors on Tuesday. Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera accused Bryan Ocampo, then 18, of seeking out Juan Martinez, confronting the boy and pulling out what one witness described as a 10-inch knife. The fatal confrontation took place minutes after the last day of the 2011 school year at Sycamore Junior High School. News of the boys death stunned Anaheim parents and led police to warn residents about the dangers of tagging crews, which are often considered a stepping-stone to gangs. Authorities say Ocampo, now 23, was a member of the tagging crew DTA or Downtown Anaheim going by the street name of Moto. Martinez was a member of the rival tagging crew STL or Skies The Limit and went by R2 or Art Two. Herrera told jurors that Martinez, a 7th grader, was walking with a group of friends along La Palma Avenue. Ocampo walked up to the junior high student, the prosecutor added, and the two got into a shoving and pushing match. Die! die! die! Herrera said during the trials opening statements. Those were the defendants words as he stabbed 12-year-old Juan Martinez outside his school. Once, twice, three times. During the last of the three stabs, the knife went about five inches into Martinezs chest, puncturing a lung and his heart. The boy was able to run across La Palma before collapsing against a truck in an apartments parking lot and falling to the ground. Within hours, Anaheim police arrested Ocampo at his apartment on nearby Anna Drive. The knife was not recovered. Whether the pair had previous interactions has not yet been addressed during the trial. While looking into Ocampos cell phone records, detectives found deleted texts that they believe Ocampo sent before the confrontation with Martinez, in which he told a friend that he was going to Sycamore to get in a fight, Herrera said. They also found texts sent after the altercation, in which Ocampo tells the same friend, Dont talk about it with anybody, the prosecutor added. A woman who was then a student testified Tuesday that she was walking just ahead of Martinez on the same street and that as Ocampo passed by her, one of his friends said, There is going to be a fight. She said that as she turned around, she saw Ocampo and Martinez up against a chain-link fence. They were fighting, and thats when he pulled out a weapon and started stabbing him with it, she said. Ocampos attorney, Mitch Timbanard, declined to give opening statements on Tuesday, reserving his right to do so later in the trial. In previous court filings, attorneys for Ocampo have indicated that the stabbing may have been self-defense. In one filing, Ocampo is quoted as telling a detective during his interrogation that he carried the knife for self-protection and that Martinez threw the first punch and he just reacted. If convicted of murder and a sentencing enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon, Ocampo faces up to 26 years to life in prison. http://launch.newsinc.com/js/embed.js var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com Proposition 64, the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana, passed. But you wouldnt believe it in much of Orange County where stiff prohibitions still remain in place. Just days before the election, both Brea and Buena Park doubled down on their bans, imposing 45-day moratoriums to further study the issue. It puts some controls on that recreational use until such time as the council may consider more permanent standards and use regulations they care to consider, said David Crabtree, Breas community development director, according to the Register. But California voters approved Proposition 215 to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes 20 years ago and most cities in the county still ban access to medical marijuana. How long should we expect local municipalities to study recreational use? There are more questions than there are answers, Buena Park City Manager Jim Vanderpool said, as the Register reported. Thats why the moratorium is so important, so that the City Council can understand what the new law means and what it means for our residents. If anything has been made clear by 40 years of the failed war on drugs or Prohibition, it is that making something illegal doesnt end demand for it. Yet prohibition continues, for reasons that seem less out of concern for safety than moralistic disdain for the drug. Such notions couldnt be driving policy at a worse time. As we warned for months in the lead-up to the general election, the prospect of the legalization of marijuana for recreational use was very real and cities should begin grappling with how to respond. No doubt many parents are concerned about their children gaining access to marijuana. But, if anything, regulation and control of the drug should make it harder for youngsters to obtain than it is now. As for adults, government action is primarily justified when the alternative, inaction, causes sufficient harm to warrant intervention. We dont see that with marijuana, which is less harmful to those who use it than alcohol or tobacco, both of which are already legal. Now is the time to begin crafting a manageable system of enforcement agreeable to the citys residents, not continue the failed policy of prohibition. It was to be, as the Los Angeles Herald reported on Aug. 23, 1887, purely a place of pleasure. The railroad had just been extended from Los Angeles to San Juan Capistrano, a town famed for it Spanish mission built 111 years earlier. The tracks were soon to extend to the coast at a splendid spot where a railroad subsidiary, Pacific Land Improvement Co., was poised to develop a resort, San Juan by-the-Sea. Diane Lewis, a San Juan Capistrano Historical Society member who holds a masters degree in art anthropology, calls it The town that never was. The whole thing fell through, she said during a Nov. 10 slideshow for the Historical Society. On the present-day site of Capistrano Beach, San Juan by-the-Sea was to be part of a Southern California land boom, fueled by expanding railroads that bought land along the track and became developers. Some of those towns, like Buena Park and El Toro, actually grew and survived, said Chris Jepsen, assistant archivist at the Orange County Archives, in an email. Others, like San-Juan-By-the-Sea, never made it much past being paper towns and quickly evaporated when the boom went bust. Landowner Marcos Forster sold a piece of his Rancho Boca de la Playa to the railroad for $1, Lewis said. You want the train to come through your property, she said. Then there could be hordes and hordes of people and you can sell property. There was to be a luxury hotel atop a palisade overlooking the sea. No expense will be spared, the Herald reported. A train station opened between Victoria and Domingo streets where the tracks ended. A spur track was being extended to the beach. The roadbed of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe road is graded through San Juan by-the-Sea, the Herald proclaimed, and in two weeks from the date of this article the iron horse will come snorting and cavorting in this seaside resort. The resorts concept plan showed a pier jutting into the Pacific. An artists promotional piece depicted a village, the luxury hotel, a sailing ship docked and a steam locomotive chugging toward the beach. In a very short time, handsome villas and splendid residences will spring up and San Juan by-the-Sea will be to California what Long Beach (N.Y.) is to the East, the Herald declared. There is no finer location for a summer resort, and the wealth and fashion of the United States will surely gravitate to this place. Lewis slideshow painted an early picture of the resort, weaving in colorful characters like the Forster family, Judge Richard Egan, acclaimed actress Madame Helena Modjeska and geologist/author/adventurer Clarence King. Modjeska intended to build a home by the sea on land provided by her friend Egan, whom she called the King of Capistrano. Egan wanted to assemble a community of artisans and intellectuals, Lewis said. Local historian Doris Walker, in her book Dana Point Harbor/Capistrano Bay, Home Port for Romance, said San Juan by-the-Sea barely got going and never fulfilled the glories foreseen on its original street map. Some of the roads are still there, Lewis said Victoria Boulevard, Domingo Avenue and Las Vegas Avenue. There was to be this really cool park over where Costco is now. Development began with a bang $30,000 worth of lots sold on the first day to buyers who had waited in line all night, paying from $250 to $1,800 per lot, Walker wrote. Another $75,000 was promised by telephone. It was the first time tract lots were sold unseen by phone from Riverside, Santa Ana, San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Built quickly were a bathhouse, a dance pavilion and the Pioneer Hotel, with promises of a grander hotel to come, Walker wrote. Some homes were built. Promotional trains brought potential buyers on weekends and holidays. But progress slowed, the lumber supply dwindled, local water proved unreliable and vacationers stopped coming, Walker wrote. A depression was brewing and the banks stopped lending mortgage money, she wrote. Lewis surmised that the developers couldnt raise the money for the swank $50,000 hotel. The Pioneer Hotel survived for several years. One year, Modjeska and her entourage rented it for the entire summer. It was cut up and reassembled in 1895 in Newport Beach, reopening as Sharps Hotel. It burned down in 1910, Walker reported. Contact the writer: fswegles@scng.com or 949-492-5127 SANTA ANA A 36-year-old woman has been sentenced to six years in prison for a hit-and-run crash in Santa Ana that killed a high school band teacher. Tracy Clapp of Santa Ana pleaded guilty this week to 11 felony counts linked to an April 20 crash that stuck Christopher Chavez, 26, as he strolled in a crosswalk at Bristol Street and Central Avenue around 2:15 a.m., according to court records. Authorities said Clapp was driving an BMW when she ran a red light, hit Chavez and then fled after seeing him injured. Chavez was taken to Orange County Global Medical Center with serious injuries and was declared brain-dead. He was later taken off of life support. Family and police asked the public for help, and tips came flooding in to investigators. Officers were close to catching her when Clapp took off in a stolen car; she was detained after a chase and an altercation with police. They said she apparently tried to conceal her identity with blue contact lenses, pink hair and a face tattoo. Chavez, a drum line instructor at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, was studying to become an emergency medical technician. Contact the writer: kpuente@ocregister.com SANTA ANA Two men have been arrested following an exhaustive multi-state investigation into the 1999 rape and kidnapping of an 11-year-old girl in Santa Ana. Ismael Salgado, 36, of Chicago and Jose Plascencia, 36, of Laveen, Ariz. are being held in the Orange County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape, police said Tuesday. Their bail has been set at $1 million. The complicated investigation leading to the arrests could not have been accomplished without assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, Santa Ana Police Department spokesman Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said in a statement. Mutual cooperation among law enforcement agencies is critical to successful resolution of sexual assault cases, he said. On the afternoon of Feb. 3, 1999, an 11-year-old girl was walking home with another girlnear Jerome Center in Santa Ana when two men pulled their car alongside them and tried to entice them inside, Bertagna said. The men forced the girls inside the car and drove out of the area, he said. One girl managed to escape, while the other was unsuccessful and was pulled by them back into the car by her hair and driven to a nearby gas station. One of the men filled the vehicle with gas while the other man covered the girls mouth, preventing her from screaming for help or escaping, Bertagna said. Then they drove the girl to two different parking lots, where they both sexually assaulted her, he added. The men later released the girl, who reported the kidnapping and assault to Santa Ana police. Detectives gathered video evidence from the gas station depicting a man with a plaid shirt and white pants, as described by the girl. However, detectives were initially unable to develop significant leads or identify suspects in the case. Early this year, detectives reviewed this case as a part of the Santa Ana Police Departments Cold Case rape project aimed at reopening unsolved investigations to bring sexual predators to justice and provide closure for victims. Forensic evidence was submitted to the Orange County Crime Lab for DNA testing, Bertagna said. The lab identified two male DNA profiles, which were compared with statewide and national databases. The search showed one profile belonged to Salgado while the second profile was determined to be that of an unidentified male who was not present in the DNA databases, Bertagna said. With this new lead, detectives investigated Salgados background and learned he lived in Santa Ana for much of his life and only recently moved to Chicago. They also identified Plascencia, who associated with Salgado in the late 1990s and into 2000 when they both lived in Santa Ana, Bertagna said At the request of Santa Ana detectives, on Oct. 5 agents with the FBI Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force arrested Salgado at his Chicago home. Santa Ana detectives then returned Salgado to Orange County. Detectives also believed Plascencia might be the source of the second DNA profile, Bertagna said. However, because Plascencias DNA was not in any law enforcement databases for comparison Santa Ana police asked the Arizona Attorney Generals Office for assistance. Arizona investigators followed Plascencia for several days and retrieved a discarded plastic water bottle he had been drinking, Bertagna said. An analysis by the Orange County Crime lab showed that Plascencias DNA from the bottle matched the DNA from the sexual assault, he said. On Nov. 6, Plascencia was arrested at a border crossing in Nogales Arizona. Santa Ana Police Detectives flew to Arizona and brought Plascencia back to Orange County. The arrests of Salgado and Plascencia sends a message that Santa Ana police will relentlessly pursue sexual predators, Bertagna said. We will never stop pursuing them for their crimes, he said. Contact the writer: 714-796-7767 sschwebke@scng.com Twitter: @thechalkoutline PARIS French President Francois Hollande says he wants the countrys state of emergency prolonged until its presidential election in the spring. Hollande said in an interview Tuesday with French media outlets that France is at war in three places in Iraq and Syria as part of the coalition carrying out airstrikes, and in Mali, where French soldiers are trying to rout Islamist extremists and that such foes want to attack us here, on our soil, he said. Mike Paul, an independent New York PR counselor since 1994 after posts at Hill+Knowlton Strategies and Burson-Marsteller, has sold his firm to freelancers to join Publicis Media, part of Publicis Groupe, as head of corporate communications. Mike Paul Paul, who has campaigned for senior PR posts for minorities, skipping the 2015 (PR) Seminar meeting to make his point, noted that Publicis has said that 30% of new hires will be from diverse communities and backgrounds. The agencys commitment to diversity was one of the factors that made Publicis attractive to him, he said. Paul initially operated as MGP PR but changed to Reputation Doctor in recent years. He and PR textbook author Fraser Seitel are frequent guests on TV news shows, each having appeared hundreds of times. Publicis had announced a sweeping reorganization aimed at creating greater coordination among its many units using the banner, The Power of One. Publicis, third largest ad/PR conglomerate, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year by funding 90 startups. Mark McClennan of its MSL unit chairs PR Society of America, the worlds largest organization of PR people. Reporters Barred from Member Lists, Assembly Reporters are not allowed to join the Society nor have access to its list of members although the list was available for many years via a printed directory that was provided to them without charge. Reporters were barred from the annual Assembly of the Society from 2012-2015. The ODwyer Co. is not allowed to exhibit its five news/informational products at the conferences. The boycott was instituted after ODwyer showed that the Society was selling tens of thousands of authors articles without their permission. There has been one national conference of the Society in New York since 1992 (2004), a 24-year period. No New York conferences are planned. A call to McClennan resulted in the operator returning it and instructing us to call the Society. McClennan heads an organization whose Code says ethical practice is the most important obligation of a member. He drove creation of the Societys ethics app, says its website. There is no record on Google or the Society website of McClennan making any public appearances during the past year. Society presidents for decades addressed the New York chapter. McClennan has made "ethics" the theme of his administration, saying, "Ethics should not be just a policy. It must be a reality...ethics is central to effective PR..." He called special attention this year to 2015 "PR Professional of the Year" Paula Pedene, who was praised for her "willingness to take the unpopular stand" when she became one of the "whistleblowers" focusing attention on alleged mismanagement in the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System. The Society did not name a 2016 PR pro of the year. Paul to Focus on Media Transparency Lauren Hanrahan, global head of new business development and communication, said media transparency issues and audits will be part of Pauls focus area. Publicis noted that companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Mars and General Electric have been conducting audits following findings from the Assn. of National Advertisers transparency inquiry by Ebiquity and K2 which found cash rebates and other non-transparent practices are pervasive in the U.S. media buying ecosystem. Hanrahan said Publicis CEO Maurice Levy has assured her the company has done well with these reports. Publicis in 2014 almost merged with Omnicom but concluded it was really a takeover and halted the negotiations. OMC wanted their people to fill the CEO, CFO and general counsel jobs, CEO Maurice Levy told Reuters. OMC was twice as big as Publicis in terms of revenues. Owner Badinter Is Noted French Citizen Elizabeth Badinter, who inherited controlling interest in Publicis from her father Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet in 1989, has been called Frances most influential intellectual by French magazine Marianne based on a poll of its readers. She is noted for her staunch individualism and idealism. She is opposed to inequality and any policies that limit human rights and has defended the right of women to work when raising children. Badinter was the subject of an 11-page profile in the July 25, 2011 New Yorker. Publicis hopes that clients, partners and media companies will match each investment so that 500,000 euros could turn into millions. The company invested between 10,000 and 500,000 euros in each of 90 startups. Publicis employees, who were encouraged to enter, voted for the startups they think best deserve the awards through a Facebook type of system. The projects were submitted anonymously. Publicis announced that 3,555 projects were submitted to the program and published a number of the winning entries on its website. Senior Publicis management will provide a year of mentorship to the winning entries. An internal division led by Maxime Baffert, CEO of Publicis digital agency Proximedia Europe, has been created. Huge" Start-Up Program I believe nobody has dared to do something like this to support 90 projects, said Levy. Nobody has dared to go after that big a number. Its complicated to select and a huge undertakingwe want to do something quite massive in order that it will be noticed both from inside the group and outsideall people who have a project see we are really committed to the tech and digital space and that this is something important. Levy feels that Publicis funds will be easier for startups to obtain than funds from venture capitalists. What we are asking for is less complex than what VCs are asking for, he said. McClennan in 2009 led the battle against the boards attempt to pull from the Assembly its power to elect board and officers and replace it with a system of direct voting by members. Members wanted to know what kind of debates or another vetting of the candidates would take place but by law chair, Dave Rickey refused to supply any specifics. McClennan was the only delegate speaking against the proposal which was defeated by a vote of 175-103 at the start of the meeting. Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Housing, Barry Cowen TD, has said that Minister Simon Coveney needs to show 'a greater commitment' to actually implementing policy to address the dysfunctional housing market. Deputy Cowen made the comments after Minister Coveney held his fourth press conference on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Plan. Unfortunately Minister Coveney seems to have developed the bad habits of his predecessor, Alan Kelly, mistaking media coverage for progress. He has held multiple press conferences on his housing plan and has re-announced the same housing infrastructure fund on a number of occasions, said Deputy Cowen. He continued by saying that Minister Coveney needs to place less of an emphasis on PR and more emphasis on action as the 200m housing infrastructure fund announced was already unveiled back in June. The Offaly TD remarked that in the intervening period, the necessary infrastructure improvements had not yet begun on a single site in Dublin to allow development of new homes. All of the details announced by Minister Coveney, including the Special Development Zones, the dedicated Delivery Unit within his department and the questionable Help-to-Buy scheme are already well known. However at the end of the day the housing action plan is yet to actually increase the supply of housing. 25,000 new homes need to be built each year to meet demand, including a minimum of 10,000 in Dublin. However, fewer than 11,000 homes have been built nationwide, with less than 3,200 of these being in Dublin. These figures speak for themselves - Minister Coveney simply has not done enough to tackle the most significant barriers to new construction, he commented. Its inexcusable that his Department continues to refuse to undertake simple actions such as implementing an audit of construction costs to determine the factors impeding the delivery of new accommodation. I firmly believe that we need emergency legislation to deal with bottlenecks in the planning process." He claimed that the Department of Housing had arguably made the supply crisis even worse commenting, "their implementation of ham-fisted changes to the building control regulations has made the cost of building apartments and housing estates uneconomical. These regulations need to be reformed so that a proper building control system can be put in place based on local authority inspections." Minister Coveney seems to have taken the lead from colleagues who are more interested in their potential next job than they are in their current responsibilities. He needs to put the brakes on the spin machine and instead focus on actually improving the country's housing supply, concluded Deputy Cowen. We meet today in a long shadow cast, yet again, by some States Parties seeking to desert the Court, to desert victims of the most abominable international crimes, to desert all of us who worked so hard and for years on its behalf. If the State Parties, who apparently have been masquerading in recent years as countries devoted to criminal accountability, want to leave, then they should leave. But we are not convinced their position is based entirely on principle. Quite the opposite: it appears to aim more at protecting their leaders from prosecution. Yet although the powerful may fear the Court, victims, everywhere, plead for its involvement. Victims of core crimes will struggle to understand why they are abandoned by these States together with those which never acceded and why they are made victim again, as the withdrawals deny their right to remedy and redress. In the long view these States will boomerang back, as the Court is accepted by more and more States. Universal accession to the Court is a certainty; there is no substitute for the ICC. The African Court of Justice and Human Rights is deeply valuable. But even if it were to be given criminal jurisdiction over international crimes, the draft protocol specifically prohibits it from investigating "any serving AU Head of State or Government...or other senior state officials, based on their functions, during their tenure of office. By withdrawing from the Rome Statute, leaders may shield themselves with immunities but it will be at the cost of depriving their people of the protection of a unique and essential institution. I urge this Assembly to stand firm on Article 27. While the Rome Statute provides for revisions, no change should be undertaken under threat of withdrawal, nor should any future amendment touch on the critical articles of the Statute. Specifically, the principle of the irrelevance of official capacity is prime, is existential for the Court. Mr. President, I am saddened by this state of affairs. The African countries have been the backbone of this Court, and their leadership, especially in the early days, was exemplary. In fact, it was often majestic. We knew only an Africa of courage and adherence to principle. When, at the Rome conference, the US delegation, under pressure from Congress, launched a blistering attack against the independence of the Prosecutor, it produced a stunned silence among us. Not a sound was heard in the red room at the FAO headquarters, and it lasted a long time. Who was going to respond, and how? We looked at Norway, and they were staring down at their papers, scarcely moving. We turned anxiously to The Netherlands, and they were just staring at Norway! Finally, a flag went up, and we all swiveled in the direction of the delegate from Malawi, who calmly, elegantly and deftly sketched out lines of legal reasoning powerful enough to save the moment, to our delight and relief. That is the Africa we needed then, it is the Africa we need and want today, and I am pleased many African countries, including Botswana, Cote dIvoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Sierra Leone have signaled they will not leave. Todays challenges are not the first stern test faced by the Court, and they will not be the last. A new trend of isolationist and unprincipled leadership is building up across the world. Renewed attacks on the Court may well be in the offing. It will take all the nerve and resources of the truly committed States Parties to resist such challenges. Now is not the time to abandon the post. This is the time for resolve and strength. To hold our international institutions together in defence of all victims of barbarity is on its own merits necessary enough. To keep this international system intact becomes even more pressing in the face of enormous pressures being heaped on it today not least for small States who, for their security, need the companionship and protections provided by international law and by this Court. Do not betray the victims, nor your own people. Stand by the Rome Statute and the Court. It may not be perfect, in design nor operation like any other institution, or State for that matter. But altogether it is the best we have. The anarchist Elbert Hubbard, who died in 1915 in what, incidentally and ironically, today we would classify a war crime, noted, progress comes from the intelligent use of experience. To put an end to the calculated and unlawful destruction of human life through deterrence, by ridding the world of the impunity which feeds those crimes, remains the clearest fulfillment of Hubbards observation. In a world that seems increasingly adrift, the turmoil yet to face humanity may be far greater than any challenge we have yet experienced. We face a choice. We can safeguard our societies by standing firm on the principles of justice which anchor this instituton. Or we can cast away the moorings of law laid down to save the world from horror and turn away from the screams, as impunity overwhelms men, women and children in wave upon wave of violence. On behalf of my Office and so many around the world, I urge you to summon your determination, place our collective shoulder behind this institution, and when the tensions become extreme, you will find all of us in the human rights community alongside you and this Court, our Court. 16 November 2016 Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... If ever there was an antidote for cynicism, its Irving Berlins White Christmas. The throwback musical, part of the Omaha Performing Arts Broadway series, is at the Orpheum Theater this week. It has a flag-waving, feel-good story, classic tunes by Irving Berlin and lots of lively dancing, making it impossible to leave Tuesdays performance feeling anything but hopeful and happy. Theres no political humor, no double entendres, no snide inside jokes. Just a bunch of people having a great time putting on a show. Its the opposite of modern, and thats refreshing. The plot is familiar to anyone who saw the 1954 movie, though there are more than a few deviations. Two Army buddies happy-go-lucky Phil Davis (Jeremy Benton) and the more serious Bob Wallace (Sean Montgomery) become Broadway stars after World War II. They agree to check out an act by two sisters of another Army chum, Dog-Face Haines. Intrigued, Phil tricks Bob into following Betty Haines (Kerry Conte) and her sister Judy (Kelly Sheehan) to a Christmas-season gig at a Vermont inn, coincidentally owned by the guys beloved former commander, Gen. Waverly (Conrad John Schuck). The general is depressed because theres no snow and thus, no business, so the guys decide to open their new show at the inn to draw crowds. They also organize a reunion of their old unit, the 151st Division, as a surprise for the crusty old man. Along the way, couples form: Betty and Bob, Phil and Judy, though their romances hit some snags. In the end, however, everything is tied up in a neat Christmas bow. Its all basically an excuse to showcase the Irving Berlin songbook the stage version has lots more iconic Berlin tunes than the movie. The role of Waverlys housekeeper also is quite different Martha the Megaphone Watson (Lorna Luft) is brassy, bossy and yearning to be onstage again. Thats a good change, because it gave Luft the chance to use her big voice and considerable charm on a couple of those Berlin songs: Let Me Sing and Im Happy (later adorably reprised by Samantha Penny as the generals young granddaughter, Susan), and Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun, a peppy trio with Betty and Judy. The four leads were credible successors to the movies stars. A highlight was Contes exquisite Love, You Didnt Do Right By Me mingled with Montgomerys yearning How Deep Is the Ocean. And Benton and Sheehan performed a delightful version of The Best Things Happen While Youre Dancing. Kristyn Pope and Elish Conlon as two chorus girls also deserve mention for their comic abilities. But the show was dazzling when the entire ensemble was onstage executing director Randy Skinners choreography. I Love a Piano, contagiously joyful tap-dancing in front of a stunning red backdrop, stopped the show for sustained applause at the beginning of the second act. The show also was visually appealing, with bright period costumes and numerous sets, some more elaborate than others, but all designed to keep the show clipping along. And it was sentimental, touching and inspiring when Schuck delivered a grateful speech to his former troops at the end. Should a Christmas show be anything less? elizabeth.freeman@owh.com, 402-444-1267 LINCOLN The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has paid $57 million in fines and penalties to federal agencies over the past five years for failing to meet federal requirements. Agency officials say the state could owe an additional $45 million or more depending on the outcome of pending issues. But Garet Buller, the departments internal auditor, told state lawmakers Wednesday that HHS is taking several steps to eliminate, or at least minimize, such problems in the future. He noted that most of the penalties and fines, also called disallowances, were from previous administrations, including some that date back as far as 2003. We are cleaning up from these past errors, he said. It is now our responsibility, and we are committed to do all we can to mitigate potential disallowances from those years. Buller joined HHS CEO Courtney Phillips in testifying at an interim study hearing before the Legislatures Appropriations Committee. One of the largest single repayments $14.2 million related to errors made during the states disastrous experiment with privatizing child welfare services. The state failed to properly account for federal dollars paid to the private contractors. Another $19 million had to be repaid after the state changed how it calculated payments for developmental disabilities services without getting federal approval. In most of the cases, HHS was able to find money within its existing budget to make the repayments. Phillips said the department could be liable for millions more than the $57 million that has already been paid, depending on the outcome of discussions with federal agencies. The state is disputing some of those penalties. In other cases, the federal agencies have not determined a final total. The state knows of about $45 million worth of potential penalties and fines. That total does not include whatever amount Nebraska will owe Medicaid for a problem that HHS discovered this summer in the developmental disabilities division. Agency officials found that the state had been paying for some services in a way contrary to the method approved by the federal government. About $32 million of payments to service providers are under review to determine how much needs to be repaid. Phillips said HHS officials have been working to make sure federally supported programs actually are operating in accordance with federal requirements and agreements. We will continue to dig into our entire operation because the longer these things go on, the more it costs, she said. In another key effort to prevent future problems, she said HHS officials have been working to strengthen relationships with federal agencies, including asking questions ahead of time and reaching out for help when necessary. I would say that we have made great strides in terms of our relationships with our federal partners, she said, noting that several federal officials have commented about the improvement. Other steps include: Creating a comprehensive index to track the status and potential cost of all disallowances, audits and other issues with federal agencies. Training staff on managing federal contracts and grants, including monitoring the private entities that actually carry out the work. A key focus is on collecting the proper documentation to comply with federal regulations. Following up to ensure that programs make the corrections agreed upon with auditing agencies and that the corrections actually fix the original problem. Holding quarterly meetings of senior HHS officials to review the various audits and corrective steps underway within the agency. Reminding HHS staff about cooperating with auditors, including meeting response deadlines and making appropriate contacts. State Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, the Appropriations Committee chairman, particularly welcomed the last change. He noted the animosity between HHS and the State Auditors Office in past years. During the past five years, the department has undergone 137 separate audits, Phillips said. They include five annual reviews of all federal funds received by the department, five targeted audits by the state auditor and five program audits by the Legislative Performance Audit Committee. Another 11 were done by the federal Office of the Inspector General and 111 reviews, audits, site visits and evaluations were done by other federal entities. The HHS internal audit program started with one person in 2011, Phillips said. The team grew by five people in 2014. The department added a chief financial officer more recently to provide more oversight of money matters. University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor Paul Read wants to teach his students a skill that will serve them long after graduation: how to savor a glass of wine. Read is the universitys resource person for the states wine and grape industry, and hes spent time researching Nebraska vineyards. To share that knowledge with his students, he came up with the idea of a class, Vines, Wines and You. He started teaching it on a trial basis more than 15 years ago, and now its a permanent part of the curriculum. One of the most important aspects of the class, he said, is that its rigorous, not just a few weeks of wine tastings. Students learn the basics of viticulture, the ancient history of wine and grapes, and the botany of the grape vine. They learn about diseases and management of grape vines and harvest. Students also learn about safety, including safe alcohol consumption standards and medical aspects of alcohol, including its health benefits. We try to create a balanced approach, Read said. Wine is a beverage of moderation and social interaction. Students also, of course, get the chance to sample wines from around the world. I have students from the architecture school and from the business school taking the class who use information from the class for ordering wine at a business lunch, he said. Its a class that has lifelong lessons. To that end, the students have the chance at the semesters end to attend a wine dinner at the Lincoln Country Club. They learn about cooking with wine as well as pairing wines with cheeses. Read also works to give the students guidance in terms of books, suggesting a wide array of reading materials that can help them be confident when ordering and drinking wine. More than a few of Reads students left his class with more passion for the subject than they started with. I have had a couple students get so inspired they went on to become viticulturists and enologists, he said. Some have gone on to become wine makers, in the Midwest and elsewhere. It was never my goal to aim for creating professionals, just savvy wine consumers. But its great to have people appreciate the value of wine. Paul Read Age: 79 Occupation: Professor of horticulture and viticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has been with the university for nearly 30 years. Class: Vines, Wines and You, offered at UNL Hometown: Upstate New York, near the Finger Lakes region, renowned for its Riesling wine Hobbies: When Read travels, he makes a habit of returning with wines. Hes brought wines home from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Bulgaria, among other destinations. Family: Wife, Christine, and two college-aged children, Emma, who just graduated from UNL and took Reads class, and Peter, a student at Drake University in Iowa. NEW YORK (AP) Apple CEO Tim Cook told his employees to keep moving forward. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, Progress does not move in a straight line. T-Mobile CEO John Legere tweeted, Lets see what an out of the box, non-typical, non-politician can do for America! CEOs of major companies are taking stands about the results of the election a departure from the traditional model of not mixing politics with business that major brands have long espoused. Some are using it as an opportunity to bring their employees together following a divisive election campaign. Others are using it as an opportunity to stress their companies values and mission, or an opportunity to make nice with Trump, whom many CEOs were publicly against during the campaign. The men and women who head the nations biggest companies know that having a hostile relationship with the Trump administration could make doing business difficult. They also know that they operate in liberal bastions like New York and San Francisco just as much as in Trump-leaning places like Fort Wayne, Indiana, or Charleston, West Virginia. Neutral is the best policy, said John Challenger, CEO of workplace consultant Challenger, Gray & Christmas. T-Mobiles Legere, who long was vocally opposed to Trump, congratulated the president-elect on Twitter for his victory last week, while holding off on judging the president-elects policies. Meanwhile, another telecommunications executive, Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure, himself an immigrant and personally opposed to Trump, sent an email to employees saying that its our obligation to accept the will of our fellow Americans and respect the new leader. Its possible that Legere and Claure made nice because the president appoints the chairman and commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission, an agency that holds enormous influence over the telecommunications industry. All five FCC commissioners will see their terms expire during Trumps first term. CEOs of automakers, including Fords Mark Fields, have also struck a conciliatory tone, partly because Trump has called for the repeal or renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has allowed the automakers to set up shop in Mexico tariff-free. Many CEOs publicly expressed hope that the tensions dividing the country will diminish and that American consumers will set aside their fears and get back to what they do best: shop. We are hoping that in the post-election we are just going to see people ready to spend, said Marvin Ellison, CEO of J.C. Penney. CEOs and companies that try to bring people together are going to be the winners, said Dr. Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace Universitys Lubin School of Business. That always works better from a brand perspective. Meanwhile, theres talk of a massive, $1 trillion infrastructure program that could rely on tax credits to private funding sources. Many of those programs will require Wall Streets army of investment bankers and lawyers to help underwrite and finance. The president-elects commitment to infrastructure spending, government reform and tax reform among other things will be good for growth and, therefore, will be good for our clients and for our firm, said Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, according to a transcript of a voicemail he sent companywide. In an email to his employees, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the election of Trump shows the frustration that so many people have with the lack of economic opportunity and the challenges they face. Trumps victory drew a range of responses from CEOs in Silicon Valley, where popular sentiment had tilted strongly against Trump because of his statements on immigrants, women, overseas manufacturing and the use of encryption in consumer products like Apples iPhones. In a post-election email to employees, Apple CEO Cook didnt mention Trump by name but acknowledged that many people had strong feelings about the outcome of the vote. Cook had let it be known during the campaign that he didnt support Trump, although he generally avoided taking a public stance on the candidates. In his email, Cook said Apple would continue to support diversity. Cook didnt mention encryption, which he has previously argued is essential to protect consumers privacy. But he added, While there is discussion today about uncertainties ahead, you can be confident that Apples North Star hasnt changed. Microsofts chief executive was more conciliatory. In a post on LinkedIn, the social networking site that Microsoft is buying, Satya Nadella wrote: We congratulate the president-elect, and look forward to working with all those elected. But Nadella added that Microsoft is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. Facebooks Zuckerberg, who had previously criticized Trumps call for building a wall on the Mexican border, sounded subdued in a post on his own social network. I thought about all the work ahead of us to create the world we want for our children, he wrote. This work is bigger than any presidency and progress does not move in a straight line. One day after President-elect Donald Trump and his family spoke to 60 Minutes about Trumps rise to power, daughter Ivankas jewelry line alerted journalists to a surprising fact: The bracelet she wore for the interview could be bought for $10,800. It was the first televised interview with the new commander-in-chief of a deeply anxious America. But it was also, for the Trump company, an undeniable promotional opportunity. The 18-karat Metropolis gold-and-diamond bangle was Ivankas favorite bangle, an Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry vice president told journalists in a style alert. The sales tactic marked one of the first moments since the election during which the Trump companies have sought to use Trumps presidential prominence to boost their private fortunes. But it may not be the last. Ethics advisers have increasingly voiced concerns over the unprecedented conflicts of interest that could arise from the soon-to-be first familys empire of real estate, luxury goods and licensing deals. This will keep a spotlight on the family business, on the members of the family, how they run the business and their interactions with the government, said Jan Witold Baran, a partner at Washington law firm Wiley Rein. Family members can create problems all on their own. Officials said Friday that Trump would name his children to his presidential transition team, guaranteeing that Ivanka and her siblings will probably have influential roles in deciding the players and policies of Trumps time in office. The presidential campaign was a ripe time for Trump corporate marketing. Ivanka Trumps fashion line advertised on Twitter encouraging shoppers to buy the dress she wore during her Republican National Convention speech. In the first months of Trumps campaign, revenue at his palatial Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, nearly doubled, and his book, Crippled America, drew in millions of dollars in royalties, financial disclosure filings showed. But the promotional spots since Trumps electoral victory reveal the many potential entanglements that could influence the businessmans presidency. During the 60 Minutes interview Sunday, Ivanka Trump sought to maintain her connection to the licensing and merchandising deals she had forged as a businesswoman in her fathers image. When asked if she would assume a role in Trumps White House, Ivanka Trump said she would not, adding, Im going to be a daughter. But Ive said throughout the campaign that I am very passionate about certain issues and I want to fight for them. Wage equality, child care, these are things that are really important to me, added Ivanka, a Trump company executive vice president who also runs her own lines for clothing, shoes and handbags. There are a lot of things that I feel really strongly about, but not in a formal administrative capacity. The Trump Organization and Ivanka Trumps jewelry line did not respond to messages Tuesday. There is nothing illegal about the advertisements. Conflict-of-interest laws do not block a president from involving himself in matters that could boost his private companies wealth or prominence. Trump has also resisted the tradition set by most presidents before him of selling or handing over his assets into a blind trust controlled by an independent manager. He said he intends to give control of his companies to Ivanka and his other children, an arrangement that ethics experts say does little to put distance between Trumps presidential decision-making and personal estate. Though some Trump companies have faced growing boycotts, Ivanka Trumps brands have seemingly gained a generous boost in attention during her fathers campaign. The retail site ShopRunner said interest in the Ivanka Trump Collection had exploded in recent months. Eight-year-old Kazlynn Thompson remains on life support three weeks after being critically injured in a crash that police say was caused by her fathers drunken driving. Now, the state and her mother want to take the child off life support. But after an objection from her jailed father, it will be another three weeks before a decision is made. And in the meantime, Kazlynns mother has been ordered to visit her daughter only under supervision after a comment made leaving the courtroom led a state social worker to worry that she might take matters into her own hands. Kazlynn was among three children injured in the Oct. 24 wreck near Miller Park. The three were put in the custody of the state shortly after the crash. The crash occurred when her father, Benjamin Thompson, ran a red light at 30th Street while traveling east on Sorensen in a 2013 Nissan Altima. His car crashed into a northbound 1997 Oldsmobile LSS sedan, police have said. Police have said that Thompson drove away after the crash and was found by an Omaha police officer a short time later near Miller Park, trying to throw away cans of Busch Light in a park trash can. If Thompson is convicted, it will be his fifth DUI. Kazlynn, a passenger in the Altima, suffered a severe closed head trauma, according to court documents. Also injured was Aly Thompson, 6, who was treated for head injuries that police said were not life-threatening. Jade Hetrick, 1, treated for minor injuries, was in a child-restraint seat. All three were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where Kazlynn remains. The two others were released. Kazlynns injuries were severe enough that her mother, Tiffany Sackett, has said she should be taken off life support, according to an online fundraising page set up for funeral expenses. Announcing the decision to take her off life support on Facebook, Sackett said I chose what was best for my baby. ... It hurts so bad but I know its for the best. On Monday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services asked the court for permission to remove life support. According to court documents, HHS offered a letter from three doctors in support of its request. But Benjamin Thompson objected to the move, and Juvenile Court Judge Christopher Kelly sustained his objection. Court documents dont indicate why Thompson objected. Another hearing on the matter was set for Dec. 6. Leaving court after the motion to remove life support was denied, Sackett told Kazlynns caseworker that she should have asked if charges would be filed on her if she were to trip over the cords and unplug them in Kazlynns room, according to a court filing. HHS cited the comment in asking that Sackett be supervised in future visits to Kazlynn, a request granted Tuesday by Juvenile Court Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich. Thompson could not be reached, and an attorney for him, Darren Pekney, declined to comment on the case Wednesday, as did a spokesman for HHS. Sackett also could not be reached for comment. According to court documents, all three children were living with Thompson in Nebraska City. HHS workers were unsure where the childrens mothers were but thought Jades mother could be in Illinois. Sackett, who is also Alys mother, had not seen the two for several years and she may be homeless, according to an Omaha police officers interview with an HHS employee. Thompson has been charged with fifth-offense driving under the influence. He also faces two counts of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of child abuse not resulting in serious bodily injury. Because he is alleged to have driven away from the crash, Thompson is charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident that resulted in serious bodily injury. Bail was set at $1 million. Thompson has pleaded not guilty. He remains in the Douglas County Jail. World-Herald staff writer Kevin Cole contributed to this report. Weather conditions will remain unseasonally warm today and Thursday in the Omaha area, with near record high temperatures in the 70s. Also today, the weather service said all of east-central and eastern Nebraska and western Iowa make up a very high fire danger area. The Omaha area is included among the fire-danger locations. The National Weather Service office in Valley said a combination of dry conditions, low relative humidity and gusty south-southeast winds could lead to wildfires. Then, a major weather change is in store for the Midlands. Thursday through Saturday, a winter-like storm is expected to develop across most of Nebraska and a section of Iowa. The storm system will also bring much lower temperatures and strong winds to the region. The weather service said the wintry system will produce snow over a swath from Colorado and Wyoming into most of Nebraska (except in the southeast part of the state), all of South Dakota, northwest Iowa and most of Minnesota. Accumulating snow is possible in northeast Nebraska on Thursday night into Friday night, along with very gusty northwest winds, which may lead to blowing snow conditions. Northeast Nebraska could get receive 1 to 3 inches of snow and the Omaha area may get a melting mix of precipitation Thursday night into Friday morning. A KMTV meteorologist, Ryan McPike, said he wasnt expecting any accumulation in the Omaha area from the storm system. But a couple of hundred miles north of us, he said, theyll get hit. He urged Nebraskans in the west and north-central parts of the state to check their forecasts as the winter-like system approaches their areas. McPike also said high pressure over the Midwest, which has been producing the regions long warm stretch, is slowly breaking down and a system from the west is pushing in, producing the forecast wintry conditions. Today in the Omaha area, however, conditions will be windy and sunny with a high in the lower 70s. South-southeast winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The record high in the Omaha area for today is 73 degrees established in 2001 and 73 on Thursday set in 1953. Normal high temperatures for mid-November are the lower 50s to around 50. Thursday will also be quite warm for mid-November with a high near 70, according to the weather service. Thursday night, a big change begins in the Omaha area. Look for west winds gusting as high as 30 mph, a 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after midnight, and a low in the upper 30s. Friday will remain windy 35 mph northwest gusts. Also, there is a slight chance of rain and snow and a high in the lower 40s, the weather service said. Friday night is expected to be blustery with a low in the mid-20s. The weather will remain cold over the weekend in the Omaha area, with highs in the 40s and overnight lows in the 20s, before conditions warm into the lower 50s early next week. Markis Davis handcuffs clinked together as he wiped away tears in court Tuesday while he pleaded guilty to his role in the slaying of Anthony Walker. Davis, 30, apologized to the court after pleading guilty to amended charges of first-degree robbery. Additional charges he was facing, including first-degree murder, were dropped. None of this was supposed to happen, he said. Davis attorney, Chad Primmer, told the court that Davis, Wesley Correa-Carmenaty, 22, and Ben Lein, 19, plotted to rob Walker of drugs and money on March 7. But Walker was shot and killed. We are grateful to the state for this offer. Hopefully, he can turn his life around and do good to counterbalance this, Primmer said. On March 16, Davis turned himself in. On March 7, Davis invited Walker to his house. When Walker came into the apartment, police said, Lein and Correa-Carmenaty followed him with guns drawn. One was a BB gun, and the other was a Hi-Point .40-caliber handgun. Lein and Correa-Carmenaty have said they held the BB gun while the other held the handgun. Both are facing first-degree murder charges and first-degree robbery charges. Prosecuting attorney Jon Jacobmeier did not comment in court. Part of the amended charge changed the victim of Davis crime to Walker. Originally, the victim had been Patrick Schutz, who was with Walker and suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. With his plea accepted, Davis was sentenced to 25 years in prison, of which 70 percent must be completed before the possibility of parole. At the earliest, Davis will be 47 when he is free. You have opportunities now, Judge Greg Steensland told Davis. I hope you avail yourself to them. Leins jury trial is set for Feb. 21. Correa-Carmenatys jury trial is set for Jan. 31. If convicted, each suspect could face life in prison without parole. Text messages found by police on Davis phone sent to Correa-Carmenaty instruct him not to kill anyone after stating that they wanted the money. Video later found on Leins phone shows him and Davis three days before the shooting, holding a handgun that appears to be the one that was found near Correa-Carmenaty by police. Jamar Miltons fate in his first-degree murder trial could rely on whether a jury believes the survivors account. Prosecutors say cellphone records and evidence collected at the fatal shooting scene at Miller Park corroborate Charles Fishers narrative. A defense attorney argued that Fisher lied about parts of his story, so he isnt trustworthy to tell the whole truth. Now the jury seven men and five women will deliberate on a first-degree murder charge and three others. In closing statements Tuesday afternoon, prosecutor Jim Masteller said Milton, then 17, led his younger brother and another teen in a plan to rob Fisher and Jamymell Ray of marijuana and shoot them. This was going to be, shoot first, get the marijuana later, Masteller said on the sixth day of the trial. Jamymell Ray lost his life over a little bit of marijuana. Fisher, who suffered a bullet to his shoulder, served as a key eyewitness to the June 29, 2015, fatal shooting of his 31-year-old friend. Fisher didnt show up after being subpoenaed to testify last Wednesday, so he was arrested on a warrant by officers and testified Thursday in handcuffs. Fisher testified that he and Ray had been driving around but stopped in Miller Park to smoke a marijuana blunt. Ray was using Fishers phone. An expert testified that there were four calls between Miltons phone and Fishers phone within an hour before the shooting, which occurred about 3:50 p.m., prosecutors say. Fisher testified that he saw three little dudes running up to the car. Jarrell Milton, then 12, held a .40 caliber chrome and black gun with an extended magazine. Jarrell was outside the passenger window, on Rays side. Shuntayvious Primes-Willis held a 9 mm black pistol on the drivers side, near Fisher. Jamar Milton, with an identifying birthmark above his right eye, circled the vehicle on a blue and white bicycle, Fisher testified. Prosecutors say Jamar Milton held a .22 caliber gun. A casing was found near the shooting scene, but the gun, unlike the other two, was never recovered. Then, three pops. That shows this was coordinated, this was planned, this was expected, Masteller said. Prosecutors allege that Primes-Willis and Jamar Milton fired. Primes-Willis shot struck Fisher in the shoulder, and Miltons hit Ray below his right earlobe, Masteller said. A fragment consistent with a .22 caliber bullet was recovered from Rays neck. Defense attorney Stephanie Shearer asked the jury if they could rely on Fishers story without hesitation. The state is asking you to convict my client based solely and wholly on the words of Charles Fisher, she said in her closing statement. She said Fisher had small inconsistencies about what was in his pocket and lied about calling 911. Those are just little things, she said. Why lie to you about that? She argued that prosecutors hadnt presented evidence that the boys hatched a plan to rob the men or that a bag of marijuana found at the Milton home was the same one that Ray had. (The prosecutors) are inviting you to speculate, she said. Somethings missing. The jury will continue to deliberate starting at 9 a.m. today. The two other boys involved in the case have been convicted. Miltons brother, Jarrell Milton, was convicted in juvenile court and is serving probation at Boys Town. Primes-Willis, then 15, pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder and use of a weapon. He is serving a 30- to 50-year sentence, meaning that he will spend at least 15 years in prison. WASHINGTON Nebraskas best was on display Tuesday night in Washington, D.C. The Nebraska Society of Washington, D.C., celebrated the philanthropic endeavors of a Cornhusker trio with the groups annual Distinguished Nebraskan Award. Bill and Evonne Williams received the award together for their Patriotic Productions that honors the sacrifices of military veterans. The other recipient was the Rev. Ray Wilke, president of the Orphan Grain Train. That volunteer network shares donations of clothing, medical supplies and food with needy people in America and around the world. Bill Williams noted that their primary work involves creating displays to honor the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan, but he also talked about the honor flights theyve organized to bring veterans to Washington so they can visit the memorials to their service. The most recent flight involved more than 500 Vietnam War veterans, which Williams said was the largest group of Vietnam vets from one state to ever visit the iconic wall commemorating that conflict on the National Mall. He said one veteran from that flight visited with them later to share his experience. The man told the couple that he had long suffered from nightmares after his heavy combat experiences, but that he had started sleeping soundly through the night after the trip. Isnt that remarkable? Williams said. He said they have hundreds of applications already for an upcoming flight planned for next spring. Wilke talked about the roots of his organization, which was founded in 1992. He and his wife traveled to Russia and were heartbroken over the suffering they saw that was the result of long decades of Soviet rule. We said somebody must do something to relieve the pain, Wilke said. And thats finally what its about a few bodies doing something to relieve the pain all over the world. And its my hope that more of us will get involved. Members of the Nebraska delegation and society organizers praised the award recipients for their work. Past honorees have included politicians, business leaders and entertainers who hail from the state. WASHINGTON Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., threw cold water Wednesday on the idea of her serving in a Donald Trump administration. I love the job that Im doing, Fischer told The World-Herald. Weve had a number of accomplishments, and I think theres a lot more to do for the people of Nebraska. This is the time right after a new president is elected when speculation runs rampant, particularly on personnel decisions. The incoming transition team floats trial balloons. Trade and advocacy groups tout their preferred candidates. Pundits and journalists vacuum it all up and assemble lists for each position with pros and cons of the various selections. Fischer, for example, might be considered an appealing pick to run the Transportation Department. After all, she has worked closely with industry groups on legislation related to transportation infrastructure. Trucking and railroad associations would likely be comfortable with the prospect of Fischer running the show. Still, Fischers comments Wednesday suggest she wouldnt necessarily be interested in the job. Additionally, Trumps transition thus far has underscored the high premium he places on loyalty. Fischer backed Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., during the Republican primary. And she called on Trump to give up the GOP nomination after a damaging videotape was released in which he bragged that his fame allowed him to grope women. Fischer quickly backed off that call, offering her full support to Trump and standing by him through the election. But its unlikely hes completely forgotten her brief desertion. Other Nebraskans could be considered for a Trump team as well. Charles Herbster and Dave Heineman, the states former GOP governor, for example, have both been mentioned for the position of agriculture secretary. They were both part of Trumps agricultural advisory panel. Beyond their status as advisers, however, theres no indication they actually are in the running. Its also early for the transition team to get to positions like Agriculture and Transportation. Instead they are still weighing the much higher-profile slots such as Treasury, State and Defense. A Trump spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment. Hillary Clinton and much of her campaign staff now blame her defeat on FBI Director James Comey. Clearly, for them, the buck stops elsewhere. Regardless of Comeys timing and actions during the email investigation, Clinton and her team should accept their own responsibility for the loss. Nobody else forced Clinton to do the publics business on a private email server or deleted 33,000 emails without State Department review. Nobody else led Clinton to be so extremely careless in her handling of very sensitive, highly classified information, in Comeys words, that it spurred a lengthy, costly FBI investigation. Nobody else handled donations to the Clinton Foundation in ways that looked to some like a pay-to-play scheme. Nobody else decided after the final presidential debate that Clinton should focus on boosting Democrats chances of congressional majorities. Nobody else spent more money in the final weeks of the campaign on TV advertising in Omaha than in Michigan and Wisconsin combined. Nobody else ignored state party requests to campaign more in Michigan and Wisconsin. And nobody else spent more time declaring her opponent unfit for office than offering a positive vision of her own plans. Nobody else but Hillary Clinton and her staff. Before state law changed in 2015, Nebraska prisons too often used solitary confinement to punish rather than to protect inmates and staff. Solitary was used at more than twice the national rate, and nearly half of Nebraska prisoners spent at least one day of their sentence in the hole. Since then, Nebraska prisons have adopted stricter standards for when an inmate can be held in isolation and other restricted housing. The state turned in a positive direction with those changes. But lawmakers, prison officials and experts want to see Nebraska do more. Those are the key findings of a two-year study of the State Department of Correctional Services by the New York-based Vera Institute of Justice. The report presented several recommendations on how the state can rely less on inmate isolation. Among them: more staff training to manage prisoners without the threat of solitary confinement and continued work to address prison staffing shortages. The Vera Institute recommends the Legislature keep boosting prison treatment programs for substance abuse and mental health and the prisoners create a step-down program to help inmates in solitary return to the general prison population. Many of the suggestions are already being implemented or considered. Nebraskas efforts dovetail with a national push to reduce the use of solitary confinement, which can contribute to aggression and mental illness. Nationwide, between 80,000 to 100,000 people are in solitary confinement on a given day. In Nebraska, as of October, that number was 324. From July 2013 to June 2015, nearly 14 percent of Nebraskas prison population was in some type of restrictive housing. Most were there because they assaulted an inmate or staffer or were considered a danger to themselves or others. Nebraska also was using solitary, however, for low-level infractions such as cursing, disruptions and disobeying orders. The state now tracks and releases data on the use of solitary confinement, as required by Legislative Bill 598, which passed in 2015. Prison policies were revised to end the use of solitary confinement as punishment and limit who can be held in isolation and for how long. Corrections Director Scott Frakes and Gov. Pete Ricketts deserve credit for seeking the advice of outside experts. While the report cited several areas where Nebraska still needs to improve, it expressed confidence that revamped state policies will lead to less use of solitary and safer prisons. Both are worthy goals that show the department is making slow and steady progress. The writer, a veteran of three presidential appointments, political campaigns and a career in Washington policy, is president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. While President-elect Donald Trump begins his transition into the White House this week, world leaders are gathered in Morocco negotiating the implementation of climate change regulatory requirements for agriculture and other key sectors many impacting Nebraska farmers. During the campaign, Trump promised to put America first, reduce regulations and pursue policies that recognize the value of American products. There is every reason to believe that policy change will soon remove the key federal roadblock to development of the bioeconomy. Nebraskans know that American corn is the most efficiently produced carbohydrate in the world. It is a major engine in the American economy, specifically in American exports, food, feed, fuel, pharmaceuticals and varied industrial uses foreign and domestic. In Nebraska, corn is made into advanced bioproducts that replace petroleum-based chemicals and plastics that are all around us. These products are revitalizing farmer incomes and bringing high-paying jobs to the state. These carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative feedstocks are a powerful response to consumer concerns involving environmental practices. Various advanced bioproducts also are recyclable or biodegradable. Nebraska already has two strong corn refining facilities producing advanced bioproducts, presenting a unique Corn Belt opportunity for the state. Rather than spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a new facility, these existing facilities could be expanded at a much lower cost. These two modern corn refining facilities currently employ more than 1,000 professionals and provide the core for state-of-the-art facilities producing advanced bioproducts. Already, these facilities directly and indirectly contribute $6 billion in economic output to the state and help employ more than 26,000 people. Nebraskas bioeconomy promises much more potential economic growth. According to a report by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the average annual wage for an employee in the agricultural feedstock and chemicals subsector of the Nebraska bioeconomy is $63,000, nearly 20 percent higher than the states average total household income. The agricultural feedstock and chemicals subsector also has a direct-effect employment multiplier of 17.9, the highest in the bioeconomy sector. Meaning, for every person directly employed in an advanced facility producing nonfood materials from corn, there are nearly 18 other jobs that exist in part to support this position. These are the jobs that form a strong economic foundation. Last April, Iowa enacted the first of its kind Renewable Chemicals Production Tax Credit program to spur development of renewable chemicals and other advanced bioproducts. Recognizing this ability to access startup capital is crucial for the success of any new market sector. By incentivizing the production of high value building block chemicals for the bioeconomy, Iowa took the first step toward building a market sector that can revitalize farmers incomes, bring high-paying jobs to Midwestern cities and actively address consumer concerns about social responsibility and the environment. Nebraska can seize the same opportunity. Before decisions are made about the global marketplace, Nebraska should institute similar policies, setting the foundation for a Nebraska-Iowa bioeconomy hub. Stotherts successful first term Once again, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert will add a surplus to the citys coffers. During her term as mayor, spending has been under control, property tax rates have not risen, city department heads are living within their budgets and more money is being allocated for city services and products. Stothert has also been diligent in providing more resources to the Police and Fire Departments for their continued efforts to keep Omahans safe and to the Public Works Department for its never-ending confrontations with Mother Nature. Complaints are still being heard about the restaurant tax that Stothert voted against as a City Council member but is still on the books, but if the former mayor had used a lot more common sense during union negotiations, it wouldnt be an issue. I want to thank Mayor Stothert for her accountability, honesty, transparency and conservative handling of our tax dollars. Charlie Aliano, Omaha Reject a Republican mayor for Omaha Protests around the country have sprung up denouncing the election of Donald Trump. Many people are dumbfounded that America would elect somebody so unqualified to be president. What to do? Democrats and independents need to take a stand and assert themselves. And I say Omaha can do its part by making sure Republican Jean Stothert is not re-elected as mayor of Omaha. Stotherts declared opponent, State Sen. Heath Mello, can point out the deficiencies of Stotherts first term, of which there are many the failed effort to move HDRs headquarters downtown and the Crossroads Mall fiasco are two to start with. But we can also oppose Stothert just because she is a member of the Republican Party. After all, that is what Stothert did when she supported Don Bacon for Congress over a qualified Omahan, Brad Ashford. Omahans should move in another direction from the state of Nebraskas love affair with the GOP and work to elect a Democrat to be mayor. Ricky Fulton, Omaha Protesters have the right to be angry I am appalled by Nov. 14 Public Pulse writer Shirley Morris (Trump won deal with it) calling protesting ignorant behavior. These protesters have the right to protest. Morris also stated there wasnt this kind of behavior when President Barack Obama was elected. I would remind her that Obama did not insult women, the handicapped, minorities and veterans. She might need to be reminded that Obama won both the antiquated Electoral College and the popular vote. The bottom line is Hillary Clinton had more Americans vote for her. These protesters have the right and the reason to protest this deplorable man. Janice Mohs, Omaha Elections have winners and losers High school students need to be taught by teachers in civics class how elections work. People vote, and someone wins and someone loses. Thats our system. I wonder if they are using this as an excuse to get out of school. Nathan Seitelbach, Omaha A student with the right priorities What a contrast: news of protests, flag burning and college tests being canceled due to stress from the election versus Rishi Sharmas mission to interview World War II veterans (Teen feels press of time in mission to interview one WWII vet each day, Nov. 11 World-Herald). Rishis dedication to these men who saved humanity is a tribute to the integrity and determination of a 19-year-old on a mission to make a difference in the lives of many veterans. Rishis willingness to give up meals, postpone college, etc., is an example of leadership many could learn from. Cindy Sadowski, Omaha Trump needs a Team of Rivals In a dream world, President Donald Trump would surround himself with intellectuals and include experienced people who disagree with him. John Kennedy did this and, more famously, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was brave enough to do this during the worst of times, the Civil War. Trump is not student of history or government. I would be shocked, but delighted, if he had read A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin about the diverse makeup and working relationships of the Lincoln Cabinet. Sadly, the group Trump has chosen to direct the transition looks more like a team of sycophants and demagogues. Bob Winkler, Omaha Fischer should go without insurance, too I read Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is eager to get rid of the Affordable Care Act and will do it through budget reconciliation, rather than have it properly debated (Fischer eager for GOP to chart own course, Nov. 14 World-Herald). While shes taking away the health insurance of 20 million people, I hope she is also eliminating any insurance available to members of Congress paid for by the public. Robert G. Davis, Omaha Looks may be deceiving The World-Heralds Nov. 14 article on Sen. Deb Fischer is a big dose of Mary Sunshine, like Leslie Stahls CBS 60 Minutes interview. On Sunday, Donald Trump appointed Steve Bannon, a very dangerous man, to be his adviser. Many say he is a racist, anti-Semitic and a misogynist. Gordon Scott, Omaha We need to move forward together What a breath of fresh air it was to read Erin Graces column about University of Nebraska at Omaha professor Fred Nielsens work with his history students (History offers lessons, but no easy solutions, Nov. 12 World-Herald). If we are truly determined to move ahead as a country faithful to its ideals, then we need to move beyond blame, gloating and demonizing. If we only see this election as a win for one side and a loss for another, it will truly be a loss for all of us. And the question remains, who will be our Lincoln for today? Anne Pellegrino, Omaha Explaining Trump to the world I think it is a sad commentary that a sitting president has to explain the intentions of the next president-elect to our allies around the world and reassure them that we will honor treaties that have been binding for decades. Charles Barrett, Omaha The gray revolt at the polls In reference to old white men being partly responsible for Donald Trump getting elected, I am reminded of the quotation that Youth and exuberance are no match for old age and treachery. Ken Krueger, Omaha Not a difficult problem It seems Omaha Public Schools has finally awakened to whats really going on in its schools, but, as usual, the board seeks a consultant instead of a decision to resolve the problem (A plea for help with disruptive students, Nov. 1). The resolution is really quite simple. Suspend the violator and prosecute the parent. Jim Sanford, Blair, Neb. Discipline issue requires a team response As I read the World-Heralds Nov. 15 article, School seeks ways to deal with unruly students, I thought, Why is the solution placed on the backs of Nathan Hale classroom teachers and parents? What role should administrators, counselors, deans and security personnel play? What needs to happen is these people should have a daily, visible presence in classrooms, especially those that are critical and dangerous. Craig Comiskey, Omaha A vet salutes Hy-Vee The Veterans Day breakfast at the 156th Street and West Maple Road Hy-Vee was an exceptional event. Not only was the breakfast buffet outstanding, but the staff really provided a welcome that honored all veterans fortunate enough to attend. A high school band played patriotic music, and a childrens choir performed magnificently. Well done, Hy-Vee, and thank you for your recognition. Vernon White, Omaha Showing gratitude for their service Few companies get the difference between customer service and providing service to their customers. I am glad to say Hy-Vee stores get it. My wife and I enjoyed a class A buffet on Veterans Day at their 132nd Street and West Dodge Road store. It was a proud moment for me when I received a commemorative coin and two carnations and to hear thank you for your service from each of their employees. It was a very different greeting than I received at Eppley Airfield when I came home in 1969. Dennis Wagner, Omaha Abuse of power- Bengaluru cop breaks ATM queue, citizens pull him up Bengaluru oi-Oneindia By Oneindia A police constable was pulled up by citizens in Bengaluru on Tuesday night after he broke an ATM queue and withdrew money out of turn. An irate crowd chided the cop for misusing his uniform and breaking the lines outside an ATM. Over 25 people had lined up outside an ATM near Surana College in South Bengaluru when a constable in uniform arrived. Even as people were awaiting their turn to enter the kiosk, the policeman walked straight in. Some of those in line assumed that the policemen had come for the ATM's security and ensure smooth functioning but he took them by surprise when he stopped the next person in line and proceeded to withdraw money. The policeman was immediately stopped by the public that took him to task over breaking the queue. A senior citizen even accused the policeman of misusing his uniform and humiliating those standing in long queues to withdraw money. All that the policeman had to say was sorry. He soon collected the money that the ATM dispensed and made his way out. Even as people demanded to know his name and the police station that he was attached to, the constable offered an apology and walked away. This is nothing short of a classic case of people misusing their power and position to get ahead while every common citizen of the country is spending precious hours outside banks and ATMs. The people gathered there hoped that the Bengaluru Commissioner of Police takes cognizance of the matter and punish the erring cop. OneIndia News Look who attended the big fat Reddy wedding in Bengaluru Bengaluru oi-Anusha Politicians cutting across party lines attended the wedding celebrations of Gali Janardhana Reddy's daughter at palace grounds on November 15 and 16. Despite an unofficial diktat of sorts from its central leadership, prominent leaders of the BJP were seen at the wedding while many leaders who were invited chose to give it a miss. [Also Read: Stay away from Reddy's daughter's wedding says BJP ] Karnataka State President B S Yeddyurappa, Former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, MP Shobha Karandlaje and MLA C T Ravi were a few esteemed guests from the BJP that the wedding saw. Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda and Ananth Kumar kept consciously away from the wedding. Central leadership of the BJP has asked its leaders to stay away from the wedding keeping in mind the cash crunch situation in the country. Sadananda Gowda's wife Dati, however, did take part in the wedding celebrations. Despite many congressmen slamming the BJP leaders for being part of the wedding, Congress too wasn't far off. Despite it's own minister in the state Ramesh Kumar condemning such lavish weddings, senior leader of the state Congress were present on Wednesday to wish the couple. Karnataka's Home Minister and State Congress President Dr G Parameshwar and well the state's energy minister D K Shivakumar attended the Rs 500 crore wedding. While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chose to stay away, key congress leaders visiting palace grounds for the wedding did garner critism. [Also Read: Rs 500 crore wedding celebrations begin in Bengaluru ] Apart from politicians, a host of celebrities including cine actors from Telugu, Kannada and Tamil industry were in attendance. OneIndia News Was Karnataka minister viewing old pictures of Melania Trump? Bengaluru oi-Vicky Bengaluru, Nov 16: It was photographs of Melania Trump that Karnataka education minister, Tanveer Sait was allegedly surfing on his mobile during a government function. The police who sourced the video footage of the minister surfing photographs found that he was looking at pictures of Melania which were shot over a decade back. There were many messages that had been sent to the minister and among them were photographs of Melania, the police found during their probe. Also read: Watching porn in assembly and in public event not the same says K'taka CM Sait had courted controversy after a video footage showed him surfing pictures on his mobile phone at a government function held on Tipu Jayanthi. The opposition in Karnataka has been demanding action against the minister. Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah had said that viewing porn in the assembly and outside are not the same. He, however, added that he did not support what had happened and had sought for a report on the same. Sait, on the other hand, claimed he did no wrong and said he would not step down as minister. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 8:33 [IST] People of J&K hate corruption, I always felt their pain: PM Modi 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley (In pics) Jammu and Kashmir rallies behind in peace, but leads in spirit Feature oi-Pallavi Sengupta Despite the constant fear for life due to incessant shelling from the other side of the LoC, people of Jammu and Kashmir fight back, with an unbeatable spirit. Schools run amid chaos and students boycott call for exam strike. There is a zeal to live and live happily. Here are some pics: A hole in the roof, not in the spirit Akhnoor: A boy showing a hole on the roof of a house after shelling from the Pakistani side at Pallawala village of Akhnoor secto on Tuesday. PTI Peace on the shoulders Akhnoor: Border villagers evacuate their homes for a safer place, at Pallawala village of Akhnoor sector on Tuesday in the view of cross-border firings. PTI A shell in hand Akhnoor: A boy showing the remains of mortar shell fired by the Pakistani Rangers at Pallawala village of Akhnoor sector on Tuesday. PTI Speaking to the men in uniform Kathua: Bollywood actor Nana Patekar visits BSF border outposts in Kathua district of Jammu and Kasmir on Tuesday.PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 18:23 [IST] These Tata cars are available at discounts of up to Rs 40,000: Check details here TATA-Mistry tussle: Who is Nusli Wadia and why is he in news? Feature oi-Pallavi Sengupta Nusli Wadia is an Indian Parsi businessman and is the Chairman of the Wadia Group. He is also the grandson of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Nusli was born to Neville Wadia and Dina Wadia. He has an elite lineage where his maternal grandmother was Rattanbai Petit, who was born in the Petit and the Tata family. Fatima Jinnah, a strong force in the Pakistan Movement, was his grandaunt. He is married to a former air hostess, Maureen Wadia who also heads the Gladrags magazine. She is also one of the major forces behind the Mrs India beauty pageant. The couple has two sons- Ness Wadia and Jehangir Wadia. Why is he in news? Nusli Wadia is an independent director in the Tata group. The recent tussle between Tata and Mistry, however may change the equation. It is rumoured that Tata Sons may be moving resolutions to remove directors, including independent directors from the board of Tata group-listed companies that form a part of the salt-to-steel conglomerate. Removal of directors under the Companies Act Section 284 of the Companies Act, 1956 is adopted on the following recommendation of the Company Law Committee, which says: "In future, a director of the company, whether under an agreement or not and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in its articles would be removable by an ordinary resolution of which special notice has been given. The right proposed to be given to a director, who is likely to be affected by any such resolution, to make a representation to the company at the company's expense will ensure the consideration of the pros and cons of any such resolution by the general body of shareholders, before a decision is taken by them to remove him. In our opinion, the general body of shareholders should have greater powers to remove a director with whom they are dissatisfied whether such director is under a contract of service or not." SEction 284 is considered to be just an eyewash and does not state much about the position of the directors. In fact, it is just statutory recognition of shareholder's democracy. The provisions of this section reflects the principle of managing the shareholders. [Read:Tata Global Beverages removes Mistry as chairman ] Incidentally, the shareholders do not have any power to interfere in the company functioning. However, the above-mentioned section was designed to enable them to control the directors by removing them. Section 284 applies to all directors, but has certain exceptions: It is not applicable on directors appointed by the Central Government in pursuance of Section 408. In case of a private company, it is not applicable for a director holding office for life on 1 April, 1952. Not applicable in companies, which have adopted the system of electing two-thirds of their directors by the principle of proportional representation. Bombay High Court makes it clear In a court case detailed by Bombay High Court in Escorts Ltd vs Union of India, the former had clearly stated that the power of removing a director lay in the hands of the shareholders. However, the shareholders have to make their intentions clear beforehand so that the director concern can make preparations for a representation to the shareholders. On the flip side, the representation can also be cancelled if the shareholders refuse to state the grounds on which the director is being removed. [Read: Tata Motors board reposes faith in Cyrus Mistry] In such a situation TATA will have to prove the incompetence of Wadia, which is even more difficult since he has been the director with the group since 1981. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 15:32 [IST] Will currency demonetisation affect UP elections 2017? Feature oi-Pallavi Sengupta Currency demonetisation's ill effects are visible outside the banks and ATMs, but will this have a greater ramification in the upcoming UP elections is yet to be determined. It is heyday for BSP's Mayawati and SP's Akhilesh Yadav, flexing their vocal chords against the BJP-led NDA government's decision. Akhilesh went to the extent of saying: "I am very clear on this...black money should not be generated. Economic experts say the magnitude of the global economic crisis at times is not felt in India because of strong (parallel) economy of black money." Providing a cue to the public in UP, Akhilesh said, "whichever government had troubled the poor, it was shown the door by the masses. This government has caused immense pain to commoners." BSP supremo Mayawati could be heard talking on similar lines. Calling demonetisation an "economic emergency" , she said that the PM should stop blackmailing the people of the country emotionally. She said, "It is good that Modiji has left his family and village for the country but that does not mean that he would take immature decisions which are against the public interest and stick to them. He should stop emotionally blackmailing the people who are facing hardships due to the move." Adding fuel to the fire, Mayawati further said that Modi realised the need to curb black money just before the UP elections, which was nothing but a move to divert the attention of the mass from the government's failures. Every cloud has a silver lining Although the political forces have routed their anger at the NDA government, the latter may still save some brownie points. Given their poll agenda before the Assembly elections in 2014, BJP may have already gathered the trust of the people with its demonetisation move. Having said that, there is also a possibility that the party will lose the trading and business community, which formed a major part of its vote bank. The rural economy is also unpredictable at this moment, especially when the people in this particular section of the society is unlikely to understand the ramifications of the demonitisation. In fact, they are remotely related to the Black Money issue. Only time will tell whether Modi Bhakts understand his moves and stay with him or choose a different path. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 17:12 [IST] TRS, BJP are two sides of same coin: Rahul Gandhi in Telangana 13-year-old girl raped by a father-son duo India oi-Vikas By Vikas Hyderabad, Nov 16: A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an advocate and his son in Hyderabad's Green Hills colony, said reports. The father-son have surrendered before the police today. The police registered a case here on Tuesday after child rights activists rescued the girl and brought the issue to their notice. According to reports, a case has been registered under Section 376 and the POSCO Act, 2012. The police, meanwhile, has sent the girl for medical examination to confirm the allegations. The victim, who was working as a maid in the advocate's house, was subjected to sexual assaults and was even beaten up when she resisted it. Oneindia News 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley 369 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan till Oct India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 16: Pakistan has violated the ceasefire 369 times in Jammu and Kashmir in the first ten months of this year, Rajya Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said there were 210 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International border in Jammu and Kashmir till November 2, 2016. He said 159 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported along the Line of Control in the state. In the year 2015, there were 253 incidents of ceasefire violations along the International Border and 152 such incidents along the LoC, the minister added in reply to a written question. PTI 'Afghan girl' to be treated at Bengaluru's Narayana Hrudayalaya India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi National Geographic's famed 'Afghan girl' Sharbat Gula is all set to receive free treatment from Bengaluru's Narayana Hrudayalaya. Currently in Afghanistan, she is expected to come to India for treatment of Hepatitis C from Afghanistan. Afghan's envoy to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali tweeted to thank India for its gesture. The envoy also thanked Narayana Hrudayalaya for its hospitality and acceptance to treat her free of cost. While Dr Devi Shetty is out of the country and wasn't available for a comment immediately, sources from the hospital have told OneIndia that the paper work is yet to begin on the same. "We have only had an informal conversation. We were approached by the embassy for Sharbat's treatment and we readily agreed. We are yet to formalise the same", said the source. The Chief Minister of Karnataka also took to Twitter to commend the hospital for its guesture. The hospital hoever maintains that it has received no communication from Embassy after the initial conversation. "We are yet to receive any papers from the embassy on her health. Only after we receive it can we go ahead with making a plan of action. We will wait for Dr Shetty to return", the source added. OneIndia News With Islamic radicalisation running so deep, why an NIA branch in every state matters Arrested IM suspect lost job due to radical mind: NIA India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Nov 16: Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, a suspected senior operative of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), was forced to leave his job as a driver at a Dubai company due to his "radical mentality", according to the NIA. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a supplementary chargesheet, along with the statement of Mohammad Ubaid Kola, the owner of Kola Enterprises -- a toy company in Dubai that had hired Siddibapa, and other employees of the company. Kola, whose business is to import toys from China and India and distribute in the local market at Oman, Dubai and other places, in his statement said his father in 2009 offered Siddibapa a job as driver with a salary of 2,500 Dirham. "During my conversation with Siddibapa, it appeared to me that he was a radicalised person, as he used to quote certain verses of the holy Quran, which were related to the Jihad in Islam," Kola said in his statement. "He used to keep certain persons like Anwar Hussain alias Noor, who was associated with the IM organisation, and ... he used to quote me certain occurrences like Babri Masjid demolition incident, Gujrat riots, etc., and would instigate me that being a Muslim, I should do something to avenge the atrocities which were committed on the Muslim community in India," he stated. Kola said he had tried to persuade Siddibapa to not adopt such mentality or thinking. Kola also took the initiative of keeping him in the company of Islamic scholars, but all in vain, as Siddibapa did not change his attitude. Since despite "my repeated instructions to change his (Siddibapa) attitude, he did not oblige me, so I sacked him from the job of driver around 2010", the statement said. The Kola Enterprises owner also told NIA that Noor used to visit him frequently and used to address Siddibapa as 'Khan'. Noor, a wanted accused, is on the run. Similar accounts were also given by other employees of the company. They also said that in 2013, they came to know through open sources that Siddibapa was an IM cadre. The NIA has chargesheeted Siddibapa for various offences under sections 121A (waging war against the Government of India) and 123 (concealing facts with intent to facilitate design to wage war) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The fresh supplementary chargesheet was filed before Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit, who on Wednesday took cognizance of the chargesheet and posted the matter for December 6 for further hearing. The NIA chargesheet says that Siddibapa conspired to stage terror attacks at various places in India, recruited Indian youth for the IM and funded their activities. Described as the financial brain of the terror outfit, Siddibapa lived in Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. He was arrested here in May following his deportation from Dubai. The NIA alleged that Siddibapa had been in touch with other IM operatives through electronic communication. A Red Corner notice was issued against him in December 2013. Siddibapa was also wanted for his alleged involvement in the July 2006 Mumbai serial blasts, 2008 Delhi blasts and the 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium blast in Bengaluru. He allegedly routed the money using both banking channels and Western Union Money Transfer. He left for Dubai much before the crackdown on the IM started in 2008. He was detained in the United Arab Emirates and arrested in January 2014. IANS Arvind Kejriwal on Gujarat visit tomorrow India oi-PTI Ahmedabad, Nov 16: Delhi Chief Minister and national convener of Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal is coming on two-day visit to Gujarat tomorrow, his fifth in last few months. "Kejriwal will arrive at Ahmedabad airport tomorrow and straight away go to Mahuva town in Bhavnagar district. On Friday, he will inaugurate a special ward and an operation theater of Sadbhavna Trust (hospital) run by AAP leader Kanu Kalsaria," AAP's Gujarat in-charge Gulab Singh Yadav said today. After attending the programme at Mahuva on Friday, Kejriwal will return to Ahmedabad and fly back to Delhi, Yadav added. Kejriwal has been attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the surgical strikes by Army in PoK were announced, and recently in the wake of demonetisation of high-value denominations and resultant inconvenience caused to people. Roll back demonetisation, says Arvind Kejriwal This will be Kejriwal's fifth visit to Modi's home state in last few months, which will go to polls by end of next year. On July 9, Kejriwal had visited Somnath and other places to launch AAP's campaign for the polls. He visited Una town on July 22 in the wake of the assault on dalits allegedly by cow vigilantes and met family members of the victims. The Delhi CM had also visited Gujarat in August to pay homage to head of Swaminaryan sect Pramukhswami Maharajah, who died at the age of 95. In his latest visit in October, Kejriwal had spent four days in Gujarat, during which he met relatives of Patel youths who were killed last year when the quota agitation was at its peak. He had also addressed a huge rally in Surat in South Gujarat. PTI Bengaluru - Father murders sons, flees India oi-Anusha By Anusha Ravi Subramanyapura police in Bengaluru are on the lookout for a father after he murdered his sons aged 3 and 4. The father identified as Satish is on the run. Aditya aged 3 and Shivashankar aged 4 were found dead in a pool of blood by their mother when she returned home. The father Satish is said to have picked up the children from school when their mother was away on work. An alcoholic, Satish reportedly killed both his sons at home and fled from the spot. The local police have registered a case and are on the lookout for Satish. In her statement to the police, the mother Jothi claimed that Satish was an alcoholic and would return home drunk everyday and beat her and the children up. She added that the couple had fought last evening over a meal. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 16:01 [IST] As the countdown clock struck zero, rocket of Aakash BYJUS took off from Bandra Bandstand BJP's Gopal Shetty does it again, this time on deaths in bank queues India oi-IANS By Ians English Mumbai, Nov 16: BJP Mumbai North MP Gopal Shetty on Wednesday drew flak for his insensitive remark on deaths of people in bank queues. Commenting on deaths, Shetty had said "kuchh pane ke liye, kuchh khona padta hai." Shetty made the remark when he was asked to speak on the deaths of some persons who joined long queues outside banks or ATMs to exchange the demonetised Rs 500-Rs 1000 currency or make withdrawals. "Every year, 3,500 commuters die on railway tracks, five lakh people are killed in road accidents, many more die in terror attacks and other incidents, but nobody speaks about them. For gaining something, you have to lose something," Shetty told a private news channel. The opposition pounced on the lawmaker terming his statement as "insensitive" and divorced from the ground realities of the huge suffering experienced by the common citizens across the country. Shetty, who is not new to controversy, had in February said farmer suicides had become "fashionable" and described it as a "trend". Lashing out at Shetty, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant demanded action against the MP for his remarks which he said added "salt to the wounds" of the people spending so many hours daily in long queues. Bharatiya Janata Party ally at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena's spokesperson Arvind Sawant termed Shetty's statement as "far from the ground reality." "He should first step outside and experience the sufferings of the people who have been hit by demonetisation before making such statements," Sawant said. Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik flayed Shetty saying they have lost touch with the ground situation and are not concerned about the pain of the people. So far, at least five persons have died in incidents directly linked with the November 8 demonetisation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While a 73-year-old man suffered a heart attack and died in Mulund on Friday, an infant lost his life a day after when he was denied admission to a Govandi hospital as his parents only had the old currency notes for paying the deposit. A 42-year-old man, Chhotelal Jaiswal, suffered a heart attack after waiting for over five hours in a queue in Kalwe suburb of Thane on Tuesday and later died in a hospital. On Wednesday, tragedy struck twice. A 50-year-old man, Deepak Shah, collapsed and died after standing in a queue for over two hours in Bhayander town, Thane. In Nanded, a 60-year-old man, Digamber Kasbe, faced a similar fate after waiting several hours to exchange old notes at a PSU bank. IANS Who is Dr Anantha Nageswaran? All you need to know about the new chief economic advisor Black money hoarders scout for Jan Dhan accounts News oi-Vicky By Vicky New Delhi, Nov 16 The finance ministry has instructed officials to keep a close watch on the deposits being made into Jan Dhan accounts. There has been a spurt in activity following the announcement of demonetisation and the government suspects that the accounts of the poor might be used to park money. There has been a sudden spurt in the quantum of deposits in several Jan Dhan accounts, the finance ministry says. In a statement the ministry also said that there have been reports of some elements using Jan Dhan accounts of poor and innocent persons to covert their black money into white. Also read: 8 Benefits of Opening a Bank Account Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana The government made it clear that those who hoodwink the poor and park money in Jan Dhan accounts will not be spared. However it also added that account holders who are using their Jan Dhan accounts legitimately will not be troubled. On Tuesday, Economic Affairs Secretary, Shaktikanta Das said that deposits exceeding Rs 50,000 into Jan Dhan accounts will be scanned and investigated to ascertain the source of the money. OneIndia News Cong leaders stashed Rs 12 lakh cr, PM turned it into scrap: Amit Shah India oi-PTI Ahmedabad, Nov 16: Launching a fierce attack on the Congress, especially on Rahul Gandhi, amid the demonetisation debate, BJP chief Amit Shah today alleged that the leaders of that party had accumulated Rs 12 lakh crore during the UPA rule through "corrupt" means, which he said was turned into "paper scrap" overnight by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Setting the tone for the Winter Session of Parliament, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, he claimed that the Congress was unhappy with the withdrawal of the high-value currency notes as its "fortune" was reduced to "paper scrap" by Modi's move. Shah also mocked the Congress vice-president for "going to a bank in a Rs-4 crore car to exchange Rs 4,000". "During their 10-year rule, the Sonia-Manmohan government did one scam every month, be it 2G, CWG, coal allocation, Adarsh Society, aircraft purchase and many other. With such large-scale corruption, Congress leaders accumulated Rs 12 lakh crore which is equal to the size of three Union budgets. Taxman bites Singhvi after leader says termites destroyed documents "They parked this huge amount of money in their houses, godowns and at their friends' places thinking that it was safe. But, Modi turned it into paper scrap by announcing demonetisation on November 8. This has taken away all the charm from the faces of the Congressmen," he said. Shah was addressing party workers and citizens at Bharuch in Gujarat where he inaugurated the Bharuch District Cooperative Bank building. The BJP president was also unsparing in his attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, claiming that everyone was in "deep trouble" due to the demonetisation move, but no one was ready to reveal the reason behind their discontent. Shah's comments came on a day when the Congress-led opposition closed ranks to pin down the government on the demonetisation issue in Parliament. "The situation is like a flood which sweeps away everything. Now, Congress leaders, Kejriwal, Mamata and Mulayam Singh have joined hands to save themselves from this flood. I am sure that those present here are not worried at all because we do not have black money. Only those who have black money are worried," he said. Taking a dig at Rahul who had criticised the prime minister for the demonetisation decision, Shah said, "Rahul baba went to withdraw Rs 4,000 in a Rs-4 crore car. Do you think these people ever need Rs 4,000 cash? Rahul baba talks about the poor. I want to tell him that if he and his party were so concerned, then the Congress leaders should not have stashed away the Rs 12 lakh crore." Acknowledging that the cash crunch was causing hardships to the common man, the BJP chief said they will "benefit in the long run". PTI In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament News oi-Lisa By Lisa New Delhi, Nov 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an all-party meeting in New Delhi ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament. In the meeting PM asserted that the government has launched a crusade against black money. He said that demonetisation was a step towards it. PM sought the support of opposition parties to make the move a success. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad at the meeting it is reported said that the decision to invalidate Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes was leaked in advance to some people including BJP leaders. He labelled this as the biggest scam. However, Azad maintained that his party was against the rollback of the decision. Here are some pictures of the all-party meet: Image 1 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. CPI's D Raja, TMC's Derek O'Brien and Sudip Bandyopadhya after an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 1 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, CPI's D Raja and TMC's Derek O'Brien after an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 3 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with MoSes for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and SS Ahluwalia arrives to chair an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 3 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with JD(U) Sharad Yadav arrives to attend an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 5 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh,Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar , Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge chairing an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 5 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 7 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh,Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad chairing an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI Image 7 In Pics- All party meet ahead of Winter Session of the Parliament New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley chairing an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 10:54 [IST] Incidents of violence at ATMs, banks in UP India oi-IANS By Ians English Lucknow, Nov 16: The restive serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs for cash transactions are now becoming a cause of concern for the administration in most parts of Uttar Pradesh, with people resorting to vandalism out of frustration. In the past 24 hours, there have been at least a dozen big and small incidents of irate mobs targeting bank property and clashing with police. Police officials told IANS that lawkeepers had to cane-charge an unruly mob outside the Allahabad Bank in Bahraich, resulting in injuries to some. Similarly, in many small towns adjacent to Agra, people have been cane-charged to disperse crowds from outside banks and ATM outlets. Restless people came to blows with each other at Dena Bank in Hapur, in which some women were pushed and heckled. Outside a bank branch at Indiranagar in the state capital, a group of women were shouted upon by some men and the matter was sorted out only after bank officials intervened. A State Bank of India (SBI) branch was on Tuesday vandalised in Varanasi, the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency, with account holders angry that the bank closed its doors leaving many still in the queue. The ATM there was also cash dry. Confirming the growing law and order problem due to the demonetisation move, a senior official said that police personnel have been withdrawn from their routine duties and deployed outside banks to prevent any untoward incident. IANS Indian-origin teenager stabbed to death in Israel after brawl at birthday party Israeli President visits Taj Mahal India oi-PTI Agra, Nov 16: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today visited the Taj Mahal, along with his wife, and spent nearly one-and-a-half hours at the world famous seventeenth century mausoleum. Munnazar Ali, an official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is in control of the monument, told PTI that Rivlin showed keen interest on its architecture and the inscriptions on it. On the visitors' book, Rivlin expressed his "admiration" for the architectural wonder. Besides his wife Nechama Rivlin, the President was accompanied by other members of the Israeli delegation to India. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum, commissioned in the early seventeenth century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Israeli President also visited Agra Water Works Treatment Plant at Sikandra. The facility uses Israeli innovative technology MBBR (moving bed bio reactor) installed by Aqwise which provides advanced water treatment solutions worldwide. Started in 2014, this plant caters to around two million people in Agra. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin begins his state visit of India Rivlin said the plant was a manifestation of the bonds of friendship, partnership and collaboration between the two countries. He also planted a 'kadamb' sapling to cement the bonds of friendship. Rivlin arrived in India on November 14 on an eight-day visit to India, the first by any Israeli President in nearly two decades. PTI People of J&K hate corruption, I always felt their pain: PM Modi 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley J&K: Cop killed in gunbattle with millitants in Sopore India oi-Vikas By Vikas Srinagar, Nov 16: An ongoing operation to flush the militants out of the forest area near Sopore, J&K, has left a policeman dead. The policeman, Muhammad Shafi, was killed on Wednesday morning while the security forces engaged the millitants in a feirce gunbattle. "Following specific information, about a group of militants hiding in the forest area of Zaloora near Sopore town, security forces launched an operation," a senior police officer told new agency IANS. "As the security forces, including troops of 20 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG), closed in on the hiding militants, the insurgents opened indiscriminate fire killing a police constable," he said. Last week, one millitant was killed in an overnight encounter with the security forces in south Kashmir's Shopian district. The gunbattle had left two soldiers injured. The terrorist activity and ceasefire violations by Pakistan at the border has seen a surge since India's surgical strikes on terror launching platforms in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 29. (With IANS inputs) Ghazwa-e-Hind in Assam: NIA roped in as Islamists plan destruction of India Madrassa teachers, students to support BJP in Assam by-poll India oi-PTI Guwahati, Nov 16: All Assam Madrassa Teachers Workers Association and All Assam Madrassa Students Union will extend their support to BJP nominees in the November 19 by-election to Lakhimpur parliamentary and Baithalangso Assembly seats in the state. The organisations extended their support to BJP in a meeting with the Assam unit of BJP Minority Morcha here today, Morcha's general secretary Mahiruddin Ahmed said. Both the madrassa organisations thanked Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for the Cabinet decision for solving the issues concerning the madrassa school teachers, a release by the Morcha general secretary said. They have also requested the government to design a syllabus for madrassa schools in keeping with the times and set up a madrassa university in the state. Supporting the Centre's demonetisation move, the organisations also hailed the state government's steps against corrupt government officials and employees. Rijiju says two crore Bangladeshis living illegally in India Problems of the minority community were also discussed in the meeting, the release said. Madrassa Students Union's president Kamrul Haq and general secretary Najrul Islam, Teachers Workers Association representatives Suleman Ali Mogul and Abdul Kasim Khan were among those who participated in the meeting, it added. PTI Think out of the Box: Modi's advise to Media on National Press Day India oi-Pallavi Sengupta New Delhi, Nov 16: Addressing a gamut of news agencies on the occasion of the National Press Day, Narendra Modi was vocal about his dream of an ideal media for a better nation. He evoked the past by remembering the ban on media during the Emergency between 1975-1977 and how it was brought back to its feet by the late PM Morarji Desai. Speaking of media's role in building awareness among the people, Modi hoped that mass media will fulfill its promise of a better society by highlighting the best in it. "Whatever is on screen is not the whole reality. Think out of the box. Show what is good too. People should know that India has a brighter side too. Only that can help change people's views about their own country. They will learn to love their country." Encouraging media on its role in the cleanliness drive, Modi said, "Media has played a very good role in furthering the message of cleanliness." PM Modi will confer excellence in journalism awards, including the Raja Ram Mohan Award to veteran journalist S.Nihal Singh. M. Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajayvardhan Rathore also attended the event. OneIndia News NGT questions Delhi LG's decision to lift ban on construction activities India oi-Vikas By Vikas New Delhi, Nov 16: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday questioned Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung's decision of lifting the ban on construction activities in Delhi. The Tribunal has sought reason for LG's decision, which was taken on Tuesday. The NGT also sought clarification from Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Government on steps taken to curb waste burning, said reports. The decision to lift ban on construction was taken in a meeting chaired by LG Jung to review the condition of air pollution in Delhi. The decision was taken in view of loss of income to the daily wage labourers. The DPCC had said during the meeting that there was a decline in pollution levels in the National Capital in the last two weeks. Both the Supreme Court and NGT are closely monitoring the sitution in Delhi due to air pollution. Oneindia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 17:18 [IST] 'Another feather in cap': Mamata on WB's highest success rate in All India Trade Test Mamata slams Centre's 'lack of decency' in sending invite via undersecy for Netaji Bose statue unveiling 'Is this acceptable?' Mamata Banerjee on Hindu Mahasabha's depiction of Mahatma Gandhi as Asura WB CM on 4-day visit to north Bengal from today Mamata likely to visit Chennai for WB Governor's family function Amit Shah to chair two-day 'Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers'; Mamata to skip the meet Now ATM is "Aayega tab milega": Mamata Banerjee on Demonetisation News oi-Lisa By Lisa New Delhi, Nov 16 In the absence of main leaders from the opposition, Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee led the march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to submit memorandum on demonetisation. Her Trinamool Congress got support of Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party and National Conference. Omar Abdullah represented NC, Bhagwant Mann represented AAP and Arvind Sawant represented Shiv Sena during the march. After submitting the memorandum to President, Mamata said that they have requested the President to speak to Government and decide on this and bring back normalcy in the country. Some quotes from Mamata after submitting memorandum to Pranab Mukherjee: "Children are starving, people have died and the government is turning a blind eye to this." "Our country does not run on plastic money." "There was no planning, this is like the Tughlaq regime." "The situation arising out of #demonetisation has triggered a sort of constitutional crisis." "Those with Black Money have been supported, but taxpayers are suffering." "We are against black money but the govt has taken a decision to protect actual culprits and punish common people." "Initially ATM meant "All-time Money" now it is "Aayega tab milega"." "President was once the Finance Minister, and knows country's situation better than anyone else, he will take appropriate action." "Our party will move adjournment motion in Lok Sabha." While Mamata Banerjee lead the march till Rashtrapati Bahavan to request President Pranab Mukherjee to ask government to roll back demonetisation. It is interesting to note that President had welcomed the decision of the government to scrape old currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000. #PresidentMukherjee wel-comed bold step of Government of India which will help unearth unaccounted money & coun-terfeit currency November 8, 2016 #PresidentMukherjee called upon people not to panic and follow Govt guidelines for exchange of Rs 1000/500 notes President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) November 8, 2016 #PresidentMukherjee re-minded people that all currency notes below RS 500 will continue as legal tender President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) November 8, 2016 #PresidentMukherjee called upon all to avail of opportunity provided by Govt to exchange currency notes of Rs 500/1000 for new legal tender President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) November 8, 2016 OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 15:41 [IST] Our Muslims must raise issues of violations on Hindus in Pak, India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 15: Muslims in India should speak out against any act of violence on Hindus committed by members of the majority population in Islamic countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad today said. He was a addressing a gathering here at a seminar on -- Role of Muslim Youth in Strengthening Democracy -- organised by National Tricolour Association of India, a non-profit organisation. "There have been cases of violence against Muslims, from (Mohammad) Akhlaq's lynching in Dadri to two boys in Jharkhand who were hung from a tree. "And, there has never been a lack of expression of secularism from Hindus in our country. You see on television, how they (Hindus) strip RSS and BJP bare, whenever such incidents happen. But, why we (Muslims) don't raise issues when there are violations against Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh," he asked. In his address, Azad also hit out at the Centre saying, "democracy has ceased to exist" in the country ever since the NDA government came to power. He added that if the Muslims in India start speaking out against acts of such violence in the neighbouring countries then, "BJP's anti-Muslim edge will be blunted." Two other scholars, who also spoke at the seminar held at the India Islamic Centre, underlined the "silence" of the country's Muslim community in hours of violence in "India's neighbourhood". We hear cases of violence meted out to our Hindu brothers in Bangladesh, or of Hindu temples being razed or desecrated. But, do we (Muslims) speak out on such brazen acts of violations. We must speak out against injustice, just as we expect our majority Hindu brothers to stand by us in India, they said. Azad also hit out at the government over the demonetisation issue saying, "the move has driven Indians crazy in the name of black money". He also took a dig at the media and Prime Minister Modi, saying, "now it's all Modi in newspapers and on TV channels, the Opposition cannot be seen." "The time of free and impartial media is no more. Now, you open, newspapers, and you see 10-20 pictures of Modi," he alleged. PTI Rijiju says two crore Bangladeshis living illegally in India India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 16: Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that around two crore illegal Bangladeshi migrants are staying in India. "As per available inputs, there are around 20 million illegal Bangladeshi migrants staying in India," Rijiju informed Rajya Sabha replying a written question. Rijiju said there are reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid travel documents. Since entry of such Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such Bangladeshi nationals living in various parts of the country, he said. Rijiju said deportation of illegal staying of foreign national is a continuous process. During the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had said that "Bangladeshis" will be deported if he comes to power. "They have been given the red carpet welcome by politicians just for votes. You can write it down. After May 16, these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed," Modi had said at an election rally in Serampore in West Bengal, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh. Assam and West Bengal are considered to be the worst hit due to the alleged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Assam had witnessed a six-year-long agitation between 1979-85 against the illegal immigrants. Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a major issue for many students, social and political organisations in the Northeast. The 2014 election manifesto of BJP said that the party will review and improve the border management and "punitive measures will be introduced to check illegal immigration". The BJP said it will address the issue of infiltration and illegal immigrants in the Northeast region on a priority basis and this will include clear policy directions and effective control at the ground level. Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometer long international border. PTI Sushma Swaraj ill: Cabinet to have a stand-in minister? India oi-Pallavi Sengupta New Delhi, Nov 16: After news of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's illness became public, speculations about a stand-in minister in the Cabinet are rife. On Wednesday, the minister herself Tweeted that she is hospitalised because of kidney failure and is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. She Tweeted, "I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless. Friends, this is to update you on my health." Her unquestionable efficiency was evident in her hectic schedule in 2014 since she assumed office in May. She travelled 15 countries in 7 months. She visited another 15 countries in 2015, but the numbers started dwindling in the last few months as she could cover only 8 countries to promote India's intentions of strengthening ties with its ASEAN partners. Inside sources say that Minister of State MJ Akbar is currently shouldering much of the burden of overseas visits. [Read: Sushma's 'Swaraj' on social media; Her ailment tops Twitter search results] On December 3, 4, India is scheduled to host the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar. Swaraj's visit to Pakistan for the previous chapter in December 2015 had earned good results as the meeting led to the revival of India-Pakistan comprehensive dialogue. Meanwhile, speculations have to be put to rest about the new stand-in minister before the Heart of Asia conference. [Read: Sushma Swaraj gets Get Well Soon wishes on Twitter] OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 13:17 [IST] Tata Steel organises four-day long tribal festival India oi-IANS By Ians English Jamshedpur, Nov 16 Tata Steel inaugurated the third edition of its pan-India tribal conclave on Birsa Munda's birth anniversary on Tuesday here, with over 40 tribes across 20 states from around the country slated to take part in it. Themed around 'Tribal Health Systems', the four-day long event will hear experts from tribal regions on the benefits of native medicines. Throughout the duration of the conclave these experts, or ethno-botanists, will discuss their age-old custom of diagnosing and curing ailments from local natural elements only. The event was thrown open to public with a tribute to Birsa Munda, the 19th century tribal warrior known for chinning up to mighty British, proceeding with dance performances from artistes of several states. Tata Steel Group Executive Director (Finance and Corporate), Koushik Chatterjee, at the inaugural said: "We care and respect the diversity, culture, history and practices of the tribal community. Samvaad aims to celebrate tribal life by providing a common platform to share experiences, views and issues that impact the tribal communities." He also said: "There is a world of tribal life which is very pure and close to nature and as citizens of this country, the tribals have contributed for many centuries. We are very proud to say that over the last three years, Samvaad has become a big celebration and at Tata Steel we would like to continue to facilitate this dialogue." Several tribes also put on display their local paintings, drawings, and other wares at the stalls to interest visitors in their singular cultures. Also there were many tribals with herbs and twigs and mushrooms of all sorts, which they said can be used to cure everything from a toothache to breast cancer. Among other tribes, Munda of Jharkhand and Konyak of Nagaland performed their native dance. "Our dance is called a 'warrior' s dance' or 'victory dance', which we Nagas perform upon winning a battle," Chenwang Konyak, the leader of Naga troupe told IANS. "I loved dancing here, more so because I got to know other cultures as well. Others, at times, perceive us as very different but I want to let them know that we are Indians too and we love India," he said. "It's a matter of shame for those people who don't even know about the geography of the nation and still insist on appearing as well educated. Just now someone asked me where Nagaland was, whether he was teasing me I don't know," he added. IANS Yechury raises suspicion over EC decision to put on hold poll to RS seats in Kerala Decision to bring in new faces in LDF cabinet taken in CPI(M)'s long term interest: Sitaram Yechury This is daylight highway robbery of national assets, Sitaram Yechury on Air India returning to Tatas UP Elections 2022: Staring at defeat, BJP trying to postpone polls: Yechury Yechury compares Modi with French queen Marie Antoinette India oi-Vikas By Vikas New Delhi, Nov 16: CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation issue and compared the latter to 18th century French queen Marie Antoinette. Yechury slammed Modi for promoting "plastic money" by banning the use of higher value currency notes. "Now we have Modi Antoinette, "If you don't have paper, use plastic"; what is the coverage of your plastic money?," he said in the Rajya Sabha . According to a legend, French queen Marie Antoinette is supposed to have told starving French peasants, who did not have bread, to eat cakes instead. "Let them eat cake!," is the famous saying that Antoinette is attributed to. He also held the government responsible for the incovenience faced by the people due to cash crunch. "Today what is called demonetisation is 86% of our cash transaction;country today is living on cash transaction of 14%," he added. Earlier today, Congress leader Anand Sharma launched an attack on the Central Government over the demonetisation issue and asked Prime Minister Modi to apologise for causing grave incovenience to people. Prime Minister Modi, had on November 8, announced that all Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee notes would cease to be valid in all forms of transactions in a bid to tackle hoarding of black money, corruption and terror financing. Oneindia News Bashar al-Assad says Trump a natural ally if he fights 'terror' International oi-PTI Damascus, Nov 16: Syria's Bashar al-Assad has said in an interview that Donald Trump will be a "natural ally" if the US president-elect fulfils his pledge to fight "terrorists". "We cannot tell anything about what he's going to do, but if... he is going to fight the terrorists, of course we are going to be ally, natural ally in that regard with the Russian, with the Iranian, with many other countries," he told Portugal's RTP state television on Tuesday. Asked about Trump's campaign comments suggesting the US should focus more on fighting the Islamic State (IS) group, Assad said he would welcome such a move but was cautious. "I would say this is promising, but can he deliver?" said Assad, who was speaking in English. "Can he go in that regard? What about the countervailing forces within the administration, the mainstream media that were against him? How can he deal with it?" he said. "That's why for us it's still dubious whether he can do or live up to his promises or not. "That's why we are very cautious in judging him, especially as he wasn't in a political position before," said Assad. In an interview with The New York Times on March 26, Trump said he thought "the approach of fighting Assad and ISIS (IS) simultaneously was madness, and idiocy". "You can't be fighting two people that are fighting each other, and fighting them together. You have to pick one or the other," said Trump. And during campaigning, Trump also pledged to improve America's ties with Assad's main backer, Russia. Also read: Non-white employees scared for their safety after Trump's win: Nooyi After his election victory, Trump told The Wall Street Journal: "I've had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria". He also said that if the United States attacks Assad "we end up fighting Russia". In his interview with RTP, Assad accused the United States of interfering in the affairs of other countries. "They think that they are the police of the world. They think they are the judge of the world. They're not," he said. Asked to give his assessment of the next UN chief, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, Assad insisted the "United Nations is not the secretary-general" even if the role is "important". "The United Nations is the states within this organisation, and to be frank, most of the people say only the five permanent members" of the UN Security Council, said Assad. Also read: Donald Trump wants billionaire investor as commerce secretary "This is the United Nations because they have the veto, they can do whatever they want and they can refuse whatever they want. "If you ask me 'what do you expect from such a new official in that important position,' I would say I need two things: the first one is to be objective... the second one... is not to turn his office into a part or branch of the State Department of the United States. "That's what we expect now," said Assad. The Syrian president went on to criticise his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a "sick person". "He's (a) megalomaniac... He's out of touch with the reality," said Assad. PTI 'Donald Trump to stress global climate accord's economic impact' International oi-IANS By Ians English Rome, Nov 16 As US President, Donald Trump is likely to emphasise the negative effect on the US economy of an historic climate pact to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, former Italian Environment Minister Corrado Clini said on Tuesday. "The latest and most accurate information on climate change comes from US government agencies, particularly NASA and NOAA. The data and images provided leave little doubt concerning the direct and indirect effects of the Earth's rising temperatures. This is just as obvious in the Arctic and in Greenland as it is on the Tibetan Plateau - the birthplace of rivers that carry water to over two billion people throughout Asia," Clini told Adnkronos. "The US is the world's leading democracy and economic power and I doubt that President Trump - regardless of the questionable opinions he expressed on the supposedly political nature of climate change during his campaign - would challenge the data issued by his own country's government agencies. "Instead, we should expect President Trump to demand insights into how the international agreements on fossil fuel divestment will impact the US economy. One of Trump's winning cards to turn the electorate in his favour was his ability to leverage the discontent and the demands of the voters who lost their jobs in part, apparently, because of America's recent environment and energy policies," he said. "In fact, Trump's motivations are the same as the US Senate's in 2015 and are quite close to those that led to the unanimous rejection of the Kyoto Protocol in 1999, during Bill Clinton's presidency. "And we all know that if Obama had asked the Senate to ratify the Paris Agreement, the Senate would have rejected it too. In other words, Trump is more like the child from H.C. Andersen's 'The Emperor's New Clothes' rather than some evil genius trying to undermine a worldwide climate agreement," said Clini. "Trump is zeroing in on the Paris Agreement's economic impact, which so far has been dismissed as 'someone else's concern'," Clini said. He was referring to the landmark deal to keep global warming "well below 2 degrees Celsius" this century adopted by almost 200 nations at a United Nations climate conference in December 2015, which came into effect on 4 November. The Paris Agreement calls for a worldwide decrease in fossil fuel consumption, cutting its contribution to the global energy demand from 86 per cent to 50 per cent over the next 25 years. But during the same period, according the International Energy Agency, a 35 per cent increase in the global demand for energy is expected, coming mostly from India, China, South-East Asia, South America and the Middle East. "It is a very intricate puzzle. Trump raises an issue that concerns Europe as well as America: if we want to reduce worldwide fossil fuel consumption, then how can we offset the increased energy demand in emerging and developing economies without harming the developed economies? "China could legitimately remind Trump and Europe that in spite of its per capita GDP being six times lower than America's and 5 times lower than G7, the country invested twice as much as the US in clean technologies in 2015 ($110 billion versus 56) and has reached a decarbonisation rate of 4 per cent, i.e. twice as much as the G7 countries. "And let us not forget that despite the significant role of renewables and nuclear power, India's impressive growth in the next 25 years will call for a four-fold increase of coal consumption. In the context of worldwide fossil fuel divestment, how won't India's growth affect the economies of the US, Europe and Japan?" Clini said. IANS/AKI Hundreds of New York students protest outside Trump Tower International oi-PTI New York, Nov 16: Hundreds of high school students demonstrated in New York on Tuesday morning outside Trump Tower in the pouring rain as the president-elect was inside fleshing out his new administration. "No Ku Klux Klan, no fascists, no racists" the students from Manhattan and Queens shouted in turn, alternating their cries with: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here." In Washington, several hundred high school students marched on the Mall, the grassy esplanade that runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, heading toward the White House. The protests came one day after hundreds of students walked out of classrooms to rally against Donald Trump's election in Portland, Oregon; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Los Angeles. "We are showing people that what Donald Trump says and his rhetoric -- it's not okay even though he was elected president," said Grace, a 17-year-old who declined to give her last name. Trump Tower has been the focus of protests every day since the New York billionaire's election a week ago. Grace said they were a reminder to local officials that "just because Trump is elected does not mean the policies he talked about during the election have to go through." Some in the crowd shouted "My body my choice," giving voice to concerns about reverses on women's rights to abortion under Trump, who has vowed to put pro-life justices on the high court. Soon after he takes office, Trump will get to fill a Supreme Court vacancy created by the death of arch conservative justice Antonin Scalia last February. Also read: High schoolers take to street in Portland against Donald Trump A woman's right to end a pregnancy was established under the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision. If a more conservative court overturns it, it would fall to individual states to decide whether to allow abortions. "Being in NYC it won't really affect us but it will affect a lot of people in other states that don't have the same privilege," Greta, age 17, told AFP. Another protester told AFP she hoped the US system of using an electoral college to elect presidents could be changed. Trump won the White House by picking up the most electoral -- even though rival Hillary Clinton's lead in the popular vote. Protests have been held daily across the United States since Trump won last Tuesday's election. Dozens of police stood guard around Trump Tower, where Trump has spent most of his time since the election meeting with advisors on his new administration. PTI Pak off the FATF grey list doesn't mean it's not under scrutiny anymore: MEA secretary Imran Khan again targets Pakistan's establishment on Day 2 of protest march; govt rules out talks over snap polls Amid turmoil at home, Pakistan PM Sharif to visit China to felicitate Xi for his record win Shehbaz Sharif arrives in China on maiden visit to felicitate President Xi Jinping on his record win Nawaz, Raheel witness military exercises near India border International oi-IANS By Ians English Islamabad, Nov 16: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday witnessed ongoing military exercises near the border with India. The exercise, in Khairpur Tamiwali in Bhawalpur, Punjab province, is aimed at checking the operational preparedness of the Pakistani military. Tanks, planes, artillery and other heavy weapons will be on display during exercise, Geo TV reported. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said India's "unprovoked" firing along the Line of Control was a threat to regional peace, two days after Pakistan said that seven of its soldiers were killed at the Line of Control. Prime Minister Sharif on Tuesday emphasised that Pakistan was showing "all possible restraint" and warned India that it should not be mistaken for weakness and that Islamabad should not be considered a soft target. "Our military is ready to give adequate response to any aggression," he said. He said that the exchange of fire on the LoC was "a futile attempt of the Indian authorities to divert the world's attention". On Monday, General Raheel Sharif ordered troops to "effectively" respond to firing by India across the LoC. IANS US violence: Many Republican leaders feel Trump should be removed from office before Jan 20 Republicans choose Paul Ryan as House Speaker again International oi-IANS By Ians English Washington, Nov 16 House Republicans renominated Speaker Paul Ryan as their leader on Tuesday, quieting rumours of an initial revolt in the party in the wake of feuding between Ryan and US President-elect Donald Trump. To retain the speaker's position, Ryan will still have to clear a vote by the full House when the new Congress assembles in January -- when he must win at least 218 votes, The New York Times reported. With the results of a few contests outstanding, Republicans will hold at least 239 seats, leaving a relatively healthy margin for dissent in their ranks. The House Republicans said in a Twitter message that Ryan's selection was unanimous. But Ryan will have more than his contentious relationship with Trump to navigate. Stephen K. Bannon, the former chairman of Breitbart News, whom Trump named as his chief strategist, is a longtime critic of Ryan. Though he endorsed Trump and urged Americans to vote for him in the days leading up to the lection, Ryan repeatedly criticized the president-elect's more inflammatory statements during the campaign, once criticizing his proposed ban on Muslims as "not what this country stands for". After the release of a 2005 recording in which Trump boasted in vulgar terms about sexually assaulting women, Ryan disinvited him to a planned joint appearance in Wisconsin and told Republicans he would no longer defend him nor campaign for him. Trump had said before his victory that Ryan should be punished for not offering his full support. IANS Sartaj Aziz to visit India for Heart of Asia Conference International oi-PTI Islamabad, Nov 16: Sartaj Aziz, Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs, said that he would travel to India to attend the Heart of Asia Conference in December, asserting that his visit could be a "good opportunity" to "defuse the tension" between India and Pakistan. The conference is scheduled to be held in India on December 3 in Amritsar. Aziz would be the first senior Pakistani official to visit India since the September 10 Uri attack, blamed on Pakistan-based militants, that led India to pull out of the SAARC Summit in Pakistan in November. "Unlike India, that had sabotaged SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in India," Aziz told the media. "It's a good opportunity to defuse the tension," PTV quoted Aziz as saying. Dawn reported that Aziz also said he himself will participate in the conference and will not repeat India's blunder where it boycotted South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit. Aziz, however, said it has not been confirmed yet whether he will meet his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of the conference or not. The Adviser also said that the US president-elect Donald Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he intervenes and succeeds in resolving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. "Trump would deserve Nobel prize if he helps resolve Kashmir dispute," he said on a lighter note while responding to a question. PTI US: Muslim girl's hijab ripped off in front of students International oi-PTI Chicago, Nov 16: A Muslim student's hijab was allegedly ripped off and her hair pulled down by a classmate at a school in Minnesota, the latest in a series of assaults and threats reported against headscarf-wearing women in the US following Donald Trump's win. The incident took place at Northdale Middle School in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, prompting Anoka-Hennepin School District to launch an investigation into what Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling an assault. CAIR's Minnesota chapter released a statement on Wednesday expressing concern over the school districts response to the incident that took place on Friday. The family of the student reported to CAIR that a classmate came up behind the student, removed her hijab and threw it on the ground, then pulled her hair down in front of other students. CAIR alleged the school district did not respond to the incident until yesterday, the Star Tribune reported. "School officials must take immediate actions to ensure that all students, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, are provided a safe learning environment," CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said in a statement. "It should not take days to respond to an apparently bias-motivated assault on a student," Hussein said. Hussein added that the aggressor was also targeting other Muslim female students. The district confirmed the incident and is working to find out where the breakdown of communication between the parent and the school took place, district spokesman Jim Skelly was quoted as saying. Also read: Muslim teacher told to hang herself with headscarf in US District officials have reached out to CAIR, Skelly said. The district released a statement stating that CAIRs description of the incident "is inconsistent with the district's understanding." "The preliminary findings of the investigation indicate that this was isolated and not motivated by bias," the statement said. "However, the concerns of the family reflect similar concerns around the metro and align with the need in our communities to find ways to talk about race and culture constructively and respectfully," it said. The Northdale incident is one of several cases of harassment reported at Minnesota schools following the election. Racist graffiti mentioning President-elect Trump by name was reported last week at Maple Grove high school. Also a slew of incidents of intimidation and assaults have been reported across the country against hijab-clad women post election. A Muslim student of Michigan University last week was approached by an unidentified man who yelled at her and threatened to set her on fire if she did not remove her hijab, prompting police to probe the hate crime incident. The woman, who was not named, complied and left the area. Also last week, a Muslim high-school teacher in Georgia was told to hang herself with her headscarf in a handwritten anonymous note she received in her classroom. The CAIR believes the surge in Islamophobia could be attributed to the President-elect's victory. PTIrac ID proof photocopy not required while exchanging notes: RBI New Delhi oi-Sandra Marina Fernandes New Delhi, Nov 16: The RBI while providing relief to several customers, has asked banks not to collect photocopies of customers' identity proof while exchanging currency of the now defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. According to a report in TOI, RBI said that it requires only customers to be present at the banks while exchanging notes with a valid ID proof and said that photocopies are not required. A senior official, who was quoted in the report said: "The bank only needs details and numbers on the requisition slip which the teller will match with entries in a document." Though the RBI issued the guideline now, there were some banks that did not seek any photocopy from their customers. "While other banks might ask customers coming to exchange money to submit photocopies, we are not doing so. For our bank customers, we already have their KYC details, so there is no point in asking them for identification or proof again," A Vidyasagar, COO of Lakshmi Vilas Bank told the daily. Also read: Beware! How to spot a fake Rs 500 and 2,000 note However, Vidyasagar added that those who were not customers of their bank, were asked to produce their details. After Narendra Modi annouced that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will be invalid from Tuesday (Nov 8) midnight, several people made a beeline at the banks to deposit/withdraw or exchange the old currency. According to the guidelines, people were asked to carry valid ID proof while exchanging currency at the bank. Customers were asked to carry self-attested photocopies of the proof while doing so. OneIndia News 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. by Graham Pierrepoint British PM Theresa May might not be in a position to activate Article 50 as envisaged.. 2016 has been a year of high political and international drama from Donald Trump ascending to the position of US President-Elect, to revelations surrounding the regime in South Korea its really been a fascinating, and altogether rather scary eleven months. For the UK, its been one thats been on tenterhooks since the summer, after it was decided by the British public that the country would be rescinding its membership of the European Union and all the rights and laws therein. There has been a huge change in governmental positions over this period, resulting in Theresa May taking over as Prime Minister from David Cameron, who has since retired from politics completely. The clock, however, is ticking for the UK to leave the EU and as the days and weeks go by, this clock seems to be getting put further and further back. May has recently challenged a High Court decision that MPs in parliament will need to pass a motion on activating the fabled Article 50 before the two-year countdown for Brexit can be permitted despite the Prime Minister having previously stated that she intends to put wheels in motion by March 2017. Supreme Court judge Lady Brenda Hale, however, has posited that leaving the EU may require a complete and thorough repeal of the 1972 Act that saw the country taken into Union membership in the first place and, it is suggested that the process may not be as cut and dried nor as quickly sought as May is hoping it will be. Its thought that an untangling of such an ingrained set of legislature could take a further two years meaning that any action on the EU at all may not even be safe, advisable or even legal to be taken until it is completely removed. This could mean that Theresa May might not be in a position to activate Article 50 when she advised she would do so in the spring of next year. Its certainly another potential setback for the government, particularly after a leaked memo suggested that there is supposedly no plan in place for Brexit as a procedure. The UKs exit from the EU will continue to roll on for the months and possibly years to come meaning that anyone looking forward to untying themselves from the Union may have a little more time to wait just yet. Rumble 05 Oct 2022 Hello my name is Trevor Brown and I am the Chief Editor of Acropolis News Network Daily Record 10 Sep 2022 Prince Harry's only words of comfort come from an airport worker in a hi-vis jacket as he left Scotland alone. Eurasia Review 07 Jul 2022 By Andrew Hammond* Boris Johnson may have resigned as Conservative leader on Wednesday, but the UK ruling partys.. Just Jared 21 Oct 2022 Billie Lourd has her mother on her mind. Friday (October 21) would have been Carrie Fishers 66th birthday, and her 30-year-old.. BANG Showbiz 18 Oct 2022 Harrison Ford has been confirmed as the latest star to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as he has boarded the cast of.. CNA 20 Oct 2022 President Joe Biden speaks to members of the press prior to his Marine One departure from the White House on Oct. 20, 2022 in.. Expressway to ease traffic around Disney Resort From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-16 02:46 THE major section of a new expressway has been completed in the Pudong New Area which is designed to mainly relieve traffic congestion around the Shanghai Disney Resort, officials said yesterday. The 3.1-kilometer-long section of the S3 Expressway connects the Luoshan Road Elevated Highway and the Zhoudeng Expressway. It is expected to share the busy traffic flow on Xiupu Road mainly heading to the Disney resort, said the project manager Xu Jianjun. The section will also relieve the traffic congestion for the roads connecting the suburb Kangqiao and Zhoupu town in Pudong and downtown areas, Xu said. Vehicles from the towns will also be able to drive to the Outer Ring Road through the new expressway section. The section will open to vehicles by the end of the year, according to Shanghai Construction Group, which is in charge of part of the construction. The project has widely used prefabricated construction methods to cut air pollution and noise, the group said. The major parts of the elevated expressway were pre-manufactured in factories while workers assembled them on site. TED 02 Nov 2022 During the Soviet Union era, therapy was often used as a tool of political oppression. Since then, Russia has seen major reforms in.. Media Partners and First Speaker for ViGE2017 Announced Published November 16, 2016 by OCR Editor ViGE2017 reveals Slovenian gaming law expert Jaka Repansek as the first keynote speaker for the conference taking place in March 2017. Vienna International Gaming Expo, ViGE2017, will be taking place between March 20 and 22, 2017 in the Austrian capital. The first ever ViGE is looking to become a meeting place for the casino industry representatives from all over the world and establish itself as the leader for the industry-related events in Central Europe. Expecting to gather the highest quality of guests, from speakers and presenters to those in attendance, ViGE2017 provides unique and valuable networking opportunities. As a meeting place for representatives of various segments, from casinos and regulators to media and interested third parties, the Expo could easily become the European gaming industry hub. Jaka Repansek the First Keynote Speaker With the ViGE2017 now a few months away, the Expo organizers have started to finalize the details. The first keynote speaker to address the audience will be Jaka Repansek, founder of the legal and consulting company RePublis d.o.o. in Slovenia. Repansek will make his address during the first conversation, aptly titled "Austria, Croatia and Slovenia." One of the leading experts in gaming and media law in Slovenia with years of experience in the industry, Repansek's address is guaranteed to contain a lot of useful insights and suggestions. The entire first day of the expo will happen under the title "Gaming in Central Europe - Guidance and Initiation," and it will cover many interesting and less-explored markets like Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and a few more countries. Media Partners Realizing the importance of ViGE2017 for development of gaming in the region, numerous media partners are backing the Expo. That includes GB Media, the company devoted to providing full-scale communication services to gaming firms. The GB Media's latest effort, Betting Business Interactive is an online and print media publication, covering industry news from the iGaming and betting segments. A high-quality content of the publication, combined with great visibility, will provide a lot of value for GB Media's partners. Earlier this week another prominent media partner was announced - iGaming Business, which will also have a team exhibiting on the expo floor itself. We are also proud to say that Online Casino Reports was one of the first media partners for the ViGE 2017 as well, after a successful cooperation with September's CEEGC. As the time for the Expo is growing near, we are getting increasingly excited for this event in beautiful Vienna, as it is bound to have a profound positive effect on the gaming industry in Central Europe. Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York: Bermuda has long been an offshore financial center, but with Brexit, how the country interacts with the UK and the EU could change. Like Cayman, Bermuda is looking at ways to gain access to passporting within the EU - something that could be harder to achieve with Brexit. But, according to delegates at the recent Opalesque Bermuda Roundtable - the country may be well placed going into these negotiations. "The fact that the EU approved Bermuda for Solvency II holds us, we think, in very good stead compared to other jurisdictions," explains Sean Moran, of the Bermuda Business Development Agency. "It is evidence that the European regulator recognizes the BMA as being capable of competently supervising our insurance industry. And, since the BMA also regulates the asset management industry here, we hope that the vote of confidence they have already received from the European regulator will improve Bermudas chances of being approved for third-country passporting under AIFMD." Bermuda was granted third-country equivalence by the European Union for Solvency II, which essentially allows Bermudan insurance companies the same status as European ones within the EU. However, EU regulators haven't yet decided whether to extend that equivalency to the asset management industry. Bermuda has already taken steps to align its regulatory regime with European rules inclu...................... To view our full article Click here Opalesque Industry Update - Amundi Smith Breeden today announced that parent company Amundi has strengthened its strategic partnership with TOBAM, and increased its stake in TOBAM from 10.6% to 20.0%. In 2012, Amundi and TOBAM implemented a strategic partnership based on: a distribution agreement under which Amundi, leveraging its international commercial presence in more than 30 countries, provided its clients with access to TOBAMs expertise, based on the Maximum Diversification approach; Amundis acquisition of a minority stake in TOBAM. Building on its success with international institutional investors, TOBAM has experienced several years of strong growth in assets under management (a threefold increase since 2012) and earnings. Amundi and TOBAM wished to strengthen this partnership by increasing Amundis stake in TOBAM to 20%. This increase results from the disposal of shares from other shareholders. Following the deal, TOBAMs President, Yves Choueifaty, and Tobams employees will remain the majority shareholders. Yves Perrier, Chief Executive Officer, Amundi, said: This strengthened partnership is in line with Amundis policy of offering its clients the best areas of expertise. In addition to its in-house investment management, Amundi also leverages on product capabilities created through targeted partnerships. Since its inception, TOBAM has demonstrated excellence in its expertise and innovation. This deal also confirms Amundi's commitment to developing the asset management industry in the Paris market with its most innovative entrepreneurs. Yves Choueifaty, TOBAM, said: Our agreement with Amundi, a reference player in asset management, has been a springboard for the distribution of our products to prestigious clients on an international level. TOBAM now aims to leverage this positioning acquired with these emblematic institutions to broaden its distribution to new client segments. This partnership is the ideal way for us to achieve this goal. Opalesque Industry Update - 1380 Americans gave up their citizenship in three months leading up to the US election, a 172% increase on the previous quarter Americans are abandoning their citizenship at the second fastest rate in history, and at 63 times the level seen when Obama won his first term in 2008 Waiting time for US expats wanting to surrender their passports at the American Embassy in London has risen from one to six months Trump and taxes blamed for surge in the number of Americans turning their backs on Uncle Sam Americans are renouncing their citizenship at the second fastest rate in history, and waiting times for US expats wanting to surrender their passport at the American Embassy in London have jumped from one to six months, according to research by the chartered accountants Bambridge Accountants. The firm, which specialises in handling the tax affairs of US citizens living in Britain, has seen a spike in demand from Americans keen to renounce their citizenship. During the first nine months of 2016, it typically received just one such enquiry a week. Yet in October that rate rocketed to one a day, and since last weeks surprise election result it has increased even further. This despite the process being neither quick nor cheap. Americans must pay a $2350 government fee for the privilege of renouncing their citizenship, and those based in the UK must do so in person at the US Embassy in London. While the UK is home to an estimated 200,000 US expats, the trend is a global one. In the third quarter of 2016, 1380 Americans around the world renounced their US citizenship a 172% increase on the preceding three months. Under rules which critics say amount to naming and shaming, every three months the US Government publishes the names of all Americans who give up their citizenship. The latest list, published days after the presidential election, had 63 times more names on it than the one issued as Barack Obama won his first term in the White House in 2008. Alistair Bambridge, senior partner at Bambridge Accountants, explains: Americans tend to be patriotic people, for whom cutting ties with their homeland is a drastic and often highly emotional step. So the surge in US expats renouncing their citizenship speaks volumes about how strongly many of them feel about two things Trump and taxes. Donald Trumps election accelerated an existing trend of Americans renouncing their citizenship to avoid intrusive new tax rules. The reach of Uncle Sam is famously long, and US citizens must complete a US tax return every year wherever they are in the world as well as declaring any money they, their spouse or their children hold in a foreign bank account. Failure to do so can result in a $10,000 fine. Such draconian rules were introduced to stop tax evasion, but for Americans who have made their home overseas they have become an expensive and unpleasant burden. Surrendering their coveted blue passports was once all but unthinkable, but for increasing numbers of US expats this has become the least painful option. Bambridge Accountants is a London-based firm of chartered accountants specialising in two distinct areas tax and accountancy advice for the creative industries, and expat tax services for US citizens living abroad. Schumer speaks after being elected minority leader (Image by CNN/Youtube) Details DMCA McConnell, Schumer elected this morning to top spots in Senate ahead of battles with Trump CNN report here. Instead, for what should have happened, if the powers that be had learned ANYTHING from the recent drubbing the Democrats took and the millions who exited the Democratic party, please read Rob Kall's article here, and please comment here also: click here I don't know what the vote was precisely or who voted for Senator Schumer, and will find out as soon as I can, to later post an update to this article. I do know that Bernie never said precisely that he did or did not want the job. although he is without the title the actual head of the Minority Leadership and maybe being free of administrative tasks is best for him promoting a progressive agenda. I wrote yesterday to my own two Democratic Senators, Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich. They haven't responded. In a saner, better functioning Democracy, the will of the people would mean more than it obviously didn't in the United States Senate in this vote. Such a repudiation of everything WE have learned from last Tuesday.... I shall refrain from any harsher criticism. I just called Bernie's office and they couldn't (or wouldn't) say whether he had had an interest in the position. He certainly should have, and what better bully pulpit would there be for him than Minority Leader? He deserved the job, and more important, WE THE PEOPLE NEEDED HIM IN THAT JOB. Otherwise, we are back to very opaque Senatorial politics, roughly akin to the cumulative sweep-under-the-rug procedures that led to the recent Presidential debacle. That has not always been the modus operandi of the United States Senate. From the Hill yesterday: "Asked whether he will serve in leadership, Sanders said it "remains to be seen. We're thinking about it," he said. Sanders's statement put a damper on speculation that he might take a role in the upper ranks of the leadership after the Democrats' dispiriting losses at the polls last week." Sanders' strongest supporters argued the very obvious facts that he was able to connect with white working-class voters and that this is precisely what the party needs in the horrifying aftermath of its losses last week, particularly in the key blue-collar states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Sanders told media last Wednesday evening that he is not interested in serving as chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communication Center (DPCC), a job now held by Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.). One unidentified Senator said last week that he had recommended to Schumer to put Sanders in charge of coordinating the floor and messaging strategies. "I think Sen. Schumer should accommodate him; he's shown that he has a message that resonates with working-class voters." A spokesman for Sanders told The Hill Monday that his boss was "in the process of talking to people" about a role in leadership. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) endorsed Sanders over Clinton during the primaries and urged Schumer to appoint Sanders to whatever leadership slot he wants. "I'd support him for anything he wants to do," Merkley said. "I certainly would be happy to weigh in with Sen. Schumer in that regard." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). It was the American people's intervention that prevented the annihilation of Trump. Haitian activists were pivotal in this. We ask that Trump do for us what we helped do for him, when he gets into office. He must stop the elitist establishment in Haiti from destroying the people's most popular candidate, whoever that turns out to be on November 20, 2016 in Haiti. ~~Ezili Danto Haitian Lawyers Leadership Network It was the middle of September 2016 and the Haitian Sentinel ran a story about Donald Trump meeting with the Haitian-American community in Miami. Looking back, after an election that has upended both the Republican and Democratic parties, this meeting at the publicly funded Little Haiti Cultural Center was a seminal event that may have had a direct impact on Florida voters. Trump was well behind in polling and it looked as if his chances of winning the Presidency were slim to none. It seemed an almost futile meeting for the Haitian-American community leaders who welcomed Trump to La Petite Haiti. The former Senate President of Haiti, Bernard Sansaricq, gave an impassioned account of Clinton Foundation abuses in Haiti, including drug money smuggled to lobbyists in cornflakes boxes, while Trump listened quietly. An industrial barrel, painted in the red and blue colors of the Haitian flag, doubled as a table in the front of the small room in the cultural arts center, a few blocks west of Biscayne Boulevard. The setting was a far cry from the opulence of Mar-a-Lago, just a short drive up the coast. The litany of Clinton Foundation abuses and failures in Haiti were all too familiar for many with knowledge of events since the 2010 earthquake. A plague of cholera, rigged elections, $13 billion in reconstruction aid that vanished, and a gold mining contrac t tied to Hillary Clinton's brother, were well known and well covered even before WikiLeaks exposed the inner workings of the Clinton Foundation. Still, the list of U.S. abuses in Haiti was not resonating with Americans, despite extensive coverage by the "paper of record," the New York Times. In a three-sentence comment that reads like a lament, the Haitian Sentinel put the legacy of the Obama/Clinton years and the U.S. installation of Michel Martelly as President on the table. On the 5th anniversary of the 2010 earthquake, January 12, 2015, Haiti's parliament would fall for not having organized elections to renew lawmakers. Haiti went from a democracy of 5,000 elected officials, to a totalitarian regime ruled by Martelly in just 5 years. Martelly would be ousted without a successor on February 7, 2016 and the facts are, the next United States president, whether it be Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will be sworn-in before Haiti has a legitimately elected president. Haitian-American activist Ezili Danto thinks the September meeting was the day that Trump was handed the election. In fact, the day before the election, Danto predicted that Trump would win, despite polls that showed him losing in a landslide. In an interview with Megyn Kelly after the election, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said that senior staffers were "the walking wounded," in the last days of the campaign due to the "avalanche" of personal attacks that flowed from the media. Certainly no one, not even the Trump campaign, expected or had predicted the outcome, except for a confident Danto. So, what happened at the meeting in Little Haiti that opened the door for Trump in the all-important state of Florida so he could go on to win the Electoral College and become the 45th President-Elect of the United States? Did something more, something psychological, influence the electorate referendum against the Democratic Party, the Republican Party and the mainstream media, both conservative and liberal? Donald Trump ran under the Republican flag, but he was always closer to Bernie Sanders than Mitt Romney. Not mincing words, Danto thinks that Trump's victory was indeed a psychological victory for the Haiti victims of what she calls the triumvirate of the "Bush dynasty, Clintons, and Obama-- going back to the end of the U.S. supported Duvalier regime." The timeline of Haitian history, beginning with the 1492 landing of Christopher Columbus on the island of Hispaniola is one of occupation and subjugation by foreign powers. Flash forward to "modern" events and 1956 when Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier seized power in military coup and was elected president a year later. By 1964 Duvalier has declared himself "President for life" and established a dictatorship protected by the heinous Tontons Macoutes militia. His son, Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) succeeded him at the ripe age of nineteen and also declared himself president for life. After Baby Doc fled Haiti in 1986, a governing council replaced him. By 1988 Leslie Manigat became president, but was ousted in a coup led by Brigadier-General Prosper Avril, who installed a civilian government under military control. History may appear tedious but Americans need to understand more than the isolated world they inhabit of like minded "friends" on social media. The 1990 election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide in Haiti's first free election put Washington and the administration of George H.W. Bush on edge. Noam Chomsky wrote, "Washington was appalled by the election of a populist candidate with a grass-roots constituency just as it had been appalled by the prospect of the hemisphere's first free country on its doorstep two centuries earlier." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). One obvious answer to the Trump phenomenon is that a weak corporate media more interested in ratings than advancing the truth on important issues, played a major role by supplying Trump the platform and free media essential to his bid. So even though Trump dishonestly screamed about a "rigged" media" it actually was 'rigged! Just in a much different way than he claimed. In truth it was his strongest asset. He not only played the media (and the American people) with his non-stop insults and lies, he at the same time managed to intimidate them. It was a rarity when a reporter actually pressed Trump on his non-stop lies and racism. It was even more rare that he gave a straight answer. For a year he pretty much got a free pass. He is an extraordinary manipulator. So how did a man who garnered only about 10% of the vote from people who know him best (New Yorkers), a man that displayed such ignorance of world affairs and such disdain for the truth and who actually bragged about sexually predatory behavior, manage to get elected? Anyone paying attention knows there are several key factors that played into Trump's victory. The archaic electoral college, voter apathy, FBI director Comey's political games, Russian hacking and of course the fanatic support of the ALT right. All played a part. Add to these elements the media failing in their job miserably and you almost have the recipe. However in truth, Democrats were also in large part responsible for handing Trump a victory. To really understand the Trump phenomenon, we need to remember the 2008 failure of republican de-regulation and their 'trickle down' economics. It swept Obama into office on a message of "change". A promise of a government more responsive to the people and reigning in the power of the banks and big business. People were sick of hearing about greedy hedge-fund managers and speculators making billions while working Americans were left behind in a stagnating economy. People were sick of seeing their jobs going offshore and their opportunities eroded as social programs were cut and tax breaks given to the wealthy. But a funny thing happened. While a great deal of much-needed change was accomplished, the lion's share of the financial recovery benefited the wealthy. The stock market soared and banks and wall street went back to business as usual as manufacturing and other jobs continued to move offshore. Wages for average Americans remained stagnant and opportunities diminished. Democrats said they were trying to change things, but republicans were obstructing" so we all needed to just hang in there 'cause change was coming. Again in 2012 Obama won on hope and change. Due in part to many laudable accomplishments including healthcare for over 20 million Americans. Corporate America continued to prosper as too many American workers continued to be left behind. Waiting for the promised change. By this time republicans had managed to convince their tea-party base that the Kenyan black president was responsible for pretty much any problem they ever had or imagined. Outlets like Fox, Brietbart and Limbaugh fed that paranoid hate. Tea-party racists had by then gained power and solidified it with a concerted gerrymandering campaign. The ALT-right movement was gaining steam. Cut to our present election. Bernie Sanders has known for decades that we were becoming a plutocracy run by the rich and because of the huge disparity of wealth, his message of taxing the wealthy and regulating the banks resonated with millions. He spoke of real reform for average Americans of all colors and faiths. His success surprised and threatened the entrenched corporate powers, including the corporate democrats. The efforts to discredit and smear Bernie Sanders by a corrupt DNC are a matter of record. They had decided to anoint Ms. Clinton before the election began. While she had many excellent accomplishments, she had also made 18 million dollars giving speeches to the very people responsible for creating the problems we suffered from. She deflected and avoided answering questions about her specific plans to deal with the banks. Instead she made absurd comments like "I told them (the banks) to cut it out!" She refused to release her speech transcripts. Then she compounded things by lying about Mr.Sanders. She caused herself to be seen as exactly the Washington corporate insider that so many Americans were sick of! Predictably, the amoral reality star Donald Trump latched onto these issues as he trumpeted his "rigged system" message. All his lies and inflammatory rhetoric became 'white noise' for the average low-information voter and it seemed to many to be a choice between the lesser of the evils... and Ms. Clinton does not project warm fuzzy. The one crystal-clear message for most voters is that our democracy has devolved into a plutocracy that predominately enriches those at the top. Many people saw the carnival barker Trump as the best bet to shake things up. The best chance for change. However electing a demagogue racist, serial liar who has a record of creating fraudulent scams, screwing creditors and employees and using law suits, intimidation and bankruptcy to enrich himself and crush opposition may not be the needed cure. I firmly believe that the ass-kicking democrats just got, could actually provide an amazing opportunity for the much-needed change so many Americans so desperately need. I am talking about an earth-shaking realignment of democratic values and leadership that could deliver all three branches of government to democrats for decades. It will require the guts to clean house at the top and bring in fresh, optimistic people, interested in actually serving, rather than just profiting. They need to be people willing to fight for our values, not just for their jobs. In short, we need more Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren-type true progressives. We can no longer allow cynics to laugh at the idea of a progressive agenda and trivialize those who speak truth to corporate power. The democratic party must finally become the true party of the people in more than just words. 'One of Trump's Buildings in New York City' (Image by Brad) Details DMCA Huffington Post 11/13/2016 09:16 am ET When the facts consistently point in a given direction, what they point to is worthy of belief, and what is inconsistent with the facts is not. This is ordinarily what we mean by "the truth." So, what if the facts consistently and harmoniously played to the tune of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump having strong ties to the Russian Government? What if this couldn't be explained away as a fluke without squinting so much that it hurt? What if the facts consistently suggested that the man we are putting in charge of the greatest democracy on earth has dangerous ties to the Russian Government? In this article, I want to explore this possibility since, if true, it would be of momentous importance to the survival of America as a free and democratic nation. Indeed, the very thought of such a possibility is so extraordinary that at first blush it would be hard to imagine. But, as Socrates admonished, the royal route to the truth is to question what we take for granted, to greet the facts with open arms, and to be prepared to travel wherever they may lead us. So, where do the alleged facts regarding Trump and the Russians take us? First, there are reports covered extensively by the MSM suggesting that Trump admires Russian President Vladimer Putin: " 1: Trump has praised Putin and has proclaimed that he is a stronger leader than Obama. "Certainly, in that system, he's been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader," stated Trump at a national security forum in September; and, earlier in December 2015 on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," he stated, "When people call you brilliant it's always good, especially when the person heads up Russia"; and that he "always felt fine about Putin. He's a strong leader, a powerful leader." " 2: Trump has also entertained ideas favorable to the Russians such as on not supporting NATO against Russian attacks, and cooperating with Russia and Syrian dictator Bashar Assad against ISIS. But, while these facts, by themselves, suggest that Trump likes Putin and even agrees with him on some foreign policy issues, they do not prove that he is in bed with him. Add another report: " 3: Former Trump Campaign Chair, Paul Manafort, has been reported to have had ties to the Pro-Russian ousted President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich. So now we are getting closer to a relationship, albeit an indirect one. But add these other reports to the woodpile and things start to get more interesting: " 4: In July, U.S. officials told NBC News that Russian hackers attacked two state voter registration databases, that of Illinois and Arizona. The hackers managed to download information on as many 200,000 Illinois voters. According to Politico, there were more than 20 state voter databases on which hacking attempts were made. " 5: In October 2016, researchers maintained that there was a link between the hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair John Podesta's emails and Russian hackers working for the Kremlin. According to the New York Times, private security researchers maintained Russia's foreign intelligence service, the GRU, tricked Podesta into clicking on a fake Google login page, handing over his digital credentials. " 6: The DNC, not the Republican National Committee (RNC ), was hacked by the Russians. Perhaps Putin likes Trump because Trump likes him, but hates Clinton. So maybe Putin targeted the Democrats for self-serving purposes not necessarily related to having ties with Trump. This can, indeed, explain report 6, but what motive would the Russians have had in the first place for stealing Podesta's emails? A reasonable explanation is that the Russians favored Trump over Clinton, and tried to help Trump win the election. Report 4 supports this explanation since it supports the Russian intent to interfere with the results of the US election. But this does not mean that Trump was a witting participant in the hackings. But what evidence is there, in the first place, that has led the intelligence community to claim that Russians working for high level officials in the Russian government did the hacking? " 7: According to Wired , some of "the most compelling evidence" included "a command-and-control address hardcoded into the DNC malware," which was identical to malware used to hack the German Parliament in 2015, which German security officials claimed "originated from Russian military intelligence." And, "an identical SSL certificate was also found in both breaches." According to this report, there were also traces of metadata found in the document dump indicating that it had been translated into Cyrillic, the script used in Russian writing. 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 Consortium News It's time for Donna Brazile to go. Like Debbie Wasserman Schultz before her, Brazile has lost credibility as an honest broker at the Democratic National Committee. The DNC chair should be evenhanded -- but, thanks to leaked emails, Brazile's cover is blown. At the same time that Brazile was publicly claiming to be neutral in the fierce Clinton-Sanders primary battle, she was using her job as a CNN political analyst to give the Clinton campaign advance notice of questions that would be asked during a CNN debate between the two candidates. Yet Brazile seems tone deaf about her integrity breach -- just as the Democratic Party establishment has been tone deaf about the corrosive effects of servicing Wall Street and wealthy contributors. As the Washington Post reported a week ago, "Donna Brazile is not apologizing for leaking CNN debate questions and topics to the Hillary Clinton campaign during the Democratic primary. Her only regret, it seems, is that she got caught." Consider Brazile's response after the email hack exposed the chasm between her public claims of being evenhanded and her furtive effort to help Clinton gain an improper debate advantage over Sanders. "My conscience, as an activist, as a strategist -- my conscience is very clear," Brazile said in a radio interview, adding that "if I had to do it all over again, I would know a hell of a lot more about cybersecurity." But the current DNC chair's lack of encryption knowledge is hardly the problem. Brazile has functioned as a shameless cog in the Clinton political machine. That machine hasn't just broken down; it is now kaput. In the wake of Donald Trump's victory, the DNC must undergo a far-reaching shakeup. And -- with no time to waste -- we can't wait several months until Brazile's planned departure from the DNC chair job in March. That's why several hundred activists who were Bernie Sanders delegates to the Democratic National Convention just voted to "call for the immediate resignation of Donna Brazile as chair of the Democratic National Committee." A lopsided tally came in over the weekend, with 96 percent -- 337 to 13 -- in favor of pushing for Brazile to resign. The straw poll was conducted by the Bernie Delegates Network (which I coordinate), an independent group sponsored by the online activist organization RootsAction.org in partnership with Progressive Democrats of America. "The DNC must either change or it will die," says PDA executive director Donna Smith. "And that change starts with Ms. Brazile's prompt resignation." RootsAction has launched a nationwide petition campaign calling for Brazile to resign immediately. A Symbol and Symptom Brazile's duplicitous behavior is a symbol and symptom of the Democratic Party leadership -- which remains unwilling to admit that its chronic alignment with Wall Street, big banks and harmful trade deals has been key to sagging electoral fortunes. The national Democratic Party has long been in the grip of those who assume that following along Wall Street -- with minor quibbles and facile populist rhetoric -- is the pathway to the White House. That claim has now been thoroughly discredited, as election returns from the Rust Belt attest. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Premier Li Keqiang heard suggestions and advice on economic development and livelihood improvement from experts and enterprise executives at a symposium on Nov 14. At the meeting, representatives from colleges and universities, research institutions, enterprises, hospitals and housing security centers made speeches focusing issues like current economic situations, economic trends and steps to improve peoples livelihood. All the representatives agreed that Chinas economy is witnessing a steady increase, with data in the first nine months beating expectations. Many highlights include structure adjustment and livelihood improvement, accelerating new growth momentum and improving enterprises efficiency, which all support Chinas confidence in future economic development. Premier Li held discussions with those representatives, saying that China has the confidence to complete this years economic and social development targets. However, increasing uncertainties in the international environment and differentiation in domestic and industrial economy pose great challenges. To push economic growth and new development concepts, efforts should be made to consolidate steadiness, introduce practical measures on growth drivers, appropriately expand overall needs, forcefully promote supply-side reform and stress quality and efficiency improvement with an effort to enhance positive economic development, according to the Premier. Premier Li Keqiang chairs a symposium on economic development and livelihood improvement on Nov 14. [Photo/China News Service] Premier Li went on to say that economic restructuring and upgrades should be achieved through accelerating the transformation of economic growth drivers. In recent years, new growth development has been beyond expectation while also revitalizing traditional growth drivers, with positive changes in economic structure. Especially amid downward economic pressure, a record-breaking number of college graduates and increasing laid-off and relocated workers generated by overcapacity cutting, new growth development provides strong support for stabilizing employment. Currently the differentiation in domestic and industrial economy is breeding both challenges and hopes, said Premier Li. To strengthen real economy, an innovation-driven development strategy should be fully promoted to increase total factor productivity. Social forces should be encouraged to make use of such platforms as Internet Plus, develop mass entrepreneurship and innovation, promote Made in China 2025 and improve Chinas manufacturing level and market share to upgrade the economy and traditional industries, said the Premier. Premier Li also said that we should comprehensively deepen reform and add vitality for development. China is possessed with more than 900 million labor forces, and 170 million talents who have received higher education and professional training, which are the largest treasure for development, the Premier said. Meanwhile, the Premier urged further advancement in streamlining administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation and improving service. In addition, he called for breaking all kinds of unreasonable thresholds and restraints to safeguard a fair and competitive market environment, reduce the institutional transaction costs and take multiple measures to alleviate financing difficulty. These attempts are to create an environment encouraging of entrepreneurship and tolerant of failure, unleash more market vitality and social creativity and expand development spaces for higher-level of opening up, said the Premier. Premier Li Keqiang chairs a symposium on economic development and livelihood improvement on Nov 14. [Photo/Xinhua] He also stressed that the fundamental purpose of development is to ensure and improve peoples livelihood, respond to concerns and meet the needs concerning their livelihood, which in turn will drive development. Given the current challenges of balancing financial revenue and expenditure, the Premier called for efforts to stabilize employment and defend the bottom line of peoples livelihood in such sectors as the pension payment. Meanwhile, the Premier encouraged the deepening of medical reform, innovative mechanisms and promoting the coordination of medical insurance and medical treatment and resources integration of key hospitals and grassroots clinics, so as to provide the public with medical services of higher quality and lower cost. He also called for stepping up housing support, accelerating the establishment of public rental houses for university graduates and immigrant labors and promoting shantytown renovation. The Premier called on every department to make efforts to stabilize growth, promote reform, adjust structure, benefit peoples livelihood, prevent risks, reinforce policy interpretation and reasonably guide market expectancy. Vice-Premiers Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong and Wang Yang, and State Councilors Yang Jing and Wang Yong also attended the symposium. Premier Li Keqiang chairs a symposium on economic development and livelihood improvement on Nov 14. [Photo/China News Service] Ever since the shitshow ended last week there has been a plethora of polite analyses about What The f*ck Just Happened. Desperate pundits are trying to be reasonable while describing how and why Fucko the Clown just won the election. This is what Denial looks like: The hubris of Hillary Clinton and the DNC empowered them to steal the nomination from Bernie Sanders because not only did she "deserve" the presidency, but they believed she could beat Fucko in the general election. Clinton, the DNC, and their donors, completely underestimated, or ignored, the Hillary hatred that has been simmering for decades, as well as the contempt voters have for establishment politics. True. But the most insidious form of denial is always true. But it is not the whole truth. That is why denial is a complete waste of time and doesn't solve anything. It is always easier to accept and believe a partial truth because it is a distraction that keeps us from recognizing the larger, more uncomfortable truth. Occam's razor. Noun. The maxim that assumptions introduced to explain a thing must not be multiplied beyond necessity. Let's see how it works. 59,821,874 Americans voted for Fucko the Clown; therefore, there are 59,821,874 Crazy Stupid People in the United States. Regardless of the fact that the previous sentence sounds like a harsh generalization ... it is not. The only way anyone could vote for Fucko is if he/she is a Crazy Stupid Person. Rational smart people could not vote for, would never vote for, anyone like Fucko the Clown. That's it. That's all we need to know. There were enough Crazy Stupid voters in the United States on November 8, 2016 , to elect Fucko the Clown. Though that's the end of the story, we always want to know more. We need to know how and why this happened. The other uncomfortable truth is: In this case ... no we don't. It doesn't matter. Fucko the Clown is going to be the next president of the United States. End of story. It's like one of my darker imaginings ... I'm in my doctor's office discussing recent lab tests and he tells me I've got lung cancer. I ask how? Why? He bluntly tells me because I smoked cigarettes for 44 years. That a perfectly valid explanation in a sense has nothing to do with the current problem. Smoking caused the cancer ... but the problem now isn't smoking ... it's having lung cancer. And the United States of America has Fucko the Clown. That happened because there are too many Crazy Stupid People. But what if we want to know where Crazy Stupid People came from? I don't think that's our current problem but what the hell ... I'm not tired of typing yet so here are the broad strokes. There is obviously more to it but I don't have the time or will to go too far down my long, long list. In 1987, the FCC got rid of the Fairness Doctrine unleashing Rush Limbaugh and all the rest of the lying a**holes who filled the radio airwaves with hate speech. In 1996, Fox News began pumping out the same pernicious lies on cable television 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Let that sh*t simmer for 30 years, and you end up with Crazy Stupid People ... who voted for Fucko the Clown. Hate radio and Fox News blame the ills afflicting their audience on everyone except the real perpetrators. That is the fundamental lie of Hate radio and Fox News. Their purpose is to misdirect attention away from The Elite and blame everything on the most powerless amongst us. And their audience believed the lie because they were raised to believe it, they raise their children to believe it, and it's easier and more gratifying for Crazy Stupid people to join in with The Elite's oppression of women and minorities than collectively organize against their real overlords. For the most part The United States of America, until last week anyway, wore a mask of sanity. The election of Fucko the Clown did away with the bother of even pretending to be sane. Just click around The Internet and you'll find example after example of Good Ol' American Guys and Gals taking their newly affirmed hate out for a spin and terrorizing women and people of color. There were enough reports of hate crimes in just the first three days after the election to convince any rational person that The United States America has taken off towards the darker territories previously inhabited by The Third Reich. 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). The Senate Democrats have stabbed the Democratic voters in the back again. Ignoring the massive outrage among Democrats, they've annointed Hillary clone, neoliberal corporatist Chuck Schumer as the highest ranking member of the Democratic party. We must take action to oppose this horrible, insulting decision. This is an abominable early signal from Democratic elected officials that they are totally tone-deaf, out of touch with reality and moving forward, on the Democrat death march to permanent minority status that Hillary, Obama, Harry Reid, and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's DNC set the Democrats on. The joke is that Schumer, one of the leaders in defending the rotten system, as it is and has been, announced today that the Senate knows that the people believe that the system is not working for them and he promised, "we're going to change it for them." He also added that there's a bridge in Brooklyn for sale. (not.) Linda Milazzo, writing in her article, Why Democrats Must Elect Bernie Senate Minority Leader, said, "Considering the overwhelming defeats the Democrats just suffered in losing the Presidency, both Houses of Congress and the potential for a progressive Supreme Court majority, it is imperative the next Senate Leader be a champion for the Democratic Party and its principles. Chuck Schumer has demonstrated time and again he is not the Senator for the job. He is not an honest broker and should not be rewarded with the pivotal Leader position." The person who should be the Senate Minority leader is Bernie Sanders. He's not an official member of the party but he votes and caucuses with the Democrats in the senate. Linda Milazzo says, "Bernie Sanders has proven to be a valiant Senator, a relentless supporter of democratic principles and a leader for all Americans. He's an "every person" Democrat in the great tradition of Franklin Roosevelt. As Minority Leader, Senator Sanders would take on the Republican leadership and stand up to Chuck Schumer's long-time friend, Donald Trump." Perhaps the Democrats are oblivious to the massive repudiation of their neoliberal, toadying to corporation policies by the voters. Perhaps they think that we'll just let the same-old sell-out sh*t slide. We need to show then that they are wrong. Congressman Keith Ellison, candidate of progressive Democrats and many regressive Democrats for chair of the Democratic National Committee, eagerly urged the illegal and disastrous violent overthrow of the government of Libya in 2011, which he celebrated as a success despite what it meant for the rule of law, despite all the death and suffering, despite the predictable instability and weapons proliferation to follow. Ellison moved on to pushing, and using his perch as co-chair of the Progressive Caucus to push, for a similar war on Syria. For years now he has advocated for the illegal and murderous creation of no fly zones and "safe zones" -- what Hillary Clinton admitted only to Goldman Sachs would require that you "kill a lot of Syrians." Ellison was an early backer of bombing Syria in 2013. He met with peace activists but rejected their appeal. Back in 2007, before Ellison's leadership, the Congressional Progressive Caucus had helped organize 90 Congress members to commit to voting against war funding. Most of them turned around and voted for war funding. That ridiculous disappointment was a high point for the CPC. Since then, the CPC's commitments -- such as to vote against corporate healthcare -- have hardly been taken seriously, and so it's hardly been news when most members have gone back on their commitments. But in recent years, the CPC has shifted away from even pretending to take a stand on things, and instead moved toward issuing statements full of non-committal rhetoric. Some began referring to it as the Congressional Progressive Statement Caucus. Yet even that standard must be looked back to with nostalgia when it comes to Co-Chair Ellison's rhetoric on war. He promotes misinformation about protecting innocent people in Libya and Syria and uses those claims to justify war making. This is exactly what the war makers were looking for in funding Hillary Clinton for President. Should the Democratic National Committee now give it to them in the form of Ellison as Chair? Of course there are differences between Clinton and Ellison. He hasn't been around long enough to do nearly as much damage, and he's legitimately better than Clinton in many ways. He introduced legislation in the Minnesota State Legislature to urge the impeachment of George W. Bush. He dropped support for that once elected to Congress but did sign onto impeaching Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales. He has voted against war funding, more than once. He has asked Obama to end the war on Afghanistan. He was against rewriting laws with signing statements, at least while Bush was president. It's conceivable that he no longer, post-Bernie, throws a fit if called a socialist. And on domestic issues there's no comparison: Ellison is excellent by Democratic standards. But is that good enough? Does empowering someone who is a Muslim erase all concern over bombing Muslims and turning their nations into hell? This is the best the Democrats have, we're told. But putting an active member of Congress into another fulltime job is not ideal. And the Democrats have unemployed figures like war-advocate Howard Dean crawling out into the spot lights. Who would I propose instead? The first name that comes to mind (and I have not discussed this with him, it's possible he has no interest, and he certainly wouldn't sanction my criticizing of Ellison) is Dennis Kucinich. You want change? Hope even? Try him. I thought it might be helpful for us all to remember a few basics. Any political election or appointment is we, the people, hiring a person to work for us. Anyone we hire to do a job for us, and pay, is our employee. That makes US the boss. That makes US the 'leader, official, authority, AND lawmaker' who make the rules for our employees to follow. It's quite simple to work out that I would never pay anyone to work for me and allow them to remain in my employ, in that job, if they were committing crimes in that job. Now let's review the things that we were taught were wrong and bad as children, but society seems to have made us forget. We were all taught that it is wrong to lie, cheat, steal, and kill. All of these are crimes, since I'm going to call lying, if it leads to stealing and killing, rape, pillaging, plundering, or slaughtering to pave the way for a corporation to do business in some nation we've illegally invaded and occupied, a crime as well. How has society made us believe our employees, whose actions we bear responsibility for as their bosses -- are OUR 'leaders,' 'officials,' 'authority,' 'lawmakers' who issue orders to US, and that our role is to follow? When it is the EXACT OPPOSITE. How have we permitted our employees to yell at us, to threaten us, to lie to us, and to take our money to commit crimes with? First, you would have to know what a crime is, and second, to remember that a crime is a crime no matter who commits it. And third, break through the brainwashing that our employees somehow become our messiahs to follow, once we hire them to work for us. We are signatory, as a nation, to a document called the Geneva Conventions. This set of international laws govern the conduct of war. When we signed it, it became part of our Constitution, and to violate it is to violate our Constitution. The Geneva Conventions prohibit the invasion of a sovereign nation absent an act of aggression on their part, or an 'imminent threat.' What act of aggression or 'imminent threat' did Afghanistan pose to us? Any why are we still there? George Bush, Dick Cheney and their entire cabal should have been removed from office by we the people for lying, theft, and slaughter. By us, their bosses. And prosecuted. We know we were lied to about Iraq and its 'imminent threat.' We appear to yawn and say whoopsiedoodle, even with Colin Powell's admission regarding 'stretching the intelligence,' over our war crimes there that we are allowing to continue to this day. It's our 'leader' and he knows best. Instead of, you are my employee and you are committing crimes. You're FIRED. And prosecuted. Libya. What act of aggression or 'imminent threat' did Libya pose, to warrant its invasion and filmed torture and slaughter of its leader, over which Mrs. Clinton cackled, 'we came, we saw, he DIED' and then burst into laughter? This was a war crime. And not sane. Mr. Obama drones 16 year old boys in Yemen. One was an American. He drones weddings, funerals, schools, hospitals, and rescue workers. It is a WAR CRIME to bomb civilian facilities. Mr. Obama has conducted these war crimes in countries we're not 'at war' with -- Pakistan, Syria, Yemen. And the lies of Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton should have been removed from office by we the people for lying, theft, and slaughter. And prosecuted. How do we, as a people, not know that it is a crime to rain bombs from the sky onto civilian facilities, and slaughter innocents and children? How have we lost our way on 'right' and 'wrong' -- and legal and illegal - to the point of tolerating war criminals in the White House? How did we almost put another one in there, with half the population still crying over the fact that she's not there? And what have we got there now? A man with narcissistic personality disorder, which may be -- MAY be - one nanoparticle better than a war criminal. But only because it presents us with an opportunity to learn about personality disorders and how to manage them, since one in ten of our population suffer from them, a high proportion of them are in 'leadership' positions, and it's high time we learn exactly how to manage them. 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 Consortium News Donald Trump must decide -- and decide quickly -- whether he wants to be a great U.S. President or a robo-signature machine affixing his name to whatever legislation comes from congressional Republicans and a nodding figurehead acquiescing to more neoconservative foreign policy adventures. Or, to put it in a vernacular that Trump might use, does he want to be "Paul Ryan's b*tch" on domestic policies? And does he want to surrender his foreign policy to the "wise guys" of Washington's neocon establishment? Trump's problem is that he has few fully developed ideas about how to proceed in a presidency that even many of his close followers did not expect would happen. Plus, over the past few decades, the neocons and their liberal-hawk sidekicks have marginalized almost every dissenting expert, including old-line "realists" who once were important figures. So, the bench of "confirmable" experts who have dissented on neocon/liberal-hawk policies is very thin. To find national security leaders who would break with the prevailing "group thinks," Trump would have go outside normal channels and take a risk on some fresh thinkers. But most mainstream media accounts doubt that he will. That is why speculation has centered on Trump settling on several neocon retreads for Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, such as former Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former CIA Director James Woolsey and ex-National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, all staunch supporters of George W. Bush's disastrous Iraq War which Trump has denounced. "Team of Rivals" If Trump is guided in that direction, he will make the same mistake that President Barack Obama made during the 2008 transition when Obama was seduced by the idea of a Lincoln-esque "Team of Rivals" and staffed key top national security jobs with hawks -- keeping Bush's Defense Secretary Robert Gates, hiring Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and leaving in place top generals, such as David Petraeus. That decision trapped the inexperienced Obama into a policy of continuity with Bush's wars and related policies, such as domestic spying, rather than enabling Obama to achieve his promised "change." Faced with powerful "rivals" within his own administration, Obama was maneuvered into an ill-considered "counterinsurgency" escalation in Afghanistan in 2009 that did little more than get another 1,000 U.S. soldiers killed along with many more Afghans. Secretary Clinton also sold out the elected progressive president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, when he was ousted in a coup in 2009, signaling to Latin America that "El Norte" hadn't changed much. Then, Clinton sabotaged Obama's first attempt in 2010 to enlist the help of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to work out a deal with Iran on constraining its nuclear program. Clinton favored an escalating confrontation with Iran along the lines dictated by Israeli hardliners. Clinton and the other hawks succeeded in thwarting Obama's will because, as Gates wrote in his memoir Duty, Gates and Clinton were "un-fireable" in that they could challenge Obama whenever they wished while realizing that Obama would have to pay an unacceptably high price to remove them. As clever "inside players," Gates, Clinton and Petraeus also understood that if Obama balked at their policy prescriptions, they could undercut him by going to friends in the mainstream news media and leaking information about how Obama was "weak" in not supporting a more warlike approach to problems. Obama's Real Weakness 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 Our Future It's already a Washington truism that Donald Trump, who promised to "drain the swamp" of lobbyists and others who exploit government for personal gain, has turned to it instead for his key appointments. It's true. The reptiles are taking over. Let's take a tour of the place while we still can. Welcome to Trump Swamp. Join us on the glass-bottom boat as we gaze on the denizens below. Keep your hands inside the railings -- and please don't feed the gators. It's hard to get past the white nationalist in any discussion of Trump's team. Sure, they call Steve Bannon's worldview "alt-right," but that's deceptive. That makes it sound like something new, when hatred is as old as the hills. White supremacist Jared Taylor cheered Bannon's hire, saying he suspected Bannon will serve as an "anti-waffler" to maintain Trump's ideological and racial purity. (Taylor's most recent tweet, as of this writing is, "Excellent Boston Globe article about the Hispanic invasion. This is how we throw away our country.") "I think that's excellent," said former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke of Bannon's hire. "Perhaps The Donald IS for 'REAL,'" the chairman of the American Nazi Party exulted, adding: "Time will tell." Admittedly, when one of the President-elect's appointments gets positive responses from the KKK and the Nazis, it's hard to focus on his other hires. But it's important. If "personnel is policy," as Sen. Elizabeth Warren says, then Trump's policy is plunder. Billionaire Steve Mnuchin is a leading contender for Secretary of the Treasury. As we first noted last August, Mnuchin ran a mortgage-lending outfit called One West, which was investigated for its abusive treatment of borrowers. The California Reinvestment Coalition asked authorities to investigate One West's pattern of racial discrimination in foreclosures, and specifically cited its "foreclosures of widows." Looks like the proprietor of Trump University has found a soul mate. There are others. Trump also sought out JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary. Dimon has presided over a truly epic orgy of fraud during his tenure. Dimon is a generous campaign donor to politicians from both parties, which may explain why he has escaped serious investigation. (Dimon wisely took his name out of consideration for the job. Elizabeth Warren would have humiliated him.) Then there's billionaire Wilbur Ross, a leading contender for Commerce Secretary. Ross, who is already reassuring investors that Trump won't do anything rash on trade, invests in "distressed assets." What the aliens in "Independence Day" do to planets like Earth, Ross does to troubled companies. He plunders them for anything of value and then leaves them in ruins. And speaking of plundering a planet and leaving it in ruins, here are the leading contenders for Trump's top energy and environmental slots: Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Growing Trend for Portable WIFI Leads to Excessive Sale in the Global Market Market Research Hub http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=862812 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-portable-wifi-sales-market-report-2016-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com Albany, New York, November 16, 2016: Market Research Hub has recently announced the addition of a new analysis to its vast archive of research reports. The report is titled Global Portable WIFI Sales Market Report 2016. There are 122 pages that contains all valuable data relevant directly to the sales of Portable Wi-Fi and how the market is expected to grow during the forecast period of 2016 to 2021.Request a Sample Request:It is well known that in todays world, Wi-Fi plays a big role because it is the only technology that unchains us from the computer at our desk. It allows us to go 'mobile,' connecting wirelessly whenever we are near a venue of Wi-Fi connectivity, called a "hotspot" or in an internet-sharing wide area network known as a "hot zone which can be created through portable modems or routers. With the ongoing rise of Wi-Fi in our society, the market sales will boost steadily in the future. The public can use any WiFi-ready portable device to access a wireless connection; moreover,they can establish their own connection with greater ease.Few years back, the market handled unmatched growth in the number of wireless users, network access technologies and applications. At present, growth of e-commerce through portable devices has also powered the growth of global portable Wi-Fi market. Some other key factors such as demand for free public Wi-Fi hotspots and increase in investments in wireless technology are channelizing the growth for the portable Wi-Fi market sales.Browse More Info with TOC:The global portable Wi-Fi market is segmented on the basis of application, types and geography with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate from 2011 to 2022. Some of the key geographical areas studied in the report are USA, Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The upcoming changes and developments in the wireless standards will offer superior internet experience to the consumers across the world.These portable hotspots for the population have proven quite effective in the above stated countries. Also, by product type it can be divided into: USB interface Cable interfaceMajor companies are collaborating with small and mid-sized enterprises to serve the customers with Wi-Fi technology. The major players reported in the market include: TP-LINK AT&T Samsung NETGEAR ZTE Karma Mobility, Inc AlldayInternet Huawei Xiaomi Buffalo Technology D-LinkThe report further discusses about various policies, strategies and plans of growth for the global Portable WIFI market. The research analysts have considered details like manufacturing processes, competitors and manufacturing costs to examine the future opportunities in the global Portable WIFI market.About UsMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State StreetAlbany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free : 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel : +1-518-621-2074Email : press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite : United States to Retain Lead in Passive Optical Network Market during Forecast 2016-2021 Industry Analysis http://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=862321 http://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/united-states-passive-optical-network-market-report-2016-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com Albany, New York, November 16, 2016: Market Research Hub (MRH) has broadcasted a new market report to provide the comprehensive information of Passive optical market especially in the United States. This report is titled as United States Passive Optical Network Market Report 2016. The research study analyzes the overview and the scope of the passive optical network market and delivers estimates in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2016 to 2021. It also identifies the drivers and restraints affecting the market and explores their impact over the forecast period.Request For Free Sample Report:A passive optical network is basically a telecommunication technology that implements point-to-multipoint network under which single stack switch provides more than 7,000 IP voice, data and video network connections to an ethernet-based device or system The aim of the network is to provide a solution that is easy to install, maintain and upgrade. This is executed by using optical splitters in PON which enables a single fiber to deliver services to multiple locations. Through the detailed study, it is also observed that the growth of networking technologies in the United States are also boosting the market growth.Further, the report segments the market on the basis of components which includes optical cables, optical filters, optical power splitters and wavelength division multiplexer & de-multiplexer. Additionally, the market has been segmented on the basis of its structure types which includes, Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) and Gigabit passive optical network (GPON). Due to the increased transmission ability of the telecommunication network in the form of optical signals; it can be counted as a major driving force for adoption. The broader bandwidth and increased transmission speeds are now combined with protected and dependable network operations which ensure significant growth opportunities. This market for passive optical network (PON) is poised for extensive growth in the upcoming years.Some of the leading manufacturers in the U.S. market profiled in the report are- Huawei Technologies Adtran Hitachi Mitsubishi Broadcom Ericsson Calix Motorola Solutions Freescale Semiconductor Alphion Verizon CommunicationsIn the next section, the report also provides company market share analysis and competitive landscape of the numerous industry participants. These major players are profiled on the basis of company overview, financial summary, business strategies and key developments.Browse To Get Full Report with TOC:At the end of the report, the buyer can also get information about manufacturing cost analysis, industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream buyers.Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (US-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite: Clinical Trials Imaging Market 2014-2020: Major market players are Cardiovascular Imaging Technologies, VirtualScopic, Biomedical Systems, and others http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=60642 http://bit.ly/2cowRxr http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/clinical-trials-imaging-market-global-industry-analysis-size.html http://bit.ly/2clX3Eb http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com Imaging is the process generating visual representation of an object or body. Clinical trial imaging uses imaging technology in clinical trials for viewing the interior parts of body. Imaging had made various studies easy and advance which helps in invention and trials. The images obtained from imaging are used for diagnose, examine and reveal human body. Clinical trials imaging has three types such as screening imaging clinical trials, diagnostic imaging clinical trials and image-guided interventional clinical trials.Get a copy of free Sample Report @The report covers forecast and analysis for the clinical trials imaging market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2014 along with a forecast from 2014 to 2020 based on revenue (USD Million). The report also offers detailed competitive landscape of the global clinical trials imaging market. It includes company market share analysis, product portfolio of the major industry participants. The report provides detailed segmentation of the clinical trials imaging market based on product segment, technology segment, end user segment and region.Clinical trials imaging utilized mostly in pharmaceuticals biotech companies, research centers, hospitals. Rising geriatric population and growing occurrences of chronic diseases, are some of the major factors to drive theclinical trials imaging market. Clinical trial imaging provides quick, detail, accurate diagnosis. . High cost related with the machinery and its implementation is the major factor to affect the market growth. Biotech companies, research centers and pharmaceuticals companies are increasingly using imaging techniques. Detail and advance research to lower the cost, low maintenance and sophisticated machines some of the key opportunities for clinical trials imaging market.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @The market for clinical trials imaging is segmented by product, technology, end user, and region. Software and service are segments of product, where, Software is designed for clinical trial imaging. Services like operational imaging services, reader service, system and technology, design consulting. Various technologies in clinical imaging includes Echo, PET, MRI, X Ray, CT, and ultrasound among others. MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound are the technologies having highest share in clinical trial imaging market. Different end users in this market are biotech companies, pharmaceuticals, research center, hospitals, diagnosis centers and others.The report provides a comprehensive view on the clinical trials imaging market we have included a detailed value chain analysis. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the clinical trials imaging market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein product segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness. The report also analyzes several driving and restraining factors and their impact on the market during the forecast period.Regionally, clinical trials imaging market has been segmented into North America. Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America. North America dominated the clinical trials imaging market due to technological advancements in the imaging field.Browse detail report @The key players of clinical trials imaging market include Cardiovascular Imaging Technologies, VirtualScopic, Biomedical Systems, BioClinica, Intrinsic Imaging LLC, Prism Clinical Imaging, PAREXEL International Corporation, and ICON among others.This report segments the clinical trials imaging market as follows:Clinical Trials Imaging Market: Product Segment AnalysisServiceSoftwareClinical Trials Imaging Market: Technology Segment AnalysisX-rayCTMRIPETEchoUltrasoundOther technologiesClinical Trials Imaging Market: End user Segment AnalysisBiotech companiesPharmaceuticalResearch centersHospitalsOther end usersClinical Trial Imaging Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia-PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaInquire more before buying this report @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: Smart Cities Market, 2014-2020: Segmented by Smart homes, smart buildings, smart energy management, smart industrial management, and others http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/request-for-sample.html?flag=S&repid=50316 http://bit.ly/2ddyTha http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/market-analysis/smart-cities-market.html http://bit.ly/2cOh8W0 http://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com The ability to integrate multiple technological solutions in a proper manner to manage the citys and the sources available in it which includes, local departments information systems, schools, libraries, transportation systems, hospitals, power plants, law enforcement, and other community services is called as smart city. Information and communication technologies (ICT) are used to develop quality, performance and mutual activities of urban services, to reduce costs and resource consumption and to improve contact between citizens and government.Request Sample Report:Studying the community, developing a smart city policy, and engaging the community by encouragement of e-gov initiatives are the three major factors associated with smart city development. Rising migration from rural to urban areas is expected to increase growth of this industry. Additionally, increasing popularity towards the green infrastructure and rising energy awareness helps to drive the smart cities market.The report covers forecast and analysis for the smart cities market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2014 along with a forecast from 2014 to 2020 based on revenue (USD Billion). The report also offers detailed competitive landscape of the global smart cities market. It includes company market share analysis, product portfolio of the major industry participants. The report provides detailed segmentation of the smart cities market based on application segment and region. Smart homes, smart buildings, smart energy management, smart industrial management, smart healthcare, smart transportation, smart security, others (smart education, smart water, management etc.) are application segment of smart cities market. The smart transportation segment was the leading application in 2012.Request TOC (Table of Contents) of this report:Major regional segments analyzed in this study include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. This report also provides further bifurcation of region on the country level. Major countries analyzed in this reports are U.S., Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India, and Brazil. Smart cities market was dominated by North America due to steps taken by the regional governments for reducing the greenhouse gas emission by increasing the use of renewable energy resources. Additionally, due to high residential development demand in China and India, Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the rapid growth of this market.Browse report at:The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., IBM Corporation, Hitachi Ltd., Alcatel-Lucent S.A., Honeywell international Inc., Alstom S.A., General Electric Company, Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson, Cisco Systems Inc., Oracle Corporation and others.The report segments the global smart cities market into:Global Smart Cities Market: Application Segment AnalysisSmart homesSmart buildingsSmart energy managementSmart industrial managementSmart healthcareSmart transportationSmart securityOthers (Smart education, smart water, management etc.Global Smart Cities Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaDo Inquiry before buying: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: Aerospace Composites Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4071 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4071 A wide range of composites are used in aerospace industry. Commercial aircrafts, defense aircrafts, helicopters, launchers and engines are made-up of composites. Aerospace composites help to lighten the weight of the components and increase the efficiency of the engines. Aerospace composites help in weight reduction subsequently decreasing the fuel consumption. Low weight and durability of components are of huge importance in aerospace and aircraft industry. The market for aerospace composites is classified as: carbon fiber reinforced composites, glass fiber reinforced composites, metal matrix composites, foam core materials and ceramic matrix composites among others. Aerospace composites are used in interiors as well as exterior of the aircrafts. In addition, to this ceramic matrix composites are used in manufacturing of engines, which sustains at higher temperatures. Moreover, aerospace composites provides various characteristics to the components such as fire resistance, durability, flexibility and lighter weight among others.Request to view Sample Report @The market for aerospace composites was mainly driven by commercial aircrafts coupled with military and defense activities. Aerospace composites are used in various applications such as passenger and cargo floor panels, ceiling panels, galleys, air ducts, cabin linings, plenums, overhead compartments, ceiling panels, lavatories, bars, partitions, wardrobes, seats, winglets and fins, trailing edges, brackets and landing gear doors among others. The aerospace composites have to deal with regulatory bodies regarding smoke, toxicity and fire levels of the components. In military and defense applications, aerospace composites are used in manufacturing of components required for helicopters, launchers and aircrafts among others. Aerospace composites help the components to deal with wear and tear, fire and harsh weather conditions. In addition, aerospace composites help the components to enhance the performance of the aircrafts. Maintenance, repair and overhaul are one of the major segments in aerospace industry and will be a major opportunity for the aerospace composites over the forecast period. However, higher prices and recyclability issues regarding the aerospace composites is anticipated to hinder the growth of the market in near future.Request to view Table of content @In terms of demand, North America was the leading region in aerospace composites market in 2013. The market for aerospace composites in North America was led by the U.S. Increasing demand for aerospace composites from commercial aircrafts coupled with defense activities has been driving the market in past few years. North America was followed by Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is considered to be fastest growing market for aerospace composites. Increasing demand from aircrafts and helicopters is driving the demand for aerospace composites in this region. China had the highest demand for aerospace composites in this region. Other countries such as Japan, Singapore and India are likely to show potential growth for the aerospace composites in near future. In terms of demand, Europe had the third largest share for aerospace composites in 2013. Western Europe had the largest demand for aerospace composites in this region owing to the huge demand from military and defense activities. However, central Europe and Russia will have higher market share for aerospace composites in foreseeable future. In 2013, Rest of the World had the least demand for aerospace composites; however the region is predicted to illustrate upbeat for the aerospace composites market in near future.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.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Global Cephalosporin Industry Analysis by Market Popularity, Development, Trends & Key Benefits 2016 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=838941&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-cephalosporin-sales-market-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm A thorough analysis of the Cephalosporin market across the globe has been presented in the market intelligence report to offer a strong understanding of the market. The study has highlighted the crucial dynamics of the global Cephalosporin market, focusing on its key drivers and promising opportunities. It further offers a detailed study of the latest trends and recent developments in the global Cephalosporin market. The product segmentation and key geographical segments of the market have been discussed in the study to offer a clear picture and the guide new players entering the market. Technological advancements and the regulatory framework of the global Cephalosporin market have also been included in the study.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report presents answers to several important questions with reference to the growth prospects and limitations within the global Cephalosporin market. Some of them are:What are the primary factors augmenting the rapid growth of the global Cephalosporin market?Which is the key geographical segment expected to lead the global Cephalosporin market?Which application segment of the global Cephalosporin market is estimated to grow robustly throughout the forecast period?What is the projected size of the global Cephalosporin market in the coming few years?What are the expected revenues of the overall market and key segments in the next few years?Which companies are expected to lead the global Cephalosporin market in the next few years?How is the competitive scenario of the global Cephalosporin market?Furthermore, the research report sheds light on the competitive scenario of the global Cephalosporin market and offers a detailed analysis of the leading players operating in it. The product portfolio, SWOT analysis, and key strategies adopted by key players have been discussed in the scope of the research report.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One Cephalosporin Industry Overview1.1 Cephalosporin Definition1.1.1 Cephalosporin Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Cephalosporin Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Cephalosporin Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Cephalosporin Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Cephalosporin Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Cephalosporin Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Cephalosporin Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Cephalosporin Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Cephalosporin Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Cephalosporin Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Cephalosporin R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Cephalosporin Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Cephalosporin Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Cephalosporin Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Cephalosporin Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Cephalosporin Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Cephalosporin Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Cephalosporin Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Cephalosporin Demand by ApplicationsFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com Electric Shavers Market: Facts, Figures and Analytical Insights 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3549 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3549 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Electric shaver is an electrical device, which is used for shaving purpose, for removal of unwanted hair from body with oscillating or rotating blades behind a metal guard. Electric shaver provides the most convenient means of shaving. Electric shavers generally come in foil shavers and rotary shaver. In foil electric shaver, two or more cutting blades arranged on top, which move back and forth in a vibrating mode under a foil with small holes that catch and cut the hairs. The other kind is the rotary shaver, which on its faceplate that has one or more round cutting heads with blades rotating under a grid with holes where the hair collected and cut off by the rotating cutting blades.Request for Sample Report:Electric shaver is use in removal of chest hair, abdominal hair, leg hair, head hair, underarm hair or any other bodily hair. An electric shaver is most commonly used by men to remove their facial hair and by women to remove the hair from leg and underarm body parts. Various electric shaver products includes razor, razor handles, razor blades, disposable razors, shaving accessories and others electric shaver products. Electric razors usually no longer need gel, shaving cream, soap and water for shaving purpose and helps to reduce the investment over such extra products for shaving. Electric shaver product use rechargeable batteries for cordless use which it more convenient to use.In order to prevent from any kind of cuts, abrasions, and irritation form traditional shaving method, many individual prefer to use electronic shaving machine. Razor burn is an irritation of the skin caused by using a blunt blade; such problems get removed by using electric shaver products. Electric shavers provide closer shaves without skin irritations and they are more fun and convenient to use. Use of electric shaves is also very economically in long run. Electric shavers are used as grooming products among men. Shaving is the part of daily routine for many professionals, thus electric shavers help them to save their time and money as compared to traditional method of shaving. Growing fashion trends and desired to look better among men and women, the use of electric shavers is growing.Increasing beauty consciousness among women and men is one of the main reasons, which lead to drive the electric shaver market in Asia Pacific region. Rising economy, increasing in disposable income level and large population in China and India offers huge market potential for the significant growth of electric shaver market in Asia Pacific region. Various product innovation related to style, long life, less maintenance cost and easy to handle are some of the key issue which further helps to boost the electric shaver market in North America and European region.Request for Table of content:Some of the major companies operating in global electric shavers market are Conair Corporation, BaByliss, Helen of Troy Limited, Koninklijke, Philips Electronics N.V., Panasonic Corporation, The Procter & Gamble Company, The Gillette Company, Braun GmbH, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Remington Products Company, Wahl Clipper Corporation, Eltron Company, Wahl Clipper Corporation and Izumi Products Company.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 Oleochemicals Market 2016 Manufacturers:- Cargill, Emery Oleochemicals, Evyap, Godrej Industries and Myriant. Oleochemicals http://bit.ly/2ffhtAY http://bit.ly/2f32DzN Global Oleochemicals Industry 2016 Market Size, Share, Trends, Global Price, Company Profiles, Demand, Insights, Analysis, Research And Forecast 2016-2021.The report Global Oleochemicals Industry 2016 has been recently added to the research repository of QY Research to present a 360 degree overview of the global Oleochemicals market. In a logical and coherent chapter-wise format the study analyzes the key parameters shaping the growth of the global Oleochemicals market. Along with analyzing the market growth drivers, the report also studies the market restraints and identifies the potential opportunities to assist stakeholders of the market in determining their future course of action. The information constituted in the report is interspersed with statistics, infographs, and graphical representations, based on which it substantiates the facts mentioned.Browse Complete Report with TOC @To present a comprehensive overview, the report segments the global Oleochemicals market on the basis of distinct product types, application, end-use industries, and key geographic regions. How the developing markets of emerging economies have contributed to the expansion of the market is also studied in detail by the report. It provides an exhaustive analysis of the present and potential liquidity, financial stability, and profitability, which the market is anticipated to demonstrate over the forecast period.To present an executive-level overview of the market, the report adhered to vertical and horizontal analysis of the global Oleochemicals market. Using industry leading analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and porters five forces the report conducted an in-depth analysis of the information sourced through primary and secondary research. To gauge the competitiveness prevailing in the Oleochemicals market, the report minutely studied the prospects showcased by the key players of the market. The sales strategies and production policies adopted by the leading companies in the market is analyzed in detail to measure their impact in market and study the market size. Based on such findings, the report provides refined growth forecasts for the global Oleochemicals market.Moreover, the essential strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors and the present trends in the Oleochemicals market have been elaborated upon in great detail by means of this report. The report additionally provides monetary examination and strategic activities of the Oleochemicals market in the world.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Global Mechanical Keyboards Market 2016- AZIO, CHERRY, Logitech, Razer, Matias and Microsoft. Mechanical Keyboards http://bit.ly/2f33zEn http://bit.ly/2fTmTTy Global Mechanical Keyboards Industry 2016 Market Survey Study Analysis and Overview : Industry Trend, Size, Share, Growth and ForecastThe research report titled Mechanical Keyboards has adopted an analytical approach to evaluate the dynamics of the Mechanical Keyboards market. It provides a detailed analysis comprising an in-depth research on the Mechanical Keyboards market growth drivers, restraints, and potential growth opportunities, with key focus on China. In a chapter-wise format, the report evaluates the demand and supply trends observed in the Mechanical Keyboards market, complete with relevant statistics and graphical representation. A detailed investment feasibility analysis and market attractiveness analysis is included in the report, which makes it a executive-level document for players in the global and China Mechanical Keyboards market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @To obtain the Mechanical Keyboards market feasibility report, industry leading analytical tools are used and market-specific database is evaluated. Based on the results acquired through this research methodology, the report presents refined growth forecasts for the Mechanical Keyboards market. Factors such as historical statistics and upcoming trends observed in the global and China Mechanical Keyboards market is analyzed to estimate market behavior during the forecast period.The report is separated in sections dedicated to analyzing distinct aspects of the Mechanical Keyboards market. It encompasses the varied product types available in the market and their respective price structure, the factors driving demand for the products, and the future prospects for the same. Other market segments included are elaborated on the basis of application and geography. The report also presents import and export figures for the China Mechanical Keyboards market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @To present a detailed analysis of the competitive hierarchy of the Mechanical Keyboards market, the report profiles the leading market player in China and around the world. Market shares registered by the prominent players are estimated to study the business strategies that have significantly impacted the Mechanical Keyboards market. With its chapters interspersed with tables and figures, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the Mechanical Keyboards industry.A detailed segmentation evaluation of the Mechanical Keyboards market has been provided in the report. Detailed information about the key segments of the market and their growth prospects are available in the report. The detailed analysis of their sub-segments is also available in the report. The revenue forecasts and volume shares along with market estimates are available in the report.About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651 Dry Laundry Detergents Market: Quantitative Market analysis, Current and Future Trends by 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4291 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4291 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Dry laundry detergents are the products that are used in dry cleaning of clothes and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water. Different types of solvents are used in the process to improve cleaning where small amounts of detergent are added to the solvent essential for its functionality. These detergents soften the hydrophobic soils and prevent them from being redeposited on the clothing. Anionic and cationic dry laundry detergents are the two types of detergents majorly used in the industry, depending upon the design of the machine.Request for Sample Report:The global market for dry laundry detergent is expected to witness moderate growth on account stronger demand from key market such as hotels, restaurants and hospitals stimulating revenue growth. In addition, higher disposable income and improving employment rates in emerging countries such as China and India are also expected to spur demand for dry laundry products.Factors such as continuing trend towards business-casual clothing coupled with the postrecession bounce and employment gains, which are further prompting greater overall demand for professional clothing cleaning is expected to boost the demand for dry laundry detergents. However, increasing environmental regulations regarding the use of commonly used solvent in dry laundry such asperchloroethylene (perc), is expected to slow the growth of the market. Increasing R&D activities towards developing innovative and safe detergents is anticipated to provide new opportunities for the growth of the market. North America was the largest consumer for dry laundry detergents, followed by Europe. However, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to growing implementation of inexpensive dry cleaning and launder services such as household dryers and washer, and home-use dry cleaning kits.Request for Table of content:AkzoNobel, Amway, BASF SE, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., DuPont, Henkel AG, Procter & Gamble, The Dow Chemical Company, and Unilever are some of the key manufacturers of dry laundry detergents dominating market.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Smart Building Market - Generating revenue, Johnson Controls, ABB, General Electric, CISCO, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, Ingersoll http://bit.ly/2ee4L5k http://bit.ly/2eWbdwQ http://bit.ly/2e90XE2 http://atozresearch.com/ The report covers forecast and analysis for the smart building market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2014 along with a forecast from 2015 to 2020 based revenue (USD Million). The study includes drivers and restraints for the smart building market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the smart building market on a global level.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the smart building market, we have included a detailed value chain analysis. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of Porters Five Forces model for the smart building market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein product segments and application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Get a copy of free Sample Report @The study provides a decisive view on the smart building market by segmenting the market based on types, applications and regions. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2014 to 2020. Based on types the market is segmented into building energy management system, physical security system, building communication systems, plumbing and water management system, parking management systems, and elevators and escalators management system. Key application market covered under this study includes residential buildings, commercial buildings, hospitality, airports, institutional, industrial, and others. The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for smart building based on individual applications in all the regions and countries.The report also includes detailed profiles of end players such as Johnson Controls, ABB, General Electric, CISCO, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Delta Controls, Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Hitachi, IBM, Schneider Electric, Johnson Controls, TYCO International and Siemens. The detailed description of players includes parameters such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies and SWOT analysis and recent developments of the company.A to Z Research: All Global Energy related reports along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Billion)This report segments the global smart building market as follows:Global Smart Building Market: Systems Segment AnalysisBuilding energy management systemPhysical security systemBuilding communication systemsPlumbing and water management systemParking management systemsElevators and escalators management system.Global Smart Building Market: Application Segment AnalysisResidential buildingsCommercial buildingsHospitalityAirportsInstitutionalIndustrialOthersGlobal Smart Building Market: Regional Segment AnalysisBrowse detail report with in-depth TOC @North AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations. A to Z Research is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite: Global Enhanced Oil Recovery Market - Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Conoco Phillips Enhanced Oil Recovery Market http://bit.ly/2gf5mZK http://bit.ly/2eWbdwQ http://atozresearch.com/global-enhanced-oil-recovery-market-research-reports/ http://atozresearch.com/ The report covers forecast and analysis for the enhanced oil recovery market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2014 along with a forecast from 2015 to 2020 based on both volumes (Million Barrels) and revenue (USD Billion). The study includes drivers and restraints for the enhanced oil recovery market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the enhanced oil recovery market on a global level.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the enhanced oil recovery market, we have included a detailed competitive scenario, buying criteria and product portfolio of key vendors. To understand the competitive landscape in the market, an analysis of porters five forces model for the enhanced oil recovery market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein technology segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Request Sample Report:The study provides a decisive view on the enhanced oil recovery market by segmenting the market based on technology and sub-types. All the technology segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2014 to 2020. Key technologies covered under this study include the enhanced oil recovery by thermal injection, gas injection and chemical injection. The regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Rest of the World with its further bifurcation into major countries including U.S. Germany, France, UK, China, Japan, India and Brazil. This segmentation includes demand for enhanced oil recovery on individual applications in all the regions and countries.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Conoco Phillips, Chevron Chemicals, Petronas, Cenovus Energy, Petrobras, Nalco Company, Statoil ASA, Lukoil, Praxair Technology, Inc.A to Z Research: All Global Energy related reports along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Billion)The report segments the global enhanced oil recovery market into:Global Enhanced Oil Recovery Market: Technology Segment AnalysisThermal injectionGas injectionChemical injectionGlobal Enhanced Oil Recovery Market: Regional Segment AnalysisBrowse detail report at:North AmericaU.S.EuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAboutA to Z ResearchA to ZResearchis a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.A to Z Researchis the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air. We have market research reports from number of leading publishers and update our collection daily to provide our clients with the instant online access to our database. With access to this database, our clients will be able to benefit from expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends.Contact US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite: Global Monosodium glutamate Market Anticipated Worth Around USD 5,850.0 Million by 2020 Monosodium glutamate Market http://bit.ly/1WZs4PR http://bit.ly/2fEcOt2 http://bit.ly/2eZ5vuo http://bit.ly/2fff0q2 http://www.marketresearchstore.com Zion Research has published a new report titled Monosodium Glutamate Market for Food Processing Industry, Restaurants and Institutional Food Service Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis And Forecast, 2014 - 2020. According to the report, the global monosodium glutamate market was valued at USD 4,500.0 million in 2014, and is expected to generate revenue of USD 5,850.0 million by end of 2020, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global monosodium glutamate market was stood at around 3,000.0 kilo tons in 2014.Request For Sample @Monosodium glutamate generally referred as MSG and is also called as sodium glutamate. MSG is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. MSG is one of the most abundant naturally occurring non-essential amino acids. MSG is most commonly found in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, and other vegetables and fruits. Hydrolysis of vegetable proteins, direct chemical synthesis with acrylonitrile, and bacterial fermentation are the most commonly used methods for commercial production of MSG. Currently; bacterial fermentation process is most widely used method for production of MSG. MSG is typically used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer and food additive in many food products such as soups, milk products, baked goods, meat, cheeses and sauces. A small quantity of MSG is also used in animal feeds.The global monosodium glutamate market is mainly driven by strong growth of food processing industry across the world. MSG is rapidly growing into popularity among end-users owing to its flavor enhancing properties. Rising demand for flavoring agents is expected to be important driving factor for the growth of monosodium glutamate market. The demand for MSG from restaurants and institutional food service providers as well as household consumption is also expected to grow at moderate pace in the years to come. However, increasing health awareness is expected to limit the growth of this market.Visit For Inquiry Before buying report @Based on applications, monosodium glutamate has been segmented into Food processing industry (snacks, canned food, frozen food, others), restaurants and institutional food service. Food processing industry is the largest segments of monosodium glutamate market. The demand for Chinese food products and fast food is expected to grow in Asia pacific region. Food processing industry include in snacks, canned food, frozen food, sauces, gravies, ketchup, canned meat, soy sauce, sauces and, gravies among others. Restaurants and institutional food service providers is also an important application segment of MSG and expected to witness significant growth in the years to come. AnchorBrowse Full Report with TOC @MSG market was dominated by Asia Pacific with over 80% shares in total volume consumption in 2014. Strong demand for MSG stems from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, etc. Change in lifestyle, increasing disposable income and change in food habit is primarily responsible for the growth of MSG market in the region. Asia Pacific was followed by North America and Europe respectively. Latina America & Middle East Africa accounted for small share of the total revenue generated by MSG market in 2014. North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East Africa accounted for very small share in total volume consumption of MSG in 2014.Some of the major industry participants in global monosodium glutamate market include TheFufeng Group, Meihua Group, Ajinomoto, Lotus Group, Ningxia Eppen, Shandong Qilu Biotechnology Group, Shandong Linghua Group, Vedan, Shandong Shenghua Group, and Jianyang Wuyi MSG Co., Ltd.All Global Chemical related reports along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Billion).About UsZion Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Zion Research experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses 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.Contact USJoel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442 United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWebsite: Global Titanium Dioxide Market Estimated to Increase USD 17.00 Billion by 2020 Titanium Dioxide Market http://bit.ly/29ORuh9 http://bit.ly/2fEkBHd http://bit.ly/2fEeEKj http://bit.ly/2fff0q2 http://www.marketresearchstore.com Zion Research has published a new report titled Titanium Dioxide Market for Paints & Coatings, Plastic, Paper and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014 2020. According to the report, global demand for titanium dioxide was valued at USD 13.50 billion in 2014, and is expected to reach USD 17.00 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of above 3.5% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global titanium dioxide market stood at 6.00 million tons in 2014.Request For Sample @Titanium dioxide is a white crystalline powder that is made up of ilmenite and rutile as main raw materials. Moreover, titanium dioxide is created from either chloride process or sulfuric acid referred to as the sulfate process. Other compounds that may be organic and inorganic in nature can even be added with titanium dioxide to impart completely different tints. It is abundantly used as a white pigment in paints and coatings applications.Increasing demand for the lightweight vehicles as it offers the fuel efficiency and the less smoke is a driving factor of titanium dioxide market. Demand of automobile in North America and Europe exploit the paints and coating industry. Moreover, factor that can hamper the growth of the titanium dioxide market is the production of the destructive solid and the acid wastes during the production phase of titanium dioxide from the raw materials. Therefore, to control the wastage level of titanium dioxide many regulations are being practiced worldwide.Visit For Inquiry Before buying report @Key applications involved in the global titanium dioxide market are paints & coating, plastics industry, paper industry and others (artificial fibers, inks). In 2014, the paints & coating was leading segment of the titanium dioxide market. Owing to increased construction industry makes this region as prolong dominating segment. As titanium dioxide exhibit excellent attributes it is primarily used for paint industry and further expected to booster the market demand.Browse Full Report with TOC @Asia Pacific held as leading region for titanium dioxide market and accounted for over 40% of the total share of the market, in 2014. In addition, it estimated to remain prolong regional market owing to highest demand for titanium dioxide. It is one of the fastest growing regions due to the emerging economies like China and India. North America and Europe are also projected to have promising market for titanium dioxide.Some of the key players in the global titanium dioxide market include Chemours Company, CRISTAL, Kronos Worldwide INC., DuPont, Huntsman, Evonik, Argex Titanium Inc, Pangang Group Vanadium Titanium & Resources Co., Ltd., Yunnan Dahutong Industry & Trading Co., Ltd and Tronox limited.All Global Chemical related reports along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on revenue (USD Billion).About UsZion Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Zion Research experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses 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.Contact USJoel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442 United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWebsite: TD-LTE Ecosystem Market to Register a Strong Growth By 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4697 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4697 Driven by the technologys lower deployment costs and spectrum availability, TD-LTE refers to Time-division Long-Term Evolution. It is a 4G telecommunications technology and standard created by coalition of international companies. TD-LTE offers higher downlink and uplink rate as compared with LTE-FDD.Request to view Sample Report @The telecommunication industry experienced multiple key TD-LTE network deployments over the past three years namely Sprint in the US, Bharti Airtel in India and SoftBank in Japan. Softbank network is the most complex commercial TD-LTE network in the world at present. Through its commercial network deployment, TD-LTE networks have been effectively authenticated within all network settings for commercial launch. In Tokyo, Japan, in spite of the urban overcrowding and complex networking scenario, TD-LTE vendors have came-up with a micro-cellular solution, having station distance of 100-200 meters. It has effectively resolved the problems associated with coverage in a dense urban space and complex networking environment. Over 60 operators are dedicated to deploy TD-LTE networks across the world such as Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., ZTE and Nokia Networks B.V. among others. Additionally, all prominent device OEMs, counting smartphone leaders Apple Inc. and Samsung group, have launched TD-LTE compatible devices commercially. Major number of these devices supports both TDD and FDD modes of operation over broad frequency spectrum. Additionally, the recent launch of TD-LTE network by China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC) is expected to allow the TD-LTE ecosystem to reach a significant level of economy of scale by boosting device and infrastructure investments in TD-LTE technology. Additionally, this TD-LTE network by CMCC is expected to be comprised of 500,000 base stations in operation till the end of 2014.Key driving forces for TD-LTE ecosystem market growth comprises of flexible uplink and downlink capacity associated with TD-LTE, interoperability with LTE-FDD, cheaper hardware cost and smooth transition from TD-SCDMA and WiMax. Major challenges restraining the TD-LTE ecosystem market growth include lower coverage as compared with LTE-FDD, use of guard periods and discontinuous reception.Request to view Table of content @The market is segmented by TD-LTE devices, application sectors and services. TD-LTE devices include embedded cards, personal computers, consumer gadgets, USB dongles, notebooks, routers, smartphones and tablets. Application sectors include large and small enterprises, healthcare, retail, personal and education. Services include downlink biased services, uplink biased services and specific scenario services. Downlink biased services include video on demand, video sharing, music and sound streaming, location services, mobile advertisement and broadband services. Uplink biased services include security video surveillance, broadcaster reporting system, live traffic monitoring, medical monitoring, logistics tracking, and device positioning system. Specific scenario services comprises of enterprise access network, radio backhaul transmission replacement, household fixed broadband replacement and other broadband access services in resorts and festivals.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.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Sapphire Technology Market: Headed for Growth and Global Expansion by 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4785 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4785 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Sapphire is basically aluminum oxide in its pure from which has no porosity or boundaries, and hence dense in nature. Low dislocation and high purity have led to adoption of sapphire as an ideal material to be used in wide range of electronic substrates. Thin sapphire wafers are used as an insulating substrate in high-frequency and high-power CMOS integrated circuits. These integrated circuits are known as silicon on sapphire (SOS) chip. These chips are primarily used for high-power radio-frequency (RF) applications which include satellite communication systems, cellular telephones, and others. In SOS chip both analog and digital circuitry integration takes place. Since, sapphire has higher conductivity for heat and lower for electricity; sapphire provides good insulation and even balances the generated heat in the circuit.Request for Sample Report:Owing to these advantages, sapphire has evolved as a versatile material that is used specifically in semiconductor industry, which is characterized by requirement for cost effective, time saving, and efficient operational solutions. Incorporation of sapphire technology for fabrication of components for use in end-use products across industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, power, and other sectors can help device manufacturers, achieve efficient performance. There is huge potential for sapphire technology in different devices and applications required across different end-use industries. Thus, demand for sapphire technology is directly influenced by trend across these industries. For instance, a Silicon-on-Sapphire chip, which is formed by depositing a very thin layer of silicon in a sapphire wafer at high temperature, has profound use in consumer electronics sector majorly for LED technology market. There are primarily two ways to make SOS wafer which include epitaxial SOS semiconductor technology and bonded SOS technology. .Factors such as high cost effectiveness as compared to other substrate materials, increased demand for LED technology are expected to drive demand for sapphire technology in future. Moreover, improved manufacturing processes resulting in use of silicon on sapphire for wafer processing is further expected to fuel demand for sapphire technology.. n addition, manufactures are also keen on developing solutions using sapphire technology, which would result in less operational cost and maximize profits. This is due to the benefits of insulating substrate, which includes low power consumption, low parasitic capacitance resulting in increased speed, and better isolation, and high linearity as compared to bulk silicon. Furthermore, there are low entry barriers for players to invest in this market resulting is high degree of competition.The sapphire technology market is segmented on the basis of various parameters which include technology, substrate wafer and orientation type, and by application. Sapphire technology comprises of sapphire substrate technology and process, different production methods, and other growth methods for sapphire. The sapphire technology process is further classified as slicing, die polishing, lapping, and chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP). Different production methods for the same include kyropoulos method, Heat Exchanger Method (HEM), Czochralski Crystal Pulling Method, and Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth (EFG) Method, among others. The market is further classified on the basis of silicon substrate wafer and orientation type which includes different sapphire types such as Silicon Carbide on Sapphire, Gallium Nitride on Sapphire, Silicon on Sapphire (SOS), and others. Based on the wafer size, classification includes 12 inch, 24 inch, 36 inch, and others. Moreover, varied plane orientations such as a-plane, c-plane, r-plane, and others are used to define orientation of sapphire substrates. Sapphire technology market classified on the basis of devices comprises of power semiconductor market and opto-semiconductors. The power semiconductor segment includes market for power discrete devices such as diodes, switches, Radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC), and others. Sapphire technology has wide applications across consumer electronics, power, aerospace and defense, industrial, automotive, and others.Request for Table of content:The prominent players of this market include ACME Electronics Corporation, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Monocrystal Inc., Kyocera Corporation, Rubicon Technology Inc., DK Aztec Co., Ltd., GT Advanced Technologies Inc., Sapphire Technology Co., Ltd., Namiki Precision Jewel Co., Ltd, Tera Xtal Technology Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. among others.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Solar Wind Hybrid Systems Market Is Segmented as Standalone and On-grid systems, 2015 - 2021 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/solar-wind-hybrid-systems-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/190 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/solar-wind-hybrid-systems-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/solar-wind-hybrid-systems-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Solar wind hybrid systems are hybrid power systems combining wind turbines with other storage or generation sources. It is a small hybrid electric system that combines wind energy and solar electric, that is, photovoltaic, generating electricity on regular basis. These systems have a wide range of applications in isolated locations, rural areas, off grids, house lighting, road lighting, landscape lighting, fishing boat, telecommunication system, yacht, and other electronic monitoring systems. These systems comprise wind turbine, PV array, battery bank, hybrid controller, loads, inverters, and another connector. Solar wind hybrid power system is a consolidated power generating system which generates power by solar energy panel and windmill. It consists of a battery that is used to accumulate the energy generated from both the resources. With this system, power generated by both windmill and photovoltaic module when light radiation is available can be easily attained.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Factors such as rapid growth in energy consumption catapult by the rising standard of living and growing concerns with regards to scarcity have spurred the demand for solar wind hybrid systems globally. In addition, ample amount of opportunities is provided by rapid industrialization taking place throughout the world. Other factors responsible for the growth of the global market are rising demand for clean fuel off-grid electricity and constant reduction in solar and wind energy costs. Another key reason for the rising demand of solar wind hybrid systems is the decreasing levels of fossil fuel in reservoirs. This, in turn, brings the need for solar wind hybrid systems, which are consolidated power generation units employing both solar and wind sources for energy generation.On the basis of type, the global solar wind hybrid systems market is segmented as standalone and on-grid systems. Standalone hybrid plants influence the hybrid solar wind market since the majority of the installations are in off-grid locations. Based on the application, the global market is further segmented as residential, commercial, and industrial. To meet the daily electricity requirement, these systems are mainly used for residential and commercial purposes. Geographically, the global market is segmented as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.Request for Customization Report @Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the fastest growth owing to the rapid urbanization in countries such as Japan, India, China, and South Korea. This, in turn, results in rising demand for solar wind hybrid systems in the region. In addition, factors such as government initiatives supporting power generation from renewable energy sources along with growing capital investment for technical advancements in solar wind hybrid systems are driving the Asia Pacific market.Major players dominating the global solar wind hybrid systems market are Blue Pacific Solar Products Inc., Zenith Solar Systems, UGE International Ltd., and Unitron Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. Other key players influencing the global market include New Ventures, Alternate Energy Company, and Alpha Windmills.Request for TOC of Report @Solar Wind Hybrid Systems Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaBrowse detail report @About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite: North America is projected to be the Highest Revenue Generating Segment in the Global Plant-Based Plastic Packaging Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15428 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com In the age of green chemistry, plant-based plastic packaging is one of the greatest milestones ever discovered. Nevertheless, many private companies and government agencies have been working on research and development to make plan-based plastics packaging more established. Plant-based plastic are made from agricultural waste, sugar cane, switch grass or grasses and corn. Moreover, manufacturers are using plant-based oil in plant-based plastic packaging for processing plastic instead of using petrochemicals in order to make it more environmental friendly. Plant-based plastic packaging helps to reduce greenhouse gases by up to 35% and takes up to 36% less energy to make as compared to conventional plastic packages. Several products are being launched in the global plant-based plastic packaging market. For instance, in April 2011, P&G (currently acquired by Coty Inc.) introduced its range of shampoos under the brand name Pantene rapped with plant-based plastic packaging. Coca Cola Company is another example of switching to plant-based plastic packing from traditional packaging. The company is focused to convert all the Coca Cola packaging made of plant-based by 2020 as per its green initiative plan. Nevertheless, AT&T uses packaging that contains 30% plant-based materials sourced from sugarcane ethanol. Also, partnerships ramp up in the global plant-based plastic packaging market to meet the increasing demand for plant-based plastics packaging from the end user industries.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure:Plant-based Plastic Packaging Market Segmentation:On the basis of materials plant-based plastic packaging market is segmented intoBio-PETBio-PEPHAStarch BlendsPolyestersPLAOthersBased on application plant-based plastic packaging market is segmented intoRigid PackagingFlexible PackagingPlant-based Plastic Packaging Regional Outlook:Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and MEA. North America is projected to be the highest revenue generating segment in the global plant-based plastic packaging market followed by Europe during the forecast period 2016-2024. North American plant-based plastic regulations for the North American manufactures and increasing adoption of plant-based plastic packaging in the U.S. are the key factors responsible for the growth of plant-based plastic packaging industry in North America. North America is expected to be the fastest growing market and is expected to grow at double digit CAGR during the forecast period 2016-2024 attributable to the increasing size and high market share investments made by the global giants in the region. Currently, North America and Europe together holds more than half of the market share in the global plant-based plastic packaging market in terms of value. Where in Europe, countries such as EU4 and U.K. generates significant demand for plant-based plastic packaging in the market. Asia Pacific region is anticipated to be one of the fastest growing markets for plant-based plastic packing market in terms of value.Plant-based Plastic Packaging Market Dynamics:Biodegradable nature of these plastics is expected to be the major factor driving the demand for plant-based plastic packaging market in the forecast period. Also, huge demand generated from giant end user companies including Coca-Cola Co., Ford Motor Co., H.J. Heinz Co. and Nike Inc. is another driving factor for the global plant-based plastic packaging market to increase the revenue. High cost of plant-based plastic packaging among the small and medium size enterprises, creates restraints to generate more revenue in the global plant-based plastic packaging market. However, with the technological advancement, quality of plant-based plastic packaging has been improving gradually. Consequently it generates more demand from the end user industries and may create a lucrative opportunity for the global plant-based plastic packaging market.Plant-based Plastic Packaging Major Players:Some of the major players identified across the globe in the compostable packaging materials market are Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc., Clear Lam Packaging Inc, Solegear Bioplastic Technologies Inc. and r-pac International.About TMRTransparency 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 TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Confectionery Market Headed for Growth and Global Expansion by 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3792 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3792 The confectionery market is one of the growing sectors globally . Usually, confections are low in nutrients and high in calorie. Sugar-free confections are gaining popularity in the recent years due to factors such as increasing obesity rate, increasing number of diabetic patients, increasing nutritional and health concerns, and changing lifestyle. The confectionery market can be primarily divided into two broad categories: sugar confectionery and bakers confectionery . Sugar confectionery includes sweets, candies, chocolates, and chewing gum. Bakers confectionery includes pastries, cakes, doughnuts, and cookies.The global confectionery market can be segmented into five categories: chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, gum, cereal bars, and others. Major raw materials used in chocolates are cocoa and sugar, and raw materials used in gum include latex. Confectionery products are consumed by people of all age groups.View Sample Report @In terms of geography, Europe dominates the global confectionery market, followed by North America and Asia Pacific . The U.S. represents the largest confectionery market globally , followed by China and the U.K. India is the key market in Asia Pacific and the fastest-growing confectionery market in the world.Rising disposable income, growing retail market, increasing trend of gifting confectionery items, increasing population , increasing urbanization, hectic lifestyle, and more women in the workforce are some of the major driving factors of the confectionery market. Increasing population along with increasing disposable income in developing countries such as India and China is expected to increase the growth rate of the confectionery market. Increasing disposable income allow the customer to spend more.According to the National Bureau of Statistics China, annual per capita disposable income of urban households in China increased from USD 2,271.0 in 2008 to USD 3408.5 in 2012. The overall annual disposable income in India median household income increased from USD 1,366.2 billion in 2010 to USD 1,587.6 billion in 2013. Consumers with hectic schedule tend be more inclined toward confections, as these items are tasty and consume less time. Additionally, increasing number of working women is driving the global confectionery market as it is resulting in higher disposable income for the family .According to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2013, there were 127.1 million working women in the U.S. which is expected to grow at 5.4% by 2022. The urban population is more inclined toward consumption of confectionery compared to its rural counterparts. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), in 2013 the largest urban population growth took place in the Asian countries such as India and China. By 2050, India is expected to have 404 million urban dwellers while China is likely to stand at 292 million. Some of the major restraints for the global confectionery market are rising health issues, increasing government regulations , and increasing raw material cost.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some of the major companies operating in the global confectionery market are The Hershey Company, the Ferrero Group, Mars, Incorporated., MondelAz International, Nestle S.A., Parle Products Pvt. Ltd., Kraft Foods, Cadbury, HARIBO Dunhills (Pontefract) PLC, United Confectionery Manufacturers, Perfetti Van Melle, Kegg's Candies, Petra Foods, Yildiz Holding, Crown Confectionery, and Brookside Foods.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 Stone Paper Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2133 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2133 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/stone-paper-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Stone paper is neither pulp nor synthetic made paper but it is a kind of extremely durable, highly strong and ecofriendly paper which is also known as rock paper, rich mineral paper, paper from waste marble. Density range of stone paper is 1.0-1.6, which equals to or more than ordinary paper, and a texture somewhat like peel of a boiled egg. The stone paper can be recycled re-formed into stone paper again, which is not recyclable but is photo degradable and compostable under commercial conditions. Stone paper is appropriate for packaging, bags, stationery, wrappers, adhesives, grease proof paper, containers and many other applications. Stone paper market has positive outlook as a result of packaging industries. The escalation in packaging industry attributed by need for effective labelling and high-quality option, to improve the aesthetics of the packaged product.Global Stone Paper Market: DynamicsStone paper is a new type of paper making technology that can be recyclable with modern technology in high polymer interface. Its main raw material is the most abundant in mineral resources calcium carbonate with high polymer material and variety of inorganic matter as auxiliary material. The increasing application scope of the product in the packaging, labeling, and self-adhesive paper is attributed to the slight ecological impacts, with regards to usage of energy, water, carbon emissions, and deforestation. The new product development along with investment in R&D for the advancement in manufacturing techniques have been the major strategy adopted by the manufacturers. The major issues faced by the industry are related to environment regulation on mining activities. The market is highly competitive owing to the presence of large number of suppliers worldwide.Request Free Report Sample@Global Stone Paper Market: SegmentationThe global market of stone paper market can be segmented on the basis of material type, application and region. On the basis of material calcium carbonate, high density polyethylene and others. On the basis of application labeling papers, packaging paper, self-adhesive paper and others. Among all application, paper packaging is major application of respective product. After packaging application self-adhesive paper segment are expected to register impressive growth during forecast period. On the basis of region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.Global Stone Paper Market: Regional OverviewDue to technology advancement in North America, this region is expected to witness higher growth rate during forecast period. Europe is also expected to account for second highest growth after North America due to demand of packaging application in European countries such as Russia and Germany. Asia pacific, dominated by China is expected to register highest growth in term of volume in global stone paper market during forecast year due to high demand of ecofriendly packaging, easy available raw material in this region, low cost of production and large numbers of manufacturers.Request For TOC@Global Stone Paper Market: Key PlayersThe main player of this market such are Stone Paper Company Ltd, Soluz Stone Paper S.A, Kapstone Paper, Taiwan Lung Meng Technology Co. Ltd., Gaia-Concept BV, Parax Paper, packaging corporation.Browse Full Report@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: New Research Report on Silicon Anode Battery Market, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2134 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2134 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/silicon-anode-battery-market www.futuremarketinsights.com In order to meet the rising energy requirements and to overcome rapidly depleting fossil resources, rechargeable batteries has evolved as one of the efficient means of energy storage. The ongoing technological advancement in power electronics and automotive has brought lithium ion batteries into the frame as an advanced storage systems with high capabilities. The silicon anode batteries are lithium ion batteries with silicon anode. The traditional anode material in lithium ion batteries i.e. graphite doesnt meets the high energy demand of advanced electric automotive due to its limited theoretical capacity, whereas, silicon stores ten times more lithium than the graphite anode resulting in increased energy density which enables fast charging and high current delivery. Thus silicon anode battery is emerging as a substitute for graphite anode battery. Due to its low discharge potential and extreme charge capacity, silicon anode could provide faster charging, greater current delivery and smaller battery size. However, large volume change during electrochemical process remains the major challenge in wide commercialization of silicon anode battery. Silicon anode battery is expected to emerge as next generation of lithium ion batteries. The silicon anode battery market is still between introduction and growth phase, when plotted on product life cycle. Huge investments by market leaders are being made to further develop silicon anode battery technology and bring it on practical grounds and thus market is expected to hold significant growth potential.Request Free Report Sample@Silicon Anode Battery: Market DynamicsThe major factor contributing to the growth of silicon anode battery market is the increasing energy requirements from various end-use applications such as consumer electronics and automotive, for more efficient and advanced battery. Further, robust growth of automotive industry and turning focus towards EVs could generate significant opportunity for growth of the silicon anode battery market. Lower working potential and high charge capacity of silicon anode battery could help automotive manufacturers to reach required power ranges by deploying less number of batteries thus achieving high performance. Moreover, abundance of raw material i.e. silicon can turn as a major factor driving its application into lithium ion batteries. Major challenges faced in the silicon anode battery market are limited commercialization of the product due to existing technical challenges particularly large volumetric expansion. Furthermore, high costs silicon anode battery as compared to available alternative is also a factor restraining market growth. The major trends observed in the silicon anode battery market is product development and innovation such as use of nanowire battery with silicon anodes as they allow improved accommodation of volume changes during lithiation. Number of players in the market have filed patents over different advancements in silicon anode battery technologySilicon Anode Battery: Market SegmentationThe silicon anode battery market can be segmented on the basis of: application and region.On the basis of application the silicon anode battery market can be segmented into:Consumer electronic devicesMedical applications (pacemaker, defibrillator machines)AutomotiveSpace & defenseSustainable energy (wind turbine and photovoltaic)Request For TOC@The silicon anode battery market can be segmented on the basis of region into: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and AfricaSilicon Anode Battery: Regional OutlookNorth America holds a major share in the silicon anode battery market due to the substantial growth in the automotive industry and consumer electronics section. Europe and North America collectively holds over 50% share in the market owing to demand from industrial sector. However, Asia Pacific silicon anode battery market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period due to rapid industrialization and increasing awareness about the use of energy efficient, reliable, safe and economical battery systems.Browse Full Report@Silicon Anode Battery: Key PlayersSome of the major key players identified in the silicon anode battery market are: Nexeon Limited, BYD Company Limited, Amprius Inc., ENOVIX, Boston-Power, Inc., LG Chem Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, Samsung SDI, XG Sciences, Zeptor Corporation, California Lithium battery Inc, Yuasa battery Europe Ltd., JTT Electronics Ltd, Vmcell Technology Co., Ltd, Enevate Corporation, Nanotek Instruments.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: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market Is Expected To Generate Huge Profits by 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6727 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6727 High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a liquid sweetener utilizing a modified form of corn syrup which is also an alternative to sucrose used in foods and beverages industry. High fructose corn syrup is made from corn using a process called wet milling. It holds around nine percent of overall global sweeteners market. There is no as such difference in composition or metabolism from other fructose glucose sweeteners for instance sucrose, honey, and fruit juice concentrates. It generally contains either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, the remaining sugars being primarily glucose and higher sugars. HFCS is has more stablility, particularly works well in acidic beverages, available in liquid form makes it easier to transport, handle, and mix better than granulated sucrose. Since, fructose is sweeter than glucose, the overall sweetness of the syrup increased resulting in more cost-effective use over sugar in food processing. Its caloric content is equivalent to sugar and thus it shares the same concerns from consumers and industry as that of sugar. Further, the human body metabolizes fructose differently than glucose and so high consumption of HFCS has also been attributed to increasing rates of obesity. HFCS has been widely adopted by U.S. food manufacturers because it offers advantages over granulated sucrose, for instance it is easy to supply, good for stability and ease of handling. Corn is an abundant and reliable crop grown widely across the U.S., while sucrose production is limited. This means most supplies must be imported into the U.S. from sugar-growing countries, which leaves the supply vulnerable to changes in the weather and political conditions in those countries. HFCS is also more stable, particularly in acidic beverages, and because of its liquid form, it is easier to transport, handle, and mix than granulated sucrose.View Sample Report @On the basis of applications the high fructose corn syrup market is segmented into food and beverage and pharmaceutical industry. Food and beverage industry is sub-segmented into baking, canning, cereal product, dairy, carbonated soft drinks, condiments, confections, ice-cream and desserts.Geographically High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. North America and Japan is one of the significant market place for high fructose corn syrup.High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) market is growing with the demand for sweetener in food and beverage industry. High fructose corn syrup 42 is a good alternative sweeteners of sugar and honey in food preparation to the consumers since consumers are trying to avoid sucrose for its harmful effects; HFCS 42 consists around 42 percent fructose where sugar consists around 50 percent and honey consists around 48 percent fructose which is driving the HFCS market. However, health consciousness and change in life style among consumers of emerging countries are restraining the market since rate of obesity and diabetes are increasing day by day. Hence, zero calorie sweeteners market is much popular among consumers, which is also growing at higher rate in terms of both value and volume. However, high fructose corn syrup is granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA). HFCS has been widely adopted by U.S. food manufacturers because it offers advantages over granulated sucrose, for instance it is easy to supply, good stability and ease of handling. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) market seeking high opportunity in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Latin America market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some the key players operating across the value chain of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Inc., INGREDION INCORPORATED, Tate & Lyle.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 In-mold Labelled Tubes Market Driven by Brand Owners of Various End User Industry http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15347 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com In-mold labelled tubes are manufactured through a technique of decorating the product during its molding process. In this technique, the label is positioned/printed in the mold and the polymer matrix is poured thereby forming the complete in-mold labelled products. This method ensures simultaneous production of tubes and their labelling thus faster lead time of batch/bulk production of tubes. In-mold labelling can be easily used with thermoforming, injection molding and blow molding technologies. Metallic effects, holographic, matt, gloss finish on same tube can be done. Also, the graphic quality printed on the tubes are photographic and the pre- printed labels in the mold enhances shelf image of the products. Importantly, in-mold label technique covers maximum area for decoration. In 2015, Vetroplas was the first one to launch wide range of tubes (cylindrical and elliptical tubes) with in-mold labeling technology. The global market for in-mold labelled tubes is expected to boost by brand owners of various end user industry industries during the forecast period.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure:The in-mold labelled tubes market is primarily driven by the fact that production time or lead time of in-mold labelled tubes is very fast. Besides, the options for decoration of the tubes are unlimited with full coverage of the tube area from shoulder to seal are driving the in-mold labelled tubes market. The tubes for food products, oral care, beauty products and pharmaceutical products fuels the demand for in-mold labelled tubes market.In-mold labelled tubes market growth can be hindered owing to few restraints. The capital investment for in-mold labelling technology is high possess challenge for new entrains in the market. Also, the expertise printers for in-mold labelling field are quite low which might affect the growth of in-mold labelled tubes market.The global in-mold labelled tubes market is segmented on the basis of technology type, and end use industry.Based on molding technologies, in-mold labelled tubes market is segmented into:Extrusion Blow MoldingInjection MoldingBased on the end-use industry the in-mold labelled tubes is segmented into:Beauty and Personal CareHealth CareSpecialty ProductsOthersThe global in-mold labelled tubes market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The global in-mold labelled market is expected to grow increasingly well due to its enhanced quality with quick production lead time. North America and Europe are anticipated to be the dominant market for in-mold labelled tubes in terms of production due to majority of expertise printers followed by Asia Pacific and Middle East. Factors such as increased standard of living, eco-friendly with sustainability of products, unlimited decorating options will stimulate the demand for the in-mold labelled tubes market globally.Some of the key players in the global in-mold labelled tubes market are Emballator Tectubes, CTL Packaging, CCL Industries, Viva Healthcare Packaging, Vetroplas, JACO Manufacturing Company, Verstraete IML etc.About TMRTMR 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 TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Earmuffs Sales Global Market Forecast 2016 - 2021 The Global Earmuffs Sales Market Research Report is an extensive study of the current market trends and growth prospects of the industry. The report offers comprehensive analysis for the historic period, 20112016 and the forecast period, 20162021. Industry overview is provided in terms of definition, specifications, and industry chain structure of Earmuffs Market. Manufacturing processes and cost structures are discussed along with raw material and equipment suppliers. Regional analysis for the Earmuffs Market is offered based on market size, sales, sale price, and growth rate. In addition, import, export, supply, and consumption analysis are included for each region. Read Full Report with TOC @ http://www.researchbeam.com/global-earmuffs-sales-report-2016-market Major manufacturers are analyzed in the report based on company profile, specifications, types, and contact information. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of capacity, production, cost, price, and revenue of each manufacturer is covered. Global market size in terms of volume & value, growth rate, sales, and sale price are analyzed for the historic period. Moreover, an extensive analysis of market size of types, applications, and regions is offered for the forecast period. The feasibility and SWOT analysis for new project investment is explored along with marketing distributor analysis. Data & statistics are provided with the help of figures and tables to help market players, investors, and stakeholders gain thorough understanding. Research conclusions are presented at the end of the report. Get Sample Copy @ http://www.researchbeam.com/global-earmuffs-sales-report-2016-market/request-sample Following manufacturers are analyzed: 3M Company (US) Aearo Company (US) ADCO Hearing Products, Inc. (US) Centurion Safety Products Limited (UK) Honeywell Life Safety (US) JSP Ltd. (UK) MSA Safety Incorporated (US) MSA Sordin AB (Sweden) Moldex-Metric, Inc. (US) Moldex-Metric AG & Co. KG (Germany) Oy Silenta Electronics Ltd. (Finland) Phonak AG (Switzerland) Productos Climax (Spain) Sperian Protection (France) Starkey Hearing Technologies (US) Following regions are analyzed: North America China Europe Japan India Southeast Asia Ask for Discount @ http://www.researchbeam.com/global-earmuffs-sales-report-2016-market/purchase-enquiry With the arsenal of different search reports, Research Beam helps 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. 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland, OR 97220 U.S. & Canada Toll Free: + 1-800-910-6452 UK: + 44-845-528-1300, India: +91 20 66346070 Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975 Email: help@researchbeam.com This release was published on openPR. Permanent link to this press release: Copy Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release. Oilseed Market : Global industry analysis and forecast 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6967 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6967 Oil seeds are generally used to extract edible oil for households and food industry. However over last two decades, usage of vegetable oil has been increased in the field of bio-fuel, due to shortage of non-renewable resources for various purposes. Oil seeds are pressed or crushed manually or mechanically to obtain edible oil. Few oilseeds such as Soybean and Peanuts are directly consumed as food besides extracting oil from them. In addition, poppy seed and hazelnuts, which are rich in oils are consumed directly, moreover these oil seeds are used as food ingredients in daily cooking.The global oil seed market is segmented on the basis of types as Rapeseed, cottonseed, groundnuts, sunflower seed, Palm kernels and copra among others. Oilseed market can also be segmented on the basis of end-use application as household consumption, food-service, bio-fuels and others. In terms of regions, the market is segmented into four regions as North America, APAC, Europe and Rest of the world (RoW).View Sample Report @The key drivers of this market are the increased household consumption in emerging countries and growing foodservice industry. Growth in retail and modern oilseed processing technologies has further triggered the availability of product in the market. Another major factor that is expected to drive the market is demand for bio-fuels in developed and developing countries. Compulsory usage of bio-fuels in vehicles and other machinery would fuel the demand of oilseeds in the global market. Changing lifestyles followed by changing food preferences and experimenting with number of new food varieties; is driving the demand for oilseed market globally.Some of the restraining factors over next six years period could be the gap in demand and supply worldwide. Increasing government regulations on manufacturing, exporting and marketing of oil could be a potential restraint to this market. Fluctuating weather conditions in various regions of the world could destroy the proper product availability in the market. Price fluctuations and loopholes in distribution channel could also act as potential barriers to the market growth.The oilseed market is expected to grow with a double digit CAGR from 2015 to 2021. Soybean dominates the global oil seed market, and it is the fastest growing segment in the oil seed as far as edible oil is concerned. Latin America is the largest producer of soybean. Good weather conditions in South Africa and set-up for various crushing facilities would see an increased production of oilseed in this region. Oilseed includes herbicide resistance, insecticide resistance; other includes abiotic stress tolerance and disease resistance among others.The U.S is the largest oilseed producer in the world followed by China, Brazil, Argentina, India and the EU. The distribution channel includes hypermarkets/ supermarket, departmental stores and convenience stores among others for household and foodservice industry. Bio-fuels manufacturers follow a different supply chain altogether. They operate through distributors and other exclusive outlets for selling their products.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:The key market players producing vegetable oil for household/ foodservice industry are Burrus Seed farm, Gansu Dunhuang Seed Co Ltd, Hefei Fengle Seed Co Ltd and Land OLakes Inc among others. Companies engaged in producing bio-fuels from oilseeds are ADM Olmuhle Hamburg (Archer Daniels Midland), Diester Industrie (Bunge Limited), Green BioFuels Corporation among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 Commercial Seeds Market: Biotech Seeds Continue to Record Sustainable Growth despite Patent Issues, finds TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1317 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/commercial-seeds-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research (TMR) finds that the global commercial seeds market is monopolistic in nature as leading companies sell numerous products that are significantly differentiated from each other. The market is highly consolidated as the top four companies Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, and Vilmorin - accounted for a share of approximately 58.0% in 2011 in the global commercial seeds market.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure:To enhance their production, many leading manufacturers are entering into exclusive agreements with farmers in order to buy and supply seeds. As a result of this, the competition among the players is expected to intensify over the next couple of years. A few of the other companies operating in the global commercial seeds market are Takii, Sakata, Agreliant, KWS, and Bayer AgroScience. The global commercial seeds market is expected to witness promising growth over the forecast period. The global market for commercial seeds stood at US$43.81 bn in 2015 and is projected to rise to a valuation of US$53.32 bn by the end of 2018.Maize to Dominate Conventional Seeds Market; Soybean to Emerge Leading Genetically Modified (GMO) CropThe global commercial seeds market has been broadly bifurcated into conventional and bioseeds or genetically modified seeds. Both the segments have been analyzed on the basis of product and region. Among the various products in the conventional seeds segment, maize emerged dominant in 2012 and is likely to retain a strong hold over the market until 2018. It is expected to account for a share of 45.5% in 2018, closely trailed by soybean with a share of 16.3% in the same year. The high consumption of maize can be attributed to its unique ability to grow in extreme and diverse conditions and a wide application range. Similarly, in the genetically modified seeds segment, soybean is expected to emerge dominant with a share of 41.3% in 2018.Region-wise, both in the conventional and genetically modified seeds segments, North America dominated the market. It is expected to maintain a leading position until 2018 and is expected to hold a share of 29.6% and 30.9% in the respective segments in 2018. The growth of the markets for conventional and genetically modified commercial crops in North America can be attributed to the ongoing technological developments to produce high yield crops, the standardization in global farming, and the extensive use of biotechnology in farming.Growing use of Biofuels to Enhance Production of Genetically Modified Commercial CropsOne of the key ingredients used in the production of ethanol is corn. Wet and dry milling are the forms in which corn ethanol is available. Owing to their ecological benefits and efficiency, yellow corn has been gaining prominence as an additive used in the production of biofuels. For instance, corn has been continuously used as a feedstock for biogas plants in Germany in the post-industrialization era. Likewise, in several parts of Europe such as France and Germany, ethanol is a component added to regular fuel. It does not affect the output of the automobile and works as efficiently as any regular fuel. The growth in the production of genetically modified commercial seeds is also due to the high economic value of these seeds in comparison to conventional seeds as they have a high yield value and resistance power against diseases and pestsBrowse Full Report With ToC:In spite of all the positive outlook of the market, it is expected that factors such as patent issues that on one hand favor the innovator and on the other hand create entry barriers are anticipated to hinder the growth of the market. Concerns related to the safety of genetically modified crops can also challenge the growth of the global commercial seeds market, says a TMR analyst.This review is based on a Transparency Market Research report titled, Commercial (Conventional and Biotech/GM) Seeds Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012-2018.Commercial Seeds: Product Segment Analysis,Maize (Corn)SoybeanVegetablesCerealsCottonRiceCanolaOthers (Sunflower, Sugarbeet)Bioseeds (GM Seeds): Product Segment Analysis,Maize (Corn)SoybeanCottonCanolaAbout 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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Iron Oxide Market is Projected to be Valued at over US$ 2.8 Bn by 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1254 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1254 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global iron oxide market in its latest report titled, Iron Oxide Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2025. In terms of value, the global iron oxide market is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, owing to various factors, regarding which FMI offers vital insights in detail in this report.Iron oxides are chemical compounds that, apart from iron ores, find wide application as pigments, catalysts, etc. Construction and paints & coatings are the major end-use industries for iron oxides.Growth in construction industry, supported by rising urbanization, is expected to be among the major drivers for global iron oxide market. Major application of iron oxides in the construction industry is to colour concrete blocks and pavement bricks. Iron oxide pigments are being widely used in paints and coatings industry for their use as primers for automobiles and steel structures.Stringent government regulations are expected to adversely impact global iron oxide market significantly. This is especially the case in China, where, over the last two years, various small- and medium-scale companies have exited the iron oxide market due to high costs involved in ensuring regulatory compliance. The same trend is expected to continue over the near future.Request Free Report Sample@The iron oxide market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type, the global iron oxide market is segmented into red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, orange iron oxide, brown iron oxide, green iron oxide and other blends. On the basis of application, the global iron oxide market is segmented into construction, paints & coatings, plastics, chemicals, paper & pulp manufacturing, textile, ceramics, leather and others (fertilizers, cosmetics and rubber). Regionally, the global iron oxide market is segmented into Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa and Japan.Among product types, red iron oxide was the largest revenue contributor to the global iron oxide market in 2014. Wide application of red iron oxide across various industries is expected to support growth of the segment over the forecast period.In 2014, the construction industry segment dominated the global market, accounting for around 50% revenue share. Growth of the construction industry is in turn expected to drive growth of the iron oxide market over forecast period. In order to enhance their market share, iron oxide producers are focusing on development of new applications for iron oxides.Send An Enquiry@In 2014, Asia pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) was the largest market for iron oxide, both in terms of production and consumption. In terms of consumption, APEJ was followed by Western Europe and North America, respectively.Key players profiled in this study of the global iron oxide market include LANXESS AG, Huntsman International Inc. Cathay Industries, Alabama Pigments Company LLC, Shenghua Group Deqing Huayuan Pigment Co LTD, TODA KOGYO CORPORATION, Jiangsu Yuxing Industry and Trade Co., Ltd., Hunan Three-ring Pigments Co., Ltd., Yaroslavsky Pigment Company and Tata Pigments Company. LANXESS AG has been estimated to account for the largest share in the global iron oxide market in 2015.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: US$ 481 Mn India Coronary Stents Market Poised for Robust Growth http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-in-1485 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-in-1485 www.futuremarketinsights.com India coronary stents market, valued at US$ 481 Mn in 2015, is expected to reach US$ 531 Mn in revenues by 2016-end, according to a new research report by Future Market Insights. The report titled, Coronary Stents Market: India Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026 projects the market to increase at 14% CAGR through 2026 and surpass US$ 1.8 Bn in revenues.Demand for coronary stents is expected to be driven by government initiatives to offer better healthcare amenities. Capping of coronary stents prices, increase in geriatric population, and increasing number of PCI procedure to treat CHD are other key factors anticipated to fuel demand for coronary stents during the forecast period.Easing of norms such as exemptions in direct taxes, while allowing 100 percent FDI in medical devices segment under the automatic route is expected to encourage entry of foreign players in the healthcare sector in the near future.Request Free Report Sample@Increasing prevalence of diabetes is high among the ageing population in the country. In 2014, 43.2% of the sampled population in the country was aware about diabetes and related treatment options. Over the last few years, number of PCI procedures have increased in India due to increase in prevalence of CHD.India coronary stents market is segmented on the basis of product type, raw material and end-use.On the basis of product type, the market has been segmented into Drug Eluting Stent (DES), Bare Metal Stent (BMS) and Bioresorbable Vascular Stent (BVS). Drug Eluting Stent segment is expected to register impressive CAGR of 14.0% during the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@On the basis of raw material, the market is segmented into cobalt-chromium, stainless steel, platinum-chromium, nickel-titanium and polymer. Currently, demand for cobalt-chromium is the highest, followed by platinum-chromium.On the basis of end use, India coronary stents market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centres and cardiac catheterization laboratories. By end use, hospitals segment is expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period.The key players profiled in FMIs report include Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, Inc., Biosensors Inc., and Boston Scientific Inc. The report also identifies company-specific strategies related to product development, market consolidation initiatives and analysis of their specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.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: Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market Headed for Growth and Global Expansion by 2016 - 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/10975 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/10975 Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is derived from boiling cereals or legumes in hydrochloric acid and then neutralizing the solution with sodium hydroxide. The acid breaks down, the protein present in vegetables into their component amino acids. The resulting liquid is further known as hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is widely used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods such as soups, sauces, stews, seasoned snack foods, gravies, hot dogs, dips and dressings. It is also blended with other spices to make seasonings that are used in or on foods.Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market SegmentationHydrolyzed vegetable protein market has been segmented on the basis of raw-material, application and form. The raw material segment can be divided in view of the kind of raw material i.e. soy, rapeseed, corn, rice, pea and wheat utilized for producing hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Among all these segments hydrolyzed soy protein is relied upon to possess biggest offer regarding revenue contribution.View Sample Report @Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is further segmented on the basis of application, includes food industry where in hydrolyzed vegetable is used as flavor enhancer. Furthermore food industry can be sub-segmented into noodles, pastas, prepared soups, sauces, ready meals, dips and dressings, meat, fish, seasoning mixes and others. Application can also segmented based on the beverages where hydrolyzed protein is used to complement the amino acid and enhance the flavor in functional beverages. Wide application and increased usage as a flavor enhancer in food and beverages industry is expected to drive the market demand. Moreover, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is widely accepted by the various nations regarding its usage in various industry which is further expected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein application segment can also be divided into cosmetics where it is used as film-forming agents in face cream and hair care products.Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is further segmented on the basis of form which includes dry powder, paste and liquid. Among both of these segments powder segment is expected to contribute major share in terms of revenue. Easy water solubility coupled with wide applications in various food product is expected to support the segment growth during the forecast period.Geographically Asia Pacific is the largest market in terms of consumption of Hydrolyzed vegetable protein followed by North America and is expected to account for the major market share in the forecast period. Among North American region U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for nutritional food among the consumers. Moreover in Latin America Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market Drivers & RestraintsFactors such as increase in demand of clean-label and natural ingredients, increasing consumer awareness pertaining to the ill effects related to savory ingredients, and demand for healthy and nutrition products are acting as major restraints for the market. Increasing demand for convenience food, changing lifestyle, and untapped potential in the developing Asia-Pacific countries act as major drivers for the market.As it is helpful in enhancing flavor of the processed food, so it is also considered as the most sustainable protein ingredients which is favoring its growth in alternate way. However, availability of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is expected to restrain the market growth over the forecast period.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market: Key PlayersSome of the major key players operating in flavonoid market includes Ajinomoto, Kerry Group, Tate & Lyle, Jones-Hamilton Co., DSM, Diana Group, Givaudan, Brolite Products Co. Inc., Kerry Group, Caremoli Group, Astron Chemicals S.A., McRitz International Corporation, Good Food, Inc., Michimoto Foods Products Co., Ltd, Dien Inc., Innova Flavors, Unitechem Co., Ltd. among others.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 World Radiofrequency Ablation Devices Market was valued at $1,729.7 million in 2015 and shall grow at a CAGR of 11.8% to reach $3,785.3 million by 2022 https://goo.gl/ck5vxj https://goo.gl/ABqAS3 http://www.bigmarketresearch.com/radiofrequency-ablation-devices-market http://www.bigmarketresearch.com http://www.bigmarketresearch.blogspot.com Big Market Research adds a new report Radiofrequency Ablation Devices Market -Size, Share, Trends, Forecast 2022Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a medical process in which a dysfunctional tissue is ablated using the heat generated by high-frequency electromagnetic waves. Advantages of using radiofrequency current for ablation are that there is no need for general anesthetics as the nerves or muscles are not directly stimulated and the treatment is very specific to the desired tissue, without causing any significant collateral damage. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is utilized in various fields of medicine such as pain management, cardiac rhythm management, oncology, and renal denervation for hypertension. RFA helps to shrink and destroy the tumor cells. In pain management, it is used to reduce pain by heat destruction of nerves that conduct nerve impulses.Get Sample Copy of report @The world radiofrequency ablation devices market was valued at $1,729.7 million in 2015 and shall grow at a CAGR of 11.8% to reach $3,785.3 million by 2022. This is attributed to the increase in demand for minimally invasive surgeries, rise in prevalence of cancer, high efficacy, and short duration of the procedure. The rise in the incidence of patients with chronic pain due to the increase in prevalence of obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis also contributed towards the growth of the RFAD market. However, the cost associated with this technology and lack of awareness among patients hinders the market growth.The world RFAD market is segmented into three categories: application, product type, and geography. Based on the type of application, the market is bifurcated into oncology, pain management and cardiology. Based on product type, it is divided into devices, and disposables. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Check discount on this report @The growth in competition and continuous technological advancements have led to mergers & acquisitions by major players in the RFAD market. On August 3, 2016, Boston Scientific Corporation completed the acquisition of Cosman Medical, which helped it to improve its product portfolio of non-opioid solutions for chronic pain. On August 7, 2016, St. Jude Medical, Inc. acquired NeuroTherm, Inc., which is expected to accelerate the growth of St. Jude Medicals business in chronic pain and strengthen its position as a global leader in developing therapies for chronic pain treatment.KEY MARKET BENEFITS: The world radiofrequency ablation devices market report provides an extensive analysis of the current market trends and future estimations through 20142022. The market scenario is comprehensively analyzed with respect to the application and product type. Comprehensive analysis of all geographic regions is provided to determine the prevailing opportunities. Recent developments and key manufacturers are listed to understand the competitive market scenario. In-depth analysis based on geography provides an understanding of the regional market, which assists in strategic business planning.KEY MARKET SEGMENTS:The world radiofrequency ablation devices market segmentation is illustrated as follows:By ApplicationCardiology Conventional RF Ablation Catheters Irrigated Tip RF Ablation CathetersOncology Breast Cancer Colorectal Cancer Lung Cancer Prostate Cancer Liver Cancer Kidney Cancer Spinal Metastases Other CancersPain management Neck Pain Shoulder Pain Upper Back Pain Lower Back Pain Knee Pain Other Pain SyndromesBy Product Type Devices DisposablesBy GeographyNorth America U.S. Canada MexicoEurope Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Russia Rest of EuropeAsia-Pacific Japan China Australia India South Korea Taiwan Rest of Asia-PacificLAMEA Brazil Turkey Venezuela Saudi Arabia Republic of South Africa Rest of LAMEACOMPANY PROFILES:The key players profiled in this report are listed below: Halyard Health, Inc. Stryker Corporation St. Jude Medical, Inc. Medtronic Plc Boston Scientific Corporation C. R. Bard, Inc. AngioDynamics, Inc. Hologic, Inc. AtriCure, Inc. Johnson & JohnsonOther players in the RFAD market include (profiles not included in the report) Baylis Medical Arthrex, Inc. inomed Medizintechnik GmbH Sutter Medizintechnik GmbH Bramsys Industria e Comercio Ltda ENDO-FLEX GmbH Epimed International sfm medical devices GmbHView Complete Report @About 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 Patient Engagement Solutions Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4221 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4221 Patient engagement solutions help patients manage their healthcare information and allows for greater interataction of the medical team with the patients. It is essential for to provide the necessary tools to actively engage in the management of their own health. Better access to healthcare providers and personal healthcare information helps patients to assists effective self-care. Cost-effective healthcare, increased patient outreach, fewer complications, lower hospital readmission rates, shorter hospitalization periods, and improved quality of health care are some of the benefits associated with patient engagement solutions. It shares information and communication to support patient and to improve workflow efficiencies. Moreover, it helps to reduce administrative costs. Patient engagement solutions enhance patient-provider communication and keeps both the patient and care team up to date about the individual health data. Healthcare organizations must improve quality and efficiency with few resources with the help of the solution. It assists physicians in providing better diagnosis and more coordinated care by recording information about patients' healthcare and also allows for the sharing of clinical summaries among care teams. There is growing interest among patients to track theirpersonal health by accessing electronic health records. Moreover, the growing trend of mobile health applications and wearable health data trackers are influencing consumers to access their personal healthcare records, in turn, increasing demand for patient engagement solutions.View Sample Report @North America dominates the global market for patient engagement solutions due to rising chronic diseases, regulatory mandates by Affordable Care Act, increasing demand for quality care, rising healthcare costs, and rise in geriatric population in the region. Asia is expected to show high growth rates over the next five years in the global patient engagement solutions market. China and India are anticipated to be the fastest growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The key driving forces for the market in developing countries are the large pool of patients, increasing awareness about diseases, rising healthcare costs, improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing healthcare information technology adoption, and growth of medical tourism in these regions.Implementation of Affordable Care Act, increasing popularity of mobile health applications, rise in number of accountable care organizations, rise in geriatric population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rise in number of accountable care organizations, federal mandate encouraging the use of patient engagement solutions among stake holders, increase in healthcare expenditure, demand for good quality of care, enhanced worker productivity, incentives by various governments for the adoption of patient engagement, and advanced information technology and large data capabilities are some of the key factors driving the growth of the global patient engagement solutions market. However, lack of skilled analysts, subpar infrastructure, requirement for infrastructural investments, lack of health literacy in large portion of population, poor access to healthcare, lack of security of patient data and health information safety concerns are major restraints on the growth of the global patient engagement solutions market.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Cloud-based models of patient engagement solutions and increasing medical tourism are expected to help develop opportunities for the global patient engagement solutions market in the future. Major companies operating in the global patient engagement solution market are Medecision, Inc., Orion Health group of companies, Emmi Solutions, LLC, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Mckesson Corporation, Aetna, Inc., Cerner Corporation, athenahealth, Inc., GetWellNetwork, Inc., and Phytel, Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 Topical Antibiotic Pharmaceuticals Market: Global industry analysis and forecast 2016 - 2022 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/9947 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/9947 Topical antibiotics pharmaceuticals are used to treat infections of the skin and are commonly applied as creams and ointments. Antibiotics are agents that destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which are sensitive to them. Few topical antibiotics are sold without prescription from physicians and are available in several forms such as ointments, creams, sprays and powders. Topical antibiotics prevents infection caused by bacteria which get into minor scrapes, burns, and cuts. Treating minor injuries with antibiotics allows faster healing. If the injuries are left untreated, the bacteria will multiply and create redness, itching, swelling, oozing, and causing pain. Untreated infections can ultimately spread and become more serious. Soft tissue and dermal bacterial infections are one of the most commonly occurring conditions amongst people accounting for over 25 million visits to physicians every year. Most of these infections are minor and chronic in nature causing irritation and can be treated as outpatient procedures. Topical antibiotics are a large generic group of pharmaceutical products catering to the treatment of these commonly occurring conditions. A large variety of bacteria such as Staph aureus, Streptococcus viridians, Enterococcus faecalis and Staph pyogenes are responsible for these infections.View Sample Report @Patients with poor hygiene, weak immune system and compromised epidermis and close contact with people having epidermal diseases are prone to get affected. Developments in technology are believed to play a critical role in the growth topical antibiotics pharmaceuticals market during the forecast period. Topical antibiotic pharmaceuticals are some of the most commonly used products by the general public. Topical antibiotic pharmaceuticals used for a range of conditions from prevention of infection in cuts and grazes to the management of mild to moderate cases of acne. The market for topical antibiotics has been considerably due to increasing awareness of these OTC products among the lesser literate. Rising resistance of bacteria against drugs has led to development of several new antibiotics that are analogous to existing drugs such as nadifloxacin and triclosan in the past decade. Topical antibiotics comprise of approximately 40% of the global antibiotics market the remainder being accounted to oral antibiotics. Although they have an important role to play in skin infections, only restraint for topical antibiotic pharmaceuticals is their use generally is limited to short-term use and for the mild to moderate forms of infections.The global market for topical antibiotic pharmaceuticals market is highly fragmented in terms of market players due to high amount of active pharmaceutical generic ingredients used in the preparations. This generic nature has led to the creation of several global players in the market. The Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has particularly significant market opportunity in developing countries where hospital acquired MRSA infections occur commonly. Recent FDA regulations direct anti-septic soap and hand wash manufacturers to provide suitable clinical data for efficacy of their products against normal wash before promotion.On the basis of geography, global topical antibiotic pharmaceuticals market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe maintains its highest contribution primarily due to a significantly high usage of pharmaceutical preparations as compared to Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World which is still deeply rooted in using unani therapies for topical disease conditions.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Some notable companies manufacturing topical antibiotic pharmaceutical products include Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Perrigo Company plc, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc. Fera and Watson pharmaceuticals.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble 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 Small Cell Networks Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast to 2025 |The Insight Partners http://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/small-cell-networks-market http://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000179 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/inquiry/TIPTE100000179 http://www.theinsightpartners.com/discount/TIPTE100000179 The mobile operators across the globe are facing constant challenges for managing and supporting ever growing data traffics and network congestion. Small cell helps telecom operators to provide and ensure excellent data speeds and efficient mobile phone coverage for public and commercial areas. Small cell networks helps telecom operators to lower the network congestion and helps companies to optimize operation cost. Small cell are radio access nodes which operates in the range of 10 to 2000 meters in unlicensed and licensed spectrum. Small cell network usually consist of femtocells, picocells, and microcells which are controlled and designed by the use of remote radio heads and centralized baseband units.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Small Cell Networks Market to 2025 @Various communication service providers (CSPs) and telecom operators install small cell network consisting of picocells and micro cells which are closely integrated with base stations. This type of facilities helps CSP and telecoms to provide smooth and efficient voice and data services in various remote areas, without setting up heavy infrastructure, which overall help companies to reduce the infrastructural cost while improving revenues. The installation of small cell networks help companies to lower the bottle-necks, which eventually helps companies to provide the optimum quality of service in the spectrum available.Growing demand and requirement of high capacity spectrums along with the growing mobile voice and data traffic are few of the factors that are expected to boost the small cell network in the coming years. As small cell network adoptions results in the lowering of capital and operational expenditure, CSPs and telecoms across the globe will embrace more of small cell networks in the coming years. The small cell network market is expected to register a high growth rate in coming years, providing ample opportunity to IT infrastructure equipment providers, equipment manufacturers and CSPs. Constant urge and requirements for providing improved personalized services along with better quality of services by CSPs and telecoms will provide high opportunity for the growth of small cell market in future.Request Sample Copy @The global small cell market is segmented on the basis of small cell type into Femtocell, Picocell, Microcell and Metrocell. Further, the global small cell market is segmented on the basis of operating environment into Outdoor and indoor operating environment. The market is also bifurcated on the basis of services such as professional service, maintenance and support, network planning and design, integration and installation services. The global small cell market is further segmented on the basis of regions into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.The high growth in the numbers of users of smart phones, generating high data traffics and increasing M2M connection and devices will foster the growth of small cell network market. Asia Pacific dominates the global small cell network market and is the one of the fastest developing region for small cell market. Some of the chief players operating in the market are ZTE Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Cisco Systems, Inc., NEC Corporation, Samsung, Nokia Networks, Airvana, Inc., Alcatel-Lucent, IP.Access and Ericsson among others.Make an Inquiry @Few Key Points from Table of ContentGlobal Small Cell Networks Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 TypeFemtocellPicocellMicrocellMetrocell lGlobal Small Cell Networks Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 Operating EnvironmentOutdoorIndoorGlobal Small Cell Networks Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 ServicesProfessional ServiceMaintenance and SupportNetwork Planning and DesignIntegration and Installation ServicesGlobal Small Cell Networks Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025 Geographical AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)Middle East & Africa (MEA)South America (SAM)Global Small Cell Networks Market, Key Company Profiles Included Key Facts, Business Description, Financial Overview, SWOT Analysis and Key DevelopmentsZTE CorporationHuawei Technologies Co., LtdCisco Systems, Inc.NEC CorporationSamsungNokia NetworksEricssonAirvana, IncAlcatel-LucentIP.AccessInquire about discount on this report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028 PharmaPoint: Major Depressive Disorder - Global Drug Forecast And Market Analysis To 2023 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/225022 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric diseases worldwide. The MDD market is a crowded and competitive market, with more than 30 marketed products available for the treatment of patients with MDD. The depression market is about to enter a dynamic phase with imminent patent expiries for top selling products, such as Eli Lillys Cymbalta, and Otsuka/BMSs Abilify, along with the recent launch of the multimodal antidepressant, Lundbeck/Takedas Brintellix, in January 2014, and the potential introduction of seven promising late-stage pipeline products into the market during the forecast period, from 2013 to 2023.HighlightsKey Questions AnsweredWhat will be the impact of imminent patent expiries for top selling products, such as Eli Lillys Cymbalta and Otsuka/BMSs Abilify in the MDD market?What do physicians think about Lundbeck/Takedas Brintellix and what will be the impact of its 2014 launch in the MDD market?What is the significance of late-phase pipeline products and how will their launch shape the future treatment landscape in MDD?What are the significant unmet needs in the MDD market?What are the remaining opportunities in the MDD market?Key FindingsMinimal growth in the MDD market is expected from 2013 to 2023. The key drivers will be the increasing uptake for Lundbeck/Takedas Brintellix, the potential introduction of seven late-stage pipeline drugs into the MDD market, and the increasing number of prevalent cases of MDD.Key players develop products to broaden and strengthen their portfolios, enter into partnerships for the co-development and co-marketing of products in different regions, and develop products with a novel mechanism of action in order to compete effectively in the crowded depression market.The most pressing unmet need in the depression market is for the development of drugs with improved efficacy.Opportunities remain for products that will meet the significant unmet needs that exist in the MDD market. Products that demonstrate better efficacy, improved safety, and rapid antidepressant effects will move to the forefront of the treatment line.ScopeOverview of MDD, including epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment options.Annualized MDD therapeutics market revenue, annual cost of therapy and treatment usage pattern data from 2013 and forecast for ten years to 2023.Key topics covered include strategic competitor assessment, market characterization, unmet needs, and implications for the MDD therapeutics market.Pipeline analysis: comprehensive data split across different phases, emerging novel trends under development, and detailed analysis of mid-stage pipeline drugs.Analysis of the current and future market competition in the global MDD therapeutics market. Insightful review of the key industry drivers, restraints and challenges. Each trend is independently researched to provide qualitative analysis of its implications.Download Sample Copy of Report atReasons to buyDevelop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of pipeline products and technologies, and by identifying the companies with the most robust pipeline. Additionally a list of acquisition targets included in the pipeline product company list.Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the global MDD therapeutics market.Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the global MDD therapeutics market in the future.Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors.Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counter-strategies to gain a competitive advantage.Track drug sales in the global MDD therapeutics market from 2013-2023.Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments and strategic partnerships.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.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Medical Tourism Sales Market Report 2021 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/765655 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ This report studies sales (consumption) of Medical Tourism in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringBangkok Dusit Medical ServicesBumrungrad Hospital Public Co. Ltd.IHH Healthcare BerhadKPJ Healthcare BerhadAsian Heart InstituteFortis HealthcareMedantaMin-Sheng General HospitalPrince Court General HospitalRaffles Medical GroupSamitivej SukhumvitSpire HealthcareMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Medical Tourism in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType 1Type 2Type 3Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Medical Tourism in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Download Sample Copy of Report atTable of ContentsGlobal Medical Tourism Sales Market Report 20211 Medical Tourism Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Medical Tourism1.2 Classification of Medical Tourism1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.3 Applications of Medical Tourism1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Medical Tourism Market by Regions1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Medical Tourism (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Medical Tourism Sales, Revenue and Price (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Medical Tourism Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.3 Global Medical Tourism Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Medical Tourism Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Medical Tourism Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Medical Tourism Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.1.2 Global Medical Tourism Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Medical Tourism (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Medical Tourism Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2021)2.2.2 Global Medical Tourism Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2021)2.3 Global Medical Tourism (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Medical Tourism Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2021)2.3.2 Global Medical Tourism Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2021)2.4 Global Medical Tourism (Volume) by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Website:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Law Enforcement Robots: Market Shares, Market Strategies, and Market Forecasts, 2016 to 2022 http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680068&ptitle=Law+Enforcement+Robots%3A+Market+Shares%2C+Market+Strategies%2C+and+Market+Forecasts%2C+2016+to+2022&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/product/law-enforcement-robots-market-shares-market-strategies-market-forecasts-2016-2022/ http://www.reportbazzar.com/discount-form/?pid=680068&ptitle=Law+Enforcement+Robots%3A+Market+Shares%2C+Market+Strategies%2C+and+Market+Forecasts%2C+2016+to+2022&req=Discount http://www.reportbazzar.com/ SummaryNext generation law enforcement robots are being implemented as platforms. Platforms are useful for accepting a range of components quickly to repurpose units on the fly. Law enforcement robots leverage better materials, more sophisticated designs, software technology, and tablet remote controls. They are communication devices that support high quality data gathering. Communications are implemented in difficult situations. The study has 649 pages and 327 tables and figures.Get Sample Report @Law enforcement robotics are slated to increase in value to cities and local communities providing low cost protection and high value capabilities. With the active threat of terrorists attacking civilian populations in every country, law enforcement has become the new military. As terrorists operate outside nationalistic borders and infiltrate into the community, robot systems are needed by local police forces, not just the military. The national priority in every country is to increase the budgets for regional and local law enforcement robotic response.Response to emergency situations with robots include response to natural disasters, hostage taking, barricaded law breakers, and terrorists. These situations have not been a problem inside local communities, previously dealt with by national authorities.With the rise of international terrorism, experienced through the news media in most local communities and cities, the threat of local terrorism is becoming more real and unfortunately more common. The robots offer al level of protection to the human by letting the police officers do some of their job remotely.Law enforcement robots are mobile automated process platforms that are responsive to homeland security needs. They are emerging in the context of globalization and smart phone devices that provide connectedness in every aspect of people and things worldwide. Law enforcement robots are evolving in the context of the smart phone apps that support the systems of engagement. This global aspect of the law enforcement robots means that the devices have a presence in every part of the world.Buy Complete Report Visit @Law enforcement robots are inherently local, they are used locally, they are needed by security personnel in particularly dangerous local situations. Systems of engagement apps are evolving as specially designed ground robot networks used to address terrorism and local law enforcement and fire department needs to support community and cities safety patrol.Bomb squads need robots, they need robot technology, more flexibility, better maneuverability. The robots can be tuned to the specific activity in which they are being used. Modular systems represent platform technology of choice for robots. Modules can be highly targeted to specific situations. Robots make police organizations more functional. Robots improve performance, they work remotely.Robots for law enforcement rely on maneuverability. Security technology is becoming mobile, changing the old security camera approach to allowing a more proactive approach to security. The robot can go out and look around.The aim of using law enforcement robots is to secure the safety of the officers in the field. Robots are pretty good at this as it turns out. Police are forced to function in dangerous situations. Law enforcement robots make a manned police force able to function more effectively. Robots can carry video cameras. Video facilitates communicating with a dangerous criminal.Law enforcement robots have become more affordable. Market growth comes from economies of scale that bring the lower costs for more functionality.Law enforcement robot markets at $1 billion in 2015 are anticipated to reach $5.7 billion by 2022. Market growth comes as every law enforcement agency faces the prospect of dealing with terrorists. With technology maturity and economies of scale, price points decline rapidly and affordability continues to drive significant market growth. The companies that have achieved measurable market share early in the evolution of the market are likely to maintain a strong presence in markets.Enquiry For Discount Visit @About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.Contact Us:ReportBazzar30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.United States.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite: Augmented Reality (AR): Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2016 to 2022 http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680079&ptitle=Augmented+Reality+%28AR%29%3A+Market+Shares%2C+Strategies%2C+and+Forecasts%2C+Worldwide%2C+2016+to+2022&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/product/augmented-reality-ar-market-shares-strategies-forecasts-worldwide-2016-2022/ http://www.reportbazzar.com/discount-form/?pid=680079&ptitle=Augmented+Reality+%28AR%29%3A+Market+Shares%2C+Strategies%2C+and+Forecasts%2C+Worldwide%2C+2016+to+2022&req=Discount http://www.reportbazzar.com/ SummaryWorldwide AR markets are poised to achieve significant growth with the use of smartphone apps and headsets or glasses that are platforms to project digital information as images onto a game image or a work situation.AR is in the early stages of an explosive growth cycle. The Pokemon Go phenomenon raid adoption raised awareness and expectation for the vision of augmented reality AR and digital enhancement of the surroundings. Digital enhancement as AR is just human explanation of our existing surroundings. Digital enhancement provides human explanations of the innate natural world and of the machines we use to perform work.AR digital enhancement provides explanations and process predictions. Google pointed the way, as it so often does, to the AR opportunity with Google glass which failed, but spawned a large number of projects that have succeeded. All the AR vendors will reap the benefits of the Google original Google Glass huge AR marketing investment.Get Sample Report @Augmented reality AR is set to become an indispensable part of peoples lives. AR is poised to take off as part of the much heralded Internet of things (IoT). Digital images become as much a part of the real world as the things we can touch and feel as they are integrated into everyday life. The reality is augmented by the digital images. Augmented reality is a misnomer to the extent that it implies that reality is somehow has something superimposed on it. Instead the reality exists, and the digital images blend in to enhance the experience of reality, make it more understandable or more interesting. The reality is not changed, it is not made better, it is understood better.Use-cases for AR proliferate. Pokemon Go points the way to, illustrates, the huge game market opportunity looming on the ubiquitous smart phones.Adoption of AR technology in the enterprise is growing. AR headsets and glasses are used in manufacturing, logistics, remote service, retail, medical, and education. One popular AR application is providing see-what-I-see functionality, enabling off-site specialists to provide real-time guidance and expertise to troubleshoot an issue. Others superimpose process steps by step information on dials and switches in workflow situations.Epson offers smart glasses. Augmented reality displays are being used to train technicians in common routines. It is used to provide surgical guidelines to surgeons. It is used to provide information to doctors in the operating room.AR glasses can give employees real-time data streams layered over the real world. Security clearances can be shown. Status of machinery in a factory can be shown. Internet of Things (IoT) needs AR to use data to turn information into a decision-making tool. This will work in the manner outlined by Daqri where step by step procedure manuals are created via video or some other manner.Then the IoT uses the step by step procedure manual to address process, to address workflow via superimposing streams of data and analytics that generate alerts from that data to provide just in time information intuitively. Alerts are generated when change is noted. Streams of information from IoT sensors are basically boring unless there is a change, unless something needs attention, hence the value of alerts.Just as the intensive care unit did not exist in hospitals until patient monitors were invented, so also AR will leverage change and detection of change to generate alerts. Based on IoT data, alerts will usually be few and far between, but then they come, they will need attention. In this manner the digital images provided by AR leverage what we have learned from monitoring in a few specific areas like the hospital ICU and will be carried forward to every task in every human endeavor.As price points decline, AR becomes useful. Augmented reality AR is set to become an indispensable part of peoples lives. AR is poised to take off. Digital images become as much a part of the real world as the things we can touch and feel as they are integrated into everyday life. The reality is augmented by the digital images. Augmented reality is a misnomer to the extent that it implies that reality is somehow has something superimposed on it that changes the reality. Instead the reality exists intact, and the digital images blend in to enhance the experience of reality, make it more understandable or more interesting. The reality is not changed it is not made better, it is understood better, process and workflow can be implemented in a more efficient manner.The reality does not change with AR as it does with VR. With VR, the user is immersed in an illustion. With AR reality becomes more fully experienced, is explained better. This is a significant difference, the difference between and illusion and realityThe experience of virtual reality that is really immersive and does change the experience of reality depends on people being stable and able to center themselves back to reality after the experience fo the illusion. Augmented reality is providing a way to make what the seven senses that include vision, hearing, touch, smell more effective. The sense of reality is enhanced instead of having an illusion take over.These game based and industrial end-to-end process IoT augmented reality modular AR markets are anticipated to reach $7 trillion by 2027, growing in some cases at the same pace we have seen from Pokemon Go augmented reality. Pokemon Go grew to a massive 45 million daily active users per day after two months in the market, with the market reaching $250 million for the vendor Niantic by September 2016 after two months starting from zero.Phenomenal growth is anticipated to come from implementation of step-by-step procedure virtual reality modules that are used to manage systems. Every business executive in the world wants to have an IT structure agile enough to manage phenomenal growth, should that be necessary, the aim is to construct augmented reality modules that address the issues brought by the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT takes the data from sensors, superimposes analytics on collected data, turns the data into information, and streams alerts back to users that need to take action.Buy Complete Report Visit @Augmented reality enhances our sense of reality, it further explains what is going on around us, it does not support illusion, it supports getting in touch with what is real, what is really out there. Pokemon Go is so much fun because it gives us little animals, little characters to play with in our exact location, it enhances the experience of our neighborhoods. It has large beautiful birds that flap their wings and look magnificent.The Pokemon GO characters are placed in our world, they are not crazy, they are not illusions that replace an unhappy experience of reality, or entertain with inappropriate violence, as you would find in a virtual reality game, they are friends that appear in our local life, show up in local locations where they can be caught and looked at. They become part of real life, a vital expression of reality.Thus to say the implementations of digital imaging superimposed on reality is augmented reality misses the point, they are images that help us participate more fully in the reality around us. The augment the experience of reality, they do not change the reality itself as VR does.The Augmented Reality (AR) market size at USD $659.7 million in 2015 is anticipated to reach $80.8 billion by 2022. The market goes from $659.7 million in 2015 to $2.6 billion in 2016, an astoundingly rapid growth for a market that really is not yet well defined. The increasing scope of applications across different industries, manufacturing, medical, retail, game, and automotive, all industries really, is expected to drive demand over the forecast period to these unprecedented levels, reaching into the trillion dollar market arenas soon. AR technology is in the nascent stage with a huge growth potential, and has attracted large investments contributing to the industry growth.Enquiry For Discount Visit @About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.Contact Us:ReportBazzar30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.United States.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite: Mushroom Market to Poised for Strong Growth Due to Consumer Preference for Value-Added Products http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1298 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/mushroom-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Global Mushroom Market: OverviewThe global market for mushrooms is poised for strong growth over the course of the forecast period, with the demand being significantly driven by the rising consumer preference for value-added products, the health benefits associated with mushrooms, and the increasing awareness among consumers about these benefits.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Commonly available mushroom varieties include button, shiitake, oyster, winter, reishi, and paddy mushrooms. By storage, the market can be segmented into chilled, fresh, frozen, dried, canned, and processed. Mushrooms are now available at most local stores as more and more consumers are inclined toward a healthier lifestyle. The rich disease-fighting properties of mushrooms are known to lower the risk of breast cancer as well as prostate cancer, according to recent studies. Most varieties are rich in selenium and several other minerals and are also known to help cut calories.Although the use of mushrooms as food was recorded long ago, the presence of an organized market is fairly recent. The report offers a detailed assessment of the global mushrooms market and brings to the fore the key factors influencing its growth. The historical, present, and future performance of this market is presented in a qualitative as well as quantitative format, highlighting the major developments along the way. With the help of industry tools such as SWOT analysis, market attractiveness, value chain analysis, and Porters Five Forces, the report serves as an ideal blueprint for all those interested in the global mushroom market.Global Mushroom Market: Trends and OpportunitiesApart from the growing demand for mushrooms, fueled by the many advantages associated with them, the global market has gained momentum in recent years owing to the introduction of high yielding farming systems. This scientific approach to agriculture is aimed at increasing food production and aiding the sustainability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Keeping in mind the soaring demand for food from around the world, the market for mushrooms has grown with the rising deployment of high-yielding farming systems.The market is also propelled by the increasing establishment of supermarkets and hypermarkets, in both developed and developing countries. This has ensured the easy availability of mushrooms. Despite the fact that the low shelf life of mushrooms acts as a major deterrent on the market, companies in this space are counting on the development of advanced refrigeration techniques to help boost the shelf life of these products. This is a major opportunity for players in the market.Browse Full Report With ToC:Global Mushroom Market: Regional OutlookOne of the most significant markets for mushrooms is Asia Pacific, with the demand centered in countries such as China, Japan, and India. The cultivation and availability of several species of mushrooms in these countries acts as a key growth driver. North America and Europe are also important mushroom markets, with Europe playing a major role in their production and processing. In the Americas, the production of shiitake mushrooms has grown significantly, which has boosted the market in the region. Moreover, the rising trend of growing and selling gourmet mushrooms is likely to bode well for this market.Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leading players participating in the global mushroom market are Drinkwater Mushrooms Ltd., The Mushroom Company, Hughes Mushroom, Fresh Stock, Monterey Mushrooms, Inc., Agro Dutch Industries Ltd., Kulkarni Farm Fresh Pvt. Ltd., Weikfield Foods Pvt. Ltd., Modern Mushroom Farms, Banken Champignons, Ecolink Baltic, Bonduelle, Monaghan Mushrooms, OKECHAMP S.A., Scelta Mushrooms BV, and The California Mushroom Farms Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite : Falcongaze developers created a technology for WhatsApp interception Falcongaze, which has already rolled out the technology for interception of communications and file sharing via Telegram Messenger earlier this year, now announces the replenishment of the messengers under control line. The new version of comprehensive information security platform SecureTower will be complemented by a technology allowing to intercept communication in WhatsApp messenger, which hit second place in the ranking of Falcongaze Analytics Center.End-to-end encryption in WhatsApp ensures protection of communications from falling into the wrong hands, but does not protect a company from unauthorized forwarding of messages with sensitive corporate information by employees through this channel. The new version of SecureTower will come armed with full control over WhatsApp messages, sent and received in chats and group conferences. Thus, Falcongaze solution will close the information security issue with a business communication channel, which enjoys highest popularity.Moreover, the new version of SecureTower will be further enforced by support of Google Hangouts, a widely used business communications and collaboration platform. By embracing the line of most commonly used messengers, SecureTower will become a tool providing maximum protection against leakage through one of the most vulnerable channels.Along with messengers under control Falcongaze also announces new arrivals in the cloud storage family: Google Drive is now on the list too.In addition, now SecureTower will recognize stamps on sent images. In this way companies with busy document flow, where employees in the line of duty often send each other confidential files, will be able to trace these documents within the company perimeter and outbound. Here is how it works: stamp images are uploaded into the system and the system scans all documents and images that circulate in the company's network and go beyond it, for the presence of these stamps. In the case of direct match information security specialists will receive notifications and will be able to stop further spread of sensitive information."In addition to these new features, Falcongaze SecureTower will be marked by expansion of scalability which will allow to store and process large amounts of data without loss of speed and system responsiveness. It will also allow to collect archives of communication for considerably longer period and, if necessary, carry out a retrospective analysis with much greater speed. The introduced mechanism will make it possible to monitor an unlimited number of data leakage channels in diverse ways," says Alexander Akimov, CEO of Falcongaze.The release is scheduled for the end of December 2016. Stay tuned!Falcongaze was founded in 2007 and is now a developer and supplier of high-performance data security products. The company provides compound solutions for continuous control over leaks and undesired disclosure of corporate sensitive information, tailored for monitoring employees network activities.The products we develop are not just regular software, but multi-component systems integrated into corporate networks. Our best practices and expertise in the sphere of information security are implemented in our products development.Our fundamental principles include individual approach and maximum customer's satisfaction leading to customized solutions for each client. Falcongaze software users are provided with a wide range of additional services that guarantee safe and reliable operation of our products. Our customers can be confident they are supplied with solutions that meet all modern information security requirements and ensure maximum data protection against insider threats.We value our every customer and are ready to provide solutions that satisfy individual demands both of small and mid-size businesses and large corporations. The range of our potential customers is wide from small companies with moderate-sized networks to large enterprises with complicated network topologies.Our current business priorities include mitigation of data leak and industrial espionage threats, as well as control of proper work time use. With that, we are constantly diversifying the range of high-tech tools, we use to ensure our clients data security.105066, Dobroslobodskaya st., 3, office 631, Business Center Basmanov, Moscow, Russia Securedoptions Now Offers Flexible Investment Schemes For Investors https://www.securedoptions.com/ Sofia, Bulgaria ( openpr.com ) November 16, 2016 - Securedoptions have revamped their investment offerings to ensure that theyre flexible and offer greater flexibility to investors. They have now come up tailor made solutions designed to cater to corporate and personal investment profiles.Our investment management solutions are designed to provide maximum investment opportunities for brokers and investors alike. Some of these features allow investors to learn from PAMM accounts, and avail attractive and profitable investment proposals. Investors can follow action of brokers in real time, says a spokesperson for Securedoptions.The company has also introduced a complete set of trading tools to ensure successful mobile trading. Personal affiliate managers now offer updated stats in real time. We now accept a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. The transactions are protected by the best encryption technology available in the banking industry. Also, company funds are held separately from trader monies and not tapped into for any reason, adds the spokesperson.Securedoption has also revamped its compliance policies. We have set up a compliance department to assure safety of trader funds. Client identification is included as an SOP to prevent money laundering and other criminal activities.About Securedoptions:Securedoptions is a leading investment platform for brokers and independent investors. They offer a wide variety of investment products through their digital options trading platform.To know more, visit,###Securedoptions is todays leading binary options trading platform. As binary options have become more popular than ever, securedoptions provides traders with an excellent trader experience in terms of security, features, user-friendliness, tools, and education.securedoptions commits to excellence in providing a trading platform that can be used for private and institutional investors worldwide. The staff at securedoptions is there for traders 24/7, with professional brokers guiding traders every step of the way.Urbanix Ltd, Zemen str Surface Disinfectant Market worth 542.55 Million USD by 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/surface-disinfectant-market-231286043.html http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=231286043 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=231286043 The report "Surface Disinfectant Market by Product (Hypochlorite, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Peracetic Acid, Phenol, Alcohol), Formulation (Sprays, Liquids, Wipes) - Global Forecast to 2020", provides a detailed overview of the major drivers, restraints, and opportunities impacting the global surface disinfectants market along with the estimates and forecasts of the revenue and market share analysis.Browse 73 tables and 116 figures spread through 164 pages and in-depth TOC on "Surface Disinfectant Market"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.The global surface disinfectants market is poised for moderate growth between 2015 and 2020. Key market drivers include increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections, growing in the number of surgical procedures and increasing healthcare expenditure. The global surface disinfectants market is expected to reach USD 542.55 Million by 2020 from USD 312.17 Million in 2015, growing at a CAGR of 11.69% between 2015 and 2020.Growing healthcare expenditure will aid the growth of the surface disinfectants market. Healthcare expenditure constitutes a significant part of the development budget of all countries. It consists of spending by both public and private sources on medical goods and services. Rapid economic development across the globe is expected to improve access to quality healthcare. Increasing healthcare expenditure will lead to a rise in the demand for quality healthcare and will be an important growth driver for the surface disinfectants market.Ask For Free PDF Brochure:According to estimates from the World Bank, global healthcare spending increased at a CAGR of 6.97% from 2003 to 2013, from USD 3,786 Billion in 2003 to USD 7,427 Billion in 2013. In this period, public healthcare spending increased at a CAGR of 7.28%, from USD 2,198 Billion in 2003 to USD 4,440 Billion in 2013. This high growth rate, along with the substantial size of healthcare spending, will act as an important driver for use of surface disinfectants in hospitals and homes, which are the major end-user segments of the surface disinfectants market.The surface disinfectants market is segmented on the basis of by products and formulations. Products segments included in the report are hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, phenolic compounds, alcohols, iodine compounds and aldehydes. Hypochlorites had the largest share of the global surface disinfectants market in 2015 and quaternary ammonium compounds are expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2015 and 2020.Get Sample Copy@On the basis of formulation, the report is segmented into liquids, sprays and wipes. Liquid formulations had the largest share of the surface disinfectants market in 2015. It is also expected to be the fastest growing formulations segment between 2015 and 2020.The geographic segments included in this report are North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America has the largest share of this market in 2015, while APAC is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Growth in the APAC market will primarily be driven by the increasing population and growing healthcare expenditure in this region.The major players in the surface disinfectants market include 3M Company (U.S.), STERIS Corporation (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), Cantel Medical Corp. (U.S.), The Clorox Company (U.S.), Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc. (U.K.), The Procter & Gamble Company (U.S.), Sealed Air Corporation (U.S.), Whiteley Corporation (Australia) and Metrex Research, LLC. (U.S.).Contact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets701 Pike StreetSuite 2175, Seattle,WA 98101, United StatesTelephone No : 1-888-600-6441Contact:Mr. RohanMarketsandMarkets701 Pike StreetSuite 2175, Seattle,WA 98101, United StatesTelephone No : 1-888-600-6441 Global VoIP Services Market to Record an Impressive Growth Rate US$ 194.5 Bn by 2024 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4710 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/voip-services-market/toc http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ Global VoIP services market is mainly driven by factors such as low maintenance cost with higher flexibility and minimum staff support, along with wider connectivity, increasing internet penetration in semi-urban and satellite cities as the internet is a basic tool and a global platform to make a business grow fast and in a more economical way. However, factors such as fluctuations in internet quality may affect market growth and can be a prominent restraint. During peak hours, the network may be congested due to many subscribers using internet services in a locality through single-cable network line and unsatisfactory contract proposals are some of the major factors expected to restrain growth of the global VoIP services market during the forecast period.Request for Sample Copy of Report @According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled, Global Market Study on VoIP Services: Increasing Hybrid Cloud Communications in Small and Large Enterprises to Drive Market Growth over the Forecast Period, 2016 - 2024, the global VoIP services market was valued at US$ 85.9 Bn in 2015 and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 9.5% over 2016 - 2024, to reach US$ 194.5 Bn by 2024.The global VoIP services market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 9.5% in terms of revenue over 20162024, to be valued at US$ 194.5 Bn by 2024.In this report, the global VoIP services market has been segmented on the basis of call type, end use, configuration, services, and region. The APAC VoIP services market is expected to account for the highest market value share in the global VoIP services market by 2024 end, followed by Europe. The Latin America VoIP services market is expected to be the fastest growing market over the forecast period. Growth of the Europe VoIP services market is primarily attributed to the introduction of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises. Also, expansion of the unified communication market in Belgium is expected to support growth of the VoIP service market in Europe over the forecast period. The VoIP services market in Europe is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.4% in terms of value over the forecast period.The North America VoIP services market is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period; it accounted for 27.0% value share of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to register a moderate CAGR of 8.5% in terms of value over the forecast period. Increasing adoption of bring your own device (BYOD) policy is a major factor expected to drive growth of the VoIP services market in North America.The report provides detailed information about various market trends and offers analysis and insights about the potential of the global VoIP services market. Furthermore, the VoIP services market is segmented on the basis of call type into international long-distance VoIP calls and domestic VoIP calls. International long-distance VoIP services segment is estimated to be the highest contributor to the global VoIP services market in terms of value share by 2016 end, followed by domestic VoIP call segment.Request for Table of content @The VoIP services market has also been segmented on the basis of end use into Individual User and Corporate User. Individual User segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the end-use category over the forecast period. The segment is expected to increase at a CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period in terms of revenue.Key players in the global VoIP services market include Vonage Holdings Corporation, 8x8 Inc., ShoreTel Nextiva Inc., RingCentral Inc., West Corporation, Verizon Communications Inc., Thinking Phone Networks, Inc., Inphonex LLC, and Phone Power LLC.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 Remicade Biosimilar Market Globally Expected to Drive Growth through 2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1413 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1413 www.futuremarketinsights.com About the drug and drug class:Biosimilar can be defined as a type of biological product that is highly similar to an already FDA approved drug, known as reference biological product. Biosimilars are drugs licensed by U.S. FDA and European Medicine Agency (EMA) and reflect no clinical and meaningful differences from the reference products in terms of safety, purity, efficacy and effectiveness. These biosimilar drugs can only be approved for the indications and conditions that have been previously approved for the reference product by big regulatory agencies.Remicade (infliximab) is a monoclonal antibody originally produced by Janssen Biotech Inc., and Merck & Co. (MSD) in partnership and licensed by the U.S. FDA in 1998. It is used in the treatment of Crohns disease in both adult and pediatric patients. Additionally it is also used for treatment of active ulcerative colitis, moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in combination with methroxate, spinal and active psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. The U.S. FDA has approved a biosimilar drug similar to Remicade, named Inflectra, on 05 April, 2016, which is expected to erode the market share of Remicade due to lower competitive pricing. Inflectra (infliximab dyyb) is sold in the European market, after receiving an approval from the EMAs CHMP in June, 2013 under the brand name Remsima (developed by South Koreas Celltrion Healthcare and marketed by Pfizers Hospira). The drug Remsima is sold at a discount of 30% than that of original Remicade in 11 European markets including UK, France, Germany and Italy. Another Japanese company, Nippon Kayaku launched Infliximab BS in Japan on 28 November 2014 however, the Japanese license only covers Crohns disease, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis indications. The U.S. FDA has now launched Remicades biosimilar Inflectra, which is only the second biosimilar drug to be approved by the agency.Request Free Report Sample@Drivers and Restraints:Drivers for the Remicade biosimilar include rising incidence of autoimmune diseases particularly rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis, early patent expiry of the branded version, discounted pricing across the European market and faster reaction times due to intravenous mode of administration. Further, entry of biosimilar version could provide financial relief on healthcare systems and improve patients accessibility to essential medication.Barriers of the Remicade biosimilar include serious side effects associated with the use of drug that could lead to hospitalization or even be fatal. These include tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis) and others. As such, manufacturer of the drug has been mandated to include a Boxed Warning to alert both healthcare professionals and patients. Further, complex nature of the molecule and lack of FDA approved facilities for manufacturing the drug are factors that could restrain the growth of the drugs market in developing regions.Market Segmentation:The Remicade (infliximab) biosimilar market is segmented based on approved disease indications and regions.By Disease IndicationCrohns diseaseRheumatoid arthritisAnkylosing spondylitisPsoriatic arthritisUlcerative ColitisPlaque psoriasisBy RegionsNorth AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific excluding JapanJapanLatin AmericaMEAMarket Overview:Early loss of patent exclusivity is one the major factors that could fuel attractive market growth of the Remicade biosimilar over the forthcoming years. Rising prevalence of relevant autoimmune disorders coupled with discounted pricing of the Remicade biosimilar in European markets are factors expected to contribute to increased referral and consumption of the drug. Development of faster approval procedures and proper U.S. FDA approved manufacturing facilities in the regional nodal countries are factors that contribute to increased drug uptake. Further, distinct naming and transparent labeling to ensure correct prescribing and dispensing and enhanced post-marketing surveillance are factors that could contribute largely towards prescriber confidence, and enhanced market uptake of the drug over the coming years. However, safety issues concerning manufacturing facilities along with potential side effects of drug consumption could hamper for acceptance of infliximab biosimilar over the long run.Remicade Biosimilar Market: Region- wise Outlook:Depending on geographic regions, global Remicade biosimilar market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.In terms of geography, Europe dominates the Remicade biosimilar market, followed by Japan and Latin America. The prime reason for the same is the launch of the biosimilar version soon after the patent expiry of the branded version. However, systematic and faster drug review process is expected to create revenue traction in markets over North America and other regions. Stringent regulatory approval procedures and streamlined manufacturing guidelines, particularly in the Central and South American nations, could lead to development of effective regional manufacturing and distribution strategies for Remicade biosimilars. Finally, rising government support for development of biosimilar drugs and low switching tendency from physicians secure the future market growth of the biosimilar in the near term.Visit For TOC@Remicade Biosimilar Market: Key Players:Some of the key market players in Remicade (infliximab mAb) market are Janssen Biotech Inc., Merck &Co., Pfizer Inc. (AC. Hospira), Celltrion Inc., Alvogen, Napp Pharmaceuticals, and Nippon Kayaku.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Structured Cabling Market Global Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecast, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1454 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1454 www.futuremarketinsights.com Structured cabling system is defined as the combination of set of cables & associated hardware used to provide comprehensive telecommunication infrastructure to various management systems, this telecommunication infrastructure enables the transmission of data, voice & video signal through a communication network from one point to other or from one system to another system. For the establishment of well-organized network connection, different types of cables & connecting devices for the connections, services & softwares for installation, maintenance monitoring & designing are required.As the communication network is the backbone of any infrastructure & the need for advanced and fast communication technique has continuously been increasing in the global market, hence the global structured cabling market is expected to show the growth during the forecast period.Request Free Report Sample@Global Structured Cabling Market: Market DynamicsThe key trends of global structured cabling market is the increase in demand of optical fibers cabling market in the industries because of its ability of higher speed data transfer. The key drivers responsible for the growth of global structured cabling market are drastic rise in internet penetration, high adoption rate of automation for home and industries, high bandwidth demand across the industries, rising trend of communication infrastructure & also the convergence of data centers. On the flip side there are also some key restraints which are inhibiting the growth of global structured cabling market & framed as; poor electromagnetic compatibility impedance tolerance of Unshielded twisted pair cable because of which efficiency of communication decreases, high cost of optical fiber cable and its components, fluctuations in the price of copper, compatibility issue of older communication infrastructure with the new ones & also the price issue among cable vendors because of higher competition.Global Structured Cabling Market: SegmentationSegmentation of the global structured cabling market is done on the basis of product type, service type, applications & Geography. On the basis of product type, global structured cabling market is segmented as cables (Optical Fiber Cable & Copper cable), communication outlets, patch panels & cross connects, racks & cabinets, patch panels, cables accessories & some tools used up in the installation. By service type global structured cabling market is segmented as installations & consultation, maintenance and support, software & managed service.On the basis of applications, the segmentation of global structured cabling market is done as; in residential & commercial sectors, IT & telecommunication, Government organization, military & defense sector, industrial applications, healthcare sector, transportation & others. These segments further be sub segmented as; telecom operators & datacenters are the sub segments of IT & telecommunication. Energy & power, oil & gas, metals & mining, Food & beverages come under the industrial segments. Among all the segments, IT & telecommunications segment is expected to cover highest market share of global structured cabling market. The reason behind highest market share of IT & telecommunication segment is higher demand of cabling structure service and its product from data centers and telecom providers.Geographically, the global structured cabling market is segmented into seven regions, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to holds the highest market share of global structured cabling market the reason behind this is the expansion of communication network architecture and also the data center convergence.Visit For TOC@Global Structured Cabling Market: Key PlayersThe key players of the global structured cabling market are Nexans S.A., CommScope, Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Panduit Corp., Legrand, Belden, Inc., Corning, Inc. ABB Ltd., Panduit Corp., Siemon, Teknon Corporation & others.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Research report explores the Disposable Incontinence Products Market for the forecast period, 2016-2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1476 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1476 www.futuremarketinsights.com Incontinence means inability of the body to control the evacuative functions of urination of defecation is called as Incontinence. Incontinence Products are manly used in the treatment of urinary tract and nephrological disorder of patients such as chronic kidney Disease, Kidney Stone, End stage renal disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia.According to the National Kidney Foundation globally 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive, but this number may only represent 10% of people who actually need treatment to live, globally more than 80% of all patients who receive treatment for kidney failure are in wealthy countries with universal access to health care and large elderly populations.Request Free Report Sample@Global Disposable Incontinence products mainly contains Disposable adult Diapers, Disposable Adult Sheilds, Disposable under Pads, and Disposable Pull up pants.Global Disposable Incontinence Products Market: Drivers and RestrainsGlobal Disposable Incontinence Products market is driven by the raising prevalence of chronic kidney Disease, End stage renal disease, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. According to the WHO reports more than 190 million patients are suffering with chronic renal failure and undergo renal dialysis and more than 220 million males suffer from disease associated with prostate gland such as swelling that results in blockage of the flow of urine through the body. According to the Nation Kidney Foundation 10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment.Global Disposable Incontinence Products main restrains is awareness about this products are very less.Global Disposable Incontinence ProductsMarket: SegmentationGlobal Disposable Incontinence Market segmented based on product type, ApplicationBased on Product Type,Disposable Adult DiaperDisposable Adult SheildsDisposable Under PadsDisposable Pull up PantsBased on ApplicationChronic Kidney failureKidney StoneEnd stage renal failureBenign prostatic HyperplasiaBladder CancerGlobal Disposable Incontinence ProductsMarket: OverviewWith increasing use of Disposable Incontinence Products in Kidney Disease conditions will boost the growth of the Global Disposable Incontinence Products market. North America is contributing more income to the Global Disposable Incontinence Products and Asia region is showing fastest growth rate because of having more population base in this region.According to the National Kidney Foundation, Globally 2 million people who receive medication for kidney failure, the mostly are treated in only five countries which includes United States, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and Italy. These 5 countries represent 12% of the world population. Only 20% are treated in about 100 developing countries that make up over 50% of the world population. In the US, treatment of chronic kidney disease is going to exceed $48 billion per year. Treatment for kidney failure consumes 6.7% of the total Medicare budget to care for less than 1% of the covered population.Global Disposable Incontinence ProductsMarket: Region wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, Global Disposable Incontinence Products market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is having more market for Disposable Incontinence Products Market, In North America, U.S. represents the largest market because of increasing prevalence rate for Chronic Renal Failure Disease.Visit For TOC@Asia region is expected to have more growth rate in upcoming years because of increasing awareness about Disposable Incontinence Products in this region. In Asia region India, China, Japan are expected to have more growth rate for Global Disposable Incontinence Products Market.Global Disposable Incontinence ProductsMarket: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in Global Disposable Incontinence Products market are C. R. Bard, Inc, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Coloplast UK Ltd, Kimberly Clark Group, First Quality Enterprises, Inc, Covidien, and Hollister Incorporated.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Forecast On Automotive Soft Trim Interior Materials Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2026 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1508 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1508 www.futuremarketinsights.com Automotive Soft Trim Interior popularly known as Soft Trims belongs to automotive interiors segment being a part of the automotive ancillaries sector. The nomenclature is derived from the nature of the product application compared to the hard exterior body & spare parts of the vehicle. It is used in seats, doors, floor liners, pillar covers, cockpit, headliners, etc. of the vehicle. The material used is primarily of 3 types: Leather, Textile/Fabric & Chemical Polymers. Leather is used in Premium automobile models, whereas the latter two cater to Mid & Base Level models in exterior furnishing/covering as well fabrication of core interior body parts. The product has a blend of critical traits more than just the aesthetics aspect; such as Acoustic Control, Durability & Ergonomics, and Feather Weight Capability.Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market SegmentationThe Automotive Soft Trim Interior market is segmented on the basis of the materials involved. The major materials types can be classified as:Leather which can be further classified as per Texture & Finish, Heat Absorption CapacityRequest Free Report Sample@Foams which can be also classified such as Backed & Unbacked Types, Texture e.g. Poker Rail, Sew foam & Grade e.g. Residential or Commercial grade on durability basisCoated Fabrics which can be classified as per coating material such as Polymer Coated, Rubber Coated & Other Substrate Coated for having properties like fire, & water resistance and wash proofTextiles & Acoustic Barriers-which can be classified as per area of furnishing whether seating, safety belts, flooring, lining on doors, roof, shelves etc. & also the grade/quality of material used such ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), Polyurethane reactive (PUR) for properties similar to coated fabrics & noise and sound proofing as well .Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market Dynamics & TrendsThe entire 4 wheeler-Automotive vehicle segments such as Light Motor Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles etc. are major consumers whom the product caters to. It has both OEM & Aftermarket channel sales market. Leather, Coated Fabrics & Textiles is used for seats, door-side handles, head rests, arm-rests, seat belts, fasteners & cockpit sections. The premium/luxury model of the vehicle employ leather type whereas the standard models employ the latter types owing to the material quality & its associated cost. Foams & Acoustic Barriers are used in auxiliary interior body parts. The product is thus driven both by the automotive OEM for their varied models as well as by end user as per his budget. It can be noted that the existing manufacturers of this material already have a sound access to procurement chemicals & related raw materials. The companies can be a registered to a particular or multiple automotive OEMS which is a determining factor of the companys standing in the market. These companies are also focusing on different strategies such customized design in order to maintain the market share in the market. Continuous emphasis on new product innovation development by automotive OEMs exists to maintain the competitive advantage by providing more efficient & economic options in the market during the forecast period.Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Automotive Soft Trim Interior industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Western & Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. America, Germany, China and Japan are the major producing nations. In terms of raw materials, Middle East & African countries are major suppliers of Leather; Chemicals by North America, Europe & Asia Pacific including Japan. The market is projected to grow at a steady growth rate. The market would be volume driven across all regions & vehicle segments. Market coverage in existing & untapped regions with OEM order bank would be critical to the companys business.The market does not sees any immediate or external threat at present, only material substitution by advanced types may cannibalize the existing material types.Visit For TOC@Automotive Soft Trim Interior Market PlayersThe major players identified across the value chain of The Haartz Corporation, Benecke Kaliko, Polyone Corporation, Recticel, Classic Soft Trim, and Auto Trim Inc. in terms of manufacturing apart from regional /Medium & Small-scale companies, Material Suppliers & Distributors etc.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Waterborne Architectural Coatings Market to post a CAGR of 6.29% during Forecast period 2015-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=354408 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=354408 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Nov 16: Coatings are used to protect a surface and/or enhance its appearance. Architectural coatings are applied to commercial and residential buildings. They protect buildings from elements such as moisture, UV radiation, and microbes. Paints, primers, lacquers, varnishes, and stains are some of the major types of architectural coating products. These products are manufactured using resins such as acrylics, alkyds, polyesters, and polyurethanes. The market can be broadly classified into two major types: solvent-borne and waterborne coatings. Waterborne coatings use water as their solvent, thereby making these coatings environmentally friendly and easy to apply. Increasing awareness of VOC emissions is expected to lead to a rise in demand for waterborne coatings over the coming years.The global waterborne architectural coatings market to post a CAGR of 6.29% during the period 2014-2019. This report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global waterborne architectural coatings market for the period 2015-2019.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:To arrive at a ranking of the leading vendors in the market and to calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated through sales of waterborne architectural coatings by vendors. It also presents the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the top ten vendors in the global waterborne architectural coatings market. The report also provides data on the different segments of the market based on the following:- Resins (acrylics, polyesters, alkyds, epoxies, polyurethanes, and others such as PTFE and PVDF)- End-users (residential and commercial end-users)- Type of consumers (professional and DIY consumers)- Applications (interior and exterior applications)- Distribution channels (company-owned stores, independent distributors, and large retailers and wholesalers)- Geography (APAC, the Americas, and EMEA)In addition, the report discusses the major drivers that influence the growth of the market. It also outlines the challenges faced by the vendors and the market at large, as well as the key trends that are emerging in the market.Key Vendors- Akzo Nobel- Asian Paints- BASF- Benjamin Moore- DAW- Masco- Nippon Paint- PPG Industries- Sherwin-Williams- ValsparOther Prominent Vendors- Adex- Axalta- Berger Paints- Brillux- Colorado Paint- Dulux Australia- Dunn-Edwards- IFS Coatings...........Enquiry at:Key questions answered in this report:- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: Tail Light Assemblies Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2026 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/11770 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/11770 Styling is a concern area among consumers, which is leading towards new product development by vehicle manufacturers to suit the varied need of consumers. Technological advancements such as intelligent lights, blind spot detection and brake assist system among others are leading towards demand for improved tail light assemblies in order to support the newly designed products. Proper maintenance of parts and accessories is gaining significant traction among consumers. This is majorly attributed to growing concerns for safety, which has an indirect impact on the tail light assembly design. Thus, tail light assembly manufacturers are focused on developing innovative and efficient tail light assemblies catering to the need of customers in compliance with safety standards. Proper designing of tail light assemblies is essential as tail lights installed on the assembly guide the person about turn, brake and slow or stop motion of the vehicle. Indication of proper light is essential as it would help in avoiding accidents and allow driver of the trailing vehicle to make necessary changes in driving. Also, development of LED illuminated tail lamps is another key focus area among tail light assembly manufacturers. Demand for flexibility, energy efficiency, less package space and weight, enhanced light output has led tail light manufacturers to develop such products, which is anticipated to further drive the demand for tail light assemblies that are compatible with such products.Request for Sample Copy@Tail light assemblies market is segmented on the basis of tail light assembly parts, tail light assembly price, tail light assembly location, tail light assembly material, tail light assembly design, tail light assembly light, tail light assembly fit, tail light quantity sold, tail light assembly light source and vehicle body type. On the basis of tail assembly parts the market is segmented into tail light, tail light cover, tail light lens, tail light guard, tail light trim, tail light circuit, tail light panel and others. On the basis of tail light assembly price, the market is segmented into less than US$ 50, between US$ 50 and US$ 100, between US$ 100 and US$ 250, between US$ 250 and US$ 500, between US$ 500 and US$ 1000 and above US$ 1000.On the basis of tail light assembly location, the market is segmented into passenger side, driver side, driver and passenger side and others. Based on the type of tail light assembly material, the market is segmented into plastic, stainless steel, steel, aluminum, plastic lens, metal and others. Tail light assembly design segmentation includes slotted, cutouts, black-outs, solid and others. Tail light assembly type id of different types namely brake light, parking light, side marker and others. Tail light assembly market is segmented on the basis of product fit, which includes universal and direct fit. On the basis of quantity sold, the market is segmented into individual, set of 2, set of 4 and set of 6. Based on the type of light source, the market is segmented into halogen, LED, incandescent and halogen/LED. Based on the vehicle body type, the market is segmented into sedan, crew cab pickup and hatchback.Geographically, tail light assemblies market is segmented into seven regions namely North America, Western Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Among all the aforementioned regions, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is anticipated to witness demand for tail light assemblies, which is primarily attributed to growing number of vehicle sales in countries such as China and India.Growing vehicle demand is one of the key factors fuelling the demand for automotive lighting. This is further leading towards demand for tail light and thus, tail light holder. In addition, technological advancements to ensure compliance with technology and material used to make tail light assemblies have led towards development of efficient tail light assemblies in recent years. Since, tail light is one of key essentials in a vehicle, continuous research and development along with new product development by players operating in the market is expected to fuel the tail light assemblies market growth in the near future. In countries such as China and India, premium priced product owe a small share as compared to mass products available in the market. This might lead towards adoption of low price products among the vehicle manufacturers. Thus, restricting the market growth of technically advanced products, which are of high price.Request for Table of Content@Some of the players that manufacturer tail light products include Dorman Products, Inc., TYC Brother Industrial Co., Ltd, Stanley Electric Co., Ltd., Osram GmbH, General Electric (GE), Koito Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Magneti Marelli S.P.A, Hueck & Co., Ichikoh Industries Ltd. and Hella KGaA.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 Easy Open Packaging Market, 2016-2026 by Segmentation Based on Product, Application and Region http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2124 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2124 www.futuremarketinsights.com Easy open packaging is a kind of flexible packaging which is design in the way that it can be is easy to open for everyone with any extra physical strength. Easy open packaging is valuable to the flexible packaging industry due to its easy tear capabilities and convenient that enable the way the consumer can access the product.The world is a busy place, and consumers are looking for products that are easy to use, and re-use, that won't impede their lifestyle. Easy open packaging provides convenience to a consumer by utilizing easy-open and/or resealable packaging. Easy open packaging offers easy and directional controlled opening of the packed product with ease and convenient.Easy Open Packaging Market: Market DynamicsThe major factors which are driving the growth of easy open packaging market are growing flexible packaging industry and technological advancement in packaging, and rising disposable income. The competition in the easy open packaging market is growing significantly due to the increasing demand from several end user industries including cosmetics & toiletries, healthcare, food & beverages, chemical and many others. In addition, with increasing aged people and a population living independently into old age, its more beneficial that packaging is easy to open for everyone, including older people who tend to have reduced physical strength. The growth in the easy open packaging market is primarily attributed to the consumer convenience, as consumers are looking for the packed products which they can use/consume in the most easiest and convenient way possible.Request Free Report Sample@Nowadays, brand owners are focusing on a goal to create a package which gives you easy and quick access to the contents of the product, as consumers are more comfortable with the convenience and lightweight portability primarily of single use flexible formats with easy-open and reclose features and also the environmental advantages of flexibles.Easy open packaging has a huge effect on consumers satisfaction and it also effects the brand image of the end product. Consumer easy-open solutions and convenience are now more essential when the selection of products in the shop shelves by consumers increases and the competition in the packaging market gets tougher. Also, easy open packaging market will grow rapidly in coming years, as the consumers being even more comfort loving and they are nowadays looking for convenience in the product packaging. On the other hand, repetitive opening of the easy open packed product can affect the product quality, and can be easily opened by children which can harm them if the product contain any medicine or chemical.Easy Open Packaging Market: Market SegmentationThe global easy open packaging market is segmented into four parts based on the material type, product type, application, and geography.Based on the material type the easy open packaging market is segmented into:CardboardPlasticSteelBased on the product type of easy open packaging market is segmented into:Twist capsTear upShrink WrapOthersBased on the type of application the easy open packaging market is segmented into:Food & BeveragesCosmeticsHealthcareOthersEasy Open Packaging Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, the easy open packaging market has been categorized into five key regions including Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The easy open packaging market is expected to grow at significant CAGR during the forecast period. North America easy open packaging market is experiencing the rapid increase due rising flexible packaging industry, and changing consumers life-style. The Europe easy open packaging market is projected to register healthy growth as consumer demand for flexible packaging is rising rapidly. Moreover, In Europe, the demand for the easy open packaging market is very high in Germany and the UK due to growing flexible packaging, and technology advanced in easy open packaging such as bubble in the seal technologies to easily open flexible packages.Easy open packaging market for Asia Pacific is also expected to witness high growth during the forecast period primarily attributed to the growth of packaging market, especially in China and India.Visit For TOC@Easy Open Packaging Market: Key playersSome of the few players global easy open packaging market are Youpeng packaging, BSI Group, Crown Holdings, Inc., FlexPak Services, Sealstrip Corporation, and many others. The easy open packaging manufacturer are focusing on the convenience of consumers and offering them advanced flexible packaging with easily open feature in the packing of any consumer products.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Brain Monitoring Devices Market : Technological Advancement, Market Growth Drivers & Global Industry Analysis By 2024 http://bit.ly/2eCvUl1 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Global Brain Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewThe National Institute of Mental Health in the US states that every 1 in 4 adults suffers from a brain disorder every year. It further asserts that at least 6% suffer from serious disabilities due to severe brain damage. This alarming statistic goes to show the dire need for brain monitoring devices in the global healthcare industry today. Research shows that brain monitoring devices will be in significant demand in critical care units due to a high incidence of accidents pertaining to brain trauma and injuries in recent past. The market offers a wide range of devices to treat the abnormal brain activities and restore its functioning, depending on the case.The global brain monitoring market has been analyzed by researchers at Transparency Market Research using foolproof research methodologies. The document has been collaborated using information from various journals, interviews, whitepapers, conferences, and magazines. The report also includes an assessment of the competitive landscape present in the global brain monitoring devices market. It offers a thorough understanding of the overall market dynamics and maps a plausible trajectory for the market.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Global Brain Monitoring Devices Market: Drivers and TrendsThe high incidence of neurological disorders in recent years due to changing lifestyles, rising stress levels, and radical changes in the social environments have cumulatively augmented the demand for brain monitoring devices market. Today, these devices are used for understanding the conditions of patients suffering from Alzheimers disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumors amongst others. Thus, the increasing number of patients suffering from these conditions are expected to serve as a strong market driver for the global brain monitoring devices market.The various brain monitoring devices available in the global market are intracranial pressure monitors, magnetoencephalography, electroencephalograph, cerebral oximeters, and transcranial doppler. These devices track brain function such as the velocity of blood flow in the veins and arteries in case of epilepsy, pressure surrounding the brain, electrical and neural activity, brain death, and traumatic brain injury. The market is also growing due to the rising number of post-surgical cerebrovascular accidents. These incidences have led to an augmented demand for automated brain monitoring devices in clinics and hospitals to understand the impact of anesthesia and sedatives.Analysts note that the improvement in functionality of these devices, their user-friendliness, and affordability along with technological advancements will encourage the growth of the global market in the coming years.Global Brain Monitoring Devices Market: Geographical OutlookOn the basis of region, the global brain monitoring devices market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. Analysts predict that North America is expected to lead the global market as the region has a strong healthcare infrastructure. The high adoption of technology and high penetration of mobile device have given this market an edge over other regions. The brain monitoring devices market in North America is also being encouraged by the supportive regulatory framework and affordable healthcare plans. The significant rise in the geriatric population has also made its contribution to the rise of the brain monitoring devices market in North America. Research indicates that rising patient awareness about benefits of brain monitoring devices to treat disorders such as sleep apnea, Alzheimers disease, and epilepsy amongst others will also propel the regional market.Key Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leading players operating in the global brain monitoring devices market are Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc., Covidien PLC, Natus Medical, Inc., and Nihon Kohden Corporation.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: Learn details of the Advances inMulti-Part Labels Market Forecast and Segments, 2015-2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2125 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2125 www.futuremarketinsights.com Multi-part labels are additional labels with part-specific content, aside from the base label on the packed products. These additional label systems are designed in a way that can be removed step-by-step or as a system, ensuring the right information at the right locations. Multi-part labels ensure complete traceability for the product documentation. The multipart base label is preprinted below the partial labels in order to have the product brand name permanently attached to that particular part. Among product type, multi-part bar code labels are useful for asset tracking and inventory management. Multi-part bar code labels add an advanced security to tracking inventory and equipment. The multi-part labels are designed to prevent theft, increase the chance of asset recovery, and improve tracking. It duplicates information in various parts of the labels to prevent vandals from removing them and reduce errors. Multi-part label sets can include any text or logo, image, variable batch numbers, dates or barcodes and can be personalized to suit companies branding requirements and individual needs.Multi-part Labels Market: Market DynamicsThe major factors which are responsible for the growth of the multi-part labels market are the growth of food & beverage industry, and rising security issues of any equipment asproducts can get stolen, accidentally inventoried by subcontractors or moved to another department. To make the equipment and product secure and keeping tracked of inventory in the store or warehouse, multi-part label is growing at faster pace in packaging industry. In terms of end-user industries, food & beverages account for high market share for multi-part labels accounting for 47% of the market. As for food & beverage packaging, multi-part labels can help trace and secure items throughout the supply chains, providing interfere indication. All end user industries prefer multi-part barcode labels, as bar code tags can be sited in multiple parts of the equipment. Moreover, the multi-part labels packaging offer same duplicate bar code numbers on every essential part the equipment and product. By doing this, if a thief counterfeits, removes, or damage one label, then other labels will still be usable to detect the product ownership.Request Free Report Sample@Multi-part Labels Market: Market SegmentationThe global multi-part labels market is segmented into three parts based on the product type, application, and geography.Based on the Product type the multi-part Labels market is segmented into:Multi-part Barcode LabelMulti-part Content LabelsMulti-part logo and image labelsOthersBased on the type of application the multi-part labels market is segmented into:Chemical IndustriesPharmaceuticals & healthcareBeauty and Personal CareConsumer durablesClothing & accessoriesOthersMulti-part Labels Market: Regional OutlookBy region, multi-part labels market has been categorized into five key regions including Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The multi-part labels market is expected to grow at significant CAGR during the forecast period. North America accounts high market share in multi-part labels market, followed by Europe, and Asia-Pacific. North multi-part labels market is experiencing the rapid increase due rising security concerns such as tracking and theft issues and growth of packaging industry. The Europe multi-part labels market is projected to register healthy growth as consumer demand for secured packaging is rising rapidly. Multi-part labels market for Asia Pacific is also expected to witness high growth during the forecast period primarily attributed to the growth of equipment labeling market, especially in China and India.Visit For TOC@Multi-part Labels Market: Key playersSome of the players multi-part labels market are Insignia Label Solutions Ltd., LabelsPlus Ltd, Insignia Label Solutions Ltd., CCL Design Stuttgart AG, and many others. Multi-part labels manufacturer are focusing on the convenience of consumers and offering them advanced secured multi-part label packaging with easy tracking and documentation of any equipment or product.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 centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Nine Hertz is listed as Top 10 smartphone app development agency by Appfutura.com The Nine Hertz Appfutura is the top IT research firm where you can find the best smartphone app development companies for hiring. You can post your requirements and can get amazing proposals from the companies that have been listed on Appfutura.com.This time appfutura has done a survey among top mobile app development companies. They have made a list of top 10 smartphone app development companies for hiring. Nine Hertz is rated as top 10 mobile app development companies in this list.They have made this list according to the past user experience and performance of developers in recent years. They used some unique parameters to analyze the survey of top 10 smartphone app development companies in the country.Nine Hertz has served more than 450 clients around the globe including countries like USA, UAE, Canada, Australia. Its articles have featured on top technological websites like Tech cocktail, Abril, Lifehacker and Digital Journal. Vodafone, Reliance Jio, Casio, Siemens, and Pepsi are the top clients of Nine Hertz.Nine Hertz mainly provides the solution for iPhone app development and Android application development along with web development and open source development. The company has delivered more than 1000 projects to its clients worldwide till now.It is also notable that Nine Hertz provides separate lab for iPhone development, Android development, Open source development and Web development to provide quality and healthy workplace to its professionals.About The Nine Hertz:The NineHertz is a leading IT company providing services like Mobile app development, Web development, Web design etc to all over the world. We started our journey in 2008 and offering quality services in many countries like USA, UK, Australia and India etc. In this wonderful Journey of 8 years. We have established the strong relationship with top industry competitors like Amazon, Microsoft etc. We are ISO 9001: 2008 certified company that have built a good reputation for providing best results according to the customers requirements, in their budget.The Nine HertzNarendra Singh+1-315-381-4100Contacttheninehertz.com7278, East Galbraith RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45243United States Haemoglobinopathies Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast to 2022 According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Hemoglobinopathie market is accounted for $4.6 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $8.99 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 10.0% from 2015 to 2022. Increasing incidences of hemoglobin disorders with strong product portfolio for sickle cell anemia such as HQK-1001 and Luspatercept, governments awareness programs and advanced diagnostics and therapeutics will fuel the market growth. Research & development and growth across developed and developing economies will provide opportunity for the market growth. Instrumentation cost and expertise required for LC MS/MS, molecular identification of the alpha and beta chain mutations are some of the factors that impede the market growth.Hydroxyurea was one of the dominating segments followed by Thalassemia and is estimated to grow at lucrative growth rate. Blood tests and pre-implant genetic testing is anticipated to grow further during forecast period. The market for blood transfusion was the largest with revenues in therapeutic segment. North America dominated the overall market. Africa, Asia Pacific and the Mediterranean regions are projected to show profitable growth.Some of the key players in global Hemoglobinopathie market are Gamida Cell,Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Genetix Pharmaceuticals, Global Blood Therapeutics Inc., Pfizer Inc., Mast Therapeutics, Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc., Prolong Pharmaceuticals, Celgene Corporation, HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals, Sangamo BioSciences Inc, Cancer Therapeutics CRC Pty Ltd, Datar Genetics Limited, Optinova Ab, Anthera Pharmaceuticals and AcceleronPharma.Disorders Covered: Sickle Cell Disease Haemoglobin variants diseaseso Haemoglobin C diseaseo Haemoglobin S-C disease ThalassemiaDrugs Covered: NiCord ZFP Transcription Factors ALN-TMP Drug Targeting PRMT5 Drug Targeting Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5Diagnosis Covered: Genetic Testing Blood Testing Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis Prenatal Genetic Testing Haemoglobin ElectrophoresisTherapies Covered: Iron Chelation Therapy Blood Transfusion Hydroxyurea Bone Marrow TransplantRegions 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 MRC17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg,MD, 20877, USA President of the European Association of Airport & Seaport Police to speak at this years World Border Security Congress http://world-border-congress.com/ As political uncertainty and conflict around the world continues to fuel international terrorism and the global migration crisis, policy makers and practitioners from border management, immigration, customs, policing and security organisations will gather in strategically important city of Casablanca, Morocco, to discuss the issues, gain insight, collaborate and cooperate to make our borders safer and more secure.As part of the high-level discussion, Peter van den Berg, President of the European Association of Airport & Seaport Police, will speak in the session 'Building Coherent Global Border Management Response Against Illegal Migration and International Terrorism' discussing the EAASP perspective on maritime and aviation challenges in detecting and preventing terrorists and criminal activity and how to encourage cooperation between the communities for the development of improved security measures.Controlling and managing international borders in the 21st Century continues to challenge the border control and immigration agencies around the world. It is generally agreed that in a globalised world borders should be as open as possible, but threats continue to remain in ever evolving circumstances and situations.Other speakers at the World Border Security Congress include: Samy Gardemeister, Director of Enforcement, Finnish Customs, Finland Alvaro Rodriguez-Gaya, Head of Strategy and Outreach European Migrant Smuggling Centre, EUROPOL Dr Anthony Luka Elumelu, Head of Division Free Movement & Migration, ECOWAS Commission Simon Deignan, Counter Terrorism Officer, OSCE Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, Commander, EU Naval Force Mediterranean Rear Admiral Dr Hatem Albesher, Assistant of the General Department Director for Legal Affairs & International Cooperation, Saudi Border Guards and Chairman, Saudi Maritime Center for Consultations and Services, Saudi Arabia Peter Nilsson, Project Manager, Border Police Division, AIRPOL Muhammed Babandede MFR, Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Lieutenant-Colonel Olga Derkach PhD, Senior Officer, International cooperation and Eurointegration Department, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Lieutenant-General Vasyl Servatiuk, The First Deputy Head, State Border Guard Service of UkraineThe World Border Security Congress is the premier multi-jurisdictional transnational platform where the border protection, management and security industry policy-makers and practitioners convene annually to discuss the international challenges faced in protecting borders.The event is supported by the Ministry of Interior of Morocco, Organization for Security & Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), European Association of Airport & Seaport Police, International Security Industry Organisation, National Security & Resilience Consortium and International Association of CIP ProfessionalsWorld Border Security Congress will be held in Morocco 21-23 March 2017.Please add World Border Security Congress to your events calendar.For more details about the event go to:World Border Security Congress organised by Torch Marketing and KNM Media, will take place in Casablanca, Morocco on 21st-23rd March 2017.Torch Marketing Co Ltd53 Clarendon RoadCheshuntEN8 9DJ+44(0)7725 318601info@torchmarketing.co.uk Support for IoT and Emerging Technologies ReportsWorldwide http://bit.ly/2fY1OYu http://bit.ly/2eZxmuB ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Support for IoT and Emerging Technologies to its growing collection of premium market research reports.360 View Update: Support for IoT and Emerging Technologies provides a granular breakdown of the current problems faced by owners of emerging technologies, including smart home and connected healthcare devices.The research also analyzes the appeal of different technical support and device protection services among consumers who intend to purchase smart home devices and those who own connected healthcare devices.It also assesses consumer likelihood for paying for technical support services at specified price points.This report is available as 69 slide Powerpoint format.To view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Key topics covered in this report:About the ResearchPrevious ResearchIndustry InsightKey FindingsRecommendationsSmart Home Device Setup: Smart Home Device Adoption (2014 - 2016) Method of Device Setup (2015 - 2016) Smart Home Device Installation (Q1/16) Smart Home Device Installation - Cont. (Q1/16) Problems in Setting Up Smart Home Devices (2015 - 2016) Problems in Setting Up Devices by Smart Home Device (2015 - 2016) Problems in Setting Up Devices by Smart Home Device - Cont. (2015 - 2016) Problems Experienced During Device Setup by Age (Q1/16) Device Setup Preference (2015 - 2016) Device Setup Preference by Gender (Q1/16)Smart Home Device Problems: Smart Home Devices: Number of Technical Problems Experienced (Q1/16) Smart Home Devices: Technical Problems Experienced (Q1/16) Leading Smart Home Device Problems (2015 - 2016) Leading Smart Home Device Problems - Cont. (2015 - 2016) Resolution of Smart Home Device Technical Problems (2015 - 2016) Resolution of Smart Home Device Technical Problems by Age (Q1/16) Company Contacted for Smart Home Device Support (Q1/16) Type and Cost of Professional Assistance Received (2015 - 2016) Type & Cost of Professional Assistance Received by Sources (Q1/16) Appeal of Support Services for Smart Home Devices (Q1/16) Appeal of Smart Home Device Support Services by Age (Q1/16) Appeal of Smart Home Device Support Services by Children at Home (Q1/16) Appeal of Smart Home Device Support Services by Home Size (Q1/16) Appeal of Support Services by Smart Home Device Purchase Intention (Q1/16) Likelihood of Paying for Technical Support Service at Specified Prices (Q1/16)Adoption of Connected Healthcare Devices: Number of Connected Healthcare Devices Owned (2013 - 2016) Adoption of Connected Healthcare Devices (2013 - 2016)Healthcare Device Setup: Connected Healthcare Device Setup (Q3/16) Device Setup Problems Experienced (Q3/16) Actions Taken to Resolve Healthcare Device Setup Problems (Q3/16)Healthcare Device Problems and Resolution: Technical Problems with Connected Healthcare Devices (Q3/16) Top Issues with Connected Healthcare Devices (Q3/16) Healthcare Device Problem Resolution (Q3/16) Cost of Professional Assistance to Resolve Healthcare Device Problems (Q3/16) Appeal of Support Services for Connected Healthcare Devices (Q3/16) Appeal of Healthcare Support Services by Age (Q3/16) Appeal of Healthcare Support Services by Gender (Q3/16) Apple of Healthcare Support Services by Children (Q3/16) Appeal of Healthcare Support Services by Family Size (Q3/16) Appeal of Healthcare Support Services by Healthcare Device Ownership (Q3/16) Appeal of Healthcare Support Services by Number of Healthcare Device Owned (Q3/16)To Enquire about this Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994 Global Nuclear Reactor Construction Market to grow at a CAGR of 5.22% during Forecast 2015-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=354348 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=354348 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Albany, NY, Nov 16: Nuclear reactors find application in the nuclear plants for generating electricity and propelling ships. As of February 2015, nuclear power plants accounted for 11 percent of the total electricity production globally. Currently, there are 437 nuclear reactors present across 48 countries, and 64 reactors under construction. A majority of the new reactors are being planned for APAC and EMEA. As of 2014, 39 reactors are under construction in APAC. As many as 322 nuclear reactors have been proposed for construction in the future.The global nuclear reactor construction market was valued at $34.13 billion in 2014, in terms of total investment, as compared to $32.64 billion in 2013. Government initiatives across countries are helping in the development of these nuclear power reactors. There is a lot of emphasis on the development of advanced nuclear reactors. Advanced technology-aided reactors, such as Generation III nuclear reactors, are becoming popular across the globe owing to rise in safety concerns, particularly after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Countries, such as China and Finland, are investing heavily in advanced technology.For instance, in October 2014, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission certified GE Hitachi's Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) design. ESBWR is a Generation III boiling water reactor equipped with advanced passive safety system. Moreover, the government across different countries are also planning to decommission nuclear reactors of 39-44 years old, to contain safety hazards associated with the reactors.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:The global nuclear reactor construction market to grow at a CAGR of 5.22% during 2014-2019. The report covers the present scenario and the its growth prospects of the global nuclear reactor construction market for the period 2015-2019. The market size is calculated based on the investment in the market. However, we do not consider the cost associated with the maintenance and service of nuclear reactors.In this report, we present the upcoming nuclear reactors that are planned for construction in several countries, and the estimated power generation and current consumption trends in the market. We cover the geographical presence of the market, including those nuclear reactors that are under construction as of 2014. In addition, we present the major drivers influencing market growth and the challenges facing the vendors and the industry as a whole. We evaluate the key trends emerging in the market as well.Key Regions- APAC- EMEA- AmericasKey Vendors- AREVA- CNNC- State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom- Westinghouse Electric CompanyEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report:- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at: IvyCamp launches registration and regulatory services on its Platform IvyCamp is a Unified innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform that leverages the Global Alumni Networks to help entrepreneurs become successful.IvyCamp, not only supports Entrepreneurs, but helps to build new entrepreneurs, by connecting them with mentors, investors, incubation centres, corporates, and other resources - all through Alumni networks. We partner with our educational institutions (IITs, IIMs, ISB, BITS and many others) to connect, support and help grow their entrepreneurial ecosystems.We work with early stage startups from across all the institutions to connect them to the resources they need at the time. One such resource is services that startups need to support and grow their business.We have just introduced registration and regulatory services for startups through an IvyCamp partner service provider.To seek funding, or to operate your business, it is important to register your startup either as Private Limited Company/Limited Liability Partnership/Sole Proprietorship. We are also including a Startup India package that will help startups that are eligible for the Startup India Recognition under the Startup India Standup India plan, to obtain the certification by DIPP as a recognized startup and issuance of Startup Certificate.To know more about this service visit here. To avail this service, you should be registered on the IvyCamp Platform.First 5 startups to use the service receive a 10% discount on any package selected!!!If you have any query regarding IvyCamp or its Programs or want to partner with us, let us know by writing us at ivycamp@ivycapventures.com or dialing us at 080- 41667100.IvyCamp is Indias first Unified Innovation and Entrepreneurship Platform, leveraging the Global Alumni Networks (including IITs, IIMs, BITs and ISB) across our educational institutions to connect and create value for entrepreneurs and innovators. We aim to become the largest such platform in India and globally for cultivating, growing, and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation to shape our economy and growth. We not only support entrepreneurs but actually help to build new entrepreneurs, and enable innovators to transform their innovative ideas into real value.IvyCAmp , Prestige Meridian, Bangalore India Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining Market 2016 - Sandvik, BAE Systems, John Deere, Mitsubishi, Joy Global, PapaBravo Innovations https://goo.gl/22Z2E4 http://www.qyinsights.com/global-electric-vehicles-for-construction-agriculture-and-mining-market-2016-industry-research-report/ Market Research Report on Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining Market 2016 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining worldwide. First of all, " Global Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining Market 2016 " report provides a basic overview of the Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry including definitions, classifications, applications and Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry chain structure.Major Companies Covered in this report are:-SandvikBAE SystemsJohn DeereMitsubishiMulti Tool Trac NetherlandsJoy GlobalPapaBravo InnovationsShaanxi TongyunXEMC ChinaAtlas CopcoFendt, AGCO GmbHMerloNew HollandMahindra & MahindraJCBXCMGRequest For Sample Report Here :The analysis is provided for the Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining international market including development history, Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry competitive landscape analysis.After that, Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry development policies as well as plans are discussed and manufacturing processes as well as cost structures for Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market. This report "Worldwide Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining Market 2016" also states import/export, supply and consumption figures and Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market cost, price, revenue and Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market's gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), as well as other regions can be added in Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining Market area.Then, the report focuses on worldwide Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market key players with information such as company profiles with product picture as well as specification.Read Full Report with TOC :Related information to Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market- capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Aslo includes Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry's - Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market development trends and Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining industry marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, "worldwide Electric Vehicles for Construction, Agriculture and Mining market" Analysis- feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.About Us :QY Insights provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of QY Insights cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us :Richard LeeEmail : richard@qyinsights.com BestHomeworkHelpers.com promises to provide best Assignment Help Service at Affordable Rates www.besthomeworkhelpers.com MI, USA: When we thought of starting an assignment and homework help company we planned to do something which must not be like any other companies that are already doing. We wanted to make a difference in terms of education and how it must be carried forward. We dreamt of a company which must be able to create a difference in a students lifes and their career. 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Our ultimate goal is to provide the very best of service to our esteemed clients.2366, Wood Ridge WayYpsilinatiMichigan48197Tel: +13024163017Email: support@besthomeworkhelpers.comWebsite: Organic Substrate Packaging Material Market Globally Grow at a CAGR of 5.41% by Revenue During the Forecast Period 2016-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=357237 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG About organic substrate packaging materialsOrganic substrates are the base layers of individual semiconductor devices and ICs on which other layers are deposited to complete a circuit. As these materials are part of the circuit, it is imperative that they are efficient conductors of electricity, and preferably thinner core materials are used to surround them in demanding system applications. A small die (block of semiconducting material made of silicon or gallium arsenide with a fabricated circuit) is mounted on the substrate, which connects the input and output terminals from the die to a PCB.Organic substrates are surrounded by low-loss and ultra-thin materials that have a dielectric base. A thin film layer used to protect the semiconductors on the substrate is made of polyamide and polyester films. These materials are mainly used in area array packages such as BGA and PGA.Technavio's analysts forecast the global organic substrate packaging materials market to grow at a CAGR of 5.41% over the period 2014-2019.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThis report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global organic substrate packaging materials market for the period 2015-2019. The report provides the vendor landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the top six vendors in the market. The market segmentation is done based on the following:Packaging technologyGeographyTechnavio's report, Global Organic Substrate Packaging Materials Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts.ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @ Market Insight : Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Globally Grow at a CAGR of 4.18% by Revenue During the Forecast Period 2016-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=357231 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG About mouth ulcersMouth ulcers are sores that form in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. They are noncritical and do not pose a health hazard. Mouth ulcers can be caused by oral injury or may arise as a result of underlying disease. They can be associated with intense or moderate pain. The etiology of mouth ulcers include stress, injury, infection, allergy, genetic tendency, and nutritional deficiencies. Treatment involves identification of the cause. The ulcers normally heal by themselves in 10-14 days. Medical treatment is required if the condition persists. Various treatment options, such as antimicrobials, anesthetics, corticosteroids, analgesics, and antihistamines are used to treat them.Technavio's analysts forecast the global mouth ulcer treatment market to grow at a CAGR of 4.18% over the period 2014-2019.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global mouth ulcer treatment market for the period 2015-2019. To calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated from the sales of various pharmaceutical products used in the treatment of mouth ulcers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, and EMEA; it also covers the landscape of the global mouth ulcer treatment market and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion on the key vendors operating in this market.Key regionsAmericasAPACEMEAKey vendors3M HealthcareBlistexChurch & DwightTaro PharmaceuticalsValeant PharmaceuticalsResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @ Global PVA Fiber Market 2016 - Kuraray, Unitika, Nycon, Anhui Wanwei, Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon Works, Hunan Xiangwei, Fujian Fuwei, Inner Mongolia Shuangxin, Ningxia Dadi http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/858/request-sample http://www.fiormarkets.com/report/global-pva-fiber-market-outlook-2016-2021-858.html www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for PVA Fiber from 2011-2016, and provides extensive market forecasts (2016-2021) by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the PVA Fiber market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for PVA Fiber, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.Request for sample report atPolyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVA, or PVAl) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer. It has the idealized formula [CH2CH(OH)]n. It is used in papermaking, textiles, and a variety of coatings. It is white (colourless) and odorless.Global PVA Fiber Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global PVA Fiber market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies.Access full report atThe competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. The major players in the global PVA Fiber market areKuraray (Japan), Unitika (Japan), Nycon (USA), Anhui Wanwei (China), Sinopec Sichuan Vinylon Works (China), Hunan Xiangwei (China), Fujian Fuwei (China), Inner Mongolia Shuangxin (China), Ningxia Dadi (China).The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of World. In this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of PVA Fiber industry has been provided.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2021 Persistence Market Research Report Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market, Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/6191 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/6191 www.persistencemarketresearch.com 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.Request for TOC @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.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.Request for Sample Report @Protein hydrolysate ingredients market is witnessing healthy growth. This is due the increasing demand for protein hydrolysate ingredients by consumers owing to the health benefits coupled with nutritional benefits associated with it across developed regions. However, various factors that restrict the growth of protein hydrolysate ingredients market include less awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits associated with the consumption of protein hydrolysate ingredients in emerging economies.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global PP Pipe Market 2016 - Wavin, Georg Fischer, AURU, Tessenderlo Group, Saint-Gobain, Pipelife, IPEX, AOC, Hyosung, Duro, China Lesso Group, Foshan Rifeng http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/857/request-sample http://www.fiormarkets.com/report/global-pp-pipe-market-outlook-2016-2021-857.html www.fiormarkets.com www.9dimenreports.com This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for PP Pipe from 2011-2016, and provides extensive market forecasts (2016-2021) by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the PP Pipe market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for PP Pipe, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.Request for sample report atPolypropylene pipe is used in many industrial settings due to its chemical and thermal resistance, affordability, and cost. It is frequently used in waste streams of all types, including residential and commercial environments. New uses have often been developed for this recyclable, resilient material. As polypropylene pipe is less dense than other thermoplastics and certainly much less dense than steel, iron, or copper pipes, transportation costs are lower.Global PP Pipe Market Outlook 2016-2021, has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global PP Pipe market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies.Access full report atThe competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. The major players in the global PP Pipe market areWavin, Georg Fischer, AURU, Tessenderlo Group, Saint-Gobain, Pipelife, IPEX, AOC, Hyosung, Duro, China Lesso Group, Foshan Rifeng, Zhongcai Profiles, Junxing Pipe, White Butterfly, Zhejiang Nanxin Plastic, Piersa, AKAN Enterprise Group, LESSO, Yonggao.The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of World. In this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of PP Pipe industry has been provided.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog: Latest Report Examines Factors Driving Global Nail Clipper Industry from 2016 to 2021 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=456649&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-nail-clipper-industry-2015-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Nail Clipper Industry 2015 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2015-2020.The Global Nail Clipper Industry 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Nail Clipper industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Nail Clipper market analysis is provided for the international markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report focuses on global major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Nail Clipper industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 153 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Browse Complete Report with TOC @1 Industry Overview of Nail Clipper1.1 Product Overview1.1.1 Definition and Characteristics1.1.2 Market Overview1.2 Market Segmentation1.2.1 By Type1.2.2 By Application1.2.3 By Regions1.3 Market Status (Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges)2 Production Cost and Processes of Nail Clipper2.1 Production Cost2.1.1 Manufacturing Cost Structure2.1.2 Key Raw Materials2.1.3 Prices of Key Raw Materials2.1.4 Labor Cost2.1.5 Other Cost (Energy etc.)2.2 Production Processes2.3 Industry Chain2.3.1 Upstream2.3.2 Downstream3 Production Market Segmentation of Nail Clipper3.1 Production by Type3.2 Production by Application3.3 Production by Regions4. Global Summarized Data (Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Production Value, and Gross Margin) of Nail Clipper4.1 Key Manufacturer Manufacturing Plants Distribution4.2 Global Summarized Data4.3 Major Regions Summarized Data4.4 Price, Cost and Gross Margin Trend4.4.1 Global Price Trend 2010-20154.4.2 Global Cost Trend 2010-20154.4.3 Global Gross Margin Trend 2010-2015For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Global Fabric Acoustic Panels Consumption Report with Detailed Analysis of Competitive Landscape 2016 http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=866433&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-fabric-acoustic-panels-consumption-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Global Fabric Acoustic Panels Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The Global Fabric Acoustic Panels Consumption 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Fabric Acoustic Panels marketThe report provides a basic overview of the Fabric Acoustic Panels industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.The report then analyzes the global Fabric Acoustic Panels market size (volume and value), and the sales segment market is also discussed by product type, applications and region.The major Fabric Acoustic Panels market (including USA, Europe, China, Asia(Ex. China), etc.) is analyzed, data including: market size, import and export, sale segment market by product type and applications. Then we forecast the 2016-2022 market size of Fabric Acoustic Panels.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report focuses on global major leading companies providing information such as company profiles, sales, sales revenue, market share and contact information, coveringArmstrongSaint-GobainG&S AcousticsRPGAbstractaTexaaAcoustics First?EkousCMS DanskinSonata AcousticAcoustical SurfacesCarpet ConceptSontextSoundsorbaSLALOMBeiyangForgreener AcousticsSame mantex Acoustic Materialmarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Fabric Acoustic Panels in these regions, from 2011 to 2022 (forecast), likeUSAEuropeChinaAsia (Ex. China)Split by Product Types, with consumption, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into mineral Wool TypeFiberglass TypeFoamed Plastic TypeSplit by applications, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Fabric Acoustic Panels in each application, can be divided intoResidential BuildingsCommercial BuildingsFinally the marketing, feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Content1 Industry Overview of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.1 Definition and Specifications of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.1.1 Definition of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.1.2 Specifications of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.2 Classification of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.2.1 Mineral Wool Type1.2.2 Fiberglass Type1.2.3 Foamed Plastic Type1.3 Applications of Fabric Acoustic Panels1.3.1 Residential Buildings1.3.2 Commercial Buildings2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Fabric Acoustic Panels2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Fabric Acoustic Panels2.1.1 Fabric2.1.2 Acoustic Panels2.2 Equipment Suppliers Analysis of Fabric Acoustic Panels2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Fabric Acoustic Panels2.3.1 USA Labor Cost Analysis2.3.2 EU Labor Costs Analysis2.3.3 China Labor Costs Analysis3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales and Sale Price Analysis of Fabric Acoustic Panels3.1 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) and Growth Rate of Fabric Acoustic Panels 2011-20163.2 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Fabric Acoustic Panels by Regions 2011-20163.3 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Fabric Acoustic Panels by Types 2011-20163.4 Global Market Size (Volume and Value) of Fabric Acoustic Panels by Applications 2011-2016For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Swisatec: Green Building Council SAs Communities Rating Tool to Transform South African Cities and Communities. Swisatec GBCSA Membership Logo www.bluerockvillage.co.za The newly released GBCSA Communities Pilot rating tool, which has been based on the Communities v1.1 Rating Tool from Australia through consultation with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), is set to create a standard that will look at transforming South Africas cities and communities.The certification system goes beyond the rating of singular buildings by offering to raise the standards of and creating more sustainable communities within South Africa. The 5 principles of sustainable communities, which is the core focus for the Communities Rating Tool is enhanced livability, economic prosperity, environmental responsibility, design excellence and strong leadership and governance. The rating tool aims at encouraging higher levels of sustainability across a broader range of issues than those identified in the current rating tools for individual buildings and which focuses on the support of planning, design, and delivery of precincts with strong environmental sustainability principles.The Communities rating system provides a more holistic approach to property developers and local government with larger precinct scale projects and offers incentives to the local communities through a focus on community orientated sustainable urban design. It provides a framework for greater sustainable development outcomes.Blue Rock Village, a registered PILOT project for the GBCSA Communities Rating Tool, aims to meet these standards by creating a green lifestyle village which not only encompasses the sustainability principles on a precinct scale but also on an individual building scale through strategic environmental design which reduces energy and water consumption and improves thermal and acoustic performance. Already undertaking more productive, sustainable and liveable practices, Blue Rock Village aims to go one step forward by using the Communities Rating Tool as a measurement for best practice benchmarks that meet a range of environmental, economic and social priorities.The Communities Tool is an important endorsement of Blue Rock Villages vision to transform the precinct into an internationally recognised green village through sustainable design, governance, and innovation, design excellence, economic prosperity, and livability.The introduction of the Green Star Communities rating tool within South Africa sets to raise the bar for the standard of building and planning and further affirms the pioneering efforts that Blue Rock Village is undertaking. Blue Rock Village aims to go above and beyond that of the current industry benchmarks by targeting the highly coveted 6 Star rating which recognises world leadership from the GBCSA and Green Building Council of Australia. There is a multitude of factors contributing to achieving a 6 Star rating which will ultimately make Blue Rock Village a better place and better way to live, through a higher standard of urban development.Ultimately, Blue Rock Villages innovative infrastructure will create a more sustainable and vibrant community through guiding framework principles from the Green Star Communities Tool, helping to shape and influence the urban design of communities and precincts in the future.Blue Rock Village is Africa's first green village, proposed for Cape Town South Africa. The village offer high-end, luxury terrace apartments designed based on European standards. The village further offers a 5-Star Hotel, a Wellness Centre & Spa, Gym & Fitness Centre, high-end corporate office and a Lifestyle Centre.Blue Rock Village phase one is currently on sale.Blue Rock VillageBlue Rock, Somerset West, Cape Town 7130village@bluerock.co.zatel +27 21 300 1722Sindile Mavundlasindile@bluerock.co.za Biometric Wearables to Disrupt the Automotive Industry http://frost.ly/132 http://ww2.frost.com Tremendous growth opportunities arise as automakers partner with technology providers, finds Frost & Sullivans Intelligent Mobility teamLondon November 16, 2016 Advancements in biometrics will radically transform the driving experience, health wellness and wellbeing (HWW), and security of vehicles by 2025. As one in three new passenger vehicles begin to feature fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, voice recognition, gesture recognition, heart beat monitoring, brain wave monitoring, stress detection, fatigue monitoring, eyelid monitoring, facial monitoring, and pulse detection. These will be driven by built-in, brought-in and cloud enabled technologies, the automotive biometrics ecosystem will surge ahead. Major automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers must stay abreast of technologies, business models, and regulations shaping this dynamic space.Partnerships between automotive OEMs and wearable companies will result in faster penetration of biometrics within the automotive industry , allowing OEMs to save on biometrics related R&D expenditure, while creating growth avenues for wearables companies said Frost & Sullivan Intelligent Mobility Industry Analyst Joe Praveen Vijayakumar. New business models such as device as a service and health as a service will also emerge.The Biometrics in the Global Automotive Industry, 20162025 analysis, a part of Frost & Sullivans Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Service program, finds that OEMs and suppliers are investing in advanced biometrics based on human machine interaction (HMI) concepts such as natural language and gesture recognition. They are also vertically integrating and funding relevant start-ups to build a stronger portfolio.Click here () for complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivans thought leaders.Urbanisation will continue to fuel emphasis on biometrics-driven advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features to navigate heavy traffic while ensuring, safety and comfort noted Praveen. However, customer concerns surrounding the safety of the sensitive data collected through biometrics will compel suppliers to also invest in cybersecurity measures to build credibility and increase growth.Some emerging innovators in the automotive biometrics space currently include: Empatica for its watch to monitor the vitals of drivers with history of epilepsy and predict an attack before it happens Gestigon for a software system to interpret a multitude of driver movements and draw actionable insights Optalert for eye glasses which use infra red rays to monitor the eyes of the driver to detect the onset of drowsiness Sober Steering for sensors which can be embedded in the steering wheel to check if the driver is drunk and whether the alcohol level is within permissible limits. Vigo for smart headsets which can monitors head movements to monitor driver distraction, slouching posture and drowsinessBiometrics in the Global Automotive Industry, 20162025K11A-18Contact:Jana SchonebornCorporate Communications EuropeP: +49 (0)69 77033 43E: jana.schoeneborn@frost.comTwitter: @Frost_Sullivan or @FS_AutomotiveFacebook: FrostandSullivanLinkedin: Future of Mobility A Frost & Sullivan ForumAbout Frost & SullivanFrost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussionClemensstr. 960487 Frankfurt am Main Global 2D Gesture Recognition Market In Consumer Electronics Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 20.9% The Period 2014-2019 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=358697 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=358697 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global 2D Gesture Recognition Market for Consumer Electronics 2015-2019" to its huge collection of research reports.2D gesture recognition technology can be integrated into any device that has a 2D camera, which makes them very cost-effective.Technavio's analysts forecast the global 2D gesture recognition market in consumer electronics to grow at a CAGR of 20.9% the period 2014-2019.Covered in this reportTechnavio's report, Global 2D Gesture Recognition Market in Consumer Electronics 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, and EMEA; it also covers the landscape of the global 2D gesture recognition market in consumer electronics and its growth prospects in the coming years.The report also includes a discussion on the key vendors operating in this market.Key regionsAmericasAPACEMEATo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key vendorsCrunchfish ABeyeSight TechnologiesIntelPointGrabSamsung ElectronicsSonyMarket driverIncorporation of gesture recognition by manufacturers of processorsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeEnvironmental interferenceFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRise in number of M&AFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Global Cardiovascular Disease Market to 2022 Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report | Researchmoz.us http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=869174 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=869174 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Cardiovascular Disease Market to 2022 - Sanofi and Novartis to Become Market Leaders as Praluent and Entresto Drive Revenue Growth" to its huge collection of research reports.Cardiovascular disease (CVD) covers a range of difference diseases and conditions affecting the heart and/or blood vessels. The most crucial risk factors for CVD are hypertension and dyslipidemia of which accelerate the development of atherosclerotic plaques building up within blood vessels. As atheroma develops its causes stenosis of the blood vessels which can restrict blood flow to the body, brain or heart depending on its locale. It is also possible for the fibrous cap of the plaque to break off, triggering the coagulation cascade and causing a thrombus to form locally which can completely occlude blood flow.The treatments of CVD typically focus on prevention by controlling the risk factors of CVD. As such, the treatments usually fall within three categories: Anti-hypertensives aim to lower blood pressure; anti-dyslipidemia drugs aim to alter lipid levels to an acceptable range; and anti-thrombotic drugs aim to either prevent thrombus forming or work to mitigate the damage of a current thrombi, they do this by either interrupting the coagulation cascade or inhibiting platelet aggregation, both of which inhibit blood from clotting.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @There has been vast scientific innovation within the CVD therapeutics market over recent decades, particularly within the anti-dyslipidemia market with the advent of statins such as Lipitor, the best-selling drug of all time, which produce marked reductions in cholesterol levels. More recently, the commonly used direct factor Xa inhibitors which produce anti-coagulant effects, have been made available for oral administration and the advent of PCSK9 inhibitors provide a viable alternative dyslipidemia treatment for when statins are unsuitable or inefficient. There are currently 1368 pipeline drugs within the cardiovascular disease market, the largest therapy area being thrombosis, with 406 pipeline products indicated for treatment or prevention of thrombotic events.Among those pipeline drugs expected for imminent release to market there is a mixture of first-in-class products, typically anti-dyslipidemia drugs aiming to provide alternatives to statin therapy, and drugs belonging to currently popular classes such as the aforementioned PCSK9 inhibitors and direct factor Xa inhibitors.Scope- Analysis of innovation in the CVD market in the context of the overall pipeline and current market landscape. Also includes analysis of the deals landscape, including both licensing deals and co-development deals. Key indications covered in detail include hypertension, dyslipidemia and thrombotic events.- A brief introduction to CVD, including symptoms, pathophysiology, and an overview of pharmacotherapy for the key diseases.- Identification of key marketed products, with a focus on historical and forecast sales patterns and an overview of each drugs mechanism of action.- Comprehensive review of the pipeline, analyzed on the basis of stage of development, molecule type and molecular target.- In-depth market forecasting from 2015 to 2022. The forecasts will provide an understanding of how epidemiology trends, new drug entries and drug patent expirations will influence market value.- Identification and assessment of key pipeline products, with a particular focus on those due to be brought to market in the near future, as well as a sales forecast for these products.- Identification of the leading companies in the market, in terms of market share and growth. Company analysis determines how dependent these companies are on CVD product revenue. In addition, analysis determines the primary factors that will drive market growth for the key companies.- Assessment of the licensing and co-development deal landscape for CVD therapies.Reasons to buyThis report will allow you to- Understand the current clinical and commercial landscape through a comprehensive analysis of the innovation in the CVD market in the context of the overall pipeline and current market landscape. Also includes analysis of the deals landscape, including both licensing deals and co-development deals. Key indications covered in detail include hypertension, dyslipidemia and thrombotic events- Understand the current treatment landscape, with portfolios of key marketed products and a focus on historical and forecast sales patterns and an overview of the drugs mechanism of action.- Analyze the CVD pipeline through a comprehensive review of the pipeline, segmented by stage of development, molecule type and molecular target. This review also provides a detailed look at CVD clinical trials as to provide an insight into the risk associated with attempting to bring CVD pipeline drugs.- Predict growth in market size, with in-depth market forecasting from 2015 to 2022. The forecast will provide an understanding of how epidemiology trends, new drug entries and new drug patents expirations will influence market value.- Identify the key pipeline products, with a particular focus on those due to be brought to market in the near future, as well as a sales forecast for these products.- Identify the leading companies in the market, in terms of market share and growth. Company analysis determines how dependent the key companies in the market are on revenue derived from CVD products. In addition, analysis determines the primary factors that will drive market growth for the key companies in the market.- Identify commercial opportunities in the CVD deals landscape by analyzing trends in licensing and co-development deals.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Remote Health Delivery Market In India Will Grow Steadily At A CAGR Of 20.18% During The Period 2016-2020 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=751768 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=751768 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Remote Health Delivery Market in India 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Remote health delivery, or telemedicine, is defined as the remote delivery of healthcare services through ICT. It is an effective combination of ICT and medical science that helps address the challenges faced by the Indian healthcare delivery system. Remote health delivery shifts the focus of a healthcare system from curing diseases in hospitals to a system that provides healthcare delivery whenever and wherever the need arises. A widespread adoption of remote health delivery systems will transform the role of hospitals in providing healthcare services. It will improve service quality, streamline processes, and increase the overall efficiency of hospitals.Technavios analysts forecast the remote health delivery market in India to grow at a CAGR of 20.18% during the period 2016-2020.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the remote health delivery market in India for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the study considers the revenue generated from the services provided by the healthcare service providers.The market is divided into the following segments based on end-users:Commercial segmentGovernment segmentPublic-private partnerships (PPPs)NGOsTechnavio's report, Remote Health Delivery Market in India 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsApollo HospitalsAravind Eye CareNarayana HealthPhilips HealthcareOther prominent vendorsAerotel Medical SystemsFortis HealthcareManipal HospitalsMedtronicTelevitalMarket driverShortage of physicians and hospital bedsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeLack of proper infrastructureFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncrease in investmentsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Global Silicon Anode Battery Market Research Report Forecast to 2022 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/10034-silicon-anode-battery-market-report http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-10034 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-10034 www.decisiondatabases.com DecisionDatabases.com offers Silicon Anode Battery Market Research Report. This Report covers the complete Industry Outlook, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast Till 2022.Browse full Report with TOC at:The report on global silicon anode battery market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2015-2022. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).A glimpse of the major drivers and restraints affecting this market is mentioned below:A. Drivers> Increased R&D activities by major companies for advanced silicon anode batteries> Growing demand for use in electric vehicles> Superior properties of silicon anode batteriesB. Restraints> Large volume change of silicon when lithium is inserted in the batteryDownload Free Sample Report with Full TOC At:Furthermore, the report quantifies the market share held by the major players of the industry and provides an in-depth view of the competitive landscape. This market is classified into different segments with detailed analysis of each with respect to geography for the study period 2015-2022.The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.The report classifies the market into different segments based on application. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market.The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as Nexeon Limited, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, Nanotek Instruments, Inc., Amprius, Enevate Corporation, Zeptor Corporation, XG Sciences, California Lithium Battery Inc, and Enevate Corporation. A detailed description of each has been included, with information in terms of H.Q, future capacities, key mergers & acquisitions, financial overview, partnerships, collaborations, new product launches, new product developments and other latest industrial developments.Major Table Of Contents:1. INTRODUCTION2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY3. MARKET ANALYSIS4. SILICON ANODE BATTERY MARKET ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION5. SILICON ANODE BATTERY MARKET ANALYSIS BY GEOGRAPHY6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE OF THE SILICON ANODE BATTERY COMPANIES7. COMPANY PROFILES OF THE SILICON ANODE BATTERY INDUSTRYPurchase Complete Silicon Anode Battery Market Analysis Report At:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor,Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane,Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: The Taiwanese Server System And Server Motherboard Industries, 2Q 2016 http://www.reportbazzar.com/product/the-taiwanese-server-system-and-server-motherboard-industries-2q-2016/ http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680128&ptitle=The+Taiwanese+Server+System+and+Server+Motherboard+Industries%2C+2Q+2016&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/ Browse report summery with TOC:The report finds that shipment volume of the Taiwanese server industry dipped 15.7% sequentially and 0.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2016, owing to the deferred demand for Grantley platform. Though the market is expecting a reshuffle, large-sized ISPs or international server brands are still going to prioritize Taiwanese server manufacturers, except Chinese brands who favor homegrown products. Therefore, shipment volume of the server systems shipped at full system, barebones, and board levels is anticpated to have witnessed sequential growth in the third quarter of 2016.Request Sample Report:Table of ContentsTaiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume, 1Q 2014 4Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Value and ASP, 1Q 2014 4Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by Assembly Level, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by Assembly Level, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Manufacturer Volume Ranking, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server System Manufacturer Volume Ranking, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server Motherboard Manufacturer Volume Ranking, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by CPU Architecture, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by CPU Architecture, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by CPU Count, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by CPU Count, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by Form Factor, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by Form Factor, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by Production Location, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by Production Location, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by Shipment Destination, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by Shipment Destination, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Volume by Business Type, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Taiwanese Server (System and Motherboard) Shipment Share by Business Type, 1Q 2014 1Q 2016Intelligence InsightResearch Scope & DefinitionsAbout Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite: Challenges And Opportunities Of IGZO Panels http://www.reportbazzar.com/product/challenges-and-opportunities-of-igzo-panels/ http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680136&ptitle=Challenges+and+Opportunities+of+IGZO+Panels&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680136&ptitle=Challenges+and+Opportunities+of+IGZO+Panels&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/ Browse report summery with TOC:IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) TFT (Thin Film Transistor) panel, hereinafter as IGZO panel, has potential advantages over a-Si (Amorphous Silicon) and LTPS (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) ones, including high resolution, low power consumption, transparency and higher suitability for large area processes. IGZO TFT panels can be used in smartphones, 2-in-1 tablets, wearables, TVs, and digital signage. Despite possessing the solution to meet market needs, however, its market penetration remains low three years after Sharp produced the first IGZO panel in 2012. This report takes an in-depth look of characteristics of IGZO panels and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing in the development of IGZO panels.Request Sample Report:Table of Contents1.Development of IGZO Panel Technology2.Development of Major Players in IGZO Panel Industry2.1 Development Trends of IGZO2.2 Japanese and Korean Vendors Lead in IGZO Technology2.2.1 Sharp2.2.2 LG Display2.2.3 Samsung Display2.2.4 Taiwanese and Chinese Display Vendors2.3 Rapid Growth in Production Capacity Has Led to Greater Coverage of All Display Sizes3.Challenges of IGZO Panels in End User Devices3.1 Most Display Vendors are Only Testing the Waters, Bringing Little Value to the Market3.1.1 Sharp and LGE Lack the Force to Drive Growth of IGZO Market133.1.2 IGZO Adoption in Higher End and Niche Products Makes Only Insignificant Market Share3.1.3 Fewer Branded Vendors Following Apples Lead Due to Low-price Trends in Tablets4.Opportunites of IGZO Panel in End User Devices4.1 Smartphones4.1.1 Need for Longer Battery Life May Lead to Demand for LCD (IGZO)4.2 Tablets4.2.1 LCD (IGZO) Players Can Seek Opportunities in The Higher-End 2-In-1 Tablet Market4.3 Notebook PCs4.4 TVs and Other Larger Area Displays4.4.1 LCD (IGZO) is Favored over A-Si Displays in 120Hz Displays with 4K Resolution4.5 Wearables and VR Headsets184.5.1 AMOLED (IGZO) Can Support Higher Product Specs, But Have Yet to Start Production4.6 Flexible Displays (Next Generation Displays)4.6.1 The Emergence of Flexible Displays May Accelerate the Adoption of AMOLED (IGZO)5.Conclusion5.1 Cost Remains Primary Barrier to IGZO Adoption5.2 Flexible AMOLED (IGZO) Has More Development Potential over the Long Term5.3 Development of Chinese Display Vendors and Breakthroughs in A-Si Technology Bring Uncertainty to MarketAppendixGlossary of TermsList of CompaniesList of TablesTable 1: Comparison of TFT TechnologiesTable 2: Fab Generations in the TFT LCD Industry by Display VendorsTable 3: Adoption of IGZO Panels in End User DevicesList of FiguresFigure 1: Changes in LCD (IGZO) Production Capacity, 2015-2017Figure 2: Changes in LCD (IGZO) Production Capacity by Country, 2015-2017Request Sample Report:About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite: Conveyor Systems Market to Reach $7,573 Million, Globally, by 2022 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/conveyor-systems-market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-free-sample/1697 Automation has become an integral part in several industrial operations with the players focus on high degree of efficient and safe transportation of materials. Moreover, ever rising competition among the industry players to meet the customer demands in time with reduction in operational expenditure has triggered the demand for conveyor systems across the world. For instance, recent boom in e-commerce industry has increased their deployment in warehouse automation.A new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Conveyor Systems Market by Type and Industry Vertical - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022," projects that the global conveyor systems market would reach $7,573 million by 2022. Europe is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period due to boost in the e-commerce retail industry. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate owing to extensive demand from china and India.Read complete report at:Material handling equipment such as conveyor systems have experienced an upsurge in demand in recent past. Manufacturing industry players have not only focused on improving quality and production efficiency, but have also made significant investments towards reducing waste and production costs through automation. However, high initial installation costs of such systems could hamper their market growth. The demand for eco-friendly, cost-effective and safe conveyors systems are expected to generate the additional demand for the market growth.Major types of conveyors systems sought by the customer industries include belt, roller, pallet, overhead, and others including crescent, tri-planer, and floor conveyors. Conveyor system industry has witnessed several transitions from belt and roller conveyors to overhead conveyors with regular innovations in their design. The players have made efforts to make the conveyor more flexible in order to meet the demand of food and beverages and automotive industries. Overhead and pallet conveyors prove to be ideal where space is major restraint in deploying the conveyor systems.Belt and roller conveyors constituted the majority of the market in 2015 with 3/5th share and are expected to continue to maintain their dominance throughout the forecast period. These conveyors are more economical than others and find usage in a variety of fields. Belt conveyors find application in almost in every field such as food & beverage, retail, automotive, and airport.Among the major industry verticals, the conveyor systems find widespread usage in airport, retail, food & beverage, and automotive sectors. Retail and food & beverage sectors constituted the significant portion with four-fifths market share in 2015. Growth in shopping through online mode in Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions has created a conducive market environment. The installation of conveyor systems in airport sector has demonstrated a rapid growth as the airport authorities focus on improving baggage handling experience at international and domestic airports. Thus, airport sector is anticipated to grow at faster CAGR during the forecast period. Government initiatives for hygiene and cleanliness in food and beverage industry are expected to fuel the demand from this sector.Download free sample report at:Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Europe dominates the global conveyor systems market owing to heavy investment by automotive and food & beverage industry players in automation, followed by North America. LAMEA region has exhibited significant growth due to rapid industrialization. Especially, emerging countries such as Brazil has been facilitating the market growth.Key Findings of the Conveyor Systems Market:- Conveyor systems market has witnessed a steady growth globally, due to growing automation trends in manufacturing processes and material handling- Belt conveyor systems find multiple applications as they are easy to install and their capability to convey variety of materials- Retail sector would continue to lead the market on account of growth in warehouse space across the global- Asia-Pacific and LAMEA regions exhibit the fastest growth globally due to growth in food & beverage and retail industries- Market players are entering into contract and forming agreements with various customer industry players to improve the market share- Emerging countries such as China, India, Brazil and Mexico have been exhibiting the conducive market environment owing to increased manufacturing activitiesMarket players profiled in the report include Daifuku Co., Ltd., Dematic Group S. r.l., Emerson Electric Co., Interroll Holding Ltd., Siemens AG, Swisslog Holding AG, SSI Schfer AG, Taikisha Ltd., Vanderlande Industries, TGW Logistics Group GmbH. Players such as Daifuku Co., Ltd., Dematic Group S. r.l., Interroll Holding Ltd. and Taikisha Ltd. share the majority of the market. The market players invest heavily on research and development to design and manufacture the systems as per emerging needs of the customers. The players have designed modular conveyors to meet the demand for flexibility of the customers.Bringing you the perfect combination of expertise, technology and innovation, AMRs research methodology is unique and follows superior practices in the market. Our procedure is such, that it helps us to get the accurate research solution within required time span and also achieve the required result. This practice is followed by every employee throughout the organization which makes us competent enough to give the desired reports.5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220,United States.Int'l: +1-503-894-6022Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285Fax: +1-800-792-5285help@alliedmarketresearch.com The Chinese Smartphone Industry, 2Q 2016 http://www.reportbazzar.com/product/the-chinese-smartphone-industry-2q-2016/ http://www.reportbazzar.com/request-sample/?pid=680144&ptitle=The+Chinese+Smartphone+Industry%2C+2Q+2016&req=Sample http://www.reportbazzar.com/discount-form/?pid=680144&ptitle=The+Chinese+Smartphone+Industry%2C+2Q+2016&req=Discount http://www.reportbazzar.com/ Browse report summery with TOC:This report presents a recent review of the Chinese smartphone industry in the second quarter of 2016, including shipment volume of major smartphone brands in China, breakdowns of each vendors shipment volume share by chipset maker, application processor model, ASP, panel size, camera pixel, resolution, as well as 3G and 4G technologies. The report also examines major chipset makers product mix for major smartphones available in China.Request Sample Report:The report finds that the Chinese smartphone industrys shipment volume reached around 129.2 million units in the second quarter of 2016, up 13.9% year on year, with a total number of 380 new models launched during the April-June period. By shipment volume, Huawei continued to lead the market with around 18.4 million units of smartphones. Oppo found itself as the second-biggest smartphone brand in China with over 15 million smartphones shipped in this quarter. Xiaomi fell to the third position, leading ahead of Vivo by only a small margin. Meanwhile, Apple and Samusng stayed at fifth and sixth with around 8.3 million and 7.3 million units of smartphones, respectively. The top four vendors, namely Huawie, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo, had collectively represented around 48% of the Chinese smartphone market in the second quarter of 2016.Table of ContentsChinese Smartphone Shipment Volume, July 2015 August 2016Chinese Smartphone Newly Released Models, July 2015 August 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Volume Share by Operation System, July 2015 August 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by ASP (RMB), 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by Camera Pixel, 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by Panel Size, 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by Resolution, 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by 3G Technology, 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Share by 4G Technology, 2Q 2016Chinese Smartphone Vendors Shipment Volume Rankings, July 2015 June 2016Chinese Smartphone Shipment Volume by Vendor, 2Q 2016Shipment Volume of Application Processors to Chinese Smartphone Branded Vendors, 2Q 2016Shipment Volume of Application Processors by Number of Cores, 2Q 2016MediaTeks Shipment Volume Share by Application Processor Model, 2Q 2016Qualcomms Shipment Volume Share by Application Processor Model, 2Q 2016Samsungs Shipment Volume Share by Application Processor Model, 2Q 2016Hisilicons Shipment Volume Share by Application Processor Model, 2Q 2016Huawei Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Oppo Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Xiaomi Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Vivo Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Apple Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Samsung Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Gionee Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Lenovo Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016CoolPad Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Meizu Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016LeEco Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016ZTE Smartphone Shipments in China, 2Q 2016Research Scope & DefinitionsGet Discount:About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite: Food safety testing Market Will Increase CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2021 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/food-safety-testing-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/food-safety-testing-market https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/41 https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/food-safety-testing-market http://www.zionmarketresearch.com Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Food safety testing Market (traditional and rapid) by Technology, (pathogens, toxins, GMOs, pesticides and others) by contaminant, (meat & poultry, dairy, process food, fruit & vegetables and others) by Application - Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021 According to the report, global demand for food safety testing market was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2015, is expected to reach USD 8.04 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% between 2016 and 2021.Get sample report visit atA procedure of food product authentication in order to ensure safety and decrease threat of contamination causing food borne illness is food safety testing. Food safety testing is an essential process for maintaining food quality and safety. Governments around the world have hugely extended their emphasis on food safety. The development of the worldwide food industry is dependent on food testing mechanism; improper food testing mechanism can increase the risk of foodborne diseases.The worldwide food safety testing market is gaining importance owing to the occurrence of foodborne diseases globally. The major driving factor of the global food safety testing market is the increase in microbial contamination of food. Furthermore, growing global food opportunities, rising food mislabeling cases, strict government rules and regulation on food testing mechanism can fuel the food safety testing market. Lack of awareness about food safety in various developed as well as developing countries and inadequate government regulations is likely to hinder the growth of this market.Know more before buying this report @Food safety testing market is segmented based on technology, contaminant, application, and by region. On the basis of the technology, market is classified into traditional and rapid technology. Rapid technologies are dominating the food safety testing market because traditional techniques are labor demanding and time-consuming. Rapid technologies accounted for the significant share in food testing market. Contaminant segments of food testing market are pathogens, toxins, GMOs, pesticides and others. Among all contaminant, segment pathogens are led to increasing in food borne illness than another contaminant. Meat & poultry, dairy, process food, fruit & vegetables and others are application segment of food safety testing market. Meat & poultry segment accounted for the largest share in the market owing to the fact that highest number of sicknesses have been due to meat & poultry products. The growing utilization of processed food in both developing and developed countries is generating more opportunity for processed food testing market.Request for Customization Report @Geographically, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, further bifurcation of the region on the country level, which includes U.S., Germany, UK, France, China, Japan and India. North America was leading segment of food safety testing market followed by Europe. In North America Canada is the largest revenue contributor for global food safety testing market due to extremely stringent regulations on food testing. Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in upcoming years. The Middle East and Africa are emerging market for food safety testing market due to awareness in consumers and outbreaks of food poisoning in this region.Browse the full report atSome of the key players in the global food safety products market and food safety testing market are Biocontrol Systems Incorporated, 3M Company, Roka Bioscience, Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, Douglas Scientific, IDDEX Laboratories INC, and Ecolab Incorporated.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite: Europe Market Share and Growth Rate Of Big Data Spending in Healthcare Market Report 2016 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/851787 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Report Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Market Report 2016 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"This report studies sales (consumption) of Big Data Spending in Healthcare in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Benelux and Spain, focuses on top players in these countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these Countries, coveringDellHPIBMSAPCareFusionCernerAbzoobaFintellixEMCIndixGNS HealthcareGoogleHumedicaMicrosoftMcKessonPalantirPhilips HealthcarePwCSAS InstituteSiemensSogeti HealthcareTeradataUnitedHealth GroupMarket Segment by Countries, this report splits Europe into several key Countries, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Big Data Spending in Healthcare in these countries, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeGermanyFranceUKRussiaItalySpainBeneluxDownload Sample copy of this Report at :Split by product type, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IIType IIISplit by application, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Big Data Spending in Healthcare in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Table of ContentsEurope Big Data Spending in Healthcare Market Report 20161 Big Data Spending in Healthcare Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Big Data Spending in Healthcare1.2 Classification of Big Data Spending in Healthcare1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Big Data Spending in Healthcare1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Big Data Spending in Healthcare Market by Countries1.4.1 Germany Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 France Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 UK Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Russia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Italy Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 Spain Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.7 Benelux Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Europe Market Size (Value and Volume) of Big Data Spending in Healthcare (2011-2021)1.5.1 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.1.2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume and Value) by Countries2.3.1 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Countries (2011-2016)2.3.2 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Market Share by Countries (2011-2016)2.4 Europe Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume) by Application3 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 Germany Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Application4 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.4 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 France Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Application5 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Value (2011-2016)5.1.1 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.2 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.5 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)5.2 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 UK Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Application6 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Value (2011-2016)6.1.1 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)6.1.2 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)6.1.6 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)6.2 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers6.3 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type6.4 Russia Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Application7 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7.1 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Value (2011-2016)7.1.1 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)7.1.2 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)7.1.7 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)7.2 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers7.3 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by Type7.4 Italy Big Data Spending in Healthcare Sales and Market Share by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Global Small Hydropower Market: China to Lead in APAC Region http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7730 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/small-hydropower-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Region-wise, the global small hydropower market is divided into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South and Central America, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2014, Asia Pacific stood out as the largest market for small hydropower in the world and held a share of 70.3%. In terms of SHP (small hydropower) installations, China is leading the small hydropower market in APAC, followed by India and Japan.China has been so successful in the small hydropower sector that its implementation model is being used by many developing countries to expand their small hydropower capacity in order to address their own energy issues. In the past, construction of small hydropower in China was initially aimed to supply electricity for mountainous regions in collaboration with small-scale water conservancy projects. However, in the past decades, the SHP sector in China has flourished and attracted a significant amount of attention from the UN.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical industry insights :Rising Installed Capacity of SHP to Drive China MarketThe resources to develop SHP in China are massive. The installed SHP capacity in China is concentrated mostly in Guangdong and 20 other provinces and cities, which account for around 60% of the countrys capacity. During the 12th Five-Year Plan, China planned to add approximately 160GW of hydropower with around 40GW of pumped storage capacity. This is projected to drive the capacity and efficiency of hydropower in many areas of the country. By the end of 2015, around five SHP provinces with 3GW and five SHP provinces with 5GW capacity will be completed.This demonstrates the positive momentum of the small hydropower market in China. This, in turn, will drive the overall small hydropower market. The China small hydropower market benefits greatly from the favorable policies implemented by the Chinese government. The government in China promotes the small hydropower sector by providing tax credits and incentives.Underutilization and Environmental Issues to Challenge China Small Hydropower MarketAlthough China will continue to register strong growth in small hydropower, it will be challenged by several issues. The China small hydropower market is facing two key issues: environmental impact of SHP and the underutilization of resources in the country. China has vast potential to develop in this sector.Complete Report with TOC :Presently, small stations in China are lagging far behind other developed nations. Italy is leading the small hydropower market in Europe due to its well-structured policies and large funding for market development. In North America, the small hydropower market is led by the U.S. and Canada due to their major SHP installations. The environmental impact of small hydropower stations in China such as soil erosion is also suppressing the development of this sector.To overcome these issues, China is focusing more on scientific planning and management to reduce the impact of SHP on the environment and boost its installed capacity of small hydropower stations.ContactTransparency Market Research90 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 Luxembourgs Ministry of Education Partners with Canadian Ed Tech Company, Vretta, to Transform Math Education Across the Country National and International MathemaTIC Partners www.mathematic.lu www.vretta.com The Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg signs a convention with its Toronto based education technology partner, Vretta, for the development of the personalized learning platform, MathemaTIC, for students in Grades 3 & 4 (Cycle 3) and Grades 7 & 8. This is in support of the Digital Letzebuerg strategy announced by Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in October 2014, under the leadership and guidance of Education Minister, Claude Meisch, the Director of SCRIPT, Luc Weis, and the Coordinator of the Project, Amina Afif.The collaboration also includes partners from the French Ministry of Education (DEPP), the University of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Centre for Educational Testing (LUCET), the Luxembourg Institute of Social-Economic Research (LISER), and Le Centre de gestion informatique de l'education (CGIE).During the 2015-2016 school year, MathemaTIC for Grades 5 & 6 (Cycle 4) was piloted in 41 schools in Luxembourg. The MathemaTIC team developed interactive learning and assessment modules aligned to the mathematical competencies outlined in the national curriculum document for Cycle 4, covering levels 8-10.MathemaTIC is a national digital transformational project of high importance and we are happy to see our teachers embrace this new personalized learning platform and use it effectively to support the learning of mathematics for students in class and at home. It is with passion that we look forward to supporting our teachers and partners for the generalization of MathemaTIC for Cycle 4 and the development and generalization of MathemaTIC for Cycle 3 and Grades 7 & 8 for all the schools in our country mentioned Education Minister Claude Meisch.I am thankful to the immense support that we received from our national and international content experts, teachers, technology partners, research and evaluation specialists, and all the others team members who collaborated with unwavering commitment to achieve the highest possible quality and innovation through the development of the interactive items and customization of the MathemaTIC platform for our students mentioned Amina Afif, Coordinator of the Project. She continued to say I also extend a warm welcome to our new team members on the development and customization project for Cycle 3 and Grades 7 & 8 students.The strong uptake of MathemaTIC, in the first year of its launch in Luxembourg, can be attributed to the proven innovative pedagogies that have been developed, the ease of use, and the on-demand availability of the platform. MathemaTIC also has the advantage of offering students the ability to dynamically switch between four different languages, covering the entire student population. They can choose to learn in German, French, Portuguese, or English, interchangeably.The majority of students in the Cycle 4 pilot reported that they used the platform in German (96%) with smaller percentages indicating that they also use MathemaTIC in French (33%), Portuguese (18%) and English (10%).The result of the pilot for Cycle 4 students has strengthened the need to not only provide students with interactive diagnostic and summative assessments but also engage them through the learning process throughout the school year. This is based on technology simulations of real-world scenarios to connect abstract math concepts to practical applications, demystifying the subject.MathemaTIC is the result of pedagogical research conducted by international subject matter experts over many years of validating assessment items. It is also the culmination of almost seven years of educational technology research by Vretta in building and validating interactive Assessment for Learning technologies at schools and post-secondary institutions around the world mentioned Anand Karat, President of Vretta Inc. He added internationally, numerous educators have shown keen interest in providing MathemaTIC to their students and we are collaborating with MENJE make MathemaTIC available in countries across Europe.To learn more and participate in the MathemaTIC project visitor send an email to info@mathematic.lu.ABOUT VRETTAVretta is a global education technology company that is transforming the way students engage with mathematics. Vrettas team of learning and assessment specialists design and develop award-winning interactive math resources that are re-defining what really matters for students in the 21st century, making sure that every student acquires meaningful quantitative skills that will serve them in their lives and professions. Vrettas vision is a world where everyone enjoys mathematics and they are achieving this by pushing the boundaries of education technology to inspire and empower every learner in the world. To learn more about Vretta, visitGiang LeExecutive AssistantB01-208 Adelaide Street WestToronto, ON M5H1W7416-888-2011 Rise in Orthopedic Injuries and Demand for Cosmetic Surgeries Accelerated Asia Pacific Market for Platelet Rich Plasma | Researchmoz.us http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=582313 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=582313 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Platelet Rich Plasma Market - Asia Pacific Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific considering various macro as well as microeconomic factors such as regulations, applications of platelet rich plasma, and advantages and disadvantages of type of platelet rich plasma, and cost. The report studies the platelet rich plasma market from four perspectives: type of platelet rich plasma, origin of platelet rich plasma, application of platelet rich plasma, and country wise market.Based on the type of platelet rich plasma, the market in Asia Pacific has been segmented into pure platelet rich plasma, leucocytes and platelet rich plasma, and platelet rich fibrin. Based on origin, the market has been segmented into autologous platelet rich plasma, allogeneic platelet rich plasma, and homologous platelet rich plasma. In terms of the application of platelet rich plasma, the market has been segmented into orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, general surgery, neurosurgery, and other surgeries. In terms of country, the market has been studied for eleven major geographies: Australia, the Philippines, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Additionally, each segment of the platelet rich plasma market has been further subdivided into national markets.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The market size for each of the segments and sub-segments mentioned above is provided in US$ Mn considering 2013 and 2014 as base years and forecast from 2015 to 2023. The forecast model considers various factors such as number of surgeries, health care expenditure of the country, advantages of the individual segment, penetration of platelet rich plasma therapy in the country, the cost of platelet rich plasma in various countries, and government regulations. The research methodology is a blend of primary as well as secondary market research, where market estimates based on desk research are further refined considering inputs from expert interviews.This report on the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific also provides qualitative information on major players in the market. It also includes details on current regulatory policies for platelet rich plasma and devices. Major factors driving and restraining the platelet rich plasma market are also discussed in the report, while opportunities from the future perspective are also mentioned. Furthermore, the platelet rich plasma market report provides value chain analysis for comprehensive analysis. Porters Five Forces Analysis will provide the idea of bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants in platelet rich plasma market, threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry in platelet rich plasma market. Additionally, market share analysis of the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific provides detailed information on current competitive landscape of the market. Market attractiveness analysis provides information on most attractive countries for platelet rich plasma.Finally, the report profiles major players in the platelet rich plasma market in Asia Pacific including Harvest Technology, Arthrex, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, AdiStem Ltd., Cesca Therapeutics, Inc., Exactech, Inc., and Rmedica Co. Ltd. Each of the companies is profiled for parameters such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. The report on the platelet rich plasma market estimation and forecast comprises 128 slides and 68 graphs.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products expected to reach US$ 22.3 Mn in 2023 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=667909 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=667909 http://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products (Polymerase chain reaction, Non-amplified tests, and Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology; Hospitals, Public health laboratories, and Others) - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015 - 2023" to its huge collection of research reports.Nucleic acid tests are used for rapid and accurate identification of microbes. This report on molecular diagnostic market for group A streptococcus (GAS) nucleic acid (NA) test products in Europe analyses the current and future prospects of the market. The report comprises an elaborate executive summary, including a market snapshot that provides overall information of various segments and sub-segments. This section also provides the overall information and data analysis of the nucleic acid test products market in Europe with respect to the leading market segments based on type of test techniques, end-user, and geography.The market overview section of the report includes qualitative analysis of the nucleic acid test product market in Europe including the factors determining the market dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities, along with Porters Five Forces Analysis. In addition, various analyses such as market attractiveness analysis by geography and competitive landscape by key players have been provided. The market attractiveness analysis explains the intensity of competition in the market in different geographies. The competitive scenario between market players is evaluated through market share analysis. These factors would help the market players to take strategic decisions in order to strengthen their positions and expand their shares in the European market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been segmented based on type of test technique, end-user, and geography. Based on type of test technique, the nucleic acid test market has been categorized into three major segments: polymerase chain reaction, non-amplified tests, and isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology. Based on end-user, the nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been segmented into five types: Hospitals, public health laboratories, and others. Market revenue in terms of US$ Mn for the period between 2013 and 2023 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2015 to 2023 is provided for all the segments, considering 2014 as the base year.Geographically, the nucleic acid test product market in Europe has been categorized into five regions: Western Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Rest of Europe. Western Europe comprises France, Germany, Austria, and Rest of Western Europe. Northern Europe includes Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the U.K. and Northern Ireland, and Rest of Central Europe. Southern Europe comprises Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Rest of Southern Europe. Eastern Europe comprises Poland, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russian Federation, and Rest of Eastern Europe. The recommendations section included in the report would assist existing players to expand their market share and new companies to establish their presence in the market. The report also profiles major players in the nucleic acid test product market in Europe based on various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, product portfolio, and recent developments. Major players profiled in this report include Alere, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Hologic, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Nanosphere, Inc., and Quidel Corporation.The molecular diagnostic market for group A streptococcus (GAS) nucleic acid (NA) tests in Europe has been segmented as follows:European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS)- Nucleic Acid (NA) Tests Products, by Type of Technique- Isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology (iNAT)- Polymerase chain reaction- Non-amplified TestsEuropean Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products, by End-user- Hospitals- Public Health Laboratories- Others (referenced and clinical laboratories)European Molecular Diagnostic Market for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Nucleic Acid (NA) Test Products, by Geography- Northern Europe- Ireland- Norway- Sweden- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland- Eastern Europe- Eastern Europe- Ukraine- Poland- Czech Republic- Russian Federation- Rest of Eastern Europe- Western Europe- France- Germany- Austria- Rest of Western Europe- Southern Europe- Italy- Spain- Portugal- Rest of Southern Europe- Rest of Europe (including Scandinavia, Mediterranean Europe, and Azerbaijan)Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @ Research Details Developments in Global Flow Battery Industry 2016 Market Research Report Market Research Reports http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=868838&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-flow-battery-sales-market-report-2016.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/reports.htm Notes:Sales, means the sales volume of Flow BatteryRevenue, means the sales value of Flow BatteryThis report studies sales (consumption) of Flow Battery in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe, Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringEnerVaultImergyPrimus PowerPrudent EnergyAquion EnergyEnSync Energy SystemsRedflowSumitomo ElectricUniEnergy TechnologiesTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Flow Battery in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IIType IIISplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Flow Battery in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Flow Battery Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Flow Battery1.2 Classification of Flow Battery1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Flow Battery1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Flow Battery Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Flow Battery (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Flow Battery Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Flow Battery Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Flow Battery Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Flow Battery Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Flow Battery Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Flow Battery Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Flow Battery (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Flow Battery Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Flow Battery Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Flow Battery (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Flow Battery Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Flow Battery Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Flow Battery (Volume) by Application3 United States Flow Battery (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Flow Battery Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Flow Battery Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Flow Battery Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Flow Battery Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Flow Battery Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Flow Battery Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Flow Battery Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @QYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States Matrix to exhibit its state-of-the-art Telecom and Security products at 10th edition of VCCI EXPO 2016, Vadodara Matrix, a leading manufacturer of enterprise grade Telecom and Security solutions, is participating in the 10th edition of VIBRANT VCCI EXPO 2016, Vadodara. VCCI is a major technology event in India, bringing IT professionals, System Integrators and Business prospects on a common platform. The event will focus on new-age technologies and merging business solutions that enrich the lives of a billion people. Matrix, being a consistent exhibitor at Convergence India for the last two years, is all set to repeat its success story.Matrix, with a strong history of delivering cutting-edge products and innovative solutions in the IP telephony market, will showcase its complete range of Business Phone Systems, VOIP and GSM Gateways, Converged Voice and Data products, Access Control and Time-Attendance solutions along with IP Video Surveillance solutions.During the event, Matrix will also showcase its latest Unified Communication Solution encompassing SARVAM UCS and VARTA WIN200. SARVAM UCS is a Unified Communication Solution engineered on four pillars of Collaboration, Communication, Messaging and Mobility to enhance customer convenience and business productivity. With its intuitive interface and built-in real-time features of Video Calling, Email Integration, Presence Sharing and BLF Keys, Matrix SARVAM UCS empowers professionals to connect with each other effectively and efficiently. It is designed to overcome geographical, communication device, and user-accessibility barriers with a single platform solution.Matrix will demonstrate its range of biometric Time-Attendance, Access Control solution and its advance applications. Furthermore, Matrix will launch COSEC DOOR FMX as a high performance door controller with Multispectral sensor. The device is powerful enough to take fingerprint of dry, wet, elderly, oily hands. Matrix will present its standalone Access Control solution where one can connect up to 255 devices and 25,000 users, without a server.Matrix will exhibit its entire portfolio of Video Surveillance solutions, which includes the Enterprise Video Management Software along with Video Recorders and IP Cameras. This VMS offers a highly scalable solution by providing centralized management and monitoring of up to 1 Lakh cameras spread across various locations. Its intelligent features like Missing Object, Perimeter Security, Face Detection and Instant Notifications like SMS, E-mail with Snapshots, Alarms and Buzzers ensure real-time preventive security of guests and assets. Its not just limited to security, smart features like Crowd Management and Parking Management boosts productivity and ensures customer retention by enabling you to provide best services at all times. In addition to this, it can be integrated to all third-party systems like Fire Alarm, Access Control, Billing Software and many more to facilitate synchronous working of different systems.VIBRANT VCCI VADODARA16 is a great platform to showcase our industry leading Telecom and Security solutions. We look forward to meeting new customers as well as system integrators to let them know how our innovative products can help them improve their experience on communication as well as security solutions, said Sagar Gosalia, Vice President - Marketing and Sales.Matrix cordially invites you to visit us at stand number C2, Hall Number: 11, VCCI, at Navlakhi Palace Ground, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Raj Mehal Road, Anandpura, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001 from 1st - 5th December, 2016 and have a glimpse at our perfectly tailored Telecom and Security solutions.Established in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization; Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance solutions, Access Control, Time-Attendance, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Terminals, Convergence solution, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global foot-prints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.Matrix Comsec394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara The Global Antibacterial Glass Market to Grow at 6.3% CAGR between 2012 and 2018 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1430 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/antibacterial-glass-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ http://globalresearchanalysis.blogspot.in/ A recent study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts that the global antibacterial glass market will grow at a CAGR of 6.3% between the years 2012 to 2018. TMR, a market intelligence firm based in the United States, in its report says that the antibacterial glass market which was valued at US$120 million will report a market value worth US$183.3 million by 2018. The report is titled Antibacterial Glass Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018.This market research report states that the global antibacterial glass market is primarily driven by rising demand for health-improving equipment and devices, and technological developments. Antibacterial glass refers to glass that is characterized by fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Antibacterial glass is manufactured in a way that ensures the elimination of bacteria deposition on its surface, and also prevents the growth of fungi. Coating and Infusion are the two main processes that are used for manufacturing antibacterial glass. Silver is the most commonly used material in antibacterial glass, however other active ingredients like zinc and copper can also be used for producing the same. Antibacterial glass is generally used in highly sterile environments like in hotels, hospitals, bathrooms, and others.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :According to the TMR report, the global antibacterial glass market is segmented on the basis of the active ingredients used, application, and geography. Based on active ingredients, the antibacterial glass market is segmented into silver, zinc, titanium, and copper amongst others. The various application segments in this market are household, hospitals, military, food and beverages, and others. The healthcare sector is by far the most profitable end-user in the overall antibacterial glass market. The global antibacterial glass market also comprises antibacterial infused glass and antibacterial/antimicrobial coated glass. Glass that is coated with antimicrobial substances like titanium, zinc, and copper for ensuring antibacterial properties is known as antibacterial/antimicrobial coated glass. Whereas, glass, that is infused with antibacterial component like silver for creating a germ free environment is known as antibacterial infused glass.Geographically, the global antibacterial glass market is classified into North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. The global antibacterial glass market is led by Europe. It is also expected that this region will dominate the global antibacterial glass market in the forthcoming years as well, owing to widespread acceptance of antibacterial glass along with the presence of prominent companies like AGC Glass Europe in this region. Between the years 2012 and 2018, the European antibacterial glass market will grow at 7% CAGR, which is higher than the overall average CAGR of 6.3%. In the application segment, highest market share is held by hospitals. In the active ingredients segment, silver has the highest share in the overall antibacterial glass market. Most of the key players in the market are not engaged in the manufacturing process, instead they have distribution networks.Browse the full Antibacterial Glass Market (Silver and Others) for Hospitals, Food and Beverage, Military and Other Applications - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018 report atThe prominent players operating in the global antibacterial glass market are Glas Trosch Holding AG, VBT Glass, Saint-Gobain SA, Nippon Sheet Glass Company Limited, Ishizuka Glass Company Limited, Essex Safety Glass Ltd., BUFA Glas GmbH & Co. KG, Beijing JiYan-Tech Co. Ltd, and AGC Glass Europe.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit : Examine the Global Human Factor IX Industry by its Key Coagulation Factors, Factor IX Structure, Sacramento & Body Deficiency : 2016 Market Study http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=734597&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-human-factor-ix-industry-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com/press-releases.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Enterprises around the world often face several procedural difficulties in conducting in-depth market research, due to the lack of dedicated resources for the purpose and the availability of large amounts of data that cant be segmented and analyzed without expert intervention. This report tackles this crucial problem by offering detailed analysis of all aspects of the global Human Factor IX market. The report points out and analyzes the key factors influencing the growth of the Human Factor IX market both positively and negatively and analyzes the current valuation as well as the expected valuation of the market in the near future.The report collates data related to the development of the global Human Factor IX market through primary and secondary research. Case studies included in the study make the report a must-have information-rich guidebook for established as well as new entrants in the market. The profiles of key players in the market have been included in the report as well.The global Human Factor IX market has been studied on the basis of multiple relevant criteria in the report, giving a granular view of the market. The demand patterns for each of the product types have been analyzed and the historical growth and projected growth trajectory of each of the service segments have been studied in the report.Get a PDF of Sample Copy of this Report @The supply chain of the global Human Factor IX industry has been examined in the report, with analysis of crucial upstream and downstream components. The existing demand and supply trends in the market and recent developments regarding the same have also been mentioned in order to offer a complete overview of the market.The report provides detailed information about the key Human Factor IX market players, including their product catalog, revenue channels, and recent developments. By analyzing the competitive landscape of the global Human Factor IX market, the report will help readers formulate well-informed and astute market strategies.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the Human Factor IX industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the Human Factor IX market.Check out Full Report with its TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Human Factor IX1.1 Definition and Specifications of Human Factor IX1.1.1 Definition of Human Factor IX1.1.2 Specifications of Human Factor IX1.2 Classification of Human Factor IX1.3 Applications of Human Factor IX1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Human Factor IX1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Human Factor IX1.5.1 Industry Overview of Human Factor IX1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Human Factor IX1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Human Factor IX1.7 Industry News Analysis of Human Factor IX2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Human Factor IX2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Human Factor IX2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Human Factor IX2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Human Factor IX2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Human Factor IX2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Human Factor IX2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Human Factor IX3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Human Factor IX3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Human Factor IX Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Human Factor IX Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Human Factor IX Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Human Factor IX Major Manufacturers in 2015Browse through Latest Market Reports @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.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Powertrain Market - Worldwide Manufacturing Examination, Scope, Share, Evolution, Trends & Estimate 2020 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4270 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/global-powertrain-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Powertrain consists of all the main components of an automobile engine where the combustion of fuel takes place. These components include engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and final drive. Powertrain can also be defined as the sum total of all the components which is required for the vehicle to convert stored energy into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy which is produced by the powertrain enables the vehicle to move.Technologically upgraded advanced powertrain system which enables better fuel efficiency and stringent government norms for automobile are some of the factors which is driving the automotive powertrain market. Powertrain manufacturing companies are investing heavily in research and development activities to innovate more advanced powertrain systems. Companies are trying to decrease the size of engine and powertrain which are environment friendly without compromising on the performance of the vehicle. Due to reduction in the size of the vehicle the fuel efficiency of the vehicles are increasing. Now end users can run more miles by consuming the same amount of fuel. Thus encouraging the end users to upgrade their vehicles to ones with latest technology powertrain systems, thus creating more demand for automotive powertrain.Get More Information:Growing environmental awareness among consumers has led to the growth in demand in the powertrain market witnessing a trend towards eco-friendly and noiseless powertrains, with the automotive industry likely to expand substantially in the near future, there is an urgent need to create green powertrain technologies to reduce environmental pollution from vehicles. Additionally, companies are also keen on developing noise-free vehicles, which includes the production of more-efficient and noiseless powertrain systems.The powertrain market is capital-intensive and hence new entrants are required to make huge capital investments to enter the market. The market is consolidated with the presence of a few large and experienced players, which act as a huge barrier to new entrants. Established market players have gained reputation and possess large market shares in all the major countries across the world. Furthermore, these companies are also looking to capture untapped opportunities by expanding their global reach. Thus, the saturation in the global powertrain market and the stable presence and dominance of key players such as Magna Powertrain Ltd, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automobile LLP, Ford Motor Company, and BorgWarner, Inc. have led to low threat from new entrants. The threat from new entrants is expected to remain low during the forecast period.The powertrain market is recognized for its performance and brand value. The market is consolidated by major players such as Stackpole International, Magna Powertrain Ltd, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive LLP, and BorgWarner, Inc., accounting for over 50% of the overall market share.Furthermore, key players are focusing on upgrading their powertrain technology, reducing emissions, and providing better power to wheels. The competitive rivalry is expected to be unaffected by the entry of emergent players, as the major players have already acquired the majority of market shares and gained brand reputation. However, established players would have to look out for technological up gradation that might increase the competition in the market. Thus, the degree of competition is expected to remain high throughout the forecast period.Browse The Report:The global powertrain market by geography has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World region. Europe dominated the global powertrain market, followed by Asia Pacific and North America as on 2013. Asia Pacific is the most attractive region in the global powertrain market, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period from 2013 to 2020.This region comprises of a vast array of markets. Japan dominates the luxury car segment, while India is a potential market in the small car, compact sedans and SUVs market and is developing gradually. The emerging business class in India and China along with the green revolution is expected to drive the powertrain market further.Some of the major players in the global powertrain market are General Motors Company (GM) (U.S.), Denso Corporation (Japan), Magma International Inc. (Canada), Valeo (France), Ford Motor Company (U.S.), Delphi Automotive PLC (U.S.), BorgWarener Automotive Powertrain Systems Corp (U.S.), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), Hyundai Motor Company (South Korea), Continental AG (Germany).This report provides strategic analysis of the global powertrain market and the growth forecast for the period 2013 to 2020. The report covers competitive analysis of various market segments based on components and types of vehicles and an in-depth cross sectional analysis of the automated fare collection market across different geographic segments.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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Spotlight on Hong Kongs Fire Doors www.sgs.com/hardlines Following several fire-related incidents in Hong Kong, the effectiveness of fire-resistant doors has come under greater scrutiny. Fire doors are one of the key defences against the spreading of fire and smoke and must comply with the necessary standards.Body text:Hong Kong's Fire Services Department (FSD) stipulates that the construction and materials used for fire prevention must be tested in accordance with BS 476 and certified as being capable of resisting the action of fire for a specific period of time.Fire doors are used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure and to enable safe egress from a building or structure. They must be capable of resisting the spread of fire and smoke for a prescribed amount of time the Fire Resistance Period (FRP).During testing, fire doors are assessed purely on their integrity, with the load-bearing capacity and insulation criteria being non-applicable unless otherwise specified. Both sides of the door should be tested, except in the case of life doors, when only the landing side need be tested.Certified SGSSGS is certified to conduct testing services against requirements laid out by FSD. In addition, SGS has the capability to test fire doors against other international standards, including EN 1634 (EU), GB/T 12955 (China), ASTM E119 (USA) and ISO 3008.For more information,Ruth RoySugarloaf MarketingT: +44 (0)1892 711240Website:About SGSSGS is the worlds leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.1, Mons CalpeChitcombe RoadBroad OakRyeEast SussexTN31 6EU Linear Resistors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN# 1-89-3211-38-X (LR2016) Linear Resistors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN# 1-89-3211-38-X (LR2016) www.paumanokgroup.com http://www.paumanokgroup.com/homepage/linear-resistors-world-markets-technologies-opportunities-2016-2021-isbn-1-89-3211-38-x-lr2016.html This market study from Paumanok Publications, Inc. is a detailed global market analysis for linear resistors and their respective sub-categories. The market study includes a deep dive analysis on the global market for chip resistors, multichip resistor arrays, SIP and DIP resistor networks; wirewound resistors, nichrome resistors, tin-oxide resistors, carbon film resistors, and bulk metal foil resistors. The study begins with a technology overview that describes each of the resistor types; and then focuses on global markets, including a current market assessment; a historical analysis and a long term forecast from FY 2016 to FY 2021. The study looks closely at the financial reporting of key vendors in the global resistor trade to support its conclusions regarding the value and volume of demand and global pricing trends and directions. The study also publishes lead-time trends for all the major resistor products and their sub-categories, and breaks down the global value and volume of demand linear resistors by type and sub-category from a historical, current and future market outlook perspective. The study addresses global markets for linear resistors by end-use market segment and breaks down demand into commercial, professional, value-added and application specific end-use market categories, with key assessments of key end products for surface mount and through-hole resistors. The study also shows the global value of consumption for linear resistors by world region and key country within region. A detailed competitive analysis is also given, as is global market share data for linear resistors by world region. Global market forecasts are given in terms of value, volume and pricing for each resistor product by type and sub-category for each year to 2021. ISBN# 1-89-3211-38-X (LR2016); Published September 1, 2016; 245 Pages and 54 Charts & Graphs; $2,750.00 USD.Author of more than 260 market research reports on the worldwide electronic components industry. Specializing in capacitors, resistors, inductors and circuit protection component markets, technologies & opportunities since 1988. Also global experts and speakers on electronic materials including tantalum, ceramics, aluminum, plastics; palladium, ruthenium, nickel, copper, barium, titanium, activated carbon, conductive polymers and many more. Produces off-the-shelf market research reports, single client consulting, on-site presentations, due diligence for mergers & acquisitions; and majority owner of Passive Component Industry Magazine.Paumanok Publications, Inc.Industrial Market Research502 Ballade Creek CourtCary, NC 27519 USA(919) 468-0384info@paumanokgroup.com Calcium Chloride Market to Cross US$ 1100 Million by 2022 Calcium Chloride Market http://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/calcium-chloride-market-report http://www.marketresearchengine.com/reportdetails/calcium-chloride-market-report http://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, November 16: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Calcium Chloride Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2022How Big is the Calcium Chloride Market?The calcium chloride market is expected to exceed more than US$ 1100 million by 2022; Growing at a CAGR of more than 4% in the given forecast period.Download Free Sample Report:Calcium chloride is one of the main stand chemicals present in market. It contains many properties which useful in many applications and it is used in many industries includes pharmaceutical, construction and food. Calcium chloride occurs as an unusual mineral which is manufactured by using many basic raw materials includes hydrochloric acid and limestone. It is formed as a byproduct of the lime stone hydrochloric process as well as solvay process. The useful of calcium chloride to reduce the temperature of water has led high demand in colder regions. Its used as a de-icing salt to get rid of snow and ice from roadways and sidewalks, therefore preventing accidents. Calcium chloride is additionally wont to increase the potency and production of recent oil and gas wells. Thus, demand for Calcium chloride is high within the oil and gas business.The major driving factors of calcium chloride market are as follows:Increasing requirement for food preservatives to increase demand for calcium chloride.Increasing demand for deicing salt supplements calcium chloride market.The restraining factors of calcium chloride market are as follows:Potential side effects of calcium chloride and regulations could slow down market growth.The calcium chloride market is segmented on the lines of its application and regional. Based on application segmentation the calcium chloride market covers construction, oil and gas, de icing and dust control and others such as food, medicine, etc. The calcium chloride markets geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.Browse Full Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for calcium chloride and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for calcium chloride.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for Calcium chloride Market for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include BJ Services Company, Occidental Chemical Corporation (OxyChem), Qingdao Huadong Calcium Producing Co. Ltd., Solvay, Tangshan Sanyou Group, TETRA Chemicals (Tetra Technologies, Inc.), Tiger Calcium Services Inc., Ward Chemical, Weifang Haibin Chemical Co. Ltd., Weifang Taize Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., and Zirax Group. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Calcium Chloride Market has been segmented as below:By Application AnalysisConstructionOil and gasDe-icing and dust controlOthers (food, medicine, etc)By Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all calcium chloride.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of calcium chloride data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States Anti-Aging Market to Cross US$ 216 Billion by 2021 Anti-Aging Market http://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/anti-aging-market-report http://www.marketresearchengine.com/requestsample/anti-aging-market-report http://www.marketresearchengine.com/ New York, November 16: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Anti-aging Market (Breast augmentation, Liposuction, Anti-wrinkle products and Hair Restoration Treatment) - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2016 - 2021How Big is the Global Anti Aging Market?The global anti aging market is expected to exceed more than US$ 216 Billion by 2021; Growing at a CAGR of about 8% in the given forecast period.Download Free Sample Report:Anti-aging market is growing because the trendy technologies have initiated the involvement of novel anti-aging treatments and product. Anti-aging market is divided into product, services and devices. Anti-aging product market compared to services was ascertained to be resilient to economic cycles as a result of it had been ascertained that in a monetary worsening customers shifted to value economical mass marketed product that prevented any major declination in product market.The major driving factors of anti aging market are as follows:Increasing aging population globallyStrict rules have led to beginning of secure and efficient anti aging service and product in the marketThe restraining factors of anti aging market are as follows:Stringent regulatory environmentThe anti aging market is segmented on the lines of its age geographic, product, services, devices and regional. Based on age geographic segmentation it covers baby boomer, generation X and generation Y. Under product segmentation it covers anti stretch mark products, anti wrinkle products, botox and others. The anti aging market is segmented on the lines of its services into hair restoration treatment, chemical peel, liposuction, breast augmentation, anti adult acne therapy, anti pigmentation therapy and others. Under devices segmentation it covers anti aging radio frequency devices, anti cellulite treatment, laser aesthetics and micro dermabrasion. The anti aging market covers various geographic segmentation regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for anti aging and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2021.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for anti aging.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.Browse Full Report:REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for Anti-aging market variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include LOreal, SA, Allergan Inc., Cynosure Inc., Solta Medical Inc., Alma Lasers Ltd, Beiersdorf AG, Personal Microderm, Coty Inc., Photomedex Inc., and Lumenis Ltd, among others. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Anti Aging Market has been segmented as below:By Age Geographic segment AnalysisBaby boomerGeneration XGeneration YBy Product Segment AnalysisAnti stretch mark productsAnti wrinkle productsBotoxOthersBy Services Segment AnalysisHair restoration treatmentChemical peelLiposuctionBreast augmentationAnti adult acne therapyAnti pigmentation therapyOthersBy Devices Segment AnalysisAnti aging radio frequency devicesAnti cellulite treatmentLaser aestheticsMicrodermabrasionBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all anti aging.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of anti aging data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States Hermes-Sojitz investment fund closes $340 million deal In the second quarter 2016 international direct investments fund Hermes-Sojitz closed the deal for selling 60.3 % of shares in Sinopac company carrying out exploration and mining of rare earth metals in Africa. Share purchaser is unknown. Deal value is equal to USD 340 million.Exploration and mining of rare earth metals are one of the most promising and profitable industry sector. Rare earth metals are represented by 17 elements of the periodic (Mendeleev) table. These metals are widely used in manufacturing high tech and bulk products, including mobile phones, flat TVs and microwave ovens. Demand for rare earth metals increases by 10-15 % per year.Naoki Matsumura, Chairman of Board of Directors of Hermes-Sojitz Asia-European investment fund says,More than half of world reserves of carbonatite rocks of magmatic origin are located in Africa. These rocks are regarded as the best raw material for mining of rare earth metals. That is why Africa is head and shoulders above the rest in mining rare earths from carbonatite rocks.We would like to remind that Hermes-Sojitz has already been implementing projects in Africa for several years. The funds invests in exploration and mining of mineral deposits, food industry and development. The fund has opened several fish-canning factories. Moreover, special attention is paid to hotel industry development. Hermes-Sojitz representatives believe that closing the latest highly profitable deal shall help the fund to enhance its influence in Africa and relations between the fund and local missions.Direct Investments Fund HERMES-SOJITZ is an alliance of Asian and European shareholders. HERMES-SOJITZ positively evaluates present and future perspectives of African continent and chooses its rich in natural resources central and western parts as their main investment pattern.HERMES-SOJITSSouth Tower, World Finance CenterHarbour CityPRESS CONTACTmedia@hermes-sojitz.com coal3.JPG In this file photo from 2008, coal mined in Wyoming is piled at the power generating station in Boardman operated by Portland General Electric, which agreed to close the plant by 2020. The utility is exploring options now to replace that power. (Brent Wojahn/Staff) Under pressure from environmental and renewable power advocates, Portland General Electric filed a resource plan with state regulators Tuesday that tries to do the improbable: explain how it will replace the output of its coal-fired power plant in Boardman when it shuts down in 2020 without leaning too heavily on natural gas. It's a tough needle to thread. Boardman is one of PGE's backbone resources, a behemoth that dependably cranks out enough electricity to power 600,000 homes -- whether the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. But in a state that just doubled its renewable energy requirements for utilities and has aggressive goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, PGE's resource strategy has become a closely watched and controversial test case. PGE and PacifiCorp are both required to file updated integrated resource plans every two years. The utilities analyze long-term demand and resource needs, and adopt a short-term action plan to meet those obligations, ostensibly at the lowest cost and least risk for ratepayers. After hashing out the specifics with regulators and other stakeholders, regulators typically "acknowledge" the plan, giving the utilities some assurance that they will be able to recover expenses in later rate cases. PGE analyzed 20 portfolios of future resource mixes before settling on the preferred path it submitted Tuesday, which it calls "Efficient Capacity 2021." Predictably, the plan calls for new investments in energy efficiency and demand response, which involves incentivizing customers to reduce or shift their energy use during peak periods of demand. It also included 500 megawatts of new renewable resources -- most of it likely to be wind -- in order to keep PGE on a compliance path with the state's newly expanded renewable energy requirements. The utility needs to increase the renewables share of its resource mix from about 15 percent today to 27 percent in 2025 and 50 percent in 2040. And it hopes to acquire the next increment soon in order to take advantage of federal tax credits that expire in 2019. But the big question remains: How will the utility replace the 600-megawatt Boardman plant, as well as expiring long-term hydroelectric contracts? In total, it's an 820-megawatt hole to fill. PGE executives have been straightforward with shareholders. They think one very attractive option would be to build or buy the output of another natural gas plant -- or potentially two -- alongside the one it just finished building at the Boardman site. But they have been more circumspect in public, and recently suspended initial permitting efforts for those plants after a loud protest. PGE's resource plan calls for it to acquire 850 megawatts of "capacity resources." It doesn't specify what those are, but says they would need to be flexible resources that can be ramped up and down quickly as needed. That generally means natural gas-fired turbines, though the company may also be able to secure some hydroelectric contracts to fill some of that bucket. Environmental and renewable energy advocates have been pushing PGE to avoid making big new investments in natural gas plants. Those plants look cheap now, with natural gas prices at historical lows. But gas prices have typically been volatile, and gas plants still emit about half the carbon dioxide as coal, they say. There are other complicating factors: The energy market in the West is in a state of flux. There's a push underway for a transmission and energy trading market that spans the West. There's an emerging solar energy surplus in California that may leave that state exporting cheap power to the northwest. And there's likely to be lots of excess homegrown energy sloshing around the regional grid as the buildout of renewable energy continues and the Bonneville Power Administration sees sales of excess hydropower drying up in California. "It's a very dynamic environment where you have things changing so quickly, and no one knows what the future is going to look like," said Wendy Gerlitz of the NW Energy Coalition, which promotes renewable energy and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. "PGE is on the cusp of what all utilities are going to be grappling with." Amy Hojnowski, a senior campaign representative with the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign, said environmental groups are going to push PGE and regulators to look more closely at some of the other resource portfolios that PGE modeled, including one that relied more on wind power and scored nearly as well as the one the utility chose. "We have a lot to dig into and learn," she said. "But on the face of it, it looks like we have two starkly different choices in front of us ... The days are long gone when climate science supported natural gas as a bridge fuel." Bob Jenks, executive director of the ratepayer advocacy group, the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, said that instead of committing to new gas plants that will run for 30 years, he's interested in seeing PGE pursue five- to seven-year hydroelectric contracts. That would buy the utility time to see how some of the changes taking place in western energy markets shake out. PGE holds it first meeting Wednesday with various stakeholders to review the plan. "They're going to get a big response," Jenks said. - Ted Sickinger tsickinger@oregonian.com 503-221-8505; tsickinger@oregonian.com The disturbing idea for a senior prank lingered for weeks without remark on a student-run Facebook page this year. It took one of Lake Oswego High school's few black students and the school paper, which she co-edits, to decry the suggestion that seniors "create a club called Ku-Klux-Klub and find every black kid and sacrifice them." The paper put the incident on its front page on Election Day. It also ran a timeline outlining past intolerance and an editorial that read, "It's Time to Stop Lying About Our Racism." The controversy led to a letter from the school's principal worrying "students witness this kind of crudeness, this type of violence, in its many forms, more often than we think they do." Oregon schools, long struggling with racial tensions, are wrestling with a painful debate that's wracked much of the country since the rise of Donald Trump and campaign rhetoric that's targeted women and ethnic groups, including Latinos and Muslims. Students and school officials say they've seen an accompanying rise in bullying and racial intolerance. And since Trump's election, they've been scrambling to issue calls for calm and unity while plotting how they'll cope with what could be a tumultuous few months. Around the nation, some schools appear to have reached a "boiling point," according to The Southern Poverty Law Center, a group that fights hate crimes. As of Friday, the group had 201 reports of "election-related harassment and intimidation." The most common location was K-12 schools. "We have seen a number of incidents of hate speech over the last several months, and it has risen significantly since last Wednesday," Portland Public Schools' interim superintendent, Bob McKean, said in an email to parents Tuesday. While some schools have seen little change, others are confronting the issue more directly. Students in Portland Public Schools have walked out and held sit-ins. Students at Sprague High School in Salem held a demonstration. In, Silverton, two students at Silverton High School were suspended for threatening behavior at a pro-Trump rally. The day after Trump was elected, Lake Oswego principal Rollin Dickinson said the school had a palpable heaviness. Some students cried. "Even though my letter was not about the election in any way it certainly gives a framework for how to move forward," Dickinson said. "I think the unique challenge with this election is to make all students feel supported." History of conflict For some schools, Trump's victory wasn't the first time his rhetoric had roiled the student body. In May, hundreds of students walked out of Forest Grove High School after someone hung a banner that read "build a wall," a reference Trump's immigration plan to build a wall between the United States and Mexico. Forest Grove School District, in Washington County, has the highest percentage of Latino students in the Portland metro area. "What we learned last (school) year was we really needed to take the time to listen to students, for them to really feel that their voice is valued and heard," said Forest Grove Principal Karen O'Neil, noting students have been "absolutely" nervous since Trump's election. "We had done a ton of work with our staff on equity and diversity and respect. We had done years and years of work with our staff," she said. "But we had not done as much with kids." Earlier this year in Lake Oswego, the student paper reported that students chanted Trump at a classmate and told him to leave the country, "before Trump stones (him) to death." "What I'm grateful this election provided is a space to talk about the issues and show that they are more universal than we think they are," said Camryn Leland, 17, the paper's editor in chief and the student who reported the Facebook post about the senior prank. 'There can be no debate' On Monday, hundreds of Portland students from at least 10 schools defied the urging of school administrators and walked out of class and marched across the city to protest Trump's election. That was the first day many returned to school after a break for parent-teacher conferences and Veterans Day. But not all students hit the streets. Student leaders at several Portland high schools halted plans after violence during days of protests plunged Portland into the national spotlight. At North Portland's Jefferson High School, students held a sit-in. "The hate and divisiveness that has been brought forth by this election is not one we condone or support," read a statement by organizers, including the Jefferson High School's Black Student Union, Women's Empowerment Club, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance. "We are occupying the center of the school with both our words and bodies in order to draw attention not only to the election of Donald Trump," it said, "but to highlight the inequities that forced this election's outcome." At the same time, principals throughout the district wrote to families. They acknowledged concern that students might feel emboldened to target immigrants, Muslims and children of color. They also affirmed their commitment to the safety and equal treatment of all students. Roosevelt High School, in North Portland, held an assembly. In his letter to parents, Principal Filip Hristic said the assembly wasn't about "about who voted for whom." "Many of our students, families, and staff are gravely concerned about the racism, sexism, and xenophobia that have been broadcast across our nation over the last few months," Hristic wrote. Wilson High School principal Brian Chatard admitted the awkwardness of a principal speaking frankly about an election that may have divided families. He said his school had also seen "homophobia, sexism, racism and every other kind of bigotry and harassment that exists elsewhere in America." "When it comes to hate speech, discrimination and a stated agenda that is harmful to youth, there can be no debate, as these are issues that as a principal I cannot and will not accept or ignore," he wrote. 'Zero tolerance' Days after the election, Portland Public Schools emailed staff with a list of articles on how to manage conflict, think about diversity and talk to children about the election. Officials also pointed to counseling services for employees and students alike. And they encouraged staff members to, "Please think about how you can listen, show compassion, and create space for students and families." McKean's message to parents Tuesday said the district would have a "zero tolerance" approach to "any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment." "We know that families and students are feeling upset and unsafe and we must come together to create a caring and welcoming community for all students," he said. In Lake Oswego, where community members announced a "family-friendly" rally Friday to stand "against racism and hate," Leland said reaction to the school paper's front-page treatment of racial tension has been mixed. Many have praised the students for being courageous. Others said the criticism was unfair, a continuation of a reputation and ugly nickname the city bristles at: "Lake No-Negros." "It's not an attack on our community. The goal is to hold it accountable," Leland said. "If you want the name to drop from the city you need to work toward that." But people from outside the city are watching, too. "If it could happen to a high school where I know people, what's going to stop it from hitting a little closer to home?" said Ryan Joiner, a Lincoln High School student who's active in the school's Black Student Union and Sisters of Color club. "I felt very hurt. I felt scared. I felt very nervous." The Oregonian/OregonLive's Casey Parks contributed to this report. -- Bethany Barnes @betsbarnes Oregon Institute of Technology The Oregon Institute of Technology has a campus in Wilsonville. The main school campus is in Klamath Falls. (Andrew Theen/The Oregonian) (Andrew Theen/Staff) The Oregon Institute of Technology named Nagi Naganathan, long-time dean of the University of Toledo's engineering school, as its next president. OIT's Board of Trustees unanimously voted Wednesday to hire Naganathan. The 60-year-old dean will replace interim president Jay Kenton, who was appointed in July following Chris Maples' decision to leave the Klamath Falls-based school after eight years. Naganathan is the fifth new person to be named president of Oregon's seven public universities since April, 2015. Portland State University is also actively searching for a president to replace Wim Wiewel, who will retire next summer. In an interview, Naganathan said he's "greatly honored" to be named OIT's seventh president and excited to get started. Nagi Naganathan He arrives at the school after a period of dramatic growth. OIT consolidated its operations in the Portland-area into a Wilsonville campus and recently surpassed 5,000 students in enrollment. "Engaging with everyone to take the university to its next level of excellence is a venture I can't wait to begin," Naganathan said in a statement. Naganathan said he's spent the past 30 years of his life in Toledo. He's been dean of the engineering school since 2003, and briefly served as interim president of the university, which has 20,000 students. Lisa Graham, OIT's trustees chair, said in a statement that the new president has "ignited institutions and programs through his career" and will help OIT get to "its next level of innovation and service to students." Naganathan and his wife Kasturi, will move to Klamath Falls next year. They have one adult daughter. His salary will be $300,000 per year. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen PROTESTS.JPG A peace sign, one of many, seen in Monday's student protest in Portland. (Beth Nakamura/Staff) By Leonid Bershidsky The footage of the anti-Donald Trump marches and the belligerent Tweets criticizing the U.S. president-elect fill me with ambivalence. On the one hand, Trump's victory hardly makes me happy; then again, as someone who has seen, and taken part in, both successful and failed mass protests, I believe the liberal cause would be better served if the demonstrators stayed home. Street protest is a powerful force. Almost three years ago, I watched people gathered in the center of Kiev topple the government and force the president to flee. Five years ago, I participated in more peaceful protests in Moscow that gave Vladimir Putin a major scare and achieved some concessions such as the easing of party registration rules and the return of gubernatorial elections. In a far more stable political system, such as the U.S.'s, protests can also be effective. In a 2011 paper, Andreas Madestam and collaborators showed that in the regions where the weather was better during the initial April 2009 tea party rallies, the movement was subsequently stronger and elected representatives voted in a more conservative fashion. Even the seemingly failed Occupy Wall Street movement probably achieved some results: The recent minimum wage increases, including those approved by state referendums on Nov. 8, might not have been on the agenda without those protests. So the anti-Trump protests probably will achieve something, too. The question is, what exactly? The demonstrators' principal message is "Not My President." They chant, "We reject the President-elect" or carry signs that read "Deport Trump" and "No Hate, No Racism, No Trump." What these protesters are telling Trump is that they consider him a hateful bigot and that they voted for somebody else, most likely Hillary Clinton, a week ago. But Trump knows that. He followed the vote count, too. The protesters also are telling Trump that, whatever he does, they don't consider him their president. They reject him in advance. That's hardly a message designed to extract a constructive response. Trump has already said he's going to try to be a president for everyone -- but he knows many don't believe him. There's nothing he can do about that short of turning into someone else overnight. For protest to work to any extent, there has to be a clear link between specific action and the public reaction to it. If there's a mass outcry against suggested deportations, President Trump may decide it's not worth his while to go through with them. But what is he supposed to do with the information that a lot of people simply don't like him? Meanwhile, the world, whose security depends on U.S. stability, is getting the scary message that regardless of the outcome of U.S. elections, regardless of how free and fair they are, lots of people will go out and protest. That the rejection of a democratic outcome can be so vehement is worrying. I wouldn't have liked to see Trump supporters take to the streets had he lost. Interestingly, those whom many expected to riot had Trump lost understand today's protesters. "They are angry just like we were," Jesse Wilkes, a recruiter for the III Percent Patriots militia in Florida, told me. That's also what Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who supports the protests, is saying: "People are angry. People are upset. And they want to express their point of view that they are very frightened, in very, very strong disagreement with Mr. Trump, who has made bigotry the cornerstone of his campaign." Wouldn't it make more sense, however, to begin protesting when -- or, rather, if -- Trump actually proposes some action that smacks of bigotry? For example, if he actually attempts to make good on his promises to build a new border wall or to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. In Moscow and in Kiev, we protested after the fact. In 2011, Putin's party had stolen a parliamentary election. By 2013, the Ukrainian regime grew so corrupt and oppressive that Ukrainians saw no future. Could we have prevented these abuses of power if we'd protested when Putin and Viktor Yanukovych came to power? Possibly; but they had both just won fair elections. I don't believe any street protests would have toppled them, because they had majority support and were recognized by the whole world as legitimate leaders. If we'd fought them hard from the very start, before they had a chance to do anything wrong, they'd have had every reason to crack down, and most of our compatriots would have backed them. All Trump has done so far is elevate a few of people who helped him win. He's starting his presidency with a clean slate, if only because he has no idea how the system of checks and balances really works. That's what President Barack Obama is trying to tell Americans. At his first post-election press conference, Obama said: "Donald Trump will be the next president, the 45th president of the United States. And it will be up to him to set up a team that he thinks will serve him well and reflect his policies. And those who didn't vote for him have to recognize that that's how democracy works. That's how this system operates." Trump, a political novice, will need a lot of prompting when he's president -- from his team and ordinary voters alike. But for the prompting to work, the message needs to be actionable and geared toward a specific goal. I just hope he's still listening when the messages are more to the point. (c) 2016, Bloomberg View Leonid Bershidsky, a Bloomberg View contributor, is a Berlin-based writer. By George Will WASHINGTON -- Seventeen days before President Donald Trump, his spoken oath of office still lingering in the wintry air, lifts his left hand from Scripture (a leather-bound edition of "The Art of the Deal"), the Republican-controlled Congress will begin working. Fittingly, on Jan. 3 the First Branch of government will go first, flexing its somewhat atrophied Article I muscles. When Trump reaches his desk on the morning of Jan. 21, he should find there two congressional measures emblematic of how quickly elections can have consequences. One should be the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS). The other should be legislation mandating construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. As president, Trump will have the authority and intent to proceed with construction, but Congress should make the point that this concerns national policy, which Congress should set. The REINS Act would begin Congress's retrieval from the executive branch of responsibilities the Founders vested in the legislative branch. The act would sharply slow the growth of regulations that are suffocating economic growth. REINS would require Congress to vote on -- to have its fingerprints on -- all "major" regulations, understood as those with an annual economic impact of at least $100 million. Congress would thus take responsibility for, and be held accountable for, the substance that executive agencies' rule making pours into the almost-empty vessels that Congress imprecisely calls "laws." After the preamble, the Constitution's first substantive word is "all": "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress." But the more than 170,000 pages of the Code of Federal Regulations contain tens of thousands of rules promulgated by largely unaccountable agencies. The agencies fill voids in congressional "laws" such as the Dodd-Frank financial reform, which mandates, but does not define -- that is left to executive rule makers -- "fair, transparent and competitive" financial products and services. As of five years ago -- it is substantially worse now -- the government itself estimated that regulations cost the economy more than $1.75 trillion, almost twice the sum of income tax receipts then. Opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline has illustrated environmentalism's, and the Democratic Party's, descent into the theater of pointless gestures. The nation is crisscrossed with more than 2 million miles of natural gas pipelines and 175,000 miles of pipelines carrying hazardous liquids. Yet our theatrically thoughtful current president wasted seven years pretending to ponder the weighty question of whether Keystone's 1,179 miles -- bringing oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska -- might somehow menace the nation and planet. Some of the oil would be from Canada's tar sands. Keystone opponents say such oil is especially "dirty," so the pipeline, by enabling the oil to get to market, would injure the climate. But even if the opponents' allegations about the tar sands oil can be trusted, the allegations are irrelevant: The opponents evidently believe that if the pipeline is not built, Canada will simply say "Oh, dang!" and leave the world's third-largest proven crude oil reserve -- larger than Iran's -- locked up in the tar sands. The opponents evidently think that if they block the pipeline, this vast wealth will not find another way into the international oil market. Furthermore, without Keystone XL, more oil will be transported by trains, which have notable carbon footprints and sometimes spectacular spills. Hence legislation mandating the pipeline's construction will not only create jobs, which once upon a time was a Democratic priority, it should soothe climate anxieties. So, Congress should call this Keystone XL legislation the "Zach, We Feel Your Pain Act." After the election, someone reportedly named Zach, a Democratic National Committee staffer, suffered a hilarious eruption of hysteria. In the process of blaming DNC interim Chair Donna Brazile for the lost election (wrong woman, Zach), he said, according to The Huffington Post: "You and your friends will die of old age and I'm going to die from climate change. You and your friends let this happen, which is going to cut 40 years off my life expectancy." Well. Suppose Zach is 30 and expects that, although he appears to be unhealthily excitable, his life expectancy is 90. If climate change subtracts 40 of Zach's years, it is going to kill him within 20 years. Perhaps Zach can take grim pleasure from the fact that Brazile, a vigorous and cheerful 56, probably will still be spry when the Grim Climate Reaper swings his deadly scythe. Be that as it may, consider that Zach's scary arithmetic probably represents commonplace thinking within the Democratic Party, aka "the party of science." George Will's email address is georgewillwashpost.com. (c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group She recognised the man, Malayankeezhu native Santhosh, who misused the State government's official vehicle for the crime. Thursday 17 November 2016 12:04pm Dr Roslyn Kemp University of Otago scientist Dr Roslyn Kemp has won the inaugural Roche Translational Research Fellowship for her work investigating the immune response within cancer cells to improve treatment outcomes for patients with bowel cancer (also known as colorectal cancer). Bowel cancer accounts for 8.5 per cent of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Each year approximately 1,200 New Zealanders die as a result of bowel cancer similar to breast and prostate cancer combined. The incidence of bowel cancer in New Zealand is one of the highest in the developed world, and survival rates are worse than in Australia. Dr Kemp, who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, was announced as the winner of the award at the recent NZ Society for Oncology (NZSO) Annual Conference in Palmerston North. This award, which has an annual value of $30,000, provides a unique opportunity for New Zealand cancer research teams to up-skill an integral team member, so that the team can work together more effectively and improve research output. Translational research is most effective when clinicians and scientists work together and a key role of NZSO is to encourage collaboration between clinicians and scientists. The award also seeks to recognise a rising star researcher and we believe Dr Kemp is a very worthy recipient, comments NZSO president, Dr Ben Lawrence. Dr Kemp says: The aim of our research is to deliver a direct clinical benefit to cancer patients in New Zealand, and this award brings us much closer to that goal. I am grateful to Roche and NZSO for their support of a true translational research team, and their willingness to encourage brand new ideas and technology. She explains that, recently, the immune response has been identified as a key predictive factor for bowel cancer survival, and the penetration or infiltration of immune cells is a more accurate predictor of disease-free survival than traditional tumour pathology-based methods. However, the immune response within the tumour is incredibly complex and we need to understand the cells and mechanisms involved to develop new therapies. We are using a new technique to New Zealand, mass cytometry, to probe the immune response within the tumour, and to identify those patients likely to best respond to existing immune therapies. The mass cytometry technique represents a new approach to the study of immunology examining the immune response from a big picture perspective, to find simultaneous changes in multiple interacting cell populations. We will look at which immune cells penetrate or infiltrate the tumour, and how their action is related to patient disease. We will also use this technology to study how T-cell populations can have an impact on patient outcome, she explains. Dr Kemp says the data analysis involved in her teams research is complex, but there are experts internationally with skills in developing software analysis for individual projects. The Otago team aims to establish collaborations with world leaders in the field at Stanford University and Vanderbilt University in the United States. For more information, contact: Simon Ancell Communications Office University of Otago Tel: 03 479 5016 Email: simon.ancell@otago.ac.nz About NZSO The New Zealand Society for Oncology (NZSO) is the national professional body for career scientists and clinicians working in the field of cancer. www.nzsoncology.org.nz About Roche F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. was founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland and is the parent company of Roche Products (NZ) Ltd (Roche) which started operating in the country in 1973. The current Roche team of 30 dedicated employees has the primary goal of facilitating New Zealanders access to innovative medicines. As a leading developer of cancer medicines, Roche is proud of its collaboration with NZSO. www.roche.co.nz This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The familiar tale of Scrooge, and his otherworldly visitors, will come to life onstage this week as H. H. Dow High students perform A Christmas Carol at Bullock Creek Auditorium. While the students will bring the production to life, they will also be running the show. Robert Heyart, Dow High junior, plays the role of Scrooge. My favorite part of this production is seeing the cast put together the set, the costumes, the props, lighting, sound, and makeup to make the play work, Heyart said. Director Gina Kearly also appreciates the crew, as well as the cast. Students run all tech. during the performance, including lights, sound and fog, she said. Stage manager Gwen Cook has been an exceptional leader and is instrumental to the success of the show. The cast bring a great deal of heart to the classic Christmas tale. Heyarts character, Scrooge, shares many emotions. He is mean, angry, happy, sad, and afraid, Heyart said. I really enjoy playing a character with a big emotional range. Assistant director, Gretchen VanHoorelbeke, described the show. This is Charles Dickens classic tale of ghostly redemption with lots of Christmas caroling and dancing, she said. Its a great show to get the whole family in the mood for the holidays. Also an adjunct professor at Saginaw Valley State University, she is assisting Kearly for the second time. For this production I worked a lot with students on acquiring British accents so the audience will truly feel they are experiencing Victorian London, VanHoorelbeke said. The accents, as well as the language, stay true to the times. Difficult language written by Charles Dickens has proven a catalyst for in-depth reading comprehension and analyzing human motivation, Kearly said. Yet there is room for some comic relief. The script does follow the original language. However, at some points, we break the old English rules to add some humor, Heyart said. Overall the play is mostly old English, which may be hard for really young kids to understand, however, I believe the language adds to the atmosphere and makes the play more believable. Senior Rachel Klein also performs in the show. I play Marley, Scrooges dead business partner. I have been dead for 7 years and I used to be just as rotten of a person as Scrooge is, Klein said. I come back to try and help Scrooge avoid my mistakes. Her costume achieves the desired effect. My favorite part about my role is probably my costume. I get to wear these long chains that clang together and they are really awesome, she said. Its supposed to be very creepy, and it is very effective. Kearly describes the set. Ms. Teresa Le Roux has stepped in as set engineer to build rotating scenery panels, three sided 4 X 8 prisms called periktoi and were used in Ancient Greece in the first dramas, she said. The students learned faux finish techniques to glaze the panels in different styles for indoor and outdoor wall effects. Heyart explained more. The set includes a lot of furnishings, clocks, desks, chairs, tables, benches, fireplaces, stairs, walls and an elephant, he said. The set crew has a great deal to do to make this production work. I guarantee that the audience will see how much effort we put into the play. The music is also student-led, Kearly said, with Megan Ohare serving as student music director. Emily Baldwin, Becca Haines and Ben Price also assist. Anyone who comes can expect to be entertained by a fantastic story about the spirit of Christmas, alongside some beautiful Christmas carols, Klein said. Remaining cast and crew are Emma Allington, Gracie Anderson, Tori Balch, Lydia Barber, Amy Barry, Madden Brady, Grace Bremmer, Avery Brown, Maryn Brown, Alix Campbell, Rin Dunlap, Drew Edwards, Felix Fritton, Sam Gardner, Heather Gosen, Justin Heyart, Tori Heyart, Abigail Hnizda, Leanne Hoag, Shane Hogan, Jack Hunkins, Emi Hunt, Torrie Hutter, Samantha Klein, Sara Kollig, Jesse LaRue, Evan McBride, Ethan McKane-Wright, Alex Moore, Apoorva Ojha, Austin Paisley, Jacob Pasek, Charlotte Power, Maggie Reed, Emily Savage, Bella Serafin, Haylee Snyder, Helen Sova, Cameron Stuart, Alley Trotter-Wright, Evan Trotter-Wright, Riley Voss, Ryan Wall and Liz Wegner. Milk and cookies will be available for purchase during intermission. In the spirit of goodwill to all, the students are hosting a food drive at performances, to be donated to Open Door bring three non-perishable items and receive a handmade, Victorian-inspired ornament, Kearly said. In addition, the Gilded Giving Tree project, available in the lobby, will allow for people to donate towards The Jonathan Bushey Character Award. The scholarship is given to students who have demonstrated an impressive work ethic and outstanding personal values without asking for anything in return, to help pay for college-related expenses, Kearly said. A Christmas Carol takes place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17, 18 and 19, and at 3 p.m. on Nov. 19, at Bullock Creek auditorium. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults and are available at the door. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GLADWIN Don Slanec of Clinton Township had been hunting from an elevated stand all morning. With mid-day approaching, he was thinking about getting down and taking a break. Its a good thing I didnt, said Slanec, as DNR staff at the agencys field office in Gladwin collected data on the big nine-point buck he shot about noon Tuesday, on the first day of Michigans 16-day firearm deer season a gentle day that dawned in the low-30s with a bit of fog, and climbed well into the 50s under blue skies. Checking wear on the deers teeth, DNR Wildlife Division employee Glenn Lampela pronounced it 2 1/2 years old, a common age for bucks brought in Tuesday, perhaps reflecting more hunters voluntarily passing up younger bucks in hopes of building a better age and sex balance and older, bigger bucks in the herd. Slanec said hes been hunting on private land in Clare County for 40 years. Its always been good, he said. By 2 p.m. Tuesday, 50 deer had been checked at the DNR office. Last year, through 3 p.m., 82 were checked but even warmer weather had brought hunters in early as they sought ice or processing. (A check station at the Sanford DNR office will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday.) Slanec called the start of the morning fairly quiet. That would have been an understatement in Larkin Township just north of Midland where, for the first half-hour or so, a hunter would have been justified in checking the calendar to make sure it was Nov. 15, so little shooting was there. Things picked up a bit after that, but remained relatively quiet. And near Coleman, in the normally noisy last two hours of the hunting day, only a couple of shots rang out. In Larkin Township, Betty Ittner, 85, who has been deer hunting since the early 1950s, mostly on a family farm there, said her morning had brought sightings of mostly squirrels and birds. I almost always get a deer between 8 and 8:30, she said, and so, about then, I had my gun resting on the window sill and the window open, but nothing. Other hunters in her party saw deer in numbers ranging from none to a half-dozen, but none had tagged a deer by mid-afternoon. I think the deer fed all night (under a near-full supermoon) and wont come back out until the afternoon, said Ittner. She planned to return to her permanent blind about 2 p.m. Near Sanford, a large block of public land appeared to have about the usual number of hunters, both commuters and campers, and one hunter who declined to give his name said crack-of-dawn shooting was at about the usual rate. Hed seen no deer in a full mornings hunting. DNR Conservation Officer Joel Lundberg said in a brief phone interview that hunter numbers seemed typical of an opener, although early morning shooting seemed light. Were seeing a good turnout of hunters, including four who had taken bucks, two of them young hunters thrilled to have taken their first bucks. The firearm season runs through Nov. 30, followed by several archery, muzzle-loaded and special antlerless hunts running for various stretches between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1. The Economic Alliance for Michigan recently announced the release of the Fall 2016 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, published by national nonprofit watchdog The Leapfrog Group. Assigning A, B, C, D, and F letter grades, the Safety Grade provides a picture of avoidable hospital errors, accidents and infections that kill or harm hundreds of thousands of patients every year. Over 2,600 general acute-care hospitals received a grade this fall. MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland and McLaren Central Michigan received A grades. In Michigan, grades were assigned to 79 hospitals with 29 receiving an A, the highest letter grade, showcasing a dedication to safe care. The fall 2016 grades show an improvement in patient safety within Michigan. In fall 2015, the state only had 19 A hospitals. Nationally, Michigan ranks nineteenth for patient safety with 36.7 percent of the states hospitals earning an A. We are very pleased to see the upward trend in hospitals that are putting patient safety first, said Bret Jackson, president, EAM. According to Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder, In the fast-changing health care landscape, patients should be aware that hospitals are not all equally competent at protecting them from injuries and infections. We believe everyone has the right to know which hospitals are the safest and encourage community members to call on their local hospitals to change, and on their elected officials to spur them to action. States that put a priority on safety have shown remarkable improvements. The EAM is nervous of current grades. With medical errors being the third leading cause of death in the United States, we are concerned with the number of Michigan hospitals that are not meeting safe standards, Jackson said. People need to know that the cost of care increases going to a C or D hospital, as does the risk of death. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns 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. For more information about the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade or to view the list of state rankings, visit www.hospitalsafetygrade.org The Saginaw Art Museum will host the launch of the Historic Saginaw Coloring Book, illustrated by Saginaw native, Sydney Ververka, from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the WNEM Museum After Hours. This WNEM Museum After Hours is a tribute to arts and culture within historic Saginaw. Opportunities to support the arts will be offered and all will be invited to participate in coloring selected scenes from Ververkas illustrations. Anyone whos ever been involved in an ISO certification process, re-engineering effort, business consolidation, flowchart construction or analyze phase of a Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) project understands the importance of asking the right questions. Well-researched root-cause questions and 5-Whys analysis often quickly point to specific, and often enlightening, answers for understanding a problem or issue. In 2012, the Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF) completed an extensive (and very expensive) county-wide needs assessment in partnership with Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). SVSU reviewed available data from 20 community focus groups across six key areas of community asset management: intellectual and social development, economic factors, health, safety, environment and social capital. Staff and students at SVSU identified 13 priority needs as part of the community-wide study. One was labeled inadequate public transportation. In early 2013, MACF published the following public transportation analysis under the section their Midland County Dashboard Needs Assessment results. http://www.midlandcountydashboard.org/uploads/7/2/8/5/7285102/midland_co_top_community_needs.pdf Inadequate Public Transportation In many cases, educational and learning opportunities are available to Midland County youth but they have limited access to transportation to bring them to the program. While Dial-A-Ride and County Connection are available, they are not always convenient or cost-effective options to get to the desired programs. The issue of transportation exists for the very young (e.g., access to quality preschool programs) as well as for secondary students (e.g., access to career technical and college courses). Low wage individuals also find themselves unable to access both job skills training courses as well as higher paying jobs, when available, owing to inadequate transportation options. While the currently available alternatives are used, they are not very convenient and are rather expensive for a person earning a minimum wage. Consideration should also be given to a fixed route structure that brings riders into needed areas including shops, medical services, agencies, etc. In addition, transportation options outside of the city are limited. While the physical environment of Midland is good, accessing some of the programs and sites is limited, especially to low income individuals and families. Local recreational areas and parks have low utilization rates owing to access/transportation issues. In addition, the ongoing integration of non-motorized transportation options is encouraged. Seniors who no longer drive are also challenged with transportation needs. While Senior Services provides assistance with this, the need will continue to grow as the percentage of seniors in the community increases. Using an $11,600 grant from MACF, the Midland Area Transportation Study (MATS) http://www.midlandmpo.com recently hired RLS & Associates (RLS) http://www.rlsandassoc.com a consulting firm based in Ohio to review existing transportation services in Midland County. MATS is a federally mandated and funded transportation policy-making metropolitan planning organization (MPO) thats headquartered in the Midland County Administration building. The MPO is composed of representatives from 27 local government and governmental transportation authorities. The MATS planning region is defined as the entire geographic County of Midland, the geographic area of City of Auburn and Williams Township within Bay County and the Freeland area in Saginaw County. The MATS contract requires RLS conduct an assessment of community transportation needs, identify and prioritize any unmet needs and suggest potential improvements and implementation plans. As part of MACF/MATS effort to analyze inadequate public transportation needs in Midland, the city also posted the following short 12 questions on their new E-CityHall http://bit.ly/ecityhall public engagement platform to help us create a public transportation system that better meets the needs of all residents. (emphasis added) In the past 12 months, what types of transportation have you used? (Check all that apply) Which of the following are your most commonly visited destinations? (Check all that apply) Which of the following are specific destinations you visit? (Check all that apply) When do you need transportation, even if with a personal vehicle? (Check all that apply) Select the following public transit options you or your family would consider using in Midland County. (Check all that apply) How far would you be willing to travel to a bus stop? Where do you live? Do you have a disability which requires you to use a cane, walker, wheelchair, and/or other device to help you get around? Which of the following descriptions best applies to you? If you work outside of your home, who is your employer? If you work outside the home, where is your employer located? If you currently drive to work, what is your commute time? Notice of the new E-CityHall public engagement topic was communicated via the City of Midlands website, Facebook page and Twitter account, City Hall News (letter), and Midland Daily News editorial and local news pages. Since being posted online, the short 12 question survey has attracted 378 visitors but only collected 110 civil, legal and insightful responses. (Thats 5.5 hours of public comment at 3 minutes per response , 9.2 hours of public comment at 5 minutes per response, or 18.3 hours of pubic comment at 10 minutes per response.) Remember, anyone interested in sharing their personal opinions and input with the rest of the community is required by city administrators to register their personal contact information (name, home or business location and email address) at Peak Democracys E-CityHall platform. You can always post your input anonymously but no one will actually see your contribution until the survey is officially closed by the E-CityHall gatekeeper. Be careful, however, of exactly what kind of civil, legal and insightful information you publicly share with other interested members in our community of 83,000 residents. Several involved citizens of Midland whove used their own legal names to share their civil opinions online have also insightfully listed their places of employment and what times they travel back and forth from their jobs. According to the E-CityHall introduction, the data resulting from this survey will be utilized by MATS and RLS & Associates as they develop potential improvement plans that meet the needs of all residents for our area. Last year, 32 representatives of Mid-Michigan area community agencies, area businesses, municipal government and religious organizations met with Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (MMCAA) staff. The session served as the kick-off of the agencys 2015 Community Needs Assessment. Per federal requirements, a community needs assessment must be completed by community action agencies like MMCAA every three years. The purpose is to gain the perspective of low-income families, the human service network and key community stakeholders regarding the needs of low-income individuals and families. The assessment results are utilized by the agency for strategic planning for those served by the MMCAA, its programs and services within the area of Midland, Mecosta, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Osceola counties. Based on the attendees community perceptions and customer input, affordable transportation options rank 12th in the 18 biggest community problems in their area of responsibility last year. Visit http://www.mmcaa.org/file_download/d8aae29b-17b0-48d5-9c31-f25ac9fb5a07 to view the entire 104-page document. In Midland County, for instance, only 10.5 percent of all MMCAA customers reported missing work because of a transportation problem. Yet 15.3 percent of WIC respondents (women with infants and children) reported the highest percentage of missing work because of insurmountable transportation barriers. A fifth (20.3 percent) of the survey respondents in the 18-23-year-old age category identified unaffordable transportation as a bigger problem than any other age group. The MMCAA Community Needs Assessment also identified unaffordable transportation as a priority problem by 13.2 percent of those with less than a high school diploma. That number dropped to only 9.1 percent for those with a four year degree or more. What impact will inadequate public transportation in the city and county of Midland have when current and future employers, educational institutions, real estate agents, property management companies and collection agencies perform background or credit checks on these underserved and underrepresented individuals? Reviewing all this data takes me back to my original question in the headline of this article: What inadequate public transportation problems are being addressed in the Midland Area Transportation Study being funded by the Midland Area Community Foundation? Which of the 12 E-CityHall public transportation questions (that only 110 residents of the City of Midland have answered) address the ongoing problems uncovered in MACFs 2013 or MMCAAs 2015 community needs assessment in Midland County? What are the root causes? Who are all the players listed on the community needs flowchart? How do each of them participate in, contribute to, or simply overlook the public transportation problem? More importantly, how many people in the city and county will be helped by the recent passage of the 0.25-mill tax that voters approved to continue existing levels of public transportation services in Midland for the years 2016 to 2019. Perhaps a better approach to get more people involved in MATS is to use the K.I.S.S. Principle. Keep the problem simple by asking Whats creating the inadequate public transportation problems currently being experienced by users in the city and county of Midland? Ill ask the first Why? Eric Anders is a resident of the City of Midland Units from the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces recently concluded the bilateral field training exercise Keen Sword 17. The exercise, which ran from Oct. 30 to Nov. 11, is the latest in a series of joint, bilateral field training exercises since 1986 involving U.S. military and JSDF personnel designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Operational readiness is a guiding principle for U.S. Forces, Japan, said U.S. Forces Japan Commander Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez. Keen Sword 17 is an opportunity to increase readiness by providing a realistic training environment for U.S. forces and the JSDF to practice, evaluate and improve our coordination procedures and interoperability requirements. Approximately 11,000 U.S. personnel participated in KS17, including those assigned to U.S. Forces Japan Headquarters, 5th Air Force, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, U.S. Army Japan, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. For the first time since the inception of this annual exercise, U.S. and JSDF extended their bilateral operations beyond the waters, land and airspace of Japan to include training on and near the islands of Tinian and Guam. This exercise has given us confidence that in whatever contingency, we will be able to use the maximum amount of resources available to respond, said Capt. James McKinney, 374th Operations Group, C-130 navigator. With the relationships we built at Keen Sword, we can, in the future, work together more effectively. Keen Sword offered us flexibility in how to respond to contingencies while also giving us the proof that we can all cooperate to accomplish the same mission. Question: Plainfield, the suburban Kendall County town of 41,000 along Interstate 55, has Illinois highest median household annual income (adjusted for cost of living, at $93,728), says the personal-finance website, WalletHub. Can you name the Illinois city that has the lowest median annual income? (a) East St. Louis; (b) Springfield; (c) Morton; (d) Carbondale; (e) Bloomington? BLOOMINGTON A 16-year-old boy accused of threatening two people at gunpoint during an armed robbery poses a serious threat to the public, a McLean County prosecutor said Tuesday in her arguments to transfer his case to adult court. The minor, identified as K.S. in court records, faces 15 to 45 years in prison if he is convicted in adult court of armed robbery. Associate Judge Brian Goldrick set aside an effort by K.S. to plead guilty Tuesday until a motion by the state to transfer the case to adult court was resolved. Assistant State's Attorney Mary Lawson argued that the youth has used up his chances in the juvenile court system. His lengthy criminal history, which includes two stints in state juvenile correctional facilities, coupled with his refusal to cooperate with probation terms has left authorities with no other options, said Lawson. "I don't know how it gets more serious than pulling a gun on two people on the street for no reason other than you want their property," said the prosecutor. The incident that brought K.S. back to court involves the October armed robbery of two other teens as they walked along Clearwater Avenue near Royal Pointe Drive. Bloomington Detective Steve Moreland testified that one of the victims described how K.S. got out of a sport utility vehicle and approached the victims. The suspect pulled a gun from his shirt, the teen told police. "I got this and everybody in the car has guns. If you don't hand everything over, I'm gonna start shooting," Moreland said, quoting the victim's account of what K.S. said. Jack McQueen, supervisor of the Bloomington police crime and intelligence analysis unit, testified that K.S. has ties to the street gang Black P. Stone Nation and local hybrid gangs. Photos on social media of K.S. handling guns were introduced as evidence. In response to questions from defense lawyer Art Feldman, the mother of K.S. said the teen had made progress after she recently moved him to a rural community. He had a job "and a whole new mindset," said the mother, crying through parts of her testimony. According to the minor's mother, he struggled in school and has been evaluated for mental health issues. A firm diagnosis has not been possible because of the youth's age, said Feldman. The youth "is not a lost cause like some people here think not my boy. There's hope," said the mother. Feldman argued that K.S. could receive more services if he stays in the juvenile system for a term that could last until he's 21. The potential for several more years in the correctional system "is significant punishment for a juvenile," said Feldman. Lawson noted the teen's conduct has grown more serious since he first entered the juvenile system at age 10. Two prior juvenile cases involved aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that was determined to be an air pistol and unlawful use of a weapon this time a real .40-caliber gun. "There are few individuals the public has to fear more than this minor," said Lawson. Goldrick said he will issue a ruling Thursday on the state's petition. K.S. remains housed at the McLean County Juvenile Detention Facility, Normal. NORMAL The owner of a $165,000 house would pay $323.67 or about $25 more to Heartland Community College on next year's tax bill under an estimated tax levy approved by the Heartland board of trustees Tuesday night. The overall tax rate would increase from 54.2 cents per $100 equalized assessed valuation to 58.8 cents per $100 EAV, according to Doug Minter, vice president of business services. The district's total estimated tax levy of $26.2 million reflects an increase of about 11.9 percent over the total property taxes extended or abated in 2015. Final action will be taken at the board's Dec. 13 meeting. A public hearing on the proposed levy increase will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Community Commons Building. About 3 cents of the 4.6 cent rate increase is a result of a debt management plan that will, in the long term, save the district money, explained Minter. A penny of the rate increase represents an increase in the so-called equity tax, which the district is authorized to levy based on a formula related to enrollment and how the district's tax rate compares to other community colleges. Minter said this could be the last year the district is eligible to levy the equity tax. Board members and college officials expressed frustration with the ongoing state budget impasse and declining state support for community colleges. At the time the Community College Act was approved in 1965, it was envisioned that the state would provide about one-third of the support for the colleges. However, that percentage has been in steady decline. In fiscal year 2015, state support represented only 16 percent of the revenue community college's received. Minter said that support could be as low as 7.4 percent for Heartland in FY17 and, if no further state action is taken beyond the most recent stopgap funding measure, state support will represent only 3.3 percent of Heartland's revenue. The impact of the impasse goes beyond funding for the college itself. Connect Transit has said it might have to cut service at the end of the year if it does not receive funding from the state. Minter said that could have serious implications for students, many of whom rely on the buses to get to and from school. It's not only a threat to our students, it's a threat to our enrollments as well, said Minter. President Rob Widmer read from a letter sent to Gov. Bruce Rauner and legislative leaders that said the lack of a state budget has led to hundreds of layoffs of valued staff and faculty across the state, and the ultimate victims are students, families and communities. Widmer said potential financial consequences could be worsened by some of the solutions being discussed in Springfield, such as capping local property taxes or shifting pension costs to local governments. There's no easy solution or we would've had it a long time ago, said Widmer. As pointed out in the Nov. 11 issue of The Pantagraph, (District 87 enrollment decline likely to continue), the ever-shrinking student body in District 87 presents an opportunity for our twin communities. In this writer's opinion, it is time to seriously consider merging the two school systems. Either fold District 87 into Unit 5, or the reverse. A strong business case can be made for this action. More efficient operations can be achieved by eliminating duplication of services. Greater purchasing power would be realized by having it all under one umbrella, and better use of District 87 facilities that are seeing fewer students every year would result. As the economic woes of Illinois continue to grow, with our school systems receiving less funding from the state, it behooves us to think out of the box and investigate all reasonable means of saving money and improving our educational system. SPRINGFIELD The Illinois General Assemblys fall veto session started Tuesday much as its spring session wrapped up, with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic leaders divided over a long-term budget solution and power giant Exelon pushing for an energy policy overhaul to prevent the closure of financially struggling nuclear plants. With only five days remaining on the House calendar and four on the Senates, the chances are low that either issue will be resolved during the scheduled veto session. On the budget front, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said he believes a deal can be reached using the framework that produced other partial budget agreements during Rauners tenure, including a stopgap spending plan thats currently funding most state operations through Dec. 31. Without action before Jan. 1, public universities, social service providers and others that were deprived of funding as the state went a year without a budget will be plunged back into uncertainty. If you use the same framework, the odds are youll get a budget to finish off this fiscal year, youll be able to provide for a good level of funding for education, youll be able to provide for public safety, (and) youll be able to provide for the seniors and for the vulnerable in our society, Madigan said. While he sidestepped questions about what that framework entails, Madigan has previously noted that the Democratic-controlled Legislature and the first-term Republican governor have reached budget agreements when Rauner has set aside his pro-business, union-weakening turnaround agenda. On the heels of a long and bitter election season, Rauner and legislative leaders met Tuesday morning for the first time in months. Following the half-hour meeting, Madigan complicated matters by announcing that hes appointing state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, to be the chief negotiator for House Democrats on budget issues. The announcement vexed the Republican legislative leaders, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs and Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont, who said that was not what had been discussed behind closed doors in the governors office. We listened to the speakers comments, and were frankly confused by them, Radogno said. To have another negotiating team come in was not what was agreed to. Radogno said discussions need to take place among herself, Durkin, Madigan, Rauner and Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. Durkin said leaders need to use previous recommendations from bipartisan working groups of rank-and-file lawmakers as the basis for negotiating a complete, comprehensive budget, one that is balanced, and one thats fair to taxpayers (and) that has reforms. We are not going to support any more stopgap budgets, Durkin said. The leaders are scheduled to meet again Wednesday. Cullerton doesnt plan to appoint anyone else to negotiate on behalf of Senate Democrats, spokesman John Patterson said. Meanwhile, Exelon has introduced what its calling the Future Energy Jobs Bill, an energy policy overhaul that it says is crucial to the future of its Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants. A previous version of the bill failed to advance in the spring, and the new version also includes measures to keep open Dynegy-owned coal-fired power plants in southern Illinois. The legislation reflects the work of a broad group of stakeholders to achieve comprehensive energy legislation that is urgently needed to strengthen our economy and save and create tens of thousands of jobs, Exelon spokesman Paul Adams said in a prepared statement. As with any piece of major legislation, it will continue to evolve as stakeholders weigh in. But at its core, we know the bill will bring significant benefits to consumers and the environment in Illinois. The company says the revamped proposal includes energy efficiency programs that would save $4 billion, policies to promote the growth of wind and solar energy, and $1 billion in funding for programs to assist low-income customers. Opponents, however, are already labeling the bill the largest rate hike in U.S. history. IND vs BAN, T20 World Cup 2022: India's Semi-final Hopes to Get a Blow as Adelaide Rain Likely to Play Spoilsport 'We'll Try and Tell Babar to Say Something About Him': Shahid Afridi Takes Harsh Jibe at Gautam Gambhir India vs Bangladesh: Has Dinesh Karthik Performed The Role He Has Been Picked For WATCH: Virat Kohli Spends Time With KL Rahul in Training Session, Advices Him to Adjust Few Things As a woman who runs a billion-dollar business and keeps a Hollywood career, Jessica Alba struggles with juggling her schedule. But the mother-of-two has a trick on how she makes it work. Parents can learn from the actress' parenting style when it comes to bonding and spending time with the kids. Jessica Alba reveals that she usually brings her daughters -- Honor, 8, and Haven, 5 -- to her business trips for The Honest Company. She sometimes brings only one of the children for that "special trip" and treat this like a sleepover with mommy. For fun, Jessica Alba said that she would order room service and rent a movie at the hotel with her daughters. "I just try to make the time that I spend with them quality," the actress said, according to Us Weekly. Alba's kids don't demand a lot and are usually entertained by the simple things such as a movies, a bath or walks outdoors. The family also enjoy snuggling and reading together, or gathering around the breakfast table to chat and eat. Jessica Alba proudly shares that Honor and Haven are polar opposites when it comes to their characteristics. She embraces her daughters' diversity more than anything and notes how Haven is the goofy one and Honor is more "chill." "Haven dances around like a maniac and then Honor just [vogues] in the mirror," the "Fantastic Four" actress said, according to UPI. The Hollywood mom shares the responsibility of rearing her kids with husband and producer Cash Warren, whom she married in 2008. Love that I get to work with my mama everyday at @Honest! She has been my greatest example of a strong woman. Today is @LinkedIn's Bring In Your Parents Day. Don't forget to say thanks for everything they've taught you along the way. #BIYP A photo posted by Jessica Alba (@jessicaalba) on Nov 4, 2016 at 3:04pm PDT Jessica Alba wants to have a strong bond with her daughters as she did with her mom, Cathy, who also works for her personal care brand, The Honest Company. According to InStyle, the mompreneur and Cathy also travel together for business, which counts as her own bonding time with her mom. Watch Jessica Alba talk about her company, her mom and motherhood in the video below. Technology has changed the way we live the world before we know it. It has provided so many advances for humanity's day-to-day lives, and soon, it might pave the way in replacing several institutions we deem important since time immemorial like hospitals. By 2030, it was foreseen that hospitals will no longer be needed, thanks to technological advancements here and there. A few decades from now, hospitals will be replaced with "home-spitals" as predicted by World Economic Forum's Future Council co-chairman, Dr. Melanie Walker, in a Forbes report. Although the future is uncertain for the medical world, the doctor is confident that it will run towards a bright path. This shift can reportedly be attributed to the massive changes in technology, robotics, communications, biology and genetics. Now that technology has improved the medical world on such a large scale, operations have become less intrusive, ingestible Microbots will be replacing traditional surgeries as it will conduct automated procedures and operations. Moreover, there will be an end to the long lines of organ donation requests as 3D printing has progressed in mimicking artificial tissues, organs and even bones. Global #health: How far have we come? And how much more do we have to do? https://t.co/gRrLs3v4XM pic.twitter.com/sjFoJtVmOS World Economic Forum (@wef) November 16, 2016 In the future, the neuroscientist further said that there will be no frequent need to visit the doctor as health monitoring will soon be possible through smartphones. Brain implants will do the doctors' job and it will analyze a person's symptoms and transfer its data directly on a smartphone. Health data will be kept in its storage and drugs can be printed out as an official doctor's prescription. Even the future of pharmacy is predicted to be replaced with robotics. According to CNBC, pill-packing robots are now employed behind pharmacy counters and who knows? Maybe soon enough, it can replace a licensed pharmacist in the future and can even stale out the need of one. One doctor and TV personality in London, Dr. Hillary Jones, is even reported to be giving virtual consultations. As per Daily Express, the OB Gynecologist utilizes a robot to diagnose an individual's health condition for free. What do you think of the looming future for the medical world? Let us know what you think by commenting below! A research team from University of California San Diego reportedly found out that examination of the molecules left on mobile devices may reveal an owner's health condition and lifestyle profile. The study used a technique called mass spectrometry and the testing method is believed to be useful in identifying the owner of the device even without fingerprints. Because of its potential use, the study is suggested to be beneficial to several situations, including forensic sciences. The study is believed to be applicable in several crime scene investigations where personal objects such as mobile phones, pens and keys are left without fingerprints. There are times when objects appear to have fingerprints but the DNA cannot be matched in the database. Senior author Professor Pieter Dorrestein of UC San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences said that in such situations, the crime scene investigators will be left with nothing to do to identify who the object belongs to, Phys.Org reported. "So we thought-what if we take advantage of left-behind skin chemistry to tell us what kind of lifestyle this person has?," Professor Dorrestein explained. "All of these chemical traces on our bodies can transfer to objects. So we realized we could probably come up with a profile of a person's lifestyle based on chemistries we can detect on objects they frequently use," the professor continued. Apart from possible criminal profiling, the study's testing method can also be used to distinguish an individual's exposure to pollution and medication intake. These could be useful in environmental exposure research and monitoring patients' adherence to medication and therapies. Additionally, the assistant project scientist Dr. Amina Bouslimani said, "I can see it being used to assess toxicological exposures, I can see it as a potential way to monitor -- without needing to use a needle -- medication dosage and disease status." The Californian researchers tested 500 samples derived from the hands and mobile devices of 40 adults, BBC reported. The data they have gathered were then compared to molecules identified in a database, which allowed them to create a lifestyle profile of each phone owner. After the study, the researchers are now reportedly interested in exploring the bacteria found on one's skin and what it can reveal about individuals. So, do you think phones can help in solving crimes? Share your thoughts below. An Ohio mother is alleged of stabbing her three-month-old daughter then decapitated her rejected the plea deal in her latest court appearance. She and her defense team are said to be pursuing an insanity defense before the trial starts in Cincinnati. If and when the court will find the woman not guilty by reason of insanity, she will still be under the jurisdiction of the court for life without the possibility of a parole. It has been found out that she was suffering from post-partum psychosis and was prescribed anti-psychotic medication. The mother was identified as 21-year-old Deasia Watkins while the daughter was named Jayniah Watkins. She pleaded not guilty before by reason of insanity. The alleged killing took place in March last year. According to prosecutor Joe Deters, Watkins looked like she was a zombie days after she was arrested. She was in the hospital during that time, CBS reported. Despite having been suffered from post-partum psychosis, Watkins was evaluated last year after being ordered to have psychiatric treatment. The conclusion revealed that she was found to be competent and fit to stand trial. The father of her child also noted that she spoke of demons in the past. The baby was under the care of her aunt and it was believed that she went to her aunt's home and killed the baby there. Watkins was charged with aggravated murder after allegedly fracturing her three-month-old daughter's arm, then stabbed her repeatedly and severed her head from her body, People reported. The lawyer for Watkins, Norman Aubin, said that they have evidence to support their plea of not guilty by reason of insanity but did not give details about the evidence. Aubin noted that if his client accepted the plea deal, she would have been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. She has been in a state mental hospital for 19 months now so that will be deducted from her supposed sentence. Aubin pointed out that if she will be proven not guilty by reason of insanity, being under the court's jurisdiction for life will be the best deal for her. A Kansas stepmother pleaded guilty to the charges against her regarding the death of her seven-year-old stepson. She has been sentenced to life in prison for taking part in the death of the boy and for feeding his remains to the pigs. The woman has to serve at least 25 years in prison before she would be eligible for parole. She was identified as 30-year-old Heather Jones and her husband was identified as Michael A. Jones, 45. Heather was charged with first-degree murder and she pleaded guilty in October. The sentence was handed down on Monday. Aside from the time to be spent in prison, an additional five-year and eight months sentence was given for two child abuse charges against the seven-year-old boy. By 2041, Heather could apply for parole. During the sentencing, Heather was emotional and said that she felt helpless to protect her stepson or even herself from her abusive husband. The boy's, Adrian Jones, remains were discovered by authorities last year. They responded to a domestic dispute call at the family's home. Adrian is believed to have died sometime from September 18 to October 5, FOX 8 reported. Accordingly, Adrian was subjected to physical, emotional and mental abuse. He was basically starved to death. Sheryl Lidtke, the chief deputy district attorney, said in a statement that Adrian was once and active and a happy boy. She noted that the death of Adrian and his remains being fed to pigs is the most heinous crime she has seen in her 27 years of service. She noted, "He was horribly abused, neglected and ultimately killed. I'm sure his suffering was unbearable." Six more children were found in the property. The ages ranged from two to 10 years old and they reportedly lived in deplorable conditions. Meanwhile, the said children are now in state custody. Michael, on the other hand, is set to be tried by February next year, International Business Times noted. Minority and immigrant children in the United States are terrified over the repercussions of a Donald Trump presidency. But schools in Bay Area, California are making efforts to ease these children's fears. Alyssa Hoy of San Pablo's Bay View Elementary teaches a lot of minority and immigrant students, East Bay Times reported. Hoy is doing the restorative circle to help ease these children's fears over immigration, hate speech and the other negative effects of the U.S. presidential election. About 24 of Hoy's students are in the restorative circle. The pupils pass a yellow ball along and when a student is holding the item, he/she can express whatever he/she fears or worries about the future - whether it's happiness, sadness, despair or hopelessness. Hoy saw numerous students crying, anxious, angry, and stressed out as the reality of a Trump presidency continue to settle since last week. Other educators and counselors also held restorative circles in school. Meanwhile, other Bay Area districts encouraged "principals to allow students to meet at lunch or after school to formally protest," East Bay Times further reported. In Los Angeles, hundreds of students walked out of their classrooms last Monday and protested President-elect Trump. They are calling for the local government's protection and support of "targeted communities," according to Chicago Tribune. David Yusem, a mental health therapist and the leader of the Oakland school district's restorative justice unit, said many students in the U.S. are experiencing teasing language and outright bullying behavior. Yusem said that they're on "heightened alert" about the issue and they are doing a lot of restorative circles to help stop the problem. Nicole Knight, the executive director of English Language Learner and Multilingual Achievement of Oakland Unified School District, said that educators should acknowledge "the ambiguity of what will come next" for the minority and immigrant populations. Oakland Unified is also planning to teach minority and immigrant students their rights if they are challenged by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE. Other teachers are reminding students that President-elect Trump isn't the only one capable of making decisions in the country. They are stressing that the U.S. Constitution has "a system of checks and balances" that allow other people in power to decide. Hoy is hoping that minority and immigrant students won't see themselves and each other as what Trump and his supporters see them. She wants her students to take action, be kind and see themselves as valued and important people. The Body Kinect establishment in the former Bradshaw Building, founded by Tami Richards, will accommodate massage therapists, yoga teachers, a physical therapist, and a specialist in facial beauty treatment, all of which under one roof. To add, Richards said that there would be a Tai Chi teacher who will offer workshops, and artists could use space in the office to present their work at the start of next year. Richards said on Friday that she and her wellness cooperative team are eager to reach out to the community. Richards, now aged 50, is a New York's Long Island native. She added that she had envisioned working in the center of action in New York, specifically in fashion designing, yet switched to pursue a career in physical therapy. Richards addressed that she started working with Special Olympics and enjoyed it. At the conclusion of the 1980s, her training at a community college as a physical therapy assistant has been completed, thus entered the working world. She also added that she wanted to go back to school to receive training to become a professional physical therapist. However, that did pan out. Richards specialized her training in physical therapy for counterstain for neural, arterial, visceral and venous, spine and extremity. As she posted on her on the website, Tami R Massage, her specialty also includes lymphatic massage, and infant and pregnancy massage. Richards also said in an interview with Daily Advance that she ended up in the Los Angeles area, where she would receive training both as a massage therapist and in yoga. Richards' interest in yoga began as a treatment for her clasped hands. She noted that she did the training for wellness, and eventually practiced it as a passion. With that being said, Richards is an NC licensed massage therapist. As exposed on her website, Tami R Massage, she is also a certified lymphedema therapist and certified yoga instructor. On the other hand, the state of Southern California would serve as a base for Richards to work approximately for over a decade being a traveling physical therapy assistant. She testified that she would have 13-week contracts that would lead her to travel from the Desert Southwest to the Midwest, across the nation. She recalled that she would prepare her car, where her dog would be in the front seat and herself in the driver's seat. In the mid-2000s, her travels would lead her to the Harbor of Hospitality, in which the then-Albermarle Hospital was short-staffed. Richards would then joined the hospital's team as a physical therapy assistant, working there for several years. Richards met her future husband, Mark Richards, who manages the intensive care unit at Sentara Albermarle Medical Center after moving into the Elizabeth City area. At present, the couple has three children. While still with the then-Albermarle Hospital, Tami Richards started to work independently as a massage therapist, at the office of Dr. Steven Manuli, a local internal medicine specialist. After the relocation to a building on the southwest side of the city by Dr. Manuli and his team, Richards decided to open her own massage therapy business located in downtown of Water Street Commons. Richards said in the follow-up interview that most of the people in the newly established cooperative are those whom she previously worked with. She also added that she likes to network with other people and learn from them, and feels that there's such a need in the community helping out and educating one another. At the former Bradshaw Building, Richards and the cooperative are recently occupying a first floor that had been vacant since the previous occupant, Serenity Studio Arts, closed for months. However, a local studio, The Photography Co., remains on the second floor of the building. On Friday evening, she stated that she is pleased with the location, which is across the intersection of Poindexter and Main streets from Arts of the Albermarle. She expressed, in an interview with the Daily Advance, that she likes the exposed brick, with the location excellent as it is far as traffic. Adding to her previous statement, the building was big enough to meet her team's needs, describing it as a high building for her business. 16-year-old Stevens and 15-year-old Tickets were last seen near Van Buren and 13th Street on Thursday, around 9 p.m. Sightings of the two near 7th Avenue, Camelback, 13th Avenue, and Campbell has been reported to the Phoenix Police, as the Phoenix police spokesperson said. Last seen with a red T-shirt, black jeans, and black and blue shoes, 5'11" tall Tickets has brown hair and blue eyes. 5'5" tall Stevens had blonde hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and black, slip-on shoes as cited on ABC 15. Both are currently considered away from immediate harm, but police said their disappearance caused a rise in the stress level of the relatives. Anyone with and willing to provide information or leads for either or both of the boy's whereabouts can call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6141. Speaking of missing boys with autism spectrum, just a month ago, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the police are also looking for10-year-old non-verbal Andrew Ounkham still with the disorder as cited on Fox News. Ounkham was last seen around 3:45 p.m., October 2nd with his blue shirt and gray shorts on, running into a large cornfield behind his house. The Fox River running near the cornfield also concerned the neighborhood and rescuers. K-9 officers are deployed, as well as a drone, a fire engine ladder, and heat sensing technology for the search operation. Hundreds of neighbors also helped out in the quest. According to Aaron Perry, a Waukesha alderman, who also has a son with autism, the extra challenge of their situation is that they might scare the boy with the lights and the strange voices and that might draw him into the water. If ever you happen to see or remember seeing Andrew and think that you can help with the search, you can respond to Waukesha West High School or contact Waukesha Police Department Communications Center at 262-524-3823. Governments have a lot on their plate, yet one of the biggest priorities is to secure a child's future, particularly in those areas where conditions are poor. To address the issue, governments from Asia-Pacific region called a summit, dignitaries from 28 countries joined the cause. Malaysian government hosted the event called, " A Billion Brains: Smarter Children, Healthier Economics." According to Global Nation, in the light of the experts' reports, the solution was to ensure social protection, end of violence against children and provision of standard healthcare. Suggestions were made to invest in these areas in the future to achieve better results. In the address made by the Malaysian minister for women, family and community development, the 11th Malaysian plan was highlighted. The plan emphasized on the better development of the children cognition and how it is interlinked to basic necessities, nutrition, security and care. Violence against children is a destructive evil. According to UNICEF, child maltreatment costs Asian and Pacific region countries $209 billion every year, which is equivalent to two percent of the region's combined GDP. In the convention, all the leaders agreed that child abuse, violence and maltreatment should be eradicated, by making larger investments in social services. A healthy mind can only survive with a healthy body, although healthcare in areas with poor and critical conditions depends entirely upon the political leadership. According to the Himalayan Times, the meeting members concluded that not only healthcare is imperative but also trained staff is crucial. An overall healthy childhood can provide economic benefits in the future. The event held is the third high-level meeting (HLM) on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and Pacific. UNICEF is a partner in the process. One of the most distinctive features of the HLM is that young people are invited to contribute their ideas and suggestions. 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 On Monday Patently Apple posted a report titled "Samsung Aggressively Gets into Apple's Face with Moves into AI and Telematics with Harman Acquisition." Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong officially joined the company's board in late October. The Korea Times reported last month that that the Samsung board of directors determined that they couldn't postpone Vice Chairman Lee's appointment as board director and his official participation in business management in order to deal with rapid changes in the business environment and achieve sustainable growth. One of Lee's first duties was to officially apologize to the American public for their disastrous Note7 smartphone and top-loading washers that had to be discontinued and recalled due to fires and explosions. Then Lee went into action and acquired Viv to take on Apple's Siri as early as February with the introduction of the Galaxy S8. Then on Monday Samsung acquired Harman to get ahead of Apple on Telematics covering in-vehicle navigation, infotainment and right through to autonomous driving features for automobiles. Late yesterday Samsung announced yet another potentially strategic move to improve their smartphones going forward. Yesterday Samsung announced that they've acquired Canadian company NewNet Communication Technologies. The new technology will be used in future smartphone and connected car businesses. Through the deal, users of Samsung smartphones will likely get a standards-based messaging and communications platform. Samsung noted in their press release that "Consumers will benefit from an advanced messaging experience with features such as enhanced calling, group chat, and the ability to easily share and transfer large files including multimedia and high-resolution photos. Unlike other messaging apps in the market, users will be able to communicate on any network, with an RCS-enabled device as well as SMS-only devices." NewNet's press release added that "The acquisition reinforces Samsung's commitment to RCS as mobile networks transition to IP-based networks and services. This acquisition is a critical milestone not just for Samsung but also for the communications industry. As an end-to-end GSMA-compliant RCS solution, it will accelerate the deployment of RCS-enabled networks, providing consumers with a ubiquitous standards-based messaging and communications platform. The acquisition will also enable Samsung to offer interoperable server solutions for mobile operators that do not already have their own RCS infrastructure. By driving significant value for operators and consumers, the mobile communications market can benefit from the broader communications ecosystem. Samsung Electronics bought a 100% stake in the company from Skyview Capital. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. While Samsung will continue to pursue hardware advantages over Apple, the new shift to focusing on software is the one to keep an eye on going forward. Lee's agenda is to clearly provide the company with new growth opportunities that will naturally provide them with a badly needed new foundation that will allow them to better battle Apple and more aggressive competitors quickly rising in the market such as Huawei. Huawei is a Chinese multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is the largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer in the world, having overtaken Ericsson in 2012; the same Ericsson that sued Apple and forced a patent licensing deal in 2015. Huawei is entering the U.S. market in January 2017 and that is bad news for Samsung. At the end of the day, Samsung's latest acquisition of NewNet Communications is a strategic move to help them beef up their communications software that will help them catapult Viv in their 2017 premium smartphone lines. 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. Over at The American Catholic, Donald McClarey looks at a recent example of modern liberalism eating its own. A month or so ago, I was going to post something about this, but not confine it to just the US. It was about some protesters at the University of Ghana objecting to a statue of Gandhi, since Gandhi was known to espouse some pretty white supremacist notions about Africans. Thats Gandhi, in some ways the spiritual replacement for Jesus in our post-Christian world. And yet, for those Africans, not so much. And it wasnt just those rascally Africans. When we build a movement on brutally and mercilessly condemning the past, it doesnt take long to realize that today will be someone elses past. And if the standard is to judge history based on the here and now, to do so without thought of anything other than the failings or sins of anything beginning with yesterday and extending backward, then it stands to reason future generations might repay the favor. Will we pull up in time? Or are we doomed to stand by while everything including the kitchen sink is thrown out in favor of whoever has the power and yells the loudest at the moment? Well see. If everything we hold dear is eventually reviled as despicable, including such quaint notions as liberty, freedom and equality, it would serve us right. Unfortunately, it wouldnt be us who would pay the price. Just our legacies. What is the Alt Right? Steve Bannon is the new Chief Strategist of the Trump Administration and a huge promoter of the Alt Right. Lots of Trump supporters are expressing surprise (and resistance) at the prospect that Trumps Chief Strategist is a supporter and advocate of white ethno-nationalism (aka racism). He is. Bannon has bragged that he made Breitbart a platform for the Alt Right. The Alt Rights self-description (not the description given it by its enemies) is dedicated to the heritage, identity, and future of European people in the United States aka white identity aka racism. Here is a sample of white identity thought published in Radix recently, explaining that the prolife movement is dysgenic (i.e. that it encourages the birthing of mixed race children) and making the identitarian case for abortion: Not only is the pro-life movement dysgenic, but its justifications rely on principles we generally reject. The alt Right is skeptical, to say the least, of concepts like equality and human rights, especially as bases for policy. The unborn fetus has no connection to anyone else in the community. If it is not even wanted by its own mother, criminalizing abortion means that the state must step in and say that the individual has rights as an individual, despite its lack of connection to any larger social group. This is no problem to those in the conservative movement, who decide right and wrong based on principles like the right to life. It is no coincidence that some of the most pro-life politicians are those most excited about adopting children from Africa and those in their movement are among the conservatives most likely to denounce the racism of their political opponents. The mother-child bond is the strongest of human relationships, the one least subject to being altered by government policy or societal forces. While over the last decades, fathers have become more likely to walk out on their children and divorce rates have risen, there has been no similar rise in females abandoning their children. When the parent-child bond does not exist for a pregnant woman, society has no business stepping in. Those who want to do so, by banning abortion because its racist or adopting children from Africa, are the ultimate cuckservatives. Cuckservative is the awkward portmanteau coined by the Alt Right precisely to distinguish themselves from normal, sane non-racist conservatives they deem afraid to embrace the reality of white supremacy. Cuck is from cuckold and communicates the notion of a white man too weak to defend his racial purity from dark-skinned men having sex with his women. Rassenhygiene is a *big* thing with the Alt Right, as is the sophomore high school fantasy that women are personal property to be kept out of the hands of racial inferiors. The Alt Right sees itself as the hero in a Frank Frazetta painting, defending nubile white feminine flesh from the assault of dark alien hordes bent on sapping and impurifying their precious bodily fluids with injections of inferior chromosomes. Regular conservativescuckservativesare too weak to say this out loud with their wimpy commitment to all men are created equal and the Christian insistence that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, that God is no respecter of persons, that in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Ga 3:2628). Note that when you click the second link above, you find that self-description for a whole slew of Alt Right organizations. Thats because white identity is not an accidental feature of Radix and a couple of outliers, but the fundamental ideology of the Alt Rightthe Alt Right Bannon boasts of supporting, the Alt Right of which he is now the most powerful and prominent representative on Planet Earth as Chief Strategist to Donald Trump. What does the Alt Right do? David French can tell you all about it and what it will look like in power. So can this family. So can all these people. Thats why Twitter finally took the step of shutting these people down. Facebook, Im told, will be following suit. My point is this: There is not a reason in the world prolife Christians should be putting themselves out to defend this racist filth. If they are serious about abortion being their core issue they should, if they are strapped for time and energy, simply be focusing on defending the unborn. If they have time and energy to spare for other things, they should be *protesting* the racism of the Alt Right as (in the words of Nostra Aetate) foreign to the mind of Christ. But instead, prolife leadership like Fr. Frank Pavone and a host of the rank and file of the prolife movement are lining up to spend their time and energy, not on defending the unborn, but on cheering for the appointment of Steve Bannon and on denying the existence of, excusing, and defending the Alt Right racism he champions. That is the infallible pattern the anti-abortion-but-not-prolife movementthe Old Prolife Movementnow follows. It *claims* the defense of the unborn is the core value. It *claims* that it will hold Trumps feet to the fire. But in practice it does one concrete thing over and overit defends Trump and whatever evil or foolish thing Trump says or does. It did it all throughout the election cycle, crowning itself with an act of what Fr. Pavones own bishop and Priests for Life Canada denounced as an act of desecration. And now it is moving on to spending its time defending, not the unborn, but Alt Right racism, because that is what the Boss likes. We need a New Prolife Movement. One that is simply dedicated to the defense of the dignity of all human lifeof whatever colorfrom conception to natural death. One that says simply, Listen to the Churchs *whole* teaching and not just the bits your political ideology likes. And the good news is, we have one. Support (and help grow) the New Prolife Movement. Its a wee little thing, still finding its feet and still working out all the implications of the Churchs teaching and still struggling to find its voice. But it is on the right track. Be more prolife, not less. You cannot be prolife and defend racism. He writes: On Monday at the the USCCB general meeting, Dr. Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services, described, among other things, how CRS reestablished St. Josephs Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia after most of the doctors and staff were wiped out by ebola. They tended the sick and gave dignified burials to contaminated human remains, which she observed was one of the corporal works of mercy. Dr. Woo broke down in tears at the end of her presentation after describing her time at the foot of the cross with people undergoing suffering we cannot even imagine. When she was done talking, Archbishop Coakley said hed just received yet another expose of CRS from the Lepanto Institute, which is trying to damage the work of one the largest relief agencies in the world. They are attacking CRS because some of their 1200 affiliated agencies may have distributed contraception or abortifacients, and because they take funding from people who do not share our values. This failure to understand the basic functioning reality of relief agencies in a pluralistic world, which requires the work of tens of thousand of collaborators who do not share Catholic values, is common to Lepanto and similar anti-CRS crusaders. Archbishop Coakley dismissed Lepantos claims and said that CRS was Catholic from top to bottom. Ive seen the drugs on the shelf and the nurses and doctors and hospitals paid for by donations to Catholic charitable organizations like CNEWA, Catholic Charities, and CRS. They are a thin line between life and death for, literally, millions of people around the world. They are our preaching in deed and act to the world; our living out of the works of mercy which we are commanded to do. I do not support medical care that violates Catholic teaching, but at the same time I realize that CRS has an impossible job getting care to the people who need it, and they strive mightily to make sure that care is delivered in accord with our values. Footnote: when I tweeted that Catholic Charities settles 1/3rd of the refugees who are brought to America (100% in some states like Maine) someone responded and that is why we not longer donate to them. Said with all the moral authority and utter self-confidence of someone who has never met a refugee. Footnote #2: Ill keep sharing this photo, which I took in a clinic paid for by donations to CNEWA, until its message gets through their thick skulls. Footnote 3: Its hard to grasp the scope (not to mention the importance) of what CRS does and how many people they work with. By scanning through reports and finding a couple of connections between CRS and agencies or programs that are not in line with Catholic teachings, Lepanto is not only misunderstanding the way relief agencies function across the entire world, but missing the forest for the trees. People walk away from these exposes thinking CRS is marching into Nigeria with truckloads of condoms. I wonder how many clinics Michael Hichborn has visited? How many refugees hes spoken with? How many sick people in war- and disease-ravaged lands hes nursed or buried? Ive seen the children clinging to their mothers in terror after having fled ISIS bombs, and women and children able to get basic medical care because of the Churchs works of mercy. I have no patience for holier-than-thou keyboard commandos throwing rotten fruit from the sidelines. My message to them is step up or step off. Archbishop Charles Chaput concurs with Tom, by the way. On a related note, my pal Leo C. Brown at Breadbox Media makes a trenchant observation: Why, if youre against abortion, would you be against expansive immigration? Do you think our resources are limited and theres only so much to go around? Then why would you say where are the 40 million lost to abortion? Would they be productive citizens and immigrants not? This goes back to the whole Demographic winter panic of the last decade. The Damn Mooslims is outbreeding us, we were told, so Christians have to get bizzay with the being fruitful and multiplying lest the Musselman Horde overtake us. Perfectly true things are said to the contraceptors about Americas capacity to deal with population growth. Reminders of the Church teaching on contraception and generosity and openness to life abound. People are our greatest resource! We might have cures for all the social ills the population planner fret about by now, but their inventors were all aborted, etc. All well and good. So here come millions of refugees from south of the border, nearly all of them Christian and most of them Catholic. They are family-oriented, hard-working, prolife and desire nothing more than to make a living and raise a family. Many of them are fleeing murder regimes for which our country bears a great deal of responsibility in helping to create. The response of Good White Christians fretting about Demographic Winter? No room at the inn. Go back where you came from! Man was made for immigration law, not immigration law for man. In short, it is abundantly clear that the issue is not Christian vs. Muslim demographics, but white vs. brown demographics. We are to be open and generous to new white life, but not to just any old life. Indeed, we need to deport 20 million of those lives and shrink the Christian pool. Or, of course, we could just trying listening to the Church and not battling her, being more prolife, not less. We could trying welcoming our Latino and refugee neighbors as the Church urges us to do. We could do that instead. Then, we would find that we have more time and energy to devote to the prolife cause we *say* is our core non-negotiable since we will no longer be wasting it fighting the Church. Wednesday evening after the election our church gathered for one of our 6 yearly congregational meetings. We planned it for the night after the election on purpose, wondering if there might be a healing moment for us there. Im guessing our church is half and half on red or blue politics. But our neighborhood is mostly Hispanic, predominantly poor, and definitely living on the margins. This is what I said that night. There are about 16 kids from the neighborhood who are part of our youth group, 12 of whom are Hispanic. Any given Wednesday maybe 6 or 7 of them will be at church. They were all here tonight, all 12 of them and they all came early. They brought stories with them about being harassed at school today. One young man was called a stupid illegal to his face. This is a sweet kid, a good kid, whos just started to trust our church. One kid shared a text saying, It hurts seeing people call Mexicans lazy when I see my Mom & dad come home from work tired after working two jobs that we stole. Several endured comments at school along the lines of, Im surprised you are here today. I thought youd be packing your bags for Mexico. Another student was told, You better watch out now, theyre gonna be coming for you. They all agreed that this was a common experience. Theres a lot of pain & fear in our neighborhood right now. Members of my congregation are wondering if their lives are about to be turned upside down. Over the course of the last month Ive had several good conversations with folks in our church who have felt on the fringes for a long time. Not just in our society, but sometimes even at our church. Theyre not part of the cultural or intellectual elite. Theyve felt ignored for a long time, as if their concerns dont matter. They are not bigots, nor are they uncaring or uneducated. They are good peoplemoms & dads who love their familiesbut they feel like they are being asked to compromise their values by those who want change to move quickly in our society than theyre comfortable with. They feel frustrated and disenfranchised. The appeal that Donald Trump had for them was that he was speaking directly to their concerns. Learning to respect these two lived experiences is essential to our faith, and my role as a pastor. Listening with compassion to those with whose beliefs make us crazy, or frustrated, or sad is one of the hallmarks of any mature Christianity. Lesslie Newbigin was a missionary from England, who served the church in India. He constantly bumped up against the English Colonial attitude. The English considered Indias culture to be inferior, and asked people to convert to British culture first, and Christianity second. So, their dialogue was never honest. They always dealt themselves the good cards. They were suspicious of people who had dark skin, and different beliefs. English missionaries saw themselves as smart, enlightened, & right. They saw the other people as a problem, an enemy who was both wrong and foolish. So no genuine dialogue among equals ever happened. Newbigin would draw this diagram with two opposing staircases descending to a platform in between them on which a lone cross stood. One stairway represents your point of view. The other represents a person from a different point of view. They he would say, God comes to meet us at the bottom of our stairways, not at the top. If we want to have a real relationship with another human being we must descend our cultural staircase, and meet each other on common ground at the bottom, because thats where Christ is. Nobody has a privileged position before God. We are all beggars. Youll never heal from your own hurts, until you surrender the moral high ground, and confess your own brokenness and need for understanding and healing. Newbigin said our ascent of the staircase takes us both further away from each other and further away from God further away from the place where he actually meets us. He wrote, Our meeting, therefore, with those of other faiths takes place at the bottom of the stairway, not at the top. There has to be a kenosis, a self-emptying. Perhaps the most difficult part of Christian community is humility. You have to walk down your staircase and enter into the presence of Christ as equals. Its not as though I have some secret knowledge with which to enlighten you. I dont have any answers right now. Im confused and extremely disappointed in our societyboth parties. But, when we both walk down our staircase and expose ourselves to God & each other & we are all called into question before Christ. Unless we are all receptive to this conviction and correction and a greater awareness of another persons point of view, well only create more problems. Standing at the top of our ideological staircase lobbing hand grenades is a tired script. Christ meets us at the bottom of the stairs. We stand on common ground, all of us called into question by the cross. Thats Christian community. Its possible that after I come down my staircase & meet Jesus, I may never see my staircase the same way again. A bunch of stuff I thought was important wont look so important anymore, because my version of Christianity, my vision of reality is always incomplete and flawed. My ideas about politics or social policy always need refining. I have to find a way to accept people who have experienced what Walter Brueggemann called an alternative obedience a different lived-experience from mine, in regard to matters of faith and obedience. We ended with a prayer exercise. We all came to the front of the church and stood in a circle. It was a tight squeeze, so most of us were nearly touching shoulders. I handed out copies of The Prayer of St. Francis, and we went around the circle each person reading one line of the prayer. When one person ended the prayer, the next person began it again. Around and around we went. We must have read it more than a dozen times together. At first people were nervous, a few people used their best TV host voice. But after awhile the words began to sink in. Every once in awhile, when it was their turn to read, people would have to gather themselves. Arms started to go around shoulders. I could sense the emotion, and hear the sniffles and see the tears. It was a beautiful moment. Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. your peace. Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Where there is discord, let me so harmony. Where there is doubt and despair, let me sow faith and hope. I do not know if this is possible for a culture so bitterly divided. But I am certain we have to find a way to do this as the church. Our legitimacy, our very being depends upon it. Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is error, truth; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Patna: Employees of the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) observed a daylong nationwide strike on Friday crippling the normal functioning at more than 50 branches spread across the state. The strike was called by the United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees to protest against the proposed privatization of major banks. "This is just a warning shot. If the government does not change its decision, we will be forced to go on an indefinite strike," said union leader Dr. Kumar Arvind. The strike also affected the ATM functioning as more than 200 ATMs machines across the state were shut down to have full impact of the bandh. Patna: An attempt by the local administration to remove illegal encroachment on Birchand Patel Marg in Patna on Tuesday turned violent as a retired police constable pulled a rifle and opened fire in the air leading to a stampede like situation. It happened shortly after 1:00 pm when a team of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) crew arrived at Adalatganj opposite Hotel Pataliputra on Birchand Patel Marg to get rid of the illegal growth of huts and roadside shops. However, as many times in the past, the crew proved to be woefully ill-equipped to deal with the protest as dozens of angry residents clashed with them by throwing bottles, bricks, and stones at them. Before the police could arrive, Ashok Singh, a retired havaldar, pulled a rifle from his hut and fire three rounds in the air causing a panic in the area. Singh and his son Manish, however, were overpowered by the mob that snatched the rifle from his hand and gave the father-son duo a good beating. About the same time, police arrived with full enforcement including the anti-riot vehicle 'Vajra' after which the situation was brought under control. The havaldar and his son, along with three others, were arrested and brought to the Kotwali police station. City Superintendent of Police (SP) Chandan Kushwaha later reprimanded the cops for not being prepared enough for anti-encroachment drive that routinely turn violent. Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday paid a visit to the home of Border Security Force (BSF) jawan Vikas Kumar Mishra who was recently killed by Pakistani soldiers at the border of Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar met with the family members of Mishra at his home in Raiyam village in Jhanjharpur in Madhubani district. Talking to the relatives of the martyr, the Chief Minister said that the government would do everything to help the family for the supreme sacrifice many by Mishra. The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by several top officials and a number of Janata Dal U leaders, interacted with the victim's brothers Dipak Mishra, Pradeep Mishra, and Prakash Mishra. "The country would never forget the sacrifice made by their brother and the entire state of Bihar was proud to have a hero like him who gave his life fighting to protect the nation from external enemies," he said. Earlier, Kumar had announced a monetary compensation of Rs. 11 lakh to Mishra's family and had also ordered a funeral with full state honors. Iran unimpressed by US election results: Supreme Leader 11/16/16 Source: Press TV Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran is not worried by the results of the US presidential election, but it is prepared to face any eventuality. "Will Trump be a serious threat for world peace?" cartoon by Ali Romani, Iranian daily Shargh "Unlike some of those in the world who have either been mourning or celebrating the results of the American elections, we are neither mourning nor celebrating and the results make no difference to us," he said in Tehran on Wednesday. "We have no worries and by the grace of God, we are ready to face any possible eventuality," the Leader told a group of visitors from the central Iranian city of Isfahan. Ayatollah Khamenei said both parties in the US elections follow the hostile policy which Washington has adopted against the Islamic Republic since 1979. "We have no judgment about this election because America is the same America and each of the two parties which has been at work over the past 37 years has done no good to us, rather it is their evil which has always targeted the Iranian nation." Ayatollah Khamenei said the elections, which marked an unflattering portrayal of the US situation including poverty and many other problems by President-elect Donald Trump, revealed the realities of the American society. "The person who was elected as the US president said during the election campaign that the American money spent on wars in the past few years could have rebuilt America twice if it had been used inside the county," the Leader said. "America in recent years has spent its tax money on despicable wars which have resulted in the massacre of tens of thousands of civilians and destruction of infrastructure in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen," Ayatollah Khamenei added. The Leader called on Iranian "political and non-political elite" to raise their discernment and wake up to the realities pointed out during the US presidential election campaign. "The meaning of discernment is that you realize who you are faced with and what your adversary thinks about you and that if you shut your eyes, you will definitely be hit. "Fortunately, the ordinary people have this discernment but what is surprising is that some of the elite rely on their illusions and lack this discernment," the Leader said, apparently criticizing some state officials. The only way to overcome problems and make up for shortcomings and achieve greatness, prosperity as well as material and spiritual progress is to remain true to the principles of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Leader called on state officials to focus on the domestic strength of the country and take serious measures for the betterment of its economy. "The enemy has zeroed in on the economy because it thinks economy is our weak point," Ayatollah Khamenei, reiterating his call for the country to develop an "economy of resistance." Tehran fights for breath while officials pass the buck 11/16/16 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - While air pollution in Tehran has reached critical levels for seven days in a row officials keep shifting the blame onto each other. The air quality indices have surged up so much so that all healthy people are likely to experience irritation or discomfort while breathing as well as those with heart and lung condition. Moreover pre-elementary and elementary schools were shut down on Tuesday for the second day in the same week, traffic rules are tightened and traffic zones are stretched further. However it is said that the blanket of brown-white smog descended on the capital which has forced many to stay at home or restrict their outdoor activities and wear masks would persist until Wednesday when the weather forecasts predict blasts of wind will come and blow the stagnant and still air. Shutting down the schools worst strategy ever, says councilor Eqbal Shakeri, head of urban development committee of Tehran City Council, who attended Tuesday session by wearing a mask showing his objection to the persistent air pollution explained that shutting down the schools at the time of air pollution is the most inefficient policy. "Air pollution has become an old and recurrent issue for the Tehraners and has inflicted heavy loss upon them, and closing schools would only cause chaos," ISNA news agency quoted Shakeri as saying. Source: Roozan daily 13 organizations in charge, none held accountable Shakeri went on to say that some 13 organizations are in charge of dealing with air pollution but none has been held responsible so far. "No one has ever bothered to apologize the public for the air pollution or even explain what's happening," he added. 80% of air pollution caused by cars, motorcycles Shakeri also pointed out that some 80 percent of the air pollution is caused by cars and motorcycles. "Following the implementation of the nuclear deal [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] at least we expect the government to provide the country with some 1,000 wagons for the subway system, 400 buses, 20,000 taxis and electric motorcycles," he added. Heavy vehicles worsening the situation Rahmatollah Hafezi, head of health committee of Tehran City Council, has also tweeted that some 10,000 heavy vehicles of poor standards which mostly operate on diesel engines and working night shifts in Tehran are aggravating the air pollution, YJC reported. Source: Hamshahri daily The subway is not sufficiently funded: Tehran mayor Despite having around 100 stations, Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf Tehran Mayor says Tehran Subway is not sufficiently funded by central government, forcing millions to rely on cars. Apologize to foreign tourists "We hope our people's hospitality wipes the grey image of Tehran's beautiful attractions from their minds," the Tehran tourism chief Rajab Ali Khosroabadi said. Number of deaths increased According to Nasim news agency Habib Kashani, another councilor explained that some 3,262 individuals died from September 22 to October 14 while the number increased by 412 over the same number of the days over the second month of autumn. Source: Ebtekar daily Department of Environment has no definite plan Kashani also blamed the Department of Environment (DOE), saying they have no firm plan to address the air pollution. On the other hand, Masoumeh Ebtekar chief of DOE, by sharing an infographic indicating temperature inversion on her Instagram, explained that Tehran's air pollution has improved compared to three years ago as the number of the excellent air quality and good air quality has increased relatively. Who is responsible? Despite the fact that there are many organizations tasked with coming up with plans to mitigate air pollution none has ever succeeded in making any tangible progress and the beginning of the autumn is always synonymous with onset of suffocating air pollution and officials who place the blame on one another or believe they have made progress. But those who are really at loss are the citizens who are involuntarily breathing the poisonous air in and are suffering the severe consequences. 11/16/16 By Eli Clifton (source: LobeLog) Donald Trump's rumored picks for key foreign-policy positions have already set off alarm bells about the future administration's embrace of war hawks and Islamophobes. Today, Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin pointed out that former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is currently reported to be under consideration for an appointment to secretary of state or attorney general, potentially violated the law when he made paid speaking appearances for the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), when the State Department listed the Iranian dissident group as a foreign terrorist organization. Giuliani isn't the only likely member of the future administration to have maintained close ties and advocated on behalf of the former terrorist group, which assassinated six Americans in Iran between 1973 and 1976. John Bolton (another rumored choice for secretary of state), Clare Lopez (who is reportedly short-listed for deputy national security adviser), and Newt Gingrich (who allegedly turned down an offer of secretary of state but has shown interest in serving as a policy adviser in the Trump administration) have all advocated for the former terrorist group and praised its cultish leader, Maryam Rajavi. Shortly after the overthrow of the Shah, the group experienced a falling out with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and fled into exile. Over the following years, the group's leaders, Maryam and Massoud Rajavi, aligned with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war (7,000 members fought alongside Saddam Hussein, against Iran) and shifted toward increasingly cultish behavior, mandating divorces and celibacy for their soldiers while cultivating a cult of personality around themselves. Massoud Rajavi hasn't been seen since overseeing the surrender of MEK forces to the U.S. following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This summer, the former head of Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency, Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud referred to Massoud Rajavi as "the late Massoud Rajavi," suggesting that he may be deceased. Turki's participation at an MEK event, meanwhile, was a tacit acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia's support of the group. Indeed, forming opportunistic alliances has been a hallmark of the MEK. In 2012, U.S. officials told NBC News that Israel's national intelligence agency, Mossad, was training and arming the MEK to assassinate Iranian nuclear scientists. The group seeks to portray itself as a government-in-exile and the secular, democratic alternative to Iran's theocratic government. But the MEK's lack of influence inside Iran and skepticism about their allegations regarding Iran's nuclear program-for example, photographic evidence the MEK provided last year allegedly showing evidence of "Lavizan-3," a secret uranium enrichment facility in the suburbs of Tehran, turned out to be a stock photo from an Iranian safe company - haven't prevented the group from gaining footholds in Washington through campaign contributions and lucrative speaking gigs for politicians who praise Rajavi and call for regime change in Iran at MEK rallies. The MEK is known for paying generous sums to former officials who speak at their events. Lee Hamilton, a former chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee who headed the Woodrow Wilson Center for 12 years, told InterPress Service that he was paid "a substantial amount" to appear on an MEK panel in 2011. Giuliani, Bolton, Lopez, and Gingrich have all sung the praises of Maryam Rajavi, called for the U.S. to work towards regime change in Tehran, and treated the MEK as a legitimate Iranian government in exile. Speaking at an MEK rally outside Paris last year, Giuliani, who had taken speaking fees from the group when it was on the foreign terrorist organization (FTO) list, told the audience: I will not support anyone for President of the United States who isn't clear on that slogan behind me. What does it say? It says "Regime Change." ... I will not support a candidate who does not have the moral fiber and the courage to stand up to the Ayatollah and tell him "We are going to do everything we can to get you out and you are never going to become a nuclear power." Bolton, who also advocated for the group when it was on the FTO list, told an MEK audience outside Paris last summer: There is only one answer here: To support legitimate opposition groups that favor overthrowing the military theocratic dictatorship in Tehran, and it should be the declared policy of the United States of America and all of its friends to do just that at the earliest opportunity. Gingrich, who also spoke for the group before it was delisted, told the 2016 gathering in Paris: There are no moderates in the dictatorship. The dictatorship cannot be trusted. The [nuclear] agreement made with it is insane. He concluded by praising the commitment of Rajavi's followers, saying: I want you to know that the message I will take home to America is that there are thousands and thousands of Iranians who are prepared, who are ready, who are committed to and who believe that we can truly bring democracy to Iran. Lopez, who serves as a vice president at the Center for Security Policy, a far-right think tank headed by anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist Frank Gaffney, and as executive director of the long-time MEK advocacy group, the Iran Policy Committee, from 2005 to 2006, wrote that Prince Turki's surprising appearance marked a watershed moment for the MEK. She wrote: ...[T]he implications of official Riyadh government support for the largest, most dedicated, and best-organized Iranian opposition movement will reverberate through the Middle East. Although not openly stated by bin Faisal, the new NCRI-Riyadh alliance may be expected to involve funding, intelligence sharing, and possible collaboration in operations aimed at the shared goal of overthrowing the current Tehran regime. If Lopez, Giuliani, Bolton, or Gingrich serve in the Trump administrations, the MEK will have the highest level access its ever enjoyed in the U.S. government, a remarkable journey for a fringe Islamic-Marxist group that, until 2012, was on the State Department's terrorism list for its role in assassinating Americans. Kofax Power PDF review TechRadar Pro Kofax has a handful of multi-platform apps to help you alter and annotate PDFs. Standard is likely the one best suited for most needs, and is the software well be exploring in this review. After a long campaign against open source and Linux, Microsoft has for the past few been pushing its love of the popular operating system. On Wednesday, the company made that even more official by joining the Linux Foundation, an organization that shepherds development of the operating systems kernel and provides funding for open source projects. Microsoft also launched the public beta of SQL Server on Linux, the much-anticipated port of the relational database software that was first announced in March. Linux developers can also start working with a beta of Azure App Service, which is designed to take away the work of managing infrastructure for cloud-based apps. The moves are part of an ongoing effort by the company to adopt and support Linux and open source in a variety of different ways. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella first proclaimed in 2014 that the company loves Linux, and weve seen the results of that ever since. Microsoft will be a Platinum member in the Linux Foundation, placing it alongside the likes of Intel, Oracle, Samsung and IBM. The move makes sense for Microsoft, given its open source leanings of late. Jim Zemlin, the Foundations executive director, said in a press release that he expects Microsoft will intensify its involvement and commitment to open development. But things werent always so cozy between the two organizations. In 2009, Zemlin blasted Microsoft for secretly attacking Linux after it sold a group of Linux-related patents. Microsoft, meanwhile, attacked Linux, with former CEO Steve Ballmer famously calling the operating system a cancer 15 years ago. But at the same time, the door was open for the two organizations to work together, even during a period when Microsoft was much more aggressive towards Linux. Wed like to have a place where developers can come and work on making Linux more effectively interoperate with Microsoft products, Zemlin told InfoWorlds Paul Krill in a 2008 interview. And wed like to do that in the open-source way thats not tied to any specific marketing agreement, thats not tied to any specific contract, that is an open process that can be participated in by anyone in the community. A warmer relationship between the two organizations began emerging last year when the two launched a certification for running Linux on Azure. In order to obtain the certificate, sysadmins had to pass a Microsoft exam about Azure, and a Linux Foundation exam about managing the open source operating system. Microsoft also joined the Eclipse Foundation earlier this year. Now, Microsofts move to join the Linux Foundation is an important step, according to IDC Program Director Al Hilwa. Microsoft is hitting all the right notes in terms of aligning its developer business with an ecosystem much broader than Windows, he said in an email. Joining the Linux Foundation is a natural progression of this strategy and one that might still generate a double take if it wasnt for all the actions the company has already taken in terms of supporting Linux in Azure and with SQL Server. With the release of the pubic beta for SQL Server on Linux, anyone will be able to take the relational database software for a spin on a Linux machine, though they shouldnt expect the full set of features available on Windows to make their way over to Linux just yet. Microsoft has planned to make SQL Server on Linux available in the middle of next year, and Wednesdays launch is an important step along that path. Microsoft General Manager Rohan Kumar said during a press event that the SQL Server team put a lot of work to making the relational database software feel like its at home on Linux, and not just a straight port of the database engine alone. Azure App Service is also getting the Linux treatment. Developers building Node.js and PHP applications that run on Linux now have a beta version of Microsofts platform-as-a-service offering to try out. Its designed to help developers build web and mobile apps that easily scale and integrate with other services. All of this is part of a suite of announcements Microsoft made at its Connect conference in New York City on Wednesday. On top of all the Linux news, Google will be joining the .NET Foundation, and Microsoft is releasing a handful of updates to various Visual Studio products. A 25-year-old Murrieta man who tried to drive his car through a crowd of angry shoppers following a domestic violence incident in front of the Food 4 Less supermarket on Ynez Road in Temecula has been identified by police. The suspect, Brian Albert Ferrer, was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm and domestic violence. Bail was set at $50,000. The suspect reportedly got into a fight with his girlfriend, who was described by witnesses as a young girl, in front of the supermarket on Tuesday morning. Shoppers quickly came to the girls aid, forming a circle around the suspects car as he tried to leave the parking lot. The human blockade, which was captured in a video by a bystander, proved effective, helping slow him down enough so that he was stopped and arrested before he left the lot. A huge thank you to all the men and women I saw this morning stand up for the young girl being assaulted by her boyfriend this morning in front of Food 4 Less, wrote area resident Joanna Walker Sanchez in a Facebook post. Thank you standing up and helping. Even as he rammed his car into a group of people, then backed out again and almost ran over another lady who was on the ground, these men still tried to stop him. Thank you. Thank you to our officers for responding so fast and catching him before he got out of the parking lot. Thank you. Temecula Police Chief Jeff Kubel said Wednesday the suspects girlfriend and a female member of the blockade were injured during the incident. The girlfriends injuries were described as moderate and the bystanders injuries were described as minor. Both were treated and released at the scene. ONTARIO Cardenas Markets, a fixture among grocery chains in the Inland area, has been sold to KKR, a New York City-based global investment firm, according to both parties. New Yorks KKR and Chicagos Victory Park Capital, both investment firms, have also purchased the Mi Pueblo chain, which also caters to a Hispanic market from its headquarters in San Jose and locations throughout Southern California, including Perris, Santa Ana and Norwalk. KKR and Victory Park will be making investments in both Cardenas Markets and Mi Pueblo, along with the ownership of both businesses, including the Cardenas family, according to a statement from Cara Kleiman, a spokesperson for KKR. We are not disclosing financial details, but expect that these new investments will create positive momentum and allow us to better service their communities and valued customers, while also growing Mi Pueblo and Cardenas Markets, creating new jobs, and offering long and rewarding career paths for executives and employees. Cardenas has 33 stores operating throughout Southern California and the Las Vegas area. The company employs about 3,000 people, and its headquarters are located near the intersection of Archibald Avenue and the 10 Freeway, where it also has its 470,000 square-foot distribution center at the same campus at 2501 East Guasti Road. We are very excited about our new partnership with KKR global investments, said Marco Robles, spokesman for Cardenas. This affords us a great opportunity to expand our reach in the grocery industry and into communities not presently served by Cardenas. Cardenas Markets takes great pride in having started and being headquartered in the City of Ontario, Robles said. We are also proud of providing the best quality service and providing the finest quality food products to our customers. We plan to continue to expand that much recognized family service with this new acquisition. Retail and grocery store expert Craig Rosenblum, a partner with the consumer goods and retail consulting firm Willard Bishop, said the question that comes to mind from the acquisition is whether or not this is a strategic financial play for KKR trying to get into the Hispanic supermarket business, or a real estate play given the location of where their stores are today. Theres plenty of other Hispanic grocers, so what theyre going to need to do is figure out how to differentiate Mi Pueblo and Cardenas in the marketplace so shoppers want to shop their stores, and right now the only one in the Hispanic market that has done a really good job is (Anaheim-based) Northgate (Gonzalez) Markets, with what theyve been doing with remodels, food service and so on, Rosenblum said. Rosenblum said it would be interesting to watch whether KKR is interested in acquiring other Hispanic markets in Southern California. Are they finished? Is this just the beginning? Rosenblum said. Are there other potentials given the competitive nature of the market there might potentially be others KKR is looking at. The first Cardenas Market opened in Ontario in 1981. Company expansion took off in the 1990s after the success of the companys sixth store in Pomona, Robles said in a 2013 interview. Robles said a key signature of the stores is the family atmosphere, and the themed architecture and decor of the supermarkets interior. Contact the writer: nnisperos@scng.com or @ReporterNeil Choosing a profession can sometimes be a choice determined by the heart. Thats the case for Menifee resident Chad Dziedzickie. He is a chaplain and bereavement coordinator for Compassus-Colton, which provides hospice care resources to those in need. The 33-year-old has a passion for helping people for giving them hope. On Aug. 31, he returned from Cape Town part of a team of local medical volunteers to assist Living Hope, the companys sister hospice program in South Africa. The Compassus team, which included three physicians, four registered nurses, a social worker, hospice aide and bereavement coordinator, spent a week in Cape Town, South Africa, educating and assisting the Living Hope staff. Compassus supports Living Hope, a ministry-based nonprofit organization that offers healthcare services, counseling and education to more than 200,000 underprivileged residents in Cape Town. In South Africa, the nonprofit focuses on improving general health and hospice care, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and economic empowerment for the people in need there. These days, tuberculosis is running rampant. Dziedzickie remembers one man, in particular, who lived in a tiny shack with a dirt floor. All he wanted was prayer, Dziedzickie said. I prayed with him and didnt find out until later that he had AIDS. Doctors there are doing a great job with what they have, Dziedzickie said. Because August is a winter month in that part of the world, the Compassus team did not have to deal with the brutal heat and insects. The weather was perfect cool and sunny. Seared into Dziedzickies memory is the slaughter of a goat in the middle of a dirt road in one of the small villages. The goat was later roasted to feed the villagers. Dziedzickie said the Compassus teams mission was to support the villagers they visited. As a chaplain, I go to any person who wants to talk to someone, wants information or support, wants to pray with someone, he said, adding: When I talk to people, Im constantly assessing their grief for risks. If I can help them with their resources or just give them practical counseling, Ill provide that but if someone is beyond the scope of my counseling, Ill refer them to a therapist in the area. If there is something going on in the community, well offer support there as well, he said. Dziedzickie brought his guitar to Africa and would connect with people through music. As a chaplain, he would play worship music. The children never had anyone lead them in praise and music together, Dziedzickie said. It was very meaningful. A full-time hospice bereavement coordinator with a full-time ministry, Dziedzickie works out of the Colton office of Compassus, a nationwide network of community-based services primarily based on hospice, palliative and home health care. The mission of his bereavement program is to make the end of peoples lives easier. The mission of Compassus is to honor life and offer hope to individuals facing serious or terminal illness by supporting them with a common culture focused on three core values: compassion, integrity, and excellence. Through a partnership started in 2011, Compassus donates monetary aid, medical supplies and healthcare expertise to support Living Hopes healthcare and hospice services in the impoverished township communities of Cape Town, South Africa. Compassus team members came from offices throughout the country, including those in New Jersey, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Maine and Arizona. The flight from Atlanta to Cape Town meant the team was in the air for 18 1/2 hours. Near the end of their trip they were invited to visit the nearby wild animal preserve and saw giraffe, zebras and elephants close-up. And then we went to Boulder Beach, where the penguins hang out, Dziedzickie laughed. (Air travel distance from Cape Town to Antarctica is about 4,300 miles). Throughout their stay, the Compassus team drove between townships, visiting clinics and helping people there. One woman thanked the Lord for being poor. She said if she had more things, she wouldnt cherish the Lord as much as she does, Dziedzickie recalled. Hope changes everything. Thats why having good support helps friends, family, people you can talk to spiritual support, Dziedzickie said. Even in our deepest sorrow, we have hope. Contact the writer: mnolan@scng.comTwitter: @MichelNolan Update: Firefighters give number for damage caused A small fire broke out at a church in Perris early Wednesday morning, Nov. 16. Cal Fire/Riverside County firefighters responded to a fire alarm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about 3:28 a.m., according to a statement from the department. Firefighters found flames inside the church, which is located at 225 Mildred St. The fire was quickly contained to a single room and its contents. About $25,000 in damage was caused by the fire, but firefighters say they saved $1 million more. It isnt clear from the statement how the fire started. A California judge has tentatively rejected pimping charges against the operators of a major international website that advertises escort services. Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Bowman said Wednesday the state attorney generals office cannot continue prosecuting Backpage.coms CEO and two former owners. The men were charged by California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who called Backpage.com the worlds top online brothel. Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate last week. The judge agreed with 55-year-old CEO Carl Ferrer and former owners Michael Lacey and James Larkin that the website operators are protected by federal law related to free speech. Bowman says he will throw out charges of pimping and trafficking prostitutes. He set a hearing on the preliminary ruling later Wednesday. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Winds between 20 and 30 mph are making their way to the Inland area Wednesday, Nov. 16, and are expected to hit with their strongest force by Thursday. High winds are expected to arrive in the northern part of the Inland Empire in the afternoon and stick around into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. A wind advisory has been issued for that area between 1 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, as those are the hours during which the winds should be at their highest. Gusts are expected to reach about 45 mph, the weather service says. Cities most affected by the wind will be in San Bernardino County and include Fontana, San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga. The San Gorgonio and Cajon passes are expected to be blustery as well. As always, deserts and mountains will be the most affected. Travel is expected to be difficult there, according to the weather service, especially for high-profile vehicles. Winds will travel in from the west today but turn northeast Thursday fire weather is a concern for forecasters. Meteorologists said in an analysis that humidity in the teens will combine with the winds and therefore, folks should be mindful of outdoor behavior and try to avoid sparking a fire. Temperatures will be typical-to-high for this time of year over the next few days, with Thursday in that normal 67 to 73 range, rising to reach between 75 and 80 Friday. Riverside police investigating two unrelated incidents came together in the same place at the same time Wednesday morning. About 8:20 a.m., officers with the Riverside Police Departments Problem Oriented Policing tried to stop a man who was riding his bicycle on Spruce Street between Iowa and Chicago avenues, said police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback. He didnt know why police were contacting the man. The man ditched the bicycle and ran, Railsback said. Officers began searching for him, including with a police helicopter. He was taken into custody about 20 minutes later near Spruce and Atlanta Avenue, Railsback said. The man was cut while hopping a fence and was tended to at the scene by paramedics. Meanwhile, detectives on a shoplifting investigation were already en route to the same area. When they got word of the search for the man on the bike, they came to help. While on Spruce Street, those detectives spotted a car related to the shoplifting incident, Railsback said. They pulled the car over east of the I-215 overpass and detained its occupants while they searched inside. Railsback didnt know if anyone was arrested following that stop. A controversial residential development approved for the eastern side of Highland is headed to a ballot. The Highland City Council has consented to putting the Harmony master planned community before voters in November 2018, reversing course on its approval of the project after opponents gathered enough verified signatures to force a recall or seek voter input. Now, we the people have spoken, Highland resident John Meyer told the council at its meeting Tuesday. You are our elected officials. I believe that you should be listening to what the people want. Previously: Opponents deliver petitions to derail Harmony housing project Residents for Responsible Development, a group of Highland residents and environmental and labor advocates, filed boxes of petitions with the City Clerks Office on Sept. 20. The San Bernardino County Registrars Office has since verified the 2,236 signatures needed for the petition to qualify for the ballot. The group needed signatures from 10 percent of registered voters in Highland. The registrars office stopped its count once it hit 2,227 verified signatures, according to City Clerk Betty Hughes. Previously: Why Harmony project near Highland faces new legal challenge Rather than hold a special election or rescind the projects approval altogether, the council agreed to seek voter input during the next gubernatorial election, Mayor Larry McCallon said Wednesday. The project, led by Upland-based developer Lewis Group of Companies, would bring more than 3,600 homes, a fire station and elementary school to 1,656 acres of land north of Mill Creek, south and west of the San Bernardino National Forest and east of Greenspot Road. We support the decision of the council, Randall Lewis, executive vice president of Lewis Group, said Thursday. We think it will give an opportunity for the broadest number of Highland voters to weigh in on the project. The City Council approved the project in August after hearing from dozens of residents who voiced concerns about the projects potential impact on the environment, traffic and schools. Opponents also site flood, fire and earthquake risks associated with the property as reasons the project should not go forward. Previously: Harmony housing project in Highland moving ahead In September, the Center of Biological Diversity, the San Bernardino Audubon Society and the Greenspot Residents Association filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming the project violates the California Environmental Quality Act and will have a significant impact on wildlife habitat, traffic and air pollution. The same month, the Sierra Club, Crafton Hills Open Space Conservancy, Tri-County Conservation League and Friends of Riversides Hills filed a separate lawsuit against the city. We are not surprised, but remain disappointed that the City Council has chosen to push ahead with the plans despite clear public outcry and two concurrent lawsuits, Wendy Rea, founder of the Greenspot Residents Association, said in an email Friday. Redlands and surrounding residents need only to look a few miles up the canyon at the cost and safety issues in Forest Falls to understand why we should be concerned with this ill-conceived project on the banks of Mill Creek, she continued. It carries significant risks to public safety and the community as well as to the environment, and we will continue to pursue legal and public opposition to the project and well as educate the public on the far-reaching consequences. McCallon said placing the matter on the November 2018 ballot likely would not impact the projects construction timeline. It was never envisioned construction would start for the next three, four or five years, anyway, he said. Contact the writer: semerson@scng.comTwitter: @TheFactsSandra SeaWorld, Abercrombie & Fitch, airfare and Italian hotels and restaurants are among the expenses Rep. Duncan Hunter reimbursed his campaign account for following an outside review of his campaign spending. Hunter, an Alpine Republican who represents most of Temecula, announced earlier this month he would repay his campaign almost $49,000 for expenses deemed to be personal or erroneously charged to the campaign. The announcement followed months of questions about Hunters campaign expenses, which prompted an ethics complaint by a Washington, D.C. watchdog group. Hunter commissioned an outside look at his campaign finances and the roughly $49,000 in reimbursements stemmed from that review, which according to Hunter revealed unauthorized expenditures. Campaign finance rules forbid the expenditure of campaign donations for personal expenses. Hunters campaign treasurer sent a letter to the Federal Election Commission detailing the expenses covered by Hunters repayment for expenses inadvertently charged on the campaign card. They include: $961.46 for SeaWorld in 2015 and 2016. $2,616.64 spent at Wal-Mart in 2015 and 2016. $4,223.34 spent at Albertsons in 2015 and 2016. $92.88 spent at Abercrombie & Fitch on Nov. 10, 2015. $486.97 spent at Macys in 2015. $300 sent to the Padre Municipal Water District on Aug. 10, 2015. $1,268 sent to San Diego Gas & Electric on Oct. 14, 2015. $289.38 spent on Casa Italo Napoli. $213.50 spent at Ristorante Il Giubileo. Money spent on United Airlines, including $1,399.20 spent on Nov. 4, 2015. $111 on Nail Spa Plus spent in 2015 and 2016. Hunter has taken responsibility for the expenses in question and said that systems are now in place to ensure errors are not repeated. The money for Hunters reimbursement came from a third loan on his home, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Hunter, who was re-elected to the 50th Congressional District on Nov. 8, has been mentioned as a possible pick for secretary of defense in the Trump administration. A Marine veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Hunter was one of the first congressmen to endorse Trump. How long must we tolerate this disgusting behavior of the losers? We all have been on that side at one time or another and have not behaved in such a despicable way, destroying property, injuring police officers, creating chaos on freeways what is going on? We were upset and deeply saddened when Mitt Romney was defeated we sucked it up, and life went on, and now it is their turn. So, get over it. Donald Trump won fair and square that is the way our system works. It is unfortunate that some of his opponents were so opposed to this newcomer to politics that they could not contain their opposition. That was not helpful. Hillary Clinton and President Obama have both been gracious in conceding the results to President-elect Trump who are these people to try and deny our country a peaceful transition of power? We are so sad and outraged with the way the protestors are behaving and can only pray God Bless America! Bonnie Kopplin, San Jacinto Sore losers should grow up After Clintons loss in the election, there are many who feel it is fine to protest Donald Trumps election. These snowflakes mostly left-leaning, professional protesters and safe-space college students are criticizing the democratic process that worked so well for them when Barack Obama won two presidential elections. It would be interesting to see how many of them voted, attend liberal colleges, have jobs and are paying their own bills. Americans recognize that elections have consequences (didnt someone now in high office say that?) so now the supporters of Clinton must recognize that this election has consequences as well. From those who didnt riot and burn and pillage when Obama got elected to those are doing so now: Grow up. Dan Comerford, Banning Anyone can be president sadly Please explain how a candidate running for the highest office in our land can call his opponent Crooked Hillary, when he has 75 lawsuits currently against him? Now, after winning the election, our new president-elect takes with him a history which includes 3,500-plus lawsuits and who knows how many bankruptcies. I guess it is true, and we can tell our young boys anyone can become president, whether you pay your bills or not. Rick Raum, Banning Its the hardest role shes ever tackled. Not once during performances has Tori Wurm ever looked directly at her five cast mates. Thats because shes playing the blind Susan Hendrix in the Redlands Footlighters Theatre production of Wait Until Dark. The play opened on Saturday, Nov. 5, and will run through Sunday, Nov. 27. Wurm, 25, admits its challenging to focus on a distant point rather than on her fellow actors. Its weird, she said. Onstage, Ive never seen anyones face. To prepare for the part of a woman whos lost her sight in a car accident 1 1/2 years earlier, Wurm practiced stumbling around her home in Fontana with her eyes closed. I thought it would be easy, she said. I know where the couch is. But a few times I ran into counters. She praises director Patricia McQuillan for guiding her every step of the way, literally, during rehearsals. The cast is working with writer Jeffrey Hatchers adaptation of Frederick Knotts classic thriller, 47 years after the original premiered on Broadway. Hatchers new take has pushed back the year to 1944 in a Greenwich Village apartment during World War II in New York City. Susans husband, Sam Hendrix, a struggling photographer, returns from his travels with a doll that someone has slipped into one of his bags. When three con men searching for something valuable inside the doll enter the couples apartment, Susan, alone and vulnerable, turns blindness into an advantage to outwit her tormenters. As the noose tightens and tension builds, Susan plays a chilling game of cat and mouse, waiting until dark to foil the trio. Wurm, an events coordinator for UC Riversides College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, grew up in Chino, where she performed in childrens community theater. But as a teenager, she abandoned the stage for sports. Now that shes back under the bright lights, she loves being part of the theater family. Without disclosing any spoilers, Wurm said its gratifying to hear the audience gasp at the shows twists and turns. You hear instant reactions, she said. A few scenes are in the dark. It keeps the suspense going and keeps you guessing. Contact the writer: llucas@scng.com, 951-368-9559 Ghana's first paracyclist and Africas C2 paracyclist, Alem Mumuni, is calling on the authorities and Ghanaians in general to intervene in building the abandoned district hospital in his district, Garu Tempane. As one of the six proposed district hospital projects across the country initiated early this year in the district, Garu Tempane Hospital has been abandoned and this is a source of concern to all the residents of the district, including Mumuni. In fact, the Garu Tempane district hospital is and would be the only hospital among seven to be built in the three northern regions Northern, Upper West and Upper East. According to Mumuni, when my people heard of and saw equipment being brought to the site about a year ago and the upper soil being prepared for work to begin, they heaved a sigh of relief hoping that the death of innocent pregnant women and other preventable deaths were going to be a thing of the past, but it turned out to be a fiasco. He expressed surprise at the fact that there was nothing on the ground when he visited the site recently. I paid a visit to my district on Friday, November 4, 2016, and made a tour to the said site but could not see anything, not even pieces of equipment that were brought to be used. He expressed worry that the people could not express their anger and disappointment at the halt in the project, for fear of being seen as members of an opposition political party. Lots of pregnant women die during labour due to no access to an equipped hospital except the one in Bawku, which is 23 kilometres away from Garu. The road is so bad that before a patient or pregnant woman gets to Bawku they might die. He said patients with emergency cases could be saved from dying if they get access to a good hospital, regretting that the Presbyterian Church hospital in the district does not have the requisite facilities such that it does not even have beds to admit patients. Making a case for the resumption of work and completion of the hospital, Mumuni, who represented Ghana at the recent Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil, said it would create employment, prevent deaths, especially among pregnant women, and bring vibrant young doctors to the district. He appealed to the leadership of the country to consider the plight of the people of Garu and come over to build the hospital to save them from preventable deaths. Source: Daily Heritage 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 A Ghanaian who succeeded in defrauding the taxpayer to the tune of 191,000 has been jailed for seven years by a Croydon Crown Court in the UK. The 52-year-old woman, known as Angel Jackson, lavished 1m on a wide range of assets without ever working a single day. Prosecutors say Jackson falsified documents and claimed she had been confined to a wheel chair after an accident to demand housing benefit, income support and compensation between 2002 and 2012. But, luck eluded her when British authorities spotted her on a CCTV using the treadmill at her plush private gym. Jackson, whose identity has long been in doubt, claimed benefits for properties she didn't live in, in the names of people who didn't exist, and for accidents that didn't happen. The dailymail.com reports that Judge Adam Hiddleston handing down her sentence described her as a 'vain and self-important person' with a 'staggering contempt for the court'. He added: You are a thoroughly dishonest person. You are a professional fraudster. It is your life's work. You have taken and taken and taken and it would appear, you have never given anything back. Prosecutor Francesca Levett told the court Angle Jackson also spent a whopping 300,000 on two flats in the same block and unfairly claimed housing benefits for each of them. She also tried to wring every penny in compensation from two car accidents using invented passengers, only to be caught when doctors spotted two separate x-rays on two separate claims were almost identical. Far from being an honest claimant, who turned to the authorities because she was genuinely in need, she manipulated the system, told countless lies, hijacked identities and defrauded her way into becoming an affluent property owner without ever working a single day, the prosecutor told the court. The report indicated that Jackson persuaded her Irish born fiance Thomas Duffy, by telling him she was a 'lady of traditional values' and acquired a house with him in August 2002 - while still claiming housing benefit - and going behind his back to obtain his UK residency to support her own. The pair had married on Valentines Day 2002, but she stopped him from telling his family and yet she didn't even allow him to live with her. Ms Levett said: 'This was very far from a happy, new marriage, as not only did Mr Duffy not live with his wife, but the marriage wasn't ever consummated.' The court heard that 'whenever he needed to sign something presented to him by his wife, his glasses would disappear'. The prosecutor believes Jackson used her husband to purchase a property she had no intention of sharing with him. In July 2005, Jackson bought another property, a 150,000 flat in south London, in her husband's name, without him knowing - and two months later bought another flat in the same building, this time in her own name, for 152,500. Jackson also lied to her husband that home they owned together was being repossessed and that he had to move out - all to support a claim she had made on a housing benefit form. Jackson was jailed after being found guilty of 32 charges relating to her ten-year fraud campaign on Tuesday. Source: ghanaweb Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video